USA > New York > Onondaga County > Pompey > Re-union of the sons and daughters of the old town of Pompey > Part 8
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As I have said, the land of our birth, however dearly we may love it, does not entirely form our characters. And it is so with those who have acquired eminent distinction in life, whose birth place was Pompey. Other circumstances
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have had a controlling influence upon their destiny-to-wit : the good character and example of their parents-the fact that they, at great sacrifice, established in this then pioneer town, good schools and churches-nurseries where the young mind, naturally adapted to growth and cultivation, has been fully developed, and thrown forth upon the world, to achieve great good for God and humanity. Other locali- ties have caught the spirit, which at that early day founded the Pompey Academy, and emulating the bright example of our fathars, set high up among the clouds, radiant with light to illumine the surrounding hills and valleys, we find that other institutions of learning have sprung up, in Onon- daga Valley, Cazenovia, Homer, and other places in this vi- cinity, which, in their turn, will send forth great and good men and women, to elevate and refine society. They are to-day educating Pompey's children, and I apprehend it is the duty of the foster fathers of our venerable Academy, to entertain enlarged and comprehensive views of the neces- sities of the situation, and command at any price, the servi- ces of an excellent corps of instructors, who will call within its sacred walls as of old, students from the valleys, and all the surrounding country. It is thus, in this age of compe- tition, of enterprise, and of progress, that the present citi- zens of Pompey can maintain her ancient glory and renown. It is thus that the good character inherited from our an- cestors, and the principles inculcated by our fathers, will be experienced generations yet to come. It will not do for Pompey to rest upon the laurels already won. Sheno long- er enjoys the monopoly of Academic lore. And while she may not degenerate, surrounding towns have already reached the high plane of excellence it has so long been her privi- lege to occupy.
I have been amused to-day as I cannot amuse you, espec- ially with the speech of Senator Noxon, in which he tells us how near he came to being an Irishman. And this calls to mind a class of present citizens of Pompey, unknown to us, Mr. Chairman, in our school boy days. The town is being
-
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filled up with emigrants from the "Green Emerald Isle," and of them it need not be said, " That they were born upon St. Patrick's day, to make them full blooded Irishmen. They were born, not in Pompey, but upon the green sod of old Ireland. And they come it seems, to inherit through their economical and industrious modes of life, what you and your fathers have left-the green hills and valleys of your native town. Already upon the ruins of a church, they have erected another, giving it a different name, and there they worship the same God your fathers worshipped, upon the same spot, sixty years ago. The future of Pompey will somewhat depend upon this class of its present citizens, and I am happy to believe, that under the genial influence of our institutions, and the desirable opportunities offered in this land to which they come, their future, will give to their adopted country, the home of their choice tho' not of their birth, the Currans, the Emmets, and the St. Patricks of the United States. I look then for a brilliant future for Pom- pey, not only from the descendents of the original settlers, but from those as well who have made it the home of their adoption. Another new church has arisen, and within its consecrated walls, many worship the God of our fathers, who were the playmates of your early life. In other portions of Pompey, religious changes have not been so marked. In Delphi, near where dwelt the Litchfields, Slocums, Sheldons, Blowers, Barbers, Hills, McClures, and many other old fa- miliar names, you will find the present citizens, still wor- shiping in the Baptist and Methodist churches. The socie- ty of Pleasant Valley, too, at Oran, still remains, whose lib- eral creed embraces within the covenant of Divine grace the whole human family. Here you may find the hospita- ble home of Noah Palmer, of Elias Barnes, a walking eney- clopedia of that portion of Pompey, the genial Joseph Seo- ville, D. D. Denison, whose father the old Doctor Denison, was noted for his sound democracy and skill in curing dis- eases, Col. C. C. Midler, of military fame, when general trainings were in fashion, and many other scions of a wor- thy stock, whom I have not memory, or time to name. At
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the four corners four miles north of Pompey Hill, the church erected by the Westons, the Clements, the Hibbards, the Hinsdales, the Clapps and others, many of whose de- scendents yet remain, is now no more used as a church, its membership having been absorbed by Manlius, Jamesville and Pompey Hill. And where once the bread of Heaven was dispensed to the hungering multitude, the bread which perishes is now sheltered upon the farm of Addison Clapp.
But of all the churches familiar to the early days of Pom- pey, located upon this venerable hill, none remain except the Methodist and Congregational churches ; and especially in the latter you will to-day find very many names familiar to the early settlers of Pompey. There still you will find the Jeromes, the Stearns, the Bakers, the Wells, the Wood- fords, the Butts and many other descendants from the "old stock," whose rigid discipline, and bright example of the christian graces, continue to yield copious harvests of "peace on earth, and good will to man." May they remain to the latest generation, land-marks upon the shores of time, where the future pilgrim, returning like you to-day to the home of his childhood, shall find a familiar spot, known and prized in life's young day. I regret that the time has been too short, in which to prepair sentiments appropriate to every trade and occupation, represented here to-day. We would have been pleased and instructed, had the artisans whom Pompey has sent forth, greatly to her honor, been called upon to respond to an appropriate toast. You will not be under the necessity of going farther than the city of Syracuse, to find shops conducted by sons of Pompey. They can make machines, as well as machine poetry. I allude to the Sweet brothers.
By Mr. John F. Seymour.
Palmer the sculptor, was he not born here ?
By Mr. Van Brocklin-I believe he was, and so was Car- hart, the inventor of the Melodeon. But should the Mel- odeon, notwithstanding the vast amount of happiness it has
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conferred upon mankind, be struck entirely from existence, we should not suffer much, as long as we have the " human voice divine," which can discourse such heavenly musie, as that to which we have this day listened, from the "Durston Quartette." The only mistake I apprehend, made in this glorious re-union, is, that we did not appreciate the magni- tude of the occasion, and resolve to have it continue three days, instead of one, to give an opportunity more thorough- ly to renew the scenes of early life. As it is, so soon we meet, so soon to part: and while the lingering farewell dwells upon our lips, the moistened eye of the thousands who hear me, indicates the deep feeling that pervades this sacred place. And let us remember, with a faith that reaches beyond the shores of time, and spans the endless cycles of eternity, that upon the resurrection morn will be another re-union of Pompey's children, past, present, and future, more glorious and enduring, when we shall see, high upon the scroll of eternity, amid the honored names of the remotest generations, and the succession of generations, down through the long vistas of the ages past, the name of Pompey, encircled with an immortal wreath of perennial flowers, and all her children redeemed and purified, for the society of a higher and purer life.
The exercises at the grove were closed by the Durston Quartette singing a farewell song. The time intervening between this and the evening meeting was spent in social intercourse, in taking rides and walks to familiar places, which awakened the slumbering memories of early days. Some visited the Academy and the grounds upon which once stood the " old wind mill." Some hastened to pay a tribute of respect and veneration to the " old homestead," now in the hands of strangers. Many repaired to the vil- lage cemetery, a beautiful spot located on the highest land in Pompey, affording a comprehensive view of the surround- ing country. Here rests the sacred ashes of the fathers, mothers and friends of early life. And as the various par- ties sought the places most to memory dear, and walked
7
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again upon the soil that gave them birth, who can catch, in imagination the panorama of thought and feeling, that must have passed in review, as the thousand recollections of youthful days crowded upon the minds ? Who delineate the varied emotions, that such a visit must have developed ? While many remained to attend the evening meeting, and to visit for a few days, friends and early homes, very many, charac- teristic of American life, exchanged the hasty farewell, and were off to distant homes, to mingle again in the busy scenes of life.
EVENING MEETING.
At seven o'clock, the old bell that had in " olden time," summoned to religious duty, pealed forth its familiar tones announcing the time for the final meeting of the day.
Soon the Presbyterian church was filled to overflowing ; on motion of Victory J. Birdseye, Dr. Richard F. Stevens was appointed chairman, who upon assuming the duties of his position, made appropriate remarks, as follows :-
Ladies and Gentlemen :- I thank you for the partiality shown in calling me to preside at this the last meeting of this most interesting re-union occasion. I am reminded by these sacred walls of times long gone by of childhood days, when here I was taught the words of Holy Writ in Sunday lessons, and my eye rests upon the family pew where I sat with my parents more than fifty years ago, and listened to religious teachings from the pulpit. I see before me, men and women who were children with me, whose heads are already silvered, and whose changed appearance tells its fruitful story of many years. I see also before me those who were the active men and women of those early days, now full of years, and bent with age. It would much more comport with my feelings to remain silent, when I remember that on the spot where I now stand I have seen deposited, on funeral occa- sions, the encoffined remains of my parents and many dear friends and neighbors who rest in the quiet old burying- ground on the hill. I see at my right my former school
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teacher, Mr. Asa H. Wells, and in yonder pew, I see Mrs. Beardsley, formerly Miss Charlotte Hopkins, who taught me my A. B. C's. The house adjoining this church, was my birth-place, and in this immediate locality, many who now listen to my words, ran and played with me in all the joyous sports and pleasures of childhood's happy days. To one re- turning after so many years, everything that remains is vocal with reminiscences of early days, the churches, the houses, the village-green, the shade trees I helped to plant, now a foot in diameter, the gardens, the apple-trees, everything however small, has its history of some childhood event.
I cannot express the gratification I feel in being permitted to enjoy with you this re-union of so many of our former friends and neighbors as have been assembled here to-day. From all parts of our country the descendants of the old town of Pompey have come to meet and revive recollections, to shake the friendly hand like brothers and sisters in a com- mon family, to call each other by familiar names, to tell of the passing events of life, and, as the hours of the re-union draw to a close, to give the parting aud affectionate " good- bye."
We have met this evening to listen to those who may be pleased to give us such reminiscences as will be most inter- esting to us all.
It is to be regretted, that no stenographie reporter was secured for the evening meeting, and therefore, no full re- port of the proceedings has been preserved. Historical reminiscences, and interesting remarks were made, in their order by the following persons : Rev. Samuel W. Brace, of Utica ; Rev. Charles Jerome, of Clinton, Oneida Co., since deceased ; Victory J. Birdseye, and Wm. W. VanBrocklin, of Pompey ; Leman B. Pitcher, of Salina ; Ebenezer Butler, of Syracuse, since removed to Whitehall, N. Y. ; Dea. Asa H. Wells, of Pompey, since removed to Manlius ; Hon. Wm. Barnes, of Albany, and Hon. Daniel G. Fort, of Oswego.
An original poem was read by Flora Butterfield, daughter
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of Mrs. Catharine Clarke Butterfield, a cousin of Grace Green- wood. Miss Flora was only thirteen years of age at the time of the re-union, and her production, not designed for rehearsal or publication, is here produced without correc- tion :
TO OUR GUESTS FROM ABROAD.
BY FLORA BUTTERFIELD.
The old residents of Pompey have here again met, That your old native land you might not forget ; To renew old acquaintance with the few that are here That you hold to your hearts, by memories dear.
There's but few that are left where in childhood you played, To welcome you home from the lands where you've strayed ; But your welcome is warm, as we all can proclaim,
For long years it will be 'ere you all meet again.
Alas ! what sad memories this day brings to some, As fresh to your minds come the days past and gone ! When children, you played 'round this dear old Hill With kind friends you loved, who in death are now still.
As you gaze once again on each familiar spot,
How they rush to your mind, scenes long since forgot ; And a sadness steals o'er you as of the past you tell, And you turn once again to take a farewell !
Yes, farewell ! 'till we meet above In a blest re-union of peace and love ! Where no ties will be broken, for all will be there, And happiness forever, free from all care.
REMARKS OF HON. WILLIAM BARNES.
Mr. Chairman :-
Interested I have been, and deeply, in the many narratives of early events and incidents in the settlement of this town, which I have heard this evening. These stories from eye-witnesses and participants cannot long be enjoyed by any of us, as the tottering steps and white hairs of some of the speakers too plainly indicate. I grieve that my be- loved father, (the late Orson Barnes,) personally known to many of you, is not with us this evening in body as I know he is in spirit, for he could add many items interesting to
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you all, relating to the original settlers, their trials, priva- tions and triumphs.
During my term of office as Superintendent of the Insur- ance Department of this State, I noticed one New York City Fire Insurance Company, the annual statements and accounts of which were always marked with especial full- ness and accuracy. Analyzed however critically, and sub- jected to any accountant's rules or legal tests, everything was found to be sound and correct.
Its stockholders numbered on its roll several of the rich- est and most influential men of New York City. From year to year certain delinquencies required more full returns from the Companies, and detailed lists of bond and mort- gage securities of stock loans, lists of stockholders, and other requirements: which additional and specific requirements met with serious, determined, and even personal opposition on the part of several Companies.
I always anticipated that the Fire Insurance Company to which I allude would interpose the strongest objections to these new and onerous requirements, but I was always dis- appointed in my expectations, for every new blank form which was presented to the New York Bowery Fire Insur- ance Company, however full, or complicated, or onerous, was promptly filled up and sworn to, and generally the first return on file made by any of the Insurance Companies.
For ten years this fact was a matter of wonder and aston- ishment to me, and it is only to-day that I have had a satis- factory explanation, by learning that its respected President, Dr. William Hibbard, was born in the town of Pompey, and belonged to the "Hibbard" family of Pompey Hill.
The above are all that have been preserved of the even- ing meeting.
The following resolutions were adopted, when the even- ing meeting adjourned :-
Resolved, By the guests at Pompey from abroad, that we
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tender to the citizens of Pompey our earnest and sincere thanks for the magnificent entertainment which we have to- day enjoyed, and for the ample provisions made, and the arduous and well directed efforts used to make our re-union pleasant and agreeable to all.
Resolved, That our thanks are especially due to the Com- mittee of Arrangements and Officers of the Day-their wise and admirable conception of the necessities of the occasion, in providing for the immense multitude of visitors, with wants so numerous, and for the good order manifest in ev- ery department of the day's doings.
Resolved, That we most cordially tender our thanks to the Orators, Singers and Musicians of the Day, for the pleas- ing and instructive speeches to which we have listened, and for the songs and music which have attuned our hearts in unison, to appreciate the sublime and transcendently glo- rious spectacle to-day witnessed, of a re-union on earth of the sons and daughters of Pompey.
OF THE INCIDENTS OF THE DAY.
Numerous incidents occurred during the day, to mention all of which would fill a volume. A few only will be relat- ed, as illustrating the spirit that pervaded the entire assem- bly. The greetings of long absent friends were interesting to witness, and that none should be slighted, the friendly hand was extended to all. A gentleman of some sixty sum- mers, met a lady of about the same age who had been his schoolmate of fifty years ago; after recognition and a cor- dial greeting, unbidden he extended his hand to a lady in company with his former schoolmate, "and this," said he, "is ?" "My daughter," responded the lady, "and this is her husband." And extending the friendly hand to still another lady, he said "and this is another daughter ?" "O, no; that is my grand-daughter, and this is her husband." Then as the obtrusive tear filled his eye, he turned to his schoolmate, on whom the rolling years had apparently made but little impression, and said "truly, Mary, we must be
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growing old, and yet to-day I feel as though I were a child. again."
Again, at various points might be seen groups of friends and acquaintances, long separated, calling up the incidents of early days, and occasionally might be heard a brief speech. Lloyd Slade, of Kelloggsville, N. Y., in the full- ness of his heart was constrained to speak substantially as follows to a group of friends :- " I was not born in Pompey, but like many fortunate sons of other towns, I married a wife from the fair daughters of Pompey, who is now pres- ent, and whose father, Willoby Millard, was one of the Board of Education in 1800, and who did much to erect the first Academy building and establish the Pompey Academy. As to-day it is customary to push personalities to the front, I would say of myself that I taught school thirty winters, and one of them in Pompey, as many present will remem- ber. From among my scholars in that humble school, have arisen self-made men-as successful financiers and noble philanthropists as ever honored a nation. I refer to Hon. Win. G. Fargo and his brothers. Now, my hearers, this is probably the last re-union of the present sons and daughters of Pompey that we shall ever enjoy on earth ; but let us lay aside mourning and sadness, and with an eye of faith be- hold the resurrection morn ; when the re-union of cherished ones departed and those journeying with us, will occur at our Celestial Home, where pleasures never end, and joys immortal bloom."
Another indication of the universal interest in the occa- sion, was the rehearsal by Homer A. Billings, to some of his companions of the following poem:
POMPEY, THE LAND OF THE BRAVE AND THE HOME OF THE FREE.
Hurrah for old Pompey ! the land of the free,
I think that you still are the right place for me,
Within thy fair borders I chanced to be born,
To own thee my birth-place, I never shall scorn,
To sing of thy beauties-my theme it shall be
Hurrah for Old Pompey, the land of the free.
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Our scenery's delightful, our climate is healthy, "Our wants are but few, our farmers are wealthy ; The heighth of our land makes us know well our station, (Since we know that " High standing's the pride of our Nation) For reasons like these, you're the land still for me. Hurrah, &c.
We're a free happy people, contented we are, In haps and misfortunes, we never despair, Our government's mild, and wholesome our rules, Interested we are in our Common Schools, Oh ! Yes, I will say, you're the land still for ine. Hurrah, &e.,
Thy name, old Pompey, oft' puts me in mind Of the great Roman general, in hist'ry we find, Who lived in the days of " Cæsar the great," That noted old Emp'ror and great potentate, We all trust thy downfall never will be. Hurrah, &e.,
How oft' have I traveled thy fair meadows o'er, Where the wild beasts and savage had traveled before ; How oft', o'er thy valleys and landscapes I've gazed With fancies bewildered, confounded, amazed, Old Pompey ! thy landscapes are dear unto me. Hurah, &c.,
My own native Home-in the Cot on the hill, The place of my birth ! Oh ! it gives such a thril Of joy and sensation ! I cannot forget The little Log Cottage-I honor it vet, When long years have pass'd-still remember'd 'twill be- Hurrah, &c.,
Oh! Home of my birth ! will it e'er be my lot To find in this world, so endearing a spot ? How true is the saying-that "search the whole earth No spot's so endeared, as the home of one's birth," In life's last decline, I shall oft think of thee. Hurrah, &c.,
May this meeting, to-day, and these social communions Be but a prelude to future re-unions- And may this re-union, of Friendship and Love Foreshadow a blissful re-union above, Where " Forever and ever," re-united we'll be And from sin and temptation, and sorrow set free.
But adieu ! for these days will not last long with me. For in other lands soon, perchance I may be,
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But of this I am sure-" wherever I dwell, Of the scenery of Pompey to others I'll tell- Yea, tell it with pleasure, with joy and with glee, As the Home of the Brave, and the land of the free.
LETTERS.
The following are among the many letters received by the Recording Secretary :
BROOKLYN, 20th June, 1874. R. F. Stevens, Esq., Sec'y, S.c.
DEAR SIR :- I regret very much that I shall not be able to attend the re-union of the former residents of the town of Pompey, which is to take place on the 29th inst., as I sail on to-morrow's steamer, for Europe.
It would give me great pleasure could I be with you on that occasion, and thus meet many of those whom it has been my good fortune to know personally, as well as many others, whom I have known only by reputation. Should the former residents of Pompey, generally avail themselves of this opportunity for visiting their native hills, you will have a gathering of which you may well be proud, for you will find there assembled, many who are eminent in the various walks of life. The pulpit, the bar and the bench, the Leg- islative Hall, and the business Exchange, the official rolls of civil and of military life, each can show distinguished rep- resentatives of the old town of Pompey, while many others of her sons, to fame unknown, have well performed their part in life by the honest and successful discharge of the duties pertaining to the various positions in which Provi- dence has placed them, and I repeat that it would be a great pleasure to me could I be present to witness the return of these wanderers to the scenes of their childhood, and to listen to the eloquence of the heart which such a gathering will be sure to inspire. Trusting that you may have a full at- tendance, I am,
Yours, very truly, EDWIN C. LITCHFIELD.
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BROOKLYN, N. Y., June 26th, 1871.
Richard F. Stevens, Esq.
DEAR SIR :- I wrote you some days since in reply to your kind invitation of June 1st, saying that I should endeavor to be present at the re-union of the former residents of Pom- pey; I regret now to inform you that the illness of a men- ber of my family will deprive me of the anticipated pleasure.
As a former resident of " The Hollow," it grieves me to think that this important meeting, and one which will proba- bly be the most pleasant and longest remembered of any of the assemblages ever held in our native town should be held on " the Hill." I can recall to mind a time when every man in Delphi would have " died in the last ditch," rather than to allow such an event to take place. We should have contended that Delphi was entitled to the honor, but for the sake of harmony we might have compromised on Green's Corners. Now, I suppose from your high stand-point, poor old Delphi will be entirely over-looked, and little will he heard at your re-union, except in glorification of " The Hill," its great eminence, its bracing breezes, its time-honored Academy, and the great and good men and women it has sent forth.
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