The Hubbell Family of Champlain

Among those settled in Chazy, and had arrived to the age of manhood previous to the war of 1812, we know of but one who still remains and maintains the active relations of life.  It is Hon. Julius C. Hubbell, usually spoken of as Esquire Hubbell.   Though 87 years of age, his is remarkably vigorous and robust physically, and his mind is clear and memory good.  Esquire Hubbell came to Chazy in 1808, and commenced the practice of law, which he has followed, more or less, during his entire business life.  His little stone office, which can hardly fail to attract the attentions of strangers, is one of the land marks of Chazy.  It was built before the war and has been occupied by him ever since.  In it he has dispensed law and justice, performed the duties of various town offices, and rendered various public services.   During the war, it was a sort of headquarters for the officers of both armies.  General Dearborn, General Forsyth, Colonel Riley, General Izard, General Hampton, General Pike, and other officers of the American army occupied it, and when our forces were driven back British officers took possession, and used it for a headquarters.  The building looks like a little fortification, the walls are two feet or more thick, and when our officers were there they facetiously talked of planting cannon there and using it as a fortress!

             Esquire Hubbell held the office of Issuing Commissary for the northern army, stationed at Chazy and Champlain, which brought him in constant communication with our officers.  When the British took possession he was treated with consideration and kindness by the officers, and allowed considerable freedom in side of their lines.  He was permitted to go on board their fleet, lying at Saxe’s Landing, a few days before the battle.  Our fleet had lain there a portion of the summer, and sailed away a short time before.  He had frequently been on board and witnessed the drill, and had thus a fair opportunity for forming an opinion of the qualities of the two naval forces.  The British officers knew it, and asked him what he thought of the probable results of the battle.  He told them they would be defeated and gave as his reason, that the Americans could manage their guns with the greatest facility, which was was [sic] fully demonstrated in the engagement, the Americans firing three times to the British twice. 

 A RACE FOR CUMBERLAND HEAD.

             On the morning of the 11th of September, as soon as Mr. Hubbell had learned positively that the fleet had sailed for Plattsburgh, he hitched up his horse and started for Cumberland Head, then inside of the British lines.  Riding with considerable speed he arrived at the lake shore on what is now the Aldert Hagar place just as the British vessels rounded Cumberland Head.  From this point he witnessed the naval engagement.  His position, directly opposite the line of battle and right between the two squadrons was such as to enable him to see distinctly the movements of both, and observe the effects of the firing. 

             Immediately after the surrender, he took a skiff, and rowing to the American flag ship, was the first citizen to board her after the engagement.  He it was, of whom history speaks, that congratulating Commodore McDonough on the victory, received the reply that the honor all belonged to God ¾ an incident illustrating the Commodore’s deep piety.  Mr. Hubbell also visited the British flag ship, and saw the noble form of Captain Downie as it lay in the embrace of death.  He marked a wonderful contrast in the appearance of the two vessels.  The American deck was cleared, and the dead were piled up and covered, while on the British vessel the demoralization was so great, that the deck was yet strewn with the dead and wounded, and in utter cofusion [confusion]. 

             Probably no man in the County to-day has so full a personal knowledge of the events of the war as Esq. Hubbell.  He has related to us many interesting facts which we shall use in their proper place.

             Esquire Hubbell was appointed Post Master in 1814, and held the office for 18 successive years.  He held the office of town clerk for a long period, and also justice of the peace, under Whig and Democratic administrations.  His political opponents used to support him on the ground of public convenience. 

             In 1843, Mr. Hubbell was elected to the Assembly by the Democrats, receiving the then large majority of over 700.  He secured the act locating a State Prison in Dannemora, and was re-elected in 1844.  In 1845 he ran and was defeated, but the interest of the prison demanded his presence at Albany, and he was sent there as a member of the “third house”.

             Esquire Hubbell has been closely identified with the First Presbyterian and Congregational Church of Chazy, from a period very soon after its organization. 

             The wife of Esquire Hubbell, who died a number of years since, was a daughter of Judge Moore, of Champlain, and sister of the late Amasa C. Moore, of Plattsburgh.  His son, J. W. Hubbell, married a daughter of Judge Beckwith, of Plattsburgh. 

             Among those who studied law in Esquire Hubbell’s office were Robert L. Cook, Hon. Charles Severance, brother of Geo. Severance, of Chazy, Hon. Geo. Stevenson, of New York City, and the late Hon. Lemuel Stetson.