" • ■■ \ * ^y^ ■< • * ^ -.■•*^ ,0- . . ^ -^^ xO°^. m^^ y ^ \' •> \' ^ " 3 N ^ yi^»^^^^ ° e^^'^;,'s"% ./,^°r*.% c^^-^;'*.^ %^4^ %.^'- ^r.^^ ^ *^ <. N C ,-V * ~" .A ^ O « V. * .'^ ^ N 6 ^ "^b. . ' , A. - .'\ '% •x^^' '^ 5 "O 0^ •-oo'^ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS AND THE VALLEY OF THE SAUQUOIT; IN BLUE OF THE GREAT REHELLION ; MILLS. FURNACES AND FAC TORIES; CHURCHES AND schools; FREE MA^ONS' ODD \ FELLOWS , GOOD TEMPLARS' AND GRANGER SOCIE- TIES ; MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY, SUPERVI- SORS, &C. ; INCIDENTS, ACCIDENTS AND FIRES ; Anecdotes and Reminiscences. TO WHICH IS ADDED AN ACCOUNT OF THE CEREMONIES ATTENDING THE RE-IMERMENT OF COL. ISAAC PARIS. By henry C. ROGERS. not' ^l ""■ ^°Tr' ?^ '^'^' ''"' '" '^^'^^ '''^'' '^'^^P "^y con^mandments; and remove not the ancient landmarks which thy fathers have set."-SoLOMON. " Set down naught in malice ; or aught extenuate." UTICA, N. Y. : WHITE & FLOYD, PRINTERS, CORNER BROAD AND JOHN STREETS. i88i. .••1^ Sir The author of this book, Henry C. Rogers, was attacked with acute rheumatism the latter part of April, 18S0. The -disease went to his heart and he died the 12th of ' May fol- lowing. He bore his intense sufferings with remarkable patience and fortitude, and in several conversations with his mother during his illness, he expressed his belief in the Saviour, and his happiness in that belief. While he was lying perfectly helpless, with rheumatism, his wife, who had been tenderly caring for him, was suddenly stricken down by heart disease. They leave two children, Harry S. and Louise E., and the proceeds of the sale of this book will be devoted to their benefit. The funeral of Mr^ Rogers was attended by his Brother Masons, at the residence of his father, in Sauquoit, and he sleeps in the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery, on the spot where the primitive forest trees were .felled by his grandfather, Theodore Gilbert, the pioneer. TO HARRIET GILBERT, Youngest daughter of Theodore Gilbert, the Valley Pioneer, wife of Solomon Rogers, born in the " old red house," 'mid the crash and roar of falling forest trees, the mephitic smoke of charcoal pit, and the roaring, crackling blaze of brush heap and fallow, where in childhood's sunny hours, she gleefully sported at " hide and seek" among the stumps of the new- cleared lot, now tastefully laid out in well kept plots and lawns, tenderly enshrined with flowers or deciduous and over- green shrubbery, close-shaved mounds of beautiful green dot the hillside, beneath which, one by one gathered home, sweetly sleep her once gleesome childhood playmates — now the Valley Cemetery. Generations have come and gone ; the wild tangled forest steadily yielding to the sturd}' hand of toil, gave place to villages, grown up beneath her gaze, with clattering mills, busy teeming factories; churches, schools and homesteads. Where the ox-cart slowly creaked along, the shrieking locomotive, in mighty grandeur, now goes thundering by, flanked with a network of wire, flashing in- telligence on lightning borne. In the pleasant evening of life, old age creeping gently on, not yet resigning the active duties so long and well performed, in every walk of life ; in church, neighborhood, sickness, death or the home circle, ever gentle, faithful, kind and cheery; a true type of the American wife and mother — the tenderest and best of mothers — this volume is lovingly inscribed, by her affectionate son, Henry. INTRODUCTORY. Most of the facts and incidents herewith ])resented, were received many years ago from the lips of those old pioneers now all gone before. Many valuable facts have been gleaned from the files of the Utica Herald and the Observer, access to which has been courteously extended. The valuable works of predecessors in this tield of historical lo)e — " Annals of Oneida County," by Judge Pomroy Jones, " History of Oneida County," by Samuel W. Durant, and "Pioneers of Utica," by M. M. Bagg, M. D., — have aided materially. Interesting chap- ters are contributed by Rev. B. F. Willoughby, Rev. Lansing Bailey, Rev. W. Watson, Hon. Lorenzo Rouse and Hon. James W. Seaton. The names of those throughout the town who have cheerfully furnished inlormation and accorded access to family records and documents are legion. If there is any meagerness in the sketches of some few that are known to be early settlers, or manufacturers, it is owing solely to their descendants, in not responding to the request for the necessary data. The venerable Di'. L. Bishop, Daniel Blackman, Daniel Bacon, Squire Albert Barnett, Squire William Gallup, Squire Charles C. Wicks, Solomon Rogers, Julius A. Walkeif^on. Chauncey S. Butler, Hon. Eli Aveiy, James Avery, Gen. Leroy Gates, Col. Isaac L. Addiuojton, George D. Dunham and William Pierce — many of them whose memories run back to the early years of the century — the editor of the Sau quoit Valley Register, H. N. Gilbert, Fulton, N. Y., and Charles C. Curtiss, Hillsdale, Mich., and the officers of the various societies, who have contributed valuable statistics, will each and all hereby accept my warmest thanks. That the reader may find that pleasure in perusing that the writer has derived in collecting, and thus preserving the stirring incidents and interesting reminiscences in the lives of those valiant old pioneers of Paris, is the heartfelt wish of AiTCH Sea Ar. HISTORY OF TOWN OF PARIS. CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY — SOME ERRORS MADE BY THE HISTORIANS CORRECTED. So-called history is often imperfect in facts and details. In writing the history of the Town of Paris, in addition to col- lecting the facts, it becomes necessary to correct some of the statements of previous historians. In Judge Jones' Annals it is recorded, page 297, that Benj. Merrills was an early settler in this vicinity. " He was a soldier in the old French War, and was one of a detachment of five hundred Connecticut troops sent to Havana, on the Island of Cuba, in that contest. It is recorded in its history that such was the unhealthiness of the climate, and the fatality of sickness, that but seventeen of their number lived to return, and of this number was Mr, Merrills." As a matter of history, Benj. Menills was not engaged in the French War, and no record can be found that the United States Govern- ment ever .sent any troops to Cuba. He was a soldiei- of the Revolution, and one of a compan}' of one hundred from Hart- ford, Conn., that was sent to Savannah, Georgia, of whom only two survived to return — Benj. Merrills and one other. Samuel W. Durant's History of Oneida County records on page 505, in regard to Clayville and the Empire Mills: " Mr. HoUister built the mill in 1S4-3-44;. In the latter year. Hon. Henry Clay visited the ])lace and spoke at a meeting held in the factory, the floors having been laid and the balance re- maining unfinished." Of course the above errors were the fault of the parties who furnished the information to the historians. As a matter of history, Heni-y Clay never was inside the Empire Mill, and never vi-sited Clayville but once 10 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PAEIS. during his life, the occasion of his visit being five years thereafter, on the 10th day of September, 1849. During the contest to elect Henry Clay, in ISi-i, a Whig meeting was assembled at Paris Furnace on Wednesday, August 7, and was addressed briefly by David J. Millard, who was followed by Spencer Kellogg, the speaker of the evening. The press records that at the conclusion of his address, " Mr. K. per- formed the ceremony of naming the village Cla^'ville in the happiest manner." Later in the fall, the mass meeting alluded to in the Empire Mill was held, and addressed by the " Buck- eye Oi-ator of Ohio," a Mr. Kellogg, and also a Mr. Halleck. Henry Clay was not there, but at Ashland, from which place the same day he wrote his celebrated letter to the Lexington (Ky.) Observer and Reporter, so widely published. The attempt to change Paris Furnace to Clayville hung fire until the spring of 184-9. After the inauguration of Gen. Zachary Taylor, Wm. H. Barnett, the last Postmaster of Paris Furnace, was removed, and Eason Allen, the first Postmaster of Clay- ville, was appointed in March. 1849. In September following, the great statesman, Henry Clay, on his way to attend the State Fair at Syracuse, stopped over at Utica, Saturday, September 8th, the guest of Frederick Hollister, attended church on Sunday, and on Monday, the 10th, accompanied by leading citizens of Utica, went to Clayville, and, as the guest of D. J. Millard, in a happ}^ speech, thanked the people for naming the village in his h(Mior. From thence, on his return, he went to New Hartford, where he was transferred to the carriage of Walcott & Campbell, visiting New York Mills, and then returned to Utica — his first and only visit to Utica — being five years after the time recorded in the History of Oneida County by Duiant. Hon. Win. Tracy, in his recent address before the Oneida Historical Society, in giving the history of the Methodist Church at Rome, and its dithculties in establishing a steeple to the church, says that, after submitting the question of stee))le or no steeple to the General Conference at Pittsburgh, it was decided " that as the lowest section of the steeple would serve as a belfry and hold a bell to call people to church, that might stand, l:)ut that the ui)per section, not being THE FIRST SETTLER IN THE SAUQUOIT VALLEY. 11 intended for use, but merely for ornament, like other vanities, should be abandoned by sober. Christian people. The judg- ment was submitted and carried out, audit was said that this was the first meeting-house in the land (182G) with a steeple." As a matter of fact, the Methodist Church at Bethelville, (afterwards East Sauquoit,) built in 1801, in the plain, old- fashioned, barn like style, erected a steeple and attached it to their church in front, in the year 1816, ten years before the steeple to the Rome Church was erected. CHAPTER II. THE FIRST SETTLER IN THE SAUQUOIT VALLEY — A BLACK slave's early HOME — HIS FLIGHT FROM THE INDIANS. The great Indian trail, from the Mohawk valley west to Buftalo, left the valley at a point a few miles below where now is Utica, and entering the forest led "over the hill" and on west, crossing the Valley of Sagh-da-que-da, (Sauquoit,) where now is the village of Sauquoit ; thence over Paris Hill, and onward across the Valley of Oriskany, and so on west. It was a favorite route of the Indians, by which they avoided the swampy ground of the trail at Yah-nun-dah sis, ("around the hill,"; now Utica. Many of the early settlers of those valleys went in by this trail, and, as they in time " cut it out" for the passage of their ox teams, it came to be known as the "Old MoA'er Road," taking its name from a Dutchman named Moyer, who kept a tavern in the Mohawk valley at the point where the " trail" left the valley and entered the forest for the West. At an early day, and some years previous to the settlement of Judge White, in 178-i, at the mouth »;f the Sauquoit ; or Abram Van Eps, on the Oriskany, in 1785 ; Moses Foot, at Clinton, 1787 ; Judge Sanger, at New Hartford, 1788; or Major Royce, at Paris Hill, in 1789, a negro slave, servant 12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. of an officer of some passing detachment, en route up the valley, ran away from his servitude, boldly struck out into the forest wilds, taking this trail over the hill, not pausing in his flight until he halted in the forest free as the feathered song- sters that caroled him a welcome in the beautiful valley of the Sauquoit. The Sauquoit Creek and the numerous spring- brooks pouring into it from either hill-side, filled to repletion with speckled trout, was the favoiite fishing giound of the " Six Nations," who from time to time crossed it on the great western trail or followed it up from the point where it de- bouched into the Mohawk, from which point a noted trail led up along its banks, intersecting the great trail at what is now Sauquoit village, thence up the creek, diveriiing into two trails at Cassville, one leading over the bluff ty the head- waters of the Susquehanna (Unadilla there takes its rise) and the other following the creek to its source and thence over the summit to the headwaters of the Chenango at Skan-a- wis, (" long swamp,") now Sangerfield. Our negro pioneer selected his future home at a point west of the creek and south of the great trail near the great elm — destroyed by tempest a year or two since — and not far from the bank of the unfailing spring brook that takes its rise on the western hill- side, at the famous spring on the ohJ William Babliitt farm, (now Mr. Throop's.) At the foot of the little mound — (the old burj'ing gi'ound where some of the Paris pioneers silently and solemnly sleep) — the I'unaway slave struck the first axe (of a settler) in a tree in the great town of VVhitestovvn, after- wards Paris. With great industry and persevei'ance he ere long completed a substantial and comfortable log cal)in, located between the little mound and the present site of ihe ruius of the Franklin factory, and then set to woik vigorously to clear up the land, of which hn had [)ossesseratio Seymour, 209; Washington Hunt, 325; M. Tompkins, 95. 1854— Horatio Seymour, 249 ; *Myron H. Clark, 330 ; G. C. Bronson, 28. 1850 — Amasa J. Pai kei-, 155 ; *John A. King, 503 ; Erastus Brooks, 43. 1858— Amasa J. Parker, 120; *E. D. Morgan, 409 ; L. Bur- I'ows, 14 ; Gerrit Smith, I. 1800— William Kelly, 200; *E. D. Morgan, 515; J.T.Brady, 1 ; William Goodell, 1. 1802 — *Horatio Seymour, 248; Jame^ S. Wadsworth, 482. 1804— Horatio Seymour, 280 ; *R. E. Fenton, 530. 1800— *John T. Hottman, 290; R. E. Fenton. 557. 1808- *John T. Hoffman, 318; John A. Griswold, 515. 1870— *John T. Hoffman, 294; Stewart L. Woodford, 478. 1872 — Fiancis Kernan, 285; *John A. Dix, 479. *Electe(i. 28 HISTORY OF THE TOWX OF PARIS. 1874— *Sainuel J. Tilden, 28-t ; John A. Dix, 407. 1876 — *Lucius Ro^bin.son, 359 ; E. D. Morgan, 485. 1879— Lucius Robinson, 358; *A. B. Cornell, 399; John Kelly, 7 ; Harris Lewis, 5 ; Rev. J. W. Mears, 13. First Governors, (not voted f(M- in town of Paris) 1777, George Clinton ; 1795, John Jay. MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY FROM PARIS. 1798 — Henry McNiel. David Ostrom. 1799,1800, 1801, 1803— David Ostiom. 1805 — Thomas Hart. 1806— Uri Doolittle. 1808, 1809— David Cstrom. 1810— Henry McNiel. 1813— Henry McNiel. 1815 — Jesse Curtiss. 1816 — Martin Hawley. 1819— Henry McNiel. 1822— Uri Doolittle. 1827 — Gardiner Avery. 1835 — William Knight: (Official Canvass) 4,746 votes, William Knight, 1 ; Billy Knight, 1 ; Captain Knight, 1 ; Bill Knight, 1 ; (scattering,) Uncle Joe, 1; Eliza Bowen, 1 ; Mrs. Alvan Stewart, 1; John Mott's dog, l;"Peri,sh Credit," 1; Misses Noah Pi'opper, 1 ; Miss Braymans, 1 ; Old Stephens, 1 ; Delia Williams, 1 ; " Anti Bank," 4 ; " No Bank," 1 ; Little Joi.ny Stryker, 1; Ben Peck, 1 ; Mrs. Phillips, 1 ; Nel Tucker, 2 ; Andrew Jack, 2 ; Martin Van Buren, 2; William L. Marcy, 1; Bill Peckham, 1: The ladies of the Utica mob, (d'ui>! First Judge, 1. 1843— Justus Childs. 1851— Chauncy S. Butler. 1854 — Levi Blakeslee. 1868— Eli Avery. 1871— Martin L. Hungerford. 1876 — James Corbetr. *Elected. SUPERVISORS. 29. 1794 — David Ostroni. 1795 — George W. Kiikland. 1796-97 — Jesse Cuitiss. 1798— Thomas Hart. 1799-1805— Jesse Curtiss. 1800-7 — Isaac Miller. 1808-17— Jesse Curtiss. 1818 — Ebenezer Griffin. 1819— Henry McNiel. 1820-23— Jesse Curtiss. 1824-27 — Othuiel Williams. Tlie act dividiiijo; the town and ^ creating Kirkland was pas.sed April 18, 1827, and a second election was held for Paris, at which Henry McNiel was chosen Supt^rvisor and re-elected in 1828. 1829— Jared P. Todd. " 1830— Henry McNiel. 1831 — Theo[)hilus Steele. 1832 — Jeremiah Knight. J833-3-fc— Jared P. Todd. 1835-37 — Constant H. Wicks. 1838 — Jeremiah Knight. 1839-43— Naaman W. Moore. 1844— George M. Brownell. 1845-49— David J, Millard. 1850-51— Sterling A. Millard. 1852-53— William S. Baillett. 1854-55 — Eli Avery. 1856— William Gallup. 1857 — Justus Childs. 1858-59— Barzilla Budlong. 1860-62 — Harvey Head. 1863-64 — Frederick S. Savage. 1865 — D. J. Millard, who resigned on account of ill-health — = Harvey Head appointed to the vacancy. 1866— Eli Avery. 1867 — Eli C. Green, resigned, and Samuel B. Rhodes, at a special meeting, was elected to the vacancy. 1868-70— Harvey Head. 80 HISTORY OF THE TOWX OF PARIS. 1871-72— Martin L. Hunoerford. 1873-75 — Harvey Head. .187G-77— William F. Mould. 1878— Harvey Head. 1879-80— A. J. Rhodes. CHAPTER VI. PARIS HILL. (p. 0., PARIS.) Paris Hill, called by the Indians Ga-nun-do-glee, signifying- hills shru7ik together, was the first settlement in the town of Paris, Major Amaziah Royce being the pioneer and first set- tler in the town, on the farm now owned and occupied by Colonel Isaac L. Addington, northeast of the village, on the "old Pioneer road." The village is 1,C60 feet above the sea- level, and 1,240 feet above Utica. In the si)ring of 1791, Major Royce, a hero of the Revolu- tion, with axe on his shoulder and knapsack on his back, bidding adieu to his wife, (Mary Wright,) took his line of march from Shaftsbury, Vt., for the wilderness of Central New Yoi'k. In due time, reaching New Hartford, he pushed on up the hill, alone, in the wilderness, and selected his future home near what is now Paris Hill. A few rods east of the present residence of Colonel Addington, beside the little spring, he erected his log-cabin, and, single-handed, com- menced his battle with the forest, and with his gleaming axe felling the mighty trees of the primeval growth, to which, when felled, he applied the torch, burning them up to clear the land, thus making ready to put in his orojis for the com- ing season. During the summer, a Mr. Babcock came in, (about one-half mile west, on the Abram Bartlett farm, after- wards,) and commenced clearing off the land, neither being aware of the other's proximity. One day, the wind blowing favorably from the east, Mr. Babcock, pausing in his work, PARIS HILL. 31 ■distinctly heard the steady, repeated strokes of an axe, borne on the wings of the wind. He immediately started out, with axe over his shoulder, guiding his footsteps by the increasing sound, to ascertain who his unknown neighbor might be. In due time ari-iving, he found the sturdy Major hard at work> who extended a cordial, hearty welcome, glad in the compan- ionship of a new found neighbor. They at once repaired to the cabin, where, in eager conversation and discussino- such hospitality as the Major could tender his guest, the moments sped unheeded away, and to the surprise of both, the dark- ening shades of the forest night settling down, abruptly terminated their visit, and Mr. Babcock started through the woods for his cabin. On the way, and when near the " Dresser pond," in clambering over the trunk of a large fallen tree, he came face to face with a huge she-bear, with two cubs, who at once showed fight, when Mr. Babcock hastil}^ dropping his axe, nimbi}' climbed a tree. Although he was for the time safe, having, with a frontiersman's tact, selected a tree too small for a bear to grasp and climb, still, alone in the woods, night fast approaching, and " treed " b}' a she-bear with cubs, who persisted in keeping guard with angry growls at the foot, was not altogether a pleasant situa- tion, and he did the only thing to do in the emergency — shouted at the top of his voice for Major Royce, whose atten- tion was at length attracted by the continued hallooino-. Arming himself and lighting a torch, he hastil}^ set out, and following the direction of the shouts, before long reached the spot, the bear retreating into the forest at the ap])roach of the flaming torch. At early dawn the next day, they to- gether set out, properly armed, to hunt the bear, but did not succeed in finding her; they, however, were fortunate enough to secure both of the cubs. Mr. Babcock did not permanently locate there, but sold out his "betterments" (not having purchased the land) and set- tled elsewhere. The following year, Major Koyce went back to Vermont and brought forward his wife, and also brought on various seeds, supplies and utensils, and, among other things, two small pigs, for which on his arrival he built a strong log-pen near his log-house, to prutect them from the bears. On two occasions his wile, during his absence, some 32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. distance from the house at his work, defended those pisjs and drove bruin from the pen — once by belaboring him with a larce old fashioned fire-poker, and at another time her weapon being a pitchfork. The Indians were at that early day somewhat troublesome, and on one occasion the Major dis- covered one of the dusky braves in his cornfield helping himself, and, taking a circuitous route, came upon him unex- pectedly, ano gave him a tremendous " thrashing," and he was never again annoyed by them. His wife had lived here six mouths without seeing any of her own sex, when her desire to see a woman was gratified by a visit to their log- house of a squaw, whom she welcomed heartily with a kiss. Amono- the seeds he brought with him were a considerable variety of medicinal plants, which he planted and raised for use in case of need, for in the event of sickness there was no physician in all that section. Many of those plants still, though after the lapse of ninety years, grow among and thrive around the ruins of the old hearthstone of the pioneer. He also, among other things, brought silk-worms and planted mulberry trees, thinking to make their own silk. Of the apple trees which he started, one still stands, like a lone sen- tinel, the oldest apple tree set out by a white man in the town of Paris. He was ver}^ successful in " clearing up" and improving his farm, and in a few j^ears it was looked upon as one of the best farms on " the hill." They had several children born to them in the old log- house near the spring, two of whom died and now lie in unmarked graves in the old orchard. In May, 1806, he sold out his farm to Henry Addington, grandfather of the present occupant, and removed to Westmoreland, where he purchased another farm. Later on, he removed to Marcellus, where he died July 30, 1814, aged 49. His family consisted of six sons: Daniel, William, Hiram, Clark, Charles and Henry; and three daughters : Polly, Betsey and Catharine. Two of the sons alone survive: Clark, in Cleveland, Ohio, and Henry, the youngest, who, hale and hearty, bearing his 73 years lightly, resides in New Hartford. Charles -.^as long and favorably known on the "hill," where he pursued the tan- ning business for man}^ years. lie passed away in the prime of lifu, leaving a wife and family. His widow again married PARIS HILL. 33 ("to William Osborn) and ao^ain widowed, passes her declining years pleasantly with her son, Spencer Royce. The surviv- ing daughter, Mary, wife of Milton R. Hubbard, resides in Buffalo. Williani Royce, the second son of the pioneer, lived for many years at Sauquoit; in early days carrying on a cooper shop, and later, the tannery there. He was born May 19, 1793, and married Mercy, daughter of Hobert Graves, January 4, 1815. Their children were, William Harrison, Eliza, George W., Henry M., Jane E. and George W., 2d, who married Lucy A., daughter of Alpha Smith, the millwright. She died April 16, 1858. Henry M., who carried on the tan- nery for many years at East Sauquoit, married Martha, daughter of George Wadsworth, now both deceased, two chil- dren surviving them : Eugene, residing at New Hartford, and Cornelia M., wife of Julian A. Rogers, of Providence, R. I. After a busy life, prominent in all the various civic, military and educational enterprises of the village, William Royce was gathered to his repose, September 1, 1870, at the advanced age of 77. There survive of his family: his eldest son, William Harrison Royce, a well-known business man of Utica ; a daughter, Jane E., wife of Hon. Martin L. Hunger- ford, also of Utica, and the youngest son, George W., in a western State. Mary Wright, the wife of the Paris pioneer, and the first white woman that made a home in the wilder- ness of Paris, after the death of her husband, came back to the old neighborhood, and married Martin Porter, a widower, whose farm adjoined her old home, and who, coming from Connecticut, settled there in 1792. He has many descend- ants from his first wife, who reside in the " Porter neighbor- hood." They weregathered "home" almost literally together: he, June ICth, she, June 20th, 1843, in the 75th year of her age. Colonel Timothy Tuttle was the first settler at the village proper of Paris Hill. In the year 1788, in company with, twenty families, (Rev. Samuel Kirkland among the number,) he settled at Clinton, on the now " Royce farm," where he built the first frame house in the town. His daughter, Miss Merab Tuttle, was drowned in the Oriskany Creek in the spring of 1788. In crossing the creek on a log extended C 34 HISTOEY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. from shore to shore, when near the center of the creek, she became dizzy and fell into the stream, which was swollen ■into a spring freshet. Her companion, Miss Anna Foot, daughter of Captain Moses Foot, had just previously crossed in safety, and at once gave the alarm, and assistance was promptly on hand, but such was the force of the current that she was swept down stream and under a pile of drift-wood, and when recovered life was extinct. Her sudden and un- timely fate created a profound sensation, and cast a deep gloom over the little community. At the funeral, there being- no clergvman in the frontier settlement. Captain Foot offered the prayer, and Nehemiah Jones, father of Hon. Bomroy Jones, read an appropriate sermon. Her grave was first dug on " the green," but it being thought too wet, she was buried in the south part of the present burying-ground, which was then a part of her father's tarm. The scene of the fatality was a little below the site of the bridge, on the road to the college ; no bridge, however, at that day spanned the stream. Her death was the first among the settlers. Colonel Tuttle, having accepted the position of Land Agent for the sale of land at what was afterward Paris Hill, erected the first framed house and took up his residence there. The house was built on the site, and is a part of the house afterward in 1806 the tavern of Jesse Thomson, and now occupied by Mr. D. C. Addington as a residence, and is opposite the road lead- ing to Clinton. Colonel Tuttle was a prominent man in the early affairs, and one of the first officers chosen at the organi- zation of the town of Paris, at the first town meeting, April 2, 1793. He gave to the village the land that forms the east half of " Paris Green" — other citizens contributing the west half. He was a leading, influential member of old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, F. and A. M., being made a Mason in that Lodge, under the Mastership of Judge Sanger, in 1793. About the year 1803, Eli Moore occupied this building as a store, and until about 1806, when Jesse Thomson converted it into a hotel. Eli Moore was a mason by trade, and in company with Hon. Uri Doolittle, also a mason, built the first brick building in Utica, for J. P.Dorchester, at the lower end of Genesee street, near Bagg's Square. Mr. Moore married a daughter of Mr. Doolittle. His nephew, Leonard Moore, now PARIS HILL. 35 in his 91st year, and residing in Utica, was his clerk in the store, the only other store on the Hill being kept by a Mr. Stanton, father of Daniel Stanton — these two stores being the first on Paris Hill. Leonard Moore was born in Union, Tolland County, Ct., August 28, 1789, and about the year 1800 came with his father to Vernon ; thence soon after engaged with his uncle, Eli Moore, on Paris Hill. Henry Addington, who purchased the " pioneer farm" of Major Royce, and settled thereon in the spring of 1806, was born at Greenwich, Conn., September 18, 1751, and died in the house now on the farm, September 9th, 1834. His son Henry,- who succeeded to the farm, was born in the town of Oyster Bay, Long Island, May 1, 1781, and in the same room in the old house in which his father died, he, too, passed away, September 23, 1863, in the fullness of years, aged 82. At his death the title of the old pioneer farm was vested in his son. Colonel Isaac L. Addington, the present occupant, who was born in the same old house, February 25, 1824'. It is a coincidence that his brother, David C. Addington, born in the same house, now owns and occupies the pioneer frame house on " the hill," erected by Colonel Tuttle. The Major Eoyce farm was in lot ^'l of the seventh division of a patent of 4-7,000 acres, granted to Daniel Coxe, &c., and subject to quit-rents to be paid to the State annually, at the rate of " two shillings and six-pence sterling for one hundred acres." The quit-rents were finally commuted by Henry Addington for the sum of $400, paid into the State Treasury, as per cer- tificate issued to him at Albany, November 18, 1818, and signed by John Eli, Jr., Deputy Comptroller, and Gerritt L. Dox, Treasurer. The commutation was effected in accordance with an act of Legislature tor all such cases. Some of the land in the vicinity of Paris Hill was owned by General George Washington. The deed of the old place of Darius Seovil, in 1804, where he settled, coming from Watertown, Litchfield county, Conn., was from the executors of George Washington's estate. Some years later, Bushrod Washington, (a kinsman,) visited Paris Hill to look after the lands in that vicinity that had fallen to him as legatee of -George Washington. Governor DeWitt Clinton also owned lands in the vicinity, as legatee of his father. 36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. The original deed to Major Royce was given September 15, 1794, and beais the signature of Will Coxe, of the city of Burlington, N. J., and witnessed by Edwin Shippen, Jr., and Jcdediah Sanger. Salmon Hecox, a Revolutionary veteran, born in Barrington, Ct., in 1760, came to Paris in 1796, and settled on the faim now occupied by his grandson, George Hecox, where he died in August, 1826, which was in lot No. 23, Coxe's Patent, seventh grand division. One deed signed and witnessed same as Major Royce's, was issued to him and Martin Porter, November 19, 1798, jointly, they afterwards dividing the land into two farms. Will Coxe was the princi- pal ])roprietor of Coxe's Patent, embiacing 47,000 acres. Benjamin Barnes, Benjamin Bar ncs, Jr., John Humaston, the Simmons brothers, (Aaron, Adams and Abel,) and Stephen Barrett, came in soon after Major Royce. Mr. Bar- rett was one of the town officers chosen at the first town meeting, April 2, 1793. Luther Richards, Fobes and Jona- than Head, Darius Scovil and his sons Isaac, Seabury and Edward, were also early settlers. A post-office was early es- tablished here, the first postmaster, Henry McNiel, being the first town clerk, and was afterwards supervisor and member of Assembly. Samuel Stiles, David, his son, and Peter Selleck were early settlers. Captain Uri Doolittle, Captain Gideon Seymour and Eli Blakeslee were also early settlers and prominent men in town. Captain Doolittle was sent to the Legislature several times. Jesse Thomson came from Connecticut with his brother. Dr. Gurdon Thomson, to Paris Hill in 1806, his son, Jesse E., being -6 years old. He was a farmer and also kept a popular hotel for many years in the first house built on the hill, (by Colonel Tuttle,) where D. C. Addington now resides. His brother. Dr. Gurdon Thomson, was the father of Samuel Thomson, the well-known dry goods merchant in U tica in 1822, whose store was a few doors below the Ontario Branch Bank, and known by the sign of " the green door and brass knocker;" a gigantic gilt knocker being placed on the door of the second story over the entrance. He went to California in the early days of gold excitement, and ■with his wife now resides at Oakland, in that State. Polly Thomson, daughter of Jesse Thomson, married Norman Grid- ley, a brother of the late Judge Gridley, of Utica, and her PARIS HILL. 37 300, Judge Thomson Gridley, now resides in Jackson, Mich. Jesse E Thomson succeeded his father (Jesse) in business and wsis a prominent man at Paris Hill for many years, tiiially removing to Utica about ISiS, where he afterwards died. His jons, Milton, LaMott, Mortimer and Jesse, well-known in Dusiness circles in Utica, and a daughter, Mrs. William Bailey, survive him, as well as his widow, now well advanced in years, who was the daughter of William Babl)itt, a Revo- utionary soldier, who, with his father, Nathaniel, were both in the war, much of the time in or near Boston. Among the first grievances that led to the Revolution was the duty im- posed on tea, which at length culminated in a public meeting, November 29, 1773, which resolved " that the tea should not be landed, that no duty should be paid, and that it should be sent back in the same vessel." Vessel after vessel arrived in the harbor, and finding they could not unload, desired to re- turn with their cargo to England, but G >vernor Hutchinson refused to grant permission for them to pass the castle. The igitation increased, and a large meeting was held December 18, 1773, addressed by Josiah Quincy. In the evening, the question was put, " Do you abide by your former resolution bo prevent the landing of the tea ?" The vote was unani- mous in the affirmative. Application was again made to the Governor for a " pass." After a short delay, his refusal was communicated to the assembly. Instantly a person, dis- guised like an Indian, gave the "war-whoop" from the gallery. At the signal, the people rushed out of the house and hastened to the wharves. About twenty persons, in the dress of Mo- hawks, boarded the vessels, and protected Sy the crowd on shore, bioke open three hundred and forty two chests of tea, and emptied their contents into the ocean. Nathaniel Bab- bit was the hero of the " war-whoop," and one of those twenty " Mohawks" at that celebrated " tea party" that pre- cipitated the Revolution. His son, William, was 17 years old when he enlisted, and thereafter served through the war. In the spring of 1791, he left Middlefield, Ct., with his family, and took his way to the wilderness of Central New York. Arriving at Utica, he was ottered the land now comprising the city and extending well out towards New Hartford, for twentv-five cents per acre, but concluded to go on, and up 38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PAEIS. the Sauquoit valley, where he purchased a farm one-half mile west of Sauquoit, on the "Old Moyer Road," (the Indian trail from the Mohawk to Buffalo,) being the first settler on that road to Paris Hill, paying fifty cents per acre, and thereon erecting a house, commenced his battle with the wilderness. At that time there were but three houses at Paris Hill. He became a prominent man in town, and at the first town meet- ing, at the house of Captain Foot, at Clinton, (then Paris,) held April 2, 1793, was chosen one of the first Assessors. The old farm that he cleared off is now occupied by Mr. Throop^ He had a large family and many descendants, his son, the late Miller Babbitt, being long identified with the growth and business of Waterville ; one daughter married Daniel Prior, a veteran of " 1812," and son of Jesse Prior, a pioneer and Revolutionary soldier; another daughter married Charles Robinson, the old Justice- of the Peace of Sauquoit, and another daughter, Widow Jesse Thomson — verging upon 80 — now of IJtica, is the oidy survivor in this section ; the only surviving son (Curtis) resides in Flat Rock, Ohio. When he settled on the Moyer Road, the nearest grist-mill and the nearest doctor were at Whitestown. Some years after h-e- settled here, his bri>ther, Nathaniel, Jr., came on and settled near Holman Cit}^ but afterwards removed to East Sauquoit, where he kept tavern in the house now occupied by Asher Gallup. One of his sons (George) died many years ago; the other, (Benjamin,) who is remembered as an active, enterpris- ing lad — wlien a mere boy peddling raz )r strops and notions on " training days," or any occasion that called together a crowd — survives Tiim and resides in New York — B. T. Babbitt,, the millionaire soap manufacturer, of world-wide fame, and proprietor of the extensive machine shops at Whitesboro, and the only descendant of a Paris pioneer who has attained to a colossal fortune. October 29, 1831, William Babbitt, hero of the Revolution and a pioneer of Paris, at the ripe age of 75,, after filling well his station in life, folded his arms and went to his rest, now calmly reposing in the old buiying ground on the little mound at West Sauquoit, past which bubbles dancingly down the cleai- running brook flowing from the famous spiing that bursts from the hillside of his old pioneer farm and home. PARIS HILL. 39 Dr. Amos G. Hull was the pioneer physician of Paris Hill. He was a fine physician and one of the best surgeons in the country. He removed to New Hartford, in 1796, and was that year made a Mason in old Amicable Lodge, and was the first physician there. On the organization of the Oneida County Medical Society, in 1806, he was elected its first president. He removed to Utica in 1811. He was the pio- neer manufacturer of hernial trusses in 1817. He was a second time president of the Oneida County Medical Society in 1820, and a permanent member of the State Medical So- ciety. About the year 1821, he removed to New York, and died about 1835, while on a visit in Connecticut. His suc- cessor at Paris Hill was Dr. Sampson, who, about the year 1810, took Dr. Judd in partnership, and in 1812, during the epidemic or tyuhus fever that raged fatally on the Hill, .sold out to Dr. Judd, who practiced for many years, and was suc- ceeded by the late Dr. Larrabee, who practiced there during his lifetime, and at his death was succeeded by Dr. H. E,. Hughes, the present physiciaiL There were two distilleries on the "Hill," one carried on by a Mr. Haywood and the other by Samuel Addingtou, who also carried on a pot-ashery. Other pot-asheries were carried on by Mr. Mott, Southard & Hammond, and John Grandy. Justus and Julius Munson.the Kingsburys, Tompkins, Val Pierce, Isaac Welton, Erastus Weber, Uri Doolittle, Jr., and his son Carlos, John J. Wicks, Leander Richards, Isaac Scovil, Lysander and Harvey Head, John Bailey and William Rich- ards are well remembered farmers south of the Hill ; Anson Hubbard, William Burrett, Seabury Scovil, Abiam Bartlett, the Walkers, Hecoxes, Porters and Seth Smith, (father of John Smith,) Thompsons and Neals, prominent farmers north; also Hon. Levi Blakeslee, member of Assembly in 1855, 1864' and 1867, and the Simmonses, Seymours, Laphams, Paul Bailey and Scoffields near the village, al«o Schuyler Hubbard, deputy sherift and noted detective, and Ralph Head. The late Chester Scoffield being the first male child born there. On the Moyer Road, towards Sauquoit, Tillinghast Simmons and Bei-iah Head, also prominent farmers. Joseph Greenhill kept the tavern on the coiner. George W. Head was a noted mer- chant there for many years and until about 1849. when he 40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. was succeeded by Porter C. Huntley. Daniel Kelley and William Wooden, about that time, were also merchants. D. C. Addington, more recently, and the present merchant and postmaster is William H. Ferris. John Wicks was a sailor, and born in East Hampton, Long Island, April 11, 1764, and married Sally Bartlett, December 17, 1789. When the British took Long Island, he removed to North Guilford, Ct., and from there came to Paris, in 1800. He lived in the old church three weeks, and then located on the old " pioneer road" on the high ground south of the road and opposite the location of Major Royce, where he lived to a good old age, respected by all, dying May 3, 1836. He had seven children. His son, Constant H. Wicks, was a prominent man in town. Justice of the Peace, and several times Supervisor. He finall}^ removed to Clinton, where he died a few years since. He was first elected Supervisor in 1835, with the following (Whig) ticket : For Supervisor, Constant H. Wicks; For Town Clerk, David J. Millard ; For Assessors, Thomas W. Dixon, Horace Bartlett, Caleb Green ; For Overseers of the Poor, John Baily, Jr., Moses Gray ; For Commissioners of Highways, John J. Wicks, Orange Barber, John D. Campbell; For Com- missioners of Common Schools, James M. Gray, Charles C. Wicks, Jeremiah Knight ; For Inspectors of Common Schools, Leveritt Bishop, Rufus Priest, Alonzo Gray; For Constables, Camp Griftin, Joseph Greenhill, Gersham Randall, Hiram Holman ; For Collector, Camp Grifiin; For Justices of the Peace, William Walker, William J. Eager ; For Sealer of Weights and Measures, Jordan Gray. Another son, (John J.,) farmer, and holding various offices in town, resided during his lifetime in the Doolittle neighbor- hood, with the exception of a few years' proprietorship of the Hollister House, (now Murray House,) Clayville, the manage- ment of which he assumed in 1850. The only surviving one of the family' is 'Squire Charles C. Wicks, born in 1811, who resided many years on the old farm, and but recently remov- ing to the village, where he now resides. He has repeatedly been honored by his townsmen, being elected Justice of the Peace and to various other positions. His son, Rev. John B. Wicks, is the present rector of St. Paul's Church, and is educating four Indians of the far-western tribes, in the A BEAR HUNT. 41 Christian religion, tliat they may go back to their tribes as niissionaries. In the olden time the town-meetings were held in the old church on the green, and when the hour for voting arrived, the legal voters were assembled in the church, a table was placed at the door, at which was seated the old Justice of the Peace, 'Squire Asahel Curtis, who, placing his hat on the table, in lieu of a ballot-box, received therein the votes, which were written by the voters and deposited with uncovered head, in the old 'Squire's hat, as they one by one passed out. When the church was thus emptied, the polls closed. Elec- tions were held at six different polling places in town, con- suming three days. First day, morning, at Paris Hollow, (now Cassville,) at Stanley & Marsh's distillery storehouse, about 40 voters; afternoon, Paris Hill, in old church, about 100 voters. Second day, morning, East Sauquoit, Henry Crane's tavern, about 100 voters ; afternoon, West Sauquoit, Savage's tavern, about 100 voters. Third day, morning, school- house, near Babcock Hill, about 30 voters; afternoon, Paris Furnace, (now Clayville,) at Schollard's tavern, (after- wards "Hod" Luce's,; receiving about 50 votes. They then repaired to Deacon Howard's grocery, adjoining his brewery, near the old Paris furnace, and proceeded to count up. Later on, the town-meetings were held in rotation, Paris Hill, Sau- quoit, Clayville and Cassville, and the past few years at Clayville solely. The town is now divided into two election districts, with polling places on election day at Sauquoit and Cassville. 'Squire Charles C. Wicks has been clerk or con- nected with the counting of the ballots and receiving votes at every election for more than forty years. As an incident of the period when New York was a "slave State," Tracy Wilmot traded a merino sheep for a negro slave, who, being afterward freed by the law, went away, but finally came back and died at Paris Hill. A BEAR HUNT. At an early day a bear crossed the green and being discov- ered was hastily pursued by men and dogs, and run to a point near Major Royce's, wheie he was treed. In the haste no 42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. one had taken forethought to bring a gun, so, while the men and boys surrounded the tree to keep bruin up there, Captain Whitney went up to John Wicks' and got his old "queen's arras" musket, which he loaded with " nine buckshot and a ball" — the traditional bear charge — and returning to the tree took deliberate aim and blazed away, when down came the bear badly wounded, but not hors de combat, and old " Bose," the favorite dog of Major Royce, pitched in, but the bear with a stroke of his paw nearly severed his throat, and put him out of the fight, but the Major, flying to the relief of his dog, single-handed, with an axe, dispatched the bear. " Bose" bled profusely, and all supposed he was fatally wounded, but he eventually recovered. The bear was taken in triumph to Colonel Tuttle's tavern, on the Hill, where they held an old- fashioned carousal, day and evening, dressing the bear, divid- ing the spoils, and keeping the flip-iron hot. They were the leading men in town, and such was then the custom, that their revelry excited no .surprise or comment, but such a "spree" now a-days of the leading men in town would " astonish the natives." AN OLD-TIME WOLF HUNT. In the year 1805, a wolf crossed the road between the Hill and Seabury Scovil's place, and led off across the lots, and crossing the Sanoerfield road below the green, and .so on down near the Doolittle neigh boi-hood. He, being discovered, was soon pursued by a number of the villagers on horseback, the snow being very deep at the time, and was finally brought to bay in the woods near the tannery, south of the Hill, (near the Carlos Doolittle place,) where he was shot by Hubbard Howe. Jesse Thomson, who was well mounted on a power- ful horse, took Mr. Howe on horseback behind him, and with the wolf on the horse in front of him, he headed the ])roces- sion for the Hill, followed by Leonard Moore and a large number of others on horseback, who had joined in the chase, and with .shouts of triumphant rejoicing, finally arrived at Stanton's store on the west side of the "green." Arriving here, it was decided that as Mr. Howe had shot the wolf, he should have it, provideil he bought a gallon of New England THE GREAT WOLF HUNT. 43 rum for the part3^ to which he readily consented ; and they all proceeded to make merry in an old-fashioued jollification. Mr. Howe could well afford to " stand treat" liberally, as the bounty for killing a wolf was at that time S60. Samuel Addington was clerk at Stanton's store; was after- ward in the pottery business in Utica, and later on, removed to Buffalo. His son, Charles Addinoton, met with an appall- ing death, in the summer of 184-9, while visitinq; Niagara Falls. At the foot-bri(ige above the cataract he playfully held a little girl of his party over the rushing waters, who, in her fright, struggled from his grasp and fell into the seeth- ing rapids. He plunged in to the rescue, and both were swept over the falls. THE GREAT WOLF HUNT IN THE WINTER OF 1831. A large he-wolf crossed the Genesee turnpike a little west of Dunham's Half- Way House, on Sunday, January 23, 1831. He destroyed for Mr. Abraham Bartlett, of Paris Hill, the same night, eleven fine sheep. He bent his course south, through Paris, Bridgewater and Brookfield, probably for the great Chenango swamp. He was pursued through these towns by the inhabitants, in a very promiscuous and irregu- lar manner, each man for himself, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, when he was wounded through the flank by Mr. Burdick. On Wednesday noon, a party of energetic and high-spirited young men, of Paris Hill, sixteen in number, viz., Julius D. Walker, Abram Bartlett, J. Mabbett Mott, Stephen G. Mott, Cornelius Palmer, Samuel Collins, James Smith, John A. Brooks, Schuyler Hubbard, Charles Royce, Beriah Head, Lewis Babbitt, (Frederick S. Savage and Ste- phen Hull, of Sauquoit,) Cornelius Strong and Welton, combined and formed themselves into a junto, resolving to pursue him until taken. By this party he was headed in a swamp on Beaver Creek, a little north of Bailey's Corners, in Brookfield, Madison County, about sunset. In the evening, they marshaled themselves into regular and well-disciplined small parties, with the best possible understanding of airangements by signs, sounds and gestures. 'At peep of day all were at their posts, assisted particularly by a Mr. Denison, 44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. of Brookfield, by request, to put them on the track where he had left him on the evening before. At about 7 o'clock in the morning, he was shot through the head, at a distance of about seven rods, by Mr. Denison, in the lair where he had lodged during the night. He had destroyed but one sheep in that section. He was then hung up in a sleigh, on a gallows about ten feet high, with a tri-colored llag flying on a pole twenty feet high. As they passed in this manner triumph- antly through the villages of Bridgewater, Paris Furnace, (Clayville,) and Sauquoit, on to Paris Hill, they were greeted with shouts of ap])lause. He was on exhibition for several days at Thomson's Inn, Paris Hill, suspended in the air on a gallows, with the tri-colored flag still flying. ANOTHER WILD ANIMAL KILLED ON BEAVER CREEK. An old hand-bill, printed in 1864, reads as follows: Oo and See the Brookfield Panther. — Mr. John P. Reynolds, of Unadilla Forks, having purchased this celebrateo animal, will exhibit him in this place for a short time. The history of this fine specimen of Panther is in brief as follows: His cry was heard by various persons during the past year on the "Dry Lots" in Paris, and all about the valley of Beaver Creek, in the town of Sangerfield and Brookfield, also on Wharton Creek, in Exeter, and he had killed a large number of sheep i.'i different parts of the country. On the 20th of December, 1864, Mr. Nathan P. Lang- worthy, of Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y., lost three sheep, and attributed it to dogs, and had damages awarded by the town authorities. On the 23d he lost two more from his barn. Following a suspicious looking track he found the Panther under an upturned tree ; it came out, and Mr. L. " made tracks" for some of his neighbors, who went out armed with shot guns and hounds. Mr. H. H. Dennison and Mr. Cheesbnj soon came up to a tree, against which Cheesbro leaned and heard a snarl above. They fired at him twice, when he came down part way and then jumped 30 feet at a leap, made for the Bascom Swamp. The hunters followed him and found him at bay under a tree-top. A Mr. Rams- dell, 16 years of age, came up with his rifle and gave him his death blow. The party fired five shots, three of which took eflect, the last of which was fired by Mr. Ramsdell. It is thought that this same animal carried off a pig be- longing to Mr. Henry Babcock, of Clark ville, a short time ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 45 ago, as he had been seen in the woods near by, and had also been heard upon Mr. B.'s house. Competent judges concur in the belief that he is the largest and finest specimen on exhibition in this State. He measures six feet and six inches in length, weighs one hundred pounds and stands as he was killed. A look at him will convince the most skeptical that he has muscle enough to make him the terr3r of the foi'est. Admission 10 cents. Children under 10 3'ears, 5 cents. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, (EPISCOPAL,) PAPIS HILL. This is the oldest Episcopal Church in the State of New York, west of Johnstown. The matter of establishing the chui'ch was initiated as early as 1795. Upon the arrival of the Blakeslees, in the year 179G, the subject was again agi- tated, and in the fall of that year, on "general training" day^ those present that were Episcopalians, met in an ox-cart and took the preliminary steps for an organization, so soon as ten could be found to constitute the legal number for a vestry. The prime movers in the matter were Captain Uri Doolittle, Captain Gideon Seymour and Eli Blakeslee, Revolutionary veterans. The first formal meeting of members was held February 13, 1797. The following is a copy of the minutes : Paris, February 13, 1797. At a meeting of the members of the Protestant Episcopal order, legally warned and met at the dwelling-house of Selah Seymour, and proceeded according to an act for the relief of the Protestant Epi.scopal Church, in the State of New York, as follows : Firstly, chose Gideon Seymour, Chairman. Secondly, chose Selah Seymour, Clerk of Meeting. [Selah Sevmour was made a Mason in old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, in "1796.] Thirdly, chose Eli Blakeslee, Senior Warden. Fourthly, chose Gideon Seymour, Junior Warden. Fifthly, chose eight Vestrymen, as they stand : Uri Doo- little, Benjamin Graves, Peter Selleck, Epaphroditus Bly, (Bligh,) Selah Seymour, Thomas Stebins, George Harden, Noah Humaston, Silas Judd. Same time voted. That the Monday after Easter Sunday shall be held as a day for election to Church Wardens and Vestrymen. 4G HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Then voted, The uame of the Church shall be styled and called St. Paul's Church, in Herkimer County. Voted to dissolve this meeting the 31st of February, 1797. The following is the record of the second meeting : Met on Monday, 17th April, 1797. Chose Gideon Seymour, Chairman. Chose Selah Sej^mour, Clerk. Firstly, chose Gideon Seymour, Senior Warden. Secondly, chose Eli Blakeslee, Junior Warden. Chose Jonathan Thorn, Uri Doolittle, Thomas Dakin, Benjamin Graves, Thomas Stebins, Abram Bailey, Peter Sel- leck, George Harden, Vestrymen. Chose Thomas Dakin and Eli Blakeslee, clerks to read pub- lic service. Chose Thomas Dakin and Selah Seymour as a committee to settle with Mr. Ellison and Mr. Steele for the services that the}^ have done for us. (Mr. Ellison, familiarly known as the "English Domine," was rector of an Ejiiscopal Cliui'ch in Alban}^; Mr. Steele was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Paris Hill.) Voted, That Thomas Dakin and Selah Seymour .shall fur- nish a Society Book, and be allowed for it by the Society. Then dissolved the meeting, April 17, 1797. Regular services commenced the following Sunday, Eli Blake.slee reading the .service and Selah Seymour the sermon, and no Sunday has gone over since that time that the church has not been opened and service held. The first clergyman that paid them a visit was the Rev. Robert Griffith Wetmore, on the 14th of November, 1797, when he administered the rite of baptism at the houses of Peter Selleck and Uri Doolittle, at which time he baptized Rufus Lock wood Selleck, Jesse Selleck, Drake Selleck, Mary Selleck, Ebenezer Lockwood Selleck and George Selleck. Father Nash visited the parish, December 10, 1798; Rev. Philander Chase, December 16, 1798; and during the next few years, Rev. John Urquhart, Rev. Mr. Thatcher, Rev. Mr. Judd and Rev. Davenport Phelps. In 1809, Rev. Amos G. Baldwin officiated as rector, one-half the time in Utica, and also at Paris and Fairfield, and until 1814. Bishop Moore visited in 1810, and Bishop Hobart in 1812, each confirming a number of persons. In 1814, Rev. William B. Lacey offi- ciated, and Rev. William A. Clark and Rev. Mr. Na.sh in ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 47 L815. In 1817, while the latter was at Paris, $2,000 were ■aised by subscription to build a church, 8475 of which was 'aised by Darius Scovil and his sons, Isaac, Seabur}^ and Edward. Kev. Mr. Huse was here from 1817 and until after 1819. From 1824 to 1828, Rev. Algernon S. Hollister offi- siated. He is remembered as a ver}^ eloquent speaker. He was " made a Mason" in Paris Lodge, No. 34G, December G, 1824, and afterward delivered the address when the}^ cele- brated St. John's Day. During the j^ear 1828, Rev. Orsamus H. Smith, "the first clergyman to devote his undivided atten- tion to the welfare of the parish," began his rectorship, and continued until 1833. The rectors since have been : Revs. Henry Peck, until 1844; Isaac Swart, 1844; John Hughes. 1845; William Baker, 1847-53; M. Northrup, occasional!}^ in 1854; William Atwell, 1854-57; William J. Alger, 1857-68, Rev. John B. Wicks was lay-reader during the latter year and until November, when he was oi'dained, and has since been the rector of the parish, and officiates also at Clayville and Bridgewater. Their first church edifice was erected about 1800, and afterwards used as a dwelling, and finally burned. The pres- ent frame church was erected in 1818, and consecrated by Bishop Hobart, September 20, 1819, who that day confirmed seventy-nine persons. Memorial inscriptions : A marble tablet near the entrance reads : " Erected to the memory of the Founders and First Vestry of St. Paul's Church, Paris. Organized the 13th of February, 1797. Eli Blakeslee, Senior Warden ; Gideon Seymour, Junior Warden ; Vestrymen, Uri Doolittle, Selah Seymour, Benjamin Graves, Thomas Stebins, Peter Selleck, George Harden, Ep'o's Bly, Silas Judd." On the windows are inscribed as follows: " In memoriam : Isaac Scovil, vestryman of the parish 28 years, between 1808 and 1861, and warden from 1844 to 1855. Died December, 1861, aged 81." " In memory of Anson Hubbard. Died December 28, 1863, He was a vestrymen of this church thirty-two yeai's." "In memory of Nabby Hubbard, who died September 11, 1857." "Gift of the family of Charles P. Davis, and in memory of the Rt. Rev. William Heathcote DeLancey, first Bishop of 4,8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Western New York. Born October 8, 1797. Died April 5, 1865." The organ in the church is a very old one, and believed to- be the first one in the county. November 16, 1801, a sub- scription was raised amounting to $4.85, to purchase a bass- viol, but the ancient musician thereof is unknown. OBITUARIES FROM THE PRESS. William Osborn was born in Fairfield, Ct, November 2, 1779; removed to Waterville, N. Y., abcut. 1805, and after- ward to Paris Hill, where he resided until his death, which occurred June 15, 1858, aged 74 years. He has since his childhood been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and for more than forty years a constant attendant at St. Paul's, Paris Hill. . Although living for thirty years a dis- tance of six miles, and a great portion of the year the roads. in very bad condition, the weather or roads were never an obstacle to his attendance at church, unless of quite as formi- dable a character as would be necessary to suspend secular pursuits during the week, and his energy was such that business was never allowed to stop for trifles, and the busi- ness of the Sabbath was to go to church. The faithfulness and energy which characterized Mr. Osborn as a Christian, was exhibited in all the relations of life. He was honest, active, energetic, ever at his post of duty, and his advice might always be relied upon as sound and prudent. His place in the church and in society, it will be difficult to fill. He died in peace, patiently bearing the pangs of an acute disease, and looking forward with holy hope to a joyful resurrection. David Stiles, son of Samuel Stiles, the Revolutionary vet- eran, born in Southbury, Ct., April 11, 1773, came to Paris Hill in 1801, where he lived and died, January 18, 1870, aged 97 years. The last of our pioneer churchmen has passed away. Coming to Paris Hill when thirty years of age, he dwelt among us almost sixty-seven years, knowing the parish in its infancy, and in all the years of its life and growth to the present time. His life was ever an exemplary one — active and faithful when in health, calm and hopeful under FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 49 the great iufirmities of his advanced Sige. For tweuty years his life was heavily burdened, and he rarely left his dwell- ing ; yet, in all the long, weary hours of waiting, " patience did her perfect work." His faith never once grew dim, but brightened as the time drew near the evening of life, and in the blessed hope of a joyful resurrection, he rested from his labor. To our parish wealth in saintl}' living, our venerable brother has contributed a goodly portion ; and for the good example which he sec before us, we yield hearty thanks to our Heavenly Father, feeling that the second Master will bring the living to a blissful reunion with the fathers none before. PARIS RELIGIOUS SOCIETY, (CONGREGATIONAL,) PARIS HILL. This was the first religious society in the town, and was formed of five members : Solomon Wright and his wife Sibil, Timoth}^ Tuttle and his wife Mehitable, and Reuben Fowler, who met at the dwelling-house of Timothy Tuttle on the 29th day of August, 1791. Dr. Jonathan Edwards, pastor of a church in New Haven, Ct., while on a visit to the "frontier settlements," came by appointment and performed the office of moderator, examined their " letters " from the churches whence the}'^ had removed, drew up a confession of faith, church covenant, rules for admission of members, and they oiganized under the style of the "Second Church of Christ in White's Town." (Dr. Edwards, during the same visit, organized churches at Clinton and New Hartford.) The first church edifice was a sniall, barn-like affair, built in 1791 and not finished off" inside. Colonel Tuttle, after a time, pur- chased it and converted it into a barn, and a larger church was erected on the " green," near the west side, with a very tall steeple. The bell in the steeple was brought from Albany in a sleigh by Peter S. Scofield, (who died August 11, 1805 aged 84,) and was the first church bell in town. The church on the green was finally torn down, and a new one erected on the present site, which burned in the fall of 1856, the old bell being destroyed in the conflagration, which lit up the whole surrounding country. The fire department of Utica — so bright was the light — were called out, supposing the fire D 50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. to be on Corn Hill ; not finding it there, the engines pushed on up to Cemetery Hill, from whence they discovered that the fire was on the distant height of Paris Hill. The present church was on the site of the burned one, and also a session- house north of it, which was afterwards enlarged by the Good Templars to a suitable size for the purpose of their meetings. Rev. Eliphalet Steele was the first regular pastor of the soci- ety, coming from Hartford, Ct., and was installed July 15, 1795, and continued its pastor until his death, which occurred October 7, 1817. The table-stone over his grave in the old church burying ground reads : This Monument is erected to the memory of the Rev. Eliphalet Steele, A. M., by his affectionate Church, In testimony of their respect for his talents, and gratitude for his faithful labors in the pastoral office. Watchful and diligent. An impartial inquirer after truth, An able defender of the Christian faith. He was born at Hartford. Conn. June 26, 1742, Graduated at Yale College, 1764, Was ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry at Egremont, Mass., 1770, Dismissed from his pastoral charge in that place, 1794, Installed at Paris, July 15, 1795, Died Oct. 7, 1817, aged 75. The Church in Paris, of which he was the first Pastor, was formed by the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, D. D., in 1791, of 5 members. When Mr. Steele was installed, it consisted of 19, 273 were added during his ministry, and at the time of his decease there were 193 members. FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 51 During Mr. Steele's pastorship, he assisted in formino- •churches at the following places, viz : August, 1795, at Litchfield ; September, 1796, at Hamil- ton ; March. 1797, at Sangerfield ; May, 1797, at Steuben ; June 1-i, 1797, at Paris, " Hanover Society," (now Mar.shall.) This was the third church in Paris. February 19, 1798, a chui'ch was formed out of Paris' first church, at Fish Creek, (Camden,) with eight members ; June 9, 1798, at Bridgewater. 13 members; June 19, 1798, at Norwich Corners, 11 mem- bers, from the churches in Paris, Whitestown and Litchfield; August 23, 1799, second church at Litchfield, 10 membsrs. The church at Paris Hill finally adopted the Presbyterian form of goverumtnt. The last great " revival" took place in 184-9, under the pastorship of the late Rev. S. W. Brace, since which time it has gradually dwindled down to a small mem- bership. Rev. B. F. Willoughby, of Sauquoit, ofiiciatiug as pastor each Sunday afternoon. \/ Rev. Mr. Steele was the author of a book, the title pao-e of which explains its scope, and reads : 52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. FIVE DISCOURSES: CONTAINING A careful inquiry into the nature of the religion God enjoined on the Church under the Old Testament dispensation. BEING An Attempt to Vindicate the Baptism of Infants ON A plan in some respects new. BY THE REV. ELIPHALET STEELE, A'. M., Pastor of the First Church, in the town of Paris, [N. Y.J " He that hatli ears to hear, let him hear." — J(sus Christy " These were more noble than those at Fesalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so."— St. Paul. " Search the Scriptures." — Jesus Christ. SHERBURNE : (Chenango County.) PRINTED BY ABRAHAM ROMYEN, FOR THE AUTHOR. 1805. GOOD TEMPLARS. 53 Although it has gone into history that Rev. Mr. Steele was the first pastor of the church, it is nevertheless well authenti- cated that the Rev. Asahel S. Norton, pastor of the church at ■Clinton, in 1792, and for forty years thereafter, officiated at this, church, as well up to the time of Rev. Mr. Steele's arrival in 1795. GOOD TEMPLARS. Paris Lodge, I. O. G. T., No. 22, was instituted January 29, 1«78. The first ofiicers were, Orson D. Head, W. C. ; Mrs. Carlos Simmons, R. H. S. ; Mrs. W. D. Lapham, L. H. S. ; Mrs. H. M. Rouse, W. V. T. ; H. M. Rouse, W. Sec. ; Miss Marie Bailey, W. A. Sec; John E. Head, W. F. Sec. ; Dr. H. R. Hughes, W. T. ; Fred Simmons, W. Chap. ; George Spicer, P. W. C; Joseph McDermott, W. M. ; Miss Del. Bard, W. D. M. ; Miss Jennie Osborn, W. I. G. ; William R. Alport, W. O. G. ; Colonel Isaac L. Addington, D. Number of charter members, G3. / The Lodge leased the session house of the Presbyterian Oongregational Society for fifteen years, free of rent, on con- dition that they kee\) it in repair and insured, with the privi- lege of putting on the needed addition of 20 feet in length, which cost the Lodge nearly or quite $300, which becomes the property of the Society by reversion at the end of the fifteen years. It is one ol the strongest Lodges in the county in numbers and influence, and has enrolled among its mem- bers many of the best citizens of the place, whose character and zeal has placed them in the front rank in the Order. Although it has not been in existence two years, its present Worthy Chief was elected County Chief at the session of the County Lodge, held at this place, in October, 1879. H. M. Rouse and J. E. Head have held the position of Chief since the first oi'ganization. Present ofiicers: Orson D. Head, W. C. ; Miss Marie Bailey, R. H. S.; Mrs. Charles Tompkins, L. H. S. ; Mrs. I. L. Addiugcon, W. V. T. ; Eliat Simmons, W. Sec. ; Medwill Throop, W. A. Sec; Floyd Throop, W. F. S.; Will- iam Osborn, W. T. ; H. M. Rouse, W. Chap. ; John E. Head, P. W. C. ; Herbert Jones, W. M. ; Miss Jennie Goodwin, W. D. M. ; Mis^ Mary Head, W. I. G. ; Charles Tompkins, W. O. G. ; M. D. Lapham, D. Number of members, December 1, 1879, 104. 54! HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF PARIS HILL. Hon. Lorenzo Rouse, member of Assembly in 1850, 1851 and 1865, who has long resided in the immediate vicinity, writes as follows : My knowledge of the early history of Paris, is, of course, limited as to personal observation, my first acquaintance with it having commenced in the sj)ring of 1816, that is, twenty- seven years after the first settlement wasmader, vrhich was ao Paris Hill and vicinity. The first settlement in the town was in 1789. It was then in the town of VVhitestown, and was the fourth settlement in the county, Whitestown being the first in 1784, Clinton in 1787, Utica in 1788, and Paris in 1789. The first settler at Paris Hill was Major Amaziah Royce ; soon after him came Benjamin Barnes and son, Stephen Barrett, Abel Simmons, Sr., John and Sylvester Butler, Asa Shepard and others who settled near. None of them, however, settled at the present village, but in the vicinity. Tradition says that one of the earliest settlers, if not the earliest, at Paris Hill proper, was Colonol Tuttle, who was quite a land owner on the east side of what is now ' the green." Indeed he gave the east half of the green for a public park, other ))arties giving the west half for the same purpose. Colonel Tuttle built the first framed house, which I recollect as standing in the rear and attached to the house now owned bj" D. C. Addington. It was two low stories in height and was painted yellow. The present front part of that house was built afterward, and for several years was oc- cupied Vty Jesse Thomson (father of the late Jesse E. Thom- son, of Utica,) as a tavern. Tradition further says that in Colonel Tuttle's day a large pine tree was standing in the upper part of the park or green. The Colonel caught and tamed a young bear, which he used to pet very much. When winter came on the bear disappeared, and the Colonel felt the loss deeply — was inclined to think some one had shot or stolen it — but on a sunny day in March, the beai- was discovered cc'ming out of a hole in that pine ti'ee, and he returned to his master, who was greatly lejoiced thereat; he had been hibernating. The first church, erected in 1791, was a plain, barn like looking structure, innocent of paint, and in fact never was- finished off* inside. After its erection settlers began to come in raj)idly, and Colonel Tuttle persuaded the people to sell the building to him, and to build laiger, both of which they did.. He then removed the first building to the rear of his house, and converted it into a barn. The new church was located EARLY RECOLLECTIONS. 55 near the centre of the g-reen, nearest the west side, and was reasonably capacious. It had a hig-h steeple and a bell, and the inside was arranged with square pews, with doors, like so many shee])-pens, a portion of the congregation sitting with their backs to the minister. It had a very high pulpit, nearly on a level with the galleries, and had a large sounding-board, as it was called, suspended over the head of the minister. The pulpit, when I first saw it, was occupied by the Kev. Eliphalet Steele,* who was its only pastor up to his death, in 1816. The tall spire was taken down in that or the following- vear, and materially shortened. The old edifice stood till 1832, when it was taken down and the materials u.sed in building a new one, located on the spot where the present Presbyterian Church stands. That church was subsequently burned (in the fall of 1856) through carlessness, and the pres- ent one erected. The Episcopal Church was erected in 1797. That, too, was a very plain structure, and unpainted. In 1818, it was removed to the west of the chui'ch lot, and the present structure was erected. Val Pierce was the builder, assisted by his brother; also Roderick White and others. Russel Brooks, Eli Gilbert and the Saxton boys did the plas- tering. The old structure, after its removal, was fitted up and occupied (with some additions) by Rev. William R. Weeks, as a residence and school building, Afterwards, Chester Cook bought it and occupied a part as a dwelling and the rest as a saddle-harness shop. It subsequently took fire and burned. The Methodist Church stood on the road going towards Clinton, east of the present burial-ground. It had a gpod congregation when I first knew it; had its regular .services by a circuit-preachei', and had a number of zealous members. The society afterwards became extinct, and the church was taken down about 1850. I have stated that Paris was originally included in the town of Whitestown, then a part of Herkimer CJounty. In 1792, the town of Paris was organized as a separate town, and included not only Kirkland and Marshall, but also the present towns of Sangerfield, Brookfield, Hamilton, Caze- novia and Sherburne. These five latter towns were taken off in 1795, and Kirkland, inchidiug Marshall, in 1827, leaving the town of Paris with nearly its present boundaries^ the only change being the addition of a narrow strip from Kirk- land, in 1839, to acconmiodate a few individuals. Paris Hill, as we have seen, was the thii-d or fouith settle- ment in order of time in the original town of Whitestown, and being the farthest south was generally known as the *Asahel Norton was the first minister. — [Ed. oG HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. " South Settlement." Wheu the present village began to manifest itself, it was known as " Shax's Borough," but after anew town had been organized and named Paris, it gradually assumed its present name of Paris Hill. Wheu I first saw the place, nearl}' sixty-two years ago, and for a tew years after, it \va,s a more iaiportaut point than at present, and a place of much more business. It had three churches, two taverns, (as they were then called,) two stores, two blacksmith shops, two saddle-harness shops, several carpenters' and shoe- makers' shops, one wagon shop, one spinning-wheel maker's shop, two tailor shops, two asheries or potash establishments, and two cooper sho[)s for the making of barrels, to be used for pork, cider, potash, and for whisky, the latter being man- ufactured on the premises recently occupied by Mr. Van Valkenberg. The whisky was mainly sold to the farmers in the vicinity at from tweuty-tive to thirty cents per gallon. No doubt there were other manufacturers' shops not recol- lected, but Chester Cook's silver-plating shop must not be overlooked. A turnpike running through the village for some years, connected the place, and all south and southwest of it, as far as Oxford, with Utica, by means of intersecting the Seneca turnpike at New Hartford. A toll-gate stood a little north of the Episcopal Church. The turnpike not prov- iug a profitable investment, soon shared a fate similar to that of the plank-road, which succeeded at a more modern date, (1849,) and was abandoned, to the stockholders' loss. A. grist- mill was standing when I first knew the place, on the east side of the road, opposite a portion of the Episcopal cemeterj'. It was originally intended to be operated ,by horse-power, the horses to travel on the inner circumference of a large wheel, nearly or quite thirty feet in diameter. This wheel revolved with an axle, or shaft, which furnished the water-power to the machinery. The builder of this novel grist-mill was a Mr. Simister. The working of it proved too destructive to horseflesh to be profitable, and it was therefore abandoned. Subsequently an attempt was made to utilize the building b}' putting in a steam appaiatus, but as the construction of stationary steam engines was then but little understood, that plan was also abandoned, and the building was demolished about 1820. At the lower end of the green, within the line of the road leading to Bridgewater, was a public well, fur- nishing at all seasons a good supply of pure water to all who chose to use it. About the year 18-t(), the bottom seemed to drop out, and it contained no water afterward. Probabl3^the water had found a fissure in the limestone rock in which the well was dug, and escaped in that way. It then became use- ful as a sink-hole or drain to carry off in a wet time all the EARLY RECOLLECTIONS. 57 surplus water from the lower part of the green. Finally, it Decaine clogged and useless for that purpose, and was closed ip. Sixty years ago the green was very convenient as a ■>arade ground, two, and sometimes three military companies nustering on it for parade and inspection at the same time — isually the tirst Monday in June, the 4th of July and the irst Monday in September. The two or three companies strove to outdo each other m the precision and skill of their evolutions In some ca.ses a battalion, consisting of six or seven companies, assembled there. In one instance, at least, ,he whole regiment met there in September for general train- ng, as it was called. Samuel Comstock, afterwards General 2!omstock, of Clinton, was then Adjutant, and his orders in giving commands were heard very distinctly at a distance of jwo miles. Such occasions were then — .so soon after the war if 1812 — occasions of much interest, and called out crowds of oeople. This gave peddlers of gingerbread, crackers, maple sugar, cookies, small beer and cider, a good opportunity to ply :.heir vocations, and the old church on the green gave a very acceptable shade to them and to their customers if the day cvas sunny; and also to the old Revolutionary soldiers, who would there assemble together to recount to each other, and to a iircle of interested listeners, their several perilous adventures ind hair-breadth escapes in, the times that" tried men's souls." Among the prominent individuals residing in the village at that time may be mentioned General Henry McNiel, ex-judge md the member of As.sembly; Elnathan Judd, M. D., the leading physician of the place ; Theophilus Steele, Esq., the Town Cleric ; Samuel H Addington, merchant and Justice of the Peace, and Martin Hawley, landlord and land-owner. E.^squire Addington's store was then the building on the west side of the green, with a brick front; now.converted into a blacksmith shop. It was previously occupied as a store by Stanton & Hawley. The house north of it, on the corner, was occupied by Major Hawle}^ and was used as a hotel or tavern. A curbed well was directly in front of it, in what is now used as a travele-:' roadway. Other prominent citizens in the vicinity of the village, but not in it, were Captain John Wicks, John Strong, E[)hraim Walker, Timothy Hop- kins, Deacon Bailey, Adam and Abel Simmons, Captain Ebenezer and Esquire Charles Smith, Esquire Uri Doolittle, David Stiles, Fobes Head, Jonathan Head, Abiel Saxton, Luther Richards, and several others. The succeeding mer- chants at Paris Hill were Haywood & Blair Steele \: Wicks, Tompkins & Doolittle, Mott & Reynolds, Audi-ew Mills and Jesse E. Thomson. General McNiel was postmaster from time immemorial, but always had the business done by a dep- 58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. uty — usualh^ a merchant or inn-keeper. He was removed about 1830, under Jack.son's aus a pursuit, and with his family of ten children try his brtunes in a new country, choosing the occupation of gar- lening. His house and garden were situated at the lower Hid of Genesee street, below Post's. Here he died April 5, L813, in his 62d year — his wife surviving him but four days. 3is daughter Susan married Abner Brownell, the pioneer [uanufacturer. Of his six sons, George, Levi, Stephen, Horace, Jalvin E. and David O., one alone survives, the venerable Oalvio E. Macomber, now in his 88th year, with his aged wife residing in the old Presbj^terian parsonage at West Sau- [{uoit. He was born in Taunton, Mass., January 15, 1793, and came with his father to Utica in 1798. He married Lucinda Merris, September 24, 1827. He resided some years in Fredonia, Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he was made a Mason in 1816, but most of the time he has resided at Sau- quoit. For many years he was the " commercial traveler" for Benjamin Brandreth, the millionaire pill manufacturer, recently deceased. About the year 1850, he " bought out" the store of Davis & Day, at West Sauquoit, and carried on the mercantile business a few years. He has been a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, and, April 2, ISH, was elected Elder, which office he still holds. He was one of the original eleven charter members of Sauquoit Lodge, F. and A. M., (the only other survivor being Dr. L. Bishop,) and was Master of the Lodge in 1853; since which time he has been Chaplain. His wife, Lucinda Merris, was born April 25, 1804, and they have lived together more than half a century. The family la}^ claim to have descended from one of the com- (34* HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. pany that came over in the Mayflower, and cherish as a sacred relic a ring bearing the name of Mary Standish. Horace, the fourth son, lived for many years at Willowvale, where he died a few years since. David 0., the youngest, died more recently in Europe. George, the eldest, who purchased the old pioneer Shepard farm in 1829, lived there the remainder of his life, much respected by his townsmen, a thorough gentleman of the " old school," and went to his rest a few years since. Some cf his sons went to California during the early gold excitement, where they still reside. His daughter Caroline, mairied to ex-Senator Hon. S. S. Lowery, resides at Utica, while two other daughters reside at the old homestead with the youngest son, Wirt Macomber, who, at his father's death, succeeded to the old pioneer farm of Asa Shepard. A BEAR HUNT. This farm was the scene of the last bear hunt in the valley. George W. Mosher, a son of Josiah Moi^her, the old Revo- lutionary soldier, who settled in about one-half mile north of the Shepard farm, started a bear on their lot, who led off in this direction pursued by him and his dogs. The Shepard boys and others joined in the chase, and at a point up the brook, southwest of the Shepard house, the bear took refuge in a thick clump of young hemlocks, where he was soon sur- rounded and brought to bay. The dogs dashed in, and before lono- drove him out of his cover, near the spot where one of the hunters was on guard, loaded gun in hand, but so sudden was the rush of the bear that the hunter, astonished at the sudden onslaught, forgot to fire his gun, and instead, clubbing it dealt the bear a stroke over the head, thus disabling his crun, and the bear, momentarily stunned, but recovering almost instantly, made a rush at his opponent, who turned and fled. The others, fortunately close at hand, poured a volley at short rano-e into the shaggy brute that proved fatal, much to the relief ol the pursued and thoroughly frightened hunter with his disabled and useless gun. Thus ended the last bear hunt in the valley. John and Sylvester Butler continued working together, clearing off their portion of the original tract, for six years THREE YOUNG PIONEERS. 65 and until about 1795, and had each erected frame houses just alike — -Sylvester the house where Charles K. Garlick now re- sides and John beyond the Shepard place, up the western hill- side, where Mr. Marker now lives, when their father, Eli Butler, paid them a visit and divided the land, giving a deed to each for their portion. He was so much pleased with the Sauquoit valley that upon his return he at once sold out his valuable farm in Middletown, Ct., and with farming utensils and sup|>]ies in a train of eight yoke of oxen, came on to New Hartford, where he purchased the beautiful farm south of the village, now known as the Morgan Butler farm, where he lived and died. He was a prominent man there, and the year of his arrival, 1795, became a member of old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, F. and A. M., of which Judge Sanger was then Master. Eli Butler was born in Middletown, Ct., in 1741, and mar- ried Rachel Stocking. Their children were, A.shbel, Sylves- ter, Lucy, John, Rachel, Patty, Chloe, Sally, P'^rse}^ Clara and Eli, Jr. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and a Captain in the Cavalry. He died at New Hartford, April 19, 1802, aged 61, his wife surviving him three years, and de- parted her life September 1, 1805, aged 61 years. Their son, Sylvester Butler, died in 1805, aged 38 years. John Butler, born March 28, 1769, was married to Hannah Todd, of Wallingford, Ct., March 12, 1797, and in time erected the house where James Eiffe now resides, where he ever afterwards lived. On the little spring-bi'ook near by, he built a distillery which he carried on successfully for many years. The old distillery building, now converted into a barn, stands in the lot east of the present homestead barns. He also carried on his farm extensively and was a prominent man in the town during life. He was one of the original stockholders of the old Quaker factory. He was one of the first trustees of the Presbyterian Church at West Sauquoit at its organization, January 8, 1810, with Joseph Howard and Eliphalet Sweeting, who composed the board. Gardner Avery was chairman of the meeting and James Dixson was the clerk. He was identified with the society durino- his lifetime and took an active part in all the educational and industrial projects during the growth of the village. OG HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARISi His children were, Eliza, John, Milton, Chauncey S., Ami T., Alanson A., Lucy M., Julia, Henrietta and George H. At the advanced age of 82, John Butler, the last survivor of the three pioneer lads who built their cabin in the shade of the historic elm, after a well spent life, honored and re- spected by all, went to his rest. May 16, 1851. His wife sur- vived him five years, enteiing into rest April 23, 1856, at the age of 82. Three of their sons survive : Hon. Chauncy S, Butler, of West Sauquoit, Ami T.. who resides at East Sauquoit, and George H. Butler, of Richfield Springs. John Milton Butler was an early merchant at East Sauquoit, and erected the house, afterwards the residence of Dea. Cu)'- tiss. He died May 6, 1824. Eliza Butler, who was born January 17, 1798, married William W. Hickox, who was also a merchant at East Sauquoit, and a partner of Hobart Gi'aves, Jr. He died August 21, 1871, aged 74. Alanson A. Butler was born February 16, 1808, and married Mar}' A. Mosher, daughter of Abel Mosher, by whom he had two children : Henry A., (deceased) and Julia A., wife of E. Z. Wright, of Utica. His wife died April 11, 1838, aged 28. In March, 1841, he married Sally, daughter of John Chadwick, by whom he had one son, George.' Alanson A. Butler resided in the i "old red pioneer house" (now Markee's) during his lifetime, and was a model farmer, active and energetic, and a great favorite in the community, beloved by all, and died in the prime of life, September 21, 1851, aged 43. His widow sur- vives him, residing with her son George, at Willowvale. Hon. Chauncey S. Butler has always resided in Sauquoit; a prominent man in business and society ; in early life a sur- veyor; was Colonel of the old Cavalry regiment, and mem- ber of Assembly in 1852. He married Betsey, daughter of Abel Mosher, May 0, 1826, who died March 29, 1836, aged 32, leaving three children, who survive, residing in Utica: John Milton Butler, the banker, Charles A., of the firm of Hoyt & Butler, and Elizabeth, wife of P. V. Rogers, the banker. October 3, 1844, he married Julia Sherrill, of New Hartford, who died August, 1878, by whom he had a daughter, J. Henrietta, who survies. The road that leaves the village a few rods north of the old Savage stand and intersects the Oxford turnpike north of THREE YOUNG PIONEERS. 67 Paris Hill, may well be called the " pioneer road," six of the first settlers having located thereon, and all but one remain- ing as founders of the town. As the hillside is ascended, first Sylvester Butler, then Asa Shepard, then John Butler. On the summit of the hill in the woods may be seen on the north side of the road a clearing, cut out by a Mr. Hinman, at that early day, but soon after abandoned ; next beyond and through the woods on the north side of the road is the old homestead of Major Royce, the first settler of the town, and on the south side of the road opposite, is the old home- stead of John Wicks. Many of the old historical trees of the town have been cut down, but the magnificent elm on the south side of this road, a little west of the old homestead of Sylvester Butler, (now Garlick's) still proudly rears it head, thus far having escaped the hand of vandalism, and withstood the storms of a ceatury. May it long wave — a landmark to mark the spot where the three pioneer lad<, John an 1 Syl- vester Butler and Asa Shepard built their cabin in the winter of 1789-90. Many of the old pioneer farms have passed out of the old families, and not a few are now occupied by foreigners who have settled in within a few years, principally Welsh, Irish, and some Germans, The Sylvester Butler farm became the home of Joseph Garlick, who came from England many years ago, and dying a few years since after a long life of useful- ness; the farm is now occupied by his grandson, Charles K. Garlick, while his sou Thomas occupies the Henry Crane farm at East Sauquoit, where he has erected an extensive • cheese factory. Hugh Garlick, (a brother of Joseph) the old stone mason, purchased the John Chadwick farm on Coe's Hill, feast of the Simeon Coe farm) where he lived and died, his son-in-law, Geoige Moyer, succeeding to the farm. The John Butler farm is owned and occupied by James Eitfe, who came from Ireland to the Sauquoit valley in 1848, working at first for Orange Barber, above Clay ville, He afterwards lived some years near Clinton, and finally a few years since pur- chased the John Butler fai-m. Other emigrants from the " Emerald Isle" came in about that time and settled in Paris, and became permanent citizens identified with the industries -and improvements of the town of their adopted homes. Pat- 68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. rick Sullivan, the well remembered blacksmith, came in 184i2 : Larry Gag-en in 184'0 ; Thomas Collins and William Lynch in. 1847; James Brannigan and John Fletcher in 184)8; John and Michael Dempsey, the former in 18-i6, now residing on the Dr. Spaulding Pierce faim, and the latter in 1848; aad soon after many others. Michael McCabe, from Ireland, came later, and purchased the old Budlong farm, (originally the pioneer farm of Squire Griffin) north of East Sauquoit, and has since purchased the pioneer farm adjoining him on the north, (in New Hartford) owned first by Henry Crane, Sr., then Asa Shepard, Abner Brownell, " Barefoot" Randall, and lately known as the Cloyes farm, the house built by Crane being destroyed by fire a few months since, and rendered notorious as the scene of the mysterious Quinn murder. Many Welsh settlers occupy the pioneer farms in the south- west part of the town near Tassel Hill, all thrifty, industrious farmers and valuable citizens. Francis and William Bowers and Charles Marker, Germans, each occupy farms on the old pioneer road embraced in the original purchase of Butler and Shepard, and William Shepard, (English) also in the same purchase, whose farm is on the cross-road north of James Eifi'e's. Mr. Bray (Irish) occupies the east portion of the old pioneer farm of William Babbitt, adjoining Crawford Throop's on the old Moyer road. CHAPTER VIII. SETTLING SAUQUOIT — THEODORE GILBERT, THE VALLEY PIONEER. In the winter of 1789-90, Theodore Gilbert, Sr., with his wife, Hannah Chapin, each in the 39th 3'^ear of their age, with their five daughters, the eldest 18, the youngest an infant and with two of their three sons — mere lads — entered a sleigh behind a span of fine-bred, iron-gray horses, and drove SETTLING SAUQUOIT. 69 •out of the old town of Hartford, Ct., and bade adieu to home ^nd friends, tlieir destination being the "far West," the wil- derness of then Herkimer County, N. Y., their futui-e selected home being the valley of the Sauquoit. Their route, after crossing the Hudson River on the ice at Albany., lay up the Mohawk valley through the settled towns to the German JFlats, thence " over the hill " to the Sauquoit, through the primitive forest. Following the old Indian trail and the " blazed" trees, they ai-rived at last, early in March, and went into camp at a point about three-eighths of a mile south of the present location of the Presbyterian Church in West Sauquoit, at that time a dense wilderness. The father and his two sons, Titus and AUyn, at once commenced the erec- tion of a log-house, opposite where was afterward erected the JBurning Spring Hotel, The Burning Spring on his lot was ■discovered bj' Mr. Gilbert a few days after his arrival, and by inverting a funnel over the spring, he ignited the gas at the small orifice. The analysis of this water is almost iden- tical with the Richfield Spring. Theodore, the other son, a sturdy lad just entering his "teens," followed them with a yoke of oxen and a sleigh con- tainincj the household goods and the rude agricultural tools and implements, and with the assistance of a hired man, who, from his age and experience, was entrusted with the neces- sary funds to defray expenses, driving before them a small hei-d of cai-efully selected young cattle, the promise of a future daii3\ The magnitude of this undertaking can be appreciated when is considered the tendency of cattle driven through an old, settled, well-fenced country to dash wildly through every open gateway, and into every crossroad, while at the best much of this, their route, lay through a new countiy not much fenced, and the latter part of the route entirely through a dense wilderness, guided by a trail and " blazed" trees alone. Td add to the difficulties of young Theodore, the trusted hired man turned out to be a dissolute fellow, who drank and gambled at the " settlements," wasting valuable time, and the money was all expended long before reaching the German Flats. Much anxiety prevailed among the arrived poition of the family as day after day passed away beyond the time of the looked-for arrival of the young 70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. i drover, who at length, to the great joy and relief of all, putJ ! in an appearance safe and sound, without the loss ot a hoof. Ex])lanations followed, upon which the indignant head of the family promptly discharged the much-needed but faithless hired man, who thereupon struck a bee-liue back to the settlements. \ The pioneer of the valley, Theodore Gilbert, with the aid of his three boys, soon erected a comfortable shelter for the first family m the valley, (if not in the town.) and also for the first herd of cattle and span of horses. The only log- house other than his, erected the same year by Phineas Kel- logg some half mile north of the j)resent village, was before long abandoned by Mr. Kellogg, who concluded to settle in Bridgewater. The battle of life in the wilderness was fully inaugurated, the land cleared up, and as other settlers came in around them year after year, the need of a grist mill became apparent, for they were foiced to carry their corn to Clinton to be ground. Titus, the eldest son, a millwright by trade, as soon as praticable commenced the erection of a mill at the foot of the hill, near where is now the railroad cross- ing at Graham's upper paper mill, and wdth the assistance of D. Sheldon Marsh, a millwright just then arrived from Mid- dletown, Ct., the first grist mill on the stream using burr- stones was in due time completed and put in operation by Titus — in company with a Mr. Norton, a miller — who, how- ever, was not destined to Idng enjoy the fruit of his skill and ingenuity, as he died August 12, 1803, leaving a wife and four boys, Hiiam, Andrus, Grove and Titus, Jr. The old mill was destroyed by fire in 1837, and the new one erected on the site is now silent and falling into decay. His widow married Asa Shepard, who, in 1813, erected the house at the top of the hill, where the road to the mill turns off from the main road, and has since been altered and beautified ; but perhaps the most striking feature of that old homestead are the two magnificent elms set out b^' the lads Hiram and Andrus some seventy years ago. D. Sheldon Marsh, the veteran millwright, who married Lydia, one of the five daughters who came in the sleigh in 1790, constructed or assisted in the building of most of the water-wheels on the stream, his last work being the con- SETTLING SAUQUOIT. 71 structioii of the wheels at the erection of S. A. Millard's scj^the works at Clayville, soon after which, with his aged wife, he removed to Penn Yau, N. Y., to pass the evening of life with their daughter, Mrs. A. F. Oliver. Mrs. Lydia Marsh survived her husband, and died March 29, 1860, aged 77 years. Concerning her death, the Penn Yau paper says : " The deceased was a native of Hartford, Ct., and while a child, (seven years old,) in 1790, she accompanied her father's family to the county of Oneida, in this State, and located at the place since known as the village of Sauquoit. Here she waded through the trials and difficulties incident to a new country. Here she became the wife of the excellent D. Sheldon Marsh, Sr., and the mother of Mrs. Oliver and the late and lamented Daniel S. Marsh, Jr. Her two children having become residents of the place, the parents were drawn hither some years ago. Mrs. Marsh saw both her husband and .son laid away in our village cemeter3',and now at a good old age her remains ai'e deposited by their side, in the assured hope of a glorious resui'rection. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for forty years, and lived and died a Christian." Old Father Gilbert was a consistent Christian and church- member, and with his family, in those early days, and before the erection of the chui-ch at Sauquoit, regularly attended service at Norwich Corners; but like most of those early set- tlers, in the arduous labor incident to cleai'ing oif the forests, and bringing the soil into tillable con(^lition, found it neces- sary to call to his aid more or less of good old New England rum. He perhaps enlarged on the custom somewhat ; at all events, the good old brothers of the church deemed it their duty to counsel with him in as delicate a manner as possible, and to that end appointed Brother John Howard, the father of Deacon Joseph Howard, as the most adroit diplomat for the interview. Bi'other Gilbert got wind of the affair, and when he saw approaching his house, across lots, the worth}'^ inter- viewer dres.sed up in his Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes, knew that the crisis was at hand. His tirst impulse was to fortify himself; hence he thrust the fiii)-iron into the glowing coals of the open fire-place, and set at once to comiwunding the coial and then favorite beverage, a mug of flip, composed of 72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. beer, mm and suoar — sometimes an egg — in certain propor- tions, into which, when united, the heated flip-iron was plunged, hissing, scorching and bubbling up with a steaming aroma, calculated to gladden the heart ; the custom being to drink while hot, in turn, from the mug. To pour it out into cups was against the tradition, and ruined the flavor, besides the iJrinking from the same nmg was a strong bond of good fellowship. Good flip requires beer as an ingredient, but not too much of it. The early settlers for a long time were greatly distressed for want of this flip requisite, until Deacon Joseph Howard came to the relief, and solved the difticulty by erecting a brewery near the old Paris Furnace, and nearly opposite the present location of the Presbyterian Church at Clayville, and those old pioneers were made happy. Father Howard at length arrived at Brother Gilbert's on his temper- ance mission, and was ushered in just in the nick of time ; the hot iron was at that very instant taking the bath of the mug. Hospitality required the invitation to the guest to join, while the keen, cold autumn afternoon's walk furni-shed a plausible excuse for accepting. The flip was pronounced excellent, but Brother Gilbert thought he could make another even Letter, and under a running Are of conversation shrewdly avoiding any lead towards the expected subject^ another mug was soon steaming between them, and voted by Brother Howaid the best yet, (there was very little beer in that one.) Brother Gilbert prudently denied himself and drank light, and as mug after mug disappeared, so did the recollection of the prime object of the call, and the "commit- tee rose" and was a.ssisted home without coming to the point. In his report to the Church, he declared that he had [)er- formed the duty assigned him, and " Brother Gilbert had made everything satisfactory." The particulars, however, of this first tem)terance movement in the valley finall}^ leaked out. As a salve to the feelings of the worthy descendants of those two pioneer bon-vivants, and that the descendants of others of that period may not take on any airs, it is proper to record that their case was by no means exceptional. The day-book before me of Judge James Orton, who kept the store and tavern on the site of the present hotel, at West SETTLING SAUQIIOIT. 73 Sauquoit, covering the years of 1806 to 1808, contain on each page, charges to sixteen to eighteen of those early settlers, at least twelve of which, on an average, are for " tire- water" of some description. On the particular page now opened to at random there are fifteen charges to different individuals of the old first families, fourteen of which contain either brandy, rum or rectified whisky. The one bright exception on the page (buying simply harndess groceries) was Asa Shepard, the distiller, who made the whisky for them and of course had an abundance at home. With advancing age, brother G_ spent part of his time with a married daughter in Oswego County, where, in one of his visits, the old pioneer and hero of the Revolution passed away, August 11, 1826, in the 75th year of age. His surviving sons, Theodore a.-id Allyn, were farmers and dain builders, constructing many of the numer- ous dams on the stream. Allyn finally went to Oswego County, and died in 1842, aged 61 years; Theodore remained in Sauquoit during life. His farm, which he located and " cleared off," was situated at the head of the valley, between the Holman City branch and the main Sauquoit Creek, on the high ground or foot hill, behind which the towering pin- nacles terminate the broad part of the valley, and is now the ground of the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery, from which a fine view of the valley and the distant highlands of Marcy and Floyd is obtained. He commenced clearing off a site for, and erected his house in 1800, into which, (" the old red house") with his wife and infant child, Fanny, he moved in 1801. The house was located near the entrance to the cemetery, about half between the highway and the receiving vault. He was married September 8, 1800, to Betsey Cale, who came from Middletown, Ct., in 1799, with her relative, D. Sheldon Marsh. Her father was a bold and skillful mariner, captain and owner of his ship. She was early orphaned, and in a thrilling manner. Captain Cale had sailed a ship many years, was a thorough seaman and a kind hearted Christian, but entertained an unconcealed contempt for the super- stitious notions of sailors, especially their belief that Friday was an unlucky day, fraught with peril to those who com- mence on that day any great undertaking. To demonstrate the absurdity of such an idea, he built a new and staunch 74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. ship of the most approved model, laid the keel on Friday, launched her on Friday, named her Friday, took in both cargo and ship's stores on Friday, and to cap the climax, tripped anchor and set sail on Friday. Many of the sailors, and all of their wives and sweet- hearts, had great misgivings regarding the matter, but their great confidence in the proven skill and ability of the captain overrode all. Several days out, the ship was spoken by an homeward-bound craft during a terrific storm, dis- abled, and laboring hard in the heavy seas, but owing to the severity of the gale, no assistance could be rendered. She was never heard from more. No spai, vestige or relic of her fate ever reached the shore. The gallant Captain Cale and his brave crew all went down together. After a suitable time, to confirm beyond a doubt their sad fate, a funeral ser- mon was preached in the old village church, the widows and orphans, forty in number, seated together in a body. When a little girl, and soon after the war of the Revo- lution, on her way to school, in company with another girl of about the same age, they were suddenly startled by the clat- tering hoofs of approaching horsemen ; a glance revealed a squad of mounted officers dashing toward them; wild with fright they fled .screaming to the hotel near at hand, at which the ofiicers intending to halt, reached about the same time. The leading ofticer, dismounting, approached the terrified little girls, and in a few soothing words, quieted their fears and assuring them that no harm would befall them, gave to each of them a penny. That kind-hearted officer was the immortal Washington, who, with his staff*, was then on the way to New York. In the fall of ISOl, Mr. Gilbert raised the frame for an ad- dition in the rear of his dwelling, and one day before it was covered, he chanced to kill a fine buck deer, which he hung up to the open rafters to place it out of the reach of the wolves, then numerous in that section. In the evening his wife, upon opening the back door, was transfixed with horror to see the glaring eyes of a ])anther, like balls of fire glowing up among the rafters, helping himself to venison. Explain- ing in a word the situation to Mr. Gilbert, he seized from the hooks where it hung, his loaded gun, and resting it over h e SETTLING SAUQUOIT. 75. shoulder, guiding his aim in the darkness by the fiery eye- balls of that dread of the Ainericati forest, blazed away. With a blood-curdling yell and a leap, the " varmint" landed at the thi-eshold — dead. He was one of the largest of the species, measuring nearly seven feet in length and weighing more than oiie hundred pounds. The early settlers, and until the Paris furnace went into blast in 1801, were wont to " slash" down the giant forest trees, tailing them in immense wind-rows, and then burning them where they lay, to clear the ground, affording them no revenue for the magnificent timber, except the ashes, which were gathered up and sold for the purpose of manufacturing pot and peail-ash. The fortunate founding of the furnace was a God-send to those at that period about to clear up their farms, as it afforded them a market for charcoal, into which all the timber could be converted by charring in the coal-pits. Theodore Gilbert thus converted all the timber on his farm. The burn- ing of a coal pit requires great skill and care, with constant attention night and day ; any relaxation of vigilance might result in ashes instead of charcoal. In the fall of 1804, far into the night, a terrific storm swept over the valley. The night attendant of the coal-pit on our pioneer's farm, awed by the magificent grandeur of the tempest, and the war of the elements, while listening to the crashing of the falling trees, the twisting and breaking of the huge branches as they were hurled through the air, soon above the fearful din, distin- guished another .sound, nearer and nearer approaching; it was the blood-curdling yell of a panther ; disturbed by the storm from his lair on the " Dry Lots," he came bounding down directly toward =: the coal-pit; there was no avenue of escape, and no weapon but his axe, which in sheer desperation he seized and awaited the coming rush ; a few more leaps and the panther would be upon him. A dash into the smoke of the charcoal pit would shield him, but that was only death in another form. A few minutes, even, in that mephitic vapor, and all would be over; nearer and plainer the infernal yells; human nature could not longer stand it ; holding his axe — and his breath — he leaped into the deadly fumes, his last look of earth revealing the fiery eye-balls of the yelling 76 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. horror; towards the coal pit at a bound, froot of it, past it — thank God ! on towards the western hills without a halt. Saved by a touch and go, Baxter Gage leaped out of the smoke, and breathed freer in the fresh air, and at the fast re- ceding yells of the " varmint," even now far up the western slope. A minute or two had covered the whole; a lifetime did not efface the terrible scene from his memory. Late in December, 1808, Alfred Beckwith, another work- man, started a wolf near the western boundary of the farm; hastening to the house, he seized gun and ammunition, and procuring the assistance of Lyman Avery — a younger brother oi Colonel Gardiner Avery — who lived close b}^ they to- gether took the track and pursued the wolf The chase led them far away over the hills to the southwest, and through and beyond the big Sangerfield swamp, overhauling their game near what is now Poolville. They were gone three days, and the excessive fatigue and exposure through the deep snow told so fearfully on Mr. Avery that he fell into decline. He went back to the old New England home, hoping his native air might prove beneficial, but to no avail ; he did not long survive. About this period, and towards the close of winter, Mr, Gilbert and his wife went back to Connecticut to revisit the homes of their childhood ; their visit at length nearl}' com- pleted, a thaw unexpectedly set in, and news reached them that the ice on the river was becoming hourl}' unsafe to cross. No time to be lost. They must hasten their departure, reach and cross the river while a crossing was yet possible, or suffer a delay of weeks, which would bring them home too late for the spring's work. Starting at once, they traveled all night, and pushed on the next day, although it was Sunday. The Connecticut " blue laws" were rigid, and they strictly forbade traveling on the Sabbath. Nearing a village where he was pretty certain of being arrested, he arranged his wife on the staw in a reclining position at the bottom of the sleigh, and covered her tenderly with blankets as if she was ill, mean- time giving her her cue, he then took his position, standing in the front end of the sleigh, and dashed into the village where, as anticipated, he was soon halted and surrounded by the Select-men ; glat;cing back at his wife, who just then made a SETTLING SAUQUOIT. 77 feint of raising the blanket, he shouted to her in an alarmed tone, and besought her not to uncover her face, as pei-haps some of these gentlemen (the Select-men) had never had the small- pox, and it would be a sin to expose them to it. At the word small-pox, a general sciamble and a rush, away from the sleigh, took place, and with frantic gestures they shouted to him to drive on, run his hoises, anything, anywhere, rather than to longer halt in that village; he obej^ed orders, reached and crossed the liver, none too soon, however, and was safe_ Monf.ay morning, with his fine team, of which he was justly proud, sufficiently i;efreshed, he started out of Albany and up the valley. A freeze during the night had checked the thaw, and in the keen, crisp morning, the sleighing was capital, and his spiiited team felt their oats; soon, a couple ot city bloods, with a spanking team and light sleigh, dashed up and swung out to pass him, but his team, on the instant caught the inspiration and the word and flew ahead ; this was lare fun for the young blades — ^^just what they wanted. They would give the countryman a brush and sail past him. They reckoned without their host. His team soon left them far in the i-ear. Halting them for a breathing spell at the next tavern, his wufe repaired to the sitting-room, and while arranging for the comfort of his team under the shed, his late contestants arrived, and after they had looked over and ad- mired their conquerors, one of them, glancing keeidy at Mr. Gilbert, asked suddenly "if he had come straight from home ?" " Yes, quite recentlj^ From my former home." " Well, if A^ou have come straight from home, you must have got badly warped on the way." Although then in the prime of life, he had a decided stoop; he was very "round shoul- dered," and " Uncle Thodie," in relating the story, said he saw the point, and they went in directly to see the flip-iron. Years have glided by; the old farm passed into other hands,and Theodore Gilbert, the Sauquoit valley pioneer, consistent Chris- tian, kind neighbor, genial joker with every one, and always a pleasant word foi all, at the age of 72, July 7, 1850, went to his rest. His wife survived him seventeen years, living to see her descendants to the fifth generation, and loved by all in her pleasant old age, she gently fell asleep, February 2, 1867, aged 87 years. 78 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Their children : Fanny, born 1801, married George Smith, removed to Smithport, Pa„ died 1862; Betsey, born 1803, married Norman Shepard, resides at Fulton, N. Y.; Hannah, born 1805, married Horace Rice, removed to Ripley jHill, Chautauqua County, N. Y., died 1878 ; Harriet, born 1807, married Solomon Rogers, resides at Sauquoit ; Theodore Cale, born 1810, married Rosanna Lewis, resides at South Sau- quoit; Gaylord Gilbert, born 1819, died 1822; Lyman, (How- ard,) adopted son, born 1815, died of small pox 1835. On the 27th day of Februar}^ 1851, the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery Association was organized at a meeting of the citi- zens of the valley, held at the HoUister (now Murray) House in Clayville. William Knight was chosen Chairman, and Amos Rogers, Secretary. Twelve Trustees were elected, from which the following officers were selected : A. B. Bligh, Presi- dent; G. M. Brownell, Vice-President; N. W. Moore, Treas- urer; Amos Rogers, Secretary. On the 9th of April, 1851, the Trustees made choice of the pioneer's old home for the cemetery. The following day the first interment took place : Eliza Mould, born in Lyng, England, aged 22 years, a sister of ex-Supervisor William F. Mould. The formal consecra- tion of the cemetery took place October 16, 1851, the address being delivered by the Rev. Spencer M. Rice, rector of St John's Church, Clayville, in which he aptly said : "And what spot of greater natural beauty could have been found for a purpose such as that for which this has been chosen, or more capable of being highly ornamented, than this which spreads itself in such beautiful variations around us? Laid out, not as some times from the nature of the soil they have necessarily to be, upon the uppermost summit of the bleakest and highest hills, exposed with its every tender shrub and flower 3'ou plant ^o the unobstructed furj' of the winter winds, but lying here, in the very bosom of a thickly populated and most lovely valley, with the waters of the beautiful Sauquoit sweeping by, in full view on the one side, and sending up even here the echo of moving wheels, and the murmur of surrounding industry, while upon this side a more gentle stream pours its bright fountains at our very feet ; adding another fresh and inestimable variety to the unsurpas.sed beauty which this field shall present when its projected plan shall have been SETTLING SAUQUOIT. 79 ■completed. Thou shalt gather our kindred to Thine embrace, and ourselves to Thine arms ! Be pitiful, oh, God, be pitiful to Thy mortal children ! We lift up to Thee, hands of per- ishing and pale dust, and invoke Thj'- compassions upon the orphan whose feet shall track these hills in sorrow; and on the parent who shall lay his idols in their bosom ; and on the widow who shall baptize them with her tears ! And while I invoke the mercies of Heaven to pity our mortal lot, I entreat you, be not chary of the beauties with which it is in your power to clothe this spreading field. You have gathered some, and you will gather them all ; so that, if yonder stream coming down from those distant hills tell us how the inhabit- ants of this valley, and these surrounding acclivities, shall come hither to sleep in death, then that which runs off yon- der, in search of the great common ocean, shall remind us, also, how the dead shall be called up and away again, to mingle in the greater ocean of immortality. The sweet flowers are not so rare ; the liquid emblems of immortality are not so costly; the numerous shrubs over which the spring <;asts her thousand colored blossoms are not so hard to be nursed ; the green groves are not so difficult to be cultivated ; nor the young birds of summer so hard to be won, but that they may be congregated here, to smile with sweet promise on the tearful and dim eye of the bending mourner, and break the otherwise oppressive and awful solitude of the burial field with minstrelsies of nature. We can and we will give a beautiful place of repose to our beautiful dead !" Twenty-eight years have since ticked off' from the great pendulum of Time, and nearly two thousand have been gath- ered into that silent, peaceful city overlooking the beaiatiful valley of the Sauquoit, to which, ninety years ago, Theodore Gilbert, with his little flock, arrived — the first family in the valley. CHAPTER IX. GLEN AND LAKE — SOME OF THE CURIOUS FORMATIONS IN ONEIDA COUNTY — CASCADES AND MOSS-COVERED LAKES — HOW INDIANS TRAVEL — HOW DEACON SIMEON COE BUILT ON THE HILL-TOP — THE FAMOUS "DRY-LOTS" MOUND — THE OLD INDIAN TRAIL — THE WATER-SHED OF ONEIDA COUNTY — THE deacon's narrow ESCAPE — SOME TALL SHINGLING STORIES A TALE WHICH WILL WARM THE HEART OF " THE OLDEST INHABITANT." Passing out of Utica east, along Pleasant street to the large Graefenberg reservoir, and thence up the hill, from the brow of which a tine view of the city is obtained, continuing along the load some two miles, the magnificent spring is reached that mainly supplies the necessities of her 35,000 citizens. It bursts from the hillside near the summit, a tull-sized moun- tain brook, in close proximity to the ruins of the once famous water-cure retreat, erected many years ago by Dr. Holland, and afterward destroyed by fire. Yah-nun-dah-sis, the Indian name for the city, signifies " around the hill," and this is the hill. Further around the hill, some three or four miles .south- westerly, three springs of similar magnitude, near together, form the source of the Holman City branch of the Sauquoit, which unites with that creek at Graham's paper mill, on the site of the Farmer's factory, destroyed by fire in 1850; a mile or two south of these three springs is the celebrated one, the head of the Unadilla, flowing south to the Susquehanna ; on the northeasterly side of the hill, a creek taking its rise in " soap-grease hollow," near Jericho, flows down the " gulf," past the ruins of the old furnace erected early in the century, thence to the Mohawk at Frankfort, furnishing the water power for the celebrated Gates match factory; a few miles further east along the hill another creek takes its rise, flows past the primitive Fish's "still," and thence to Ilion, where it furnished the power for the ancient forge where, in the olden time, the late E. Remington established a manufactory of rifle CURIOUS FORMATIONS IN ONEIDA COUNTY. 81 barrels, which, in time, has develo])ed into the present Armory and works of world-wide fame, with their more than twelve acres of floor area, filled with the most expensive and intri- cate machinery, representing an investment of millions of dollars. The location of this vast business at this little interior village was determined, primarily, by this stream. On the summit of the hill reposes a placid little shf^et of water of marvelous clearness, some two miles in circumfer- ence, of fabulous depth, fed solely by subterraneous springs, and called by the early settlers Smith's Pond, but now known as Cedar Lake. The outlet leads to a ci-eek flowing south past the site of the old-time famous Moi'gan's "still," near Winfield, thence into the Unadilla, and to the ocean at Ches- apeake Bay. This lake is so absolutely on the summit that engineers, by careful survey, have demonstrated that its waters can, at a trifling expense, be diverted and made to flow north instead of south, and aid the Graefenberg to sup- ply the want of Utica if future requirements demand. It is singular that this hill — giving birth to numerous creeks with the largest mannfactujing interests of the State thereon, the fountain head proper of a noble river, its si)rings watering a thirsty city, and, to cap all, a veritable lake on its summit — should be dubbed by the early .settlers "Dry Lots." Travel- ing west from Graefenberg towards Norwich Corners, (distant about two miles,) the ground to the right slopes ofl" gradually, rich deposits of iron ore cropping out on the way, the hill terminating at Forest Hill Cemetery. This ore is also found to the left, in the Furnace Gulf, and doubtless extends through the hill to a great depth. Following Albany street, out of Utica, and along the route of the old plank road leading to Winfield, and winding up' the hillside to a point near the stone quarry, an easy descent can thence be made, to the right, into the deep ravine at the upper end of the large Graefenberg reservoir. Follow up the stream a short distance, and the deep, dark, wooded triple glens lie fan-shaped before you ; through each flowing a mountain brook, pouring into the broader valley of the reser- voir; at your feet, the debris of the distant hills, gravel, slate and huge boulders, firmly packed, tell the mysterious way, in E 82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. the process of ages, hills come down and valleys fill up. En- tering the right-hand glen of the three, the little rivulet, for a time lost in the debris, soon again is found above, sparkling and dancing down in a hundred tiny cascades over the solid slate bottom of the lovely glen ; on either side, the forest trees towering hundreds of feet above, while overhead a little patch of blue sky alone is visible. The ascent along the cool rocky bed of the rivulet is not unlike the steps of some vast cathedral, up, up, rising in a distance of some forty rods about 300 feet; half-way up is lodged a huge boulder, in the bed of the stream, weighing many tons, broken from the overhang- ing table-rock at the falls, and brought down by some pre- vious rush of waters, awaiting a future flood to slide it down to the broad valley below. At the head of the glen you are confronted by a solid wall of slate, surmounted by an over- hanging table-rock of hard gray stone, crescent-shaped, ex- tending entirely across the top of the glen, over which pours the brook in a sheer fall of seventj'-five feet, a beautiful cas- cade now, but when swollen by the melting snows of spring, or sudden rain storm, a roaring water-fail. Retracing your steps, and ascending the middle glen, the charming scene, unadorned as yet by the hand of man, is repeated. The falls at the head of this glen — along the very brink of which passes the road to Norwich Corners — come tumbling down in two steps; a white sulphur spring finding i;s way out from the seam above the slale formation, and under the overlying table-rock. The other of the three glens, similar in its char- acteristics, though suialler, is none the less romantic. How many of our citizens who have "done" Niagara, Trenton Falls and Watkins' Glen, traversed broad continents and crossed wide oceans in search of rare and beautiful scenery, have ever visited these wild romantic glens, with their cas- cades sparkling in loveliness, within three miles of the City Hall. A mile further up the old plank road route, the summit of the hill is reached, from which one of the most extensive views in the State is obtained, rivaling that from Tassel Hill, between Cassville and Waterville, or the Catskill Mountain House on the Hudson. Two miles further along, and six miles from Utica, is the old-time Whitmore's Tavern, now Frankfort Hill post-oflice. CURIOUS FORMATIONS IN ONEIDA COUNTY. 83 In the construction of the Michigan Central Raih-oad, at a point in the interior of the State, a small plain, between two bluffs, was crossed, requiring an embankment or fill from bluff to bluff, on the completion of which an engine, passing slowly and carefully over it, when near the middle began to settle down, together with the embankment, and soon disap- peared in the bowels of the earth. What appeared to be solid ground, proved to be a lake, completely overgrown, first with moss, then in the process of time accumulating soil, finally forming a firm covering or bridge over the entire sur- face of the lake — one of the wonders of the continent. On the Whitmore farm, this wonderful process is being repeated. About one hundred rods back in the forest reposes a little lakelet, called by the early settlers Bear Pond — it was a favorite resort of bruin — the outlet flowing into Furnace Hollow, and uniting with the creek down the gulf to Frank- furt. It is of great depth, its waters clear and culd, and is already nearly overgrown with moss, on which soil is being- formed, with shi-ubs and trees growing thereon, a small area of clear water only remaining, where, thirty years ago, quite a number of acres were open water, on which a row-boat was kept. The moss is several feet in thickness, quite firm, and can be walked on safely to within a few feet of the little patch of open water. Another generation will see it entirely over- grown, and eventually solid ground, the tiny lake imprisoned beneath, like the Michigan wonder. It is near Haccadam Swamp, and near it, passed the famous Indian trail leading from Oneida Castle — the council place of the Six Nations — across Paris Hill and the Sauquoit valley, thence "over the hill" to the Mohawk. This trail, which guided many of the early settlers to the Sauquoit valley, is now obliterated, but should any of the dusky descendants of those tribes revisit these hunting grounds of their fathers, they could doubtless follow it with precision, such is the accuracy of their traditions. An instance of their dexterity in finding their way through an unknown country, occurred many years ago at Staunton, west of the Blue Mountains, Virginia. A number of the Creek Nation arrived at that town on their way to Philadelphia and had stopped there -over niuht. In the morning, one-half of the Indians started 84< HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. off without their companions, who followed on sonae hours later. Several of the towns-people mounting their horses,, escorted them a few miles along the highway, when all at once, hastily turning aside into the woods, though there waa- no path, the Indians went confidently forward. The escort, surprised at the movement, told them they were quitting the road to Philadelphia and would doubtless miss their compan- ions who had gone on before. They replied that they knew their companions had entered the woods at that very spot, and that it was the shortest route to Philadelphia. Curiosity led some of the horsemen to follow on, when they soon over- took the other Indians in the thickest part of the woods. On consulting a map it was ascertained that this route was as direct to the city as if they had taken bearings by compass. From others of their tribe who had been over the route, they received their direction, and never lost sight of it, although they had traveled three hundred miles through the woods, and had some four hundred miles more to go to reach the city. Jeff'erson, in his account of the Indian graves in Virginia,, relates that a party of Indians that were passing on to some of the sea-ports on the Atlantic, were observed on a sudden to quit the straight road they were traveling, and, without asking any questions, took a beeline through the woods to one of their graves, which lay some mdes from the road. Nearly a century had elapsed since that part of Virginia in which this grave was situated had been inhabited by the Indians, and certainly none of these Indians had ever been there before, but were guided to the spot solely by the de- scription that had been handed down to them by tradicion. Further along the plank road route, some twelve miles from Utica, Cedar Lake (Smith's Pond) is reached, in the vicinity of which some remarkable openings of great depth are found in the lin)estone formation that underlies this whole region. A stone di'opped into the mouth of these openings can be heard in its descent rebounding from side to side, till at length it reaches the bottom, apparently some hundreds of feet. The mouths of some of these openings are too small to admit of exploration, while others of them could be readily descended. They are found on the Marshall farm, Rodney CURIOUS FORMATIONS IN ONEIDA COUNTY. 85 Wilcox's, Aaron Goodier's, and others. On the lii^h giound towards Sauquoit, and along the ridge known as "Dry Lots," •for several miles the ground, when stami)ed upon, gives forth a hollow, reverberating sound, indicating the presence of a cavern beneath, to which, thus far, no entrance has been dis- covered. In going over the hill from Aaron Goodier's to Wakeman Rider's, a turn to the right on top of the hill irom the road, and thence thi-ough a pasture, some one hundred rods, and one of the largest of these remarkable openings is found, the mouth of which is about 12x6 feet in size. A large stone hurled into this yawning chasm, after crashing down, rebounding from side to side, seems at last to strike on a projecting ledge, and then bounding off leaps into another cavern far down in the depths of the earth. This opening, with a proper windlass, a strong rope and large bucket, such as well sinkers use, all firmly secured to timbers extending across the mouth, could be safely explored. Of course a lighted lantern should be first lowered to ascertain if foul air existed, and the explorer, who goes down in the bucket, should take in hand either a cord or an acoustic telephone to signal his assistants above. This offers a fruitful 5eld of dis- covery aud research for some of our geological students of nerve, that promises great and important results, as there is little doubt that a large cave is in the hill. Other large open- ings on the summit in the woods can be explored if this one should not prove to connect with the cave. Cedar Lake atfords a convenient and delightful camping ground in the grove on its shore for a party to make a base of ojierations for a thorough exploration, which could be accomplished in the course of two or three v\'eeks, the result of which would be looked for with great interest in their daily bulletins of their find in the heart of the hill. A mile west of Norwich Corners the brow of the hill is reached, the prospect from this point — Coe's Hill, being one of the most beautiful imaginable. The lovely valley of the Sauquoit, in full view like a vast panorama; the charming little twin-village at the bottoaa of the vale ; the creek, glis- tening and rippling along on its winding way, here aud there arrested in its course to do tribute to the Moloch of commerce, dammed in reservoirs for the mills aud factories, tiny lakes of 86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. marvelous beauty ; the grand slope of the opposite hillside with its homesteads, orchards, meadows aud fiells mapped out in plain view, combine to make a picture, which once be- held, is never to be effaced from memory. The view of the Wyoming valley on the Susquehanna from Campbell's !edge, is grandly beautiful, (though somewhat marred of late years by the coal-mining operations, and the huge, unsightly mounds of refuse coal,) the sight of old Forty-fort, the scene of the massacre in 1778 ; the villages of Kingston, Pittstoo Wyoming and Wilkes-Barre, the noble river flowing through the broad valley — is the theme of praise by tourists. But they may be paixloned their enthusiasm, when it is borne in mind that they have never looked from the brow of Coe's ' Hill upon the unsurpassed rural scene there unfolded. A little past mid-day, early in the month of March, 1791, eighty-eight years ago, driving a team of oxen to a rude sleigh loaded with vaiious utensils and sup[)lies, preceded by a cow driven by his nephew, Morris Maltby, a sturdy lad of 18, and comi)ani()ned by a faithful dog; on his shoulder a trusty rifle, his right hand grasping an ox goad, with a flour- ish of which and a stentorian whoa ! that awoke the slumber- ing echoes of the forest, a pioneer halted his caravan on the brow of this hill. He had ti'aveled with his van many a weary day, crossing the Connecticut and Hudson Rivers on i the ice, and from the frontier settlement of German Flats, through the dense forest without other track than the old Indian trail and blazed trees, made his way to this point, his j future chosen home. Unyoking the tired oxen, and turning them loose along with the cow to " brow.se," he prepared to go into camp; leaning his ready rifle against a tree, within easy reach ; with gleaming axe divesting a few giant trees of their bark, as high up as he could reach ; selecting a favorable spot, and clearing away the snow, he, with liis bi'oad sheets of bark and a few poles, fashioned a comfortable bark cabin, covering the ground floor to the depth of a foot or more with small green hemlock boughs, over which he spread his blank- ets, and then removed to the cabin from the sleigh all the portable utensils and " traps." A few sturdy strokes of the axe, and the flrst tree felled by man on his farm came crash- ing down. This was reduced to suitable lengths, piled a little DEACON SIMEON COE. 87 distance before the open front of the cabin, and, ignited with flint, steel and tinder, a roaring tire soon shed its genial warmth around. Night approaching he whistled up his dog, who soon appeared, driving before him the cattle, which were secured in a thicket close at hand, and furnished with a plentiful su|)ply of browse (small twigs cut from the beech, birch or maple,) the only food for them attainable, many pros- pective years lying between then and their next " bait" of hay or grass; milking the cow and dressing the small game, shot as he came along in the morning, he soon prepared, cooked and ate his first meal on the site of his well-selected future home. Replenishing his tire, and stretching his weary limbs on the aromatic bed of boughs, with feet to the tire, his dog and gun beside him, Deacon Simeon Coe, the tirst settler east of the creek in the town of Paris, dropped otf into the sound sleep of wearied, healthtul manhood, and dreamed of the possible future before him. Awake with the dawn, and before commencing the arduous task of building the log-house, and making ready to bring forwai'd his faujily left back in old Connecticut, he took a look about him. As he stepped to the brow of the hill and looked to the west, the rising sun behind him revealed in magnificent gi-andeur the valley, a vast amphitheatre of unbroken forest, dark and silent, the only sign of human life visible being the small clearing in the valley with the log-house of the pioneer, Theodore Gilbert, and a thin wreath of blue smoke slowly curling up above the tree tops over on the western hillsiile and well up toward the horizon, which arose from the cabin fire of John and Syl- vester Butler and Asa Shepard, the pioneers on that hillside, who arrived the previous year, and located there. Few, if any, of this generation, have ever looked out from home over such a scene. Beyond, and to the west, all then a howling wilderness across the continent and to the Pacific, to-day is peopled with millions of intelligent inhabitants; villages and great cities, connected by a vast network ot rail- roads and telegraphs ; rivers and great lakes teeming with leviathan steamboats, and that whole region, with their civil- ization of the highest type, furnished with the thousand-and- one appliances of mechanics, agriculture and arts, since invented, and not then dreamed of by mortal man. As he 88 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. toiled day after day fur years, he, from his commanding posi- tion, beheld gradual changes in the valley and on the hill- sides — first, log-houses, then the saw mill and framed houses, the dense forest meantime steadily yielding to the stroke of the woodman's axe, and giving place to fertile fields with verdure clad, then to blossoming orchards. Grist mill, oil mill, furuace and carding mill, distillery, potashery, store and tavern, then churches and schools, woolen mill, cotton mill and paper mill, were marshaled before him as time went on bv the magic hand of toil. The Oneida Indian name, Sagh- da-quad-da, alluding to the creek and signifying "smooth, round pebbles," afterward pronounced Sedawquate, (so spelled iu deed of Captain Bacon, in 1809,) was, later on and for many years, called by the old settlers Sock-wait, until finally the village was officially named as a post-office, Sauquoit, the Stockbridge and Brothertown Indians' name for the creek, and signifying "short and rapid." The old Indian trail of the Stockbridge and Brothei'town tribes to the Mohawk valley crossed Paris Hill, thence down and across the valley, keeping north of the main road, and down the ravine on the Babbitt farm. In the ravine north of where Mr. Throop now )-esides, they had a cabin by the brook, where they halted for days at a time, and went about the village, disposing of their baskets, moccasins and bead orna- ments, their lads shoi^ting with bow and arrow at small coin, placed in the top of a split stick, stuck up at about twenty yards distance, winning the coin if they hit it, which feat, as a rule, they performed successfully. The trail led east from tlie village, through Crane's woods, and crossed the main road diagonally, near the grove, between Deacon Coe's house and Norwich Corners, thence through Haccadam Swamp, and down through Furnace Hollow to Fi-ankfort. These wander- ing bands invariably took the old trail, instead of the white man's road, but they finally ceased their visits about the year 1840. The barn still standing on the north side of the road, at the brow of Coe's hill, was erected by the deacon, but his old homestead, a few rods east of the barn, long since fell to decay. The old cellar, overrun with rose bushes, is all that is left of the first " covering roof" on the hill. He lived there, however, to a good old age, the farm at his death passing into THE deacon's narrow ESCAPE. 89 the possession of the late Henry Crane, then to his son John, who, after living many years in the old Coe house, abandoned it, building a new house a few rods west of the barn, which has since been destroyed by fire. In the erection of the barn the deacon and his stalwart son, Maltby, put on the shin- gles — previously made by them during the winter — at odd times, after the spring's work on the farm was over. One morning Maltby nad occasion to go to the village, returning, however, an hour or two before noon, and to till in the time until the dinner hour, took his rifle and started across the fields towards the woods north of the house, thinking to shoot a few gray squirrels. Neariug the woods, he discovered one apparentl^^ on the fence, but somewhat obscured by the inter- vening bushes. Bringing the rifle quickly to his shoulder, and taking aim, he was in the act of pressing the trigger, when a putl' of wind swaying the bushes revealed to him the face of his venerable father, whose gray head he had mis- taken for a squirrel. Saved by a breath; a thought later and the unerring bullet would have sped through his brain. Of course, his hunt was over. Completely unmanned, he went forward and explained to his father — whom he found calmly •mending the fence— the fatal danger he had so miraculously •escaped, when they repaired to the house fall of thankfulness for the Providential presei-vation. After dinner they together went on to the i-oof of the barn to finish up the shingling near the top, the thrilling hair-breadth escape of the morning constantly forcing itself into their conservation. Finally the old deacon said to Maltby: " It seems strange you should have made such a mistake with your young eyes ; old as I am, I could have told the diff"erence. [He had a habit of bragging about his keen eye- sight.] Can you see that barn down yonder ?" "Yes, certainly, but I don't see what Hull's barn has to do with it ?" "Can you see anything moving on the ridge-pole?" " No, I can't see anything there ?" " Look again, carefully, my son, and about three feet from the end you will see a mosqidfo walking along." Maltby, after looking intently as directed, placed his hand to his ear, in the attitude of listening. Then suddenly placing 90 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. his other hand on the arm of his father, with a gesture enjoining silence : "Hark, father! you are right; sure enough, he is there; I can hear him step." Considering that the distance to that barn, down the hill- side toward the Eagle Factory, was more than half a mile, the acute development displayed of the most important senses — hearing and seeing — was as remarkable as the ready wit of Maltby, who was noted for his "sells" and practical waggery. A real tragedy was finally, a few years ago, enacted on the old pioneer farm. John Crane, its last owner, in a fit of insane melancholy, the result of lingering ill-health, in that same old barn, high up among the roof timbers, securely fast- ening to them one end of a halter, with the other end around his neck, stepped off" from the big beam into the abyss of the dread unexplored — swinging to and fro like a pendulum, alone. 1 1 CHAPTER X. BAXTER GAGE — THE CHAMPION CHOPPER OF THE SAUQUOIT VALLEY — A REMINISCENCE OF A STURDY PIONEER — HOW THE MONAROHS OF THE FOREST WERE FELLED WITH MATH- EMATICAL PRECISION IN OLDEN TIMES — GENERAL KIRK- LAND's LEGAL SHREWDNESS. During the war of 1776, among all the brave patriots who staked their fortunes in that noble struggle for liberty, none, perhaps, played a more important part than the bold and dar- ing privateersmen — sailors trained to hardship and dangers in the fishing and coasting trade, they knew no fear, their only hope being to sight and overhaul a British merchantman. The question of immediate attack was a foregone conclusion, without regard to canvas carried by the prospective prize, calibre of her guns, or disparity of numbers by which de- BAXTER GAGE, THE CHAMPION CHOPPER. 91 fended. Among the bravest of the brave of a saucy little craft manned by " Cape Cod-ers," was Don Juan Ga^^e, of Spanish j)arentage,a hero of the Revolution. He was always the first on the enemj^'s deck, leading the " boarders." In his last engagement, true to his tradition, he was first and fore- most, not that his feet actually trod the deck of the foe, but his head got there. While in the act of boarding, a single powerful sweep of a broadsword, like a gleam of light, and his head rolled over the deck of the enemy, and his body fell back between the grappled vessels, and the brave patriot found his grave in the deey), deep sea. His gallant followers fearfully avenged the death of their bold leader. It was noticed when they arrived in port with their prize, that they had very few prisoners. He left a wife and infant boy, Bax- ter Gage, born m Yarmouth, Cape Cod, October, 1777. Upon the death of his mother, the orphan boy resolved to "go West." His preparation for the journey did not consume much time. Making a bundle of his extra clothing, suspended on a stick over his shoulder, with a few dollars only in his pocket, bare- footed, in the summer of 1790, he turned his face towards the setting sun, bade good-bye to the sandy barrens of Cape Cod and the rolling sea, and boldly struck out on the march across the New England States to Albany ; thence working his pas- sage up the Mohawk River on batteaux, in due time arriving at Fort Schuyler; thence to New Hartford, where he fortu- nately found immediate employment with Judge Sanger. He was a lad of powerful physique, and although but fourteen years of age, could with ease do a man's work. He soon mastered the art of chopping, in which he developed great skill. In the winter, at the suggestion of his employer, he went up the Sauquoit valley, then being cleared up, at which point good choppers vA^ere in demand. At that period those early settlers were wont to cut down a single tree at a time, and chop the trunks into lengths of about fourteen feet, which, with the larger limbs, were hauled by oxen to log- heaps to be burned ; the small limbs and twisrs were collected into an imujense brush-heap, and when dry enough also burned. The resounding ci-ash of those giant falling forest trees was a constant .sound in all directions, echoing through the valley, and fiom hill to hill. The jM'ocess of thus getting 92 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. rid of t!ie timber was slow, involving a vast amount of labor in chopping up and hauling the logs after the trees were felled. The particular direction in which to fall a tree is de- termined by the skill and judgment of the chopj)er. A deep notch to and beyond the centre of the tree is first chopped on the side toward the direction designed for the fall ; this first notch, must, at its apex, have a line through the tree at right angles to the proposed falling line, a notch on the opposite =!ide is then commenced, and, as it deepens toward the apex line, the tree gradually sags over toward the deep-notch side cut in beyond its centre of gravity, and at length gives way, and goes crashing down to earth. A crooked tree, oi- one M'ith branches largely predominating on one side is difficult to fall in a given direction, and rival chopj)ers would often wager young Baxtei' that he could not perform that feat, they setting up a stake in the direction that they challenged him to fall it. He took those wagers and invariably won, and with the fall- J ing tree drove home their stake deep in the ground. To ' accomplish this required a very deep notch beyond the centre with the base line of the apex, at a mathematically perfect j right angle to an imaginary line leading to the stake, all cal- ' culated by the eye alone, unaided by an instrument or any measurement; the slightest variation from a right angle and it would land right or left of the stake. The plan of "slash- ing" down the forest was the outgrowth of this great skill of the champion chopper, by which he was able to contract to fall the trees at ten dollars per acre, (he could fall an acre per week,) the old plan costing more than twice that sum. On a level tract of land, he would lay out to fall a belt of timber nine rods wide across the tract trom west to east, falling to- wards the east, to gain advantage of the generally prevailing westerly wind ; of course if on a hillside, falling them down hill. Commencing on the east end of his proposed belt, lie deep- notched tliiough the tract, on a centre strip three rods wide, each tree on its east side, leaving them standing, but prepared to fall due east ; the south three-rod strip of the belt was deep-notched from the northeast, that they should fall in that direction, and diagonally towards the centre strip ; the north three-rod slip of the belt were all deep-notched on the south- BAXTER GAGE, THE CHAMPION CHOPPER. 93 east direction, to fall that way, and diagonally towards the centre strip ; nearing the western extremity of the tract, he narrowed up the belt abruptly to the shape of the letter A, to the largest tree to be found on the extreme of a centre line of the middle three-rod strip. Thus pre})arcd,he made ready to fall, due east, this giant of the primeval forest, the keystone of the great work. First, chopping well beyond the centre from the east, then stepping around to the west, he attacked that side, and while his gleaming axe steadily ate its way into the heart of the mammoth, even then, quivering and trembling with the thi-oes of dissolution as the apex line was neared, he paused to take breath and gather energy, that the last few decisive strokes could be delivered with the utu)Ost quickness and telling vigor, wiping the perspiration from his heated brow, Tand taking a good strong pull at the jug,) a keen professional glance toward the east over his field of labor revealed to him nothing unusual to an Amei'ican forest scene on a beautiful day in May — the sky serene, a gentle breeze soughing through the tree tops, to which — their acknowledged master when asseited in a whirlwind mood — they now grace- full}^ swayed and bowed; the birds chirruping and twittering as they flitted from tree to tree, arranging their little love affairs for the season, and the playful squirrels, leaping from limb to limb in their gleeful abandon. Sufficiently refreshed, he stepped promptly forward, and, with all the vigor of his powerful frame, sent home the rapid final blows, then leaped nimbly back, be3^ond the possible rebound, so often fatal to careless choppers, and looked again to the east ; the leviathan that had braved the storms for a centur}^ and defiantly waved each successive season his banner of green, yielded at last to the sturdy hand of toil, bent slowly toward the east, gaining velocity and power in the death plunge, the broad, wide-streatching limbs gathering in the weaker trees before, and they in turn the crippled victims further ahead, with a successive crash, crash, and deafening roar of a thousand tempests, in an instant all prostrate, the elastic branches whipping and bounding, then soon all quiet, as the echo died away. None of this generation ever witnessed such a scene of magnificent grandeur. Baxter looked over his work — a grand avenue opened up 94; HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. through the dark forest, an immense windrow of trees, inter- locked and piled toward the center, a vast log and brush heap combined, ready for the torch — a belt of fallen timber through the track, nine rods wide, artistically " slashed." He followed this occupation for several years — an acre per week being o-enerally the result — but, under favorable circumstances, he accomplished it in four or five days. After the Paris Furnace was established in 1801, creating a demand for charcoal, the slasliiug was abandoned, and the trees cut down singly and into logs for the coal-pit, affording a profitable revenue. Baxter, finally, in 1805, with the savings of his arduous toil, l)urchased a farm of ninety-nine acres, extending from the Farmer's Factory east, and up and across the main road lead- hv-y from West Sauquoit and up the hillside. Money is, in its acquisition, doubtless the prime moving cause of mvriads of crimes, frauds, robberies and defalcations amono- individuals, and between nations war, pillage and de- vastation in the acquisition of territory. The contention for money is either labor, trade or robbery, but as " money makes the mare go," the struggle for its yjossession ever goes on. Mankind have been aptly divided into three classes — money- o-etter, money-keeper and money-spender. To be effective, money, like steam in an engine boiler, must be confined, the j throttle-valve only opened to apply it as power direct. With the ordinary spendthrift it is like water boiled in an open kettle, it all evaporates in steam. Another class of money- spenders, who borrow to carry on undertakings beyond their capital, thinking to become money getters ; farmers, for in- stance, paying down their all to purchase a farm beyond their means, and mortgaging for double what they pay in, evapo- rate none the less surely, only in this instance, instead of floating off into the open air, the steam, called interest, is caught and condensed by the mortgage instrument, like whisky evaporated in the still, trickling back through the worm into the maw of the money-keeper, where it all, sooner or later, arrives. The early settlers soon developed into the several inevita- ble money classes. The farm of Baxter Gage was advertised under foreclosure in the Columbian Gazette, in 1811, he thrown into jail, the printed notice posted on the Court BAXTER GAGE, THE CHAMPION CHOPPER. 95 House dooi, and another on the door of the jail in which he was incaicerated. General Kirkland, who, with the father of Hon. W.J.Bacon, Judoe Sanger and Colonel Avery, was then largely interested in the Farmers' Factory, adjoining the farm, on one of his visits there learned ot his trouble, and on returning paid a visit to the prisoner. He observed with the keen eye of a lawyer that the prescribed jail notice was posted on the outside of the jail door, instead of the inside, and as the prisoner could not get out to read it, it was no legal notice to him. He at once took steps to set aside the defective proceedings, and in a few hours the old "Slasher'' was trudging along toward home ; passing the house of Capt. Griffin, that venerable old hero of the Mill Prison, who also served with Paul Jones on the Bon Homme Richard, con- gratulated him on being "out again." " Ye.s, Captain, out again, and Geneial Kirkland and I are going to rip up things." The General succeeded in restoring to him the farm, on which he ever after resided. In the gratitude of his heart for this service the old man named his next born son Kirkland. The old pioneer chopper, who had assisted in clearing up many of the farms in the valley beside his own, at last laid down his axe, in the fullness of years, October 29, 1858, at the ripe age of 81. Of all those old pioneer farms in the valley but three are now in the possession of their descendants. No Bacon, Babbitt or Butlei-, Coe, Crane, Shepard or Gilbert, to- day find a home on the land of their fathers. The three exceptions are Hon. Eli Avery, on the Colonel Avery farm, and the two sons and two daughters of Lieutenant Spencer Briggs, (Daniel M., Henry L., Esther Ann and Polly,) and the two sons of Baxter Gage, (Kirkland and John Gage.) CHAPTER XI. CAPTAIN ABNER BACON AND HON. DAVID OSTROM — REVO- LUTIONARY SOLDIERS AND PIONEERS OF WEST SAUQUOIT — GENEALOGY — CAPTAIN BACON's EARLY ADVENTURES AND HIS SUCCESSES. I. Michael Bacon immigrated to Dedham, Mass., from Ire- land in 16-tO. It is thought he was English, (was Protestant,) and probably went over to Ireland, as did multitudes, for business ends. He died in 1648. II. John Bacon came over to America with his father when a child ; admitted to the Chui'ch in 1646 ; married in 1651, and died in 1683. III. Daniel Bacon, born in 1661 ; married in 1685, and died between 169-t and 1700. IV. William Bacon, born in 1694; marricl in 1715, and died . V. William Bacon, 2d, born in 1716; married 1737, and died in 1761. VI. Captain Abner Bacon was born in Dedham, Mass., May 3, 1758. His father died three years later, and his will provided, " That in case his wife should think fit to marry she should qwht my estate only ; that my son Abner, or his guar- dian, pay my said wife annually the sum of one pound six shillings and eight pence in lawful money for the term of ten years and no longer." Consequently when she married a Mr. Talbot, she was required to quit the estate, and Abner Ba- con's guardian paid her the annuity for ten years. The family still lived in Dedham, and forty years ago some of the original allotment of land made in 1640 was still in their pos- session, thus having been held by the family two hundred years. Captain Bacon was in the army during the entire Revolutionary War, entering the service as an officer's ser- vant at the age of 16, and at 17 years of age enlisted as a private. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and also at Ticonderoga. A kinsman, Lieutenant John Bacon, of Natick, CAPTAIN ABNER BACON. 97 was killed in the tight at Lexino-too., April 19, 1775. He was promoted from time to time, and was captain at the close of the war. Upon the expiration of his term of service he mar- ried aud settled down in Dedham, Mass., where five children were born to him : Abner, Jr., January 7, 1781 ; Nabby, Sep- tember 24-, 1782; Timoth3^L., April 10. 1784; Lewis, April 3, 1780; and Nanc^^ July 11, 1787. He then tried his fortunes in the wilderness of western Vermont, where he remained about one year, when, in consequence of the conflicts concern- ino- titles between New York and New Hampshire, he decided to leave that part of the country and go west. In the early spring of 1789, with his wife and family of five children, the oldest eight year.s-old and the youngest an infant, loaded into an ox-sled, with utensils and supplies, he took his wa}'- to the State of New York for the second time to try his fortune in the woods, and at length arrived at Cherry Valley, where he had contracted for a farm on the " East Hill," on which was already erected a log house and log barn, with a small portion of the land cleared off. The former owner fell a victim to the Indian massacre a few years before, and no further improvement had been made on the place. Arriving there with his family of little ones, he found the log house sadly out of repair, with no door or windows, and the snow in huge drifts piled inside, which he immedi- ately set to work to shovel out, and falling a dry " girded" tree, and chopping it in suitable lengths, he rolled a back-loo- into the great fire-place, and placing split wood in front, which was ignited with "flint and tinder," he soon had a rousing fire, sending its glowing warmth into the room where stood his shivering wife and infant children. Nabby, (who married Dr. Spaulding Pierce,) was then but six years old, but remembered well the building of that fire on the snow and ice accumulated on the hearthstone, and in the last years of her life (she died in May, 1872, aged 90 years,) often related the circumstance to her son, William Pierce. Another scene of their experience on that eventful first day in the wilderness, was vividly stamped on her memory. After the fire was " well a-going," a plentiful supply of wood was brought in and piled up beside the chimney, and then F 98 * HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. blankets substituted for windows were put up to keep out the cold blasts, and a strong, old-fashioned, home-made woolen blanket fastened securely over the doorway and hanging down to the floor did duty as a door. Captain Bacon then proceeded to unload the sleigh and deposit the contents in their hovie, in the meantime caring for his oxen and cow in the log barn, which fortunately was in good condition, with a substantial door. Everything being at length removed from the sleigh to the house, his wife set about " putting things to- rights," and preparing a meal for the wearied husband and hungry little ones, while he, cutting a plentiful supply of •' browse" for the cattle, securely fasl-eued the barn door, and, preparing and rolling in an extra back log or two to replenish the fire if needed, tired and hungry, sat down to his tirst meal in the new home as the sun plunged down in the dark forest to the west and marked the clo.se of day. Under the glowing heat of the roaring fire in the great fire- place, the log-house floor at length dried out, and " shake- downs" being arranged with downy feather beds and ample quilts, the tired little pioneers were tucked snugly away, and one after another, yielding to the drowsy god, in the pleasant visions of dream-land foi'got the trials and discomforts of the day. The anxious matron, seeking the improvised couch to soothe awhile, the tired, worrying infant, completely "fagged out," fell a victim to her own Lethean lullab}^ and mother and babe, under the protecting care of angels, sweetly slept. The stalwart veteran of the Revolution with softening eye glanced at his sleeping treasures, their faces lit up by the ruddy glow of the ingle — a peaceful home scene so strikingly contrasted to the bivouac and the tented field — and with emotions akin to pride, stepped out into the little clearing whei-e stood the log-house and barn, surrounded on all sides by the dense, dark forest, the little log-house thrown into shade by the round, full moon, just then majestically swinging up above the sombre, leafless woods, and assuring himself that all was snug and safe at the barn, reentered his new chosen far-away wilderness home. Rolling one of the huge back-logs on to the trailing portion of the blanket suspended at the door, thus securely fastening the bottom, and replenish- ing the fire, he sought his much-needed repose, and ere long CAPTAIN ABNER BACON. 99 the deep toned respirations of tired manhood, in measured <;adence, were the only sound that disturbed the stillness of that calm, clear night. The moon careered slowlj' onward ■over the clearing, on to the west, and as the night waned, the log barn fell into the shade and the log-house stood forth in the clear moonlight, where all in deep repose, as the fire hurned low on the great hearth, were unconscious of danger; when suddenly the loud, affrighted bellowing of the cattle, mingled with fearful howls, broke upon the still night hour. The brave i)ioneer was instantly on his feet, and in a twink- ling, gun in hand, was on his way to the scene of the tumult at the barn, his wife meanwhile hastily gathering together the embers on the hearth and adding the dry split wood, which she fanned into a blaze that lit up the interior of the loo- ■cabin, when at the instant there came the deafening report of the gun outside, and, with a bound, her husband was at her side, and, seizing a blazing firebrand, he thrust it through the •doorway, at the same time shouting to her to assist him in his efforts to replace the back-log on the trailing blanket that constituted the door, and the only barrier between the little family and a ferocious pack of half starved wolves, who, in full cry, made a rush at the cabin, and only halted at a few paces distant, brought to bay and cowed by the wavino- fire- brand, which his wife then taking in hand vigorously flour- ished, while the captain hastily reloaded his musket and sent another volley into the pack, which scattered them tempo- rarily, but only to return again and again, each time to fall sullenly back, the gallant captain loading and firing as fast as possible, and from time to time hastily supplying his wife with fresh firebrands from the hearth, while the children, awakened by the uproar, added their frightened screechino- to the din. Daylight at last breaking, the famished pack trooped back into the fastness of the dark forest, and quiet again reigned in the household. The wolves had scented the cattle and surrounded the barn, to which they could not gain an entrance, but when the Captain emerged from the door to ascertain the cause of the uproar, they, scenting him when he had advanced but a few paces, dashed out for him from the shade into the open moonlight, when at a bound, as he took 100 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. in the peril of the situation, first sending a shot at the fore- most, he regained the house just in the nick of time. After remaining here two years, the parties of whom he had contracted to purchase the farm, being unable to give him a good title, he again, and for the third time, loaded his family and household goods into the ox-sleigh, and in the spring of 1791, again went west. Arriving at Paris Hill by the Bridgewater and Cassville route, he went tReuce down to the Sauquoit valle}^ and purchased a 500 acre lot (less 90 acres already ])urchased by William M. Winship, afterwards known as the Seth Cooley farm, now the Brownell farm,) embracing the present village of West Sauquoit. Here he at once set to work to erect a log-house on the east side of the present road and opposite the house now occupied b}^ Hon. Chauncey S. Butler, employing the then young chopper, Bax- ter Gase, to assist him, who felled the first tree for the log- house on the site a few rods north of the present residence of Mr. Seymour. He soon after commenced the erection of a saw-mill on the creek and a little west of what is now the Mould Bros. Grist Mill, which he put up with hewn timbers, and the first lumber he sawed, and before the saw mill was roofed in or covered, went to filling an order for one of the first frame buildings erected in Utica, at the foot of Genesee street, in the summer of 1791. At that time there was no road as yet cut out, down the valley, and to deliver this lumber, a short aoiletree was put into his cart, making a nar- row conveyance on which the lumber piled high up was carted down the valley by the Indian trail as far as New Hartford and thence to Utica. He soon after sawed the lum- ber for a house erected on the Cooley farm, at the mouth of the lane leading to what is now the silk factory, and also for the house on the south side of the road, opposite (the first house on the east side of the Franklin factory yard,) which two were the fir.st frame or plank houses erected at Sauquoit. The next year or two after, he formed a copartnership with Hon. David Ostrom, also a Revolutionary soldier, who first settled at New Hartford, but soon after removed to Sauquoit, and erected a log- house on the east bank of the creek, about ten rods southeast of the present grist mill. The "corduroy road" across the valley from East to West Sauquoit, led along HON. DAVID OSTRUM. 101 south of Ost?'om'H house, and through what is now the mill pond, leaving the present road near where Washington Mould now resides, and running into the road again near the present railroad crossing, forming a straight road from village to village. Bacon's saw-mill about this time burned down, and the firm of Bacon & Ostrom proceeded to erect a saw mill and a grist mill combined, and to get power or sutHcient " fall," it became necessary to locate the mills further down stream, where they now stand, and build the dam and Lack up the water over the road. The road at that time had not been recorded as a legal highway, and as all were anxious for a grist mill, they were by common consent permitted to change the road, making the bend around to the north of the mills. The saw mill was first erected and then the grist mill, the latter in 1796, which they got into operation in the early spring of 1797, the " run of stones" being the old-fashioned rock stones, the first mill to put in the imported burr stones being the Titus Gilbert Mill, erected the next year up the valley and near the Davis Forge, afterwards the Farmers' Factory, and now the U])per Paper Mills. Their first miller was William Risley, also a soMier of the Revolution, who served through the whole war. He was born in Patchogue, Long Island, and came to New Hartford in 1792, and worked in the grist mill built by Judge Sanger in 1790, now owned by John W. McLean. As soon as the Bacon and Ostrom mill was completed, early in 1797, he moved there, into the log-house near the mill (built by Mr. Ostrom, who had built a frame house in the meantime,) and took charge of the mill, where he lived many years, his four sons, Eli, Daniel, David Ostrom, and Jeremiah being born in the old log-house, where, too, his wife died. After the death of his wife, and when his oldest son, Eli, had grown to manhood, and married the daughter of Jonathan Russell, they removed to Litchfield and built the grist mill known as " Risley's Mills," located near the head of the creek that flows down through the "gulf" to Frankfort. Here the old Revolutionary hero, William Risley, who orround the first "grist" in the town of Paris, after a long and useful life, passed away after an illness of a few hours only, in June, 1834-, at the advanced age of 77, on the day that the Baptist Church (near the mills) was raised. Two 102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. sons, Jeremiah and David 0., survive him, residinof in the West. Bacon and Ostrom, after putting the grist mill in operation, built a carding and fulling mill, saw mill and cider mill, down the lane north of the grist mill. Mr. Ostrom sold out his interest in the grist mill to his partner in 1804, and removed to Utica and founded the well-known coffee-house on the site of the present Devereux Block, and later on lived opposite, on the site of the old Franklin House,, where now stands the Arcade building. He sold his interest in the carding mill, &c., to Captain Bacon, March 7, 1806. He was a prominent man in the town of Paris, and was its first Supervisor, chosen at the first town meeting, held at the house of Captain Moses Foot, April 2, 1793. Ui)on the organization of the County of Oneida in 1798, he was ap- pointed one of the Judges, which office he held until 1815. He was the first Member of Assembly in conjunction with Henry McNeil and Abel French, in 1798, and again in 1799, 1800, 1801, 1803, 1808 and 1809. He was a prominent Free- Mason, " made" in old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, under the Mastership of Judge Sanger, in 1793. He was born in Dutchess County in 1756, and full of honors, first and fore- most in town and county, Hon. David Ostrom, the pioneer manufacturer of Paris and hero of the Revolution, stricken with apoplexy, suddenly terminated his honorable career^ March 17, 1821. Previous to the year 1800, Captain Bacon erected a two- story frame house on the opposite side of the road from his log house, and on the site of the present residence of Hon. C. S. Butlei". (It now stands on the east side of the road, and a few rods north, owned and occupied by John Fletcher.) The' frame house being almost completed, but the plastering not yet quite dry, the family had not moved in, with the excep- tion of the "hired men," who had taken over two beds and set them up, when, one afternoon, the "men-folks" being all away at work, the old log house caught fire, and in spite of J the efibrts of the " women-folks," it was entirely destroyed, with all its contents. When Abner, Jr., the Captain's eldest son, reached the scene of the conflagration, he declared that " there was no great loss without some small gain ; they had got rid of the bed-buo-s and fleas." The first settlers wei'e CAPTAIN ABNER BACON. 103 annoyed with these pests in the log houses, as they were not plastered inside like the tidy frame houses which they after- wards erected. Two children were born in the old log house : Kendall Bacon, born July 5, 1791, who was the first white male child born in Sauquoit, Molly Gilbert, daughter of The- odore Gilbert, Sr., born August 26, 1791, being the first female child born in Sauquoit. Kendall died in childhood. The other child, Lydia, (Mrs. J. Nourse, of North Chili, N. Y.,) born in the log house May 19, 1796, is the only surviving child by his first wife. After the death of his first wife, Captain Bacon again married, and three sons were born in the frame house : David, Daniel and James. David died in a western State about one year ago; Daniel resides in the Bradish Block, Utica, at the advanced age of 77 years, and James resides in Richmond, 111., aged 74. The new frame house was at once opened by C^aptain Bacon as a tavern, (the first in the valley,) and as he was a worthy Christian and church-member, the tavern was the favorite stopping-place of all the traveling ministers and circuit riders, who were always m-ide welcome, and in time it came to be known as the " ministers' home." In the " History of the Presbyte- rian Church of West Sauquoit," by Rev. J. N. McGifiTert, pub- lished in 1860, he records : "On January 29, 1810, a number of professing Christians met at the house of Abner Bacon and proceeded to organize a church of Christ. I extract the record of the meeting, as doubly interesting to those who have so long enjoyed the fruits of that precious day — the birthday of their church." Here follow the minutes of the meeting and list of members, "twenty- six in all, nine males and seventeen females." This pioneer " gin-mill," (as the descendants of those twenty-six now term its successor,) the birthplace of their church, was an orderly and well-kept country tavern — so considered at that very early day — but the customs of the people have so changed, that if the young men of to-day should indulge in such sj)rees and revelry as those old walls have witnessed, time and time again indulged in b}' those old settlers, the present tavern there would be shut up by law and the licen.se revoked. Captain Bacon's son James writes in resrard to the Sunday habits as follows : 'The house was called the ministers' home; all of the sacred 104 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. calling were warmly welcomed and generously entertained, and ray earliest recollection was a childish dread of Sunday, •because I was kept traveling down cellar to draw cider for the ministers." Soon after 1800, Captain Bacon erected an- other saw-mill on the site of the Franklin Factory, which, with the water power, he sold to the " Friendly- Woolen and Cotton Manufacturing Comimny," October 2G, 1813, who re- moved the saw-mill, converting it into a wool-house, and erected a stone factory, 35x50 feet, known as the "Quaker Factory." The old saw-mill, after being moved two or three times, and occupied for a store and office, and then a tene- ment house, was at last moved tc the east side of the rail- road, opposite the depot, and converted into a saloon, post- office, &;c., by Savage, Seaton & Brownell, in 1868. In the year 1809, Captain Bacon sold the carding mill property down the lane, north of the grist mill, to his son Abner, who thereafter lived there, dying, however, while on a visit West, February 6, 1860, aged 79 years. Captain Bacon was a prominent man in church and society, and donated the land for the old burying ground at West Sauquoit. August 25, 1832, the old hero of the Revolution and pioneer manufacturer of Sauquoit, Captain Abner Bacon, ceased from his labors and went to his rest, respected and regretted by all. His descendants are mostly in the western States. William Pierce, son of Dr. Spaulding Pierce, who married Nabby, the eldest daughter, is the only representa- tive of the Bacon family living in Paris, his son Daniel, of XJtica, and a grandson, Charles, (son of Daniel,) and a great- grandson. Prof Ambrose P. Kelsey, of Hamilton College, being the only others left in this vicinity. CHAPTER XII. LIEUTENANT SPENCER BRIGGS — ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF EAST SAUQUOIT — LIVING IN THE VALLEY WHEN IT WAS A DENSE WILDERNESS — GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF DESPERATE ENCOUNTERS BY MR. BRIGGS AND HIS WIFE JERUSHA WITH BEARS AND PANTHERS. Lieutenant* Spencer Briggs, the pioneer of East Sauquoit, was born in Rhode Island, January 7, 1767, and when a child his parents removed to Rutland, Vt. In the fall of 1790, at the age of 23 years, he turned his steps towards the then " Far West," and arriving at Albany he went up the Mohawk in batteaux, in due time arriving at Fort Schuyler, (Utica,) and, disembarking, made his way to New Hartford, where he formed the acquaintance of Judge Sanger, for whom he worked during the winter, and in the spring of 1791 went up the valley to Sauquoit, where he purchased fifty acres of land — the site of the Franklin Factory — which he soon after sold at a good profit, and purchased another plot of one hun- dred acres. This in turn he also sold, and soon after, with his profits on these transactions and accumulated earnings, he went to Albany and contracted with the agents of the Bayard Patent for five hundred acres, which embraced the present village of East Sauquoit, it being the most level and fertile portion of the town of Paris. In " running out " this tract the surveyors, as was then the custom, "dropped" a link on every chain, so that the survey would be sure to hold out. The result was that, when he had sold off portions to differ- ent parties, the farm that he retained for his homstead over- ran thirty acres. He built the first log house in that village at a point on the rising ground a little southeast of where his daughter, widow Daniel Wells, now resides, near the old orchard, and the battle of life in the wilderness commenced. He did not hesitate to sell off his land at the " four corners,' (now East Sauquoit,) on the road to Norwich, as those did *The old settlers always called him Lefteaaut Briggs. 106 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. north of that road, and so it happened that the village grew up in his direction, with churches, schools, &c., while he re- tained his farm in the immediate southern suburbs. Soon, aiterwards the Marsh family came in and settled at the foot of the hill leading to Norwich Corners, and built a log house at the corner of the intersecting road that now leads to the Campbell neighborhood, and opposite the wagon shop of James Truman. The remains of the old cellar are still visi- ble, from out of which has sprung a thrifty apple tree. Jerusha Marsh, a comely brunette of 19, and a sister of Sheldon Marsh, attracted the attention of the young gallants of that period, but Spencer, who was gay and attractive in those days, carried off the prize, and ere long — March 13» 1792 — transferred her, a willing bride, to his comfortable log house south of the village. The Marsh family soon after removed to Bridgewater, and a Potter family succeeded to their log house. Later on, and after sheep had been intro- duced, Mrs. Potter developed into an expert wool-carder fby hand) and spinner, and as Mrs. Briggs was a great knitter Mrs. Potter arranged to supply her with yarn. One evening as the shades of night were fast deepening, Jerusha run out of yarn, and started for Mrs. Potter's for a supply, rather against the advice of her husband, as it was not entirely safe in the intervening woods, nothing but a trail marking the way, it being before the Campbell road was opened. She bravely set out, however, and after crossing the brook, and when near her destination, she was alarmed by a rustling, shambling noise in the undergrowth, when, to her horror, close at hand, advancing, she discovered a huge black bear, a large fallen log intervening. Seizing a stick she pounded vigor- ously on the log, and bruin, astonished, trotted back to his haunts on the "dry-lots," while she ran breathlessly to the Potter house, fortunately near at hand, in her fright bursting in the door with a frantic rush. A la Bull Run, both parties retreated. Bears, wolves and panthers were quite abundant in those days, especially on the "dry-lots" hill, the numerous caves in, that locality furnishing them convenient lairs, from whicl they would make frequent excursions to the valley. Bruii was particularly fond of pig, which rendered it impossible to] LIEUTENANT SPENCER BRIGGS. 107 raise pork by letting them run in the woods for " shuck," as they do in the western States, and strong log pens had to be erected in consequence for their preservation. Soon after the above adventure, and late in one evening, Spencer and his bride were startled by a terrible outcry from their hog-pen. Jerusha, on the impulse, rushed out to ascertain the cause, but almost instantly came flying back with the announce- ment that there was a bear in the pen, with the hog encircled in his embrace, while he was vainly trying to leap over the pen with his prize, but the great weight of the porker — some 300 pounds — bafiled his efforts. Spencer at once seized his musket, and hastily loaded it with ball and buckshot, while his wife, with equal haste, with tongs grasped a live coal, to which she held the wick of a tallow-dip as she bio wed it into a blaze for the tin lantern. (Matches were not then in- vented.) Both succeeded at about the same time, and sallied forth to the rescue, while the outcries of piggy made the welkin ring.. Nearing the pen, to which "Lieutenant" boldly advanced with a cocked musket, Jerusha slid behind her valiant spouse and opened the door of the tin lantern, which she held aloft with one hand, flashing the light into the pen, while with the other hand she clung to her lord and master, shutting her eyes. The sudden light astonished bruin, and he halted an instant in his vain eff'ort to leap out of the sty with his quarry; there was a flash and a roar and a scream ; over backwards went Spencer, down went Jerusha, the gun went flying back towards the house ; there was a clatter of tin, a sulphurous odor of gunpowder, a suflfbcating smell of an extinguished candle, and all was silent, broken a second later by the exclamation, " I guess I've kill 'em both." He meant the bear and hog, not his wife, as she gave evi- dence of vitality in speedily squirming out of the situation and recovering the lantern, while he regained his gun, and both soon gained the house, where she lit the lantern and he, according to hunter usage, reloaded his gun before approach- ing his wounded game, this time, however, with more care, as the first load had been evidently overcharged in his pre- vious haste. Securing a batcher-knife, they were soon again at the field of war. Bruin was there and seemed dead, but it would not be safe to trust entirely to appearance, so he 108 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. stirred him up with the muzzle of the gun, his hand on the trigger ready to pull at the least sign of lite. But the bear was really dead— nine buckshot and a ball, with such a 'charge of powder behind, at short range, had passed through his head ; but piggy was nowhere in sight, having retreated into the back parlor bed-room of his palace. With knife in hand, " Lieutenant" leaped nimbly into the arena, his first attention being to the pig, to butcher him if badly injured, in order to save the pork. The pig, though somewhat excited and nervous, was uninjured, which hastily ascertaining, Spencer severed the jugular of the bear, to render the meat edible by proper bleeding. He had fortunately fallen near the slide-door of the pen. Upon this being opened, it required the united efforts of both to drag him out, when Spencer at once proceeded to skin him, while his wife went to procure the help of Baxter Gage to assist in dressing and " swinging up" the monster game. All the neighbors feasted on bear steak the next day, and the shaggy coat of bruin, properly tanned, did duty as a lap-robe for many years. Some years later, and when their lirst-born son, Spencer — born May 15, 1793, and the first child born at East Sauquoit — was a lad in his teens, the old man, having some business with " Elder" Goodier, who had settled in Litchfield, near Cedar Lake, took the lad along with Lim in the sleigh. The road at this time had been cut out through the woods up through the Campbell neighborhood and over the "dry-lots" hill to Goodier's. That part of the road was abandoned a few years since. This road, although rough and unworked, now that the deep snow had been trodden down with the travel, was in capital condition, and with the rude old sleigh, strong and reliable, with " natural crook" runners, hewed beams, and " raves" pinned together, they sped along finely behind the spirited span of colts in which Spencer took great pride, and the boy called " his." Business detained him at the Elder's longer than expected, and night set in before he turned his horses homeward. There was no moon, but the stars shining brightly, in conjunction with the white snow, seemed to i-ender the road readily distinguishable, even in the -deep gloom of the dark forest through which their homeward route lay. For four miles, and until they reached Camp- LIEUTENANT SPENCER BRIGGS. 109 bell's and Elkanah Hevvett's clearinfr, well down on the hill- side near Sauquoit, there was no habitation, all being then a dense, unbroken. wilderness. The first part of their route up the hill to the summit of the " dry-lots," was quickly sped over, without accident. The occasional hooting of an owl startliugly near sei'ved to keep young Spencer on the alert, as he "snuggled up" a trifle closer to the old man, m4io tucked the bear skin a little closer around him. As they reached the summit and began the descent the colts all at once evinced signs of fear and dashed into a gallop, which the old man with all his strength (meanwhile soothingly talking to his favorites) could not reduce to an ordinary gait. On the con- trary they increased their speed and veiy soon, to his inex- plicable astonishment, they had "taken the bits in their mouths," and were actually running away. He could not check their speed. The most he could do was to firmly keep them in the track, wondering " what possessed the critters to act so." His wonder, however, was of short duration, for almost with the thought, distinct above the rattle and clatter of the whitiletrees behind the running horses, came the sound of the blood-curdling yell of a panther, in pursuit. The keener sense of hearing of the horses had first detected the sound of the yelling horror, ana they wildly plunged ahead. But the panther gained on them every leap, as each more dis- tinct yell plainly indicated. Lieutenant Spencer Briggs was no coward, but unarmed, in the woods, with a runaway team, his first-born son, a mere lad — the apple of his eye by his side, all helpless, a i)anther pursuing and neaily up to them, it is not to be wondered at ihat "he felt his hair crawling up into his coonskin cap." He had not yet looked back.'' To turn his head while guiding his frightened team, he well knew was perilous. • Few drivers can accomplish that feat, and not swerve their team out of the road, and a capsize, then, was certain death to him and his son. His plans, however, were quickly laid, and i)romptly executed. Bidding young Spencer to stand up in front of him and take hold firmly of the reins forward of his own hands, he charged him on peril of his life to hold the colts straight in the track, and not to look back, no matter what happened, or what he heard, but to run the team home for dear life. Relinquishing the reins he wheeled 110 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. around and faced his fate, fully determined to save his boy even at the sacrifice of his own life. The varmint was in sight and a few more leaps would land him in the sleigh. Their seat, improvised when they had started out from home, was a strip of ash flooring, about four or five feet long, firm and solid. This he now seized, and stepping toward the back of the .sleigh, to have full swing of his powerful arms, braced himself for the onslaught, with the ash poised edgewise high over his head. His position was scarcely taken when the final leap came. High in the air, like a bolt from a catapult, with flaming eyes, open jaws and distended claws, the terror of the American forest came flying towards him. The powerful blow descended with all the vigor of the old pioneer's power- ful frame, the edge of that bludgeon hitting full and fair on the neck of the animal back of the ears and with such force, together with the momentum of the leap, that he landed far over the sleigh, at the side of the road in the deep snow, evi- dently stunned. A moment or two had covered the whole transaction ; two or three minutes more and the team had covered the remaining distance — more than a mile — to the settlement, and they were safe. After living many years in the log-house he erected a large frame house (widow Samuel Allen now resides in it) some twenty rods to the south, one-half of the chamber being in one large room, which he designed for a ball room, he being fond of dancing and gay company, and there being no public hall in those days in the settlement. Still later on in life he became converted, joined the Methodist Church, gave up dan- cing, and built another house near the village (where Mr. Bice now resides) in which he passed his declining years, a worthy citizen, full of generous impulses, going to his rest •September 15, 1845, at the ripe age of 79, CHAPTER XIII. SAUQUOIT — THE SECOND SETTLEMENT IN THE TOWN OF PARIS. East and West Sauquoit stand on two parallel streets, one- half mile from each other on opposite sides of the creek, and united by a cross street. The village takes its name from the creek which flows through the village and to the north. The creek was called by the Oneida Indians, Sagh-da-que-da, signifying "smooth, round pebbles." The Stockbridge and Brothertown Indians called it Sauquoit, signifying "short and rapid." The latter name was adopted by the early settlers for the creek and valley. As the village grew, the west part came to be known as "Savage's Corners," and the east part as ^'Methodist Corners" and " Bethelville," and until the year 1820, when a post-office was established in the store of Hobart Graves, who was postmaster and the village officially bamed Sauquoit, The store of Hobart Graves was at East Sauquoit, in the building that is now J. Truman's wagon shop. In the course of a few years its post-office was removed to West Sauquoit, to " Savage's stand," and Stephen Savage made postmaster. In 1832, his son, Frederick S. Savage, was made postmaster, Dr. A. B. Bligh in 1846, Dr. Jeremiah Knight in 1850, and George M. Brownell in 1851, who made David Seaton his deputy, who performed the duties of the office, and at the expiration of the term he was made post- master, which office he held fifteen years, and at his death, his daughter, Kate Seaton, succeeded him, and held the office ten years, when, in 1877, W. Eugene Nichols was appointed, and the office, alter being at West Sauquoit for fifty years was moved to East Sauquoit. The following year, however, (1878,) Stephen G. Savage, (a grandson of " old Stephen," the second postmaster,) was appointed, and the office moved back to West Sauquoit. The twin-villages are beautifully located on the slope of either hillside, in the broad portion of the Sauquoit valle}', and are 820 feet above the level of the sea, and 400 feet higher than the Mohawk at Utica. The first se ttler at Sauquoit, who came with his family and remained, ]^22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. was Theodore Gilbert, Sr., who built his home near the Burning Spring, in the winter of 1789-90. The same winter the three young pioneers, John and Sylvester Butler and Asa Shepard, came in and built their cabin together on the " pio- neer road," northwest of the village, and Phineas Kellogg built a log-house north of the village, near the Tucker brook, but did not remain there as one of the settlers. Mrs. Plumb- and two children, (wife and children of Joseph Plumb,) came from New England soon after and occupied the " Phin." Kellogg house. In 1791, came William Babbitt, William M. Winship, Captain Abner Bacon and David Ostrom ; and north of the village, Charles Cooledge, Zenas Merrill ; and the next year Camp Parmelee. At East Sauquoit, came first in 1791, Lieutenant Spencer Briggs and Baxter Gage, and on the east hill, Simeon Coe, Elisha Wetmore, Moses Campbell, Jr., and Elkanah Hewett, and northeast of the village, Ensign Josiah Hull, Nathan Robinson, Moses Campbell, Sr., and Howe NiciioLs; north of the village. Captain Kirtland Griffin; at South Sauquoit, (" Davis' Forge" or " Farmers' Factory") came in winter of 1789-90, Titus Gilbert, Sr., Allyn Gilbert and Theodore Gilbert, 2d; and in spring of 1791, Ephraim Davis, and in the vicinity, Enos Pratt and a Mr. Root, and some others whose names are not preserved, as they did not remain and become identified with the growth of the village. In the fall, William Swan, a lad of 14, died, which was the first death within the present limits of Paris. The first tavern in the valley was kept by Captain Bacon, and the first store by Drs. " Dick and Jack" Perkins, in 1794-95, succeeded bv Judoe James Orton, who added tavern facilities to the store, and who sold out to Stephen Savage about the year 1806. On Judge Orton's books, September 15, 1806, he is charged with " five shillings and sixpence," paid to Mr. Spofford for making a " sign post," at which time he took possession, and it was afterwards known as " Savage's Stand." Stephen Savage afterwaixls, and about the year 1812, leased the southwest corner of the Presbyterian Church lot and erected a store thereon, which he carried on as a store during his lifetime, the old tavern stand being carried on by his son Frederick, Cyrus Chatfield, Ransom Curtiss and others, from time to time. Stephen Savage also owned the grist mill at SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 113 one time, and in partnership with Naaman W. Moore, founded the paper mills. He was an old-fashioned merchant, and there being no rivals at that early day, he had things his own way in regard to prices. On one occasion his stoi-e was entered by burglars, who carried off some two hundred dol- lars worth of goods, and for a day or two " Uucle Steve" mourned his loss as one without hope, but finally rallied his . faculties and went thi-ough his stock of goods in the store and " marked the prices up" on every article, so that when sold, his loss would he made good, and perhaps a little more. His wife died in 1832, and he again married ; his second wife being Nabby Bacon, widow of Dr. Spaulding Pierce, who survived him many years, and died at the house of her son, William Pierce, in the month of May, 1872, aged 90 years. He died December 4, 184-8, at the ripe old age of 78 years. The old store was afterwards kept by R. E. Kaple, Peter Kneaskarn and Solomon Rogers, and was finally removed to the rear of the Brownell store at the mouth of the Silk Mill street. The old Savage stand was kept latterly by Paul R. Miner, Stephen Medbury, and last by Joseph Mason, when on April 5, 1862, it burned down, and Mr. Mason built the pres- ent hotel, on the site which was afterwards kept by A. Van- valkenburg, a Mr. Bradt, W. H. Slover, and for the last ten years by the present popular landlord, Mr. Alfred Rogers. A store was opened in the Masonic Hall building, about 184-9, by Davis & Day, (James L. Davis and Almeron Day,) who sold out to Calvin E. Macomber, Mr. Davis removing to Utica, to the Franklin House, and afterwards the Central Hotel. Mr. Day removed to Litchfield, and founded a store at Day's Corners. The first merchant at East Sauquoit was Martin - Hawley, the store standing acro-ss the road east of Mr. Tru- man's wagon shop. The building was afterwards moved down the main road to the west, near the school house, and is a part of Mr. Truman's residence now. Henry Cram had a store on the " corners" soon after. Mr. Hawley removed to Paris Hill, and was succeeded by Hobert Graves, Hobert Graves & Son, Hobert Graves, Jr., who had for partners at Q 114. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. different times, John Milton Butler, William W. Hickox and Ezra C. Southard, and was succeeded by Southard & Hammond and Mdes & Hale and Andrew Mills, who mar- ried a daughter of Elisha Wetmore, and who was after- wards a merchant at Paris Hill, and now resides near Frank- lin Furnace. His partner was Samuel Hale. Mills and Hale, in company with William Royce, about this period, bored for coal at the mouth of Crane's " gulf," near Elijah Davis' rope walk, but did not find any coal. Solomon Rogers was the next merchant at the " corners ;" first Rogers & Harrington, then Rogers & Adams, (Harry W. Adams, now of Lenox,) and afterwards alone ; he was succeeded by J. M. & A. Gray, (James Madison and Alonzo, sons of Joi'dan Gray, who kept a little grocery,) and they were succeeded by Erastus Everett, then Hon. M. L. Hungerford, Davis & Dav, Birdsall & Hull, William Harrison Royce, Dr. Maltby, James Moultou and the present merchants, Miller & Nichols. Other merchants there, have been Ira Edwards, Eugene Royce, Rufus G. Priest and R. D. Richards ; and in the valley between the two villages : Brownell & Son's store, (on ihe Franklin Factory yard,) and at the mouth of Silk Mill street, George M. Brownell & Son, C. G. & A. E. Brownell, Brownell & Rogers, (C. G. Brownell and H. C. Rogers,) Henry C. Rogers, H. N. Shepard & Son, Slover & Savage and Savage & Johnson. Henr}^ Cram kept a tavern, now the residence of Thomas Garlick and Nathaniel Babbitt, where Asher Gallup now lives. The principal tavern there for years, was the house south of the Academ}^, now the residence of Mr. Stelle. Enos Knight first kept i!:, then his son William ; U. T. Harvey, who removed to Sherburne ; Daniel Griggs, a Mr. Eliott, Daniel Walton and others; the last landlord being Reuben Peake, who kept the house many years. The tavern at South Sauquoit. known as the Burning Springs Hotel, stood in the forks of the roads — one leading from the main road over the high ground south through the Bently neighborhood. When first settled, this was the main road to Cassville and Bridgewater, the road along the creek not being built until many long years after. The hotel was erected by Austin Graves in 1828, and was designed for a " watering place," a bath and spring house being erected in SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 113 the extreme north of the flat-iron shaped lot, and extensive barns at the south of the hotel. The old bath house now stands some fifty rods south on the Clayville road, and con- verted into a dwelling house. A pipe led from the bath house to the hotel, conveying the collected sulphureted hy- drogen gas from the " waters," terminating in a burner in the bar-room, where the jet was ignited. Mr. Graves was suc- ceeded by He/man A. Barrows, who carried it on until his death, which took place November 28, 1848, aged 38. The hotel then passed into the hands of William Collins, who kept it some years, when he rented it and removed to Rome, N. Y., -where he now resides, Theodore C. Gilbert and others keeping it. It was finally destroyed by fire in March, 1859. Major William Gere built the first tannery at East Sau- quoit, at the foot of the hill on the south side of the road leading to Norwich Corners. After a few years he met with reverses, and the property went into the hands of Seth Smith, who exchanged it for a farm with Josiah Mosher, in the Por- ter neighborhood. Mr. Mosher and his sons, George W. and S. Emerson, carried on the tannery some years. Major Gere afterwards carried on the tannery opposite Deacon Hubbard's wagon shop, in the village, on Tannery Brook, built by John Curtiss ; afterwards William J. Eager carried it on until his death, February 14, 184-0; then William Royce and his son William Harrison, and then his son Henry M. This tannery has been lately demolished by Eugene Nichols, who has erected a residence on the front of the lot. Major Gere was also a partner with Ark Jenks in the oil mill near Davis' forge, at South Sauquoit, (now the upper paper mills,) about the year 1808. Their advertisement appeared in the Colum- bian Gazette, May 16,1808: "Linseed oil in quantities for sale at their mill," &c. Major Gere, some years later, carried on a shoemaker's shop, and finally removed to Utica. He was born in Groton, Ct., in 1776, came to Sauquoit in 1802, was a prominent business man for many years in Paris, a member of old Paris Lodge, F. and A. M., and died by his own hand in Utica, November 25, 1849, aged 73. Deacon Abijah Hubbard carried on the wagon and sleigh manufactor}' for many years opposite the tannery. Deacon Hubbard came to Sauquoit at an early day, and was an ex- 110 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. tensive manufacturer of wagons, &c., in those days. He was one of the first elders of the Presbyterian Church when it adopted that form of government, and was ordained in 1833, and continued in the position during life. He was a kind neip-hbor and esteemed by all, passing away July, 1868. One son, George A. Hubbard, survives him and is a wagon-maker in Philadelphia, Pa., and a surviving daughter, Sarah, wife of Dr. Wadsworth, a dentist, resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. His second wife, Esther A., daughter of Lieutenant Spencer Briggs, resides on the old place, and is again married, to George Wadsworth. A little south of his shop was the organ factory of Oliver Prior. At one time, Mr. Andrews (aftei'_ ward of Waterville, and lather of the Mr. Andrews, organ- maker, of Utica,) was associated with him : also Rufus Bar- nard. This was the pioneer organ factory in Central New York. In the later years of his life, Mr. Prior invented and manufactured the Harmonist, which was the first inception of the instruments now known as melodeons, family organs, &c. 'Squire Asahel Curtiss, Ezekiel Hawley and General Gates (who still survives) were the principal saddle and har- ness makers. The Royces, James Seatou, George and Daniel Gricfgs, H. Norton Robinson, John Olmstead, Major Gere, Zabine Luce, Samuel Robbins and Samuel Cheeuey were the prominent shoemakers, and George Tinker at West Sauquoit, who built the house now occupied by widow David Seaton. He was formerly a resident of Marshall, and was married there to a Miss Bowker, and he now resides at Palermo, Oswego County, at an advanced age. The first town meet- incr at the organization of Marshall was held in his house, February 21, 1829. Morgan L. Antisdel was also a promi- nent shoemaker at West Sauquoit. He first settled on Paris Hill, was afterward at Willowvale, and then removed here, where he remained during life. Mr. Badger, StiUman Wells and Nehemiah Walton were cabinet-makers ; also, David Loring, who also attended to the undertaking; he also worked at the millwright trade and made carding machines. His hou.se and shop stood on Mill street, a few rods west of the present residence of ex-Sujiervisor William F. Mould. He was a prominent man in educational and other enterprises, and a leading member of Paris Masonic Lodge, and one of SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. Il7 the first officers of Sauquoit Lodg-e, No. 150. Soon after the death of his wife, his health became impaired, and to add to his misfortune, in the spring of 1850, his shop, attached to his house, caught fire, communicating to the house, and when discovered was well under way, and the old man was with difficulty rescued from the flames. Everything, including his valuable library and London Encyclopaedia, was destroyed, and he never recovered from the shock, and died at the resi- dence of his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Bligh, in the fall of 1850., Charles Robinson, the hatter, lived nearly opposite the Loring place. He was the son of Nathan Robinson, one of the pio- neeis of 1791. He was a prominent man in all the growth of the village, and was Justice of the Peace many years. His wife was a daughter of William Babbitt, the pioneer. Some years ago they removed to Cooperstown, where his wife died. One son, Frank, survives them, a prominent business man there, and another son, H. Norton, is the well-known real estate broker in Syarcuse. The old 'Squire, with a widowed daughter, makes his home at Knowlton, Wis. Most of the "daddies" of those days were strict disciplina- rians, and acted up to the old adage of "spare the rod and spoil the child," and the district schools were also run on that plan. One day 'Squire Robinson was |)eiforming the " pain- ful duty" of giving one of his boys the salutary penalty of disobedience, with a " rope's end." The scene of the reckoning was the barn, which stood south of the road and side of "Uncle" David Loring's, the line-fence only dividing. Uncle David, being at his barn, heard the loud outcries of the lad, and very soon stuck his head over the fence and his nose into the business, and remonstrated with the 'Squire for " treating the boy so harshly." The old 'Squire resented the interfer- ence, and the neighborl}^ discussion verged on a quarrel ; the boy, wholly forgotten meantime, quietly slipped away. Among other things he ureed that it was an easy matter to govern the boys by " moi'al suasion," treating them kindly, giving them good advice, and not get into a passion, &c., «&c., and, above all, to " enlighten their understanding." The old 'Squire berated him soundly for interfering in his family government, and " would thank him hereafter to mind his own business," and they parted in a "huff," and did not I 118 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. speak to each other again for several days. Their next con- versation, a few days later, was opened by the 'Squire, who,, busy at work near a front window of his hat shop, in the west end of his dwelling, was suddenly startled by a loud rattling and clattering in Uncle David's cabinet shop, across the way, accompanied with loud outcries and a rush and scramble down the stairs, and in a trice Uncle David and his son Riley emerged into the front yard, the old man in a tow- ering passion, the "wen" on his bare, bold head fairly glowing, while with a piece of board he was vigorously pad- dling the lad, who was " raising the neighborhood " with his yells. The window-sash of the hat shop slid to the right, the old 'Squire's head was thrust out, his spectacles pushed up on his crown, and "That's right, David, [whack,] that's right,. [whack,] give it to him, [whack ;] enlighten his understand- ing, [tvhack;] give him good advice and moral suasion — with a board !" At the sound of his voice and these taunts. Uncle David turned livid with rage, and while they resumed their neighborly conversation, broken otf several days before, Riley was forgotten, who nimbly mounted the red ladder — that always stood leaning on the shop — and perched himself on the roof After the argument was concluded, Uncle David bethought himself of the boy, and very soon discovered his- whereabouts, when he pulled down the ladder, and, leaving, the boy on the roof, resumed his duties in the shop. After an hour or two, his ire having abated, he replaced the ladder and Riley came down, and harmony was restored. Other prominent millwrights in the valley were D. Sheldon Marsh, (deceased,) Hiram and Titus Gilbert, (both deceased,) Roswell Eastman, George W. Holman, Alpha Smith, (de- ceased,) and John Seaton. Next east of David Loriug's house stood a shop where a Mr. Scripture, at an early day, manufactured patent cheese presses ; afterwards a Mr. Handy made heavy wooden rocking and office or bar-room chairs ; and later on was used as a wagon shop by Joseph Pratt and his son John, and also by 'Squire Samuel Allen, Further up the street stands Captain Knight's blacksmith shop, which for many years was noted in the valley. Daniel Wells also had a blacksmith shop near the Tannery Brook, and among his specialties were a frame SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 119 and facilities for shoeing oxen, which were much used at an early day by the farmers. T. L. Switzer's blacksmith shop was north of the village, and a Mr. Risley had a gun shop south of the tannery. Captain Knight was a famed horse- shoer and forger of mill and factory work, and celebrated for his skill in hardening and tempering steel, especially mill- picks for dressing the hard mill-stones. It would sometimes occur that several would be waiting their turn for the com- pletion of their job, and on such an occasion, the dinner hour arriving, the hospitable Captain would invite those waiting to dinner. On such an occasion Mrs. Knight announced din- ner, the waiting farmer chancing to be 'Squire Todd. The genial Captain invited the 'Squire to dinner, remarking that "as it was Monday and 'washing-day,' the best he could offer him would be salmon." "Ah, ha ! salmon ; well, really, you could not have anything to suit me better; I'm passionately fond of salmon, but rarely get an}-, as the fish peddlers that come through the valley seldom come up on the hill to sup- ply us." As the}'' entered the house, Mrs. Knight, flushed and heated with her washing-day dutie.s, looked unutterable things at the Captain for " bringing company to dinner on washing day," but before she could get in any apologies or excuses, he courteously seated his guest to the table, which was neatly spread. On a large platter, in the center of the table, was a towering pyramid of golden mush, oi- hasty pud- ding, hot, quivering and steaming, and at each plate were bowl and spoon, while large pitchers of cool, delicious milk garnished the table, all of which was soon served, the con- versation never lagging. The 'Squire did ample justice to the mush and milk, thinking that being the first course, the salmon would soon come. It was the first and only course that day. The nearest approach to salmon was its color — it was .srt^won-colored. 'Squire Jared P. Todd was an early settler, born in North- ford, New Haven County, Ct., and came to Paris at an early day, his farm where he settled being just east of Simeon Coe's on the hill. He was Justice of the Peace many years, and Supervisor in 1829-33-34. His farm house burned down in April, 1864, when he removed to the village — EastSauquoit — and purchased the old homestead of Lieutenant Spencer 120 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Briggs, where he resided ever after. His eldest son, Captain Flavel, removed to Waco, Texas, about 1850, where he still resides; another son, Chauucy, is in a western State, and his youngest sod, Dr. Ami, is in the oil regions (Titusvdle) of western Pennsylvania. His daughter, Mrs. Samuel Allen, at his death succeeded to the Briggs homestead. He was genial and social in a marked degree, and greatly respected by his townsmen, and in the last years of his life, he was always called upon to preside at town meetings. He passed away May 25, 1870, aged 79. Hon. William Knight was one of the heading men in town, Member of Assembly in 1836, and later in life, Justice of the Peace for sixteen consecutive years ; also Justice of Sessions ; was one of the prime movers in founding the Academy, and its Secretary for many years, and latterly President of the Board of Trustees ; was several years Master of old Paris Lodge, F. and A. M., and charter member of Sauquoit Lodge* No. 150, and ten years its Master, and in 1862-63 he was Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge. His social qualities won the friendship of all, and at his death — after an illness of a few days — he was honored by the largest funeral in the history of the town. He passed away on Washington's Birth- day in 1875, aged 75. His father, Enos Knight, died April 20, 184*9, aged 71. His only brother, George H. Knight, went West and died about 1S35, and lies in the old burying ground in the heart of the city of Cleveland, Ohio. At the head of his grave flourishes a thrifty hickory tree, planted by Captain Knight on a visit to his grave in the spring of 1836. A sis- ter, Patty, alone survives, the wife of the old miller and mer- chant, Harry W. Adams, now residing at Lenox. Madison County, N. Y. Among the old-time tadors was U. T. Harvey, at East Sauquoit, who married a daughter of Elkanah Hewitt ; he afterwards kept the hotel for some years, and then removed to Sherburne, the popular landlord there for many years, where he died a few years since, his wife surviving him. James L. Davis, who also married a daughter of Elkanah Hewitt, learned the trade of Mr. Harvey, and succeeded him in the tailoring business, carried it on for many years, when he sold out to Aucj. L. White and embarked in the mercantile SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 121 business, afterwards removirio- to Utica and engaged in the hotel business, well and favorably known for many years* where he died Feb. 11, 187-i, aged 57. His wife and one son survive him. At West Sauquoit, Daniel Bacon, son of Captain Abner Bacon, was for many years the popular tailor, finally removing to Utica, where, with his aged wife, he still resides- Benjamin Allen, his competitor at West Sauquoit, removed to Otsego County many years since, where he still resides. In those days, the tailors and shoemakers and hatters did a thriving business, but in later years the ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, hats, kc, have entirely superseded the old way, and the business was I'uined. Many years ago a wagon and turning shop stood a little north of the village of West Sauquoit, near the brook, and opposite the old school house, now Mr. Sullivan's blacksmith shop. It was carried on by Dr. Gordon and Darius Reed, and many years ago it was destroyed by fire. Darius Reed, the wandering poet, then established his turning business at Cassville, and sold his rolling pins, butter stamps, etc., about the town, reciting his poetry to his customers in his old age. His advertisement for his lost draw-shave will be remembered by some of the old residents : " Taken from my shop, by some thief or knave, A small draw -shave ; Perhaps, through good intent, I have it to some neighbor lent. But d- — n the man that is so slack, That will not borrowed tools bring back. "Darius Reed." The old man died a few years since at an advanced age, a homeless wanderer. He was a quaint character, and some of his poetry was brimfull of wit. His allegory written after the building of the present Presbyterian Church at West Sauquoit, contained some fine points and rare good hits. The building was constructed of materials from the old church ; the basement from the stones from the old Mix distillery that stood near Mould Bros.' mill, on the site of their barn ; and some of the materials were from a cider mill ; the materials from the three buildings hold a colloquy in his poem, which he used to read from his manuscript. Prominent among the 122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. industries at the early day were the potasheries and distil- leries. Of the latter, there were eleven in toivn and one brewery — four at Sauquoit, four at Cassville, two at Paris Hill, one at Holman City, and the brewery at Clayville. John Butler was the pioneer distiller in town, his distillery being located on the Spring Brook, near where James EifFe now resides. Noah Hall's distillery was located on the north bank of the Tannery Brook, on the road east of the village of East Sauquoit, near where Daniel Blackraau now resides. He had a " run of stones" to grind his grain, and carried on the business largely. A sudden freshet one day swept away a portion of his works and destroyed his extensive hog-pens, washing his large drove of hogs down the stream and drown- ing them. He then removed to Earlville, and his distillery was afterward converted into a potashery by Solomon Rogers. ^ The Mix distillery was a substantial stone building, and located on the north side of the road, near Bacon & Ostrom's grist mill, now Mould Bros.' The Asa Shepard distillery was located near the Titus Gilbert mill at South Sauquoit, near the raih'oad crossing where Theodore C. Gilbert now resides. It was carried on extensively by Mr. Shepard, and at his failure it went into the possession of Hobart Graves, the merchant, who carried it on for many years. The two dis- tilleries at Paris Hill were Haywood's and Samuel Adding- ton's. At Cassville, on the road leading from the mill up to the village were two distilleries, one on either side of the road ; Thompson Snell the proprietor of one, and Marsh & Stanley the other ; and above the village, on the road leading to Paris Hill, near " Tophet" school house, Roswell Cossett erected his distillery; he settled there in 1801, and his son, C. P. Cossett, was one of the early settlers of Clayville, but recently removed to Lincoln, 111. One-half mile further to- wards Paris Hill, Nathaniel Tompkins, another pioneer, erected his distillery. The distillery at Holman City was cairied on by Geoi-ge Briggs. Deacon Joseph Howard erected the pioneer brewery of the county, earlv in the century, near the Franklin Furnace, at what is now Clayville, and thus supplied a great need. The favorite beverage of the early settlers was flip, and while they could readily obtain whisky from any one of the eleven distilleries, they suffered greatly SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 123 for the want of the other important ingredient, beer, without which good flip cannot be compounded. To the great joy of all, the worthy Deacon came to the rescue, and founded a brewery, and also carried on a grocery store adjoining, which became a favorite place of resort, the leading staples of his trade being sugar, whisky and beer, which, put together in a mug and a hot flip-iron thrust into the mixture, made flip- His brewer was a Frenchman well skilled in the art, John Turouzo, who, after the brewery ceased operations, lived near Holman City, and a few years since, at an advanced age, hung himself Two of his daughters survive, Mrs. Cornelius Blower, Jr., of Sauquoit, and Mrs. Pindar, who moved away a few 3'^ears since. John Howard came from Pomfret, Ct., to Sauquoit in 1793, where he died in 1816. His son, Deacon Joseph Howard, was born in Pomfret, Ct., in 1766, was married to Submit Luce, of Somers, Ct., April 3, 1788, and came to Sauquoit with his father in 1793. He, as well as liis father, was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church, and was on^ of the first deacons, which office he held for forty years. He was a good man and a leading citizen in town, and died June 4, 1846. Moses Gray, Sr., came to East Sauquoit from Grafton, Vt, in 1793, where he built a log house a little south of where is now the Methodist Church. He died May 8, 1805. His son Moses, who came with him — they making the journey ou horseback — married Roxanna Howard, (daughter of Deacon Joseph Howard,) who was born in Long Meadow, Ct., in 1789, by whom he had eight children : Asa, Roxauna, Elsada, Almira, Moses Miller, Hiram, George and Joseph Howard Gray. George died in Boston, Mass., Jan. 9, 1848. Hiram, who was one of the firm that built the upper paper mill in 1853, died a few years later at Sauquoit ; the other children sur- vive. Asa, the eldest, is the world-renowned botanist. At an early age he displayed a taste for that science. When a mere lad his fa.ther would set him at work plowing with oxen, and after marking out a 'land" for him, (by plowing two or three furrows around it,) would leave him to finish up. Returning in an hour or two to see how " he got along," he would find Asa seated on the ground wholly absorbed in analyzing some rare spring flower, oblivious of the fact that 124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. the impatient cattle had left the furrow, and dragging the plow after them, were quietly grazing in a distant part of the field, and the jilowing about where the old man left off. It was out of the question to make a farmer of him, so he was sent to school and educated for a physician. Phlebotomy proved equally as distasteful to him as farming; it was not his forte to become a " saw-bones," and he drifted into his natural calling of botanist, in which he has won great dis- tinction among the savants of the world, hia books on the subject being standaid authority in Europe, as well as in his native land. He married Jane Lathrop Loring, of Boston, Mass., in 1848, and now resides at the Botanic Garden of Harvard Univeisity, Cambridge, Mass. The youngest son, Joseph H., is a well-known lawyer in Wall street, New York. Moses Gray, who was a tanner bv trade, removed from Paris Furnace (now Clayville) to Sauquoit, and afterwards pur- chased the Lorenzo Graham farm, which he cariied on for many years. He was a man of stei-ling integrity, and com- manded the respect of all. At his death, which took place in 1845, his son, Moses Miller: (who the same year married Emily, a daughter of Captain Zachariah Townsend,) suc- ceeded to the farm, where he has ever since resided. Moses Gray's wife, Roxanna, survived him many years, and passed gently away, June 15, 1869, at the advanced age of 80 years. Lorenzo Graham, of whom the farm was purchased by Mr. Whitmarsh, and then by Moses Gray, was born in Hillsdale, Columbia County, in 1799, and at the age of four yeais came with his father, George Graham, to West Sauquoit, his mother riding the entire distance on horseback. His father pur- chased the farm of Asa Shepard in 1803, to which, on his death, Lorenzo succeeded. In 1825, he married a daughter of Eleazer Tompkins, (a kinsman of Governoi- Tompkins,) and some years later removed to Paris Hill, where he resided until his death, which occurred August 4, 1878, at the ripe old age of 77, his wife surviving him, (they had lived together fifty-three years,) and lives with their only son, Geoi-ge T. Graham, near Paris Hill. Lorenzo Graham was a member of old Paris Hill Lodge, F. and A. M., " made" January 12, 1824. The late Anson Hubbard, near Paris Hill, married a sister of Mrs. Graham. SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 125 Among the early physiciaos at Paris Hill, were Dr. Amos G. Hull, (soon after removed to New Hartford and thence to Utica,) Dr. Sampson, Elnathan Judd, Seth Hastings and David Larrabee ; at Sauquoit, "Dick" and " Jack" Perkins, (first merchants also at West Sauquoit,) Spaulding Pierce, Dr. Norton, Dr. Gordon, Leverett Bishop, Rufus Priest, Aaron B. Bligh, Jeremiah Knight, Ansel and Asa Tyler, C. N. Palmer and C. A. Ostrom ; at Cassville, Barzilla Budlong. (Bligh and Knight both also having practiced at Cassville and Clayvillo.) Dr. E,ufus Priest, son of Asa Priest, the Revolutionary soldier, was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, in the year iTOi, graduated at the Fairfield Medical Academy, married Rebekah, daughter of Josiah Mosher, the Revolutionary soldier, and took up his practice at West Sauquoit. He was a skillful surgeon and in later years ' an accomplished dentist, the latter profession, however, he practiced chiefly in the South, where each winter for many years he was compelled to repair, through impaired health, making his winter home with his brother-in-law, Josiah Mosher, Jr., at the Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. He was a brilliant, social man, of keen wit, a fine singer, and many years leader of the choir at the Methodist Church, of which he was a prominent member, and first and foremost in the reforms of the day. His great vital energy enabled him to battle for years with the fell destroyer insidiously sapping his health, but he did not relinquish his practice, and through all those years carried a cheerful face into the sick room of his patients. He succumbed at last, and rested from his labors October 29, 1849, aged 55. His wife survives him, married to Dr. L. Bishop, of East Sauquoit. His children were Jane G., Gilbert M., Rebekah P., and Rufus G. Gilbert, a boy of fine intellect and ripe beyond his years while teaching school (not yet 16 years old,) near Norwich, Chenango county, was stricken with typhoid fever and died after a short illness in 1849. The other children survive. The eldest, Mrs. Jane G. Hyde, is the accomplished precep- tress of the Young Ladies' Institute at Norwich, N. Y. Re- bekah, wife of Rev. Munson Wadsworth, a Methodist clergy- man, resides in Otsego county, and Rufus G. Priest, after serving through the war of rebellion, sought a home in the 126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. " far West," and resides in Hastings, Iowa. Dr. A. B. Bligh was born in 1800, first practiced in Cassville, was postmaster when that village was Paris Hollow, and the first postmaster when it was changed to Cassville, in the year 1835. He afterwai'd removed to West Sauquoit, where he resided many years in the house where Widow Seaton now resides. He afterwards (1846,) built the house south of Masonic Hall, and some years later sold it to F. S. Savage, when he removed to Ciayville, where he died suddenly, July 24, 1856, aged 56. He was a skillful physician and much respected, and was postmaster at Sauquoit in 1846. One son only of his large family of boys survives him in Central New York. — David, who resides at Oneida, Madison county, N. Y. Dr. Jeremiah Knight also practiced at Cassville, and later on removed to Sauquoit and formed a copartnership with Dr. Bligh. He was an excellent practitioner, affable and genial, and a great favorite in town, holding various offices, and was elected supervisor in 1888. He died suddenly November 11, 1854, of heart disease, while addressing a political gathering at Ciay- ville. His wife survives, residing with her son. Dr. Arthur Knight, at West Sauquoit. Dr. Ansel Tyler was a dis- tinguished botanical physician, born in 1812. He married a daughter of Oliver Larkin, who was born in Hopkinton, R. I., in 1750, and came to Paris at an early day and settled on the hill west of Willowvale, and died June 12, 1845, at the great a^e of 95. Dr. Tyler first practiced at Willowvale but after- wards removed to East Sauquoit, purchasing the old home- stead of 'Squire Asahel Curtiss, where he afterward resided. His brother Asa was in partnership with him for several years, but removed to New Hartford, where he still resides, engaged in his profession. Dr. Ansel Tyler was highly esteemed, was a member of Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150, F. and ^ ]yi^ — made in 1851 — and was Master in 1854 and 1855. He was a leading Methodist and devoted to his profession, and during the appalling epidemic (" spotted fever" or cerebro- spinal-fneningitis) that swept East Sauquoit in the winter of 1865-66, he bravely stood to his post, and worn out with his self-sacrificing exertions to stay its progress and minister to the suffering fever-.stricken victims, he' at length contracted the fatal disease and died a martyr to his profession, February SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 127 3, 1866, aged 54. His widow survives, residing with their son, Dr. Clarence A. Tyler, at Aldeu, N. Y. Dr. Barzilla Budlong was born July 24-, 1806. During his long and active life he resided at Cass vi lie. His "ride" was an extensive one, and he was a very popular and skillful phy- sician, and won the friendship of all with his cheerful, cordial manner. He was elected supervisor in 1858 and re-elected in 1859. In the spring of 1868, on his return up the valley late in the evening, he was thrown from his sulky and his leg broken, from which he died May 3, 1868, aged 62. Dr. C. A. Osborn was a promising young physician who came to Sauquoit a few years since and was winning many friends and a successful practice, when he was suddenly cut down by diphtheria and died after a few days' illness, leaving a youuo- wife and two infant children. Dr. C. N. Palmer, who came about the same time, removed to Lockport, where he now re- sides, and has attained a lucrative practice. Dr. Leverett Bishop, the venerable survivor of the old-time physicians of the Sauquoit valley, resides at East Sauquoit. He was born at Guilford, New Haven County, Ct., in July, 1791, and came to Paris with his father, David Bishop, in the year 1808. They settled on the farm southeast of Sauquoit, adjoining the Josiah Booth farm on the west, the farm having - o been partly cleared up bj^ a Mr. Dunbar, who dug the old well on the place. David Bishop was a soldier of the Revo- lution, and served through the whole war. One of his sons, Joel, was lost at sea, off Sandy Hook, in the year 1810. The other son, Amos, came with the family to Paris, and at the death of his father succeeded to the farm. He wa.s- a veteran of the war of 1812, and was under fire at Sackett's Harbor. He was much respected in town, and died May 11, 1866, aged 83. His son, Samuel R. Bishop, succeeded to the old home- stead, where he still resides with his family, one of his daughters, however, having recently married Charles L. Mar- shall, of Sauquoit, the present Master of Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150, F. and A. M. Amos' other son, David F. Bishop, was educated at Sauquoit Academy, and about the year 1848 commenced studying for a physician with his uncle, Di-. L Bishop, upon the completion of which he located at Lockport' N. Y., and is one of the leading physicians there. He is 128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. associated with Dr. Evens, the firm being Bishop &> Evens. Dr. Leverett Bishop received his education at the Hamilton Academy, (now Hamilton College,) Clinton. ('Squire Avery Rhodes, still living near Babcock Hill, went to school with him at the old Hamilton Academy.) Dr. Bishop studied for the profession with Dr. Elnathau Judd, of Paris Hill. Duriug the war of 1812, he was appointed surgeon's mate, (now termed assistant surgeon,) in which capacity he served at Sackett's Harbor. In the fall of 1815, he commenced prac- tice at the village of Skanandoa, in the town of Vernon. He was intimately acquainted with the old Indian chief, Skan- andoa, who was a Christian Indian, as well as many of his tribe ; some of them, however, adhered to their pagan " relig- ion," among whom was his sister, a noted ti-ader and located at the frontier post of Detroit, Mich., but twice each year she visited the tribe on her way to Albany, where she obtained her goods. On one of these visits occurred the celebrated Council, to which, by appointment, the Dutch missionaries from Albany were to meet there, to induce the whole tribe to adopt the Christian religion. Dr. Bishop was present at the Council, which lasted several days. Two hundred of the Onondaga tribe arrived there in Indian file the day previous, haltiog their line about half a mile without the Indian vil- lage, when a delegation went out to meet them, and with great pomp and ceremony conducted them in. The feast, to which Dr. Bishop was a guest, consisted of " succotash" and pork. Each guest was served with a quart bowl full of the former and a pound of pork impaled on a sharpened stick. The pagan portion of the Indians, influenced by the vindic- tive sister of Skanandoa, refused to renounce their traditional religion and adopt the white man's religion, and the confer- ence came to naught. The following year, 1816, Dr. Bishop came to Sauquoit and commenced the practice of his profes- sion, which he has since uninterruptedly continued. His first wife was Lury Bacon, by whom they had one child, Deborah, who married Charles D. Rogers, (son of Oliver G. Roo-ers, the pioneer machinist,) the Superintendent of the American Screw Company's extenisive works at Providence, R. I., where they now reside. After the death of his wife he married the widow of Dr. Rufus Priest. In the winter of SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 129 1865 (February) their house at East Sauquoit caught fire in the night and burned to the ground, everything being de- stro3'ed and they barely escaping with their Hves. They have since resided in the house next south, the old homestead of Zachariah Paddock, D. D. In the year 1833, Dr. Bishop was ordained Elder of the Presbyterian Church, which office he still holds, having served a period of forty-seven years, and is the only survivor of the six Elders ordained at that time. He was "made" a Mason in Chittenango Lodge in 1816, (sixty -four years ago,) was one of the first members of old Paris Lodge, founded in 1822, and a charter member of Sauquoit Lodge, F. and A. M., at its institution in 1849, and is now and for some years past has been an honorary member of that Lodge. Drs. Arthur Knight and John Curtiss are also physicians at Sauquoit ; Dr. H. R. Hughes, at Paris Hill ; Drs. James E. Jones and Gustavus A. Giffbrd, at Clay ville ; and Dr. D. Albert Barnum, at Cassville. Dr. T. E. Wilcox practiced there a few years ; and Dr. B. E. Forbes a short time at Sauquoit, and also at Clayville. The first schoolmaster in town was Hon. Henry McNeil, at Paris Hill. In the valley. Prof Charles Avery, afterward of Hamilton College,' and still resides at Clinton ; Charles Walker, a pioneer of Chicago, 111., and a wealthy forwarder and ship-owner there for many years ; Solomon Rogers, David J. Millard, Noah Davis, S. Emerson' Mosher, Charles Hewitt, Henry Gage, (son of Baxter Gage,) Frederick A. Gray, now of Geneseo, N. Y., were among the old-time school teachers, and before the higher schools or the Academy were founded. Rev. Carey Rogei's was born in Rhode Island, and at an early day removed with his parents to Rensselaer County, N. Y. Previous to 1800, he took his way to the West, with the usual ox-team conveying his family and supplies, and halted in the wilderness at what is now Oneonta, Otsesro County, N. Y. On the creek near that village, then a wil- derness, he located his home, built a dam, and erected a forge with a trip-hammer and the primitive tools for making the implements and rude farming tools then used by the pioneers. He was an ingenious mechanic and a skilled forger, and a well-educated minister, (Baptist,) and, for those days, pos- H 130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. M sessed a fiue library of Biblical and other works. Through the week he worked at the trip-hainmer, and on Sunday preached to the pvimitive congregation that assembled in the little settlement. In the winter of 1805-6, " the epidemic" — a type of typhus fever — swept over that section, decimating the inhabitants. In his ministrations to the sick and dying, he contracted the fatal disoase, as did also his wife, which in a few days terminated fatally with both within the same night. At daylight, the kind-hearted woman who had watched in their last hours, " blew the tin horn" to call some rof the distant neighbors to her assistance. Five little chil- dren were orphaned that sad night, and they — the only mourners present at the funeral two days later — three girls and two boys. The orphans were kindl}' cared for by the neighbors, and, as soon as possible, word was sent to the rela- tives in Rensselaer County, and a brother of Rev. Mr. Rogers came on with his ox-sled, (much of his route being through the woods,) and gathering together the shattered household, took all back to the old home, " bringing up" the little ones, and taking the property for his remuneration. As soon as the children were old enough, they were " bound out to ser- vice," and earned tl.eir own living. The girls in time married, scattered to different parts of the country, one in Pennsyl- vaii la, one in a western State, and one near the old home- stead — all rearing families, and are all now dead. The two , boys survive. As they grew up, they both evinced a taste for study, and with a few weeks' schooling in the winter and hard study when their day's work was done in the other sea- sons, they both acquired good educations, and from time to time, from their frugal savings, purchased of their uncle such of the books of their father's library as they were able. One of them, Aaron Rogers, learned the blacksmith's trade, and also, like his father, fitted himself for the ministry, and many • years ago made his home in Protection, Erie County, N. Y., then a new countr}?-, where he is passing the evening of life surrounded by his sons, who have grown up and are in busi- ness there. The other boy, Solomon Rogers, who was five years old when so suddenly orphaned, bereft in the same day of a father's kind counsels and a mother's tender care, as he grew up, chose the profession of teacher, for which he had i SECOND SETTLEMENT IN PARIS. 131 ■qualified himself, and, about the year 1820, came to Central New York, attracled hither by his kinsman, Amos Rogers, Sr., who had settled here and established the then primitive ma- 'chine shop in the Sauquoit valley. The first year of his -arrival (1821) he obtained a school at Verona, and the next year he came to Willowvale and taught in the old school house, (on the corner where the road to Chadwick's leaves the main road,) which was afterward burned down, about the jear 184G. He afterward taught in the southeast part of the town of Paris, at the " swamp school house," and some time after engaged in the Farmers' Factory, where in 1827 he was " boss carder," during which year he married Hariiet Gilbert, youngest daughter of Theodore Gilbert, the pioneer. He sooa after removed to the Capron Factory, near New Hartford, and assumed the charge of the carding-room there; thence removing to East Sauquoit, and engaging in the mercantile business, and also fitted up the old distillery of Noah Hall -on the Tannery Brook, on the road east of the village, into a potashery, which he carried on extensively, employing two •teams constantly to collect the wood ashes from the houses 'throughout the country, which were mainly procured in ex- -change for notions and nick-nacks, pins, needles, etc., carried by the teamsters for that purpose in a tin-peddler's trunk, strapped to the wagon-seat. There were numerous potash- eries in the town, and the potash was all sent to market in strong, well-hooped ash barrels, as well as the surplus whisky — not used for home consumption — of eleven distil- leries in town, all in full blast; so it made the cooper busi- ness a lively trade, and many cooper shops sprung up throughout the town. Meeting with reverses and failing in business, he, in 1838, took the position of book-keeper at the Eagle Mills, (Chadwick's,) which position he filled until the destruction of that factory by fire on the evening of June 25, 1814, when he took the same position at the Franklin Fac- tory, (Brownell & Son,) Sauquoit, remaining with them many years. He again entered the mercantile business, and this time at West Sauquoit, which he carried on for a number of years, retiring, however, a few years since. He was an excel- ' lent singer and thorough student of music under Thomas Hastings, the great composer of sacred music, and for many 132 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. years "led the choir" in church, and at various times taught singing school. Soon after his arrival in the Sauquoit valley, earlv in 1822 — fifty-eight years ago — he was made a Mason in old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, of New Hartfo'rd,of which he is now the only surviving member of the 2-iO that used to meet around their altar. At the founding of old Paris Lodge at Sauquoit, he became a member there, and is one of six survivors of that Lodge, and is now an honorary member of Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150, F. and A. M. His children are Harris G., Henry C, Hiram C, Hattie E., Horace M. and Henrietta F. Fifty-two years of married life had rolled away with the family circle unbroken, when the youngest, Henrietta F., (Mrs. E. B. Avery,) was called to her eternal home, January 15, 1870, aged 32 years, 3 months and 7 days. Of the old village — " heads of families" — of the old-time busy and prosperous East Sauquoit, three only are left. Dr. Leverett Bishop, General LeRoy Gates and Solomon Rogers. CHAPTER XIV. MOSES CAMPBELL, HOWE NICHOLS AND OTHER EARLY SET- TLERS. Moses Campbell, Sr., was born in Connecticut, September 14, 1787, and came to Paris in 1793, and settled on the farm in the northeast part of the town now owned by Richard aad John Gilloran. He had twelve children : Agnes, Patrick, Sarah, Moses, Jr., Allen, Eleanor, John, Martha, Anna, Daniel, Elizabeth and Polly. He died April 8, 1827, aged 90 years. Patrick, his eldest son, lies buried on Paris Hill by the side of his wives and ten children. Moses, Jr., was born March 12, 17C4, and was married to Phebe Stewart, September, 1789. His children were seven in number : John Dixon, Laurinda, Ruth Minerva, Mandone, Henry, Sidney and Leander. Moses, Jr., settled on the farm near Elisha VVetraore, where Philip MOSES CAMPBELL. 133 Miller now resides, and when they came into the country (1793,) there being no road through the woods, his wife rode on horseback along the bridle path from Utica, her riding whip being a poplar twig, which, upon arriving at her future home in the wilderness, and dismounting, she stuck in the moist ground, where, taking root, it has grown to a tall tree, now standing in the corner of the door-yard. Mo^es, Jr., died Februar3^ 1817, aged 53, and with his father lies buried in the old burying ground at Norwich Corners. They both •endured the hard.ships and privations of pioneer life, and were held in high esteem by their neighbors and townsmen. John Dixon Campbell was born November 28, 1790, and was three 3'ears old when he came into the wilderness with his parents. He married a daughter of Jonathan King, and sister of Noah E. King, and succeeded to the farm, where he ever afterward , resided. He was a prominent man in the affairs of the town and neighborhood, and possessed to a marked degree the faculty of commanding the respect of all his townsmen. J. Dixon Campbell had many warm friends to mourn his death when he passed away. May 1, 1878, at the ripe age of 78 years. (His brother Sidney, of Bay City, Mich.,, alone sur- vives of the old family.) His daughter Phebe, wife of Philip Miller, succeeded to the old pioneer farm where they now reside, near the poplar tree which eighty-seven years ago did duty as a riding whip in the hands of Grandmother Campbell. Andrew C. Campbell, in the Griffin neighborhood, John Campbell of West Sauquoit, and M. Douglass Campbell ■of East Sauquoit, are descetidants. Elkanah Hewett was boin in Stonington, Ct., March 10, 1758; he was married to Elizabeth Geie, (sister of Major William Gere,) December 80, 1781, and came to Sauquoit in 1791, and settled on the l)iow of the hill west of Moses Campbell, Jr., and where 'Squire George Campbell now resides in the old red house erected by him. He had a large family, and was at an ea.v\y day an influential " moneyed man" and much respected He died June 12, 1839, aged 81. His son Charles was one of tiie old-time schoolmasters, and now lives in the western part of the State; two daughters survive in Central New York : widow U. T. Harve}', of Shei'burne, and widow James L. Davis, of Utica. A little east of his house, in the swamp. 134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PAP IS. was, at an early day, quite a settlement of Indians. After the pioneers came in and began raising their crops, these In- dians, by theii- depredations, became a great annoyance, and the early settlers finally banded together and drove them out from the land on which they had "squatted," destroyed their wigwams and compelled them to go to their reservations at Brotherton and Stockbridge, set apart for them by the Gov- ernment Howe Nichols was born in Worcester county, Mass.,^ and came to Paris in 1791, and settled on the road leading from Norwich Corners to Washington Mills. About three- fourths of a mile west of the "corners" he erected his log cabin, his land extending to the south and adjoining Deacon Coe's farm on the " Mover road." After completing his log- house in a comfortable manner, and clearing off sufficient land to put in crops the next year, he returned to Massa- chusets, and married Lucy Lee, in the early spring of 1792,^ when they started on their bridal tour in an ox-sled, loaded with household furniture, fai'ming implements; seeds and sup- plies. He airived at length at the frontier tavern of Moyer, on the German flats, and remained over night. In the morning he yoked up his oxen and made ready to start, his route from this tavern being directly into the great M'ilderness of North America, and his road the old Indian tiail over the hill to the west. As they were loaded up and all ready to start, the old Dutch tavern-keeper, Moyer, noticing the young, fair bride> and aware of the hard, pioneer life in store iov her, said : " Young man ! are you taking your wife into the woods to bury her ?" She lived to raise a large family, and survived her husband many years. Howe and his young wife arrived safely at the log-house and commenced their struggle for a home. He and his wife Lucy, and their oldest son, Sylvester, and his wife Hannah, were among the first members of the old Methodist Church at Sauquoit. Howe Nichols died sur- rounded by his many desendants — all worthy and prosper- ous — in the year 1836, aged 69. Jonathan King settled near by Howe Nichols, in 1793,. coming Irom Hawle}', Mass. He was a worthy man, but died in the prime of life, August, 1814, aged 54. His son, Noah E. King, was born on the old homestead, October, 1796, where he ever afterwards resided ; he was a prominent man in all DR. ISAAC FARVVELL. 135- the artairs of the town, and thi'ouifh life held in ^reat esteem. He was an active member of old Paris Lodge of Free Masons, being initiated the same evening — March 15, 1824 — as his neighbor and life-long friend, Samuel Farwell, (afterwards of Utica.) He died in July, 1865, aged 69. His youngest son, Albert S., succeeded to the old pioneer farm, where he resides and also carries on a cheese factor}' which he has erected. The oldest son, Frederick, went West some years since, where he now resides, at Belvidere, 111. A sister of Noah E. King married J. Dixon Campbell. Dr. Isaac Farwell settled in that neighborhood in 1792, and was a much esteemed early settler, his son, Samuel Farwell, removing to Utica many years since, where, through life, he was identified with its growth and prosperity, and was largely interested in the building of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, in Michigan. He died a few years since, and his elegant residence and spacious grounds on Genesee street hill, passed into the pos- session of Hon. ex-Mayor Charles W. Hutchinson, who now resides there. Joel Guild — early member of the Methodist Church — settled in t-he same neighborhood about the same time, also Robert Fames and Daniel Cloyce, who had a large family, all of whom lived to a great age in differeuL parts of the country. Anson lived always at Sauquoit, was a re- nowned mason and bricklayer, was boss-mason at the con- struction of the Harlem High Britlge that carries the croton water over the river. He was the life-long friend of his old schoolmate, Samuel Farwell, and was engaged with him in the erection of numerous public works throughout the country, his last job being the brickwork of the Farwell mansion at Utica. He was much respected, an .1 died a few months since at Sauquoit An aged brother, who came from the West to visit him in his last sickness, on his return, and when about to take the train from Utica, dropped dead from heart disease. One brother, Daniel, lives in Utica, and the youngest brother, David, resides in Cortland, N. Y. Levi Birdseye, in this neighborhood, and his brother, Charles Birdseye, near Elisha Wetmore's, were sons of John Birdseye, a pioneer-. They lived many years on these farms, still held by their de.scend- ants, and wer-e prominent men in chur-ch and society, both recently deceased. 186 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. David Nourse, the old lime-burner, was an early settler on the original Wetraore tract; was a worthy citizen, and died a few years since at a good old age. Robert Dixson, a Revo- lutionary soldier, settled at an early day a little south of Moses Campbell, Jr., his son, Thomas W. Dixson, succeeding to the farm, where he resided many j^ears, an active, business man, held in high esteem. A number of years ago he removed to Pulaski, N. Y., where he now resides, his son Brainard being cashier of the bank there. Charles Day and Daniel Willard were old residents in the east part of the town, also Captain Levi Hubbard, who died March 1, 1863, aged 70. Johii Goodier, sou of " Elder" Goodier, was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, February 1-i, 1798. He married Nancy Ann Wilcox in 1820, who was born in Stouington, Ct., November 1, 1802, and came from there to Litchfield when she was 10 j'ears old, traveling by team the entire distance. They came to Paris ir 1822, on the farm where they now reside in usual good hjalth, having lived together as man and wife sixty years. Ralph Edwards and Isaac Stedman, a hero of the Revolutionary war, were, early settlers in this vicinity. The Gileses, Potters, Wilcoxes and Waldrons also settled there at an early day. David Dunham M^as born in Brimtield, Mass., and came to Westraore-. land in 1794, with an ox-team, and was eleven days perform- ing the journey. He came with his family and furniture loaded on the conve3'ance, taking his route up the Mohawk valley through Utica, and in 1807 he removed to South Sauquoit, where he lived and died. He and his wife Tabathy, and his son David, Jr., and wife Elizabeth, were among the first members of the Methodist Chui'ch, " in the fourth or south class," also William F. and Wesley S. Dunham (sons of David, Jr.,) were added in the first revival in 181o, conducted- by Rev. Abner Chase. His son Darius was four years old when he came with his father from Massachusetts, and at the, death of his father he succeeded to the old homestead farm, also embracing the faith of his father, and was an earnest Methodist during life. He married Polly, daughter of 'Squire Asahel Curtis, by whom he had six children — four sons and two daughters. He was a thrifty farmer, and at an early day had set out and brought into bearing a fine pear tree, which DARIUS DUNHAM. 137 was a great rarity at that time, and excited the rapacity of the village boys, who furtively watched the maturing of the luscious fruit. Darius also kept watch and vigil — of the boys. The fruit at length ripened, and the boys, selecting a pitch dark night for their foraging raid on the toothsome beauties, sallied out. Arriving at Baxter Gage's, they put forward one of their number to reconnoitre, while the rest hid in Baxter's barn. After what seemed to them an interminable time, the scout at last returned and reported " the coast all clear," and all apparantly asleep at the farm house. Que by one they quieth'^ filed out of the barn, and silently took their stealthy march along up the road. Arrived at last by a round-about way, creeping barefooted through the garden into the coveted ])resence, they stood at the loot of the tree. In breathless silence they listened a moment, and as no sound came from the old farm house, they carefully " boosted" one of their number into the tree, who proceeded to feel cautiously around, testing with thumb and finger for the ripe pears, which he picked one by one and reached tnem down into the upreached hands of the expectant group below. As their pockets began to fill their courage rose in a ratio, and the danger did not seem quite so imminent, and something akin to a subdued chuckling satisfaction at their success escaped them. Their elation was short-lived however, as the old man Darius stealthily approaching, all at once appeared in their midst, whereupon the boys in a twinkling glided away into the darkness, scattering in all directions, rendering pursuit liopeless, but Darius felt pretty sure of the lad in the tree, who, unconscious of the "change of base," so silently effected below, continued to pass down the pears, which Darius quietly received, making no sign. At length a whisper from the tree inquired "if they had got enough." "Yes, plenty, and you had better come down — still," was the whispered reply. The lad " skinned it" down the trunk cautiously, and when within reach, the old man embraced him firmly and shouted, in a terrible tone : " Ah ! ha ! you rascal, I've got ye !" " Wal ; it's no great git; 'taint nobody but Ray Nichols," was the astonishing reply of the captured lad. Ray, the son of old Captain Nichols, the Revolutiouaiy 138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. soldier, was not over bright, and it would be useless to prose- cute him for the depredation, and as neither threats or prom- ise of reward could make him divulge the names of his companions, Darius was forced to put up with his loss. One day when the old man was at Utica, his team of spirited young horses took fright and ran away, making " kindling wood" of the wagon, and he was thrown violently on the pavement and fearfully injured. He was taken up and tenderly cared for, but his life hung by a thread for inany weeks, finally however recovering, but his constitution was so- shattered that he was never strong again, although he lived many years. He was an enthusiastic Whig in politics, and a- warm admirer of Henry Clay, whom he strikingly resembled ill countenance. Having filled well his station through life, honest and industrious, an earnest Christian, he peacefully went to his rest, October 28, 1874-, at the age of 84;. Two- sons survive him, N. Cooley, who resides m the village, and George D. Dunham, who resides on the old homestead, who has some of the furniture brought by his grandfather, David Dunham, from Massachusetts, in 1794;, which he preserves as cherished relics of the olden time. Camp Parmelee came to the valley in 1792, and settled north of West Sauquoit, where Hial Fitch now resides. He was an energetic old pioneer, and one of the first Trustees of the Methodist Church, in 1801. His wife, Zebida, and his daughters, Dolly, Rhoda and Irene, were among the first members, in the " third or west class." Irene, who married a Birdseye, is one of the six survivors of the original mem- bers, and resides in the West, His son Noah was afteward a leading member, and removed to Ohio a few years ago, where he has since died. On one occasion, many years ago. Camp, upon returning home from church, where he had listened to a powerful sermoo on faith — " that it would move moun- tains," etc. — became impressed with the subject in a great degree, and discussed it warmly with the " hired man," and by the time they had finished " cutting up potatoes" in the cellar to feed the cattle, and had arrived together at the barn to "do the chores," he had reached a high state of enthusiasm on the question, and proposed to demonstrate the matter prac- tically. He accordingly mounted the big beam above the ENSIGN JOSIAH HULL. 139 " bay," and taking a bundle of straw under each arm to serve as wings, declared " that he had faith that he could fl}'^ across the broad threshing floor and alight on the opposite beam," and bade the hired man look on and "see what faith could accomplish." Flapping his arms and the bundles of straw up and down to get up the wing-motion, at the same time exclaiming, "One to begin," (flap,) "two to show," (flap,) " three to make ready," (flap,) " four to go," (flap,) and he sailed oft' into .space, "flop" down to threshing floor, a fall of some twelve or fifteen feet. The old faith-demonstrator was a " good deal " shook up, but the bundles of straw eased the shock .soniewhat, and he fortunately escaped without broken bones. He was a good farmer — a little eccentric, perhaps — - but withal a sincere Christian, with unshaken faith in theoiy, and departed this life many 3'ears ago, and none of his de- scendants remain in the valley. Ensign Josiah Hull, a soldier of the Revolution, came early in the 90's, and settled on the back cross-road north of Crane's gulf, where he lived many years, removing to Oswego County about 1840, where he died. He was a prominent man in the early history of that section, and a great fox-hunter, enjoy- ing the " heavenly music" of the hounos keenly. W. H. Hull, a prominent merchant of Ottawa, 111., is a descendant. Stephen, a son of Ensign Hull, married a sister of Anson Clo3'es, and built the house on the brow of the hill east of the Methodist Church, where he lived many years, and died about the year 1836; his widow afterwai'ds marrying Henry Crane, sold the farm to Anson, her brother. Their sons were Augustus S. and Horace. The latter went west some twenty years ago, where he died a few years since. Augustus always resided at Sauquoit. In returning from Clayville just at dark one evening in October, 1877, riding in a sulky, when opposite the N. W. Moore place, he was met by a runaway team, which collided with his conveyance, which halted them, and the shock threw him out, breaking his neck. Passers-by at once pulled him from beneath the halted horses, carried him into the house, but life was extinct. He was instantly killed. His sudden and untimely death shrouded the village in gloom, as he was a great favorite in the community for his cheerful and pleasant manners and genial disposition. He had held many 140 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PAEIS. ■offices of trust in town, was one of the oldest members of Sauquoit Lodoje, F. and A. M., and had held neai-ly every office in the Lodge. He was a kind-hearted, active brother of the " Mystic-tie," and a worthy scion ol the old pioneer and Revolutionary hero. Ensign Josiah Hull. Hobart Graves came to the valley early in the century, (1812,) and settled a little north of East Sauquoit. He was a soldier of the Revolution in the last years of the war. His father was also a soldier of the Revolutionary war, was taken prisoner by the British, and died while a prisoner of war in the city of New York. Hobart Graves was born in East Haddam, Ct., in 1765, and was married to Mercy Baker, October U, 1784-; removed to Ulster County, N. Y., 1793, and to Paris in 1812. Their children were : Elizabeth, Hobart, Jr., Henry, Sarah, Sophia, Mercy, Mary, Sarah, 2d, and Laury. Hobart, Jr., was a prominent merchant at East Sauquoit from 1815 to 1825, was a member of old Paris Masonic Lodge at its organization in 1822, and was the first Secretary of the Lodge ; he was also the first Captain of the old Rifle Com- pany. He removed from the valley many years ago, and died February, 1854, aged 66. Sophia was born November 14, 1794, and married Joel Griffin, whom she survived many years, residing at East Sauquoit with her son, Milton Griffin, now both deceased. Mercy, born September 14, 1797, mar- ried William Royce, January 4, 1815, and died February 1, 1866. Mary, born June 20, 1800, married Zachariah Paddock, D. D., August 11, 1822, and died at Binghamton, N. Y., May 20, 1871. Sarah, 2d, born October 30, 1803, married Dr. R. Lord, of Boonville, N. Y., where she died February 6, 1857» Laur^^, the only surviving child, was born June 20, 1806, mariied Ezra C. Southard, the old-time partner of her brother Hobart, Jr., and removed to San Fiancisco, Cal, many years ago, where they both still reside. Hobart Graves was an active business man, and a merchant as early as 1815, at which date Zachariah Paddock, D. D., was a clerk in his store, and afterwards married his daughter. November 14, 1823, he purchased the distillery of Asa Shepard at South Sauquoit, which, with a potashery near the distillery, he car- ried on for many years. He was a consistent Christian and ■a leading member of the Methodist Church, and greatly re- ELISHA WETMORE. 141 spected by all. Hobart Graves, the hero of the Revolution, passed away January 11, 1853, aged 88 j/^ears. Morris Maltby was born in Bradford, Ct., in 1772, came to Sauquoit with his uncle, Deacon Simeon Coe, in 1791, for whom he worked several years, and then bought the farm adjoining to the west, where he lived to a good old age, a prominent church member and worthy man, and died Decem- ber 6, 1845, aged 73. His son, Deacon Isaac Maltby, suc- ceeded to the faru), where he resided until recently when he removed to the village of East Sauquoit. Augustus Wells was an old resident, living near to Hobart Graves. His sons weie : Stillman, Joel, Jeremiah, Milton and Henry, all skilled mechanics. Joel resides in Chicago, Til., Jeremiah and Milton also residing in Illinois. Stillman, the caVnnet-maker, lived and died at East Sauquoit. Henry, the engineer, married Sarah, daughter of Deacon Hubbard, and died in Cuba, his widow marrying Dr. Wadsworth, of Brookl}^), the dentist. Milton also married a daughter of Deacon Hubbard — Sarepta — who died a few years since. Elisha Wetmore was one of the pioneers of the East Hill. In the year 1791, his father and Captain John Wetmore, brother of Elisha, came on and purchased a five-hundred-acre lot, which was divided between the two brothers, John takino- the north half, where Marion Birdseye now resides, and Elisha the south half, where James Thurston now resides. After selecting and purchasing the tract, they returned to their home in Middletown, Ct., and the two brothers made readv to come on and settle in. Elisha about this time was mar- ried, and two weeks after, leaving his wife to come on with his brother and family, started with an ox-team loaded with utensils for his new home, which, selected by his father and brother, he had not yet seen. At the end of about three weeks, he arrived at what is now Sauquoit, and stopped with John Butler, who had previously settled in. The next day (Sunday) he started on foot to find his home. Taking the old Indian trail, he went up the hill to what is now Nor- wich Corners, where, to his great joy, he found his young bride already arrived with his brother, Captain John, and wife and two children, who, coming through with a span of horses, had made better time. He found them in the old log 142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. house standing on the site of the present Harrison place. The log house had just been " rolled," or put up, and was yet without a door, window or fire-place. They hung up blankets at the door and windows, and thus Jived there until they could build log houses on their lot, nearly a mile south in the thick woods, where a tree had not as yet been felled. The first log house was built on Elisha's south portion of the lot, both families living together until John could complete his on the north part, (now Birdseye's,) into which he moved with his family. Elisha lived in his log house until the year 1800, when he built the frame house that now stands on the farm. They raised twelve children, and both lived to see them all married and settled in life. Elisha was a prominent man in town and much esteemed, as well as his son William, who grew up and settled near his father, where he lived many years on what is now the Blackstone farm, but finally went west, where he died some years since. Full of years, and after a long and active life, loved and respected by all, the old pioneer of the "dry-lots hill," Elisha Wetmore, passed away in the year 1846, aged 77. His partner in life, who came into the wilderness with him, a bride of a few weeks, sharing with him the privations and vicissitudes of pioneer life, with its cares and joys, for more than half a centuiy, survived him but two years, when she, too, passed over the "dark river" to join him on the other shore, passing gentl}'' out of life in the year 1848, aged 79. Of the twelve children but two survive — the first born, a daughter in Minnesota, aged 87, and Emily, wife of James Thurston, aged 66, who reside on the old pioneer farm, now carried on by their son Wayne W. Thurston. Hiram Gilbert, son of Titus Gilbert, was born in 1798, in the little house near the mill erected by his father, near the site of the Farmers' Factory. After the death of his father, and as soon as he was old enough, he was " bound out" to his uncle, D. Sheldon Marsh, to learn the trade of millwright, with whom he served his full time, and with him, David Loring and Seth Burdick built the great overshot water- wheels for the numerous mills and factories erected on the Sauquoit Creek at that early day. He was married to Lucy "Harrington in October, 1821. He had a fine voice, and early I HIRAM GILBERT. 143 evinced a taste for siuginw, which was developed by Thomas Hastings, the great musical composer, who taught singing school at Sauquoit during the years 1823-24-25. Hiram became a leader of the choir, and afterwards tauo-ht sinoino- schools at Paris Hill, Litchfield, Clinton and Sangerfield. Asa Shepard, who married the widow of Titus Gilbert and brought up her four boys, Hiram, Andrus, Grove and Titus, Jr, like all of the first pioneers, had subsisted mainly on corn durino- the first years of his pioneer life in the wilderness, and mush and milk, fried mush and Indian puddings were his favorite dishes, especially the latter, when well sweetened. Hiram, when a mere lad, coming into dinner one day a little late, (Asa having just served the Indian pudding to all the family,) as he seated himself at the table, noticed that the old man had served himself bountifully, the pudding being piled high up on his plate, and with a sober face, asked ; " Mother, \\'here is father ?"' " Why, Hiram ; are you crazy ? father is here at the table, right before your face and eyes." Hiram stood up deliberately, leaned way over sidewise, and craning his neck around, " Oh yes, to be sure, I do see him — behind that pudding on his plate." The Sauquoit Creek in those days abounded with speckled trout, and he being a lover of the rod and line, was an expert and rapid fisherman, and they used to tell the stoiy, " that when he wanted to go of an errand speedily up the creek, he invariably took his fish pole along." Early in the year 1829, m company with his brother Andrus, with cart and oxen, they took their way to Oswego county, then a new country, camping out in the woods at night on their way. They at length reached their destination and settled in the town of Volney, then a dense wilderness, where they set to work to clear off the land, first erecting a log-house, then a saw mill, pot-ashery, frame house, grist mill and store, having the same pioneer experience there that their father had in the valley home on the Sauquoit in 1790. Hiram, early in life be- came a Christian, and joined the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member for nearly fifty years ; during most of the time leader of the choir, and for many j-ears a deacon in the church. In those early days, when people seemed to 144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. care something for religion, there were many earnest meet- ings and revivals there, at which Deacon Gilbert was ever an active and efficient worker. His house was, during many years preceding the great Rebellion, an "underground depot" for the transmission of runaway slaves. He was in close athnity with Gerrit Smith and Fred Douglass, the great Abolitionists. Many is the time his children were shown the deep ridges made upon the backs of the poor slaves who were fleeing to Canada. His love of trout-fishing was amply gratified in his new home, and many is the time that the late Hon. M. L. Lee, of Fulton, visited Gilbert's Mills, and they together fished on either side — for three miles — of a noted trout brook, striving to see which could bag the greatest num- ber of the speckled beauties. He had nine children : four boys and five girls, of which six survive : four boys and two girls. Of his death which occurred a few years since, (1876,) the Oswego Times says : " Hiram Gilbert, who died at the a^e of 78, removed from Pans, Oneida countv, with his brother Andrus, in 1829, purchased a large tract of land and settled at what is now called Gilbert's Mills, and during his life devoted his time to milling and kindred pursuits. Mr. Gilbert had a family of four sons, all mill owners, and five daughters, intelligent, enterprising and respected, and a whole community respect his character and honor his memory." His brother Grove removed from Sauquoit to Lenox Furnace, Madison county, at an early day, in the employ of Colonel Avery, where he died many yeais ago. Titus, Jr., was a very ingenious and skillful millwright, also deceased. Andrus, the only surviving brother, bereaved of his wife, is spending his time with a married daughter in Warrensburg, Mo. CHAPTER XV. HISTORY OF THE METHODIST E. CHURCH AT EAST SAUQUOIT — DEED BY LIEUTENANT SPENCER BRIGGS OB' THE GROUND — LAVING OF THE CORNER-STONE BY FATHER KIRTLAND GRIFFIN^LIST OF THE OLD MEMBERS AND THE MINISTERS AND PRESIDING ELDERS BIOGRAPHY OF ELDER ZECHARIAH PADDOCK, D. D., AND OBITUARY OF REV. ISAAC FOSTER AND SAMUEL WADSWORTH. March 16, 1801, Spencer Brigws and Jerusha, his wife, exe- ■cuted a deed conveying one acre of ground, beginning at the south corner of the four highways meeting near the house •where Phineas Chapin then lived, (Thomas Garlick resides there now,) comprising the site of the Methodist Church and ■the Academy in East Sauquoit, to the following Trustees, viz : Kirtland Griffin, John Bacon, Samuel Nichols, Camp Parm- €lee, Charles Cooledge and Elijah Davis, in consideration of '•thirty dollars in specie" — the traditional thirty pieces of silver. The instrument was witnessed by Seth Leonard Cut- ler and David Nichols, and acknowledged before Hugh White, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, April 4th, 1801, and recorded the same day, at 4 o'clock p. M., in Liber C. ot Deeds, pages 334 and 335, by Charles B. Piatt, Deputy Clerk. The erection of the Methodist Church on the ground was at once commenced, was prosecuted with vigor and completed before *' snow flew." The timbers were of red beech and wild cherry, the floor of ash, and the clapboai'ds of butternut. Samuel Nichols, Sheldon Marsh and their assistants, that framed and put together this structure, have all mouldered in their graves many years. Three generations have come and gone, yet the timbers of that old building — ^now the Academy — are in a perfect state of preservation, and the clapboards, not taken off in the alteration of the building, noticeably those on the rear and gables, have withstood the storms of more than three- quarters of a century, and are to-day as sound as when these old pioneer builders nailed them to the sacred edifice. J l-tG HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. At the layinw of the corner-stone of the foundation walls the ceremony was simple though impressive. The old Revo- lutionar}' hero, Father Kirtland Griffin, deeming it important that something should be done to mark the important oc- casion — although in those primitive days " parade and pomp were not" — in the midst of the interested little group there assembled, he kneeled on the corner-stone and prayed " that the blessing of God might rest there." At the building of the brick church, which was erected in 1842, to take the place of this old edifice, the corner-stone was laid with im- posing ceremon}^ a zinc box encased therein containing records of the church, "coins of the realm," copies of news- papers, both secular and religious, &c. The otdy list of those old members outside of that zinc box, known to exist, is herewith published. ^The books and records of the church for the first forty years of its existence are lost or destroyed ; the following list is compiled from an old " Class Leader's" list, being the only list in existence, and of a time when the village was called " Betheiville," and before the post-office was established, and the village officially named Sauquoit. This is a list of the names of the members of the Method- ist Church at " Betheiville :" First or North Class. — Charles Cooledge, Jerusha Cooledge,. Kirtland Griffin, Ro.sanna Griffin, Elijah Davis, Jerusha Davis,. Hobert Graves, Mercey Graves, Cloe G. Giles, John Greenlief,. Anna Greenlief, Harvey Griffin, Lydia Griffin, Experience Dayton, Joel Griffin, Aseph Morse, Betsey Mor.se, Susan Averell, Lucreta Bumpus, Benjamin Looinis, Camp Griffin, Orpha Lasure, Robert Dire, Rachel Dire, Mabel Kellogg,. Rachel G. Dire, Roswell Loomis, Ezekiel Lewis, Nancy Lewis, Luthena Bennet, Polly Burrett, Lucy Hemmingway.. —32. Second Class. — Robert H. Griffin, Roxanna Griffin, Jerusha ' Crane, John Prior, Letitia Prior, Rebekah Loring, Andrew Clark, Vashti Clark, Howe Nichols, Lucy Nichols, Sylvester! Nichols. *Hannah Nichols, Benjamin Nichols, NaUianiel Smith, Seth Smith, Anna Smith, Syrenas Wilbon,. Sally Old- redge, Jerusha Briggs, Ursula Birdseye, Eli Whitcome, Ruth.i Whitcome, Sally Whitcome, Florilla Nourse, Nathaniel Chap- THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 147 man, Joel Guild, Betsey Whitcome, James Howard, Dolly Nichols, Joho Bii-dseye, Phebe Birdseye, Abio-al Birdseye, Sally Maltby, Charles Birdseye, James Fanner, Nathan Clark, Hulday Clark.— 37. Third or West Clas.^. — Lemuel Shepanl, Ruth Shepard, Camp Parmelee, Zebida Parmelee, Temperence McCard, Bet- sey McCard, Levinda Howard, Susan Winship, Elizabeth Graham, Sally Shepard, Dolly Parmelee, Rhoda Pannelee, *Irena Parmelee, John Holden, Ann Holden, Jo.seph Joslen, Nancy Joslen, Janes Fineghan, Lucy Fineghan, Anna Davis- son, Dolly Jenks, Emily Cooley, Mary Ann Sniiih, Mary Monroe, Thomas Smith, Mary Smith. — 2G. Fourth or Soidh Class. — Reuben Ensign, David Dunham, Jr., Elizabeth Dunham, John B. Goodnough, Rebekah Good- nough, Ephraim Davis, David Dunham, Tabathy Dunham, Ezeked Sheldon, Amy Sheldon, Mary Potter, Ark Jenks, Perris Jenks, Eleanor Higby, Hugh Evans, Phebe Kino-, Clarissa Cone, Nathan Holmes, Betsey Holmes, Mary Smith, Grin Hewit, Mabel Kellogg, Pardon G. Richardson, Abigael Higby, Naoma Higby, Daniel Hewit, Polly Hewit, Annah Luce, Annah Luce, 2d, Betsey Fisk, Nathan Parker, Salley Jenks, Aminda Jenks, Cynthia Jenks, Mary Potter, 2d, Charles Ford, Zechariah Paddock, James Ford, Esther Ford, Susannah Richardson, Susan Richard.son, Elizabeth Richard- son, Geoi'ge Richardson, Poll}' Evans, Luther Pike, Ruth Pike, William F. Dunham, Wesley S. Dunham, Hannah Hopkins, Electa Prior, Lydia Richardson, Abigail Richardson, Betsey Howard. — 53. Fifth or Second Sottth Class. — Anson Aver\', Cyrus Stone, Hannah Underwood, Almira Potter, Jerusha Bacon, Samson Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Henry Johnson, Eli Johnson, *Levi Johnson, Samuel Kellogg, Sally Kellogg, ^Sophia Johnson, Huldah Fuller, Job Sweet, Lydia Lindel, Harriet Lindel, *Zebina Johnson, *Llo3'd Johnson, Grin Johnson, Horace Johnson, Truman Tuttle, Daniel Guild, John Guild, Olive Guild, Ruth Prescott, Sister Carpenter, James Fansket, Hervey Higby, Sister Evans. — 30. * There survive of that number, six, as follows, viz : Baanah Nichols, Irene Parmelee, Sophia Johnson, Levi Johnson, Lloyd Johnson and Zebina Johnsoa — the four Johnsons are brothers and sister. 148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PAEIS. List of Ministers and Presiding Elders of Methodist Church and number of Church Members each year. (From 1801 to 1815, the Church was supplied with Circuit Riders :} Ministers. Presiding Elders. Membership. 1815 . . Abuer Chase Chailes Giles 100 1816 . . Abner Chase Charles Giles 178 1817. .John Dempster Charles Giles 178 1818 . .Goodward Stoddard . . George Garey 135 1819. .George W. Densmore . .George Garej' 197 1820. .Ralph Lanuing George Garey 131 1821 . . George Peck George Garey 120 1^22 . . Hezekiah Field Charles Giles HO 1823. .Elias Boweu .Charles Giles 108 1824 . . Elias Bowen Charles Giles 108 1825 . .Zechariah Paddock Charles Giles HI 1820. .Ephraim Hall Dan Barnes, :P«n.«,.du.i.-» . . . .399 1827. .John S. Mitchell Abner Chase 137 1828. .John S. Mitchell Abner Chase 160 1829. .Alexander Irvine Dan Barnes 161 1830. .Alexander Irvine George Garey 260 1831 . . Andrew Peck Geoige Garey 260 1832 . . Harry Chapin George Garey 25+ 1833. .Elisba Wheelei- George Garey 256 1834 . . Elisha Wheeler Elias Bowen 335 1835 . . W. N. Pearn Elias Bowen 340 1836 . . W. N. Pearn Elias Bowen 324 1837 . . Moses Adams Elias Bowen 226 1838 . . Moses Adams Zechariah Paddock 212 1839 . . J. D. Torry Zechariah Paddock 252 1840. .Lyman Sperry Zechariah Paddock 252 1841 . .Lyman Sperry Zechariah Paddock 1842. .Benajah Mason . . .Elias Bowen 240 1843. .A. J. Dana Elias Bowen 1844. .A. J. Dana Elias Bowen 370 1845 . .S. Stocking Elias Bowen 283 1846 . . J. Hartwell Silas Comfort 280 1847. .J. Hartwell Silas Comfort 242 1848 . . C. W. Giddings Silas Comfort 242 I 1849 . . H. F. Row Sdas Comfort 225 1850 . .H. F. Row Silas Comfort 330 THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 1+9 Mini-iteis. Presiding Elders^. Membership. LSol . . D. W. Thuistou L. Sperry 338 LS52 . . Isaac Foster L. Sperry 332 1853 . . Isaac Foster L. Sperry 281 1854 . . W. Jerome Isaac Parks 274 1855 . . W. Jerome Isaac Parks 274 1856 . . Charles Blakeslee Isaac Parks 278 1857 . . Charles Blakeslee Isaac Parks 240 1858 . . G. C. Elliott Isaac Parks 198 1859. .G. C. Elliott D. W. Bristol 251 1860. .Geort^e Colgrove D. W. Bristol 280 1861 . . George Colgrove D. W. Bristol 1862 . . A. F. Matteson R. Cook 1863 . . A. F. Matteson . . : R. Cook 183 1864. .J. F. Crawford D. W. Bristol 202 1865 . . J. F. Crawford William H. Olin 277 1866 . .J. F. Crawfonl William H. Oliu 224 1867 . . B. F. Barker William H. Olin 260 1868 . . B. F. Bark.n- W^illiam H. Olin 1 99 1869 . . W. S. Tisdale L. C. Queal 207 1870 . . W. S. Tisdale L. C. (^ueal 207 1871 . . W. S. Tisdale L. C. Queal 207 1872 . . Harlow Skeel G. S. White '. 210 1873 . . Harlow Skeel G. S. White 216 1874 . . Harlow Skeel W. R. Cobb 120 1875 . . Robert Flint A. E. Corse ." 189 1876 . . Robert Flint A. E. Corse 101 1877 . . Robert Flint T. B Shepherd 196 1878 . . W. Watson T. B. Shepher-1 208 THE LATE REV. DR. PADDOCK AN AGED AND FAITHFCL WORKER IX THE VINEYARD GALLED TO HIS REWARD. Rev. Zechariah Paddock died at Binghamton, Broome county, N. Y., Friday, July 4, 1879, aged 83 years. Rev. Dr Paddock was born in the town of Northampton, then Mont- gomery county, (now Fulton, N. Y.,) on the 20th of Decem- ber, 1798. In Febi'uary, 1804, his parents removed to War- ren, Herkimer county. In the summer of 1815, Zechariah accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store at Paris, Oneida 150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. county, with Hobart Graves, the old merchant of East Sau- quoit, and during that year was converted under the minis- tration of Rev. Abner Chase, in the first great revival, and became a member of the M. E. Church at East Sauquoit, and was subsequently a student of the Utica iicademy. In the wintei' of 1(S16 he taught school in Deerfield, some three miles from Utica, and in the summer of 1817 in Columbia, Herki- mer county. While in the latter place he was given a license to exhort. On the 11th of August, IH22, he was married at Paris, Oneida county, to Mary Graves, a daughter of Hobart Graves, his old emplo3'er. He had a charge at Buffalo, where he remained two yt'ars, and was next a))pointed to West- moreland circuit, Oneida county, and in 1825 to Utica and Paris, the charges having been united, making his I'esidence at Sauquoit. At the next conference the two places were again sundered, and Mr. Paddock was appointed to Utica. At this time a great revival in Utica so strengthened and multiplied the work, it was deemed advisable to build a new and more commodious place of worship, and a fine brick edi- fice was erected on Bleecker street, the dedicatory .sermon being preached by Mr. Paddock in the autumn of 1827. On the division of the Genesee Conference in 1828 into the Gen- esee and Oneida Conferences, Mr. Paddock connected himself with the lattei", and, at its fir.st se.ssi(m in 1829, he was aji- pointed to Cazenovia. to which place he was also retuined the following year. He was then sent to Ithaca. In 1833, Mr. Paddock was again sent to Utica, after an absence of only six 3^ears. Remaining in Utica two years, his next appoint- ment was Auburn, where he remained one year. During the years 1838, '39, '4-0 and '41, he was Presiding Elder, and made his residence at Sauquoit. He was Presiding Eldei- of Caze- novia District four years. During the thii-d year (1845) the honorary title of Divinitatis Doctor was conferred upon him by Union College. In 1846, Dr. Paddock was appointed to the New York Mills station, where he remained two years. Thence he went to Binghamtou, Oxford and Chenango Forks. He completed fifty years in the active mlnistr^^ Since his suyjerannuation, about nine years ago, Dr. Paddock resided in Biughamton. and continued to labor effectively. His THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 151 funeral occurred in that city Sunday afternoon, July G, 1870 Bishoji Peck officiating. Obituary of Rev. Isaac Foster, who died at Sauquoit, after s, residence here of many years : "Rev. Isaac Foster is no more among the living on the earth. After a protracted and painful illness, he entered into his rest on the 28th of August, 1864. Brother Foster was •emphatically a good man. His amiability and deep and sin- cere affection always won for him a large circle of deeply- attached friends, both in and without the Church. He was a faithful and earnest laborer in the Master's vineyard, often allowing his zeal for the Lord and his love of souls to carry him bej'ond what his strength and health would justify. " He served the following charges with great acceptabilitj^, and his name there is as precious ointment poured forth : Lenox, Onondaga, Cardiff", Vernon, Warren, Verona, New Hartford, Hampton, State Street, (Utica,) Oneida, Sauquoit, ■at New Hartford a second time, Skaneateles and Moravia, where he thoroughl}^ broke down. From IVIoravia he removed •to a home provided for him by his brethren, where he closed his useful but painful life. " Brother Foster united with the Conference in 1839, and (remained effective, with the exception of one year, for twenty- one years, or until 1800, when his health utterly failed. ^Brother Foster was mild and amiable in his disposition, a •most genial companion, a fast and devoted friend. He de- lighted to dwell upon the higher attainments of the religious life, and we believe exemplified them in his own. His sick- ness was of the most trying and painful character, being paralysis of the limbs and nerves, but he bore all with great fortitude and resignation. A few days previous to his death, •a number of his ministerial brethren met and partook with him the Lord's Supper, w^hich he enjoj^ed exceedingly; the glory, of which he had so long preached and sweetly sung, •and for which he had prayed, opened to his view, and he longed to be at rest. At the age of 47, this good man laid •down his pilgrim staff' on earth, and took his crown in heaven. The place of Brother Foster's nativity was Stafford, Genesee county, N. Y. " In him another stai- has faded from the horizon of the .militant Chuich, to rise in glor^'. "Utica, November, 1864. D. W. Bristol." 152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Obituary of Samuel Wadsworth, from the Sauquoit Valley Ref,nste7', and sketch of the Wadsworth family, by Rev. W. Watson : "Anothei- of the old landmarks has been removed from our midst. Mr. Samuel Wadsworth died in peace at Sauquoit, N. Y., Sunday morning at 2:30 o'clock, the 21sl of March, 1880, aged 83 years, and the funeral services were held at the M. E. Church, Tuesday, March 23. A laige concourse of peo- ple assembled to show their a])preciation of the solid worth of this aged veteran, both as a citizen and a Christian. " Brother Wadswoith is the fifth who has died (>ut of a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, the- ])0sterity of Timothy and Lydia Wadsworth, who were among the veiy first settlers in this county between Sauquoit and Utica, in what was known as the " Wadsworth Settlement." " Mr. Timothy W^adsworth, Sr., the father of this large and time-honoied family, was a native of Hartford, Ct. In his youth he sought to make a fortune in the West Indies, where he spent one season, getting liis wages for'woik in sugai' and molasses, which he ])ut on board the ship bound foi- home, but which the shipmaster kept to pay ior his passage, leaving him worse off when he reached home than when he went away. " His next movement was to go " west," as it was then called, and beset his brothers to accompany him, but they had not the courage to do so. Hence, with his broad-axe upon his shoulder — for he was something of a builder — he started out single-handed and alone to find the "upcountr3\" When he had traveled foui- or five days — on foot, of course— he met two or three young men retuiuing, who did their best to per- suade him to go back, assuring him that he could get no work out in that country, and he would starve; but in spite of theii- entreaties, he pushed on until he reached Utica, then consisting in all of three log cabins, having only eighteen pence left in his pocket. In the vicinity of what is now New Hartford and Whitestown,he spent the season hewing timber for barns, of which quite a number were built that summer. In the course of the season he fell in love with the 3'Oung woman who afterward became his wife, and who was visiting friends in the settlement, but who returned " down country" in the early fall. After the summer and fall work was over, our hero started afoot and made the journey to Hartford, Ct., and was united marriage to the above mentioned young lady, Miss Lydia , whose parents fitted the young couple out with a yoke of steeis and a sled, and with this elegant con- veyance the newly-married pair made their wedding- tour to THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL t'HURCH. loB^' this countiy, which took them three weeks, and upon arriving here settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by Timothy Wadsworth, Jr., whei*e they commenced life after the primitive style of our fathers wheti this country was new. "On that veiitable spot all those twelve children which made up this ancient family, were born and reared, and on that farm and adjoining lands a vast amount "of labor was performed by this couple and their children. The mother and daughter did the ordinary dairy and house work, the spin- ning and weaving, and making all the clothes. The boys,. with their father, would turn otf'a heap of woi'k in the fields. When father took his scythe to go into the lot the order was not " ^o" but "come on, boys" and down woidd fall six or seven swaths of grass in a lively way, you ma}' be sure, and not until the father was nigh on to seventy years of age did he have a son who could out-do him in any kind of work upon the farm. In those eailier times it was no uncomniDn thing for the household to tui-n off a thousand dollars' worth of produce in one "year, and thus by dint of great industry and economy the whole family were helped to get a good start in the world. "In those early times there were no churches, and religious privileges were almost wholly t-o the Pi-esbyterian, which was the church of their fathers " down country." A " Methodist" was scarcely known, and a " Methodist Circuit Rider" was a great curiosity ; hence, when it was given out through the " settlement" that a Methodist ]j»-eacher would hold meetings in the school house in New Hartford, all " the boys" must go down to see what a Methodist Circuit Rider was like. Father Wadsworth and the boys went down. The preacher dis- coursed upon repentance and faith and pardon, in primitive Methodist style, and many were awakened, among whom was Father Wadsworth, who, not daring to remain at the inquiry meeting, returned to his home, and spent a sleepless night with the aiTows of convicton in his soul. Nor could he find, rest, till, being lei apparently by the spirit, he sought a pro- fessor who could help him. The first one, however, whom he went to see, and to whom he told his grief, said he could not help him, for he had left his religion "up country." The second one, however, whom he went to see, forthwith helped .him, and he soon obtained a sense of sins forgiven, and im- mediately began to go from house to house, telling the people what God had done for his soul. " A revival followed in which a goodl}' number were con- verted. Methodist circuit preaching was established in the neighborhood, and a strong society was organized and built 154. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. up. In 1822, George Wadswoith, one of the boys of this large family, went to Watertown for a couple of years, and while there he was converted under the preaching of Dr. John Dempster. Soon after his return his brother Samuel, just now deceased, was converted, and in 1826, under the labors of Ephraim Hall, the remaining children, eight or ten in number, were converted, and thus the whole family were brought into the church, and during these long years have beon°worthy and useful members of the same. Five of the ■children, including Samuel, all of whom but one lived to a cood old age, have gone to their reward, while seven remain, the youngest of whom is (38 years of age, all residing within ■an hour's ride of each other in the vicinity of Sauquoit "The member of this ancient family just deceased, was a remarkably even and sweet spirited man. His own children aver that they never knew him to speak a cross word or to manifest an angry spirit. His second wife, who in feebleness survives him, with her children, bear cheerful testimony to his uniform Christian temper and spirit. He was greatly be- loved by the church, and was ever ready, by his presence, prayers and means, to proinote its interests. The whole com- muriity respected and loved him, hence at the funei'al we all felt tliat we had been bereaved, nevertheless there was a cheerfulness in the gloom that provaded the assembly, be- cause every one felt assured that this father in Israel had gone straight to glory, and was fully jirepared to join in the Song ■of the Redeemed. The text selected at the funeral, Acts xi : 24, " For he was a good man, and full of tne Holy Ghost, and of Faith," it was thought aptly expressed the character of the Saint of God. Kev. R. Flint, a recent pastor, and Rev. B. F. Willoughb}', pastor of the Presbyterian Church, assisted in the religious services of the occasion." CHAPTER XYI. HISTORY OF SAUQUfHT ACADEMY. The Sauquoit valley is just now (1879,) looking its very loveliest. Fruit-laden trees, vvaving corn, bending hop-poles, with their golden clustering wealth, and barns, filled to over- flowing with the garnered grain and hay, all tell of pros- SAUQUOIT ACADEMY. 155 perity Hops of late years have become an important pro- duction in the valley, the climate and soil being peculiarl}' adapted to their growth, and during the years of blight and disease to the vine in other localities where they are exten- sively grown, this valley has scarcely been affected, but has u niformly produced, year after year, a quality of hops of su- perior strength an . ,. *) Cornelia L. Everett, ) t,.,i„.,. IL French Colloquy, The Remin,* ^- ^^^ra M. Parmalee. } ^"'l^ors- * Orisinal. SAUQUOIT ACADEMY. 161 12. Life,* John Gage. 13. Our Coutitrv,*... George D, Dunham. 14. Henr.' Clay,* Hknry Clay Rogers, 15. Chiracters of Eminent Men,* Samuel J. Bligh. 16. Colloquy, The Mortgage,* Mrs. Hamilton, L. M. Parmalee. Miss Alice Herbert, M. WiLMOT.f L^'uisa L. A. Johnson. Ameli^, S. Wilmot. 17. Greek Charles A. Butler. 18. J!^apoleon,* Albert Day. 19. Steam,* Mortimer G. Thomson, 20. Importance of Knowledge to the Me- chanic,* Augustus S. Hull. 21. Colloquy, Western School Room. (by the Principal,) Mr. Wi-eicre, (Teacher.) E. E. Simmons. " Phenosopl'os, (Phrenology.) A.Day. Dr. Squib, (Visitor ) A. N, Priest. Mr. Greig, ' J Gage. Miss Roberts " N Lohnas. " Lark, " L. Johnson. Eunice, (Servant.) S. Macombek, Scholars. 23. Living vs. Posthumous Influence,* James Wilson. 23. Responsibilitie- o' American Youtii,* Albert N. Priest. 24. Pers'-verance Necessary to the Attainment of an Object,* Horace L. Harrison. 25. One Blood and One Br.itherhood * Jesse A. Perkins. 26c Colloquy, Martyrs, or Days of Queen Mary,* (by the Principal.) Bonner, (Ri=hop of London,) H L. Harrison. Saund^rs. (Protestant Minister,) J. A. Perkins. Marlet (Chaplain of Mary.) . , L Griffin. Vive, (Tuton and Informer ) M. G. Thomson, Almont, (Monk,) A.N Priest. Catharine, (Si«'er to Saunders,) A. Waldron. Gray, (Constable,) AS. Hull. (Benediction.) * Original. t Excused on account of sickness, in her place, J. J. Calhouk. K 162 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Professor Barber was ^reatlj' exercised for fear the boys would get out a '•' false scheme," and kept his genuine schemes under lock and key until the audience had assembled, when the}^ were distributed by the ushers, who unconsciously, however, also distributed the dreaded " false schemes," which the naughty boys had adroitly inserted in the packages, as follows : MUSIC BY LITTLEWOOD'S BAND. (Ask a Blessing.) Latimus, Prof. B iwen. Mind Beyond the Bon^' Gatdea . .Gib Priest. Hypocr.sy and Sincerity contrasted,* Hen Giles. Plowing by Rule,* Ed. Simmons. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. {Dance, tJte Polk-er.) Yankee Nation,* .Sarah A Macomber. M et me by M onlight,* . . .Anna Waldron. Tall Oaks, &c * Savia Wilmot. The Literati,* Lucy W. Steadman. Friendship's but a name,* Lucy L. Ball The last time I saw him,* Laura M. Parmele. (Poor Bessy.) ■n> 1 r- 11 XT o * .,(.) Cornelia L. Everett, / A„ti,^,„ French Colloquy, He Returns,-'^ f ^aura M. Parmele, [ ^'^thors. (Old Dan Tucker, Esq.) Fat Living, Pigs in the Clover, John a Gage. Uncle Sam vs. John Bull Done uam. Harry Clay. God bless him! H C. I^ogeus. Death of Old Hickory, Samuel. (Dead March in Saul.) 16. Colloquy, Love, Courtship and Marriage, (Chums.) Mrs. Hamilton Sister Laura. Mis ^ Alice, " Julia. Louisa, .. " L.-vura Ann. Amelia, '■ Susy. * Original. SAUQUOIT ACADEMY. 163 {High Lolu Jack.) 17. Grease, (Frowy,) Charley Butler. 18. Stereotyp ■ Edition, Albert Day. 19. Bust yer Biler, Thom Soman. ■20. Altitude of Post Holes, . Augustus S V7holb {Soriiething Con ileal.) 21 Colloqu\', A, B, C's, (by the Principal.) Mr. Wisac c. (Tutor,) Old Chip monk. '• Bumpology, a Day. Dr. Squirt, ('Jompany.) A Priest. Mr. Gass " John Gage. Miss Robers, " " Lark, " Dry Lots. " (Waiter,) S. Mc (Letter 1.) Fellers and Gals. Exeunt Omnes. (Jinny get my Hoe Cake Done.) 33. Living vs. Ablominal Influence, Jimmy Wax heels. 33. Train up a Child, &c, a Meth Priest. 24. Faint heart never won fair Lady, Hairy son. 25. Amalgamation, hea! hea! ! hea! ! ! Jesse A. Perkins. (Swing to Your Places.) 26. Dilog: Last of the Mohegans, {Perhaps Original— hy the Boss,) Bonner, (Priest of New Gate.) San Istones, (Domina ) Beetle. Wives, (Tutors and Formers.) Alamode, (Munkey.) Kitty, (Sandstone's Sister ) Gray, (Mob Him.) (John Brown had a Little Injin.) 27. Return Thanks by Brother PASS AROUND THE HAT. Promenade ALL, Out Doors. (Old Hundred:) 164 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Prof. Barber afterwards went to Texas, in charge of a corps of surveyors, whei-e he died from some disease in- cident to that climate, and the school dwindled down until in 1850 Rev. Moses E. Dunham assumed the management and brought it up to the old standard, and held it there several years, when he entered the ministry, first at Clayville, then for many years at Whitesboro, and lately at Johnstown. The school again " run down," the building became out of repair, when in 1866, the people again took hold, raised $1,695, put the building in good repair, engaged Aaron White as Princi- pal, assisted by Phebe White, Huldah C. Kimball, Clara Bragg, A, W. Talcott, penmanship, and Miss H. E. Rogers, music, and the school led off for the third time with 205 scholars. Various teachers tried their hand since then ; the " hard times" 'came on, and down went the school again. Last year (1878) the villagers once more took hold, repaired up the building, and under the able management of the present accomplished Principal and his corps of assistants, the old Academy again and tor the fourth time went up to the traditional 200 scholars. The present Faculty is T. H. Rob- erts, Principal, assisted by Emma F. Roberts, T. R. Catlin, Fannie A. Wickson, J. H. J. Watkins ; Hattie E. Rogers, Music; E. J. Roberts, Penmanship, and Emily R. Gray, Oil Painting. During the thirty-four years there have been forty-two trustees. Erastus Everett, the first President, was succeeded by N. W. Moore, Amos Rogers, and William Hux- ford. Hon. William Knight, during most of these years was Secretary, F. S. Savage, Treasurer, and M. M. Gray, Vice Pres- ident. William Knight succeeded Mr. Huxford as President, William F. Mould was made Treasurer, and Henry C. Rogers Secretary. The present oSicers are M. M. Gray, President, George D. Dunham, Vice President, Wdliam F. Mould, Treas- urer, and Rev. Benjamin F. Willoughby, Secretary. Hal- lowed associations cluster around the time-honored old build- ing. Of the old time-worshipers that were wont to assemble within its sacred walls, responding to the fervent prayer, or joining in the swelling anthem of praise, few, indeed, are left. Memory running back to by-gone days views, as in a pan- orama, the old congregation, 'Squire Griffin, Camp, Joel, Robert and his sons George and Henry, Benjamin Loomis, SAUQUOIT ACADEMY. 165 Ezekiel Hawly, Randall, Fox, Budlong, John Birdseye, Nathan Robinson, William Boyce, Elijah Davis, Hobart Graves, Wells Walton, Greenlief, Rev. Father Arnold, Rev. Stocking, and Henry Crane ; Noah E. King, Huggett, Cloyes, Turner, J- Nichols, and Levi Birdseye ; 'Squire Todd, Joseph and Hugh Garlick, Dea. Coe, J. Crane, Father Morris Maltby, and En- sign Hull, Charles Birdseye, David Nouise, Whetmore, Camp- bell, Elkanah Hewett, Charles 0. Curtiss, Asa Priest and Dr. Rnfus Pi'iest, his son, (the old choir leader,) Josiah Moshier and his sons George and Emerson, Martin Hawley, and Graves, merchants, and " King" Brownell ; Daniel Willard, Chapman, Day, Nicholas Giles, Edwards, Potter Cobb, Obed Waldron, and Darius Dunham, and Captain Townsend ; Theodore Gilbert, Ephraim Davis, and Talbott, Amos Wilcox and Sylvester Nichols, Baxter Gage, Lieut. Biiggs and his son Spencer, Daniel Wells, 'Squire Curtiss, Dr. Tyler, O. Prior, Pratt, Deacon Hubbard, Henry Royce, William J. Eager, Elders Paddock, Parks and Boweu, Dr. J. Knight, Zabine Luce, Major Geer, U. T. Harvey and James L. Davis ; Deacon Curtiss, Moses Campbell, Moses Campbell, Jr., Captain Levi Hubbard, Pride, Enos Knight, and his sons William and George, A. S. Hull, Kneaskern, James Seaton, David Loring, Abel Gates, Goodsell, William L. Mould, Abner Bacon, Camp Parmalee, Charles Cooledge, Samuel Nichols, Father Cheney, David Seaton, Samuel Wadsworth and Hiram Kellogg. The old bell ringer, Jordan Gray, that tolled them off, finally joined the procession gone before, and John Ball, the old grave-digger that buried all these generations, at last laid down his mattock and spade, and went to his rest and no answer to this muster roll comes back to us from that voice- less, echoless shore. There survive of the outlying parish fathers, Richards, Thomas, Norton, Paddock, Goodier, Rev. I. L. George, and Timothy Wadsworth, and Brower ; of the villagers, George Smith, the venerable wool carder, is at Smith- port, Pa., the veteran hatter and Justice of the Peace, Charles Robinson, at Knowlton, Wis., and the old miller, James Bacon, at Richmond, 111. ; the old merchants, Andrew Mills, Harry Adams and Eiastus Everett, yet live in Central New York, and the only remaining original residents of East Sauquoit ■are Dr. Bishop, " Gen'l" Gates, and Solomon Rogers. The 166 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. thousand and more of scholars that have passed through the old Acadeniy, are scattered far and wide. The blooming girls are mothers now, (some of them grand-mothers,) and not a few of both boys and girls have gone " to that undiscovered bourne from which no traveler returns." The old school- boys fill positions in life's active drama everywhere. Min- isters, lawyers, doctors, professors in colleges and schools bankers, merchants, and underwriters in New York and every city of the State, and Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis- and the great cities of the far west ; mechanics and manu- facturers in the New England States ; farmers in the West, herders on the great plains, and miners on the Pacific slope, and some went down to honored graves on the battle-field. The school enters the 35th year of its eventful historv with the best wi.shes of all for its permanent and continued prosperity. Nestling among the shady maples planted dur- ing Rev. M. E. Dunham's administration, now towering full- grown, the quaint old Academy, with its improved park and beautiful surroundings, is deservedly the pride of the valley. The eijergetic Board of Trustees, with competent and trusty officers, the able management of the skilled teachers, all point to that degree of success which all these advantages will surely command. CHAPTER XVII. HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WEST SATJQUOIT,. BY REV. B. F. WILLOUGHBY, THE PRESENT PASTOR. In 1791, was organized the Congregational Church of Paris Hill, and the Presbyterian Church of New Hartford. In 1798, a Congregational Church was oi'ganized at North Bridge water, which comprised among its worshipers, some of the southern portion of our society as it was afterwards formed. About 1795, the neighborhood of Norwich Corners THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 167" became the place of worship for our early inhabitants^ and a Congregational Church of eleven members was oi-ganized there, June 19, 1798. But owing to difficulty in obtaining the needed funds for church-building, a house of worship was not completed there until 1804. In the meantime, the Sab- bath services were held in school houses. Those buildings, from which many of the present would exclude all religion, were happily in those days the shelter of our homeless churches, and neither Church nor Staie luere corrupted hy iL This is a little type of that union which always has existed, and will exist, we trust, between religion and education. God grant they shall never be divorced ! The first pastor of the mother church of Norwich Corners, was the Rev. John Eastman. He was installed September 11th, 1799, and continued pastor until March 21st, 1809, nearly ten years. The Rev. Hugh VVallis was installed as his successor December 13th, 1809, and was pastor at the time of the organization of this Church. It fell to my lot, a few years ago, to supply the pulpit of that old church on Sabbath afternoons, during: a uart of one winter; and still later I have rendered the same .service, for many winters as well as summers at Paris Hill. My own ex- perience of facing blinding snow storms and plunging through deep drifts has been ample to aiford a little realization of what the fathers and mothers of this people endured in those earlier days, to enjoy the privilege of worshiping God in his own holy sanctuary. Then, it was not nierelya solitary min- ister, picking his way up the hills, but a large part of the congregation, some on ox-sleds, some on horseback ; here a stronsf horse carrying double, the husband in front, and his wife on a pillion behind ; there a couple of regular attend- ants, the wife alone on the horse, and the husband trudging on foot beside her ; and all over roads not .so good as those at present — although even now there is room for vast impi-ove- ment — but through rough paths in the forest, leaping the bog-holes, carefully stepping over the roots, and winding about the trees and stumps. When I read of these great difficulties, surmounted by the hardy ones of old for the service and worship of God, it seems to me a stern rebuke of that easy-going piety, that fair- 168 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. weather Chi'istianity which now prevail so much, which will lounge into a church and through its service once per- haps on a pleasant Sabbath day, and more likely, on still rarer occasions. And with this small grain of religious ob- servance, feign to fulfill the requirements of God and the demands of that part of our nature, which spurning the earth, finds home only in the things above. Would that the recol- lections of those earlier days, should inspire us with new energy to-day ! Would that the spirit which braved such difficulties to found, sustain and attend upon the Church of Ood in the wilderness, should animate us with alike holy de- termination to carry forward the work thus begun — to con- sult, not ease, but the calls of God — to deny ourselves, as they did, for Him ! Still, it was but natural and right, that the residents of this valley should seek to establish a church nearer to them- selves. The\^ doubtless, felt the want of a nearer church in- fluence, as well as a wish to abate the hardships of church attendance so far away. There is an old record of a first un- succe=!sful attempt to lorm a religious society here, in 1795. On July 6th of that year, a meeting was held in the store of Dr. Perkins, — standing where the hotel now stands — and a society was then formed by the name of Hancock Religious Society. The following officers were chosen, viz : Joseph Howard, Clerk ; Jonathan Davis, William Babbitt, David Seymour, Asa Shepherd, Matthew Nichols, Jonathan Davis, Jr., Jesse Prior, and Aaron Davis, Trustees. A sufficient number truly ! A committee of three was then appointed to appraise the land for a house of worship, viz : Henry Crane, Jonathan Davis and John Clay. After this, on September 7th, 1795, there was a second meeting, in which provision was made for the purchase of a lot for a burying ground, and also they received and agreed to the report of the committee on the site of the church. They then voted to dissolve the meeting ; and with this, so far as records show, not only the meeting, but the Hancock Religious Society itself, was dissolved. Before the year 1800, occasional services were held in a school house, standing about on the present site of Mr. Sul- livan's blacksmith shop. In October, 1800, the Norwich So- THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 169 ciety passed a resolution that the preaching on the Sabbath should be held in that scboolhouse one-third of the time, until the following May. In 1802, a new schoolhouse was erected on the site of the old one; and it was built much larger, with two rooms and a swing partition between them, which could be swung up and fastened on hooks to the ceiling above, so as to make it convenient for religious services. This was our church accomodations until the year 1810. We now come to the time when this church and religious society began its separate existence. On the 12th of December, 1809, an ecclesiastical council was convened in the Norwich Society, from the minutes of which we make the following extract : " Several memorials from members of the church, living at or near the creek, were received. The .memorialists report they live so remote from the usual place of worship in said society, that they do not derive that benefit from the ordi- nances of the Gospel which they need. They therefore pray the council to give them such direction and advice as they shall think best calculated to remove them from their present embarrassment. " The council, after mature deliberation, are of opinion that it is expedient that a division be made in the church, and that those members who live near the creek be constituted a distinct Church of Christ." In accordance with this action, eighteen of the members of that church were dismissed, to form a separate church in this locality. On the 8th of January, 1810, a number of individuals met in the schoolhouse aforesaid, and proceeded to organize a re- ligious society. The name which they adopted was the same as now, — after the lapse of 69 years — Union Society. This name, as we understand, was selected for the i^eason that the society was made up of members of the four adjacent soci- eties of Norwich, New Hartford, Paris Hill and Bridgewater. Three Trustees were chosen, viz : John Butler for one year, Joseph Howard for two years, and Eliphalet Sweeting for three years; James Dickson was appointed clerk. The first chairman was Gardiner Avery, father of Mr. Eli Avery and Mrs. Frederic Savage, Sr. On the 29th of January, a meeting was held in the house of 170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Abner Bacon, to organize a church. This house, which stood then nearly on the site of the present residence of Mr. Chauncey S. Butler, has since been removed, and now stands just beyond Mr. Butler's barn on the other side of the road. It is insignificant enough in appearance, but oh, how glorious in this great memory ! Here 1 insert the record of that meeting : " Paris Union Society, Jan. 29th, 1810. " Pursuant to a vote of the Church of Christ in Norwich Society, which was with a view to form a separate church, a number of professing Christians invited in assistance to form and constitute them in church state ; who met at the house of Abner Bacon, on the day and date above. Present : Rev. Messrs. E. Wood worth, J. Eastman and J. South worth. After solemn prayer to Almighty God, attended to the case of those persons, who, b\^ the above vote referred to, were now in cir- cumstances to form a new church ; also attended to others who exhibited letters of recommendation, together with others who offered themselves for examination to join in church state, who never had united with the visible Church of Christ ; who were examined with respect to their doc- trinal, experimental and practical knowledge of religion. After a careful and candid examination, the persons whose names are unoersigned, assented to the confession of faith adopted by the Church of Christ in Norwich, and to the cove- nant received by the Church of Christ in Bridgewater, to- gether with the rules of admission received by the above named churches ; and after having solemnly covenanted to- , gether, they were pronounced a regular Church of Christ, and, as such, solemnly charged to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace." Then follow the names of the original members, viz : "John Howard, Joseph Howard, Submit Howard, Theo- dore Gilbert, Hannah Gilbert, Eden Camp, Elizabeth Camp, Eben Judson, Dorcas Judson, Jerris Chittenden, Abner Ba- con, Timothy L. Bacon, Lydia Bacon, Hannah Bacon, Jona- than Davis, Elizabeth Pratt, Mabel Pratt, Lydia Butler, Peace Prior, Lucrecia Harrington, Elizabeth Shepard, Lydia Norman, Abigail Huggins, Patty Allen, Betsey Gilbert and Nabby Pierce." Twenty-six in all ; nine males and seventeen females. On the 29th of May, 1872, I attended to the grave the re- mains of Mrs. Stephen Savage, an aged saint, formerly Nabby or Abigail Pierce, the one whose name is the last on J THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 17.1; the above list, and who was the last one of that original, number. Of the clergy who officiated on that occasion, Mr. South- worth was pastor of the church at Bridgewater, Mr. Eastman of the church of Hanover, — having removed thither from Norwich the preceding year — and Mr. Wood worth was or had been, quite recently, pastor of the church of Madison. The chuich being organized, chose Eben Judson for its Moderator, and Timothy L. Bacon, Clerk. It adopted the Congregational form of church government. It was resolved that the communion service be held on the first Sabbath of every second month, commencing with the first Sabbath of March, which usage has continued unto the pi-esent time; as also certain other usages in the society, such as the annual election of a single trustee, to hold his office for three years ; the annual meeting of the society on the first Monday in December; and after the building of the church edifice, the annual meeting for the sale of seats on the first Monday in January. The first communion service was on March 4th, 1810, at which time 28 members, — two more besides the original 26 — sat together at the Lord's table. In the spring of 1810, the Rev. Ezra Woodworth com- menced his labors here as stated supply. About the first of June, the church building at Norwich was consumed by fire, and the people there made a proposition to the people of the Creek, to unite with them in building a new church midway between the two places, which proposition was declined. On the 21st ol August, a meeting was held to make arrange- ment for the building of a church in this locality. At first it was decided to build on the east side of the creek, and the site was selected just beyond the residence of the late William. Knight. Here the foundation was laid in the spring of 18^1, and the timber was brought together, when the site was sud- denly changed to the one where the church now stands. The foundation and the timber were both removed to this spot, and such was the zeal of the people in the work that the whole transfer was effected in a single day. Before the end of this year, (1811,) the building was enclosed, and for three years following the congregation worshiped in it as it was, benches being carried in for their accommodation. )It was 172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. •completed in November, 1814, and the pews were rented for the first time January 2d, 1815. The form of this old chuieh buildino; is worthy of descrip- tion here. It was large, square and high, without steeple, standing somewhat back of the site of its successor, so that its east side was on the boundary of the lot. Its gables were north and south, instead of east and west as now. But the dooi — that is, the inner door — was in the middle of the west side, under the eaves, instead of gable. Over this door was a porch, extending several feet outside the main building, which porch was entered from without by three doors, one on the west, opposite the inner door, and one on each side, close up to the main building. Each of these side doors opened at the foot of a flight of stairs, one at each side of the porch, which ran up first toward the west, landing on a platform above, in the middle, leading back through an upper inside door into the gallery. The gallery ran around three sides of the church, the west, north and south. There were, of course, two stories of windows, one above the gallery and the other below it. On the inside of the church below were three aisles, running east and west. Between the middle and each side aisle was a double row of slips ; and outside the side aisles, on both sides and ends of the house, a row of square pews extended around the church on each side from the door of entrance unto the pulpit. This pulpit was opposite the door on the east side, and was a fit symbol of the days when the minister that occupied it stood much higher above the people than now ; a very eagle's nest, fi-om whence, as we presume, the eye of the preacher could command, with piercing view, the gallery above with the frolicsome boys and girls in it, (they are steady enough now, alas ! many of them very still,) as well as the graver, steadier congregation below. But it was found, in time, that the convenience for such a purpose was a great inconvenience for the real purpose of preaching. And hence — as this latter purpose predominated over the other, also, perhaps, as a symbol of less domination of the minister over the people, and greater closeness and familiarity with them — this pulpit was cut down, once and then again, before the old structure was torn down and the present one built in its place. This first one stood until the year 1843. In it, about THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 173 840 persons united with this church, either by letter or profession of their faith. But go back a little. The first year of this Church, 1810^ was one of great spiritual blessing. In September, twelve persons were added to it; and in December, twelve more. Twentj'-nine were added in all during that year ; thus a little more than doubling the membership in that first year. On September 2d, the Church voted to unite with the Oneida Congregational Association, and Joseph Howard was appointed the first delegate. On September 30th, 1811, Mr. Howard was elected the first deacon, and served, as deacon or elder, nearly forty years. Early in 1813, Mr. Woodworth discontinued his place, and the church, still unfinished, was left unsupplied with preach- ing, except by different occasional ministers, until March, 22d, 1814, when the Rev. Abner Benedict became stated supply, and continued as such just eight months. Short as was his ministry, it seems to have been greatly blessed, for on July 8d seventeen were added to the Church, and twelve more during the year, making the accessions of that year the same in number as in the first year. At the close of the year 1814„ the number of the church membership, as nearly as can be ascertained, was 74, with which to begin church life in their now finished church home. On December 16th of that year a second deacon was elected, David Curtis, who served, as deacon or elder, with the exception of five years absence, nearly thirty-six years. We come now to the time when the church received its first pastor, the Rev. Publius V. Bogue. He commenced his labors towards the close of the 3'^ear 1814, and was installed as pastor by an Ecclesiastical Council, March 15, 1815. He continued pastor for eleven years, closing his labors with the close of the year 1825. His pastorate was greatly blessed by several large additions to the Church. Seven were added in the first year of his ministry. In the year 1816, occurred that infrequent thing, a midsummer revival. As a result of this thirteen were added to the Church in September, and twenty before the close of the year. In 1818, there was an unusually large number of accessions by letter, indicating something of a revival of religious earnestness among profess- 174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. ing Christians, which might have had much to do towards the grander revival of 1820. On May 14th, 1820, twenty- six united with the Church on a profession of their faith — .just the number of the original membership. The pastor, in recording their names, appends this remark : " These are the fruits of a glorious awakening, which commenced about the 25th of January." In July, fifteen more were added. The whole number of additions during that year was forty-six. At the close of Mr. Bogue's pastorship the membership had increased to 123. After Mr. Bogue had left, there was a vacancy for five months, when, on June 1st, 1826, the Rev. Oren Catlin be- came stated supply. He continued in charge until April 1st, 1829, nearly three years. During his comparatively short ■ministry, foity-one were added to the Church. A large num- ber, however, must have been dismissed, as the whole num- bei of members, when he left, was but 128 — but five more than at the retirement of Mr. Bogue. After the retirement of Mr. Catlin, there was a vacancy i of eleven months, in which the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. Mr. Waters, who resided near Paris Hill. Even in this vacancy fourteen were added to the Church. On March 1st, 1830, the Rev. Oren Hyde became stated supply, and continued as such ten months. In that short time sixteen were added to the Church, After him, the Rev. Tertius D. Southworth became sated supply, and continued as such unto the close of 1832. He received into the Church sixteen more. This certainly was a very remarkable period for the church. For several 3-ears there had been frequent changes in the ministry and protracted vacancies, and yet they had been years of great spiritual prosperity — years of almost constant revival and accessions. During tne four years closing with 1831, there were additions of sixty-one to the Church. My predecessor, in his history, remarks concerning this : " This steady increase is the more worthy of note, as, of all the periods of the church's history, this would, on some accounts, appear to have been the most unfavorable. There were no other four years in which there was so changing a ministry — three different stated supplies, besides a number of occa- THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 175 sional. This fact is somewhat explained, when we remember that this was the era of the great revival which swept through- out this entire part of our State, and the wave which flowed over the other churchf^s, sprinkled this, notwithstanding its unsettled ministry." And yet, large as were these additions, they did not quite suffice to maintain the status of the church, as to numbers. The number of deaths and dismissions must also have been unusually large. For at the close of Mr. South wai'th's minis- try, the memparship was only 116 — twelve less than at the close of Mr. Catlin's labors, in April, 1829 We come now to the time when the church saw fit to change its form of government, and become, as it is now, a Presbyie- rian Church. It is probable that here, as in most other new communities at the first organization of a Calvinistic Church, there was a diversity of sentiment as to the best form of or- .ganization, some preferring Congregationalism, others Presby- terianism. Some inclined to the former because it seemed, in their view, to accord greater liberty to the individual members and local churches ; others preferred the latter because, as they thought, it united all reasonable liberty with a better order and greater efficiency of government. The only way of settling this dirterence, is to allow the choice of the majority to prevail ; and if, afterwards, the majoritj^ should change, then to allow •the corresponding change in the church. The clear sentiment •of the present majority should now be the law, as the other ■sentiment has been the law before. As observation has shown me repeatedly, this must usually be the case. The majority may wait for a time, but it will in the end assert its rights, and take the rule. It will not long consent to be bound down un- der the rule of a clear minority; and it is foolish for any minority, even under the plea of previous rule when it was the majority, to attempt to cling still to its lule in that way. Hence, as communities change, churches change; sometimes from Congregationalism to Presbyterianism, sometimes the other way. In Central New York, the tendencies seem to ■have been quite generally in the former direction. A large number of churches, like this one, formerly Congregational, Jiave become Presbyterian. Here, the Presbyterian element w-as more or less active from the very first. In 1813, less 176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. than three years after organization, a standing committee — a quasi session in reality — was appointed " to attend to public complaints and other important duties." A similar standing committee was again appointed in 1827, "for the purpose of prosecuting more effective measures for the government and disciplme of the church." Again, in 1818, the church, by unanimous vote, withdrew from the Oneida Association, to unite with the Presbytery of Oneida, afterwards the Pres- bytery of Utica, on the old plan of accommodation. Thus the waj^ was gradually prepared for the complete change which occurred April 26th, 1832, when the church voted to adopt the full Presbyterian form of government. The change seems to have been effected without serious trouble. In fact, the large number of cases of discipline which were occurring at that time, some of which had dragged their slow length along for two or three years, and all of which must have been a constant disturbance to the peace of the whole church, had undoubtedly much to do in leading the people to welcome a change which would take the work out of the hands of all, many of whom must be in- competent, and commit it to the few effective, chosen men, who would manage these things, not only more wisely, but with much less of painful friction to the whole mass. A few, indeed, appear to have felt aggrieved for a time by the change, but no party was formed against it; and, so far as now appears, the peace of the church was but little disturbed by it. From that day to this, the church has stood, with general acquiescence, as a Presbyterian Church. The first Elders elected were David Curtis, Salmon Holmes, Abijah Hubbard, Joseph Howard and Leverett Bishop. The latter two at first declined ordination, so that the session was first constituted with the other three, viz: Messrs. Curtis Holmes and Hubbard. On June 28th of the following year, Messrs. Bishop, Howard, and Charles Coolege were elected, and in due time ordained, making the whole number of the session six. One of that original number, Leverett Bishop, continues with us, an honored and greatly beloved Elder unto this day, having served now in this office forty-three years. Since then the followinor changes have occurred in the Eldership: September 13, 1838, Mr. Aaron E. Pettee was THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 177 elected in the place of Charles Coolege, who had been re- moved by death. April 2, 1844, three new Elders were elected, viz : Calvin E. Macomber, D. S. Marsh and Warren Bragg. June 5th, 1849, Joseph Howard was removed by death. November 2d, 1850, Mr. Curtis was removed to another church, and since then, as we trust, to the church above. Mr. Marsh having also been removed by death, two more Elders, Mr. M. M. Gray and Mr. Kiel Fitch, were elected March 2d, 1855. Mr. Bragg was dismissed October 5th, 1856, to take part in the formation of the n^w church at Clayville. Mr. Hubbard died in July, 1868. July 2d, 1875, two new Elders were elected, viz: George W. Burpee and William Booth, who were ordained October 3d, 1875. Thus the ses- sion, as now constituted, consists of seven persons, whose names are as follows, in the order of their election : Dr. Leverett Bishop, Aaron E. Pettee, Calvin E. Macomber, M. Miller Gray, Hiel Fitch, George W. Burpee and William Booth. Of this number, however, Aaron E. Pettee is, by the complete failure of health, disabled from further service ; and it seems appropriate to place on record here a few words of appreciation of him as a man, an Elder, and Clerk of the Society. As a Christian man, earnest in his convictions, faithful, conscientious, self-sacrificing, and well disciplined by many a sore family bereavement — two of whose sons were freely given and bravel}^ died in their country's service. As an Elder, serving faithfully for nearly thirty-eight years, con- stant in his attendance on the meetings of session and the sanctuary services, although being without a horse, he was obliged to traverse on foot, hither and back, the long distance between his place of residence and the church. Faithful also as Clerk of the Society, in a service of forty yeari?, keep- ing the books in excellent order ; and when compelled finally, by disease and infirmities, to give place to another, receiving a hearty testimonial of the great appreciation of his fellow members in the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted, and ordered to be recorded on the Society's Book of Records : " Whereas, The duties of the Clerk of the Board of Trus- tees of this Society have devolved on Mr. Aaron E. Pettee, by annual election, for forty years, until by failure of his health L 178 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. he is no longer able to perform the duties of said office ; therefore, " Be it Resolved, By the members of Union Society in an- nual meeting assembled, that we bear testimony to the effi- ciency and correctness in which .said duties have been per- formed ; and would also hereb}^ express our sympathy to the brother and his family in the affliction which God, in his providence, has sent upon him. " Resolved, That the above preamble and resolution be en- tered upon the minutes of this Society, and a copy be sent to the family." But, to return to the history. I was speaking of Mr. South- worth, who retired at the close of 1832. He died at Bridge- water two years ago, and it was my privilege to be present at his funeral. After his retirement there was a vacancy of three months, after which, on April 1st, 1833, the Rev. Beriah B. Hotchkin began his labors here. On the 30th of April, he was installed by the Presbytery of Oneida, the second pastor of this congregation. His pastorate, extending over a little more than three yt^ars, is favorably remembered by many, even to this day; and his brief visit to this scene of hi^ early labors, in 1869, was gladly welcomed by many, who young then like himself, were now, like himself, well advanced in years. If the neatness and correctness with which he kept the records of the church be at all the index of the style of his ministry, we can well believe that that work too was well done. But we have many another evidence pointing to the same conclusion in what was actually done, as. both the records and history show. In the first year of his ministry, measures were taken to give efficiency to the new session. The territory of the parish was divided into districts, and an Elder assigned to each district for personal visiting, with in- struction to pray with those visited whenever consistent. The fruits of this new effort were soon apparent. At the communion in January, 1834, six were added to the church; and during the year twenty-six were added, against seven the year before. At that time the church took new and important action on the subject of te'injperance. It is well known that, in old times, the moral sense of men, both in the church and out of it, was not awake to this great question as it is to day. Men THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 179 might be liquor-drinkers, or liquor-sellers, and retain a good standing in the church, and be, in fact, good Christian men. The name of one of the original members of this church is on record in the history of the town, as the keeper of the first inn ; yet he appears to have borne a good part in the church, and certainly has left some good descendants after him. But as time advanced, and the eyes ol the people were opened more and more to the evils of intemperance, it came to be felt that the only true stand against it was that of Total Absti- nence, not only from excess, but from use at all as a beverage of anything that can intoxicate. Hence, in 1833, the Pres- bytery of Oneida passed several strong resolutions on this subject, urging their churches to purge themselves, so far as possible, from the existing evil. The action of the Presbytery was laid before the church, and they responded by adopting the following resolutions : Resolved, That this church concur in the first resolution or Presb3'tery. That the manufacture, vending, or use of ardent spirits, as an article of drink, is a moral evil. Resolved, That we earnestly entreat ail our individual members to give their influence to the temperance cause, by a visible connection with some temperance society, and by pledging themselves to refrain from the traffic and use of ardent spirits as an article of drink. Resolved, That we recommend to our session to adopt a rule, by which none shall hereafter be admitted to member- ship with us, unless they promise to abstain from the traffic and use of ardent spirits as a drink. In accordance with this request of the church, the session met at the close of the church meeting, and adopted a rule, that whenever any person should apply for admission to the church, he should answer the following question : " Do you solemnly promise to refrain from the traffic and use of ardent spirits, as an article of drink ?" and that he should not be \ admitted unless he should answer this in the affirmative. 1 Accordingly, we find that, during the entire pastorship oi I Mr. Hotchkin, every one received into the church, whether by profession or letter, answered this question in the affirmative. Afterwards, the cu.stom of asking this question fell into disuse. This, however, would by no means indicate a drift of I 180 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. sentiment backwards. . On the contrary, the truth seems to be, that the moral sentiment of the age, and the church too — at least in these localities — has gone so far forward, and the practice here guarded against become so recognized an immor- ality, that there is hardly more need to ask this special ques- tion than any other, as against profane swearing, or unneces- sary working on the Sabbath. It is expected of a church member that he will deny himself all ungodliness and every foolish and hurtful lust. Still, this sentiment in those daj's was not so greatl}' de- veloped. Notwithstanding this action of the church, and rule for new membership, some of the old members still continued the hurtful practice. They were not drunkards, but they were drinkers; and hence, a year and a half later, the session issued a long and affectionate letter of admonition to them, which was read from the pulpit, and, in which, these ])ersons were entreated " To consider whether the practice did not greatly prevent their usefulness in the cause of Christ, and bring the Gospel into disrepute," and whether it was not, therefore, " A sin, which ought to be abandoned." In con- nection with the reading of this letter, the pastor was re- quested to deliver at the time, a discourse appropriate to the subject. We presume that he did as requested. I may add that this general position of the church upon this question, we hold to-day, and so far as I know, the prac- tice of our members is more completely consistent with it now than then. During the pastorate of Mr. Hotchkin, forty-four were added to the church, and the number of church members at its close, was 124. Thus, again, we see that while many were added, many left. The strength of the church in num- bers was still about the same. Mr. Hotchkin retired from the pastorate the last of August, 1836.. He is still living, his post-office address being Broom- all, near Philadelphia, Pa. Those who read the New York Evangelist are able to keep up acquaintance with him as the Philadelphia correspondent. After his retirement, there was a vacancy of nineteen mouths, supplied in part, by occasional preaching, by the Rev.. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 181 Mr. Crafts for a few weeks ; the Rev. David Gilmer, for about six months, and the Rev. Mr. Gilbert, for a somewhat shorter period. During this vacancy, but one member was added to the church. The next pastor was the Rev. Francis Janes, who began his labors April 1st, 1838, and was installed the third jjastoi' on December 5th. His labors continued until the first Sab- bath of July, 1841. He is remembered here as one, who, al- though not a great preacher, was a very earnest and success- ful Christian worker. The remark was made to me not long ago, by one who remembers him, that he " Always liked, es- pecially, to hear Mr. Janes preach, because he gave the im- pression that he fully believed himself every word he said." Thisj certainly, should be called the very highest pulpit talent- It was the talent in his case, which, together with his earnest laborious work as a pastor, made his brief pastorship here, remarkable for its great success. There was a revival during the first winter, as a result of which ten united with the church in the next May; fifteen in July, and in all, thirty- four in the 3'ear 1839. Fortj'-seven in all united with the church during his ministry, and yet, the number of removals and deaths so neai'ly corresponded with the additions, that he left the church about the same in numbers as he found it, 125. It was during the pastorship of Mr. Janes that the Ladies' Benevolent Association was formed. It was organized in July, 1838, under the name of the Ladies' Foreign Mission- ary Society, but at the first annual meeting after organiza- tion, the name was changed to that which it now has. This Association has met monthly, during all seasons of the year, ever since that date unto the present time, and it is still in the full tide of its vigor and usefulness. On the 2d Sabbath of July, the very next after Mr. Janes closed his labors, the Rev. John Waugh began his work and continued his ministry here for fourteen years, closing it on the first Sabbath of July, 1855. His is the longest pastorate that this church ever enjoyed. Of his pulpit talent especially, I need hardly speak, for it is not only well remembered here, but well known in the churches of central New York, in one of which he is still engaged, with no abatement of vigor, in the pastoral work. 182 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. As I have said, Mr. Waugh began his labors here on the 2d Sabbath of July, 184-1. He was not installed pastor, how- ever, until the latter part of 1843. Meanwhile, however, there was another revival in the winter of 1842 and '43, so- that twenty were added to the church in the following May,.] and still more were added, as the fruits of the revival, during-^ the following winter. The time had now come when it appeared necessary, either to repair the old church edifice, or build anew. On JanuaryOth,., 1843, a committee was appointed to take this into considera- tion. They decided to build anew. So prompt was the soci- ety in carrying out this decision, that the building, begun in the spring and completed in the same year, was dedicated ta the worship of the Triune God, December 27th, 1843. In the afternoon of the same day, Mr. Waugh was installed the fouurih pastor of this church. Thus the year which, according to the Millerites, was to- close up the history of this world, witnessed indeed, though on a smaller scale, the end of the old church building, and the beginning of the new. This new building has now stood for thirty-three years, about the same length of time as the other, whose place it occupies. It was also during Mr. Waugh's ministry, that the present parsonage was built. He was its first occupant. From 1845 to 1854, there appears to have been no marked revival, and yet there was a steady accession to the church membership during most of the time. In 1855, fourteen were added, thirteen of them at one time. During the whole pastorship of Mr. Waugh, 107 persons united with the church ; and yet, by reason of removals and deaths, the num- ber of members at its close, was only 116. He closed his labors on the first Sabbath of July, 1855. Since then he has been pastor at Canton, St. Lawrence county, for the same- length of time as here, fourteen years. He is now in his- thiid pastorship, at Carthage, in this State. After the retirement of Mr. Waugh, there was a vacancy of 21 months, in which the pulpit was supplied by several persons, among them the Rev. Alexander McLean and the- Rev. Judson R. Aspinwall, who each supplied for three- months. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 183 It was during this vacancy that the Church of Clayville was organized. The religious society there was formed in the spring of 1856. On the oth of October, 1856, the following persons were dismissed from this Church to constitute with others the Presbyterian Church of Clayville, viz : Lloyd Johnson and wife. Elder Warren Bragg, Mrs. Ahnira Bragg, J. J. Millard, Mrs Clarissa Millard and Mrs. Sally GofF, and shortly after, Mrs. Elizabeth Barrows and Mrs. Catharine Garlock. From these and other dismissions and deaths, the total membership was reduced to ninety-five in the spring of 1857, at which time, on the first of April, the Rev. Joseph N. McGiffert became the fifth pastor. The labors of Mr. McGitfert in this pastorship continued for a little over nine years. He was a pastor greatly beloved, and the hearts of the people were fondly centered in him during all that period. Attractive as a preacher, and genial as a man, faithful as a pastor, and gentle and loving towards all, always seeking to win and never to drive, he well de- served, and still deserves the warm love with which, as it has been mine to observe, this people still remember him. In the winter following his entrance on this field, there was another revival of religion, as a result of which seventeen were added to the church in March, 1858, and forty during that year. This revival was undoubtedly a part of the grand awakening which swept so mightily over the Northern States, and has made the year 1858 memorable in the history of this country, as the great spiritual recovery fiom the great financial disaster of the year before. The number of admissions to the church during the pastor- ship of Mr. McGiff'ert were 109, seventy of these on confes- sion of their faith. Deaths, dismissions, and correcting of the roll, however, reduced the net increase to 38, so that the whole number, when he preached his farewell sermon, was 133. This left the membership of the church twenty-one more than before the separation of the Clayville church. It was during his pastorate that the war of the Rebellion occurred, during which he himself served a term of six weeks in the United States Christian Commission, and more fortunate than the i)resent pastor, escaped sickness on the Southern field, to sufi'er it, however, after his return home. 184 TIISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. There is but little on record to show the part which this church bore in sustaining the Government during that fearful struggle ; but that she was loyal to the core, can- not be doubted. Had she more young men in her membership, doubtless she would have been more largely represented in the camp and battle-field. As it was, the sons of her members were many of them there, some never to return, and in the loss of their dear society, in the dangers, hardships and death, which those at home, who loved them, knew them to be enduring, and in the gifts and sacrifices to sustain the loyal cause which were freely made, I think it may be said of this church, as indeed of almost every other in these Northern States, " she did what she could." To God be all the praise for the patriotic spirit which he poured into the hearts of his churches in that time which tried men's souls, and which probably more than all things else sustained the spirit of the whole people through all the toil and through every disaster, until finally, the cause was triumphant, slavery was abolished, and the Union saved. On the loth of June, 1866, Mr. McGiffert closed his labors here, and removed to Ashtabula, where he now resides. After his departure, there was a vacancy until the close of the year 1867. At the beginning of 1868, the Rev. E. B. Parsons was engaged as stated supply, and labored as such for eight months, closing his labors here ou the last of August, to accept a call to the Presbyterian Church of Baldwiusville, where he is now the pastor. On the 1st of February, 1869, the present pastor began his labors here, and on the 6th of July of the same year, he was installed the sixth pastor of this church. Concerning my own life and labors here, it becomes me to say but little. In fact, there is not much to be said. That I have tried to do my duty, and serve the Saviour in my imperfect, yet sincere way, is enough for me to assert. During my pastorship, up to the present time, eighteen have been received into the church by profession of faith, and thirteen by letter — thirty- one in all. The number of members, when I began ray labors here, was 119. The number at present, as I count them on the list, is 116. EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 185 Let me mention here, as worthy of notice in this history, the formation of the Ladies' Missionary Association durinf^ the last year, also the building of our lecture room during the same year. But one thing has greatly impressed me in reviewing this history, that is, the care of God to preserve this church, not- withstanding its many losses. In times when the removals were the greatest in number, so the additions were correspond- ingly the largest. It seems to have been ours to maintain a nearly uniform rate of membership for about half a century. At the close of Mr. Bogue's ministry, the number of mem- bers was 125. At the close of Mr. Catlin's, 128. At the close of Mr. South worth's, 116, the same as now. At the close of Mr. Hotchkms', 124. At the close of Mr. Janes', 125. At the close of Mr. Waugh's, the number again was 116. After that, and especially after the formation of the church at Clayville, the number was reduced to 95. But it was quickly enlarged, so that at the preaching of Mr. McGitfert's historical sermon, in 1860, it was 130. At the close of his ministry, it was 133. At the beginning of my ministry it was 119, and now it is 116. Thus we notice that for fifty-one years this church has neither been greatly enlarged nor greatly dimin- ished. CHAPTER XVIIL EARLY MASONIC HISTORY IN THE SAUQUOIT VALLEY. The first record of any attempt to establish Freemasonry in the colonies of North America was a deputation granted by the Grand Lodge of England, in 1730, Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master, to Samuel Coxe, for the provinces of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. But there is no record that Brother Coxe used his authority or performed any Ma- sonic acts. The first charter for a Provincial Grand Lodge in 186 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. New York, was granted by the Grand Lodge of England, in 1737, by Grand Master Earl of Darnley to Richard Riggs as Provincial Grand Master. The records of this Grand Lodge were destroyed during the war of the Revolution. In 1747^ under the Grand Mastership of Lord Byron, provincial pat- ents were issued for New York. Francis Goalet was Provin- cial Grand Master. He was succeeded by George Harrison, in 1753, who was regularly installed in due and ancient form, December 27 of that year. He was succeeded by Sir John Johnson in 1760, which office he held until the commence- ment of the war of the Revolution, when he espoused the cause of the British, suspended the meetings of the Grand Lodge, and took possession of the records, etc., which were finally destroyed during the war, most of the lodges sus- pending business, and the work of the craft was transferred to the army or traveling lodges. September 5th, 1781, the Duke of Athol, Grand Master of the " Ancient Grand Lodge of England," granted a charter to Rev. William Walter to open a Provincial Grand Lodge as its Grand Master, the first meeting of which was held December 5th, 1782, at which nine city lodges and six military lodges connected with the British army were present. At the close of the war and the evacuation of the city of New York by the British army, the military lodges and many of the grand officers left the country. September 19, 1783, Brother Walter resigned and William Cock was unanimously elected Grand Master. Feb- ruar}^ 4th, 1784, Brother Cock resigned and the Hon. Robert R. Livingston was elected Grand Master, from which we date our Grand Lodge. There is no record as to when the Grand Lodge changed from Provincial to Independent, but it is generally conceded that when the articles of peace were rati- fied, the change took place as a matter of course, without any formal action, and was a natural and legal result. The arch- ives of the Grand Lodge do not contain reports of the early subordinate lodges, as was later on required, and in conse- quence it is no easy task, at this late day, to trace their history. One bright, beautiful morning, late in September, 1793, a pioneer of what is now New Berlin, in the full flush and prime of early manhood, vaulted gracefully into the saddle^ EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 187 and with a certain air of mystery surrounding his prepara- tions, concealing from his family his destination or its object, merely informing them that they might look for his return the following day, took his way through the wilderness to the north. His journey was necessarily slow, only a bridle path leading through the woods along the banks of the Unadilla. The sun had reached high meridian when he dismounted at a capacious log house, at what is now Bridgewater, the genial proprietor of which was wont to entertain in a primitive though bountiful manner the land-agents, prospectors and the occasional straggling guests, that in those early days found their way to his humble frontier inn. Having rested and re- freshed himself and his trusty horse, he remounted and re- sumed his journey, taking his route over the distinctly marked trail, opened up a few years previously by a detachment who joined Sullivan's campaign at Otsego Lake, and which led him through what was afterward Paris Hollow (now Cass- ville,) and thence along the high ground to Paris Hill. The lonely ride through a dense primeval forest on a bright au- tumn day, the weird sense of solitude in the deep, dark shade, the pure, exhilarating air, laden with the delightful aro- ma of cedar, hemlock, pine and the flora, the ringing ca'-ol of the feathered songsters, the startled scamper of the timid rabbits and smaller game, with the ever cautious outlook for the pos- sibly more fierce denizens of the glade, combined to produce an indescribably thrilling charm, experienced by none of this generation, except, perhaps, those who may find their way on an occasional pleasure excursion, and " pack in " to the North Woods. As he neared Paris Hill, the quick, sharp, echoing strokes of the woodman's axe, and in all directions the re- sounding crash and roar of the falling giants of the forest, were the first evidences of civilization he encountered, at which little settlement he briefly halted. Again in the saddle and holding his course along the summit ridge, he at length began the descent of the northern slope, and ere long, debouch- ing from the dark woods into the clearing, halted in amaze- ment at the grand, magnificent scene unfolded to his view. Beyond, and far to the north a vast ampitheatre of dark, un- broken forest, bounded on the apex of the distant hills of Deer^ field, Marcy and Floyd, where it seemed to join the sky and 188 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. vie with it in its deep, dark hue of beautiful blue ; nearer, in the broad expansive valley of the Mohawk, the shadowed woods lay dark and sombre; while still nearer, and in full view of the foreground, the lovely valley of the Sauquoit, with the trembling, fluttering foliage of its sea of verdure, swaying and agitated by the mellow autumn breeze, the still clinging leaves touched by the frost fiend's first warning breath dis- played in all the colors of the rainbow, variegated by a thou- sand blending shades and tints, all glinting and shimmering, under the rays of the declining sun, while the towering hem- locks, with their dark, everlasting green, in striking contrast, reared their mighty heads up through this sylvan sea of beau- ty, like giant sentinels ; and at his very feet, in the gathering shadow of the now setting sun, nestled the little frontier vil- lage of New Hartford, the spacious residence of Judge Sanger, the great land agent, looming up, surrounded by some half dozen unpretentious frame and log houses in the only clearing visible in this otherwise vast, unbroken, native forest. The neigh of his impatient steed recalled him from his awe-inspi- ring rapture, when he slowly descended and soon approached the stately residence of the far-famed land agent, not however without some trepidation. But the Judge, b}' whom his arri- val was evidently looked for, came out to meet him as he swung from his horse, and in an easy, cordial manner extend- ed a welcome that at once put him at his ease and dispelled all embarrassment, and, giving the horse in charge of an at- tendant with directions for its care, courteously conducted him within. After partaking of a bountiful supper they to- gether went over the farm, the Judge with great pride ex- plaining his various improvements. The round, full moon grandly lifting up from behind Steele's Hill, flooding with sil- ver sheen the valley and the hill-sides, reminded them that it was Lodge night — (lodges at that day met at the full of the moon) — and terminated their ramble. Judge Jedediah San- ger was the pioneer Master Mason in Central New York, and his house being the only building in all that region of suitable size for the purpose, he accordingly finished off" in the cham- ber an ample lodge room, where he presided many years as^ the accomplished Master of old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, whicl was chartered April 7, 1792, the first in the county, being EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 189 veritable "lodge in some vast wilderness." As they returned to the house the members had already commenced arriving from Whitestown, Utica and Clinton — this being the only lodge — and the Judge, consigning his guest to his accom- plished and witty wife to entertain, repaired to the lodge- room for the purpose of " opening." After a little, the conver- sation lagging, our wearied horseman partially reclined on the sofa, relapsing into silence, while Mrs. S. industriously pur- sued her knitting in front of the capacious, glowing fireplace. Soon after, apparently suddenly recollecting herself, she laid aside her knitting and, with the large, old-fashioned oven- slice, (a shovel-like iron implement, with flat blade and lono- handle, used for putting in and taking out the loaves of bread, &c., from the deep brick ovens,) hauled out on the bright brick hearth an ample bed of ejlowing coals, at the same time calling to her daughter, bus}' in putting away the supper dishes in the adjoining kitchen, to " bring her the gridiron, as she thought from appearances, that they were going to make a Mason, and you know how impatient the Judge always gets, if the gridiron isn't hot just at the moment they require it." The order complied with, the gridiron was placed on the bed of coals, after which, in a matter-of-course manner she resumed her knitting. Just then, there was a slight move- ment on the sofa. The recumbent guest straightened up, slowly arose to his feet, walked leisurely to the window, look- ing out for a moment or two in a careless unconcerned man- ner, then reaching up to the peg where it hung, took down his cap, opened the door and passed out into the moonlight. As the door closed behind him the gridiron was removed, the coals swept back, the hearth neatly brushed, and she again demurely applied herself to the knitting. In due time the Judge came down, and noticing the absence of his guest, sat down and waited, thinking he had probably stepped out for a moment only, but as the slow moments dragged away, and he came not back, inquired of Mrs. S.; but she had no knowl- edge of his movements only that a short time before he had taken his cap, and without any remark had gone out ; where- upon the Judge went out, loooked around a little, coughed and ahem-ed significantly ; meeting no response he took his way to the stables, opened the door and looked in. The horse, 190 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. saddle, bridle and man were gone. Completely dumbfounded, he returned and made his report to the assembled lodge, who consequently, not having much " work " that night, soon dis- persed ; our solitary horseman, meantime, far up the hillside, was picking his way along the dimly moon-lit bridle path — taking the back-track home. They never saw him more. He had heard the " gag," started by some old-time broad joker, that Masons at their initiation were branded with a gridiron, but hoped it was only an idle rumor, but now he was fully convinced that it was only too true, and thanked his stars that it was so luckily disclosed to him before those Masons got him up stairs, where he could not have made his escape. The Judge perplexed himself over the matter considerably. The witty Mrs. S., after a few days, in great confidence, glee- fully imparted the whole transaction to a Mason's wife, enjoin- ing strictest secrecy ; and of course every member of the lodge soon had the story in all its details. What woman ever did keep a secret ? The lodge had lost that " Sheaf of Wheat," but the joke was counted good enough to balance the loss of one candidate, and the clever perpetrator was readily exonerated. Those old pioneers who did have the courage to "face" the possible calamity of being branded, will appear in the following list of members of old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M., of New Hartford, (formerly Whitestown,) char- tered April 7, 1792, with date of admission : CHARTER MEMBERS. 1792 — Jedediah Sanger, Jared Chittenden, Isaac Jones, Benjamin Merrill, Jonas Piatt, Arthur Breese, Elias Kane, Jesse Woodruff, Ewing Wharey, ■ Veder, Abijah Putnam, Seth Riney. AFTERWARD ADMITTED. 1793— Thomas R. Gold, John Beardsley, Uriah Wright, John N. Wemple, Evins Whany, Ebenezer Butler, Amasa Andrus, John Myers, William Veder, Gaylord Griswold,Caleb B. Merrills, Jonathan Hall, Asa Parmelee, David Ostrom, Jared Steele, Lysimore Wilder, Ebenezer Britten, Reuben Long, George Doolittle, Elizur Mossley, Abel French, Jonathan Moie, Noadiah Hubbard, Nathan Smith, Timothy Tuttle, EARLY MASOYIC HISTORY. 191 Alexander Enos, John Post, Oliver Collins, James Steele, Eliiah Flowers, Wm. Colbrath, Ephraim Blackinan, Lemuel Levenworth, Edward Salisbury, Samuel Sizer, Eliakim Elmer Luke Wemple, Richard Willis, Samuel Collins, Jonas Wyman, Nathaniel Marsh, William Sayles, Benjamin Pike, Lysmer Wilds, John Tillotson, Amos Mathews, Alexander Dorchester. 1794 — John Choat, John Ballard, F. W. Kellogg, Ebenezer Butler, Jr., Michael Myers, Loriug Webb, Levi Sartweli, Richard Sanger, Alpheus Wheelock, Nedam Maynard, Daniel Perkins, Josiah Jumins. 1794' — Thomas Brown, Amos Ives, Jo.seph Farwell, John R. Bone, Lot North. 1795 — Stephen White, Richard Starkweather, John H. Perkins, Mathew Hurlbuit, Joseph Kirkland, Jesse Pierce, John Edgett, Levi Hill, Hiram Innus, Thos. Norton, Thos. Caselty, Eli Butler, Ephraim Waldo, Elias Merrells, Richard Perkins, James Henry. 1796 — Amos G. Hull, M. D., Asahel Jackson, Benj. Morris, Philo White, James Sheldon, Barnabas Lathrop, Daniel Chap- man, Geoige Standard, John Fames, Uri Doolittle, Grove Lawrence, Selah Seymour, James Dorchester, Jonathan Pat- ten, John Kendall, Asa Way. 1797 — Elnathan Andrews, John Goldsmith, Asahel Gridley, James Chapman, Artemus Jackson, Warren Hicox, William Henry, Stephen Turner, Kanak Mills, William Sage, Ezekiel Clark, Thomas Sayles, Joseph Pierce, Caleb Jackson, Windsor Stone, Gershum Hubbel, Ebenezer Pardy. 1798 — Lemuel Johnson, Waitstill Dickenson, Samuel Hall, Truman Enos, Richard May, Theodore Woodruff, Ebenezer Hawley, Jeremiah Whipple, James Green, Joseph Yaw, Joshua Ostrom, Stephen Ford, Abraham Van Epes, Jonathan Barker, Eleazur House, Josiah Whitney, Richard Whitney, Justus Tower, Asahel Higby. 1799 — Ebenezer Kimball, Oliver Hove}^ James Jackson, Job Herrick, Joshua Johnson, Enoch Storey. 1800— John Paddock, William Huggins, Jesse Shepard, Samuel Meggs, Nehemiah Easworth. 1801 — Asahel Beach, Aaron Rider, Spaulding Pierce, M.D. Asa Shepard, Bele Thompson, Alpha Hovey, Earle, Au- gustus Sayles. 192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. 1802— John Cross. 1803 — Peter Raymond, Gardner Avery, Thomas McKustry, Cobb Sampson, John Remington. 1804 — Ebenezer Steward, Eliphalet Sweeting, Benjamin Allen, George Richards. 1805 — John White, Justin Farnham, James Birth wrong. 1806 — John C. Ives, Giles Santord, John H. Handy, Simeon G. Wilbor. 1807 — James Lowell, Oren Ives, Isaac Pitcher, Lewis Sher- rell, Asher Flint, James G. Hunt, Wm. J. Hopkins. 1808 — Amos Seward, Daniel Powel, Alfred Smith, Abel Beers. 1810 — Benjamin Taylor, Obadiah Conger, Reuben Brown. 1811 — Augustus Hurlburt, J. 0. Wattler, Daniel Stanton. 1812 — Samuel J. Grannis, Nathaniel Caulking, Eleazer Hovey. Later members of unknown date, the books having been destroyed by tire in 1830 : Amos Rogers, Sr., Oliver G. Rog- ers, Nathan Rogers, Solomon Rogers, George Stratton, Ezra Stiles, Captain King Strong, N. W. Moore, Samuel Lyon, Dr. Gilbert A. Foster, I.saac G. Stratton, D. Lanterman, B. F. Hurlbert, Samuel Tyler, Joseph Foster, Joseph Wheeler, S. E. Johnson, Elizur Steele, Jairus Stanley, Charles S. Brown, Amos Robinson, Thomas Laister, John Walker, A. C. Tread- way, A. R. Gillmore, James Norman, Ezra H. Curtiss, B. F. Ward, John Grime, Richard Mills, Daniel W. Tower, Martin J. Stiles, Eli Savage, John Sawyer, Calvin Lockart, George Bigelow, E. M. Gibbs, George Anderson, W. S. Steele, Samuel Dakin. Richard Wells. Total, 240. EARLY OFFICERS. 1792-1801 — Jedediah Sanger, Master. 1802 — Elnathan Andrews, Master ; Dr. Amos G. Hull, S. W^ ; Richard Sanger, J. W. 1814-1823— J. Remington, Tiler. 1823-1826— Isaac G. Stratton, Master; Nathaniel Caulk- ing, S. W..; John Walker, J. W.; Elizur Steele, Treas.; Dr. Gilbert A. Foster, Sec'y ; George Bigelow, S. D. ; Martin J. Stiles. J. D. 1827— Samuel Dakin, Sec'y. EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 193~ There are ao returns in the Grand Lodge of the early mem- bers, but among the papers there, besides a few unpaid notes, is a record that they i)aid SlO a year for lot No. 7, New Hart- ford. The other bills are small, mostly for candles, cider, beer and crackers. They paid to Sanger & Co. $1.00 for a plumb and level. The late Dr. Gilbert A. Foster, who presented to the present Amicable Lodge, No. 064, the Bible, Altar, Slipper, Level and Two Columns, was the last surviving officer of old Amicable Lodge No. 25, those cherished, time-honored relics, comprising the few things rescued from the Lodge when de- stroyed by fire in the year ISyO, and were carefully preserved by him for many years, to be finally transmitted to the new Lodge, organized in 1868, nearly forty years after the destruc- tion of the old pioneer Lodge of the county. That great Light of Masonry, the Bible, so providentially rescued from the flames of old Amicable Lodge, now reposing on their altar, is a sacred prize to cherish highly. The pioneers that from time to time sealed their Masonic vows on that ancient volume, were the founders of Utica, New Hartford, Paris, Whitestown, Bridgewater and Kirkland. They battled with the wilderness and replaced the wild, tangled forest with fer- tile fields with verdure clad, blossoming orchards and rural homes. They were the first Magistrates and Judges, Mem- bers of Assembly, Congressmen and Supervisors; veterans of the Revolution and the war of 1812. Churches and schools were founded and grew up under their fostering care; mills, factories, furnaces, machine shops, and the various industries they established, made the valley of the Sauquoit a teeming hive of industry and prosperity, and the county of Oneida famous throughout the State and Nation for its manufactures, wealth and educational enterprises. To write out the history of each of these pioneer Masons, would fill a library. Among the most prominent in that roll of honor, however, may be mentioned Jedediah Sanger, the pioneer of New Hartford, a land agent, purchasing one thousand acres there in 1788, (the present site of the village,) interested in founding the Paris Furnace Company, Clayville; Farmers' Factory, South Sau- quoit; built the grist mill, now McLean's, in 1790, and in 1796 the grist mill at the mouth of the Skaneateles Lake, M 194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. •Onondaga county; was interested in a cotton factory in 1815, one of the principal owners of the Seneca Turnpike, first Su- pervisor of Whitestown, and first Judge of Oneida county. He died full of honors June 6, 1829, aged 78. General Joseph Kirkland was interested also in the Farm- ers' Factory and the Seneca Tm-npike — being for many years the President and Treasurer — the Oneida Glass Factory, the New Hartford Manufacturing Company, Ontario Branch Bank, JIamiiton College, the Utica Academy, Presbyterian Church, and most of the early institutions of the county. He was burn in Norwich, Conn., January 18, 1770, graduated at Yale •College in 1790, studied law with Judge Swift, of Windham, and aftervA^ards was admitted to the bar in Oneida county ; Member of Assembly in 1803, '18, '21 and '25 ; District Attor- ney in 1813-16 ; first Mayor of Utica in 1832, and again in 1834, and died January 2, 1844. Joseph Higbee was the second settler of New Hartford, purchasing of Judge Sanger a large tract, east of the creek, of his thousand acres. Col. Gardner Avery, Member of Assem- bly in 1827, pioneer of Clayville, manager of the Paris Fur- nace ; the Lenox Furnace; Superintendent of the Seneca Turnpike, and one of the owners of the Farmers' Factory. Judge Eliphalet Sweeting, founder, in charge of Paris Fur- nace. Jonas Piatt, County Clerk of Herkimer county, and of Oneida county, when it was formed from Herkimer, in 1798; Member of Assembly in 179G ; to Congress in 1799-1801; State Senator in 1810-11-12-13, and candidate for Governor in 1810 against Daniel D. Tompkins, and only defeated by a small majority. Arthur Breese, law partner of Jonas Piatt, was Deputy County Clerk, Master in Chancery, Member of Assembly, 1796-97, and first Surrogate of Oneida county and Clerk of the Supreme Court, in 1808. Benejah Merrill, auc- tioneer in Utica in 1802; sherifi" in 1807-10; removed to Sacketts Harbor in 1819, and died January 27, 1831. David Ostrom, a soldier of the Revolution, first Supervisor of the town of Paris, Member of Assembly for many years, County Judge from 1798 until 1816, and in conjunction with Captain Bacon built the grist mill and saw mill at Sauquoit, in 1797. Nathan Smith, Member of Assembly 1798, 1801, 1802, and one of the first Trustees of the Bank of Utica in 1812. John EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 195 Post, first merchant and first Postmaster in Utica, buildino- the first frame house in Utica in 1790; also kept a hotel General Oliver Collins, of Middle Settlement, was a General of militia at Sacketts Harbor, in the War of 1812. Timothy Tuttle built the first frame house at Paris Hill, also the first in Kirkland, in 1789, and Ebenezer Butler built the second frame house there. Justus Tower, early prominent settler in Xirkland. Richard Sanger, Member of Assembly in 1815, and Captain King Strong, early tavern keepers in New Hart- ford. Uri Doolittle, revolutionary soldier and pioneer of Paris, and Member of Assembly for several years. Dr. Spauld- ing Pierce, pioneer physician of Sauquoit. Dr. Amos G. Hull was the pioneer physician of Paris Hill and New Hartford, and afterwards, in 1811, in Utica. Asa Shepard, (>ne of the j)ioneers ot Paris, and a large landholder. Joseph Farwell, the first settler of Bridgewater. Eli Butler, (father of the Paris pioneers, John and Sylvester,) settled in New Harttord in 1795, on what is now the Morgan Butler farm. Amos Rogers, Sr., and his son, Oliver G. Rogers, pioneer manufac- turers of cotton and woolen machinery, and founders of the Willowvale machine shops, destroyed by fire a few years since. Nathan Rogers, inventor of the locomotive head-light. Solomon Rogers, the veteran merchant of Sauquoit. Thomas R. Gold, Member of Congress for several years, and in con- junction with General George Doolittle, built the first cotton factory at New York Mills, in 1808. Philo White, son of •Judge White, the first settler of Whitestown, was a promi- nent merchant there. Abraham Van Eps was Member of Assembly in 1803, and proprietor of a Patent of land in Ver- non ; had a trading-post at the mouth of the Oriskany, in 1785; (the first merchant in Oneida county;) established the .first store in Westmoreland, in 1787; also was the first mer- chant in Vernon, in 1798. John Beardsley built the first mill in Oneida county, on the Sauquoit Creek, at WhKestown, in 1788. Caleb Merrill, the Whitneys, Barker and Hovey were prominent pioneers in Kirkland. Augustus Hurlburt, chair- maker, afterward removed to Utica and opened a warehouse on Bleecker street, and on Genesee, above Bleecker. Nathan- iel Caulking, a noted builder and carpenter, planned and ■erected the Episcopal church at New Hartford. He is remem- 19(3 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. bered as a very "bright" Mason, well posted in the unwritten traditions, and in those early times, and before the office of Grand Lecturer was known, imparted instruction to brethren in this section, in the cabalistic ritual of the mystic tie. 1814' — Samuel Lyon, the pioneer paper maker of the county; N. W. Moore, who learned the trade of him, and afterward founded the extensive paper mills atSauquoit; Dr. Gilbert A. Foster, the pioneer dentist of Utica, and many years Secre- tary' of the Lodge; Squire Samuel Dakin, a prominent man in town, and the last Secretary of the old Lodge. From the members of old Amicable, chartered April 7, 1792, Federal I^odge, No. 80, of Paris, (afterward Kirklabd,) was founded, and chartered Nov. 23, 1799, and Paris Lodge, No. 348, August 14, 1822; and from the latter was formed Sauquoit, No. 150, June 21, 184'9, and from that. Amicable, No. 6G4, of Washington Mills, June 15, 1868, Of the 24-0 members of the old pioneer Amicable Lodge, all have gone to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no tiaveler returns," save one, — the old-time merchant, Solomon Rogers of Sauquoit, who alone survives. FEDERAL LODGE NO. 80, F. AND A. M. At a meeting of the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State or New York, held in June, 1799, fifteen j^ears after the Grand Lodge was organized, a petition for a Lodge, signed by Nathan Whitney, Jonathan Barker, Justus Tower, Asahel Gridley and Hon. Uri Doolittle, was received, and Federal Lodge, No. 80, of Pans, (afterward Clinton,) was chartered November 23, 1799. The officers were installed December 18, 1799, by Judge Jedediah Sanger, of Amicable Lodge, No, 25, of Whitestown, (afterward j New Hartford,) as follows: R. W. Jonathan Barker, Master; W. Joseph Simouds, S. W. ; W. Selah Seymour, J. W. ; Oliver Lucas, Treasurer; Eleazer House, Secretary ; Justus Tower, S. D. ; Haynes Bennett, J. D. ; Josiah A. Whitney and Samuel Meigs, Stewards ; Abel Lawrence, Tiler. In addition to the charter members, there were George Brown, Samuel Clernon. Ezra Dervey, Josiah Brown, Joseph Hart, Daniel Brown, Abraham Windsor, Alpheus Hitchcock, EARLY MASONIC HISTORV. 197 ■Oorshom Orvis, William Norton and Jeremiah Tooley, Fed- eral Lodge went down under the Morgan excitement, and surrendered its charter in June, 1831. The first Masonic burial of a brother of the mystic tie in the town of Paris was Medad Wilmot, who died November 24, 1805, aged 21 years, and was buried with the solemn rites of the Order in St. Paul's church-yard, Paris Hill, and a suitable headstone was erected by the fraternity. PARIS LODGE, NO. 34-8, F. AND A. M. The foUowiog officers were duly installed, August 14th, 1822, by the acting Most Worshipful Grand Master, Moses Foot, viz : Amasa Millard, W. M. ; Asahel Cuitiss, S. W. ; Spaulding Pierce, M. D., J. W. ; Hon. Uri Doolittle, Treas. ; Hobart Graves, Sec. ; Joseph B. Ball, S. D. ; Philo C. Curtis, J. D. ; Isaac Sexton, Daniel Bdach, Stewards ; Charles Millard, Tiler. W. Masters.— 1S2S, A. Millard; 1824, Abraham Sage; 1825, Abraham Sage; 1826, Cyrus Chatfield ; 1827, Hon. Uri Doolittle; 1828, 1829, 1830, William Knight; 1831, Henry W. Adams ; 1832. 1833, 1834, William Knight. List of members other than the first officers. — Leverett Bishop, M. D., Solomon Rogers. Asa Shepard, A. S. Sweet. Josiah Mosher, A. Bartlett, William Geere, Abiaham Sage, Philo C. Curtis, Lenthiel Eels, A, Harvey. Admitted: Sept. 3, Abner Brownell, Cyrus Chatfield ; Sept. 17, David Loring, Noel Jones, Charles Wilcox; October 1, Henry A. Millard, George W. Brayton ; October 15, H. M. Cole, J. Stroud, A. Mace, John Corse; October 29, Edwin Webster, Harleton Winslow ; Nov. 1, Moses Hoyt, William K. Black ; Dec. 10, Samuel Aunn, Stephen B. Stearns. 1823 — Jan. 20, Benjamin Searl, Peter Rumley ; March 24, Abiatha Whitmarsh ; April 21, Noel Thurber; May 19, George Peacock, Horace Luce; June 23, Nathaniel G. Millard, Jeremiah Brown ; July 21, Harley Doolittle ; Nov. 17, Joseph Butler ; Dec. 16, John Allen, Orasmus M. Stillman, Edwin Adams. 182 i — Jan 12, Lorenzo Gi'aham; Feb. 9, Benjamin Andrews, Ransom Cur- tiss; March 15, Noah E. King, Samuel Farwell ; May 10, Nijah Hotchkiss; June 7, William Knight, Joseph Mix; 198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN" OF PARIS. July 5, George W. Mosher ; Sept. 11, Henry W. Adams, Syl- vester Wadsworth ; Nov. 2, Philip Smith ; Dec. 6, Rev. A. S; HoUister, David Beckwith. 1825— Jan. 3, George Allen;. Feb. 28, Samuel Haley, S. Gookins, Ezekiel Hawley ; March 28, Ralph Lake, Samuel Hale ; Oct. 24, Isaac Scofield. 1826- — Feb. 20, George Mix; March 20, John C. Davidson, Ezra Chapman, Simeon Rogers; Sept. 11, Edwin G.Dickinson; Nov. 13, Joseph Brownell. 1827 — Feb. 3, Thomas Goodier; October 1, David Seaton. 1829— Feb. 16, Benjamin F. Eastman. The Lodge first held its meetings in the chamber over the store of Hobart Graves, (now Truman's wagon shop,) at East Sauquoit. Dec. 30, 1822, it was removed to the hall of Cyrus Chatfield, (the old Savage stand,) at West Sauquoit, In the spring of 1829 it was moved back to East Sauquoit into the select school room in the chamber of the District School House No. 9, east of the Methodist Church. Old Paris Lodge, No. 348, shared the fate of many others, and fell a victim to the Morgan excitement, and met for the last time December 30, 1833, soon after which it surrendered its charter, but at the earnest appeal of Worshipful William Knight, he was permitted by the Grand Lodge to retain the register of proceedings and the jewels of solid silver, which he carefully preserved for more than fifteen years, and trans- mitted them to Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150. They are now treasured highlv by that Lodge as venerated relics. There survive of old Paris Lodge, No. 348, residing here, the venerable Dr. Bishop and Solomon Rogers; Henry W. Adams,, of Lenox, Madison county; Ransom Curtis, of Hillsdale, Mich.; Edwin Webster, of Kansas, and Simeon Rogers, of Fleming, Ca3'uga county. The Lodge celebrated St. John's Day, December 27, 1826, with imposing ceremonies. Rev. A. S. Hollister, then Rector of St. Paul's Church at Paris ' Hill, who joined the Lodge in December, 1824, delivered the address in the Presbyterian Church at Weso Sauquoit, after which the members and their wives and sweethearts repaired to the hotel of Cyrus Chatfield, opposite, and sat down to an old-time feast. The occasion was long remembered. Hon. Uri Doolittle, then Master, 'Squire Asahel Curtis and Cap- tain William Knight constituted the Committee of Arrange- EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 199 meut. April 28, 1828, a committee was named to investi- gate the expense of buildintj a hall of either wood or stone. At the next meeting. May 2-ith, 1828. the committee reported, and Major William Geere was appointed to circulate a sub- scription. " Man proposes but God disposes." The tidal wave of the Morgan affair reached here about that time, and swept into oblivion all hopes of a Masonic Hall, or the con-' tiuuance of the Lodge even. Dr. Spaulding Pierce, the Urst Junior Warden of the Lodge, was made a Mason in old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, in 1801, and was the pioneer physician of the valley. Born in Plainfield, Ct., February 29, 1768, receiving his education at the Plainfield Academy, he then studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Isaac Knight, and after finishing his studies re- moved to Vermont, where he was appointed Surgeon's Mate of the 4th Regiment, 5th Brigade, on the 30th of June, 1794', by commission from Thomas Crittenden, " Captain General Governor and Cornmander-in-CJhief " of Vermont. In the fall of 1797, while in the city of New York purchas- ing medicines, he formed the acquaintance of Dr. Sampson, the second physician of Paris Hill, there on a similar errand, who induced him to go back with him to Paris. They accord- ingly took their way on horseback to the " Far West," in due time arriving at Paris Hill, via the old trail, opened up by a detachment of General Sullivan's army, through Bridgewater and Cassville. He became the guest of old Dr. Sampson, who soon after accompanied him to Sau(|Uoit, where he introduced him. Boarding at the hotel of Captain Bacon, he formed an ' atiachment for his daughter Nabby, to whom he was married April 18th, 1799. He practiced here till his death, riding through the forest, guided by trails and blazed trees, and after- wards-rude un worked roads cut out through the woods, endu- ring the hardships of pioneer life while the village grew up around him. He purchased five acres of land of Captain Ba- con, a little west of the Savage stand, and thereon built his house, (the present residence of E. D. Brownell;. He was a skillful physician and beloved by all. While on a visit to Rodman, Jefferson county, and about to start for home, with cloak and wrappings on, he paused a moment to warm his feet and say good-bye. A fatal pause 1 A last good-bye ! 200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Almost instantly his great heart ceased to beat, and he fell dead without a struggle, February 14th, 1827, lacking a few days of 60 years of age. He was brought home and buried with Masonic honors, being the first Masonic burial in the valley. His sou, William L. Pierce alone survives him here, who is also the only survivor of the Bacon family. Two other sons survive elsewhere, Sylvester P. Pierce, of Syracuse, and John S. Pierce, of Phoenix, Oswego county, N. Y. The last representative of old Paris Lodge to the Grand Lodge, was 'Squire Ezra S. Cozier, of Utica, whom they ap- pointed as their prox^^ at the session held the June previous to his untimely death by cholera in 1832. SAUQUOIT LODGE, NO. 150, F. AND A. M., was chartered June 21st, A. L. 5849, and afterward incorpo- rated under a general act of the Legislature passed April 21, 1866. September 17th, A. L. 5849, (A. D. 1849,) the follow- ing officers were duly installed by R. W. Ezra S. Barnum, Senior Grand Warden, assisted by Philemon Lyon, A. S. Or- cutt, J. M. Hatch, G. Mather, F. J. Clark, Burton Hawley, H. F. Morey and Ira Chase, viz. : Naaman W. Moore, Master, died March 16, 1874; Hon. William Knight, S. W., died February 22, 1875 ; Calvin E. Macomber, J. W. ; Abner Brownell, Treasurer, died December 30, 1875; David Seaton, Secretary, died November 18, 1866 ; Leverett Bishop, M. D., S. D. ; David Loring, J. D., died Sep- tember 3, 1850 ; Uri Doolittle, Jr., Zachariah P. Townsend, Stewards, died, the former in 1853, and the latter October 28, 1874; Ezekiel Hanley, Tiler, died June 10, 1855; Benjamin Bentley, died May 15, 1854. WORK OF THE LODGE. Master. Time of Service. Members admitted. N. W. Moore, 1 Yr. 7 Hon. Wm. Knight, 10 " 117 C. E. Macomber, 1 " 1 Ansel Tyler, M. D. 2 " 13 Eli C. Green, 2 " 7 Isaac J. Doolittle, 1 " 4 Henry C. Rogers, 5 " 62 Levi Mason, 2 " 14 •Seth W. Smith, 3 " 16 J. S. Parker, 3 " 14 EAELY MASONIC HISTORY. 201 Total admitted, 255 Charter members, 11 Total, 266 Surviving Past-Masters. — Calvin E. Macomber, Eli C Green, Henry C. Rogers, Levi Mason, Seth W. Smith, Josiah S. Parker. LIST OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF SAUQUOIT LODGE, NO. 150, FROM ITS ORGANIZATION. J. Warden. C. E. Macomber. C. E. Macomber. L. Bishop. J. H. Gray. E. C. Green. P. R. Miner. E. S. Green. L. F. Rykman. I. T. Doolittle. L. F. Rykman, A. Tylei-. R. E. Kaple. R. E. Kaple. R. E. Kaple. H. P. Plumb. C. G. Brownell. H. W. Wilcox. C. H. Moore. L. Mason. J. Parker. J. Parker. S. W. Smith. A. S. Austin. E. Jones. F. J. Criggier. C. H. Blackstoue. B. E. Forbes. B. E. Forbe.s. Chas. L. Marshall. Chas. L. Marshall. B. F. Willoughby. David H. Morgan. Master. S. Warden. 18-t9. N. W. Moore, William Knight, 1850 N. W. Moore, William Knight, 1851. William Knight, C. E. Macomber, 1852. William Knight, C. E. Macomber, 1853. C. E. Macomber, A. Tyler, 1854. A. Tyler, E. C. Green, 1855. A. Tyler, E. C. Green, 1856. E. C. Green, E. S. Green, 1857. William Knight, A. Tyler, 1858. William Knight, E. C. Green, 1859. E. C. Green, I. T. Doolitcle, 1860. I. T. Doolittle, A. S. Hull. 1861. William Knight, A. S. Hull, 1862. William Knight, A. S. Hull, 1863. William Knight, A. S. Hull, 1864. William Knight, A. S. Hull, 1865. William Knight, E. C. Green, 1866. William Knight, H. C. Rogers, 1867. H. C. Rogers, G. W. Burt, 1868. H. C. Rogers, L. Mason, 1869. H. C. Rogers, L. Mason, 1870. L. Mason, J. Parker, 1871. L. Mason, S. W. Smith, 1872. H. C. Rogers, S. W. Smith, 1873. H. C. Rogers, S. W. Smith, 1874. S. W. Smith, F. J. Crigur, 1875. S. W. Smith, Josiah S. Parker, 1876. S. W. Smith, Josiah S. Parker, 1877. Josiah S. Parker, , B. E. Forbes, 1878. Josiah S. Parker, , B. E. Forbes, 1879. Josiah S. Parker, , Chas. L. Marshall 1880. Chas. L. Marshall, B. F. Willoughby, 202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS, LIST OF MEMBERS OTHER THAN CHARTER MEMBERS, WITH DATE OF ADMISSION. 1850 — Jan. 7, Augustus L. White ; July 15, Robert Nutall ; 23, Benjamin Moore, Henry B. Thomas, (died Feb. 14, 1867,) E. D. Brownell; Nov. 8, R. E. Kaple ; Dec. 2, C. Leander Marshall, (died July 3, 1876.) 1851 — Feb. 3, Dexter Grossman, L. F. Ryckman, (died June 27, 1872,) Ansel Tyler, M. D., (died Feb. 2, 1866 ;) 17, James L. Davis, (died Feb. 11, 1874;) March 3, Joseph H. Gray; May 19, John G. Paddock, William A. Hilliard, (dead;) July 7, Nathan G. Green, (honorary member;) Sept. 1, Charles R. Birdsall, (dead;) Oct. 6, Augustus S. Hull, (died Oct. 8, 1877.) 1852— Feb. 16, Paul R. Miner; March 1, William L. Mould, (died Nov. 23,1864;) May 17, Alvin P. Lanterman ; July 19, Eli G. Green ; Aug. 16, Samuel F. Dexter, (honorary member.) 1853 — Dec. 5, Edwin Webster, (honorary member.) 1854 — Jan. 16, Ridley Gole, Nehemiah Ma.son, (died July 20, 1856 ;) Feb. 20, W. Irving Tillotson ; May 1, Eri S. Green,.; (dead ;j Dec. 18, Charles E. Luce. 1855 — May 21, Horace Plumb; Sept. 3, Prof. Ambrose P.. Kelsey; 17, Grove W. Bagg, Hon. Justus Childs, (died May 24, 1868,) Isaac T. Doolittle, (died Nov. 24, 1864,) C. O. Allen, R. W. Miller; Oct. 15, Robert W. Seaton. 1856— March 20, T. P. Davenport; April 7, Robert Dare; 21, Henry C. Rogers ; Aug. 4, E. H. Joslyn ; Sept. 1, Andrew- Boss. 1857— Feb. 16, W. E. Moore. 1858— Feb. 15, B. S. RadclifFe ; April 19, George P. Olm- stead; Oct. 18, Dodge P. Blackstone, J. B. Kendall; Nov. 1,. Levo L. LeRoy. 1859- Oct. 3, James Grendlay ; Nov. 7, Frank Hinckley. 1860— Jan. 16, F. M. Knight; March 6, L. M. Joslyn; May 7, H. P. Plumb; Dec. 17, Solomon Rogers, (honorary member.) 1861— Feb. 4. James S. Kendall, (died Feb. 1, 1871 ;) April 6, George W. Corbin, (died, 1863;) Dec. 16, Charles A. Parker. 1862 — P'eb. 17, Z. Towusend Wilcox, Peleg Goodier; Aug. 18, E. A. Cole, H. H. Jtmkins; Sept. 8, James Eastman; 22, John Reehl; Oct. 6, George W. Burt, John Pringle; 20, Ed- mund Howard, George Helm. EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 203~ 1863 — March 30, Alexander Van Valkenbero-; May -i, David C. Addington, Charles D. Prior; June 1, Levi Mason; Hon. William H. Chapman, (dead ;) 15, Charles Hoofcut, Hon. D. W. Prescott; July G, Henry Whitacre, E. Gumming; Sept. 21, Horace M. Rogers, Charles G. Brownell ; Dec. 14, Henry W. Wilcox, Benjamin R. Wilcox; 21, M. D. Lapham. 18G-t— Jan. 23, L. A. Seymour, Levi Patterson, (died Dec. 5, 1868,) D. W. Larrabee, (dead ;) 26, Joseph Buckle ; Feb. 15, Edmund C.Goodrich; 27, Josiah Parker, Thomas Lord> J. W. Knause; March 26, Hubert M. Rouse, John L. Wicks; April 30, Oliver G. Rogers, (died Nov. 2, 1866.) Lewis Rogers ;. May 28, Charles H. Moore, William Neal, (dead ;) July 23, N.'S. Hayes, George W. Nichols; August 29, Thomas Murphy; Sept. 19, W. H. Griffith, Douglass M. Thorn; Oct. 8, Rodney E. Wilcox, John H. Crane; 15, Harrison E. Web- ster; Nov. 26, Horace A. Marshall, (dead ;) Dec. 10, Morris W. Dyer. 1865— Jan. 14, Samuel Robbins ; Feb. 11, Frederick Scovill, Daniel A. Comstock ; 27, Michael Weigle, Seth W. Smith ;. March 11, F. D. Blackstone, Edward Miller, Charles H. Black- .stone; April 22, T. W. Blackstone, G. N. Schoonmaker; June 10, Thomas Harris; July 1, Charles Hardiman, (died Sept. 10, 1873,) George Mould; August 5, Albert M. Mills, Henry N. Adams, Samuel Francis, J. T. Perkins; Sept. 23, Richard Lewis; Nov. 25, A. P. Mallory; Dec. 13, B. F. Wright. 18(36— Jan. 13, Adolph Miller, G. W. Warren ; Feb. 24, Wm. F. S. Irvin, Edward H. Dean ; March 24,Hervey Piatt; June 9, W. Wallace Chapman ; 23, F. G. Hitsworth, Charles T- Denning; August 11, Adolph Wilman, Albert Owens, J. G. Leefe; Sept. 22, A. H. Mason, (died Feb. 15, 1868,) John Miller, Joseph Brownell, fdied Aug. 20, 1873,) Hugh Sloan, M. D. ; Nov. 10, Horace L. Kirtland, George A. Hubbard, George P. Landt; Dec. 22, Charles B. Manchester, E. A. Capell, W. W. Bailey, Isaac Dingman, Robeit Bailey ; 8, C. N Palmer, M. D., L. T. Richardson. 1867— March 30, L. L. Williams, Charles H. Cooper, John B. Warner ; Oct. 26, Wessel H. Slover, Francis J. Criggier ; Nov. 16, Henry R. Gay lord, Thomas C. Denniston. 1868— Jan. 11, G. F. Wilcox, J. B. Young, G R. Carpenter; Feb. 8, Daniel W. Maltby, Eugene J. Warren, J. A. Moore; 204 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. March 28, Albert S. Austin, Henry Loyd, James Hardman ; May 9, Thomas Lee, Albert E. Winnegar, John Dagleish, E. E. Knickerbocker, D. A. Rowland ; June 29, John E. Sawyer, Augustus H. Davis, Caleb B. Germond. 1869— Jan. 9, Jacob P. Calhoun ; Feb. 27, Wm. H. Gove, Geo. M. Austin, John Radclift'; May 8, Charles Covbett, John B. Orendorf ; Nov. 27, William Weir, Or.son N. Olmstead, Jas. H. Ratclitf, (died Feb. 24, 1879,) Levi S. Montgomery, William Prentice, Giles Howarth. 1870 — Jan 22, Ellis Jones, H. N. Shepardson ; April 9, Charles W. Bowen, W. J. Lockhart; May 14, Peter Watt; July 9, Otis P. Coye, John C. Briggs; Nov. 12, Gustavus A. Gifford, M. D. ; Dec. 10, R. D. Richards. 1871— July 1, Wm. H. Giles; Aug. 26, Horace T. Farey, ■Stephen Gunston, Amasa Mason, (died Oct. 17, 1873.) 1872 — Jan. 13, F. H. Saxton, James Benbow, Wm. A. Bas- sett, (died April 7, 1879 ;) 27, Hobart Osborn, Frederick A Aldrich, (died March 2, 1876;) March 9, William S. Spafford; May 12, William H. Criggier, James Russell, J. Harvey Reeves, Wayne W. Thurston; James Campbell, (died Dec. 8, 1875;) -Nov. 8, David H. Morgan, Henry Adelbert Head, Albert Bar- nett, Esq., (honorary member.) 1873— Feb. 8, B. E. Forbes, M. D., Ambrose S. Harvey, (died June 27, 1874,) Arthur C. Paddock, Frederick G. Talbott; April 26, James O. Hasselkuse ; June 14, George I. Goodale, Daniel Morris; Sept. 27, N. W. Moore, Jr., Charles N. Garlick, J. B. Holmes, Orville Bennett, John McGucken. 1874— Jan. 10, William Shackelton ; Feb. 28, William H. Calhoun, Ansel Thompson, Albert R. Haven ; Oct. 10, Charles L. Marshall, R. J. Benbow. 1875— Feb. 13, John R. Jones; June 30, S. C. Reiley ; Sept. 25, John S. Reiley; Nov. 27, John T. Bastow, Geo. D. Smith. 1876— Jan. 22, John L. Smith ; March 28, Stephen Wood- hull, Thomas Reiley; Oct. 14, N. M. Worden, John Shepard. 1877 — Feb. 10, John Crawshaw; 24, Reuben Horrocks. 1878 — Jan. 25, Henry Barton ; March 9, Rev. Clarence H. Beebe ; April 10, H. W. Teachout ; May 25, Rev. B. F. Will- oughby; Sept. 28, Edward B. Avery. 1879— Jan. 11, John B. Gough ; May 10. H. W. Goodier; June 14, Prof. T. H. Roberts ; July 12, George W. Penner, EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 205. Charles L. Seamau ; Sept. 13, Frank A. Randall ; 27, Samuel Clayton. Veteran Members — Bein^ a list of those eligible to the " Veteran Masonic Society," their Masonic age being 21 years or more : P. M. Calvin E. Macomber, honoiary and charter member Fredonia Lodge, admitted 1816; Leverett Bishop, M. D., honorary and charter member Chittenango Lodtre, ad- mitted 1817; 'Squire Albert Barnett, honorary member Dela- ware Lodge, 1816 ; Solomon Rogers, honorary member of old Amicable Lodge, 25, admitted 1822; Edwin Webster, hono- rary member Paris Lodge, 348, admitted 1822; Nathan C. Green, honorary member Sauquoit Lodge, 1-50, admitted 1851 ; Rev. Samuel F. Dexter, honorary member Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1852 , Btnjamin Moore, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1850; E. Dean Brownell, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1850 ; Dexter Grossman, Sauquoit Lodo-e, 150, admitted 1851 ; W. Irving Tillotston, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1854; Chailes E. Luce, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, ad- mitted 1854; Grove W. Bagg, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1855 ; Henry C. Rogers, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1856 ; Wilbur E. Moore, Sauquoit Lodge, 150, admitted 1857. RECAPITULATION. Original charter members, . . . .11 Since admitted, ..... 255 266 Total, ...... Honorary members, (also charter,) . . .2 Honorary members, .... 5 Deceased charter members, . . . . 9 Deceased other members, ... 30 Withdrawn, lemoved, &c., .... 113 Surviving active members, . . . 107 266 Hon. William Knight, during the unfortunate rupture of the Grand Lodge, which resulted in there being at one time two Grand Lodges in the State, took an active pai't in the reconciliation, and to his efforts, perhaps, more than any other single individual, the union was happily effected. As a recognition of his services he was appointed in 1862-3, one 206 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. of the Grand Stewards of the Grand Lodge. In 1867, H. C. Rogers received the appointment of Assistant Grand Lecturer for the Fifth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis, and was reappointed in 1868. Those Brothers comprise the Grand Lodge officers from Paris. Office of the Grand Secretary ) Op the Grand Lodge op F. & A. Masons of the State op New York, l New York, Qjtober 28. 1872. ) W. Henry C. Rogers, Dear Sir and Brother : — Pursuant to a provision of the resokitions adopted by the Grand Lodge, referring the Pro- posed Aviended Gonstitiition to a committee of one from each of the Masonic Districts, the Grand Master has called a meet- ino- of the said committee, to be held in " Central City- Masonic Hall," in the city of Syracuse, on Tuesday, Novem- ber 19th, prox., at 9 o'clock A. M., [the day was afterward changed to second Tuesday of December,] for the purpose of considering the matter so referred. You have been duly elected from the 14th Masonic District (Oneida and Madison counties,) as a member of said committee, and you are hereby notified to attend at the time and place above designated. Given under ray hand and the seal of Grand Lodge, [l. s.] this 28th day of October, 1872. James M. Austin, Grand Secretary, The Convention met pursuant to the call, and all the Dis- tricts were represented except the 17th and 23d : 1, J. E. Morrison ; 2, G. B. Wood ; 3, William T. Woodruff: 4, Joseph Short, Jr. ; 5, John W. Russell ; 6, O. D. M. Parker; 7, G. Fred Wiltsie ; 8, James McCausland ; 9, Jesse B. Anthony ; 10, James Gibson ; 11, George Yost ; 12, George B. Winslow ; 13, Henry A. House; 14, Henry C. Rogers; 15, John R. Clarke; 16, George J. Gardner; 18, John L. Lewis; 19, William Shelp; 20, L. A. Waldo; 21, John Ransom; 22 David F. Day ; 24, Caleb B. Ellsworth ; 25, James M. Austin ; 26, H. C. Sawtelle. French, &;c., John W. Simons ; German Lodge, Charles Sackreuter. The result of their deliberations was adopted b}^ the next Grand Lodge and is the present Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 207 UNION HALL ASSOCIATION. In the year 1840 Union Hall Association erected the build- ing- at West San([U()it now owned and occupied by Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150. At the completion of the building, the Odd Fellows leased the Lodge room of the Association and sub-let it to the Masons, each society arranging to meet on different evenings. In the fall of 1866, the building being sadly in need of repairs, Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150, resolved to undertake to buy up the capital stock of the Union Hall As.sociation and put the building in suitable repair. Subscription papers were drawn up October 13th, 1866. N. W. Moore headed the subscription $250; Abner Brownell, E. D. Brownell, C. G. Brownell, $250 ; H. C. Rogers, $50 ; M. M. Neal, $30 ; C. L. Marshall, $20 ; Lewis Rogers, $20; (all in stock of Union Hall;) and others $10; and so on down the list, at Saucjuoit, amounting to $695; Paris Hill, $38 ; Clayville $28, East Hill $25, and Washington Mills $56. The payment of the latter was not insisted on, as the brothers at that place soon after withdrew to found Ami- cable Lodge, and needed that money to fit up their new lodge. August 29, 1868, upon the completion of the railroad, a picnic, for the benefit of this fund, was held in the beautiful grove east of the paper mill, which was lai'gely attended ; many coming from Sherburne, Hamilton, Earlville, Waterville, Win- field and Utica, as well as the neighboring villaofe.s. It proved a success, yielding a good revenue. The ]iicnic was repeated the following year, August 18, 1869, with still better success, followed by a festival at the hall December 24, 1869, and with continued united effort in the right direction the hall has been painted, repaired and beautifully decorated, and is now the property of Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150, deeded to its Trustees by the Trustees of Union Hall Association December 27, 1873, for a consideration of $1,750, duly recorded in the County Clerk's Office, in book 371 of deeds, page 419. THE ANTI-MASON EXCITEMENT OF 1826. William Morgan was born in Culpepper County, Va., in 1775 or '76, and was a mason by trade. In 1821 he removed to Upper Canada, near York, and established a brewery,which in time burned down and impoverished him, when he removed 208 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. to Rochester, N. Y., and resumed his trade of mason, and soon after to Batavia, where he likewise worked at his trade. In the year 1826 it leaked out that Morgan, who bore a worth- less reputation, was preparing a book to be published by David C. Miller, disclosing the secrets of Free Masonry. Great excitement prevailed, and an effort was made to get hold of the manuscript, but to no avail. Moi-gan, however, was thrown into jail at Canandaigua, some 50 miles east of Batavia, for debt, September 10, 1826. The next evening, soon after dusk, a man by the name of Lawson called to see him, which he was permitted to do by the keeper. Lawson proposed to pay the debt (a small one) and thus release Mor- gan, to which all parties consenting, they passed out of the jail together into the darkness of night, and while on the way to Lawson's house, he was seized, torn away from Lawson and thrust into a carriage, which was rapidly whirled awa}''. The route of a carriage, supposed to be this one, was after- wards rumored to be, Victor, thence to Rochester.where the car- riage and horses were changed, and dri\en to Oarkson, fifteen miles west, then to Gaines, and sometime in the night of Sep- tember 13, arrived at Lewiston, sevent}' miles westerly from Rochester, but this could not be proven in the court. It was asserted that Morgan was confined in the old magazine of the fort and at night taken across the river in an open boat, but the Canada Masons refusing to receive him, the party returned, and Morgan was again confined. Be this as it may, his fate is shrouded in mystery from the moment he was parted from Lawson at Canandaigua. Some years since, a gentleman who was intimately acquainted with Morgan, published a state- ment that while traveling in India he met him in Calcutta, and although bronzed and decked out in the Indian toggery of a high dignitary there, he was positive of the identification, although Morgan would not identify him. Others supposed that Morgan was drowned in Lake Ontario, and a body wash- ing ashore sometime afterwards gave color to that supposition, until upon examination the body proved to be that of another person. Yet the Anti- Masons still circulated the story, after it was legally exploded, and declared that the body was a " good enough Morgan until after election," the opponents to Masonry having merged into a violent political party. EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 209 Gov. De Witt Cliutou — the Grand Master of Masons — in his capacity of Governor, issued a procUiniation in regard to the kidnapping, dated October 26, 1826, offering "a reward of $300 for the discovery of the offenders, $100 for any and every one of them, and $200 for authentic information of the place where the said William Morgan has been conveyed." It was plain to all candid minds that the Grand Lodge or the subordinate lodges, or the great body of Masonry throughout the State were in no way responsible for the abduction, it being the act and crime of a few ill-advised, ovei'-zealous indi- viduals alone ; but in those days, no telegraph existed to flash the news to every corner of the State ; no daily papers in all her cities to publish at once all the details ; no railroads to beai- those papers to every village, that the succeeding day everybody, every whei-e throughout this great Commonwealth, could know and understand all the circumstances of the case. Had it been so, the news would simply have been read, and the wish engendered chat the offenders might be speedily captured and brought to justice. But in the days of stage- coaches and weekly papers, few and far between, the news spread slowly and by piecemeal, gaining in horrible details as it was repeated, until at last, "boomed" on by the politicians, the wildest excitement prevailed, and was kept alive for sev- eral years, the country lodges stemming the tide for a while, hut eventually being forced to go down and surrender their charters. The matter finally drifted out of politics, and died awa}^ in 1832 or '33, and few are left that remember that fierce warfare, and the intense personal feuds engendered thereby in each neighborhood, and none of this generation can fully realize the possibility of the storm of passion and prejudice that swept with the besom of destruction to ruin the great institution of Masonry, and left her lodges wrecked and stranded in almost every village. The sober second thought, however, came at last, the rising generation viewed the matter intelligently, without prejudice, and the reaction set in, and to-day in this State more than eighty thousand Masons, numbering in their ranks the greatest and best men any State can boast of, assemble around her altar, and with "heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and N 210 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. rejoice in each other's prosperity." The dream of those old-^ time veteran Masons of Paris Lodge for a " hall of wood or stone," has been more than realized in the present well- appointed building and beautiful lodge-room. Those two pioneer manufacturers, Bros. N. W. Moore and Abner Brown- ell, who, out of their abundance so liberally contributed to this result, are no more here to share and enjoy its beauties. The extensive factory and paper mills, once their pride, and the wealth of the valley, are silent, or in ruins. The beau- tiful creek which, obedient to their skill and energy, was yoked into power, turning the mighty machinery and the thousands of humming spindles, furnishing employment to hun- dreds of workmen, and infusing business vitality into this once active village, now untrararaeled, bubbles dancingly by the Valley Cemetery, where both silently sleep; thence aimlessly along past the deserted paper mills and on down, reflecting on its rippling bosom the gaunt spectre of the ruins of the dis- mantled, fire blackened walls of the once busy factory, and on to the sea. Their good deeds, however, live after them. Gen- eration succeeding generation, who shall assemble within these hallowed walls in peace and unity, as they " meet upon the Level, and part upon the Square," will ever treasure deep, emotions of gratitude for their munificent generosity. AMICABLE LODGE, NO. 664, F. & A. M., OF WASHINGTON MILLS. Having worked one j'ear under dispen.sation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York, on the 11th day of May, 1868, before W. Henry C. Rogers, Assistant Grand Lecturer for the Fifth Judicial District, Amicable Lodge exemplified the work and lectures, whereupon W. Bro. Borers granted them the otiiciai certificate of suitable profi- ciency, to enable them to be chartered. June 15, 1868, a charter was granted to them by the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of New York. The first regular communication under the charter, was held on the 18th day of July, 1868. FIRST OFFICERS. J. T. Perkins, M. ; H. N. Adams, S. W. ; Albert Owens. J. W. ; George Helm, Treas. ; George E. Eastman, Secretary; C. H. Moore, S. D.; Robert Codlin, J. D. (1867, Amicable, U.D.;) EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 211 W. F. S. Irwiu, Chaplain; L. H. Van Allen, (1867, Amicable, U. D.,) D wight Den io, (Otsego,) M. of C's ; J. Quackeubush] Tiler, (18(37, Amicable, U. D.) CHARTER MEMBERS IN ADDITION, A. P. Malloiy, Henry Whitacer, H. L. Kirtland, George P. Landt, Michael Weigle, Isaac Dingman, Hon. W. H. Chap- man, (died Aug. 21, 1876,) John Pringle, L. D. N. Mason, J. B. Warnes, Robert Bailey, Hugh Sloan, M. D. ; T. W. Blacks stone, E. Cnmmings, W. W. Chapman, Hon. D. M. Prescott, William H. Griffith, F. D. Blackstone, Horace Plumb, (1855,) E. H. Dean, G. G. Denning, N. S. Hayes, John Miller, R. A. Smith, A. M. Mills — Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150. Total officers and members from Sauquoit Lodge, 32. Charles Eberle, M. C. Blackstone, Hon. Geo. W. Chadwiek, Oriental Lodge, No. 224; C. B. Manchester, Isaac Brayton, Utica Lodge, No. 47; Edwin R. Polly, Philanthropic Lodge, No. 164; E. W. Denio, E. C. Denio, Otsego Lodge. SINCE ADMITTED. 1867— W. G. Perkins, George Hinchliff, David Hughes, J. D. Green, Uriah D. King, H. L. Babcock. 1868— G. R. Wadsworth, J. A. Rice, William Cone, H. Kel- logg. A. A. Rogers, Marshall Sackett, Thomas Lewis, Reuben Weeder, John Marks, John Murphy. 1869 — Samuel Patterson, George F. Merrill, L. E. Rogers (died June 25, 1877;) James Wood, Thomas Monroe, Charles Greenwood. 1870 — H. O. ^Adams, Thomas Adams, Richard Manning, George Wood, J. W. Norton. 1871 — Henry Barton, John Thompson, William H. Kelly, D. P. Root. 1872 — J. E. Dempsey, J. B. Winship, Thomas W. Moore Henry Dodge, William Farrill, E. Jacquemer, Joseph Sault. 1874— John D. Thickens, M. O. Dingman, M. M. Gaylord, O. N. Olmstead, George W. Shu maker, (died March 1, 1879,) U. J. Mathews. 1875— C. O. Millard, E. S. Snow, J. W. Cook, John Benton Robert R. Gibbs, N. A. Cook, C. H. Dodge, Henry Page, C. H' Philo, J. Lighbody, Hon. R. U. Sherman, J. L. Comstock, P] L Tyler, C. F. Lee, W. Johnson. 212 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. 1876 — W. D. Van valken berg, Daniel Richards, L. E. Moore, J. S. Knapp, E. W. Hurty, J. W. Seaton, A. J. Bullock, (died August, 1878.) RECAPITULATION. Total Members, . . • • .111 Withdrawn, fcc, .... 26 Dead, ...... 4 — 30 Present Membership, . . . 81 Petitioning Members. M). MASTERS. 1867-8, J. T. Perkins; 1869-73, H. N. Adams; 1870-77- 78, C. H. Moore ; 1871-2, M. C. Blackstone ; 1874--75, T. W. Blackstone ; 1876, H. L. Babcock ; 1879-80, C. H. Dodge. Amicable Lodge, No. 664, the younge.st of the valley lodsfes, enters the second decade of its existence with flatter- ing pi'ospects. The signs of the times give promise of a general revival of business, and the recent starting up of the Washington Mills Woolen Factory inaugurates prosperity, and without doubt, New xlmicabie can celebrate the Centen- nial Anniversary' of Old Amicable, on April 7, 1892, — twelve years hence — with full ranks, harmonious membership and prosperous treasur3^ Rev. Mr. Magill, rector of St. Paul's Church, Peru, 111., being asked by a lad}-, the question, " x\re you a Mason ?" re- sponded in the following beautiful lines : I am one of a band Who will faithfully stand In the bonds of affection and love; 1 have knocked at the door, Once wretched and poor, And there for admission I stood. By the help of a friend, Who assistance di I i lend, I succeeded an entrance to gain; Was received in the West, By command from the East, But not without feeling some pain. Here my conscience was taught With a moral quite fraught With sentiment holj' and true. Then onward I traveled, To have it unraveled. What Hiram intended to do. EARLY MASONIC HISTORY. 21S Very soon in the East, I made known my request, And " liirht" by command did attain; Whenlo! I perceived, In due form revealed. A Master, a Brother, and Friend, Thus far I have stated, And simply related What happened when I was made free; But I've " passed" since then, And was " raised" up again To a sublime and ancient degree. Then onward I marched. That I might be "Arched " And find out those treasure? long lost. When behold! a bright flame, Fiom the midst ot wiiich came A voice which my ears did accost. Through the " vails " I then went, And succeeded at length The " sanctum sanctorum " to find; By the '■ signet" I gained, And quickly obtained, Employment which suited my mind. Id the depths I then wrought. And most carefully sought For treasures so long hidden there; And by labor and toil I discovered the spoil, Which is kept by the craft with due care. Having thus far arrived, I further contrived 'Mong valiant Sir Knights to appear; And as pilgrim and Knight, I stood ready to fight. Nor Saracen foe did I fear. For the widow distressed. There's a chord in my breast; For the helpless and orphan I feel; And my sword I could draw, To maintain the pure law Which the duty of Masons reveal. Thus have I revealed, (Yet wisely concealed,) What the " Free and Accepted " well know; I am one of a band. Who will faithfully stand As a brother, wherever I go. CHAPTER XIX. SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775-82. Captain John Porter, died March 5, 1804, aged 67; Captain Gideon Seymour, died April 6, 1804, ag;ed 63; Major Amaziah Royce, died July 30,1814, aged 49; Samuel Stiles, died April IX, 1819. aged 83; Hon. David Ostrnm, died March 17, 1821, aged 65 ; Lieutenant Charles Burritt, died Dec. 1, 1825, aged I 79; Theodore Gilbert, Sr, died Aug. 11, 1826, aged 75; EU i Blakeslee, died Dec. 6, 1826, aged 74 ; Salmon Hecox, died I Aug. 1826, aged 66 ; John Draper, died June 10, 1826, aged I 69 ; Benjamin Merrills, died Nov. 23, 1827, aged 82 ; Deacon i John Bailey, died Jan. 19, 1830, aged 80; Captain Kirtland I Griffin, died April 9, 1830, aged 78 ; Gardner Avery, Sr., died Dec. 27, 1831, aged 81 ; William Babbitt, died Oct. 29, 1831, aged 75 ; Captain Abner Bacon, died Aug. 25, 1832, aged 74 ; David Bishop, died April 7, 1833, aged 76 ; William Risley, died June 1834, aged 77 ; Captain John Strong, died March 30, 1838, aged 79 ; Peter Selleck, died 1840, aged 84 ; Ephraim Walker, died July 6, 1842, aged 88 ; Asa Priest, died Feb. 9, 1844, aged 88 ; Josiah Mosher, died Aug. 1846, aged 92 ; Cap- tain Uri Doolittle, died 1848, aged 86 ; Elijah Davis, died Aug. 21, 1849, aged 85 ; 'Squire Asahel Curtiss, died May 15, 1852, aged 87 ; Captain Martin Nichols, died Nov. 12, 1854, aged 104 ; Hobart Graves, died Jan. 11, 1853, aged 88 ; John Chap- man, died — aged 103; Deacon David Curtiss, died Aug. 12, 1855, aged 88 ; Ensign Josiah Hull, James Barnett, Robert Dixson, Isaac Steadman, Ezekiel Pierce, Nathan Randall. Jesse Prior, Captain — Gibbs and Caleb Simmons, served 7 years each ; Sergeant Richard Risley, of Colonel Jameson's dragoons, at the capture of Andre, (he named his oldest son, Jameson, in honor ot the gallant Colonel, under whom he fought;) Captain Warren was in the battle of Bunker Hill, with his cousin, the brave General Warren, who fell on that memorable and well-fought field. Captain John Mosher was at the battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778. The day was in- tensely hot, and the heat and excessive fatigue proved fatal SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 215 t) many. Daring the action Captiin Moiher was "melted," as they termed it, (sun-stroke) and canied from the field, his brother Josiah taking his place and leading the company. The attack did not prove fatal, but although he lived many years he never fully recovered. Of the above brave heroes* 13 were officers, and 29 privates, a total of 42, a grand record for the town of Pans. David Bishop was with Washington in the retreat from Long Island, and Captain John Strong spent the winter with the Father of his Country at Valley Forge. James Barnett served in the Commissary Department during the whole period of the war. Deacon David Curtiss was one of the Minute Men. Ephraim Walker, the old sur- veyor and engineer, was at the battle of Bennington, and all those old Revolutionary veterans served their country in that time of great need, faithfully and honoi-ably, and without ad- equate remuneration. Among the incidents they used to relate when thej' chanced to meet at Uncle Jordan Gray's grocery and "fought their battles over again," was the joke peipet»ated on Elijah Davis. In following up the British in New Jersey, on one occasion, a scouting party, among which was Davis, vzas sent forward. In pa.ssing through a clump of woods, he halted for some purpose and the rest of the party proceeding out into the clearing, beside a rail fence, in short range from the edge of the woods, found a Britisher, stark, stiff, dead, shot by a preceding party. Th^y hastily stood him up in an ansfleof the rail fence, facing the wooils, his gun at his shoulder resting acioss the top lail pointing t(nvards the woods, in the attitude of taking aim, adroitly and firml}' fastening both him and his gun in the position, with the straps of their cartouch boxes, then secreting themselves out of range, but commanding a view of the woods, awaited events Ere long, Elijah appeared at the margin of the woods, and with a keen, cautious glance, disc(-)vering the 'red-coat" in the act of aiming, he, in true frontiersman style, "took to a tree," as a barricade. Putting his cap on the end of his ram rod, he cautiously projected it at the side of the tree, — •as if he was in the act of peering out — with the design of drawing the fire of the Britisher at the fence. The cap not being fired at, satisfied him that his enemy had not discovered h'lH hiding tree, and replacing his caj) and bringing his gun to 216 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. his shoulder, with a quick glance along the barrel at the foe, aimed and fired, at the instant, again covering himself b}' his tree. Hastily but silently reloading, he again repeated his ruse of the cap, and again peered cautiously out, and there stood the undaunted "red-coat." Again, but with more de- liberation in his aim, he sent his unerring bullet (he was a noted marksman) at the heart of his enemy. Repeating his previous tactics and again cautiously looking, there firmly stood his man. Chagrined and out of patience with himself at his unaccountable bad shooting, he again blazed away, but with no better result than heretofore. How much longer he would have continued his target practice, is uncertain, Itut just then his companions disclosed themselves, and with shouts of laughter revealed the situation. While his old comrades in arms survived, he never heard the last of that grim joke, — " shooting the dead 'red-coat.' " He was born in Mansfield, Conn., came to Paris in 1799, and settled about one-half mile north of East Sauquoit, at the mouth of the glen, near where General Gates now resides, utilizing the spring biook that flows from the Glen, as a water-power for his rope- walk, where during his life time he made rope of various sizes, rope halters, cord, and fly-nets tied of cord. He was an enthusiastic Meth- odist and one of the first Trustees, aiid he it was that named the little embryo village, Bethelville, which name, much to his regret, was ignored when it was made a post-village and ofli- ciall}' named Sauquoit. He was an early "Abolitionist" and Emancipationist, and showed his faith in his works by man- umitting his only slave in 1808, (New York, at that time being a slave State,) as the following record on the town book explains : Paris, September 1, 1808. This may certify that John Frank, a negro man lately owned by and the lawful property of Elijah Davis, we judge to be about thirty-seven years of age, a man of health and capable of piocuring a livelihood, and approve his manumis- sion. (Signed,) Joseph Howard, Joel Bristol, • Overseers of the Poor. Martin Hawley, Town Clerk. He was brother to E[)hraim Davis, the pioneer of Forge and Fai'mers' Factory notoriety; the other brothers, David, Jona- ii SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 217 than, Aaron, Asa and Noal., (the schoolmaster,) were also early settlers in the neighborhood; all of the last mentioned, however, afterwards removed to other parts of the country, except David. No vestige of " Uncle 'Lijah's" rope walk remains except a trace of the dam at the mouth of " Crane's gulf," as the glen used to be called, and after a Christian life of industry and piobity, full of years, revered by all, the old Revolutionary hero peacefully departed, August 21, 1849, in the 8.5th year ot his age. Captain Uri Uoolitrle, one of the early settlers near Paris Hill was a man of great talents, and distinguished among his townsmen. He was sent to the Legislature in 180(3, and again in 1822, and was Justice of the Peace, and also held various other town offices, and in early days was a merchant (Tompkins & Doolittle) on Paris Hill. In 1796 he was made a Mason in old Amicable Lodge, No. 25, uncer the Mr.ster'ship of Judge Sanger. Li 1799 he withdrew from old Amicable in conjunction with Nathan Whitney, Jonathan Barker, Jus- tus Tc^wer and Asahel Gridley, to found Federal Lodge, No 80, for which they received a charter November 23. 1799 Atthe founding of Paris Lodge, No. 848, August 14, 1822, he was one of the charter membejs, and the first Treasurer. In 1828-29-30 he was Master. He was one of the founders and first vestrvmen oi St. Paul's (Episcopal) Church, Paris Hill, February 13, 1797. Full of honors, beloved by all, in the year 1848 the old Revolutionary veteran. Captain Uri Doolit- tle, at the ripe old age of 86, was " gathered to the land of his fathers." 'Squire Asahel Curtiss came from good old Puritan stock. His grandfather, Captain Allen Curtiss, of Old Canaan, Litch- field county, Conn,, had four .sons, viz: Elihu, Medad, Seth and John, and four daughters, viz : Hannah, Chloe, Ruth and Ann. John, the youngest son, lived in the town of Alford, Berkshire county, Mass., had seven sons, viz : Solomon, Asa- hel, Amasa, John, Darius, Flavins J. and Libbseus. 'Squire Asahel Curtiss, the second son, was born September 23, 1765, at Old Canaan, Conn. Polly Osborn, his wife, the oldest daughter of Alexander Osborn, of Windsor, Conn., was born ^! 218 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. January 2, 1762, (she had two sisters, Jemima ami Cynthia, and three brothers, Seth, Alexander, Jr., and Luke} The children of 'Squire Curtiss were three sons and two daughters, viz: Charles Osborn Curtiss, born in New Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1785 ; Philo Clinton Curtiss, born in Old Hoosick, Rensselaer county, N. Y., June 21, 1789; John Curtiss, born in Granville, Washington county, N.Y., July 26, 1793; Polly Curtiss, Aug. 13, 1794-, and Laura Curtiss, June 28, 1801. In 1803, he moved with his family from Granville to East Sauquoit, where he lived and died. At the age of sixteen years — in April, 1781 — he enlisted in the war of the Revolution and served nine months, being stationed on the northern frontier, until Coi-nwallis surrendered. His house at East Sauquoit was a little south of the tannery-bi-ook, and now owned and occupied by Alfred Johnson. Here he car- ried on the business oi saddle and harness making, (General LeRoy Gates was his apprentice,) and also transacted his offi- cial business, being appointed Justice of the Peace by Gov- ernor Morgan Lewis, in 1805, which office he held for twenty- six years; he was also, about the same time, appointed by Governor Lewis to the office of Superintendent of the Stock- bridge and Brotherton Indians, which office he held for lifteen years; and during most of the time, until about 1830, he was Commissioner of Deeds. He was a man of strictest integrity, and discharged the duties of his various offices with skill and impartiality. He was a prominent Freemason, and one of the charter members of Paris Lodge, founded in 1822, and was the first Senior Warden of that lodge, his son, Pliilo C. Curtiss, being the first Junior Deacon, at the same time. After a long life of distinguished usefulness, beloved by all, this Revolutionary veteran, 'Squire Asahel Curtiss, quietly passed away, May 15, 1852, aged 87. His oldest son, Charles O. Curtiss, lived during his lifetime on his farm, beautifully located east of Sauquoit, on the brow of the hill west of Elkanah Hewitt's, and commanding a fine view of the village and the valley. He was a worthy citizen, member of the Methodist Church, and also of the choir; "the father of twenty-one living children," as he used to say, and peacefully went the way of all the living, July 20, 1868, aged 83. Philo C. Curtiss, the second son, was a mechanic of rare SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 219 skill and great inventive genius, perfecting an improvement of the power-ioom at the early day of its introduction into the factories of the Valley, and soon after removed to Utica, where, after many years of ingenious industry, he, too, joined his fathers, Sept. 24<, 1864, at the advanced age of 75, his sou, Philo S. Curtiss, succeeding to the business, since developed by him to the present well-known, extensive machine shop. John Curtiss, the third son of 'Squire Curtiss, who at an early day carried on a carding mill, clover mill and woolen mill on the site (afterwards Savage &l Moore's old paper mill,) also built the tannery at East Sauquoit, and in those old times a prominent and active business man, lemoved from the village many years ago, and died April 12, 18(32, at the age of 69. Josiah Mosher was born in Pepperell, Mass., in 1754. He entered the army, with his brother John, at the breaking out of the RevcJutionary War, and served seven years. He came to Paris with his brother and family in 1791, a sister, Mrs. Grimes, riding on horseback the entire distance, the trip occu- pying about two weeks. For a riding whip, she cut a sprout from a cheiished willow tree on the old homestead at Pep- perell, which she carried in her hand, and upon dismounting in the valley of the Sauquoit, she stuck it down in the moist ground near the creek, where it took root and grew to be a^ mighty tiee, from which other sprouts, in great number, were cut and set out in the same manner, and the place became noted for the great number of those trees, and in time came to be called " Willowvale," most of which, up the hillside, Josiah Mosher settled. He afterward exchanged his farm for the Major Gere tannery and farm at East Sauquoit. After a long life of usefulness, the old Revolutionary hero of " Mon- mouth" and many a well-fought field, went to his rest, August, 1846, aged 92. There survive of his children here, Rebekah, widow of Dr. Rufus Priest, now wife of Dr. L. Bishop, and Cornelia, wife of S. A. Millard. Josiah Mosher, Jr., went to Kentucky at an early day, and kept the hotel at the Mam- moth Cave, one of the great natural wonders of the continent. S. Emei-son, the old schoolmaster, married the eldest daughter of Henry Crane, and removed to Oneida, III, some years ago, where he died ; the other sou, George W., died many years ago- 220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. He was an active member of old Paris Lodge F. & A. M., admit- ted July 5, 1824. Betsey Mosher, who married a Mr. Cook, reared a family of six — four boys and two girls : Edward, W. Newton, Josiah, Henry, Jane and Harriet. She died a year or two since, and her children survive her, except Josiah, who died a few years since, in Michigan. Edward is a well known business man in Oswego county, where he has resided many years ; W. Newton is one of the pioneers of Grand Rapids, Mich., and has witnessed its growth from the wilderness to a city; he is a prominent business man there, ex-alderman, and has held other offices of trust. His father died at his house, some years ago. Henry resides in the vicinity of Grand Rap- ids, and is a prosperous farmer. Jane, who mairied John Crane, and after the loss of their farm-house by fire, on the morning of May 1, 1872, and the uatimely death of her hus- band a few days later, rented the farm, and lives with a mar- ried daughter — Mrs. Celia Maltby, at West Sauquoit. Har- riet Cook, the youngest daughter, went to Michigan, with the family, many 3'ears ago, and in the early days of Mormonism, embraced that taith, and married, or was sealed, (his second wife,) to the late Governor Brigham Young, by whom she had one son, grown to manhood, a prominent business man in Salt Lake City, Utah, with whom she resides since the death of her husband, Governor Young. Belinda Mosher married Captain William Knight, and in February, 1836, while he was at Albany as Member of Assembly, she died instantly, of heart disease, leaving five children, the youngest — Charles — an infant. The sad event occurred during the "deep snow of 1836,"which covered the ground to the depth of six feet. In those days there were no telegraphs, and the roads being ob- structed by the snow, some delay occurred in getting the sad news to Mr.Knight; when received, he set outat once,and trav- eling night and day, crushed with grief, made all the progress possible. The day of the funeral arrived. Kind neighbors turned out and shoveled a deep cut through the snow from the door of his residence up to the old churchyard, and a space around the open grave, near where the Academy now stands. The cut was made wide enough for the bier and the bearers — there being no hearse in those days, their beautiful dead being tenderly borne on a bier by four selected bearers SOLDIEPS OF THE REVOLUTION. 221 to the last resting place — and such was the great depth of snow, that the procession was hid from view in the cut. The friends and mourners assembled ; the services were delayed a reasonable time, hoping for the arrival ot the absent husband and father, but at length proceeded with ; before the comple- tion of which, a jaded team came wallowing through the deep snow, the Captain leaped from the sleigh, and a moment later was bending over the corpse of his beautiful wife, whom a few weeks befoie he had left in peifect health, and the full flu.sh of matronly beauty, — the weeping children clinging the while to the gri'^f-distracted father; a heart-rending scene, never effaced from the memory of those present. After the first outburst of grief had in a measure subsided, the old min- ister, with trembling voice, addressed a prayer to the Throne of Grace for the afflicted father and bereft little ones, that in a measure calmed his sobbing audience, and the sad ceremony was brought to a close. As the procession moved through the deep cut to the old churchyard, the Captain was moved with emotionsof gratitude to the kind neighbors that had rendered the moving of the procession possible, and at the open grave of his fair young bride, as his tears mingled with the earth that forever hid her from his view, Captain Knight registered a vow, that " he would ever after, through life, render assist- ance in sickness and death." How well he kept that vow, thousands in the Valley can attest, and many have wondered, that laying aside all business, he always volunteered his aid in the much needed afflicted hour. During the last years of his life, he imparted the secret to the writer, and as he has gone to meet the reward of the good deeds done here below, his death absolves the pledge of secrecy. It is a coincidence that, his funeral also occurring in February, (thirty-nine years after his wife,) the impas.sable road to the cemetery, rendered so by the deep snow, was shoveled out by a "bee" of his townsmen. His four boys, Francis M., Milton L., George H. and Charles Carroll, are in the west, and his only daughter, Louisa, married to Dr. DeWitt Bacon, son of Homer Bacon, went to Oneida, 111., where she died a few years ago. Poll}- Mosher, who married Zabine Luce, died, a few years since, at ihe residence of her only daughter, Mrs. Cornelius J. Knick- erbocker, of Utica. John Mosher, an officer of the Revolu- 222 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. tiooary War, who was prostrated by the heat aud carried from the field at the battle of Monmouth, N. J., came to Paris with his brother, Josiah, in 1791 ; carried on a tannery with his son, Abijah, at an early day, on the site of the Rogers machine shop, at Willowvale, and also built the sawmill fur- ther up the stream, carried on for many years by his son, Abel. He died many years ago. Abel Mosher was born in Pepperell, Mass., Oct. 4, 1779, and at twelve years of age came to the Valley, in 1791, with his parents; arriving at manhood he married Sarah, daughter of Ephraim Warren, a Revolutionary soldier, and cousin to General Warren, and who was with him when he fell, mortally wounded, at the battle of Bunker Hill. Abel Mosher carried on the sawmill built by his father, and for many years kept the tavern there, just south of the sawmill. He had three sons and three daugh- ters. Warren, his eldest son, removed to Ohio many years ago, where, in a fit of melancholy, he died by his own hand ; Chauncey L. was a promising young business man, and was the accomplished superintendent of HoUister's extensive fac- tories at Clayville, and died January 9, 1850, aged 29. His widow survives, married to 'Squire Charles C. Wicks, of Paris Hill. Augustus has long been a resident of New York city, and for many years the courteous landlord of a popular Broad- way hotel. Betsey, the eldest daughter, married Hon. C. S. Butler, and died March 29, 1836, aged 32. Mary A., born in 1810, married Alanson A. Butler, and died April 11, 1838, aged 28. Clarissa Mosher survives, — the widow of the late David J. Millard, of Clayville, where she resides. Sarah Warren, wife of Abel Mosher, died July 15, 1825, aged 42, He married a second wife, (Widow Morehouse,) by whom he had one son, Francis, who survives, residing at New Haven, Ct. Abel Mosher was well and favorably known in the Val- ley, a prominent business man in the early days. Retiring from active business, he spent his declining years at Sauquoit and Clayville, and passed away Sept. 25, 1868, aged 89. A daughter of Ephraim Warren, the Bunker Hill hero, survives — Mrs. Elias Pratt, of Volney, Oswego county, N. Y. Kirtland Grifiin was born in the town of Guilford, Conn., in the year 1752. When but a boy he was deprived of ma- SOLDIERS OF THE EEVOLUTION. 223 ternal instruction and influence by the death of his mother. At the commencement of the Revolutionary struo-trle he was among the first to enter the lists to effect the emancipation of his country. While with the army at Ticonderoga, his health became considerably impaired. With the view of improving his health, and at the same time of serving his country, he determined on biaving the dangers of the ocean. He accord- ingly shipped on board of one of the earliest privateers that were fitted out in that contest, to annoy and cripple the com- merce of Great Britain. The cruise was short and disastrous. At the end c^f three months their craft was captured by the British ship Nonesuch, of superior force, and taken to Ply- mouth, England, wheie himself and comrades in arms were thrown into that den of misery, the Mill Prison. Here through hunger and the loathsomeness of the place, he suflfered extremely. At the end of two years and six months he, with two hundred others, were exchanged and sent in a cartel to the Minister of the United States in France, at Nantes. During his incarceiation in the old Mill Prison, he formed the acquaintance of Richard Dale, a fellow prisoner, then re- cently a master's mate of the U. S. brig Lexington, who some- time previous to the exchange of prisoners contrived to escape from Mill Prison and make his way to Fiunce. Here he fell in with Commodore John Paul Jones, a Scotchman by birth, but whom the American Congress had appointed a Captain in their navy, and then commanded a squadron fitted out in the ports of France, his flag-ship being the Bon Homme Rich- ard. Mr. Dale, a native of Viiginia, and subsequently a dis- tinguished naval captain, was tendered the position of first lieutenant on the Richard, by Commodore Jones, which he promptly accepted, and the Commodore being furnished with blank commissions for the purpose of recruiting, filled one out and Lieutenant Dale at once assumed his duties. Just at this time the 200 exchanged prisoners arrived, with the intention of being sent home, but the Richard being short-handed, Lieutenant Dale solicited volunteers from their ranks. Our hero, Kirtland Grifiin, promptly stepped to the front. His example of patriotism proved electrical, and nearly one hun- dred, (who had expected to go home,) with three hearty cheers, sprang to his side. The others being too enfeebled by lonor 224! HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. confiMement for enlistment for active duty, were placed on board the Alliance, to be convoyed home. This accession of numbers 2:ave the flag-ship a respectable body of Americans, to sustain the honor of the flag she so proudly bore. The squadron set sail, but the bi-ave and daring Commodore Jones, instead of sailing direct to the United States, as was expect- ed, mu«t needs "beard the lion in his den" by cruising around the Island of Britain. On the cruise, when near the coast of Scotland, in September, 1779, he sighted the British frigate Serapis, which he decided to engage, and clearing the decks for action at once bore down upon. The battle that followed proved one of the most obstinate and bloody recorded in naval warfare, in which Commodore John Paul Jones acquired the reputation .of a daring and fortunate commander. At half-past seven in the evening, his own ship, the Bon Homme Richard, of 40 guns, engaged the Serapis, a British frigate of 44. After the action had continued an hour, the two frigates approached so near to each other that Jones, seizing the op- portunity, lashed them together. The battle now became furious, and the carnage horrible. The Serapis was on tire not less than ten times; and often both frigates were on Are at the same moment, presenting a sublime and dreadful spectacle. At length, the Alliance, one of Jones's squadron, came to his assistance; but the two frigates being fastened together, many of her shot struck the Bon Homme Richard. At ten o'clock the Serapis surrend- ered. Her successful antagonist was so shattered, that the crew were obliged to leave her immediately, and she soon after sunk. The Pallas, which was also one of Jones's Sijuad- ron, engaged at the same time and captured the Countess of Scarborough. After the engagement, the British captain at- tributed his defeat to the presence of the Mill Prison sailors, knowing that they would fight to the death, rather than be conquei'ed and again be confined there another teiin. After the battle, the squadron set sail for Holland where they safely ai-rived. When 'Squire Grifiin left the Serapis he secured as a trophy from her armament, a plain cutlass, which he carefully i-etained, and it is still preserved in the family as a cherished memento of that [)erilous fight. He was with the brave and daring Commodore Paul Jones SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 225- eitrhteen months and was in nine engagements. Finally, after an absence of four years, he sailed from France for his native land. During his lifetime he always celebrated the anniver- sary of his deliverance from the hoirors of Mill Piison as a day of thanksgiving, assembling his children and grandchil- dren around his sumptuous table, in true old New England style. At the conclusion of the war the cities and villages through- out the > ew England States " celebrated peace," as it was called — much in the same manner that they afterwards did the Fourth of July. Our hero was determined that his native town, North Guilforo, Conn., should not be behindhand in doing honor to the occasion, and as they had no cannon, he visited the surrounding places to procure one, but found them all " bespoke." At a corner of the park in New Haven was' an ancient, heavy piece of ordnance set in the ground, muzzle down, as a relic, which the authorities tendered him on con- ditions that he should replace it again. Procuring assistance, he dug up the monster, and with three yoke of oxen hauled it home, where it was cleaned of the long accumulated rust and prepared for action. The day arrived ; the women pre- pared the refreshments for an old-time feast, to conclude with an old-fashioued dance on the village green, the festivities to open with a Federal salute of 13 guns from old "Ticonderoga," under command of " Captain" Griffin. The gun was carefully loaded and discharged, but our veteran was not fully satis- fied -with the report; "she didn't speak loud enough," and he declared and vowed his determination to make her roar the thirteenth and last time. He accordingly put in a tremend- ous charge of powder, and with well rammed wadding loaded her to the muzzle. At the smell of gunpowder the old hero had got his blood up, and, lost to all sense of danger, was on the point of applying the match, when some one of the more timid ones interposed and persuaded him to fix a slow match to touch her off. To this he consented and the slow match being fired they all retired to a safe distance. A few moments of breathless expectation, a vivid flash leaped heavenward from the breech, a deafening, crashing, thundering roar that shook the rocks and hills of old Guilford as never before or O 220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. since, the mighty echo ere long reverVjerating back fioui the distant mountains, like the deep- toned thunder of a tropical storm ; the thick sulphurous cloud slowly lifted, eddying up, disclosing the scorched and blackened " green ;" but the can- non ! where was she ? Echo didn't answer where. Blown into a thousand fragments, the old gun had boomed its last roar. Providentially no one was injured, and after the first shock w-as over, and the astonishment recovered from, the fes- tivities were resumed, and the feast enjoyed, and then "on with the dance," and the day passed with great rejoicing. In the year 1791, he came to the wilderness of Paris, and settled on the east side of the creek near what is now Chad- wick's. He erected a sawmill on the east bank of the creek near the upper end of the present large reservoir that sup- plies Chadwick's factor}^ When the Presbyterian Church was first formed at New Hartford, by Dr. Jonathan Edwards, of New Haven, Conn., in August, 1791, he became one of the " fathers of that church," and gave in his name as one of the number, having previously attached himself to that denomi- nation on his return to America. A few years later he with- drew and joined the little band of Methodists at Bethelville, (now East Sauquoit,) and became one of the most earnest leading members. He was one of the first trustees of that societ}'', and in after years was always called the '"father of the church." He was for many years Justice of the Peace,, and in all the relations of life honored and respected. During the great revival of Rev. Alexander Irvine in the spring of 1830, he was taken violently with what at first had the ap- pearance of inflammatory rheumatism. His sufferings were' great, but his patience overcame all complaint. His sons, Robert, Camp and Joel, were with him through all. The last words he was heard to utter were, "Joel, this is a good time." He died in peace, Fridaj", April 9, 1830, aged 78. On the day; of his funeral, though the weather was rainy, more were pres- ent than could enter the meeting house. The recollection ofi his virtues long dwelt in the memory of those who knew the^ valiant old hero of Ticonderoga and nine naval battles, and; a pioneer of Paris — 'Squire Kirtland Griffin. SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 227 In the year 1765, near a staid old New England sea-port •town, resided a French emigrant with his wife and an only dauo-htei, a beautiful, sprightly lass just blooming- into wo- manhood, with flashing eyes, resplendent with traditional na- tional vivacity, the idol of her fond parents. In the vicinity, .a youthful scion of Puritan parents, just arrived at his major- ity and the paternal acres — a fine, well-stocked farm, in the broad valley of the Connecticut — of stalwart form, and in the vigorous prime of earlj^ manhood, thrown often in the tiiaid- en's society, enamored with her bewitching eyes and petite form, a victim to the old, old story, fell in love, which to his unspeakable delight was warmly reciprocated. Her parents suddenly awakened to the tender state of afl'airs, rudely dashed to earth their love's young dream, and interdicted their further wooing. They could find no objections to the man of her choice, who possessed many (j^ualitications to com- mand their i-espect, was a fair type of the sturdy, intelligent farmer of that eai'ly period, and owned a splendid farm; but they, wearied of the cold, uncongenial clime of New England, and, longing for the sunny, vine-clad valley of their native land, had resolved to dispose of their farm and betterments at the tirst opportunity, and return to la belle France, and could not find it in their hearts to go home and leave their much- loved daughter in a foreign land. In due time, the farm dis- posed of, the coveted opportunity of their return presented itself in a French ship that touched at the port, homeward bound. With passage secured, the household goods and bag- gage aboard, they only awaited the turn of the tide for their departure. During the leave-takings and good-byes, and the •consequent excitement, at the last moment, when about to take the boat that should put them aboard the ship swingincr at her anchor in the harbor, they suddenly missed their daughter. A hurried search through the little town failed to discover her. The signal sailing gun boomed over the waters, but the kind-hearted, sympathetic captain consented to a rea- sonable delay — another tide — to enable a more thorough search, in which the whole village united in vain. She had disappeared as absolutely as if the grave had opened and swallowed her up. Again the signal gun announced no fur- ther delay, the sad, reluctant parents aboard, the anchor hove h 228 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. a-peak, the tapering masts and spars alive with active seamen, the snowy canvas gracefully drooped to position, and soon all taut, filled with the fa\oring land-breeze, the gallant ship, crathering headway, bounded forward, the idle villagers dis- persed, a"nd ere long, far out at sea a little speck of white, like a sea-gull, soon after lost to sight in the far distant blend- ing of sea and sky, and the ship, she sailed away, in the shimmering sea dissolved like the vision of a dream. Emerg- ino- from an old-fashioned brick oven, where securely hid and furtively fed, during the search, by her ardent lover, self- orphaned, as the receding ship, bearing forever away her pa- rents, disappeared behind the jolling billows of the blue ocean, the charming French girl, shaking out her rumpled tresses, fell sobbing into the willing arms of Benjamin Merrill, the man of her choice, to whom her troth was plighted, of a verity " forsaking all others to cleave unto him." As soon as the proper time elapsed to publish the bans in compliance with the " blue laws," they were united in marriage, there being none to forbid. At the breaking out of the revolutionary war, a company one hundred strong— the largest from any village in the New England States— was raised at the village of Old Hartford Conn., Benjamin Merrill being one of the first to enlist. The company was ordered into the south, and in their passage to Savannah, Georgia, the transport, cariying some five hundred, was so overcrowded that many died before ai-riving at their destination. The campaign proved disastious ; the casualties of battle, diseases incident to that climate, and camp fever, did a sad work. Of that gallant one hundred, that to the stirring music of fife and drum marched to glory from the village^of Hartford, cheered on by the best wishes and prayers, of fond, weeping mothers, sisters,, wives and sweethearts, only ] two ever returned to see the village-green of their Hartford i home— Benjamin Merrill, and one brave compatriot. Upon* the return of our hero at the close of the war, he found his valuable farm in very good condition, the work having been carried on by his energetic wife, assisted by the children, his-j son Zenas being a stout lad, in his teens. A few years later, in the spring of 1791, the old hero took his way to the wilds-^ of Central New York, and upon arriving at New HartfordJ SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 229 weiit u|) the Sauquoit Valley and iocated a farm for his son Zenas, west of the creek, uear Chadwick's, and extending up the hillside and south to Charles Cooledge's line, in lot 72 of Bayard's Patent. Returning home, he sent Zenas forward to clear up the land. He was accompanied by his sistei- Jerusha, a beautiful girl of sixteen, to do the housework. Their log house was located at the foot of the hill, on the west side of the present main road, near the brook, and between it and the present residence of Mr. M. M. Neal, a descendant. On the opposite side of the highway, was afterward situated the cooper shop of Aimeron Moore, (father of Zenas and Naaman W. Moore, deceased, and of Benjamin Moore and Widow Neal, who survive,) who married a daughter of the old hero, Benja- min Merrill. In clearing off the land, and while log-rolling, Zenas was injured, and upon advice of physicians, started back for the eastern home ; but upon reaching Schenectady, he was prostrated, died suddenly, and was buried there. Je- jmsha was married to Charles Cooledge, a young pioneer, and their nearest neighbor, December 23, 1792. In January 1793, the old hero, Benjamin Merrill, sold his valuable Con- necticut Valley farm in the suburbs of Hartfoid, and with his family removed to the Sauquoit Valley farm, where he ever after resided. About the time of the wai' of 1812, the pioneer Irishman of the valley, James Fineghan, put in an a|ipearance, seeking •employment of " Uncle" Bei.. When asked if he could chop — the important branch of work at that period — he de- clared he could, whereupon the old man engaged him on trial, and conducting him to the western hillside to the edge of the dealing {)ointed out to hiui as his first job a giant elm tree, with the remark, " There, see if you can fall that tree, so as to smash that rail fence all to pieces" — a six-rail fence, with rider, just completed and leading along past the trees — and then returned to the house. In due time, hearing the crash of the falling tree, he went up to see if the job was well done. Struck dumb with rage and astonishment he found that the tree had been felled on the fence, six rods of which were sma.shed into flinders. Before he had recovered his sjjeech "Jimmy" inquired of him "if he had done the job to suit," adding that he "always obeyed orders if it broke 230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. owners." " Yes, or fences either," said Uncle Ben, suddenly- remembering his parting remark, which the Irishman had accepted hterally and obeyed. The old man saw that he had a " character" on hand, and gave him employment, "Jimmy" remaining with him many years and proving trusty and faithful, but Uncle Ben was thereafter cautious how he worded his orders. Charles Cooledge was one of the first trustees of the M. E. • Church at East Sauquoit, his wife Jerusha being also a mem- ber, and they influenced James Fineghan and his wife Lucy to attend the meetings, where they both became converted in 1815, during the celebrated revival of Rev. Abner Chase, the first pastor, and both became members of that church.. Charles Cooledge afterwards withdrew and united with the Church of Christ at West Sauquoit, and in 1832-33, when they adopted the Presbyterian form, he was one of the first six Elders ordained. He was born in Roxbury, Mass., July 18, 1768, came on to the farm alluded to — now owned and occupied by Mr. John Chadwick — in 1791, and after a use- ful life in church and society, went to his j-est August 1, 1837,. aged 69 years. His wife Jerusha survived him, and passed away at an advanced age December 30, 1856. Benjamin Merrill had n)any descendants, among whom sur- viving aie the Moore and Neal families, Naaman W. Moore, however, was his favorite grands«)n, whom he aided materiall}'^ in starting in business. The brave old hero of romance and the Revolution put off his armor and joined his old village company of patriots "gone before," November 23. 1822, at the ripe old age of 82. The charming French girl, in genial pleasant old age, amused her rapt-listening grandchildren with many a quaint tale of early pioneer life and adventure. One day, gently falling asleep, October, 1821, she pas.sed over the " dark river" to that voiceless, echoless .shore, pieceding' her ardent, boyish lover, a little more than a year. David Curtiss was born in Sharon, Conn., September 7, 1767. In the last years of the Revolutionary war, he was- drummer boy of the "minute men." He was early left an orphan. After the war he removed to Vermont, where he married Miss Lucy Bennett, where was born to them Annay SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 231 Oct. 3, 1790; Claris.sa, Nov. 2,1707; HenrV: Dec, 3, 1792; and Ransom, Jan. 8, 1800. Deacon Cnrtiss moved to Sau- quoit in June. 1813, and .settled on a farm on the road leading from the Burning Spring to the Bentley district, then known as the Bishop farm, now part of the Mattison farm. He was a prominent member of the Congregational church at West Sauquoit. April 26, 1832, the Church resolved to adopt the Presbyterian form of government, and five elders were elected, two of whom declined to be ordained ; the other three, David Curtiss, Salmon Holmes and Ahijah Hubbard were ordained July 26, 1832, the first elders of the church. About this time Deacon Curtiss removed to the village of East Sauquoit in the house now occupied by Mr. Cole, west of the store of Miller i: Nichols, where he resided many years greatly respected, quiet and unobtrusive, very firm in his belief but not violent in his opinions. At the house of his brother-in-law, Mr. Fos- ter of New Hartfoid, Aug. 12, 18o5, near the close of his 88th year. Deacon David Curtiss, the drummer boy of the Revolu- tion, in the fullness of years, jieacefully went to his rest. His daughter Clari.ssa married Sam Hackett, (cousin of the now Gen. Hackett. U. S. army,) long and favorably known as a resident of Sauquoit. Ransom Curtiss, the youngest son, born in Vermont in the year 1800, came with his father to Sauquoit at the age of 13. In 1822 he mari-ied Esther Pierce, daughter of Dr. Spauldiug Pierce, and tneieafter for several years was the popular landlord of the old Savage stand at West Sauquoit, and here his son Henry P. Curtiss was born May 24, 1824'. His son, Charles Carroll, was born at the homestead ot Dr. Pierce, Nov. 8, 1826. February 9, 1824?, Ransom Curtiss was made a Mason in Paris Lodge, No. 348, F. & A. M. He was in business with a Mr. Adams in Utica, and in 1831 started the " new crockery store," No. 34 Genesee street. In 1832, (cholera year,) Frederick S. Savage became a partner in the business. At the death of his wife, his two boys, Henry and Charles, mere lads, made their home with their grandfather. Deacon Curtiss, at East Sauquoit, for a few years. Ransom Curtiss, so well and favorably i-emerabered in the valley of the Sauquoit, now resides at Hillsdale, Mich., with his son, Charles G, at whose residence was celebrated his 80th birthday, Jan. 28, 1880, where he, in the full enjoy- 2:32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. meet of rare uood health, hale aud hearty, received the cou- gratulations of his many friends, which find aa echo in the hearts of those who live to remember him in the Valley — his Aioj'hood home. CHAPTER XX. SOLDIERS OF THE W^AR OF 1812, WHO SURVIVE. Dr. Leverett Bishop, served at Sacketts Harbor as Sur- geon's Mate, (now called Assistant Surgeon,) resides at Sau- quoit, aged 89 years ; John King, served at Sacketts Harbor as private, now resides at Sauquoit, aged 88 ; Captain Asahel Dexter, resides at Cassville, was a cajjtain in the war, aged 94 ; Prof Charles Avery, served at Sacketts Harbor, now re- sides at Clinton. THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY. Amos Bishop, (was under fire at Oswego;) Val Pierce, Chauncey Gorton, Daniel Prior, Abel Randal, Captain Zacha- riah P. Townsend, (died 1874, aged 92 ;) John Vanderpool, Ephraim Gates, (died July 8, aged 93;) Daniel Stanton, William Bainett, Bisho[) T.Randall, (died December, 1879, aged 85;) ' Scjuire David BudlongV (died 18G0, aged 63;) Captain John Budlong, of Sauquoit, (died 1860, aged 70;) Josiah W. Bagg, (died September, 1870, aged 83 ;) Captain Zerah Brown, (died in Wisconsin;) Caleb Green, Zenas Moore. A curious coincidence of that veteran is the fact that he was born the same day as Governor William L. Marcy, and died the same day, both dropping dead of heart disease, away from home and at hotels. Governoi- Marcy was born December 12, 1786, and on July 4, 1857, at the Sans Souci Hotel at Ballston Spa, N. Y., about I2h o'clock p. M., fell dead in hi> room, in the 71st year of his age. Our hero, Zenas SOLDIERS OK THE WAR OF 1812. 233 Moore, (burn December 12, 178(5,) on the eventful Inde- pendence Day attended the celebration at Utica, hale and hearty, among the then surviving veterans of 1812. At the close of the celebration, he repaired to Van Wornier's Hotel, Deertield, partaking of a hearty sui)per, in apparant excellent health for a man threescore \'ears and ten. After supper he stepped out into the yard where he, too, fell dead of heart disease, about 6 o'clock P. M. Captain John Budlong, who removed from Cassville at an early day, and settled on the old 'Squire Gritiin farm, north of East Sauquoit, (now occupied by Mr. McCabe,) was at Sacketts Harbor. He removed to Utica some years since, where he died in 1860, aged 70 years. His children were : Melissa, Philander, James J., and Susan, of whom Philander alone survivers, residing at Clinton. CAPTAIN ZACHARIAH P. TOWxXSEND's COMPANY. 27th Regiment Detached Militia ; Lieutenant Colonel Chris- topher P. Bellinger, Commander; Oliver Collins, Brigadier General. Muste'r Roll September 20th, 1814 Commissioned Officers — Zachariah P. Townsend, Captain ; Peter B. Casler, Lieutenant ; Zeba Corbet, Lieutenant; James L. Campbel, Ensign ; Ethel Judd, Ensign. Non-commissioned Oncers — Richard Smith, Orderly Ser- geant; Luke Kieth, Sergeant, (Sauford Main, substitute;) Oeorge Hess, Sergeant ; Harry Rising, Sergeant ; John Tru- man, Sergeant ; Harry Runels, Corporal ; Amos Jonson, Corporal ; Abraham Mower, Corporal; Jesse Turner, Corporal; Daniel Wright, Corporal ; Artemas Ward, Corporal. Musicians — Bartemas Hagerty, titer, (discharged Oct. 28, 1814;) Henry Grants, drummer. Privates— Richsin] Waliath, John Buckdorf, (discharged •Oct. 8, 1814.) John Kelmer, Thomas Allen, Rudolph Casler, John Young, John Whight, Joseph Ruby, William Ruby, Isaac Hering, Albert Tibets, John F. Helmer, Jacob Tuman, Mibehart Casler, Alexander Forbes, Ezekiel Lee, Gardner C. West, Archibald Caterlin, George D. Williams, George F. Chrisman, Rusel Davis, Peter Piper, Lyman Bumpus, Joseph Rider, (discharged Oct. 3, 1814,) Amos P.Randal, Joseph Cole» 234 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Oliver Wilcox, Leonard CoUings, Adam Ackler, Peter T. Mur- fey, Peter Spoon, John House, Frederick Miller, (sick, on fur- lough, Oct. 24-, 1814-,) Andrew Miller, (absent withouc leave, Sept. 24, 1814,) Adam A. Staring, (absent without leave, Sept. 24, 1814,) Ira Williams, Jesse Toms, Mason Tilden, Abial Hill, Arnold Spencer, Rusel S. Hall, (died in hospital,) Phin- ehas Davis, Lawrence Ryan, Daniel Waren, Thomas Elmer,. John Raymond, Jr., Rufus Potter, Jacob House, (discharged Nov. 15, 1814,) Godfrey Wall, Randal King, Jonah Rider.. James Wilks, George Armstrong, James Smith, (discharged Nov. 15, 1814,) Jacob C. Edick.Henery Hess, Arvry Hagerty, James Truesdale, (discharged Nov. 7, 1814,) William Hagerty, Conrad Countr^'man, Jacob Buckdorf, Adam Steel, Richard Pangburn, Charles W. Shaw, Mark Staring, Uriah Whight- man, (J. L. Cami)beirs substitute,) John Castler, Peter S. Woolly, Ashel Alford, Nathan Chapel, Nicholas Harder, Mar- cus F. Lee, Amos Noble, Daniel Miller, Edmun Murdick,. Henry Sandy. Nicholas Casler, waiter (not from the line) to Lieut. P. B. Casler. Joseph Tenbroeck, waiter (not from the line) to Lieut-Col. C. P. Bellinger. Mustered by Ransom Rathbun, Brigade Major. (A large number of the company were recruited from Litch- tield.) Captain Z. P. Townsend was commissioned May 23. 1812, by Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor State of New York. GENERAL ORDERS. Sir : You are herebj'^ requested to be and appear, and the Company under your command, at the house of Stutely Pal- mers in Gr. Flats, on the 13th day of this instant, at 8 o'clock A. M., for general review and inspection ; and likewise you, and your Companj' under your command, are to meet at house of Reuben Reynotts, in Columbia, on the 12th day of this instant, at 8 o'clock A. M., tor the purpose of battalion training. By order of Lieut.-Col. Christ. P. Bellinger, Daniel C. Fox, Adjutant. Ger. flats. Sept. 6th, 1815. To Ca))t. Zachariah Townsend. SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 1812. 235. The manner in which the men were drafted for the War of 1812, was unlike the plan adopted durino- the War of the Re- bellion, when the names were put in the wheel and drawn out, and was as follows, viz : All the able-bodied men in the town, between the ages of eighteen and foity-tive, were "warned out," and on a certain day assembled in line on the village green, when the drafting officer counted off, and every ninth man stepped to the front, and he must go to war, or furnish a substitute, and so on over and over the line, until the requisite number were drafted. The plan is a very fair one, provided the men were not arranged as St. Paul, accord- ing to the ancient tradition, once upon a time shrewdly fixed things. The tradition is, that on a certain voyage, having with him fifteen Christians and fifteen Jew,s, a violent storm, arose, and it became necessary to lighten ship by casting one- half of the passengers into the sea. St. Paul arranged them in line, and told off every ninth man, who was immediately thrown overboard, and when completed, the Jews weie all non est, a,nd the Christians all saved, as follows, viz: c, c, c, c, J. J. J. J. j> c, c, j, c, c, c, j, c, j, j, c, c, j, j, j, c, j, j, c, c, j. Cai)tain Townsend resided in Litchfield in 1812, but after- ward removed to Paris, and settled on the farm adjoining Baxter Gage's on the south, where he ever after resided, a man highly respected, a charter member of Sauquoit Masonic Lodge, an active and worthy member of the Methodist Church. He lived to a ripe old age, being born Aug, 15, 1782; the- veteran soldier passing away Oct. 28, 1874, aged 92 years.. His grandson, Z. Townsend Wilcox, resides at Omaha, Ne- braska. CHAPTER XXI. SOLDIERS AND OFFICERS IN THE GREA.T REBELLION. 1862— Aug. 26, Amidon Sam'l. Corporal, Clayville, 146th Infantry; July 24<, Avery Edward B., Corporal, Clayville, 117th Inf. or -tth Oneida, promoted to Corporal Nov. 11, 1863, wounded in both legs at Driiry's Bluff, Va,, May 16, 1864; Aug. 11, Anderson Wm. L3'^man, private, Clayville, 117th Inf ; July 28, Allen Charles, corporal, Clayville. 117th Inf., pro- moted to corporal, Jan. 25, 1863; Aug. 26, Avery Jared S., private, Clayvillej 146th Inf 1863 — Dec. 22, Armstrong Joseph, private, Sauquoit, 14th H. A. 1864 — Jan. 4, Anderson John, private, Clayville, 2d H. A. ; April 9, Armstrong Henry, private, Sauquoit, 15th Inf ; Aug. 31, Anderson Mathew, private, Clayville, 6th H. A. ; 29, Allen Spencer A., private, Clayville, 20th Inf 1864 — Aug. 31,Barker John, private, Paris, 6th cav.; Barber Orange, private, Claj^ville, 146th inf 1862 — Aug. 9, Briggs Alex. M., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf.; 11, Bailey Wm. M., sergeant, Paris, 117th inf; July 22, Bonfy Charles M., private, Brookfield, 117th inf, taken pris- oner; Aug. 4, Bates Josephus, private, Cassville, 117th inf » 26, Bates George W., private, Clayville, 146th inf ; July 26, Beach Naaman C, corporal, Clayville, 117th inf, died ot small pox on Folly island, S. C, March 13, 1864, and was buried there; Aug. 5, Babcock Perry F., private. Bridge water, ll7t-h inf; 11, Barnum Herbert, private, Cassville, 117th inf, hurt by a tree; 11, Bailey Abel S., sergeant, Paris, 117th inf, wounded in leg at Drury's Blutf, Va., May 15, 1864; 7, Bur- ritt Wm. H., private, Paris, 8th cav. 1863 — Dec. 22, Balf James, private. Pans, 15th cav.; Half Stephen, private, Pai'is, loth cav. 1864 — April 8, Burk John, private, Paris, 2d H. A. ; Bray Peter, private, Paris, 2d H. A. ; Sept. 1, Brooks Russell H., private, Paris, 117th inf, wounded at Fort Fisher, N. C. SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 237 1861 — April 22, Briske John, private Paris, 14th inf.; 20 Brooks Hiram, private, ClayviJle, l^th inf. ; Sept. 29, Briggs Henry S., private, Sauquoit, 1st L. A., or Bates' battery ; Oct. 15, Birdseye Henry, private, Sauquoit, 93d inf., dis. March 4, 1868, re-enlisted Oct. 25, 1863, in U. S. A., Sig. Corps.. 1863 — Aug. 11, Brown Lorenzo P., corporal, Paris, 117th inf., promoted to sergeant Aug. 31, 1862, wounded at Peters- burgh ; April 22, Browuell Franklin R., private, Sauquoit, 4th H. A. 1862 — Aug. 6. Browuell Albert E., 1st lieutenant, Sauquoit, 146th inf., discharged Nov. 25, 1864; July 14, Brower Wesley, jiiivate, Sauquoit, lOlst inf., died of disease Sept. 14, 1864 — he came home to die; Aug. 24, Connor Edward, private, Paris 6th cav. ; Crook Moses, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf., died of disease Jan. 18, 1863, at Wind Mill Point; July 22, Craft Stephen M., corpoial, Cassville, 117th inf. ; 25, Cogswell Joseph B., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf., killed at the battle north ot the James, Oct. 26, 1864; Cogswell John, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf., killed at Drury's Blufi", May 15, 1864; Sept. 3, Cady Oscar L,, private, Clayville, 146th inf.; Aug. 13, Cran- dall, Henry N., private, Brookfield, 117th inf.; 28, Chapman Benjamin G., private, Cla3'ville, 146th inf. 1864 — Jan. 4, Collins Leandei- W., private, Clayville, 2d H. A.; Connors John, private, Paris, 2d H. A.; Sept. 3, Cave John K., private, Clayville, 101st inf ; 5, Ciiggier Frank, private, Sauquoit, 3d L. A., taken prisoner at the 2d Bull Run, paroled after 15 days. 1862 — Aug. 12, Clement Charles L., private, Pai-is, 117th inf. 1863 — Aug., Coon Theodore D., Sauquoit, drafted ; Cahoon Benjamin, Sauquoit, drafted; Comstock Charles; Clark James. 1861 — April 22, Chilson William J., private, Sauquoit, ''.4th inf 1864 — Sept. 2, Carpenter Edwin L., private, Cassville, 1st L. A. 1862— July 30, Camp Willard M., private, Paris, 117th inf. ; Aug. 1, Daboll Sherman B., corporal, Brookfield, 117th inf., wounded at Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864; 9, Delong Martin, 238 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. private, Paris, 117th inf.; Jul}' 30, Davis William R., private, Olayville, ll7th inf. 1863— Dec. 22, Doxleu John, private, 14th H. A. 1861 — Sept. 5, Dennison Darwin, private, Clayville, 14th inf 1862 — Aug. 8, Da}- George B., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf ^ discharged by order Sec. of War, March 27, 1864 ; 9, Delong, 0. R., corporal, Paris, 117th inf, pi-omoted Aug. 13, 1863, ser- geant May, 1863, died July 15, 1865; Aug. 13, Edmonds Henry, private, Clayville, 117th int.; Egon James, private^ ^Clayville, 117th inf ; Dec. 22, Elmer David, private, Sauquoit, 14th H. A., died June 27, 1864; Elmer John, private, Sau- quoit, 14th H. A., killed June 7, 1864. 1862 — July 28, Ernst John D., corporal, Paris, (town of,) ll7th inf , promoted to sergeant April 13, 1864; July 27, English William, private, Paris, (town of,) 117th inf 1863 — Dec. 22, Flame George, private, Paris, 14th H. A. 1862 — August 13, Faley Patrick, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf.; August 13, Foster Henry, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf., killed before Petersburg, June 30, 1864 ; August 30, Foster Isaac M., corporal, Sauquoit, 146th inf. Was taken prisoner May 5, at the battle of the Wilderness, taken to Andersonville prison, then to Florence, S. C, then to Wilmington, N. C, thence to Salisbury prison, and there was paroled February 26, 1865. 1861 — April 22, Finger Martin, private, Paris, 14th inf; Sept. 30, Fisk Henry A., private, Sauquoit, 1st L. A. 1863— Aug. 26, Ford Columbus W., private, Clayville, 97th inf, drafted. 1862 — Aug. 9, Green Martin V., private, Paris, (town of,) 117th inf ; Oct. 10, Garlock Elias, private, Clayville, 146th inf ; Aug. 15, Gardinier Edwin A., private, Sauquoit, 8th cav., taken prisoner at Stony Creek, Va., was in prison five months, in which he contracted disease, of which he died in hospital at Annapolis, Md., March 6, 1865 ; his remains brought home and buried in the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery ; July 30, Greenhill William M., private, Paris, 8th cav. ; Aug. 13, Gillman Henry, private, Clayville, 117th inf; Aug. 9, •Green George W., corporal, Clayville, 117th inf, promoted March, 1863, and to sergeant Jan. 15, 1865; Aug. 26, Giles SOLDIERS OF THE REHEl.LIoN. 239 Richard S., sergeant, Clayville, 14«6th inf., wounded, lost his right arm at Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, 1864; 20, Gannon Thomas, private, Paris, 0th cav. 1803 — Dec. 30, Galoren Richard, private, Sauquoit, Scott's 900, inf. ; 31, Gage William B, private, Sauquoit, 3d L. A.; 31, Gage William, private, Uth H. A. 1861— April 22, Gotf Hiram, captain, Clayville, Uth inf.; Aug. 20, Green David Millard, private, Clayville, 97th inf., drafted, wounded, lost right foot at the battle of White Oak Swamp, Va., June 13, 1865. 1862— July 30, Harrison John M., i)rivate, Paris, 117th inf., died Nov. 1, 1863; Howell Robert, drummer, Clayville, 14th H. A..; July 24, Henninger Philip, private, Clayville, 117th inf , wounded, lost an eye at the attack on Foit Fisher, N. C. ; Aug. 11, Hubbard George A., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf; Henninger Eliat, private, Paris, 6th cav.; 13, Hart Earl A., private, Clayvdle, 117th inf, died. 1863 — Dec. 28, Helmore William R., private, Sauquoit, 2d H. A. ; 29, Hendricks Isaac, private, Sauquoit, 14th H. A. 1864 — Jan. 4, Henson William, private, Clayville, 2d H. A. ; Aug. 29, Hill Albert J., private, Brookfield, 1st light art. ; .Sept. 5, Henderson Alphonzo W., ^private, Clayville, 20th infantry. 1861 — Sept. 5, Hilliard Charles, private, Cassville, 14th if., discharged September 5, 1873, afterwards went as a sub- stitute for Morris Childs in the 76th inf, was taken prisoner it the battle of the Wilderness and died in a southern jprison ; April 22, HoUenback Horace, private, Sauipioit, 14th infantry. 1802 — Aug. 13, Head Jonathati E., captain, Paris, 100th inf, was promoted to corporal August 4, 1863, on the color guard from August 24, 1868, until May 16, 1864, and color bearer from May 16, 1864 to Oct. 4, 1864. Promoted to first sergeant Sept. 25, 1864, to first lieutenant December 1, 1864, and to cap- tain April 16, 1865. Participated in all the sieges of all the forts around Charleston, S. C; and was in the engagements around Richmond, Va., from May 7, 1864, until the surrender of General Lee at Appamatox Court House, April 9, 1865. Dis- charged at Richmond, Va., August 28, 1865; 11, Ireland Henry, private, Paris, 117th inf, wounded at Drury's Blutf ; 240 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. Oct. 10, Jones Owen R., private, Paris, 146th inf. ; Aug. 13y Johnson Lewis, private, Clayville, 117th inf. ; July 28, John- son Medine L., second lieutenant, Clayville, 117th inf, pro- moted to sergeant Aug. 31, 1862, to first sergeant Oct. 30,. 1862, to second lieutenant Feb. 16, 1865, wounded. 1864 — March 19, Jones Leroy, private, Paris, 117th inf ;. Knott Edward M., private, Paris, 92d inf, 111. 1862 — Aug. 11, Knight Arthur, sergeant, Sauquoit, 117th inf, promoted to corporal April 13, 1864, to sergeant Feb. 17, 1865 ; Dec. 15, Kimball Samuel A, private, Paris, 2d heavy artillery. 1864 — Jan. 4, King Adam, ]>rivate, Clayville, 2d heavy art.; Aug. 5, Knight Joseph, private, Paris, 117th inf; Sept. 9, Kiny.on Horace A., private, Paris, 117th inf, died Feb. 6, 1865, of typhoid fever, at McDougal Hospital, New York Harbor. 1861 — April 22, Kelsey Foster, private, Paiis, 14th inf.,. wounded in leg at battle of Gaines Mills, Va., discharged May 24, 1863. 1862 — Aug. 15, Knight Robert,, corporal, Sauquoit, 129th inf.. 111., went with General Sherman on " the march to the sea" through Georgia to Savannah,, was taken prisioner near Goldsboro, N. G, and held a prisoner of war forty days. Dis- charged July 3, 18C5. 1864— March 31, Long Thos., private, Clayville, 117th inf. 1862 — July 25. Lackenby William, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf, discharge:! for disability ; 24, Luce Roscoe W., private, Clayville, 117th inf, taken prisoner in front of Petersburgh, Va., Aug. 25, 1864, thence to Salisbury prison, N. C, where he died of disease, Dec. 19, 1864, and was there buried. Oct. 10, Lasher Charles E., private, Clayville, 146th inf ; Aug. 11, Lasher William G., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf 1864 — Sept. 5, Lasher Edward H., private, Sauquoit, third light artillery. 1862— Aug. 20, Lott Frederic, Corp., Clayville, 146th inf, died of disease, in camp near Warrenton Junction, Va., Dec. 18, 1863; 30, Loomis Edwin A., private, Cassville, 146th inf; Sept. 9, Larrabee David, surgeon, Paris, 86th inf, afterward, June 25, 1863, commissioned an.d assigned to the 84th Reg't SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 241 inf. ; resigned March 22, 1864 ; June 10, 1864, went as acting assistant surgeon in the U. S. army. 1864 — March 19,Leroy Jonas, private. Clay ville, 117th inf. • "31,Lary Thomas, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf, wounded in left arm at Drury's Bluff, May, 1864, was blown up at the mine explosion in Fort Fisher, Jan. 16, 1865, and wounded in the right arm. 1861 — April 22, Leonard Newton, private, Paris, 14th inf 1862 — Aug. 30, Mould George, second lieutenant, Sauquoit, 146th inf; promoted to second lieutenant by commission, June 6, 1864 ; in the meantime, on May 5, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, was taken prisoner, carried to Anderson- •ville prison, then to Florence, S. C, thence to Wilmington, N. C, and near there made his escape into our lines, Feb. 25, 1865; 27, Mattison Charles Levi, private, Sauquoit, 8th cav. ; 13, Merrill Albert, corporal. Clay ville, 117th inf, badly wound- ed — promoted July 1, 1864, to corporal ; 22, Morgan David, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf; July 25, Millard Charles S., adjt. Clayville, 117th inf.; first lieutentant, Aug. 12, 1862; promo- ted to adjutant Sept. 29, 1864; resigned on account of ill health, Sept. 26, 1864 ; Aug. 8, Maxon Albert, private, Clay- ville, 117th inf; 30, Mathews Albert, private. Sauquoit, 146th inf ; 7, Minter Henrj^ private, Paris, 8th cav. 1864 — Jan. 7, Mudge Henry S., private, Clayville, second heavy art., died of disease, Sept. 16, 1864; remains brought home and buried; McCarthy James, Jr., private, Paris, ll7th inf, wounded in the arm and sido at the battle of Chapin's Farm, and discharged from the hospital June 27, 1865 ; April 8, McGinniss John, private, Paris, second heavy art. ; 12, Mon- ahan Peter, private, Paris, fifth heavy art.; 14, Mathews Thomas, private, Paris, 144th inf ; McCombs John, jjrivate, Paris, 144th inf; 29, Mason Arthur H., private, Clayville, 20th inf. ; Sept. 5, McCormick John, private, Paris, 101st inf; 7, McLaughlin John H., private, Paris, third light artillery; April 22, Millard Charles Otis, private, Clayville, 14th inf 1863 — Aug. 26, Miller Ambrose H., private, Clayville, 97th inf, drafted ; wounded in left shoulder at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 11, 1864. p 242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. 18G2 — Aug. 6, Mosher Gustave, private, Paris, (town of,) 117th inf. 1861 — May 8, Maltby Dauiel Webster, sergeant, Sauquoit, 23d 111. inf. ; was taken prisoner Sept. 20, 1861, at the battle between Col. Mulligan and Price at Lexington, Mo.; after- wards in the eighth army corps, and was discharged June 18, 1864 ; Sept. 24, Maltby William S., private, Sauquoit, first light art. ; Maltby Eugene J., private, Sauquoit, third light art., died of disease, June 20, 1865. 1862— Maltby H. Milton, private, Sauquoit, 121st inf., wounded at Rappahannock Station, and severely wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, Va. ; 28, Neaiskern George, pri- vate, Sauquoit, 146th inf.; 7, Nearskern Nicholas, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf.; Oct. 10, Nichols Edward, private, Paris,^ 146th int. ; Nash William C, private ; Nelson Andrew, pri- vate. 1863 — Dec. 21, Nearskern Eugene, private, Sauquoit, 14th heavy art. 1861 — Nov. 9, Nearskern George W., private, Sauquoit, 14th inf., discharged July 31, 1862 ; re-enlisted in the fourth heavy art., on April 22, 1863; Dec. 11, Orendorf George, private, Cassville, 14th inf. 1864 — April 9, Orville Philip, private, Paris. 1861 — Dec. 11, Oatley Simeon, private, Cassville; taken prisoner at Gaines Mills, Va. ; discharged Sept. 29, 1863. 1864 — Sept. 2, Owens Owen, private, Clayville, 3d L. A., accidentally killed at Newberne, N. C, Jan. 12, 1865; Feb. 8, Oliver Edward W., sergeant, Paris, 117th inf. 1861— April 22, Oatley Pulaski R, private, Ca.ssville, 14th inf. 1862 — Aug. 11, Oatley Henry William, corporal, Cassville^ ll7th inf., wounded May 14, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, and soon after died of his wounds ; buried at Fortress Monroe, Hamp- ton, Va.; was promoted to corporal March 17, 1864; Pangburn Thomas J., private, Pai'is, 117th inf.; Porter John, private, Paris, 6th cav. ; Oct. 10, Palmer Henry F., private, Clayville, 146th inf.; Aug. 13, Palmer Duane F., private, Paris, 117th inf.; 10, Prosser Daniel, private, Clayville, 117th inf.; July 24, Pangburn Thomas J., private, Clayville, 117th inf ; Aug. 13, Powers Michael, private, Clayville, 117th inf. ; July 22, Pette SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 243" William Eugene, sergeant, Clayville, 146th inf., missing, sup- posed to have been killed in the battle of the Wilderness,. May 5, 186-i. 1861 — Aug. 15, Pettee Robert, corporal, Clayville, 50th N. Y. Engineers, wounded at the laying of the pontoon bridge at Fredericksburgh, Va., Dec. 11. 1862, and died in hospital Dec. 15, 1862, remains brought home and buried in Sauquoit Val- ley cemetery. 1863— July, Pettee Charles E., corporal, Clayville, 14th H. A., taken prisoner March 25, 1865 and carried to Richmond, Va., discharged Aug. 26, 1865. 1862— Oct. 10, Palmer Henry W., private, Clayville, 146th inf ; Aug. 14, Peet Anson, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf ; Oct. 10, Pitts James, private, Clayville, 146th inf. 1863— Dec. 7, Parshall John B., private, Clayville, 117th inf, wounded ; 30, Patterson James, private, Sauquoit, 4tli H. A. 1864 — Jan. 5, Potter George L., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf. wounded while in a rifle pit front of Petersburg, Va., June 27, 1864, died July 2, 1864, remains brought home and buried; Jan. 5, Priest Rufus G., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf.; Pratt Martin, Sauquoit, killed May 5, 1864, at battle of the Wilderness. 1862— Oct. 10, Palmer Homer G., private, Clayville, 146th inf ; Packer Thomas, private, Paris (town of) ; Aug. 13, Palmer Wirt M., drummer, Paris (town of). 1861 — April 22, Parker Alpheus, private, Clayville, 14th inf ; May 4, Penner Andrew J., Sauquoit, 26th inf. 1864 — Jan. 20, Piersons Chester, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf, wounded in hip and arm at battle of Chapin's Farm, badly. 1862— Aug. 12, Quinn Morris, private, Clayville, 117th inf; 13, Quinn James, private, Clayville, 117th inf, killed at Fort Fisher, Jan. 15, 1865. 1864 — Jan. 2, Royce Albert H., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf ; Robinson Richard, Sauquoit, died in hospital. 1862 — Aug, 13, Robinson Timothy, private, Clayville, 117th inf; Robinson John, private, Clayville, 117th inf, discharged for disability and died on his way home; 11, Royce Lafayette M., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf.; Sept. 5, Randall Austin, 244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. private, Clayville, 8th cav., discharged from Belle Plain hos- pital for disability; Rogers Samuel, private, Paris, (town of) 6th cav. 1803 — Dec. 30, Reed Charles H., private, Paris (town of), Scott's 900; 21, Rood Stephen C, private, Clayville, 14th H. A., killed July 26, 1864, while on picket duty in front of Pe- tersburgh, Virginia. 1864 — Jan. 5, Royce Eugene, private, Sauquoit, 117th inf ; April 8, Riley Francis, private, Paris (town of), 2d H. A. 1861 — April 22, Ray Leander, private, Clayville, 14th inf ; Rhodes Pulaski, private, Paris (town of), 14th inf; Sept. 12, Ray Jeremiah B., private, Clayville, 14th inf, discharged for disability Jan. 1, 1863, re-enlisted July 2, 1863 in 14th H. A. 1861 — Rogers Hiram C, brev. brig. -gen., Sauquoit, promo- ted from captain of Co. D., 27th inf. ; Rogers Harris G., major, j Sauquoit, additional paymaster ; Rogers Horace M., Sauquoit, { assistant paymaster. 1862 — Aug. 12, Stickney M. D., private, Clayville, 117th . inf.; July 8, Scott Thomas, private, Clayville, 14th inf;;! Stewart George H., private, Paris, 8th cav. ; 25, Sherman j Adolphus, fifer, Clayville, 117th inf. ; Sharpe Charles W., j private, Clayville, 117th inf ; 24, Sharpe Charles H., sergeant, ■ Clayville, 117th inf ; Oct. 10, Smith James J., private, 146th inf; Aug. 13, Southworth George F., private, Clayville, 117th inf. ; 7, Sawyer John E., musician, Clayville, 117th inf ; Oct. 10, Sharpe Eugene A., private, Clayville, 146th inf. 1863 — Dec. 22, Sheldon John, private, Sauquoit, 14th heavy art. ; Sheldon John Jr., private, Sauquoit, 14th heavy artillery. 1864 — Jan. 4, Stedman John, private, Clayville, 2d heavy artillery. 1861 — April 22, Sherman William Henry, private Clayville, 14th inf, wounded. 1864 — April 12, Smith James, private, Paris, (town of,) 5th heavy art.; 9, Sheradon John, private, Paris, (town of,); 144th inf ; Sweeney John, private, Paris, (town of,) 144th inf ; Sept. 3, Stowell James, private, Clayville, 3d light art. ; 5, Shields Dennis, private, Clayville, 14th heavy art.; 3,' Snyder Peter, private, Paris, (town of,) 3d light art. 1861 — April 22, Scott John, private, Clayville, 14th inf ; SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 245 Sept. 12, Simmons John, private, Paris, (town of,) lith inf. ; Oct. 8, Savage G. Fred, wagoner, Sauquoit, 1st light art. ; June 28, Stuart Charles, private, Paris, 71st inf.. Ill, wounded May 11, 1864, at Spotts3dvania Court House, Va. 18(32 — Aug. 40, Smith Chauncy, sergeant, 146th inf., was taken prisoner May 5, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, Va., taken to Andersonville, then to Florence, S. C, thence to Wilmington, and while on his way with other prisoners being transported to Salisbury prison, and while seated quietly in the car, was shot through the breast and instantly killed by the rebel guard at the car door, Feb. 18, 1865. The guard who so recklessly fired into the car, crowded with unarmed, helpless prisoners, gave as an excuse that he supposed they were going to try to escape. Sidney Sherman, Sauquoit ; 29, Teachout Geors^e, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf. ; Oct. 10, Turrell Simpson, sergeant maior, Paris, (town of,) 146th inf., wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 8, 1864, taken to hosi>ital at Alexandria, where he died ; July 25, Tir- rell Francis 0., private, Clayville, 117th inf. ; 22, Townsend Isaac, private, Paris, 117th inf., discharged for disability; Aug. 13,Tuttle Franklin F., private, Clayville, 117th iuf,dischaiged for disability and died in hospital ; 13, Tubbs Edwin E., pri- vate, Paris, 117th inf, taken prisoner at Bermuda Hundreds while on picket duty, and died in a southern prison ; Oct, 10, Timerson John A., private, Paris, 146th inf. ; Aug. 22, Thompson Richard, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf 1863 — Aug. 7, Townsend Charles O., i)rivate, Paris, 8th cav., wounded at Beverly Ford, April 15, 1863 ; 7, Townsend Geo. W., private, Paris, 8th cav., killed at Boonsboro, Md., July 8, 1864 ; Dec. 23, Tenny Charles B., private, Clayville, 14th heavy art. 1864— Jan. 1, Thomas Nathan L., private, Clayville, 2d heavy art. ; Sept. 1, Townsend Dallas P., private, Sauquoit, 117th inf 1861— Sept. 26, Tyler John M., first lieutenant, Clayville, 2d heavy art. 1864— Jan. 22, Taylor Theodore W.. private, Sauquoit, 24th cav. ; Townsend Albert G., private, Paris, 6th inf, Pa., died Sept. 6, 1861, in hospital at Tenallytowu, D. C. ; 22, Thurston Albert M., private, Sauquoit, 24th cav., taken pris- ■246 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. oner at Poplar Grove, Va., Sept. 29, 1864, died at Salisbury prison, N. C, Dec. 3, 1864, 1868 — Aug. 30, Varley Abraham, private, Sauquoit, 146th inf., transferred to the navy May 3, 1864 ; 26, Van Leanvan Jonas, private, Clayville, 146th inf 1864— Sept. 1, Vanort William, private, Clayville, 101st inf ; Vickery John, Sauquoit, died in the service. 1862— Sept. 3, Wright William, adjt., Sauquoit, 146th inf., wounded, lost left arm at the battle of the Wilderness, Va., Ma}' 5, 1864 ; Wright Benjamin F., captain, Sauquoit, 146th inf ; taken prisoner May 5, 1864, at the battle of the Wilder- ness, Va., carried to Macon, Ga.,then to Savannah, and thence^ Charleston, S. C, where he was put under fire of our gunss bombarding that city, and afterwards taken to Columbia, S. C, and was there paroled ; March 1, 1865, was breveted ma- jor; Aug. 13, Walter Alonzo H., private, Paris, (town of;) July 24, Webster Harrison E., sergeant, Clayville, 117th inf; detailed to second medical department ; discharged by general order 77, at Wiimington,N. C, May 10, 1865; Ward William private, Cassville, 117th inf., died of disease, at Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor, Feb. 2, 1864; Aug. 11, Worden Linus D., pri- vate, Clayville, 117th inf; 4, Wheeler Edwin A., corporal, Cassville, 117th inf ; July 25, Wilcox Madison, private, Cass- ville, 117th inf; Oct. 10, White Charles F., private, Paris, (town of,) 146th inf ; Aug. 27,Waldron Nelson, private, Clay- ville, 146th inf; taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilder- ness, Va., May 5, 1864 ; taken to Audersonville prison, where he died Aug. 27, 1864, and was buried there. 1861— April 22, Worden William H., private, Clayville, 14th inf ; wounded at Gaines Mills, Va., June 27, 1862, in the left leg, below the knee ; was discharged with his regiment. May 24, 1863; re-enlisted in the 117th regiment, February 29, 1864 ; was wounded in left hand, in front of Petersburgh,Va., July 11, 1864, and discharged Aug. 15, 1865; Wood Abram W., private, Clayville, 14th inf 1864— Sept; 2, Wilcox George H, private, Clayville, 101st inf ; Wilcox Z. Townsend, private, Sauquoit, 100th inf ; Wicks George C, private, Paris, 50th inf ; Waldron Baxter, corporal, Clayville, 100th inf ; Aug. 27, Williams Stafford, pri- vate, Clayville, 20th inf SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 247 1861 — April 17, Wicks Jay Munson, cap^>ain, Paris, 3d inf.; wounded Oct. 27, 1864, north of the James, and died Oct. 31, 1864, and brought home and buried. 1862 — Nov. 3, Wilson Andrew J., first lieutenant, Sauquoit, 146th inf.; discharged Jan. 7, 1863 ; July 13, Wicks John B., sergeant, Paris, 117th inf.; promoted to sergeant March 1, 1863 ; to commissary sergeant, 1864. DRAFTED MEN AND THEIR SUBSTITUTES. Drafted in 1863 and entered the service: David M. Green, Columbus W. Ford, Ambrose H. Miller, Theodore C. Coon, Benjamin Cahoon. DRAFTED MEN AND THER SUBSTITUTES — 1863. Drafted. Substitutes. Henry A. Butler, William J. Sitterle, Morris Childs, Charles Hilliard, John D. Mason, George Shedlac, Andrew Smith, Charles H. Mosher. DRAFTED MEN AND THEIR SUBSTITUTES — 1864. Drafted. Substitutes. Norman Merrill, Albert Diappo, Morris H. Jones, David Haselton, Grove W. Bagg, Charles Haskell, Crawford Throop, Thomas Glenn, Edward Miller, Adolph Miller, Amasa L. Kilbourn, James Patterson. Foreign enlistments to the credit of the town of Paris, to till her quota on call of July 19, 1864, procured by F. S. Sav- ^ge, supervisor, and mustered in Jan. and Feb., 1865, each being paid .'S7()0 bounty : Reuben Stalham, A. Ringe, Wm. Colby, Abrain Stockfort, Michael Cain, Stephen Jackson, Thomas French, Charles Bond, John Pattern, John Beardon, Thomas W. Goran, Edward Smith, Thomas Dow, Samuel Burnett, George C. Stillwell, John Parkson, Joseph P. 0. Lewis, Patrick McCarthy, John O'Neil, Theodore Stell, J. J. Moon, William Henry, John Gorham, William North, John Smith, John Dorney, David Sorney. Total, 27, at $700, $18,900.00. 248 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PARIS. RECAPITULATION. 3d Infantry, 14th do. or 1st Oneida, 26 15th do. 1 20th do. 4 26th do. or 2d Oneida, 1 27th do. I 50th do. 1 86th do. 1 97th do. 3 100th do. 8 101st do. 117th do. 92 121st do. 1 144th do. 4 146th do. or 4th Oneida, 41 2 6 Engaged in battles of Gaines Mills, Hanover C. H., Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg and Chan- cellorsville. In battles of Seven Pines,. Peach Orchard, Savage Station,. Chickahominy, White Oak ■{ Swamp, Charles City Cross- Roads, Malvern Hill, Groveton,. Second Bull Run,Chantilly and Fredericksbursf. Scott's 900 6th ( avalry, 8th do. Total Infantry, 187 Antietam, Beverly Ford, Middleville, Gettysburg, 9 -^ VVilliamsport,FunksTown, Falling Waters and Bran- dy Plains. 15th do. 2 24th do. ' 2 Total Cavalry, 1st Lt. Art., Bates' Bat. 6 3d do. 8 Total L. A., 2d Heav}' Artillery, 15 4th do. 2 5 th do. 2 6th do. 1 14th do. 14 Total H. A., 50th N. Y. Engineers, 1 Unknown and from | ^^ other States. f ^^ Total from Town of Paris, Men who were paid bounty to fill quota, Total killed or died from wounds or disease, 19 14 34 1 20 275> 27' 38. SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 249- Interesting Account of the Saving of the Day at Oettysburgh, hy the 14l)^A {Monroe Go.) and the 14G