OUR TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR of PUBLICATION January 1980 the QUARTERLY

Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

January 1980

Col ton Waddington

Madrid Hermon

HEPBURN LIBRARIES

Commemorative Issue OUR TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION January 1980 THE QUARTERLY

Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

VOLUME XXV JANUARY 1980 NO. 1

CONTENTS

Eileen L. McGrath 3 Mr. Hepburn's Libraries John R. Greene 7 The Tozers of Northern New York: A Documented Genealogy Mary Ruth Beaman 10 The Wright Corner Marion Clark Baker 11 'Whey, Whey!': Recollection of St. Lawrence County Cattle Drives Nelson B. Winters 12 A Brief History of Gouverneur's Riverside Cemetery Meredith Smith 15 A Day in the Life of a Crossroads Cheese Factory 21 Annual Reports of the SLCHA

THE QUARTERLY is published in January, April, July and October each year by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association.

As a courtesy to authors and the This publication is made possible in part with public funds from editor, the Association asks anyone the New York State Council on the Arts. wishing to reproduce all or part of material included in THE QUAR- TERLY to submit a specific request in writing at least 30 days in advance of its anticipated use.

Extra copies may be obtained from the History Center, P.O. Box Cover: Four of the seven Hepburn Libraries in St. Lawrence County. Others 8, Canton, N.Y. 13617, at $2.00 were also established in Lisbon, Norfolk, and Edwards. See Eileen McGrath's plus 256 postage and handling. article beginning on page 3. (Photos from Joseph Bucklin Bishop's A. Barton Hepbum His Life and Service to his Time, courtesy the History Center Editor: Varick A. Chittenden Archives.) January 1980 3

Postcard tyie14' of the assembled crolc'd for thr opening ceremonies of the first Hepburn Library, in Colton, on June 14, 1913. (Courtesy of the Hepburn Library. Colton, Nancy McCarthy, Librarian)

Mr. Hepburn's Libraries by Eileen L. McGrath

Thefirst Colton boy ever to go to college,A. Barton Hepburn neverforgot either the meaning of learning or of his native region to his own successful life. Like Andrew Carnegie, but with much more personal interest, Hepburn saw to it that several small communities could have libraries, but only if they demonstrated considerable interest in their building and its maintenance. The author, herselfa professional librarian, explores the development of our county's seven Hepburn libraries and the role they have played in people's lives since.

On June 14. 1913, one of the largest libraries in the commercial centers of reliant, industrious boy and was such an crowds ever seen in Colton gathered ata Canton and Ogdensburg. Observing the exceptional student at the St. Lawrence site near the center of the village. School crowd and hearing the casual comments Academy in Potsdam that he was asked was dismissed for the day, and Cush- and proud speeches was the man whose to teach in the rural schools of the area ing's orchestra came from Potsdam to unsolicited gift made the library possi- before he had completed his own pro- provide musical entertainment. Three ble, A. Barton Hepburn. The library in gram at the academy. Perhaps as a sign village clergymen had prepared invoca- Colton was the first of seven that Hep- that he had his mind set on big things, tions or brief speeches, and Almon Gun- burn would establish in St. Lawrence Hepburn added Alonzo to his name at nison, the president of St. Lawrence County; these "Hepburn Libraries" this time. University, came from Canton to address changed the cultural landscape of St. As Alonzo Barton Hepburn he became the gathering. The occasion was the ded- Lawrence County, and the story of the the first Colton lad to go to college, enrol- ication of Colton's first library building, libraries and their benefactor is part of ling in Middlebury College in 1867. a spacious cobblestone structure on an the North Country's heritage. However, Hepburn's meager financial attractive half-acre site at the town's Barton Hepburn was born in Colton in resources prevented him from continu- crossroads. This building was a source 1846, the seventh child of Zina Earl ing at Middlebury. He returned to edu- of civic pride to the little village, since it Hepburn, a first-generation settler cational work in the North Country in was the only institution of such size and from Vermont, and Beulah Gray Hep- 1868, first as a mathematics teacher at potential in the county, except for the burn of Madrid. Barton grew into a self- the St. Lawrence Academy and later as January 1980 the principal of the Ogdensburg Educa- improvement. And like Carnegie, Hep- been gratified by its heavy use. The tional Institute. While teaching, Hep- burn thought that the gift of a library crowds that came to the dedication of burn studied law, yet, even after he was should be contingent upon the initial the library returned over the years to admitted to the bar in 1871, he took a approval and continuing support of a read and borrow books and to gather in final educational post as the school community. A. Barton Hepburn went its community room for suppers, socials, commissioner for the Second Assembly beyond Carnegie, however, in proposing and civic meetings. In keeping with Mr. District. As school commissioner, Hep- to give not just a library building but Hepburn's wishes, the room was used, burn traveled throughout the county also a site for the building, its furnish- free of charge, for everything except and came to know it and to be known and ings and equipment, and an endowment dancing. Smoking was also not permit- respected by its inhabitants. Perhaps as to help meet the cost of books and ted.2 Throughout the first decade of the a result of the exposure he received as maintenance. library the librarian, Gertrude Krafft, the school commissioner, Hepburn had Hepburn's proposal was set before the could boast of a per capita circulation enough personal popularity to be elected voters of Colton in detail on March 5, figure that placed Colton on the state's to the state assembly as a Republican in 1912. He offered the town "a substantial "Honor Roll of Libraries." 1874 without the backingof thecounty's and creditable Library Building,"' Although no records exist to verify the Republican leadership. together with the land it was on, neces- conjecture, it seems safe to assume that Hepburn's service in the state legisla- sary furnishings and equipment, and an Mr. Hepburn was pleased with the ture, from 1875 to 1880,was the begin- endowment of $35,000.In return for this operation of the Colton library and that ning of his new life, one of wealth and gift, the town was asked to maintain the its success was a factor that led him to power, which would be lived away from building, to protect the endowment establish six other libraries in St. Law- the North Country. In 1880 Hepburn from losses, and to see to it that at least rence County. Early in 1917 Beulah was appointed state superintendent of $1,750 was available annually, from Hepburn's birthplace, Madrid, received banking. He resigned this post after endowment income or from tax rev- the offer of a library from Hepburn. only three years to return to Canton, but enues, to purchase books, supplies, jani- Before 1918 was over, Lisbon, Wadding- he had made a mark on the banking torial help, and other services and sup- ton, Hermon, Edwards, and Norfolk establishment, and it set him on a career plies needed to operate the library. A had all voted to accept a Hepburn in finance. In 1889 Hepburn became the board of trustees was to be established to Library, and, despite unsettled eco- federal bank examiner for New York administer the library and a branch in nomic conditions, all the libraries were City, and there he caught the eye of South Colton, and all this must be open to the public by the winter of President Benjamin Harrison, who approved by two-thirds of those voting 1921-1922. appointed him Comptroller of the Cur- on the issue. The proposal was accepted Hepburn's approach and offer to the rency. Hepburn did not stay in this posi- by a vote of 85 to 1. other six towns were similar, but not tion long, for the 1892 election brought Unlike Andrew Carnegie, who in his identical, to his arrangement with Col- the Democrats under Grover Cleveland "wholesale" giveaway of library build- ton. In all cases, he first approached a to power. Upon his resignation from ings left the details of his gifts to a secre- village official, usually the supervisor if federal service, Hepburn received sev- tary, A. Barton Hepburn took a personal such an office existed, with his proposal eral offers from the banking community interest in the creation of the library in in its general form. If interest in the of New York. He accepted the presid- Colton. Hepburn chose the lot and sur- offer was expressed, Mr. Hepburn ency of the Third National Bank of New veyed it himself to insure the accuracy asked that at least 25 citizens petition York City. Hepburn stayed with that of the title. He chose to use materials for a special election on the matter. In organization when it merged into the available locally and to top the library order to leave no detail unclear, Mr. National City Bank in 1896,but he left it with a replica of the Independence Hall Hepburn had his own lawyers draw up in 1899 to join Chase National Bank. belfry. He also directed the layout of the the election ballot, with all the terms of Hepburn joined Chase as a vice- library. The building was to be 64 feet the agreement listed. As in Colton, Hep- president, but he was being groomed by by 50 feet, with two floors of equal size. burn demanded that the offer be Henry W. Cannon to succeed him as The main floor would have a children's accepted by a two-thirds majority of the Chase's president. In 1904 Hepburn did room, an adult reading room, a librar- voters. He got the majority in every case, become Chase's president. In this post, ian's office, and an area of book stacks. though not by the overwhelming mar- Hepburn moved Chase National Bank The lower floor would contain a kitchen gin of the Colton election. into a position of power in the banking and a large community room, which The proposal to the six towns differed world, and as he did so he made a name could be made available to a variety of from his offer to Colton in several ways. for himself among bankers, economists, local groups for meetings and shows. He continued to offer the land, building, and public officials, both in the United This meeting room was a novel feature furnishings, and equipment for a li- States and Europe. (For more on Hep- for a library at that time, but its inclu- brary, but the endowment he offered burn's life see Flora H. Garner's article sion and subsequent heavy use showed was $20,000, not the $35,000 that he in the April 1964 issue of The Quarterly.) that A. Barton Hepburn knew the needs gave to Colton. At first glance one would In 1911 Hepburn resigned as the pres- of the community from which he came. think that Colton, because it was Hep- ident of Chase National Bank and Even after the Proctor Manufactur- burn's hometown, received the largest became chairman of its board of direc- ing Company of Ogdensburg had the gift, but in fact the total amount given to tors. Perhaps in his new position, Hep- construction of the library well under- each of the later towns may have been burn had more time to reflect on his way, Hepburn corresponded with the equal to the gift to Colton. This is early years in the North Country and to town fathersof Colton about the particu- because World War I had upset the consider the dispersion of some of his lars of the library. In a letter to Joseph nation's economy and had driven up pri- wealth. In early 1912 heapproached the T. Smith, dated January 2, 1913, in ces, so that, where Colton's handsome officials of his old hometown, Colton, which he turns over the title for the library building cost $22,226,the later with a proposal reminiscent of those library to the town, Hepburn informs buildings cost up to $15,000more.3 Per- that a noted contemporary, Andrew Smith that he has selected 700 or 800 haps because of the increased cost of the Carnegie, had made to other towns. A. books for the library, and he takes buildings, Hepburn stipulated in the Barton Hepburn wanted to give Colton a obvious pleasure in naming the bushes later contracts that the building and its library. Like Carnegie, he thought that he has selected for the library grounds. furnishings be insured and that the libraries were valuable educational cen- If the creation of the library gave towns be held responsible for repairing ters for citizens interested in self- Hepburn pleasure, he must also have or replacing the building in the event of January 1980

a fire. Instead of relying only on the income from the endowment to support the library, voters in each town were asked to commit the town to $1,000 in annual support for the library. Hepburn believed that this $1,000, together with the $1,000 that the town could realize annually from prudent investment of the endowment, would be sufficient for the maintenance of the library. Finally, the later agreements called for the employment of a librarian "trained and ' educated in the administration of libraries."4 The layout of the libraries in Madrid, Lisbon, Waddington, Hermon, Edwards and Norfolk was the same as the layout in Colton, though the exterior finishes and decorations varied. The community room was a popular feature in each library, attracting groups for everything from Boy Scout meetings to health clinics. It made the library a center for village social and civic activities. The residents were grateful for the facility and translated that gratitude into gifts of draperies, dinnerware, and new coats of paint when needed. Each library began with a small stock of books from Mr. Hepburn (Colton received the largest number), and this collection was augmented by books bought with state funds or endowment income and gifts from individuals or groups such as the various women's clubs that existed in several of the towns. The libraries were prospering at the time of Mr. Hepburn's death in January, 1922. Some believed that, had he lived longer, other villages beyond these seven in his old school district would have received libraries. To speculate on what might have been, however, makes light of what was done and lessens our appreciation of A. Barton Hepburn's lifelong attachment to the North Coun- Portrait of A. Barton Hepburn, taken jrom a paintitlg by Irvi~tgR. Wiles; try. Despite the great success that he appeared as frontespiece of biography of Hepburn by Joseph Bucklin Bishop. achieved in New York City and the (Courtesy of History Center Archives) exciting and important friendships that he made with diplomats and national leaders, Hepburn remained a son of the philanthropy: he was a child, his family had had few North Country. He visited the area "I have a very warm regard for North- books, yet the long nights of the area's almost every year on business or on his ern New York and especiallyfor thegood long winters made reading an attractive way to or from hunting or fishing vaca- old county of St. Lawrence, where the first activity. While Barton was growing up, tions in Canada or the Adirondacks. halfof my life was spent. Appreciation of books had to be shared. Each member of During these visits, he watched what the generous and sympathetic support the Hepburn clan took turns reading was occurring in the area and noted its which I received at all times and in all aloud to the others, and these readings special needs. In addition to creating the my activities, I would like to evidence in were followed by question periods meant to increase everyone's apprecia- Hepburn Libraries, Hepburn supported some tangible. form.. '5 established North Country institutions. He remembered the enthusiasm with tion of what had been read. Books were Benton Library in Canton received a which the residents of Colton had sent too precious just to breeze through with- $50,000 endowment, which allowed it to him off as their first son to go to college, out reflection. expand its services through branch the support that he had received when To Hepburn's dismay, conditions had libraries in Morley, Rensselaer Falls, he had bucked the local political changed little between his youth and Crary Mills, and Pyrites. Hepburn was machine in 1874, and the many people adulthood. Books were still a scarce also during his lifetime St. Lawrence who had trusted him with their business commodity when he was aschool com- University's most generous benefactor. and leaal affairs. To do some aood in missioner. He explains this time best: In 1916, the Ogdensburg city hospital return-for these kindnesses wasupart of "As I traveled about the district, dis- was renamed in Hepburn's honor as a Hepburn's character. charging the duties of this office, fresh result of his gift of $130,000. In his letter A good memory was also part of Hep- from college and educational work, I was to the hospital building committee, burn's character. He remembered the deeply impressed with the meager educa- Hepburn revealed a reason for his hardships of North Country life. When tional facilities of these villages. Those January 1980 storehouses of the accumulated thought and knoujledge of the ages-books-were scarce. There was no such thing as a public library.'" Hepburn's gifts to Colton, Madrid, Lisbon. Waddington, Hermon, Ed- wards, Norfolk, and Canton were a way to meet a longstanding need of the area that had spawned and nurtured him. In addition, they were a way to create opportunities for individuals to better themselves. Hepburn was a self-made man, and he believed that others, given the opportunity, could rise as he had. Although he believed in the "survival of the fittest" as a principle of all evolution, Hepburn was selective in his acceptance of social Darwinism. He believed that the fit should rise in human society, but he also felt that there could be unfair obstacles in their way. Hepburn thought that his development had been retarded by the absence of a public library. His respect and affection for the people of St. Lawrence County led him to believe that others in the county could achieve some greatness if the road to success were cleared of a few obstacles. In giving the village a public library, Hep- burn was giving its citizens an opportunity for self-improvement, which each individual could use or ignore. It was this element of choice and individual initiative that made the gift of a library consistent with Hepburn's social phi- losophy. Hepburn's endowments made St. Lawrence County the leading rural county in the state in library development. His offer to Colton was praised as "perhaps unique in the library history of the state in the combined generosity and wisdom of its terms."7 The offers to the other towns showed only an increase in Hepburn's sagacity and generosity, and they spread respect and affection for Hepburn across the county. Even now, more than 50 years after A. Barton Hepburn's death, the Hepburn Librar- Some hunting trophies from Hepburn's large collection, many of which were ies serve the intellectual and social given to Hepburn librariesfor permanent public exhibition. (From biography needs of their communities and remind by Bucklin, courtesy of History Center Archives) us of the benevolence of one North Coun- try son. For Further Reading Joseph Bucklin Bishop. A. Barton PLEASE NOTE FOOTNOTES Hepburn; His Life and Service to His 'Agreement between Alonzo Barton Hepburn Time. New York: Scribner's, 1922. The Town of Lisbon is preparing and theTown of Colton. signed 26 April 1912. Town Flora H. Garner. "North Country for the 50th anniversary of Old Clerk's Office. Town of Colton. New York. Loyal Son." The Quarterly, April, 1964. Home Week, scheduled for August 2Gertrude Krafft to J.B. Stevens, 5 April 1926, Ottilie H. Rollins. The Hepburn Li- 15, 16, 17, 1980. The town histor- Hepburn Library. Edwards. New York. braries of the St. Lawrence Valley. n.p., ian for Lisbon requests that any- 3Actual or estimated costs for more of the Hep- one having photos or documents burn Libraries can be found in various issues of 1960. Neu~York Libraries. 1913-1922. pertaining to the history of Lisbon, About the Author especially the years 1930-80, to 'Election ballot of 6 November 1917. Hepburn Library. Lisbon. New York. Eileen L. McGrath is a 1971 St. Law- please contact her by calling 393- SOgdensburg Advance, 13 July 1916, p. 1. rence University graduate who has since 7055 or writing to Jennifer Bixby, completed a Master of Library Science R.D. 1, Heuvelton, N.Y. 13654. It "'The Hepburn Libraries of St. Lawrence County." Neu, York Libraries. 8 (February 1922): degree. She worked on the staff of the is important for this material to be 47. Owen D. Young Library before going to gathered together as soon as pos- "'Library Notes." New York Libraries. 3 (April her present position at the Wabash Col- sible. 1922): 119. lege Library in Crawfordsville, Indiana. January 1980

The Tozers of Northern New York: A Documented Genealogy by John R. Greene Using many resources, especially significant primary source documents like vital statistics and wills, the author has been able to assemble an impressive family genealogy of the Tozers, whose generations have lived in several different northern New York communities. Especially noteworthy here is William Tozer who, in 1904, began a partnership with W.H.Osborne and opened the American Mills of Potsdam, the grist mill whose stone building on Maple Street was razed in 1975. The Mr. Donut Restaurant now stands in its place. The author's mother, Margaret Tozer Greene, is the last of th,e Tozerfamily line. She and her family, including John R. Greene, now live in Syracuse.

The Tozer family, centered since the served in the Connecticut Militia (Wat- Two of Samuel's sons fought in the mid-nineteenth century in New York's son Company) from 1777 to 1780.1 It is Revolution. Samuel Jr., who had mar- St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, also suggested by information in the ried Sarah Pelton in Catham, Connecti- can trace its ancestry back to colonial Tozer family letters that Richard and cut on July 29,1774, served in the Penn- Boston. Richard Tozer, originally from Mercy had two other children. James sylvania Militia. However, he was Devonshire, England, emigrated to and Mercy. However, the official rec- forced to leave the army after contract- Massachusetts in about 1655. He mar- ords show no evidence of their existence. ing an unidentified disease, and he died ried Judith Smith, daughter of a London It is assumed that Richard and Mercy at the Pittsfield, Massachusetts home of merchant who had also moved to Boston both died in New London. his widowed mother-in-law in 1777.13 on July 3,1656. They had one son, Tho- There are no records which throw Julius also served in the Pennsylvania mas, on May 5,1657, and later that same much light onto the lives of the children Militia, volunteering when he was only year moved north to the town of Killery of Thomas, Susanna, and John Tozer. sixteen. He was present atYorktown for in what is now Maine. Both Richard and However, the lives of the children of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis' Brit- Thomas fought in King Philip's War, Samuel are well documented, and it is ish army, and he received an honorable Richard being killed and Thomas being through this family that the Tozer line- discharge that was signed by George wounded seriously enough to return to age continues. Samuel moved from New Wasington. He married Hannah Conk- Killery before the war's end. Although London to Colchester, Connecticut, ling in 1786, and returned to Athens, there is no available record of Thomas' where he married Dorothy Newton where he and Hannah had thirteen marriage. the evidence indicates that he (1717-1797), daughter of one of the children.14 fathered a son, Richard, most likely town's Deacons. They had seven child- The branch of the Tozer family tree born around 1680. Richard moved from ren whose lives are traceable, and possi- which leads into the New York North Killery to New London, Connecticut, bly oneother. Although her birth date in Country is that of Samuel and Dorothy's where he married Mercy Beebe, also of unknown, Susan was probably the eld- second son, Richard. Richard, who did New London, on April 8,1702.' est child. She was followed by Lodenia not serve in the Revolutionary Army, Richard and Mercy, whose last name (1739-1831). Most likely Samuel Jr. (?- married Anna Middleton of Athens in has been spelled 'Tozor' by several 1777), Mary (1752-1834), Richard (1754- 1781, and the couple had eight children. resour~es,~had five children whose 1837), and Julius (1764-1852). Clair Yet the records of several of these chil- records are traceable (Thomas, Richard Newton's history of the Newton Fami- dren are incomplete. The information Jr., Susanna, Samuel, and John), and lies of Colonial Connecticut mentions on seven of the eight children comes possibly parented two other children one other possible child of Samuel and mostly from the family records, with whose existence is only hinted to (James Dorothy, a girl named Meribah. How- state and local records confirming only and Mercy). The eldest son, Thomas ever, noofficial recordsof a daughter by the birth dates of five of the children, (1705-?), moved from New London to this name are available.9 and the childless marriage of the two Lyme, Connecticut, married Deborah Coincidentally, both Lodenia and eldest daughters. Nancy (1782-?) mar- Bates of nearby Saybrook in 1740, and Mary married into the same Colchester ried Benjamin Ellewood in 1814 (the together they had one son, Elishane.3 family. Lodenia married Johnathan place is not recorded, but it is assumed Richard (1707-1745) remained unmar- Harris on April 13, 1761, and Mary to be Athens), and Meribah (1786-1867) ried, and died in New London.4The first married his brother, Nathaniel, on Feb- married her first cousin, Julius Tozer, female Tozer born in America, Susanna ruary 1,1764. Nathaniel and Mary lived Jr. of Athens(son of Julius and Hannah) (1710-1782), married John Giddings of their entire life in Colchester, raising in 1824. Lyme in 1739, and they had two child- thirteen children. Johnathan and Loden- Yet the records are complete on ren, John and Lois.5 The fourth child, ia moved to Luzerne County, Pennsyl- Richard and Anna's fourth son, Robert Samuel (1716-1786), will be discussed vania, in 1789, where they were one of H. Tozer (1790-1853), and it was Robert momentarily. The last formally re- the earliest settlers of the town of who transplanted the Tozers from Penn- corded child of Richard and Mercy Athens.10 Johnathan's move west was sylvania to New York. Robert married Tozer, John, has no surviving birth or not totally a surprising one. In 1764 the Sally Truesdale of Richfield (Otsego death dates. However, other sources elder Samuel had also relocated his fam- County) New York on March 17, 1814, show that he married Mary Babcock of ily to Pennsylvania, settling in the and settled in the town. While living in Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1750, and Luzerne County town of Wyoming." It Richfield, the couple had their first of these same sources identify John as "the was here that Susan married Joel Mur- seven children. The eldest, Franklin son of Richard and Mercy."6 There are ray, another Connecticut emigrant, (1815-1895), was born in Richfield, as also records of a Private John Tozer who probably around 1765.'" were the next three children, Celia January 1980

Richard (?-?) Judith Smith I

I Richard (?-I 728) (1702) Mercy Beebe (1678-?) I 1 I I 1 I I Thomas Richard Susanna Samuel John James (?) Mercy (1) (1 705-?) (1 707-1 745) (1 710-1782) (1 716-1 786) (?-?) (1740) (1739) (?I (1750) Deborah Bates John Giddings Dorothy Newton Mary Babcock I Elishane (1741 -?) John1 Lois f1717-1797) Hulda 7l-7 Mary (1 740-?) (1743-?) (1 750-?) (1 752-?) I 1 I I 1 I i Susan Lodenia Samuel Mary Richard Julius Meribah (2-2) (1 739-1831) (?-I 777) (1 752-1834) (1 754-1837) (1764-1852) (9 (?I (1761) (1774) (1764) (1781) (1786) Joel Murray Johnathan Harris Sarah Pelton Nathaniel Harris Anna Middleton Hannah Conkling (1736-181 1) (1 739-1831) (1743-1 81 2) (?-?) (?-?) I I I 10 Children Sarahrh Mary 13 Children 13 Children (1775-1846) (1 775-?)

I I 1 Nancy Meribah Richard Robert Hannah Meria Abagail James (1782-?) (1 786-1867) (1 788-?) (1790-1853) (1795-?) (1798-?) (1800-?) (1802-?) (1814) (1824) (1814) Benjamin Ellewood Julius Tozer, Jr. Sally Truesdale (1788-1 871)

I1 1 I 1 I I I I Franklin Celia Eve Eliza Jane Ann Rezot George Sarah

(1849) (1857) (1859) Minerva Hastings Mary E. Potter Galen Pearsons (1827-191 7) I ~iliiam ~eiia (1860-1 934) (1864-1949) (1899) (?I Dora E. Stratton Frank Lawton (1867-1 953) (1859-1 932) I ~obert ~ohn Mary (i900- ) (1900- ) (1897-1973) (1923) (1922) Harold Ranier Eula C. Huston Edrienne Watson I (1900- ) I Sarah Mary I Mary (1923- ) Keith (1930- ) (1951) John Greene Donald (1936- )

I John Mark ~t!ne (1955- ) (1957- ) (1962- ) January 1980

(1816-1842), Eve Eliza (1819-1827). and farm after her marriage. Her share was donment of the business.s'J In 1926, Jane Ann (1821-1830).16 However, be- formally deeded to her brother by her William suffered a crippling stroke, tween 1821 and 1824 Robert moved his husband, Frank Lawton, on October 19, incapacitating him until his death on his family north to St. Lawrence County. 1922).22 Aside from the farm, Rezot also 74th birthday in 1934.31 Both William Robert and Mary's next two children received asizeable inheritance when his and Cora (who died at Memorial were born in the town of Morristown. father, Robert, died in 1853.23 Hospital in Syracuse in 1953)are buried The first was christened Rezot (1824- By the standards of the day, Rezot was in the cemetery that was made out of 1821)-a name determined by spelling a man of some wealth and stature in the part of the Tozer farm in Evans Mills. 'Tozer' backwards, and a name which, community. He was one of the original His sister, Celia Tozer Lawton, died on so far as is known, no other man has trustees of the Evans Mills Cemetery January 1,1949, and is buried with her borne. The second child came to Morris- Association, an organization which was husband Frank in the same cemetery. town in February, 1827. when Sally formed on June 29, 1869.24 Rezot was William's one son, Robert, moved the bore her third son, George (1827-1830). also interested in national politics, cor- Tozersout of the North Country and into That summer, Robert moved his family responding with a Chicago minister on Central New York. Robert graduated south to Jefferson County, where he such issues as the qualifications of Sena- from Clarkson College of Technology in began to work a small farm in the vil- tor Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois as a 1922 with a Bachelor of Science in Elec- lage of Evans Mills. However, the year Presidential prospect, as well as the trical Engineering, and took his Master ended with the December 1st death of feasibility of a national policy of prohi- of Science in 1925. In 1923 he married Eve Eliza.17 The last child. Sarah Eva- bition.25Rezotdied at the homeof hisson Eula C. Huston (1900- ) of Carthage, line (1829-?), was born two years later. on his 97th birthday in 1921. New York. Eula had gone to Potsdam An early death seems to have been William Tozer, Rezot's only son, Normal School for Special Music and fated for several of the Tozer children. would carry the Tozer family into the Drawing, and had taught for a year at Jane Ann and baby George both died twentieth century, and he was destined the Thomas Street School in Rome, New three years after Eve Eliza in 1830, pos- to become even more of a commercial York. Robert worked from June, 1925to sible evidence of an epidemic of some success than his father. After his high about January, 1926 with Bosch Mag- sort in the North Country that year. school graduation in about 1880. Wil- neto Company in Springfield, Massachu- Celia also died ata relatively young age. liam worked for a time on a government setts. He then returned to Potsdam, and passing away in 1842 at age 27. How- survey from Little Rock, Arkansas, to worked for the St. Lawrence County ever, Franklin, Rezot, and Sarah es- Vermillion County, Dakota. Returning Utilities and the St. Lawrence Valley caped this fate. Franklin married to Evans Mills in 1895. William became Power Corporation for four years. In Minerva Hastings on March 6. 1849 in a partner with his cousin, Arthur 1930 he was transferred to Syracuse, Evans Mills, amarriage which was to be Davenport (son of Mary Potter's sister, New York, where he became a super- childless. Rezot married Mary E. Potter Amelia, and Platt Davenport, both of visor for what would eventually be on March 4,1857, also at Evans Mills, a Evans Mills) in a grain milling opera- named the Niagara Mohawk Power union which would produce two chil- tion which was named Tozer and Corporation. He retired in 1965, and dren who would carry on the Tozer line- Davenport Milling.26 The partnership died in February, 1979.33The last of the age. Sarah was joined to one of the was asuccessful one, with the mill being Tozer line is Robert and Eula's only ushers at Rezot's wedding, Galen W. able to handle large out-of-state flour child. Margaret (1930- ). She married Pearsons, at Evans Mills on November consignments as well as the mill feed John C. Greene (1930- )of Syracuseon 15, 1859. No record exists of any chil- that they were themselves grinding. October 13, 1952. They reside in Syra- dren being borne by this marriage. With the business successful, William cuse with their three children. Robert and Sally moved north in Jeffer- married an Evans Mills school teacher, son County in 1852, settling in the town Cora E. Stratton, on June 21.1899. The of Alexandria on the St. Lawrence two had one child, Robert, on April 29, River. Robert died in 1853. while Sally 1900." In that same year. Davenport left died in 1871.18 the partnership, and for four years, Wil- Rezot Tozer, fifth child of Richard liam ran the business by himself.28 FOOTNOTES and Sally, would make a mark for him- In 1904, William sold out his remain- 'Newton. Clair A.. Nru-ton F~INilitw tf Colon in1 self in several areas. He married Mary ing interest in the Evans Mills business, Conttretieitt. Volume I (Naperville. Illinois. 1949).p. E. Potter in 1857. and in doing so related possibly to a man with the surname of 43: Caulkins. Frances M.. hint or!^ of Nrii- Lortdon. ~t~ttirccticrtt(NewLondon: H.D. Utley. 1895).p. 339: himself to an early English settler of Hass.29 and moved his family north to Beebe. Clarence. A Mttno.pnph of thr Drxrrnt of thr Rhode Island (Robert Potter of War- Potsdam in St. Lawrence County. There Fninil!~of Brrhr (New York. 1904).p. 20: Bnrhourk wick, England), and one of thesignersof he entered into a partnership with W.H. Collrrtion of thr Vitnl Rrrordsof Connrrticnt: Lumr; the Declaration of Independence (Oliver Murray. Louise W..A Histor!/ of Ticn~nPoint nad Osborne of Honeoye Falls, New York. Eorl!~Athrnx. Prnnx!~lt*onia(Athens: 1908). p. 340. Wolcott).lgTheir only two children, Wil- The two men opened another grist mill, 2Beebe.Fnnri1.11 of Brrh~,p. 20: Caulkins. Hixtory liam (1860-1934) and Celia (1864-1949), named the American Mills of Potsdam, oJNP~I-London. p. 339. were born in Alexandria, Rezot having which they operated together for sev- %nrhotok Vitol Rrcords of Ct~n~t,rticut:Lynir. followed his parents north. Opportunity eral years. The mill was later operated while there is no certain record of Thomas' death. presented itself in the summer of 1865. by William Edson Perkins, who bought there is an interesting entry in the Lyme Select- On June 12 Rezot purchased a home and Osborne's shareof the mill, and Kimball men's Book of Bills. which reports of one dollar 199 acre farm in Evans Mills from his being paid for diggingand blessing thegraveofone J. Snell. William eventually sold his Thomas Tozer on November 3.1806. If the bill was father-in-law, Samuel Stratton, for interest in the firm to Congressman paid on time. Thomas may have died at the $8,000.20 He developed this farm into a Bertrand H. Snell-United States Con- advanced age of 101! (see Vitol Rrrovds of L!lntr. dairy farm of respectable size.21 Rezot gressman from that district and even- Connecticut: Ififis-1x50.Modus Print Shop. Connec- worked this farm, situated along the old tual benefactor of Clarkson College in ticut. 1976. p. 300). Route 41 in Evans Mills, until he was Potsdam. William then entered into the 'Bnrbourk Vital Rrrordx of Conirretirtit: L!/mr. confined to bed by age. Both the farm employ of the two Snell brothers and $Vital Rerordn of Lgmr. p. 32; Barhour's Vital and the house were turned over to his Perkins, and would work for them until Records of Connrrtirut: Lymr. son upon Rezot's death (William's sister, his retirement. The firm was later sold 'Notes in the Cora Stratton Tozer Letters. owned by Robert W. Tozer. Syracuse, New York: Bnr- Celia, was also given an interest in the to the Potsdam Feed and Coal Company, bourk Vital Rerordn of Connectirut: Salirbttnl nnd farm by Rezot, but she never lived on the and a 1923 fire in the mill forced aban- Lyme. January 1980

?Recordof Connecticut Men in the Warof theRe110- lution. War of 1812. and Mexican War (Hartford. 1899). pp. 226.644. The Wright Corner UNotes in the Tozer Letters; Newton. Neu~ton by Mary Ruth Beaman Families of Connectintt. p. 43. glbid.. p. 43; For birth and death dates. see Mur- This is another in a series of occasional columns of unrelated but ray. A History of Tioga Point. 340: Newton. Newton interesting facts and anecdotes that pertain to Gov. Silas Wright. If Familiex of Connertirut; p. 43. and Borhonr'x Vital you find anything of interest, please send it to Ms. Beaman at the Rerords of Connertirut: Salishur!l. Association office. loMorgan, Nathaniel H., A Histoytjof Jantes Har- ris of Neu- London. Connertirzrt. and his Descmd- ants. from I640 to I878 (Hartford:Case. Lockwood. and Brainard Company. 1878). pp. 40-41;Borhoztrk Vital Rerords of Connerticvt: Colrhust~r:Murray. A "Silas Wright lived in the house now From "In Old Albany," Vol. 111, p. 17, History of Tioga Point. p. 311. occupied by Pliny Wright, which was under GOVERNORS' MANSIONS is "Murray. A History of Tioga Point. p. 340. then painted Y ELLOW." Hermon Cour- listed Silas Wright, 1845 to 1847 at 133 ItNewton. Newton Families of Connertirut, pp. ier, 18 79. North Pearl St. This was a furnished 43-44 ********** house owned by aMr. Stevenson Clinton ISPelton. J.M.. Genealogy of the Pelton Famill1 in Square at the intersection of No. Pearl Amerira (Albany: Joel Munsell's Sons. 1892). pp. "Mr. Pliny Wright has made a present and Orange Sts. Because of the lack of 598-599. to the county of a life-like portrait of the what he considered proper furniture he "Murray. A History of Tioqa Point. p. 340. late David C. Judson of Ogdensburg, had originally planned to rent furniture done in India ink, by Mr. H.D. Kip of 15 "Family Record" in Family Bible (printed in and live at the Delevan House at Broad- 1819). in Tozer Letters. this village. This picture, with an way and Steuben Sts. 'Slhid. equally admirable likeness of the late ********** '?The Tozer Family Bible offers a touching SILAS WRIGHT, done by the same account of Eve Eliza's death: hand, were hung in the Deputy's room of Silas Wright never refused the nomi- ". . . After being told she must dye she called the the county clerk's office, on Thursday nation for president of the U.S. because brothers and sisters to her to bade them good bye morning of last week." Hermon Courier, he was not nominated for that office. He and then she continued to dispose of what she had 1879. was nominated for vice-president in and exhorted them to be good children and not to 1844 but declined that honor. cry for her for shesaid you haveall got todye. sends ********** her love to her relations in Richfield . . ." In 1890 the traveling public who ********** IRBirth and death dates are found in the Tozer After being admitted to the-bar at Family Bible, Tozer Letters. stopped at Brier Hill station and were seated in the comfortable conveyance Sandy Hill, N.Y., Silas Wright, in 1816 IgMarriage Certificate: Rezot Tozer and Mary left for Buffalo where he called upon Potter. Tozer Letters; Undated Newspaper Clip- that took them to the village, had the ping from Watertou-n Daily Times. "Old Houses of privilege of a ride, for 254, in the inden- Judge Spencer who informed him that the North Country: Potter House of Evans Mills." tical carriage that Gov. Silas Wright there were only 38 lawyers in that city Tozer Letters; Potter. Charles E. (ed.), Grnenlogies had built to order at Albany circa 1845. and that they would be glad to have him of the Potter Families and their Descendants (Bos- join their ranks. However, Silas deemed ton: Alfred Mudge and Son. 1888). p. 7. It was an old-fashioned 3 seated covered coach. upholstered with white broad- it wiser to return to his home state of mWarranty Deed from Samuel Potter and Wifeto Vermont. On the way he stopped in the Mary E. Tozer. June 12.1865.Tozer Letters; Water- cloth, with a top of finest leather. One totrtr Dniljl Tintpx clipping. "Old Houses." Tozer might wonder how Mr. U.A. Strough woods at Canton where Medad Moody Letters. come to own it, and, how it ended its talked him into staying to do some legal 2lHorton. William H. (ed.). Gazetteer and Bnsi- days! Hammond Advertiser. work for the settlers. As we know he ness Dirertor!! qfJefferxon Connt!l.New Yorli(Syra- eventually married Clarissa Moody and cuse: Syracuse Journal Company. 1890).p. 137. ********** became well known in local, county, Wntrrtott-11Do ill1 Tinres clipping. "Old Houses." When Gov. Silas Wright died intes- state and national politics. (Ogdensburg Tozer Letters. tate in 1847,the estate went to his heirs. Journal. 26 Oct. 1882;as told by William aLast Will and Testament of Robert H. Tozer. No mention was made of the house. Dart of Potsdam.) Tozer Letters. When Clarissa, his widow, died in 1870 ********** ZJlnterview with Virginia Smith. Town Clerk. testate the estate went to certain heirs, Evans Mills. New York. no mention of the house. When Pliny There was Silas Wright and Silas 2sWilliam H. Thomson to Rezot Tozer. August 3. Wright married the widow of his Wright and Silas Wright!! 1858. Tozer Letters. nephew in 1871 he purchased the house From the Brasher Cemetery census- "The two accounts of William Tozer's business from the various heirs of Silas Wright. "Silas, son of Benjamin and Rebecca experience. both in Evans Mills and in Potsdam, are (Bacom) Wright, 1841-1864." Emerson. Edgar C.. Ortr Co1ott.11and its People: A ********** From the St. Lawrence County Sur- Desrript ire Work on Jeflerso~ COI~W~?~(Boston: 1898). pp. 104-105. and "109-Year-Old Grist Mill Gov. Silas Wright was not the first in rogate's office-No. 7583 Silas D. Still in Good Condition." Watertotrv Dailll Tiwres. his family to enter political life. His Wright, 20 Apr. 1887 and No. 9499, August 12. 1938 (clipping in the Tozer Letters). father, Silas Wright, Sr. was the Wey- Silas M. Wright, 18 May 1898. Z'Horton. Gazetteer of Jefferson County. p. 136; bridge, Vt. representative to the Gen- From Hermon Cemetery census- Invitation to Cora Stratton and William Tozer eral Assembly for four years from 1801 "Silas W. Wright, son of T.W. and Har- Wedding. Tozer Letters. through 1804. At that time the state riet Wright, 1867-1895." 2RlnterviewwithRobert W.Tozer;Syracuse. New officers and town representatives were From 1850 census of Canton, N.Y.- York. elected annually. In our files at the Silas Wright, age 5, in residence of "Ihid. County Historical Association we have Edwin Cooke. 30The Grist Mill was razed in 1975:the Mr. Donut photo-copies of petitions signed by Silas From 1860 census of Stockholm, N.Y. Restaurant now stands in its place in Potsdam. Wright, Sr. which indicate his concern ' -Silas Wright. age 19. in residence of 31Interview. Robert W.Tozer. with matters relevant to his community, George and Martha Barden. "Watertoaw Daily Times clipping. "Old Houses." and something of his standing within From Nevins Cemetery, Massena, Tozer Letters; Interview with Edrienne Watson Lawton Lawton; Watertown. New York. that community. N.Y.-Silas Wright, 1875-19--. "Interview. Robert W.Tozer; Fuller. Marion and (from Marlene Wallace, Ass't. Editor Page 958 of "Massachusetts Soldiers Robert. The Genealogy of the Stratton Family (pri- of State Papers, Secretary of State, and Sailors in the War of the Revolu- vately printed. 1976). pp. 13-14. Montpelier, Vt., to Mary Ruth Beaman.) tion" lists four Silas Wrights. January 1980

'Whey, Whey!': Recollections of St. Lawrence County Cattle Drives by Marion Clark Baker If you believed most history textbooks, cattle drives were only a thing of the great American West. Here the author recalls such annual events over local roads in St. Lawrence County, when farmers would cull their herds and drive them into stockyards by the railroad tracks in some county villages. From Monterey (DeGrasse) to Canton was one familiar route; the exciting hullabaloo and the veteranfamily cowdog were essential parts.

A business activity of upper St. Law- in the yard, a woman would be hanging driver could and quickly would head it rence County long since abandoned was out her washing, a man hoeing his back onto the road. She did not bite, but the cattle drive. When it had its garden. Suddenly, there they came, a skillful nip at the heels of a cow was beginnings is not certain, but it was mooing and bellowing! Men were yell- enough to discipline the animal. The thriving in the late 1890's, continuing ing at the top of their voices, "Whey, cows early became aware of the power of through the early 1900's. whey!" and running all around, bran- this dog. The drive, it is said, might take place dishing their whips or sticks to keep the On the occasion of one drive Snyder any time of the year, but most often in cows out of the gardens, out of the apple had just had a litter of puppies which the late summer or early fall. At this orchards, out of the fields, and on the she was still feeding. She was taken by season farmers were eager to get rid of road. There were dogs barking and horse and buggy from her home in this or that cow of their dairy herd, chasing vagrant cows, men calling off a North Russell to Monterey and there left either because she was old or farrow, or dog which might be overdoing his chore, to be ready for the drive of the following perhaps because the hay and corn crops noise, dust and fear; not fear of an day. In the evening she disappeared. had been poor and feed was "short," as a individual cow, but fear of the possible The men responsible for the drive were farmer was likely to express it. havoc to be wrought by the drove. concerned as her help was considered There were buyers who would drive Mothers and their children ran for the necessary, but there was nothing they about the county with a horse and porch. The farmer ran to help keep the could do (no telephones yet). Her owner buggy and call at all the farms to deal cows off his property; he darted about. too was concerned when he was awak- with any farmer who had cows to sell. waving his arms and shouting, "Whey, ened in the night by her bark, asking for From the Russell area they went as far whey!" access to her pups in the closed barn. south as DeGrasse (in that day called A few farms had fences along the There was nothing he could do either Monterey), east toward Pierrepont and front of their property. Some were except open the barn doors. west through Hermon and DeKalb. The board fences; others were picket fences. In the morning back at Monterey the buyers most easily recalled of the area Evert's History of St. Lawrence County men busily getting the drive underway described were Leonard Clark of North depicts the farm homes protected by commented regretfully on the missing Russell and John Cunningham of Can- fences, but one wonders if the artist did dog. But as the cattle began to move and ton. Naturally there was much barter- not take liberties with his drawings of to roam, there she was! Between sunset ing necessary between seller and buyer. these homes in a desire to make them and sunrise she had traveled those Little information is available as to the attractive, or more to his liking. several miles to do her duty as a mother, top price a cow would bring, but it is On would go the bewildered animals and back to Monterey to fulfill her known that some animals were bought until finally they were corraled by men duties as a cowdog. Among the farmers for $4.00 a head, most likely the bottom and dogs near exhaustion in Canton's Snyder was a legend. price. stockyard (a fenced area where the Sometime in the late 1920's a man by On a designated day after all the bar- Grasse River Agway now stands). Here the name of Seymour who lived in gaining was completed, the drive began. they would wait until loaded onto DeKalb Junction began buying cows Ordinarily the same men drove every freight cars, their destination the and shipping them from that railroad year; of this area they were Fred Ray slaughter houses of New York City. junction. His venture must have been a and Andrew Wescottt. The farmer who After the drive there was always a success, for the cattle drive as herein was selling would drive or lead his cow rehashing of the entire episode in the described became unprofitable and was to the barnyard of a neighbor who lived evenings at the country store. Here the discontinued. near the road from Monterey to Canton, men gathered to exchange comments, or he might bring the cow in a box on a ostensibly (of course) there on an errand wagon drawn by a team of horses to the to supply the pantry with tea or sugar, roadside where it would join the drove or themselves with smoking or chewing as it moved along the road. By the time tobacco. There was always much dis- the drove reached Canton it might cussion as to the merits of this or that number as few as twenty-five or as deal. Grave and funny incidents of the For Further Reading many as fifty cows. drive were told and the emotions they Helen Escha Tyler. "Tote Road Busi- Whatever the number, the noise, the aroused shared. ness," in Mountain Memories.' Folk Tales dust (from the unpaved road), excite- The account of the extraordinary be- of the Adirondacks, 1974. ment and turbulence they caused pro- havior of one of the cowdogs pleased the vided an unforgettable experience. It men. Her name was Snyder. She was an About the Author was a quiet countryside: no cars or excellent driver, intelligent and fast, Marion Clark Baker is a retired teacher trucks in those days, few vehicles of any always in demand for every drive. She who lives in North Russell and fre- kind on the road. Children were playing would spot an errant cow before the man quently contributes to The Quarterly. 12 January 1980

Orlgiarrl OfBm ofthe Aanmiad011' B.B.~ZCIYlc. cEAm.m AnTEm, Pi- BTXPH.A B. VAN DUZ5, -. WEnmJUE A PABrm -. ..x- -mow M. -nu, IDWm DOW& JOW BOLTON,. nmuunumq YILTON slam. 6. B. VAN DUZU, WX.H.nO~ uEABun AnTEOnr, HumD. 8dE, 00- A. PAmn, BICBIBDPABSom, -rJw-. BSHJAMRl I. EATEXWAY. arwrr wu.LlAMyLLL.h

1868 Moen of the Bssoaiation. XEV. B. B. BECKWlTE. CEABLm rnEONY, F= w. & Born, -. H. L CoNKIm, &oly. nndda. W.R B. BECKWITH, 0. L VAN NAME& PE?Q VAN BUBIW. AM00 0. MEBT. W. E. DOWN& BOBEBT OWTON, 8. B. VAN DUZEE, TEO8. Y. TEAYEB, CEABLBE ARTEON?, JOEN FWATX, .Dm DODO4 H. L CONlUm, ~adwdcw~. BENJAHtN I. EATEBWAY.

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A Brief History of Gouverneur's Riverside Cemetery by Nelson B. Winters The ezyolution and growth of a cemetery is history, too, and here the author traces the origins and changes of one of the largest and most attractive cemeteries in the county. Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur, as the map opposite this page suggests, appears to be a carefully planned layout in the Victorianfashion of urban park planning. The map is reproduced from the 1865 Beers Atlas of St. Lawrence County.

Early in August. 1808, a shadow came ton, Milton Barney, W.H. Bowne, Har- urer. In addition to the twelvearticles of over the settlement of Cambray in the vey D. Smith, and Richard Parsons, by-laws, the publication includes rules sudden death of Emily Porter, a with William Miller for superintendent and regulations covering purchase and sprightly little girl of two years, and and sexton. The first burial was that of care of lots, internments, visitors (for daughter of Isreal Porter. She had been J. Bradford Smith on August 24,1857. instance-driving on the grass and on out during the day with someother chil- By 1860 the public mind became rec- the avenues or bicycle riding at a rate dren gathering peas and, it is believed, onciled to transferring the dead from faster than four miles per hour is for- ate a quantity of the half-ripened ker- the old burying ground. The most pic- bidden; horses must not be left on the nels which swelled in thestomach, caus- turesque portion of the new cemetery grounds unfastened), also rules for ing her death. This occasion led to the was selected for this purpose, boxes workmen, duties of the superintendent, selection of the first burying ground were provided, and the whole accom- fees for perpetual care of lots, and the which was in the area of the present plished in two weeks at the expense of establishment of trust funds. Presbyterian church in a hemlock the corporation. In all, 637 removals Riverside was enlarged again in 1941 grove. Here Emily Porter was laid to were made under the direction of Tho- by adding two acres from the south side rest in a pine coffin. mas Thayer. Many of the removals were obtained from the Walter Perrin farm. Land for this first cemetery was ceded from unmarked graves. Back in 1860 the Town of Gouverneur to the inhabitants of Cambray by Gouv- The new cemetery adopted the name purchased three acres from the associa- erneur Morris and consisted of two Riverside at a meeting of the association tion for the sum of $600.00 and some of acres bounded by the Oswegatchie held April 14, 1858, and the dedication the transfers at that time were buried River and roughly by what are now ceremonies took place on Sunday. June thereon. A portion of this acreage is set John, William, and Church streets. 23 of that year. aside for use by indigents-an area In 1857 it became apparent that a new The earliest available printing of the commonly referred to in early days as and larger cemetery was necessary. by-laws is dated 1908. In that year the Potters Field. It contains marked as After looking over the various lots president was Newton Aldrich, with well as unmarked graves and the entire offered for sale, a committee settled Aaron B. Cutting as vice president, and three acres are maintained by the town upon the former Pardon Babcock farm Henry Sudds the secretary and treas- government. which had become the property of Har- vey D. Smith. It lay southwest of the village on the banks of the Oswegatchie. Thirty acres of this farm were purchased "at a cost of $1,500.00 and 'one burying plot'" from Mr. and Mrs. Smith by the Gouverneur Cemetery Associa- tion which had been organized in June of 1857. B.F. Hathaway of Brookline, N.Y. was employed to lay out and grade the new ground. More than 600 lots were prepared for use, with miles of walks and avenues. Trees were planted and everything to make the cemetery attractive was done. By 1860 records indicate eleven acres had been added, and in 1866 there is an entry in the minutes of the annual meeting noting $800 spent that year for land. The first officers of the new association were: Rev. B.B. Beckwith, president; Charles Anthony, vice president; Stephen B. VanDuzee, treasurer; and Cornelius A. Parker, secretary. The initial trustees were: Rev. Beckwith, Mr. Anthony, Mr. VanDuzee. Mr. Parker and ~dwinDodge, Erwin S. Postcard view of the Oswegatchie River and Riverside Cemetery on the right. Barnes, Thomas M. Thayer, John Bol- (Courtesy of History Center Archives) 14 January 1980

Memorial Day Observant:e at Riverside Cemetery, May 30,1976. Phloto courtesy of the author) In 1954 it became apparent to the the association officers and trustees, a keeping purposes the fiscal year ends officers and trustees that more ground total of sixty pages. Among other things, May 31st. Four trustees are elected at was a necessity. All 1,676 salable lots in it calls for an annual report of cemetery each annual meeting for three-year Riverside had been purchased. Using a operations, fiscal and physical. Occa- terms. Immediately following the asso- figure of three burials per lot (actually sional audits are performed. ciation meeting the trustees meet and probably more), it could be said that the The association has three principal elect officers for one-year terms. Special population of Riverside was greater sources of income-sale of lots, burials, meetings are held when necessary. than that of the village. and income from trust funds. The latter "Within the last few years Riverside A site on the east bank of the Oswegat- consists of a perpetual care fund for lots has been designated by a D.A.R. bronze chie was finally selected which con- and a permanent maintenance fund for marker as the burial ground of Revolu- sisted of ten acres purchased for $3,500 upkeep of the two cemeteries. In the tionary War soldiers. In addition, the and a perpetual option was granted for years before 1948 perpetual care was local veterans' organizations have erec- up to thirty more acres. Two sections optional with a lot owner, but since that ted a monument with plaque in memory had been surveyed and are in use. Even- date it is mandatory (by rules of the of deceased members of all U.S. Armed tually, about 900 lots of eight graves Cemetery Board) that the association Forces. A flag and pole were also pro- each can be laid out. This addition is put twenty-five percent of the purchase vided. The Memorial Day official observ- designated as East Riverside and should price of a lot into the Perpetual Care ance is held annually at this place in the serve the area for many years. Fund and another ten percent in the cemetery." The present officers of the association Permanent Maintenance Fund. Remov- are: Robert Hay, president; Jack Scott, al of decayed trees has been and will FOOTNOTE vice president; and Nelson Winters, continue to be for some time a heavy The Gouverneur Cemetery Association is the secretary-treasurer. Trustees include drain on resources. second oldest non-religious organization in Gouver- the officers and Philip Nelson, Freder- Day to day operations are under the neur. ick Drury, Robert D. Hayden, Fred direction of the superintendent, who is Otto, Ernest J. Deuval, Walter Chris- employed on a year-round basis. He has tensen, Glenn Miller, Charles Cook, and a crew of two from April through Paul Jones. Dale Bowman is the super- October with an extra man in the intendent. No history of the association months of April and May. Mowing is on would be complete without special men- a continuous basis from Riverside to For Further Reading tion of four individuals, each of whom East Riverside and back to Riverside. Jay S. Corbin. Centennial History of served for many years-William Miller There are miles of roads to be main- Gouverneur, 1905. as superintendent from 1857 to 1893, tained, brush to be cut, fences to be Mrs. Cornelius A. Parker. History of Henry Sudds as secretary and treasurer repaired, leavesto be raked, and founda- Gouverneur, 1890. from 1889 to 1911, James 0. Sheldon in tions for gravestones to be prepared. Original Secretary's Record Book of that same office from 1911 to 1938, and Everything that time and weather will Gouverneur Cemetery Association meet- Everett S. Latham as superintendent allow is done to keep the cemeteries ings. from 1939 to 1970. attractive. The normal work week is five The cemetery association functions days. About the Author under the supervision of the New York All lot owners are automatically mem- Nelson B. Winters is the village histo- State Cemetery Board, a division of the bers of the Gouverneur Cemetery Asso- rian for Gouverneur, a longtime Associ- Department of State. Its laws and rules ciation. The annual meeting takes place ation member, and a frequent contribu- of procedure furnish the guidelines for the second Monday in June. For book- tor to The Quarterly. January 1980 15 A Day in the Life of a Crossroads Cheese Factory: a photographic album of daily events in the making of washed curd cheese by Meredith Smith This is the story of the washed-curd cheese industry in St. Lawrence County. The cheese industry began in N. Y. state when Jesse Williams opened a cheese factory in Rome in 1850. From this time on the industry flourished in the region. It especially flourished in large dairy counties such as St. Lawrence. By the turn of the century there were 1,800 cheese factories in New York, 121 of which were in St. Lawrence county. In 1892, 14.2 million pounds of cheese were made in these 121 factories. At this time the county led the state inmilk and cheese production. Most people who were born and raised in the county have at least one relative who was in the cheese-making business. In the early years, farmers relied on horse-drawn wagons to deliver their milk to the factory. So the factories were usually only one and one-half to two miles apart. Wherever there was a crossroads one was likely to fine a cheese factory. There were factories in Russell, North Russell, DePe yster, Degrasse, Gouverneur, Elm 's Grove, Beech Grove, Pierce's Corners, Pope's Mills, Mud Lake, Kokomo, West Hemon, Hickory Lake and Oswegatchie to name only a few. Most factories were small, just wooden frame buildings. Cheese would be made in one part of the building while the cheese-maker and his family would live upstairs or in an adjoining house. These were often called "crossroads" or "mamma and poppa" factories. A man and his wife and family would run the business. In the morning the cheese-maker would fire up the boiler and take in the milk, then his wife would come out and help.

"Thefarmers hauled their milk to the factory infifty gallon milk cans. These cans had loops on the side so they could be lifted up and weighed at the factory. When the milk h.ad been weighed and the milk cans emptied, the farmer would drive around to the back of the factory and fill the cans with whey, later to be fed to the calves and pigs at home. " 16 January 1980

"A typical cheese factor!! had onp or tuqolarge (cats 14-hichheld eight thousand pounds of milk each and another small 71at for summer overflouj . . . A cheesemaker could e+pert one pound of cheese from every ten pounds of milk."

"Youheat the milk upto ninety degrees.. . let it set with rennet about thirty minutes, until thick like liver.. .cut with curd knife into little cubes. . . stir it with a wooden rake all the time to keep itfrom sticking on the bottom of the vat.. . Then you run your whey off, you ditch it out in the middle. What I mean is you pull the curd up on one side and up on the other side. " January 1980 17

"After it sits down, you take a knife and ...... cut it in six inch pieces. . .keep turning it , , , :. . .. , and turning it to work the whey out of the ,i.*i ,; ., .., .. - ,( ,... d ...I ?. curd . . . after it gets where you have &A .. .- .- . . . .,<.. .. I, . . . s . . . . ?. ;. . \ enough acid in it, you put it in a curd mill .. , * ,. , ...... :. V and grind it into cubes like yourfinger.. . .z .;i\?yp- .,; . . ..,. . .2y.;r :.- ; <. & a ., ,;, ,.I i'". f' then grind it into water and wash the -* , 1. . . . . \.. .- . . t -.\ '., ,.., .I;' \ ...;,.:A. ., ,,,,:,?: '..'.- curd. " ...... ; .J ,.. b*&$y .-- ; & ,-. . . '. . ,, . .

"After the curd was washed and the water drained off, the curds were scooped up and packed into hoops. " 18 January 1980

"Once the curd was in the hoops, the hoops were placed in the press and ratcheted up tight so the whey could drain off. This would be done at three or four o'clock in the afternoon. But the press had to be tightened again before the cheesemaker went to bed. So there was really no end to the days'work . . . Before the next morning's milk ever arrived, the cheeses were removed frcmz the presses. "

Weighing up the "wheels" or "rounds" of cheese, usually 40 pounds for general stores or 13 pounds ("picnicspyfor homes. January 1980 19

Cheeses were stored on shelues in the curing roonl for se.tjen days before they were boxed and shipped. Aging might be done at thefactory or, more often, at the retail store. In the summer heat cheeses wozrld he waxed or paraffined after they left the curing room.

.. --. . .- a -. - -. - .. LY- . --- .- . - -, I .- ,-.-.- . . - L . > & * r 4 . -. . .. . __ .. ' .--, , - +, . .* - -. .*.- ~. - .-QRL,..?? LT.:r.& - 5- - .... :. -- . . --- A -. - "The boxes were shipped out every Monday on the train." 20 January 1980

"In a few factories the cheesemaker uias respon.sible for selling the cheese but farmers usually sold through a salesman.. . Thefactories elected a salesntan u~houtould meet with cheese buyersfrom places like New York City and Boston. Together the buyers and thesalesmen would form a committee called a cheese board. There were cheese boards in Canton, Ogdensburg, Watertown, and Gouverneur. It was at the weekly meetings of a cheese board that the price for cheese was set. The Canton, Ogdensburg, and Watertown cheese boards lasted until 1930,the Gouverneur cheese board until 1940."

During the spring of 1979, Meredith Smith, then a senior at St. Lawrence University, undertook an extensive research project on the history of cheesemaking and cheese factories in St. Lawrence County. Ultimately, she produced a slide audio tape presentation ificorporating many historical photographs, taped voices of county cheesemakers, and her interpretive narrative. Especial1y impressive in the program is this set of ten excellent photographs, showing the major phases of the daily cheesemaking process that was repeated on so many similar small factories throughout the county. This set, reprinted by Diamon Smithers of Heuvelton from glass plate negatives originally owned by Ralph Best, photographer of Heuvelton, illustrates the work of the Brookfield Cheese Factory of the turn-of-the-century in Heuvelton. Ms. Smith's slide program is available for distribution from the Center for the Study of North Country Folklife at the State University of New York at Canton. Captionsfor this photographic album have been adapted from the script of the slide program. (Photos courtesy of History Center Archives) January 1980 2 1 Annual Reports of the SLCHA

As I prepared for this report to the However, before I move to long-range Also, Varick Chittenden has ably con- members of the Association, I reviewed plans and future Association goals, I tinued his fine editorship of The Quar- the reports given at previous annual would like briefly to pause and review terly in addition to his many responsi- meetings. Actually. I was looking for where we are now by way of our 1979 bilities for other organizations. To some catchy phrases that could be re- activities. The Silas Wright House and encourage a wider variety of manu- used, for this meeting was here before I Museum recently completed its first full scripts, the Publications Committee is could even think about a report, much year of operation and is rapidly becom- holding a writing competition this fall less develop a polished speech. But it ing an important cultural asset to St. for potential Quarterly articles. The rapidly became apparent that this Lawrence County. Over the past year majority of reader reactions submitted organization has rarely stood still long several donations of important pieces of to the Association's office has welcomed enough to allow for the same remarks to furniture and household furnishings the magazine's new format. be reiterated. The founding group of have made the house look more complete Finally, a new venture by the Associa- interested citizens in 1947 began a and accurate to the period, 1830-1850. tion is just getting underway. In con- steady series of expanding programs We hope this trend will continue. The junction with the Potsdam Public and new initiatives that led directly to second floor gallery has been the site of Museum and funded by the New York this meeting today in Ogdensburg. A major exhibitions by members of the State Council on the Arts, we have wel- series of historical talks in the early Canton Gallery, contemporary needle- comed John Scholl of Norwood to the 1950's led to the first issue of The Quar- work loaned by people from throughout staff. His job is to develop a museum terly in 1956. In turn the historical the county, and the current show on St. education outreach program for our interest of members gained by its publi- Lawrence County architecture. Special county schools. The new initiative, co- cation encouraged the establishment of events in the museum continue to sponsored by the Potsdam Public Muse- the first county museum in the church in attract sizeable numbers of visitors. The um, marks a major new Association Richville in 1965-66. But again the Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series and responsibility. Association saw a need to do more and in the Christmas Festival with the Pots- Naturally, all of this activity has 1973 began the series of fund drives and dam Public Museum have been very required money. During 1979 business rebuilding projects that led to the restor- successful and will continue this year. memberships increased substantially; ation of the Silas Wright House, which Also, the museum has hosted avariety of individual memberships grew by 150 to opened to the public in 1978. community and regional groups who 978; the ALCOA Foundation contrib- Every time one of these steps was have requested meeting space. Such uted $1,500 to our general fund; and the taken, there has been an element of risk: meetings introduce new groups of peo- Noble Foundation $2,000 grant com- gambling that there would be enough ple to the Historical Association. Thus, pleted the second floor track lighting, volunteers to write for and produce The the museum and its maintenance have underwrote the architecture exhibit, Quarterly; gambling that volunteers, been a focal point for our attention. and paid for reprinting the publicity artifacts, and money could be found to But the long-standing activities re- brochure. In addition the New York support the county museum in Richville main. Our summer tour schedule was State Council on the Arts, the Village of and later to buy the Wright House in the most successful in a number of Canton and the St. Lawrence County Canton; and finally now gamblingagain years, with the three tours-one to Legislature have continued to support that the Associat.ion can continue to Camp Topridge, one to the Highland our work. In fact the legislature has maintain and expand its museum and Games at Maxville, Ontario, and the increased our 1980 appropriation to publishing activities in the face of ever- overnight visit to Vermont-each over- $11,000. Also, rental of office space to increasing inflation and the resulting subscribed shortly after they were BOCES, a white elephant auction, and belt-tightening in charitable giving. announced. memorial gifts in the names of Fleeta

Unaudited Balance Sheet-December 31,1979 Operating Capital Assets Total Account Account Current Assets: Cash in Bank ...... Inventory ...... Total Current Assets...... Fixed Assets: Silas Wright House and Museum ...... Investments: 10 shares CIT and 24 shares Dean Foods...... TOTAL ...... Liabilities and Equity Liabilities: Accrued and Withheld Payroll Taxes ...... Architectural Fees Payable...... Mortgage Payable...... Total Liabilities...... Equity ...... TOTAL...... 22 January 1980

Whalen. Eugene Hatch . Mr. Rexford dation for long-term financial security Until a new secretary is hired . Mary and Carl Witherbee have helped defray can be laid . that the museum accredita- Ruth Beaman has been ably filling in . various continuing and special ex- tion process by the American Associa- In addition I would like to thank the penses . Finally. the roofing grant of tions of Museums begins. that the spirit Association trustees. each of whom has $5.000 and its speedy match by generous of cooperation among all County muse- contributed in some manner to the pro- Association friends and members will ums will continue to grow. and that our motion and guidance of our organiza- assure a new wood shingle roof next collections will grow in quantity and tion in the past year .The leadership and spring. And let us not forget Landmarks quality. because the better our collec- commitment of Allen Splete is espe- and Lemon Crackers. the sales of which tions. the more support we can expect cially noteworthy and fortunate for the are seen as a major benefit in 1980. from visitors and donors. Association . His efforts on our behaff A11 of this is to say that the Association Finally. two unsolicited testimonials despite his many other responsibilities is healthy and capable of receiving sup- are in order. As many now know. have been an inspiration . port measured in both money and count- Marilyn Barlow. Association secretary. I urge that each of us remember the less volunteer hours. Naturally. much left the Association in late July to open a Association and help it continue to grow work remains to be done. and now is the Canton gift shop. Marilyn was always and serve a wider part of the County as time to look toward the future because loyal and dedicated to the Association. we look forward to the 1980's. Thank no organization can survive long with- often in difficult times . She isvery much you . out challenging but attainable goals. In missed and will be difficult to replace. John A . Baule 1980. as Director. I hope that the foun- The Association owes her many thanks. Director Unaudited Statement of Income and Expense and Equity For the Twelve Months Ended December 31. 1979 1979 Proposed Budget Total Operating Capital 1980 Budget Income: St. Lawrence County ...... $10.000.00 $ 10.000.00 $10.000.00 $ 0 $11.000.00 NYS Council on the Arts ...... 6.000.00 6.000.00 6.000.00 5.000.00 Membership/Business ...... 12.500.00 11.483.24 11.483.24 12.500.00 Gifts ...... 1.000.00 6.840.00 922.50 5.917.50 1.000.00 Interest ...... 200.00 388.81 213.88 174.93 300.00 Village of Canton ...... 5.000.00 5.000.00 5.000.00 5.000.00 Admissions ...... 600.00 228.00 228.00 250.00 Fund Raising. Merchandise ...... 3.000.00 2.327.49 2.327.49 3.000.00 Cookbook (Net) ...... 0 3.198.47 3.198.47 6.000.00 Miscellaneous ...... 500.00 554.88 554.88 600.00 Rental ...... 1.800.00 1.050.00 1.050.00 1.800.00 Self Sustaining (Net) ...... 0 588.22 588.22 500.00 E.J. Noble (Net) ...... 0 17.68 17.68 0 Gain on Sale of Stock ...... 0 82.50 0 82.50 0 Total Income ...... $40.600.00 $ 47.759.29 $41.584.36 $ 6.174.93 $46.950.00 Expense: Salary-Director ...... Salary-Secretary ...... Fringe Benefits ...... Unemployment. FICA ...... Office Supplies/Postage ...... Water and Sewer ...... Heat ...... Electricity ...... Telephone ...... Insurance ...... Interest ...... Snow Removal ...... RepairsIMaintenance ...... Publications ...... Printing ...... Exhibits and Programs ...... Subscriptions/Books ...... Conservation Supplies ...... Travel and Meetings ...... Miscellaneous ...... Accreditation ...... Total Ex~ense...... NET INCOME ...... EQUITY-Beginning ...... Interfund Transfers (Net) ...... Cancel Dickson Pledge ...... New Roof ...... EQUITY-END OF YEAR ...... January 1980 23 Unaudited Statement of Changes in Financial Position Board of For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,1979 Trustees Funds were provided by: President: Allen Splete, 14 Goodrich Net income for the twelve months indicated ...... $12,305.87 Street, Canton; Vice President: Allan Funds were expended for: Newell. RD 2, Hammond; Secretary: Increase in Investments ...... $1,075.00 Betty Worsh, RD 2, Woodmere. Canton; Debt Reduction (Note and Mortgage) ...... 5.717.67 Treasurer: Mary Jane Watson, South Architectural Fee Paid...... 1,000.00 Colton. House Improvements Made ...... 3,059.34 Term Expires 1980: Write-off of Dickson Pledge ...... 5,000.00 Varick Chittenden, RD 4, Judson Total Funds Expended ...... 15,852.01 Street Road, Canton; Kelsie Harder. 5 Lawrence Avenue, Potsdam; DeeAnn Net Decrease in Working Capital ...... $(3,546,14) Martin, 41 Judson Street, Canton; Ralph Detail of Changes in Working Capital: Perkins, 51 Farmer Street, Canton; Increase (Decrease) in Current Assets: Anne Piskor, 54 East Main Street, Can- Cash...... $2,648.71 ton. Accounts Receivable ...... (8,000.00) Term Expires 1981: Donald Blount, Lincoln Road, Canton; Net Decrease in Current Assets ...... $(5,351.29) Judy Gibson, 16 Hillside Avenue, Can- Increase (Decrease) in Current Liabilities: ton; Vern & Connie Ingram. Jr., 5 East Accounts Payable and Payroll Taxes ...... (1,805.15) Drive, Potsdam; David Nelson, 70 Birch- wood Drive, Gouverneur; Doris Whea- Net Decrease in Working Capital ...... $(3.546.14) ton. 222 Proctor Avenue. Ogdensburg. Term Expires 1982: Edward Blankman, 67 State Street, Canton; Richard Buckley, Piercefield; Louis Greenblatt, 5 Missouri Avenue, Potsdam; Beverly Markkula, 101 River- side Drive, Canton; Dwight Mayne, 7 Hillcrest. Box 211. Massena.

L The cost of publications and other operating expenses of the St. Lawrence County His- torical Association are partial- ly subsidized by this advertis- ing support. I 2E& 4 The Alcoa Foundation Mayhews Wholesale Inc. The Barnhart Trust and other Friends of the Association If your corporation or institution would like to support Association work, a representative will gladly discuss details with you. Adclresll Co~oRequdd Fornuding and RehPo- BULK RATE C-teed U.S. POSTAGE Box 8 Cmton, N.Y. 13617 PERMIT NO. 21 Canton, New York 13617 ElNON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION d NOW IN ITS SECOND PRINTING Landmarks and Lemon Crackers The highly successful first printing of the Association cookbook sold out completely before Christmas, 1979. Now it is back in stock, in time for great gifts for birthdays, bridal showers, housewarmings, hostesses, business thank-you's or no special reason at all. For SLCHA members, $6.00 each; for non- members, $6.95 plus tax. Can be gift wrapped and mailed at additional charge.

Available at the Association office or in Selected Retail Outlets

Sunday Afternoon at the Museum The Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series, sponsored by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association and the Potsdam Public Museum, urill continue this winter and spring. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and plan to attend as many of this year's programs as possible. January 13,1980 Dr. Stuart Winning, "The History of Medicine in St. Lawrence County," 3:00 p.m.. Potsdam Museum January 27.1980 Bill McKentley, "Native Trees of St. Lawrence County," 3:00 p.m., Silas Wright House February 10.1980 "Main Street" and "Built to Last"; two historic preservation films that outline the benefits of downtown preservation as it has occurred in other American towns. 3:00 p.m., Potsdam Museum February 17,1980 "Glass From St. Lawrence County," an exhibit opening. 2:OO-5:00 p.m., Silas Wright House March 9,1980 "The History of the American Red Cross." Mr. Mack Smith, Red Cross District Consultant, 3:00 p.m., Potsdam Museum March 23,1980 "The Lake Placid Olympic Oral History Project in Retrospect." A panel chaired by Jon and Kelli Rossie, 3:00 p.m., Silas Wright House April 20, 1980 To Be Announced April 27, 1980 "Charles Ehriche, North Country Watercolorist." Dr. Paul Schweizer. 2:00 p.m., Silas Wright House atthe opening of the exhibit of artistic work done by local residents in the 1800s and early 1900s May 11.1980 (date tentative) "The Shaker Movement in the Nineteenth Century," Ms. June Sprigg, curator of Hancock Shaker Village, 2:00 p.m., Potsdam Museum w