History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 122

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862

USA > New York > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 122

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SCHOOLS.

The first school in the town was taught in the summer of 1803, in Anson Moody's barn, by Miss M. Nobles. A number of log school-houses were erected the following year, which were used until they gave place to a better class of buildings. In 1816, Commissioners Samuel C. Kanaday and Nathan Strong divided the town into twelve districts. These divisions have been changed and the number of dis- triets inereased, but the present twelve districts are essen- tially the original ones. Appropriations equal to the amount of the State aid have generally been voted, and in some instances a liberal inerease was made. There is a good class of school-houses, in which about eight months' sehool per annum are taught.

A seminary was built at Rodman, in 1840, at a cost of $1200, which was raised by voluntary subscriptions. It was a fine frame building, two stories high, with a porch in front, and a cupola. On the 8th of December, 1840, the name of "Rodman Union Seminary" was adopted, and Jan. 5, 1841, a constitution was formed and thirteen trus- tees chosen. Charles Brown was the first principal of the school, which was well attended, and had a good reputation. He remained about five years. Other principals were John Dunlap and Prof. Skinner. The seminary having been discontinued, the public school was taught in the building several years, when, by the terms of the deed conveying the land to the trustees of the Harrison society, for a select school, the property reverted to the heirs of Nathan Strong. The ruins of the building yet remain, being used for a general storehouse.

REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.

Among those who participated in the struggle for American independence was Ephraim Wright, a New Englander, who died about 1860; John Russell and Elijah Walsworth ; John Parker, who served all through the war, and who resided in the town until his death, about 1850; and William Dodge, who enlisted the second year of the war and served to its elose. He died March 7, 1827, aged sixty-nine years.

The War of 1812 found the citizens of Rodman ready to respond to the eall of their country, and many of them rendered efficient service.

" The alarm of the first attack on Sacket's Harbor reached this town on the Sabbath, and created a great excitement. On the day following there was formed a Silver Gray com- pany, of men not required to perform military duty. Nathan Strong was chosen captain, Simeon Hunt lieutenant, and Sheldon Hopkins ensign. It numbered about 60 men, and on one occasion repaired to Saeket's Harbor, but was never armed or called into service. In the drafts upon the militia during the war this town sustained its full share, and but few persons left through fear. The Silver Grays, in their

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

articles of association, agreed to march to any place within 50 miles of home."*

WHITESVILLE

is a quiet village of a few score inhabitants, on Sandy creek, about five miles above Rodman village, and near the eastern line of the town. It was founded in 1802 by Thomas White, from whom it takes its name. In 1803 he built a grist-mill at this point, whichi was the first in the town. After being repaired a number of times, it was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1874. It was replaced by a mill which had been erccted several years previous by Jacob Van Buskirk, but which had not been opcrated, which was moved upon the old site. The present mill has two run of stone, giving it a capacity of 250 bushels per day, and is owned by Wilford Waite. A saw-mill close by is operated by Dennis Waite.

Daniel Todd crected a tannery in 1806, which was burned soon after, but was again rebuilt and conducted by him several years. Mr. Todd also manufactured shoes, having the first shop in town.

Peter Yandes built a distillery at an early day, the only one ever at the place. A small carding-mill was operated here about the same time, and a pottery, by Jared Dewey, was worked a number of years.

Taverns were kept about 1808-14 by Peter Yandes, Archibald Jones, and others. The latter was also the first blacksmith. Jones' tavern was destroyed by fire about 1847. The other tavern had many additions built to it until its present proportions were reached. D. C. Waite is the present landlord.

A store was kept at this place by a Mr. Booth, Gilbert and Waite, and Hancock & Gardner. While in the latter's possession the property was destroyed by fire. The house was rebuilt, and a store opened by Smith & Co. David Gordinier is at present the only one in trade at Whitesvillc. Archibald Jones, Jacob Van Buskirk, and Lewis Reed had blacksmith-shops. David Knapp at present carries on the trade in a shop erected by the latter. D. C. Waite opened a wagon-shop in 1852, in which he has carried on his trade ever since.

Among the physicians located at Whitesville were Doctors Woodman and Potter, neither of whom remained a great length of time.

A post-office was established here about 1821, and called East Rodman, which name it still bears. Harrison Dean is the postmaster, and the mail service is from Watertown via Burrville.

THE EAST RODMAN CORNET BAND

was organized in 1871, and reorganized in 1876, with twelve members, and D. H. Way, leader.

ZOAR,

sometimes called Unionville, on Sandy creek, one mile above Rodman village, was at one time a place of consider- able importance. Subsequently it diminished as Rodman increased in size. Time was when there were two stores at

the same time, among the merchants being Blood & Cole, Nathan Brown, Leonard D. Mansfield, Samuel Dyer, Simeon Heath, and Zeba Buell. At present no one is engaged in mercantile pursuits in the placc. A hotel was kept by L. D. Mansfield, and another at the same time by Ransom Moody. Cyrus Flint was the last to keep a public-house.

. Saw- and grist-mills were built about 1815, by Abel Cole, the latter being operated about twenty-five years, when it was destroyed by fire; the saw-mill had met a similar fatc years before, but was rebuilt and worked several years, when it was abandoned. Henry Emerson manufactured cloth- and nap-hats in 1830, but soon discontinued for want of patron- age ; and Simeon Heath had a fulling-mill and cloth-dresser in successful operation several years. Benjamin Greene had begun the manufacture of head-stones, using the rock found in the creek, but discontinued because the material proved worthless. Workers in wood and iron abounded, among them being D. C. Waite and Wm. Vanderwort. Francis Butts is the present smith.

A large butter-tub factory was built about 1850, by Eras- tus Curley, which soon after became a general machine- shop, and in later years was changed to a vinegar-factory, although a portion of the building is still used as a wood- work shop.

Dr. Peck ministered to those spiritually sick, as well as those having bodily ailments, and was the only physician ever located at Zoar.

The place is now simply a cluster of houses, and all of those who participated in its former activity have passed away.

RODMAN,

the most important village, has nearly four hundred inhab- itants, and is delightfully located on Sandy creek, five miles above Adams. There are several fine business blocks and numerous handsome private residences. The village is neatly kept, and its inhabitants are noted for their intelli- gence and enterprise. Among the first settlers at this point were Simeon Hunt and William Rice. The former built a tavern a little above the village, and the latter was the first to build saw- and grist-mills, about 1806. The present grist-mill is on the old site, a portion of the wall of the old building having been used in this mill, which has been reconstructed twice. There is water-power a part of the time, and an engine is used the remainder of the year, to propel the three sets of burrs with which the mill is furnished, and which give it a grinding capacity of five hundred bushels per day. There is also a mill for pearling barley, being, with one exception, the only one in the county. The property is owned and operated by O. M. Cooley.

Herring's Tannery, built about 1840, by Joseph Brown, and for many years the property of H. Herring, is just be- low the mill. It is an extensive establishment, employing from 8 to 12 hands, and having thirty large vats. The an- nual product is about 2000 sides and 25,000 calf-skins.

The Rodman Carriage-Works were established in 1864 by R. M. Maloney & Co. Employment is given to eight hands, and every description of work is produced in a well- appointed shop.

The " American Milk-Pan and Cooler," invented by F.

# Hough's History.

RESIDENCE OF A. P. GARDNER, RODMAN, NEW YORK.

MRS. HENRY GORDINIER

HENRY GORDINIER.

MRS. HENRY GORDINIER, (DECEASED.) '

RESIDENCE OF HENRY GORDINIER, ( RODMAN) JEFFERSON CO., N. Y.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

W. Pierce, and patented Jan. 19, 1876, is manufactured by Hughs, Pierce & Co. The cooler has been practically tested in many creameries, and in Jefferson County alone over a hundred are used with gratifying success. Their manu- facturc at Rodman forms an important industry.

Blacksmith- and wagon-shops were opened at an early day by John Parker, Bchm Palmer, and others. David Hcustis carried on the trade fifty-two years.

A hotel was built by Nathan Strong, about 1820, which was used many years, a portion of the house now forming the dwelling of Zebu Buell. The present hotel is in the Allport block, and is a large house.

Among the first stores at Rodman were those of Samuel C. Kenaday and William Sill, during the War of 1812. Nathan Strong was also for a long time in trade. Many changes have attended the mercantile interests of the vil- lage, and the present business is transacted by the following firms : Hughs and Pierce, hardware ; Lyon & Wyman, L. W. Cooley, and J. P. Billings, general merchandise ; C. H. Tuttle, boots and shoes ; Gifford Brown, William Gilbert & Son, groceries ; E. S. Paine, harness ; J. P. Spear, sash and blinds ; N. Keegan, tailor; Miss A. H. Lewis, milliner ; John Mack, James Charters, shoemakers ; W. S. Hurd, wagoner ; G. W. Booth, blacksmith ; Webster Heath, sur- veyor ; Washburne Bros., hotel ; H. Herring, tanner; O. M. Cooley, miller ; and R. M. Maloney & Co., carriage- builders.

" Allport's Hall," in Allport's block, is a large room used for public gatherings, with a seating capacity for 700 per- sons.

The Rodman post-office was established about 1816, with Nathan Strong, postmaster. In 1821 a mail-route was or- dered through this place, from Adams to Copenhagen. The office has at present a daily service from Adams Centre, and L. W. Cooley is postmaster.

Among the physicians located at Rodman, Isaac S. Wood was the most prominent, having been in practice there until his death,-about forty years. William Christie succeeded him, and he and J. Daab are the present practitioners.

· A Masonic lodge was established at Rodman, June 5, 1824. It was known as " Union, No. 397," and had 45 members, with Levi Heath, W. M .; Wm. Mckinstry, S. W., and Philon Parker, J. W. The lodge went down about 1828, and the fine jewels and other property which had been accumulated was distributed among the members. When the new lodge got into working order, this property was gathered in, until at present the order has again possession of these mementos of the time when it tried men's souls to be a Mason.

A dispensation to organize " Rodman Lodge, No. 506," was granted Aug., 1860, and on the 11th of June, 1861, was chartered, with the following officers and members : O. M. Cooley, M. ; A. C. Hughs, S. W .; O. E. Winslow, J. W. Herman Strong, D. M. Waite, Almanson Tibbetts, Orville Strong, W. H. Andrus, W. S. Hurd, Ira Cooley, John Marshall, Nathan Strong, Lester Lovelace, O. L. Tibbetts, A. R. Ralph, E. H. Woolcut, A. L. Angel, M. Slaughter, and G. W. Tremaine.

This membership has increased to 186, with R. M. Ma- loney, M. ; J. B. Lyon, S. W .; and A. C. Hughs, Sec'y.

The meetings are held in a large and well-furnished hall, in Allport and Hughs' block.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HENRY GORDINIER.

The father of our subject, whose name was also Henry, settled in the town of Rodman, Jefferson County, at the close of the War of 1812. He fought as a soldier all through that war, and at its close bought 50 acres of wild land and settled on it, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred in 1818. He left a wife and three young daughters. Henry, the youngest child, was born a short time after the death of his father. The widow after- wards married David Gordinicr, a brother of her deceased husband. She survived until 1860, when her death took place. Henry remained with his mother and attended school until he was thirteen years old. Meantime, the home farm passed out of the possession of the family, and Henry went out to work and earn his own living among the farmers of the vicinity until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Maltby, of Rodman, and bought a farm in the town of Theresa, where he farmed for four years. He then sold out and went into partnership with his father-in-law, in Rodman, for five years. He then purchased the old home- stead where his father died, where he has ever since resided. He has by purchase added to the old home farm so that it now consists of two hundred acres of as beautiful and fertile farming lands as can be found in Jefferson County. His wife died July 18, 1858, leaving three children,-Orvil M., Minerva H., and Carrie A. His second marriage was with Miss Juliette Woodward, of Rodman, and the fruits of this union are two daughters,-Minnic E. and Anna J.

Mr. Gordinier has taken his son into joint copartnership with him on the farm. He has been an honored member of the Baptist church for thirty-eight years, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. We present upon the pages of this work a fine view of his home and portraits of himself and wives, as a meniento to his relatives and friends in Jefferson County.

HARRY HARRINGTON

is of Scottish origin. His grandfather, Caleb Harrington, was a native of Vermont, and was the father of five children,-three sons and two daughters. Nathaniel, the father of Harry, was born in Vermont in 1785. In the year 1800, at the age of twenty-one, he penetrated into the wilds of Jefferson County in quest of game, and was engaged for several years in hunting, fishing, etc. During this time he selected a spot for his future home in the present town of Rodman. In the year 1808 he was mar- ricd to Miss Diana Edmunds, daughter of Judge Edmunds, of Jefferson County. Soon after his marriage he built a log house on his location, and commenced clearing up the farın on which he ever afterwards resided. He at first

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

owned 100 acres, but by subsequent purchases he increased it to 300 acres. He became the father of nine children, named as follows : Sally, Betsey, Electa, Ruth, Eri, Riley, Nathaniel, Harry, and Franklin. Of these, three sons and two daughters are at this time living and have families. Mr. Nathaniel Harrington died, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, in 1870. His wife died at the age of sixty-four.

Harry was born Sept. 16, 1824, and was reared a farmer. He remained at home, assisting in the labors of the farm, until he was twenty-six years of age. He was united in marriage to Miss Frances M. Freeman, of Rodman, Sept. 18, 1848. In 1850 he became the owner of a part of the old home farm and erected a house on it, in which he has ever since resided.

On Jan. 2, 1852, the hearts of this couple were made glad by the birth of the only child they have had,-a daughter, named Mary F. She grew up a bright and charming young lady, and was the light and life of the household, and loved and esteemed by all who knew her. At the age of eighteen, on Sept. 28, 1870, she became the wife of Mr. Dillin ; but her married life was short, as she departed this life on Nov. 23, 1876, leaving an only daughter, named Florence M. Dillin, now five years of age.

We present our readers, in the pages of this work, a fine view of the home of Harry Harrington and the portraits of himself, wife, and deceased daughter, with a view of the resting-place of this young mother, in the cemetery at the old Adams Baptist church.

Mr. Harrington and his estimable wife have for many years been worthy members of the Baptist church, as was also his father before him. We give this brief notice of an old pioneer family of Jefferson County.

GEORGE GATES.

Among the many fine old pioncer farm-homes of Jeffer- son County, we would call particular attention to that of the late George Gates, now owned and occupied jointly by his three children. The farm consists of 300 acres, about one mile west of the village of Rodman, and is noted for its fertility and productive qualities. Mr. George A. Gates occupies the residence erected by his father in 1863, and Simeon, the other son, has erccted, at a few rods' distance, one of the finest residences in the county. A beautiful

view of both, with the commodious outbuildings and sur- roundings, may be found elsewhere in the pages of this work.

George was the eldest son of Silas Gates, who in 1810 emigrated from Massachusetts to Jefferson Co., N. Y. He was born at Petersham, Worcester Co., Mass., April 3, 1787, where his early years were spent. In the year 1815 he was united in marriage with Miss Pamelia Hunt, of Vermont, and the same year settled on the farm on which he resided all his life. The fruits of this marriage were three children,-George A, Eliza, and Simeon H. On April 25, 1854, this estimable wife and mother died, at the age of sixty-eight years.

Mr. George Gates by industry and integrity became wealthy, and at the date of his death was reputed to be the richest man in the town of Rodman. But with all his wealth he was most singularly free from the arrogance and pride so often engendered by the possession of riches. He was for over fifty years an exemplary and honored member of the Congregational church of Rodman, and at various times held offices and positions of trust in the county and State. In the latter years of his life he was severely afflicted with rheumatism, and required and re- ceived the most devoted care and attention of his children. He passed to his rest on April 10, 1871, leaving to his children a fine fortune in lands and property, but a still richer inheritance in their memories of a long life of honor- able usefulness.

George A. was married to Miss Martha Green, of Rod- man, Jan. 27, 1864. They have no children. Eliza is unmarried, and lives with her brother George. Simeon H. was married Feb. 21, 1855, to Miss Eunice T. Babbitt, who died the same year, on the ninth day of December. He was married to Miss Ellen E. Wood, his present wife, December 13, 1863, by whom he is the father of three children,-Charles W., Anna H., and S. Harold. Since the decease of their father these three children have jointly owned and occupied the farm and fortune left them by their father,-all working together in harmony and unity of interests. The two sons, George and Simeon, are much respected and esteemed for their sterling worth and honor- able character. George A. has acted as one of the magis- trates of his town for nearly thirty years, and has also served as supervisor and in many other positions of trust and responsibility.

SEYMOUR S, PLANK.

MRS. SEYMOUR S.PLANK.

RESIDENCE OF SEYMOUR S. PLANK, RODMAN, N.Y.

RESIDENCE of JOHN S. SILL, ( FROM SOUTH EAST )

FARM BUILDINGS of JOHN S. SILL, RODMAN, JEFFERSON CO., N.Y. ( FROM NORTH WEST.)

RUTLAND.

THE name of this town was selected at a town-meeting held for the purpose, and was suggested by settlers from Rutland, in Vermont.

This town was surveyed by Benjamin Wright, in 1796, into 57 lots of about 500 acres each, and in 1799 he sub- divided these into quarters.

This town, having fallen to the share of Wm. Henderson in the division of the Black River Tract, was first opened for settlement by his agent, Asher Miller,* of Middletown, Conn., whom he employed June 6, 1799, to remove to the town and commenee improvements. As a consideration, he was allowed the choice of 500 acres wherever he might sc- leet, and at a very reduced rate. Accordingly, in July, Miller opened a road from the river to near the centre of the town, and fixed his residence and location near the small lake, about a mile east of Rutland Village. From a memorandum made by him we derive the following names of purchasers during the years 1799, 1800, 1801, from which it will be seen that the town settled with great rapidity, mostly by emigrants from New England. Nearly all of these men are now dead. The number of aeres taken by each is appended.

In 1799, Levi Butterfield (September 21), 172; Perley Keyes, Amos Stebbins, and William Keyes (October 3), 343; David Coffeen (November 1), 391; Goldsmith Cof- feen, 312; Raphael Porter, 213 ; Israel Wright, 98; Jon- athan and Clark Boss, 161; James Killiam, 141 ; Charles Kelsey, 116; Jeptha King, 137; John Dole, 154; Gard- ner Cleveland, 242; Warren Foster, 142; John Cotes, 134 (November 6).

In 1800, in June, John Earl, Jr., 120; Nathan Green, 128; Robert Jeroms, 145; Isaae and Caleb Corp, 196; in July, Henry Houk, 130; in autumn, John Earl, 134; Danford Earl, 113; Simeon Munson, 89; Mathias Houk, 135 ; Alford Comins, 94; Charles Comins, 128; Solomon Tuttle, 233; Chauneey Rawson, 122; Gershom Tuttle, 276; Abel Sherman, 229; Kenyon Larkin, 352; Peter Cook, 92; Ezekiel Andrews, 144; Rose, Welch, 155 ; Lot MeClure, 72; Isaiah Bailey, 50; Luther Foot, 137; Enos Sanford, 141; Jacob A. Williams, 108; Amos Barnes (2d), 97; Stephen Kemball, 97; Vernon Huston, 193; Elijah Beech, 80 ; Thomas Lee, 61 ; Daniel Russell, 75; Turner Ellis, 160; Joseph Patterson, 122; Silas Pieree, 100; Benjamin White, 53; James Murray, 125 ; Abner White, 51; Thomas M. Converse, 78; Brayton, - Swan, 93; Jonathan Hill, Frederick Tyler, 146 ; John Stanley, 136 ; Stephen Cummins, 146 ; Andrew

Stafford, 116; James Stafford, 106; William H. Stevens, 81 ; Dr. Phillips, 197 ; Henry Allen, 106 ; Elisha Ludden, 261 ; Philip H. Hinman, 269; Thomas Hosmer, 225 ; Peter Wright, 118; Erastus Maltby, 158; Chandler Maltby, 151; Roger Williams, 291; George White, 266; Benjamin Pike, 170; Clift French, 105.

In 1801, William Coffeen, 257; Thomas Dunton, 328; John Patterson, 130; Alexander Warner, 74; Joseph Wakefield, 98; Jesse Hale, Asa and Luther Brown, 100; Josiah Osmer, Luther W. Dexter, 120; Samuel Treadway, 178; Orange Eno, 68; James Morse, 68; Levi Hare, 155 ; Joseph Underwood, 133; John Smith, 121 ; David Staf- ford, 118; Thomas Starkweather, 103; Joseph Ludden, 124; Thomas Hill, 112; Caleb Harris, 114; Reuben Scott, - Wessel, - Johnson, 651 ; Asher Bull, 247; Ethan Newton, 130; Stukely Wieks, 114; Jonathan Covey, 126 ; Job Olmstead, 145 ; - Britton, - Foster, 173.

Without date, but in one of the above years, Jonathan Davis, 93; Thinyon Green, 110; Charles Hill, 120; Jacob Shook, 70; Ethan Post, 148; Artemus Pike, 135 ; Samuel Parker, 120.

The total amount of sales during the three years was 17,540.03 acres, for $50,738.14, the contracts being with- out interest for one year. By much the largest part of the town was thus settled, the unsold portions being along the north and south boundaries.

In June, 1803, Abel French succeeded as agent, and the same year sold 2313 acres for $7112.60. Early in 1804, Henderson assigned to Dr. Isaac Bronson, of Greenfield, Connecticut, and afterwards of New York, his interest in the town. Dr. Bronson was born in Middlebury, Conn. When a youth he studied medicine at Hartford, and at an carly age obtained a commission as surgeon on board a mer- chant ship, and sailed for the East Indies, where, by trade, he amassed wealth. On returning, he embarked in land speculations, and, among other things, on the disbandment of the American army at the close of the Revolutionary War, he purchased soldiers' scrip at a great discount, which afterwards rose to par.

Soon after the purchase of the town by Dr. Bronson, he appointed Ethel Bronson, his brother, of Middlebury, Conn., agent, to settle in the town and sell lands. Previous adven- turers had brought back flattering accounts of the country, and New England was filled with the fame of the new and fertile lands of the Black River country. In May, 1804, Ethel Bronson, David Tyler, and Josiah Tyler, with their families, started for their distant home. Three weeks were consumed in the journey, the latter part of which was diffi- cult and perilous. The roads, lately marked out and lead- ing through almost uninhabited forests, were hardly passable

# Asher Miller returned to Middletown, where he died, Dec. 24, 1821, being at that time mayor of the city.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

with teams. Frequent breakages compelled the party to walk, cncamp in their wagons, or at the most convenient locality, and subsist on whatever was at hand. Fortunately, however, they suffered no want of provisions before they reached their destination. Ethel Bronson settled in the centre of the town, David and Josiah Tyler in the northern part; after whom the village of Tylerville was named.

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History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 122

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 862

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862