In a tribute to one of its esteemed early residents, the town of Lodi gathered on Saturday, June 3, at 3 p.m. to witness the unveiling of a new historical marker.
The marker, situated in front of the home owned by Linda Farr Lucas at 8375 North Main Street, commemorates the life and achievements of physician Silas Halsey, a prominent figure in the town’s history.
This week we caught up with two of the people intricately involved in the process.
Present at the ceremony was Halsey’s seventh great-grandson, adding a personal touch to the momentous occasion.
Silas Halsey, a physician by profession, was compelled to leave his original residence in Long Island during the American Revolution, as it had been seized by the British. In May 1793, Halsey relocated to Lodi after acquiring a 600-acre military tract and transforming the untamed wilderness into a thriving farm.
The industrious Halsey constructed a log cabin, cultivated wheat and apple orchards, and later established grist and saw mills. His contributions extended beyond farming, as he served as a Judge, Town of Ovid Supervisor, Seneca County Clerk, and New York State Legislator. Notably, from 1805 to 1807, he represented Lodi as a U.S. Congressman during the administration of President Thomas Jefferson.
The unveiling ceremony, made possible through the generous support of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, featured a number of speakers who shared intriguing details about Halsey’s life. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into the past as they listened to the reading of a recently discovered document containing Halsey’s own words.
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