History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 110

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 920

USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 110

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

" After a residence of several years with the Indians, and after our independence had been acknowledged by Britain, as he could return in safety, he left the Indians and again took up his ahode in civilized life, and was again married. By this marriage he had seven children, two sons and five daughters. The next that is learned of him is that he was residing at Canajoharie.

"The surveyors employed by Peter Smith having been driven off, as before stated, their compass and chain hroken to pieces hy the Pa- gan party of the Oneidas, Mr. Smith had recourse to Mr. Cassety, who was residing at that place, to induce him to come to Oneida and make peace with the Indians. From his thorough acquaintance with In- dian character he was peculiarly fitted for this mission, in which he was entirely successful. Mr. Smith, hy means of these services, was enabled to realize a considerable fortune.

" In 1794, Mr. Cassety removed to the town of Augusta, and settled at Oriskany Falls,-a location which for many years was known only hy the name of Cassety Hollow. Here he huilt the mills," as before stated, and in erecting the grist-mill he and Peter Smith were in com- pany. Soon after its completion, Cassety, who was now a colonel in the militia, and justice of the peace, purchased of Smith his share, and mortgaged his property to Smith to secure the payment of the purchase-money. Eventually, the foreclosing of this mortgage re- duced the colonel from competency to poverty. The earnings of years of toil and privation were all swept away.

"His death was most melancholy. A clothier in removing from his shop had left, among other things, a hottle of sulphuric acid. This the colonel supposed to be whisky (a poison, in most cases, just as sure if not as rapid), and the fatal draught closed his existence in a few hours. He died August 14, 1831. His father, Captain James Cassety, died in Augusta, May 23, 1822, aged eighty-four."

Francis O'Toole, who also settled in 1794, lived an ad- venturous life before coming to this town. After his three years of service in behalf of the Crowo he landed at Boston, and went from there to Hartford, Conn., where he hired to Colonel Thomas Seymour, with whom he lived two years. He was supposed by the family to be a " wild, unlettered Irishman," and Mrs. Seymour on one occasion kindly offered to teach him to read, but he told her he was afraid he was too old to learn. The colonel's son Richard, who was at- tending Yale College, was at home on his vacation, and un- dertook to make himself appear to great advantage among the servants in the kitchen by uttering a Latin sentence. This secmed so ridiculous to O'Toole that he made a sharp reply in the same language, being thrown off his guard, and the news soon spread that Colonel Seymour's supposed " wild Irishman" had a good education, and instead of being called " Pat" and " Paddy," as usual, he was addressed as

Mr. O'Toole. His family was much respected by the in- habitants of the town.

In 1796, Abrahanı and Alexander Holmes settled upon the east hill, and Oliver Bartholomew, Deacon Philip Pond, William Martin, Stephen Crosby, Archibald and John Man- chester, Robert Worden, and John Goodhue located in town the same year. J. Reynolds came in 1795 and began clear- ing, and one evening, while looking for his cow, trced a bear about sixty rods southwest of Ozias Hart's. He called to Mr. Hart, who was in hailing distance, telling him to come with his gun and shoot the bear. Mr. Hart misunderstood, and thought the bear had treed Reynolds. He had a gun well loaded, and one or two dogs, yet he started in pursuit of his brother, who had gone to Utica that day, to help res- cue his neighhor from his perilous position ! Reynolds be- came impatient, and, leaving the dog to guard the tree, lie went to Hart's house; the dog vacated his post, however, and the bear escaped before Reynolds or the Harts returned, probably laughing, bear fashion, at the courage of Hart and the dog.

Another bear story is told which is worth preserving, the hero of the adventure being Thomas Spafford. While on his way to church one Sunday he noticed a large bear following him. For a time he pursued his way quietly, hoping the anitual would leave the path ; but in this he was disappointed, as he came much nearer. He then attempted to frighten him, but failed in that also; and as a final resort he left the path and climbed a small hemlock-tree, the bear following to its foot. In his haste to escape he caught a dry limb, which broke beneath his weight, and he fell. As he was falling, he said he thought " Old Spafford was gone for it !" Hc succeeded in effectually frightening the bear, however, and the animal ran off as fast as his legs could carry him as Spafford struck the ground. The latter then pursued his way to church without further molestation.

In the spring of 1797 five families came in company from Washington, Litchfield Co., Conn., and settled on what is known as Washington Street, running south from the centre; four of these families were those of Robert Durkec, Newton Smith, Joseph Hurd, and Sheldon Parmalee. Later in the same year Benjamin and Joseph Durkee and David Curtis came from the same town and settled in the same locality. The road from Michael Hinman's (later, G. L. Brigham's) to the centre was constructed after these families arrived.

The first merchant-Mr. Adams-has been mentioned. A Mr. Smith sold goods early near the place in later years occupied by Christopher Stebbins, and was subsequently sentenced to State prison for some misdemeanor. Elisha . Carrington established a small store early at Newell's Cor- ners, originally called Bartlet's Corners, but soon moved to Peterboro'. Abiel Linsley traded early at the centre, and was for some time associated with Samuel Chandler. This company failed, and W. H. Chandler subsequently-1806- entered into business with his brother, the firm-oame being Samuel Chandler & Co. W. H. Chandler did not remove here until 1808, in May, although interested in the store. These brothers continued business together until 1818, when W. H. Chandler became sole proprietor, and continued until Feb. 24, 1835, at which date the store was burned.

* Saw mill in 1794-95, and grist-mill in 1796.

412

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Litchfield Co., Conn., furnished very many of the pioneers of this town; and in 1847, of 48 families living on the road running north and south through its centre, 18 were from that county. Josiah Cook came to Augusta from Otis, Conn., in 1799, with a family of 13 children, all of whom, except one, settled in this town with their families. Abner Ranney, who lived to be one hundred and one years old, came from Blandford, the town adjoining Otis, and had 12 children. Elisha Shepard, and all the Knoxes, except J. J. Knox, were also from Blandford.

Andrew McMillan, from near North Conway, N. H., where he was born, settled near Newell's Corners (west of Oriskany Falls), in this town, about 1798. He afterwards moved to the northeast part of town, locating on the hill west of Deansville, where he spent most of the remainder of his life. His oldest son, Ephraim, and his second son, Cap- tain John McMillan, were born on the farm at Newell's Cor- ners, the former in 1800, and the latter (now a resident of Deansville) in 1801. Although a few had settled previous to 1798 at Oriskany Falls, that place did not grow to any extent until after the arrival of the McMillans. Another son of Andrew McMillan, and brother of the captain, is Prof. Andrew McMillan, superintendent of the Utica City schools.

Captain John McMillan has in his possession a Bible, "Imprinted at London by the Deputies of Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queenes most Excellent Majestie," in 1599. Colonel Cassety's grist-mill at the Falls was in full operation when Mr. McMillan settled, though it had been completed but a short time.

Charles Putnamn, from Stonington, Conn., settled very early in this county, residing at first two years at Clinton, and removing from there to a location a mile and a half northwest of Oriskany Falls, on a four-hundred-acre farm he had purchased of Peter Smith. He made the first im- provements upon it, and afterwards built the first frame barn in town, which has twice been moved and is yet standing in good condition. The frame was very heavy, and made of black ash. Charles Putnam was a veteran of the Revolution. His son, Frederick Putnam, located in Augusta the next year after his father had settled. Some of the sons of the latter served during the war of 1812. One son, Sidney Putnam, is at present residing at Oriskany Falls, where he has lived for forty-seven years. He owns a portion of his father's old farm.

Elisha Fowler settled in the town of Paris in 1792, where he finally died. His son, Elisha Fowler, Esq., of Oriskany Falls, was born in Paris in 1793, and came to the town of Augusta in 1816, and in 1821 located at Oriskany Falls. Ile was afterwards engaged in the dry goods and grocery business, and also carried on a distillery, which stood where the brewery now is. He was out a short time with the militia in the war of 1812. For ten years, with the exception of two months, he held the office of justice of the peace.

The first white child born in this town was Peter Smith Gunn, a son of the first settler. In the old records of the town is found the following entry :

"Sophia Morton, daughter to Thomas and Polly Morton, born June 12, 1795; Charles Morton, son tu Thomas and Polly Morton, born June 10, 1798."

Mrs. Margaret Mahanny, daughter of Francis O'Toole, was born soon after the settlement of the town, and also, many years later, was the oldest native living within its limits. The first marriage in town was that of Daniel Hart and Catherine Putnam, the ceremony being performed by Colo- nel Cassety. The first death of an adult was that of Eleazer Putnam, who died April 15, 1795, aged thirty-one years. He lived on the cast hill, and, from the fact that a number of families of this name had settled in the same neighborhood, it was called " Put's Hill." Lucy Greene died in March, 1796. A child of Ozias Hart and one of John Porter died quite carly, the exact date not being ascertained, nor a knowledge of which died first. They were buried near Ilerman Parker's, but owing to the ground proving too wet, they were removed to the ground given by John Porter for burial purposes.

This town has been the scene of several distressing deaths, most of them accidental, although some of them were the result of maliciousness. Major Wood, a Revolu- tionary soldier, who lived upon the east hill, was shot by the woman who lived with him as his wife, and she was tried and sentenced to execution, but hung herself in the jail at Herkimer before the day set for her death by the hands of the law. A quarrel between Theophilus Fowler and Ethan Wiggins, two Indians, resulted in Fowler killing Wiggins with his gun. Cornelius, an Oneida Indian, had a son-in-law named Jacob, who was foully murdered by another Indian, and he (Cornelius) wrought vengeance upon the murderer by first stabbing him and afterwards ---- the stab not proving effectual-by cleaving his skull with a hatchet. Thomas Grinnell accidentally shot himself in the arm, near the shoulder, and lived but about a week. Timothy Ranney was accidentally shot by his cousin, Silas Cook, Sunday, April 10, 1810. A Mrs. Gardner was acci- dentally shot at the Falls by Mr. Cady, with a musket used the day previous at a training, and not supposed to be loaded. Orrin S. Cook, son of Josiah Cook, was killed by a falling tree, Oct. 22, 1818. Terrence Fagan, a resident of Augusta, was killed in Stockbridge, July 12, 1838, by falling from his wagon, one of the wheels resting upon his neck as the horses stopped. Roswall J. Lewis, of this town, while at Oneida Castle, May 22, 1842, was run over and fatally injured while trying to stop a couple of runaway teams; he lived but about twenty-four hours after the accident.

Among the early physicians of this town were the follow- ing : At Augusta Centre, Dr. Johnson came as early as 1797, and died in 1806 or 1807. He lived in a log house on the place afterwards occupied (1847) by Dr. E. Allen. Dr. Hooker came next, and was succeeded by Dr. Rich- ards. Dr. Edmund Allen located here in 1820. Nathaniel Rose began practicing here in 1803, and died in 1839. Eli Botsford came to town in 1819, and studied and practiced with Rose for several years. Botsford began practice at Knox's Corners in 1827, and in 1845 removed to the Centre. At the Corners were Drs. Usher, Hastings, Bots- ford, and Seabury M. Higgins, the latter beginning his practice there early in 1846. At Oriskany Falls, John S. Livermore began practicing medicine in 1822, Dr. Bishop in 1827, A. M. Marsh iu 1828 or 1829, D. C. Worden in

413

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

1833, Edward Trask in 1835; Drs. Brown and Thomp- son arrived later. Drs. T. H. Cox and W. E. Babcock- the latter longest in practice-are now located at the Falls. Dr. Charles Munger resides at Knoxboro' (formerly Knox's Corners), where he has practiced about eight years.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN, ELECTIONS, ETC.

An effort was made in the Legislature in 1797 to organ- ize this town. The bill passed the Assembly, but when it reached the Senate the question was asked by Samuel Jones, then a Senator from the southern district, and who was the first State comptroller, " What will they do for town officers ? For the law declares they must be freeholders." This defeated the bill, for Peter Smith's land was still held by twenty-one-years' leases, and the Oneida reservation had not been sold. An election was held in town this year, at Charles Putnam's house, while yet the territory was a part of Whitestown. The town of Augusta was ereeted in 1798, simultaneously with Oneida County. The portion of the act relating to this town reads as as follows :

"And be it further enacted, That all that part of the town of Whitestown bounded westerly and southerly by the county of Che- nango, easterly by Brothertown and the town of Paris, and northerly by the southernmost Great Genesee road, shall be, and hereby is, erected into a separate town by the name of Angusta, and that the first town-meeting shall be holden at the dwelling-house of Timothy Pond, Jr., in said town."

"The name of Angusta was given in consequence of a promise of General Augustus Van Horn to Colonel Cassety, who was a leading spirit in this region, that if Colonel Cassety would have the town named after him he would give him a new military hat. The name came so near to Augustus that the colonel obtained the objeet prom- ised."#

In 1802, through the efforts of Abraham Van Eps, who lived in what is now Vernon, portions of Augusta and West- moreland were set off, and the new town of Vernon was created. Van Eps, who will be found mentioned elsewhere in this work, lived at Vernon village. On the first Tues- day of April, 1798, agreeable to the Legislative appoint- ment, the first town-meeting was held at the house of. Timothy Pond, Jr. The following were the officers chosen, viz. : Supervisor, Colonel Thomas Cassety ; Town Clerk, Joseph Durkee, who held this office until 1822; Assessors, Ezra Sexton, David Brewer, Simeon Williams, Joel Hull ; Commissioners of Highways, Michael Hinman, Ichabod Stafford, Philip Pond; Constable and Collector, Frederick Putnam ; Overseers of the Poor, James Cassety, Abiel Lins- ley ; Inspectors of Schools, Francis O'Toole, John Smile, Sheldon Parmalee; Fence- Viewers, Justus Markham, Wil- liam Martin, Charles Putnam, Oliver Bartholomew.

The successive Supervisors of Augusta, since Colonel Cassety, have been the following persons, viz. : 1799-1801, Abiel Linsley ; 1802-7, Sheldon Parmalee ; 1808-17, Samuel Chandler ; 1818, John J. Knox ; 1819-21, Sam- uel Chandler ; 1822-23, John J. Knox ; 1824-26, Win- throp H. Chandler ; 1827-28, Nathan Kimball ; 1829, W. H. Chandler ; 1830-31, Nathan Kimball; 1832-34, Wil- liam Smith ; 1835-36, W. H. Chandler ; 1837-38, Aaron Burley ; 1839, Benjamin Allen; 1840, John Currie ;

1841-42, Elisha Fowler ; 1843-44, John A. Scott; 1845, Alonzo Metcalf; 1846, Benjamin Allen ; 1847, David . Murray ; 1848, Solomon M. Wells; 1849, George W. Couch ; 1850, John A. Seott; 1851, Warren H. Griswold ; 1852, George W. Couch ; 1853, Almon W. Reynolds ; 1854, Isaac C. Miller ; 1855, James Allen ; 1856, Elisha Fowler ; 1857, James C. Knox ; 1858-59, Dan P. Buck- ingham ; 1860, James C. Knox; 1861, Willard G. Cum- mings ; 1862-64, David M. Miner; 1865, W. S. Adams ; 1866-67, Philander Powers ; 1868, John MeMillan ; 1869, Philander Powers ; 1870, Milo C. Barker ; 1871-72, War- ren G. Strong ; 1873, Milo C. Barker; 1874-75, James A. Douglass ; 1876-77, Arthur P. Bartholomew ; 1878, F. Leroy Hatheway.

The remaining officers for 1878 are: Town Clerk, Ben- jamin S. Hieks; Justiecs of the Peace, George N. Wil- lard, C. Brock ; Assessor, Aaron B. Mackey ; Commissioner of Highways, Abel C. Brewer; Overseer of the Poor, Reu- ben O. Vaughn. Inspectors of Election : Distriet No. 1, Jay H. Fairchild, Charles H. Green, C. Henry Stiles; District No. 2, Emerson C. Mathews, Cortland Barker, C. H. Malone. Collector, Charles C. Oliver. Constables, Ju- lius A. Glazier, J. W. Bates, Halsey L. Rice, Edwin L. Chase; Town Auditors, Benjamin Allen, Frederick N. Bush- nell, B. F. Ennis ; Sealer of Weights and Measures, Abner B. Green ; Exeise Commissioner, Freeborn Hieks.

The total vote polled in this town at the election of 1878 was 522.

At the time this town was organized, the statutes re- quired that the oaths of town officers should be taken before a justice of the peace, or other proper officer, with- out fee or reward. Colonel Cassety was a justice for Her- kimer County, and it is believed he was the only one in this town when the first election was held. He adminis- tered the oath of office as supervisor to himself, as the records show, and certified that the oath was takeu before himself. Until 1830 justices of the peace were chosen at general elections, and the first one elected at town-meeting in Augusta was Nathan Kimball, in 1830. He settled in 1804, and was afterwards county judge. Up to 1802 the town-meetings were held regularly. In 1801 the town- meeting adjourned to meet the next year at the house of Seth Holmes, who resided upon the west side of the road, ascending the hill from the south at Vernon Centre. The meeting was not held, however, as the town of Vernon was erected in the mean time, leaving Mr. Holmes' house in that town. Therefore the officers for 1802 were appointed by three justices of the peace. A town-house was built at the Centre in 1805, and, after being twice removed, was left in the original location ; it was repaired in 1842.

David Ambler, of Augusta, was a member of the As- sembly when the electors were chosen by that body, who elected James Monroe to the Presidency. John J. Knox was elector when President Harrison was elected. Other citizens of this town have held important positions in the gift of the public. Of the early inhabitants, Winthrop H. Chandler, Riley Shepard, and David Murray were members of the Assembly, and Chauney C. Cook, a native of Augusta, was a member of the Assembly from Kirkland, in 1845.

# Address of Rev. Bartholomew.

414

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

EARLY SCHOOLS.

A log school-house stood as early as 1797 on the west side of the road running north from Philip Pond's (after- wards the residence of William Bridge). The Congrega- tional Church was formed in this building that year. The third town-meeting was held in this building also. As early as 1805, and possibly before, a school-house was built at the Centre, and the town-meeting for that year was held in it.

In 1834 the sum of about $2100 was raised to establish an academy at Augusta Centre, and a commodious building was soon crected, in which a school was at once commenced. This school was successfully carried on for many years. In 1840 the sum of $400 was raised for a library and philo- sophical apparatus, and the academy was incorporated. Among the teachers in this institution were Melville Adams, Rev. Benjamin Lockwood, Robert Bradshaw, J. Manross, Hewitt Bronson, G. L. Hall, Rev. Saml. Whaley, A. K. Eaton, and C. Percival. The academy is not now in existence as a school, although the building is yet stand- ing. This building is constructed of stone, and is semi- circular in front, while the rear wall is straight. As an architectural design it is a curiosity.

The schools of this town are in an excellent condition, there being good two-story buildings at Oriskany Falls and Knoxboro', while the smaller oncs in the country districts are all in good repair. In all affairs pertaining to the schools the citizens of this town are very liberal.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

So far as known, the first sermon preached in this town was by a Methodist minister, in 1794, at the house of Fairbanks.

A BAPTIST SOCIETY

was formed very early in the settlement, near the residence of Ichabod Stafford, on the east hill. This society was dissolved after an existence of a few years.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, AUGUSTA CENTRE.

This church was organized with nine members, on the 7th of September, 1797, in the log school-house previously mentioned, by Rev. Dr. Asahel S. Norton, of Clinton, and Rev. Joel Bradly, of Westmoreland. The names of the original members were Isaiah Gilbert, Experience Gilbert, Benjamin Durkce, Susanna Durkee, Thomas Stafford, Lucy Stafford, Ezra Saxton, Abiel Linsley, and Anna Linsley. Mr. Linsley was the first moderator. The society was originally Congregational, and in 1800 it numbered 16 members. Mectings were held in private dwellings, school- houses, barns, etc., and from 1805 to 1816 in the town hall. In 1816 the present frame house of worship was built, the dedicatory services being held Feb. 3, 1817. In 1844 it was extensively repaired in its interior, and re- dedicated the same year. The first deacons were Abiel Linsley and Isaiah Gilbert, and in 1804 Amos Gilbert and Philip Pond were chosen. Other were Lebbcus Camp, 1814; John Lewis, 1822; Robert Durkee and Mark Thompson in 1832; and Russell Knox in 1834. The first settled pastor was Rev. John Spencer, who commenced preaching to this people in 1804. He had been a soldier

of the Revolution, and after its close entered the ministry, being licensed to preach in October, 1800. He moved from Augusta in 1807 to what is now Sheridan, Chautau- qua County, where he died. He was long a missionary of the Connecticut Missionary Society, and aided in forming numerous churches in the territory in Western New York known as the Holland Purchase. Among the other pas- tors were Rev. David Kendall, from May 2, 1810, to Aug. 11, 1814; Rev. Oliver Ayer, October, 1814, to some time in the latter part of 1817; Rev. Eli Burchard, January, 1818, to Oct. 15, 1822; Rev. Benjamin J. Lane, 1822 to 1826; Rev. Leverett Hull, Rev. John Waters, Rev. A. P. Clark, and Rev. Orlo Bartholomew. The present pastor (1878) is Rev. Morton F. Tripp, and the membership is about 200. The Sabbath-school has an attendance nearly as large, and is under the superintendence of Wm. Dudley. It possesses a library of 143 volumes.

THE METHODIST CHURCH

which formerly existed at the Centre was organized as early as 1802, at which date there were two Methodist classes in town, one in the neighborhood where the Messrs. Powers afterwards resided, and the other on the cast hill, where the old chapel was built, in 1819, by Riley Shepard. This chapel was occupied until 1840, when a new one was erected at the Centre, its dedication occurring December 15, of that year, Rev. Zachariah Paddock officiating. The first service in it was held on the 17th of the saine month,- " Thanksgiving-day." This church is not now used, the society having practically gone out of existence.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

at the Centre was organized Aug. 22, 1829, with 33 members. The church had been previously built, and was dedicated two days before the society was formed. Among its early ministers were Elders P. P. Brown, James A. Mallory, A. H. Haff, Jason Corwin, and others. This society is also a relic of the past. The building is now occupied by a small body of Episcopalians, who have for their rector the Rev. Mr. Mott, of Waterville.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI, ORISKANY FALLS.

This church was organized as a Congregational society Jan, 31, 1833. The present house of worship, a stone structure, was begun in 1834, and the basement finished that year, so that services were held in it. It was not fully completed until 1845, and was dedicated by Rev. O. Bartholomew April 9, of that year. Its early pastors were Revs. John Cross and Pindar Field. It has at present no regular pastor, but is supplied by Rev. Mr. Davis, of Water- ville. Its membership is something over 30. A Sunday- school is sustained, with an attendance averaging 40. The superintendent is William N. Prince. This church was originally a branch of the old Congregational Church at Augusta Centre.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 110

Author: Durant, Samuel W Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss Number of Pages: 920

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 920