Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 74

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 74

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1806 one of the members of the Coffeen family had begun the

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

erection of a stone house at the settlement, but the structure was not finished at the outbreak of the war. The uncertainty of the period pre- ceding the war had a depressing effect upon all interests and there was little growth in any direction. In June, 1812, under the advice of Gen. Brown, the inhabitants began the erection of a stone fort or block house in front of the stone house started by Coffeen, which was intended for offensive and defensive operations. It stood on the north shore of the bay. The fort was armed with an old cannon, the relic of some previous period, which had been found on the isthmus off Point Penin- sula, and which Jonas Smith had purchased for two gallons of rum.

During the summer of 1812, the British visited the town and assured the inhabitants that in case of invasion their property would be nin- harmed, whereupon they were persuaded to demolish the fort. The old cannon was later purchased by a Mr. Camp, of Sackets Harbor for eight dollars, and after one or two ineffectual attempts was removed across the bay. It was afterward taken to Ogdensburgh and was finally captured by the British.

The mention of the discovery of this old cannon on the isthmus sng. gests a previous occupancy of the region by some war party or expe- dition. Indeed, that part of Lyme may fairly be looked upon as his- toric ground, for along the lake washed shores of the town it is known the French troops traveled during the period of the closing French and English wars. The old fort on Carlton island was built as early as 1158, and it is not impossible that the operations of the French in seek- ing to defend their alleged possessions may have extended even to Point Peninsula. The vicinity of Chaumont bay was explored by the venturous Frenchmen, and on the old maps of the region that body of water was variously called Niahouré, Niaoeure, Niaoure and Nivernois. It has also been mistakenly designated as Bay la Famine, in allusion to the unfortunate expedition of De la Barre into the Onondaga country in 1684. Both latter terms were used to designate all the locality within Point Peninsula and Six Town Point. The name Nivernois was undoubtedly given in allusion to Duke de Nivernois, a French nobleman.

There are also evidences tending to show that Marquis de Cham- plain may have touched this point in his voyage of exploration and in- vasion into the Onondaga territory in 1615, although we have no positive proof that Point Peninsula lay within his route of voyage. He did, however, sail from Stony island south and at some point landed

709

THE TOWN OF LYME.

and concealed his boats and canoes on the shore. De la Barre sailed over about the same course in 1684, and had a conference with the Iro- quois near the mouth of Sandy creek, in Ellisburgh, and to the stream from the inland was given the name River la Famine. This subject is fully treated in an carlier chapter, and is only recalled here from the fact Chaumont bay has been called Hungry bay by some previous writers of cotemporary history. The name Chaumont bay was given to that body of water in reference to the native place of James D. Le Ray.

Not only during the early wars was this a frequented region, but also during the revolutionary struggle, when the southern shore of the lake and the eastern border of the river St. Lawrence was a convenient thoroughfare of travel for British troops and their allied Canadian sav- ages; and it is more than probable that the old cannon found on the isthmus was some abandoned or lost relie of that period. However, let us turn from this digression to the subject of the town's history.

The carly settlers were much inconvenienced by the insufficient char- acter of the roads leading to the county seat and other settled portions of the county. The most easily reached grist mill was at Sackets Har- bor, but the difficulty in passing Pillar Point in rough weather was such that small boats were occasionally delayed several days. In 1807 the settlement was short of flour and meal and the persons who set sail to the harbor to replenish the supply were delayed almost a week by rough water, which event occasioned considerable suffering among the inhabitants.

Among the other misfortunes of the period which worked against the prosperity of the inhabitants was the failure of Smith and Delamater in 1806, added to which was the almost ever prevailing miasmatie atmos- phere that caused several deaths in the settlement. The first death, however, was that of pioneer Soper, who was drowned in 1802.

For the purpose of supplying better accommodations for travel a road was laid out in 1803 from Brownville to Port Putnam (now Millen's Bay), but the work of construction was so poorly done that the road was well nigh impassable in heavy weather. In 1815 the legislature authorized Mr. Le Ray to build a turnpike from Cape Vincent to Perch river, the same to be laid out under the direction of Elisha Camp, Mus- grove Evans and Robert MeD >well. On April 12, of the next year, another act authorized the proprietor to extend the turnpike to Brown- ville. Under this authorization the road was built, the crossing at

710

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Chaumont being a ferry until 1823, when Vincent Le Ray and others procured an act authorizing a toll bridge, at least 16 feet wide, provided with a draw to admit the passage of boats, and to be built " in a sub- stantial and workmanlike manner." The work was to be completed before December 24, 1824, and if the structure should be damaged by floods or ice, it was to be restored at the proprietors' expense. The work was not done under this act and the limit of completion was ex- tended 20 years by an act passed May 6, 1835. Then the work (par- tially completed) reverted to the state, the proprietors not having fully complied with prescribed requirements. On April 11, 1849, the com- missioners of highways of the town were authorized to borrow $5, 000 for the purpose of rebuilding the bridge. With the fund thus created the stone bridge was built and proved to be one of the most permanent structtires of its kind in the county. The turnpike was maintained un- der the proprietary until 1831, and was then surrendered to the public and laid out in road districts. In this connection, and as a matter of historic interest, it may be stated that the old post route from Harris- burgh to Cape Vincent, by way of Champion, Watertown, Brownville and Chaumont, was established in pursuance of an act of congress, passed April 28, 1810; and that the similar route from Brownville to Cape Vincent, touching intermediate points in Lyme, was authorized April 30, 1816. Post-offices at Chaumont and Three Mile Bay were established soon after the act last mentioned, and that at Point Penin - sula some years later, and between 1840 and '45.

A railroad was first suggested for this part of the county soon after it was proposed to build the old Watertown and Rome road, and on May 13, 1836, an act was passed to incorporate the Watertown and Cape Vincent railroad company, with $150,000 capital, to build within four years thereafter a railroad between the points mentioned. The commissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock were Jerre Carrier, Henry Ainsworth, Roswell T. Lee, Samuel Lockwood, Edmund Kirby, George C. Sherman, Isaac H. Bronson and John Williams. The route was surveyed but nothing further was done by this company, and it remained for the old re incorporated Watertown and Rome corporation to carry the enterprise to completion and success. The road was com- pleted to Chaumont in November, 1851, and to Cape Vincent in April of the next year.

In the meantime, however, on the same day ( April 17, 1832), on which the Watertown and Rome company was chartered, the Black river com-

711

THE TOWN OF LYME.

pany was also incorporated, "for the purpose of connecting by railroads or eanals, the Erie canal (at or near Rome or Herkimer, or between them) with waters flowing into the St. Lawrence at Ogdensburgh, which are or may be rendered navigable with the St. Lawrence at Cape Vin- cent, and with lake Ontario at Sackets Ilarbor." This project was never carried to completion,

Returning again briefly to the subject of early life and history in Lyme, it may be said that the settlers of the region came for the pur- pose of clearing the lands and opening farms, but by force of eircum- stances many of them were turned into other pursuits. Those who dwelt on the shores of the bay and lake became fishermen, and for a period of fifty or more years Chaumont bay was noted as one of the best fishing grounds in the state, and its product in this respect brought comfort to hundreds of early families in its vicinity. It is difficult to say just when this industry began, but from the carliest history of the region to a recent time fishing has been an established occupation, al- though in later years has not been carried on to a large extent. One of the first seines used was brought here by Daniel Tremper, and his example was followed by others until seine fishing superseded other occupations and resulted in far more profit. According to the state- ments of old residents, between the years 1816 and 1855 the annual catch of herring (ciscoes) and white fish (which was packed and shipped to market) amounted to about 10,000 barrels, Gill nets were first used here about 1815. So great indeed did this business become that in 1817, under an act of the legislature, the office of fish inspector was created. The first local appointee in the office was Calvin Lincoln, June 11, 1817; the second, M. Evans, March 19, 1818, and Benjamin T. Bliss a little later, serving on Point Salubrious, then the most productive locality on the bay.

This industry, with that of ship building which followed it, together with the development of the stone producing and agricultural resources of the town, had the effect to establish a permanent and healthful pop- ulation, and Lyme was early numbered among the best towns of the county. Then followed the material reduetions in her territory in the creation of other towns, and of the old staple interests of half a century and more ago. Only the agricultural and stone producing now remain. Notwithstanding this, the town is by no means lacking in enterprise and progressiveness, but circumstances and the natural events of busi- ness life have worked adversely to her best interests. Let us note the

712

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

effect of these things as indicated in the census reports, as the popula- tion of the town at stated intervals is in a measure an index of its prosperity.

The number of inhabitants in 1820 was 1.724; 1825, 2.563; 1830, 2, 872; 1935, 3,816; 1840, 5,472; 1845, 6,018; 1850 (Cape Vincent having been set off in 1849) 2,925; 1855, 2,563; 1860, 2,702; 1865, 2.317 : 1870, 2,465; 1575, 2,241; 1850. 2.277; 1890. 2175; 1892, 2,299.

In 1845 Lyme contained 6,018 inhabitants, but the creation of Cape Vincent in 1849 took from her territory 34,022 acres and 3,044 of her population. Since 1850 the number has decreased about 600, a result of the same canses that has worked a like reduction in nearly all in- terior towns, an explanation of which is not necessary in this place. The town still contains a population sufficient for its area, and all present interests appear substantial and permanent. The product of its quarries is abundant and of as good quality as in former years, and the hay, grain, butter and cheese raised and made within its bounda- ries are as good as produced elsewhere in the county. The town has large and productive farms, and farmers as thrifty and progressive as can be found in the region. It is certainly pleasing to note the results achieved by such husbandmen as Rogers Brothers, Isaac Van Doren. Abram Van Doren, Jacob Fox, A. J. Dillenback, J. J. Dillenback, A. L. Pomeroy, James P. Rector, Leonard and Norris Lanee, George Barnes, Fred Vincent, Addison Seeley, M. A. Barnes and a host of others perhaps equally worthy of mention did space permit. It has been through the efforts of such men, their predecessors and contem . poraries that Lyme has taken a place among the producing towns of Jefferson county. Wm. Dewey's plantation-Ashland farm-was one of the almost historic localities of Lyme, and was developed from a swamp into one of the best farms of the county. It is now owned by J. P. Douglas. John Dingman was one of the characters of the town half a century and more ago. He died aged 105 years, and after he had passed his hundredth year he frequently visited Watertown and peddled fish.

Chaumont .- This interesting village was founded in the spring of 1802, by agents Jonas Smith and Henry A. Delamater and their com- panions, when they opened a log tavern and warehouse and built a saw mill. In that year about a dozen persons came to the settlement, several of whom were mechanics, while still others were deserters from the British post at Kingston. Those who were without a regular avo-

713

THE TOWN OF LVME.

cation maintained themselves by fishing in the bay, and even at that early day this vicinity supplied the less favored regions with fresh and packed fish, and a good share of the product being sent by boat to the large villages farther south and cast. In 1806 Smith & Delamater met with business reverses, the result of which was injurious to all local in - terests, not alone in the settlement but throughout Point Salubrious, for the entire region depended largely upon Chaumont for its food sup- ply. At that same time there was much suffering on account of con- stantly prevailing fevers, but after the lands were cleared the warm summer sun destroyed the noxious germs to a great extent. In 1828 there was another recurrence of malignant fever, with seriously fatal re- sults, but as years passed the locality became more healthful as a place of abode. The last visitation of this kind was in 1825, during which year about fifty deaths resulted from an epidemic of diphtheria and typhoid pneumonia.

While these objectional features retarded the rapid growth of the hamlet and its vicinity, there was nevertheless a gradual increase in all interests, and as early as 1830 Chaumont had become a place of consid- erable importance from a business point of view. The fishing interests were then at their height, and five years previously (1825), the impor- tant quarries had been opened, and annually thereafter large quantities of building and dimension stone were shipped to market. It is esti- mated that at least 200 persons were then engaged in these industries in the neighborhood of the village, the latter being the center of oper- ations.

The ship building industry, which was the source of much benefit to Chaumont and its inhabitants, and furnished employment to many per- sons for a period of about thirty years, began in 1832, and was in a measure the outgrowth of the fishing and quarrying interests of the tow11.

William Clark seems to have been the pioneer vessel builder, and in that year built and launched the Stephen Girard, a 60 ton boat. The Allegan, 100 tons, was built in 1835, by Robert Masters; the R. C. Smead, 75 tons, in 1839 by S. & A. Davis. In 18-17 Copley & Main built the Rip Van Winkle, a large boat of 235 tons. Other boats built by the same firm were the Oxford, 244 tons, and the Palmyra, 180 tons, both in 1848; the A. L. Hazelton, 230 tons, in 1851; the Mary Copley, 275 tons, in 1873, owned by Hiram Copley, Asa Wilcox and J. Gilmore. The Watertown, 309 tons, was launched in June, 1874, and was built and owned by Mr. Copley. Folger Bros., and W. W. Enos. In October following, Copley, Enos and A. J. Dewey launched the A. J. Dewey, 270 tons. In the same year the little steamer, Edith Sewell was built by Pluche Brothers.

714

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Many other vessels of smaller tonnage were also built and launched at Chaumont during the palmy days of the industry, but during the last twenty-five years few indeed but small boats, launches and skiffs have been constructed at the old ship yards. Whatever has been done in this industry during recent years has been the work chiefly of Dyer C. Reed and Eugene Bastian. They built the Jesse Bain about 1890, and in 1895 built a small ferry steamer. Mr. Reed now builds skiffs, sailboats and yachts. During the period now passed, W. W. Enos, Hiram Copley and Asa Wilcox were conspicuous in all that appertained to the business progress of the village and were important factors in its building up and growth. Both lived to witness the passing of the old and the accession of a new line of industry in their village.

At one time Alexander Copley, who came to the region in 1833, was a very extensive land holder and operator, owning in the county nearly 20,000 acres in scattered parcels. He was an enterprising operator and in all respects an upright and worthy citizen. Of his sons, Alex- ander and Eugene went to Antwerp, but Hiram always lived in Lyme. George W. and Allen E. Copley are sons of Hiram, and are among the prominent business men of the town

As a result of these old-time industries, together with the quarrying interests which have survived to the present day, Chaumont village enjoyed a rapid and healthful development and growth. In 1853 it contained 50 dwellings, 5 stores, several warehouses and shops, 4 saw mills (two of which used steam power), one grist mill, two schools, a Presbyterian church and a railroad station. As elsewhere stated, the railroad was opened as far as Chaumont, Nov. 20, 1851, and to Cape Vincent in the next spring. But notwithstanding the decline and event- ual passing away of the old industries, the village continued to grow in population, and soon after 1870 the people sought to establish an in- corporated condition. This was done May 16, 1874, and on June 4, at the first village election the following officers were chosen :

J. E. Phelps, president : A. J. Dewey, W. W. Enos and Daniel Fish, trustees; William Dillenbeck, treasurer; William Shall, collector. The officers appointed by the board were O. S. Wilcox, clerk ; John W. Horton, street commissioner: William H. Main, police justice.

The village presidents have been as follows: J. E. Phelps, 1874; R. E. Horton, 1875; Hiram Copley, 1876; A. J. Dewey, 1877; W. W. Enos, 1878; R. W. Higgins, 1879; G. P. Swind, 1880; Ira Inman, 1881; F. C. Dewey, 1882; J. F. George, 1883; A. J. Dillenbeck, 1884; Hector Adams, 1885; George W. Copley, 1886; A. E. Copley, 1547 (failed to qualify and John F. Delaney appointed); John F. Delaney, 1898; S. W

715

THE TOWN OF LYME.

Schemerhorn, 1889; J. F. George, 1890; R. E. Horton, 1891; A. J. Shepard, 1892; S. W. Schemerhorn, 1893-94; A. E. Copley, 1895; Daniel W. Fisher, 1896-97.

The first school opened in the town was that taught by Nancy Smith in the house of her father, Jonas Smith, the pioncer. After the locality had acquired sufficient population the school commissioners of Brown- ville exercised authority over the region as a part of that jurisdiction, and maintained a district school; and after Lyme was created a new system was established, and the Chaumont district was provided with a good school under local supervision. From that time a school has been regularly maintained in the village. In 1880 the present com- fortable frame schoolhouse was erected. The union free school district was established November 5, 1897, the board of education comprising Henry L. George, president; R. E. Horton, secretary; Dr. A. A. Get- man and W. M. Van Doren. About 130 pupils are on the roll. The principal is C. D. Pitcher.

Chaumont lodge No. 172, F. & A. M., was chartered June 26, 1850, with eleven charter members. From that time the lodge has main- tained a healthful existence. The membership is 62; A James Shep- ard, master, and J. J. Dillenbeck, secretary.

The past masters have been Frederick Bell, P. P. Gaige, George W. l'ennock, Joshua Main, James Yoran, Jonathan E. Phelps, William (). Thompson, Solomon M. Byam, Christopher Getman, Henry Haas, William H. Main, Riley E. Ilorton, Dyer 1). Reed and A. James Shepard.

The quarrying interests of the village and vicinity are numerous, and indeed a reasonably good quality of stone can be found on almost any tract of land. The quarries are opened as the requirements of trade suggest, and the contractors, who in fact control the business, purchase from owners according to the orders to be filled. This branch of local industry is now represented by the firm of Adams, Duford & Co., and the Chaumont company, both of which also operate two lime kilns. The Chaumont company was incorporated March 2, 1894, as the Chair- mont lime and stone company, but on June 1, 1896, the name was changed to Chaumont company. The incorporators were Allen E., George W. and Hiram Copley. The growth and production of market garden seed has become an established and profitable industry of the locality. Rogers Brothers are extensive producers in this line, and have a large packing house in the village, furnishing employment to about 50 persons. The Chaumont dairying company was incorporated March 19, 1897, for the purpose of manufacturing and dealing in cheese,

#16

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

butter, cream, milk and dairy products generally. The corporators were J. J. Dillenbeck, Charles Combs, Hector Adams, Freeman T. Dan- iels and W. B. Getman.

The regular mercantile interests are represented about as follows: Eugene Jac- quay and Daniels & Haas, general stores; A. James Shepard. grocer and baker; E. J. Seeber, grocery, provisions, flour and feed; Lyman Foster, grocer and clothier; W. N. Van Doren, groceries and boots and shoes; George Bros., hardware: Geo. Wilson and O. P. Read, meats. The hotels are the Peck house, R. J. Saxe, prop., and the National hotel, Geo. Devendorf, propr. The old grist and saw mills, which were owned by Crumb & Benninger, were burned in 1892.

The religious history of the village and vicinity is interesting and may also be briefly treated. A Sunday school was opened on Point Salubrious soon after settlement was begun. The first church society also was formed there Sept. 25, 1816, by delegates from other towns. It was Baptist in denominational preference, but did not maintain a continuous existence.

During the summer of 1831 missionary clergymen visited the locality and looked over the field with a view to organizing a Presbyterian church, and on September 22, of the same year, at the village school house, the society was formed with eighteen members, of whom eleven bore the name of McPherson, but represented three distinct families. Wm. McPherson was chosen ruling elder, and afterward Solon Massey was appointed second elder. The church organization was perfected in November. 1835. The first regular pastor was Rev. Joseph A. Can- field, who came to live in Chaumont in 1843, and by reason of his earn- est work in this part of the county became known as the " Presbyterian bishop of all north of Black river." Previous to 1843, meetings were held in the stone school house, but in that year the erection of a church edifice was begun. It was completed and dedicated in September, 1845. The first trustees of the society, which was legally formed in 1844, were Philip Beasom, Ozias Bandon and Jeremiah Bennett. Mr. Canfield's pastorate in Chaumont covered a period of 21 years, and in 1864 he was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Campbell. Under his ministry the church became firmly established and has continued to the present time. The present members number about 80 persons. The pastor is Rev. G. E. Jackson.

The Methodist Episcopal society of Chaumont was organized as a class, December 31, 1839, and for many years afterward held meetings in the school house in connection with the Depauville charge. Still later meetings were held in the town hall, but in August, 1872, a house

717

THE TOWN OF LYME.

of worship was determined upon. At the same time a society was formed with G. W. Pennock, Stephen Jacqnay, Joshua Main, Jacob P. Ilorton and Chester O'Connor as trustees. The church edifice was erected during the summer of 1874. It was burned in May, 1892, and was replaced during the following summer. The present members of the church number 93 persons. The pastor is Rev. W. G Atwell.

All Saint's church, at Chaumont, is a Roman Catholic mission, under charge of Rev. John Corbett. The parish contains about fifteen fami- lies.

Three Mile Bay is a village of about 250 population, situated at the head of the bay so called, and was named from the fact of its distance west of the principal settlement at Chaumont. Previous to 1835 the place did not attract any special attention, yet was a productive fishing locality even from the early history of the town. It was on the line of the old turnpike, and nearly a mile south of the railroad built in 1851-2. Asa Wilcox founded the village when in 1835 he built the schooners Florida and Elon Bronson.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 74

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