USA > New York > Gazetteer of the State of New York: embracing a comprehensive view of the geography, geology, and general history of the State, and a complete history and description of every county, city, town, village, and locality, Part 2 > Part 61
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6 The purchasers were Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh, Robert Livingston, jr., John Schuyler, and Henry Wielman. They received a patent. Nov. 3, 1714, for 10,000 acres, which was designed to include the flats from " Vroomansland" to Montgomery co. line; but on being surveyed by Lewis Morris, jr .. and Andrus Cocyman, it was found that the flats on Fox Creek and at the mouth of Cobles Kil were not included. and these lands were secured by the surveyors. In a short time Morris and Coeyman joined interest with the five proprietors, and the company became known as the "Seven Partners." Final suits for parti- tion and settlement were adjusted in 1819. '25, '26, 728, and '29. " After this time a large number of settlers took leases of the proprietors, thus abandoning their claims to the lands.
8 Among those who removed to the Mohawk was Elias Gar- lock. the first and long the only magistrate in Schoharie.
9 Among these were families naturd Swartz. Ecker. Hagadorn, Feeck, and Becker. Lawrence Schooleratt made the first eider in the Schohinrie settlements; - Brown. in 1752. was the first wagon maker. John Mattice JJunk taught the first German school at. the Camps, abont 1740; and schools were taught in Scholmarie soon after. Dutcht schools were taught at " Frommans- land" at an early period ; and about 1700, English was first taught in schools in this region. John Ecker was the first blacksmith. The settlers of the valley resorted to Schenectady to mill. or nsnd stump mortars, until many years after. when a mull was built on Mill Creek, near Fox Creek, by Simeon Laraway. Bolting cloths were first used in this co. about 1760. Jobn Lawyer was the first merchant among the Germans.
602
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
nently located upon his patent in 1727. The German and Dutch races long remained distinet. The Dutch were generally wealthier than the more hardy and laborious Germans, and preferred to contract marriages with those of their own elass in the older Dutch settlements. They often kept slaves, while the Germans seldom had further assistance than such as their own households, of both sexes, might afford. The Germans, by intermarriage, became a "family of cousins ;" and they were united by many ties of common interest. Industry and frugality gradually brought them to a level, and long acquaintance has almost entirely obliterated these hereditary distinctions of society. Upon the approach of the Revolution, a part of the people espoused the cause of the British; but the majority were ardent patriots. In many cases members of the same family were engaged on opposite sides, and the struggle assumed all the horrors of a civil war, aggravated by Indian barbarities. A Council of Safety was organized in 1774, of which Johannes Ball was chairman. During the war several conflicts took place within the limits of the co., and the people were continually exposed to the attacks of small scalping parties of the Indians.1
At the close of the war a large number of families removed to Canada, and their property was confiscated.2 Several tories and Indians who had been active during the war returned at its close and were waylaid and shot. Others, warned by these examples, fled the country.3 Since that period little of especial interest has occurred in the history of the co. In 1845 and '46, in common with the surrounding regions, this co. partook largely in the anti-rent excitement,- though no actual violence took place within its limits." Within the last ten years, a mania for building large seminaries, far beyond the wants of the people, has spread through the co. The speculation has proved a ruinous one, and the entire amount of capital invested in the enterprises has been sunk.5
Three weckly newspapers are now published in the co.6
1 The principal events of the Revolution in Schioliarie co. were [ 1781, As follows :- 1774. Council of Safety formed. 1776. Col. James Hustou enlisted tories at Loonen- bergh.
1777. Schoharie militia called into service under Captain flager. Col. Inston and 20 others were arrested, and Huston was hung.
Aug. 10 .- Engagement between an American force under Col. John Harper and the tories under Capt. McDonald at Brakabeen. The tories were defeated and fled. Capt. Geo. Mann, one of their number, remained secreted in the vicinity until the succeeding spring, when he delivered himself up to the authorities. lle never afterward joined the enemy, and his property was not confiscated.
In the autumn of this year the middle fort was built, and the upper and lower forts were begun. The lower fort is the old stone church, lately changed to an arsenal.
1778, May 8 .- Battle of Cobles Kil. in which Captain Patrick and 22 men were killed.
July .- Licut. Col. Wm. Butler, with 3 companies of Morgan's Riflemen, was stationed at Scho- harie. Several tories recruiting for the British were shot.
1779, Aug .- Col. Butler joined Sullivan's expedition against the Western Indians.
1780, Aug. 9 .- A party of 73 Indians and 3 tories made an attack upon the settlements at Vroomans- land. killed 5, and took 30 prisoners.
Oct. 16 .- Sir John Johnson, with 500 troops and a large body of tories and Indians, fuvaded the Schoharie settlements from the s. The upper fort was garrisoned by 100 men. under Capts. Jacob Hager and Joseph Harper ; the middle fort by 550 men. under Maj. Woolsey; and the lower fort by 150 men. under Maj. Becker. The middle fort was attacked. and the com- mander. Major Woolsey. being an arrant coward, wished to surrender it : but a soldier, named Murphy, fired upon the flag which was sent with a sunimons to surrender ; and. after an ineffectual attack. Sir John abandoned the attempt. The dwellings. barns, stacks, and all the property of the inhabitants were destroyed, though but few persons lost their lives
1781. Early in the year blockhouses were built at " Kueiskerns Dorf," " Hartmans Dorf,"' and Cobleskill.
1781, July 9 .- An engagement took place in Sharon, 2 mi. E. of the springs, between a party of tories and Indians under Doxtader. and an American force under Col. Willett. in which the former were defeated, with a loss of 40 killed.
July .- Several persons at Middleburgh were surprised and taken prisoners while harvesting. One escaped. and the others were carried prisouers to Canada.
Oct .- Three men at Christian Myndert's house. in Sharon. were taken prisoners by a small party of Indians, and carried to Canada.
Oct. 24 .- A party of 60 or 70 Indians, under Brant, en- tered Vroomansland and commenced their work of pinnder. Isaac Vrooman was mur- dered. A party of Americans. under C'apt. Hlager, rallied to their assistance. and the Indians retreated. A sharp skirmish took place at Utsyantha Lake; but a part of the American force, under Capt. Ilale Ded at the commencement. and the remainder were obliged to retreat. Hale was arrested in his retreat by the threat of being shot; but the enemy had escaped.
1782, July 26 .- Several tories and 22 Indians made an incur- sion into Foxes Creek Valley for the purpose of capturing Maj. Becker; but the Maj. and family defended the house with such vigor that the Indians retreated. Several persons were murdered by the Indians, aud several of the latter were shot.
1784, Dec. 16 .- Many persons who had been taken to Canada were released on Lake Champlain, and re- turned to their homes.
2 In Canada, opposite St. Lawrence co .. are many families who claim relationship to inhabitants of this co. They were refugees to whom grants of land were made by the British Government.
3 Among these was one Beacraft, who boasted of his feats of villainy. Soon after his return he was surprised by about a dozen whigs. near Blenheim Bridge, led into a grove, stripped, bound, and punished with fifty lashes with hickory gads. the executioners at every ten telling him for what particular offense they were applied. He was then unboand and allowed a very short time to disappear.
4 In this co. George Clark had then considerable tracts, leased for 3 lives at a rent of 6 peuce sterling per acre. Scott's Patent of 564000 acres was then chiefly owned by the heirs of tom Livingston, and leased for 2 lives at a rent of $14 per 100 acres. The Blenheim Patent was also in part Irased.
6 Of 9 academies built in this co., 3 have been burned. 3 are "to let," and 3 are still open.
6 The American Herald. the first paper published in the co. Was commenced at Schoharie in June, 1809, by Derick Van Veghten. In 1812 its name was changed to
The Schoharie Herald, and the paper was soon after discon- tinued.
The True American was commenced at Schoharie in Dec. 1809, by T. M. Tillman. It was discontinued in 1512 or 1813.
The Schoharie Budget was comnunced in June. 1817. by Derick Van Vegliten. In 1820 its name was changed to
603
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
BLENHEIMI-was formed from Schoharie, March 17, 1797. Jefferson was taken off in 1803, and a part of Gilboa in 1848. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. Schoharie Creek flows N. through the E. part, receiving West Kil and several smaller streams from the w. A wide alluvial flat extends along its conrse. The streams generally are bordered by steep hills rising to a height of 300 to 500 ft. The soil is principally a clayey loam. Patchin Hollow,? (North Blenheim p. o.,) upon Schoharie Creek, contains 2 churches, a tannery, and 44 houses. The first settlements were made by Dutch and Palatinates, before 1761; but the settlers were driven out during the Revolution. The present race of settlers came mostly from New England, soon after the elose of the war. Rev. Stephen Fenn was the first preacher.3
BROOME' -- was formed March 17, 1797, as "Bristol." Its name was changed April 6, 1808. A part of Conesville was taken off in 1836, a part of Gilboa in 1848, and parts of Middle- burgh were annexed Feb. 9 and Oct. 5, 1849. It lies upon the E. border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. The highest summits are 350 to 500 ft. above the valleys. Catskill Creek takes its rise in the N. part, and several branches of Schoharie Creek drain the N. and w. portions.5 "The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Livingstonville, (p.v., ) in the E. part, s. of the center, contains 2 churches, a sawmill, gristmill, and sash factory. Pop. 150.6 Franklinton, (p. v.,) in the N. part, con- tains a church and 100 inhabitants. Smithton is a hamlet, near the s. line. The first settle- ments were made before the Revolution.7 There are 6 churches in town.8
CARLISLE-was formed from Cobleskill and Sharon, March 31, 1807.9 It is the central town upon the N. border of the co. Its surface consists principally of an immense ridge lying between the valleys of the Mohawk and Cobles Kil, the summit of which is 800 to 1,000 ft. above the former stream.10 This ridge descends to the N. by a series of terraces formed by the different geological strata, and on the s. by gradual slopes following the general dip of the rocks. The streams are small brooks. The soil is principally a clay loam. llops are extensively cultivated.
The Schoharie Republican. It soon after passed into the hands of Peter Keyser. Lemuel Cuthbert, A. A. Keyser, Wm. II. Underwood, Wm. H. Gallup, P. D. Lawyer. and - Rossiter have since been interested in its publication. It is now published by I. B. Ilall. The Obserrer was commenced at Schoharie in Oct. 1818. In 1819 it passed into the hands of Solomon Baker, in 1820 to Baker & Fish, and in 1822 it was again in the hands of Mr. Baker, and was soon after discontinued.
The Evangelical Luminary was commenced at Schoharie Jan. 1, 1824. by Rev. Gen. A. Lintner and L. Cuthbert. It was continued about 1 year.
The Lutheran Magazine, mo., was commenced in Feb. 1827, by the Western Conference of Lutheran Ministers, L. Cuthbert. printer, and was published for some years. The Schoharie Free Press was commenced June 9. 1830, by Dun- can McDonald. In 1832 it was removed to Esperance and its name changed to
The Esperanre Sentinel und Schoharic and Montgomery Reporter. It was discontinued in 1835 or '36.
The Gem was published a short time in 1837.
The Schoharie Patriot was commenced Feb. 13, 1838. by Peter Mix. It is now published by him and his son. S. 11. Mix.
The Star was commenced in April, 1838, by S. II. Mix, then a schoolboy.
The Sun was commenced as an opposition paper in May, 1838, by D. L. Underwood. another lad of abont the same age. These papers were about 3 by 4 inches. Early in 1839 they were enlarged. On the issue of No. 5 of the Sun it went down never to rise again; and the Star ceased ta twinkle after the 12th number.
The Huge Puno, a campaign paper, was published from Aug. 12 1840, to Nov. 11 following. by Win. II. Gallup.
The Helderbergh Advocate waa commenced in 1841 by Win. II. Gallup. Its name was changed in 1843 to
The Guardian of the Sal, and it was discontinued in 1 year. The American Christian was commenced at Leesville Jan. 7, 1-47. by J. D. Lawyer. It was soon after discontinued. The Schomarie County Sentinel was commenced at Cableskill Jan 22. 1852. by Iliram C. Page. It was published a short time by Chas. Cleveland, and hy Wadhams & Knistern. and was soon after purchased by I. B. Hall. who merged it with the Schaharic Republican.
The Charlotteville Journal was commenced at Charlotteville in 1:54 by Furman & Brown. In Is55 Jolin Brown became sole proprietor, and removed it to Cobleskill and changed the name to
The Coblechill Journal. It has since been discontinued.
The Oasis, semi-to .. was commenced at Schoharie by the students of the academy in 1835. It was soon discon- tinned,
The Schoharie County Jeffersonian was com- menced at Cobleskill iu 1859 by Matthew Freeman, and is still published.
1 Named from the Blenheimu Patent, a portion of which lies iu the N. part of this town.
2 Hendrick Mattice, the pioneer. built a mill on West Kil. At Patchin Hollow. He became a loyalist and went to Canada. Henry Effner, Lambert Sternberg, Wm. Frecek, Isaac Smith, Banks Morehouse. George Martin. and Henry flager were early settlers. Freegift Patchin settled in 1798, built the second mill, and gave name to the village. Gen. Patchin had been takeu prisomer by the Indians. and suffered extremely at their hands. The first iun was kept by II. Effner; the first store. by Tobias Cnyler, in 1803; and the first tannery was built in 1825. by Jones & Lathrop. Jacob Sutherland, afterward Judge of the U. S. Supreme Court. resided several years at North Blenheim. 3 There are 4 churches in town ; 3 M. E., and Ref. Prot. D.
4 Named from John Broome. Lieut. Gov. of the State at the time of the formation of the town. Scott's Patent of 37.840 acres, granted Jan. 2, 1770, and a part of Isaac Le Roy's Patent, are within the limits of this town.
5 On the summit level of the Catskill & Canajoharie R. R. line, between two immense hills, was a " vlaie," or black ash swamp, from which streams issued in opposite directions It was about a mile long and covered many acres. Dious were formerly erected and mills built at cach end; and fish placed in the pond thus formed multiplied greatly. It is now drained.
6 Daniel Shays, the leader of the insurrection in Mass, that bears his name. settled in this town after the dispersion of his forces. David Williams, one of the captors of Andre, removed to this village from South Salem in 1805, bought a farm of Gen. Shays, and resided upon it until his death, Aug. 2, 1831. Ile left a widow, 4 sons. and 8 daughters. He was the object of much regard, from the interesting historical event with which his name is associated; and the year before his death he became the guest of New York City .- Simms's Schokorie. chap. xxi
7 Derick Van Dyck settled before the Revolution. John Rob bins. -- Guillem, a half-breed. Allen Leet. Joshua and Asa Bushnell, Geo, and Hezekiah Watson. Ebenezer Wickham, Geo. Burtwick, Timothy Kelsey. Joseph Gillet, and Ezra Chapman settled previous to 1796. The first known birth was that of Francis Kelsey. in April, 1794; and the first death. that of Ezra Chapman, Aug. 1794. Griswold. Carden & Wells began the erection of a sawmill in 1794. and a gristmill the next season. 8 3 M. E., Meth. Prot., Bap., and Presb.
9 This town embraces portions of New Dorlach, Becker, Livingston's, Vau Rensselaer's, Machin's, and the Stone Heap l'atents.
10 A conical elevation near the s. line. carly known as O-waere- Bouere. is one of the highest points in the co., and may be Been from Hamilton co., 50 mui. N.
604
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Several caves are found in the limestone regions in various parts of the town.1 Argusville,? (p. v.,) in the N. w. corner, upon the line of Sharon, contains 3 churches, a sawmill, gristmill, tannery, and 35 houses. Carlisle, (p. v.,) upon the Western Turnpike, in the N. part, contains a church, boarding school,' and foundcry. Pop. 107. Grovenors Corners, (p. o.,) in the S. E. corner, contains a church and 10 houses. The first settlement was made in the s. w. part, about 1760.' The first church was formed by Dr. Simon IIosack, of Johnstown, in 1803 or '04.6
COBLESKILL6 -- was formed from Schoharic, March 17, 1797. The line of Sharon was changed March 15, 1799. A part of Carlisle was taken off in 1807, a part of Summit in 1819, and Richmondville in 1845. It is an interior town, lying N. of the center of the co. Its surface is principally a hilly upland, broken by the deep valley of Cobles Kil, which extends E. and w. through the center. The highest points, on the N. and s. borders, arc 600 to 900 ft. above the valley. The soil upon the hills is a sandy loam, and in the valley an alluvium. Cobleskill, (p. v.,) in the w. part, contains 3 churches, a sawmill, gristmill, planing mill, and tannery. Pop. 364. Cobleskill Center (p. v.) contains a church, sawmill, and 20 dwellings. Lawyers- ville,7 (p. v., ) in the N. w. corner, contains 3 churches, 2 sawmills, and 25 dwellings. East Cobleskill,8 (p. v.,) in the s. E. corner, contains 2 churches and 21 dwellings. Barnerville, (p. v., ) near the center, contains a church, gristmill, clothing works, and 16 dwellings. The first settlement was made about 1750.9 The first land grants were made about 1730. During the Revolution the people mostly espoused the cause of the colonists, and in consequence were sub- jected to constant incursions from the Indians. A regular engagement took place between a company of militia and a large Indian force under Brant, May 31, 1778. The Americans were defeated, and about one-half of their number were killed.1ยบ Howe's Cave, near the E. line, is a place of considerable interest.11 The census reports 7 churches in town.12
CONESVILLEB-was formed from Broomc and Durham, (Greene co.,) March 3, 1836. It is the s. E. corner town of the co. Its surface is generally a hilly upland, mountainous along the E. border. The highest summits arc 1,600 to 2,000 ft. above the valleys. Schoharie Creek forms a small portion of the w. boundary ; and Manor Kil flows w. through near the center. Upon the latter stream, near its mouth, is a cascade of 60 ft. The valleys of these streams are bordered by high and often nearly precipitous hills. Strykersville, (West Conesville p. o., ) upon Manor Kil near its mouth, contains a church, tannery, and 20 houses ; and Stone Bridge, (Conesville p. o .. ) near the center, a church and 10 houses. Manorkill (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settlement was made by Ury Richtmeyer, in 1764.14 There are 3 churches in town ; 2 M. E. and Ref. Prot. D.
ESPERANCE15-was formed from Schoharie, April 4, 1846. A small portion was re- annexed to Schoharie in 1850. It is the E. town on the N. border of the co. Its surface consists of two ridges, extending E. and w. across the town, separated by the valley of Schoharie Creek. The
1 The principal of these caves are kuown as Young's and Sel- | ing in the flames. The delay occasioned by the resistance made kirk's caves. Near Carlisle Village is a small cavern, in which it is supposed that Indians found shelter during the Revolution. Fibrous sulphate of barytes, fibrous carbonate of lime, and arragonite are found near Grosvenors Corners.
2 Named from the Albany Argus, at the time the principal paper taken in town. Formerly known as " Molicks Mills."
3 The Carlisle Seminary was built by a slock company in 1853, at a cost of $24.000. It is beautifully situated in a grove a little s. of the center of the village. It was opened in Nov. 1853. and closed in March. 1955. It has accommodation for about 300 boarders. + Andrew Loucks, Coenradt Engle, Philip llooker, and Peter Young were among the first that located in town. The late Judge Brown, anthor of a small local history, settled at an early period. John C. McNeill, Wm. Caldwell, John Sweetman, Aaron Howard, Teunis Van Camp, Mathias Cass, and Lodowyck Primer were also early settlers.
5 'There are now 5 churches in town; Bap., Evan. Luth., Presb., Univ., and Union.
' Named from - Cobel, who built a mill near Central Bridge at an early period. Cobles Kil was called by the Indians Ots-
1 Named from Lawrenco Lawyer. said to have been the first settler in town. 8 Locally known us " Punchkill." " Aning the early settlers were families named Shafer, Bouck, Keyser. WarDer, Fremyre, Borst, and Brown,-mostly from Scho- harte. Capt Jas. Dana, an early settler, distinguished himself in the balde of Bunker Hill. John Redington, another soldier of much service, also lived in this town .- Simms's Schoharie, p. 619. A sawmill. built before the war by Christian Brown, was not destroyed by the Indians, as it was coveted by a tory, who expected to receive it after it was confiscated by the British.
10 The American force of 45 men. under the command of Capts. Brown and Patrick, were drawn into an nnibuscade. Upon the retreat, 5 of the soldiers threw themselves into a house, which was surrounded by the ludians and burned, the soldiers perish-
at this house gave the remainder of the fugitives and the in- habitants time to escape. The whole number of Americans killed was 22; and it is supposed that the Indians lost about an equal number. Fort Du Bois, a strong block house, stood in this town during the war.
11 This cave was discovered in May, 1842, by Lester Howe, the owner. Its entrance is about 50 ft. above Cobles Kil. After passing several spacious rooms, one of which is named " The Chapel," the visitor comes to a crawling place 200 ft. long, beyond which is a limpid sheet of water 30 ft. long. 20 wide, and 10 deep. Beyond this the cavern extends a great distance, much of the way along a brook, and the total length of the passages measures several mi. Many highly interesling stalactital concretions- some of great size-have been found in this locality. It has been uamed the Otsgaragee Cavern.
12 4 M. E., 2 Rel. Prot. D., and Evan. Luth.
13 Named from Rev. Jonathan Cone, of Durham, Greene co. The town was included in a tract grauted to U. Richtmeyer and others, May 6, 1754, known as Dise's Manor; and tracts to Daniel Crane. Saminel Stringer. Walter McFarlane, Johu Richtmeyer, Christian l'atrie, And others.
14 Mr. R. was joint owner of several patents with John Dise and others; and the name is still common in lown. During the Revolution the settlers lled for safety to the upper fort Peter Richtmeyer was twice taken prisoner by the Indians under the tory Jones. After the war. Philip Krinple, Conrad Patrie. John Shew. Barent Stryker, Stephen Scovill, James Allerton. and Hubbard and Indah Luring, the last two from Com., came into town. The first death was that of U'ry Richtmeyer. Aug. 14, 1769. Thomas Canfield taught a school in 1794. Poter Richt- meyer kept the first iun, in 1784. Barent Stryker built the first mill. above the falls of Manor Kil.
15 The town was named from the village. The site of the latter was bought by Gen. Wm. North in 1800. lakl out into lota. and named by him from a French word signifying Hope.
605
SCHIOHARIE COUNTY.
highest parts are 600 to 800 ft. above the valley. The soil is principally a clayey loam. Esperance, (p. v.,) upon the E. linc, was incorp. April 21, 1832. It contains 2 churches, a paper mill, gristmill, sawmill, and foundery. Pop. 322. Sloansville,1 (p. v.,) near the eenter, contains 2 churches, 3 sawmills, and 2 gristmills. Pop. 252. The first settlements were made by Palatinates, about 1711.2 There are 4 churches in town ; 2 Bap., Presb., and M. E.
FULTON'-was formed from Middleburgh, April 15, 1828. It is the central town in the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the ravincs of the streams. Schoharie Creek' flows N. through the E. part, receiving Panther Creek from the w. The highest summits are 1,000 ft. above the valleys. The hills next to the creek are conical and often precipitous ; but farther w. they assume a rounded form and are bounded by more gradual slopes. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Brakabeen,5 (p. v.,) upon Sehoharie Creek, in the s. part, contains a church, gristmill, foundery, 2 sawmills, and 200 inhabitants. Fultonham, (p. v.,) near the E. line contains a church, gristmill, 2 sawmills, and 25 dwellings; and West Fulton (p. v.) a church, sawmill, gristmill, and 16 dwellings. Watsonville is a small village, in the E. part ; and Petersburgh a hamlet, in the N. part. The first settlements were made by Dutch and Palatinates, about 1711. The upper fort of the Schoharie during the Revolution was situated upon the present site of Fultonham. The census reports 5 churches in town.6 Gov. Wm. C. Bouck was born in this town Jan. 7, 1786, and died here in April, 1859.
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