The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 82

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 82

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).

ADAMS was settled in 1800. It lies in the southern part of Jefferson county, and was formed from Mexico, embracing townships 7 and 8. The north branch of Sandy Creek passes through it, affording a permanent water- power that has been largely utilized. It bor- ders upon the towns of Lorraine, Ellisburg, and Henderson. It was heavily timbered with beech, birch, maple and butternut. Cedar and pine were also found, which added much to the wealth of the town. The soil is fertile, being a sandy loam mixed with clay. It was one of the "Eleven Towns" on the Black River Tract, and received its name in honor of President John Adams. In March, 1804, No. 8 became a separate town, taking the name of Rodman. Benjamin Wright, of Rome, Oneida county, was the the surveyor of these lands in 1796.

Among the early settlers were Nicholas and

Alexander Salisbury, Eliphalet Edmunds, David Smith, Daniel and Samuel Fox, Isaac Baker, Jacob Kellogg, Peter Doxtater, Miles Cooper, John Coles and many others.

Samuel Fox cleared the first acre of land in the town, three miles east of Adams vil- lage. There he built a log house, and the same year brought his young wife, Lucy Williams, from Rome, Oneida county. While on a visit to her parents, in 1801, their eldest child was born. Their journeys were made on horseback through the forest, by the aid of marked trees, and when Mrs. Fox re- turned, her infant was carried, sometimes in her arms and at others in an improvised hammock, swung from its father's neck. On this farm this couple remained for more than fifty years, rearing a family of 12 children. Mr. Fox died in 1865, having survived his wife fifteen years. Jesse Fox, who died April 1, 1894, was the last surviving member of this family.

In 1807, David Wright, who emigrated in 1801, from Deerfield, Mass., married Anna Williams, a younger sister of Mrs. Fox; their wedding was celebrated in the log house of Mr. and Mrs. Fox. The bride was attired for the nuptials in the upper apartments, descend- ing upon a ladder to meet the expectant groom. They soon repaired to a home of their own in the vicinity, where they spent their honeymoon and where they remained until after the birth of their second child, W. W. Wright, late of Geneva, N. Y.

Mrs. Wright often referred to those days as among the happiest of her life. Her anticipa- tions of the future were as bright and her present as fraught with happiness as many a bride who has commenced life amid the splen- dors and gaiety of modern days. She was wont to dwell in after years upon the music of the birds in that woodland home and the mur- muring of the brook which flowed near her door, with an ardor which showed how truly she enjoyed this primitive mode of life.

Daniel Fox, an elder brother of Samuel, cleared land in 1800, on the south side of the creek, about two miles east of the village. Here he lived 73 years, and here he died in 1873, at the advanced age of 102 years. He belonged to a hardy race, and led a useful and active life. He was the father of two sons and four daughters, outliving both his sons.

Alexander Salisbury, brother of Nicholas, who came to Adams in 1800, was drowned that same year in Sandy Creek while attempt- ing to ford the stream. His death was the first that occurred in the town, and the mar- riage of his widow to Daniel Ellis, another pioneer, in 1802. was the first marriage that took place in the new settlement.

David Smith, who came to the town in

378

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

1800, had large contracts for land, a portion of which now constitutes Adams village. He built the first mills, a saw mill and a grist- mill, and the settlement was long known as Smith's Mills. Mr. Smith became a widower in early life, afterwards marrying a widow Salisbury. At the time of this marriage their united family numbered ten. Four children were afterwards born to them, constituting rather a numerous family. But Mr. Smith was a capable business man, proving himself abundantly able to provide for his numerous progeny.

The first deeds of land to actual settlers were given August 20, 1802. In that year a bridge was built near Smith's Mills, but the stream was rapid, being subject to spring floods, which often proved disastrous, and this particular bridge was repeatedly swept away. A tax of $500 upon the town of Adams was authorized, April 13, 1839, for the purpose of building a bridge over the north branch of Big Sandy, at the village. This bridge was kept in repair until 1849, when a stone arched bridge was built at a cost of $6,000, which is still in use.

In 1854 a bridge was constructed, crossing the creek from Factory to Spring street. It was supported by wooden trestles, and was swept away in 1865. It was immediately re- placed by one resting upon stone piers. This was partially destroyed by fire, but was kept in repair until about 1877, when a new wooden one was erected in its place. That remained till the fall of 1893, when an iron structure took its place at an expense of over $4,000.

Several bridges were built in the Lisk locality previous to 1854, when a substantial covered bridge was constructed, which was replaced by a permanent iron bridge in 1894.

During the early years, bread was made mostly from corn meal, although wheat was soon raised and white bread became abun- dant. Salt pork was a standard article. Sugar, from the maple, pumpkins, potatoes with plenty of milk and cream constituted their living. Fruit of any description was a luxury not to be thought of in those days. Cows roamed at will through the forest, and if by chance they failed to return home at the accustomed hour, the tinkle of the bell suspended from their necks by a leather strap, designated the place where they lingered.

The privations of these early settlers were far from bringing unhappiness; on the con- trary, in the simple life they led, they knew little of the strife and anxiety which have attended later generations, and their mu- tual dependence upon each other formed a bond between them that came much nearer obedience to the commandment, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," than can often be wit- nessed at the present day.

Judge Benjamin Wright (not the survey- or), came to Adams at an early day. He was a lawyer of much ability, and did much to promote the welfare of the town. He was for many years surrogate of the county. His wife was a grand-daughter of Hon. Stephen

Ward, a distinguished patriot of the Revolu- tion, and her father was a captain in the Con- tinental army. She was widely known for her benevolence and personal care of the sick and needy settlers. They reared a family of six children, the eldest of whom became the wife of Henry B. Whipple, the present dis- tinguished Bishop of Minnesota. The second daughter married George Fairbanks, then of Watertown, now a resident of Florida. Their second son became an Episcopal clergyman of mueh ability. He died in early life, much lamented.

Three brothers named Morton (Elihu, Ab- ner and Julius), were among the early settlers. They emigrated from Vermont. Elihu be- came wealthy and remained in Adams during his long life. Abner and Julius were not as successful, and removed to Michigan at an early day. Julius D. Morton. a son of Ab- ner, was the father of J. Sterling Morton, the present Secretary of Agriculture at Washing- ton, who was born at Adams, but removed with his father to Monroe, Michigan, in 1834, when but two years of age. His mother was Emeline Sterling, daughter of Joseph Ster- ling, of Adams.

Isaac Baker was a successful farmer. He was the first town collector, and in later years its supervisor. His son, Collins Baker, displayed much ability as a portrait painter.

Three brothers named Thomas (Ira, Ezra and William), were among the early settlers of the town. Their lands were located two- and-a-half miles below Adams village, on Sandy Creek. They became wealthy farm- ers, and the location is still known as Thomas' Settlement.

In 1827 a post office was established near the stone hotel, built and kept for many years by Daniel Talcott, an early settler and suc- cessful farmer. The post office was known as the Union post office, but later was changed to the name of Appling, in honor of the chief officer in command at the battle of Sandy Creek. The post office was discontinued many years since.

Bradford Lisk was at one time a rich man. He was engaged in farming at an early day, and built a handsome brick residence two miles east of the village, which still retains its original appearance. The bridge that spans Sandy Creek opposite this dwelling is still known as Lisk's Bridge.

One of the best known farmers was Eliphalet Edmunds, who came down Black river in a boat which he made at High Falls, about 1798. He lost his boat at the falls, near Beebee's Island. After losing his boat he followed the river and bay to Ellisburg, where Lyman and Moses Ellis had made a settlement in 1797. Early in the present century he purchased a farm about a mile east of the Lisk farm, which, under bis supervision, became one of the best cultivated and most admired farms in the town. He was one of the Presidential Electors designated by the Legislature in 1816.

Perhaps one of the most eminent farmers of the town at this time, was Richard Goodell,

379

ADAMS.

His farm contained 90 acres, situated in what is now the eastern portion of the village. He served as captain in the war of 1812, proving himself a brave and able soldier. He was sent to the Legislature several successive years, and was chosen Speaker of the Assembly in 1824. He was subsequently appointed agent of the State Prison at Auburn, in which posi- tion he died in 1828.

Henry Whitcomb came to Adams in 1804. He was a jeweller of great ingenuity, and few people in the vicinity cared to purchase a timepiece that had not been approved by Henry Whitcomb. He was exact to a moment in his calculation of time, and for many years he regulated the time of the Rome and Watertown Railroad with great precision. He married Miss Clarinda Holley, and resided in Adams over sixty years. He died in Detroit in 1886. This lady was an aunt of Miss Holley, the authoress.

The Blackstone brothers, Manning and, Andrew, came to Adams in its early days. They were industrious and energetic citizens. Manning died in 1834, but Andrew lived to old age. He was a quaint character and a favorite in the community where he spent his long life. He, with the wife of his youth, lived to celebrate their golden wedding in 1887.

During the war of 1812, the settlers suffered much from fear of depredations from Can- adian Indians, and at one time it was reported that the Indians had landed at the mouth of Stony Creek, and great fears of a massacre were entertained; but the report proved false, and they remained unmolested. A military company called "Silver Grays," composed of men not liable to military duty, and mostly Revolutionary soldiers, was formed in town, and, led by Captain Lyman Denning, march- ed to the defence of Sackets Harbor. Near the close of the war the militia was called out. The call included many citizens from Adams, but before they reached Sackets Harbor they were met by a messenger who informed them that their services were not needed. Soon after, peace was declared. In 1853 those who survived received land war- rants for this single day's service.

Judge Thomas C. Chittenden was an early resident of Adams. He became a prominent member of the bar of Jefferson county, and practiced his profession many years. He was elected to Congress in 1840, and later was appointed Judge of Jefferson county. In 1844 he removed to Watertown, where he resided until his death, in 1868.

Peter Doxtater came to Adams from the German Flats, in 1800. He cleared a farm about a mile from where the village now stands. He was the father of three sons and one daughter, whose names were George, William, Peter and Elizabeth. George suc- ceeded to the paternal farm. William be- came a successful merchant in Adams village, and was the father of Robert B. Doxtater, the first superintendent of the Rome & Water- town Railroad. Peter, the youngest son, spent most of his life in Adams, where he

engaged in different enterprises, and is re- membered as a most efficient and valuable citizen. The early life of Peter Doxtater, the father, was somewhat eventful. During the French and Indian wars he was taken prisoner by the Indians, when he was about 4 years of age. The settlers having become alarmed at the approach of the Indian hordes, fled with their children to a block house or fortress for safety, and while returning to secure their provisions, skulking Indians stole their children. It is said that when the mother of Mr. Doxtater learned the fate of her child, her agony was so intense that she wrung her hands until the joints of her fingers became dislocated. The children were neither scalped or burned. nor were they un- kindly treated. Mr. Doxtater remained among them until he learned their habits and their modes of warfare, forgetting his native tongue. After the close of the war, the chil- dren were redeemed and returned to their parents. Mr. Doxtater afterwards served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his knowledge of Indian warfare caused a bounty to be offered for his re-capture. The old man was fond of relating the incident of being one day in a field fettering a colt. As he stooped to adjust the fetter he espied an Indian lurking in the bushes near by, cautiously watching for an opportunity to pounce upon his coveted prey. With won- derful presence of mind, Mr. Doxtater, while appearing to be still engaged in securing the feet of the horse, unclasped the fetters, and springing upon the back of the fleet animal, made his escape, while arrows from the In- dian's bow went whizzing past his head. Mr. Doxtater spent the rest of his life upon his farm in Adams. He died in 1842 at the ad- vanced age of 92 years, and his remains are buried in Rural Cemetery.

Remnants of an Indian tribe sometimes camped near the early settlement, and here they wrought with beads their deerskin moccasins, wove their baskets, and manufac- tured their brooms of splint, which they ex- changed in trade with the settlers for articles of use or fancy, seldom neglecting to procure an abundant supply of "fire-water," of which the squaws as well as their braves were ex- cessively fond.

The wife of a country "tavern keeper " was one day alone when several Indians with their squaws came to replenish their stores. She tried to disguise her fear, and told them she was unable to draw liquor, and they must wait until her husband came in from the barn. It was not long before he rode up to the door, proving that he had not been at his barn. They were quick to discover the little ruse, and as the squaws exchanged knowing glances they said one to the other "she 'fraid, she lie."

The writer gleans the following facts from Miss Laura Bassett's "Leaves from Memory," published in the Adams Journal :

"In June, 1804, Nathaniel Warriner. with his family came from Granville, Washington county, N. Y., to Smith's Mills, Jefferson county. Two sons had preceded them and

380

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

had taken up land on what is now known as Wright street, which was afterwards for many years owned and occupied by Jesse Hale. There they cleared land and erected a log house for the reception of the family. At that time it was one dense forest from the cor- ner of Church and Main streets to Rodman, and only a foot-path with marked trees guided the traveller. A thick cedar swamp extended from the hill where the Institute now stands to the creek.

In the fall of 1804 Titus Bassett came from Granville, and in 1805 married a daughter of Nathaniel Warriner. He was a hatter by trade and for many years Bassett's hats sup- plied the wants of the surrounding country. He is remembered as an estimable citizen. Mrs. Bassett lived to the age of 93 and died in 1880, having resided in Adams since 1805.

During these early days there was no store or grocery of any description and people went often on foot to Sackets Harbor and brought. home supplies on their backs.

Before a mill was in operation some of the inhabitants clubbed together and sent to Her- kimer for flour, paying $19 per barrel and $3 to bring it home. After sufficient land was cleared so that corn could be raised, the tops of hard wood stumps were hollowed. and corn reduced to meal hy pounding in these hollows. The only fruits were thorn apples and wild grapes Major Barney once sent to Herkimer for cider and apples, and with "nut-cakes" gave an entertainment to his neighbors.

The log houses were built with one room with an immense chimney in the center, in which was a capacious fire place. These social gatherings combined labor with pleas- ure and consisted in picking bees and quilt- ings. When these were given, the wool must all be picked or the bed quilts completed be- fore supper, and in the evening the boys were invited to participate in the gayties which con- sisted of "Wink 'em slyly" "Button, Button." "Green grows the rushes O, kiss her quick and let her go," and various other games.

A Masonic lodge was organized at an early day in Adams village, and a large building was constructed for its accomodation. A large concourse of people attended the cere- monies at the laying of the corner stone, find- ing seats upon the saw logs in an adjacent mill yard. The building is still standing. The original place of burial was a portion of the Presbyterian church lot on the west. Later, land was purchased on the opposite side of the creek, which now forms a portion of Rural Cemetery."

In 1801, Westwood Wright, accompanied by two of his brothers, Moses and Carmi, with their families, emigrated from Deerfield, Mass, and settled in the town of Adams. Westwood had four sons, Elijah, David, Harry and Stephen, all of whom married and settled in and near Adams village, spending their long lives there, and their remains lie buried in Rural Cemetery. The people emi- grating from Massachusetts, had nearly all been educated in the Presbyterian faith, and for many years their Sabbath commenced

with the setting of the sun on Saturday even- ing. Gradually the custom came into disuse, and the Sabbath commenced, as now, on the first day of the week.

The family of Westwood Wright were somewhat remarkable for longevity. There were four sons and two daughters, and when the youngest had attained the age of 63, all of the six were still living. The portraits of tbe four brothers and two sisters are to be seen on the walls of Memorial Hall, in Deer- field, Mass., the birthplace of the family. Elijah, the eldest son, was captain of a com- pany in the war of 1812, and he led it to the defence of Sackets Harbor.

Stephen Wright, the youngest son, suc- ceeded to the original farm, which is still owned by his son, Edwin. Harry lived and died on his farm, near Lisk's Bridge, and his last remaining son, Wendell Wright, died re- cently in Kansas.

In 1814 David Wright purchased a mill- site, 50 or 60 rods above that owned by David Smith. Here he erected a saw-mill and a carding and fulling mill. Over eight years it proved a remunerative investment, but in the spring of 1822 it was swept away by a freshet. He had feared the saw mill might be in danger, and had removed such machin- ery and articles of value as he could, but sup- posing the other mill to be in no danger, he had taken no such precautions. As the huge cakes of ice were borne down the rapid stream, the saw-mill went to pieces, and, striking the carding mill, that too sailed away without being demolished until it reached Smith's dam. Tattered remnants of cloth and broken machinery, which were found upon the banks of the stream when the water subsided, were all that remained of Mr. Wright's remunerative investment. The mills were afterwards rebuilt by Heman and William Grenell. Later, the carding mill was converted into an establishment tor the manufacture of woolen cloths, and was owned and operated by Willet R. Willis.

Zacheus Walsworth was among the number of pioneer settlers. He was a good man, much loved and respected by his neighbors, among whom he was a favorite, and ever welcome on account of his ready wit, for which he was renowned. Some of the farms through which the State road was surveyed, were cleared and owned by John Coles, Jacob Kellogg and Francis McKee. On the north were David Hale, Wm. Benton and Stephen Baker.

Wells Benton, who was at one time sheriff of Jefferson county, succeeded to the owner- ship of his father's farm, and it is still owned and occupied by his two daughters.

Samuel Bond and Perley D. Stone came to Adams in 1817, and entered upon the manu- facture of furniture. Their partnership con- tinued forty-five years. They are remember- ed as the firm that never kept any books of account as partners.

Seth Gaylord came to Adams in 1808. He engaged in tanning, and later was the owner of saw mills, in which he continued until

381

ADAMS.

impaired health and old age forced him to re- tire from active life. He is remembered as a most worthy citizen.

Miles Cooper was one of the earliest pioneers of Adams. His land was on the north side of what is now called Church street, in Adams village, and embraces what is now the home of his grandaughter, Mrs. John Stillman. Many years ago Mr. Cooper sold his land. It became the property of dif- ferent people, and was divided into village lots. A portion of it was purchased by T. C. Chittenden, where he resided until he re- moved to Watertown in 1844. About 1848 it was purchased by Solon D. Hungerford, who erected a beautiful and commodious dwelling, improved its surroundings in many ways, until it became one of the most beauti- ful residences in Northern New York. In this home Mr. Hungerford spent the balance of his life. At his death it was repurchased by a member of the Cooper family, and is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Still- man. Mr. Cooper's son, J. C. Cooper, was one of the originators of the Agricultural Insur- ance Company. In 1862 he was elected its President, which office he held until his death in 1882.

Among the early and successful merchants of Adams, were David Hale, M. V. V. Rosa, John H. Whipple, William Doxtater and Erastus Hale. All of them were considered wealthy men. Rosa removed to Watertown, lived to be 90 years of age, and died wealthy.

The early physicians were Eli Eastman, J. Spafford, S. Wetmore, and Walter Webb, whose son John is now a student, of Florida.

About 1832 Willet R. Willis established a woolen factory on the site formerly occupied by David Wright, whose mills were swept away by a freshet in 1822. Mr. Willis con- tinued his business at this point nearly forty years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willis are remen- bered as most estimable members of society. Mrs. Willis was a sister to Mrs. William Dox- tater. Their maiden name was Burch, and their former home was in Little Falls, Her- kimer county.

Two brothers, William and Herman Gren- nell, were early residents of Adams village. They were active and enterprising men in their day, and did much to promote the wel- fare of the town.

George Andrus was at one time a promi- nent resident. He served as representative in the Legislature, and held other responsible positions.

Jeremiah Griswold came to Adams about 1824. He married Miss Eunice, daughter of Nathan Strong, one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Rodman. Immediately after their marriage they settled in Adams village where he commenced the business of harness making, in which he continued through life. By diligence, thrift and frugality, assisted by his wise and prudent companion, he accumu- lated a handsome competence. Both lived to attain old age and died beloved and respected by all. Their remains lie buried in Rural Cemetery.

In 1813 an epidemic of fever, termed by the doctors "typhus," swept through cer- tain portions of the town. Many residents became its victims.

In the early months of 1844, an extremely fatal disease appeared, which baffled the skill of the most learned physicians. Perhaps Dr. William Rosa, who at that time had just re- turned from Paris, had the best success in treating the disease. Nevertheless, many fell victims to its ravages; among them David Smith, who was then well stricken in years. His wife soon followed him from the same cause, and later his step-daughter and his daughter-in-law. although both the latter ladies resided in a different part of the village. Other families shared the same fate. Often times the disease first developed in the ex- tremities, causing them to swell to a remark- able size, terminating in death within 48 hours Others, who lingered, in some cases recovered. No cause was ever discovered that could have produced this fatal malady, and although many names were applied to it by many physicians, it was not well under- stood. As spring advanced it grew less malignant, and in early summer disappeared.

In 1881, a malignant form of diphtheria appeared, and 45 deaths, including adults and children, occurred within the corporation. With these exceptions, the town and village of Adams have been considered exceptionally healthy, and the longevity of its citizens attests the truth of this assertion.

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.

The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 82

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