Miscellaneous - Sidney Plains one Hundred Years Ago (in 1872)

One Hundred Years Ago

Sidney Plains

Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 27, 1872

 

Mr. Editor--I wish to call the attention of your readers to the fact that in the year of our Lord 1872 we shall pass one of the great mile stones of our existence as a community.  One hundred years ago the present summer the first attempt was made to establish a settlement in this part of the State, and the pioneers in this undertaking pushed their way through a great wilderness, far away from the abodes of civilized life.  The nearest settlement, I think, was at Cherry Valley, though it may be that some hardy frontiersmen might have established themselves on the lake, at or near Cooperstown.  Through all these valleys and over all these hills, stood unmolested a mighty forest--a great hunting ground for the red man.  Here and there on the banks of the winding river, a little opening had been made by a race that was soon to pass away; but in the main the solemn forest held possession of the land.  Here on the flats was one of these Indian clearings , and on what is known as the "Johnston Knoll," was an Indian orchard.  Whether or not any of the trees are still standing I cannot tell; but one thing is certain, apples are still gathered, the originals of which grew in the orchards of the Indians.

 

The pioneer in this undertaking was no ordinary man.  Born in Dublin, Ireland, in the year 1713, connected with a family of position and wealth, educated at Edinburgh, Scotland.  Migrating to this country, and in the summer of 1772 leaving behind the abodes of civilization to seek a home in this valley, where the common necessities of civilized life could hardly be gratified.  This pioneer was the Rev. Wm. Johnston, then 59 years old.  On his first journey he brought with him his son Witter, then 18 or 19 years of age, who was afterwards known in the annals of our history as Col. Witter Johnston.

 

But it is not my intention to narrate the events of our early history, as there are others far better qualified for that pleasant task; but suffice it to say that in the summer of 1772 the first attempt at settlement was made, a house was built on the "knoll" and preparations made for the family that was to follow the coming year.  This done, the father returned for his family, leaving alone for the winter, his son Witter.  For a young man of 19 this must have been a test of courage and endurance that few would have courted.  Thus was laid the foundation for the first settlement in this part of our valley.

 

Since that time a century has passed--a century, much of which has been passed in serious conflict to obtain subsistence and the common necessities of life.  Day by day the great forest had to be pushed back that the soil beneath might be fitted to supply the wants of needy settler, every step taken had to be fought for with resolution and strength that makes us ready to exclaim "there were giants in those days."

 

Would it not be well for us, as we pass out of this century, so full of stirring events, to gather up, as best we can, some memoirs connected with our early history that will soon be "clear gone forever."  We have still with us a few, whose lives are closely connected with the past of our history.  Here and there can be gathered much material for pleasant tales--many incidents, of early life--its customs, its jests, its trials, and achievements, are still treasured in the minds of some, who cannot stay long with us.

 

Think of it!  Closing up a century of our existence as a community!  This century should be made an occasion of more than ordinary interest.  Our wandering sons and daughters should all be called home to join with us in celebrating, as best we may, the close of the first century of our existence.  Old tales should be retold, old songs should be resung, old customs should be revived and old hearts made glad by the memoirs of the Past.

I.E.S.