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 42
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Accordingly, the Boucks drew up the follow- ing :-
" Articles of Agreement made, concluded and signed the seventeenth Day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Four Between Nicholas Becker and Catharine his wife of the town of Blenheim in the county of Schoharie farmers of the first part and John Bauch-Wilhelmus Bauch and Casper Bertram of the town of Schoharie and county aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that whereas it is probable from the situation and appearance that there is ore in the farm of the Party of the first part where he now resides on the east side of the Schoharie creek or river Southerly from his Dwelling house, and where- as the Parties of the second part having an inclination to Dig and work said ore or mine have together with the parties of the first part made the following mutual arrangements :
" Firstly It is agreed between both Parties that the said Parties of the Second Part shall have full power and authority to Dig the said ore or mine and take out the ore of whatever nature, forever, and further that the said Parties of the second part shall have full power and authority in their digging to follow the said ore or ores in such direction as will be the most ad- visable and best advantageous for both Parties and also that the Parties of the Second part shall have the privilege to go to and return from the said mine with any team or carriage to Car-
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TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
ry off their ores, and to carry to the mine what shall be required towards the mine and it is further agreed between both parties, that the party of the first part shall furnish all the wood necessary for the mine if there is any required for the same, and it is further agreed that the second party shall work or dig the mine at their own expense and charges, and that the party of the first part shall have an equal fourth part of all the ore which shall be dug out of said mine, and the party of the second part shall have three equal third parts of the said ore so dug by the parties of the second part out of said mine, and it is further agreed by both parties, that the parties of the second part and their Heirs shall have a lawful right to enjoy the above Preveledges for such term of time as the Parties of the second part shall think Proper to quit the same, or un- till such time that there is no more ore to be found in said farm or mine. And for the more absolute Performance and confermance of the above articles, and to render the same more effectual in the law, Both Parties Do respectfully bind themselves, their Heirs, Executors and Ad- ministrators and assignees for the above Per- mitted times or Period.
"In witness whereof Both Parties to these Presents have hereunto Interchangebly set their Hands and seals the Day and year first above written.
" Signed by Nicholas Becker and Catharine, his wife, John Bouck and Casper Berthram, in the presence of Elias Holladay and M. N. Sim- mons, Jun."
Before seeking for the ore, Bertram had a written oath or pledge which he took himself and required those who assisted to do the same, if not, their efforts would prove futile. The cross that follows the jargon is to be understood as the number of times each one was to cross themselves over the heart with the forefinger of the right hand, after walking over the ground with an apple-tree branch, which was supposed to be able to point to the spot, by order of the " Spirit" that answered the charge, which was as follows :-
" I charge you to reveal to me what I ask you in the name of the three holy Kings, Casper,
Besler, and Melchior, who found the infant Christ in the East. t + +
The jargon of course, was repeated in Ger- man, and according to tradition, was effectual in finding treasures.
The original of the oath was obtained and preserved by John G. Gebhard, Jr., as was also the articles of agreement, to whom we are indebted for the privilege of a copy. It was thoughit copper ore was obtained, but before the mines began to work in earnest, an accident happened to Bertram, that closed his life.
One of the Beckers was anxious to cut a cer- tain piece of grass, and procured several hands to assist-perhaps made a "bee" to cut it- and Bertram was one of the number, and in mowing ahead of one of the laborers, he was cut in the leg by him, and bled to death.
It is said he was buried in one corner of the lot, and with him vanished the silver mines, but not the idea of the treasure being hid in large quantities within the rocks, as we still find those who believe in an inexhaustable mine beneath the giant hills, that will some day enrich the country.
War of 1812 .- When the war of 1812 was proclaimed this part of the County was aroused to a sense of patriotism that culminated in twenty-five entering the service. The first that went belonged to the regiment of militia and every third one was drawn. Afterwards an enlisting station was made at Schoharie village, under Major Diedrick Van Vetchten. Daniel Hager, grandson of Captain Jacob Hager was a captain in the militia service and was in the engagements at Sackett's Harbor and Platts- burgh, as was also Captain Philip Bartholomew in the same regiment, two men of firm adherence to country, as were their grandfathers before them.
Bartholomew Family. - John Bartholomew and his wife, Dorothy, early purchased a tract of land near the Charlotte, in the present county of Otsego, and raised a large family. When the Revolution commenced, they sought safety in the Schoharie valley and proved to be staunch patriots.
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
There were seventeen children, we are told, by one of the family, (G. W. Bartholomew, now of Austin, Texas,) and two of them at least settled in Schoharie County, John and Philip. The children of Philip settled at Fultonham, Gilboa and Middleburgh, while those of John were to be found in this town, as well as those of Middleburgh.
The progenitors of this family came from Holland and settled in Germantown, Penn., about the year 1740, and came from there to the Charlotte in 1770.
One of the sons, Tewalt, was with the party taken prisoners near Harpersfield, while making sugar, in the spring of 1780, as stated in General Patchin's manuscript. He returned to Scho- harie at the close of the war, and for several years lived near the Hagers.
Jacob Sutherland .- Among the notable resi -- dents of this town was Jacob Sutherland, who was a son-in-law of Chancellor John Lansing, an owner of land lying in the town. In 1820 he was appointed one of the delegates to the constitutional convention, and in debate proved a very sound reasoner and intelligent debater. During that time he was District Attorney for the United States District Court, and in 1823 was elected State Senator, but did not take his seat, as he received the appointment of Puisne Justice, in the place of Joseph C. Yates, who resigned when elected Governor. Mr. Suther- land removed to Geneva, Ontario county, in the district in which he served. He afterwards removed to Albany and resigned the office of Judge, in January, 1836, and was appointed Clerk of the Court, which position we think he held at the time of his death, which occurred in May, 1845, at the age of fifty-eight. He re- sided upon the farm now occupied by O. J. Spring, and lived in princely style for those days, and was much respected by his townsmen.
His debates upon the Elective Franchise and Appointing Power, the two subjects that caused the warmest discussion that was held in the constitutional convention, were ingenious and forcible, displaying true Democratic principles, and oratorical reasoning with fearless expression.
He was born in Stanford, Duchess County, and educated for the bar, for which he was well
fitted intellectually, and being connected with the best legal families of the day, and men of political influence, he was pushed along to proniinence and usefulness, while yet a young man, through appointments much, we are told, against his natural retiring disposition.
The Mayham Family .- Among the early set- tlers of the town was Henry Maham, an emi- grant from Ireland, who settled upon Blenheim Hill, when that section was a dense forest. He reared a family of six sons, William, John, Cornelius, Henry, Thomas and Stephen, who settled within the County, with the exception of Henry and Thomas, the former removing to Catskill and the latter to Niagara Falls. John changed the spelling of the name by writing it Mayham, while the other members of the family retain the original, Maham. The descendants of John adhere to the father's custom and are to be known by the adoption of the y. To this branch of the family belongs Stephen L. May- ham, now of Schoharie village, who has proved to be a representative man, and in whom the qualities of a scholar and honest man are to be found. A brother, Isaac F., long since dead, also, through self-culture, attained a prominence . as a scholar and medical professional at Car- lisle, but passed away many years ago in the bloom of a successful career. Stephen May- ham was the first man to lease a farm of Chan- cellor Lansing in the town, which he purchased at a nominal price during the anti-rent troubles of the 40's.
The Methodist Church of North Blenheim is the oldest religious organization in the town. It was organized by Reverends Heman and Nathan Bangs as early as 1800, and has been a pros- perous society through its long existence. The early records are not accessible, or were not at least to us, which we regret exceedingly. Previous to 1828, meetings were held in private houses and the school-house ; the preachers being what was called in those days " circuit riders." In that year the present church edifice was erected, which has been remodeled, and com- pares favorably with the County churches.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Eminence. This class was formed about the year 1830
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TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
and after the Reformed Church was built wor- shipped within it in union with that society. The Methodist class purchased the building, and in 1854 erected the present one. The pastors have been many since the organization, among whom were :
Paul R. Brown,
Osborn,
Hedstone,
Bloomer,
Carver, Bangs, Mitchell,
Stout, Stewart,
Lakin,
Wright,
Couchman,
Decker,
Taylor, Woodruff, Martin,
Cornish,
White,
Tousley, the present incumbent.
Our informant, Mr. J. H. Burrows, to whom we are grateful for many favors, says, "The pastors thus named have officiated, but perhaps are not placed in their order." This society conducted a camp meeting near the Reformed Church in August, 1881, that was quite largely attended, and awoke a deep interest in the re- ligious cause.
The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of North Blenheim .- About the year 1830, a Presbyterian church was here formed in con- nection with that of Jefferson, but their num- bers were few, and being unable to sustain the organization the elders of that society, P. I. Hager, Frederick Hager and N. Wyckoff, peti- tioned to the Classis of Schoharie on the 16th of February, 1852, " to be recognized by them as belonging to, and forming a part of their church." The Classis " deeming it expedient, resolved to comply with the petition," and proceeded to organize it as the " Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of North Blenheim." On the 22d of May following, "the officers were installed and ordained, whose names had
been before the church three successive Sab- baths, as no objections having been brought against them."
The officers were as follows :
Elders.
Adam H. Hager,
Nathan Wyckoff,
Frederick Hager,
Peter I. Hager.
Deacons.
Chauncey Vroman,
Munson Morehouse.
Clerk.
Chauncey Vroman.
Pastors.
1852 -J. H. Van Woert.
1853-1859-Wm. G. E. See.
1859-1867-T. L. Shafer.
1867-1870-Albertus Vanderwater.
1871 -W. L. James. 1872-1882-E. Miller.
Upon the formation of this church, the Break- abeen Church was connected in pastorate, and still remains so. The church edifice was built in 1853, and ordained in November of that year.
Blenheim Bridge .- On the 19th of April, 1828, an act was passed to incorporate the " Blenheim Bridge Company." The first char- ter expired 8th October, 1857, and was extended to thirty years by the Board of Supervisors, as by petition of George W. Martin and William Fink, as directors. It was built by a stock company. Hezekiah Dickerman was a share- holder, and purchased the remaining stock which he presented to his daughter, Mrs. Charles Waite, of Jefferson county, who, in 1871, sold to Mr. Moses Hubert, the present owner. It is the third toll bridge across the Schoharie, and, like the Esperance and Middleburgh bridges, has withstood devastating floods, and still stands firm.
Anti-Rent Troubles .- As stated in Chapter IV of this work, the only actual collision be- tween the Anti-Renters and the sheriff occurred in this town. William Fink kept the hotel still
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
standing, where Sheriff Brown and Bouck were stopping, and the "Anti's" were encamped about four miles to the westward, upon lands owned by the Baldwin family, and known as " Baldwin's Heights." As stated, the officers were seized a short time after dark, and hurried to their encampment, where tar and feathers were in readiness to be presented to them with- out ceremony. A witness, without interest, (except curiosity,) informs us that a vote was taken by the painted chieftains whether to com- mit the act or not, which was vociferously carried. After parleying awhile another vote was taken, but did not receive a unanimous affirmative, and after voting several times, each with less vigor, it was decided to "refrain from the act." Just at that moment the horses hoofs struck a bridge near, and the party began to disperse, some hastily, others leisurely, until the captives were left alone, with the exception of the village boys, who had been attracted to the place to see the fun. The rent troubles soon died away much to the credit of the people, without bloodshed or waste of tar.
Fink's Tavern .- The old house still stands as a relic of other days, around which cluster many incidents that memory recalls to the old resi- dents and travelers with fondness, yet not per- haps with pride. When the old house was in its business glory, the people, as a mass, pre- sented a rougher edged morality than now, which perhaps produced more sensational pleasures, yet did but little, if anything, to elevate character, improve society, and advance enterprise. William Fink was a son of John Fink, who was found in the valley with the pa- triotic Hagers, Martins, and others of 1776, " daring for the right." When the war closed they settled here, and were followed by General Patchin, making a neighborhood of sturdy patriots, whose children with fondness repeat the many incidents that occurred along the valley one hundred years ago.
Robert, John, Casper, and George Martin, were sturdy pioneers, whose ire was easily aroused upon the appearance of a Tory. The three former were engaged in several scouting expeditions, and were officious patriots. The latter was the youngest and married a daughter of
General Patchin. Casper was the eldest, and was one of the left-handed men that laid the lash upon the back of Beacraft for his inhuman butcheries. We were told by Miss Catharine Hager that her father, the Judge, saw the body of the Vroman boy that Beacraft killed, to- gether with those that were slain upon that day, as they lay in a wagon to be taken to the fort. They were terribly mutilated and covered with blood, presenting a sickening scene. In taking the scalp from the head an incision was made, usually a little below the crown, and the point of the knife forced into the skull, and by hold- ing it obliquely, was easily guided to cut a circular piece, which varied in size, according to the "taste" of the butcher; usually the whole upper scalp was taken, which will cause that part covering the forehead to fall over the face, making the victim unrecognizable until raised to its position.
SUPERVISORS.
The first records of this town were lost or destroyed many years ago, and without doubt interesting matter forever lost.
1848-Stephen Badgley.
1849-Chauncey Vroman.
1850-Alonzo C. Morehouse.
1851-Hezekiah Dickerman.
1852-Thomas H. Knickerbocker.
1853-John Mayham.
1854-John Badgley.
1855-Almerin M. Martin.
1856-Nathan S. Peaslee.
1857-Mathew Fetter.
1858-Stephen L. Mayham.
1859-Stephen L. Mayham.
1860-Stephen L. Curtis.
1861-George Morehouse.
1862-John Badgley.
1863-Silas Sweet.
1864-Giles S. Champlin.
1865-Silas Sweet.
1866 -Silas Sweet.
1867-John Hager.
1868-Silas Sweet.
1869-Silas Sweet.
1870-Silas Sweet.
1871-Edwin Kingsley.
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TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
1872-Silas Sweet.
1873-Silas Sweet. 1874-Silas Sweet.
1875-John Hager.
1876-John Hager.
1877-Edwin Kingsley.
1878-George Granby.
1879-Edwin D. Hager.
1880-Edwin D. Hager.
1881-George Granby.
1882-J. Perry Champlin.
BOUNDARIES.
By a final act passed by the Legislature April 12, 1813, the bounds of the town were defined as follows : -
" All that part of said County of Schoharie beginning at a point in the south bounds of Middleburgh where the same is intersected by
the east line of Walter Butler's patent, north of the dwelling-house now or late of Christian Schaeffer, thence south along the said line of Walter Butler's patent to Smith's patent, thence south along the line of Smith's patent to Edward Clark's patent, thence along the east and south bounds of Edward Clark's patent to the middle of Schoharie creek, thence southerly through the middle of said creek to the south bounds of the County, thence westerly along the same to the town of Jefferson, thence along the easterly bounds of the town of Jefferson to the southerly bounds of the town of Middleburgh, thence easterly along the said southerly bounds to the place of beginning, shall be and continue by the name of Blenheim."
Gilboa and a portion of Fulton was taken from the above, making the north of the former and the south of the latter, the south and north lines of Blenheim.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BARENT KEYSER.
The Keyser and Schaeffer families came to the upper part of old Breakabeen some time after the year 1750. They became related by marriage, and were closely connected in many business transactions.
It is said the stream that forms a junction with the Schoharie near the present village, or modern Breakabeen, was named Keyser Kill, after the first settler, and grandfather of the subject of this sketch. That pioneer built a small grist-mill about the year 1765 at some point in this part of the valley, but the exact location is not definitely known. He also reared a family of boys who numbered at least
four, but through the agency of the Revolution- ary war-diverse political opinions-and death by exposures, peculiar to those times, but two families were left in the States at the close of that war, Abram, as stated in Chapter XIII, and the family of the grandfather of our subject, Barent. One of the sons married Catharine, a daughter of Jacob Schaeffer, from whom she received a farm lying in the town of Sharon as her portion, to which the family removed about the year 1795. Barent, the son and third in name, was there born on the 5th day of August, 1799. In 1805 the family returned to the valley and settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Keyser.
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
The family being large, Mr. Keyser "worked out". by the month among the farmers of the valley, and by following the frugal customs of the day he laid by a few hundred dollars, which
he was induced by his mother to pay upon debts against the homestead. He assumed the responsibility, and in a few years became the owner of the farm. It being mostly covered
LITTLE
.I ITTLE
[BARENT KEYSER AND WIFE.]
with heavy timber, it can be imagined an im- mense amount of labor was required to bring it to its present state of cultivation. But industry coupled with energy and frugality, made the great change, and gave to Mr. Keyser a com- petency and pleasant home to enjoy in his old age.
When his labor commenced upon the farm, he states that the woods abounded with deer, and it was not an unusual occurrence to see several in a herd grazing upon the side of the mountain, especially in the spring of the year, when they could find the low and tender bushes. During one winter in Mr. Keyser's time, the snow being very deep, with a heavy crust upon it, a neighbor of his killed over seventy with an ax. Bears were also numerous and plagued the farmers by killing their hogs
and sheep. It is indeed pleasing to those that experienced the trials and labors attending the pioneers of the hills of Blenheim to recount them over and over again, and contrast those days with the present, and draw from it lessons worthy to be heeded by their children and grandchildren who enjoy the fruits of their labors.
Mr. Keyser early married a sister of the present HonYost Warner, of Warner Hill, who long years ago passed on to the spirit world, after assisting the husband in his early struggles against the thousand obstacles that were placed in his way, and rearing the following family of children: Mrs. John Mattice, Mrs. Henry Parslow, Mrs. Henry Smith, Mrs. Henry Keyser, George, John, and Jacob.
Being a hard-working man, Mr. Keyser has
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TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
never aspired to official honors, therefore never held any office beyond local trusts imposed upon him by the neighborhood of which he has so long been a respected member.
When a young man he served his time in the State Militia, and was detailed as guard at the execution of Casler in 1818, and also of Van Alstine the year following.
JACOB L. SHAFER.
Jacob L. Shafer is a descendant of Hendrick Schaeffer, one of the early settlers of Brunen " dorf." His grandfather, Jacob Schaeffer, as particularly stated in a preceding chapter of this work, settled upon the farm now owned by Mr. Shafer, several years previous to the Revo- lution. Here his family of five sons were born, some of whom Americanized the name from Schaeffer to Shaver or Shafer, according to their fancy. The sons were Hendricus, Garrett, Christian, Marcus, and Jacob. Hendricus, as will be seen, settled in Schoharie; Garrett retained the old place now belonging to Jacob L .; Christian located upon the opposite side
of the creek; and Marcus settled in Sharon. Jacob was a mute and remained single.
Jacob L. is a son of Garrett Shafer, and is the only male descendant in the town of Blen- heim, excepting his sons. He was born there February 27, 1815, receiving but a meager education in his youth, yet strictly tutored in the school of honesty, industry and frugality.
Being of a reserved disposition, Mr. Shafer has never aspired above agricultural pursuits, but has kept steadily on, improving and adding to the inheritance derived from the father. Holding no official trust, but minor local ones, he has confined himself strictly to his own and
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
family affairs, yet never refusing proffers of aid to the unfortunate, nor embracing an oppor- tunity for taking the advantage of anyone.
But few men are held in greater esteem by their townsmen than Mr. Shafer, for his adher- ence to Christian principles in every position in which he can be placed. His honors lie in his integrity, and not in his accumulations. His children are : Mrs. Daniel Bouck, Mrs. Hiram Kniskern, Gideon, Albert, Joseph A., Walter, Mary, William G. and Edward D. They have been carefully guided through their youth, in the life principles of their parents, and are now active and useful citizens.
CHAPTER XVII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SEWARD.
TOWN FORMED - CONTROVERSY BETWEEN WHIGS AND DEMOCRATS -PETER HYNDS- HENRY HAINES-FIRST GRIST MILL-CAP- TURE OF THE HYNDS FAMILY-TREATMENT OF MARIA HYNDS-THE CRYSLER BROTHERS -INVASION OF SETHS HENRY-MURDER OF MICHAEL MERCKLEY-OF CATHARINE AND SEBASTIAN FRANCE - JOHN FRANCE MUR- DERED-CAPTURE OF HENRY AND HIS ES- CAPE-MURDER OF YOUNG FOX-FREDERICK MERCKLEY'S FAMILY - FRANCE FAMILY - JOHN RICE-FIRST MEETING HOUSE-HIS- TORICAL ASSOCIATIONS - MURDER OF MR. AND MRS. HOFFMAN - TORIES' PASSION- OTTMAN BOYS TAKEN PRISONERS - RHINE- BECK CHURCH-HENRY MOELLER AND OTHER PASTORS-FIRST SETTLERS OF RHINEBECK- GOLD MINE-STROBECK - POST OFFICE- HYNDSVILLE - SEWARD VALLEY - SEWARD STATION - GARDNERSYILLE - REY. PHILIP WEITING -COLONEL WILLETT'S RAIDS -
MILLS-BUSINESS INTERESTS-CHURCHES- DAIRY INTERESTS - PHYSICIANS - TOWN BONDS-SUPERVISORS-BOUNDARIES.
S EWARD was formed from Sharon, February 11, 1840. Several years previous to the formation of the town, considerable partisan feeling was displayed throughout Sharon, and in fact extended through the Western Assembly District of the County. The Whig element of Sharon was within the present limits of Seward, and they desired to run the line, so as to make a town of that political sentiment, while the Democrats run a line to make it Democratic. At last Peter Hynds, a thorough active Demo- crat, and a very influential man, headed the Democratic faction, and Jedediah Miller, of Cobleskill, the Whig. After repeated lines were run, and much loud speaking and many impressive arguments used, the factions met in the political field in the fall of 1838, running the two veterans for Member of Assembly. Miller was elected, but failed to get the desired enactment passed, after petitions and protests in abundance had been sent to the " Honorable Body." But Miller's interest was awakened, and not being discouraged, he still "insisted," and in 1840, while Charles Goodyear, of Scho- harie, and Seymour Boughton, of Summit, were in the Assembly, the bill was passed. Miller, being consulted as to the name of the town, wrote upon a slip of paper "Seward," in honor of the then acting governor. During the year of that local political excitement, the United States Government and Mexico were having considerable trouble over Texas, and Hynds desired to call the new town after that disputed territory ; a very appropriate name considering the controversy. About the time Hynds was defeated by Miller, the Texans and Mexi- cans under Santa Anna, had an engagement, . in which the Mexican General was defeated. The opponents of Hynds gave to him the appellation of "Santa Anna," by which he was known until his death.
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