Russell Loveland was one of the patriarchs of the Town of Mentz. When he first came to this part of the state 177 years ago, he found it an almost unbroken wilderness. What changes he must have witnessed in that comparatively short period! Pursuing the avocation of trapper and fur dealer for a number of years, he became very well-known in northern Cayuga County.

He accumulated considerable property, and a farm a short distance northwest of the village still goes by his name.

Although it is believed he never held any office or took a prominent part in public affairs, he left a legacy of his trade with the unusual monument that adorns his grave in Port Byron's Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Known as “The Trapper's Monument,” the marble standard has been inspected by employees and owners of monument firms from all over the country throughout the years, and was the subject of an article published in a nationally circulated magazine.

Chiseled and erected by J.R. Farrand Jr., a one-time Port Byron stone dealer and businessman, the monument's carvings, cut by hand, depict the tools of his trade.

There is a canoe and paddle, hatchet and trap, with a muskrat also appearing near the open trap, all in clear detail.

Other carvings show trees and a fireplace. The links on the trap chain are of especially fine work and shown in detail.

The Trapper's Monument, located in Mount Pleasant Cemetery bears this epitaph carved on the stone:

“When a man dies

He leaves his friends behind;

Soon out of sight,

Soon out of mind.”

- Source: Article in Port Byron Chronicle, Sept. 11, 1872, and Post-Standard, date unknown

Penny Helzer is historian for the village of Port Byron. She can be reached at 776-5300 or e-mail CraftyPenny@tds.net