History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 128

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 128

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Females .- Hannah Felton, Avis Taft, Alice Goudy, Hettie Stark, Harriet Fillmore, Abbie Salisbury, Lucinda Wright, Polly Stark, Amy Williams, Nancy Parmiter, Rhoda Miller, Harriet H. Whipple, Polly King, Cliloe Miller, Eliza L. Rudd, Mary Wiggins, Lydia Miller, Maria Elmer, Eunice N. Wiggins, Anna Allen, Mary Miller, Alice Wiggins, Diana Willard, Eliza A. Peck, Phebe

# Ecclesiastical Church at Lee Centre.

t From old records of library in possession of D. S. Young.

REA

LEWIS EAMES.

Photos. by J. Hovey

MRS. PAMELIA B. EAMES.

LEWIS EAMES.

Among the early settlers of this county was the Eames family ; they are of English origin ; the first family settled in Massachusetts, about 1618. Lewis Eames, son of James Eames, was born in Lee, March 6, 1799. His father, James, came from Hopkinton, Mass., and settled in Lee, in 1794. He had nine children who lived to be more than seventy years of age, namely : Simeon N., Jerusha, James, Mary, George, Lewis, Daniel, Lavina, and Emily.

Lewis was reared on a farm, and attended school winters and worked summers. At an early age he commenced teaching school, and it is said of him that he was a very efficient teacher, and was always able to control his pupils in such a way as to com- mand their respect. Many prominent men of to- day point back to the time when Mr. Eames led them forth to investigate those principles which lie at the foundation of a good education. Mr. Eames followed teaching several terms, and was always successful. He married Miss Betsey Legar, March 5, 1826 ; she was born April 25, 1803, in Annsville, Oneida Co., N. Y. By this union seven children were born, namely : James J., Joseph, Jerusha E.,

Elizabeth, James, Sarah, and Lucy ; of whom Eliz- abeth and James are still living. Elizabeth married Wm. G. Cornwell, now of Rome, and has two children. James married Helen M. Spencer, and now resides at Lee Centre; he has two children. Mr. Lewis Eames settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his present wife and family in March, 1828 ; here he continued to reside till his death. His wife died April 17, 1847, and he married his second wife, Miss Pamelia Brainard, daughter of Jephtha and Catherine, June 14, 1848. Mrs. P. Eames was born in Western, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 19, 1814. By this alliance two children were born,-Evelyn B., born Jan. 14, 1850, and Edwin L., Nov. 2, 1854. Mr. Eames was a zealous supporter of the Universalist Church, and gave liberally to its support. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party until the formation of the Re- publican party. He was a strong supporter of the temperance cause, and by word and action ever main- tained its principles. He made all the improvements on the farm now in possession of the family, and they are among the best in the town. He died Feb. 5, 1876.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Miller, Elizabeth Porter, Emily Eames, Chloe Mitchell, Cornelia Putnam, Lucina Butler, Eliza H. Park, Amanda Spencer, Abbie Pease, Emeline Sheldon, Vienna Miller, Minerva Comstock, C. M. Park, Sarah Tracy, Polly Miller, Mary A. Loveland, Caroline S. Eames, Julia Potter, Eloise C. Peck, Eliza L. Rudd (2d), Rhoda M. Eames, Lucina J. Miller, Hannah Nisbet, Charlotte Cornish, Mary Eames, Susan M. Miller, Eliza N. Eames, Hannah Cornish, Char- lotte S. Young, Amelia Briggs, Ceraldine Felshaw, Elstine Felshaw, Loretta Eames, Clare Somers, Josephine Mayhew, Alma Holmes, Rhoda Ward, Eliza Ward.

Many of these teachers have achieved distinction in theology, law, medicine and surgery, agriculture, manufac- tures and commerce, surveying and engineering, and as journalists, educational professors, authors, and artists. Three of them, Rev. Drs. Albert Barnes, Gideon B. Perry, and Thomas Brainerd, were at the same time distinguished pastors of churches in the city of Philadelphia. In the law, the names of Hiram Denio, Anson S. Miller, and others stand conspicuous, while others became famous in the various professions and trades.

The Union Free School building at Lee Centre was erected in 1872. The school has three departments. Miss Loretta Eames has been the sole assistant in this school since its organization, with the exception of one summer, when Miss Ceraldine Felshaw was engaged as second as- sistant. The first principal was Professor William P. Roh- inson, in 1872-73. Those since in charge have been Pro- fessors E. R. Adams, 1873-74; Platt E. Capron, 1874-75 ; E. S. Bearss, 1875-76; A. H. Loueks, 1876-78; and E. R. Adams, the present principal a second time. The average attendance is large, and the school enjoys a good reputation.

The town of Lee has seventeen school districts, and 785 children of school age. The average attendance for the year ending March 22, 1878, was about 350. The appor- tionment of school funds paid to the distriets in this town for 1878, is the sum of $2115.45.

REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS, ETC.

The following early settlers of Lee were veterans of the Revolution, viz. : John Hall, Samuel Wright, Smith Miller, Luther Washburn, Sr., James Young, Sr., William Taft, Josiah Rising, Reuben Marsh, Eliakim Miller, Benjamin Crittenden, William Purdy, Isaac Buell, Jared Olcott, Sr., William Remington, Jared Dingman, Nathan Yeomans, Stephen Cleveland, James Eames, Sr., Captain John Ford, Stephen Sutphen, Captain David Starr (died in Lee; was an early settler of Steuben), Samuel Wyman, and Martin Winchell. The settlers took active part in the war of 1812-15, and during the great Rebellion of 1861-65 the town sent about 200 men to the field. The 97th, 117th, and 146th Infantry, 15th Eogineers, and Battery H, of the 3d Artillery, were largely represented from Lee.

THE FIRST WHITE CHILD

born in this town was Fenner Sheldon, a son of Reuben Sheldon, one of the two brothers who first settled at Delta. His birth occurred in 1791. The first death was that of a young man named Job Kaird, about twenty years of age, who died in 1798 of the bilious putrid fever. The first

marriage was that of Dan Miller and Amy Taft, daughter of William Taft. The next weddings were those of two daughters of James Young, who were married to young men in the neigborhood.

Judge Jones, in his " Annals of Oneida County," says, "The first saw-mill erected in Lee was built in 1791 or 1792 by David Smith, Esq., on the Mohawk River, on the site of the present mills in the village of Delta. The sec- ond saw-mill was erected in 1796, by John Hall and Smith Miller, on the Canada Creek, at Lee Centre." The first grist-mill in town was built by General William Floyd, in 1796, and stood on Canada Creek, a mile and a half south of Lee Centre, near the Rome town line. Another was built at Lee Centre, on Canada Creek, in 1798, by Thomas and William Forfar, emigrants from Scotland. A third grist-mill was built on the Mohawk, between 1790 and 1800, by Lu- ther and Smith Miller and Roswell Fellows, a few miles above Fort Stanwix. The present grist-mill at Lee Centre was built by Ezra Hovey, and stands ten or twelve rods down the creek from the site of the old Forfar mill, which latter was a heavy frame building, with one run of stone. The present mill is the property of Phineas Scothon. Near the old Lee post-office a grist-mill was built previous to 1812, which had considerable custom. It was erected by David Bryan, and called the " pepper mill." The ridge between the central and southern parts of town divided the business to some extent, and this mill became necessary.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. A CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,

organized in 1797, was the first in town. Its original members were Deacon Nathan Barlow, and Lydia his wife ; James Young, and Hannah his wife ; John Hall, Eliakim, and Dan Miller ; Deacon Ebenezer Seymour and wife ; Hezekiah Elmer and wife; Joshua Wells and wife; and Joseph Simmons. The first pastor was Rev. James South- worth, who was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Norton. Among the missionaries who ministered to this congregation were Revs. Mr. Cook, Mr. Leavenworth, John Alexander, Mr. Long, Mr. Hall, Simeon Snow, Clement Lewis, Mr. Ed- wards, and others. The church owned by this society stood a mile south of Lee Centre. The society, for some twenty years after its organization, used the frame school- house previously mentioned. It finally changed its form of government to Presbyterian, and eventually lost its visi- bility. The old church has been moved to the west part of town, and is now used as a saloon.

UNION ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY, LEE CENTRE.

In 1819 the plan of rearing a church at Lee Centre for the convenience of religious meetings and town purposes was discussed, and a society known as the Union Ecclesi- astical Society formed. Conspicuous among those favoring this measure were James Young and William Park. The result was the building of the present edifice, known as the Ecclesiastical Church, on land furnished for the pur- pose by William Park. The members of the Congrega- tional Church and society wished a house which that de- nomination could use exclusively, and about the same time crected their church on the old Hall farm, near John Smith's.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The latter building fell into disuse and has long been re- moved. The members of the Union Society were some- what liberal in their views. They were mainly instru- mental in founding the Harmony Library, the Presbyterians aiding to some extent. The old records of the society were recently destroyed by fire. The church as originally built was without many conveniences, and had only occasional meetings. It has been extensively repaired and remodeled by the Universalists, who use it now exclusively, although by virtue of the original conditions the name remains the same. The Universalists have at present no regular pas- tor. Their membership is about 80. The town hall is in the basement of the church, by permission of Mr. Park at the date of its erection.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LEE CENTRE.

The present organization was formed in 1876, and a fine house of worship erected at a cost of about $6000. The sum of $4200 was raised on the day of dedication, to pay its debts. Mrs. R. Spinning and her son, Curtis Spinning, contributed largely, and individual subscriptions were given from $100 to $1000. Rev. James Stanton was the first pastor, and stayed two years. He is now of Copenhagen, Lewis County. The present pastor is Rev. Joseph Baird, and the membership about 130. A flourishing Sabbath- school is sustained, with C. B. Felshaw as Superintendent.

The Methodist Episcopal Society Ladies' Aid Associa- tion has 40 to 50 members, some of the principal ones being Mrs. Markham, Mrs. Felshaw, Mrs. Stedman, Mrs. Pres- ton, Mrs. Park, Mrs. Scothon, and others. The object of this society is to raise funds to keep the furniture of the church and parsonage in good repair. The parsonage has cost about $3000. There is a small Methodist Episcopal Church at Lee Post-office, in charge of Rev. Mr. McClenthen, of Taberg. There is also a store at the place.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, south of Lee Centre, is supplied every alternate Sabbath from the latter place, as is also the one at Point Rock, in the northwest part of the town. At Lee Line is an old Methodist Church long since gone into disuse.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DELTA.

This society was holding meetings in 1838, and may possibly have been organized earlier. Its present house of worship was erccted in 1813. John Slee was the first class-leader here, and Adin Sly, still living in the village, probably the second. The latter is the only one of the original congregation now in the place, and has been a resident of the town since 1827. He came from North Adams, Berkshire Co., Mass. Among the early pastors of the church were Revs. John Roper and Elisha Wheeler, in 1838. The present pastor is Rev. J. W. Roberts, now on his second year at the place. The society numbers about 60 members. Mr. Roberts also preaches at Westernville and on Quaker Hill in the town of Western.

Near West Branch is the old Friends' Meeting-House, not far from the old Thomas Brown farm. The Nisbets, Frasiers, and others, and persons fromn Boonville and other localities, were among the carly members. The membership at present is quite small, but meetings are held occasionally.

Northwest of Stokes post-office, on Jackson Hill, where there is quite an Irish settlement, there is a Catholic Church, with a small membership. It stands on land originally owned by Lyman Harger.

PHYSICIANS.

Among the early physicians in this town were Zenas Hutchinson, Enoch Alden, and Dr. Munger. Of these Dr. Hutchinson, who was reputed to have been an excel- lent physician, probably had the largest practice. Those now in the town are Drs. R. H. Robinson and - Kings- bury (the latter a druggist) at Lee Centre, and Dr. Pill- more at Delta.

LEE CENTRE.

The post-office at this place was removed here from Stokes in 1827. Charles Stokes was the first postmaster at the latter place, and upon his removal to Lee Centre was appointed first postinaster at this place also. The office at Stokes was next in charge of James M. Husted. The pres- ent incumbent of that office is C. F. King, and of the one at Lee Centre, A. J. Eames. Two express stage lines run daily between Lee Centre and Rome, one via Lee Line, and the other via Stokes, Delta, and Ridge Mills. The latter is the mail-route.

Charles Stokes, while at Nisbet's Corners (Stokes Post- Office), in company with Mr. Nisbet carried on an ashery, and after coming to the Centre, established one at the latter place also. He made the one here very profitable. He also owned a store, which stood on the ground where the new block of A. A. Cornish was erected in 1878. The old Stokes store was built by William and Abijalı Park, and rented to a man named Sherman, who opened the first store in the village. It was afterwards occupied by Eleazer Bushnell, and had changed hands several times before Mr. Stokes located here. Archibald Frink succeeded Bush- nell, and Levi Green next owned it, and of him Stokes purchased.

The manufacture of leather was commenced in this town on a small scale in 1815. In 1830-31 a tannery was es- tablished at the Centre by Asa Adams, on a stream dis- charging into Canada Creek. It was a small affair. Mr. Adams finally disposed of it to Asa B. Sexton. It is now the property of Eames & Smith, who manufacture sole- leather principally, the market for its products being Bos- ton. A large tanvery was established here about 1871-72 by Newton, Nash & Co. (afterwards Newton, Adams & Co.), of Boston. Fine leather in the rough was manufac- tured, and an extensive business done. The establishment was subsequently burned, and has not been rebuilt.

The furniture, cabinet, and undertaking establishment on Canada Creek, in the lower part of the village, was put in operation by George and Aaron Stedman, as early as 1839- 40. The manufactures at present are small.

Lee Centre has two blacksmith-shops (one also working at wagon-making), two dry-goods and grocery stores, a va- riety-store, a drug-store, one tinware and two hardware es- tablishments, a cooper-shop, two shoe-shops, a dentist, one barness-shop, and one hotel, beside other establishments already described.

JERUSHA EAMES.

Photos. by Hovey & Brainerd.

JAMES EAMES, SR.

JAMES EAMES, JR.

JAMES EAMES.

Among the early pioneers whose names appear upon the pages of our County History, none are more entitled to an honorable mention than the subject of this sketch. He was of English origin, his ancestors being among the early emigrants to New England, about 1618. He was the son of Daniel Eames and Mary Cutler Eames, and was born Sept. 20, 1762, in Hopkinton, Mass. His father was born April 8, 1744 ; and mother, Mary Cutler, was born Sept. 18, 1744, in Massachusetts. Daniel was a Revolutionary soldier. He was the father of six children, viz., James, Asa, Jesse, Daniel, Mary, and Aaron ; all lived to be grown to manhood, and each had a family. Daniel died June 22, 1812, and his wife died Nov. 26, 1822. James, Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier, and was present when Major Andre was executed. He married Jerusha Newton, a native of Holliston, Mass., during the winter of 1784 or 1785. He had nine children, the five eldest of whom were born in Hopkinton, Mass., and the remainder in Lee, Oneida Co., N. Y. Names of children are as follows: Simeon N., Jerusha, James, Mary, George, Lewis, Daniel, Levina, and Emily. Simeon, George, Lewis, and Daniel were married and had families. James settled in what is now the town of Lee, Oneida Co., with his family, in February, 1798; but he had been here himself previously one or two years and made some improvements, such as building a saw-mill, etc. He was a successful business man. In politics he affiliated with the Whig party. He held various offices of

trust and honor, to the general satisfaction of his eonstit- uents. In religion he was elosely allied to the faith of the Universalista, and the most or all of his family embraced the same faith. He was a highly respected citizen. A kind husband and an affectionate father, he left a name which is cherished by his children. He died Jan. 20, 1844, and his wife died March 10, 1807. James, Jr., was born Oet. 28, 1790; never married. He lived with his father until his death, and then he and his four maiden sisters continued to live together until, one by one, they have passed away, leaving only one sister, Emily, who still resides on the place which they purchased in 1861. In politics, a Republican. In religion, a Universalist. In principle, every way a man of truth and honor. He ever tried to make the home pleasant for his sisters. He died suddenly on the 12th of June, 1874.

Miss Jerusha Eames was born Sept. 27, 1788; she always had charge of the family after the death of her mother, in 1807. She won the affections of hier brothers and sisters by her entire devotion to their interest, and the admiration of all by her unselfishness. She was kind, loving, and genial. She was a very intelligent lady, of rare culture, and the impress of her teachings may be seen to-day on the remaining members of the family. She died Aug. 16, 1872.

This biography, and portraits above, are inserted by the sister Emily, in memory of those who she holds most dear.

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IIISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Lee Centre Lodge, No. 478, I. O. G. T., is the fourth one of the kind which has had a being in the village, and was organized in February, 1877, with 26 members, the number soou being increased to 35. 40 additional mem- bers have been added at the recent lectures of Prof. W. W. Gunnison. Curtis Spinning is Worthy Chief Templar, and Miss Bella Hicks Worthy Vice-Templar and Lodge Deputy.

Starr Post, No. 56, G. A. R., was organized Feb. 14, 1876, with 30 members, and named for Emory C. Starr, who enlisted from this town in the 146th New York In- fantry. He was taken prisoner at the Wilderness, Virginia, and carried to Andersonville, Ga. After his release he came home and died. The present officers of the Post are J. J. Castle, P. C. ; M. W. Jones, S. V. C .; J. E. Cook, J. V. C .; A. W. Downing, Adjt. ; A. J. Eames, Q. M. ; R. H. Robinson, Surgeon ; C. F. King, Chaplain ; N. T. Wood, O. D .; F. H. Waite, O. G .; W. M. Canning, S. M .; A. J. Eames, Q. M. S.

STOKES.

This place is located east of Lec Centre, between that place and Delta, and has a hotel, a post-office, and a Ma- sonic Lodge.

Baron Steuben Lodge, No. 264, F. and A. M., was originally called Westerville Lodge, having been organized at that place, June 2, 1853. It was removed to Stokes, Aug. 14, 1856, and the name changed as above. Its mem- bership, May 1, 1878, was 85, and its officers as follows : W. M., E. I. Coleman ; S. W., S. M. Smith ; J. W., Charles Carmichael ; Treas., A. J. Sly ; Sec., C. F. King; S. D., M. A. Pease ; J. D., A. J. Burk.

WEST BRANCH.

This place is located in the northeast part of town, and contained in May, 1878, a post-office, with G. Simonds as postmaster, 2 hotels, a shoc-shop, a grist-mill a short dis- tance east, owned by Wyman Brothers, a blacksmith-shop, and a small population. It is on the stage route from Ava Corners to Rome.

POINT ROCK.

This place is in the northwest corner of town, and takes its name from the steep, rocky point between the two streams (Fish and Point Rock Creeks) which here come together. The streams in this locality abound in trout, and much of the original timber is yet standing. A considerable busi- ness is done in the manufacture of lumber. The place has a store and tavern, and a small number of houses, and is known also by the name of " Belcher." A post-office has recently been established. Two miles below Point Rock is the mouth of Fall Brook, which empties into Fish Creek from the town of Annsville. At its mouth are three fine falls.

LEE POST-OFFICE.

This locality is in the southwest part of town, on the old "State Road." The post-office here was the first one es- tablished in town, and Jesse Madison was the first or one of the first postmasters. The present incumbent of the office is Mr. Madison's son-in-law, Levi K. Brown. Mr. Madison kept a public-house, and before his time there was another carried on by Esquire Clumb. The first tavern was

kept by one of the Belknaps (probably Eli). There were at one time two taverns in this locality, half a mile apart.

DELTA

is located in the southeast part of town, on the Mohawk, and extends partly into the town of Western. It was named by Anson Dart, who came quite early to the place with his brother, Oliver Dart. The former, about 1834, built the grist-mill now owned by E. A. Walsworth, and called it " Delta Mills." The present brick store was built the same season by Catlin and Hartoon (brothers-in-law).

Probably previous to 1828 a post-office was established at Newbernville (Elmer Hill), and Andrew Elmer was the postmaster at that place, until February 26, 1834, when it was removed to Delta, the name changed to correspond with the village, and Franklin Peck appointed postmaster. Mr. Peck's father, Gates Peck, settled in town about 1803-4. The present incumbent is Francis Herrington. As late as 1850 mail was brought twice a week in a one-horse wagon. The office is now on the route between Rome and Lee Centre, and has a daily mail.

Several distilleries were operated at and in the neighbor- hood of Delta in an early day. The first one was built by Moses Hall, and was afterwards owned and operated by Horace Putnam. This was in the town of Western, although belonging to Delta, and was located on the road running to Westernville, near the lower bridge across the Mohawk. Another was built by Jared C. and Elisha Pet- tibone, and stood in Lee. The latter has been converted into a cheese factory, and is one of the best in town, the number being seven now in operation. The one at Lee Centre is also a large one.

George T. Dennison, of Delta, is a son of Latham Denni- son, an carly settler of the town of Floyd, in which he located about 1800. He was from Rensselaer Co., N. Y.

E. A. Walsworth, the present proprietor of the Delta grist-mill. is a son of Elisha Walsworth, whose father, Elisha Walsworth, Sr., was one of the early settlers of the town of Western.

Hosea Cornish, of Delta, is a son of George Cornish, who came from Plymouth, Mass., and settled just above Lee Centre immediately after the war of 1812 and 1815.

The present carding-mill, owned by Wellington Bacon, was built probably by Frederick Tracy.

Gates Peck, whose name has several times been men- tioned, settled at first in Rome, when a young, unmarried man. He taught school in that town, and purchased a farm before he was married. He was named after General Gates, of Revolutionary fame, his father, Phineas Peck, having been a soldier under that chieftain, and present at the surrender of Burgoyne. Phineas Peck never came to this town. Franklin Peck, a son of Gates Peck, and brother to Miss E. A. Peck, of Delta, is now a resident of Allegan Co., Mich.

Delta Lodge, No. 101, I. O. G. T., has been in exist- ence three or four years, and has a membership of about 80. The principal officers are Dr. J. Pillmore, W. C. T .; Cynthia Roberts, W. V. T .; Daniel Smith, Lodge Deputy.

The village contains two stores, a post-office, a tobacco factory, a harness-shop, a grist-mill, a carding-mill, three

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

blacksmith-shops, three shoe-shops, a Methodist Church, a cheese-factory, ete., and is a place of considerable business.

For information received, we are indebted to D. S. Young, William Park, A. J. Eames, Willis Austin (town elerk, for use of records), and others, at Lee Centre ; George T. Den- nison, Hosea Cornish, Miss E. A. Peck, Miss Sly and her father, Adin Siy, and others, at Delta; beside numerous others, including members of the various churches and pro- prietors of manufactories. David S. Young, of Lee Centre, furnished us with the address of Judge Miller at the anni- versary meeting, and also with various notes made by the judge at different times. To all who have aided us, we return sincere thanks.

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History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 128

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