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1950 OSWEGO Thirteenth Publication

of the Oswego Historical Society

1950

Palladium-Times, Inc. Printers Oswego, N. Y. LIST OF OFFICERS 19 5 0

President — Ralph M. Faust

Frederick W. Barnes Dr. W. Seward Salisbury Grove A. Gilbert Charles A. Denman Vice-Presidents < Mrs. Audra Hadley J. C. Birdlebough John M. Gill Mrs. Hugh Barclay

Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Karl Kellogg

Recording Secretary Thomas A. Cloutier

Treasurer Luther W. Mott

Curator Anthony Slosek

Edwin M. Waterbury Mrs. Frank Elliott Board of Directors Miss Anna Post James Moreland Dr. Harvey M. Rice

7 7 U &< $ III TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY Ill

TABLE OF CONTENTS IV PROGRAM 1951 ..... V LEST WE FORGET VI

NECROLOGY XII

BEFORE SOCIETY IN 1950:

"LOCAL HISTORY AND ANTHROFOLOGY" (presented by Dr. Carl E. Guthe, Director of New York State Museum)... Pages 1-9 "THE JUNIOR HISTORIANS AT WORK" (presented by Junior Historians from Oswego High School, Fitzhugh Park and Kingsford Park School) Pages 10-28 "HANNIBAL'S HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS" by Gordon Sturge (Presented By Harry C. Mizen) Pages 29-34 "OSWEGO COUNTY'S FAMED SCHROEPPEL CLOCK" (Pre­ sented by J. C. Birdlebough, Vice-President of the Society and Owner of the Clock) Pages 35-37 "THE EVOLUTION OF THE NEW YORK STATE BILL OF RIGHTS AND ITS INFLUENCE UPON PRESENT DAY OSWEGO COUNTY" (Presented by Dr. W. Seward Salis­ bury) Pages 38-46 "OLIVER STEVENS, FIRST PERMANENT SETTLER IN OS­ WEGO COUNTY" (Presented by J. Elet Milton) .Pages 47-61 "THE STORY OF LIEUT. A. COOPER CIVIL WAR VET­ ERAN, AUTHOR AND POET" (Presented by Mrs. Charles H. Lane, Daughter of Lt. Cooper) Pages 62-71 "IN AND OUT OF FEDERAL PRISONS" By Lieut. A. Cooper (Presented By Professor Paul Goodwin) Pages 72-74 "REMINISCENSES OF FULTON" (Presented By William Schenck) , Pages 75-84 "THE STORY OF YACHTING IN OSWEGO" (Presented By Frederick W. Barnes) Pages 85-95 "THE: HISTORY OF THE OSWEGO NAVAL RESERVE" (Pre­ sented by Dr. Charles McC. Snyder) Pages 96-103 STANDING COMMITTEES Pages 104-107 IV PROGRAM FOR 1951

January 9—"T. Kingsford & Son and the Oswego Starch Factory." Dr. Charles Wells, Oswego State Teachers College.

February 20—"The United States as Seen Through the Eyes of a New Yorker," Professor James Moreland, Oswego State Teachers College. An illustrated lecture.

March 20—"The Town of Scriba—Its History and Folklore," Miss Blanche Knul.

April 17—"Naval Activities During Montcalm's Capture of Oswego," Mr. E. M. Waterbury, Past President Oswego County Historical Society.

May 15—"The Story of Alvin Bronson," F. Hosmer Culkin of the Oswego County Bar.

September 18—"Old Homes of Fulton," Mrs. Frank Elliott and Mr. Grove Gilbert, Members of Board of Managers, Oswego County Historical Society.

October 16—"Four Civilian Visitors, to Early Oswego, 1749-1804, Peter Kalm, Annie MacVicar, Henry Glen, Alexander Wil­ son," Miss Elizabeth Simpson vice-president Oswego County Historical Society.

November 20—"Gerrit Smith's Business Activities in Oswego," Dr. Charles McC. Snyder, Oswego State Teachers College.

V EDWIN MOREY WATERBURY OSWEGO CI I i Li) "HeSt Wt Jforget"

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OMING to Oswego in 1922 after resigning the city editorship of the C Corning "Evening Leader," a position he held for thirteen years, Edwin M. Waterbury took over the controlling interest in the Os­ wego Times Company as president and editor. In 1910 he had graduated from Yale University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His prepara­ tory school and college training afforded him abundant opportunity to develop strong organizing abilities, which were soon reflected in the business and civic affairs with which he identified himself in both Corning and Oswego. Within three years after coming to Oswego, in April 1925, Mr. Wa'terbury was successful in bringing about a consolidation of the Os­ wego Times and its competing evening newspaper, the Oswego Pal­ ladium, to form the Oswego Palladium-Times, Inc., of which Mr. Water- bury is treasurer and business manager. He is also the publisher of the Palladium-Times newspaper. It is of historic interest that the Oswego Palladium-Times is a lineal descendant of the Oswego Palladium found­ ed in 1819, and of the Oswego Times which was founded as a daily newspaper in 1845. As a citizen of Oswego, Mr. Waterbury has distinguished himself for the time and talent which he has given to many humanitarian, pa­ triotic, and civic interests, as well as to business and professional ac­ tivities. He has served as director and president of the Oswego Cham­ ber of Commerce, trustee of the Oswego Hospital, and president of the Oswego County Health Association. For a number of years he served on the Board of Visitors of the Oswego State Normal School and, at the present time, he is chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Oswego State Teachers College, an important link in the institutions making up the State University of New York. Member and officer of several pro­ fessional organizations, Mr. Waterbury served as president of the New York State Associated Dailies in 1928-29, and more recently has served as president of the New York State Publishers' Association. He is a member andi officer of the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and past president of the Oswego-Fulton Torch Club. Of the many and varied interests in the community which Mr. Waterbury has espoused, none has probably been of more interest to him, and of more fruitful consequence to the community at large, than his devotion to and development of the Oswego County Historical So­ ciety, as well as his broader efforts at preserving for posterity the con­ tributions made by this region of the country to the total picture of American civilization and culture. His philosophy of history might well have been inspired by a statement from Macauley, the historian, who said, ". . . any people which does not revere the worthy deeds of their ancestors will not prodluce anything worthy of remembrance by their descendants." Within a short time of his coming to Oswego, Mr. Waterbury was identified with the Oswego Historical Society and, in 1924, was appoint­ ed on the Committee of Thirty prominent citizens designated by Dr. James G. Riggs to reactivate the Oswego Historical Society founded in 1896, and to consider ways and means of celebrating the 200th anniver­ sary of the activity of white men at Oswego. The outcome was a high­ ly successful pageant, sponsored by the Society and held1 at Fort Ontar­ io in the summer of 1925, with all parts of Oswego County participating and with some $1500, after expenses, being contributed to the Oswego Hospital.

vn ilesit Wt Jorget" •

During the following year, the Historical Society designated histor­ ic locations in the city and county where metal markers were placed. Vitally interested in this phase of the revived Society's program, Mr. Waterbury served as chairman of the committee Which worked for and located many of the markers placed throughout the county. The 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington was ap­ propriately marked; in Oswego on February 22, 1932, when the Oswego County Historical Society joined with the Fort Oswego Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to participate in a nationwide celebration. The gaily decorated State Armory drill hall was the setting for Oswego's tribute to Washington. Exercises marking the occasion were brief and fitting, with the late Francis E. Cullen delivering a glowing tribute to the "Father of His Country." At the sparkling ball which followed the speaking, it was Mr. and Mrs. Waterbury, dressed in colonial costumes and impersonating George and Martha Washing­ ton, wlho led the grand march. "The vast audience was stirred to almost continuous applause at the amazing, almost breath-taking beauty of the spectacle," reported the Palladium-Times the following day. During the presidency of Dr. Riggs, Mr. Waterbury was a faithful attendant at the meetings and enthusiastically supported the work of the Society. Its meetings were held in the D.A.R. Tanner Memorial and its modest historical collection was housed in this building located at West Sixth and Oneida Streets. In February 1935, President Riggs died unexpectedly at his home in Oswego. For some time thereafter the So­ ciety was inactive. In January 1937, however, a reorganization meeting, chaired by Mr. Frederick W. Barnes, was held and Mr. Waterbury was unanimously elected to serve as president. The choice of Mr. Waterbury, with his peculiar talents for leader­ ship, proved exactly what the Society needed to move ahead in its task of education and research. His vision for the Society centered around three goals. First, he aimed to build an ACTIVE Society with regularly- scheduled meetings. He encouraged the selection of papers aimed at bringing to light significant events which transpired in and around Oswego. Some of the finest research which the Society has thus pro­ duced came from his own pen. He instituted the summer "pilgrimages" when places of historic interest were visitedl in motor caravans, thus doing much to broaden an appreciation of the historical significance of Oswego and its environs. Exhibits, inter-county meetings, regional state meetings—all had their origins in Mr. Waterbury's enthusiasm for a functional organization. A second accomplishment of far-reaching importance in the de­ velopment of the Society was the expansion of the Society from a pure­ ly local to a county organization. His zeal for this reform produced amazing growth and an expanded interest in the work of the Society. From 37 members when Mr. Waterbury assumed the presidency in 1937, the membership rose to 104 in 1938, to 292 in 1942, to 325 in 1946, and now in 1950 it stands at over 600. All parts of the county were giv­ en representation in the administration of the Society's affairs, through vice-presidents or members of the Board of Directors. A third accomplishment which is credited to Mr. Waterbury's in­ terest and zeal is the annual publication of the papers presented at each meeting of the Society. The compilation of these papers each year since 1939, published in attractive form, have added some twelve vol­ umes of excellent reading material to the literature of this section of the Empire State, and represents a substantial contribution to general knowledge. Withoutt the generous use of the facilities of the Oswego Palladium-Times, which publishes the text of the papers in full after each meeting and permits the type to be saved for use in the Annual

vin "Hest Wt Jforget"

Proceedings, this service to the Society and the public at large would be impossible. The interest which the community felt in the work of the Society was reflected in donations of a large variety of historical objects which people felt could be best preserved and displayed in the Society's care. Another manifestation of the community's interest in the building of the Society was its support of the establishment of an endowment fund, long a diream of Mr. Waterbury. At every opportunity he encouraged the membership to be aware of the value of such a fund for the future welfare of the organization. So well did he succeed in establishing this idea that, within the last few years, an endowment fund of over $3000 has been set up, representing gifts of money to the Society. Other loyal enthusiasts of the Society have made provisions in their wills to the end that the Society will continue to grow and better serve the com­ munity through their benefactions. These manifestations of faith in the destiny of the Oswego County Historical Society are a tribute to Mr. Waterbury's leadership and his abiding interest in the work of a local historical group. His devotion to the cause of history was recognized by his election to the Board of Trustees of the New York State Histor­ ical Association three years ago, and his election to the presidency of the Society for Colonial History during this past year. In the latter of­ fice, he succeeded Dr. A. C. Parker, famed archeologist and historian. One of the objectives nearest to Mr. Waterbury's heart was a headquarters and museum for the Society, where the historical collec­ tion might adequately toe housed and where the membership could en­ joy its social andi professional activities. This, too, he was to realize. In December 1946 the surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Bates —Mrs. John Cowles, Mrs. Calvin Tomkins, and Mr. Maxwell R. Bates— presented to the Oswego County Historical Society, in trust for the peo­ ple of Oswego city and county, the former Bates residence at 135 East Third Street, Oswego, as a memorial to their parents. Today we enjoy the old home and its contents as our Headquarters House and Museum of Local and County History. There is no doubt that it was because of Mr. Waterbury's substan­ tial building of the Society during the previous decade, and because of the confidence which the donors placed in his leadership, that the proffer of the gift was made to the Society. Valued at over $25,000, the property today represents one of the last of the large group of massive, ornate homesteads, which characterized Oswego in the 1850's and 1860's, to survive as a private residence. At the time the gift was made, Mr. Waterbury was anxious to relinquish his duties as president of the Society so that he couldi give attention to the demands of his business. The legal and business details of the transfer of the home from the do­ nors to the Society, and the subsequent subscription campaign to raise money to move into the house as well as to settle a tax obligation of $1000, required just such ability as his and he was pressed to stay at the helm until the job was complete. The subscription campaign which he set up for $5000 was realized within the year. It was soon apparent that the Society would need a greater source of income than it had had at any previous time, in spite of the fact that the annual dues were raised from $1.00 to $2.00. Knowing that the State Law permitted financial assistance to Historical Societies by County Boards of Supervisors, if in their judgment the Societies were rendering a public service and warranted such support, Mr. Waterbury initiated and carried to completion a successful appeal to the Oswego County Board of Supervisors for a grant of $1500 for the year 1950. This figure represented something under half of the budget require­ ments for a year's operation of the Society. Working through the Head-

IX %t*t Wt Jforget"

quarters Council, the group which administers the business details of the property, Mr. Waterbury is currently working to secure the grant as a permanent part of the County budget. Only a very few people have known that the guiding hand behind the movement to have Old Fort Ontario preserved as a historical site has been Mr. Waterbury's. Even while the historic buildings were being remodeled to house veterans of World War II, after the Federal Gov­ ernment had relinquished its title to the State Government, Mr. Water- bury began the movement to interest the State Legislature, the New York State Historical Association, and the New York State Education Department in the preservation of the Old Fort dating back to 1755, as well as the post cemetery (with the remains of soldiers of every Ameri­ can War from French and Indian War days), and the adjacent battle fields of 1756 and 1814. In the subsequent study, surveys, and confer­ ences held by State officials representing the State Architect's Office, Director of the State Budget, and the State Historian's Office, Mr. Waterbury played a conspicuous role. Few have any idea of the expen­ diture of time and effort which he gave toward the end that Fort On­ tario might take its rightful place besides other historic sites, such as Fort Niagara and Fort Ticonderoga. If Stephen Pell is considered the guiding genius behind the restoration of Old Fort Ticonderoga, no less will Edwin M. Waterbury be considered the master hand behind the preservation of old Fort Ontario. Formal action to take over Old Fort Ontario, and its adjacent cemetery and battlegrounds, by the State of New York came early in 1949. Working closely with Mr. Waterbury was the State Historian and Director of the Division of Archives and History in the University of the State of New York, Dr. Albert B. Corey. During the past two years, a small custodial staff has been at work in placing metal markers, re­ storing earthworks, planting trees, etc., as part of the State's program gets underway. Interest in the Old Fort is attested by the fact that thousands of visitors inspected the site during the summer of 1950. Eventually it is hoped that one of the buildings will be converted into a state museum of military history, and that picnic facilities will be available at the ancient site. The Fort will stand forever as a monu­ ment to the men who were garrisoned there in its days of activity as well as to the men, like Mr. Waterbury, who worked for its preserva­ tion. In September 1949, a notable citation was made to the Oswego County Historical Society by the American Association for State and Local History, Washington, D. C, which might well be a personal cita­ tion to Mr. Waterbury himself. It reads as follows: "AWARD OF MERIT—The American Association for State and Local History is pleased to recognize and commend the distinctive contribution of the Oswego Historical Society to American Local History, in witness where­ of this Certificate is presented in accordance with the formal citation of the Committee on Awards on the 14th day of September, 1949 and transmitted to the proper officers." Reasons for the citation were "For reactivating an historical society and greatly increasing its member­ ship; for developing county-wide interest by holding meetings in various communities, by summer tours, and by a system of representation of small communities among the officers of the society; for leadership in the preservation of Fort Ontario as an historic site; for the establish­ ment of a museum; for an extensive and successful fund-raising cam­ paign; for publication of a yearbook; and for close relations with the press, the schools, civic groups, and all local celebrations of an histori­ cal nature." After thirteen years of leadership of the type of activity cited in

X "Ktxt Wt Jforget" - the above AWARD OF MERIT, Mr. Waterbury announced his decision to relinquish his office as president of the Oswego County Historical Society at the annual meeting in January 1950. At that meeting the following communication addressed to Mrs. Anita Kellogg, correspond­ ing secretary of the Society, was read: "Dear Mrs. Kellogg: Mr. Waterbury wrote me recently that he plans to resign as Presi­ dent of the Oswego Historical Society at the meeting on January 10, 1950. I am therefore taking the opportunity of writing to you with a request that you read this letter at the annual meeting. I should like it to come as a surprise to Mr. Waterbury. The retirement of Mr. Waterbury as President of the Oswego His­ torical Society at the endi of thirteen years of continuous service as President gives me a welcome opportunity to express to him in this way my very deep appreciation for the magnificent contribuiton that he has made not only to the Society but to the people of Oswego and to the people of the State of New York. Mr. Waterbury is such a mod­ est man that I am sure he does not realize how really important his contributions have been. The Members of the Society are fully aware of the interesting pro­ gram he has sponsored, and of the efforts he has made to house the Society's collections and the success he has achieved in making the Bates House a headquarters worthy of the Society. They may net know quite as well the work that he did and of the success he achieved! in securing a grant from the Board of Supervisors for next year for gen­ eral purposes of the Society but it was certainly he who laid the ground work which made it possible for the Supervisors to make the grant. The story of the preservation of Old Fort Ontario is a very long and a very intricate one. Few people realize as I do how crucial was Mr. Waterbury's activity and support in having Old Fort Ontario turned over to the Education Department. It is always difficult to say what might have happenedl had not Mr. Waterbury gone to such great lengths to secure the preservation of the Old Fort but I am confident that it might still have been an objective whose accomplishment might leave much to be desired. For the past few years, Mr. Waterbury has been a trustee of the New York State Historical Association. In this capacity he will contin­ ue to be a source of strength to historical work throughout the state. As I said at the beginning, I cannot let this occasion pass without acknowledging in this fashion my deep appreciation of his remarkable services and of his warm friendship which has made it such a joy to work with him. Sincerely yours, (Signed) Albert B. Corey State Historian and Director of Division of Archieves and History, The University of the State of New York" For his extraordinary interest in the cause of Oswego history over a period of nearly thirty years; for his unique leadlership of the Oswego County Historical Society for a period of thirteen years; and for his high devotion to the preservation of Oswego County's contribution to American culture, the Board of Directors of the Oswego County Histor­ ical Society appreciatively dedicates this volume to Edwin M. Water­ bury.

XI JJecrologp

MRS THOMAS MOW ATT Oswego, N. Y., Jan. 31, 1950

JAMES C. MERRIMAN Oswego, N. Y. Feb. 15, 1950

MRS. H. .LOUIS WALLACE Sandy Greek, N. Y., July 2, 1950

WILLIAM GOODWIN Central Square, N. Y., July 18, 1950

MISS CHARLOTTE M. BURRETT Oswego, N. Y., July 28, 1950

SYLVESTER E. HARTUNG Oswego, N. Y., September 12, 1950

MRS. PETER D. VERCROUSE R.F.D. 6, Oswego, N. Y., Nov. 16, 1950 (Furniss, N. Y.)

MRS. PHILIP LUKE R.F.D. 3, Fulton, N. Y., November 19, 1950 (Little Utica, N. Y.)

xn Local History and Anthropology

(Paper Given Before Oswego County Historical Society at Oswego January 10, 1950 By Dr. Cari E. Guthe, Director of New York State Museum.)

History and anthropology have more complex civilizations, the much in common. In fact, they first responsibility of anthropology are so closely related that I find was to collect information about it difficult to draw a sharp and the simpler, non-literate cultures fast line between them. Both are throughout the world. Yet even devoted to the study of human this assignment is an overwhelm­ experience through time. In com­ ing one. No one student of an­ mon practice it is recognized that thropology could hope to become history is the narrower and more an expert in the entire subject. specialized subject, and anthro­ So some anthropologists, the pology the broader and more gen­ archeologists, studied the ways of eralized one. Each has its own life of extinct groups of people, contribution to make to our as revealed by the fragmentary knowledge and each can help the records found in the village sites other in interpreting its findings. and rubbish heaps they once used. This evening I want to review Other anthropologists, called briefly some of the contributions ethnologists, studied the ways of which anthropology has made to life of living remnants of groups the history of New York. still practicing the simpler cul­ History is devoted to the study tures. As this tremendous body of and interpretation of the exper­ information, assembled by hun­ ience of the more complex civil­ dreds of anthropologists working izations, as revealed in their in all parts of the world, has written records and supplemented been studied comparatively, cer­ by the still existing tangible ob­ tain fundamental principles which jects they created and used. In govern the ever-changing develop­ New York State, history proper ment of human civilization are began with the advent of our an­ becoming apparent. cestors, the Europeans, in the These findings of anthropology early years of the seventeenth are directly applicable to New century. I shall refer only in­ York State and its history be­ cidentally to the record of these cause, for about a century, some most recent three and a half cen­ archeologists and ethnologists turies of the human occupation of have been concentrating their New York State, for I know that studies upon the anthropological the story is a familiar one to all problems of this general region. of you. Methods Of Archeologists The Science Of Men Before I outline for you the story of the Indian occupation of Anthropology, literally the New York State as uncovered by science of men, is devoted to the archeologists, I want to discuss study and interpretation of all briefly the methods archeologists human communities, regardless of use. I do this partly to explain time or space. It is as interested the way in which the story has in the peoples with simpler cul­ been obtained, and partly to dis­ tures that had no writing as it is pel certain misunderstandings in the more complex sophisticated about "Indian relics." The arche­ civilizations. Since history and the ologists have a difficult problem other social sciences have devoted to solve. No living individual can themselves to the study of the tell him exactly the meaning or

—1— use of the objects he finds. No groups of objects. These associa­ existing document can explain tions, when carefully and proper­ the conditions he encounters. He ly recorded at the time of excava­ must depend entirely upon the tion, can and will tell the story of evidence he exposes as he digs this long dead community. How­ into the village sites, burials and ever, if these careful records are rubbish heaps of a long dead com­ not kept the story is lost forever, munity. for as the excavation proceeds the The evidence the archeologist evidence of the associations is uses falls into two great cate­ irretrievably destroyed. gories. The first of these, the most obvious, consists of the man- Ground Comparable To Document made objects which are found, made of stone or bone or shell or The archeological record in the clay. They are the so-called "In­ ground can be compared to a dian relics," and may be classified document of many pages. Each into groups on the basis of the level of deposit, sometimes only a material of which they are made, very few inches thick, is like one the shapes they possess, and the page of the book. The objects on decorations placed upon them. each level are like the words on They are usually implements, the page, and their relation to one utensils, weapons and ornaments, another reveals the meaning of which may have had secular or the text. Unless the document is religious significance- A few of read carefully as it is exposed, them may have intrinsic artistic the words, that is the objects, get qualities. Yet in last analysis they mixed up and the meaning is lost are only objects once made and forever. used by human beings. The story Because it requires training and each tells is small and insig­ experience to interpret correctly nificant. the archeological associations in the ground, excavations carried Careful Records Necessary out by enthusiastic and well in- tentioned collectors of Indian ob­ The second great category of jects actually destroy forever the evidence for the archeologist is major portion of the historical the group of associations sur­ record in the ground. I cannot rounding these objects as they lie emphasize too strongly the fact in the ground. Obviously objects, that collections of "Indian relics" regardless of their variety, which when they are not accompanied are found close together, were all by satisfactory written records used at the same time. Objects have very little historical value. found in a burial were either the By the scientific study of the property of the person buried or archeological evidence in New of the family to which he belong­ York State the story of the pre- ed. All the objects found in a European inhabitants of the single site are clearly the pro­ region has been pieced together. ducts of a single community. If There were literally thousands of the area had been occupied for a localities in the state which con­ long period, styles in utensils, tained such evidence. Many of ornaments and pottery certainly them have been destroyed, but changed. Those objects in the much can still be done if the re­ lower layers of the soil belong to­ maining localities are protected gether and are older than and and properly studied. Many stu­ differ from those which are found dents have contributed to the in the higher levels. In some archeology of New York. I can places the existence of storage mention only a few. One of the pits and of the imprints of the early pioneers, Franklin B. Hough, posts used in house constructions worked about a century ago in can be associated with particular making careful diagrams of a

—2— number of archeological sites, in They had a rather meager chipped the latter part of the nineteenth stone industry, but used small century, Reverend William M stone projectile points, which im­ Beauchamp, of Syracuse, com­ plies that they were familiar with piled much information. During the bow and arrow. The record the early twentieth century Ar­ shows that their way of life was thur C. Parker, now resident at very similar to that of their Naples, began his work on New contemporaries who lived through­ York archeology and twenty- out the eastern and southern seven years ago published an United States. archeological history of New Only a few centuries later, an­ York. During the past generation other group of Indians, more William A. Ritchie, of Rochester, round-headed and with wider one of Dr. Parker's students, has noses, came into New York, per­ continued the study, and has haps from what is now Canada, worked out the story which I am carrying a culture just as simple about to tell you. as that of these first people, but with some significant differences. Humans Here 20,000 Years These later people depended much more upon chipped stone imple­ Evidence found in various parts ments which were crude and of our country, principally in the heavy. The larger projectile points western states, demonstrates that indicate that they probably used the Indians, the first human be­ spears more frequently than ings to live in the New World, arrows. They also had some have been here a very long time. polished stone tools and orna­ The first ancestors of the Amer­ ments, some of them made of ican Indians came from Asia, slate. But one of the principal across Bering Strait about 15,000 differences was that they used to 20,000 years ago, and were tools made of copper, probably followed by other bands of people obtained from the copper deposits in the centuries that followed. in the western Great Lakes The descendants of these first region. settlers in the northwestern part of North America gradually Two Groups Mingle spread over the entire continent, carrying with them a very simple As the centuries passed these culture, and progressively adapt­ two groups learned to live to­ ing it to fit the needs of the gether and to exchange ideas as natural environments into which they adjusted their way of life to they came. It is known that re­ fit in better with the climate and mains of these early peoples in natural environment of the region. the eastern United States are However, little progress was made several thousand years old. because they had so little knowl­ edge upon which to build. In the Indians Here 2,000 Years meantime, other Indians, living in other parts of the continent were The first Indians of which any also making adjustments and dis­ record exists in New York State covering new techniques, some of lived about two thousand years which were heard of by the New ago. They were long-headed, nar­ York people. row-nosed hunters and fishermen, who supplemented their diets with Pottery, Agriculture Appear wild fruits and berries. They ap­ parently were fond of their dogs, It is not until about a thousand for burials of several of them years ago that notable changes have been found. Many of their become progressively more appar­ implements and utensils were ent in the records which these made of animal bones, some of early New Yorkers left behind which they painted and engraved. them. The chipped stone objects

—3— became less popular and were most obsolete. The use of copper replaced by many varieties of and shell articles practically dis­ polished stone tools and orna­ appeared, but the bone industry ments. Apparently copper was less continued to flourish. Much less available, because the copper tools attention was paid to the dead, are fewer and the copper orna­ who were now buried simply in a ments more common. But there flexed position without any were also some far more sig­ articles accompanying them in the nificant changes. For the first graves. However, other aspects of time pipes of stone and clay ap­ their culture expanded- Pipes be­ pear in the record, indicating that came more elaborately decorated, from somewhere they had learned and the art of making pottery of the use of tobacco. Similarly vessels achieved a greater degree pottery is made for the first time, of sophistication, and agriculture and the first traces of the practice played a larger part in their of agriculture appear. The life of economy. Their villages were these New Yorkers was rapidly larger, sometimes surrounded by becoming more complex, as they stockades, and the houses were developed closer relations with small and round, of the wigwam their contemporaries to the west type. and south of them. They lived in This incomplete picture of the larger villages and apparently way New Yorkers lived some 700 had more time for contemplation. years ago is the best that can be They developed a variety of com­ obtained as yet from the frag­ plex burial customs, placed more mentary archeological record. The objects in the graves with the details of the changes which oc­ dead, and even occasionally raised curred during the next four cen­ mounds over the graves. turies have not yet been clearly Throughout this period of rapid defined. Yet, in general, it may change these ancient New York­ be said that the New York Al ers were clearly in touch with gonkians and Iroquois of the seventeenth century, who first their neighbors to the west and saw the Europeans, were the di­ south, for they adapted many of rect inheritors of this way of life the new ideas they learned to fit into their own culture. Yet they Anthropology, through the work must have been somewhat con­ of archeologists, cannot, because of the very nature of the evi­ servative for they never equalled dence, furnish human interest the brilliant cultural achievements stories of ancient historic attained during this period by the episodes, nor supply information Indians living in the Ohio and on the languages, social organiza­ Mississippi valleys- tions and religious beliefs of the Changes Came About 1250 A. D. ancient peoples. Yet it can and However, this period of cultural does extend the historic horizon efflorescence lasted only a short backward in New York State for time, for about 700 years ago an at least an additional two thous­ abrupt change took place, caused, and years, and constructs an out­ at least in part, by the arrival of line, in terms of the tangible a new long-headed type of people, records which remain, of the perhaps bringing with them a growth of civilization in the New somewhat different culture. At York area during that period. least, definite changes in the way State Recorded History Opens of life of the New Yorker took place. There was a noticeable de­ In the short span of two months crease in size of nearly every tool. in the year 1609, the whole com­ The chipped stone industry con­ plexion of New York history tinued almost unchanged, but the changed. The arrival of Henry large number of polished stone Hudson in the southern and tools and ornaments became al­ Samuel de Champlain in the

4- northern part of the state usher­ were two other Iroquois tribes, ed in the recorded historical the Neutrals in the Niagara period of the state. For two cen­ Frontier and the Erie in south­ turies the struggle between the western New York. All of these natives, the Indians, and the in­ tribes had essentially the same vaders, the White men continued, way of life. They were village a struggle which was complicated peoples, adjusted to living in by the wars between the differ­ wooded territory, with a food ent groups of White men- economy based an agriculture Our first written records de­ supplemented by hunting and scribing New York Indians con­ fishing. However, many of the de­ sist of the journals of adventurers tails of their culture differed from and missionaries, Dutchmen, tribe to tribe. Frenchmen and Englishmen, who visited them. These narratives The Iroquois League describe the Indians in terms of Historically, the most import­ European customs and prejudices, ant feature of the Indian life in and do not agree among them­ New York State was the Iroquois selves, for each story reflects the Federation. It was only one of a personality of the writer and the number of confederations of tribes treatment he received. It was not in the northeastern part of the until the middle of the nineteenth continent, but it was the strongest century that anthropologists, this and dominated the scene both time ethnologists, began an ob­ politically and economically. It is jective study of the way of life therefore worthy of special atten­ of the Indians through direct con­ tion. tact with the living remnants of the Indian communities. The list The Iroquois were, and for that of those who made this study is a matter still are, a decidedly dem­ long one. In the 1840's Lewis ocratic people. Their leaders or Henry Morgan lived with the chiefs owed their position to their Iroquois and compiled information personal qualities of valor, dignity, for his famous book, "The League eloquence, sincerity and incor- Of the Iroquois." He was followed ruptability. They held their lead­ by Horatio Hale, aid then by J. ership for life, pending good N. B. Hewitt- Among the leading behavior, but the position was not students of recent years are hereditary. The origin of the Arthur C. Parker, C. M. Barbeau, Iroquois League is attributed to a Frank G. Speck and William N. single man who probably lived Fenton. some five hundred years ago dur­ ing the century at the close of Tribes Of 17th Century which Columbus discovered Amer­ ica. The story of the founding of In the seventeenth century the League and the constitution southeastern New York and the under which it functioned was Hudson valley was inhabited by a transmitted verbally from genera­ number of tribes, including the tion to generation until the close Esopus, the Wappingers and the of the nineteenth century when, Mahegans, who spoke Algonkian through the efforts of several an­ languages and were close relatives thropologists, it was put down on of the Indians of the New Eng­ paper. During these generations land area- All of central New the story was inevitably em­ York from the mouth of the bellished in repeated tellings until Mohawk River west to the Gen­ the founders acquired certain esee valley was occupied by a supernatural characteristics and confederation of five tribes of experiences and became culture Iroquois-speaking peoples which heroes. Yet the story is sufficient­ became known in history as the ly complete to make it possible to Iroquois League. To the west of reconstruct approximately what this territory in New York State happened. Deganawidah And Hiawatha ter of the longhouse lived the On- Deganawidah, the architect of ondagas who were the keepers of the League, was living among the the Council fire of the League. Mohawks when he became con­ On each side of them, to the east cerned about the fact that the were the Oneidas and to the west five Iroquois tribes of central the Cayugas. Within this symbolic New York were frequently in longhouse each of the five tribes conflict and not living amicably was expected to live together as together. He apparently spent a members of one great family. considerable length of time in However, each tribe retained its formulating a scheme for a fed­ own autonomy for internal affairs eration. The historic Hiawatha, and its privilege of casting its having heard of Deganawidah and vote on matters of interest to the his plan, journeyed from the On­ League as a whole in accordance ondaga country to the Mohawks with the wishes of its member­ in order to join forces with the ship. All of the chiefs sitting in leader. These two men first won the central Council of the League over the chiefs of the Mohawk were of equal rank, constituting, tribe to their scheme and then in effect, a central legislative proceeded westward from tribe to council. tribe successively winning the The League of the Iroquois was, support of all five tribes. A cen­ in essence, a loose federation of tral Council of about fifty chiefs five tribes, with high ideals but was created for the League, with with definite weaknesses. The a varying number of chiefs rep­ chiefs who were members of the resenting each of the five tribes. central Council were essentially The name of each of these fifty civil officers with federal re­ founders was assigned to his suc­ sponsibilities and therefore had no cessor in each generation, so that authority in matters which con­ in time the names of the founding cerned only individual tribes or chiefs became the title names of clans. As a result, the single the current members of the cen­ tribes and clans sometimes took tral Council. action at variance with the policies of the League Council, Peace Was League's Aim thereby causing confusion and misunderstanding concerning the The ultimate purpose of this objectives of the League itself by confederation, probably establish­ those with whom they dealt. ed during the fifteenth century, was to create peace throughout Women Chose League Chiefs the land. The conception was phrased in symbolic language. The organization of the League The central Council was to sit fitted, of course, into the social in the shade of the great tree of organization of the Iroquois. The Peace and arbitrate the differ­ basic unit among the Iroquois ences between the five tribes and was the family composed of from present a unified decision on fifty, to two hundred blood rel­ problems involving tribes outside atives. Relationship was counted of the League. The constitution in the female line, and the head contained mechanisms which of each family was a matron, the would permit other tribes to join family matriarch. The several the League if they so desired. families were grouped together in The League was visualized as a clans. Each clan, in turn, was a huge longhouse stretching from member of one of the two major the mouth of the Mohawk to the subdivisions of the tribe. The Genesee valley. The Mohawks chiefs who were nominated by were the keepers of the eastern the women to be members of the gate and the Senecas the keepers League's central Council, had to of the western gate. In the cen­ be chosen in each tribe from the same maternal family to which in many ceremonies to represent the original founder had belonged the spirits connected with them. and whose name the new chief Elaborate ceremonial parapher­ assumed as a title. nal! aand the traditional forms of The New York Indians lived in the chants and songs were held in villages which sometimes were great reverence by the people. In­ quite large. They practiced agri­ evitably, there was a continuing culture, a form of food production conflict between the native beliefs which they undoubtedly learned and the religious techings of the from their neighbors to the south Europeans. At the very close of fifteen to seventeen varieties of the eighteenth century a prophet maize or Indian corn were culti­ appeared among the Senecas vated, as well as sixty varities of named Handsome Lake. He estab­ beans and eight native squashes. lished a religion influenced to They supplemented their agricul­ some extent by European con­ tural foods with thirty-four wild cepts which was conservative in fruits, eleven nuts, thirty-eight nature and attempted to retain varieties of leaf, stem and bark many of the native customs and substances, twelve varieties of beliefs. To this day, the more con­ edible rots and even six types of servative-minded Iroquois of the fungi. They, of course, obtained longhouse religious sect still prac­ their meat from fishing and hunt­ tice the religion of Handsome ing. Lake.

Ceremonial Life Indians Misinterpreted In their arts and crafts, the In­ I have outlined to you very dians made full use of the facil­ briefly, and correspondingly in­ ities of their environment within adequately, the way of life of the the limits of their knowledge and Indians of New York State in the their needs. Their products were early days of the European occu­ essentially utilitarian in character pation because I want to impress but were often decorated with in­ you with the fact that they had tricate designs. With the arrival a civilization of their own. Of of the White man, many of the course, it differed from that of native arts and crafts were aban­ the European because it had a doned in favor of the European different origin. It was inherited materials. Metal vessels and im­ through the centuries from those plements took the place of pottery more ancient peoples of whom the making and stone working. Eu­ archeologists have secured such ropean cloth replaced the furs and an incomplete record. It was an the skins of former days. How­ integrated and self-respecting way ever, the new materials from Eu­ of life with its own sanctions, rope permitted the Indians to de­ values, privileges and responsibil­ velop decorative arts through the ities. The Indians were neither use of bead designs upon their the vicious savages which some clothing and the working of historical records would wish us silver ornaments. These designs to believe, nor were they the had become intricate and special­ naive children of nature visualized ized by the end of the eighteenth by such romantic writers as century. James Fenimore Cooper. They As is to be expected, the cere­ played an important part in the monial life of the Indians was history of New York State in the complex and based upon my­ seventeenth and eighteenth cen­ thology and symbolism. The cen­ turies and should be better under­ tral feature of their religion was stood. a supreme deity supplemented by The League of the Iroquois was a great variety of lesser gods and at the height of its power in the spirits. They used wooden masks seventeenth century when it con-

—7— trolled the destinies of the Indian in 1940 the total population of groups of northeastern North these five tribes, living in the America from the Great Lake United States, Ontario and Que­ region to the Atlantic Ocean. bec, has reached 17,000. With the coming of the European its power naturally declined. Yet, Appealed To Nations League in accordance with the custom of In the last 150 years as the adopting into the membership of prestige of the Iroquois way of the League individuals and even life declined there has been the groups from other tribes, the expected conflict among the Iro­ Tuscarora, another Iroquois quois themselves between conserv­ speaking tribe, was admitted to atives who wish to retain tradi­ the League in 1722 and thereafter tional Iroquois customs and the the Confederacy became known liberals who wish to adopt more as the League of Six Nations. completely the American way of Some forty years later, the Del­ life. In a number of the com­ aware, the Tutele and Nanticoke munities both in Canada and in tribes were also incorporated into New York State the Iroquois the League. language is still spoken, and many of the ceremonial customs are Iroquois Are Increasing still retained. The most recent Iroquois patriot was Deskaheh During the eighteenth century who headed a mission from the Iroquois League established a Brantford to the League of Na­ close alliance with the English tions at Geneva in 1923-24 in a under the guidance and stimula­ vain effort to force the Can­ tion of its very good friend, Sir adian government to restore the William Johnson, and proved to Iroquois League type of govern­ be of great assistance in the Eng­ ment at that Reservation. lish conflict with the French. At I hope that in this brief dis­ the time of the American Revolu­ cussion of the historic Indians in tion the League held true to its New York State I have given you former allegiance and sided with some indication, however inade­ the English against the American quate, of the contributions which colonists. At the close of the have been made by ethnologists to eighteenth century a large num­ the interpretation of the history ber of the Iroquois crossed over of New York State, as a result into Canada with the loyalists of their studies among the living and settled at Brantford in south­ Indians. Of course, I have had to ern Ontario on lands granted to omit many details and particular­ them by the Canadian govern­ ly those subjects which need ad­ ment at that time. In the years ditional study, subjects which are which followed a number of other therefore of greatest interest to groups moved to different local­ the ethnologists now at work. ities in Canada and some Oneida went out to Green Bay, Wiscon­ Studies Dignify Indians' Role sin. However, a number of Iro­ quois communities still live in Anthropology is interested in New York State. It is interesting the ways of life and the forces at to note that during the past few work in all human communities. generations the membership of Much of its efforts have been de­ the Five Iroquois Confederated voted to securing an objective Tribes has increased in number. record and a clearer understand­ It has been estimated by scholars ing of the simpler and non-literate that the population of the cultures. Many anthropologists Iroquois Confederacy at the be­ have studied strange peoples in dis­ ginning of the seventeenth cen­ tant parts of the world. Some tury was about 5,500 people. Ac­ anthropologists, as archeologists cording to a careful census made and ethnologists, have spent many years studying the simpler, non- has served to clarify and dignify literate communities which once the part these people played in flourished in northeastern North the exciting story of the develop­ America, which, of course, in­ ment of New York State during cluded the Indians of New York the most recent three and a half State. Through their investiga­ centuries. tions they have unearthed facts As I said in my opening sen­ about the customs and industries tence: History and anthropology of New Yorkers who lived cen­ have much in common. I hope turies before the advent of that as a result of my remarks written history, and they have this evening you appreciate more secured information about the fully why I sometimes find it dif­ customs, values and beliefs of the ficult to draw a sharp and fast historic New York Indians which line between them. The Junior Historians At Work (Papers Presented By Junior Historians from Oswego High School, Fitzhugh Park School, and Kingsford Park School, At Meeting of Oswego County Historical Society, February 14, 1950.)

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Juniors cherish the colonial name NEW YORK STATE of "Yorkers." The state is divided into ten Yorker regions and with­ (By Edward Knight, Oswego High School) in each region Yorkers have dis­ The New York State Historical trict meetings, district projects, Association was formed in 1899. and district officers. Oswego county Yorkers belong to Ontario Active membership today consists District which met in Oswego of 1,800 adults and 3,600 Juniors. last spring. A state-wide panel of It operates three museums, two at four officers and council of ten Cooperstown and one at Ticon- elected at the annual meetings deroga; publishes two magazines each year, rule Yorker activities. an adult quarterly, "New York Last spring Ontario chapter of History", the Junior "Yorker" Oswego sent a sizeable delegation and many other books and pam­ to the annual meeting at Coopers­ phlets; arranges conventions, con­ town. This annual meeting is the tests in the presentation of local high spot of the Yorker Year. history, a series of summer sem­ Held each spring at some spot of inars; circulates loan historical historic interest in the state, this exhibits in the schools of New yearly one-day get-together sees York state. It also aids historical an average attendance of 1,200 writers in bringing about the Yorkers. Student reports, student publication of historical works of entertainment, the awarding of exceptional merit. Located in "Who's Who" certificates to the Cooperstown is the Headquarters ten top Yorkers of the year, and of the Association, Fenimore three chapter achievement awards House, the Farmers Museum and to the worthiest clubs, climax the a village "Four Corners' " of the Yorker day of days. 1840's. Already at this corner is a general store, a school, a law of­ Membership in the New York fice, the smithy, an early printing State Historical Association pro­ office, the circus, the church car­ vides for the Yorkers a year's riage sheds- There, soon, will be a subscription to "The Yorker", a tavern, a church, and a typical magazine for the schools of the state, membership certificates, farm house, with surrounding chapter charters, the privilege of barns, smoke house and other out attendance at the annual meet­ buildings. ings, and an opportunity to write The late Dr. James G. Riggs of for "The Yorker". Chapter mem­ Oswego served as president of the bers receive monthly letters from association in 1913-1914. Oswego the Association's Central Quar­ also entertained its annual con­ ters, under the direction of Miss vention in 1913, and one of its Mary E. Cunningham of Coopers­ regional meetings in 1945- town who is known in Oswego. Each member may enter any of Junior Chapters the Association's Museums free at any time, a privilege for which In 1942 the New York State adults have to pay- Membership Historical Association opened its fees are 75 cents for one year. membership to Juniors, students in the schools of New York. Or­ Significance Of Seal ganized in clubs, or chapters, in every part of the state, these The seal of the New York State

—10— Historical Association bears a ONTARIO JUNIOR CHAPTER reproduction of the great bronze Or statue of King Hendrick and Sir William Johnson that stands at. The Indian Name Of Ontario the entrance to the Lake George SKAN ADARIO Battleground Park. Around the perimiter of this reproduction of Meaning "Beautiful Water" the statue is the name of the or­ ganization and the date of its Since there was an interest and founding, 1899. This seal was desire to know more about local chosen by the Association found­ history, especially about Oswego's ers. They could not have chosen historical past, the Ontario Junior more wisely, for in no other single Chapter of Historians came into symbol could be signified so many existence on January 6, 1947. of the factors that have gone to Members have discovered that make New York the Empire "History can be fun," (Motto of State. the Junior Historians) from par­ ticipation in the activities of the First, the seal recalls two great club. Some of these past doings Yorkers, the Indian Chieftain are listed below: The Junior His­ King Hendrick and the great torians assisted the Oswego Coun­ white pioneer who opened the ty Historical Society in its fund Mohawk Valley for future settle­ raising campaign by folding ment and early played import­ letters mailed out to possible sub­ ant roles at Oswego, Sir William scribers. Individual members aid­ Johnson. It reminds us of Hen­ ed the society's curator (Anthony drick's death, leading a band of Slosek) in his work at the Head­ his fellow Mohawks, fighting be­ quarters House of the County side their Dutch and English Society. Papers were prepared brothers at the battle of Lake and read at the regular meetings George on the morning of Sep­ of the club. Provisions was made tember 8, 1755. for social meetings in the High Then, we think of the import­ School and at members' homes. ance of the great League of the Tours were conducted to local Iroquois which Hendrick repre­ places of interest such as the sented and we are reminded that Market Building (First City Hall) nowhere else on the American and sites of our local forts. Tours continent was there another outside of Oswego were taken to powerful Indian group friendly to Sacketts Harbor battlefield and the English. It was largely be­ naval station and to the Juniors cause of this friendship that the Annual Convention at Coopers- English were eventually able to town. drive out of New York their Under the joint sponsorship of French rivals. Also largely be­ the three local Chapters, a spring cause of this friendship our civil­ Jamboree of the Ontario District ization today is based on British was held in Oswego in the Spring Standards- of 1949. More than 200 enthusias­ Again, the seal reminds us that tic historians listened to Mr. the crucial battlegrounds of these Ralph M. Faust and Mr. Edwin all important wars between the M. Waterbury as they related the French and English in America story of Oswego. It will be recall­ were right here in our own New ed that the visitors were wel­ York. Ours was the buffer state comed at the High School, con­ between the waring nations. The ducted through the Headquarters Lake Champlain-Lake George- House and to historic Fort On­ Hudson River system shared with tario now maintained by the State the Mohawk-Oswego River route of New York. They also saw distinction as the vital lines of other sights of a planned tour be­ communication, truly the "path­ fore darkness set in. There were ways of empire". no idle moments that day. The

—11— Ontario Junior Chapter was high­ five and thirty. Marilyn Smith ly honored when Raymond Miller, was our second president, and un­ one of its members, was awarded der her leadership many interest­ a "Who's Who" certificate as one ing programs were given. Out­ of the ten top 'Yorkers" for 1947- standing among these were the An article, by Edward Knight, on travel talks by members who had Dr. Mary Walker was printed in visited historical places. the "Yorker" Magazine. A reprint of the article may be found in the Annual Oswego Historical Aided Freedom Train Society publication for 1949. As a future project the Ontario The chief project of that year Chapter has decided to search for was the planning and presentation original sources of history, writ­ of an assembly program about ten and material, pertaining to the New York State Freedom the history of Oswego city and Train- The main part of the pro­ 'county. gram was a play written by Whitney Coe, entitled "The Flush­ ing Remonstrance." This year we chose one topic The Pontiac Chapter Of for study during the first school The New York State term. This was "Fire Protection In Oswego". We have had reports Historical Association written by members of the club, a (Paper presented on February 21, moving picture and a most en­ t9hG. by Ann Brown, student at Fitz- lightening talk by Mr. James hufth Park Sctnol.) Jackson who is an authority on matters relating to fire fighting. The Pontiac Chapter of Junior He has made models of fire ap­ Historians of the New York State paratus, old and new style, which Historical Association, was form­ he kindly exhibited to us. In the ed in October 1947, with seven near future we plan to visit one of charter members. Betty Tyler was the first houses. elected the first president. The To be able to show you why the club decided that the main pur­ children enjoy our club, I asked pose would be to explore the his­ some of them to state what they tory of New York State, and of like about it They gave such our community, Oswego. answers as: The name, "Pontiac", was "We learn how to conduct busi­ chosen, dues were paid, and soon ness meetings and how to par­ colorful emblems were received ticipate in them." from the New York State His­ "Being a club member helps us torical Association. in our social studies work." During the first year the club "We have heard interesting drew up a constitution, which was programs about people's vaca­ amended the next year. Both of tions." these procedures afforded much practice in parliamentary meth­ "We get acquainted with chil­ ods. The new chapter, with a dren who have the same inter­ rapidly increasing membership, ests." became very active. Its program "We have fun together, espec­ chairman, Barbara Huckabee, or­ ially at the parties." ganized dramatizations, quiz pro­ Our present officers are: Presi­ grams, and excursions to historic dent, Ann Brown; Vice-president, Fort Ontario, the Post Cemetery, Whitney Coe; Secretary, Ann and to Headquarters House of the Heagerty; Treasurer, Marilyn County Historical Society. Ahern. Our sponsor is Miss Mar­ Since the fall of 1948 our mem­ garet McDonald, teacher of social bership has been between twenty- studies.

—12— Historical Significance tended by British military officers in uniform and chiefs of the Iro­ Of The Name "Pontiac" quois, but the formal meeting did (I a per L'iven before Oswego His­ not start until the next day, July torical Society at Oswego, February 24. If we had been in Oswego on 21. 19150. by Ann Paschke, student at Fitztiush Park School.) that day, a colorful sight would have met our eyes. Pontiac and his attendant sachems stood fac­ When our chapter was organiz­ ing Sir William Johnson and the ed, we needed a name. To choose Iroquois chiefs under a canopy of it was difficult, so the chapter green boughs, which had been put decided that all members should up to shade them from the sun. submit names, one of which would Johnson wore, over his regular be selected by vote of the pupils. costume, a scarlet blanket edged The name "'Pontiac", which was with gold lace- This was done to submitted by William Hamilton, please the Iroquois, his good was unanimously adopted. It was friends- Pontiac was clad in a chosen because the members blanket and eagle plumes, his thought that they would like to warriors being dressed in full commemorate the visit paid to costume with feathers and paint. Oswego by the great Ottawa In­ The British officers' brilliant red dian Chief, Pontiac His purpose uniforms gave color to the scene. in coming here was to make a Sound effects, too, were not lack­ peace treaty with the English, ing, as we know from the words through their representative, Sir of Crisfield Johnson, "The mur­ William Johnson. mur of the wild Oswego furnished This meeting marked the end of appropriate music for this strange hostilities against the English in drama". which the western Indians had Johnson opened the meeting by been led by Pontiac. In 1765 presenting Pontiac and his war­ George Croghan, deputy for Sir riors with wampum. Then Pon- William Johnson, had exacted tiac's calumet (pipe) was passed from Pontiac a promise that he around for each person to get a would come to Oswego to confirm whiff of the smoke. Sir William a peace already made with Cro­ Johnson made a long speech con­ ghan at Ouatenon. True to his cerning happenings in the past word the next summer Pontiac set year and the new regulations for out for Oswego- fur trade. He concluded his speech Let us imagine for just a mo­ saying, "Be strong then, and keep ment that we are standing at fast hold of friendship, that your Shady Shore looking up Lake children, following your example, Ontario. It is the summer of 1766. may live happy and prosperous On the horizon we see little lives." This was Johnson's pro­ specks that are getting larger. We posal for friendship and Pontiac see that they are canoes bearing said he would give his reply on Indian warriors. At the head of the next day. these is the canoe bearing Pon­ The following day a Wyandot tiac. Let this scene serve as an chief named Teata opened the introduction to the dramatic in­ council with a brief address. Then cidents which took place in Os­ Pontiac arose and gave a speech wego so long ago. telling Sir William Johnson that he accepted his offer for peace Colorful Ceremony saying: "Father, when our great father of France was in this coun­ When the expedition reached try, I held him fast by the hand. Oswego, the cannon of Fort On­ Now that he is gone, I take you, tario, sole survivor of the early my English Father by the hand, English forts, boomed a saluta­ in the name of all the nations, tion. Pontiac was met by Sir and promise to keep this covenant William Johnson, who was at­ as long as I shall live." At the

—13— same time he presented a large were among the wandering tribes wampum belt and continued his which roamed the Alleghenies and speech. along the Ohio, slaughtering During the next few days, the countless numbers of settlers who Indians and Sir William Johnson had dared to migrate into the dis­ were chiefly concerned with detail puted territory. matters pertaining to fur trade. The aid that Pontiac and his The Iroquois addressed the west­ followers gave the French proved ern chiefs telling them to hold fruitless, since, after 1758, the fast the chain of friendship. The tide of the war turned, and the council closed on July 31, 1766, English began to have one success with the distribution of many after another. On September 8, gifts to Pontiac and the rest of 1760, the Marquis of Vaudreuil the warriors who had accom­ surrendered Canada and most of panied him. Among these was a the French forts to the English medal bearing the inscription, "A under General Amherst whose in­ pledge of peace and friendship vasion of Canada was based out with Great Britain 1766"- Then of Fort Ontario at Oswego. The Pontiac turned his canoes home­ war in America was ended. ward toward the Maumee, where Since the English government he spent the following winter. So had not yet issued its proclama­ ended the memorable meeting of tion forbidding English settle­ Pontiac and Sir William Johnson ments west of the Alleghenies, at Oswego, which marked the end colonists began returning to lands of the unsuccessful conspiracy of abandoned during the war and Pontiac to destroy the British also taking up new lands. British forts, the English settlers in the troops occupied the forts which West and to restore the French had been surrendered by the to power in North America. French, including Niagara, De­ troit, Michillimahinac, St. Marie, Quatanon, and various others. Fort Ontario was garrisoned by THE CONSPIRACY British regulars. OF PONTIAC Pontiac, besides being a great warrior, was a man of keen (Paper given before Osweeo County Historical Society on February 21, vision. He believed that unless 1950, by Nancy Starkey, student at the Indians united to drive out Fitzhugh Park School.) the invaders, the English would populate the redmen's hunting The autumn of 1710 gave birth grounds and wipe out his race to an Indian child of high rank, forever. As Francis Parkman who was destined to play an in­ says, 'They (the Indians), viewed fluential part in the struggle be­ with wrath and fear the steady tween the Indian and the white progress of the white men , eat­ man for the possession of what ing away the forests like a is now the United States of Amer­ spreading canker." ica. Pontiac, head chief of the Ottawas, was born in a country Pontiac's Next Move ruled by France and he was taught from childhood to regard Pontiac now determined on a Frenchmen as brothers. plan by which the united Indians Years after the birth of this who had previously adhered to famous leader, the French and France would drive the English Indian War broke out, and Pon­ back, at least to their original tiac did his utmost to aid the line of settlement. Some of the French. It is believed that he led Indians believed that they would the Ottawas and Chippewas drive the English out of America, against the English in the cam­ but Pontiac was probably too in­ paign in which Braddock was de­ telligent to believe this possible, feated. After this, he and his men although he urged the others on

—14— with extravagant promises. The garrison lay through the narrow year 1762 saw this plan put into Detroit River where capture by action- Secret meetings were held the Indians was relatively easy. and the war belt and reddened The siege went on. Francis Park- tomahawk were presented to all man says: "Day after day they of the western tribes. At the same continued the attack- No man time it was whispered among the lay down to sleep except in his tribes that a large French army clothes and with his weapon by would return to America to aid his side." Some relief was obtain­ the Indians in driving out the ed, when a vessel sent to Fort English invaders. Pontiac's in­ Niagara for help was able to get fluence was great and this fact, through to the Detroit fort with coupled with the Indians' feel­ supplies. The first large relief ing of resentment toward tht force came toward the end of British, made it easy for him to July, 1763. It consisted of a fleet arouse them. The flames of re­ of canoes carrying 280 men with bellion, too, were fanned by the food and munitions. Major Robert French fur traders still roving Rogers, hero of the popular movie through the western woods who "Northwest Passage", was a were seeking vengeance on their member of this expedition. Cap­ hated conquerors. Because of tain Dalzell, the commander, de­ these factors and because of their cided to end the siege by a bold natural love of warfare, the In­ attack, marching out on the night dian tribes, one by one, fell in line after his arrival to strike at the behind Pontiac—the Ottawas, Indian camp. The Ottawas and Chippewas, Delawares, Mingoes, their allies formed a strong Wyandots, Shawnees, Miamis, barricade on the west side of Pottawotamies and many others— Parent's Creek, and from there from the Great Lakes on the poured such a murderous fire on north, to the Ohio on the south. the British soldiers that over half These tribes were ready at the of the advanced party were killed time agreed upon to begin attack­ or wounded. The battle continued, ing forts and settlements near and the English suffered a severe their villages. defeat, in which Captain Dalzell was killed. Because the waters of In April, 1763, Pontiac called the little stream ran red with an assemblage of all the chiefs blood, the fight was called the and warriors. In a speech, he Battle of Bloody Run. blamed the English for all the troubles which beset the Indians, This victory had an encourag­ and having aroused the passions ing effect on the Indians, who of his fellowmen, declared war on were now more than ever deter­ the unsuspecting garrisons at mined to take Detroit. For five Detroit and elsewhere. weary months the siege lasted- In September, however, the Detroit Besieged constancy of the Indians began to fail. They had received tidings On May 10, Pontiac besieged that a strong British force was Detroit. The fort at this time on the way to Detroit- Fearing contained 120 soldiers and 40 the consequences of an attack, English fur traders. There were most of the redmen were inclined enough supplies to last only three to sue for peace. Accordingly, on weeks. The attackers had around the twelfth of October, Wapocog- a thousand warriors who lay in omguth, chief of the Mississaugas, wait in the forests which came came into the fort with a pipe of up within range of the stockade- peace. In his speech to Major Over the waters of the Detroit Gladwyn, he stated that he and River, canoes came by the score his people had always been bringing more warriors and pro­ friends of the English. They were visions from the Canadian side- anxious now to conclude a peace The only avenue of relief for the treaty- Although Gladwyn under-

—15— stood the insincerity of this ings came of the Indians causing speech, he was forced to grant a trouble in near-by regions, the truce, for his garrison was threat­ fort was strengthened, and meas­ ened with famine. ures were taken to preserve strict discipline among the troops, and Indians Try Deceit also among the many civilians Shortly after this, Pontiac, too, who had sought protection within stated in a letter to Major Glad- the post. A general attack, to­ wyn at Detroit that he was ready ward the end of the siege, had no to "bury the hatchet", but this bad results, being ended after the was just another instance of the fifth day by the drawing away of deceit which was a common de­ the Indians to meet the troops of fensive measure among the In­ Colonel Henry Bouquet, who had dians. During the winter which he been ordered west to break the spent in the Illinois country, siege. Pontiac made plans to "renew the 1 Bouquet Attempts Relief war in the spring." While the siege of Detroit was Bouquet's journey had been in progress, Pontiac's allies in the slow and beset with many diffi­ rest of the Northwest were vig­ culties- Over rocky hills and orously carrying out the details of through valleys, on the Forbes the plot against the English. At Road, really "a rugged track, intervals, news would be received hewn out by axemen through at Detroit of the capture of the forest and swamp up rugged small English forts scattered mountains"3 dragged the wagons throughout the wilderness. The of the convoy. Bouquet's troops, capture of most of them was ac­ the Royal Americans, did not ex­ complished through the use of ceed 500 in number, and many of guile. The garrisons were often the men were enfeebled by their taken completely by surprise—so campaigns in the West Indies, Indians. The massacre at Michilli- where they had been on duty dur­ machinac is a good example of ing the Seven Years' War. Passing this. Fort Ligonier, Bouquet decided to The forts alone were not at­ march only as far as Bushy Run, tacked during this dreadful sum­ a small stream, and then cross mer, but outlying settlements Turtle Creek at nightfall. Within along the frontier of Pennsyl­ a half mile of Bushy Run, Indians vania, Maryland, and West Vir­ began an attack on the convoy ginia were also subjected to the from all sides. The Indians had savagery of the Indians. Traders the advantages of familiar terri­ were murdered in cold blood in tory and of a method of fighting the Indian villages, where they suited to the wilderness, but they had always felt they were rea­ were opposed by troops led by a sonably safe. military genius. The center of warfare on this Although the British suffered frontier was Fort Pitt, the west­ great losses on the first day, a ernmost stronghold of Britain in successful strategem won the the Ohio valley. During the sum­ battle for them on August 6, mer of 1763, the occupants of this 1763, and within a few days they fort were subjected to a siege arrived at Fort Pitt ,to the great which was not broken until the joy of the beleagured garrison. early part of August- Matters During the next year, a number might have been much worse but of events occurred which decided for the military skill and courage the final outcome of the so-called shown by the commander, Cap­ "Pontiac's War." The month of tain Simon Ecuyer. When warn- July witnessed a great council of

1. Parkman. Francis, The Conspi­ 2. Parkman, Francis, The Consipr- racy of Pontiac. Vol. 1. acy of Pontiac. Vol II.

—16— the Indians at Fort Niagara, call­ attended by his 1,500 troops in ed by Sir William Johnson. In­ battle array, a new and imposing vitations had been sent to count­ spectacle for the Indians. less Indian tribes, and most of Speeches were exchanged. Bou­ them were eager to accept, look­ quet addressing the Indians stern­ ing forward to the feast and to ly and giving them no quarter. the many presents which were Many white prisoners, taken dur­ promised. About 2,000 Indians as­ ing raids over a period of years, sembled around the fort, and the were in the Indian camps, and council room at the fort was filled these they were ordered to return from morning till night, the within twelve days. After this speeches, smoking of pipes, and deed was accomplished, the army serving of whiskey occupying all left the Muskingum Valley and of Johnson's time for several arrived at Fort Pitt on November days. Separate councils were held 28. The returned captives were with the various tribal chiefs as sent to their former homes and the British felt it wiser to pro­ the troops were disbanded. mote jealousies and rivalries be­ tween the tribes, thus playing them off against one another, and French Refused Aid discouraging any feeling of union. On the completion of his task on In the autumn of 1764, Pontiac August Sixth, Johnson started sent ambassadors to many west­ home, going by way of Oswego. ern and southern tribes asking them to take up the war hatchet. Having finished this mission, they Bradstreet's Expedition went to New Orleans and de­ manded an audience with the gov­ Earlier in the summer, Colonel ernor. The French governor pre­ John Bradstreet had been given sided over a council in which the the leadership of an expedition Indians bade him to provide sup­ which was to move west, and plies for their use in carrying on treat with the Indians at Detroit- tlje war. Although presents were On August 26, he came within exchanged, the council was of no sight of the fort and near-by avail, and the following morn, the settlements. A council was held savages' canoes were ascending on September 7, at which Brad- the Mississippi on their homeward street demanded that the Indians voyage. Their mission had failed. declare themselves subjects of the King of England. The Indians Pontiac now saw his followers promised this, and peace was one after another, dropping their granted. After troops had been allegiance to him. He realized sent to re-occupy the forts of that it would be dangerous to Michillimachinac, Green Bay, and hold out longer. Finally, he made St- Marie, Bradstreet returned in up his mind to accept the peace the fall to Albany using the Lake which he knew would be offered- Ontario-Oswego River route. In Soon, George Croghan, deputy of the opinion of Parkman, Brad- Sir William Johnson as Superin­ street's expedition had some good tendent of Indian Affairs, met results, but in general it was Pontiac in council at Fort Qua- poorly conducted, and in part "a tanon in the Illinois country. detriment to the English inter­ Here, the great chief offered the est." calumet and the belt of peace, Colonel Bouquet, early in Oc­ saying that the French were to tober, left Fort Pitt, and began blame for laying the foundations a westward march, which had for for the war and that they had its purpose the subduing of In­ deceived him. dians in the Ohio Valley, the Croghan, followed by Pontiac Shawanoes and the Delawares. In and other warriors, then traveled the Valley of the Muskingum, to Detroit, where he held a coun­ Bouquet held a council, which was cil with the Indians of that

—17— region. Before leaving for the Osh-we-geh is an Indian word east, Crogan exacted from Pon- meaning "the pouring-out place". tiac a promise that he would visit To the Iroquois Indians of central Oswego the following year in New York the mouth of the Os­ order to make a formal treaty of wego river was the place where peace with Sir William Johnson. the lakes, rivers and streams in the heart of their home land poured forth their waters to mingle with that of the great Kingsford Park Chapter Lake Skan ya da rio, which the New York State Historical white man named Lake Ontario. Association The Onondaga Indians hunted in the forest around Osh-we-geh (By David Leonard) and fished for salmon and stur­ geon in the lake and river. Some­ 1. We call our club the Osh-we- times this river was their war­ geh chapter. path trail when they undertook 2. We organized in November an attack on their enemy, the 1949 with fourteen members. Hurons of Canada- A peculiar fact We have lost one member is, that the French knew little of and gained one member by trans­ Osh-we-geh or our river until it fer of pupil. was traveled by Father Simon 3. We have a Constitution LeMoyne, the French missionary. which sets forth a number of His exploration gave France a facts about our club such as: Us real claim to the land on the name, purpose, officers, member­ south shore of Lake Ontario. ship, dues and meetings. The French made little effort 4. The two chief objectives of to establish their claim to the oui club are: region on account of the unfriend­ a- To know the interesting ly attitude of the Iroquois Indians. history of our own community, Oswego and Oswego County. English Fur Traders b- To know the interesting history of our State of New York. In 1715 the Iroquois permitted 5. We take in new members at some English fur traders to come the beginning of each term. to Osh-we-geh to meet and trade We limit our membership to with the Western Indians from students in the 7th grade. the vicinity of Lake Erie. This 6. We have our meetings on the trade cut in on that of the French third Wednesday of each month, traders whose government now unless something special happens. took steps to assert their claim 7. We have had four meetings to the region. since organization. The struggle for control of the 8- Our officers include: Presi­ fur-trade and Osh-we-geh finally dent, David Leonard; Vice-presi­ led to the French and Indian War dent, Fred Swiatlowski; Secre­ in which England was the victor tary, Anna Steinhauer; Treasurer, and eventually gained control of Charles Welk. most of the continent of North America. British occupation of Fort On­ tario for thirteen years following MEANING OF "OSH-WE-GEH" the close of the Revolutionary (By Helen Bellardine) War delayed America settlement at the mouth of the Oswego The members of Kingsford Park River and interfered with Amer­ Junior Chapter chose the name ican trade with Canada and the Osh-we-geh because it has been West. so full of meaning to so many Port Development people. It is the source of our city's name—Oswego. When the Americans got pos-

—18— » session of Fort Ontario in 1796 on the continent. The Oswego the natural advantages of Oswego flouring mills contain 88 run of were soon recognized by the stone, and can manufacture 8,- United States Government. Since 750 barrels of flour per day. 1803 the Federal Government has More flour is made here per made many improvements to our annum, than at any other point harbor. Today it is one of the best in the United States. Oswego is United States ports along the within a few hours sail of the Great Lakes. The state of New Canadian ports on Lake On­ York also has helped Oswego to tario, and forms the natural develop by building the Oswego outlet to market for the vast Canal and later the Oswego Barge regions lying north. Oswego has Canal- also a water communication Tremendous waterpower in the with the Hudson at Troy and Oswego River has encouraged Albany, by the Oswego and Erie manufacturing since 1820. In that Canal, and by railroad to Bos­ year Alvin Bronson erected the ton and New York. In short, first large flour mill. Since then Oswego has the elements of manufacturing has grown until commercial importance, and na­ today it is the most important tural resources of a great city." way to make a living in Oswego. There have been times when Canadian Imports Heavy commerce and manufacturing have slumped but they have al­ By 1850, the net customs on ways revived to become stronger Canadian goods received at Os­ and more flourishing than before. wego ranked it first among all of This is a brief story of Osh-we- the United States customs dis­ geh and the people who changed tricts receiving Canadian goods— it from a peaceful forest to the being twice that received at Buf­ thriving American city, Oswego. falo. Only the ports of New York, Boston and New Orleans reported greater customs revenue- All this was accomplished when no ship OSWEGO IN 1850 could enter the harbor which had (By Dayton Coe of Oswego High) a draught greater than ten feet. The Oswego canal draught was Oswego of a century ago, a four feet; locks were 15 feet wide lake town, a town of sailors and and 90 fet long; and the barges ship builders, had every reason to were either mule or horse drawn. believe in its future greatness- Industrial progress was evident. Was it not true that the popula­ Two years before, Thomson tion increased threefold in ten Kingsford began to manufacture years from 4,658 in 1840 to 12,- starch from corn. The expansion 199 in 1850 and would increase to 1 of this industry made Oswego near 16,000 in 18557 This optim­ famous as the "Starch City". ism of Oswego's advantages in the Other mills such as H. S- Conde 1850's was reflected in a local & Son knitting mill, carriage newspaper a century ago: manufactories, tanneries, and "The city is situated upon the wood mills flourished. Seventy- southern shore of Lake Ontario, seven million feet of lumber en­ and built on both sides of the tered the port of Oswego in 1850- Oswego River. The river forms The reason for such a large trade the outlet of the Oneida, Cay­ was due to the favorable rates by uga, Seneca, and the whole fam­ way of the Welland Canal and Os­ ily of lakes of central New wego. The malting industry got York- The vast hydraulic power its initial start in 1850. of the river, in connection with Oswego must have been a its commercial advantages, na­ fertile field for inventors; for a tural and artificial, are unsur­ local newspaper reports a remark­ passed, and perhaps unequalled, able and ingenious invention:

—19— "A mechanic in this city has mencing on Monday evening attached machinery to a clock, next" Would it have then been so as to cause the striking part possible to look into the distant to ring a bell 24 times at any future to foresee the consolidation desired hour, at which one of the erstwhile battling publica­ wishes to be called in the night tions "Palladium" and "Times" on time. The machinery will, at April 21, 1925? the same time, light a candle placed in a horizontal position, The Hotels and when lighted assume a per­ pendicular position. The ma­ The local press quoted a travel­ chinery may be set so as to give er that Oswego has several good the alarm, and light the room hotels, but none better than that at any hour or minute desired." kept by Ira Garrison in East Os­ Oswego in 1850 could boast of wego, widely known as the Oswe­ two financial instittuions, Luther go City Hotel. This large and Wright's Bank and the City Bank. commodius hotel, has recently The Luther Wright Bank reported undergone a thorough repair, be­ resources of $721,016.26 as of De­ ing newly painted, papeerd, etc.. cember 29, 1849. making it just what the traveller desires, a pleasant and agreeable home." The Oswego Hotel was Newspapers Of 1850 built by Gerrit Smith in 1828 on the site now occupied by the East Newspapers were better able to side office of the Oswego County serve Oswego citizenry after the National Bank. Also on the east invention of the Morse telegraph. side was Eagle Tavern. On the The "Weekly Oswego Palladium", west side of the river, a person the oldest paper published in Os­ could be accommodated at the wego county (established in 1819) "Welland" which stood at West began to issue the "Daily Pallad­ First and Cayuga streets, and the ium" in 1850 in connection with United States Hotel. The United its weekly. The "Oswego Daily States Hotel was located on West Commercial Times", the county's Seneca street between Sixth and first daily newspaper, had been Seventh. It was a large hotel but established as the "Oswego Daily it never received the patronage Advertiser" April 3, 1845. In 1850 that it expected because of its dis­ it also issued a weekly edition tance from the center of the busi­ known as "Oswego Commercial ness district. Later, it housed the Times". The "Peoples Journal" Normal school- was published as a weekly on the East side of the city. Feuding be­ tween the "Palladium" and the The Fire Department "Times" was much in evidence- Each paper questioned the men­ In one of a series of editorials, tality of the other's editors. The a local newspaper made the fol­ "Times", a Whig paper, whose lowing comment on the Oswego candidates did not do as well as fire department. was anticipated in the November "Probably no city in the election of 1850, lamented that Union anywhere nearly corres­ the "Palladium" must be consid­ ponding in size and population ered from that time on to be "an with Oswego, has a fire depart­ abolitionist press." The "Oswego ment half so effective. In dis­ Daily Commercial Times", hither­ cipline and order it is certainly to published in the morning, on equal, if not superior, to any Saturday, December 7, 1850 gave city in the State. It has often notice to its patrons that "the been the subject of admiration business season, now being in a and remark of strangers, who measure closed, the 'Times' will have chanced to witness the be issued as an evening paper energy, skill, and noble daring during the winter months com­ of its members; as it is also the pride of our citizens, and not

—20— unfrequently their right arm of (January 1850) that "we are defense and protection". unanimously of the opinion that a The fire department in 1850 well conducted Union School in consisted of seven companies, 424 each ward of our city, is the best men, five engines, four hose carts, arrangement by which effectual, 1,300 feet of hose, two hook and equal, and economical system of ladder trucks, nine ladders, six public instruction can be secured hooks, twelve axes, twelve fire to our youths." A detailed school buckets- In that same year a new law was drawn up and published Button pumper, hand operated, in the local press- Meetings were was purchased. On July 30, 1850, held in 1850 to make all public a disastrous $90,000 fire broke out schools of the city free but op­ in a large building at the east end position delayed the project until of the lower bridge on the north May 11, 1853 when the present side of Bridge street, crossed system came into existence. Bridge street and burned over the south side of the block between Early Private Schools the river and First street, with about one-third of the wooden or In 1850 the old academy had lower bridge. burned down and'the Oswego sem­ inary was opened in the United States Hotel. There were two de­ River Baptisms In April partments, male and female- The pupils were divided into three Oswego, a century ago, had classes, Primary, Junior, and several fine churches—the First Senior, and received instruction Presbyterian Church, Christ in all those branches usually Church (Episcopal), First Meth­ taught in our first seminaries— odist Church (1850), First Baptist the common and the higher Eng­ Church, St- Paul's R. C. Catholic lish branches, higher courses of Church, African Methodist Epis­ mathematics, natural sciences, copal Church, East Methodist Greek and Latin classics, French, Church, erected in 1849, dedicated music and painting. in March, 1850 (on the site of the former Hall bakery), St. Mary's On the corner of West First R. C. Catholic Church commenced and Bridge Streets located on the in 1848, completed in 1849 and second floor above Nos. 177 and dedicated in 1850, Church of the 179 West First Street, was Evangelists organized in 1850. Slocum's Academy. This school Again the press notes on April was established in 1848 for pupils 12, 1850 that there were quite a of both sexes. The Academy could number of persons of the Meth­ accommodate 100 pupils. The in­ odist denomination baptised in the struction consisted of two depart­ river on Sabbath day. One Miller- ments, Primary and Classical. Be­ ite was baptised, gathering quite sides the above mentioned schools a concourse of spectators on both there were the district schools sides of the river. which are listed at the end of this paper. Efforts to improve the school School had its lighter side also system were begun early in 1850- for the press informed the people Only one-fourth of the children that William B. Smith will open a between the ages of five and dancing school in the Academy twenty-one were then in school. Hall. A person could learn danc­ It was the school for the poor and ing, waltzing, gallopading, the orphaned children conducted by polkas and mazourkas- The same Edward A. Sheldon, later founder Smith respectively gave notice of the Oswego State Normal and that he would give a school hop Training School, in a basement at the same hall- Tickets could be that brought about the agitation had for $1.00 each and supper for free public schools. The would be served for those who Teachers Association resolved wished.

—21— Fraternal Organizations of daily occurrences of outraged wives and drunken husbands Independent orders were to be whose whole earnings were spent found for those Oswegonians who upon their brutal appetite, rather liked to spend time at lodges. than devoted to the support of Among them were Independent their suffering, famished families. Order of Odd Fellows, Oswe- It is no wonder that this old com­ gatchie Lodge No. 156, Oswego plaint accounts for the several Lodge No- 214, Spirit of '76 Lodge temperance organizations in the No. 165 Konoshioni Encampment city." No. 48. Some other organizations were: Oswego Lodge of Free and County Court, too, was held in Accepted Masons, St. Patrick's the Market Building. The Honor­ Benevolent Society, Oswego Asso­ able Orla H. Whitney disposed of ciation for the Advancement of 53 cases on the civil calendar at Science, Oswego Horticultural So­ the. January term. ciety, Oswego Temple of Honor Both the city and county No. 45, Clypeum Section, C. of T., prisoners were detained in the Oswego Union Daughters of basement of the Market Building. Temperance No. 91, Sons of Conditions were such that it was Temperance, Thermopylae Divis­ referred to as the "Black Hole". ion No. 350, Sons of Temperance Later the county provided its own Lake Ontario Division No. 169. jail on East Second Street on land now owned by the Ames Iron The Oswego Guards organized Works. in 1838 had become Company A of the 48th Regiment, National County Offices Guard, State of New York by 1850 and met on the top floor of The county appeared to be the Market Building or first Os­ somewhat tardy in providing a wego City Hall as it had since clerk's office. The clerk's office its first organization- Later it was of Oswego County, it was report­ provided with an armory on the ed, was a portable sort of a con­ east side. The Guards on several cern, some part of which was occasions were called upon to per­ moving between Oswego and Pul­ form active duty in Oswego and aski a considerable portion of the surrounding localities. During the time- It had no safe and secure "anti-rent riots" of the 1840s they place anywhere and the import­ had been called to the vicinity of ant records upon which depended Albany in connection with the the titles to the vast amount of anti-rent riots. real estate in the county were liable to be burned up at any The Early Police Force time. Shortly after this complaint a clerk's office was built by For police protection, Oswego citizens of Oswego on the present had four constables and as many site of the county office building night watchmen as might be and presented to the county. (It necessary. The Recorder tried should be mentioned that Oswega cases in the Market Building. His County yet has two county seats, wisdom must have been taxed at and two court buildings, one in times, for in one instance "a young Oswego and one in Pulaski.) and vigorous woman entered a complaint against her drunken The story of how Oswego Coun­ husband for complicated wrongs, ty came to have two county seats neglect, ill-treatment and refusal and two courthouses, one each in to provide for the support of her Oswego and Pulaski, is interesting children. The kind-hearted Re­ but will not be told at this time. corder tried to point out the proper course for her to pursue, City Officers Of 1850 but her tears would not be dried Residents of Oswego were hon­ by his friendly suggestions. This ored with political offices- In 1850 is but one of the hundred cases these were: Mayor Leander Bab-

—22— cock, Recorder Orvflle J. Harmon, course of lectures on the History Clerk John M. Casey, Attorney of Europe commencing on Janu­ John C Churchill, Treasurer ary 7 at Franklin Hall. On Janu­ Erastus P. Burt, Marshall Nehe- ary 9, the Honorable Alvin Bron- miah Dodge, Aldermen of the first son delivered the ninth lecture in ward, James H. Hart and Cort­ the free course of Public Lectures, land C. Cooper, Second ward, the subject being "Free Trade". Florello Meeker and Willis Sum­ On January 21, Horace Greeley, ner, Third ward, Cyrus Carrier editor and publisher of the "New and Robert F. Child, Fourth ward, York Tribune", spoke at Franklin Issac S. Merriam and Ezra M. Hall on "Self-Culture". It was Mead, Supervisor of the First especially well received by the ward Joel B. Penfield, Second younger members in the audience- ward, Portius F. Parsons, Third In May, Van Amburgh's Circus ward, John Thurman, Fourth showed a poar bear, 14 lions, a ward, James H. Lyon. Cheney rhinoceros and a beautiful ele­ Ames was the postmaster. phant, the "Tippee Sultan". The postoffice was located in The fact that Stone's Oswego the Market Building. It was cus­ Band would play in Washington tomary at that time to publish by Square, instead of at Franklin advertisement in the press the list Square, was also noted in the of unclaimed letters held at the paper. post office. Jacob Richardson was An effort had been made in the the custom's collector and the city to prevail on the merchants builder (in 1850) of the beautiful to close their stores at 7 o'clock. home, now the Headquarters This was agreed to by the more House of the Oswego Historical liberal-minded of them, but the Society. Philander Rathbun, the project in the end was unsuccess­ County Clerk, held office from ful. January 1, 1850 to 1853. Oswego's representative in the New York Poverty Abounded State Assembly was William Lewis, Jr., and William Duer of The poor were with us then as Oswego was re-elected in 1849 for now for a report made to the a two-year term in the House of clerk of the Board of Supervisors Representatives from the 23rd that the number of paupers or re­ Congressional District comprising lieved or supported in the city of of Madison and Oswego Counties. Oswego during the year ending on The Supreme Court Justice of the November 1, 1850 was 703. The 5th Judicial District from 1847 to expense attending their support 1855 was the Honorable William was $4,346.58. F. Allen of Oswego- Children died young as reported for the year commencing April 1, 1850 and ending March 31, 1851. Oswego Life In 1850 There were 151 male deaths; those, over 15, numbered 43 and Let us look at life in Oswego a under 15, 108. Female deaths were century ago as seen through the 129; those, over 15, were 56 and eyes of the press. The upper under 15, 73. bridge (Utica Street) was com­ pleted in 1849 at a cost of $7,000 Liberty Party Convention and the Common Council passed an ordinance to prevent immoder­ The National Convention of the ate driving on the free bridge; Liberty Party met for a three-day for, a sign read as follows: "Ten session in Market Hall, on Octo­ dollars fine for riding or driving ber 2, 1850. The purpose of the over this Bridge faster than a convention was "To consider the walk." This was the first free duty of the people of this country bridge, no tolls being charged for as Christian citizens and to nom­ crossing it in any manner. inate a president and vice-presi­ The Rev. Dr. Baird delivered a dent of the United States". About

—23— i 300 persons from several states tween Oswego, Watertown, Og- attended. The convention was densburg and Boston. called to order by Samuel R. The Oswego and Syracuse Rail­ Ward, a colored gentleman. Gerrit road had been in operation now Smith was nominated for presi­ for two years. Passengers often dent and Samuel R. Ward, a missed their train and the ex­ colored man, for vice-president. planation seems to be simple. The Smith, however, did not run for train of cars leaving this city, was president in 1852 but instead was governed by railroad time, which elected to Congress. was said to be five minutes ahead During the convention, Mr. of Oswego city time. Owing to Barnard made Daguerrotype like­ this difference, passengers were nesses, the paper recorded. frequently left. On the topic of dogs and their owners, the following item ap­ Plank Road Era peared : The city was served, not only "It is the opinion of a good by the railroad, but also by the many citizens, that the number plank roads- A plank road ran of huge, precocious dogs about through Scriba, New Haven, Mex­ the streets of this city, is more ico, Albion, Williamstown to than the public good demands. Rome. A second road ran to Syra­ Last Saturday, a savage fight cuse; a third to Hastings Center, occurred near the post office be­ and a fourth, to Hannibal by way tween a couple of mastiffs, and of Sterling. from them, the war extended to The fair of the Oswego County their masters and the bystand­ Agricultural Society held at New ers. There was blood shed in Haven on September 25-26, not­ large quantities but of all the withstanding the unfavorable parties, the poor, suffering dogs state of the weather, came off deserved the most commisera­ with more spirit and a fuller at­ tion. The men were not encour­ tendance of the farmers and mer­ aged to fight: the poor brutes chants than any previous one held were stimulated to do it by in the county. The annual address their impelling masters." was delivered by the President, Shortly after this incident, the Hamilton Murray, Esq- press felt much better, as it re­ The Governor of the State of ported on dog power: New York, Hamilton Fish, pro­ "Among the many huge mas­ claimed Thursday, December 12, tiffs about town, we doubt not as Thanksgiving Day. there is dog power enough to As the year, 1850, came to an carry a gris.t-mill. Yet it is un­ end, Oswego still got its water used and neglected. On Satur­ from wells. It had no sewage day, a noble dog, with a small system, hospital, gas lights, nor loaded wagon trotted down the cobblestone roads, yet it was a street earring master and pleasant and thriving community freight with wonderful ease and in which to reside. elasticity. He appeared quite FOOTNOTES well content with his condition, 1.— and was fulfilling his destiny Population much better than if growling at Oswego County 62,150 men's heels, or biting the legs Oswego City 1840 4,658 of horses. Why should such Oswego City 1845 6,818 animal strength be wasted?" Oswego City 1850 12,199 Oswego City 1855 16,000 Telegraph Introduced 1st ward 1850 3,508 2nd ward 1850 2,459 On October 2, 1850, it was re­ 3rd ward 1850 2,918 4th ward 1850 3,314 ported that "O'Reilly's telegraph" Total 12,199 would soon be completed between 2. The fire department comprised Oswego and New York; also be- of the following: Engine Company No. 1 91 men —24— Engine Company No. 2 92 men made and used but there are cer­ Engine Company No. 3 .... 72 men tain indications by which we are Engine Company No. 4 82 men able to approximate the dates and Engine Company No. 5 .... 32 men circumstances of its discovery. As 3. West Side— early as 3000 B. C. opaque glass 1. Fourth Street between Seneca and VanBuren Streets. was made. We are told that the 2. District 12—Began at the riv­ Egyptians knew about the making er, went west in Cayuga, south in of glass in the Fourth Millennium Third Street as far as Albany, then east to the river, north along river. B. C. although there is no docu­ The school building was on West mentary proof until 1740 B. C. A Third Street near Mohawk and is lens was discovered in the ruins now an apartment. 3. District 6—West of Fourth at Nineveh and is regarded by Street and north of Cayuga Street. some as evidence that the Chal­ 4. District 13—West of Third deans knew something about Street between Albany and Cayuga Streets. It was a stone schoolhouse glass. Similar convex glass was on West Bridge Street between found in the ruins of Pompeii but Sixth and Seventh Streets. the focal lengths were so short 5. District 17—Between Albany and Cayuga Streets and Third and they could not have been worn Sixth Streets. A single room school before the eyes- The Greeks in was on Fourth Street near Bridge Mycenae knew about glass in 600 Street. 6. District 10—Between Albany B. C. and a century later the and Oneida Streets, west of Sixth Hindus experimented in this field. Street. Single room school was on Both the Greeks and the Romans Mohawk Street near Tenth Street. 7 District 9—South of Albany made use of their knowledge of Street and West to the city line. A glass for we find that as early stone school was on West Fourth as 423 B. C. they were using rock Street near Erie street. 8. School for poorer class, called crystal lenses for burning glasses Orphans and Free School Associa­ and the Romans in the same man­ tion. It was in the basement of the ner as the Chinese made use of "Tabernacle" or Franklin Hall which stood on the site now occupied by the the burning glasses to cauterize Oswego Theater. wounds in the human body. The East side— earliest well-authenticated liter­ 1. A stone school was on Fourth ary testimony concerning the use Street between Cayuga and Seneca Streets. It was burned in the fire of a lens appears in the famous of 1853. "Comedy Of the Clouds" written 2. School was on Fourth between by Aristophanes in 423 B. C. Mohawk and Utica Streets. 3. School was on Tenth Street near Oneida Street. BIBLIOGRAPHY Churchill, John C, Landmarks of Origin Of Spectacles Oswego County, D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, New York, 1895. Johnson, Crisfield, History of Os­ wego County, L. H. Everts & Co., While it is common belief that Philadelphia, 1877. spectacles as we know them had London, Harry F., The North their origin in China there is Country, 3 vols., Historical Publish­ ing Co., 1932. nothing of value to prove this. Oswego Palladium-Times, Centen­ The Chinese admit that their nial Edition of the daily newspaper knowledge of burning lenses came in Oswego. Oswego Palladium-Times, Oswego from Lo Cha, which means Centennial Edition, August 31, 1948. through India. Knowledge of the Oswego Daily Commercial Times for the year 1850. invention probably passed from Oswego City Directory—1852. Greece to the Orient through the Roman Empire and thence to In­ dia somewhere between the HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT Fourth and Sixth Centuries and OF OPTICS AND OPTOMETRY was passed on to China about the (Paper by Donald Bohall of Oswe­ first of the Seventh Century. It go High School Chapter of Junior was not until 1260 A. D. that Historians). Marco Polo reported that lenses It is impossible to tell definitely for optometric purposes were in when or by whom glass was first use in China.

—25— One of the first to use a lens In 1610 Galileo invented the tele­ for the aid of vision was Roger scope with its system of lenses. Bacon (1214-94), an English For over a century the making of Monk, who used a lens for near lenses was confined largely to work but not for the correction of Holland, and Anthony Leeuwen- ocular, optical defects for dis­ hoek (1632-1723), the man who tance, and who spoke of "glasses started the study of microbes by which make small letters large." an improved microscope, was no It is entirely possible that the academic scholar but merely the Italian, Salvino d'Armato degli janitor of the town hall of Delft. Armati, really was the one to He ground out thousands of lenses whom credit for the invention ot by hand. He did much for ad­ spectacles should go. His epitaph vancement in the manufacture at Vienna reads—"Here lies Sal- and use of the lens, and was vino d'Armato degli Armati, the recognized by the Royal Society inventor of spectacles- May God of England. forgive his sins, Anno D. 1317." In England the manufacture and sale of lenses was carried on Eye Glasses In Europe upon a high plane and spectacles In the Fourteenth Century the were never distributed by ped­ use of glasses spread slowly dlers at bargain prices. The Eng­ through the different countries of lish opticians maintained a high Europe, at first only among the reputation and were the leaders wealthy class due to the excessive in their field. It is noteworthy prices charged for them by the that Charles I of England in 1629 makers. History records that granted a charter to the "Minister "Pietro Buonaparte Podesti of and Court of the Worshipful Com­ Padua, Ambassador at the Aus­ pany of Spectacle Makers" and trian Court in 1319 created a they were empowered to search great sensation at the marriage of premises used for spectacle mak­ the grand duke's sister by appear­ ing for "deceitful or counterfeit ing with a pair of spectacles on wares" and given the power to de­ his nose, these being a recent in­ stroy "bad and deceitful wares". vention of the Florentine Salvino They also had authority to call to Armati." their assistance any mayor, jus­ Roger Bacon was the first to tice of the peace, sheriff, bailiff or mention concave lenses which he constable to aid in such search- did in his Opus Magnus (1268): This charter has not been repeal­ but no record is made of their use ed to this day. for the improvement of vision un­ til the time of Pope Leo X who Spectacle Makers Guilds is said to have used a concave lens. Pope Leo X was very near­ By the end of the Sixteenth sighted and used them while Century, Guilds of Spectacle mak­ hunting, saying of his glasses— ers were functioning in Italy, "With them I see better than my France and Germany as well as companions." His picture in Pitti in England. In 1600, current styles Palace, Florence, painted by in spectacles, eye glasses and Raphael in 1617, shows clearly a reading lenses were illustrated single concave lens being held in with colored drawings in a manu­ his hand, the concavity being script issued by the Opticians' plainly shown by the reflection. Guild at Regensburg, Bavaria. In 1623 deValdes wrote the first Microscope And Telescope book on optics in any modern language and it was published in Many discoveries in aid of good Seville at about the same time vision have occurred as a result the Royal Society was founded in of some other discovery. In 1590 England. During this period his­ the two Jansens in Holland in­ tory records five or more men vented the compound microscope. writing on the theory and prac-

—26— tice of correcting old sight and pounder of accommodation, (the near sight- focusing of the eyes for near Progress in the field of optom­ work). He did not, however, de­ etry has been largely a combina­ velop a satisfactory method of tion of scientific inquiry and re­ correcting astigmatism, and it was search combined with mechanical not until 1827 that Sir George inventive genius. In 1621 the Biddell Airy (1801-92) an English Dutch astronomer, Snell, discover­ astronomer, first used a cylindric­ ed the law of refraction of light al lens for this purpose. In all and produced a mathematical the centuries before this, there formula giving the amount of undoubtedly were millions of per­ change in direction a ray of light sons who suffered from astigmat­ is deflected in passing through a ism and could get no relief. lens- During the decade 1850 to 1860, In 1738, Robert Smith tried to Professor Abbe created uniform unify in a massive book all that curves and a method for the con­ was known about optics; his work trol of the density of glass- was published in Cambridge, Eng­ Sir William Crookes (1832- land. 1919) invented the radiometer and Christian Huyghens (1629-95) tinted lenses, the latter as a of Holland, proved that light be­ means to protect the eyes of in­ haves like undulating waves, and dustrial workers whose occupa­ published a more complete work tions exposed them to intense than that of Smith. light and heat. Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) deduced the mathematical laws of Franklin Made Bifocals light and really founded the science of physics. He wrote on It was in 1784 that Benjamin light and color, and helped to Franklin returned from Europe form the Royal Society. with the bifocals which he had Joseph Fraunhofer (1787-1826) invented and about which he was showed that physics and chem­ very enthusiastic. istry are related and discovered For some decades the main in­ the spectral lines which bear his terest of most optical workers name. was in the frame, rather than in Fresnel (1788-1827) worked on the lenses. At first all parts had a theory of light in waves. to be purchased from France, John Dalton (1766-1844) work­ England or Germany. The frames ed on the atomic theory and on were mostly of iron or steel and color blindness. came largely from Chance Broth­ It is interesting that these men ers of England. In 1815, Garrett advanced more than one science at 144 Market Street, Philadel­ by their work, even though they phia, began to branch out and might have been interested in make frames of silver, tortoise only one. Color led to prisms, to shell, etc., but on a very limited organic chemistry, coal-tar pro­ scale. Then about 1840, rimless ducts, and to a greater and better frames were introduced from knowledge of the part color and France. odor play in the lives of flowers- Other parts of the frame were Refraction, (the bending or greatly developed by Ivan Fox, focusing of light), in our modern who had worked in the metals sense, is almost the latest and shops of Queen & Co., and was a youngest branch of ocular science. noted horseman. He named his in­ vention for parts of saddles- The Astigmatism Corrective saddle, bridge, the offset guard and the lock temple endpiece are It was not until 1801 that all his creations. Thomas Young (1773-1829) dis­ Another epoch of progress be­ covered astigmatism; he was the gan about 1850. By that time the inventor of an optometer and ex­ making of gold, silver and steel

—27— spectacles was well established as noted physicist and optometrist, a business in Southbridge, Mass. published his "Treatise On Ophth­ William Beecher (1806-1893) almic Lenses"; in 1888 his "Diop­ started making frames there in tric Formulae For Combined 1833 and as time went on he was Cylindrical Lenses," and in 1890, joined by others, among them his "Metric System Of Numbering George W. Wells, (1846-1912). and Measuring Prisms." Prior to this beginning of do­ mestic optical manufacturing, By 1885 the cemented wafer spectacleware had been imported bifocal was invented, and then be­ from abroad and, because of its gan an era of progressive im­ high price, was naturally confined provement in bifocals. for the most part to persons of The word "optometrist" was affluence. When American optic­ first used in a German text book ians produced frames of material in 1870. In 1903 the American less expensive than gold, silver, Optometric Association adopted tortoise shell, etc., greater variety the name "optometrist" as the in spectacle style resulted and the designation of non-medical re- wearing of eyeglasses became pos­ fractionists. sible to those of all classes who Optometry has been the most required them. rapidly developing profression in Guinard, the Swiss watchmaker, all history. Its progress in the opened a shop in Paris in 1827 promotion of good vision has gone and one in Birmingham in 1848. forward by leaps and bounds. It The French began to make rim­ proceeded upon the theory that less frames in 1840. eyestrain is not a disease but a In 1870, John L. Borsch came physical fact which can be pre­ from Batavia, N. Y., to Philadel­ cisely ascertained and accurately phia and began to make rimless remedied. New and precise optical eyeglasses and kryptok lenses. instruments have been invented ana? old ones perfected. Today the Machine Grinding modern optomejtrist's office is a place where unbelievably advanc­ About 1897, Anton Wagner, who ed, precision instruments are em­ had come from Germany to this ployed, not only to examine eyes country, began to grind toric accurately but to develop perfect lenses by a machine, whereas coordination of the visual func­ previously all cylindrical lenses tions and correct cross-eyes. More had been ground by hand- This progress has been accomplished lowered the price of lenses and in the past thirty-five years in made them readily available. This this field than in all the centuries accomplishment really introduced up to that time. It remained for eyeglasses to the millions of the birth of optometry to bring people where previously they had about this development- been confined to the more afflu­ It is significant to note from ent. its lineage, as thus recorded from Several important advances history, how completely detached took place in the period 1880-1890. from medical science has been the In 1886, Charles F. Prentice, field of optics and optometry.

—28— Hannibal's Historical Highlights by Gordon Sturge

(Paper Given Before Oswegro County Historical Society March 21, 1950 By Harry C. Mizen.)

Our President and presiding of­ Short-Lived Practice ficer of the evening has labeled my paper a "Review of Gordon W. This is the truth of the matter. Sturge's book" entitled "Hannibal Soon after I was admitted to the Historical Highlights." Mr. Sturge bar, I commenced to toy with the is a Hannibal man, well qualified idea of having a law office in Os­ to write concerning past and wego and in Hannibal- According­ present historical events, particu­ ly, I rented an office facing the larly when they pertain to the Village Square and equipped it village and town of Hannibal- Mr. with three kitchen chairs, a Sturge is a graduate of the Han­ kitchen table, a portable oil stove, nibal High school, class of 1918, and the old Code of Civil Pro­ cedure and then announced and Hannibal Training school, through the medium of the "Han­ class of 1925. In 1934-36, he was nibal News", then being published president of the Hannibal High in the village, and a shingle over School Alumni Association. At the door bearing the legend "At­ Syracuse University he majored torney At Law" under my name in history and was graduated with adding that my services would be a master's degree. Following his available to all and sundry each graduation, he became an instruc­ and every Saturday following my tor in history at the Hannibal arrival from Oswego on the morn­ High school and now serves in ing train. Lack of client office like capacity in the Cato-Meridian congestion, coupled with the Central school. He is also the necessity of getting out of bed at town historian and mayor of the the dismal hour of six o'clock in Village of Hannibal. the morning to catch the train soon ended this early venture. Before proceeding further, a word is in order as to why Mr Approves Author's Method Waterbury and Professor Faust assigned me the task of writing a review of Mr- Sturge's work. The Mr. Sturge has not followed the reason they assigned is that much conventional form of historical overworked word "background". writing and, for this, he has my "Don't forget", they said, "that thanks. Discarding chronological the Village of Hannibal is the arrangement, he breaks the work place of your birth and that there down into topical subjects, each you first attended Hannibal's enriched with names, important public school;" and then, after a dates and statistical data. A com­ brief pause, both slyly remarked mon sense, intelligent table of in concert, "and don't forget that contents enables the reader to at you once opened a law office and once turn to the particular sub­ practiced law in the Village of ject or topic of interest to him at Hannibal." To the allegation that the moment. I once opened a law office in the The first topic is logically a Village of Hannibal, I plead brief outline of when and how the guilty; to the charge of practicing original Military Township of law thereat, I offer the plea of Hannibal was erected out of the nolo contendere. 1,800,000 acres of the Military

—29— Tract that the State of New York DeWitt, the Surveyor General of set aside as a bonus for the the State, was deemed the cul­ soldiers of the Revolutionary War. prit. This he persistently denied Later this township became a and today the finger of suspicion town municipality of a county, strongly points to a Mr. Harper first the County of Onondaga and who was the Secretary of the then the County of Oswego. His Land Commission at the time and next topic is a questionnaire or who had previously been a Latin quiz entitled "Can You Remember teacher. When?", and then follows a series of subjects and topics wherein you In 1794, the Military Townships may find the answers to the quiz. of Hannibal, Lysander and Cicero by statute were created a town of Time allotted to this paper pre­ the County of Ononodaga. In 1806 cludes a detailed review of the the Military Township of Han­ many interesting topics and sub­ nibal was taken from the Town jects found in Mr. Sturge's book. of Lysander and made a town of Among others worthy of mention the County of Onondaga. Then, are Hannibal Man Founder of when the County of Oswego was Kenosha, Wisconsin; Old In­ formed in 1816, it became a town dustries and Businesses; First of Oswego County with the north Elections to Public Office; Educa­ thirty-three lots of the Military tion; Fifteen School Districts: Township of Lysander added Hannibal Men in Wars. thereto and so remained until In an Epilogue, Mr. Sturge says: 1818 when the towns of Oswego "Perhaps it (his book) will stimu­ and Granby were erected from late critics to volunteer better it as separate town units of Os­ and more complete information wego County. for future writers of Hannibal's history." Disclaiming better and The westerly mile square reser­ more complete information, I vation at the mouth of the Oswe­ cheerfully accept his invitation, go River, then commonly called but not ag a critic or a volunteer Oswego but having no official governmental status, was not ever, strictly speaking, a part The Military Tract of the Military Township of Hannibal. When the town of Ly­ The original Military Tract con­ sander was formed as a town of sisted of 1,800,000 acres situated the County of Onondaga, this now within the boundaries of the westerly mile square reservation Counties of Cortland, Onondaga, came directly within the civil and Cayuga and Seneca and parts of criminal jurisdiction exercised by Tompkins, Schuyler, Wayne and the Town of Lysander and the Oswego. After it was surveyed, County of Onondaga. Then, when mapped and divided into twenty- the Town of Hannibal was erect­ five military townships, each ed as a separate town of the township was given a classical County of Onondaga, the reserva­ name- Hannibal, the most north­ tion came under the civil and easterly township in the Military criminal jurisdiction of the Town Tract, was numbered "2" and re­ of Hannibal and the County of ceived the name of the Cartha­ Ononodaga, and then, in 1816, at ginian general, Hannibal- It ad­ the formation of the County of joins the Military Township of Oswego, it became subject to the Lysander on the south, both of criminal and civil jurisdiction of which corner on the Oswego River the Town of Hannibal and County at the Oswego Falls. There has of Oswego- In 1818, town juris­ long been much speculation who diction over the reservation pass­ the culprit was that assigned ed from the Town of Hannibal classical names to the twenty- to the Town of Oswego and so five townships of the Military remained until all town jurisdic­ Tract. For a long time, Simeon tion over the reservation was ex-

—30— tinguished by the incorporation of cross the creek by means of a the City of Oswego in 1848. rickety, old foot bridge. The mill dam and flume leaked badly but Ancient Carthage And Hannibal generally afforded ample power to turn the French burr mill The following Associated Press stones that ground wheat, corn dispatch from Carthage, French and oats into fjour and feed. South Africa, under date of Compensation for grinding the March 12 clearly is worthy of grain was "the miller's toll" It notice and record in this review. was a fixed quantity measured out "Bulldozers are snorting where by means of a toll measure usual­ Hannibal once walked to bring ly a square, wooden box. Tolling ancient Carthage out from under the grain was always a process of the sand- suspicion for miller and owner "The Marshall plan's mission to alike; on the part of the owner France has put tools and money that the miller might overtoil for manpower in the hands of and, on the part of the miller that Tunisia, a French protectorate, to the owner might hold out or un- unearth the ruins of the city that dertoll. Sometimes when father once was the third largest in the was otherwise busy in the mill, it world.* * * The city proper is esti­ fell to my lot to toll the grain. mated to cover four square miles, It was great fun for me but not but the first target is the Mediter­ for an owner who was doubly ranean seafront section where suspicious and alert when I tolled Carthaginians bathed and frolick­ for fear, I suspect, that some ed through a history that began youthful prank on my part might 814 years before Christ.* * * The result in a double or overtoil. archeologists in charge are still Father had a flock of hens that without a definite plan for the justified their existence by living ancient city, but they have located off the grains that fell and scat­ the main downtown section and tered around the mill and mill the seafront resort area. They yard when wheat, corn, oats and hope to have them on view in other grains were unloaded from 1951. the wagons and carried into the "When enough of the historic mill. The hens were willing work­ city is uncovered to be interesting ers and produced a bountiful to ruins-loving travelers, tourist supply of eggs which they artfully officials think it will become a secreted in nests in the mill barn star attraction for North African and yard and other most unlikely visitors." places. One of my tasks was to When ancient Carthage is un­ discover the nests and gather the covered to view and Mr. Sturge eggs. Then father, after he shut gains a sabbatical year, we trust down the mill at night, would that he will visit the ancient city take the eggs to the grocery store and write another book. and exchange them for groceries and other needed household re­ The Old Grist Mill quirements.

I well remember the old grist Mill Pond Skating mill on Mill Street but not when it was built. In the early 80's, it I also well remember skating was owned and operated by my on the mill pond but have no father and his partner, Albert recollection of the fancy skating Williams. I distinctly recollect of Mr. Babcock to which Mr that Mr. Williams had a lovely Sturge refers. No benevolent mu­ daughter named Hope. We lived nicipality or school district, in the mill house on the opposite through the instrumentality of a side of the road from the mill- paid athletic director or instruc­ In order to get from the mill to tor, supervised our athletic activ­ the house, it was necessary tc- ities. When the ice had to be

—31— cleared of snow, we quickly clear­ "They charge us $5-25 per ton ed it away with the aid of brooms for stove coal at the railroad, and and shovels, sometimes, I must yet the cry goes on that the admit, mischievously and surrep­ miners do not get sufficient pay titiously obtained from nearby for their work, but it is evident homes. There was no paid minion somebody gets a little pay." of a recreation commission to per­ Stove coal today sells for $22-80 form this task for us- Any boy a ton in Oswego; still the same who lagged or fell behind in the old cry goes on- performance of this task was quickly brought to a realization of Hannibal Men In Wars his responsibility by a swift kick Very appropriately, Mr. Sturge from behind or a clout over the devotes twenty-five pages of his ear. Such treatment never failed book to this subject. The names to accelerate the laggard's efforts of the men of Hannibal who to our entire satisfaction. Skating fought in the Revolution, the War on the mill pond was good, whole­ of 1812, the Mexican War, the some fun enjoyed by youth and Civil War, the Spanish-American adult alike. War, and World Wars I and II are all faithfully recorded under The Jackson Foundry this heading. There is also an itinerary of the bombing missions I also recall the Jackson Foun­ of Radio Gunner Benjamin Stock dry on the bank of the mill pond who was killed in action April 25, and Job Williams' apple jelly fac­ 1944, and appropriate In Mem- tory directly across the street. oriams for Verne E. Crofoot, Whenever opportunity afforded, Archie Harold Miller, Richard we went to the foundry to ob­ Gerald Prior, Clifford F. Shutts, serve the pouring of the molten William E. Thompson, Benjamin metal into the flasks that formed Albert Stock and William Wesley it into plow points and mold Stock, Jr., all of whom fought boards for the farmers' plows. and died in foreign lands. On pages 205-206, the fact that Williams' Apple Jelly wars have always been fought by During the apple harvest, we the very young is well pointed up frequently visited Mr. Williams' and vividly brought to our atten­ factory to observe the process of tion by the following text which making apple jelly. The first step I quote in full: was the grinding of the apples in­ Young Men Fought Wars to pulp and then by means of presses, extracting the juice, then "The fact is that the war was as now, known as cider. The cider fought, at least on the Northern was then poured into large iron side, by boys. Of the 2,159,798 en­ kettles or vats and boiled until it listed there were only 46,626 who became apple jelly. Our chief in­ were over twenty-five years old. terest in the process was the The official figures of the age at sweet cider and not the apple enlistment in the civil war were jelly for which we had little re­ read in the House of Representa­ spect and regard. tives. They are as follows: "Those 10 yrs. and Hannibal Prices (1824-1901) younger 25 Those 11 yrs- and under 38 Mr. Sturge devotes two pages Those 12 yrs. and under 225 of his book to this interesting subject. Recent happenings in the Those 13 yrs. and under 300 coal industry afford ample justi­ Those 14 yrs. and under 1,523 fication for incorporating the fol­ Those 15 yrs. and under 104,987 lowing news item of 1878 in this Those 16 yrs. and under 231,051 paper: Those 17 yrs. and under 844,891 Those 18 yrs- and under 1,151,438

—32— "Those 21 years, and under Shortly after his death, his these two classes, make the total widow, Bertha Albring, retained, number of enlistments 2,159,798. on a contingent fee basis, the late Those 22 years, and over these David P. Morehouse, the father two classes, make a total number of our present resident Supreme of 681,511. Those 25 years and Court Justice, D. Page Morehouse. over 46,662. Jr-, to commence an action "It will be noticed from this against the railroad to recover statement that the greatest num­ money damages for the untimely ber of enlistments were boys of 18 death of her husband caused, as and under. In a great number of she alleged, by the failure of the cases they were twenty, some of railroad to maintain an adequate them reaching the rank of cap­ warning telltale 250 feet west of tain. 'Boys of Sixty-one' is a the highwy bridge at Red Creek. literal expression of the truth and A telltale is a series of rods and not metaphorical-" ropes suspended across and over Knowledge that 104,987 boys the tracks. Its function is to give fifteen years of age and under, warning to brakemen standing erect on the deck of a box car 231,051, sixteen years of age and that the train is approaching a under, and 844,891, seventeen low overhead bridge- On the day years of age and under fought in Mr. Albring was killed, two rods the Civil War, is shocking knowl­ and ropes of the telltale were edge. With the threat of war now missing and a third was tangled hanging over our heads, we can with another. This left an open derive little comfort from our now space in the telltale through fixed policy of limiting inductions which the head of a brakeman into the armed services to youths could pass. The failure of the of eighteen years and over. The railroad to have the telltale com­ goal America must strive to plete and in working order was a reach, is no more wars, otherwise, negligent act on its part. On the in this atomic age, all may be trial, Mr. Morehouse urged arid lost. contended that on the day in question, Mr. Albring's head and Seven Years Lawing shoulders passed through the opening in the telltale created by Elmer S. Albring, a man of the missing rods and ropes and, Hannibal, entered the employ of therefore, he received no adequate the New York Central and Hud­ warning that the box car on son River Railroad as a brakeman which he was standing was about December 1, 1895. On the after­ to pass under the Red Creek noon of January 14, 1896, he was dangerous, low, highway bridge. head brakeman on a freight train returning to Oswego from Wall- The case was first tried at ington. At about 4:50 o'clock in Lyons, N. ¥\ in 1898. The jury the afternoon, as the train ap­ found in favor of Mrs. Albring proached an overhead bridge at and awarded her a verdict and Red Creek, he was observed by judgment of $10,000- The railroad two men standing on the deck of then appealed to the Appellate a box car and then passed from Division at Rochester. In Decem­ their view. Shortly thereafter, he ber, 1899, the Appellate Division was found alongside of the tracks reversed the verdict and judgment just east of the bridge in a dying of the jury and ordered the case condition. Plush on the needle back to Lyons for a new trial- beam of the bridge from the fur Mr. Morehouse then made two cap he was wearing and the na­ motions in the Appellate Division ture of his head injuries clearly in February, 1900, to amend its indicated that the striking of his decision of reversal. He then ap­ head against the needle beam pealed to the Court of Appeals at knocked or threw him off the Albany. The appeal to the Court box car to the ground. of Appeals was argued in March.

—33— 77329 1901, with the result that the ap­ ployee or his personal representa­ peal was dismissed, and the case tive, in case of death, is entitled again ordered back to Lyons for to compensation without reference a new trial. In January, 1902, thp to fault. With all hope of recov­ case was again tried at Lyons ery of damages gone, nothing re­ and the jury again rendered a mained for Mr. Morehouse to do verdict and judgment in Mrs. Al except to charge off as a total bring's favor. The railroad again loss all the time, effort and work appealed to the Appellate Division he had expended on the case, in­ at Rochester and, in May, 1902, cluding $600.00 out-of-pocket ex­ that Court reversed the verdict penses personal to him. and judgment and again ordered Mr. Morehouse was barn in the case back to Lyons for an­ Hannibal in 1860 or 1861, as I other trial. Instead of taking a now recall. His father was a new trial, Mr. Morehouse then farmer who settled in Hannibal in stipulated for final judgment the middle 1850's. Mr. Morehouse absolute in the Court of Appeals received his pre-law education in and appealed to that court. In the Hannibal schools and at Falley March, 1903, following the sub­ Seminary in Fulton. He remained mission and argument of the ap­ a Hannibal resident until he re­ peal, the Court of Appeals finallv moved to Oswego to study and ended the litigation by affirming practice law in the office of the the judgment of reversal of the late Judge Edwin Allen- He never Appellate Division. lost his interest in Hannibal and Hannibal people and frequently Law Now Changed returned to the old farm which he owned until the time of his death. More than seven years elapsed Mr- Morehouse was a good, every­ from the time Mr. Albring was day, all-around-the-clock lawyer; killed until the courts finally de and by that, I mean a wise coun­ termined that the railroad was selor in the office and a fighting not responsible in money damages advocate and pleader in the trial to Mrs. Albring for her husband's and appellate courts- No clients' death. One of the rules of law wrongs were too insignificant for that govern negligence actions is him to redress in the courts or that an injured person cannot re­ otherwise. In a number of in­ cover for another's wrongful act stances, he successfully prosecut­ if the injured person himself is ed cases that other attorneys had guilty of negligence that caused turned down because they deemed or contributed to his injury. There them without merit and hopeless. was no question but what the Mr. Morehouse could have been railroad was guilty of negligence nominated and elected to the of­ in the matter of the defective fice of Justice of the Supreme telltale. That fact was not ser­ Court of the State of New York iously disputed- The decision of except for loyalty to a friend who the Court of Appeals in effect was was seeking the office. It is one of that Mr. Albring himself was the outstanding pleasures of my negligent in that, as he stood life to have officed during my erect on the deck of the box car, clerkship in the same building the dangerous low highway bridge with Mr. Morehouse. He was a was in plain view and that he, special friend of the Grant Block therefore, should have taken law clerks and always found time measures for his own safety by to discuss legal questions with stooping or reclining on the deck them and lend a helping hand and of the box car instead of remain­ this also held true for his fellow ing erect. This rule of law no practitioners. longer applies to master and ser­ vant cases, for the reason that th'4 In conclusion, the thanks of the Workmen's Compensation Law Oswego County Historical Society now provides that an injured em­ go to you, Mr. Sturge, for writing an excellent, worthwhile book.

—34— Oswego County's Famed Schroeppel Clock

(Paper Given Before Oswego County Historical Society At Oswego, March 21, I960, By J. C. Birdlebough, Vice-President of the Society and Owner of the Clock.)

In his paper before this society Schroeppel had dropped the "von" a few years ago, Mr. Thad Ft. from his name and was living in Siver of Phoenix stated that the present homestead at Oak George Casper Von Schroeppel Orchard with his French wife. By was a native of Nuremberg in 1835 the clock had perhaps ar­ the vicinity of the Black Forest rived at the family home to be re­ in Germany. It is only natural, ceived by George Casper's son, then, that he might command a Henry, and placed in the front most unusual clock to be made in hall, facing the stairs where it that city. Unfortunately, though continued to stand. It is worthy of the name of the clock maker and note that time piece construction organ maker and even the date probably contributed to the safe are plainly marked, the place of arrival of his clock in New York, construction is missing. Since since John Harrison of England George Casper died suddenly in had devised a satisfactory marine 1825, while in New York, it is chronometer in 1761, which was pure conjecture that he ordered brought through the work of the clock but with the slow com­ others by 1829 to approximately munications of those days and in the present form. Legend has it view of the length of time re­ that the Schroeppel clock was quired to build it, the conjecture brought to Albany by boat and becomes probable- overland to Oak Orchard by ox Nuremberg was a center of cart- timepiece construction from early times. In 1361 a famous clock for The year 1833, which is the the Frauen Kirche there had been date in the clock was of consid­ completed. The Emperor, Charles erable interest from the stand­ IV, was represented, seated upon point of contemporary affairs in a throne. At the stroke of 12 the world. In our own country, o'clock, the seven electors, large Andrew Jackson, having entered moving figures, passed out and upon his second term as Presi­ bowed before him to the sound dent, destroyed the Bank of the of trumpets. United States. Morse had just completed the electric telegraph, It was Peter Henlein, locksmith McCormick was perfecting his of Nuremberg, who invented the reaper and Colt was working on mainspring about 1500, thus mak­ his six-shooter to be patented in ing possible a portable timepiece 1835. By mass production much favored by the wealthy. methods, Chauncey Jerome was These early clock watches were turning out huge quantities of his cylinders several inches in dia­ bronze looking glass clocks, which meter, which ran for some forty he claims in the "History of the hours on one winding. There is a American Clock Business for the very fine example in the South Past Sixty Years, and Life of Kensington museum by Hans Chauncey Jerome, written by Gruber, date 1560. Later the Himself" to be driving the Eli clock-watches became oval and Terry patent clock from the mar­ were known as "Nuremberg ket. P. T. Barnum, himself later eggs." to be engaged in the clock busi­ ness, was readying his circus for Moved By Boat And Oxen its first tour in 1835. By 1818, George Casper In England, the Whigs were

—35— carrying out social reforms. In time and strike trains may be 1833 a law was passed prohibiting separately assembled. The long the employment in factories of pendulum beats seconds and children under the age of nine striking is on a wire gong. The years and restricting the hours of strike is accompanied by a great those from nine to thirteen to 48 whirring and the note of the wire hours a week. Slavery in the gong is not very pleasing. Never­ English colonies was abolished theless, Felix Faller, who made it, the same year. must have been proud of his ac­ In Germany, Metternich had complishment for his name or in­ the unification of that country itials are stamped in numberless well under way and on April 3 places. Unlike the American successfully defeated an attempt clocks which had wood wheels as to destroy the Zollverein or Cus­ well as wood plates, the wheels in toms Union. this clock are of brass, and it has lantern pinions, supposed to have In 1833, the expedition of Cap­ been devised in this country about tain James Ross, which had 1837. The rough cast iron weights planted the British Flag on the hang from the arbors by ladder north magnetic pole on June 1, chain and winding is accomplished 1831, was rescued in Lancaster by pulling on the chain as is done Sound by a whaler. Since they with a cuckoo clock. had embarked upon their expedi­ tion in 1829, it seems remarkable that any were left to be rescue. Pipe Organ Enclosed

The Clock Itself Most of the space within the hood, then, is occupied by the organ of 35 pipes and the mechan­ The clock is huge, nine and ism which drives it. As with the one-half feet tall, a figure which clock the power for the organ is conveys but little notion of its a heavy weight, which does two immensity. The writer has seen things: (1) works a bellows to scores of tall case clocks but provide wind and (2) turns a never one like this. The case is of large wooden cylinder studded pine, veneered with crotch ma­ with pins which actuate the hogany throughout and very bea- valves of the pipes. It may be of tiful now that, it has been re- interest to the makers of Buick finished. There is a door in the and Chevrolet cars to note that trunk, but the enormous wood dial these are overhead valves. Some painted white and decorated with of the pipes do not speak very cabbage roses, is covered by loudly, which may perhaps be for­ neither door nor glass- Hence, given an organ 117 years old- The there may be seen the original musicians present may perhaps be Schroeppel flyspecks. As already interested to know that there is mentioned the date of 1833 is in an "H" in the scale probably C the clock, which is unusual. The sharp or D flat, though we find writer has seen only three clocks an E sharp and F sharp so mark­ which bear the exact year in ed. There are also a (CB) and a which they were made. (GB), both large bass pipes. Twenty-five of the pipes are The mechanism is in two parts: closed and ten are open. There with automata- First let us con­ are eight tunes, selected by sliding sider the clock mechanism, the drum manually to a new posi­ which is approximately the size tion. One of the tunes is "Yankee of a cigar box. The plates are of Doole" (sic), another "General quartered oak, similar to those George's Marsch". The organ used on wood clocks of contemp­ maker was Ferdinand Meyer. orary manufacture in this coun­ try, but the rear plate has two The automata, which operate removable sections so that the when the organ plays, were en-

—36— joyed by children in particular. strikes and the ox falls. The tune How many times Henry Schroep- continues, once more the ox rises pel must have been beseiged by and once more he is struck down, his children and their friends to to rise once more just as the tune wind the organ, no small feat is completed. This can be repeat­ since the winding square is seven ed only six and one-half times on and one-half feet from the floor. one winding, so we may suppose That accomplished they scamper­ the ox spent much time sadly on ed part way up the stairs to his side when the organ was run watch the performance in the down- little stage in the arch of the dial about nine feet from the Many musical clocks exist but floor. The background of the it is doubtful if there are any stage is a painting of a building which can compare with the by a stream. In the foreground Schroeppel clock for sheer im- stands a butcher, complete with pressiveness. It expresses some­ blood stains on his apron and thing of the strength and stamina with mallet poised, facing an ox. of its original purchaser whose The hour approaches, the clock courage brought him to the New trips the organ which begins to play. Immediately the butcher World to find wealth and position in the wilderness.

—37— The Evolution of The New York State Bill Of Rights and Its Influence Upon Present Day Oswego County

(Paper Given Before the Oswego Oounty Historical Society, April 18, 1950, By Dr. W. Seward Salisbury.)

Americans tend to associate For criticizing the government liberty and human rights with the in his newspaper, Peter Zenger, national government, particularly was in 1734 arrested, charged the Declaration of Independence with criminal libel, and his shop and the Federal Constitution. burned. In the famous trial which However, many of the liberties followed it was proved that what guaranteed in the Federal Con­ he printed was the truth; and stitution were part of the funda­ that the truth could not be mental law of the Colony of New libellous. He was freed and a York years and even generations great landmark in freedom of the before the Federal Constitution press was established. was written. In fact New York It was the custom in the Sev­ was a colony and a province al­ enteenth Century for colonial em­ most as long as it has been a pires to exploit and enslave the state in the Federal Union. native people of the New World. In 1679 the New York Colonial History Of BUI Of Rights Council took one of the first steps to overrule this policy when No right is more highly prized it declared all Indians were free by citizens of New York than and could not be enslaved. These freedom of religion. In 1657 Peter landmarks in the winning of free­ Stuyvesant, the Dutch Governor dom paved the way for the guar­ of the province, arrested a antees of liberty which were later Quaker who persisted in holding embodied in the Federal Bill of religious services in his home in Rights. the town of Flushing. Twenty-six New York State continued to fellow citizens of Flushing of all show the way to the Federal Gov­ faiths protested this arbitrary act ernment and the other states fol­ of the governor, and succeeded in lowing the formation of the Fed­ getting their Quaker neighbor re­ eral Union under the Federal leased with the right to worship Constitution. In 1799, New York according to the dictates of his took a great step towards aboli­ conscience. tion when it decreed that all chil­ Shortly after the colony passed dren born to slaves in New York from Dutch into English hands, were to be born into freedom. one of the first governors was Up-state New York became the Dongan, a Catholic. One of his center of the Abolitionist Move­ first acts was to promulgate, in ment and the Underground Rail­ the name of the Duke of York way. Gerrit Smith, a prominent and the English Crown, freedom business man in Oswego and bene­ of worship and religious liberty. factor of 100 years ago, played an New Yorkers enjoy religious free­ active part in the movement that dom today because some cour­ struck the final blow at slavery. ageous colonial citizens risked In 1852 at a convention held in their freedom and property to see Oswego's first City Hall, yet that others, not themselves, were standing, Smith was nominated to not arbitrarily restricted in the the presidency by the Abolitionist right to worship as they pleased. Party with a Negro as his running

-38— mate for the vice-presidency. Al­ national government but not though Smith did not at that time against the states- Grand jury run for the office, this interest in indictment, trial jury, protection the rights of persons produced its against compulsory self-incrimina­ modern counterpart in the Anti­ tion, and against double jeopardy discrimination Law passed in are procedural rights. The states 1945. may modify and even abolish New York a Pioneer in the these rights, as long as they sub­ Movement for Equal Bights for stitute a procedure that is essen­ Women: Most of the great early tially fair. champions of equal rights for wo­ Because of this situation, most men were citizens of and per­ of the states have supplemented formed their most effective work the Federal Bill of Rights with in this cause in New York State. similar provisions of their own. Emma Willard, Elizabeth Cady New York has been a leader in Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, and Dr. this field. The protection provided Mary Walker were prominent and by these many provisions goes far successful leaders in New York toward explaining why this State State. Through the efforts of such has been able to make democracy courageous forthright pioneers as work so well. these great citizens women in The rights of persons may be New York today not only have defined and protected by consti­ the right to vote, own property, tutional provision or legislative and engage in the professions and statute or both. Whenever the occupations, but a recent statute people of New York State put a guarantees them equal pay with right into the State Constitution men for the same job. This is an they are in effect saying that it achievement that would probably is so vital and imporant that only surprise even a Dr. Mary Walker - the people themselves, and not the The Federal Bill of Bights and Legislature, shall have the final the States: The Federal Bill of power to change or modify it. A Rights was originally interpreted Constitutional provision can only to protect the individual only be changed by the amending from arbitrary action on the part process. All amendments have to of the national government. By receive the affirmative action of judicial interpretation, the Su­ the people by direct vote- preme Court has ruled that cer­ Personal Bights tain of these rights—known as the fundamental rights—shall also Freedom of Religion: The State protect the individual from arbi­ Constitution guarantees freedom trary action on the part of the of religion, but the "liberty of states. Freedom of speech and of conscience hereby secured" may the press, freedom of religion, the not "excuse acts of licentiousness right of peaceable assembly, and or justify practices inconsistent certain basic requirements of a with the peace or safety of this fair trial such as the right of State." A citizen of New York counsel and an orderly court room could not for example under the are the fundamental rights which guise of religion have several apply uniformly throughout the wives for polygamy is considered nation. immoral by the community. New Although the states may add York courts have ruled that further protections and refine­ school children may not refuse to ments to the fundamental rights salute the flag on the ground that they are restrained from impair­ this salute is contrary to their ing the essential liberty guaran­ religious beliefs. The New York teed by the Federal Constitution. courts maintained that a flag The other rights of the Federal salute was an ordinary act of Bill of Rights—the procedural patriotism and failure to salute rights—are binding against the the flag would be "inconsistent

—39— with the peace" of the State. The that: "No person shall, because of United States Supreme Court has race, color, creed or religion be now overruled this interpretation, subjected to any discrimination in so that the religious rights of the his civil rights by any other per­ individual take precedence over son, or by a firm, corporation, or this particular type of citizenship institution, or by the State or by duty. any agency or subdivision of the Freedom of Speech and Press: State-" These guarantees are The State Constitution provides more comprehensive and far- for freedom of speech and press, reaching than the "equal protec­ but each citizen is responsible for tion" and other comparable pro­ the "abuse" of this right. The visions of the Federal Constitu­ Legislature has made criminal the tion. "advocacy" of unlawful acts. Thus Experience has shown that a advocating, either in writing or in constitutional provision standing speech, the overthrow of the gov­ alone will not satisfactorily pro­ ernment by force is an abuse of tect persons in the enjoyment of the constitutional guarantee, and their civil rights. A constitutional any person so charged cannot clause must be implemented by take refuge in the state Bill of legislative statutes defining the Rights. A State statute, the rights and providing the means Devany Act, bars from the Civil and the agencies to enforce the Service and from teaching posi­ principles established by the con­ tions in the public schools persons stitutional provisions. The Anti- advocating the overthrow of the Discrimination Law of 1945 which government by force. This act is establishes the Commission considered a proper expression of against Discrimination to protect legislative power and therefore workers against discrimination in constitutional. employment is justly famous Another state statute, the Fein- throughout the nation. The Law berg law, provided that any public and the work of the Commission school teacher belonging to an or­ has become a model which several ganization listed by the Board of states have already followed- Regents as subversive was subject The Commission is empowered to immediate dismissal from his to investigate cases of alleged job. discrimination. If the investigation shows the complaint to be well- Immoral, indecent ,and obscene founded the Commission has the publications or presentations by power to call a formal hearing out radio, television, motion pictures of which a "cease and desist" or phonograph records are also order enforceable in the courts regarded as an abuse of the may follow. This is the final right of free speech and press, step which puts "teeth" into the and are made criminal by New law. However, the unique feature York statutes. The courts have, of the Law is the intermediate for the most part, construed these step of "conference, conciliation, statutes in a liberal spirit. and persuasion," which the Com­ The Right of Assembly: The mission is empowered to bring in­ people have the right to assemble to operation before the final court peaceably and to petition the gov­ sanctions are imposed. In this step ernment. However, the right to the Commission meets around the assemble may not be exercised by conference table with the em­ holding public meetings on the ployer who has been found to be public streets if this is forbidden engaging in discriminatory em­ by local authorities in the inter­ ployment practices and shows the est of preserving the normal use employer how he may change his and safety of the streets- practices to conform with the Freedom from Discrimination: provisions of the Anti-Discrimina­ The State Bill of Rights provides tion Law. There is no publicity as- sociated with this conciliation through the fault of the State or and persuasion step. This policy its agencies and agents. (The of seeking voluntary compliance State Court of Claims is provided with the Law has worked so suc­ to consider claims arising against cessfully that in 1938 in not one the state which cannot be pressed of the 273 verified complaints did in the civil courts, and to make the Commission have to resort to awards and adjustments in these the final step of court sanctions. cases.) The Commission carries on an Unreasonable Searches and intensive program of education to Seizures: The Constitution was create a community atmosphere amended in 1938 to require that conducive to the solution of dis­ a valid search warrant accom­ crimination problems with a maxi­ pany the interception of telephone mum of cooperation and a mini­ and telegraph communications. mum of conflict. The Division of Although the purpose of the Education of the Commission uses amendment is clearly to protect all the media of information and individual rights, many people are instruction—the film, the radio, opposed to it. They hold that the public forum, pamphlets—to ac­ good it might accomplish would quaint and educate labor organi­ be more than offset by the ad­ zations, employer associations, vantages it would give to crim­ public and private schools and inals and other enemies of society. colleges, and the general public Due Process of Law: The Con­ with the problems and progress of stitution provides that: "No per­ the campaign against discrimina­ son shall be deprived of life, lib­ tion. The great success of the Law erty, or property without due to date has been due in no small process of law." This "due measure to the growing apprecia­ process" clause is similar to the tion and acceptance by public due process clauses of the Federal opinion that equal rights is not Contitution. These provisions have only just and democratic but is furnished American courts with a also practical and good business. flexible rule by which they can Right to Sue for Damages: The guard the citizen against the in­ Constitution provides that the vasion of his basic rights in ways right to sue for damages for in­ which are not covered by statute juries resulting in death shall or constitutional provision. De­ never be taken away, and the cisions in specific cases become amount which can be recovered law by judicial precedent; also shall not be subject to any limita­ known as "judge-made" law. tion of Legislative statute. At an earlier period, the courts The services and functions of accepted a simple ("procedural") the State are numerous and interpretation of the "due pro­ widespread. State property— cess" guaranty. If a party to a roads, colleges, canals, terminals, civil or criminal suit had the priv­ historic sites, parks—are located ilege of the customary procedures in every region of the State- and forms of a fair trial, he had Hundreds of State cars and trucks the benefit of due process of law. are on the highways every day en­ The courts were concerned only gaged in State services. The State, with the processes which were in­ like any other property holder or cluded in a law or used in an individual, should be responsible act of the government restricting for any negligence which causes the individual. Due process stood injuries to others- However, there for fair, orderly, regular pro­ is a long-standing principle of law cedure in all matters affecting the that the State cannot be sued individual's life, liberty, or prop­ without its consent. The above erty. provisions make an exception to Due process has been expanded the rule in cases of bodily injury to include what has become

—41— known as the "substantive" inter­ forced to withdraw during the pretation. The courts now look course of the case because of ill­ beyond the mere forms of legal ness or some other compelling procedure and inquire into the reason. substance of the law under which When May a Case Be Tried the individual is claiming denial without a Jury? Juries are never of his rights- The courts are con­ used in an important class of civil cerned not only with how the cases known as cases in equity. government carries out its re­ This includes legal actions in strictions of the individual but which a person seeks to protect also with what these restrictions his interests by restraining an­ are and whether or not they are other person from performing proper. some act which would injure him- Our highest courts have ruled In all other civil cases, the jury that the due process provision is may be waived by the mutual con­ broad enough and flexible enough sent of the two parties to the suit. to include all "the fundamental In all criminal cases, except principles of liberty and justice those in which the crime is which lie at the base of our civil punishable by death, the Constitu­ and political institutions." The ex­ tion gives the defendant the right pansion of this formula to meet to waive jury trial. The defendant, new and varied conditions has however, is protected against made our charter of State govern­ hasty action or undue influence. ment a truly flexible and "living" He can waive the jury trial only Constitution. by signing a statement in open court before a judge having Rights Of Those Accused Of jurisdiction over the offense. Crime The Legislature has the power to create inferior courts, and may Trial by Jury: The New York authorize them to try misde­ Constitution reaffirms the ancient meanors without a jury. A mis­ Anglo-Saxon principle that any demeanor may be defined as a man accused of a crime has a "minor crime.' However, in cer­ right to a fair trial by a jury of tain more serious misdemeanors, his peers. Experience has led such as third-degree assault and people of New York to make some reckless driving, the defendant modifications in this guarantee. may demand a jury trial. Persons These modifications are designed accused of felonies always have to facilitate the administering of the right to a jury trial, unless justice; they do not in any way they voluntarily waive it, as de­ impair essential civil rights. scribed above. In practice, the distinction between cases which The New York Constitution do and do not require jury trials provides that the right of trial is not a precise one- Often a judge by jury must remain inviolate in must use his discretion in deciding all cases of felony. A felony is a such matters. crime so important that it carries the punishment of death or im­ Decisions: In all criminal cases, prisonment in a State prison. In a unanimous decision of the jury all cases of felony the jury must is required for conviction. In civil number twelve- In other types of cases, a constitutional provision cases, the size of the jury may be permits a five-sixths verdict. This fixed at six, or at any other num­ is in effect in many courts. ber. In any case, at the discretion "Blue Ribbon Juries: In all of the court, an alternate juror counties of the State, having a may be chosen. This alternate sits population of one million or more, with the other jurors and listens "blue ribbon" juries may be used to all the testimony. His function to try important cases. A "blue is to be available to take the ribbon" jury is chosen from a place of any juryman who is pane] of names representing the more educated and intelligent court is bound by long-standing persons in the community- custom and established precedent- Habeas Corpus: The New York In early English law, criminals Constitution states that: "The were punished by torture and privilege of a writ or order of mutilation. Such penalties are no habeas corpus shall not be sus­ longer recognized or practiced but pended, unless, in case of rebel­ the prohibition against cruel and lion or invasion, the public safety unusual punishments serves as a requires it." The writ of habeas check against penalties obviously corpus requires that any person out of proportion to the serious­ accused of crime be brought to ness of the crime. immediate trial in a proper court Grand Jury: The grand jury with all the traditional safeguards hears the evidence presented by of a fair trial. the district attorney or others re­ garding crime, and votes an in­ The trial must be speedy. The dictment, or formal accusation, if jury must be impartial; that is, the evidence in any case seems to neither the accused nor the gov­ justify it. In case of an indict­ ernment can be denied the right ment, the accused is tried before to challenge prospective jurors. a petit (trial) jury which deter­ The trial must be public so that mines whether he is guilty or in­ the accused may enjoy the pro­ nocent. tection which comes from open proceedings. The trial must take In recent years, grand juries place in the district in which the have played a vital part in ex­ crime was committed, unless the posing corruption on the part of court grants the petition of a de­ public officers in local units of fendant for a change in the place government throughout the State- set for holding a trial on the This service has been considered ground that public sentiment is so important that the people of such that he could not receive a the State adopted a constitutional fair trial in that community. provision prohibiting the suspen­ sion or impairment by the Legis­ In every war the question arises lature of the power of grand whether the war emergency calls juries to inquire into misconduct for the suspension of habeas of public officers. corpus and the requisites of a The grand jury is chosen by lot fair trial. The courts have ruled from a list of names of the quali­ that civilian courts cannot be fied voters in the judicial district, superceded by military courts un­ in which the court sits. It may less in the actual theatre of war. have from sixteen to twenty-three However this rule has been quali­ members. fied so as not to include aliens who commit "offenses against the Right to Counsel and Wit­ law of war." (Nazi saboteurs.) nesses : ".... in any trial the They may be tried by special mil­ party accused shall be allowed to itary tribunals. It is always a dif­ appear and defend in person and ficult question to decide whether with counsel and shall be in­ the "public safety" requires the formed of the nature and cause of curtailment of habeas corpus. the accusation and shall be con­ fronted with the witnesses against Excessive Bail and Unusual him." The right of counsel in­ Punishment: The New York Con­ cludes the selection by the ac­ stitution provides that: "Excessive cused or appointment by the court bail shall not be required nor ex­ of a proper and qualified legal ad­ cessive fines imposed, nor shall viser. The accused must have ade­ cruel and unusual punishments be quate opportunity to discuss and inflicted." The amount of bail re­ plan with his counsel in prepara­ quired in a criminal case is deter­ tion for the trial. The accused has mined by the circumstances and the right to sit throughout the the judgment of the court. The trial and appear as his own wit- ness. The guarantee that the ac­ napping is a crime against the cused be informed of the nature Federal Government and also is and cause of the accusation pro­ against the laws of most states. tects him against having new Having been tried by the Federal charges brought against him fol­ Government for an act of kidnap­ lowing the formal charge. ping would not prevent the state The right to confront the wit­ in which the kidnapping occured nesses includes the right to cross- from trying the accused for the examine the witnesses. This cross- same act. examination enables the jury to judge whether or not the wit­ Property Rights nesses are telling the truth. The The right to own and to hold accused must be able to compel property is guaranteed and safe­ witnesses to appear and testify in guarded in several provisions of his defense. The State is required the Constitution- The Bill of to summon such witnesses at Rights states that no person shall state expense- be deprived of his property with­ Guarantees against Self-incrim­ out "due process of law," and that ination: The New York Constitu­ private property shall not be tion formerly provided complete taken for public use without "just guarantees against any person's compensation." The courts have being forced to give testimony established the following rule as which might tend to incriminate the proper guide for the deter­ him. On several occasions in re­ mination of damages: "The owner cent years, however, public offi­ is entitled to the value of the cials took advantage of this pro­ property, which is what a pur­ vision by refusing to testify be­ chaser who is not compelled to fore a grand jury concerning the buy would pay under ordinary performance of their official conditions to a seller who is not duties. As a result, the Constitu­ compelled to sell-" Property rights tion was amended to exclude are thus fairly protected in New public officials from this guar­ York State. antee. Any public official who, upon being called before a grand Rights Of Labor jury, refuses to testify concerning the conduct of his office, or to New York was one of the first sign a waiver of immunity states to recognize through ap­ against subsequent criminal prose­ propriate social legislation that cution, or to answer any relevant America had passed from an econ­ question, is subject to the immed­ omy that was primarily agricul­ iate removal from public office by tural to one that was largely in­ the appropriate authority. dustrial in nature. An increasing number of the citizens came to Protection against Double the conclusion that the working- Jeopardy: "No person shall be man could not pursue and achieve subject to be twice put in happiness if he were restricted to jeopardy for the same offense." the traditional civil rights such as When a person is acquitted of a freedom of religion and speech criminal charge he cannot be and the guarantees of a fair trial- tried again on the same charge Workmen's Compensation: by the same unit of government People began to accept the prin­ even though later evidence may ciple that freedom for the work- be brought to light. If, however, ingman must include an addition­ the act is a violation of both state al type of guarantee and protec­ and national law the individual tion. These guarantees were to can be tried by the courts of both become incorporated into the units of government and still not state Bill of Rights and be known be in double jeopardy in the as the "social rights." The first meaning of the Constitution. Kid­ of these "social rights" to at-

44 tract the attention of the law­ compensation payments. The makers of New York State was a amount received varies, depend­ Workmen's Compensation Act— ing on the worker's average earn­ an attempt to guarantee a reason­ ings for some time preceding the able protection from the physical accident. In cases of injuries hazards of industrial employment. which result in permanent or This Act was virtually emascu­ long-term incapicitation, a flat lated by the application by the sum may be paid. courts of the old "fellow-servant" Labor Not a Commodity: In rule of common law. A workman 1938, the following "social rights" could not, for example under the were considered so vital and im­ "fellow-servant" rule qualify for portant that labor groups were compensation if he were injured able to get them included as part through the fault of his fellow of the Bill of Rights of the re­ worker. vised Constitution. Workmen's Compensation Law "Labor of human beings is not a commodity nor an article of The friends of labor carried on commerce and shall never be so an active educational campaign considered or construed." This and were successful in convincing revision prevents the courts from the majority of the citizens of the ruling labor unions are in re­ State that workman's compensa­ straint of trade and they are, tion should be guaranteed and therefore, subject to prosecution protected by constitutional under the anti-trust laws. amendment. A comprehensive Collective Bargaining: "Em­ Workmen's Compensation clause ployees shall have the right to was added to the New York State organize and to bargain collective­ Constitution and made a part of ly through representatives of their the Bill of Rights. Now neither own choosing." This provision the courts nor the Legislature guarantees that the principle of may reject this principle and only the Wagner Labor Relations Act the people themselves may shall be the accepted policy of the change it. Since 1913 when the State. amendment was added to the Hours and Wages in Public Constitution New York has en­ Work: All laborer on state projects joyed an excellent system of whether working for a contractor workmen's compensation. or directly for the State is not The law provides that an em­ permitted to work more than ployer must take out insurance to eight hours a day nor more than cover all injuries suffered by his five days in any week. Further­ employees at their work. The only more labor on State projects must injuries not covered are those re­ not receive less than the rate of ceived while the worker was in­ wages prevailing in the same toxicated while on the job, and in­ trade or occupation in the locality juries which it can be proved were within the State where the public deliberately caused by the worker work is situated. Labor groups are himself. The insurance may be hopeful that these requirements purchased from a special State to which the State is now subject agency, or from any one of a will become the standard for pri­ number of private companies- Un­ vate employment throughout the der certain conditions, the em­ geographic area embraced by the ployer may become a self-insurer. State boundaries. If an employee becomes ill or is Lotteries and Gambling: The injured as a result of his work, he original provision against gambl­ receives medical attention free of ing was incorporated into the Bill charge. In addition, if his illness of Rights by the Constitutional or injury keeps him away from Convention of 1821. This prohibi­ work, he becomes eligible for tion was amended in 1939 to read as follows: "No lottery or the sale port of government, shall here­ of lottery tickets, pool-selling, after be authorized or allowed book-making, or any other kind of within this State." It was argued gambling, except pari-mutuel bet­ that since people would bet on ting on horse races as may be horse races in spite of the law, it prescribed by the Legislature and was better for the State to regu­ from which the State shall derive late this type of gambling and de­ a reasonable revenue for the sup­ rive revenue from it.

—46— Oliver Stevens, First Permanent Settler In Oswego County (Paper Given Before the Oswego County Historical Society, May 16, 1950, By J. Elet Milton of Brewerton.)

Someone has said that history Caanan, Conn- Phineas enlisted as is like a flowing stream—extend­ a Private in the same Company ing from the unknown past into Feb. 5, 1776. the unknown future; and when we attempt to study any part of it, Stevens' Forbears we are obliged to plunge into the stream as we find it, reaching Andrew, the fourth son of as far back into its course as pos­ Thomas and Mary Stevens, and sible and floating along on its sur­ the father of the subject of this face. paper, was born, probably in Caanan, Conn., about 1710; mar­ In speaking of Oliver Stevens, ried Esther Safford of Caanan in the subject it appears to have 1735. He was the first Town Clerk fallen to my lot to discuss, it may in Caanan, Litchfield County, perhaps be best to plunge into the Conn. He represented the Town in historical stream by exploring in­ the Legislature in 1751 and again to the ancestry of this man, who in 1761. In 1770, while on his way became the first settler in what home, during a heavy storm of is now the town of Hastings and wind, he was struck by a falling the county of Oswego. tree and killed. His widow died in It is known that one, Nicholas Caanan, March 13, 1773. Stevens, was a Brig. General in The family consisted of twelve the army of Oliver Cromwell in children, the two eldest were born England about 1640-50. in Plainfield, and the others in From Nicholas descended Henry Caanan. All of the six sons served Stevens, and from the latter de­ in the War of the Revolution; and scended Thomas, who married it is known that at least two May 29, 1702. Mary, daughter of were in service in the French and Stephen and Ruth Hall of Plain- Indian War. field, Connecticut. While this paper is not con­ The children of Thomas and cerned with all of the children of Mary Stevens were seven in num­ Andrew and Esther Stevens, it ber—'Thomas, Jr., Phineas, Uriah, may be of interest to bring out Andrew, Samuel, Benjamin and something regarding the eldest of Zebulon — all good scriptural these children—who became Cap­ names, probably because Thomas tain John Stevens; in addition to and Mary, like most New Eng­ an extended sketch of the enders in those days, enjoyed and eleventh child, Oliver, the subject lived their religion, narrow of this paper. though it was. Captain John Stevens was born Of these children, Samuel was Oct. 19, 1737; married June 2, a private in Capt. Shultz's Com­ 1759, Phoebe How. He enlisted at pany of horse of Fairfield and the age of sixteen in the French Norwich, Conn., in 1779, and was and Indian War, under Noah Am­ killed by the Indians. Benjamin herst, and served until its close. settled in North Carolina. Zebulon When the Revolution began he enlisted as Corporal Jan. 24, 1776, espoused the cause of his native in the Company of which his land, and raised a company of nephew was Captain. He married soldiers in his own Town of Caan­ Marion Fellows, and settled in an, over which he was appointed

—Zt— Captain, Jan. 19, 1776. His was Daniel Dickinson, prominent the 2nd. Company of Col. Charles statesman, was her grandson. Burrell's Battalion, which was Mary was instantly killed by raised to reinforce the Northern lightning, Sept. 3, 1761, at Gosh­ Army, then so badly in need of en, Conn. Nathaniel Dickinson and troops. his baby lay on a bed close to the On account of his experience, place struck; his wife was sitting he early took a very active part in a chair by the bedside when in the war. In company with his the bolt of lightning hit the intimate friend, Col. Ethan Allen, north end of the roof, and striking and others, he conceived and her on the temple, burned her executed the plan for taking Fort hair and melted a string of gold Tdconderoga. From a reliable beads, which encircled her neck. authority it is learned that Cap­ The others received a severe tain Stevens was one of that shock, but all recovered. select band who captured the fort —"In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Con­ Born In Connecticut gress"—this suffixed by a power­ We will now concern ourselves ful expletive, in the use of which with Oliver Stevens, the pioneer Ethan Allen was most proficient. settler in Oswego County, the The joker in this oft-quoted younger brother of the before saying was that Allen, being an mentioned Capt. John and his athiest, did not believe in God; sister, Mary, and the eleventh and his commission was issued child of Andrew Stevens and under an authority in Connecticut, Esther Safford. which Congress had not yet recog­ Oliver was born in Caanan, nized. Conn., in 1759, being twenty-two Allen is also said to have shout­ years the junior of his noted ed to Capt. Delaplace, the com­ brother, Capt. John Stevens. He manding officer at the fort, "Get married Nancy Chittendon, who out of here, you damned old rat." was born at Caanan, Conn., Mar. At the Battle of the Cedars, 17, 1762. (Her tombstone in Cicero near Montreal, May 19, 1776, Cemetery reads, "Nancy, wife of Capt. John Stevens and his men Oliver Stevens, Died Nov. 21, were taken prisoners and held by 1842, in the 84th. year of her the British nearly three years, age".) She was a cousin of Gov­ when the officers and men were ernor Chittendon of Vermont- stripped almost naked and sent Oliver and Nancy were married home in October, 1778. It is re­ at Caanan in August, 1780— lated of Capt. Stevens, that rather Beauchamp says they were mar­ than deliver up his sword to his ried in Aug., 1740, which is clear­ captors, he thrust its point down­ ly an error, as neither of them ward into the ground, and with were born until later than that his foot snapped it in twain at its date- hilt. Among the first to join the Besides the two uncles, Zebulon Company of Captain John Stev­ and Phineas, who were in Captain ens, was Oliver, who enlisted Jan. John's Company, there was a 22, 1776, when only seventeen cousin, Benjamin Stevens, a pri­ years of age, and went to Quebec. vate. Capt. John Stevens died in He was discharged, and again en­ Washington, Berkshire Co., Mas­ listed under Capt. Scofield in the sachusetts. 9th. Conn. Regt, June 18, 1779, Another item of interest con­ for one month, and was dicharged cerning Mary, younger sister of July 18, of the same year. the foregoing, Capt. Stevens, may Through the representations of well be included in this paper. his brothers, who as members of Mary was born in 1740; married Col. John Bradstreet's expedition Thomas Dickinson. The Hon. against Fort Frontenac (Kings-

—48— ton) in 1758 during the French a daughter of John Smith, and and Indian War, had been at who came to Brewerton in 1792, Fort Brewerton, and were familiar was the first actual settler—even with this region and its many ad­ contending that Stevens was a vantages as a place for settle­ '"squatter". ment, Oliver, accompanied by his wife and three children, left their Smith Disputed Claim Connecticut home and made their This contender was so insistent difficult way to the outlet of that George Ramsey was the Oneida Lake. pioneer settler, that he had the Journeyed By Canoe old tombstone of Ramsey in Riverside Cemetery in Brewerton, The journey was by canoe and replaced with a new stone, on bateaux over the waterways—up which he had inscribed: "First the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, White Settler—George Ramsey, to and over the carrying place at Died Mar. 13, 1838, aged 78 years Fort Stanwix, now Rome, down and 5 days". The old stone which the many windings of torturous was replaced bore the following Wood Creek. Thence across inscription: "George Ramsay, Oneida Lake to its outlet and a Sen-, Born in Scotland. Emigrated half mile down over the rifts to to Brewerton 1803. Died Mar. 13, the abandoned Fort Brewerton. 1838". The date given on the stone as that of his coming to Here, surrounded by a wilder­ Brewerton is clearly an error. Ac­ ness, infested by wild beasts and cording to the family records, his treacherous Indians, he planted a eldest child, Helen, was born in home in 1789—the first permanent Brewerton in 1792, consequently settlement in what twenty-seven he was here at that time. Other years later became Oswego Coun­ data indicate that he came in ty. In 1789 it was still a part of 1791 to administer the property of the great Montgomery County. his father-in-law, John Smith. Stevens nearest neighbor at Canny Scotchman, that he was, he this time was Ephriam Webster in soon owned practically all of the Salina on the shores of Onondaga original 600 acres. Lake, where he had located a trading post near the mouth of I have had many a good Onondaga Creek, twelve miles dis­ natured argument with this tant from Fort Brewerton, in Ramsay descendant regarding this 1786. Four miles further south contention—it being well known at what is now known as the On­ that Oliver Stevens was here ondaga Valley section, were the first, and that he endeavored to families of Asa Danforth and purchase of the then owner the Comfort Tyler, who had located land on which he settled, but the there only the year previous to owner refused to sell. Stevens had the coming of Mr. Stevens to Fort to be content to rent the land, Brewerton in 1789- which he actually did. In order to make clear the It may be of interest, to know events leading up to the occupa­ that descendants of one John tion at Brewerton by Oliver Smith, who had served in the Stevens, it may be well to men­ Revolutionary Army, and who was tion something of its earlier occu­ awarded a tract of 600 acres in pation, which I will endeavor to the Military Tract, embracing the do as briefly as possible. village of Brewerton on the south side of the river contended that Oliver Stevens was not an actual Champlain's Fording Place settler, as he did not actually own At the foot of Oneida Lake, the land on which he settled where the Oneida (then called the until much later. Onondaga) River issued from the It was contended that Deacon lake, was a rapid or rift, with a George Ramsay, who had married fall of perhaps two or more feet.

—49— The water, except in flood time, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of was very shallow. There was the years. Recent archaeological re­ fording place, and it was there search has revealed that this was that Champlain in 1615, five years one of the great camp sites of before the Pilgrims landed at ancient times- Here many differ­ Plymouth Rock, crossed the river ent cultures lived and died, and and was the first known white here their skeletal remains and person to view Oneida Lake, non-perishable artifacts bear evi­ while journeying toward the In­ dence of a very large and ancient dian fort with a party of Huron occupation, extending back into Indians. Incidentally, it might be prehistoric periods at least two noted that at the present time thousand years. another battle is being waged be­ tween contending parties regard­ Indian Trail Crossing ing the location of this Indian fort. One party insisting it was It was at this rift that the located at Nichols Pond in Madi­ great north and south trail from son County—the other side being the St. Lawrence region to the just as certain that the fort was south country crossed the more at Salina. important water route from the Hudson River and salt water to the Great Lakes. Coming down to Indian Fishing Ground historic times, this strategic spot became the object of keen atten­ At this rift was a favorite fish­ tion by the French, who were ing place of the aborigines, great endeavoring to secure the fur quantities of the finest of fresh trade of the Indians. It was here water fish, especially salmon and that the French proposed to erect eels, were to be had here, and a fort. because of the rapid flow of the The British, being aware of the water the Indians were able to great possibilities of the fur trade, capture fish here at all seasons. and viewing with apprehension This latter fact was of great the advance of the French to value when in winter, because of Crown Point and Ticonderoga on icy conditions, nearly all other Lake Champlain, and the fortify­ sources were unavailable. Here ing of Niagara—and later the the Indians erected fish weirs, capture of the English forts at consisting of sticks and stones in Oswego, decided to forestall the the form of V shaped dams, ex­ French by building forts along the tending downward from the water route in this section. shores toward a common center. As a result Fort Ontario at Os­ Here at the apex of the dams wego was rebuilt in 1759 by the were placed wicker baskets in British and used as a base for an which the fish were taken, after advance against the French at having been guided down the Niagara by Johnson, which was dams to the open baskets. The taken. Posts were then built by early white settlers also employ­ the British in 1759 at Oswego ed this weir method for catching Falls, perhaps a tiny one at Three fish, and Oliver Stevens is known River Point, Fort Brewerton at to have been perhaps the first the foot of the Oneida Lake, near white man to so use the method the rifts, and a post known as earlier used by the Indians. Be­ Royal Block House at the east fore the deepening of the river end of Oneida Lake at what is channel for navigation purposes known now as Sylvan Beach. in 1849, the taking of salmon and 'This latter post was located on eels was a considerable business. Wood Creek a few rods east of It is stated that at times as many the present highway bridge- as three or four thousand eels were taken in twenty-four hours- Fort Brewerton Abandoned Here were the villages and en­ campments of the aboriginies for The need for these small forts

—50— passing within a few years, they south of Cicero on the farm now were garrisoned only until about occupied bythe newly constructed 1764 or thereabouts when they "drive in" theatre, where their were abandoned. They had been son, George, was born, and where built and maintained at the re­ she died in 1873. quest of the Indians, who feared A grandson of Artemissia and the French and their Indian Al­ Gibbs Skiff, George, still is living lies, with the understanding that in Syracuse, and has related to they would be abandoned when me some of the stories he recalls hostilities ceased. The last mili­ his grandmother telling. He is a tary occupation of Fort Brewer- very old man, with a clear mem­ ton, so far as is known, was by a ory, however. He mentions hear­ company under Capt. Thomas ing Artemissia tell of the visits Morris in 1764. back and forth between her fam­ After the British abandoned ily and the French family Des- Fort Brewerton it rapidly fell in­ Vatines, who lived on French­ to decay—it having been built of man's Island, and from which wooden palisades set in the top of family the island received its an earthen enbankment, with four name. log block-houses within the en­ The second child of Oliver and closure. From the journal of one Nancy, was Myron, born in Francis Grant, who journeyed this Caanan, Conn., about 1782, who way, the following item appears married Sarah (Sally) Shepard, under date of May 22, 1767: "At daughter of Capt. John Shepard, the entrance of the river is Fort who for Revolutionary War serv­ Brewington (Brewerton) a con­ ices drew three military lots in siderable post during the war but the Military Tract, one of these since abandoned and burnt by the lots lying along the lake and river Indians". in the Town of Cicero. The Staats Claim Caughdenoy's First Settler Lieut- Col. Barent I. Staats lo­ Myron Stevens became the first cated a bounty right for lands settler in Caughdenoy, being near Brewerton in 1782, for which credited with building the first letters of patent were given to house there, where a cast iron him Aug. 8, 1789. This was about Historical Marker shows the spot the time that Oliver Stevens came to have been on the north side of to Fort Brewerton—it is pre­ the highway below the dam. This sumed that he came in the spring was in 1797. In 1825, when the in order that he might construct town of Hastings was set off from a house and make ready for the Constantia, Myron Stevens was coming winter. The Staats pur­ elected as one of the assessors at chase was 400 acres, embracing the first election. He died in the fort grounds and that portion Antioch, Illinois. His daughter, of Brewerton lying on the north Artemissia, married Myron Em­ side of the Oneida (then Onon­ mons; and another daughter, daga) River, in the present town Nancy, whom I well remember, of Hastings and Oswego County— married Orrice C. Orman. then a part of Montgomery Coun­ The third child of Oliver and ty. Nancy, was Oliver, Jun., probably As stated, when Oliver Stevens born in Caanan, Conn., about came to Fort Brewerton, he was 1784; married Abigail Hall, daugh­ accompanied by his wife, Nancy, ter of Jonathan and Abigail and three children, the eldest (Bigsbee) Hall. This Jonathan child being Artemissia, who was Hall was the Revolutionary soldier born in Caanan, Conn., Apr. 15, whose remains rest in Caugh­ 1787. She married Sheldon Thrall, denoy Cemetery. Oliver, Jun., who died, and she then married settled in Penn Yan, N. Y., and Gibbs Skiff. They resided just was the father of a son, Geo. T.

—51— More of the other children, all with the Indians, bartering such of whom were born after Oliver goods as they needed, rum, am­ settled at Fort Brewerton in 1789, munition and provisions, for their will be told later. furs—possibly a goodily supply of A map of a survey of Fort ginseng from time to time. The Brewerton in 1764, shows a path goods which he traded were leading from the river shore from brought over the long water route near the west end of the present from Schenectady, and Mr. Stev­ "Smith's Pier" to the fort en­ ens is said to have brought in a trance. This fort entrance or gate large supply when he first came. was near the south end of one of It was from the latter place that the salient points of the fort ex­ he not only purchased his trade tending toward the river. It was goods, but whence he sent his just east of this path a few rods furs etc. to be sold; except when south of the fort, and as one early it might be possible to sell them writer has it, "In close proximity at Fort Stanwix. to the fort", that Mr. Stevens He also engaged largely in fish­ built his cabin. The precise loca­ ing for salmon, eels and whatever tion was a few rods northwest of other fish were to be taken in the the present Smith's Pier and a before mentioned weirs, which few rods southwest of the present were built along the shallow rifts Fort Brewerton Hotel. with their turbulent waters, be­ Those who had heard the re­ tween the north shore and the collections of the son of Oliver little island now known as Bald­ Stevens, state that the cabin was win Island, and now owned by small, built of logs, with an upper H. W. Smith of the well known story, sufficiently large for his Syracuse Smith Typewriter Co. family of five persons, with space In 1790, one year after Oliver for trading goods and the furs in Stevens came to Fort Brewerton, which he dealt extensively. a son, Horatio, was born in the midst of the wilderness, without Stevens Establishes Tavern the presence or the benefits of a physician or mid-wife. Horatio Here he is said to have opened lived about two years and died in a sort of tavern, where he catered 1792. to the occasional traveler, the Histories record this death as traders, the Indians and the the first known decease of a bateaux-men, who navigated the white person in Oswego County. water ways, and those who It was not only the first death, traveled over the great north and but his was the first birth of a south trail on land- white child in what became Os­ Liquors were pure and cheap in wego County outside of those those days, and the keen-minded which took place at the Oswego revenue agents had not as yet forts during the periods of their realized the opportunities for divi­ occupation. dends from licenses. Doutbless After the death of his son, Mr. Stevens was bothered not at Oliver, not having any lumber all by any laws such as prove so with which to construct a coffin; obnoxious or perhaps prohibitive broke up an old chest he had today- Doubtless here in this brought from Connecticut, and primitive tavern the traveler built a casket in which to bury with the traditional "cob-web" in the child- Burial was on a sand his throat in the early morning, knoll east of the fort—regarding could appease his yearning with which more will be related later. impunity. As late as 1840, whiskey —good pure white whiskey, could be had for thirty-six cents a gal­ Fort Became Pig Sty lon—or for three cents a "nip"; all this without license or permit. It will be recalled that the He carried on a large trade palisades and the log block houses at Fort Brewerton had

—52— been burned by the Indians pre­ to sell. Not being able to make a vious to 1767, and that Mr. Stev­ deal, they had to be content to ens had found the post a ruin occupy it on a rental basis, pay­ when he arrived in 1789. Conse­ ing, it is said, the sum of twenty quently it possessed no value as a pounds—perhaps about $100 a military work. He used the en­ year for the privilege. The whole closed area as a place for keeping tract consisted of four hundred his swine, and his son stated that acres, how much of it they rent­ the hogs up rooted quantities of ed is not known. Much of this hand wrought nails, many iron Staats property afterwards was utensils and tools, a crude black­ purchased by John Lansing of Al­ smith's forge and numerous other bany. interesting items. The early settlers helped them­ Block House Erected selves to the many small, hard and crude shaped red bricks, About 1794 the attitude of the which had formed the fireplaces Indians became very threatening, and chimneys of the four barracks and fears were entertained of within the fort, finding them very open hostilities. The few in­ conventient for use in their early habitants then at Fort Brew­ homes. erton, naturally turned to Mr. Stevens also had a small garden Stevens for aid and advice. nearby. The woods for a space of The latter applied to Gov. Clinton many acres had been cleared for permission to build some sort from about the area comprising of protection for the thoroughly the fort and its approaches when alarmed people. The old works the post was built—doubtless this comprising Fort Brewerton being clearing played a large part in in ruins, and thus offering no sort causing Mr. Stevens to locate at of protection, Mr. Stevens easily this spot. obtained the necessary permission and he erected at State expense a Neighbors Arrive blockhouse that stood near the old fort and a few rods east of In 1790, Stevens had a neigh­ his cabin- bor, one Dexter—some authorities have it Samuel Dexter—who The exact site of this structure settled on the south side of the was a few rods west of the pres­ river. Whence he came or how ent U. S. Highway 11, and a very long he remained is not known- few feet south of the present He is said to have been a black­ Fort Brewerton Hotel. This hotel smith, which trade could have occupies the site of an earlier been of little value to him in this tavern of the same name built in wilderness. 1849-50—burned in 1865. The In 1791, Ryal Bingham located present hotel was built in 1865. near Mr. Stevens on the north When the first hotel was built, side of the river, on a knoll about the, blockhouse was torn down where the present residence of because of its close proximity to William Hines now stands- Mr. and its encroachment on the site Bingham also traded with the na­ of the latter. An early settler, tives and engaged in fishing. He who remembered the old block­ remained but a short time, when house once told me, when asked he went to Three River Point, about the site and if it was exact* where he opened and kept a ly where the hotel stands, "No, tavern for many years. Many not exactly—it was just at the early travelers mention this south side, and over in the tavern. 'holler' ". Oliver Stevens and Ryal Bing­ The blockhouse was built of ham wished to purchase the squared logs or hewn timbers, two Staats property, or at least a por­ stories high, and doubtless, as was tion of it, but the owner refused customary in such structures, the

—53— upper story over hung the lower store, and it was known as The by two or more feet. Blockhouse Hotel, and as such Clarke's "Onondaga" pictures was operated for two or more it, but the drawing is known to years. Mr. Snow later became a be very much in error and en­ large land owner and settled on tirely out of proportion in many a tract of land a mile south of ways; the blockhouse is entirely Central Square. During Mr. so. A son of Mr. Stevens, the late Snow's occupancy in Mar. 1820, Judge John L. Stevens, gave Mr. his son, Leonard, was born in the Clark much of the data used in blockhouse. compiling this historical work, After its usefulness as a dwell­ and we are deeply indebted to ing had past the blockhouse was both these men for having pre­ used for various purposes—the served much which otherwise latest as remembered by those would have been lost. Some of who knew it, was as a barn and this data will be related later. cider mill, operated by George The blockhouse, when com­ Walkup; having for its power a pleted, is said to have been sur­ one horse sweep on the lower rounded at a distance of four rods floor. by palisades of logs twelve feet As previously stated, this block­ high, with a covered gateway to house was torn down just prior the south. But this statement, to the building of the first Fort though often made, is believed to Brewerton Hotel in 1849, which be an error, as all of the early building occupied a part of its settlers, with whom I talked and site. What is believed to be the who related their remembrances only remaining relic of the old of the building, discredited this. blockhouse is a locust pin, such as It is also said that John L. Stev­ were used to tie timbers together ens, son of the builder, never in frame structures. This is in my mentioned to his friends any such possession. It was hand made and palisade. shows evidence of gnawing by mice. It was removed with one Block House Residence of the few sound timbers, when the building was torn down by Clark's "Onondaga" and other Orson Emmons, who built the sources state that the blockhouse hotel on the site in question. was used as a dwelling as late as The salvaged timbers went into 1811. This latter date can easily the building of a barn one mile be extended to 1828 at least. It north of the fort. When this barn was on Nov. 22, 1828, that Jane, was demolished by a son of Mr. daughter of Dr. Chester Smedley, Emmons many years later, the pin was born in the blockhouse—the was presented to me. doctor and his family then were It was my privilege, as a spon­ temporarily residing there. sor for some thirty of the State When the blockhouse was com­ Education Dept. Historical Mark­ pleted Mr. Stevens and his family ers erected in the southern part of are believed to have occupied it Oswego County some years ago, at once as a home and tavern— to have one placed locating the they surely were using it as such blockhouse and another the site at a later date. Here he resided of the first home of Oliver Stev­ for several years or until his re­ ens. These are beside U. S. Route moval to the south side of the 11—One on the fort grounds and river about 1811. It was also used the other just south of the Fort as a tavern by Timothy Vickery Brewerton Hotel where they may from 1811 until 1820, when he now be seen. moved to Three River Point. In Oliver Stevens was appointed 1820 Aaron Snow, son-in-law of clerk of the town of Mexico, in Major Solomon Waring of Rotter­ 1798. This town of Mexico, thus dam (Constantia) began using the created the second time, earlier building as a tavern and grocery had embraced most of the present Oswego County east of the Oswe­ ed on milk for my beverage, and go River and north of the Oneida purchased two pints of it, which River. we carried to our bateau." Speak­ Numerous travelers mention ing of the fishing here he says: Mr. Stevens and his home at Fort "One Indian took with his spear Brewerton. These, like the stories forty salmon within one hour, an­ told of him and his home in the other in the presence of Mr. various histories, may prove to be Simonds (Stevens) speared sixty- a bore to my listeners. However, five during one night, and another there may be some present who eighty." may not have heard them, con­ On his return, under date of sequently some of them will be Aug. 15, 1792, Vanderkemp says, presented. "Need I tell you, my dear sir, that Fort Brewerton, which we Watson Tells Of Visit reached at four in the afternoon was to be a delightful sight. Capt. In the fall of 1791, Brewerton Bingham was home from the sal­ was visited by Gen. Phillip mon fishery; and Capt. Simonds Cortlandt, Jeremiah Van Rens­ (Stevens) with the women was on selaer, Stephen Bayard and El- a visit to the island. His eldest kanah Watson. Mr. Watson's daughter (Artemissia) neverthe­ Journal, under date of Sept. 14, less, a smart girl, prepared us a 1791, has this entry: "We found good supper—a bass of two ourselves opposite Fort Brewer­ pounds; a dish of stewed eels, ton, at the entrance of the Onon­ with fresh bread and butter. Our daga River (now Oneida), which breakfast was congenial, having is a very shallow stream- We secured two capital eels, with a landed near the old fort, where pot of milk and rice; we hurried we found two families and a hand­ to the Island (Frenchman's) and some settlement (Stephen and complimented Mr. and Mrs. Des- Bingham). After refreshing our­ Wattines (the Dutch spelling and selves under the first Christian pronounciation of the French roof which had sheltered us in DesVatines), on Monday morning five days, we commenced de­ between nine and ten o'clock." scending the Onondaga River." In July 1792, Francis Adrian Liancourt Pays Visit Vanderkemp visited the outlet of In 1795, while traveling in this Oneida Lake, and of Fort Brew­ part of the country, the Duke erton he had the following to say: De La Rochefoucault-Liancourt of "We arrived at Fort Brewerton France, made copious notes with about noon, situated in the north splendid descriptions of many in­ western corner of the lake. Here teresting places, which he visited. is a location of about four hun­ His journeys are portrayed in dred acres, obtained by a Mr. much detail, and after having Staats, during the late British visited Squire Bingham at Three War. It is now inhabited by two River Point, after the Squire had families, viz. that of Capt. Bing­ left Fort Brewerton and settled at ham and one Simonds, the latter the former place, the Duke states: from Caughnawagna. (By error "We stopped at Fort Brumpton Vanderkemp has these names (Fort Brewerton) at the entrance wrong—they should be Bingham of the lake. This structure also is and Stevens—the former from surrounded with pallisadoes, erect­ Caughnawagha). They rented it ed last year; it stands at the foot at twenty pounds a year, and de­ of an ancient entrenchment, con­ sired to make a purchase of it, structed by the English during but Mr. Staats, acquainted with the American war, on an ad­ its value, had constantly de­ vantageous ground, commanding clined their offer. the entrance of the lake. The "I was highly gratified with work was thrown up in a zig-zag excellent bread and butter, feast­ figure; but from the remains no distinct idea can be formed, how conjunction with the foregoing the cannon could be pointed to statements of other travelers. advantage." Mr. Clinton mentions the Then the Duke says, ''All the French family, who had resided antiquities of this country consist on Frenchman's Island, and in in the remains of the forts, built this connection states the follow­ in the wars of 1776 or 1756. Fancy ing: "They visited their neighbor must live in future ages, to find Stevens, at the outlet, twice a occupation in this infant country; year. We were told bv Mrs past ages can exist here only for Stevens, that his name was generations not yet born." Devity or Devitzy, that his In stating that the fortification countrymen in Albany made a at Fort Brewerton was "erected subscription, which enabled him last year" and that "it stands at to go to France; that she return­ the foot of an ancient embank­ ed the visits of the family, and ment", the Duke is making men­ found them surprisingly happy: tion of the Blockhouse, which and that in he.r opinion, the Oliver Stevens had erected at the French woman had no extra­ expense of state the year before ordinary pretensions to beauty." the visit of the Frenchman. As Of the Stevens family he says' pointed out by Dr. Wm. A- "That night (July 10, 1810) we Ritchie, who has within the past slept at Stevens', at the outlet of few years has made extensive the lake, nine miles by land and discoveries of prehistoric occupa­ eleven by water from Rotterdam tion of this section, the Duke was (Constantia). Here commences viewing ground which had been Onondaga or Oneida river, the occupied for perhaps two thous­ only outlet of the lake, about as and years. large as the mouth of Wood Liancourt continued as follows: Creek. The bars at the outlet are '•The proprietor of the house rocky, wide, difficult to remove, (Oliver Stevens) had gone to Rot­ and so shallow that a horse can terdam three days before- A girl easily pass over them. There are of fourteen (Arthemissia Stevens) two eel weirs here in which many was left behind to take care of are caught. Stevens has lived in the house, and of a little brother this place, which is in the town of (probably Oliver, Jr.) who was Constantia, eighteen (21) years, sick, and whom she actually has rented it for seventeen years, nursed with a solicitude truly af­ at $75 a year. He has no neigh­ fecting. The girl, poor thing, did bors within four miles on this side all she could for our accommoda­ of the river. On the other side is tion, but nothing was to be pro­ the town of Cicero, in which cured. We should have been there are several settlements. obliged to content ourselves with This is a clean house, in which a few small potatoes, which we we were as well accommodated pulled up in the fields, if the In­ as the situation of the country dians, who were encamped on the would admit. There is a small opposite bank of the river, had island at the mouth of the river, not brought us a pike, which they containing six (1%) acres, and harpoon. belonging to the State, for sale." Clinton then mentions the In­ DeWitt Clinton Comments dians and their encampment, the fishing and other matters, he then From the Journal of Hon. continues: "Black raspberries DeWitt Clinton, who made a grow wild in great abundance. journey through this section in They composed, with fresh sal­ 1810 we add a few items of inter­ mon, the principal part of our est regarding the Stevens familv. supper. While this material is slightly "Stevens' is twelve miles from out of order chronologically, it is Salina by land, and thirty-two by deemed best to present it here in water. The salt used in the coun-

—56— try is brought the latter way, and several weeks, when his feet be­ is purchased at the springs for gan to mortify. He was then con­ 2s. or ls.6d. per bushel. Land in veyed to Dr. White of Cherry Cicero is worth from three to Valley, on a sled by hand, where five dollars per acre. Stevens told both limbs were amputated above us that they have no other the ankle. He is now (1847) living preacher than Mr. Shepard, who in Palermo, Oswego County, lived over the river in Cicero; hobbling about on his stumps, has that he formerly resided in some property, and enjoys good Goshen, and got three military health for one so advanced in lots as captain or major of arti­ years, comparatively cheerful and ficers, although not legally en­ happy." titled to them — that Judge Supplementing the foregoing Thompson, a member of the Sen­ story of John Thayer, we have ate, and of Orange County, re­ from the pen of a granddaughter ceived one lot as a fee for his of Oliver Stevens, the following services in getting the law passed. statement: "Right here I wish to "Stevens' house is one quarter say that Mr. Thayer was found of a mile from the mouth of the and carried to the home of my lake. Deer come close to it. We grandfather. When they brought saw an adder and another snake him to the house and Grand­ sunning themselves on the ram­ mother saw him, she exclaimed, parts of Fort Brewster (Fort 'My God, its John Thayer' she Brevverton). This was erected in having known him well in Con­ the French War, was a regular necticut. I have heard Grand­ work, ditch and bastions, all cov­ mother say that when she re­ ering about an acre. This must moved his shoes and socks his feet have been an important pass to struck the floor like a frozen defend, and would now be an ex­ potato. Mortification soon resulted cellent site for a town." and he was conveyed to Cherry Valley on a hand sled, where both Sad Plight Of Thayer feet were amputated- He after­ ward resided in Palermo, but From Clark's "Onondaga" we often visited our home on the gleam the following story: farm at Cicero, where he was "In 1791, John Thayer, an old ever a welcome guest." acquaintance of Oliver Stevens, The wolf story by Clark has came to Salina, and hearing that often been told, but will bear re­ his friend had located at Fort peating because of its connection Brewerton, twelve miles distant, with our subject. he determined to make him a visit. It being winter, the under­ Fought Wolves For Life taking was somewhat hazardous, but possessing a resolute mind "On one occasion, in the month and hardy constitution, he thought of March, 1793, Mr. Stevens re­ he could overcome all obstacles- solved to attend the town meeting He was directed to follow the of the town of Mexico, held then, Indian trail and blazed trees, but the first year at what is now during the journey, he became Pulaski, twenty-three miles north bewildered, lost his way, and of his home in Brewerton. roamed about the woods three "He started off in the morning days and two nights, without with his gun in hand and knap­ shelter or food. He at last struck sack of provisions on his back. the Oneida River, several miles There was no road and scarcely a west of Stevens, and in attempt­ path; he relied mainly on his skill ing to cross the ice broke through, as a woodsman, and his knowledge got his legs and feet wet, and of the wanderings of the sun to before he arrived at his place of guide him safely through his destination, his feet were badly journey. He traveled on, uncon­ frozen. He suffered severely for scious of harm until near the

—57— middle of the afternoon, when he retreat of the wolves who left an found himself in the vicinity of disturbed him no more. a pack of wolves. By their howl­ "He now prepared a hasty meal ing he was aroused not only to a by the fire, partook of it and con­ sense of danger, but to the fact cluded to retrace his steps. Pack­ that he had lost his way, and ing up his wolk skin, he proceed­ that he had no means of recover­ ed homeward. The sun rose to the ing it. He set forward with vigor meridian, and still he traveled on; in hope of coming out at a clear­ night came, and for aught he ing in the vicinity of the place could tell he was no nearer home of his destination; but all to no than when he started out in the purpose; the more he exerted morning. Being weary with his himself, the more he became con­ day's journey, he again kindled a vinced of the peril of his situa­ fire, laid himself down to rest and tion. The wolves drew nearer and slept soundly until morning. At nearer, and seemed by their bold­ early dawn he again set forth in ness to be meditating an attack. quest of home, and about ten At length one bolder than his o'clock in the morning, to his in­ companions, advanced to within a describable surprise and joy, dis­ few paces of him, upon which he covered the British flag flying fired and the wolf fell dead. The from the fort at Oswego. scent of the blood of the dead wolf seemed to increase the "The officers of the garrison, voracity of the survivors, and for to which he related his adventure, a time he thought he in return treated him with great kindness; would be slain. with them he spent the remainder of the day, and next morning set "Nothing daunted, he stood at out with a light heart for home. bay. looking them in the eye, and The day following, being the fifth after a while, they departed to a from his departure, he safely re­ respectful distance, sitting on turned to the bosom of his family, their haunches as if holding a who had already become alarmed council of war. During this cessa­ for his safety." tion of hostilities, Mr. Stevens struck a fire and kindled it; re­ The names of the earliest loading his gun and sallied forth, settlers within the present limits dragging the dead wolf by the of the town of Mexico are lost- heels to his firey fortress- At this There were about twenty-five who stage of the war, it seemed as if had already located in the year the fury of the wolves was un­ 1798. In that year Oliver Stevens governable; they came very near, was appointed as the first Clerk growling and snapping their teeth of the original township, whose in the greatest anger. He cast extensive area has already been burning brands among them and mentioned. finally they disappeared. Upon this he added more fuel to the A Bear Story fire, got up a bright light and Another incident of interest began to feel secure. occured sometime in 1793. "His next business was to "As Mr- Stevens sat at dinner secure the skin of his fallen foe, with his family, he was inter­ which was soon effected, and for rupted by a man who came run­ which he received $40 bounty, it ning to the door, almost breath­ being a large gray wolf- By this less and dripping with water; time it became quite dark, a stammered out with a tremulous quantity of fuel was gathered. voice, that he and his companion Here the solitary wanderer stood had been attacked by a bear in all night, not daring to refresh the river, and driven from their himself with sleep, amid the din boat. He feared the bear would and howlings of the hungry kill his companion, and wished wolves. Toward morning he was Mr. Stevens to go instantly with relieved from his anxiety by the his gun and kill the bear.

—58— "He started at once, reprimed Salina, where they remained until his gun, and hastened with all after the accouchement. dispatch to the scene of the dis­ aster. When they arrived they Son Became Judge found the remaining man on the shore, wet through and through, John L. Stevens became a very moaning in the bitterest anguish influential man. He was a person the hardness of his lot. of sterling character and was be­ "The fact was; that as the two loved by all who knew him. He were proceeding up the river, the received but a limited education, bear at the same time attempted nearly all of which was given to swim across. Upon seeing the him by his mother. He was elected bear, the boatmen resolved to to the office of Commissioner of have some sport and capture him. Highways in 1825, when but They rowed along side and aimed twenty-three years of age, in the a blow at Bruin's head, which he town of Cicero, which then com­ evaded, and before they could re­ prised the present towns of both cover themselves, scrambled over Clay and Cicero. He was re­ the side of the boat and drove the elected to that office in 1826. He astonished Frenchmen into the was elected Justice of Peace in river. They were forced to make a the town of Cicero in 1832, and virtue of necessity, and one ran served as such for over thirty-one for help, while the other watched years. He was appointed under- the boat and its new occupant. sheriff, under Sheriff Byron D. On the arrival of Mr. Stevens at Benson, his son-in-law, in 1862, the scene of action, his bearship serving two and one half years. was majestically seated at the He was Lieutenant in a uniformed stern, calmly surveying the scene, Company of Grenadiers, a mili­ and quietly floating down the tary organization, and afterwards current, as undisturbed as a king was Captain of the same Com­ on his throne. A shot from Mr. pany, and was soon elected Major Stevens' rifle bereft the monarch in the 228th. Regt. of his titles and his life at once. The boatmen swam to the boat He was appointed one of the and rowed up to the landing. Judges of Onondaga Co. Court by When the prize was dressed, it Gov. Bouck in Feb., 1844, and held was found to exceed three hun­ office five years; and was twice dred pounds in weight." elected Justice of Sessions for one year terms. A fifth child was added to the He was appointed a Deputy family of Oliver and Nancy Stev­ Sheriff in 1871; and Sept. 9, 1872, ens, when on Jan. 15, 1802, a son, he was elected the first president John Lansing Stevens was born of the newly created Village of at Salina. He was named for John Brewerton, for which incorpora­ Lansing, already mentioned as a tion he was largely responsible. large land owner in the vicinity of Fort Brewerton. "Judge" Stevens, as he was al­ ways known, because of long Early historians have stated terms in the various judgeships, that John L. Stevens was the first was largely responsible for the white child born in the town of building of the first commercial Hastings, but this we know to be plank road in United States, he an error, and the honor belongs having been one of the Commis­ to his deceased brother, Horatio. sioners, appointed Apr. 12, 1844, Previous to the birth of John for the Salina & Central Square L., which occurred in mid-winter Plank Road, which was opened to when with no physician nearer traffic July 18, 1846. He was also than one at Onondaga Valley, and very active in the organization with no roads other than Indian and construction of the Syracuse trails, his father and mother took Northern Rail Road, which open­ up their abode, temporarily, in ed to traffic Nov. 9, 1871. Judge

—59— Stevens died in Brewerton Feb. 1, through the French and Indian 1874. War of 1755-1760, the Revolu­ Among the descendants of John tionary War of 1775-1883; and the L. Stevens, were Robert and Wil­ Civil War of 1861-65; covering a liam Benson, grandsons, and sons period of more than two hundred of Byron D. Benson and Minerva years of untarnished military Stevens, the latter a daughter of glory, of which any family might John L. be proud. An Oil Magnate A sixth child was added to the family of Oliver and Nancy Mr. Benson became active in Stevens, when Horatio, the second the oil business in Pennsylvania, to be thus named, was born in the and together with his sons and Blockhouse home of his parents, others, conceived the idea of Nov. 8, 1804. He was born about transporting oil by pipe lines. In fourteen years after the first 1878 they organized a company child by that name, twelve years with a capital of over six hundred after the latter's death, which had thousand dollars, and by May, occured as stated in 1792. This 1879, were ready to begin operat­ second Horatio, married and re­ ing the newly constructed pipe sided for many years in Oneida line. They proposed to transport Castle, N. Y., where he died in 10,000 barrels of oil a day over a 1846. distance of 109 miles through a 6-inch pipe; crossing mountains His only daughter, Ann Eliza­ 2,600 feet in height. The valves beth, married the late Patrick H. were opened May 28, 1879, by Mr. Agan as his second wife. Mr. Benson and operations began. Agan was for many years pub­ lisher and editor of the Syracuse Ida Tarbell, in her history of "Standard". Their daughter, mar­ the Standard Oil Co., says: 'The ried the late Franklin H. Chase, success of the Tide Water Pipe well known newpaper man and Line was probably due more to historian of Syracuse. the efforts of Byron D. Benson, its first president, than to any In the division of Military Lots other person. among the soldiers of the War of Robert and William Benson, the Revolution for services there­ sons of Byron D. Benson, con­ in, John Babbett of Middletown. tinued to act in high places with N. Y-, drew Lot 9, township of the Tide Water Pipe Line for Cicero, which lies at the west many years- They were men of edge of the village of Brewerton. splendid integrity and ability, and In 1779 he sold his right to Wait citizens of the highest character. Ball of Danbury, Conn., for 70 pounds. In 1801 Oliver Stevens A son of John L. Stevens, John purchased this lot, consisting of L. Stevens, Jun., was a soldier in 600 acres of Mr. Ball, for the the Union Army in the Civil War; nominal sum of $100. It is pre­ was identified with the activities sumed that it was on this lot of Co. H., 149th Regt., N. Y. Inf. that Mr. Stevens had his garden, Vol. He was with Sherman in his as he is known to have cultivated grand march to the sea; was with land on the south side of the his regiment at the close of the river, and it is so related by Clark war, and was mustered out at in his "Onondaga". Washington, June 12, 1865. In 1802 this property was sold Last Of The Fighters at Sheriff's sale in a suit of Pat­ Thus did John L. Stevens, rick MaGee vs. Oliver Stevens for Junior, bring to an honorable $300, to James Wells of Onon­ close a long list of his soldier an­ daga, reserving one acre in the cestors, who had fought in the northeast corner. several wars; beginning with Oliver Leaves County Brig. Gen. Nicholas Stevens of Cromwell's Army in 1653; down Mr. Stevens moved out of the

—60— Blockhouse in 1811 and located youngest child of Oliver, was a on the south side of the river in youngster, his only playmates the town of Cicero, where he re­ were the almost wild Indians. sided until his death in 1813. His On one occasion, while he was widow survived him for many at play, a disagreement occured years and, as previously stated, between his tawny companion and was buried in Cicero Cemetery. himself, which resulted in a hand After the death of Oliver Stev­ to hand fight. ens, he was buried in Oswego The young Indian, getting the County, where he had spent 22 worst of the engagement, started years of his active life. His body to flee before his adversary, but rests on the north side of the his natural stoicism, inherited river on the sand ridge east of the from a long line of warrior an­ fort, beside the remains of his in­ cestors, checked him in his flight. fant son, Horatio, who had died Turning about he faced his in 1792, twenty-one years prev­ antagonist with undaunted cour­ iously. age. Tantalizingly, he said: "You Many years later, his youngest kill me you want to; you kill me, son, Horatio, proposed to erect a you have to pay my fader five monument, in their memory, but. dollars." so long a time had elapsed since their decease and burial, that it Under a treaty, made between was then impossible to locate the United States and the Onon- their graves. In 1885 workmen dagas, each Indian, old or young, were excavating the cellar for the was entitled to a certain sum house of C D. Walkup which annually from the government— was the former toll-gate house at the little Indian fighter knew his the north end of the highway worth. bridge. This toll-gate house was Another story told by John L. moved to the site at this time and Stevens was as follows: In the is now owned by the Doucette early days, shortly after the family. birth of John L. Stevens, several During this excavating the Indians came to the Oliver Stev­ laborors came upon what appear­ ens home one evening, when Mrs. ed to be the grave of a man and Stevens was home alone with her a child; the bones of the first be­ smaller children, and demanded ing in a very good state of preser­ "fire water". vation, while those of the latter This she refused them, which had practically crumbled to dust. so enraged one of them, that he These remains were moved to caught up a long handled fire one side and re-buried. As it was shovel, with which he was going known that Oliver and his son, to strike her; but was prevented Horatio, had been buried in this by the others from doing so- general vicinity, it was the belief One of the Indians left the of those qualified to have an house, gave a peculiar call, and opinion on the subject, that these soon their chief made his appear­ remains were of the first settler ance. Snatching the offender S>y and his infant son. the shoulder, he shook him in a Now with the presentation of violent manner, and addressed two more stories concerning the him in the Indian tongue All subject concerned and his family, Mrs. Stevens was able to under­ I will close this rambling paper— stand was her Indian name, perhaps without regret by my Canadeas, meaning White Sister. hearers, who may have already The group left the house and reached the limit of their no more trouble was experienced patience. in any way. The fire shovel, raised by the Indian Contacts enraged Indian, was preserved in the home of John L. Stevens un­ When John L. Stevens, second til his death.

—61— The Story of Lieut. A. Cooper--- Civil War Veteran, Author and Poet

(Paper Given Before the Oswego County Historical Society, October 10, 1950 By Mrs. Charles H. Lane, Daughter of Lt. Cooper.)

At a funeral services in Brook­ me in the saddle and led her in­ lyn, not long ago, the minster, a to the street, it was just too life long friend of the family, much. She squatted and bucked comforted them by saying, "You and I slipped ignominiously off will find that your father is still into a convenient puddle. Jake with you and always will be; Poucher, Ira DeRosier, Jesse that he will counsel you, en­ McAmbly and Alf Rice came courage you and guide you." No running. "Cooper, you're not go­ one ever spoke truer words, and ing to put that girl in the saddle as I tell you something of my fa­ again?" My father's laconic: ther's life, the picture of our "They've both got to learn, and home is before my eyes : now's the time"; My father and mother and I The Sunday afternoon rides be­ at table; hind Susie Swift, (his last trot­ My father giving me his one ter), out Fifth street, through and only spanking; the Gray woods, stopping for His story, later printed in "In ferns and wild flowers, back by and Out of Rebel Prisons", told the River Road; me chapter by chapter when I Church on Sunday evening, Mr. climbed into bed with him and Lovett coming home with us for spoiled his Sunday morning naps; a quiet chat; Myself, at the age of five, rid­ Born in Victory ding "Reb," a little mare he brought home from North Caro­ My father, putting out the flag lina and for many years the pet­ on April Ninth, a neighbor pass­ ted darling of the family; ing, "Cooper, what's the flag out Myself at the age of six, in the for?" "My birthday. Lee cele­ phaeton behind "Reb," driving brated it by surrendering." alone from the barn on West These pictures, and many Second Street to our home on more,—and so it is an honor and West Mohawk Street, much to a pleasure to tell you something the horror of my mother. "Well, of my father's life. Papa couldn't come, so he told He was born on a farm near me I could drive her"; the village of Victory, Cayuga My father, coming home Co. N. Y., April 9, 1830, the drenched from Will Phelps's yacht youngest but one of a family of "Katy Gray". The boom had nine children. His father's death, swung unexpectedly and he had when Alonzo was 18 months old, jumped. He swam to be hauled left his mother with this large aboard, his plug hat still on his family. Her only income consist­ head; ed of the products of a twenty- five acre farm and the trifling Childhood Memories wages of her oldest son, Lorenzo, a carpenter's apprentice. With My father, training "Susie these slender resources, she, a Swift" to the Saddle. Now, I had woman of fine character and ridden Susie bareback from the strong religious principles, man­ time she was strong enough to aged to feed and clothe them. carry me. He saddled her—she In the spring of 1836, she sold didn't like it and when he put her farm in Victory and bought

—62— fifty acres of wild land near Both she and her husband Sterling Junction, and the family were members of the Dutch Re­ moved into a log house that Lor­ formed Church at Cato (now enzo built during the preceding Meridian) and Alonzo says of fall and winter, and around her, "Her well-worn Bible bore which he had made a clearing. testimony to her faithfulness to The clearing was extended dur­ her Christian duties". ing the summer to ten or fifteen Upon his mother's death when acres by neighbors who made a Alonzo was 14, the family was bee to help. scattered. Most of the older This house was made of bass- children had married and had wood slabs, hewn smooth and homes of their own. He went to nicely fitted together. A large live with a farmer near Sterling Dutch fireplace, and a wide chim­ Center and from that time at­ ney built of sticks and mud took tended the school at that place. up nearly half of the north side It was here that he met his fu­ of the house, while at the right ture wife, Mary E. Kirk, daugh­ of the fireplace, a rude pair of ter of William Kirk, on a corner stairs led to two upper rooms. of whose orchard the school The lower part of the house con­ house was built. Mr. Kirk not sisted of a room about sixteen only gave the land, but helped to by eighteen feet which served as build the schoolhouse. parlor, dining room, and kitchen, and a bedroom and recess which Makes Oswego Home occupied the south side. The up­ In the summer of 1849, Alonzo per rooms were supplied with decided that farming was not for rough board floors and with a him: so he left Sterling to be­ window in each room. A cellar come a clerk in the store of dug under the front room served Charles Burnett in Skaneateles. for the storage of apples and At the end of the first year, he vegetables and was entered by a transferred his affections to Os­ trap door. wego, which from that time on The district school, known as was home. He served as clerk, the Van Patten School, was half first in the drug store of James a mile away. Here the Cooper Bickford, Jr., and then in the dry children learned their readin' goods store of Worden Newkirk. and writin' and 'rithmetie. He was clerking in this store when he married. Clothes Of Home Spun In the story of my father's Alonzo's mother had been life, my mother played a leading taught to spin and weave by her role. From the day that they father, John Cochran, who was were married until their final an expert weaver, and up to the parting, she was his sweetheart time "of her death there were and his valentine. She claimed very few clothes worn by the that his first valentine read: family that she did not weave and afterwards made into gar­ "My HART is Thine" ments. The linen trousers and His final one to her was only shirts were bleached to snowy fragment which she wrote at his whiteness and the suits of sheep's dictation, since he could no long­ gray for the boys and the woolen er hold a pen. The one he wrote dresses for the girls were dyed for their Sixtieth wedding anni­ and pressed by herself. Besides versary contains the only extant all this, all the time that could account of their wedding, which be spared from household tasks took place in the Baptist Church was spent in weaving for neigh­ at Sterling Center at the close bors. (Quoted from the Conclu­ of the Sunday evening services, sion: "In and Out of Rebel Pris­ February 15, 1852. Elder Peevit ons"). was at that time the pastor.

—63— When Love Was In Its Bloom she who had bought their first rocking chair—still in use in our home—by making two gingham When love was in its bloom, aprons for little Johnny Harsha. Mary, It was she who made a dollar Near four score years ago, do the work of two. Her slogan Your lips like rippened cherries, was, "What comes in in a basket You cheeks with health aglow, should go out in a teaspoon-" Nothing was wasted. Both cloth­ Beneath the spreading locust ing and food were made over, tree yet there was always plenty to On a wintry night like this, wear, and appentizing meals on I chose you for my valentine the table. Today, as we hear so And sealed it with a kiss. much about vitamins, I realize that these were served to us in We sought the village pastor our daily diet. Where earnest prayer was said. Your parents were the witnesses Establishes Business When you and I were wed. Soon after their marriage, Alonzo and Mary set up in busi­ Our solemn vows then spoken ness for themselves in what was And registered above known as the Revenue Block at Were through these years un­ West First and Utica Sts., (on broken the site of the present New York From their silken ties of love. Central passenger station) he with his first fruit and confec­ How well we still remember tionary store, she to take room­ That eloquent Divine ers, railroad men; but before the Who preached on Revelation Civil War, the store had been With rhetoric so fine. exchanged for one on Oneida St., between Ninth and Tenth Sts., We never can forget the thun­ which is still, I believe, run as a der of his tone store. Their rooms were on the As he described the glories of Second floor and were reached by the Great White Throne. an outside stairway. One child The very gates of Heaven was born to them, but he, as did Seemed open to our sight. many other children, died during We seemed to hear the rustle the diphtheria epidemic of 1860. Of wings in joyous flight. Before getting into the Civil War, it may be of interest to We've treaded life together sketch briefly the ancestry of my In this glorious world of ours, father. Sometimes through stormy Of the Coopers, eleven of the weather; sons and grandsons of Obadiah Sometimes through rosy Cooper, "the tayler of Albany," bowers. served in the Revolutionary War. February 15, 1917. One of these sons was Abraham Cooper, great grandfather of Their wedding trip was the Alonzo. Both he and his young twelve mile drive to Oswego, son, Obadiah A. Cooper, saw where they set up housekeeping service in that War. John, son of on the second floor of the house Obadiah A, and Alonzo's father, then owned by John Harsha, lat­ enlisted from Schoharie Co. as a er known as the Hastings house. substitute in the War of 1812. It still stands on the corner of He served at Sacketts Harbor West Cayuga and Third Street. during the building of the "New My mother was the home- Orleans." Many years later, Wil­ maker, companion and inspira­ liam B. Phelps presented my fa­ tion of their daily life. It was ther with a cane made from

—64— wood from the "New Orleans." they were civilians and gave The silver head of the cane is them outgoing passes. They look­ ed over the dirty bunks, sampled ALONZO COOPER the tasteless food, and after eve­ ning roll call presented their First Lieut., 12th N. Y. Vol. passes at the gate and strolled Cavalry into town. Their first stop was Captured at the battle of Plym­ at the Stanwix Hotel where they outh, Apr. 20, 1864, registered for the night, had a Exchanged, Feb. 20, 1865 good meal and set out for the In recognition of his services in theater. the War for the Union, from Corporal W. B. Phelps, The next morning they were 1891 passed into camp in time for roll From timber of the U. S. Man call, receiving again outgoing of War, New Orleans, built at passes. This went on until they Sacketts Harbor 1815, upon the received their uniforms; where­ construction of which John Coop­ upon they asked for leave to go er, the father of the owner of into town to ship their clothing this cane was employed. home and see the city. They spent another night at the Stan­ wix but were careful to be in Fought With Paul Jones camp for morning roll call. That afternoon they were marched Alonzo's mother was Amanda aboard the boat for New York Cochran, daughter of John Coch­ with an unblemished record of ran and Elizabeth Greenslit. not one night in camp. John Cochran was known to his family and friends as "the fighting The winter of 1862-63 was Irishman." His adventures during spent on Staten Island, and here the Revolutionary War, on rec­ my mother joined her husband. ord in Washington, D. C, archiv­ They had rooms with Mrs. es, make a fascinating story that along with "kitchen privileges" all the Cooper children know by which consisted of a fire place heart. He came to America from with Dutch oven. Here, my moth­ Northern Ireland, was impressed er did her cooking. Their leisure on a British ship from which he was spent in horseback riding and a companion escaped and and on Sundays they attended swam a mile or more to shore. the Moravian Church. He enlisted under John Paul Jones on the "Ranger," and after Earns Promotion the transfer of Jones, served un­ On April 7, 1863, Alonzo was der the succeeding captain. He "discharged, reason, Promotion" was again captured by the Brit­ and the same day was enrolled as ish and again escaped, and swam 1st Lieut, of Co. I. In June of ashore. Again he reenlisted and the same year, he was again served until the end of the war. shifted this time to Co. F. as 2nd With such a background, it is Lieut, and later as 1st Lieut. no wonder that Alonzo Cooper The regiment was sent to Plym­ sold his store and on August 27, outh, N. C. Scouting expeditions 1862, enlisted in Company B., and the like occupied the time. 12th N. Y. Cavalry, recruited in The wives of several officers join­ Oswego under Major Ward Gas­ ed their husbands in the winter of per. 1863-1864, by mother among the The company was taken by rest, and again horseback riding train to Albany. As they were and fireplace cooking were the marching from the train to camp, order of the day. "My Wife's Alonzo and a companion who Story" tells of Mary's adventur­ were in no hurry, lagged so far es on her way to Plymouth and behind that when they entered, on her return trip after the cap­ the guard at the gate thought ture of the town. The capture of Plymouth, the me on her back, she ambled prison experience and final ex­ along, thoroughly bored. She was change of prisoners which sent simply acting as nursemaid; my father back to his regiment with my mother, she was gay have been told in his book, "In and frisky. But a Fourth of July and Out of Rebel Prisons" and so parade with my father in the will be omitted here. saddle was her, real meat. Then After his exchange, in Febru­ she could dance and prance to ary, 1865, he obtained a leave and the music of the band and really came home "to see Mary." He show her paces. had never heard, until his re­ Re-Engages in Business lease from prison, whether she had reached home safely. Her Father's first investment after letters to him had never reach­ his return from the war was 14 ed him though she had occasion­ bushels of plums, which he sold ally recieved a dirty scrap of at a profit of $8.86, and twenty- paper from him. His relief at five barrels at $5.00 a barrel. He finding her alive and well can contracted with "Schoonmaker" only be imagined. He was, like for his fall apples. With his many others, a mere skeleton, profits he rented a store at 166 but Mary's cooking soon put that Water St. from L. L. Kenyon, to rights, though he suffered con­ bought fixtures and started in siderably from rheumatism. business. The first day, he didn't On his return to his regiment, sell one cent's worth," but the he was transferred as 1st Lieut, receipts of the next day were to Co. D and from that company, $5.00. This was September 2, and he was finally mustered out. that day he received his first consignment of oysters, twenty- Returns With Three Horses five cans. These, he stored in "Oliver's refrigerator," four cans Mustering out took several having already been sold. Cooper's weeks, and it was August before oysters were famous for many my father, with three horses he years thereafter. brought from North Carolina, Business continued brisk, and reached Oswego. There were long in a week's time, Cooper had horseback rides with Mary, visits engaged as clerk at $5.00 a week to friends and relatives, and a Charlie Abbott. The store con­ general picking up of loose tinued to prosper and my father threads. At the same time, he added selling on commission to was casting about for a place to his other activities. That busi­ start in business again. His diary ness, too, flourished and before of August and September of that the close of 1865, he had moved year gives the details, some of to 210 West First St. and the them interesting, not only from family had room back of the a personal standpoint but as a store and in the basement. A fine criterion of business conditions stock of toys, fancy boxes for in that period of reconstruction, gloves, jewel boxes, work boxes, in some respects, not so different portfolios, etc. was advertised from those of the present time. in the "Oswego Commercial Ad­ He rented a barn for his hors­ vertiser." A soda fountain and es, built mangers, laid a floor ice cream parlor, ice cream made and moved them in. These three and served by Mary, added to horses, Jimmy, Johnny Reb and their income. Oysters in season Reb formed the nucleus of a liv­ sold at a $1.75 a keg, 45c a can. ery business that continued for Two clerks were now in order, many years. "Dock" Farnham and "Court" Reb was a little bay mare, a Hare. member of the family until she Business was subjected to a died at the age of twenty. With federal tax jn those days, as it

—66— is today. Licenses both federal That face the hood so softly and municipal were issued for pressed retail business, and had to be re­ Has faded from our sight; newed yearly. My father's first We laid it gently down to rest, license cost over eight dollars. To wake in realms more bright. Trained Trotting Horses Safe in a loving Saviour's arms, We know it is secure No sooner had business picked From worldly griefs and worldly up than trotting horses became harms a major interest for leisure hours Among the blest and pure. and so continued until his last trotter was sold in the late 1880s. Unlike the hood so faded grown. His diary tells of races at Wine It grows more pure and sweet Creek Course, and later on, he May we before our Saviour's drove Sunset and Susie Swift at throne many county fairs, etc. He was Our long lost treasure greet! an expert horseman, a patient trainer and a fairly successful Held State Appointment driver. His daughter was his faithful shadow and was even al­ The store was finally sold, the lowed to drive on the track, three horses were augmented by several others and a livery stable A second child, born during this was established on West Second period, lived only six months, and Street between Bridge and Cay­ then was laid besides her brother uga. A new store was opened in a in the cemetery at Sterling Cen­ building a few doors south of the ter. Years later, came the follow­ stable, and the family home at 64 ing poem: West Mohawk Street established With various ups and frequent BABY'S HOOD downs, business continued, except (Lines suggested by finding a for four years during which little knit hood, the wearer hav­ Alonzo acted as guide in the ing been laid in rest twenty years Capitol at Albany. He took this ago). position with his usual enthusi­ asm, knew by heart every point of Only a baby's little hood, interest in the building, was ap­ pointed Deputy Sheriff to protect Once white, now yellow grown, the Capitol and still found time Why should this sight our eyes so to enjoy the sessions of the G. A. flood; R. post. In 1898, he decided to re­ Why cause this bitter moan. turn to Oswego to write the book he had long had on his mind. His What is there in the sight to resignation caused quite a stir, make for according to the Albany Our hearts so wildly throb? paper, it was the first such resig­ Why should its touch such mem­ nation on record. ories make And cause this bitter sob? Rejected For Spanish War Why is it, while this hood I hold When the Spanish-American I seem to see a face War came along, my father, then Of such a saintly, heavenly mould. over sixty years of age, requested And such angelic grace? permission to raise a company in Oswego. Volunteers to the num­ For twenty years that face has ber of twenty-five had signed up, been when his request was courteously A vision of the past, refused by the President of the That we can ne'er behold again, U- S. Though he could not go While breath and sense shall himself, he could and did bid God last. speed to those who went—espec-

—67— ially the 48th Separate Company recall your father as among those to whom he sent a letter and most influential in forming opin­ poem. ions in Up-State New York". As usual, Alonzo expressed his The G. A. R. was undoubtedly strongest feelings in verse— my father's greatest interest. My parents united with the From the time it was organized West Baptist Church during the he was a leading spirit. He was a pastorate of Elder Hughes, father faithful member of J- D. O'Brien of Charles Evans Hughes, the Post of Oswego and served as later presiding justice of the Commander for several years. United States Supreme Court, For twenty years, he held the and enjoyed a life-long friendship post of Aid de Camp in the Na­ with the family. A story of my tional G. A. R. organization, first mother's always amused me. My under Col. Floyd Clarkson, and father brought the Hughes family then under John W. Ray. In this home to dinner just before they connection, he attended several left Oswego and the lemon pie, a National Encampments at Gettys­ specialty of Mary's "wasn't as burg, the last one when he was good as usual". over eighty. Elder Butterfield followed Elder Hughes. He and my father Maintained Veteran Contacts saw eye to eye on the subject of Close affiliation with the 12th horses, and the good Elder en­ N. Y. Cavalry continued through joyed many a ride and attended his entire life—Col. Savage and many a horse race in company Major Clarkson were welcome with his parishoner. And so it guests in our home. His corres­ went, each pastor in turn becom­ pondence with members of the ing in one way or another a part regiment was voluminous- Some of the family life. Mr. Lovett was of the letters have been preserved an especial favorite. His last and show clearly the comradeship pastorate was in a Presbyterian and affection that existed. The Church in South Brooklyn and he Regiment for many years held was a frequent guest in our annual reunions and for several home, especially during the win­ years, my father held the office ters my parents spent with us. of president. He was a speaker at many Molder Of Opinion local reunions, usually ending his talk with an original poem, writ­ In politics, Alonzo was a ten for the occasion. He was an staunch Republican, as those of honorary member of both Grant you who knew him will re­ and Winchester Posts in Brook­ member. But ''dirty politics", no lyn, attended their meetings dur­ matter what the party made him ing the winters in Brooklyn, and see red. Many were the contro­ on several Memorial Day parades versies aired in the "Times" and was the guest of the commander in the "Pall." Many were the of Grant Post, Mr. Arthur H. letters which left no doubt as to Cozzens. his sentiments. These articles and letters were frequently writen in humorous vein, holding up to How Dr. Walker Lost Hair ridicule the policies involved and the foibles of their authors. His Memorial Day was a sacred wit was keen and his irony day to my father. The flag was searching. Republicans and Dem­ put out bright and early, and by ocrats were forced to respect his nine o'clock my father and I set views even though they did not out for the armory. There, girls agree. and women stood at long tables making bouquets of the lilacs, A letter which I received only snowballs and other spring flow­ a few days ago from a prominent ers and packing them into bas­ United States Senator says, "I kets for the various cemeteries—

—68— St. Peter's, St. Paul's, Riverside Wrote Centennial Song and Rural. Church services were held, and the members of the G- It was through this pleasant A. R. and many citizens attended work that his song, "Old Glory" the services at the cemeteries. An came into being. It was written, honored guest on these occasions first, as a recitation for the was Mrs. Elmina Spencer, an Centennial celebration of the army nurse- Another was Dr. Evacuation by the British of Fort Mary Walker. May I digress for Ontario, Oswego—one of the last a moment to tell you why Dr. English forts to be evacuated Mary cut her hair? She sold it to (1796). get money for a penniless woman Before publishing the music, who needed medical aid. which was written by a nephew, Several of my father's poems the late J. C Bell, principal of are centered on Memorial Day. Public School No. 77, in Brooklyn, Its desecration was a bitter grief he placed the written copy in the to him. The idea of spending it Oswego High school for eight at the ball park, at picnics, at months to be assured of its popu the movies, was anathema and larity. After its publication, it both in prose and poetry he ex­ was used throughout the state. pressed his feelings vigorously. And this brings us to his poems: Patriotic Instructor His Work As Poet Another outcome of my father's interest in the G. A. R. It has always been a family was the fight for the prisoners of tradition that the Coopers were war, pension bill. At a meeting of akin to the English poet, Cowper. the Ex-prisoners of War of Os­ Whether this be true or not, wego Co., held in the rooms of poetry runs in the Cooper family. Post O'Brien Jan. 18, 1888, a There has just recently come to resolution was adopted urging its light a very beautiful little poem passage. Alonzo was president of written by Alonzo's grandmother, that organization and many let­ Elizabeth Greenslit Cochran. All ters from his pen on the subject the Cooper children knew by appeared in Oswego and Syracuse heart the little couplet by his papers. mother which was worked into The soldiers monument in Os­ her sampler and which reads: wego is a dream child of my "Amanda Cochran is my name, father. It was he who introduced "America is my nation; the project. He made the first "Victory is my dwelling place, contribution. He tramped the "And Christ is my Salvation". streets enlisting the interest of However poetry came to him, his many friends. The "Pallad­ he loved it. Our library at home ium" supported his efforts by contained the complete poetical carrying many of his articles and works of Scott, Tennyson, Cow­ letters. per, Coleridge, Campbell (bet you For several years, my father never heard of him; did you?) was Patriotic Instructor for Os­ Burns and, of course, Shake­ wego County. In this capacity, he speare, and of the American spoke in most of the city schools, poets, besides the usuals, Bret including the High school and Harte, J. G. Holland, Bryant and State Normal school. This office many others. My father could and carried him, not only through Os­ did quote Shakespeare by the wego County, but as guest speak­ yard. Richard III was one of his er through the state to Buffalo- favorite plays- When I saw the During his stay in Brooklyn, he play, long afterward, with John officiated at at least two flag Barrymore, it was my father's presentations as a guest of Win­ "A horse! A horse! My Kingdom chester Post. for a horse" that I heard.

—69— As a reporter for "The Spirit to tops—naturally, papa immed­ Of the Times", a paper devoted iately put on his overcoat and to sports, he saw all of the stage rubbers and set out for Copoer's. stars as they came to the Oswego Among my father's poems is a Academy of Music—Modjeska, Joe prayer, written for his two grand­ Jefferson and many others. children, and since passed on to It was natural for him to ex­ children of relatives and friends: press his feelings in verse, patri­ "Our heavenly Father, we thank otic, humorous, religious, poems Thee tonight to friends on anniversaries, re­ "For Thy love and Thy care, unions. since the dawn's early light. In collecting his work, I have "Forgive all the follies and sins of been amazed to find the first the day, draft with hardly a correction or "And bless all our efforts to change of phrase. Rhythm and serve Thee, we pray. meter as well as an unusually ex­ "Watch over our slumbers, from tensive and flexible vocabulary heaven above. were at his command. He wrote "We ask all through Jesus, the from the heart whether in prose gift of Thy love." or poetry. It was his convictions that, went on to the paper. Family Ties Strong Between Alonzo, and his Pioneered Rhyme Advertising brothers and sisters there was always a strong bond of affection. His early poems—rhymes per­ Lorenzo had moved to Iowa, haps would be a better word— Amanda married and went to would not seem remarkable to­ Cleveland. The others were near­ day since radio and television by—Mexico, Martville, Auburn, feature rhymed advertisements. Skaneateles, but they all con­ But it is interesting to note that vened for Harriet's, Mrs. David Alonzo Cooper was a pioneer at Lester's golden wedding in Mex­ this sort of advertising. As early ico. In a toast to the bride and as 1866, there was published in groom, Alonzo said, "There were an Oswego paper a poem which nine of us in the family, and no began: two of us ever had a quarrel".— "It was late in the evening, eleven and the peculiar thing about this or more, remark is that it is true. His "And Cooper was sitting alone poem, written for that occasion, in his store. has been used many times since, "The business was over, and tired at other Golden Weddings. and worn "Secession, War, and Peace," his "He was resting a little ere only long poem, occupied his starting for home." thoughts for a long time before The rhyme goes on to the jingle it was finally finished. Much of it of the old nursery rhyme with was written between bouts of Santa Claus and a list of toys, pain, for during the last five or boxes, etc., that could be bought six years of his life he was far at "Cooper's". A photograph of from well. Mary was his devoted Santa about to go down the nurse, refusing outside help until chimney was presented to chil­ she could no longer manage. Dur­ dren. The back of this photograph ing this time, his brain was alert carried Cooper's ad. and Mary was also his secretary. Another of these advertise­ His poems of this period are ex­ ments was entitled "Annie's and pressions of trust in God and Willie's prayer"—and represented prayers for faith. One poem be­ two motherless children whose gins: stern father didn't believe in "Oh for a faith that doubt dis­ Christmas. He listened to their arms, evening prayer in which they "That sends me to my Father's asked for everything from dolls arms"—

—70— On January 23, 1919, two weeks the last two years she busied her­ before their 67th wedding anni­ self as she always had done. She versary, just as the sun went knit fifteen pairs of socks during down, its rays shining on his face, the first World War. She baked he smiled and went to sleep. bread and cookies. She went After my father left us, my about among her friends and mother came to live with us, and nearby relatives. She lived to en­ joy her two great grandchildren. remained until we took her back She was ninety-four when we to Sterling in April, 1927. Until took her back to her old home.

—71— "In and Out of Federal Prisons" by Lieut. A. Cooper

(Given Before the Oswego County Historical Society By Professor Paul Goodwin on Oct. 10, 1950.)

I should like, at the outset, in a densely wooded country, and reviewing this book—"In and Out that much of the suffering en­ of Rebel Prisons"—to indicate dured was for the want of fuel the limits Mr. Cooper placed upon with which to cook their scanty himself in dealing with this sub­ rations, and for the want of ject. He states in his preface that shelter, which they would have "Many books have been written cheerfully constructed had the upon prison life in the South, but opportunity been afforded them. should every survivor of Anderson- The evidence all goes to show ville, Macon, Savannah, Charles­ that instead of trying to save the ton, Florence, Salisbury, Danville, lives or alleviate the sufferings of Libby and Belle Island write their those whom the fortunes of war personal experiences in those had thrown into their hands, they rebel slaughter houses, it would practiced a systematic course of still require the testimony of the starvation and cruelty, that in sixty-five thousand whose bones this nineteenth century, seems are covered with Southern soil to scarcely believable." complete the tale. So far as open hostilities are Being an officer, I suffered but concerned, the Civil War may be little in comparison with what said to have begun with the was endured by the rank and file, bombardment of Fort Sumter, our numbers being less, our quar­ April 12, 1861, and to have ters were more endurable and our closed with the surrender of Lee's facilities for cleanliness much Army of Virginia at Appomatox greater. Besides, we were more Court House, April 9, 1865. The apt to have money and valuables, eleven states of the South form­ which would, in some degree, ing the Confederacy had a total provide for our most urgent population of 8,900,000, of whom needs. 3,500,000 were Negro slaves. The Northern, Federal, or Union area In giving my own personal ex­ had a population of 22,100,000. periences, I shall endeavor to The Confederacy had about 1,400,- write of the prison pens in which 000 white men between the ages were confined only officers, just of eighteen and sixty years. The as I found them—Nothing exten­ Union had 5,000,000 men of mili­ uate, nor set down aught in tary age. The Confederacy enlist­ malice.' Having kept a com­ ed and drafted 1,230,000 different plete diary of events during my men. An equivalent of 1,080,000 ten months' imprisonment, I am men were under arms for three able to give a reliable account of years. The Union enlisted and what came under my personal ob­ drafted 2,500,000 men, and main­ servation. I have often heard it tained a total service equivalent said, even here in the North, that of 1,560,000 men for three years. our men who were prisoners, were cared for as well as the limited means of the Confederacy Book Lacks Objectivity would admit; but the falsity of this is seen when you remember On the Union side 360,000 that Andersonville is situated in soldiers died on the field of bat­ tle or of disease, while the Con-

—72— federacy lost 258,000. It would exception to the above rule. From not be far out of the way to say February 15, 1864, to April, 1865, that the war cost 1,000,000 lives 49,485 prisoners were received. Of and ten billion dollars in property these, 12,926 died from various damage. Quite understandably diseases. The prisoners were con­ out of such chaos, suffering, and fined in a space of about ten loss of life there arose strong acres, without shelter from the feelings which frequently found sun, wind, or rain and with in­ expression in somewhat less than sufficient food and polluted water. moderate language and served to The governor of the prison, Henry perpetuate attitudes, both North Wirz, referred to by Mr. Cooper and South that made difficult the "as that inhuman monster," was realization of Lincoln's ideal. hanged for his crimes in Novem­ When this volume was written in ber, 1865. 1888 the generation that had Mr. Cooper, when the Civil been most affected by the war War started, was running a fruit, still had vivid memories of it. confectionery and oyster store in and, as yet time had not given West First street, Oswego. He had them a sense of objectivity. One served six years in the Old Os­ can not expect to find in a book wego Guards and was interested such as this other than rather in joining one of the regiments personal opinions and evaluations then being recruited, but his busi­ based on immediate experience. ness required his individual at­ We must remember, before con­ tention and his repeated efforts demning the Confederates com­ to sell it proved unsuccessful. pletely for their treatment of war Finally without disposing of his prisoners, that at the outbreak of store he enlisted in the 12th N. the Civil War there was some Y. Cavalry and was commissioned disposition in Union circles to a 1st Lieutenant of Company 'I" treat captured members of the September 1, 1862. Confederate armies not as prison­ ers, in accordance with the laws Desertions Cut Ranks of war, but as rebels who might be punished for treason, arson, The passage where Mr. Cooper murder, and other individual acts. tells of his stay on Staten Island Once it was realized, however, during the winter and spring of that the Confederacy would 1862-63 is of particular interest promptly retaliate on Federal in the light of the operation of prisoners and that the Union the present Selective Service Act. cause would be injured rather Mr. Cooper says: "We remained than aided by the contemplated on Staten Island all winter per­ departure from established war fecting ourselves in the Cavalry time rules, the intention was tactics and drill; but before abandoned and the usual princi­ spring the men had become so ples governing the conduct of dissatisfied with the inactivity on hostilities were observed on both the Island, that by desertions, our sides during the conflict, or at eight companies were reduced to least in most instances observed four, and by order of General as closely as physical properties John E. Wool, the eight com­ allowed. It must be remembered, panies were consolidated into also, that the Confederates were four, thus rendering four Cap­ short of money, clothing, food, tains and eight Lieutenants super­ and medicine for their own sick, numerary, who were ordered not to say short of supplies for mustered out of the service as their men in the field. such. I was among the number so mustered out, but went to work immediately recruiting more men Andersonville An Exception and was in due time again Andersonville, which Mr. Coop­ mustered in, this time as 2nd er passed through, was a notable Lieutenant of Company "I". With

—73— this Company I joined the regi­ longest stay was in the prison ment at Camp Palmer near New- camp at Macon. I should like to bern, N. C. read a few passages to describe in "I was soon sent to Plymouth, Mr. Cooper's own words how time N. C, on detached service, under was spent in prison. As we all General W. H. Wessels." realize one of the most universal annoyances of armies before the Cooper Taken Prisoner advent of DDT was lice. None escaped in the Macon prison Mr- Cooper, along with about camp. As Mr. Cooper describes 2,000 other union troops, was it. taken prisoner on April 20, 1864. History is made by innumerable The prisoners were marched from Plymouth to Tarboro. At Tarboro entities acting independently. they were crowded into cattle How they come to produce it is cars and transported to Macon. an exciting story to tell, and During his ten months of im­ gives the historian one of the prisonment, Mr. Cooper was in most favored of tasks. In this Andersonville, Macon, Camp book we have seen the observa­ Sorghum, Fort Emory, Franklin tions of Mr. Cooper of history in Jail, Ashville Jail, and Danville the making. It is only through Prison. He was exchanged by the such personal narratives that we Confederate forces on the morn­ can hope to arrive at the truth ing of February 20, 1865. His about any era.

—74— Reminiscences Of Fulton

(Paper Given Before Oswego County Historical Society By William Schenck on Oct. 31, 1950 At Fulton)

In the year 1811, Jacob by on the river side of the port­ Schenck and his wife and some of age road opposite where the his children, including my grand­ Mission Chapel of Samuel Green father, came to live on the West was located in the nineties (of the bank of the Oswego River, then a next century). They moved across part of the Town of Hannibal, the road later. The vicissitudes of County of Onondaga, in the State life in a wilderness and the pros­ of New York. He and several pect of never seeing her mother brothers and sisters, children of again so distraught Mary (Falley) John Schenck, a Revolutionary Cleveland, Daniel Falley's sister, Captain of Militia, had upon John's that she wrote the following let­ death several years previously, ter, dated January 12, 1812, which left home at Penn's Neck near is still interesting and in the Princeton, New Jersey, and wand­ family: ered about in New York State. Jacob bought 100 acres of land, Norwich, Jan. the 7, 1812 built a house "of the pioneer order To Mrs. Margaret Falley, of architecture, made of poles, en­ Westfield, Mass. closed and covered with broad My dear Mother, pine boards, containing four I have not heard a word from rooms floored with broad pine you or Brother Richard's family plank-" since Zeviah was here. I suppose by this time Brother has retired It stood on the west side of the and is now making preparations river road (now West First for his removal and I am sorry to Street in the City of Fulton) in a inform you that our intended re­ location then referred to as Oswe­ moval is given up for the present go Falls which lay between for which I am very sorry: 'the Gansevort and Worth Streets of goods of Mr. Cleveland which today. A few log houses belonging came out in Nov. last and which to other early settlers were not he intended to carry on to Au- far away but there were no born were very rich and of course others below the Upper Falls. very costly and by no means There were no settlers whose could answer for such a market habitations were then distant in so new a country and he and from the immediate vicinity of Brother Benezett have concluded the river. The Indians who had to go into business in New York; ceded the land to the State still he sets out for that place tomor­ roamed it for the purposes of row morning and will spend the hunting and fishing. winter there and in the spring we expect to move there if nothing Daniel Falley Arrives unexpected takes place. I feel On June 13, 1813, Daniel Falley, quite disappointed in not going to Auborn for I fully intended to son of another Revolutionary sol­ have had you live with me as soon dier, arrived from Westfield, as we got settled there but for Mass. (12 days en route) with his some wise purpose God has order­ wife and mother and family, in­ ed it otherwise altho we cannot cluding my grandmother, to join see why it is so. I wish it was so his father-in-law, Samuel Holland, that I could come and see you be­ then operating the only store at fore you remove but I, do not see what was known as the Lower how I can but I wish you to write Landing on the East side of the me and let me know when you river. Their first house was near­

—75— expect to leave Westfield and if Lakes, and the Oneida River, an possible I will go up. My dear outlet for a lake so named, which Mother, I think much of you and unite at "Three Rivers" 24 miles pray that God would grant you South of Lake Ontario. Midway his holy spirit through all the there is a natural water fall—Os­ changing scenes of life you have wego Falls—the locale of one of yet to pass through and at last the Leather Stocking Tales of receive us all to himself when re­ James Fennimore Cooper. This movals, sorrows and sighings also is the scene of the events set shall be no more but when our forth in this paper. uninterrupted day of joy and History, however, is not geo­ praise shall fill our hearts to God graphy. It is neither a description and the Lamb forever and ever. of .a stream of water—nor an ac­ Do give my best love to Brother, count of the physical changes ef­ Sister and all their dear children. fected by dams or bridges across Tell Zeviah and Amanda they it or canajs or aqueducts along its must write me. Margaret has banks. It is a story of a stream gone to Boston to spend the win­ of human life which has coursed ter to attend school. This I expect through the years, in this case will complete her education at from this place as well as at this school. I expect to spend a lonely place, while it was being trans­ winter. Do my dear Mother pray formed from a wilderness to a for me and mine that we may be city. kept from temptation in this world of evil and now my dear Mother may the Lord bless you Typical Settler Families and keep you in the hollow of his The story of the Falley and hand for Jesus sake, Amen. Rich­ Schenck families as typical of the ard and Susan send love to their first settlers here has been deem­ dear Grandma, and all their ed of sufficient importance by the Cousins and don't forget your Oswego County Historical Society Dutiful and Affectionate child. as to warrant my effort to pre­ M. CLEVELAND pare and present it. My sources of information, though triple, The girls must not fail to write lack the definiteness of diaries their aunt and tell me when you and other like records. expect to go away and when and I have my father's scrap book how Alexander is and how of newspaper clippings, historical Brother Daniel's family are. and biographical, as he corrected and annotated them—and a His­ The writer of the foregoing tory of Oswego County quoting letter was the grandmother and my grandfather as to some mat­ her son, Richard, was the father ters—and a History of Fulton of Grover Cleveland, later Presi­ which describes it as I knew it dent of the United States- and heard about it in 1901. I also have many original letters dating Oswego County Formed from 1812 onwards. I also have some vivid personal The East side of the Oswego recollections of remeniscences of river at Fulton was at that time the last of the early Schenck included in Oneida County. Later settlers in this area as heard in in 1816 when Oswego County was boyhood days at the family gath­ created by the State Legislature, erings in the home of my grand­ it was known as the Town of mother on Sunday afternoons. Volney with the West side known To find the beginning and make as the Town of Granby both be­ an end of a story such as this is came a part of Oswego County. like locating the start of a com­ The Oswego River is a stream pleted circle or a triangle. Rather of water formed by the Seneca than undertake to relate it River, the outlet for the Finger chronologically either as to scenes

—76— or actors, I will, except as to her Grandmother Lett later). Daniel Falley and Jacob Schenck, Three other children, Caroline, review the subject under topics: Alfred and George, were born in Occupations, Religious Interests, the "Big Shanty" after the fam­ Civic Interests, Homesteads, ily's arrival at Oswego Falls. Families, and Finale. To bring this paper within rea­ sonable bounds, we will eliminate Schenck And Falley Families from further discussion of them all except Jacob Schenck and his Jacob Schenck built a saw mill wife and their sons, John, Peter which he operated with water and William, with an occasional power obtained by means of a reference to Isaac as they were wing dam at the Lower Falls. the only ones to spend most of Cyril Wilson was his partner. their lives in this vicinity. Except Before there could be any real Daniel Falley and his wife and farming in the region it had to two of their children, George F. be cleared of timber. Hence log­ and Mary, with occasional refer­ ging and lumbering became the ences to Lewis F. and Sarah the principal means of a livelihood on members of the Falley family the West side of the river. In a will not be discussed further- small way it competed with the Those elminated moved away in East side in the portaging of early life or when they married. boats and their cargoes which generally could not be taken over the Falls of the Oswego River. The Early Activities At Fulton eastern bank of the river at "the Falls" and at "the flats" a mile or so below the Falls provided My Grandmother Falley often better places for boats and their mentioned her father and mother cargoes to be separately loaded and her childhood but seldom re­ on trucks and transported over­ ferred to his store or the govern­ land between these points. Small ment store-house of which he was settlements were located at these keeper at the time of the War of points which were known as "Up­ 1812. He acquired his father-in- per Landing" and "Lower Land­ law's interest in the firm of Hol­ ing.'' This activity which included land & Crocker and in Steen's lo­ a warehouse and a store at each cation, and he prospered. Upon place, and a tavern, afforded a the death of Mr- Crocker who means of livelihood to Daniel owned the other half interest in Falley and others on the East said firm and land, this was ac­ side of the river. quired by his son, George F. Falley, and by Norman Hubbard, Daniel Falley's family included husband of Sarah Falley, both of five children—George F., aged 15; whom had been engaged in the Lewis F., aged 13; Sarah, aged store and they proceeded .to de- 12; Mary (my grandmother) aged velope a settlement where the 7; and Minerva, aged 5- An in­ business section of Fulton is now fant son born after the arrival centered. here of the family soon died. Daniel Falley built the founda­ Jacob Schenck's family includ­ tion and frame for a large, three ed nine children—John, aged 17; story public house or hotel at the Peter, aged 15; (though his ar­ southeast corner of Oneida and rival was delayed until 1815 by First Streets, on the portage river reason of his having been ap­ road, in 1825. In January, 1826, prenticed and required to com­ his daughter, Mary, married Levi plete his apprenticeship agree­ Carrier, the school teacher, who ment); Anna, aged 13; William took over the property and com­ (my grandfather), aged 11; Isaac, pleted the hotel in time for it to aged 9; Mary, aged 7; Daniel, have a share in the Fourth of aged 5; Sarah, aged 3; and July celebration in 1826 when the Phoebe, aged 1 (who came with corner stone of the first lock in

—77— the Oswego Canal was laid at established his reputation as a sur­ Fulton. veyor. It has been said of him A new Post Office was alsc that "he knew every inch of established in that settlement. ground, every dividing line, the (May 27, 1826) when the post location of every lot anywhere in master at the Upper Landing re­ this vicinity. As a surveyor, he fused to move the post office to was esteemed the end of the law. Fulton for the convenience of the The lines he ran have stood many greater number of persons now a strife and contest and will resident there. doubtless continue on forever. He surveyed and blocked out both Elder Schencks Leave the villages of Fulton and Os­ wego Falls and maps of his mak­ The struggle of Jacob Schenck ing are the best authority we for a living was different in both have as to the strets and blocks manner and result- Logging and of these two villages." lumbering were more arduous, more hazardous and less pros­ He was appointed on the State perous undertakings in general Commission to drain the swamps and for him in particular. The about Lake Neah-tah-wan-tah local demand for lumber was and became the surveyor for the slow for many years; it was not project. Letters to his father re­ always in line with the production late some of his experiences in of logs; it was out-of-door- connection with this work and weather work: too little or too were known to me when my much snow was as bad as too swimming hole was in the lake little or too much water. outlet which he deepened. He was "Uncle Peter" to most of the When a Spring freshet carried family then, though my great away his wing dam, he was soon Uncle, but there was yet one who beset with financial difficulties called him "Father". which ended in overwhelming fi­ nancial reverses and the loss of Uncle John Schenck (my great all his property. Opportunities for uncle) had always been engaged work elsewhere soon resulted in in boating except for the time a change of residence- With the during his youth when he served younger members of his family, as a toll keeper for the first he and his wife and her mother wooden bridge across the Oswego went to Rochester. This move oc­ river above the Falls from the curred only a few years before Upper Landing and Yelverton the construction of a private toll Island to the tavern of Artemus bridge across the Oswego river Curtiss on the West side. Before and the completion of the Oswego the Oswego canal was opened, he Canal and its accompanying dam operated river boats between by the State invigorated the busi­ Salina and Oswego. With the ness of the locality and paved the opening of the canal in 1828 he way for opportunities for Jacob's became a "canaler" and followed sons who had grown up and were this occupation thereafter. In­ ready to grasp them—along with stead of describing Uncle John's their friend, George F. Falley. early experiences and work on the river, I will relate what I know better about my grandfather's Second Generation Occupations similar experiences. Peter Schenck, tiring of work either as a clerk or a painter, had Early Shipping On River already lived with relatives near Auburn to learn the fundamentals In 1821, as the newspapers re­ of surveying and had so qualified port and as I recall it, he "hired himself by home study, that he out" to Norman Hubbard "to run was engaged to survey and lay a flat boat between Salina and out the lands for new settlements Oswego Falls" These trips were and his map of 1829 undoubtedly made by aid of the wind if it was

—78— favorable or by the current, but Savings Bank and at another time the chief means of locomotion was in the post office building which by 'poling', that is, by pushing the he continued until 1853 and dur­ vessel along the shallow stream ing this time they also manufac­ by aid of long poles and some­ tured furniture in a building near times when this means failed, by the river below the dam on the pulling the craft along by a rope East side. stretched to the shore upon which "His first purchase of farm the sailors tugged. At the end of land was in company with three two or three years, he was him­ others when he bought 600 acres self the proprietor of a flat boat, which he named the "Persever­ on the South Hannibal plank ance", with a capacity of 16 bar­ road. Then he bought a farm at rels of salt. This vessel was as Granby Center and subsequently large as any that in those days his present property.'' A letter to navigated the Oswego River. As his father, dated January 4, 1855, time went on his trips were ex­ refers to some of these matters tended from Salina to Oswego, his in the prosperous days before the vessel "shooting" or "running" financial depression of 1857. the river falls on its way down The Toll Bridge river. During those days, Mr. Schenck was opposed to the use The bridge mentioned in this of liquor and never allowed letter was the private toll bridge whiskey on his boat for the use of built by the Falleys and others in his hands, "preferring as a matter 1826 which the Town of Volney of economy to pay extra wages and the Town of Granby had pur­ instead." chased in 1849 and rebuilt for the "In 1826, Mr. Hubbard offered free use of the public. Although him a partnership and they built the fact was not mentioned, Wil­ a saw mill which was situated in liam Schenck contributed half of the immediate proximity of the the cost of increasing its height- present canal lock in the rear of In 1871 this bridge was replaced the Kenyon Block on First Street by an iron bridge and about the and they carried on the saw mil! same time the D. L. & W. R. R. and lumber trade there until Mr. Co-, which had purchased the Os­ Hubbard's death in 1827 and he wego & Syracuse Railroad a few carrying on the mill until 1836. years earlier, built a spur of its This was operated by power from tracks to the West end of the a wing dam, probably the same bridge and erected a freight sta­ wing dam referred to in the plans tion there. William Schenck con­ for a road to Hannibal as 'Hub­ tributed the land needed there for bard & Falley's mill dam'. and for a connecting street. At one time William was the Early Manufacturing sole owner of water power at the West end of the dam. With John "On the Oswego Falls side of E. Dutton and Charles G. Case he the river", according to a news­ owned the water power at the paper clipping, "William Schenck East end of the dam. They form­ built what later became the ed the Fulton Water Company. Thomas Wright saw mill, sunder­ Like the land of Steen's location ing his business connections in (and the other two patents of Fulton and carrying on the saw land here), it was in time divided mill and lumber business until and sub-divided. 1847 when, being in poor health How the financial depression he gave up that business and en­ affected William and his fortunes gaged in merchandise pursuits in is none of our concern though it Fulton, forming a partnership wrought a change just "as the with Cyrus Phillips and having a coming of the canal dropped the store at one time in the building bottom out of portaging boats be­ now (1878) occupied by Kenyon's tween the Upper Landing and

—79— Lower Landing and the sale of my parents to live with her. merchandise at these points." For From front porch to the back George F. and Lewis F. Falley door it was then 119 feet long, and their brother-in-law, Norman three one and one-half story sec­ Hubbard, it was a change for the tions and two lower ones. Witn a better. Their land located be­ horse barn, corn shed, smoke tween the Landings set them up house, &c and a garden of flow­ in business again, and many, ers, berry bushes, fruit trees and many others for it was there that a vegetable patch, the homestead life here in Fulton made a new occupied the entire block to the start. South of the D. L. & W. freight For George F. Falley, life last­ station at Lower Oswego Falls as ed only 20 years more, less than that part of the village was then that tor Norman Hubbard. Lewis known. It was a boy's paradise. F. Falley removed a little later It was never a palace but the to Indiana. trees about it, all planted by my Second Generation Homesteads grandmother, made its surround­ As the last statement should ings palatial, huge elms, williows, indicate, the Falley place in social arbor vitae and maples. Down the life of the combined families was street to the North, between the not such that a third generation approaches to the Lower bridge, would have enough information or on the East side of the road and interest to talk about them. From opposite the original home of living in it for ten years I know Jacob Schenck, was the home­ about the homestead of my stead of his son, Peter, though it grandfather, William Schenck. was built in his boynood for his His first wife, Patience Earl, died grandmother, Anna Lett. It was early in 1835 as he was complet­ then occupied by Peter's son, ing a new home, leaving a daugh­ Henry, and his family. ter. Minerva, aged three. "Not very much further on my My grandmother, Mary Falley, way to school was great Uncle has already been referred to as John Schenck's homestead at the the widow of Levi Carrier who southwest corner of Worth and died in 1833. They were then liv­ Third Streets, then occupied by ing in the brick house he had his daughter, Alice, and her built for her at the northwest mother, already then invalided corner of Cayuga and Third and soon to die. Streets now one of the landmarks of Fulton and long known as the Family Afternoon Gatherings Thayer house because of its long My grandmother thus became ownership by A. J. Thayer, which the matriarch of the Schenck was once the home of Chester S. family there and the only Falley. Lord, later for more than 50 years It was the custom of the third destined to be the managing generation Schencks left in Ful­ editor of the "New York Sun," ton to gather at her home OP when his father was the minister Sunday afternoons. Calling in of the Fulton Presbyterian those days was a pleasurable Church preceding and during the form of entertainment. I would Civil War period. not presume to pretend being able to relate what took place or what A Huge Dwelling was said by anyone on a par­ Mrs. Carrier became the wife of ticular Sunday, nor specify the my grandfather December 15, first or last occasion. They were 1835, and the mistress of his new- a happy group except when some home, a one and one-half story one was in trouble. Usually some frame building on the West side one had a letter from a Schenck of the river road on the West side or Falley or 'in-law' elsewhere. of the river. She had lived there We all had pleasant recollections for forty-five years when as a of all these homesteads and their boy of seven I came there with occupants. Personal rather than

—80— business affairs were the subject Republicans. The relations of the of inquiry or of anecdote or tale. . Federal government to the State As many of these pertained to governments were understood and topics which I have not consider­ expressed by Jefferson as folows: ed, I will proceed with another "The true theory of our Con­ chapter. stitution is surely the wisest and best—that the states are Religious Interests independent as to everything As a little girl, my grand­ within themselves and united as mother was thrilled when the everything respecting foreign Methodist circuit riders came and relations- Let the general gov­ visited at her home- As early as ernment be reduced to foreign 1813 her father, Daniel Falley, be­ concerns only, and let our af­ came a Methodist class leader for fairs be disentangled from those a number of the neighbors. In of all other nations, except as 1818, one of the circuit riders who to commerce, which the mer­ came to preach occasionally, con­ chants will manage better, the ducted a revival service of con­ more they are left free to man­ siderable length. Her grandfather, age for themselves, and our Samuel Holland, then 84 years general government may be re­ old, her brothers, George and duced to a very simple organi­ Lewis, also William Schenck 'pro­ zation and a very inexpensive fessed religion'. It is not surpris­ one—a few plain duties to be ing therefore that when a Meth­ performed by a few servants." odist Church was organized, April In his inaugural address Jeffer­ 17, 1826, two of them were in­ son stated that the government corporators or that they should should manage foreign affairs and become and remain its trustees "should encourage commerce and for life. agriculture and diffuse informa­ In 1847 when the General Con­ tion. With these exceptions, the ference of the Methodist Church Federal government will under­ assumed control of Fulton Acad­ take no domestic functions." emy, renamed Falley Seminary in recognition of a substantial gift of A Walking Delegate money to it by George Falley, and appointed its trustees, William It is recorded of Peter Schenck Schenck was appointed trustee that "he was a delegate to the and chosen President of the County Convention at Mexico Board, an office he held until held the year after the organiza­ 1854 when the Seminary again tion of Oswego County from the became a private institution. counties of Onondaga and Oneida Peter Schenck was then also a in 1816 for the purpose of estab­ trustee and Secretary of the lishing a party organization in the Board, though he was a Presby­ new County. He was a delegate to terian. His mother had been a the Congressional Convention charter member of the Fulton held soon afterwards at Onondaga Presbyterian Church organized in Hill which nominated James Earl 1818 and he became one of the for Congress. He went to and trustees of the re-organized from both conventions on foot church in 1832 through the woods and devoted three days to each, walking 75 John Schenck and his family miles to attend the Congressional and Isaac Schenck and his family Convention. were Methodists. As exhibits of the zeal of his Political Interests party for the Convention plan of choosing candidates for office None of the Schencks or there is before you a copy of the Falleys were Federalists, (in the personal appeal made to voters 19th century) and there is only by the Corresponding Committee one today. They were Jeffersonian to vote at the Election of 1822 and the County Convention Reso­ Methodist Church was organized lution regarding support of the in protest against the early offi­ Republican candidates at the cial attitude of the Methodist Election of 1823. The advocacy of Church toward slavery. In politics the Convention in opposition to as in religion their children fol­ the then prevailing caucus plan of lowed their folk. Even the chil­ making nominations for office dren of Peter did in respect of changed some National Republi­ religion. But not in respect of cans to Democratic-Republicans, politics; for Peter was a pacifist and their support of Jackson for at heart and shunned conflicts. a second term without their Though John called him a party's endorsement changed •'Copper-head" once, Peter was them into Jacksonian-Democrats President of the Village of Oswe­ and finally Democrats. go Falls from its incorporation in Members of both the Schenck 1853 until 1866 except for three and Falley families seem to have years- always supported Jackson. The George F. Falley, along with Falleys obtained and held the ap­ William and Peter Schenck, was pointment of Lewis Falley as the a town supervisor for a time but first Post Master in the new he served Oswego County in the settlement of Fulton and Peter State Legislature in 1829. Schenck held his position as the The temperance question also first Post Master of Granby. became a political issue. Without exception, Schenck voices, ballots Aided Underground Railroad and habits have never supported The new issue regarding slavery the liquor traffic. A more positive and the political battles over the statement would be diverting. Missouri Compromise, the Fugi­ tive Slave law, the Kansas- Second Generation Families Nebraska bill and the Dred Scott decision led William Schenck into One question popping up quite the "Underground'' Railroad often in the midst of the most in­ movement and into the new Re­ teresting projects we have al­ publican party formed in 1854 and ready considered was: 'Ts it a boy later in 1856, in opposition to or a girl?" John answered it or Buchannan and led four years got the answer on nine occasions; later in 1860 by Abraham Lincoln. Peter eight times and William ten Having read as a boy "Uncle times. Somehow most of them, Tom's Cabin" and sensed some of had enough home grown, home­ the dangers of flight by a slave or made food and medicine to bring In aiding his escape, it gave me them through or up. The Falleys cold chills to stand in what I also had twenty-five children in understood to be a one-night all. hiding place in our cellar for They had what was deemed some one my grandfather would proper home training in respect of deliver to the next station on a chores, and religion and matters rout*' which crossed the Canadian of common sense and common border. My grandmother never knowledge- They also had the ad­ admitted knowing about this but vantages of a common school ele­ her position is clearly shown in mentary education, then free to Ihe letter she wrote her brother, all children. In fact their parents Lewis Falley, dated March 13, promoted and provided for them 1856. an educational institution which became famous, Falley Seminary, Slavery Split Church which the late Dr. Henry F. De Forest has so well depicted— William Schenck and John in a paper given before this Schenck did not secede from the society several years ago. Methodist Church as their brother Althongh many second genera­ Isaac did when the Wesleyan tion Falleys had died or moved

—82— away, some of their children came moved away, his homestead was back to attend the Seminary. sold but it still stands. All of the Second generation Schenck chil­ other second generation Schencks dren here of age, or almost so, went away too, literally and were ready to have a share in the figuratively. The homes, mills, affairs of the villages and their stores, school buildings, churches, parents doubtless were looking dams and bridges they built have forward to a new lease of life, mostly been wrecked or replaced. surrounded by them, a busy Only in so far as they were able throng of villagers and prosperous to pass on the intangible things of farmers in all directions. War life, the impact of their lives is came. Two Schenck sons of John not spent- (Martin and Marcus), two of Who can measure to the end of Peter's sons (Herman and Ed­ that? ward), and two of William's sons (Daniel and William), volunteered A Reminiscence to serve in Lincoln's army to save the Union. Scientists say that the energy released by the fission of an atom Killed At Gettysburg in some form survives the de­ struction it accomplishes. Will I have a daguerreotype of Wil­ you pardon a personal experience. liam's family around the coffin of Thirty years after the close of the his son, William, brought from Civil War when I had just been Gettylsburg, which I mention be­ admitted to the bar, Hon. Nevada cause the people who gathered N. Stranahan recommended me to frequently Sunday afternoons in Hon. H. H. Lyman of Oswego as my grandmother's sitting room as assistant to Hon. Patrick W. I have related, were with her Cullinan, also of Oswego, his about that coffin—her youngest Counsel as State Commissioner of son, my father, George Frederick, Excise, at Albany, N. Y. I got the her eldest son, Daniel, home on job and considered myself chiefly furlough, her son, Schuyler, hold­ indebted to Mr. Stranahan, until ing the home front then and to I learned that I got it because my the end of her days, and her uncle, William, had been an of­ daughters, Minerva and Elizbeth; ficer of the regiment of which Mr. also, Uncle John's sons, Martin Lyman was the colonel. I then re­ and Marcus, home on furlough; called the mysterious tears on and Uncle Peter's sons, Edward, Col. Lyman's cheek during my home on furlough, and Henry. first interview with him. That William Schenck, Jr., had been was more than fifty years ago killed at Gettysburg fighting as a but almost the first thing you member of the famous 147th New would notice if you were to enter York Regiment of volunteers my home would be an oil paint­ raised in Oswego County and ing of that William Schenck and commanded by Col. H. H- Lyman upon looking about, you would of Oswego. also find portraits of Messers Ly­ man, Culllinan and Mr. Stranahan The war ended and the world because I want part of the story went on for others. of their lives to stay with mine. When the custom of the family calling on Aunt Mary began is Family pride has no right to beyond my memory if I ever first place in a paper like this knew. She died the year I went one. Historical papers should deal to Cornell college. When my with individuals only to illustrate mother died the old William how the founders of their com­ Schenck homestead made way for munity met the circumstances business when Henry Schenck common to all and how on their and his wife died. Peter's house own feet and with their own soon went the same way. When hands they labored for a living John Schenck's daughter, Alice, and established what we proudly

—83— call "the American way of life." crops will bring specified prices. Every generation must learn how Others pressure groups want to live individually, socially and government protection against the politically, choosing its own way. high cost of living. Edmund Burke once said: We now even hear of pressure "Civilization is a great contract groups to re-distribute wealth between the great dead ,the liv­ through taxation in order to pro­ ing and the unborn". The great mote the general welfare- dead have kept their contract It is of small concern whether faithfully with us and bequeathed the people of Fulton or Oswego to us a mighty heritage. It is for County or any place in this coun­ this generation to ask the ques­ try can name the men and wo­ tion (as he did then)—Are we men who, generation by genera­ keeping our contract with the un­ tion, have contributed to our born as faithfully as the great heritage. . dead kept theirs with us? It is of vital importance that they have enough interest in it to Pressure Groups have a hand in preserving and Today there are political pres­ improving it. sure groups which wittingly or The swift action by organiza­ unwittingly would sacrifice some tions from one end of the country of our American ways in order to to the other to rid themselves of meet the social or economic Communists recently indicates problems of their own group. that people everywhere do value They are not satisfied with equal­ and do desire to preserve their ity under the law. They want freedom. equality of opportunity under Only the right leader is some­ freedom fortified by legislation times needed to put his finger on which, as an equalizing circum­ the right spot at the right time stance, will enable them to deal in every contest with these pres­ with those affected by such legis­ sure groups, just as the little lation on an even footing though Dutch boy saved his country's it destroys their equality under dike by plugging a leak with his the law. finger until help came. Other pressure groups, not We will always need more than satisfied with the measure of a. dog in the manger. The horse their own ability to produce what must be fed, because the very they want, would make the next existence of such groups in so generation pay for it by issuing many places and so many political bonds. parties points to problems which Other pressure groups want will not be settled until they are government guarantees that their solved. The Story Of Yachting In Oswego

(Paper Given Before the Oswego County Historical Society By Frederick W. Barnes on Nov. 21, 1950.)

Two years ago when Oswego dalia," was built in an Oswego celebrated its 100th anniversary as an incorporated city a great ship yard- many people learned what an in­ Water Sports Developed Early teresting place Oswego was and how varied have been its inter­ Someone has said that "All ests. work and no play makes Jack a Beginning as a fur trading post, dull boy", and it was but natural continuing as a military strong­ that the men of this locality from hold, afterwards in succession a early times should have looked to port of entry, a hive of industry, the water as well as to the land an educational center and a de­ for the kinds of sport that their veloper of power on a gigantic primitive surroundings would per­ scale- All this and more we of mit. The Indians taught them how the present generation have rea­ to build birch bark canoes and son to be proud of. Situated as dug-outs. Later they built boats we are at the point where a of planks and drove them with partially navigable river empties sails. It was but a step from this its waters into a great lake which to impromptu races and after a on one hand is connected by the long time something like the St. Lawrence River with the modern yacht came into being. "Seven Seas" and on the other Just what is a yacht, do you ask? with the greatest reservoir of Well, generally speaking, a yacht fresh water in all the world, it is a pleasure craft to be used in was only natural that the people cruising or racing and is usually of Oswego from the very begin­ driven by sails, by steam or by an ning should have looked to their internal combustion'engine- There lake and to their river as the is such a thing as an ice yacht, easiest means of transportation but as far as I know this is a and as one of the important branch of the sport which was sources of subsistence. very rarely, if ever, indulged in by the people of this locality, so It is not within the province of we will confine ourselves to this paper to deal with Oswego's water-borne craft. We do not commerce. Some phases of our know who the first Oswegonian commercial history have already was to own and sail a yacht. He been dealt with by abler pens probobly built it himself but if he than mine; but we should speak needed help, it was available in- in passing of that great fleet of asmuchas Oswego could boast of vessels which in the last 150 years a shipyard with drydock as early has sailed in and out of this har­ as 1825. As cargo carriers were bor; either carrying away or under construction here more bringing to us, cargoes to or from than 100 years ago, it is reason­ other ports both near and far. We able to assume that pleasure will merely remind you that the craft did not follow far behind. "Ontario," the first steam driven craft west of the Hudson River, made its maiden voyage from Early Ship Builders Sackets Harbor to Oswego in 1817 and that only 24 years later I remember the late George the first screw propelled steamer Goble, who more than anyone else on the Great Lakes, the "Van- who has ever lived here, was as-

—85— sociated with Oswego's ship build­ transacted their business by ing industry. When I knew him, water and traveled by water. he was already far advanced in Many of its residents were en­ years; approaching the end of his gaged in ship carpentry. Another career, but in his younger days, large group was employed in for­ not he alone, but others were re­ warding or receiving by water, sponsible for the activities of our grain, salt, coal, starch, flour, lake front and the land border­ lumber, etc. Many of its young ing the Oswego Canal. The men found employment during a records show that in the year large part of each year as sailors 1861 George Goble operated a aboard the boats which were marine railway at the foot of much more numerous then than West Third Street and that this now although much smaller. railway was of sufficient capacity to haul out any vessel or steam During the season of naviga­ boat which could pass through tion, Oswego owned and Oswego the old Welland Canal. Goble had manned boats were to be found a stone work-shop 160 feet long on all the lakes while here at and three stories high; also an­ home a half dozen steam tugs other three-story building equip­ were constantly in readiness to ped with steam engine and boil­ assist sailing vessels when the ers. There was also a railway for latter wished to enter or leave canal boats alongside. Seventy- this busy harbor and when the five or more mechanics were em­ bad weather did come in the late ployed at the Goble plant. Other fall, there was always a goodly ship yards or dry docks, which number of ship-masters, who were operating locally at that would decide to tie up here and time, were: The Oswego Dry make this their winter quarters. Dock, owned by Lee Navagh and From 1820 to 1880 the people of Company which was situated Oswego were like everybody else­ above the lower bridge; Kitts and where, busily engaged in trying to Moore's Ship Yard and Dry Dock make money or at least attempt­ located in the East Cove with a ing to earn a living. steam saw mill in connection and employing more than 100 men with an additional 40 men en­ Yachtmen's Cruise In 1877 gaged in boat building. There was also the Scott and Nesbitt Dry In the beginning, they had Dock on the tow path of the Os­ little time for recreation, but as wego Canal between Hubbard's things eased up with some of Tannery and Allen's Morocco them, they turned to the lake as Factory where hundreds of canal offering the greatest opportunity craft were built. In addition to for adventure. In scanning the the foregoing enterprises, A. files of the "Oswego Palladium" C. Mattoon had a dry dock on the for the year 1877, I found a news East side below the lower bridge. item, which I will repeat for your benefit. To those of us who are natives of Oswego, and old enough Lake And River Town to remember the people of long ago, the names which are here Up to this point, we have given given might seem to have been our chief attention to Oswego's taken from some social register- activities along the line of boat Nearly, if not quite all of them, building and boat repairing. So belonged to families of more than far, very little has been said ordinary prominence. The quota­ about yachting but the point tion from the 73-year old news­ which I have been trying to im­ paper begins at this point: "The press upon my audience is that young gentlemen composing the during a large part of the 19th A. H. M. Society left early this century, Oswego was primarily a morning on yachts Sappho, Idler lake and river town. Its citizens and Magic for a cruise among the Thousand Islands, a fishing and picture. They were in uniform hunting excursion and a general and on each uniform were the good time. The yachtsmen were letters A. H. M- Nobody now dressed in their handsome uni­ living seems to know what the forms and looked exceedingly letters really stood for, although well. The Sappho's crew started Mr. Elliott B. Mott is my author­ for the Duck Islands, where they ity for the statement that the will spend a couple of days; from sisters and the sweethearts of the thence to Alexandria Bay and yachtmen interpreted the initials then tp Mary's Island where they as meaning "Awfully Homely go into camp for two weeks. The Monsters" Society. For a period crews of the Idler and the Magic of 20 years beginning about 1880 go to Kingston to spend Sunday, the local interest in yachting be­ from there to Clayton and Alex­ came more and more pronounced. andria Bay and then into camp The first serious attempt at or­ on an island adjacent to Mary's ganization was in 1881 when 70 Island. Everything necessary for Oswegonians subscribed $10.00 the cruise and for camp life is each to form a society called the safely stowed away in the boats Oswego Boat Club. The young and every precaution taken men who formed this society felt against accident. that it was more tactful to say "Boat" rather than "Yacht" club Captain "Jimmie" Martin is the inasmuch as the word yacht commodore of the fleet, and in would have indicated sails, and that capacity, will have a father­ their parents in many cases, look­ ly eye out for the boys. Follow­ ed upon row boats as safer than ing are the names of the young sail boats. As things turned out, gentlemen composing the crews however, this was but the opening of the different yachts—on board wedge, for the very next year, the "Sappho"—Sailing Master 1882, the Oswego Boat Club be­ Capt- James Martin, crew Will came the nucleus of a much larg­ Pardee, Horace Shead, Theodore er organization to be known as Page, Robt. Sloan and Tom the Oswego Yacht Club. Herrick. On board the "Idler", Elliott Mott, Will Lee, Fred Wheeler and Delos Radcliffe, and Yacht Club Organized onboard the "Magic", Allen Ames, John Higgins and Dudley Irwin." The Oswego Yacht Club in­ cluded in its membership not only residents of Oswego city but Awful Homely Monsters also men from all over Oswego county and some from outside- As previously stated, the names They needed a club house and in the foregoing newspaper ac­ one was built in 1883. It was count were in practically every located on the lake shore at the instance from families which foot of West Fifth Street.* The ranked high in the Oswego of site for the structure was leased that day, both socially and com­ from the D. L. & W. R. R. Com­ mercially. There was, however, pany for a nominal sum. one youth whose name at that time was apparently too obscure One of the best known boats to to be printed but who later earn­ have ever flown the flag of the ed for himself a place in our Oswego Yacht Club was the local Hall of Fame. I refer to the "Katie Gray". This yacht was distinguished writer, Morgan Rob­ built in Canada but was pur­ ertson, who was aboard the yacht chased and brought here by Wil­ "Idler". At the beginning of this liam B. Phelps, Jr., of Oswego. same news item reference was Mr. Phelps was an ardent yachts­ made to a club to which the boys man and although the "Katie belonged. I have seen a photo­ graph where nearly all of those mentioned were taken in a group •This building is still standing on its original site.

—87— Gray" was> not designed for speed, The "Merle", like all Burgess' her owner entered her in many boats had a movable center board regattas both here and across the which was a distinctly American lake. Mr. Phelps not only raced idea as opposed to the fixed keel his boat but at other times he of the British yachts. This latter loved to cruise about the lake for has been called the plank on edge the benefit of his guests and him­ design with much less beam and self. He was frequently accom­ greatly increased depth of hull. panied by his brother, John P. Instead of the Yankee movable Phelps, another ardent yachts­ centerboard, the British depended man. In this connection I will add upon a fixed keel that was not that after the death of William only deeper but was also weight­ B. Phelps, Jr., the ownership and ed. In the beginning of the Inter­ operation of the "Katie Gray" national races the advantage was was assumed by his brother, John almost always with the Yankee P. Phelps, who kept the boat in centerboard but as we have just commission until about 1912. seen, a change was imminent. Two other yachts are associated Allen Ames was one of the first in my memories with the Phelps to read the handwriting on the brothers. One was called the wall. His beloved "Merle" was no "Phantom" and the other the longer fast enough. About this "Kathleen". time, there appeared in far off Scotland a man named Fife. Ames Skilled Helmsman Yachting journals and sporting columns began to hold his name I have always felt that there up for adulation as a designer of were three families in Oswego racing craft. Nothing was too who were outstanding in their in- good for Oswego, so Capt. Ames trest in yachting. One of these, commissioned Fife to design a the Phelps family, has already yacht for him. been referred to. The other two were the Motts and the Ames. "Yama" Designed By Fife Those of us who were here fifty years ago and who took any inter­ This celebrated boat called the est in yachting will remember the "Yama" was designed in Scot­ name, Allen Ames. Mr. Ames was land, built in a Long Island ship an ironmaster and an active yard and brought to Oswego. It member of the family which has been said of the "Yama" that gave its name to Ames Iron she was the fastest boat of her Works- His hobby was yachting inches on fresh water and that and his leisure hours were chiefly she was never beaten in a fair devoted to that sport. He liked to race. It has also been said that cruise, but above all, he loved to her great success both in Amer­ pit his skill as a helmsman ican and Canadian waters was against the best talent that could due largely to Allen Ames' skill be found anywhere on Lake On­ as a helmsman backed up as it tario. He was rarely, if ever beat­ always was by the crew of Os­ en and his triumphs were chiefly wego boys whom he had trained. associated with two boats, both With your permission I will again of which had been expressly de­ quote from a newspaper of the signed for him. The first of these period. This time it is from the was called the "Merle" and was "Oswego Palladium" and the date designed by Burgess, who became is July 17th, 1892: distinguished as the designer of some of the fastest craft on our "Yesterday's defeat of the yacht Atlantic seaboard. Burgess' 'Zelma' of Toronto was an event yachts, similar in model to the that Capt. Ames may well be "Merle", had previously and suc­ proud of. It must be remembered cessfully defended the America's that both yachts were designed by Cup but a change was imminent. Fife, the great Scotch designer. Two years ago the 'Yama' was

—88— launched and her sailing was a came in. When the race was over revelation to lake yachtsmen. It there was about eight inches of often happened that she defeated water in the hold which constitut­ larger boats in higher classes. ed a draw back to good sailing. It She made such a record that Fife, is evident that those on the Tor­ her designer, came all the way onto yacht were aware that the from Scotland to sail upon her race would be a struggle from and see her sail. When Norman start to finish and accordingly, B. Dick of Toronto, the owner of prepared for it- The 'Zelma's' the 'Zelma', placed an order with cabin was cleared of bedding and Fife, it was with the understand­ furniture. There was not even a ing that she would be able to out­ partition left standing in order sail the 'Yama'. It is said that that the yacht might be in the Fife replied that he could not de­ lightest possible trim. Aboard the sign a boat the same size as the 'Yama' also, bedding and furniture 'Yama' that he would guarantee were removed but the partitions would outsail the Ames yacht but were left standing. that in his opinion a boat might be built which would be a little "The protest against the 'Yama' longer and with more beam that by Capt. Dick for what he called would outsail the Oswego boat. 'fouling' the 'Zelma' was not al­ The order was placed and the lowed by the Regatta committee. 'Zelma' is the result. In his protest Capt. Dick stated that the 'Yama', while holding a '•In designing the 'Zelma', Fife windward position by the wind, had the 'Yama's' lines before him. dropped down close to the 'Zelma' He had seen the 'Yama' sail, had for the purpose of blanketing the sailed aboard her and knew just latter in violation of the sailing about what she could do. With all rules. The committee heard the this knowledge at his command, protest and decided that when the Fife went to work on the 'Zelma'. 'Yama' established an overlap she She was framed in Scotland and had the right of way and, there­ when she was just to Fife's no­ fore, the protest should not be al­ tion of what a world beater lowed. When the 'foul' was claim­ should be, the frames were taken ed both yachts were beating to down and shipped to Toronto. the windward bouy and almost That Mr. Dick has received from touched each other. The 'Zelma' the hands of the great Scotch de­ is three feet longer over all than signer a fine yacht there is no the 'Yama' and 18 inches longer question. She is undoubtedly a on the water line. The 'Zelma' has very speedy boat although she also 15 inches more beam. After has yet failed to take a race from the race, Capt. Ames sailed his the 'Yama' in a yachtsman's boat around to the Goble dry breeze. Yesterday was a day that dock to have repaired the damage suited both boats. Neither had caused by the collision with the the advantage. The wind was 'Vreda'. fresh from start to finish and the 'Yama' won. "H. C. Witherington of South Brooklyn, the builder of the 'Yama', was delighted with the "Yama" Versus "Zelma" race. He had traveled 350 miles expecting to sail on the 'Yama' "The 'Yama' was not in first but was knocked overboard by class condition during the races. the collision with the 'Vreda'. Just before the starting gun was Capt. Ames started immediately fired she came into collision with to rescue him but Witherington, the steam cutter 'Vreda'. The who is a powerful swimmer, call­ chain plates on the 'Yama' were ed out for the 'Yama' to proceed carried away, her rail was lifted on her course and the plucky man up and two or three planks were was picked up almost at once by stove in through which the water the crew of another boat."

—89— Lake Racing Association harbor as they rowed in and out Each succeeding year it was the between the yachts whereas the job of the Lake Ontario Yacht yachts themselves were made gay Racing Association to fix the with colored lanterns. dates of the different Regattas. These Regattas would be held in Ten Mile Course mid-summer and would be care­ fully chosen to suit the con­ The races were held outside venience of the different clubs. the breakwater where buoys were There would be a Toronto Day, anchored to mark the course. an Oswego Day, a Kingston Day, These buoys were 3 1-3 miles etc. The yachts were divided into apart, so placed as to form a different classes according to triangle. Theoretically to cover size and as no two were exactly such a course outside the buoys the same size there was what was meant a ten mile lap but in called "time allowance" with the reality, the distance covered was larger boats allowing something more than ten miles. Even a land to the smaller boats of the same lubber like myself knows that a class. Although I am a land sailing vessel never proceeds very lubber, and nearly all of my sail­ far in a straight line and is some­ ing has been confined to big times blown away off its course. ocean steamers, this does not It was customary for the smaller mean that I was not personally contestants to sail twice around interested in yachting in general such a course but for the larger and the activities of the Oswego yachts three times around was Yacht Club in particular. "Re­ the usual practice. The starting gatta Day"* in Oswego was some­ line and home buoy were located thing that I used to look forward not more than one-half mile out­ to. side the breakwater where we would sometimes, qu'.te enthusi­ The yachts from the other astically, row out to the break­ clubs would sail into our harbor water and spend hours watching one after another, usually the day the start and sometimes the fin­ before the races, and each one ish while in between, the mono­ would take up its appointed sta­ tony would be broken as yacht tion. The spectacle as presented after yacht would be rounding the to anyone standing on the bluff at home buoy at the end of the first the foot of West Sixth Street was and second line. an interesting one. After lowering Many people have thought and sails and dropping anchors each still think that yacht racing has boat would run up a number of little or nothing to offer to the small flags attached to its rig­ spectator but personally I would ging. In the evening before race rather see a well contested race day it was customary to hold a of this kind than any horse-race dance at the Yacht Club House that was ever run. We must ad­ which would be one of the social mit that in spite of the active in­ events of the season. While the terest in yachting which was at dance was in progress some of one time displayed by Oswe- our citizens, embarked in small gonians and by the residents of a boats, would dot the waters of the few other New York State towns, that as far as Lake Ontario was concerned, we must yield the *The last Regatta Day held in Os­ palm to our neighbors across the wego by the Lake Ontario Tacht Racing Association was held in lake. The Canadians built more 1928. with the Oswego Tacht Club boats and took an even greater acting as host. The fact that there interest in the sport than we did were few perceptible winds for sever­ al days, interfered with the races for but when it came to deep sea several days, but the occasion proved yachting, it was a somewhat dif­ a social sucoess with many yachts­ ferent story. Taking the United men present from New York State and Canadian clubs. States as a whole, we had the ad-

—90— vantage of greater numbers and and, for a small boat, somewhat possibly of greater wealth. These hazardous voyage was made in handicaps, however, did not deter order that the Canadian yacht the Canadians from challenging might race against an American for the America's Cup. defender of the America's Cup. Our boat won but Cuthbert and The America's Cup his associates were not easily dis­ couraged, so in 1881 they tried I wonder how many in this again with a new boat especially audience would know what is designed for the occasion as the meant by the America's Cup? first boat had been. The second There were periods of from 25 to boat was called the "Atalanta" 70 years ago when the news­ and instead of going via the Gulf papers gave a great deal of front of St. Lawrence this boat took the page space to the America's Cup. shorter and more sheltered route In 1851 an American yacht called to the seaboard by way of Oswe­ the "America" crossed the At­ go and the Erie Canal. The lantic Ocean under her own sail "Atalanta" had a little too much and won a race in competition beam to pass through our canal with a number of English yachts. locks, so they resorted to pon­ This victory entitled the owner toons and raised one rail higher of the 'America" to a silver than the other- The "Atalanta" trophy which ever since or for a laid up in Oswego for a few days period of 99 years has been while enroute. I remember seeing known as "the America's Cup." her as she was tied to the dock The British, naturally would not just North of the lower bridge on accept their defeat as final and the West side of the river. Again have sent a good many boats to the American boat won and the America in attempts to recover Canadians have not tried since the prized trophy. There have then. Mr. Cuthbert was well been Scotch challengers, English known in Oswego. He sailed in challengers and among the more and out of this port many times recent was the gallant Irish con­ and was considered a great au­ tender, Sir Thomas Lipton who thority on everything pertaining made several attempts "to lift the to Lake Ontario yachting. cup'' as the saying goes but so far the "Yankees" have been a In addition to the annual re­ little too clever or a little too gatta under the direction of the lucky and the cup still rests in Lake Ontario Yacht Racing As­ the vaults of Tiffany & Company, sociation, there were from time where it was placed for safe to time other races which were keeping. Up to date more than sailed over the Oswego course one million dollars has been spent and in which Oswego yachts by the challengers and the de­ were usually the only par­ fenders in this contest of con­ ticipants. In the "50 years ago" tests. column of the "Palladium-Times" for the 10th of last August was a brief account of a race for some­ Cup Challenger Here thing called the "Anchor Cup" which was sailed here just 50 What has the America's Cup years before on August 10th, got to do with Oswego? Do you ask? Not very much but there is 1899. Among the contestants a slight connection. In 1876 a were two boats and their owners Canadian by the name of Cuth- whose names I have seen else­ bert backed by a Toronto syndi­ where but in a different connec­ cate designed and built a yacht tion. One of these yachts was called the "Countess of Dufferin" called "Venus" owned by Charles and sailed her to New York by Smith and the other was the way of the Gulf of St. Lawrence "Caprice", owned and sailed by and the Atlantic Ocean. This long Arthur Emerich.

—91— Old Time Yachtsmen Steam Yachts Too I would like to insert at this Many years ago someone said point a list of yachtsmen and that "the most beautiful sight in their boats who were active in the world is a square rigged ship under full sail". Be that as it local yachting circles between may the lines of the average 1885 and 1920- Kindly remember yacht are indeed graceful. There that the list is far from being are exceptions to all rules and 70 complete and that no attempt has years ago there was in Oswego a been made to enter the names in yacht so rudely designed that it their chronological order. was generally known as "The We will begin with James Potato Bug". There was another Parker, who not only sailed boats name but as no one used it (un­ but also built them and we can less the poor owner may have credit him with the construction done so) we all forgot what it of three pleasure crafts, each of was. In addition to a large fleet which, in its turn flew the pen­ of sailing yachts the Oswego Club nant of the Oswego Yacht Club. could boast of several steam The earliest of the Parker boats yachts only three of which I can was christened "Dolphin". The remember. Two of these were the second was the "Theresa" and the property of the Conde brothers. third "Theresa II". Then there Swits Conde owned the "Ruth" was the "Nautilus", owned by and Frederic Conde the "Corin­ William Coad and the "Ella", thian" whereas James Macfar- which was the property of Nelson lane's steam yacht was named the Stone. The "Ella'' was probably "Aida". All of these boats were the fastest of the Oswego fleet originally operated on salt water. with the exception of the Allen Ames yachts. The Littlefield fam­ Advent Of The Motor Car ily owned a large two masted yacht called the "Rhoda" which was ideal for cruising. We must Looking back to the turn of the not omit the "Fascination" or the century one can see very definite­ "Laura". This last named boat ly that the advent of the automo­ was owned by a group of Oswego bile had much to do with the business men of whom Robert gradual decline of the interest in Gordon, Jr., was one. There was Lake Ontario yachting. I do not another schooner-rigged yacht wish to be understood as saying owned by Capt. Vickery of East that there are no longer any 10th Street and called the "Lottie pleasure craft to be found on this Blair" and the "Stella," built by lake of ours. To the contrary let a man named Burke. Fred Mur- it be said that in the busy port of dock, the tinsmith, built his own Toronto are to be found a number yacht, the hull of which was con­ of cabin cruisers nearly all of structed entirely of sheet iron and which are equipped with Diesel very appropriately christened the engines while in the smaller Lake "Scrap Iron." Then there was the Ontario harbors are still to be "Santa Maria", the property of found a goodly number of men John F. Otis, and the "Kittie who own and operate a pleasure O'Shea", owned by Martin Hig- boat of some sort but with the gins. There were others whose exception of an occasional inter­ names have escaped me but I will national match in which a yacht close the list with the "Bessie", from Rochester or Watertown is owned by C. J. McDowell, and pitted against a Toronto boat the McGlannon yacht, "Ethel", there is no general interest in formerly of Rochester bought in Lake Ontario yacht racing. Long 1885 by three Oswego yachtmen before the motor car had almost and brought here to make a valu­ completely revolutionized trans­ able addition to the Oswego fleet. portation something happened in Oswego which for the time being

—92— at least put a damper upon than it had been, cruising con­ yachting as a form of recreation. tinued to occupy the attention of certain individuals who found this A Marine Tragedy form of recreation more to their liking than any other. I refer to the tragic death of Charles Ames which occurred on June 24th, 1900. "Charley" Ames Col. Mott's "Papoose" as his friends called him was the In this connection the first grandson of Leonard Ames, the name that occurs to me is that of first, one of the founders of Ames John T. Mott. The late Col. Mott Iron Works. Charley's own father, probably more than any one else Leonard Ames, Jr., and Allen was responsible for the success of Ames were half brothers. You the Oswego Yacht Club. Again will remember that Allen Ames and again he was called upon to was the one who brought so serve as its commodore and his much glory to Oswego with his active connection with local celebrated yacht the "Yama". On yachting interest extended the day of his death Charles Ames through a period of at least 50 and his young wife (Charles was years. His first boat was called about 29 years old) had invited a the "Cricket" and much later he few friends (both men and wo­ sailed the "Papoose". This last men) for what was to be a short named yacht was brought from sail in Charley's own small yacht Boston. During the period in called the "Bohemian". It was which Col- Mott sailed the after dark but the lake was calm •'Papoose" he had in his employ a and Charley was a good sailor. He man who was known as Capt. knew how to handle a boat. All Phil Barclay. It would frequently went well until Charley surrend­ happen that Col. Mott would have ered the tiller (temporarily as he guests and if not and accompanied thought) to one of his guests only by Barclay he would cruise while he stretched out on top of to wherever his fancy took him. the deck house. He may possibly Col. Mott as some of you will have fallen asleep but at any rate remember was one of our leading the yacht came up suddenly into bankers and he also took an ac­ the wind while the boom switched tive interest in politics. Although sharply from one side to the other he was a very busy and useful knocking Ames into the water. He man, he found in sailing a means was a good swimmer and life pre­ of rejuvenation and he kept it up servers were thrown overboard as long as he could but although where he was supposed to be but he lived to an advanced age the in the darkness and confusion all time came when he felt that his attempts at rescue failed and he sailing days were over and if he was drowned. did not do something about it his As I remember it this tragedy faithful yacht might fall into un- marked the end of the Ames fam­ appreciative hands so he decided ily's interest in yachting. Allen to dispose of it in an original way. Ames and his brother, Alfred Barclay beached the "Papoose" at Ames, took part in no more races a suitable place along the lake and the "Yama" and "Bohemian" front and at its last resting place were sold to out of town parties- the "Papoose" was set afire and Even without this deplorable oc­ completely consumed, except for currence there would have been a the lead keel the material of gradual decline in yachting inter­ which could still be made to serve est due principally as we have al­ some useful purpose. We have all ready noted to the advent of the heard of faithful horses or dogs automobile but although the who have been put to death by public in general must have heard their master for fear that the be­ somewhat less about yachting and loved animals should meet with racing was much less popular neglect or ill treatment but this

—93— is the only instance that I can water and might be called a think of where an inanimate ob­ marine adventure. Sometime be­ ject has been similarly disposed tween 1875 and 1885 the Federal of. Government built an artificial island and placed it at the mouth Judge Calkin An Enthusiast of the river just outside the en­ trance to our harbor. It was a When 1 undertook this job at piece of crib work which means the request of your society I did that there was a framework of not realize how many boats or heavy timbers bolted together how many men were entitled to a which was weighted down and place in such a history. It is prob­ held in place with stones. I able that what I have tried to do should judge that it might have is not more than half done and been 12 feet above the water and that as many more should be here about 60 feet square. It was local­ recorded. One such name fresh in ly known as "the block" or the the memory of all Oswegonians is island. It was really a break­ the late Francis D. Culkin. Judge water and the idea was to break Culkin was a much younger man the force of the waves when than Col. Mott but like the caused by an on shore wind colonel enjoyed cruising and own­ which would otherwise have an ed and personally sailed one after unobstructed drive up the river. the other no less than three cruising yachts. For a period of Instead of being as intended a years he served as commodore of protection to shipping it proved a the Oswego Yacht Club. menace particularly to those vessels which entered the harbor During the most recent 15 at night. After it had been there years with the exception of for a few years the government the owners of a few very small removed it. One year while it was sailboats it may be said that there still there the people of Oswego is no one interested in Oswego as decided to celebrate the Fourth of a yachting center. Our neighbor­ July in a new way. Instead of ing harbor of Fair Haven has reading the Declaration of Inde­ been the home port of several pendence in the West Park with pleasure craft which are owned ice cream, and fireworks in the here but seldom come here. It is evening the committee in charge possible that when "Uncle Sam'' decided to stage a boat-race but completes the extensive enlarge­ it would not be in the lake where ment of the Oswego Harbor which comparatively few could see it but is now under consideration that it in the river where thousands of will bring about a renewed inter­ people might at least have a est in pleasure craft but until glimpse. It was decided to have a then we in Oswego must be con­ sculling match. We have not had tent with a fleeting glimpse of a a rowing or sculling match in Os­ luxurious cabin cruiser probably wego in a long, long time but they owned in New York City as it have them in Syracuse and in a passes through Oswego by way of good many other "varsity" towns. the Barge Canal either going to or coming from the St. Lawrence The varsity races are rowed in river. what are called racing shells and it is customary to have at least A Marine Adventure four oarsmen to a shell and in ad­ dition one other man called the I can think of nothing more to coxswain who guides the shell. say regarding Oswego as a yacht­ Such shells are long and narrow, ing center but perhaps you will pointed at both ends, light draft bear with me a little longer while and no weight to speak of. In ad­ I try to recapture something dition to those shells which are which occurred here many years propelled by four or more oars­ ago and although no yachts were men there are others which are involved it took place on the built for a single oarsman and

—94— the Fourth of July contest of the day otherwise that part of the long ago was for single oarsman, course which circled the island one man to a shell who not only would have been too hazardous had to propel his unseaworthy for such a frail craft. As it was I craft but also to steer it. think one of the shells did cap­ size but there were no casualties. Sculling Race Joe Handley, the local boy, did not win and I cannot remember There was at that time at least who came in first but it must one of these racing shells owned have been either Courtney of in Oswego. It was the property of Cornell or Riley of Rochester. The a professional sculler whose name race was witnessed by a great I think was Joe Handley (I am crowd of spectators who lined not sure that that was his name). both sides of the river from the Joe owned a boat livery in Os­ bridge to the piers and out on the wego where he kept row boats for piers which were there then but hire and during a part of each have since disappeared. The summer he would compete in bridge itself was a popular point sculling matches on Lake Onon­ of vantage and as I remember it daga, Cayuga Lake, the Hudson a limited number of spectators River and on other lakes and were permitted to line the railing rivers which were not too far on the bridge's North side. Our away. Joe was on the Oswego In­ small police force assisted by the dependence Day committee and Life Savers (now called Coast he was also one of the con­ Guardsmen) the sheriff and his testants- The other contestants deputies, also the Fire Depart­ came from away and in order to ment were in readiness if needed secure their participation cash but there were no unfortunate in­ prizes were offered for whosoever cidents. should come in first and second. The course was laid in our Oswe­ go river just North of the lower In closing I wish to acknowl­ bridge and the oarsmen had to edge my indebtedness to Messrs. row to the mouth of the river, Elliot B. Mott of Oswego and around the artificial island, which Thomas C Goble of Valley Cot­ I have described, and back to the tage, Rockland County, New starting line at the lower bridge. York, who supplied names and Fortunately it was a very calm dates which otherwise might not have been available.

— 95— The History of the Oswego Naval Reserve

(Paper Given Before the Oswego County Historical Society By Dr. Charles McC. Snyder of the Oswego State Teachers College on Dec. 12, 1950)

The Naval Militia in New York embryonic Naval Militia in New State was originally authorized in York. Upon the declaration of the State Legislature by "An Act war, personnel of the State Militia volunteered for service in to Establish a State Militia," the Auxiliary Naval Force, and Chapter 492, Laws of 1889. It was by the close of the conflict 51 of­ provisionally organized on October ficers and 800 enlisted men of the 28, 1889, and formally mustered New York Naval Militia had been assigned to 44 different naval into the State service on June 23, vessels. 1891, as the "Naval Reserve Ar­ It is of interest to note here, tillery, State of New York." that the exploits of the U. S. S. Recognition of its value to the "Gloucester", a converted yacht State and Nation by the Federal of J. P. Morgan, manned by New Government was at once apparent York Naval Militia personnel in when Congress, upon the recom­ the battles off Havana and Santi­ mendation of the Secretary of the ago in Cuba, advertised the Navy, appropriated funds to pur­ Militia to the people of the Em­ chase arms, and when the Navy pire State, and undoubtedly pro­ Department assigned the U. S. S. moted the growth of the organiza­ "New Hampshire", subsequently tion in the state in the years changed to the U. S. S. "Granite prior to World War I and pre­ State", to New York State for the pared the ground for the estab­ use of the Naval Militia. lishment of additional units. Such was the case in Oswego, though it The establishment of the Naval was not until the advent of World Militia a decade before the War I that formal organization Spanish-American War was no was effected. accident. After a long era of isolation, and absorption in domes­ tic affairs following the Civil Oswego Naval Tradition War, Americans were becoming conscious of our size, wealth, and The roots of the Naval Militia power, and our responsibilities as in Oswego are buried deeply in a Nation. The young "Teddy" Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, the naval traditions of this area. and Captain Alfred T. Mahan, to The location of the community at mention but a few, were deeply the mouth of the Oswego River, impressed with the new American athwart one of the few natural role in international affairs; and sea power became one of their harbors on the southern shore of favorite themes on the platform Lake Ontario, and the significance and in the press. In Washington of the latter as well as the Os­ appropriations were forthcoming wego and Barge canals upon the for the construction of a modern east-west and north-south paths fleet, built of steel. By 1898 this of commerce, combined to direct new spirit carried us into the the thoughts and energies of gen­ Spanish-American War. erations of Oswegonians to the water for their livelihood and Active In Spanish War their recreation. From the days when the first English fresh water And the Spanish-American War naval fleet was built in the Royal afforded opportunities for the dock yard at Oswego in 1755, and

—96— the construction in 1809 at Os­ the division was mustered into the wego of the first United States state service by Captain E. N. battleship upon the Great Lakes, Walbridge and staff. with Lieut. Fenimore Cooper, the later novelist, supervising, there Organization Was Timely had existed at Oswego a naval The organization of the division tradition. was timely. War clouds darkened Hence, it is not surprising to the horizon, and our relations observe that Oswego was an early with Germany had reached the yachting center, and that the breaking point. A renewal of her members of its Yacht Club were submarine offensive would in­ among the leaders in bringing the evitably plunge the Nation into Naval Militia to Oswego. the maelstrom. Hence the com­ pletion of the organization, *he Oswego Unit Authorized procurement of supplies, and the whipping of the division into The movement to establish a shape, were carried out at a division of the Naval Militia took feverish pace. The division was shape in the minds of Oswego's assigned quarters in the New citizenry in 1915; the leadership York State Armory on West First stemming from members of the street with the approval of Torrey Oswego Yacht Club. The plan as A- Ball, Captain of Company D, it took shape called for the or­ Third Regiment of the National ganization of a deck division re­ Guard of New York, and drills quiring sixty-one members- A were conducted on Tuesday year later a temporary committee nights. Chief Yeoman Hubert G. of organization was effected. It Webb reported to organize the ad­ included Henry H. Alexander, now ministration. of Pulaski, but then an Oswego newspaperman, and J. M. Gill, Frank T. Watson, Neil T. Hayes, Recruit To War Strength and Elliott W. Mott of Oswego. The committee petitioned Gov­ As the crisis deepened the ernor Charles S. Whitman for au­ Armory was placed under guard thorization to organize a naval by details from the National militia unit, and proceeded to en­ Guard and the Naval Militia, and roll a tentative list of applicants. on February 3, 1917, the division Their request was quickly granted commander was instructed to re­ by the Governor, who signed the cruit up to full war strength of coveted authorization on October 80 men, and to go beyond this in 6. 1916, the official birthday of anticipation of modified orders to the Naval Militia in Oswego- The permit it. Meanwhile, uniforms governor's signature created the and other equipment began to ar­ 9th Division, Third Battalion of rive. the Naval Militia of New York Upon the delivery of President State, and named Henry H Alex­ Wilson's war message on April 2, ander, who had been telegraph the division awaited the call to editor of the "Oswego Daily duty, to be announced through ar­ Times" as temporary commander. rangements with the mayor by the ringing of the City Hall bell. The State Naval Militia helped The men had little time to close to give the local division a flying out their responsibilities to their start by dispatching the gunboat, jobs and their families. Four days "Isla de Luzon", which had been later on Friday, April 6, Good captured from Spain in the Battle Friday, on the day war was offi­ of Manila Bay, from Rochester to cially declared, orders to muster Oswego to assist in tho recruiting. the division arrived in Oswego by At the end of the day, nineteen telegraph, and at 9 p. m. that had qualified, and with;n a month night the bell in the City Hall the quota of forty-five was reach­ tower rang out the tidings that ed. Thus on November 15, 1916, the nation was at war.

—97— Off To War Sea. 1C; John A. Lester, Sea. 1C; t -mes K. McCrudden, Sea. 1C; The Naval Militiamen reported Francis M. Ready, Sea. 1C; Rob­ at the Armory for muster, shifted ert R. Snody, Sea. 1C; Claude T. into uniforms and then returned Ball, Sea. 2C; John F. Bartlett, to their homes. Their departure Sea. 2C; Joseph M. Bisonette, the following afternoon by rail Sea. 2C; James P. Cullinan, Sea. over the New York Central Rail­ 2C; Earle H. France, Sea. 2C, road for New York City was the William H. Hallihan, Sea. 2C; occasion for Oswego's first major Theodore E. Harding, Sea. 2C; demonstration in World War I. In David M. Henderson, Sea. 2C; the words of the "Palladium": Edward S. Kelly, Sea. 2C; Ed­ "Amid cheers and tears, Lieut. H. ward T. Kelly, Sea. 2C; William H. Alexander, commanding, the F. Kerwin, Sea. 2C; Emmett M. Ninth Division of New York King, Sea. 2C; Neil E. Lloyd. Naval Militia got away Saturday Sea. 2C; Robert E. Long, Sea. 2C; afternoon, having the distinction Floyd E. Lothridge, Sea. 2C; of being the first military unit of Chauncey McDonald, Sea. 2C; the city to leave since President James C. Mack, Sea. 2C; Alfred Wilson approved the resolution of E. Maier, Sea. 2C; Sydney R. Congress declaring that a state Mason, Sea. 2C; Charles C. of war exists with Germany. . . I'eade, Sea. 2C; John P. Moran. Sea. 2C; Verne P. Murdock, Sea. As they came down the 2C; James H. Mylott, Sea. 2C; Armory steps from the main en­ William F. O'Donnell, Sea. 2C; trance and swung into First George L. Patterson, Sea. 2C; street, headed by the Masonic Percy C. Payne, Sea. 2C; Levi D. band, they were greeted by an Pease, Sea. 2C; Thomas J. Reed, outburst of applause from the Sea. 2C; Jarvis P. Robertson, three or four thousand people Sea. 2C; Thomas N. Savas, Sea. who lined the sidewalks The 2C; Augustus H. Smith, Jr., Sea. crowd that followed quickly sur­ 2C; James P. Sheridan, Sea. 2C; rounded the train and cheered and J. Kent Stewart, Sea. 2C; Harry cheered and cheered as the boys L. Van Dusen, Sea. 2C; Edward piled into the cars." (April 9). B. Wafter, Sea. 2C; Louis B. Ward, Sea. 2C; Roscoe C. Wart, The Muster Roll Sea. 2C; Leo J. Heagerty, HA 2C; Jerome J. Eustace, Ap. Sea.; The Muster Roll of Naval Francis P. Farrell, Jr., Ap. Sea.; Militia, State of New York, City Cornelius P. Holleran, Ap. Sea.; of Oswego, Third Battalion, Ninth Harry D. Hunter, Ap. Sea.; Division, April 6, 1917, as it left Charles H. Kerwin, Ap. Sea.; for active duty in the first war Joseph F. McConkey, Ap. Sea.; with Germany follows*: Robert F. Meade, Ap. Sea-; Henry H. Alexander, Lieut, Joseph Olsiewski, Ap. Sea.; Clar­ (jg); Frank T. Watson, Ensign; ence W. Robarge, Ap. Sea.; Ed­ Elliott W- Mott, Ensign; Thomas ward J. Snyder, Ap. Sea.; Law­ L. McKay, Ch. M. A. A. (master rence J. Wilbur, Ap. Sea. of arms); Grover C- Elder, Lieu­ tenant (jg), Medical Corps; Hubert G. Webb, Ch. Yeo.; Kit Bags Presented Harold L. Newstead, G. M. At the final muster and inspec­ 1C; Edward J- Condley, Cox.; tion just prior to the departure of John L. Fitzgerald, Cox.; Robert J. Potter, Cox.; Alston B. Voor- the train each man was presented hess, Cox.; Howard C. Flewellyn, with an over-night kit and "ditty" Q. M. 3C; Allen P. Snody, Q. M bag, the courtesy of the late CC; Neil T. Hayes, Yeo. 3C; Ross Robert A. Downey and the late E. Brown, Sea. 1C; Edwin B •Neil T. Hayes has a picture of the Doolittle, Sea. 1C; Herbert K. division taken at the "Granite State." Fox, Sea. 1C; Charles A. Gill, He also has the original of this muster.

—98— Frederick B. Shepard, each a During the weeks which follow­ prominent business man of Os­ ed drafts from the Oswego divis­ wego. ion were dispatched to their var­ At 5:40 p. m. the train pulled ious assignments afloat. Some out for Syracuse. After having found themselves aboard the U. S. supper at the Hotel Winchester in S. "Charleston", a cruiser, others that city their coaches were reported to the U- S. S. "Atlantic coupled to a military train carry­ II", a converted yacht, the U. S. ing the naval organizations of S. "Amphitrite'', a rather ancient Dunkirk, Buffalo, and Rochester, monitor, the U. S. S. "President and sped eastward. At Utica the Lincoln", a transport which was cars carrying the Watertown di­ later sunk but with no Oswego vision were attached to the now casualties, the U. S. S. "Mercury", elongated train. The excitement of and others. Oswego men were the day was not conducive to thus widely dispersed throughout sleep, but some got a few winks, the fleet where they contributed despite the questionable "com­ their talents to the early comple­ forts" afforded by the "tourist tion of the war. sleepers." Reactiviated In 1920 Oswego Unit Split-up On its arrival in New York After the Armistice was signed City early Easter morning, the on November 11, 1918, Oswego's train was shunted down a spur sailors gradually returned to their line to the foot of West 96th homes, prepared to pick up the street, where the U. S. S. threads of their local organiza­ "Granite State" was docked. This tion. The division was reactivated vessel, the old "New Hampshire", in 1920 with Lieutenant H. H. once a battleship but now convert­ Alexander again in command. He ed into a training ship, was a was succeeded by Lt. (jg) Eliot floating workshop, where the men W- Mott in 1922, and he, in turn, were prepared for their respective was followed by Lieutenant J. M. 'duties. There the Oswego boys Gill, who headed the organization were joined by the Yonkers divis­ designated in 1929 as the 15th ion, and within a short time Division, some 17 years, until staunch and lasting friendships 1940 when Lieut. Gill was called were formed. A visitor, J. P. into the Federal service in World Robertson, secretary of the Cham­ War II from which he emerged ber of Commerce, observed (in in 1945 with the rank of com­ the "Palladium" of April 24: "It modore. has been a rich treat to see so During this era between the many friends from the home two World Wars the division town, all of whom I think have drilled on Tuesday evenings, and received a royal welcome, and in supplemented this training with addition to the personnal visits, annual cruises with the fleet on kind and thoughtful favors from the Great Lakes or upon salt Deep Rock (a mineral water water. In 1920 the division cruised bottled in Oswego), Long's on the U. S- S. "Pruitt" and the Chocolate Works and the Dia­ U. S. S. "Noah". A year later they mond Match Company have been sailed to Bermuda aboard the U. deeply appreciated. Candy never S. S. "Illinois". It proved to be tasted quite as good, after which the last cruise for this ship which Deep Rock, nature's best, was, of was subsequently reconverted to course essential. Then a 'light' for become the U. S. S. "Prairie the smokes. All of the courtesies State", famous as a training ship help to take the T out of Sher­ in World War II. In 1923 and man's definition. Everyone is well 1924 the division cruised upon the —because everyone is well cared Lakes in the U. S. S. "Sturgeon for. No indisposition is too trival Bay", reaching points as far west for the attention of Dr. Elder." as Chicago and Duluth. Oswego

—99— personnel also participatel in Occupy New Quarters numerous small arms contests during the 1920's and 1930s, win­ In 1935 the division moved its ning several prizes in state-wide floating gear to the site of its new competition. In 1925 they gained training center recently opened the distinction of taking the sec­ on Lake street in the West Har­ ondary battery prize. Noteworthy, bor, where it occupied the prop­ also, was the record of the divis­ erty of the Oswego Yacht Club, ion in the annual Federal inspec­ which had been taken over by Os­ tions. Between the two wars the wego County and deeded to the State of New York for the use of Oswego unit never dropped below the Naval Militia. This property, 15th, and on one occasion it rank­ improved by the construction of ed first in the nation. new docks, a feature of the W. P. A. program in this area, provided Training Between Wars the Naval Militia with permanent The training of the division was housing and docking for its float­ rounded out by a program of ing equipment, and facilitated the boating and related activities in erection of its new home on the the harbor and upon neighboring same site 15 years later. waters. In 1921 the organization had at its disposal two cutters, World War II Service two whaleboats and a steamer, Upon the outbreak of World and these in turn were supple­ War II in Europe in 1939 the mented a short time later by the Naval Militia again intensified its receipt of the floating equipment training program. In May, 1940, from Onondaga Lake, after the Commander Gill went into active failure of the Syracuse organiza­ duty as officer in charge of naval tion which had its station there. officer procurement with head­ An incident which should not be quarters at Buffalo, and he was overlooked involved the conver­ succeeded in command of the Os­ sion of a 40-foot motor launch in­ wego unit by Lieut, (jg) Eugene to a motor-sailer as designed by E. Cragg. In February, 1941, the Lieut. Commander Gill. This first draft of men from the divis­ vessel proved to have so much ion, numbering 26, men, left for utility, that all 40 and 50-foot active duty. motor launches in the reserve di­ On May 15, almost seven vision were similarly reconverted. months prior to the Japanese at­ tack on Pearl Harbor, the entire In 1921 the floating equipment division was mobilized. This time of the Oswego unit was housed on they were transported to the the lower floor of the building on Naval Training Station at New­ the lower bridge now known as port, Rhode Island, for their final the McKay Block- In 1924 the di­ training. The muster list of those vision took over the building on going into active duty between the West river bank at the foot November, 1940, and May 15, of Schuyler street, the old stone 1941, follows: structure erected as a warehouse New York Naval Militia: for Walton & Willet, forwarders, Muster list of those entering ac­ nearly 100 years earlier, now oc­ tive duty in 1941 for service in cupied by the Cahill Fishery. World War II: Franklin D. Roosevelt, early in E. E. Cragg, Lt (jg); J. A. his first term as governor of New Ward, Ens.; J. M. Gill, Jr., Ens.; York, inspected this property and W. E. McCormick, Ens.; John M. took a ride on a sub-chaser which Gill, Commander; C. L. Lynn, Lt. came down from Rochester for S. C the occasion. The feature of the Those leaving on May 15, 1941: formalities was the firing of the C. P. Holler an. C. B. M.; G. W. traditional 19 gun salute for the Woods, C. W. T.; J. J. Knosp, C. governor. C. M.; L. E. Lower, B. M. lc;

—100— W. L. Richardson, Q. M. lc; J. M. who had also entered the First Fitzsimmons, M. M. lc; C. A. World War as members of the Ricchi, M. M. lc: J. G. Manale, unit in 1917: Commander Gill, M. M. lc; W. F. Brown, W. T. lc; Lieut. Neil T. Hayes, and Cor­ A. D. Garlock, W. T. lc; U. J nelius P. Holleran, chief bos'ns- LeBlanc, E. M. lc; R. P. Spang, mate. B. M. 2c; C. G Crisafulli, G. M. 2c; S. T. Herman, W. T. 2c; Service On the "Chemung" M- M. Beckwith, Bmkr 2c; M. Canale, S. M. 3c; F. W. Rookey, From this time onward mem­ PhM. 3c; V. A. Gadwau, S. C. 3c; bers of the division moved on to H. J. McManus, F lc; R. P. assume duties in the Atlantic and Schneider, F lc; C. J. Whalen, F Pacific Theatres. At the outset lc; W. Brewer, S lc; O. A. Clark, the majority were transferred S lc; J. C. Crisafulli, S 2c; H. A. from Newport, R. I., to the Broadwell, S 2c; J. Butler, S 2c; Brooklyn Navy Yard, where they P. B. Crisafulli, S 2c; F. A. Dehm, helped commission on July 3, S 2c; R. J. Demming, S 2c; G. R. 1941, and subsequently fit out and Diehl, S 2c; A. H. Dolan, S 2c; "shake-down," the U. S. S. J. C. Dore, S 2c; D. G. Dutcher, "Chemung", a U. S- Navy Tanker. S 2c; H. C. Earhart, S lc; G. R. Since more Oswego men served on Ferris, F 3c; S. A. Gange, S 2c; this vessel early in the war than J. O. Garrett, F 3c; H. J. Gillen, on any other, it would seem to be S 2c; H H. Goodale, F 3c; C. R. appropriate to follow it briefly. Haggerty, F 3c; J. A. Hallinan, S The "Chemung", a vast, floating 2c; H. B. Hart, S 2c; F. C. Hen- filling station, was on duty in the ning, S 2c; J. R. Joy, F 3c; H. J. Knopp, S 2c; J. C Kosbob, S 2c; Atlantic: along the East Coast J. K. Mandirano, S 2c; G. B. and between New Foundland, Ice­ Marturano, S 2c; J. J. Matott, S land and the British Isles. It also 2c; A. A. McCaffrey, S 2c; Q. E. entered the Mediterranean to sup­ Mosher, S 2c; E. H. Neild, F 3c; port the invasions of North Africa and Sicily. Late in the war it B. L. Nixon, F 2c; J. J. Ottman, moved into the Pacific. In fact F 3c; R. D. Owens, S 2c; J. D. it was the first and only U. S. Plunket, S 2c; G. A. Rookey, F naval vessel to make a complete lc; R. E. Roy, F 3c; H. S. Shaver, tour around the world after the S 2c; B. D. Verwys, S 2c; M. "Great White Fleet" of 1907. A Kidd, A. S.; C. H. Smith, A. S.; J. Masuicca, A. S. typical itinerary through a period of several years would include the Those leaving between Nov. following ports: (An atlas is 1940 and May 15, 1941: R. A. Fox, recommended at this point): S lc; C. J. Crisafulli, Yeo 2c; Brooklyn Navy Yard; Norfolk, C. W. Dawson, Cox; G. A. Beau- Va.; Bermuda; Norfolk; Argen- chene, S 2c; R. Borremann, S 2c; tia, New Foundland; Portland, R. W. Burke, S 2c; F. H. Czirr, Maine; Norfolk; New York; Hali­ S lc; R. O. Czirr, S lc; F. F. fax; Reykjavik, Iceland; New Fultz, S lc; L. D. Garlock, S 2c; York; Norfolk; Bay town, Texas; E. H. Grulich, S 2c; L. J. Har­ Norfolk; Bay town, Texas; Nor­ rington, S 2c; R. J. Kirshner, S folk Argentia; Rejkjavik; Argen- 2c; W. G. Koch, S 2c; R. A. Mas­ tia; Norfolk; Beaumont, Texas; uicca, S 2c; E. J. Parker, S 2a, Portland, Maine; the Mediterran­ L. Pelkey, S 2c; J. Pilloto, S 2c; ean, Casa Blanca; Norfolk; Port J. W. Signorile, S 2c; C H. Arthur, Texas; New York; the Thomas, S 2c; E. D. Timon, S 2c; Mediterranean; Oran, North G. F. Truell, S 2c; R. H. Wallace, Africa; New York; Swansea, S 2c; C P. Wright, S lc; J. Wales; Norfolk; Courock, Scot­ Gosek, S lc; J. P. Smith, S lc. land; Bangor, North Ireland and Included in this muster were Norfolk. three members of the division

—101— "Chemung" Has Narrow Escape William Brewer, Ensign, killed in an automobile accident in Moving slowly because of her Hongkong, China, March 7, 1946, breadth abeam, in seas infested after serving on the U. S. S. with submarines, equipped with Chemung, and later, aboard a depth bombs to explode the latter, cargo ship in the Pacific. but lacking sound apparatus to locate them; it was a life of ex­ Third Reactivation tremes, including, the monotony of endless days afloat, the phy­ After the surrender of Japan, sical exhaustion of long and members of the Division began to tedious hours of fueling at sea, return to their homes, and there­ the excitement of an unexpected by set the stage for another mile­ emergency call to general quar­ stone in the history of the Naval ters, and liberty or shore leave in Militia in Oswego, that is, the re­ foreign ports. The "Chemung" on activation of the organization for one memorable occasion collided a third time. The reorganization with the U. S. S. "Ingraham", a was consummated on October 7, destroyer, in the mist off Halifax, 1946, with Lieut. Kent M. North­ Nova Scotia. The latter ship sank rop in command. In January 1947 in a few minutes with few sur­ Northrop was succeeded by Lieut. vivors. The bow of the "Chemung" M. L- Robinson, who was named was dished in and the ship set as commander of the organized afire. But the fire was extinguish­ surface division 3-86 of the United ed, the hull shored up, the holes States Naval Reserve and of the closed, and she proceeded back to fifteenth division of the New York port with the U. S. S. "Buck" un­ Naval Militia. der tow, the latter a victim of a- second collision in the waters Upon Robinson's retirement in close-by. March, 1949, the command was transferred to Lieut. Samuel G. Castaldo, who headed the divis­ Four Killed In World War II ion until November 1950 when he was called into active duty. Lieut. The war inevitably produced Robert D. Helsby now commands the outfit. Meanwhile, supervision casualties among the personnel of of the Naval Reserve activities in the Naval Militia. Included among the area was entrusted to an those who sacrificed their lives inspector-instructor, a position were the following members of filled until recently by Command­ the Oswego unit: er Paul J. Williams, assisted by Ulric LeBlanc, electrician's Lieut. E. O. Dahl. mate first class, aboard the U. S. S. "Edward Rutledge", torpedoed Present Enrollment Exceeds 6,000 off Casa Blanca during the Afri­ can invasion, November, 1942- The New York State Naval Charles Crisafulli, gunner's Militia, when reactivated after World War II was commanded by mate second class, aboard the U. Commodore John M. Gill of Os­ S. S. "Truxton", a destroyer, ran wego. The organization included aground during a storm off New brigades in New York City and Foundland, February, 1942. Brooklyn; battalions at Tomkins- Robert Kosbob, seaman, aboard ville, Staten Island; Buffalo; the U. S. S. "Sims", a destroyer; Rochester; and Whitestone on torpedoed during a Japanese air Long Island; divisions at Dunkirk; attack in the South Pacific. Water town; Oswego; New Ensign James M. Belden of Rochelle; and Yonkers. The pres­ Syracuse; aboard the U. S. S- ent personnel (December 1, 1950) "Reuben James"; torpedoed in the of these units totals about 290 North Atlantic on October 30, officers and 5,900 enlisted men. 1941, the first warship of the U. The New York Naval Militia also S. Navy to be sunk in the war. includes companies of Marines on

—102— the U. S. S, "Prairie State", New Neil T. Hayes, Jr., was commis­ York City; Rochester; and New sioned as an Ensign in the United Rochelle, and a headquarters bat­ States Naval Reserve. talion at Brooklyn. These units had a strength of 900 prior to New Training Center Dedicated their departure for service in the United Nations War in Korea. The new Armory-Training Cen­ ter on Lake street, dedicated on During the past two years September 16, 1950, opens a new United States Naval vessels have chapter in the history of the been a familiar sight along the Naval Militia in Oswego- It is water-front of Oswego, where more than a means of training they have been docked between naval personnel "to meet the cruises on the Lakes, and for re­ needs exacted by a highly tech­ fitting during the winter months- nical and mechanized service Some of these ships saw active which admits no haphazard prep­ service in World War II as mine aration for fulfillment of the mis­ sweepers. sion of the Navy, in peace or The personnel of the local di­ war.'' It is in reality a youth cen­ vision, meanwhile, has reached its ter where many of this commun­ full strength of 200 men. Recruits, ity may prepare not only for many of them sons of the earlier tasks related to national defense, members, keep filling the gaps. but also for the broader responsi­ Worthy of mention in this connec­ bilities of citizenship. tion is the retirement last month A rich tradition, combined with of Lieut. Neil T. Hayes, a charter a current history marked by member with service in both notable achievement, forecasts World Wars after 34 years ac­ bright prospects for the Naval tivity. Simultaneously his son, Militia in Oswego.

—103— STANDING COMMITTEES 1950

Headquarters Council

Class of 1953 Class of 1951 Class of 1952 Mrs. F. D. Culkin Miss Anna Post Mrs. D. A. Williams Robert L. Allison George M. Penney Harry C. Mizen Leyden H. Brown Dr. C. R. Baldwin Charles W. Linsley Alfred G. Tucker Richard C. Mitchell Thomas I*. McKay Homan F. Hallock E. M. Waterbury Fred S. Johnston

Membership Grove A. Gilbert, Chairman

Mrs. Audrey W. Hadley Robert L. Allison Fred B. Scoville Mrs. Frances Dann James Moreland Rev. Chas. L. Foster Mrs. Charles Denman Mrs. De Earle Goodrich Mrs. Karl Kellogg Dearborn V. Hardie Clayton A. Winn Mrs. George M. Penney George G. Cbrregan F. Hosmer Culkin Miss Sophie Crandell Peter D. Vercrouse Joseph Hubert Miss M. Louise Driscoll John T. Sullivan Miss Marian Mackin Willard J. Hall Lester G. Turney Miss Freida Schuelke Frederick Kent Henry D. Morse Miss Anastasia Casey Fred P. Wright John Cullinen, Jr. Mrs. Percy Payne Albert J. McCarthy Winfield Bbgardus Mrs. E. M. Anderson Louis N. Brenner Mrs. R. E. Grove Dr. Emerson J. Dillon Clark Clark Robson Mrs. Florence S. Babcock Warren M. Carrier Dr. Howard M. Crandall Dr. Eugene Anthony Glenn J. Streeter Marcus Crahan Dr. Grover C. Elder Fred S. Johnston Accessions Thad W. Harding Charles A. Denman, Chairman

Miss Helen Osborne Mrs. Karl Kellogg Joseph T. McCaffrey Miss Frances Eggleston Mrs. Frank Elliott Col. Philip R. Ward Miss Anna Post Mrs. T. P. Kingsford John C. Henry Miss Juanita Kersey Mrs. Frederick Conde J. Elet Milton Miss Olive Page Mrs. Elizabeth Maltby Oscar Soule Miss Ruth Hawks Mrs. Frank C. Ash Dwight L. Murphy Miss Mabel O. Burt Mrs. B. T. Mason Clayton I. Miller Miss Martha Harding Mrs. Hattie D. Meade Hadwen C. Fuller Miss Agnes I. Farrell Frederick W. Barnes H. Louis Wallace Miss Florence Thompson J. C. Birdlebough William S. Hillick Mrs. Mary J. Dodd Elliott B. Mott Dr. S. S. Ingalls Mrs. Leyden Brown Thomas L. McKay Francis T. Riley Mrs. Earl V. DeLong Floyd S. Spangle James H. Mackin Mrs. Grove A. Gilbert Moses P. Neal Dr. Thomas R. Miller Mrs. Clark Morrison Dr. Harvey S. Albertson E. D. Street Mrs. C. R. Baldwin George M. Fannin Hon. D. F. Morehouse Mrs. Frederick Leighton Dr. J. B. Ringland Louis F. Cornell Kenneth West

Museum Arrangement and Protection Anthony Slosek, Chairman

Mrs. Daniel A. Williams Miss Anna Post Miss Elizabeth Miller Mrs. William F. Con

Library Miss Helen Haggar, Chairman Mrs. Ethel P. Dunham Miss Elizabeth Simpson J. C. Birdelbough Miss Juanita Kersey Harry C. Mizen Miss Ruth Thomas

Ways and Means Committee Miss Virginia A. Dain, Miss Ruth A. Raby Co-chairmen Miss Anastasia Casey Miss Marie O'Grady Miss Florence Distin Mrs. Howard Crandall Anthony Slosek Miss Doris Osborne David Russell Dr. B. T. Mason Clarence Cole Mrs. Carl Seymour Glenn J. Streeter Mrs. F. D. Culkin Miss Anna B. Towse Mrs. E. M. Anderson Mrs. Weldon Grose Mrs. J. C. Birdlebough Harry S. Andrews Mrs. Willard Hall Mrs. Porter Butts Mrs. E. M. Waterbury Mrs. Hugh Barclay Mrs. Thos. R. Miller Miss Juanita Kersey Mrs. Jay D. Myers Mrs. Audra Hadley Miss Grace Lynch Mrs. Charles F. Wells Gordon Sturge Miss Florence Mack Mrs. Francis Shephard Mrs. Charles A. Denman Miss Anna W. Post George H. Kellogg John E. Cullinan (•Mrs. Grove A. Gilbert Miss Ruth Thomas Mrs. Grover Elder Mrs. Elizabeth Elliott Harold Hubbard Mrs. Edward Crawford, Sr. Mrs. J. J. Morrill Miss Sophie Crandall Miss Helen Mary Gill Mrs. S. S. Ingalls Miss Edith Marie Cox Mrs. Walter Murphy Mrs. Mable Dunbar Miss Mary C. Landrigan Mrs. B. T. Mason Miss Marion Mackin Miss Dorothy Mott Mrs. John W. O'Connor Committee on Historic Sites Edwin M. Waterbury, Chairman Robert L. Allison, Sr. Mr. Charles E. Denmen, Mr. Harry C. Mizen Dr. Charles R. Baldwin, Brewerton Mr. J. Elet Milton, Fulton Mr. Hadwen C. Fuller, Brewerton Mr. J. C. Birdlebough, Parish Mr. Luther W. Mott Phoenix Mr. Grove A. Gilbert, Mr. George M. Penney Mr. F. Hosmer Culkin Fulton Dr. Harvey M. Rice Mr. Thomas A. Cloutier Mr. Homan F. Hallock Dr. Charles F. Wells Mr. Charles W. Linsley

Care and Display of Prints, Photographs and Paintings Miss Frances Eggleston, Chairman James Moreland Mrs. D. A. Williams Robert L. Allison, Jr.

Genealogy Mrs. C. D. Hitchcock, Chairman Mrs. Carolyn G, Whittaker Miss Josephine Pidgeon Joseph T. McCaffrey Mrs. Frank Elliott Miss Ruth Hawks John M. Hurley Miss Kitty M. Crandell Frederick W. Barnes Mrs. J. J. Morrill Miss Mabel O. Burt Marcus N. Wadsworth Mrs. Francis M. Johnson Mrs. Frank E. Drake George F. Scriba Miss Helen Osborne Burt C. Van Buren

Auditing Alfred G. Tucker, Chairman Harold A. Hubbard Clarence T. Leighton

—105— Junior Historians Miss Margaret McDonald, Chairman

Miss Virginia Dain Anthony Slosek Albert J. McCarthy Clarence Cole Miss Marie O'Grady

Publications Dr. Charles F. Wells, Chairman Mrs. Ethel P. Dunham Miss Elizabeth Simpson Dr. Thomas R. Miller Dr. Lida S. Penfield Earl Peglow Glenn J. Streeter Dr. W. S. Salisbury Thomas A. Cloutier

Press and Radio Relations E. M. Waterbury, Chairman Mrs. Audra Hadley Mrs. J. C. Birdlebough John N. Hurley Miss Ruth Thomas William S. Hillick James C. Fenney Robert S. Russell

Necrology Thomas A. Cloutier, Chairman

Miss Josephine Pidgeon Mrs. J. J. Morrill

Photographic Preservation Robert L. Allison, Jr., Chairman Raymond Carpenter Homan F. Hallock Dr. Harold D. Alford Frank Barbeau Nelson B. Hall

Auxiliary Committee Oswego County Historical Society

Co-Chairman—Mrs. James McCrudden, Mrs. Frances Dann

Mrs. Eugene Anthony Mrs. Herbert Spaulding Miss Louise Driscoll Mrs. John Buell Mrs. H. G. Scudder Miss Frances Eggleston Mrs. Charles Baldwin Mrs. Blanchard Shaver Mrs. Naomi Ellis Mrs. Marcus Crahan Mrs. Ralph K. Seymour Mrs. Howard Fournier Mrs. Colsom Carr Miss Virginia Turner Mrs. James Feeney Miss Elizabeth Culkin Miss Millicent Van Zandt Mrs. Rena B. Goble Mrs. Ada S. Coles Miss Leah Wilber Miss Mary Hunt Mrs. Harrison Cook Mrs. Stella M. Wilcox Mrs. Lyman Hull Mrs. Edward Eckstedt Mrs. Adelbert Benson Mrs. Homan Hallock Miss Gertrude Freeman Mrs. Frank Drake Mrs. D. V. Hardie Miss Catherine E. Goss Miss Gertrude Miller Miss Martha Harding Mrs. Charles S. Goode Miss Alice Miller Miss Flora Holman Miss Muriel Hoagland Mrs. J. B. Ringland Mrs. Karl Kellogg Mrs. Harry Hal stead Mrs. Fred P. Wright Mrs. Grant Linsley Miss Virginia Hallock Mrs. Robert Allison, Sr. Miss Margaret McDonald Mrs. Fred C. Hillick Miss Marion Angel Miss Kathleen McKay Mrs. R. B. Jones Mrs. Thompson Case Mrs. John Parsons Miss Gertrude Johnston Mrs. Thomas Cloutier Mrs. George Penney Mrs. Fred S. Johnston Mrs. Louis Brewer Miss Olive Page Miss Janet Lewis •Mrs. J. H. Baker Mrs. S. M. F. Peters Miss Katherine Mangeot Mrs. Leyden Brbwm Mrs. George Ward Miss Helen Mangeot Miss Gladys Baker Mrs. Clark Wolfert Mrs. Kathryn Murphy Mrs. Alfred Tucker Mrs. George Ward Miss Helen Osborne Miss Glendolin Ooe Mrs. D. A. Williams Mrs. Rachel Pollard Mrs. Thomas Cleary Mrs. Marcus Wadsworth Mrs. Joseph Dolan

—106— Reception Mr. James Moreland, Chairman Mrs. Harvey M. Eice Miss Florence Thompson Mrs. Frances Dann Mrs. Donald Snygg Mrs. Carl Seymour Mrs. Eugene Anthony Mrs. George A. Marsden Mrs. W. A. Durfee Mrs. Charles F. Wells Mrs. Joseph B. Ringland Mrs. Willson P. Smith Mrs. Phillip B. Ward Mrs. Thomas R. Miller James Moreland Mrs. Joseph Hubert Mrs. Ralph M. Faust Frederick W. Barnes Mrs. T. A. Cloutier Mrs. Francis D. Culkin Mrs. E. M. Waterbury Mrs. Charles A. Denman Mrs. J. T. Sullivan

House Committee Mrs. F. D. Culkin, Chairman Miss Anna Post Mrs. Frank E. Drake Mrs. Ralph M. Faust Mrs. Grove A. Gilbert Mrs. Willard J. Hall Mrs. Robert J. Beattie Miss Frances J. Eggleston Mrs. Karl Kellogg Miss Louise Farrell

OSWEGO CITY LIBRARY

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