Fulton County NYGenWeb was taken from the northern part of Montgomery county in
1838; NW. from Albany 40 miles; length E. and W. 32 miles, breadth N. and S. 17.
The surface of the northern part of this county is hilly, with some ranges of a
mountainous character. The Kayaderosseras range of mountains enters the county
on the N.E., but sinks to the general level in the town of Northampton. The
county is well watered and contains several small lakes. It is divided into 9
towns. Pop. 18,038.
BLEEKER, taken from Johnstown in 1831; from Albany 53 miles, from
Johnstown N. 13. There are three inconsiderable settlements in the town. The
soil is quite poor and covered with small evergreens. Pop. 346.
BROADALBIN, taken from Caughnawaga in 1793; from Albany 47 miles, from
Johnstown NE., 10. A settlement was made in this town in 1776, by Daniel
McIntyre, and a few other emigrants from Scotland; but it was broken up during
the revolutionary war. Fonda's Bush or Rawsonville, 10 miles from Johnstown,
incorporated in 1815, has about 800 inhabitants. West Galway and Union Mills are
small post villages. Pop. 2,728.
EPHRATA, taken from Palatine in 1827; from Albany 58 miles, from
Johnstown centrally distant W. 10. This town was settled in 1724, by Germans.
Pop. 2,009. Pleasant Valley, Ephrata, and Lasselsville, are small villages.
JOHNSTOWN, originally named Caughnawaga, was founded about the year
1770, by Sir William Johnson, who resided here during the latter period of his
life, essentially in the rank, and with much of the splendor of a nobleman. Sir
William and his family, by various means, became possessed of vast tracts of
valuable land in this section of the country, and had many tenants and retainers
under them. Their great possessions, however, were confiscated during the
revolutionary war, on account of their adherence to the British cause. The
village of Johnstown is about 4 miles N. of Fonda, the seat of justice for
Montgomery county, and 44 from Albany. The accompanying engraving shows the
appearance of the village as viewed from the first elevation south, on the road
to Caughnawaga or Fonda village. The courthouse is the first building seen on
the left with a spire; Mayfield mountains appear in the extreme distance. The
village contains a bank, an academy, 4 churches - 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1
Dutch Reformed, and 1 Methodist - and about 250 dwellings. It is situated on a
handsome plain, skirted on the N. and W. by Cayadutta creek, and on the S. by a
hill of moderate elevation. It was regularly laid out by Henry Oothoudt,
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, and Christopher P. Yates, state commissioners, in 1784,
and was incorporated in 1807. The village of Kingsboro is 4 miles NE. from
Johnstown; it has a Presbyterian church, an academy, and about 40 or 50
dwellings. This village has acquired some celebrity, as being the place where
great quantities of dressed deer-skin gloves and mittens have been manufactured.
The town of Johnstown was originally organized by the name of Caughnawaga in
1798; its territorial limits have since been much reduced. Pop. 5,408.
The above is a southeastern view of the mansion-house built by Sir William
Johnson called "Johnson Hall." This house, now occupied by Mr. Wells, is
situated about three fourths of a mile NW. of the courthouse, on ground gently
elevated above the village. The hall itself is built of wood, but the buildings
or wings on each side are of stone, pierced with loop-holes formusketry. When
Sir William occupied these buildings, he had them surrounded by a stone
breastwork. While in possession of the Johnson family, this was a place of
resort for the sachems of the Six Nations, and all the Mohawks repaired thither
to receive their presents from the British government.
William Johnson was born in Ireland about the year 1714; he was a nephew of
Sir Peter Warren, the naval commander who distinguished himself at the siege of
Louisburg in 1745. Sir Peter having married a sister of Chief-justice De Lancey
of New York, purchased a large tract of land on the Mohawk, and about the year
1734, sent for his nephew to come to America and superintend this estate. Young
Johnson first established himself at the mouth of the Schoharie, afterward
erected a house in the town of Amsterdam, and subsequently the hall at
Johnstown. To fulfil the duties of his commission, he learned the language of
the Indians, studied their manners and cultivated their acquaintance. His
situation between Albany and Oswego presented a fine opportunity for trade, and
he carried on a large traffic with them, supplying them with goods, and
receiving in return beaver and other skins. By a course of sagacious measures he
obtained an influence over the Indians greater than was ever possessed by any
other white man.
In 1757, Johnson was intrusted with the command of the provincial troops of
New York, whom he led to Lake George, where was achieved the first victory
gained on the British side, in the war commencing at that period. For this
victory, towards which he did but little more than barely hold the place of
commander-in-chief, he received from the house of commons £5,000 sterling; and
from the king, the title of baronet and the office of superintendent of Indian
affairs. In 1759, being at the head of the provincial troops employed under Gen.
Prideaux to besiege Fort Niagara, he became, when that officer was killed, the
commander-in-chief: by his activity and skill he defeated the enemy and obtained
possession of the fort and garrison In 1760, when Gen. Amherst embarked at
Oswego on his expedition to Canada, Sir William brought to hoim at that place
1,000 Indians of the Iroquois or Six Nations, which was the largest number that
had ever been seen in arms at one time in the cause of England. "Sir Wililam
Johnson possessed considerable talents as an orator, and his influence over the
Indians was not a little owing to the impression made upon them by means of his
elocution.... He had wives and concubines, sons and daughters, of different
colors." By Lady Johnson he had 3 children - 1 son and 2 daughters. His son, Sir
John Johnson, took side with the British, in the revolutionary war, and became
the scourge of the Mohawk valley. One of the daughters married Col. Claus, and
the other Sir Guy Johnson. Sir William died suddently, at Johnson Hall, July
11th, 1774, aged 60 years; and was succeeded by his son in his title, and also
to his post as major-general of the militia.
The following anecdote respecting Sir William, seems to evince, that in his
dealings with the Indians, who has a good reputation for cunning, he was not
outwitted. Hendrick, the chief of the Mohawks, was at the house of Sir William
when he received several rich suits of laced cloths. "Well! what did you dream?"
"I dream you give me one suit of clothes." This hint could not be mistaken or
well avoided, and accordingly Hendrick received a suit. Some time afterward Sir
William meeting Hendrick, said to him, "I dreamed last night." "Did you1 What
did you dream?" "I dreamed you gave me a tract of land," describing it. Hendrick
at first paused at the enormity of the demand, but at length said, "You may have
the land, but we no dream again, you dream too hard for me." The tract of
land thus obtained, is stated to have been 12 miles square, in the present
county of Herkimer; the title to it was confirmed by the king, and was called
the "Royal Grant."
The power which Sir William Johnson acquired over the Indians descended to
his son and to his nephew, Col. Guy Johnson, who succeeded him in the agency of
Indian affairs. As the family had derived most of their wealth and consideration
from the crown, they were, as might be supposed, devoted loyalists. In 1775,
Gen. Schuyler prevailed upon the Indians to agree to be neutral in the coming
conflict. It appeared, however, that the influence of the Johnson family
prevailed with the Indians, and induced them to join the British cause. It also
appeare that Sir John was fortifying his house and arming the Scotch
Highlanders, his tenants and adherents. Congress having hard of these movements,
sent Gen. Schuyler to disarm these persons, and take other measures to secure
the tranquility of Tryon county. Schuyler set out on this mission with 700
militia, but before he reached Caughnawaga his force had increased to three
thousand. At Schenectady the deputation of Mohawks under the influence of the
Johnsons met him, and with much artfulness endeavored to dissuade him from
advancing. On the 16th of January, 1776, Gen. Schuyler despatched a letter to
Sir John, requesting him to meet him on the morrow; they accordingly met, and
after some subsequent delay, he and the Scotch gentlemen agreed to make a
delivery of the arms of the inhabitants. Sir John likewise agreed that he would
not go westward of German Flats and Kinsland district, and that six Scotch
inhabitants might be taken as hostages. On the 19th, Schuyler marched into
Johnstown and drew up his men in a line; the Highlanders were drawn up facing
them, and grounded their arms. The military stores surrendered: and this service
being performed, Schuyler and the militia returned. It was found afterward that
the Highlanders had not delivered up their broad-swords or ammunition.
Gen. Herkimer was left by Gen. Schuyler to complete the disarming of the
hostile inhabitants. Sir John, notwithstandng his word of honor, continued his
hostile intrigues with the Indians, and otherwise forfeited his promises. It was
found necessary to secure him, and in May, 1776, Col. Dayton was sent on this
duty. The tories in Albany gave notice to Sir John of his approach, and the
knight and his followers fled to the woods, and escaped to Canada, arriving at
Montreal after nineteen days of suffering and starvation. He left his residence
in much haste: an iron chest with the family Bible and papers were buried in the
garden. On arriving in Canada, the baronet was commissioned a British colonel,
and raised the regiment of tories called the Royal Greens. By his
adherence to the British, his immense estate was forfeited, and this appears to
have inspired him with implacable revenge. On Sunday, the 2 1st of May, 1780, at
dead of night, Sir John Johnson, with a force of about 500 men, part of whom
were Indians, made an incursion into Johnstown. He had penetrated the country by
way of Lake Champlain to Crown Point, and thence through the woods to the
Sacondaga river. The following account of this incursion is from a newspaper
published June 15th, 1780.
"By the latest intelligence from Schenectady, we are informed that
Sir John Johnson, (who styles himself Lieut. colonel commanding the King's Royal
Yorkers, in the parcels given to some of the prisoners,) on Lord's day evening,
the 21st ult., made his first appearance at Johnson Hall, undiscovered by any
but his friends, who no doubt were in the secret. On Monday, about daybreak,
they began to burn all the houses except those of the tories, beginning at Aaron
Putnam's, below Tripe's Hill, and continued burning to Anthony's Nose, or
Acker's house, except a few which by the vigilance of the people were put out
after the enemy had set them on fire. There have been burnt 33 houses and
out-houses and a mill; many cattle were killed in the field, and 60 or 70 sheep
burnt in a barn. Eleven persons were killed. Col Fisher [Visscher] and his two
brothers fought with great bravery, when the two brothers were killed and
scalped; thecolonel went up stairs and there defended himself, but being
overpowered, was knocked down and scalped, on which they plundered the house,
set it on fire, and then went off. The colonel recovering a little, though he
was left by the enemy for dead, he pulled one of his dead brothers out of the
house then in flames; the other was consumed in the house. It is said that the
doctors have hopes that Col. Fisher will recover. His mother had a narrow escape
for her life, being knocked on her head by an Indian; but she is like to do
well. Capt. Hansen was killed by an Indian, who had formerly been used by him
with kindness, and professed much gratitude. Old Mr. Fonda was cut in several
parts of his head with a tomahawk. Had it not been for the alertness of Mr. Van
Frank, probably more would have been butchered by their savage hands; he alarmed
the people along the way to Caughnawaga, who by crossing the river saved their
lives. Having done all the mischief to the distressed inhabitants they possibly
could, they returned to Johnson Hall in the afternoon; when Johnson dug up his
plate, and about sundown marched for the Scotch Bush, about four miles, that
evening. He has 15 or 20 of his negroes who had been sold; several of his
tenants and others have gone with him. He has permitted some of his prisoners to
return on parole. His whole force when he landed at Crown Point, is said to be
about 500 men, 200 of them British, part of his own regiment, and Indians. Capt.
Putnam and four men followed them in their retreat four days, on their way to
Lake Champlain. He saw him 24 miles from Johnson Hall. Some think they will take
their route to Oswagatchie; but this seems improbable, as they have not
provisions sufficient with them. HIs excellency the governor has collected a
body of militia to intercept their way to Lake Champlain; a number have also
marched from the New Hampshire grants for the same purpose; Col. Van Schaick,
with 800 men, is in pursuit of him by the way of Johnstown. We hear that the
enemy had their feet much swelled by their long march; and being greatly
fatigued, it is hoped our people may come up with and give a good account of the
Lieut. colonel and his murdering banditti."
In this incursion, Mr. Sampson Sammons and his three sons, all stanch whigs,
residing in Johnstown, were captured by the enemy and their dwelling laid in
ashes. The elder Mr. Sammons and his youngest son, a youth of eighteen, were
released by Sir John, but Jacob and Frederick, the other sons, were taken to
Canada and confined in the fortress of Chamblee. From this place they made their
escape, and after a series of dreadful suffering, in their flight through the
wilderness, arrived in safety among their friends. A long and interesting
account of their adventures is given in Col. Stone's Life of Brant.
"A singular but well-attested occurrence," says Col. Stone, "closes
this interesting personal narrative. The family of the elder Sammons had long
given up Frederick as lost. On the morning after his arrival at Schenectady, he
despatched a letter to his father, by the hand of an officer on his way to
Philadelphia, who left it at the house of a Mr. Levi De Witt, five miles distant
from the residence of the old gentleman. The same night on which the letter was
thus left, Jacob dreamed that his brother Frederick was living, and that there
was a letter from him at De Witt's announcing the joyful tidings. The dream was
repeated twice, and the contents of the letter were so strongly impressed upon
his mind, that he repeated what he believed was the very language, on the
ensuing morning - insisting that such a letter was at the place mentioned. The
family, his father in particular, laughed at him for his credulity. Strong,
however, in the belief that there was such a communication, he repaired to the
place designated, and asked for the letter. Mr. De Witt looked for it, but
replied there was none. Jacob requested a more thorough search, and behold the
letter was found behind a barrel, where it had fallen. Jacob then requested Mr.
De Witt to open the letter, and examine while he recited its contents. He did
so, and the dreamer repeated it word for word."
In the summer of 1781, another expedition was sent against Johnstown. This
was conducted with so much secrecy, that on the 24th of Oct., the enemy, about
one thousand in number under Majors Ross and Butler, were upon the settlement at
Warrensbush before their approach was suspected. Col. Willet, who was at Fort
Rensselaer about twenty miles distant, on hearing the news, immediately marched
for Fort Hunter, which he reached early on the following morning with all the
forces he could muster, being about 416 men in all. When he arrived here, he
learned that Ross and Butler had the preceding day crossed the river some
distance below Tripe's Hill, and arrived at Johnstown about the middle of the
day, killing and taking the people prisoners, destroying buildings and cattle on
their way. Having effected the passage of the river, Col. Willet pushed on in
pursuit of the enemy. Having ascertained their position, he detached Major
Rowley, of Massachusetts, with part of his force, by a circuitous march, to fall
upon the rear of the enemy while he attacked them in front, a short distance
above the Hall. The battle became spirited and general, but the miltia under
Col. Willet gave way, and ran in the utmost confusion to the stone church in the
village. Here the colonel succeeded in bringing them to a halt. But the defeat
would have been complete, had not Major Rowley, at this period of the action,
emerged from the woods and fell upon the enemy's rear in the very moment of
their exultation at their easy victory. The fight was now maintained on both
sides with obstinacy till near sunset, when Willet was enabled to collect a
respectable force, with which he returned to the field, and again mingled in the
fight. The battle was kept up till dark, when the enemy, pressed on all sides,
fled in disorder to the woods - nor stopped short of a mountain six miles
distant. The loss of the Americans in this conflict was about forty. The enemy
lost about the same number killed, and about fifty prisoners.
"Major Ross retreated up the north side of the Mohawk, marching all
night, after the battle. In the morning he was pursued by Col. Willet, but was
not overtaken. The region of country over which Ross retreated, after he had
passed the settlements, lies twenty or thirty miles north of Fort Schuyler, and
at that time was uncultivated and desolate. His army suffered much from hunger.
- It was on this retreat that Walter Butler was killed: he was pursued by a
small party of Oneida Indians; when he arrived at West Canada creek, about 15
miles above Herkimer, he swam his horse across the stream, and then turning
round, defied his pursuers, who were on the opposite side. An Oneida immediately
discharged his rifle and wounded him; he fell. Throwing down his rifle and his
blanket, the Indian plunged into the creek and swam across; as soon as he had
gained the opposite bank, he raised his tomahawk, and with a yell, sprang like a
tiger upon his fallen foe. Butler supplicated, though in vain, for mercy; the
Oneida with his uplifted axe, shouted in his broken English, - 'Sherry
Valley! remember Sherry Valley!' and then buried it in his brains: he tore
the scalp from the head of his victim still quivering in the agonies of death,
and ere the remainder of the Oneidas had joined him, the spirit of Walter Butler
had gone to give up its account. The place where he crossed is called
Butler's Ford to this day." - Campbell's Annals of Tryon County.
The following is a copy of a kind of diploma, in possession of the New York
Historical Society, which it would seem the Johnson family were in the habit of
giving to those Indians in whom they confided. In the vignette, a British
officer is seen presenting a medal, or something resembling it, to an Indian
dressed in the aboriginal style, - the council fire, the pipe of peace, the chain
of friendship, &c., are all represented.
"By the Honorable Sir William Johnson, Bart., His Majesty's sole
Agent and Superintendant of Indian Affairs, for the Northern Department of North
America, Colonel of the Six United Nations, their Allies and Dependants, &c.
&c.
"To __________________________ WHEREAS, I have received repeated
proofs of your attachment to his Britannic Majesty's Interests and Zeal for his
service upon sundry occasions, more particularly _______________I do therefore
give you this public Testimonial thereof, as a proof of your ________ and
recommending it to all his Majesty's Subjects and faithful Indian Allies to
Treat and Consider you upon all occasions agreeable to your character, Station
and services. Given under my hand and seal at Arms at Johnson Hall the _____ day
of ______ 17____
By Command of Sir W: Johnson"
The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the graveyard in the
village of Johnstown:
"Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Simon Hosack, D.D.,
minister of the Presbyterian church, Johnstown, who died May 19, 1833, in the
79th year of his age. He was born in Rosshire, in the north of Scotland, in
March, A.D., 1755. He received a finished education in the University of
Aberdeen, and completed his theological course in the seminary connected with
that institution. As a man, he was judicious and prudent - as a Christian, his
conversation was in Heaven, and whatsoever things were true, honest, just, pure,
lovely, and of good report, these were his - as a minister of the gospel, he was
evangelical in his sentiments, circumspect in his walk, and watchful of the
spiritual welfare of his people, of which he had the oversight for the extended
period of 42 years. His death, which, though deeply and sensibly felt to be a
great loss by all who well knew and rightly appreciated his sterling worth, was
to him great gain."
"This stone was erected by Anne McKenzie, in grateful
remembrance of her affectionate husband, Dugald McKenzie, who departed this life
on the 7th of Sept., 1809, aged 27 years and 7 months.
No private interest did his soul invade,
No foe he injured, no
kind friend betrayed;
He followed virtue as his surest guide,
Lived like a
Christian, like a Christian died."
"In memory of John Baptiste Vaumane De Fonclaire, formerly a
captain in the Martinique regiment, in the service of his most Christian
Majesty, Louis the XVI., and for thirty years past a citizen of the United
States, who departed this life 5th January, 1811, in the 71st year of his
age."
MAYFIELD, taken from Caughnawaga in 1793; from Albany 40, and from
Johnstown, NE., 8 miles. Cranberry Creek, Mayfield, and Ricefield, are
post-offices. Pop., 2,615.
NORTHAMPTON, taken from Broadalbin in 1801. At the confluence of the
Sacandaga river and the Mayfield creek, lies the small village of "Fish House,"
where Sir William Johnson had his sporting lodge, or summer retreat.
Northampton, or Fish House village, 17 miles NE., from Johnstown, is a small
village. There is here a splendid bridge across the river, costing about
$60,000. Northville and Osborn's Bridge are small settlements. Pop. 1,526.
OPPENHEIM, taken from Palatine in 1808; from Albany 63, from
Johnstown, W., 18 miles. This town was settled in 1724, by Germans. Its present
inhabitants are characterized by the hardy industry and frugality of that
nation. Oppenheim and Bracket's Bridge are post-offices. Pop. 2,169.
PERTH, recently taken from Amsterdam, of Montgomery county; it is 10
miles E. of Johnstown, and is the smallest town in the county. Pop. 737.
STRATFORD, taken from Palatine in 1805; from Albany 63 miles.
Nicholsville is a small settlement, 23 miles NW. from Johnstown, on the west
line of the county. Pop. 500.
