Ephraim Benson is one I mention first. His farm was the second from the old red school house north and was a part of Indian River flats. This is a family that can be remembered for their neighborly friendship and loyalty, town interest for good schools. This man lived to see the Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad go through that section. Aaron Benson was his son. Next is Cushman Sprague who survived all hardships that most people shared those times such as clearing their farms of woods and getting land to produce what was necessary to live on and a small saving and above all left the home for the family to enjoy with kind and friendly memories for generations to come.

Then there is Ephraim House. He was one I remember well. The family and I went to school together. They were always ready to answer any neighbor call for help in time of need. Mr. and Mrs. House lived in this nicely built and comfortable home in happiness with their small family and those days enjoyed freedom and liberty that had been won for the American people. Next is Robert Hunt. Soon after Mr. and Mrs. Hunt decided to make this their home up went another log house made with a little lumber and plaster. I was asked one time, do these cabins have a chamber with beds and steps or just a ladder? You see he must live in one of these big houses which have been built since this home security plan has been made where the house has big windows, glass doors, winding stairs and a chimney out doors. On an average one lives there a little while then Uncle Sam takes it. Next is the Peter Piper home. This couple lived there until death when their son, George, took possession and lived there nearly all of his life. They had three children, Mrs. Elizabeth Stearns, Lester and George, Jr., all of whom are living in the town of Theresa. Mr. and Mrs. Piper, Sr., were good neighbors and always cheerful. Mr. Piper enjoyed playing his violin for parties. His daughters played with him. Next is Deloss Herrick. They were pioneers of that settlement. They had a son in the Civil War that lost his life there. There was no mistake about those people working for the good of their country. They have also left a landmark, the Herrick Schoolhouse at the top of the hill.

In 1859 at a special meeting it was voted that Henry Kenyon be chairman of the meeting. The motion was made and seconded that a frame schoolhouse be built in one year from June first 1860 by tax for $200. It was voted to have a committee chosen. They were Nelson E. Simons, William L. Simons, Darius Warden, George Piper. Hardwood was furnished then for 40 to 50 cents a cord.

Next is Captain William Simons home and farm. Mr. Simons was a sailor on the Great Lakes in his younger years. He was a man that had lots of friends. He and Mrs. Simons were called on as nurse in sickness. That farm is now owned by the Y. M. C. A. Club of Syracuse, N. Y. This was written by your old schoolmate.

Mrs. Cora Simons Bacon
Jamesville, N. Y. May 22, 1941

Note: Title assigned by typist.