HONORABLE NATHAN SOULE
(1790-1860)
December 20, 2000
The following are notes accumulated over the past few years covering the life and times of Honorable Nathan Soule, easily one of the most prominent figures in my ancestry. It is clear that Nathan was a man who led a life brimming with activity.
I dedicate the following compilation to my beloved grandfather Luther L. Sharp, Sr., great, great, great grandson of Honorable Nathan Soule, and to Frank Flint Soule, friend. Both men have profoundly touched my life, and are forever in my heart and thoughts and are a source of daily inspiration.
Honorable Nathan Soule: Born August of 1790, in Dover, Dutchess Co., New York, to Lattan (Lattain, Lattin, Latten) Soule and Lydia Leech. Nathan was a direct descendent of George Soule, Pilgrim who came to America on the Mayflower, also a signer of the Mayflower Compact. Nathan married Christiana (Christina) (?) in Danube, Herkimer County, New York. Christiana was born June 22, 1791 and died after a brief illness on April 2nd, 1853 in Clay, Onondaga County, New York. Nathan died on January 9th, 1860, at his residence on Morgan Road, Clay, Onondaga County, New York. Both are buried in the Pine Plains Cemetery – also known as the Euclid Cemetery – in Clay (Euclid), New York.
"It becomes evident upon researching Nathan that he was an ambitious man, who quickly rose to political aspirations. Nathan seemed to be a very prominent man in Montgomery and Onondaga Counties. Qualities he seemed to impress upon his children. He was described as a man of marked characteristics. His life was one of great activity not only in private, but in the public station. He left a character without reproach." "Judge Soule was a man of strong mind, kind and conciliatory in manner and friendly in his intercourse with his townsmen and their common law adviser and all their difficulties a peacemaker no lawyer ever located in his town."
From a letter written by Charles Soule of Grand Haven Michigan, to Mrs. Jane Smith on August 13, 1914 – Topic was Ridlon: "There are a lot of people in the country of the name Soule and they all seem to be descended from this man George Soule of the Mayflower. There are some rich and prominent people of our family who are willing to pay considerable money for a family history and he (Ridlon) got track of me somehow and I was the only one who could give information in regard to the descendants of Lattan (Latin) Soule descended from the original George and who lived in Dutchess County, New York over 100 years ago. This Latin Soule was my grandfather, father of Clement, Nathan, Ambrose Latin, Myron, Ephraim Leech and Benjamin, my father and uncles most of whom you remember. There were three sisters Aunt Mary Johnson, Aunt Sally Ann Quackenbush, and another aunt whose name I don’t remember. Uncle Leech died at a little past 50, and father at 56, Uncle Nate lived to be older, about 70 as I remember. Uncle Ben was much older, almost 90."
Parents of Nathan Soule:
Latten (Latin, Lattain, Lattan) Soule was born on August 23rd , 1763 in Beekman’s Precinct, Dutchess County, New York. He married Lydia Leech about 1785 in Dutchess County, New York. Latten died in 1828, in Salina (Clay), Onondaga County, New York. Lydia Leech was born circa 1764 in Dover, Dutchess County, New York.
Siblings of Nathan Soule:
1. Ambrose Lattan Soule - born June 26th, 1801 or May 28, 1801 (According to the family bible pages), in Dover, Dutchess County, New York. He married Ruth Paddock Brown either on 3/18 or 10/3/1824 in DeRuyter, NY – the family bible suggests they were married on March 18th . He married secondly, Sophia Everest in 1851. He died June 24th , 1857 in Muir, Michigan.
2. Ephraim Leech Soule – born 1803, most probably in Dutchess County, New York. He married Abigail Kinney (Kinne). Ephraim was a Botanic Physician, and was founder of the Oriental Sovereign Balm Company. Ephraim died October 24th, 1856, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York.
3. Mary Soule – born 8/28/1792 in Dover, Dutchess County, New York. She married Andrew Johnson. She died April 1st, 1833. When she died, Andrew married Mary Griffin, Widow of Clement Soule (Mary’s brother.)
4. Clement Soule – born January 24, 1789. He married Mary Griffin. He died August 2nd, 1828 and is buried in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
5. Myron Soule – born circa 1806. He married first Sarah Sophia Ives, secondly married Anna Carrington Ives Smith (widow). Myron died during the "wartime" at age 56 or 57.
6. Benjamin Soule – born circa 5/10/1812. He married Rhoda (?). Benjamin died circa 1902. Benjamin was thought to be a "hopeless invalid". A wing was built onto Myron’s home in Ohio so that Benjamin could reside there. Where they had a hard life, he and Rhoda made a good life and Benjamin ended up outliving all of his siblings.
7. Sally Ann Soule – Married (?) Quackenbush.
Possible other siblings were Harriet Soule & Emeline Soule?
Children of Nathan And Christiana Soule:
1. Polly Soule – born probably in 1808 in Montgomery County, New York. She married "Mr. Riggs". Polly died after 1860 most probably in Michigan where they had removed to.
2. Harvey L. Soule – born August 1, 1810, probably in Montgomery County, New York. He married Matilda Smith. Harvey died December 14, 1889, probably in Clay, Onondaga County, New York. Both Harvey and Matilda are buried at Pine Plains Cemetery in Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
3. Harriet Soule – born 1812, most probably in Montgomery County, New York. Harriet married "Mr. Kinney" (Kinne). She died after 1860.
4. John Soule – born October 14, 1814 at Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York. John married Laura A. Thompson. John died on June 2, 1884 in Clay, Onondaga County, and is buried at Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
5. William Henry Soule – born probably in Montgomery County, New York. John married Nancy Miller. He died before 1860, his tombstone is warn, and has January 16, 18?8 as a date. Elsewhere his death date is listed as January 16, 1851. Both John and Nancy are buried at Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
6. Lucinda Soule – born 1816, probably in Montgomery County, New York. She married Ansel West. It was Lucinda and Ansel’s granddaughter who knelt down and prayed for Nathan in 1855 – touching him so profoundly (see below). Lucinda died after 1860.
7. Nathan Soule, Jr. – born August 20th, 1821, most probably in Montgomery County, New York. He married Betsy (?). Nathan died April 7th, 1887, and is buried at Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
8. Andrew J. Soule – born April 24th, 1818 in Montgomery County, New York. Andrew married Helen (?) and married Julia Crandall – who was from another influential Onondaga County family (Hosea Crandall). Andrew was a Sheriff for Onondaga County. Andrew died on April 18th , 1880. Both he and Julia are buried in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga, New York.
9. Lydia Soule (My ancestor) – born 1822 in Montgomery County, New York. Lydia married Freeman Snook circa 1840 in Montgomery County, New York. Lydia and Freeman had residences in Liverpool, Onondaga County, and in Oswego County, New York. Lydia died August 3rd, 1905 in Oswego County, New York. Both she and Freeman are buried at Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
10. Rhoda Soule – born probably in Montgomery County, New York. She died after 1860.
11. Alfred Soule – born 1825, probably in Montgomery County, New York. Alfred married Mary (?). Alfred is listed in the 1850 US Military Census. He died November 16th, 1887, and is buried in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
12. James O. Soule – born 1820 in Montgomery County, New York. James married Betsy (?) who was listed in Nathan’s will as being primary care giver of Nathan after the death of Christiana in 1853. James died after 1860.
"Early in life, Nathan’s father "Clement" (This is Lattan – who I have seen referred to on occasion as Clement) moved the family from Dover, Dutchess County, New York to Danube, Herkimer County, New York. There he married Christiana. Soon after their marriage, they removed to Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York. It was there that Nathan began his public life. He filled successively the office of Justice of the Peace, under Sheriff, Supervisor, Canal Superintendent, Member of Legislature, Judge of County Court and Representative in Congress."
Nathan served his country as a sergeant, when he fought in the War of 1812.
1830: A Nathan is listed as a mortgager to GG Young Mortgagee and ano mortgage in Cicero, Onondaga County, New York.
1831-1833: "At an early day in the history of canal navigation, he was superintendent of the section passing through the county of Montgomery where he then resided. Subsequently he represented the Montgomery district in Congress for a single term during which the Bank Bill was vetoed by General Jackson. A firm friend of the old hero, no man in the House of Representatives stood firmer in support of the policy than Judge Soule." A reference made to Nathan’s term in Congress – "This 1834 painting of the City of Washington shows in the distance the old flat dome of the Capital Building as it was when Congressman Nathan Soule of New York served in the 22 nd Congress from 1831-1833." "Soon after the expiration of his term in Congress, Judge Soule removed to Onondaga County and settled on the farm where he died."
1831: In the hamlet of Euclid (or Clay Corners) among its earliest settlers was Latin Soule (father of Judge Nathan Soule). Judge Nathan Soule came to Euclid from Minden, Montgomery County, New York in 1831.
Conflicting reports have been found as to when Judge Nathan Soule actually did come to reside in Onondaga County, New York. There are evidences of a Nathan Soule making land transactions in Cicero, Onondaga County, New York in 1831. However, it is unclear as to whether or not this is Judge Nathan Soule. The first clear evidence of his residence is in fact 1833 when he and Christiana are listed in land transactions in Clay. It is my opinion that Nathan had been to the area during the time between 1831 and 1833, but he did not actually settle in the area until 1833.
"When in Onondaga County he was town supervisor, a judge of the County Court, a member of the legislature for two terms and an extensive contractor on the Chenango Canal."
1832: "The Baptist Church and society met at the house of Japheth Kinne, the place of public worship, December 18, 1832. Horatio Warner, not being present, Seth O. Warner and Darius Kinne appointed to preside and voted that we be known forever hereafter by the name of the 1st Baptist Church and Society in the Town of Clay, Onondaga Co. We certify the above are the minutes of our proceedings given under our hands this 18th day of December, 1832 signed Seth Warner, LS
Euclid Methodist Church First Trustees: Honorable Nathan Soule.
1832: Nathan succeeded Andrew Johnson as postmaster.
1832: Nathan Soule grantee, A Johnson grantor, Clay lot #37.
1832: Nathan Soule grantee, R Soule grantor, Clay lot #36
1833: A Nathan Soule is listed as a mortgager and HW Schroeppel is listed as mortgagee – with no location listed.
1833: Nathan Soule grantee, HC Nellis, Clay lot #35.
1835: Christian (sic) and Nathan Soule are listed as mortgagers and New York Life Insurance and Trust Company is listed as mortgagee in Clay, NY (Lot #37.)
1836: "He was elected to Assembly from Onondaga County. The following year he was again placed on the ticket but was defeated. He was an active and influential member and the author of the present Usuary Law of the State."
1837: Nathan served a session in the State Legislature prior to that he had served as a congressman from the Montgomery district. In 1838 he was also associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas. In 1837, Judge Soule was instrumental in the building of a church (Christian/Unitarian) in Euclid, Onondaga County, New York. "The builders being Dr. E.L. (Ephraim Leech) Soule, Hosea Crandall, Moses Kinne, Judge Nathan Soule and others. It was used by different denominations until about 1850, when the Methodist Episcopal Society purchased the property. It is now used as a town hall and warehouse."
1838: "He was appointed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas and held office for four years."
1841: "He was elected Supervisor and served one year."
1842: Nathan Soule mortgager and Trus. Sch and Gosp. Lot of Clay, mortgagee, Lot #37.
1842: Nathan Soule mortgager, and JH Richards mortgagee.
1843: December 19th, 1843, Nathan Soule, executor of Lattin Soule’s will acknowledged full payment of mortgage by Harvey L. Soule on land willed by Lattin. Witnessed by A. Johnson, Justice of the Peace.
1844: Nathan Soule mortgager and B. Morehouse mortgage, Clay lot #25.
1844: Nathan Soule mortgager and J. Kinney mortgagee, Clay lot #24.
1844: Nathan Soule mortgager and DA Oriett mortgagee, no location given.
1844: Nathan Soule grantee, C Chase grantor, Clay lot #25.
1844: Nathan Soule grantee, A. Willsey, Clay lot # 24, HW Schroeppel, Clay lot #89.
1845: Nathan Soule mortgager and (?) Conro mortgagee, Clay lot #38.
1845: Nathan Soule mortgager and TS Davis mortgagee, no location given.
1845: Nathan Soule grantee, H Lynn (ano) grantor Clay lot #38.
1845: Nathan Soule grantee, HW Schroeppel grantor, Syracuse (????)
1846: Nathan Soule mortgager and AL Soule mortgagee, no location given.
1846: Nathan Soule mortgager and JG Forbes mortgagee, Clay lot #39.
1846: Nathan Soule grantee, H Petrie grantor, Clay lot #34
1846: Nathan Soule grantee, (?) Baker grantor, Clay lot #34.
1846: "He was a prominent candidate for the Constitutional Convention but was not nominated since that period he has been in private life."
1847: A meeting covering the Plank Road proposals was held January 1 st, 1848 at the house of S. Diffin in Euclid Village. Nathan Soule and Ephraim L. Soule, were directors.
1848: Nathan Soule mortgager and HK Warner mortgagee, Clay lot #34
1848: Nathan Soule mortgager and T Porter (ano) mortgagee, Clay lot #34. ?
1849: Nathan Soule mortgager and JG Smith (ano) mortgagee, Clay lot #38.
1853: Nathan Soule (ano) mortgager and P Van Denberg, no location given – possibly Cicero.
1855: "At a prayer meeting in his house, Frances West, his granddaughter age thirteen, whos (sic) presence was unknown to him came and knelt by him and prayed earnestly for him. This awakened him to a sense of his religious duties in his God and posterity, and soon after the little faithful granddaughter had the happiness to know that her grandfather had given his heart to God and become a praying man, under the ministry of Reverend William Morse he was baptized, united with the Methodist Church and lived consistently in its communion and fellowship, the remainder of his days."
1856: Nathan Soule mortgager and HD Hatch mortgagee, Clay lot #25.
1857: In 1857, there are two dockets found that list Nathan Soule vs. individuals. On February 9th, 1857, the court settled in favor of Nathan Soule, and ordered a settlement paid for damages of $2.50 on March 6th, 1857. This suit was filed against a John Peacock. (Ironically – this could be John Peacock, the father of William Peacock, who eventually married Charlotte Snook, granddaughter of Nathan’s!) The defendant confessed, and he was also ordered to pay suit costs of $1.95. Another suit was filed in that same year, and a judgment was rendered against the defendant and the court ordered defendant to pay $1.20 to Nathan Soule. On August 27th, 1857 Nathan filed suit for damages against a Thomas Murphy. Murphy was ordered to pay $175.00.
1858: Nathan Soule Mortgager and HR Hibbard mortgagee, Clay lot #36.
1859: Nathan Soule mortgager and AB Southwick mortgagee, no location given.
1859: Nathan Soule mortgager and EL Soule mortgagee, no location given.
1859: Nathan Soule grantee, HL Soule grantor, Clay lot #48.
Prior to his death in 1860: "His disease was bronchial consumption under which he suffered much the last year, but suffered uncomplainingly and with Christian fortitude and submission. He desired to be fully conscious of the presence of death when it came and to have a calm and peaceful exit from time. In these desires his heavenly father was kind to him. His aged friend and physician who had seen many die, had never seen an adult depart this life so seemingly easy. Not a muscle convulsed, no limb moved, no expression of pain came over the face, no groan was heard. He composed his form, closed his eyes as if going into a natural sleep and naught but his breathing told he was dying. He had closed considerately his business relations to earth, had given directions for his funeral, bidden farewells to his family and friends, closed his eyes on things below and then consciously entered to cross the narrow strait which connects time with eternity carrying with him the firm expectations of meeting his companion and other loved and departed ones who had preceded him. He then calmly and peacefully left earth for heaven. He has left eleven children and other numerous connections."
1860: John and Andrew J. Soule were named executors of Nathan’s will, which was dated March 1st, 1860. Named in the will were as follows:
Polly, who received $200.00 and a note against her husband in the amount of $100.00.
Lucinda, who received $300.00.
Harriet, who received $10.00, as she received hers prior to the will being drawn up.
Lydia, who received $300.00.
Rhoda, who received $300.00.
Nathan, Jr., who received $500.00, with a provision to pay $600 estate tax on the old homestead, if he did not do so, he was to receive $100.00.
Alfred, who was to receive $600.00 to be held by the executors.
Wife of James O. Soule (Betsy), was to receive tables, chairs and sopha (sic), for taking care of Nathan after the death of Christiana.
To the five girls, all the bed and bedding was to be divided equally.
John was to receive Nathan’s secretary.
John, Andrew and James were to divide all real personal property. Cattle and sheep to be kept by John or James. Land was to be divided.
Harvey L. was to receive $5.00 as he had received his prior to the drawing of the will.
Nathan’s will was witnessed by David J. Moyer, Daniel Schoolcraft and P Quackenbush.
1866: Nathan Soule (ano) mortgager and AF Wheeler mortgagee, Clay lot #2.
1866: Nathan Soule (ano) grantee, AJ Wheeler grantor, Clay lot #2.
Sources:
Docket Book of Cornelius Mogg
Will of Lattain Soule
Will of Judge Nathan Soule
Early Settlers & Development of the Town of Clay
Onondaga County Early Settlers card file (housed at Onondaga County Library, Syracuse, NY)
Soule Kindred Newsletter, Vol. I, No.2, 4/1967, pg.21
Soule Kindred Newsletter, Vol. III, No.4, 10/1969, pg. 182
Soule Kindred Newsletter, Vol. IV, No.4 10/1970, pg. 182
IGI
Syracuse Journal Obituaries (4/12/1853 pg. 2 & 1/10/1860 pg. 3)
Index of Mortgagers/ees of Onondaga County, 1794-1870
Index to deeds, Grantees/ors of Onondaga County, 1794-1870
Letter written from Charles Soule to Jane Smith, August 13, 1914, from Grand Haven, MI.
Letter written by JF Johnson MD, January 24, 1860 (In Euclid).
Notes of Donna Fleming.