USA > New York > Cortland County > Pioneer history; or, Cortland County and the border wars of New York, from the earliest period to the present time > Part 11
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William Andrews came from Fabius, Onondaga co., in 1817. From 1820 to 1843 he served in the capacity of constable and under sheriff, and in 1831 was elected sheriff, on a union ticket between the liberal portion of the Jackson and Clintonian men. The opposing candi- date was Martin Keep. Mr. Andrews is a prominent and influential citizen.
Daniel Josling, from Windham, Conn., located in 1818 on lot 17. Kenneth A. Scudder, from Monmouth, N. J., settled in 1813 in Herkimer county, and subsequently removed to Homer and located on lot 18. He reared a family of eight children, all of whom are living. He died in 1843, aged 77. His widow survives him at the age of 76.
Having thus presented a general outline view of the early settlement of Homer, dating from 1791 to 1818, we shall proceed to exhibit sonie important dates and facts connected with its history, interspersed with inter- esting incidents bearing upon the political, moral, so- cial and religious character of the noble spirits of other days.
The town of Homer was organized March 5th, 1794, and, as we have previously stated, originally embraced the townships of Homer and Cortland. The town offi- cers were not, however, limited to the town limits, but . Virgil and Solon were permitted to share in their selec- tion, and as such we give their names as though they had really belonged to Homer. The territory has a broken and diversified surface-presenting to the ob- server the rugged hill and fertile valley. The soil is
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SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
generally good,-consisting of clay, sandy and gravelly loam, while flats of rich alluvion border East and West River.
The political temperature of the early pioneers at the time of the erection of the town, stood at about zero, as will appear evident from the perusal of the following document, which is copied from the town records.
STATE OF NEW YORK : - ONONDAGA COUNTY. SS :
Whereas the town of Homer, in said county, on the 5th day of April did neglect to appoint the necessary town officers for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five :
And whereas, by a law passed on the 7th day of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, directing three justices of the peace of said county, to nominate, and under their hand and seals appoint such officers as under said act is necessary, therefore, we, Asa Danforth, Hezekiah Scott and Daniel Keeler, three of the justices of the peace, appointed in and for said county, nominate and by these presents do ap- point,*
For Supervisor,-John Miller.
Town Clerk,-Peter Ingersoll.
Assessors,-Thomas L. Bishop, Moses Hopkins, Joseph Beebe, Daniel Miner, Roderick Beebe.
Commissioners of Highways,-Samuel Benedict, Da- vid Russel, Moses Hopkins.
At this time Justices were appointed at Albany, by the Council of appointment.
168
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
Overseers of the Poor,-Joseph Beebe, Christopher Whitney.
Constable and Collector,-John House.
Signed, ASA DANFORTH,
HEZEKIAH SCOTT.
DANIEL KEELER.
The meeting at which these appointments were made was held at Squire Miller's on the 9th of April, 1795.
The first annual town meeting for the election of offi- cers, was held at Mr. Miller's house on the 8th of April, 1796. The following were the successful candidates.
Supervisor,-John Miller.
Town Clerk,-Peter Ingersoll.
Assessors,-Ezra Rockwell, Billy Trowbridge, Daniel Miner, Francis Strong, David Russel, Jacob Bishop.
Collectors,-Roderick Beebe, Barzilla Russel.
Overseers of the Poor,-Zera Beebe, Ozias Strong.
Com. Highways,-Zera Beebe, Thomas L. Bishop, Oliver Tuthill.
Constables,-Barzilla Russel, Roderick Beebe.
Overseers of Highways, - William Tuthill, Ebenezer Jones, Zera Beebe, Samuel C. Benedict, Joseph Beebe, Solomon Hubbard, John Morse.
Fence Viewers, - Elnathan Baker, George Strow- bridge, Johnson Bingham, David Jackson, John House, Moses Hopkins.
If the officers of those days were not selected with the regularity that attends our elections at the present time, they were at least chosen with less of bitterness engendered by political knaves and unprincipled dema- gogues. The contests for political preferences contin-
169
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
ued to be mild and conciliatory for many years. In 1800, however, the political elements throughout the State were greatly agitated, and in that severe struggle for power, the pioneers exhibited some symptoms of excite- ment, and shared, to a degree, in the general fever that pervaded the country.
In 1796, it was agreed by vote, " that every man make his own pound. That hogs run at large without yokes or rings.
That fences be made four feet and one half high, and not to exceed four inches between logs or poles."
In 1797, it was agreed by a unanimous vote, "that every man in the town may provide his own pound for every creature that does him damage, and yet be enti- tled to damage the same as at the town pound. That hogs be free commoners.
That three feet of sound fence shall not be more than five inches between earth, logs or grass."
In 1798, it was voted, "that one inch more of space be allowed between earth and wood."
A citizen of the town was not allowed to bring in or receive cattle from another town to keep for any period of time, under penalty of one dollar.
If some of these requirements were enacted and strictly adhered to, at this time we do not question their beneficial results. At least there would be less wrang- ling and bitter neighborhood recriminations in conse- quence of poor fences and disorderly cattle.
In 1797 the town of Homer was divided into high- way districts. Amos Todd and Johnson Bingham were Commissioners of highways.
1798. A wolf scalp commanded a premium of from
170
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
five to ten dollars, according to size ; bear, five dollars ; panther, ten dollars ; and foxes, fifty cents.
In 1797 Homer contained ninety - two inhabitants. Valuation of property reduced to dollars, $, 6,670.
On Wednesday, the 27th of May, 1794, the first meet- ing of the Board of Supervisors of Onondaga county, was held at the house of Hon. Asa Danforth, in the town of Manlius. Homer had not at that time been organ- ized, and consequently was not represented. The Board, however, made an estimate at random of the valuation of'property and proportion of tax for the towns of Pom- pey, Ulysses, Lysander and Homer. The latter was estimated at £500, and the proportion of tax at £6, 5s.
The pioneers of Homer were a people who revered the Bible, and valued its ordinances. They brought with them corresponding habits. When six families had arrived in town, (1793,) they all convened upon the Sabbath day and commenced public religious worship. From that day to the present time, (1859,) this divine reverence has been continued on the Sabbath, and we are assured from the most positive authority that there has occurred but one omission. This is a fact of marked significance, bearing upon the character of the
people and the prosperity of the settlement. It was a common saying, as emigrant families came from New England on to the Military Tract, if you wish to settle among "religionists," go to Homer. The first sermon in the town was pronounced by a missionary, who in a later period was Rev. Dr. Hilliard, of New Jersey. This discourse was delivered in the open air under a large tree upon the Hill, about one hundred rods north-east from the present dwelling of Eleazar Kingsbury. The
171
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
people were collected for the purpose of raising a build- ing, and before the work had proceeded far, it was cur- rently reported among the company that a missionary was lending a willing hand in the work of progress, and soon a voice was heard calling out "a sermon, a sermon." Upon which a very polite invitation was ex- tended to the Rev. Doctor of Divinity to favor them with a discourse, and in answer to which he preached a most thrilling and heart-feeling discourse. The next sermon was preached by Elder Peter P. Roots, of the Baptist denomination, in Mr. Baker's barn, from the text, "Faith, Hope and Charity."
The present generation in Homer will do well to pause and look in upon these six families, on this memorable day of their first worship, and intelligently meditate upon the results of this movement, and gratefully em- balm their names as the benefactors of the township. The standard then erected has not yet been taken down. The banner then unfurled still waves, bearing on its ample folds, GRACE AND GLORY. The incense of prayer from this little band was an offering accepted of God. The communication then and thus opened between Him and the people has not since been closed. Our God will keep his covenant forever.
The varying views of these pioneers, touching relig- ious doctrine and practice, delayed for several years the formation of a Church. But their frequent consultations and protracted discussions were in good feeling, and they could all happily meet for worship on common ground. But a church organization was a necessity that would not stand in waiting without jeopardy to the spiritual welfare of the community. At length relief
172
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
came through the sagacity of a WOMAN. The WIFE of Lieutenant Hobart, and the MOTHER of Deacon Jacob Hobart, of undying memory in the annals of Homer, with deep feeling intelligently weighed her responsi- bility in this matter. But as the custom then was, and still is, that females must be silent partners in business. matters, she earnestly pressed upon her husband that delay should terminate, and procured from him a pledge that a meeting for consultation should be called, and that he should move that those who were so far agreed that they could walk together in church order, should at once unite in the organization of a Church. It is not known whom she prevailed upon to second the move- ment. This done, she waited before God for the result.
This movement was sustained, and on the 12th day of October, 1801, the Congregational church of Homer was organized by the Rev. Hugh Wallace, of Solon, and the members resolved to maintain a Monthly Church Conference. Thus early, on the banks of the Tioughni- oga, and in the centre of Homer, was kindled a beacon light, to reveal to the teeming population in a wide cir- cuit, danger and duty in reference to their religious, intellectual and social interests.
In February, 1803, Rev. Nathan B. Darrow became the pastor of this church, and this connection closed in October, 1808. In October, 1809, Rev. Elnathan Walker became the pastor. He was removed by death in June, 1820. His remains were entombed in the public ceme- tery, and the hallowed spot was subsequently marked by an appropriate marble monument, bearing the follow- ing inscription :
173
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
Chis Monument IS ERECTED BY AN AFFECTIONATE PEOPLE, AS
THE LAST TESTIMONY OF RESPECT TO THEIR
BELOVED PASTOR.
His daughter, Tryphena, married the Rev. C. H. Reed, of Richmond, Virginia, one of the most able and elo- quent men of the age. Mr. Reed is not only a sound and really able speaker, but he is most emphatically an independent and accomplished orator. His address at the Atlantic Cable Jubilee in Homer was full of bold, pointed Southern sentiments ; and yet, proclaimed as they were before a Northern audience holding in the main opposite views, were listened to with marked at- tention, and elicited, at the conclusion, spontaneous ap- plause.
But to return from the digression. In June, 1821, Rev. John Keep was called to perform pastoral labors for this church, and, like a pious herald of the cross, continued ministering to the spiritual wants of the peo- ple until 1833, when he removed to the city of Cleveland, Ohio.
The harmony and enterprise of the Congregational Church and Society happily resulted in the dedication of a spacious and commodious house for public religious worship by the Middle Association of Ministers. Ser- mon by Rev. Mr. Darrow, June, 1807. During 1824, this " Meeting House" received the addition of an orna- mental front, a convenient vestibule, and extensive interior improvements. Its completion was commemo- rated by public religious exercises on the 23d day of
174
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
December. Sermon by the pastor, Rev. John Keep, from the text, "Rejoice with trembling." This was one of his most happy and brilliant efforts. Strong, argumen- tative, yet touchingly eloquent. When the reasons given for rejoicing had nearly reached their culmina- tion, the large, well-trained choir, accompanied by a full-toned organ, interrupted the speaker by the anthem chorus-
" Oh, be joyful in God, all ye lands."
The early pioneers brought with them the religious sentiments of the New England people, and early en- gaged in public religious worship. Their meetings were without " denominational distinction," being at- tended by the religionists without regard to order or sect. Those holding to the Congregational sentiments were most numerous, and put forth the first active efforts for the formation of a church, and although they succeeded in forming the first " Religious Society in the town of Homer, in 1799," they were nine days later in · the organization of the Congregational Church, than the Baptists were in the organization of their church, which was formed October 3d, 1801. For a number of years the Baptists were not favored with regular or stated preaching. There were, however, occasional sermons pronounced by Rev. Joseph Cornell, James Bacon, Peter P. Roots, and Rufus Freeman. Rev. Alfred Bennett, became the first permanent pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1833. Nelson Rounds was the first preacher. The Cal- vary Church in 1831.
The Universalist Church was formed in 1839.
175
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
The Advent Church was organized December, 1848. John Smith and Joseph L. Clapp, deacons.
The officiating clergymen are Albert Bigelow, of the Congregational ; C. A. Clark, of the Baptist ; and Hiram Gee, of the Methodist.
In 1810 the population of Homer was 2,975
1814
66
4,046
1820
5,504
1825
6,128
1830
66
66
3,307
1835
66
3,584
1840
3,572
1845
66
3,602
1850
66
66
3,836
1855
66
3,785
The early tradition of Homer, in many instances, is very obscure. In all cases we have adopted such evi- dence and facts as we have believed to be the most authentic, to the exclusion of every item of doubtful character. The first house was erected on the bank of the Tioughnioga, in 1791, by Joseph Bebee. The first improvements were made the same year by Amos Todd, west of Homer village. The first frame house was built for Dr. Lewis S. Owen. In 1799, the first frame barn was built for Col. Moses Hopkins, on lot 64, and is still standing. The first school-house was built in 1798, about twelve rods beyond where the railroad crosses the road leading to little York, and the second one on the north-east corner of the Green. The first grist- mill was erected by Asa White, John Hubbard, and John Keep, in 1798. Hooker Ballard was the first tailor ;
176
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
Matthias Cook, the first hatter ; Aaron Knapp, the first carpenter ; Joshua Ballard, the first school-teacher ; John Osborn, the first permanent silversmith. Eleazar Bishop, the first blacksmith ; Rev. Nathan B. Darrow, the first stated preacher ; Townsend Ross, the first attorney and post-master ; Luther Rice, the first physi- cian ; Maj. Stimson, the first inn-keeper ; John Coates, the first merchant ; Prof. W. P. Beck, the first Daguer- reian artist. He built the first Daguerreian carriage in the State ; and is an accomplished artist.
The first death was that of Mrs. Thomas Gould Al- vord. She died in 1795. The first male child born in town was Homer Moore. The first female child was Betsey House. The first marriage was that of Zadock Strong and widow Russel. The parties intended to have been married by Squire Stoyell, of Moravia Flats, but be- ing disappointed, they went to Ludlowville on horseback, and were united in the sacred bands by Squire Ludlow.
In 1798, forty dollars and seventy-eight cents were appropriated for the use of common schools in the town of Homer.
The first " burying ground" was on a little knoll, about thirty rods west of the factory.
The are but four of the old veteran pioneers now liv- ing, who came into Homer previous to 1800, viz .: widow Moses Hopkins, age seventy-nine ; Stephen Knapp, age eighty-one ; Zenas Lilly, age ninety ; Alpheus Hobart, eighty-four. The two first are in the enjoyment of their usual good health, and in the full possession of their intellectual faculties. Mr. Lilly and Mr. Hobart are slowly but surely wearing away with the infirmities of age ; and yet they are calmly and serenely awaiting
177
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
the hour to depart. May they go down to the silent tomb alike honored and respected.
The venerable pioneers are fast passing away, and soon it may be said of them, " they have been, but are not."
SOLON .- This town originally comprised the military township No. 20, and was organized March 9, 1798.
It was subsequently reduced by attaching the four northern tiers of lots to Truxton, and in 1849, by the erection of the town of Taylor.
The surface of the town is considerably broken and diversified. The hills are generally arable, and the valleys rich and productive. Some of the long ridges, or druidical elevations, covered with the deep, thick foli- age of the olden forest trees, present a wild, picturesque and pleasing aspect. In brief, the town is well adapted to grazing. The staple products are butter and cheese.
The first permanent settlement was made in Solon in 1794, by Roderick Beebe and Johnson Bingham. The former located on lot 75, on that portion which is usu- ally called Mount Roderick. He was originally from Massachusetts. The latter was a native of Connecticut, but came in from Vermont, and located on lot 62. He purchased 550 acres, reared eight children, seven of whom are living. He was Justice of the Peace for about twenty years, and associate Judge for a long time. Died 1842, aged 79 ; his widow survives him at the age of 95, in the enjoyment of good health.
William Galpin, from New Jersey, located in 1797, on lot 47. His stay was brief, owing to the fact of his having purchased and accepted a forged title. He sub- sequently settled in Pompey.
9
178
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
It may be well to remark here, that the early settle- ments were mainly made in the northern and eastern portions of the town ; these are noticed in the history of Truxton and Taylor.
In 1799, John Welch came from Wyoming, and locat- ed a little to the south of Roderick Beebe. He re- mained a few years, and removed to Cleveland, Ohio.
Col. Elijah Wheeler, came in from New Haven, Conn., in 1801, and located on lot 100. He originally pur- chased 100 acres.
The venerable Capt. Stephen N. Peck, from Stanford, Dutchess co., N. Y., located in Solon, lot 62, in March, 1804. He purchased 92 acres, and subsequently, con- siderably increased the area of his land. He survives at the age of 80 years, more than usually exempt from the infirmities of age.
Garret Pritchard came from Litchfield county, Conn., in 1807, and located on lot 74. He came in with a pack on his back, having but $16,50 in money. He went to work with a determination to carve out a fortune, and he has most fully succeeded. His father, having come in the previous year under greatly embarrassed circum- stances, found it very difficult to pay back arrearages, and yet succeed in a new country. His son, however, had the nerve and muscle to accomplish both. He earned and paid $500 for his father ; after which he located where he now lives, on lot 75. He owns up- wards of 500 acres of land, and is pleasantly and fa- vorably situated.
During the same year, Richard Maybury, from Lu- zerne, Pa., came in and located on State's Hundred, lot 53. Purchased 100 acres. He was an industrious and
179
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
worthy man, and has left several intelligent and valua- ble representatives. His children are Lewis, John, Jo- siah J., Elizabeth, Nancy, and Deacon Samuel.
Henry L. Randall, from Sharon, Conn., located in 1808, on lot 74. He moved in with a two horse team, bring- ing with him a few of the necessary articles for immedi- ate use in his new home. He is now 81 years of age, enjoying in a remarkable degree his physical and intel- lectual faculties. He has remained for a full half cen- tury where he first settled ; has reared a family of five children-Henry, David, William, Linus and Orrin- the three former accompanied him from his New Eng- land home. .
Jonathan Rundall, from Sharon, Conn., located on lot 74. Ebenezer Blake, from Stoddard, New Hampshire, settled on lot 84. He was a soldier in the American revolution, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill ; drew his land in Ohio.
In 1810, the taxable property of Solon, as returned, was $99,612, and there were 110 Senatorial electors.
In 1800 the population of Solon was
370
1810
1,263
1814
66
66
717
1820
1,262
1825
66
1,781
1830
2,033
1835
66
2,103
1840
66
2,311
1845
6
2,426
1850
60
1,150
1855
1,057
180
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
VIRGIL .- The town of Virgil, named in honor of the distinguished Roman Poet, Virgil, and to whom many classical allusions are made, was organized April 8th, 1804. It was No. 24 of the Military townships, surveyed in 1790. The town presents a broken and diversified as- pect, and to the general observer, exhibits a great vari- ety of picturesque scenery. Much attention is being paid to the dairy business -- the soil being better adapt- ed to grass than to the growing of grain.
The citizens generally are prosperous and happy. The town, politically, morally and socially, holds an im- portant and commanding influence in the county, and compares well with that description given in the ancient Chinese aphorism :-
" Where spades grow bright, and idle swords grow dull, Where jails are empty, and where barns are full, Where church paths are by frequent feet outworn, Law court-yards weedy, silent and forlorn, Where doctors foot it, and where farmers ride, Where age abounds, and youth is multiplied, Where these signs are, they truly indicate
A happy people, and well governed State."
After the tide of revolution had rolled away, and the people were becoming comparatively happy, conflicting claims and unpleasant controversies were renewed, having a strong tendency to create bitter recriminations between inhabitants of adjoining States, and especially those of New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.
The controversy pending the conflicting claims of the two latter States, grew out of an antiquated and pre- tended or supposed right on the part of Massachusetts,
181
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
to a certain portion of land lying within the boundaries of New York.
In 1786, the question at issue was finally settled by an amicable adjustment of the differences of opinion, through the united exertions of Commissioners duly ap- pointed, and clothed with the Confederative power to arrange the matter in controversy, and thus silence the clamor which had for a long time tended to create un- pleasant remarks, as well as to weaken the bonds of fraternal fellowship. The Commissioners granted to Massachusetts 6,144,000 acres of land, known as the Genesee country. This tract comprised all the land of the State west of a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario, and running due south, through the middle of Seneca lake, to the north line of the State of Pennsylvania, excepting one mile in width, the whole length of Niagara river, which was ceded to New York. Another tract, afterwards known as the Massachusetts Ten Townships, embracing 230,400 acres of land, lying between the Owego and Che- nango rivers, was also ceded, without the least equiva- lent, to Massachusetts, reserving to New York barely the right of sovereignty. The former, as we have pre- viously stated, was sold by Massachusetts to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, for the sum of $1,000,000. The latter was purchased by John Brown & Co., for a fraction over $3,300.
It will be observed that we have heretofore spoken of Virgil as township No. 24 of military lands, granted to the soldiers of the Revolution. It should, however, be noted in this place, that the whole of the town of Virgil did not originally belong to the military grant.
182
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
A strip of about 12 miles in width from east to west, across its southern side, was taken from the Ten Town- ship grant to Massachusetts.
Joseph Chaplin, the first permanent settler, (whose name has occurred in previous chapters, ) located on lot No. 50, in 1792, but did not move on his family until two years later. His rude log house was erected during the time he was engaged in exploring and surveying the route for the Oxford and Cayuga lake road, prepar- atory to his engaging in the enterprise of constructing the work with which he had been entrusted .*
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