Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Government, People

Location

6747 State Rte 26, Lowville, NY 13367, USA

Lat/Long

43.7414, -75.4689

Grant Recipient

Martinsburg Historical Society

In the early 1800s, Chillus Doty arrived in Lewis County, New York, residing in the town of Martinsburg. Doty had relocated from the town of Salem in Washington County, New York, where he had married Sarah Martin. The Martin family was originally from Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and were early residents that helped to establish the town of Salem, New York. Sarah’s brother Walter was a businessman, who owned mills on the Black River. In 1801, Walter purchased 8,000 acres of land from James Constable, which included what would become the town of Martinsburg, formed in 1803.

Doty acquired land in the newly formed town from his brother-in-law. For many years, he operated an inn in Martinsburg. Over his career, Doty held several civic leadership roles, including serving as Martinsburg town supervisor from 1809 to 1810. From 1807 to 1808 and 1811 to 1814 he served as Lewis County sheriff. In 1814 and 1816, he served in the New York State Assembly. He also served as a tax assessor in 1816 and toward the end of his life, he served as a county judge.

Doty passed away at 60 years old on October 16, 1824. He is buried in the Martinsburg Cemetery.