USA > New York > Schoharie County > History of Schoharie County, New York : with illusustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 38
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While we are here at the " corners," it would be unjust not to refer to one who was long a resident here, and whose career has been quite different from those of whom we have made mention. While they were useful in the official
arena, solving intricate legal questions and de- bating upon enactments, this quiet neighbor attended to the ills to which the flesh is heir, and spent many years in literary pursuits, beside studying the art of portrait painting-three avocations that are the least appreciated by the majority of people, and upon the labors of which fortune has but few smiles as financial emolu- ments.
Dr. Sylvanus Palmer .- In 1840 the political excitement over Harrison's election ran to ex- tremes. While the nation was awakened to sing "Zip Coon," drink hard cider and build log houses in honor of the rural birth and life of "Tippecanoe," New York was also ablaze over her Gubernatorial election, especially Schoharie County, as the Democratic candi- date was one of her prominent citizens. Wm. C. Bouck, Wm. H. Seward and Gerritt Smith were the contestants, but Seward being in the all-powerful current with Harrison, he was elec- ted by a majority of 2,541 over both Bouck and Smith. Believing in Bouck's honesty and popularity, his adherents kept his political vir- tues before the people and renominated him in 1842 and were successful in his election. Great excitement prevailed, and during the two campaigns numberless grave and humorous missives were published and sung against Bouck and the party that elected him. There never was an election that brought out more political genius and wit than those of 1840 and 1842. Governor Bouck had held various official posi- tions, among which was that of Canal Commis- sioner, and in the performance of his duties he rode a gray mare, as he superintended all the works himself and did not entrust them to sub- officers. His opponents said he was so accus- tomed to stop upon meeting any one to shake hands, for political objects, that the old mare did not require a rein or word of command in carry- ing Bouck from one end of the "canawl" to the other, and stopping to allow him to shake hands with working men-especially before election.
The famous Sour Krout Message was pub- lished without a knowledge of the author, and created an endless amount of merriment. Dr. Palmer was the author, and was known in the literary world as Peter Paradox. He was born
237
TOWN OF SHARON.
near Canastota station on the 4th of August, 1804. He was a teacher in his earliest days, and commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Shepherd, at Lawyersville, in 1822, and began to practice in that town immediately after receiving his license in 1825. He married Mary, the daughter of Major Elmandorf, in 1826. The Doctor early cultivated an artistic taste, and painted many portraits that exhibit his genius in the art. His literary productions have been many, and each are in commend- able taste, in sentiment humorous and display ingenius wit from a copious fount. No more agreeable conversationalist could be found than the doctor, and he was ever ready to be amusing and instructive. He died suddenly at his home, in October, 1880.
Farther on to the west, near the Reformed church, an inn was kept for many years by John Vanderwerken, under whose supervision the annual three days' horse racing was witnessed, much to the merriment of the country folk and advantages of "mine host's pocket-book." The people of this section were, as of others to which we have referred, fond of "gala days," such as "training," "horse racing" and " law suits," and turned out without regard to age, condition or sex. Farther on to the west was the last "stop- ping place " for travelers, and nightly gather- ings for neighbors on the Loonenbergh in the town of Sharon. It was known as the "Sharpe place " for many years, and was long occupied by Daniel Feathers, previous to his removal to Rockville.
ENGLE'S MILLS.
Peter, Martin, Mathias, Jacob and Henry - Engle, sons of Jacob Engle, of Berne, Albany county, settled in this County about the year 1798. The latter located in the town of Mid- dleburgh, while the former four brothers settled in this town. They are of the same family origi- nally of those spelling the name with an A, mak- ing it Angle, that are numerous throughout the County. Engleis correct, and should be adopted by the whole family. Peter Engle built a grist- mill about the year 1810, and during his life built there at different times, near the present mill site. His son, Moses Engle, is the present
prop ietor, and although the silver ti ts of age crown his locks, yet the vigor of his muscular frame bids fair for him to witness the centennial year of his father's settlement upon the farm. The first settlers of this portion of the town were the Baxter family, the descendants of whom yet live near.
LEESVILLE.
Upon establishing a mail route over the great western turnpike in 1805, Sharon post- office was here located, and for many years this little hamlet was the chief business center. Here were three hotels, two stores, a tannery, beside blacksınith and other shops that are usually found in a busy country village. Here Calvin Rich settled in 1784 from Sharon, Conn. He was of a legal turn of mind, and did con- siderable business in justice courts, and during the war of 1812 he was Colonel upon the north- ern frontier in General Richard Dodge's brigade. Mrs. Cornelius Lane, of Friesbush, is a daughter of the Colonel, and is the only one of the family left in this section of the country. The Colonel settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by Alvin Dockstader. At the time of Rich's settlement there were others from the east that settled near that we will here mention, before we allude to the present.
Calvin Pike came in 1785, settled upon Clin- ton Lehman's present place, and was, like Colo- nel Rich, a Yankee and pettifogger in law, being Rich's opponent usually in legal troubles. These two men were without doubt better qualified for public officials than many that were chosen, but being extreme Federalists they were not thus honored.
Hezekiah Adams came from Massachusetts about the year 1785, and settled upon the farm now owned by Joseph Ward, and was the father of the present Mrs. Daniel Feathers, Mrs. John Pindar, Mrs. Anthony Simmons, Mrs. Walter Walradt and Henry Adams, of Troy, Wisconsin. John Hutt, another Yankee, came in the same year and settled upon the George Dunkle place, and built the first saw-mill in the present terri- tory of the town. He afterwards built clothing works down near the sulphur springs long before any road but a foot-path was constructed to
238
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
reach it from the present turnpike. A short distance below, Omed La Grange built a small grist-mill near where Bang's plane factory stands, about the year 1798.
DORMANT VILLAGES.
The old turnpikes are but little traveled at the present time, and the rattling stage-coaches have vanished, and in their stead the screeching, puffing iron-horse, before long trains of moving palaces, wind around the hills, occasionally crossing the old roads, but unblushingly pass on without "paying toll" at the rate of speed that would leave the "Jehu's" of other days far back in the shade, wondering what will come next. The grass nearly covers the old road-bed- gloom is written upon the crumbling mile-stones, and this small hamlet, as many others along the turnpike lines that were once .so busy, is growing grey with the moss of inactivity.
Most of the route taken by the railroad through Sharon and Seward was surveyed for the Erie Canal before its construction along the Mohawk, to intersect the Hudson at Catskill, upon the supposition that the distance would be lessened from Buffalo to tidewater by cut- ting across from Utica. If this route had been established, Catskill would have been to-day, what Albany is, as a business center.
In visiting Leesville we find a few aged ones remaining as links of the past, but none as active as Mathew Ottman, at the age of eighty-one. Ac- companying him in a walk of one mile and one half over railroad ties, we found him too active to make the walk agreeable to us, whose years are but half of his. He assured us he chopped his two cords of wood each day the last winter, and " did his chores." While a young man, his strength was great, as upon a wager he carried eleven bushels of wheat across the barn floor. He stood upon his hands and knees, while others piled the bags upon his back, and carried the eleven bushels without faltering. Mr. Ottman's father was William Ottman, one of the three brothers that were taken prisoners in the fall of 1782, as stated in the Seward Chap- ter, and is a genuine type of the early settlers, not gigantic in size, but of medium height and muscular. He is a consistent member of the
Lutheran church, and was instrumental in the building of the same at this place by his liberal- ity and labors. This organization is called the "Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reforma- tion, of Leesville."
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reforma- tion, of Leesville .- This church was organized by Rev. Philip Weiting, in 1853. The first officers were :-
Trustees-Mathew Ottman, John H. Snyder and Sebastian Fonda.
Deacons-Mathew Ottman and J. H. Sny- der.
Clerk-Peter A. Ham.
The following were the pastors :-
P. Weiting,
George Young,
M. Kling,
William H. Sheldon,
Jacob Rosenbergh,
G. W. Hemperly,
Chauncey Diefendorf,
James Weaver,
Samuel Bruce,
A. L. Bridgman.
The edifice was built in 1854 upon grounds formerly occupied by a hotel long kept by Elihu Eldredge.
Leesville Baptist Church .- The Rev. R. H. Weeks, present pastor of this church, in a com- munication, says :-
" It was constituted August 6, 1835, with · twenty-nine members, twelve of whom were males, and seventeen were females, who had been connected with the church at Argusville. During the first years of its history, its increase in membership was rapid, and it soon numbered more than one hundred. Since then, it has passed the usual experience of churches, of in- crease and diminution. A goodly number of its members have entered and become useful in the gospel ministry. One is now pursuing a course of study at Hamilton, with reference to the sacred office. Our present membership numbers one hundred and ten.
RESIDENCE OF SARAH E. BECKER, SHARON, N. Y.
239
TOWN OF SHARON.
The present deacons are :- Adam Shaul, Christopher Platner, Jacob Hone.
The following is a list of the pastors, with their terms of service :-
1835-1839-Henry Topping. 1839-1848-George F. Post. 1848-1849-John Fulton. 1850-1856-Peter Goo. 1856-1860-C. C. Bourne. 1860-1867-Roswell Collins. 1867-1870-C. C. Hart. 1870-1873-E. Jewett. 1873-1880-J. M. Joslyn. 1880- -R. H. Weeks.
The clerks have been :-
1835-1838-Phineas Rowley. 1838-1849-W. L. Judd. 1850-1852-Henry H. Foland. 1852-1857-A. Haner. 1857-1860-J. L. Fox. 1 860-1863-A. Haner. 1863-1865-Albert Hone. 1865-1868-Nelson Handy. I 868-1870-Albert Hone. 1870-1882-George Tucker."
The house of worship was moved from its original location to its present one in 1852.
John Beekman, son of Judge Beekman, was for a long time an enterprising merchant at this hamlet, beside William Becker, Nelson El- dredge, Garrett Hone, W. E. Sprong-Hone & Sprong were partners. Mr. Sprong removed to Rockville, and in connection with Mr. Nathan Stratton managed a co-operative store, which proved a success, it being the only one of the kind in the County. In justice to an able official we will here refer to Mr. William E. Sprong, who has held the office of Justice in the town for the term of thirty-one years. His early life was spent in teaching school and serving as legal scribe of the neighborhood in which his services as teacher were required. Removing from Argusville to Leesville in 1848, he was immediately elected Justice, which office he still holds.
Sharon Cemetery .- This Cemetery Associa- tion was formed in 1867, and their grounds, lying east of the village of Leesville, command one of the finest views to be found in the coun- try. The plats are artistically laid out, and cover seven acres of ground.
ROCKVILLE.
Upon the completion of the turnpike the rush of travelers being great, Barnabas Eldredge purchased a building that stood east of "Shaul's" present hotel, and for a while kept by Isaac Tinkum as an inn, and removed it across the road upon the grounds of " Feathers' Hotel." Tinkum built in 1808. Eldredge kept this house for many years, and from time to time additions were made to it. It became the property of Daniel Feathers, and was burned in 1864. The present structure was erected in 1865, it being a portion of " Carlisle Seminary." Quite a settlement was made here at the " Rocks" as it is familiarly called, before any village existed near the springs. In 1863 S. Shaul built the hotel opposite of Feathers, for the accommodation of summer boarders, and each enjoys a lucrative patronage each season.
SHARON SPRINGS.
Long years before any efforts were made to accommodate the health-seeking populace, the mineral property of the different springs at- tracted those troubled with cutaneous diseases. The afflicted for many miles around procured the waters in quantity and used them at their homes, and found them beneficial. The Indi- ans also used them, as when the whites first came here trees were marked leading to them from every direction. One of the Mohawk's paths leading to the Charlotte led past them, and many trinkets and utensils cut from stone were found here, which lead us to conjecture that an encampment was occasionally made by them. Owing to the customs or negligent care of their bodies, the Indians are much afflicted with cutaneous diseases, especially in the spring time, and undoubtedly they found relief in the use of these waters.
The first steps taken to accommodate the public, were by David Eldredge who moved a
240
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
house that stood near the " Pavilion " down near the Springs in 1825, and kept a few board- ers. Believing the enterprise could be made a success, the next season he added to his accommodations, and the season following was favored with twenty-five boarders, which num- ber increased each season, and others were led to embark in the business. In 1836 a com- pany from New York City built a large board- ing-house, the "Pavilion," for the better con- venience of visitors, which has received several additions from time to time and is now capable of accommodating five hundred boarders. Be- side the main building, the present proprietors, J. H. Gardner & Son, have built seven highly finished and furnished cottages (for private families), that are in close proximity to the "Pavilion," and form the largest establishment at the Spa, or in the County. We believe the building was opened under the management of "Getty & Williams," in 1837, and soon after by J. K. Gardner and Joseph Landon. After, the firm was changed to Gardner & Joslin, and then again to Gardner & Landon, the latter being William, a nephew of Joseph, a former partner. Mr. Gardner at last became sole owner and connected himself with his son, J. H. Gardner, Jr., and formed the present firm of J. H. Gardner & Son. By Mr. Gardner's practical method of managing affairs, the enter- prise has proved a success as a profitable invest- ment and model establishment.
From time to time other large hotels have been erected at great expense, and we find to- day ten large hotels, including the two already mentioned at Rockville. Numberless private families also accommodate boarders through the season, making an interesting and attractive center. The following are the main hotels and present proprietors :-
Pavilion-J. H. Gardner & Son. Empire-Geo. J. Best.
Union Hall-Christian Saur. Howland House-Sarah Howland. American-N. M. LaRue. Park House-Fred Eigan.
Rockville Hotel-C. Shaul.
Sharon House-Peter Sharpe. Feathers' House-Daniel Feathers.
Fire has laid three large hotels in ashes within a few years that added very much to the appear- ance of the place and accommodation of visitors.
Jacob J. Anthony built a fine building in 1857, known as the "Anthony House," but the fall of 1860 found it in ashes. Another of greater dimensions was built in the season following which also burned in December, 1879.
Eldredge House .- Seth Eldredge, whom wc have already noticed, built a large hotel upon Main street in 1850, and opencd it to the public in June, 1851. Several additions were inade to it as patronage increased, and upon its burning in August, 1873, three hundred boarders could be pleasantly accommodated. Mr. Eldredge was connected with his son-in- law, William Landon, a former partner of J. H. Gardner. Mr. Eldredge, after an active and useful life, died June 24, 1880.
Congress Hall .- H. J. Bangs, of New York City, purchased the land surrounding the Springs and built a large hotel in the summer of 1860. He expended a large amount of money in beau- tifying the grounds ; building arbors, temples, and laying out walks; building bath-rooms and other improvements for the convenience and pleasure of visitors. The hotel burned in the fall of 1875, entailing a heavy loss. €
Mr. Bangs erected a large building near the cascade for the manufacture of carpenters' planes, but it proved a non-paying enterprise. We cannot recall a man that has done as much for the prosperity of the place as Mr. Bangs. He came to it with a fortune and expended it here, and upon his death was a poor man.
The analysis of the waters found at this cele- brated Spa is, as furnished by Dr. J. Green :-
White Sulphur Spring.
Solid contents of one gallon :
Bicarbonate of Magnesia. 24 Gr.
Sulphate of Magnesia. 34
Sulphate of Lime 85.4
Hydrosulphate of Magnesia and Lime. 3
66
Chloride of Sodium and Magne-
sium. 2.7
66
149.I
241
TOWN OF SHARON.
Hydrosulphuric Acid Gas, or Sul-
phureted Hydrogen. .... 20.5 cubic in.
Temperature invariably 48º F.
Magnesia Spring.
Solid contents of one gallon :
Bicarbonate of Magnesia. 30.5 Gr.
Sulphate of Magnesia.
22.7
Sulphate of Lime. 76
66
Hydrosulphate of Magnesia and Lime .5
Chloride of Sodium and Magne- sium
3.0 "
132.7
Hydrosulphuric Acid Gas, or Sul-
phureted Hydrogen ...... 3.3 cubic in. Temperature invariably 48° F.
Gardner Magnesia Spring.
Solid contents of one gallon :
Sulphate of Magnesia. 19.680 Gr.
Sulphate of Lime. 93.500 "
Bicarbonate of Magnesia. 1.360 “
Bicarbonate of Lime. 9.698 “
Bicarbonate of Soda. .554
Chloride of Sodium. 1.232
Chloride of Magnesium
.438
Chloride of Calcium.
162
Sulphurets Calcium and Magnesia .625
Silicic Acid.
.400
127.649
Sulphuric Hydrogen.
6.00 cubic in.
Carbonic Acid.
2.22
Atmospheric Air. 3.00
66
11.22
Temperature invariably 48° F.
Many hundreds flock to this Spa yearly for health and pleasure, more particularly the latter, as at all other American resorts, and owing to the shortness of the seasons, much must be done in a short space of time, which makes an un- usually lively place while the heated term lasts. Sharon Springs has all the facilities for and characteristics of a much larger and more pro- gressive resort, but why they are not employed and expanded we are unable to tell. The stream running through and the cascade below the
village, are of romantic beauty. The scenery, pleasant drives, wholesome atmosphere, and qualities of the springs, all invite and attract the tourist ; while a fine stone quarry, an abun- dance of building timber, pleasant building sites, and a rich, productive country surrounding, should induce the residents to more pride and enterprise, to do their part as nature has, in making the place a lively competitor to other resorts. Here are presented to the geologist many beautiful specimens of fossil leaves and moss, whose tiny ribs and thread-like branches are perfectly preserved, and may be found upon the surface as well as beneath. In a small cave near-like a hidden casket-nature has placed the rare mineral Anhydrous Sulphate of Lime, though not in a large quantity, as decomposition of crystals is continually going on nearly in the same ratio of forming.
There are many wealthy families of various cities that yearly come to this place to spend the heated term, that do much for the benefit of the community. For their convenience and the good of the place, they formed a Church of the English order, and built a neat edifice and par- sonage of Gothic architecture, that add much to the beauty and appearance of the village.
J. H. Gardner has, since its erection, been the leading officer of the organization, and under his earnest and watchful care, and the labors of the pastor, Rev. Paige, the church stands at the head of the order in the County.
Another worker in the Christian cause is the Roman Catholic Church of Sharon Springs, known as " St. Mary's Church," It is connected with the rectory of the Canajoharie Society, and has been under the pastorate of the following priests : Fathers Brennan, Halligan and Zoker. The latter gentleman at present officiates, but intends soon to return to Ireland, his native land, and retire from ministerial duties, after a very useful and exemplary life of many years in America. The edifice was built as a Union Church in 1857, but was not sustained, and the Roman Catholics purchased the property in 1859 ..
Merchants .- Marshall N. De Noyelles, now of Schoharie, was the first general merchant at the
242
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Spa, beginning about the year 1848, and con- tinuing several years. Mr. De Noyelles was supervisor of the town in 1854, 1859, 1860, 1865, 1867, 1868, and was an influential mem- ber of the Board, beside a practical business man. He was followed by Nathan W. Stratton, in general merchandise, who was also super- visor in 1871, 1872, and is at present in trade. John B. Hoag was for several years a contem- porary with Messrs. De Noyelles and Stratton. He was Supervisor of the town in 1869, 1870, and elected to the Assembly in 1874. Mr. Hoag removed to Kansas, and now represents his adopted county in the Legislature of that State. Mr. - Fitch is at present in trade, also Wm. H. Beekman, who is the only one of the late Judge Beekman's family bearing the name now residing in the town. Mr. Beekman removed from Beekman's Corners, where he was engaged in trade.
SHARON CENTRE.
Two miles east of the Springs, Jacob Hiller settled in 1785, and when the turnpike was built he engaged in the hotel business. A store and a few houses were soon erected, and an- other hamlet received its birth to be killed by the enterprise and intelligence of a later day. But a short distance to the east John Beakley settled at an early day, about the year 1785, and we find him a member of the "Sharon Felicity Lodge" (Masonic) in 1800. His son, John Beakley, Jr., has been one of the prom- inent citizens of the town for many years, hav- ing been Supervisor in 1844 and 1864, and held the office of Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, beside other local positions of honor and trust. Near the Beakley farm Cornelius Van Alstine, of the Mohawk valley, early kept an inn, as did his neighbor, Adam Dockstader, a short distance below. While they acted well their part as citizens, successful farmers and obliging landlords, they long since removed their creaking, swinging signs, and passed away themselves, leaving their families to enjoy the fruits of their active labors.
SHARON, OR MOAK'S HOLLOW.
Christian Myndert was the first resident here, and upon the survey being made for the turn-
pike Tinas Pynneo, a practical physician from New England, purchased from Myndert the farm now owned in part by Seneca Bergh, and sometime after 1795 built a house for the pub- lic convenience, which was soon occupied by Elisha S. Wales and his son-in-law, Joseph Alexander, from Arlington, Vermont. Alexan- der kept a store and Wales the inn. The former died in 1803, and his widow afterwards married John Sharpe, who became the father of Joseph Sharp, the present resident of the Myndert farm. Upon the death of Mr. Sharpe his widow married Jedediah Miller. Another daughter married John Redington, who, upon the death of Mr. Redington, and her sister, Mrs. Miller, became the second wife of Miller. Mr. Wales met with a sudden death on the 10th of May, 1808, near the present residence of Orrin Griffith. He was upon a heavy load of potash, going to Albany, and having occasion to get off the load, he endeavored to mount the same while the team was in motion. He slip- ped and fell beneath the broad-tire wheels, and was literally crushed. The property was soon purchased by Zachary Keyes, an Eastern man. " Zack Keyes," as he was familiary called, was a cute, fun loving, hospitable, yet rough man, and was known from one end of the road to the other as a practical joker. Many anecdotes are still related of him which are amusing and enough to fill a goodly sized volume. One perhaps will suffice. A temperance organiza- tion was formed in the town and its members knowing Zack's love of the cup, asked him in a very polite way to join. Ready at all times to comply with the wishes of his neighbors, he agreed to do so immediately, upon one condi- tion, "to be allowed to use stimulants in the form of liquor when he washed sheep." Having, as most Yankees, a large flock, the temperance men did not mistrust any joke, from the fact that it was customary for all to use spirits upon that " chilly occasion," and they agreed to his proposal, thinking they were about to gain one good step towards a reformation of the man. Zack had a cosset sheep running in the yard, and whenever a chum asked him to drink or he felt thirsty, he would catch the cosset and throw him in a large tub filled with water which he had placed on purpose for the occasion. He
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