r Digitized by the Internet Arciiive in 2008 witii funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation littp://www.arcliive.org/details/annalsofrichfielOOwardricli An/ials of Richfield. + BY + DR. HENRY f\. WARD. PRESS OP FIERSTINE PRINTING HOUSE, UTICA, N T. 1898. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1898, By Henby a. Ward, in the oflace of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. fN response to urgent requests of many residents and visitors, this volume has been compiled ; and the aim of the writer has been to present to the public, an annals as full and complete as possible. No attempt, however, has been put forth to make it a book of biog- raphies ; neither will there be found evidence of any- studied effort at rhetorical flourish or period. But it is confidently hoped that the reader will find in these pages what the writer tried to place there — a plain, straightforward history of Richfield. HENRY A. WARD. Richfield Springs, July, 1898. iw294174 PAGES Adventure and Scouting in Exeter, 22, 55 Affidavit of George Knouts, . . 16 Andrustown, 82, 84 Anecdotes, 72, 81 Anti-Masonry, 50 Apartments, 77 Attempt to raise Volunteers, 1812, , . . 37 Balls, early 39 Bathing-houses, 55 Brant, 14, 16, 24, 54, 83, 84, 85 Brass Bands, 78 Brick-yards, first 59 British Nation, 13 Brighton, 33 Burying grounds, 38 Business organizations, 67 Butternut Road, 22 Campaigns, political, 50 Canadarago Belt, 98 Canadarago Race-course, 55 Changes, county and town, 10 Churches, 93 Cottages, 77 Courtney-Lee sculling race, 68 Curfew bell, 68 Customs, early, 19 INDEX. 6 Dam and mills, first, 18 ' De-o-won-go, 98, 101 Distilleries and drinks, 44 Druse murder, 86 Election, first, 27 Electric lights, 65 Exeter, 11, 21 Events, early, 19 Fatalities, 89 Federal Corners, 22 Fire Department, 59 Frenchmen at Canadarago Lake, 9 Game and fish, 40 General trainings, . . . 36 Gunset Hill, 100 Habitations, early, 24 Hatred for England, 15 Hewes, G. R. T., 87 Hops, 68 Hotels, 69 Incorporation of Richfield Springs, 57 Indian fight, 54 Indian mound, 68 Indian names, 74 Indians, 52 Indian trail, 54 Land patents, 9 Libraries, 37 Little Lakes, 84 6 INDEX. Mills, first, 18 Mohegan Hill, 102 Monticello, 33, 81 Monument, Soldiers' and Sailors', 73 Names, early, 25 Nine Hill, 99 Oaks Creek dam, 43 Old England District 11 Panther Mountain, 102 Paupers, care of, 40 Petrified bodies, 89 Plainfield, 11, 21 Points of Historical Interest, 86 Population, 36 Post-offices, 33 Pranks, 72 Pray Hill, 99 Prize farm, 51 Professional and business people, 78 Publications, 63 Railroad, 63 Republican State Convention, 68 Richfield people in office, 35 Richfield Springs, 56 Roller skating, 69 Schools, 29 Scouts, 22, 54 Sculling regatta, 69 Seminary, 32 <( INDEX. 7 Settlement of Richfield, proper, 17 Settlers after the Revolution, 17 Settlers, earliest, 12 Sewers, 69 Shooting of Hall and Lajrton, 93 Sidewalk, first, 62 Societies and organizations, 66 Soldiers of the Revolution, 87 " war of 1812, 87 " Mexican war, 87 Rebellion, 48 war with Spain, 87 Springfield, 85 Springs, 88 Store, first, 19 Summer homes, 75 Summer theatre, 78 Sunken Island, 42 Sunset Hill, 100 Sulphur Spring, 59 Supervisors, full list of, ". 28 Taverns, first, 19 Telegraph and telephone, 63 Town meeting, first, 25 Waiontha mountain, 101 Waiontha observatory, 68 Warren, 84 War-times, 1861-5, 45 Waterworks, 68 Weather, unusual, 41 8 ERR A TA—A BDEND UM. White people, first, 9 Wilde, Oscar, 68 Woodside Park, 64 KRRATTA. For "Jeff Da vies," p. 47, read Jeff Davis. For "occassion," p. 53, read occasion. On page 87, fourth paragraph, second name should be Thomas M. King. The region about Richfield Springs was called Ga-no-wan-ges by the Oneidas, The phrase meant Stinking Water. FIRST WHITE PEOPLE. For many years before the French and Indian war, although New York was a British province, that part of the State where peltry was abundant, was much fre- quented by French traders and trappers, whose head- quarters were Crown Point, Frontenac and Niagara. Many of these Frenchmen married squaws, Indian fashion, and lived with them in the beautiful lake region of the young Empire State. A little settlement of these was located at the site of the Lake House, on both sides of the brook which seeks the lake at that point, and was doubtless the home of the first white settlers in this vicinity. One of these Frenchmen and his dusky mate, remained as late as 1805 or '6, but the others left, subsequent to the time of the survey of the three land patents embracing the shores of '' Cania- deraga " Lake, that were granted by King George II., through agents at Albany. PATENTS. The records at the capital show that David Schuyler and 21 others obtained, June 3, 1755, a patent to 43,000 acres bordering on the lake on the northern half of the west side, extending around the head of the lake, and down the east side about one-half mile. From this line to a point opposite the island were the lands of John McNeile, whose grant of 5,928 acres was 10 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. dated April 5, 1769. The rest of the lake was border- ed by the lands of the Otsego Patent, granted Nov. 30, 1769, conveying to George Croghan and 99 others, 100,000 acres. Coenraedt Mattys, one of the patentees of the Schuyler purchase, took for his share, lot 85, which in our day, is the site of the chief portion of Richfield Springs, and contained about 1,000 acres. It was necessary to name something as a consideration for the transfer of real estate ; and in getting a title to his share of the Schuyler Patent, Mattys named " one barley corn " as the consideration, but not to indicate the price or value of the land. West of the Schuyler Patent, was a grant of 9,200 acres, given Sept. 6, 1770, to Leonard Lispenard, Mar- tin Shier and others. Shier was great-uncle to Mrs. A. C. Van de Water, of Church street. This grant was in Richfield as originally constituted, but was set off, in 1799, as Plainfield. George Robson, father of Mrs. Van de Water, and grandfather of Mrs. T. J. Crombie, afterward bought Shier's share. A map made in London, in 1779, by Claude Joseph Sauthier, by order of Major General William Try on, the last British Governor of New York, shows the locations and limits of these patents. COUNTY AND TOWN CHANGES. This part of New York was included in the county of Albany, formed Nov. 1, 1683. Tryon county, named ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 11 for William Try on, colonial Governor, was taken off from Albany, March 12, 1772. Afterward, it was called '' Old England District," because nearly all its inhabitants were of English origin, while the Mohawk valley portion was occupied by people who spoke a German dialect. At a Court of Special Sessions held in Johnstown, the county seat, Oct. 31, 1786, Hugh Johnson, Matthew Cully, Joseph Tunnicliff, Samuel Tubbs, and Joseph Mayall, were appointed highway commissioners of Old England district. The State tax of the district was twenty-five pounds in 1787, and seven pounds in 1788. After the Revolution, the name, Tryon, was not agreeable to its inhabitants ; so, on April 2, 1784, it was changed to Montgomery, in honor of General Richard Montgomery. Rich- field was in German Flatts, as the towns were set off, March 7, 1788. Otsego county was erected from Montgomery, February 16, 1791, and was originally divided into the towns of Otsego and Cherry Valley. The town of Richfield was formed from Otsego, April 10, 1792 ; and as then set off, in- cluded Exeter and Plainfield, which, on March 25, 1799, became separate towns. Still later, April 17, 1816, another portion of Richfield was taken away, when Winfield, Herkimer county, was erected. The following is relevant : ** At a Special Town Meeting held at the House of John Rudd, Innholder, in the Town of Richfield, on Tuesday, the 18th day of December, 1798, for the 12 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, purpose of * * * * and Likewise to Divide Sd. Town — Voted that the Town be Divided into three Towns, and that Obed Edson, Jr., Vose Palmer, and Caleb Clark Be the Committee to report a plan of Division." " At a Special townmeeting held Feb. 22, 1812, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety or impropriety of dividing the Town, a vote was taken upon the division of Said Town by passing round, upon which it appeared that 51 were in favor of hav- ing the town Divided & one hundred & ten against a Division." At a town meeting held March 5, 1816, this record was made : "A notice being Read at the Opening of the Meeting, of an Intended Application to the Legis- lature at their present Session for a Division of the Town by taking off two tier of Lots on the west end of Said Town for the purpose of Erecting a Town with a part of Litchfield and plainfield on Motion be- ing made and Seconded Voted that no Division be made in Said Town — by a large majority." EARLIEST SETTLERS. About the year 1755, Hendrick Herkimer settled upon Herkimer creek near Schuyler Lake village. In 1756 came John Tunnicliff, from England. He bought 12,000 acres lying both sides of Oaks Creek, and built a cabin on Pleasant Brook, about two miles south of Schuyler Lake. As far as can be learned, ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. IS these were the first to build permanent homes in this vicinity. At this time the French and Indian war was in progress, and Mr. Tunnicliff, knowing the dangers of a frontier, to which he might be exposed, prudently- left and returned to England. It is not known whether Herkimer left or remained. In 1765, Tunnicliff re- turned to his wilderness home. It is related that when he left his pioneer cabin he buried a quantity of tools of all kinds ; and 2,000 English sovereigns in a keg were also concealed in the same way. Upon his return he found his buildings destroyed, and the scene so changed that he could not locate the places where he had buried the tools and treasure. Years afterward, John W. Tunnicliff found the rusted remnants of the tools while digging bait beside the stream. The money still awaits its fortunate finder. In 1774, the Schuy- lers came and took up land on Herkimer creek, and built log houses. While the American Revolution was progressing, and the Iroquois had been enlisted by British author- ity, in a barbarous and cowardly warfare upon the defenseless frontiers, all settlers except Tories, that re- mained by their firesides, were exposed to those scenes and experiences of brutal violence and disgraceful cruelty, which will ever be stains upon England's escutcheon, and a shame to the British nation. But what is that British nation ? It is that venom- ous vampire, whose filthy veins were filled during the struggle for American Independence, with the blood of U ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. weak, defenceless women and innocent babes ; the life of any one of whom was of more value than a million of such carrion as sat in the chair of George the Third. It is that human beast which gleefully desolated the happy homes of thousands of American non-combat- ants, and glutted its charnel appetite with rapine and murder ; which paid its savage Brants, and worse than savage Butlers, for long-tressed scalps of women, and wee downy ones torn from the heads of sucklings. These scalps were stretched and dried upon small hoops ; and tears were painted upon the tiny ones, to betoken the anguish of agonized mothers, and to satisfy more fully the atrocious flint-heartedness of the En- glish ministry. It is that skilled diplomacy of Downing street, which smirks in the face of Brother Jonathan and holds out to him the poisoned glove. It is that arrant coward, which has not faced single- handed, in nearly a century of constant quarreling, any except the weakest peoples of the earth ; that blustering bully, which, too craven to meet a power anywhere nearly its equal, picks quarrels in all the ends of the earth with naked tribes, and mistreats them to death. It is that great robber that exacts tribute from feeble populations to pension its regal spawn. It is that United Kingdom which recently expended a hundred million dollars upon a queen and empress' raree-show, while millions of Hindoos in England- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 15 ridden India were starving to death ; and England, in selfishness and greed, witnessed the silly pageant, paid for by the blood-stained rupees of a noble, tho' wasted race. It is that monarchy, whose brutality and furious hatred furnished the gentleman, the lord, that rained blows upon the tender body of Joan of Arc, because he failed in the shameful task to which he had been set, namely : to sully first, what British cruelty after- ward burned at the stake, in Rouen's market-place. Every American child should nurse hatred of Eng- land from its mother's breast. Hatred of England ought to be taught as a part of the curriculum of every American school. The first declamation of every American pupil should begin with '' I hate England." Every American college and university should be en- dowed by the United States government with a prize- fund for the best yearly essay and oration upon the theme : Why Americans ought to hate England. Any student of unemasculated American history can find a thousand good reasons for enmity to this assassin of nations. It is the patriotic duty of every American parent to consecrate his children to unequivocal dis- trust and hatred of England, even as the Carthaginian, Hamilcar Barca, swore his sons, Hannibal and Has- drubal, at the sword's point, to eternal enmity to Rome. But this is a digression. Schuyler, by claiming strict neutrality, escaped 16 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. harm, but the Herkimers sided with the colonies, and had to flee to the forts on the Mohawk. Tunnicliff, being an Englishman in full sympathy with the crown, was unmolested by the roving bands of Indians under the leadership of Brant. Indeed, their relations were entirely amicable, as may be seen from the follow- ing, excerpted from Jeptha R. Simms' Frontiersmen, '' Palatine, March 28, 1778. " George Knouts declareth upon oath that he was a prisoner with [of] Brant last summer, at old Mr. Tun- nicliff 's ; that the said Tunnicliff supplied all Brant's party with provisions freely, and that Brant made a bargain with Tunnicliff for three oxen for thirty-six pounds ; and gave said Tunnicliff a writing under his hand for them ; and that a servant-lad of Tunnicliff told said Knouts that his master had let Brant have 500 weight of cheese and 10 or 12 cows but a little be- fore that time, and that the said Tunnicliff's son was at his liberty when he saw him there and wore the same token on his hat that Brant's own men wore ; which was a piece of yellow lace, and farther saith not. His George X Knouts. mark Sworn before me the day \ above mentioned. J Peter S. Dygert, Justice.^'' ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 17 SETTLEMENT OF RICHFIELD PROPER. Coenraedt Mattys, in 1771, sold 400 acres of his 1,000 to Franz Freba and Theobold Zimmerman, in lots 6, 7, 8, and 9, of his great lot, No. 85. Most of this village east of Center street is upon lot No. 6. Freba built a log cabin on the east side of Canadarago hill, north of the road that afterward led from Federal Corners. This was the first house in the village, and probably the first in the town, as now limited. In 1774, William Tunnicliff" bought 600 acres in the north part of Schuyler's patent, the east line running northerly from the mouth of the Ocquionis, to the town line, crossing Main street a little to the west of the National. He did not occupy the land till 15 years later. In the town as it now is, the settlers that swarmed in soon after the Revolution, found, here and there, evidences of occupation by white people prior to that event ; but whether they suffered from the brand and tomahawk of that period, or sought safety in flight, is not known. Seth Allen, Richard and William Pray, John Beardsley, Joseph Coats, and John Kim- ball, settled in the neighborhood of Monticello and Brighton in 1787. In 1789, Daniel Hawks, John Hatch, Ebenezer Eaton, and Joseph Rockwell, took up lands at, and a little to the west of this village. The following year, Obadiah Beardsley and family settled near Monticello ; the Colwells and others came soon afterward. In 1791, John Gano and James 18 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. "Williamson bought a tract of land west of this village, bordering on Otskonoga creek. In another place may be found names of people in town in 1793. John Derthick came at this date and settled on the old road, then called the Butternut Road, that led to the lake. Freedom Chamberlin came two years later and located near Derthick. The same year Joseph Layton bought what is now the Egypt farm, on the northwest shore of the lake. In 1802, Nathan Dow, grandfather of Mrs. Mary Blue, of Church street, bought of Freba, lands upon which much of this village stands. In 1791, William TunniclifF built a sawmill on the North side of Main street near where it crosses the Ocquionis. A grist-mill was erected the next year, where the electric light plant is, and later, near by, a clover-mill. The builder of dam and mills was Judge Jedediah Peck, of whom it was said that '' he would survey your farm in the forenoon, preach a funeral sermon in the afternoon, hold regular services on Sun- day, and talk politics all the week." A section of this dam was dug away, and the pond discontinued in 1886 ; but portions of it are still in place. Up to this time the inhabitants were obliged to go with their wheat and corn to Samuel Tubbs' at Toddsville, Wal- bridge brothers' at Burlington Flats, or Isaac Country- man's at Fort Plain. At this date, and later, every family had its samp-mortar for the crushing of Indian corn, at which the children were often set to work. Soon after the erection of the Tunnicliff mills, Cy- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 19 rus Robinson built a store on the site of St. John*s church. Here in the manner of the times, business was conducted thirty years. FIRST TAVERNS. Obed Edson and John Rudd kept the first taverns in log buildings, several years before the erection of Jacob Brewster's, in Monticello, in 1797. Edson's was near Monticello ; Rudd's was farther south, probably in the present Exeter. Soon after building his mills, Mr. Tunnicliff built a house where the Dana house stands, next to the electric light plant; and subse- quently put up a public house on the top of the hill on Herkimer street, where Sylvester McRorie's house is. It was first kept by Israel Rawson, and was known for years as Tunnicliff Abbey. EARLY CUSTOMS AND EVENTS. In the early days, nearly every family made its own cloth from wool and flax ; and grain-bags and coarse garments from nettles. Each family had a large wheel, and a little one ; the first for wool and the other for flax. Many families had looms on which they made their own cloth, and at times rented their use to neigh- bors. At flrst, the picking and carding of the wool had to be done by hand ; but afterward there were several carding and fulling-mills hereabout, the locations of which can still be seen on several small streams. Trav- eling shoemakers would stay at a house till all the 20 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. members of the family were provided with boots or shoes ; then move on to the next house needing their services. These itinerants were known as " cat-whip- pers." The cattle ran in the woods and often ate leeks, which would give the milk and butter a decided alliaceous odor and taste. To overcome the objection- able taste in them, people would eat a piece of leek. During these early times the settlers had very little tea or sugar, and no cofiPee. Various substitutes were used for tea. The inner part of white pine bark, and sassafras root were steeped, and the infusion was drunk. Evin root, a low shrub with hemlock-like foliage, and bearing translucent red berries, was most commonly used. Flour was sometimes browned in a kettle with maple sugar, and the resulting caramel made the base of a hot table drink. Once in a great while someone would have a half-pound of tea. Its lucky female possessor would then invite iall the ''womenfolks" to come and ''taste tea." In summer they usually came barefoot, carrying their high-heeled shoes in their hands, till near the house of tea-drinking, just as they did on Sundays, when going to " meeting." Later the use of tea became more general ; but it was many years before coffee was much used. Even as late as 1835, when the late 0. N. Shipman conducted an iron business in Springfield Center, it was a subject of mar- veling conversation throughout this region, that he gave his men coffee at breakfast every morning. The first birth was that of Joseph Beardsley, son of ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 21 Obadiah and Eunice Moore Beardsley, May 26, 1792. The first marriage was that of Ebenezer Russell and Miss Moore, a sister of Mrs. Eunice Beardsley, and oc- curred in 1793 or '4. Judge William Cooper, of Coop- erstown, came on horseback to perform the ceremony. It was an event of much importance, and preparations for it as such were made. A great pile of doughnuts, "nut-cakes" of those days, was heaped in a wooden bowl and placed upon a pine table in the largest room in the log house. The neighbors were present in their best *' gear." The magistrate united the couple, and gave the bride a sounding smack immediately after- ward. The health of bride and groom was drunk in rum, and the judge departed. The young bride lived about a year ; and hers was the first funeral, tho' a man had been killed before, by a falling tree. There was no nearby clergyman to conduct the services, so a layman, Timothy Hatch, read a chapter from the Bible, at the house, and a hymn at the grave. EXETER AND PLAINFIELD. In 1789 and 1790, William Angell settled in Exeter, at Angell Hill, and Asahel Williams and Hagur Curtis in the south part of the town ; Seth Tubbs and Bethel Martin at West Exeter, and Thomas Brooks and Minerva Cush- man on the banks of the Rockdunga. John Tun- niclifF kept the first store and tavern soon after the Revolution ; John Hartshorne built the first grist-mill. 22 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. upon Herkimer creek. It was in this town that Brant purchased many supplies for his band, and where he, with numbers of followers, often camped. Here Abra- ham Herkimer was sent as a scout from Fort Herkimer, to watch the movements of the Indians. Here, too, Smith the scout was sent from the same place, and here he shot an Indian to save his own life. In that part of Richfield that is now Plainfield, there were no white people before the Revolution, except surveyors and trappers. In 1793, Ruggles Spooner, Elias Wright and John Kilbourne commenced a settlement at Plainfield Centre. Samuel Williams, Benjamin and Abel Clark, located on the Unadilla about the same time. The first school was taught by James Robinson in 1797. William Lincoln kept the first inn at Lloyd- ville ; and Luce & Woodward, the first store. Caleb Brown built the first mill, in 1805, on the Unadilla. FEDERAL CORNERS. Before the opening of the third Great Western turn- pike, from Cherry Valley to Brighton, in 1808, the road turned to the south about a mile east of this vil- lage, and ran down the east side of the lake. Its name, a century ago, was the Butternut Road. The lands of W. D. Wood, Mrs. Elizabeth Crouse, Mrs. Mary But- ler, 0. A. Chamberlin, and John Derthick, border this ancient way. A road leading from German Flatts via Andrustown, Paige's Corners, and Freeman's Mills, at this period, ran over the top of Sunset Hill, crossed the ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. SS lowland south of Clayton Lodge, and the turnpike, nearly opposite Mrs. Ezra Conklin's house, and con- tinued south as far as the north line of Lake View cemetery, where it met at right angles a road running west from Federal Corners on the Butternut Road. This was a hamlet of considerable importance before, and at this time, situated an eighth of a mile east of the cemeteries. The road from the Corners led around the base of Freba's Hill, later, Benedict's, now Cana- darago Hill, across the flats near the High School, and crossed Ocquionis Creek where now stands the stone bridge on West Main street. The logs that formed a bridge east of Canadarago Hill, are to be seen to-day. Federal Corners was a place of importance. Here was a hotel kept by Mr. Averill ; a store kept in turn by Mr. Ballard, Holcomb & Weber, and Edward Cheeseman ; a 12-forge blacksmith shop and auger factory run by Mr. Vibber ; and a tannery operated by John Williams. Here, too, was the home and office of Dr. James L. Palmer, a pioneer physician of the region, and a noted instructor and preceptor. For many years his home was the school, where as many as a dozen young men at a time, were studying medi- cine and surgery. When this village began to grow, after the opening of the turnpike along the site of Main street, the fortunes of the Corners began to wane ; business moved to the younger place, and now there is little to show where once was a bus} hamlet. 24 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. EARLY HABITATIONS. Here and there in the neighborhood are evidences of habitations of an early date. On the top of Sunset Hill are a well and the vestiges of a cellar. They were dug by Aaron Abbott, who erected a log house there in 1799. On the east side of Canadarago Hill stood the home of Franz Freba, at a spot marked by an ancient cellar. A large house owned by Hubbell Patchen stood where is now the Roman Catholic Cem- etery ; it was burned in 1836. The well near the house was covered with a big flat stone, and its loca- tion is forgotten. About a mile east of the village can be seen a cellar near the old Indian pear tree. Here stood the log house of Conradt House. From this humble cot the Indians under Joseph Brant, in 1777 or 1778, carried away captive, Mary, a 13-years old daughter. For years she was mourned as dead. How- ever, she appeared in this region about the beginning of this century, bringing with her a daughter, her child by her Indian husband. They staid hereabout 10 or 12 years, then disappeared, probably going to the Mohawks in Canada. The half-breed daughter was named Mary Manton. At the foot of the mountain east of the Bates farm house on the lake road, and near the site of John Derthick's saw-mill, now gone, lived at the beginning of this century. Rev. Calvin Hawley. Later Rufus Hopkins and the Bohns lived there. Farther up the gorge resided the Jacksons. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. M Near the orchard that stands at the foot of Gunset Hill was a house in which resided the Wheelers. This was, for a long time, the home of G. R. T. Hewes. FIRST TOWN MEETING AND EARLY NAMES. *' At a meting of the Inhabitants and freeholders ot the Town of Richfield Legally Warned and held at the house of John Rudd, Inholder in Sd. town on tuesday the Second day of April, in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and ninety-three, Mr. James B. Nichols, Moderator, and Mr. William Tunnicliff, Clerk of the Day, the following Gentlemen were Voted and Chosen into Office, viz : Nathan Jef- fords, Supervisor ; Seth Allen, Town Clerk ; Alpheus Loomis, Obadiah Beardsley, Jr., Wm. Tunnicliff, As- sessors ; Benj. Hodge, John Beardsley, John Martin, commissioners of highways ; Joseph Coats, Robt. Mar- tin, Jr., overseers of poor ; James B. Nicholls, James Farr, Christo. Palmer, constables ; James Farr, col- lector. The above Sd. officers were sworn, and sub- scribed their Oaths according to Law before Peter Lambert, Esq., a Magistrate who presided over Sd. meting. Voted also, John Rudd, Elijah Martin, Fence Viewers and appraisers. John Rudd, Pound- master. Lemuel Fitch, Partridg L. Beardsley, Ozias Woodward, Overseers of the road leading from Wm. Tunnicliff 's westward, or the county road. David Hollister, Daniel Holly, James Farr, Overseers of the Northern [Brighton] road. Garret Lake, Overseer on S6 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. the road leading from Seth Allen's to Walbridge^s Mills. Israel Nicholson, Isaac Martin, Overseers on the Eastern road. *' Voted, that cattle shall not be fetcht from other towns and be suffered to feed peaceably in the woods or Commons of this Town. Voted, that Hogs may- run at Large being well Yoked." A list of the names of the Men to work on the Highways in the different Wards : "1st, Wm. Tunni- cliff, Daniel Hawks, Jas. B. Nichols, John Hitchings, Jno. Hitchings, Jr., John W. Holland, Seth Allen, Daniel Richards, Ebenezer Eaton, Daniel Richards, Jr., Samuel Williamson, Samuel Richards, John C. Pride, Lemuel Fitch. 2d, Eliphalet Stuart, Solomon Sands, Gerrit Williamson, Zera Butterfield, Abijah Hawks, Abijah Hawks, Jr., Nathan Hawks, Moses Frissell, Israel Nicholson. 3rd, Benjamin Brown, Samuel Martin, Elijah Martin, John Martin, Elisha Brown, Nathan Martin, Rolon Robinson, Seth Robin- son, Isaac Martin. 4th, John Beardsley, Chaffee Green, Zachariah Brown, John Brown, James Cable, Obadiah Beardsley, Jr., Partridg Beardsley. 5th, Nathaniel Curtice, Thaddeus Loomis, Alpheus Loomis, Joseph Houghton, John Baker, Samuel Eaton, Darius Eaton, Willard Warner, Samuel Gilbert, Capt. White, John Densmore, John Densmore, Jr., Eliphalet Dens- more, Ruggles Spooner, Timothy Swan, Jacob Gros- venor, Ozias Woodward. 6th, Joseph Coats, Roswell Raiment, Nathan Payne, Samuel Payne, James Hawks, ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, S7 Amasa Fox, Constant Balcom, Lazarus Home, Noah Wetherill, Stephen Knowlton, David HoUister. 7th, Daniel Col well, Jurder Sprague, John Hunter, John Cole, Bartrum Rounds, Joseph Carver, Wanton Green, Jas. Farr. 8th, Levi Beardsley, Obadiah Beardsley, Aaron Pray, Christo. Colwell, Wm. Sanders, Timothy Tucker, Ebenezer Russell, Levi Holly, Daniel Holly. 9th, John Rudd, Elisha Andros, Ebenezer Jackson, Samuel Darrow, Henry Lake, James Lake, Wm. Rob- inson, Elijah Gray, Runnels, Michael Jackson, Elnathan Kyes, Samuel Latham, Chester Kyes, Wm. Patten, Gerrit Lake. 10th, Moses Noill, Wm. Pray, Samuel Cole, Charles Cole, Henry Jones, Wm. Stone, Wm. Simmons, Daniel Hills, Nathan Jeffords, Joseph Jeffords, Joseph Hills, Jacob Dicardson, Amasa Dodge, Hull Sherwood, Richard Pray. Benj. Hodge and John Martin, Com'rs of Highways." Other names in town at that time were : Hatch, Howard, Noyes, Gano, Woodbury, Edson, Nash, Churchill, Wilson, Aiken, Ryder, Bridges, Sweet, Crosby, Penny, Pringle, Cone, Loveman, Potter, Ran- dall, Brewster, Derthick. It will be remembered that Exeter and Plainfield were included in Richfield at this time. RECORD OF FIRST ELECTION. " Election being Legally warned Was Opened and held at the house of Mr. John Rudd on Tuesday the 30th Day of April, 1793, for the purpose of Choosing £R ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. one Senator and two Assemblymen for the Western district of this State. Adjourned to the house of Sam- uel Martin, on the 1st Day of May, there held and Closed." It was customary in the early days to hold elections on two, or three days, and in different places in the town. A FULL LIST OF RICHFIELD'S SUPERVI- SORS, WITH DATES OF ELECTION. Nathan Jeffords, 1793 ; Thaddeus Loomis, 1794 Christopher Colwell, 1795 ; Willard Warner, 1796-7 Lemuel Fitch, 1798-1801 ; Nathaniel Farnham, 1802 Lemuel Fitch, 1803-7 ; Seth Allen, 1808 ; Ozias Woodward, 1809-10; Seth Allen, 1811; Benjamin Tuckerman, 1812 ; Obadiah Beardsley, 1813 ; John Woodbury, 1814 ; Isaac Smith, 1815 ; Ozias Wood- ward, 1816; Isaac Smith, special meeting Sept., 1816; Samuel Colwell, 1817-19 ; Thomas Howes, 1820 ; The- odore Page, 1821-2 ; George Farnham, 1823-4 ; John Jones, 1825 ; John Woodbury, 1826 ; Samuel Colwell, 1827-8 ; Matthewson Eddy, 1829-33 ; Tideman H. Gorton, 1834 ; Matthewson Eddy, 1835 ; Tideman H. Gorton, 1836; Geo. Tuckerman, 1837-40; Nathan Palmer, 1841; G. Tuckerman, 1842; N. Palmer, 1843-4 ; Selden Churchill, 1845-6 ; Alonzo Churchill, 1847-8 ; N. Palmer, 1849-50 ; A. Churchill, 1851-4 ; John Derthick, 1855 ; Alvin Barrus, 1856-8 ; Hamil- ton Colman, 1859 ; Esek Cole, 1860-2 ; Alvin Losee, ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. S9 1863 ; Alvin Barms, 1864 ; James S. Davenport, 1865 A. R. Elwood, 1866-9; Norman Getman, 1870-1 JudsonC. Brown, 1872-3; J. S. Davenport, 1874-5 John McCredy, 1876 ; H. C. Brockway, 1877-8 ; Lewis McCredy, 1879 ; H. C. Brockway, 1880 ; Peter Seeber, 1881 ; Olcott McCredy, 1882 ; H. C. Brockway, 1883 ; H. H. Getman, 1884-5 ; M. F. Clapsaddle, 1886-7 ; Edgar Gary, 1888 ; John B. Conkling, 1889-92 ; J. D. Reed, 1893 ; S. P. Barker, 1894-7 ; L. C. Locke, 1898. SCHOOLS. The first school house was built in 1791-2, near Monticello, on the road from that place to Mayflower Tavern, and was of logs. It was small and low, with front higher than rear, to give slope to the bark roof. The floor was made of puncheons, hewn smooth with an adz after being placed. The windows had no glass but admitted light thro' greased paper. Heat came from a huge open fire-place on the side opposite the entrance. The benches were of split logs with pegs for legs, and the desks were made by fastening hewn plank to the sides of the building. "At a special town meeting held at the house of John Rudd, Nov. 23, 1795, to divide town into convenient school Dis- tricts, Voted, that the people in the diff'erent parts of the Town may form or organize themselves." The earliest record of locations of school districts to be found was made in 1817. District No. 1 embraced Richfield Springs and Honestville. No. 9 was set off so ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. from No. 1 that year and included all of Richfield east of Ocquionis creek. The entire town had then 570 children between 5 and 15 years of age. During that year a school house for No. 9 was built on the road that ran from the turnpike to where Lakeview cemetery is, and was located a little south of a small rivulet that has now nearly ceased to run. It was a small low structure with a narrow "entry" running across the front. Light came through six small windows glazed with 7x9 panes of very uneven, much blistered greenish glass, that gave a strange appearance to objects seen thro' them. Of course, the paint upon it was red. The first term of school was held in it in 1818, and accord- ing to the custom of the time, continued in session three months. The first teacher was James L. Palmer of Federal Corners. That year the public money for the town was $273.92. No. 1 received $31.21 for its 54 pupils, and No. 9 got $13.87 for 67. In 1847, No. 9's trustees, Robert Benedict, Sidney Wilber, and Sam- uel B. St. John, bought of Nathan and James Benedict for $50, the lot now owned by John E. Feldmann, on Lake street, whither the school house was moved ; and where it did service till the autumn of 1864, when a more commodious building was begun. The first term was taught in the new house in the spring of 1865, by W. C. Fisk and wife. The longest terms of service in it were 8 years by E. D. Harrington, and 11 years by H. A. Ward. This building is now used for a dwell- ing and bottling house. Jan. 30, 1883, No. 9 became ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, SI a Union Free School district ; and on April 7 of the same year No. 1 joined it. After a long and bitter series of factional fights, the present site of the High School building, at Park, Bronner, and Center streets, was chosen, April 3, 1885. This edifice was erected at a cost of $22,000, and was ready for occupancy in the Autumn of 1886. The first corps of teachers was : L. W. Covell, Mrs. L. V. Murphy, Kate Van Deveer, Kittie Stewart, Fannie Wadsworth, Mary Anderson, Anna Austin. The Board of Trustees was : H. M. DeLong, James Mason, Samuel R. Ward, John Derth- ick, A. B. Losee, Melvin Tuller, Garrett WikoflT. The present efficient head of the High School is Prof. J. Anthony Bassett. Following is a list as complete as diligent search would make it, of teachers in the Old Red, and the later Lake Street School : On the old road — James L. Palmer, Perry Angell, Spencer Hopkins, Samuel Col- well, Wm. Prince, Loring Dow, Loring Palmer, Phile- tus Allen, Wm. Hinckley, Whitney Cary, Mr. Harding, Mr. Gray, E. B. Harris, John Derthick, Miss Cary, Callista El wood, Lydia Green, Louisa Starr, Callista Sheldon, Miss Herron, Elizabeth Benedict, Cornelia Tunnicliff'. After removal to Lake street — Stephen Mayne, Daniel Woodbury, Geo. Woodbury, J. M. Hyde, E. D. Stocker, Howard Colman, Mr. Newell, A. M. Turner, Clark Burgess, A. H. Sumner, Ophelia King, Miss Hutchins, Anna Tunnicliff*, Lydia Ford. In the new Lake street building — W. C. Fisk, Frank S2 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. Sutherland, John Fake, Delos Thayer, Frank Thomp- son, E. D. Harrington, J. M. Clark, H. A. Ward, Frank Westfall, Miss Clark, Miss Hill ; assistants, Spencer Wallace, Mrs. Fisk, Martha Delong, Emma Getman, Mrs. Ames, Jennie and Cora Cushman, Anna Vrooman, Eliza Ferguson, Miss Kayner, Miss Acker- man, Grace Swift. In 1876, citizens in this village and vicinity sub- scribed a large sum of money to induce Messrs. Goodier and Cadwell to open a seminary here. These gentle- men purchased the Derthick House, now the Kendall- wood, and conducted most successfully, a school for higher learning, accomplishments and polish, from December 1876, till the spring of 1886. From an early day till the opening of the Eichfield Springs Seminary, "select schools" were numerous and well attended. For many years the basement rooms in the Universalist Church were used for such schools. The following named taught there : David L. Gregg, afterward minister to Hawaii ; Mr. Hannum, Mr. Car- roll, Rev. Mr. Cotter, Mr. Wilder, Caroline Boyce, Aurelia Hyde, Maria Morgan, Julia Tracy, Miss Miller, Mary Gumming, Lydia Cheeseman, Abbie Kirtland. Mr. Cotter kept what was called the Episcopalian school for boys. It is related that, at times, the reverend gentleman was given to his cups ; and that on one of his Mondays he fell asleep in his chair, tipped back against the wall. His pupils concocted a plan to waken him by throwing a quart bottle of ink against ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. SS the wall near his head, and ''drew cuts" to determine who should do it. The lot fell to a boy from Herki- mer. It was agreed that every boy should look into his book, and that the thrower should shut his eyes at the instant of action. The bottle broke and the ink gushed and spattered all over the face and clothing of the tipsy teacher. Upon questioning the boys, each one averred that he had not seen the act. Mr. C's school was closed that day. These taught private schools at other places in the village : Charles Davis, Dean Manley, Aaron Dow, James Dow, S. S. Wood, Mr. Wendell, Miss Griffin, Mrs. Barrus, Mrs. King, Mrs. Scott, Lucy Ward, De Etta Pratt, Misses Churchill, Miss Fish. POST OFFICE. Before the establishment of a post office, the inhabi- tants transacted their postal affairs in Cooperstown or Cherry Valley. Their mail, and the Otsego Herald, published in Cooperstown by Elihu Phinney, were sometimes brought by a post-rider, hired by the com- munity ; at other times, a class of thirteen young men was formed, each member going for the mail once a quarter. The first post office in town was established at Brighton, under the official title Richfield, July 1, 1807, with Ivory Holland, P. M. Here the office was continued till early in the 20s, when it was taken to Monticello, without change in name. These succeeded Holland : David Waterman, 1815 ; Samuel Chase, S4 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 1817 ; Daniel Richards, 1818 ; Jonathan Morgan, 1819 ; Veeder Green, 1821 ; Daniel Andrus, 1830 ; Jared C. Monson, 1835 ; Jas. D. Vaughn, 1845 ; Alonzo Churchill, 1849; Floyd C. Shepard, 1854; Jas. D. Vaughn, 1855 ; J. M. Hyde, 1862 ; Lewis C. Locke, 1873 ; Frank Snyder, 1893 ; Geo. T. Brockway, 1897. The first post office in Richfield Springs was established Feb. 17, 1830, as East Richfield, with James Hyde, P. M. Following is a list of its succeeding P. M's, dates of appointments, and changes of title : Leander San- ders, Feb. 6, 1841 ; Horace Manley, June 30, 1841 ; changed to Canadarago and Manley continued, March 5, 1842 ; changed to Richfield Springs and Manley continued, June 29, 1842 ; Augustus R. Elwood, Sept. 5, 1842 ; Moses Jaques, Sept. 21, 1848 ; Cyrus Osborn, June 8, 1849 ; James S. Davenport, May 23, 1853 ; Sainuel S. Edick, 1862 ; E. A. Hinds, 1865 ; James S. Davenport, 1887; Norman Getman, 1891; W. P. Borland, 1895. Early postal rates were : Letters, 40 miles, 8 cents ; 90 miles, 10 cents ; 150 miles, 12J cents ; 300 miles, 17 cents ; 500 miles, 20 cents ; over 500 miles, 25 cents. The village P. 0. was kept in the American by Hyde, and Sanders ; Manley had it in his house, now The Elms ; Elwood kept it in his store on the site of M. TuUer & Son's ; Jaques, in the house where Jerome Crim lives, on Church street ; Osborn, in his house and store, now the Berkeley ; Davenport, in a small build- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, S& ing opposite the Sulphur Spring ; Edick and Hinds, in the Hinds & Allen building, till 1870, when the lat- ter moved it to the Weeks block ; Davenport, in the Johnson block, Main street, and later, same building, on Lake street ; Getman, Johnson block. Lake street ; Borland, same place. RICHFIELD PEOPLE In County, State, and National Office, and Years OF Election or Appointment. Sheriffs — James Hawks, 1815 ; Olcott McCredy, 1884. Assistant Judge, Court Common Pleas, Obadiah Beardsley, 1818. District Attorney, Schuyler Crippen, 1837. County Judge, James Hyde, 1847. County Clerks, A. R. Elwood, 1858 ; John B. Conk- ling, 1893-96. Surrogate, A. C. Tennant, 1 883-86. School Commissioner, John D. Cary, 1890. Coroner, H. A. Ward, 1896. Members of Assembly, Daniel Hawks, 1802-5-11 ; Lemuel Fitch, 1807-14 ; James Hyde, 1812-13 ; Thomas Howes, 1818 ; James Hawks, 1819 ; John Woodbury, 1824 ; Samuel Colwell, 1831 ; Ivory Hol- land, 1835-6 ; Olcott C. Chamberlin, 1840-47 ; Alonzo Churchill, 1854 ; Alfred Chamberlin, 1870-71 ; James S. Davenport, 1875-6. State Senator, A. R. Elwood, 1869. S6 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. Delegate to Constitutional Convention, Daniel Hawks, 1801. Sergeant-at-Arms, Assembly, David B. Groat, 1845. Presidential Elector, Edmund A. Ward, 1876. Representative in Congress, James Hawks, 1820. Asst. Assessor Internal Revenue, Isaac S. Ford, 1862. POPULATION. From the founding of the town to the war of 1812, the increase in the population was rapid. In 1814, a census taken chiefly to report the males capable of bearing arms, showed the entire number of people to be 2,365, of which 9 were Indians, and two were ne- gro slaves. The number of males between 18 and 45, subject to military duty, was 388. From this time there was a steady diminution in population till 1860. In 1825 it had fallen to 1893 ; in 1830, to 1752 ; in 1845, to 1670 ; in 1860, to 1543. In 1880 the num- ber had increased to 2,515 ; in 1890, to 2,699. For 1898 the figures are about 2,700. In 1796 there were 229 voters ; in 1896, the number voting was 758. The population of Richfield Springs, when incorpo- rated in 1861, was 400. In 1898 it is 1,650. GENERAL TRAININGS. In early times General Training days were occasions of great public interest, and were the yearly gatherings of the people, resembling in many respects the annual fairs now held. In this town these events occurred ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. S7 near Brighton, or at Monticello, and thither repaired on training day, the gallant militia to drill. Occa- sionally, brigade drills would be ordered ; and these were held in Cooperstown, lasting three days. In September, 1812, Captain Levi Beardsley, in pur- suance of general orders, called out his company, " armed and equipped as the law directs," to drill in Monticello. War with Great Britain had been de- clared and party spirit ran high. The Federalists were opposed to the war, but the Democrats, or Republicans, as they were then called, warmly espoused it. After drilling his men a short time, Capt. B. made a speech in favor of the war. He was ambitious to offer him- self and a volunteer company for the United States service, and had filled his speech with sound and fury. At its close the men were ordered to shoulder arms, and such as would volunteer, to follow the drum. Every Republican, or Democrat, responded and marched out ; but the Federalists remained in such numbers that the Captain was thwarted in his scheme for military glory. Later a draft was ordered, and a number of men was taken from Richfield. There was also a number of volunteers. LIBRARIES. About the year 1795, a library was started by con- tributions at Monticello, which flourished for many years, and was composed of a large number of the standard books of the time. In 1809, it was incorpo- S8 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. rated under the title, Richfield Columbian Library. After many more years of usefulness it was discontin- ued, and the volumes were distributed. Soon after the founding of the Columbian library, one for juveniles was opened, and continued till 1807. In 1860 a cir- culating library was organized in Richfield Springs by a. number of ladies, and was continued about 35 years. During the existence of the Seminary, the Browning Daughters Society accumulated a fine libra- ry, which was distributed after 1886. A set of cyclo- pedias was given to the High School. BURYING GROUNDS. The first actual settlers found an Indian burying ground where the Lake House is, and here for a time bur- ials of people who had died in the region of Federal Cor- ners were made. The first burying place in the west end of the town was on the present farm of Clarence Colwell. The Church street burying ground in Rich- field Springs was given by Nathan Dow, in 1822, and deeded to the trustees of St. Luke's church, Monticello. It contained an acre of land on the east side of Church street. It is not used now, and is hidden from view by the Presbyterian church and a high fence. The first interment made in it was that of Nancy Gould, a grandchild of the donor, in August, 1822. Lake View cemetery was purchased by the village trustees in 1871. The Roman Catholic cemetery was consecrated in 1882. The Monticello cemetery was opened in 1803. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, 39 EARLY BALLS. In the good old times the people occasionally re- laxed sufficiently to indulge in dancing, or ''frolick- ing'* as it was called. Managers would be appointed to make out the lists of those to be invited. Tickets, of which the following is a copy, would be sent out : '* Independence Ball ! Mr. A. B. is invited to attend a Fourth of July Ball at Richfield, and to wait on Miss C. D., who is also invited." The gentleman was con- sidered bound to invite the lady named ; and the lady almost invariably accepted. At balls held in summer the participants would sometimes assemble before noon, dance a little, dine, and at once resume the pleasures of the occasion, and dance the hours away till day light. In winter they usually went in their rude sleighs ; but in summer the gentlemen provided them- selves with extra horses for the fair ladies to ride to the " frolic." The first dancing school was taught at Monticello in the winter of 1805-6 by a strolling dancing master, who instructed the rustic youth in "jigs, French fours, and figures." Scow-parties were popular in the early part of the century. There were several very large flat-bottomed boats on the lake, each capable of carrying a large number of people. It was a custom for parties to ride about the lake on these barges, and after luncheon thereon, to repair to some place ashore and have a dance. JjO ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. GAME AND FISH. This region was once a paradise for hunters, abound- ing in all kinds of game. Moose, bears, deer and elk, wolves, beaver, otter and martens, and the smaller game were very numerous. Wild fowl in countless numbers disported themselves on the lakes ; and the waters teemed with fish. The migrations of pigeons in spring and fall occurred in vast armies, sometimes a mile wide, and near enough together to darken the sun like a cloud. At times these living streams of myriads of birds would flow onward in swift flight nearly an entire day. The great naturalist, Alexander Wilson, estimated a flock of pigeons that passed over him for the greater part of a day, to have been a mile in width, and 240 miles long, and to have contained 2,230,272,000 birds. The writer has not seen a flock of pigeons since the autumn of 1881. Fishing was so easy as nearly to be no sport. In the season of run- ning, salmon were so numerous that they could be caught in the hands in the smaller streams when the waters would begin to recede ; and before damming the Susquehanna, herring and shad sought the waters of Canadarago in vast schools. The brooks abounded with speckled trout, and fifty years ago these fish could be taken with a pin-hook. EARLY CARE OF PAUPERS. In early times at* town-meeting, the town's paupers would be put up at auction, and would be cared for ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 41 during the ensuing year by the lowest bidders, who bound themselves **to board, clothe, wash and mend properly" for the year. Prices ranged from 40 cents to $1.25 per week. When of sufficient age, the paupers were '' bound out," the master agreeing in all cases that he would, when the term of service was legally ended, " allow and deliver one good new Suit of Holy- day clothes, of the Value of at Least twenty dollars, a good suit of every day wear, and one new Bible." UNUSUAL WEATHER. In 1807 snow fell to the depth of six feet early in April. This melted rapidly, causing high water and destruction of bridges. The summer of 1816 was known thro'out the East- ern and Middle States as the coldest ever experienced by persons then living. From old diaries and journals the following facts are gathered : January and Febru- ary were mild. March and April were not unusually cold. May was ushered in by a violent snow storm, and the formation of thick ice. June was the coldest month of roses ever known here. Corn was killed, and tho' replanted again and again by the shivering husbandmen, not any ripened. Seed corn sold the following spring for $5 a bushel. Instead of roses and buttercups, there were snow and ice. The first week in June a number of Richfield 's Universalists attended a three-day's meeting in Cooperstown, and came home thro' three inches of snow. On the fourth of July 42 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. snow fell. August was worse than any previous month, and the two following were cold, with frequent freezes and snow storms. Wheat and oats were har- vested and potatoes were dug in blinding flurries of snow. Hay was very scarce, and the cattle were kept from starvation during the next winter by felling beeches and birches, from which the hungry animals browsed. During this summer the Richfield Hotel was built, and the workmen were often seriously in- commoded by the inclement weather. The succeed- ing four summers were also cold ones, and crops were poor ; but the severity of these was not so great as in 1816. In marked contrast to the brumal summers just mentioned, was the winter of 1827-8, when there was a very summery season, with scarcely any snow or frost. On Canadarago lake there was ice but a little while. June 11, 1842, this record was made : *' Snow and very cold." April 14, 1857, three feet of snow fell, and in less than a week five feet of snow covered this entire region. THE SUNKEN ISLAND. Where lies the shoal in Canadarago Lake called Sunken Island, formerly stood a real island. It was a small one, only a half acre in extent ; but it was cov- ered with a growth of trees that waved their branches ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 4S as proudly as those upon its greater sister so justly cel- ebrated for her beauty. A portion of its small extent was marshy, but the northern end was bold. During the winter of 1815— 16 there was a great depth of snow upon the ground quite early, and the ice upon the lake was unusually thick. Early in the spring there was very warm weather for many days. Streams were swollen above their banks and the ice on the lake was covered with deep water. The ice soon broke up and was driven southward by a fierce north wind, which cleared the northern half of the lake. Then ensued a hard freeze, cementing the broken ice into a compact mass. In a day or two a high wind from the south arose. The immense floe was set in motion, and by its irresistible weight and impact, actually swept the soil of the island, with its burden of trees, into the depths beyond. To this day the bottom of the lake just north of the spot is covered with the trunks and limbs of the trees sub- merged over 80 years ago. OAKS CREEK DAM. The building of a dam across Oaks creek near the outlet of Canadarago Lake, in 1825, created a great deal of excitement in the towns of Richfield, Otsego and Exeter, and town meetings were held to consider the matter. In Richfield a special town meeting was held at the house of Jacob Osborn, Aug. 25, 1825, **to take steps to prevent the building of a dam near the 44 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. outlet of the lake." The following was adopted : "Whereas, Certain individuals are engaged in con- structing a dam across the outlet from Schuylers Lake, with a view of raising the water two and a half, to three feet above its ordinary height, and believing that it will produce individual damage, and render the terri- tory unhealthy. Resolved, That this meeting disapprove of the erec- tion of said dam ; and Resolved, That in case means are not taken to pre- vent the building of said dam, and the same, after be- ing built shall prove detrimental to the health of indi- viduals, we will make use of every necessary and legal means to have the same demolished and the waters of said lake restored to their bounds." In spite of protests, however, the dam was built. Efforts were made to have the dam removed, but they were all unavailing. DISTILLERIES. There seems to have been a considerable demand, during the closing years of the last century, and the early part of the present, for ardent liquors ; and there were about 30 distilleries in Otsego county for making whisky, which in those times began to take the place of rum. One stood where the Scotch cap factory is, before Runyan's foundry was erected there ; and an- other near the east end of James street, on the old road. The demand for beer was not great enough to ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 46 support a brewery that was set up in 1794 at Coopers- town, by Mulcock & Morgan. Of mixed drinks, kill-devil or stone-fence, a mix- ture of hard cider and whisky, was the principal one in winter. In seasons of arduous summer labor, switchel, a combination of hard cider, molasses and ginger, was a favorite. In nearly every family the whisky-jug was as common as the water-pail, and upon occasions of assemblage, the glass went round. Drunk- enness, however, was as much deprecated as it is now. WAR TIMES. 1861-5. During the civil war, Richfield responded nobly to the calls for volunteers, and from a population less than 1,600, sent 115 from the town. In addition, 50 men were enlisted in New York City and credited to Richfield 's quota. To pay bounties, the town raised 162,000. Thro'out all the years of the war, the ladies were diligent in good work for the soldiers in garrison, camp and hospital. Many boxes of underclothing, lint, bandages, and delicacies, found their way to the front from this region. The ladies of Springfield got up a fair for the U. S. Sanitary Commission, in Pegg's hotel in Springfield Center, on the evening of Sept. 2, 1864. While crowded with people, the floor fell, and several persons were seriously hurt, among them Rev. and Mrs. S. R. Ward, of this place. One lady, Mrs. Hewes, died from her injuries. 46 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. There were but few hereabout that did not heartily espouse the Union cause. There were those, however, whose utterances caused them to be called *' copper- heads," a name given to northern men whose sympa- thies were with the South and its principles. In Exe- ter, Timothy Herkimer was arrested in August, 1863, on the ground of uttering "treasonable sentiments," and taken to the county jail. A writ of habeas corpus was granted by Judge Samuel Nelson. President Lin- coln had, however, suspended the privileges of that writ thro'out the Union, in consequence of the pro- nounced anti-war spirit in some parts of the North ; and Herkimer was taken to Fort LaFayette, and was kept a prisoner for some time. There was among the Republicans great activity in the Union League ; and among the Democrats were some that belonged to the Knights of the Golden Circle. Here, as elsewhere, small change became scarce, and postage stamps were commonly used in making change. Losee & Hinds, and El wood & Bryan, issued "shin- plasters" in denominations of 10, 25, and 50 cents, in 1862. These promised " to pay the Bearer (the sum named) On Demand, at their Store, in State Currency, when presented in sums of One Dollar and upwards." This convenient small money was superseded in about a year by the fractional currency issued by the govern- ment. Prices of commodities reached high figures during ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 47 the war period. A few examples of maximum prices : Flour, per barrel, $18 ; A sugar, per pound, 30 cents ; butter, 50 cents ; cheese, 30 cents ; tea, $1.75 ; best yard-wide sheeting, per yard, 70 cents ; calico, 60 cents ; pork, per barrel, $40 ; dressed pork, per cwt., $18 ; kerosene oil, per gal., $1.25 ; hay, per ton, $40. On Monday, April 10th, 1865, came the glad news that the rebel army under Lee had surrendered to Gen. U. S. Grant. Like wildfire spread the tidings thro vil- lage and country. The intense suspense of four weary, bitter years was broken. Men, women, and children, rushed into the village streets, and people from the country came crowding in. Great was the re- joicing, and many were the glad tears. People formed in line and marched up and down, singing and hurrah- ing in their thankfulness and enthusiasm. Groups of singers united their voices in Rally Round the Flag, Boys, When Johnnie Comes Marching Home, We'll Hang Jeff Davies to a Sour Apple Tree, and other songs of the day. Many teetotalers looked upon the wine that day, and some of their sayings and doings are not forgotten to this day. Everything that would make a noise was brought into use. Every dinner gong and bell ; every tin horn in the hardware stores, were put to inmelodious use ; and the church bells were rung incessantly. Guns and anvils were fired, and people shouted till they were hoarse for days afterward. A mass meeting was held in Washington Hall, now the Waiontha, at which Rev. S. R. Ward and Geo. A. 4S ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. Starkweather spoke stirringly. It was a day of rejoic- ing such as this town never saw before, and has not seen since. Five days later came the awful intelligence that President Lincoln had been assassinated. His tragic and untimely end brought mourning to every home, and tears to every cheek. What a revulsion of feeling ! The bells that but a few days before had rung out joy- ful notes for ended war, now tolled a sad requiem for the great, gentle-hearted Martyr. Flags were draped with black and hung at half-mast ; and services were held in the churches. Here follow the names of the soldiers that went to the front from Richfield : Wm. Austin, Wm. A. Austin, John Ames, Lewis Allen, David Allen, Benj. F. Ab- bott, Nelson Bowdish, Onslow Bunnell, Menzo Barrus, Jno. H. Burgess, Albert Bullis, Allen Buchanan, James Brown, Delos Balch, Henry Buckus, Hamilton Bailey, Abel Bunnell, Chas. Caney, James Caney, Edgar Gary, Oliver Carson, Albert Cook, Samuel Chase, Alfred Christman, Daniel Cosgrove, Lorenzo W. Cheney, Albert V. Coats, U. F. Doubleday, LaMott DevendorfF, Albert DevendorfF, Delos Dockstader, Wesley Dexter, Abner Doubleday, James S. Daven- port, John E. Dana, Winne Dutcher, Henry 0. Eason, Irving Fort, Charles Fisk, Irving Fish, John Fish, Charles Fenton, R. G. Firman, John I. Finch, Free- man Firman, George Green, Wm. Gallagher, Vandeveer Goodspeed, Thomas Golden, John Gilroy, Alvarro Har- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. • 49 rington, Alonzo Hammond, Albert Ham, Hiram C. Hinds, Delevan Harrington, Orville Hinds, L. C. Huntley, S. F. Huntley, J. Henrick, Gustavus Har- rington, T. I. Jaques, Murtagh Keough, John Kane, Jared Lansing, Tracy Loomis, Orlando Lane, Leonard Love, Otis W. Ludden, John Moak, Daniel Maxfield, Wm. McCulloch, Wm. Mann, Richard Matthews, Isaac Minor, George Minor, Wm. W. Matte- son, Justin Osterhout, Wm. Osterhout, Wm. Palmer, John Rosa, John Rhyde, John Shaw, Charles Strange, John Steele, Albert Smith, George Stover, George Stev- ens, Michael Shields, Hiram Soule, Peter Smith, H. DeW. Smith, John Sweet, Henry Smith, Robert Shutes, Wm. Snedeker, James Tucker, George Thomas, Abram Vedder, Richard Weldon, Wesley Waterman, Nelson Walrath, Jay Winne, John Waterman, John Wright, 0. D. Welch, Alfred Welch, Geo. White, Milo West, Geo. Welch, Luzern Wheeler, Thomas Weldon, Thomas F. Weldon, Addis Young, George Young, James H. Zoller. These soldiers enlisted in the following named New York regiments : 76th, 121st, 152nd, 44th (Ellsworth's Avengers) infantry ; 2nd and 16th Heavy Artillery ; 3rd Light Artillery ; 2nd Light Cavalry (Harris') ; Ist U. S. Sharpshooters (Berdan's). Those killed in action were Charles Caney, Thomas F. Weldon, Samuel Chase, F. H. Firman, John Fish. Those dying from disease or wounds were Richard Matthews, Lorenzo 60 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. Cheney, Tracy Loomis, Wm. Snedeker, George Thomas, John Steele. ANTI-MASONRY. Upon the springing up of the anti-Masonic party in 1826, after the disappearance of Morgan, there were strange poHtical changes in the Otsego towns. Spring- field, Otsego, Cherry Valley, and Middlefield, were strong Federalist towns ; but the anti-Mason movement made them as strongly Democratic. Richfield, Plain- field, Exeter, and Hartwick, had been Democratic ; but the same disturbing element placed them in the Fed- eralist column. During the existence of the anti-Ma- sonic party there were much bitterness and intolerance. Those who were not Masons, and still refused to join the anti-Masonic party, were more harshly spoken of than the Masons themselves ; and were stigmatized as Masons' ''jacks." For a time during this period the Masons did not hold regular meetings from fear of vio- lence ; but kept their charter alive by meetings held occasionally in some attic, or other out-of-the-way place. POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS. The campaign of 1840 awakened great enthusiasm among the Whigs in this region. Log cabins erected upon strong wagons were drawn from place to place, and speeches were made from their open doors. A captive 'coon and a barrel of cider were furnishings of each cabin. A large cabin in honor of the hero of ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 51 Tippecanoe, was built on the site of the Brunswick, and in it several spirited meetings were held. During the campaign of 1860, the Republicans and the Democrats had uniformed companies, called respect- ively ''Wideawakes" and "Little Giants." The former carried upon a pikestaff a large beetle, that rose in the air and fell back upon a wedge in a log, as its carrier marched along. In the fall of 1884, in honor of Cleveland's election, the Democrats held a barbecue. An ox was roasted, and was served December 2nd at the intersection of Main and Lake streets. A balloon was sent up bearing the names. Dr. Getman, D. W. Harrington, Eugene Hinds, Menzo Clapsaddle, H. A. Ward. PRIZE FARM IN 1820. About the year 1820, a prize was offered in Otsego county for the best farm within its precincts. After the inspectors, appointed for the purpose, had visited Captain Willard Eddy's carefully tilled fields near Monticello, had examined his orderly fences and stone- walls, and had tasted the fruits from his well cultivated orchards of apple, pear, and peach, (for peaches at that early day grew in abundance and perfection in Rich- field,) they awarded him a certificate attesting to the fact that his was the best all-round farm in the county. In addition to this, a prize in money was given. Eddy farmed as he fought in the Revolution — well. 62 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. INDIANS. The region around Canadarago Lake was the home of the Oneidas before its settlement by the whites. Sir William Johnson, in a report to the Crown in 1763, states " that the Oneidas consist of emigrants in the region of the headwaters of the Susquehanna, besides the two principal villages," near the sacred stone. The cutting down of a small tract of primeval forest famil- iarly known as the First Lake Woods, on the road from Richfield Springs to the lake, removes a beautiful landmark, to the great regret of those who know the spot and its associations. Near the close of the last century, there came from the Connecticut valley, two Mohegan Indians, Captain John and his son, Sam Brushell, or the Panther. They built a wigwam on the high ground at the head of the lake, not far from the mouth of the Otskonoga, and a short distance from the ice-houses. Here they lived several years. The elder was drowned in the lake. Soon afterward the Panther brought a squaw from Connecticut, and erected a log hut in the woods lately felled. In this rude cabin, under the singing pines and hemlocks, the Panther and his squaw, Polly, lived many years, keep- ing house in the true aboriginal fashion, Polly doing the drudgery, and the Panther hunting and fishing. At diflerent points around the lake are places that de- note permanent Indian camps, and from these many flint arrow-heads have been taken. The Panther could tell at a glance what tribe had made them, tho' to a ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 63 white man there was nothing to show any difference. The Panther was extremely proud of the turtle totem tattooed upon his breast, for it was a mark of the high- est caste of aboriginal nobility. About 1846, Sam and Polly made one of their periodical trips to their native scenes, and were never seen here again. Indian John was buried on a knoll opposite the Lake House. Bailey, in his Richfield Springs, says that the body was *' after- ward removed by students of Dr. J. L. Palmer, which fact becoming suspected by the Indians living in Oneida, a large delegation made its appearance at the lake and prepared to open the grave of Captain John. At this moment Mr. Freedom Chamberlin appeared on the ground and forbade any interference with the grave, as it was located on his land. He well knew that had the Indians become certain that the body had been re- moved, their threats toward Dr. Palmer would certain- ly have been carried out." The Panther had strong ideas as to the respect that should be shown to his property. Upon one occasion George Williams and Fred Morley, boys of that day, took his boat without permission, for a trip to the island. The Panther followed them in another boat and caught them on the shore of the island. He took from them their pocket knives and all other valuables ; and after beating them mercilessly with a paddle, he took both boats away, leaving the boys to get away as best as they could. On another occassion, Olcott Chamberlin took his boat to use in ''jack -light" spearing. While 64 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, thus engaged he heard the order " Come shore ; my boat ;" from a nearby bank. Mr. C. paid no attention but kept on with his search for fish. In another in- stant a rifle shot was heard, and the pine knots in the "jack" were scattered by the ball. The boat was im- mediately returned. INDIAN TRAIL. The old Indian trail from the Mohawk to the Una- dilla country led up thro' Columbia, and passed to the south, a short distance to the west of Richfield Springs. Over this trail Gen. Nicholas Herkimer passed with his detachment of troops in June, 1777, on his way to hold an interview with the Indian chieftain, Brant, or Thay- endanegea. Over this trail, too, passed the patriot scouts Herkimer, Helmer, Schuyler and Smith, from the Mo- hawk forts, to and from the Indian country. AN INDIAN FIGHT. An Indian fight occurred during the Revolution, at the brook that falls into the lake at the Lake House. A party of whites coming from the south was met and checked at this point. The two parties spent the rest of the day exchanging shots without definite results. After night-fall, the whites discovered by a camp fire on Oak Ridge, that the Indians had retreated around the head of the lake. Fearing that the redskins would attack them from the rear, the whites went back as far as the east bank of Oaks creek. Their suspicions were ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 65 well founded, for after waiting in ambush a short time, the Indians came and attempted to cross the stream. A volley from the wJiites killed two, and wounded several others of the savages. BATHING HOUSES. Soon after 1820, Dr. Horace Manley built the first bath house near the spring on Main street, and near Gary Gottage. Mr. Whitney built a more extensive one near where the east end of the Spring House was. During a severe wind storm the roof was blown across the street and over the house where the Berkeley stands. The present handsome and complete establishment was erected in 1890. GANADARAGO RACE COURSE. The road around the sides of Canadarago Hill, now a grass grown way, was Richfield 's first race course. It was made by Bryan and Smith in 1867. A large building with two floors was erected upon the summit of the hill, to enable people to watch the progress of the races. This was demolished many years ago. Richfield Springs. After the opening of the 3rd Great Western Turn pike thro' the site of the village in 1808, people began to settle here, and commenced those pioneer operations which have resulted in Richfield Springs, the beauti- ful. A part of its history is that of the town, and is elsewhere told. It is believed that the first house in this village was built of logs, and stood on the east side of Canadarago Hill. This was the home of Franz Freba, who purchased land of the original grantee in 1771. After 1802, Nathan Dow built a house near the spring at the east end of James street. The oldest house in the village is standing on the northeast corner of James and Center streets, tho' it originally stood on the north side of Main street near the bridge over Ocquionis creek. The oldest streets are a part of Elm, Main street west of it, and Main's branches, Herkimer and Monti- cello. These were opened as soon as the town was settled. The rest of Main was opened as the 3rd Great Western Turnpike, in 1808. Church street was laid out in 1821, and was called the Warren Road for many years. Lake street was opened after a strong fight from those whom it most benefited, in 1842. It was called the Lake Road for a number of years. The Patchen Road, from Lake street to the Old Butternut Road, was given by Hubbel Patchen in 1844. After ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 67 incorporation, in 1861, Clark Burgess was made the first street commissioner, and the streets were then for the first time uniformly graded. Mr. B. says that nearly every owner had " wharfed out in front of his house so that the middle of the street was the lowest." And he further says that he met with great opposition when he made gutters on each side of the streets ; and that if he had received even a small share of the threatened scaldings and shootings of that day, he would not now be able to speak of it. INCORPORATION. The village was incorporated March 30, 1861, under its present name, which it had borne since 1842. Be- fore that time its official titles had been East Richfield and Canadarago. An old gazetteer gives the name Canadarago Springs. The first village election was held in Stanton Hall, now the Brunswick, May 21, 1861, and resulted in the choice of the following named : James C. Armstrong, president ; J. M. Der- thick, Clark Huestis, Robert Buchanan, Lot H. Hos- ford, trustees ; H. C. Walter, treasurer; M. K. Hosford, police justice ; J. Hyde, clerk. The charter has been amended several times. A proposition to place the village under the General Village Act was defeated in* 1897. At the time of incorporation there were 400 inhabitants in the place, and the size and appearance of the village may be imagined from the following showing : Main street had 4 hotels, 2 saloons with 58 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. halls, 2 bathing houses, 7 stores, 4 shops, 26 dwellings, 3 living apartments. Church street, 2 churches, 2 shops, 1 dental office, 18 dwellings. Lake street, one photograph gallery, 1 church, 1 school house, 1 store, 1 sliop, 12 dwellings, 1 living apartment. James street, 1 shop, 10 dwellings. Center, 1 dwelling. Gould ave., 4 dwellings. Dow, 1 dwelling. Elm, 4 dwellings. Herkimer, 5 dwellings. Monticello, 5 dwellings. Now the streets contain these : Main, 5 hotels, 2 churches, 4 boarding houses, 1 photo, parlor, 2 electric light plants, 22 stores, 1 market, 1 bank, 1 cap factory, 1 bath-house, 42 dwellings, 9 living apartments. Church, 2 churches, 34 dwellings. Lake, 3 hotels, 6 stores, 1 R. R. station and coal yard, 1 knitting mill, 1 printing office, 1 photo, parlor, 1 market, 1 laundry, 4 shops, 1 bottling establishment, 24 dwellings, 2 apart- ments. Langdon, 1 woodworking mill and lumber yard, 4 dwellings. Bronner, 2 store houses, 1 school building, 7 dwellings. Dow, 2 dwellings. William, 8 dwellings. Warren,4 dwellings. Gould Ave., 3 dwell- ings. Sylvan, 14 dwellings, 1 shop. Ann, 2 dwellings. Center, 1 printing office, 1 glove factory, 2 markets, 1 store, 8 dwellings, 1 greenhouse. James, 1 laun- dry, 1 calaboose, 1 hose house, 1 electric light plant, 32 dwellings, 1 shop. Hotel, 4 dwellings, 1 shop. Park, 8 dwellings. Manley, 1 hotel, 3 dwellings. Johnson, 16 houses. Prospect, 7 dwellings. Elm, 21 dwellings. Walnut, 12 dwell- ings. Herkimer, 9 dwellings. Monticello, 18 dwellings. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 69 River, 17 dwellings, 1 shop. Division, 10 dwellings. Canadarago, 1 church, 24 dwellings. Lake View Ave., 3 dwellings. Union, 5 dwellings. High, 3 dwellings. South, 2 dwellings. THE FIRST BRICK YARD. The first brick yard was on the low land south of the electric light plant, across Ocquionis creek, and was first used about 1820. Later, about 55 years ago, a brick yard was established just north of the D.L. & W. switch-yards. Here were burned the brick for the first brick houses in the village, the old parts of the Gary Cottage and the Tuller House. THE SULPHUR SPRING. Dr. Horace Manley bought the land surrounding the spring in 1820, and prepared it for use. The next year the first summer boarders came and staid at the Richfield Hotel, paying $1.25 per week. To those who have spent the season at the later hotels, comment on price is superfluous. FIRE DEPARTMENT. During the winter of 1850, the American and the National were burned, and several attempts were made to burn the Richfield Hotel. In the summer following money was raised by subscription, and Utica's hand fire engine, No. 2, was purchased. A fire company of about 30 members was formed, of whom the chief was Davis Brown. The members were : Alonzo Phil- 60 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. lips, Wm. Griffith, John and Geo. Hi^ginbotham, Stephen Townsend, Hamilton Wood, Geo. Doolittle, Edward Osborne, Henry Balch, Edward Caney, Thos. Caney, R. G. Adsitt, Lot Hosford, Moses Wheeler, Al- mon Cole, Justin Hull, Wm. Holt, James Whit well, Harvey Layton, Thos. Strickland, Hamilton Bailey, Edward Cheeseman, Philip and Levi Runyan, Solo- mon Piper. These, clad in red jackets belted at the waist with a black girdle, made a brave show on parade. The first fire the company attended was during the first winter of its existence, at the burning of a hotel at Brighton. The arrival of the old tub was too late for service, but the boys sucked dry a well or two, and had a good time before starting for home. The machine was kept at different places for a number of years, and finally stood for a long time on the west side of Center street, near James. Here the village youngsters played firemen with it for a number of summers. At last "Colonel" Caple dismantled it and sold the brass and copper fittings. The long copper nozzle is in possession of Canadarago Hose Co., by which it is highly prized. It is much to be regretted that the old machine was not preserved. On August 27, 1879, Richfield Hose Company No. 1, was organized, and the following officers were elected : President, H. A. Ward ; vice president, J. E. Ackerman ; recording secretary, R. J. Lynch ; finan- cial secretary, W. P. Borland ; foreman, Henry Green- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 61 man ; assistant foreman, F. B. Keller ; treasurer, W. A. Smith. The other members were : C. B. Wilder, C. M. Goodale, E. E. Young, C. C. Ransom, 0. A. Chamberlin, E. B. Weatherbee, C. E. Goodale, C. E. Cromley, Hugh Freeman, C. J. Hinds, W. D. Locke, W. G. Buchanan, Emory Lock wood, W. D. Sloan, G. C. Whipple, F. E. Keeler, W, M. McCredy, F. H. Keller, J. Leary, A. D. Getman^ Wick McCredy. At a later date Canadarago Hose Co. No. 2, was or- ganized with these officers and members : President, M. Tuller ; vice president, M. D. Barrus ; recording secretary, H. D. Luce ; financial secretary, A. H. El- wood ; foreman, A. C. Tennant ; assistant foreman, Olcott McCredy ; treasurer, H. C. Watson. C. H. Whipple, F. B. Ramsdale, Jas. Lent, Jno. Moore, Jr., Jas. Steele, P. D. Fay, S. F. Cole, F. B. Getchell, Jno. Hall, Wm. Conklin, W. E. Cole, W. H. Chapman, Jno. Moore, C. W. Borden, W. B. Crain, G. H. Bron- ner, Jno. Stoner, B. A. Lockwood, Scott Lay ton, H. M. De Long, Geo. VanHorn, E. A. Hammond, L. P. Sea- ton, D. G. Harris, Thomas Weldon, C. D. Getchell. Both hose companies were accepted by the board of trustees Nov. 17, 1879. No. 2 was incorporated March 17, 1880. Richfield Springs Hook and Ladder Company was organized Jan. 10, 1880, and incorporated Jan. 20, 1880. The first officers and members were : Presi- dent, Jas. S. Davenport ; vice president, S. P. Barker ; secretary, H. E. Flewellen ; treasurer, Ephraim Shimel; €S ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. foreman, L. Edwards ; assistant foreman, Alonzo Get- man ; steward, Sylvester Shimel. G. H. Johnson, Damon De Long, Rich'd Weldon, A. Lathrop, L. M. Doubleday, Luzerne Wheeler, Harry Williams, J. H. Sitts. The company was accepted Jan. 31, 1880. The organization of a fire department was provided for by a resolution adopted by the village board Nov. 1, 1879, appointing the fourth Tuesday in November of each year, between the hours of 7 and 9 p. m., for the election of its officers. The first elected were : Chief engineer, Rev. S. R. Ward ; first assistant, P. D. Fay ; second assistant, D. G. Harris. The first fire to which the department was called out was on the night of April 19, 1880, at the burning of J. N. Hinds' barn. The fire was subdued. The effi- ciency of the department has several times since been fully demonstrated. THE FIRST SIDEWALK. The first sidewalk was laid on the north side of Main street, from the Richfield Hotel to Church street, in the spring of 1825. James H. Gano proposed to a party of young men at the hotel, to lay the walk men- tioned, and told them that he would give the material if they would help in the work. He gave the timber, which was immediately felled, logged and drawn to the saw-mill. John Runyan sawed it at once ; and before night the walk was completed. The next day the walk was continued up Church street as far as the ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 63 site of the Universalist church. There were no houses then on the south side of Main street. RAILROAD, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western R. R. was completed to this village the first of June, 1870. The terminus was then three quarters of a mile west of the place, near the black bridge over the Otskonoga. The next July, passengers were landed at Lake street sta- tion. For the furtherance of the railroad enterprise, Richfield bonded itself for $100,000, this village as- suming $35,000. In order to get the terminus within the village limits, the corporation was bonded for an additional $30,000. The village was connected with the outside world by telegraph in January, 1862 ; and by telephone in 1883. PUBLICATIONS. The Richfield Springs Mercury was founded by Henry L. Brown, and the first number was issued July 19, 1867, from an office that stood on the east side of Lake street, where the Johnson block stands. The first perfect copy is in possession of the writer, and was taken from the old hand press by E. A. Hinds. C. Ackerman bought the plant in October, 1868. W. T. Coggeshall took control in 1882, and sold out to F. E. Mungor in 1885. B. G. Seamans was taken as partner 64 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. in 1887, remaining in the firm till 1895, when Mr. Mungor assumed entire control and ownership. In 1886 Frank G. Barry issued a summer-time weekly called the Richfield Springs News, and contin- ued its publication till the season of 1897, when it lost its individuality, being merged with the other News series, in the Summer Resorter. The Richfield Springs Daily was first issued in 1888 from the Mercury office, and has every year since made its regular summer appearance. The Student, the High school organ, entered the journalistic field in Feb., 1888, and was, as now, printed by J. E. Ackerman. The editorial staff" was : Fred Bronner, H. H. Baker, August Kinrie, Annie M. Storer, Edith Black, Flora Frink. In the summer of 1897, Richfield Life was brought out by Fred Grant Young and Purdon Robinson, and was published weekly during the season. In 1874 W. T. Bailey published his Richfield Springs and Vicinity, the first local history issued. WOODSIDE PARK. On the 12th of February, 1880, William Smith Brown gave to the village of Richfield Springs seven acres of land in the eastern part of the place, a part of which is a natural grove. The trustees named in the gift are Allen Bloomfield, N. Getman, and T. R. Proc- tor. The land was conveyed upon terms, of which follow abstracts : ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 65 ** No intoxicating drinks shall be permitted to be sold or brought upon the grounds. The use of bows and arrows, torpedoes, firecrackers, fireworks, any manner of fire-arms, air-gun, or any weapon or instrument which may be dangerous to the safety of visitors, or used to kill birds, shall be pro- hibited. No picnics, processions, religious or political meet- ings, or parades of any societies shall be permitted. All gambling and betting games shall be prohibited ; so too, base ball, cricket, and all games in which per- sonal injury to the participants or bystanders is liable to occur. The trustees shall cause to be posted in suitable and conspicuous places about the park, plainly printed no- tices in English, French, and German, forbidding all nuisances of every kind ; all cutting and plucking of trees, bushes, shrubs, plants, fruit and flowers ; all de- facing of seats, trees, or other objects in the park ; and such notices shall designate a place where complaints against offenders may be made." ELECTRIC LIGHTS. The first use of electricity as a lighting agent in town, was at the Republican State Convention, Sept. 19, 1883, from a plant put in by the Remingtons, of Ilion. A good many years before, in 1878, H. E. Walter, of this place, had succeeded in producing an electric light, but in a way too crude for adoption. 66 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. The village was first lighted by electricity June 23, 1888, tho' T. R. Proctor had illuminated his grounds and the street in front of them during several preced- ing summers. SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS, with dates of founding, first officers, etc. 1845. Sons of Temperance, Canadarago Division, 196. Lawrence Walter, W. P.; H. C. Walter, R. S. 1859. Richfield Springs Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 482. James Hyde, W. M.; Chas. DeLong, S. W.; Daniel Woodbury, J. W. 1864. Lyceum Debating Society. Juvenile imita- tors were Adelphians and Ciceronians. 1868. Richfield Springs Chapter, No. 222, R. A. M. S. R. Stewart, H. P.; W. B. Lidell, K.; L. M. Doubleday, S. 1869. Good Templars, Lodge No. 889. R. W. Ackerman, Deputy. 1871. Canadarago Base Ball Club. R. F. Caney, Captain. This club was succeeded by the Richfields and Compeers. For a number of years past a paid club has been supported. 1877. Browning Daughters, a ladies' social and literary society, at the Seminary. 1881. Richfield Springs Agricultural Society. N. R. Baker, president ; P. D. Fay, secretary ; James Ma- son, treasurer. 1882. Weldon Post, G. A. R., No. 256. P. D. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 67 Fay, Com.; Herman House, S. V. C; Elias Young, J. V. C. 1884. Richfield Springs Lodge, A. 0. U. W., No. 308. M. D. Jewell, P. M. W.; Alfred Freeman, M. W.; C. B. Wilder, Rec. 1885. Waiontha Bicycle Club. E. A. Hinds, pres. and captain ; H. A. Ward, secretary ; G. D. Caney, treasurer. 1889. Boys' Club. 1890. Canadarago Council, Royal Arcanum, No. 1274. M. A. McKee, Regent; John Oyer, R R.; V. A. Cameron, secretary. . Elias Young Camp., S. of V., No. 112. G. W. Hyde, captain ; William Kingsley, 1st Lt.; Ralph Barrus, 2nd Lt. 1891. Richfield Springs Gun Club. F. E. Mungor, president ; A. Barker, vice president. 1896. Richfield Monument Association ; S. P. Bar- ker, president; I. D. Peckham, vice president; M. D. Jewell, treasurer ; A. M. Freeman, clerk. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS. 1882. First National Bank. N. Getman, president; M. A. McKee, cashier. 1889. Richfield Springs Scotch Cap Factory. 1890. Waiontha Knitting Company. 1893. Otsego Glove Company. 1897. Waiontha Golf Club, and Waiontha Hunt Club. . Richfield Springs Racing Association. 68 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. LEADING EVENTS. Curfew and other Bells. — After the erection of the Universalist church, in 1833, it was the custom to ring the bell at 9 o'clock in the evening. This prac- tice was continued many years. The bell was rung, also, at 6 a. m. and at noon. Waiontha Observatory. — In 1873 the citizens of Richfield Springs raised money by subscription, and built an observatory upon the top of Mt. Waiontha. It was blown down in a severe gale July 23, 1884. The Old Indian Mound on the Hopkinson farm west of this village, which members of the Oneida tribe were said to have visited annually, was opened to a considerable depth in the autumn of 1875, but noth- ing of note was found. The Waterworks were completed in 1879, at an original cost of $22,000. Oscar Wilde lectured in the Spring House Aug. 14, 1882. The Courtney-Lee boat-race occurred Sept. 1, 1882, on Canadarago Lake, Courtney winning. Hops sold in the fall and winter of 1882 for $1.25 a pound. The following summer the price was 25 cents. Republican State Convention was held here Sept. 19, 1883, in a wigwam built for the purpose by W. B. W^ard, on the Spring House grounds, partially on the site of the Bathing establishment. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 69 A Sculling Regatta was held in August, 1884, on Canadarago Lake, participated in by Messrs. Ross, Riley, Plaisted, Lee, and Gaisel. Ross was the winner. The Sewers were laid down in the summer of 1885. The first Heating Furnace was placed in 1870, by E. A. Hinds, in his store in Weeks block. The first Hot Water heating systems in town were put in by G. T. Brockway, in Monticello, and M. Tal- ler & Son, in Richfield Springs, in 1898. The Roller Skating Mania struck this village in 1884, and a rink was built by Callahan & Co. on the Cary Cottage grounds, next to the Spring House park. Since the craze died out, the building has been used for summer theatricals and a cyclery. HOTELS. The Richfield Hotel is the oldest in the village. The main portion was erected in 1816, but a part of the wing was built before 1810 by a man named Graves, a blacksmith who had the first shop in the village. Nathan Dow, one of the immortal band that was with Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga, built the main part, and to it was annexed the older building. Robert Bene- dict, a son-in-law, was the first proprietor. Subsequent ones were : Jesse Burgess, Wm. H. Lewis, John Cul- bert, Moses Jaques, Moses Wheeler, Chas. Davy, Clark Huestis, Sandusky Keller. Starr S. Keller is the pres- ent proprietor. To this house came the first summer 70 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. guests, about 25 in number, in 1821. The price per week was $1.25. Page's Tavern was erected in 1823 by The- odore Page and Samuel Chase, and was origi- nally 40 by 30 feet, and two stories high. It stood on the corner of the 3rd Great Western Turnpike and Warren Road, now Main and Church streets. Subsequent proprietors were : CM. Paul, Mr. Cary, and Major Wm. H. Lewis. About 1840 Joshua Whitney became the proprietor, when its name was changed to Spring House. Mr. Whitney made additions, as did his successors, Messrs. Van Horn & Backus, and Messrs. Bryan & Ransom, till the house would accom- modate 450 guests. Mr. Ransom died in 1872. The financial panic of 1873 came on, and the hotel busi- ness in the village was next to nothing. The house was closed during the season of 1874. In 1875, Thos. R. Proctor purchased the house and grounds at public auction, and immediately demonstrated that he was one of the kind of hotel men the place needed. From a complete failure he drew success, placing the Spring House in the front rank of American oiiting-place hotels. In 1890 the new Bathing establishment was erected, presenting to the public all that is the latest and best in hydro-therapy and its accompaniments. On the morning of July 25, 1S97, the Spring House was totally consumed by fire. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 71 The American Hotel was built by C. M. Paul, in 1830. Wm. P. Johnson became its proprietor and owner nine years later. In 1850 the American was burned. The new hotel erected immediately was much larger, and was a most popular house. Later enlargements gave this hostelry a capacity of 450 peo- ple. Other proprietors were George Horton, Mess. Ga- ry, TunniclifF & Blake, Mess. Bloomfield, Seeber and TunniclifF. In 1881 Uriah Welch named the house the New American, and conducted its affairs a number of years. The present popular and energetic proprie- tors are Mess. E. M. Earle & Son, who have rechrist- ened the hotel, giving it the name Earlington. Under their skillful control the house has taken a position among the best in the land. Other Hotels are the Kendallwood, by George W. Tunnicliff; Gary Gottages, by J. D. Gary; Tuller House, by N. D. Jewell ; Gonkling Gottage, by Mrs. E. Gonkling ; St. James, by E. M. Earle & Son ; The Elk, by Wm. Bellinger ; Tunnicliff Gottage, by Mrs. J. F. Getman and Miss G. E. Tunnicliff; The Brunswick, by Fred Stanton ; The National, by S. P. Barker ; Sun- nyside, by G. Golwell ; J. M. Derthick's cottage ; Dar- row House, by Geo. W. Greene ; Schuyler House, by Fred Feldmann ; The Delaware, by Joseph Knapp ; Tunnicliff Lawn, by Mrs. Fanny Harrington ; Ed- Wards Gottage, by L. Edwards. 72 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. EARLY PRANKS. During the days remembered by men now living, there was a number of memorable practical jokes played in this village. A few are given to show the humor of the time. About the year 1854, Joshua Whitney, owner of the Spring House, in making some changes about the grove, as the park was then called, dug up a big maple stump, which he dumped in a low place where now stands the Johnson block. The next morning it adorned the Spring House porch. Mr. Whitney took it to the swamp near the Lake House ; it was his again the next morning. It was then taken to Pray Hill, and duly returned in the night. Next it was sent to Cat Town, 10 miles away, and pitched over a steep bank into a mill-pond. A week or two afterward it was back in its old place on the veranda. Then Mr. Whitney had it cut to pieces and burned. At another time, the village butcher and meat ped- dler had stocked his wagon with meat for the next day's trip, and had laid him down to pleasant dreams of the Emerald Isle. Betimes, he was up and ready to start ; but there was no wagon, no meat. While yet he slept, the jokers had come and taken the wagon away, and had left the meat in generous chunks in places throughout the village, where it was thought it would do the most good. The vehicle was taken apart and was setup again on a flat-roofed building that stood where Tunnicliff Cottage lawn is. The victim pro- cured a ladder, and while upon the roof making prep- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 73 arations for getting his property down, someone took the ladder away. When Samuel Gordon lived where Mrs. W. E. Dar- row lives now, the land east of his house was a meadow owned by Daniel Dow. Mr. Dow had cut a quantity of hay, and had cocked it for the night. The next morning no hay was to be seen. By following indica- tions, however, the owner found it snugly mowed away in Mr. Gordon's barn. The industrious wags had been there. But Mr. Dow did not know it ; and he spoke to Mr. Gordon about the changed location of his hay. Of» course, some of the night workers took pains to be near when the gentlemen met ; and they reported a very spirited and interesting conversation. There were many others ; but these will suffice to show that the spirit of fun was in the people of those days. SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT. In 1896, Richfield raised money to buy the plot of ground known as Monument Park, in order to have a place whereon to erect a monument to Richfield's vol- unteers, promised by T. R. Proctor. July 5, 1897, the monument was dedicated, presented and accepted with pomp, ceremony and circumstance. The following copy of the day's program will give an idea of the ex- ercises : " Grand parade. Marshal, Dr. W. P. Bor- land. Aides, Maj. D. T. Evarts, P. Bradlee Strong, W. P. Earle, John Wahl, Louis Agostini, C. M. Tul- 74 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. ler, Clarence Levin, J. Lee Tailer, Geo. Van Dewater, Frank Croker. Carriages containing speakers, board of trustees, clergy and representatives of the press. Eichfield Springs Citizens' Band. Third Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y., Capt. Walter Scott. Post Weldon and visiting veterans from Utica, Waterville, West Winfield, Van Hornsville, Cooperstown and Hart- wick, A. W. Dennison, Marshal. Richfield Springs Fire Department, M. D. Jewell, Chief. Order of exer- cises at the monument : Presiding officer. Mayor Wm. L. Strong. Overture. Prayer, Rev. S. R. Ward. America. Presentation of monument, Thomas •R. Proctor. Acceptance in behalf of town, Hon. L. S. Henry. Remarks, Col. Albert D. Shaw, G. C, N. Y. S. G. A. R. Introduction of speaker, Gen. Daniel Butterfield. Address, Gen. James R. O'Beirne. Star Spangled Banner. Benediction, Rev. Geo. Reynolds. Exhibition drill at Woodside Park, at 4:30 o'clock. Music, band. Battalion parade, Third Separate Com- pany. Exhibition drill. Hook and Ladder Company. Skirmish drill. Third Separate Company." INDIAN NAMES. It is to be regretted that the Indian names of all the streams and lakes in this vicinity have not been handed down to us. Happily, the name of our own beautiful Canadarago has been preserved, as well as those of Otsego, and the Waiontha lakes. The name of the creek flowing thro' this village from the north, ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 76 was known as Ocquionis by the aborigines ; and what is commonly called Mink, or Braman's creek, was called by the Indians, Otskonoga. The Unadilla has headwaters in this town, and has retained one of its old names. On old maps and documents it was vari- ously written, Teyonadelhough, Tienaderha, Tunadilla, and Unadilla. The Adiga, another nearby stream, has lost its real name and is now Wharton. The Eockdunga, a tributary to the last named, has almost lost its native appellation. Diligent search has not brought to light the original word by which Oaks creek was known. It is deplorable that the aboriginal names in Otsego county have not been given to the village streets. Canadarago street is the only one thus named. How eminently proper it would seem, to unite Church and Lake streets under the one name, Canadarago ; to give Main, (that abomination among street names) the word, Otsego ; to call River street, Ocquionis ; and to bestow Waiontha, Unadilla, Otsko- noga, Adiga, Susquehanna, Schenevas, and the rest, upon other streets. SUMMER HOMES. Eichfield's healthfulness, and popularity as a sum- mering place, have induced a number of city people to make it their point of villegiature. The number would be a much larger one, had it not been for ex- cessive, unreasonable prices asked for lands at eligible points near the village. 75 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. Applecot is the pleasant home of Mrs. C. M. Roff, of Toledo, Ohio. This unique cottage is situated on East Main street, and is the scene, in summer, of much social gayety. Bella Vista, properly named, is the summer resi- dence of R. F. Westcott and family, of Orange, N. J. It is one of the most pretentious of the Richfield sum- mer homes. The Berkeley, home of Messrs. R. W. Tailer, and J. Lee Tailer and their families of New York, is a cool and commodious mansion on Main street. Here in the season, are made up the many plans for pleasure in the Waiontha Hunt Club. Clayton Lodge, built by the late Cyrus H. McCor- mict, of Chicago, stands on a portion of Sunset Hill, and commands a glorious view of the Canadarago valley. Hal-Fawn is the season's home of Mrs. Geo. Taylor and family, and is about a mile from the Springs in a very picturesque spot on the Butternut Road. St. John Manor, the outing-home of W. Dewees Wood, of Pittsburg, stands on a breezy hill on the old Butternut Road, about a mile east of the village. An unsurpassed view of the lake and surrounding hills, is one of the charms of the situation. The Towers, on James street, is the summering place of Lewis B. Caney, of New York. It stands on a ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 77 broad lawn and is an attractive and picturesque edifice. Cottages to Rent. — The following is a list of cot- tages that are almost every season occupied by city families who prefer the home life to be had therein, to the whirl of life at the hotels ; they are all newly built, and thoroly up to date in their fittings and furnish- ings : Cushman's, Darrow's, Hannahs', Hendrix's, Hinds', Ingleside, Kinne's, Manley's, McCredy's, Palmer's, Seeber's, Standfield Villa, St. John's, Tarrya- while, Tuttles', Walters', Ward's, Whipple's, Wilder's. Apartments are The Gladstone, The Waiontha, First National Bank Building. CuLLENwooD. — One of the most interesting country seats in this region is Cullenwood, the home of Hon. D. Jones Grain and family, at Gullen. The old hall, left in its original plans, was built in 1805, and was the home of the Hon. Wm. Gullen Grain, distinguished in his day as a statesman, and well known for his ele- gant and courtly manners. Gullenwood has been famed for its hospitality, and has been the scene of many a brilliant function. Mrs. Grain has recently built an Episcopal church opposite Gullenwood ; The Good Shepherd. Henderson Home is a point of interest not far from Richfield ; and a visit to the quaint place erected in 1836, will well repay the sight-seer. Otsego Observatory, six miles from Richfield, stands on the top of Mt. Otsego, whence can be had 78 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. beautiful and extensive views. The trip thither is a delightful one. SUMMER THEATER. After the end of the roller skating craze, the rink was transformed into a place for summer theatricals. Every season first-class companies appear here, and nu- merous entertainments are given by local and visiting talent. The building is also used as a bicycle academy by the energetic proprietor, H. H. Tuller. CITIZENS' BRASS BAND. This musical organization was effected in 1895. Previous brass bands were organized in 1879, in 1876, and in 1866. Many years ago a band was organized which had eight clarionets in its make-up. PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS PEOPLE IN Richfield Springs. Apothecaries. — Borland & Bush, W. A. Smith. Attorneys.— S. S. Edick, L. S. Henry, J. De V. Reed. Bakers.— C. E. Goodale, N. Weldon. Barbers. — Wm. Hersey, Geo. E. Johnson, Chris. Nadley, J. M. Schaeffer. Blacksmiths. — Jos. Herkimer, R. Purcell, Walter Snedeker, John Switzer. Books and Stationery, W. H. Blauvelt. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 79 Boots and Shoes. — Fox Sisters, Hinds, Caney & Kibby, Kinne & Son. Bottler, John E. Feldmann. Carpenters. — Geo. Backus, Chas. Brooks, Chas. Brunkhurst, S. Clemmons, J. B. Cushman, H. Davis, M. Drake, Henry Freeman, B. A. Lockwood, Emory Lockwood, Chas. Scramling, Lee Sternberg, Geo. Van Horn, John Walrath, Richard Weldon, Marvin Wheeler, E. B. Wilcox, John Williams. Carting and Baggage Express, Wm. Conkling. Clothiers and Furnishing Goods, Wilder & Conrad. Coal yard, J. D. Ibbotson. Dentists. — S. J. Downs, M. D. Jewell. Dressmakers. — Misses Burke, Comstock, Nellis ; Mesdames L. Barker, Ella • Crosby, G. E. Johnson, J. Lawrence. Department Store, M. Tuller & Son. Dry Goods. — Hinds, Caney and Kibby, W. Furmin. Express, Jas. A. Storer, Agt. U. S. Express Co. Florist, L. P. Seaton. Furniture, F. R. Martin. Groceries. — Jas. Cole, Michael Finukin, Edwin Fur- min, C. E. Goodale, A. M. Westfall. Hardware and Plumbing. — R. Buchanan & Co., L D. Peckham. Harness, Trunks, etc. — D. A. Bierman, W. M. Mc- Credy. Hops.— T. F. Pier & Son, B. F. Whipple. Ice. — Don Joslin, Albert Schooley. 80 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. Insurance. — C. Ackerman, A. M. Freeman, M. Tal- ler, C. W. Tunnicliff. Jewelers. — C. E. Caney, Henry Greenman, M. A. Walter. Liveries. — H. M. DeLong, L. Edwards & Son, Geo. W. Greene, F. H. Keller, L. J. Luce. Masons. — John Bolton, Chas. Bond, H. M. Fort, John Keough, S. McHail, Justin Osterhout. Meat Markets. — John Finukin, TefFt Bros., Vroo man Bros. Millinery and Fancy Goods. — Mrs. L. Barker, Mrs. F. Bennett, Gary Sisters, Walter Furmin, Storer Sisters. Music Teachers. — Geo. Franklin, Florence Palmer. Painters. — Oscar Bond, Jas. Casler, Geo. Clarke, Wm. Cole, Ralph Hewes, Geo. Johnson, Jas. Mullen, P. A. Rapp, Erwin Sauer, A. W. Wheeler, Henry Wolcott, Charles Whitham. Photographers. — V. A. Cameron, Geo. Franklin, H. E. Guiwits. Physicians in practice. — W. B. Grain, N. Getman, H. A. Ward, H. G. Willse. Printers. — J. E. Ackerman, F. E. Mungor. Real Estate — G. Ackerman, A. M. Freeman. Restaurants — N. Weldon, George A. Sitts. Sign and Carriage Painters — 0. D. Getman, G. P. Smith. Surveyors. — E. W. Badger, James McKee, H. H. Tuller. Tailors.— H. G. Beltz, R. J. Bringloe, C. B. Wilder. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 81 Telegrapher, Jas. A. Storer, Manager W. U. T. Co. Telephonist, Blanche House. Undertaker, D. W. Harrington. Veterinary Surgeon, C. M. Goodale. Wagon Makers. — Theodore El wood, H. J. Freuden- berg. Wood working Mill, Lumber and Feed, W. B. Ward. MoNTicELLO Business People. — Blacksmith, H. V. Waterman. Carpenters. — John F. Locke, Chas. Sitts. Cheese Manufacturer, H. C. Brockway. Dressmakers. — Mrs. J. F. Locke, Mrs. Anna Sitts. Hotel, Orville Jacobson. Merchants. — Geo. T. Brockway, L. C. Locke. Miller, 0. W. Bennett. Milliner, Mrs. John Col well. Painters, G. W. and L. M. Firman. Physician, S. A. Haggerty. Wagonmaker, John Colwell. ANECDOTES OF FITCH CAPLE. When Moses Wheeler kept the Richfield Hotel, he had an old style hotel sign-post planted on the opposite side of the street. ''Colonel'' Fitch Caple was an eccentric character of that time, violent in temper, and of des- perate disposition when in his frequent cups. Upon one occasion he applied for a drink of whisky and was 82 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. refused, upon the ground that he already had enough. The refusal angered Caple, who said if whisky was not to be sold, the proprietor ought to take down his sign. A short time afterward the ''Colonel" appeared at the sign-post with an ax and a gun, and proceeded to chop it down. Several attempts were made to stop his work, but each time Caple took up his gun, and swore to kill any one that came near ; and he kept at work till the post was laid low. At another time, Caple had made his home with a family to whom his constancy in attendance upon meals, and his rare and partial settlements had become burdensome. One day he brought in a bag of flour, and called for his dinner. The good woman told him he could have no more meals, and that she did not want the flour. " Oh, yes, you do," said Caple, and seizing the bag he began to whirl around and to throw the flour about the room and all over the poor woman and her weeping half dozen. The condition of the room and the appearance of the tearful youngsters may be easily imagined. ANDRUSTOWN. About fifty years before the Revolution, a settlement was begun by several families from the German Flatts, at the site of Andrustown. It was at first called Hen- dersons', as it was on the Dr. Henderson grant of 26,000 acres ; later it was corrupted into Andreastown and Andrustown. The settlers, as far as can be ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 83 learned, were Frederick Bell, Fred'k Bell, Jr., Fred- erick Hawyer, John Osterhoudt, Jacob Wollaber, Fred- erick Lepper, Adam Stauring, Paul Crim, the Franks, and one Bowers. When the Revolutionary war began, there was comfort and plenty on the farms that had been won by much toil from the forests. The people took the side of colonial liberty and were consequently marked for destruction by the Royalist party. In 1777 the settlers took refuge in Fort Herkimer. In 1778 the men put in some crops on their deserted farms ; and in July of that year. Bell, son and grandson, Stau- ring and son, Lepper and Hawyer, went up to their farms to cut hay. The wives of Hawyer, Stauring and Bell, Jr., accompanied them. On the 18th, a party of Indians and tories led by Brant suddenly appeared. Both Bells and the Stauring boy were killed and scalped, and the Bell boy was made prisoner. By orders from Brant the women were spared. All the buildings were burned before the attacking party left. Benton says that four men were killed and one died in a burning house. In 1756 a band of French and Indians made a de- scent upon the German Flatts settlements and killed fifteen, or more. Some of these were from Henderson's. Again in 1758, the devoted home-builders were driv- en from their farms and several were killed, by the French and their savage allies. One woman was scalped alive. 84 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. LITTLE LAKES, WARREN P. 0. In 1752 Theobald Young and 10 others obtained a patent to 14,000 acres surrounding the Waiontha Lakes. Before the Revolution, Young, Colyer and others had settled south of the lower lake. When the colonies re- belled, these men had flourishing farms ; and Young carried on an extensive barter trade. On the way to attack Andrustown, Brant and his party halted a while at Young's Settlement, as it was called, to prepare for the descent upon that place. Young and Colyer were pronounced tories and gave aid and directions to the Indian chief. After the massacre, the savages and tories retreated via Young's Settlement, thence to Oquago. As soon as the Americans at Fort Herkimer learned of the affair at Andrustown, a party was sent out in pursuit of the Indians and went as far as the Little Lakes. Young and Colyer had fled, after bury- ing many household valuables, fearing the vengeance of the Americans. The buildings of Young and Col- yer were plundered and burned. A few years ago, Sanford Tunniclifl', who lives upon this historic spot, plowed up a number of the articles buried by the tories before their flight. After the war, Little Lakes became a place of prom- inence, and the location of a number of important in- dustries. Among these was clock-making. A clock now owned in Richfield Springs, was made here by Daniels and Carpenter, in 1795. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 86 SPRINGFIELD. The first settlers were John Kelly, Richard Fergu- son and James Young, who came from the north of Ireland in 1762, and settled at East Springfield ; and Gustavus Klumph and Jacob Tygart, Germans, near the head of Otsego Lake. Before the Revolution there was a little settlement east of Mud Lake. Brant's first movements in Springfield were in January, 1778. Some of the whites escaped and some were captured, but the women and small children were spared by Brant's orders. In June of this year, the women in the Sprague, Corey, and other families who lived near Mud Lake, started to go to Fort Plain, as they were alarmed about an Indian attack. The men were ab- sent in Cherry Valley. Taking the children, the in- trepid women entered the forest and passed the night. Early in the morning they were resuming their flight, when they espied the dreaded chieftain, Brant. By signs he motioned them back to cover, and indicated the way to continue their escape. A Spallsburg fami- ly and Capt. Thomas Davy were also ante-Revolution residents. Davy was killed at Oriskany. Soon after the war Elisha Dodge, Col. Herrick and Aaron Bige- low from Conn., and Eli Parsons, Eliakim Sheldon, and Isaac White from Mass., located near the middle of the town. Garret Staats built the first sawmill and grist-mill near the lake, before the Revolution. In 1778, Capt. Henry Eckler, living at the Kyle, had a 86 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, visit from Brant, whose purpose was probably murder. As the chief entered one door, Eckler fled thro' anoth- er and sought cover in the forest. Brant called on him to stop, and fired on him when he saw his summons was not regarded. Eckler tripped and fell at the in- stant of discharge of the gun. He eventually escaped. POINTS OF HISTORICAL INTEREST Near Richfield. Cherry Valley, distant 14 miles, the oldest settled place in Otsego county, and the scene of the Indian and Tory massacre in 1778 ; Cooperstown, 14 miles, where Gen. James Clinton built a dam across the source of the Susquehanna in the Indian campaign of 1779, and where, in after years, lived the novelist Cooper, upon the shores of the Glimmerglass, amid the scenes of the Deerslayer and the Pioneers ; Herkimer, 14 miles, the site of Fort Dayton ; and Fort Herkimer, 14 miles, where was the fort of the same name. DRUSE MURDER. In the town of Warren, in December, 1884, occurred the celebrated Druse murder. Mrs. Wm. Druse shot her husband while at table, then killed him with an ax, afterward cutting the body in pieces and burning it in a stove. It was nearly three weeks after the event before it became known. The murderess was convicted and hanged in Herkimer. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 87 REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. Among the early settlers was a number of men whom the Spirit of '76 had impelled to fight in the battles for American Independence. As nearly as possible this is a correct list : Sisson Cole, John Densmore, Nathan Dow, Willard Eddy, Lemuel Fitch, Martin Griffin, Na- than Harrington, G. R. T. Hewes, Alpheus Loomis, Thaddeus Loomis, Robert Martin and his sons Isaac, John, Joseph, Nathan, Robert, Samuel and Stephen, Jonathan Morgan. The War of 1812 took from Richfield these : Ira Allen, Waterman Ames, Joseph Beardsley, Darius Ga- ry, Samuel Colwell, Wm. Deuel, Sanford Deuel, Aaron Dow, Calvin Eaton, Garrison Filkins, Oliver Griffin, Hewes, Ivory Holland, Jeremiah Meacham, Joseph Norton. Mexican War, Nathan Harrington, 3rd. War with Spain, 1898, Edward Brady, Thomas M. Floyd Palmer, Frank Palmer, Elmer Watson. George Robert Twelve Hewes, one of the sons of a Welshman, was born in Boston, Mass., Sept. 5, 1731. He was one of that body of men, who disguised as In- dians on the night of the 16th of December, 1773, boarded the Dartmouth and two other British ships lying at Griffin's wharf, in Boston, and threw 342 chests of tea into the sea. When Boston was invested by the British, he escaped 88 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. and took service upon a Yankee privateer. Later, he joined the army and was stationed at West Point and Fishkill. The only military engagements he was in, were those skirmishes that took place upon the neutral ground of Westchester. After muster-out he became mate of a vessel in the West India trade. Early in the 19th century he removed to the region of Richfield Springs, where he followed farming and shoemaking. In 1825 he was taken to Boston to be an honored guest at the laying of the corner-stone of Bunker Hill mon- ument, June 17. He was then 94 years old. Upon his return he was given a purse of $500. This, with a pension, kept his declining years comfortable. His death occurred Nov. 5, 1840, in the town of Warren, and he was interred in the Church street burying ground. On the day previous to Memorial Day, 1896, his bones were exhumed in perfect condition. On Memorial Day they were re-interred in the Grand Army lot in Lake View Cemetery, by Commander T. I. Jaques and the officers and members of Post Weldon. The old head- stone was set up over the remains. The inscription upon it reads : '' George R. T. Hewes, one who helped drown the tea, in Boston, 1770 [3], died Nov. 5, 1840, aged 109 years and 2 months." An oil painting of the old patriot hangs in Faneuil Hall. VARIOUS SPRINGS. Besides the Manley Spring, on the Spring House grounds, there are several other mineral springs in this ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 89 vicinity, all more or less impregnated with sulphur. In the swamp at the head of the lake, is an island, in the middle of which is an immense sulphur spring. Its location is marked by two towering pines. There are others at the following named places : near Oak Ridge, on the west side of the lake ; near the railroad bridge on the west bank of Ocquionis creek ; at several places on the "Weatherbee estate ; on the Earlington grounds ; two on the Gary Cottage property ; by the brook south of th« Kendall wood ; on Dr. Grain's pro- perty on Ghurch street. Two or three rods east of the Manley Spring, at the head of the Bowling Green, is buried a spring, whose waters contain an acid that crys- tallized upon twigs, etc., before its obliteration. PETRIFIED BODIES. In the autumn of 1895, several bodies were exhumed from a private burial plot on the west side of the lake, that were found to be thoro'ly petrified. They were of chalky whiteness, and were very heavy, requiring the strength of several men to lift them to the surface of the ground. FATALITIES. Between 1790 and 1793, a man was killed near Monticello, by a falling tree. In the autumn of 1806, two Aiken children and a boy named Wood, were burned to death at the burn- ing of a log house, near Monticello. 90 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. In 1808, while at work opening the 3rd Great West- ern Turnpike, a man named House was killed by the caving of a bank, near Guy Kinne's house on Main street. Early in this century, Indian John was drowned in Canadarago Lake. Some time during the summer .of 1810, Jonathan Copp, a young man, was drowned in the Monticello millpond. On October 10th of the same year, Nathan Hawks was killed at the construction of a bridge over the Hyder, on the lake road. In June, 1814, several girls were riding upon a load of lumber, down the east side of Pray Hill. The team became frightened at the slipping of some boards and ran away. All were thrown off; and Myra Hodge and Eliza Whitney were killed. About the year 1832, in the spring, Thomas Lay ton was drowned in a small brook, a few rods south of Brighton. In the summer of 1834, James Moyer was drowned while bathing in the pond, afterward called Lake Clem- ent, at Richfield Springs. On the 13th of June, 1835, Samuel Palmer, a lad ot 12 years, was drowned in a brook at Brighton. About the year 1845, Harriet Norton, a school-girl on the old road, was severely hurt during a punish- ment inflicted by her teacher, Spencer Hopkins, and died a few days afterward. So much was said about ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 91 the affair, and Hopkins was told so many times that he "ought to be taken up," that he left the school and the neighborhood. April 14, 1848, John Brooks was killed by a falling beam, at a barn-raising on the Wilmarth farm, south of Monticello. April 9, 1854, Russell Chamberlin broke thro' the ice between the island and the eastern shore, and was drowned. In January, 1855, Albert Butler froze to death be- side the road, near the Black Bridge over Otskonoga creek. April 16, 1855, Ray Vaughn, a boy, was drowned in Hyder creek, in Monticello. Near the middle of Nov., 1857, Moses Wheeler, of Richfield Springs, was kicked by a horse, and died a few days afterward. November 23, 1857, Albert Culbert, a lad, was drowned while skating, in Lake Clement. June 12, 1859, Joseph Layton was drowned in the trout-pond on Egypt farm, near Richfield Springs. In the spring of 1859, Patrick McNamara killed his wife with a club. The tragedy occurred in a house, now gone, that stood on the Butternut Road, not far from the Lake House. The man was sentenced to life imprisonment and was pardoned after many years. On the 8th of June, 1861, Fred Wheeler, a child, was drowned in the Ocquionis, near the Scotch Cap factory. March 5, 1866, Mrs. William Brown was burned to 92 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. death at her home in the northern part of the town. Earl;y in September, 1869, James Roy, a young man, a guest at one of the hotels, was drowned while bath- ing near the Sunken Island. June 20, 1872, Willis Frazier was drowned while bathing in Lake Clement. October 10, 1874, Eck Freeman was drowned at night, in Lake Clement. On June 10, 1881, Hon. A. R. Elwood was killed by a fall into a basement, at the New American. May 7, 1882, Katie Kleinschmidt, a child, was drowned in Lake Clement. During the summer of the same year, a man named Murphy, fell several stories at the New American and was killed. On October 26, 1882, Lewds H. Flint was instantly killed, while duck hunting on Canadarago Lake, by the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of Alfred Freeman. Some time during the night of January 18, 1883, Harvey Layton killed his wife, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Young, with a hatchet, at his home on Walnut street. Later, he hanged himself. May 25, 1885, Patrick Heeney was killed by the caving of a ditch in Lake street. August 9, 1886, James Coppinger, a porter at the New American, drank by mistake, a quantity of aqua ammonia and died the next day in a Utica Hospital. October 22, 1890, W. F. Ginbey, a trackhand, was ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 9S killed by the cars while riding a track bicycle, near the Honestville crossing. July 18, 1891, James Taylor, colored, was killed in an elevator accident at the Earlington. February 27, 1892, James Bowmaker, a child, was drowned in the Ocquionis, near the rail-road bridge. October 4, 1895, James Morgan was killed by the cars near the Gano crossing. September 29, 1896, Edward Ennis was killed by the cars near the Switzer crossing. January 20, 1897, W. J. Cole was killed in a log- ging accident, in the western part of the town. The Hall and Layton shooting. On the evening of Aug. 17, 1882, John Hall and Scott Layton, police- men, were dangerously wounded by pistol-shots from a gang of burglars that they were about to arrest, at the corner of Main and Center streets. CHURCH SOCIETIES. St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal, was organized at Monticello, May 20, 1799, and was incorporated April 28, 1801. Rev. Daniel Nash was the rector. It has been asserted that he was the original of Cooper's Par- son Grant. The first church edifice was erected in 1801, near Monticello. In 1832 it was taken down and a portion of the timbers was used when the present St. Luke's was built in Monticello, the same year. 94 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. The First Congregational Church was organized at the hotel of Jacob Brewster in Monticello, February 2, 1803, and was incorporated June 11, 1813. The first house of worship was finished in 1 804. An old town record states that on March 5, 1805, it was "voted that the next Annual Town Meeting be held at the Meet- ing House," and such meetings were held there many years. This building stood near the cemetery in the western part of Monticello, and was burned in 1822. A second church edifice was erected on the Warren Eoad, now Church street, in 1825. In 1868, the title of the society was changed, and became The First Presbyterian society. In 1876, the structure was torn down and was replaced by the hand- some church now standing. The dedication occurred July 26, 1877. In 1896, Mrs. Emmons Blaine, born McCormick, gave to the society an elegant and costly organ valued at $20,000, as a memorial to her husband. The formal presentation and acceptance took place Sun- day, October 29, 1896. Following is the pastoral rec- ord : Charles Wadsworth, 1823 ; John Shearer, 1827 ; Daniel Van Valkenburg, 1830 ; Wm. C. Boyce, 1844 ; Timothy B. Jervis, 1847 ; Henry Boynton, 1852 ; Mat- thew L. R. P. Hill, 1853 ; Chas. Wadsworth, 1854 ; Andrew Parsons, 1859 ; Frank H. Seeley, 1866 ; David M. Rankin, 1882 ; Samuel Van V. Holmes, 1887 ; Geo. Reynolds, 1892 ; Edmund G. Rawson, 1898. Organi- zations of the society : The Ladies' Society, Mission- ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 95 ary Society, Y. P. S. C. E., Girls' Friendly Society, J. E. Society. The First Baptist Church was built at Monticello in 1824, and is still standing. The society existed sev- eral years before the erection of the house of worship. The First Universalist Church was organized at the American Hotel in East Richfield, kept by Cor- nelius M. Paul, May 23, 1833. The church edifice was built that year. At the services of dedication, G. R. T. Hewes, of whom, more in another place, marched up the aisle and presented the society a new pulpit Bible. Mr. Hewes at that time was 103 years old. In 1872 the New York State Convention of Universalists was held in the newly enlarged and modernized edifice. Following is the pastoral list ; Orrin Roberts, 1834 ; L. C. Brown, 1835 ; T. J. Smith, 1836 ; J. S. Kibby, James Belden, Robert Queal, Phineas Hathaway, J. H. Tuttle, D. C. Tomlinson, W. E. Manley, L. C. Brown, 1837-1861 ; S. R. Ward, 1862 ; T. D. Cook, 1873 ; S. R. Ward, 1877. Organizations: The Ladies' Society, Girls' Circle, Y. P. C. U. The Second Universalist Church was built in Monticello and dedicated Oct. 15, 1880. Rev. S. R. Ward was the first pastor. The Methodist Episcopal society of Brighton was organized prior to 1844, during which year the present church edifice was erected. The early pastors were : Isaac Foster, Elward Breckenridge, T. B. Rockwell, Robert Fox, D. Potter, B. B. Carruth, Mr. Meris and 96 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD, Mr. Griffin. Since the organization of the M. E. church in Richfield Springs, the clergymen assigned to that place have been the pastors of the Brighton church. St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church was or- ganized October 1, 1849, at the residence of George B. Gary, Richfield Springs. The first church edifice was built on the west side of Lake street opposite the Rec- tory, on land given by Augustus H. Ward, and was dedicated August 11, 1853. In 1879, this structure was torn down and a new one begun at the corner of Main and Elm streets, on a site donated by Edmund < A. Ward. This was dedicated the following year. A list of settled rectors follows : Owen P. Thackara, 1851; James W. Capen, 1855 ; Robert T. Pearson, 1856 ; Jas. W. Capen, 1860 ; Charles L. Sykes, 1862 ; Joshua R. Peirce, 1870 ; Edward M. Pecke, 1872 ; Charles C. Fiske, 1878 ; Robert Granger, 1881 ; George B. Rich- ards, 1893 ; Scott M. Cooke, 1897. Organizations : St. John's Guild; Chancel Chapter, St. John's Guild ; Rec- tor's Aid Society. St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. — The first Roman Catholic services were conducted by Rev. Jon- athan Furlong, in 1852 or 3. Mass was said by him at different times in private houses, and in the old Lake street school house. From that date till 1869, occasional services were held by priests located in Cooperstown : Rev. Fathers Fitzpatrick, Carroll, Clark, Murphy, and Brennan. During the pastorates of Rev. ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 97 Fathers Devitt, 1869-78, and Hughes 1878-82, the society was an out-mission of Our Lady of the Lake, Cooperstown. In 1882 it was annexed to St. Joseph's parish. West Winfield. It was created a separate par- ish in 1889, with Rev. M. C. Gavin, rector. Rev. John V. Quinn was appointed rector in 1897. The church edifice was completed in 1870. Organizations: League of the Sacred Heart, Young Ladies' Sodality, Ladies' Altar Society. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Richfield Springs. — In the spring of 1871, Rev. Olin C. Wightman was appointed to Warren charge, and fixed his residence in Richfield Springs. He began a series of meetings in Union Hall, May 21, 1871. Eight days later the society was incorporated. The church building was dedicated January 6, 1874. The list of ministers to this charge follows : 0. C. Wightman, 1871 ; A. G. Markham, 1873 ; J. V. Ferguson, 1876 ; M. G. Wadsworth, 1879; C. E. Babcock, 1881 ; 0. C. Cole, 1884 ; J. L. Hum- phrey, 1885 ; Charles Sheard, 1888 ; W. R. Helms, 1889 ; A. C. Loucks, 1894 ; A. J. Felshaw, 1896. Or- ganizations : Ladies' Aid Society, Epworth League, Helping Hand Junior League, Young Ladies' Sewing Circle. A. M. E. Church. — The society was organized June 6, 1897, and it is expected that a house of worship will be erected soon. The pastor is Rev. J. D. Jack- son. Organizations : Willing Workers, Juvenile So- ciety. Points of Interest Near Richfield Springs. THE CANADARAGO BELT. The Canadarago Belt, or Drive, is the most justly- celebrated of the many pleasant turns in this region, and compares favorably with any drive in this State. Its length is twelve miles and 130 rods. Over this distance, many exciting bicycle road-races of 25 and 50 miles have been run. Along its course around the lake, at the foot of high hills, or thro' well-tilled savannahs, a most perfect view of Canadarago, " Squaw of the Sun," is to be had. The road winds in and out thro' dense pine forests and groves of deciduous trees, and across sunny, breeze-swept meads ; now, down to the water's edge, where the silver waves and singing sands unite in tinkling song ; then, up some lofty mount, affording a full view of the lake from head to foot, with its embosoming hills on every side. Here, in summer, the wealth, beauty, and fashion of the na- tion, daily throng to witness and enjoy the sparkling beauties of the lake, and the glorious splendors of the landscape, grandly displayed in miles of charm. Near the eastern shore, like an emerald in a setting of golden sun-glint, lies De-o-won-go, the beautiful island, not far away from the spot where more than eighty years ago, her unfortunate sister was swept out of existence. A ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 99 most charming view of this islet gem is obtainable from the top of Perkins Hill. NINE HILL. On the west side of Canadarago Lake, flanking the road, rises grandly from the murmuring waves of the pebbly beach to its oak-crowned pinnacle, the massive bulk of Nine Hill. Many years ago its name came from the fact that nine farms were embraced, in part, upon its broad bosom. From its lofty summit can be ob- tained a magnificent view of the lake and the high range of hills to the southward. From its base flows a spring of ice-cold water of crystalline clearness, that purls constantly into one of T. R. Proctor's memorial drinking fountains, that proclaims to passers, in ada- mantine letters, that The Merciful Man is Merciful to his Beast. PRAY HILL. More than a hundred years ago Richard and William Pray, " down-east Yankees," settled upon the land em- bracing this hight, situated about three miles west of Richfield Springs, near Brighton. From this eminence, where the winds blow on the stillest summer day, a broad scene of terrene beauty stretches to the eastward over several counties. Down its eastern slope, many years ago, occurred a terrible runaway accident that resulted in the death of two little girls, and the serious wounding of others. 100 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. SUNSET HILL. A small eminence at the northern edge of the vil- lage of Richfield Springs, is so named from the fine view of summer sunsets to be had there, as the broad shield of the orb of day sinks behind the battlements of Nine and Pray Hills. From this sightly elevation the village of Richfield Springs can be seen stretching away thro' the valley of the Ocquionis. Beyond, Cana- darago reflects the glinting sunlight, and mirrors the white, lazily floating clouds. A hundred years ago, this mount was Abbott's Hill, as it was the site of the home of Aaron Abbott. Later, it was Butternut Hill, from the big butternut trees that stood, within the memory of the small boys of thirty years ago, upon its roadside summit. Clayton Lodge, the McCormick summer home, perches upon its highest point, com- manding an enchanting view of village, lake and hills. Its eastern slopes are a part of the links of the Waion- tha Golf Club. GUNSET HILL. This high hill is on the old Indian trail leading from the Mohawk castles on the river of that name, to the lands of the other Iroquois nations, that Generals Sullivan and Clinton laid waste in 1799. It is about a mile west of the sulphur village, in full view of it. Here, stretching afar over hill and dale, one can behold a scene of marvelous beauty and grandeur. The hill ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. 101 took its name from the fact that upon it the early set- tlers used to set guns for bears, which were very nu- merous about it in the old days. WAIONTHA MOUNTAIN. About two miles east of Eichfield Springs is Waion- tha Mountain, the highest peak near the village. From an observatory that once stood upon its summit, broad views of Otsego, Schoharie, Greene, Chenango, Madi- son, Oneida, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Fulton counties, were easily obtainable ; and glimpses of Otsego, the Waionthas, Mud, Canadarago and Al- len's lakes could be seen nestling among the emerald hills. The name was given on account of its proxim- ity to the two small lakes called in the Oneida dialect, Wa-i-on-tha, meaning By the Big Hill. DE-0-WON-GO. This beautiful little island in Canadarago Lake, con- tains about nine acres of high, dry ground, covered with a heavy growth of native trees and shrubs. It is a favorite point for excursions, and picnic parties. Daniel Wormer purchased it from the State in 1850, and since 1868 it has been the property of Edmund A. Ward, of Richfield Springs. De-o-won-go, in the tongue of the Oneidas, signifies Place of Hearing, a phrase applied, because a notable echo was there before the forests were destroyed. 102 ANNALS OF RICHFIELD. PANTHER MOUNTAIN. This eminence is situated on the southeastern shore of Canadarago Lake, near Schuyler Lake village, and was said to be a favorite hunting ground for the Panther, an Indian that formerly lived in this region. It stands within the limits of The Twelve Thousand. Here, at an early day, bears, deer, panthers, and other animals were numerous. MOHEGAN HILL. This is a high hill nearly s^uth of Waiontha, that rises boldly from the western shores of Allen's Lake. Its top affords a noble prospect. The name is an arbi- trary one. .^.f,t^,tJM; M294174