New York

Marcellus is a small community located in western Onondaga County, New York.  It is about 12 miles southwest of Syracuse.  The area around Marcellus is incredibly scenic with high forested hills, deep valleys, lakes and streams with abundant trout fishing.  The area was originally inhabited by the Onondaga People who helped form the League of the Iroquois during the Revolutionary War period.  In 1779 the Onondaga were almost completely wiped out, and many of the survivors resettled in Canada.  The land was granted to veterans who had served in the American Revolution with the Central New York Military Tract which the United States Congress passed in 1789.  There were 28 townships that were originally just numbered, but then later given classic Greek and Roman names.  Marcellus was originally Tract 9, but was then named for a Roman general and settlement began in 1794.

Settlers started clearing the forests and undergrowth and began farming.  The timber was used to build homes, taverns, churches, and schools.  The War of 1812 recruited many male members of the society back east which slowed growth.  There was significant religious fervor and many church communities were established including Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, and Universalists.  The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and opened up a new industrial era with lumber, cotton, and wool being the principal products.

• Ruth Elizabeth Walker