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

 Historic Sketch - Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, January 13, 1877

Thomas Sarle, a native of Rhode Island, settled on a river lot a short distance below the Scribner Tavern.  This lot was heavily timbered and presented a formidable undertaking for a new beginner in chopping and dragging and clearing up business preparatory to raising crops.  But he was strong, resolute, and persevering and lived to enjoy the fruits of his industry and the gratification of owning one of the most valuable farms in the town as a reward for his honest labor and frugality.  He lived to a good old age and left his property to his two sons, Elisha [Sarle] and Thomas [Sarle].  The south part of the farm which he gave to Elisha is now [in 1877] owned by A.J. Sage, and the north part, which he gave to his son Thomas remains in the family and is owned by his grandson, a son of Thomas, Jordan Sarle, who is one of the best farmers in all the town.  Order, neatness and regularity is a rule not to be violated in his farming business.

Asa Angell settled on the lot next below the Sarle farm.  He came from Rhode Island, moving his young family on an ox sled, was about four weeks on the road, arrived at the place of his future home sometime in the month of June, and his wife had had her seat in the chair (presented to her by her mother as a wedding gift on the day of her marriage) during the long tedious journey up country and the same chair, afterwards used by her to rock her children during their infancy is now in a good state of preservation and remains as an heirloom in the Angell family when they assemble at the old Angell residence to celebrate the centennial of the day that their ancestors came to the farm.

Mr. Angell was a good neighbor and an exemplary member of society.  He also worked at the trade of a cooper, as well as that of farming, and left a valuable property to the inheritance of his heirs.  The old farm in now [in 1877] owned and occupied by one of his sons.

William Pliny [Phelps] and Joseph Phelps, brothers, settled on river lands adjoining to each other, and some little distance below the Dec. Foote farm.  By their industry, economy and frugality they acquired to themselves valuable farms and in common parlance were considered forehanded farmers. Mr. William Phelps as he advanced in years fancied it his duty to go out among the people and preach the gospel and in accordance with that belief, he occasionally went forth on his self-imposed mission. Whether the seed fell on stony ground or otherwise, is left to conjecture.  He has long since delivered up the stewardship of earthly labors.  The peace and quiet of his declining years were disturbed by a litigious contention forced upon him by his daughter, to whom he had already bestowed much of his possessions, and of her it might be said, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child." 

Mr. Pliny Phelps having no children to support and having a prudent wife to manage the household affairs, the surplus produce of his farm enabled him to accumulate money which he loaned out at 14 percent interest to his less fortunate neighbors.  He died at a good old age, leaving his property to his relatives, who, perhaps, enjoyed the using of it as much as Mr. Phelps did in gathering it together.

Mr. Joseph Phelps was a good farmer, a sociable, pleasant neighbor, and took great interest in the town business in which he was a careful manager.  He was usually chosen moderator at town meetings and presided with grave dignity and preserved good order on such occasions.  The town offices were separately elected by ballot, except overseers of highways, who were chosen by the uplifted hand.  On town meeting day, business was commenced by the strong loud voice of Mr. Phelps as moderator, proclaiming "the town meeting is now opened, bring forth your votes for Supervisor."  After a suitable time had elapsed for voting as determined by the presiding board of town officers, there might again be heard the strong voice saying, "The ballot box for Supervisor is now closed, prepare your vote for town clerk."  The board then proceeded to count the votes for Supervisor and on ascertaining who was elected, again the authoritarian voice was heard, "You have elected Barnabas Brown your supervisor for the ensuing year; the poll is now open for Town Clerk, bring on your votes."  And in that orderly manner was the business of choosing town officers proceeded in until all the town officers were elected which was generally accomplished by the middle of the afternoon, winding up with good feeling and hilarity.  In these simple days of honest industry before politics, town officers were selected for their fitness for the office and the candidate was never known to ask his neighbor to vote for him.  Town business was transacted with strict economy and no man sought office for its emoluments.