Lewis Roe Overton diary
1820-1827
Lewis Roe Overton was born
December 10, 1800 to Elisha and Ruth (Roe) Overton. He
was raised at the original family homestead on what is
know known as David Overton Road in Coram. This diary is
from his earlier days as an itinerant teacher in the
vicinity of Carteret County in North Carolina. He later
taught in upper New York State and through the Mohawk
Valley. He returned to Long Island in 1830 and began
teaching in Bellport, New York. He then purchased a home
on Mill Road in Coram.
He was postmaster of Coram for
several years. Brookhaven Town offices of Superintendent
of Schools 1849 to 1856, Town Clerk 1856 to 1860. Lewis
Overton died on January 4, 1872.
This diary was edited by
Longwood Middle School students Kristin Difrancia and
Christina White. The unedited version can be found at the
Longwood Public Library.
December 1820
Monday, 26.
Much excitement has lately been caused from a vague
report that the slaves of this vicinity have plotted a
conspiracy against the whites and that last evening
(Christmas) was to have been its consumation. Many have
in consequence indulged the most fearful apprehension for
their safety and the strict watch of the patrol and City
guard was kept during the whole of last night. No
symptoms of insurrection or disturbance occurred.
However, it is probable the suspicions were groundless
and the report false.
Monday, 2 January, 1821
This day opened a day and evening school in
Middle-Street. Afternoon attended the annual slave market
held at the courthouse. The scene is revolting to every
better feeling of humanity and patriotic freedom. The
unfortunate beings are conducted like herds of cattle to
a fare and the mingled passicns of hope and fear are
depicted on each countenance. Some hoping in a
near-compassionate and human master to find a deliverance
from unfeeling tyranny and others dreading the chance of
falling intothe hands of rigid severity. "Oh,
Liberty how is thy alter profanited by those who call
themselves thy sons?"…Latin quote. A day, an
hour of virtuous liberty is worth a whole eternity of
bondage- how pitiable must be the condition of those
unhappy slaves who can never hope to enjoy one of natures
noblest gifts. The week between Christmas and the New
Year is here generally allotted them as a relief from
their toll. Some are even denied this short holiday.
February 15,
Have just returned from an excursion thru Hyde and
Beaufort County. Find the soil of the latter very fertile
and productive forests. The unpleasant state of the roads
which are very little improved and at this season of the
year literally inundated with water.
February18,
Arrived yesterday at I Borden's seat on this river, where
I have engaged to open a family school
June 10,
Very sultry in a ramble through the woods have found the
tick very troublesome. Saw the "Seed tick"
which is indeed so numerous in the woods that hundreds
may often be counted on a single twig or blade of grass.
July 1,
I have found considerable acquaintance with the country
people of this vicinity whom I found to differ in society
and manners very considerably from the town. The latter
are tolerably educated and in many instances refined
while the former with a few exceptions are illiterate,
uninformed, and from their habits of intercourse with the
Negroes, barbarously corrupt in their language and
pronunciation. As a general character it may however, be
relent in their habits, possess a vigor of mindfind no
way inferior to those of the Northern States, with a
warmth of temper and among the fair sex a softness on
manners exceeding them.
Beaufort, September 20, 1821
Came last week into the village where I have engaged to
open a school and have taken lodgings at Mr. S. B.
Boolty.
December 10.
`This day completed my twenty first year. May the being
who governs the universe of men and who conducted me
safely this period of life direct my steps toward the
paths of usefulness and virtue.
Smiths Creek Mine. January 5 1822
Have opened schooling the neighborhood and taken lodgings
at H.Carraway"s.
Portsmouth, Aril, 8 1822
Closed my school last week at Smith's Creek, when we made
fair excursion to this island which is situated on the
seaboard and so low that is often inundated with the sea
at high tides, covered chiefly with Myrtle, Yanpon and
other evergreens.
July 30,1822
Past week attended a Methodist camp meeting at Shepherds
Point situated at the Junction of Newport River and Bogue
Sound. The auditors were estimated to amount to something
less than one thousand (including blacks (Negroes) that
held their meetings contiguous to the whites.)
August 1822
This day came on board the Schr Carpenters Son Capt.
Williams for New York. This afternoon weighed and ran our
anchor have discharged the pilot and are proceeding to
sea with a gentle breeze.
Staten Island, August 1822
Have just anchored in Quarantine gound where, having a
sick man aboard, we are assured by the health officer
that we must remain some days. There are at present about
40 sail of vessels under quarantine of all classes among
which I notice one American and one English. Man of War
the Brig. Enterprise has also lately anchored from a
cruise in the West India Seas. The yellow fever is
committing great ravages among the crew and many of them
have fallen sacrifices to its virulence.
Sept. 1822
I am assured that the most memorable storm of the 3rd of
September last, occasioned almost incalculable damages in
this vicinity and that out of nearly sixty sails which
were lying at anchor in this bay but two were able to
weather it. It is a remarkable fact that these gales or
tornadoes commence about the Gulf of Florida and pass
with great velocity along the coast of the United States
in narrow veins. Dr. Franklin (Benjamin) first made this
observation and ascertained that in one instance that it
was about twenty four hours in passing from Florida to
Maine
August 20, 1822
Have just been with the health officer who has given me
permission to leave quarrantine provided I do not pass
through New York. Have accordingly taken passage on board
a Schr of L.I. Bay... Last evening arrived at Islip and
this afternoon greeted home after an absence of about 21
months.
April 4, 1823
Last Sunday and Monday a snow fell here to the depth of
two feet... Last Tuesday attended our annual town meeting
at Coram. Rode out in a sleigh which was nearly the only
vehicle for traveling used on that day.
June 1823
Last week opened a school in the village of Babylon.
New York, November 1823
Last week left Long Island in company with L. H. for this
city whence we propose proceeding to the Erie Canal. This
river is confined by high and precipitate banks, which in
some places bend directly over the passengers head as he
passes along the canal, at a height of several hundred
feet above him, causing him involuntarily to shudder at
the apparent danger of his situation.
Little Falls Saturday 1823
Last evening arrived in this borough where we had the
mortification to find our novel and pleasing mode of
traveling at an end. The ice in the canal having become
so strong as to prevent the boats from proceeding.
December 1823
Engaged in a school in a district a mile west of Little
Falls. Among the Dutch whose manners and habits are in
some instances familiar from boarding in a number of
families. I had a good opportunity of becoming acquainted
with them. Found them greatly deficient in a point of
cleanliness and mostly destitute of taste.
March 1824
Closed my school in Dutch town and took carriage for
Wolcott... Notes of our coachmans' bugle which floated on
the ear and announced the arrival of the Stage Coach.
Buffalo is pleasantly situated on the mouth of Lake Erie
though at the distance of near half a mile from it's
margin. It is built chiefly on one street about a mile
long. The south end of which stretches to Buffalo Creek
which furnishes a very commodious harbor, for it's
shipping. The Erie Canal will terminate here and receive
a principal feeder from the mouth of this creek.
Nagara Falls, April 10,1824
This morning took stage to Niagara Falls, a distance of
about 22 miles. A turnpike is contemplated here which is
highly necessary as the road is too rough.
Oak Orchard, County, April 21, 1824
After satisfying my curiosity at the falls, I took stage
for Lewiston whence I proceeded to this place, Some
distance below the falls we passed a small basin on the
American side. Which has been demonstrated the
"Devil Hole" derives its celebrity and perhaps
its name from the circumstance of a battle fought in its
vicinity during the French War, between the French and
Indians and the English colonists in which five hundred
of the latter were forced over the precipice and
precipitated about two hundred feet down the
perpendicular bank where they were dashed in pieces!!
April 24, 1824
Last Monday opened a school in village in which I
contemplate spending the summer. Oak Orchard is a small
village on the ridge road, 38 miles east of Lewiston and
40 miles west of Rochester. It derives its name from a
creek so called which runs through it. An aqueduct of
exquisite masonry supported by an arch of 60 feet span,
conducts the Erie Canal across the creek. The basins and
villages along the canal are very numerous and in a few
years hence it will probably be lined with flourishing
trading villages. The Erie Canal when completed will
exceed three hundred and sixty miles in extent and its'
completion is contemplated by the close of 1825.
July 5, 1824
Having been attacked with the augue and fever, I shall
make arrangements for returning to the Island as soon as
possible.
August 5, 1824 Albany, New York
This morning arrived in the City after a pleasant passage
per Canal packet and Stage. I spent but one day in
Rochester which I found to be a large manufacturing and
mercantile town. The Erie Canal crosses the Geneessee at
this place through a stone aqueduct of good masonry and
resting on ten arches of about 50 feet of span at
Montezuma. The canal passes directly through it and
appears to have caused much labor. The excavation was
performed by means of a scoop net, and the mud excavated
applied to the construction of banks which, have become
solid and furnish permanent towing paths.
August 15, 1824
Arrived home last week after an absence of about eight
months. General La Fayette arrived in New York per packet
Cadmus. This illustrious Nobleman, dear to the heart of
every patriotic American, was received at our Metropolis
with acclamation of joy and gratitude and distinguished
honours will await him on his tour through the states and
growing Union.
October 1, 1824
The weather during the pass months have been warm and
pleasant and farmers have a fine season for seeding. My
father is just recovering from a course of Typhus Fever
which it has pleased providence to spare him. I have
engaged and opened a school in Islip which I contemplate
spending the winter.
Tuesday 25. (January 1825)
The weather continues remarkably open and mild. Vessels
are continually running in L. Island bay and has been
nearly the whole winter.
Wednesday 25.
Spent yesterday in strolling over the Philadelphia city
and viewing the Schuykill and the Fairmount water works
on that river. This morning crossed over to Hamilton and
walked out several miles on the Lancaster road. This
celebrated turnpike is a very handsome road and is
bordered with neat and highly cultivated farms.
Tuesday 30.
The thorn hedges through the lower part of Pa. and
particularly in this state are extremely beautiful and an
advanced State in the agricultural improvements. This
morning crossed over to Wilmington which, is situated
directly opposite Brandywine with which it communicates
by Brandywine bridge. It is a pleasant village and the
largest town in the state of Delaware.
Wednesday, 8th June
Counties in this state are subdivided into hundreds
corresponding with the townships in the northern states.
The building here as well as in the eastern part of Pa.
are almost exclusively built of stone. A great portion of
the original settelers of this vicinity were Swedes,
whose descendants composed a large portion of the present
population. The Quaker habits prevail here to a great
degree, tho a majority who that character have only
adopted the peculiar errors and foibles of that society
while the more commendable features of their doctrine
constitute no part of their practice.
July 5
The anniversary of Independence is not celebrated here
and yesterday passed off almost without being remembered
as the anniversary of our liberties birth.
November 10 (1825)
On the fourth instant celebration completion of the Erie
Canal was celebrated in New York and it is said it was in
a grand and imposing manner. For celebration boats
entered the canal at Buffalo on the 26 and arrived in New
York on the morning of the 4 inst. Having been
accompanied from Albany by a number of steamboats.
Tuesday 28
This morning set sail on board the packet Sarah Ann for
Philada. After passing the draw bridge at the foot of
Market Street, We sailed down the Christina Creek which
after receiving the far famed Brandywine, discharged
itself into the Deleware River Three miles below
Willmington.
Thursday 30.
This morning got on the Steamboat Thistle for N. York
where we arrived at 10 or 11 A.M. This city with its
162,000 inhabitants and 100 churches is in a rapid state
of improvement which each year obviously exhibits.
Saturday 1, April
Very pleasant. This morning ste sail for Brookhaven where
after a very pleasant sail 8 or 9 hours we arrived. We
saw between Sandy Hook and Fire Island Inlet 5 whales
which were the first I ever saw. Rode to Patchogue whence
I proceeded home on foot where I arived at 8 P.M after an
absence of more than 10 months.
Saturday July 1
Independence a cemi centenial anaversiary has arrived and
great preparations have in many places been made for its
celebration-during the lapse of half of a century. Almost
all of the veterans of '76 have sunk to the tombs mor
lived to witness the liberty and growing prosperity which
their sons enjoy. May the all wise director incline us to
be grateful for his blessings and whilst we are rising in
prosperity and knowledge and refinement may we retain the
purity and patriotism of our ancestor and duly appreciate
the liberty they purchased.
Saturday 8,
The venerable expresidents, Adams and Jefferson died on
the 4th inst the circumstances of their death occurring
on the National Jubilee and within about four hours of
each other exhibits an unusual and unprecedented
coincidense events their ages were respectively 92 and 83
they have left but few of their contemporaries who with
themselves gain the liberty we enjoy. Peace to the names
of the patriot and the Sage-Chas Carroll is the survivor
of the illustrious Senate who signed the Declaration of
Independence he yet lingers on the borders of time and is
the last visible luminary in that consterlation whose
radiant beams once enlightened our political sky.
Monday 9th October
Last Saturday attended a review of Col. Woodhull's
regiment mustered at Coram after having satisfied myself
with half an hours examination of the motlely assemblage
which thronged the premises of "Mine host I was
prevailed on to take a stand in the bar".
Monday 6th
Yesterday walked in company with missrs Mulford and
Heavens to Poosspaddacka Small Indian Hamlet near Mastic
tho once a considerable Indian Village it has depreciated
to half a dozen families some of whom are Negroes and
Shades. One wigwam only remains. The other tenements
being framed These inmates are rapidly diminishing and a
few years will perhaps render extinct the last relic of a
probably once powerful tribe. Their appearance is that of
extreme proverty tho the natural advantages and percular
privliges which their locality ejoys would seemed to want
the idea that they cannot want the means of substance.
Wednesday 8th
This evening our state election for Governor, lieutnant
governor and members of the assembly ect. closed- the
polls were opened at Moriches this morning. The electors
it is said are pretty nearly divide in their votes for
the candidates for governor notwithstanding the fair
claims to which the sources of the present encumbant of
that office have entitled him.
Monday 20th Saturday
Having a holiday I rode on an unbroken colt "Wild as
the winds of the north" after several spills of
jumping , plumging, rearing and other maneuvers equally
ungallant an impolite, his restless spirit yielded to the
switch and he caried me safe home although several
bruises on my fingers bare testimony to the violence they
had suffered!!
Friday 24th
Last evening the fist session of a debating society
recently organized and danominated the debating club of
Moriches was held at E. Raynor's. Mr.Clinton is elected
governor of New York by a majority.
Thursday 7th
This day has been set apart by our governor as the day of
Thanksgiving. It is however little observed in this past
evening called in at E. Raynor's where a set had
collected for dancing.
Tuesday 10th
This is my birthday and complete my 26th year.
Sunday 15th (1827)
Last evening rode to Capt. J. Smith's where I spent the
night very agreeably. Returned this morning to Capt.
Haven's where I had spent the day in reading, etc.
Evening called on Oakley's in attendance upon some young
ladies.
Wednesday 17th
This morning opened the second school house in Moriches
the public journals announced that a war has broken out
between Spain and Portugal and that England, agreeable to
treaty of alliance, is preparing to defend the latter.
Friday 9th Feby
Last evening sat up with the corpse of Mrs. Biggs in
company with several young persons, the deceased was the
wife of Isaac Biggs of this place is said to have
exchanged apparent satisfaction spending the ? long night
in the presence of the remains of a fellow creature
having just made the transation, is well calculated to
impress the minds with lessons of mortality and to show
the fragile and perishable nature of the tenement on
which we make such momentous calculations and which
serves only as an envelope to include the soul.
Monday 12th
Rode to the fireplace in company with Messers Worth
Havens and Post heard the Rev. E.King lecture in
Fireplace meeting house.
Wednesday 4th
Yesterday attended our annual town meeting at Coram the
day was unusually fine.
Friday 27th
Yesterday rode to Drownmeadow the afternoon and evening
very agreeable with Mr. Z. Hawkins and family rode to
Setauket and returned home via the pond and Westfields.
Monday 30th
This morning resumed by school in Moriches.
Sunday 3rd
Have just returned from the annual meeting of the blacks
at Poosapaddack, at which the Rev. Hawkins officiated a
very considerable concourse of whites and blacks attended
the latter probably prompted to attend from motive of
curiosity several tawny natives raised their voices in
the corus of praise to the God of the white man and the
indian the scene was highly interesting, and imagination
reverted back to the period when nights of the bow and
arrow of whom these are the lineal descendants pursued,
the wild game over the forest of their then undisputable
dominions or with the elastic and hideous yells danced
their war dances and chanted the Song of Victory and
triumph over a vanquished fox.
Monday 2nd July
Last Friday afternoon set sail for Babylon. Strolled over
the village till noon when we sailed for Fire Island
light house. Whilst at the lighthouse ascended the tower
several times and witnessed the operation of igniting-
the tower is constructed of Stone and rises on a base of
35 feet diameter to the height of 75 feet to the dome
when it has a diameter of 14 feet the form is octagonal
it is a revolving light to distinguish it from those of
Sandy Hook and Montauk. The lamps appear to be of the
best construction and emit a very strong light the wick
is drawn over a cylinder of an inch diameter and elevated
or depressed by a cylinder.
Thursday 5th
Yesterday the anniversary of Independence was attempted
to be celebrated in Moriches tho the want of means ect
rendered it less interesting than it might have more than
one hundred guns hoever were fired and an ovation
delivered by Mr. M Fanning.
Monday 16th
The weather is fine for hay making and harvesting and our
farmers are prostrating the well grown grass and
spreading the " harvest to the sun."
Wednesday 1st August
This day closed my school in Moriches, L. called this
afternoon for the purpose of taking me home.
Saturday 11th
This morning attended the launching of the sloop Missouri
and had the pleasure of standing on the deck when she
descended into the water a concourse of Several hundred
assembled.
Sunday
This morning rode horsed to Fireplace having spent the
night there in consequence of a heavy rain. This morning
after attendedmeeting at Coram and called on A. M.
Overton at Westfield.
Friday 24th
Yesterday and this afternoon attended a review of the
officers attached the 32nd regiment. The weather is fine
and very favorable to the occasion.
Monday 3rd
Today attended a review of Captain Rayoner's.
Tuesday 4th
Today resumed my school in Moriches after a months
vacation.
Saturday
Attended a regiment review at Coram Saw J. Brown and
sisters from the west with whom I spent the evening. Last
evening returned to Moriches after attending services at
Westfeild.
Sunday 2nd
Today heard lecture from the Rev. Mr.Langhton at Coram.
Tuesday 4th
Yesterday called up Westfield. Spent the night at Uncle
J.B. Roe's at confirmation of the report of the loss of
the Sloop Levity has just reached here the sloop capsized
in attempting to cross the Fire Island Bar last Saturday
morning. The crew consited Capt. Rode and his son at Mr.
Risley and a lad by the name of Ruland. Some of the crew
was, seen of the wreck most of the day but no assistance
could be given, the crew belonged at Patchogue.
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