USA > New York > Otsego County > History of Otsego County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 77
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A worthy pioneer was Azariah Armstrong, who was born in Bennington, Vt., April 1, 1776. He emigrated from his native State in 1812, and located on the premises now owned and occupied by D. M. and C. H. Armstrong. Mr. A. remained there until his death, which occurred in 1855. His wife died on the old homestead in 1848. Their family consisted of the following children, viz. : Ominda,* Farrand S.,* Hopestill, Morey W., Solomon, Gethro G.,* David M., Dr. Azariah,* and Charles H. The surviving children all reside in the town. Solonon is a prominent citizen, and has represented his town in the board of supervisors two terms; David M. was also supervisor in 1871 and 1872. Solomon has one son, S. Eugene, and David MI. has three children, Nellie, Inis, and Morey E. A son of Farrand S., George W., is deceased, and a daughter, Dette, is the wife of George Wing. Finett, the wife of Simon Hubbard, is a daughter of Ominda. Hopestill has one son, Azariah, and Morey W. has one named Floyd E.
A prominent and active pioneer was Giles Kilbourne, who settled on lands now owned by a son, Francis S. Kil- bourne. Mr. K. did much to advance the interests of the town, and was ranked among its leading citizens. Francis S. also manifests an interest in the publie welfare, and has represented his town in the board of supervisors two terms, 1874 and 1875.
The locality known as Spooner's Corners derived its name from a worthy pioneer named Ruggles Spooner, familiarly known as 'Squire Spooner. A daughter, Mrs. Sophronia Crumb, resides near Leonardsville.
Luther Smith, from Connecticut, was also an early settler in this vicinity. Here he remained until his death. which occurred a few years since. He was about ninety years of age. His son, Benjamin Smith, who was born in Connce- ticut in 1815, occupies the old homestead, together with his son, who was born in this county in 1829.
The premises now occupied by Solomon Armstrong. Esq., were settled by Colonel Loomis, who had two sons, residents of the town, both of whom are deceased.
At Plainfield Centre, Joseph Sims was an early settler and a pioneer iun-keeper, in the building now occupiel as a dwelling by Evan Evans. He has two sons, Ephraim F., residing in Exeter, and Jephtha, at Fort Plain, N. Y. The latter is known as the anthor of " Sims' Border Wars," an interesting and meritorious work. Joseph Sims, a son of
* Deceased.
£
294
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ephraim, is a traveler, author, and lecturer. He has made extensive tours in the East and South America, and at this writing is traveling in California.
Captain Vose Palmer was a prominent and influential actor in carly seenes at Plainfield Centre. At his house was held the first town-meeting. He was chosen supervisor in 1800, and officiated in that capacity until 1810. His family consisted of two sons and two daughters. One daughter married Spencer Kellogg, who for many years was the business mau at Plainfield Centre. He removed to Utica, and was subsequently mayor of the eity. The other daughter married Jonathan McFarland, and his son, Levi P., who was supervisor in 1867 and 1868, now occupies the old housestead.
Festus Hyde, from Connecticut, was a prominent pioneer at Plainfield Centre. He was a justice of the peace, super- visor, and member of assembly in 1842. After remaining here a number of years he removed to Connecticut.
Dr. Harry Clark was a prominent physician at Plainfield Centre, where he resided many years, aud finally removed .to Wisconsin.
South of the Centre, an early settler was Stephen Bevin, who came from Connecticut. Four sons, Samuel, Isaac, Julius, and William, reside in the town ; the two foriner occupy the old homestead.
In the vicinity of the Sprague school-house in district No. 6, David Dewey was a worthy pioneer. He had two sons, Jabez and Daniel, and a number of daughters. Jabez married and settled in this town, and his family consisted of three sous and two daughters. The sons were Samuel and Alexander. The former is a physician, and resides in Wisconsin. The latter married, and also settled in this town; had four children,-two sons and two daughters. Dennis A., a son, eulisted in the War of the Rebellion, and lost a foot iu the service. Both Dennis A. and his father now reside at Wiufield. Alexander was a prominent man in the towu, and officiated as supervisor as early as 1853.
A pioneer in the south part of the town was General Bil- lings Brown, and Sewell Spaulding. General Brown was supervisor from 1816 to 1820. In the southwest part of the town, Joshua Sisson and Stephen Saunders, who came from Rhode Island, were early settlers. A son of Stephen S., named Clark, aud a daugliter, the wife of E. Bass, reside in the vicinity.
The premises now occupied by Morris Bassett were early settled by his grandsire, Williamu Bassett. Mr. B. and his wife lived to the advanced age of ninety years, having lived together as husband and wife more than seventy years. Another, early settler in this vicinity was Asa Lauphere, froru Rhode Island, who married a sister of Stephen Saunders.
In the northwest part of the town, where are located the best farming lands, is a thoroughfare known as " Hackley Street," which derived its name from Dr. Hackley, a promi- nent pioneer, who located on the lands now owned and occupied by a son, Salinus HI. Hackley.
The father of C. II. and E. P. Fitch was a worthy pioneer, who settled on the premises now occupied by them. Prentice Brown, of honored memory, was a pioneer ou Hackley Street, on the farm now owned by Win. L. Brown. The latter has two sons, Alonzo W. and William HI.
Nathaniel Crumb was an early settler at the Forks, on the premises now owned by a grandson, A. B. Crumb.
Squire Elijah Gates early located at the Forks, and still resides there at an advanced age. Ile has four sons att one daughter residing in the town. He has officiated => justice of the peace during many years, and has discharged the duties of that office with great acceptability. He is also a deacon in the Free-Will Baptist church. Four ~ing and one daughter are living, viz., Nathaniel, HI. Henry, James M., Isaac, and Mrs. Tarbull,-all of whom, except Nathaniel II., are residents of the town.
William Utler was an early pioneer at the Forks. He was a leading citizen, and served as supervisor and menity.r of assembly. Cyrus Brown was also an early settler. H. was a pioneer justice of the peace, and member of assembly in 1849. A son, Samuel A., resides in the town. Mar- shall Baker, father of Dr. Ward Baker, who practiced medicine a number of years at Plainfield Centre, was also a pioneer.
Stephen Chapman, Jr., was an early settler, and is still living at the Forks at an advanced age. P. and S. A. Chapman, sons, reside in the town ; the former on the old homestead, and the latter at Unadilla Forks. Captain Hol- dridge, the father of Captain William P. Holdridge, was also an early settler in this vicinity.
In the southeast part of the town, Squire William Walker was a pioneer, on lands now owned by John Watkins. He reared a large family of children, two of whom, Charles and Almond, were merchants. Charles began business at Bur- lington Flats, and subsequently went to Chicago, and is now a merchant in that city. Almond, deceased, was also a merchant in Chicago. He married a daughter of Captain Vose Palmer. Charles was a proruinent citizen. He was member of assembly from this county in 1840.
Henry Lake was an early settler in this vicinity. He reared a numerous family. Phipps was a Free-Will Bapti-t minister ; Valoris removed to Chatauqua county, and has represented that county in the legislature ; Jarvis was an attorney, first practicing in Little Falls, and afterwards in New York.
Other early settlers were Benjamin Allen, Jr., Charles Burt, Jesse Gardner, Martin Luce, Henry Ward, David Cutler, Samuel Fuller, Asa Lovejoy, Nathau Farrar, Bei- jamin Baker, Otis Lincoln, Eliphalet Stewart, Elijah tis .. Benjamin Briggs, - Parsons, - Spicer, Seth Penny. Cyrus Fish, Samuel Crosby. A. Moffat, Asa Carrier, Nathan Farrar, Elias Jones, Jotham Chapin, C. Burt, G. Doxy. James Stirling, Daniel Doane, Samuel Preston, Elias Wright. Orson Fitch, and Sammuel Clark.
The first merchant at the " Forks" was Henry Chark. Other old tradesmen are mentioned, viz., Charles Waiker. Perry Clark, and II. II. Babcock. The first physician w us II. Clark. The first hotel at the Forks was kept by L ... 1 .. wick Brown. The first hotel in the town was opened by William Lincoln, at Lloydville. James Robinson a . d. pioneer school-teacher, at Spooner's Corners, in about His ..
THE VILLAGE OF UNADILLA FORKS
is located on the Unadilla river, in the western part, north of the centre, and contains two churches, Baptist and Free
295
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Baptist, besides the following business interests : general wares, H. H. Babcock, Rogers & Dye, Humphrey & Spicer ; furniture, ete., T. Clark ; grist-will, S. B. Griffin ; saw-mill, Amos Fisk ; carding-factory, ete., S. Enos; hardware, etc., R. Daggett ; physician, J. F. Dively ; wagon-shops, A. D. Wilcox, J. F. Tarbell ; blacksmith, H. D. Bassett ; shoe- stop, S. Clark, P. Gaughran ; harness-shop, F. H. Wilcox; ouper, Cyrus Brown ; milliners, Mrs. J. Strickland, Mrs. 11. M. Perkins; hotel, Charles Allen.
PLAINFIELD CENTRE
is a hamlet in the northeast part.
LEONARDSVILLE,
in the southwestern part, is chiefly in Madison county.
THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Captain Voce Palmer, April 2, 1799, and the following officers were clected, viz. :
Supervisor .- Samuel Williams.
Town Clerk .- Benjamin Allen, Jr.
Assessors .- Z. Campbell, Daniel Loomis, Samuel Guild.
Commissioners of Highways. - Caleb Brown, Elihu Baker, David Wood.
Poormasters .- Jonathan Moffatt, Vose Palmer.
Constable and Collector .- Alanson Moffatt.
Commissioners of Schools .- Benjamin Allen, Benjamin Cone, Samuel Williams.
Fence Viewers .- Elias Wright, Caleb Brown.
Overseers of Highways .- Ruggles Spooner, Vose Pal- mer, Benjamin Clark, Moses Bliss, Levi McBride, Ellis Colburn, Edward Colburn, William Collins, Samuel Guild. Poundmaster .- Vose Palmer.
At this meeting it was voted, " that hogs run at large." It was also voted, " that hogs shall be yoked with yokes of the following dimensions, viz., with a yoke of the depth of the neck above and half the depth below, and half the thickness of the neck each side." It was voted, that the next annual town-meeting shall be held at the house of Captain Vose Palmer.
Jonathan Moffatt and Zureal Campbell were justices of the peace in 1800.
The following is a list of supervisors and town clerks from the organization of the town to 1878:
1 :: 9
Supervisors. .Samuel Williams. . Vose Palmer.
Town Clerks. Benjamin Allen, Jr.
Charles Burt. =
Benjamin Allen, Jr.
1.01
..
.١٠٠٧ 1.10
Daniel Loomis.
: - 11
..
..
.6
Billings Brown.
Henry Bassinger.
1 .: 1
Spencer Kellogg.
At the annual town-meeting held at the house of Spencer Kellogg, on Tuesday, March 5, 1822, the meeting was opened by prayer by the Rev. James Southard.
Supervisors.
1823 Spencer Kellogg.
1824
William Utter.
1825 " 44
1826 Samuel Treat, E. S.
1827
1828 Vose Palmer.
1829
1830 Cyrus Brown.
1831
1832
William Utter.
¥
1833
1834
Joshua Babcock.
1835
. Ephraim Simuis.
1836
Festus ffyde.
1837
Sheffield Euos.
1838
=
1839
1840
Cyrus Brown.
1841
1842 Stephen Chapman, Jr.
1843 . William N. Murray.
Henry Wilcox.
Franeis A. Utter.
1845
Oliver D. Perkins.
..
William Martin.
1847
llenry II. Babcock.
1848
No choice.
Oramel W. Marsh.
=
1850
1851 Nathaniel Crumb.
1852 ..
1853 Alexander Dewey.
1854
1855.
Erastus King.
1856
= 1857 John Hoxie, Jr.
1858
1859 Henry HI. Babcock.
1860
Isaac L. Moors.
1861
..
Edgar B. Clark.
1863
1864
1865
. Nathaniel H. Gates.
1866
1867. Levi P. MeFarland.
1869
Albert B. Crumb. =
1870
1871. David M. Armstrong. .6
1572
1873 Nelson Clark.
1374 Francis S. Kilbourn.
1875
John M. Hayes. J. E. Humphreys.
The town officers for 1877 are as follows :
Supervisor .- Solomon Armstrong.
Town Clerk .- Myron A. Spicer.
Justice of the Peace .- Cyrus Brown.
Town Auditors .- D. M. Armstrong, Henry Gates.
Commissioner of Highways .- John Williams.
Assessor .- John Taylor.
Collector .- Isaac Folts.
Overscers of the Poor .- Orrin Bassett, David Davis.
Inspectors of Election .- George E. Bevin, Collins M. Burdick.
Constables .- Zedoc Main, Nathan Burgess, Peter Gaugh- ran, William Pugh.
Game Constable .- Peter Gaughran.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS, 1875.
Acres of plowed land, 1763; in pasture. 7774; mown. 4639; bushels of barley produced. 6653; bushels of barley, 1303; buckwheat, 454; corn, 10.406; cats, 31,022; spring wheat, 274 ; winter wheat. 1011 ; peas, 155; poatis of hops produced, 28,244; bushels of potatoes, 30,126; pounds of butter made, 51,235; cheese, 10,500.
Benjamin C. Coon.
Alonzo Smith. " "
A. J. Saunders. And. J. Saunders. Stephen A. Chapman.
Samuel N. Stillman.
=
Dennis A. Dewey. C. W. Brown.
1868 "
Hamilton J. Brown. = ..
..
Morgan P. Philips. ..
1876 .. .Solomon Armstrong.
Town Clerks. Parley Philips.
"
Festus Hyde.
Ephraim F. Simms.
Festus Hyde.
T. T. Taylor. Festus Hyde. "
Francis A. Utter.
1844. Zenas Eldred.
1846
Roderick Sholes, N. L.
16 Spencer Kellogg. Parley Philips.
١٠٠٠١٠
=
=
Jesse Gardner. "
Martin Luce. " Henry Ward. Martin Luce. ..
Parley Philips.
=
"
. Cyrus Browu.
1849 Noyes Stillman.
1862 James D. Kilbourn. ¥
296
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Area .- Plainfield has an area of 17,142 acres, the assessed valuation of which is $309,920, and the equalized valuation $313,699.
POPULATION.
1800 1005
1815 1458
1810 2121
1850 1450 1814. 2940
1855 1281
1820
1611
1860 1551
1825
1636
1865
1283
1830
1626
1370 1248
1835
1536
1450
THE WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PLAINFIELD was organized in 1861. The first pastor was Rev. Ilugh R. Williams. The services of the society were held in an old ball-room until 1869, when the present church edifice at Plainfield Centre was erected and dedicated, the dedicatory services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Williams. The build- ing is 30 by 40 feet in size, and cost about $3000.
The first officers of the church were Francis G. Griffiths, Owen Jones, and Wm. C. Richards, and the present officers are Francis G. Griffiths and Wm. C. Richards.
The present pastor, Rev. Hugh R. Williams, has offici- ated for the church over nine years. The services are con- ducted in the Welsh language. Membership, 105.
THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF PLAINFIELD
was organized some time prior to 1800, but the exact date cannot be ascertained. The first pastor was Elder Straight. Among the first members were Deacons Waitstill Crumb, Sr., and Waitstill Crumb, Jr., Thomas Fish, Jacob Moors, Amasa Dodge, and Deacons Parley Philips and Waitstill Fuller.
The first church building was erected soon after the organization of the society, but upon the formation of the town of Winfield, Herkimer county, in 1816, a part of Plainfield was annexed upon which stood the church.
In 1832 the preseut church building was erected in Unadilla Forks.
The present trustees are Parley Philips, Palmer Gates, L. J. Wing, Rufus Daggett, D. Bassett, and Collins Bur- dick.
The church has a membership of 100.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT UNADILLA FORKS
was organized June 5, 1817, by a council of delegates, as follows : From the First Baptist church of Winfield, Jona- than Palmer, Jr .; from Edmeston, Elder Stephen Taylor, Nathan Wright, Chauncey Hopkins, Roger Southerland, and Stephen W. Taylor; from the Second church of Win- field, Elder Ebenezer Vining, Ethol Palmer, Jonathan Jones, and E. Palmer; from the church in Brookfield, Elders Thos. Dye and Joshua Wells, Eleazer Brown, Luther Ilinkley, Nathan Brown (2d), and Daniel Main ; from the church in Paris, Daniel Budlong, Johu Budlong, James Rhodes, and John Davis.
The first pastor was Rev. Joshua Wells.
The first house of worship was erected in about 1830, at a cost of about $1500.
The church is now in a prosperous condition, with a membership of 65.
MILITARY RECORD.
The following military record was compiled by Detti A. Dewey, of Co. B, 121st Regt. :
Co. B, 121st N. F. V .- John Curley, accidentally drowned while in the art. vice ; Alonzo Coon, died near White Oak Church, Va. ; Wie. 11. ( ....... wounded at Salem Church, Va .; Dorr J. Derendorf, missing in battle, and .. . . heard from afterwards; A. J. Hubbard, died of wounds received al >. .. Church, Va. ; Jacob Kahrer ; B. F. Matteson, a prisoner for ten month :- "? > dersonville; Oscar A. Spicer, died in hospital, Nov. 20, 1962; Edward 1 1 ; killed at first Fredericksburg ; Chas. 11. Tarbell ; Dennis A. Dewry, wi- n'as and taken prisoner at Wilderness, May 6, 1864; limb amputated ly r.b ... paroled Sept. 24, 1864.
Co. K, 121st X. Y. V .- John Hughes, died; Thos. Williams, Win. Kelty, 1.11~] at Salem Church, Va.
Co. F, 121st N. F. V .- James Warren, died at White Oak Church, Va. ; < 24 C. Peet, severely wounded at Salem Church, Va.
Co. F, 26th N. Y. V .- Henry Clark, James Walker, Engene Trijų,, Hiran Reynolds, Richard Larabee, C. A. Clarke, killed at Antietam battle.
Co. and Regt. Unknown .- Wesley Derendorf, killed in battle; Duane fick. Frank Whaley, F. M. White, F. Waldron, Robert Jones, Reese lughs, diel . John Griffith, D. Davis, B. Fiske, Wakeman Smith, Richard Edwards,
14th H. Art., N. Y. V .- L. Tibbits, David Richards, John Davis, died; Win Morris, died of wounds received in battle; Evans Morgan, Owen Edwat is, Jolın A. Jones.
Co. K, 96th N. Y. V .- Evan Evans, George Davis.
Co. D, 189th N. F. T .- A. S. Clark, Jonathan Hibbard, O. D. Bassett. Co. G, 146th N. F. V .- Richard Williams, Ira Edwards.
Co. B, 144th N. Y. V .- De Forest Clarke, died; Amos Phillipps. R. C. Richards, Co. D, 2d 11. Art.
Nathan Burgess, Ist N. Y. Art.
B. F. Tooley, 1520 N. Y. V.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ALFRED WOOD.
This gentleman, one of the prominent farmers of the town of Plainfield, was born in the town of Virgil, Cort- land Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1825. He is the son of David and Mary Wood, who were blessed with a family of nine children. At the age of six years his father removel with his family to the town of Winfield, Herkimer county, where he resided until he moved to Plainfield, in 1853. The early life of Mr. Wood was one of severe toil. When a mere lad he commenced work by the month as a farmi- hand, which occupation he followed many years. Upon his removal to Plainfield he purchased, in company with his father, the farm where he now resides, a view of which, in connection with portraits of himself and wife, can be seen on another page of this work, which is considered to be one of the best in the town. It is appropriately named the " Valley Farın," as it lies between two ranges of hills ; i: is well watered, has a productive soil, and is well adapt. I to grain-raising or stock-growing. Mr. Wood is engaged in dairying and the breeding of Holstein cattle, which are con- sidered to be very valuable for dairy purposes. In 1-52. Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss HIelen, daughter of Samuel Mitchell and Rebecca Reed, of the town of Exeter, where she was born in December, 1531. The Reeds are among the old and prominent families of Ex- eter. John Reed, her paternal grandfather, was a solifer in the Revolutionary war, and emigrated from Couteeti ut in a very early day.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been blesed with a fan of five children,-three boys and two girls. Mr. Wood :. emphatically a self-made man, and in his chosen avous. " has been eminently successful. He has attained stores in every department of life, and is an exemplar of the Gift bilities of character and manhood.
1875 1182 1840
MRS. ALFRED WOOD
ALFRED WOOD
( PHOTOS WY NS BOWDISH MICHFIELD SPRINGS MY
RESIDENCE OF ALFRED WOOD, PLAINFIELD, OTSEGO CO. N.Y
J. P. ENDRES
CIGAR MANUFACTURER
RESIDENCE & CIGAR MANUFACTURY OF J. P. ENDRES. EAST SPRINGFIELD, OTSEGO CO., N Y.
2
RESIDENCE OF S. CLAPSADDLE, RICHFIELD, OTSEGO CO.NY
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
297
WILLIAM L. BROWN.
In 1795, Eleazer Brown, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, emigrated from Connecticut and settled in the town of Brookfield, Madison county. He settled upon 80 acres of land, which had been previously purchased by a colony of which he was a member. His family consisted of his wife and seven children.
Prentis Brown, the father of our subject, was born in Stonington, Conn., in the year 1793, and was two years of age when the family removed to the wilds of Madison county, where his youth was passed. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, and established himself in business in the town of Bridgewater, where he made the acquaintance of Miss Inciuda Oliver, whom he married in 1811. It was in this town that our subject was born, March 14, 1817. The elder Brown was a man of great energy, and by his indus- try and thrift accumulated a sum sufficient to purchase a home and a farm in the town of Plainfield, now owned by our subjeet. The farm originally consisted of one hun- fred and twenty aeres, to which three hundred and ten acres have been added, and which is considered to be the premium farm of the town.
Mr. Brown has been prominently identified with Plain- field as a farmer, dairyman, and politician. He established the first cheese-factory in the county, introduced and used the first reaper and mower, and in all matters affecting the interests of the town he has taken a very prominent part. He has also filled many positions of trust with credit to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In 1875 he received the nomination for member of assembly, in opposition to the Hon. J. S. Davenport ; but the dis- trict being largely Democratie he was defeated.
In 1840, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss An- geline Wood, daughter of David and Mary Wood, of New Hartford, Oneida county. Mrs. Brown was born in the town of Winfield, Herkimer county, Nov. 15, 1820. The result of this union has been three children, Win. Henry, born Dee. 10, 1842; Alonzo W., born Aug. 20, 1844; Mary A., born May 3, 1851.
Mr. Brown has been successful in all his operations, and has secured a competency, the inevitable result of a life of industry and integrity. He occupies an enviable position among his fellow-townsmen.
38
298
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
SOLOMON ARMSTRONG.
SOLOMON ARMSTRONG.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Plainfield, Nov. 16, 1819. His parents, Azariah and Avis Armstrong, were among the early settlers of the town, having settled upon the farm now owned by M. W. and D. M. Armstrong, in 1812. The farm originally consisted of 270 aeres, and by his thrift, energy, and economy he added 230 acres to his original purchase. The elder Arm- strong was a valuable eitizen ; he aided materially in devel- oping the town, and at his death his loss was deeply de- plored. He was an anti-slavery man, and did the cause good service. He died in 1855, leaving a family of six sons and one daughter.
Solomon lived under the paternal roof until 1853, work- ing the old farm with his brothers, when he purchased 180 acres, where he now resides. He has been a successful and thrifty farmer, and now owns a fine farm of 266 aeres. In'1876 he was elected supervisor of the town, and in 1877 was re-elected. In the board he was considered an efficient member. In 1848 he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa M., daughter of Epaphras and Caroline Morse, of Plainfield, where she was born in 1828. Two Children have been born to them, S. Eugene and Clara B.
CHAPTER LXVI. TOWN OF RICHFIELD.
Organization -Geographical -- Topographical - Early Settlers and their Locations-Initial Events -Incidents-The First Towu-Meet- ing-Supervisors from 1793 to Is;s-AAgricultural and General Sta- tistics-Area-Assessed and Equalized Valuation-Population.
THE town of Richfield was formed from Otsego, April 10, 1792. It is the extreme northern town of Otsego County. In form it is an oblong square, about eight miles
long and four wide, embracing an area of thirty-two square miles and 20,418 acres. It is bounded on the north by Herkimer county, on a line running its greatest length northwest and southeast; on the east by Herkimer county, Springfield, and Otsego lake; on the south by Exeter. and on the west by Exeter, Plainfield, and Herkimer county. Its surface is rolling and moderately hilly, with a mean elevation of 150 to 200 feet above the surface of Can :- darago lake. Several wooded mountain peaks rise 300 feet higher near the eastern boundary, which greatly enhance the beauty of its natural scenery.
The northern half of Canadarago lake oeeupies a deep valley in the southeastern corner of the township, and ser- eral small streams enter the lake from the northwest.
The principal products are hops and cheese. The soil is of a diversified character, consisting of gravel, limestone, slate, elay, and sandy loam, well cultivated and very pro- duetive.
But the most distinguishing feature of the town is it- rich mineral waters, which abound so extensively near the northern extremity of Canadarago lake.
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