USA > New York > Delaware County > History of Delaware County, and border wars of New York, containing a sketch of the early settlements in the county > Part 28
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Morning dawned. The sun rose in splendor and shed its rays over the earth, giving light and beauty to all around : joy and gladness beamed on the face of nature, cheering her sad and lonely heart. Precisely at the appointed hour the chief called for Mrs. Leavenworth. She made her appearance, and the chief taking the little daughter in his arms-led the way to the door. Here were fourteen Indians dressed in full costume
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and ready equipped for the journey. They were formally introduced by the chief to Mrs. Leavenworth.
The carriage that was to convey the wife and daughter, was a palanquin, so constructed that the occupants could sit or recline at their pleasure, and this was to be their home for 700 long miles. We now behold them seated in their car- riage. The baggage is in order and firmly secured. Every- thing is ready. Four stout Indians step forward from their fellows, raise the palanquin on their shoulders, and commence their march. Five of the remainder walk before in Indian file-headed by their chief, and the remainder follow the palanquin in the same order. The curtain of the carriage is raised. Mrs. Leavenworth gazes on the scene with mingled feelings of hope and fear. She casts one long and lingering look on all around, as the last abode of civilization fades from her view. Before her lies the pathless forest and the wide prairie, behind her the cultivated fields of the white man. Before her stands the rude wigwam of the savage, behind her the princely dwellings of her own countrymen. Before her roam the savages and ferocious beasts, behind her are the peaceful walks and shady retreats of America's enlightened sons. Before her is Nature in its wildest and most pictu- resque beauty, while behind her Art gives finish to the paint- ing, and renders it more attractive and beautiful.
The day has nearly passed; night draws her sable curtain over all the earth; The last rays of the setting sun gild the mountains, burnishing the western sky with a gold and purple light, as the Indians encamp for the night. A fire is kindled, and the evening repast neatly and comfortably prepared. The wild flowers and green grass serve as a carpet, a board forms the table, and the blue arch of heaven is spread over them as a canopy. The studied formalities of the white man enter not their circle. Order and neatness reign here. The frugal repast is finished. The hour of rest draws near. Weariness and sleep
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steal over them, and they seek refreshment in repose. Mrs. L. and child lie down to rest, for the first time, among savages and in a wilderness, in their palanquin. The Indians, except two, who are stationed as guards-spread their blankets on the ground, lie down, and are soon "locked in the arms of Mor- pheus." Not so with Mrs. L .; the screeching of the owl, and the howling of the wild beasts, disturb her slumbers. This was noticed by the guards, and they told her " to sleep as fearless as though in her own home, nothing should harm her." At last the god of sleep woos her to his own home, and her thoughts are wandering over the regions of dreamland.
Morning dawns, and sleep forsakes the eyelids of the sleepers. The morning meal is prepared and finished, and again they proceed on their way. Myriads of flowers strow their pathway, and throw their odors on the passing breeze. Birds of beauti- ful plumage sing their sweetest notes, cheering the hearts of Mrs. L. and daughter.
The chief and his escort are very kind, showing them every attention necessary for their comfort and happiness. Some- times they cull the choicest flowers, and weave them into bouquets and garlands, or pick the finest fruits, or bring the sparkling water as it gushes from the mountain side.
The Indians often quarrelled among themselves, fearful that one would confer a greater favor on their charge than the other. No insult of any kind was offered the lady and daugh- ter, and the Indians set an example worthy the imitation of the white man.
Thus passed the several days of their pilgrimage. On the 34th day after their departure from St. Louis, the chief stepped to the window of the palanquin, and said : "Do you see those white tents yonder ? That one-pointing-is Colonel L.'s."
What must have been Mrs. L.'s feelings, as she drew near her husband's tent ? Pen cannot describe ; language is inade- quate to the task. In a few moments she was locked in her
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husband's arms. " Harriet, you have come at last ;" was all that Colonel L. could utter; and taking his child, he pressed it to his bosom, while tears of heartfelt joy coursed down his manly cheeks, that were never moistened in the din of battle. Here it would be well to remark, that Mrs. L. was the first white woman who had crossed this trackless forest, or these extended and delightful prairies ; emphatically termed Na- ture's flower garden.
The trio were happy, for after many lonely and wearisome days, they were permitted to meet again. The savages gazed on the scene in mute astonishment. Day after day sped rapidly by, and still there was happiness. A few years passed, and Colonel L. was sent by government, 1100 miles farther south. Thither his wife and children accompanied him, where they arrived in safety.
V.
" I miss the warm clasp of thy hand, And thy warm breath on my cheek, And I still keep listening for the words That you never more may speak."
A few months passed after their arrival at Cross Timbers, and Colonel L. was taken sick with a fever incident to the cli- mate. With all the care and solicitude of a kind and tender wife, she watched over him day and night with untiring zeal, barely allowing herself time for a moment's repose, and minis- tering to all his wants; yea, anticipating them, and consoling - him with the reflection that "he would once more return to his far distant home." Alas ! Death loves a shining prize, and marked him for his victim. The truth became manifest to himself, and those around, that he must die. But how agonizing the thought, that he must leave his wife and chil-
30*
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dren, alone and unprotected, in a strange land. The thought was like the sundering of soul and body. His soul was un- nerved for the conflict. Long and earnestly he prayed for strength to support him in his dying hour. By degrees his soul became more calm, until he was fully resigned to the will of God. Once more he commended his wife and children to Him, who has promised "to temper the winds to the shorn lamb." He gave them his parting blessing, and sank to rest in the arms of his Redeemer.
This was the severest trial that Mrs. L. had ever been called to meet. Her spirit was crushed to the earth. The hopes and bright anticipations, she had nurtured so long and fondly, were prostrated in the dust. But for her children, she could have calmly laid herself beside her husband, and "breathed her life out sweetly there." She looked to her Heavenly Father for aid, and he granted it. Heavenly messengers were sent to comfort her, and she was prepared for the worst.
Mrs. L. had the body of her husband wrapped in spices, and placed in a vault; she immediately settled her deceased hus- band's pecuniary affairs, and prepared to return to New York State with her four children. Did she leave the body of her husband in a strange land ? No, no. The feelings of the widowed wife were still strong in death. She takes his mortal remains, and carries them with her to her home, in Delaware county. The same Indians that once escorted Mrs. L. and her daughter through the wilderness, are now the escort of herself, four children, and the body of her husband, from Cross Timbers to St. Louis. Their passage on the ocean was very stormy, but they reached New York in safety. At Catskill, the dragoons of Delaware met the remains of their honored friend, and conveyed them to Delhi, where the Rev. Mr. Fenn pronounced the eulogy, and the few remaining soldiers that accompanied Colonel L. to the battle-field, now followed his remains to their last resting place. "Truly a great man hath
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fallen in Israel." The Freemasons and Military erected a monument to the memory of the departed. No marble monu- ment was necessary to perpetuate his fame, for his memory was graven on every heart, and his heroic deeds were written in his country's history.
Delhi became the home of Mrs. L. and her four children, for a short time. From thence they removed to Newburgh, where another severe trial awaited them : the eldest daughter was removed by death.
It was my good fortune, a few years since, to see Mrs. L. Her countenance bore the deep traces of sorrow, but grief had not robbed her of her beauty and commanding appearance. Courage and ambition, those predominating faculties of her mind, were unimpared, and like the sun after the cloud passes away, they show with a brighter and steadier lustre.
Florida is now the home of Mrs. L. and her three children. Thus passes the life of one who is fitted to adorn and shine as one of the brightest gems in the higher walks of life.
Davenport, Feb. 26th, 1849.
The following obituary announces the death of this lady :
DIED-On the 7th September, 1854, at Barrytown, Dutchess county, Mrs. HARRIET LEAVENWORTH, widow of the late Gen. Henry Leavenworth, U. S. Army. Mrs. Leavenworth, during the first few years of her married life, was a resi- dent of this village; and although many years have passed, she is still remembered with pleasure by the few remaining of those who had her acquaintance and friendship. Her early life was diversified with many incidents of interest. When her gallant husband was ordered to the frontier, hundreds of miles in the wilderness, to protect the inhabitants from the invasions of the savages, she, like a faithful wife, was at his side, regard- less of the many dangers, hardships and privations she had to endure. After the death of Gen. L. she returned to this
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State, and has resided most of the time at Newburgh, occa- sionally visiting this, the place of her early joys, and where the remains of her lamented husband rest .- [ Delaware Ga- zette.]
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CHAPTER XVI.
Obituary Notices-Captain Abraham Gould-Aaron Hull-Gabriel North-Rev. Stephen Fenn-Hon. Roswell Hotchkiss-Rev. Daniel Shepard-James Hughston-Hon. Samuel A. Law-Daniel Gould -Col. Adam Shaver-T. H. Rathbun-Simeon McIntosh-Richard Peters-Thomas Hamilton-Major Joseph Duren-William C. Chris- tiani-Abel Gallup-Jacob Every-Pierce Mitchel-Margery Walcott -Edmund Kelly-Abram Thomas-Gen. Orrin Griffin-Claudius Flansburgh-Levi Hanford-Abigial Marvine-Hon. Selah R. Hobbie -Frederick L. Hanford-George B. Foote-Peter Penet-William Holliday-Col. Amasa Parker-Joel T. Headley.
THE following are a few of the many obituaries we should have been happy to have noticed, had we the limits in the volume, and the material for their preparation. We had de- layed some time for a promised notice of the Hon. Noadiah Johnston. A tribute to his memory certainly deserves a con- spicuous place among the reminiscences of his native county. He spent the prime of his life in the county of Delaware, and was for many years, a distinguished member of our State and National Legislature. A sound and practical lawyer, his strong genius first exhibited itself through his eloquence at the bar. We have compiled most of these notices from files of the various county papers, and in many instances, have adopted the lan- guage of the communications.
DIED-January, 1824, CAPTAIN ABRAHAM GOULD, in the 28th year of his age, after a lingering illness. He was the only survivor of four hardy young men, who emigrated at an early day into this county, (1790) and were the first settlers in the town of Roxbury.
DIED-AARON HULL, EsQ., in the 74th year of his age.
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He was engaged in the sanguinary struggle of Independence, and was one of the first to encounter the hardships and priva- tions of the wilderness.
DIED-January 2nd, 1827, GABRIEL NORTH, of Walton. A correspondent writes : "It is but due to the memory of the deceased, to say, inasmuch as it evinces the merit and estima- tion of his fellow citizens, that he occupied for some time, a seat on the Bench of the Common Pleas of this county,- twice elected to the assembly-was a member of the electoral college in 1816, and gave the vote of the State for President and Vice-President. But Judge North deserves a more last- ing and careful remembrance, for having been one of the pioneers in the settlement of Delaware county. He, with two or three of his associates, were the first settlers of Walton, to which place they emigrated from Connecticut, upwards of forty years ago. (1784.) That region of country, then, was almost an unexplored wilderness, remote, by a great distance, even from the frontiers of civilized habitations. There they liter- ally pitched their tents, for these were their first dwellings, and with the unshrinking courage, patience and confidence in Divine protection, so characteristic of the adventurous spirit transmitted by the New England pilgrims to their descend- ants, they, with their wives and children, sustained hardships, privations, and perils, alike interesting in their details, and propitious in their results."
GIDEON FRISBEE, died in 1828, aged 71. He came to this county forty years ago, (1788,) and settled upon the same farm where he resided until his death. It was the county of Montgomery, afterward the county of Otsego, and in 1797, the county of Delaware. Judge Frisbee, in the early settle- ment of the county, was distinguished among his fellow citizens as captain of the militia, justice of peace, and the highest offices in the gift of the town. Not many years after the forma-
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tion of county, he was elected county treasurer, and about the same time, judge of the Common Pleas. Both of these offices he held with fidelity, until within a few years of his death he resigned them.
IN Harpersfield, September 26, 1833, REV. STEPHEN FENN, aged sixty-four years. Mr. Fenn, was born in 1769, in Water- town, in Connecticut. Possessing strong natural powers of mind, and a love of study, he prepared himself for college at an early age, and graduated at Yale in 1790, and soon after com- menced the preaching of the gospel. After laboring about one year in the State of New Hampshire, he came to Harpers- field in 1793. At this time the town was in its infancy, the inhabitants were few, and almost as a matter of course poor, or in limited circumstances. He was regularly ordained in January, 1794, and took pastoral charge of the church in Harpersfield. He continued in this situation until 1829, a period of thirty-six years, or about the time of his death.
At the time he emigrated into the county, there were few, if any regular ministers, (indeed, he is said to have been the first liberally educated minister that ever preached within the limits of the county,) and his services were frequently in requi- sition, in not only neighboring towns, but counties, and he is said to have officiated at more weddings, than any other person in the county since. He is described by those who knew him, as mild in his deportment, affable in his manners, attractive and witty, as well as grave in conversation, with a mind stored with an inexhaustible fund of humorous anecdotes, many of which were gathered from his own personal experience.
AT Harpersfield, on the 28th of December, 1845, Hon. Ros- WELL HOTCHKISS, in the 84th year of his age. The follow- ing article is from the columns of "The Express."
"In our obituary department to-day, is announced the de- cease of one of Delaware's oldest and most respected citizens, Hon. Roswell Hotchkiss.
-
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" Judge Hotchkiss, died at Harpersfield, on the 28th ult., at the advanced age of 84 years. He was one of the earliest settlers of that town, having removed there, from Connecticut, the year after the close of the Revolutionary war. During all this time, a period of more than sixty years, he has sustained an important place in the community where he has lived. In the county he has held in succession, the offices of justice of the peace, sheriff and judge of the county courts; he was also a member of the convention which framed the present Constitution of this State. In his early youth Judge Hotch- kiss entered the Revolutionary army, in which he served several years, and remained till the close of the war. Under the Federal government, soon after its establishment, he received the appointment of post-master, which office he held without interruption till the day of his death.
"During the greater part of his protracted life, he was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian church. Though by reason of the peculiar infirmities, he has been for some years . deprived of the privilege of frequent attendance on the wor- ship of the sanctuary, he did not lose his interest in those ser- vices, nor a disposition to contribute of his substance for their support. Nor did he wholly forget the cause of missions.
"Judge H.'s ability to use his pen and to transact business, was rather uncommon for a man of his age. Though it was perceptible that his ability for active service was gradually diminishing, yet his removal from amongst his friends leaves a sensible chasm, not only in his own family, where he was highly respected and beloved, but in the community at large .* "
" * Errata .- In our obituary notice of the death of Judge Hotchkiss, last week, we were in error in saying Judge Hotchkiss was a member of the Convention of 1821. Gen. Root, and Dr. Robert Clark, then of Stamford, were the members from Delaware, in the convention which framed the present Constitution. Judge Hotchkiss, and Elias Osborn,
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DEATH OF REV. DANIEL SHEPARD .- This community has been called upon to mourn the loss of one of its brightest orna- ments, Rev. Daniel Shepard, A.M., Principal of the Delaware Academy. Mr. Shepard, at the close of the summer term, took a tour, west, where he contracted the disease peculiar to that section of country, congestive fever. He did not sup- pose his sickness was of sufficient virulence to render it neces- sary to stay his journey, and he proceeded on, and finally reached home some two weeks since. The disease had taken a firm hold of his system, so much so as to baffie the efforts of his physicians to conquer it, and on Saturday night last, Novem- ber 29th, 1846, his spirit departed to dwell with HIM whom he had so delighted to honor and worship. He was 31 years of age.
Mr. Shepard has been at the head of the Delaware Academy for some ten years; and it is only necessary to point to the manner in which that institution has flourished, now having a stand among the first in the State, to show his fitness for the responsible station. It was not with him a mere matter of gain ; he loved his school ; he loved his pupils; he sought their welfare with untiring zeal and assiduity, not only their welfare in this world, but he aimed, while preparing them for the duties of life, to instil into their minds those great principles of religion, which would render them useful here, and prepare them for a brighter world. He took pride and satisfaction in seeing those under his care pass an honorable and creditable ex- amination in the several pursuits of knowledge; but his inte- rest in them did not cease there : he besought them frequently and fervently, to be preparing for the great and final Com-
then of Franklin, were members of the convention of 1801, which amended the Constitution in respect to the relative power of the presi- dent and members of the Council of Appointment, and in limiting the number of senators and members of Assembly."
31
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mencement-day, that there too, they might pass an examina- tion, that would be a happy one to them, an examination, which was to decide 'their fate, not for a few years, but for eternity. He always, before entering upon the academical duties of the day, assembled his pupils around him, implored a Divine bless- ing upon them, and together, worshipped around the throne of Grace; and we learn, that from the time he established morn- ing service in the Academy, some eight years since, he has been absent from those services but on one occasion, and that was the death of his child. He was truly a pattern to follow ; what he taught, he himself practised ; and his teachings and practice were those of the devoted, exemplary Christian. To do good, seemed to be the paramount object of his life; and the only desire he manifested when on his death-bed to live, was, that he might do more good. We can call to mind nothing that has been started since our residence here, to ad- vance the morals of the place, or to benefit our fellow-creatures in any way, that did not find in our departed friend a hearty, assiduous and successful advocate. Devotedly attached to the communion of the Episcopal Church, in which he had taken orders, he knew no sectarianism, but looked upon all who bore the impress of Christ, of whatever name, as co-laborers in the same field; a characteristic which much enhanced his usefulness.
His funeral was attended at the Episcopal church, on Mon- day, by a large concourse of his friends and fellow-citizens, and by a large number of his former pupils, all of whom were dressed in the habiliments of mourning: The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Waters, rector of the church, from Job xiv., 14 : " If a man die, shall he live again ?"' As he eloquently portrayed the moral worth and the character of the deceased, and gave to the youth the last dying message of their late friend and preceptor, the scene was indeed a sad and affect- ing one. In that large assemblage, we doubt whether there
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was a dry eye; for all loved, and felt keenly the loss of him, whose cold remains lay before them.
His remains were temporarily placed in the family vault of Gen. Root, from whence they will be removed to the new cemetery, when completed. ..
DIED-At his residence in the town of Sidney, on the 27th December, 1846, JAMES HUGHSTON, Esq., in the 74th year of his age.
Mr. Hughston was one of the first settlers of the Susque- hanna valley, and has held many stations of public trust. He died lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.
DIED-on Tuesday, the 28th ult., 1845, at 73 o'clock P.M., at Meredith, HON. SAMUEL A. LAW, in the 74th year of his age.
He was born in November, 1771, at Cheshire, Conn., and in 1788 entered Yale College, at which institution he graduated in 1792, with distinguished reputation as a scholar. The class of which he was a member, although small in numbers, furnished many distinguished men; among whom may be mentioned, Hon. Roger M. Sherman, Judge Chapman, and Eli Whitney, of Conn., Hon. Samuel Lathrop, and Rev. Dr. T. M. Cooley, of Mass., Hon. Charles Chauncey, of Penn., Hon. James Christie Estin, for many years Chief Justice of the Island of Bermuda,-and others. After pursuing a regular course of professional study in the Law School at Litchfield, Conn., he was admitted to the bar in 1795; and about the same time received honorary degrees from the Colleges of Columbia and Harvard. In 1798 he came into this county as agent for the owners of the Franklin Patent, and commenced the settle- ment at. the place of his late residence. Some years subse- quently he received the appointment of Judge of the Common Pleas, the duties of which office he continued to perform, as the writer believes, for several years. He was a member of
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the Congregational church, and had the consolation derived from the Christian's hope, through a long and distressing illness .- [ Com.
DIED-at his residence, at Kendall Green, near the city of Washington on the 3rd of January, 1848, of pulmonary disease, DANIEL GOLD, Esq., a native of Roxbury, in this county, and formerly a resident of this village.
Mr. Gold was for several years deputy clerk of the House of Assembly of this State, and for some years past and up to the time of his death, deputy clerk of the United States House of Representatives. He had also held several minor offices in" this county, the duties of which he fulfilled with ability and integrity. Mr. Gold leaves an amiable wife, daughter of Hon. Amos Kendall, with two children, also an aged mother, and other relatives and friends in this county to mourn his loss.
On the announcement of the death of Mr. Gold in the House of Representatives, that body resolved to adjourn, out of respect to the deceased.
DIED .- At Andes, in this county, on the 8th of June, 1852, after a brief illness, Col. ADAM SHEARER, Jr., in the 70th year of his age.
Col. Shearer was a native of Claverac, Columbia county, in this State, and came with his father's family into the town of Andes, at the age of twelve years. That town was then a comparative wilderness. As a citizen, and neighbor and friend, he lived respected and esteemed, and "his death," says our informer, "was sincerely regretted by all who enjoyed his friendship or acquaintance."
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