History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 142

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

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"Next morning, after wringing the water from their clothes, they soon prepared for their day's journey. After considerable struggle and toil, they succeeded in reaching a log shanty that was erected and occupied by some jobbers that were engaged in clearing land at a point about one-half mile north from South Trenton. They were very kindly received and cared for, when they got a good night's rest after a hard day's travel of five miles. The third day they reached Trenton village, four miles farther north, where they found some settlers, and were of course accommodated. The fourth day, 15th Sep- tember, 1795, they made out to reach their place of destination, which is in the vicinity of the yellow store, in the town of Steuben, where

they found five or eix families of Americans, who had preceded them the year previons, and who were very kind to them, sharing with them their hospitalities until they were able to support themselves.

"Their first object was to select suitable locations, which they did within the range of about ons-half mile, where they were soon at work felling trees and building their log cabins, which were their only re- course for habitations. They had to resort to the elms for a covering for their houses, as well as for a part of their furniture, such as tables, bedding, etc. Their sofas were made by splitting a basewood log into parts, turning the flat side up, and driving four pegs into the round or bottom part, which answered for legs. Their French bedsteads wers made by driving four posts into the ground, laying cross-sticks on to them, then finishing off with elm-bark for the bottom. In some in- stances they would select a building spot where they could find a large maple or birch, which they felled, using a part of the body for one side of their dwelling, leaving the large stump in the centre, which was used for a table. The remainder of their furniture to correspond. During the first years of their residence in their new home there was no grist-mill nearer than Whitesboro', some twenty miles distant, and but one horse in the town, which was owned by the Americans, and was used as a common carrier to carry the grist to the mill. There being no road most of the distance, except a path through the woods, with marked trees for guide-hoards, the settlers were frequently overtaken by night, and so dark was the forest that it was with the greatest difficulty that they found their way out. But the old gray was always true to her trust, and so well acquainted with the road they gave her the rein and bid her go, the driver holding on her tail behind if there chanced to be more than one of the settlers along. Their only chance was to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, thus successfully finding their way out of the woods.

" The next summer a grist-mill was built and in operation within four miles of the settlement, which dispensed with further difficulty of that nature. Owing to the great distance they had come, and the many difficulties they had to contend with, their limited means had become nearly exhausted. Consequently the men were obliged to leave their wives and children to guard their castles, while they were seeking employment to obtain means to support themselves and families. During their absence the women were frequently annoyed by wild beasts, which were then quite numerous. Their howla during the night were fearful, and even in the daytime Mr. Bruin would fre- quently be seeo prowling around, seeking whom he might devour; and sometimes would be successful in catching a porker, even in the door- yard, and walk off in triumph.

" In the year 1796 the first Welsh child was born in town, or in Oneida County, or even west of the Hudson, as far as can be ascertained, who still lives in the vicinity with his family. His wife is the infant mentioned as heing secured under the roots of the upturned tree during the first night of their travel from Utica.

"Thus they remained in their solitary condition, withont the com- forts of life or the means of grace, until the latter part of 1798, or early in 1799, when they were joined by several others whom they had left at New York. Among them were Deacon William C. Jones, William Griffiths, Robert Griffiths, John Parry, William P. Jones, etc., most of whom were professors. They soon on their arrival established a prayer-meeting, which was held at the dwelling-house of William C. Jones. Although neither of the first settlers spoken of were professors of religion, still they were brought np under the immediate influence of the religion of Jesus Christ, and they had become very much at- tached to it, and were taking quite an interest in the cause. Aa evidence of this fact I would here mention one incident, which some one may profit hy. At the time the first prayer-meeting was to be held, one of the mothers was living at service eight or nine miles distant from the settlement. Such was her attachment to the good canse, and anxiety to be present at the organization of the first prayer- meeting among the Welsh in their new home, that she walked all the way co foot through the wilderness, carrying her infant, who was about four months old, in her arms. What a contrast between. the past and present ! At the present day it is often too much of a task to even cross the street on a dark night to attend such meetings. After this they continued to hold their meetings every Sabbath, until the year 1801, when there was quite a large immigration into the settlement. During the fall of that year Rev. John G. Roberts came from Ebens- burg, Pa., and settled among them, when he preached the first Welsh sermon to quite an audience for a new country, which had convened at the dwelling-house of John Jones, situated on a part of the estate of

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Robert Thomas, decessed. After this they continued to assemble every. Sabbath to hear the word of God. Also, they held their weekly- or class-meetings regularly, most of the time at the house of William C. Jones, although there was not any regular church organization until the year 1804, when they formed a union church, with Rev. John G. Roberts for their pastor. A part of the members were formerly from the Calvinistic Methodists, and a part from the Congregational Church. So they remained together, in union and love, for many years, under the pastoral charge of Rev. John G. Roberts and Rev. William G. Pierce.

"During the summer of 1804 they built & log meeting-house on the site of the present stone church. It was rather Iste in the fall of that year before it was completed ; perhaps as late as the 1st of No- vember before it was opened. As it was also intended for a school- house as well as for spiritual instructions, the school was commenced about the 1st of December, and continued until Christmas night, when, by accident, the house was consumed by fire, with all its con- tents. Nothing daunted, the inhabitants went to work in the summer of 1805 and erected a frame building on the ssme location, which was soon finished resdy for use. It was so used until it was removed to give place to the present splendid stone church.

" In the mean time there was quite a settlement in the city of Utica. They also had formed a church, which was first under the charge of Rev. Daniel Morris, assisted hy Revs. Evan Davis, John Roberts, etc. During the summer of 1806, Rev. Howell R. Powell visited the Welsh churches at Utica and Steuben, and advised them of the advantage of forming an association, or cymanfa; which was done, and their first meeting was held st Utica ic September, 1806, and at Steuben the following week. The ministers who took part at the first were Daniel Morris, Evan Davis, and John G. Roberts, of Steuben, assisted by an English divine, whose name is forgotten. Thus commenced the an- nual conferences of Steuben and Utica, which have been kept up with so much zeal to the present day. The following year Rev. Howell R. Powell was present, and took conspicuous part in the conference and preaching, etc., and continued to attend every year with the greatest punctuality possible for twenty-five years. The first Welsh Baptist Church was organized in Steuben in the year 1806, on the arrival of Rev. Richard Jones from Philadelphia, who had the pastoral charge of the said church for many years. Although the first church was organized as above, one Morgan Williams had been in the habit of preaching occasionally to a limited number in different localities, but there was no constant preaching until the year above mentioned. They soon went to work to build a house of worship on the site of their present house."

Among other natives of Wales who came to this town was Thomas Thomas, who settled with his family about the year 1800. He had been a sailor, and " was among the last of American citizens who were seized by British press- gangs and compelled to fight under an alien flag. In an engagement with the French man-of-war ' La Razone' his right leg was taken off by a cannon-ball. In consequence of his impressment, and the injury resulting therefrom, he retained to the end of his life a profound hatred of the British government."* After being wounded, which oc- curred in 1796, he was taken to Halifax, thence to Green- wich Hospital, and finally recovered, married, and returned to America, locating at Philadelphia, Pa., from whence he came to Steuben at about the time stated. He died at the age of eighty-seven years, and was the last survivor of the Welsh pioneers of Steuben. During the war of 1812 he was employed in transporting supplies to Sacket's Har- bor. Four of his sons are now residents of the town of Remsen, viz., William H., Charles M., Didymus, and John T. Thomas.

The family of John Roberts came from Wales about 1800. Mr. Roberts' daughter afterwards married Deacon

Timothy Griffiths, whose grandson, Timothy Griffiths, has been Hon. Roscoe Conkling's private secretary. William Francis settled about 1818.

Rev. John G. Roberts, mentioned by Mr. Griffiths as the first Welsh preacher, used to say he never made any money preaching, and consequently, aside from his religious labors, worked at shoemaking and dealing in farm produce, which he shipped to New York City.

On a monument in the cemetery at the stone church, in the southeast part of town, is the following inscription : "Rev. Robert Everett, D.D., born Jan. 2, 1791, at Cronant, Flintshire, North Wales. A minister of the gospel for sixty years, and editor of the Cenhadwr for thirty-five years. Died Feb. 25, 1875. ' Remember the words I spake unto you while I was yet with you.'"

Y Cenhadwr Americanaidd (The American Messenger) is a Welsh religious monthly, which was established at Utica in 1832, and removed to Steuben in 1834, by Dr. Everett, whose son, Lewis Everett, is now conducting it.

The cemetery in which Dr. Everett is buried contains the earthly remains of many of the Welsh settlers of the town, who lived to a good old age.

Daniel Thomas, brother of Thomas Thomas, settled about 1806. He was a stone-cutter by trade, and helped construct the fine stone bridges across the Schuylkill River at Philadelphia, Pa. His son, T. D. Thomas, now occupies a farm north of the grave of Baron Steuben.

William Lewis, of this town, was born in Utica in 1813, - where his father, William Lewis, Sr., was then residing. James Lewis, the father of the latter, came to this country from Wales about 1800, and settled ncar Newport, Herki- mer Co.

Joel, Chester, and Salmon Porter, brothers, settled about 1808. Mrs. Joel Porter is the daughter of Daniel Barnes, previously mentioned. Chester Porter was a shoemaker by trade, and for many years held the position of justice of the peace. He has sons now living in the town of Western.

EARLY SCHOOLS.

Previous to 1800 a school was taught in the Starr's Hill neighborhood, by Dr. Earl Bill, afterwards of Remsen village. He was then a young physician, and conducted the school during one winter. About 1807-8 a young man named Smith taught in the same neighborhood.

Moses Adams taught school previous to 1800 in the vicinity of Steuben Corners,-earlier than any other in that part of the town. Aaron Adams also taught for several years after becoming old enough. The early school-houses were all built of logs, and had only the most primitive and limited accommodations. The schools of the town are at present in fair condition.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

The early Welsh meetings are mentioned by Mr. Griffiths. Rev. Robert Everett, D.D., preached for the society owning the stone church for thirty years or more. This church is the third one erected in the same locality.

The Welsh Baptist Church was organized in 1800, and was first in charge of Rev. Morgan Williams. It has charge of the grave of Baron Steuben, the lot on which

* Obituary, 1859.

Photo, by Hovey & Brainerd.

HON. WILLIAM LEWIS was born in what is now the city of Utica, Nov. 7, 1812, being the only son in a family of three children of William and Eleanor (Roberts) Lewis. His parents were both natives of Wales, his father emigra- ting from that country in 1800, and his mother in 1801. His father removed to New Orleans when Mr. Lewis was about six years old, where he died, in 1820, at the age of thirty-two. Previous to this young William had gone to live with an uncle in Steuben, who afterwards educated him and provided for him until he was of age. He obtained his edu- cation at the district school, and also spent two terms at the Steuben Academy, but was indebted to a cousin, William Gollair, who was a graduate of the Wesleyan University of Connecticut, and who resided with his uncle, for a large share of the useful and substantial knowledge which he enjoys to-day. He spent his summers in working on a farm, and his winters in teaching school, being a teacher in the town of Steuben for thirteen consecutive seasons. He was mar- ried, April 7, 1837, to Catharine, daughter of William D. and Mary Jones, they being among the early settlers of Steuben, where she was born. Their family consisted of two children, one of whom died in childhood; the other, Mary, was born in Steuben, June 26, 1839. His wife died Sept. 10, 1839, leaving a sorrowful husband and an infant child to mourn her loss. Mr. Lewis was again married, Oct. 31, 1840, to Jeanette, daughter of Elias and Berry Williams, they having emigrated from Wales in

1830, and located in the town of Steuben; their daughter was a native of that country, having been born there Aug. 14, 1820. Nine children came to bless their home, five of whom are living, viz., Washington, born Aug. 3, 1841; Laura Ellen, May 31, 1843; Price, May 12, 1845 ; Martha, Feb. 15, 1847, and Elias, Nov. 27, 1852, all being natives of Steuben. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, hut after the repeal of the Missouri Compromise became a Republican. He has been elected by his fellow- townsmen as supervisor of the town for thirteen terms of office. He was first elected in 1848, and served for the three succeeding years ; was re-elected in 1854 and 1856; was again called to fill that position in 1863, and occupied it for the three years following; his last terms were in 1871, 1872, and 1873. He was chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 1866. In the fall of 1860 he was elected in his district by a majority of eight hundred votes to the Assembly of 1861. He has been justice of the peace since 1841, and at the close of the term for which he is now elected will have held the office for forty consecutive years, and having held the position a longer number of years than any one else in Oneida County. Hale, hearty, and healthy, Mr. Lewis enjoys life, and though over sixty years of age is smart and active as a boy. By hard work and small savings he has accumulated a large property, and stands among the foremost of the self-made men of Oneida County.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

the church stands having been donated to the society by Colonel Walker, the baron's executor, in consideration that they should always care for the lot in which his remains were buried.

The Welsh Congregational Church, called " Pen y mynidd" (" top the hill"), is an offshoot from the old union church. Of the eight churches in town seven are Welsh, and are conducted upon the plans peculiar to those people, as described in the foregoing article by Mr. Griffiths.

About 1816-17 two societies of Baptists built churches " below the hill," and finally agreed to convert one of them into a union church and the other into an academy, which was done. The academy was carried on for a short time with indifferent success, and finally discontinued. It stood about a mile east of Steuben Corners, at the " settlement below the hill."

Methodist Episcopal Church, Steuben Corners .- The first preaching in town was by a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Mr. Bell. The Baptists followed, Elder Holmes holding services at an early date. The Methodists were next, and more than sixty years have elapsed since they first held meetings in the town. The earliest Methodist preacher now recollected was Rev. Mr. Puffer. The present Methodist Episcopal Society at the Corners is the only one in town excepting those of the Welsh denomination. This society previously occupied the old union church with the Bap- tists. The latter, which had become weak in numbers, endeavored to arrange so that one of the two should become its sole proprietor. This failed, and in 1855 the present Methodist Episcopal Church was erected. The society, num- bering less than 50, is in charge of Rev. Lemuel Clark, who also preaches at two places in the town of Western, one north and one south of Big Brook P. O. The Sabbath- school at the Corners has a membership of fifty or sixty, and possesses quite a large library. The Superintendent of the school is William H. Slorah.

STEUBEN CORNERS

is located in the southwest part of the town, and contains two stores, a post-office, a blacksmith-shop, a church, a school-house, and one physician.

The post-office, called Steuben, was established in 1825- 26, and Aaron Adams appointed the first postmaster. Mail was brought from Utica on horseback by Benjamin Cogs- well, whose brother used to carry papers from that city. Previous to the establishment of the office at the Corners mail was received at the Remsen post-office. The present postmaster is James W. Owens.

EAST STEUBEN POST-OFFICE

is on the Utica and Black River Railroad, in the northeast part of town, and kept at the station, which is the only building in the vicinity.

We are indebted for information furnished regarding this town to Hon. Didymus Thomas, of Remsen ; to T. D. Thomas, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. William Lewis, Elias Lewis (town clerk), John W. Brooks, Aaron Adams, and others of Steuben.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOHN R. GRIFFITH.

When the setting sun illuminates the western horizon the general shade of that memorial grove wherein is en- tombed the mortal remains of Baron de Steuben rests upon the homestead of John R. Griffith, the subject of this sketch, where he was born Sept. 17, 1817. John R. Griffith is the oldest of two sons of a family of seven, the children of Timothy and Catherine Griffith.

Timothy Griffith was a native of Caernarvonshire, North Wales, who left his native land in 1801, at the age of twenty-one years, having received in his native land educational advantages unusual for that day. He remained in New York City four years, where, under municipal ap- pointment, he occupied responsible positions of public trust. From thence, in 1805, following the strong migratory move- ment of the Welsh, he reached the town of Steuben, and was married in 1808 to Catherine Roberts, whose parents, John W. and Ann Roberts, had settled there in 1800. Mr. Griffith's descent was from progenitors of rigid religious views, which he inherited, his father being among the first to abandon the then Calvinistic phase of the Refor- mation in favor of the Congregational polity. Mr. Griffith became a member of the Congregational Church in Steuben in 1807, and continued an active and zealous member dur- ing the remainder of his life, occupying positions of official trust, never failing in efficiency and fidelity ; during which time, with the same fidelity, he discharged political duties imposed on him by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens, of which was the office of magistrate, which he held some fifteen years. He was exceptionally energetic in advocacy of all reforms; was conspicuous as an original advocate of the cause of temperance, enforcing the precept by speech and example, in a spirit of kindness, but with great firm- ness and effect. He took an early and active interest in the home and foreign missionary cause, and was the first secretary of that body in his county, as it was represented by the Welsh religious societies of that time.

His sudden death cast a gloom over the town of his long residence. He was stricken with paralysis while engaged in prayer at Capal-Ucha (Upper Church), and, though his death was not immediate, he never recovered consciousness, and within a few days entered upon peaceful rest. One brother and three sisters of his were also early residents of Steuben. His brother (Walter Griffith) at an early day moved to the State of Ohio, whither several residents of his town migrated at that time, and in his new and then remote Western home became a highly-honored and success- ful citizen. A son of his attained high positions in the legal profession, and became conspicuous in stations of polit- ical preferment,-Griffith Prichard, thau whom and his family, none possess to a greater extent the confidence of an extended acquaintance. The present postmaster, and a merchant of high social standing in the village of Trenton, N. Y., is a nephew of the late Timothy Griffith.

John R. Griffith, having inherited the prominent charac- teristics of his father, like him has ever followed the peace- ful and honorable career of a successful farmer, and is also

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

a prominently useful member of society, his counsel never failing in ability and ever ready when solicited. He is prominently identified with the political affairs of the day, and is ever arrayed in opposition to the measures of the Democratic party, and is regarded a local power in that be- half. His estimable wife is the daughter of the late Wil- liam J. Wheldon, who, in his time, was also an honored citizen of the town of Steuben. They have six children,- three daughters and three sons,-who are well fitted by cul- ture and social advantages to occupy prominent positions in society. Their eldest son (Timothy) was some years since admitted to the bar, after due preparation in the office of Mr. Conkling, and for years held confidential relations with that eminent Senator. John R. Griffith, in his youthful days, identified himself with the religious society of which his father for so many years was a shining light, and now (though owing to cheer and vigor imperceptibly) is descend- ing the western slope of a useful and honored life, a rep- resentative of the third generation occupying the place of his birth.

DR. EVERETT.

The residence of the late Rev. Robert Everett, D.D., is in the town of Steuben, near Remsen village. His post- office address was therefore Remsen, and so all his letters and publications were dated.

He was born Jan. 2, 1791, in Gronant, North Wales. In 1808 he united with the Congregational Church, and soon turned his thoughts to the gospel ministry. He was licensed to preach the next year, and early gave promise of much usefulness. He received a thorough education, and graduated at Wrex ham Seminary, in 1815. Soon after this he was called to the pastorate of the Denbigh Congre- gational Church, one of the oldest and strongest in Wales. His pure personal character, earnest ministry, and deep scholarship gave him great influence, and he soon ranked among their first clergymen, and was held in esteem and respect throughout Wales. His own church in Denbigh became strongly attached to him, and still cherish his memory with affection.

Aug. 28, 1816, he married Miss Elizabeth Roberts, of Rosa, near Denbigh, and for the fifty-nine years of their married life her cordial sympathy and wise counsel aided him in every good work. She was gifted to an unusual degree with business tact and frugality, which enabled her to do her part in all financial matters. She was wholly unselfish, and gladly and bravely lifted every care possible, that her husband might more freely labor in the Master's vineyard.

While at the seminary Dr. Everett learned a crude sys- tem of short-hand writing, which he ever afterwards used. He added new characters, and adapted it also to the Welsh. While in Denbigh he published a book of instruction in this short-hand writing. He was also the author of a cate- chism for Sunday-schools, which was first published in Denbigh, in 1822, since which time it has been in constant use, and many editions have been issued in Wales and America. It is now kept for sale by his family in Steuben.

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History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 142

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