History of Ledyard, New York, USA

1823 - Ledyard was formed from Scipio January 20, 1823, and was named after Benjamin Ledyard, agent and clerk for the apportionment of lands in the Military Tract.
It lies on the east bank of Cayuga Lake southwest of the center of the county. The surface inclines toward the west, its extreme east border being elevated five hundred or six hundred feet above the lake level. Generally the hill slopes are gradual and the streams are small, rapid brooks, the principal one being Paine's Creek which flows through a narrow ravine in the south part. The soil is very fertile, being a sandy, clayey loam.

Title History of Cayuga County, New York
Cornell Library New York State Historical Literature
Author Cayuga County Historical Society
Publisher Authors, 1908
Page 419

1826 - A man named James Bonton, while crossing a bridge in the town of Ledyard, N. Y. a few days since, was instantly killed by being thrown from his horse which had become frightened.

American Advocate
Maine
October 14, 1826

1836 - Ledyard
LEDYARD, taken from Scipio, 30th January, 1823; distant from Albany 170, from Auburn, S. W. 16 miles; surface rolling; soil, clay loam, resting on clay slate, in which the remains of shell fish are so abundant as to convert it into marl; drained by some small tributaries of the Cayuga lake. Levuna and Aurora are post villages, both lying on the lake. The first, 14 miles from Auburn, has a tavern, store, several stores for the forwarding business, and about 20 dwellings. The second, 18 miles from Auburn, has 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Methodist church, the Cayuga Academy, 2 taverns, 4 stores, 2 storehouses, and about 150 dwellings. This is one of the most charming villages on the lake, lying upon a gently inclined plane, ending in an indentation of the lake, surrounded by a very rich country, under the highest cultivation, and ornamented by many neat dwellings, inhabited by wealthy families. A steamboat from Ithaca to the bridge, touches daily at this and the other villages... Read MORE...

1851 - President Fillmore sojourned at his father's residence at Aurora, New York, on Sunday and Monday.

The Sun
Baltimore, Maryland
May 21, 1851

Read more about Millard FILLMORE

1854 - Ledyard
Ledyard, a post-township in Cayuga co., New York, on the E. shore of Cayuga lake. Population, 2043.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
AURORA, a village in Cayuga co., New York, 170 m. W of Albany. Pop. 500.

A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Saturday, April 22, 1876 - Aurora Centennial Festival A Brilliant Affair - Large Attendance and Complete Success
The good citizens of the quite village of Aurora have been for some weeks preparing for a Centennial Festival in aid of the State fund, and to assist in repairing the Washington Homestead at Mount Vernon… On either side of the long rooms were arranged refreshment tables, one for each of the old thirteen colonies… Pennsylvania displayed its pennants of pink and gold. Its name of power suitable inscribed - vert and argent - and upon its white curtained drapery, the portrait of a remembered citizen of Aurora, Major Asa Burnham, a revolutionary soldier, if indeed his years did not extend to the old French war, and also of the Hon. Eleazer Burnham who on more than one occasion was of the Presidential Electoral College.

At this table Mrs. Town presided...
Auburn Daily Bulletin
Auburn, New York
April 22, 1876

Read more about Asa W BURNHAM

1879 - Ledyard / Aurora
Ledyard was formed from Scipio January 30th,1823, and derives its name from Gen. Benjamin Ledyard, an early settler in the town.He was an agent and clerk for the apportionment of lands in the Military Tract. The Town of Ledyard lies upon the east shore of Cayuga Lake, which forms its western boundary, south of the center of the County. Its length from north to south is ten miles, and mean width, about five miles. Ledyard is bounded on the north by Springport, from which it is separated about five-sixths of the distance by Great Gully Brook, on the east by Scipio and Venice, and on the South by Genoa.

The surface of the land is beautifully diversified, its landscapes, however, present less of the grand and sublime nature, than of its quiet beauty. The land inclines towards the lake, from which it slopes upward, generally by gentle, but occasionally by steep gradations, until it attains an elevation of 500-600 feet above the lakes level, a little east of the east border. It is... Read MORE...

1887 - Women on the Board
The Board of Trustees of Wells Female College at Aurora, New York, yesterday voted that women should have representation in the Board, and Miss Helen F. Smith, the late principal, and Mrs. Frances F. Cleveland, an alumnus, were unanimously chosen Trustees.
Reading Times
Reading, Pennsylvania
June 23, 1887

1888 - WELLS COLLEGE DESTROYED. A FIRE SWEEPS THE MAIN BUILDING, CAUSING A LOSS OF $130,000.
Auburn, N. Y., Aug. 9. - Fire was discovered in the library of the main building of Wells Female College - MRS. GROVER CLEVELAND'S Alma Mater - Aurora, at 1:30 o'clock this morning by PATRICK GRAY, who occupies the lodge on the Wells estate. He immediately gave the alarm and, running to the building, cut off the gasoline connection and with the assistance of others endeavored to stay the flames. The effort was unavailing, however, for the village does not boast a Fire Department, and all the facilities for extinguishing the fire were in the burning building. There was nothing to do but stand by and see the imposing structure become a prey to the flames. When the flames had spent their force only the blackened walls of the main building or college proper remained standing. The servants' hall, a frame structure connected at the rear by a bridge, was also swept away.

During vacation a number of the more valuable paintings and works of art had been removed to safe quarters, but the... Read MORE...


Read more about Henry William Dwight WELLS

Thursday, February 2, 1893 - At Morgan's store, a gold watch is offered to the person guessing nearest the number of beans in a jar, contest to be decided April 1st.

Union Springs Advertiser
Union Springs, New York
Thursday, February 2, 1893

1895 - Ledyard
Ledyard, a post-township of Cayuga co., N.Y., is bounded on the W. by Cayuga Lake, and contains the village of Aurora, which is about 16 miles S.S.W. of Auburn, It is intersected by the Cayuga Southern Railroad. P. 2257.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

Thursday, Nov, 7, 1895 - A Call At Aurora
Aurora is not content at being "Goddess of the Morning," but, has included the evening, too, by the aid of electric lights. The introduction was celebrated last Saturday evening with a band of music and general rejoicing. The Advertiser understands the enterprise is due to private generosity, N. Lansing Zabriskie being the chief benefactor…The creamery is prospering under the supervision of B. White. Its products are consumed by the fair girls of Wells college, Sage and other institutions…The Cayuga Lake Military Academy is flourishing under the skilful management of Prof. A. K. McAlpine. About two years more and it will celebrate its first centennial, the school having been founded in 1798…Morgan's store is another of the ancient landmarks, established in 1801. It still continues to be well patronized under the management of C. B. Morgan…Large shipments of apples, hay and other produce are made by Sanford Lyon…E.W. Mosher, cashier of the First National Bank and clerk of Wells... Read MORE...

1905 - Minister to Korea
Edwin Morgan, the newly appointed minister to Korea, was at the State Department this morning getting his final instructions. He will leave tomorrow to visit his home at Aurora, New York, and expects to sail for Korea on May 3rd.

Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Virginia
April 11, 1905

1916
Ledyard, a post-township (town and village) of Cayuga Co., N. Y., is bounded on the W. by Cayuga Lake and about 16 miles SSW. of Auburn. Pop. in 1900, 1909; of the village, 80.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Ledyard, Cayuga County:
Long Point State Park: Situated on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Long Point State Park is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities. You can go swimming, picnicking, hiking, or just enjoy a leisurely day by the lake. The park also has a boat launch, making it perfect for boating and fishing.

Cayuga Lake: The lake itself offers a plethora of water-based activities. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the serene waters of Cayuga Lake. Fishing is popular here, too, with a variety of fish species to catch.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: Located just a short drive from Ledyard, this wildlife refuge is a birdwatcher's paradise. It's home to over 300 species of birds and provides excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife photography. The visitor center offers educational exhibits as well.

Mackenzie-Childs: If you appreciate artistry and craftsmanship, you must visit the Mackenzie-Childs headquarters in Aurora, a short drive from Ledyard. Explore their unique... Read MORE...