History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 132

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) 1n; Lewis, J.W., & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 922

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 132
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 132

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).

to the exposure of all of Jones' frauds. After the close of the war Mr. Gove engaged in mercantile and other business with varied success.

In 1824, the first year after Franklin County was made an Assembly district, Mr. Gove was elected a member of that body : just twenty-five years after- wards he was again elected such member. He was United States loan commissioner in 1837, and was frequently elected to minor offices in town. He was deputy collector of customs in 1850-54. He was a quick, active man, very impulsive, quick to anger, and as quickly over his passion ; however much he might be injured, he soon forgot the injury ; generous to all, liberal to the poor, fond of a good joke, he was popular with all classes; whenever he took a person aside to have a private conversation, he would whis- per so loud that all could hear. He contributed liber- ally to all public objeets. He built the second grist- mill in town.

Early in life he and Mrs. Gove united with the Baptist Church in Fort Covington, and they were liberal and consistent supporters of the same. He had two daughters,-Frances, who married Allau MeHutcheon for her first husband, and subsequently Harvey Whipple, of Malone; she died in 1856 ; Mary, who married Hon. Henry A. Paddock, and now resides in Malone. Mrs. Gove was fully as active, energetic, and popular as her husband. When- ever clouds seemed to lower, then her superior cour- age and good judgment seemed to manifest themselves most. She died in 1861, beloved by all who knew her. After her death Mr. Gove gave up business, and took up his residence with Mrs. Paddock in Malone. He died July 22, 1865, and was, at his request, buried in Fort Covington, where he had spent half a century. His memory is still fresh in the hearts of all who knew him.

481

TOWN OF FORT COVINGTON.

In 1803, John Hunsden, an Irishman, having become a clerk to the Indians, indueed then to cause a part of their tract near the mile square to be surveyed out into farms, which were conveyed by durable leases, cleared up, and improved. The terms were three years without rent, and $10 for every 100 acres annually afterwards.

Upon the treaties of 1816 and 1818 these settlers peti- tioned for their rights, and the surveyor, Simcon De Witt, and two mnen appointed by the Governor, James Skip, of Utica, and Dr. Isaac Sargent, of Cambridge, were directed to appraise the lands with and without the improvements.

In this report it is stated that the leases had been ex- ecuted by virtue of powers supposed to be granted in the law of 1802, and the history of the titles is detailed at length.

They reserved for a fort, in case of war, 50 acres on the east side of Salmon River, and 143 on the west side. They very strongly recommended an appropriation for roads in this section. To those who had made improvements on Indian leascs a pre-emption was allowed, or, if they declined purchasing the land, they still might have a lien upon the improvements from those who bought the soil.

Special provision was made for certain lots, and Huns- den was allowed $1200 for services rendered. The legal heirs of the first Robertsons were entitled to the pre-emp- tion of a certain lot, on condition of $120 being withheld for R. Buchanan. The appraisement and award of the commissioners can be found in the seerctary's office in Albany.

Most of the settlers availed themselves of the pre-emp- tion, and purchased at the land-office in Albany their farms. Those who chose to hold their improvements did so, not- withstanding the soil was sold to others, until paid for. A portion of the lands were reappraised, and have long since been sold.

The " mile square" was subsequently surveyed by the surveyor-general into " house-lots" and " out-lots," and sold by the State, excepting the two military reserves, which are rented for an indefinite period, and liable to revert when- ever wanted for that purpose.

Upon surveying the tract granted in the treaty of 1808, there was found an excess of 307 aeres, and a provision was inserted in the act of April 13, 1819, by which the Governor was instructed to procure a release of the same, and to stipulate an addition to their annuity at the same rates as for the purchase last made, or to pay them at onee the present worth of the same.

OTHER SETTLEMENTS.

A prominent pioneer in Fort Covington was Geo. B. R. Gove, who came from Vermont and settled at " French Mills" in 1808. IIc was an active, energetic man, and always manifested a lively interest in publie affairs. He was supervisor of Fort Covington in 1823, '26, '27, '33, '39, member of Assembly in 1824, collector of the port, etc. A daughter of Mr. Gove is the wife of Hon. H. A. Paddock, of Malone.

Another early settler of this town who became promi- ment in the affairs of the county was James B. Spencer. Ile eame from Vermont in 1810. He was a captain in the

29th Regiment of United States Infantry during the war of 1812, and participated in many of the engagements on the frontier. He subsequently officiated in various public positions ; was magistrate, judge, deputy collector, member of Assembly, Presidential elector, Indian agent, etc., and in 1836 was elected to Congress. He was a leading Demo- crat, and prominent in the couneils of that party. He died at Fort Covington in March, 1848, aged sixty-four.

Dr. John Hunsden was a pioneer physician. He settled near the village. A daughter married S. C. F. Thorndyke, of Malone.

An active business man was Sebius Fairman, who came into the town from Chateaugay. Luther and David Dan- forth located near the village. Seth Blanchard settled about three miles from the village. The present eounty clerk is a descendant.

Jonathan Wallace was one of the first surveyors in this region. Hc surveyed the "State purchase" in 1818. He died in the town. Dr. Buel Hitcheoek came from Shore- ham, Vt., and settled in the village.

A prominent pioncer, and the oldest settler of Fort Cov- ington now living, is James Campbell. He was born in Rockingham Co., Vt., in 1784, and in 1809 settled at " French Mills." In 1812 he received the inspectors of customs, and in the summer of the same year he acted as adjutant of the 66th Regiment. He was also appointed United States storekeeper to receive the large quantity of supplies which were sent to the town during the sojourn of Gen. Wilkinson's army. He was elected sheriff of the county in 1815, and was one of the judges of the county from 1818 to 1823. He has served in various other official positions, among which may be mentioned justice, Presidential clector, member of Assembly, etc.

Christopher Briggs and father were carly settlers. Ezekiel Payne settled on the "mile square." Ebenezer Stevens, David Dunn, and Humphrey Russell were early settlers on Dunn Street. Reuben Martin settled a short distance south, on the Indian Reservation.

A pioneer in the south part of the town was Orange Ellsworth. Chandler Ellsworth, a son, resides near the old homestead. Several other sons are residents of the county .-

Henry Longley was an early surveyor, and the only Quaker that ever lived in the town.

John A. and William Qua were pioneers on the " Reser- vation." William died in Washington. Mr. Fiske, fa- miliarly known as " Deaeon," and Jonathan Rich were also pioneers on the " Reservation." The latter settled on the road leading to Bombay, and reared a large family.

William C. Holden located in the east part of the town, near the Canada linc. He settled on the stoniest farm in the town, and the reason given was that it reminded him of his native State, New Hampshire. Two sons are residents of Chicago. Another pioneer from New Hamp- shire was John L. Burus, who also settled in the east part of the town. One Ryan, a relative, located in this vicinity.

Deacon Wm. Creighton came from Washington County, and located about two miles from the village, on the road leading to Westville. Many descendants are residents of the town.

Deacou David Me William settled about two miles west,

482

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, NEW YORK.

on premises now owned by Paul Grant. A Revolutionary soldier named Jonathan Saunders was also an early settler.

Ora F. Paddoek eame from Woodstoek, Vt., and settled in the town in 1821, on premises now owned by James McFee. He died in Fort Covington in 1867. His son, Hon. Henry A. Paddock, resided here until 1864, when he removed to Malone. He was eounty judge in 1859.

William Hogan eame into the town in about the year 1824. He subsequently moved to Hogansburgh, in Bom- bay, where he purchased land of the State. He was a prominent and influential man.

Among other early settlers were Elijah Winchell, -- MeMann, Job Congdon, Daniel Noble, Allen Lineoln, James Bageley, Daniel and Arad Whitney, Jonathan Stevens, Daniel and James Phelps, Mr. MeLaughlin, John C. Wolff (British soldier), Jeremiah and Willard Parker, Aretus M. Hitchcock, Abner Speneer, Robert Chapman and son William, and the Gray family.

The following were living on the " mile square" in 1820 : John Aiken, Dr. Weleh, Arthur McMillan, Job Congdon, Asa Stearns, Dr. Roswell Bates, Jonathan Wallace, John Crea, George B. R. Gove, Charles H. Wheeler, Daniel Phelps, Frederick Hire, Jabez Parkhurst, Ezekiel Payne, Mr. Greenyea, John Moore, Mr. Herrick, Samuel II. Payne, James B. Spencer, Silas Ware, Thomas Meltimore, Joseph Briggs, Eliakim Briggs, Henry Briggs, Thomas Erwin, Ce- bius Firman, Cornelius Irwin, Robert Buchanan, Mr. Clark, Mr. Ransom, James Campbell, Mr. Morse, Jesse Woodbury, and Ira Potter.

MERCHANTS.

The pioneer merchant at Fort Covington was doubtless a Mr. Andrews, who was in business here before the war. Warren L. Manning, who now resides in Malone, was an early merchant, and the first sueeessful trader in town. His store was located on the corner of Water and Chateaugay Streets. Benjamin Raymond was also a pioneer merchant. He was at one time a partner of Mr. Manning, and sub- sequently with Deaeon Marsh. David Seymour kept a store on the corner of Centre and Water Streets, and George B. R. Gove, as early as 1808, was in business on the spot now occupied by the office of Dr. William Gillis. Other early tradesmen were James Phelps, Myron and Aretus Hiteh- coek, Col. Stiles, B. A. Stiles, U. H. Orvis, Wm. Herrick, Joel Hiteleock, Oliver W. Paddock, and William Hogle.

VILLAGE OF FORT COVINGTON.

The village of Fort Covington is pleasantly located on the Salmon River, and at one time, before the era of railroads, was the most important town in the county. It is, however, still a flourishing village, and contains an academy, four churches,-Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholie,-and has about 1000 population.

The business interests of the village (October, 1879) were represented as follows :

General merchants : T. T. Kimball, J. H. Fay, T. W. Creed, D. E. Denneen, and William G. Kelsey.

Flour, feed, ete. : J. Y. Cameron and T. W. Hamilton.

Groceries : J. Y. Cameron, A. Somie, C. B. Minekler, and T. W. Hamilton.

Millinery : D. E. Denneen, Mrs. William Handley, and Mrs. William Crangle.

Shoe-store : G. A. Streeter.

Dressmakers : Miss Susie Campbell and Mrs. William Cowan.

Gents' furnishing goods : William Handley.

Druggists : H. C. Congdon, Dr. William Gillis, and John S. Parker.

Tin and hardware : A. S. Matthews and Riehard Grange. Tannery : James Blansfield.

Manufacturers and dealers in furniture : A. & A. Wright, and Premo & Spencer.

Bakeries : C. B. Minkler and Tom Fraser.

Grist- mills : T. W. Hamilton and Isaae Seeley.

Blacksmiths : Tom Mahew, John French, John McKay, and Tom Dupee.

Harness-shops : Alexander Campbell and John MeKay.

Shoemakers : James MeArtney, Frank Derochie, John Mckay, and Joseph Fay.

Saw- and shingle-mills : William Hogle and George Danforth.

Woolen-factory : Joseph Shannon and David Shannon (J. & D. Shannon).

Doors, sash, and blinds : A. & A. Wright.

Carriage-makers : J. & J. Courtney, John Campbell, and James Summers.

Hotels : "Stafford House," Samuel MeElwain, 2d pro- prietor, and Spencer House, Mrs. Joseph Spencer, pro- prietress.

Butchers : Tom Dupee and John H. MeElwain.

Physicians : William Gillis, James Macfie, C. J. Crippin, and Mrs. Charles Moore.

Lawyers : S. W. Wilson, W. J. Mears, and W. H. Win- ehester.

Tailors : Dennis MeMahon, Charles White, and Harry Lowe.

Livery-stable : Rodney Russell.

Jewelers : J. H. Hatton and Joseph Lamay.

Franklin Bank .- A bank, with a capital of $100,000, was to have been started in Fort Covington, Feb. 26, 1841. The stoek was owned by four eitizens of Lewis County. The bank, however, never went into operation.

The District of Champlain .- The deputy collectors at Fort Covington have been Seth Blanchard, John Hunsden, James Campbell, John McCrea, James B. Spencer, James Campbell, Samuel H. Payne, Ezra Stiles, George B. R. Gore, Ezra Stiles, Philo A. Mathews, John Harlow, and S. E. Blood, the present incumbent, appointed in 1869.

Northern Union, No. 436, Sons of Temperance, was or- ganized at Fort Covington in September, 1848, with the fol- lowing members : J. C. Speneer, H. A. Paddoek, C. M. Whitney, E. E. Whitney, S. Mears, R. H. Spencer, S. F. Lineoln, W. H. Payne, P. B. Wolff.

A division of the Sons of Temperanee was organized at Fort Covington, April 30, 1867, with 24 members. The following were the first officers : Rev. C. Mason, W. P .; I. Seeley, W. A .; Dr. D. B. Wyatt, R. S .; Mrs. S. Stewart, A. R. S .; A. Stowell, F. S .; G. A. Cheeney, Treas .; E. Stiles, Chap. ; S. Howard, C .; C. Gray, A. C .; Miss L. Me- Dougal, I. S .; A. Danforth, O. S .; J. Quoy, Acting P. W. P.

J.M.timbale

J.W. KIMBALL

was one of the successful business men of Fort Covington, in Franklin Co., N. Y., and also served several terms in the State Assembly. His career extended back to the primitive times of the pioneers in the wilder- ness of Northern New York, when the homestead was the rude log house, reared by the hands of the family and neighbors. Intimately and actively associated as he was with the progress and development of this portion of the great State of New York in his day, his youthful associa- tions and circumstances were those which promised little, except a life of seclusion and poverty. His ambition, his perseverance, and his foresight, however, were of the kind which made him not only fully alive to the onward spirit of his times, but he linked his own fortunes and energies with the march of settlement and civilization ahout him.

He was born at Lawrence, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 30, 1825. At that period five families, including men and women, were all the persons who lived within a circle of two miles. His parents were early settlers, and the homestead consisted of a log house, covered with ash bark, the logs for which were cut and peeled by his father and mother. This struc- ture was huilt and covered in one day, all the other inhabitants having participated in the labor. Mr. Kimball used to relate, as a family incident, that, after the work was done, the tired and hungry party partook of a delicious supper, consisting, in part, of black bear, raccoons, and venison, which were then to be had in abundance. On his father's farm, in the midst of these scenes of the back woods, young Kimball passed the years of his boyhood. He worked hard, and had no opportunity for mental im- provement. The sun rose and set upon the labors of the pioneers, and each day showed the forest falling before the axe, and the virgin earth more and more subdued for cultivation. But young Kimball saw into that future when men would he wanted in that region with something moro than the power to labor. So, for himself, he determined to improve his mind, at the same time that he labored diligently with his hands.

At seventeen he was allowed to go to the village of Potsdam, where he attended the academy one term. He paid his hoard by working night and morning, hut at the end of the term found himself in debt. He next set to work on a farm for wages, and in six months earned sufficient money to pay all of his indebtedness. After. this he entered the academy at Fort Covington, where he remained two terms. He made a very satisfactory advance in his education, as all such students do who pursue knowledge because of a consciousness of its value in the struggle of life.

When about twenty he undertook the duties of a district school-teacher. There probably never was a more conscientious and faithful teacher of the young than Mr. Kimball, and he had a gratifying success. However, he did not exactly feel that teaching was his true vocation, and he gave it up.

In the spring of 1845 he accepted a clerkship at Fort Covington, at the small salary of six dollars a month. After six years his salary had reached only three hundred and fifty dollars a year, hut he had already saved from his earnings seven hundred and twenty-fivo dollars. He was a person who was always looking ahead, and preparing for it. He allowed himself to

fall into no temptations of extravagance for one in bis position, but exer. cised the greatest frugality in all matters. He was not parsimonious or miserly, but he pursued a constant course of saving, with the view of ob- taining a capital to start in business for himself. This long-looked-for period came in May, 1852, when he embarked in business on his own account. His capital was very small. His former employers, with a cash capital of fifty thousand dollars, were opposed to his project, and his credit was of the most limited character. Commencing under all these discour- agements, he gave full scope to the native perseverance in his nature, which had served him so often before, and gradually his business enlarged and hecame profitable. From year to year he accumulated property, and in 1863 closed this business with a casb balance of forty thousand dollars.

As soon as he reached his maturity Mr. Kimball began to take an interest in public affairs. Ho represented his town as supervisor for five successive years, and in 1864 and 1865 served as chairman of the board. He also became one of the commissioners of excise for his county. He was next put in nomination for the Assembly, and was elected by a large majority. He sbowed so much comprehensiveness in the discharge of his duties that he was again and again elected to the same position hy hand- some majorities. In the Legislature of 1867 he served on the committee of Federal relations, and was chairman of the committee on State prisons.

Mr. Kimball had a well-proportioned figure, and a head of consider- able size, with prominent foatures. His countenance shows him to be a soher-minded, practical man, and one of not less clear-sighted judgment than of genial, kindly personal characteristics. He was plain in his manners, and a calm and rather argumentative talker. There was nothing like pre- sumption or arrogance in his nature, but he was one of those men who were found masters of every situation in which they were placed. Self-taught and self-made, he bad a life full of its teachings to tho mind and hoart. It had shown him that man was truest to his manhood wheu his reliance was upon himself, and its pains and disappointments made him tenderly regardful of those who were passing through the same ordeal. True to principle, and faithful and intelligent in every sphere of duty, bis own career is considered one of the best incentives and guides to success.

He was married, on the 18th of May, 1851, to Martha, daughter of Wil- liam and Mary (Taylor) Earle. Mr. Earle was a native of Chester, Vt., and settled in Massena, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., at an early day, where Martha was born, May 19, 1832. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kimball, the following children havo been born, viz .: Mary S. (deceased), William (deceased), Ella S., Sheridan A., Mattic E., and Edith W. (deceased).

After an illness of one weok, Hon. James W. Kimball died at his resi- dence in Fort Covington, March 7, 1872. In tho prime of life, in the vigor of manhood, in the midst of a successful and honorable business career, Mr. Kimball was thus suddenly stricken down. By his death Fort Covington lost ono of its most valuable citizens, and Franklin County a public-spirited and honored man.

483

TOWN OF FORT COVINGTON.

Aurora Lodge, No. 383, F. and A. M., of Fort Coving- ton, N. Y., was organized June 11, 1856, with the following charter members: W. L. Manning, P. B. Wolff, and W. H. Payne.

The first officers were W. L. Manning, W. M .; P. B. Wolff, S. W .; W. H. Payne, J. W .; D. R. Cameron, S. D .; Seth Blanchard, J. D .; S. V. R. Tuthill, Sec .; A. M. Lincoln, Treas .; Sidney Raymond and Joseph Fay, Stew- ards; Daniel Cameron, Tyler.

The present officers are as follows : James Macfic, W. M. ; George Long, S. W .; A. Smallman, J. W .; M. M. Smith, Sec .; S. V. R. Tuthill, Treas .; A. Davidson, S. D .; L. S. Webb, J. D .; Ezra Stiles, Chap. ; D. B. Simpson, S. M. C .; Charles H. McIlwain, J. M. C .; J. Y. Cameron, Marshal ; William Hollenbeck, Tyler.

EARLY TAVERNS.

One of the earliest taverns in Fort Covington stood on the site now occupied by the store of Fay Brothers, and was kept by James Campbell & Co. One Clark was pro- prietor of a house on the west side of the river, on the site now occupied by the family of James Sawyer. Lemuel Warren was also an early innkeeper. The building now occupied by P. A. Mathews as a tin-shop was onee used as a hotel. The hotel now occupied by Joseph Spencer was built by a Mr. Phelps, and the "Stafford House" was erected by James Parker.

ATTORNEYS.

The legal profession has always been well represented in Fort Covington. The following list of attorneys is given from memory by Hon. Henry A. Paddock, who for a long time was a practitioner in this village: William H. Wheeler, Samuel Jones, Jonathan Wallace, Jabez Parkhurst, Asahel Haywood, Joseph R. Flanders, James C. Spencer, Henry A. Paddock, James F. Hicks, James F. Pierce, Walter II. Payne, Dennis D. Mott, Henry G. Kilbourn, Silas W. Wilson, Walter Mears, and Walter H. Winchester.

CIVIL HISTORY.

Fort Covington was erected from Constable, Feb. 28, 1817. It retained its original dimensions until March 10, 1833, when Bombay was set off. The town was named in honor of Gen. Leonard Covington, a distinguished soldier. He was a native of Maryland, born in 1768. He served under Wayne in the Indian wars in the West, and in 1809 became lieutenant-colonel of a regiment of dragoons and settled in Natchez. He joined the Northern army, and in July, 1813, was commissioned brigadier-general. He was mortally wounded at Chrysler's Field by a shot, while at the head of his command. His body was conveyed to Fort Covington, where he received a military burial. Subse- quently the remains of Gen. Covington, Col. Johnson, and Lieut. Eaton were removed to Sackett's Harbor, N. Y.

The Fraudulent Claims .- Soon after the war of 1812 an act was passed by Congress, allowing magistrates to take affidavits of certificates of damages to private property during that period, which were to be credited and paid at Washington. A series of frauds were attempted, and to some degree successfully carried on, principally at Freuch

Mills, although instances occurred in St. Lawrence County, in which exorbitant, fietitious, and altered accounts were presented. In other instances fair and honest accounts were first certified by magistrates, and subsequently forged copies, with the items changed and greatly magnified, were sent to the department for audit and payment.

The suspicions of a citizen at French Mills being ex- cited, information was conveyed to the government, and an agent was sent to detect and bring to punishment the offen- ders. This person acquired the confidence of the delin- quents, and, having become acquainted with the necessary details of their operations, promptly reported them to the civil authorities, who caused several of the parties to be arrested. By a singular omission in the law, there was no provision made for punishing these frauds, and several es- caped from this cause. It is supposed that they were aware of this faet before engaging in them. The ring- leader was sent to State prison, and the others fled. Great numbers having just and honest claims were cut off from their rights by these frauds .- (Hough's History of St. Law- rence and Franklin.)

The leading spirit in these frauds was a lawyer named Jones, and the citizen who conveyed the information to the government was George B. R. Gove. Jones remarked, but for G. B. R. Gove he would have removed the United States treasury from Washington to French Mills.

The first town-meeting was held in 1817, when the fol- lowing officers were elected : Supervisor, Sebius Fairman ; Town Clerk, Amos Welch ; Assessors, Isaac Fairchild and David Danforth ; Collector, Isaac Fairehild ; Commissioners of Highways, Daniel W. Church, Wareham Hastings, Luther Danforth ; Overseers of the Poor, Ambrose Church- man and Luther Danforth ; Commissioners of Common Schools, Sebius Fairman, Seth Blanchard, and Isaac Fair- child ; Inspeetors of Schools, Jonathan Wallace, John M. Rodgers, Ezekiel Payne; Constables, Isaac Fairchild and William Wheeler ; Fence-Viewers, Seth Blanchard, Luther Danforth, David McMillin ; Poundmasters, A. M. Hitch- coek, David MeMillin, and B. D. Hitchcock.

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.

History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 132

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) 1n; Lewis, J.W., & Co., Philadelphia Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 922

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) 1n; Lewis, J.W., & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 922