USA > New York > Geography of the state of New York. Embracing its physical features, climate, geology, mineralogy, botany, zoology, history, pursuits of the people, government, education, internal improvements &c. With statistical tables, and a separate description and map of each county > Part 27
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
After the defeat of Colonels Baum and Breyman at Benning- ton, General Burgoyne had employed his troops in transport ing military stores from Ticonderoga to Fort Edward, until the 12th of September.
Meanwhile General Schuyler, who had retreated from Fort Edward to Stillwater, and thence to the islands at the mouth of the Mohawk, had received considerable reinforcements. On the 19th of August, he was superseded by General Gates, who decided to return to Stillwater, which place he reached with his army on the 9th of September. He immediately selected a strong position on Bemis' Heights, and proceeded to fortify his camp.
On the 13th and 14th, Burgoyne crossed the Hudson. and encamped on the heights and plains of Saratoga. On the 17th he approached within four miles of the American camp, and on the 19th advanced against the left wing of the American army, designing if possible to drive them from their position. The ac- tion, at first partial, at length became general, and both sides being repeatedly reinforced, the conflict continued till night.
The English remained near the battle field; the Americans retired in good order to their camp, but a short distance from the scene of carnage. Both parties claimed the victory ; the English because they held the battle ground; the Americans because they had maintained their position. The British loss, however, was considerably greater than that of the Americans, and in their circumstances, to fight without a decisive victory, was defeat.
The day after this battle, General Burgoyne took a position almost within cannon shot of the American camp, fortified his right wing, and extended his left t the r . "1. Both parties re- tained their position until the 7th of October ; Burgoyne in the hope of receiving aid from Sir Henry Clinton, to whom he had sent the most pressing entreaties for assistance; and General Gates in the confidence of receiving new reinforcements daily.
Receiving no further intelligence from Sir Henry, and find- ing himself compelled to diminish the rations of his soldiers, the British General determined to test again the strength of his adversary.
.
Digitized by Google
246
STATE OF NEW YORK.
Accordingly he selected 1500 choice troops, whom he com- manded in person, aided by three of his bravest generals. With these he advanced to the attack, while a corps of rangers, In- dians, and provincials were ordered to take a circuitous route, and show themselves in the rear of the American camp.
General Gates perceived the design of the enemy and made such an arrangement of his forces as effectually to defeat Gen- eral Burgoyne's project ; while at the same time, he despatched Colonel Morgan with his corps to a wood which commanded the right flank of the enemy.
Having succeeded in reaching this, unperceived by the Brit- ish, Colonel Morgan awaited the moment when they were en- gaged with the American force in front to pour a deadly and incessant fire upon their right flank.
Meantime, General Gates ordered another division to inter- cept the retreat of the enemy to their camp. In the attempt to prevent this movement General Frazer, one of Burgoyne's most efficient officers was mortally wounded, and the artillery corps routed. Finding the fortune of the day against him, the British General retreated to his ca closely pressed by the Ameri- can army headed by the impetuous Arnold, who, with more than his usual, rashness forced their entrenchments ; but being wounded and having his horse killed under him, was compelled to retire. That portion of the British camp occupied by the German troops, was carried by a Massachusetts regiment be- longing to Arnold's division.
Darkness put an end to the conflict. The advantage gained by the Americans was decisive. The loss of the British in killed, wounded, and prisoners was heavy, and among the number were several officers of distinction. Their camp too was pene- trated by the enemy.
During the night Burgoyne withdrew with his army to a stronger position on the river heights. Aware that his adver- sary would soon be compelled to surrender from want of provi- sions, General Gates did not risk another assault, but contented himself with posting strong bodies of troops at every avenue by which retreat was possible, and awaited the result.
Burgoyne attempted a retreat, but could only reach the heights of Saratoga near Schuylerville, where he encamped. Strong bodies of American troops guarded the Hudson and forbade the effort to cross. Driven to desperation, he determined as a last resource to abandon every thing except the arms and provisions which his soldiers could carry, and crossing at or above Fort Edward, press on by forced marches to Fort George.
General Gates had foreseen and prepared for this movement; in addition to the strong guards placed at the fords of the Hud-
Digitized by Google
.
247
SARATOGA COUNTY.
son, he had formed an entrenched camp on the high grounds between Fort Edward and Fort George. On learning this fact, the British General found himself compelled to surrender, and accordingly on the 17th of October the treaty of capitulation was signed, and the British army piled their arms on the plains of Saratoga, east of the village of Schuylerville.
Congress awarded to General Gates and his army their thanks, and presented him with a medal of gold, struck in com- memoration of the event.
VILLAGES. BALLSTON SPA, in the town of Milton, the seat of justice for the county, is pleasantly situated, and is celebrated for its mineral waters, which are similar in character to those of Saratoga. It has a number of manufactories, and consider- able business. It is connected with Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, by railroad. Population, 1500.
Saratoga Springs, situated on a sandy plain, in the town of the same name, is one of the most noted watering places in the world. Broadway, its principal street, is wide and shady, and during the summer, constantly thronged with the gay and fash- ionable, who resort hither for pleasure and relaxation. It has several fine hotels, which during the summer are crowded with visitors. There are also several academies and female semin- aries, and some manufactories. It is connected with Troy and Schenectady by railroad. Population, 3500.
There are eighteen or twenty springs in the town, of which Congress, Put- nam's, Pavilion, Iodine, Hamilton, and Flat rock, are the principal. They are regarded as efficacious in billous and scrofulous diseases.
Waterford, at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, and at the head of sloop navigation on the latter, com- bines to a great extent, the advantages of railroad, river and canal transportation, and hydraulic power. It is largely engaged in manufactures, which, with its agricultural products, annually amount to between one and two millions of dollars. A bridge 800 feet in length connects it with Lansingburgh. The Wa- terford sand used for castings, is esteemed the best in the country. Population, about 1800.
Mechanicsville is a small but thriving manufacturing village, in the town of Stillwater. Population, 600.
Stillwater, in the town of the same name, is distinguished for the battles fought between General Gates and Burgoyne, near Bemis' Heights, in 1777, and Schuylerville, in the town of Sar- atoga, for the surrender of the latter, which took place a short distance east of that village.
Digitized by Google
XX. ONONDAGA COUNTY.
Square miles, 711. Organized, 1794.
Population, 70,175. Valuation, 1845, $15,540,164.
Z
14
İlk!
16
J5
7
18
2
C
·17
3
5
13
h
12
9
8
6
TOWNS.
1. Lysander, 1789.
2. Manlius, 1789.
3. Marcellus, 1789.'
4. Onondaga, 1789.
5. Pompey, 1789.
6. Fabius, 1798.
7. Camillus, 1799.
8. Tully, 1803.
9. Otsego, 1806.
10. Cicero, 1807.
11. Salina, 1809.
12. Spafford, 1811.
13. Lafayette, 1825.
14. Clay, 1827.
15. Elbridge, 1829.
16. Van Buren, 1829.
17. Skeneateles, 1830.
18. De Witt, 1835.
Digitized by
10
249
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
Rivers. a. Oswego River. d. Chittenango Creek. c. Onondaga. b. Limestone. e. Nine Mile. j. Oneida river. k. Seneca.
Lakes. f. Skeneateles. Z. Oneida. g. Onondaga. h. Otisco. i. Cross.
Villages. SYRACUSE. Manlius. Skeneateles. Salina. Geddes. Jordan.
BOUNDARIES. North by Oswego county and Oneida lake; East by Madison county; South by Cortland; and West by Cayuga counties.
SURFACE. The northern portion of the county is level; the southern hilly, but arable.
The watershed, or height of land dividing the northern and southern waters of the state, passes through the southern por- tion of this county.
RIVERS. The Seneca, or Oswego river, with its tributaries, drains most of the north-western portion. The other principal streams, flowing northward, are the Oneida River, Chittenan- go, Limestone, Butternut, Onondaga, and Nine Mile Creeks. The Tioughnioga and Cold Creeks, running southward, have their source in this county.
LAKES. Oneida lake forms a portion of the northeastern boundary. Skeneateles lake, lying mostly in this county, is a beautiful sheet of water, surrounded by picturesque scenery, and abounding in fish. Its trout are particularly celebrated for their size and abundance. The lake is fifteen miles in length, and from half a mile to one mile in width.
Onondaga lake, situated toward the centre of the county, is eight miles long, and from two to four wide. It abounds in fish. Most of the salt springs are near its banks.
Otisco and Cross are the only other lakes of importance.
CLIMATE. The climate of this county is mild and agreeable, more uniform than in some other parts of the state. The dis- eases of the county are principally of a bilious type.
GEOLOGY AND MINERALS. The northern portion of the county is comprised in that geological formation known as the Ontario group or division, consisting of marly sandstone, soft green shales, and the gypsum and salt rocks, (limestone, ) known as the Onondaga salt group. South of this, limestone containing gyp- sum predominates, and still farther south, slate is the prevailing rock.
Salt is the most valuable and abundant mineral production of this county. The salt is obtained from springs, (probably charged with salt from some deep seated locality of the mineral,) in the town of Salina.
Oxide of iron, gypsum, marl, water limestone, or hydraulic cement, selenite, fibrous gypsum, fluor spar, and serpentine, are also found in the county. Sulphur springs exist in Manlius and many other parts of the county. The marble from
Digitized by Google
250
STATE OF NEW YORK.
the abundance of encrinites and other fossils which it contains, presente a beau- tiful birdseye appearance, which renders is a valuable building material.
SOLL AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS. The soil is a calcareous loam, intermingled with vegetable mould, and is highly fertile. Maple, basswood, beech, hemlock and pine, are the principal forest trees of the county.
PURSUITS. Agriculture is the occupation of a majority of the inhabitants. The soil of the county seems equally well adapted to grazing and the culture of grain. Large quantities of all the grains, as well as flax, potatoes, and other vegetables are raised. In 1845, more barley was raised in this county than in any other in the state. Large quantities of butter, cheese, wool and pork, are also produced.
The county is also largely engaged in manufactures. In 1845, they amounted to nearly two and a half millions of dollars, consisting principally of flour, lumber, cotton and woollen goods, iron, distilled and malt liquors, leather and paper.
Commerce. The junction of the Oswego and Erie canals, in this county, gives it a somewhat extensive commerce, both with the Hudson river and the Lakes. The tolls received at Salina, in 1845, amounted to over $52,000, indicating a business of more than $2,000,000.
Mines. Under this head may be included the salt works in the town of Salina. At five different points in this town, salt is produced by the evaporation of brine from the springs .*
In 1840, the amount of salt thus manufactured was 2,622,305 bushels. The springs belong to the state, which receives two mills per bushel for pumping the water, and six cents per bushel duty on the salt. Nearly 11,000 men are employed in the busi. ness.
The production of hydraulic cement, so largely used in canals and cisterns, which is extensively prosecuted in this county, also belongs to the head of mines.
STAPLE PRODUCTIONS. Salt, butter, barley, oats, wheat, wool, and hydraulic cement.
SCHOOLS. There were in this county in 1846, 304 school dis- tricts. The schools are taught on an average eight months each. $30,857 was expended for the tuition of 24,325 children. The district libraries contained 37,586 volumes. There were also in this county thirty-six unincorporated private and select
* The concentration of the brine is accomplished in two ways, viz. Ist, by solar evaporation, for which purpose large shallow vats are constructed, and provided with movable roofs, to protect them from rains; 2d, by boiling, which is accom plished by means of immense shallow boilers. Crystallization takes place, though In different degrees, by both processes ; in the former, the crystals are larger, and the variety known in the markets, as coarse salt, is produced. The latter pro- duces the fine or table salt.
Digitized by Google
251
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
schools, with 693 pupils, and seven aca lemies, with 338 pupils. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Methodists, Baptists, Presbyte- rians, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Roman Catholics, Dutch Reformed, Unitarians, Jew., Universalists, and Friends.
HISTORY. In the town of Pompey, a stone was found some years since, about fourteen inches long, twelve broad, and eight thick. It had a figure of a serpent entwined about a tree, and this inscription.
Leo X De - -
VIx 1520-
tree &c
L. S. tn
This inscription has been interpreted-Leo X. by the grace (or will) of God, sixth year of his pon ficate, 1520. L. S. the initials of the person buried, (as it was undoubtedly a sepulchral monument, )-the cross, an indication that he was a Catholic, and the character n perhaps a rude intimation that he belonged to the masonic fraternity. The date is correct, Leo X. having been elected Pope in 1513-14. It seems probable that some Spanish adventurers, in quest of gold or silver, lured by the report of the salt springs, and hoping to find there the object of their search, had wandered hither from Florida, which had been discovered and explored in 1502. One of the number dying here, his companions erected this simple memorial to mark the place of his burial.
In 1655, Father Dablon, a French Jesuit, established himself at one of the Onondaga villages, in the present town of Salina, as a missionary. The succeeding year, the governor of the French possessions in Canada, at his request, sent a colony of fifty men, under the command of the Sieur Dupuys, to settle on the banks of the Onondaga Lake.
For a time the Indians were friendly, but. at length they be- came hostile, and the colonists were compelled to escape by stealth. Having secretly prepared boats sufficient to transport themselves and their effects, one of their number succeeded in inducing the Indians to make a feast, and when, after a hearty repast, all had sunk into a profound slumber, he and his comrades availed themselves of the opportunity to escape, and ere the Indians had awaked, they were beyond their reach.
In 1666, a French settlement was formed, in the northwestern part of the town of Pompey, and flourished for three years, when a party of Spaniards arrived in the village, and quarrel- ing with the French, instigated the natives to destroy them. The Indians, looking with no favorable eye on either, destroyed both, leaving not a survivor to tell the manner of their death.
In the Onondaga Hollow, in the town of Onondaga, formerly stood the town, castle, and council house, of the Onondaga
Digitized by Google
.
252
STATE OF NEW YORK.
Indians, the most formidable and highly civilized tribe of the Iroquois confederacy. Here the great council fire was always kept burning, and all matters of importance to the interests of the confederacy were decided. All the leagues and treatics with the whites were made here, and from this tribe was select- ed the grand Sachem, or principal civil chief, while the Mo- hawks furnished the principal war chiefs.
Garangula, Thurensera, Decanesora, and Sadekanaghtie, were the most celebrated among their orators, in their early in- tercourse with the whites.
Black Kettle was the most renowned of their warriors, and more than once he carried war and devastation among the French settlements, even to the gates of their citadels. He was treacherously murdered in 1697, by a party of Algonquins, at the instigation of the French.
In 1696, Count Frontenac, with his usual subtlety, attempted to seduce the Five Nations from their good faith toward the Eng- lish, and induce them to form a separate treaty of peace with the French. Failing in this, he determined to avenge himself on the Onondagas, whom he regarded as the principal instigators of the opposition to his wishes. Accordingly on the ninth of July, 1696, he set out on an expedition against them, with a large force.
The Onondagas, not receiving seasonable succors from the other members of the confederacy, and finding themselves, (though numbering about 1500 warriors,) unable to cope single handed with so formidable a force, abandoned and set fire to their dwellings, and left to the French commander a barren victory.
The Onondagas, after the return of the French, repossessed themselves of their beautiful valley and reared again their coun- cil house and castle. They were the fast friends of the English, and under the direction of Sir John Johnson, took part with them in the revolution. In consequence of their predatory incursions, Colonel Van Schaick was despatched by General James Clin- ton, to lay waste their towns. As before, they retired at the ap- proach of the invading force, and destroyed their town and cas- tle; only one of their number was slain.
In a few weeks after, they revenged this attack, by an invasion of the settlement of Cobelskill, Schoharie county, in which they butchered several of the unarmed inhabitants. During the late war with Great Britain, they took up arms on the side of the Americans.
The first permanent white settler in the county was a Mr. Webster, who came here in 1786, and settled in Onondaga Hollow, intermarrying with the Indians. In 1788, he obtained permission from the Indians for Messrs. Danforth and Tyler to
Digitized by Google
253
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
establish themselves in the same valley. This county was originally part of the Military Tract. In the spring of 1788, set- tlements were made in several towns of the county. In 1790, Manlius was settled. Since the commencement of the present century, the growth of the county has been very rapid.
It's USE, the county seat, is situated in the town of Salina, on the Erie canal, at its junction with the Oswego canal. It was incorporated in 1825, and owes its rapid growth to the facilities for trade afforded by the canals, and to the ex- tensive salt springs in its neighborhood.
From half a million to a million of bushels of salt are annually produced here; beside iron ware, leather, machinery, flour, &c. Population, nearly 10,000.
It has several extensive and well conducted hotels; its public schools are of a high order ; and its substantial buildings and numerous manufactories indicate the enterprise of its inhab- itants.
Salina, in the same town, possesses the most productive salt springs in the state, yielding from one to two millions of bushels annually. Its population is about 3000.
Geddes and Liverpool, in the same township, the former on the Erie, and the latter on the Oswego canal, are thriving vil- lages, containing productive salt springs.
Skeneateles, in the town of the same name, is pleasantly situated at the foot of Skeneateles lake. Its site commands a fine view of the lake, for a distance of seven or eight miles. Its growth has not been rapid, but healthy, and it is one of the most flourishing villages of the county. Population, about 1500.
Manlius, in the town of the same name, is situated on the Cherry Valley turnpike. It has a flourishing incorporated acad- emy, several manufactories, and about 1200 inhabitants.
. dan, in the town of Elbridge, is situated on the Erie canal, and is engaged to some extent in manufactures. Population, about 1200.
Onondaga Hollow, in the town of Onondaga, is pleasantly situated on the great western turnpike, four miles south of Syra- cuse. The Onondaga academy located here, is an old and flourishing institution. Population, about 800.
About three miles south of the village is the Onondaga Indian reservation, where reside the remnant of that once powerful tribe. The legislature, in April, 1846, granted the sum of $300 for the erection of a school-house for the children belonging to this reservation, and a well conducted school is now maintained there.
Fayetteville, in the town of Manlius, has an incorporated academy, and is a thriving village. Population, 900.
Digitized by Google
12
i
1
1
XXI. TIOGA COUNTY.
Square miles; 500. Organized, 1794.
Population, 22,456. Valuation, 1845, $1,804,211.
9
4
5
3
C
b
1
2
7
d
8
TOWNS.
1. Owego, 1791.
2. Tioga, 1800.
3. Spencer, 1806.
4. Berkshire, 1808.
5. Candor, 1811.
6. Newark, 1823.
7. Barton, 1824.
8. Nichols, 1824.
9. Richford, 1833.
Rivers, &c. G. Susquehanna. a. West Owego Creek. b. East Owego. c. Cattotong. d. Cayuta.
Villages. OWEGO. Rushville.
BOUNDARIES. North by Tompkins and Cortland; East by Broome; South by the State of Pennsylvania; and West by Chemung and Tompkins counties.
Digitized by Google
6
255
TIOGA COUNTY.
BURSAOD. This, like the other counties bordering on the Pennsylvania line, is elevated. Apparently it was once level, but it is now cut into hills and valleys by the eastern branch of the Susquehanna, and its tributaries, which affords abundance of water for the convenience of the farmer, and in many in- stances, it may be used for manufacturing purposes. On either side of the Susquehanna, are lofty swells of heavy rolling land, yet the oreeks are frequently skirted with broad valleys.
RIVERS. The Susquehanna, having a south-west course through the southern part, and its branches the East and West Owego, Cattotong and Cayuta creeks, flowing southerly, are the principal streams of the county.
RAILROADS. The New York and Erie railroad will probably pass through the valley of the Susquehanna. The Ithaca and Owego railroad is already in operation, connecting the two villages whose name it bears.
CLIMATE. The county has a low temperature, owing to the elevation of its surface. It is regarded as healthy.
GEOLOGY AND MINERALS. This county lies wholly within the Chemung sandstone formation, except a small tract of the old red sandstone upon its southern border. .
Its minerals are few. Marl is found in the town of Spencer, which is burned for lime. There are several sulphur springs in the county.
SOIL AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS. The soil is mostly fertile, consisting of a light gravelly loam, with occasional patches of mari and clay. Grass succeeds better than grain in the high- lands, but the valleys yield large crops of wheat and corn, while the other crops thrive almost every where. White pine, hem- lock, spruce, oak, maple, and beech are the principal timbes, and have a dense growth. Maple sugar is produced in considerable quantities.
PURSUITS. Agriculture. The people are for the most part engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some grain is raised, and considerable attention paid to the products of the dairy.
Manufactures. The only manufactures of importance are those of lumber and flour.
Commerce. The products of the county find their way to market, by the Susquehanna river, and the Ithaca and Owego railroad.
STAPLE PRODUCTIONS. Oats, corn, potatoes, wheat and butter.
SCHOOLS. This county has 139 district schools, taught in 1846, an average period of eight months each, having 8291 scholars, and paying their teachers over $9,329. The school libraries contained, the same year, 12,744 volumes.
Digitized by Google
256
STATE OF NEW YORK.
It has nine private schools, with 294 pupils, and one academy, wich 125 stu- denta.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Methodists, Baptists, Congre- gationalists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. The entire number of churches is thirty-two, of clergyman, forty-two.
HISTORY. Tioga county was taken from Montgomery county in 1694. Its name signifies a point or promontory in the river, a junction of waters. It was the Seneca name for the Chemung river.
The towns of Richford, Berkshire and Newark were part of the tract known as the " Massachusetts ten townships," which were ceded to that state by New York.
Barton, Tioga, Owego, and Nichols, were granted by the state to military claimants. Considerable portions of these townships were sold at eighteen cents per acre.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.