USA > New York > Onondaga County > Onondaga, or, Reminiscences of earlier and later times, being a series of historical sketches relative to Onondaga, with notes on the several towns in the county, and Oswego, Vol. II > Part 16
USA > New York > Oswego County > Onondaga, or, Reminiscences of earlier and later times, being a series of historical sketches relative to Onondaga, with notes on the several towns in the county, and Oswego, Vol. II > Part 16
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
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TOWNS .- CICERO.
When Clay was set off from Cicero in 1827, two hundred and seventy-five acres of this lot were retained for the town of Cicero, the income of which is about one hundred and forty dollars per year. Towards the south part of this town, is an extensive swamp, containing about four thousand acres, with but little timber. The surface is covered with very thick moss, capable of bearing a man, who finds no difficulty in walking over it when it is not covered with water. Wild cran- berries are abundant here. A sharp pole can be thrust through the surface, to the depth of seven or eight fect, the whole being composed of black decayed vegetable matter, rest- ing upon a bed of marl. It is not unlikely, that this at some future day, will become the most valuable land in the country. It lies some twenty-five feet higher than the lake, and presents admirable facilities for draining. Twenty years ago, wood, cut and corded, was worth but three shillings a cord ; it is now worth five shillings a cord, standing. A scarcity of tim- ber is already beginning seriously to be felt. The extensive and beautiful forests have been cleared, and in their place tasteful mansions have risen up, and the hum of business pre- vails, where but a few years since, nothing was heard but the howl of wild beasts, and the strokes of the woodman's ax.
Captain John Shepard, who served in the Revolutionary war, drew lot number eleven, Cicero, lying at the outlet of Oneida Lake. At an early day he took possession of his lot, sold a part of it, cleared and cultivated the residue, and with his family, lived happily upon it many years, till his death, in 1824. After the war, he became a Presbyterian preacher, and officiated as such during a great part of his residence here. He was the only man who occupied a lot in this town for which he served. It has been related to the author by several capable of judging, that he was a superior Latin and Greek scholar, and excelled in the classical literature of the ancients. He was a most excellent man, and his death was much lamented by all who knew him.
According to the census of 1845, there are in this town : number of inhabitants, 2651. 223 subject to military duty,
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597 voters, 23 aliens, 624 children attending common schools, 8192 acres of improved land, 1 saw-mill, 2 asheries, 3 tanner- ies, 1 Baptist Church, 1 Methodist do., 1 Dutch Reformed do., 16 common schools, 4 taverns, 6 Stores, 450 farmers, 7 merchants, 50 mechanics, 3 Clergymen, 2 physicians, 2 law- yers.
CLAY .- This town was originally a part of the Military Township of Cicero, and was erected therefrom in 1827. Much of its early history, therefore, is comprehended in the town of Cicero. The town of Clay received its name in hon- or of the distinguished statesman, Henry Clay. The name was at first objectionable to a portion of the inhabitants, who for several years after its organization, petitioned the Legis- lature to alter it, but without effect. At the time the town was organized, it contained less than seven hundred inhabi- tants. The first white settler in this town, then Lysander, was Patrick McGee, at Three-River-Point, in 1793, and in 1798, Adam Coon settled in the north east corner of the town, and Simeon Baker, on the Seneca River, in 1799. In 1800, John Lyme settled near the centre of the town, and is now (1847) living, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, since which, the town has settled somewhat rapidly. Joshua Kinne and family, settled in this town in 1807, Elijah Pinck- ney and others, the same year, and soon after, Patrick Mc- Gee erected the first frame house in town, at Three-River Point, in 1808 or '9. When Mr. McGee first visited this place, which was in 1780, while a prisoner to the British, on his way to Fort Oswego and Canada, there was an extensive clearing at this point, handsomely laid in grass, without a shrub or tree for something like a mile or more along the banks of each river. This spot was often appropriated to the holding of the great councils of the Iroquois confederacy. Upon this spot, Dekanissora, Sadekanaghte and Garangula have addressed the braves of the Hurons and Adirondacks, and the Abenaquis. And here too, have the French and the Eng- lish met, in these distinguished chiefs, orators and diploma-
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tists, equal to themselves, in all that pertains to sagacity and skill.
Japheth Kinne settled in Cicero about the year 1809. The first settlers, previous to clearing their lands, procured their breadstuffs from Jackson's mills, near Jamesville. And after they had been successful in raising grain of their own, went there to mill, till the mills were erected at what is now Syra- cuse. It was customary for men to carry a grist of a bushel or a bushel and a half, on their backs, a distance of twelve or fourteen miles, to these mills through the woods, guided only by blazed trees, occupying two or three days in the perform- ance of the journey. After roads were cut through, a neigh- bor would take the grists of a whole neighborhood upon an ox sled or cart, and carry them to these mills. By general arrangement and common consent, this service was perform- ed by rotation, throughout the whole settlement, never taking less than two days to perform the journey. Onondaga Hol- low was then the only Post-Office at which letters were re- ceived and delivered, and persons visiting the Post-Office, brought the mail matter for the whole neighborhood in which he resided.
The first and most important article of trade was salt bar- rels, large quantities of which are manufactured and carried to the salt works, which bring a fair profit, and in many in- stances have proved a source of individual wealth.
The first Post-Office was established in the west part of the town, and called "West Cicero," about the year 1825, and Nathan Teall appointed Post Master. Mr. Teall was suc- ceeded by William Hale and James Little. Since the town was organized it has been named "Clay."
A log school house, the first in this town, was erected at Clay Corners about 1808, and a teacher named Hall, taught the first school. At Clay, near the river, a log school house was erected, in 1809, and a frame one in 1812-Moses Kinne, the teacher. He previously kept a school in his own house.
The first Physician in town, was Dr. Olcott ; the second, Dr. Church, and afterwards, Dr. Starling and Dr. Soule.
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ONONDAGA.
The first town meeting for Clay, was held in April, 1827. Andrew Johnson chosen the first Supervisor, and Jacob Ter- rel, Town Clerk.
Post-Office established at Euclid, in 1827-Andrew Thomp- son, first Post Master, to 1832, afterwards Nathan Soule.
Jefferson Freeman, the first merchant at Euclid, 1831. Blossom & Dyckman, L. Soule, and Stone & Daniels, have been merchants here.
The bridge across the Seneca River, was first built by the Sodus Bay and Westmoreland Turnpike Company, erected in 1824, but not completed. The turnpike was not made, and J. L. Voorhees, Esq., obtained a charter in his own name, finished the bridge, which was a toll bridge till 1843, when it was re-built as a free bridge. The State Legislature appro- priated eight hundred and fifty dollars towards defraying the expense, and the towns of Lysander and Clay, each one thou- sand dollars. Whole cost, two thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars.
The village at this point, is called Belgium, and is situated on both sides of the Seneca River. There were only four dwelling houses here in 1827. There are now twenty-eight; and one hundred and sixty inhabitants, three dry good stores, four grocery and provision stores, two taverns, three black- smiths, one tailor and one shoe shop, and the famous " Orien- tal Balm Pill" manufactory, which last employs a great part of the year from thirty to fifty persons. James Little was the only family in 1828, on the Lysander side, but others set- tled there about that time, viz : Henry V. S. McMechan, Oliver Bigsbee, Sylvenus Bigsbee, Garnett C. Sweet, who had charge of the Col. Newkirk property, Rev. William M. Wil- lett, a son of Col. Marinus Willett, of Revolutionary renown, who occupied a lot drawn by his father, which was afterwards transferred to Mr. John Stevens and others. Dr. Adams had a store here, in 1838, and Phillip Farrington, in 1831. First frame building was the toll house, on the east side of the riv- er, erected in 1825. Japheth Kinne erected the first dwell-
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ing house, in 1825. James Little, the second, in 1829. First school kept here, was by Perry Eno, 1827.
First merchant, Martin Luther, in 1828, Sylvenus Bigsbee & Co., 1828. Jonas C. Brewster, succeded them in 1829. James Little, 1830.
The Methodist Wesleyan society erected their house of wor- ship here in 1832.
Physicians here, have been, first, Dr. A. P. Adams, second Dr. Hays Mckinley, third, Dr. James V. Kendall, fourth, Botanic Dr. Daniel W. Bailey. There has never a lawyer settled in this town.
At Oak Orchard Rift, near the bank of the river, are the evidences of an extensive burying ground. This rift was a common fording place for the Indians, and formerly was much resorted to by them for fishing.
The first saw-mill was erected in the north east part of the town, by Abraham Young, on a small stream which affords water to drive the mill only in spring and fall. There are no streams in this town of sufficient capacity to be used to advantage, for machinery of any kind. The only streams of any magnitude, are the Oneida River, on the north, and Sene- ca River, on the west.
The first house of worship, was erected in the north east part of the town, in what is called the Dutch Settlement, by a society of Dutch Reformed.
The Baptists have a society-Elders Warner and Lamb, were the first clergymen who settled here. Their house of worship was erected in 1838. Obadiah Morrell was their min- ister for a time.
This, like the other towns in the northern section of the county, is fast improving, and bids fair to take rank among the first.
Statistics for the town of Clay, taken from the census of 1845 :- Number of inhabitants, 2789. 267 subject to mili- tary duty, 619 voters, 29 aliens, 3 paupers, 531 children at- tending common schools, 12776 acres of improved land, 4 saw-mills, 1 Baptist church, 1 Dutch Reformed do., 18 com-
฿ 13
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mon schools, 1 select do., 4 taverns, 3 stores, 5 groceries, 435 farmers, 3 merchants, 9 manufacturers, 55 mechanics, 5 clergymen, and 3 physicians.
MANLIUS. - AZARIAH SMITH. - The parents of Azariah Smith, lived at Middlefield, Massachusetts, where the subject of this notice was born, December 7th, 1784. His father, Mat- thew Smith, was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and un- able to afford a liberal education to a numerous family ; con- sequently, this son received only the limited education furnished by the common schools of that period, with the addition of three months attendance at Westfield Academy. We have heard him say, that much of his early education was acquired at the family fireside, while his mother and sisters were diligently sewing or knitting, and his father listening to the inquiries of his sons and answering their questions, in the rudiments of their edu- cation. His summers were spent at home with his father up- on the farm, and his winters, after he was of suitable age, were employed in teaching school, until he arrived at the age of twenty-one years. The next spring after he became of age, he was employed by a neighboring farmer, for whom he la- bored six months. The succeeding winter, he taught a school, as had been his practice for several years ; and about the first of April, 1807, started on horseback for Onondaga Hill, with the intention of becoming a clerk in the store of his cousin, Calvin Smith. In due time he arrived at his destined place, and entered upon the duties of a clerk as he had contemplated. He continued with his cousin about eight weeks, when Mr. John Meeker, then the proprietor of several stores in this county, proposed to Mr. Smith to open another store at Man- lius, to furnish all the capital, and give to him one-half the profits, as a compensation for going there and taking charge of the business. This offer was accepted, and on the 3d day of June, 1807, they opened a store in Manlius village, in a frame building on the south side of the turnpike, nearly op- posite the brick store which he afterwards built and occupied, and which is now occupied by his son Charles. Thus, after a
Ened by E Haban from a Der eotype
TOWNS .- MANLIUS .- AZARIAH SMITH. 195
clerkship of only eight weeks, Mr. Smith from a laboring farmer, became a merchant, having charge of a large stock of goods, and at once entered upon an extensive mercantile career. His tact and capacity for the transaction of import- ant business, manifested itself at once in his first intercourse with the world, and a person had only to transact business with him, to become satisfied of his competency for any branch within the ordinary range of human affairs. He was ex- tremely rapid in his arithmetical calculations and almost uni-
versally correct ; so much so, that few who were acquainted with him, took the trouble to review or examine his compu- tations. It was enough in the minds of most persons, that business was done by him, and it seemed to be a guarantee that it was donc correctly. In the outset, he established a character for strict honesty and integrity, characteristics which were predominant throughout a long life of complicated and laborious toil.
He continued in partnership with Mr. Meeker until the 16th of June, 1810; during which time, he amassed sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on his own ac- count.
He was married to Miss Zilpha Mack, in August, 1811, by the Rev. Jonathan Nash. He soon arranged his affairs, and opened an extensive store for the times, and was unusualy suc- cessful in all his undertakings. Subsequently, he entered ex- tensively into the cotton manufacturing business, which he pur- sued with varied success to the time of his decease. As he became known abroad, his rare business talents developed themselves, and he was often called upon to exercise them in the settlement of other people's affairs. There were few men in the country who could keep pace with him in the various combinations of numbers as they presented themselves in the operations of business ; and the Hon. Silas Wright, (who was ever acknowledged as a superior arithmetician) with whom he once had occasion to come in contact in the settlement of a long and complicated set of accounts, remarked, that he was the only man he had ever met with, whose rapidity of compu-
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tation was such, that he could not easily follow. It frequently seemed as if he jumped at conclusions without an effort. He would often take a bond upon which endorsements upon en- dorsements had been made, in time and out of time, and com- paratively without thought or mental effort, and with but an occasional figure, set down the correct result.
While he lived, perhaps there was not his equal in the transaction of business in the State, certainly not in our coun- ty. Possessed of an iron constitution, he would sit more hours at a table than any other person would be willing to; and if within the range of any reasonable time, would not rise until what was to be done was accomplished.
Promptitude, dispatch, forecast, celerity and accuracy, be- ing prevailing elements of his character, he would accomplish more labor within a given time, than any one known to the circle in which he acted.
He was remarkable for the versatility of his powers, and could readily turn his attention from one kind of business to another ; and, while some persons would spend hours in doubt as to what should next be done, he would dispose of what pre- sented itself, and again be in readiness for something new. If there was a knotty, tangled set of accounts to straighten and unravel, he was the man of all others selected to perform the work, and the more complicated the affair, the more ac- ceptable to him ; and what was very remarkable, he usually settled difficulties of this nature to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. From the integrity of his character and his acknowl- edged uprightness of conduct, he was often called upon to ad- minister upon extensive and complicated estates, and with the most undeviating honesty, disposed of the several interests, not only agreeable to the laws of the land, but to the admira- tion of all parties. As a business man, in all of his transac- tions he was of the most uncorrupt and approved integrity ; and during a great part of his life, was extensively engaged in those multiform transactions, which test the character and give its true image to the world. No man can rise up and say, that he ever practiced deception or fraud, or sought to turn
TOWNS .- MANLIUS .- AZARIAH SMITH. 197
the necessities of others to his own advantage. This trait of his character was understood wherever he was known. It se- cured for him the confidence of all; and it is but justice to his character to say, that confidence was never abused. His highest aim was to the utmost of his power to do what was right between man and man. It is no extravagant praise to say of him, that as a business man, he was not excelled ; but it was not in this sphere alone, that his talents and character shone most conspicuous.
For a period of forty years, he was a resident of Manlius Vil- lage, and during all that time, he was strictly identified with its growth and various improvements. His interest in the general welfare was shown by his liberal pecuniary contribu- tions to every worthy object, and he was unsparing of his la- borious personal exertions to the accomplishment of the public good. There is not a religious society in the village, but owes him a debt of lasting gratitude, for sacrifices and personal ex- ertions made in their behalf. In him the cause of education always found a tried friend and ready supporter, upon all oc- casions. The Sunday school found in him a teacher and ad- viser-the district school, a promoter and active supporter- Manlius Academy, a founder and a friend-colleges and theo- logical seminaries, an admirer and patron ; and it is no com- mon praise to say, that at the time of his decease, he was a trustee of the district school where he resided, a trustee of Manlius Academy, a trustee of Hamilton College, and a trus- tee of Auburn Theological Seminary ; a circumstance which exhibits the interest he took in the cause of education, and the confidence placed in him by others. It is remarkable that he was at the same time a trustee of an institution of each grade in our educational system.
He was a man of the most untiring industry and energy of purpose. Industry with him was a confirmed habit-a ne- cessity of his nature, and no man ever practiced a more strict economy of time, or turned it to better account. During his evenings and leisure moments, he drew around him his family, and engaged in the business of teaching or study ; and it was at
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intervals of leisure, in the bosom of his family, surrounded by his sons, that he stored his mind with a tolerable knowledge of the Latin, Greek and French languages, and those higher branches of English education of which he had not gained a knowledge at an earlier period of life. In fact, every mo- ment of time was employed, about something useful ; hence he became, without the aid of schools, a man of varied knowledge, and although engaged in extensive business, he found time to store his mind with the treasures of ancient and modern literature and science. Distinguished by superior gifts of mind-by a ready and retentive memory-by strength and penetration of intellect, he would almost at a glance, mas- ter the most abstruse subjects, with the readiness of an ac- complished scholar, and often surprise the professed philoso- pher, or divine, or lawyer, or scholar, with his familiar knowl-
edge, in their exclusive departments. In regard to these
qualities and acquirements, he was a shining example to the youth who survive him, as illustrative of what may be accom- plished by application and industry, not only in the common affairs of life, but in those higher employments of literature and science, which elevate individual worth, and tend to exalt and magnify mankind.
In regard to his religious views, he was liberal and gener- ous in his feelings towards Christians of all denominations, and respected the character more than the name. Although a living member of the Presbyterian Church, his mind was fixed upon doing good to all men, without regard to sects or creeds, and he cherished a far higher and stronger regard for the essential doctrines and duties of Christianity, than for professions and names. He rejoiced in the prosperity of all denominations ; yea, the whole human race. All worthy be- nevolent enterprises found in him a firm friend and ready patron. Bible societies, tract societies, missionary societies, and educational societies, were largely indebted to him for his efficient and liberal support.
While he was liberal to others, he was frugal in regard to personal gratifications, and a prominent trait in his character
TOWNS .- MANLIUS .- AZARIAH SMITH. 199
was self-denial, and few men with his means at command, and so liberal for the comfort of others, expended so little for the meat that perisheth. Few men had as strict and consistent a regard for the Sabbath and holy institutions, as he had. Always a regular attendant upon public worship himself, his example was followed by those under his influence.
Mr. Smith, from his ability and eminent qualifications, was often selected for important offices and trusts. In 1814, he was selected as one of the Trustees of the public lot of the town of Manlius, and as such assisted in effecting its original survey and sale. At this time the town lot was in a most de- plorable state, and to his unwearied exertions is owing our present flourishing town school fund, arising from the sale of the lot. Although an adherent to the political party which was usually in the minority in the town of Manlius, he was often chosen Supervisor in opposition to the wishes of some of his more numerous political opponents.
In 1824, he was elected one of the Presidential Electors, and as such, cast his vote for John Quincy Adams. He was a member of the State Legislature in the years 1838, 1839, 1840, and was associated with Victory Birdseye, Phares Gould, James R. Lawrence, and James L. Voorhees, of our county.
In 1838, he was placed on the Committee on Claims. This was considered the most arduous committee in the House. Mr. Smith was charged with the laboring oar, and during all the session was incessant in his labors, and contributed materially in lessening the number of canal claims, which had not been previously disposed of. He was also at this session appoint- ed one of the Committee on Prisons and Penitentiaries, which Committee visited the State Prisons and Penitentiaries throughout the State, and suggested many valuable reforms, which were adopted. In 1839, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Claims. The business of the Committee this year, was uncommonly arduous. Claims were still press- ing for adjustment, the Committee were overrun with appli- cants, and it required no common share of discrimination, to do justice to the State and to the claimants. In 1840, he
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was on the select Committee for the extension of time for the collection of taxes. He was also again Chairman of the Com- mittee on Claims. He was also on the Committee on the in- ternal affairs of towns and counties. He was also on several select committees, on all of which he was actively engaged, and bore, in all their transactions, a conspicuous part.
Throughout his long and active life, wherever he was found, there was found a leading spirit. He was an example of Christian morality, zealous in the cause of benevolence and philanthropy, compassionate to those in affliction, and espe- cially to the widow and the fatherless, who felt that they had abundant cause to mourn the loss of one who had ever been unwearied in their care. He was distinguished for his enter- prise and liberality of character, and for his devotedness to the public good. He was active and useful to the last, and although for two or three years, he felt that his bodily powers were giving way, and yielding to the insidious encroachments of age and disease, he labored on, so long as his strength would permit, and it was not till he was prostrate upon his bed, that he released himself from active exertion. For several weeks previous to his death, he was unable to transact business, but at length rallied and resolved to visit physicians abroad. He went to New Haven, his disease proved obstinate, and he ex- pired in that city on the 12th of November, 1846, aged sixty- two-full of years and full of honors. The news was commu- nicated, by telegraph, to Syracuse, and from there directly to Manlius by express. The entire community was overwhelmed by the intelligence. It was a time of general mourning. The Trustees of the village, of which board he was a member, and the Trustees of Manlius Academy held meetings, and passed appropriate resolutions of condolence and sorrow, and the vil- lage, en masse, poured out their hearts in a public meeting, expressive of their sympathies and grief. A large committee was appointed to escort the remains from the rail-road, which was amply responded to, and hundreds availed themselves of this opportunity to express their regard and respect for the distinguished dead. As the procession approached the vil-
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