Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 90

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 90

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

601

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

Joseph Mayo, commissioners of common schools ; Amos Eames, William Usher, R. Weaver, John R. Gunn, Baker Massey, Charles Brown, inspectors of schools ; Jacob J. Greene, Benjamin Pease, Horace Mather, constables.

Spafford's Gazetteer of 1824 says of this town in 1820 :-

" The hamlet of Williamsville, or Williamstown, is pleasantly situated on the river, directly opposite the court-house in Watertown, a half-mile distant, and contains 25 houses, a grist- mill, saw-mill, clothier's works, an oil-mill, two taverns, and several different kinds of me- chanics. The Pamelia postoffice is in this place.

" The population of the town is 1,342; taxable property, 872.248; acres of improved land, 6,323; 1,339 cattle, 318 horses, 2,644 sheep; 8,206 yards of cloth were made in families. There are also five grist-mills, one saw-mill, one fulling-mill, one carding machine, and two asheries."

In 1880 Pamelia had a population of 1,143. The town is located in the third school district of Jefferson County, and in 1888 had 10 school districts, in which the same number of teachers were employed 28 weeks or more. There were 191 scholars attending school, and the aggregate days attendance during the year was 18,389. The total value of school buildings and sites was $4,550, while the assessed valuation of all the districts was $722,107. The whole amount raised for school purposes was $1,941.18, $876.77 of which was received by local tax. Charles E. Whitney was school commissioner.

PAMELIA FOUR CORNERS is a small post village in the northeastern part of the town, nine miles from Watertown, 181 from Albany, and 333 from New York. It has telephone, telegraph, and express offices, a general store, church, dealer in farm implements, two blacksmith shops, and about 75 inhabitants.

Seldon L. Scovill's Limburger cheese factory, on road 30, manufactures about 50,000 pounds of cheese annually.

John L. Parish's Limburger cheese factory, on road 10, has the capacity for manufacturing 40,000 pounds of cheese annually. It is not now in operation.

Deep Rock Limburger cheese factory, on road 10, has the capacity for man- ufacturing about 46,000 pounds annually.

The Limburger cheese factory owned by C. E. Makepeace, Ward M. Nichols, and William Mills, on road 21, manufactures about 35,000 pounds annually.

George W. Otis's Limburger cheese factory, on road 54, has the capacity for manufacturing 45,000 pounds annually. It is not now in operation.

Charles G. Wagoner's Limburger cheese factory, on road 5, manufactures about 85,000 pounds of cheese annually.

Reuben Timmerman's cheese factory, on road I, has the capacity for manu- facturing 75,000 pounds per year.

Charles Fox's Limburger cheese factory, on road II, has the capacity for manufacturing 40,000 pounds annually.

The American cheese factory, on road 13, owned by a stock company, has the capacity for manufacturing 200,000 pounds annually.

Andrew P. Baltz's cheese factory, on road 40, has the capacity for manufact- uring 40,000 pounds annually. Mr. Baltz also has a factory on road 38, with the capacity of 35,000 pounds.

602

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

The first settlement in the town of Pamelia was made in 1799, by two men named Boshart and Kitts, who located with their families about three miles northeast from Watertown, near where Le Ray street now runs, erected log houses, and began clearings. They became dissatisfied, however, and on the approach of winter removed to the territory now called Lewis County (then a part of Oneida County, as was also Jefferson County), where they became permanent settlers.

In 1799 the south part of the territory afterwards called Pamelia was owned · by Pierre Chassanis, a French gentleman, it being a portion of what was known as "Castorland," " the Chassanis tract," or "The French Company's land." The central and northern portions were a part of "Great Tract No. 4," of Macomb's purchase, except the territory east and northeast of Perch Lake, which was embraced in Penet's Square. Tract No. 4 was then actually owned by the Antwerp Company, an association of Holland gentle- men residing in the city of Antwerp, though, being foreigners, the title was held by others for them. In 1800 the southwest half of tract No. 4 (which included the Pamelia portion) was conveyed in trust for the Antwerp Com- pany to James Le Ray de Chaumont. He was made the agent of the com- pany for the sale of the territory thus conveyed, and 10 years later he pur- chased all the unsold land in tract No. 4. Le Ray soon acquired an interest in the Chassanis tract also, and made all the sales after 1801, either as prin- cipal or agent. Thus it will be seen that all land titles in Pamelia (except in the small tract embraced in Penet's Square) may be traced back to Le Ray de Chaumont, acting for himself or others.

After Boshart and Kitts one of the earliest settlers was Mr. Makepeace, grandfather of Elliott Makepeace, who settled in the north part of the town and built the first frame house within the present limits of Pamelia. As early as 1804 a few settlers located on the north shore of Black River, in what is now Watertown. The following year Mr. Haven settled a mile from the river, just inside the city limits, and it is fair to presume that as early as that year some immigrants located in the present Pamelia. Previous to 1812 some 20 or 30 families came into town, among whom were John Gould and J. M. Parish, who both settled in the northwest part. Elijah Ainsworth, Philip Ainsworth, Mr. Brintnall, Caleb J. Bates, Isaac and Jacob Meacham, William Morse, and Jacob Lowell all settled in the northwest part of the town before 1812. Benjamin Cole, Obadiah Rhodes, and Stephen Farr set- tled during the same period, near Pamelia Four Corners, while Aaron Dres. ser, Curtis Goulding, Henry Becker, and Alvin Twing were the founders of that village itself.

About 1812 John Folts settled in the southwestern part of the town. He was soon after followed by Simeon Woodruff, Peter Acker, and David and Belshazzar Tillipaugh. Two families, named Baker and Cooper, were among the earliest settlers in the southeastern part of the town. Smith Scoville located here before 1811, and afterwards opened a hotel. John Brown came

603

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

from Brownville in 1812 and built the first frame house in the southeast part of the town. David Augsbury, with his family, settled in the northwest part of the town in 1811, and in 1812 he was followed by his father, John Augs- bury, with his three younger sons, Benjamin, Nicholas, and Daniel. After the War of 1812 two other sons, John and Abraham, came in with their fam- ilies. John Augsbury, Sr., purchased Mr. Makepeace's farm, and the latter located upon another in the same neighborhood. In 1814-15 Theron Con- verse put up a log house on what is now Le Ray street, just north of the present city line. At this time the country was all a dense wilderness east- ward, almost to Carthage. William McGinnis settled in the southwest part of the town in 1815, and at this time, it has been said, there were between 30 and 40 families in the town.

Among those who came in before 1819 were Elijah Wright, William Waf- ful, John Wafful, Russel Weaver, Benjamin Still, John Stewart, Capt. Joseph Mayo, --- Nichols, John Stewart, Joel Nims, James Wright, Isaac C. Pettit, Daniel Pettit, Osman Banister, Nehemiah Van Nest, John N. Gunn, Gardner, Conrad Wafful, Benjamin Pease, William Sixbury, John Sixbury, Isaac Sixbury. Elias Wager, - Combs, Charles Brown, Thomas Good- rich, and Abram Spalsbury. Joel Nims settled in the Thomas Brown neigh- borhood in 1818, where he bought the farm upon which William Wafful had made improvements.

The first tavern in town was opened by Aaron Dresser, at Pamelia Four Corners, soon after the War of 1812. The first store was kept by John N. Gunn in the western part of the town, and was opened about 1816. The first saw-mill was built on Philomel Creek, at the crossing of the Clayton road, by Mr. Abbey.

Log houses were almost universal in 1818, but at this time a number of frame barns were built, giving the country quite a civilized appearance. Stone was so abundant that a building of that material was almost as cheap as one of wood. Between stone and frame the log houses were rapidly su- perseded, and by 1830 they had mostly disappeared.

Postoffices were established at Pamelia, then Williamsville village and later North Watertown (in the present city district), previous to 1824, and at Pamelia Four Corners as early as 1830. In 1831 the postmaster at the latter place was S. Comstock, and in 1837 it was Abram M. Harger. In 1854 the Potsdam & Watertown Railroad was finished, running through the south- eastern corner of the town. It afterwards became a part of the R., W. & O. system. In 1852 the Cape Vincent branch of the latter road was completed, a small portion of which runs through the southwestern corner of the town. Upon the incorporation of the city of Watertown, May 8, 1869, about 700 acres of the territory of Pamelia, comprising the villages of North Water- town and Juhelville, containing over 1,200 of its inhabitants and its princi- pal business establishments, were absorbed by the city. The town is espe-

604

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

cially adapted to dairying, which is the principal occupation of its thrifty in- habitants.

CHURCHES.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pamelia, located at Pamelia Four Corners, was organized February 28, 1847, by James Jones, Orvis Goulding, and others, with seven members, Rev. O. C. Cole being the first pastor. Their house of worship, the present wooden structure, was erected in 1840, at a cost of about $1,600. It will comfortably seat 300 persons, and is valued, including grounds, etc., at $3,000. The present membership is 22. No regular pastor is employed.

The Protestant Methodist Church, located two miles and a half north of Pamelia Four Corners, was organized about 1845, by Peter Busler, Warner Nellis, and Jacob Wagoner, with 30 members, Rev. Philip Swift being the first pastor. Their house of worship, the present wooden structure, was erected in 1867, at a cost of $1,800. It will comfortably seat 250 persons, and is valued, including grounds, etc., at $2.375. The society has 22 mem- bers, under the pastoral charge of Rev. S. P. Watson. The Sunday school has a membership of 45, under the superintendency of Peter Busler.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Thomas Makepeace was born in Massachusetts in 1779. At the of 24 years he removed with his father's family to Bridgewater, Oneida County, remaining there one year, when he located in Pamelia. He married Anna Plumb, a native of Connecticut. and they had nine children, viz. : Emily, Maria, Anna, Amy, Betsey, Lucy, Thomas, Julia, and Ellicott. In 1848 Ellicott married Angeline Plumb, by whom he had two children, viz .: Merville D. and Charles E. Ellicott Makepeace was a popular school teacher for many years, and also served his townsmen in positions of trust and honor, among which was that of supervisor. His son Merville D. is a civil engineer and surveyor. Charles E. was supervisor of Pamelia in 1889, and resides with his aged mother on the homestead on road 21. Ellicott Makepease died June 30, 1892.

Walter Cole was born in the town of Mendon, Herkimer County, and when 16 years old came to the Black River country, and taught the first school in the then village of Watertown. At the age of 19 he married Charlotte, daughter of John M. Gunn, of Brownville, and they had seven children, viz .: John N., Andrew J., Walter, Harrison, Zeruah, Abigail. and Harri- son. The first Harrison died in infancy. Walter Cole served in the War of 1812, and partici- pated in the battle of Sackets Harbor. He served as a member of the state legislature two terms. Harrison Cole, at the age of 22 years, married Mary, daughter of Hon. Flenry Keitlı, of Brownville, and first located on a farm near Perch River. In 1872 he removed to Wells Island, where he remained 14 years. He now resides with his son in Le Ray. Harrison R. Cole, of Le Ray, son of Harrison, married Emma Gould, in 1875, and they have one son, As- well B.

Ansel Mills, a native of Connecticut, came to Watertown in 1806, and subsequently, about 1824, purchased a tract of land in this town. on road 21. In 1816 he married Betsey Ripley, by whom he had six children, viz. : Amanda, Hiram, Mary Ann, Louisa, David, and William. His son Hiram now owns the greater part of the homestead farm. Hiram married Malinda See- ber. of Brownville, by whom he had 13 children-eight sons and five daughters. One son, Milton P .. married Jennie Fikes, of Le Ray, and they have one son, Roy E. William Mills married Catharine Nellis, and they have three children-Ansel, Dexter, and Water B. The latter works the farm which his father has occupied for so many years. He married Ella Gray, and by her has had seven children, one of whom died in infancy, and four sons and two daughters survive, viz .: Ethel, William, Frank, Clark, Daisy, and Roy.

605

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

Richard Phillips was born in England, June 1, 1775, and served an apprenticeship of seven. years at the carpenters' trade. He served as captain in the War of 1812, having become a citi- zen of the United States before that war. In 1817 he married Mercy; daughter of Captain William Harris, and settled in Watertown. Mr. Phillips built and owned the first house that stood where the Crowner House now is. He had 13 children, 10 of whom survive. He died January 28, 1859, and his wife April 27, 1868.

Henry Countryman was born in the town of Danube, Herkimer County, and was the third child and first son of George and Rohana Countryman. Henry remained at home, contribu- ting largely to the support of the family, until 1823, when he removed to Pamelia, where he succeeded in accumulating a large fortune, being the owner at the time of his death of 600. acres of land. He died June 16, 1875. He married a Miss Walrath, of Dannbe, Herkimer County, by whom he had nine children, five sons and four daughters. Alexander, the oldest, was born in Herkimer County, but from boyhood always resided at Pamelia Four Corners. Wilson II. Countryman was born in 1840. In 1862 he married Betsey Ann, daughter of Enoch Eddy, by whom he has had three children, viz .: Belle D., Charles O., and Ora E. Belle D. died in 1880, aged 15 years. The sons survive aud reside on the farm with their parents.

Capt. Ebenezer Williams was a descendant of those of that name who immigrated to this country from Wales in 1607. He married Sarah Stedman, and they had five children, viz .: Jonathan, Susan, Merrill, Ebenezer, and Oloff H. Captain Williams distinguished himself in the Indian border wars. On one occasion he was selected as one of 11 prisoners to be killed in retaliation of the death of a like number of Indians killed in regular warfare. The Captain gave the Masonic sign to Brant, the Indian chief, who saved his life and gave him the talismanic belt of wampum to protect him from other tribes. Ebenezer was born in Man- lius, Onondaga County. At the age of 32 years he purchased the present homestead. In 1817 he married Jane Osterhout, by whom he had two sons and two daughters, namely: Sarah S., Peter O., Jane A .. and Ebenezer. The latter married Fabius Lawton, of Watertown, by whom he had four children, viz .: Eben F., who died at the age of six years; Stedman E., George O., and Hattie C., who survive.

Enoch Eddy came from Rutland, Vt .. in 1802, and located on a farm on Rutland Hill, in the town of Rutland, in this county. In 1831 he removed to the town of Pamelia, where he died in 1840, aged 80 years. He reared a family of 10 children, all of whom grew to maturity, viz .: Enoch and James (twins), Hannah, Rhoda, Phebe, Betsey, Renew, Lonisa, Horatio N., and Willard. Enoch D., at the age of 23 years, married Hulda, daughter of Jonathan Aldrich, and they had three sons and four daughters, namely: Enoch, Gratia. Cynthia, Hannah, Seth, Betsey A., and De Witt Clinton. The latter was born on the farm he now owns. When 26 years of age he married Caroline, daughter of Joel A. Otis, of Rutland, by whom he has one danghter, Cora M., who married Edward Colligan, September 21, 1887, and now resides in Rutland.

Elijah Timerman came to this town with his father in 1832, from Herkimer County, at this time being 14 years of age. He remained at home and attended school winters, working upon the farm summers, until he attained his majority. He then married Anna, daughter of Hiram Ballard, and after working farms on shares for several years finally purchased a farm at the head of Perch Lake, on road 1, and there resided until his death, in 1870. He had born to him three sons and one daughter, viz .: Hiram, John E., Celestia J., and Wilson. The latter, at the age of 21 years, enlisted in Co. M, 10th N. Y. H. A., and served three years, until the close of the war, when he returned home and married Arabella, daughter of Elijah Gove, of Le Ray. Soon after this he purchased the John C. Timerman farm, where he now resides with his aged mother.

John C. Timerman came from Herkimer County to this town in 1832 and married Ger- trude Timerman. They reared a family of six sons and three daughters. viz .: David, Elijah, Margaret, Jane, Joel, John, Jessie, Mary M., and Reuben. Mr. Timerman located at the head of Perch Lake, where he purchased a farm. He served in the War of 1812, and participated in the battle of Sackets Harbor. He died October 15, 1846. His son Reuben, in 1857, married Anna E., daughter of Warner Nellis, of Pamelia, by whom he had four children, viz. : Simeon E., George W., Frank B., and Willie J. Their first born died at the age of one year and eight months. Mrs. Timerman died in 1874. For his second wife he married Mrs. Philena Babcock, widow of Anson. George W. Timerman, second son of Reuben, married Jessie M., daughter

60€

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

of Joseph Tallman, of Orleans, and they have one son, Raymond, and reside in this town, on the Shimmel farm, on road 1.

Daniel Cornwell was born in Vermont, and in 1806 settled in Le Ray. He married Betsey Farr, by whom he had 12'children,-eight sons and four daughters,-all of whom grew to adult age except two daughters, who died in infancy. Adolphus Cornwell married Sarah Ann Van Ness, and for a short time resided in Le Ray. He subsequently removed to Pamelia, and later to Watertown, where Mrs. Cornwell died. He married, second, Jane Jackson, of St. Lawrence County, by whom he had two daughters, Jennie B. and Gertie May. Upon the death of his second wife he married, in 1877, Mrs. Oaks, widow of Simeon Oaks, and daughter of Jeremiah Crosby, of Martinsburg, Lewis County. He now resides in this town on road 52.

Richard Bellinger was born in Montgomery County in 1810. At the age of seven years he went to live with Christopher Bellinger, and here remained until he attained his majority. He was apprenticed to Lewis Averill to learn the trade of tanner and currier, and served five years. He was then employed by the year by Mr. Averill, but on account of continued ill health was obliged to abandon his chosen profession and engage in farming. At the age of 25 years he married Catherine, daughter of Joseph Fink, by whom he had four sons and six daughters, namely: Catherine, Orinda, Elizabeth, Joseph, William, Dempster, Nancy, Mary, Martha, and Frederick F. After the two eldest children were born Mr. Bellinger removed to Pamelia. Frederick F., at the age of 16 years, left the paternal roof, and worked by the month until he attained his majority. He then married Fanny A., daughter of Caleb Arnold, of Watertown, and they have one daughter. In July, 1862, he enlisted in the 10th N. Y. H. A., and served till the elose of the war.

Israel Brown came with his family from Vermont about 1819. Luther, the second son of Israel, received a good common school education, and soon after attaining his majority mar- ried Sophronia, daughter of Daniel Sortwell. He subsequently purchased a tract of land in the town of Clayton. This he sold, and soon after purchased a farm on Horse Creek, where he built a house and established a model home. He had two sons and three daughters, viz .: Amanda, Melinda, Luther S., Harriet, and Brayton. The latter remained at home until he at- tained his majority. He married Laura E., daughter of William Kimball, of Pamelia, and soon after enlisted in Co. A, 14th N. Y. H. A., for three years, or during the war. He took active part in 18 general engagements without being wounded. Soon after his return from the war he purchased a farm in Clayton, and there remained eight years. He then bought the farm in this town which he now occupies, and where he has built a fine residence. His children are a son and a daughter, William B. and Meda S.

John Goutermont immigrated from Germany to this country in 1792, and located in Low- ville, Lewis County, where he bought a farm. He married a Miss Frederick, of Montgomery County, and they had nine children, namely: Jacob, Peggy, Catherine, John, William, Caro- line, Martin, Lawrence, and Nicholas. The latter was educated in the common schools, and at the age of 21 years married, first, Sally Wemple, wbo bore him three sons and one daughter, viz .: Dolly, Archibald, John, and William. He married, second, Sally Clock, by whom he had 15 children. Archibald Goutermont, at the age of 21 years, removed to Illinois, and there re- mained 10 years. He then, for two years, traveled in several states and territories in the West, finally returning to Illinois, where he enlisted in the 3d Ill. Cav., serving more than three years under Gen. Carr and others in the Department of the Gulf. After his discharge he returned to Lowville, where he married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Bradt, by whom he has four sons and two daughters, viz .: Jennie L., Carl W., Legget H., Dollie A., George H., and Charles A. After his marriage he bought a farm in Martinsburg, and there remained 10 years, when he removed to a farm on Perch Lake, in this town. He subsequently removed to Lewis County, where he now resides.

Daniel Augsbury came from the Mohawk valley in 1812, and located in the town of Pa- melia, on his father's farm. He received a good practical education in the public schools, and upon the death of his father became owner of the farm. When about 20 years old he married Mary, daughter of Conrad Shimmel, and they had three sons and four daughters, viz .: Ange- line, John B. L., Susan, Mary Ann, Frances, Edmond K., and Irene E. O. In 1863 the latter married James K. Miller. They located in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, and shortly afterwards removed to Kansas, where they remained seven years, when Mrs. Miller returned with her children to the town of Pamelia. She has two sons and four daughters, viz .: Addela,

607

TOWN OF PAMELIA.

Alice, Mary. Almira, James, and Royal. Addela is married and lives with her mother at Pa- melia Four Corners.

John Tingne came from Gilderland, Albany County, N. Y., where he married a daughter of George S. Scrafford. In early life he followed the occupation of a hatter, and subsequently engaged in farming. He reared a family of three sons and three daughters, viz .: Eliza, Mar- garet, Rasy, James, Alexander, and George. The latter was born in the town of Palatine Church, Montgomery County, in 1812. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Stark, Herkimer County. George remained at home until 21 years of age. He then married Mar- garet, daughter of Michael Waltz, who bore him two children, Alexander and Margaret Anna. After the death of his first wife Mr. Tingue married the widow of H. N. Goss, a daughter of Jacob Acker, by whom he had two children. Henry N. and Hennetta. Mr. Tingue died No- vember 25, 1889. His widow is a direct descendant of General Herkimer.

William McGinnis was born in Marbletown, Ulster County, N. Y. He married Rachel Harper, who bore him six sons and five daughters, namely: Alexander, Henry, James, Robert, Catherine, Maria, William, Jr .. Eliza, Ann Phebe, Sarah Jane, and Isaac. The latter, when 18 years of age, began to teach school and continued in this profession for 20 years. At the age of 25 he married Lasiza B., daughter of Lyman White, of Pamelia, and engaged in farm- ing. They have two children, Ida M. and Ella M. The latter married George A. Fenner, and Ida M. married George M. Haven. In 1850 Mr. McGinnis was elected superintendent of pub- lic schools. From 1852 to 1857 he served as supervisor, and was general traveling agent for the Agricultural Insurance Company, of Watertown, and appointed agents in 16 states and also in Canada. He resigned the position in 1882, and since then has been elected as justice of the peace.

Smith Scovill removed to this town from Connecticut when he was 20 years old. He mar- ried Hannah Foltz, by whom he had 11 children, namely: Wells, Ezra, Smith, Jr., George, Franklin, Albert, Margaret, Mary, Hannah, Fanny, and John. The latter married Harriet Gale, of Brownville, who bore him two children, Seldon L. and Sarah Jane. The latter mar- ried George Briggs, of Canada. Mr. Scovill died in 1879, aged 68 years. Seldon L. resides on the homestead with his aged mother.

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Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 90

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