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 28
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 28
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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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highest, run the fastest, or was nearest the house, got there first. Judge Miles, now no more, was the fortunate finder. The child had lain on a nice little bed of leaves, between two logs, and when the Judge stepped upon one of them, the little innocent was standing on her feet, and looking him full in the face, with a smile of affection upon her lip saluted him with the endearing cry of papa. The child had apparently slept well and exhibited no signs of suffering, though the night had been chilly and cold. When the child was restored to the arms of its mother, sprightly and cheerful, her sighs of agony were turned to tears of joy, which flowed most copiously. In- deed the sturdy hunters and hardy axmen, who witnessed it, could hardly refrain from weeping.
According to the census of 1845, there are in the town of Fabius :-
Inhabitants, 2,529 ; aliens, 8; voters, 567 ; subject to mil- itary duty, 135; paupers, 3; children attending Common Schools, 742: acres of improved land, 18,238 ; grist mills, 3; saw mills, 12; fulling mills, 2; carding machines, 2; asheries, 2; tanneries, 4; Churches,-Baptist, 2; Methodist, 2; Con- gregational or Presbyterian, 1; common schools, 20; taverns, 4; stores, 5; merchants, 10; lawyers, 2; clergymen, 5; phy- sicians, 3; farmers, 361; mechanics, 91.
TULLY .- This was one of the original townships of the Military Tract. In the first organization of towns, it was in- cluded in the town of Pompey. In 1803, the township of Tully was set off in a town by itself, and in 1808, when the county of Cortland was erected, the towns of Truxton and Preble were taken from the southern portions of Fabius and Tully. A portion of the township was afterwards still further divided in 1811, by adding a part to the town of Spafford, so that at the present time the town is but about five miles square. Settlements were commenced in this town in 1795, by farmers principally from the New England States, who hold their land in fee simple. The first settler in this town was David Owen, who came here in 1795. Directly after, came James Cravath,
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William Trowbridge, and others. The first log house in town was built by David Owen, in 1795, and Timothy Walker built the first frame house, in 1797, and Moses Nash the second, both in Tully Village. Peter Henderson was the first child born in town, 1796.
In early times the people from these southern towns, and from Homer, Solon, Cincinnatus, Marathon, &c., used to come down to Jackson's, Ward's and Sanford's Mills, with drays loaded with wheat and corn, drawn by oxen, to get their grind- ing done. These drays were made of the crotches of trees hewed out and boards pinned across. Ten bushels was con- sidered a pretty large load to drag along twenty or thirty miles, on such a rude vehicle, with one yoke of oxen. The first store in this town, and at Tully Village, was by Moses Nash, in 1803. Previous to this, trading was done at Pom- pey Hill, and what is now called Truxton Village, where small stores had previously been opened. In 1805, John Meeker, one of the most extensive merchants in the country, succeeded Mr. Nash, and took the lead of business and trade in that part of the country. Nicholas Lewis opened a tavern in Tully Village in 1802, and Jacob Johnson succeeded him in 1807; he was succeeded by William Trowbridge. The Hamilton and Skaneateles Turnpike was laid out in 1806, from Richfield through Brookfield, Hamilton and Fabius, to the outlet of Otisco Lake, thence to the outlet of the Skaneateles Lake. Lemuel Fitch, Samuel Marsh, Elisha Payne, David Smith, Elijah St. John, Comfort Tyler, Samuel Tyler, Thaddeus Ed- wards and Elnathan Andrews, were the principal movers in procuring the passage of the act of incorporation, and obtain- ing share-holders, and getting the road laid out, worked and finished. This enterprise opened through this town and others in its vicinity, a way of communication, which added essen- tially to the business and prosperity of the country through which it passed. It was not long before its advantages and effects were realized and appreciated. It gave a spur to busi- ness ; it gave confidence to community, and the results which have flowed from it have been salutary and satisfactory. The
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first school established in town was kept in Timothy Walker's barn, and taught by Miss Ruth Thorp, in 1801. We see here what is not noticeable in every town, that a school was the first public object to which the inhabitants turned their atten- tion, thus placing before their children the means of making themselves useful members of society and distinguished citi- zens. A log school house was erected in 1804, at Tully Vil- lage, and was succeeded by a frame one in 1809. Others soon made their appearance in different parts of the town, and education in the common schools, with its multifarious ad- vantages, has always been well appreciated, and from first to last has made commendable progress. From the commence- ment of the settlement of the town, religious meetings were held in several neighborhoods, at barns, and in cold inclement weather, at people's houses. It was thought no hardship in those days for a whole family to walk a few miles to meeting, father carrying the baby, and the elder children trudging along on foot, aided by the mother in crossing the small streams and muddy places. The Rev. Mr. Riddle, a Presby- terian missionary from New England, was the first clergyman who officiated in this town. A large proportion of the new settlers were of that way of thinking, bringing with them from New England, their high toned moral and religious sen- timents and opinions, which were the ground work here in the wilderness, of their spiritual prosperity. The meetings of Mr. Riddle are represented by the few who yet linger here and were witnesses of his labors, and have sat under his teach- ings, as having been highly interesting. He organized a Pres- byterian society in 1804. It was organized anew under the Rev. Mr. Parsons. This society was kept up till about 1830, when it was discontinued, so that now there is no society of that denomination in town. A Baptist society was organized at an early period of the history of the town, with but four- teen members. Elder Abbot was their first spiritual teacher, and also Elder Rufus Freeman. Meetings were held in barns and at individuals houses, till their new house of worship was erected in 1824. A Methodist society was organized in 1828
B 22
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or 1829. Their first preacher was Elder Sayres, a circuit preacher, who succeeded well in his labors, and drew together very respectable congregations. He was succeeded by Elder Puffer, familiarly known, and to many perhaps better, by the title of "Old Chapter and Verse," for in his discourses he was remarkable for his numerous quotations of Scripture, never omitting the chapter and verse where they might be found. There is a Methodist church and society at Vesper, and a society calling themselves Disciples, in this town. The first Post Office was established at Tully, in 1815 or 1816, Mr. Nicholl Howell, Post Master. He was succeeded by Wil- liam Trowbridge. Previous to this, mail matter was obtained from Preble Corners, then the central point in the town of Tully. The first and earliest settlers received their papers and letters at Pompey Hill Post Office. Vesper Post Office established in 1827, William Clark Post Master; and Tully Valley Post Office 1836, George Salisbury, Post Master. It is said there is not now a single Revolutionary soldier or pen- sioner in town. The first grist mill in town was erected by Peter Van Camp, in 1810, about three miles west of Tully Village, and a saw mill at the same place and time. The number has since increased to three grist mills and eight saw mills. There is here an almost perpendicular fall, of about ninety feet, with only one break, which in high water presents a very beautiful and picturesque appearance. There is a swamp near the village of Tully, from which issue two streams, one of which flows south, being the head of the Tioughnioga Creek, the head waters of the Susquehanna, and Chesapeake Bay. The other branch flows north, forming the head of the Butternut Creek, flowing on to the St. Lawrence. Both these streams are of sufficient capacity for driving mills and other machinery, and are so employed. One branch of the Onon- daga Creek rises in this town farther west, and the Tully lakes also find their way to the Susquehanna. The town is well watered by springs and brooks, has high ridges of hills on the east and west boundaries. But its valleys are extensive, rich and productive. Tully Flats are much admired for their
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beauty and fertility. This town is about eighteen miles south of Syracuse. In 1810, it had a population of about one thousand and one hundred inhabitants. At the organization of the town in 1803, the first town meeting was held at the house of Samuel Trowbridge, on the first of May. Phineas Howell was chosen Supervisor, Amos Skeel, Town Clerk, Ja- cob Johnson, Samuel Cravath, Solomon Babcock, Assessors, and Floyd Howell, James Cravath and Solomon Babcock, Commissioners of Highways; second and third years, the same were re-elected. Job L. Lewis and Moses Nash were Justices of the Peace 1808 to 1812. Mr. Nash afterwards moved to Indiana, became a distinguished man, and at a State General Election, came within one vote of being elected Governor of that State.
Amos Skeel first Justice of the Peace, 1803. Considera- ble matter which would properly belong to this town has been embraced in the town of Fabius, because from 1798 to 1803, Tully was a part of Fabius. Reader will therefore consider that those five years of first settlement, the two towns were one, and events identical.
According to the census of 1845, there was in the town of Tully :-
Number of inhabitants, 1,621; subject to military duty, 125; voters, 378; aliens, 13; children attending Common Schools, 435; acres of improved land, 10,909; grist mills, 4; saw mills, 5; carding machines, 2; woolen factory 1; trip hammer, 1; asheries, 2; tanneries, 2; Churches-Bap- tist, 1; Seven Day Baptist, 1; Methodist, 2; common schools, 9; taverns, 4; stores, 4; farmers, 190; merchants, 4; man- ufacturers, 1; mechanics, 60; clergymen, 3; physicians, 3; lawyers, 1.
OTISCO .- WYLLYS GAYLORD .- Men compose a nation; their lives and transactions constitute its character and history, and favored indeed is that people, when blessed with such a man as the subject of this sketch. Such men leave the im- press of their minds and of their deeds, not only upon those
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with whom they may become familiar, but the world at large is improved, and succeeding generations reap the bene- fit of their precepts and examples. Their character is stamped upon all with whom they may chance to come in contact, and their deeds elevate and improve mankind.
Wyllys Gaylord was born in Bristol, Connecticut, 1792. In 1801, Lemon Gaylord, the father of Wyllys, moved to the town of Otisco, he being the third settler in the town. At that time his son was but nine years old. At this early age, the deep shade of an almost unbroken forest, as the wander- ing pioneers penetrated its dark recesses in the beginning of summer, guided only by " blazed trees," made an impression upon his mind and excited a passion for woodland scenery which was never effaced. Admiration, and even enthusiam filled his mind, as in after years he spoke of the scenes and perils of early forest life. In a letter written but a short time before his death, he says :* "When we entered these forests, the heavy foliage wore its richest green, and the elm, the ma- ple and the linden, were successively laden with flowers ; and never shall I forget the rich, the indescribable perfume which filled the air, as tree after tree was cut down ; and day after day passed away before the blossoms had ceased to exhale their odors from their withered cups."
At this early period, it was his misfortune to be necessa- rily deprived from the advantages of schools ; for as yet, none had been established in the town. But to compensate in a measure for this, the father at intervals gave wholesome les- sons of instruction. By these he was benefitted, and limited as it was, it laid the foundation of his future usefulness. At the early age of twelve years, he was violently attacked with a rheumatic affection, which resulted in a curvature of the spine, and completely unfitted him in all after life for any active or laborious pursuit. His desire for knowledge and his love for books was such, that physical infirmity presented no obstacle to his researches after knowledge. Being unable to
* Cultivator, Vol. I, p. 137.
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attend school, he studied such books as chance happened to throw in his way. The catalogue at that early period was small ; but such as he had access to, he mastered with great avidity, aided in the more difficult portions by those to whom circumstances gave him admission. He was remarkable for his assiduity in studying all books which came within his reach ; and at an early age his mind was stored with a fund of intellectual wealth, from which in after years he could draw with pleasure and profit. Often has he been known to sit for hours under the shade of some wide spread tree, listen- ing to the songs of the birds and the chirping of insects, pur- suing his studies with pencil and note book in hand preserv- ing the current of his thoughts. While thus anxiously en- gaged in the quiet pursuit of knowledge, and in the enjoy- ment of such a measure of health as permitted him to engage occasionally in the lighter labors of the field, he met with an accident, which entailed upon him a vast amount of suffering, and rendered him nearly helpless until death. It was occa- sioned by a fall, from which at the time, he noticed only a slight bruise on the left arm. It afterwards swelled and be- came a running sore inclining to scrofula, causing a slough- ing off of the bone, rendering his arm ever after entirely use- less. This affection of the arm continued for many years, and when it healed, an abscess formed in one of his sides, which was troublesome, with occasional alleviations till the day of his death. Notwithstanding these bodily infirmities and ex- cessive pain, he was remarkable for his cheerful and happy disposition, and under the most acute suffering, was never known to complain. His physical constitution was exceeding- ly slight. His weight was less than one hundred pounds, low in stature, and by no means prepossessing in personal ap- pearance ; but when he opened his mouth, the melody of his voice, the richness of his tones, and his happy manner of ex- pression, immediately dissipated all preconceived opinions of his inferiority.
His favorite resort was to the beautiful shore of the lake in the vicinity of his house ; there, while gazing upon the charm-
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ing view, inhaling the balmy breeze, and contemplating the works of a beneficent Creator, his mind was refreshed, his imagination enlivened, and from these quiet resources have flowed in uncontaminated streams the workings of his admira- ble genius.
For more than twenty years he was a valuable contributor to many of the scientific journals of the day, in this country; and in several instances, to some of the most popular maga- zines of Europe. His contributions to the newspaper press of this country, on every variety of topic, literary, scientific, religious, miscellaneous, and occasionally poetry, have been numerous and of the highest order of excellence. He was the author of several prize essays upon various subjects, published in the magazines of New-York, Boston and Philadelphia. It is believed, that in no instance where his talents were exerted, has he failed in taking a premium. It has been remarked by Judge Buell and other distinguished men, that he had not his equal in the land as a ready prose writer. He composed with wonderful facility and so correctly, that his first produc- tions needed little or no criticism, extra embellishment or cor- rection. He possessed the most fascinating colloquial powers, and his conversations were marked for being highly intellect- ual, exceedingly chaste, agreeable and instructive. He had made the study of medicine an accessory to his pleasures and pursuits ; and physicians who have enjoyed his acquaintance, award to him the merit of being theoretically, a man of sci- ence, well skilled in all the minutiæ of the Materia Medica, and second to few in the depths of investigation, and in cor- rectness of judgment.
He was fond of music and possessed considerable mechani- cal genius. He constructed a very fine toned organ, without the aid of an instrument to look upon, solely from a drawing and description given in the Edinburgh Encyclopedia. With this he beguiled his leisure hours, and made that time agree- able, which to many hangs irksome and heavy. Among his early productions was a history of the late war ; he was then quite young, it being in the year 1816-17. The manuscript
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was offered to a publisher, who judging more from the personal appearance of the author than from the merits of the produc- tion, discouraged him and his father from proceeding with its publication. This manuscript, since his reputation as a wri- ter has been confirmed, has been sought for with great solici- tude, but has never been re-produced. The refusal to publish this his early production, fortunately was not a cause of dis- couragement, but he pressed vigorously on, till he reached a high elevation in the walks of literature and science.
His writings collected in a volume, would no doubt be re- ceived by the public with approbation and delight ; and some one who is competent to do justice to his merits, we trust may yet come forward as his historiographer, and do honor to his memory.
The versatility of his talents, the rapidity with which he wrote, and the variety of his productions, have excited the admiration and astonishment of his friends. To him the ag- ricultural portion of community more than any other, are greatly indebted for his scientific and literary labors in their behalf. In every department of his darling profession was he thoroughly versed, and with Virgil, in truth might he say, " Cecini pascua, rura, duces." His essays on practical, sci- entific and theoretical agriculture are the most valuable, and will be the most enduring of his writings. The services he has rendered his country in these departments are incalcula- ble, and are a rich legacy, which will endure to remote genera- tions. His connection with the old Genesee Farmer and Albany Cultivator, from 1833 to 1844, will long be remembered with lively interest. He labored to elevate the condition of so- ciety and to benefit mankind; and the town of Otisco and the county of Onondaga will feel the power of his influence in the vista of future years ; and long will the dwellers in this favored county deplore the loss of an eminent man.
He died without a groan or struggle after a short illness of thirty-three hours, at Howlet Hill, town of Camillus, Lime Rock Farm, on the 27th of March, 1844, in the fifty-first year of his age. He had been for more than thirty years an ex-
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emplary member of the Presbyterian Church, and expired in the hope of a joyful resurrection.
OTISCO .- This town was erected in 1806, from parts of Pompey, Marcellus and Tully. It is centrally situated, about fifteen miles south of Syracuse. It is about five miles long and little more than four broad. Settlements were commenced in 1801, five years before its organization, while the territory was comprised in the townships of Tully, Pompey and Mar- cellus. The first settler in the town, was Chauncey Rust, from Massachusetts. In 1801, his son, Timothy Rust, was the first white child born in the town. Other settlers came in the same and the following years ; among the earliest of whom, were Charles J. Merriman, from Connecticut; Otis Baker, from Massachusetts; Josiah Clark, Lemon Gaylord, Benjamin and Amos Cowles, Daniel Bennett, Elias and Ja- red Thayer, Henry Elethrop, Samuel, Ebenezer and Luther French, Jared and Noah Parsons, Rufus Clapp and others, all from New England. The first settlement of the town was very rapid. The first tavern kept in town was by Benoni Merriman, in a log house near Otisco Center, in 1804; Michael Johnson succeeded him. Jesse Swan was the first merchant in 1808, and Josiah Everett, afterwards.
First marketing was done at Albany, with teams, and mill- ing was done at Jamesville and Manlius, until a grist mill was built in 1806, by Esquire Merriman. Saw mills were erected by him and others, about the same time, in different parts of the town. Elias Thayer built the first frame house, 1805, and Oliver Tuttle the next. A Post Office was estab- lished, 1814, Dr. Luther French, first Post Master.
The first school was established in a log school house, 1804, soon after was built a frame school house. The first practi- cing physician, who settled in town was Dr. Jonathan S. Judd, in 1806, and Dr. Luther French, in 1818. There has never been but one lawyer residing in town, John Thomas, Esq., and he remained but a short time, and moved to Cortland.
The "Washington Religious Congregational Society of Otisco," at Otisco Center, was organized 1804, by the Rev.
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Hugh Wallace. A house of worship was put up but not com- pleted, in 1807. The present meeting house was built in 1816, a very neat and commodious house, with a long string of sheds on the south, west and north, capable of sheltering nearly one hundred vehicles. Rev. Geo. Colton officiated as first pastor, in 1806-7. After him was ordained in the pa- rish, Rev. William J. Wilcox, who remained about thirteen years. Rev. Charles Johnson succeeded him a short time. Rev. Richard S. Corning, was pastor from 1821 to 1833 ; he was succeeded by Rev. Messrs. Levi Parsons, Levi Griswold, Sidney Mills, Thaddeus Pomeroy, Clement Lewis and Addison K. Strong. This society, and its ministers, have had a very healthful influence on the generation which has grown up un- der its precepts and teachings. Otisco Center, is a lively in- land village, of about one hundred houses, shops, stores, &c., and is deservedly noted for the hospitality, sobriety and in- telligence of its inhabitants. There is no tavern in the place, and but two in the town.
Amber, a snug, pleasant little village in this town, is sit- uated on the north-east bank of Otisco Lake, of about the same dimensions and character as Otisco Center. It has a small woolen factory, a saw mill, a store and a Post Office.
The Amber religious society, was organized 6th of Septem- ber, 1824, Miles Bishop, Robert Kenyon, Barber Kenyon, Isaac Briggs and Samuel Steward, Trustees. The society have since erected a convenient and tasteful house of worship. There are two Methodist societies in town, but without settled or local preachers.
The first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel Bennett, 1st of April, 1806. Dan Bradley, of Marcellus, Chairman, and Dan Bradley and Timothy Copp, Esqrs., pre- siding Justices. Judah Hopkins was chosen Supervisor, and Josephus Baker, Town Clerk, and Noah Parsons, Lemon Gay- lord and Josephus Baker, assessors. An extra town meeting was held in the month of August following, at the school house, near Daniel Bennett's tavern, at which a committee of
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three, were chosen to ascertain the center of the town, in or- der to centrally locate public buildings.
The principal forests of this section were heavy and con- sisted, on the hills, mostly of deciduous trees. In the val- leys, were hemlock, and some pine. After it was cleared, (which was done at great labor and expense,) the soil proved productive, and yielded abundant crops of wheat, corn and other kinds of grain. This town is well watered with abun- dant springs and small streams, and is well adapted to dairy and sheep husbandry. The face of the country is uneven, nev- ertheless, the soil is fertile, and most of it arable. From what has been generally related of this town, it is very much un- derrated. Its present appearance would compare favorably with any town in the county. Its inhabitants are hardy, in- dustrious, frugal and independent, attentive to their own bu- siness, out of debt, and have the means of sustaining them- selves. Not a pauper or lawyer is there in town, nor a man unable or unwilling to pay his school bills. Gospel and schools are well supported, hard times are unknown. It is said a hun- dred dollars could not be lent in this town. None are very rich, and none are very poor. The condition of this town, is very much of that desirable kind, so happily described in the old Chinese aphorism, as follows :
" Where spades grow bright, and idle swords grow dull, Where jails are empty, and where barns are full,
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