USA > New York > Jefferson County > Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York > Part 71
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The Baptist church of Le Ray was organized in 1814 by elder Maltby,
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and held early meetings about two miles south of the village, but in 1818 removed to Evans' Mills. The society was incorporated in 1823, Ethni Evans, Asa Hall, Levi Read, John Macomber, Stephen D. Sloan and Chauncey Morse comprising the first board of trustees. In the same year a house of worship was begun, but before completion was partially destroyed by fire. The stone walls were unharmed, and with substantial aid from Mr. Le Ray the edifice was soon restored and completed. The earlier pastors of the church were Revs. Matthew Wilkie, John Blodget, Martin Cook, Sardis Lyttle, John F. Bishop and Thomas Warner, who were in course followed by others; but about five years ago the society discontinued meetings and its members went to other churches.
The first society of the Methodist Episcopal church in Le Ray was formed Nov. 20, 1824, with James Ward, Wilson Pennoek, Elijah Smith, William Taggart, Patrick S. Stewart, Henry Churchill, Parker Chase, John Y. Stewart and Daniel Smith, trustees. The first church home was a stone building, built about that time, and stood on the highway between Evans' Mills and Le Raysville. In 1833 the building was sold, and another was ereeted in the village, on a lot donated by Judge Evans, In point of membership this is the strongest society in the village, although during its history two reorganizations have been effected, and many members have withdrawn to unite with other M. E. churches. The present members number 92, with 26 probationers. Pastor, B. G. Sanforth.
St. Michael's church, Roman Catholic, dates back in its history to about 1840, when a mission was established and masses were said by visiting priests from Watertown. In 1847 a church edifice was built and the parish was established. The building is of stone and is in all respects a substantial structure. The congregations are drawn from the vicinity, and also from Lafargeville, Sterlingville, Theresa, Phila- delphia, Black River, Felt's Mills and Great Bend, all being in the parish of St. Michaels's. The present priest in charge is Rev. Father A. L. Dufrasne.
St. Andrew's church, Protestant Episcopal, was organized as a mis- sion in the early part of 1871, and as a parish in April, 1872. Then there were but three communicating members, but soon the church grew in strength until it compared with other denominations of the village. Its services were generally supplied from Antwerp, and occa- sionally from the county seat. The beautiful church edifice was
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erected in 1880, and was built with native gray and blue limestone. The church, however, has never been self-sustaining, and while at one time the communicants numbered about fifty they have since decreased to less than twenty ; and now services are not regularly held, the mem- bers attending the Presbyterian service.
For burial purposes, in the early history of the village, Ethni Evans donated a plot of ground. This was directly in the line of Main street as afterward laid out, hence the bodies were removed to the cemetery opened in 1840, which was in this year deeded by Aaron Root to S. D. Sloan, Lybeus Hastings, William Palmer and Elisha Steele, jr., as trustees of Evans' Mill cemetery. The plot was afterward enlarged, and in 1869 a cemetery association was formed, of which the trustees were Adolphous M. Cook, Samuel S. Potter, Rezot Tozer, Alex. Kan- ady, Wayne Stewart and Randall Barnes. The old trustees also con- veyed their land to the new association and the grounds were united. The Maple Grove cemetery was laid out later, and by these several or- ganizations this part of the town is provided with suitable locations for burial purposes.
Slocumville is the name of a settlement less than two miles east of Evans' Mills. In local history it is of little importance, and it was only through the location there of a powder mill by one Desjardines, at the suggestion of Mr. Le Ray, that the settlement was founded. The mill was built in 1819, and about the same time a grist mill was also put in operation, both utilizing the waters of Pleasant creek for power. The powder works were not a profitable enterprise and were subsequently converted into a potato starch factory, also a short-lived industry. The grist mill still stands but is not operated. Here, too, was the Slocumville woolen mill, which for many years was one of the chief industries of the town. It was operated by Caleb Slocum, son of Samuel G. Slocum. The last proprietors were Slocum & Bald- win. The mill closed about 1884. The name Slocumville was applied in allusion to Samuel G. Slocum one of the early and prominent settlers of the locality.
Sanford's Corners .- In this locality, in the southwest part of the town, Roswell Woodruff was the first settler, having made his improve- inents in 1804. Later on pioneer Woodruff sold his property to Cap- tain Ezekiel Jewett, and when the intersecting roads were opened the place became known as Jewett's Corners, and also as Jewett's school house, for here is said to have been built the first school house in the
THE TOWN OF LE RAY.
town. Mr. Sanford, for whom the place was finally named, erected a large stone building as a store which, however, was not opened as such. A brick tavern was built about the same time for the comfort of travel- ers along the highways, but the building was afterward used as a cheese factory. A post-office was established here in 1828, that being the only business of the place which has endured to the present time. In 1853 F. X. Baumert began the manufacture of limburger cheese at this point. in a small way but the enterprise soon developed into one of importance. He died in 1882, and the business was continued by his wife, and after her death by her sons. The factory was enlarged in 1887. The busi- ness is now carried on by F. X. Baumert & Co., the old firm style be- ing preserved, for the product of the factory finds ready sale in the market, and the fame of the firm is well known to the trade. A rail- road station was established here in 1855. The local merchant is H. B. Dunn, who also is postmaster.
The Union church at Sanford's Corners was built in 1853 at the joint expense of the Methodist Episcopal, Christian and Universalist denomi- nations in the vicinity. Each had an organized society of fair member- ship, though neither at any time a resident pastor. M. E. preaching is supplied from Felt's Mills, and Universalist from Watertown, while the Christian sect is so small that their services are rarely held.
Joachim is the name of a locality on Indian river, in the extreme north part of the town, where Lucien Murat (in 1834) proposed to found a village in memory of his father, Joachim Murat, once king of Naples, and commander of cavalry under Napoleon. At this point Arnold Miller had built a saw mill in 1822, but was succeeded in ownership by Samuel Makepeace. Murat purchased the property, rebuilt the saw mill, built a grist mill, started a store, and began the erection of a large hotel. But his enterprise came to naught; creditors attached the stock and property, all of which was sold to persons not specially interested in the proprietor's memorial undertaking. The mills were continued for a time, but were eventually sold or abandoned.
Ingerson's Corners is the name of a locality in which Isaae Ingerson settled when he came to Le Ray. Elisha Scofield located near the place. Early in the history of the town a village was contemplated for the cross roads, and Aaron Rose made the beginning by starting a blacksmith shop. In 1822 Job Anthony and Alvin Clark built a saw mill on the tributary of West creek, but further than this no hamlet im- provements were established. The creek did not furnish sufficient
86
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water power, hence the mill was stopped, and with the removal of its interests the place became known by the undignified name of "Bedlam."
Great Bend is a small village in Champion, but on the Le Ray side of the river. King Potter built a hotel about 1833, and Henry G. Potter, who kept the hotel, also had a distillery. Daniel Potter started a store here in 1824. All these interests have passed away, except the hotel.
Felt's Mills is a hamlet on Black river, and was named in allusion to John Felt, its founder. Previous to 1844 the island was a part of Le Ray, but was then set off to Rutland. No substantial village improve- ments have been made on the north side of the river. The Taggart paper company operate the large mills on the island, without which the village on the Rutland side would now be of small account.
Black River Village .- On September 24, 1891, the inhabitants of the village of Black River held a special election and by a majority vote determined to incorporate under the provisions of the law of 1870. According to a survey previously made by W. A. Lyttle, the area of the village was 1,11512 aeres, of which 63512 aeres were taken from Rutland, 440 acres from Le Ray, while 40 acres were covered by waters of the river. The certificate of election was recorded in the county elerk's office Sept. 25, and on the 23d of October following the incor- poration was made complete by the election of village officers.
In 1806 1saae and Harvey Cleveland built a saw mill on the south side of the river, which was carried away by high water the next year. About 1815 Christopher Poor and Andrew Middleton built a mill below the village, but there were few evidences of a hamlet at that time. In 1826 the families in the vicinity were Thomas Seott, Beriah and Eli Penniman, Francis Butterfield and perhaps one or two others. In that year Butterfield built the first framed house, and about 1831 the first hotel. The first bridge across the river was built in 1828, chiefly at the expense of Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Poor, both of whom were largely interested in lands in the vicinity, and who were among the most en- terprising men of their towns. The Butterfield brothers, Levi, Francis, William and Philander, opened their first store store and gave the place the appearance of a settlement. These were the beginnings which led to the village on the south side.
On the Le Ray side of the river Christopher Poor was one of the first settlers in the locality, and bought from the Chassanis proprietary a tract of 150 aeres of land, including water privileges, for the pioneer
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THE TOWN OF LE RAY.
was attracted to the place by the superior mill sites. Mr. Poor had previously lived in Rutland, and in 1829 removed to his new purchase on the Le Ray side, and was one of the chief factors in building up the hamlet, just as in more recent years his descendants have been instru- mental in bringing about a prosperous condition of affairs in village life.
In 1831 a dam was built across the river and a saw mill was erected by Coburn & Hubbard, who run it about ten years and then sold to W. K. Butterfieldl. In 1836 the first grist mill was built by A. Horton, but this and the saw mill were burned about 1843. In 1845 they were re- placed with more substantial buildings for the same use. The well known Lockport grist mill was begun in 1845 by Oliver A. Ferguson, but was soon afterward taken by Matthew Poor, R. G. Vaughn and Henry Chapman, who finished the building in 1819. The property afterward passed through various hands, and in 1890 was replaced by the plant of the Black river wood pulp company. This company was incorporated Nov. 12, 1891, with $15,000 capital, by Wooster O Ball, Henry M. Ball, Kate 1. Ball, Eunice D. Ball and Joseph Atwell, jr. This property afterward passed into the hands of the H. Remington & Son pulp and paper company, and is now one of the substantial indus- tries of the village. The company furnishes electric lights for the vil- lage.
In 1832 Robert Van Schoick opened a store and began trade. Mr. Thurston succeeded to the business in 1848. The second store was started in 1852 by S. L. Mott, succeeded by Matthew Poor in 1866. In 1848 Peter Poor built a planing mill, being the same afterward owned by Andrew Poor. In 1860 Hinman & Middleton built a box factory and wood-working shop which they occupied for a time. The building was used about a year some time during the 'sixties by D. Dexter & Son, after their plant on the Rutland side of the river had been burned. At a still later period the building was used as a place of meeting for the Free Methodist society, but eventually passed into the hands of D. H. Scott & Son. It is now occupied by the H. C. Dexter chair company. This company was established about 1882 by Poor, Dexter & Co. The firm afterward became Dexter & Scott, and eventually H. C. Dexter chair company, as now known. The works, when running at full, employ about 50 men.
The Black river bending company was established in 1860 for the manufacture of bent chair stock, and from the beginning has been a
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successful enterprise. In 1889 the company was incorporated, with a capital of $20,000, and Matthew Poor, Clarence MI. Woodward, Charles M. Wolfe, Myron W. Scofield, Byron N. Scott and Peron V. Poor as principal stockholders. The company employs, when running full time, about 50 men. On the site of the bending company's works a machine shop was built by Isaac Howe about 1840. It was run by him several years, but after he went out the buildings were idle for a long time. They were then sold to the bending company, and were so radically en- larged and remodeled as to entirely change in appearance.
Where Thomas Childs & Sons sash and door factory stands formerly stood a similar industry started many years ago by Wolcott Brothers.
The Empire wood pulp company, whose large plant stands on the lower island, was incorporated April 11, 1888, with a capital of $15, 000. The active factors in the enterprise were Chandler C. Clark, Christopher Poor, Romaine D. Gibbs and Frank D. Gibbs. This, too, is a leading industry in the village. On this site many years ago stood a saw mill, which was carried away by high water, and was then replaced with Tamlin's sash and door factory. This was about 1875, but about two years later it became Poor & Dexter's plant, and still later the pulp mill.
The Jefferson paper company, whose large plant occupies a site on Poor's island, was incorporated July 26, 1887, with $20,000 capital, by Wm. P. Herring, Frank H. Munson, and James M. Hamlin. The pur- pose of the company was to manufacture lumber, wood pulp and paper.
David Dexter was the pioneer of the chair industry at Black river. Ile established the business in 1839 on the Rutland side of the river, and continued it until 1865, when he took his son Everett A. Dexter as partner, under the firm name of D. Dexter & Son. The plant of the company was enlarged and the business extended so that from forty to fifty men were employed. It was thus continued to the death of David Dexter, in 1880. Everett A. Dexter then took as partner his brother David E. Dexter, and under the firm style of D. Dexter's Sons the business was continued to 1893, when Everett A. Dexter died. Since that time the plant has been operated by David E. Dexter as surviving partner.
Both fire and flood have been destroying elements in the village, and several of the best industries and substantial bridges have thereby been swept away. But as often have they been replaced, and generally by better structures. The fire of February 20, 1890, was perhaps the most
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THE TOWN OF LE RAY.
disastrous in the history of the village. About $50, 000 worth of prop- erty, including some of the best business buildings of the village, were then destroyed. One good iron bridge was taken out by high water, and was replaced in 1875 by another of the same material. In 1891 the present bridge was built by the Springfield ( Mass. ) iron company.
From this it may be seen that the chief industries of the village have been established within the last fifteen years. Indeed, the construction of the railroad on the south side was a prominent factor in leading to these interests, while the splendid water power has been an important auxiliary. However, almost every plant has both steam and water power. The proposition to incorporate came from both sides of the river, chiefly from Le Ray, but while the subject was impending an element on the south side secured incorporation for that district to the exclusion of the north side; but it appears that there was some irreg ularity in the proceedings, hence the action was nullified by the county court. Then the people of both sides considered the matter together, and the result was a successful incorporation, as is noted on a preced. ing page.
The first village election was held Oct. 23, 1891, when George C. Hazelton was chosen president and George C. Gillespie, Josiah Burlington and M. A. Parkinson, trustees; Christopher Poor, treasurer, and Warren Croan, collector. The subsequent presidents have been A. W. Hadsall and J. Austin Hubbard, the latter being now in office. The trustees are M. M. McGruer, M. A. Parkinson and W. W. Gold- thrite; clerk, Fred. E. Whipple; treasurer, C. J. Sweet. The village population is about 1.000.
Black River is one of the most pleasantly situated villages of the county, and from a business point of view is among the progressive places of the region. There is no distinct system of water supply, but the manufacturers have sought protection in establishing a system by laying pipes from some of the large factories, extending through the principal or business streets, power being furnished, in case of fire, from the pumps in the factory buildings. The system was established through the public expenditures of village business men.
The village also comprised parts of school districts No. 14 of Rut- land and No. S of Le Ray, each of which maintained a good school. Ilowever, in the interests of still better educational facilities, in May, 1893, the districts consolidated and formed the Black river union free school district; and while a school is maintained on each side of the river, both are under one control, and are admirably managed. The
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
board of education comprises J. Austin Hubbard, H. T. McAfee, J. Poor, 1I. C. Dexter and G. E. Sylvester ; principal, P. S. Slate.
Black River fire company No. 1 was incorporated Dee. 12, 1890, to be of service in connection with the pumping apparatus in case of fire. The equipment consists of a eart and 3,000 feet of good hose, all paid for by general subscription.
The Black River M. E. church was organized in 1833, and a church home was built in 1848; first pastor Rev. Lewis Whitcomb. The pres- ent edifice was erected in 1884, and is a substantial frame structure, with seating capacity for 500 persons. The members number 168, with 10 probationers; pastor, Rev. C. M. Smith. This church draws congregations from both Rutland and Le Ray.
The Free Methodist church of Black River was organized Dec. 11, 1871, with five members, and a house of worship was built soon after- ward, on a lot donated by Matthew Poor. The first trustees were Josiah Johnson, David Dexter and J. C. Kennedy ; pastor, Rev. Charles Southworth. The church has a large membership and the services are well attended. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Labron.
Bethany lodge No. 821, F. & A. M., was chartered in December, 1896. The membership is fifty-five. F. D. Gibbs, master; E. E. Graves, S. W. ; M. M. MeGruer, J. W. ; W. E. Brown, S. D. ; E. H. Rouse, J.D .; A. W. Hadsall, secretary ; G. E. Sylvester, treasurer.
Riverside lodge No. 334, I. O. O. F., was organized October 11, 1872. It is one of the strongest societies of the kind in the county, numbering 100 members. The officers are Fred. Matthews, N. G. ; J. A. Hub- bard, V. G .; C. J. Sweet, secretary ; P. V. Poor, treasurer. The lodge owns a substantial block in the village.
Tradition says the first school in the town was located at Sanford's Corners, but when established or by whom taught is now unknown. The town records are very imperfect so far as relates to early schools, but at the annual meetings a sum of money was voted equal to the amount allowed by the state for educational purposes. Soon after 1813 the commissioners divided the town into districts, but made no perma. nent record of their action. At that time there were two schools in the town, and as the population increased other distriets were organized, keeping step with growth in every direction. Indeed, the authorities have ever been mindful of the educational welfare of the town youth, and have made generous provision for the erection and maintenance of the schools. In 1850 the town contained 26 districts (entire and joint),
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THE TOWN OF LORRAINE.
and 1, 186 children were under instruction. Then, however, the town was at its best, its population at its maximum, and all elements of in . dustry in full development. As now disposed the districts number 18, and the number of children in school is 571. During the last current year 22 teachers were employed, and publie moneys were received to the amount of $2,528.97. The town raised by tax for school support $1,899.81. The value of school property was estimated at $11, 220.
Supervisors .- James Shurtliff, 1807-15; Ruel Kimball, 1816; Ethni Evans, 1817: Alvin Herrick, 1818; Horatio Orvis, 1819-25; Wm. Palmer, 1826; John Macomber, 1827-29; Stephen D. Sloan, 1830; John Macomber, 1831; Stephen D. Sloan, 1832; Lybeus Hastings, 1833-35; Ira A. Smith, 1836; S. 1). Sloan, 1837; Daniel D. Sloan, 1838; Joel Hawarth, 1839-40; Elisha Potter, 1841-12; Lybeus Hastings, 1843; Hez- ekiah L. Granger, 1841-45; Alfred Vebber, 1846-17; Joseph Boyer, 1848-49; Will- iam G. Comstock, 1850; Joseph Boyer, 1851; Alonzo M. Van Ostrand, 1852 -53; Jo- seph Wager, 1854-55; William S. Phelps, 1856-58; Octave Blane, 1859; Lewis Palmer, 1860; Octave Blane, 1861; Samuel G. Slocum, 1862; Cleanthus P. Granger, 1863-61; Emor K. Gardner, 1865 68; Frederic Waddingham, 1869-76: F. E. Crois- sant, 1877-95; J. Philip Steinhilber, 1896-97; John F. Emmous, 1898-99.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE TOWN OF LORRAINE.
This town, within its original boundaries, included all of the Boylston tract which now forms a part of Jefferson county, or Lorraine and Worth. As now constituted it embraces the territory of original town- ship No I of the tract (or Atticus, as designated on Simeon De Witt's map made in 1802). Township No. 2, or Worth (Fenelon, on the De Witt map), was set off from its original jurisdiction in 1848.
Thomas Boylston, of Boston, acquired title to the tract (Dec. 20, 1792), by purchase from Samuel Ward, the grantee of William Con- stable, and the latter the grantee of Macomb by conveyance dated June 6, 1992, about the time he ( Macomb) became involved in the financial difficulties which swept away his fortune. On May 21, 1494, as is more fully narrated in another chapter of this work, Boylston gave a deed of trust of his tract to Lee, Irving and Latham, as assignees of Lane, Son & Fraser, of London, and they conveyed the lands to John Johnson Phyn, also of London, by deed, June 2, 1494. Phyn empow-
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
ered William Constable to sell any or all of the tract, and accordingly the latter (July 15, 1195), sold to Low, Henderson, Harrison and Hoff- man the townships which formed the Black river tract, supposed to be in extent about 300,000 acres, but on survey was found to be nearly 10,000 acres short; whereupon township No. ? of the Boylston tract (Worth), was "thrown in " to make good the deficiency. On April 1, 1596, Phyn conveyed to Constable the remaining portion of the Boylston tract (400,000 acres), including the town of Lorraine as now constituted. Constable gave a power of attorney to his brother James (March 16, 1198) to sell the lands in Europe, but purchasers were slow and were evidently somewhat in doubt as to the validity of the titles, thus com- pelling the worthy proprietor to procure certificates and opinions from other purchasers, eminent lawyers and public officials to the effect that the titles were good. On May 22, 1803, William Constable died, and his executors having afterward disposed of a part of his lands, and on April 26, 1819, the Constable heirs deeded to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont all that remained unsold. From him the title passed to his son, Will- iam C. Pierrepont, who in this manner became possessed of the town of Lorraine. In the meantime, however, settlement had begun under the agency and direction of Benjamin Wright, one of the most noted devel- opers and land surveyors in all northern New York.
The town occupies a central position on the south border of the county, and contains 24,499 acres of land, the average of which is considerably elevated, affording excellent pasturage for cattle and stock, while in general agricultural pursuits it produces equally with any town in the region. The land surface is much broken by deep gorges and hilly elevations. The soil, a clay and loam of average fertility, is underlaid with shale, a soluble rock formation peculiar almost to the town itself, and of such distinct character that similar deposits elsewhere have been called from it " the Lorraine shale." This yielding rock is much worn in places through the action of the elements, thus producing remarkable gorges which are picturesque and unique from a scenic point of view, but the source of much annoyance and expense to the inhabitants who have been compelled to pay for the construction of secure bridges over them. Indeed, several accidents have resulted from attempts to cross the Lorraine gorges, as they have been called. Some of these strange dispensations of nature are considered almost impassable, and have at- tracted many visitors, geologists and admirers of the beautiful in na- ture, therefore giving the town some prominence from their presence.
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