Comfort Tyler
Encyclopedia
Comfort Tyler one of the original settlers of modern Syracuse, New York
, brought his family in the spring of 1788 to what became the hamlet of Onondaga Hollow on the future Seneca Turnpike, south of the city's center today. He joined Asa Danforth
and Ephraim Webster
, the first whites to settle there, who had obtained permission to live there from the Onondaga (tribe)
. Tyler built the more ambitious house in Onondaga Hollow and contributed his engineering skills to the development of Central New York
.
, and was fourth of seven brothers.
In the year 1777, at age 13, he resolved to enlist in the Continental Army
as a soldier in defense of his country. At age 14, he entered the army with his father's consent and served in the American Revolutionary War
with most of his duty in and about the fortress of West Point.
In 1783, he became a surveyor and school teacher at Caughnawaga
on the Mohawk River
.
. She died soon after they married, leaving one daughter, Deborah Tyler, who married Cornelius Longstreet, and was the mother of Cornelius Tyler Longstreet of Syracuse, New York
. Comfort Tyler married a second time to Elizabeth "Betsey" Brown, who died on October 21, 1827, at age 58 not long after her husband. Together, they had a daughter named Mary Tyler Olmstead who settled in Cohoes Falls, New York.
His brother, Job Tyler, came to Onondaga County at an "early day" and died March 10, 1836, at age 69, leaving two sons, Orin Tyler and Asher Tyler.
arrived in 1784 when he came up the Mohawk River
with a surveying party, for the purpose of establishing the boundary line between New York and Pennsylvania
. Tyler accompanied the expedition and the party transported their bateaux and baggage from the Mohawk River
to Otsego Lake
, and thence down the Susquehanna River
to the New York State line. This was the same route taken by General Clinton in 1779 in the expedition against the western Indians. On this surveying expedition, Tyler first made acquaintance of Moses DeWitt, another early settler in Onondaga County. Both were about the same age and were closely associated until the time of DeWitt's death.
Tyler assisted in surveying the Military Tract and surveyed the Cayuga Reservation
. His efforts were a part in all the early improvements in Onondaga County. He was active in "opening roads, improving streams and establishing schools and churches."
milled dollars and some privileges of hunting and fishing. On their way up the Mohawk River
, they met Tyler and offered him participation in the enterprise, which he accepted.
The party proceeded as far as Canandaigua, New York, where a treaty was held with the Indians on the banks of the Canandaigua Lake
with the chiefs and head men of the Six Nations. As far as the group could tell, their purpose was accomplished.
New York State authorities soon interfered and the whole "affair" was invalidated. By these operations, the lessees failed to establish their title to the "fertile country of Western New York
." They petitioned the New York State Legislature for relief and on February 4, 1793, an act was passed authorizing the Commissioners of the Land Office to direct a quantity of the vacant and unappropriated lands, equal to 10 miles (16.1 km) square, to be set off for their use and benefit.
This land was finally located on township No. 3 of the old Military Tract, amounting to about 64000 acres (259 km²).
, son of early settler Asa Danforth
, and was one the first white settlers in the county. The two joined up with the elder Danforth at Webster's Trading Post.
He felled the first tree in the area, assisted in manufacturing the first salt, and constructed the first piece of turnpike in New York State west of Fort Stanwix
in Rome, New York
.
He was a favorite with the local Indians and they named him To-whau-ta-qua, meaning "one capable of work and at the same time a gentleman."
In the summer of 1793, he was bitten by a rabid dog. The wound was instantly treated with salt. He immediately arranged his affairs, bade forwell to his friends, and "with the most melancholy feelings, and the prospect of terrible and certain death before him, set out in quest of a celebrated physician, who professed to cure this horrible malady." He did succeed in finding the doctor and submitted to a severe course of treatment and a few weeks later returned home "restored to health and usefulness." The dog was finally killed after it attacked several swine and cattle in the neighborhood who died "with all the symptoms and horrors of that most dreadful of maladies."
In 1794, the first post office in Onondaga County was established at Onondaga Hollow with Comfort Tyler as first postmaster
. Mail was distributed as late as 1812 to local communities such as Camillus
, Lysander
, Manlius
, Marcellus
, Pompey
, Spafford
and Otisco
.
During the 1790s, Tyler kept the tavern at Onondaga Hollow which stood on the site where a hotel was later constructed. The road was a tollroad for many years and "in early days presented a scene of great activity and was long the chief thoroughfare between Albany, New York
, and Buffalo, New York
."
Tyler was appointed as sheriff
in 1797 and was one of the county's first coroner
s.
From 1799 to 1802, Tyler held the office of the county clerk.
, in 1794, a position he held until 1798.
In 1798 and 1799, he represented Onondaga County in the New York State Legislature. During 1799, he was appointed the first supervisor of Manlius, a position he held for four years, until 1803.
In April 1802
, Tyler was the Federalist candidate for Congress in New York's 16th congressional district
but was defeated by Dem.-Rep. John Patterson.
not only impaired his private life, but "forever destroyed his prospects as a public man." He had made the acquaintance of Burr which led to his connection with the "celebrated" southern expedition. This affair created "great excitement" across the United States
at that time, and Tyler was a "prominent actor in the scene."
The affair started when Baron P. N. Tut Bastrop contracted with the Spanish government
for 30 square miles (77.7 km²) of land near Nachitoches. Consequently, Colonel Charles Lynch
made an agreement with Bastrop for an interest in this purchase. Aaron Burr
then purchased from Lynch about 400000 acres (1,618.7 km²) of this land, lying between the Sabine
and Nachitoches and paid $50,000.
Bastrop's grant contained roughly 1200000 acres (4,856.2 km²), and 60% of that was conveyed to Colonel Lynch of which Colonel Burr "became interested" in 50% of Lynch's share, "for the consideration named above."
In the spring of 1805, Aaron Burr
passed through Pennsylvania
to the Ohio Valley and down to New Orleans, Louisiana
. Here he visited the beautiful island of Herman Blennerhasset. His actions were not fully understood, but it was "supposed by man that his final object was the possession of New Orleans
, the conquest of Mexico
and the formation of a new Republic."
Many "principal" men of New York and Ohio
where "drawn within the influences of his plan" and joined their fortunes with his. Burr first made acquaintance with Comfort Tyler when they both served on the New York State Legislature in 1798 and 1799.
The great southwest expedition commenced. On December 6, 1805, Tyler landed at Blenerthasset's Island with four boats laden with similar freight as had "previously passed." The government was suspicious and the militia of Ohio
was called out. An act of the Ohio Legislature, and President Thomas Jefferson
's proclamation, against those suspicious movements, ended the whole affair and the expedition dissipated upon the arrest of the principal mover, Aaron Burr
.
Burr was arrested and later tried for treason in 1807 and acquitted. Other indictments were made including Generals Adair and Dayton, Blenerhasset, Swartwout, Tyler, Smith, Bellman and Ogden. Burr and Blenerhasset were the only ones tried. The indictments were founded on the allegation that Col. Comfort Tyler, with some 30 men, stopped at Blenerhasset's Island on their way down the Ohio River
with a view of taking temporary possession of New Orleans
on the way to New Mexico
, "such intent being considered treason."
Process was served on Tyler at Natchez, Mississippi
. He came to Washington D.C. with Col. Pike, (later General Pike), and who was killed at Little York in 1812.
The affair greatly impacted Tyler's private fortune, and such was "popular prejudice" against the participators in this enterprise that it forever destroyed his political aspirations. "Whatever the expectations of these men, they were sadly disappointed, and the result proved that they had been woefully misled."
The accompanying estrangement between Comfort Tyler and Aaron Burr
was never reconciled.
and Comfort Tyler. Both men arrived at the salt springs during 1788 and began salt production in 1789 when Danforth carried a five pail kettle from his residence at Onondaga Hollow to Onondaga Salt Springs Reservation. He placed his coat on his head, inverted the kettle, and is said, "carried it the whole distance without taking it off to rest." Danforth noted that the first time he made salt he used a 15 gallon kettle and in nine hours he had "boiled down" about 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of salt.
Comfort Tyler accompanied him, carrying an axe, chain and other necessary implements for the purpose of making a "suitable erection to boil salt." They set up two crotches and suspended their kettle on a chain around a pole between them. After a sufficient quantity was made, they would hide their implements in the bushes until needed again. The practice continued for another year.
In 1811, Tyler moved with his family to Montezuma, New York
in Cayuga County, where he took up an interest in the Cayuga Manufacturing Company which had been organized for the purpose of making salt.
He resided for two or three years in Hoboken, New Jersey
, and superintended the draining of the salt meadows in that vicinity.
he rose to the rank of Colonel and served as assistant commissary-general during the years 1812 to 1815.
In 1812, Tyler, then a state assemblyman, secured a charter for the Seneca Turnpike Company. With $100,000 he initiated the construction of a turnpike road (a toll road) on the old state road between Utica
and Canandaigua
. The road was finished in late 1812 and was "fairly flat and improved communications between the eastern and western areas" and was commonly known as the Seneca Turnpike.
policy "engaged his most ernest attention." He was an early advocate along with Judge James Geddes and Judge Joshua Forman, founder of Syracuse
.
Comfort Tyler died in Montezuma, New York
, on August 5, 1827, at age 63 and was buried there.
by the 3rd generation of his descendents where the Comfort Tyler Memorial Pyramid was constructed in his honor.
The Comfort Tyler Park in Syracuse
was named for him in 1951. It was formerly called Colvin - Comstock Playground and is located on the southwest corner of East Colvin Street and Comstock Avenue, bounded by Vincent Street.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, brought his family in the spring of 1788 to what became the hamlet of Onondaga Hollow on the future Seneca Turnpike, south of the city's center today. He joined Asa Danforth
Asa Danforth
Asa Danforth was an early settler and leading citizen of Onondaga County, New York where he was the second white man to settle upon his arrival in 1788. He was a veteran of the American Revolution and a salt maker in Onondaga Hollow.-Biography:Asa Danforth was born on July 6, 1746 in Worcester,...
and Ephraim Webster
Ephraim Webster
Ephraim Webster was the first white settler in Central New York when he arrived in 1786 to an area later named Syracuse...
, the first whites to settle there, who had obtained permission to live there from the Onondaga (tribe)
Onondaga (tribe)
The Onondaga are one of the original five constituent nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Their traditional homeland is in and around Onondaga County, New York...
. Tyler built the more ambitious house in Onondaga Hollow and contributed his engineering skills to the development of Central New York
Central New York
Central New York is a term used to broadly describe the central region of New York State, roughly including the following counties and cities:...
.
Early life
He was born on February 22, 1764 in Ashford, ConnecticutAshford, Connecticut
President George Washington, returning from his tour of the country in the fall of 1789, was chagrined to be involuntarily abandoned in the village on a Sunday...
, and was fourth of seven brothers.
In the year 1777, at age 13, he resolved to enlist in the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
as a soldier in defense of his country. At age 14, he entered the army with his father's consent and served in the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
with most of his duty in and about the fortress of West Point.
In 1783, he became a surveyor and school teacher at Caughnawaga
Caughnawaga
Caughnawaga or Kahnawake can refer to:*Caughnawaga, a village of the Mohawk nation inhabited from 1666 to 1693, now an archaeological site near the village of Fonda, New York....
on the Mohawk River
Mohawk River
The Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy...
.
Family
His first wife was Deborah Wemple (died 1785), half-sister of General Nicholas HerkimerNicholas Herkimer
Nicholas Herkimer was a militia general in the American Revolutionary War, who died of wounds after the Battle of Oriskany.-Career:...
. She died soon after they married, leaving one daughter, Deborah Tyler, who married Cornelius Longstreet, and was the mother of Cornelius Tyler Longstreet of Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. Comfort Tyler married a second time to Elizabeth "Betsey" Brown, who died on October 21, 1827, at age 58 not long after her husband. Together, they had a daughter named Mary Tyler Olmstead who settled in Cohoes Falls, New York.
His brother, Job Tyler, came to Onondaga County at an "early day" and died March 10, 1836, at age 69, leaving two sons, Orin Tyler and Asher Tyler.
Surveyor
General James ClintonJames Clinton
James Clinton was an American Revolutionary War soldier who obtained the rank of major general.He was born in Ulster County in the colony of New York, in a location now part of Orange County, New York...
arrived in 1784 when he came up the Mohawk River
Mohawk River
The Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy...
with a surveying party, for the purpose of establishing the boundary line between New York and Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. Tyler accompanied the expedition and the party transported their bateaux and baggage from the Mohawk River
Mohawk River
The Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy...
to Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake is a small lake located in Otsego County, New York in the USA and is the source of the Susquehanna River. Cooperstown, New York is at the southern end. Glimmerglass State Park is located on the northeastern shore...
, and thence down the Susquehanna River
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is a river located in the northeastern United States. At long, it is the longest river on the American east coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean, and with its watershed it is the 16th largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the continental United...
to the New York State line. This was the same route taken by General Clinton in 1779 in the expedition against the western Indians. On this surveying expedition, Tyler first made acquaintance of Moses DeWitt, another early settler in Onondaga County. Both were about the same age and were closely associated until the time of DeWitt's death.
Tyler assisted in surveying the Military Tract and surveyed the Cayuga Reservation
Cayuga nation
The Cayuga people was one of the five original constituents of the Haudenosaunee , a confederacy of American Indians in New York. The Cayuga homeland lay in the Finger Lakes region along Cayuga Lake, between their league neighbors, the Onondaga to the east and the Seneca to the west...
. His efforts were a part in all the early improvements in Onondaga County. He was active in "opening roads, improving streams and establishing schools and churches."
Lessee company
In the winter of 1787-1788, at age 22, Tyler joined the famous Lessee Company composed of John Livingston, Caleb Benton, Peter Ryckman, John Stephenson, Ezekial Gilbert and Benjamin Birdsall, a total of 68 men. The constitution of New York State forbade the purchase of lands of the Indians to private individuals, reserving this right to the state alone. An association of influential men was formed for the purpose of purchasing lease-hold estates of the Indians, for the term of 999 years and for annual rent of 2,000 SpanishSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
milled dollars and some privileges of hunting and fishing. On their way up the Mohawk River
Mohawk River
The Mohawk River is a river in the U.S. state of New York. It is the largest tributary of the Hudson River. The Mohawk flows into the Hudson in the Capital District, a few miles north of the city of Albany. The river is named for the Mohawk Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy...
, they met Tyler and offered him participation in the enterprise, which he accepted.
The party proceeded as far as Canandaigua, New York, where a treaty was held with the Indians on the banks of the Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes, in the U.S. state of New York. The city of Canandaigua is located at the northern shore of the lake and the village of Naples is just a few miles south of the southern end...
with the chiefs and head men of the Six Nations. As far as the group could tell, their purpose was accomplished.
New York State authorities soon interfered and the whole "affair" was invalidated. By these operations, the lessees failed to establish their title to the "fertile country of Western New York
Western New York
Western New York is the westernmost region of the state of New York. It includes the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, the surrounding suburbs, as well as the outlying rural areas of the Great Lakes lowlands, the Genesee Valley, and the Southern Tier. Some historians, scholars and others...
." They petitioned the New York State Legislature for relief and on February 4, 1793, an act was passed authorizing the Commissioners of the Land Office to direct a quantity of the vacant and unappropriated lands, equal to 10 miles (16.1 km) square, to be set off for their use and benefit.
This land was finally located on township No. 3 of the old Military Tract, amounting to about 64000 acres (259 km²).
Onondaga county
Comfort Tyler came to Onondaga in 1788 at age 23 in company with Major Asa Danforth Jr.Asa Danforth Jr.
Asa Danforth Jr. was one of the first citizens of Onondaga County, New York, when he arrived there with his father, Asa Danforth in 1788. Danforth incurred heavy debts speculating in land in New York State...
, son of early settler Asa Danforth
Asa Danforth
Asa Danforth was an early settler and leading citizen of Onondaga County, New York where he was the second white man to settle upon his arrival in 1788. He was a veteran of the American Revolution and a salt maker in Onondaga Hollow.-Biography:Asa Danforth was born on July 6, 1746 in Worcester,...
, and was one the first white settlers in the county. The two joined up with the elder Danforth at Webster's Trading Post.
He felled the first tree in the area, assisted in manufacturing the first salt, and constructed the first piece of turnpike in New York State west of Fort Stanwix
Fort Stanwix
Fort Stanwix was a colonial fort whose construction was started on August 26, 1758, by British General John Stanwix, at the location of present-day Rome, New York, but was not completed until about 1762. The fort guarded a portage known as the Oneida Carrying Place during the French and Indian War...
in Rome, New York
Rome, New York
Rome is a city in Oneida County, New York, United States. It is located in north-central or "upstate" New York. The population was 44,797 at the 2010 census. It is in New York's 24th congressional district. In 1758, British forces began construction of Fort Stanwix at this strategic location, but...
.
He was a favorite with the local Indians and they named him To-whau-ta-qua, meaning "one capable of work and at the same time a gentleman."
In the summer of 1793, he was bitten by a rabid dog. The wound was instantly treated with salt. He immediately arranged his affairs, bade forwell to his friends, and "with the most melancholy feelings, and the prospect of terrible and certain death before him, set out in quest of a celebrated physician, who professed to cure this horrible malady." He did succeed in finding the doctor and submitted to a severe course of treatment and a few weeks later returned home "restored to health and usefulness." The dog was finally killed after it attacked several swine and cattle in the neighborhood who died "with all the symptoms and horrors of that most dreadful of maladies."
In 1794, the first post office in Onondaga County was established at Onondaga Hollow with Comfort Tyler as first postmaster
Postmaster
A postmaster is the head of an individual post office. Postmistress is not used anymore in the United States, as the "master" component of the word refers to a person of authority and has no gender quality...
. Mail was distributed as late as 1812 to local communities such as Camillus
Camillus, New York
Camillus, New York is located in Onondaga County. There are two parts to Camillus, New York:*Camillus, New York *Camillus, New York...
, Lysander
Lysander, New York
Lysander is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 19,285 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Lysander, a Spartan military leader, by a clerk interested in the classics....
, Manlius
Manlius, New York
Manlius, New York may refer to the following places Onondaga County, New York:*Manlius , New York*Manlius , New York...
, Marcellus
Marcellus, New York
Marcellus, New York may refer to:*Marcellus , New York in Onondaga County*Marcellus , New York, located within the Town of Marcellus...
, Pompey
Pompey, New York
Pompey is a town in the southeast part of Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 6,159 at the 2000 census. The town was named after the Roman general and political leader Pompey by a late 18th-century clerk interested in the Classics in the new federal republic.- History :The...
, Spafford
Spafford, New York
Spafford is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 1,661 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Horatio Gates Spafford, a writer and founder of the local library....
and Otisco
Otisco, New York
Otisco is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 2,561 at the 2000 census. The Town of Otisco is in the southwest part of the county. Otisco is situated at the northern edge of the Appalacian Highlands, where an escarpment declines to the Lake Ontario plain and the...
.
During the 1790s, Tyler kept the tavern at Onondaga Hollow which stood on the site where a hotel was later constructed. The road was a tollroad for many years and "in early days presented a scene of great activity and was long the chief thoroughfare between Albany, New York
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
, and Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
."
Tyler was appointed as sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
in 1797 and was one of the county's first coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
s.
From 1799 to 1802, Tyler held the office of the county clerk.
Political life
Tyler was appointed as justice of the peace in the town of Manlius, New YorkManlius, New York
Manlius, New York may refer to the following places Onondaga County, New York:*Manlius , New York*Manlius , New York...
, in 1794, a position he held until 1798.
In 1798 and 1799, he represented Onondaga County in the New York State Legislature. During 1799, he was appointed the first supervisor of Manlius, a position he held for four years, until 1803.
In April 1802
United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 1802
The 1802 United States House of Representatives elections in New York were held from April 27 to 29, 1802, to elect 17 U.S. Representatives to represent the State of New York in the United States House of Representatives of the 8th United States Congress....
, Tyler was the Federalist candidate for Congress in New York's 16th congressional district
New York's 16th congressional district
New York's 16th Congressional District is a congressional district for the United States House of Representatives located in the Bronx. The district includes the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, East Tremont, Fordham, Hunts Point, Melrose, Highbridge, Morrisania, Mott Haven and University Heights. ...
but was defeated by Dem.-Rep. John Patterson.
Burr conspiracy
His connection with the "so-called conspiracy" of Aaron BurrAaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
not only impaired his private life, but "forever destroyed his prospects as a public man." He had made the acquaintance of Burr which led to his connection with the "celebrated" southern expedition. This affair created "great excitement" across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
at that time, and Tyler was a "prominent actor in the scene."
The affair started when Baron P. N. Tut Bastrop contracted with the Spanish government
Spanish Government
Spain is a constitutional monarchy whose government is defined by the Constitution of Spain. This was approved by a general referendum of the people of Spain in 1978...
for 30 square miles (77.7 km²) of land near Nachitoches. Consequently, Colonel Charles Lynch
Charles Lynch
Charles Lynch was a Virginia planter and American Revolutionary who headed an irregular court in Virginia to punish Loyalist supporters of the British during the American Revolutionary War. The terms "lynching" and "lynch law" apparently derive from his name.Lynch was born in Virginia to Quaker...
made an agreement with Bastrop for an interest in this purchase. Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
then purchased from Lynch about 400000 acres (1,618.7 km²) of this land, lying between the Sabine
Sabine
The Sabines were an Italic tribe that lived in the central Appennines of ancient Italy, also inhabiting Latium north of the Anio before the founding of Rome...
and Nachitoches and paid $50,000.
Bastrop's grant contained roughly 1200000 acres (4,856.2 km²), and 60% of that was conveyed to Colonel Lynch of which Colonel Burr "became interested" in 50% of Lynch's share, "for the consideration named above."
In the spring of 1805, Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
passed through Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
to the Ohio Valley and down to New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. Here he visited the beautiful island of Herman Blennerhasset. His actions were not fully understood, but it was "supposed by man that his final object was the possession of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, the conquest of Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and the formation of a new Republic."
Many "principal" men of New York and Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
where "drawn within the influences of his plan" and joined their fortunes with his. Burr first made acquaintance with Comfort Tyler when they both served on the New York State Legislature in 1798 and 1799.
The great southwest expedition commenced. On December 6, 1805, Tyler landed at Blenerthasset's Island with four boats laden with similar freight as had "previously passed." The government was suspicious and the militia of Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
was called out. An act of the Ohio Legislature, and President Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
's proclamation, against those suspicious movements, ended the whole affair and the expedition dissipated upon the arrest of the principal mover, Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
.
Burr was arrested and later tried for treason in 1807 and acquitted. Other indictments were made including Generals Adair and Dayton, Blenerhasset, Swartwout, Tyler, Smith, Bellman and Ogden. Burr and Blenerhasset were the only ones tried. The indictments were founded on the allegation that Col. Comfort Tyler, with some 30 men, stopped at Blenerhasset's Island on their way down the Ohio River
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
with a view of taking temporary possession of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
on the way to New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, "such intent being considered treason."
Process was served on Tyler at Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez is the county seat of Adams County, Mississippi, United States. With a total population of 18,464 , it is the largest community and the only incorporated municipality within Adams County...
. He came to Washington D.C. with Col. Pike, (later General Pike), and who was killed at Little York in 1812.
The affair greatly impacted Tyler's private fortune, and such was "popular prejudice" against the participators in this enterprise that it forever destroyed his political aspirations. "Whatever the expectations of these men, they were sadly disappointed, and the result proved that they had been woefully misled."
The accompanying estrangement between Comfort Tyler and Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
was never reconciled.
Salt manufacturer
The first two men involved in salt production at the salt springs were early settlers, Asa DanforthAsa Danforth
Asa Danforth was an early settler and leading citizen of Onondaga County, New York where he was the second white man to settle upon his arrival in 1788. He was a veteran of the American Revolution and a salt maker in Onondaga Hollow.-Biography:Asa Danforth was born on July 6, 1746 in Worcester,...
and Comfort Tyler. Both men arrived at the salt springs during 1788 and began salt production in 1789 when Danforth carried a five pail kettle from his residence at Onondaga Hollow to Onondaga Salt Springs Reservation. He placed his coat on his head, inverted the kettle, and is said, "carried it the whole distance without taking it off to rest." Danforth noted that the first time he made salt he used a 15 gallon kettle and in nine hours he had "boiled down" about 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of salt.
Comfort Tyler accompanied him, carrying an axe, chain and other necessary implements for the purpose of making a "suitable erection to boil salt." They set up two crotches and suspended their kettle on a chain around a pole between them. After a sufficient quantity was made, they would hide their implements in the bushes until needed again. The practice continued for another year.
In 1811, Tyler moved with his family to Montezuma, New York
Montezuma, New York
Montezuma is a town in Cayuga County, New York, United States. The population was 1,277 at the 2010 census.The Town of Montezuma is at the west border of Cayuga County and is northwest of Auburn, New York.- History :...
in Cayuga County, where he took up an interest in the Cayuga Manufacturing Company which had been organized for the purpose of making salt.
He resided for two or three years in Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
, and superintended the draining of the salt meadows in that vicinity.
War of 1812
During the War of 1812War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
he rose to the rank of Colonel and served as assistant commissary-general during the years 1812 to 1815.
In 1812, Tyler, then a state assemblyman, secured a charter for the Seneca Turnpike Company. With $100,000 he initiated the construction of a turnpike road (a toll road) on the old state road between Utica
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....
and Canandaigua
Canandaigua (city), New York
Canandaigua is a city in Ontario County, New York, USA, of which it is the county seat. The population was 11,264 at the 2000 census...
. The road was finished in late 1812 and was "fairly flat and improved communications between the eastern and western areas" and was commonly known as the Seneca Turnpike.
Later life
After the war, the Erie CanalErie Canal
The Erie Canal is a waterway in New York that runs about from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie, completing a navigable water route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The canal contains 36 locks and encompasses a total elevation differential of...
policy "engaged his most ernest attention." He was an early advocate along with Judge James Geddes and Judge Joshua Forman, founder of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
.
Comfort Tyler died in Montezuma, New York
Montezuma, New York
Montezuma is a town in Cayuga County, New York, United States. The population was 1,277 at the 2010 census.The Town of Montezuma is at the west border of Cayuga County and is northwest of Auburn, New York.- History :...
, on August 5, 1827, at age 63 and was buried there.
Recognition and memorials
In June, 1885, Tyler's remains were moved to Oakwood Cemetery in SyracuseSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
by the 3rd generation of his descendents where the Comfort Tyler Memorial Pyramid was constructed in his honor.
The Comfort Tyler Park in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
was named for him in 1951. It was formerly called Colvin - Comstock Playground and is located on the southwest corner of East Colvin Street and Comstock Avenue, bounded by Vincent Street.