History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 65

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 65

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In its early years the operations of the society extended over a large area from Montgomery County, on the east, to Steuben on the west, and from St. Lawrence to Chenango on the north and south. In 1849 its constitution was re- vised and its name changed to " Oneida County Bible So- ciety," and its field of operations practically restricted to Oneida County.

A thorough examination of the county has been four times made with a view to discover and supply every desti- tute family with a copy of the Scriptures. The fourth report of these surveys, made in 1861, shows that during the preceding year its agents visited 18,597 families, and sold about 1600 copies, and donated over 2100 copies.

The first annual meeting of the society was held in January, 1811, since which date regular annual meetings have been held, with the exception of the years 1833 to 1836 inclusive. The proceedings of the society have been published annually in the form of a report. Many of the earlier ones were prepared by Erastus Clark. The semi-

# Butter and cheese made in families,-not including factories.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

centennial anniversary was observed in January, 1861, on which occasion a commemorative address was delivered by Hon. William J. Bacon, which elicited a resolution of thanks from the society.

During the first fifty years of its existence its entire re- ceipts and disbursements were something over $40,000. Judge Platt filled the office of president from its organization down to 1816, when he was succeeded by George Hunting- ton, who served until 1824, when Judge Platt was again elected, and filled the position for four years more, and was succeeded by Abraham Varick, who continued until 1832, and was followed by Asahel Seward, who served four years. In 1836, Jolin J. Knox, of Augusta, was elected, and con- tinued until his death in 1876, when he was succeeded by Dr. J. C. Gallup, of Clinton, the present incumbent.

The office of treasurer has been occupied by only four different individuals, viz .: Amos G. Baldwin, from its organization until 1811; William G. Tracy, from 1811 to 1830 ; Jesse W. Doolittle, from 1830 to 1842; and Jared E. Warner, from 1842 to the present time .*

ONEIDA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

As early as the year 1818 the citizens of the county became interested in the matter of an agricultural society, and the same year the " Oneida Agricultural Society" was formed, with Colonel Garrett G. Lansing as president and Elkanah Watson vice-president. The first fair was held at Whitesboro' on Thursday, October 1, 1818. The Utica Patriot, in which appeared an account of this fair, spoke of it as follows :

" It is but a short time since the subject of an agricultural society was agitated in the county. Indeed, it has been organized but a few months. It was late in the season before the premiums were announced ; our farmers had, therefore, but little time to prepare for the exhibition. Indeed, preparation was almost out of the question, and most of the articles brought forward at the show were taken from their farms without any pains having been taken or expense incurred to fit them for the occasion. Yet, not- withstanding all these disadvantages, notwithstanding the fears that had been expressed, and the discouraging reports that had been circulated (which had a tendency to keep back many), we have abundant reason for pride and con- gratulation. The day was fine, the multitude great. In- deed, it was a delightful spectacle to witness the congrega- tion of sober, industrious, intelligent farmers (more intelli- gent we do not believe exist), giving evidence of ease, com- fort, and wealth."

From an article published in the Utica Herald of a later day the following is taken, compiled principally from the original description in the Patriot :

" Addresses were made by the president, Colonel Lansing, and Elkanah Watson, Esq. In the evening there was a splendid ball, attended by ninety ladies and nearly the same number of gentlemen. The following list of premiums awarded will indicate the agricultural competition and standards of the time :

" For the best acre of Indian corn, a silver cup, valued at $10, to Thomas Hulbert, of Westmoreland ; for the best acre of peas, a set of teaspoons and sugar tongs, valued at $8, to Bela Carey, of Deerfield; for the best half-acre of potatoes, a set of spoons and salt spoon, valued at $5, to Elnathan Judd, of Paris; for the largest quantity and best quality of cheese" made from one dairy, a silver pitcher, valued at $15, to Samuel Dyer, of Deerfield ; for the largest quantity and best quality of butter made from one dairy, a silver cup, valued at $12, to Abraham Brooks, of Steuben ; for the best bull, $12 in cash, to Thomas Gill, of Rome ; for the best milch cow, a set of teaspoons, valued at $5, to David Brown, of Rome; for the best pair of working oxen, $10 in cash, to Salmon Laird, of Westmoreland ; for the best pair of two-year old steers, a set of spoons, valued at $6, to Thomas Hulbert, of Westmoreland; for the best pair of calves, cash $5, to James Wells, of Paris; for the best hog, cash $5, to William Biddlecom, of Deerfield ; for the best boar and sow, cash $5, to Jehiel Wetmore, of Whites- boro'; for the best flock of sheep, not less than 40, a silver pitcher, valued at $15, to Nathaniel Townsend, Westmore- land; for the best piece of woolen cloth, not less than three-fourths of a yard in width and 15 yards in length, a set of spoons and sugar toogs, valued at $8, to Stephen Mott, Paris; for the best piece of flannel not less than 20 yards, a set of spoons and a salt spoon, valued at $5, to Stephen Mott, of Paris; for the best pieces of woolen cloth, fit for ladies' wear, not less than 15 yards, a set of spoons and sugar tongs, valued at $8, to Samuel Stillman, of Whitestown ; for the best piece of carpeting, a silver cup, valued at $8, to Miss Ruth Caldwell, of Whitestown.

"The yield of corn reported by Thomas Hulbert, of Westmoreland, was 104 bushels and 11 quarts from a sin- gle acre. This product was so extraordinary that several farmers in Albany County and on Long Island applied to Governor De Witt Clinton for information as to the mode of culture. The Governor wrote to the secretary of the society, Dr. Alexander Coventry, for particulars. The reply of Dr. Coventry is dated ' Deerfield, 22d December, 1818,' and includes a lengthy statement of Mr. Hulbert. Dr. Coventry says he found Mr. Hulbert cultivating about 200 acres in the town of Westmoreland, about six miles south- west from the village of Whitesboro'. It seems that 53 loads of barnyard manure to the acre were used on the corn-field, which had been a meadow for 14 years previous to this planting, and well sodded with herd's grass and clover. The sward was broken April 20, 1818, with one span of horses and an ordinary plow. About the middle of May it was well harrowed, manured, and cross-plowed three times. The ground was put in ridges from north to south, about four feet distant ; the ridges were leveled on top, and the corn dropped ou the ridges about five or six inches asunder and covered with hoes on the 28th and 29th days of May. The corn was hoed but twice. The worms and birds destroyed some, and Mr. Hulbert says ' what came to maturity averaged one stalk to every seven or eight inches.' The statement is signed Thomas Hul- bert, Jr.

" Dr. Coventry writes that the sample of corn which was next to Mr. Hulbert's in point of excellence was raised by

# These items are compiled from an article in Dr. Bagg's Pioneers of Utica, prepared from minutes mainly furnished by Hon. Wm. J. Bacon.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Samuel Dyer on his farm in Deerfield, about two miles from Whitesboro', and was part of a field of six acres. The soil was gravelly loam, originally covered with a large growth of becch and maple, but had been partially cleared some years before, so that the surface was a turf of natural grass, and the cattle of the farm had usually lain on it for several seasons during the night. The remaining timber was re- moved in the winter, and the ground broken up in April, 1818. It was planted on the 10th day of May, in hills 30 inches apart, about five stalks to the hill, and twice hoed. An acre of the best of this corn measured 106 bushels. The stalks and ears of this corn were more nu- merous than on Mr. Hulbert's land, but the grain was not so universally sound and ripe. Governor Clinton caused this correspondence to be published in the Albany Argus, from which it was copied into nearly all the newspapers of the nation."

The present " Oneida County Agricultural Society" was organized in 1841, and its first annual exhibition held in the fall of that year. Fairs were held at different points in the county for many years, alternating principally be- tween Utica and Rome. At the latter place the old grounds of the society were first inclosed, and an admission fee charged to all who were not members, in 1850. The grounds then comprised 10 aeres, and belonged to Colonel E. B. Armstrong. For the past ten or eleven years the fairs have been held exelnsively at Rome. In 1872 the society became joint owners of the present " Riverside Park" with the " Rome Riverside Park Driving Association," the latter holding exhibitions of trotting and general racing. During the present season (1878) the agricultural society has pur- chased the entire grounds, and the driving association is practically disbanded, or become merged in the agricultural society.

The original purchase of land in 1872 included a frac- tion over 51 acres from Ezra Clark and abont 14 or 15 acres from G. H. Lynch. Enough has since been sold to leave the present amount 50 acres. A fine course one mile in length has been constructed, and is considered one of the best in the State. The fairs usually last one week, and are attended by from 6000 to 8000 persons daily. Two purses daily (for the last three days) are given for racing at each fair. The 38th annual fair of the society was held Sept. 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, 1878, and was a very successful one. The constitution of the society was amended Jan. 5, 1869. The buildings of the society are large and commodious, and everything about the grounds is in excellent condition.

The successive presidents of this society have been (be- ginning with 1841) Pomroy Jones, of Westmoreland ; Ben- jamin P. Johnson, Albany ; H. N. Cary, Marcy ; Elon Comstock, New York ; Dolphus Skinner, Deerfield; Ira S. Hitchcock, Vernon ; Henry Rhodes, Trenton; Benjamin N. Huntington, Rome; A. S. Newbury, Sangerfield ; Ro- land S. Doty, New York; L. T. Marshall, Vernon ; H. H. Eastman, Waterville; Lorenzo Ronse, Clinton; A. Van Patten, Kansas City, Mo. ; J. W. Jones, Whitestown ; P. Mattoon, Vienna ; N. S. Wright, Vernon Centre; E. B. Armstrong, Rome; E. Huntington, Rome ; Calvin Bishop, Verona; George Benedict, Utica; Sammel Campbell, New

York Mills ; R. G. Savery, Blossvale ; Morgan Butler, New Hartford; B. W. Williams, Rome ; O. B. Gridley, Water- ville; J. H. Wilcox, Rome; J. L. Dean, Westmoreland ; John Butterfield, Utica ; Thomas D. Penfield, Cainden ; J. B. Cushman, Vernon ; Mark Cheney, Rome; H. N. Glea- son, Kirkland ; J. M. Phillips, Rome; Luke Coan, West- moreland ; and the present inenmbent of the office, William Townsend, of Rome. The remainder of the officers for 1878 are : First Vice-President, D. S. Cushman, Westmore- land ; Second Vice-President, R. A. Jones, Whitestown ; Sceretary, H. M. Rouse, Marshall; Treasurer, James El- well, Rome; Executive Board, for one year .- Luke Coan, Westmoreland ; Dudley Rhodes, Trenton ; H. L. Adams, Rome; H. N. Gleason, Kirkland; Harrison Lillybridge, Annsville ; Charles Seymour, Paris ; for two years,-T. D. Penfield, Camden ; T. L. Hills, Marshall ; D. G. Drum- mond, Lee ; Thomas D. Roberts, J. B. Cushman, Vernon.

UNADILLA VALLEY STOCK-BREEDERS ASSOCIATION .*

The agricultural record of Oneida County would not be complete without reference to the recent introduction of Dutch, or Dutch-Friesian, cattle by the Unadilla Stock- Breeders Association.

There is no doubt that Dutch cattle were brought into this county at an early day by the first settlers of the Mo- hawk Valley, and that they largely formed the basis from which our " native" stock has originated. These cattle were of medium size, good beef-producers, and excellent milkers ..

The first modern importation of Dutch cattle into this country was made in 1852, by the Hon. Winthrop W. Chenery, of Massachusetts. It consisted of a single cow as an experiment. The extraordinary qualities of this cow soon induced other importations. Since that time, within the brief space of twenty-five years, they have become one of the leading breeds of cattle in the United States.

The Unadilla Valley Association was formed in 1874, and was composed of several practical dairymen in the counties of Otsego, Chenango, and Madison. At first they only contemplated the improvement of their own herds by crossing. The superiority of these cattle soon led them to deeide upon breeding thoroughbred stock. They were in- corporated for this purpose in 1877. Being remote from public thoroughfares a farm was purchased near Utica, on line of the Utica and Whitesboro' Horse Cars, where their cattle are kept for exhibition and sale under the care of S. Hoxie, of Whitestown, one of the executive committee of the association.

These cattle are uniformly black and white in color. They are of a large size, have peculiarly fine, clean limbs, and combine good beef-producing qualities with extraordi- nary milk production. As examples of their milking quali- ties, Maid of Twisk, in the season of 1877, in 322 days in which she was milked, gave 14,312 pounds of milk ; three heifers two years of age gave respectively, 10,228 pounds, 10,711 pounds, 10,563 pounds; the weight of these heifers in the order of these records was 926 pounds, 972 pounds, 999 pounds,

# By S. IIoxie.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

In order to keep these cattle up to the highest standard of excellence, a Duteh Friesian herd-book has been estab- lished, one of the requirements of registry being the produc- tion of at least 8000 pounds of milk in one season, by the animal, its dam, or its grand dams.

What the future success of this association will be we do not venture to prediet, but the introduction of these eattle must result in permanent improvement. They seem to be a breed of cattle adapted to the wants of the practical dairy- man, and already may be seen evidenees of extensive eross- ing in various parts of the county.

THE AMERICAN DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION.

Less than a seore of years ago the business of butter- and cheese-manufacturing in the United States was all carried on by hand in families. The first cheese-factory in this country was put in operation at Rome, Oneida County, N. Y., in one of the early years of the sixth decade of the present century, by Mr. Jesse Williams. Concerning this gentleman we copy the following remarks from an address delivered before the New York Cheese Manufacturers' Asso- eiation, at Utiea, N. Y., Jan. 12, 1865, by X. A. Willard, A.M., of Herkimer County :

" To him we are indebted for this system of Associated Dairies, one of the most remarkable steps in the history of progressive farming that has been taken in this age of new ideas. Of its beneficent results we ean now scarcely form a correct estimate. The system was eminently his own. He lived to see shoots from the parent factory spring up rapidly about him, and spread their vigorous roots deeply through all the land; and when cheese-dairy- ing shall be known in after-times his name will be insepa- rably connected with its progress and success. His was no narrow and contracted spirit, that sought to cover up and hide the mysteries of his art for personal aggrandizement. He gave of his knowledge freely to all who came. He suggested improvements and advised gratuitously, so that others might steer elear of difficulties which had beset him, and which had only been conquered after years of trial and toil. Through his creative genius, Oneida County sprang at onee to the head of the great dairy interest of the State; through him millions have been added to the perma- nent wealth of the country ; and yet, modest and unassum- ing, he claimed none of the honors pertaining to a splendid achievement and a grand sueeess. Stricken down by pa- ralysis, almost on the eve of the meeting of this convention, we miss here his presence and his eounsels. Boru and reared on the farm, farming was a profession which he en- nobled. As a good eitizen he identified himself with the interests of his town and county, and whenever a worthy objeet could be promoted by his assistance, earnest and ae- tive co-operation on his part was not wanting. His indom- itable will and energy overcame obstaeles that seemed for- midable to other men, and whatever he put his hand to do he accomplished. Just, kind, charitable, loved and re- speeted by those who knew him, he has passed away uni- versally regretted. Not an aspirant of fame or the world's empty honors, he but sought to do the work assigned him with cheerfulness and Christian fortitude. He reached 'the end,' leaving behind a long record of shining virtues

which the great in power and station might well copy as a legacy."*

This great interest developed so rapidly, and grew to suel important proportions, that it soon became apparent that some organized system was required to utilize its pro- ductions to the greatest advantage, and to build up a com- mon interest throughout the dairy region of New York. With a view to this end a convention was ealled by over forty prominent manufacturers of Central New York, which is elaimed to have been the first of the kind held in the State, if not in the world. It assembled at the court-house in Rome, N. Y., on the 6th day of January, 1864, and was temporarily organized by calling Colonel Seth Miller, of Constableville, Lewis Co., to the chair, and appointing Messrs. Geo. W. Pixley, of Kirkland, Oneida Co., and B. F. Stevens, of Lowville, Lewis Co., secretaries.

At the afternoon session the following gentlemen were elected permanent officers of the convention : President, Jesse Williams, of Oneida County; Vice-Presidents, Lyman R. Lyon, Lewis; L. Warner, Ontario; Daniel Smith, Montgomery; A. L. Fish, Herkimer ; Alonzo Peek, Mad- ison; D. W. Maples, Cortland; M. R. Stocker, Otsego; Geo. C. Morn, Erie; D. H. Goulding, Chautauqua; A. D. Stanley, Jefferson; Alfred Buck, Oneida; Dwight Ellis, Mass. ; A. Bartlett, Ohio; Secretaries, B. F. Stevens, Lewis; Geo. W. Pixley, Oneida.

The following articles of association were adopted :

" Whereas, it is deemed expedient to organize an association through which, as a medium, results of the practical experience of dairy men may be gathered and disseminated to the dairying commuoity ; there- fore,

" Resolved, That we, the undersigned, do hereby associate ourselves together for mutual improvement in the science of cheese-making, and more efficient action in promoting the general interests of the dairying community.

" Ant. I. That the name of the organization shall be the NEW York STATE CHEESE MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION.

" AnT. II. The officers of the Association shall consist of a presi- deot, five vice-presidents, secretary, and treasurer.

" ART. III. The president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer shall constitute the executive board of the association.

"Ant. IV. The officers of the association sball be elected at the regular anoual meeting, and shall retain their offices until their sne- eessors arc ehosen.

"AnT. V. The regular annual meeting shall occur on the second Wednesday in January of each year, and at such places as the ex- ecutive board shall designate.

" ART. VI. Any person may become a member of the association, and be entitled to all its benefits, by the annual payment of one dollar."

Representatives were present at this convention from sixty-nine cheese-factories, thirty-two of them being in Oneida County. The following gentlemen were made per- manent officers of the association : President, George Wil- liams, Oneida ; Vice-Presidents, Seth Miller, Lewis ; David Hamlin, Jefferson ; A. L. Fish, Herkimer ; George E. Morse, Madison ; Moses Kenney, Cortland; Secretary, Wm. H. Comstock, Utica; Treasurer, Lyman R. Lyon, Lewis. The first subseribing member was very appropri-

w At the annual meeting in January, 1873, Hon. X. A. Willard read an address on a memorial fund for Mr. Williams, and a resolution was adopted that the dairymen of America raise $10,000 for the purpose.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

ately Mr. Jesse Williams, of Rome, the originator of the factory system.

At the second annual meeting of this association it was merged in the " American Dairymen's Association," whose jurisdiction included the United States and the Dominion. The officers of this association for 1866 were : President, Wm. H. Comstock, Esq., of Utica ; Vice-Presidents, A. Bartlett, Ohio; C. E. Chadwick, Ingersoll, C. W. (now Ontario) ; George Moore, Buffalo; E. R. Hopson, Her- kimer; Dwight Ellis, Mass .; Lyman R. Lyon, Lewis ; R. R. Stone, Illinois ; Rufus Baker, Michigan; R. C. Wickham, Vermont; Samuel G. Smith, Montreal ; Secre- tary and Treasurer, Gardner B. Weeks, Verona, N. Y.

The State census of 1865 returned the number of cheese-factories in the State at 454, and the aggregate of cheese manufactured for 1864 at 32,663,014 pounds .*

In the early part of the season a fund was raised by the association for the purpose of sending a practical man as agent to Europe, with a view to obtaining information regarding the manufacture and marketing of cheese. Mr. X. A. Willard was selected as the proper person to fill the position. He departed on his mission in the be- ginning of May and returned in October, having visited during his absence England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Switzerland.

At the annual meeting in January, 1867, he delivered a very interesting discourse before the association, in which he gave a great amount of valuable information upon the dairy interests of the countries visited. The export of cheese from the United States to Europe began about 1855-56. From September, 1857, to September, 1858, the number of boxes of American cheese received at Liver- pool, England, was 81,548. In 1860 the number had risen to 246,000 boxes. In 1867 it reached 812,140 boxes, giving a total weight (at 50 pounds per box) of 40,607,000 pounds. The export of butter to England in 1859 was 2,494,000 pounds, and in 1862 it had risen to 29,241,000 pounds.

According to the census of 18G0, the total production of cheese in the United States was 101,000,000 pounds. Of this amount, New York made 48,548,289 pounds, New England 21,620,996 pounds, and Ohio 21,618,793 pounds. In 1867 the production of New York alone was estimated at 100,000,000 pounds, and the total for the country at 200,000,000 pounds. The export to Europe for the latter year was 50,000,000 pounds.

On the evening of Wednesday, January 13, 1869, Pro- fessor John Gamgee, president of Albert Veterinary College, of London, England, delivered a most interesting lecture on the diseases of animals before the association.

At the fifth annual meeting held at Utica, in January, 1870, several excellent addresses were delivered, and B. L. Arnold, Esq., of Ithaca, N. Y., read an essay upon " The claims of cheese as a wholesome, nutritions, and economical article of food," which won the prize of one hundred dollars offered by the association.

The extraordinary growth of the dairying interest since

Mr. Jesse Williams put the first factory in operation at Rome, N. Y., in 1851, to the present time has placed the business of butter- and cheese-making among the most im- portant industries of the Union .. According to a statement made at the special meeting of the association held at Phil- adelphia, Pa., in October, 1876, the number of cheese-fac- tories had increased from the primitive one of Mr. Williams, using the milk of two dairies, to 4500, producing 180,000,- 000 pounds of cheese from the milk of 1,000,000 cows. During this period of twenty-five years the price has fine- tuated from seven to twenty-eight cents per pound.

These estimates for 1876 have been largely increased, and the production of 1878 will reach the vast amount of 300,000,000 pounds of cheese and 750,000,000 pounds of butter for the United States alone.

The total number of milch cows in the Union is esti- mated at 14,000,000. Estimating the butter at thirty cents per pound, and the cheese at ten cents, we have a grand total of these two products of the dairy of $255,000,000.

It will be seen at a glance that the American Dairymen's Association, originated in Oneida County, N. Y., represents a vast and rapidly-increasing industrial interest, the limits of whose transactions in the future cannot be estimated. Its honored president, ex-Governor Horatio Seymour, who so splendidly illustrates the maxim that " Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war," is a practical farmer, and pursues this noble calling with the same ardor, distin- guished ability, and profound scholarship which have made him prominent in the field of the natural sciences, the his- tory of our country, and the halls of legislation.

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History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 65

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