Historical Wyoming County July 1958 - Old Fulton History

Page 104 July 19 58
STRYKERSVILLE SKETCHES (cont.)
Mill Street, dropping sharply from Main and going west to cross
Buffalo Creek, was a beehive of industry for several generations.,
Conrad Hyman ran a grist and saw mill near the creek, and during the
early l880«s renovated the establishment at a cost of $5,000 to the
extent that his grist mill had a capacity for grinding liOO bushels a
day, and besides excellent waterpower hdd a steam engine for contingent
use, The Industry was later known as C. Hyman & Sons. Like so
many small town industries, it was burned not many years ago and not
rebuilt due to changing economic conditions. Across the creek was a
cooper shop whose history went back to Civil War days or earlier,and
one of the best-remembered proprietors was Peter Herrmann.
Some Lore of the Village
Every village has a history of humor and pathos, and an event
which Mr. Bennion well remembered occurred in a little Dutch grocery
up on Plant Street. The proprietor was Henry Mertges. This was a
favorite hangout for men who had time to spare, time to speculate on
the problems of the day, ears to catch the latest bit of gossip, and
inclinations to hatch plots on innocent victims. The story is that
the grocer got in a nice supply of small smoked hams, the aroma from
which was so enticing that aopetfites must be satisfied by hook or
crook. The best approach was deemed to be that of treating the proprietor
to a generous supply of local and Imported brew,and when his
powers of observation were dulled to enjoy a feast. No sooner planned
than accomplished. The hams, crackers and other dainties vanished
while the grocer played an unwitting host.
Recovering from the deception, Mr. Mertges vowed to even things
up. Quietly he bought up a number of dogs, killed them and smoked
the hams. When all was ready, he passed o c word that he had just
gotten in another nice supply of hams. The same gang gathered as
before, the host helped them to generous Dortions, and when all were
congratulating themselves that the fare was as delicious as the
first stolen goods, the proprietor quite casually announced the
nature of the second meal.It is said that he was nearly lynched by
the gang,but it is safe to assume that it was a lesson never forgottenc
In the center of the village lived Deacon Joab Wooster, a good
Baptist and a professional millwright. His labors took him all over
the countryside,his reputation being enhanced by his excellent workmanship
and the fact that he outlived six wives, the seventh having
survived him. His home is the present Kindel residence. Speaking of
deacons also reminded Strykersvilleites of Deacon Melancthon Abbott,
of the Congregational Church, and Deacon Benjamin Rosebrook who came
to town as a Bible tract peddler. Miss Marcia Robinson, a spinster,
decided to take him and he remained to add his voice to the choir of
the Congregational Church. All these men were pillars of their denominations.
Another odd man was Eri Balcom, a retired whaler, a
short fat man, who used to tell some tall stories of his early sea
life. Hiram Cobleigh, one of the men who manufactured carriages,
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