History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 82

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840

USA > New York > Onondaga County > History of Onondaga County, New York > Part 82

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).

The first and only licensed lawyer at the village of LaFayette was Samuel S. Baldwin, who had previously located at Pompey Hill. He remained several years in the practice of his profession and afterwards went to Geneva, N Y., where he died.

Dr. Silas W. Park, who, as we have already said, was one of the first settlers at the village of La- Fayette, cleared the Square of forest trees. He practiced medicine here during his life-time. A brother of his, Elijah Park, came in IS17 and studied medicine with him, and was afterwards his partner for three years, when the latter moved to Otisco, and after practicing there three or four years, removed to Adrian, Mich., where he died. Dr. Squires also resided at the Square about two years. After the death of Dr. Park, Dr. Ward Bassett, of Salina, came and made a stay of one or two years, and removed to Cazenovia, Madison County. Dr. Rial Wright, in IS25, became a physician in the place, remaining about six months. At this time Dr. Elijah Park, son of Dr. S. W. Park, who had previously studied medicine with his father and uncle, bought out the ride of Dr. Wright, paying therefor $150. Dr. Wright then went to l'ompey Hill, and as a partner of Dr. Jehiel Stearn, practiced in that village and vicinity many years. Dr. Elijah Park remained in the village and practiced his profession for half a century, till his death in 1872 or 1873. Dr. Lyman Rose was also a resident physician for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1867.

Lemuel Smith, father of Rev. Marcus Smith, was the first blacksmith at the Square, settling here in 1800, and remaining till his death in 1817. His shop stood on the site of the present church, the pulpit of which is said to be over the exact spot where stood his anvil.

Nathaniel Stearling, a carpenter and joiner, settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Luther Baker. He built the Baptist Church at Pompey Hill and the church now standing in La- Fayette village. The latter part of his life was spent on a farm. Ile was a leading man in religious and educational matters. He died in Connecticut. Before his day, James, Asa and Joseph McMillen, brothers, who were carpenters and joiners, had settled about a mile northeast of the village. Joseph and James built the first frame hotel, and also the one now standing in the village. Stoughton Morse was landlord. A hotel had been built of logs prior to the first frame building above referred to, and was kept by James Higgins in ISOS. The Mc- Millens remained in town many years, and finally sold out and moved to the West.

Dorus Porter lived in the village as a cabinet- maker from 1820, and was Deacon in the church. He now resides in Michigan. Asahel King was for many years a prominent man as a mechanic at the village, being a tanner and shoemaker.

MRS. F.J. FARRINGTON .

MAJ. F. J FARRINGTON.

( PHOTOS BY W V RANGER.SYRACUSE )

RESIDENCE OF MAJ. F. J. FARRINGTON, LA FAYETTE, ONONDAGA CO., N. Y.

Photos. by Bonta & Curtiss, Syracuse.

DR. ELIJAH PARK.

MRS. BETSEY PARK.

DR. ELIJAH PARK.

Elijah Park, M.D., the subject of this brief memoir, was born in the village of Lafayette, April 1, 1803, the eldest child, and only son of six children, of Dr. Silas and Dolly (Clark) Park. He early manifested a strong desire for mental culture. By close application to his studies in the village school and in his father's office, he was fitted for college. At the age of twenty-one he graduated at the Pittsfield (Mass.) medieal school. Almost immediately upon his return home his father died, leaving him an extensive practice, which he entered upon and zealously followed throughout his life, with a success rarely attained. His father, Dr. Silas Park, was the first physician in the town of Lafayette, and one of the pioneer settlers of the town, his residence being the first framed house erected in the village.

Dr. Elijah Park was married to Miss Catharine Parent, August 25, 1824. Ten children were born to them, of whom seven are now living, viz .: Silas W., Thomas C., Mary J. (wife of Alvin Keller), Frances O. (wife of Edwin Clark), Helen L. (wife of Willis Alexander), Ann E. (wife of Timothy Newell), and Caroline F. (wife of Mark Johnson). In the year 1842 (September 20) Mrs. Park died, and in April of

the year following he married again, taking for his companion, Betsey Parent. The fruits of this union were two children, Theodore H. and Catharine E., both of whom died at an early age. On December 4, 1867, Mr. Park was again bereaved by the death of his wife. The hand of the fell destroyer had fallen heavily on his household, having taken from him five of his children, and twice robbed him of his beloved companion.

In politics Dr. Park was originally a Whig; subsequently a Democrat. Although in no sense a politician, he was several times elected to the office of supervisor, fulfilling the duties of the same with great eredit to himself, and to the entire satisfac- tion of his constituents.

HIe died at his home in Lafayette, June 17, 1873, at the advanced age of seventy years.

Thus lived and died a man eminent in his profession, and benevolent and generous in his relations as a citizen. As a physician he never turned away a poor patient ; and in the social walks of life he was known as a friend to humanity, often involving himself financially to assist his less fortunate neigh- bors. In the family circle he was much loved and revered, and his death was deeply mourued by his children.

Philus by W. V. Ranger, sy meum

Charles Hoyt

ALBERT BECKER.

Chas. W. Hoyt was born in the town of Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1801. His father came to this county in 1798. His family consisted of eight children, viz., Ezekiel, David, Polly, Philander, Epenetus, Jane, Charlotte, and C. W., the only one of this family living. His father was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and drew a pension until his death. Chas. W. Hoyt, the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage, in 1824, to Miss Harriet, daughter of Ezra and Mary Knapp. Of this marriage were born three children, viz., Charles, Austin, and Harriet. The sons are now living, and located near their father. In 1812 he was married, the second time, to Miss Mary Knapp, sister to his first wife. Of this marriage was born three children, viz., Lottie, Julia, and Nellic, two of whom are living. Among the old men of this county, few, if any, can look back upon a life of so much hard labor as Chas, W. Hoyt, having cleared of the original forest, and caused to be cleared, a great many acres of land.

Like many other men who were, and are now, the bone and frame-work of the country, he now lives, in his seventy-fourth year, one of the few old living landmarks of our country's pioneers, surrounded with kind children to smooth his pathway as his time of release from earth draws near, having led a life of integrity and uprightness of character, honored by all who know him, and at the writing of this brief sketch bids fair for more years of usefulness to his friends.

Albert Becker was born in the town of Half Moon, Saratoga Co., N. Y .. in the year 1997. He received a common school ralucation, and in the year 182% moved to Lafayette, Onondaga Co., N. Y., where he bought a seventy five aire farm of wild land, which he cleared with his own hands, and built upon it a log house which had only one door and two windows. each consisting of four lights seven by nine. In this humble home he lived six years, when he built a new frame house, which is now owned by Henry Cramer. In the year 15Is he married Muss Catharine Ciorway, of Saratoga county. The result of this onion was three children, vis., Daniel, James, and Mary. Daniel is proprietor of a fine jewelry store nl Syracuse, and James in having a retired life in Lafayette village, and in one of its most prominent and respected citizens. For le second wife he married Miss Parker, of Onondaga County. Mr. Becker was justsee of the pener for several years, and gave excellent satisfaction by bis clear undl impartial decisions. He has resided in Syracuse city for shout twenty eight years, and has been in the jewelry business until a few years since, when he went into retired life.

As a business man, he has always been just in his transactions with the public. Doing unto others as he would have them do unto him has been his grand guide throughout hte. Kind, generous, and hamane, he daily practices thesr lovely Christian virtues, which crente sunshine wherever he moyes.

Although in his eighty first your, yet his step in as firm and elastic na ever, and his mind as clear as if he was in the prune of manhood. His path down to the grave is being strewn with the beautiful flowers of Gfinl love and veneration. With his eyes turned towards heaven, he is prepared nt a moment's notice to be received to the bosom of his divinity.

LAVEN BECKER WAS born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., April 10, 1518, and was the chest in the family of three children of Albert and I'ntharine Becker. In 18's his father moved to Onondaga to., N. Y., and beated upon a farm two miles north of the village of Lafayette, where he remained eight years, and then removed lo a farm n short distance south of the same village. James Becker obtained a good commun- school education, which Inid the foundation of his future successful business career, and lived with his father until Oct. 27, 1×11, when he married Miss Esther, the Annghter of Eli and Susan Bryant. They had born to them four chil dren, viz., Mbert, Florence, Charles C., and a daughter who died before busing been christened, all of whom except Albert are dead. Mr. Becker, soon after lus marriage, bought his father's farm, which he cultivated very successfully until April 1, 1$53, when he moved to Syrneuse, and engaged in the jewelry haussures, which he followed seventeen years. with the confidence and extern of his patrons. Longing for the quiet rural life to which he had been necustomed in early life, he retired to Infayette village in 15;0, where he now resides. This wife lied on the 25th of March, 1875, and in 1876 he married, for his second wife, Cordoba E., daughter of Charles C. and I'nity Andrews. Mr. Becker is one of the leading citizens of the place in which he resides ; is a Republican, and has been an active member of the Congregational church for forty yenra.

A out of his residence, and portraits of himself and wives, can be seen by referring to another page of this work.

(PHOTO'S BY W V. RANGER, SYRACUSE )

MRS. JAMES BECKER

MRS. JAMES BECKER ( DECEASED. )

JAMES BECKER

RESIDENCE OF JAMES BECKER . LA FAYETTE, ONONDAGA COUNTY, N. Y.

361

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Caleb Green and Erastus Baker owned and gave (each half of ) the lot now used for the Public Square. Asahel Smith, Charles Jackson and Gen. Hall, were Justices of the Peace. The latter served a number of years before LaFayette was erected into a town. Col. Johnson Hall, son of Gen. Hall, was Sheriff of the county and a mem- ber of the State Legislature. As a merchant, he carried on an extensive business at the village. Stoughton Morse first opened a little store in con- nection with his hotel in 1805. Then followed Asahel Smith in 1812-'14. He ran a distillery during the war of 1812, and bought cattle and pro- visions for the soldiers, which he sent to Sackett's Harbor and Grenadier Island. After the war Judge Hall was the merchant of the place.

Amos Palmeter settled one mile south of La- Fayette Square about 1803.

Mr. James Sherman, who, together with Solomon Owen, first settled in Sherman Hollow, was the father of Dr. J. De Blois and Joseph Sherman. The former was at one time a prominent physician at Pompey Hill ; the latter, a Justice of the Peace from 1830 to 1840. Reuben Bryan, Amasa Wright, Samuel Hyatt, James Pierce and Amaziah Branch have been referred to as old settlers. The last named was the first school teacher in the Hollow- and at LaFayette Village. He died of nightmare at Dr. S. W. Park's about 1818. He came from Massachusetts, was poor but well educated, and in character one of the best of men.

Charles Johnson, at Sherman Hollow, carried on blacksmithing for over fifty years, working industri- ously at his anvil to a short time prior to his death in 1876.

VILLAGE OF LA FAYETTE.

This little hamlet lies about one mile west of the Syracuse, Binghamton and New York Railroad at Onativia, or LaFayette Station. It contains about twenty dwellings, a postoffice, a church, a hotel, three stores and two blacksmith shops.

Among the oldest settlers are C. W. Hoyt, Caleb B. Jackson, James Baker, Luther Baker and L. O. Hill.

Mr. George W. McIntyre, the present Supervisor and Postmaster, is also a merchant in the village ; so also is Mr. Timothy Newell, who is doing a prosperous business.

This village is adjacent to the station, Onativia, and is very pleasantly situated in the midst of a picturesque and productive country.

UNCAS LODGE NO. 121, I. O. O. F., was char- tered July 4, 1851. The charter members were Dr. 60*

Elijah Park, Anson A. Avery, Ambrose ·Sniffin, Henry Pierce, A. H. Share and Justin Rhodes. Meetings held every Thursday evening in their hall in LaFayette. Present officers, N. G., William M. Gage; V. G., Charles I. Davis ; R. S., John H. Northway.

ENTERPRISE LODGE, K. OF P., organized March 9, 1874. Charter officers, C. C., E. J. Stearns ; V. C., F. J. Farrington ; K. of Records, James H. Sniffin ; M. A., R. S. Park. Meetings held every Saturday evening in Pythias Hall, Cardiff. Present officers, Charles Morgan, C. C .; E. G. Wright, V. C. ; E. E. Angel, K. of R. and P .; B. L. Wright, Prelate ; S. W. Wright, Post C. C.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LA FAYETTE. - At an early day meetings were held in private houses by Mr. Amaziah Branch, assisted occasion- ally by missionaries and traveling ministers. The result of these meetings was the organization of the Congregational Church by Rev. Benjamin Bell in October, 1809, at the public house kept by Stoughton Morse. The church comprised the fol- lowing persons, viz : Deacon Noah Hoyt, Deacon Nathan Abbott, Apollos Hewitt, Esq., Ezekiel Hoyt, Philander Hoyt, Anna Baker, Polly Hoyt, Mary Hoyt, Esther Maxwell, Sally Danforth, Anna Hewitt, Rebecca Bates, Sally Baker, Corrinna Abbott and Acsah Johnson. Since that time the following preachers and pastors have served this charge : Revs. E. J. Leavenworth, three years ; - Hopkins, three years ; Martin Powell, seven years ; Rev. Childs of Auburn, Rev. A. H. Corn- ing, four years ; Rev. Seth Smalley, two and a half years ; Rev. Absalom K. Barr, two years ; Rev. Parshall Terry, three years ; Rev. George Delevan, Revs. Moody Harrington, H. Frasier, M. M. Wake- man, R. C. Allison, Charles Jones, C. A. Ruddock, George A. Miller, and Lewis Jessup. In 1819-'20 a commodious church edifice was erected in the Village of LaFayette, which was repaired and modernized. In 1846 a session house was erected at a cost of $600, which was used until 1861, when the building was sold and the present session house erected at a cost of $1,000. This hall is used for lectures and as a town hall. The church building, session room, cemetery and parsonage are the property of the Columbian Society, which was or- ganized in the year 1804, composed of the citizens of the village and vicinity, not necessarily members of the church. The property owned by this society, aside from the cemetery, is valued at six thousand five hundred dollars.

The officers of this society are LeRoy S. Baker, Luther Baker and Philander Hoyt, Trustees, and

362

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK

D. F. H. Baker, Clerk. The church Deacons are Caleb B. Jackson, and L. R. Gaylord ; Clerk, G. L. Hoyt. The present membership of the church is seventy.one. Sabbath School attendance one hun- dred and twenty-five.

CARDIFF.

The village or hamlet of Cardiff lies on the Syra- cuse and Tully turnpike, in the western part of the town of LaFayette. It is two and a half or three miles west of the railroad station at Onativia, and contains about thirty houses, three stores, one church, a hotel, a grist mill, a postoffice and two wagon shops. R. S. Park, merchant and postmas- ter. Mr. Park is also Justice of the Peace. Wil- liam H. Hoyt, dealer in merchandise and produce. The Cardiff Hotel, (temperance,) is kept by Ed- ward Crownhart. A shop for the manufacture of wagons, carriages and sleighs has been carried on here since 1860 by Mr. Volney A. Houghton.

CARDIFF MILLS.

The Flouring Mills were erected in 1839, at a cost of $5,000 by J. F. Card, who ran it for many years with water-power. About sixteen years ago it passed into the hands of Edward Voigt, who erected a saw-mill and put in gang-saws, also added steam power at a cost of $4,000. In March, 1877, it was purchased by George Dermon, and run by him un- til April, 1878, when the entire property was con- sumed by fire.

EBENEZER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CARDIFF .- Meetings were held at the house of Ze- nas Northway as early as 1825, about which time a class was organized. Among the prominent work- ers at that time were John Spencer, Uriel Coleman, D. Sniffin, Grandus Cuddeback, Reuben Wright, Annanias Wescott and John Bottle. In 1825, the first church, built at Carditt on the site of the pres- ent church was erected at a cost of $1,000. But in 1857 the church was burned and the same season the present church was built at a cost of $2,400, being dedicated in December, 1857, under the minis- tration of D. W. Bristol,; D. D. Rev. Benjamin D. Sniffin and Joseph Cross, D. D., began their religious life in this church. The present mem- bership is one hundred and twenty, and Sabbath School attendance, one hundred. The present pas- tor is Rev. L. Northway, under whose ministration large accessions to the church have been made and deep religious feeling awakened.

THE COLLINGWOOD MILLS, in the town of La- Fayette, situated on Butternut Creek, owned and managed by J. D. Palmer, consist of a grist and

flouring mill, built about thirty-five years since by the late Calvin Cole, at a cost of about $6,000, and a saw mill. The mill property was purchased by A. R. Palmer in 1862, and repaired in 1874 at an ex- pense of $2,700. In 1875 the present proprietor pur- chased the mills and water power, and in 1876 re- built the saw mill and lath works at an additional cost of SI,Soo. The capacity of the saw mill is, (with three hands,) about 1,000 feet of lumber an hour, and the grist mill has three run of stones, and the other necessary machinery for a first class busi- ness. The mills are driven by water-power.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

LUTHER BAKER.

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of LaFayette, Onondaga County, N. Y., February 9, 1814. His father, Seth Baker, came from Northampton, Mass., in 1805 and settled in Onon- daga County. Luther was brought up on the farm, attending the district school winters and assisting his father on the farm summers. He married in 1840, Miss Diana M., daughter of Eli and Susan Bryant, of Hampshire County, Mass. They had one child, Flora D., who was born June 7, 1850 and died August 27, 1871, mourned by a large circle of friends, who esteemed her for many noble qualities of mind and heart.

Mr. Baker has always followed farming as an oc- cupation, and is regarded as one of the best farmi- ers in his town. He is a Republican in politics and has always earnestly labored for the success of Republican principles. For many years he has been an active member of the Congregational Church, liberally subscribing to every benevolent object worthy of his support. He is enjoying good health, and is apparently surrounded with every comfort which tends to brighten his declining years.

MORRIS BAKER.

Mr. Baker was born in Northampton, Mass, Dec. 22, ISor, and is a son of Seth Baker. He received a good business education, and began farming when quite young. He married Julia A., daughter of Eli Bryant, February 11, 1833, by whom he had three children, viz : Nelson Morris, born May 7, 1836, graduated from Hamilton College in 1862,

PHOTOS, BY W. V RANGER.

SYRACUSE

BAKER . . .

MRS. LUTHER BAKER.

FLORA D. BAKER

LUTHER

RES . OF LUTHER BAKER, LA FAYETTE, ONONDAGA CO.,N. Y.

Joseph Thomay Avery& Palmer

The subject of this sketch was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1797. He moved, with his father, Simeon Thomas, into the town of Lafayette, which was then a part of Onondaga township, in the spring of 1817, thus being an early settler. He entered into the unbroken forest, and began to make for himself a home. He contended successfully against all the hardships of a pioneer life, wild beasts included.

On Jan. 21, 1819, he married Laura, daughter of Paul King, also an early comer into this county. By this union there were born ten children, nine of whom are now living. His father gave him fifty acres of good land, to which, by industry and economy, being also assisted by a most excellent wife, he added three hundred and fifty acres more. This enabled him to give to each of his sons a good farm. He planted the first apple- orchard in his part of the town. He is remembered as being forward in the development of the country, in town improve- ments, the establishment of schools, and the support of religion. He and his wife were consistent members of the Congregational church. He would not accept town office, but being an efficient and trustworthy man of business was often employed to settle estates. He was often on the grand jury, but always discouraged litigation, and prevented many lawsuits. He died, in the midst of his usefulness, May 29, 1865. In the words of a fellow- townsman, " He was an honest man, a good citizen, and cannot be too highly commended."

Of the two sons who insert this sketch, Harrison resides upon the farm redeemed from the wilderness by his father's hands, and Albert upon a large farm adjoining. They are excel- lent farmers, shrewd, upright business men; not aspiring to office, but highly respected citizens.

Avery F. Palmer, son of Rowland Palmer, was born Feb. 2, 1795, in Stonington, Conn. In his youth he came with his parents to Otsego county, and from there, in the spring of 1815, to Lafayette, then a part of Pompey township. His father about that time was drum-major in the American army. He immediately engaged in farming, and followed that avoca- tion all his life; but was also widely known as Dr. Palmer, having become a veterinary surgeon with an extensive practice. He was an officer of the militia, but declined town office. By his advice and influence many a dispute tending to a lawsuit was amicably settled. He was often called upon to administer upon and settle estates. He was married to Sarah, daughter of Richard Bailey, of Pompey, Feb. 21, 1819. To them were born eight children, six of whom are now living. He and his wife were for many years consistent members of the Bap- tist church. He died, after a life of uscfulness, Dec. 17, 1873.

His sons insert this sketch, two of whom, Rev. Avery R. and Dr. Stewart B., reside in Onondaga County. Avery R. is a Baptist clergyman in Lafayette. He inherits his father's busi- ness talents. He is often called upon to settle estates. For years he held the office of supervisor of Lafayette; was also superintendent of the penitentiary, and, as a justice of the peace, settled disputes without issuing a single summons.

Stewart B. is a well-known dentist in Syracuse, and is also known as an able writer upon subjects allied to his profession.

HOMER CASE. MRS HOMER CASE.

PHOTOS BY W V. RANGER, SYRACUSE.

RESIDENCE OF HOMER CASE, LA FAYETTE, ONONDAGA CO., NEW YORK.

ST JOHN'S SCHOOL FOR BOYS , MANLIUS , NEW YORK

363

HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

read law in Syracuse, and was admitted to the bar April 7, 1864, and died March IS, 1872 ; Anna Minerva ; Byron Watts, born Dec. 15, 1842, gradu- ated from Hamilton College in 1866 with high honors, but died soon after coming home.

Mr. Baker strove as every father should to give his children a liberal education, and has always taken a deep interest in raising the educational standard of his town. He has been a member of the Congregational Church for fifty-four years, and a Republican in politics since the organization of that party. He is classed' as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of LaFayette. Few men have been more upright in their business transactions with the world.

HOMER CASE.

Homer Case was born in the town of Pompey, August 5, 1828, and is a son of Norris and Olive

Case. In early life Mr. Case obtained a good busi- ness education at the common schools ; and in 1854 married Miss Louisa E., daughter of Benj. Adams. Immediately after marriage he commenced farming and continued that pursuit uninterruptedly until Dec., 1861. At this date he entered the service of his country as a volunteer in the 12th New York Regiment of Infantry, in which he served fifteen months, or until August 30, 1862, when he was wounded resulting in the loss of one of his limbs. Upon his return home, he was appointed station- agent at LaFayette Village, which position he still retains, being considered one of the most courteous and trustworthy officials on the road.

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 Onondaga County, New York, Part 82

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 840

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840