The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 33

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098

USA > New York > Jefferson County > The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894 > Part 33

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BIOGRAPHIES.

152i

in Mr. Hungerford were combined all those excellencies which made Silas Wright and William L. Marcy and Thomas A. Benton so conspicuous in their day, and have caused their memories to be so well perpetuated in history. In suav- ity, commanding presence, a know-

was not a collegiate, nor were they, but whatever he had acquired from books had been accomplished by a thorough know- ledge of every branch of learning presented to his mind, and his natural aptitude en- abled him to recall at any moment any in- formation he had stored away ready for

Hungerford

ledge of parliamentary law, in ardent sympathy with the toilers of the country, in which his democratic ways and easiness of approach, in natural gifts, in a solid and enduring education in all the essentials for business or statesmanship, and in legislative experience. Mr. Hungerford was the equal of either of the men we have named. He

use. He was not a wavering or quibbling politician, so common in these days, but a man whose convictions were honest and honestly maintained on all occasions. He was firm as a rock when he felt that he was right, as was strikingly illustrated when he introduced into Congress, as chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, the dis-

152j

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

tinctly protective tariff of 1846. Up to tbat time there had been no general or substan- tial opposition to the doctrine of protection to those American industries which were then just emerging from their infancy, and in the Northern states there was but little criticism of such a policy. But the South- ern leaders, desiring to market their great cotton product abroad, and to bring back free of duty the goods which they consumed, (which they were then obliged to buy in New York and Boston after having paid a duty, and thus they had become enhanced in price by the profits of several middle- men), had determined to break away from the protective plan for collecting the money to carry on the government. Mr. Hunger- ford had been made chairman of the im- portant committee which had charge of the duty of reporting a tariff, at a time when the question of protection was not particu- Jarly prominent. and the Southerners in- dulged the hope, when their time for oppos- ing protection had come, to be able to con- trol him, as they had previously controlled many Northern representatives. They brought to bear upon him all the blandish- ments in their power, but his mind was made up, and he could not be moved. He was even offered the nomination to the Vice-Presidency, aftewards tendered to Silas Wright, if he would modify his tariff bill to suit the views of the Southern lead- ers -but their promises and their efforts were in vain, and his bill was passed almost exactly as reported. The Southern leaders, finding they had encountered a man not so easily turned aside from his duty to his con- stituency, were afterwards less courteous to Mr. Hungerford, and, as has been their method always, they ultimately withdrew their confidence from the man they could not control or coerce.

Mr. Hungerford's natural modesty pre- vented him from resenting this attempt to control his action as a representative of the labor and manufacturing interests of his section, as a more pugnacions man would have done, but the treatment he received from leading Southerners at that time, doubtless had much to do with his subse- quent indifference for public honors. He seemed to feel a disregard for public life,

and clung all the more tenaciously to his home and to liis early friends. Certain it is that if he had desired the place, and would have worked for it, he could have been made Governor or a Senator in Congress. When at the very zenith of his fame and popularity, and only in his 61st year he passed on to join the great majority lamented by all, idolized by his family, and mourned for as a brother by those who knew him intimately.

The writer has often reflected what would have been the course of Mr. Hungerford had he lived to enter upon the great Civil War. His natural patriotism, the insight he had obtained into the workings of Southern politicians, and the promptings of his own independent character, all teach us that he would have been prominent in support of the Union canse. and would have given it, not a lukewarm support, as many Demo- crats did, but unhesitating and substantial sympathy and service.

He was a natural-born gentleman. To know him was to respect him. His manners invited confidence but not familiarity, and though eminently democratic and easily ap- proached, he always impressed you as one of superior ability, as an able counselor, a man of many excellencies in mind, in at- tainment, and in person, for he was of com- manding presence, with a face that invited confidence. In any body of men, in any land. he would have been marked as one worthy of prominence.

He died April 6, 1851, after a short but severe illness of 12 days. His death was felt for many years as a great public calamity, for there were times soon after when his statesmanlike ability would have been avail- able, as indeed it would be acceptable now, nearly forty years after he had passed away.

He married, Oct. 31, 1813, Betsey P., danghter of George and Hannah (Porter) Stanley. She was born at Wethersfield, Conn., Mar. 27, 1786 ; died Sept. 17, 1861, in the 76th year of her age.

Their first residence as housekeepers was in the house now (1894) owned by E. L. Paddock, on the corner of Washington and Clinton streets. He removed to the large stone house that he built, on Washington street in 1825, which is still occupied by a portion of his family. J. A. H.

KINGSTON

Dead Man's Bay

CEDAR I.

MILTONT.

THE SPECTACLES

GARDEN L

Brown Point L.H.

HALLI

NGSTON

CARLETON

OLD

Ithaca Club House,

FORT

Utica Club House

ISLAND

STEAMER TO CAPE

ONTAR

LAKE

ROM

Tibbett's Point X 0 L.H.

RAIL

CAPE

VINCENT

BURG

ROME WATERTOWN

Dock and! Station

STEAMER

Button Bay

. THE . TOURIST'S . IDEAL.ROUTE. ROME WATERTOWNE& Gİ ENSBURG.RAILROAD.

THE ONLY ALL-RAIL ROUTE TO THE THOUSAND ISLANDS. THE GREAT HIGHWAY AND FAVORITE ROUTE FOR FASHIONABLE PLEASURE TRAVEL.

Alexandria Bay to Montreal 140 Mile:

GANANOQUE

Solid Traina with Elegant Sleeping Cars leave Niagara Falls daily 8.10 p. m. for Thousand Islanda. making immediate connections at Clayton withont transfer, with powerful ateamers of Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Co. for Alexandria Bay, Montreal, Quebec and the River Saguenay, passing all the Thousand Islands and running all the Rapida of the River St. Lawrence by daylight, the most attractive trip In the world.

SCALE OF MILES

CORO L

CHIPPEWA POINT

COOKS POINT

SQUAW I.

ISLAND

CHERRY

Y'S POINT

HILL

CLUB 1.

LITTLE GRENADIER I

GRENADIER

SLOUGHBY

EEL

WELLESLY

ISLAND

LONE BROTHER

RABOIT

JAHUGUENIT I.

o PrIGKEY I.

STEAMER

WATCH

HICKORY !!

Kip

DEER I.

DESHLER I

PARK

STUART ....

BLUFF

PAP KENHAM I

BECKWITH L

Bock Island L. H.

GROUP

AMERICAN

CHANNEL

GOVERNOR'S;L

Names of Points indicated by Figures in Red.

1. Carlton Island

13. Bella Viata Lodge F. J. Boaworth, Newport, R. I.

15. Warner Island. . HI. H. Warner, Rochester, N. Y.

16. Cherry Island. A. B. Pullman, Chicago. G. B. Marah,

5. 3 J Occident and Orient ..... E. R. Washburn, New York.

1 Isle of Pines .. . Mrs. E. N. Robinson, New York.

17. Wau Winet. .C. E. Hill, Chicago.

6. Frederick Island .. C. L. Fredericks, Carthage, N.Y.

18. Nohby Island .. .. H. R. Heath, New York.

7. Wellsley House.

19. Welcome Island. S. G. Pope, Ogdensburg.

MILES.

20. Linlithgow Ialand. R. A. Livingaton, New York.

21. Bonnie Castle. .... Holland Estate.

... 10

22. Įals Imperial .. .Mra. H. G. Le Conte, Philadelphia.

44 " Gananoque ..

23. Point Marguerite. .E. Anthony, New York.

24. Sport Island.

Packer Estate.

25.

9. Jolly Oaks.

*** Rockport ..

1 00 02

Hon. W. W. Butterfield, Redwood, N. Y. | 27. Manhattan Group,

uds, solid red line

" Fisher'a Landing. 20

' Central Park ...

Rev. Goodrich, Lafargeville, N. Y. Arthur Hughes, Stone Mills, N. Y. Frederick Smith, Watertown, N. Y. ( L. S. Alnaworth, Watertown, N. Y. ( Prof. A. H. Brown, Carthage, N. Y. N. D. Ferguson, John Norton,

" Prospect Park .... 13

. 2

Cape Vincent te Alexandria Bay. .. 26

8. Waving Branches <

" Kingston

" Clayton.

" Round Island ..... 16

Alexandria Bay to Westminster Park .

...:

Summerland Group.

" Thousand Island Park

.. 18

CLEVELAND

POINT

VINCENT

PROSPECT PARK

Dock &

WASHINGTON A

HHHHHHD PARK

FISHERS LANDING

3. Calumet Ialand. .... Mr. Chas. G. Emery, New York.

4. Rock Ialand Light-House, head of American Channel.

Chippewa Bay

GRINDSTONE

LAKE OF

THE ISLES.

WESTMINSTER

WALTON

Wolf's Isld. L.H.

AMDETTA L.

WHISKEY [. .

CLUB L.

PULLMAN'A.

18 20 > MANHATTAN

s-Sunken Rock

8 9

EAGLE WING

ALEXANDRIA BAY

Goose Bay

Names of Points indicated by Figures in Red.

ROUND ISLAND

CENTRAL PARK

LITTLE BOUND

Station

ROME

EYEIch Creek

CLAYTON

LOCAL DISTANCES.

MILES

Cape Vincent to Carlton Island.

al Boundary Line- yh and Local Steamers, dotted red.lina

Halstead's Bay

Sleeping Cars on Night Traina and Drawing-Room Cara on Day Trains from Niagara Falla, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica to Clayton [Thousand Islands], where connection is made by all trains with Palace Steamer "St. Lawrence" for all Thousand Island Resorts.

PHINNEY I.

woavno,

Jack Screw L.H.

MARVIN ION

8088 DICK

MC DONALDS

18LO.

Gan

CHAN

ASH 1.

Lyndoc L.HST

WALLACES DEER

ROCKPORT

PEAR L.

ROUND TOP T.

C.A.Camp,

Grand Vlow Park.

MONTREAL

CEDAR IGLDS.

JACK I.

BAY

HALFWAY I.

IDLEWILD

ID.

HEMLOCK

IRONSIDEA 1.

ONHOPSIC

PARK

MÜRRAY

THOUSAND ISLAND

BRUSH I. .

PINE I.

OAK ISLAND

Alexandria Bay to Ogdensburg 32 Miles

10. Island Royal ... . Royal E. Deane, New York. 11. Seven Isles .... Bradley Winslow, Watertown, N. Y. 11. Point Vivian; Rezot Tozer, J. J. Kinney, Dr. Jones, Geo. Jones, William Cooper, and othera, Stone Mills, New York.

2. Governor's Island. Ex-Lieut .- Gov. T. G. Alvord. 14. Comfort Ialand. ... A. E. Clark, Chicago.

LEAK I.

CANADI AN

Narr

STAVEM

FLOAT I.

NARROW 1.

UTTLE I.

GRAPE I /Y

NEL

White Mountains and Portland Express leavea Niagara Falls daily except Saturday at 8.10 p. m. with through Sleeping Cara Niagara Falla to Portland, making connectiona at Norwood for Massena Springs ; at Moira for Paul Smith's and Adirondack resorts, and running through the heart of the Mountains via Fabyan's and famous Crawford Notch to Portland, with immediate connections for Bar Harbor, Old Orchard, Kennebunkport and all Ses Coast resorts of Maine. This train atopa at all principal reaorta in the White Mountains.

Spectacle Shoal-

BUCKS

TIDDO 1.

HAY I.

Burns I. L.H.

NOZOId

Palisade Park.

The Thousand Islands.

THEIR HISTORY.

HE importance of these islands, which form the northwest- ern boundary of Jefferson county, demands historical consideration distinct and separate from the towns in which they are situated. Cape Vincent, Clayton, Or- leans and Alexandria each claim a part of the islands, since they are mapped and described as belonging to the towns which front upon the river opposite. The islands proper really begin at Cape Vincent, and extend to Morristown and Brockville, about thirty-eight miles below, and are about 1,500 in number.

The author has heen sometimes puzzled what to helieve as he listens to diverse statements of the same general facts as related by different individuals. To understand the errors of many such statements at once demonstrates the un- reliability of oral testimony, and the importance of serious investigation before making a record for the printed page. It was once believed by many that Wells Island was for a time held half-and-half by both Canada and the United States. The inconsistency of such a location of the dividing line between two governments will be apparent to the most casual observer. But under such misinformation there were numerous settlements by Canadians upon that important island, claiming that they were within the limits of their own country. The truth is that in the treaty division of these islands there was no attempt to divide any island. The treaty called for a line running up the "main channel of the St. Lawrence," but when the commissioners came on to locate the line, they found two main chan- nels, both navigable, though the southeast (the American) channel was by far the straightest, and is undoubtedly the main channel of the river at that point ; and so the commissioners "gave and took" islands under the treaty, Wells Island falling to the United States be- cause so near its main shore, and Wolf Island going to the Canadians for a similar reason.

The place which this beautiful region holds in American history is second only to that occupied by New England and Plymouth Rock, while the memories and traditions which cluster around it are as thrilling and romantic as are to be found in the new world. Wars, piracy, tragedy and mystery have contributed to its lore.

The St. Lawrence was discovered by Jacques Cartier, the French explorer, in 1535, but he did not proceed further up the stream than to explore the St. Louis rapids above Mont- real. There is much uncertainty as to the identity of the white man who first gazed upon the beautiful scene presented by the Thousand Islands. The early discoverers were less in- terested in scenery than in the practical things which pertained to navigation, trade and travel, and the spreading of Christianity. Champlain, in 1615, beginning at the western end of Lake Ontario, explored that lake and the St. Lawrence to Sorel river, thus passing through this region.

154

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

How or when or by whom the world's attention was first called to this archipelago is a matter of doubt, but certainly at an early date it had impressed itself upon the lover of the grand and beautiful, for at least two centuries ago the French christened it " Les Mille Isles "-The Thousand Isles. The later and more completely descriptive English name for it is "The Lake of a Thousand Islands." The St. Lawrence has marked the line of separa- tion, and the Thousand Is1- ands have been the scene of some of the im- portant cam- paigns in four great conflicts between nations. The first was the Indian war be- tween the Al- gonquin and the Iroqouis, which continued many years, with oc- casional inter- missions. The second struggle was between the Electra Light ENgros French and En- glish, and many VIEW IN THE LAKE OF THE ISLES. of its hostile meetings and

victories and defeats took place among the islands and on the neighboring shores. In the American revolutionary war with England, and that between the same forces in 1812, the defense of this locality was of decided importance; therefore it witnessed much activity, and some memorable engagements were fought within sight and sound of this spot now devoted to pleasure, with no warring or warlike nations to trouble the calm of perpetual peace.

Some of the most exciting incidents of that disastrous military adventure, known as the Patriot war, with its intermittent outbreaks from 1837 to 1839, took place on this part of the river, notably the capture of the British steamer Sir Robert Peel, near Wells Island, on the night of May 29, 1838, and the battle of the Windmill, near Prescott, Ont., November 13, of the same year.

The development and wonderful increase in the value of these islands have been more especially due to influences which have origi- nated at Alexandria Bay. The islands were transferred to the State of New York through the several treaties with the aborigines, following the same chain of title by which the main shore, from the Hudson to the St. Lawrence, came under the proprietary and governing control of the State. The dividing line between the United States and Canada passes somewhat arbitrarily among the islands, really some 1,500 in number, and varying in size from a small pile of rocks covered by a few stunted trees, to others quite large-one of them (Wells Island) containing nearly 10,000 acres of arable land, This valuable island was conceded to the United States under the treaty with England, negotiated at the close of our war for independence. The State of New

155

THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.

York, by patent under its great seal, conveyed the islands to Colonel Elisha Camp, a dis- tinguished citizen of Sackets Harbor. In 1845 Azariah Walton and Chesterfield Parsons purchased (not from Col. Camp, but from Yates & McIntyre, of lottery fame, whose title came from Camp), the northwest half of Wells Island and "all the islands in the American waters of the river St. Lawrence from the foot of Round Island (near Clayton) to Morris- town," a distance of some thirty-five miles. The consideration was $3,000. Eventually the Parsons interest was purchased by Walton, who became sole owner, and continued as such until the firm of Cornwall & Walton was established in 1853, when they purchased nearly the whole of the remaining half of Wells Island, and then that firm became sole owner of all these islands, having vested in them all the rights and title originally granted Colonel Camp by the State of New York.

The value of the islands was quite nominal until they fell under the new firm's control, and even for several years afterwards. Eventually there grew up a demand for them, and they were sold low, but with a clause in the conveyance requiring a cottage to be erected within three years. Col. Staples obtained as a free gift the grounds upon which he erected the Thousand Island House. As an indication of the present value of at least one of these islands, it is now made public that $10,000 was offered and refused for an island sold by Cornwall & Walton for $100. This is undoubtedly an exceptional instance, but all the islands are held at figures now regarded as high, but which will be thought very cheap years hence, as real estate on the islands and along the shore of that river is constantly increasing in price. The Canadian islands are yet unsold.

CANADIAN BOAT SONG. BY THOMAS MOORE.

Et regimen cantus hortatur .- QUINTILLIAN.

Faintly as tolls the evening chime Our voices keep tune, and our oars keep time : Soon as the woods on shore look dim, We'll sing at St. Ann's our parting hymn. Row, brotbers, row, the stream runs fast, The rapids are near and the day-light's past !

Why should we yet our sail unfurl ? There is not a breath the blue wave to curl ! But, when the wind blows off the shore, Oh ! sweetly we'll rest on our weary oar. Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast, The rapids are near and the day-light's past !

Ottawa's tide ! this trembling moon, Shall see us float over thy surges soon : Saint of this green isle ! hear our prayers, Oh ! grant us cool havens and favoring airs. Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast, The rapids are near aud the day-light's past !

156

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

Tv HE present surroundings at Alexandria Bay are very picturesque and attractive. Let us suppose some traveler from Europe who had seen all lands but our own, to he on one of the many steamers that land at Alexandria Bay, and as the boat glides into the swift and narrow channel above the town, and. her bow is turned so as bring into sudden view the beautiful hotels and picturesque cottages, each perched upon its pedestal of primeval rock, what would be his surprise and awakening interest. Before him would be the grand river, the beautiful islands, the build- ings which adorn what nature has made so grand and in- viting. Suppose yet further that on the very evening of his arrival there would occur one of those not infrequent river carnivals, when all the receding shore, the hundreds of gaily-adorned boats, the moving throng of spectators would be bathed in the soft light thrown from a thousand flaming lanterns, and then this whole scene of beauty should he enlivened by thrilling music under a starlit sky, would not our much-trav- eled visitor be constrained to cry out, "Why, this is even beyond Venice !"

He would be only one of many visitors at Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands who cannot understand how so much could have been accomplished in a quarter of a cen- tury. Such observers should, however, remember that man has made but few improve- ments, compared with the work of the Almighty Builder, whose admirable handiwork was known and appreciated many years ago by some of the most prominent men in the country. Indeed, if a list had been kept of the names of visitors, it would have embraced nearly all of the prominent statesmen during the administra- CROSSMON'S tions of Jackson, Van Buren, Polk and Bu- chanan.

This popular summer resort would have been brought much sooner in- to public notice but for the want of more ex- tended hotel accommo- dations. Charles Cross- mon began a hotel there early in 1848, and he proved a most acceptable and popular landlord, enlarging his modest building each year, un- til the present Crossmon House is one of the finest summer hotels in the country.

The time soon came, however, when one THE CROSSMON IN 1848. hotel could not accom- modate all the people, and in 1873, Col. O. G. Staples, now proprietor of "Willard's," Washington, D. C., com- pleted the Thousand Island House, and these two leading hotels have been very successful.

YACHT LANDING

FLOWER BAY

PRINCE ARTHUR

SHOOTING THE RAPIDS.

THE PRESENT CROSSMON.

Giles Litho ý L.R. C. N.Y.

STREET VIEW OF THE CROSSMON.

CALUMET ISLAND

RESIDENCE

OF CHAT. G. EMERY ESQUIAR

BOAT HOUSEP-

Yacht Calumet.

Ta Gilesão N.Y.

---

- .

VERANDA

157

THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.

THE LATE CHARLES CROSSMON.

CHARLES CROSSMON came to Alexandria Bay in 1846, and no one of the energetic men who have become so prominent in that locality has done more (and very few as much) to bring into prominence that most deserving and popular summer resort than Mr. Cross- mon. Without any special influence to aid him, and without any capital save his own right hand and the clear head to govern it, aided by one of the most capable and industrious wives the country has ever produced, he grew into a great success as a hotel-keeper, and left an indelible impress upon the Bay that will not be soon forgotten and can never be alto- gether effaced. He was born in Watertown, N. Y., and had hut few advantages in his youth, his education having been confined to the common-school grades of instruction. Unluckily for him, and certainly an unpromising beginning of a business life which has proven so successful, he was one of the youngsters who were seduced into that "Patriot " army that . undertook in 1837 to invade Canada and redress the "wrongs" which a few Canadian malcontents had glowingly depicted in "Hunter " lodges and elsewhere. Cross- mon was one of those who were "cooped up" in the old windmill helow Prescott, and who courageously refused to desert Von Schoultz, their leader, when Preston King came at night with the "Paul Pry" and offered to carry them away to the American shore. He

158

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

was about twenty years of age at that time, and on account of his youth was finally par- doned by the British authorities, and released after an anxious and somewhat protracted im- prisonment in Fort Henry at Kingston, from which several of these "patriots" were marched to a felon's death upon the scaffold. [See article on the " Patriot War."]

Devis'Dvan.

He commenced hotel keeping in an humble way at the Bay in 1848, succeeding his father-in-law in a small country tavern adapted to the wants of that early day. There were, however, even then some visitors to the islands and river in pursuit of fish and rest. Among the distinguished men who made the old "Crossmon" famous were William H. Seward, William L. Marcy, Martin Van Buren and his son John, Silas Wright, Frank Blair, Preston King, Rev. Dr. Bethune, General Dick Taylor, the Breckinridges, and many others equally distinguished.

As the tide of pleasure travel set in toward the St. Lawrence and its islands, The Crossmon was from time to time enlarged, and finally the present magnificent hotel was built on the site of its earliest predecessor. In the new structure everything that is desirable in a first-class hotel has been provided for, and in its management every facility is furnished, and the fullest attention given to the wishes and requirements of its guests. Its rooms are all pleasantly situated, affording charming views of the neighboring scenery. There are suites for families, with private bath-rooms and all conveniences, besides single and connect- ing rooms in every part of the house, all handsomely furnished. The elevator is in opera- tion constantly, and the stairways are broad and easy. There are spacious and elegantly furnished drawing-rooms, wide corridors and broad verandas, and, from the latter, one of the most delightful views to be found in this entire region may be had. The main dining- room is on the river side of the house. Its tables are furnished with costly china, silver and cut glass and the finest linen, and supplied with the rarest fruits and delicacies. Its service is unexcelled. A pleasant dining-room is provided for children in charge of nurses. The importance of providing special comforts and amusements for the children is recognized in and about this establishment. There are accommodations for nurses in their care of the little ones, and opportunities for wholesome sports are at hand.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 33

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823- Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company Number of Pages: 1098

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098