Bainbridge Settlement - Article from 1928

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

Some Facts of Interest About Its Settlement

Clipping from Follett Scrapbook - Author Unknown

August 15, 1928

Until the close of the Revolutionary War the western limit of the white man's country in this part of New York state was the Unadilla river, and a line extending southward from this point of confluence with the Susquehanna.  In other words the territory now comprised within the town of Bainbridge was just west of the "Line of property" as it was called, and was the eastern limit of the indefinite Indian domain.

 

One hundred and forty-three years ago (1785) Governor George Clinton purchased for the state of New York from the Oneida and Tuscarora Indians a considerable area of land west of the "Line of Property" in which was included that territory now comprising the town of Bainbridge.  previous to this purchase there had inhabited this township in remotest times a race of Algonquins called the Leni-Lenapes or Delaware Indians, but about the middle of the sixteenth century they were expelled by tribes of the Iroquois.  The Oneidas and Tuscaroras claimed the land, but on the western boundary of the town was a village of Houssatonick Indians, while at Ouaquaga, a few miles below Bainbridge, was the important Mohawk trading village of that name.  Here at Ouaquaga were the headquarters of Joseph Brant Thayendanegea, the famous Mohawk chief, and leader of the bloody massacre at Cherry valley.  here was also the home of Peter Agwrondougwas, the local chief of the Oneidas, who was converted to Christianity and preached the gospel to all of the Indian villages up and down the valley.

 

At the time Governor Clinton bought this tract of land, a portion of it was set aside as the township of Clinton, represented in a general way by what is now Bainbridge, Afton and Coventry. The choicest land along the river banks was granted to a class of people known as "Vermont Sufferers."  These were persons who had been dispossessed of certain property and otherwise punished owning to their allegiance to the government of the State of New York during the controversy existing between it and the state of Vermont immediately after the close of the Revolution. Among the "Vermont Sufferers" to whom land was assigned in the valley, and who with their families and descendants have played a prominent part in the development of the town were the Evans, Stowell, Bixby and Israel Smith families of Bainbridge and the Landers, Chruch, Carpenter and Benton families of Afton.

 

The earliest settlement in the present town of Bainbridge were made by the Bennett family at Bennettsville, and Reuben Kirby at the Humphrey settlement.  Elnathan Bush and Hezekiah Stowell were located below Afton near Stowell's island even before this.  The Bush family later bought what is now the William Beatty farm where their descendants have lived ever since.  It was at this spot that the village of Jericho was originally planned.  In 1800 - 1805 this locality about the Bush farm was called Jericho post office.  There are known to have been a schoolhouse, a tavern, a blacksmith shop, two stores, a hat manufacturing business and a tailor shop besides several houses in the vicinity of Jericho post office.

 

Soon after 1800 there came to Jericho one Frederick Augustus Baron de Zeng, a Saxon nobleman, born in Dresden, who crossed to America in command of some of Hessian troops in the service of Great Britain.  He arrived too late to participate in the British campaign against the colonists but became so interested in the country that he was naturalized.  He was possessed of considerable wealth and invested heavily in highways or turnpikes, which at that time were often owned by private individuals or companies.

 

His property interest in the then new Ithaca and Catskill turnpike brought him to Jericho and in 1805 he had constructed the first of our river bridges to connect the Ithaca and Catskill turnpike with the Esopus turnpike, then terminating at the east side of the river.

 

About the same year, he had built for himself on the west bank of the river a handsome and roomy residence later known as the Bishop house, and since removed by the National Milk Sugar Company.  The building of the bridge and the Baron's subsequent activities determined the location of Bainbridge village.  Baron de Zeng had a large family, all of whom were of great local prominence in Jericho days.  One of his sons built a commodious tavern on the site now occupied by the rectory of St. Peter's church.

 

The Juliand home, probably the oldest house of importance now standing, was built by the family nearly one hundred and twenty-five years ago [in 1928].  In 1814 the name of the town was changed to Bainbridge in honor of Commodore William S. Bainbridge, who had become a national hero as a result of his brilliant naval victories.  It is not known that the commodore ever visited or ever heard of the town which bears his name.  However in later years his descendants have honored our village by paying a visit to it.

 

At this time there are known to have been in Bainbridge three hotels, a small meeting house, three stores, a tannery, a sawmill, a grist mill, a hat shop, a harness shop, a cabinet and furniture shop and a large blacksmithing establishment where edged tools were also made. The population in Jericho in 1814 was about fifteen hundred.  Stages were running on the Od Chenango road and the Ithaca and Catskill turnpike.  Great rafts of lumber floated down the river to the city markets for the early settlers were lumberman.

 

The corporation of Bainbridge village was formed April 21, 1829 with Colonel R.W. Juliand as the first village president.

 

In 1866 - 1867 the Albany and Susquehanna railroad was built through Bainbridge.

 

Bainbridge has six churches, the oldest of which is the Presbyterian.  This was organized in 1793 as a Congregational church but in 1873 was changed to the Frist Presbyterian church.  It has a sightly location facing the park.  St. Peter's church which was built in 1826 is located on the south side of the park.  The First Methodist Episcopal church is located on North Main street.  This society was organized and incorporated March 25, 1816.  The present brick building was erected in 1902.  the Baptist church was organized July 9, 1867, and is located on South Main street as is also St. John's Catholic church which was built in 1914.  The Free Methodist church, which was organized in 1868 is located on Front street.

 

Our Free Library, which is located in rooms in the town hall, is a very important and attractive feature of our village life.

 

Among our many industries are the American Separator Company, Casein Manufacturing Company, National Milk Sugar Company.  The Dry milk Company and The Erinold Company.

 

A large and well equipped high school building was erected on Academy street three years ago, and under the efficient leadership of Principal Francis J. Casey is one of the best known schools in this section of the state, pupils coming here from surrounding towns to secure their training.