USA > New York > Jefferson County > Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York > Part 52
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The inhabitants of the village have ever been mindful of the educa- tional welfare of their youth, and from the period of its earliest history have made ample provision for schools. However, the records give no light on this subject previous to 1815, when in pursuance of the laws of 1813 the territory was divided into districts. From that time
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to 1896 a good district school has been maintained in the village, but during the period the publie-spirited citizens have established institu- tions designed for superior educational advantages, though perhaps literary in character. The old Brownville library was, in a measure, an educational enterprise; was established in 1807, and was a worthy un- dertaking for its day.
Next in the snecession was the Brownville female seminary, estab- lished in 1819, and incorporated by the regents January 10, 1850. This was a boarding and day school for young women, and occupied the old residence built in 1816 by Major Brown. The school was placed in charge of Mary F. Bloomfield, who was succeeded by Miss IL. M. Fos- ter, and the latter, in turn, by Rev. G. B. Eastman. The institution, however, was not a success, henee was closed, and the building passed into the hands of Alfred Kilborn.
On August 31, 1860, the Brownville literary and educational associa- tion was incorporated by William Lord, Albert S. Carlton, fra T. Curtis, Alfred Kilborn and Russel Weaver, but it was short lived through some irregularity, and was succeeded by the Brownville literary association, incorporated December 30, 1860, by William Lord, Albert S. Carlton, Alfred Kilborn, Russel Weaver, Charles Allen, Thomas Keenan, A. A. Gibbs and William H. Brown. During the years 1861 62, this associa- tion, with the aid of a generous subscription from interested residents of the village, erected the large academy building in which the school was maintained during its existence, and which was afterward soll to the trustees of the district to be occupied for school and public pur- poses. This transfer was made in 1875, a few years after the incor- porated institution was closed.
From that time to 1896 no other than the common district school was maintained in the village, but on Nov. 2 of that year union free school distriet No. 1 of the town of Brownville was incorporated. The terri- tory of this district ineludes both this village and the adjoining hamlet of Glen Park on the east: Two schools are maintained, one at each place, three teachers being employed at Brownville and one at the Park. The board of education comprises Dr. R. F. Gates, Frank E. Ingalls, S. S. B. Peek, II. G. Steele, A. J. Frazier and A. W. Bailey. Frank E. Ingalls, president, and M. J. Wilcox, clerk. For school maintenance the district raises annually, by tax, about $2,000. The present large and attractive school house was built in 1891.
The First Presbyterian church of Brownville was organized March
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18, 1818, with eight constituent members. In 1819 it was admitted to the presbytery, and on Feb. 10, Rev. Noah M. Wells was installed pastor. A union edifice was erected about this time by this society and the Episcopal churchmen of the vicinity, but the latter became owners of the building by purchase in 1826, upon which the Presbyterians built for themselves on the site of their present edifice. The structure was burned in 1842, and was replaced in 1844 with a more substantial building. The members number about fifty; pastor, Rev. Ward C. Peabody.
St. Paul's church, Protestant Episcopal, was organized Oct. 13, 1826, Thomas Y. How and Thomas Loomis, wardens, and Asa Whitney, Tracey S. Knap, Samuel Brown, Sylvester Reed, Peleg Burchard, Wm. S. Ely, Edmund Kirby and lloel Lawrence, vestrymen ; rector, Rev. Wm. Lynn Keese The officiary of the church purchased the interest of the Presbyterians in the stone edifice used in common by both soei- eties in former years, and afterward owned and occupied it for their services. The church has maintained a continued existence to the present time, though the membership now is smaller than half a century ago. Forty families comprise the parish, and the communicants num- ber 31. The church is under charge of Rev. Horace B. Goodyear, missionary. Wardens, R. S. Bosworth, E. N. Giles.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Brownville village was organized August 3, 1829, with 20 members, and Rev. B. Phillips as pastor. The frame church edifice was erected in 1831, and was a substantial structure with capacity to seat 300 persons. The church forms a joint charge with Dexter, under the pastoral care of Rev. F. G. Severance. In both churches the members number 186 persons, with 30 probationers.
The first Universalist church at Brownville was organized as a society Dee. 16. 1851. A house of worship was built in 1854, and was dedi- eated Jan. 16, 1856. by Rev. Luther Rice. However, the history of the society has not been one of continued success, as much of the time the flock has been without a pastor, hence no regular services have been held.
The Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic) church of Brownville is located on the Hounsfield side of the river, but may properly be re- garded as a local institution. The parish was organized in 1820, and in the same year the church edifice was built. The present priest in charge is Rev. Father John Corbett.
Brownville lodge, No. 318, F. & A M., was installed March 31, 1819,
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by acting grand master Isaac Lee. It was one of the pioneer organiza- tions of its kind in the region, but in 1827, on account of the strong anti-masonie sentiment which pervaded certain portions of the country, the lodge suspended meetings, and was not revived until 1839, when a virtual reorganization was effected, and No. 53 was given it. During the period of its operations, the masters of the old lodge were Sylvester Reed, Peleg Burchard, Joseph MeKenzie, Hoel Lawrence, Warren Skinner and S. Reed. The reorganized lodge was chartered April 2, 1839, with Alanson Skinner, master, and has since been recognized as one of the strongest masonic bodies in the county. The present men- bers number 130.
The past masters have been Alanson Skinner, 1839, Richard Buckminster, 1840; A. Strong, 1811-12; John N. Cole, 1813; Alanson Skinner, 1811 48; Horace Skinner, 1849-50; C. K. Loomis, 1851; Horace Skinner, 1852; M. C. Loomis, 1853; De Witt C. Priest, 1854, Horace Kimball, 1855; Alanson Skinner, 1856-59; John T. Wood, 1860; Henry S. Barbour, 1561 62; Walter Zimmerman, 1863 65; Win. T. Skinner, 1866 67. Walter Zimmerman, 1568 69. William T. Skinner, 1870-71; Walter Zimmerman. 1872; Rufus Zimmerman, 1873 71; Henry S. Barbour, 1875, Edison A. Steele, 1876; John B. Atwater, 18:7; Rufus Zimmerman, 1878-80; E. 11. Carpenter, 1881; Rufus Zimmerman, 1842-85; Milo L. Cleveland, 1886 S8; Jared T. Knapp, 1889; George W. Barbour, 1890-95; Fred E. Hemings, 1896-95.
As at present constituted Brownville village contains abont 400 in- habitants, and is as well supplied with manufacturing and mercantile in- terests as any similarly situated municipality in the county. Indeed, from the earliest period of its history the village has held a prominent position as a manufacturing center, and while the present industries may not have the apparent importance of those of half a century ago, they are none the less substantial and valuable. Noting them briefly, mention may be made of the Brownville iron works, established in 1886 by Gotham & Baker on the site of the old Skinner foundry. D. B. Gotham is now the owner, and gives employment to about 40 men. The Outterson paper company was incorporated in 1889, and operates an extensive paper and pulp mill, occupying in part the old Knap grist mill and the Skinner foundry buildings The officers are J. T. Outter- son, president and treasurer, and C. E. Outterson, secretary. The Brownville paper company was started in September. 1892, by C. Il. Remington and J. M. Gamble, as partners, and was incorporated March 6, 1893. The company operates two large mills, one on the north side of the river formerly occupied by the Sionski paper company, and the other on the Hounsfield side, formerly the plant of the Globe paper and
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
fibre company. Neither of these former industries was specially profitable for its owners, but under the present management is one of the leading manufactures of the Black river valley. The officers are J. Munson Gamble, president; S. A. Upham, treasurer, and C. W. Gamble, secretary.
The C. E. Codman hay-press factory and general wood worker was started by Mr. Codman in 1893. The feed mill was added in 1895. The mercantile interests of the village are represented about as fol- lows: A. E. Lord (established 1850), dry goods, boots and shoes; Wil- cox & Sullivan, general store; H. 1. Harris, Frazier & Schemerhorn, Eigabroadt & Jones, grocers; J. P. Knowlton, hardware and stove store; William Hart & Sons, meat market; Alonzo Church, proprietor of Brownville hotel; Lettie Reeves, postmistress.
Dexter .-- This interesting and enterprising little village of about 800 inhabitants is located at the head of Black river bay, and also at the head of river navigation. The locality was originally known as Fish island, the island itself being a considerable body of land and a great rendezvous for fishermen and lumbermen in the early history of the town. The name was afterward changed to Dexter, and so called in allusion to S. Newton Dexter, who was at one time largely interested in developing the locality. The first improvements here were begun in 1811 by Jacob and John Brown, who built a dam across the river; but before any further work was accomplished it was carried away by high water. It was soon replaced, and in 1813 a saw mill was put in operation. In 1826 John E. Brown erected a grist mill. and by 1837 the hamlet had grown to contain about a dozen dwellings besides its industries.
While the splendid water power of the river at this place offered superior advantages for general manufactures, the chief industry for many years was lumbering; and among the many persons who were engaged in this pursuit mention may be made of James Wood and his sons, Gilman, Charles and Ira. They had come to the town from New llampshire about 1830, and began the erection of a dam and woolen factory about one and one half miles above Brownville, on the river, but before their mill was put in operation a disastrous flood carried away the structures, whereupon they removed to Dexter and began lumbering. They also built the large two-story stone dwelling house for many years called "the Jim Wood place," but now occupied as a post-office and dwelling at Glen Park. In the same connection may be
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recalled the names of Keyes & Hungerford, Thurman, Gunn & Co., Kirby & Loomis, John Bradley, Joseph Huntington, and Potter & Hammond, all of whom were engaged in business and were important factors in the early history of the village.
During the five years which followed 1836, many enterprises and im- provements were set on foot for the welfare of the village. In that year the post office was established (Joshua Eaton, postmaster) and the government authorized the expenditure of a considerable sum of money for the construction of piers and docks, and otherwise placing the harbor in navigable condition.' About the same time the okl Jef- ferson woolen company was formed, with $100,000 capital, for the con- struction and operation of an extensive woolen mill and factory. Prominently associated with the enterprise were S. Newton Dexter, John Williams, Edmund Kirby, Rodney Burt, John Bradley and O. V. Brainerd, who built the mills in 1832 and put them in operation, but notwithstanding their business energy and capacity the investment proved a disastrous failure. The property afterward passed into the hands of the Jefferson manufacturing company, and still later was run by the once prominent firms of T. H. Magece & Co., and F. J. Hall & Co., the later operating it extensively in making blankets during the war of 1861-5, with great profit to the management. The building was of stone, four stories high, and 50 by 120 feet on the ground.
In 1836 James A. Bell came to Dexter, and from that time to the end of his career in the village was one of the most prominent and enter- prising men of the region, and one who did as much to build up and place the business interests on a secure commercial basis as any man in all its history. In many of his undertakings Mr. Bell was associated with Edmund Kirby, one of which was the construction of the govern- ment works at the south of the river, and added to which may be men- tioned the lumbering and commercial enterprises in which they were en- graged. They were also general partners in mercantile trade, for Mr. Bell began merchandising in 1836. They dealt largely in produce and had a large storehouse on the dock, where vessels plying on the lake were loaded for transportation to maaket.
Other men prominently connected with local business interests were
' The piers in Black river bay below Dexter were once an important feature of river im - provement. Various appropriations for this work, and also for general harbor improvements, were made by congress as follows: July 1, ISM, Sinh: March 3, 1%R, $10, 00; July 2. 1535. $2, 101 Later on and during Mr. Bagley's term in congress, a further considerable appropriation was made for the purpose of dredging the bay and warbor feat Dexter.
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John T. Wood, Jesse Babcock, Myron H. Peck, Henry Binninger, Edgar Leonard, Edwin S. Clark, Solomon Moyer, John P. Shelley, F. W. Winn and perhaps still others worthy of note but whose names are not now recalled. Indeed, even at an early day enterprising citizens conceived the idea of founding a village, and in 1837 formed a stock company for the purpose of laying out a village tract 249 acres on the south, and 800 acres on the north side of the river. In this measure the leading spirits were S. Newton Dexter, Edmund Kirby, John Brown, John Bradley and John Williams. The company carried out some of its original proposals, but dissolved January 6, 1846. However, it was not until 1855 that the village was in fact incorporated, and not until about a quarter of a century more that the present condition of the vil- lage began to assume definite form. The year 1888 substantially marked a new era in local history, for then the old woolen mills were removed and an industry of greater importance took its place; the old dams were rebuilt, and a branch of the railroad between the county seat and Cape Vincent was built into Dexter; and as in former years the con- struction of this road had drawn business away from the village, and worked serious disaster to its interests, so the branch extended to the village had the effect to revive and establish those interests on a founda- tion firmer than ever before. However, before discussing the more recent interests of the village, let us briefly trace something of its municipal history.
On May 8, 1855, Dexter village was incorporated under the laws of the state, but special acts relating to local affairs were passed April 15, 1857, and January 28, 1865.
The first trustees were Sylvester Reed, Franklin J. Hall, John T. Wood, William V. Morgan and James A. Bell. Major Reed was chosen the first president of the board. The succession of incumbents of this office has been as follows:
Sylvester Reed, 1455; James A. Bell, 1856-57: M. N. Potter, 1858: Francis W. Winn, 1859; Myron H. Peck, 1860; Solomon Moyer, 1861; Edgar Leonard, 1862; George H. Rounds, 1863-64; John T. Wood, 1865-66; Edward Snider, 1867; Henry Binninger, 1564-69; Farlin Ball, 1870; Thomas J. Strainge, 1871; Henry Binninger. 1872 73: Myron HI. Peck, 1874; Henry Binninger, 1875; Samuel Moyer, 1876-77; Jos. Underwood, 1878; Edgar Leonard, 1879; Thos. J. Strainge, 1980; Geo. W. Wood, 1881; Isaac A. Shaver, 1892-83; Wm. H. Underwood, 18%1-87; Fremont W. Spicer. 1588: Nelson Calkins, 1849; Wm. H. Everett, 1890; Nelson Calkins, 1891; Geo. W. Wood, 1892; John II. Stokes, 1893; Willis P. Reed, 1891: James A. Gilmore, 1×95; Charles Foster, 1996; George A. Savage, 1897.
Soon after the incorporation was effected a petition was presented to
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the trustees asking for a special election to vote on a proposition to raise $800 for the purchase of a fire engine and the construction of a lockup, or " black hole," as expressed in the records. The measure was defeated, and not until 188; was the fire department building authorized. The department was incorporated June 13, 1889. In 1890 the corporation voted $1, 200 for a steam fire engine, and soon afterward the department was organized on its present basis. It is known as one of the most efficient village departments in the county, and comprises Dexter steamer, manned by Protection engine company No. 1; Albert hose company No. 2, and Resene hook and ladder company No. 1; Winfield Bayley, chief engineer.
A good distriet school has been maintained in the village since the incorporation, but since the practical reorganization of interests old district No. 7 of Brownville, as previously known, merged in the Dexter union free school, as now known. The local institution draws a con- siderable attendance from outside the district, and is one of the best and most liberally supported in this part of the county. The present board of education comprises Wm. Leonard, president, and George A. Savage, D. Wellington Rounds, John Jackson, Lewis F. Lehr, Fred. E. Wood, Charles Foster, Mrs. Lucy Leonard and Miss Laura Snyder; clerk, Wm. H. Winn.
The Presbyterian church of Dexter was organized July 2, 1839, by Revs. Marcus Smith, Isaac Brayton and Dexter Clary, with eighteen constituent members. Mr. Clary was the first pastor. For many years this church with that at Brownville village formed a single pastoral charge, but now has sufficient strength to support a separate leader. The society was incorporated in September, 1812, and in the next year a church edifice was begun, and was completed in 1846. The building was substantially repaired in 1893. A parsonage property was pro- sented to the society in 1822 by James A. Bell. The members number about ninety persons. The congregations are large, and under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Rulison the society is increasing in strength and good work.
All Saints' church, Protestant Episcopal, of Dexter, was organized July 14, 1839, with John Bradley and Gilman Wood, wardens, and Jesse Babcock, Edmund Kirby, Ora Haskell, James A. Bell, Israel J. Griffin, Andrew Wood and Robert Anderson, vestrymen. The church edifice, a frame structure, was built in 1839, at a cost of about $2,000. The congregations of the church have always been large, but the mem- 63
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
bership comparatively small, the communicants now numbering only 18 persons. The church wardens are 11. K. Sherer and Clinton Reeves. Rector, Rev. Burr M. Wheeden.
The First Universalist church and society of Dexter was organized September 5, 1841, and in the next year a house of worship was built and dedicated. The original membership was 25, the number gradu- ally increasing to nearly a hundred, but at length falling off to less than fifty. The society is now without a pastoral head, the pulpit being supplied from Canton.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Dexter was formed in 1825, al- though a class had been maintained in this part of the town for many years previous to that time. The church edifice was also built in 1875. The congregations attending this service are among the largest in the village. The charge is joint with Brownville, under the pastorate of Rev. F. G. Severance.
Dexter is perhaps the most active village in the town, a condition in part due to the fact that it is more remote from the city of Watertown than the adjoining village of Brownville, therefore trade is kept at home to a much greater extent. It is a manufacturing locality of im. portance, and also the natural and convenient center of trade for a rich agricultural region. The interests are diversified and not in any di- rection is there an appearance of over competition.
The Dexter sulphite pulp and paper company operate one of the most extensive manufacturing plants in the region. The company was . incorporated Oct. 8, 1887, with $100,000 capital, by Charles E. Camp- bell, E. Frederick Bennington and James A. Outterson, for the manu- facture of sulphite wood pulp paper. The management purchased the buildings and property formerly occupied by the old woolen company, and which had stood idle since about 1868, and remodeled and added to to them as was required; and in more recent years as the business of the company was enlarged other buildings have been erected until the plant has become one of the most extensive in this part of the state.
The Frontenac paper company was incorporated Sept. 12, 1889, with a capital of $60,000, by Fremont W. Spicer, Charles E. Campbell, Herbert S. Rice and James A. Outterson, for the manufacture of wood pulp paper. Soon after the company was organized business was begun on Fish island, in Dexter. The company is one of the leading factors in business circles in either the town or county. Richard Marcey is its president.
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On the site where the Frontenac company's buildings are now, once stood the old Kirby saw mill, built many years age. After work in the mill was stopped the building stood idle for about 25 years, during which time the elements substantially destroyed the structure. Finally Fremont W. Spicer bought out the interests of the Kirby heirs, organ- ized a stock company and erected the first buildings of the present paper company's plant.
The St. Lawrence paper company was incorporated Oct. 9, 1889, with a capital of $50,000, by Henry Binninger, Charles M. Otis, Joseph S. Greene, Charles L. Parmelee and J. Atwell, jr. The object of the company was to manufacture wood pulp and paper, which business was carried on extensively for several years; but disaster followed, the con- cern went into the hands of a receiver, and the property was sold to D. B. Gotham. The receiver, however, leased the plant to the Dexter sulphite pulp and paper company, by whom it is now operated.
On the site now occupied by the St. Lawrence paper company's building was formerly a grist mill, built many years ago by a stock company. It passed into the hands of L. D. & H. H. Hurd, during whose ownership, and sometime in the 'sixties the buildings were burned. Binninger & Strainge then took the land and built a shingle mill, but later on Mr. Binninger, with several Watertown men, made additions to the buildings and the St. Lawrence paper company was the result.
After the old locks around the falls and the dam had been abandoned Jesse Babcock utilized the new power thus available by erecting a plaster mill, near which soon afterward a grist mill was also built. The plaster mill eventually decayed, but the grist mill was continued, and was run by Babcock & Peck. It passed through various hands before being purchased by Osborn & Cook. It is now owned by Mr. Cook.
Where now stands the Binninger & Strange sash and blind factory in the village, there formerly stood a shop owned and occupied by Potter & Hammond for the manufacture of hubs, spokes and other wagon ma- terial. They did an extensive business, and in its day this was one of the leading industries of the place. The old building still stands, but through subsequent additions has lost all of its former appearance. What is now John Nutting's carding mill was still another older industry of the same kind, which was built about or before 1830 by Solon Stone. This was the first utilized water power of the village. Where the Leonard & Gilmore company now do business was the old saw mill of
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Kirby & Loomis, one of the original industries of Dexter, and one which was maintained many years. It was followed by Deacon Ilunt- ington's sash and blind factory on the same site. He also made cheese boxes and did an extensive business. Edgar Leonard bought the prop- erty, and later on took as partners his son and son-in law, a partnership which led to the present Leonard & Gilmore company. The company was incorporated May 22, 1895, with $20,000 capital, by Edgar Leon- ard, James A. Gilmore, William E. Leonard and Luey A. Leonard.
One of the first hotels in Dexter was that kept by Peleg Mattison, standing on the site now occupied by the E. S. Clark store and the builling recently erected by the Leonard & Gilmore company. In 1856 the famous hostelry was burned to the ground, and in the same fire was also destroyed the factory company's store where Mr. Clark's dwell- ing now is. One Delano built a house on the old store wall. Another old hotel stood on the site of William Il. Underwood's dwelling. It was managed by several landlords, among whom were J. E. Baker, John P. Shelly, Henry Crawford and A. Vinica. This hotel was also burned many years ago. Still another hotel was that built and run by Dolph Alexander, and also one by Charles B. Bowers, both of which were upon this site, and were successively burned. Mr. Underwood's residence stands about on this site. A part of the old cellar wall is still to be seen.
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