USA > New York > Onondaga County > Pompey > Re-union of the sons and daughters of the old town of Pompey > Part 33
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" On Friday evening, Aug. 21st, 1874, was a concert for the benefit of Pompey Academy. The entertainment was large-
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THE POMPEY RE-UNION.
ly attended by the citizens of Pompey, and very many stran- gers who are here enjoying the rural pleasures of the coun- try at this delightful season of the year. Among the dis- tinguished visitors from abroad were Dr. Charles W. Stev- ens, of St. Louis, Mo., Charles Hayden, Esq., of Rochester, N. Y., Wm. H. Stevens, Esq., of New York, and Mrs. Char- lotte Beardslee, of Syracuse, one of the pioneer teachers in the carly days of Pompey. An interesting episode occurred at the conclusion of the first part. Wm. H. Stevens, Esq., of New York, was present at the Re-union in Pompey, June 29th, 1871, and upon that occasion hearing much said in reference to the old academy building which was torn down in 1834, to give place to the present structure, he conceived the idea of constructing a miniature fac-simile of the old building from memory. He was among the number who had been educated within its sacred walls. And drawing upon the recollections of his school boy days, he had finished his model and happened to return to his early home the very day the concert was to take place, bringing with him the miniature building as a gift to the present board of trustees. At the conclusion of the first part of the concert the trustees of the Academy were invited to take their place upon the stage, the audience and some of them not knowing for what purpose. They stood in the form of a semi-circle, in the cen- ter of which upon a stand, Mr. E. Butler, of Whitehall, N. Y., a native of Pompey, soon placed the gift. Mr. Stevens also stood upon the stage. Around and behind them stood the singers in the costume of one hundred years ago. Mr. Butler then in behalf of Mr. Stevens, made the following presentation speech :-
GENTLEMEN : I appear before you to-night, honored with a pleasing part of this evening's entertainment. I have be- fore me a model of the " Old Pompey Academy" building, which was erected in 1801; within whose walls during more than a third of a century, were educated, perhaps, more men who have lived and become famous as governors, legislators, judges, lawyers, physicians, generals of the army, ministers
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THE POMPEY RE-UNION.
of the gospel, missionaries to foreign climes, poets, orators and eminent civilians, than any other similar institution in this or any other State. Three years ago when was held on yonder " green" the grand re-union of the sons and daugh- ters of Pompey, when they came from far and near to meet again at the old home hearth-stone as they grasped the hand of cherished friends, you remember how the old academy was the central theme of every conversation. Around it clustered the pleasant memories and reminiscences of the past ; to it they turned with the fond eye of memory, and beheld anew the classic walls, paying to it a deference akin to adoration. Among the number who that day met with us and enjoyed the festive occasion was one who on his re- turn to his home in New York, resolved from memory to reproduce in miniature, the old structure entire. He has during his leisure moments labored upon it, and to-day as he returns again to visit the home of his boyhood, does he bring with him this memento, and as others have in words so feelingly dedicated their affection to this institution, so he now dedicates this the offspring of his handiwork. In the name of our former townsman, Mr. Wm. H. Stevens, of New York, the architect and builder of this fac-simile of the old Academy building, I do now present this gift, asking that it remain in the archives of your institution so long as Pom- pey Academy shall exist, and it in the future it shall happen, as happen it may, that the organization as now existing shall cease, it is his wish that you or your successors shall pre- sent it to the Onondaga County Historical Association. Please accept as the offering of the devoted love of a noble heart to its cherished Alma Mater.
MR. STEVENS then explained the construction of the model, after which Wm. W. Van Brocklin, Esq., responded as fol- lows :
MR. STEVENS :- In behalf of the trustees of Pompey Acad- emy and in behalf of this entire community, whose interests in this institution it is their duty to cherish and protect, I re- turn you most sincere and heartfelt thanks for this beautiful
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THE POMPEY RE-UNION.
gift so suggestive of the thousand golden memories of the " olden time." And to you Mr. Butler, I return thanks for the appropriate and feeling language you have been enabled to use in the presentation of this perfect model of the old Academy building, and for the stirring memories you have awakened of the transcendent blessings and benefits which have resulted from the establishment of this institution to the early settlers of Pompey and their descendants.
But above all, we give thanks to our God, the great pre- server and benefactor of humanity, whose Providence has so unexpectedly dropped down among us our former towns- man on this interesting occasion, bringing this priceless gift appearing at this opportune time, when an old folks concert. is in progress for the benefit of that institution, whose first edifice is here reproduced in miniature from memory ; and our thanks are further due to the great architect of the uni- verse, for the gift of memory, that has enabled you my brother so faithfully and vividly to call up from the store- house of your memory all the details and minute peculiari- ties that characterized those classic halls whose walls echoed to the tread of a Dodge, a Mason, a Marsh and a Seymour, enabling you to construct it with that artistic skill that chal- lenges the admiration and gratitude of all acquainted with the old building, who have had the good fortune to examine this. So perfect is it, that I understand the Hon. Luther R. Marsh said when admiring its just proportions and elabo- rate finish, that the only thing lacking, was the birchen rod of the venerable Joshua Leonard. I confess that language. is too poor to express the thoughts and emotions that crowd upon my mind in viewing this memento of the past. The emotional sentiments which the occasions calls up are of kin to those inspired by the beautiful lines of the enraptured poet.
' How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood, When fond recollection presents them to view The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wild wood, And every loved spot which my infancy knew."
THE POMPEY RE-UNION. 423
And those other immortal lines around which cluster a thousand fonder and dearer memories.
" I love it, I love it, and who shall dare To chide me for loving that old arm chair, Have you learned the spell a mother sat there, And a sacred thing was that old arm chair."
The lessons too, which this event teaches, are of the most important character, and among them I may name the last- ing impressions and unfading memories of our early life. If our brother can in this matchless little building, so vividly portray all the lineaments of the school-room where forty years ago he spent the happy hours of life's bright morning, how important that in the youthful mind be instilled those principles of righteousness, truth, temperance, virtue and integrity that shall make the child through all the future years of life feel strong to resist the temptations that are scat- tered all along the pathway of life. For, rest assured, temp- tation will assail us through all the coming years, until the dawn of eternity shall appear.
Thanking you again for this priceless treasure, which we will ever cherish in our inmost heart, with the kindest feel- ing of respect for the donor, we wish you prosperity and joy through all the coming years of life, and unalloyed happiness through all the boundless cycles of eternity.
Since the re-union, frequent notices of the healthful clime and beautiful scenery of Pompey have appeared in the news- papers. From among the number we clip the following beautiful poem, which some time after the re-union, ap. peared in one of the Syracuse papers.
TO POMPEY.
All day in fancy I have seen Thy green clad hills, vast and eternal,, O'er looking all the vale between, And rising toward the skies supernal.
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THE POMPEY RE-UNION.
All day I've roamed thy woodlands o'er, And seen with fancy's glowing vision Thy quiet streets, and fields so fair, Fairer to me than fields Elysian.
Below thee in the distance seen, The city's spires are brightly gleaming, The whirr and clang of busy life Within its crowded streets are teeming ; But tho' old hills upreared so high, Escape the city's din and clashing, The few within thy cool retreats Enjoy the long, bright days now passing.
A happy home is mine beside Oswego's brightly flowing river, Yet, will my heart e'er yearn for thee,
My childhood's home, for aye and ever, I tire of all this flat lowland, I long for thy dear lights and shadows,
I want to climb thy rugged hills And wander in thy quiet meadows.
I want to gaze upon thy seenes, In Autumn's light serene, and mellow, And watch thy graceful waving trees,
All beautiful, though sere and yellow, But ah, for me, it may not be, What need is there to murmur longer, My feet must wander far away,
E'en while my love for thee grows stronger.
And I may roam in other lands, May cross the deep and boundless ocean, My heart shall ne'er forget that love, While life its pulses keep in motion. And oh, when all life's cares are o'er, And swift from mne is memory flying, Old Pompey may thy hills arise, To greet my eyes when I am dying.
SICILY SPRAGUE.
Of the Organization of the Re-Union.
In addition to the officers and committees whose names appears in the foregoing pages, mention should have been made of the marshal of the day and his assistants, whose duties were very laborious, and discharged with a skill and promptness which commanded the approbation of all.
The marshal was M. R. Dyer, and his assistants Samuel W. Jerome, Moses T. Robinson, Dwight Kershaw, Wm. J. Mason and Fred. A. M. Ball. The following additional names appear upon the programme published at the time, who were on the Committee of Arrangements : Chas. W. H. Wood, S. S. Walley, Geo. Hopkins, Geo. R. Vail, Rodney Hill and 1). G. Southard, and the following on the Commit- tee of Reception : J. R. Fenner, Wilfred M. Scoville, Bron- son Clarke and John I'. Robinson.
The following named ladies and gentlemen were omitted, who deserve to be remembered for untiring efforts in the preparations for the day. Wakeman G. Sprague, who was charged with making all necessary purchases in Syracuse, E. S. Dawson who was treasurer of the Re-Union fund, Mrs. Henry S. Doolett, Mrs. Jane E. O'Donaghey and Mrs. Wm. W. Van Brocklin, who were on committee to prepare re- freshmenta, to make decorations and to arrange the tables.
CONCLUSION.
Having finally had charge of the publication of this vol ume, I esteem it a privilege and feel it a duty that I owe to the publication committee, to write a few explanatory words in conclusion. It will be observed that many biographical sketches are wanting to make the volume complete. Among the number omitted may be mentioned the Jeromes, Judds, Murrays, Marshes, Newmans, Northrups, Duguids, Can- dees, Woods, Woodfords, Hiscocks, Blowers, Loseys and many others, from whom have arisen distinguished and emi- nent citizens, mention of whom would be fully sufficient to fill another volume of the size of this. For this the com- mittee are not at fault, as over four years ago, public notice was repeatedly given through "The Press," of the work in contemplation, and asking for contributions of sketches ; morcover I have personally sought and importuned many to furnish sketches or at least the data, to enable me to write them up. It will not be overlooked, I trust, that the labor of the committee has been arduous and unremunera- tive. At one time it was a question whether the work would ever be accomplished, and it doubtless would have been given up had not Gov. Seymour and Hon. Wm. G. Fargo generously come to our assistance with material aid. It will be noticed also that the directory promised has been omitted. This is an intentional omission to avoid too large a volume for our resources. The embelishments are fur- nished by those whose lithographs adorn the work or by
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their friends. The old Academy, together with the inside view are from the fac simile made by Wm. H. Stevens, of New York, and but for his conception, would have been lost to history. It is to be hoped that the disadvantages under which we have labored, will avoid many criticisms- which under other circumstances might be justly indulged ..
WM. W. VAN BROCKLIN.
Pompey, June 17, 1876.
CONTENTS.
SUBJECT.
PAGE.
Preface
5
Account of Measures that resulted in the Re-union
7
The Re-union Day
13
Address of Welcome 17 1 1
Response 20 I
Reminiscences of Pompey 27
Address of Geo. H. Williams 36
Address of Luther R. Marsh 42
Response to the toast, "The old Town of Pompey"
59
Toast, " Fair daughters of Pompey". 66
71
Pompey Academy
73
Address of John F. Seymour.
75
Address of Daniel J. Fort-
78
Address of Charles W. Stevens.
81
1 Address of F. W. Fenner 85 1
86
Address of Geo. H. Jerome
SS
Satement of Richard F. Stevens
90
Address of W. W. Van Brocklin
91
Evening Meeting. I 1
9S
Introductory Remarks
9S
Poem by Flora Butterfield
100
Remarks of William Barnes.
100
Incidents
101
Poem by II. A. Billings 1
102
Letter from Edwin C. Litchfield
105
Letter from Henry W. Slocum
106
Letter from R. S. Orvis
107
Letter from Esther Dorwin Clapp 107
Letter from Jared F. Ostrander
111
Letter from Rowena M. Ostrander
114
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Poem of H. D. L. Sweet
Toast, "The American members of the Joint High Commission
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THIE POMPEY RE-UNION.
Letter from Sanford Thayer
Letter from Charles Mason
Letter from Harvey Sheldon
Letter from Orris Barnes
Letter from Charles A. Baker
Letter from Hiram K. Jerome
Letter from Lucien Birdseye
History of Pompey Academy History of Pompey
Pompey Hill and Vicinity Geographical feature
LaFayette
Watervale
Military Tract.
Town Meetings
Attendance at School No. 3, Pompey, 1800 Episcopal Church, Subscription at Clapp's Corners Supervisors and Town Clerks
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Anderson Family Dr. Edward Aiken
Sylvanus and Artemus Bishop
Elizur Brace
Ball Family
Joseph Baker
Ebenezer Butler, Sr. Benson
Victory Birdseye
Barber Family
Reubin Billings
Elias Conklin.
Samuel Clement
Clarke Family Henry Clarke
John J. Deming Paul Clapp.
Dunham Family
Dodge Family Fenner Family David Green
.Daniel Gilbert Caleb Green
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Jos. W. and Mrs. Rhoda Gold, Flint and Rice Families
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Avery Family
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Disciples of Christ
Delphi
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372
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409
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413
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126
Hayden Family
Hinsdell Family
David Hibbard
Hezekiah Hopkins
Josiah Holbrook
Jonas Hinman
Daniel Knapp
Joslina Leonard
Luther Marsh Noalı Palmer
Dr. Silas Park
L. H. Pitcher
Millard Robinson
Thos. D. Safford
Joseph Shattuck
Sweets
John Todd Samuel Talbot
Elijah Wells
Edward Wicks
Daniel Wright
Augustus Wheaton
Tabor D. Williams
Fargo Family
David Williams
Horatio Seymour Henry Seymour Asa Wells
Henry W. DePuy
Reminiscences
Samuel Baker
Jesse Butler
Josiah Bigelow
Daniel Gott
LeRoy Morgan
Hezekiah W. Stevens Jehial Stearns
Of Incidents the outgrowth of the Re-Union
· Of the Organization
Conclusion
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THE POMPEY RE-UNION.
Pelatiah Hayden and descendants.
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Manoah Pratt, Sr., and Family
John Smith
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390
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ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Oran
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Van Brocklin Family
Ensign Hill
ERRATA.
At page 18, line 11 for transcendant, read transcendent.
At page 19, line 12 for salutory read salutary.
At page 22, line 8 for censtantly read constantly.
At page 25, line 25 for Mrs. P. P. Miller read Mrs. P. P. Midler. At page 29, line 29 for grap read grasp. At page 34, line 10 and 11 for Hepey Beeber read Hepsey Beebe. At page 37, line 7 for snow read sorrow.
At page 67, line 13 for county read country.
At page 95, line 19 for descendents read descendants.
At page 96, line 23 for prepair read prepare.
At page 121, line 7 and 19 for Barrow read Barrows.
At page 125, line 33 for nostalgic read nosologic.
At page 130, line 35 for my house read my home.
At page 172, line 5 for Jabeslı read Jabez.
At page 183, line 27 and 28 for Berry & Almer read Perry & Abner.
At page 185, line 32 for was read were.
At page 187, line 15 for graineries read granaries.
At page 187, line 22 for no read so.
At page 192, line 16 for Jehial Stears read Jehial Stearns.
At page 192, line 22 for Dr. Stevens read Dr. Stearns.
At page 201, line 29-for southwest read southeast.
At page 203, line 4 for Dr. L. W. Park read S. W. Park.
At page 209, line 24 for Henry B. Slocum read Henry W. Slocum. At page 213, line 17 for second Wm. C. read Wm. G. At page 261, line 8 for 1705 read 1795. At page 297, line 2 for Schroppel read Seræppel.
At page 302, line 6 for Doxanna read Roxanna.
At page 307, line 5 for Joseph read Josephine. At page 86, line 31 for the glory read thy glory. At page 86, line 32 for half forgotten read hast forgotten. At page 87, line 2, for shaft read shafts. At page 87, line 27 for plentitude read plenitude.
At page 176, line 29 for sholes read shales. At page 254, line 17 for Berment read Bement. At page 257, line 35 for Grandentia read Gaudentio.
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