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 78
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671
WARREN COUNTY.
situated upon the E. border, and receives the drainage of the E. part of the co. It is 36 mi. long and 1 to 3 mi. wide.1
The soil of this co. is mostly a thin, sandy loam. The level lands N. of Glens Falls are very sandy, and are known as "pine plains." The declivities of the mountains have a very thin soil, and usually a scanty vegetation. In the valleys is some clay mixed with the sand and disinte- grated primitive rocks, forming a deep and excellent soil. Farming and the manufacture of luinber and leather form the leading pursuits of the people. Farming is mostly confined to stock raising and dairying. Immense quantities of logs are floated down the Iludson and manufactured into lumber, shingles, hoops, staves, and heading, at Glens Falls and other places. Black marble is quarried at Glens Falls, and feldspar and kaolin for the manufacture of porcelain, graphite and serpentine are also found in different places. Peat exists in abundance; but it has never been extensively used.
Caldwell, at the head of Lake George, is the county seat .? The courthouse was built in 1816-17, with the jail in the basement. The poorhouse is located on a farm of 200 acres in Warrensburgh.3
The works of internal improvement are the Glens Falls Navigable Feeder, 7 mi. in length, feeding the summit level of the Champlain Canal, and the improvement in the log navigation of the Hudson. There is no R. R. in the co." Three newspapers are now published in the co.5
This co. was the scene of some of the sanguinary battles between the French and English long anterior to its settlement. In 1755, a provincial army of 5,000 men, under Sir. Wm. Johnson, designed to act against the French posts on Lake Champlain, assembled at Albany early in June, and were there joined by a large number of Mohawks under King Hendrick. Forts Lyman (afterward Fort Edward) and Miller were built, and a road was opened to Lake George. The news of Braddock's defeat was received before this army left Albany. The expedition set out on the 8th of Aug., by way of Lake George, for Ticonderoga, with the design of erecting a fort there. Learning that the French had anticipated them and had already fortified Ticonderoga, they en- camped near the head of Lake George. About the 1st of Sept., Baron Dieskau, the French com- mander, with a force of 200 grenadiers, 800 Canadian militia, and 300 Indians, passed up South Bay and across the rocky peninsula, with a view of falling upon the rear of the English and of eutting off their supplies from Fort Lyman. On the 8th, a force of 1000 troops under Col. Ephraim Williams, and of 200 Indians under King Hendrick, were sent out to meet them ; but, falling into an ambuscade, the greater part of the troops and the two commanders were killed. The survivors fled, and were immediately followed by the French. The firing alarmed the camp, and a breastwork of logs was immediately thrown up, and 300 men, under Col. Cole, were despatched to eover the retreat of the flying fugitives of the first party. Flushed with victory, the French assailed the English camp with great fury, and a sanguinary confliet ensued, which lasted
1 This lake has long been celebrated for its wild and pictu- resque beanty. It is almost completely surrounded by pre- cipitons and rocky mountains, and is studded with little, green islands Its winding course is marked by a panorama of heauti- ful and distinet views. At somo points high rocky bluffs rise precipitously from tho very edge of the water, and at others a little basin seems seooped out among the hills. Most of the mountain declivities are covered with verdure; hut a few of them are masses of naked rocks. This whole region is full of historic interest. Each mountain. precipiee, and eape has its own tales and reminiscences of the olden time. Some of the fiereest confliets of the last long wars between the French and English colonists took place upon its shores, and the puro and peaceful waters of this beautiful lake were often ensangnined with the blood of fierce combatants. Again during the Revolu- tion war held high carnival here: but since that period its visi- tors have been principally the lovers of the wild and beautiful In nature. Sabbath-Day Point and Lord Howes Point are two low beaches upon the w. shore, near the foot of the lake; and Rogers Slide is a precipice upon the w. shore, 200 feet high, rising at an angle of abont 25 degrees. Tongue Mt., forming a pro- montory upon the w. shore, Anthonys Nose, upon the E. shore, And French Mt., near the head of the lake, have each an eleva- tion of more than 2,000 feet.
2 The first courts were held at the "Lake George Coffee House." The clerk's office was located by law within 1 mi. of this place; and this was made the point from which the sheriff's mileage was reckoned. By an aet passed March 31, 1815, three commission- ers were to be appointed by the governor to locate the site of the courthouse and jail and to superintend its erection. The first co. officers were Wm. Robards, First Judge ; Henry Spencer, Sheriff; John Beebe, Clerk ; Robert Wilkinson, Surrogate ; Ar- chibald MeMurphy, Win. Stover, Richard Cameron, and Jirah Skinner, Growers. Thomas Archibald, the present co. clerk, has held the office withont interruption since Feb. 1821.
8 The poorhonse is a twostory wooden building. It is 50 years old and in a very dilapidated condition. The annual revenue from the farm is about $800. The average number of inmates
is 54, wbo are supported at a weekly expense of 90 cts. each. . 1 The Lake Ontario & Hudson River R. R. (late the Sackets Harbor & Saratoga R. R.) is laid out through the co. along the w. side of the lindson, and a large part of the grading has been done; but the work is now snapended.
5 The Warren Co. Patriot, commenced at Glens Fallsabout 1813 by John Cunningbam, was the first paper in the co.
A newspaper was begun at Caldwell in 1817 or 18 by Timothy Haskins, which in four or five years was changed to
The Guardian. It was a few years after sold to - Broadwell, its name again changed, and in two years after it was removed to Glens Falls.
The Glens Falls Observer was started in 182S by E. G. Sidney. In about two years it passed into the hands of Abial Smith, who changed its name to
The Glens Falls Republican, and afterward to
The Warren Co. Messenger. In 1835 it was again changed to
The Warren Co. Messenger and Glens Falls Advertiser, by which name it was continued until 1840, when it appeared as The Glens Fulls Gazette, and in two years after as
The Glens Falls (larion. In 1850 it passed into the hands of Zabina Ellis, its present publisher, by whom its name was changed to
The Glens Falls Free Press.
The Glens Fulls Spectator was published in 1840 by D. Ellis.
The Warren (b. Whig was started by James A. Kellogg, and con- tinned one year.
The Glens Falls Messenger was established by A. D. Milne, and is still continued.
The Glens Falls Republican was established in 1842 by M. & T. J. Strong, who conducted it until 1851. It has passed through several hands, and is now published hy H. M. Harris.
The Rechabrite ond Temperance Bugle, semi-mo., was commeuced in 1845 by M. & T. J. Strong, and continued several months.
The Sutr of Destiny was published in 1855 by A. D. Milne.
672
WARREN COUNTY.
from 12 M. to 4 p.M. and resulted in the total defeat of the French.' Col. Blanchard, who commanded at Fort Lyman, learning the result of the first engagement in the morning, sent a party of about 300 N. II. and N. Y. militia to the scene of the conflict. This party surprised the French camp, and, after dispersing the troops left to guard it, they hastened on to the English camp and arrived in season to assist materially in gaining the victory. This engagement was the only one fought during the campaign of 1755 that reflected the slightest credit upon the British army.
The remainder of the season was spent in erecting Fort Wm. Henry,2 on the site of the English eamp. A projected attack upon Ticonderoga during the winter was prevented by the uncommon severity of the scason. In the summer of 1756 a provincial force of 6,000 men assembled here, but too late to effect their purpose." On the 17th of March, (St. Patrick's day,) 1757, the French, under Longee, a famous partisan officer, attempted to surprise the fort, but were successful only in burning a few buildings and several vessels on the lake." Soon after, a party of 400 English, under Col. Parker, marched to attack Ticonderoga; but, falling into an ambuscade, only 72 escaped. Early in the summer of 1757, Montcalm, the French commander, made extensive preparations to capture Fort Wm. Henry. On the last day of July, Maj. Putnam discovered a large body of the enemy encamped on an island about 18 mi. down the lakc. Gen. Webb, who had immediate command, upon being apprized of the matter, enjoined Putnam to keep the intelli- gence secret and to prepare to escort him (Webb) back to Fort Edward, leaving Col. Munro in command at Fort Wm. Henry. The enemy soon landed in force and proceeded to invest the fort. The garrison consisted of 2,500 men, and the attacking force amounted to nearly 9,000. Gen. Webb had a force of 4,000 regulars at Fort Edward, only 9 mi. distant, and the militia were rapidly collecting to afford further aid. Col. Munro sent pressing and repeated messages for relief; but Gen. Webb paid no attention to the request, and appeared totally indifferent to every thing but his own personal safety. At length, upon the ninth day of the siege, he allowed Gen. Johnson to march with a body of volunteers to the relief of the garrison; but before the party had proceeded 3 mi. they were recalled, and Gen. Webb sent a letter to Col. Munro advising him to surrender on the best terms he could obtain. This letter was intercepted and given to Col. Munro by Montcalm in person. Thus cut off from hope, and assured by Montcalm that the garrison should march out with the honors of war, with their arms, and one of the four cannon of the fort, with their baggage and baggage wagons, and an escort of 500 men to Fort Edward, he surrendered. The Indians soon began to pillage the baggage, and, not being checkcd, fell upon the sick and wounded, whom they killed and scalped. Excited by carnage, they next surrounded and attacked the disarmed and defenseless troops; and, although Montcalm was implored to furnish a guard, as promised, the massacre was allowed to proceed until a large number were killed or hurried away prisoners for more deliberate torture.5
In the summer of 1758 an army of 7,000 regulars and 10,000 provincials, under Gen. Aber-
1 Gen. Johnson was wounded early in the action, and the com- mand devolved upon Gen. Lyman. The former in his official report, probably from jealousy, avoided mentioning the name or services of the latter, although they were efficient and valuable. Popular report stated the French loss at 700 to 800; but Johnson reported it from 300 to 400. Official accounte place the English los8 at 120 killed, 80 wounded, and 62 missing. Dieskau died in England several years after, from wounds received in the en- gagement.
2 Named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland, brother of the heir apparent, afterward George III.
8 Several incidents worthy of note occurred during this expe- dition. At Halfway Brook a party of teamsters were surprised and captured by 600 of the enemy, who immediately retreated down South Bay. A hundred men, under Capts. Israel Put- nam and Robert Rogers, set ont from Fort Wm. Henry, crossed over to Lake Champlain, and from an ambuscade poured a de- structive fire upon the enemy as they passed. A number were killed, and the English immediately retreated across to Lake George. The next morning they enibacked on the lake, and at Sabbath-Day Point they were met by a force of French and Indians three times their own number. The English dashed forward to the attack ; and, by reserving their fire until they came into close quarters, they threw the enemy into confusion, and suc- ceeded in escaping, with the loss of one killed and two wounded. In the winter of 1756-57, Maj. Rogers, with 74 mnen, went down Lake George, and crossed over to Lake Champlain, where he cap- tured a small party of French. On his return he was met on the Buremit of the hill by a party of 200 French; and a desperate con- flict ensned. Maj. Rogers was wounded, and the command de- volved upon Capt.Stark, (afterward Gen. Stark ofthe Revolution.) The conflict continued until nightfall, when the French re- . treated, leaving half of their uumber dead upon the field. Of the rangers, 48 remained unwounded ; and the company pushed forward through deep snows and reached the lake in the morn- tag They were now quite exhausted; and Stark, with two othera,
pushed on to Fort Wm. Henry, arriving in the evening. He pro- cured sleds and returned to his suffering comrades, whom he reached the next morning. The party finally reached the fort, after extreme suffering .- Rogers's Jour., p. 36.
4 A part of the garrison were Irish, and could not be restrained from celebrating the day by getting drunk. The fort was de- fended by the vigilance of the rangers, who repulsed the French while the other troops were coming to their senses .- Rogers's Jour., pp. 43, 109.
6 Il umanity sickens at tbe revolting scenes of this day, wbich have stained the memory of Montcalm with the blackest infamy. A few survivors of the massacre fled for their lives, and suo- ceeded in reaching Fort Edward in safety. The next day Maj. Putnam was sent with bis rangers to watch the motions of the enemy ; but he arrived just after they embarked aud were beyond reach of pursuit. As be came to the shore, the demolished fort, the burning buildings, and the ghastly and mangled corpses of the dead and the feeble groans of the dying, quickly told the dismal story of treachery and barbarism, scarcely less chargeable to the cowardice of Webb than to the perfidy of Montcalm. Writers differ as to the number murdered on this occasion, the estimates varying from 300 to 1,500. It is probably nearer the latter number. There was a tendency among the provincials to exaggerate, and among the regulars to palliate, the occurrences above related. The massacre occurred Aug. 9. 1757. Among the accounts given by eyewitnesses of the scene, that of Jonathau Carver, the well-known traveler, hae perhaps been most fre- quently quoted. The feeble attempts that have been made to defend the reputation of Montealm, under the plea that he ex- erted himself to restrain the Indian barbarities, find ample refu- tation in the fact that with five or six times more whites than savages the latter were allowed to proceed unmolested. If this relatively small number could not be restrained, there must have existed a degree of insubordination incompatible with mili- tary success and strangely at variance with the condition of other armies under Montcalm.
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673
WARREN COUNTY.
crombie, proceeded against Ticonderoga by way of Lake George. On the 5th of July the army embarked on board of 900 bateaux and 135 boats, and passed down the lake with all the pomp and pageantry of war; and four days after they returned, shattered and broken, with a loss of nearly 2,000 in killed and wounded. Such of the latter as admitted of removal were sent to Fort Edward; and the main army lay inactive in camp at the head of the lake during the remainder of the season. In June, 1759, Maj. Gen. Amherst, with an army of 12,000 men, advanecd to Lake George, and, while waiting to complete his arrangements, he eommeneed building Fort George, about half a mile E. from Fort Wm. Henry.1 As Gen. Amhorst advanced to Ticonderoga, the French withdrew to Crown Point, and soon after to the Isle Aux-Noix. Quebee fell soon after, and the conquest of Canada was completed the following year, rendering the vast military works at Fort George, Ti- conderoga, and Crown Point of no further utility, and allowing the hardy pioneers of civilization to advance and occupy the fertile valleys which as provincial soldiers they had previously traversed.
BOLTON-was formed from Thurman, March 25, 1799. Hague was taken off in 1807, a part of Caldwell in 1810, and a part of Horicon in 1838. It lies E. of the center of the co., between Schroon River and Lake George. The E. shore of the lake constitutes the E. line, so that more than one-half of the lake is within the limits of this town. The surface is principally occupied by the high mountainous ridges which lie between the lake and Hudson River. There are 3 principal peaks belonging to this range within the limits of the town,-Tongue Mt.,2 on the peninsula between the lake and North West Bay, 2,000 ft. above tide; Pole Hill, in the N. part, 2,500 ft. high; and Cat Head, in the center, 1,500 to 1,800 ft. above tide. The mountains gene- rally rise precipitously from the lake; but toward the w. the surface assumes the character of & high, rolling upland. High up among the hills are numerous little crystal lakes, the principal of which are Trout Lake, Marsh Pond, and Edgecomb Pond. Trout Lake is 1,000 ft. above Lake George. Not more than one-half of the town is susceptible of cultivation. The soil is a thin, sandy loam. Bolton, (p. o.,) situated on Lake George, opposite Green Island,' is a small vil- lage. The settlement of the town was commenced in 1792, principally by New England people.5 The improvements are confined mostly to the vicinity of Lake George. The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1804; the Rev. - Armstrong was the first settled minister. There are 2 churches in town; Bap. and M. E.
CALDWELL6 -- (Col'-well) was formed from Queensbury, Bolton, and Thurman, March 2, 1810. It lies around the s. extremity of Lake George. A range of mountains occupies the ex- treme w. part. The central portion is a high, hilly region, descending abruptly to the lake. Prospect Hill, w. of the s. extremity of the lake, has an elevation of 2,000 ft. above tide. South of this hill a low valley extends s. w., through Caldwell and Luzernc, to the valley of the Hud son near the mouth of Sacondaga River. This depression seems to be a continuation of the valley in which Lake George is situated, and shows that a change of a few feet in the elevation would cause the waters of the lake to flow into the Hudson. In this valley is a chain of small lakes. A narrow strip of low land lies immediately upon the border of the lake. The soil is a sandy loam among the hills, and a dark, rich, sandy and elayey loam on the lowlands. Caldwell, (p. v.,) the county seat, is situated near the head of Lake George. It contains 2 churches, several hotels, and about 50 dwellings. This place is the annual resort of great numbers of tourists and pleasure seekers, who are attracted hither by the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding region. During the summer the steamer Minnehaha plies daily between Caldwell and the foot of the lake. Fort William Henry and Fort George were situated near Caldwell, at the head of Lake George and Bloody Pond, in the s. part. Settlement commenced at the head of Lake George, soon after the conquest of Canada; but its progress was arrested by the Revolution. Soon after the elose of the war, settlement was recommenced." There are 2 churches in town; Presb. and Union.
1 Scarcely a vestige of this fort remains, most of the stones of | upon this place with the gunboats they had captured. They which it was huilt having been burned for lime. 2 Indian name, At-al'a-po'sa, a sliding place.
3 Within the limits of this town is the most beautiful scenery of the lake. Its channel is studded with a multitude of small islanda, some of them consisting of barren, desolate rocks. while others are clothed with the richest verdure. Diamond Island, near the 8. extremity of the lake, derives its name from the beautiful quartz crystals that have been found upon it.
During the Revolution this island was fortified, and Gen. Burgoyne, when he advanced to the Hudson, left upon it a large amount of public property, guarded by two companies of the 47 th regiment. commanded by Capt. Aubrey. After the partial success which attended the attempt upon Ticonderoga in 1777, Cols. Warren and Brown, on the 24th of Sept, made an attack |
were repulsed with loss, and retreated to the E. shore. The enemy being in pursuit, they burned their boats, crossed the mountains to Lake Champlain, and returned to Gen. Lincoln's camp at Pawlet, Vt.
5 Among the first settlers were James Ware, Joseph Tuttle, Rufus Randall, Benj. Pierce, David and Reuben Smith. Eleazer Goodman, Daniel Nimd, Frederick Miller, -- Boyd. ---- Wright, and Thomas McGee. The first birth was that of Lydia Ware; and the first death, that of Mrs. John Pierce. Sally Boyd taught the first school.
6 Named from Gen. James Caldwell, a merchant of Albany, who became a patentee of 1,595 acres, in 4 parcels by grants. dated Sept. 18-29, 1787.
" Among the early settlers were Daniel Shaw, Benoni Burtch,
43
674
WARREN COUNTY.
CHESTER-was formed from Thurman, March 25, 1799. It lies upon the N. border of the co., between IIudson and Sehroon Rivers. The surface is broken. The Kayaderosseras Mts. extend through the s. part, and the Schroon Range occupies the N. w. portion. A continuation of the valley of Schroon Lake, extending in a s. w. direction to the w. branch of the Hudson and sepa- rating the mountain ranges, contains a chain of small lakes. Loon Lake is the principal one in this valley; and s. of it, among the hills, is another sheet of water, called Friends Lake. Schiroon Lake is about 1,000 feet above tide, and the hills that surround it are 500 to 800 feet above its surface. The soil is generally light and sandy. A cave in Moxons Mt. is quite a curiosity, and has some local notoriety. Near the N. border of the town, upon Stone Bridge Creek, is a natural bridge.1 Feldspar has been quarried to a considerable extent and exported for the manufacture of porcelain. Chestertown (p.v.) contains the Chester Academy and 246 inhabitants; and Pottersville (p. v.) 126. The settlement of this town commenced toward the elose of the last century .? The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1796; and the Rev. Jehiel Fox was the first pastor. There are now 6 churches in town.8
MIAGUE-was formed from Bolton, Feb. 28, 1807, as " Rochester." Its name was changed April 6, 1808, and a part of Horicon was taken off in 1838. It lies upon the shore of Lake George, in the N. E. corner of the co. The surface is very mountainous, not above one-fourth being suscep- tible of cultivation. The mountains along the lake generally descend abruptly to the very edge of the water. The narrow valleys of Trout and North West Bay Brooks form the line of separation between the two mountain ranges. Ash Grove Hill, upon the w. border, is 2,000 to 2,500 feet above tide; and upon the shore of the lake, in the N. E. corner, is another mountain peak of nearly the same elevation. Rogers Rock is on the lake shore, in the N. E. corner. It rises from the water's edge at an angle of about 45° and attains an elevation of 300 feet.4 Sabbath-Day Point is a head- land projecting into the lake near the s. border.5 The soil is a light, sandy loam. Iron ore has been found near Seventh Pond; and mines have been worked to some extent, but they are now abandoned. The beauty of the lake and the solitary grandeur of the mountain scenery of this town render it a favorite resort for hunting and fishing parties and the lovers of the beautiful in naturc.6 Ilague, (p.o.,) on McDonalds Bay, and Wardboro (p.o.) are hamlets. The prin- eipal improvements are along the lake. The first settlement was made about 1796.7 There is a union church in the town.
HORICON-was formed from Bolton and Haguc, March 29, 1838. It lics upon the N. border of the co., E. of Schroon Lake. The greater part of its surface is occupied by the two branches of the Kayaderosseras Mts., which are here divided by the valley of Brant Lake. In the N. and E. these ranges rise, in numerous sharp, rocky peaks, 1,600 to 2,000 fect above tide; but in the s. and w. they sink into a hilly plateau region. About one-half of the surface is arable. Among the hills are great numbers of small lakes, laving with their crystal waters the base of the huge, rocky masses which tower above them. Brant Lake, the principal of them, is 10 mi. long and is every- where surrounded by precipitous hills. The soil is a sandy loam. Horicon, (p. v.,) situated on Schroon River, in the s. w. part of the town, contains about 20 houses; and Mill Brook, (p. v.,) on Schroon Lake, 15 houses. Aaron Harris, Joseph Gregory, Bishop Carpenter, and Timo- thy Bennett were some of the earliest settlers.8 The first church (Wes. Meth.) was formed in 1820; Nathaniel Streeter was the first minister. There are 4 churches in town ; 2 Bap., M. E., and Wes. Meth.
JOHNSBURGII-was formed from Thurman, April 6, 1805. It lies upon the bank of the
- Tierce, Andrew Edmonds, Reed Wilhur, Obadiah Hunt, Thaddens Bradley, Elias Prossor, Nathan Burdick, Geo. Van Deusen, - Butler, and Christopher Petter. The first inn and gristmill were erected hy Gen. Caldwell.
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