History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 118

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932

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The first road laid out by the town is recorded March 16, 1799, " Beginning at the place where the . . . of Utica Road intersects the County Road, on the north side of the Mohawk River, and continuing on the line between lots Nos. 14 and 15, twenty chains beyond the Dwelling- House of Eldred Edwards; to be two rods in wedth (that is, one Rod on each side the line)."

Calvin Guiteau, Hazard Sherman, and William Hallock were the commissioners of roads.

Another road was laid out May 10, 1799, " Beginning near Hazard Sherman's house, upon the line between Lots Nos. 14 and 15, as they now run ; from thence Northerly until it intersects the back road. Said line is the middle of the Road, and is four rods wide."

Philip Harter and Samuel Reeve were the commisioners of roads.

The early roads and many farms in Deerfield were sur- veyed by Calvin Guiteau, who came to town about 1792. In 1817 he removed to Utica, where he spent the remainder of his life. His brother, Dr. Francis Guiteau, whose name appears as the first supervisor of Deerfield, settled in 1792, and began the practice of medicine.

He died in Whitesboro' about 1823.

Abraham M. Walton was a lawyer by profession, and practiced in New York City before removing to a tract of land known as Walton's Patent, lying in Deerfield and Schuyler. Mr. Walton opened an office in Utica, and finally purchased 250 acres of salt reservation, and laid out a village. This was on what became known as " Walton's Tract," and was the starting-point of the present city of Syracuse, Onondaga Co.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

BAPTIST CHURCH, DEERFIELD CORNERS.

The second Baptist society in Oneida County was organ- ized here in 1798, and a house of worship erected a short distance east of the corners. Elder Oded Eddy was the first pastor, having been ordained at about the time of the organization of the society. He continued in charge for twenty-four years. Elder John Leland, father of John

LITH BY L W. EVERTS PHILA PA

RESIDENCE OF ROBERT COVENTRY, DEERFIELD , ONEIDA CO . N.Y.

( UTICA IN THE DISTANCE .)

RESIDENCE OF FRANKL

RANKLI, DEERFIELD, ONEIDA CO., N.Y.

LITH BY L M.EVERTS PHILA PA

LITH. BY L. H. EVERTS. PHILA.

RESIDENCE OF GILES SMITH, DEERFIELD, ONEIDA Co., N. Y.

443

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

D. Leland, Esq. (the latter several times supervisor of the town), also preached here. The present frame church was built in 1812, and has been several times repaired. The original pulpit was in the ancient style, high and small, and bas been three times cut down. The cemetery ad- joining the church was laid out about 1812, on land donated by Gencral John G. Weaver, a commander of militia during the war of 1812-15. The general's wife, who died about 1811, was the first person buried in it, and the general is also there interred. But few Baptists are left in this neighborhood, and most of them attend services in Utica. Trustees are, however, regularly elected, and the associa- tion preserved. The Methodists hold services in the church every Sunday, and are at present under the pastoral earc of Rev. Mr. Church. The different denominations in the neighborhood contribute towards the support of a pastor, and Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and other preachers hold meetings here. The Methodists have a regular organization.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DEERFIELD CORNERS.

This was organized as a union Sabbatb-school about 1862-63, and Episcopal serviees were begun under a mission from Whitesboro' about 1874-75. The membership is small. The rector is Rev. R. L. Mathison, of Oriskany and Whitesboro'. The Sabbath-school building, or ehapel, is used, and the school is still continued.

ST. PETER'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CHURCH, DEERFIELD CORNERS,

was organized, and the present frame house of worship erected, in 1872, the first meeting being held November 1, of that year. The first pastor was Rev. Father Eis. Tbe membership in February, 1878, was about 400. A school numbering some 35 or 40 children is under the eare of the pastor, Rev. Father Lindenfeld, who lives in the parsonage adjoining the church.

UNION CHURCH (PRESBYTERIAN AND BAPTIST), NORTH

GAGE.

A church was built by the above denominations and dedicated in September, 1830. A funeral sermon was preached in the building in August, before it was con- pleted, by the Baptist pastor, Rev. David Pratt. The first pastor of the Presbyterians was Rev. William Goodell. The present membership of the Baptist society is about 25, and of the Presbyterian perhaps more. The Baptist society is connected with one at South Trenton, and has had for a supply since the latter part of 1876 Rev. Robert Wallace. The Presbyterian supply is Rev. Mr. Morse, of Utica. A union Sabbath-school was established in June, 1877. Its present Superintendent is A. L. Blue ; Assistant Superintendent, Cornelius Schermerhorn, Jr. A cabinet- organ, of Syracuse manufacture, is used in the church.

In the central-eastern portion of town the Methodists and Roman Catholics have eaeh a small society, with church buildings.

DEERFIELD CORNERS.

This village, located a mile from the bridge over the Mohawk at the foot of Genesee Street, in Utiea, is the site

of the first settlements made in the town. It is on the stream known as Reall's Creek, already mentioned. The house first built by Christian Reall, for whom the creek was named, stood upon its bank, and was burned by the Indians at the time they destroyed those of Damoth and Weaver. The farming lands in the vieinity are finely improved, and generally occupied by a wealthy and pros- perous elass of citizens. From the farmers of the Mohawk Valley in Deerfield many have been chosen for posts of honor in the gift of the people, and the name Deerfield is associated with pleasant memories of her inhabitants and their works. Northwest of the village, near the town- line of Marcy, is the residence of ex-Governor Seymour, occupying a beautiful location on a terrace overlooking the valley of the river and the city of Utica,-away from the bustle and smoke of the " metropolis of Oneida," yet but a half-hour's ride from business. The Governor, a thorough gentleman, and an enthusiast in matters of agriculture, has one of the best-regulated farms in the county. A beauti- ful grove of hemlocks stands a short distance from bis dwelling, and is earefully preserved as a memento of "auld lang syne." There is no ostentatious display about this comfortable homestead. The dwelling is a large plain building, one and a half stories in height, of a style more resembling that of a southern planter than the ordinary farm residences of the northern States. A wide and pleas- ant portico extends along the east and south sides, adorned with trophies of the chase, mementos of Governor Sey- mour's younger days, when a hunter among the Adiron- daeks. The grand old forest-trees are carefully preserved, and a most remarkable native black-cherry stands a few yards from the south entrance. It is fully four feet in diameter at the base. The plaec has much the air of Mount Vernon, and the outlook over the Mohawk Valley is very beautiful.

At Deerfield Corners a post-office, named Deerfield, was established about 1854-55, with Joseph Oster as first post- master. The present incumbent of the office is Thomas Watkins.

Between the corners and Utiea briek-making was long advantageously carried on, and most of the brick buildings in Utica were erected from the products of the different kilns of Dcerfield Among the early manufacturers of brick in this section was a man named Fisher. John Green and a Mr. Barber were also engaged in the busi- ness. Within a mile of the Mohawk River bridge six or seven yards were being worked at the same time. The yards now in operation oceupy new sites, and the brick are excellent in quality.

A few men from this neighborhood enlisted in the United States army during the Mexican war, but their names cannot now be aseertaincd.

The village contains at present (April, 1878) two gen- eral stores, a clothing-store, a post-office, several boot- and shoe-shops, three hotels, and numerous "groceries" or sa- loons. The road from the corners to Utica is lined with dwellings, and near the river are four or five hotels, numer- ous saloons, a pork-packing establishment, built and ope- rated by H. Roberts' Sons, with a capacity for packing 100 to 150 hogs daily, and the "Central New York Var-

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

nish-Works" of Messrs. Comstock Brothers & Co. This latter institution was established in 1868, by Comstock Brothers, and the present brick factory-building crected. The manufacture of varnish only was commenced in 1868, paint-making being a recent venture of the firm. The gums used in the manufacture of varnish are all imported, principally from the coast of Africa. From four to ten hands are employed. Owing to high insurance but little raw material is stored at the factory. The warerooms of the firm are at 117 Genesee Street, Utica.

NORTH GAGE POST-OFFICE

was established about 1831, and Daniel Schermerhorn, who was mainly instrumental in securing it, was appointed first postmaster. He was succeeded by Dr. Stephen F. Fenton, about 1832. The present postmaster is Henry Smith, who has held the office about nine years. The office was named from its location in the north part of Gage's Patent, a tract of 18,000 acres, granted by the English and colonial govern- ments to Thomas Gage, July 6, 1769, and lying principally in Deerfield.

The first cheese-factory in this part of town was built by Archibald C. Blue, about a mile south of North Gage. This was as early probably as 1863. John C. Blue estab- lished the second one; he died in 1869. The North Gage Cheese-Factory was established by a stock company about 1871, and John Campbell was the first chcese-maker em- ployed. The factory is at present owned and operated by the Schermerhorn Brothers. Dairying is the principal industry in the north part of town.

North Gage contains a post-office, a small store and shoe- shop, a cheese-factory, and a church. Travel over the road from east to west was quite extensive in the days of stage- coaches, and public-houses were kept in the vicinity; but none are at present in existence.

For information received we arc under obligations to Hon. Abram B. Weaver, Jacob G. Weaver, Giles Smith, Richard Harter, Robert Coventry, and others at Deerfield Corners; C. E. Cruikshank, town clerk ; P. Ryan ; Cor- nelius Schermerhorn, wife, and sons, and Henry Smith, at North Gage, besides others whose names are not now recol- lected.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ALEXANDER COVENTRY

was born near Hamilton, in Scotland, Aug. 27, 1776, and was the son of Captain George Coventry, who had served under his majesty George III., in the old French war. Alexander attended medical lectures at Glasgow and at Edinburgh, and imbibed the instruction of those eminent teachers, Monro, Cullen, Hope, and Gregory. In July, 1785, he sailed for America, and first settled at Hudson, in this State, where he became engaged in agricultural pur- suits in conjunction with the practice of his profession. Thence he removed to Romulus, on the east side of Seneca Lake, which place he left in 1796, on account of sickness of

himself and his family, and came to Utica, then known as Old Fort Schuyler. At first he entered into mercan- tile business with Mr. John Post, but soon separated from him, and opened a physician's office just above, near the corner of Whitesboro' Street. About 1804 he had for a partner Dr. David Hasbrouck ; but having purchased a

ALEXANDER COVENTRY.

farm in Deerfield, he removed thither and once more en- gaged in agriculture. The doctor pursued farming, and especially fruit-growing, with all the ardor of more modern amateurs, and his grafted apples and other fruit were famous the world around.

From this period onward, until his death, his time and attention were divided between his farm, his books, and the practice of his profession, although during the latter years the demands of his profession were paramount to all beside. As a family physician and obstetrician, Dr. Coventry was eminently distinguished, and not only in his own town but in the adjoining counties.

His uniformly courteous and sympathizing manner with the sick, co-operating with his clear and discriminating judgment, obtained for him unrivaled esteem and affection. In person he was muscular, and moderate in height ; in man- ners, without pretense, but affable and engaging; in his tastes, social. The public appreciation of the science and standing of Dr. Coventry is shown by the offices he held. Besides presiding for several successive years over the Med- ical Society of his own county, he was twice elected presi- dent of the Medical Society of the State. He was a trus- tec of the Fairfield Medical College, a member of the So- ciety for the Promotion of Agriculture, Art, and Manufac- tures, a member of the Albany Lyceum, and a corresponding member of the Linnaan Society of Paris. He was an oc- casional contributor to the political and agricultural journals of the day, and was also the author of some professional papers for the medical serials. From the period of his stu- dentship to the last year of his life, he kept a diary, in which he noted at length his medical and agricultural em- ployments, with references, now and then, to social and other current events of the day.' About the year 1817 he

445

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

led the way in the formation of the first agricultural society of the county, and was its secretary and president.

While attending a dangerous ease of sickness in the fam- ily of Nicholas Devereux he fell a vietim to an epidemie influenza, and died Dec. 9, 1831. His wife, Elizabeth Butler, of Brantford, Conn., had deceased some years before.

Photo. by Williams.

ROBERT COVENTRY.

He left a family of seven sons and four daughters, one only of whom, Robert Coventry, now resides in Deerfield, on a portion of the farm originally belonging to his father.

Robert Coventry was born in Deerfield, Feb. 17, 1807. He spent his youth on his father's farm, and his education was limited to the common schools of Deerfield.

On May 9, 1836, he was united in marriage with Lydia, daughter of Aaron and Lucinda Barnes. By this union two children were born to them, viz., Robert, born Aug. 19, 1837, and now resides in the town of Miller, La Salle Co., Ill., and Helen, born Nov. 26, 1842; died Jan. 11, 1863.

ALLEN L. BLUE.

This gentleman is of Scotch ancestry. His father, Dun- ean Blue, emigrated from Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1803, and came to the town of Deerfield, where he located aud purchased a farm of 96 acres. The subject of this sketch was born in that town Aug. 27, 1827, being the only son of a family of six children of Dunean and Flora Blue, and is to-day residing on the same farm, which he has increased to 190 acres, on which his father originally settled. His parents both died and are buried in the town.

Allen L. was married Oet. 20, 1853, to Ann S., daugh- ter of Gilbert and Isabel Blue, her father being a brother of Duncan's, and emigrated to this country about the same time. She was born in Deerfield, Nov. 15, 1827. Two children came to bless their home and fireside, John Gil- bert, born Sept. 14, 1854. Charles Dunean, Nov. 15, 1857, and was called to his last home April 8, 1878. Mr. Blue is a member of the Republican party, also of the Presbyterian Church of Deerfield. Has held the office of Superintendent of Sunday-school for nine years. He is one of the most enterprising, energetic, and public-spirited eitizen of the town in which he resides.

AARON BARNES

was born in Lanesboro', Berkshire Co., Mass., March 16, 1781. His father, Captain Joseph Barnes, was a patriot, possessed of manly and sterling virtues. He took an ae- tive and zealous part in our country's struggle for independ- ence. His mother was of the Buck family, of high posi-

Photo, by Williams,

AARON BARNES.

tion and culture, and a noble Christian woman, living a life of implicit faith and prayer. She had six sons, of whom Aaron was the second. An elder brother, Joseph, was edu- cated at Williams College, and chose the law for his pro- fession. He located at Philadelphia, and attained eminence as a jurist. Three other brothers received liberal educations ; one, a physician, located in Alabama. Our subject, although a farmer, filled many positions of trust, the duties of which he performed with credit to himself, and to the entire satis- faction of his constituents. He was a man of strong con- victions, and very pronounced in his opinions. In his political affiliations he was of that school of which John Q. Adams, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster were the leaders, believing that the principles they promulgated best subserved the common interests of the masses. He came to Deerfield in 1818, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred March 25, 1852, and his memory is still held in grateful remembrance by all who knew him. He married Lucinda Sherman, of Lanesboro', who lived to the advanced age of ninety years. She possessed those lovely traits which adorn the wife and mother, and was indeed all that is expressed in the terms amiable and intelligent, and was a worthy helpiuect of her devoted husband, to whom she was " a treasure above price." They were blessed with eleven children,-four sous and seveu daughters,-seven of whom are now living.

PETER WALKER

was born in the town of Deerfield, Oncida Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1823, being the youngest son of a family of fourteen children of Alexander and Annie Walker. His father was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and emigrated to this country in 1802, and settled in Deerfield in 1803, where he purchased a farm of 112 acres, beiug the saure oue on

446

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

which the subject of this sketch now resides, but which has been increased to 156 acres. He was married Oct. 10, 1850, to Mary, daughter of Duncan and Flora Blue. Her parents were of Scotch ancestry, and were among the early settlers of Deerfield, where she was born, Dec. 9, 1819. They have had but two children, James A., born Aug. 17, 1852, died July 26, 1878; John K., born Dec. 25, 1855. Mr. Walker has always belonged to the Republican party, and is Presbyterian in religious belief. A view of the Walker homestead with portraits of this gentleman and wife appears in another part of this work.

PRATT SMITH.

The subject of this sketch was born in Taunton, Mass., in the year 1788. In 1798 his father cmigrated to Oneida County with his family, which consisted of five boys and one girl, and located on what is now known as Smith Hill, then called "Jeames Hill." He resided in

Photo, by Williams.

PRATT SMITH.

Deerfield until his death, which occurred in 1874, at the good old age of cighty-six years. He was a man well qualified to contend with the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and his success was attributable in part to his remarkable energy and great physical strength, in evi- dence of which it is only necessary to state that he, in company with his three brothers, chopped and split 25 cords of wood in one day. He acquired a cominon-school education, and married for his first wife Judith, daughter of Zenas Dewey, of Deerfield, by whom he had three daughters, only one of whom is now living. For his second wife he married Eleanor, daughter of Ephraim Wheeler, of Trenton, by whom he had several children, only two of whom grew to maturity,-Giles and Ellen Davis,-both residing in Deerfield, and the former being one of the most prominent and successful farmers in the county.

JAMES COX

wes born in the town of Schuyler, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1803, being the youngest son of a family of seven children of Joseph and Catharine Cox. His father emi- grated to the town of Deerfield in 1809, he being a native of Schuyler, where he was born Sept. 19, 1776. His mother was also a native of the same town, being born in 1770. They located on a farm of eighty acres, which is still in possession of the family, and which, by the industry and economy of Mr. Cox, has been increased to 217 acres. His parents died, and are buried, in the town of Deerfield ; his father being over seventy-eight years of age, and his death occurred May 15, 1855. His mother died Jan. 26, 1855, being over eighty-four years of age. He was married, March 20, 1848, to Nancy M., daughter of Godfrey and Mary Wall, who were among the early settlers of Remsen, where she was born April 10, 1828. Their family consisted of four chil- dren, one of whom died in childhood. Jane, born March 20, 1849, and was married, Aug. 20, 1866, to George Wil- cox, of Wisconsin, and is at present a resident of that State. James M., born April 13, 1856, and was married to Sarah E., daughter of Joseph Barker, of Poland, Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 30, 1875 ; they have one child. Minnie A., born Jan. 27, 1863. In politics, Mr. Cox was a strong and ardent Democrat, and though solicited to hold a number of public offices by his fellow-townsmen, always refused the honor. He was a member of the Universalist Church. He died Jan. 15, 1878, and by his death his wife lost a loving companion ; his children, a kind father ; his friends, an honest and upright man. All mourn his loss, and regret he was taken away from the duties of his life.

LEVI C. SCHERMERHORN.

The father of this gentleman is Cornelius Schermerhorn, who emigrated from Montgomery Co., N. Y., to the town of Deerfield, in 1803, and was married there, in 1819, to Nancy Harrington. They are both living, having been companions in life for most sixty years, the former being in his eightieth, and the latter in her seventy-seventh year. His father was early engaged in the tanning and shoe- making trade, but afterwards became a farmer. He received only the advantages of a common-school education, and worked on his father's farm till the age of twenty-six. He then started in life for himself, renting a farm for four years, and without any pecuniary assistance is to-day in possession of one of the finest farms in Oneida County, consisting of about 150 acres, on which are located large, fine, and com- modious buildings, with all modern improvements. In 1853 he commenced the manufacture of cheese, and pro- duced an article that gained high reputation in the market ; and in 1870 he was hired by a factory in Derby, Derby- shire, England, to educate their employees in the mode of making cheese in America. He also went to Brook, in Water Land, Holland, on the same business. He remained abroad a year. He was married, Sept. 8, 1852, to Susan, daughter of Elijah and Mehitable Terry, she being born in Newport, Herkimer Co., Dec. 20, 1826. They have but one child living, Lydia N., born in Russia, Herkimer Co., Dec. 28, 1854. He belongs to the Republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Free Baptist Church.

447

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XXIX.

FLORENCE.

THIS town occupies a position in the northwest corner of Oneida County, and has an area of 33,473 aeres. It in- eludes township No. 4, and a part of township No. 3, of Seriba's Patent. The town is watered by Mad River and its tributaries,-Little River and others,-and several branches of Fish Creek, which join the latter stream after a southeasterly course through Camden and Annsville. Several of these streams furnish very good power for driv- ing the machinery of mills, tanneries, ete. The surface of the town is somewhat hilly, and in places quite broken. The soil is cold and stony, and only by the hardest work is it made to repay the efforts of the husbandman. The original settlers have nearly all removed from the town, and in their places is now found a large population of natives of the land of the Shamrock.

THE SETTLEMENT

of Florence was commeneed in the fall of the year 1801, at which time Amos Woodworth located about half a mile from its north line. John Spinning, at about the same time, settled on what is called the " State Road," two miles south- east of Florence village, and a Mr. Turner came at about the same period.

"These threo settlers had each fifty acres of land given them by William Henderson, of the city of New York, who had previously purchased the fourth township of Scriba's Patent. The land was given as a bonus to induce them to commence the settlement of the town- ship. Perhaps there were others who had land giveu them, but of this no satisfactory information has been obtained. Very shortly after these first settlers had moved into town, Azariah Orton, a Mr. Crawford and his son, Clark Crawford, and Norman Waugh, settled in tho south part of town, and Benoni Barlow, Ebenczer Barlow, Am- broso Curtiss, Ephraim Wright, Joseph Olcott, and Benjamin Youngs settlod in that part of the town known as 'Florence Hill.'"#

Nathan Thomson visited this town in 1801, but did not settle until the 6th of May, 1802, when he brought his family with him and located on the farm now owned by his son, Aaron H. Thomson. He built a log house a short distance east of the site of the present dwelling, where he kept tavern for a long period, and finally ereeted a part of the building now standing. He oeeupied this farm until his death, and was succeeded in the tavern-keeping business by his son, A. H. Thomson, who was born on the place Oct. 4, 1805. The latter is still a resident on the old farm, and occasionally practices law.

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History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 118

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss Number of Pages: 932

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932