USA > New York > Clinton County > History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 126
USA > New York > Franklin County > History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 126
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140
In politics Mr. Phelps is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been class-leader for twenty-eight years, steward of the church for many years, and super- intendent of the Sabbath-school.
Abram Reynolds was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Franklin County, in company with three brothers, at a very early day. He was a successful far- mer. He was known as the largest man in the county. weighing some three hundred and eighty or four hun- dred pounds.
,
δΈ€
461
TOWN OF CHATEAUGAY.
No. 10, Begins between lots Nos. 1 and 2 in township No. 6, thenee due north to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 11, Begins between lots Nos. 2 and 3, thenee due north to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 12, Begins between lots Nos. 3 and 4, thenee due north to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 13, Begins between lots Nos. 4 and 5, thenee due north, on a north line, to township No. 6.
No. 14, Begins between lots Nos. 5 and 6, thenee due north on a line to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 15, Begins between lots Nos. 6 and 7, thenee due north to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 16, Begins between lots Nos. 7 and 8, thenee due north on a line to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 17, Begins between lots Nos. 8 and 9, thenee due north on a line to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 18, Begins between lots Nos. 9 and 10, thenee due north on a line to the north line of township No. 6.
No. 19, Begins at the south west corner of township No. 6, thenee north on a west line of said town to the northwest corner of said town.
No. 20, Begins between lots Nos. 1 and 2 in township No. 7, thenee north on a north line to the north line of said township No. 7.
No. 21, Begins between lots Nos. 2 and 3, thence north on a line to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 22, Begins between lots Nos. 3 and 4, thenee north on a line to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 23, Begins between lots Nos. 4 and 5, thenee north on a line to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 24, Begins between lots Nos. 5 and 6, thenee north on a line to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 25, Begins between lots Nos. 6 and 7, thenee north on a line to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 26, Begins between lots Nos. 7 and 8, thenee north on a line to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 27, Begins between lots Nos. 8 and 9, thenee north on to the north line of township No. 7.
No. 28, Begins between lots Nos. 9 and 10, thenee north on a north line to the north line of township No. 7.
RAILROADS.
The Ogdensburgh and Lake Champlain Railroad passes east and west through the central portion of the town, hav- ing a station at Chateaugay village.
The high embankment and tunnel a short distance west of the station is justly esteemed among the most successful achievements in the line of railroad engineering in the State. The surface of the country in the northern part of the county is in the main level, and finely adapted to agri- cultural purposes, but the Chateaugay, Salmon, and other rivers, in their deseent to the St. Lawrence, have worn for themselves deep and narrow valleys which afford in numerous places the most picturesque seenery, but which opposed an obstacle of great magnitude in the construction of the railroad. To overcome that at Chateaugay it was resolved to fill in the valley with earth, in order to bring it up level with the surface on each side. To insure a channel for the river in such a manner that the embankment should not suffer from its eneroachment a tunnel three hundred
feet long was made through the solid roek which bordered the valley, and permanent walls were erected to direet the stream through its new channel and to retain the earth of the embankment in its place. This great undertaking was completed, after nearly two years' labor, at a cost of about $130,000. The tunnel was begun in August, 1848, and made in five months. It is twenty-five feet wide, twenty- two feet high; retaining-walls fifty feet high. The em- bankment is over eight hundred feet long, and its top one hundred and sixty feet above the level of the river. It contains 500,000 cubie yards of earth. The work was planned and executed under the direction of Col. Charles L. Schlatter, civil engineer.
PROMINENT MEN.
Of men of prominence the town has had a full represen- tation, either among her foster or natural eitizens.
William Bailey was a son of Col. John Bailey, of Dutch- ess County. At the age of eighteen he was drafted into the Dutchess County militia, and was sent to join the army at West Point. He first visited Lake Champlain in 1786, and aided in the survey of the lands belonging to Zephaniah Platt and his associates. He was one of the associate justiecs of the Clinton Common Pleas in 1779, and was ap- pointed first judge of the county in 1806. In 1800 he was appointed first major in Lieut .- Col. Benjamin Mooers' regiment of militia, and was elected a member of the As- sembly in 1802, and again in 1806. He removed to Platts- burgh in 1811, where he resided until his death, in the year 1840.
Gates Hoit was also a man of influence and prominence. In 1810-12 and 1818 he represented Franklin and Clinton Counties in the State Legislature, and in 1809 and 1813 he was clerk of the county. He was appointed judge in 1814.
John Mitchell was coroner in 1821 and sheriff of the county in 1822-23.
Guy Meigs was sheriff of the county in 1836.
Solomon Smith was appointed judge in 1823.
L Fairman filled the office of coroner in 1812, 1814-16, and 1819-20.
Henry B. Smith was chosen first judge of the county Feb. 24, 1843, and in 1852-53 he was a member of the Legislature of the State of New York, and was appointed judge in 1833.
Samuel S. Clark was elerk of the county in 1831, and chosen county treasurer Dee. 4, 1843.
Gideon Collins was appointed judge in 1823.
John Varnal was appointed judge in 1829.
Elisha B. Smith was elected justice of Sessions in 1847.
Jeduthan Sherman was appointed coroner March 6, 1822; Timothy Beeman was elected coroner in 1834, and Eli B. Smith in 1846.
Amasa Fairman was appointed assistant justice Feb. 26, 1812.
Samuel A. Beeman, son of Theo. T. S. Beaman, and a native of the town, was elected district attorney November, 1868.
Benjamin S. W. Clark was appointed Superintendent of Public Works of the State, Feb. 8, 1878.
462
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Chateaugay was formed from Champlain, Mareh 15, 1799. The name is supposed by some to be of Indian origin ; but it is French, meaning "gay castle." The St. Regis Indians eall it O-sar-he-hon, " a place so elose or difficult that the more one tries to extrieate himself the worse he is off." This probably relates to the narrow gorge in the river near the village.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Lemuel Haskins, on Tuesday the 2d day of April, 1799. The following town officers were chosen : Supervisor and Town Clerk, Lewis Ransom ; Assessors, Ralph Shepherd, Jesse Ketcham, Benjamin Roberts; Colleetor, Amasa Fairman ; Poormasters, Gilbert Reynod, Lewis Ransom; Commis- sioners of Highways, Azur Hawks, George Platt, Nathan Beeman ; Constables, Thomas Smith, Amasa Fairman ; Fenee-Viewers, John Allen, Ralph Shepherd, Peleg Dou- glass.
Pathmasters .- Distriet No. 4, eommeneing at the inter- seetion of the roads from Benjamin Roberts' house, then by Lemuel Haskins' house to the Great Falls, and to John Allen's, Amasa Fairman ; No. 1, beginning at the east line of No. 7 (4 ?), thenee by James K. Chamberlain's and Na- than Beeman's to the mills of George W. Platt, Peleg Douglass; No. 2, beginning at the mills of George W. Platt, thenee to the Middle Falls, Ezekiel Hodges ; No. 3, beginning at the erotch of the roads east of Silas Pomroy's to the Middle Falls, Benjamin Roberts ; No. 5, commencing at John Allen's and running to the west line of the town, Jesse Keteham.
It was voted that hogs shall be free commoners until the 10th day of May next; from thenee until the 1st day of November next they shall not be free commoners.
The following persons have filled the offices of supervisor and town elerk since the incorporation :
SUPERVISORS.
1799-1802, Lewis Ransom ; 1803-5, William Bailey ; 1806-8, Gates Hoit; 1809-10, William Bailey; 1811, James Ormesbee; 1812, Lebens Fairman; 1813-21, Gates Hoit; 1822-23, George W. Douglas ; 1824-25, Gideon Collins; 1826, Ira Smith ; 1827-28, Gideon Collins ; 1829-31, Jacob Smith ; 1832, John D. Miles; 1833-36, John Mitehell; 1837-38, Ezra Styles; 1839, Gideon Collins ; 1840-41, John Mitchell ; 1842, Henry B. Smith ; 1843, Daniel N. Huntington ; 1844, Gideon Collins; 1845-49, Henry B. Smith ; 1850, Jonathan Hoit; 1851, Henry B. Smith ; 1852- 53, Thomas Bennet ; 1854, Alanson Green ; 1855, Hial S. Farns- worth ; 1856-58, Henry B. Smith; 1859-60, John A. Sabin ; 1861-62, Henry B. Smith ; 1863, Ahel H. Miller ; 1864, Nathan Beman ; 1865, Samuel S. Clark, Jr .; 1866-67, Abel II. Miller; 1868-69, John Mullin ; 1870, James Jordan ; 1871-72, Clark A. Paterson ; 1873-74, Artemas Earl ; 1875, Ira A. Doud ; 1876-79, Samuel S. Clark.
-
TOWN CLERKS.
1799, Lewis Ransom ; 1800-5, Aaron Beman ; 1806-8, James S. Allen ; 1809, Jonah Speneer; 1810-12, Joshua Niehols; 1813, Jonah Speneer ; 1814, Joshua Nichols ; 1815-16, James S. Allen ; 1817- 19, James Brewer ; 1820-25, Timothy Beeman; 1826-29, James I. Webb; 1830-31, Hiram Paddoek ; 1832, Stephen F. Morse ; 1833, Henry B. Smith, Simeon Bellows ; 1834-35, E. B. Smith; 1836- 40, Simeon Bellows ; 1841-43, Elisha B. Smith ; 1844-46, William S. Childs; 1847, Smith M. Roberts; 1848, Henry Doris; 1848, Smith M. Roberts; 1850-52, George Howe; 1853, Ransom B. Crippin ; 1854-55, Hiram M. Roberts ; 1856, Edwin G. Roberts ; 1857, Thomas S. Roberts ; 1858-61, Hiram Paddock; 1862, Wil-
liam W. Seriven ; 1863, James Jordan ; 1864, Hiram Paddock, William W. Scriven ; 1865, Henry W. Derby ; 1866, George Howe, Jr. ; 1867-68, Albert O. Prescott ; 1869, George Howe; 1870, Albert O. Prescott ; 1871, Isaae M. Warren ; 1872-73, Ras- selas A. Jackson ; 1874-77, Albert O. Prescott; 1878-79, George Howe, Jr.
The following were the officers ehosen in 1879 : Super- visor, Samuel S. Clark ; Town Clerk, George Howe, Jr. ; Justiees of the Peace, John Hughes, Hiel H. Farnsworth ; Collector, Frank Patterson ; Assessor, Artemas Earl; Com- missioner of Highways, Ezra Sweet ; Overseers of the Poor, Philip Maguire, Joseph Shaw ; Inspectors of Eleetions: Distriet No. 1, David Laneto, A. S. Bryant ; Distriet No. 2, Patriek O'Neil, David Dwyer; Constables, Archibald MeCoy, Thomas Hogan, Jr., Barney Henry, John Brown, John Harrison; Auditors, Thomas S. Roberts, P. L. Ly- man, John B. Bort; Inspeetors of Eleetion (appointed) : Distriet No. 1, Levi N. Stevens; Distriet No. 2, Deming M. Roberts ; Sealer of Weights and Measures, John Har- rison.
NOTES FROM THE RECORDS.
" At an election held in the town for a senator and assemblyman, on May 2, 1799, forty-two votes were east for William Bailey and three for Thomas Treadwell for assemblyman; for senator, Pliny Moore received thirty-four votes."
" April, 1800, Voted, That Lewis Ransom's yard is a pound, and himself poundmaster, and that William Bailey's yard be a pound, and himself poundmaster. Fenee to be four and a half feet high, made of rails, poles, or logs."
"1804 .- Voted, That twelve dollars and fifty cents be remitted to James Ifatch, it being the sum collected of him for selling spirituous liquor contrary to law."
" If any man leave syrup so that it kill or injure cattle, he shall pay damage."
This vote again passed in 1806 and 1808.
" 1805 .- If any person having any thistle or tory weed growing in any part of their improved lauds, or iu the highway passing those lands, and by them occupied, shall hy the 1st of July cut or destroy the same to prevent their going to seed, on a penalty of $5 for each negleet."
"1810 .- $80 for a pound; $150 of the poor-money to purchase a Merino ram, to belong to the town."
" At au extra meeting held in 1809, resolved to raise $3500 by tax in three years for a court house and jail, after a law is passed author- izing it."
"1814 .- Voted, That the money raised for the building two pounds, and which has not been appropriated, and forty dollars in the hands of Gates Hoit and Amos Fairman, be applied by said Gates Hoit and Joshua Niehol's for the purchase of burying-grounds and fencing the same."
"1820 .- $25 voted to purchase a compass and chain for the use of the town."
" 1829 .- Voted, That every pound-keeper's yard shall be a pound."
" An act dividing the town into two election districts was passed April 9, 1859. April 12, 1860, amended; Mareh 23, 1864, amended again."
"Sept. 1, 1862, special meeting for war purposes. On motion of M. M. Roberts, $4000 voted for volunteers; bonds issued ; Legislature asked to pass an aet."
" Feb. 3, 1863, $180 voted to build a new fenee around old eeme- tery and paint it similar to old one."
"Dee. 1, 1863, bounty of $300 offered; $9600 voted."
"Jan. 11, 1864, $1810 voted to pay extra bounty of $100 to 17 en- listed soldiers to whom it was promised ; $50 extra to another set."
"March 21, 1864, $2600 to pay $200 bounty to 13 men in field who re-enlisted under 500,000 eall."
" March 29, 1864, $2000 to pay bounty of $300 under call for 200,000 men."
" Aug. 21, 1864, $18,600 for bounty on 500,000 call."
Photo, by Fay & Goodell, Malone.
DANIEL S. COONLEY, of Chateaugay, is a lincal descend- ant of the fourth generation from Solomon Coonley, who was a native of Holland, and came to America and settled in Dutchess Co., N. Y., about the year 1740. Solomon had a large family of children, the descendants of whom are scattered over the United States from Maine to Cali- fornia. One of his children was named David, who settled in Grand Isle Co., Vt., some time before or during the Revo- lutionary war, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He had the following children, viz. : Daniel J., who was born May 31, 1788, Maria, Catherine, Elmira, Sylva, and Eliza,-all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood.
Daniel J. Coonley was reared a farmer. While yet a young man he went into Upper Canada and learned the tanner and currier trade. On his way home to Vermont he chanced to pass through the town of Constable, Frank- lin Co., N. Y., and at once made up his mind to settle there.
He returned to Grand Isle, Vt., and married Sarah, daughter of William Hodgkins, in 1815. She was born in Grand Isle, Vt., March 1, 1789. Of this union the following children were born, viz. : Catherine (deceased), Sophrona, Soerates (deceased), Solomon W. (deceased), Mary M., Carlisle, Daniel S., and Sarah E.,-all of whom were born in Constable, Franklin Co., N. Y., to which place Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Coouley came soon after their mar- riage. Mr. Coonley followed his trade for a few years after his settlement in Constable, and then became a farmer.
He was a staunch Whig and Republican in politics. He was town clerk, and also justice of the peace for several years. He was a member of the Society of Friends. He died Feb. 29, 1860, leaving a good name. Mrs. Coonley died Feb. 3, 1851.
Daniel S. Coonley was born in Constable, Oct. 24, 1828. At the age of seven he left home to go to Plattsburgh to attend school, working for his board for his uncle, Joseph Durkec. He returned home, and worked on the farm sum- mers, and attended school winters. In 1844 went to Platts- burgh again, and attended school one term, then returned to his native town and entered the store of S. W. Gillett, and remained three years, receiving forty dollars, sixty dol- lars, and eighty dollars respectively. He then went to Malone and worked for S. M. Wead in a store, then for E. L. Meigs.
In March, 1849, he settled in Chateaugay, and was in the employ of S. M. Wead till 1851, when he became a partner with Mr. Wead, and continued till 1859. In 1854 a branch store was started at Frontier, Clinton Co. In 1857, Mr. Coonley removed to Frontier, and had charge of their interests there. In 1858 he entered into partnership with D. F. Soper, and was engaged with him in the tin business till 1860. In 1865 he returned to Chateaugay, and pur- chased his present farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres, on which are fine buildings. He went into business with his brother, C. H., and continued till 1869; then was engaged with Mr. Hughes two years ; then with Eli B. Smith in the hardware business, until Mr. Smith sold his interest to his son, Carlisle E., the firm being now known as Coonley & Smith.
In politics Mr. Coonley has always been a Republican. He has held various offices, such as postmaster, trustee, and treasurer. He married Amelia, daughter of Eli B. and Laura (Hawks) Smith, July 14, 1861. She was born in Chateaugay, Oct. 24, 1833. They have three children, viz. : Ruth S., Laura A., and Lura S. (twins), who were born in Clinton, Clinton Co., N. Y.
463
TOWN OF CHATEAUGAY.
"$48,050 bonds issued for war purposes to March 1, 1865, leaving a debt at that time of $39,424.74."
STATISTICS.
The census of 1875 furnislies the following faets regard- ing the town: Number of dwelling-houses, 517; value, $366,395 ; number of acres of improved land, 21,729; of unimproved land, 7027 ; cash value of farms, $915,527; of farm-buildings, $118,017.
CHAPTER LXXXVII.
CHATEAUGAY-(Continued).
Village of Chateaugay-Incorporation-Village Officers-Presidents -Trustees-Officers, 1879- Frontier Lodge, 517, F. and A. M .- Phoenix Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1-Franklin Hook-and- Ladder Company, No. 1-Post-Office-Present Enterprises Cha- teaugay Village-Education-Chateaugay Academy-Religious- Methodist - Presbyterian-Baptist-Catholic-Episcopal-Protes- tant Methodist-Burying-Grounds-Inscriptions -- Description of Chateaugay in 1813-Notes and Incidents-Bridge-Rainbow Lodge, No. 12, F. and A. M .- Tornado, 1856-Wolf Speculations- Ear-Marks-Industrial Enterprises-Military History-War of 1812 in Chateaugay-The Rebellion of 1861-List of Soldiers.
THE village of CHATEAUGAY is the only one in the town, and is situated on Chateaugay River, south of the geographical centre of the town. It is an incorporated village, neatly laid out, and comprising a large number of stores and dwelling-houses. Here, also, are Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, and Catholic churches, a fine academy building, two hotels, and several factories and mechanie shops.
The village was first incorporated under the general laws of the State in 1868, and was originally a mile square. A special act of incorporation was passed, May 3, 1869, re- ducing the corporate limits to half a mile square, and making the usual municipal provisions.
The first meeting of the board of trustees was held Sept. 10, 1868. The first trustees were Daniel S. Comley, Thomas W. Cantwell, John Hughes, T. S. Roberts, and Truman C. Hall. John Hughes was chosen the first Presi- dent of the village ; Abel H. Miller, James Jordan, and Justus Sargent were elected Assessors; Ossian H. Stiles, Treasurer; John Van Vechten, Collector; and John McCoy, Clerk. The presidents, justices, and clerks since have been :
PRESIDENTS.
1869, Truman C. ITall; 1870, Abel HI. Miller; 1871, Edgar A. Keeler; 1872-74, Nathan Beman ; 1875-77, Willard S. Alvord ; 1878-79, Dr. Hial S. Farnsworth.
TRUSTEES.
1869, C. A. Pattorson, Georgo Howo, Barney Hancy, Thomas Peak; 1870, Daniel S. Comley, Clark A. Patterson, Ilial S. Farnsworth, Putnam B. Fisk ; 1871, Daniel S. Comley, C. A. Patterson, II. S. Farnsworth, Putnam B. Fisk ; 1872, Thomas W. Cantwell, Georgo T. Ilall, Georgo W. Roberts, Bruco C. Bort; 1873-74, Thomas W. Cantwoll, Georgo T. Hall, John Bentley, Bruce C. Bort; 1875, Thomas W. Cantwell, Henry W. Derby, Daniel S. Comley, J. B. Ladd ; 1876, Thomas W. Cantwell, W. W. Scriver, II. W. Derby, J. B. Ladd; 1877, Daniel S. Comley, T. B. Cantwell, John Bent- ley, Isaac M. Warren ; 1878, Levi Penk, Carlisle E. Smith, John B. Hlays, Bruco C. Bort ; 1879, John B. Bort, Wmn. Johnston, John W. Roberts, Don E. Scabury.
CLERKS.
1868-77, John MeCoy ; 1878, M. A. Kennedy ; 1879, John McCoy.
The remaining officers for 1879 are: Police Justice, Gor- don H. Main ; Assessors, Henry S. Day, Chas. J. Morgan, Thomas Peak ; Collector, Barney Haney ; Treasurer, Levi Peak ; Street Commissioner, Chas. J. Morgan ; Pound- Keeper, Thomas Daily ; Chief Engineer of Fire Depart- ment, John Hughes.
SOCIETIES.
Frontier Lodge, No. 517, A. F. and A. M .- This lodge is located at Chateaugay village, and works under a dis- pensation granted by the Grand Master. The lodge was formally chartered June 6, 1862. The leading officers of the lodge under the dispensation were : W. M., A. M. Mil- lar; S. W., Daniel S. Coonley ; J. W., A. H. Gustin.
The first officers under the charter were: W. M., John B. Bort ; S. W., Ossian H. Stiles ; J. W., Oliver Smith.
The following were the charter members of the lodge : Andrew M. Millar, Daniel S. Coonley, Amos H. Gustin, John B. Bort, Wm. W. Scriver, Hiram M. Roberts, Dan- iel F. Soper.
The Masters of the lodge have been A. M. Millar, John B. Bort, Don E. Seabury, Abel H. Miller, Lewis W. Paddock, Dr. George Howe, John Hughes.
The present officers are : W. M., John Hughes ; S. W., Don E. Seabury ; J. W., Benjamin Neely ; Treas., D. S. Coonley ; Sec., John McCoy ; S. D., George Howe; J. D., P. L. Lyman ; S. M. C., B. C. Bort; D. M. C., W. W. Scriver ; Chap., Wm. V. Derby ; Tyler, George A. Pad- dock. 44 members.
NEWSPAPERS.
The Chateaugay Star was started at Chateaugay village in 1868 or 1869 by Irving Van Buskirk. It was run by him for two or three years, and then sold to A. N. Mer- chant, who was succeeded by T. K. Millen, who ran the paper until a few years ago.
The Chateaugay Record, a weekly paper, was established in April, 1878, by Huntington & Merritt. C. A. Hun- tington is the present editor and publisher.
FIRE ORGANIZATIONS.
Phoenix Ilook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1, at Cha- teaugay Four Corners, was incorporated by special act of the Legislature, in April, 1860. The trustees created by the aet were George G. Gurley, Nathan Beeman, Calvin S. Douglass, Matthew M. Roberts, Iliram Paddock, Henry Hutchins, Benjamin Fletcher, Henry B. Roberts, Hollis S. Martin, John A. Sabin, Wallace F. Hoit, David C. White, John Bentley, Abel II. Miller, John Van Vechten, Thos. S. Roberts, Edgar A. Keeler, Putnam B. Fisk, Henry Mitchell, Truman C. Hall, Theodore T. S. Beeman, Andrew Jackson Perey, and Carlos C. Webb.
The organization never became effective.
Franklin Hook-and- Ladder Company, No. 1. Organ- ized in January, 1878.
Officers : Foreman, John Hughes; 1st Assistant, Car- lisle E. Smith; 2d Assistant, Charles A. Huntington ; Treas., Levi Peake; See., R. A. Jackson.
The post-office was established April 1, 1807. Amasa
464
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Fairman was the first postmaster. Elisha and Henry Smith, Ransom Crippin, Dr. Hiram Paddock, Dr. H. HI. Farnsworth, Elisha B. Smith, S. A. Douglass, Theodorus P. Roberts, Matthew M. Roberts, and George W. Roberts, the present postmaster, have filled the office since.
CHATEAUGAY VILLAGE PRESENT ENTERPRISES (1879).
The firms now doing business in Chateaugay village are : B. S. W. Clark and Samuel S. Clark, who, under the name of Clark & Co., are engaged in the general mercantile busi- ness, and also have a tannery at Altona ; Daniel S. Coonley and Carlisle E. Smith are in partnership in the hardware, tin, and stove business.
John Hughes is a prominent dealer in groceries, boots and shoes, erockery, and glass-ware.
Bruce C. Bort and R. K. Brumley are also dealers in hardware, tin, and stoves.
John W. Anderson is a dealer in groceries.
R. A. Jackson, E. S. Hamlin, O. M. Sheldon, are drug- gists.
J. B. Hayes and Peake & Carr deal in dry goods and groceries.
P. B. Fisk is a dealer in newspapers, books, eonfeetion- ery, and knickknacks.
R. W. Anderson is a dealer in elothing.
Thomas Peak and John Harica are harness-makers.
EDUCATION.
Schools were established in the town soon after the settlement. The first is said to have been taught in 1799. Others were soon after established. In 1810 the annual town-meeting was held " in the school-house at the four corners."
An old log school-house stood in the northeast part of the town some sixty-five years ago, and oceupied a site near the residenee of Peleg and Nathan Douglass. Here the young ideas of that section were taught how to shoot. Duncan Campbell, James J. Webb, and others were pio- neer teachers there.
In 1820 the report of the commissioners of common schools shows that there were seven districts in the town. The whole number of scholars in attendance upon five of these, between the ages of five and twenty-one, was 206.
Two years later there were eight districts in the town, with an attendanee of 309 children.
In 1826 there were ten districts in the town, and the number of children taught was 384.
The commissioners' certificate of apportionment for the year 1879 shows the following general faets : Number of districts, 17 ; number of children between five and twenty- one years of age, 1107; total to be paid to districts, $2063.22.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.