Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 125

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders
Number of Pages: 1384

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890 > Part 125

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* That great hopes and expectations were entertained in that day may be shown by the fact that Mr. Le Ray sold to persons, the most of whom did not live in the village, 50 acres of land, bounded on West street, and taking in what is now known as the " slip. lot," for $12,000, reserving a large share to himself, so that he realized $8,000 in cash for an amount equal to about one undivided two-thirds interest. The same land would prob- ably sell to-day for $2,000. About the same time Dr. Eli West sold a house and a quar- ter of an acre of land on the corner of West and Canal streets for $5,000. The house has since been taken down and replaced by other buildings. The bare lot to day would probably sell for $Soo. All this happened in 1836-37, and has been know in local history as the great land excitement. This was, of course, pure speculation on the part of the purchaser, involving what for these days was a large sum of money, and like many other transactions of a similar nature resulted in loss to the investors. It is given a place here to show the view taken by clear-headed business men (for they were such) of the value which investments would attain here, upon the opening up of intercourse with the outer world. It must be borne in mind that those were not the days of railroads, that time not yet having arrived.

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here. This house is still standing in a good state of preservation. The vil- lage derives its name from the fact that, in dry seasons, the water of the river finds its way by a subterranean passage, under a mass of white limestone, that here constitutes the rock at the suface. In floods the excess flows in an open channel on the surface, over which a bridge passes. From the solu- ble character of this rock it has been worn into grottoes of some interest, which, in low water, may be entered a short distance, and here, as elsewhere along the junction of the white or primary limestone and the gneiss rock, there occurs a great variety of minerals, which afford an inviting field of re- search.

WOOD'S MILLS, a hamlet located in the northern part of the town, contains one church, one grist-mill, one saw-mill, two butter tub factories, a blacksmith shop, and about 16 dwellings.

WILNA is a postoffice in the central part of the town.

NORTH WILNA (p. o.) is located a little northwest of the center of the town, and contains a hotel, church (M. P.), a school-house, and a small num- ber of dwellings.

Natural Bridge tannery was started by P. E. Johnson. About 1861 Thomas E. Proctor became a partner in the business, and in 1866 bought Mr. Johnson's interest, since that time continuing the business alone.

Natural Bridge lime works, located on road 22, were started by Luther Hall. In 1887 John Shoemaker bought the quarry, put in the perpetual kiln, with the capacity for manufacturing 100 bushels of white marble lime per day.

Hall's white marble lime manufactory, located at Natural Bridge, was started by Luther P. Hall about 1863. He manufactures from 3,000 to 4,000 bushels of lime annually.

Lake's planing-mill, located at Natural Bridge, on Indian River, was for- merly occupied as a carding and cloth dressing factory. In 1874 it was con- verted into a planing-mill by C. C. Lake, and was also used for a shingle- mill. In 1886 the mill was struck by lightning and was burned, but was rebuilt the same year. Mr. Lake employs from three to four men, doing a business of from $4,000 to $6,000 annually.

C. V. Graves's saw mill, at Natural Bridge, is run by water-power, gives employment to four men, and manufactures 1,500,000 feet of lumber and 2,000,000 shingles annually.

Cline's grist-mill, located at Wood's Mills, on Indian River, was built by Jonathan Wood in 1848. It is now owned by B. E. Cline, has three runs of stones, and does custom grinding. A turning lathe is also connected with the mill.

Carter & Randall's butter tub manufactory is located at Wood's Mills, on Indian River. It employs from two to five workmen, and manufactures from 10,000 to 15,000 tubs per annum.

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TOWN OF WILNA.

Hendrickson Brothers' steam saw mill, located on road 47, was built in 1882. It employs six men and cuts 8,000 feet of lumber daily.

Carthage brick yard was started in 1871 by Charles Rugg, and was run by him until his death. In 1884 it was bought by Hiram Houghton, the present proprietor. In 1888 a steam machine was put in, which doubles the former capacity, making from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 brick annually, furnish- ing employment to 20 men.

Conway's Black River brick yard, located on road 89, near Carthage vil- lage, was started in 1885 by George W. Conway, the present proprietor, who employs from 20 to 30 men, and manufactures from 500,000 to 1,000,000 brick annually.

Cold Spring Brook cheese factory was built in 1878 by Frank Sanders, and in 1884 it was purchased by Charles D. Chase, the present owner. It receives the milk from about 300 cows, and in 1889 manufactured about 75,000 pounds of cheese.

Indian River cheese factory was built in 1866, by B. P. Smith. In 1880 it became the property of L. B. Gibbs, who has since run it, with the patronage of about 350 cows. It is located on road II, in the north part of the town.

Eureka cheese factory, located on road 5, in the north part of the town, was built by Madison Tooley in 1887. It receives the milk from 300 cows and manufactures about six cheeses per day.

Central cheese factory, located near the center of the town, was built in 1888 by Marion Hull. It receives the milk from 300 cows and manufactures about nine cheeses per day.

CHURCHES.

Grace Church (Protestant Episcopal), located on State street, in Carthage village, was organized in 1860, with three members, by Rev. J. Winslow, the first rector. Their first house of worship, a wooden structure, was erected in 1866, and was burned in the great fire of 1884. In 1885 the present brick structure was erected at a cost of $8,000. It will comfortably seat 200 per- sons, and is valued, including rectory, grounds, etc., at $12,500. The pres- ent number of members is 120, and they are without a rector. The Sunday- school has a membership of 45 scholars and 12 teachers.

The First Baptist Church of Carthage was organized in 1833, by a council of which Elder Little was moderator, and A. P. Lewis, clerk, and at its organization consisted of 21 members. The first pastor was Elder Warner. Their first house of worship was of wood. In 1869 a brick structure was erected, which was destroyed in the great fire of 1884, and in 1885 the pres- ent building, also of brick, was erected at a cost of about $12,000. Its full seating capacity is 550, and it is valued, including grounds, etc., at $16,000. The present membership is 250, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Frank P.

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Stoddard. The Sunday-school during the past year had an average attend- ance of 131.

The First Presbyterian Church and Society of Carthage was organized as a Congregational Church, March 3, 1835, by the Revs. Nathan Dutton and James H. Monroe. It then consisted of 12 members. On October 26, 1851, the church unanimously voted to become Presbyterian, and on February 10, 1852, the then Watertown Presbytery received it under its care. Its first pastor was Hiram Doane. Its first house of worship was erected of wood in 1851, and was followed by a second wooden structure erected in 1864. The present fine brick edifice was erected in 1886 at a cost of $10,000. It will seat 300 persons, and is valued, including grounds and other church property, at $14,000. The present membership is 132, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Jacob V. Shurtz. The Sunday school has six officers, 13 teachers, and 144 scholars, and an average attendance of 90.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church .- As early as 1820 the Methodist intinerants visited this locality and laid the foundation of the present pros- perous church. Their first house of worship, a frame building, was erected in 1840. The present brick edifice was erected in 1873 at a cost of $40,000, including parsonage. It will comfortably seat 800 persons, and is now valued, including grounds, etc., at $25.000. The present membership is 335, and Rev. J. C. Darling is the present pastor.

St. James's Church (Roman Catholic), located on State street, Carthage village, was organized in 1819, by Count James Vincent Le Ray, Rev. Father Salmon, Patrick Walsh, and Edwin Galvin, and at its organization consisted of 100 members. The first pastor was Rev. Father Salmon. Their first house of worship, a wooden structure, was built in 1821, and was followed by a second edifice in 1864. The present edifice was erected in 1875, will com- fortably seat 1, 100, and is valued, including grounds and all other church property, at $75,000. The parish consists of 1,600 souls, under the pastoral charge of Rev. P. J. O'Connell, of the religious order called " Hermits of St. Augustine." In the parish are 500 children being taught the principles of the Catholic religion. The parish school was built by means of a fund given by William Clark, who resided in the parish. The building is of brick, two stories in height. The school, which was opened in it March 15, 1886, is conducted by six Sisters of St. Joseph, under the supervision of the pastor of the church, and it is maintained by the laudable charity of the Catholic con- gregation.

The Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), located in Carthage village, was organized September 29, 1855, by J. D. Bennedict, the first pastor, with 17 members. Their first house of worship, a wooden structure, was erected in 1862. The society at present has no pastor and no stated place of public worship. A lot has been purchased on State street, but we are informed that " there is no immediate prospect of their building a church."

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TOWN OF WILNA.

The Universalist Church, located at Natural Bridge, was organized in 1872, by Rev. J. H. Stewart, the first pastor, and at its organization consisted of 20 members. Their house of worship, a wooden structure, was erected in 1872, will comfortably seat 250 persons, and cost $1,500, about its present value. The present membership of the church is 52. The Sunday school has about 50 members.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Wood's Mills, was organized in 1839, with 12 members, by Rev. G. W. Barney, the first pastor. Their house of worship, a wooden building, was erected in 1849 at a cost of $500. It will comfortably seat 200 persons, and is now valued, including grounds and other church property, at $800. The present membership is 40. Rev. C. W. Brooks is pastor. About 25 scholars attend the Sunday-school.

The North Wilna Methodist Protestant Church was organized about 1835, by Rev. James Smith, the first pastor. The first house of worship, a wooden structure, was erected in 1851, and the present building, also of wood, in 1884, by G. P. York, at a cost of about $1,200. It will comfortably seat 250 persons and is valued, including grounds and other church property, at $2,000. The present membership is 72, and G. P. York is pastor.

PATRICK SOMERVILLE STEWART.

Patrick Somerville Stewart, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, was born in 1790. When 14 years of age he shipped as a sailor and came to America. In 1815 he entered the employ of the Le Ray family, and here he continued for half a century. His natural sagacity, good judgment, and sterling quali- ties were such that he gained the confidence of his employers, and in 1835 he had full power as their attorney and care of their vast estates. He had eight children. His wife died in February, 1876, aged 86. Mr. Stewart was a Methodist in his religious affiliations and a generous contributor ; a Whig and Republican in his politics. Possessed of an indomitable will, independent, energetic and positive in the maintenance of his principles, he was yet a man of more than ordinary tenderness, and would often sacrifice himself to serve a friend. He died in November, 1874, aged 84 years, leaving a reputation in no wise tainted or fused with anything unjust.

LAWRENCE JOSEPH GOODALE.

The Goodale, Goodell, and Goodall families are from a common ancestry. At what time, or why, the orthography of the name was changed is not known; but there is a tradition that three brothers, living in the same town. agreed to adopt a separate spelling for their mutual convenience. Robert Goodell, the first American ancestor, a great-great-grandson of Robert of England, was born in 1604, and sailed from Ipswich, England, August 30, 1634, in the ship Elizabeth, with his wife and three children. They settled in Salem,

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Mass., and had numerous descendants, many of whom removed to New Hampshire.

When the town of Temple, N. H., was incorporated, August 26, 1768, in accordance with a petition presented in June, the name of Ezekiel Goodale was among the petitioners, and as one of the embattled farmers of the Revo- lution his name is recorded in history. From Hammond's (New Hampshire) Town Papers we extract :-

"Lieut. Goodale's Petition, 1780. The Humble Petition of Ezekiel Goodale of Temple sheweth that your Petitioner was appointed a Lieutenant in Capt Frys Compt in Col'o Scam- mels Ridg't the 11th of Feb'r 1777 that he marched with the first Devision the first of April to Ticondaroga-& Discharged the duty of a Lieut to acceptance: was in the several disputes with Gen'r Burgoyne and then marched to Penselvana: & continued there until Apr 30, 1778 when by reason of the Continued applycations from my Family of their Distressed Circum- stances I procured a Discharge & Come home-your petitioner Lost at the vacuation of Tycon- droga as by the account £28-4-0. That your petitioner Never received a farthing for it Nor for Depreshasion of money for his waiges-therefore your petetioner prays that your Honours will take his Case into your wise serious and Marcyful Consideration and make him such re- ward for s'd loss and waiges as your Hon'rs think Just and your petitioner as in Duty Shall Ever pray-

"Temple Feb'r 14-1780

EZEKIEL GOODALE Leut."

This petition was granted.

The wife of Lieut. Goodale, whose maiden name was Gill, was one of the gentlest of women and looked well to the ways of her household, and her children were tenderly and lovingly cared for. She died in Watertown about 1822, at the residence of her son, Dr. Reuben Goodale. Lieut. Goodale emigrated from Temple, N. H., to Litchfield, Herkimer County, in 1792, and engaged in agriculture. Here he remained until 1820, when he removed to Ellisburgh, where his daughter, Mrs. John French, was a resident, and died there in 1824, at the age of 84 years. He was a man of positive character, and openly expressed his views on any matter. "He served his day and generation well." His son Joseph, born in Temple, N. H., August 29, 1780, was brought up as a farmer in Herkimer County. He came to Water- town in 1815, and established himself in trade, conducting a large drug store for nearly 20 years, when he retired from merchandising, and for some years his principal business was carrying on his farm in Pamelia (now embraced in the limits of the city of Watertown). He erected the brick building next below the Kirby House in 1828, and there he died June 29, 1859. Joseph Goodale was a man who had fixed opinions in politics, religion, and other matters. He was a Federalist, Whig, and Republican, never an aspirant for office, but a zealous worker in the ranks ; a thorough anti-slavery and tem- perance man, and a denouncer of any in opposition to these sentiments. Strong and reliable in his friendships, he had the respect and esteem of good men. He was a great reader of historical works, political economy, etc., and kept himself informed on the topics of the day. His wife, Agnes Bush, born November 24, 1784, in Enfield, Coan., was a descendant of Plymouth colonists of early settlement. She was a strong Presbyterian in her religious

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views, and a woman of great moral worth. Her death occurred July 3, 1876. Their two children are Lawrence J. and Augustus.

Lawrence Joseph Goodale was born in Watertown, February 20, 1816, in the " Edmonston house," so-called, on the north side of the Public Square,. which stood where the lower end of the present "Iron block," just above the Woodruff House, is located. Mr. Goodale received a liberal education ; he prepared for college at Watertown and Fishkill Landing ; he entered Union College, Schenectady, in 1835, in the Sophomore year, and was graduated in 1838. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and has ever re- tained an interest in it. He taught school for a year and a half from May 1, 1838, and then entered the office of Sterling & Bronson, Watertown, as a law student. In October, 1840, he was admitted to the bar at Albany, and. commenced the practice of his profession at once in Carthage. September 1, 1841, he married Isabella, daughter of Patrick Somerville Stewart. March, 1842, Mr. Goodale removed to Watertown, and formed a partnership with Micah Sterling as "Sterling & Goodale." This continued until the death of Mr. Sterling in April, 1844. From that time until 1847 Mr. Goodale practiced alone, when, with Joseph Mullin as a partner, he conducted legal business until 1852. July 4, 1853, Mr. Goodale established himself as a lumber dealer in New York city, and in 1856 opened a law office at the corner of Fulton street and Broadway. He was in constant practice of his profes- sion here for eight years, when, September 20, 1864, he returned to Carthage, where he has since resided and devoted himself to real estate business, hav- ing been an agent of the Le Ray de Chaumont estate, which has been sold and settled under Mr. Goodale's careful and judicious administration. He has also acted as counselor, drafted papers, and as executor and adminis- trator settled many estates involving a large amount of property. Since the organization of the Carthage Savings Bank he has been its president and a director.

Mr. Goodale is one of Nature's noblemen; he has a great heart, and his whole life has been devoted to acts of benevolence. Happy himself, he believes in making others happy as far as he is able. His religion consists in doing good according to his means. Of him it may be truly said, the world is better for his living. He teaches by precept and example, and the two go hand in hand. The most tolerant of men, he has his own opin- ions, and they are rigidly adhered to until he is satisfied that they are errone- ous. In his business operations he is method itself, and so has a logical mind. His impulses are all of a noble character, and being animated by lofty principles he has become the best type of a man as naturally as water finds its level.

REV. GEN. DAVID BOUTWELL WHITE.

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Tully, Onondaga County, N. Y., April 6, 1831. His early life was spent on a farm with his.

WH Guillebant Photogravure

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parents, Francis V. and Phebe White. In the summers he assisted his father on the farm, and winters attended the public school ; at all times when not employed he would be poring over his books. At the age of 20 he was converted under the labors of Rev. Charles Blakesley, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He soon engaged in teaching the district school near his home, and in which he had acquired his own education. He always opened school with a short scripture lesson and prayer. His trustee sent him word that he must discontinue this practice. He replied, " I can leave the school if you wish, but cannot continue it without prayer." The trustee said to neighbors, " To-morrow I will go there, and unless he will stop praying I'll pitch him out of doors." The next day he started for school to put his threat into execution, met with an accident, and was taken home a corpse. Before the school term closed, in addition to unprecedented ad- vancement of the pupils in book lore, nearly every member of the school had made a public profession of religion. In the spring of 1852 he went to Falley Seminary, Fulton, N. Y. He paid his expenses by teaching winters and working vacations, and graduated from that institution June 28, 1855, with the honor of valedictorian of his class. During his school life he " boarded himself " with a " chum " of like spirit, who relates that at times for days together their fare would consist of potatoes and salt ; rising at 5 A. M., and working till 10 at night. At the beginning of the fall term, 1853, one of the professors was taken sick, and soon after died. Mr. White took one-half of his classes for nearly the rest of the year, in addition to his own studies. About the middle of the spring term following he was compelled to leave school on account of failing health.

May 7, 1856, he was married to Sarah H. Van Allen, of Pillar Point, N. Y. who graduated from the same school at the same time he did. In June of the same year he was received into the Black River (now Northern New York) Conference. When the war broke out he had just entered upon his second year at Ilion, N. Y. The defeats and disasters of the few terrible months which followed moved his patriotic soul, insomuch that he enlisted as a private October 9, 1861. He took out recruiting papers, and went to raising a company under Col. O. B. Pierce, with headquarters at Rome, N. Y. In December, 1861, they were ordered to Albany, where they were consolidated with Oswego recruits, and constituted the 8Ist N. Y. V. Inf., and Mr. White was commissioned captain of Co. I. In February they were ordered to Washington, and soon after to the field, and under Gen. McClellan engaged in the Peninsula campaign of 1862, in the battles of Williamsburg, White Oak Swamp, Gaines Mills, Fair Oaks, White House, and Malvern Hill. For valiant services he was promoted to major in October, 1862. Soon after he went South with his regiment, and was engaged in the bombardment of Charleston, S. C. In May, 1863, the regiment was sent to guard Beaufort Harbor, N. C., and was quartered at Fort Macon, Morehead, and Beaufort. Here they remained till October. Meanwhile he frequently led the effective

54*

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TOWN OF WILNA.

men of his regiment in scouting expeditions in Eastern North Carolina. In October, 1863, they were ordered to Newport News, and afterwards to Ber- muda Hundred, under Gen. Butler. They were engaged in the spring and sum- mer campaigns of 1864 before Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Weldon Road, Drury's Bluff, Chapin's Farm, and the second battle at Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines. This regiment went into battle at Cold Harbor with nine captains, and came out with two. Five were killed, and two so severely wounded they never returned to service. At the next battle in which they were engaged the remaining two were killed. August 10, 1864, he was detailed to the com- mand of the 5th Maryland Regt., better known in those days as the Balti- more " Plug Uglies," on account of the insubordination of the soldiers and the discord among the officers, which rendered the regiment almost unservice- . able. On assuming command his first words gained the respect of the men, and inspired them with confidence. Military discipline was enforced without difficulty. Self-respect was aroused, and soon the 5th Maryland was pro- nounced one of the best disciplined regiments in the service. The colonel of the regiment, who had been detailed to brigade duty, wrote Major White a long and most complimentary letter of thanks, saying, " You have done yourself and the service great credit." Soon after the colonel, rather than return to his regiment, tendered his resignation, whereupon the officers peti- tioned Gov. Bradford to promote Major White to fill the vacancy. From this petition we extract the following: "In the darkest days of the regiment, when discord reigned supreme, among officers high in rank, when discipline seemed almost at an end, and destruction threatened the regiment, Major White was placed in command. Under his sway order, confidence, and dis- cipline were restored, the discordant material eliminated, and the reputation of the regiment redeemed." This was signed by every commissioned officer with the regiment. Gov. Bradford could not promote the Major, as he was a citizen and soldier from another state.

February 17, 1865, Gov. Fenton, of New York, commissioned him lieu- tenant-colonel 8Ist N. Y. V. V., and July 12th of the same year commis- sioned him colonel of the same regiment. On this latter he was not mustered, as hostilities had ceased, and no more musters were made. The regiment was mustered out of the U. S. service August 31, 1865, and out of state service September 20, Lieut .- Col. White being the only commissioned officer in the regiment who held a commission when first ordered to the front. In his four years' service he was never wounded, never so sick as to spend a day in hos- pital, never a prisoner, was never detailed to staff office, and was in every battle and skirmish in which his regiment was engaged ; even when he led the 5th Maryland they fought in the same division in which his own regiment was engaged. But that no soldier ever excelled him in promptness or unflinching bravery is fully attested, even his enemies and rivals themselves being judges.

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Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 125

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders Number of Pages: 1384

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders
Number of Pages: 1384