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 9
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side of a majestic old oak. The last quart of Indian meal is hastily converted into journey cake, the time- worn tea-pot is replenished with a few leaves of old hy- son, and the only remaining venison shank assists in the preparation of a plain, but wholesome dish of soup. The end board of a wagon serves for a table, being ele- vated on a little hillock, around which the company gather to partake of the simple repast. The hoot of the old gray owl is heard in the distance, while the howl of the wolf and the scream of the panther mingle their discordant notes in the mountain gorge. Vapory clouds had o'erspread the face of heaven and shut out from view night's diadem. Far to the northward was heard the rumbling thunder, and anon the forked lightnings dashed athwart the aerial sky. But look ! the electric fluid has descended and shattered a sycamore of three centuries' growth into a thousand fragments ; suddenly the little band grouped about the table are startled by the well-known bark of the old house-dog. At a few rods distant are seen two globes, of fire-like brilliancy. The unerring gun is seized, and quick is heard the sharp report of the Yankee rifle, succeeded by death-like screeches, as some unknown form bounded away in the thicket. But hark ! the death-struggles of the huge monster are heard. A torch is snatched from the camp fire. The Yankee rifle is reloaded with a double charge, and three of the adventurers go in pursuit of the wound- ed animal. They had not proceeded over ten or fifteen rods, before they came upon an enormous panther wel- tering in his blood. The shot had taken fatal effect. Another report of the rifle was heard, and all was still. A quarter of an hour after, the animal lay stretched out
*
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before the camp fire, and was found by measurement to exceed nine feet in length.
An hour after, the clouds had disappeared, and the stars
"That point with radiant fingers Thro' each dark greenwood bough,"'
looked out in beauty from the vaulted sky,
"Girt with Omnipotence, with radiance crowned Of majesty Divine."
Before the sun had flung forth his flaming beams along the orient sky, the little band of brave pioneers were toiling onward, having disrobed the panther, and left his skinless form to the protecting care of the hungry hyena and rapacious vulture. They passed with entire safety through Indian settlements, receiving the frank expressions of friendship whenever met by any of the roving natives, who, although unwilling to give up their hunting-grounds without a satisfactory equivalent, would not condescend to offer insult, or treat with con- tempt or indifference their more powerful rivals. They subsisted for several days almost entirely on the wild game of the woods. An old lady, relating to us the hardships through which they passed, remarked, that "had it not been for the deer that roamed at large, they should have suffered still more severely, and perhaps even unto death, as roots and venison were their only food for many a long and gloomy day." And the tears came in the eyes of this sainted mother of Israel, as she told her tale of privation, suffering and sorrow.
There were several families that came in during the
7*
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winter season, and were consequently subjected to un- usual hardships. The great depth of snow that fre- quently fell impeded their progress. The Indian trails were often entirely hidden from sight. Then again, another great difficulty interposed almost insurmount- able barriers. Many miles had to be traversed, without roads, and in a dense unbroken wilderness. Much of the country through which the pioneers passed presented a very level surface, which, when covered with forest trees, was wet and swampy, and from which arose the foul miasma which not unfrequently generated disease,- if not fevers of a malignant cast, at least those horrid ague chills, which often undermine the strongest consti- tution, and lead the unhappy victim to prostrate the system still lower with the thousand nostrums and humbug panaceas of the day. There were numerous instances where their progress was obstructed by vari ous obstacles, and to an extent to preclude their making over five or six miles per day; and we have been informed of an instance, where the company, for several successive days, did not exceed three. To us, in these days of progress and steam, it seems like making slow headway if we do not exceed twenty-five miles per hour.
But the idea of being in a dense forest, with little suffering children pleading for food, without having the power to satisfy those wants, is most horrible. And yet such occurrences were experienced by some of the first settlers of this county. What mighty changes have been wrought by the finger of time ! What stupendous obstacles have been overcome. The heavy forest trees, over which for centuries the lurid lightning wheeled in awful grandeur, and through which the untamed whirl-
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wind swept-those mighty forest oaks which defied the the blast and the storm, have been removed. The rock- ribbed ridges have been converted into productive pas- tures, and the pestiferons marshes of the Mohawk now form one of the finest and most valuable agricultural districts in that region of country. The Indian trails have disappeared, and in their places have been substi- tuted excellent roads. The terrific howl of the wolf has given place to the sharp, shrill scream of the locomo- tive whistle. An enterprising population is located in the valleys and scattered over the hills. Wealth has sprung up in almost every department of business, and Mammon stands, with brazen front, contending for power and place.
A New Englander, on his way to this land of promise, who had passed in safety through the northern wilder- ness, undismayed at the growl of the bear, the howl of the wolf, or the frightful scream of the great northern panther, had arrived within a few miles of Manlius, when suddenly his dream was changed to positive reality. A man of surly; dark features, tall, erect and command- ing figure, presented himself before the astonished New Englander, and very politely demanded his money. To this unexpected appeal the Yankee demurred. He did not discover the means by which he was to receive any benefit from such a kind of procedure, and frankly told the supposed wild man of the woods that he had no money for him, and threatened him with a severe caning if he did not depart and leave him to proceed on his journey. But the French trader (for such he undoubt- edly was) was not so easily to be put off. Summoning all his commanding powers, he, in a tone the most au-
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thoritative, again demanded the granite rocks. But the reply was equally authoritative, that he could have none. Then said the highwayman, " give me the hand of your beautiful daughter-amor vincit omnia."* But the stern old man thundered in his ear in tones the most indignant, "avaunt ! scoundrel, avaunt !" Still the higwayman persisted in his unjust demands, brandish- ing a large hunting-knife over the head of the unarmed pioneer. Suddenly, however, the scene changed, for the invincible New Englander siezed a bludgeon of wood, and in an attitude at once threatening and alarm- ing, made for the wretch who hoped to wrest from the worthy man, not only his treasure of gold, but the idol of his heart; but his shadow was fast disappearing in the thicket before him, from which he did not again venture for the purpose of molesting the stern old man of the granite hills of New England.
The timber was generally of heavy growth, a fact going far to sustain the generally conceived opinion, that the Indians had not for at least two centuries made any very successful attempt at cultivating any portion of the Homer flats. True, we have the opinion of an aged Oneida sachem, and also some traditionary evidence, which go far towards establishing the fact of there hav- ing been, anterior to the sixteenth century, a race of red men located along the western shore of the Tioughnioga river, and that by intestine broils and internal commo- tions they were entirely destroyed. There have been instances in which arrow points have been found imbed- ded in the hearts of trees of great age,-at least the
* Love constraineth all things.
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concentric circles would indicate that they were of more than four hundred years' growth.
During the spring of 1855, while engaged in excavat- ing a mound of earth, we were surprised on finding that it contained specimens of charcoal, in a perfectly sound state. There were also fragments of mouldering bones, and singularly wrought impressions on the surface of dark, slatish-colored stones. How, when, or by whom these deposits were made, are questions which we leave for geologists to solve.
The heavy growth of forest trees was a great draw- back to the more rapid improvement of this section of country. At the time the first permanent settler located in the county of Cortland, the Phelps and Ghoram tract was being rapidly settled. The Indian title to the Genesee country had been extinguished prior to that of the Mili- tary Tract. And the inducements to settle on the for- mer were much greater than those held out in behalf of the latter. Individuals, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, were personally interested in the Phelps and Ghoram purchase, and consequently possessed con- siderable influence over the greater proportion of those who migrated from the New England States ; and in 1790 about fifty townships had been sold. A monster, hideous to the sight of the Six Nations, sat in his den of unhewn logs at Canandaigua, cutting up the rich hunting-grounds of the Senecas into gores and town- ships, and disposing of them at a mere nominal price, which of course had a strong tendency to facilitate the more rapid settlement of the Genesee country. Many of the original claimants to military lands were dead ; others had disposed of their right, which, perhaps
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in turn, had been transferred to a third, fourth, or fifth purchaser, which in the end gave rise to many litigated contests before the titles were permanently settled.
Aside from the many privations and hardships endured by the early adventurers in reaching their various points of destination, they were subjected to many and great inconveniences after they had arrived at their new homes,-having no floors to their dwellings, save such as were constructed from split logs ; using blocks for chairs, poles tied at the ends with bark for bedsteads, and bark for bedcords ; chips for plates, paper for win- dows, sap troughs for cradles, and so on to the end of the chapter.
The first crop of grain grown by the primitive settlers was a half acre of corn, one third of which was eaten while green. The small amount of meal brought with them at the time of moving had already been consumed, and of necessity they had to resort to various expedi- ents to sustain life and drive away hunger, and as a substitute for the more favorite and substantial food, they dug ground nuts, and many nutritious roots, and after boiling them for a length of time, ate them with a relish quite unknown to that class of " upper tens" of the present day who are living in castles of ivory, or mammoth structures which have been reared by the productive labor of others. In the settlement of wes- tern, or central southern New York, we have heard of but a single instance in which this mode of living was surpassed, and that was by Oliver Crocker, who in an early day came into Broome county with a pack on his back, and, while engaged in "clearing his land, lived for some time on roots and beech leaves." He was at this
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time only eighteen years of age-had been for two years in the employment of Elder Joshua Whitney, when he found himself able to purchase four hundred acres of land. He became a very enterprising and wealthy man, yet held a most perfect abhorrence of that species of popularity which is purchased at the shrine of gold. His property did not lift him above the common level of humanity.
As soon as the corn had become partially ripe, a quantity was gathered, and after drying, was, by means of a stump hollowed out for a mortar, and a pestle hung to a well-sweep, pounded into coarse meal, which by boiling was coverted into samp or hominy-a most excellent and healthy dish.
The family of Mr. Morse, the pioneer of Cuyler, lived the greater part of one summer, on greens, and yet did not repine, but looked forward for better days.
There were resolute, determined actors, with strong arms, at war with the ancient forest trees. The wilder- ness was doomed to disappear. Migrators were launch- ing their frail crafts upon the Hudson, forcing their canoes along the Mohawk, Unadilla, and Susquehanna, eagerly pushing forward, with a longing wish for a glimpse of the Onondaga, Chenango, and Tioughnioga. The panther, the wolf, the bear, the deer, and the thou- sand homogeneous tribes of fur and bristles, were re- treating to the swamps and miniature mountain passes with a present prospect of safety from the leaden mis- siles of New England rifles. The proud old Romans, the native dwellers of the woods, began to exhibit strong symptoms of jealousy towards the "pale faces," who were thus encroaching on their rights ; and even
.
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" barbarism drew its fantastic blanket over its shoul- ders, and, clutching its curiously-wrought tomahawk," was seen "withdrawing to other solitudes, jingling its brazen ornaments and whooping as it went." Improve- ments rapidly increased, and settlements multiplied. The soil being rich and productive, other crops came in, were harvested, and converted into wholesome food. At this time there were no roads, save such as were made by following the Indian trails, removing the larger logs, cutting away saplings and under-brush barely sufficient to admit of the passage of a team. Eight to ten days were required to effect a commercial intercourse with Chenango Forks, forty miles south ; six to eight with Ludlowville, twenty-five. miles west ; and about an equal number with Manlius square, thirty miles north, at which place they procured salt and grinding. At the former and latter, they purchased tobacco, and lin- sey-woolsey, while for axes they went to Cazenovia. Tea was an unbearable extravagance. True, a few of the more thoughtful had laid in a small quantity, before leaving the "land of steady habits," and this was re- sorted to only on extra occasions. An elderly lady told us of a long expedition made by her husband to Ithaca, and how her heart was gladdened on his return, on learning that he had purchased a whole half pound of Bohea. It was indeed a luxury.
But now that the delicious article was obtained, its stimulating and soul-cheering effects must be enjoyed. The whole neighborhood received an invitation to come in and spend the afternoon in a social chat, and testify to its merits. The afternoon came, and with it the com- pany. The daughter, a flaxen-haired girl of sixteen
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summers, not forgetful of the generous sympathies that prevailed among the primitive settlers, had, in the mean- time, contrived to despatch a special messenger, bearing an affectionate billet-doux, to her dear devoted friend John,-a very worthy young man of another settlement, -requesting his presence, inasmuch as they were in- tending to have a kind of glorification over the choice beverage. She was entirely free from deceit, dishon- esty, haughty pride and fashionable idleness, and frankly told her friend that her mother was in want of a tea-pot, and hoped, inasmuch as his mother had one of revolutionary memory, and which had been used by his grandfather in the camp, that he would do her the favor to bring the article with him. John came, and, true to the desired courtesy, brought along the old war relic, and placing it on the slab table, very coolly re- marked that he was somewhat given to dreaming, and that in one of his favorite reveries he had dreamed that a party of friends were to be convened at the double log house ; and presuming that the olden trophy of a passing age might be serviceable, had, at the risk of being laughed at, obeyed the direction given him in his noc- turnal visitation.
The explanation of John was received with a hearty laugh, and a grateful expression of remembrance on the part of the mother. Not one of the company ventured to whisper a suspicious thought. They could not be so unkind. The visit was really enjoyed, and the Bohea proved a most valuable auxiliary in giving life and spirit to the frequent interchange of sentiments.
We were told by Mr. Lilly, that at a later day, him- self and brother went on foot to Genoa and Scipio, to
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reap wheat. They labored five and a half days each, and earned eleven bushels ; threshed and carried it to mill, one mile east of Moravia.
We have been told of numerous instances of a like persevering industry and kindly attention to the wants of the dear devoted ones at home-of the father or eld- est son setting out with a sack of grain on his shoulder, for a journey of twenty-five, and even forty miles, to a mill, in order to secure the wherewith to supply the place of the fast disappearing loaf. It was, however, a prevailing custom, when necessity did not demand more immediate attention, for one who was blessed with a team to take the grists for a whole neighborhood-an act evincing a generosity of sympathy peculiar to new settlements.
A grist-mill at a distance of twenty-five miles was of valuable consideration, when compared with a mortar and pestle.
Linsey-woolsey was a great achievement when al- lowed to take the place of buckskin pants and jacket coats. Glass windows were regarded as a very great improvement over those fashioned from paper. A ser- vice of earthen ware, when allowed to supplant the place of chips and wooden trenchers, was a luxury most ar- dently desired ; and when a cherry table graced the kitchen, it was looked upon as a mark of increasing prosperity. A wagon with wooden springs attached to the seat, was procured at a most exorbitant price, and was regarded as a luxury to be enjoyed only by the few. A horse was almost deified. They had but few barns, and these were rude huts, their grain being stacked out door, winnowed by the breeze of heaven,
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placed into sacks and swung across the beams of the kitchen. Stairs were not yet thought of, and a garret floor was shrouded in their undreamed of philosophy. If they were not the days of gentility and refinement, they were at least the days of lustihood, generosity, and good fellowship. Respectability did not then consist in wealth alone, and a mean and beastly selfishness would have been despised, even though clothed in "silk and faring sumptuously." Indeed, greatness of charac- ter did not consist in fine houses and broad acres. Forced smiles and hypocritical pretensions, were re- served for older, and perchance, more refined regions. Land sharks, money shavers, and political gamblers, were not of their order. They possessed not only mus- cles, sinews and bones, but a fleshy form, containing a human soul. They were not automatons-they could appreciate a good act, and return a favor without ac- companying it with a grudge.
Previous to 1791, the territory now comprised within the county of Cortland was known to the whites only by charts and maps, and though forming a constituent portion of the State of New York, was regarded, on ac- count of its location, of but minor importance.
HOMER .- In 1789, Amos Todd and Joseph Beebe mi- grated from New Haven, Conn., and located at Wind- sor, Broome co., N. Y. In 1791 they removed from Wind- sor, and were the first of the noble pioneers who planted the standard of civilization in the Tioughnioga Valley.
These enterprising spirits were accompanied by only one lady,-the sister of Mr. Todd, and wife of Mr. Beebe.
We shall not stop here to recount the various degrees
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of unremitting toil, privation and effort through which they passed in their journey to their new and uninviting home.
Mr. Beebe erected his house north of Homer village, near the upper bridge, on ground now occupied by the residence of Joseph Burt. In our mind there is no doubt existing with reference to the locality of Mr. Beebe's house. His son Spencer, who, in 1852, died in a prayer meeting at Harrison Valley, Pa., has left some early reminiscences and data, together with a map, which accurately describes the Tioughnioga, and marks the location of the first four dwellings erected west of the river. These are now in the hands of the writer. The edifice would illy compare with those now occupy- ing the adjacent grounds. It was in the main composed of poles, twelve by fifteen feet. Before this temporary abode had been completed, their team strayed away in the woods. Leaving Mrs. Beebe alone, they set out in its pursuit. She had no protection except the four walls of poles, without floor or roof, and simply a blanket stuck up with forks to cover the space intended for a door. The husband and brother were absent three days and nights, and during the long and lonely hours, Mrs. Beebe maintained a tranquil mind and received no an- noyance, save such as was caused by the howling wolf and screaming panther, of whose rapacity for blood she had often heard, and whose terrible yells made night hideous and tenfold more alarming to the tender feelings of a sensitive female. She received but one call, and that was from a wolf, who, being rather timid, only displaced the blanket sufficient to introduce his phiz and take a look at her ladyship.
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During the following winter, Messrs. Beebe and Todd returned to Windsor for their effects, and were snow- bound for six weeks. Mrs. Beebe remained at home, the sole occupant of her palace of poles. She must have been blessed with more than ordinary courage and fortitude. Probably but few women in these days of modern refinement, similarly situated, would exhibit an equal amount of patience and force of character. Let us not be understood as wishing to speak dispara- gingly of the females of the present day : far from it. Circumstances give an entire change to human charac- ter. The elements of which it is composed, are vari- ously operated upon. Other circumstances might have made Lord Byron a Washington, or Washington a By- ron. Education, properly considered, is everything.
It was a cold day in the middle of winter. Their goods were closely stowed away in their little craft, and as they "pulled away from the shore," and bent their course homeward, a farewell shout echoed from shore to shore.
Arriving at Binghamton, they were joined by John Miller, Esq., father of deacon Daniel Miller, whose com- pany was very acceptable to these half land, half water craftsmen .* The men took turns in directing the course of the boat, while the others followed on foot along the shore of the river, removing obstructions, and driving the cattle. When the stream was too shallow, the boat was drawn across the rifts with their oxen, and then
Mr. Miller was a native of New Jersey. He lies entombed a short distance south-east of the County House, where four genera- tions of the Millers " sleep."
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again set afloat upon the watery element.' Then the facilities for moving goods were in wide contrast with those of the present day. Then they were not even fa- vored with a common highway over which to transport their property, but were gratified in having the power to lend a strong arm in propelling a common Indian ca- noe. Now, in addition to the various other facilities, we have the powerful aid of the Iron horse, whose limbs are steel and whose lungs are fire, and by whose gen- erous assistance the rich treasures of the East and the valuable products of the West are unladen in the very lap of the fertile valley through which he passes, belch- ing fire and smoke.
The brave and hardy pioneers are approaching their new home. There stands the humble cabin, containing the soul and centre of Mr. Beebe's felicity. In the door appears the young and cherished wife of fond affection, ready to greet her more than "noble lord"-her gen- erous hearted husband. She is a high-souled, noble- hearted woman, worth more than gaudy gems or golden crowns. For six long weeks she has been a lonely in- habitant of the valley, and during the stormy days and darksome nights, she was truly "monarch of all" she "surveyed." And now she rushes from her forest pal- ace, with heart all kind, and eyes all bright, with form and mien glowing in the sunlight of pure affection, ra- diant with hope and beauty, as though just baptized in the sparkling fountain of ever blooming youth.
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