INTRODUCTION

In presenting to the public the GAZETTEER AND BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY we desire to return our sincere thanks to ALL who have kindly aided in obtaining the information it contains. Especially are our thanks due the editors and managers of the county papers for the uniform kindness they have evinced in calling public attention to our efforts, and for essential aid in furnishing material for the work and granting us the use of their files; to various members of the Jefferson County Historical Society for aid and encouragement; to the clergy throughout the county; to the following citizens of Watertown: Luther J. Dorwin, Esq., for his paper on the “Bench and Bar”; Daniel S. Marvin for the papers on “Prehistoric Man” and “The Ice Age”; Moses Eames for various contributions; Hon. Beman Brockway for history of the “Press of Jefferson County”; Andrew W. Munk and Mrs. John A. Sherman for valuable contributions on cheesemaking; John C. Knowlton for his sketch of the papermaking interests; Col. Albert D. Shaw for interesting history connected with the provost-marshal’s office during the civil war; Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe for history of the Jefferson County Medical Society; T. H. Camp for biographical sketches; Fred Seymour for history of schools of Watertown; and Prof. R. S. Bosworth for biographical work; to F. E. Wilson, of Rutland, for his article on the “Grange”; to Leonard G. Peck and the late George Gilbert, of Carthage, for various historical papers connected with that village; to Col. W. B. Camp, of Sackets Harbor, for interesting sketches connected with the War of 1812-15, concerning Madison Barracks, and for several biographical sketches; to Col. Richard I. Dodge and the officers of his staff for courtesies at Madison Barracks; to J. M. Cleveland, of Adams, for various papers; to D. A. Dwight of Adams, for history of several churches, and other sketches; and to many others who have rendered valuable assistance. We have also consulted the following: Spafford’s Gazetteers, published in 1813 and 1824; Hough’s History of Jefferson County, 1854; L. H. Everts & Co’s History of Jefferson County, 1878; Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 1889; The Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence, by Hough, 1880; Geographical History of the State of New York, by Mather and Brockett, 1850; The Documentary History of the State of New York; the various government charts of Lake Ontario and the River St. Lawrence; the several published maps of the county; the diary of James Mix for historical data of Champion; and various pamphlets and reports of societies, institutions, corporations and villages.

That errors have occurred in so great a number of names, dates and statements is probable and that names have been omitted which should have been inserted is quite certain. We can only say that we have exercised more than ordinary deference and care in this difficult and complicated feature of bookmaking. Over such as I feel aggrieved in consequence of errors or omissions, we beg pardon for the endeavors of the reader in noting such as have been observed in the subsequent reading of the proofs and which are found in the “Errata” at the close of this volume.

It was intended to give a brief account of all the churches and other societies in the county, but owing in some cases to the negligence of those who were able to give the necessary information, and in others to the inability of any one to do we, we have been obliged to omit special notices of a few.

We would suggest that our patrons observe and become familiar with the explanations at the commencement of the Directory, on page 3, Part Second. The names it embraces, and the information connected therewith, were obtained by actual canvass, and are as correct and reliable as the judgment of those from whom they were solicited renders possible. Each agent is furnished with a map of the town he is expected to canvass, and he is required to pass over every road and call at every dwelling and place of business in the town in order to obtain the facts from the individuals concerned whenever possible.

The margins have been left broad to enable any one to note changes opposite the names.

The map inside the back cover will be found, in connection with the Directory, very valuable.

We take this occasion to express the hope that the information found in the book will not prove devoid of interest and value, though we are fully conscious that the brief description of the county the scope of the work enabled us to give is by no means an exhaustive one, and can only hope that it may prove an aid to future historians, who will be better able to do full justice to the subject.

While thanking our patrons and friends generally, for the cordiality with which our efforts have been seconded, we leave the work to secure that favor which earnest endeavor ever wins from a discriminating public, hoping they will bear in mind, should errors be noted, that “he who expects a perfect work to see, expects what ne’er was, is, nor yet shall be.”