Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 142

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

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Thomas White, from whom Whitesville, East Rodman, takes its name, came from Litchfield, N. Y., in 1802, and settled on Sandy Creek, in the eastern part of the town,

but removed West in 1810. Daniel Todd came from Connecticut the same year, and settled near White's. He cleared and occu- pied a farm, and in 1806 built a tannery. He was the father of 12 children, seven sons and five daughters, all of whom, with the excep- tion of one, lived to maturity. He was an exemplary member of the Methodist Church, and died in 1867.

Ebenezer Blackstone was an early settler in Whitesville. He was the father of four sons and two daughters.

William Dodge settled on lot 13, where he reared three sons, John, Chester and Sylves- ter. The latter was killed in 1851 by acci- dent. Reuben Smith was also an early set- tler, who built mills and otherwise added to the improvements of the town. Jesse Smith first settled in Rodman in 1804, but after- wards removed to Smithville. The same year Aaron Moody, Horace Townsend, Joseph Nichols, Arnold Stone, Nathan Whiteman, Avery Walsworth, Joseph Dana, Titus King, Leonard Farwell and others moved in. Jonathan Wyman came from New Hampshire, and settled on lot 12. He was the father of O. C. Wyman, who was at one time a member of the Legislature. The Utleys settled on lot 18. Jesse Wright, John Butterfield, Jacob Heath and Nathaniel Harrington were among those who owned large farms in this early day, and became prominent in the history of the town.

Nathaniel Harrington married a daughter of Judge Eliphalet Edmunds, of Adams, and was the father of nine children, several of whom still survive him, and among them are Eri, Harry and Franklin, all of them thrifty farmers and good citizens. Abel Cole be- came prominent in the history of the town, and was a member of the Legislature in 1818.

Simeon Hunt was one of the first settlersin the town of Rodman, having emigrated from Vermont in 1801. He, with others, endured many hardships incident to a new settlement, carrying his grain to Brownville on his back, a distance of 12 miles, that being the nearest grist-mill then accessible. He afterwards kept a tavern for many years. During the first ten years many settlers moved in, who cleared the land, built log-houses, erected saw and grist-mills, and otherwise added to the improvements. Among them were Ziba Buell, Jesse Wright, Darius Wood, Miles Ralph, Asa Cooley, John Fassett, Caleb Woodward and others. Jesse and Noah Merwin were also among the pioneer settlers. They came from Connecticut. Jesse died in 1862. Noah died in January, 1866. Two of his daughters still survive him.

Timothy Greenly, of Litchfield, N. Y., September 4, 1802, purchased 2,669 acres for $2.50 per acre. It lay in the southeastern portion of the town, and he soon after settled

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

on a part of his land. Moses, Jacob and Roger Washburn came to Rodman about 1820. They were prominent farmers and reared large families. Roger Washburn was the father of John Washburn, the present superintendent of the poor, and Levi Wash- burn, lately sheriff of the county.

It is a fact worthy to be recorded that the early settlers found in a small flat at the bottom of the gulf stream in this town, a luxuriant growth of medicinal herbs, such as were usually found around dwellings, and much used in families in early days, such as tansy, mint and balm, giving the impression that these lands had been occupied by a pre- historic race, whose medical plants had sur- vived while the very face of the country had been greatly changed by erosive action.

Major William Gardner, a Revolutionary patriot, and the great grandfather of Col. Shaw on his mother's side, is buried in the cemetery at Whitesville. He was a noted citizen 70 or more years ago in Pinckney and Rodman. At the battle of Sackets Harbor, in 1812, he was an active participant. Dur- ing the present year, 1894, Col. Shaw came into possession of an instrument formerly known as a "turnkey," used by Maj. Gardner in the Revolutionary war and subsequently for extracting teeth. This curious reminder of dental accessories of earlier days had been preserved in the Gardner family, and was presented to Col. Shaw by Mr. Giles Gard- ner, of Rodman, son of the late Job Gardner, who was a son of Major Gardner. The relic is highly prized, and will no doubt find a place among the historic articles of our Jef- ferson County Historical Society.

During the War of 1812, Rodman, like her sister towns, furnished a "Silver Grey " company of men not required to perform military duty. The alarm of the first attack on Sackets Harbor reached the town on the Sabbath day. It produced great excitement, and the following day the company was formed. Nathan Strong was chosen captain, Simeon Hunt, lieutenant, and Sheldon Hop- kins, ensign. It numbered 60 men.

Joseph Woodman came from the rugged hills of the Granite State. He was born March 5, 1785. He studied medicine, and was gradu- ated from the medical school of Fairfield, N. Y. Soon after the War of 1812 was declared he was appointed surgeon in a Schoharie regi- ment, which embarked at Schenectady, proceeding up the Mohawk as far as Utica, and marched overland to Sackets Har- bor, where they remained until the close of the war. During the battle of Sackets Har- bor he fought with his musket until his ser- vices were required among the wounded. He was a warm friend and companion of Capt. Richard Goodell, of Adams, and after re- ceiving their discharge, the two returned to the home of the latter in Adams. Dr. Wood- man afterwards settled in East Rodman, and commenced the practice of his profession. In 1816 he married Miss Sally Wright, by whom he had six children, five sons and one

daughter. In 1837 he removed with his family to Oakland, Michigan.

Aside from farming, saw-mills, grist-mills and distilleries erected along Sandy Creek were the chief industries ; but the manufac- ture of butter and cheese has since proved more remunerative.

Besides Whitesville there are several small villages in the town-Zoar, West Rodman and Tremaine's Corners, but Rodman village forms the principal business point. Entering the town from its western limit, one finds fertile and productive farms, on which are some of the finest residences in Jefferson coun- ty. Among them is that erected by Luman Loveland, situated on the south side of the road leading to Rodman village. The waters of Big Sandy Creek wind among the fertile fields and meadows in front of this home, and a view is also afforded of the road on the opposite side of the stream, beyond which rise the hills and woodlands that add a charm to this lovely view.

In midsummer and early autumn Sandy Creek is little more than rippling rivulets, dancing merrily in and out among the rocks and bowlders which form its bed, and one can often cross to the opposite side by stepping from one to another of the sun- dried rocks. But during a spring freshet, with the numerous tributaries at its source fed by the melting snows of winter, it be- comes a wild, rushing, turbid mass of waters, carrying destruction to whatever of life or property is encountered in its mad haste to mingle with the waters of old Ontario. Be- fore the art of bridge-building attained its present perfection, the inhabitants were often perplexed to avoid the frequent destruction of bridges, and many of the wooden ones which formerly spanned the stream have given place to permanent iron structures.

CHURCHES.

As near as can be determined, the Congre- gational Church of Rodman was formed by Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle, of Watertown, September 22, 1805, with the following mem- bers : Nathaniel Nichols, Daniel Coy, Reu- ben Tremaine, Laura Tremaine, Aaron Loomis, William Dodge, Lydia Dodge and Nathaniel Crook. Reuben Tremaine and Nathaniel Nichols were appointed deacons. In 1808 Rev. Daniel Spear was employed at a salary of $220. In 1809 he was installed, and continued as pastor of the church until 1865, a period of 57 years. No better tribute to his memory or his people can be written than that of his long pastorate. The rever- ential name of "Father Spear" was uni- versally accorded to him by all classes, and he is still held in loving remembrance. He died November 13, 1868, aged 88 years.

The old church was replaced by a new one in 1850, and was dedicated in March, 1851. It has been repaired, and is at present valued at $4,500. The last pastor was Rev. J. Mon- roe Lyon, who died November 8, 1894. The Sabbath-school superintendent is Ellis J.

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RODMAN.

Ryder. Membership of the church, 100. The Sunday-school has 85 scholars, 11 teach- ers and 15 officers. Members of Y. P. S. C. E., 45; Junior Endeavor, 30.

A BAPTIST CHURCH was formed and a house of worship erected at Zoar, in 1822, with Arnold Stone, Levi Heath and Elisha Cook, trustees.

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH of Rodman has a house of worship at both Rodman village and Whitesville. In 1829 the several classes in the town were organ- ized into a circuit. The first Methodist meeting in Rodman village was held in 1847, by Rev. Elisha Wheeler, in a school-house. The same year the frame of a church was erected. It was completed in 1849 and dedi- cated by Bishop Janes. The class consisted of John P. Billings, Alanson Kinney and wife, C. D. Moffitt and wife, James Brown and wife and Mrs. Thomas Field. The first Sunday-school was organized in 1847, with John P. Billings as superintendent. The first regular pastor was Rev. Alexander Er- win. The present house of worship, includ- ing grounds, is valued at about $4,000. It has been repaired, and in 1877 was re-dedica- ted by Bishop Peck. Its present membership is 75, with Rev. Henry Ernst as pastor. The Sabbath-school has 100 members, with Charles C. Vroman superintendent. Num- ber of teachers 10. The present building in Whitesville was erected in 1858, at a cost of $2,500. It is valued, with grounds, at $3,000.

SCHOOLS.

A seminary was built in Rodman in 1840, which received the name of "Rodman Fe- male Seminary." In 1841 a constitution was formed and 13 teachers chosen. Charles Brown was the first principal. He remained five years. Other principals were John Dun- lap and Professor Skinner. For several years the school was well attended and bore a good reputation, but it was afterwards discon- tinued and the building was occupied by the public school. By the terms of the deed the property reverted to the heirs of Nathan Strong. The original cost of the building was $1,200.

The different districts in the town comprise a good class of school houses, and, with the teachers employed, afford good educational opportunities.

CEMETERIES.

FAIRVIEW CEMETERY ASSOCIATION Was or- ganized August 9, 1863. It is beautifully located on lot 28, and contains three acres, inclosed by an iron fence. Pleasant drives, shade trees, flowering shrubs and other em- blems of loving remembrance are seen, and, with its handsome monuments, compares favorably with many beautiful cemeteries in Jefferson county.

One of the oldest burying places in the town is at the mouth of the Gulf Stream. It contains the remains of many of the early settlers, but it was found impracticable to

enlarge this ground, and Fairview was chosen. The old ground, however, is not neglected or allowed to fall into ruin, and it still presents an appearance of care and re- membrance for the loved and unforgotten resting within its borders. The entrance to these ancient grounds are particularly at- tractive to visitors.

THE VILLAGE OF RODMAN.

The village of Rodman contains about 400 inhabitants. During a recent visit the writer was impressed with the air of quiet content- ment that pervaded the entire length of its streets. Possibly the influence of an Indian summer day aided this impression, for the at- tractive homes, churches and other public buildings give evidence of a certain thrift and industry. The southern portion of the village presents a charming, picturesque ap- pearance, with its deep ravines, and sug- gests the idea that one need not seek some far away country to enjoy natural scenery. Perhaps more fertile and productive farms are nowhere found in Jefferson county than those which surround this village.

BUSINESS HOUSES OF RODMAN.

W. J. Wyman, general store and postoffice. Ernest Williams, grocery and meat market. James Charter, harness and shoe merchant.

Thomas McMichael & Co., dry goods and groceries.

A. C. Hughes, hardware merchant.

John P. Billings, dry goods and groceries. Theodore O'Shane, furniture and under- taking.

E. A. Cooley, jewelry and groceries.

M. G. Wilson, hotel.

Rodman Milling Company, O. R. Porter, manager.

H. L. Smith, M. D., physician.

Edmund Hughes and William Burnside, blacksmiths.

Martin P. Waite, saw and shingle-mill.

There are six cheese factories in town : Rodman village factory, M. G. Wilson, maker ; East Rodman, F. P. Dunway, maker ; Tremaine's Corners, A. D. Boyd, maker ; Miller Factory, A. Miller, maker; West Rodman, H. Heath, maker; North Rodman, W. F. Chidester, maker, and one butter fac- tory, Mrs. W. D. Fasset, maker.

The town has three postoffices-Rodman, East Rodman and Tremain's Corners.

The business houses of East Rodman are : Grimshaw & Moore, general merchants ; W. D. Waite, hotel, grist and saw-mill.

Among the prominent farmers are: S. S. Curtis, H. S. Dean, H. O. Curtis, George E. Dean, A. Brooks, A. P. Gardner, D. M. Todd & Sons, Ward Dodge, A. Stoddard, George D. Bibbins, O. D. Hill, Stephen Smith, Nelson Smith, Joshua Flanders, Geo. Butterfield, John Crandall, Joseph Brown, L. F. Spink, Ward Bibbins, John Edmunds, Ora Edmunds, Fred Ralph, Everett Plank, Eri Cooley, George Isham, C. C. Vroman, J. V. Cooley and Charles S. Gaige.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY

FAMILY SKETCHES.

WILLIAM H. MOFFETT and Charles D. Moffett were among the most prominent and honored residents of the old town of Rod- man. William H. came to Rodman about 1835, and engaged with William R. Han- ford in the mercantile business. After amassing a comfortable fortune he retired from business, but continued to live in Rod- man till his death, in 1873. He was a promi- nent member of the Congregational Church, and was much respected by the community. He was also a director in the National Union Bank, of Watertown, for many years. His son, Samuel A. Moffett, now resides in Chicago, Ill. His brother, Charles D., came to Rodman village in 1845. He carried on the harness and saddlery business for many years. He helped to organize the first Methodist Episcopal society in Rodman vil- lage, and was a prominent and leading mem- ber of the same all his life. He was many times elected justice of the peace, and had the confidence and respect of the whole com- munity. He moved to Watertown in 1872, where he resided with his son, John F. Mof- fett, until his death, in 1880. His wife died in the fall of 1894.

GEORGE GATES was born in 1787. He emigrated from Massachusetts in 1810, and located on the south side of Sandy Creek, near the western limit of the town of Rod- man. Here he resided for many years, and by industry and thrift amassed a large prop- erty, consisting of some of the most product- ive farms in the town, on which are two of the finest residences within the limits. Mr. Gates was the father of two sons, George and Simeon, who succeeded, together with two sisters, to their father's large estate-all of whom showed themselves equally compe- tent in business affairs. They have long been known as among the most prominent families in the town. George Gates died in 1871. His two sons, George and Simeon, have since died, the latter in 1894.

NATHAN STRONG came from Whitestown, N. Y., in 1810. He located in Rodman, where he continued to reside until his death. He served his town as justice of the peace, postmaster, supervisor, and, in 1832, was elected Member of Assembly. His son, Her- man Strong, was born in 1802. He was at one time sheriff of Jefferson county, and afterwards superintendent of the poor. He married Miss Mary Mckinstry, and was the father of four children, three sons and one daughter, Miss Elizabeth Strong, who be- came the wife of the late H. E. Conger, of Watertown. Mr. Strong's wife was Miss Sarah Ann Millard. He died in Watertown in 1876. Henry C. Strong, brother of Her- man, was born in 1820. He was a man greatly beloved by his neighbors and associ- ates for his kindness of heart and his gener- osity. Few men were more renowned for benevolence than he. He married Miss

Sarah Pettibone, and was the father of De- Witt, Marcus B., Harriet, Charles C., Orville and Nathan Strong. The latter was once the sheriff of Jefferson county. Miss S. Augusta Strong was the youngest of the family, and was married to the late Pierson Mundy, of Watertown. She survives her husband, and is the beloved and capable principal of the Arsenal street school, in Watertown.

CHARLES S. GAIGE is still living at the advanced age of 84 years. He has long been known as one of Rodman's most substantial and reliable citizens. He has been a life-long Democrat, ever true to his convictions. He is the owner of one of the finest and most productive farms in the town, and in the evening of life is beloved and respected by his many friends and acquaintances.

ORVILLE E. WINSLOW was born in Rod- man, where he has spent his entire life. By occupation he is a builder, and some of Rod- man's substantial buildings are identified with the work of his hands. He has no family, his wife having died several years ago. Although alone in his declining years, his naturally jovial disposition enables him to bear the inevitable vicissitudes of this life with comparative resignation.

WILLIAM R. HANFORD was born in Dela- ware county, N. Y., in 1812, and came to Rodman in 1825. He was one of 16 children, who all lived to attain maturity and marriage. Mr. Hanford traced his ancestry back to the Rev. Thomas Hanford, who came from Eng- land in 1640, settled in Norwalk, Conn., and preached to its people 40 years. William R. Hanford married Miss Elsie Elizabeth Utley, of Rodman. He was a merchant during all his business life, and was engaged in mer- chandise when the first shot was fired upon Sumter-a shot whose echoes went round the world and roused the North to an unprece- dented degree of angry remonstrance. That shot sounded the knell of slavery in America, though it required two years of warfare to elicit Lincoln's proclamation of freedom. Mr. Hanford raised Company A, of the 94th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, and with it went to the field. While in service near Washington, he was promoted to be major, and held that position during his entire service with the regi- ment. His health failing he was obliged to resign his position, and on restoration to com- parative strength he resumed his business in trade. He is probably best remembered in Rodman on account of his connection with the Congregational church, of which he was a consistent and honored member for many years. He was the father of George R. Han- ford, for many years a merchant of Water- town, who was his only descendant. George R. married Miss Anna Wood, of Watertown, a niece of General Joseph Hooker, whose rec- ord in the War of the Rebellion is still fresh in the memory of his countrymen.

675

RUTLAND.

WHILE conversing lately with Mr. John Felt, the veteran descendant of that John Felt, was among those who came to Felts Mills after the very earliest ones had passed on to a more remote section, the author was informed by Miss Felt that her brother Oliver and Mr. Elijah Graves, the school- teacher, had at one time prepared an address, which was read at a Grange meeting, and purported to give a history of the early settlement of Rutland. That address was given in manuscript to Mrs. Ida A. Wheeler, a daughter of Mr. Graves, and she has kindly loaned it to the author of this History. It is a valuable contribution, and we have made liberal use of it in what follows :

The town of Rutland, embracing its pres- ent limits, was early known as Township No. 3, of the Black River Tract, and was set off from Watertown, April 1, 1802. The name of the town was selected at a meeting held for the purpose, and was suggested by settlers from Rutland, in Vermont. The first town meeting held within the limits of Jefferson county, was organized at the house of Asher Miller, near Rutland Centre, March 14, 1800. The records of the town of Watertown previous to 1805 having been burned, we have no list of the officers elected at that meeting.

The first town meeting for Rutland after being set off, was held at the house of David Coffeen, and adjourned to the house of Levi Butterfield, on Tuesday, March 7, 1803. The following officers were chosen, viz: Henry Coffeen, supervisor ; Jacob A. Williams, town clerk; Levi Heath, Solomon Thompson and Gershom Tuttle, assessors; Benjamin Eddy, constable and collector; Levi Butter- field and Wolcott Hubbel, overseers of the poor; Levi Butterfield and Daniel Eames, pound-masters ; Clift French, Dr. Phillips and Peter Cook, fence-viewers; Levi Heath, Thomas Duntin, Frederick Tyler, Stephen Comins, John E. Howard, Stephen Ellis, Richmond Howland, Isaiah Babcock, Nathan- iel Welch, Wolcott Hubbel, Thomas Lee and Chandler Maltby, path-masters.

Previous to 1830, justices of the peace were appointed by the Governor and coun- cil. We have not been able to ascertain who first received appointments, but among those who served as justices were : Zelotes Harvey, Daniel Eames, Perley Keyes, Ethel Bronson, Archibald Clark, Joseph Graves, Levi Hale and Merrill Coburn.

At a special town meeting, held at the house of Jonathan Porter, July 5, 1813, the following school officers were elected : Wm. Brown, Jonathan Smiley and Abel Doolittle, commissioners of common schools, in place of Ethel Bronson, Amos Stebbins, Judah Williams ; and Isaiah Massey, Timothy Tamblin, Obed Weeks, Ethel Bronson and Mr. Robert Middleton were elected inspec- tors of common schools. In 1806, at the

annual town meeting, Ethel Bronson was elected supervisor, but at his request ex- cused, and Perley Keyes was elected to fill his place.

There does not appear to have been any action taken by the town at their annual meetings, during the War of 1812, with reference to drafting or enlisting men, but many volunteers and drafted men from the town served in the army of 1812-13. A com- pany of Silver Grays, consisting of men exempt from military duty, was organized under Captain Timothy Tamblin, with Levi Butterfield, lieutenant. They were at Sack- ets Harbor several weeks, and erected near the site of Madison Barracks a defence which was named " Fort Volunteer."

We find the records obtained from the town clerk's office very imperfect with re- spect to the men furnished and moneys paid by the town on account of the late Rebel- lion. On the record book we find 180 names of men enlisted ; how many others were fur- nished we have been unable to ascertain. On the 5th of November, 1863, the auditing board of the town of Rutland authorized the supervisor to raise the sum of $2,075 for war purposes. At a meeting of the citizens of Rutland (held December 19, 1864), called for the purpose of taking means to furnish the required quota of men, Asa Clark, M. L. Graves, A. C. Middleton, J. R. Howard, William P. Ball, J. C. Hardy and J. S. Campbell were appointed a committee to devise a way to raise a fund to be used to encourage enlistments. Through Asa Clark, Esq., chairman of the committee, they recom- mended the raising of money by a note for $8,400. The meeting approved the report. At the annual town meeting, held February 16, 1864, a resolution was passed to borrow an amount sufficient to pay each volunteer or drafted man unable to procure a substi- tute, $300. Similar action on the next call for soldiers was taken at a special meeting, April 2, 1864. At a special meeting, held June 18, 1864, resolutions were passed to issue town bonds for a sufficient amount to pay each man mustered into the service of the United States, and credited to the town on the last call for men, the sum of $300.

At a subsequent special meeting. August 17, 1864, among others the follo ving resolu- tion was passed : 1st-That any substitute mustered into service to the credit of the town of Rutland since the 18th day of June, 1864, to apply on our present quota, should receive the sum of $200 as additional bounty. 2d. That our board of town auditors are hereby authorized to order the payment of $700 as such additional bounty, in addition to that authorized June 18, as may be neces- sary to fill our town quota under the present call.

According to the most reliable information we can obtain, Asher Miller, Henderson's

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

agent, was the first settler in the town, in July, 1799. Most of those who purchased lands in that year came on early the next spring. Many who purchased in 1800 settled the same year. [For a full account of the improvements upon Black river, see bio- graphical sketch of John Felt.]

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 142

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