Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 83

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

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engaged in different enterprises, and is re- membered as a most efficient and valuable citizen. The early life of Peter Doxtater, the father, was somewhat eventful. During the French and Indian wars he was taken prisoner by the Indians, when he was about 4 years of age. The settlers having become alarmed at the approach of the Indian hordes, fled with their children to a block house or fortress for safety, and while returning to secure their provisions, skulking Indians stole their children. It is said that when the mother of Mr. Doxtater learned the fate of her child, her agony was so intense that she wrung her hands until the joints of her fingers became dislocated. The children were neither scalped or burned, nor were they un- kindly treated. Mr. Doxtater remained among them until, he learned their habits and their modes of warfare, forgetting his native tongue. After the close of the war, the chil- dren were redeemed and returned to their parents. Mr. Doxtater afterwards served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his knowledge of Indian warfare caused a bounty to be offered for his re-capture. The old man was fond of relating the incident of being one day in a field fettering a colt. As he stooped to adjust the fetter he espied an Indian lurking in the bushes near by, cautiously watching for an opportunity to pounce upon his coveted prey. With won- derful presence of mind, Mr. Doxtater, while appearing to be still engaged in securing the feet of the horse, unclasped the fetters, and springing upon the back of the fleet animal, made his escape, while arrows from the In- dian's bow went whizzing past his head. Mr. Doxtater spent the rest of his life upon his farm in Adams. He died in 1842 at the ad- vanced age of 92 years, and his remains are buried in Rural Cemetery.

Remnants of an Indian tribe sometimes camped near the early settlement, and here they wrought with beads their deerskin moccasins, wove their baskets, and manufac- tured their brooms of splint, which they ex- changed in trade with the settlers for articles of use or fancy, seldom neglecting to procure an abundant supply of "fire-water," of which the squaws as well as their braves were ex- cessively fond.

The wife of a country "tavern keeper " was one day alone when several Indians with their squaws came to replenish their stores. She tried to disguise her fear, and told them she was unable to draw liquor, and they must wait until her husband came in from the barn. It was not long before he rode up to the door, proving that he had not been at his barn. They were quick to discover the little ruse, and as the squaws exchanged knowing glances they said one to the other "she 'fraid, she lie."

The writer gleans the following facts from Miss Laura Bassett's "Leaves from Memory," published in the Adams Journal :

"In June, 1804, Nathaniel Warriner. with his family came from Granville, Washington county, N. Y., to Smith's Mills, Jefferson county. Two sons had preceded them and

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

had taken up land on what is now known as Wright street, which was afterwards for many years owned and occupied by Jesse Hale. There they cleared land and erected a log house for the reception of the family. At that time it was one dense forest from the cor- ner of Church and Main streets to Rodman, and only a foot-path with marked trees guided the traveller. A thick cedar swamp extended from the hill where the Institute now stands to the creek.

In the fall of 1804 Titus Bassett came from Granville, and in 1805 married a daughter of Nathaniel Warriner. He was a hatter by trade and for many years Bassett's hats sup- plied the wants of the surrounding country. He is remembered as an estimable citizen. Mrs. Bassett lived to the age of 93 and died in 1880, having resided in Adams since 1805.

During these early days there was no store or grocery of any description and people went often on foot to Sackets Harbor and brought home supplies on their backs.

Before a mill was in operation some of the inhabitants clubbed together and sent to Her- kimer for flour, paying $19 per barrel and $3 to bring it home. After sufficient land was cleared so that corn could be raised, the tops of hard wood stumps were hollowed, and corn reduced to meal by pounding in these hollows. The only fruits were thorn apples and wild grapes Major Barney once sent to Herkimer for cider and apples, and with "nut-cakes" gave an entertainment to his neighbors.

The log houses werc built with one room with an immense chimney in the center, in which was a capacious fire place. These social gatherings combined labor with pleas- ure and consisted in picking bees and quilt- ings. When these were given, the wool must all be picked or the bed quilts completed be- fore supper, and in the evening the boys were invited to participate in the gayties which con- sisted of "Wink 'em slyly" "Button, Button." "Green grows the rushes O, kiss her quick and let her go," and various other games.

A Masonic lodge was organized at an early day in Adams village, and a large building was constructed for its accomodation. A large concourse of people attended the ccre- monies at the laying of the corner stone, find- ing seats upon the saw logs in an adjacent mill yard. The building is still standing. The original placc of burial was a portion of the Presbyterian church lot on the west. Later, land was purchased on the opposite side of the creek, which now forms a portion of Rural Cemetery."

In 1801, Westwood Wright, accompanied by two of his brothers, Moses and Carmi, with their families, cmigrated from Deerfield, Mass., and settled in the town of Adams. Westwood had four sons, Elijah, David, Harry and Stephen, all of whom married and settled in and near Adams village, spending their long lives there, and their remains lie buried in Rural Cemetery. The people emi- grating from Massachusetts, had nearly all been educated in the Presbyterian faith, and for many years their Sabbath commenced

with the setting of the sun on Saturday even- ing. Gradually the custom came into disuse, and the Sabbath commenced, as now, on the first day of the week.

The family of Westwood Wright were somewhat remarkable for longevity. There were four sons and two daughters, and when the youngest had attained the age of 63, all of the six were still living. The portraits of the four brothers and two sisters are to be seen on the walls of Memorial Hall, in Deer- field, Mass., the birthplace of the family. Elijah, the eldest son, was captain of a com- pany in the war of 1812, and he led it to the defence of Sackets Harbor.

Stephen Wright, the youngest son, suc- ceeded to the original farm, which is still owned by his son, Edwin. Harry lived and died on his farm, near Lisk's Bridge, and his last remaining son, Wendell Wright, died re- cently in Kansas.

In 1814 David Wright purchased a mill- site, 50 or 60 rods above that owned by David Smith. Here he erected a saw-mill and a carding and fulling mill. Over eight years it proved a remunerative investment, but in the spring of 1822 it was swept away by a freshet. He had feared the saw-mill might be in danger, and had removed such machin- ery and articles of value as he could, but sup- posing the other mill to be in no danger, he had taken no such precautions. As the huge cakes of ice were bornc down the rapid stream, the saw-mill went to pieces, and, striking the carding mill, that too sailed away without being demolished until it reached Smith's dam. Tattered remnants of cloth and broken machinery, which were found upon the banks of the stream when the water subsided, were all that remained of Mr.

Wright's remuncrative investment. The mills were afterwards rebuilt by Heman and William Grenell. Later, the carding mill was converted into an establishment for the manufacture of woolen cloths, and was owned and operated by Willet R. Willis.

Zacheus Walsworth was among the number of pioneer settlers. He was a good man, much loved and respected by his neighbors, among whom he was a favorite, and ever welcome on account of his ready wit, for which he was renowned. Some of the farms through which the State road was surveyed, were cleared and owned by John Coles, Jacob Kellogg and Francis McKee. On the north were David Hale, Wm. Benton and Stephen Baker.

Wells Benton, who was at one time sheriff of Jefferson county, succeeded to the owner- ship of his father's farm, and it is still owned and occupied by his two daughters.

Samuel Bond and Perley D. Stone came to Adams in 1817, and entered upon the manu- facture of furniture. Their partnership con. tinued forty-five years. They are remember- ed as the firm that never kept any books of account as partners.

Seth Gaylord came to Adams in 1808. He engaged in tanning, and later was the owner of saw mills, in which he continued until

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impaired health and old age forced him to re- tire from active life. He is remembered as a most worthy citizen.

Miles Cooper was one of the earliest pioneers of Adams. His land was on the north side of what is now called Church street, in Adams village, and embraces what is now the home of his grandaughter, Mrs. John Stillman. Many years ago Mr. Cooper sold his land. It became the property of dif- ferent people, and was divided into village lots. A portion of it was purchased by T. C. Chittenden, where he resided until he re- moved to Watertown in 1844. About 1848 it was purchased by Solon D. Hungerford, who erected a beautiful and commodious dwelling, improved its surroundings in many ways, until it became one of the most beauti- ful residences in Northern New York. In this home Mr. Hungerford spent the balance of his life. At his death it was repurchased by a member of the Cooper family, and is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Still- man. Mr. Cooper's son, J. C. Cooper, was one of the originators of the Agricultural Insur- ance Company. In 1862 he was elected its President, which office he held until his death in 1882.

Among the early and successful merchants of Adams, were David Hale, M. V. V. Rosa, John H. Whipple, William Doxtater and Erastus Hale. All of them were considered wealthy men. Rosa removed to Watertown, lived to be 90 years of age, and died wealthy.

The early physicians were Eli Eastman, J. Spafford, S. Wetmore, and Walter Webb, whose son John is now a student, of Florida.

About 1832 Willet R. Willis established a woolen factory on the site formerly occupied by David Wright, whose mills were swept away by a freshet in 1822. Mr. Willis con- tinued his business at this point nearly forty years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willis are remem- bered as most estimable members of society. Mrs. Willis was a sister to Mrs. William Dox- tater. Their maiden name was Burch, and their former home was in Little Falls, Her- kimer county.

Two brothers, William and Herman Gren- nell, were early residents of Adams village. They were active and enterprising men in their day, and did much to promote the wel- fare of the town.

George Andrus was at one time a promi- nent resident. He served as representative in the Legislature, and held other responsible positions.

Jeremiah Griswold came to Adams about 1824. He married Miss Eunice, daughter of Nathan Strong, one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Rodman. Immediately after their marriage they settled in Adams village where he commenced the business of harness making, in which he continued through life. By diligence, thrift and frugality, assisted by his wise and prudent companion, he accumu- lated a handsome competence. Both lived to attain old age and died beloved and respected by all. Their remains lie buried in Rural Cemetery.

In 1813 an epidemic of fever, termed by the doctors "typhus," swept through cer- tain portions of the town. Many residents became its victims.

In the early months of 1844, an extremely fatal disease appeared, which baffled the skill of the most learned physicians. Perhaps Dr. William Rosa, who at that time had just re- turned from Paris, had the best success in treating the disease. Nevertheless, many fell victims to its ravages; among them David Smith, who was then well stricken in years. His wife soon followed him from the same cause, and later his step-daughter and his daughter-in-law, although both the latter ladies resided in a different part of the village. Other families shared the same fate. Often times the disease first developed in the ex- tremities, causing them to swell to a remark- able size, terminating in death within 48 hours Others, who lingered, in some cases recovered. No cause was ever discovered that could have produced this fatal malady, and although many names were applied to it by many physicians, it was not well under- stood. As spring advanced it grew less malignant, and in early summer disappeared.

In 1881, a malignant form of diphtheria appeared, and 45 deaths, including adults and children, occurred within the corporation. With these exceptions, the town and village of Adams have been considered exceptionally healthy, and the longevity of its citizens attests the truth of this assertion.

Adams and vicinity, in 1877, was visited by terrific hail storms which did great dam- age, stripping trees of fruit and verdure, injuring crops, demolishing window-glass, and doing other widespread damage.

Previous to the completion of the railroad, in 1851, all freight was brought by teams, either from Sackets Harbor or Rome. After the farmers had completed their spring ploughing, and their early crops were sown, they often found time to send their teams through for loads of goods, thereby earning a few extra dollars. To Rome, the nearest route was through the town of Redfield, and this was travelled by private conveyances, as it lessened the distance several miles. As late as 1830, and possibly later, there were nine miles of thick dense forest to pass through, unbroken, save by narrow roads, so narrow that teams were unable to pass each other ex- cept at points where it had been widened for that purpose. They were known as the Red- field nine-mile woods. They were infested by bears, and their footprints were often seen in the soft loam where they had crossed the pathway. Two days were usually consumed each way in making this journey from Adams to Rome. The locality was noted for its deep snows, and so little sunlight pierced the gloom of this forest, that snow was often found as late as May, and even June.

The stage route lay through Pulaski, Williamstown and Camden. This was the only mode of public conveyance, and was considered a very genteel one. The coach was drawn by four handsome, well-fed

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horses, usually bedecked with red and yellow tassels at their ears. The coach was painted yellow and highly varnished, while designs of art were displayed upon its sides and doors. It was an object of great attraction to those who were so fortunate as to dwell upon its direct pathway. Children formed in line upon the roadside, making low bows and courtesies as it passed, while the plough- boy in sudden sympathy for his tired beasts, gave them a breathing spell while he mounted the nearest rail fence to watch the approach of the shining vehicle. Each day its advent into the village was heralded by the blowing of a tin horn, which reverberated through the little hamlet, bringing women and chil- dren to the doors and windows to catch a glimpse of the handsome equipage, while men gathered in groups upon the sidewalks and about the post office to gain news from the outside world.

As the years went by, and the settlements increased, school houses were erected in the different districts, affording opportunity to those who desired their children to be taught the rudiments of an English education, and many a prosperous man of the town lived and died with no better opportunity for acquiring an education than he could gain by attending these schools during winter months.

About 1833 Adams Seminary was estab- lished as the result of an effort to locate a female seminary at Adams village. A small academy building was erected by individual enterprise, being largely aided by the gener- ous efforts of T. C. Chittenden, whose purse was its main dependence.

Miss Frances Willard, of Troy, who was a relative of the much admired teacher of the Troy Female Seminary, came to Adams in 1832. Her first labors as a teacher of a select school in the village, was in a room in a private house. The next year or the follow- ing, the seminary building was completed and the school removed to that place, where for several years competent teachers were employed; but eventually the building was purchased by the Presbyterians for a session room. Still later it was sold and converted into a dwelling house.

In 1829, Jason Marsh taught a school for young men in what was called even at that early day, "the old bank." As late as 1856, a select school was taught in the same build- ing by M. C. Manning, a Baptist clergyman, with Miss Elizabeth Clarke, of Watertown, (daughter of the late Samuel Clarke), as assistant teacher of French and German.

In 1865 the two districts in Adams village were consolidated, and a commodious build- ing was erected in a convenient locality. There is at present an average attendance of 250 scholars, and 6 teachers are employed. Although not properly termed a graduate school, pupils are here fitted for entering the Institute if they so desire.

ADAMS COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.

This institution was incorporated April 22, 1855, but not fully organized, when a pro-

position was received from General Solon D. Hungerford, of Adams, for a substantial endowment. The name was changed March 24, 1864, to Hungerford Collegiate Institute. Under this name an academic school was soon afterwards erected upon a slight emin- ence on the northern border of the village, commanding a most beautiful prospect, and in design and arrangement surpassed by but few academies in the State.

This building was occupied from 1870 to 1882. It having been sold for a debt, and the trustees being unable to agree with the purchaser for further occupation, upon terms that they deemed just, the school was removed in 1882 to a block in the business portion of the village. It remained there until burned out in a disastrous village fire, August 28, 1884.

The name "Adams Collegiate Institute," was restored in a provisional charter, granted May 29, 1883. The academic building has since been re-purchased by D. A. Dwight and wife, of Adams, and conveyed by perpetual lease, subject to certain conditions, to the Board of Trustees.

Principals: Rev. J. Dunbar Houghton, A. M., 1866-68; Albert B. Watkins, A. M., Ph. D., 1871-1882; Orlo B. Rhodes, A. M., 1882.

The Institute is of brick, three stories high, about three minutes walk from the depot, and is beautifully situated, commanding a view of the town and surrounding country. Student and recitation rooms are all high, light, com- modious and well furnished. The building is heated by steam and has a fine library room and chapel.

Among the leading and prominent citizens of Adams, since 1840, may be mentioned R. B. Doxtater. He was the only son of Wil- liam Doxtater, one of the pioneer settlers of the town. He succeeded his father in the dry goods business, and later, at the comple- tion of the Rome and Watertown Railroad, became its first superintendent. He subse- quently removed to Rome, Oneida county, and became interested in a Western Rail- road, when he was stricken with apoplexy, and died at Chicago. He left a wife and one son, who have since died. Mrs. Doxtater was the only daughter of the late Judge Daniel Wardwell, formerly of Mannsville.

Maxey and J. Preston Mann came to Adams about 1844. Maxey, the elder brother, became a partner in the dry goods business of R. B. Doxtater. He married the eldest daughter of Henry Whitcomb, and several years later removed to Detroit, where he died in 1883. J. Preston Mann was a suc- cessful physician in Adams, but eventually removed to New York city, where he won fame and wealth in his profession. Both brothers were highly esteemed and beloved. Dr. J. Preston Mann died in 1893, while on a visit to the World's Fair at Chicago.

Solon D. Hungerford came from Water- town to Adams in 1844, where he established a bank, known for many years as Hunger- ford's Bank. Mr. Hungerford was a man of

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great public spirit, and did much during his life to advance the interests of Adams. He was a son of the late Dexter Hungerford, of Watertown. He died in 1884, leaving one son, Robert, who now resides in New York.

William C. Thompson was for many years a successful lawyer in Adams. In 1853 he was elected judge of Jefferson county on the Democratic ticket, the late Joseph Mullin being the opposing candidate. Soon after his election he removed to Watertown, where he died in 1875. He married Miss Antoinette N., daughter of the late Judge T. C. Chitten- den. Mr. Thompson was a most genial man, and greatly beloved by all who knew him.

S. Newell Bond was born in Adams in 1820, and spent his entire life there. In his early manhood he commenced the dry goods busi- ness, which he followed through life. He was for many years a member of the firm of Doxtater & Bond. He was a man possessed of many good qualities, and was a prominent and active member of the Presbyterian Church of that place. In 1847 he married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Peter Dox- tater, who still survives him. He died in 1891, deeply regretted by his many friends.

William A. Gilbert was for many years a resident of Adams. He was a lawyer by profession, and was at one time engaged in banking at Adams with the late E. D. Bab- cock, of Copenhagen. Mr. Gilbert was elected to the Assembly, and later to Con- gress. He married Miss Julia Scott, of Bridgewater, N. Y., and died in 1875.

Dr. A. P. Hale commenced the practice of medicine at Adams Centre about 1840, which he continued for many years, meeting with marked success in his profession. Subse- quent to 1865 he removed to Adams village, where he continued his practice until his death in 1880. He married Miss Hannah Kent, of Redfield, and was the father of Dr. A. R. Hale, one of Adams' leading physicians.

Rev. George B. Whipple, a younger brother of the Bishop, left Adams in his boy- hood. He was graduated from Hamilton Col- lege, was ordained by his brother, the Bishop, and became a missionary to the Sandwich Islands, where he did a noble work as teacher and missionary.

He was the friend of Queen Emma, whom he knew as a noble, Christian woman.

In 1870 Mr. Whipple returned to Faribault, to become the chaplain of St. Mary's Hall and the Dean of the Bishop's Cathedral. He was the friend of the sick, the poor and the needy, to whom he was ever ready to administer the consolations of the gospel, and was greatly beloved by the people of Faribault, who, without reference to creed, assisted in erect- ing to his memory one of the finest Guild Homes in that diocese.

Julius Fox, son of Samuel Fox, the first pioneer of the town, was the successor upon his father's farm, where for many years he tilled the soil. In 1849 he removed to Adams village, where he purchased the property of Seth Gaylord, converting it into a sash and blind factory. He afterwards removed to

Alameda, Cal., where he died in 1891. He was renowned for the amusing qualities of his character, and was a general favorite wherever he was known. He married Caro- line, daughter of Seth Gaylord, of Adams.

Calvin Yotman, Samuel Harmon, S. M. Patrick, Cyrus Stone, Samuel Niblock, Albert Gilbert and many other residents of Adams village, now deceased, are remembered as being closely identified with its prosperity.

THE CHURCHES.

The Baptist Church, known as the State Road Church, is, with the exception of the Presbyterian Church at Adams village, the oldest in the town. It was organized in 1805, and Timothy S. Heath was its first pastor. Meetings were held for some time in his house or barn. In 1824 a church was built one mile east of Adams Center, on the State Road .. Daniel Talcott, Jacob S. Heath and Asa Lewis were its trustees. In 1838 a new church was erected at a cost of $3,000. Joshua Freeman was for many years its pastor. He was a man noted for his native wit, his goodness and his piety. His ready wit rendered him a favorite in all circles, and his labors for many years were attended with flattering success. The church at the present time numbers 173. Elder Peyne was its last pastor. The mem- bership of its Sabbath school is 100.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

In 1803 a Presbyterian society was organized at Adams village, but no place of worship was erected until 1815. Then a contract was made for a building one story high, 45 feet long and 28 wide. Subscriptions were to be paid in building material, cash, wheat or corn. The largest subscription was $100, and the smallest $1. It was completed by the first of the next January. It was clapboarded, shingled and windows put in, but contained no means of heating. Two years after, 42 slips were put in and stoves were added. In 1827 this church was sold to the Methodist society, and re- moved to the opposite side of the street. A new one was then built on the same site, and is still occupied by the Presbyterian denomi- nation. It was a grand old structure, and would do credit to an architect of the present day. It has undergone many repairs and many changes.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 83

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