Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 136

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094

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In 1807, John Wilkes, who owned 8,000 acres of the tract, visited it, and it is believed that he was the first of the owners who ever traversed it ; but, unused to forest life, he re- turned disgusted, and for several years there was no resident agent. In process of time, and after much expensive litigation, John LaFarge, of the firm of Russell and LaFarge, Havre, who had become a large purchaser of these lands, succeeded in establishing his claim, and from that time settlers took claims and made payments with some con- fidence. The first agent for LaFarge was John W. McNett, who came in 1820, and during the same year, Joseph L. Buskirk and family, James C. McNett, Henry S. and Josiah L. Nash, his son. Previous to this, the permanent settlers of whom we have any reliable account, were Jonas Everett, Brain- ard Everett, Isaac Niles, James Gloyd, Ebenezer Eddy and Leonard Baldwin; these came in 1817. In 1819, Peter Rhines, Stephen Scovil, Ebenezer and Hamilton Scovil were the chief settlers. R. T. Jerome came in 1823, and during that year, or it may be a year or two later, came Joseph Rhoades, Adolph Pickard, John Monk, Moses Lyman, James Rixford, Nicholas Smith, Thomas Barrett, Caleb Willis, Morris Contreman and William Collins. All these were Revolution- ary soldiers. Other early settlers were M. S. Tanner, Henry Heyl, John Tallman, Wm. Whaley, Peter Folts, Lyman Britton, and his sons, George and Otis, Thomas and Abner Evans, Nathan Holloway and David Gregg.

SUPERVISORS.

1822-23, Amos Reed; 1824-26, Wm. H. Angel; 1827, Woodbridge C. George; 1828, Jesse S. Woodward; (Four years could not be procured). 1833, Chesterfield Parsons, at a special meeting ; 1834, Wm. Martin; 1835, Peter Dillenback; 1836, C. Parsons; 1837, Daniel C. Rouse; 1838-39, John B. Collins ; 1840, C. Parsons ; 1841, Peter P. Folts ; 1842, James Green; 1843, Edmund M. Eldridge; 1844, Abram J. Smith ; 1845, Loren Bush- nell; 1846, A. J. Smith; 1847, D. C. Rouse ; 1848-49, John N. Rottiers ; 1850-53, Hiram Dewey. For a continuation of this list, from 1854 to 1894, see pp. 337-344.

The first village site selected was two miles south of LaFargeville, and named Rixford's Corners, after Sabin Rixford, who squatted there in 1817. A man by the name

of Morton built a store there in 1818, and a distillery and ashery were erected shortly after. It was here that the general business of the town was transacted, but in 1825 the store was burned, and with it the town records up to that time were destroyed.

The most noted and historic landmark in the town of Orleans is the old LaFarge man- sion, a mile south of the village. In its day this was a very elaborate structure, in its general appearance much like the chateaux erected by all of the wealthy French settlers in Jefferson and Lewis counties ; notably those built by LeRay at Cape Vincent and LeRaysville. The dwelling was richly fur- nished throughout, and the great land-hold- ing merchant of Harve occupied it in prince- ly style, entertaining royally-whenenever he could get any one to entertain. It is notori- ous, however, that the distinguished French- men, who settled in Cape Vincent, were not on terms of intimacy with LaFarge, nor was he numbered among the distinguished guests who from time to time assembled at the Le- Ray mansion or the chateau of Joseph Bona- parte. Whether it was a difference political- ly or socially, the writer does not pretend to say. Most likely the fact that LaFarge had made his wealth in merchandise was the rea- son why he was not numbered with the elite. The grounds around the mansion were tastefully laid out and walled with cut stone, the whole demesne being arranged regardless of expense. In 1838 the mansion and farm were purchased by Bishop Hughes, and a Catholic Seminary-"St. Vincent de Paul " -was opened under the supervision of Rev. Francis Guth and several assistants. It was intended as a "theological seminary" and a " classical boarding school," but after a trial of two and a half years it was discontinued. To-day the old mansion is fast crumbling to ruins. The rooms were long ago stripped of their elegant adornments, and nights of was- sail and wine drinking with boon companions and femmes de joie, have forever ceased within its halls. Some of the elaborate walls have fallen down, and an air of general decay pervades the ancient domain.

In 1840 LaFarge removed to New York, leaving Dr. John Binsse, of Watertown, his agent. He became extensively involved in various heavy financial operations, and was agent for Louis Phillippe after his dethrone- ment, and was his factor in investing funds in American stocks.

OMAR is a pleasant hamlet on Mullin Creek, about a mile and a half from its mouth. It was at one time known as "Mudge's Mills," from the fact that William and Treat Mudge erected the first grist and saw-mill there, in 1820. The first store was opened by Trues- dell & Stockholm in 1831. W. A. Gould now operates a general store and is postmaster. M. D. Knight is proprietor of the hotel.

STONE MILLS was at an early day quite a business point. It was at first known as "Collins' Mills," taking its name from the Collins family, who settled there at an early

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day. It is within the boundaries of Penet Square, and squatters settled there as early as 1806. The first of those was Robert Frazier, and then Peter Pratt. Then came Samuel and David Ellis, Benajah and Merchant Carter and Robert Bruner. In 1813 a young man was shot and mortally wounded here, under the supposition that he was a spy, but he proved to be a deserter from Sackets Har- bor. A small stone grist-mill was built here in 1820 by J. B. Collins and Peter Pratt, and in 1838 a stone school house was built. At this writing John Irvin and M. F. Baxter have general stores, and there are two churches, two blacksmith shops, a saw and grist-mill and a good school.

FISHER'S LANDING, on the main land oppo- site Thousand Island Park, is at the mouth of Mullet Creek and was at one time a place of considerable resort. Wagner Bros. have a general store there at present.

ORLEANS CORNERS is a hamlet on the U. & B. R. R. Robert Peacock runs the LaFarge House, and E. T. Sargent and F. C. Timmer- man have general stores. There is a Lutheran church there.

VILLAGE OF LA FARGEVILLE.

LaFargeville has now a population of be- tween 400 and 500 inhabitants. It is on the Clayton branch of the Utica & Black River railway, seven miles from Clayton, seven miles from Depauville, six miles from Stone Mills, 12 miles from Alexandria Bay and 18 miles from Watertown.

It has largely increased in wealth and busi- ness importance during the past few years.

The first settlement was made at LaFarge- ville by Dr. Reuben Andrus, of Vermont, who built a log mill on Catfish creek within the limits of the present village. The site of the old log mill is readily pointed out to this day, and it gave its name to the village which was long known as "Log Mills." In fact the name clung to it long after the name LaFargeville was adopted, July 4, 1823. Dr. Andrus erected a log house in 1819, and in 1820 Woodbridge C. George opened the first store. In 1823 Horace Cook built the first frame house. The first tavern was built of logs by Alvah Goodwin, in 1820, and the first school-house was built in 1821. In 1825 William Larrabee built a grist-mill for La- Farge, which is a veritable landmark of early days.

Various attempts have been made to estab- lish educational institutions at LaFargeville, but without permanent success. A building was erected in 1851 for the purposes of an academy, but after a struggle for support, which never came, the building and lot were sold to the Methodists for a house of worship. LaFargeville, however, has an excellent school, with an average of 80 pupils, of which Prof. W. S. Herrick is the principal, and Miss Anna Tuft the teacher in the pri- mary department. The school stands high deservedly, and meets with the unqualified approbation of the citizens.

SOCIETIES.

LAFARGEVILLE LODGE, No. 171, F. & A. M .- This lodge was chartered June 21, 1850, as Stone Mills Lodge. Its first officers were : John C. Young, W. M .; James Green, S. W .; Allen Dean, J. W., and it was located at Stone Mills until February, 1867, when it was removed to LaFargeville and the name changed as above. It presents officers are : W. M., Charles H. Ford; S. W., L. S. Strough ; J. W., H. O. Rood ; Secretary, W. H. Walrath ; Treasurer, Geo. Eckert ; S. D. M. J. Jerome ; J. D., Fred Haller ; M., E. J. Wright ; Tiler, B. S. Wilder ; Sen. M. C., D. H. Lingenfelter ; Jun. M. C., J. H. Snyder. The Lodge is flourishing.

FORESTERS .- Court Penet, No. 1180. This court was organized October 8, 1894, and is in a good condition. Its officers are : C. R., W. A. Irvin ; P. C. R., Fred Marshall ; V. C. R., Will Potter ; C. D., E. A. Tallman ; S. B., A. D. Getman; J. B., Fred Mitchell ; Sen. W., B. Dickerson ; Jun. W., Frank Mitchell ; Secretary, E. A. Tucker ; R. S., S. N. Hoyt ; Chap., D. A. Lingenfelter. The court has a membership of 50.

CHURCHES.

Of these there have been several organiza- tions which are no longer in existence. Among these was the First Presbyterian, or- ganized early in 1823, by Rev. William Bliss. A church edifice was erected in 1840, at a cost of $3,000, but eight years after, the society became a "United Presbyterian and Congregational Society," and finally ceased to exist in 1861. The building finally passed into the hands of the Protestant Methodists.

In 1821 the First Baptist Church of La- Fargeville was formed at the house of Thomas Evans, on September 9th. The First Baptist Society was formed June 11, 1836, and a church edifice erected in 1837. The church and Sabbath-school are now in a prosperous condition. Rev. Mr. Baldwin, of Clayton, is the pastor.

A METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Was formed at LaFargeville September 14, 1833, and a society organized Sept. 14, 1852. A society of the same denomination was organ- ized at Omar in 1849. The societies of Omar, LaFargeville and the "Block" united and formed a circuit, and in 1872-73 the house of worship at LaFargeville was remodeled and re-dedicated. The society at LaFargeville has now a good membership, with a prosper- ous Sabbath-school and societies, and an able pastor in the person of Rev. Mr. Phelps.

In 1839 Lutheran societies were organized at Perch River and Stone Mills, and also at Orleans Corners. The church edifice which was erected at Stone Mills in 1837 was a Union church, being the property, in equal proportions, of the Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans and Christians. The settlers of the town of Orleans gave early attention to the subject of religion, as the numerous church societies which once existed, and those which are yet in existence, amply demon-

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strate. A Protestant Methodist Church was organized in LaFargeville in 1869, and in 1872 the society purchased the Union Church building, and later erected a neat parsonage. The society is not large, but is in a flourishing condition. Rev. M. L. Baker is the pastor.

ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH at La- Fargeville, was organized in January, 1868. The first Episcopal services ever known to have taken place in the town of Orleans, was on November 13, 1856, in the Lutheran church at Orleans Corners, at which time the holy communion was administered to Mar- garet P. Hines. The society has now a pleasant church edifice in the village, and is in a healthy condition. Rev. Mr. Kenyon is pastor.

ST. JOHN'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH at LaFargeville is a small but neat edifice, sufficient for the needs of the congregation. There has been a Roman Catholic society here for many years. the services performed by priests from Watertown or elsewhere.

HOTELS.

Of these LaFargeville has two. The old hotel, a stone building known as the Orleans House, was built by LaFarge, as near as can be ascertained, about 1828, on the very site of the first log-house ever erected in LaFarge- ville. It was his residence and land office until his mansion was completed. For many years it was the prominent hotel of the place, and indeed of the country around. It has borne a fair reputation as a hostelry.

The Victor is a new candidate for public favor, recently erected and not yet finished. In this house everything is new, well ar- ranged with all the modern improvements, and when everything is finished according to the designs and plans of its owner and build- er, it will he really an ornament to the vil- lage.

BUSINESS OF LA FARGEVILLE.

L. L. Jerome, grist-mill.

Walter Loucks, saw-mill and lumber.

W. H. Walrath, hardware and general store.

A. B. Beardsley, dry goods.

H. W. Eabler, jeweler.

J. H. Snyder, tinner.

Haller & Jones, pianos and organs.

Haller, Jones & Bailey, marble works.

W. J. Hyer & Co., general store.

D. H. Lingenfelter, wagon shop.

D. S. Wilder, blacksmithing.

L. Hogan, livery stable.

E. A. Hartman, livery stable.

F. A. Hoyt, furniture and undertaker.

C. B. Hill, meat market and general store.

C. L. Jones and H. B. Potter, physicians and surgeons.

Mrs. Walrath and Mrs. Bushnell, millinery. W. F. Ford, attorney at law.

Daniel Delancy, dry goods and carpets.

Wright & Snell, general store.

W. G. Ford, store and meat market.

B. J. & L. Strough and E. J. Tolman, grain, hay, etc.

Fred Schair, boots and shoes.

H. L. Krebbs, boots and shoes.

B. W. Dickinson, general store. Robert Blevins and W. F. Brougham, blacksmiths.

Mrs. H. J. Kilborn and Miss Chapman, dressmaking.

Geo. L. Lamson, photographer.

C. M. Green, Station Agent.

THOUSAND ISLAND PARK .- This great summer resort, on the head of Wellsley Island, is within the limits of the town of Orleans. It embraces a thousand acres of land, regularly laid out into streets and avenues, divided into lots, and covered with cottages from a few hundred to thousands of dollars in value. The Park was originally intended for an international camp-meeting ground, solely for religious purposes. Gradu- ally, however, that idea has been partially lost sight of, and now it is one of the widest known and best patronized summer resorts in the United States. It has a fine hotel, is lighted with electricity, has a fine system of waterworks, a postoffice, stores, shops, offi- ces, boarding-houses, and is in reality a summer city, with all the modern improve- ments. Steamers touch at its wharf almost every hour in the day, telegraph and tele- phone do their work in conveying messages. The great tabernacle, with its seats for thousands, has been the scene of many great lecture triumphs, scientific symposiums and musical gatherings throughout the season. These combinations make this one of the most desirable summer retreats in the whole world. Add to these the purity of both air and water, the magnificent scenery of the islands, the splendid fishing, and other at- tractions too numerous to mention, and the public has a combination unequaled else- where. The Park is under the charge of an incorporated Association, and the immediate management in the hands of a board of trustees. To Rev. J. F. Dayan, of Water- town, now a superannuated Methodist minis- ter, belongs the credit for the first inception of this grand scheme, and to his energy and ability for many years is due much of its success.

GRAND VIEW PARK, quite ar important summer resort, is located in Orleans, on the northwestern point of Wellsley Island. This, with many other localities in the town, share proportionately in the great amount of pro- fits derived from the summer travel to the St. Lawrence river-a travel which increases each year in importance and volume .- Fash- ion having decreed, for the past few years, that the St. Lawrence archipelago was the proper thing "to do " by her votaries. She is a fickle goddess, but it is not always that her behests are so reasonable as when she commands her subjects to visit this health- giving region.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

BYRON J. STROUGH, the supervisor from Orleans, was born in Theresa in 1844, the son of Samuel W. and Emeline (Tallman) Strough. Samuel W. Strough came into Theresa with his parents when an infant of three years. He grew up on the farm where his parents, Daniel and Anna (Wis- well) Strough, ultimately settled, near Rap- pole's Corners, now known as Strough's Crossing. Samuel W. was killed by light- ning, and his sudden death will long be re- membered in that vicinity, for he was a man of affairs, active as a citizen, respected by all, and exemplary as the head of a family. He left four children, three boys and a daughter. Byron J., one of these boys, and the subject of this sketch, received his education primarily in the common school, completing his scholastic education in Mr. Goodnough's Theresa High School. Mr. Strough began teaching as soon as he left the Academy, and continued as an instructor of youth for 28 consecutive terms. In 1866 he received a State certificate, an honor not accorded to every applicant. In 1882 he commenced mercantile business at LaFarge- ville, and after the completion of the railroad the firm of B. J. & L. S. Strough abandoned merchandise, and began to buy and ship hay and grain. They are now the largest ship- pers of hay and grain of any firm in Jeffer- son county. In 1886 he was elected super- visor of the town of Orleans, and has been continuously retained a member of the board, now serving his ninth term. In 1867 he married L. Marie Ford, daughter of Rev. L. P. Ford, of the Baptist Church. Mr. Strough has been for 22 years in business at LaFargeville, and has met with unusual suc- cess in all he has undertaken. He has been a progressive, enterprising and honorable citizen-himself and his brother enjoying the entire respect of the community in which they reside. Upon the board of supervisors he is authority in matters relating to legisla- tion, for no man has given more critical ex- amination to the subject of town and county government than Mr. Strough. Possessed of a good share of this world's goods, his posi- tion in society is an enviable one. Indeed, the writer knows of no man in Jefferson county whose individual record as a man is superior to that of Mr. Strough.

ANDREW B. BEARDSLEY is a son of John N. Beardsley, one of the pioneers of Orleans, who located at Omar in 1822, and helped to build the first mill and dam on Mullet creek. Andrew B. married Miss Grace Richard, of Chicago, and is one of LaFargeville's pros- perous merchants.

HALSEY ELLIS was one of the early settlers of Orleans, coming to the town in 1825. He married Miss Sylvia Graves, of Orleans. They had nine children. A daughter, Har- riet S., married Brayton E. Avery of Stone Mills.

HIRAM P. MOORE is the eldest son of John Moore, of Elizabethtown, Canada. He came to Orleans in 1837, and located on Wellesley Island, where he helped to clear a thousand acres of land before was 13 years of age. He married Miss Esther E. Brady, by whom he had 15 children. Mr. Moore is the oldest living resident of Wellesley Island.

WAYLAND F. FORD is the eldest son of Rev. Lewis T. Ford, who was born in Eaton, Madison county, in 1809, and in time gradua- ted at Madison University, studied theology and entered the ministry. He married Miss Arminda Stetson, of Cooperstown, by whom he had six children-Wayland F., Marie E., William G. and Charles H. Wayland F. was born in LaFargeville, June 26, 1838, during the incumbency of his father as pastor of the First Baptist Church, and was one of the first students in the short-lived Orleans Academy, where he prepared for college, going thence to Madison University. In 1856 he began the study of law, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1861, beginning practice at LaFargeville the same year. In October he enlisted in the 94th N. Y. Infantry, and in March, 1862, was promoted to second lieuten- ant of Company E, and was discharged by reason of its consolidation with the 105th Infantry. In May, 1863, he enlisted in Troop M, 20th N. Y., Cavalry, and was promoted to first lieutenant of Troop D, September 4, 1863, and to be captain of the same troop October 13, 1863. He was discharged with the regiment July 31, 1865, and resumed the practice of law at LaFargeville. In 1866 he married Miss Maria Cline, of Three Mile Bay. Captain Ford has built up an extensive prac- tice, as a result of careful attention to the in- terests of his clients, coupled with a thorough knowledge of his profession. His sister, Marie E., is the wife of Byron J. Strough, of LaFargeville.

FRED. W. BALTZ is one of the enterprising farmers of Orleans. He is a son of George Baltz, who was a native of Hesse Darm- stadt, Germany, and who came to Orleans in 1840. Fred W. enlisted at the age of 15, and served until the close of the war. For 16 years he was a sailor. He married Miss Esther Spalsbury, of Alexandria.

HENRY D. KLOCK, another of Orleans' solid farmers, is a son of Adam Klock, and grandson of Jacob A. Klock, who came to Orleans from Herkimer in 1846. He married Miss Maggie Hagan, of Alexandria, and re- sides on the old homestead near Orleans Cor- ners.

EDMUND NUGENT is a son of M. and Mary Nugent, who came from County Clare, Ireland to the United States in 1851. Edmund was born in Cahar, County Clare, in 1836, and came to the United States in 1855. He enlisted in Company H, 1st N. Y. Light Artillery, Octo- ber 7, 1861, and was promoted to sergeant. He participated in 17 battles, and was badly

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hurt near Alexandria, Va., by his horse fall- ing upon him. He was honorably discharged October 16, 1864. He is a charter member of Geo. W. Flower Post, No. 306, G. A. R., of Theresa. In 1867 he married Miss Eleanor Graham, of Orleans Four Corners. In 1877 he purchased the Graham homestead.

NELSON GOODRICH is one of the pioneers of Orleans. His father, Bailey Goodrich, came originally from Massachusetts, first to Turin, Lewis county, thence to Denmark, in the same county, and then to Orleans in 1819. Nelson was born in Denmark in 1816. He was educated in the common schools, with the addition of three terms of high school in- struction. In 1838 he married Miss Catharine Snell, of Theresa.

ROSWELL W. GATES is a son of Samuel W. Gates, who came to Orleans in 1838. Young Roswell attended the district schools until he was 16, and then entered the Brownville High School, and thence attended the Hun- gerford Collegiate Institute at Adams. In 1869 he married Miss Eliza A. Zeran, of Or- leans, by whom he has raised a pleasant family. Mr. Gates is now proprietor of the Orleans House, LaFargeville.

HENRY A. HARMAN is a son of Milton Har- man, who came from Pawlet, Vt., to Oswego in 1816. He was a commissioned officer in the War of 1812. Henry A. enlisted in Troop A, 12th N. Y. Cavalry, in 1862. He was taken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C., April 20, 1864, and sent to Andersonville ; from there he was removed to Millen, Savannah, Black- shire and Thomasville, in Georgia; thence to Charleston, S. C., Selma, Ala., and Meriden, Miss. He was paroled at Big Black River camp, near Vicksburg, March 31, 1865. In 1867 he was married to Miss Elizabeth W. Rottier, of LaFargeville.

SPENCER PAYNE is a son of Wm. Payne, of .Pamelia, and is a prosperous farmer of Orleans. At the age of 20 he married Miss Fidelia Shimmel, of LeRay, by whom he had two sons. In 1868 he married, for his second wife, Miss Mary Garner, of Orleans, and they have one son. They reside near the old homestead.

JOSEPH RASBACH, JR., was born in Man- heim, Herkimer county, in 1827, and came to Orleans Four Corners with his parents at eight years of age. He worked on his father's farm and attended the common school until he was 18 years of age. At the age of 21 he married Miss Sallie Van Brack- lin, the union being blessed with a family of three sons and four daughters. Mr. Rasbach, in addition to being a thorough farmer, is also an ordained minister of the Lutheran Evangelical Church, and a member of the Franklin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

GRANDISON C. TIMMERMAN is a son of Henry F. Timmerman, who came from Man- heim, Herkimer county, to Orleans in 1834. He received a good common-school educa- tion, while engaged in farm work and cheese-making. In 1869 he married Miss Maria A. Hilliker, of Dexter. Mr. Timmer-

man was appointed postmaster at Orleans Four Corners in 1885, and is now a prosper- ous merchant at that place.

JUSTIN GRAY, son of Adam Gray and Sally (Fults) Gray, is a well-to-do farmer of Or- leans, residing on the old homestead, a part of which has been in possession of the family for quite 70 years. He married Miss Carrie Timmerman, of Orleans, in 1886.

GEORGE W. GOULD was one of the first settlers of the town of Orleans. He came from Pamelia in 1840 and engaged in farm- ing. He was one of a family of five sons and five daughters, and at the age of 88 is a remarkably bright and intelligent gentleman. He has long since retired from farming. He married Mary C. Mckinley. His son, Wm. N., is the only merchant in the village of Omar, and has held the office of postmaster for the past four years. William married Miss Emma Kilburn, a daughter of John Kilburn of Omar, and they have one daugh- ter, Addie S. Gould, a school-teacher.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 136

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823- Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094