Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 27

Author: Emerson, Edgar C., ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 1368

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York > Part 27

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

direction of "governors and rulers," appointed in colonial times by the governor, and afterward by the judges of the county courts.

The society for the promotion of agriculture, arts and manufactures was instituted February 26, 1:91, and soon afterward, for more efficient action, the state was divided into as many districts as there were counties. The charter, however, expired in 1804, but the society was continued under the name of the "society for the promotion of useful arts." In 1808-12 premiums were offered for the best cloths of house- hold manufacture, a part of which were awarded by the county judge and a part by the society. Under this offer pioneers Noadiah Hubbard and Hart Massey secured some exceedingly fine specimens of wool grown from sheep owned by James Le Ray, and made the same into cloth of such fine texture and finish that the judges could not determine which was the better, therefore divided the premium between the con- testants.

On April 2, 1819, the legislature created a board of agriculture, and appropriated $10,000 annually for two years to be distributed for the promotion of agriculture and family domestic mannfactures in the several counties, on condition that a like sum be subscribed by the county societies formed under the act. County societies on the Berk- shire plan began to be formed in 1816. and by the exertions of De Witt Clinton, Elkanah Watson and other friends of the measure, they were extended to most of the counties. Nearly all, however, soon fell into disuse, and that of Jefferson county is the only one of all which can trace an unbroken descent from that period.

The Jefferson county agricultural society was formed at a meeting held at the house of Isaac Lee, in Watertown, October 25, 1816, and from that time to the present has been one of the permanent institut- tions of the county, although during the period one or more reorganiza- tions have been effected for the purpose of enlarging the society powers and more efficient operation. This was the second society of its kind in the state (that of Otsego county being the first). Availing them- selves of the provisions of the acts of 1853 and 1855, the directors and stockholders of the society effected a reorganization, December :, 1854, but the society has never lost its identity, nor has it failed to hold an annual exhibition.

The absolute loss of original records precludes the possibility of a complete history of the society during the earlier years of its existence, but from published accounts data is gathered for this chapter. The

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JEFFERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

first officers were James D. Le Ray, president ; Jacob Brown, Ist vice. president; Ethel Bronson, 3d vice president; Egbert Ten Eyck, seere- tary; Oren Stone, treasurer. The "local committee," or director from each town, as required by law, was comprised as follows: William M. Lord, Hounsfield; Hart Massey, Watertown; George White, Rutland; Noadiah Hubbard, Champion ; Ahiza Smith, Henderson; Eliphalet Ed- monds, Adams; Nathan Strong, Rodman; Ebenezer Wood, Ellisburgh ; Clark Allen, Lorraine; John B. Esseltyn, Lyme; Walter B. Cole, Brownville; Roswell Woodruff, Le Ray; Silvius Hoard, Antwerp; Thomas Brayton, Wilna.

The objects of the society, as declared by the articles of association, were, Ist, "the promotion and improvement of agricultural and rural economy," but it was also provided that "no salary or pecuniary re- ward shall be allowed to any officers or committee of this society for discharging their official duties." All other provisions and precautions necessary for the government and well being of the society were duly attended to, but it is hardly necessary to mention them at length in this chapter.

The first "cattle show and fair." as it was then called, was held September 28 and 29, 1818, and was a notable event in county annals. The agricultural address, customary on such occasions, was delivered by James D. Le Ray, the president, who then was one of the most prominent and influential men in this part of the state. Indeed, he was the originator of the society, as he was of the state society of later years. Governor De Witt Clinton was also present and made an ad- dress. If all accounts be true the attendance on both days was very large, the display of stock and farm produce was gratifying, while the assembled county folk were very much interested in the exhibitions by Noadiah Hubbard and Colonel Harris in driving fifteen yoke of fine cattle attached to a cart, and a similar feat by Roswell Woodruff, who drove seventeen yoke of cattle in the same manner. A plowing match was another of the features, while in the village a grand celebration was held, and a salute was fired at the arsenal in honor of the event.

In this year a viewing committee was appointed, comprising Samuel Brown, James Parker, Simeon Hunt, Curtis G. Brooks and Samuel Evans, who " visited nine towns, examined 75 subjects, and awarded 22 premiums in cups, goblets and spoons, worth $128; three premiums in plate, worth $25, on the plowing match; IS premiums on stock, worth $156; and 14 premiums on domestic manufactures, worth $93.

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

On March 28, 1828, an act of incorporation was secured for the so- ciety, naming as incorporators "Le Ray de Chaumont" (James D. Le Ray), Perley Keyes, Elisha Camp, Peter N. Cushman, Egbert Ten Eyck, Rodney Burt, Daniel Eames, Micah Sterling, Noadiah Hubbard, Orville Hungerford, George White, Hiram Merrill, John Brown, Cur- tis Golden, Samuel C. Kannady, Ezekiel Jewett, Albert Brayton, Sam- uel Brown, John B. Esseltyn, Abijah Farwell, Edmund Kirby, "Vin - cent Le Ray de Chaumont," Alfred Freeman, Simeon Hunt, Stoel Warner, Asa Carter, Jonathan Graves, William Doxtader, Clark Allen, Liberty Bates, "and such as might join."

The new officers elected under this act were James Le Ray, presi- dent ; Perley Keyes, Elisha Camp and Peter N. Cushman, vice-presi- dents; Orville Hungerford, treasurer; Egbert Ten Eyck, secretary. Two years later (1830), the society appealed to the legislature for authority to offer premiums to owners of horses for superiority in speed trials, such action being necessary from the fact that horses raised in the county were unsalable by reason of the distance of the region from the markets in which horses were purchased, hence there was no in- ducement to breed such animals without fair probability of sale. The legislative committee reported favorably on the measure, but it did not become a law.

In 1841 (May 5) an act was passed to encourage agricultural societies, by which the local organization was to receive $183 for five years, which action made reorganization necessary. Two years afterward an exhi- bition hall was built in rear of the court house (as then located) for the society's use, but on August 24, 1851, land was purchased on the Brown- ville road, fences were built and buildings were erected for the perma- nent use of the society. The grounds comprised ten acres, but a later purchase added another ten acres, on which from time to time suitable halls and other buildings have been erected until now the society is as well equipped for fair purposes as any interior county in the state.

From these elements the present Jefferson county agricultural society has grown, and at all times during its history has been regarded as one of the fixed institutions of the county. Indeed it has ever been pro- gressive and permanent, which cannot be said of any similar society in the state. The absence of early records confines our statements to bare facts, but through the endeavors of interested members we are able to furnish to the reader a complete succession of presidents of the society from the time of organization, as follows:

LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

James Le Ray, 1817-29; Jacob Brown, 1829 -32; Vincent Le Ray, 1832-36, Noadial Hubbard, 1836 38, George White, 1838-10; Orville Hungerford, 1841 ; Micah Sterling, 1812; Edmund Kirby, 18-43; Hart Massey, 1841, Charles E. Clarke, 1815, Henderson Howk, 1816; Edward S. Salisbury, 1817; Willard Ives, 1848; Moses Eames, 1819, Jason Clark, 1850; Marsena R. Patrick, 1851; John A. Sherman, 1852; John Winslow, 1853; Solon D. Hungerford, 1851; Edward S. Massey, 1855; Benjamin Maxon, 1856; James Brodie, 1857; Alanson P. Sigourney, 1858; Cliff Eames, 1859; William Rouse 1860; Hiram Converse, 1861; Evelyn F. Carter, 1862. Thomas V. Maxon, 1863; Daniel Parker, 1861; Tilley R. Pratt, 1865; Charles A. Benjamin, 1866; Lorenzo Baldwin, 1867; Daniel Green, 1868; John M. Wilcox 1869; Tilley R. Pratt, 1870; Simeon Mather, 1871; Samuel W. Strough, 1872; Norris Winslow, 1873; Alvin II. Hall, 1874; Henry Spicer, 1855; Madison Cooper, 1875, vice Spicer, resigned; Elliott Makepeace, 1876; Solon E. Hungerford, 1877; James F. Converse, 1878; Andrew C. Middleton, 1879-80; Royal Fuller, 1881-83; F. II. MeNitt, 1884 56; H. S. Barbour, 1857; C. 1). llebert, 1888; 11. S. Dean, 1889; Harrison Fuller, 1890-91; I. P. Wodell, 1892; F. R. Smith, 1893; Isaac Mitchell, 1893, viee Smith, resigned; J. A. D. Snell, 1893-91, vice Mitchell, deceased; E. A. Ayres, 1895; J. Sterling Sill, 1896; 11. S. Barbour, 1897.

The officers of the society for the current year 1897 are as follows. Henry S. Bar- bour, Watertown, president; John M. Wilcox, Three Mile Bay, and E. E. Parker, Brownville, vice-presidents; Frank M. Parker, Watertown, treasurer; W. R. Skeels, Watertown, secretary; Harrison S. Dean, East Rodman, J. D. Lowe, Stone Mills, Walter Zimmerman, Brownville, Edward S. Pool, East Watertown, Fred B. Webb, Pierrepont Manor, and Will C. Baker, Watertown, directors; P. T. Hammond, gen- eral superintendent.

Local agricultural societies were authorized by aets to which refer- ence has been made on preceding pages. The first of the class in this county, and one of the first town societies in the state was that formed at Ellisburgh March 8, 1849, and originally known as the Ellisburgh agricultural society, of which Alvah Bull was president; Mason Salis- bury and A. G. Earl, vice-presidents; Wm. T. Searles, recording seere- tary; Samuel Hackley, corresponding secretary; and Green Packer, James Brodie, A. F. Wood, M. Stearns, M. S. Wood and T. Shepard, executive committee. In the course of a few years it became desira- ble to enlarge the jurisdiction of the society, and the town of Adams and Henderson were admitted to the privileges of the organization, hence a friendly rivalry naturally arose, each town striving to make the best exhibit at the annual meeting. The result was a large and successful society, and one which maintained a healthful existence for many years, but later the society declined and after several years of indifferent success the meetings were discontinued. The towns men - tioned were added to the jurisdiction of the society, January 8, 1853, but with the understanding at that time that the annual exhibition was

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

to be held in Ellisburgh. However, when the meetings there were no longer profitable, fairs were held at Adams. The joint society, the Ellisburgh, Adams and Henderson agricultural society, was incorpo- rated January 21, 1856.

The Cape Vincent agricultural society was organized in the early part of the year 1850, was distinctively a local institution and retained that character two years, when Lyme, Clayton and Wolf island were allowed to enter their products and compete for premiums. The so- ciety flourished for several years and then the interest for some reason began to decline. The annual fairs were held irregularly and finally were discontinued. The society, however, never lost its identity and during more recent years has been revived, and now is the only town society in the county holding annual fairs.

The Antwerp union agricultural society was incorporated August 3, 1812, prospered for several years and with others of its class gradually passed out of existence.

The Redwood union agricultural society was incorporated August 27, 1814, but during the succeeding ten years was operated with vary- ing success and finally dissolved.

The Carthage union agricultural society was formed July 17, 1875, and began its career with every prospect of a continued existence. A desirable site was secured, the grounds fenced and buildings were erected, and annual exhibitions were held for some time, but through some lack of interest the enterprise was finally abandoned.

Incidental to the agricultural societies of the county, past and pres- ent, are the granges, and while the latter are in a measure the out- growth of the former they are in no way connected. Farmers' clubs had been formed in the county previous to 1873, for purely local pur- poses, but for perfect protection and co operation the various grange organizations were formed. As is well understood, at that time far- mers' interests had seriously declined, and the agriculturalists were more or less subject to the importunities of designing persons and poli- ticians who sought only personal advantage. To resist these machin- ations and at the same time to draw the farming classes into closer and more friendly relationship, the organization known as patrons of hus- bandy, or more commonly, granges, had been suggested and brought into existence.

The first attempt to form a grange in the county was made in 1873, at a meeting of the farmers' club held June 21, when Wm. H. H. Ells-

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PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

worth was elected master, and V. C. Warriner secretary. The informal organization having been perfected, the national grange recognized the county society, and on January 26, 1871, granted it a charter. This was the beginning of a popular movement in the county, and as soon as the benefits of the proposed creations became known and understood by the farmers of the towns, granges were formed all through the re- gion. A movement so sudden and widespread could not but attract attention from persons in authority, and others ambitious to become leaders for selfish ends, therefore the history of the grange from 1871 to 1885 was not one of complete success according to the strict inten- tions of its founders. It became in a great measure a political organ- ization. Many members were not agriculturalists in any sense and sought only political preferment at the expense of the members in good faith, hence for a time the order fell into disrepute, and it was not until it became entirely divorced from politics that grange affairs became beneficial to those for whom it was intended. This purging process required years to accomplish, and in many cases societies ceased toexist, but at last the desired end was reached and the grange was thenceforth recognized as one of the strongest institutions of the county, and a fac- tor for great good among farming classes. By it they are banded and united in fraternal bonds, their interests are protected, and by the free and friendly interchange of sentiment on agricultural and general sub- jects a lasting benefit has resulted.

In 1843 there were three grange organizations in the county, with only a limited membership; at the present time the granges number thirty-two, with a total membership of more than four thousand per- sons. In addition is the county or Pomona grange, the members of which are drawn from the local organizations, and number 350 persons. The granges formed in 1843 were Union, of Ellisburgh, the town being almost always foremost in publie enterprises; also Watertown grange of Watertown, and Star grange of Hounsfield. They are numbered. respectively, 5, 7 and 9. Several of the town granges are incorporated and own property, their possessions generally consisting of a grange hall; while their members are provident and progressive, and include many of the most substantial farmers of the county, the local officers have been neglectful in making and preserving records of the transac- tions of their organization, which fact precludes the possibility of a complete history of each grange in the county. However, from rec- ords extant we may learn the name, number and location of each, to-

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

gether with its membership and present master, which may be noted about as follows, in the order of seniority

Union grange, No. 5, Ellisburgh, 164 members, J. J. Mather, master; Watertown grange, No. 7. Watertown, 449 members. H. P. Dunlap. master; Star grange, No. 9, Hlounsfield, 172 members, A. M. Marsh, master; LaFargeville grange, No. 15, Orleans, 14s members. F. D. Gurnee, master; Mannsville grange, No. 16, Ellisburgh, 113 members, George Staplin, master, Champion grange. No. 1%, Champion, 35 members, Ives B. Loomis, master: Indian River grange, No. 19. Antwerp, George Petty master; South Rutland grange, No. 53, Rutland. 110 members, Elon O. Andrus, master; Depauville grange, No. 59. Clayton, 116 members. P. D. Patch. master: Smithville grange. No. 60, Henderson, 62 members, A. A. Robbins, mas- ter: Pamelia Grange. No. 69, Pamelia, 202 members. E. J. Colligan, master; Car- thage grange, No. 69, Wilna, $2 members. E. G. Lewis, master; Phila delphia grange, No. 114. 20% members, Milan Baker, master, Lorraine grange, No. 117, Lorraine, 115 members. A. N. Fralick, master; Three Mile Bay grange, No. 126, Lyme. 139 members, George E. Herrick, master: Henderson grange, No. 145, Henderson, 9% members. W. C. Barrett, master; Adams grange. No. 145. Adams, J. H. Bemis, master; St. Lawrence grange. No. 396, Cape Vincent, 15% members, J. H. Corbin. master: Natural Bridge grange, No. 491. Wilna, 104 members, F. W. Palmer, mas- ter: Adams Center grange. No. 590. Adams, 204 members, A. M. Sanford, master; 1000 Island Grange, No. 593. Orleans, 80 members, Henry Otis, master; Cape Vin- cent grange. No. 599, Cape Vincent, $2 members. F. E. McWayne, master; Perch River grange. Mo. 626, Brownville, 46 members, Win. Pratt, master : Plessis grange, No. 629. Alexandria, 1si members, Jerome Frost. master. Great Bend grange, No. 642. Champion. 132 members, Hugh Roberts, master; Clayton grange, No. 647, Clayton 104 members, A. E. Spaulding, master : Theresa grange No. 660. Theresa. 160 members, Irvin Van Allen, master; Kirkland grange. No. 6-4, Alexandria, M. J. Jewett, master; Ox Bow grange, No. 691, Antwerp, 122 members. Corbett Bacon, master; Dexter grange. No. 724. Brownville, 211 members, Washington Sargent, master.

THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

For more than a quarter of a century previous to the organization of the Jefferson county historical society the need of such an institution was seriously felt, especially among those of the county's people who represented an element of pioneership. The subject was discussed in an informal way, and at an occasional assemblage in which older resi- dents chanced to be present, the desirability of a permanent organiza - tion was urged with considerable zeal; yet year after year passed and nothing tangible was the result. At length, in the early part of April, 1556. the press of the county publicly announced that on the 6th of that month a preliminary meeting would be held in the city for the purpose of determining the question, and, if desirable, the initial steps toward forming the society would be taken.

JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The persons foremost in this praisworthy effort were Col. Walter B. Camp, Charles R. Skinner, Daniel S. Marvin, Rev. Dr. R. Fisk, Col. Albert D. Shaw and perhaps others whose names did not appear in the published record. At the preliminary meeting, in addition to those already mentioned, were Dr. A. T. Jacobs, Justus Eddy, Philo M. Brown, J. A. Parker, Rev. J. Winslow, R. A. Oakes, Moses Eames, Sidney Cooper, E. M. Gates, Beman Brockway and F. D. Rogers.

A temporary organization was effected by electing Mr. Brockway chairman, and Mr. Fisk secretary, after which followed a free discus- sion of the subject, resulting in the appointment of a committee of five (Albert D. Shaw, Philo M. Brown, R. A. Oakes, W. B. Catip and Sid- ney Cooper) to examine the draft of proposed constitution and by laws previously submitted by Mr. Skinner, and report a definite plan of organization at a meeting to be held May 10th following.

The meeting was held at the appointed time, the constitution and by laws were adopted, officers were elected, and the society organiza- tion was fully perfected. The constitution declared the object of the society to be the " discovery, collection, preservation and publication of the history, historical records and data of and pertaining to Jefferson county ; the collection and preservation of books, newspapers, pam. phlets, maps, genealogies, portraits, paintings, relies, mannseripts, let - ters, journals, surveys, field books, and any and all other materials which may establish or illustrate such history, " &c.

It was also provided that the officers "should consist of a president, three vice-presidents, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary. a librarian and a treasurer, cach to be elected annually." Provision was also made for a board of councilors of twenty six members, from among whom should be chosen an executive committee of five persons, and the latter, with the officers, to constitute a board of managers.

The first officers of the society were as follows: President, Beman Brockway; vice-presidents, Col. Walter B. Camp, Moses Eames, John C. Sterling; recording secretary, Richmond Fisk ; corresponding sec- retary, R. A. Oakes; librarian and custodian, Daniel S, Marvin; treas- nrer, Nathaniel C. Wardwell; executive committee, A. D). Shaw, Fred Emerson, Justus Eddy, Sidney Cooper, P. M. Brown.

Thus was the Jefferson county historical society brought into active existence and successful operation. Its membership from the first has been large, its meetings have been well attended, and its affairs pri- dently conducted. As a result of this general interest a valuable col-

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lection of historic relics and documents has been secured. The annual meeting in January in a good measure became a public function and on each occasion well known speakers and essayists contributed to the entertainment. Mr. Brockway continued in the office of president un- til his death, December 16, 1892, and was then succeeded by Col. Walter B. Camp, former vice-president. The annual meeting in January, 1898, was not held, on account of the illness of the president and the absence from the county of other prominent members and officers. As a con- sequence the officers at the last preceding annual meeting, January 13, 1897, were continued in their respective positions. However, in the year last mentioned, Secretary Ingalls dicd, and on May 11, George B. Massey was elected his successor. On the same date Mr. Marvin re- signed his office as librarian and custodian, and Sidney Cooper was elected in his stead. The present members number nearly 150 persons.

The present officers of the society are as follows: President, Col. Walter B. Camp; vice presidents, Elijah J. Clark and John C. Sterling; recording secretary, George B. Massey; corresponding secretary, va- vant; librarian and custodian, Sidney Cooper; treasurer, Nathaniel P. Wardwell.

CHAPTER XIX.

A Chapter Relating to Internal Improvements in Jefferson County- Public High- ways-State Roads-Turnpikes-Plank Roads-Canals-Railroads-Post Routes- Early Lake Navigation-Telegraph Lines.

From the beginning of settlement in the territory now comprising Jefferson county to the close of the war of 1812-15, there was a con- stant disturbance of some kind which was calculated to retard develop- ment and delay progress in almost every direction. When the first surveyors came to the region, the lake and river front was in possession of the British, who held their positions in violation of treaty stipula- tions, and who only withdrew in 1296. Soon afterward, while there was no actual occupation by the military forces of the mother country, there were nevertheless political differences between Great Britain and the United States, which culminated in the war of which a preceding chapter treats. Notwithstanding this, and in spite of the fact that the

2.5

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

region was at all times subject to sudden invasion by hostile armed forces, there was shown in the first score of years of the county's history a constant and healthful growth, both in population and the develop- ment of resources. The proprietors of the several tracts of land which comprised the county were active in every work tending to promote their own interests, but the state authorities were soon called upon to give assistance in laying out and constructing thoroughfares of travel and transportation for the accommodation of settlers and others who sought homes in the new region. The need of a proper system of highways frequently proved a serious embarrassment to the military authorities of the state and federal governments during the war of 1812, and had the turnpike been built between Johnstown and Sackets Har- bor, as long before " prayed for" in an earnest appeal to the legisla- ture, the battle of Sandy creek would not have been fought. At that carly day there were but two popular roads for travel to the interior of the county, one by way of the Black river to High Falls and thence to the long falls and on down the river to its mouth, and the other by way of the Oswego river and Lake Ontario to the northern and west- ern border of the county.

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 27

Author: Emerson, Edgar C., ed Publication date: 1898 Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Co. Number of Pages: 1368

Author: Emerson, Edgar C., ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 1368