Cyrus Gates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cyrus Gates
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| Born | July 27, 1802 |
| Died | December 11, 1891 (aged 89) Nanticoke, New York, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) |
Lucia Fowler Perkins
(m. 1828; |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Russell Gates Esther Briggs |
| Relatives | Frederick Taylor Gates (nephew) |
Cyrus Gates (July 27, 1802 – December 11, 1891) was an important person in New York history. He was known for fighting against slavery, which is called an abolitionist. He was also a cartographer, meaning he made maps. Cyrus Gates owned a special place called the Cyrus Gates Farmstead in Maine, New York.
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Early Life and Family
Cyrus Gates was born on July 27, 1802. His birthplace was Lisle, New York, close to Maine, New York. His parents were Russell Gates and Esther Briggs. In the early 1790s, his family moved from Connecticut to New York.
Cyrus's father and uncle helped create a road. This road made it easier to reach their new land. Cyrus decided to stay on the family land and continue farming, just like his father.
Cyrus Gates's Career
Cyrus Gates worked as a cartographer and surveyor. This means he drew maps and measured land. He helped map 15 different counties for the State of New York.
For several years, he also served as a local Justice of the Peace. This role meant he helped keep order and settle small legal issues in the new town of Maine. On his farm, Cyrus grew many different crops. These included apples, maple sugar, and honey.
Cyrus was also a deacon in the Maine Baptist church. He strongly believed in ending slavery. This belief made him an active abolitionist.
The Underground Railroad
Cyrus Gates was a brave man who helped runaway slaves. Even before he built his new home in 1848, he was already hiding people seeking freedom.
When he built his new house, he made sure to include a secret hiding spot. He created a hidden door that led to a secret part of the attic. This secret space made it safer for the runaway slaves he was helping. It was a very risky but important part of the Underground Railroad.
Personal Life
On November 5, 1828, Cyrus Gates married Arabella Leadbetter. They had four children together:
- Livingston Theodore Gates (1829–1903) served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. He later moved to Wisconsin.
- Byron Chandler Gates (1832–1913) married Lydia Buck. Her brother, Daniel W. Buck, became the Mayor of Lansing, Michigan.
- Aravesta Clementine Gates (born 1836) married Alexander Ross.
- Eugene Orestes Gates (1843–1934) served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. He was on the ship USS Dictator.
Cyrus Gates lived to be 89 years old. He passed away on December 11, 1891.
The Cyrus Gates Farmstead
In 1848, when Cyrus was 45, he started building a new farmhouse. It was designed in a style called Greek Revival. He hired a builder from New York City named Charles Yarrington.
The house was very fancy for a farm in a rural area. Some local people thought it was too much. They even called it "Gates' white elephant." Building started in January 1848. The house was ready to live in by the end of that year. The inside details and finishing work were completed by 1851.
