CAYUGA COUNTY

From French’s Gazetteer of the State of New York

1860

Transcribed by Steve and Pat McKay

July 1997

This county was formed from Onondaga, March 8, 1799. Seneca was taken off in 1804, and a part of Tompkins in 1817. It is a long, narrow co., lying W. of the center of the State, and extending from Lake Ontario s. to near the head of Cayuga Lake. It is centrally distant 146 mi. from Albany, and contains 756 square mi.[1] It has a general northerly inclination, and is divided geographically into two nearly equal parts by a line extending eastward from the foot of Cayuga Lake. The N. half is level, or gently undulating, and contains numerous marshes. Some portions of its surface are covered with small, isolated drift-hills 50 to 75 ft. high. The surface of the S. half is rolling, and gradually rises until it attains an elevation of 500 to 800 ft. above the level lands of the N. These highlands are divided into two general ridges, the first lying between Skaneateles and Owasco Lakes, and the second between Owasco and Cayuga Lakes. The summits of both ridges are rolling, and have an elevation of 1000 to 1200 ft. above tide. Their E. declivities are often precipitous, forming high, bold bluffs upon the shores of the lakes, but their W. declivities are more gradual, generally sloping gently down to the very edge of the waters. The S. part of the W. ridge is divided near its center by the valley of Salmon Creek, which is bordered by steep banks 50 to 200 ft. high. Among the most peculiar of the natural features of the co. are the three long, narrow lakes which extend from the level regions of the N. between the parallel ridges far into the highlands of the S. Skaneateles Lake, upon the E. line, is 840 ft. above tide, and is bordered by bluff shores within the limits of the co. Owasco Lake, near the center, is 770 ft. above tide, and its shores are generally bold, and in some places precipitous. Cayuga Lake, on the western border, is 387 ft. above tide, and along nearly its whole extent in the co. the land slopes beautifully and evenly upward from its surface to the summits of the ridges. The water of these lakes is clear and transparent, and may be taken as the very type of purity. This lake region, with its beautifully rolling surface and rich and productive soil, with its green lawns apparently stretching upward from the very bosom of the water, and with its highly cultivated farms, presents one of the finest landscapes in the country. Seneca River flows eastward through near the center of the lowlands which form the N. half of the co. It receives Cayuga and Owasco Outlets from the S. and numerous smaller streams from both the N. and S. A swampy region, known as the Montezuma Marshes, extends along the whole course of the river.[2] The streams that drain the central ridges are small creeks and brooks. Upon the level land in the N. part of the co. are a series of small, shallow lakes and ponds, the principal of which is Cross Lake.

The rocks in this co. generally lie in nearly horizontal layers, but in some places they are disrupted and broken. Their edges appear one above the other, forming the declivities of the hills that rise toward the S. The lowest formation is the Medina sandstone, which outcrops upon the shore of Lake Ontario and covers the N. Half of Sterling. Above this successively appear the Oneida, conglomerate, and Clinton groups in the S. part of Sterling; the Lockport group in Victory; the red shale of the Onondaga salt group in Cato, Brutus, Conquest, and Mentz; the gypsum of the same group in Auburn, Aurelius, and Springport, and for a distance of 10 miles along Cayuga Lake; the waterlime and Oriskany sandstone in Owasco, Auburn, Fleming, and Springport; and, successively above the Onondaga and corniferous limestone, the Marcellus and Hamilton shales, Tully limestone, Genessee slate, and the Portage and Ithaca groups, the last occupying the summits of the southern hills. Weak springs of brine are found in the Medina sandstone upon the borders of Lake Ontario, and also in the red shale of the salt group along the course of Seneca River. In the central part of the co., and along the shores of Cayuga Lake, are numerous quarries, which furnish a good quality of waterlime, quicklime, and gypsum. The red sandstone and the Onondaga and corniferous limestone are quarried extensively for building stone. Thin layers of corniferous limestone and of sandstone are extensively quarried along Cayuga Lake, and make an excellent quality of flagging.

The soil in the N. half of the co. is generally a fine quality of sandy or gravelly loam, intermixed with clay, muck, and alluvium; and in the S. it is a gravelly and clay loam and very productive. The whole co. is well adapted to either grain raising or pasturage. Until within a few years wheat has been the staple production; but it has been nearly superseded by rye, oats, barley, and corn. Wool growing and dairying are also extensively pursued. The cultivation of fruit, for which the climate and soil are admirably adapted, is beginning to receive considerable attention. The manufactures of the co., mostly confined to Auburn, are extensive, though comparatively less than in 1810.[3]

The county seat is located at the city of Auburn.[4] An elegant and substantial courthouse was built in 1807-1809.[5] It is located upon a commanding site in the S.W. part of the city, and contains rooms for the usual co. offices. A fireproof clerk’s office is situated adjacent to the courthouse. A substantial stone jail was erected in 1833, in the rear of the courthouse.[6] The county poorhouse is located upon a farm of 90 acres in Sennett, 3 mi. N.E. of Auburn. It is a poor, old dilapidated building, containing about 30 rooms. The average number of inmates is about 100, supported at a weekly cost of 70 cts. Each. A school is kept during a potion of the year.[7] The Cayuga Orphan Asylum, located in the city of Auburn, was incorp. In April, 1852. It receives orphans and destitute children and has an average attendance of 30. The institution is well managed, and the children receive good care and instruction. The Erie Canal extends through Brutus, Mentz, and Montezuma. Cayuga Lake and Outlet are navigable, and form a connection with the canal at Montezuma. The direct branch of the N.Y. Central R.R. from Syracuse to Rochester extends through Brutus, Mentz, and Montezuma, and the Auburn branch through Sennett, Auburn, and Aurelius.[8]

Two daily, 7 weekly, and 3 monthly papers are published in the co.[9]

This co. formed a portion of the Military Tract, and included the original townships of Cato, Brutus, Aurelius, Scipio, Sempronius, and parts of Milton and Locke. Sterling was included in the lands granted as a compensation for portions of the original grants, which upon survey were found to belong to the Boston Ten Towns. Before the advent of the whites it formed the chief hunting grounds of the Cayuga Nation. The people of this nation were more migratory in their habits than those of the Onondaga and Seneca nations, and they had fewer towns and villages. The principal town or place of council of the tribe was upon the shore of Cayuga Lake, near the present village of Aurora. The first white settlers were soldiers, who had served during the Revolution and who drew lots upon the Military Tract, or those who had purchased soldiers’ warrants. The first immigration was by the way of Oneida Lake and River, and from the S. by way of Cayuga Lake; but in 1796 a State road, extending from Whitestown to Geneva by way of Auburn, was cut through; and in 1800 the celebrated Cayuga Bridge[10] was built, the new route speedily becoming the great highway of Western emigration. The population steadily and rapidly increased from 1790, a great impulse being given to it by the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. The first inhabitants were principally from New England and the eastern cos. of New York.

AUBURN CITY – WAS FORMED AS A TOWN FROM Aurelius, March 28, 1823. It was incorp. As a village April 18, 1815, and as a city March 21, 1848. It lies upon Owasco Outlet, near the center of the co. Its surface is rolling, with an inclination toward the N. Owasco Outlet, flowing N. W. through near the center, descends 120 ft., and furnishes an abundance of waterpower, which is mostly improved. Along its course are valuable quarries of waterlime, Oriskany sandstone, and Onondaga and corniferous limestone. The city is finely laid out upon both sides of the creek, most of the streets having a gentle inclination. It is situated in the midst of a rich farming country, and it has a large share of internal trade. Its manufactures are extensive and important, consisting principally of woolen goods,[11] paper, agricultural implements, books, flour, and machinery. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 12 churches,[12] 3 banks, and many other fine public and private buildings. Seven weekly, 2 daily, and 2 monthly papers are published in the city. Pop. 9,476.

The Public Schools are under a Board of Education, consisting of 4 members, elected annually. The schools, 5 in number, employ 23 teachers, --5 males and 18 females. In 1858 the number of children between the ages of 4 and 21 was 3001, of whom 2187, or 72 per cent., attended school during some portion of the year. The total expenses of the schools for 1858 were 13,231.19. The number of volumes in the district libraries is 3986.

The Auburn Academy is a fine stone edifice on Academy St. It was first erected in 1811, but was burned in 1816, and the present building was soon after erected.

The Auburn Female Seminary, a private institution, is in the building erected for a city hall, at the junction of Market, Franklin, and North Sts.

The Auburn Theological Seminary, a Presb. Institution, was established by the Synod of Genesee in 1819. It was incorp. In 1820 and opened in 1821. The building is located upon a commanding site, fronting Seminary St., in the N.E. part of the city.

The Cayuga Orphan Asylum, an institution for the care of orphan and destitute children is supported by State and co. appropriations and private contributions.

The Auburn State Prison is situated on the N. bank of Owasco Outlet, N. of the center of the city. The site, containing 10 acres, is surrounded by high walls, and within this enclosure are the prison proper[13] and various workshops in which the convicts are employed. The main building, fronting upon State Street, is 3 stories high and 276 feet long, and is flanked by two wings 42 feet wide and 242 feet deep.

The Asylum for Lunatic Convicts, situated upon a lot of 10 acres, formerly the prison garden, in the rear of the prison, is a fine brick building, faced with cut stone. It contains 64 cells, and rooms for physicians, attendants, &c.[14]

Fort Hill is a beautiful rural cemetery, located upon the site of an ancient fortification and Indian village. It contains a monument to the memory of Logan, the celebrated Cayuga chief.[15]

The first settlement at Auburn was made in 1793, by Col. John Hardenburgh, from Ulster co.[16] Hon. Wm. H. Seward resides in this city.

AURELIUS – was formed Jan. 27, 1789. Brutus, Cato, Owasco, and “Jefferson” (now Mentz) were taken off March 30, 1802, Auburn and Fleming in 1823, a part of Springport in 1833, and a part of Throop in 1859. It lies upon Cayuga Lake, near the center of the W. border of the co. Its surface is undulating, with a slight inclination toward the N. and W. Owasco Outlet flows through the N. E. corner; and upon its course are several fine mill privileges. Cayuga Brook, Crane Creek, and several other small streams take their rise in the town. The soil is mostly a heavy clay and gravelly loam. Cayuga, (p.v.,) upon Cayuga Lake, 2 mi. S. of the outlet, was incorp. In 1858. It is an important station upon the Central R. R., and is connected with Ithaca by a daily line of steamers. It contains 2 churches and 400 inhabitants. Fosterville, (p.v.,) in the N. part, contains a church and 12 dwellings; and Aurelius, (p.v.,) in the S. E. part, a church and 12 dwellings. Clarksville, on the E. line, is a manufacturing village, and forms a suburb of Auburn. It contains a paper mill,[17] gristmill, hoe factory, woolen factory, and 300 inhabitants. The first settlement was made at Cayuga in 1788, by John Harris, from Harrisburgh, Penn.[18] The first church was formed in 1804, by Rev. David Higgins.[19]

BRUTUS – was formed from Aurelius, March 30, 1802. Sennett was taken off in 1827. It lies on the E. border of the co., N. of the center. In the N. and W. its surface is level, with an average elevation of not more than 10 feet above Seneca River, which forms its N. boundary. The portions immediately bordering upon the river are generally swampy. In the S. E. the surface is rolling and broken by isolated drift hills 50 to 75 feet above the general level. The principal streams are Bread Creek and Cold Spring Brook, both flowing into Seneca River. The former is a canal feeder, and along its banks are outcrops of limestone and plaster, which are quarried to some extent. The soil is a fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam intermixed with clay and alluvium. Weedsport[20] (p.v.,) was incorp. April 26, 1831. It is situated upon the Erie Canal, and is a station on the N. Y. Central R. R. It contains a bank, insurance office, union school, 4 churches, a foundry, a large distillery, and several mills. Pop. 1,226. The first settlement was begun in 1800, by Wm. Stevens, from Mass, on Lot 76.[21] The first church (M>E>) was formed in 1816.[22]

Cato – was formed from Aurelius, March 30, 1802. Sterling was taken off in 1812, and Conquest, Ira, and Victory in 1821. A part of Ira was annexed in 1834. It lies upon the E. border of the co., N. of the center. Its surface is level in the S. and gently rolling in the N. The ridges extend N. and S., and their summits are about 50 feet above the valleys and 150 to 200 feet above Lake Ontario. Seneca River forms the S. boundary. Cross Lake, upon the E. Border, is a shallow body of water about 5 mi. long, through within flows Seneca River. Otter Lake and Parkers Pond, in the N. part, discharge their waters through Otter Creek into Seneca River. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam mixed with clay and disintegrated red shale. Meridian,[23](p.v.,) in the N. part of the town, was incorp. Oct. 17, 1854. Pop. 360. Cato, (p.v.,) on the line of Ira, in the N. W. corner, contains 3 churches and 53 dwellings. Seneca River is a p.o. The first settlement was begun in 1800, by Samson Lawrence, on Lot 32.[24]Rev. Daniel Palmer was the first pastor.[25]

Conquest[26]– was formed from Cato, March 16, 1821. It lies on the W. border of the co., N. of the center. The surface is gently rolling, the ridges extending N. and S. The S. part along the course of Seneca River is marshy, and a swamp about one-fourth of a mi. wide extends N. and S. through the town along the course of the small stream which flows through Mud Pond. Duck Pond, in the N. W., is about 1 mi. in diameter. Howlands Island, in Seneca River, contains 2,700 acres, one-third of which is swampy, and overflowed during high water. The soil is a sandy loam interspersed with clay and underlaid by red shale. Conquest Center (Conquest p.o.) contains 2 churches and 26 houses; Pineville, in the W. part, contains 15 houses. The first settlers were George Snyder, from Schoharie co., who located on Lot 37, and Israel Wolverton, from Tompkins co., on Lot 4, in 1800.[27] The first church (Prot. Meth.) was formed at Conquest Center, in 1803; Rev. Joshua Beebe was the first settled preacher.[28]

FLEMING[29]– was formed from Aurelius, March 28, 1823. It lies W. of the foot of Owasco Lake, a little S. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling, with an inclination toward the N. and E. The banks of the lake slope upward for about three-fourths of a mi. The highest portions are 150 to 250 feet above the lake, and 800 to 1,000 feet above tide. Wheeler and Crane Creeks are the principal streams. The soil is principally a gravelly loam, with an occasional intermixture of clay and sand. Fleming, (p.v.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 25 dwellings. Owasco Lake is a p.o. The first settlements were made in 1790-91.[30] The first religious services were held by Elder Daniel Irish (Bap.) about 1794.[31]

GENOA – was formed as “Milton,” Jan. 27, 1789; and its name was changed April 6, 1808. Locke was taken off in 1802. It is the S. W. corner town of the co., lying upon the E. bank of Cayuga Lake. The surface is a rolling region, gradually rising from the lake to a height of about 600 ft. and divided into ridges by the valleys of Big and Little Salmon Creek, which extend through near the center.[32] The declivities that that border upon the streams in some places are steep and 50 to 150 ft. high. The soil consists of a strip of clay along the banks of the lake, and a deep, rich, gravelly loam in the other parts of the town. Genoa, (p.v.,) on Big Salmon Creek, contains 2 churches, 2 flouring mills, a tannery, and a furnace and machine shop. Pop. 300. Northville (Kings Ferry p.o.) is situated in the N. W. part of the town. Pop. 200. Five Corners (p.v.) contains 35 dwellings. East Genoa (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settlements were made anterior to the organization of the co. Jabez Bradley was the first settler, at Northville. The census reports 6 churches in town.[33]