CATCHING RUNAWAY SLAVES
VIRGINIA SLAVEHOLDERS CAUSE GREAT EXCITEMENT AT EDDYTOWN IN 1830
(republished in Dec. 26,1828)
(From Pen Yan  Chronicle)
 Eddytown in in 1830 was the scene of  an interesting incident, which incident caused peat excitement throughout this part of the county at the time of its occurrence.. Some facts in regard to this incident were put in writing several years ego by John D. Wolcott. Esq. the father of the writer of this article These facts are given substantially as they appear with other matters of history relating to the town of Starkey, which are preserved among his papers. The insolent was as Follows.

THE HORSEMEN APPEAR.
The first intimation which the people living in Eddytown had that something  unusual was occurring when the sight of several men on horseback, who were  seen passing through the place on full gallop. As They were passing. those  persons that saw them wondered, and began to institute an inquiry as to their  business. It was soon learned that two of the men, who appeared to be officers  were slaveholders from Virginia and that they were in pursuit of some runaway slaves, who were known to be this vicinity.   It seems, that certain residents of the the of town of Starkey, having in mind a reward which was offered for the recovery of these fugitives, had conveyed information to their whereabouts. and when the slaveholders, or slave catchers came into this neighborhood. These residents in expectation of further pecuniary benefit also accomplice them as guides.  The slaveholders and these, at their side, had been told that three of the fugitives were employed by a farmer Zenast P. Kelsey. to work in his harvest field a short distance south off the village of Eddytown. and a fourth was employed. up near the Red Mill, as it was called, and which was also known as the Carmichael Mill.  Twither they hastened Isaac Lanning, Patrick Quinn, and elder Abner Chase, prominent and much respected citizens and strong anti-slavery men, saw these mounted men pass and hurried to the place to where they were bound, hoping to foil their attempts at seizure But they were too late. Though the Virginians had the fugitives caught and handcuffed.  Though the poor fellows looked with appealing eyes they were powerless to aid.  Yet it there was a loophole anywhere they would find it.

 Challenged. Virginian's
Mr. Lanning stepped up to the Virginians and demanded in a tone of authority what they were going to do with those colored men. `We are going to take them beck to where they belong Sir," they replied On which Mr. Lanning said, You wont take them back' These words so defiantly spoken put a new spirit in Mr. Kellsey. the employer of these Negroes and he took off his coat immediately. Mr. Kellsey was evidently something of a fighting mast, who could who could use his fists to advantage when required. The two slave masters were armed with a sword and pistol and seemed very belligerent. One of them on observing Mr. Tellsey’s actions promptly drew his sword from it’s scabbard, as if ready for a combat. Mr. Lanning, who was a blacksmith, and had been a soldier in the war of 1812, was not all that intimidated and said. “You had better put your sword. for they are not going to he taken back till you show your authority. There has been kidnapping enough in the state of New York already.”   For awhile the matter was disused with ammunition on all sides, The Virginians, however, consented to come back to the village and there spend the night and the next morning settle the affair legally investigated. They dispatched two of their associates to catch the one by the Red Mill while the remainder stayed with their human property returned the tavern at Eddytown.    Warmed Other Slaves Mr. Lanning knew that two other fugitives were at work in Milo at the place of Silas Sprink.  The men who claimed to be their owners did not apparently know as yet where they were. He determined to send them warning and this had to be done secretly. He had a horse, a. mare he called "OH Black” witch was noted for swiftness and he secretly directed ed John Royce the young son of his neighbor, Mathew Royce, to take and ride to Milo and there warn these two slaves that the slave catchers from Virginia were after them. Dr. Walter Wolcott the grandfather of' the writer of this article was at that time practicing as a physician in Eddytown. John led “ Old Black” to Mr. Wolcott’s barn where the saddled animal then mounted, and divert any suspicions as to his movements he leisurely passed directory by the hotel where the slaveholders with their booty were just then stopping.   But no sooner was he out of site and of the tavern and he sped like the wind for Sprinks farm. On reaching the spot he found the colored men mowing be the roadside.  No sooner did they hear the ill-fated tiding, than one than one of them leaped the fence at a bound.  John directed them to make all haste to Penn Yan and there inquire for Henry Bradley, and he would tell them what to do John then returned to Eddytown and Mr. Lanning knew at that time that he had been the informant In the meantime, the matter of the seizure of the other slaves had been noised abroad and by nightfall early 200 people were assembled about the tavern. Many sympathized with the poor men who had been captured and would have saved the men if they dared. But the fine was heavy and the law severe. Others took part with the property owners and said. “Good enough for the niggers.”. They ought to be taken back” It was the place for them” “What did they know about freedom?” “They could not take care of themselves, etc

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          The slaveholders had their four slaves, the one at the Red Mill had been
 brought back, locked up in a private room in the hotel and securely. James Taylor, a. prominent lawyer who then resided in Eddytown was sent for sake of his being needed.
He came and he saw the multitude standing about he inquired in a loud tone, Roy, another resident, at once indignantly asked the lawyer Taylor what he meant by calling his neighbors a mob. Mr. Royce added than he h ad better take that back or there would be trouble. Mr. Taylor immediately apologized for his hasty remark. The people who were assembled on hearing that the matter was to be examined legally the next day returned to their homes ,some of them very  indignant  and much enraged. The morning
The morning came and although it was a busy harvest time, a large number gathered to see that to see that no foul play was used. The matter being fully investigated before Isaac P. Serymoure a justice of the pence; it was shown by papers in, Their possession that these southerners were the rightful owners of these unfortunate persons and had a right according to the law to take them back and treat them like dogs if the wished. A diligent search and inquiry was made of the remaining two fugitives who were on their was to freedom and Safety. The Virginians remained nearly a week for that purpose during which time they were guided in one direction and sometimes another on purpose to mislead and confuse them Two of their three assistants were sent to Rochester on a receipt of a report which proved to be false that the two escaped slaves were at that place. The Virginians also commended a lawsuit against Mr. Spink, laying heavy damages. This lawsuit however was never tried in court and was finally dropped  from the records. Soon after their departure from Eddytown a report was received from, Elmira that one of the masters and one of the slaves were taken ill and each had departed this life. So one slaveholder and one master returned to London county, Virginia.   Henry Bradley aided slaves In the first and only historical work so far produced by the writer of this article, is a paragraph is made as follows; Henry Bradley, of Pen Yan, to whom John Royce directed two of the fugitives to go for assistance and advice. The inhabitants of this part of the state at that time, as a rule regarded slavery if not with favor, at least with a passive indifference, but there were some among them whose idea in this respect was that slavery was a great evil, which should be abolished.  The number holding the  extreme  view were  small, but they were very outspoken  and active in expressing their opinion.  Among  these were Henry Bradley, of  Pen Yan a merchant in high standing in the community was the most prominent.
  He was a through opposite of this peculiar institution and many  fugitive. slaves with his aid  reached safety and freedom. He lived to see human slavery abolished throughout the land."    The law under which the  above  related, was  known  as the Fugitive  Slave Act of 1793. It was passed by the second Congress of United  States and during tine presidency  of George Washington. This act, as amended  was  made a part of the part of the compromise measures  of 1850, passed during  the presidency  the Millard Fillmore. This act was regarded by  the people of the northern States with considerable disfavor, an attempt and attempts of its enforcement similar to the one which has been described where  in many instances forcible resisted.   The tavern at Eddytown where the  slaveholders stopped and which  served as a temporarily  prison for their human chattels , was called the Yates Hotel, it was kept in 1830 by Phillip L. Drake who was the son  in law to Reuben Royce   above mentioned. He was said tom have    been a very popular landlord.   At that  time there was line of four horse stages running from Elmira through Eddytown to Geneva.  It seem  proper to add that at the period of  which the above e described  event occurred  Yates County consisted of seven towns.  Pen Yan the county seat, was not yet considered of enough importance to be important as a village, Dundee was known as Harpending’s Corners and was requarded as a dependency of Eddytown. Forrest then extended where now the productive farms. Deer were still to be seen in various parts of this county, particularly in the towns of Middlesex and Italy. The mode of traveling was generally on horseback, though there were some stage lines over which a stage coach passed. Farm machinery was not then in evidence and all sowing a reaping was done by hand.

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The sun crossed the line on March
20th, with the wind in the north-
west. According to weather prophets
this means forty, frosts and a cold
spring.
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Jan 8,1930
Book Found at Odessa Is Interesting Reading. In the possession of Raymond Horton, of Odessa; Town Clerk of Catherinee, is a book over 180 -years
old. The book, discovered in attic of an Odessa resident, contains the various town clerk's records from 1800 to 1847. The pages of the bouk are entirely written in long hand are clearly legible except on a few pages where the ink has somewhat faded.Like old newspsers the letter "S" is in sum cases an "F". The book is very interesting and extracte picked at random follow. Annual town meeting held at the house of David Beardslees and the following town officers were chutes, supervifor, shosen, supervifor affefors, commifsioners of highways, confstabless, Fence Viewer and Pound mafters, school inspectors. school comnifionaer and overfears of Highways. "Resolve that Lamp shall be refstrined from running at large from the 5th of August, until the 5th of November under the penalty of the owners forfeiting the sum of five Dollars to any one that forfeiting the sum of the same affect. Resolve that there shall be Five Dollars bounty on wolves and Panthers and half price for young ones in addition to the county bounty One of the most interesting excerpts in the entire book follows "Voted that Solomon Booth be be paid two dollars for making a coffin for Win. Martin. Voted that Lemunel Shelton be paid at.25 for-digging Mr. Martin's grave. Voted that James Oufterhordt $2.25 for Mr Martins fnneral charges.The total expenses for the funeral,of Win. Martin were cost $5.50.Another interesting statement is Eaton Agard recorded his mark for cattle,sbeep and hogs, a swallows fork on the end of the left ear and half penny under the same. The other statement is also very interesting and that is: The pay to Seth Hallis is to be supported the enfuing year by John Locerby for 88 cents per week. The book was written when the township of Catherine was written when the township was part of Tioga Co.

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Anchient Document
Goshen, N. Y Nov. 30 1795 I agree and promise to sell to said William  Wickhan of the town of Hector being known as the Military Land the residue of the lot on which the said Wickhan lives, it being three hundred and
fifty acres, being an undivided I are in the said lot the, the whole lot I being an undivided _____in the said lot. The cost of the land to be twenty-two shillings per acre and to be paid on the first day of May next, one hundred pounds
to the said on the first day of May 1797. One hundred pounds to be paid on the first of May 1798 and the residue to be paid the first day of May 1799,all with interest from the first day of May. But should the said Wickham is not proper payment to pay one hundred pounds within two months and fifty pounds by the first of May next, then shall have the land at twenty shillings per acre If the said William Wickham doth not give me notice by officer or notify me that he accepts that or the other of the foregoing proposal, then this writing shall be valid, and I be at liberty to sell the said land to any other party.
George. D. Wickham

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MONK’S AMAZING PROPHECY OF WAR PREDICTS PEACE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

While razing the old Monastery of the Holy Ghost in Wismar, Mecklenberg two months ago, an old Bible was found which contained A remarkable prophecy oF regarding the present world war. It was written in 1701. by one of the monks on parchment that is now yellow and seared with age. It is on exhibition in a glass case in the city hall of Wismar so much publicity has been given to the prophecy in the papers of Germany, that thousands have flocked to into Wismar to see it. The prophecy not only rives the cause of the war but also indicates the countries engaged. Up to the present it has been amazingly accurate. It does not state that Germany will be victorious, but indicates how long the war will last, when the decisive battle will be fought, and where and when peace will come, and adds that Germany will continue to exist as a power for many years. A translation of the writing on the parchment is as follows: `Lord, have mercy on Thy people despite the fact that they are turning more and more away from Thee; that they are on destroying Thy monasteries and cloisters and forgetting Thee. A time will come in Europe when these people will feel the weight of Thy hand, when malignity has and hatred will rule. It will be at a time when the papal seat will be vacant, and the conflagration will come as the result of the murder of a prince. Seven nations as will rise against the eagle with one heads, and the eagle with two heads. The birds will defend themselves furiously and viciously with their talons, and their wings will protect their people. A prince from their very midst, a sovereign who mounts his horse from the wrong side, will be encompassed by a wall of enemies. His slogan will be onward with God. The Almighty God will lead him from victory to victory, and many will meet their death, `There will be wagons without horses and fiery dragons will By through the air, dropping fire and sulphur and destroying cities and villages, The people will turn to God. This terrible war will last three years and five months. The time will come when food can neither be sold nor bought and bread will be carefully distributed. The seas will be tinged with blood and men will lie in wait under the waves for their prey. Here follows a reference to America, which was in those times often referred to as the ``country of seven stars: ''The people of the seven stars will attack the ring of steel and suddenly fall upon the bearded nation in the rear and rend it rn twain. The whole of the lower Rhine will tremble, but nevertheless will endure to the end. The land in the west will he one vast desolation and the land in the ocean will, with its king, be crushed and suffer all the pangs of hunger. The hand of the bearded people will still endure for a long time to come, and following the world will be united in one great brotherhood. Peace by Christmas. The victors will carry a cross and between four small cities and four steeples of equal height the decisive battle will be fought. Between two linden trees the victor will fall upon his knees before his army, lift his hands to heaven and thank God; following this all ungodliness will disappear; the indecent dances that prevailed before the war' will be seen no more, and God will reign in church, state and family, The war will commence when the grain is ripening and will reach its height when the cherries bloom for the third time. Peace will be consumated by the prince in time for the Christmas mass. All German newspapers have commented on the amazing prophecy. It Is remarkable, says one paper, how accurately this monk has predicted events as they have thus far occurred.
We sincerely hope that the longed for peace will come, as be says, in order that we all breath freely again.
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Jan 8,1930
Book Found at Odessa Is Interesting Reading. In the possession of Raymond Horton, of Odessa; Town Clerk of Catherinee, is a book over 180 -years old. The book, discovered in attic of an Odessa resident, contains the various town clerk's records from 1800 to 1847. The pages of the bouk are entirely written in long hand are clearly legible except on a few pages where the ink has somewhat faded.Like old newspsers the letter "S" is in sum cases an "F". The book is very interesting and extracte picked at random follow. Annual town meeting held at the house of David Beardslees and the following town officers were chutes, supervifor, shosen, supervifor affefors, commifsioners of highways, confstabless, Fence Viewer and Pound mafters, school inspectors. school comnifionaer and overfears of Highways. "Resolve that Lamp shall be refstrined from running at large from the 5th of August, until the 5th of November under the penalty of the owners forfeiting the sum of five Dollars to any one that forfeiting the sum of the same affect. Resolve that there shall be Five Dollars bounty on wolves and Panthers and half price for young ones in addition to the county bounty One of the most interesting excerpts in the entire book follows "Voted that Solomon Booth be be paid two dollars for making a coffin for Win. Martin. Voted that Lemunel Shelton be paid at.25 for-digging Mr. Martin's grave. Voted that James Oufterhordt $2.25 for Mr Martins fnneral charges.The total expenses for the funeral,of Win. Martin were cost $5.50.Another interesting statement is Eaton Agard recorded his mark for cattle,sbeep and hogs, a swallows fork on the end of the left ear and half penny under the same. The other statement is also very interesting and that is: The pay to Seth Hallis is to be supported the enfuing year by John Locerby for 88 cents per week. The book was written when the township of Catherine was written when the township was part of Tioga Co.