Historic Sketch, Settlement of New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY

 Historic Sketch of the Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, December 16, 1876

The Arnolds and Medburys came up from Rhode Island and founded settlements for their families in the midst of woods before civilization had made much advance on the west side of the river.  Nathaniel Medbury was the chief and principal leader.  He was reputed to be a man of superior abilities among the class of first settlers and took an active part in the public affairs of the infant settlement.  He purchased the wild lot next adjoining, south of the Thomas Brown farm on the Great Brook, and with the help of his son, Hezekiah [Medbury], a stalwart grown up young man soon transformed the wild woods into well cultivated fields, and made for himself and family a pleasant home on that beautiful trout stream where, in after years, the trout fishing disciples of Isaac Walton on fine spring days found rural amusement to be enjoyed, equal, if not superior to any described by old Isaac himself.

The popularity of Mr. Nathaniel Medbury procured his nomination as a candidate to the office of a member of the State Legislature in the Democratic convention and the ascendency of that party over the Federal or opposite party at that time secured his election. But before he had an opportunity to put in practice his qualifications as a legislator, his public career was suddenly ended.  An epidemic virulent and beyond the control of physicians entered the Hall of the Legislature and Nathaniel Medbury ceased to exist.  His remains were brought home and interred in the cemetery on James Brown's farm.  And the hopes, the honors and the expectations of the young legislator were extinguished forever, and the family and friends left to mourn his untimely fate.  His son, Hezekiah remained on the farm many years after his father's death and occupied the position of a good and influential citizen, taking an active part in public affairs but never held any office in the town.  Finally, he sold the old homestead farm and moved down to the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], where he died a few years ago.

Benjamin Medbury, a relative of Hon. Nathaniel Medbury, and co-emigrant with him, settled on next lot south of Nathaniel Medbury's lot.  He became a thrifty, industrious farmer, made large improvements on his farm and also engaged in buying cattle for the Philadelphia and other markets, whereby the inhabitants obtained money to make payments for their lands.  He became generally known as an enterprising cattle drover, if not to his own profit, the inhabitants who had cattle to dispose of realized the advantage of selling their cattle for money, which otherwise they could not have obtained.  He died some years ago, leaving a wife and several children.  The old farm is now [in 1876] owned by Mr. Lysander Parker, who has a large dairy, which he makes the chief business of the farm.

Joseph Medbury, a brother of Benjamin, settled on a lot a short distance north from the James Brown premises, where he remained until his death.  He was a good farmer and held the office of a justice of the peace several years.  He was respected as a kind and obliging neighbor.  He left a large family of children, none of whom are now living. [Note:  See posting of Oct. 19, 2023, for additional information.]

Stephen Medbury another brother, settled on a lot on the hill west of the village.  He was a good enterprising farmer and turned his wild lot into an excellent farm by his industry and the help of his sons.  He also carried on the trade of a cooper with his farming business.  He was esteemed as a man of probity and good judgment and was several terms one of the town assessors and gave general satisfaction for his correct and impartial assessments.  At his decease he left his valuable farm to his children.

Jabez Arnold settled on a lot west of the village which he made into a valuable farm.  He sustained the character of an industrious, prudent, and economical farmer.  He had a large family of sons and daughters who occupied distinguished places among New Berlin's inhabitants.  His farm is now [in 1876] occupied by his children's children.  

The Medburys, Browns and Arnolds were intimately connected by intermarriage and were a numerous class amongst the settlers of New Berlin.