Senate Resolution No. 54

BY: Senator WALCZYK

COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of the Town of
Champion, New York, in 2025

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Champion, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Champion was named after General Henry Champion
who purchased the land and established the settlement circa 1798; and

WHEREAS, General Champion commissioned Noadiah Hubbard to survey the
land he purchased; in 1799, the surveyor settled on the land where his
family homestead still exists; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Champion was established in 1800 from part of
the Town of Mexico, which is now part of Oswego County; Champion is
recognized as one of the first towns in Jefferson County; and

WHEREAS, On Christmas Day in 1816, the Congregationalists of the
first church in Jefferson County dedicated their house of worship with a
bell which was commissioned by General Champion; and

WHEREAS, In 1889, the community of West Carthage was incorporated as
a village within Champion; Watertown is to the west, the Black River
flows along the town's northern boundary, and the southeastern town line
is the border of Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, Due to its climate and fertile land, the Town of Champion
had been ideal for agriculture until the industrialization of the region
rendered the Town a thriving urban center which created factories,
mills, and plentiful job opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Champion was the birthplace of George E.
Spencer (1836-1893), a Union General in the Civil War who later served
two terms as a United States Senator, and Ellen Alida Rose (1843-?), an
agriculturist and suffragist; and

WHEREAS, A few of the highlights of the Town of Champion are the
Hiram Hubbard House, which was added to the United States National
Register of Historic Places in 2012, Van Riper State Park, Craig Lake
State Park, and the Wawonowin Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Champion continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Champion have a bright outlook
for the future of their community which remains a beautiful place in
which to live, raise a family, conduct business, and enjoy the natural

beauty and historical sites that make this sector of New York State a
charming and welcoming community; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Champion's rich history and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to this spirited Town upon the occasion of its 225th
Anniversary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Champion, New York,
recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the
life of the communities of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Champion.