Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 67

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 67

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1 The southwest part of the town has extensive sandy ridges, which in former years were supposed to possess no real value, except the luxuriant growth of chestnut trees which grew on the land. From this fact the strip took the name of Chestnut ridge. During more recent yeas, however, this sand plain has been devoted to the growth of melons and berries, and some small fruits, and yields abundantly and profitably.

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THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD.

the Saekets Harbor and Ellisburgh railroad company was organized, as a part of a system proposed to extend to Albany and Boston. After much delay the road was completed from the harbor to Pierrepont Manor, and was opened June 1, 1853. It was operated in connection with the R., W. & O. road, and also with the lake and river steamers at the harbor, but for some reason the investment proved unprofitable for the stockholders, and the road was finally abandoned in 1862. The town was then without railroad accommodations of any kind until the completion (in the late winter of 1844) of the Sackets Harbor division of the Carthage, Watertown & Sackets Harbor railroad. Along the line of the road in the town are three small stations known respec. tively as Warren's, in East Hounsfield; Alverson's, on lot No. 40, and Camp's Mills,' in the western central part, where once stood a busy little hamlet, but which now exists chiefly in history.

East Hounsfield is a hamlet in the northeast part of the town, on the line of the old Watertown & Sackets Ilarbor plank road, the latter hav- ing been built and opened in 1844-8. The settlement, however, is best known as " the Half-Way House," in allusion to the tavern which has been maintained here since the road was built, and which has been a convenient stopping place about half way between the county seat and the harbor. One of the first settlers in this locality was Stephen Blanchard, a Vermont Yankee, who came in 1820 and built a tavern, founding what was long known as the old Blanchard stand, Blanchard's Corners, and the Half way House. "Steve" Blanchard was a famous country landlord, and the old house (a part of which stands) has been the scene of many joyful occasions. The settlement, under the name of East Ilounsfield, became a post station in 1850, Nelson Jones being the postmaster. In the locality a cheese factory was built in 1870, and an industry of that character has since been maintained here. The only other vicinity interests of consequence are the district school, the Christian church and the splendid large farm of Anson R. Flower, the

1 The name Camp's Mills is still preserved as a station on the line of railroad between Watertown and Sackets Harbor, although the once busy little hamlet of the same name was located about half a mile south of the railroad. In this vicinity Mill creek formed quite a large pond, and about 1820, under the direction and partial support of Colonel Camp, the water was diverted for manufacturing purposes. A large stone grist mill was erected by Colonel Camp and also two saw mills. One of the industries was a fulling mill, operated by a Mr. Finney, while Colonel Camp and one Lawton were interested in other enterprises. A store was also kept here for a time, but during the last quarter of a century or more, a cheese factory has been about the only industry of the place. The name Camp's Mills was applied in compliment to Col. Elisha Camp.

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

latter being so admirably managed and cared for as to entitle it to at least passing mention.

The Christian church of Hounsfield was organized in 1820 by Rev. Lebbeus Field, with an original membership of about 40 persons, but soon afterward a division in the society took place, whereupon a reor- ganization was effected. The little meeting house at Blanchard's cor- ners was built in 1843, and cost $1,100. Elder Field was connected with the church for many years and was its mainstay and support. After his death the church was for a time prosperous but ultimately the congregation decreased in number, and at length the society could no longer support a pastor. Meetings were held irregularly but the church organization is still maintained and occasional services are held.

In the locality which was made famous by the residence, discoveries and manufactures of Dr. Samuel Guthrie (and where his old dwelling house still stands) was once a busy little hamlet called Jewettsville, and so named after Abram Jewett, who settled in Watertown in 1800 and removed thence to the Mill creek region in Hounsfield in 1818. One of the first settlers in this locality was Silas Godfrey, who came in 1802. Benjamin Barnes came about the same time and built a framed house which he soon turned into a tavern. He also opened a brickyard and carried on a bakery for the benefit of the neighboring inhabitants. John McDole, who kept a tavern, and Nathan Jewett, brother of Abram, were other early residents here. Heman Pettit came about 1804 and settled on the west side of Mill creek. He was a millwright and built the wharves at Sackets Harbor. He also built a saw mill for Augustus Sacket, and a grist mill and saw mill near the mouth of the creek for Samuel Luff.

At one time during its history Jewettsville contained three brickyards and a lime kiln, which were carried on by Abram Jewett, after he had purchased Benj. Barnes' improvement; a woolen mill, owned by Jesse Stone; Samuel Ward's bakery; Joseph Kimball's and Leonard Denni- son's large brewery; several asheries; four or five distilleries; Dr. Guthrie's powder mill and laboratory; Nathaniel Nobles' malt house; Leonard Dennison's tannery ; and also a gunsmith shop, glove factory, two cooper shops, a wheelwright shop, a rope factory, three vinegar factories, and several other industries of less note. But with passing years, when interests began to center in more populous and favored localities, nearly all of these were remove'd and abandoned, and to day the once flourishing Jewettsville is a " deserted village," without one industry to mark its former site.

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THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD.

The only other settled localities in the town are the portions of Brownville and Dexter villages, lying south of the river (each of which is treated at some length in the history of the town of Brownville), and Field's Settlement and Stowell's Corners, which are mere cross roads hamlets, named in allusion to prominent families, but otherwise are of little consequence in the history of the town. Another locality is known as Sulphur Springs, and is situated south of Alverton's station and west of Stowell's Corners, in the vicinity where once much fame was hoped for on account of the valuable properties of a certain sulphur spring. llere is an excellent farming region, and the thrifty inhabitants for their own convenience in December, 1847, organized a Seventh-Day Baptist society, Benj. Maxson, Elias Frink, John Utter, Nathan Tru- man and John Witter being the leading members and trustees. The meeting house, which still stands, was soon built and the society was reasonably prosperous until about 1820, when it began to decline, and at length gave way to the Methodists, the latter having been organized as a society in 1827, although preceded by a class. The old house of worship soon passed into the hands of the new society, whose members hold regular meetings in the building. The church now forms part of a joint charge.

Sackets Harbor .- Augustus Sacket was the founder of the village set- tlement on Black river bay, and in allusion to him the name Sackets Harbor has ever been applied to the place. A doubt has always ex- isted as to the grammatical accuracy of the name, which undoubtedly should be rendered "Sacket's Harbor." On various occasions modifi- cation of the name has been under consideration by the department in Washington, and some suggestions have been made. In 1886 the postal authorities ordered the name changed to, or at least spelled as, "Sacket Harbor," but throughout this work (and the writer proposes to so con- tinne) the old historie and truly honorable nane of Sackets Harbor is adhered to.

As has been mentioned on a preceding page, in 1801 Augustus Sacket purchased at public sale a considerable portion of the town of Houns- field, including all that now comprises the village tract. Mr. Sacket at once came to the lands with a sufficient corps of employees and began the erection of a saw mill and other necessary improvements to attract settlers to the locality. The mill stood near the mouth of the stream known as Mill creek, on which pioneer Samnel Luif (one of the worth- iest of the English colony which came 1805), also built the first grist

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

mill, and Solon Stone, another carly settler, erected a small cotton factory. About this same time, or in 1804, Elisha Camp, who was brother in-law to Judge Sacket, came to the settlement and was ap- pointed resident land agent, under whose direction the last of the proprietary lands were sold just previous to 1850.

Some of these men were such worthy factors in the early history of the village and its vicinity that a brief mention of their work is appro priate. Augustus Sacket was born in New York city, Nov. 10, 1:69, and was educated for the legal profession. In 1810 he came to Houns- field to develop and dispose of his vast tract of land, and thereafter lived in the village until 1809, when his interests were sold, and he re- turned to the east and took up his residence at Jamaica, Long Island. In 1812 he became largely interested in Pennsylvania lands, and in 1820 bought a vast tract in South Carolina. Later on he became interested in certain of the St. Lawrence river islands, whereupon he returned to the harbor, remaining until 1822, when he removed to Newburgh. In that year, on April 29, at Albany. Judge Sacket died. Notwithstanding the magnitude of his business operations, Mr. Sacket was ultimately unfortunate, but throughout his career he commanded respect for honor, integrity and worth. On the organization of the common pleas court in Jefferson county, he was the first judge, appointed February 26, 1802, and served until 1810. when he was succeeded by Moss Kent. From this service Mr. Sacket was always afterward addressed and re- ferred to as " Judge Sacket." On the formation of the customs distriets (under the aet of March 3, 1803) he was appointed collector of the port at this place.

Elisha Camp, who was frequently known in later years as Col. Camp, came to the harbor in 1804, equipped for the practice of law, and in connection therewith acted as agent for the Kimball & Hounsfield lands; also assisted Mr. Sacket in developing his lands and the company of purchasers who succeeded to the Sacket interests. In 1807 Mr. Camp was appointed town surveyor, an office rarely named or filled at that time. He was thenceforth one of the leading men of the county, and was interested in many public and private enterprises. In 1811 he or- ganized an artillery company, and was an important factor in the suc- cess of the American arms in the war which followed. Later on in es- tablishing schools, academies and churches his generosity was appre- ciated all through the county. In 1816 he was one of the company which built the Ontario, the first steamer on the lake, and the success

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THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD.

of the enterprise stimulated other efforts in the same direction until the harbor as a ship building and general navigation point rivaled any on the river. When the canal (which for many years was known as " Camp's ditch,") was completed in 1832, a grist mill, two saw mills, a plaster mill, a paper mill and a furnace were built along its borders in the village, and were, with the canal itself, chiefly the results of the enter- prise of Col. Camp. This worthy developer and upright citizen did much for Sackets Harbor during its early history and was one of its foremost men. He died January 25, 1866.

In 1805 the little settlement founded by Judge Sacket was increased by the arrival of several Englishmen, a number of whom brought fam- ilies, and all of whom were more or less prominently identified with the carly history of the village. Their names are mentioned on a pre- ceding page, hence need no repetition here. Just previous to the ar- rival of the colony Dr. William Baker had come and began practice, Ambrose Pease and Stephen Simmons had opened inns, and Loren Buss and Ilezekiah Doolittle were doing business as tradesmen. Judge Sacket had become customs officer, and the harbor was perhaps one of the most important places in the county, having abont 20 families and 100 inhabitants. The growth during the next four or five years was rapid, and the healthfulness of the locality made it noteworthy even at that carly day. Between February, 1805, and Jannary, 1809, but one death (except of infants) occurred, and that was the result of an acci - dent. About this time the Black river country was reported as very unhealthy and the reverse condition existing about the harbor drew to it many residents.

On March 5, 1809, Judge Sacket sold the village tract, including about 1,600 acres, to Cornelius Ray, Win. Bayard and Michael Hogan, in trust for themselves and Herman Le Roy, James McEvers, Joshua Waddington, James Lenox, Wm. Maitland, Win. Ogden, - MeLeod, Benj. W. Rogers, Duncan P. Campbell, Samuel Boyd, Abraham Ogden, David A. Ogden and Thomas L. Ogden, each owning a fifteenth part, except the two last named, who together owned one such part. Ray, Bayard and Hogan were the trustees, and soon after their purchase was completed Colonel Camp was appointed local agent to sell, settle and develop the tract. He engaged actively in this work and succeeded in attacting to the village many men and enterprises of value, but in the meantime other events of a political and military character were taking place, and soon all growth and increase of interests was destined to be 81

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

dwarfed in importance by the struggle and confusion of another war with Great Britain. However, among the interests then existing, in addition to those noted (owing to the disturbed condition of affairs at that time exact dates have not been preserved) was the little store owned by Charles Berry (sometimes called Barrie) which stood adjoin- ing the site of the Eveleigh house. Berry at length sold to Loren Buss, whom we have recalled. Hezekiah Doolittle, a later prominent char- acter in village life, had charge of the store.

The interests thus described were small, comparatively, but were sufficient for the time and its requirements. The first large mercantile enterprise of the village (which, indeed, was one of the most extensive in the county), was that started by Samuel F. Hooker, who began busi- ness here in 1808, and who in after years was one of the largest lumber- men and operators in that part of the county, his interests extending into other towns besides Hounsfield. In his mercantile business at the harbor Mr. Hooker began with about $20,000 invested in stock, but so great were his dealings that within two months his sales amounted to $12,500.

Just previous to the enforcement of the embargo laws, pearl and pot- ash were staples in trade handled by all dealers, and large quantities of this commodity were shipped from the harbor. Even after the law was passed the traffic continued, though every trick was resorted to to evade the vigilance of the officials.1 To check these unlawful operations Capt. William P. Bennett with a detachment of artillery, and Lieut. Cross with a company of infantry were stationed at the harbor in 1808 and part of 1809.

At that time Sackets Harbor was the seat of the customs district, and all captured boats and contraband wares were brought here for appraise- ment and sale. As is stated, the customs district was established in pursuance of the act of March, 1803, and soon after the law went into effect. The office during the embargo and war periods was of great importance, but in later years, as lake and river commerce became di- vided and lessened, the local station lost nearly all its old-time prom- inence, and on March 3, 1863, it was consolidated with and made sub- ordinate to the Cape Vincent district, the latter having been organized

1 Whisky was also a staple article of trade. Just north of where the old stone distillery building now stands Gen. Leavenworth built a large dwelling on the dock, close to the water's edge. The house was so constructed that by opening doors on the bay side a boat could be sailed in or out. The building was used during the embargo period and was the seat of many snuggling operations.

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THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD.

from the former April 18, 1818. Subsequent to 1863 the local customs office has been in charge of a deputy collector. During the period in which the principal office was maintained at the harbor, the collectors were:

Augustus Sacket, Hart Massey, Perley Keyes, John M. Canfield. Thomas Loomis, Danforth N. Barney, Leonard Dennison, John O. Dickey, Otis M. Cole, Daniel Me- Cullock, Abram Kromer, Thomas M. Hall, William Howland and Cornelius W. Inglehart.

Perhaps the most eventful period in the history of Sackets Harbor was that of the war of 1812-15. At the outbreak of hostilities the village had no defenses whatever, and only the old brig Oneida (with an armament of sixteen guns), was available for harbor defenses. On the other hand, the British were well prepared for the contest, and early threat- ened the harbor with destruction by an overpowering fleet. Col. Camp soon organized an artillery company, and Col. Bellinger was sent to assist in defending the place. Ordnances and military stores were greatly needed, whereupon a letter asking for these supplies was sent to the governor. In the meantime, while awaiting their arrival, Fort Tompkins was built, and afterward became one of the most noteworthy and historie fortifications on the frontier. More than three-quarters of a century have passed since the fort was constructed, and while not a single vestige of it is now visible, its earthworks outline is yet plainly to be traced on a rising mound of earth. Considerate persons have faithfully preserved this old relic of the war period, and quite recently the generous owner (Col. Walter B. Camp, executor, ) of the suround- ing lands has publicly given the old battle-ground to the village and county historical society.

During the period of the war, several other forts were constructed in this immediate vicinity, and the village was the central point for both military and naval operations, with hundreds and sometimes thousands of troops and marines quartered and rendezvoused here. No less than three times the village was threatened with British invasion, and on one occasion (May 29, 1813) the historic battle of Sackets Harbor was fought with disastrous results to the enemy.1 However, the story of

1 " Soon after the battle of May 20, 1513, a breastwork of logs and earth was built around the village, one end touching the bay, about half-way between the harbor and Horse island, and the other at the site of Madison barracks. No opportunity was afforded subsequently for the use of these defenses. The village contained at the close of the war several block houses and cantonments, a considerable quantity of military stores, and a large fleet of vessels which well laid up at the place." (Hongh.)

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the war is told in an earlier chapter, wherefore in the present connec- tion any detail of the events of the period is at the hazard of repetition

SOUTHEAST VIEW OF SACKETS HARBOR IN 1815

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THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD.

The struggle had its reverses and fatalities, but at length victory re- warded the efforts of the Americans and a long era of peace followed.

Immediately after the war Sackets Harbor was made a permanent naval station and has been so continued to the present time, although no government vessels have been kept here for many years, and the only duty of the shipkeeper is to live upon the reserved traet and keep the building in order. This subject is fully treated in another chapter, hence a passing allusion to it in this place is sufficient.

Madison barracks is one of the most interesting localities within the town, and its garrisons have been for many years one of the chief sup- porting elements of the village. The original barracks were begun in 1815, on the order of Gen. Jacob Brown, and have ever since been maintained here. Madison barracks as a military station is also made the subject of a special chapter in this volume, to which the attention of the reader is directed for a detailed narration of its history.

Previous to the outbreak of the war the village had gained consider- able importance as a shipping and ship-building point, and as a result a large commerce had been built up on the lake, the greater portion of which business was done at the harbor. Among the vessels in trade which touched at the harbor (many of them having been built here) were the Genesee Packet, Capt. Obed Mayo; Diana, Capt. A. Mont- gomery; Fair American, Capt. Augustus Ford; Collector, Capt. Samuel Dixon; Experiment, Capt. C. Holmes; Charles and Ann, Capt. Pease; Dolphin, Capt. Wm. Vaughn, and others of less note, the names of which have not been preserved. During the war, Henry Eckford was the shipbuilder of the harbor, and one of the most energetic men of his times in the country. To him more than to any other one person is due the credit of having built up and maintained the American navy on the lake and river, and in the village it was not unusual for him to have 2,000 men employed in shipbuilding at one time. Nearly all the prominent sloops, schooners and frigates in the service on the lake were the results of his handicraft, but of all of them not one remains. The famous New Orleans was unfinished at the close of the war, and by careful housing and attention was preserved until quite recent years. But, as is elsewhere stated, the old ship was at length sold and torn to pieces, and with it passed away almost the last remaining relie of the war.

After the war the harbor retained its supremacy as a lake port for many years, and during the time several boats of importance were

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ESPLANADE VIEW Of S- PHOUSE LAor Four SACHETs HAREER " Y.

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ATERIOP . HULL - LINE- f-BATTLE SHIP " NEW ORLEANS". LOOKING FRON PLATFORM AT STERN

LINE-OF - BATTLE SHIP NEW ORLEANS". KELL 187 FT BEAM 58 FT DEPTH & HOLD 30F". VEASUPIMINT 3200 TONS. 120 GUNS .

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THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD.

built here. Among them was the Ontario, the first steamer, which was begin by a stock company in 1816, and was launched in 1817. She run until 1832, when she was broke upat Oswego. About the same time the Woolsey, Rambler, Farmer's Daughter, Triumph, Commodore Perry, Dolphin, and others were run on regular packet lines to this port. It is said, too, that the first trading vessel to enter the river at Chicago-the Ariadene-sailed from Sackets Harbor under Capt. Pickering, and carried a cargo of pork and flour. A regular line of steamers-the Bay State, Cataract and Ontario-run between St. Law- rence river ports and Chicago for many years, and mide regular stops at Sackets Harbor. During the 'forties and 'fifties, these boats afforded the only ready means of travel for persons going west from this region. During the latter part of the 'fifties the regular operation of the line was discontinued. But as a lake port the harbor in later years has lost much of its prestige through the decline of lake and river navigation and the corresponding increase in shipping facilities by railroad.

Incorporation .- Sackets Harbor is the oldest incorporated village in the county. The ereating act by which it was brought into municipal existence was passed April 15, 1814. Its territory comprised great lot No. 22 and the west half of No. 51; subdivision lots Nos. 1 and 2 in great lot No. 52 and a narrow strip off the north side of No. 23, of llounsfield. By an act passed April 18, 1831, all that part of the village north and east of Mill ereek was restored to the town. Unfortunately, in Sackets HIarbor the village records have been imperfectly kept and not carefully preserved, hence much which might be of historie interest has thus been lost.

The fire department, which has been one of the enduring institutions of the village, had its inception in the primitive bucket brigade which was formed soon after the war of 1812. The village trustees subse- quently resumed authority over the company, and in Nov., 1812, or- dered all persons who had not furnished themselves with stout leathern fire buckets to provide the same immediately. The old apparatus served the requirements of the time, and at length gave way to more modern equipment. In 1843 a disastrous fire occurred, after which a hand engine was secured. From these beginnings the present depart- ment has grown, but the absence of reliable record prevents better de- tail to our statements. In 1889 the trustees purchased a good Clapp & Jones steamer, which, with the hose cart and the old brake engine, comprise the present department apparatus.

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 67

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