USA > New York > Tompkins County > Groton > Historical sketch of the town of Groton, Tompkins County, New York : being a lecture delivered before the Groton Literary Association, April 10, 1868 > Part 2
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SCHOOLS.
As with our Pilgrim Fathers, so was it with the first settlers of this region. No sooner had they secured comfortable homes for themselves and their families, than they made arrangements for the public worship of God, and the education of their children. Each settler having contributed labor according to his ability, they erect- ed in 1805, a low log school-house, 30 by 25 feet, north-west of S. S. Williams' dwelling. Abiatha Hathaway was the first teacher, and the next two winters, Benjamin Williams instructed the school. Miss Blodgett taught the intermediate summer. This house was accidentally burned down in the winter of 1813-14. It seems that by the direction of their teacher, Mr. Zenas Riggs, it was the turn of Elias and Keuel Carpenter to build the fire on thrat morning. The weather was cold, and they, desirous of faithfully accomplish- ing their task, built such a fire on those stone andirons in that old stick chimney, " as they little thought." This was the great event of the season. They then built a little red framed school-house, south of F. Avery's; then a good sized two-story one, on the site of the present one, and this latter in 1858. The Groton High School was begun in 1835 -S. D. Carr, Principal.
GROTON LIBRARY. .
In 1834, the Groton Library was started, and by the introduction of a large number of excellent books, inaugurated a new era. Be- fore that, in the words of the Psalmist, " A man was famous accord- ing as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees," but after that, be was also to be famous for knowledge and intelligence. It was giv- en up in 1839, after the establishment of the
. GROTON ACADEMY.
Great was the undertaking, and many were the sacrifices which the stockholders made in founding the Academy, in the midst of the sparse population, possessing then so little accumulated wealth. But they knew the worth of learning to their children and to the community at large, and to secure which, no sacrifices were deemed too great which were in their power to make. The necessary funds were raised, the building planned and contracted for, and an excel- lent site selected on yonder beautiful elevation, with ample grounds, and decorated with trees. Though centrally located, it is yet re- mote from the noise and the bustle of the village. In 1837, Prof. S. W. Clark, a recent graduate of Amherst College, was chosen Principal, and the school went into operation. The Academy was at once truly a success, and soon acquired an enviable reputation, which it has retained to the present time. Not the youth of the
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immediate vicinity only, but also those of far distant sections, as- sembled here to partake of the bread of intellectual life, and to quench their thirst in the pure waters of knowledge. Though it often failed to be self-sustaining, its stockholders labored unremit- tingly for its prosperity. It has had a mighty influence in elevat- ing, refining, and ennobling the character and moral feelings of the entire people in the vicinity, as well as contributing to their intelli- gence, mental vigor and acumen. These results are to be seen ev- erywhere around us; in the offices of professional men, in the stores, banks, and other business places ; in our mechanical shops, and up- on many a well cultivated farm; at home, at the lecture, and in the church. Its pupils are already scattered from Maine, (Rev. W. Stearns,) to California, (Miss D. S. Baldridge.) To realize how great its influence has been, one needs to visit the people of somo secluded section, far away from institutions of learning and the ben- efits of a local newspaper press, and carefully note their habits, man- ners and customs.
Prior to the erection of the Academy, public opinion was greatly divided as to where the main village in the town would eventually be. But, as soon as this institution began to pour out its blessings upon the community, that question was decided. Those seeking new locations at once gave this the preference. Many have been the families which have settled here, mainly, on this account.
GROTON BALANCE AND GROTON DEMOCRAT.
On the 31st of January, 1839, H. P. Eels & Co. commenced the publication of a neutral weekly newspaper, entitled the Groton Balance, and issued thirty-nine numbers. This was a creditable sheet and did honor to its managers. It then passed into the hands of E. S. Keeney, an energetic young man then resident here, who . completed the year. He then issued thirty-five numbers as a dem- ocratic paper, called the Groton Democrat. Through the kindness of Mrs. Dr. Goodyear, a bound volume of this paper is before me, and its perusal has given much satisfaction. From it, I learn that on the Fourth of July, 1840, at a celebration then held, the Declar- ation was read by Dr. Moe; orator, F. DeLano; and a sermon in the afternoon by Rev. Dr. Bellamy. Also, that in August, 1839, the Ithaca Brass Band gave a concert at Groton. We have now, and have had for years, under the leadership of Oliver Avery, jr., a cornet band that could return the compliment. In its columns a young man was advertised for running away from his dear father, and whom we have learned has since been found in the great city of New York in most properous circumstances. I have only room to add a
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choice literary extract of great connubial vigor, if not of tenderness. A wife says: "Ran away from my board, and took with him my bed, my husband in the shape of a man. He is about five feet, eight or nine inches high, dark complexion, black eyes, and is quite a smart looking fellow ; can whistle, sing, dance, preach, pray, and whip his wife."
CARRIAGE SHOPS.
Since 1820, there have been from two to four carriage shops constantly in the place, conducted by numerous individuals and firms. This branch of business has been very successfully and extensively pursued, and has added much to the wealth and prosper- ity of the place. In durability, neatness and taste, the carriages manufactured here have been quite celebrated. In proof of this, and of the extent of the business, we are assured that besides sup- plying the home calls, carriages, wagons and cutters in large quantities and for many years, have been sent from Groton to supply the wants of the people of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Cali- fornia and Oregon. One shop alone during the past year, (S. S. Williams') has disposed of $24,000 worth of work.
FURNACE AND MACHINE SHOP.
In the fall of 1849, Charles and Lyman Perrigo settled here and established this shop, with a capital of only about $2,000. By their thorough knowledge of the business, industrious habits, frank and honest dealings, and promptness in executing all work promis- ed at a given time, they have secured a very large circle of friends and an extensive patronage. Their work has found a ready sale at remunerative prices, not only about home and in our own State, but also in California, in some of the Eastern States, and in nearly every one of the Western States. Though contributing liberally of their means in aid of every public enterprise, they have accumulated a handsome property, and added two excellent dwellings to the village. Latterly, Oliver Avery, jr., a fine mechanic, has been a member of the firm. Their actual sales for the last year amount to $29,000.
GROTON SEPARATOR WORKS.
These works now owned by Wm. Perrigo and Frederick Avery, were started some ten or twelve years ago, and have been very successful. In addition to the home supply, their work has found a ready market in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minn-
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esota, Wisconsin, California, Missouri and Maryland. Their sales for the past year amount to $26,500.
Thus it is readily seen that these carriage, furnace and machine, and separator shops furnish employment for a large number of laborers, thereby supporting many families, and adding nearly, if not quite, $100,000 annually to our circulating medium.
GROTON VILLAGE.
This was incorporated June 11th, 1860. The Trustees soon suc- ceeded in having good side-walks constructed upon all the princi- pal streets. Shortly after the destruction of Messrs. Williams & Finney's block by fire, the citizens voted the necessary funds for purchasing an excellent fire engine, and in December, 1864, the "Excelsior Fire Co." was organized, of which B. F. Fields was cho- sen Foreman. "The Pioneer Hose Co." was organized June 1st, 1865; C. S. Barney, President, and A. Glover, Foreman.
During the past season a respectable engine house was erected, near the Baptist church. . Notwithstanding these preparations, I am sorry to be compelled to record the destruction by fire, in 1866, of the old steam saw-mill owned by Ashley & Thayer, and also the new carriage shop of Brokaw & Powers, the latter of which has since been rebuilt by Powers & Pennoyer, and is doing a success- ful business.
The Cheese Factory, erected in the spring of 1866, has been well patronized, but I have not the statistics before me.
The Dryden, Groton & Moravia Telegraph Co. was organized in April, 1865. Their lines run through this valley. The office here is now doing well.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The Bank was organized and commenced business April 28th, 1865. Capital $100,000. The first directors were : Charles Per- rigo, Lyman Perrigo, Clinton Bowker, D. H. Marsh, John Green, S. Hopkins, S. C. Reynolds, John G. Stevens, Arad S. Beach, C. P. Atwood, Henry Allen, John W. Halladay and Artemus Backus. They organized by electing Charles Perrigo, President, S. Hopkins, Vice-President, and D. H. Marsh, Cashier. Notwithstanding all the "croaking" at home and abroad, the bank has been very suc- cessful. The whole capital has been constantly employed, and the officers declare that if the capital were doubled, they could use it all profitably.
GROTON JOURNAL.
On the 9th of November, 1866, the first number of the Groton Journal appeared, under the management of H. C. Marsh, editor
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and proprietor. It at once became popular, and has constantly been growing in the estimation of our citizens. Indeed, we now feel that we cannot do without it. It is truly among the very best newspapers published in this State. It has a respectable circula- tion already, and is worthy of a place in every family in this entire region. As the prosperity of our village and town is intimately con- nected with the success of the Groton Journal, we feel that the in- habitants are especially interested in patronizing it, and sustaining it to the extent of their ability. If we can take but one, let that be the home paper.
SOUTHERN CENTRAL RAILROAD.
Over thirty years ago, a railroad was projected to run from Auburn southerly through Moravia, Groton, &c., to Pugsley's Station, inter- secting, at that point, the Ithaca & Owego Railroad. On surveying the route, it was found a feasible one, and plans were adopted for raising the funds. But the Ithaca & Owego Company having fail- ed, and the stockholders thereof having lost their entire stock by the sale of the road, the friends of this route became disheartened, and abandoned the undertaking. But this they did with regret, for there were those among them who had the ability and the foresight to see that in the process of time, the wants of this section would call for the construction of just such a thoroughfare, and that here was one of the very best in the whole State. Among our citizens who then took an active part and expended their money for it, we may mention R. C. Reynolds, Dr. E. W. Crain, Franklin Willough- by, and Sylvanus Larned. In 1865, a plan was projected of unit -. ing, by railroad, Lake Ontario at Fair Haven, with the coal fields of Pennsylvania, via Moravia, Groton, Dryden and Owego, with the expectation of a continuation thence by rail to New York, and also to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington. A number of our most public-spirited, far-sighted, and wealthy citizens, engaged in promoting the enterprise. A company was formed and officers were chosen. The name finally adopted was proposed by the newly elected President, the late C. C. Dennis, at a meeting in our vil- lage. The law required that at least one thousand dollars in stock should be subscribed for and taken, for every mile of the proposed road. Who that had the money to spare, would step forward and pledge the $5,000 required of our town, and actually pay in ten per cent of the same ? Five individuals and firms alone were found ; and that their names may be held in lasting remembrance, I here insert them :
HILAND K. CLARK, CHARLES PERRIGO,
LYMAN PERRIGO, PIERSON & AVERY,
Sept. 18, 1865. PERRIGO, AVERY & FIELD. .
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H. K. Clark was elected Director, who, in company with S. C. Reynolds, A. Woodbury, A. Backus and others, procured individu- al subscriptions to the stock of $50,000, and a subscription from the town of an equal amount. The contract for the construction of the road has already been executed, and the work is progressing rapid- ly through our town and all along the route south of Auburn. When the work shall finally be completed, there will be rejoicing in Gro- ton! Nevermore then will merchants go to New York in gigs to purchase goods.
GROTON RURAL CEMETERY.
Incorporated June 28th, 1858. Permit me, in speaking of the Cemetery, to repeat in part, what I said of it in an Address last au- tumn. "Among the many modest, rural burying-places to be found in our land, which evince cultivated taste, refinement, and a becom- ing respect for the dead, is that of our own beautiful and retired village. Happily located here upon the sides and top of this mount, with the pure waters of the quiet little stream laving its base, and the white pleasant edifices of our thriving village lying in the valo beneath, it contains treasures dearer to our hearts than the golden sands of California. Well adapted by nature for this purpose, it has been rendered more so by art. "These winding foot-paths and carriage walks, these trees, both evergreen and deciduous so skill- fully planted by the hand of man here and there throughout the grounds, and those tall old forest-trees planted by the hand of God, which have escaped the ruthless woodman's ax, and still rear aloft their foliage as a fine back-ground to the picture; these flowers of many forms and hues, both native and exotic, which breathe their odors over many a grave; these marble slabs, tablets, and monu- ments, whose beautiful forms meet the eye from every direction ; and its seclusion from the noise, bustle, and turmoil of the business and activities of life, render this a most desirable place for the inter- ment of the dead. If, for the next few years, as great improve- ments are made in these grounds as have already been made, The . Groton Rural Cemetery will be among the finest in the land."
To show most clearly the healthfulness of this locality, it may not be improper to state that the records of the Cemetery show that of the twenty-five interments for the year ending January last, more than half had reached, or nearly so, three score years and ten ; .and that one half of the remainder were infants but a few days or months old.
Thus far I have spoken mainly of what has transpired upon lots number 75 and 76. I will now add what I have been able to as-
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certain of others. On the 10th of May, 1804, the whole of lot 76 was deeded by Ily. Ten Brook, of New York, to Hy. Codbury, of London, Great Britain, for $1,200; being less than two dollars per acre.
Christopher Pipher with his wife Elizabeth, settled on lot 96 in 1802, where he built a log house. Elizabeth, who is present on this occasion, is more than 105 years old, having been born in Springfield, Pa., 23d of October, 1762, and is now much the oldest. person in this part of the State. Her health has always been good; her style of living, plain but uniform. Her drink has generally been water. She still does the work for a family, and is in possession of all her faculties, except that her hearing is somewhat impaired. She remembers distinctly, having heard Elder Starr preach in 1804, at the house of Daniel Luther. Starr was the first regular Baptist minister who preached in that section.
PERUVILLE.
This village is situated on lot 95. Among the early settlers were Asa Church who built the first grist-mill, H. I. Brinkerhoff, Thom- as Johnson, and Dr. Wright. "In 1820, it had been regularly surveyed for a village, by Levi Bodley, surveyor. The business of the place was one old lazy grist-mill, two saw-mills, a cabinet shop, a blacksmith shop, a tannery, an ashery, a log tavern kept by Jer- emiah Elston, and of course a distillery. There were twelve pri- vate dwellings. Of public buildings, we had none, save a school- house in which religious meetings were held occasionally. Henry I. Brinkerhoff was Justice-of-the-Peace, but lived just out of the corporation. Since that time, we have built two churches, and two new school-houses."
Sylvanus Larned of Peruville was the first Justice-of-the Peace elected by the people of the town, (1830,) after the Constitutional Convention gave the people that right.
GROTON CITY.
"One of the early settlements of the old town of Locke, now Groton, was on lot 59, which was bestowed upon Captain Daniel Niven, for merited Revolutionary services. A portion of this was purchased and settled by Major Lemi Bradley, and another part by Jesse Bartholomew. Aaron and John Benedict also purchased land and built a grist-mill and a saw-mill. Wm. S. Clark, Esq., bought a water privilege and built a dam and machinery for clothing-works; and Gen. Wm. Cobb had the first carding machine I ever saw. About the year 1813, Zacheus Maltby set up a tavern on lot 69. A
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free meeting-house was erected by subscription, and a Masonic hall was built, in which Science Lodge met regularly for some years." John Shaw located on lot 49 in 1806, and some of the family have occupied the spot ever since. The only store ever built in the place was erected in 1809, by Crosby & Tanner. It was next occupied by Amos B. Fuller, of whom it was purchased in 1812 or 1813, by Daniel J. Shaw, a son of John Shaw. "For more than thirty years, we have had thrifty farmers and mechanics of most kinds, saw and grist-mills, and most of the time a store and post-office, but nev- er a tavern."
Into this part of the town, and on lot 69, came Daniel Maltby in the spring of 1806. He was then a young man of fine prospects, and was preparing for the practice of medicine. He was a man of great peculiarities. He lived to the advanced age of eighty, having passed most of his life as a real, genuine Hermit, one of the few ev- er found in any Protestant country.
MC LEAN VILLAGE.
Mrs. Elisha Bangs, eighty-two years of age, says that her hus- band and herself came from Mass., and settled on lot number 100 in 1813. At that time, there lived on said lot, Nicholas Rowe, An- son Hanchett, (who came before 1806,) L. Cummings, J. Davis, Mr. Pettis and Ezra Bangs. She thinks that Amasa Cobb was one of the first settlers, and probably built the first log-house on the site of the present hotel. Elijah West lived near. Wm. Harris lived in the first framed house. The first minister who preached in the village was a Baptist, Rev. Benj. Whipple, in the fall of 1805.
Mr. David Whipple settled near McLean in 1806. A Mr. Sher- wood lived just over the line in Dryden, and is probably one of the first who began the settlement of McLean village. Jolin Benedict was an early settler, and built the first grist-mill. Amasa Cobb built the first public house. Wm. and Roswell Randall built and opened the first store upon the present site of D. B. Marsh & Co.'s. The present grist-mill was built in 1837, by John Neal. The Bap- tist church was erected in 1827; the Methodist, in 1832; the Uni- versalist, in 1842; and the Episcopal, in 1849, and dedicated the same year by Bishop De Lancey. The first Episcopal minister was Rev. Wm. A. Clark. Two distilleries were running in 1828. There is here, one of the largest and most successful cheese fac- tories in the State, which was finished and put in operation in the spring of 1864, where there has already been manufactured 1,716,- 202 pounds of cheese. The first name of the village was Moscow. Upon the establishment of the post-office, the name was changed
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to McLean by Judge McLean, then Post Master-General. Samuel Noice was the first post-master.
WEST GROTON.
It is situated mainly on lot 51, which was sold in 1795, by An- thony Smith inn-keeper, to Geo. Smith, attorney, both of New York city, for two hundred pounds current money of New York. It has two churches, a school-house, a saw-mill (near by), a few shops, and a number of pleasant dwellings. Hon. Wm. R. Fitch, long an attorney in that vicinity, and at different times, a member of the Legislature from this county, settled there in 1817, and was well acquainted with very many of the early settlers. Among these he names, on lot 51, Job Alling, who became Justice-of-the-Peace in 1819-20. He owned some 250 acres of land, on which he had al- ready built a two-story framed house, and a saw-mill on Hemlock Creek. Isaac Allen, father of the present post-master, lived on the north-east corner of lot 51, and in 1817 or '18, built the west part of what is known as the Tavern house. Old Mr. Sellen kept tav- ern half a mile north of West Groton. Old Mr. Henshaw and Jo- seph Henshaw lived near where John Sellen now lives. Henry Carter and old Mr. Travis were early settlers. In 1817, Deacon John Seaton lived where M. D. Fitch now resides. The saw-mill there was erected in 1848. Nathan Fish carried on the cloth-dress- ing business formerly on Hemlock Creek, near the Locke line, and was remarkable for coloring an excellent red. He also had a small grist-mill. Both establishments were carried away at a very early day by a great freshet, well remembered yet at Groton village.
Samuel Hogg settled quite early near the south-east corner of lot 61, where he kept a tavern. He sold to Henry Howser, and his heirs now hold it. Ichabod Brown settled on the place where Eb- enezer Hatch now lives. Capt. John Guthrie settled very early on lot 71. His daughter (Mrs. Cobb) now resides at West Groton.
Lot 52, lying on the east, was deeded by the State of New York to Geo. Nesbitt, July 9, 1790; and, afterwards, on Jan. 24, 1795, to A. Alexander, of Schenectady, for fifteen pounds current money of New York. How little, many of those Revolutionary heroes realized for their " soldiers claims !"
THE FIRST-THE OLDEST.
Deacon Benjamin Williams now more than eighty-four years of age is the oldest person in this village, doing business here in 1810; also the first post-master. ~ Reuel B. Carpenter, S. S. Williams and Wm. Morton, are the oldest persons who were born here. John
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Perrin was the first inn-keeper, distiller, merchant and brick-maker. For many years after the first settlement, bricks of very excellent quality were made on the very spot now occupied by Snyder & Lobdell's brick-yard. Ebenezer Williams was the first surveyor, and wagon-maker; Andrew and David Allen, the first blacksmiths ; Jonas Williams, the first shoemaker ; John Winslow the first pot- 'ter, just north of the cheese factory; the first settled Baptist minis- ter, Elder Whipple, father of David Whipple ; first marriage, Jonas Williams, jr., to Miss Hathaway, in 1805 or 6; Samuel Love, the first tanner, in 1811; Dr. Nathan Branch, the first physician and surgeon, and Dr. Obed Andrews, the first druggist; C. C. Godley, the first hardware store, and Oliver Avery, the first cabinet maker. Joseph Parker had the first cabinet-shop. The first mail was brought from Homer about 1812, in a bag, by a boy on horseback ; next Mr. Loomis brought it in a portmanteau. Henry Clark claims that he drove the first two-horse stage-team from Groton to Cortland. Henry Crain has one of the oldest apple-trees in the village, and the most valuable, owing to the superior cultivation bestowed upon it. Warren Jones built the first sash factory, in 1849 ; L. J. Covert opened the first cigar factory. Esquire Blake was the first lawyer, came in 1819, died soon after, and was buried on the north side of the old burying-ground, near the fence. The earth has since crumb- led away and exposed his remains. Perhaps his sad fate has been the reason why so few lawyers have settled among us. As an Act has just passed the Legislature, (our lawyer drew it up,) for the re- moval of those buried in the old ground, perhaps his remains may yet find a quiet resting place.
POLITICS.
The town was generally Democratic until 1849. In '26, a Fed- eral was elected supervisor; an Anti-Mason in 1831-2-3 and 4; and a Whig in '39. In 1849 and the four succeeding years, Free-Soil Whigs or Democrats were chosen; since which time the town has been strongly Republican.
TEMPERANCE.
Not less than seven distilleries have been erected within the limits of the town, the first one dating back to the beginning of the present century, three of them having been in Groton village. Nearly all of the ardent spirits produced by them, was used at home. The use of alcohol in some form was almost universal among the early settlers, upon all occasions. Yet the great temperance move- ment reached us here quite as soon as in other rural districts. It
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