USA > New York > Madison County > History of Madison County, state of New York > Part 43
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Socially these people " are a law unto themselves"-liv- ing in a manner not in accordance with the laws or usages of New York State. Their real estate is nominally held by the leading men in whom the body have confidence, the property being equally the property of all. Their commu- nity of interests, as of one family, embraces the social rela- tions. They designate this mode of life as " Complex Mar-
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riage," which is fully set forth in a book written by J. H. Noyes, entitled the " History of American Socialisms." Their prosperity is probably due the efficient management of the founder and those associated with him as its leaders. It is believed, however, that in time, internal disagreements arising from the unnatural theory upon which their social structure is based, will cause their overthrow. Their so- cialism is confined entirely to themselves-with outsiders they deal only in a business way. They are pleasant people to deal with, being straight-forward, honest and fair. They show themselves intelligent, peaceable and kind-hearted. The following extract from Pomeroy's letter, after visiting there, [see Oneida Dispatch, March 8, 1870,] may be of in- terest here: "The women were dressed neatly and in something like the bloomer costume, but in different col- ored goods and material. They all looked clean, neat and modest, though lacking in that elasticity of look and vivac- ity one finds in an equal number of women in ordinary homes. The men were clad as men generally are, in that variety of style suiting them best, and on the whole were a good looking, clean-faced, intellectual set of people, without viciousness or traces of dissipation. At the Oneida Com- munity there is no profanity-no coarse or vulgar language -no using intoxicating liquors as a beverage-no using to- bacco in any form-no words of unkindness. Each one seems to respect not only himself, or herself, but others. Some of the family were old, some middle aged-a few were young. The women take turns in house work. The ones who wait on the table this week, do something else next, that labor may not be a monotonous drudgery. In the evening the "family," old and young, meet in a small room resembling a small theatre. Here we found a stage, pri- vate boxes, chairs, sofas, little tables, &c., as cozy as you please. Here the entire family meet each other at night to talk as do other families-to listen to music from piano and other musical instruments-to sing and chat, and visit-to
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talk freely concerning the acts of any and all members of the family, but in words of kindness-to witness tableaux, theatrical exhibitions, &c."
This is the recompense-these external comforts received in exchange for that domestic sanctity which we call home -for the destroying of those sacred ties between husband and wife, parents and children.
CHURCHES.
The First Baptist Church of Lenox, in Clockville. This church was formed at the school house, near Joseph Palmer's, on Palmer Hill, Dec. 20, 1810. Eight brethren and sisters composed the membership, as follows : Elder Paul Maine, Stephen Palmer, Caesar Moody, Asvena Maine, Chester Palmer, Joseph Palmer, Roswell Randall and Prudy Palmer. Stephen Palmer was first deacon. Elder Paul Maine was first pastor. In 1818, a branch church was formed in the north part of the town, which in 1820 was re-organized as an independent church, and was called the "Second Baptist Church of Lenox." In December, 1822, a re-union was effected, and in August, 1823, the house of worship was erected at Clockville.
The Baptist Church of Oneida. This church, in connec- tion with a mission school for the Oneida Indians, was established by the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society in December, 1820. First missionary and teacher, Rev. Rob- ert Powell, of Hamilton. This became known as the " Mis- sionary Church of Oneida Castle." In 1848, under the labors of Rev. L. J. Huntley, who was pastor at Oneida Castle, a Baptist Church was organized at Oneida and a house of worship was soon erected. In 1849, the society was transferred from Oneida Castle and permanently lo- cated at Oneida. The church edifice was dedicated Janu- ary 23, 1850.
The Clockville M. E. Church was built by the Protestant Methodists, on Oak Hill. The house was subsequently taken down and removed to Clockville, and there rebuilt.
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Nicholas Bort was a resident local preacher, who exerted his influence towards building up the society.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Canastota. The first class of this society was formed about 1830. The house of worship was founded in 1833, but was not completed for some years. It was, however, used for meetings in 1835. Rev. Mr. Chapin was their first stationed minister. In 1837, the house was finished and dedicated. In 1859 it was enlarged and repaired, and in 1866 it was nearly built anew. It is situated on the northwest corner of Chapel and Main streets.
The Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Canastota. This church was organized at a meeting held April 30, 1833, at the house of A. D. Van Hooser. First Deacons Charles Spencer and Samuel Halliday. The same year the church edifice was erected. Rev. Thomas Gregory was first pastor. The house stands at the corner of Peterboro street and the railroad.
The Independent Church of Canastota, was organized as a Free Church in 1845, the society being strongly anti-slave- ry. The purposes of the society were, that the house should be free for " all purposes as shall serve the cause of useful knowledge, and free discussion of all subjects pertaining to the public welfare, the rights of conscience and the worship of God." In 1864, the society started anew with a still more, liberal creed on an anti-sectarian basis. The house which was built in 1846 was burned in 1871, and a new brick one has been built on the same site, at a cost of $6,000.
The Presbyterian Church of Oneida, was formed in 1844, with a membership of thirty persons. The meeting house was finished and dedicated in January, 1845. Rev. James Nichols was first pastor. The house has been twice en- larged, the last expenditure for that purpose amounting to $ 1,600.
St. John's Church ( Episcopal, ) of Oneida. The first reli- gious services of this church were held in the village school
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house about 1842, by Rev. Mr. Battin of Rome. In 1850, occasional services were procured, (having been suspended during a period previously,) under the auspices of Bishop DeLancey. In 1857, R. W. Oliver, their first regular pas- tor, was employed. In 1858, the Gothic Church, after Upjohn's plan, was erected by Mrs. N. P. Randall and Mrs. Niles Higinbotham. In 1869, the rectory was built.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Oneida. The first class was formed at Oneida Castle. As early as 1850, the class had been removed to Oneida Castle. Rev. A. L. York was first settled pastor. The society built their house of wor- ship in 1851, which was dedicated in the winter of 1852. Improvements and additions have been made, from time to time, the last change being made in 1866, at a cost of near- ly $4,000.
[See page 495, for Congregational Church of Quality Hill.] NEWSPAPERS.
Contemporary newspapers speak of the existence of a newspaper published in Canastota in 1829, called the Vidette. It had a brief existence.
The Canastota Register was published in 1830 by Silas Judd and Henry B. Mattison ; in 1831, by H. S. Merrit.
The Canastota Times was commenced in 1857, by Geo. H. Merriam. In November of the same year, it became the Herald and Times. In the spring of 1858, Mr. Merriam sold to Frederick A. Williams, who then became editor ; it was continued a few weeks and then given up.
The Canastota Eagle was started November 4, 1858, by J. E. N. Backus, and was published about three years ; then it passed into the hands of Smith Van Allen, and was called the Canastota Weekly Gazette. Under the latter name it was transferred to F. A. Darling, who, in 1861, entered the army and the paper went down.
The Canastota Herald was commenced in September, 1866, by Arthur White, and continued by him till April, 1867 ; then it was published by White & Greenhow, one
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year ; it then passed into the hands of Greenhow & Sons. The latter firm sold to Mr. Shaffer, who sold to Walter C. Stone, in 1871, by whom it is now published.
The Oneida Telegraph, a weekly paper, was commenced at Oneida, in September, 1851, by D. H. Frost. In June, 1854, it passed into the hands of John Crawford, and was changed to
The Oneida Sachem, under which name it continued until May, 1863, when it was changed to
The Oneida Dispatch. From March to October, 1864, Edward H. Spooner was associated with Mr. Crawford in the publication of the Dispatch. September 16, 1865, it passed into the hands of Purdy & Jackson. In June, 1870, E. H. Purdy withdrew, and M. M. Allen became associated with D. A. Jackson. The Dispatch continues under the firm name of Jackson & Allen, publishers.
The Democratic Union, weekly, was moved from Hamilton to Oneida in 1863, by Wm. H. Baker, who continues to publish it here .*
The Circular is a weekly paper published by the Oneida Community. It was originated in 1857.
* Since dece ased.
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CHAPTER XI.
LEBANON.
Boundaries .- Geography .- Township No. 5 .- Pioneer Settle- ment .- William S. and Justus B. Smith .- Naming of Leba- non .- Improvements .- Proposed Village at Smith's Valley .- Names of Early Settlers .- Sketches of Early Citizens .- Lebanon Village .- Customs .- Spelling School .- Enterprises. -Churches.
Lebanon is bounded on the north by Eaton, east by Hamilton, south by Chenango County and west by George- town. Its surface is a hilly upland, lying between the Chenango and Otselic Rivers. The summits are from 500 to 800 feet above the valleys. Extending through the east part is the valley of the Chenango River, averaging about one mile in width, and bordered by steep hill sides. The Midland Railroad curves and sweeps along the brow of the ridge on the east side of the valley, and the traveler has a view overlooking a scene of enchanting beauty,-broad and handsomely cultivated farms through which the Chenango gracefully glides, a trail of light on a background of velvety green,-tasty farm cottages and noble family mansions of the fashion of a day gone by,-all kept in perfect order by the thrifty husbandman. To the westward, rolls hill after hill, smooth (so they appear from the "Midland" view,) and green with verdure, bordered with remnants of the once great forest. Down these hillsides rush numerous brooks, tributaries to the Chenango. Among these hills
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the State of New York found a convenient "basin" to store up water for the Chenango Canal, and in 1866, at con- siderable expense, fashioned it into a great reservoir. In the northwest part of the town is "Cranberry Marsh," owned by the Fisk family. In 1868, parties interested in the mill facilities of the Otselic Creek in Georgetown, obtained the privilege of using this water, when they opened the outlet leading to the Otselic, and raised a dam to regulate its flow.
Passing through the southeast corner of this town was the old Utica and Oxford Turnpike, which, however, never really merited the title of Turnpike, as it was never com- pleted. It was originated by a company who proposed to carry it through by having each farmer build that part of the road which passed his farm. Some farmers built it, but a greater number did not ; consequently the road was never chartered, never finished, and gates were never put up. There were, however, many taverns, and a great deal of traveling which kept them full of business.
On the east, Lebanon is bordered by the Chenango Canal. Besides the Midland Railroad, the town has the Syracuse and Chenango Valley Railroad, which crosses from near the center of the west line to the village of Earlville, at the southeast corner. The old State road from the Chenango Valley to Syracuse, is the general course followed by this railroad. Of the two million dollars which this road cost, the town of Lebanon bears twenty-five thousand dollars in individual subscriptions ; and this, when the town is bonded heavily for the Midland.
Lebanon, No. 5 of the Twenty Townships, was originally included in Hamilton. It was set apart as " Lebanon " by an act of Legislature, February 6, 1807, and was undoubt- edly named in remembrance of the town of Lebanon, Conn., the native home of many of the settlers. There is, how- ever, an anecdote related, which gives the following version of the naming of this town : When the bill was passed in
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Legislature, forming this with other new towns, General Erastus Cleaveland, being the member who advocated the bill, was asked what name the inhabitants of No. 5 proposed to call their new town. This matter of a name had not been attended to by the town's people, but the General's ready wit served him in the emergency. Quick as light- ning his mental vision swept over the magnificent forest which distinguished Township No. 5. A poetical fancy framed the thought, "Like the tall cedars of Lebanon !" The far-fetched and musical-sounding name leaped to his lips as soon as the thought assumed form. The question was answered, the name accepted, and the people of the. new town were pleased with the title because it represented their own native Lebanon. A cotemporary remarks that the settlers of Lebanon were devotedly attached to the cus- toms of their native country, and they so firmly planted its customs here that the Lebanon of Madison County is a veritable counterpart of the old Lebanon of Connecticut. It is the spirit of steady habits, quiet ways, even, pastoral life.
To turn back to the period when these lands were first in market, we learn that Col. William S. Smith and others, resolved to locate some of the portions of the Chenango Twenty Towns. At this period, (1791,) Joshua Smith, a native of Franklin, New London County, Conn., a friend, but not a relative of William S. Smith,* set out upon a journey for the purpose of locating in the wilds of Central New York. William S. Smith commissioned him to select a tract of the best lands of the Twenty Townships, and ac- quaint him with the situation, that he might make imme- diate purchase of the authorities at Albany. Joshua Smith set out, traversing the journey on horse-back, and reached the Chenango Valley, probably before any other white set- tler had arrived. He stopped at what was afterwards called Smith's Valley, and upon a plateau of table-land, elevated
* Joshua Smith was an officer under Col. Wm. S. Smith, in the Revolution.
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about twenty feet above the river, he built his cabin. Around this elevation the river circled in the form of an ox-bow. Across this bow, or cape, he felled trees, forming a pen where he could turn his horse. Having need of a harness, he constructed one of moose-wood bark, and made chains of the same material, to haul logs with. In this manner he prepared a domicil which he might inhabit another year, and returned east. The information he com- municated to William S. Smith, concerning the lands of the Twenty Townships, was immediately acted upon by that in- dividual, and his application for a large tract is recorded as follows, in N. Y. S. Doc. Hist., vol III., p .. 1073.
" The application of Col. William S. Smith, for the purchase of townships No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9, being six of the twenty townships surveyed by the surveyor-general, pursuant to an act passed the 25th day of February, 1789, at the rate of three shil- lings and three pence per acre ; one-sixth of the purchase money to be paid on the first of October next, half of the residue on the first of January, 1792, and the residue on the first of Janu- ary, 1793, being read and duly considered.
(Accepted.) Acres 150,000 = £24,375."
William S. Smith received the patent for these townships from the government of New York State, April 16, 1794.
Subsequently, the agent of Sir William Pultney entered into an arrangement with the State and William S. Smith, whereby Sir William Pultney became proprietor of Town- ships No. 2, 3, 4 and 5, Mr. Smith reserving a large tract . bordering the Chenango River, which, with Nos. 8 and 9- Smyrna and Sherburne-of Chenango County, still left him a large landholder, and the possessor of the best lands in the tract.
Col. William S. Smith sent on his brother, Justus B. Smith, as agent, who built him a house at Smith's Valley, and made the sale of the lands, his business. William S. Smith resided here at irregular periods, his house being a small frame one, near the mansion of Justus B. Nine brothers and sisters of the Smith family are remembered as having been residents of Smith's Valley, at one time and
I2
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another. These were, William S., Justus B., John and James, and five sisters. They were born and bred in Long Island, well educated people, used to wealth, and loved luxury. They were heirs to a princely estate from the Thorn Family, of England. One of the sisters, Ann, mar- ried Mr. Masters, and lived in Smith's Valley. Her farm was the best in Lebanon. This is now the farm of J. D. F. Smith. The brothers were all Revolutionary soldiers, held commissions, and bore an honorable reputation for bravery.
William S. Smith was aid to Baron Steuben, and for mer- itorious conduct was commissioned Colonel. He married Abigail Adams, only daughter of John Adams, second Pres- ident of the United States. During Mr. Adams' adminis- tration, Wm. S. Smith was appointed Minister to England. Subsequently, at the period of Aaron Burr's conspiracy, he was connected with Miranda's secret expedition, which the government looked upon with suspicion, as combined with Burr's treasonable operations. As the result of Miranda's expedition foreboded peril to the adventurers, Col. Smith placed all his landed estates in this and Chenango County in the hands of Justus B. The expedition, however, brought about no definite results or penalties. Col. Smith returned to Smith's Valley and lived for a season. He was elected to Congress from the 17th District in 1813, and having served his term was re-elected in 1815.
William S. Smith had three children, Baron Steuben, John Adams and Caroline. They are all dead. John Adams Smith became a lawyer, commencing in the law office of Judge Hubbard, of Hamilton. Caroline became Mrs. DeWitt ; she was lost in the disaster of the Henry Clay, in our Northern waters. Mrs. Abigail Smith was a noble wo- man, and her daughter Caroline, like her, was lovely in per- son, mind and heart. To his latest days, the Colonel is re- membered as high spirited and very proud, though his for- tunes had become sadly reduced.
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Justus B. Smith built his house at what was called the "lower landing," where the Indians launched their larger canoes, it being the highest point on the Chenango where the depth of water admitted their navigation. They some- times paddled lighter crafts to the "upper landing," a short distance north, and kept the Chenango river free from ob- structions to the Susquehanna. They had camping grounds all along the river. Justus B. Smith made friends with the Indians, who thereafter made a practice to stop a night or more at "Father Smith's Castle," on every journey they made to and from the Susquehanna. Justus B. was a man of uncommonly fine proportions and handsome fea- tures ; a jovial bachelor, possessing a convivial nature, who dispensed hospitalities to his guests with a princely hand, and many a night the dusky natives, men and maids, held high "wassail" with their white host. The Smith farm is now the farm of Whipple Clark, and the old Smith mansion is still in being, not far from the residence of Mr. Clark.
Col. William S. and Justus B. Smith both died in Smith's Valley in 1816. Both were buried in the old grave-yard, on what was known as Lines' Hill, on the road between Smyrna and Sherburne.
Joshua Smith's first location was about 100 rods south of the corner at Smith's Valley, nearly due west, across the river, opposite the depot. His shanty was the first one built between Guthrie's and Cazenovia. The place is now owned by Mr. Barr. Joshua Smith, after living here some years, married a sister of Judge Payne. He was from the same race of Smiths from which have sprung several emi- nent authors, among whom is Roswell C. Smith, author of Smith's Geography, the latter being a near relative of Joshua. Jabin Armstrong of Lebanon, one of the first na- tive born citizens of the town, was born at the Joshua Smith place, his father being one of the early settlers, and his mother being a sister of Mr. Smith.
Again we go back to 1792, the autumn of the year when
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Enoch Stowell, of New Hampshire, and Jonathan Bates, of Vermont, with John and James Salisbury, of the latter place, entered this town. Enoch Stowell and Jonathan Bates selected what proved to be Lot No. 7, as the location of their future settlement, while the Salisbury brothers set- tled on an adjoining lot, but which was in the town of Ea- ton. Well knowing that they were to leave the confines of civilization considerably in the rear, they accordingly brought with them a supply of beans and flour, and drove an ox which they and their comrades, on arriving at their destination, killed and preserved for future use. They erected a bark shanty, in which they lodged ; and with this simple fare these hardy young men chopped the timber on twenty acres of land before the winter came on. The cold storms of that season approaching, disclosed to them the discomfort of their slender tenement, and warned them of its incapacity to protect them. Therefore the party re- paired to Bainbridge to spend the season among friends, who were also settlers there from Vermont.
Mr. Bates only returned in the spring of 1793, bringing with him his family, and commenced alone upon the clear- ing.
Mrs. Bates was the first white woman in the town of Lebanon. Jonathan Bates was a patriot in the Revolution- ary war. He possessed some of the characteristics of his commander, Ethan Allen, with whom he went into Ticon- deroga. The hardy qualities needed for the fatigues of the march, the fierce and determined spirit required for such deeds of daring as Ethan Allen and his men performed, served Mr. Bates well in the rough work of the pioneer. Many of the oldest citizens remember his resolute, bluff and unpolished manner, which, however, we doubt not, cov- ered a heart of real worth. The following story is frequently related of him : Some time elapsed after Mr. Bates had paid for his farm, and Justus B. Smith had not yet given him a deed. The delay was owing to Smith's neglect. Bates' stock of
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patience became exhausted at length, and loading his rifle, he proceeded to Smith's house. On entering Smith's pres- ence, with cool audacity Bates stood his rifle near him, folded his arms across his broad chest, his great muscular frame erect, facing Smith, and demanded a deed forthwith. Smith replied that he would make one out the following day and bring it to him. "Smith," said Bates, with meaning in his tone, reaching for his rifle, "Do you make that deed to- day, or you are a dead man !" It is needless to state that the deed was drawn up, then and there, as speedily as Smith could transfer it to paper, and no offence was taken either, since carelessness was the only excuse Smith had to offer.
On the farm they had cleared up, Mr. and Mrs. Bates spent the rest of their lives, dying within five days of each other. On the east side of the river road, opposite the tarm dwellings, is the family burial ground. On the mar- ble slabs yet remaining, we read : " In memory of Jonathan Baits, who died 20. April, 1827, aged 72 years." "In memory of Elizabeth Baits, wife of Jonathan Baits, who died 25. April, 1828, aged 77 years." Jay Bates, an infant grandson, lies at their feet. Near by is "Henry Bates, who died 14 Au- gust, 1831, aged 39 years."
In due season, after Mr. Bates' family had got settled, Enoch Stowell came on to clear up his farm which he had located in 1792. He built his first log house near a cold spring which is now easily found near Mr. Stowell's garden wall. He subsequently married Miss Cynthia Church, who came with the pioneer Morses. His second house-a frame one-stood where, fifty-three years ago, he built his stone mansion.
There is an anecdote related, illustrative of Mr. Stowell's experience in pioneering. Being greatly in need of an ax, he went to Hamilton where a blacksmith by the name of Cole was just starting a forge, on the very ground where the Park House now stands. Mr. Cole, according to agree- ment, furnished the desired implement in due season, re-
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ceiving a good sum therefor. But the ax didn't work well ; grind it ever so carefully, it wouldn't hold an edge, and from dire necessity, Mr. Stowell was obliged to carry it back to have it tempered anew.
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