HISTOEY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 

 
HISTORY 
 
 TOWN OF KIRKLAND 
 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 A 
 
 4* 
 
 BY 
 
 Rev. M D. GRIDLEY. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON. 
 
 Cambridge: £l)c ttiucrsibc flrcss. 
 
 1874. 
 

 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by 
 
 A. D. Gridley, 
 in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 By TnMui 
 
 RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: 
 PRINTED BY H. 0. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY. 
 
To 
 
 ALL WHO DWELL 
 
 WITHLN THE BOEDEKS OF 
 
 KIRKLAND 
 
 THIS RECORD OP ITS EARLY HISTORY 
 
 IS RESPECTFULLY 
 
 DEDICATED. 
 
 1 Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their laboiers. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This book owes its origin to the desire often expressed 
 by some of the older inhabitants of Kirkland that the 
 writer would prepare a full and connected history of the 
 town. Some considerable progress had already been 
 made in the production of such a history by the lecture 
 of Hon. O. S. Williams, in the year 1848, and the 
 chapter relating to this town in the " Annals " of Hon. 
 Pomroy Jones, written some twenty-eight years ago. 
 But these gentlemen did not attempt complete histories, 
 and they were among the most earnest in soliciting the 
 writer to prosecute further the work which they had 
 begun. 
 
 It has been my pleasant labor during several years past 
 to collect the materials of the volume herewith presented. 
 Starting with the important papers above referred to, 
 I have endeavored to supplement them by every means 
 within my reach. The few survivors of our early times 
 and their immediate descendants have been frequently 
 consulted, and the information gleaned from them has 
 been carefully recorded. Whatever documents, old cor- 
 respondence, or historical papers could be foimd to throw 
 
X PREFACE. 
 
 light upon this subject, have been sought for and freely- 
 used. 
 
 The book thus prepared consists of a preliminary sketch 
 of this region of country before it was settled by white 
 inhabitants ; some account of the several Indian tribes 
 of this neighborhood ; an outline of the history of the 
 town from its beginning until the present time ; sketches 
 of the several churches and literary institutions of the 
 place ; also of its natural history, its agriculture, horti- 
 culture, and rural embellishment ; of its manufactures and 
 mining operations, and of various other matters which 
 need not here be enumerated. 
 
 In writing the earlier portions of this history, I have 
 drawn freely from the pages of Judge Williams and 
 Judge Jones whatever seemed important in construct- 
 ing my narrative. Facts have also been gathered from 
 the lecture of Hon. William Tracy, of New York, on 
 " Men and Events in the Early History of Oneida 
 County ; " from the lectures of M. M. Bagg, M. D., of 
 Utica, on " The Men of Old Fort Schuyler ; " and from 
 " The League of the Iroquois," by Lewis H. Morgan. 
 Among those whom I have consulted personally, mention 
 should be made of the late Rev. Dr. Norton, the late 
 James D. Stebbins, the late Mrs. Orrin Gridley, Mrs. 
 Eli Lucas, Mr. George Bristol, and Mr. Gaius Butler. 
 The sketch of the Botany of this town, which appears 
 in the Appendix, was copied, so far as it was applicable, 
 from the " Catalogue of Plants found in Oneida County 
 and Vicinity," published a few years ago by Prof. John 
 
PREFACE. xi 
 
 A. Paine, of New York ; and its accuracy and fullness 
 are assured by the notes of Prof. Oren Root, LL. D., of 
 Hamilton College. To insure entire impartiality and 
 correctness in the histories of the several churches, pains 
 has been taken to have them drawn up, as far as prac- 
 ticable, by persons representing the respective denomi- 
 nations. 
 
 It seemed appropriate to commence this history with 
 some account of the Indians who inhabited this region 
 before the whites visited it. They built no monuments 
 to themselves, they left nothing upon the soil of Kirkland 
 except a few arrow-heads ; and they would soon cease to 
 be remembered did not we, their pale-faced successors, 
 gather up and preserve the fragments which remain of 
 their sad history. And surely the white men who cleared 
 up these forests, and laid the foundations of our churches 
 and schools and social order, and whatever else of good 
 we inherit, should not go uncommemorated. Especial ly 
 at a time like this, when nearly all the older towns of 
 the country are preparing histories of their several 
 localities, and when even a multitude of families are 
 zealously writing and publishing their genealogies, does 
 it not become us who are well-born, and who are fast 
 approaching our centennial anniversary, to see to it that 
 the record of what our fathers were and what they 
 accomplished, is not forgotten and left to perish ? If a 
 tithe of the noble spirit which animated those fathers 
 dwells in their sons, they will be held in abiding honor. 
 
 With these prefatory words, I submit this little book 
 
xii PREFACE. 
 
 to my fellow-townsmen with something of that confidence 
 which their kind and cheering words during its prepara- 
 tion were fitted to inspire. 
 
 A. D. G. 
 Clinton, N. Y., 1873. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 
 
 Geographical and Topographical. — Natural History. — Indian Tribes, 
 namely: The Oneidas, Stockbridges, Tuscaroras, and Brothertowns. — 
 Relations of this Region to the French and English Wars and to the Rev- 
 olution. — The old "Line of Property.'' — Efforts to instruct and chris- 
 tianize the Indians. — Their manifest Destiny 1 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early Settlement, -when and by whom. — Settlement of the neighboring 
 Towns. — Incidents of the first three Years. — The first public Religious 
 Service. — The first Grist-Mill; first Saw -Mill. — The Village of Clinton 
 named. — The first Death, and the first Wedding. — Horses introduced, 
 and a fast Horse. — Great scarcity of Food. — The Town receives its 
 Name. — The first frame House. — The first Birth .... 18 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A Chapter of Miscellanies: Habits and Customs of the Indians. — A few 
 Notables. — Story of "the fine fat Steer." — Case of Heinrich Staring. — 
 The Oneida Chief and Major Pond. — Elijah Wampe. — Skenandoa. — 
 Plattcoff. — Visit and Report of President Dwight. — Samson Occum. — 
 Good Peter. — Naming of the Streets. — The first Burglary. — Moses 
 Foot's Flower-Garden 30 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Sketch of the Life and Character of the Rev. Samuel Kirkland . . 62 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Religious Denominations: The Congregational Church, and the Presbyte- 
 rian Church. — Sketch of the Life and Character of the Rev. Asahel S. 
 Norton, D. D. — The Methodist Church. — The Universalis! Church. — 
 The College Church. — The Baptist Church. — The Manchester Church. 
 — Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church. — Saint James' Episcopal 
 Church 90 
 
xiv CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Educational Institutions: Hamilton Oneida Academy. — Hamilton College. 
 
 — Clinton Grammar School. — Miss Royce's Seminary. — The Liberal 
 Institute, in its two Departments. — Mr. Kellogg' s Domestic Seminary. 
 
 — The Home Cottage Seminary. — Dwight's Rural High School, and 
 the Clinton Rural High School. — The Cottage Seminary. — Houghton 
 Seminary. — Mrs. Marr's Select School. — The Common Schools . 120 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Agriculture. — Horticulture. — Ornamental Gardening. — Kirkland Agri- 
 cultural Society. — The Clinton Rural Art Society.— The Clinton Ceme- 
 tery. — The College Grounds 151 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Manufactures and Mining: The Clinton Woolen Factory. — Kellogg's and 
 Wood's Fulling Mill. — Nail Factory. — Marvin's Hat Factory. — Scythe 
 Factory. — Clock Making. — Pottery. — Brick Making. — Manufacture 
 of Potash. — Tanneries. — Grist-Mills. — Saw-Mills. — Chair Factor}'. — 
 Distillery. — Manchester Cotton Factory. — Clarks' Mills. — Iron Ore: its 
 Discovery; the Situation and Extent of the Mines; the Quality and Value 
 of the Ore. — The Franklin Iron Works. — The Clinton Iron Works. — 
 Cheese Factories 162 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of Many Things: Prominent Physicians, Lawyers, and Farmers. — The 
 Laying out of Streets. — The Chenango Canal. — The Plank Road. — 
 The Telegraph. — The Express Business. — Banks and Banking Houses. 
 
 — Incorporation of the Village of Clinton. — Village Newspapers and 
 Printing Office. — Agricultural Papers. — Population of Town and Vil- 
 lage. — The Utica, Clinton, and Binghamton Railroad. — The Rome and 
 Clinton Railroad. — Patriotism of the Inhabitants of Kirkland. — Gen- 
 eral Review 178 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 1. Catalogue of Trees and Plants in the Town of Kirkland . 201 
 
 2. Extracts from Address of Hon. Anson S. Miller .... 216 
 
 3. Exercises at the Dedication of the Kirkland Monument . . 221 
 
 4. Subscriptions for building Hamilton Oneida Academy . . 226 
 
 Index 229 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 ♦ ■ 
 
 Map of the Town of Kirkland .... Frontispiece. 
 
 Portrait of Samuel Kirkland 62 
 
 Old WniTE Meeting-House 95 
 
 Hamilton Oneida Academy 122 
 
 Clinton Grammar School 132 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 
 
 Before the settlement of central New York by per- 
 manent inhabitants, this region of country had been vis- 
 ited by white men at different times, and in pursuit 
 of widely different objects. Among the first were the 
 Jesuit missionary Isaac Jogues and his associates, Rene* 
 Goupil and Guillaume Couture, who, in the year 1G41, 
 were brought here from Canada by the Mohawks as pris- 
 oners of war, but who spent a portion of the time of their 
 captivity in exploring the Mohawk Valley. These pio- 
 neers were followed by others in succession for many 
 years, until the year 1700, when all Jesuit priests were 
 expelled by law from the State of New York. Between 
 1712 and 17(34, several Protestant missionaries also vis- 
 ited the Indian tribes of central New York, and labored 
 among them with greater or less success. 
 
 Dutch traders from Fort Orange (now Albany) like- 
 wise penetrated the country at an early day, intent on 
 opening traffic with the Iroquois, and securing the monop- 
 oly of trade to themselves. These pioneers and explorers 
 from the East followed, for the most part, the old Indian 
 trail which for centuries had run from the Hudson River, 
 near Albany, to Lake Erie, at Buffalo, and which, on the 
 l 
 
2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 opening of the country to civilization, was found to be the 
 natural and best route for travel and commerce. 
 
 On the breaking out of the old French War, in 1755, 
 the Mohawk Valley was entered by the military forces of 
 the English under Lord Amherst, who fortified different 
 points between Herkimer and the Great Lakes, some of 
 which became the theatres of bloody battles. Among 
 these were Fort Dayton, now Herkimer, Fort Schuyler, 
 now Utica, and Fort Stanwix, now Rome. Nor should 
 we omit to mention the village of Oriskany, the encounter 
 at which place, at a later day, forms an important page 
 in the history of the American Revolution. 
 
 In the year 1683, the territory lying mostly within the 
 present limits of the State of New York was divided into 
 twelve counties, namely : New York, Albany, Dutchess, 
 Kings, Queens, Orange, Ulster, Richmond, Suffolk, West- 
 chester, Dukes, and Cornwall. In 1772, the county of 
 Tryon was formed out of Albany, and in 1784, its name 
 was changed to Montgomery, in honor of the great gen- 
 eral who fell at Quebec. By an Act of the same Legis- 
 lature, Montgomery was divided into four districts, named 
 Mohawk, Canajoharie, Palatine, German Flats, and Kings- 
 land. The district of German Flats lay along the Mohawk 
 River, and extended westward to the boundary of the 
 State, its whole territory being an unbroken forest. 
 
 In March, 1788, by an Act of the Legislature, German 
 Flats was divided, and, among others, the town of Whites- 
 town was formed out of it, and its boundaries fixed and 
 described as follows : on the north by Canada ; on the 
 east by a line crossing the Mohawk River at the ford near 
 the house of William Cunningham, and running north 
 and south to the State lines ; on the south by the State 
 of Pennsylvania ; and on the west by the bounds of the 
 
SITUATION OF THE TOWN. 3 
 
 State. The house of William Cunningham stood near 
 the foot of the present Genesee Street, in Utica. 
 
 Whitestown was again divided in April, 1792, and the 
 following towns constructed out of its territory, namely : 
 Westmoreland, Steuben, Paris, Mexico, Peru, and Whites- 
 town. 
 
 The county of Herkimer was divided in 1798, and the 
 additional counties of Oneida and Chenango formed out 
 of it. By several subsequent Acts of the Legislature, be- 
 tween the years 1802 and 1816, Oneida County was 
 divided and reduced in territorial extent until it was 
 brought to its present limits. 
 
 By a law passed April 13, 1827, the town of Kirkland 
 was formed from a part of Paris, — and so named in honor 
 of the missionary, Kirkland, — and in February, 1829, the 
 town of Marshall was formed from a part of the town of 
 Kirkland. 
 
 This town is situated in the middle portion of the 
 county of Oneida. Its latitude, — assuming the Litch- 
 field Observatory at Hamilton College to be its geo- 
 graphical centre, — is 43° 3' 1G" 5 north, and its longi- 
 tude oh. lm. 37s. 12 west from Greenwich. It is about 
 six hundred and seven feet above the level of the sea. 
 The surface of the country is diversified by hills and val- 
 leys. On the west is a range running north to south, 
 near the summit of which Hamilton College is situated, 
 and on the east and south is the lower part of Paris Hill 
 and Chuckery. The valley between is watered by the 
 Oriskany Creek, which, formed from two branches rising 
 in the towns of Madison and Sangeiiield, and uniting at 
 Deansville, flows northward a distance of twelve miles, and 
 empties into the Mohawk River near the village of ( )iis- 
 kany. This creek is fed by numerous smaller streams 
 
4 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 known to the older inhabitants as Sherman Brook, Mar- 
 vin Brook, and White Brook. Its water-power is con- 
 siderable, the descent between the southern and northern 
 limits of the town being about one hundred and seventy 
 feet. Oriskany is an Indian name, formed from the word 
 Oekrisk or Orisca, signifying nettles ; and it was applied 
 to this creek by the natives on account of the abundance 
 of these weeds growing along its banks. 
 
 GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. 
 
 The Geology and Mineralogy of Kirkland are briefly 
 described by Dr. Oren Root, of Hamilton College, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 " The rocks belong to what our geologists call the Silu- 
 rian Age. The lowest in place is the Oneida conglomer- 
 ate, a hard, gritty rock, of grayish color, and composed 
 of quartz pebbles finely cemented. This rock is seen by 
 the roadside, a short distance from Clinton, toward Utica. 
 
 " Above the conglomerate, we find the rocks of the Clin- 
 ton Group, well developed on both sides of the valley of 
 the Oriskany Creek. These rocks consist of alternate 
 layers of shale and hard sandstone, with very impure 
 limestone. They contain beds of lenticular iron ore, 
 and abundant remains of Fucoids, Corals, Mollusks, and 
 Trilobites. 
 
 " In the ravines on College Hill, we find directly above 
 the Clinton rocks, a thin deposit of the shales of the 
 Niagara Group, containing imbedded masses of limestone 
 with lead and zinc ores. 
 
 " Next above these dark shales, we find the red shale 
 of the Onondaga Group, a rock of great thickness, and 
 well developed in this town, but as elsewhere entirely 
 destitute of fossils. 
 
GEOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. 5 
 
 " On the hills both east and west of the Oriskany, and 
 sonth of the red shale, we find the drab-colored rocks of 
 the Water-lime Group. 
 
 " The valleys and most of the hillsides of this town are 
 covered with the material of the Drift Period, consisting 
 of sand, gravel, and pebbles cemented with clay. 
 
 " The rocks of Kirkland contain numerous Fossils. Of 
 the following genera of Mollusks there are many species, 
 to wit': Orthis, Lingula, Leptaena, Atrypa, Pentamerus, 
 Spirifer. 
 
 " Of chambered shells : Oncocerus, Orthocerus, Corals, 
 and Crinoids are abundant, and Fucoids in certain locali- 
 ties ; but Trilobites are more rarely found. 
 
 " The minerals of Kirkland are as follows : Oxide of 
 Iron, Sulphuret of Iron, Carbonate of Iron, Sulphuret of 
 Lead, Sulphuret of Zinc, Strontianite, Celestine, Calcite, 
 Gypsum, Quartz Crystals." 
 
 Of Birds, the catalogue is, for substance, this: The 
 common black-bird, crow black-bird, bob-o-link, blue- 
 bird, crane, cat-bird, cherry or cedar bird, chip-bird, 
 chickadee, the crow, cow-bird, cuckoo, eagle, ground-bird, 
 fish-hawk, hen-hawk, yellow-hammer, humming-bird, in- 
 digo-bird, blue-jay, king-fisher, meadow-lark, sky-lark, 
 Band-martin, house-martin, several varieties of the owl, 
 the oriole, partridge, wild-pigeon, Phoebe-bird, plover, 
 robin, song-sparrow, wood-sparrow, several sorts of swal- 
 low and of the snow-bird, tie- common snipe, tip-up or tit- 
 lark, song-thrush, brown thrush, wood-wren, yellow w ren, 
 brown wren, two or three kinds of wood-pecker, and the 
 yellow-bird. A few of the above list we suspect are birds 
 of civilization. 
 
 The Soil of this town may be described in general 
 terms as a clayey loam, with here and there beds of sand 
 
6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 and gravel. The alluvial deposits along the shores of 
 the Oriskany are rich in the elements of fertility. 
 
 The principal Forest-trees are the maple, in its varieties 
 of the rock, the scarlet, the black, the striped bark, and 
 the mountain maple ; the white, the red, and the cork- 
 bark elm ; the white and black ash ; the white and red 
 beech ; the black and yellow birch ; the basswood, but- 
 tonwood, ironwood or hornbeam, butternut, bitternut, 
 wild poplar, wild cherry, the hemlock, white pine, and, 
 more rarely, the tulip-tree, white oak, the larch, black 
 spruce, and white cedar or arbor-vita?. 1 
 
 The Animals originally inhabiting these forests were 
 the black bear, the lynx or wild cat, the red fox, the 
 wolf, weasel, rabbit, skunk, raccoon, musk-rat ; red, 
 gray, and black squirrels; the chip- muck, and wood- 
 chuck. 
 
 INDIAN TRIBES. 
 
 Of the Indian tribes inhabiting this part of the State, 
 the Oneidas were the chief. As to their origin the tra- 
 ditions are various, but the one most credible represents 
 them as coming at a very early period from the northern 
 shores of the St. Lawrence, near Montreal, and settling 
 on the shores of the lake which bears their name. For 
 an indefinite period they lived separate from the tribes 
 around them ; but about one hundred years before the 
 landing of the Dutch at New York, they combined with 
 several other tribes and formed the famous League of the 
 Iroquois. 
 
 Their domain extended from the lands of the Mohawks 
 on the east to those of the Onondagas on the west ; on 
 
 1 For a more adequate view of the Trees and Plants of tills town, see 
 Appendix I. 
 
THE ONEIDA INDIANS. 7 
 
 the north to the St. Lawrence, and on the south to an 
 indefinite point in Pennsylvania. Not so warlike and 
 bloodthirsty as the Mohawks, they were yet more cool 
 and determined in the heat of battle, and more sagacious 
 and influential in the councils of the great confederacy. 
 The best informed travellers who visited them at an early 
 day speak in admiration of their noble physiques, their 
 polished manners and their very musical language. 
 
 David Cusick, the Tuscarora historian, says that " the 
 earliest recollected residence " of the Oneidas was upon 
 the southern shore of Oneida Lake, near the mouth of 
 Oneida Creek. Remains of their rude fortifications were 
 found here by the first white settlers. From this place 
 they removed to the lands covered by the present town 
 of Stockbridge, Madison County, where their Sacred 
 Stone was deposited. 1 It is believed that this removal 
 
 1 In respect to this Stone, antiquarians are not wholly agreed. Some hold 
 that it was not a material rock, but a purely symbolical stone, designed to 
 represent the spirit and qualities of the nation. Others maintain that it was a 
 veritable stone. And there is a respectable legend concerning it which we are 
 bound reverently to hand over to posterity. It runs thus : — 
 
 At the first settlement of the tribe near Oneida Lake, they found an oblong, 
 roundish stone, unlike any of the rocks in the vicinity, which became their 
 sacrificial altar, and gave the name to their tribe. Onia is the word in their 
 dialect for a stone (Morgan says: "The stone known as granite"), and as 
 they increased in numbers, they became known as the (hiln-tnnij, or People of 
 the Stone. Around this stone they assembled for council and for festive and 
 religious games. Here they slit the ears of their sons when they went on the 
 war-path. When they removed from the region of the lake, to the town of 
 Stockbridge, this stone removed without the help of human hands to their new 
 home, and deposited itself in the centre of a butternut grove overlooking a wide 
 and fertile valley. Here it remained until the tribe had become widely dis- 
 persed and its unity destroyed. 
 
 In the year 1819, when the Forest Hill Cemetery, near Utica, was laid out, 
 the trustees learned that Mr. .James Gregg, of Stockbridge, on whose farm the 
 reputed Oneida Stone rested, was desirous that it should be removed to some 
 public inclosure, where it would be protected from injury, and its history and 
 associations preserved in memory. The trustees thereupon procured its 
 removal to Utica, and it now stands upon a grass-plot just within the gates of 
 
8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 was made prior to the formation of the Iroquois con- 
 federacy, about 1580. At some unknown period before 
 the year 1600, they again changed their headquarters to 
 a place called Ca-no-wa-loa, the present site of Oneida 
 Castle. They resided here in 1609, when the Dutch 
 settled upon Hudson River. Tradition says that in 
 the year 1650, they numbered three thousand souls. In 
 1677, they were represented as having one village of one 
 hundred houses, and about two hundred fighting men. 
 In 1763, Sir William Johnson, Indian Agent, reports : 
 " Oneidas, two hundred and fifty men, two villages, one 
 of them twenty-five miles from Fort Stanwix, the other 
 twelve miles west of Oneida Lake, with emigrants in 
 several places towards the Susquehanna River." In 
 1768, he reports, " fifteen hundred souls, all told." 
 
 In the long controversies between the rival colonies 
 of the French in Canada and the English in New York, 
 the Oneidas bore an important part. As a general fact, 
 they sided with the English ; though the showy presents, 
 plausible speeches and imposing religious ceremonies of 
 the French often blinded their eyes, and made them 
 waver from their steadfastness. 
 
 Prior to the French War of 1755, Sir William John- 
 son exerted a powerful sway over the whole confederacy ; 
 and it was chiefly through his influence that a large por- 
 tion of the Iroquois were brought into alliance with the 
 English during that war. At the beginning of the 
 American Revolution, the colonists felt the importance 
 of keeping the Indian tribes in a state of neutrality ; or 
 
 the cemetery. At the dedication of the cemetety, the remnants of the 
 Oneidas in this region and a few Onondagas were present. Ono-neo-gon, the 
 head chief of the Oneidas, made an address, which was interpreted to the 
 assembly. The natives then sang their national songs around the stone, and 
 surrendered it to the care of their white brethren to preserve for future times. 
 
THE ONE IDAS DURING THE REVOLUTION. 9 
 
 if they insisted on fighting, of securing their adhesion to 
 the colonial interest. As one means of effecting this, 
 they applied to the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, a missionary 
 among the Oneidas, Judge James Dean, and Ske- 
 nandoa the Oneida chief, and besought them to use 
 their endeavors to hold the Iroquois at peace with both 
 parties. The Mohawks and the western tribes could not 
 be controlled, but the main body of the Oneidas, with 
 portions of the Tuscaroras and the St. Regis tribe, were 
 held firm for the colonists. And yet, knowing what we 
 do of the Indian character, it is no matter of surprise to 
 find that as the great war waxed hot around them, the 
 Oneidas were sometimes drawn into it. To give them 
 some show of employment, the colonial government often 
 used them as scouts and skirmishers, and in procuring 
 and conveying intelligence of the movements of the enemy. 
 They were also required to maintain a strong out-post at 
 Oneida Castle, so as to interrupt the movements of the 
 British forces up and down the Mohawk Valley. 
 
 At the close of the war, so great and so rapid was the 
 influx of white settlers into the Indian territory, it de- 
 volved upon our government to form new treaties and 
 stipulations with the tribes in reference to the sale of 
 their lands, and the boundaries within which they should 
 be permitted to reside and be protected in their rights. 
 Those tribes which had been hostile to us were treated 
 with a mild and humane policy, yet with less considera- 
 tion than those which had befriended our cause. At a 
 convention of commissioners appointed by Congress in 
 October, 1783, for determining the relations of the gov- 
 ernment to the several tribes, a series of resolutions was 
 passed, among which was the following : — 
 
 " Sixthly : And whereas the Oneidas and Tuscaroras 
 
10 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND: 
 
 have adhered to the cause of America, and joined her 
 armies in the late war, and Congress has frequently as- 
 sured them of peculiar marks of favor and friendship, the 
 said commissioners are therefore instructed to reassure 
 the said tribes of the friendship of the United States, and 
 that they may rely that the land which they claim as 
 their inheritance will be reserved for their sole use and 
 benefit until they may think it for their advantage to 
 dispose of the same." 
 
 In furtherance of this resolution, a council of the en- 
 tire confederacy was called at Fort Stanwix, October 15, 
 1784, at which a treaty was made between them and the 
 United States, by which the Six Nations (the unfriendly 
 Mohawks excepted) had special reservations of land as- 
 signed them, and the boundary line was established be- 
 tween the Oneidas and this State upon " the old Line of 
 Property as fixed by the treaty of 1768." 1 
 
 1 The " Line of Property " here referred to was the boundary between the 
 lands of the Indian tribes and the American colonies. Its history was as fol- 
 lows : In consequence of mutual misunderstandings and encroachments, it was 
 determined to hold a general council, at which a definite line should be fixed- 
 and agreed upon by both parties. This council was held at Fort Stanwix, No- 
 vember 5, 1768, and was composed of the chiefs of the Six Nations and their 
 dependents on the one side, and of representatives from the States of New York, 
 Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia on the other. The boundary-line 
 then established began at the mouth of the Tennessee River, then ran up the 
 Ohio River to Pittsburgh, across the Alleghany Mountains to the east branch of 
 the Susquehanna River, then to the Owego and Delaware rivers, up the latter to 
 the junction of the Unadilla with the Susquehanna, thence up the west branch 
 of the Unadilla to its head, thence in a straight line to the junction of Canada 
 Creek with Wood Creek, "at the west of the carrying-place between it and 
 Fort Stanwix." This was the "Line of Property" in its whole extent ; but 
 the part with which we have chiefly to do is that which lies between Wood 
 Creek and Bridgewater. This line formed the western boundary of Coxe's 
 patent, soon after granted. And since the Revolution, in transactions between 
 the Indians and the whites, and in conveyances of land between the whites 
 themselves, this line has always been referred to as«the standard basis of meas- 
 urement. (Vid. ;V. Y. Col. Docs., vol. viii. p. 135.) 
 
 That portion of this line which passes through the town of Kirkland can still 
 
EFFORTS TO CHRISTIANIZE THE ONEIDAS. 11 
 
 In the war of 1812, the Oneidas, as well as the Onon- 
 dagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, took sidles with the Ameri- 
 can forces, and rendered valuable service. Their bravery 
 at Chippewa and at Lundy's Lane has become matter of 
 history, and the bold daring of Doxtator, an Oneida chief 
 who fell on the latter field, deserves an imperishable 
 record. 
 
 Our sketch of this important Indian tribe would be in- 
 complete without some notice of the efforts made by the 
 Avhites to instruct and christianize them. As we have 
 already mentioned, this part of the State was visited at 
 an early day by Jesuit missionaries from Canada. In the 
 year 1667, a Romish mission was established at Oneida 
 by Father Jacques Bruyas. Between the years 1674 and 
 1696, Father Millet labored among this people, but both 
 of these men report the tribe as wild and intractable, and 
 indisposed to heed their instructions. About four years 
 later, the English government ordered all French mis- 
 sionaries and traders out of the State. 
 
 Soon after the year 1700, several Protestant ministers 
 from the adjoining colonies made occasional visits to the 
 Oneidas, and gave them religious instruction. 
 
 In 1712, Rev. William Andrews, sent out by the Brit- 
 ish " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in For- 
 eign Parts," came among the Mohawks, where he re- 
 mained six years, with frequent visits to the Oneidas ; 
 but the fruits of his ministry were so small that he soon 
 afterwards withdrew from the field. 
 
 be traced by a person standing on the Astronomical Observatory at Hamilton 
 College. Starting at a point several rods east of the Observatory, it descends 
 the hill near the residence of Prof. Edward North, crosses the road ju.-i above 
 the school-house at the foot of I ollege Hill, passes through Mr. Harrington's 
 saw-mill on the Oriskany, and thence runs up the southeastern slope to the 
 south of Pans Hill, and so on to its termination in Bridgewater. See Map of 
 the Town of Kirkland. 
 
12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 In the year 1750, while the philosophers and theolo- 
 gians of both hemispheres were beginning to admire the 
 profound treatises of Jonathan Edwards, the Indians of 
 central New York were also beginning to hear of him ; 
 not so. much of his genius and learning, as of his piety 
 and benevolence. Around their firesides, the Oneidas 
 and Mohawks and Tuscaroras talked of him and of his 
 mission school at Stockbridge, in Massachusetts, and sev- 
 eral families with their children resolved to go forthwith 
 to New England, that they might sit at his feet and en- 
 joy his instructions. At this juncture, also, several be- 
 nevolent persons in New England were moved to carry 
 the gospel to these tribes, and to set up the institutions 
 of religion and education in their very midst. Accord- 
 ingly, we learn of the Rev. Elihu Spencer dwelling for a 
 season at the village of Oquago (a colony of the Onei- 
 das), then of a new missionary company sent out from 
 Stockbridge, in May, 1753, to follow up the beginnings 
 made by Mr. Spencer. This party consisted of Rev. Mr. 
 Hawley, Dea. Timothy Woodbridge, and Rev. Mr. Ash- 
 ley and wife. Of this company, all except Mr. Hawley 
 returned to New England after a short and discouraging 
 trial of missionary life. Mr. Hawley held the ground 
 until the commotions of the French War rendered his 
 longer stay hazardous and almost useless. In the year 
 176(3, Rev. Samuel Kirkland established a mission among 
 the Oneidas which he occupied during his whole life, in- 
 terrupted only by the disturbances of the Revolution. He 
 was supported at first by the Connecticut Board of a 
 Scotch Missionary Society, and afterwards by the Boston 
 Board of a London society. His labors for the moral 
 elevation of this people were in some degree successful, 
 though the fruits were not so abundant as he had de- 
 
TUSCARORA AND STOCKBRIDGE INDIANS. 13 
 
 sired. In the year 1816, a mission was established at 
 Oneida by the Episcopalians, and in 1829, by the 
 Methodists. 
 
 But ere long this tribe began to show signs of disin- 
 tegration. Between the years 1822 and 1833, the main 
 body of the Oneidas sold their lands and removed to 
 Green Bay, Brown County, Wisconsin. 1 A portion also 
 migrated to a reservation on the river Thames, in Canada, 
 where about four hundred of them now reside. Smaller 
 parties have since gone westward, so that now only a few 
 families reside in this region. According to the census 
 of 1865, there were one hundred and fifty-five then liv- 
 ing near Oneida Castle, whose occupations were hunting, 
 fishing, weaving baskets, and the practice of a rude agri- 
 culture. At present (1873), there are, of men, women 
 ami children, two hundred and twenty-seven. 
 
 It would seem that the Oneidas, savages though they 
 were, knew how to exercise the grace of hospitality. For, 
 in the year 171"), the Tu&carora Indians, having been 
 expelled from North Carolina, came to the north, and, 
 on the ground of their common origin, were invited to 
 occupy a portion of the Oneida territory, lying between 
 the Chenango and Unadilla rivers. They were also con- 
 stituted the sixth member of the Iroquois confederacy. 
 On the sale of the Oneida lands to the government, the 
 Tuscaroras removed to western New York, near Lewis- 
 ton, where about three hundred and seventy of them now 
 reside. 
 
 It appears also that cmite friendly relations had existed 
 for many years between the Oneidas and the StocMn'ldge 
 
 1 In the year 1842, the Oneidas at Green Bay numbered 722; in 1840, they 
 numbered 836. In the census of 1805, they numbered " nearly 800." In 1873, 
 b ey cambered 1259. 
 
11 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Indians of Massachusetts. This latter tribe had lived, 
 since 1735, in the township of Stockbridge, where a 
 territory six miles square had been assigned them by the 
 Legislature. Here they were favored for many years 
 with schools and Christian teachers, among the latter of 
 whom were Rev. John Sergeant, Timothy Woodbridge, 
 Jonathan Edwards, and Dr. Stephen West. During the 
 last French War, they sided with the English, and in 
 the Revolution they declared for the American colonies. 
 At the close of the war, General Washington directed a 
 grand feast to be prepared for them, in consideration of 
 their valuable services, and an ox was roasted whole, of 
 which men and women partook with great rejoicing. 
 Rev. John Sergeant Jr. and Judge Dean presided at 
 the table. 
 
 Previous to this time, the Oneidas had offered them a 
 tract of land six miles square within their borders, but 
 the disturbances of the Revolution prevented their im- 
 mediate removal. After peace was declared, they 
 accepted the proffer of the Oneidas, and migrated to their 
 new home, which they called New Stockbridge. A por- 
 tion came in the year 1788, another in 1785, and the 
 remainder in 1788. Rev. John Sergeant Jr. was ap- 
 pointed to be their minister, and organized a church 
 among them of sixteen members. He continued here 
 until his death, at seventy-seven years of age. This 
 tribe remained within the borders of Oneida and Madison 
 counties, until the year 1821, when, feeling themselves 
 sore pressed on all sides by the whites, they disposed of 
 their lands and removed to Green Bay, on to a large 
 tract of land which they bought of the Menominee and 
 Winnebago Indians. In their new home they have 
 made considerable progress in agriculture, and, for 
 
BRO THERTO WN INDIANS. 15 
 
 Indians, are sober, prosperous, and happy. 1 In the year 
 1878, they were reported as numbering two hundred and 
 forty-five. 
 
 Another tribe of Indians occupying this region for 
 many years was the Broihertoivn. It was composed of 
 the remnants of several disorganized and half-decayed 
 tribes in New England, New Jersey, and Long Island, 
 namely, the Narragansetts, Mohegans, Montauks, Pe- 
 quots, Naticks, and others ; and derived its name from the 
 composition of its body. It is not known precisely when 
 this organization was effected ; only it is well ascertained 
 that the Oneidas opened the door of the " Long House " 
 to their eastern cousins at quite an early day, and that 
 several of the eastern State governments assisted in 
 collecting these scattered clans together, and in effecting 
 their removal. They came here at different times, their 
 central village being near the Oriskany Creek, and 
 mostly within the bounds of the present town of Mar- 
 shall. A portion of their reservation extended into the 
 township of Kirkland. As early as 1763, Sir William 
 Johnson reports them as numbering two hundred war- 
 riors, and in all one thousand souls. 
 
 The Brothertowns, having no common language, used 
 the English. This of itself did them no harm ; but, hav- 
 ing lost all national pride, their several histories being 
 histories only of defeat, decline, and disgrace, they gave 
 
 1 Tradition among the Stockbridges maintains that tiieir forefathers came 
 from the distant northwest; that, driven by famine, they crossed over great 
 and at length reached the Hudson River, east of which they settled. 
 Their ancestors lived in villages and towns, and were civilized and very 
 numerous. Their dispersion "demoralized" them. On reaching the Hudson 
 River, they saw ebbing and flowing waters which they said was like what they 
 had been familiar with in their native country. President Dwight, in refining 
 to these traditions, thinks that this tribe came from Asia, and that the "ebbing 
 ind flowing waters" were what they had seen at Behring's Straits. 
 
16 EI STORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 up all ambition and public spirit, and became exceedingly 
 corrupt and degraded. 
 
 A better day dawned upon them when they migrated 
 to the West, which they did in company with the Stock- 
 bridges in the years 1822 and 1825. In their new home 
 they seemed to imbibe a new spirit. They adopted many 
 of the customs of the whites, becoming farmers, me- 
 chanics, the patrons of schools, and in a good degree the 
 friends and promoters of morals and religion. 1 
 
 Within the memory of our present older inhabitants, 
 the scattered members of these several tribes lingered 
 around Clinton. The Brothertowns, especially, on mili- 
 tary training days, and on the Fourth of July, were in 
 the habit of coming to the village to spend the day in 
 shooting with bow and arrow, wrestling, leaping and 
 running, often ending it in drunkenness and fighting. 
 
 These brief sketches of the Indian tribes formerly in- 
 habiting this region suggest the old inquiry as to the 
 equity of the treatment which the red men have received 
 from the whites, and as to their ultimate destiny as a 
 race. Probably none will maintain that our dealings 
 with them have in all respects been just and generous. 
 Yet if there ever was a people whose manifest destiny it 
 was to decline and give room to a better race, it was the 
 Indian. Mr. Lewis Morgan, in his book entitled " The 
 League of the Iroquois," thus describes the great central 
 trail of the Indians through the State of New York : 
 " It was from twelve to eighteen inches wide, and deeply 
 worn in the ground ; varying in this respect from three 
 to six inches, depending upon the firmness of the soil. 
 
 i For many years prior to their removal West, Mr. Thomas Dean (after whom 
 Deansville was named) was the Commissioner of the State to manage their 
 affairs. Mr. Dean was the father of Mrs. Professor Catlin. 
 
DESTINY OF THE INDIANS. 17 
 
 The large trees on each side of the trail were frequently 
 marked with the hatchet. This well-beaten foot-path, 
 which no runner nor band of warriors could mistake, had 
 doubtless been trod by successive generations from cen- 
 tury to century. It was the natural line of travel, geo- 
 graphically considered, between the Hudson and Lake 
 Erie." 
 
 And this was all that aboriginal civilization could do ! 
 Its great central highway across this State was a mere 
 foot-path, twelve or eighteen inches wide, and this it had 
 been for centuries, with no prospect of improvement. 
 Its petty, commerce was transacted upon the backs of 
 men and women, and in little bark canoes. It subdued 
 no forests, built no cities, turnpikes, canals, railways, or 
 telegraphs ; it established no schools and churches ; it 
 formed no written language, printed no books, cultivated 
 no arts ; it did nothing to advance the race in intelligence 
 and virtue. And even when the lights of learning and 
 religion were offered to this people, they seemed incapable 
 of appreciating the gift and turning it to good account. 
 Surely, we as the stronger race cannot assume to be clean 
 of all injustice toward them, nor can we withhold tears 
 of sympathy over their melancholy fate, yet we must 
 believe that they were unfit to be the lords of this broad 
 land, and were righteously doomed to pass away. 
 2 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 In the foregoing pages, we have endeavored to present 
 the physical aspects and surroundings of this region of 
 country, with its inhabitants, and some of the leading 
 events which had transpired here before the town became 
 the permanent abode of a civilized community. To a 
 traveller passing through the Oriskany Valley in the year 
 1785, the country presented all the indications of an un- 
 broken wilderness. His path was an Indian trail. If he 
 ascended the hill on the west, he looked down upon a sea 
 of forests undulating over the knolls and slopes which 
 diversify the valley, and up the amphitheatre of hills 
 which rise on the east and south. Here and there he 
 saw little wreaths of smoke curling up from Indian wig- 
 wams, and perhaps through openings tin the trees he 
 caught an occasional glimmer of the Oriskany. Beyond 
 all were the Trenton hills, as blue and serene as now. 
 
 Before the war of the Revolution, Dutch settlers came 
 up the Mohawk Valley from Albany and New York, and 
 established themselves along that river, their western- 
 most towns being Herkimer and German Flats. The 
 fertile banks of the Mohawk contented them ; they saw 
 no star of empire beckoning to the West. But after the 
 Revolution, a new emigration set in, chiefly from New 
 England. During the war, many persons who pene- 
 trated the country as soldiers took pains to observe the 
 character and resources of the land, and its fitness for 
 permanent occupancy on the return of peace. It is 
 
EARLY EXPLORERS. 19 
 
 mentioned by Judge Williams in his Historical Address, 
 that " as early as 1776, seven pairs of brothers, from as 
 many different families in the town of Plymouth, Conn., 
 enlisted under the command of Captain David Smith, 
 were marched westward, and during the summer of that 
 year were stationed by turns at Fort Herkimer, Fort 
 Schuyler, and Fort Stanwix. They visited the sur- 
 rounding country, and at the close of the war were ready 
 at once to go up and possess the land." 
 
 It would seem, however, that the earliest actual settlers 
 in this region Avere two enterprising Germans, named 
 Roof and Brodock, who with their families came from 
 German Flats, in the year 1760, and took up their abode 
 at the landing-place on the Mohawk near Fort Stanwix, 
 where they gained a livelihood by transporting produce 
 and goods across the carrying-place from the river to 
 Wood Creek. 1 Roof was also an inn-keeper and a trader 
 with the Indians. These men held no title to their lands, 
 but occupied them under a contract for their purchase 
 from Oliver Delancey, one of the proprietors of the Oris- 
 kany patent. They were driven from this post during 
 the war, but on the declaration of peace they returned 
 and took up their abode in their old quarters. This was 
 in reality the first settlement of whites in central New 
 York, yet the regular and systematic work of colonizing 
 the country and filling it with landholders and permanent 
 citizens did not commence until the year 1784. This was 
 undertaken by Mr. Hugh White, who, with his four sons 
 
 1 The Mohawk River was navigable from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler for 
 boats carrying twenty tons, and to Fort Stanwix for small batteaux. At the 
 latter place, a portage of a mile and a half was required to carry goods and 
 produce to Wood Creek, which empties into Oneida Lake. Fish Creek connects 
 this lake with Lake Ontario. Thu* was formed a thoroughfare between tide- 
 water and the Great Lakes of the West. 
 
20 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 and a daughter and daughter-in-law, came that year 
 from Middletown, Conn., into the region since known 
 as Whitestown. Immediately after the declaration of 
 peace, he had purchased a portion of the Sadaqueda 
 patent, and now, in May, 1784, he came on with a part 
 of his family to take possession. They ascended the 
 Hudson River to Albany, then crossed over to Schenec- 
 tady, and from thence came up the Mohawk in a batteau 
 to the mouth of the Sauquoit Creek. His purchase con- 
 sisted of fifteen hundred acres of land lying on the right 
 of the Indian path between Fort Schuyler and Fort 
 -Stanwix, and covered a portion of the present village of 
 Whitesboro. Having erected a log-house and cleared a 
 part of his land, he returned to Connecticut in January 
 following, and brought on the remainder of his family. 
 Next year, his little colony was increased by the addition 
 of several families, and the name of Whitestown, which 
 stood for an indefinite region in central New York, was 
 soon known throughout New England. 
 
 Two years after this, namely, in the spring of 1787, the 
 settlement of the town of Kirkland was begun. In the 
 autumn of the previous year, Moses Foot, in company 
 with a few other explorers, had visited this neighborhood, 
 ' inquiring into its suitableness for a settlement ; and in 
 February following, James Bronson also came to look into 
 this valley, and spent a night (February 27, 1787) on 
 Clinton Green, sheltered by the upturned roots of an an- 
 cient hemlock. There is a tradition, also, that Ludim 
 Blodgett was here quite early in the fall of 1786, and 
 showed his faith in the future town by commencing a log- 
 house on what is now the corner of the village Park and 
 Kellogg Street. These visits, however, were only pre- 
 liminary surveys of Kirkland's capabilities. 
 
FIRST SETTLERS. 21 
 
 The settlement was actually begun in the spring of the 
 year 1787, by seven or eight families, five of them from 
 the town of Plymouth already mentioned. They had 
 started from New England a few years before, and for some 
 now unknown reason halted at German Flats, which was 
 then the most western settlement of permanent inhabitants. 
 All needful inquiries and preparations having been made 
 at that point, these several families moved onward to this 
 region. At the time of their coming, there were three 
 log-houses at Fort Schuyler (now Utica), seven at 
 Whitestown, three at Oriskany, five at Fort Stanwix 
 (Rome), and three at Westmoreland. These twenty-one 
 rude shelters covered all the population then in Oneida 
 County. Our pioneers followed what was known as 
 " the old Moyer road," which brought them to what is 
 now Paris Hill, and thence turning north, they halted 
 near the site of the present village of Clinton. This was 
 on the 4th of March, 1787. The " Moyer road " just 
 mentioned was a part of the Indian trail leading from 
 Buffalo to the Mohawk Valley, and terminating at a 
 place some distance east of Utica, where a Dutchman 
 named Moyer kept a tavern. 
 
 It would seem that the exploring party who came here 
 in the fall of 1786, were not agreed at first as to the best 
 site for the future settlement ; a part choosing the ele- 
 vated plateau one mile and a half east of Clinton, and 
 others preferring the present site of the village, and 
 neither party inclined to yield to the wishes of the other. 
 Committees were appointed on both sides, who met for 
 negotiation on the banks of a small stream midway 
 between the two localities, but separated without com- 
 ing to any satisfactory conclusion. Another set of dele- 
 gates was appointed, by whom at length the eastern 
 
22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 party was induced to join the western. This happy re- 
 sult was due in no small degree to the tact and persua- 
 sive powers of Moses Foot. 
 
 I have said that the settlement was begun by "seven 
 or eight families." There are two historic doubts 
 involved in this subject : the one as to whether those 
 original families were seven or eight in number, and the 
 other as to the names of those families. After much 
 inquiry, I feel confident that the number was eight, 1 
 and that their names were the following : Moses Foot, 
 his three sons, Bronson, Luther, and Ira, his son-in- 
 law Barnabas Pond, James Bronson, Ludim Blodgett, 
 and Levi Sherman. As to the five first named there is 
 no question, but some would substitute Solomon Hovey 
 in place of one of the last two. This at least is certain, 
 that the wife of Mr. Hovey was the first white woman 
 who stood upon this soil. 
 
 Moses Foot, as has already been intimated, was the 
 acknowledged leader of this enterprise. And he was 
 well fitted for his position. Endowed with an iron frame 
 and great nervous force, he had also a temperament which 
 adapted him to endure privation and to control and sus- 
 tain others amid the vicissitudes of pioneer life. His 
 companions, too, were charged with Yankee pluck, inge- 
 nuity and perseverance ; and so the little colony started 
 into being and form with good prospects of success. 
 
 If there is some reasonable doubt as to the names of 
 some of the settlers who came here the first week in 
 March, it is after all a matter of little consequence. For, 
 during this very month and in April, other men as good 
 and true followed in their steps, so that in early summer 
 
 1 See Records of the Congregational Church in Clinton, page 3, at top, dated 
 November 17, 1788. Also, Thanksgiving Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Norton, p. 12. 
 
HOUSES OF THE FIRST SETTLERS. 23 
 
 the settlement contained thirteen families, and before 
 winter it numbered about twenty households. During 
 this first year, we find the following names : John 
 Bullen, Salmon Butler, James Cassety (for whom 
 Cassety-Hollow was afterwards named), William Cook, 
 Samuel Hubbard, Noah Hubbard, Amos Kellogg, Aaron 
 Kellogg, Oliver Porter, Randall Lewis, Cordial Storrs, 
 Caleb Merrill, Levi Sherman, and Judah Stebbins. 
 
 And in what sort of habitations did these first families 
 live ? The building of greatest pretension was the log- 
 house of Ludim Blodgett, which, having begun the fall 
 previous, he now finished. It was roofed over with elm- 
 bark, but was destitute of floor, windows and doors. 
 The houses of the other settlers were at first mere huts 
 made of crotched stakes driven into the ground, with poles 
 laid from crotch to crotch, and then sided and roofed over 
 with strips of bark. These certainly were rude accom- 
 modations, but the settlers cheerfully submitted to them. 1 
 Judge Jones mentions that Solomon Hovey, who seems 
 to have been rather luxurious in his tastes, made some 
 special provision for bestowing the table-furniture and 
 wardrobe of his wife. " He felled a large, hollow bass- 
 wood tree, which grew a few feet west of the present 
 Banking-House in Clinton, and, cutting off a piece of the 
 proper length, split and hewed off one of its sides : this, 
 raised upon end, with a number of shelves fitted into 
 it, was found admirably contrived for a pantry, cupboard, 
 and clothes-press." 
 
 The nucleus of the settlement was formed on a street 
 
 1 Mrs. Amos Kellogg relates that on the day of her arrival here, in the 
 winter of 1788, her hushand was obliged to shovel the snow out of their log- 
 house before they could take possession for the night. This house had been 
 built by her husband several months before. It stood on the site now occu- 
 pied by the house of Mr. J. X. Percival, on Fountain Street. 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 laid out north and south, and which extended from the 
 house now owned by Marshall W . Barker, to the house 
 of Seth K. Blair. Two acres of land were assigned to 
 each family on this street for a building-site. In the 
 course of a year, eight additional acres were set apart 
 to each family adjoining the two acre lots first named. 
 Having built their first rude huts, suitable for temporary 
 use, the settlers commenced clearing a portion of their 
 lands, and providing for raising their first crops of vege- 
 tables and Indian corn. While these crops were grow- 
 ing, they took time to select a name for their infant 
 village, and finally fixed upon that of Clinton, in honor 
 of George Clinton, then Governor of the State. It is 
 worthy of mention, also, that Governor Clinton was at 
 this time a joint-owner with General Washington of 
 several tracts of land in this county, and of a few within 
 the limits of this town. Upon this fact in our history 
 Judge Jones observes : " Lot No. 14, in the fifth grand 
 division of Coxe's borough, of 316 acres, and composing 
 the farm of the late Nathaniel Griffin (now John Bar- 
 ker's) of this town, was held by a deed directly from 
 President Washington and Governor Clinton. This deed 
 was witnessed by Tobias Lear and De Witt Clinton. 
 Within five years past, one thousand acres of the Mount 
 Vernon estate have been sold at 825.00 per acre. Wash- 
 ington could have hardly anticipated that these cheap, 
 wild lands in the vicinity of the Oneidas would, within 
 half a century, readily sell for twice or three times as 
 much per acre as his beloved Mount Vernon." l 
 
 Our first settlers easily foresaw that if corn were to 
 be grown for eating, some provision must be made for 
 grinding it. But as yet there was no grist-mill in the 
 
 1 Annals, p. 168. 
 
FIRST GRIST-MILL. 25 
 
 settlement. One had been built the year before at 
 Whitestown, by Judge White and Amos Wetmore 
 (and which is still known as Wetmore's mill), and it 
 was here that our pioneers carried their first sacks of 
 grain. The first few trips were tedious enough ; for the 
 road was only a narrow Indian trail, through woods and 
 swamps ; and, in the lack of horses, the corn had to be 
 carried on the backs of men. Wearisome, indeed, it 
 must have been, but they were stimulated by the still 
 greater pluck of their Whitestown neighbors, who for two 
 years before had carried their grain on foot and on horse- 
 back to a mill at Palatine, a distance of about forty 
 miles ! During the summer of 1787, the Clinton settlers 
 joined their forces and opened a road-way to Whites- 
 town, and as soon as it was finished, Samuel Hubbard 
 drove an ox-team to the mill and brought back six bushels 
 of Indian meal. 
 
 But our people were not content with this privilege 
 six miles away ; and accordingly, before winter set in, 
 Captain Cassety built a small grist-mill on the east side 
 of the Oriskany Creek, near the site of the present bridge 
 on College Street. To signalize the opening of the new 
 mill for business, Samuel Hubbard, Ludim Blodgett, and 
 Salmon Butler each shelled a peck of new corn, and 
 sportively cast lots to determine which should carry 
 the joint grist to mill. The lot fell upon Mr. Hubbard, 
 who slung it upon his back and marched off with it to 
 Captain Cassety's. This being the first grist to pass 
 through the hopper, custom decreed that it should be 
 ground free of toll. It is worthy of note that this was 
 the first mill built west of German Flats, except the 
 Wetmore mill. This erection was followed the same 
 year or the next by that of a saw-mill a few rods above, 
 on the same dam. 
 
26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 These early settlers, though not all of them professedly 
 pious men, respected the institutions of religion, and 
 desired to establish and maintain them in their new 
 home. Accordingly, on Sunday the 8th of April, 1787, 
 the inhabitants assembled for public religious worship. 
 The services were held in an unfinished house of Cap- 
 tain Moses Foot, a building belonging to no recog- 
 nized order of ecclesiastical architecture, it being simply 
 an enclosure of logs, " without floor, chinking, or roof." 
 This building stood upon the ground now occupied by the 
 hardware store of A. N. Owston. The exercises were 
 opened with prayer by Mr. Foot. Barnabas Pond, Bron- 
 son Foot, and Ludim Blodgett conducted the singing, and 
 Mr. Caleb Merrill, living near what is now Middle Set- 
 tlement, read a printed sermon. Religious meetings of 
 this kind, and others less formal, continued to be held, 
 with only occasional interruptions, until a church was 
 regularly organized, and a minister installed over it. 
 
 The first summer and autumn witnessed many changes 
 in the new settlement, and much progress. It saw in- 
 roads made upon the forests, and it saw fields of corn 
 and pumpkins ripening under the propitious sun. It 
 beheld new settlers arriving each month from New Eng- 
 land, and casting in their lot with those who had pre- 
 ceded them. The fathers tell us how pleasant it was to 
 see new lights gleaming at night from new windows 
 along the hillsides. They tell us how warmly the new- 
 comers were welcomed, their families being treated with 
 the best fare which could be set before them, and be- 
 stowed at night in the cabins of their friends ; and how 
 in the early morning all parties joined in felling trees, 
 cutting them into suitable lengths, stripping the bark, 
 piling the logs, covering the roofs, and escorting their 
 
MORE FIRST SETTLERS. 27 
 
 guests into their new habitations before the going down 
 of the sun. Nor do they fail to tell also of evenings spent 
 in merry house-warmings, in making inquiries about old 
 friends in New England, and in forming plans and 
 projects for the future. Well does Judge Williams here 
 observe : " What in March was a wilderness, gloomy, 
 sad, and cheerless, in October began to seem like home ; 
 and even with the child and the delicate woman, the 
 longing for New England's rocky hills and happy villages 
 had grown faint and almost vanished before the attrac- 
 tions of this fertile land, and the mutual kindness and 
 hospitality of these dwellers in the wilderness. I hazard 
 nothing in saying that this place has known no days 
 more delightful than its earliest." 1 
 
 During the summer of 1788, about twenty new fami- 
 lies were added to the original settlement, contributing 
 much to the improvement of its society and to its financial 
 prosperity. Among these we find the following names : 
 Rev. Samuel Kirkland, George Langford, Timothy Tut- 
 tle, Benjamin Pollard, Zadoch Loomis, Theodore Man- 
 ross, Andrew Blanchard, Silas Austen, Joshua Morse, 
 Elias Dewey, Joseph Gleason. 
 
 When the lands now covered by this town were first 
 selected by Captain Foot and his party, it was supposed 
 that they had never been surveyed, and were not em- 
 braced within the limits of any patent. They considered 
 themselves " squatters," presuming that when the land 
 came into market they could claim it by preemption 
 right. What, then, was their surprise, on exploring and 
 clearing up the forests, to find lines of marked trees; and 
 on further inquiry to learn that they had settled upon 
 Coxe's patent, " a tract of land granted by the colony of 
 
 His'. Address, p. 8. 
 
28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 New York, May 30, 1770, to Daniel Coxe, William Coxe, 
 Rebecca Coxe, and John Tabor Kempe and Grace his 
 wife." Their settlement was found to be' located on 
 " the two thousand and sixteen acres tract," by which 
 descriptive name it was long known to the older inhabit- 
 ants and surveyors. This plot was bounded on the north 
 by the farm now owned by Henry Gleason, on the 
 east by David Pickett's, on the south by Seth K. Blair's, 
 and on the west by the Oriskany Creek. On further 
 search, it was found that this tract had already been 
 divided into twenty lots of nearly equal size, and that the 
 proprietors had offered it as a gift to any colony of twenty 
 families who would take it up and occupy it as a perma- 
 nent settlement. At once our settlers hoped that they 
 might enjoy the benefit of this generous offer ; but the 
 patentees, learning that their lands had already been oc- 
 cupied in ignorance of their proposal, refused to make 
 the gift, and required the squatters to buy the land at the 
 rate of ten shillings an acre. Accordingly, in the summer 
 of 1788, Captain Foot was sent to Philadelphia to pur- 
 chase the whole tract on the best possible terms ; and 
 eventually, the several lots were parceled out at cost 
 among the different settlers. The triangular piece of 
 land which afterwards became the site of the village was 
 c ailed " the handkerchief lot," from its resemblance on the 
 map to a half-handkerchief, and this was bought by Cap- 
 tain Foot. 
 
 While the affairs of the young community were pro- 
 gressing thus happily, an incident occurred which filled 
 all hearts with sadness. In the spring of 1788, Miss 
 Merab Tuttle, daughter of Col. Timothy Tuttle, and 
 about seventeen years of age, started, one afternoon, with 
 Miss Anna Foot, daughter of Moses Foot, to make a 
 
THE FIRST DEATH. 29 
 
 call at Mr. William Cook's, who lived in a log-house just 
 beyond the west bank of the Oriskany. In girlish sport- 
 iveness, they stopped on their way at Cassety's mill, and 
 whitened their locks with mill-dust, in imitation of the 
 French hair-powder then in fashion. On their return, 
 they found the stream, swollen by the spring freshet, had 
 risen above its usual height, and was dashing furiously 
 down its channel. No bridge then spanned the creek at 
 this place, nor indeed at any point from its source to its 
 termination. The settlers had felled two trees across the 
 stream just below the site of the present bridge, and it 
 was on this narrow and slippery footing that the young 
 ladies must cross. They hesitated, at first, and shrank 
 back with fear, but Miss Foot, the more courageous of 
 the two, led the way, and was followed by her companion. 
 When about half-way across the creek, Miss Foot was 
 startled by an exclamation of fright from her friend, and 
 on looking back saw her reel and fall into the water and 
 soon disappear. Miss Foot's loud cries for help quickly 
 drew several persons to the spot. Mr. Cook, who was 
 first on the ground, sprang into the creek, and nearly 
 caught hold of the drowning girl's garments, when a 
 sudden sway of the current bore her from his reach and 
 his sight, under a pile of drift-wood. The news of this 
 sad event soon spread through the little community, and 
 all joined in the search for the lost child. Hooks made 
 by the blacksmith and fastened to poles were used to drag 
 the stream. The night was spent in fruitless search. In 
 the morning the body was found on the shore of the 
 creek about half a mile below, near the site of the pres- 
 ent Clinton Factory. At the funeral, no clergyman be- 
 ing present, prayer was offered by Captain Foot, and a 
 sermon was read by Nehemiah Jones, the text being 
 
30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 taken from 1 Samuel xx. 3 : " There is but a step be- 
 tween me and death." 
 
 No piece of land having yet been selected for a public 
 burial-place, her grave was first dug upon the Village 
 Green ; but this being thought too wet, she was finally 
 interred on her father's farm, in a field which afterward 
 became the south part of the present " burying-ground." 
 Her grave was dug by Barnabas Pond, and it is said on 
 his own authority that he dug every grave in that burial- 
 place until there had been over one hundred interments. 
 There does not appear to be any record of the first desig- 
 nation of this land for a public cemetery. Rev. Dr. 
 Norton informed me, near the close of his life, that in the 
 spring of 1796, Mr. Bartholomew Pond, who then owned 
 what is now called the Royce farm, made a donation to 
 " the Society of Clinton," of one acre of land " to be used 
 as a burying-yard," which was accepted, and is the south- 
 east portion of the present old cemetery. 
 
 The second death in this little community was that of 
 Thomas Fancher, Jr., who Was killed by the falling of a 
 tree, in 1791 ; the third was that of Mrs. Mercy Steb- 
 bins, in 1792, who was the wife of Judah Stebbins, Jr., 
 and the mother of the late James D. Stebbins. 
 
 These early inhabitants were married and given in 
 marriage, like their [fathers before them. For we read 
 that in the second year of the town, Elias Dewey was 
 wedded to Anna Foot, and Andrew Blanchard to Mary 
 Cook. This Mr. Dewey built his house on the land now 
 occupied by the residence of Hon. O. S. Williams. This 
 year was signalized also by a public wedding, at which 
 Roger Leverett was married to Miss Elizabeth Cheese- 
 borough. The ceremony took place in a log-house which 
 stood upon a knoll on the road to Utica, just east of Slo- 
 
A FAST HORSE! 31 
 
 cram's bridge. Among the invited guests was Jason Par- 
 ker, of Utica, afterwards widely known as a stage pro- 
 prietor and mail contractor. We find record, also, of the 
 marriage of William Stebbins and Lydia Branch, Novem- 
 ber 25, 1790. In this case, the bans were solemnized by 
 Rev. Samson Occum, the Indian minister. 
 
 The year 1789 witnessed the arrival of many new set- 
 tlers, among whom was Jesse Curtiss, whose long and 
 useful life terminated within the memory of the present 
 generation. In addition to Mr. Curtiss, we find the 
 names of Timothy Pond, Eli Bristol, Joel Bristol, Jonah 
 Sanford, Samuel Curtiss, John Curtiss, Ebenezer Butler, 
 Theodore Gridley, Bartholomew Pond, Rufus Millard, 
 William Marsh, and William Carpenter. 
 
 There is a tradition of a horse being owned here at an 
 early day, by Captain Foot, and of his being soon stolen 
 by the Indians. But, this half-mythical beast aside, all 
 sorts of team-work in the settlement had hitherto been 
 done by oxen. During the third summer, a few horses 
 began to appear, two of whom were owned respectively 
 by William Carpenter and Nathan Marsh. It is doubt- 
 ful whether history would have preserved the record of 
 these animals had it not been for their singular display 
 of bottom and speed on the road to Albany ; for it is 
 credibly reported that their owners having set out on 
 horseback for that city on a certain day, " Jesse Curtiss 
 and Bartholomew Pond started on foot at the same time, 
 and arrived at Albany some hours before them ! " 
 
 The summer of 1789 witnessed a great scarcit}^ of food 
 in this region. Wheat flour — then a rare luxury — 
 was exhausted. Corn-meal and the last year's supply 
 of potatoes were gone, and the new crop was still grow- 
 ing in the field. Early in the spring, the stuck of pota- 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 toes was so small that the eyes were cut out for planting, 
 and the remainder preserved for the table. Animal food 
 was equally scarce ; for, to slaughter the few cattle which 
 the inhabitants possessed would have entailed a loss such 
 as they could have borne only in the last extremity. 
 Money for buying food was also out of the question. All 
 sorts of expedients were resorted to. Some persons 
 scoured the woods for game, and for ground nuts and 
 leeks ; the L Oriskany and adjoining streams were plied 
 with fishing-rods, and the hunter who chanced to come 
 upon a bear and her whelps, rejoiced as one who had 
 found great spoil. But men engaged in tilling farms could 
 ill afford to leave their fields for hunting and fishing ; 
 and at best these resources were uncertain, and could last 
 only a short time. All persons were put on short allow- 
 ance ; strong men denied themselves needful food, so that 
 the weak and helpless might not suffer. When things 
 had come to this pass, and famine stared them in the 
 face, a small company of men started for Fort Plain, 
 Montgomery County, to see whether supplies could not 
 be obtained on some terms in that region. For it must 
 be remembered that the settlements in the Mohawk 
 Valley had hardly recovered from, the depredations of 
 hostile Indians during the Revolutionary War. Then, 
 too, the whole annual produce of the country was quickly 
 consumed by the emigrants pouring in from the East ; 
 and, in the absence of railroads and canals, it was diffi- 
 cult to transport hither grain and cattle from the older 
 settlements. 
 
 As illustrating the straits into which the people were 
 sometimes thrown, it may be mentioned here, that a few 
 years before, the scarcity of animal food became so great 
 in the adjoining settlement of Whitestown, that the in- 
 
SCARCITY OF FOOD. 33 
 
 habitants caught pigeons in the spring, and salted them 
 down in barrels. This food answered in place of some- 
 thing better ; and those who ate it were accustomed 
 afterwards to tell their well-fed children that " though 
 not so palatable as some delicacies which might be 
 named, yet it tasted nearly as well as the salt that was 
 put upon it, besides carrying the idea of being actual 
 meat victuals to boot." 1 
 
 But to return to our story. The part}'- sent to Fort 
 Plain found there a farmer and miller by the name of 
 Isaac Paris, who listened favorably to their appeal. 
 With a promptness and generosity wholly unexpected, he 
 Loaded a small flat-boat with flour and meal, and sent it 
 up (lie Mohawk to theJ£«£fek=Bfc*iiaOriskany. Here 
 it was met by a par^y ^\owL'*§e^li^s^^o transhipped 
 the precious cargo into a log canoe of their own make, 
 ;uiil by means of paddles, ropes and setting^poles, worked 
 it up the creek asXaspas the present Q$hton Factory. 
 From thence it was tr^^fi^t^pi^o^ts. to the village. 
 The ww* of its arrival spreiuTTBJoiiiiiiyihrough all hearts ; 
 the very woods echoed with songs and shouts of gladness. 
 
 This cargo of breadstuff's was not wholly a gift from 
 Mr. Paris. The settlers had no silver and gold to offer 
 him, but their forests abounded in ginseng, and this he 
 was willing to accept in payment, the same to be deliv- 
 ered the following autumn. This plant, which cultivation 
 has nearly extirpated from our farm-lands, once grew hero 
 in abundance. The roots, gathered in bundles and dried, 
 were shipped from our seaports to Europe, where they 
 were long esteemed an antidote to the plague. 
 
 The name of Paris was held in high regard, and when, 
 in the year 17 ( J2, a new town, including Clinton, was set 
 
 i Tracy, p. 86. 
 3 
 
34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 off from Whitestown, the inhabitants called it Paris, in 
 grateful honor of their benefactor. 
 
 Notwithstanding this temporary scarcity of food, the 
 settlement continued to grow. In this year (1789) 
 Colonel Timothy Tuttle built the first frame house, 
 which still stands, and is the building lately used by Mr. 
 Edward Alexander as an office at his coal-yard, on the 
 Manchester road. The second frame building was put 
 up this year, by Ebenezer Butler, Jr. ; it stood on the 
 site of Mr. Asa Olmstead's present residence, and was 
 kept as a store. The third was built in the fall by Jesse 
 Curtiss. The circumstances attending the sawing of his 
 lumber are worthy of mention, as illustrating the energy 
 of the man and the spirit of the times. I give the ac- 
 count substantially in the words of Judge Williams: 
 His logs had been hauled to the mill ready for sawing, 
 when (it was in the latter part of October) the snow 
 fell to the depth of nearly two feet, upon a bed of mud 
 well nigh impassable. The weather soon became cold 
 and inclement, and exceedingly unfavorable to all kinds 
 of business. Mr. Curtiss, however, bent on putting up 
 a house before Christmas, plodded his way to Captain 
 Foot's saw-mill, where, for three days and two nights, 
 without cessation, and without help, he continued to 
 drive the mill and work off the lumber necessary for his 
 house. On finishing his task, " his hands had become 
 glazed as by fire, by the constant use of the frosty iron 
 bars of the mill ; " yet he made little account of it, for he 
 was soon enabled to accomplish his purpose of erecting 
 and enclosing a house before the final setting in of winter. 
 This building is now a shed in the rear of his youngest 
 son's barn, and every timber in it seems to cry out, — 
 " To what base uses we may return, Horatio ! " 
 
THE FIRST BIRTH. 35 
 
 Frame burns were also put up this year, — one by 
 Judah Stebbins on the farm now owned by John Elliott, 
 and another on the Kellogg property east of the village. 
 
 Immigration continued steadily to increase the popula- 
 tion and resources of the town, so that before the year 
 1793 most of the land within two miles from the centre 
 of the village, and some beyond that distance, had been 
 parceled off into farms, and sold to actual settlers. 
 Among the new-comers of 1792 was Thomas Hart, a 
 man of great natural force, and some of whose descend- 
 ants afterwards became distinguished in other parts of 
 the State. Nor should we omit to mention, as one evi- 
 dence of the prosperity of our settlement, that children 
 were born unto it. The first was Clinton Foot, son of 
 Luther Foot, who died before reaching manhood. The 
 second born was Fanny Kellogg, daughter of Amos Kel- 
 logg, and afterwards the wife of Orrin Gridley. The 
 lli ii( 1 was Julius Pond, born July 2G, 1789, and the 
 fourth was James D. Stebbins, born September 11th of 
 the same year, and whose death has but' recently trans- 
 pired. 
 
 We have now reached a period of great interest in our 
 narrative. The years next to come include the history 
 of tin; formation of the Congregational church in this 
 town, the installation of its first pastor, the Rev. Dr. 
 Norton, and the building of its first house of worship ; 
 they take us to the founding of Hamilton Oneida Acad- 
 emy, and Hamilton College ; they introduce us to Sam- 
 uel Kirkland, Azel Backus, and other men of like mind, 
 who were engaged here in laying the foundations of 
 things to come. But these topics, so inviting, must be 
 postponed to future chapters. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 BEFOEE proceeding with the regular course of this 
 history, I propose to turn aside briefly and gather up a 
 few miscellaneous facts which could not well be woven 
 into the previous narrative. 
 
 The Oneida, Stockbridge, and Brothertown Indians 
 were familiar visitors in this region, whether on hunting 
 and fishing excursions, or in pursuing that easy-going, 
 vagabond life which became them. Mrs. Amos Kellogg 
 used to relate that she was often waked from sleep at 
 night by the tramping and whooping of large bands of 
 Indians returning from the chase or other expeditions. 
 Whether they meant it as a sort of calathumpian exer- 
 cise, to discipline the nerves of their white neighbors ; or 
 whether, being intoxicated, they little knew or cared how 
 much disturbance they made, she could not tell ; but she 
 was very sure that such demoniacal bowlings did not 
 promote sound sleep in her cabin. She also related that 
 often when alone in her house, engaged in domestic 
 duties, perhaps with a child in the cradle, Indians would 
 open her door without knocking, and steal in softly with 
 moccasined feet, unperceived, and, tapping her on the 
 shoulder, say with deep, guttural voice, " Indian want 
 'tater ; Indian hungry ; me want 'tater." Trembling with 
 fear, yet feigning unconcern, she uniformly gave them 
 what they desired, and they soon left her without moles- 
 tation. Sometimes it would be a squaw, with sad face and 
 mournful voice, drawing her blanket about her shoulders, 
 
HABITS OF THE INDIANS. 37 
 
 and whining, "Me hungry; senape (her husband) gone, 
 pa]>] loose dead ; me hungry ! " 
 
 Mrs. Eli Lucas remembers that roving bands of In- 
 dians, both Oneidas and Stockbridges, used to come to 
 her father's house just at evening, and beg permission 
 to stay over night. Leave being granted, if none were 
 intoxicated, they stretched themselves on the kitchen 
 floor, with their feet to the fire of huge logs, and so, after 
 crooning awhile to one another, they fell asleep. At 
 daybreak, they rose and silently left the house, seldom 
 purloining anything from their host. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Lothrop, in his Memoir of Rev. Samuel 
 Kirkland, relates that Mr. Kirkland's house in Clinton 
 l * was the constant resort of Indians from all the Six 
 Nations in their wanderings to and fro, and particularly 
 of those on the territory of the Oneidas, and in his im- 
 mediate neighborhood. They were continually coming 
 to him for assistance or advice in things temporal and 
 spiritual ; and when they came they expected to be en- 
 tertained. Fond of nocturnal conferences, they com- 
 monly arranged it so as to pass the night at or near his 
 house, and supper and breakfast had to be provided for 
 them. It was no unusual thing for him to furnish 
 seventy, eighty, and sometimes one hundred meals to 
 Indians in the course of a single week." It is also said 
 that when any of the Indians came to Mr. Kirkland's 
 house drunk, he locked thorn up in his corn-house until 
 they became sober. 
 
 oral of the Stockbridge tribe were quite conspicuous 
 in these parts for a season, of whom I cannot speak 
 particularly. Among these were John Quinney and his 
 brother Joseph, John Metoxiii, Captain Bendricks and his 
 strong-minded and most excellent wife Lydia, Mary Dox- 
 
38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIEKLAND. 
 
 tator and John Kunkerpot. This John Kunkerpot when 
 a boy spent some time at Dartmouth College, and on 
 returning to his own people bade fair to become a prom- 
 inent and useful man. In a few years, however, the influ- 
 uence of blood and national habit began to tell upon him, 
 and he became indolent and vicious. My venerable 
 friend Gaius Butler says of him, " I remember John 
 Kunkerpot well. He was oftener drunk than sober, yet 
 he was witty and keen in repartee. When one of our cit- 
 izens bantered him about the black mark put upon Cain, 
 he replied, ' P'raps it was a white mark ! ' " 1 
 
 While Hamilton Oneida Academy was in process of 
 erection, Mr. Kirkland brought five Indian boys from 
 Oneida to his own house in Clinton, to prepare them for 
 entering the Academy when it should open its doors. 
 They were taught in a log school-house on the knoll 
 directly in front of the Lucas place. One of these boys 
 was David Cusick, who afterwards became somewhat 
 distinguished. He was quite playful and quick-witted. 
 One day, as Mr. Kirkland was teaching him the Cate- 
 chism, to the question, " Who made man ? " he replied, 
 " God." " And who made woman ? " " God." " And 
 how did He make woman?" "Out of old husks, I 
 guess ! " 
 
 That the Indian character possessed many excellent 
 
 - a It is often said that the Indian mind is wholly lacking in the sense of humor. 
 When a missionary, named Cram, once visited the Senecas on their Reservation 
 in western New York, and asked permission to introduce Christianity among 
 them. Red Jacket, one of their chiefs, replied confessing that the religion they 
 already had did not make his people very good, and that he would be glad of 
 another if it would certainly do the work. To test the power of Cram's religion, 
 therefore, he recommended that he should first go over to the village of Buffalo, 
 and try it for a few months upon the whites. If it made them honest and vera- 
 cious and kind, he might bring it to the Reservation, and the Senecas would 
 accept it. History is silent as to whether the missionary's success warranted his 
 return to the Indians. 
 
STORY OF " THE FINE FAT STEER." 39 
 
 traits none will deny ; yet it was also marred by weak- 
 nesses, vices and crimes. As illustrating the thieving 
 propensities of the natives of this region, I will refer 
 my readers to the story of " the fine, fat steer," as told 
 by Hon. Pomroy Jones, with full detail, pp. 873 to 879, 
 of his " Annals." Judge Williams relates the same in 
 fewer words, and I will enrich my pages with his narra- 
 tive. The story is familiar to the old inhabitants of this 
 region, and should be handed down to their children. 
 
 " In 1787, Theodore Manross, who had commenced a 
 clearing *on the farm for many years occupied by Jesse 
 Wood, about a mile south of Clinton, missed from his 
 herd a fine, fat steer. Suspicion soon fell upon a party 
 of Oneidas who, led by a chief called Beechtree, had for 
 some days been encamped on the hill south of him, and 
 were digging ginseng in the vicinity ; search was made, 
 their encampment was deserted, and the fresh offals of 
 the animal were found near by, secreted. 
 
 k - A party of ten or twelve ad ive and resolute young 
 men was soon formed. Moses Foot was their captain, 
 and among the company were Jesse Curtiss, Levi Barker, 
 and several other familiar names. 
 
 " The Indian trail was fresh, and their path through 
 the nettles and undergrowth was as plain to the sharp 
 eyes of the eager pursuers as a beaten track to the 
 traveller. They followed them to Paris Hill, then to 
 the Sauquoil Creek, a little north of the present village, 
 and thence down the stream. As they came near New 
 1 1 mil "id, the track was so fresh that it was manifest 
 they were close upon tin- Indians. Soon they spied them 
 marching single file, and, taking a little circuit, they 
 came into the path before them, and turning towards 
 them, met them face to face. 
 
40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 " ' Stop ! ' said Captain Foot, to Beechtree, their 
 leader ; ' you have stolen and killed the white man's 
 steer.' ' Indian has not killed the white man's steer,' 
 replied Beechtree, leaping forward and drawing from his 
 belt his long hunting-knife. Quick as thought, Captain 
 Foot raised a heavy cane and brought it down with con- 
 vincing force upon the naked head of Beechtree. He 
 winced, and settled down beneath the powerful blow : it 
 was enough, the party surrendered, and on search being 
 made, the hide and bell of the missing animal were found 
 in the pack of one of the Indians, who bore the expressive 
 cognomen of Saucy Nick. 
 
 " This was pretty good proof. As the modern and 
 fashionable defenses of sleep-walking, insanity, and the 
 like were not known to these untutored Avild ones, they 
 frankly confessed the deed. The prisoners were marched 
 back in a body, and forthwith were confined and guarded 
 in the house of Col. Timothy Tuttle, standing on the 
 site of the present Royce mansion. Mr. Kirkland was 
 immediately sent for, and by permission of the guard they 
 sent a swift messenger to Oneida to summon their friends 
 and chiefs to their assistance, sending a message to them 
 at the same time to drive over a certain cow as a means 
 of settlement for the wrong committed. 
 
 " Before the morning sun had risen high, their friends 
 appeared, led by the wise and venerable Skenandoa. 
 The negotiation was carried on in the house of Mr. 
 Tuttle, mainly between Captain Foot and Skenandoa, 
 Mr. Kirkland acting as interpreter. And finally it was 
 agreed that the Indians should give the cow which had 
 been driven from Oneida, to Mr. Manross, to make him 
 good, and the ginseng which they had dug, to the party 
 of young men who had pursued them, to pay them for 
 
"SAUCY NICK." 41 
 
 their time and trouble. The whole matter was concluded 
 before noon, and this resolute conduct of the settlers 
 entirely prevented the recurrence of similar aggressions. 
 
 " Saucy Nick was alone sullen and revengeful. The 
 theft was more especially charged to and proved upon 
 him ; and on the march from New Hartford to Clinton, 
 he had had a bitter wrangle with one Lemuel Cook, who, 
 if all accounts are true, was as much entitled to the appel- 
 lation of ' saucy,' as Nick himself. His abusive speech. 
 had sunk deep into the Indian's memory, and his ardent 
 longing was for revenge and blood. Soon after, he un- 
 successfully attempted to kill Cook at Fort Schuyler, and, 
 the next season, as Cook was ploughing on his farm (now 
 owned by Mrs. Luther Comstock), an Indian arrow 
 whistled swiftly past his ear. The hand that sent it, 
 though unseen, could not be mistaken, and Cook, warned 
 of his danger, soon sold his farm and returned to Con- 
 necticut." 1 
 
 From all accounts, it is evident that Saucy Nick and 
 his family were of bad blood. They were noted among 
 the Oneidas for their great physical strength and their 
 cruel dispositions and ferocious temper. It was one of 
 this evil race who sought Rev. Mr. Kirkland's life at 
 Oneida, before the Revolution, and from whose bloody 
 hands lie was saved by being concealed in a chest of 
 drawers. It is also supposed that this man was the 
 original after whom the novelist Cooper drew the charac- 
 ter of Wyandotte, in his " Hutted Knoll." 
 
 An incident less commonly known than the foregoing, 
 
 1 Lecture, p. 20. Mr. < look finally died at the house of his son, in Clarendon, 
 X. V.. May 21, L869, .'i_ r <''! one hundred and four years. Five generations of his 
 descendant-; were present at his funeral. !!<-■ was to the last a great story-teller 
 and one of his favorites was that of " The fine fat steer and Saucy Nick." 
 
42 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 and exhibiting the brutal character of the Indians, may 
 be found in the early life of Heinrich Staring, who 
 afterwards became first judge of Herkimer County. 
 
 One day, late in the month of November, 1778, while 
 in the woods near Herkimer, he fell in with a strolling 
 party of Oneida Indians, who seized him and marched 
 him off in the direction of Clinton, stopping for the night 
 a few miles south of this village, in what is now Deans- 
 ville. Here they took possession of a small uninhabited 
 wigwam, on the eastern bank of the Oriskany Creek 
 This wigwam was made of logs, and consisted of two 
 rooms, separated by a log partition. Into the larger of 
 these rooms the outside door opened, and was the only 
 entrance to the building. There was also a door in the 
 partition between the two rooms. In the small room 
 there was a little window six feet above the floor. The 
 Indians brought their captive into this room, where they 
 supposed he could be kept safe until morning. To make 
 the matter sure, they bound his hands behind his back 
 with withes, and fastened his ankles together in the same 
 way, and then laid him on the ground. Then they built 
 a fire in the other room, and sat down to consult what 
 final disposition should be made of him. That he should 
 be put to death they were all agreed : the only point of 
 deliberation was, how to do this so as to afford them the 
 greatest entertainment. The conclusion was that he 
 should be burned alive the next morning before a slow 
 fire. During their conference, Staring began to contrive 
 some method of escape ; and before they had finished 
 their talk, he had loosened one of the withes from his 
 arm so that he could draw it out at pleasure. This 
 accomplished, he knew that the rest would be an easy 
 matter. He then slipped his hand back into its place, 
 
CASE OF HEINRICH STARING. 43 
 
 and feigned sleep ; and when the Indians came in soon 
 after to examine him and found all safe, they retired, 
 whispering to each other with fiendish, exultation that he 
 was sleeping for the last time. They then stretched 
 themselves before the fire, and soon fell into a profound 
 slumber. 
 
 "When they had been a long time quiet, Staring slipped 
 his hand from the withes, unfettered his ankles, cautiously 
 climbed up the logs on the side of the room, and leaped 
 from the window without alarming his keepers. To re- 
 move his ankles from the withes, he had been obliged to 
 take-off his shoes ; and in the haste of escaping, he had 
 forgotten to bring them with him. So now, though out- 
 side of the hut, lie was barefoot in a frosty night, twenty 
 miles from home, without guide or path, and a pack of 
 blood-thirsty savages intent on killing him. But escape 
 seemed possible, and so, hastening noiselessly to the bank 
 of tin' creek, he began to follow its course down stream, 
 lie had gone only a few miles, when the whoop of the 
 Indians and the bark of their dogs fell on his ear. To 
 throw the dogs off their scent, he plunged into the water, 
 and ran along the channel for some distance, and then 
 crossed to the other side. Being a good runner, he out- 
 stripped the Indians, and ere long had the satisfaction of 
 finding that they had given up the pursuit. When he 
 reached the path from Oneida to Fort Schuyler, which 
 crossed the Oriskany Creek "about half a mile north- 
 west of i he present village of Clinton," he took this trail 
 iiinl followed it to the Mohawk Valley. On reaching 
 Fori Schuyler, he found a canoe which had floated down 
 the river, and lodged in some willow bushes near the 
 landing. Taking possession of this, by a vigorous use of 
 the paddles, aided by the current, he soon reached home. 1 
 
 1 See Tracy's Lecture, p. 24. 
 
44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 It is an old saying that the Indian never forgets a favor 
 nor forgives an injury. Judge Jones relates a story 
 which does not confirm this opinion. His account, much 
 condensed, runs thus : A young Oneida chief called with 
 his wife one day at the tavern of Barnabas Pond, in 
 Clinton, and asked for rum. Mr. Pond replied that he 
 never sold it to. Indians intoxicated, but as he appeared 
 sober, he would let him have a little. After dividing his 
 dram with his wife, he went away. 
 
 In the afternoon they returned, and five other Indians 
 with them. The young chief was now excited with 
 liquor. As he stepped up to the bar and demanded a«half- 
 pint of rum, Major Pond repeated what he had said in 
 the morning, and refused to sell him any strong drink. 
 " But I want to treat my friends," said the chief, " and 
 will not taste a drop myself:" at the same time- he 
 showed a piece of silver coin which he had tied up in his 
 handkerchief. Major Pond then let him have the rum, 
 and, true to his word, he' gave it to his companions. Just 
 as they were leaving the inn, Major Pond reminded the 
 chief that he had not paid for his liquor. " Haven't got 
 no money, and can't pay for it." "Not so," said the 
 major ; " you showed me money before you had the rum, 
 and now you have lied about it." " What ! you say I 
 lie ! " shouted the angry savage, and bounded toward the 
 major with his drawn knife. Major Pond, a strong and 
 courageous man, struck the uplifted arm of the Indian 
 between the elbow and shoulder, causing the knife to fly 
 out of his hand, then gave him a blow across the throat, 
 and at the same time tripped up his feet and brought him 
 to the floor. To use the major's figure in relating it, 
 " He fell like an ox knocked down in a slaughter-house." 
 At first, he lay breathless, and Mr. Pond began to fear 
 
ELIJAH WAMPE. .45 
 
 lie had dealt him too hard a blow ; but shortly the Indian 
 recovered his breath and rose to his feet. When fully 
 restored, he threw his handkerchief to the major, who 
 took out his pay, and returned the balance and the knife. 
 The chief refused to take them, as did his wife likewise, 
 and the whole part}?- soon went away. 
 
 Not many weeks afterward, the Indian came again, 
 apologized to Mr. Pond, saying that he was a fool when 
 drunk, that the major had treated him just as he de- 
 served, and he hoped that they should continue to be 
 good friends. Mr. Pond forgave him, and pledged his 
 friendship, provided that the chief behaved well in future ; 
 and then went and brought the handkerchief and knife to 
 their owner. They were again refused on the ground 
 that they had been forfeited by his misconduct. Here 
 the matter ended ; the chief, who afterwards came often 
 to Clinton, never showing any resentment towards Major 
 Pond. 
 
 Of the Brothertown tribe, several were noted in their 
 though they are now nearly forgotten. Asa Dick 
 and his brother Joseph were of the Narragansett stock, 
 and were men of much intelligence. Our fathers speak 
 also of David Fowler, Elijah Wampe, John Tuhi, and 
 Dolphus Fowler, who came with others into the- region 
 of Deansville, before the Revolutionary War. On the 
 breaking out of this war, as they maintained a friendly 
 neutrality to the colonists, the largest portion returned to 
 New England, because they feared the Iroquois, most of 
 whom had sided with the English. A few, however, re- 
 mained, spending a part of their time overseeing their 
 property at Brothertown, and the rest of it at Fort Stan- 
 wix. Elijah Wampe was one of these. One day, as he 
 was going from the fort to Brothertown, and had pro- 
 
46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 ceedecl only a few miles, a hostile Indian sprang out from 
 an ambush and pointed his rifle at him. Wampe in- 
 stantly sprang forward, knocked up the muzzle of the 
 gun, sending the ball over his head, and then fell upon 
 his adversary with his knife and soon dispatched him. 
 Wampe, reflecting at once that the report of the Indian's 
 rifle would soon draw his comrades to the spot, caught up 
 the gun and bore it in triumph to the fort. 
 
 After an interval, Wampe ventured to return to 
 Brothertown, and for a year or more kept up a rude sort 
 of tillage of his lands ; but he so often met with harsh 
 usage from strolling bands of hostile Indians, — once, in- 
 deed, barely escaping with his life, — that he finally con- 
 cluded it was useless to attempt farming in war time, and 
 was glad to take refuge under the protecting guns of 
 Fort Stanwix. 1 
 
 Our sketches of Indian life and character in this region 
 thus far, have not reflected favorably upon the honesty 
 or the humanity of the natives. But a somewhat differ- 
 ent shade may be given to this picture before we finish it. 
 
 Tradition relates that one Otatocheta, a chief of the 
 Oneidas, aided in forming the confederacy of the Five 
 Nations. The chief of the grand council addressed them 
 at the close of the ceremonies thus : " And you, Oneidas, 
 a people who recline your bodies against the Everlasting 
 Stone that cannot be moved, shall be the Second Nation, 
 because you give wise counsel." . . . 
 
 Mention is also made of Atondutochan, a distinguished 
 Oneida chief, who in the year 1655 visited Canada, and 
 exerted a powerful influence among the Iroquois. 
 
 Few persons in this country have not heard of Skenan- 
 doa, the Oneida chief, equally famous among his own 
 1 Sse Appendix B. 
 
SKENANDOA. 47 
 
 people as warrior, statesman, and orator. He was born 
 about the year 1706, though the place of his birth is not 
 known, nor the events of his early life. It is generally 
 admitted that in his young manhood he was fierce and 
 revengeful in disposition, and intemperate in his habits. 
 In the year 175"), while attending a council at Albany, he 
 one night became intoxicated, and in the morning found 
 himself stripped of his clothing and personal ornaments. 
 The discovery filled him with such shame and mortifica- 
 tion that he thereupon vowed never again to touch or 
 taste the debasing fire-water, a vow which it is believed 
 he religiously kept. In a speech made to his people late 
 in life, he adjures them thus: "Drink no strong water. 
 It makes you mice for white men, who are cats. Many a 
 meal have they eaten of you." 
 
 In person, he was tall and commanding, being more 
 than six feet in height, and of goodly proportions. Ac- 
 cording tu Indian custom, he was tattooed in nine lines, 
 running across the shoulders and chest. He had great 
 strength and power of endurance. Even at eighty-five 
 l)f was a match for any member of his tribe in feats of 
 agility. Noble and dignified in address, he was also wise 
 in counsel and eloquent in speech. Rev. Mr. Kirkland 
 considered him as in all respects the most remarkable 
 man of his acquaintance among the Iroquois. One of 
 our local historians writes of him : " In his riper years, 
 lie was one of the noblest counselors among the North 
 American tribes. He possessed a vigorous mind, ami was 
 alike sagacious, active, and persevering. As an enemy, 
 hi' was terrible; as a friend and ally he was gentle in 
 disposition and bearing, and he was faithful to his en- 
 gagements. His vigilance once preserved from massacre 
 the inhabitants of the littl- settlement at German Flats, 
 
48 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KIRKLAND 
 
 and in the Revolutionary War, his influence induced the 
 Oneidas to declare in favor of the Americans." 1 
 
 From his interest and sympathy with the colonists, and 
 from his fidelity to his word, he was distinguished among 
 the Indians as " The White Man's Friend." Not long 
 after Mr. Kirkland's settlement among the Oneidas, 
 Skenandoa professed his belief in Christianity ; and 
 though he never became free from errors and inrperfec- 
 tions, in the judgment of charity he was a sincere and 
 humble christian. 
 
 In his old age he was blind, and he spoke English with 
 little fluency ; yet such was his sagacity and intelligence, 
 his decorum of manner and speech, that his society was 
 much sought after. On one occasion late in life, he was 
 visited by a party of young ladies escorted by a daughter 
 of Mr. Kirkland. After a few words of courtesy, Skenan- 
 doa asked, " Are these ladies married? " On being an- 
 swered in the negative, he replied, " It is well, for there 
 are many bad men." Miss Kirkland, who understood 
 the ways of the old sagamore, afterwards remarked that 
 if the reply had been in the affirmative, he would have 
 rejoined politely, "It is well, if you have good hus- 
 bands." To Prof. Seth Norton, who, in a similar con- 
 versation confessed his old-bachelorhood, he replied, " It 
 is well, for there are many bad women." 
 
 As to the precise time when the most remarkable 
 speech of his life was made, authorities differ. Some 
 maintain that it was delivered to his tribe at the time of 
 a treaty made for the sale of some of their lands ; others 
 that it was addressed to a company of white people who 
 came to see him shortly before his death. But whenever 
 uttered, it is worthy of all the encomiums that have been ' 
 
 1 Jones, p. 866. 
 
DEATH OF SKENANDOA. 49 
 
 bestowed upon it: "I am an aged hemlock. The winds 
 of a hundred winters have whistled through my brandies. 
 I am dead at the top. The generation to which I be- 
 longed have run away and left me. Why I live, the 
 great Good Spirit only knows. Pray to my Jesus that I 
 may have patience to wait for my appointed time to die." 
 
 After Mr. Kirkland's removal to Clinton, Skenandoa 
 often expressed the desire to be buried at his death by 
 the side of his friend and teacher, so that " he might 
 cling to the skirts of his garments, and go up with him 
 at the great resurrection." In the later years of his life, 
 he several times came to Clinton, hoping to die here. 
 During these visits to Mr. Kirkland he was treated with 
 great consideration and kindness. Miss Eliza Kirkland 
 (afterwards Mrs. Dr. Robinson) assumed special charge 
 of him, taking care of his little bedroom, washing his 
 face and hands, brushing his hair, and keeping his clothes 
 whole and tidy. His last sickness, however, came upon 
 him at Oneida Castle. As his end drew near, prayers 
 were offered at his bedside by his great-granddaughter, 
 and while the words were being uttered, he sank into 
 the sleep of death, on the 11th of May, 1816, aged about 
 one hundred and ten years. 
 
 In accordance with a promise made by the family of 
 Mr. Kirkland, his remains were brought to Clinton and 
 interred by the side of his spiritual father. Funeral 
 services were held in the Congregational church, and 
 were largely attended by white people and Indians, many 
 of the latter coming from Oneida for that purpose. An 
 eye-witness (my mother) relates that the Indians, men 
 and women, were seated in the middle pews of the 
 church, and the whites in the other seats and in the 
 galleries. Rev. Dr. Backus, President of Hamilton 
 
50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 College, made an address to the Indians, which Judge 
 Amos Dean, standing beneath the pulpit, interpreted. 
 'The Indians rose to their feet during this address. If 
 Indian stoicism forbade tears and loud lamentations, yet 
 doubtless every heart mourned for the brave old chief 
 with ingenuous sorrow. After prayer and the singing 
 of appropriate hymns, the body was carried to the grave, 
 the order of the procession being as follows : first, stu- 
 dents of the college ; next, the hearse, followed by the 
 Indians ; and behind these, Mrs. Kirkland and family, 
 Judge Dean, Rev. Dr. Norton, Rev. Mr. Ay res, President 
 Backus and other officers of the college, and citizens. 
 The remains were borne to the garden of Mr. Kirkland, 
 where they were buried according to his desire. In the 
 year 1856, by authority of the trustees of the college, 
 the body of Rev. Mr. Kirkland, together with those of his 
 family and of Skenandoa, were disinterred and removed 
 to the college cemetery. A memorial-stone was erected, 
 many years ago, to the memory of the Indian chief. 
 We rejoice to record that during the present year (1873) 
 a suitable monument has been raised over the grave of 
 the Indian missionary and the founder of Hamilton Col- 
 lege. 1 
 
 Another chief of the Oneidas, bearing the sobriquet 
 of Plattkopf, though younger than Skenandoa and less 
 influential as a counselor, was hardly less distinguished 
 for his eloquence. Tradition has preserved the outlines 
 of one of his addresses, which we give substantially in 
 the words of one who heard it. It was made at a council, 
 held several years after the Revolution, to consider the 
 question of the sale of their reserved lands to the State. 
 The council was held beneath a large pine-tree, known 
 
 1 See Appendix C. 
 
PLATTKOPF. 51 
 
 since as the Council Tree, which, stood on the south side 
 of the turnpike road, a short distance west of the village 
 of Oneida. On the third day Plattkopf rose to speak. 
 He descanted upon the numbers and strength of the 
 Oneidas before the white man came. Pointing to the 
 tree under which they stood, which though large was 
 beginning to decay, he said : " We were once like this 
 great pine-tree, It was then young and vigorous. It 
 drew its nourishment from the soil, the whole ground, 
 for the Oneidas then owned it all. And it grew larger 
 and stronger and more beautiful every year. So did the 
 Oneidas. At length the pale-faces came, and we sold 
 tlifiii a part of our land. A root of the tree which grew 
 in that land withered, for it had no soil. And the leaves 
 and branches withered along with the root. Then other 
 white men came, and we sold them another piece of land, 
 and forthwith another root and branch died, and the tree 
 lost more of its symmetry and beauty. The white man 
 came still again, and the tree failed more and more. It 
 now puts forth no new roots or branches, because it has so 
 little land. And now the white man is here again. He. 
 wants more land, more land. He is hungry for land. 
 Shall we let this grand old tree, under which our fathers 
 sat, lose another and another root, and cause another 
 branch to fall and die ? " 
 
 The orator pursued his illustration still further, and 
 applied .it with so much ingenuity and force that the 
 White man's overture was rejected, and, for the time 
 being, the hunting-grounds of the Oneidas were no 
 further reduced. That other counsels prevailed at a 
 day, we all very well know. 1 
 
 1 Judge .7one9 wickedly surmises that Messrs. Dean and Kirkland kept these 
 orators supplied with materials for their speeches! See Tracy's Lect., p. 8. 
 
52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 In September, 1799, Dr. Timothy Dwight, President 
 of Yale College, accompanied by Tutor Jeremiah Day, 
 started on a tour of observation through this State, in- 
 tending to visit Niagara Falls and Buffalo. At Lairds* 
 ville, in this county, they turned aside to visit Rev. Mr. 
 Kirkland, missionary to the Oneidas. From Clinton the 
 President writes : — 
 
 " In the morning of September 26th, we made an ex- 
 cursion to Brothertown, an Indian settlement in the town 
 of Paris. I had a strong inclination to see Indian life in 
 the most advanced state of civilization found in this 
 country, and was informed that it might probably be, 
 found here. 
 
 " Brothertown is a tract of land about six miles square, 
 which was given to these Indians by the Oneidas. . . . 
 Here forty families of these people have fixed themselves 
 in the business of agriculture. They have cleared the 
 land on both sides of the road, about a quarter of a mile 
 in breadth, and about four miles in length. Three of 
 them have framed houses ; the rest are of logs. Their 
 husbandry is generally much inferior to that of the white 
 people. 
 
 " They are universally civil in their deportment. The 
 men and boys took off their hats, and the girls courtesied 
 as we passed by them. . . . These people receive an- 
 nually $2160 from the State, out of which their school- 
 master and their superintendent receive pay for their 
 services. 
 
 " At this season of the year they unite with the 
 Oneidas in gathering ginseng, and collect a thousand 
 bushels annually. It brings them two dollars a bushel. 
 Most of it goes to Philadelphia, and thence to China. It 
 is, however, an unprofitable business for the Indians. 
 
SAMSON OCCUM. 53 
 
 They are paid for it in cash, which many of them employ 
 as the means of intoxication. This is commonly followed 
 by quarreling and sometimes by murder ; but much less 
 commonly than among the Oneidas." 1 
 
 Another aboriginal name worthy of special mention 
 in this history is that of Samson Occum. He was born 
 at Mohegan, near Norwich, Conn., in the year 1723. 
 When quite young, he attended upon the ministrations of 
 Rev. Mr. Jewett, of New London, at which time he be- 
 came the subject of deep religious impressions, and made 
 a public profession of his faith. He now desired to ob- 
 tain an education, that he might become a teacher among 
 his own people. Having learned to read, he entered 
 Rev. Dr. Wheelock's school at New Lebanon, Conn., 
 where he remained four years. In the year 1748, we 
 find him the teacher of a school in New London ; and 
 next he appears as master of an Indian school at Mon- 
 tauk, where he remained ten or eleven years, greatly 
 respected and beloved. 
 
 It would seem that during his preceptorship he found 
 time for theological studies, for it appears that before 
 leaving Montauk he frequently officiated as a licensed 
 preacher at Montauk, and among the Shinecock Indians, 
 thirty miles distant. In August, 1759, he received ordi- 
 nation from the Presbytery of Suffolk. 
 
 Dr. Wheelock continued to feel a paternal interest in 
 his dusky pupil and a pride in his success. Partly on 
 this account, as well as to show the world what his school 
 could do for the Indian, Occum was appointed to visit 
 England, with Rev. Mr. Whittaker, of Norwich, to 
 solicit aid for the seminary at Lebanon. His visit was 
 quite successful. For, being the first Indian preacher 
 
 l Dwight's Travels, p. 182. 
 
54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 ever seen in a British pulpit, lie attracted much atten- 
 tion and was greeted with large audiences. During the 
 year and a half which he spent in England, he preached 
 upwards of three hundred sermons. George Whitefield 
 invited him to officiate in his tabernacle in London. 
 King's Chapel opened its doors to him, and, while minis- 
 tering in that pulpit, George III. was one of his auditors. 
 He not only gained personal and professional considera- 
 tion, but received large gifts in money, amounting to 
 nearly ten thousand pounds. The king gave him a 
 gold-mounted cane, which he carried, on great occa- 
 sions, the rest of his life. His Majesty also presented 
 him a library of books, and induced several of his nobles 
 and many persons of wealth to become patrons of the 
 Charity School. 
 
 The attentions which he received abroad did not spoil 
 him for humbler work at home. On his return, he engaged 
 in missionary labors among his people at Montauk and 
 at other stations quite distant. In the year 1786, he 
 united with others in effecting the removal of several 
 broken and dismembered tribes of New England to 
 central New York. He took with him one hundred and 
 ninety-two Montauks and Shinecocks from Long Island, 
 several Mohegans from Connecticut, and a number of 
 Narragansetts from Rhode Island. These, as well as a 
 few representatives of some other half-decayed tribes, he 
 collected together on the banks of our Oriskany, within 
 the borders of this town and the town of Marshall. 
 
 Established in his new field, he addressed himself to 
 his chosen work with much assiduity. He labored not 
 only among his own people, but among the neighboring 
 Stockbridges, under the ministerial charge of Rev. Mr. 
 Sergeant. Between him and Mr. Kirkland, also, there 
 
 
GOOD PETER. 55 
 
 grew up a warm friendship. He enjoyed the respect and 
 confidence of the white settlers in this region, being called 
 upon by them frequently to celebrate marriages and 
 attend funerals and preach sermons. He wrote an ac- 
 count of the Montauk Indians which is still preserved. 
 A discourse delivered by him at the execution of IVloses 
 Paul, an Indian, was published at New Haven, Conn., 
 September 2, 1772. On which of our hillsides he com- 
 posed the hymn beginning, — 
 
 " Awaked by Sinai's awful sound," 
 
 we do not know, but that it will long be sung on many 
 a hillside is evinced by its adoption into nearly all our 
 standard books for Sabbath worship. Dr. Timothy 
 Dwight says of him : " I heard Mr. Occum twice. His 
 sermons, though not proofs of superior talents, were 
 decent, and his utterance was in some degree eloquent." 
 He was no ordinary man, and. considering his origin and 
 his opportunities for improvement, his attainments were 
 respectable. Pleasing in his manners and address, his 
 life exemplified the spirit of the gospel. Even to this 
 day, the name of " Priest Occum " is revered by the 
 descendants of all who knew him. He died at New 
 Stockbridge, New York, July, 1792, aged sixty-nine 
 years. 
 
 If the limits of this chapter permitted, I should like 
 to introduce here a sketch of the Oneida chief, Good 
 Peter, a convert to Christianity under the labors of Mr. 
 Kirkland. It is related of him that upon a certain Sun- 
 day, when Mr. Kirkland was too unwell to proceed with 
 his sermon, he asked Good Peter to speak a few words 
 of exhortation. Peter arose, and with much modesty 
 began to address his countrymen upon the great good- 
 
56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 ness and mercy of God in sending his only Son to take 
 upon Himself the form of sinful men, and to suffer and 
 die for their redemption. After depicting the human 
 life and character of Christ in various aspects, he said : 
 " And yet He was the great God who created all things. 
 He walked on earth with men, and had the form of a 
 man, but He was all the while the same Great Spirit ; 
 He had only thrown his blanket around Him" 
 
 In his address to the New York Historical Society in 
 1811, De Witt Clinton asserted that " one may search 
 in vain in the records and writings of the past, or in the 
 events of the present times, for a single model of elo- 
 quence among the Algonquins, the Abenaquis, the Dela- 
 wares, the Shawanese, or any other nations of Indians 
 except the Iroquois." We will not assume to affirm or 
 deny the truth of this statement, but surely the brief 
 specimens we have been able to give will show that the 
 Iroquois of this region were not lacking in eloquence, 
 and that for this, as well as for their bravery, they have 
 been well styled " the Romans of North America." 
 
 Without dwelling longer upon incidents connected 
 with the history of the aborigines in this town and its 
 vicinity, I pass to mention a few other items of general 
 interest to the inhabitants of Kirkland. 
 
 When the first settlers on Dean's patent (embracing 
 the present town of Westmoreland) heard of the arrival 
 of the emigrants at Clinton, they started out to find 
 them. They knew only that their new neighbors were 
 several miles south upon the Oriskany, above an Indian 
 clearing on the site of the present village of Manchester. 
 They took the Indian trail, — which was also the army- 
 trail of General Armstrong in the French War, — crossed 
 the creek at the clearing, and took a southerly course up 
 
BEARS IN THE CORNFIELDS. 57 
 
 the valley. When about a quarter of a mile this side 
 of Manchester, they fell in with a number of cows graz- 
 ing on the wild vegetation of the woods. One of the 
 cows wore a bell. Mr. Joseph Blackmer, a leading man 
 in this party, full of frolic, raised his coat-tails above his 
 head, shook his hat, and made a succession of such 
 hideous noises that the frightened cows started for home 
 on a run, and thus showed the company the way to the 
 settlement at Clinton. Many and hearty were the greet- 
 ings between the new neighbors ; and the good- will which 
 then sprang up continued to grow and flourish ever after- 
 ward. 
 
 It is often related by our older inhabitants that bears 
 were very annoying to the first settlers, destroying their 
 young pigs, and trampling down and devouring their 
 half-ripened corn. There is a tradition of a farmer in a 
 neighboring settlement who, while feeding his drove of 
 Bwine, discovered that Bruin had covertly joined himself 
 to the flock, and that when the hogs perceived it, with 
 porcine instinct they straightway formed themselves into 
 a circle, with noses outward, and thus made a sharp and 
 decisive resistance until the farmer's gun came to their 
 relief and dispatched the intruder. Judge Williams 
 records that in the fall of 1790, "as Mr. Jesse Curtiss 
 and three or four others were returning from meeting one 
 Sunday afternoon, — their path lying through a field near 
 the house now occupied by Mr. Gunn, — they heard an 
 unusual rustling in the corn ; and on searching for the 
 caus.\ soon discovered two bear-cubs busily engaged in 
 breaking down and destroying the ripening corn. Forth- 
 with fchey set upon them, and, despite their grunts and 
 cries, by dint of kirks ami blows, soon dispatched them. 
 The same afternoon, Mr. Bronson (who lived in the 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 house now occupied by Samuel Brownell), on returning 
 from meeting, found the old mother-bear sitting quietly 
 on the steps of his door, little dreaming of the sad 
 calamity which had even then overtaken her children." 
 The. streets and cross-roads of the town were early 
 designated by names. The street leading past the home- 
 stead of the late James D. Stebbins was called Brimfield 
 Street, because it was wholly settled by inhabitants from 
 Brimfield, Mass. The present borough of Franklin 
 was long styled Sodom, though we never knew that 
 it was noted for its depravity. Post Street, running 
 southeast from Franklin, was so called from Darius Post 
 and his three sons, Titus, Ethan, and Darius Post, Jr., 
 who came from Vermont at an early day, and settled on 
 adjoining farms in that district. The street leading to 
 Utica once rejoiced in the name of Toggletown, because 
 the roadside fences were once "toggled " together at the 
 end of each section. That portion of the town which 
 lies between one and two miles east of Clinton, has long 
 been christened Chuckery. Judge Williams says, " The 
 story goes that in Massachusetts, according to established 
 custom, the governor's proclamation for Thanksgiving 
 was read in all the churches. Then, as now, he called 
 upon the people to render a tribute of gratitude for the 
 blessings of Providence upon their farms, their fisheries 
 and their merchandise. In Egremont, some mischievous 
 wag, possessing himself of the copy of the proclamation 
 which the clergyman had prepared to read to his congre- 
 gation the next Sabbath, changed the word fisheries to 
 cluickeries, and so the unsuspecting pastor read it, to the 
 no small edification of his audience ! Soon after this, 
 a company of colonists from Egremont came westward, 
 and settling on the hill east of this village, gave this odd 
 
THE FIRST BURGLARY. 59 
 
 name to their resting-place." But the joke did not end 
 here. For a colony of Kirkland people who removed, 
 many years ago, to the town of Fenner, in Madison 
 County, dubbed their little settlement New Chuckery. 
 Modern degeneracy has since corrupted it into Perry- 
 ville. 
 
 And now that we are in the story-telling vein, let us 
 record the first burglary known to have occurred in this 
 town. Judge Jones is my authority. It was in the 
 year 1801, when Ephraim Hart, one of the early mer- 
 chants of this town, and whose store stood on the site 
 now occupied for the same purpose by James Cook, had 
 collected about SI 800 in silver coin, with which he 
 expected soon to start for New York to purchase goods. 
 One Samuel MacBride, an Irishman, learning of this 
 treasure, broke into the store by night and carried it off. 
 It would seem that he had not laid his plans very 
 adroitly, for within twenty-four hours he was captured 
 and brought back to Clinton with all his booty. While 
 Lying in confinement awaiting his trial, he managed to 
 escape, and took to the woods. Steering northward, he 
 found, near what is now Middle Settlement, a hollow 
 stump about ten feet high, into which he climbed, and 
 let himself down, intending to .remain there the next day, 
 and at night start anew on his travels. When night came, 
 he found that the inner sides of the stump were so smooth 
 that it was exceeding^ difficult to climb them. He tried 
 repeatedly, but in vain, and had well nigh concluded that 
 he must lie there and die, of starvation. Just at day- 
 break, he made another despairing effort, and, as St. 
 Patrick would have it, he reached the top ! The world 
 was all before him where to choose. Down he leaped 
 from his covert, and bounded like a deer for the forest, 
 
60 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 but had run only a few rods, when an officer of justice 
 sprang upon him and took him prisoner. He was sen- 
 tenced to the States Prison for fourteen years. This was 
 an event of no great consequence, surely, but in those 
 early times, it produced a sensation in the quiet little 
 town of Kirkland. 
 
 We were just about closing this chapter of events not 
 unmixed with romance and adventure, when we caught 
 sight of flowers. It was " Squire Foot's flower-bed," so 
 called, a large border of cultivated ground on the south 
 side of his house, which stood on the north side of College 
 Street at its junction with the village Park. The stern- 
 faced Puritan, who had fought in the battles of the Revo- 
 lution and afterwards led a company of pioneers into this 
 wilderness, had brought with him to Clinton some pack- 
 ages of flower-seeds and a few perennial plants and shrubs, 
 with which he sought to grace the patch of soil near his 
 door-step. Here were marigolds and pinks, morning- 
 glories, lilacs and roses. Hither came the bees, attracted 
 by the mellifluous fragrance. Hither came the wind from 
 the sweet south, giving and receiving odor. Hither flocked 
 the children from a school just opened in Squire Foot's 
 new barn, a few rods away. As a special favor, the old 
 gentleman now and then gave them bouquets, which they 
 carried home with pride and rejoicing. Some of these chil- 
 dren had doubtless gathered the hepatica and violet and 
 blood-root in the adjoining woods, but these brilliant flow- 
 ers from old Connecticut, if they did not surpass the former 
 in beauty, were at least a greater novelty. The Indians, 
 as they came to the village for trading, sometimes loitered, 
 and leaned over the white man's fence, wondering of what 
 use such a garden could be. Some of the children of 
 Moses Foot are with us unto this day, and the de- 
 
MRS. ELIZABETH LUCAS. 61 
 
 scendants of his flowers are still blooming in the gardens 
 of Kirkland. Among the children in the school just re- 
 ferred to, and whose eyes rejoiced in those flowers, was 
 Elizabeth Bristol, now Mrs. Lucas, still a resident of 
 Clinton, and rounding out her life in a serene and beau- 
 tiful old age of ninety-two years. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 REV. SAMUEL E3RKLAND. 1 
 
 Few personages figure more prominently in the early 
 history of this region, than the Rev. Samuel Kirklancl. It 
 would seem that the first inhabitants of this place held 
 him in high honor, since they gave his name to their 
 town. It will not be inappropriate, therefore, to devote 
 a chapter of this history to a sketch of this good man's 
 life. 
 
 Mr. Kirkland was born in Norwich, Conn., Decem- 
 ber 1, 1741. His earliest ancestor of whom any trace 
 remains, was one John Kirkland, of Silver Street, Lon- 
 don. The family, for several generations, held influ- 
 ential posts in society and in the church. Miles Standish 
 was one of his progenitors. Particular mention is also 
 made of Daniel, his father, who was pastor of a church 
 in Norwich, and is recorded as being " a devoted minis- 
 ter, an accomplished scholar, a man of fine talents, of a 
 ready wit, and an amiable disposition." Of the incidents 
 of Samuel's childhood and youth little is known. It may 
 be supposed, however, that he was trained, like other 
 Puritan boys of the time, to habits of industry and 
 self-dependence. As Cotton Mather wrote of Thomas 
 Hooker, so it may be said of him, "that " he was born of 
 parents that were neither unable nor unwilling to bestow 
 
 1 The substance of this chapter was contributed to the North American Re- 
 view, for Julv, 18G3. 
 

 
MR. KIRKLAND'S STUDIES. 63 
 
 upon him a liberal education ; whereunto the early, lively 
 sparkles of wit observed in him did very much encourage 
 them. His natural temper was cheerful and courteous ; 
 but it was accompanied with such a sensible grandeur of 
 mind as caused his friends, without the help of astrology, 
 to prognosticate that he was born to be considerable." 
 
 When about twenty years of age, we find him at the 
 academy of Rev. Dr. Wheelock, at Lebanon, Conn., pre- 
 paring for college. Among his companions here were 
 several Indian youth, with one of whom he studied the 
 Mohawk dialect, and made a good degree of proficiency 
 in it. He entered the sophomore class at Princeton, 
 where he maintained a high rank as a scholar. Here, if 
 not at Lebanon, he entered upon the christian life. At 
 some time during his college course, he determined to 
 spend his days in missionary service among the Indian 
 tribes of the West ; and when this purpose was once 
 formed, it gave a new impulse to his mind and inspired 
 him with fresh ardor in study. 
 
 The senior year in college seems to have been a little 
 too long for his fervent zeal ; since we find him starting 
 off, several months before its close, on a tour of expl< > ra- 
 tion and inquiry among the Seneca Indians in western 
 New York. Though not present to graduate with his 
 class, he received the usual bachelor's degree at Com- 
 mencement. Young Kirkland was now twenty-three 
 years of age. The Senecas were the most remote of the 
 Six Nations, if not the most powerful and warlike of 
 them all. His undertaking was regarded by his friends 
 as bold and hazardous. The journey thither was toilsome 
 ami difficult. No Protestant missionary had ever dwelt 
 among this tribe; indeed, all proposals to enlighten and 
 convert them hail hitherto been scornfully rejected. 
 
64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Nothing daunted, our young apostle resolved to visit these 
 savages, and, if he could persuade them to receive him, 
 he meant to live among them as their teacher and spirit- 
 ual guide. This enterprise was doubtless undertaken by 
 the advice of his patron and friend, Dr. Wheelock, and 
 its expenses were defrayed out of funds deposited with 
 him by certain benevolent gentlemen in Scotland. The 
 journey thither, in view of all its circumstances, is worthy 
 of detailed recital. 
 
 He started early in November, 1764, attended by a 
 young Mohawk Indian, and arrived on the 16th at John- 
 son Hall, the residence of Sir William Johnson, his 
 Majesty's Agent for Indian Affairs, near the present 
 village of Johnstown, N. Y. Much to his regret, he was 
 obliged to remain here until January, for want of a suit- 
 able guide through the wilderness. But he did not spend 
 his time in idleness or vain repining. Every day he 
 gained some new information from his host touching the 
 manners and customs of the Senecas, and soon acquired 
 a good general knowledge of all the leading characters in 
 the Six Nations. At length, two friendly Senecas, pass- 
 ing westward, offered to conduct him to their country. 
 On the 17th of January, the party set out. The weather 
 was severely cold, and the snow so deep that it was 
 necessary to walk with snow-shoes. Besides this, each 
 traveller had to carry a pack of clothes and provisions 
 weighing upwards of forty pounds. 
 
 " It would have been a fine study for a painter," says Dr. Lotbrop, 
 bis grandson and biographer, " to watch his countenance, and trace 
 its lines of high thought and holy purpose, as he turned his back 
 upon Johnson Hall, the last vestige of civilization, and, amid the 
 dreary desolation of winter, in company with two savages, . . . with 
 whom he could hardly exchange a word, struck off" into the forest on 
 a journey of nearly two hundred miles." — Memoir, p. 24. 
 
MR. KIRKLAND AMONG THE SENECAS. 65 
 
 He did not suffer as much hardship on this journey as 
 he had expected. His companions opened with their 
 hatchets the path before him whenever it was obstructed ; 
 they halted to rest when he became weary ; they chafed 
 his limbs when they were swollen by the friction and 
 weight of the snow-shoes ; and at night they made for 
 him soft and fragrant beds of evergreen boughs. At 
 Kanonwarohale, the chief village of the Oneidas, and at 
 Onondaga, they were kindly treated and invited to tarry ; 
 but, after a day's rest at each place, they pressed forward 
 until they reached Kanadasegea, the principal village of 
 the Senecas. The day after their arrival, a council was 
 called to receive and hear a letter brought by Mr. Kirk- 
 land from Sir William, in which, among other things, 
 he commended the missionary to their confidence, and 
 enjoined it upon them to treat him with kindness and 
 respect. The head-chief and a majority of his people 
 received him with frank cordiality, though a few were 
 silent and sullen. The sachem even adopted him into 
 his family; of which ceremony the graceful forms and 
 courtesies were truly remarkable, as the acts of sav- 
 ages who had learned little from the usages of civilized 
 life. A Dutch trader, happening to stroll into the settle- 
 ment the next day, acted as interpreter between the par- 
 ties. It is remarkable that nearly every one who ad- 
 dressed the missionary began with this inquiry : " What 
 put it into your mind to leave your father's house and 
 country, to come so many hundred miles to see Indians, 
 and live among them ? " Did they suspect some sinister 
 design, or were the poor creatures unable to appreciate 
 his christian philanthropy? 
 
 Having been domiciled in a small family near the 
 wigwnni of the sachem, Mr. Kirkland applied himself to 
 
 5 
 
66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 learning the language, and acquainting himself with the 
 habits of the people. For a time everything went on 
 smoothly. But lo ! in a few weeks his host died sud- 
 denly in the night. " What means this? " inquired the 
 superstitious red men. Some of his enemies avowed that 
 he had caused this death by magic ; others, that the 
 Great Spirit was angry because they had permitted the 
 strange teacher to come among them ; and they clamored 
 for his. life. A council was called to consider this matter, 
 and held its sessions for six days. At first the result 
 seemed doubtful. On the third day, one of his friends, 
 apprehensive as to the issue, put a gun into his hands, 
 and led him into the woods, as if for hunting partridges, 
 but, in reality, to conceal him in a distant and secret hut 
 until the public excitement should pass over. At length, 
 after long deliberation, the missionary was acquitted, and 
 restored to general confidence. Several days after the 
 dispersion of the council, the chief took Mr. Kirkland 
 aside, and observed to him, quite naively, that " some 
 Indians were afraid of writing, as it would speak for a 
 great many years afterward, and that, whenever he wrote 
 to Sir William, therefore, it would be good for him to 
 call several of the chiefs together, and interpret to them 
 what he had written : this would please them, and make 
 their hearts glad." The young missionary was shrewd 
 enough to see that this speech was designed to prevent 
 his writing to Mr. Johnson an account of the late diffi- 
 culty. They were heartily ashamed of it. 
 
 A speech of one of the leading men in this council (as 
 afterwards reported to Mr. Kirkland) ran thus : " This 
 white skin whom we call our brother has come upon a 
 dark design, or he would not have travelled so many hun- 
 dred miles. ' He brings the white people's book. They 
 
MR. KIRKLAND IX PERIL. 67 
 
 ball it God's holy book. Brothers, attend ! You know 
 this book was never made for Indians. The Great Spirit 
 gave us a book for ourselves. He wrote it in our heads." 
 This speech became inflammatory as it went on, and 
 Closed with a demand for the white man's blood. The 
 widow of the deceased was then called to testify whether 
 this priest did not carry with him some magical powders. 
 " Did he never come to the bedside, and whisper in your 
 husband's ear, or puff in his face ? " " No, never," replied 
 the honest woman ; " he always sat or lay down on his 
 own bunk ; and in the evening, after we were in bed, we 
 could see him get down on his knees and talk with a low 
 voice." Whether this testimony to his pious integrity, 
 or the fear of incurring Sir William's displeasure, had 
 most influence upon their decision, we care not now to 
 inquire. 
 
 In March and April of the following year there was a 
 great scarcity of food among the Senecas and the adjoin- 
 ing tribes. Not only was their stock of corn exhausted, 
 but game of all sorts became scarce, and for a time noth- 
 ing but roots and nuts kept them from starvation. Ex- 
 peditions were sent out in various directions for supplies, 
 one of which, to the Mohawk Valley, headed by Mr. Kirk- 
 land, came back loaded with food and blankets. As soon 
 as In- bad mastered the language so as to speak it, he went 
 from village to village, instructing the people in religion. 
 He saw, indeed, that many suspicious eyes were fixed 
 upon him, and that in some breasts the old hatred was 
 still burning ; but he hoped to outlive this prejudice, and 
 ept on at his work as if unconscious of danger. 
 
 A single incident, illustrating the cherished malignity 
 of some of the Indians, may not be out of place here. Re- 
 turning, one summer's day, from a neighboring settlement 
 
68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 on the lake shore, singing hymns as he went, and talking 
 to his favorite pony, he espied an Indian skulking through 
 a neighboring thicket, and picking the flint of his gun, as 
 if preparing to fire. A moment's glance showed him that 
 this was one of his old enemies, — a vindictive and fero- 
 cious fellow, capable of any deed of savage cruelty. As- 
 sured that this man was intent on destroying his life, he 
 yet rode on, betraying no sign of fear. " Stop ! stop ! " 
 shouted the Indian. Mr. Kirkland replied, as if misun- 
 derstanding him, " I have been over on the other side of 
 the lake," meanwhile quickening his horse into greater 
 speed. Shortly afterward, he turned his head enough to 
 see that the murderer had raised his gun to his shoulder. 
 In a moment more, he heard the snap of the lock. The 
 gun missing fire, the savage again bade him halt ; but he 
 pushed on, though expecting every instant to feel the bul- 
 let in his back. The click of the missing lock again 
 reached his ear, and now he spurred his horse into a full 
 run, and ere long reached home unharmed. What trans- 
 pired subsequently we are not informed, except that this 
 man, convinced that the Great Spirit loved the mission- 
 ary with a special love, and guarded him from impending 
 danger, came and humbly begged his pardon, and thence- 
 forward remained his stanch friend. 
 
 After Mr. Kirkland had spent a year and a half among 
 the Senecas, — a period full of hardship and danger, — 
 he returned to New England to receive ordination. Ar- 
 riving at Lebanon, he was formally set apart to the work 
 of the ministry, and was at the same time appointed In- 
 dian missionary under the charge of the Connecticut 
 Board of the Scottish Missionary Society. It will be ob- 
 served that he had pursued no prescribed curriculum of 
 theological study ; his teachers in divinity had been the 
 
MR. KIRKLAND AMONG THE ONEIDAS. -'69 
 
 experiences of eighteen months among the sons of the 
 forest. Yet he had not wholly neglected books. No 
 small part of the load which he and his guide's carried in 
 their knapsacks through the wilderness consisted of choice 
 treatises on Biblical learning. After his ordination, the 
 Missionary Board decided against his return to the Sene- 
 cas, and commissioned him, instead, to the Oneidas, who 
 were somewhat central among the Six Nations, and 
 seemed more willing than any other tribe to receive in- 
 struction. Mr. Kirkland, from first to last, regarded 
 them as the noblest portion of the confederacy. Brave 
 and fierce in war, they yet were generous, hospitable, and 
 benevolent in social life. Plainly, too, they were not 
 wanting in shrewd and nice discernment of character, 
 since they styled the white man " a knife-man" — *in 
 allusion, doubtless, to the favorite recreation of our whit- 
 tling ancestors. 
 
 In July, 1766, Mr. Kirkland started for his new field, 
 and ere long arrived at Kanonwarohale, the principal vil- 
 lage of the tribe, situated near what is now known as 
 Oneida Castle. Intending to make this a permanent 
 residence, he built for himself a log-house, doing much of 
 the work with his own hands. He soon formed plans and 
 commenced labors for the good of his new parish, — plans 
 ami labors which were not wholly in vain. Thus occu- 
 pied, he spent three years of useful activity, not sinking 
 under bodily privations and discomforts, nor discouraged 
 by the indifference or opposition of the natives, but toil- 
 ing onward with a cheerful faith, instructing the igno- 
 rant, restraining the vicious, and declaring to all the un- 
 known God whom they ignorantly worshipped. In the 
 Bpring of 1700, his hardships had so worn upon his health 
 that his friends urged him to rest awhile and to visit 
 
70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 New England. This was just what he needed. The 
 summer's recreation on his native hills restored him, and 
 before the autumn set in he was ready to return to his 
 post of duty. But is it strange that he now began to 
 think it not good for a missionary to be alone ? Several 
 years before this, his correspondence betrays, now and 
 then, a touch of the tender passion. To his friend, Dr. 
 Wheelock, he writes : " I thank you, reverend sir, for 
 the frequent mention of a certain name in your letters, 
 which is very agreeable in this rough, unhewn part of the 
 world ; and I can assure you the person would be much 
 more so, were I in a proper situation for the sweetest joy 
 of life. But farewell to that for the present." His 
 circumstances having now somewhat improved, he sought 
 and won in marriage the hand of Jerusha Bingham, a 
 niece of Dr. Wheelock. 
 
 Our narrative must not linger to follow the happy pair 
 in their boat-passage up the Mohawk River, and their 
 horseback tour through the Woods to Oneida, his wife on 
 a pillion behind her husband. Nor can we dwell upon 
 his enlargement of his log-house to the dimensions of six- 
 teen feet square, making it quite a spacious and stylish 
 residence for the time and place. This, however, should 
 be said, that Mrs. Kirkland's presence among the Indians 
 was immediately felt, diffusing a spirit of order, industry 
 and purity on every side, and improving the dress and 
 manners of both men and women. Her husband, too, 
 engaged in his work with new energy. His schools 
 flourished, intemperance was checked, the Sabbath was 
 better observed, and not a few persons appeared truly 
 reformed in heart and life. At this very day, there are 
 families among the descendants of the Oneida tribe at 
 Green Bay, Wisconsin, who trace back the respectability 
 
AIRS. KIRKLAND. 71 
 
 and virtue of their ancestors to the labors of the mission- 
 ary at this period. 
 
 In the year 1770 Mr. Kirkland transferred his relations 
 from the Scottish Board of Missions to the London So- 
 ciety, whose correspondents resided in Boston. He also 
 now interested himself more in the material prosperity of 
 the Oneidas. A saw-mill, a grist-mill, and a blacksmith's 
 shop were built the same year, with a substantial school- 
 house and church. Then oxen were purchased, and farm- 
 ing utensils in considerable variety. During the next 
 year Mrs. Kirkland became the happy mother of twin 
 sons, whom the parents named George Whitefield and 
 John Thornton. The Indians were greatly rejoiced at 
 this event ; they adopted the boys into their tribe with a 
 gleeful ceremony, and gave them significant and high- 
 sounding names. The following summer and winter Mrs. 
 Kirkland spent at Stockbridge, Mass., intending to re- 
 turn in the spring. But when that season came, such 
 disturbances had arisen among the Six Nations, with the 
 prospect also of war between the Colonies and the mother 
 country, that Mr. Kirkland thought it prudent to pur- 
 chase a house for her in Stockbridge, where she could 
 remain with her children in safety. 
 
 Now begins a turbulent period in the life of our mis- 
 sionary. Sir William Johnson having died, his son, 
 Colonel Guy Johnson, was made Superintendent in his 
 stead. " Another king arose who knew not Joseph." 
 In every possible way he showed hostility to him and the 
 objects of his mission. A sturdy royalist, he tried to ar- 
 my the Indians against the colonists. A bigoted Church- 
 man, lie hated .Mi-. Kirkland's Puritanism, and reviled his 
 clerical pretensions before the natives, affirming that he 
 a no 1 all the other " New England ministers were not true 
 
72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 ministers of the gospel," and " that they held to dan- 
 gerous doctrines." " You Indians," he declared with 
 much warmth, " ought to pray only according to those 
 forms which the king has set forth in the prayer-book, 
 and you must learn the responses." , The angry colonel 
 failed to carry his point. The natives summoned a coun- 
 cil, in which they resolved to send him a belt of wampum 
 and a messenger to make a speech defending the mission- 
 ary and deprecating all interference with his work. At 
 the same time, they paid due respect to the position and 
 dignity of the colonel. This firm yet temperate and 
 reasonable course had the desired effect. 
 
 During the Revolutionary War, which now began, we 
 have no full or connected account of Mr. Kirkland's life. 
 His labors as missionary and teacher were much inter- 
 rupted by the efforts of the royalists to enlist the Indians 
 against the colonists. During this period of agitation, he 
 was often absent from Oneida, now serving as chaplain 
 in the Continental army, and then engaged by appoint- 
 ment of the government in endeavors to hold the Six Na- 
 tions in a state of neutrality. In this latter capacity he 
 took long journeys in various directions to attend councils 
 among the different tribes. For a time his exertions 
 promised success, but the persistent efforts of Joseph 
 Brant, Colonel Johnson, and other British agents, were 
 too much for him. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras re- 
 mained firm ; but the Mohawks, Sehecas and others 
 wavered, and then fell away. Every reader of American 
 history is familiar with that bloody page which recounts 
 the descent of St. Leger, at this time, from Oswego, with 
 a large body of Indians, attacking Fort Schuyler (now 
 Utica), and ravaging no small part of the valley of the 
 Mohawk. At these scenes of violence, the Oneidas and 
 
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 73 
 
 Tuscaroras became greatly excited. Like all other 
 lavages, they delighted in war. To keep the peace, as 
 the colonists desired, was the hardest thing that could be 
 Remanded of them ; they wanted to fight on one side or 
 the other. After two years of impatient neutrality, 
 General Schuyler gratified them by allowing a few hun- 
 dred warriors, headed by the famous Oneida chief, 
 Skenandoa, to engage in certain special services. In the 
 years 1777 and 1778, we find Mr. Kirkland at one time 
 on short visits to his family ; again at Oneida, endeavor- 
 ing to cheer and control his people amid the troubles of 
 the times ; and again at various places, procuring infor- 
 mation from friendly scouts of the movements of the 
 enemy along our northern frontier. In 1779 he was 
 brigade chaplain with General Sullivan, in his campaign 
 on the Susquehanna. 
 
 On the return of peace, in 1784, he was reappointed a 
 missionary among the Oneidas. But he found, alas ! that 
 war had sown desolation in its track. It left the red men 
 poor, their habits of industry broken up, their morals de- 
 praved, and their schools and churches almost forsaken. 
 Yet he was not discouraged. He resumed his work with 
 hopefulness and ardor. In the course of a year the affairs 
 of his flock looked encouraging. The natives became 
 more intelligent, and showed a disposition to inquire 
 into, and an ability to understand, the leading truths of 
 Christianity. A Cayuga chief, who had heard favorable 
 reports of the white priest and his Bible, came sixty miles 
 to visit him. The origin of the christian religion, the 
 inspiration of the Scriptures, the law of God, the his- 
 tory of Christ, — such high themes were the subjects 
 of their conversation. The sagamore admitted that 
 Christianity was a pretty good sort of religion. But just 
 
74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 as lie was leaving, Satan put it into his heart to inquire 
 why, if the Bible was so good a book, it had been so long 
 withheld from heathen nations ; and this he followed up 
 with other questions of casuistry, — among the rest, that 
 old thorny perplexity, the origin of evil, — all produced 
 for the sake of debate and fault-finding. The missionary 
 replied to these inquiries in an able manner, but feared 
 that the chief went back to his tribe little benefited by 
 his visit. 
 
 A happier case was that of a venerable Indian, who had 
 been quite a Pharisee, and was accounted one of the 
 wisest men of his tribe, but who, after several discussions 
 with Mr. Kirkland, was convinced of the falsity and cor- 
 ruption of paganism and of the truth and purity of 
 Christianity, and then entreated his teacher to " come 
 and cast water on him in the name of Jesus." The con- 
 version of this leading man was the beginning of a 
 general reformation. For a period of seven months not 
 an instance of intoxication was observed. In the three 
 villages under Mr. Kirkland's care upwards of seventy 
 persons were believed to have become truly religious. 
 Not seldom did he see persons in his congregation 
 who had walked twenty and thirty miles to hear him 
 preach. 
 
 When the troublous period of the Revolution was over, 
 Mrs. Kirkland had hoped to return to Oneida, to share 
 with her husband in his privations and labors. But the 
 want of schools and of suitable society for her children 
 detained her in Stockbridge year after year. One of her 
 sons, John Thornton, — a name afterwards to become 
 eminent in the Presidency of Harvard College, — was 
 sent to Phillips Academy, Andover, and thence, in due 
 time, to Cambridge. The twin brother, George, was sent 
 
DEATH OF MRS. KIRKLAND. 75 
 
 to Dartmouth College. In the year 1T88, when the 
 hopes and prospects of the family were very bright, the 
 mother was taken away, — a blow from which the chil- 
 dren, as well as the husband and father, were slow to re- 
 cover. In the summer of this year, Mr. Kirkland was 
 directed by the Missionary Board to perform a tour 
 among the other tribes of the confederacy, in order to as- 
 certain their real numbers, and to learn their desires in 
 reference to missionaries and teachers. In connection 
 with this, he was requested by the State government to 
 attend a council of chiefs and State Commissioners held 
 at Buffalo Creek, for the transaction of important busi- 
 ness. It was found that the Six Nations numbered about 
 4350, exclusive of the Mohawks, who had left the con- 
 federacy and settled north of Lake Erie ; also, that they 
 were not friendly to the proposal to send New England 
 missionaries among them ; at least, if any were sent, they 
 insisted on having only such as would baptize the children 
 of all parents, however ungodly. It would seem that 
 Mr. Kirkland's services as interpreter and mediator in the 
 council were highly valued by both parties. At the con- 
 clusion, " the. chiefs unanimously returned him their 
 thanks for his friendly aid and advice." The commis- 
 sioners also voted that, "in consideration of the services 
 rendered .... by the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, two thousand 
 acres of land .... shall be appropriated and given 
 gratis to the said Mr. Kirkland, for the accommodation 
 of his sons, or for such other purpose as he may think 
 proper." 1 And at the close of this year, the State of New 
 York and the Indians conjointly made him a grant of 
 valuable lands in Oneida County amounting in all to 
 about 47G0 acres. The tract, since known as Kirkland's 
 
 1 This land lay in Ontario County. 
 
76 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 patent, was two miles square, and lay on the west side of 
 what is now styled " the Property Line," its northeast 
 corner being just outside the present park of Hamilton 
 College. 
 
 This year and the next find him busy in his appropri- 
 ate work, yet not without troubles. His meetings were 
 sometimes interrupted by noisy and drunken men. More 
 than once plans were laid to take his life. One morning, 
 a bloody tomahawk was found stuck in his door, an inti- 
 mation that he must soon leave the neighborhood, or 
 expect the tomahawk. French traders brought in Jesuit 
 priests to combat his teachings and assail his reputation. 
 But he bore his trials manfully, and his influence among 
 the people was strengthened under every attempt to 
 weaken it. 
 
 During the summer of 1789, several head men of the 
 tribe came to confer with him in reference to the con- 
 dition and prospects of their nation. Earnestly, and 
 sometimes tearfully, they spoke of their poor people, con- 
 trasting their lot with that of the whites. They could 
 not help seeing that the English were increasing in num- 
 bers and power, while they were becoming weaker ; and, 
 beholding this, they exclaimed, " The rivers and harbors 
 which once received only a few canoes of ours are now 
 crowded with the great ships of the white people ! 
 Lands which our forefathers sold for a few pence could 
 not now be purchased of the whites for a hundred or a 
 thousand dollars ! Where we had only a few smokes 
 (wigwams), they have now great cities and lofty houses ! " 
 A lamentation which poetry has caught up and re- 
 peated : 
 
 " They waste us, — aye, like April snow, 
 In the warm noon, we shrink away : 
 
; INDIAN LAMENTATIONS. 77 
 
 And fast they follow, as we go 
 Towards the setting day, — 
 Till they shall (ill the land, and we 
 Are driven into the western sea." 
 
 As they dwelt upon this theme, their breasts would 
 heave and their eyes flash Avith sorrowful indignation. 
 11 Why this difference ? " they exclaimed, in tones of 
 piteous despair. " Does not the curse of Heaven rest 
 upon us for some old transgression, which we are power- 
 less to remove, and which prevents our reformation and 
 our prosperity ? " A strange superstition, indeed ; yet, 
 in these lamentations over their impending fate, what a 
 touch of nobleness ! Mr. Kirkland handled the matter 
 wisely. He unfolded the influence of ignorance and vice, 
 and of knowledge and virtue, respectively, on individual 
 and national character ; and he showed that herein, and 
 not in any malediction of Heaven, lay the difference be- 
 tween the lot of the Indians and that of the whites. He 
 endeavored to cheer and encourage them, assuring them 
 that by diffusing intelligence, and by cultivating habits 
 of industry and virtue, they might hope to rise to a con- 
 dition of comfort and prosperity. 
 
 Among the records of the following summer, we note 
 intimations that he was then giving much thought to a 
 system of thorough education for the Indians of the Five 
 Nations. He even went so far as to draw out his " Plan " 
 in writing, and to submit it to the consideration of sev- 
 eral leading civilians. These gentlemen expressed their 
 approbation of his scheme, but did not think the time 
 quite ripe for its execution. 
 
 In the winter of 1791,, the general government again 
 sought his aid in conducting a negotiation between 
 them and the confederacy, the design of which was to 
 
78 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 strengthen their attachment to the government, and to 
 secure a more general introduction among them of the 
 arts of civilization. Washington felt a deep interest in 
 this movement, and General Knox wrote to Mr. Kirkland 
 more than once, expressing the high, sense which the 
 government entertained of his services, and urging him, 
 if consistent with his other duties, to undertake this new 
 labor. A hostile feeling had lately sprung up against 
 the whites, and plans were maturing in secret to combine 
 the whole confederacy and the Western tribes against the 
 American government. Thanks to the missionary's 
 great personal influence and untiring exertions, this con- 
 spiracy was nipped in the bud. The Five Nations were 
 induced to remain firm in their adhesion to the govern- 
 ment, and eventually adopted some of the measures pro- 
 posed for their improvement. 
 
 Is it surprising that Mr. Kirkland now desired to 
 gather the separated members of his family under one 
 roof and under his own eye? With this in view, he 
 cleared several acres of his landed property near Oneida, 
 and built a house upon it. The removal of his effects 
 having been accomplished under the charge of his son 
 John Thornton, he plied his missionary work with all his 
 accustomed zeal. During this year some friendly hand 
 presented his educational scheme to Congress, and it met 
 with such favor that a yearly grant of $1500 was voted, 
 to aid in teaching the natives agriculture and some of the 
 useful arts. 
 
 In August, 1792, he attended the Commencement at 
 Dartmouth College, accompanied by an Oneida chief, 
 named Onondego, whose remarkable presence attracted 
 much attention. The trustees and faculty of the col- 
 lege paid marked respect to Mr. Kirkland during this 
 
MR. KIRKLAND AMONG THE COLLEGES. 79 
 
 visit. On Commencement clay, President Wheelock ad- 
 dressed Onondego from the rostrum. A part of his 
 re-ponse addressed to the graduating class ran as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 '• My young brothers, I salute yon. My very heart has been 
 gladdened by your pleasant voices. Although I understand but little 
 of your language, I see marks of wisdom, and an enlarged mind, in 
 many things you have said in your talks this day. This is the place 
 for enlightening the mind. . . . 
 
 "My young brothers, attend. In the world there are many 
 things which cause the unwary to step out of the right path. Hear 
 what I say. Be watchful. Uo not forget what you have learned. 
 Never go out of the straight path. It has been marked out by the 
 instructions of your chief. . . . Let every step in your future life 
 
 . . . show that you love peace and the true religion ; and the Great 
 Spirit will bless you. The light begins to break forth a little among 
 us in yonder wilderness." 
 
 From Hanover they went to Boston and Cambridge. 
 At the college, the chief became quite a " lion " to the 
 undergraduates ; his grave and crisp remarks on what he 
 saw and heard pleased them not a little. The library, 
 the chemical and philosophical apparatus, and the astro- 
 nomical instruments, filled him with wonder. As to the 
 orrery, which lie called " the sun-moon-and-star machine," 
 he feared he should not be able to describe it to his 
 nation, or that they would ridicule it as "some magic- 
 work." On leaving the town lie LL expressed great 
 delight and surprise that the wise men at Cambridge, 
 with their knowledge of everything about the works of 
 God, in creation and providence, could nevertheless (urn 
 their attention to the interests and happiness of poor 
 Indians." 
 
 Shortly after this tour in New England, Mr. Kirkland 
 transferred his residence from Oneida to his lands near 
 
80 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLANDS 
 
 the village of Clinton. Here his children, five in num- 
 ber, grew to maturity. Here, too, he was married to 
 Miss Mary Donnally, a respectable lady who had long 
 resided in his family, and had "charge of his children and 
 household in Stockbridge. It was his wont to ride on 
 horseback to his various preaching-places in the vicinity. 
 On one of these tours through the woods, a small branch 
 of a tree, which he was endeavoring to push aside, struck 
 him in the eye. The blow was not so severe or painful 
 as to prevent his going forward and fulfilling his engage- 
 ments ; but the injury proved to be serious and perma- 
 nent. For several months he was unable to read or^ 
 write, and his nervous system was much deranged. By 
 the advice of his physician, he went to New York and 
 Philadelphia to consult certain eminent oculists. He 
 was the more readily inclined to undertake this journey 
 because, in addition to the benefit to his health which he 
 hoped to gain, it would give him an opportunity to confer 
 with several leading men as to a further prosecution of 
 his educational scheme. This scheme contemplated the 
 providing, first, of schools for young native children, in 
 which they should be taught the rudiments of an English 
 education. Three such schools had already been estab- 
 lished. A second part of his plan involved the founding 
 of a high school, or academy? to be centrally situated, 
 and contiguous to some settlement of whites, to which 
 " English youth were to be admitted, bearing the charges 
 of their own education," and a certain number of older 
 Indian boys, selected from the different tribes of the 
 confederacy. These latter were " to be instructed," we 
 now use Mr. Kirkland's words, " in the principles of 
 human nature, in the history of civil society, so as to be 
 able to discern the difference between a state of nature 
 
A CADEMY FO VNDED. 81 
 
 and a state of civilization, and know what it is that 
 makes one nation differ from another in wealth, power, 
 and happiness ; and in the principles of natural religion, 
 the moral precepts, and the more plain and express doc- 
 trines of Christianity." For the convenience of both 
 parties, he proposed to place this institution near what 
 was then the boundary-line between the white settle- 
 ments and the Indian territory. The scheme was well 
 approved everywhere, but perhaps it found its warmest 
 advocates among those intelligent families which had 
 recently emigrated from New England and settled in the 
 adjoining towns ; for though they somewhat doubted its 
 success so far as the Indians were concerned, they felt 
 sure that it would be beneficial to the white population. 
 
 On the journey of which we have spoken, he gave his 
 first thoughts to the Academy. He solicited and obtained 
 subscriptions to its funds. He visited the Governor of 
 the State, and the Regents of the University, and, with 
 their cooperation, took the first steps toward procuring 
 a charter, which was obtained the following year, 1790. 
 Alexander Hamilton afforded him invaluable aid, as did 
 also Colonel Pickering. At Philadelphia he called upon 
 General Washington, who expressed a warm interest in 
 the welfare of the institution. Mr. Hamilton was one 
 of the trustees mentioned in the petition for its incorpora- 
 tion, and after him it was named the " Hamilton Oneida 
 Academy." Mr. Kirkland's exertions did not end here. 
 In April, 1793, he conveyed to the institution a valuable 
 grant of land. This donation was made in connection 
 with a subscription for erecting the academy building. 
 On the table before us lies this original subscription- 
 paper, now yellow and torn, on which he entered his 
 first donation. It reads in this simple way : " Sam 1 
 6 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Kirklancl, ,£10.0.0. and 15 days' work. Also, 300 acres 
 of land, for the use and benefit of the Academy, to be I 
 leased, and the product applied towards the support of 
 an able instructor." 
 
 This gift, with others from the friends of learning and 
 religion throughout the State, placed the Academy on a 
 substantial footing. A commodious building was erected 
 on the western hillside overlooking the infant settlement 
 of Clinton, on the spot designated by Mr. Kirkland ; an 
 able preceptor and an assistant were procured, and the 
 doors opened for pupils. Hamilton Oneida Academy 
 soon became widely known, and scholars flocked to it 
 from every quarter. 
 
 In his Historical Discourse, President Fisher, having 
 remarked upon the time at which the corner-stone of the 
 Academy was laid, thus pictures also the occasion: — 
 
 " The occasion is one of special interest. The chief statesmen of 
 the nation, including the Father of his Country, have heard of and 
 anticipated it with that peculiar pleasure which belongs to far-seeing 
 and patriotic minds, intent upon the production of those forces which 
 were to mould the grand future of this young nation. It has gath- 
 ered together the leading minds from a large section of the State. 
 The men who moulded these communities into their present form, 
 with not a few of the earnest, stalwart workers whose hands were to 
 subdue the forests, are there. Steuben, the brave old warrior, who 
 came, in our hour of trial, to discipline our rude soldiery and organ- 
 ize them into the effective battalions that beat back the invading 
 hosts of England, has come to perform one of the last and most 
 notable and pregnant acts of his useful life, for the country of his 
 adoption, — to lay the corner-stone of an Institution which is to bear 
 down into the future the name of his old compatriot in arms, one of 
 the foremost statesmen of this or any other age. A troop of horse- 
 men, commanded by a son of Kirkland, among whom were some 
 who had mingled in the fight of Oriskany, and seen Cornwallis sur- 
 render his sword at Yorktown, occupy the outer circle as his escort, 
 and symbolize the patriotism that is to be nourished here ; a patriot- 
 
LAYING OF CORNER-STONE. 83 
 
 ism that in the hour of our country's need will not shrink, sword in 
 hand, from defending the nation's rights, he the assailants ambitious 
 foreign despots, or equally ambitious but more malignant traitors in 
 our own land. Reclining partly on the grass and standing around 
 is a company of the faithful Oneidas, among whom towers the ven- 
 erable form of their Christian chief, the brave Skenandoa : Sken- 
 andoa, the friend of Kirkland, whose counsels in peace and war 
 have kept them firm on one side through all the horrors of the 
 Hi-volution ; his head is now whitened by the snows of ninety 
 winters; he looks in silence upon the scene, knowing that, whatever 
 may betide his people, his own ashes will mingle with those of his 
 Christian father, and his body ascend with his in the resurrection of 
 the just. 
 
 " liut there is still another — the central figure of this company — 
 around whom clusters the chief interest ; one whose noble heai't 
 prompted, whose intellect conceived, whose energy carried into ex- 
 ecution, the plan of founding this Institution. The name of Samuel 
 Kirkland, although as yet, like that of Calvin, no marble shaft 
 designates the spot where his dust reposes, will live while yonder 
 walls endure, and literature, science, and religion shall cherish the 
 memory of those whose lives have been associated with their ad- 
 vancement in this land." — Memorial, p. 60. 
 
 We cannot now pause to trace the history of this insti- 
 tution further than to record, that in the year 1812 it was 
 raised to the rank of a college, and that from that time 
 to the present it has enjoyed a fair measure of prosperity. 
 
 The establishment of this seminary of learning, which 
 had occupied so many of Mr. Kirkland's thoughts for the 
 fifteen years previous, was the last important act of his 
 'life. He continued his missionary labors, but they were 
 performed amid bodily infirmities and many increasing 
 sorrows. He never recovered entirely from the injury 
 of his eye. In the year 1795, he was thrown from 
 his horse, and received a blow which aggravated his 
 other disorders. In short, he had overtasked his ener- 
 gies by thirty years of toil and exposure, and it was 
 
84 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 not strange that his health now broke down. And 
 that he should slacken somewhat his labors among the 
 Indians is not surprising, nor yet that he should neglect 
 the details of some of the other interests committed 
 to his keeping. Accordingly, we find that, in the year 
 1797, the Board of Commissioners withdrew from him 
 their appointment and support. They did not present 
 full and satisfactory reasons for this summary procedure ; 
 but they doubtless felt that as he had become broken in 
 health and spirits, and was somewhat engrossed in the 
 care of his lands, a younger man could serve the society 
 better. It is gratifying to know that his integrity was 
 not impeached. Shortly after this, he became involved 
 in great pecuniary embarrassments through the failure 
 of one of his sons ; and close upon this calamity came 
 the death of two of his children, Samuel and George. 
 But the brave old man bore up under his heavy and 
 complicated trials, evincing a patience and submission 
 truly remarkable. 
 
 In the year 1798 he received a visit from President 
 Dwight of Yale College, and Jeremiah Day, then tutor 
 in the same institution. These gentlemen had started 
 from New Haven for a vacation tour on horseback to 
 Niagara Falls ; but on reaching Utica, they heard such 
 accounts of the difficulties and perils of the journey beyond 
 that they were constrained to abandon it. They, however, 
 rode out to Clinton, to visit the missionary Kirkland and 
 his infant seminary, and then returned to New England. 
 During the remainder of his life, Mr. Kirkland continued 
 to cherish a deep interest in the improvement of the 
 town where he resided, in the prosperity of the Academy, 
 and in the welfare of the Indians. He bestowed several 
 other gifts upon the institution, and in his death did not 
 
MR KIRKLAND'S DEATH. 85 
 
 forget it. With or without official appointment and 
 salary, he regarded himself as missionary and friend to 
 the natives, and he continued to serve them while he 
 lived. His death occurred in February, 1808, after a 
 short but severe illness. His remains were carried to 
 the village church in Clinton, where a sermon was 
 preached by the Rev. Dr. Norton. A large assemblage 
 of Indians, from far and near, convened on the occasion, 
 and poured out bitter lamentations over his grave. The 
 funeral address was interpreted to them by Judge James 
 Dean, then resident Agent of Indian Affairs. 1 
 
 Mr. Kdrkland seems to have been Avell adapted phys- 
 ically for the life of labor which he chose. In stature 
 he was a little above the medium height, well propor- 
 tioned, robust, and in his mature manhood inclining to 
 stoutness. In manners he was simple, dignified, and 
 courteous, not without a dash of brusqueness at times, 
 yet thoroughly polite, — a true gentleman of the old 
 school. His urbanity came partly from native endow- 
 ment and partly from his frequent intercourse with emi- 
 nent and cultivated men. On all public occasions he wore 
 the clerical gown and bands, and, thus robed, presented 
 an imposing aspect. His portrait, prefixed to this chap- 
 ter, represents him as he appeared when about forty years 
 of age, — erect, vigorous, of commanding presence, with 
 a penetrating eye, and an animated, buoyant expression, 
 as if ready for adventure or the endurance of hardship. 
 Had he possessed a feeble constitution, he could never 
 
 1 Mention has already been made of his two sons, George Whitefield and 
 Samuel Thornton. Of his daughters, the eldest, Jerusha, was married to John 
 II. Lothrop, of Utica, N. Y.. and died about twelve years ago. The next, 
 Sarah, became the wife of Francis Amory, of Boston. Eliza, the yofingest, 
 was married to the late Edward Robinson, then Professor in Hamilton College, 
 and since a Biblical scholar of world-wide reputation. 
 
86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 have made those long and toilsome journeys, often on foot, 
 through mud and snow, and sometimes in open boats ; 
 nor could he have submitted to the hard fare of the 
 savages, and been brought, not seldom, to the verge of 
 starvation. Some of his survivors, who saw him in their 
 youth, tell us that, when he was about sixty years of age, 
 he looked like a hard-worn old man, — one who had gone 
 through the wars, and come out bronzed by exposure and 
 well marked with bruises and scars. Only a man of 
 great physical vigor could have endured so much and 
 held out so long. - 
 
 It will not be claimed for him that he was endowed 
 with extraordinary mental powers. We find no brilliancy 
 of imagination, no % exuberance of wit, no philosophical 
 profoundness. But we meet with what is of more value, 
 — good, plain strength of intellect, ability to grasp large 
 and small matters, solid judgment, rare executive talent, 
 and an unconquerable will. He was a careful observer 
 of men and of events. Early thrown upon his own 
 resources, and disciplined by adversity, he became inde- 
 pendent and self-sustained. His mind took on something 
 of the freedom and rough grandeur of the scenes amid 
 which his life was passed. It was no slight advantage 
 for him to live in the stirring times of our Revolution, 
 to witness its first outbreak, to watch and help on its 
 progress, and to greet its successful termination. In such 
 scenes the mind often acquires a vigor and clearness 
 which do not come from simply poring over books. 
 
 He was by no means wanting in tender sensibility and 
 generous enthusiasm, and in humor and wit, though this 
 latter trait was only a delicate vein running through his 
 nature, and not perceptible to every eye. It took the 
 form rather of airy sprightliness and genial pleasantry. 
 
MR. KIRKLANPS CHARACTER. 87 
 
 He possessed a large fund of memorabilia ; and the 
 recital of these in his downright, hearty manner gave 
 variety and raciness to his conversation. 
 
 We do not hear that the Indians ever said of him, as 
 the natives once did of a bookish Puritan, that " he could 
 whistle Greek ; " yet he was learned enough to be an 
 oracle to them, and his learning was practical, and ever 
 at their service. To use an ancient figure, he was a tree 
 of knowledge which carried its heavily-laden boughs so 
 low that even children might pluck the golden fruit. 
 He did not, like Jonathan Edwards, while missionary to 
 the Stockbridge Indians, spend his leisure in compos- 
 ing theological treatises, but he gave all his time and 
 thoughts to the well-being of his humble charge. He 
 was made for a pioneer and for a worker in the common 
 ways of life, and he used his talents wisely and effectively. 
 
 His moral and religious character gave tone and direc- 
 tion to his Avhole career. While yet a youth, at Dr. 
 Wheelock's school, his true spiritual life began, and he 
 evinced the earnestness of his zeal by resolving at once to 
 spend his days in missionary service among the Indians. 
 He consorts with the dusky Seneca boys, that he may 
 learn their maimers and their strange tongue. From 
 college halls his eyes look abroad with longing upon the 
 western wilderness, and he cannot wait for his bachelor's 
 diploma before he starts upon his first adventurous jour 
 ney among the Iroquois. Nor does he sink under rough 
 toil, or quail before persecution and threatened death. 
 He does not, like David Brainerd, spend his time and 
 exhaust his strength in torturing self-scrutiny and self- 
 upbraiding and melancholy forebodings.. No: he wisely 
 holds that the best proof of love to God is to be found 
 in hearty, joyous service for him. He suffers himself to 
 
88 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 be adopted into the family of an Indian, sleeps and eats in 
 their smoky, squalid wigwams, becomes all things to them, 
 if by any means he may save some. He imbues their chil- 
 dren with the rudiments of education and religion, and 
 to their sages he opens the higher wisdom of the Bible. 
 He teaches agriculture and mechanics. He mediates 
 between men at variance. He goes on long journeys to 
 negotiate their affairs with the whites, and to keep them 
 at peace with those who would embroil them in war. 
 
 And does he not serve his country, too ? Indeed, as 
 we review the history of his life during the Revolutionary 
 War, — holding in friendly relations two savage tribes, 
 and keeping close watch upon the movements of others, 
 — now acting as chaplain in the army, and at the con- 
 clusion of the war managing several difficult embassies 
 between the natives and the whites for their mutual 
 benefit, — he seems to us deserving of no less honor from 
 his countrymen than many a military hero crowned with 
 blood-bought laurels. 
 
 His plan for the education of the Indians is creditable 
 alike to his head and his heart. He doubtless foresaw 
 that missionary labors among them would be of little 
 permanent value without education. The half-regener- 
 ated savage would relapse into barbarism as soon as the 
 living preacher should be withdrawn. Desirous that his 
 work should outlast his own life, he resolved to lay a 
 solid basis in education. He wanted, moreover, to pro- 
 mote the social culture of the natives by bringing their 
 children into daily association with those of white men. 
 In this way he hoped to overcome the prejudices exist- 
 ing between the two races, and to bind them together in 
 bonds of perpetual brotherhood. The conception of this 
 plan must have been the fruit of those frequent and 
 
FRUITS OF HIS LABORS. 89 
 
 touching interviews with Indian chiefs concerning the 
 prospects of their race. These men saw that their de- 
 cline was inevitable, unless something were done to pre- 
 vent it ; and they came with sad hearts to their friend 
 and teacher, imploring Ins help to save them from utter 
 extinction. It seems as if his scheme were formed in 
 fulfillment of some secret, holy vow to make one grand 
 and mighty effort to stay their fall, and, if possible, to 
 restore them to prosperity. Was it not a worthy en- 
 deavor? Had he done nothing more than this, he would 
 be entitled to a high place among christian philanthro- 
 pists. 
 
 It matters little that his plan did not accomplish all 
 that he had hoped. No natives ever became members of 
 his Academy. The careless freedom of life in the woods 
 and the excitements of the hunting-ground were more 
 attractive than the confinement and dull routine of the 
 school-room. Yet of the large number trained in his 
 primary schools, a goodly proportion became intelligent 
 and virtuous men. To this day, their descendants, living 
 in a Western State, revere and bless no name so much as 
 that of Kirkland. But his scheme, so far as it related 
 to the whites, was abundantly successful. The Academy 
 flourished, and, as he had contemplated from the first, 
 was soon raised to the rank of a College. He saw our 
 day afar off, and was glad. The old landmark known as 
 " the boundary line of property " between the whites and 
 Indians has been almost swept away with the removal 
 of the natives ; but the College founded by his wisdom 
 and benevolence still stands, diffusing its light far be- 
 yond the territory occupied by the Six Nations. It has 
 trained its thousand youths for professional and com- 
 mercial life, and will doubtless continue to send forth 
 streams of healthful influence in all time to come. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 EELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 
 
 Having turned aside from the direct course of our 
 narrative to gather up the somewhat miscellaneous facts 
 and incidents of the two last chapters, I now proceed to 
 consider other important events in their chronological 
 order. And this brings me to sketch the history of the 
 several churches in Kirkland. 
 
 " Go walke about all Sj'on hill, yea, round about her go; 
 And tell the towres that thereupon are builded on a roe ; 
 And mark ye well her bulwarks all, behold her towres there; 
 That ye may tell thereof to them that after shall be here. 
 For this God is our God, forever more is He ; 
 Yea, and unto the death also, our guider shall He be." 
 
 Steknhold and Hopkins. 
 
 I. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. , 
 
 As I have already mentioned, this town was first 
 settled in the spring of the year 1787. The original 
 inhabitants, though not all of them in the communion of 
 any church, felt that their society would be wholly in- 
 complete without its institutions of religion and morality. 
 Accordingly we find that on Sunday, the 8th of April, 
 soon after their arrival, they assembled for public wor- 
 ship. The place of meeting was an unfinished building 
 of Captain Foot, which stood on the corner of the present 
 Park and Williams Street. The services consisted of 
 prayer, singing, and the reading of a printed sermon. 
 
CHURCH ORGANIZED. 91 
 
 Religious meetings of this kind continued to be held 
 until a church was regularly organized and a minister 
 installed over it. 
 
 At the time of which we now speak, there were but 
 few opportunities for the inhabitants to enjoy the stated, 
 public ministrations of religion. The neighboring towns, 
 some of which had just commenced their settlements, 
 were all without ministers. The Congregational church 
 of New Hartford was organized August 27, 1791, and its 
 first pastor installed in February, 1792. The united 
 congregations of Whitesborough and Fort Schuyler, 
 received their first ordained minister August 21, 1794. 
 The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, Indian 'missionary at Oneida, 
 held occasional services here at a very early period. Rev. 
 Mr. Sergeant and Rev. Mr. Occum also came here, now 
 and then, for the same purpose. At wide intervals, also, 
 ministers travelling from the East, stopped at this settle- 
 ment and preached to attentive hearers. These meetings 
 were held sometimes in the log-houses of the inhabitants, 
 and often in their more spacious barns. 
 
 In November, 1788, Rev. Samuel Eells, of Branford, 
 Conn., an appointed missionary to several feeble churches 
 in this State, visited Clinton, at which time he held 
 religious services and performed a number of baptisms. 
 During his sojourn, he prepared a Covenant, or decla- 
 ration of belief, by accepting which, any baptized person 
 of good morals and a speculative believer in Christi- 
 anity, could be admitted to religious fellowship, though 
 not to the communion, and could receive for his house- 
 hold the rite of baptism. This was, for substance, the 
 "Half- Way Covenant" then in vogue in some parts 
 of New England. It contained a brief and general recog- 
 nition of certain religious truths and duties, and was 
 
92 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAftD. 
 
 adopted in the present case simply as a bond of union 
 between religiously-disposed persons, until a church with 
 its Creed and Covenant should be regularly constituted. 
 This compact was signed by seventeen persons, some of 
 whom had held the Half- Way Covenant relation to 
 churches in New England. 
 
 Several of the more intelligent and thoroughly religious 
 members of the Society refused to sign this declaration ; 
 and of those who did, quite a number soon became dis- 
 satisfied with it. They desired a regularly organized 
 church, around which their christian regards could 
 gather and fasten, and Articles of Faith strictly Calvin- 
 istic, and definite and full in their statement. They ac- 
 cordingly consulted with the Rev. Dan Bradley, who had 
 lately commenced preaching at New Hartford, and by his 
 advice they opened a correspondence with Rev. Dr. 
 Edwards, then pastor of the North Church in New 
 Haven, Conn. By their urgent request, this gentleman 
 visited Clinton in August, 1791, and organized a church 
 with the Congregational form of government, and con- 
 sisting of thirty members. In place of the compact, 
 adopted by several persons three years before, he recom- 
 mended the Articles of Faith and the Covenant of his 
 own church in New Haven. The members of this church 
 were so well pleased with these symbols that they 
 adopted them as an appropriate expression of their own 
 belief and of their desires and purposes in the christian 
 life. These have continued, with very slight alterations, 
 to be the Creed and Covenant of this church until the 
 present time. 
 
 A few weeks afterward, a religious Society, called 
 " The Society of Clinton," was formed, consisting of 
 eighty-three of the most prominent and respectable per- 
 
FIRST PASTOR INSTALLED. 93 
 
 sons in the settlement. In looking about for a pastor, 
 they turned to their former adviser, Dr. Edwards, and 
 on his recommendation, Rev. Asahel Strong Norton, of 
 Chatham, Conn., was invited to visit Clinton, with a view 
 to his settlement there in the ministry. It was not neces- 
 sary for the people to listen a long time to Mr. Norton 
 before becoming satisfied as to his ability and fitness to 
 be their spiritual teacher and guide. He was ordained 
 to the ministry and installed pastor of this church on the 
 18th of September, 1793. The salary upon which he 
 was settled was fixed at " one hundred pounds lawful 
 money," or $333.^. ; and this continued to be his stipend 
 for twenty years, when it was increased to $600.00, which 
 it remained for the rest of his pastorate. 1 
 
 The ecclesiastical Council by which he was ordained 
 and installed consisted of the following persons, namely, 
 the two missionaries Kirkland and Sergeant, Rev. Samuel 
 Eells, of Branford, Conn., Rev. Dan Bradley, of Whites- 
 town, and Rev. Joel Bradley, of Westmoreland. There 
 were also lay-delegates from the churches iu Paris, 
 Whitestown, and Westmoreland. The first day was 
 spent in the examination of the candidate. The second 
 day, at eleven o'clock, was devoted to the ordination. 
 That was "an high day"' for this infant church and 
 society. No Meeting-House having yet been erected, 
 and no other building in the village being large enough 
 to accommodate the expected congregation, provision was 
 made for holding the exercises in the open air, upon the 
 
 1 It would seem that the good people of Kirkland thought it not meet to 
 bestow an overplus of this world's goods upon their minister. Yet they were 
 as generous as their fathers had been before them. The venerable John Cotton 
 used to complain that "nothing was cheap in New England but milk and 
 ministers.'' And Increase Mather, in lamenting the smallness of clergymen's 
 Salaries in his day — about ^."00 — thought "this might of it-elf account for 
 the .-in. ill harvests enjuyed by our farmers " 
 
94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Public Green. The spot selected was near the site of 
 the present Fountain in the village Park. A temporary 
 pulpit was constructed, over which a canopy of green 
 boughs was thrown, and a few seats were prepared for 
 the comfort of ladies and infirm persons. Of the inhabit- 
 ants of the village none were willingly absent. Many 
 persons came from the adjoining towns, and here and 
 there in the out-skirts of the assembly might have been 
 seen the searching eye and strange costume of the neigh- 
 boring Indians. Looking beyond this scene, one could 
 discern openings made by the farmer's axe in the shadows 
 of the forest, and could see patches of green fields smiling 
 under the September sun. Here and there, the ascend- 
 ing smoke marked the site of the settler's abode ; but 
 beyond, throughout the valley, and on the surrounding 
 hills, were spread the primitive woods. It was amid 
 such a scene that the ordination of the youthful clergy- 
 man took place. The religious services were conducted 
 by the clerical members of the Council : the sermon and 
 charge to the pastor being delivered by Rev. Mr. Eells; 
 the ordaining prayer and the address to the congregation 
 being made by Rev. Mr. Kirkland ; and the Right Hand 
 of Fellowship by Rev. Mr. Sergeant. The music, — surely 
 there was something prophetic in one of the hymns which 
 they sang : — 
 
 " Jesus shall reign where 'er the sun 
 Does his successive journeys run." 
 
 From this time onward for two years, nothing of 
 special importance transpired in the affairs of this church 
 and society. A log building of moderate size having 
 been erected on the village Common, in 1792, furnished 
 a place for holding religious worship. Mr. Norton also 
 

IE 
 
 cSI i jl iii :s a in 
 
 III. .ill! 1 111! f); !!! i 
 
 : ) ■ ■■■ ■ -■■■ " " ■ llllllllli'lii 
 
 |||PO IliiiJI 
 
 OLD WHITE MEKTIXli-110 USE 
 
MEETING-HOUSE BUILT. 95 
 
 preached in various parts of the town, as opportunity 
 presented or circumstances required : to use his own 
 words,'" I often preached in school-houses and barns and 
 in the open woods." 
 
 In the year 1796, the church now numbering about 
 sixty members, and the pecuniary ability of the people 
 having increased, they determined to erect a House of 
 Worship. The log building on the Green was accord- 
 ingly torn down, to furnish a site for the new edifice ; 
 and the school-house, a small frame building standing on 
 the ground now covered by the district school house in 
 the village, was used for holding religious meetings until 
 the new church was completed. 1 
 
 This Meeting-House was built of wood, in the style 
 of architecture then common in the rural parts of New 
 England. It stood upon a knoll some ten or twelve feet 
 higher than the present level of the village Park, facing 
 the south, the front middle door being nearly two rods 
 north of the south entrance to the Park. It was about 
 sixty-five feet long, and forty-eight broad, with a square 
 tower projecting half its depth in front, which was sur- 
 mounted by an open belfry and a turret. It was clap- 
 boarded, and painted white. The plan of the house was 
 drawn by a Mr. Harrison, of Paris Hill, and it was 
 erected partly under his supervision. During the first 
 summer and fall the building was enclosed, the floor- 
 laid, and some temporary seats made. Here the work 
 rested for a time, and the house was used for public wor- 
 ship in its unfinished state, until the summer of 1801. 
 On its completion this year, the pews were sold at public 
 
 1 That school-house was removed a few years afterwards, to make way for 
 a brick one, and now stands on the north side of Kellogg Street, and is occu- 
 pied by James Hughes as a Celtic boarding-house. 
 
96 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 auction, one pew near the pulpit being reserved for aged 
 and deaf persons, and another for the family of the 
 pastor. 
 
 The first bell was hung in the belfry, August, 1804. 
 It was cast in this village by Captain Timothy Barnes, 
 its weight being eight hundred pounds ; but owing to 
 some defect in the casting it was soon broken. It was 
 then taken down and carried to Troy, and re-cast, with 
 some addition to its weight. The bell then and thus 
 made has been in use until the present time. It is the 
 one now in the belfry of the Stone church. 1 
 
 The Meeting-House was never dedicated by formal 
 religious ceremonies. It began to be used for divine 
 service before it was finished, and was used in this way 
 so long that when completed it was not thought needful 
 or advisable to set it apart by any special observances. 
 Many devout persons maintained that the presence of 
 God had already consecrated it. 
 
 There are some now living to whom it will be unneces- 
 sary for me to describe this old Meeting-House. They 
 will remember its three uncarpeted aisles ; its square, 
 high-back pews, painted blue without and unpainted 
 within ; the large, monumental-shaped stove standing in 
 an open space near the middle door ; the lofty pulpit, 
 with its modest show of carved work and tracery, its 
 hangings of faded crimson, and the large windows in the 
 rear shaded by Venetian blinds ; the pillars supporting 
 the gallery and the arched ceiling ; the high " Blue Pew" 
 
 1 A church huilding had been erected by the Congregational Society, of New 
 Hartford, in 1793. The steeple was not built, however, nor was it otherwise 
 finished until the year 1796. It must have been staunchly constructed, for it 
 still stands, and with its frequent repairs, presents a very respectable appear- 
 ance. A.s the oldest church edifice in this county, it is worthy of rti ti-.i- 
 guished consideration. 
 
STONE CHURCH BUILT. 97 
 
 over the orchestra in the gallery ; and the Negro Pew 
 on the east side of it. Nor will they, fail to see the 
 reverend pastor walking up the middle aisle, bowing 
 gravely and graciously, right and left, to his people in 
 their seats. And then — to pass outside — who that ever 
 saw the stately old building, can forget its pale-green 
 doors, with their large handles and latches of wrought 
 iron ; the lightning-rod dangling upon the western side of 
 tin- tower; the pagoda-like turret above the bell-deck, 
 and the bell itself, swinging in its open chamber, and 
 telling daily to the surrounding inhabitants the hours of 
 nine in the morning, twelve at noon, and nine at night ; 
 and the gilded letters at the top of the turret marking the 
 four cardinal points ; and the ball and weathercock and 
 star surmounting the whole ? 
 
 In the year 1883, this venerable structure having be- 
 come somewhat decayed, and in its style of architecture 
 out of keeping with the improvements of the age, and 
 occupying a site which was considered unsuitable, it was 
 resolved to remove it and to erect a new church. The 
 present stone edifice was built in the years 1835 and 1836, 
 at a cost of about $8000, and on its completion, the old 
 meeting-house was torn down. A portion of the frame- 
 work of the old church was vised in building the present 
 district school-house on the east side of the village 
 Park. 1 
 
 1 The masonry of the Stone Church was done by Mr. Charles Wilcox, and 
 the carpentry by Richard Hardell. The lightning-rod, gilt hall, weathercock, 
 and star, were with the bell, transferred from the "Id church to the new. 
 In the year 1869, by the aid of Mr. Cains Bntler, the venerable Burveyor, I 
 
 1 tin- site of the northwest corner of the old church, and the centre 
 
 of its front middle door, and drove down red cedar stakes at each point. The top 
 of each stake can n< , jus! even with the surface of the ground. Mr. 
 
 Butler's note-book say-: "The bearing of the northwest corner of the old 
 7 
 
98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 The pastorate of Rev. Dr. Norton extended through 
 a period of forty years. These were, for the most part, 
 years of general prosperity in the church and the 
 community. During the later portion^ of his ministry, 
 however, the introduction of what were styled " new 
 measures," in connection with the preaching of Rev. 
 Mr. Finney and others, gave great anxiety to the cau- 
 tious pastor, and finally hastened his resignation. Yet 
 this did not essentially mar the purity and peace of the 
 church, nor check its growth. Dr. Norton gave up his 
 ministerial charge in the year 1833. 
 
 The stated pastors of this congregation from that time 
 until the present, have been as follows : Rev. Moses Chase, 
 from July, 1835, to January, 1839 ; Rev. Wayne Gridley, 
 from February, 1840, to February, 1845 ; Rev. Robert 
 G. Vermilye, D. D., from June, 1846, to October, 1857 ; 
 Rev. E. Y. Swift, from January, 1858, to May, 1862 ; 
 Rev. Albert Erdman, from March, 1864, to February, 
 1869 ; he being succeeded by Rev. Thomas B. Hudson, 
 D.D., in October, 1869. 
 
 This church was originally constituted with the Con- 
 gregational form of government ; but after adhering to 
 this polity for upwards of seventy years, it was found 
 expedient to change it for the Presbyterian. And for 
 the following reasons : First and fundamentally, it was 
 assumed that the Presbyterian form of government was 
 at least no less closely conformed to the principles set 
 forth in the New Testament, than the Congregational. 
 It was found also that the Congregational churches of 
 this region were becoming feebler ; that the Oneida As- 
 sociation, with which this church was connected, had no 
 
 meeting-house from the northeast corner of the Mills' Block, is S. 36° E.; 
 distance, 3 chains and 8 links." 
 
RULING ELDERS. 99 
 
 other settled pastor within its bounds, and that its meet- 
 ings were often held at quite a distance from Clinton : 
 while, on the other hand, this church was surrounded by 
 numerous and thriving Presbyterian churches, and was 
 within easy reach of the stated meetings of Utica Pres- 
 bytery. The relations of the college in Clinton to the 
 Presbyterian Church, had also some influence in deter- 
 mining this change. This transfer of ecclesiastical rela- 
 tion was consummated in the year 1864. The Creed and 
 Covenant of the church remained substantially the same 
 as they were from the beginning. 
 
 The following persons have been elected to the office 
 of Ruling Elder : — 
 
 Henry P. Bristol . . . Elected 1864. 
 
 James S. Cook . . . Elected 1864. . 
 
 George K. Eells . . . . Elected 1864. 
 
 Frederick M. Barrows . Elected 1864. 
 
 Horace M. Paine . . . Elected 1864. 
 
 Lathrop Brockway . . Elected 1864. 
 John C. Gallup .... Elected 1864. 
 
 Roselle L. Nichols . . Elected 1864. 
 Josiah L. Cook .... Elected 1864. 
 
 Edward North . . . Elected 1865. 
 
 A. Delos Gridley . . . . Elected 1865. 
 
 Joseph S. Avery . . . Elected 1866. 
 
 Hamilton Browxell . . . Elected 1869. 
 
 In the year 1850, the parsonage on College Street was 
 built, and the church edifice internally remodeled. In 
 1869, the church was painted and frescoed, and its win- 
 dows embellished with stained glass. At the same time, 
 also, the chapel was built in the rear of the church. 
 
100 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 THE REV. ASAHEL S. NORTON, D. D. 
 
 In concluding this history of the oldest religious organ- 
 ization in the town of Kirkland, I think it not inappro- 
 priate to give a brief sketch of the life and character of 
 its first pastor, the Rev. Dr. Norton, who held a conspic- 
 uous position here for nearly half a century, and who was 
 held in the highest respect and veneration by all who 
 knew him. 
 
 Mr. Norton was born in Farmington, Conn., Sep- 
 . tember 20, 1765. His ancestry was highly respectable, 
 and his father served as a colonel in the war of the Rev- 
 olution. His studies preparatory to entering college 
 were pursued under the care of the Rev. Dr. Perkins, of 
 West Hartford. He was graduated from Yale College 
 in the year 1790, bearing off the highest honors of his 
 class. 
 
 During his Senior year he experienced a change of 
 religious character, and resolved to devote himself to the 
 work of the christian ministry. His theological studies 
 were pursued under the direction partly of Rev. Mr. 
 Strong, of Haddam, and partly of Rev. Mr. Smalley, of 
 Berlin. In the year 1792, he was licensed to preach the 
 gospel by the Congregational Association of Hartford 
 County. As we have already seen, he was invited to be- 
 gin his public ministry in Clinton, March 25, 1793. A 
 quiet and unassuming man, he yet addressed himself to 
 his chosen work with great' earnestness and vigor. Nor 
 were his labors in vain. His congregation steadily in- 
 creased until it became one of the most efficient and flour- 
 ishing societies in central New York. He preached up- 
 wards of three thousand sermons during his ministry, 
 more than half of which were written out in full. In 
 
REV. DR. NORTON. 101 
 
 November, 1833, he was dismissed from his charge at his 
 own request. He retired with the most dignified and 
 christian spirit, and contrary to the wishes of a consider- 
 able portion of his congregation. 
 
 Released from professional duties, he afterwards de- 
 voted himself almost wholly to the care of his farm on 
 which he had resided for many years. He continued to 
 cherish a warm attachment for the people of his late 
 charge, uniting with the pastors who succeeded him in 
 the administration of the Lord's Supper, baptizing the 
 children of parents whom he had baptized in their in- 
 fancy, and attending funerals, until he at length followed 
 to the grave the last of those who composed the church 
 at the time of his ordination. 
 
 Dr. Norton was one of the founders of Hamilton Col- 
 lege, and was appointed to deliver the Latin Address at 
 the inauguration of President Backus. He was a trustee 
 of the college -from its establishment in 1812, to the year 
 1833, and he was deeply interested in its welfare as long 
 as he lived. 
 
 During the years 1852-53, he was subject to the at- 
 tacks of a disease which slowly reduced his strength and 
 finally terminated his life. The manner of his dying was 
 such as could have been desired for him. He passed 
 away without any apparent bodily distress, calmly trust- 
 ing in the Saviour, and cheered by those consolations 
 which for so long a time he had ministered to others. 
 He died May 10, 1853, aged eighty-seven years. His 
 funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. Robert G. 
 Vermilye, D. D., one of his successors in the pastoral 
 office at Clinton. 
 
 If now, in addition to this general outline, I may 
 attempt a more minute and full portrait of this venerable 
 man, the lines will be drawn somewhat as follows : — 
 
102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 In person, Dr. Norton was of medium stature and well 
 proportioned. His complexion was dark, his eyes and 
 hair black, his voice rich and melodious. Quick in his 
 movements, he was yet dignified and graceful ; self- 
 respectful, yet courteous, and possessing in all respects 
 the manners of a true gentleman. To some he may 
 have seemed a little reserved in his demeanor, — for he 
 seldom unbent himself in general society, — but this was 
 only in appearance, and did not proceed from coldness of 
 feeling, but rather from a shrinking modesty, and a high 
 sense of the dignity and sacredness of his office as a Chris- 
 tian minister. 
 
 In the early years of his professional life, his health 
 was quite delicate, — so much so that his friends thought 
 him verging to a decline, — but by much exercise out of 
 doors, in walking and in farm-work and riding on horse- 
 back", he became more vigorous, and enjoyed firm health 
 unto a good old age. As he was somewhat noted for his 
 pedestrianism, I once asked him how he came to adopt 
 the practice. " Shortly after I began preaching," he 
 replied, " I was reading a volume of travels in Italy, in 
 which the writer said that while sojourning in Rome, he 
 noticed several Catholic priests walking out daily into 
 the suburbs of the city to a certain mile-stone, and then 
 returning. They told him that this had been their 
 practice for many years, and that they were largely 
 indebted to it for their robust health. It occurred to me 
 at once," said Dr. Norton, " that the regimen which had 
 proved so beneficial to a Catholic, might be equally good 
 for a Protestant. I have tried it and found it of most 
 excellent service." He is known to have walked from 
 Clinton to Paris Hill, a distance of five miles from his 
 house, to fulfill an appointment to preach. He uniformly 
 
DR. NORTON'S INTELLECTUAL POWERS. 103 
 
 walked to the church, a- mile and more, to attend his 
 Sabbath evening lecture. He did this from choice, walk- 
 ing while his horse stood idle in his stable. I met him 
 one summer morning at his physician's door, after he 
 had become quite aged, and remarking that he looked 
 somewhat feeble, he replied that he had not been well 
 for a few days past, and thought he would come over and 
 get a little medicine. His cane and dusty shoes showed 
 that he had walked a mile to see his doctor. 
 
 In accordance with the usage of that day, Dr. Norton 
 purchased a farm, in the early part of his ministry, on 
 which he labored as opportunity permitted, and the 
 produce of which helped to make up the deficiencies of 
 his salary. He was much interested in the -introduction 
 of new and improved varieties of grains and of fruits. 
 Whenever he visited New England, he came back with 
 new seeds and scions, and then went about among his 
 people teaching them the art of engrafting. It is be- 
 lieved that he first gave that impulse to pomology in 
 this region, which has made Oneida County so preeminent 
 in this State for its fruit-culture. 
 
 Turning now to the intellectual endowments of Dr. 
 Norton, it may be said that though they were not of a 
 superior order, they were yet quite respectable, and were 
 happily developed by liberal studies. His mind was 
 not distinctively philosophical and profound, yet he 
 could analyze and present the argument of any chosen 
 subject with much perspicuity and force. He was clear 
 in his perceptions and calm and accurate in his reason- 
 ings. He did not possess large gifts of imagination and 
 fancy, vet, when the occasion required, he could adorn 
 his speech with the graces of a finished rhetoric. The 
 beauty of his mind lay in the symmetry and harmony 
 
104 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 of its parts, and in its uniform and well-ordered manner 
 of working. 
 
 Of his moral and religious character, it is not too 
 much to say that he lived above reproach, and happily- 
 exemplified the graces of a sincere piety. He was a 
 man of singular modesty and humility. So marked 
 were his simplicity and purity that even his enemies 
 acknowledged in him an Israelite without guile. He 
 was particularly careful in the use of his tongue. He 
 seldom spoke in disparagement of others. His chris- 
 tian character exhibited itself chiefly in the form of 
 high religious principle. Christ was the sole foundation 
 of his hope, and he felt sure that it was a firm founda- 
 tion. 
 
 His character as a preacher may be inferred from what 
 has already been said of him in other respects. His 
 voice was not powerful, nor was his action bold and strik- 
 ing. There was nothing in his elocution to attract 
 attention to itself. His manner was simple, easy, dig- 
 nified, impressive. His style as a writer corresponded 
 with his manner as a speaker. It was marked by purity 
 and correctness. If it was formed upon any model, it 
 was the Addisonian. Often, it was enlivened by figures 
 of speech; it was sometimes enriched by classical allu- 
 sions ; sometimes it rose to lofty eloquence ; but its 
 leading characteristic was elegant simplicity. He was 
 a sober man, and he aimed to present sober views of all 
 subjects. If he did not startle his hearers, he seldom 
 failed to interest and instruct them. 1 His theology was 
 
 1 He was very studious of the proprieties of time and place, almost fastid- 
 iously so. It could never have happened for him to recite his text, as a very 
 spare clergyman once did his, without first giving the chapter and verse, but 
 exclaiming, "My leanness, my leanness, woe is unto me! " Nor as a broad- 
 girthed minister once did his, by announcing, without preface: "If any other 
 
DR. NORTON AS A PREACHER. 105 
 
 Calvinism as expounded by Edwards and Bellamy. He 
 was a doctrinal preacher, yet truly practical. He had 
 no hobbies — his whole nature forbade it — but he aimed 
 to hold and to present a just and rounded view of all 
 Scriptural truth. As a pastor, he was systematic and 
 faithful in visiting his people from house to house. 
 
 From this view of his life and character, it is not 
 surprising that his ministry was a successful one. There 
 was a steady accession to his church from the beginning 
 to the close of his pastorate. 
 
 Dr. Norton's only publication was an Historical Ser- 
 mon, and this he suffered to be printed with great reluc- 
 tance. His low opinion of his own productions and his 
 exceeding sensitiveness to criticism led him to decline 
 many requests for the publication of discourses and 
 addresses. After preaching the historical sermon above 
 alluded to, on a Thanksgiving Day, a leading member 
 of his church (Dr. Seth Hastings) rose and moved that, 
 as the sermon contained important historical facts, as 
 well as useful moral reflections, a copy be requested for 
 publication. The vote was unanimous. While this 
 gentleman was putting the motion, Dr. Norton was so 
 embarrassed and overcome that he got up, seized his 
 manuscript, and hurried out of doors bare-headed, for- 
 getting his hat until he was in the open air. After much 
 entreaty, he consented to the publication ; but as it was 
 the first, so also was it the last. 
 
 After resigning his pastoral charge, he still maintained 
 his habits of bodily and intellectual activity. His eye 
 and his hand were busy in orchard, garden, and field. 
 Even to his old age he was a great walker, walking a 
 
 man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more." He 
 certainly would not have omitted the precautionary formula. 
 
106 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 mile and more to the post-office and the church, and for 
 social engagements. In his eighty-fifth year, he was 
 seen at the top of one of his apple-trees, gathering the 
 ruddy fruit he loved so well. He continued also his 
 scholarly habits. His library was his favorite resort, and 
 theology his favorite study. He kept himself abreast 
 with the science and literature and general news of the 
 day. When his eyesight failed, some member of his 
 household read aloud to him. The people of his late 
 charge made a special visit to him every winter, bringing 
 with them substantial tokens of their regard. At these 
 gatherings he was wont to make a short address ; some- 
 times recalling the history of his connection with the 
 people of this town ; sometimes exhorting them to in- 
 creased . activity in religious duty; and always assuring 
 them of his love for the church and his desire for their 
 temporal and spiritual welfare. And so his later years 
 passed away, cheered by the recollection of a long life of 
 usefulness, and by the hope of an endless life in heaven. 1 
 
 1 The following sketch of Rev. Wayne Gridley (the only deceased pastor 
 since Dr. Norton) was prepared by Professor Edward North, Necrologist of the 
 Society of Hamilton Alumni, and is inserted here by request: — 
 
 "Rev. Wayne Gridley, the oldest son of Deacon Orrin Gridley, for many 
 years a prominent citizen of Clinton, and long a Trustee of Hamilton College, 
 was bora in Clinton, November 12, 1811. At the age of twenty he was received 
 into the Congregational church. At the graduation of his class from Hamilton 
 College in 1836, he pronounced the Valedictory oration. He completed his 
 theological studies at Andover; and, in accoi-dance with a long-cherished pur- 
 pose, was ordained in Clinton, as a Foreign Missionary, September 25, 1839. He 
 was kept from his field of missionary labors by the financial embarrassments 
 of the American Board, and on the 26th of February, 1840, was installed as 
 pastor of the Congregational church in Clinton. Here he labored faithfully 
 and with great success for five years. During his brief pastorate, one hundred 
 and five were added to the church. In 1845 he was compelled by failing health 
 to give up the duties of the ministry. A year of foreign travel checked the prog- 
 ress of his disease only for a time. After struggling for a j r ear with increasing 
 infirmities, he died in Clinton, November 23, 1846. 
 
 He was married to a daughter of Dr. Seth Hastings, of Clinton, and was the 
 father of a daughter who still lives." 
 
THE METHODIST CHURCH. 107 
 
 II. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 1 
 
 The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
 Clinton cannot be traced previously to the year 1818. 
 Early in that year a " Class " was organized, consisting 
 of Mr. and Mrs. John Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Walter 
 Gillespie, and Mrs. Triphena Butler, who resided in 
 the Tillage, together witl} several persons living in the 
 vicinity. This " Class " belonged to what was known 
 as the Westmoreland Circuit, which included Augusta, 
 Vernon, Verona, Paris Hill, Marshall, and Westmore- 
 land. At that time there was no Methodist preaching 
 in this village. There was a regular service, however, 
 at Mr. Butler's, two miles distant, on the hill road to 
 New Hartford, and at Malachi Barker's and Mr. Ely's, 
 four miles south of the village. In the summer of 1819, 
 preaching was established on a week day, in the village, 
 at the residence of John B. Gregory, where it was con- 
 tinued for eight years. There was occasional service 
 in the school-house at the foot of College Hill, and at 
 Clinton Factory, when about thirty were converted in 
 one revival. 
 
 In the year 1831, Dr. Joseph Cornell became a resident 
 of this town, and proved a valuable addition to the little 
 society. Meetings were now held in the school-house, 
 and shortly after in the session room of the Congrega- 
 tional church. About this time a site for a church edi- 
 fice was purchased by Dr. Cornell and Mr. Gillespie, for 
 $1500. A subscription of 8800 was secured, but very 
 much less than that amount was realized from it. The 
 enterprise would have failed had not Father Gillespie 
 
 1 This paper was prepared by the Rev. M. G. Bullock, pastor of said church 
 from April, 1870, to April, 1873. 
 
108 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 assumed the responsibility, and by his personal efforts 
 and sacrifices completed the building. It was dedicated 
 in 1842, by Rev. Zachariah Paddock, presiding elder of 
 the district. At this time the society, owing to removals 
 and deaths, numbered only thirty members. Rev. John 
 H. Hall became pastor in 1842, remaining two years. 
 He was followed by Rev. S. G. Lathrop, Rev. William 
 Loomis and Rev. A. J. Dana. Under Mr. Dana's pas- 
 torate, a successful effort was made to free the church 
 from debt. In 1849-50, Rev. Richard Cooke's labors 
 were blessed with a gracious revival, some fruit of which 
 yet remains. Mr. Cooke was a very energetic man, and 
 through his efforts the church edifice was thoroughly re- 
 paired. 
 
 A parsonage was purchased in 1853, situated on Col- 
 lege Street, which was afterwards sold and one obtained 
 on Fountain Street. Rev. S. Stocking was instrumental 
 in this good work. Rev. Dwight Williams was appointed 
 pastor at the Conference which met in the spring of 1864, 
 and remained in charge for the following three years. 
 Mr. Williams was very successful in winning the affec- 
 tions of the people of all denominations, and his earnest 
 but quiet labors did much to prepare the way for the 
 revival that soon followed. Mr. Williams was a preacher 
 of fine talents, and had also more than ordinary ability 
 as an amateur poet. 
 
 Rev. M. S. Hard succeeded Mr. Williams, in April, 
 1867. At that time the church edifice was very much 
 in need of repair, and the time had evidently come for 
 the Society to put on new strength, and take a higher 
 position. Mr. Hard was the right man for the emer- 
 gency, and under his energetic leadership the church 
 was enlarged at an expense of $5600. It was dedicated 
 
THE UNIVERSAL1ST CHURCH. 109 
 
 January 8, 1868. Soon after, a very precious work of 
 grace began, which extended to the other churches. The 
 membership of the Society was almost if not quite 
 doubled, and Methodism took a better position. A new 
 parsonage was built in 1868, adjoining the old one on 
 Fountain Street. Mr. Hard was very popular as a pas- 
 tor, and was favored with abundant success. 
 
 In April, 1870, Rev. M. G. Bullock became pastor, 
 and held this office for three years. Successful efforts 
 have lately been made to free the church and parsonage 
 property from all debts. The present membership of 
 the church is one hundred and forty. 
 
 The following is a list of the several pastors of the 
 church since its organization : — 
 
 John G. Hall, 1812-43 ; S. G. Lathrop, 1844 ; William 
 Loomis, 1845 ; A. J. Dana, 1846 ; H. F. Rowe, 1847-48; 
 Rirhard Cooke, 1849-50; L. H. Stanley, 1851; S. 
 Storking, 1852-53 ; L. Bowdish, 1854-55 ; John II. Hall, 
 1856-57 ; T. Pilkinton, 1858 ; T. J. Bissell, 1859-60 ; 
 William N. Cobb, 1861-62; M. G. Wadsworth, 1863; 
 Dwight Williams, 1864-66 ; M. S. Hard, 1867-69 ; M. 
 G. Bullock, 1870-72. 
 
 Rev. Orlando C. Cole was appointed the minister of 
 this congregation, April, 1873. 
 
 in. THE UKTVERSALIST CHURCH. 1 
 
 The present Universalist Society in Clinton, was origi- 
 nally a part of the Universalist Society of New ! I.utford. 
 This latter society, established in 1805, mainly through 
 the labors of Rev. N. Stacey, included in its membership 
 the believers in universal salvation residing in all the re- 
 
 1 Tliis historical sketch was | r< pared by Rev. William P. Payne, pastor of 
 the society from September, 18G3, to July, 1871. 
 
110 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 gion round about, to the distance of eight or ten miles. 
 Several of the most influential and devoted supporters of 
 the society lived in or near Clinton. This fact secured 
 at an early day in this village occasional services. In the 
 . autumn of 1818, under the direction of Stephen R. 
 Smith, then pastor of the New Hartford Society, these 
 meetings assumed a much more permanent character. 
 Under the earnest labors of Mr. Smith, the Clinton 
 branch society grew rapidly in numbers and interest. So 
 much so, that in 1821 it assumed an independent exist- 
 ence ; and through the commendable sacrifices of many, 
 but principally through the large liberality of Joseph 
 Stebbins, Esq., was enabled to erect its first church edifice, 
 at a cost of about $2500. It was built of brick, fifty- 
 two feet by forty ; and, when completed, was doubtless 
 the comeliest house of worship belonging to the denomi- 
 nation in the State of New York. It still stands on Utica 
 Street, though now used for secular purposes. 
 
 Though always in reality a Universalist Society, the 
 church when built was designated a Free Church, and 
 the society worshipping in it as the Free Church Society 
 of Clinton. By articles of compact and the title of the 
 ground on which it stood, the church was free for the oc- 
 cupation of all christian sects, when not in use by its act- 
 ual proprietors. At first, it was so occupied, to some 
 extent, by the Methodists and Baptists of this town. 1 
 The society maintained this unsectarian character with 
 
 1 Mr. Gaius Butler informs me that the brick-work of this church was built 
 by Harry Butler. It was understood at the time that the Methodists were to 
 have a certain share in the use of the house. Nathaniel Butler, father of the 
 builder, and a devout Methodist, selected the Scriptural motto carved on the 
 marble tablet inserted in the front wall of the church, which was understood by 
 some to favor, by a double reading, the distinctive views of both the Metho- 
 dists and Universalists. This^motto, taken. from the Acts of the Apostles x. 
 34, is, " Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God 
 is no respecter of persons," etc. A. D. C. 
 
UNIVERSALIST MINISTERS. Ill 
 
 varying fortunes until June, 1831, when it assumed, by 
 legal process, the name and title of the First Universalist 
 Society of Clinton. From this date until the present 
 time, the society has had an uninterrupted existence, and 
 preserved its denominational name and character. 
 
 The society has had but four settlements that have 
 been of any considerable permanence. These have been 
 the pastorates of Rev. Stephen R. Smith, Dr. Timothy 
 Clowes, Rev. T. J. Sawyer, D. D., and Rev. W. P. Payne 
 Mr. Smith's settlement began in November, 1821, and 
 continued till September, 1837, with the exception of an 
 interval of three years, from 1825 to 1828, which he 
 spent in Philadelphia, and during which the society was 
 without a pastor. He was the founder of the society, and 
 his name is held in grateful remembrance. Dr. Clowes, 
 in connection with his labors as Principal of Clinton Lib- 
 eral institute, succeeded him, and remained four or five 
 years. Dr. Sawyer, while in charge of the Institute and 
 of the theological school in connection with it, preached 
 for the society most of the time from 1845 to 1852, and 
 again from 1861 to 1863. Reverends M. B. Smith, H. 
 B. Soule, D. S. Morey, H. C. Vose, J. A. Aspinwall, and 
 Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, have had brief settlements. Dr. 
 Dolphus Skinner, and Rev. C. C. Gordon have preached 
 for the society for considerable periods, though residing 
 in Utica. 
 
 Rev. William P. Payne took charge of the society in 
 September, 1863. Daring the last live years the society 
 has manifested new life, and with the aid of denomina- 
 tional friends throughout the State, and of the General 
 Convention of Universalists, has erected a new, commo- 
 dious and beautiful church on Williams Street, a credit 
 to the people who carried forward the work, and an 
 ornament to the village in which it is located. Its 
 
112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 value, with the grounds, is about $18,000. Its style is 
 Romanesque, it has three hundred and fifty sittings, is 
 provided with a superior organ, and is appropriately 
 furnished throughout. Its architect was H. N. White, 
 of Syracuse, and its builders Piatt & Osborn, of Clinton. 
 The corner-stone was laid with fitting ceremony, June 
 29, 1869, and the work was completed in the autumn 
 of 1870. On Sunday, October 9, 1870, the society, with 
 appropriate services, took leave of their old church, dedi- 
 cated the new one on October 12th, and enjoyed Sab- 
 bath worship therein for the first time, October 16th. 
 At the present time the prospects of the parish are 
 encouraging, more so perhaps than ever before. Rev. 
 Mr. Payne resigned his office July,' 1871. The present 
 minister, Rev. W. R. Chamberlain, commenced his ser- 
 vices in October, 1872. 
 
 IV. THE COLLEGE CHURCH. 
 
 The church in Hamilton College was organized April 
 20, 1825, with the Presbyterian form of government. It 
 was maintained in all its functions until the year 1831, 
 when, owing to the depressed condition of the college, it 
 was disbanded. 
 
 In December, 1861, it was reestablished, and since then 
 it has been quite prosperous. When reorganized, it was 
 thought expedient to modify the conditions of membership, 
 so as to allow of the admission of christians of all evan- 
 gelical denominations. The pastor of the college is ex- 
 officio pastor of this church. The elders are six in number, 
 and are chosen one from each of the college classes, and 
 two from the faculty. Their term of service is two years. 
 In October, 1862, this church was received into the fellow- 
 ship of the Presbytery of Utica, to which ecclesiastical 
 body it still belongs, and sends regular delegates. 
 
THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 113 
 
 V. THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 
 
 On the 16th day of August, 1831, a few Baptist 
 brethren met at the house of Mr. Clark Wood, in Clin- 
 ton, to consider the expediency of organizing a church 
 of their distinctive faith. After a prolonged and prayer- 
 ful consultation, a committee of five was appointed to 
 draft Articles of Faith and Practice for such a church. 
 At their next meeting, August 25, said Articles were 
 adopted and subscribed to by all present. Arrangements 
 were then made, also, for a final organization of the 
 church. 
 
 On the 21st of September, 1831, delegates, invited and 
 appointed from a number of neighboring churches, con- 
 vened in the Brick Meeting-house of this place, and 
 organized the new church, to be known as the Baptist 
 Church of Christ in Clinton. 
 
 The following are the names of the members of said 
 church of seventeen members : John H. Parmele, John 
 Foot, Jr., William H. Hubbard, and Emily his wife, 
 Clark Wood, and Amanda his wife, Lewis M. Wood, 
 and Adaline his wife, Simeon Russell, and Asenath his 
 wife, William S. Richmond, and Nancy his wife, Phineas 
 Smith, Samuel L. Hubbard, Eunice Ann Parmele, Eve- 
 line Edwards, Susan Nichols, Mary Ann Nichols, Lucinda 
 Nichols. 
 
 A desire was soon felt of having a Meeting-house, and 
 accordingly the present site was purchased, and a build- 
 ing commenced. The edifice was finished at a cost of 
 |2,000, and dedicated November 9, 1832. The ser- 
 mon on the day of dedication was preached by Rev. 
 
 1 This historical sketch was prepared by Rev. C H. Johnson, pastor of said 
 church frcm 1867 to 1872. 
 8 
 
114 f HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Nathaniel Kendrick, D. D., of Hamilton, from the text, 
 Psalm xxvii. 4. 
 
 The first minister was Rev. Daniel Putnam, who com- 
 menced his labors May 27, 1832, and closed them Dec. 
 15, 1833. During his ministry eleven persons were 
 received by baptism, and twenty-three by letter. In 
 June, 1833, a Sunday-school was established ; and on 
 September 4, of the same year the church was admitted 
 to the Oneida Baptist Association. 
 
 The second pastor of the Baptist Church was Rev. J. 
 P. Simmons, who entered upon his work January 1, 1834, 
 and retired February 8, 1835. During his ministry here 
 twenty -four were received by baptism, and twenty-two 
 by letter. Rev. P. P. Brown began preaching here April 
 4, 1835, and ended his labors in September of the same 
 year. He received three members by baptism, and eight 
 by letter. 
 
 For the next year and longer, the pulpit was supplied 
 by several preachers. Among them was Rev. Mr. 
 Wheeler, of Madison University. 
 
 Rev. Reuben P. Lamb was installed pastor December 
 4, 1836, and served until September 29, 1838. He re-* 
 ceived forty-three persons into membership by baptism, 
 and twelve by letter. Rev. William Thompson preached 
 here from March 2, 1839, to March, 1840. He added to 
 the membership three by baptism, and eleven by letter. 
 Rev. Horace Jones preached from June, 1840, to Decem- 
 ber of the same year. Rev. A. H. Stowell, from Decem- 
 ber 5, 1840, to April 3, 1841. Rev. J. Corwin, from 
 February 5, 1842, to December 1, 1844. Rev. A. Ken- 
 yon, from December 1, 1844, to December 1, 1847. 
 Rev. Harry White, from September 5, 1847, to May, 
 1849. Rev. Hiram Main, from September 1, 1849, to 
 
CHURCH AT MANCHESTER. 115 
 
 August 81, 1850. Rev. Dennison Alcott, from October 
 5, 1850, to July 31, 1852. Rev. Carlos Swift, from Feb- 
 ruary 5, 1853, to March 15, 1856. During Mr. Swift's 
 ministry, the Meeting-house was repaired at a cost of 
 ■367.54. In June, 1857, Rev. John G. Stearns became 
 pastor, and served until October 1, 1862. From this 
 time onward, for several years, the church became so re- 
 duced in numbers and strength, as to be unable to em- 
 ploy a settled pastor. Occasional supplies were obtained 
 as follows: Rev. L. D. Galpin, from October, 1862, to 
 March, 1863, and Rev. William A. Wells, from April, 
 1863, to October, 1864. 
 
 From October 2,1864, to December 1, 1865, the Meet- 
 ing-house was closed. On the first Sunday in December, 
 1865, Rev. Charles H. Johnson commenced preaching 
 'here, and served till October, 1866. From that time till 
 November, 1867, the pulpit was filled by various preach- 
 ers. Rev. C. H. Johnson resumed his labors here, No- 
 vember 1, 1867, and served until January 1, 1872. Dur- 
 ing his ministry he received eighty-one members by 
 baptism, and thirty-two by letter ; eight also were re- 
 stored. The house of worship was remodeled and much 
 improved, at a cost of $6500. At the time of his 
 resignation the members numbered one hundred and 
 thirty-one. The present pastor, Rev. C. H. Ayers, was 
 installed April 1, 1S72. The actual membership of the 
 church at present (1873), is about one hundred. 
 
 VI. THE MANCHESTER CHURCH. 
 
 In the year 1816, the cotton factory was built at Man- 
 chester, under the superintendence of Mr. Warren Con- 
 verse, who w r as also the general agent of the factory for 
 many years afterward. The following year, in cooperation 
 
116 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 with a few others, Mr. Converse established a Sabbath- 
 school, chiefly for the benefit of the children and youth 
 connected with the mill. Shortly after this, provision 
 was made for holding religious meetings in the brick 
 school-house. Occasionally, also, ministers of different 
 denominations held preaching services in the same build- 
 ing. 
 
 In the year 1834, the present house of worship was 
 built ; it was dedicated early in the ensuing year. A Con- 
 gregational church was organized at the same time, and the 
 Rev. Dr. Norton, formerly of the Congregational church 
 at Clinton, was, for a short period, its stated minister. The 
 Rev. Seth Williston, D. D., succeeded Dr. Norton. After 
 these, the pulpit was occupied for brief periods by Rev. 
 Hiram H. Kellogg, Rev. Salmon Strong, Rev. Mr. Pratt, 
 and Rev. Mr. Page. Rev. Samuel W. Raymond, who 
 was the only settled pastor of this church, was installed 
 in 1846, and continued in the service nearly five years. 
 Since his resignation the church has had the ministrations 
 of Rev. Benjamin W. Dwight, LL. D., Professor William 
 S. Curtiss, D. D., Rev. Mr. Loomis, and Rev. John Bar- 
 ton. Rev. James Dean, of Westmoreland, has been the 
 stated supply of this church for the past five years. 
 
 VII. SAINT MAEY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CHURCH. 
 
 The records of this church were not kept with much 
 care at the first, and consequently this sketch of its his- 
 tory must be meagre and brief. 
 
 Rev. William C. Coughlin made his first professional 
 visit to Clinton January 6, 1851. He celebrated Mass 
 at the house of Mr. John Reilly, January 14, 1851. 
 The number of the congregation at that time was six- 
 teen. 
 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 117 
 
 The erection of Saint Mary's church edifice was begun 
 in May, 1852. The building was finished and dedicated 
 October 25, 1854, the Right Reverend John McClosky, 
 Bishop of Albany, officiating. 
 
 Rev. Edward Bayard succeeded Rev. Mr. Coughlin, 
 in August, 1862, and remained one .year. The Rev. 
 P. O. Reilly succeeded him, and has remained pastor of 
 the congregation until the present time. 
 
 Within the few years past, the church edifice has been 
 enlarged, and is now valued at about $12,000. The 
 present congregation numbers about two thousand. The 
 new parochial residence, on Marvin Street, was built 
 under the care of Father O'Reilly, and cost, with the 
 lot on which it stands, $15,000. 
 
 VIII. SAINT JAMES' (EPISCOPAL) CHUKCH. 1 
 
 From the year 1841, Bishop De Lancey, when making 
 visitations to parishes in adjacent towns, occasionally 
 appointed and held services in Clinton. 
 
 In the year 1854, a Sunday-school was organized, its 
 meetings being held in the Odd Fellows' Hall. 
 
 Regular services were maintained throughout the year 
 JL855, the Rev. William T. Gibson, D. D. (then rector 
 of Grace Church, Water ville), officiating frequently. 
 During this year, a melodeon, a set of prayer-books, and 
 a Sunday-school library were obtained. 
 
 In the year 1856, services were often held by the 
 rector of St. Paul's Church, Paris Hill ; by the rector 
 of Calvary Church, Utica ; the Rev. H. A. Neely (now 
 Bishop of the diocese of Maine), and by the rector of 
 Zion Church, Rome. 
 
 1 This paper was furnished by the Rev. II. II. Loring, minister of this 
 parish in 1873. 
 
118 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 In the year 1858, services here were discontinued, and 
 not resumed until 1862. In January of this year, regu- 
 lar services were commenced by the Rev. Henry Stanley, 
 of Whitesboro', and were maintained chiefly by the 
 clergy of the Oneida Convocation. At their solicitation, 
 the use of the Masonic Hall (over Mr. Owston's ware- 
 room) was secured. The Rev. C. W. Hays, of New 
 Hartford, the Rev. Wm. Alger, of Paris Hill, Rev. 
 W. T. Gibson, D. D., the Rev. Dr. Goodrich, and Dr. 
 S. H. Coxe, of Utica, officiated at different times. At 
 the end of this year, there were two male and eight or 
 ten female communicants. In May of this year the 
 parish was organized. 
 
 The corner-stone of the present church edifice was 
 laid on the fifth day of June, 1863, by the the Right 
 Rev. William H. De Lancey, D. D. The building was 
 not completed until March, 1865. On the 16th of 
 March, the first service was held within its walls. 
 
 The first rector of this church was the Rev. Mr. Saun- 
 ders, who commenced his labors in February, 1863, and 
 closed them in October of the same year. The second 
 rector was the Rev. H. R. Pyne, his term of service 
 beginning November 1, 1864, and ending April, 1866. 
 The third rector was the Rev. I. B. Robinson, who came 
 in May, 1866, and left in August, 1867. The Rev. 
 R. A. Olin, then a deacon of the church, commenced 
 his labors here July 19, 1868. In January of the year 
 1869, the church edifice was consecrated by the Right 
 Rev. F. D. Huntington, D.'D. On the same day, follow- 
 ing the consecration of the church, the minister in charge 
 of the parish (the Rev. Mr. Olin) was advanced to the 
 Priesthood by the Right Rev. Bishop present. The 
 clergy in attendance from adjoining parishes, joined in 
 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 119 
 
 the laying on of hands, according to the usage of this 
 church. 
 
 In January, 1872, the Rev. Mr. Olin resigned the 
 rectorship of this parish. Since July, of the same year, 
 the parish has been supplied by the Rev. H. H. Loring, 
 of the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pa. 
 
 The present church edifice, built in 1863-65, cost, with 
 the lot on which it stands $7,000. The rectory ad- 
 joining was built a few years afterward, and cost 
 $3,000. The number of communicants in this church 
 at the present time (1873), is sixty. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 
 I. HAMILTON ONEIDA ACADEMY. 
 
 In the biography of the missionary Kirkland, we find 
 that as early as the year 1790, he was meditating a plan 
 for the education of the Indian tribes of central New 
 York. In the year 1792, he had matured his scheme so 
 far as to include within it a system of primary schools 
 for native children, and an Academy for English youth, 
 together with a select number of older Indian boys from 
 the various tribes of the Confederacy. Three of these 
 primary schools were established, and continued in 
 efficient operation for several years. For the convenience 
 of both parties, he proposed to place his academy near 
 what was then the boundary line between the white 
 settlements and the Indian territory. The project was 
 well-approved everywhere, but perhaps it found its 
 warmest friends among those intelligent families which 
 had recently emigrated from New England and settled 
 in the adjoining towns. 
 
 Of the preliminary steps taken by Mr. Kirkland in 
 procuring a charter for his academy and funds for its 
 endowment, I have already spoken in the sketch of 
 the missionary's life. The gifts of money to the acad- 
 emy, at this time, were few and small ; the donations 
 consisting partly in labor, and partly in materials for 
 erecting the building. It was a period of comparative 
 
THE CORNER-STONE LAW. 121 
 
 poverty, the inhabitants of this region being mostly- 
 young men without capital, and just beginning to earn a 
 livelihood for themselves and their families. 1 
 
 With such small resources at command, Mr. Kirkland 
 and his friends commenced the erection of the academy. 
 The place chosen for its site was about midway between 
 the present South College and the chapel. Ground was 
 broken and the foundation laid July 1, 1794. To give 
 some degree of dignity and importance to the occasion, 
 Mr Kirkland invited the Baron de Steuben to be present, 
 and to officiate in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone. 
 The brave old General was met on his arrival at Clinton 
 by Captain George W. Kirkland, a son of the Dominie, 
 and, at the head of a troop of horsemen, was escorted to 
 the grounds of the new academy. Mrs. Eli Lucas, now 
 living in Clinton, remembers seeing this rustic cavalcade 
 (two or three daughters of Mr. Kirkland on horseback 
 forming part of the company) sweep past her father's 
 house and ascend College Hill. Just what the formali- 
 ties of the occasion were, we are not informed ; but it is 
 well known that Mr. Kirkland was highly gratified at 
 seeing the corner-stone of his academy laid by one who 
 had been a compatriot in arms with Hamilton, and whose 
 services for the country entitled him to a lasting fame. 
 
 The foundations having been laid and the frame put up, 
 the work was suspended for lack of means to carry it 
 further. The structure stood in this condition for nearly 
 two years. Unbelieving mockers passing by called it 
 " Kirkland's folly ; " the foxes burrowed in its founda- 
 tions, the birds built their nests beneath its rafters, and 
 the squirrels >careering up and down the naked timbers, 
 seemed to join in the general derision. But Mr. Kirk- 
 
 1 See Appendix D. 
 
122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 land was not disheartened. After a short time he re- 
 newed his efforts with fresh zeal, soliciting money and 
 labor and materials with which to finish the building. 1 
 
 He pressed others into the work of obtaining funds, 
 among whom was Mr. Joel Bristol, who labored assidu- 
 ously, and with such success that the means were secured 
 for inclosing the academy. Early in the year 1798, a 
 large room in the second story on the south end, and two 
 small rooms on the lower floor were finished, and the two 
 front chimneys were built. The large room in the sec- 
 ond story (called " the arched room ") was designed and 
 used as a chapel. Here the work rested again for sev- 
 eral years. But the men who had begun to build were 
 resolved to finish. And so, from year to year the means 
 were procured for going forward, until at length rooms 
 enough were prepared to meet the wants of the institu- 
 tion. The building was three stories in height, and ninety 
 feet in length, by thirty-eight in width. Mr. Kirkland 
 had the satisfaction of seeing his academy opened for 
 
 1 As illustrating his persistency, and the generosity of the inhabitants of this 
 town, take the following: Mr. Eli Bristol, who lived at the foot of College Hill, 
 gave, at his solicitation, a lot of clap-boards which he had just procured for 
 siding up his own house. Mr. Bristol then had a second lot sawed for himself, 
 and stacked up in a kiln for drying. By accident the kiln took fire and the 
 boards were lost, and so Mr. Bristol was obliged to resort to his woods and the 
 saw-mill a third time before he could inclose his house. 
 
 About the same time, also, occurred the following: As Mr. Kirkland was 
 passing a house then in process of erection, just opposite the Clinton Grammar 
 School, he called out to the owner: "Mr. Owens, I had a dream last night." 
 "Pray, what did you dream? '' said Owens. "I dreamed that you gave me 
 those nice pine boards for the academy, and that I took them home in my 
 cart." i% Well," said Owens, " if you so dreamed, you must take them" The 
 next day, as Mr. Kirkland was again passing, Owens saluted him and declared 
 that a dream had also come to him. "What was it? " asked Mr Kirkland. 
 " Idreamed that I wanted your cart and two yoke of oxen to go to White-boro' 
 for brick for my chimney, and that you let me have them." " Well," said his 
 Reverence, " if you dreamed so, you must have them, but, dear me, don't ever 
 dream aa,ain! " 
 
I 
 
PRECEPTORS OF THE ACADEMY. 123 
 
 pupils, its chairs of instruction filled by capable teachers, 
 and scholars flocking to it from every quarter. 
 
 It is often asked whether any Indian boys were edu- 
 cated at this academy. During the year previous to the 
 Kpening of the school, Mr. Kirkland brought to Clinton 
 from Oneida several of the most promising Indian lads 
 he could find, and, committing a part of them to the care 
 of Mr. Eli Bristol, kept the others in his own family. He 
 clothed them in such garments as were usually worn by 
 white boys, and sought to have them instructed in the ru- 
 diments of an English education, and trained to civilized 
 manners and habits. But they soon became restless 
 under these restraints. They did not like white people's 
 clothes, nor the confinement of white people's houses, and 
 they hated white people's books and ways. They liked 
 better to roam half -naked in the woods and fields, whoop- 
 ing and hunting and fishing. And so it turned out that 
 by the end of the first year, it was found necessary to let 
 them return to their old haunts at Oneida. 
 
 Of the native children taught in the primary schools 
 here and elsewhere, I cannot learn that any entered this 
 academy. 
 
 The first principal of the school was Mr. John Niles, a 
 graduate of Yale College in the year 1797. He held 
 this position three years, when his failing health com- 
 pelled him to change his employment. Subsequently he 
 became a clergyman, and removed to Bath, Steuben 
 County. He died in the year 1812. 
 
 Rev. James Murdock was associated with Mr. Niles 
 during one year of his preceptorship. Studying theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Norton, of Clinton, he afterwards became 
 a Professor of Languages in the University of Vermont, 
 and of Church History in Andover Theological Seminary. 
 
124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 He was a man of studious habits and sound learning. 
 His translation of Mosheim's " Ecclesiastical History " 
 will long remain a monument to his industry and exact 
 scholarship. 
 
 In September, 1801, Rev. Robert Porter became the 
 principal of the academy. A graduate of Yale, he had 
 been serving for some time as a home missionary among 
 the feeble settlements along the Black River in this 
 State. In his new field he worked successfully four years. 
 He then joined a colony which was about to establish the 
 town of Prattsburgh, in this State. His subsequent life 
 was one of much practical usefulness. He died in the 
 year 1817. 
 
 In the autumn of 1805, Mr. Seth Norton, brother of 
 Rev. Dr. Norton, became principal. With the exception 
 of a single year spent in New Haven as tutor, he held his 
 post as preceptor of this academy until the year 1812, 
 when the institution was raised to the rank of a college ; 
 at that time he was appointed Professor of Languages. 
 * Mr. Norton was a man of considerable mental force 
 and weight of character. His personal appearance was 
 not pleasing, for his complexion was dark, his eyes blue, 
 his manners jerky, and his speech rapid and abrupt. 
 Yet he was a thorough scholar, and made his pupils thor- 
 ough and accurate, and he inspired them with a love of 
 study. He was particularly fond of music, and was him- 
 self a superior singer. For many years he was the chor- 
 ister of the village church. Both -the words and the 
 music of the familiar tune " Devonshire," beginning — 
 
 "Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim," 
 
 were composed by him. For many years he was com- 
 pelled to struggle with infirm health. He died in De- 
 
HAMILTON COLLEGE. 125 
 
 eember, 1818, the first year of bis married life. His 
 remains were deposited in the College Cemetery. 
 
 H. HAMILTON COLLEGE. 
 
 This institution has been closely identified from the 
 first with the growth and prosperity of the town of Kirk- 
 land. It originated here. From its feeble beginnings 
 until the present time, it has been fostered by the labors, 
 sacrifices and pecuniary gifts of the inhabitants. It has 
 also been the benefactor of the town. It has enhanced 
 the value of real estate, and increased the business of the 
 place. It has drawn hither a respectable class of inhab- 
 itants, and improved the tone of society. It has afforded 
 facilities for the education of the young, and induced 
 many to acquire a thorough classical training who would 
 otherwise have failed of its advantages. The limits of 
 this volume will allow space for only a brief sketch of 
 the history of the college; a deficiency which I should 
 the more regret, were it not that a full and complete his- 
 tory of the institution may be looked for in due time, 
 from Professor Edward North, who is preparing the same, 
 in compliance with a vote of the trustees. 
 
 The account already given of Hamilton Oneida Acad- 
 emy brings its history down to the year 1812, when the 
 school was raised to the rank and functions of a college. 1 
 In order to obtain a charter, and a grant of $50,000 
 from the legislature for its endowment, it was found nec- 
 essary to raise another fund of $50,000 by subscription. 
 Rev. Caleb Alexander, of Fairfield, Herkimer County, 
 was employed to undertake this work. And so energetic 
 and skillful did he prove, that in a few months lie secured 
 a sum which, with the estimated value of the academy 
 
 1 The academy closed its formal existence September 10, 1812. 
 
126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 buildings and lands ($15,000), amounted to 152,841.64. 
 A charter was granted May 22, 1812. The trustees im- 
 mediately completed the unfinished portions of the acad- 
 emy, and put the whole in good repair. They then pro- 
 ceeded to the election of a Faculty, choosing the Rev. 
 Azel Backus, D. D., of Bethlem, Conn., as Presi- 
 dent ; Rev. Seth Norton, Professor of Languages ; Josiah 
 Noyes, M. D., Professor of Chemistry ; and Theodore 
 Strong, Tutor. The doors of the college were opened 
 for students October 24, 1812 ; and regular recitations 
 commenced on the first of November. 
 
 The inauguration of the president took place Decem- 
 ber 3d, in the Congregational church of Clinton ; the 
 exercises consisting of a discourse by the president-elect, 
 an address in Latin by Professor Seth Norton, and prayer 
 and reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Dr. Asahel Norton, 
 of Clinton, and Rev. Eliphalet Steele, of Paris Hill. Dr. 
 Backus' life in the presidency was destined to be short. 
 He died after four gears' service, December 28, 1816. 
 
 His successor in office was the Rev. Henry Davis, D. D., 
 an alumnus of Yale College. Dr. Davis had been Pro- 
 fessor of Languages in Union College, and at the time of 
 his election here was president of Middlebury College, 
 and had recently been appointed president of Yale, to 
 succeed the eminent Timothy D wight. For reasons 
 which prevailed in his own mind, he chose to accept the 
 position offered him by this college, and was inaugurated 
 in the fall of 1817. Dr. Davis continued in office sixteen 
 years. 
 
 During the early years of his presidency the number 
 of students greatly increased. But afterwards troubles 
 arose, chiefly from difference of opinion in the Faculty 
 and Board of Trustees, on questions of internal govern- 
 
PRESIDENTS OF TEE COLLEGE. 127 
 
 mcnt and discipline, which brought the college very low 
 in numbers, and for a time alienated many of its friends. 
 Yet no one doubted the integrity of the president, or his 
 strong attachment to the institution. He died in Clinton, 
 March 7, 1852, aged eighty-two years. 
 
 Dr. Davis was succeeded, in the fall of 1833, by the 
 Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, D. D., a son of Timothy Dwight. 
 Owing largely to the infirm state of his health, he re- 
 ■gned his position after two years' service. He died 
 November 30, 1850. At the time of which we now speak 
 the Faculty of the college consisted of the following pro- 
 fessors : John H. Lathrop, in the department of Ethics 
 and Political Economy ; Simeon North, in the Latin and 
 Greek Languages ; Charles Avery, in Chemistry and Nat- 
 ural Philosophy ; Marcus Catlin, in Mathematics ; and 
 Oren Root, Tutor. Between the election of President 
 Davis and the resignation of President Dwight, Professors 
 James Hadley, John Monteith, Eleazar S. Barrows, Will- 
 iam Kirkland, and John Wayland served the college for 
 short periods. 
 
 In the autumn of 1835, the Rev. Joseph Penney, D. D., 
 of Northampton, Mass., was elected to the presidency. 
 He was a thorough and accurate scholar and a preacher 
 of much ability. Greatly to the regret of the friends of 
 the college he resigned his office in the year 1839. 
 
 Rev. Simeon North, D. D., then Professor of Languages, 
 was promoted to the presidency in 1839, and held this 
 position eighteen years. His administration covers a pe- 
 riod of much prosperity in the affairs of the college. At 
 tin- time of his election to the chair of Ancient Languages 
 only nine, students were in attendance : at his resignation 
 of the presidency there were one hundred and thirty-nine. 
 At his inauguration the treasury was almost empty ; dur- 
 
128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 ing his term of service it was largely replenished, new 
 buildings were erected, and several new professorships 
 created. Among the professors of this period mention 
 should be made of Rev. Henry Mandeville, D. D., in the 
 department of Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric and Elocu- 
 tion ; Rev. John Finley Smith, in Latin and Greek, suc- 
 ceeded in the same department by Edward North, L. H. 
 D. ; and Theodore Dwight, LL. D., in Law, History, and 
 Political Economy ; Rev. Anson J. Upson, D. D., as 
 Professor of Logic, Rhetoric and Elocution ; and Rev. 
 William S. Curtis, D. D., as Professor of Mental and 
 Moral Philosophy. 
 
 President North was succeeded in the year 1858, by 
 Rev. Samuel W. Fisher, D. D., of Cincinnati. Dr. 
 Fisher's presidency, which lasted until 1866, was one of 
 great success. Eminent as a preacher, his services in the 
 pulpit and on the platform gained for the college a wide 
 public recognition. The number of students steadily in- 
 creased, the finances of the institution were augmented, 
 and its internal affairs were in many respects improved. 
 During his term of service Rev. William N. McHarg was 
 elected Professor of the Latin Language and Literature ; 
 Christian H. F. Peters, Ph. D., Professor of Astronomy ; 
 and Ellicott Evans, LL. D., Professor of Law, History 
 and Political Economy. 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Gilman Brown, D. D., formerly a 
 professor in Dartmouth College, was elected to the pres- 
 idency in the year 1866. We rejoice that the time has 
 not yet come for completing the record of his official life 
 in connection with this institution. During his adminis- 
 tration the* college has received numerous and valuable 
 pecuniary gifts, and in all respects it stands upon a 
 broader and surer foundation than it has ever before oc- 
 
FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE. 129 
 
 cupiod. Since his inauguration, Mr. Edward Wallenstein 
 Root served the college one year as Professor of Cliemis- 
 jfcry, but was removed by death, greatly lamented. Rev. 
 Samuel D. Wilcox also occupied the chair of Rhetoric 
 and Elocution very acceptably for about two years, when 
 his failing health compelled him to resign. 
 
 The present corps of instructors is as follows : — 
 Rev. Samuel Gilman Brown, D. D., LL. D., Pres- 
 ident, and Walcott Professor of the Evidences of Chris- 
 tianity. 
 
 Charles Avery, LL. D., Professor Emeritus of 
 Chemistry. 
 
 Rev. Nicholas Westermann Goertner, D. D., 
 College Pastor. 
 
 Oren Root, LL. D., Professor of Mathematics, Min- 
 eralogy and Geology. 
 
 Christian Henry Frederick Peters, Ph. D., 
 Litchfield Professor of Astronomy, and Director of the 
 Litchfield Observatory. 
 
 Ellicott Evans, LL. D., Maynard Professor of Law, 
 History, Civil Polity and Political Economy. 
 
 Edward North, L. H. D., Edward Robinson Pro- 
 fessor of the Greek Language and Literature. 
 
 Rev. John William Mears, D". D., Albert Barnes 
 Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, and In- 
 structor in Modern Languages. 
 
 Albert Huntington Chester, A. M., E. M., 
 Chi Ids Professor of Agricultural Chemistry. 
 
 Rev. Abel Grosvenor Hopkins, A. M., Benjamin- 
 and-Bates Professor of the Latin Language and Liter- 
 ature. 
 
 Chester Huntington, A.M., Professor of Natural 
 Philosophy, and Librarian. 
 
130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Henry Allyn Frink, A. M., Kingsley Professor of 
 Logic, Rhetoric and Elocution. 
 
 The treasurers of the college have been as follows : 
 Erastus Clark, from 1812 to 1825 ; James Dean, from 
 1825 to 1828 ; Othniel Williams, from 1828 to 1832 ; 
 Benjamin W. Dwight, M. D., from 1832 to 1850 ; Oth- 
 niel S. Williams, LL. D., from 1850 to the present time. 
 
 The trustees of the college have uniformly been men of 
 high repute in every walk of life. In the words' of Pres- 
 ident Fisher, they have been " men wise in their genera- 
 tion, strong in intellect, full of enterprise, and the recip- 
 ients of honor and respect from the State and the 
 church." 
 
 It would be difficult to enumerate all the benefactors of 
 the college. From the beginning until now, it has been 
 cherished and helped forward by the contributions of 
 the poor, and those in moderate circumstances, as well 
 as by the ampler gifts of the rich. The town in which it 
 is located has always done generously in its behalf. In 
 the raising of funds for its endowment the several presi- 
 dents and professors and treasurers and many of the trus- 
 tees have taken an active part. Special notice should be 
 made of the labors, at an early day, of Rev. Caleb Alex- 
 ander, of Fairfield, and subsequently of Professor Charles 
 Avery, who, first during the presidency of Dr. Dwight, 
 and afterwards of Dr. North, devoted himself with much 
 energy and perseverance to an increase of the college re- 
 sources. The institution is greatly indebted to the faith- 
 ful and untiring services of Professor Avery. In the 
 year 1859, Rev. N. W. Goertner, D. D., was appointed 
 a special commissioner, to secure a more ample and per- 
 manent endowment of the college. He has prosecuted 
 his work from that time to the present with great zeal 
 
CLINTON GRAMMAR SCL700L. 131 
 
 and efficiency. During his term of service, and chiefly 
 by his exertions the sum of two hundred thousand dol- 
 lars and upwards has been raised for the benefit of the 
 institution. 
 
 The South College, the Commons' Hall, now used as 
 the Cabinet, and the old President's house, now occu- 
 pied by Professor Chester, were built during the adminis- 
 tration of Dr. Backus. The Oneida Academy Hall was 
 removed, and the Chapel and Kirkland Hall and Dexter 
 Hall were erected (though the latter was not finished) 
 during the presidency of Dr. Davis. Dexter Hall was 
 afterwards completed by a special subscription raised for 
 that purpose by President North. The Commons' Hall 
 was fitted up for a Mineralogical and Geological Cabinet, 
 and the Gymnasium, the Laboratory and the Astronomi- 
 cal Observatory were erected during Dr. North's presi- 
 dency. During the same period, also, the old President's 
 house, which stood a few rods southeast of the South 
 College, was removed to its present position ; additional 
 land east of the College buildings was purchased, and 
 the entire grounds were laid out in their present order. 
 The Library Hall and the new President's house were 
 erected during the administration of Dr. Brown. 
 
 III. CLINTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 
 
 This school has been almost wholly contemporaneous 
 with Hamilton College. In the fall of 1813, one year 
 after the Hamilton Oneida Academy had been elevated 
 to the rank of a college, the friends of education in this 
 vicinity endeavored to raise the sum of $3000 by 
 subscription for erecting a new academy. The effort 
 failed of success, because the inhabitants of the town 
 had recently given out of their scanty resources all they 
 
132 HISTORY OF THE TO IVN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 could spare to help endow the College. But they were 
 not disheartened by this failure. In the year 1815, 
 they organized a stock company, the members of which 
 were to own the property, and receive whatever dividends 
 might arise from the rent of the building and grounds. 
 It was confidently believed that the stock would pay 
 annual dividends of fifteen per cent. The estimated cost 
 of the edifice was $2000, and the stock was divided 
 into shares of twenty dollars each. Subscriptions having 
 been obtained to nearly the required amount, the build- 
 ing was erected. It was forty feet long, twenty-six 
 wide and two stories high ; and it was built of brick. 
 
 The engraving shows the appearance of the building 
 after a rough usage of fifty years ; it has recently been 
 remodeled and much improved, under the direction 
 of Mr. A. P. Kelsey, principal of the Rural High 
 School, and is now occupied by him. The land on which 
 the building was to stand was given by David Comstock, 
 in payment for four shares of stock. The bricks were 
 made by General Collins, near Middle Settlement. The' 
 timber was furnished by James D. Stebbins, in payment 
 of stock. No dividends were ever declared upon the 
 stock. 
 
 In the interim between the closing of Hamilton Oneida 
 Academy and the opening of the new institution, a 
 classical school was set up in the second story of the 
 building now occupied by Judge Williams as a law 
 office, the lower story being then used as a cabinet 
 shop. It was taught by the Rev. Comfort Williams, 
 assisted by Moses Bristol. Next year, it was removed 
 to the building on College Street next east of the acad- 
 emy, and it was taught by William Groves. Next year, 
 it was opened in its original place, and was taught by 
 
^^teiiSd^l 
 
 GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 
 
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE. 133 
 
 George Bristol. Mark Hopkins, since widely known as 
 President of Williams College, and Charles Avery and 
 Horace Bogue were among the pupils of this year. In 
 the fall of 1816, the school was transferred to the new 
 brick building on " the Flats," and placed under the 
 care of Rev. Joel Bradley. Mr. Bradley held the post 
 only a year or two, and was succeeded by Rev. William 
 R. Weeks. 
 
 This gentleman was somewhat original in his modes 
 of discipline, as the following instance will show : In the 
 absence of clocks and watches in the school-room, Mr. 
 Weeks set up a pendulum from the ceiling, at one end 
 of the room, the continuance of whose vibrations should 
 determine the length of a recitation, or a play-spell or 
 a penance. When the boys when out for a recess, they 
 were permitted to set the pendulum a-swinging for them- 
 selves, though if they swung it so hard as to make the 
 weight strike the ceiling, or if they played longer than 
 the pendulum vibrated, they each received a black mark. 
 Alas ! the temptation was too strong for many a lad to 
 resist. And so it happened that the pendulum weight 
 (which was an old horse-shoe), by its repeated thwack- 
 ings broke the plaster of the ceiling in pieces, and the 
 boys' legs kept in motion out of doors long after the 
 chronometer within was still. Of the sore punishment 
 which these transgressors received there are those now 
 living who could feelingly relate. 
 
 At what precise time the Female Department of this 
 school was organized, I am unable to learn. Only it is 
 believed that Miss Mary Hayes was the first teacher, 
 and this probably in the year 1817. She was succeeded 
 by Miss Mary Heywood, and she by Miss Julia Hayes, 
 and the latter by Miss Delia Strong. 
 
184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Mr. Weeks resigned his post as Principal of the Male 
 Department in the fall of 1820, and was succeeded by 
 Mr. Charles Avery, just graduated from College. Mr. 
 Orlando Kirtland was the successor of Mr. Avery, in 
 September, 1822. Mr. Isaac Wilmarth was the Prin- 
 cipal from the spring of 1825 to the fall of 1826. Mr. 
 Joseph S. Bos worth, now Judge of the Superior Court 
 in New York, taught the school from 1826 to 1827. 
 In the year 1828, the school was placed under the care 
 and supervision of the Board of Regents, and, became 
 entitled to receive aid from the Literature Fund. 
 
 Following Mr. Bosworth, as Principals, I find the 
 names of Noah Cushman, Leicester A. Sawyer, Salmon 
 Strong, John C. Underwood (late United States District 
 Judge, for Eastern Virginia), Mr. Hickok, Joseph W. 
 Hubbard, Henry Kendall (now one of the Secretaries of 
 the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian church), 
 Erastus C. Williams, Edward S. Lacey, Edward North 
 (now Professor of Greek in Hamilton College), Edward 
 P. Powell, Henry P. Bristol, Gilbert WilcOxen, and the 
 present incumbent, Ambrose P. Kelsey. 
 
 In the spring of 1866, the building occupied by the 
 High School having been burned, that school and the 
 Grammar School were incorporated together, with Mr. 
 Kelsey as Preceptor, and have since occupied the build- 
 ing of the latter. 
 
 The Female Department of the school, though several 
 times suspended, has never ceased to exist. Among the 
 teachers who succeeded Miss Strong, afterwards the 
 wife of Professor Avery, were Miss Julia A. Wilson, 
 Miss Ann E. Hopkins, afterwards the wife of Professor 
 A. C. Kendrick, D. D., of Rochester University, Miss 
 Jane Wilson, Miss Sophronia Luce, now the wife of 
 
MISS ROYCE'S SEMINARY. 135 
 
 Rev. Dr. Kendall, of New York, Miss Matilda Wallace, 
 now the wife of Dr. William D. Love, of East Saginaw, 
 Mich., the Misses Elizabeth Bradley, E. C. King, Anna 
 and Mary Chipman, and by Dr. John C. Gallup and 
 Mrs. Manila H. Gallup. 
 
 Since the union of the Grammar School and High 
 School, in the year 1866, the former has ceased to exist 
 in name, but it has still a legal existence : its Male 
 Department being represented by the High School 
 under Mr. A. P. Kelsey, and the Female Department 
 by Houghton Seminary under the care of Mr. and Mrs. 
 J. C. Gallup. 
 
 IV. MISS eoyce's seminary. 
 
 This school, called after the name of its chief In- 
 structor, Miss Nancy Royce, was established in the year 
 1814. It was a boarding and day school for young 
 ladies, and was opened in one of the chambers of Dr. 
 Seth Hastings' (now Dr. Austin Barrows') house. From 
 thence it was removed to a building on the northeast 
 corner of the village Green. It soon became widely 
 known and popular, drawing scholars from all parts of 
 this State and from Canada. Two or three Indian girls, 
 of the Stockbridge tribe, were at one time members of this 
 school. Outgrowing the capacity of the building it occu- 
 pied, it was removed to the Royce house (now occupied 
 by Marshall W. Barker), which was soon enlarged to 
 double its original dimensions to receive the prosperous 
 seminary. From the beginning of her career as Precep- 
 tress, Miss Royce was an invalid, yet by great care in her 
 daily regimen, and supported by an energy of purpose 
 almost indomitable, she contrived to carry forward her 
 school and to build it up into great success. Her health, 
 
136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 however, finally gave way, and after a few years she was 
 obliged to commit her Seminary to other hands, when it 
 gradually declined and was wholly relinquished. Miss 
 Royce died March 29, 1856, aged seventy years. 
 
 V. CLINTON LIBERAL INSTITUTE. 1 
 
 The ministers and delegates from the several associa- 
 tions comprising the Universalist Convention of the State 
 of New York, met at Clinton, May 11, 1831. Among 
 the acts of that body at this session was the appointment 
 of a committee of three, namely, Rev. S. R. Smith, D. 
 Skinner, and A. B. Grosh, " to collect important facts, 
 and prepare an address to the several associations and to 
 the Universalist and liberal portion of the community, on 
 the subject of establishing a literary institution in this 
 State, not only for the purpose of science and litera- 
 ture, but with a particular view of furnishing with an ed- 
 ucation young men designing to study for the ministry of 
 universal reconciliation." 
 
 The election of this committee was the initial step in 
 preparing the way for the erection of the Clinton Liberal 
 Institute. 
 
 On June 1st following, the central association met at 
 Cedarville, Herkimer County, when the same subject was 
 brought before that body, and resolutions were passed : 
 
 1. Approving the recommendation of the State conven- 
 tion respecting a literary institution. 
 
 2. That it be located at Clinton. 
 
 3. That a Board of Trust be appointed. 
 
 4. Contains the number and names of said Board. 
 
 5. That Joseph Stebbins and John W. Hale, of Clin- 
 ton, David Pixley, of Manchester, Timothy Smith, of 
 
 1 This paper was prepared by Rev. S. P. Landers. 
 
THE LIBERAL INSTITUTE. 137 
 
 Augusta, and Ezra S. Barnum, of Utica, constitute an 
 executive committee with usual powers. 
 
 6. That Joseph Stebbins be treasurer. 
 
 T. That sister associations be solicited to unite with us 
 in promoting the objects herein contemplated. Numer- 
 ous associations throughout the State responded to the 
 acts of the State Convention, pledging themselves to aid 
 in every practicable way the project of establishing such 
 a school at Clinton. 
 
 One of the principal causes of this effort to found a 
 school on liberal principles in theology, was (what seemed 
 to be) the sectarian character and the proselyting influ- 
 ences on students, made in the various academies and col- 
 leges of our country. 
 
 The first report of the executive committee, dated 
 Clinton, August 20, 1831, in explaining to the public the 
 object of the contemplated seminary, says, among other 
 things, that " it is not to be sectarian." " On the con- 
 trary, while it is deemed all important that the young 
 mind should be strongly impressed with the pure moral- 
 ity of the gospel, we wish to leave the responsibility of 
 indoctrination to the natural guardians of youth. 
 
 " Pledging ourselves that as we have seen and felt the 
 evils of sectarian influence in the existing seminaries of 
 learning, so we will use our constant endeavors to pre- 
 serve the one now projected, from its contaminations." 
 This is all that the limited space of this sketch will allow 
 respecting the formative history of the Institute. 
 
 A preliminary school for males was opened November 
 7. 1831, on College Street, in a building owned by Will- 
 in in .Johnson, nearly opposite Mr. Kclsey's. This school 
 had four terms a year, and was taught by George R. Per- 
 kins, now of Utica, who was connected with the Institute 
 from this tima until the year 1839. 
 
138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 The Female Department was commenced November 21, 
 1831, in a house on the east side of the .Green, now owned 
 and occupied by A. W. Mills ; and it was taught by- 
 Miss Burr. In May of the following year, it was for- 
 mally opened in the new building erected for that pur- 
 pose on Utica Street, by Miss Philena Dean, now the 
 widow of the late Professor Marcus Catlin. The present 
 site for the male department was purchased of John 
 Sweeting, and the substantial stone edifice, ninety- six by 
 fifty-two feet, and four stories high above the basement, 
 was built in 1832, by contract, for $9300. 
 
 As Harvard College was nourished and strengthened 
 in its infancy by the labors and sacrifices of benevolent 
 men, so the history of Clinton Liberal Institute, like that 
 of many other literary institutions whose beginnings were 
 small and when money was scarce, is the history of a 
 struggle. It is well understood and acknowledged that 
 Rev. Stephen R. Smith, for many years a resident and 
 preacher in Clinton, was the founder of the Institute. 
 Associated with him was Mr. Joseph Stebbins, whose 
 first subscription was larger than any other person's, and 
 who advanced from his own purse as funds were needed 
 to complete the buildings, more than $5000. " To 
 these two men," says Dr. Sawyer, in his memoir of Mr. 
 Smith, " the denomination owes a debt of gratitude which 
 few at this day can fully appreciate. Others, it is true, 
 labored with them, but they stand preeminent." 
 
 The library of the Institute was commenced by Mr. 
 Smith taking a basket on his arm and soliciting books 
 from his friends in this vicinity, and by obtaining dona- 
 tions in books from publishers in Boston and New York. 
 
 This school, thus founded, was commenced in the stone 
 building, December 10, 1832. The Faculty consisted of 
 
TEACHERS OF THE INSTITUTE. 139 
 
 Rev. C. B. Thummel, Principal, and Professor of Lan- 
 guages, George R. Perkins, Professor of Mathematics, 
 and E. W. Manley, Assistant. During the first year 
 there were in attendance one hundred and eight pupils, 
 most of whom studied the higher branches. 
 
 In the Female Department, after brief terms of princi- 
 palship by Misses Burr, Dean, and Fosdick, the services 
 . of Miss Almira Meech were secured as preceptress. The 
 institution was chartered by the State in 1834, and in 
 1836 it was put under the visitation of the Regents, re- 
 ceiving its share of the public money. In 1836 a lot of 
 six and a half acres of land called " The Knob," bought 
 of William T. Richmond, was presented to the Institute, 
 together with valuable apparatus, estimated at about 
 $800, by Mr. R. W. Haskins, of Buffalo. It was de- 
 signed by the donor to build an observatory on the top ; 
 but, owing to various hindrances, this generous project 
 was never carried out. 
 
 Early in the year 1838, Mr. Thummel was succeeded 
 by Rev. Timothy Clowes, LL. D., and Miss Meech by 
 Miss L.«M. Barker. It is due to Miss Barker to state 
 that this was the beginning of a career as instructor in 
 Clinton, which lasted thirty year's, excepting, however, 
 a short period spent in New York, and at Whittemore 
 Hall, Massachusetts. She was successful as a teacher 
 ami -iii exemplar to young ladies; and her pupils in large 
 numbers are now exerting a happy influence in society as 
 the result of her excellent instructions. Clinton fails to 
 appreciate fully its indebtedness to her efforts in building 
 up and beautifying the place. She collected about 
 82000 of the fund for erecting the present Ladies' In- 
 stitute. She built the house now occupied by Mr. Peter 
 Fake. After years of experience she felt that she could 
 
140 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 not realize fully her idea of a true school while it was un- 
 der the control of a board of trustees ; and so she planned 
 and built the " Home Cottage " for a new seminary, it 
 being the school property now owned by Dr. J. C. Gal- 
 lup. This enterprise, however, proved too large for her 
 means and her failing energies, and she sold the building 
 to its present proprietor. After this she built a smaller 
 school-house, calling it " Cottage Seminary " (which is 
 now owned by Miss Anna Chipman), and where, sur- 
 rounded by friendly hearts, she at length passed away. 
 Her grateful pupils have recently erected a beautiful 
 monument to her memory in the Clinton Cemetery. 
 
 Rev. T. J. Sawyer, D. D., became Principal of the 
 Male Department in 1845, and held the position some 
 twelve or fifteen years. During this period, and largely 
 by his efforts, the present building of the Female De- 
 partment was erected, in the year 1851. It is of a sub- 
 stantial character, one hundred and thirty-six feet by 
 forty-six, is two stories high above the basement, and 
 contains all the necessary rooms and fixtures to make it 
 a pleasant home and school for young ladies. It stands 
 on a slight eminence in the southern part of the village, 
 commanding a view of the village and the valley of the 
 Oriskany, and of the college hillside dotted here and 
 there with residences, and with the institution crowning 
 its summit. 
 
 A debt of some magnitude having been incurred in 
 erecting this building and in other ways, Rev. D. Skin- 
 ner, of Utica, volunteered to raise funds sufficient to 
 discharge it. He did even more than this ; for he not 
 only enabled the trustees to pay the debt of $12,000, 
 but obtained money enough to repair the buildings, and 
 to replenish the library and the stock of apparatus. He 
 
MR KELLOGG' S SEMINARY. 141 
 
 performed this labor -without compensation, and in bis 
 will left -$1000 to the institution. 
 
 The school still continues to flourish. Mr. F. L. 
 Backus is now (1873) the Principal of the Male De- 
 partment, and Miss Mary S. Bacon is Principal of the 
 Female Department. The last Annual Report of the 
 treasurer, Mr. Edwin J. Stebbins, states that the receipts 
 from the school for the past year, were $18,678.52, and 
 the disbursements, $19,322.42. During the past year, 
 the Institute has received a donation of $25,000 from 
 John Craig, of Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 VI. THE YOUNG LADIES' DOMESTIC SEMINARY. 1 
 
 In the year 1832, Rev. Hiram H. Kellogg commenced 
 in Clinton the establishment of a seminary for young 
 ladies which, while furnishing facilities for a thorough, 
 christian education, should be conducted on such a 
 method as to enable persons of limited means to enjoy 
 its advantages. The rates of tuition were placed at the 
 lowest sum by which such an institution could be sus- 
 tained, and besides this, compensating employment was 
 furnished in domestic and other avocations, adapted to 
 the age and condition of each pupil, by which the scholars 
 might reduce the cost of their board and tuition to a 
 considerable amount. 
 
 Having erected and furnished his building, Mr. 
 Kellogg opened his school in the spring of the year 1833, 
 under the name of The Young Ladies' Domestic Semi- 
 nary. The school was full at the beginning ; and such 
 was the pressure of applicants beyond its capacity, that 
 the building was materially enlarged during the first 
 year. 
 
 ' Prepared by Rev. II. EL Kellogg, the first Principal. 
 
142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 During the first eight years of its history, its rooms 
 were uniformly filled, the usual attendants numbering 
 from seventy to eighty. The whole number educated 
 here during those years, was upwards of five hundred. 
 Notwithstanding its peculiar features which commended 
 it especially to the poor, it was liberally patronized by 
 the wealthy families of central New York, and was as 
 universally popular as any similar institution in this part 
 of the State. The full amount charged for board and 
 tuition never exceeded $120 per year. The amounts 
 deducted from this in compensation for work performed, 
 usually ranged from ten to fifty per cent of the face of 
 the regular bills. And so it came to pass that a large 
 number of christian ladies were here educated at an \ 
 expense of only from fifty to sixty dollars a year, who 
 afterwards became eminently useful in missionary work 
 at home and abroad. 
 
 But the amount of good accomplished by this seminary 
 was not limited to the education and usefulness of its 
 pupils. It is due to the truth of history to record that 
 this school was visited by those who were maturing 
 plans for the establishment of other institutions in 
 Illinois, Ohio, and New England ; and that its peculiar 
 features were, to some extent, adopted by them. One 
 of these instances may here be recorded : In the summer 
 of 1831, Mr. Kellogg visited the Female Seminary at 
 Ipswich, Massachusetts, then conducted . by the Misses 
 Grant and Lyon. At the request of the teachers, he 
 addressed the collected, school, and sketched the outline 
 of his plan and its results. Miss Lyon was so deeply 
 interested in the project that she resolved to visit Mr. 
 Kellogg's Seminary at an early opportunity. During 
 her next vacation, she came to Clinton, and after a full 
 
HOME COTTAGE SEMINARY. 143 
 
 examination of the practical workings of this institution, 
 went home resolved to establish a new seminary in which 
 the leading features of this school should have a promi- 
 nent place. Hence arose the Mount Holyoke Seminary, 
 at South Hadley, Massachusetts, whose fame is in all 
 the land. If the facts were fully known, it would 
 appear, also, that the Seminary at Monticello, Illinois, 
 and the Female Department of Knox College, and of 
 Oberlin College, and the Elmira Female College, N. Y., 
 and other similar institutions have been moulded and 
 encouraged by the seminary which for eight years was 
 so successfully conducted among us. 
 
 In 1841, Mr. Kellogg having been elected to the 
 presidency of Knox College, sold his Seminary property 
 to an association of Free-Will Baptists, and removed 
 with his family to Galesburgh, Illinois. The Baptists, 
 after conducting the school for three years on a different 
 plan, relinquished it ; when it was reopened by Mr. 
 Pelatiah Rawson as a private school. The failure of Mr. 
 Ra-w .son's health caused the school to be closed. 
 
 In 1847, in consequence of his infirm health, and his 
 property here falling back into his hands, Mr. Kellogg 
 returned to Clinton and attempted to resuscitate the 
 seminary, and to make it a school for both sexes. It 
 was not so easy to revive a decaying school as to create 
 a new one ; yet some considerable success attended the 
 effort. In 1850, Mr. Kellogg deemed it best, for reasons 
 which need not here be stated, to close the institution. 
 
 VH. HOME COTTAGE SEMINARY. 
 
 This institution was established by Miss Louisa M. 
 Barker, in the year 1854. The building is situated on a 
 picturesque hill south of Clinton, overlooking the Oris- 
 
144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 kany Valley, and commanding a fine view of the surround- 
 ing country. It is one hundred and fifty feet in length 
 and fifty -four in width ; is two stories high above an 
 elevated basement, and has two towers three stories 
 high. 
 
 Miss Barker had been for some years Principal of the 
 Female Department of the Liberal Institute ; and now, 
 in the maturity of her powers, sought in this institution 
 to carry out more fully her ideas of education. Her great 
 strength as a teacher lay in her power to rouse the mind 
 of her pupils to a just appreciation of the various branches 
 of literature. Having herself an extensive acquaintance 
 with English classical writers, she imbued all who came 
 within the sphere of her influence with a love of the best 
 books in our language, and will be remembered by many 
 as having awakened in them new powers to perceive 
 what was quite hidden from them before. 
 
 Here, associated with competent assistants, she re- 
 mained until the year 1861, when she sold the seminary 
 to Dr. J. C. Gallup. Since it passed into his hands, it 
 has been known as Houghton Seminary. After retiring 
 from the above institution, Miss Barker established a 
 family school for the accommodation of fourteen boarders. 
 Its capacities have since been somewhat enlarged. It is 
 situated on College Street, and bears the name of the 
 Cottage School. Since the decease of Miss Barker, it has 
 passed into the hands of Miss Anna Chipman, who was 
 for many years an associate Principal with Miss Barker, 
 and who has since maintained the school with a very 
 high degree of efficiency and success. 
 
 VIII. HOUGHTON SEMINARY. 
 
 As it has been stated in the preceding chapter, Dr. 
 
1) WIGHT'S RURAL HIGH SCHOOL. 145 
 
 John C. Gallup took possession of the property heretofore 
 known as the Home Cottage Seminary, in August, 1861. 
 Since that time, it has been styled Houghton Seminary, 
 in honor of his wife, Mrs. Marilla Houghton Gallup, 
 tin' associate principal. The grounds, consisting origi- 
 nally of eight acres, have been enlarged to twenty acres. 
 Much has been done also of late to augment the value 
 of the buildings, and the beauty of the lawns, the garden, 
 and the entire premises. 
 
 The institution is now under the care of the Regents 
 of the University of the State of New York; has a large 
 and valuable library ; has an efficient Faculty of seven 
 instructors ; and its collegiate course requires four years 
 of study in the classical and higher English branches. 
 During the past ten years of its history the average num- 
 ber of pupils has been ninety, of whom sixty-three have 
 been graduated and received the diploma of the institu- 
 tion. This seminary is in all respects highly prosperous. 
 
 IX. mYIGHT's RURAL HIGH SCHOOL. 1 
 
 This school was opened in May, 1858, by Rev. Benja- 
 min \Y. Dwight, its principal and proprietor, with. Rev. 
 David A. Holbrook, and Henry P. Bristol, as associates. 
 It occupied the ground — eighteen acres and more — on 
 tin' corner of Elm Street and Factory Street, and faced 
 with two imposing fronts these two avenues. It stood 
 bne hundred and fifty feet back from the former, and two 
 hundred and twenty-five feet from the latter, on a pleas- 
 ing, artificial slope The grounds were laid out in ample 
 style, with walks and carriage-drives, and were planted 
 with ornamental trees. A large gymnasium, seventy 
 
 1 This paper was prepared by Rev. B. W. Dwight, LL. D. 
 
 10 
 
146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 feet by thirty-two, stood at tlie southeast, at a distance of 
 some three hundred and fifty feet. 
 
 The building was erected in the years 1857-58. Dr. 
 Dwight, who had been for several years conducting a 
 large and flourishing high school in Brooklyn, came to 
 Clinton for the purpose of combining the influence of fine 
 rural surroundings with educational labor. He believed 
 that he could achieve much higher physical, intellectual, 
 and moral results in such a school than in any other. 
 
 The school opened with nine boarders and eighteen 
 day scholars, and rose, when at its greatest height, to 
 over eighty pupils, some fifty-three of them being board- 
 ers. The school was a place of abounding physical 
 healthfulness, of earnest intellectual work, and of warm 
 religious life. Students came from far and near, all over 
 the land, and went from the school to a dozen different 
 colleges. Beside giving earnest attention to classical and 
 mathematical drill, full courses of daily study were ap- 
 pointed in history, physiology, and the modern languages. 
 During the last three years of the school a number of 
 young ladies were admitted to it, and with good effect in 
 every way. 
 
 The school building, which was expensive for those 
 days, having cost nearly $20,000, was large and showy. 
 Four distinct buildings were in fact harmonized in it into 
 one. The combined structure was on every side of it 
 picturesque in appearance, and imposing in all its propor- 
 tions, and pronounced by all who saw it one of the largest 
 and finest buildings in the county. Its entire front was 
 fifty-six feet, and its greatest length one hundred and six 
 feet. 
 
 In the year 1864, Mr. Henry P. Bristol died, after a 
 short illness. He was a man of thorough principle and 
 
COMMON SCHOOLS. 147 
 
 of exact scholarship, and was always respected and es- 
 teemed by the pupils whom he sought to improve and 
 bless. Dr. Dwight, in the hope of benefiting the declin- 
 ing health of his wife, went to New York in the spring of 
 1863, and opened there a school at No. 1144 Broadway, 
 leaving the school here in the hands of Rev. Mr. Hol- 
 brook, who, after two years, resigned the charge into the 
 hands of Mr. Ambrose P. Kelsey. In April, 1865, after 
 having been only a few months under the care of the lat- 
 ter, the building caught fire in the roof near one of the 
 chimneys, and burned slowly down, in the absence of an 
 efficient fire-engine in the place, before the eyes of a great 
 crowd of spectators. 
 
 MRS. MARR's SCHOOL. 
 
 A select school was opened by Mrs. Elizabeth D. Marr, 
 in May, 1861. It was commenced in the building for- 
 merly occupied by Rev. Mr. Kellogg's seminary, and was 
 transferred the following year to rooms in the Clinton 
 Grammar School. A building was then erected for its 
 permanent occupancy on Meadow Street, to which it was 
 soon after removed, and where it has since remained. 
 
 At this school, instruction is given in all the English 
 branches, and in the Latin, French, and German lan- 
 guages, and in drawing and painting. 
 
 Mrs. Marr is assisted by two or three associate teachers. 
 The present number of pupils is twenty-six. 
 
 COMMON SCHOOLS. 1 
 
 At the time when most of the school districts of this 
 town were organized, Kirkland was included in the town 
 
 1 This paper was prepared by Mr. Gaius Butler. 
 
148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 of Paris. But as the settlement began at Clinton, so let 
 these brief sketches commence here. 
 
 The first building erected in Kirkland for the purposes 
 of a common school, stood on the east side of the Village 
 Green, upon the spot now occupied for a similar purpose. 
 It was a frame building one story and a half high. This 
 was afterwards removed, and now stands on the north 
 side of Kellogg Street, and is occupied by Mr. James 
 Hughes. This original school-house was succeeded by a 
 brick building. The bricks used in this structure were 
 made on the farm of Gideon Cole, now owned by James 
 Elphick and Dr. G. I. Bronson. In the spring of 1840, 
 this house having become somewhat dilapidated, was sold 
 at public auction for some $300, and soon afterward the 
 present frame building was erected on or near the same 
 spot. It is worthy of note that a Mr. Fillmore, brother 
 of President Fillmore, was one of the early teachers in 
 this school-house. - 
 
 It was originally a very general practice to measure 
 the lot by the size of the school-house, as if a sufficient 
 margin for a play-ground was land thrown away. 
 The school-house on Utica Street was built on a steep 
 bluff, at an angle on two sides of some forty-five degrees, 
 with not one spare foot of ground. A school was sus- 
 tained on this spot for many years, but a bright light 
 one evening many years ago, showed that the old build- 
 ing was being reduced to ashes. 
 
 The first school-house in the eastern part of Kirkland, 
 near Mr. Pickett's, was built by a Mr. Willard, at the 
 contract price of $150. Low price and poor work. It 
 was attempted to warm the building in winter by a Rus- 
 sian stove, of which Dr. Backus said, " One might about 
 as well warm his feet by. a tombstone." Another and 
 
COMMON SCHOOLS. 149 
 
 better building was afterwards put up on the same site, 
 but ere long it went by fire, and the district itself was dis- 
 solved. 
 
 The school in Chuckery district appears to have been 
 for many years in a prosperous condition. 
 
 The Franklin district is a large and populous one. 
 The first school-house was destroyed under circumstances 
 bordering on the ludicrous. It may suffice here to state 
 that for a certain cutaneous disease sulphur was regarded 
 as the best remedy ; and that, in order to its being well 
 rubbed in, a large fire was considered necessary. Well, 
 the boys got better, but the red-hot stove-pipe set the 
 building on fire, and the boys were not in a condition to 
 put it out. The present school-house is only an apology 
 for one, and should give place to a better. 
 
 The house by the toll-gate, near Mr. Gruman's, has 
 a tolerably spacious play-ground, and is kept in uniformly 
 fair condition. 
 
 The district on Brimfield Hill does not seem to enjoy 
 a vigorous life, though it has given to the world some 
 very good men. 
 
 Manchester district was originally a large one, and had 
 its school-house at the junction of the Clinton road with 
 the Seneca turnpike. It was subsequently divided, the 
 Oriskany Creek being the line between the districts, and 
 new school-houses being built centrally in each of the new 
 districts. 
 
 The first school-house on Post Street was burnt some 
 years ago, but its place has been supplied by a new and 
 suitable structure. 
 
 The school-house on the Paris Hill road, near Curtis S. 
 Pannele's house, lias been much improved within a few 
 years. The same may be said of the one at the foot of 
 College Hill. 
 
150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Some three or four districts have been dissolved or 
 annexed to others within the past fifteen or twenty years. 
 Of a few others not herein reported, the history would 
 probably vary but little from those already referred to. 
 
 In one respect, at least, the school-house on Prospect 
 Hill, in the western part of the town, is worthy of its 
 high position. For more than fifty years a Sunday- 
 school has been sustained under its roof, with the help of 
 teachers from Hamilton College. 
 
 Within the last fifty years, important changes have 
 taken place in the superintendence of our common 
 schools. 1. A board of three inspectors and three com- 
 missioners was chosen at the annual town meeting. 2. 
 A town superintendent was substituted. 3. We have a 
 commissioner to supervise all the schools of each Assem- 
 bly district. It does not appear that all of these changes 
 have been improvements. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, AND RURAL EMBEL- 
 LISHMENT. 
 
 AGRICULTURE. 
 
 The husbandry of this town, for some time after the 
 first settlement of the place, was necessarily of a mixed 
 eharacter. The land must needs be first cleared of a 
 heavy growth of timber, and a short period must elapse 
 before the plow could with much effect be introduced. 
 The implements used in clearing the forest and subduing 
 the soil were brought from New England, and were 
 heavy and rude as compared with those of the present 
 day. The work to be done required resolute minds and 
 sturdy arms ; and these the pioneer settlers possessed. 
 The soil was rich, and soon after it was opened to the 
 sun, waving fields of wheat and grass and corn sprang up 
 on all sides. 
 
 When the products of grain began to exceed the wants 
 of the population, the nearest and best market for the sur- 
 plus was found at Albany, to which place wheat and pork 
 were carried in sleighs every winter. And when the hills 
 and valleys became clothed with pastures, horned cattle and 
 sheep and horses were raised and driven to the same mar- 
 ket in large numbers. While these things were going on 
 out of doors, those who live mostly within were not idle. 
 Almost every fanner kept sheep enough to produce a 
 little wool, and raised a quantity of flax, and from these 
 
152 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 products female industry carded and spun and wove the 
 common wearing apparel of the household. The buzz 
 of the spinning-wheel was heard as commonly in every 
 dwelling then, as the tinkle of the piano is now. 
 
 The town of Kirkland has always had a good reputa- 
 tion for its stock of horses and cattle. It is true that 
 some of the earlier specimens were sorry scrubs, of no 
 high extraction ; yet hardy they must have been, or they 
 could not have endured the exposures and rough ,usage 
 to which they were subjected. After a time, however, 
 marked improvements began to appear, especially in 
 horned cattle. Devons were introduced here about the 
 year 1814, from the herd of Chancellor Livingston, of 
 Dutchess County. Short Horns, or Durhams, appeared 
 in 1818, being brought from Springfield, Mass. The 
 famous Holderness breed was introduced about the same 
 time, by Lewis Pond. 
 
 In general, it may be said that the principal agricul- 
 tural productions of the town have been from an early 
 date Indian corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, grass, and 
 •clover, buckwheat, peas, beans, potatoes, carrots, and 
 turnips. In later years, hops and tobacco have been 
 introduced. Hops, though sometimes very remunerative, 
 have proved quite an uncertain crop, owing chiefly to the 
 variable seasons, and the frequent prevalence of insects 
 and other forms of blight. 
 
 KIRKLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 This Society was formed in the winter of 1861-62, and 
 has held ten autumn exhibitions. It has accomplished a 
 good work by promoting social freedom, and by bringing 
 about a friendly interchange of ideas and experiences, 
 and a healthy competition between the productive indus- 
 
HORTICULTURE. 153 
 
 tries of the town. At its annual fairs the Society has 
 been favored with agricultural addresses by Hon. Henry 
 P. Norton, Dr. Thomas J. Sawyer, Dr. Samuel "YV. 
 Fisher, Prof. Charles Avery, Prof. Edward North, Dr. 
 John C. Gallup, Hon. Horatio Seymour, President Sam- 
 uel G. Brown, Prof. A. P. Kelsey, and Rev. Dwight 
 Williams. The list of presidents, annually elected, 
 runs thus : Thomas J. Sawyer, John E. Elliott, Edward 
 North, Levi Blakeslee, Edwin Gruman, George K. Eells, 
 Lyman S. Harding, T. A. Gruman, George Griffin, C. W. 
 Eells, Elias Stanton, and Charles L. Kellogg. 
 
 HORTICULTURE. 
 
 The orchard and garden have always been held here 
 in high consideration. Orchards were planted at the first 
 from seedlings raised on the spot, and then grafted with 
 scions of the best apples and pears that could be found in 
 New England. Some of these seedlings, however, were 
 perpetuated, and a few of them have proved worthy of 
 reproduction till the present day. Others were useful 
 only for making cider. The peach, plum, cherry, and 
 quince flourished here for a period in perfection, and 
 yielded abundantly; but within the past twenty years 
 they have all gradually declined in vigor, or become the 
 helpless victims of insects or blight, so that now they yield 
 uncertain crops. From recent indications, it is feared that 
 tin- pear will also soon disappear from the list of our re- 
 liable fruits. 1 
 
 Among the pioneer orchardists of Kirkland may be 
 mentioned Xaanian GrOOdsell, Roswell Bronson, Dr. Seth 
 
 1 When l»r. Timothy Dwight visited this town, in September, 179!), he wrote 
 in his Diary as follows: " All the vegetable productions of the climate flourish 
 here. A farmer this year had two hundred bushels of peaches, which he sold 
 for a dollar a bushel." 
 
154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Hastings, Rev. Dr. Norton, Ephraim Hart, Ozias Marvin, 
 and George Bristol. The native Indian Orchard, in 
 Stockbridge, Madison County, furnished several excellent 
 varities of fruit, one of the best being the summer apple, 
 known as O'Toole's Indian Rareripe. While the young 
 orchards of Kirkland were growing, large supplies of 
 apples and cider were annually brought to this market 
 by the Indians at Stockbridge. Mr. Goodsell claimed 
 that he first introduced the Early Harvest apple, the 
 Rhode Island Greening, Esopus Spitzenberg, Cornish 
 Gilliflower, Seeknofurther, and Swaar. Rev. Dr. Norton 
 also was quite assiduous in procuring scions from Mr. 
 Prince, of Flushing, and from other friends in New 
 England. Among the varieties of apples introduced by 
 him may be mentioned the Fall Pippin and English 
 Pearmain ; and of pears, the Virgalieu and Gansell's 
 Bergamot. Grafting fruit was then quite an occult art, 
 and the good parson went about among his parishioners, 
 inserting scions for them, and teaching them how to do 
 it for themselves. Among the pears introduced by 
 George Bristol, may be named the Madeleine, Bartlett, 
 Seckel, Bleeker, Glout Morceaux, Beurre Diel, and Easter 
 Beurre. 
 
 Among the smaller fruits, this town now produces 
 blackberries, currants, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, 
 and strawberries, and each in numerous varieties. Among 
 the vegetables which have for many years enriched our 
 gardens, we may name the asparagus, beet, cabbage, 
 cauliflower, cucumber, egg-plant, melon, onion, parsnip, 
 pumpkin, rhubarb, salsify, squash, and tomato. 
 
RURAL EMBELLISHMENT. 155 
 
 RURAL EMBELLISHMENT. 
 I. ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 
 
 The town of Kirkland has never fallen behind its 
 neighboring communities in the culture of shade trees, 
 shrubbery, and flowers. At first, our native trees were 
 seldom planted for the beautifying of streets and pri- 
 vate grounds. Of forest trees it was felt that there were 
 already too many ; they cumbered the earth ; it was the 
 farmer's daily task to hew them down and burn them to 
 make room for his crops. If trees were at all planted, 
 it was some pretentious foreigner, like the Lombardy 
 poplar, whose aspiring column was thought to mark the 
 progress of civilization. Quite early, however, shrubs 
 and blossoming vines were introduced. The flower-gar- 
 den, as a general rule, was simply a cultivated border by 
 the door-step, or by the side of the path leading from 
 the house to the street. Here flourished such old-time 
 friends as pinks, marigolds, poppies, sweet-pea, the red 
 peony, columbine, fleur-de-luce, morning-glory, and sweet- 
 william. Sometimes here, but oftener in some chosen 
 corner of the kitchen-garden, were planted such whole- 
 some herbs as sage, balm, thoroughwort, and summer 
 savory, and such refreshing plants as caraway, fennel, 
 and dill. How often the spicy and odoriferous seeds of 
 the latter have beguiled the tedium of long sermons, 
 ninny a child and mother, and many a clergyman, could 
 thankfully relate ! 
 
 The pleasure-grounds of our fathers were generally 
 of small extent. They were embraced in the narrow 
 piece of land which lay directly in front of the house, 
 and was inclosed by fences running in parallel lines from 
 
156 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 the front corners of the house to the street. The grass 
 within these bounds was seldom mowed oftener than 
 once in a summer. 
 
 Between the years 1840-45, a spirit of rural im- 
 provement began to spread over the country. These 
 were the days in which the lamented Downing began 
 to write and to make himself felt in every part of the 
 land. These were the days in which a new zeal sprang 
 up for the culture of fruits and flowers, for landscape- 
 gardening, and for the building of tasteful dwellings. 
 This spirit of improvement reached the town of Kirkland, 
 and soon showed itself in many practical ways. It was 
 felt in the orchard and garden ; it was seen in the 
 construction of a better class of houses, and in the reno- 
 vation of old ones ; it laid out ampler pleasure-grounds, 
 and remodeled old places which had been formed on the 
 rectangular method, and it planted the roadsides and the 
 village park with shade-trees. 
 
 II. RURAL ART SOCIETY. 
 
 The formation of the Society of Rural Art and Taste 
 in Clinton was one of the natural outgrowths of the 
 spirit to which I have just referred. It is but just, 
 however, to record that this association owes its origin 
 immediately to the suggestion of Mr. William E. Can- 
 ning, of Stockbridge, Mass. This gentleman, while on 
 a visit to Clinton in the summer of 1854, remarked to 
 Rev. Benjamin W. Dwight that Clinton needed only 
 one thing more to develop its rural capabilities, and that 
 was a tree-planting society such as existed in Stockbridge, 
 and the particular features of which he proceeded to set 
 forth. This hint was seized upon by Dr. Dwight, and 
 communicated to a few other gentlemen, by whose united 
 
CLINTON CEMETERY. 157 
 
 consultations the original plan was much enlarged and 
 improved, and finally wrought into the present Rural 
 Art Society, whose beneficent influence has long been 
 felt in every part of this town. 
 
 This association holds stated monthly meetings at the 
 houses of its members in alphabetical order, taking 
 supper with the family of each member, at which meet- 
 ings discussions are had upon subjects of practical interest 
 to all dwellers in the country. The topic of each meet- 
 ing is assigned a month beforehand to some designated 
 member, who makes a careful preparation to introduce 
 the subject of discussion. This is followed by free 
 remarks and inquiries on the same topic by the other 
 gentlemen present. This society taxes itself annually a 
 specified sum for the planting of trees by the roadside. 
 It aims, likewise, to interest itself in all public improve- 
 ments, and seeks to promote, directly and indirectly, a 
 spirit of rural taste in all parts of the town. 
 
 ni. CLIXTON CEMETERY. 
 
 Not long after the formation of the above-named 
 Society, and partly as one of its natural offshoots, the 
 present Rural Cemetery of Clinton was established. The 
 organization was made at a public meeting of citizens, 
 held June 30, 1854. The land, twenty-five acres in ex- 
 tent, was purchased of Rev. Thomas J. Sawyer, 1). D., 
 at ;i cost of $115 per acre. A large part of the pur- 
 chase-money was obtained by voluntary subscription, and 
 the rest by taxation. The grounds were [aid out accord- 
 ing to a plan furnished by Mr. John C. Hastings, of 
 Clinton. The Cemetery was Eormally dedicated, Sep- 
 tember 9, 1856, with the following public ceremonies: 
 1. The Singing of the' Ninetieth Psalm, which was read 
 
158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 by the Rev. S. P. Landers. 2. An Introductory Address, 
 by Hon. O. S. Williams. 3. Reading of Scripture and 
 a Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. Robert G. Vermilye, D. D. 
 4. The reading of an Ode by Rev. Prof. A. C. Kendrick, 
 of Rochester. 5. A Dedicatory Address, by Prof. 
 Edward North, of Hamilton College. 6. The reading of 
 a Hymn, by Rev. John H. Hall, and the Benediction by 
 Rev. E. D. Maltbie. 
 
 The first Board of Trustees consisted of the following 
 persons : James D. Stebbins, William H. Hubbard, 
 Rufus Mills, Marshal W. Barker, John H. Tower, Peter 
 Fake, Cyrus Nichols, Gerrit I. Bronson, Othniel S. 
 Williams, Curtiss S. Parmelee, Edward North, and A. 
 Delos Gridley. And this Board appointed the following 
 officers: James D. Stebbins, President; William H. 
 Hubbard, Vice-President ; Curtiss S. Parmelee, Secretary ; 
 A. D. Gridley, Treasurer ; John C. Hastings, Superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 In May, 1862, the trustees of "The Society of 
 Clinton " transferred the care of the old Burying Ground 
 to the trustees of the new Cemetery. 
 
 IV. THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 
 
 Almost simultaneously with the rural improvements 
 made in the town elsewhere, and indeed as a part of 
 them, measures were taken to embellish the grounds of 
 Hamilton College. Before this time, the campus was 
 simply a rectangular plot of four acres immediately sur- 
 rounding the dormitories. It was inclosed with a wooden 
 fence, and crossed at needful places by straight walks 
 four or five feet wide. Trees had been set out upon it 
 somewhat sparsely, and for the most part in rows. Out- 
 side of this central park were some twenty-eight acres of 
 
THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 159 
 
 land, used chiefly for pasture and bay- fields. One promi- 
 nent feature in the original adornings of the premises 
 was a row of Lombardy poplars in the rear of the build- 
 ings, another by the roadside in front, and a double row 
 on the borders of the avenue leading down the hill 
 towards the village of Clinton. These trees were planted 
 partly in the year 1805, by the missionary Kirkland, 
 and partly by President Backus. 
 
 In the year 1853, the Faculty and certain other friends 
 of the College in this vicinity felt moved to undertake 
 an improvement of the campus and the other lands 
 immediately surrounding the institution. They were 
 moved to this not only by the prevailing spirit of the 
 times, but because it seemed due to the memory of Mr. 
 Kirkland, who, in his original deed of lands to the Oneida 
 Academy, specified that this portion should be devoted 
 to an ornamental gardeu. As the result of several con- 
 ferences on this subject, a plan for remodeling the 
 grounds, prepared by Mr. John C. Hastings, was 
 adopted, and a committee was appointed to carry out 
 the provisions of that plan. This committee consisted 
 of Prof. Oren Root, Mr. J. C. Hastings, and Rev. A. D. 
 Gridley. Subscriptions were soon raised in this town 
 amounting to about 11000, to enable the committee to 
 make a beginning of the work which had been projected. 
 At the next meeting of the trustees of the College, the 
 sum of $5000 was also appropriated by them for the use 
 of this committee, who were at the same time requested to 
 serve as the permanent curators of the College grounds. 
 
 The first step in the improvements was the incorpora- 
 tion of fifteen acres into one large park. Next (aim; 
 the removal of needless fences ami various incumbrances. 
 Unseemly roughnesses were smoothed down, and wet por- 
 
160 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.' 
 
 tions of the land were drained, and the whole surface 
 put in a good condition for planting. The old rectilinear 
 walks being sodded over, the entire park was laid out in 
 the modern English method, with roads and footpaths 
 winding in easy curves through its different parts. The 
 carriage-ways and walks were covered with the red shale 
 found in a ravine within the college lands. The premises 
 were surrounded in part with hedges of buckthorn, and 
 in part with wire fences. The latter, after a few years' 
 use, proved nearly worthless, while the former are to-day 
 their own best recommendation. 
 
 In planting the grounds, it was a leading object of the 
 committee to introduce as great a variety of trees as 
 practicable. They resolved to obtain a specimen of 
 every desirable tree and shrub, deciduous and evergreen, 
 which might be expected to prove hardy in the climate 
 of central New York. These trees and plants they 
 arranged with a special view to landscape effect, though 
 with some remote reference to a botanical classification. 
 The Pinetum, which they have commenced in one portion 
 of the grounds, contains seven varieties of Pines, nine va- 
 rieties of Spruce, five of Cypress, six of Juniper, and two 
 of Larch. 
 
 The larger portion of the grounds is devoted to trees 
 and grass ; but in appropriate places — especially those 
 sections daily traversed by the students — shrubs and 
 vines have been planted, and plots have been laid out in 
 flower-beds, which are cultivated by the undergraduates. 
 Quite recently, the curators have affixed labels to a large 
 number of the rarer trees and shrubs, showing the botan- 
 ical name of each, and its popular name and habitat. 
 
 In addition to those portions of the grounds devoted 
 to arboricultural purposes, and aside from them, sections 
 
COLLEGE CEMETERY. 161 
 
 have been arranged for base-ball, croquet, and other 
 games. Adjoining the park, also, is the college ceme- 
 tery, which has recently been laid out in an appropriate 
 manner, and which attracts many a visitor by its rural 
 beauty and by its memorials of the honored and beloved 
 dead. 1 
 
 1 A fund of $1000 has recently been given to the college by Mr. Samuel A. 
 Munson, of Utica, the annual interest of which is to be applied to the care and 
 improvement of the cemetery. 
 11 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MANUFACTUEES AND MINING. 
 
 Befoke the establishment of factories driven by- 
 water-power, not a little handicraft was practiced in 
 every household of the town of Kirkland. For instance : 
 flax raised in the field, and wool grown on the backs of 
 sheep, were carded and spun and woven into cloth by 
 hand in our dwellings. On the introduction of machin- 
 ery for these purposes, some sagacious people shook their 
 heads, declaring that the fibre of the wool would be 
 injured by the new processes, but they were soon obliged 
 to give up this conservative notion. 
 
 In the early part of the present century, Merino sheep 
 began to be introduced into this country from Spain, 
 and ere long a few found their way to this town. The 
 first specimen brought here was reputed to have cost 
 $1000. For all farmers of a speculating turn of mind 
 the raising of fine-wooled sheep became the prevailing 
 hobby. The Messrs. Sherrill, of New Hartford, had at 
 one time a flock of nine hundred ; and on our own hill- 
 sides they became so numerous as to be reckoned by 
 thousands. Associations were formed in many places 
 for the manufacture of woolen cloths, and one was 
 organized here under the title of the " Clinton Woolen 
 Manufacturing Company." Their building was erected 
 in the year 1810, and is the same which, much enlarged, 
 is now known as the Clinton Factory, and is owned by 
 
EARLY MANUFACTURES. 1G3 
 
 the proprietors of Claries' Mills. The enterprise was 
 successful for a few years, and then ceased to be profita- 
 ble. During the War of 1812, its broadcloths sold for 
 twelve dollars a yard, and its satinets at a corresponding 
 figure. 1 Bat on the return of peace, England flooded 
 this country with her cloths so abundantly that the prod- 
 ucts of Clinton looms had to be sold at two dollars a 
 yard. Of course, the little factory here could not com- 
 pete with foreign capital and cheap labor, and it ceased 
 to yield returns to its stockholders. The property was 
 first sold to the firm of Sharp and Hutton ; then it passed 
 into several different hands, and the factory was for 
 many years suspended. Under its present control and 
 management as a cotton mill, it thrives vigorously. 
 
 Some time before 1810, Mr. Amos Kellogg built a 
 fulling-mill on the east side of Oriskany Creek, on Col- 
 lege Street. He took the cloths made in the farm-houses 
 of this vicinity and put them through the processes of 
 dyeing, fulling, and shearing, thus fitting them for mar- 
 ket and for use. He afterwards sold out to Mr. Clark 
 Wood. The latter moved his machinery to the north side 
 of the road to make room for a carding-machine which was 
 soon put up on the same site by Messrs. Owen and Ben- 
 nett. 
 
 About sixty years ago, a nail factory was established 
 on or near the mill-site now covered by William 
 Healey's grist-mill on College Street. Mr. Silas But- 
 
 1 The first valedictorian of Hamilton College was married in Clinton, during 
 the reign of these high prices, and his wedding-suit was bought from this 
 factory at the rate above mentioned. lie was not so hard-pressed, however, 
 as was a distinguished clergyman whose marriage-day came one winter, at a 
 period of the Revolutionary War when no proper wedding-suit could be pur- 
 ehased : whereupon his fond mother had some of her sheep sheared and sewed 
 up in blankets to keep them warm, so that the much-desired felicity might be 
 onsummated. 
 
164 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRK LAND. 
 
 trick was one of the proprietors. The process of nail- 
 making was then slow and laborious, the head of each 
 nail being formed singly and by hand. This factory did 
 not enrich its owners, and was soon closed. 
 
 About forty years ago a hat factory was set up by 
 Asa Marvin on the west corner of College Street and 
 Franklin Street. The name of the proprietor, printed 
 in large letters on the front of the building, may still 
 be dimly seen through several coats of paint and abun- 
 dant weather stains. How many years these works con- 
 tinued in operation the writer cannot ascertain, but it is 
 known that the introduction of steam and of improved 
 machinery in the large establishments of our cities grad- 
 ually rendered this primitive factory unprofitable. 
 
 Quite early in the history of Kirkland, scythes were 
 made by Woodruff & Kinney, at their factory near the 
 present Farmers' Mill. Many persons now living can 
 remember the steady rip-rap of their trip-hammer, 
 which could be heard for several miles. Mowing-ma- 
 chines, worked by horse-power, were then hardly dreamed 
 of ; and the farmer's muscle was content with those of 
 the " arm-strong pattern." 
 
 Timothy Barnes used to manufacture clocks in Clinton, 
 and the bells to strike within them. His casting of the 
 first church bell in this town was only an enlargement 
 of his regular business. Sylvester Munger repaired and 
 regulated the earlier watches and clocks of Kirkland, 
 and dealt somewhat in silver ware. It has often been 
 reported that he manufactured the Communion service 
 of the Congregational church in Clinton, but better 
 testimony proves that it was made in New York. 
 
 Erastus Barnes established the first pottery in this 
 town, his works being nearly in the rear of the late Rev. 
 
POTTERY AND BRICK MAKING. 1G5 
 
 Charles Jerome's residence on College Street. He found 
 clay of an excellent quality on the Gleason farm, near 
 Manchester, and his business was, for those times, Large 
 and lucrative. Mr. John B. Gregory succeeded him, and 
 carried on the same industry for several years. He was 
 quite a recluse, being seldom seen outside of his own 
 premises. Yet he had a genial soul, and loved to scatter 
 jokes and bits of humor among old and young who came 
 to inspect his work or to buy his wares. He was a devout 
 Methodist. Placing a lump of clay on his lathe, he would 
 set his wheel a-spinning, and, while moulding pan or jug 
 or other vessel, would burst into some old refrain, as — 
 
 " Behold the potter and the clay ! 
 He forms his vessels as he please." * 
 
 Brick have been made at different times in this town, 
 of an excellent quality. The first were made by Dr 
 Abel Sherman, on the land east of Mr. John Elliott's. 
 house on Utica Street. From this yard came the bricks 
 used in building the old brick school-house on the east 
 side of the Village Green. The chimney of the first 
 school-house in Deansville was made of this brick, and so 
 were many of the first chimneys in Clinton. The method 
 of reducing clay for making bricks here was this : A cir- 
 cular pit some two feet deep and from fifteen to twenty 
 feet in diameter, and floored and sided vrith inch boards, 
 was prepared to receive the clay and sand in due pro- 
 portions. Water was thrown on to bring the mass into 
 proper consistency. Then two or more oxen were driven 
 around the circle until the mixture was completed. Brick 
 were also made at an early day on the John Kirkland 
 
 1 Armihians, as well as ' ialvinists, will sometimes ting counter to their thi ol- 
 Dgy and the laws of grammar. 
 
166 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 farm, and on David Comstock's farm, near the present 
 Houghton Seminary. The house now owned by B. S. 
 Piatt, and the residences of the late Dr. Charles Barrows 
 and of Dr. Austin Barrows, and of Josiah L. Cook, were 
 built of brick from the last-named yard. Of the recent 
 successful works of Robinson and Bronson my readers are 
 well informed. 
 
 About fifty years ago a few enterprising citizens com- 
 menced the making of potash in Clinton, Dr. Noyes be- 
 ing their scientific adviser. Their factory stood on the 
 stream near the tannery of Bangs and Dillow on Utica 
 Street. The new business sprang up, flourished, and ex- 
 pired within a twelvemonth. Another was commenced 
 near Manchester, which was on a larger scale and lived a 
 longer life. 
 
 Several tanneries have been established in this town 
 within the past half century. Theophilus Redfield's stood 
 near the foot of College Hill ; John Shapley's in the hol- 
 low just east of the village ; Rufus Hayes' on the farm 
 now owned by Seth K. Blair ; Bangs and Dillow's on 
 Utica Street ; — and does it still survive ? 
 
 As these pages have already chronicled, the first grist- 
 mill in the town was erected in the year 1787 by Captain 
 Cassety, on the east side of the Oriskany, just above 
 College Street. At a later day Simeon Nelson built a 
 grist-mill on the site now occupied by William Healey. 
 A flouring-mill was erected at an early day, forty or fifty 
 rods above the present Farmers' Mill. Afterwards it 
 was moved down-stream and rebuilt under the name of 
 Hart's Mill ; and subsequently it took its present desig- 
 nation of Farmers' Mill. Ebenezer Thompson established 
 a flour-mill in Manchester about 1818, which is still in 
 operation near the former residence of A. B. Clark. 
 
SAW-MILLS AND OTH^R MILLS. 1G7 
 
 Of saw-mills the first was put in operation by Bronson 
 Foot, in the summer of 1788, on the site now used by- 
 Mr. Harrington. Another was built not many years 
 later, near the upper end of the Dug- Way, and this was 
 the first use made of the Oriskany as a water-power after 
 it entered the town. On the spot now covered by Mr. 
 Landers' chair factory there was once a saw-mill owned 
 by Mr. Bliss. Ralph W. Kirkland had another a short 
 distance below the present Franklin Iron Works. Mr. 
 S. P. Landers' factory was established by him in 1861, 
 and is still carried on successfully. 
 
 In the year 179-1 a deed was made by Mr. Bliss to 
 Woodruff and Kinney, for a dike to be cut from his mill- 
 pond (near Mr. Landers' present factory), through his 
 land to the present location of the shop. The water- 
 course having been dug, a trip-hammer shop was built 
 for making scythes, hoes, and for common blacksmithing. 
 After a few years Manross and Wicks became the pro- 
 prietors. They sold one half of the shop to Charles 
 Faber, who made nail-hammers. The next proprietors 
 were Porter and Kelsey, who made hay-forks. After 
 them came Mr. Wells, who made staves. The next pro- 
 prietors were Biam and Hiram Davis, who made sash, 
 blinds, and doors. The next owner was James Stewart, 
 who made Excelsior shavings, and carried on the business 
 of upholstery. During its occupancy by Col. Stewart, 
 Mr. M. II. Jones manufactured axes to some extent. Suc- 
 ceeding Col. Stewart came Messrs. Cooke and Case, who, 
 during the war of the Rebellion, when cotton was high, 
 dressed flax. • Soon after this they turned their attention 
 to the making of cotton-batting. The same; manufac- 
 ture is still carried on by CO. Jones, the present pro- 
 prietor. ' 
 
168 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 In a note communicating these facts, Rev. Mr. Landers 
 observes : — 
 
 " The dates of these several changes and transfers can- 
 not now be learned with accuracy, without reference to 
 the county records ; but for the variety of business done 
 within its walls, I think no building in the town of Kirk- 
 land can equal the old Trip-hammer Shop." 
 
 About the year 1880, a Mr. Hurd established a small 
 factory on a little stream between Clinton and Deans- 
 ville, for the making of German silver spoons. He soon 
 ventured to coin money, secretly, and to circulate it 
 through his agents in other parts of the country. His 
 business becoming at length an object of suspicion, he 
 suddenly left this region for parts unknown. The settle- 
 ment where he lived has since borne the name of Bogus- 
 ville. 
 
 The small stream known as the Sherman Brook, and 
 which crosses Utica Street near the tannery of Bangs and 
 Dillow, was once used for milling purposes on a small 
 scale. Near the cross-road on the eastern limits of the 
 town it propelled a saw-mill owned by Judah Stebbins 
 and Zadok Loomis. A little farther down-stream it 
 drove a grist-mill owned by Timothy Barnes and his 
 sons. After a few years this property was sold and con- 
 verted into a distillery. Mr. Gaius Butler tells us that 
 the new proprietors began business with the high moral 
 purpose " to make a pure whiskey that would not intox- 
 icate." Precisely how they did this we do not know ; but 
 the tradition goes that the water of their mill-race was 
 used for more than a single purpose. 1 
 
 1 Let it be noted here that in the ravine through which this stream runs, 
 the stones were quarried for building the college chapel and North College, and 
 the Stone Church in the village. 
 
COTTON FACTORY AT MANCHESTER. 169 
 
 Still farther down-stream was the saw-mill of John 
 Bird, and lower still stood one built by Thomas Parmele. 
 These several mills have now all disappeared, though the 
 remains of their foundation walls or of their dams may 
 in some instances still be seen. They depended for their 
 working force largely upon dissolving snows and copious 
 rains, and hence were unprofitable in the long run, 
 especially as they had to compete with others in the 
 same town of ampler size and driven by a large and 
 permanent stream. 
 
 Here let it be mentioned also, that two furnaces for 
 working up scrap-iron were established in Clinton within 
 the past fifty years, namely, one by Lewis Pond, in the 
 hollow directly east of the Village Green, and another 
 by Andrew Pond, on the Manchester road, just north of 
 Mr. Gunn's house. Both were of short duration. 
 
 A cotton factory was built at Manchester, in the year 
 1815, the name given in its charter being " The Man- 
 chester Manufacturing Company." Its capital stock 
 was $100,000. The works were put up on a contract 
 by Thomas R. Gold, Theodore Sill, and John Young, 
 and the building was stocked with such machinery as 
 was then in use. 
 
 The power-loom was not known at that time, and all 
 the cloth of this period was woven by hand. Prom this 
 factory a large amount was put out into private families 
 far and near, some of it being sent from twenty to thirty 
 miles for weaving. The price paid for weaving was 
 eight cents a yard. On the introduction of the power- 
 loom and other improvements in machinery, the cost of 
 manufacturing was so much reduced that in a few years 
 the cloth was sold for six and eight cents per yard. 
 
 In 1831, the factory was enlarged, and ninety-six 
 
170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 looms and other new machinery were added. In the 
 year 1854, the factory was burned to the ground, and 
 was not rebuilt. During the past year, a blast furnace, 
 called " The Clinton Iron Works," has been built on the 
 site of the old factory, and uses the same water-power. 
 
 IKON OBE MINES. 
 
 The most important manufacturing industry ever 
 organized in the town of Kirkland is the blast furnace, 
 known as the Franklin Iron Works. The iron here pro- 
 duced is made from ore dug from the neighboring hill- 
 sides. This ore was discovered quite early in the history 
 of Kirkland, on the farm of the late James D. Stebbins ; 
 and it lay so near the surface that it was turned up by 
 the plowman while preparing his field for a crop. Pat- 
 rick little knew that he had uncovered the most useful 
 of all minerals. Since then, it has been found in many 
 places along the eastern and western slopes of the town. 
 For many years it was dug in small quantities, and 
 carried to Taberg, Constantia, and Walesville, where it 
 was worked into pig-iron ; but the business of mining 
 did not flourish to any great extent until the Franklin 
 Iron Works went into operation in 1852. 
 
 From an instructive paper read by Mr. John E. 
 Elliott, before the Clinton Rural Art Society, in Decem- 
 ber, 1864, I glean the following facts : — 
 
 Iron ores are found in various parts of Oneida County. 
 The deposits run across the county in northwest and 
 southeast lines. They crop out first in the western 
 parts of the county, in the town of Verona, near Oneida 
 Lake. A considerable amount of ore was drawn from 
 this bed in former years, but after the opening of the 
 richer beds in the town of Kirkland, these old deposits 
 were abandoned. 
 
IRON ORE MINES. 171 
 
 Iron has been found and mined in several parts of the 
 town of Westmoreland. " It is a little remarkable," 
 says Mr. Elliott, " that the Hecla Furnace Company 
 drew a large part of their ore from the town of Kirk- 
 land, a distance of six miles, driving their teams over an 
 undiscovered bed of ore lying near the surface within 
 one mile of their own works, and with an abundance of 
 it in the immediate vicinity." Passing southward into 
 the town of Kirkland, we find it again on the farms of 
 Messrs. Healey, Gunn, and Norton, from which beds 
 much has already been drawn to the Franklin furnace. 
 At this point the Oriskany Valley cuts the vein in two. 
 Crossing the valley in a southeasterly direction, we find 
 the ore again on the Kellogg farm, where it has been 
 mined extensively. From this point it extends easterly, 
 cropping out on the farms of Henry L. Barker, James 
 D. Stebbins, and Charles. Wells. Beyond this last- 
 named land the vein becomes thin and of a poor quality. 
 It however reappears in New Hartford, and is of con- 
 siderable richness, though not abundant. 
 
 The ores of the town of Kirkland, " when properly 
 sorted," says Mr. Elliott, " and melted with charcoal, will 
 make about fifty per cent, iron ; melted with anthracite 
 coal, from forty to forty-five per cent. The Westmore- 
 land ore will not make over thirty to thirty-live per 
 cent. ; the Verona ore still less. In New Hartford, on 
 the west side of the Sanquoit Valley, it would probably 
 be about twenty -five per cent. On the east side of the 
 valley, it is as rich as the Kirkland ores." 
 
 The ores of this region when used alone make the 
 finest of castings for ornamental purposes ; in their molten 
 state they flow like water, and fill up every part of the 
 mould with perfect nicety. A large portion of the iron 
 
172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 made in this town is used for stoves, and other castings 
 requiring a high finish. It is not suitable for making 
 railroad iron or wrought iron bars, because it lacks in 
 strength ; but when mixed with other ores, it is valuable 
 for such purposes. At Poughkeepsie, it is used for 
 making pig-iron in about equal proportions with the 
 Lake Champlain and hematite ores. At Buffalo, it is 
 mixed with the Kingston magnetic and the Lake Superior 
 ores, and makes an excellent grade of railroad bars, 
 chairs, spokes, etc. The Kirkland iron is largely used 
 in the manufacture of the famous Fairbanks' Scales. 
 
 The iron ore of Kirkland is a greater source of wealth 
 to the town than many suppose. The product of the 
 several mines is now about thirty-five thousand tons a 
 year ; and when the new furnace at Manchester is com- 
 pleted, it will be greatly augmented. 
 
 THE FRANKLIN IRON WORKS. 
 
 The existence of numerous beds of iron ore in this 
 town early suggested the project of building a furnace 
 for their reduction here. For it seemed plain that if 
 furnace-companies in other towns could afford to draw 
 the ores of Kirkland to their distant works and find it 
 profitable to do so, then it would be more profitable to 
 manufacture the iron here ; since it would cost less to 
 bring the fuel to the ore, than to carry the ore to the 
 fuel. 
 
 In the year 1850, a company' was formed in this town 
 for the manufacture of iron, consisting of the following 
 persons: Lester Barker, Mills and Parker, S. P. Landers, 
 Miss L. M. Barker, H. H. Kellogg, Henry L. Barker, 
 Thomas J. Sawyer, Rollin Root, Frederic Tuttle, Morris 
 S. Wood, John E. Elliott, John R. McConnell, and John 
 
FRANKLIN IRON WORKS. 173 
 
 Owston. The capital stock was $10,000. It was re- 
 solved to build a furnace of sufficient capacity to make 
 from six to ten tons of iron per day. The construction 
 of the works was commenced in January, 1851, and con- 
 tinued through the year. In the progress of this enter- 
 prise, Mr. Jonas Tower, of Crown Point, a man well 
 skilled in the manufacture of iron, was employed to 
 superintend the work here, and he soon advised the 
 company to build a larger furnace than they had at first 
 projected. As the original stockholders were unable to 
 furnish the capital required for this enlargement, a new 
 company was formed early in the year 1852, with Mr. 
 Alfred Munson, of Utica, and Mr. Tower as additional 
 stockholders, and with the capital stock increased to 
 $32,000. The work of construction was then resumed, 
 and carried forward to completion. 
 
 Since this beginning of the manufacture of iron here, 
 the works of the company have been greatly enlarged 
 and improved. In the words of Mr. Landers (to whom 
 I am indebted for the foregoing statistics), " This fur- 
 nace has made a blast of four years and ten months' 
 duration, probably the longest ever made by any furnace 
 in this country, if not in the world. It has converted 
 the ores Avhich had been lying waste under the ground 
 since the creation, into useful products, has increased the 
 resources of those who projected it, and has helped for- 
 ward in many ways the best interests of the town of 
 Kirkland." 
 
 In the year 1864, the furnace property passed into 
 the hands of a new corporation, with the following 
 officers: O. B. Matteson, president ; E. B. Armstrong, 
 vice-president; Delos DeWolf, treasurer; H. S. Arm- 
 strong, managing trustee; C. H. Smythe, secretary. 
 The capital stock was then increased to $100,000. 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 The first stack was of sufficient capacity to produce 
 one hundred tons of iron per week. In 1869-70, a new 
 stack was built which now makes one hundred and sixty 
 tons a week, using about three hundred and fifty tons 
 of ore and two hundred and forty tons of coal for the 
 same. This stack was constructed with an iron casing 
 resting upon six columns. It is fifty-five feet high, and 
 fourteen feet diameter at the base. The furnace, as now 
 arranged, is blown by a direct acting engine, which was 
 manufactured by Knowles & Sibley, of Warren, Massa- 
 chusetts. The blowing cylinder is seven feet diameter, 
 and ten feet stroke. 
 
 The old stack was rebuilt in the year 1871, and Avas 
 made of the same capacity as the new one. It was put 
 in operation in the summer of 1872. Both stacks have 
 closed tops. The waste gas is brought down to the 
 ground, and is used for making steam and heating the 
 blast. 
 
 CLAEKS' MILLS. 
 
 In the summer of the year 1846, a cotton factory was 
 established on the Oriskany Creek, near the northern line 
 of the town, by Messrs. Ralph Clark, Eneas P. Clark, 
 and A. B. Clark. This factory, as well as the settle- 
 ment which grew up around it, was styled Clarks' Mills. 
 
 The corner-stone of the main building was laid June 
 16, and the brick-work was finished November 14. It 
 was four stories high, two hundred and seventy-five feet 
 long, seventy feet wide, with a wing in the rear of about 
 one half the dimensions of the main building. One hun- 
 dred and eleven looms were set in place April, 1849. 
 Spinning began in April, and carding in May. Subse- 
 quently the woolen factory at Clinton and the Peckville 
 Mills were purchased, the first being at the time thor- 
 
CLINTON IRON COMPANY. 175 
 
 oughly repaired and enlarged, and the latter rebuilt. A 
 mill for making batting and rope was also established at 
 Claries' Mills by the company. 
 
 In the year 1873 the factory changed its proprietors. 
 The officers of the new company are W. A. Ogden Hege- 
 man, president ; George W. Adams, secretary ; Edgar 
 B. Clark, treasurer ; William Allison, receiver and book- 
 keeper ; and William Young, superintendent. The pres- 
 ent number of looms in operation is two hundred and 
 eighteen. The Central Mills manufacture on an average 
 30,000 yards of sheeting per week ; and their annual pro- 
 duction is expected to reach 1,750,000 yards. The Clin- 
 ton Mills produce about 700,000 yards annually, of den- 
 ims and ticking. The number of operatives employed by 
 the company is two hundred and fifty, and more will be 
 added in the course of this year. The capital stock of 
 the corporation is $500,000. 
 
 THE CLINTON IRON COMPANY 
 
 was organized in November, 1872, with a capital of 
 $100,000. The officers are Theodore W. D wight, 
 LL. D., president; S. A. Bunce, vice-president; Theo- 
 dore Avery, secretary and treasurer ; B. S. Piatt, super- 
 intendent. The furnace is located at Manchester, on the 
 site of the old cotton factory. Several farms containing 
 ore have been purchased by the company. The stack, 
 which was commenced in April, is now finished. It is 
 forty-eight feet high from the hearth, forty feet being 
 of stone and eight feet of iron. The base is thirty-one 
 feet square on the outside. The bosh is thirteen feet 
 in diameter. It is expected that this stark will produce 
 fifteen tons of iron daily. The stack-house is sixty feet 
 by one hundred, and the cast-house is fifty feet by one 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 hundred and ten. The wheel-house is thirty-six feet by- 
 forty. 
 
 The furnace is connected with the Rome and Clinton 
 Railroad by a switch one half mile in length. It is ex- 
 pected that the works will commence the manufacture of 
 iron in January 1874. 
 
 CHEESE FACTORIES. 
 
 Cheese factories were established in this town about 
 twelve years ago, and have proved to be quite an impor- 
 tant industry. The sale of milk has not only yielded a 
 fair profit to the farmer, but has relieved the farmer's 
 family from a great burden of care and labor. 
 
 The first company organized was that at Manchester, 
 in the fall of 1862. Its original capital was $2000, 
 afterwards increased to $3000. Its first officers were 
 Benjamin Barnes, president ; George W. Pixley, secre- 
 tary'; and E. C. Lewis, treasurer. 
 
 The factory has received the milk from four hundred 
 to six hundred and fifty cows, annually, varying in num- 
 ber from year to year. The amount of cheese made in 
 1863 was 112,154 pounds. In 1866, it was 149,658 
 pounds. In 1867, it was 159,480 pounds. In 1871, owing 
 to the high price of butter, it was only 74,466 pounds. In 
 1872, the factory was leased for three years to Jones, 
 Faulkner & Co., of Utica, for the manufacture of butter 
 and cheese. They use at present the milk of four hun- 
 dred and fifty cows. 
 
 In the .year 1864, a cheese factory was set up in the 
 Chuckery district by a stock company, consisting of J. 
 H. Hubbard, Alfred Jones, Robert W. Evans, Enos Pot- 
 ter, and W. W. Palmer. From that time to the pres- 
 ent their constituency of cows has ranged from three 
 
CHEESE FACTORIES. 177 
 
 hundred to six hundred. The amount of cheese made 
 has also varied from 85,000 to 182,000 pounds annually. 
 The prices received have ranged from ten cents to 
 twenty-six and a half cents per pound. This factory- 
 is in operation from May 1 to October 1 of each year. 
 At present Enos Potter is treasurer of the company, and 
 R. W. Evans secretary. 
 
 The factory at Franklin was established by Thomas 
 T. Sawyer, Jr., in 1866. The first year it made 
 100,630 pounds of cheese, which sold for $17,310.89. 
 From that time to the present its sales have ranged from 
 820,493.46, to $11,768.71. In 1872 its sales were 
 $12,654,04. For the first two years Cyrus Nichols was 
 superintendent ; since then it has been under the man- 
 agement of Charles B. Van Slyke. For the first year 
 R. Ferris was treasurer ; since then its accounts have been 
 kept by Thomas H. Brock way. 
 12 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 This history would be incomplete without some rec- 
 ord of those men who were prominent here at an early 
 day in the several professions and in the pursuits of busi- 
 ness. Accordingly, I mention of Physicians, the names of 
 Sewall Hopkins, Seth Hastings, John Fitch, and Emory 
 Bissell. Of Lawyers, Joseph Symonds, William Dowes, 
 William Hotchkiss, John Kirkland, Ebenezer Griffin, 
 Julius Pond, and Othniel Williams. Of Merchants, 
 George W. Kirkland, Ralph Kirkland, Thomas Hart, 
 and his two sons Ephraim and Thomas, Job Herrick, 
 Chauncey Gridley, Orlando Hastings, Eurotas Hastings, 
 Joseph Stebbins, Orrin Gridley, and Solomon Lamberton. 
 Of Farmers, the more prominent were Nathaniel Griffin, 
 Eli Bristol, Joel Bristol, Samuel Kirkland, David Corn- 
 stock, Ozias Marvin, Solomon Gleason, Jesse Curtis, 
 Barnabas Pond, James Bronson, Samuel Royce, Judah 
 and Joseph Stebbins, Salmon Butler, Aaron Kellogg, 
 Amos Kellogg, David Pixley, Reuben Gridley, John 
 Hart, and others hardly less conspicuous. 
 
 The streets laid out at the first settlement of the place 
 were the following : the street leading from the Village 
 Green to Utica, with that which branches off from it at 
 the right and runs easterly through the Butler and Steb- 
 bins' neighborhood, and formerly called Brimfield Street ; 
 the streets running from the southeast corner of the 
 
MODES OF COMMUNICATION. 179 
 
 Green .to Chuckery and to Paris Hill ; College Street, 
 with the road branching off from it at Professor D wight's 
 and leading to Deansville, and the two streets branching 
 from it north and south at the foot of College Hill ; the 
 street running from the village directly north to Manches- 
 ter, with the road branching from it near the old ceme- 
 tery, and leading to Lairdsville. 
 
 Mulberry Street was opened in the year 1833 or 1834. 
 William Street, Marvin Street, and Chestnut Street were 
 opened in 1850 ; Canal Street in 1851 ; Meadow Street 
 in 1856 ; Franklin Avenue in 1858 ; Elm Street in 1861 ; 
 Prospect Street in 1864 ; and North College Street in 
 1873. 
 
 The Chenango Canal which leads from Utica to Bina 1 - 
 hamton, and crosses this town diagonally from northeast 
 to southwest, was constructed during the years 1-S34-35. 
 The lockage of this canal within the limits of the town 
 is about two hundred feet. 
 
 A plank road, leading from Utica to Waterville, and 
 passing through this town, was built in the year 1848. It 
 was for many years a great convenience to the public, 
 and was profitable to the stockholders; but since the con- 
 struction of the several railroads in this county it has de- 
 clined in importance and value. 
 
 In the year 1854 a telegraph line was opened between 
 Oxford and Utica. John Foote, of Hamilton, was the 
 first president of the company : and John II. Tower was 
 the superintendent of the office in this place for several 
 years. In the course of five years, the enterprise not 
 proving very profitable, the stock was transferred to the 
 Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Company. It was niter- 
 wards sold to the Western Union Telegraph Company, 
 by whom the business of the line has since been con- 
 ducted. 
 
180 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 An express office was opened here in the year 1858, 
 under the charge of Gen. Samuel Comstock. The busi- 
 ness at that time was very small, but has since greatly 
 increased. It is now conducted by the American Ex- 
 press Company. 
 
 In the year 1845 a bank was established in Clinton by 
 Orrin Gridley, he being its proprietor and president. 
 It was named the Kirkland Bank. It was reasonably 
 profitable to its manager, and was in many ways helpful 
 to the business of the town. On the decease of Mr. 
 Gridley, in April, 1847, the bank passed into the hands 
 of his son, Albert G. Gridley, who conducted it until the 
 fall of 1854. At this time the bank, not proving suffi- 
 ciently remunerative, its circulating notes were called in 
 and its affairs closed. 
 
 Subsequently an exchange office was opened by E. S. 
 Hopkins, and was continued for a year or more. 
 
 In 1862 the Lincoln Bank was established, with Wil- 
 liam H. Marston as president, and Henry M. Burchard 
 as cashier. It was discontinued in June, 18G4. 
 
 In January, 1866, a banking house was opened by 
 George Bissell & Co., in the building formerly occupied 
 by the Kirkland Bank. Mr. Philip J. Hart was the 
 cashier. It was closed in August, 1868. 
 
 Another banking house was established January 19, 
 1870, by Messrs. Bunce and Dunbar, in the building al- 
 ready referred to, on the east side of the park. It is still 
 in successful operation as a bank of deposit and for the 
 negotiation of drafts and loans. 
 
 The village of Clinton obtained from the Legislature a 
 charter of incorporation, April 12, 1843. Its charter was 
 amended and considerably enlarged March 25, 1862 ; and 
 it was amended a second time April 2, 1866, and a third 
 time in 1873. 
 
NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES. 181 
 
 The population of the town of Kirkland at present 
 (1873), is about four thousand and fifty. The popula- 
 tion of the village of Clinton is eighteen hundred. 
 
 On the 10th of July, 1846, the first newspaper was 
 issued in Clinton, by L. W. Payne, under the name of 
 " The Clinton Signal." After two years, certain mem- 
 bers of the senior class in Hamilton College proposed to 
 the proprietor a change in the name and style of the pa- 
 per, and offered their assistance in its editorial manage- 
 ment and in procuring subscribers. He acceded to their 
 request, the paper being called " The Radiator," and in 
 its new form, a neat quarto of eight pages. The lumi- 
 nary shone well for a time. But at the end of twelve 
 months it went out ; in other words, it did not prove re- 
 munerative and was given up, and the old name and style 
 of the paper resumed. 
 
 In the year 1852 the publication of the paper was sus- 
 pended. Not long after this Mr. Payne, having associ- 
 ated with himself Ira D. Brown, started a new paper 
 called " The Oneida Chief," which, with some changes 
 of ownership, continued in existence several years. In 
 1856 Mr. Payne sold his paper to Francis E. Merritt. 
 About a year afterward Mr. Merritt sold it to the late 
 Galen H. Osborne, who adopted (lie name of "Chief and 
 Courier." Mr. Osborne was a spirited editor, but his paper 
 did not enrich him. In August, 1859, M. D. Raymond 
 purchased the paper, and has continued its publication to 
 the present time. Under Mr. Raymond's management 
 it has been well conducted : and we are happy to know 
 that, in connection with the business of job-printing, it 
 has proved profitable to its proprietor. 
 
 An agricultural paper styled " The Northern Farmer," 
 was established here, by T. B. Miner, in the year 1 s.>2. 
 
182 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 At first it was a monthly of sixteen pages. In 1854 a 
 forty-eight page edition of " The Farmer" was issued in 
 connection with the original paper. In January, 1856, 
 " The Rural American" was added, a weekly quarto of 
 eight pages. Not long afterwards both editions of " The 
 Farmer" were dropped, and "The Rural American" 
 continued in their place. This latter paper was subse- 
 quently changed into a semi-monthly, and in its new* 
 form attained a marked success. At the close of the 
 year 1855 it numbered nearly twenty -four thousand sub- 
 scribers. In- the year 1868 the paper was removed to 
 New Brunswick, New Jersey. 
 
 The project of a railroad from Utica to Binghamton 1 
 through the Oriskany and Chenango valleys, was agitated 
 at times for many years ; but the first company for that 
 purpose was organized in 1853. A large amount of stock 
 was subscribed, the route was surveyed and in some sec- 
 tions located, and the right of way obtained. In June, 
 1854, Mr. James Hall, the chief engineer of the company, 
 prepared and published an extended report, showing 
 clearly the feasibility and importance of the enterprise. 
 But the protracted illness of Alfred Munson, Esq., of 
 Utica, the able and efficient president of the company, 
 delayed the commencement of the work, and his death 
 in 1854, led to its abandonment, and the dissolution of 
 the company. 
 
 In 1859 the Legislature of the State passed an act 
 granting a charter to build a railroad on the berme-bank 
 of the Chenango Canal ; but as the company was re- 
 stricted to the use of horse-power, which was not deemed 
 sufficient for so long a route and so important a work, 
 the company was never organized. 
 
 ^ This sketch was prepared by Hon. O. S. Williams, President of the Utica, 
 Clinton, and Binghamton Railroad. 
 
RAILROAD PROJECTS. 183 
 
 In 1862 the railroad project was revived, and in differ- 
 ent forms was pressed with much energy. The 1 
 City Railroad Company was organized, and in 1863 built 
 a street road from Utica to New Hartford. In 1864 the 
 charter of this company was enlarged, the route extended, 
 and the steam-road from New Hartford to Clinton was 
 built, and trams 6ommenced running upon it in Septem- 
 ber, 1866. 
 
 Finally in July, 1867, the charter was again enlarged, 
 and the route extended under the name of the Utica, 
 Clinton, and Binghamton. Railroad Company, with a 
 capital of one million of dollars. The road was com- 
 pleted to Deans ville in December, 1867, to Oriskany 
 Falls in December, 1868, and to Hamilton and Smith's 
 Valley, in the county of Madison, in September, 1870, 
 where it formed a junction with the New York and Os- 
 wego Midland Railroad. In 1871 the company built a 
 steam-road from New Hartford to Utica, and the whole 
 route from Utica to Smith's Valley was completed and 
 put in operation. The length of the steam-road is thirty- 
 two miles, and its cost, including the equipment and roll- 
 ing stock was about 81,200,000. 
 
 In December, 1871, the road was permanently lea id 
 to the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad Com- 
 pany, with the guaranty of the Delaware and Hudson 
 Canal Company, and it is now operated by them great ly 
 to the advantage of the lessees and the public. 
 
 The Rome and Clinton Railroad Company was or- 
 ganized May 2-4, 1869. Its directors elected the follow- 
 ing officers : namely, "William S. Bartlett, President; E. 
 B. Armstrong, Vice-President : A. W. Mills, Secretary ; 
 Bloomfteld J. Beach, Treasurer. Subscriptions to the 
 stock in considerable amount were obtained, and the 
 
184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 several towns along the line of the road were bonded as 
 follows : Kirkland, for $40,000 ; Westmoreland, for 
 $40,000 ; Rome, for $60,000. The right of way hav- 
 ing been obtained, and sufficient private subscriptions 
 secured, mostly in Kirkland and Rome, the directors 
 proceeded to let the contract for building the road, on 
 the 28th of October 1870, to Willis, Phelps & Company. 
 The road was completed in the fall of 1871. It was 
 then leased to the New York and Oswego Midland Rail- 
 road Company, and said lease was guarantied by the 
 Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Said lease runs 
 for ninety-nine years, and includes a perpetual renewal 
 of its charter. The cost of building the road was 
 $370,000 ; and it is rented for $25,000 per annum, pay- 
 able every six months. 
 
 PATKIOTISM OF THE TOWN OF KIEKLAND. 
 
 It would be unpardonable in us to make no record of 
 the patriotism of the inhabitants of Kirkland. We only 
 regret that our knowledge of what they suffered and 
 achieved is so small. All that can now be learned is as 
 follows : — 
 
 Of those who served in the War of the Revolution, 
 this is the Roll of Honor : 
 
 Captain Bullen, John Blunt, 
 
 Captain Moses Foot, David Comstock, 
 
 Captain Look, Samuel Curtiss, 
 
 Andrew Blanchard, Thomas Goodsell, 
 
 Charles Bartholomew, Ozias Marvin, 
 
 Phineas Bell, Stephen Markham, 
 
 Eli Bristol, Barnabas Pond, 
 
 Samuel Bingham, Philemon Trowbridge, 
 
 Numan Blodgett, Smith, 
 
 John Bullen, Stillman. 
 
ROLL OF HONOR. 185 
 
 Of those who served in the War of 1812, the follow- 
 ing is the Roll, as far as it can now be made out : — 
 Captain Isaac Benedict, James Groves, 
 Captain Orrin Gridley, Thomas Hart, 
 
 Lieut. Samuel Comstock, Franklin Hickox, 
 Ensign Orange Foot, George Hickox, 
 
 William Anderson, Silas T. Ives, 
 
 Lester Barker, Henry Kellogg, 
 
 John Crocker, William Marvin, 
 
 Horace Foot, Noble Morse, 
 
 Silas Foot, Chester Parmelee, 
 
 Orsamus Gleason, Phineas Pearl, 
 
 Naaman Goodsell, James D. Stebbins. 
 
 In the year 1814, Lieut. Samuel Comstock was pro- 
 moted to the rank of Adjutant General. 
 
 On the breaking out of the Southern Rebellion in the 
 year 1861, the inhabitants of Kirkland showed themselves 
 loyal to the Union, and ready to do their part in pre- 
 serving it. A large meeting of citizens was held at the 
 Clinton House, April 24, 1861, at which stirring speeches 
 were uttered and patriotic resolutions were passed, and 
 subscriptions made for the benefit of volunteers and 
 their families. Soon afterward, military companies were 
 formed in this neighborhood, which received many re- 
 cruits from Clarks' Mills, Healey's Mills, Clinton and 
 Hamilton College. National lings were thrown out from 
 school-buildings, church-spires, and from many private 
 houses. Clergymen preached often and earnestly upon 
 the paramount duty of sustaining the government in the 
 great struggle already begun. The ladies organized be- 
 nevolent societies for providing clothing and other com- 
 forts for the soldiers. These articles were sent on, from 
 time to time, to the seat of war, and contributed much to 
 the health and happiness of the young men from Kirkland. 
 
186 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 As the war progressed from year to year, and new 
 supplies of fighting men were called for by the President, 
 bounties were offered by the town to all volunteers, 
 amounting, at one time, to $300 for each soldier. These 
 bounties were raised by taxation. 
 
 Of those who enlisted under the several calls of the 
 government, from April 1861 to April 1865, the follow- 
 ing is believed to be a complete list : — 
 
 Avery, Edward W., U. S. Navy. 
 
 Aitkins, Thomas, 146th Regt. 
 
 Aitkins, William, 146th Regt. 
 
 Abbott, Sidney M., 36th 111. Regt. 
 
 Abbott, A. M. 
 
 Abbott, Emory. 
 
 Abbott, Newell J. 
 
 Armstrong, Amos P., 117th Regt. 
 
 Armstrong, Richard. 
 
 Adams, James M. 
 
 Anderson, Henry. 
 
 Ayer, John. 
 
 Ashley, Charles G., 146th Regt. Died in Anderson- 
 ville prison. 
 
 Ackerman, John, 26th Regt. 
 
 Armstrong, James. 
 
 Athem, John S. 
 ' Allen, Jacob. 
 
 Allen, Edward. 
 
 Bates, Benjamin, 26th Regt. 
 
 Blanchard, Daniel N., 146th Regt. 
 
 Blake, Peter, Serg., 146th Regt. 
 
 Bartholomew, Win. L., Capt., 117th Regt. 
 
 Barton, Thos. W., 117th Regt. 
 
 Baxter, James, 101st Regt. 
 
SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 187 
 
 Bronson, James C, Col., 57th Regt. 
 
 Bryden, John, Jr., 117th Regt. 
 
 Bryden, M. C, 26th Regt. 
 
 Brown, Charles, 14th Regt. 
 
 Button, L. D. 
 
 Brockway, Dr. A. N., Surgeon. 
 
 Bartholomew, Geo. A., Corp. Killed at Fort Fisher. 
 
 Bass, Levi, 117th Regt. Wounded. 
 
 Bass, Jeremiah, 26 th Regt. 
 
 Bennett, Julius, 117th Regt. 
 
 Bennett, Seymour. 
 
 Bennett, Charles. 
 
 Bradley, George, 117th Regt. Killed in service. 
 
 Bodis, John. 
 
 Bice, Peter. 
 
 Butts, Charles A. 
 
 Burns, Peter, 26th Regt. 
 
 Benjamin, O. D., 26th Regt, »• 
 
 Burrill, Alonzo. 
 
 Budd, Francis. 
 
 Budd, Samuel A. 
 
 Byron, H. M. 
 
 Carr, Henry. Died in service. 
 
 Carr, Archibald. 
 
 Cailin, Samuel, 14th Regt. 
 
 Catlin, Charles, 146th Regt. 
 
 Campbell, Wm, 146th Regt. 
 
 Camp, Albert, 8th N. Y. Cav. 
 
 Camp, Willard, 117th Regt. 
 
 Casey, James, 57th Regt. 
 
 Cabot, Frederic. 
 
 Chapman, Isaac, 146th Regt. 
 
 Clark, Nathaniel F. 
 
188 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Cooley, 0. B., 26th Regt. 
 
 Crossuian, Jas. B., 97th Regt. Killed in service. 
 Conlon, Michael. 
 Conick, Robert, 26th Regt. 
 Covil, David. 
 Coyle, John. 
 Crumb, Percival. 
 
 Crumb, William, 146th Regt. Died in service. 
 Curtiss, Jesse, 101st Regt. 
 Dayton, Oscar W., Bates' Battery. 
 Demarse, John, 57th Regt. 
 Deans, James, 146th Regt. 
 Dillow, Richard, 146th Regt. 
 Doyle, Patrick. 
 Donnelly, John, 57th Regt. 
 Donovan, Michael. 
 Duffy, John. 
 Duffy, Patrick. 
 
 Dunster, William, 117th Regt. 
 Ernst, John D., Serg., 117th Regt. 
 England, Robert W., Serg., 146th Regt. Killed at 
 Gettysburg. 
 
 England, Francis A., 146th Regt. 
 Elphick, Charles, 35th Regt. 
 Fay, Owen. 
 
 Fay, Patrick, 101st Regt. 
 Farrington, Samuel, 146th Regt. 
 Farley, James, 4th Artillery. 
 Finian, Christian, 57th Regt. 
 Ferry, Eugene, 8th N. Y. Regt. 
 French, Ephraim, 146th Regt. 
 Fredericks, Godfrey, 146th Regt. 
 Fogus, Walter. 
 
SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 189 
 
 Fuller, Henry. Died. 
 
 Fuller, Frederic J., 14th Regt. 
 
 Flynn, Richard, 117th Regt. Killed in service. 
 
 Garland, Frank, 61st N. Y. Regt. 
 
 Gainerd, Thomas. 
 
 Green, Martin. 
 
 Grinnell, Charles, 101st Regt. 
 
 Griffin, Frederic A., 57th Regt. Died in service. 
 
 Griffin, William. 
 
 Gridley, Henry. 
 
 Goodfellow, Henry. 
 
 Goodfellow, John T., 146th Regt. 
 
 Goodman, B. F. 
 
 Goodman, Albert, 57th Regt. 
 
 Goodman, William. 
 
 Gruman, Charles C, Serg., 117th Regt. Wounded. 
 
 Hassam, Lorin. 
 
 Hallam, Charles. 
 
 Haywood, Caleb, 117th Regt. Died in service. 
 
 Harrington, Edward, Serg., 117th Regt. 
 
 Harrington, Jeremiah. 
 
 Harrington, James, 57th Regt. 
 
 Hannegan, William, 3d Artillery. 
 
 Hannegan, Michael. 
 
 Hannegan, James. * 
 
 Haver, Augustus, 12th Regt. 
 
 Healey, William H. 
 
 Harrison, John M. 
 
 Habersham, Charles. 
 
 Heacox, Samuel. 
 
 Heacox, Charles. 
 
 Herder, Joseph, 57th Regt. 
 
 Hill, Thomas. 
 
190 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Hill, Samuel. 
 
 Hill, John, 57th Regt. 
 
 Hinckley, N.. B., Serg., 117th Regt. Died in ser- 
 vice. 
 
 Holt, Adam. 
 
 Homer, Porter J. 
 
 Howard, Henry, Colored Regt. 
 
 Howe, Alonzo. Died in service. 
 
 Howe, Lester. 
 
 Homes, Samuel E., 117th Regt. Died in prison. 
 
 Hubbard, F. H. 
 
 Huntley, Thomas. 
 
 Hyde, Samuel, 146th Regt. 
 
 Ingraham, Frank, 146th Regt. 
 
 Ives, George H., 14th Regt. 
 
 Jackson, John, 146th Regt. 
 
 Jackson, Farrar, 146th Regt. Killed in service. 
 
 Jenkins, Martin, 117th Regt. 
 
 Jones, S. 
 
 Johnson, Charles. 
 
 Johnson, Thomas, 146th Regt. 
 
 Kennedy, Daniel, 57th Regt. 
 
 Kenyon, Hartwell, 117th Regt. Died in service. 
 
 Kenyon, Charles H., 117th Regt. 
 
 Kellogg, George W. 
 
 Kinne, E. O., Bates' Battery. 
 
 Kirkland, Ralph T., 146th Regt. 
 
 Kirkwood, John. 
 
 Kilmurry, Michael, 16th Artillery. 
 
 Lathrop, Wm. H., Col., 39th Ohio. Killed in ser- 
 vice. 
 
 Lathrop, Charles, 117th Regt. 
 
 Lathrop, Joseph, 57th Regt. 
 
SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 191 
 
 Lathrop, John C. 
 Lapham, Francis, 8th N. Y. Cav. 
 Linebeck, Nelson. 
 Loomis, Henry, Capt., 146th Regt. 
 Lord, Austin, 146th Regt. 
 Lord, James, 146th Regt. 
 Lucas, Orrin C. 
 Lucas, Albert W. 
 Ludlow, Patrick. 
 Lyman, Thomas H. 
 Mahan, Charles P., 146th Regt. 
 Mannering, George W., 101st N. Y. 
 Marsh, John D. 
 Marsh, N. B., 57th Regt. 
 MacBride, John, 14th Regt. 
 MacCluskey, Paul, 26th Regt. 
 MacQueen, N. M. 
 Masted, James, 14th Regt. 
 MacEntee, Hiram, 146th Regt. 
 MacEntee, Emmet, 57th Regt. 
 Markham, Charles. 
 Mercer, Thomas. 
 
 Miller, Henry H., Corp., 117th Regt. Wounded at 
 Petersburg. 
 
 Miller, Samuel, 117th Regt. 
 Miller, David, 146th Regt. 
 Miller, George, 26th Regt. 
 Miller, Frank, 146th Regt. 
 Miller, John. 
 
 Miner, Oscar P., 101st Regt. 
 Miner, Cary C, 26th Regt. 
 Morgan, Edward. 
 Mosher, Augustus. 
 
192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 Mooney, Francis, 8th N. Y. Cav. Killed. 
 
 Morgan, Patrick, 57th Regt. 
 
 Munger, Wesley B. 
 
 M unger, Levi. Died in service. 
 
 Murphy, Edward, Corp., 117th Regt. Killed. 
 
 Neenan, . 
 
 Nolan, Michael. 
 
 Northrop, . 
 
 Owston, William N., Bates' Battery. 
 Patten, R. D., 26th Regt. 
 Pratt, Benjamin. 
 
 Pratt, P. . 
 
 Payne, George W., 57th Regt. 
 
 Payne, David H. 
 
 Pegan, James. 
 
 Phelps, Fordyce, 146th Regt. 
 
 Pearl, George W., 117th Regt. 
 
 Petch, Thomas. 
 
 Peters, Valentine, Lieut., 26th Regt. 
 
 Phillips, Arthur. 
 
 Pixley, Austin M. 
 
 Powell, Isaac P., Major, 146th Regt. 
 
 Powell, Jeremiah. 
 
 Powers, William H., 117th Regt. 
 
 Quinn, Edward. 
 
 Rathbun, John, 117th Regt. 
 
 Raymond, Samuel W. Jr., Serg., 146th Regt. 
 
 Reed, Archibald, 26th Regt. 
 
 Reed, Thomas. 
 
 Reed, Henry. 
 
 Reese, David, 146th Regt. 
 
 Reed, George W. Killed at Fort Fisher. 
 
 Reyon, Robert. 
 
SOLDIERS IN THE DNION ARMY. 193 
 
 Richmond, Joseph C, 117th Regt. Died in service.' 
 
 Richardson, Edward, 146th Regt. 
 
 Richardson, Joseph. 
 
 Rice, James. 
 
 Rodice, John, 117th Regfc. 
 
 Rowler, Andrew T. 
 
 Robinson, George. 
 
 Robinson, Lewis. 
 
 Ross, David, 14th N. Y. Inf. 
 
 Russell, Benjamin F. Killed in service. 
 
 Sanford, W. H., 26th RegL 
 Sanford, D. 
 
 Sanders, . 
 
 Sayre, Thomas H., 146th Regt. Died at Anderson- 
 ville. 
 
 Sawyer, Thomas J., Major, 47th Regt. 
 
 Sawyer, Oscar G. 
 
 Sawyer, Frederick, Capt., 47th Regt. 
 
 Sanford, Z. W. 
 
 Stack, Matthew. 
 
 Savage, John, 117th Regt. 
 
 Seamen, James M., 146th Regt. 
 
 Seamen, Loring D. Died in service. 
 
 Seamen, Jerome, 1st Lieut., 146th Regt. 
 
 Shehan, Dennis. 
 
 Spencer, Reuben. 
 
 Stewart, James, Col., 146th Regt. 
 
 Seymour, Charles F., Bates' Battery. 
 
 Skinner, Benjamin F., 57th Regt. 
 
 Smith, Vincent. 
 
 Smith, Thomas, Serg., 117tli Regt. 
 
 Smith, John F., 57th Regt. Killed at Gettysburg. 
 
 Smith, Truman, 8th N. Y. Cav. 
 
 13 
 
194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 
 
 Stocking, S. W., 14th Regt. 
 Stockbridge, Joseph, 146th Regt. 
 Stockwell, L. P., Serg., 146th Regt. 
 Strong, George W., 146th Regt. 
 Strong, Charles, 115th Regt. 
 Shorey, E. O., 57th Regt. 
 Shorey, Henry. 
 
 Sumner, Charles, 101st N. Y. Regt. 
 Taft, Niles, 117th Regt. Killed in service. 
 Trask, E., 117th Regt. 
 Trask, John, 117th Regt. 
 Taylor, William, 146th Regt. 
 Timian, Christian, 57th Regt. 
 Twitchell, E. W. 
 Thomas, George, 26th Regt. 
 Thorman, Hugh, 57th Regt. 
 Towr, Jay H., Lieut., 16th Wise. Regt. 
 Topping, William, 57th Regt. 
 Thompson, Ezra. 
 
 Thompson, Calvin. Died in Salisbury Prison. 
 Turner, Webbon, 117th Regt. Died in service. 
 Turner, Frederick. 
 
 Turner, Roswell, 117th Regt. Killed. 
 Utley, Mr. 
 Vosburg, James. 
 Vosburg, Daniel. 
 
 Wallace, Michael, 57th Regt. Killed. 
 Walker, Henry. 
 Waterman, Lorenzo. 
 Ward, John G. 
 
 Warner, Edgar, 117th Regt. Died in service. 
 Warner, Jonathan C, 117th Regt. Died in Salisbury 
 prison. 
 
GENERAL REVIEW. 195 
 
 Welch, Garrett. 
 Welch, Lawrence. 
 Wells, Frederick, 101st Regt. 
 White, Delos M. 
 Wilson, Matthew. 
 Willard, Charles. 
 Wicks, John W. 
 
 Wicks, Edward B., Lieut., 101st Regt. 
 Wilson, Thomas A., Capt., 146th Regt. Died in ser- 
 vice. 
 
 Whipple, John, 8th N. Y. Cav. 
 Whiting, B. F., 57th Regt. 
 Williams, David. 
 Woolnongh, Monroe, 117th Regt. 
 Wholahan, Michael, 146th Regt. 
 Wood, Albert H., 14th N. Y. Artillery. 
 Wood, Adelbert S., 146th Regt. 
 Wolfe, James B. 
 Young, John B. 
 
 In reviewing the pages of this book, I am made sen- 
 sible that some things which should have appeared here 
 have been left unrecorded, and that in many instances 
 the spirit of the past has been imperfectly caught. The 
 incidents, especially of our homespun age, the times of 
 Dr. Norton and the old white meeting-house, are worthy 
 of a fuller recital. But I can now, in this conclusion, 
 only glance at a few of them. 
 
 .... In those days there were no buildings on the 
 north side of College Street between the Comstock house, 
 now Mr. Piatt's, and the Marvin house, now Mr. Sher- 
 man's; nor on the south side between Mrs. Lucy W ill- 
 
196 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRK LAND. 
 
 iams' now Mrs. Wood's, and Captain Barnes', now Rev. 
 Mr. Jerome's. The Chenango canal and the railroad 
 had not then been built, and the Flats presented an un- 
 broken stretch of fertile meadow, memorable in boys' eyes 
 chiefly as the scene of general trainings. 
 
 In that primitive day the household fire was made 
 upon a broad hearth, under a wide-throated chimney, the 
 wood of " sled length," and sometimes chiefly of logs, 
 being drawn into the kitchen by a horse, and lifted by 
 stout men on to the huge andirons, " ligna sujjer foco 
 large reponens.' n Around the walls of this room and 
 overhead were hung flitches of beef and bacon for dry- 
 ing, and strings of dried apples and pumpkins and pep- 
 pers and bunches of sage and catnip. 
 
 Then, too, there were husking-bees, paring-bees, quilt- 
 ing-bees, bees for house-raising and house-moving. Those 
 were the days of doughnuts and cider, butternuts and 
 apples ; days of singing-schools for learning sacred music, 
 in which " the music was not so much sacred as prepar- 
 ing to be." 
 
 In those good old times the meeting-house was warmed 
 in winter by nothing save the fire of devotion, and the 
 small foot-stoves allowed to some of the tender sex. 
 When the air was keen one could see little columns of 
 breath rising all over the church, from the lips of wor- 
 shippers. The men prided themselves on their powers 
 of endurance, and in the coldest weather would as soon 
 have thought Dr. Norton's sermons unorthodox as too 
 long. When the mercury fell very low they sometimes 
 put on extra garments, and the parson preached in cloak 
 and mittens. In that evil and degenerate day when 
 stoves were introduced, they begat a great amount of 
 headache, real and imaginary, and threatened, for a 
 while, the peace and prosperity of our Zion. 
 
THOSE GOOD OLD TIMES. 197 
 
 In those days the saintly Thomas Hastings was choris- 
 ter of the village choir, Professor Seth Norton, Samuel 
 Gridley, Silas Tyler, and Josiah Owens were the leading 
 singers on the men's side, while Mrs. Austen Mygatt, 
 Mrs. Amon Ives, and Miss Prudence Hart, sustained well 
 the women's side. Ephraim Hart played on the bass- 
 viol (still only half-regenerate), and Truman Hart dis- 
 coursed upon the flute. Fondly, tearfully do the gray- 
 haired sires tell us that when Thomas Hastings held the 
 tuning-fork, and these singers and players did their best, 
 the old arches resounded with melodies and harmonies 
 not often excelled in these days of organs and other mod- 
 ern improvements. It was only a few years later than 
 this, that many a college student was heard to declare 
 that he went to the village church of a Sunday, as much 
 to hear George Bristol's tenor as to hear Dominie Nor- 
 ton's discourses. In the earliest days of this church the 
 psalms and hymns of Watts were used in the Sabbath 
 service, but shortly afterwards Dwight's book of praise 
 was introduced and was continued for many years. 
 
 In the latter part of this early period, Sam. Foot was 
 the bell-ringer and church sexton. He greatly magnified 
 his office. On public occasions, especially at college 
 exhibitions, he was prince of all the realm ; unruly boys 
 quaked in their shoes when he lifted his dreadful rod, or 
 hurled against them the thunders of his awful voice. 
 Mose Wright and Jed. Curtiss were the village loafers, 
 and Old Kate and Peter Bush were distinguished as 
 the freed slaves of Nathaniel Griffin. 
 
 In the latter part of the same period, there lived here 
 a number of persons who deserve honorable mention. 
 Among them was Deacon Isaac Williams, large in 
 stature, grave in aspect, " set four square to every wind 
 
198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 
 
 that blew," yet withal a very genial and kindly man ; 
 and there was his neighbor, Dr. Noyes, the Professor of 
 Chemistry, who rejoiced in the failure of an experiment 
 almost as much as in its success, since it furnished an 
 unexpected illustration of some important principle in 
 science, and who originated many useful inventions which 
 enriched others while they left himself poor ; and there 
 was Deacon Salmon Butler, a downright Puritan in 
 principle and life, always ready, like some of his descend- 
 ants, to contend earnestly for the faith, but none the less 
 a man highly respected and esteemed ; and Dr. Seth 
 Hastings, the peacemaker and the beloved physician, 
 whose beaming face and hopeful words gave potency to 
 his medicines ; and Deacon Orrin Gridley, of whom I 
 trust it is not mere filial partiality to record that as a man 
 of business and in his relations to the church and society 
 he was widely useful. Did space permit, I should like to 
 speak more at length of such names as Jesse Curtiss, 
 James Bronson, Samuel Hubbard, the Hart family, the 
 Bristol family, the Strong family, the Stebbins family, 
 the Kirkland family, of Gould Benedict, Solomon John- 
 son, of Dr. Sewall Hopkins, Dr. Benjamin W. Dwight, 
 Othniel Williams, and others hardly less prominent and 
 useful in this society. 
 
 At the time of which we now speak, the district school 
 on the Green was an important tributary to the gram- 
 mar school, as the latter was to the college. The weath- 
 er-cock on the turret of the old academy, pointing inflex- 
 ibly (it was rusty at the joints) towards College Hill, 
 did thus but indicate its firm friendship for the institu- 
 tion, and direct its students on the road to liberal learn- 
 ing. 
 
 In all families from New England the Sabbath was 
 
THE END. 199 
 
 then held to begin precisely at sunset of Saturday, and to 
 end at the same hour on Sunday. Both on the farm and 
 in the household, there was a seasonable cleaning up and 
 setting of things to rights, so that sundown might take 
 no one by surprise. 
 
 In those days, riding was done quite largely on horse- 
 back, a pillion or blanket behind the ordinary saddle 
 furnishing a favorite seat for women. As illustrating 
 the customs of the time, let me relate that soon after the 
 opening of Hamilton Oneida Academy, young Stiles 
 Parmele, then living on the farm now owned by his 
 son, was wont to ride to this school on horseback. Quite 
 often in stormy weather, he stopped of a morning at the 
 house of Amos Kellogg, when a blooming young girl 
 would run out from her father's door, and, throwing a 
 shawl over the haunches of the horse, jump on and ride 
 behind her gallant to school. I may reasonably feel an 
 interest in that little girl, for she afterwards became my 
 mother. With the writing of whose beloved name, let 
 me close this book. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Catalogue of Trees and Plants found in the Town of 
 Kirkland, N. Y. 
 
 PELEXOGAMIA. 
 I. DICOTYLEDONS. 
 1. ANGIOSPERMiE. 
 
 A. POLYPETALOUS 
 RANUNCULACE^}. 
 
 Clematis, L. 
 Virginiana, L. 
 
 Hepatica, Dillenius. 
 
 Triloba, 
 Thai.ictium, Tournefort. 
 
 Dioicum, L. 
 
 Cormiti, L. 
 Ranunculus, L. 
 
 Pennsylvania^, L. 
 
 Acris, L. 
 Caltha, L. 
 
 Palustris, L. 
 Trollius, L. 
 
 Lax us, Salisbury. 
 Coptis, Salts. 
 
 Tri folia, Salis. 
 QUILEGIA, Tournefort. 
 
 Canadensis, L. 
 
 Flowering Plants. 
 Dicotyledons. 
 Angiosperms. 
 EXOGENS. 
 
 Crowfoots. 
 
 Virgin's Bower. 
 
 Virginian Clematis. 
 
 Hepatica, Liver-leaf 
 
 Three-lobe-leaved Hepatica. 
 
 Rue. 
 
 Early Rt* , 
 
 Mcadoio Rue. 
 
 /lultercup. 
 
 Bristly Buttercup. 
 
 ) ■ Uow-weed. 
 
 Spring Cowslip. 
 
 Marsh Marigold. 
 
 American Globe-flower. 
 
 Spreading Trollius. 
 
 Goldthread. 
 
 Three-leaved Cojttis. 
 
 Columbine. 
 
 Am> iubine. 
 
202 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Hydrastis, L. 
 Canadensis, L. 
 
 ACTiEA, L. 
 
 Spicata, L. 
 Cimicifuga, L. 
 
 Racemosa, Elliott. 
 
 MAGNOLIACE^E. 
 
 LlRIODENDRON, L. 
 
 Tulipifera, L. 
 
 MENISPERMACE^. 
 Menispermum, L. 
 Canadense, L. 
 
 BERBERIDACE^]. 
 Caulophyllum, Michaux. 
 
 Thalictroides, Michaux. 
 Podophyllum, L. 
 
 Peltatum, L. 
 
 SARRACENIACE^. 
 
 Sarracenia, Tournefort. 
 Purpurea, L. 
 
 PAPAVERACE^E. 
 Chelidonium, L. 
 
 Sanguinaria, Dillenius. 
 Canadensis, L. 
 
 FUMARIACE^E. 
 
 Dicentra, Borkhnusen. 
 Cucullaria, DC. 
 Canadensis, DC. 
 
 FUMARIA, L. 
 
 Officinalis, L. 
 
 CRUCIFER^. 
 Nasturtium, R. Brown. 
 
 Armoracia, Fries. 
 Dentaria, L. 
 
 Diphylla, L. 
 Arabis, L. 
 
 Dentata, Torr. Sr Gray. 
 
 Herb Yellow-root. 
 
 Orange-root. 
 
 Baneberry. 
 
 Spicate Actcea. 
 
 Snakeroot. 
 
 Black-rooted, Racemed Cimicifuga. 
 
 Magnolias. 
 
 Tulip-tree. 
 
 Tulip-bearing Liriodendron. 
 
 Moonseeds. 
 
 Moonseed. 
 
 Canadian Menispermum. 
 
 Berberids. 
 Blue Cohosh. 
 Rue-like Caulophyllum. 
 Mandrake- 
 Peltate Podojihyllum. 
 
 Water-pit chers. 
 
 Pitcher-plant. 
 Purple-flowered Sarracenia. 
 
 Poppies. 
 
 Celandine. 
 
 Bloodroot. 
 
 Canadian Sanguinaria. 
 
 Fumitories. 
 
 Dicentra. 
 
 Dutchman's Breeches. 
 
 Squirrel-corn. 
 
 * Garden Fumitory. 
 
 Officinal Fumaria. 
 
 Crucifers. 
 
 Cress. 
 
 Horseradish . 
 
 Toothwort. 
 
 Two-leaved Dentaria. 
 
 Wall-cress. 
 
 Dentate-leaved Rock-cress. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 203 
 
 Erysimum, L. 
 
 Cheiranthoides, L. 
 Sinapis, Tonrn. 
 
 Arvensis, L. 
 Capseli.a, Vent, 
 
 Bursa-Pastoris. 
 
 VIOLACEJE. 
 Viola, L. 
 
 Lanceolata, L. 
 Striata, Aiton. 
 Pubescens, Aiton. 
 
 DROSERACE^i. 
 Drosera, L. 
 
 Rotundifblfa, L. 
 
 HYPERICACE^E. 
 Hypericum, L. 
 Perforatum, L. 
 
 CARYOPHYLLACE.E. 
 Agkostemma, L. 
 
 Githago, L. 
 Stellaria, L. 
 
 Media, Smith. 
 Cerastium, L. 
 
 Vulgatum, L. 
 
 PORTULACACEiE. 
 Clayton fa. 
 
 Caroliniana, Michaux. 
 
 MALVACEAE. 
 Mai.va, L. 
 
 Rotundifblia, L. 
 Moscliata, L. 
 
 TILIACE.E. 
 Tilia, L. 
 
 Americana, L. 
 
 OXALIDACE.E. 
 Oxalis, L. 
 
 Acetosella, L. 
 
 Treacle Mustard. 
 Walljlowerliki Mustard. 
 
 True Mustard. 
 Charlock. 
 
 Shepherd" s-purse. 
 Violets. 
 
 Lance-leaved Violet. 
 
 Veined-flowered Violet. 
 
 Downy Yellow Violet. 
 
 Sundew. 
 
 Sundew. 
 
 Round-leaved Sund w. 
 
 St. John's-worts. 
 
 Ilyperica. 
 
 Perforated Hypericum. 
 
 Pinks. 
 
 Cockle. 
 
 Black-seeded Agrosti nana. 
 
 Starwort. 
 
 Intermediate Stellaria. 
 
 Mouse-ear < 'hichveed. 
 
 Common Chickweed. 
 
 Purslanes. 
 Spring-bt auty. 
 
 Broad-leaved Claytonia. 
 
 Mallows. 
 I .1/..' low. 
 Round-l aved M 
 Musk-scented Mallow. 
 
 Linden. 
 
 Li mli n. 
 Bassicood. 
 
 Sorrels. 
 II' '. tod- sorrel. 
 American Wood 
 
204 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 GERANIACEtE. 
 Geranium, L. 
 
 Maculatum, L. 
 Carolinianum, L. 
 Pusillum, L. 
 Robertianum, L. 
 
 BALSAMINACEyE 
 Impatiens, L. 
 
 Pallida, Nuttall. 
 Fulva, Nuttall. 
 
 RUTACE^. 
 
 Zanthoxylum, Golden. 
 Americanum, Miller. 
 
 ANACARDIACE^E. 
 Rhus, L. 
 
 Typhina, L. 
 Radicans, L. 
 
 VITACE.E. 
 Vitis, L. 
 
 Labrusca, L. 
 
 CELASTRACE^. 
 Celastrus, L. 
 Scandens, L. 
 
 SAPINDACE^E. 
 Staphylea, L. 
 
 Trifolia, L. 
 Acer, Town. 
 
 Pennsylvanicum, L. 
 
 Spicatum, Lamarck. 
 
 Saccharinum, L. 
 
 Var. Nigrum, Gray. 
 
 Dasycarpum, Ehrhart. 
 
 Rubrum, L. 
 
 LEGUMINOS^. 
 Trifolium, L. 
 
 Repens, L. 
 Meli lotus, Tournefort. 
 
 Officinalis, Willd. 
 
 Gerania. 
 
 Wild Geranium. 
 
 Crane's-bill. 
 
 Field Geranium. 
 
 Small-Jlowered Geranium. 
 
 Herb Robert. 
 
 Balsams. 
 
 Touch-me-not. 
 
 Pale-flowered Impatiens. 
 
 Fidvous-flowered Impatiens. 
 
 Rues. 
 
 Prickly Ash. 
 
 Toothache- Tree. 
 
 Cashews. 
 
 Sumach. 
 
 Staghorn, Fever Sumach. 
 
 Climbing Poison Icy. 
 
 Vines. 
 
 Grape-vine. 
 
 Wild Grape. 
 
 Staff-trees. 
 
 Bittersweet. 
 
 Climbing Celastrus. 
 
 Soapberries. 
 
 Bladder-pod. 
 
 Three-leaved Staphylea. 
 
 Maple. 
 
 Striped Maple. 
 
 Spiked-flowered Maple. 
 
 Hard, Sugar Maple. 
 
 Black Maple. 
 
 Silver Maple. 
 
 Red Maple. 
 
 Legumes. 
 
 Clover. 
 
 White Clover. 
 
 Sweet Clover. 
 
 Yellow Melilot. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 205 
 
 Medicago, L. 
 
 Lupulina, L. 
 Vicia, Tourn. 
 
 Sativa, L. 
 
 Cracca, L. 
 Amphicarp.ka, Elliott. 
 
 Monoica, Xuttall. 
 ROSACEA. 
 
 Prunus, L. 
 
 Americana, Marshall. 
 
 Virginiana, L. 
 
 Serotina, Ehrhart. 
 
 Vulgaris, Miller. 
 Spir.ea, L. 
 
 Salicifolia, L. 
 Geum, L. 
 
 Album, Gmelin. 
 
 Strictum, Alton. 
 Potentilla, L. 
 
 Norvegica, L. 
 Fragakia, Tou'rncfort. 
 
 Virginiana, Ehrhart. 
 
 Vesca, L. 
 Rubus, L. 
 
 Strigosus, Michaux. 
 
 Canadensis, L. 
 
 Hispidus, L. 
 Rosa, Tourn. 
 
 Rubiginosa, L. 
 Pyrus, L. 
 
 Mai us, L. 
 Amelaxchier, Medik, 
 
 Canadensis, Torr. $• Gray. 
 
 ONAGRACEJ3. 
 Epilobium, L. 
 
 Angustifoliura, L 
 
 Palustre, L. 
 
 Molle, L. 
 CEnotiieha, L. 
 
 Biennis, L. 
 
 Nonesuch. 
 
 Hop-like Medicago. 
 
 Tare. Vetch. 
 
 Cultivated 1 'etch. 
 
 Cracca Vetch. 
 
 Ground Peanut. 
 
 Monoecious A mphicarpcea. 
 
 Hoses. 
 
 Plum. Cherry. 
 
 Wad Plum. 
 
 Choke. Cherry. 
 
 Black Cherry. 
 
 Sour Cherry. 
 
 Meadowsweet. 
 
 Willow-leaved Spirica. 
 
 Averts. 
 
 White-flowered Avens. 
 
 Yellow, Upright Avens. 
 
 Ciriquefoil. 
 
 Norwegian Potentilla. 
 
 Strawberry. 
 
 Wild Strawberry. 
 
 Alpine Strawberry. 
 
 Raspberry. 
 
 Red Raspberry. 
 
 Dewberry. 
 
 Hispid Blackberry. 
 
 Wiltl Hose. 
 
 Sweetbrier, 
 
 Apple. Pear. 
 
 Common Apple. 
 
 Juneberry. 
 
 Shadbush . 
 
 Evening Primroses. 
 
 Willow-herb. 
 
 Narrow-leaved Epilobium. 
 
 Linear-leaved Epilobium . 
 
 Downy Epilobium. 
 
 Evening Primrose. 
 
 Biennial Evening Primrose. 
 
206 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Circ.ea, Toumefort. 
 
 Lutetiana, L. 
 Proserpinaca, L. 
 
 Palustris, L. 
 Hippdris, L. 
 
 Vulgaris, L. 
 
 GROSSULACEiE. 
 
 RlBES, L. 
 
 Cynosbati, L 
 
 CRASSULACE.E. 
 Sedum, L. 
 
 Telephium, L. 
 
 SAXIFRAGACEJ2. 
 
 Mitella, Toumefort. 
 Diphylla, L. 
 
 TlARELLA, L. 
 
 Cordifolia, L. 
 
 HAMAMELACE^E. 
 Hamamelis, L. 
 Virginica, L. 
 
 UMBELLIFER^. 
 
 ClCDTA, L. 
 
 Maculata, L. 
 Osmorrhiza, Rafinesque. 
 Longistylis, DC. 
 
 ARALIACEyE. 
 
 Aralia, Tourn. 
 Racemosa, L. 
 Nudicaulis, L. 
 Quinquefolia, Gray. 
 Trifolia, Gray. 
 
 CORNACE^E. 
 
 Cornus, Toumefort. 
 
 Stolonifera, Michaux 
 
 Alternifolia, L. 
 Ntssa, L. 
 
 Multiflora, Wangenheim. 
 
 Enchanter's Nightshade. 
 
 Mignonnette-like Circoea. 
 
 Mermaid-weeds. 
 
 Marsh Mermaid-weeds. 
 
 Mare's-tail. 
 
 Common Hippuris. 
 
 Currant. 
 Prickly Gooseberry. 
 
 Orpines. 
 
 Orpine. 
 
 Saxifrages. 
 
 Fringe-cup. 
 
 Two-leaved Mitella. 
 
 Bishop's-cap. 
 
 Cordate-leaved Tiarella. 
 
 Witch-hazels. 
 
 Virginian Witch-hazel. 
 
 Uinbellifers. 
 
 Water Hemlock. 
 
 Spotted Cicuta. 
 
 Sweet Cicely. 
 
 Long-styled Osmorrhiza. 
 
 A ralias. 
 
 Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Spikenard. 
 
 Leafless-stemmed Aralia. 
 
 Ginseng. 
 
 Groundnut. 
 
 Cornels. 
 
 ' Dogwood. 
 
 Stolon-bearing Cornus. 
 
 Alternate-leaved Cornus. 
 
 Tupelo. Pepperidge. 
 
 Many-flowered Nyssa. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 207 
 
 B. MONOPETALOUS EXOGENS. 
 
 CAPRIFOLIACE.E. 
 Linx;ea, Gronovius. 
 
 Borealis, Gronov. 
 Loniceua, L. 
 
 Camileu, L. 
 Sam b o CUB, Toumefort. 
 
 Canadensis, L. 
 
 Pubens, Michaux. 
 Viburnum, L. 
 
 Acerifolium, L. 
 
 Lantanoides, Michaux. 
 
 RUBIACEiE. 
 Galium, L. 
 Aparine, L. 
 
 Mitchella, L. 
 Repens, L. 
 
 DIPSACE.E. 
 Dipsacus, Toumefort. 
 Sylvcstris, Miller. 
 
 COMPOSITE. 
 
 Eupatorium, Toumefort. 
 Purpureum, L. 
 Peri'uliatum, L. 
 Ageratoides, L. 
 
 Tussilago, Tournejort. 
 Parfara, L. 
 
 Solidago, L. 
 
 Stricta, Alton. 
 
 Canadensis, L. 
 Inula, L. 
 
 Helenium, L. 
 Ambrosia, Toumefort. 
 
 ArtemisiiBfolia, L. 
 
 RUDBECKIA, L. 
 
 Hirta, L. 
 
 BlDEKS, L. 
 
 Prundosa, L. 
 
 Honeysuckles. 
 
 Twin-flower. 
 
 Northern Linn<E<x. 
 
 1 1 "in i/suckle. 
 
 Mountain-honeysuckle. 
 
 Elder. 
 
 Canadian Samlmcus. 
 
 Downy Sambucus. 
 
 A irow-wood. 
 
 A I, n i/r-leaved Virburnum. 
 
 Hobblebush. 
 
 M udders. 
 
 Cleaver. 
 The Ancient Aparine. 
 
 Partridge-berry. 
 Creeping Mitchella. 
 
 Teasels. 
 
 Fulh r's I 
 
 Wild Teasel. 
 
 Composites. 
 
 Boneset. 
 
 Purple Eupatonum. 
 
 Common Boneset. 
 Ageratum-li!.' 
 
 Coram 
 Riv - 'd T <-ilugo. 
 
 Gold 
 Willow-h avt «/ Solidago. 
 
 mpane. 
 
 The . \in-i, .,' I i 
 
 Wormwood. 
 
 Arlemisii'-b aw •! . I mbrosia. 
 
 Rough Hi" 
 
 Bur-marigold. 
 
 i ajy iJidens. 
 
208 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Maruta, Cassini. 
 
 Cotula, DC. 
 Achillea, L. 
 
 Millefolium, L. 
 Leucanthemum, Tournefort. 
 
 Vulgare, Lamarck. 
 Tanacetum, L. 
 
 Vulgare, L. 
 Gnaphalium, L. 
 
 Polycephalum, Michaux. 
 
 Uliginosum, L. 
 Erechthites, Rafinesque. 
 
 Hieracifolia, Raf. 
 Senecio, L. 
 
 Vulgaris, L. 
 Cirsium, Tournefort. 
 
 Lanceolatum, Scopoli. 
 
 Pumilum, Sprengel. 
 Arvense, Scopoli. 
 Lappa, Tournefort. 
 
 Major, Gwtner. 
 Taraxacum, Haller. 
 
 Dens-leonis, Desfontaines. 
 Lactuca, Tournefort. 
 Elongata, Muhl. 
 
 Sonchus, L. 
 
 Oleraceus, L. 
 Asper, Vitlars. 
 
 LOBELIACE^. 
 Lobelia, L. 
 
 Cardinalis, L. 
 Syphilitica, L. 
 Inflata, L. 
 Spicata, Lamarck. 
 
 CAMPANULACE^. 
 
 Gaultheria, Kalm. 
 Procumbens, L. 
 
 Cassandra, Don. 
 Calyculata, Don. 
 
 Mayweed. 
 
 Cup-involucred Maruta. 
 
 Yarrow. 
 
 Milfoil Achillea. 
 
 Oxeye Daisy. 
 
 Common Whiteweed. 
 
 Tansy. 
 
 Common Tanacetum. 
 
 Everlasting. 
 
 Many-headed Gnaphalium. 
 
 Bog Gnaphalium. 
 
 Fireweed. 
 
 Hieracium-leaved Erechthites. 
 
 Groundsel. 
 
 Common Senecio. 
 
 Common Thistle. 
 
 Lanceolate-leaved Cirsium. 
 
 Dwarf Cirsium. 
 
 Canada Thistle. 
 
 Burdock. 
 
 Larger Lappa. 
 
 Dandelion. 
 
 Lion-tooth-leaved Taraxacum. 
 
 Wild Lettuce. 
 
 Long-panicled Lactuca. 
 
 Garden Sonchus. 
 Spiny-leaved Sonchus. 
 
 Lobelia. 
 
 Red, Cardinal-flowered Lobelia. 
 
 Blue, large Lobelia. 
 
 Indian Tobacco. 
 
 Spike-racemed Lobelia. 
 
 Wintergreen. 
 Creeping Gaultheria. 
 
 Leatherleaf. 
 Bracted-calyxed Cassandra . 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 209 
 
 Andromeda, L. 
 Polifolia, L. 
 
 Kalmia, L. 
 
 Angustifolia, L. 
 Azalea, L. 
 
 Nudiflora, L. 
 Rhododendron, L. 
 
 Maximum, L. 
 Ledum, L. 
 
 Latifolium, Alton. 
 
 Pyrola, L. 
 
 Rotundifolia, L. 
 
 CniMArniLA, Pursh. 
 Umbel! ata, Nuttall. 
 Maculata, Pursh. 
 
 MONOTROPA, L. 
 
 Uniflora, L. 
 
 AQUIFOLACE.E. 
 
 Ilex, L. 
 
 Verticillata, Gray. 
 
 PLANTAGINACEiE. 
 
 Plaxtago, L. 
 Major, L. 
 
 PRIMULACE.E. 
 
 Trientalis, L. 
 
 Americana, Pursh. 
 
 SCROPHULARI iCEiE. 
 
 Verbasccm, L. 
 
 Thapsus, L. 
 Chelone, Tournefort. 
 
 Glabra, L. 
 Veronica, L. 
 
 Virginica, L. 
 
 VERBENACE^E. 
 Verbena, L. 
 Haatata, L. 
 
 14 
 
 Andromeda. 
 
 Polium-leavcd Andromeda. 
 
 American Laurel. 
 
 Narrow-leaved Kalmia. 
 
 Wild Azalea. 
 
 Leafless-flowered Azalea. 
 
 Mountain Laurel. 
 
 Greatest Rhododendron. 
 
 Labrador Tea. 
 
 Broad-leaved Ledum. 
 
 Pyrola. 
 Round-leaved Pyrola. 
 
 Prince' s-pine. 
 
 Umbellate CkimaphUa . 
 
 Spotted-leaved Chimaphila. 
 
 Indian Pipe. 
 
 One-flowered Monotropa. 
 
 Hollies. 
 
 WinterbeTry. 
 
 Verlicillate-flowered Ilex. 
 
 Plantains. 
 
 Common Plantain. 
 Primroses. 
 
 Mi np star. 
 American Trientalis. 
 
 Figworts. 
 
 Mullein. 
 
 Common Mullein. 
 
 Snahehead. 
 
 Smooth Chelone. 
 
 Speedwdl. 
 
 Culver' s-root. 
 
 Verbenas. 
 Pi rbena. 
 
 B~i> hi. 
 
210 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 LABIATE. 
 
 Mentha, L. 
 
 Viridis, L. 
 
 Piperita, L. 
 Melissa, L. 
 
 Officinalis, L. 
 Hedeoma, Persoon. 
 
 Pulegioides, Pers. 
 
 MONARDA, L. 
 
 Didyma, L. 
 Nepeta, L. 
 
 Cataria, L. 
 
 Glechoma, Benth. 
 Brunella, Tournefort. 
 
 Vulgaris, L. 
 Leonurus, L. 
 
 Cardiaca, L. 
 Cynoglossum, Tournefort. 
 
 Officinale, L. 
 
 Virginicum, L. 
 
 POLEMONIACEJE. 
 Phlox, L. 
 
 Divaricata, L. 
 
 CONVOLVULACEJE. 
 
 Cuscuta, Tournefort. 
 Gronovii, Willd. 
 
 SOLANACE^E. 
 
 SOLANUM, L. 
 
 Dulcamara, L. 
 Nigrum, L. 
 
 Hyosctamus, Tournefort. 
 Niger, L. 
 
 GENTIANACE^. 
 
 Menyanthes, Tournefort. 
 Trifoliata, L. 
 
 ASCLEPIADIC^. 
 Asclepias, L. 
 
 Cornuti, Decaisne. 
 
 Mints. 
 
 Spearmint. 
 
 Peppermint. 
 
 Balm. 
 
 Officinal Melissa. 
 
 Pennyroyal. 
 
 Pennyroyal-like Hedeoma. 
 
 Oswego Tea. 
 
 Two-whorled Monarda. 
 
 Nepeta. 
 
 Cat-mint. 
 
 From the Ancient Glechon'. 
 
 Self-heal. 
 
 Common Bruuella. 
 
 Motherwort. 
 
 Cardiacal Leonurus. 
 
 Hound' s-tongue. 
 
 Officinal Cynoglossum. 
 
 Virginian Cynoglossum. 
 
 Polemonia. 
 
 Phlox. 
 
 Divaricate-flowering Phlox. 
 
 Bindweeds. 
 Dodder. 
 
 Nightshades. 
 
 Bitter-sweet Solanum. 
 
 Black-fruited Solanum. 
 
 Henbane. 
 
 Black Hyoscyamus. 
 
 Gentians. 
 
 Buckbran. 
 
 Trifoliate Menyanthes. 
 
 Milkweeds. 
 Dedicated to Cornuti. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 211 
 
 OLEACE^. 
 Fraxintjs, Tournefort. 
 Americana, /.. 
 
 Sambucifolia, Lamarck. 
 
 Olives. 
 
 Ash-tree. 
 
 American While Ash. 
 
 Black Elder-leaved Ash. 
 
 C. APBTALOUS EXOGENS. 
 
 ARISTOLOCHIACE2E. 
 
 Asarcm, Tournefort. 
 Canadense, L. 
 
 PIIYTOLACCACE^. 
 Phytolacca, Tournefort. 
 Decandra, L. 
 
 CHENOPODIACE^. 
 Chexopodum, L. 
 
 Hybridum, L. 
 
 Album, /. . 
 Blitim, Tournefort. 
 
 Bonus-Henricus, Reichenbach. 
 
 POLYGONACEiE. 
 
 Polygonum, L. 
 
 Oricntale, L. 
 Persicaria, L. 
 Acre, //. B. K. 
 Crispus, L. 
 Acetosa, L. 
 Acetosella, L. 
 
 LAURACEiE. 
 
 Benzoin. 
 
 Odoriferum, Nees. 
 
 THYME LKACEiE. 
 
 DlRCA, L. 
 
 Palustris, L. 
 
 lltTICACEiE. 
 
 Ulmis, L. 
 
 Fulva, Michx. 
 
 Americana / 
 Racemosa, Thomas. 
 
 Birth >mrt.<. 
 
 Wild Ginger. 
 
 Canadian Asarum. 
 
 Poleweeds. 
 
 Pokeiveed. 
 
 Ten-stamened Phytolacca. 
 
 Chenopods. 
 
 Goose-foot. 
 
 Hybrid Cheno/iodium. 
 
 White Chenopodium. 
 
 Blite. 
 
 Good-King-Henri/ Blite. 
 
 Buckwheats. 
 
 Oriental Polygonum. 
 Peach-leaved Polygonum. 
 
 Pungent Polygonum. 
 Curled-It nr,, I Rumex. 
 Garden-son * ' Rumex. 
 
 Sheep-sorrel Rumex. 
 
 Laurels. 
 Spicebush. 
 Fragrant B 
 
 Daphnads. 
 
 Leatherwood. 
 Marsh Dirca. 
 
 Nettles. 
 
 Kim. 
 
 Red Slippery Elm. 
 
 Win, 
 
 Corky Elm. 
 
212 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Celtis, Toumefort. 
 TJrtica, Toumefort. 
 Gracilis, Alton. 
 
 PLATANACEiE. 
 Platantjs, L. 
 
 Occidentalis, L. 
 
 JUGLANDACE^E. 
 
 JrjGLANS, L. 
 
 Cinerea, L. 
 Carta, Nuttall. 
 Alba, Nutt. 
 Amara, Nutt. 
 
 cupulifer^:. 
 
 Querctjs, L. 
 
 Alba, L. 
 Castanea, Toumefort. 
 
 Vesca, L. 
 Fagus, Toumefort. 
 
 Ferruginea, Alton. 
 Cortlus, Toumefort. 
 
 Americana, Walter. 
 Carpinus, L. 
 
 Americana, Michx. 
 Ostrya, Micheli. 
 
 Virginica, Willd. 
 
 BETULACE^E. 
 
 Bettjla, Toumefort. 
 
 Alba, Spach. 
 
 Nigra, L. 
 Alnus, Toumefort. 
 
 Incana, Willd. 
 
 SALIACE^E. 
 
 Salix, Toumefort. 
 
 Humilis, Marshall. 
 
 Pedicellaris, Pursh. 
 Poptjlus, Toumefort. 
 
 Tremuloides, Mich. 
 
 Nettle-tree. 
 
 Nettles. 
 
 Slender Nettle. 
 
 Sycamores. 
 
 Plane-tree. Button Ball. 
 Western Plane-tree. 
 
 Walnuts. 
 
 Butternut. 
 
 Hickories. 
 
 Shag-bark. White Hickory. 
 
 Bitter Hickory. 
 
 Oaks. 
 
 White Oak. 
 
 Chestnut. 
 
 Edible Chestnut. 
 
 Beech. 
 
 Rusty-leaved Fagus. 
 
 Hazelnut. 
 
 American Corylus. 
 
 Water Beech. 
 
 American Carpinus. 
 
 Iron-wood. 
 
 Virginian Ostrya. 
 
 Birches. 
 
 White Birch. 
 
 Black Birch. 
 
 Alder. 
 
 Hoary Alder. 
 
 Willoias. 
 
 Salices. 
 
 Low Willow. 
 
 Pedicel-fridted Willow. 
 
 Poplar. 
 
 Aspen-leaved Poplar. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 213 
 
 2. GYMNOSPERM.E. 
 
 CONIFERS). 
 
 Pinus, Tourn. 
 
 Strobus, L. 
 Abies, Tourn. 
 
 Balsamea, Marshall. 
 
 Canadensis, Mich. 
 
 Xijxra, Poiret. 
 
 Alba, Mich. 
 Larix, Tourn. 
 
 Americana, Mich. 
 Thuja, Tourn. 
 
 Occidentals, L. 
 Juxiperus, L. 
 
 Communis, L. 
 Taxcs, Tourn. 
 
 Baccata, var. Canadensis, Gray. 
 
 II. MONOCOTYLEDONS. 
 
 ARACE^. 
 
 Arisjema, ^^<<l>lills. 
 
 Tripbyllum, Torrey. 
 Calla, L. 
 
 Palustris, L. 
 Symplocarpus, Salisbury. 
 
 Fcetidus, Salisb. 
 Acori s L. 
 
 Calamus, L. 
 
 TYPHACE2E. 
 
 Typiia, Tourn. 
 Latifolia, L. 
 
 ALISMACE.E. 
 Sagittaria, L. 
 
 Variabilis, Engelmann. 
 
 ORCHEOACE/R. 
 
 Orchid, L. 
 
 Spectabilis, L. 
 
 Gymnosperms. 
 Conifers. 
 
 Pine. 
 
 White Pine. 
 
 Spruce. 
 
 Balsam-Fir. 
 
 Hemlock. 
 
 Bla<k Spruce. 
 
 White Spruce. 
 
 Larch. 
 
 American Larix. 
 
 Arbor-vita. 
 
 American or Western Arbor-vitoz. 
 
 Juniper. 
 
 Common Jinn),, r. 
 
 Yew. 
 
 American Taxus. 
 
 Monocotyledons. 
 
 Arums. 
 
 Indian Turnip. 
 
 Three-leaved Arisozma, 
 
 Wild Calla. 
 
 Mar 
 
 Skunk ' ' 
 
 Fetid Symplocarpus. 
 
 SlC i 
 
 Reed Calamus. 
 
 Typhi ids. 
 
 tails. 
 
 Wide-leaved Typha. 
 
 Water-plantains. 
 
 .1 , ■ 
 
 Variable Sayittaria. 
 Orchids. 
 
 Showy Orchis. 
 
214 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Platanthera, Richard. 
 
 Obtusata, Lindl. 
 
 Orbiculata, Lindl. 
 Arethusa, Gronovius. 
 
 Bulbosa, L. 
 Pogonia, Jussieu. 
 
 Ophioglossoides, Nuttall. 
 Aplectrum, Nuttall. 
 
 Hyemale, Nutt. 
 Cypripedium, L. 
 
 Pubescens, Willd. 
 
 Candidum, Muhl. 
 
 Spectabile, Swartz. 
 
 Acaule, Aiton. 
 
 IRIDACE^. 
 
 Iris, L. 
 
 Versicolor, L. 
 
 SMILACEtE. 
 
 Smilax, Tourn. 
 
 Hispida, Muhlen. 
 Trillium, L. 
 
 Erectum, L. 
 
 Grandiflorum, Salisb. 
 
 Erythrocarpum, Mich. 
 Medeola, Gronovius. 
 
 Virginica, L. 
 
 LILIACE^S. . 
 
 POLYGONATUM, Toum. 
 
 Bi-fiorum, Elliott. 
 
 Giganteum, Dietrich. 
 Smilacina, Desfontaines. 
 
 Racemosa, Desf. 
 Clintonia, Raflnesque. 
 
 Borealis, Raf. 
 Lilium, L. 
 
 Canadense, L. 
 Erythronium, L. 
 
 Americanum, Smith. 
 
 Obtuse-leaved Platanthera, 
 
 Orbicular-let in J Platanthera' 
 
 Arethusa. 
 
 Bulbous Arethusa. 
 
 Pogonia. 
 
 Adam-and-Eve. 
 
 Winter-lasting Aplectrum. 
 
 Lady'sslipper. 
 
 Downy Cypripedium. 
 
 White Cypripedium . 
 
 Showy Cypripedium. 
 
 Stemless Cypripedium . 
 
 Irids. 
 
 Color-varying Iris. 
 Smilaces. 
 
 Greenbrier. 
 
 Prickly Smilax. 
 
 Trittia. 
 
 Purple, Erect Trillium. 
 
 Great -flowered Trillium. 
 
 Red-fruited Trillium . 
 
 Cucumber-root. 
 
 Virginian Medeola. 
 
 Lilies. 
 
 Solomon' s-seal. 
 
 Twin-flowered Polygonatum. 
 
 Giant Polygonatum. 
 
 Smilacina. 
 
 Racemed Smilacina. 
 
 Wild Lily of the Valley. 
 
 Northern Clintonia. 
 
 Lily. 
 
 Yellow Lily. 
 
 Adder' s-tongue. 
 
 Yellow Erythronium. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 215 
 
 MELANTHACEJG. 
 
 UVULAKIA, L. 
 
 Grandiflora, Smith. 
 
 Perfoliata, L. 
 Stbeptopi s, Mich. 
 
 Amplexifolius, DC. 
 Veeatrum, Tourn. 
 
 Viride, Alton. 
 
 JUNCACEJ3. 
 
 Luzula, DC. 
 
 Pilosa, Willd. 
 J uncus, L. 
 
 Effusus, L. 
 
 PONTEDERIACEiE. 
 
 PONTBDERIA, L. 
 
 Cordata, L. 
 
 CYPERACEiE. 
 Eriophorum, L. 
 Virginicum, L. 
 
 GRAMIN^. 
 
 PnLEUM, L. 
 
 Pratense, L. 
 Triticum, L. 
 
 Vulgare, Villars. 
 Repens, L. 
 
 CRYPTOGAMIA. 
 
 III. ACROGENS. 
 
 EQUISETACE^G. 
 Eqdisetdm, L. 
 Arvense, L. 
 Hyemale, L. 
 Scirpoides, Mich. 
 
 FIUCES. 
 
 POLYPODIUM, L. 
 
 Vulgare, L. 
 
 I Lexagonopteram, Mich. 
 
 Melanthia. 
 Belltoort. 
 
 Large -flowered I 
 Snudl-flowered I 
 
 Stern-clasping Streptopus, 
 
 American Hellebore. 
 Green-Jlowering 1 1 ratrum. 
 
 Rushes. 
 
 Wood-rush. 
 
 Hairy Luzula. 
 
 Rush. 
 
 Effuse Juncus. 
 
 Pickerel-weeds. 
 
 Cordate Pontederia. 
 
 Sedges. 
 
 Cotton-grass. 
 
 Virginian Eriophorum. 
 
 Grasses. 
 Timothy. Herd' 
 
 Muni,, iu Phleum. 
 
 1 1 7 « nl-grass. 
 
 Common Wheat. 
 
 nig Triticum. 
 
 Floiverlcss Plants. 
 
 Top-gro 
 
 Horsetail. 
 
 Ei/uiseta. 
 
 Field Equisetum. 
 
 Winter-la etum. 
 
 Si irpus-like Equisetum. 
 
 ■ 
 I 
 < ', ,iiui, "a Poli odium. 
 Six-an : ,/ium. 
 
216 APPENDIX. 
 
 Adiantum, L. Maidenhair. 
 
 LYCOPODIACE^. Club-mosses. 
 
 Ltcopodium, L. Lycopodium. 
 
 Dendroideum, Mich. Tree-like Lycopodium. 
 
 Complanatum, L. Flattened-fronded Lycopodium. 
 
 B. 
 
 The Hon. Anson S. Miller, of Rockford, 111., and a 
 native of Oneida County, has recently published an his- 
 torical paper, the following extract from which touches 
 upon a portion of our local history : — 
 
 Fort Stanwix, conspicuous in the wars which agitated our 
 country in the last century, stood on the west bank of the 
 Mohawk River, the present site of the city of Rome, New 
 York. This strong fortress, commanding the narrow portage 
 between the eastern and western waters, was, in early times, 
 the most important military position between the Atlantic sea- 
 board and Canada and the Lakes, — the pass being an impor- 
 tant link in the chain of army travel and transportation. Gen- 
 eral Stanwix, a British officer, built the fort at a cost of three 
 hundred thousand dollars, in 1758, while the war was raging 
 between the British and French for dominion in America. 
 Through the French War and the Revolutionary struggle, and 
 in the frontier settlement of that famed locality, Fort Stanwix 
 was the centre for Indian councils and treaties, and other 
 public transactions, both of war and peace, — the seat of sieges, 
 sorties, and battles 
 
 Among other great councils held at Fort Stanwix, was that 
 in the autumn of 1768, convened by Major-general Sir Wm. 
 Johnson, British superintendent of Indian affairs in America, 
 under orders of his government, at which the colonies of New 
 York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and others, were 
 
APPENDIX. 217 
 
 represented, and an important treaty established with the Six 
 Nations, the Delawares, Shawnees, and other Indians. Again, 
 after the close of the Revolutionary War, in the autumn of 
 1784, the United States commissioners, "\Yolcott, Butler, and 
 Lee, met the Iroquois confederacy in council at the fort, and 
 the Six Nations in that treaty, after certain reservations, 
 relinquished, among other claims, theirs to lands northwest 
 of the Ohio and in western New York. General Lafayette 
 attended this council, and was highly interested in the eloquent 
 speeches of Cornplanter (Gyantwaia) for the treaty, and that 
 of Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha) against it. 
 
 After the completion of this treaty, the assemblages of the 
 Indians at the fort were for the purpose of receiving the annual 
 payments for their lands from the State officers. Upon the 
 occurrence of the final payment to the Indians, by Governor 
 George Clinton, at the fort, in the early part of the last decade 
 of Seventeen Hundred, and after the business was all closed 
 up satisfactorily, and the whole concourse of whites and 
 Indians had been richly feasted by the Governor, from his 
 stores brought for the purpose, the proceedings were con- 
 cluded by a foot-race of the Iroquois, in which each of the 
 "Six Nations" were represented. A description of this race 
 given by the pioneer settlers of that region who witnessed it, 
 has not, to the knowledge of the writer, appeared in print. 
 All of the tribes but the Oneidas retired to select their run- 
 ners, each tribe for itself, and soon returned, presenting five 
 athletic young men, whose physical development and sym- 
 metry would have delighted a sculptor. According to Indian 
 etiquette, and out of respect to their brethren from abroad, the 
 Oneidas, the home tribe, waited for the others, and selected 
 their runner last. Powlis, the war chief, had been one of the 
 fleetest runners in the confederacy, and he had a number of 
 stalwart sons present, — grand representatives of his lofty 
 stature and agile movements. Outsiders supposed that one 
 of these would be chosen to sustain the high rank of the 
 Oneidas. Bnt the tribe passed by these and others of the 
 
218 APPENDIX. 
 
 like, and with great unanimity selected a slender boy of fifteen 
 years — a mere stripling, the youngest son of Powlis, — his 
 parents' darling, with his mother's form and wiry make-up. 
 Soon known, the choice of one so young, and short, and slim, 
 to run a long race against the best, and taken, too, from a tribe 
 abounding in powerful braves, astonished the strangers, and 
 provoked an irrepressible laugh among the Indians, which in 
 a moment was checked by them as discourteous to their 
 brethren. Little Paul, as the whites called the boy, was 
 known to be the pet of the tribe, and this, with all but the 
 Oneidas, accounted for the selection. They were sure of 
 better reasons, and assuming an expressionless look, observed 
 the wonder and heard the laughter of the others with imper- 
 turbable gravity. Preparations were made promptly for the 
 race. Governor Clinton wrapped $250 in coin in a piece of 
 buckskin and hung it on the flag-staff at the starting-point, a 
 little below the fort, on the bank of the Mohawk. A similar 
 flag was set at the western terminus of the racecourse, over 
 a mile distant, near the point where now stands the United 
 States arsenal. The course was smooth and open, rising 
 gently from east to west. The runners were to turn the 
 western bound, and run to the place of starting. The course 
 was staked in quarters, and a horseman provided to accompany 
 the competitors. As the course was straight there was no 
 contention about the inside track. The runners wore mocca- 
 sins to protect their feet, and stripped for the struggle to bare 
 decency. They stood together in the order of their adjoining 
 territories, — the Mohawk and Oneida side by side ; and what 
 a contrast ! The boy's head scarcely reached the shoulder of 
 the majestic Mohawk, — a splendid specimen of his tribe. 
 Each bore a badge of distinction on his head. Little Paul 
 wore a feather, a single white plume, stuck in his shining 
 locks, which were glossy and black as the wing of a raven. 
 All being ready, they start at the tap of the drum, and on 
 they rush, Indians and horseman, rapidly for so long a race. 
 Every eye is fixed on the competitors for the prize. All is 
 
APPENDIX. 219 
 
 still, and not a word escapes the spectators. The Mohawk leads, 
 and the Oneida "boy brings up the rear. Evidently the latter 
 is taking an easy course, and holding his best efforts in re- 
 serve. He passes over the ground as light and lithe as a fox, 
 and quite swiftly too ; but the others are running at the top 
 of their speed, and the boy is so far behind that some of the 
 Indians from abroad, the spectators, break out into a laugh, 
 and check it again. The Oneidas see and hear all, but give 
 no expression except in sly side-glances at each other, saying 
 as plain as words, "Let them laugh who win. Little Paul 
 against the field ! He will show all on his return that he is 
 our best choice. No fears for him, he will fly over the last 
 of the course." But the runners are approaching the further 
 goal, and will soon turn it for the home stretch, and then for 
 the trial of endurance ! The horseman has galloped his steed 
 nearly all the way to keep near the racers, who are running 
 very near even, although the Mohawk is still ahead, and the 
 Oneida boy some little behind. They turn the goal almost in 
 a body, and now begins the fiercest struggle on their home 
 run. Little Paul draws gently on his reserved force, and 
 before returning to the first quarter stake he passes all but 
 the Mohawk. The sympathy of the spectators is with the 
 little Oneida. They involuntarily cheer him, but he hears it 
 not. He presses on side by side with the Mohawk. — his 
 strongest and now only competitor, who struggles as for life, 
 but in vain. The boy passes him before he can reach the 
 half-way stake, and his whoop of triumph, shrill as the yell 
 of a panther, is heard by the spectators at the home goal, and 
 echoed back with a will. With his five competitors the 
 struggle is over, but the boy has just begun to bound and fly. 
 His ambition urges him beyond and above ordinary victory, 
 he must distance all competition, and he flies as on the wings 
 of the wind. All the spectators exhibit intense excitement, 
 and shout and cheer, and as the victor nears the goal the 
 Indians of the competing tribes rush forward, with the utmost 
 enthusiasm, to meet the boy and bear him home over the 
 
220 'APPENDIX. 
 
 last twenty rods of the course. Never was a prize more 
 handsomely won, nor with higher praise and admiration, even 
 from the vanquished themselves. Greater assemblages, yea 
 clouds of witnesses, encompassed the Olympic and other 
 competing games of ancient times, and the victors were 
 crowned amid ceremonies more august ; but none of all these 
 were more fortunate than the young Oneida in the hearty and 
 unanimous greetings and rejoicings over his triumph. Gov- 
 ernor Clinton presented the prize, and congratulated the 
 youth and his tribe in eloquent words. That youth, Paul 
 Powlis, Jr., succeeded his father as chief. 
 
 This last great meeting of the Iroquois, at the renowned 
 fortress, was attended by the pioneer settlers on that Indian 
 frontier, — many of them afterward distinguished public men 
 in the history of New York. The Governor was accompanied 
 by his nephew, De Witt Clinton ; afterward one of the most 
 eminent statesmen of any age, then a young man who acted 
 as his uncle's private secretary ; also by the illustrious Baron 
 Steuben, whose town subsequently embraced within its limits 
 the settlement at Fort Stanwix. General William Floyd, the 
 first signer of the Declaration of Independence in the New 
 York delegation, also accompanied Governor Clinton on the 
 occasion of this payment of the Six Nations, — whose great 
 chieftains rejoiced to meet the noble Governor Clinton, who 
 had been continued at the head of State affairs from the 
 breaking out of the Revolution. Among the chieftains most 
 celebrated was Skenandoa, the venerable sachem of the 
 Oneidas, a friend of Washington, a wise counselor, and 
 one of nature's noblemen, who died in 1816, at the age of one 
 hundred and ten years. Other chiefs of the Six Nations were 
 present on the memorable occasion. All are now one, the 
 white and the red men ; their fame and Fort Stanwix, and 
 the Iroquois Confederacy, have been consigned to imperishable 
 history, and they have no earthly existence elsewhere. 
 
APPENDIX. 221 
 
 C. 
 
 Dedication of the Kirkland Monument. 
 
 A Monument having recently been erected in the Cemetery 
 of Hamilton College, to the memory of the Rev. Samuel 
 Kiuki.and, it was thought expedient to celebrate its comple- 
 tion by appropriate public ceremonies. The time chosen for 
 this purpose was the afternoon of Wednesday, the 25th of 
 June, 1873, the day preceding the Annual Commencement. 
 A number of the descendants and relatives of Mr. Kirkland, 
 living in different parts of the country, were present. Four 
 venerable and highly respected gentlemen, students of Hamil- 
 ton Oneida Academy, some sixty-three years ago, were also in 
 attendance. These were Mr. George Bristol, Mr. John 
 Thompson, Mr. Gaius Butler, and Mr. John C. Hastings. 
 Twenty or more Indians, from the neighborhood of Oneida 
 Castle, were also present, by invitation, and took part in the 
 exercises. Among these were Daniel S ken AND O A and 
 Thomas Skenandoa, the first a Grand Sachem of the 
 Oneidas, and the second a priest, and both of them great- 
 grandsons of the distinguished Chief of Mr. Kirkland's time. 
 Besides these there were present several other Oneida Indians, 
 male and female, and one Onondaga Indian, named Griffin 
 and who, while acting as interpreter, showed himself possessed 
 of no little oratory. 
 
 At half-past three o'clock, a procession was formed in front 
 of the College Chapel, in the following order : — 
 
 1. Marshal of the Day. 
 
 2. Gilmore's Band. 
 
 3. Undergraduates: 1, Class of 187G ; 2, Class of 1875; 
 3, Class of 1874 ; 4, Class of 1873. 
 
 4. Trustees of Hamilton College. 
 
 5. Descendants and relatives of Samuel Kirkland. 
 G. Oneida Indians. 
 
 7. Alumni of Hamilton Oneida Academy. 
 
 8. Faculty of Hamilton College. 
 
222 APPENDIX. 
 
 9. Alumni of Hamilton and other Colleges, in the order of 
 Classes. 
 
 10. Citizens. 
 
 The procession marched to an open space in the Cemetery, 
 near the new Monument and that of President Backus, and 
 where a platform had been prepared for the proposed services. 
 Hard by, also, was the humble memorial-stone erected many 
 years ago to Skenandoa, the famous Indian chief and the 
 friend of Mr. Kirkland. On the south side of this platform 
 was suspended the portrait of Mr. Kirkland from the 
 Memorial Hall, and the original list of subscribers for the 
 building of Hamilton Oneida Academy. The platform was 
 occupied by the Trustees and Faculty of the College, the 
 speakers of the day, the descendants of Mr. Kirkland, a por- 
 tion, of the Indians from Oneida, and the surviving students of 
 Hamilton Oneida Academy. In the centre of the stage was 
 a large arm-chair, once owned by Mr. Kirkland, and on a 
 table was his Family Bible. The day was pleasant, and the 
 assembly convened was quite large. 
 
 THE MONUMENT. 
 
 The Kirkland Monument is of Rhode Island granite, from 
 the quarries near Westerly. It is nine feet high. The lower 
 base is four feet three and one half inches square. The base, 
 containing the family name in raised capitals, is three feet 
 eight inches square. The central column is two feet four 
 and one half inches square at the base, and is seven and one 
 half feet in height. On the four equal sides of this central 
 shaft are raised panels for the several inscriptions. The cap- 
 stone, .which is three feet and two inches square at its greatest 
 width, forms a graceful completion of the structure. 
 
 The Monument as a whole, though not lofty, presents an 
 appearance of solidity and massiveness, combined with rare 
 proportion and symmetry, and both in its outlines and in the 
 details of the chiseling, is a superior specimen of that depart- 
 ment of art to which it belongs. 
 

 APPENDIX. 223 
 
 The design is a reproduction, almost in facsimile, of the 
 monuments to the Rev. Dr. Cleveland and Professor 
 Larned, in the Central Cemetery at New Haven, Conn. The 
 work was executed by Messrs. John C. Ritter & Co., of 
 New Haven, and cost about fourteen hundred dollars. 
 
 The following are the inscriptions on the Monument : — 
 
 {West Side.) 
 
 Samuel Kirkland, 
 
 Corn 
 
 At Norwich, Conn., Dec. 1, 1741. 
 
 Graduated 
 
 From Princeton College, in 1765. 
 
 Missionary 
 
 To the Oneida Indians, 
 
 From 1776 to 17'J7. 
 
 Founder 
 
 of Hamilton Oneida Academy in 1793. 
 
 Died 
 
 At Clinton, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1808. 
 
 (South Side.) 
 Jerusha Bingham, 
 
 Wife of 
 
 Samuel Kirkland, 
 
 Born at Salisbury, Conn., 1743. 
 
 Died at Stockbridge, Mass., Jan. 23, 1788. 
 
 Mar? Donnally, 
 
 Second wife of 
 
 Samuel Kirkland, 
 
 Born at Newport, K. I., 1754. 
 
 Died at Clinton, N. Y., Aug. 1S39. 
 
 (East Sidt .) 
 Eliza Kirkland, 
 Third daughter of 
 
 Samuel Kirkland, 
 
 and wife of 
 
 Prof. Edward Robinson, 
 
 Born at Stockbridge, Mass., in 1784. 
 
 Died at Clinton, N. Y., July 5, 1819. 
 
224 APPENDIX. 
 
 {North Side.) 
 
 " It is my earnest wish that the institution may grow and flourish ; that 
 its advantages may be permanent and extensive ; and that under the 
 smiles of the God of Wisdom, it may prove an eminent means of diffusing 
 useful knowledge, enlarging the bounds of human happiness, and aiding 
 the reign of virtue and the kingdom of the blessed Redeemer." 
 
 Samuel Kirkland. 
 
 Addresses were delivered on this occasion by Rev. S. G. 
 Brown, D. D., President of Hamilton College, by Hon. O. S. 
 Williams, L.L.D., by Ex-Gov. Seymour, and by Chancellor 
 Wool worth, of Albany. 
 
 At the conclusion of Dr. Wool worth's remarks, President 
 Brown extended a welcome to the Oneida Indians present. 
 He introduced to the audience Thomas Skenandoa and 
 Daniel Skenandoa, both of whom spoke in their native lan- 
 guage, and were interpreted at short intervals, for the benefit 
 of the assembly, by an Indian interpreter. Rev. Daniel 
 Moose, missionary to the Oneidas, then read a paper embody- 
 ing the substance of the two Indian speeches. It was as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 Brothers : We have come from our homes to join hands 
 with you to do honor to the memory of a friend of our fore- 
 fathers. We remember the good Kirkland as the faithful 
 friend of my great grandfather. 
 
 He was sent by the Good Spirit to teach the Indians to be 
 good and happy ; as the sun cometh in the early morning so 
 he came from the east in 1766, to gladden the hearts of my 
 people and to cover them with the light of the Great Spirit. 
 He came in and Went out before them ; he walked band in 
 hand with the great Skenandoa. 
 
 As Kirkland was their counselor, their physician, their 
 spiritual father and friend, so was Skenandoa, like the tall 
 hemlock, the glory of our people, the mighty sachem and 
 counselor of the Iroquois and the true friend of the white man. 
 His soul was a beam of fire, his heart was big with goodness, 
 
APPENDIX. 225 
 
 his head was like a clear lamp, and his tongue was great in 
 council. 
 
 Kiheland was to my nation like a great light in a dark 
 place. His soul was like the sun, without any dark spots upon 
 it, and we first learned through him to he good. Our father 
 then gave him much land, and he gave to your children 
 Hamilton Oneida Academy. . 
 
 "Where to-day are KlRKLAND and Skf.nandoa ? They are 
 gone ! The Great Spirit reached out of his window and took 
 them from us, and we see them no more. When sixty-nine 
 snows had fallen and melted away, then the good KlRKLAND 
 went to his long home. 
 
 And at the age of 110 years we laid heside him John 
 Skenandoa, the great sachem of the Iroquois. Arm in arm, 
 as brothers, they walked life's trail ; and, united in death, 
 nothing can separate them : hut they will go up together in 
 the great resurrection. 
 
 When they went down to their long sleep the night was 
 dark ; when the morning came it did not remove the dark- 
 ness from our people. They wet their eyes with hig drops, and 
 a heavy cloud was on them. 
 
 The council fires of the Iroquois died, and their hearts 
 grew faint; then our people scattered like frightened deer, and 
 we Indians here to-day, standing hy the mighty dead, are the 
 only few of the once powerful Iroquois. They arc all gone, 
 but the deeds of Kirkland and Skenandoa will never die; 
 their memory is dear to us and will not fail ; so long as the 
 sun lights the sky hy day and the moon by night, wc will rub 
 the mould and dust from their gravestones, and say, — 
 " Brothers, here sleep the good and the brave." 
 
 At the close of this address, a company of Indians, men and 
 women, stepped upon the platform, and sang an anthem in the 
 tongue wherein they were horn, whose simple, plaintive tones 
 touched all hearts. The exercises were then concluded with 
 the benediction by Rev. Dr. KENDALL, of New York. 
 15 
 
226 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 D. 
 
 The following is a copy of the original subscriptions towards 
 the building of the Hamilton Oneida Academy, in 1793 : — 
 
 Names of Subscribers. 
 Samuel Kirkland, 
 
 Cash. 
 £ s. d. 
 10 00 
 
 John Sergeant, 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 Moses Foot, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 James Dean, 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 Zed h Sanger. 
 
 
 
 
 Sewall Hopkins, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Timothy Tuttle, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dan. Bradley, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Eli Bristoll, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ralph Kirkland, 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 Shene D. Sackett, 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 Seth Blair, 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Deodorus Clark, 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Erastus Clark, 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Jonas Piatt, 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Thos. Cassaty, 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Isaac Jones, 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 Elias Kane, 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Henry Merrill, 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 John Young, 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Jesse Munger, 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Sam 1 Laird, 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Elizur Mosely, 
 
 4 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Lorin Webb 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 Joshua Vaughan, 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Other Items. 
 
 and 15 days' work. Also, 300 acres 
 of land for the use and benefit of 
 the Academy, to be loaned, and 
 the product applied toward the 
 support of an able Instructor. 
 
 and 1000 ft. timber, 5000 ft. boards, 
 
 and 20 days' work, 
 and 2000 ft. hemlock boards. 
 100 ft. 7X9 glass, 100 acres of land, 
 
 of 45th lot in the 20th township 
 
 in the Unadilla purchase, 
 and ten days' labor. 
 500 ft. clapboards, 1000 shingles, and 
 
 10 days' work. 
 
 400 ft. timber, and 20 days' work, 
 and 6 days' work, 
 and 6 days' work, 
 and 6 days' work, 
 and 1000 ft. of boards. 
 
 - and three days' work. 
 
 and 4 days' work, 
 and 2000 ft. clapboards, 
 and 2000 ft. boards, 
 and 6 days' work, 
 and 1000 ft. boards. 
 

 
 APPENDIX. 227 
 
 
 £ s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 Ephr m Blackmer, 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 Joseph Blackmer, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 and 3 days' work. 
 
 Israel Green, 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 and 6 days' work. 
 
 Joel Bristoll, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 and 300 ft. timber, and 20 days' 
 work. 
 
 Ezra Hart, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 and 6 days' work. 
 
 Aaron Henman, 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 and 6 days' work. 
 
 Abner Ormsby, 
 
 - - 
 
 
 1000 nails. 
 
 Stephen Willard, 
 
 2 - 
 
 - 
 
 200 ft. timber, 20 p ds nails, and 6 
 days' work. 
 
 Bronson Foot, 
 
 1 12 
 
 - 
 
 and 1000 ft. boards, and 6 days' 
 work. 
 
 Consider Law, 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 4 days' work. 
 
 John Blunt, 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 1000 ft. boards, and 3 days' work. 
 
 Solomon Thomson, 
 
 - 8 
 
 - 
 
 and 6 days' work. 
 
 John Townsend, 
 
 2 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Amos Parmely, 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 
 
 
 Nathan Townsend, 
 
 1 10 
 
 - 
 
 
 Silas Phelps, 
 
 o _ 
 
 - 
 
 payable in blacksmith work. 
 
 Moses Dewitt, 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 Thomas Hooker, 
 
 1 10 
 
 - 
 
 V 
 
 Noah Taylor, 
 
 - 16 
 
 - 
 
 payable in grain. 
 
 Nath 1 Griffin, 
 
 4 - 
 
 - 
 
 payable in grain. 
 
 Rob* Darke, 
 
 4 - 
 
 - 
 
 " " * 
 
 Eliakim Elmore, 
 
 1 16 
 
 - 
 
 " " " 
 
 Ebenezer Seeley, 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 and 3 £ payable in timber. 
 
 Sami Wells, 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 and •'! days' labor. 
 
 Peleg Havens, 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 and 3 .£ payable in grain. 
 
 Thomas Hart, 
 
 3 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Ira Foot, 
 
 o _ 
 
 - 
 
 and 1000 ft. boards, and 20 days' 
 work. 
 
 Joseph Boy n ton, 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 
 
 and 2 days surveying land. 
 
 Ebenezer Butler, 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 200 ft. timber, 100 ft, boards, and 
 500 clapboards. 
 
 Timothy Pond Jr., 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 and 1000 ft. boards. 
 
 Broome & Piatt, 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 300 ft. of 7X9 glass. 
 
 Stephen Barrett, 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 4n shillings, value in pine boards, 
 first rate. 
 
 Seth Roberts, 
 
 3 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Amos Kellogg, 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 and six days' work. 
 
 Oliver Tuttle, 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Elias Dewey, 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 and six days' work. 
 
228 
 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 Aaron Kellogg, 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Tho 3 Whitcomb, 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 and six days' work. 
 
 Ja s Smith, Jr., 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 and six days' work. 
 
 Barnabas Pond, 
 
 
 
 
 1000 ft. boards. 
 
 Elijah Blodget.t, 
 
 
 
 
 1000 shingles. 
 
 Henry Holley, 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 and six days' work. 
 
 Seeley Finch, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 and six days' work. 
 
 Josiah Bradner, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Joseph Stanton, 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 and three days' work, 
 
 Pomroy Hull, 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 and three days' work. 
 
 Puifus S an ton, 
 
 ' 
 
 8 
 
 
 and three days' work. 
 
 Amos Blair, 
 
 - 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 
 Oliver Phelps, 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Sami Tuttle, 
 
 
 
 
 1000 ft. clapboards, t 
 at the mill. 
 
 Peter Smith, 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 Tho 8 R. Gold, 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 £168 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Academy, Hamilton Oneida, 120. 
 
 how built, 122. 
 
 Indian boys at, 123. 
 Agriculture of Kirkland, 151. 
 Agricultural products, 152. 
 Agricultural Society, 152. 
 Animals of Kirkland, 6. 
 Authorities consulted in this history, 
 Preface, 10. 
 
 Backus, Dr. Azel, 12G. 
 Banks in Kirkland, 180. 
 Baptist church, 113. 
 Baptist ministers, 114. 
 Bears in the cornlields, 57. 
 Bell, first in Kirkland, 96. 
 Birds of Kirkland, 5. 
 Birth, first in the town, 35. 
 Botany of the town, 202. 
 Brothertown Indians, 15, 54. 
 Brown, President, 128. 
 Burglary, the first, 59. 
 Burying-^round, 30. 
 Bush, Peter, 197. 
 
 Canal, Chenango, when built, 179. 
 
 Catholic church, 116. 
 
 Cattle, improved breeds introduced, 
 
 152. 
 Cemetery, Clinton, 1"7. 
 Cemetery, college, 161. 
 Cheese factories, 176. 
 Chuckery, 58. 
 Churdi, Baptist, 113. 
 
 edifice built, 114. 
 
 its several ministers, 115. 
 
 Church, College, sketch of, 112. 
 Church, Congregational, 90. 
 
 first pastor installed, 93. 
 
 its several pastors, !)8. 
 Church, Episcopal, its early history, 
 117. 
 
 its ministers, 118. 
 
 house of worship, 119. 
 Church, Manchester, 115. 
 Church, Methodist Episcopal, 107. 
 
 when organized, 107. 
 
 church edifice built, 108. 
 
 its successive ministers, 109. 
 Church, Presbyterian, 98. 
 Church, Roman Catholic, 110. 
 Church, Universa'ist, establi.-hed, 109. 
 
 first editice built, 110. 
 
 successive ministers. 111. 
 
 second church editice, 112. 
 Clarks' Mills, 174. 
 Clinton, village named, 24. 
 Clinton Iron Works, 175. 
 College grounds, 158, 161. 
 Common schools, 147. 
 Couture, .'esuit missionary, 1. 
 Covenant, "Half-Way," 9L 
 
 Davis, President, 126. 
 
 Dayton, Fort, 2. 
 
 Deacons of a former day, 197. 
 
 Death, first in the town, 29. 
 
 Dedication of Kirkland Monument, 
 
 221. 
 Distillrye, 168. 
 Dutch settlers, 18, 19. 
 Dutch trader.-, 1. 
 
230 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dwight, President Timothy, visits the 
 
 town, 52. 
 Dwight, President Sereno, 127. 
 Dwight, Rev. B. W., his High School, 
 145. 
 its system of instruction, 146. 
 teachers, 147. 
 
 Early explorers, 19, 20. 
 Edwards, Jonathan, 12. 
 Elders in Presbyterian church, 99. 
 Episcopal Church, 117. 
 Express Company, 180. 
 
 Factories, cheese, 176. 
 Faculty of Hamilton College, 129. 
 Farmers, early, 178. 
 Firesides, primitive, 196. 
 First settlers, 21-27. 
 houses of, 23. 
 Fisher, President, 128. 
 Flower-gardens of Kirkland, 60. 155. 
 Foot, Moses, 22. 
 Foot, Sam, 197. 
 Foot-race of Indians, 216. 
 Franklin Iron Works, 172. 
 Fruits raised in Kirkland, 153. 
 Fulling Mill, 163. 
 Furnace, iron, 169. 
 
 Gardens, useful and ornamental, 154- 
 
 156. 
 Geology of Kirkland, 4. 
 Ginseng, 33, 52. 
 Good Peter, 55. 
 
 Goupil, Rene\ Jesuit missionary, 1. 
 Grammar School, building erected, 132. 
 
 its preceptors, 133, 134. 
 
 its discipline, 133. 
 
 its steadfastness, 198. 
 Gridley, Rev. Wayne, 106. 
 Grist-mill, the first, 25. 
 Grounds, the College, 158. 
 
 Hamilton Oneida Academy, 120. 
 its preceotors, 123. 
 subscriptions for building, 226. 
 
 Hamilton College, founded, 126. 
 
 its presents, 126-128. 
 
 its professors, 128, 129. 
 
 its treasurers, 130. 
 
 its trustees, 130. 
 
 its benefactors, 130. 
 
 its buildings, 131. 
 High School, Dwight's, 145. 
 Home Cottage Seminary, established, 
 143. 
 
 its principals, 144. 
 Horses introduced, 31. 
 Horseback riding, 199. 
 Horticulture of Kirkland, 153. 
 Houghton Seminary, its origin, 144. 
 
 its preceptors, 145. 
 Houses, first frame built, 34. 
 
 Incorporation of Clinton, 180. 
 Indians, habits of, 36. 
 
 noted characters among them, 
 37, 40-45. 
 
 their humor and iron} - , 38. 
 
 boys at school, 123. 
 
 destiny of the race, 17. 
 Institute, Liberal, established, 136, 137. 
 
 its principals, 138, 139. 
 
 its benefactors, 138, 140. 
 Iron ore: it* discovery, and position of 
 the beds, 170. 
 
 its quality and uses, 171. 
 Iron, Clinton Works, 175. 
 Iron, Franklin Works, 172. 
 
 Jesuit missionaries, 1, 11. 
 Jogues, Isaac, 1. 
 
 Kellogg, Rev. Hiram H., his seminary, 
 141. 
 
 its peculiar features, 142. 
 
 its usefulness, 143. 
 Kirkland, town of, formed, 3. 
 
 its latitude and longitude, 3. 
 
 soil of, 3. 
 Kirkland, Rev. Samuel, his earl}' life, 
 62. 
 
 among the Seneca Indians, 65. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 231 
 
 Kirkland, Rev. Samuel, among the 
 
 Oneidas, GO. 
 liis marriage, 70. 
 during the Revolutionary War, 
 
 72. 
 his plan of education, 80, 81. 
 founds an Academy, 82.' 
 is visit d by Timothy Dwight 
 
 and Jeremiah Day, 84. 
 his physical traits, 85. 
 his mental endowments, 87. 
 moral and religious character, 
 
 87. 
 results of his labors, 89. 
 monument to, 221. 
 
 Lawyers, early in Kirkland, 178. 
 Line of Property, 10. 
 Lucas, Mrs. Eli, 61. 
 
 Manchester, church of, 115. 
 Manufactures, early, 162. 
 Manufacture, Clinton woolen, 162, 
 163. 
 of nails, 1G3. 
 of hats, 164. 
 of hoes and scythes, 164, 
 
 167. 
 of clocks, 164. 
 of pottery, 165. 
 of bricks, 165. 
 of potash, 106. 
 of leather, 166. 
 of chairs, 167. 
 of axes and hammers, 167. 
 of hay-forks, 167. 
 of cotton batting, 167. 
 of spoons and counterfeit money, 
 
 168. 
 of cotton cloth, at Manchester, 
 
 169. 
 of cotton cloth, at Clarks' Mills, 
 171. 
 Marr, Mrs , her select school, 147. 
 Marshall, town of, formed from Kirk- 
 land, 3. 
 
 Meeting-house, the old white, 95. 
 
 ■when built, 95. 
 
 its appearance, 96. 
 
 the music therein, 197. 
 
 in winter, 196. 
 
 stoves introduced into it, 196. 
 
 taken down, 97. 
 Merchants, of early days, 178. 
 Methodist Church, 107. 
 Mills, grist, 166, 168. 
 
 saw, 166, 168, 169. 
 Monument to Mr. Kirkland, 221. 
 
 Newspapers established, 181. 
 North, President, 127. 
 Norton, Professor Seth, 124. 
 Norton, Rev. Dr., his birth and educa- 
 tion, 100. 
 
 his personal appearance, 102. 
 
 his physical regimen, 103. 
 
 his mental endowments, 103. 
 
 his traits as a preacher, 104. 
 
 his death, 106. 
 Noyes, Dr. Josiah, 198. , 
 
 Occum, Rev. Samson, Indian preacher, 
 
 53. 
 Old Kate, 197. 
 Oneida county formed, 3. 
 Oneida Indians, origin of, 6. 
 
 during the Revolution, 9. 
 
 efforts to Christianize them, 11. 
 
 removed west, 13. 
 Orchards of Kirkland, 153. 
 Oriskany, battle of, 2. 
 Oriskauy Creek, 3. 
 
 Paris, town'of, named, 33. 
 Patriotism of the town, 184. 
 Penney, resideut, 1J7. 
 Peter, Good, 55. 
 Physicians, early, 178. 
 Pillions, for horseback riding, 199. 
 Plank road, L79. 
 Plants of Kirkland, 202. 
 Plattkopf, an Oneida Chief, 50. 
 
232 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Pond, Major, and the Oneida Chief, 
 
 44. 
 Population of the ♦own, 181. 
 Population of Clinton, 181. 
 Presbyterian Church, 98. 
 Property Line, 10. 
 
 Pace, Indian foot-race, 216-220. 
 Railroad, Rome and Clinton, built, 
 
 183. 
 Railroad, Utica, Clinton, and Bing- 
 
 hamtuii,, built, 183. 
 Religious service, first, 26. 
 Review, general, of the period of this 
 
 history, 195. 
 Royce, Miss Nancy, Seminary, 135. 
 Rural Art Society, 156. 
 
 Sabbath keeping, in old times, 198. 
 
 Scarcity of food, 31. 
 
 Shools, common, 147. 
 
 Schuyler, Fort, 2. 
 
 Settlers, the first, 21. 
 
 Settlers, other first, 27. 
 
 Sheep, merino, introduced, 162. 
 
 Skenandoa, 47. 
 
 some of his descendants to-day, 
 221. 
 Singers of the okten time, 197. 
 Singing Schools, 196. 
 
 Soil of Kirkland, 5. 
 Soldiers, of the Revolution, 184. 
 of the War of 1812, 185. 
 of the War of the Rebellion, 
 186-195. 
 Stanwix, Fort, 2, 216. 
 Staring, Heinrich, 43. 
 Steer, story of "the fine, fat steer," 
 
 39. 
 Stockbridge Indians, 14. 
 Stone church, 97. 
 Stone, sacred, of the Oneidas, 7. 
 Stoves in the meeting-house, 196. 
 Streets, earliest, laid out, 58. 
 Streets, lat*r, laid out and named, 179. 
 Subscriptions for Hamilton Oneida 
 
 Academy, 226. 
 
 Tanneries, 166. 
 
 Telegrnph, 179. 
 
 Trees, native in KirJdand, 202-216. 
 
 Trees, in college grounds, 160. 
 
 Tuscarora Indians, 13. 
 
 Universalist Church, 109. 
 
 Wedding suit procured under difficul- 
 ties, 163. 
 Whitesborough, settlement of, 20. 
 Wright, Mose, 197. 
 
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