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| Virgil, N. Y. 1885. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, April 7, 1899.
VIRGIL.
A Brief History of the Classic Town which has been the Home of so Many Prominent Men—Sketches of Present Residents. The Third of a Series which will Include Every Village and settlement in this County—Subscribe for the Democrat Now and Get Them All— $1.50 a Year—Next Week, Marathon.
Six miles south of Cortland lies the classic village of Virgil. The town originally was one of the largest in Cortland county and received its name in honor of the distinguished Roman poet. The first settler in the town of Virgil was Joseph Chaplin, who located on lot No. 30, where the village of Messengerville is now situated, in 1792. Some time previous to that year Mr. Chaplin had entered into a contract with the state authorities to build a road from Oxford to Cayuga lake, a distance of sixty miles. The country was then an unbroken wilderness and therefore the work of building such a road was one of great magnitude and fraught with many dangers. Settlements along the proposed line were few and far between and to render the work more convenient, Mr. Chaplin decided in 1794 to move his family to his newly acquired home. Accordingly, his rude log hut was put in readiness and his family moved to what is now known as Messengerville. At this time there were no roads and the journey from Chenango Forks was made up the Tioughnioga river in a canoe. Soon a small tract was cleared and the nucleus of the present flourishing hamlet was formed.
JOHN M. FRANK.
The second settler in the town of Virgil was John M. Frank, who located with his family on lot No. 48 in November, 1795. Mr. Frank took up a large tract of land in that portion of the town now known as Frank's Corners. This tract of land had been previously granted to him by the government on account of services rendered during the Revolutionary war. John M. Frank was a man of marked ability and his influence in after years was widely felt in Virgil and the surrounding county. Many of his descendants still reside in Virgil.
JOHN GEE.
In 1790, John Gee, a resident of Wyoming, Pa., came to Virgil and located on lot No. 21 in that portion of the town now known as Gee town. Mr. Gee had, the year previous, visited Virgil and erected a log house for the reception of his family. He also was a soldier of the Revolution and well worthy of the heroic title. His house was 12 by 10 feet in size. In this small building his entire family, consisting of himself, wife, father, mother and six children found shelter. The original house has long since fallen into decay, but the farm, now under a high state of cultivation, is still occupied by descendants of this noted pioneer.
JOHN E. ROE.
During the winter of 1797-8 John E. Roe and family came to Virgil from Ulster county. The ground was covered with a heavy fall of snow, just then dissolving beneath the warm rays of the sun. The Tioughnioga river had consequently become very much enlarged. At near nightfall a point opposite of what is now known as Messengerville had been reached on the west shore of which was the home of Joseph Chaplin. The party had intended to pass the night at his home, but how to cross the river now became a serious question. A bridge had not as yet been erected and the only means of transportation across the river was a small canoe owned by Mr. Chaplin. The water of the swollen stream had, however, loosened the frail craft from its fastenings and carried it away, but with the usual enterprise so common to the early pioneers a plan was at once adopted. A hog trough belonging to Mr. Chaplin was floated across and Mrs. Roe seated herself in the bottom of the dangerous craft and made the opposite shore in safety. Mr. Roe and the team swam the stream closely followed by a three-year-old heifer which they had brought from Ulster county. With this eventful start the future of a comfortable home was laid.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.
Among those who came to Virgil during 1798 are the following: James Bright, James Knapp, John Bailey, James Glenny and Walt Ball. In 1799 came Enos Bouton, Dana Miles, John Lucas, Henry Wells, Jared Thorn and Prinius Gault.
In 1800 we find the following additions to the population of Virgil: James Wright. John Calout, James Sherwood, Peter Jones, Seth Larabee, John Ellis, Orrin Jones, Moses Rice, Abial Brown, Jason Crawford and Moses Stevens.
In 1801 came such prominent men as Daniel Edwards, Nathaniel Bouton, Prince Freeman and James Clark. From that time on the changes in the town were rapid.
FIRST TOWN MEETING.
The town of Virgil was organized in 1804. The first town meeting was held in 1805 at the home of James Knapp and the following officers elected: Supervisor, Moses Rice; town clerk, Gideon Messenger , assessors. Abner Bruce, John Gee, Joseph Chaplin; commissioners of highways, John Glenny, George Wigand and John I. Gee; poormasters, Jonathan Edwards, Peter Powers; constable and collector, Shubel S. Marsh; fence viewers, Moses Olmstead, Abial Brown. The first justice was James Glenny, who received his office from the commissioners of appointment at Albany.
FIRST POST OFFICE.
The first post office in the town was established in 1808 with Zopbar Moore as postmaster. As early as 1799 the settlers had seen the urgent need of a school in their midst, consequently a log house was erected and Charles Joyce installed as the teacher. About this time a general store was started by Daniel Sheldon. The opening of this store was hailed with much joy by the inhabitants of that section. The early settlers of Virgil were overanxious to advance any measure which would tend to elevate and better the residents, and especially has this been true in matters of education.
In 1837 the "Literary Institute" was organized. It continued until 1845, having been successfully taught by N. Bouton and William E. Gee. A son of Joseph Chaplin was the first child born in the town, and the first death was that of Mrs. Derosel Gee in March, 1802.
ORIGINAL TOWN DIVIDED.
Up to 1840 the town had retained its original size but was then divided into three towns; the north half constituted one and retained the original name; the south half was formed into two towns, the west receiving the name of Harford and the east the name of Lapeer. Since that time a part has been set to Cortlandville and another part consisting of No. 20 has been attached to Freetown.
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| Dr. Horace Bronson. |
DR. HORACE BRONSON.
Among the many prominent men who in the early days of Virgil contributed largely to its growth and prosperity, we speak with pride of Dr. Horace Bronson, who was born in Catskill. N. Y., in 1796, and came to Virgil in 1820. He at once commenced the practice of medicine and soon built up a large and lucrative practice which extended far outside of his own town. He was the father of five children, namely: Nancy Bronson, afterwards Mrs. Whiting; David L. Bronson, father of ex-District Attorney H. L Bronson of Cortland; Mary E. Bronson, afterward the wife of the late Hon. A. P. Smith of Cortland; H. Emogene Bronson and Mrs. S. D. Johnson. Of these, four have long since passed away leaving fond memories behind them. The only survivor, Mrs. Johnson, still resides in Virgil in the same house in which she was born. Dr. Bronson was a man of marked ability and in those early days did much to contribute to the prosperity of his adopted village.
Many physicians who have since become famous received their early education in his office among whom were Dr. Frederick Hyde, who for many years was a practicing physician in Cortland, Dr. William Hunter, who located in Jasper, Steuben county, Dr James Bell, located in Michigan, Marsena Terry, settled in Savannah, Steuben county, Dr. G. W. Jones, at Horseheads, Chemung county, and Dr. John B. Benton, who located at Spencer, Tioga county. All of these gentlemen have become famous in their profession and many have now passed away to the better life. Beside Mrs. S. D. Johnson, many grand children remain to honor the memory of Dr. Bronson.
DAVID SCHOFIELD.
Among the early settlers of the western part of the town of Virgil we find Schofields. David Schofield, when a young lad, was out in the forest some distance from his grandmother's house. He was sitting upon a brush fence when suddenly he was seized by a huge she bear and carried towards her den. In going to this den the bear necessarily passed close to the home of young Schofield and to the horror of the grandmother she saw the dangling body of her grandson in the mouth of the bear. At once she seized a hot loaf of bread which she had just baked and ran after the bear. When near the den he was overtaken and the bread was thrown in front of the bear, who quickly released young Schofield for the bread. Such were the dangers to which the early settlers were exposed. Henry Schofield, a son of David Schofield, still resides in Gee Town.
NATHANIEL BOUTON.
Of the former residents of Virgil none are more worthy of emulation than Deacon Nathaniel Bouton, who came to that town in 1801 and for many years was one of the most influential men of the day. At an early date Mr. Bouton conceived the idea of a railroad from New York city to the great lakes. His ideas were placed before the people frequently through the columns of the Cortland Courier, a small paper then published at Homer. A route was laid out by Mr. Bouton and through his efforts capital was enlisted in the enterprise, which finally resulted in the building of the New York, Lake Erie & Western railroad. Nathaniel Bouton was the father of ex-District Attorney Lewis Bouton of Cortland.
Among the early settlers we wish to mention John E. Roe, who came to Virgil in 1798 He became the father of five children, all of whom grew to be men of influence in the locality where they resided.
E. W. WINSLOW.
E. W. Winslow, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Virgil, was born in Preble in 1816. At an early age he removed to Truxton and commenced learning the trade of harness maker. In 1840 he removed to Virgil, when he opened a harness and shoe shop employing ten hands. This business proved successful and in 1852 he opened a general merchandise store in the building now owned by S. K. Jones. For 42 years he continued in business and for over thirty years held the office of postmaster. In 1894 Mr. Winslow sold the business to his son John E. Winslow, and Frank E. Price who conducted the same for two years. Mrs. Winslow died about six years ago since which time he has resided with his son, John E. Winslow, a prominent lawyer of Virgil and now filling the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Winslow, although past his 83rd birthday, still enjoys good health and full possession of his facilities. His especial pride is in his two grand children, Orris, who is a student at the Cortland Normal, and Leona, who is a beautiful girl of 6 years. The entire family are excellent musicians and the venerable grandfather sits by the hour listening to the sweet singing of his little grand daughter who is a remarkable vocalist.
CLINTON D. BOUTON.
Clinton D. Bouton, Ex-Mayor of the city of Ithaca, was another of Virgil's favorite sons. When the War of 1861 broke out Mr. Bouton was one of the first to respond to his country's call and during the perilous days which followed his record was one of fidelity and bravery. He was for several years a merchant in Dryden but now lives retired In Ithaca.
WALTER L. CHAPLIN.
Walter L Chaplin, son of the first settler in the town, was born at Messengerville about 1830. His early education was obtained in his native town. For several years Mr. Chaplin taught in the common schools of the county and later took up the business of a civil engineer, which work he now follows. He still resides upon the old homestead.
PROF. JAMES H. SHULTS.
Prof. James H. Shults, well known to many Cortland county readers, was born upon the hill south of Virgil village. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native town. After the completion of Mr. Shults' college work he became one of the teachers in the Cortland Normal. He now resides in California. His father, David Shults, still resides upon the homestead, which through his efforts has been transformed from ay wilderness into a productive farm. Mr. Jacob Shults, another son of David Shults, is one of the reliable business men of the town and has several times represented it in public office. Mr. Shults is a farmer and conducts the business upon the Shults homestead.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The officers of the town at present are as follows:
Supervisor—N. P. Webb.
Town Clerk—W. B. Muncey.
Justices—John E. Winslow, Rodolph Price, Paterson Francis, Geo, Moore.
Assessors—Frank Marcy, Martin L. Dann, J. W. Shevalier.
Collector—C. L. Christman.
Overseers of Poor—Samuel Hutchings, J. R. Rounds.
Constables—Frank Gallagher, W. H. Bell, Hilton Ryan, Addison Miller.
THE CHURCHES.
Two churches have for many years flourished in the village of Virgil, and generally speaking the residents are church going, God fearing people. Both the Methodist and Baptist societies have a church at Virgil. The pastor of the Methodist church is F. T. Smith; Baptist, Rev. Frank Fletcher.
THE SCHOOLS.
Great interest is taken by the inhabitants in the schools of the town and the opportunities for a common school education are nowhere better than in Virgil. The village school has two departments and has a large attendance.
VETERANS.
During the perilous days of the war Virgil was ever ready to contribute her full quota of men. Three of the early settlers of Virgil participated in the French war of 1754-63, and fifty took an active part in the war of the Rebellion.
G. A. R.
Harrison Owens Post, No. 639, G. A. R., has a membership of twenty and holds regular meetings each month. Among the other prominent farmers of the town we find O. J. Bayes, Wm. Tyler, Myron Balou, Joseph Shevalier, Nathan Shevalier, Jacob Shults, Geo. Trapp, Will Trapp and Gorton Tyler.
D. E. STILLMAN.
Among the most prominent men of Virgil we find D. E. Stillman. Mr. Stillman was born in Madison county, where his early education was obtained. In 1888 he moved to Virgil and assumed the management of the creamery located about one-half mile south of the village. The factory was then doing a small business, but through the efforts of Mr. Stillman the surrounding farmers were interested and soon he was doing a thriving business. The patrons of the factory at once elected Mr. Stillman secretary and treasurer, and the entire business was entrusted to him. He alone sold the products and handled the money. In 1897 the business had assumed such proportions that Mr. Stillman associated with his brother, F. L. Stillman, and the business still continues to increase under the careful management of these gentlemen. During the summer months 20,000 pounds of milk are received daily and manufactured into butter and cheese. Last year a large DeLaval Alpha separator was put in which greatly facilitates the work. Mr. Stillman's reputation as a butter and cheese maker has become widespread to such an extent that the demand for his goods is far in excess of the supply. Mr. Stillman is also the owner of a fine farm located near the factory. In matters relating to the welfare of the town he always takes an active interest. In politics Mr. Stillman is a Bryan Democrat and is a strong supporter of the Chicago platform. Mr. Stillman has been prominently mentioned by his townsmen in several fall elections as a candidate for supervisor, but on account of his constant duties at the factory he has declined the proffered honor.
W. A. HOLTON.
Mr. W. A. Holton was born in Virgil in 1845 and has since that time been a resident of the town with the exception of two years when he resided at Cortland and was employed on the Normal school building. Mr. Holton has for the last 30 years conducted a general merchandise store and by careful attention to business he has amassed a competent fortune. He is also largely engaged in farming and his farm just north of the village of Virgil is a model of neatness and exemplifies the careful habits of Mr. Holton which are so observable in all his business relations. For nine years Mr. Holton was supervisor of his town and was looked upon as one of the moat capable and careful legislators this county has ever known. He is a man of rare judgment and his counsel is often sought by the people of Virgil and vicinity.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Muncey, one of the practicing physicians of Virgil, has been a resident of the town for over forty years and has had an extensive practice in this and surrounding towns. For some weeks his health has been feeble, to such an extent that he has been confined to the house. It is to be hoped however that he may yet be spared for many years to administer to the wants of the people of his adopted town.
Dr. Emery who came from Troy, Vt., about three years ago is in the prime of life and is therefore an active physician. His practice extends over the entire town of Virgil and also embraces the towns of Harford and Lapeer. In politics the doctor is a Republican.
W. B. MUNCEY.
Mr. W. B. Muncey was born in Virgil in 1869 and is the son of Dr. Muncey, who for over 40 years has been a practicing physician in the town of Virgil. Seven years ago ho entered the store of W. A. Holton and has since that time been connected with the business. Last year Mr. Muncey was elected town clerk and was re-elected this year by an increased majority. This fact is highly complimentary to Mr. Muncey inasmuch as he is a Democrat and the town is largely Republican, he being the only Democrat elected upon the ticket.
HENRY S. MCKINNEY.
Among the prominent young men of the town we speak with especial pride of Henry S. McKinney, who resides upon a farm one mile west of the village of Virgil. Mr. McKinney's early life was spent in Virgil and in matters relating to the welfare of the town he always takes special pride. Mr. McKinney is a brother of W. G. McKinney of Cortland. When A. E. Brainard was elected sheriff of the county, he at once appointed Mr. McKinney as deputy sheriff at Virgil. As an officer he has no superior. His farm is a model of neatness and its products bring fancy prices and his latch string is always out to his friends.
THOMAS R. SPACE.
Another of the prominent young men is Thomas R. Space, who owns the farm formerly owned and occupied by Deacon Nathan Bouton. Mr. Space formerly lived at Dryden but when a small boy used to look with pride upon his present home, then the property of Mr. Bouton and when a mere boy he remarked that he would some day own that farm and enjoy the shade of the beautiful maples which line the road side. By perseverance and industry Mr. Space has been able to purchase this comfortable home and is now one of the most respected men in the community. In politics Mr. Space is a Republican and is prominent in the county.
STEPHEN K. JONES.
Mr. S. K. Jones was born in Virgil in 1869 and is the son of Benjamin J. Jones, who now resides in the town. His early education was obtained in the Virgil schools. At an early age he entered the store as clerk for his father, who was then a prosperous merchant. For 16 years previous to 1891 Mr. S. K. Jones conducted the mercantile business for himself in the Village of Virgil and was successful in a marked degree, in holding the confidence and esteem of his townsmen. In the fall of 1891 Mr. Jones was elected county clerk of Cortland county and filled that office to the entire satisfaction of all. Since his term of office has expired he has been employed much of the time in the clerk's office as deputy, which position he now occupies.
HORACE L. BRONSON.
Of the many men who look with pride to Virgil as the place of their birth, perhaps none have been more successful than has Ex-District Attorney H. L. Bronson. He early attended the schools Virgil and later the academy at Homer, where he graduated with honor. Soon afterward he commenced the study of law in which profession he has been eminently successful. He has held the office of District Attorney of Cortland county, during which term the famous Griswold—O'Shea murder case was tried. Through his efforts Griswold was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to Auburn prison for 15 years.
FROM VIRGIL.
Virgil has furnished many of the prominent business men who are to-day located in Cortland. Among these we mention Supervisor D. F. Wallace, Wesley Hooker, Alex Mahan, James S. Squires, Lewis Bouton, H. L. Bronson and Deputy County Clerk S. K. Jones. These men passed their early days in the classic town of Virgil and there laid the foundation for a successful business career. To their forefathers they owe much, for in those early days they were taught the principles of industry and perseverance which ever characterized the early settlers.
W. H. HALL.
The only hotel is owned and conducted by W. H. Hall. This hotel is one of the oldest buildings in town and from the exterior begins to show the ravages of time. On the inside, however, everything is found in first class order. The rooms are neatly papered and furnished and the table prepared under the immediate care of Mrs. Hall is one of the best to be found in Cortland county. Dances are held occasionally and always draw a large crowd from Cortland and surrounding towns.
RODOLPH PRICE.
The present postmaster at Virgil is Rudolph Price, who has held the office about a year. He is, of course, a staunch member of the regular wing of the Republican party and is a man much esteemed by those of both parties. His administration is marked by a careful consideration of the wants of his patrons. Previous to entering the post office he conducted a fertile farm about a mile from the village with the utmost ability. The farm is now rented and he resides in the village.
N. F. WEBB.
N. F. Webb, supervisor, is a resident of the western part of the town and is engaged extensively in farming. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his townsmen, although situated somewhat distant from the village of Virgil. Mr. Webb is master of Pomona grange of Cortland county.
L. D. DOYLE.
The corner store so long occupied by E. W. Winslow is now occupied by L. D. Doyle. Mr. Doyle is comparatively a new man in town but by his satisfactory dealing has already built up a fine trade.
N. A. GARDNER.
N. A. Gardner conducts the only harness shop in Virgil and confines his business principally to repairing and harness extras.
M. B. WILLIAMS.
M. B. Williams has for some years conducted a wood repair shop and undertaking rooms in Virgil and receives a fair share of the business of the town. Mr. Williams served with distinction during the war of 1861-65 and to-day carries several scars ns mementos of those perilous days.
BLACKSMITH SHOPS.
Three blacksmith shops flourish in Virgil conducted by the following gentlemen: J. C. Seamans & Sons, Lee Kelsey and Geo. W. Hicks.
HORACE L. GREEN.
Horace L. Green, whose early days were spent in Virgil, is now the talented editor of the Free Thought magazine published at Chicago, Ill.
HARMON SHEERAR.
Harmon Sheerar has recently opened undertaking rooms at his farm on the State road and will conduct the same as a branch of the undertaking business of Beard & Peck of Cortland.
In presenting these brief historical facts to the people of Virgil we trust that the interest in the town will be increased and that the younger residents of the place may take heart from the record of the privations of those early days and press forward with greater exertion in their endeavor to emulate the lives of those who laid the foundation for Virgil's present prosperity.
The DEMOCRAT is endeavoring to interest the residents of the different towns of the county in its columns and is presenting this series of historical articles with that end in view. Our canvasser, Mr. Franklin Jones, will be in Virgil next week.
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