Hence the leaders in this movement determined to use force where persuasion failed. For this purpose a "spilling committee" was appointed for each station and instructed to be where it could do the most good about the time a milk train was due. The orders were not to allow a can of milk to pass into the possession of the railway company. This was to be done peaceably, if possible—forcibly, if necessary.
Pursuant to these instructions, would-be shippers were halted on the highway and ordered to take their milk back home. Some protested mildly, but finally obeyed orders. Some objected strongly and their milk was poured into the street.
But there were still others who were determined to ship or fight. They gave the "spillers" to understand that they would not tamely submit to highway robbery, that they intended to ship their milk, and that an undertaker would be needed to care for any one who attempted to prevent it.
Many drove to cross-roads between stations where by previous arrangement the train would stop and load the milk. It was useless to appeal to local authorities for protection from the "spillers," as they were either afraid or too indifferent to take action.
It was reported that the Governor had been appealed to, and was about to issue orders to the sheriff of Orange County to quell the rebellion, but the blockade was voluntarily raised after a three-days' struggle.
Shipments of dairy milk in Orange and Sussex Counties fell off about twenty per cent., but creameries shipped more than usual, presumably enough to reduce the net falling off to about fifteen per cent. Fortunately no blood was shed in this war, but much milk fell by the wayside. It was not a victory for producers, as bills were settled on the terms originally offered by dealers, three cents for the first and three and one-half cents for the last half of March.
[PART II.]
BIOGRAPHICAL
[LEWIS D. ADAMS] was born at Sussex, New Jersey, June 15, 1839. Mr. Adams' early education was limited, but he attended the district school at Florida, and Middletown, N. Y., for a short period. He worked on the farm for his father until he was eighteen years old. He then took up the tinner's trade and worked at that business until 1862, when he enlisted in the 124th Regiment, Co. F, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served as one of the color guards six months and as left general guide two and one-half years. When the war was over he resumed his business at Warwick. Six years later he came to Florida, this county, and purchased the hardware store which he continued to operate until he retired in 1898. Mr. Adams married Miss Marietta Ackerman, of Warwick, September 28, 1870. In politics he is a republican, and served the town as collector one year. Mr. Adams wife died December 24, 1900. Our subject is an honorary member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Cummings Post, G. A. R., and is an honorary member of Highland Fire and Hose Company, which he organized in the '70s.
THOMAS J. ADERTON, merchant, postmaster, and farmer at Savilton, in the town of Newburgh, was born at the homestead in 1847. His grandfather, Thomas Aderton, a seafaring man, settled here from New York City in 1828. Our subject is a son of Captain John L. and Isabella (Swain) Aderton, who engaged in farming here, after following the sea ten years. Thomas J. was educated at the district schools and Monticello Academy. In 1891 he purchased his store and was appointed postmaster. Mr. Aderton has served as town clerk nine years, and excise commissioner twelve years. He married Mary Lockwood and two children have been born to them. One son, A. L. Aderton, is general delivery clerk in the Newburgh post-office.