The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago
S.S. Randall
Chenango Telegraph, March 13, 1872
Continued from posting of October 1, 2017
New Berlin
The village of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the west bank of the Unadilla river, was distinguished for its large cotton manufactory, principally owned by Joseph Moss--its extensive tanneries, belonging to Charles Knapp--its leather manufactory, under the charge of Jeremy Goodrich--and its paper manufactory, presided over by Levi Blakeslee. The latter also kept a large public house, situated in the vicinity of the river, and was generally esteemed, as well as each of the others of whom I have spoken--very wealthy. Both he and Jeremy were as "deaf as posts" and were frequently under the necessity of hailing outside passers by to "hear for them." Gen. Welch, was, at this time, the proprietor and occupant of the principal hotel, situated on the north corner of the intersecting streets running easterly and northerly, adjoining which was his store. The General was a very able and influential man--of fine personal appearance and popular manners--bluff, hale, hearty and warm hearted. He was subsequently elected Sheriff of the county, and seldom failed to represent his town in the Board of Supervisors. Silas A. Conkey was his chief political opponent--a shrewd, clear-headed, keen, astute and able man of business, owning and occupying a store on the north of Main street, nearly opposite Welch's hotel. The General commanded the Democratic battalions and Conkey the opposition under whatsoever designation. On the South street Charles Medbury had a store and Nathan Hancox, a tavern. On the north street resided Edward C. Williams, also a merchant, Rouse Clark, a manufacturer, Noah Ely and John Hyde, lawyers, and Dr. Royal Ross, physician and surgeon. Farther up was John Pike, John l. Simonds and Samuel White, the former a magistrate and the latter a brewer. On the street leading to the river, and near the Goodrich establishment, was the residence and law office of Nathan Beardslee, a promising young man, whose premature death a few years afterward, was universally regretted. Mr. Ely was a gentleman of superior talents, fine manners, and solid worth--occupying at all times a high position in the esteem and regard as well of his fellow citizens as the county generally. Mr. Williams was an intelligent, upright and respected merchant. Mr. Hyde was endowed with excellent natural abilities, and genial social qualities of which, however, he did not always make the wisest use. Simonds--"old Dean," as he was called, was as much a wag as his friend, Marshall Downing, and both could "keep the people in a roar." Downing was attached to the Goodrich manufacturing establishment, and lived either in the building or across the way. Dr. Ross, the elder, was an eminent medical authority over the surrounding region, and was regarded far and wide as the model of honest men, "Now Dr. Ross is dead" was long afterwards the common exclamation, "there are no honest men left." His son succeeded to his business--without, however, possessing in all respects, the idolatry which attached to the "old Doctor." John \Pike and Samuel White were estimable citizens, and with their neighbor, Rouse Clark, enjoyed the entire confidence of the community. Then there were Abel Judson, bluff and honest, Harry Burlingame, the neighboring tribe of Medbury's on the hill, including that non-descript genius, "the Elder," always to be found in the vicinity of roulette tables and gambling establishments generally, the elder Field, father of George and Orrin Field--Thomas Brown, a prosperous and highly intelligent farmer, and many others whose names I cannot now recall.
To be continued
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