USA > New York > Chenango County > Sherburne > Reminiscences, anecdotes and statistics of the early settlers and the 'olden time' in the town of Sherburne, Chenango county, N.Y. > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
33
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
The Eighth and Ninth Townships were set off from Paris, as the Town of Sherburne, three years after the first Town Meeting, in 1798.
Chenango county was formed the same year, from parts of Herkimer and Tioga counties, and extended from Oneida Lake to the Susquehanna River, and included Madison county. Madison was taken from Chenango, in 1806.
The Town received its cognomen, according to tradi- tion, in the following manner: After the bounds had been agreed upon, the question was asked by one of the members of the Legislature, "What name shall we give it ?" The reply was, "The inhabitants of that place, always sing in their religious meetings, a tune called Sherburne; I think that name will suit them bet- ter than any other."
I have taken the Town Records for my guide, in set- tling the time when Sherburne was first organized. As
and the remaining ten days on the inner bark of the White Pine, and a few fish caught with their hands. After so many days of hunger, toil and anxiety, while fording a river, and when midway of the stream, they were discovered and retaken by a party of Indians in their canoes, coming suddenly around a bend in the river, and carried back to Que- bec, where they were again imprisoned with others on the second floor of a two story building, under a guard of eighteen men. Mr. Holmes, with two of his fellow prisoners, escaped by leaping to the ground, evading the guard, crossing the river, and again striking into the wilderness. After many days of wandering and suffering, they reached the frontier settlements of Vermont in safety. In March, 1794 or 5, he settled in Sherburne, and soon united with the Congre- gational Church, and cheerfully co-operated in all plans for the estab- lishment of civil and religious institutions, and whatever contributed to the growth and prosperity of the settlement. In 1805, he removed to the shores of Lake Erie. After living there 27 years, he removed to Ohio, and there died, aged 87.
34
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
there are unaccountable discrepancies found in the laws and other publications, in regard to the time when the county and town were first organized, I advise great caution in all who would seek accuracy upon that sub- ject. I believe the above is a correct version of the matter.
FIRST JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Nathaniel Gray was the first Justice of the Peace appointed in the town. He was not a man of brilliant talents, but had the faculty to win from all veneration and respect. His counsels were received as words of wisdom, and his opinions as law. The religious and moral atmosphere which he diffused around all his actions, gave him a commanding influence over men, which few in any community possess. He was the Patriarch of the settlers-a man without an enemy-a burning and shin- ing light in the Church. He and Abraham Raymond were chosen Deacons of the First Congregational Church, in Sherburne, at the time of its organization, 1794. Both of these men were soldiers in the French War. Mr. Gray having been honorably discharged, returned home. The next season, Abraham Raymond entered the service, and was marched upon the same ground, which was near the south end of Lake Cham- plain in the vicinity of Lake George and Crown Point. He was taken sick, and was unable to get home without assistance. With the spirit of the good Samaritan, Mr. Gray mounted his horse and went to his rescue, riding some two hundred miles from Kent, Litchfield county, Conn., through more than one hundred miles of unset- tled woods and wilds, exposed to hostile bands of French and Indians, then in open war with the colonies, and known to be lurking around. He found him weak and
35
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
feeble, unable to mount a horse without assistance. Riding behind and supporting himself as well as he could, they rode a few miles and halted. By frequent short journeys, rests, and careful nursing, he gradually increased in strength, and finally arrived home in safety ; and more than twenty-five years afterwards, they became associates in forming a new settlement in the Valley of Chenango, and in leading church and society in the paths of Christian duty and usefulness.
The impress, which the religious character of these two men stamped upon society, and the institutions they were instrumental in founding, are to this day exerting a salutary influence upon comunity. When we consider the almost normal condition of things in this valley at that early day-no organized town or county for some years-all recently from the tented field-State laws few and almost unknown by the people-their magistrate with but limited guide by which to square his official con- duct, well may we marvel that so perfect order, peace and quietness should prevail. We can account for this only by their unwavering allegiance to the laws of heaven, and the confidence so implicitly placed in their Moses and Joshua, to judge righteous judgment over them. The law as administered by him, was not the "rich man's shield and buckler-the good man's terror, the poor man's scourge." Deacon Gray died June, 1810. Dea- con Raymond died 1830.
FIRST LAWSUIT.
The first lawsuit in town, was before Nathaniel Gray, Esq. David Perry had discovered a dog, belonging to Weston G. Thomas, chasing and worrying his sheep. The owner, not regarding the repeated complaints that his dog was in the habit of so doing-that sheep had
36
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
been recently killed, and they had reason to believe his dog was guilty of the deed. Mr. Perry killed the dog. Mr. Thomas entered complaint, and caused a writ to be served upon him for damages. The news spread and became the universal topic of conversation. The moral sense of the community was shocked. That one neigh- bor should go to law with another, was an event which could not be tolerated. The excitement became general. A gentleman by the name of Poyers, now residing in the lower part of the county, says, that at the time and place designated for the trial, he was present-that nearly every adult male in the town was there, intent on effecting a compromise, which was so readily acceded to by the parties, when brought together, that the people were taken by surprise. Their friendly remon- strances against the spirit of litigation, brought to light the fact that a certain pettifogger, by the name of - Wilder, (who had recently come into the place,) had counseled him to prosecute, evidently for the purpose of pocketing a fee. This fact, turned the indignation of all upon the gentleman of law. They spontaneously resolved themselves into a committee, and delegated some of their number to wait on the barrister, and inform him that his presence in the town could be dispensed with-that his antecedents were distasteful to the people, and that the sooner he left the place, the more agreeable it would be to them; at the same time remarking, if he decided to tarry among them, his person and property would not be molested, but he might rest assured they should avoid all intercourse, if not dealings with him. The spirit and opposition manifested by the people against the course he had pursued, convinced him that the sooner he was away, the better it would be for him. To the joy of the community, in less than one year after he came into the town, he was seen on his way out of it.
37
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
With the twenty proprietors, the writer was person- ally acquainted, and has often heard them "fight their battles o'er." There was not a low or grovelling spirit among them. Every individual, from personal worth, commanded and received respect. Litigation between any of them was an event, which never, to my knowl- edge, took place. Such was their confidence in each other's honor and honesty, that in traffic, they would trust their neighbor to weigh and measure for himself, what- ever article he wished to obtain. They lived more like members of the same family, than neighbors having separate interests.
They were generally Congregationalists in their church organization and belief-Calvinists in doctrine-zealous supporters of education, morality, and religion-given to hospitality and brotherly kindness. None of them pos- sessed more than a common school education, and that very meagre, compared to the scientific attainments of the present generation; but they were men of strong minds and unbending integrity. United in their views, they controlled the political character of the town. They were Whigs in sentiment and policy. During all the varying phases of party names, they stood true to their principles. The spirit of '76 had almost uncon- trollable ascendency over them. To question their devo- tion to their country, was touching the "apple of the eye." As characteristic of these men, the following anecdote may not be inappropriate: After the town had been settled fifteen or sixteen years, national poli- tics caused party spirit to run rather high through the land. Newcomb Raymond, having business at the county seat, on his return, called on Col. Mead, who kept a public house near North Norwich bridge. They soon got into a political discussion upon certain measures
D
38
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
then before the country. Col. Mead defended and Mr. Raymond opposed them. Mr. Mead growing warm, indiscreetly exclaimed, that all who were opposed to said measures were Tories. This declaration roused the lion. "Col. Mead! when you were in your cradle, I was following Gen. Washington, leaving my foot-prints marked on the snow and ice, in blood ! To be called a Tory by you, is too much for flesh and blood to bear ; nothing but your being in your own house saves you a drubbing ! If you say it again, that shan't save you." The fire and bearing of this man, who was among those, who, at midnight, under Generals Hamilton and Lafay- ette, entered the first redoubt taken from Cornwallis, at Yorktown, Virginia, bayonet in hand, without flint in his gun,* awed the Colonel, and he said no more.
The greater proportion of these, and many of the early settlers with them, had done more or less active service in the Revolutionary War, battling for their rights, liber- ties, and independence. Some of them assisted in taking Canada from the French. Two were at the taking of Cornwallis. Others at the battle of Saratoga, aided in compelling Burgoyne to surrender his arms and army, to Gen. Gates. Some were at the battle of German- town, and in various other places of less note in our Revolutionary history.
Their number was rapidly increased, by men of moral and religious principles, drawn hither by their unity of faith, and strong desire to begin life where they and their families could have church and school privileges, which gave to Sherburne, as a town, its moral and reli- gious reputation. They were conservatives, deeply im-
* They took them out, lest an accidental discharge should betray their approach to the enemy.
39
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
bued with the principles of their Puritan forefathers-a law abiding community. The observance of the Sab- bath, as holy time, was to them a matter of conscience, strictly enforced in their families, by example as well as precept. Among the first complaints for breach of the peace, was one for desecration of the Sabbath, entered by John Gray, Sen., (a Universalist,) against a party of men and boys, who had been seen upon the river, fish- ing through the ice on that day. They were duly arraigned, reprimanded, and punished by fine. Such were their conscientious scruples, in all matters relating to the desecration of the Sabbath, that, about 1809, they carried their ideas of duty so far, as to attempt stopping by force, people who were traveling through the town, upon secular business, on that day. The laws of the State authorized them, in no equivocal terms, to stop and detain all such until the Sabbath was past, and then take them before a magistrate, whose duty it was to impose a fine upon them. In attempting to put this law in force, opposition was aroused, resistance made, and lawsuits ensued. The law was so unpopular, and public opinion so manifestly against all attempts to carry it into execution, that they became convinced that it was, to say the least, of doubtful propriety, and all things consid- ered, inexpedient. When we recollect that our wise legislators saw fit to pass such a law, and the Governor of the State to sanction it by his signature, we cannot wonder that men, having the fear of God before their eyes, should feel it to be their duty, by all lawful means, to carry it into effect. Whatever censure we are dis- posed to pass upon them for their misguided zeal, must, with equal, if not with greater force, apply to the law- making power.
Soon after the organization of the town and county,
40 .
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
Joel Hatch was appointed Justice of the Peace, as suc- cessor to Esquire Gray, whose age and infirmities ren- dered it expedient that he should resign. Esquire Hatch was retained in that office some fifteen or sixteen years. He was the subject of many jokes and anecdotes among the people, ready on any occasion and every emergency, with a well timed story, or an appropriate anecdote. At home, in any company, free, frank, and sociable-never disconcerted at any blunder or mishap that might light upon his shoulders. With fastidious- ness or the toilet, he had little or no affinity. Plain in matter and manner-fearless and original-backed by a strong mind and a retentive memory-well posted in all public measures, civil or religious-remarkable for recognizing any individual with whom he had been ever so slightly acquainted-once anchored upon any import- ant principle, you might as well attempt to "batter down the rock of Gibralter with a pocket poistol," as to move him from his moorings. No matter with how renowned a politician, or how celebrated a divine he was conversing, if he differed with him upon any point, he was ready to charge in battle array, in a tumbling rather than a rolling manner, with arguments and opin- ions so unique and original, as to command attention and win respect. His style and manner, when aroused, was that of the rasp, rather than the polishing file.
In the early days of his public career, (1808,) a vote to divide the Eighth and Ninth Townships, which, until then had formed the town of Sherburne, was, after strenuous opposition from influential men, under consi- derable excitement, obtained. As the Legislature was then in session, it was considered advisable to appoint an agent to go forthwith, and present a petition for an act, authorizing the division. Esquire Hatch, was, accord-
41
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
ingly appointed. On arriving at Albany, he presented his petition in due form before the Legislature, where he found that a strong array of opposition was organized. After some time had been spent upon the question, by the members, one of them remarked, "Perhaps the dele- gate can give us some information upon the subject, let us hear him." He arose at once, and was entering into the merits of the case, in his peculiar manner, riveting the attention of the house to such a degree, that the opposition became annoyed ; and in order to break him down, raised the question of his right to address the House, wishing to know if Esq. Hatch was a member, &c. This interruption, and these remarks, were received by him as an infringement upon his right of petition, for the obtaining of which, he had shouldered his musket in the Revolutionary War. It aroused the spirit and energy that had carried him to the tented field. His sten- torian voice instantly rang through the hall-"I came here with a petition from the people! I am one of the people! I have a right to be heard, and I will be heard!" He was heard in silent attention and evident delight, by the House. The object of his mission was soon accom- plished to his own, and his constituents' satisfaction.
The first two lawyers, who settled in the town, with the view of practicing their profession, were Jonathan Pettit, and Ezra Osborn. Their company, as lawyers, was looked upon with jealousy, as tending to promote rather than allay the spirit of litigation. Nearly, if not quite, their first début at a regularly contested suit, was before Esq. Hatch, who was frequently under the influ- ence of somnolency ; but when spoken to, was instantly aroused. The testimony finished, the lawyers com- menced their pleadings. Esq. Osborn having completed his, Esq. Pettit began speaking in reply. The afternoon D2
42
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
being warm and sultry, he soon discovered the magis- trate nodding upon the bench. Being ambitious to acquit himself with honor, and establish his fame for legal lore, he thus addressed him : "I would thank the Court to keep awake, as there are some very important points which I wish to present for its consideration. " Go on, go on, the Court will hear you." Esq. Pettit proceeding, was again annoyed, by observing rather more whalebone elasticity in the neck of the Justice than he thought compatible with the dignity of his sta- tion, or consistent with the due appreciation of his argu- ments, and renewed his request for the special attention of the Court. Esq. Hatch, arousing from his lethargy, with his accustomed promptness and vivacity, replied : " Never mind, never mind, I decided the case more than an hour ago; but I thought I would let you earn your dollar;" which so disconcerted him, that he sat down, observing, "Then, all I can say will be of no avail." Judgment was rendered in favor of his client.
After Esq. Hatch had served a few years as a magis- trate, a number of Associate Justices were appointed, among whom was Stephen Benedict. He was his anti- pode in matter and manner. The contrast was instruct ive and amusing. One, bold, defiant, and determined; the other, mild, attractive, and winning-one inviting, rather than shunning, responsibility-the other, avoid- ing it if possible, but never shrinking from it, when necessary. Two men apparently more uncongenial, are seldom associated together, yet, no two individuals, in public business, ever harmonized better.
Others, in various parts of the town, were, from time to time, appointed as their associates and successors, of some of whom, honorable mention might be made, but
43
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
their increasing numbers renders the attempt inexpe- dient.
The following incident may be taken as a sample of the moral integrity of the town officers at that day : At a state election, a certain individual offering his vote, one of the board who knew him to be an illegal voter, began to question him, when an unscrupulous par- tizan whispered in his ear, "He is one of our party." The reply was, "I know no party here." He turned away, saying, " Upon my word, this is the most honest board I ever knew."
JUDGES.
The first Court of Common Pleas, held in Chenango county, was convened at the school-house, in the town of Hamilton, near the residence of Elisha Payne, June 1798. Madison county, at that time was part of Che- nango. Isaac Foote, of the Eighth Township, now Smyrna, presided as First Judge, and held the office ten years .*
In 1808, Joel Thompson, of Sherburne, succeeded him, and remained upon the bench several years, and was also a member of the Legislature. In 1813, John Gray, jr., of Sherburne, took a seat upon the bench, as Associate Judge. Tilly Lynde, also in 1816 , and Philo Robinson, in 1841.
The first jail limits in the county, were established by
* Judge Foote, was the first member of the Legislature from this region. He was appointed to represent the interests of the people in this vicinity, when it was included in the county of Herkimer. He held a distinguished place in the public eye, and won their confidence and respect to such a degree, that all felt that the "Ship of State" would be safe with such men on board.
44
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
the Court of Common Pleas, July 1799, at Sherburne Four Corners, adjacent to the residence of Josiah Pur- dy, occupying an area of three acres. The jail of the county was at Whitestown, until 1808.
CIRCUIT COURT.
The first Circuit Court was held on the 10th of July, 1798, in the Academy in the town of Oxford. James Kent presided. There was no business transacted at this, nor the second term, for want of litigants.
STORE.
The first Store was opened by James Elmore, about one and a half miles north of the village, on the farm now owned by Asa Foote, jr. He also hung out the first sign for an Inn, and built the first framed house in the town. He was the first Post Master appointed in the place. His commission bears date January, 1801, signed by Joseph Habersham, Post Master General. The first painted house in town was James Sherburne's.
CARDING MACHINE.
The first Machine for Carding Wool, was erected by Simeon Paddleford, in 1804, one mile below the village, on the Chenango river. It is said that this was one of the first two Carding Machines, brought into this coun- try. It was at the same place that the first establish- ment, in the Ninth Township, for fulling and dressing cloth, was set up by Aaron Mills. Before that time, Joseph Collins had a fulling mill in operation, in the Eighth Township, now Smyrna, which, probably, was the first mill of the kind ever erected within the present bounds of Chenango county. The first settler in the
45
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
Eighth Township was Joseph Porter, who came in the same year as the Twenty Proprietors.
WOOLEN FACTORY.
The first Woolen Factory was erected by William Newton, in 1812, on the Handsome Brook, one mile north of Sherburne village. It was twice burned down and then abandoned.
Joel Hatch's Machine Shop, was built the same year, on the same dam. The first Turning Lathe in the town, and probably, in the county, was set up by him, for the purpose of turning the various parts of Spinning Wheels. It consisted of a spring-pole, fastened over head, near the chamber floor. A cord attached to one end of it, then wound around the article to be turned, the lower end fastened to a foot-piece. Pressing this with the foot would cause the stick to revolve a number of times. On releasing the pressure, the spring pole would return to its former position, causing the stick to roll alter- nately, backwards and forwards. It was on such lathes that he and his master did their turning, and they were unacquainted with any other until a later day.
Ox carts and sleds were the only vehicles they had for their accommodation, for several years. Their cart- wheels were many of them, made of one piece, cut from a large oak tree, with a hole bored through the centre, for the axle. Their cart and wagon wheels, when ironed at all, had the tire in pieces, spiked across the joints of the felloes. Whole tire were unknown at that day. Jacob Rees introduced the first two horse wagon into the town.
The first white male born in the town, was Lorenzo Hatch. I am aware that this is claimed for Justin Guthrie. He was born, per family record, in 1792, and
46
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
Lorenzo Hatch, in 1793. The first settlers came in 1792, and it was the uniform testimony of all who were then residents, that in that year, the wife of Abraham Raymond was the only white female in the town. The first white female infant was Abigail Raymond, born in 1793. She now lives in Oregon .*
The first death was a child of Nathaniel Austin, which was occasioned by its being scalded in maple syrup. The first death among the proprietors, was Joel Northrup. The last was Joel Hatch.
PHYSICIANS.
The first Physician was Dr. Lacy. He tarried but a short time. Dr. Asa White settled very early. He was eminently a practical man, possessing energy and skill to such a degree, that no other physician could success- fully compete with him. In the early days of his ride, he was called to visit a patient, residing about ten miles distant. His path led him through a dense forest, of about six miles. Midway, some pioneer had com- menced the erection of a log-house, which was so far completed as to be ready to receive the roof-a narrow doorway had been cut through one side. Receiving a bushel of corn, as part compensation, for his services, the Doctor set out on his return. Night overtook him soon after he entered the woods, when he was sere- naded and followed by a pack of wolves! Hurrying for- ward, he led his horse into the half-finished house, took a seat with his bag directly over the doorway, and defended himself and horse, by swinging a long pole backwards and forwards, until the dawn of day-the
* She, with her husband, crossed the Rocky Mountains, some 25 years ago, on horse-back.
47
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
wolves most of the time, in close proximity, making demonstrations of a determination to force their way into the inclosure. He died in 1818. His son, Devillo White, took his ride, and maintains the ascendency to this day, and ranks among the first of his profession in the county. In 1804 or 5, the typhus fever prevailed extensively through the town, causing more deaths, in proportion to the number of inhabitants, than any sick- ness that has prevailed before or since. It was gener- ally attributed to the malaria arising from the decay of vegetable matter, as about that time, stumps and fallen trees, were very much rotted and began to crumble away. The effect of this was more marked in this town than elsewhere, because so great a number commenced simultaneously the work of clearing, the decay, and con- sequently the miasma, pervaded all parts of the town about the same time. Aaron Mills was the first person prostrated with this fever. He recovered. It was observed that strong robust constitutions, were as liable to be attacked with it as any others, and some thought more so.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.