History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 9

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976

USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 9

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The inability to make payments was met in more than one case by a novel pro- cedure. The back woodsman articled for a tract, male some progress in clearing, and then sold to s new-comer his " betterments," and when he had repeated this process several times he finally was able to buy and pay the purchase price. The lenity of the agent enabled many a man to acquire his farm in Monrue, who else would not have made an effort. or, making, would have failed.

In a rude age physical strength was requisite to the constant round of labor, bat intelligence directed effort and lessened the toil. Knowing the laws of gravity, . the chopper felled his trees in double windrow inward, and when the heat of sum- mer had evaporated the moisture from the interlaced branches, and all was dry ay tinder, a proper wind drove an enkindled blaze with forgace heat from end to end, and left the charred and blackened trunks for future dispresal. The practice of girdling was in vogue oy some, and was denominated deadening. The trees were killed by the process. and underwent a slow decay, and in time were cut and used for firewood or for fencing; but the value subsequently attached to timber was too late to prevent its almost utter destruction. In one instance a locality con- trined choice groves of cherry ; some of the settlers looked and burned it in com. mon with other tiruher, and mils were made from wime of the finest trees, just as along the Wabash and other western streator the black w.dout has been used for fencing, and a fortune de-poiled by the owners. The idea of clearing was upper- most in mind, and the choice-t wood was cut in logging lengths and burned upon the ground. Or-teams, now rare, were in general use. It was customary for those who had no yoke of cattle of their own to un and help their neighbors who had to get their logs in heaps ready for burning, and then, when their own logs Were ready, to have the compliment acknowheleel by return labor.

Many a settler, having spent the day wiky away at a logging-bee, has returned

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home to pass the night in kindling and keeping up his log-heap fires. The best piece for house-room and garden being cleared, it was costumiary to chop during winter for corn in the spring. The brash was burned where it lay, and if the fire awept the field, it was all the better conditioned for the crop. The matter roots of vegetation and decaying leaves contributed to fertilize the ground. In the early spring days the busy settlers tired their log heaps, or the windrow, sod the woods were filled with the clouds of smoke. The night sremed yet more dark, lit up by the lurid dames, which cast strange shadows upon the surrounding forest, and lent a weird aspeet to the scene. There were pillars of fire in the civar- ing, where the flames had erept within the hollow of some tall, dead tree, and ran, as though exultant, to the top, whence they issued as from a furnace, and on the clearing were fires as if kindled by the Senecus to hold their heathen rites again ; here is seen a freshly-kindled heap in lively flame, while at other poicts the red embers glowing in heat mark the sites of piles of logs consamed. Tlice who were destitute of team and plow, or all, if the season was far advanced, planted their corn, pumpkins, and potatoes, and scattered their turnip seed irres- olarly amidst the stumps, and in the mould mingled ashes. The weeds which Ister came to strive for dominance were not known, and it was but needful for the settler to guard his crop from depredation. and go through the field to pail or cut the fire-weed, which grew rank and luxuriant, from questionable gerui, upon the new -cleared fields. It was soon exterminated, to be succeeded by others less thrifty but more obnoxious. In cropping each executed his own desire; some towed wheat and rye upon the fields after cutting the corn, in wide rows of stouks, while others sowed a piece of ground prepared during the summer for that pur- pose, and, in variety of ways, harrowed it under. The early farmer was ill sup- plied with tools, while hoes, drags, and brush were used to cover seed. A broken tool was not easily repaired, for the shop of the smith was often far distant; in consequence, strength was not forgotten in utility. The drag was made by the settler or his neighbor. Two round or hewed sticks were joined, the one end. longer, projected for the chain, and both were braced apart by a cross-piece. Seven heavy teeth were put in, four upon the longer side, three on the other. In many cases, necessity supplied the barrow with wooden teeth. Fields were cultivated several seasons before the plow was introduced, to allow time for the decay of roots. The plows in ase were of clumsy make, of wrought iron, heavy to bandle, and served but to stir up the surface of the soil. With many, a wooden mould-board was in use, the plow-share only having been imported.

In the older-settled paris of Ontario, a traveler in 1795 observed the wheat- fields standing uncut, over-ripe, and harvest hands were so scarer that proprietors were known to offer balf the crop for cutting. The grain grew most abundantly. and while it would not bring cash to pay for lands, it did farmish wholesome fond. It was related by Mrs. Emerson, that on one occasion, when wheat was ripe. her husband " ent it with a sickle; drew it out of the field upon an ox-sled; threshned it with a flail ; cleaned it with a hand-fan ; drew it to Rochester, and soid it for thirty-one cents per bushel." Seasons varied greatly. In 1807, Amos Stone. of Pittsford, had cut, threshed, and taken to Mann's mills, wheat, in good condition for grinding, by the fourth of July. In the memorable season of 1816, wl: at was not fit to cut until September. There was frost nightly during the early days of June; the corn crop was a failure, and a famine was threatened. Extremes these, while the average was abundance. The crop of' ISot. say- Joseph Siller. was so generally good that wheat and corn became druys. They would not eun- mand store-trade, nor could they be exchanged for nolinary necessaries of life. " I chopped," says he, "cleared, and sowed to wheat, twenty acres during lenG. in Rush. My harvest was over six hundred bushels. A Bloomutichl black-wirh received a bushel of wheat for putting a small wire bail upon a tea-kettle. Necessity compelled the settlers to attempt various methods for realizing money. and rye was mised and made into whisky ; it not only found free circulation ad through among the licensed taverus, but became, and long continued. an article of export. Samuel Brewster, a Connecticut farmer, had settled in Riga, njen a. farin tract of eight hundred and fifty acres. In one year his wheat crop was three thousand bushels. The price was nominally three shillings per Lu-hel There was a good grist-mill where the grain was floured. and this pioncer resolved " to try the experiment of transporting flour to Northampton, Counertient, hy aledding. For this purpose, seventy barrels were manufactured from the best of wheat. Six yoke nf oxen were purchased. and thive yoke were placed to each of two sleds, and two span of horses cach to a aleigh. The seventy harrels wife transporter by the four teams to my market in twenty days. The flour would at aia dollars a harrel, and the oxen all for a profit, cash in hand. Tram-ters w. fr men who drured like myself' to visit New England, and cost only for their Imars poing and returning. The rest of the crop was sold in June of the year tulh.w. ing at fifty-six cents per bushel. and was marketed in Canada '

Fully aware of the inability to make whrat-growing pruftable, the Wa.how.nhs led off in various experiments to open new channels, and of these were stock-

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

raising, the cultivation of hemp and tobacco. The cattle were raised in large cumbers. Charles Williamson had at one time eighty yoke of oxen wintering ou the Genesee fats. The cattle raised were sold at Baltimore and Philadelphia, at Niagara and Canada, aud some to new settlers. Settlers along the Genesee en- gaged in hemp-raising fiom 1800 till a few years later. Ropes were manufactured, and found sale in Albany and New York. The cultivation of tobacco was princi- pally carried on by a company from Connecticut The leaf was cured and put up for market in Virginia fashion. Major Spencer, an early merchant, manu- factured the leaf into plugs and supplied the small dealers throughout Ontario county for several years.

The market opened up for the sale of " black salts" was a timely aid to all the new settlements. All who could raise a kettle entered upon the manufacture of this new article of commerce. It brought money into the country, enabled settlers to pay taxes, buy necessaries, and promoted the clearing of land. It is on record that Hon. Ephraim Hart, a Batavian merchant, purchased one hundred potash kettles and sold them, principally on credit, to the new settlers, thereby enabling them to make use of their ashes as an article of merchandise.

Proprietors were proinpt to note the advantages ofered in the making of potash. During the spring of ISUT, two kettles were bought for the inhabitants of Fair- field (Ogden), and it was notable the help given thereby. Wadsworth declares, " I fully believe that the profits a fariner can make from the ashes on an acre of tim- bered ground is greater than those on an acre of wheat." The business owed its start to his enterprise. He wrote in June, 1807, to John Murray & Sons, " Our field ashes now wasted would be of consequence. Fifteen tons might be made in the small town of Fairfield this season. Once started, the business would be generally followed. The ashes which can be seraped off from an acre after a good burn are worth four dollars to eight dollars" The restrictions of trade with Canada operated unfavorably to luke commerce. The first resource for money and store-trade in what is now Wehater was the starting of asheries, and thus creating a market for ashes and black salts, by Amos Dunning, the Cornings, and Amos Harvey.

In Clarkson, Henry MeCall began merchandising, Joshua Field followed, and then Jatues Seymour. All these engaged in making potash, which grew to be the staple product of all the new country. The settlers first had no grain to sell, and then it became abundant and had no price. The trade in the product of their ashes, for which merchants paid half in cash and the rest in goods, seemed almost providential. New settlers put up rough leaches, and generally made black salts. When kettles were available, potash was manufactured. The lands timbered with elm, beech, and maple, supplied a value in ashes to almost pay for clearing. It was an expedient of the new settler to go into the forest, cut down trees, roll them in beaps, and burn them, having in mind no thought of clearing, but to supply a want of store-trade or money. The proceeds of the burnt log-heaps in the clearings supplied many families with the necessaries of life, where otherwise there would have been destitution. Que must be willfully blind not to see in this relief thus afforded a providential aid. The massive and towering trees regarded as obstacles to cultivation were now of value when reduced to ashes, and that which had seemed a hindrance was proved a help.

Another agency for good was the demand for staves and for square timber, the export of the former during 1819 being a full half-million staves. The flouring of wheat was yet another relief. and an interest which hegan in the burlesque mill of Allen, at the falls, expanded to such proportions as made the " Flour city" known far as well as near, for unlimited power and unrivaled excellence of product. A lesson to the millwrights of to-day is taught by the expedients of the early period of primary growth. Simon Stone, soon after 1790, erected a small grist- and saw-mill on the Irondequoit, near the great embankment. The saw used in the pioneer mill of Mr. Stone was made by welding old scythes, and was the handi- work of Samuel Bennett, the blacksmith of that time. Stone's mills, and later the same property rebuilt and known as " Mann's mills," front John Mann, the pro- prietor, were extensively patronized by settlers from a great distance. West uf the Genesee, it will have been observed that settlement did not commence prior to 1807, and of a popuiation of twelve thousand six hundred aud forty-four in 1810, full half had migrated during the last three years. Spafford speaks thus of the domestic manufactures of Geneve county in the year named: " One hun- dred and forty-two thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine yards of cloth made, and seven thousand fulled. There are fourteen grain-mills, twenty saw-mills, and sixty-eight potash-works, which produce one hundred and righty-seven tons of that article annually. To him who is accustomed to trace the effect to its cause, these brief statistics indicate the course of pioneer manufacture.

A powerful element of no slight importance, relating to the past and present of Monroe County, and beyond the consideration of fertility and wealth, was that of climate. It was believed that the land being cleared. the region would excel in silubrity.' The intluence of natural causes was peculiar to this latitude. The

direction uf winds was seen to be controlled by proximity to the lakes, and the prevailing tendeney is from the southwest. In evidence, the appearance of trees, even to those of orchards, indicates a general northeast inclination. Climate is made to depend upon the course of the wind ; since this is from the southwest, the climate is sensibly mitigated in severity, and made more uniform by the vicinity of Ontario. The waters of Erie and Ontario imbibe the heats of sum- mer and modify the temperature of winter; they prevent the transient heats uf early spring, so fatal to the growth of cereals and so destructive to the raising of' fruits. The territory of Mourve is found, by compared tables of temperature in the same latitude elsewhere, to be must nearly uniform. Eastward the thermnom- eter most frequently falls to and below zero, and westward, while the temperature is a resemblance, it is not so equable. This is particularly marked during the winter season. It follows, as a deduction, that the vicinity of the Genesee river, especially the lower portion. is free from extremes of heat or cold known el-ewhere. As the land rises southward, lake influences diminish. It has been observed that when in early winter a rain falls at Rochester, a score of miles southward sleet is seen, while farther on is a snowlidl. The influence of the lakes upon temperature were observed by the early settlers and by travelers. President Dwight, having made a tour of western New York about 1808, thus speaks of the climate: "There is a difference of climate between this country in several respects from that of New England, from that of New York along the Hudson, and parts of the region itself differ sensibly from others. There is, so far as observation ex- tends, a circuit of seasons embraced in periods of ten to perhaps fifteen years. From 1791, terminating with 1804, a regular succession of warm seasons has existed. All summers were warm. The winters of 1780, 1792, 1798, and 1799 were cold, the first-unmed being remarkable for its severity. The opinion is given that the climate of this tract is milder than those in the same latitude eastward, and the proximity to water is adduced as an explanation. In confirmation of theories advanced, the following items were found satisfactory. In the year 1837, William McAusian, engineer of the steamboat " Traveler." made a series of ulser- vations on the temperature of the water and air at the mouth of the river, and the mean temperature of the wind at Rochester was taken for the same days. The result of this fragment of the table, which notes the changes across the lake, is a striking illustration of the theories claimed :

May 15. May 22.

May 29.

Jane 19. 6.30

Ang. 7.

Aug. 18. #30

Sept. 4. Oct. 18. Nov. 13.

Walet ...

600

ett

Wind at Rochester.

590

59.30

02.30

55.30

Direction ......... 8. N. W. S. & S.W. N.W. &S.E.

S. W. S.W. &.N. W. W. N. W. N.

A meteorological table begun by Dr. E. S. Marsh, of Rochester, on January 1, 1831, and continued for seven years, shows the lowest average temperature for the entire period during February, when the result gave 26.5", and the highest for the month of July, which is marked 72.1º. The lowest temperature for any one month was January, 1831, the temperature being 23°. The highest were July. 1835 and 1837, both being 72º. The mean temperature for every day of the seven years, derived from the table, is 48.7º, which may be taken as the true temperature of this locality.

The lowest temperature was 6° below zero, on January 27, 1832, and the highest 95° above zero, on Juue 3, 1831. The earliest frost was on August 4, 1837, and the latest ou May 24, 1832, unusual extremes in each case. The average depth of rainfall, adduced from the years in question, was 24.5 inches annually, and the average depth of snow for one year was 68.4 inches. The tem- perature at Utica has reached 20° and at Albany from 20° to 403, when at the same time it was 20° to 30° warmer at Rochester. The conclusion is reached from these data that the lake operates as an immense heater upon the air in winter, and the immunity enjoyed by Monroe citizens is the advantage of its con- tiguity.

The medical topography, of western New York presents a remarkable improve- ment in health as a result of cultivation. The change has been such that, with- out ample proof, it would be subject to skepticism. A brief retrospect is compiled from an article in O'Revilley's Sketches of Rochester. "On the 7th of June, 1792," says Dr. Coventry, " I arrived with my family at my former residence near the outlet of Seneca lake, opposite the village of Geneva. . . . The seasons of 1793 and 1794 were very sickly in the Genesee country in proportion to the popu- lation. Cases of fever were more numerous than in the cities, but not w fatal. I remember a time when, in Geneva, there was but a single individual who could leave her bed, and for several days she alone, like a ministering angel, went from house to house, bestowing the boon of a drink of cold water. In 1793, no rain fell in June or July ; the water in the lakes was lowered; every little inlet he- came a seat of putrefiction ; the heavens seemed on tire, the earth scorched, and the air saturated with puntilener; hogs were found dead in the woods; flies turned white, and fell uiwa the floor. In the autnum of 1796, along an extent of four miles of a thinly-inhabited road, twenty -four deaths took place from dysentery."

61º

7:30

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Tha recapitulation of this period of trouble fails to convey the dread reality, yet the universal testimony of pioneers cunfirms the facts.

The following is derived from an rway on the diseases of the Genesee country, prepared by Dr. Ludlow :

"The settlement of this section begun in 1791. For a few years the settlers were scattered uver such an extent of country that the character of prevalent dis- esses is not attempted. The summer of 1-01 was warm, with fre quent showers; the days were hot, the nights very chilly. Nune were exempt from the inter- mittent fevers which prevailed. Peruvian bark was generally a remedy, but way of rare use. When left to natore, the symptoms became typhoid, and endangered recovery. All fevers, except fever and aque, were eailed by the people Like ur Gra- wee fevers. The country was very healthy from November on through the winter. 1802 was similar to the year previous. In 1503, intermittents showed decline, and continued fevers prevailed. The summer of 1504 was moderately warm. while the winter was intensely euld. Much snow fell. and lay longer than ever before LDown. The new settlements were healthy ; the winter discu-es were indamnm- tory. These diseases continued during 1805 and 1800, and the abusive use of mercury sacrificed number. The character of the influtumatury fever varied with. localities in 1907. Near stream . whose course was -oberrusted by doms strong symptoms mirked attack, whereas. on high ground, the approach was in- sidious and more difficult ut' control. Ophthalmia prevailed in July and August. Influenza was epidemic in September. The season of ISUS resembled the que' previous. A typhoid appeared in January, and continued till May. The-treat- ment was careful depletion, followed by judiciously-given stimuli. In IsIl. bilious fevers prevailed. In the spring of 1812, a few sporadic cases of pneu- monia typhoides, a previously unknown disease, first came to notice. It was the most formidable epidemie ever prevalent in this country. The disease became general in 1813, and cansed great mortality. By spring, 1814, it entirely dizap- peared. The principal disense up to 1822 was dysentery ; it was most fatal to ebildren. Calculous diseases. supposed to prevail in a limestone country, are almost unknown. Goitre, once common, is now the reverse. The change since 1828 is such that death frotu fevers hecame a rare occurrence, and consumption took precedence. Comparisons with other localities in health and longevity are favorable to Monroe."

Confirmatory of the reports given may be added those of settlera. The settle- ments along Black and Sandy creeks were sickly as late as 1821. When Riga and Chili were one town, sixty died from a population of three thousand in one Jear. At one period, in a population of eighty-three, within a distance of a mile and a half on the Braddock's bay. road, sixty-three were sick. Entire families were prostrated. At Hanford's Landing, formerly King's, there were times when there was not sufficient strength to inter the dead. A score were buried in the woods near by. The mouth of Sandy creek was notably dangerous. Settlers moved in by water, remained a time, aud were taken sick, and had to be brought ont to the older settlements on or-sleds. The use of the poisonous surface-water was one of the causes of disease. The country is now notably healthy, and, as early remarked, it is difficult to conceive of the sickness and mortality of piuneer daya. It is said that a traveler prospecting for a location saw at the month of the river a man, wasted and thin, sunning himself against a house, and asked bim the reputation of the country as to health. "Oh," said he. "it's pretty gpod, take it by and by, when une gets acclimated !" " How long does it take?" " Ob, four or five years !" " How has it been with you ?" " Well, the first year I had the shakes, the next year the intermittent fever; then for about two years I had the bilious fever, and then the lake fever, and now I am closing up with the mad fever, and shall come ont first-rate !" The traveler hastened away, fearing that there was much of truth in what he had heard. But time and toil have varied the climate as they have changed circumstances, and the farnis of northern Monroe, high in value, are the homes of healthy and well-to-do farmers.

CHAPTER XL

BALLY RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS-PIONEER SCHOOLS-MARRIAGES, BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND BURIAL-GROUNDS.

Tus settlers of Monroe believed in the importance of religion. The majority of them had been accustomed to attend at the house of God, and wero cager to enjoy the occasional opportunities afforded by itinerating missionaries. There were many members of churches among the pioneers, and their faith was a com- .

furt in times of trial. They gladly united to erect a building for worship, and sectional distinctions were lost in the mutual benefits Notice uf preaching was followed by a willing journey for miles on foot or with the nx-aled to be present. The vicinity of a few families was speedily succeeded by the establishment of Sabbath observance. It is known that such meetingy were held where bot one 4 professor of religion nsided. The exercises consisted of prayer, singing, and the reading of a printed seriunn. Where no one was willing to lead in prayer, tbe sermun was read and a psalm was sung. There were localities where the Sabbathe was made a day for visiting, businew, and enjoyment. The present standing uf Various communities are attributable to the impressions, religious or otherwise. made during the formative period of society. . The minister traversed the words upon his eircuit, and which atticked with the ague chills rested by the roadside, and then went on to fill bis appointment. There was a heroism on the part of those traveling missionaries which deserves a record of their lives and character. Imbued with deep religious conviction, their teachings were impressive, and they were heard gladly by all the people. : We have spoken of Pittsford as the origin.il business centre of the old town of Northfeld, organized in 1794, four years after the commencement of settlement. This town represented the eastern part ut' Mouroe. The first sermon preached to its pioneers was by a missionary reported to have come from Virginia. Extended notice was given uf the date and locality of the proposed meeting, which took place on a week-day, during the season ot' barvest. This was no bar to attendance, and all who were able assembled in a barn to hear the gospel. It was several years before regular worship wis estab- lished permanently. Rev. James H. Hotchkin, then a licentiate preacher, held services on six Sabbaths in the interval between November 8, 1801, and February 1, 1802, and this is regarded as the first instance of the employment of a prescher of the Congregational or Presbyterian denumination. A Congregational church was organized there with ten members on May 11, 1803, under the charge of Rev. Solomon Allen, and was received into connection with the Ontario associs- tion in June following. The townsmen uf Boyir, the name taken in 1799 in bi-a of Northfield, uuited in the year following, 1799, to build a large log house worth ward a short distance from Pittsford. This served for a number of years as a town-house and a place of Sabbath meeting for public worship. The region west of the Genesee was early visited by missionaries sent out by various societies. It is believed that the first person on mission employment to eross the Genesee river was the Rev. David Perry, of Richmond, Massachusetts. While in the service of the Columbia aud Berkshire missionary society for three months during the summer of 1800, he penetrated to Gunson's settlement. where he preached and engaged in the labor of his calling. Through his influence, a single male professor of religion, Mr. Carver, was induced to commence Sabbath meetings for worship, but these were of brief continuance. At long intervals sermons were preached at this place, now Le Roy, and Rev. Hotchkin, author of " History of Western New York," gave the settlement, then numbering from sixteen to eighteen families, a serinon, which, from the rarity of such events in that locality. then seemed worthy of notice. In 1806, Mr. Church, resident of West Pulteney di- triet, town of Northampton, had erected the first frame barn iu the district, und here the first religious exercises of the settlers were held prior to the organization of a Congregational church. The first minister to visit the setticiment was a Baptist missionary oamed Elder Reed. Rev. Phelps and various Methodist circuit-riders visited the locality in early years. The circumstances connected with the organization of this church at West Pulteney are as follows: During the fall of 1806 Henry Brewster met Colonel Troup, agent for land sales, at a hotel in Canandaigua, where he was remaining over the Subhath. There was no public worship in the village, and these gentlemen spent the day in company. Mr. Brewster, seeing that his friend was one who regarded the Sabbath, suggested a donation of Lind for religious and educational uses as a stimulus to sale and settlement. Colonel Truup responded, "Go on and organize a religious society, elect trustees, and select two one-hundred-acre luts,-one for the support of the gospel, and another for that of schools,-call on me at Albany on your return, and I will deliver you the title-devils." A meeting of the settlers in West Pulteney was held, and an agreement made to take the legal .steps required to form a re- ligious society. One requirement was, thuit notice of intention should be read at the " close of public worship, three Sabbaths in succession," of tho place and time of the proposed meeting for organization. There were but five familiey in the settlement, and fifteen heads of families were out arranging to move in shortly. Of these, Nehemiah Frost and Henry Brewster were the only professors of re- ligion. The inceting was appointed for there successive Sabbaths at the log house of Amass Frost. The two professors carried on the meetingy by rouling aud prayer, and every soul in the settlement was in attendance. The society was duly orpmized by the choice of Dencon Frust, moderator. Mr. Brewster,

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 9

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts Number of Pages: 976

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976