-^^0^
■■>t-, \P
O V
r^n'^
"K^ \y
/ ^^'% ""TO^'/^'-
*^ 1 1> K^-—m I nil it— -^ VV ^^
■1 O
,'^*
, v.< o ' . . » ^
:• %.^' #^^ X/ '^^^- ' \^^' ■^^^^'^ X/" ^
»V V-* ' » « 5 . >
':^o^
•5- .V
it's
4 o
0 o
"^ -^ "^^*' >' "^ ^A:.
V </ S^^-^ %.^ ,:r,^^n V^
=0
*i^:- %.„/ .;'!«-. -^.^Z .■^■. V„.' .■:^-.. "^.Z .-^v ^.„.^
4 o
' .^"1
o ^
.^■^
^o-n^.
"N-l ^
^^
■^
^n-^
-^--0^
.^-^°-
.*^
^j/\ -^'^^"^ ^^^p^/\ ^^^;°y^ %^^'^
••m?-- /% •.^.- **'\ •.^•- /\ '-Sk-^/^ f ; .. . /\ %,
/ '■».■■•■-/ V^^\/ 'i.-^-^'/ V^^\»*' %.'--■/' \
"-.
*-c
^:
^
'gf-aS
^jA\
i
^
IBj
Vv^S'^O^^'
g 7 ^^
-OF-
STEUBEN COUNTY,
NEW YORK,
■^^=>WITHi^-J
|[lliistrations anil ||iogra^liical ^kelclte^
<_€==OF^=^_J
SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.
By Prof. W. W. CLAYTON.
7
PHILADELPHIA:
1879.
\i
b
^^%g7J;^^^g^j^j-^,:.jU^i,|l,l,|.^,, ^
PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA.
.5? c&
PREFACE.
The History of Steuben County is made up chiefly of local annals. There is little
in it which reaches back to the Colonial or even to the Revolutionary period. In the
preparation of the following pages, everything known to the writer as furnishing any
information respecting the state of this locality in the time of the Colonies and during the
Revolution, has been cai'efuUy sought out and embodied in a few preliminary chapters.
For our earliest geographical knowledge of this portion of the State of New York,
we are indebted to the French military authorities at Fort Niagara, who, during the old
contest with the English for supremacy over a large portion of this country, built and
occupied that important garrison. Cajjtain Pouchot, a French engineer at Fort Niagara,
made the first map in which the principal streams of this county are indicated, deriving
his information of the topography of the country from the Indians, whose knowledge
appears to have been remarkably accurate. This map is found in the " Paris Documents,"
and was published in Paris in 1758.
The history which we have given of the aboriginal inhabitants of this county has
not been confined to the fragments of tribes who inhabited it at the time of its first
discovery by Europeans, but has taken a wider range, embracing a general account of
the Indian nations from which they sprang, and, especially, of the Iroquois, who were
the dominant race throughout this region of country. The rivalry and mutual conflicts
between these and the Andastes and Delawares, leading to the final conquest of the latter
and the colonization of a mixed remnant of the broken tribes within the territory of
Steuben County, have also been brought to view, and the general subject, thus presented,
has been sujiplemented by a chapter on the Indian occupancy of this county pi'ior to and
during the period of the Revolution. This has been followed by an account of the general
"condition of the Indians subsequent to the Revolution, and the extinguishment of their
title to lands in the State of New York.
The various documents, journals, and reports of the campaign of General Sullivan
in 1779, and the histories and reminiscences of the Wyoming massacre, furnish us with
the only knowledge we have of this locality during the struggle of the Colonies for
independence. Happily, for our later history, the pre-emption i-ight of the State of Mas-
sachusetts, the purchase of these lands by Phelps and Gorham, and the transmission of their
title to tlie present inhabitants, are matters of public record. We have largely in this
department availed ourselves of the excellent work of Mr. Turner, entitled " Phelps and
Goi'ham's Purchase," and, in the later pha.ses of the Pulteney Estate, of the researches and
conclusions of some of the most eminent legal minds in the county. It is unnecessary
here to enumerate the authors we have consulted in the preparation of this volume, as they
are generally referred to in the foot-notes or in the text of the work.
a.
PREFACE.
Steuben County has had an organic existence of eighty-three years. It was settled
originally by a hardy and enterprising class of jaeople. It would be strange if such a
peojile, and their intelligent and progressive descendants, during a period of nearly a
century, had not made history enough to fill one volume, to say nothing of the doings of
their savage predecessors, or of the discoveries and military expeditions which prepared the
way for their advent to these hills and valleys. The history made by the settlers and their
descendants, the local annals of town and village, with which the work chiefly abounds,
the recital of thrilling incidents of border life, the privations and hardships of the pio-
neers, the rehearsal of the rude and quaint manners and customs of the " olden times,"
will have much more of interest for the general reader than the most profound and labored
discussion of antiquities remote from actual life.
The history contained in the present volume has been compiled with a great deal of
labor; yet, it has been a pleasure to the writer. The citizens of the county, in every
locality, have manifested an interest in the work, and many have freely and cheerfully
aided in the collection of materials. The arrangement of the work is such as is deemed,
upon the whole, best adapted to the orderly classification of the large amount of matter
which such a coulity must necessarily furnish, the plan being, first, a general history of the
county at large, and then a history of each separate town and village. The biographies,
for the most part, with their accompanying portraits and views of residences, are placed in
the several towns to which they belong, and the whole is carefully indexed, so as to facili-
tate reference. We have deemed it most in harmony with common usage, as well as best
adapted to give general satisfaction, to arrange the towns in alphabetical order.
Among those whom the writer and joublishers desire especially to thank for valuable
assistance rendered in the compilation of the work, are Hon. Guy H. McMaster, Ansel J.
McCall, Esq., Hon. David Rumsey, R E. Robie, Esq.. Rev. James M. Piatt, and Rev.
0. R. Howard, D.D., of Bath; Charles H. Erwin, of Painted Post; Wm. H. Bonham,
1. W. Near, and Miles W. Hawley, Esqs., of Hornellsville ; C. H. Thomson, Esq., Hon.
George T. Spencer, Dr. G. W. Pratt, Gen. J. H. Lansing, and C. D. Baker, Esq., of
Corning; Ij. D. Hastings, T. M. Youuglove, and G. W. Nichols, Esqs., of Hammondsport ;
Hon Jeremiah Baker and Joshua C. Stei)liens, of Canisteo ; Thos. S. Crosby, Valentine
Van Wornier, and Thomas Warner, Esqs , of Cohocton ; William B. Pratt, Paul C.
Howe, and J. H. Hotchkin, Esqs., of Prattsburgh. Besides these, many other gentle-
men have aided us in procuring matter for our local histories of towns and villages, whose
names are too numerous to mention in this connection. We are indebted to the editors
of the county press, to the county clerk and his assistants, to the town clerks of the various
towns, to many clergymen and church oificials, who have courteously and freely rendei-ed
assistance in various ways.
That the work we have compiled is perfect in eveiy respect we do not pretend. But
we have aimed to make it as complete as possible under the circumstances, and such as it
is we submit it to the candid judgment of our readers.
w. w. c.
April 1, 1879.
CONTENTS.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
AFTER
I. — Baron Steuben .....
II. — The Indians
III. — Indians of the Susquehanna Valley .
IV. — Indian Occupancy of Steuben County
V. — Period of the Revolution .
VI. — E.xtinguishment of the Indian Title
VII. — Treaty of Oliver Phelps with the Seneca Indians
Vin. — The Phelps and Gorham Purchase .
IX.— The Pulteney Estate ....
X. — Early Settlement of the County
XI. — Ontario County .....
XII. — Organization of Steuben County
XIII. — Geography, Topography, and Geology
XIV.— Steuben County Civil List .
XV. — Bench and Bar of Steuben County .
XVI.— The County Press ....
XVII. — The Land Controversy
XVIII.— Societies
XIX. — New York State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home .
XX. — Grape-Growing and AVine-iVlaking .
XXI. — Statistics of Population, Agriculture, Churches
XXII.— Military History— War of 1812— Mexican War
XXIII.— Military History Continued— War of the Rebellion—
2'Jd New York Infantry- Battery E, 1st N. Y. Light
Artillery — .'i4th Regiment Infantry
XXIV. — Military History Continued — S6th Regiment .
XXV.— Military History Continued — 107th Regiment .
XXVI.— Military History Continued— 141st and 161st Regi-
ments .........
XXVII.— Military History Continued— lS9th Regiment .
Statistical Directorv of Steubkn Cocntv . . . .
PAGE
9
15
19
22
25
30
37
40
44
46
50
52
54.
59
64
76
81
86
91
95
103
105
110
120
127
134
452 '
TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF STEUBEN COUNTS
Addison
Avoca
Bath -.
Bradford
Cameron
Campbell
Cauisteo
Caton .
Cohocton
Corning
Dansville
Erwin
Fremont
Greenwood
Hartsville
Hornby
Iloi-nellsville
Howard
Jasper
Lindley
Prattsburj
Pulteney
Rathbone
Thurston
Troupsburgh
Tuscarura
Urbana
Wayland
Wayne
Weiit Union
Wheeler
Wood hull
ILIliT7STE.-A.TI03SrS.
Portrait of Baron Steuben ....
Map of Steuben County ....
Pencil Sketch of Ravine at Hammondsport
Portrait (steel) of Hon. Thos. A. Johnson
Portrait (steel) of Hon. David Ruuisey
Portrait of Hon. David McMaster
Portrait of Hon. George T. Spencer .
Portrait of Hon. W. M. Hawley
Portrait (steel) of Hon. Harlo Hakes
New Y'ork State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home
Portrait of Gen. J. II. Lansing .
Portrait (steel) of Gen. N. M. Crane.
ADDISON.
Portrait of William Wombougli .
Portrait of J. H. Miles
Portrait of Joel D. Gillet .
Portrait of Dr. Bradley Blakslee
Portrait of Dr. Reuben P. Brown
AVOCA.
Portraits of Thomas Cotton and Wife
Residence of Thomas Cotton
Portrait of Oscar S. Smith . . .
PAOE
facing 9
" 54
. AS
facing Os
70
. 72
ijCtween 72, 73
" 72, ,3
facing 74
. 91
facing 110
119
facing 141
. 150
. 151
. 152
. 153
facing 154
154
" 156
Portrait of David Robords
Portrait of N. B. Chase
Portrait of Christopher Patterson, M.D.
Portrait of Alexander Arnold
Portrait of H. H. Bouton .
PA<
between 156, IJ
facing li
1
BATH
Village of Bath in 1804 .
Views in Bath, New York .
Portraits of John L. Smith and Wife
Residence of .John L. Smith
Portrait of Lay Noble
Portraits of George S. Haverling and Wife
Residence of George S. Haverling
Portrait of Hon. L. N. Rider .
Portrait of Lansing D. Ilodgman
Portrait of William B. Ruggles .
Portrait of Addison F. Ellas
Portrait of Monroe lirundage
Portrait (steel) of Col. Ira Davenport
Davenport Home for Orphan Girls (steel)
Portrait of Hon. John Magee (steel) .
Portrait (steel) of Hon. Constant Cook
Portrait of John A. Bowlby and Wife
Residence of John A. Bowlby .
iicing
1(
ti'
1(
belwcfn 162
1
162
!■
iicing
16
between 168
16
" 168
16
facing
17
"
17
"
17
n
IS
it
18
jetween 186,
18
' 186,
IS
facing
18
"
18!
'■
13'
19
CONTENTS.
XXjXjJJSTIEbJ^TXOJSrS.
BRADFOKD.
'ortraits of John Eisbpaugb and Wife
'ortraits of B, B. Switzer and Wife .
'ortrait (steel) of Jesse Munson
'ortrait of William Hedges
facini
Wifi
his
CAMPBELL
Residence of J. D. Hamilton
Portrait of Geo. W. Campbell .
Portraits of Jonas Stevens and Wife ,
Portraits of l)eacon Jacob Woodward and
Portraits of W. W. Bartlett and Wife
Portraits of Abram llollenbeck and Wife
Portraits of John P. Knox and AVife .
Residence of I). B. Curtis .
Portrait (steel) of J. D. Hamiltcm
Portrait (steel) of Daniel B. Curtis .
CANISTEO.
Residence of A. J. Carter .
Canisteo House, Canisteo, N. Y.
Portraits of George H. Stephens and Wife
Portraits of Nathan Crosby and Wife
Portrait of Mrs. Rhoda Stephens
Portrait of George J. and Elizabeth Stephi
P-^Ttraits of M. H. Stephens and Wife
Portrait of Hon. Jeremiah Baker
Portrait of Lyman A. Cook
Portraits of Thomas Hallett and Wife
Residence of Thomas Hallett
H. O'arter and Sons, Canisteo Iron-AVorks
Biy.ik Block, Canisteo, \. Y. ,
3gish-, Boor-, and Blind-Factory, A. B. Vor
■^'ortraits of C. B. Travis and Wife
*ortrait of Nathan Stephens
ortrait of Joshua C. Stephens .
irtrait of John Carter and Wife
'sidence of John Carter .
CATON.
Portraits of Philip Hubbard and Wife
Residence of Philip Hubbard
Portrait of John Gillett ....
Portrait of William D. Gilbert .
'*ortraits of Lucius J. and Benoni Johnson
ortraits of Deacon Titus Smith and Wife
rtraits of Col. Frederick Barnard and Wife
COHOCTON.
jrtraits of V. V'.u 'vVormer anu Wife
Portraits of Lewis and Smith Clayson
Portrn'A (steel) of George W. Drake .
Poi trait of Thomas C. Armstrong
Portraits "f David S. Wait and Wife
CORNING.
Pincwood Cure, Dr. A. J. Ingcrsoll .
Portraits of Rev. B. F. Balcom and Wife
Portrait of John McBurney
Residence of John McBumey
Portraits of Hiram Pritchard and Wife
Portrait of H. W. Bostnick
Portrait (steel) of Henry B. Noyes .
"Evergreens," Residence of H. B. Noyes
Portrait of Stephen T. Hayt
■ Corning Glass-Works ....
'Stea-n Granite- and Marble-Works
Portrait (ste;ll of Q. W. Wellington .
PAOG
192
198
200
201
facing
207
"
208
between 208,
209
facing
209
between 210,
211
•' 210,
211
facing
21.'i
it
214
between 21 B
217
" 216
217
facing
217
.
217
•f
218
between 218,
219
" 218,
219
. " 218,
219
facing
219
"
220
.
221
between-222.
223
" 222
223
" 224
225
" 224,
225
" 224,
225
facing
226
228
228
facing
229
"
229
K
Portrait of William Walker
-•Corning Free Academy ....
Portrait of W. W. Wormley
-Residence of W. W. Wormley .
Portrait of Joshua B. Graves, M.D. .
Portrait of Chas. H. Thomson .
Portrait of Alonzo H. Gorton
Portrait (steel) of Hon. John N. Hungerford
Portrait (steel) of Hon. 0. C. B. Walker .
Portrait (steel) of Hon. George B. Bradley
Portrait (steel) of Franklin N. Drake
Portrait (steel) of Ellsworth D. Mills
Portrait (steel) of Austin Lathrop, Jr.
Portrait of Henry Goft" ....
Portraits of John Storms and Wife .
-•Residence of John Storms ....
facing 230
230
" 232
" 234
" 235
" 235
" 235
240
lacuig itu
244
249
. 250
. 251
facing 252
between 252, 253
" 252, 253
" 252, 253
facing 254
" 255
between 250, 257
" 256, 257
facing 259
260
260
261
DANSVILLE
Portraits of John P. Faulkner and Wife
'Residence of Joshua Healey
Portraits of Jarvis P. Case and Wife .
Portraits of Morgan H. Carney and Wife
, Portraits of Philetus Allen and Wife. .
\5'ortraits of J. A. and Spencer B. Jones^
Portraits of Michael Weber and Wife
'"Residence of Michael Weber
Portraits of Isaac Shipman and Wife
.> Residence of Isaae Shipman
ERWIN.
Portrait of Edward Townscnd .
Portraits of John JI. Patterson and Wife
Portraits of Lyman Balcom and Wife
"Residence of Lyman Balcom
Portraits of Calvin Lovell and Wife .
Portrait of Willis J. Savory
Portrait of W. S. Hodgman
Portraits of Peter Covenhoven and Wife
Portraits of Isaac P. Goodsell and Wife
Portraits of Philo Campbell and Wife
Portrait (steel) of Gen. Francis E. Erwin
Portrait (steel) of Arthur H. Erwin .
FREMONT.
Portrait of Elisha G. Stephens .
Portraits of Henry Cotton and Wife .
GREENWOOD.
Portrait of Jesse T. Atkins
Portrait of Alexander H. Stephens
Portrait of Asa H. Stepucns
Povlrait of Levi Davis ....
HORNBY.
Portraits of Deacon John Si. John and Wife
Portraits of Col. N. B. Stanton and Wife
Portraits of Daniel Goodsell and Wife
Portraits of George Goodsell and Wife
Portraits of Samuel Lilly and Wife .
Portraits of J. B. Wasson and Wife .
-Residence of J. B. Wasson
Portraits of Theodore Hendrick and Wife
HORNELLSVILLE.
Portrait of Hon. Asa McConncll
Portrait of Christopher Uurlbut
Portraits of Francis Colgrove and Wife
Portrait of John S. Sharp .
Portrait of William Woolcvcr .
PAGE
between 276, 277
. 262
between 264, 265
264, 265
facing 267
268
269
" 272
" 273
between 274, 275
" 274, 275
facing 275
" 276
between 276, 277
facing 277
277
facing 278
279
between 280, 281
280, 281
" 282, 283
" 282, 283
facing 284
" 284
•' 285
" 285
facing 2S6
287
between 288, 289
" 288, 289
" 290, 291
" 290, 291-
" 290, 291
290, 291
292, 293
292. 293
290, 297
296, 297
facing 298
" 300
facing 304
. 306
. 307
. 308
facing
313
" 314
between 314, 315
" 314, 315
facing 316
" 317
" 317
. 317
facing 318
" 320
between 320, 321
" 320, 321
facing 322
CONTENTS.
iXjXjTJSTK.^Tionsrs.
Portraits of George Davenport and Wife
-•Residence of Gteorge Davenport
Portrait of Walter G. Rose
Portrait of James Alley
Portrait of D. K. Belknap .
Portrait of N. B. Haskell .
_ Residence of N. B. Haskell
Portrait of Alanson Stephens
Portrait of Dr. John S. Jameson
Portrait of Dr. S. E. Shattuck .
Portrait of Dr. L. A. Ward
Portrait of Rufus Tuttle .
Portrait of Martin Adsit .
Portrait of Charles N. Hurt
Portrait of George W. Terry
Portrait of Charles Hartshorn .
Portrait of Hiram C. Orcutt
Portrait of iMichacI Crotty
-Residence of Mrs. Michael Crotty
Portrait of W. L. Sutton .
Portrait of Dr. C. D. Robinson .
Portrait of Dr. J. W. Robinson .
HOWARD.
Portrait of Dr. Abijah B. Case .
Portrait of Seth H. Rice .
Portraits of Joel Russel anrl Wife
Portraits of Joel Bullard and Wife .
JASPER.
Portraits of Amos F. Woodbury and Wife
Portraits of Allen Drake and Wife .
Portrait of Dr. Solomon Deck .
Portraits of Henry Stearns and Wife
Portrait of Deacon Thomas Whiting .
PRATTSBURGH.
Portrait of Dr. Philo K. Stoddard
Portraits of Charles Waldo and Wife
Portraits of Lucius Waldo and Wife
Portraits of Luther Graves and Wife .
^ Farm Residence of Luther Graves
Portrait of Joseph G. Sturdevant
Portraits of E. A. Hubbard and Wife.
Portraits of Harry Godfrey and Wife
Portraits of Ira C. Williams and Wife
Portraits of Benjamin Cook and Wife
PAQB
between 322,
323
" 322,
323
facing
n
324
325
325
between 326,
327
" 326
327
facing
327
328
jeti
veen 328,
329
'
328
329
328,
329
facing
329
between 330,
331
'
330
331
facing
333
333
between 334,
335
'
334,
335
336
facing
337
337
facing
338
tt
339
bet
xeen 340
341
340
341
facing
342
343
346
349
349
facing
356
bet
veen 356
357
356
357
358
359
338
359
facing
360
362
364
366
369
Portrait (steel) of G. R. R. Ainsworth
Portrait of Hon. Charles G. Higby
Portraits of Aaron Pinney and AVife
-Residence of Wm. B. Pratt
Portrait of Wm. B. Pratt .
Portraits of Otis Waldo and Wife
'Residence of J. A. Waldo .
Portrait of J. M. Hopkins
^Residence of J. M. Hopkins
Portraits of John Van Housen and Wife
PAOK
facing 371
. 371
. 372
facing 373
. 373
facing 374
" 374
375
" 375
. .376
PULTENEY.
Portrait of John Coryell ....
THURSTON.
Portraits of Judge L. H. Phillips and Wife
TROUPSBURGH.
Portraits of Hon. Samuel (iriggs and Wife .
Portrait of Dr. N. M. Perry
Portrait of James Carpenter
facing 378
391
facing 392
396
. 401
URBAN A.
Portrait of D ■. M. T. Babcook .
Portrait of John W. Taggart
-Residence of John W. Taggart .
Portrait of William Hastings
Portrait of L. D. Hastings
Portraits of Benjamin Myrtle and Wife
Portraits of David Bailey and Wife .
Residence of Adsit Bailey
Portraits of Charles L. Bailey and Wife
. Residence of Charles L. Bailey .
WAYNE.
Portraits of Joel Wixson and Wife
- Residence of Joel Wixson
Portraits of M. V. Knapp and Wife
- Residence of M. V. Knapp
Portrait of P-ancis M. McDowell
Portraits of Lewis V. Houck and Wife
Portrait (steel) of Samuel Hallett
WEST UNION.
Portraits of David Sherman and Wife
WHEELER.
Portrait of 6cn. 0. F. Marshal .
facing 408
between 408, 409
" 408, 409
. 412
. 412
facing 412
414
" 414
419
" 419
facing 425
" 425
" 426
" 426
428
430
433
439
441
biogi^^i='I3:io^Ij-
NAME.
PAGE
Hon. A^incent Matthews
64
Gen. Daniel Cruger
65
Judge Welles
67
Hon. Thomas A. .Tohnson .
(-.8
John Baldwin
09
Hon. David Rumscv .
70
li^n. Edward Howell .
71
William Howell, Esq. .
71
llo'i. Robert Campbell
71
Hon. William Woods .
72
Hon. William B. Rochester
72
Hon. David McMastor '
72
Hon. George T. S])encer
between
72,73
Hon. W. M. Hawley .
•'
72, 73
Hon. Joseph G. Masten
73
Henry AV. Rogers, Esq.
73
Vincent M. Coryell
73
Schuyler S. Strong, Esq.
.
73
NAME.
Hon. S. n. Hammond
Hon. Washington Barnes
Hon. Guy H. McMiister
Ausel J. McCall, Esq. .
Alfred P. Ferris, Esq. .
Charles F. Kingsley, Esq.
lion. William E, Bonham
Hon. L. H. Read
Hon. Ziba A. Leiand .
Hon. .Andrew G. ChatticM
Hon. Ilarlo Hakes
R. L. Brundage, Esq. .
Hon. John K. Hale
Thomas J. Reynold.-^ .
Hon. Horace Bemis
Jaiues H. Stephens, Esq.
I. W. Near, Esq. .
Hon. William Irvine .
NAME. PAQB
Joseph Herron, John Maynard . . 75
Henry G. Cotton, Henry Sherwood . 75
(icn. J. II. Lansing . . facing 110
Gen. Nirom M. Crane .... 119
ADDISON.
William Wombough
.1. 11. Miles.
Major Rufus Baldwin
.Jc.el D. Gillet
Dr. Bradley Blakslee
Dr. Reuben P. Brown
fiicing 141
149
150
151
152
153
AVOCA.
Oscar S. Smith . . . facing 156
David L. Robords . between 156, 157
XiithanicI B. Chase . . facing 157
Christopher Patterson, M.D. " 158
' 8
CONTENTS.
B I O G- K/ JL 1= H: I O J^ Xj.
NAMK.
FAOB
NAME.
PAOS
NAHE.
PAOE
Alexander Arnold
facing
159
Alonzo H. Gorton
. facing 269
Rufus Tuttle . between 328
,329
Hon. H. H. Bouton .
159
Hon. John N. Ilungerford .
. 272
Martin Adsit
329
Thomas Cotton .
159
Hon. C. C. B. Walker
. 273
Charles N. Hart . . between 330
,331
BATH.
Hon. George B. Bradley
. 275
George W. Terry . " 330
331
Franklin N. Drake
. 275
Charles Hartshorn . . facing
333
John L. Smith
between 162,
163
Ellsworth D. Mills
. 275
Hiram C. Orcott, M.D.
333
Lay Noble .
facing
107
Austin Lathrop, Jr.
. 276
Michael Crotty . . between 334
,335
George S. Haverling .
between 168,
169
Quincy W. Wellington
. 276
William L. Sutton ....
336
Hon. L. N. Rider
facing
173
Henry Goff .
between 276, 277
C. D. Robinson, M.D. . . facing
337
Lansing D. Hodgman .
*'
175
William Walker .
" 276, 277
William B. Ruggles
•'
176
John Storms
. 277
HOWARD.
Addison F. Ellas .
"
182
Abijah B. Case, M.D. . . facing
338
Monroe Brundage
"
183
DANSVILLE.
Seth H. Rice ... "
339
? '-. Ira Davenport
.
186
John P. Faulkner
. facing 278
Joel Russcl . . . between 340
,341
Hon. John Mageo
187
Jarvis P. Case
between 280, 281
Joel BuUard . " 340
,341
Hon. Constant Cook
.
189
Morgan H. Carney
280, 281
John A. Bowlby .
190
Philetus Allen .
. " 282, 283
JASPER.
J. A. and Spencer B. i
Michael Weber .
ones " 282, 283
Amos F. Woodbury . facing
342
BRADFORD.
. 284
Allen Drake ... *•
343
John Kishpaugh .
facing
192 •
Isaac Shipman
. 285
Solomon Deck, M.D. . . "
346
B. B. Switzer
"
198
Henry Stearns ... "
349
Jesse Munson
200
ERWIN.
Deacon Thomas Whiting
349
William Hedges .
•
201
Edward Townscnd
John M. Patterson
facing 286
" 287
PRATTSBURGH.
CAMPBELIi.
Hon. Lj'man Balcom .
between 288, 289
Philo K. Stoddard, M.D. . facing
356
Geo. W. Campbell
facing
208
Calvin Lovell
290, 291
Charles Waldo . . between 356
357
Jonas Stevens
between 208
209
Willis J. Savory .
290, 291
Lucius-Waldo . . " 356
337
Deacon Jacob Woodward
facing
209
Warren S. Hodgman .
" 290, 291
Luther Gi aves . . " 358
359
W. W. Bartlett .
between 210
211
Peter Covcnhoven
290, 291
Joseph G. Sturdevant . facing
360
.\bram HoUenbeck
'' 210
211
Isaac P. Goodsell
292, 293
E. A. Hubbard ...
362
John P. Kdox
facing
213
Philo Campbell .
292, 293
Harry Godfrey ... "
364
John D. Hamilton
216
Col. Arthur Erwin
. 296
Ira C. Williams ... "
366
Daniel B. Curtis .
216
Capt. Samuel Erwin
. 296
Benjamin Cook ... "
369
Gen. Francis E. Erwin
. 297
Hon. Robert Porter ....
369
CANISTEO.
Arthur II. Erwiii
. 297
G. R. R. Ainsworth . . facing
371
---{reorge H. Stephens .
facing
218
Hon. Charles G. Higby
371
Nathan Crosby .
between 218
219
FREM
ONT.
Aaron Pinney
372
Joshua Stephens
218
219
Elisha G. Stephens
facing 298
Wm. B. Pratt
373
M. H. Stephens .
facing
91Q
Henry Cotton
300
Otis Waldo
374
Hon. Jeremiah Baker
(( •
220
Joseph M. Hopkins ....
374
Lyman A. Cook .
"
221
GREENE
kVOOD.
John Van Housen ....
375
Thomas Hallett .
C. B. Travis
between 222
facing
223
226
Jesse T. Atkins .
Hon. Alexander H. St
facing 304
sphens . . 306
PULTENEY.
Nathan Stephens
227
Asa U. Stephens
. 307
John Coryell . . . facing
378
John Carter
229
Levi Davis .
. 308
THURSTON.
CATON
.
HORI
JBY.
Judge L. H. Phillips ....
391
John Gillett
William D. Gilbert
facing
n
232
234
Deacon John St. John
Col. N. B. Stanton
facing 313
314
TROUPSBURGH.
Philip Hubbard .
.
235
Daniel Goodsell .
between 314, 315
Hon. Samuel Griggs . . facing
392
Benoni and Lucius Johnson
235
George Goodsell .
314, 315
N. M. Perry, M.D. . . "
396
Deacon Titus Smith .
.
236
Samuel Lilly
facing 316
James Carpenter .....
400
Col. Frederick Barnard
236
Theodore Ilendrick
. 317
URBANA.
COHOCTON.
John B. Wasson .
. 317
M. T. Babcock, M.D. . . facing
408
Valentino Van Wormer
facing
240
HORNEIil
..SVILLE.
John W. Taggart . between 408,
409
Lewis and Smith Clayson
George W. Drake
it
244
249
Hon. Asa McConnell
Christopher Hurlbut
facing 318
320
Benjamin Myrtle . . facing
Charles L. Bailey ....
412
419
Thomas C. Armstrong
250
Francis Colgrovc
between 320, 321
WAYNE.
David S. Wait .
251
John S. Sharp .
320, 321
Francis M. McDowell . . facing
428
CORNING.
William Woolever
George Davenport
facing 322
between 322, 323
Lewis V. Houck ... "
M. V. Knapp
Joel AVixson .....
430
432
Rev. Benjamin F. Balcom
between 252, 253
Walter G. Rose .
facing 324
432
433
John McBurney .
. •' 252
,253
James Alley
" 325
Samuel Hallett
Hiram Pritchard
. facing 254
Daniel K. Belknap
. 325
Hiram W. Bostwick .
"
255
N. B. Haskell
between 326, 327
WEST UNION.
Hon. Stephen T. Hayt
•'
259
Alanson Stephens
facing 327
David Sherman
439
W. W. Wormley .
between 264
,265
John S. Jameson, M.I
" 328
Joshua B. Graves, M.D,
. facin
;267
S. E. Shattuck, M.D.
. between 328, 829
WHEELER.
Chas. n. Thomson
it
2G8
Luman A. Ward, M.D.
" 328, 329
Gen. Otto F. Marshal ....
441
liaiaoKi iiraiyBSiM.
HISTORY
OF
STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTER I.
BARON STEUBEN.
His Early Life and Military Services in Europe.
This county derives its name from Frederic William
Augustus, Baron Steuben. The baron never had the honor
of living within its borders. He was one of those distin-
guished foreigners, like Lafiiyette, De Kalb, and Kosci-
usko, who came to this country to aid the cause of liberty
in the American Revolution. Unlike those other distin-
guished foreigners, however, who first became conspicuously
known on this side of the ocean, Steuben had acquired a
high military reputation in the Prussian service, where he
had attained the rank of aide-de-camp to Frederic the Great,
and was particularly connected with the quartermaster-
general's department.
Frederic William Augustus, Baron Stkuben, was
born about 1730, in some part of Germany, probably in
Suabia, as he possessed a small estate in that province.
That he was not a Prussian by birth is shown by a remark
of his on one occasion, that if he had been a native subject
the gi'eat Frederic would certainly have dispatched him as
a prisoner to Spandau for daring to request a dismission
from his service. The fiither of Baron Steuben in 1779
wrote a letter to Dr. Franklin, making inquiry about his
son. It is dated Custrin, Prussia, Oct. 8, 1779, and is
signed " W. K. von Steuben, Major and Chevalier of the
Order of Merit." In this letter the father says he is eighty-
one years old, and his wife seventy-three.
Steuben was fortunate enough to engage the friendship
and confidence of Prince Henry, the king's brother, to
whose family he was for some time attached. In an un-
fortunate campaign, the prince incurred tlie displeasure of
his inexorable brother. He was ordered to retire from the
field, and his suite were placed in situations intended to make
them feel the misfortune of being friends to a man who
had dared to displease the king. Steuben was sent into
Silesia, with orders to recruit, equip, and discipline, within
a certain period, a regiment broken down by long and hard
service. The pecuniary allowance was wholly insufficient
for the end proposed ; but in such a service no intrinsic
difficulties could excuse a failure in executing the king's
commands. The baron repaired to the appointed spot, and
by his unwearied exertions the regiment was maruhcd com-
plete to headquartei-s within the prescribed time. This
service was performed at an early period, and probably pro-
cured the appointment which he subsequently held, of aide-
de-camp to Frederic himself.
An arbitrary exertion of the royal authority, consequent
upon the peace of Hubertsburg, in 1763, induced him to
withdraw from the Prussian army, which he did without
forfeiting the favor of the king. He seems ever after to
have retained a strong attachment for his stern old master,
and was observed to be much affected on receiving news of
that monarch's death in America.
That his military talents were highly esteemed in Prussia
is shown by a fact of more recent date. When, in the
course of the Revolutionary war in this country. Congress
applied to the several European courts for a transcript of
their military codes, the prime minister of Prussia replied
that their military instructions had never been published,
nor even transcribed, except for the use of the generals.
He added that he was surprised at the request, for he un-
derstood that Baron Steuben was employed in the American
service, and that no one was better able to give accurate
information respecting the minutest details of the Prussian
system.
Upon leaving the array, Steuben repaired to his estate of
Weilheim, in southea.stern Bavaria. In 1764, Prince Ho-
henzoUern-Heehingen made him manshal of the court,
with a salary of twelve hundred florins. He was at the
same period appointed colonel in the Circle of Suabia, an
office more honorable than lucrative. The troops of the
Circle were chiefly militia, and the duty couisisted in little
else than attending a periodical review. In 1767, Prince
Margrave, of Baden, made him a Knight of the Order
of Fidelity, and soon after gave him the chief command
of the troops, with the rank and title of general, and yearly
emoluments to the amount of two thousand florins. Thus
situated, he refused two liberal profliirs from the prime
minister of Austria to induce him to enter the service o
the emperor.
Steuben retained through life the pride and bearing of
an old soldier. He always wore the insignia of his order,
a star ornamented with gold and diamonds, suspended at the
bi'east of his coat. His military subordinates were obliged
to conform strictly to the rules of etiquette in rendering the
outward testimonials of respect due to his office. A little
incident, which occurred near the close of the American
9
10
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
war, affords an amusing illustration of this amiable weak-
ness.
One day, while at dinner at headquarters, the baron
happened to express himself with much feeling and energy
on some important subject. Gouverneur Morris, who sat
at his right hand, was peculiarly struck with the remark,
and, in his frank way, slapped Steuben somewhat roughly
on the back, and cried out with an oath, " Well done,
general, well done !" Much irritated at the insult, as he
deemed it, the old baron abruptly quitted the table, and re-
tired to his marquee, exclaiming, with great warmth, " Con-
found the fellow ! with his old wooden leg he will govern
the whole country!"
The circumstances which induced Baron Steuben to take
an active part in the American struggle for independence
are briefly as follows :
In April, 1777, he visited Paris, with the intention of
repairing to London about the end of June, whither ho
had been invited by Lords Spencer and Warwick, whose
acquaintance he had previously formed in Germany. As
good fortune would have it, he was induced by Count de
St. Germain, the French minister of war, to postpone his
visit to England, and finally to abandon it ; otherwise, he
might never have joined the American army.
There was much interest at that time in France respect-
ing the difficulties between England and the colonies, and
the French ministers wished to aid the revolutionists as far
as they could without openly compromising themselves with
England.
On his arrival in Paris, Steuben sent a note to St. Ger-
main, testifying a desire to visit him at Versailles. The
same evening Col. Pagenstecher, a gentleman attached to
the court, waited upon Steuben to inform him that St.
Germain desired him not to come to Versailles, but to be
at tlie arsenal in Paris in the course of a few days, where
the count wished to converse with him on business of im-
portance. As Steuben had no project to execute, nor any
favor to ask of the count, there was a mystery in this pro-
ceeding which he could not fathom. At the interview,
however, which soon occurred, all was explained.
St. Germain laid the American cause before the baron
in as flattering colors as possible. The Spanish minister.
Count d'Aranda. the Prince de Montbarrey, and, finally,
Vergennes himself, added the weight of their authority to
the propcsal of St. Germain. As the French ministers
had no authority to settle upon terms, they referred the
matter to the American envoys then in Paris. At the
house of M. de Beaumarchais, Steuben was introduced to
Dr. Franklin and Silas Deane. At the same place he
became acquainted with Peter S. du Ponceau, then a
young man only seventeen years of age, whose services as
an interpreter (for he spoke English fluently) were pecu-
liarly valuable. The envoys showed a desire to enlist the
baron in the American cause, but when the terms were
mentioned a difficulty immediately arose. Mr. Deane was
willing to enter into any proper engagement, but Dr.
Franklin demurred, and urged that he had no authority
from Congress to form any contract whatever with any
foreign officer, still less to make the required advance of
funds to defray the expenses of the voyage. On the con-
trary, Congress had already refused to ratify the conditions
upon which he had engaged M. Ducoudray and the officers
of his suite to embark for America.
To the baron this answer was decisive, and he soon af\er
left Paris and returned to Germany. But St. Germain
and others were unwilling to let the matter rest. They
wrote to Steuben that a ship was all ready to sail for
America, and induced him to return early in August, and
embark without any stipulations from the American min-
isters, but with letters of introduction to Washington and
the President of Congress. On the failure of any other
chance, he was to rely on the French court for remunera-
tion, and Beaumarchais advanced the money to defray
immediate expenses.
The French ship, UHeureitx, of twenty-eight guns,
commanded by Capt. Landais, who had served under Bou-
gainville in his voyage round the world, was appointed for
the expedition. Her name was changed to Le Flamand,
and she was ostensibly freighted by private individuals for
a voyage to Martinique. But her lading really consisted
of arms and munitions of war for the American service,
and the captain had secret orders to proceed to the United
States.
Baron Steuben embarked at Marseilles, on the 26th of
September, 1777, under the assumed name of Monsieur de
Frank. His suite consisted of M. du Ponceau, who acted
as private secretary, and three French officers, — Romanai,
L'Enfant, and Ponthierre. After a rough voyage the ship
arrived at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the 1st of De-
cember. On their first communication with the shore, they
received the news of the capture of Burgoyne, an event of
happy omen to Steuben, as it assured him that he had not
embarked in a desperate cause.
He immediately wrote to Gen. Washington, inclosing
Dr. Franklin's letter, and requesting permission to enter
the American service, if no other arrangement could im-
mediately be made, in the capacity of a volunteer. '' I
could .say, moreover," he added, " were it not for the fear
of oifending your modesty, that your Excellency is the only
person under whom, after having served under the King of
Prussia, I could wish to pursue an art to which I have
wholly given up myself. I intend to go to Boston in a few
days, where I shall present my letters to Mr. Hancock,
member of Congress, and there I shall wait for your Excel-
lency's orders, according to which I shall take convenient
measures."
Washington replied on the 9th of January, 1778, refer-
ring the baron to Congress, then in session at Yorktown,
Pa. On the day after his arrival at that place, Congress
appointed a committee of five members to confer with him.
The famous Dr. Witherspoon was chairman, and the only
one to whom Steuben could explain him.self in French.
Steuben said, in answer to the questions of the committee,
that he had come to serve as a volunteer in the army, and
in order to do this he had resigned offices in Europe which
gave him an income of six hundred pounds sterling. If
his services should not prove acceptable, or if the United
States should fail in establishing their independence, he
would hold them quit of any obligation to him, either for
indemnity or reward. But if the value of his services
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
11
should be acknowledged by the cotninander-in-chief, and the
war sliould have a prosperous issue, ho hoped that Congress
would restore the money he had advanced, would render
him an equivalent for the oflSces he liad resigned, and give
him such further compensation as they might deem he had
deserved. In the mean time he expected that the officers
of his suite should receive employment suitable to their ex-
perience and rank These modest and reasonable proposi-
tions were immediately accepted by Congress, with a vote
of thanks to Steuben for his patriotic offer, and an order for
him to join the army at once, which was then in winter
quarters at Valley Forge. His reputation had preceded
him, and all ranks were eager to see and greet the distin-
guished foreigner, who had come to devote his military skill
to the cause of American freedom.
BARON STEUBEN IN THE AMERICAN ARMY.
The condition of the Continental troops during the
<;loomy winter at Valley Forge is too well known to need
description. It was wretched in the extreme. Reduced
to a mere handful in point of numbers, half-clothed, and
ill-sheltered from the inclemency of the weather, they owed
their preservation to the supineness or ignorance of the
enemy. The baron frequently declared that no European
army could be kept together under such dreadful privations.
Discipline was relaxed, and the performance of military du-
ties frequently postponed, from the necessity of employing
the soldiers in excursions to procure daily subsistence, or of
keeping them housed because they were too poorly clad to
endure the open air. As he passed through the canton-
ment, says his aide-de-camp, the baron was obliged to see
through the half closed doors of the huts the wretched fig-
ures of the soldiers, with only a blanket thrown over them,
and to hear, at every turn, their complaints for the want of
pay, clothes, and provisions.
The want of economy and order in the army at that time
was fearful, and needed just such a regulating hand as
Baron Steuben's. Richard Peters, who then belonged to
the war department, affirmed that it was customary in the
estimates of that office to allow five thousand muskets be-
yond the actual number of the muster of the whole army.
Yet this allowance was never sufficient to guard against the
waste and misapplication that occurred. We have the
same authority for the assertion that, in the last inspection
return of the army, before he left the war department.
Baron Steuben being then inspector-general, only three
muskets were deficient, and those were accounted for.
When the spring opened partial supplies were received,
and the new levies arrived iu considerable numbers. To
bring order out of the general confusion, to reduce the raw
recruits to a homogeneous mass with the old troops, to ac-
custom the whole to the utmost precision of movement and
management of arms, and to yield punctilious obedience
to orders, was the hard task assigned to Baron Steuben.
He was obliged to instruct equally the officers and men —
the former to lead and the latter to follow — in intricate evo-
lutions, with which all were alike unacquainted. His diffi-
culties were increased by his ignorance of the English lan-
guage. His secretary, Du Ponceau, who might have aided
him in this point, was sick and absent from the army. At
the first parade, the troops, neither understanding the com-
mand nor being able to follow in movements to which they
had not been accustomed, were getting fast into confusion.
At that moment Captain Walker, then of the 4th New
York Regiment, advanced from the line and offered his as-
sistance to translate the orders and give them out to the
troops. " If I had seen an angel from heaven," said the
baron, many years after, " I should not have been more re-
joiced. Perhaps there was not another officer in the army
(unless Hamilton be excepted) who could speak French
and English so as to be well understood in both.' Walker
became his aide de-camp, and in future was hardly ever
from his side. Still, as the baron slowly acquired our lan-
guage, his eagerness and warmth of temper would fre-
quently involve him in difficulties. On such occasions,
after exhausting all the execrations ho could think of in
German and French, he would call upon his faithful aide for
assistance. " Venez, Walker, nion ami ! Sacre, de gauche-
rie of des badauts, je ne puis plus. I can curse dem no
more !"
A temporary department of inspection was organized,
and the baron placed at its head. He was efficient and in-
defatigable in the discharge of his duties, and iinder his
training the raw and heterogeneous mass of recruits and
veterans soon began to assume the solidity and discipline of
an army. Every fair day, when the troops were to manoeu-
vre, the baron rose at three o'clock in the morning, and
while the servant dre.ssed his' hair he smoked and drank
one cup of strong coffee. At sunrise he was on his horse,
and, with or without suite, galloped to the parade-ground.
There was no waiting for a tardy aide, and one who came
late was sufficiently punished by a reproachful look for the
neglect of duty.
Dr. Thacher, in his " Military Journal," describes a scene
on the parade-ground, showing how the baron attended to
the minutest details : " The troops were paraded in a single
line, with shouldered arms, every officer in his particular
station. The baron first reviewed the line in this position,
passing in front with a scrutinizing eye ; after which he
took into his hand the musket and accoutrements of every
soldier, examining them with particular accuracy, applauding
or condemning according as he found them. Ho required
that the musket and bayonet should exhibit the brightest
polish ; not a .spot of rust or defect in any part could elude
his vigilance. He inquired also into the conduct of the
officers towards their men, censuring every fault, and ap-
plauding every meritorious action. Next he required of me,
as surgeon, a list of the sick, with a particular statement of
their accommodations, mode of treatment, and even visited
some of the sick in their cabins."*
The value of Steuben's services was soon apparent. On
the 30th of April, 1778, Washington wrote to Congress,
"I should do injustice if I were to be longer silent with
regard to the merits of Baron Steuben. His knowledge of
his profession, added to the zeal which he has discovered
since he began upon the functions of his office, leads me to
consider him as an acquisition to the service, and to recom-
mend him to the attention of Congress.'' Congress, on the
* Thaoher's Military jQiirm^l, sesoo J elition, p. 160.
12
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
5th of May, appointed him inspector-general of the army,
with the rank of major-general.
The department of inspection was now organized on a
permanent basis. Two ranks of inspectors were appointed.
The lowest were charged with the inspection of brigades,
and were chosen by the field-oificers of the body to which
they belonged. Over these were placed, as sub-inspectors,
five other ofiScers, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
Among these wore two French gentlemen, Ternant and
Fleury, whose knowledge of both French and English made
them necessary assistants of Baron Steuben. The duty of
the inspectors was to superintend the exercise and discipline
of the troops, and to assist in the execution of all field
manoeuvres, especially in time of action. They reviewed
and inspected the number and condition of the men, and
the state of the arms and accoutrements, and reported to
the commander-in-chief any loss or damage, and by what
means it had occurred. The various means for the accom-
plishment of this very essential part of the service were
projected and matured with great labor by Steuben himself,
and they were productive of the happiest results. Bluch
unnecessary expense was avoided, and habits of order and
carefulness introduced throughout the army.
Baron Steuben, while engaged in the active duties of his
office as inspector-general of the army, produced the first
military manual or book of tactics and discipline ever pub-
lished in this country. This book was undertaken in the
autumn of 1778, to supply a demand which at that period
became an urgent necessity. Hitherto the system intro-
duced by the baron had been extended to the troops in
separate and remote sections of the country by means of
officers dispatched for the purpose, who had previously
learned and practiced the rules under the eye of Steuben
himself. Ternant had been sent upon this errand to the
Southern army, and Neuville to the department in com-
mand of Gates. But differences of practice still existed,
which were perplexing when large bodies of troops were
brought together, and in order to insure more perfect har-
mony it was deemed advisable that a manual should be
prepared and printed for distribution among the proper
officers.
Baron Steuben engaged in the work at the request of
Washington and the board of war. The difficulties in the
way of executing the project were great. From his im-
perfect acquaintance with the English language the work
was originally composed in Frencli, and the manuscript
then translated into English by his aides, or persons con-
nected with the war department, who were not well ac-
quainted with military phrases and duties. No treatise on
military science could be obtained to serve as a basis for
the work. Everything had to be drawn from the baron's
recollections of the Prussian system, and then modified to
suit the peculiar condition of the American troops.
It is no small praise of a work executed under such cir-
cumstances that it was immediately approved by Wa.shing-
ton, relied upon for direction during the remainder of the
war, and continued to be in use as the only authority for
disciplining the militia of the several States for nearly half
a century. For this purpose the work was republished in
many of the States. The completed manuscript was sub-
mitted to the perusal of Washington Feb. 26, 1779. Con-
gress adopted it by a resolution dated on the 29th of March.
Col. Pickering, who superintended the passage of the work
through the press, wrote to Steuben announcing its publi-
cation on the 19th of June.
The peculiar duties of Steuben during the war required
his services in different parts of the country. In August,
1779, he left the main army on a visit to Providence, in
order to introduce among the troops under Gen. Gates the
rules which had been adopted in the main body. He re-
mained in Providence but a short time, being ordered to
Boston to receive and accompany to headquarters the Che-
valier de la Luzerne, who had just landed as minister from
France to Congress.
Steuben, although ardently desiring to take charge of a
.separate command and to engage in more active service, re-
mained in the discharge of the duties of his office as in-
spector-general until the autumn of 1780. Circumstances
then occurred which were destined soon to gratify his long-
cherished wish. The defeat of Gen. Gates at Camden, on
the 16th of August, had entirely exposed the southern
country to the operations of the army under Cornwallis.
In October, Gen. Greene was appointed to the command of
the South, with all the troops raised in the Southern States
destined for his support. Baron Steuben was ordered to
accompany him, to aid in recruiting and disciplining the
raw troops which were to form the bulk of his army.
On arriving at Richmond, about the middle of November,
Geu. Greene decided that Virginia could only be defended
from the Carolinas : that unless the British forces in those
States could be kept actively engaged there, the whole
country up the Potomac must fall into their power. There-
fore he proceeded to his chosen field of operations, leaving
Steuben in command in Virginia, with instructions to re-
cruit and discipline troops as rapidly as possible, and for-
ward them, together with stores and provisions, to his
support in North Carolina.
An odious task was thus imposed upon Steuben ; for the
people of Virginia, in the exposed condition of their own
State, with Portsmouth still occupied by the British Gen.
Leslie, would be unwilling to surrender so large a portion
of their scanty resources to augment an army whose opera-
tions at best afforded them but a doubtful protection.
Gen. Greene, in a letter, laid his plans before Gov. Jeffer-
son, recommended the baron in strong terms, and invoked
for him the aid and co-operation of the State executive.
The quota of troops fixed by Congi'ess to complete the
Virginia line amounted to nearly six thousand. The As-
sembly, under the circumstances, with apparent reluctance,
and after much debate, voted to raise three thousand by a
drafl, which was appointed to be held on the 10th of Feb-
ruary, 1781. All the troops Steuben had been able to
send to Gen. Greene up to this time was a force of about
four hundred (out of a destitute squad of nine hundred,
who had been left at liberty by the withdrawal of Leslie
from Portsmouth, on the 24th of November), for whom
only, with great labor, he could find equipments. The
others had been ordered to Chesterfield Court-House, and
the baron had made strenuous exertions to procure for
them tjie necessary articles of equipment.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
13
Wc mention these particulars to show how limited were
the resources of Steuben, eitlier to comply with the urgent
calls of Greene for " more trooj)s and supplies," or in ease of
an invasion by a naval expedition, to which their situation
peculiarly exposed them, to be in readiness promptly to
defend the State.
While the draft was pending, such a naval expedition
suddenly surprised the country. The traitor, Benedict
Arnold, with a flotilla of twenty-seven sail and sixteen
hundred effective men, entered the James River, and
crowded rapidly up to the capital of the State. On the 4th
they landed at Westover, twenty miles below Richmond,
which now appeared to be the object of attack. No force
had yet been collected. Seeing that Richmond was likely
to fall into the hands of the enemy, great exertions were
made to remove the archives, arms, and military stores to
the south side of the river, which object was in a great
measure accomplished. Most of the stores were sent to
Westham, seven miles from Richmond, where they were
ferried across the river, and guarded by a small body of
Continentals.
Arnold landed nine hundred of his men at Westover,
and commenced his march on the afternoon of the 4th on
Richmond, which place he reached at noon the next day.
Baron Steuben dispatched one or two hundred militia, all
that could be collected, to harass the British on the march, but
the service was ill-performed, and they entered the capital
without the loss of a man. Arnold with five hundred men re-
maining in the town, Col. Simcoe with the remainder pushed
forward to Westham, where lie burned a valuable foundry,
boring-mill, laboratory, and some smaller buildings.* Five
brass four-pounders, which had been sunk in the river, were
discovered, raised, and carried off, and six tons of powder
were thrown into the water. But, as they had no means
of crossing the river, the major part of the stores were out
of their reach, and Simcoe returned immediately to Rich-
mond. Arnold sent a flag to Steuben, offering not to burn
the town if the ships should be allowed to pass up un-
molested and carry off the tobacco which was there de-
posited. This proposition was rejected, and the enemy
concluding to leave the tobacco, after burning the public
buildings and plundering many private hou.ses, commenced
their retreat to Westover, where they arrived on the 7th.
In forty-eight hours they had passed thirty miles into the
country, occupied the capital of the State, destroyed much
public property, and returned to their shipping without the
loss of a man.
Deeply .sen.siblc of the insult they had received, Steuben
strained every nerve to collect troops and harass the British
on their way down the river. Rightly judging that Arn-
old's force would land at Hood's, the baron ordered Col.
Clarke to form an ambuscade, with two hundred militia, at
a short distance from the landing-place. On the 10th the
shipping anchored, as was expected, and a party of five
hundred men drove in the American picket. When they
came within forty paces, the militia poured in a general
fire, which killed seven men and wounded twenty-three
others. The British returned the fire without effect, and
-There was here nn armory during the Revolution.
then pushed forward with fixed bayonets, when the militia
immediately fled. On the 20th the fleet reached Ports-
mouth, which Arnold proceeded to fortify, in order to estab-
lish it as a permanent post.
We need not follow the account further, the details of
which are familiar to the readers of Revolutionary history.
Gov. Jefferson wrote, on the 10th of January, to the Pres-
ident of Congress, —
" Baron Steuben haj^ descended from the dignity of his proper oom-
mnnd to direct our smallc.'.t niovemcnt.s. Hi.s vigilance has in a great
measure supplied the want of force, in preventing the enemy from
crossing the river, the consequences of which iniglit have been very
fatal. He has been assiduously employed in preparing equij)mcnts
for the militia, as they assembled, pointing them to a proper object,
and in other offices of a good commander."
The action of Steuben in the defense of Petersburg was
gallant and courageous. This was on the 24lh of April,
1780. Arnold, at Portsmouth, had baffled all attempts to
dislodge or capture him on the part of a large force of
infantry under Lafiiyette and a French fleet sent from
Newport under command of Destouehes, and had been
reinforced by Gen. Phillips, witli two thousand English
troops. The combined forces, amounting to two thou.sand
five hundred men, under the command of Gen. Phillips,
sailed up the James River on the 18lh, with the view
of attacking Petersburg and Richmond. Simcoe, with a
small party, entered Williamsburg, and destroyed some
stores. The main body, on the 24th, landed at the conflu-
ence of the Appomattox and James Rivers, and marched
up the banks of the former towards Petersburg.
Baron Steuben was there with one thousand militia, to
defend the city against two thousand three hundred regular
troops; but his measures were so well taken that he was able
to dispute the ground more than two hours, during which
time the enemy gained but one mile. Their lines were
twice broken before their superiority of numbers compelled
the brave baron to retreat and assume a new position about
twelve miles up the river. The loss was equal, amounting
to sixty killed and wounded on each side.
Lafayette, by forced marches, had arrived at Richmond
in time to prevent an attack on that city. The British
burned the tobacco and warehouses in Petersburg and
vicinity. By the 1st of May Lafayette and Steuben
had collected such a considerable force that Phillips dared
not cross to the north side of the river, and soon abandoned
the campaign and returned again to Portsmouth.
When Cornwallis entered the State of Virginia Steuben
had charge of the State arsenal at the Point of Fork, on
the James River, above Richmond, and of the military
stores which had been collected there. The post was
guarded by Steuben with six hundred newly-levied troops.
Cornwallis, learning his situation, detached Simcoe against
him with five hundred regulars. Tarleton, with two hun-
dred and fifty horse, was also ordered to proceed to Char-
lotteville, and thence to join Simcoe at the Point of Fork.
This double movement rendered Steuben's situation very
perilous. It was useless to attempt to defend the place
against such odds, and even the utmost dispatch could
hardly promise a successful retreat. Still the baron set to
14
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
work with his accustomed energy. lie transported the
stores to the soutli side of the river witii such celerity
that, when Simcoe appeared on the 3d of June, only thirty
of the rear-guard remained, who were captured. The river
was deep and unfordable, and as Steuben had taken the
precaution to secure all the boats, the main object of the
British was defeated.
The autumn of this year was signalized by the march
of the combined French and American armies to Virginia,
and the measures which led to the capitulation of Corn-
wallis on the 18th of October. In the operations before
Yorktown Baron Steuben had a full and lioiioi'able share.
Washington respected his indefatigable exertions, and
soothed him under the disappointments he had suffered
by conferring upon him a command in the regular line.
It was during the baron's tour of duty in the trenches that
the negotiations for surrender commenced. At the reliev-
ing hour next morning Lafixyette approached with his
division. The baron refused to be relieved, itssigiiing as a
reason the etiquette in Europe, where the officer who re-
ceives the overtures remains on his post till the capitula-
tion is signed or broken. The uiarquis applied to the com-
mander-in-chief, but Steuben with his troops remained in
the trenches till the British flag was struck. He returned
with the main army to the North, and continued at head-
quarters till the close of the war, occupied in the discharge
of his duties as inspector-general.
On the day that Washington resigned his commission as
commander-in-chief, he wrote to Steuben the following
letter :
"Annapolis, 2.3d December, 17S2.
" Mv Dear Barox.
"Although I have taken frequent opportunitiM, in public ami in
private, of acknowledging your great zeal, attention, and abilities in
performing the duties of your office, yet I wish to make use of this
last moment of my public life to signify, in the strongest terms, my
entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the ob-
ligations the public is under to you for your faithful and meritorious
services.
"I beg ynu will be convinced, my dear sir, that I should rejoice if
it should ever be in my power to serve you more essentially than by
expressions of regard and affection ; but, in the mean time, I am
persuaded you will not be displeased with this farewell token of my
sincere friendship and esteem for you.
" This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service
of my country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at twelve to-day,
after which I shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Poto-
mac, where I shall be glad to embrace you, and testify the esteem and
consideration with which
" I am, my dear Baron, etc.,
"Geurgk \Vasii£.noto.n."
PRIVATE LIFE AND LAST DAYS OF STEUBEN.
Gen. Lincoln having resigned his place at the head of the
war department. Baron Steuben and Gen. Knox were the
prominent candidates for the office of secretary of war.
The objection to the former, and it proved to be a deci.sive
one, rested in the fact that he was a foreigner. Of his
qualifications for the oflSce there can be no reasonable doubt.
In March, 1784, he submitted to Washington a plan for
establishing a Continental legion, and training the militia in
time of peace, which the latter returned with his entire
approval.
For seven years after the close of the war Baron Steu-
ben was occupied i[i ineffectual attempts to obtain from
Congress the promised recompense for his services. Con-
gress never ex])rcssly denied the justice of liis claim, but
the poverty of the country at first induced delay, and in
succeeding sessions the matter was crowded out by a nmlii-
plicity of other duties and responsibilities. He at hist col-
lected a number of papers and documents bearing u])(m his
claim, and submitted his statements and accompanying
proofs to Mr. Jay, Mr. Livingston, Col. Hamilton, and
others, all of whom declared the evidence to be satisfactory
and the demand just. It was not until after the settlc'incnt
of the Federal Constitution that the urgent recommendation
of the President and the exertions of Hamilton procured for
him tardy and iinperfoct justice. On the4th of Juik', 17!M),
Congress pa.ssed an act granting to the veteran a life-annuity
of two thousand five hundred dollars. Individual Slates
had already shown their sense of his ill-rei(uited services by
complimentary resolutions and gifts of land. Virginia and
New Jersey had each given him a small tract, and the As-
sembly of New York, by a vote datiid May 5, 1786, made
over to him one-quarter of a township, equal to sixteen
thousand acres, out of the territory recently purchased of
the Oneida Indians. The site .selected was in the immedi-
ate vicinity of Utica, where he cau.sed a log house to be
erected as the home of his declining years. This was his
baronial estate and castle, in the midst of a wilderness
stretching far away in unbroken solitude on every hand.
He had no kindred in this country, and his family consisted
only of dependents and friends, whom his various acts of
kindness had caused to cling to him with all the affection
of children for an aged parent. He distributed nearly a
tenth part of the tract to his aides and servants, and the rest
of the land was let on easy terras to twenty or thirty ten-
ants. About sixty acres were cleared in front of the house,
and afforded him wheat and nourishment for a small stock
of cattle.
As the surrounding country was but thinly settled, the
want of society led him to pass a portion of each winter in
the city of New York. He was never perfectly a master
of the English language, though he made few mistakes in
speaking, except as a matter of jest. Once, when dining
with the commander-in-chief, Mrs. Washington asked him
what amusements he had now that the business of his office
was less pressing. " I read and play chess, my lady," said
the baron, "and yesterday I was invited to go a-fishing.
It was understood to be a very fine amu.sement. I sat in
the boat two hours, though it was very warm, and caught
two fish."
" Of what kind, baron ?" asked the lady.
" Indeed, I do not recollect perfectly, but one of them
was a whale."
" A whale, baron, in the North River !"
" Yes, on my word, a very fine whale, as that gentleman '
informed me," .said the baron, turning to the gentleman
who had been his companion in fishing. '■ Did you not tell
me it was a whale, major ?"
" An eel, baron," replied the major, courteously.
" I beg your pardon, my lady," returned the baron ;
" but the geotleman certainly called it a whale. It is, how-
HISTORY OV STKUHKN COUNTY, NKW YORK.
ir.
ovor, nfliltlo (•(in.scqncnco. T sliiiU iiliiimldii llu^ liiidr, iiol-
witlisliiiiiliii^' i\n' lino iiiiiiisi'iiu'iil. it allonlM."
At liisi liiiusc, iiciir lUicii, llw^ hiuvn liiiil litllc sdiiioty,
cxc(^|)t fViiiTi tlio iiii,ssiiii4 vi.sit (if :i slraiiL;(M- or u IVioiicl. A
young iiii\n naincil Miillipin, wlioso litcniiy jxiwors mid
destitute situation, wlnn a boy, liad attrnetod \m notice,
rosidod witli liirn, and read lo liiiii in his solitary iiours.
His I'avoriti- aidc's-di'-cani|i, Waliicr and North, also spent
much time at his liouse, and their alleetionate attention
eontinued to eheer him till the elosu of lii'e. His Tarm and
garden all'Drih'd him some pastime, but it was chiefly IVom
a well-stored library that he derived relief from the weari-
ness of a situation that harmonized ill with the active duties
of his former life. The comlbrls of religion and the pmiisal
of the iSeriplures ]ire|)ared liini to nieel his enil with eoni-
poHuro and humble trust.
Tliough tile .sedentary lile ]){■ I'ollowid was unfavorable
to his health, no failure of mind lu- body was apparent till
November, 17IM. On ihe^ritb of (bat nionlli, berelnrncd
in tlio evening to his (diainbcr in bis usnai b<'allh, but was
shortly after struek with paralysis, and partly deprived of
s|ieecli. Th(' nearest physieian was called, t bough the ease
was imuii'dialcly seen to bc^ bopcli'ss. lie die<l on (he 'iStb.
Agreeably to former direct ioiis, bis bo<ly was wrappi^d in
a military cloak, ornatnentcd with llu^ star he had always
worn, and interred in iIk! nrigbboring forest. A few noigh-
Ixu's, his s(U'VJints, and the young man, liis laid eompanion,
followed bis remains to the grave. A public highway was
liiid out some years afterwards, wbirb passed directly over
th(! hallow(Ml spot. Walker (taused his body to be removiul
to a little dislane(<, where a monument was creeled and iu-
olo.sed with an iron paling, lie also gave nn adjoining lot
as a site for u uhurcli, on condition timt its members and
their successors should preserve tiio r(!maiiiH from any
further violation.
(/ol. North caused a tablet, with the following in.scrip-
tion, to be placed in the Lutheran church in Nassau
Street, Ni^w York, w1iim'<! the baron used in worship when
residing in that city :
SikjiumI to thd Mt)m(n\v of
FIIKDEIUC \VII,I,IAM AIHIIISTIIS, HARON STKIIIIHN,
A (j(!rinnn Kiii^lit of ilio Older of I«'i(loli(,y,
Aido-(lo-('iLiii|) to j^'<t<l<n'ic ihn tli-ctit, Iviii); of IM-uhhiii,
Miijor <t(]ii<n'iil anil InHpcctor-thnioral
In the Il(5V()liitionHry Wiir.
Eftt»oinu(l, i"cf*i)«eto<I, ami su|i[iortoil t)_v WaHliiiij^toti,
Ho j^avo Military SItill and liiHcipliiio
To tlm Citizen Soldiers, wiio
(l''nUillinj{ tlio DeereeH of Heaven)
Acliiovud the lndu|iendorK-o of the United StaluH.
Tlio hif(llly-|)oliHlied Mannoi'H of tht! Itaron were graced
Ity the inoKl nohle I'^etHin^N of the Heart;
Hid Hand, open aH Day to niellin;^ (jluirity,
CloHtid only in the (Jranp of llealli.
Tills Memorial ir* insoribed by tin Anierieaii,
Who had Honor to bo hif Aide-ile-Oainp.
The HappinuMM to be hU Friend.
Ob. I71IS.*
('II A I'TKIl I I.
THE INDIANS.
* Jurud Kparka, in hin biography of Mloubcn, decldeH that thin date
in an error, and given, an wo have given it elHcwhoru, Nov. 28, 17(tl.
liOftguo of the ImqnoiB— Their Hxtent and I'owor— Fiirniatioii of the
Confodernoy — I'eOHllaritien of their (lovernnieiit— Tribal Helationii
iind Charaeter.
Till'-. Indians who inhabited this loealily prior to the
advent of the wliili! man wme the d/hn's id' once-powerl'ul
tribes, broken anil scattered by long series id' revolutions.
Like the modern remnants ol' some of lln^ old wealthy and
powerful lOastern nations, silling in si|Ualid poverty amidst
the old scenes of liLvury and niagiiilieetiei^, these broken
tril)es dwelt amidst the symbols and lukens of a I'oriner
Indian em|)iie, wbo.se glory bad departed and whose
slreiigtli bad been Wiisted in desolating wars.
The iminediale territory of (bis coiiii(y was included in
the (lonniiii of the Senceas, the most western nation cd' that
once-powerful Confederiicy known as the League of the
Iroipiois, or l<'ive Nations.
At om^ time the domain of these Confederated Nations
extended fnuii the Sorrel iliver .south, by ihi^ (ireat Lakes
lo the Mississip]ii on (be west, thence east to the Santee,
and coast-wise back (o tbi^ Ilud.son.
The tcrrilory of (be irotpiois embraced more ferlile land,
(^unbilled wilb a leinpcrale and beallby climate, than tiny
other tract of cipial extent on the globe. And their power
and iloininioti extmided far beyond these geograjiliical boun-
daries. All bough they oceupitid, as tliiMr propcu' home,
what they nietaphorieidly termed the " Ijong Mouse,"- -
that is, the territory of Now York (extending from the
Ilud.son to liiike Krie, -yet they (•xtended (heir power and
infliUinee liir beyond (liese limits, and lu^ld the tribes bulb
of tiie Kast and the West in snbji^idion.
Says Smith, in his history of New York, " When the
J)uteli began the settlement of this country, ail the Indians
on Long Lslaiid and the northern slioic of (be Sound, on
the banks id' the Connecticut, Ilud.son, l>claware, and Sus-
(|uehanna Rivers, were in subjection to the Kive Nations,
and ncknowledged it by paying them tiilmte.' The l''rencli
bislm-ians of ('anada, both ancient and modern, agree that
the more nortbern Iniliiins W(tre driven fiir back lo the West
and Northwest by the nnirlial prowess of the confederates.
"The [lo-de-no-san iK^e oecu|iied our precise territory, and
their (iouiieil-lin'S burned continually from thi! llnilson to
the Niagara. Our old fnrests have rung witli their war-
sliouts, and bei^n enlivc'iicd with their festivals of peace.
In their pidgressive course tlii^ had stretched round half
the republic, and rt^ndered tJieir names a terror nearly from
ocean to ocean, when the advent ol" the Saxtui race arrested
their cartMU-, and pn'pared the way for the final extinguish-
ment of tlie lirt;s id' the (;onfcderacy."|-
The Five Nations have bi^i'ii calliMl by some the " Romans
of tlio W(!stcrn World." 'I'heir warriors, in tlio prime of
the Confederacy, were noted for their valiu' and their far-
extended cotKjucsts. " At one period," says Schoolcraft,
" wo hear the sound of their war-cry along tlio Straits of
St. Mary's and at th(! foot of Lako Superior ; at anotht^r,
"(■ LetterH on I he 1 101(11
N'oilh Aliierieiin liev lew.
16
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
under the walls of Quebec, where they finally defeat the
Hurons under the eyes of the French. They put out the
fires of the Gahkas and Eries. They eradicated the Sus-
quehannocks. They placed the Lanappcs, the Nanticokes,
and Muncees under the }'oke of subjection. They put the
Metoacs and Manhattans under tribute. They spread the
terror of their name all over New England. They trav-
ersed the whole length of the Appalachian chain, and
dascended like the enraged yagisho and megalonyx on the
Cherokees and Catawbas. Smith encountered their war-
riors in the settlement of Virginia and La Salle on the dis-
covery of the Illinois."*
Such had become the Iroquois — the conquerors and
terror of all the surrounding tribes — b}' the force of their
energy and by the principle of confederation. The French
computed the number of their warriors, in 1660, at between
two and three thousand, and a later census, taken by an
Engli.sh agent, confirmed the statement. Their geographi-
cal position made them the umpires in the contest of the
French for dominion in the West. Their political impor-
tance was enhanced by their conquests. " Not only did
they claim some supremacy in northern New England, as
far as the Kennabeck, and in the south, as far as New
Haven, and were acknowledged as ab.solute lords over the
conquered Lanappe ; the peninsula of Upper Canada was
their hunting-gi'ound by right of war ; they had extermi-
nated the Eries and Andasties, both tribes of their own
family, one dwelling on the soulheastern shore of Lake
Erie, the other on the head-waters of the Ohio ; they had
triumphantly invaded the tribes of the West as far as Illi-
nois ; their warriors had reached the soil of Kentucky and
Western Virginia; and England, to whose alliance they
steadily inclined, availed herself of their treaties to encroach
on the empire of France in America."")"
Precisely at what period the confederacy between the
tribes was formed is not known. Schoolcraft thinks it was
at a comparatively recent date, probably early in the fifteenth
century. Mr. Webster, the Onondaga interpreter, says this
great league of confederation was arrived at about two gen-
erations before the whites became traders with the Indians.
Mr. Clark has a different opinion. From the permanency
of their institutions, the intricacy of their civil affiiirs, the
stability of their religious beliefs, and the uniformity of
their pagan ceremonies, differing from other Indians in
important particulars, he is inclined to the belief that their
federative existence must have had a much longer duration.
All their traditions agree that the union was effected on the
banks of Onondaga Lake, where the village of Liverpool is
now situated.
It is well known that these tribes attributed the orisrin
o
of their confederacy, as well as most of their chief national
blessings, to the supernatural interposition of Ta-oun-ya-
wat-ha, the deity who presided over streams and fisheries.
A long time ago this deity came down from his place in the
clouds to teach them how to cultivate the soil, and to be
united, happy, and pro.sperous. While he was living among
them — having thrown aside his divine character and as-
■» Schoolcraft's Notes.
f Bancroft, History United Slates.
sumed the name of Hi-a-wat-ha, a very wise man — there
was an alarm caused by the sudden approach of a ferocious
band of warriors from north of the great lakes. Many had
been slain, and ultimate destruction seemed to be the con-
sequence either of bold resistance or of quiet submission to
the enemy. At this trying moment Hi-a-wat-ha was sought
for advice, and no statesman of to-day could have given
better counsel in as few words. ^-Become a united people
and you will conquer your enemies. Dispatch runners in
all directions and notify the chiefs of a grand council to be
held on the banks of tlie Oh-nen-ta-ha (Onondaga Lake).
I shall sit in council with you." The council-fires had been
kindled three days, but the venerable Hi-a-wat-ha had not
made his appearance. On approaching his cabin, he was
found in a melancholy state of mind. The old man told
them he had evil forebodings, and that he had concluded
not to attend the Great Council. But the chiefs had de-
termined not to deliberate in council without the presence
of Hi-a-wat-ha, and he was finally prevailed upon to go,
accompanied by his darling child, an only daughter, twelve
years of age. On the approach of the venerable wise man,
a general shout of joy resounded through the assembled
host, and every demonstration of respect was paid to his
presence.
As he lauded and was passing up the steep bank towards
the council ground, a loud sound was heard like a rushing,
mighty wind. All eyes were instantly turned upwards, and
a dark spot was seen rapidly descending from on high
among the clouds. It grew larger and larger as it neared
the earth, and was descending with fearful velocity into
their midst. The utmost confusion prevailed throughout
the assembled multitude, and all but the venerable Hi-a-
wat-ha sought safety by flight. He gravely uncovered his
silvered head, and besought his daughter to await the ap-
proaching danger with becoming resignation, at the same
time reminding her of the great folly and impropriety of
attempting to prevent or obstruct the designs or wishes of
the Great Spirit. No sooner had his resolution become
fixed and his last words uttered, than an immense bird,
with a long and pointed beak and widespread wings, came
down with a mighty swoop and crushed the beautiful girl
to the earth. His darling daughter has been killed before
his eyes in a marvelous manner, and her destroyer has
perished with her. It was found on examination that the
creature in its descent had completely buried its beak and
neck up to its body in the ground. It was covered with a
beautiful plumage of snow white, and every warrior as he
advanced plucked a plume from this singular bird, with
which to adorn his crown, and from this incident the braves
of the Confederate Nation forever after made choice of the
plumes of the white heron as their most appropriate mili-
tary ornament while on the war-path.
In despair and dejection Hi-a-wat-ha remained three days
and nights prostrated on his face on the ground, and while
every one participated in his afflictions, no one seemed in-
clined to approach or distract his entranced state, and the
Indians, almost despairing of a council, were about to de-
part ; but a few of the leading chiefs consulted together,
and resolved that nothing should be attempted without the
voice of the wise man, and a suitable person was thereupon
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTy, NEW YORK.
17
dispatched to see if lie breathed. Finding that lie lived,
Ho-sec-noke was directed to arouse him by his merry heart,
to whisper kind words in his ear, and call him from his
reverie. After much ceremony and persuasion, he recovered
so far as to converse, and after several messages had passed
between the assembled chiefs and himself, he arose and
desired food. He was afterwards conducted to the presence
of the council, when all eyes were turned towards the ouly
man who could with precision foretell their future destiny.
Various schemes were proposed to repel the enemy. Hi-a-
wat-ha listened in silence till the speeches of all were con-
cluded. He then spoke. After briefly alluding to his own
calamity, he referred to the threatened invasion, and pro-
posed that they should reflect for a day on the speeches that
had been made. After the expiration of the time, they
again met, when the wise man thus addressed them :
" Friends and Brothers : You have come, many of you,
a great distance from your homes ; you have convened for
one common purpose, to promote one common interest, and
that is to provide for our common safety. To oppose these
liordes of northern foes by tribes, singly and alone, would
prove our certain destruction. We can make no progre.ss
in that way ; we must unite ourselves into one common
band of brothers. Our warriors united would surely repel
these rude invaders, and drive them from our borders. Let
tiiis be done and we are safe.
" You, the Mohawks, sitting under the shadow of the
'Great Tree,' whose roots sink deep into the earth, and
whose branches spread over a vast country, shall be the first
nation, because you are warlike and mighty.
" You, Oneidas, a people who recline your bodies against
the ' Everlasting Stone,' that cannot be moved, shall be the
second nation, because you give wise counsel.
" Y'ou, Onondagas, who have your habitation at the
' Great jMountain,' and are overshadowed by its crags,
shall be the third nation, because you are greatly gifled in
speech and mighty in war.
" You, Cayugas, a people whose habitation is the ' Dark
Forest,' and whose liome is everywhere, shall be the fourth
nation, because of your superior cunning in hunting.
" And you, Senecas, a people who live in the open
country, and possess much wisdom, .shall be the fifth nation,
because you understand better the art of raising corn and
beans, and making' cabins.
" You five great and powerful nations must unite and
have but one common interest, and no foe shall be able to
disturb or subdue you."
Immediately upon this was formed the celebrated league
of the Five Nations. Such was the name given them by
the English. The French called them the Iroquois, the
Dutch name for them was Maquas, wliile they called them-
selves Mingoes; all meaning "united people." They were
known to the English as the Five Nations till the adoption
of the Tuscaroras, in 1712, after which they were called
the Six Nations.
The Onondagas occupied the central position in the
" Long House," — a term by which they denoted their pos-
sessions from the Hudson to the Lakes. They kept the
sacred council-fires at Onondaga, and the key of the council-
house, where all the chief councils of the Five Nations were
3
held. The Mohawks held the east door, and the Senecas
the west door. The confederacy was governed by heredi-
tary chiefs, whose claims were subjected to the decisions of
a national council. Thus the aristocratic principle was
brought into subjection to the democratic. When the
hereditary cliief demanded office, if found unworthy, he
must give place to the next in order. In council they were
a pure republic, the veto of one chief being suflicient to
defeat a measure.* Cach canton or tribe was independent;
its quota of men was freely voted in war, or refused, with-
out complaint from other cantons. Thus was guaranteed
to each tribe its independence and security, and to each
warrior his equal lights, while general power was conceded
to the confederacy in all national matters. Canassatcgo,
one of the chiefs, said to the Commissioners of Pennsylvania,
Virginia, and Maryland : " Our wise forefathers established
union and amity between the Five Nations. This has
made us formidable. This has given us great weight and
authority with our neighboring nations. We arc a power-
ful confederacy, and by observing the same methods our
forefathers have taken you will acquire fresh strength and
power ; therefore I counsel you, whatever befalls you, never
fall out with one another."
At the formation of the confederacy, the famous A-TO-
TAR-HO presided : unequaled in war and arts, his fame had
spread abroad and exalted the Onondaga tribe to a pre-em-
inent position. His name was, "like that of King Arthur
of the Round Table, or those of the Paladins of Charle-
magne, used as an exemplar of glory and honor,"* and be-
came the title of ofiico of the presiding chief. The right
of the Onondagas to furnish a presiding oflicer for the league
was conceded, and is still po.ssessed by them. To the Mo-
hawks was awarded the Te-ka-ra-ho-ga, or chief war-captain.
The great council has always consisted of six members, each
nation having one except the Senecas, who were allowed two,
in consideration of their great numerical strength. Its powers
were merely advisory, aiming to arrive at harmonious results
by interchange of opinion without formal vote. No penalties
could be inflicted or power exerted beyond that of opinion. A
unanimous decision was first required. This once obtained,
its aufhority was absolute ; each tribe acting through its
representative, who was first informed as to its views.
These decisions were, in fact, clothed with all the power of
the most popular expression of the whole confederacy.
" A government like this gave to the orator, who by his
eloquence could sway his people, a vast influence ; and we
find that many men of note have appeared among them,
since they came in contact with more learned races of men,
who were abundantly qualified to conduct their negotia-
tions, and have reflected as much renown on their nation
as their bravest warriors."f De Witt Clinton says of the
speech of Garangula to the French general, De la Barre,
" I believe it impossible to find in all the effusions of an-
cient or modern oratory a speech more appropriate or con-
vincing. Under the veil of respectful profession it conveys
the most biting irony, and while it abounds with rich and
splendid imagery, it contains the most solid reasoning. I
place it in the same rank with the celebrated speech of
Logan."
* Schoolcraft.
f Hon. George Geddes.
18
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The unwritten law of this wonderful people had a power
unequalcd by any statutes ever recorded in books. A single
instance of its power will be sufficient. It is given by Hon.
George Geddes, on the authority of Mr. Webster, who lived
many years among the Onondagas, and had a woman of
that tribe for a wife.
A young man of the Cayugas came to the Onondagas
and claimed their hospitality. He lived among them two
years, attaching himself to Webster particularly. He ap-
peared contented and happy, " always foremost in the chase ,
most active in the dance, and loudest in the song." Man-
tinoah was his name. One morning ho said to his friend,
" I have a vow to perform. My nation and my friends
know that Mantinoah will be true. My friend, I wi.sh you
to go with me." Webster consented. After a pleasant
journey of a few days, enlivened with fishing and hunting,
they came in the afternoon to a place that Mantinoah said
was near his village, and where he wished to invoke the
Great Spirit. After a repast, and a pipe had been smoked,
Mantinoah said, " Two winters have gone since in my vil-
lage, in the fury of anger, I slew my bosom friend and
adopted brother. The chief declared me guilty of my
brother's blood, and I must die. My execution was de-
ferred for two full years, during whi;;h time I was con-
demned to banishment. I vowed to return. It was then
I sought your nation ; it was thus I won your friendship.
The nearest in blood to him I slew, according to our cus-
toms, is the avenger. The time expires when the sun
sinks behind the topmost boughs of the trees. I am ready.
My friend, we have had many a cheerful sport together ;
our joys have been many ; our griefs have been few ; look
not sad now. When you return to the Onondagas, tell
them that Mantinoah died like a true brave of the Ca-
yugas ; tell them that he trembled not at the approach of
death, like the coward pale-face, nor shed tears like a
woman. My friend, take my belt, my knife, my hunting-
pouch, my horn, my rifle, as tokens of my friendship.
Soon the avenger will come ; the Great Spirit calls ; Manti-
noah fears not death ; farewe
Vainly Webster urged
him to escape. A .short period of silence, and a yell is
heard. Mantinoah responds. The avenger appears and
takes the hand of his former friend, now his victim. Mu-
tual salutations follow, with expressions of regret made by
the executioner, but none by the doomed. The tomahawk
gleams in the air ; not a muscle moves, nor does the cheek
of Mantinoah blanch ; folding his arms on his breast, he
receives the blow. As if by magic a host appears, the
song of death is sung, and the solemn dance or death-march
is performed. Webster is invited to the village, where he
is hospitably entertained, and when ready to return is
accompanied by a party of Cayugas to his home.
Thus powerful was the unwritten law of the Iroquois.
It is not easy for us to understand this people, for we
know but little of their peculiar springs of action. They had
their religion, which the white people who came among
them called their superstition. If superstition it be, it was
nevertheless the principle that governed them. And did
we but understand their ideas fully, we should know by
what standard to judge them. Whoever has learned much
of their history knows that, in their savage state, woman,
made prisoner, was never indelicately approached by him
who, without pity, would brain her infant child. He tor-
tured and killed his prisoners, if he did not adopt them
into his family, but he never enslaved or outraged women.
What other nation can say this with truth ?*
Mr. Schoolcraft says that, to understand the government
of the Iroquois and learn how it acquired its power and
fame, it is necessary to examine their law of descent. Each
canton was divided into distinct clans, each of which was
distinguished by the name and device of some quadruped,
bird, or other object in the animal kingdom. The clans,
or original families, were eight, distinguished respectively
by the totems of the wolf, the bear, the turtle, the deer, the
beaver, the falcon, the crane, and the plover. The law of
marriage required them to marry into families or clans
whose totem was different from their own. A wolf or tur-
tle male could not marry a wolf or turtle female. This in-
terdict of consanguinity preserved the purity of the blood,
while it enlarged and strengthened the tie of relationship
between the clans. Owing to the limitation of descent to
the line of the female, a chieftain's son could not succeed
him in office, but in case of his death he would be suc-
ceeded by his brother, or failing this, by the son of his sis-
ter, or by some direct or remote descendant of the maternal
line. The man who, by inheritance, was entitled to the
office of chieftainship was obliged, on arriving at the proper
age, to submit his right to a council of the whole canton.
Incapacity was always without exception recognized as a
valid objection to approval.
Each canton had its principal chiefs and various as.sistant
chiefs, who were civil officers. The war-chiefs derived their
consequence from their success in war ; they rose up as the
exigencies of the nation demanded, and sustained their ca-
pacity. All males were bound to render military services.
Disgrace was the penalty of failure. Thus the ranks were
always full, and all war-parties consisted of volunteers.
Each warrior supplied and carried his own arms and pro-
visions. The enlistment consisted in simply joining the
war-dance. The government was in fact a pure democracy,
controlled by its martial spirit.
The Iroquois have been charged with making their
women beasts of burden, while they lived lives of indo-
lence. The division of labor between the sexes, it is true,
differed widely from ours. To the warrior was assigned
the duty of hunting food and protecting their hunting-
grounds from the inroads of the enemy. His life was daily
in his hands, and such were the hazards he encountered
that there always were more women than men in the tribes.
The men spent long, dreary seasons in hunting and taking
furs, which, when brought home, became the property of
their wives, who sold them to the traders, and with the
avails made such provision for the rest of the family as they
could, the men .standing silently by and not uttering a word.
The old men. Women, and boys cultivated the little patch of
corn and gathered the fuel. Both in the social and national
systems, the women had great power and influence. The
matrons sat in council, and had a right to propose a cessa-
tion of arms. There was a male functionary, an acknowl-
edged orator, whose duty it was to speak for the women.
* Hon. George Geddes.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
19
Schoolcraft describes the social character of the Indian
thus : " In the lodge he is a mild, considerate man, of the
non-interfering and non-scolding species. He may, indeed,
be looked upon rather as the guest of his wife, than what
he is most unjustly represented to be, her tyrant, and he is
often only known as the lord of the lodge by the attention
and respect she shows to him. He is a man of few words.
If her temper is ruffled, he smiles. If he is displeased he
walks away. It is a province in which his actions acknowl-
edge her right to rule, and it is one in which his pride and
manliness have exalted him above the folly of altercation."
The wife owned all the property ; arms only belonged to
the husband. The family were hers, and when war or the
chase had made the father a victim, she, who had always
been at its head, kept it unbroken. With the Iroquois war
was the business of life, and the pursuit of an enemy on
the war-path, or hunting the wild beasts of the forests,
were the only employments that men could engage in with-
out subjecting themselves to the loss of rank, and the
liability of being called women.
The central tribe was the seat of government, and here
all the general councils were held and the policy of the
nation settled. The first we know of these people, they
here swayed the sceptre of an empire twelve hundred miles
long and eight hundred wide. The means of free and rapid
transportation of armies was to these savages the same ad-
vantage that it is to the most artificial state of society.
Around the shores of Onondaga Lake the councils deliber-
ated, and when once the plan of the campaign was arranged,
the canoes were afloat, and soon, far down the St. Lawrence,
the Adirondack heard the war-whoop of the " Men of the
Mountains.'* Or on the banks of Georgian Bay the trem-
bling Huron felt the weight of their power. Or, launching
their barks on the waters of the Susquehanna, .soon on the
shores of Chesapeake Bay they dictated terms to their ene-
mies. Fort Hill, in South Carolina, afterwards the resi-
dence of John C. Calhoun, was one of their stations, from
which they waged inveterate war upon the Catawbas and
Cherokees. The Iroquois nation could bring to battle more
than two thousand warriors of their own blood, besides
levies of the tribes they had subjected. Their policy in
regard to conquered enemies was like that of ancient Home ;
they were converted into allies rather than slaves, and having
been fairly conquered in war after a brave resistance, they
were counted as younger brothers, worthy to fight by the
side of their conquerors and share their glory.f
" They reduced war to a science, and all their movements
were directed by system and policy. They never attacked
a hostile country till they had sent out spies to explore and
designate its vulnerable points, and when they encamped
they ob.served the greatest circumspection to guard against
surprise. Whatever superiority of force they might have,
they never neglected the use of stratagem, employing all
the crafty wiles of the Carthaginians. To produce death
by the most protracted suffering was sanctioned among them
by general immemorial usage."J
The Europeans, instead of teaching mercy to these men,
encouraged and fostered the worst points in their characters.
*■ Meaning of the word "Onondaga."
■j" Hun. George Geddes.
t De Witt Clinton.
and by every temptation they were led to become even more
cruel, as they became demoralized and vicious by intercourse
with the more learned but less principled " pale-face." Mas-
sachusetts first gave twelve, then forty, and finally one hun-
dred pounds for a scalp. The Colonial Legislature of New
York, in 1745, passed an act for giving a reward for scalps.
In 1716, a governor of the colony not only paid for two
scalps of Frenchmen in money and fine clothes, but thanked
the three Indians that brought them to Albany, and prom-
ised " always to remember this act of friendship." Amer-
ican scalps were received and paid for in English money by
the ofiicer in command at Maiden, in the war of 1812.
CHAPTER II L
INDIANS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA VALLET.
The Andastes — Conquest of the Andastes by the Iroquois — Tioga, the
Southern Door to the Confederacy — The Iroquois Viceroy — Conquest
of the Delawares — Colonization of Vagabond Indians.
The Andastes as early as 1G20 were inhabitants of the
Susquehanna Valley. Gallatin erroneously places them on
the Allegany, and Bancroft and others have followed the
error. But the later researches of Mr. Shea have shown
the identity of the Andastes with the Susquehannocks of
the English and the Minquas of the Dutch. §
In the year 1750 a Cayuga chief informed David Zeis-
berger that a strange tribe of Indians, whom he called
Tehotaehse (so spelled in German), but which were neither
Iroquois nor Delawares, formerly inhabited the valley of
the Susquehanna, and were driven out by the Cayugas. In
a letter written by Joseph Brant, the famous Mohawk chief,
to Timothy Pickering, relative to the Iroquois claim to the
northern part of Pennsylvania, dated at Niagara, Dec. 30,
1791, he says, " The whole Five Nations have an equal
right one with another, the country having been obtained
by their joint exertions in war with a powerful nation for-
merly living southward of Buffalo Creek, called Eries, and
another na/ion then living at Tioga Point ; so that by our
successes all the country between that and the ISIississippi
became the joint property of the Five Nations. All other
nations inhabiting this great tract of country were allowed
to settle by the Five Nations." That the Andastes are
referred to in both these quotations there can hardly be a
doubt. This was one of the most populous and powerful
of all the Algonquin tribes. Their villages were thickly
planted from Tioga to Virginia. At Sheshequin and Wysox,
at Wyalusing (Gohoutato) and at Melioopany (Onochasae),
the names of their towns have been preserved. They
appear to have been the most warlike of all the Eastern
nations, having carried their conquests over the tribes of
New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. For more than three-
fourths of a century they waged almost an unceasing war
with the Iroquois, by which the whole valley of the Sus-
quehanna " was stained with blood." The following para-
graphs from Dr. Egle's " History of Pennsylvania," give a
full account of these conflicts :
^ Parkman's Jesuits in North America, p. 46, note.
20
HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"Prior to l(iOO, Ra)'s the 'Relation de la Nouvelle
France,' the Susquehannocks and the Mohawks came into
collision, and the former nearly exterminated their enemy
in a war which lasted ten years. In 1608, Captain Smith,
in exploring the Chesapeake and its tribiitaties, met a party
of these Susc|nehannocks, as he calls them, and he states
that they are still at war with the Mohawks.
"They were friendly to the Dutch, who were exploring
the mouth of the Delaware. When the Swedes came, in
1638, they renewed the friendly intercourse begun by the
Dutch. Southward, also, they carried the terror of their
arms, and from 163-4 to 1644 they waged war on the
Yaomacoes, the Piscataways, and Panexents, and were so
troublesome that in 1642 Governor Calvert, by proclamation,
declared them public enemies.
"When the Hurons, in 1647, began to sink under the
fearful blows dealt by the Five Nations, the Susquehan-
nas sent an embassy to offer them aid against the com-
mon enemy. Nor was the offer one of little value, for the
Susquehannas could put into the field thirteen hundred
warriors, trained to the use of firearms and European modes
of war by three Swedish soldiers whom they had obtained
to instruct them."
Speaking of this, tlie historian of Bradford Co., Pa.,
Rev. David Craft, says : " This is doubtless the era of the
fortifications on Spanish Hill and at the mouth of Sugar
Creek. These fortifications bear unmistakable evidence of
having been constructed under the supervision of white
people, and differ materially from the palisaded inclosures
of Indian construction. The origin and objects of these
defenses must always be in some measure matters of con-
jecture; but all the traditions relating to Spanish Hill at-
tribute the defenses to white men long before the settlement
of the whites, and their object to afford resistance to the
Iroquois. And about this time the Andastcs were waging
war in good earnest with the Five Nations, in which the
Cayugas were so hard pressed that some of them retreated
across Lake Ontario into Canada, and the Senecas were
kept in snch alarm that they no longer ventured to carry
their peltries to New York except in caravans guarded by
an escort."
Later, the power of the Susquehannas seems to have
been on the wane, and they to have abandoned their towns
above Wyoming about 1650. They were so hard pressed
by their enemies that the Legislature of Maryland, in 1661,
authorized the Governor to aid them with the provincial
forces. In 1662, about eight hundred Iroquois set out to
capture a fort of the Andastes, situated about fifty miles
from the mouth of the Susquehanna. On reaching the
fort it was found to be so well defended as to render an
assault impracticable, when the Iroquois had recourse to a
stratagem. They sent a party of twenty-five men to settle
a peace and obtain provisions for their return. The Sus-
quehannas admitted them, built high scaffolds visible from
without, on which they tortured the Iroquois messengers
to death in the .sight of their countrymen, who thereupon
decamped in miserable discomfiture, pursued by the victo-
rious Aj]dastos. The war between them at length degen-
erated into one of mutual inroads, in which the Anda.«tes,
greatly reduced by pestilence, gradually melted away before
the superior numbers of their enemies, so that in 1672 they
could number only three hundred warriors.
In 1675, according to the "Relations In^dites" and
Colden, the tribe was completely overthrown ; but unfor-
tunately, say these authorities, we have no details whatever
as to the forces which effected it or the time and manner
of their defeat. It is evident from all that we know of the
fierce war of extermination waged upon them by the Iro-
quois, that this powerful enemy was their final destroyer.
Too proud to submit as vassals to the Iroquois and too
weak to contend against them, the remnant of them for-
sook the Susquehanna and took up a position on the western
borders of Maryland, where for many years they kept up a
terrible border war with the whites. Some of them con-
tinued to exist in the central part of the State under the
name of Conestogas for nearly a century after, when they
were utterly destroyed by the Paxton Boys in 1763.
The Iroquois, who held the rule over the Susquehanna
Valley for more than a century, were the only Indian na-
tions who possessed anything approaching the form of civil
government. By virtue of their superior civil and military
organization, they soon became the dominant power among
the aborigines, and, after the conquest of the Andastes,
carried their arms in triumph on the south to the Gulf
and on the west to the Mississippi.
Tioga (present Athens, Pa.) was made the southern en-
trance to the confederacy, at which a sachem was stationed,
without whose con.sent no one, neither Indian nor white
man, was allowed to enter the territory of the Iroquois.
At Shamokin (present Sunbury) the great council had a
viceroy, a Cayuga sachem, who ruled their dependencies in
the South.
Along the Delaware River, and extending across New
Jersey, were the Lenni Lenape, or Delawares, divided into
three tribes, — the Turtles, orUnamis, on the south, the Tur-
keys, or Unalachtgos, in the centre, and the Wolves, or Min-
sis, on the north. The latter had their villages in the Minisink
country, on the head-waters of the Delaware, and were
generally called by the English Mon.seys. By conquest, as
was claimed by the Iroquois, by treachery, as was alleged
bv the Delawares, the former had reduced the latter to the
condition of va.ssals, deprived them of the right of warriors,
and compelled them to bear the taunt and assume the garb
of women. They were allowed neither to sell lands, engage
in war, nor make treaties, unless by the consent of their
domineering masters. Mr. Craft, with his usual discrimi-
nation, has pointed out the fact that it was owing quite as
much to this condition of complete subjugation of his In-
dian neighbors as to the peaceable character of his Quaker
policy, that the province of Penn was so long exempt from
the bloody wars and massacres which form so dark a page
in our colonial history.*
The Indians instinctively withdraw from the presence of
civilization. This peculiarity of Indian character completely
frustrated the benevolent plan of William Penn, in which
he designed that his white and red brethren should dwell
together in the same community and be governed by the
same laws. It was found to be equally necessary in the
* History of Bradford County, p. 11.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
21
province, as it had been in tlie other colonics, that the In-
dian must retire be_yond the white settlements, to whose laws
and customs he could not conform and whose restraints he
could not endure. As the Iroquois from time to time sold
the land of their dependencies to the whites, they opened
the vallej' of the Susquehanna as an asylum to which
the people whom they had deprived of their ancestral homes,
and over whom they exercised tlie right of protection as
well as command, might resort. By this policy families
of different nationalities were brought into the same village
and not unfrequently were occupants of the same wigwam,
so that it was no uncommon thing to find Nanticokcs, Mo-
hicans, Mon.seys, and Wampanoags living together, without
any tribal distinction whatever. This gave rise to the term
" vagabond Indians," so appropriately applied to mixed and
transient settlements of the fragments of different disinte-
grated tribes in the Susquehanna valley, and particularly
within the limits of the county of Steuben. Says Rev.
Mr. Craft : " Tioga, or, as it is more frequently written in
the Pennsylvania records, ' Diahoga,' from its important
situation in the Iroquois territory, was probably occupied as
a town immediately after the conquest; but from there to
Shamokin the country was almost entirely unoccupied for a
hundred years, when it was colonized by the refugees whose
possessions had been sold to the whites.''
The Iroquois and Delawares have each a tradition of an
early eastward emigration from regions west of the Missis-
sippi to the places where they were fijund by the Europeans.
The period of our later Indian history finds that wave re-
turning towards the setting sun. It is, therefore, a period
of commotion among tribes easily excited, of removal and
change among a people who, in the most quiet times,
abandoned the places of their habitation for the most
trivial reasons.
Mohicans and Wampanoags from Southeastern New
York and New England, Delawares from New Jersey and
Eastern Pennsylvania, Nanticokes. Tuscaroras, and Shaw-
nees from the South, pushed from their ancient homes by
the rapacity of the white man, were seeking new homes
and fresh hunting-grounds, where they would henceforth
be free from encroachment. To the Iroquois the native
fugitives looked for defense from the grasping policy of the
whites, and for counsel and permission as to where they
should fix their future seats. It happened, therefore, that
during this period this tide of western emigration was
pushing up both branches of the Susquehanna, in order to
pour itself upon the great plains between the Alleghanies
and the Mississippi, only to be forced still farther West by
the advancing tide of civilization. During the later por-
tion of this period the •' vagabond Indians" probably occu-
pied the few town sites which have been discovered' within
the limits of Steuben County. It will throw some light
upon this subject to consider .some of the Indian settle-
ments which are well known to have existed in the
adjacent valleys near the period of settlement by the whites.
In the spring of 1750, Cammerhoff, a bishop of the
Moravian Church, in company with the intrepid Zeis-
berger, passed up the Susquehanna from Wyoming to
Tioga, en route for Onondaga, in order to negotiate with
the Great Council for the establishment of missions among
the Iroquois. They were accompanied by a Cayuga chief
and his family. When they reached the vicinity of Wyalu-
sing, the remains of an old town were .still visible, which
the Cayuga said was called " Go-hon-to-to," inhabited by a
tribe speaking a strange language, neither Delaware nor
Iroquois, called by the latter " Te-ho-toch-se" (Andastes),
upon whom the Five Nations made war and wholly exter-
minated them. For nearly a century this " blood-stained
field" seems to have been abandoned as a habitation ;
althoughbeingat the junction of two important trails, it may
have been the temporary residence of wandering parties.
In 1752,* Papunhauk, a Mousey chief of some note,
from the Minisink country, with a number of families,
emigrated to Wyalusing, and built a new town a little below
the site of the old Gohontoto. It was probably abandoned
during the French war.f On the Wysaukin plains a party
of Shawanes stopped for a time, built their huts and planted
their corn, but the number of the party and the time of
their settlement and removal are unknown. The settlement
was located nearly opposite the mouth of Towanda Creek.
Cammerhoff and Zeisberger encamped here, after a fa-
tiguing journey of fifteen miles up the rapid current of the
Susquehanna, swollen by recent rains, and named the spot
the " Garden of Roses," on account of the profusion of wild
roses which loaded the air with their fragrance. On the
evening of Sept. 30, 1767, Zeisberger spent the night here
in an empty Delaware hut, but, he adds, " no one lives
here now." He calls the place the " Wisach."
In August, 1748, the Nanticokes (tide-water people),
almost the entire nation, abandoned their ancestral home on
the eastern shore of Maryland, and moved northward, fol-
lowing the course of the Susquehanna. They settled prin-
cipally at "Shamunk" (Chemung) and " Zemuge" (Che-
nango). In the course of this migration a party of them
stopped for a time on the Towanda Flats. Opposite Tioga
Point, on the west side of the river, was Queen Esther's
town, which was probably built not far from 1770. It at-
tracted attention during the Revolutionary war, because of
the prominence acquired by the notorious woman whose
name it bears.
At the junction of the Chemung and Susquehanna
Rivers was " Diahoga" (Tioga), the oldest, most populous
and important Indian town in this whole region of country.
It was the door into the territory proper of the Iroquois
Confederacy. To it all the great trails centered. All persons
who entered this territory except by this door or the Mohawk,
were considered and treated as spies and enemies. Here
was stationed a Cayuga sachem, who, in the figurative lan-
guage of the nation, guarded this door of their Long
House, and whoever entered their country must first ob-
tain permission. It was the place of rendezvous for war-
parties going out on their expeditions, and to this point
prisoners were brought to be disposed of according to the
customs of the League, either to be put to death with the
most cruel tortures, or adopted into the family of some slain
warrior, thenceforth to forget former home and kindred,
and be received in all respects into the place of his former
"■■■■ Pennsylvania Archives, iii. 7.3G.
■f Juurual of Moses Tatcmy and Isaac Ilill.
22
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
enemy. The population of this town was predominantly
Iroquois, although in later times the inhabitants were con-
siderably mixed. Weiser reached this town March 29,
1737. In his journal he say.s : " There are many Indians
living here, partly Gaiukers (^Cayugas), partly Mahikanders
(Mohicans). We went into several huts to get meat, but
they had nothing, as they said, for themselves. The men
were mostly absent hunting ; some of the old mothers asked
us for bread. We returned to our quarters with a Mahik-
ander, who directed his old gray-headed mother to cook a
soup of Indian corn. She hung a large kettle of it over
the fire, and also a smaller one with potash, and made them
both boil briskly. What she was to do with the potash
was a mystery to me, for I soon saw it was not for the pur-
pose of washing, as some of the Indians are in the prac-
tice of doing, by making a lye and washing tlieir foul and
dirty clothes. For the skin of her body was not unlike the
bark of a tree, from the dirt which had not been washed
off fur a long time, and was quite dried in and cracked, and
her finger-nails were like eagle's claws. She finally took the
ash-kettle off the fire and put it aside until it had settled,
and loft a clear liquor on top, which she carefully poured
into the kettle of corn. I inquired of my companions why
this was done, and they told me it was the practice of these
and the Shawanos, when they had neither meat nor grease,
to mix their food with lye prepared in this manner, which
made it slippery and pleasant to eat. When the soup was
thus prepared, the larger portion was given to us, and out
of hunger I quietly eat a portion which was not of bad
taste. The dirty cook and unclean vessels were more re-
pulsive. . . . The Indians cat so much of this soup that
they became sick."
In 1743, this Indian settlement was visited by John
Bartram, the celebrated English botanist, in company with
Lewis Evans, Conrad Weiser, and Indian guides. They
were on their way from Philadelphia to Onondaga and Os-
wego. The Indian house, or house of the viceroy, at which
they were welcomed by the beating of drums, after the
manner of the English, is de.sciibed " as about thirty feet
long, and the finest of any among them." The Indians
cut long grass and spread it on the floor for their guests to
sit upon. Several of them sat down and smoked their
pipes, " one of which was six feet long, the head of stone,
and the stem of a reed." After this they brought victuals
in the usual manner.*
The town of " Diahoga" continued, until the French
war, inhabited partly by Mohicans and partly by Cayugas.
During the French war, in which both the Delawares and
the Iroquois were involved, it was the place of rendezvous
for the forces which laid waste the whole northern frontier
of Pennsylvania. Here Tee-dy-as-cung plotted and planned
those expeditions by which he exacted the price in blood
for the land on the forks of the Delaware, from which he
had been so haughtily driven a few years before. For a
time the town was temporarily abandoned. In 1758 it is
reported, "All the houses in this town are in ruins ; no
Indian lives there." After the treaty of Easton it was re-
built, and in 1760 is spoken of as a flourishing town.
*■ Observations, etc , by John Bartram, Loudon, 1751.
CHAPTER IV.
INDIAN OCCUPANCr OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Pouchot'a Map of 1758 — Indian Trails and Vill.ages — The Scnecas —
The Canisteo Castle — Expedition of Sir William Johnson — Mon-
tour and Brant — Treaty with the King of Canisteo — Battle be-
tween the Canisteos and Senecas.
The French explored this region from the west, prob-
ably from Fort Niagara, a post which, throughout the border
wars which raged occasionally till the close of the Revolu-
tion, was the headquarters in the West. Near the close
of the French war, the Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers
were first made known to geographers in a map known as
Pouchot's map, found in the " Paris Documents," a collec-
tion of reports, etc., made by the French officers and others
during colonial times in this country. Capt. Pouchot was
a veteran engineer officer of the French army, stationed at
Fort Niagara. He prepared, in 1758, from information re-
ceived chiefly from the Indians, a map of the English and
French possessions in North America, and transmitted it to
the war minister at Paris. In doing so he warned the
latter, that " the outlets which the English possess by way
of the Mohawk River and Canisteo, will tempt them always
to come and settle on the south shore of Lake Ontario.
The country being very fine and fit for cultivation, they
will make large settlements. Placing the Five Nations and
the Delawares in their rear, they would be masters of them,
and would attract other nations by their commerce."
The Canisteo on this map is made to extend clear to the
Susquehanna, the true outlet of which is given in the
Chesapeake Bay. The map shows a pretty good idea of
the country, and how wide and generally accurate was the
geographical knowledge of the Indians. The French, too,
had a special reason for studying the geography of the
country thoroughly, and seizing upon all its most import-
ant strategical points in order to circumvent the plans of
the English colonists, and confine them to a narrow strip
of country on the Atlantic coast. All the principal rivers
leading into the interior and opening an avenue into the
rich valleys south of the lakes, were looked upon as avenues
for their rivals, and their situations were well understood
and jealously guarded in the establishment of most of their
military and trading posts.
The Kanestio was well known at Fort Niagara, and is
frequently alluded to in ofEcial correspondence. One of the
great trails which traversed the Iroquois Confederacy led
from the Genesee River to the head of the Canisteo, thence
down that valley to the Susquehanna and to the head of
Seneca Lake. The map indicates an Indian village on the
site of the present white settlement of Canisteo, and an-
other where Painted Post now stands. ... At that time
the Conhocton flowed through a trackless wilderness. One
solitary Indian trail passed along its banks, and was inter-
sected by a north and south trail from the head of Crooked
Lake. The chief Indian paths at that time ran from
Oneida through Onondaga to the Seneca River, at Cayuga,
thence to Canandaigua, Gcnesco, and to Fort Schlosser, on
the Niagara River. From Geneseo a path ran south to the
Allegany River, and thence north to the Canisteo, at the
confluence of Bennett's Creek. At that time the territory
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
23
west of Crooked Lake was unexplored by the white man.
In a map drawn by Guy Jolinson, in 1771, it is written,
" Tliere are more lakes hereabouts, but they cannot be laid
down with certainty."
The Senecas were the original owners of these lands.
Tiiey were looked upon in the confederacy as the " Western
Door," through which all communications from the West
must be made to the nation. Hence we find Sir William
Jolinson addressing them as follows : " You have always
been looked upon as the door of the Six Nations, where all
news, especially from the westward and southward, must
enter and go out." The principal village of the Senecas
was near the Genesee River, about twenty miles from Iron-
dequoit Bay. In 1770 the Senecas were the most numer-
ous of the Six Nations ; they could number about one
thousand fighting men. For a long time they resisted
every application of the provincial governors for permission
to build a fort at Irondequoit, in their country, but finally
consented. In another chapter will be found the history
of Gen. Sullivan's expedition into their country, in 1779,
their disastrous defeat, and the destruction of their chief
town, Little Beardstown, consisting of one hundred and
fifty houses. This town was situated on the eastern side
of the Genesee River, in a beautiful valley, which was
covered with extensive corn-fields, which were all de.stroyed
by the invading army.
During the colonial period there was a noted settlement
of Indians on the Canisteo, near the site of the present
village of that name. At what time they settled there is
uncertain, but it was many years before our Revolution and
some time after the conquest of the Delawares by the
Iroquois. The clan of Indians which lived there at the
time when written history first alludes to them was of
Delaware extraction, reduced to a low state of degradation.
To them had joined themselves a few deserters from the
British army, with a sprinkling of fugitive slaves, escaped
convicts, and refugees from various Indian tribes, making
altogether a class fitly designated by the great council at
Onondaga as " stragglers from all nations."
In 1762 two of these Canisteo brisrands murdered, some-
where in the Seneca country, two Briti.sh subjects, Dutch
traders from Albany, whose goods were confiscated by them,
and probably carried to their village at Canisteo. Sir Wil-
liam Johnson, the English governor on the Mohawk, made
prompt requisition of the head men of the Iroquois league
to have the murderers brought to justice. The chiefs made
fair promi.ses, but the murderers managed to escape. Ne-
gotiations on the subject continued through many months.
Lieut. Guy Johnson, the aide to the English governor, who
made formal complaint to the council at Onondaga, reported
to his commander that, after stating the facts to the chiefs
in solemn session, the chief sachem went through the cere-
mony of plucking the thorn from their feet, and clearing
their sight by wiping away the tears which must have been
shed on the late melancholy occasion, which he declared
gave their nation the ufmo.st concern. The matter was
held under consideration for several days, Lieut. Johnson
pressing his demand for the surrender of the murderers
energetically. Finally, on the seventh day, an answer of
the council was given by Teyawarunte, chief speaker of
the Onondagas, to the effect that the confederacy ought not
to be charged with a breach of I'riendly relations with the
English on account of the acts of a pair of miscreants
from a village like Canisteo, composed of stragglers from
all nations. But as the murderers were under the jurisdic-
tion of the Senecas he requested that Sir William Johnson
should wait till they were heard from ; and if the Senecas,
on due requisition, did not deliver up the offenders the
other tribes would apprehend them.
Lieut. Johnson accepted this reasonable answer, and the
next day a Seneca Indian, then at Onondaga, was sent to
convey to his nation the demand of the council for the sur-
render of the murderers. We quote here the words of
Judge McMaster, in his Centennial Address, delivered at
Bath : " The upper nations received the summons of the
chiefs and paid due outward respect to their demand, but
after all the necks of our late fellow-citizens of the Second
Assembly District did not with sufficient alacrity present
themselves for the halter. The truth perhaps was, that the
' Genesee uncles' thought it a superfluity of justice to send
two healthy warriors to the gallows as an equivalent for a
firm of Dutch peddlers from Albany. But there was, fur-
ther, a political question of no little consequence involved.
While the Six Nations, as a people, maintained for a long
time preceding the final overthrow of the French a stead-
fast allegiance with the English, the western clans of the
Senecas, on account of the proximity of Fort Niagara and
the means thus afforded for French agents to intrigue with
them, were strongly inclined to favor the latter ; and it was
with no little exertion on the part of their brethren that
they were prevented from openly taking up arms against
the English. The fall of Quebec in 1759 of course put
an end to all fears on that score. But the Genesee Senecas,
with sympathizing regret for their vanquished friends, felt
but a languid interest in the search for the Canisteo cul-
prits. A more serious matter at that time was the pro-
jected hostilities of the Western Ottawas and other distant
nations again.st the English, which resulted in the great
enterprise of Poutiae, the attempt of a master mind to com-
bine whatever there was of savage force in the shattered
tribes of the forest for the outpouring of one overwhelm-
ing vial of destruction upon the English posts. The loy-
alty of the Senecas to their treaty obligations was trembling
in the scale under these new influences, at the time when
the murder of the traders occurred, and their dependents,
the Delawares of the Su.squehanna and the Canisteo, were
violently dissatisfied. The latter did, finally, quite gener-
ally give adhesion to the enemy with many of the Senecas.*
" Two years went by after the summons of the old people
(the council) went forth, and we may be sure it was the sub-
ject of much talk at the Canisteo Castle (as the ancient
wilderness village over the hills was called), and perhaps
was canvassed in some hunting-party on this very ground.
In the mean time the conspiracy of Pontiac came to a head,
and a fierce conflict raged along the Western lakes. The
agitation of that contest was felt even upon the upper Sus-
quehanna, though that region was removed far from the
seat of war.
* Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac.
24
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" In 1764, Sir William Johnson determined to be trifled
with no longer in the matter of the two murderers and
other causes of complaint against the Genesee Seuecas, and,
accordingly, with the full approval of the other nations,
fitted out a military expedition against the Canisteo Castle.
A party of one hundred and forty Indians, with a few white
men, under the command of Captain Montour, a half-breed
war-chief, was dispatched to break up the nest. This ex-
pedition started in April, 1764, from Oquago, a village on
the Susquehanna, above Binghamton, and in a fortnight
made thorough work. The inhabitants fled at Montour's
approach, but he destroyed their villages and property.
Kanhangton,* or Tioga Point, now Athens, Pennsylvania,
was the first place destroyed. It consisted of thirty-six
good houses, built of square logs and having stone chim-
neys. The next point was a village on the Cayuga Branchf
(the Chemung). Here thirty houses of the same kind
were found and destroyed. Thence the party marched to
Canisteo, which the report in the colonial records describes
as ' the largest of the Delaware towns, consisting of sixty
good houses with three or four fireplaces in each.' It ap-
pears from this that the outlaws deserve at least the praise
of introducing great improvements in architecture among
the savages. Probably the white and black members of
the colony were less inured to the intense severity of the
weather than the red men, and had been accustomed to
better lodgings. Hence these luxurious barracks of hewed
logs and stone fireplaces. But the emissaries of justice
spared nothing. The village was burned and the miscella-
neous inhabitants plundered. They even found in the .se-
cluded retreat horses, horned cattle, and swine, which,
however, were in such a poor condition after the winter,
that few were fit to be diiven away. It appears that no
efibrt was made by the Canisteos to defend their town,
although the defile, several leagues in length, through
which the invading party passed before reaching the fine
valley where, in an open meadow of several hundred acres,
the village stood, offered ample opportunity for a ruinous
attack upon them."
The early settlers discovered here two forts, which, upon
careful examination, exhibited considerable engineering
skill. One was situated near the bank of the river, just
in the neck of the defile as it opens into the valley on the
east. It occupied about an acre of ground, with four square
corners, and was inclosed by palisades or pickets. The
embankment remaining when the early settlers came to the
place was about two feet high. At the mouth of a similar
opening into the valley from the south, on Col. Bill's
'* Kan is the Iroquois name for town ; the other part of the name
is froQi a word signifying the junction of two riverj:. A score or more
of Indian villages in Western New York, at the time of the Sullivan
campaign, began with this word Kan, — such as Kauadasaga, Kana-
gasas, Kanadanga, etc.
f This is the name given to the Chemung River in the colonial
records and earlj' writings. Before it had any other name, the people
down in Pennsylvania and travelers generally called it the Caynga
Branch of the Susquehanna, because it extended off in the direction
of the Cayuga country. The village referred to was on the Chemung,
in the vicinity of Waverly. It was visited by Bartram, the English
botanist, and Conrad Weiser, on their return from Onondaga in 1743,
twenty-one years before this expedition, and was then a village of
considerable importance.
Creek, was another fort of about the same size and con-
struction, which seems to have been designed as a place of
retreat in case the first fort was taken by an enemy. The
works were evidently constructed with reference to an
attack from the east, and if we suppose them to have been
built by the Canisteos at the time of their occupancy of
the valley, there would be a manifest fitness in this, as the
only invasion from white settlements at that time must
necessarily come up the river from an eastern direction.
The engineering skill, too, would be easily accounted for
by the presence of the deserters from the British army and
other Europeans who formed part of the mixed settlement.
The word " castle" as applied to the ancient Canisteo town
would seem to imply some sort of stronghold or fortifica-
tion. Although no mention is made of a fort in the brief
record of the expedition, and it is stated, or at least implied,
that the Canisteos made no resistance, yet the forts or the
main fort below the town may not have been garrisoned at
the time of the invasion, and may have been passed by un-
noticed, as it stood about fifteen rods from the bank of the
river. At all events, these forts were here when the early
settlers came to the country, and the most reasonable sup-
position is that they were built by the band of outlaws de-
stroyed by Sir William Johnson's expedition in the spring
of 17G4.
The foundation of a house of hewed timber was also dis-
covered in 1818, east of the river fort and just below the
mouth of Cold Stream, on the fiirm of Joshua C. Stephens.
It was exposed in changing the bed of the river, and had
every appearance of having been covered for a long time
by the natural alluvial deposit of the valley.
Judge McMaster has singled out two of the actors ia
this expedition as noticeable men : " The leader, Montour,
as there is strong grounds for believing, was the son of the
famous Indian woman known as Queen Catharine, and the
same warrior who, after a fatal encounter with the American
troops in the war of the Revolution, was brought to the
mouth of the Conhocton, there to die and be buried in a
grave marked by the Painted Post, which has given an en-
during name to that locality. The other was Jo.senh Brant,
as I shall venture to say on the authority of the records,
which show that in this very month of April, 1764, he was
engaged in an expedition against some hostile villages, and
on the authority of Stone's ' Life of Sir William John-
son,' where Canisteo is mentioned as the name of a village
attacked at that time by the great Thayendanegea."
The story is not yet finished. " The inhabitants of the
destroyed village fled for protection to the Senecas of
Genesee, who were in not much better odor than the suf-
ferers themselves. Three months later we find that the
refractory ' Chenu.ssio Indians and other Senecas' made a
treaty of peace, in which it was provided ' that regarding
the delivering up of the Kanestio murderers, one of them
being dead, the other is pardoned, on their acceding to the
additional article,' and also, ' that as the Delawares of the
Susquehanna, who came for protection to Chenussio last
spring, after their castles were destroyed by Sir William
Johnson's Indian parties, are now suing for peace through
the Chenussio mediation, the Chenussios agree to deliver
up at Oswego within three weeks Atweetsera, the Delaware
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
25
king, and Oiiusseraqueta, their chief warrior, and every
prisoner, deserter, Frenchman and negro among them.'
" The names of the King of Canisteo and the captain of
his forces above given (if we may be allowed to infer from
the meagre records of the affair, that the Canisteo clan is the
party referred to in the report) are the only names preserved
to us of the defendants in the English governor's very sum-
mary proceeding. In 1765 we find our dethroned monarch
and his lieutenant attending a conference of the Six Nations
at Johnson Hall. Sir William Johnson soundly berated
the Chenussios for their failure to deliver up the prisoners,
desertei-s, etc., together with a pair of red guerrillas named
Squa.sh-Cutter and Long-Coat. Onusseraqueta answered,
saying among other things : ' Brother, it is a long time
since you shook me by my head to bring me to my senses.
I must confess we were out of our senses, but we are now
resolved to act no more foolishly.' The Delawares sought
to appease the governor with profuse apologies, but he was
not to be put off by their palaver, and lectured them in
cutting and peremptory terms, and refused to shake hands
with them till the two reprobates, Squash-Cutter and Long-
Coat, should be surrendered to him as hostages for the
delivery of the prisoners, etc., according to the agreement.
This was done, and affairs came to an adjustment in a
treaty in May, 1765, which bears among other signatures
the signs manual of Atweetsera and Onussaraqueta, that of
the former being a loon, and that of the latter a heaver.^'
Doty, in his history of Livingston County, refers to a
battle between the Canisteo and Seneca Indians* as fol-
lows:
" In a battle which took place between the Canisteo Indians
and Senecas, on a hill three miles to the northeast, a noted
Seneca chief was killed. To mark the spot where he fell
an excavation several rods in extent, shaped like a man
with arms extended, was made by his tribesmen. An In-
dian trail led by this novel memorial, and the natives, in
passing, were in the habit of clearing therefrom with ten-
der regard the leaves and brush which the wind had drifted
into it. The chief's remains were brought to Ganosgago
for burial, and singularly enough now lie under the altar
of the Lutheran Church, a Christian memorial to a pagan
warrior. A rude monument, consisting of a pile of small
stones brought hither one by one by the Indians from a
hill a mile distant, was worked by the white man's hands
into the church foundation wall."
At the time of the battle this village was the frontier
post of the Senecas in a southward direction, and stood as
a menace to the Canisteos on this side of the hills. The
Indian trail which led from the Genesee to the Canisteo,
and thence to Eastern Pennsylvania, may yet be traced in
places, especially at a point half-way up Big Hill, where
the path intersects the highway leading from Dansville to
Hornellsville. For many miles below the latter place its
deeply-worn course is yet plainly visible.
Ganosgago, the village referred to, is laid down on Pou-
chot's map as Kanouskegon ; it was established after De
Nouville's invasion of IGSy.f
* At Ganosgago, on the site of the present village of Dansville; a
small Seneca town of comparatively modern date,
t Boty's History of Livingston County.
CHAPTER V.
PEBIOD OF THE REVOLUTION.
Massacre of Wyoming — Campaign of (jcneral Sullivan — Celebration
at Newtown — Expeditions up the Chemung — Operations within this
County.
Two incidents of no little importance to our local history
occurred within the limits of this county during the period
of the Revolution : one was the fitting out of the expedi-
tion to Wyoming in the summer of 1778; the other the
movements of certain detachments of the Sullivan cam-
paign the following year.
The Indians and Tories who planned the attack upon
Wyoming, acting under the authority of the British officers
in command of the garrison at Fort Niagara, followed the
well-trodden Indian trail across the Genesee Valley to the
upper Canisteo, or place of putting in the canoes.\ Fol-
lowing the course of the stream eastward to within a few
miles of the present village of Hornellsville they there cut
down large pine-trees, which grew upon its bank, and con-
structed the canoes which carried them down the swift cur-
rent into the Chemung, and thence to the scene of that
bloody and ever-memorable tragedy of the 3d of July,
1778. The valley of the Chemung from Painted Post to
Tioga was at this time occupied by Indian settlements of
more or less importance. Their lodges, villages, and corn-
fields were scattered along the banks of the river for nearly
the whole distance down which the expedition passed to
their bloody work in the beautiful Wyoming Valley. How
many of these Indians joined the party on their way down
the river, or what aid and comfort they rendered the expe-
dition, is not known, but it is certain that the massacre of
Wyoming was the immediate cause of the planning and
execution of the campaign intrusted to Gen. Sullivan dur-
ing the following summer.
It has been remarked by a late writ<?r on this subject,
that " the terrible scenes and slaughter at Wyoming, July
3, 1778, extorted a wail from every colony in the land, and
roused a feeling of vengeance so deep and imperative that
even the great and magnanimous heart of Washington,
whose affections and desires were all enli.sted in the uplifts
ing of the Indian, was cheeked in its generous impuLses,
and he calmly and wisely drew the plan of the Sullivan
campaign." It was no less than meeting the Indians on
their own ground, and adopting their own desolating tac-
tics,— to lay waste their country, destroy their villages, burn
their crops, cut down their orchards, and thus break their
power for future operations against the colonists.
The chief command of the expedition was intrusted to
Gen. Sullivan, though at first it was proposed to give it to
Gen. Gates. The army was to march from their winter
quarters on the Hudson to Wyoming, thence up the Sus-
quehanna to Tioga, where another division under Gen. James
Clinton, marching by the way of Otsego Lake, after a di-
version into the country of the Onondagas, was to effect a
junction, when the combined army, consisting of four
t Meaning of the word Caiiisten, place of pnttlntj in the cajioe*, or
head of uaviijatiim. The name which at first only meant the launch -
ing-place in a little while came to be applied to the whole river.
•^6
HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
brigades of infantry and riflemen and a park of artillery,
was to proceed through the valley of the Chemung, thence
northward to the Genesee River, destroying crops and
houses, and everything of value to the Indians, as far as
could be reached on either side of the trail of the army.
The force under Gen. Sullivan arrived at Tioga from
Wyoming, August 11, 1779, where it awaited the arrival
of Gen. Clinton's brigade and artillery from Otsego. In the
mean time a fortification was thrown up, running across the
point of land between the two rivers, a distance of one hun-
dred and ninety yards, behind which the army lay safe from
attack. On the 11th scouts were sent out to discover the
whereabouts of the enemy, and returned on the 12th, re-
porting him at Old Chemung, twelve miles above. An ex-
pedition was at once prepared and ordered forward for the
capture of the place. The three brigades, with the excep-
tion of two regiments, left to guard the works and supply-
trains, all under the command of Gen. Sullivan, marched at
eight P.M., on the 12th ; but, owing to the darkness of the
night, the absence of roads, and tlie lack of proper guides,
the command did not arrive at Chemung until after day-
light. " Even then," says Col. Hubley, " our pilot, on our
arrival, from some disagreeable emotions he felt, could not
find the town. " However, another hour's march brought
them to the main town, and the morning being a foggy one,
disposition was made of the troops to surprise it ; but, on
reaching it at five A.JI , it was found evacuated. Gen. Hand
then pushed forward Capt. Bush, and his infantry company
of Col. Hubley's regiment, for about a mile, when fires were
discovered, and tlie balance of the regiment and two inde-
pendent companies were brought up, and an advance of an-
other mile was made, when the Indians, ambushed on a
high hill, fired upon them. Capt. Bush immediately at-
tempted to flank the savages, while the colonel led the rest
of his regiment directly up the hill, the men pressing for-
ward with great intrepidity under a severe fire. The Indians
seeing the determination evinced by the troops, retreated
before Capt. Bush could gain their rear, and carried oiF
their dead and wounded. The ground beyond being un-
favorable for pursuit, the retreating savages escaped. The
loss in this action, with the exception of two, fell wholly on
Col. Hubley's regiment. Two captains, — Walker and Car-
berry, — Adjt. Huston, a guide, and eight privates were
wounded, and one sergeant, one drummer, and four privates
were killed. Gens. Poor and Maxwell's brigades were :Uso
fired upon, and lost one man killed and several wounded.
Maj. John Franklin, of Wyoming, was also seriously
wounded. The town at this place consisted of about
seventeen houses, which were destroyed, together with
several fine fields of corn. The dead were brought back
to Tioga on the 13th, the day of the battle, and on the
1 4th were buried with full military honors.
The 15th of August was Sunday. On Monday a column
of seven hundred men, under Gen. Poor, marched up the Sus-
quehanna to meet Gen. Clinton. On the 22d, Gen. Clinton,
with a flotilla of two hundred and twenty boats and fifteen
hundred men, accompanied by Gen. Poor and his column,
arrived at Tioga, and were received with joyous demonstra-
tions. Clinton had been delayed by his raid into the Onon-
daga country, and had arrived at the outlet of Otsego Lake
late in the season to find that the summer heats had dimin-
ished the water therein to such an extent as to preclude
the passage of his boats loaded with artillery and supplies.
" But nothing daunted, this leader, fruitful in expedients
and skillful in woodcraft, at once contrived a plan to increase
the carrying power of the Susquehanna, as unique as it
proved successful. He threw a dam across the outlet of
the lake, cleared the stream of its drift-wood, launched his
boats, and when the waters in the lake had gained as heavy
a head as his dam would bear, he cut the latter, and on the
flood of waters that rushed out floated to Tioga, the waters
at that point setting back up the Chemung some distance.
The sight of a freshet in the Susquehanna, when there had
been no rain for many weeks, excited the superstitious awe
of the Indians, and they fled from before the soldier favored,
as they believed, by the Great Spirit and against them-
selves."
The 24th of August was spent by the army in making bags
out of their tents to carry their flour in, and in preparing
for the expedition northward into the Indian country. Col.
Butler's regiment and Maj. Parr's riflemen joined the light
corps which formed the advance. Col. Shreve was left in
charge of Fort Sullivan, and the line of march was taken
up at eleven a.m., August 26, in the following order: light
corps, commanded by Gen. Hand, marched in six columns,
the right held by Col. Butler and the left by Col. Hubley.
Maj. Parr, with the riflemen, covered the entire front, a
short distance in advance, and reconnoitered every suspi-
cious-looking spot or point of concealment for the enemy,
to prevent surprise or ambuscade. The pioneers followed
next, preceding the artillery, and the main army followed in
two columns, iti the centre of which moved the pack-horses
and cattle, the whole flanked right and left by the divisions
commanded by Cols. Dubois and Ogden. The rear was
brought up by Gen. Clinton's brigade. The army moved
three miles and encamped, and on the 27th marched in the
same order six miles and encamped at the " lower end of
Chemung," near the narrows, where Col. Hubley says lie
" made an agreeable repast of corn, potatoes, beans, cucum-
bers, watermelons, squashes, and other vegetables, which
grew in abundance there."
The 28th of August was spent in reconnoitering, and to
find a ford for the artillery and trains, to avoid a high hill
over which Gen. Poor and Gen. Clinton marched, with
their brigades. The ford was made and the river recrossed
farther up, and the army encamped at six o'clock, having
made but two miles advance. Scouts reported the enemy
in force below Newtown, and evidently intending to give
battle.
On Sunday, August 29th, the march was resumed in the
same order as on the 26th, the riflemen covering the ad-
vance of the light corps, which moved with the greatest
precision and caution. On arriving near the bridge on
which the action of the lUlh had commenced, several In-
dians were discovered, who fired and retreated, and the
advance pushed on about a mile, into a marshy ground,
where it again drew the fire of the Indians, who again
retreated. Maj. Parr then began to take even more pre-
cautions than he had before done, and ordered one of his
men to climb a tree. The order was obeyed, and the look-
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
27
out soon discovered the movements of some Indians — whose
paint rendered them conspicuous — behind an extensive
breastwork nearly half a mile in length, and artfully con-
cealed by green boughs and trees, their right secured by
the river and their left by a high hill or mountain. " It
was situated on a rising ground, about one hundred yards
in front of a difficult stream of water, bounded by the
marshy ground before mentioned on our side, and between
it and the breastwork was an open and clear field."
Maj. Poor immediately gave intelligence to Gen. Hand
of his discoveries, who advanced the light corps within
about three hundred yards of the enemy's works and
formed in line of battle. The rifle corps, under cover,
advanced and lay under the bank of the creek within one
hundred yards of the lines.
Gen. Sullivan, having previous notice, arrived with the
main army, and ordered the following disposition of the
forces ■ the riflemen and light corps to continue their posi-
tion ; the left flanking division, under command of Col.
Ogden, to take post on the left flank of the light corps ;
Gen. Maxwell's brigade some distance in the rear as a corps
de reserve ; and Col. Proctor's artillery in front of the cen-
tre of the light corps and immediately opposite the breast-
works. A heavy fire ensued between the rifle-corps and the
enemy, but little damage was done on either side.
In the mean time Gens. Poor and Clinton's brigades, with
the right flanking division, were ordered to march and gain.
if possible, the enemy's flank and rear, while the rifle and
light corps engaged them in front. Col. Proctor had orders
to be in readiness with his artillery and attack the lines,
first allowing a suflicient space of time to Gens. Poor and
Clinton to gain their intended stations.
"About three o'clock', p.m., the artillery began the attack
on the enemy's works. The rifle and light corps, meanwhile,
prepared to advance and charge ; but the enemy, finding
their situation rather precarious and our troops determined,
retreated from their works with the greatest precipitation,
leaving behind them a number of blankets, gun-covers, and
kettles with corn boiling over the fire.
■' Gens. Poor and Clinton, on account of several difiiculties
which they had to surmount, could not effect their designs;
and the enemy, probably having intelligence of their ap-
proach, posted a number of troops on the top of a mountain
over which they had to advance. On their arrival near
the .summit of the same, the enemy dealt them a fire, and
wounded several ofiieers and soldiers. Gen. Poor pushed
on and gave them a fire as they retreated, and killed five
of the savages."
This was the battle of Newtown. The best authorities
agree that it was fought from seven to eight miles below
Elmira, at a point called Hogback. Ephraim Bennett, who
was an oflicer in the Revolution, located his farm, in 1794,
on tlie old battle-ground, and lived there till 1799. At this
latter date the fortifications were distinctly visible.
Capt. Daniel Livermore, of Gen. Poor's brigade, speak-
ing of the attempt to cut off the retreat of the Indians and
Tories, says : " A very warm action ensued between about
six hundred chosen savages, commanded by Braut and Capt.
Butler, of the Queen's Rangers, and Poor's brigade, com-
manded by himself in person. The brigade marched on
with coolness with charged bayonets, not a gun being fired
till within a short distance, when the enemy were obliged
to give back, leaving their dead on the ground, amounting
to twenty. We took three prisoners. At sunset, after a
complete victory, encamped near the field of action, car-
rying off our dead and wounded. Among the latter was
Maj. Titeomb, Capt. Clayes, Lieut. McCauley, and about
thirty others. The killed amounted to about four or five.
During the whole of the action Col. Reed's and Col. Dear-
born's regiments faired the hardest. Lieut. McCauley died
of his wounds, August 30.
" In the course of the day," says Col. Hubley, " we took
nine scalps (all savages) and two prisoners, who were sepa-
rately examined, and gave the following accurate account :
' That the enemy were seven hundred strong, viz., five
hundred savages and two hundred Tories, with about twenty
British troops, commanded by a Seneca chief (Coruplauter),
the two Butlers, Brant, and McDonald.' They further in-
formed us that the whole of their party had subsisted on
corn only for this fortnight past, and that they had no other
provisions with them, and that their next place of rendez-
vous would be at Catharine's town, an Indian village about
twenty-five miles from this place."
" It is -said that it was the vigilant eye of IJraut that
discovered the movement of Poor and Clinton, which
threatened to cut off the retreat of the force behind the
breastwork, and he gave the signal of retreat when the cold
steel of the New Hampshire and New York men pressed
over the summit of the mountain, unchecked by the rifle-
shots of his faithful warriors."
It is not our purpose to follow the details of this expe-
dition into the Genesee country further than to give a
synopsis of the principal events of the campaign. After
spending Monday, August 30, in destroying the extensive
cornfields on the plains below Newtown, the army at noon
on the 31st, crossed the Chemung at the junction of New-
town Creek, destroying an Indian village at that point, and
also some furniture which they found concealed. On Wed-
nesday, September 1, they crossed the marshes before
reaching Havana, and encamped late at night at Catharine's
town. The place had been evacuated by the enemy, Queen
Catharine herself fleeing with the rest. From this point
the army marched on the east side of Seneca Lake, destroy-
ing the Indian villages in their course, and reached Kana-
dasaga (Geneva) on the 7th of September. Hero the
grand council-house and fifty comfortable dwellings were
given to the flames, a fine apple-orchard was girdled, and
immense cornfields destroyed. On the 8th of September
the village of Gaghsiungua met with the same fate. On
the 10th, Kanadalaugua, a village of between forty and
fifty well-built houses, chiefly of hewn plank, was destroyed,
and Anyayea was added to the li.st on the 12th. This last,
consisting of a dozen or more hewn log houses, was made a
post-garrison by the army, and fifty soldiers unable to
march, with provisions and ammunition, were stationed
there, while the army pushed on for Genesee, the capital of
the Senecas and the last objective point of the expedition.
September 12 the little village of Kanagsas, comprising
about ten houses, was reached, and given to the flames the
next day. On the evening of the 12th, Lieut. Boyd and
28
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
his command of twenty-six men, and the Oneida, Han
Jerry,* were sent out to reconnoitre, and on the 13th met
their tragic fate, fifteen of the twenty-eight, including Boyd
and the Oneida guide, being killed outright, or most inhu-
manly tortured and murdered ; Boyd and Sergt. Parker
being stabbed in more than twenty places, scalped, their
tongues cut out, eyes put out, and heads cut off. On the
13th the army reached the town of Gaghsauguilahery,
where the enemy seemed determined to make a stand. The
line of battle was formed and the advance ordered, but the
Indians fled from the town across the river, without making
any further show of resistance. On the 14th this town
and its extensive cornfields were destroyed, and the last
stronghold of the Senecas was entered without a gun
being fired.
On the 15th of September General Sullivan issued his
congratulatory orders, announcing the successful accom-
plishment of the immediate objects of the campaign. On
the same day the army began the return maieh to Tioga,
and on the 24th arrived at Newtown, "where Capt. Reed,
with a detachment of two hundred men, had thrown up a
breastwork to guard some stores and cattle brought forward
from Tioga for the army in case of necessity." This forti-
fication ,_called Fort Reed, ran along the bank of Newtown
Creek, as far up as the present bridge, below the Arnot
Mills ; thence westerly, on the south side of the road, from
sixty to eighty rods ; thence to the river, and down the
same to the mouth of the creek, including an area of three
or four acres, and surrounded by palisades. On the arrival
of the victorious army, the garrison at Fort Read fired a
salute of thirteen guns, which was re.sponded to by the
artillery of Col. Proctor. Oij the 25th of September the
expedition, which had been sent under Col. Dearborn to
destroy the villages of the Cayugas, joined the main army
at Fort Reed, and a grand celebration was held over their
victory and the declaration of war by Spain against England.
The success of the expedition was most complete. Forty
towns and one hundred and sixty thousand"]" bushels of corn
was destroyed, besides vast quantities of pumpkins, beans,
melons, and other vegetables, and peach- and apple-orchards,
and a most desolating march executed through the richest
portion of the enemy's country, with small loss to the invad-
ers. One pitched battle was fought and several skirmishes
were had ; the most distressing and shocking loss of ours
being that of Lieut. Boyd and his command of twenty-six
men, of whom more than half were slain.
The campaign in its results realized the fullest anticipa-
tions of its projector. The Indians were most thoroughly
overawed by the destruction of their country by an army they
fully believed never could penetrate successfully twenty miles
into it. They never again appeared in large numbers on
any battle-field of the Revolution. They were driven north
to Niagara by the destruction of their supplies, where, owing
to the provisions issued to them by the garrison being salted,
■* A chief of the Oneidas, who had been remarkable for his attach-
ment to the cause of the Colonies, having served as a volunteer from
the commencement of the war. The Dutch, with whom he had fought
in the Mohawk Valley, called him Han Jerry, — John George.
f " It was estimated that one hundred and sixty thousand bushels
of corn were destroyed during the expedition." — Thalcher.
the scurvy broke out among them, and the winter being ex-
ceptionally severe, they died in large numbers. Terribly had
the border settlements suflFered from their ravages, and ter-
ribly were they avenged.
EXPEDITIONS UP THE CHEMUNG.
That detachments of the army were sent up the Che-
mung, above Elmira, hoth on their arrival at Newtown, on
31st of August, 1779, and after their return, September
27 and 28, is evident from several published documents.
We quote first, Gen. Sullivan's oflBcial report :
" From this place (Elmira) Col. Dayton was detached with his
regiment and the rifle corps up the Tioga about six miles, who de-
stroyed several large fields of corn."
Canfield's journal :
•'August 31. Col. Dayton was detached to follow the enemy up
the Chemung, but could not overtake them, but came to an Indian
town which he destroyed, and also the corn."
Lieut. John Jenkins' journal :
" August 31 . This day we discovered the enemy going up the main
branch of the Tioga with boats and canoes. Maj. Parr, with the
riflemen and a company of infantry, was sent after them. . . . Sep-
tember 1. Maj. Parr returned to the army about 10 o'clock to-day,
and informed us that he could not come up with the Indians with their
canoes, but that he burned a number of buildings and destroyed thirty
acres of corn, and that the enemy had made a quantity of hay."
Other journals give substantially the same facts. The
journal of Col. Gansevort says :
'* The army waited the return of a detachment which had been dis-
patched up the Tioga to lay waste the crops."
The following is from Sergt. Salmon's account of the ex-
pedition. Mr. Salmon was a resident of Northumberland
Co., Pa., and was orderly-sergeant of Capt. Sampson's com-
pany during the Sullivan campaign. He died in 1837.
After describing the battle of Newtown and the retreat
of the Indians, he says :
" The Indians having in this manner escaped, went up the river to
a placed called the Narrows, where they were attacked by our men,
who killed them in gieat numbers, so that the sides of the rocks next
towards the river appeared as though blood bad been poured on them
in pailfuls. The Indians threw their dead into the river, and escaped
the best way they could."
This statement is published under the sanction of the
" Rochester Committee," in a work entitled " Notices of the
Sullivan Campaign, or the Revolutionary Warfitre in West-
ern New York," embodying the addresses and documents
connected with the removal of the remains of Lieut. Boyd
to Mount Hope Cemetery in 1842.
The " Narrows" referred to are probably the Chemung
Narrows, below Elmira. The writer goes on to say :
" From Newtown our army went directly to the head of
Seneca Lake," etc.
The " Manuscript Journal of an Officer," quoted at large
in the " Annals of Tryon County," has the following :
" Sept. 28. This day Cols. Cortland and Dayton were detached with
large detachments to destroy corn ; the former taking his route up the
Tioga brancK;~to which place he was detached the day befnre (27th),
and destroyed large fields of corn; and the latter taking his route
downwards and destroyed such as the army left in going up."
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
29
It is evident that the expedition was too much engaged
in pursuing the main body of the Indians and Tories north-
ward to pay much attention to the upper valley of the Che-
mung till after the return to Newton, on the 24th of Sep-
tember. We give the following extracts from journals
respecting the movements of this period :
Col. Hubley's journal :
"Sept. 27. The detachment ordered to march yesterday moved this
morning up the Tioga br.inch to an Indian village about twelve miles
from this place, with orders to destroy the same. At dark this evening,
the detachment which moved this morning returned, after destroying
a considerable qunntity of corn, beans, and other vegetables, sixteen
boat-loads of which they brought with them for the use of the army.
They also burned a small village."
Jenkins' Journal notices the same facts of this date, with
the addition that the detachment was commanded by Col.
Spalding.
James Norris' Journal :
" Sept. 28. The same party that was sent yesterday was sent again
to-day fttrtlier uj> the river to destroy a Tory settlement that a small
party discovered yesterday."
Gen. John S. Clark, who has a fine collection of docu-
ments on the Sullivan Campaign, and who has studied that
subject, as well as the Indian antiquities of this State, very
thoroughly, thinks that there were three villages destroyed
on the Chemun" above Elmira, — one at or near Bis: Flats,
another near the present site of Corning, and the third at
Painted Post. Speaking of the " Tory settlement" re-
ferred to in the journal of Norris, he says : " This last
place, according to the accounts, appears to have been at
Painted Post, where was also a considerable villase in
1764, called Assinnissink, a Monsey town, near the con-
fluence of the Canisteo and Tioga It was the residence of
Jacheabus, the leader of the war-party that committed the
massacre of the Mahoney in 1755. The exact location
of this more ancient town is somewhat uncertain. The
Pennsylvania Historical Map places it in the forks of the
two rivers in the town of Erwin." *
We do not know of any other authority for the Tory
settlement than the journal above quoted. Such a settle-
ment or collection of Indians and British traders of the low
sort may have existed here at the time of the Sullivan expe-
dition, and been so eifectually destroyed as to leave no trace
of it at the time of the early settlement. There can be no
doubt but that some one of the detachments sent up the
Chemung penetrated this county as far as the confluence of
the Canisteo and Tioga Rivers, and destroyed everything
in the shape of cornfields, buildings, and orchards which
came in their way. The only Indian orchard that re-
mained standing when the first settlers came into this part
of the Chemung Valley was that on an island near Fox &
Weston's steam-mill, two miles above Painted Post, which
was probably overlooked when they destroyed the cornfields
and orchards of the adjoining valley.
- Near the junction of the Canisteo and Tioga Rivers, on the farm
of Mrs. E. E. Townsend, just north of the present school in that part
of the town of Erwin, is an ancient Indian burying-ground, which
has been much noted and commented upon by the settlers since the
first advent of the whites to this part of the country. It probably
belonged to the period of the Indian settlement above referred to.
Thus fiir it will be conceded that we stand on firm
historic ground. Whether a battle was fought or an en-
gagement of any kind was had with the Indians within
the limits of this county during the Sullivan campaign is
another question. It is claimed by some local writers and
newspaper correspondents, chiefly on traditional authority,
that a detachment of Maxwell's brigade came up the Che-
mung and had an engagement with the Indians at the
mouth of a little creek, since called Bloody Run, about two
and a half miles below Corning, on the north side of the
river, on lands now owned by Mr. James Smith, on the
4:th or 5th of September, 1779. Others, again, deny this
chiefly on the ground that no allusion is made to any such
battle or engagement in any printed or published account
of the expedition. That we may do justice to both parties
in this controversy, which has filled a score of newspaper
columns during the past year, we propose to give the sub-
stance of the arguments on both sides, and leave the reader
to judge of their respective merits. In one of the news-
paper articles referred to we find the following :
" Well-attested tradition avers that a battle was fought here between
a detachment of Sullivan's army and a force of Indians, in September,
1779. Mr. John Patterson, whose integrity none will question, says
the place was indicated up to the year 1S14-, by seven ouk-trees that
stood near the highway. On three of these trees was carved the hie-
roglyphical representation of Indians with tomahawks drawn. Oo
four of the trees there was carved the representation of soldiers with
guns in their hands. These were considered by the primitive settlers
as relics of this engagement. . . .
*' There is no doubt that links in the chain of Sullivan's campaign
have been lost, and have remained unsupplied to this day ; conse-
quently we must rely on the statements of those old patriots who are
gone, and much of the story of this engagement is buried with them.
They are gone but not forgotten ; they need no statue or inscription
to reveal their greatness; their deeds are monuments more lasting
than the fanes reared to the kings and demi-gods of old.
"Belonging to the detachment that .Sullivan sent up the Chemung,
was Lieut. Nathan Dascum, William Mapes, and Abijah Ward, who
have left a verbal history of the engagement that took place at Bloody
Run, and they all agree as to location. Bascum was a lieutenant in
this detachment, and belonged with Mapes to Maxwell's Brigade. He
lived at Geneva, and died at Big Flats in the year 1840. He was the
grandfather of Calvin Lovell, Esq., of Painted Post, and Reuben
Lovell, Esq., of Big Flats. In the year 1835, on a visit to his daughter
at Big Flats, he expressed a wish to visit the field of Bloody Run,
where he had met the red man in deadly conflict tifty-six years be-
fore. Calvin Lovell went with him, and the old patriot pointed out
to him, with tears in his eyes, the position and the very ground occu-
pied by the detachment and the location of the Indians, which was
behind a swamp covered with bushes, Mr. Lovell says the recital
was one of thrilling interest to him. The engagetnent took place
over this swamp, the soldiers firing over the bushes, the Indians fall-
ing back and taking position on the side of the hill. After the battle
the Americans crossed the river and followed up the west side until
they came to a fording-place, there recrossed and joined a detachment
that went up on the east side of the river. Uniting, they went west
as far as Switch Bottom Flats (which is in the vicinity of Fox, Weston
<fc Co.'s mills), the old veteran i>ointing out the very spot of ground
where they encamped.
"Dascum corroborates Mapes. Their account of the battle and
what took place subsequently are almost identical with Abijah
Ward's, who died at Painted Post about forty years ago. . . .
..." His statement is that they met the Indians at Bloody Run,
concealed in a swamp ; that the enemy fired on them as they came
up ; that after the battle the detachment went back and joined the
main army. He agrees with Dascum and Mapes, with the exception
of the farther advance west."
Another writer, on the same side of the question, under
date of Aug. 26, 1878, says :
30
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" In my letter of the 19th instant to the Gazette in relation to Sul-
livan's camjmign against the Indians in 1779, I had no idea of luan-
ufaeturino; history or provoking a controversy. I desired simply to
throw light upon some of the incidents of that campaign, in which
the people of the Chemung Valley are at present interested. But a
brief criticism of my letter appears in the Free Prens of August 23,
in which the editor seems to doubt the taking place of an engagement
between a detachment of Sullivan's army and the Indians at a place
two and a half miles below Corning, on the east bank of the Chemung
River, on lands formerly owned by Jonathan Brown, Esq , Sept. 4th
or 5th, 1779. . . .
" I have before me ' Lieut. -Col. Adam Ilubley's Journal,* ' Lossing's
Field Book of the Revolution,' 'Stone's Life of Brandt,' 'Miner's His-
tory of Wyoming,' and other reliable data, and there is not a word in
them incompatible with the assertions of William Mapes in relation
to an engagement on the 4th or 5tb of September, 1779, at the place
stated by him, anil communicated in my letter of the 19th inst. . . .
** William Mapes, the old soldier from whom I obtained my infor-
mation, was in General Ma.vwcU's brigade of Sullivan's expedition.
He was an intelligent and truthful man, and his memory in regard to
Revolutionary events was truly wonderful. He had served five years
in the Continental army, and had made himself acquainted with the
history of that eventful era.
" Before I ventured to write a word concerning any of the events of
the campaign of Sullivan, I tested him thoroughly, and found him to
be a perfect cyclopaedia of Revolutionary history, and had memorized
all the leading events, and had them at his tongue's end."
One of the principal writers on the other side discredits
the value of this traditional evidence as follows:
*'If the above stiitement is true, it stands alone and without any
corroboration of official or traditional evidence witiiin our knowledge.
The view from our standpoint : Abijah Ward, another soldier in Sul-
livan's army, and who was, as he said, 'one of the sixty men of the
detachment sent up the Chemung River by Sullivan,' lived for many
years in our town, and his integrity and soldierly reputation were no
more to be questioned than those of Mr. Mapes. In his relations of
the acts of the detachment, he denied not only the killing, but seeing
a solitary Indian from the time they left New town until their return.
"There are gentlemen still living in our village who have heard
him repeatedly make this st-itemeut; also, that ' he came up to' (and,
if I am not mistaken) 'around the chimney Narrows Hill.' Another
Sullivan soldier, Mr. Little, a young man from Northumberland, Pa.,
was in the battle of the Ilog Back, taken prisoner after the battle, and
taken by the notorious Tory, Capt. McDonald, to Canada, in company
with a Mr. Tagg.iit, a prisoner from Frecling's Fort, Pa., who, with
McDonald was present a*: the burial of the half-breed chief. Montour,
at Painted Post, on their route to Canada. Little made his escape,
and returning, stopped a few days with the renowned hunter and guide,
Beniainin Patterson, then living in the town of Painted Post,*' to
whom he related, ■ The chief that was buried at Painted Post was
wounded at the battle of the Hog Back, below New town. His name
was Montour, and he was taken in a canoe to Painted Post. It was
frequently mentioned in. the camp where I was a prisoner, and before
I made my escape, and Mr. Taggart told me he was present at the
burial.' Now, Mr. William Mapes relates ' that one of the twelve In-
dians shot in the engagement at Bloi>dy Run was a chief, and had on
a calico shirt ; was in the act of jumping over a log when hit; was
taken by other Indians to Painted Post, and buried.' And thus
ends the positive evidence: The statement of Mr. Mapes, that Mon-
tour was wounded at ' the engagement' at Bloody Run ; Mr. Little,
that he was wounded at the Battle of Hog Back ; and Mr. Ward, that
no Indians were seen, wounded, or slain on the expedition of the de-
tachment, and this is all the positive evidence.
"Now let us look at the possibilities.
" If this detachment was sent up the river by Gen. Sullivan, and was
composed of so many men, it must certainly have been considered by
the commander of some importance (and there is no reasonable doubt
but that such detachment was sent). If said detachment was sent to
destroy the crops of the Indians or scatter and destroy the Indians,
would not a report of the success or failure have been among the re-
'tBenjainin Patterson did not live in Painted Post till 1796, at least
seventeen years after the capture of Little.
cords of the campaign? If so largo a force had been sent, and an
important engagement, in which a dozen of the enemy, including a
renowned chief, were slain, and not one of the detachment wounded
or lost, would it have been kept out of the reports and left to the
chance of individual soldiers' descriptions?"
We have deemed the above views worthy of a respectful
hearing, although destitute of the qualities necessary to
constitute history.
CHAPTER VI.
EXTINGUISHMENT OF THE INDIAN TITLE.
Indians at the close of the Revolution — First Treaty at Fort Stanwix
— Council at Herkimer — The Lessee Companies — Second Treaty at
Fort Stanwix— Treaty of Fort Schuyler— Treaty of Albany.
At the close of the Revolutionary war, the Indian allies
of Great Britain were deserted and left unprovided for by
the masters whom they had so long and faithfully served.
The United States, on the contrary, and the States as a
general rule, were disposed to treat them with greater lenity
than the laws of war and the usage of civilized nations re-
quired; regarding them as subjects to be treated with for
the purchase of their lands, rather than as vassals who had
forfeited their ancestral inheritance to the conquerors. The
country has reason to congratulate itself, both on the score
of humanity and economy, that so liberal a policy was
adopted in extinguishing the Indian title to lands in this
State. It was an example to foreign nations of a forward
step in civilization, — a step not less truly American than the
peculiar form of government which our fathers established
in this Western World.
After the merciless conduct of the savages at Wyoming
and Cherry Valley, many were disposed to show them no
lenity ; especially was this the case with those who had
suffered most at their hands. At one time the proposition
to confiscate their lands was received with so much favor
by the Legislature of New York that it probably would
have prevailed but for the opposite advice and influence of
Gen. Schuyler and others. Washington, also, used his
influence in the same direction in the National Councils.
The wiser and better measures advocated by these and other
far-seeing statesmen prevailed ; and, notwithstanding the
long and perplexing period spent in negotiating treaties, and
the large sums of money expended by the State and the
general government in .settling Indian claims, the more
humane policy was undoubtedly less expensive to the
country than a renewal of war and conquest would have
proved ; and it was certainly more creditable to the head
and heart of the nation to deal in this manner with the
remnant of a brave and heroic people, whose chief cause
for fighting against the colonies was loyalty to the British,
with whom they had been for three-quarters of a century
in alliance.
TREATY OF FORT STANWIX.
The first attempt on the part of the State of New York
to convene a general council of the Five Nations was made
in 1784, only a few months after the treaty of peace which
closed the Revolution. In April of that year the Legis-
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
31
latuie passed an act muking the <rovernor and board of
commissioners superintendents of Indian affairs. Gov.
George Clinton was ex ojficiv president of the board, than
whom no man was ever more efficient and patriotic or a
greater benefactor to the State. The commissioners ap-
pointed were Abraham Cuyler, Peter Schuyler, and Henry
Glen, who, by authority of the act, associated with them-
selves Philip Schuyler, Robert Yates, Abraham Ten Broeck,
Abraham Yates, Jr., John J. Beekman, P. W. Yates,
Matthew Vischer, and Gen. Ganscvoort. Gov. Clinton,
at the head of the board, assumed the laboring oar of nego-
tiation. The services of a long roll of those who had been
Indian traders or captives were enlisted, — Rev. Samuel
Kirkland, the missionary, Peter Ryckman, Jacob Reed,
James Deane, Maj. Fonda, Col. Wemple, Col. Van Dyke,
and others. Peter Ryckman was sent to the various Indian
villages, from Oneida Castle to Niagara, to consult with the
leading sachems and chiefs, and prepare the Indians to
attend the council which was contingently. appointed. to be
held at a certain time at Fort Schuyler.
All this preparation seems to have been made without
the knowledge that the general government was at the same
time contemplating a treaty with the Indians. But such
was tlie fact. Congress had already determined upon a
general treaty, not only with the Six Nations, but with all
the tribes bordering upon the settlements in New York,
Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and had appointed as its commis-
sioners Oliver Woolcott, Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee.
This brought the general government and State authorities
into conflict ; a correspondence ensued on the question of
jurisdiction and the respective rights of each to form treaties
with the Indians, the State maintaining its right to treat
with all Indians within its jurisdiction. The New York
board, however, finding the Indians,averse to treating with
the State, but generally disposed to meet the " Thirteen
Fires'" and hold a "treaty of peace" jointly with their
people of the Western nations, waived the point for the
time being, allowing the United States commissioners to
hold the first council of importance.
Meantime, the New York Board did not relax their exer-
tions. Most of the spring and summer of 1784 were spent
in endeavors to convene a council of the Six Nations. On
the 1st of September deputies from the Ouondagas, Cayu-
gas, and Senecas met at Fort Schuyler. The Oneidas and
Tuscaroras held back, but a deputation from them was
brought iu by runners on the third day. A very interest-
ing summary of the proceedings and results of this and other
subsequent councils is given by Mr. Turner, iu his history
of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, which we cannot do
better than to quote here. Its important bearing on our
local history will be our apology for its length. Mr. Turner
says:
" The deputies of these two nations [Oneidas and Tus-
ciroras] were first addressed by Gov. Clinton. He assured
them of a disposition to be at peace ; disclaimed any inten-
tion to deprive them of their lands ; proposed a settlement
of boundaries ; and warned them against disposing of their
lands to other than commissioners regularly appointed by
the State of New York, who would treat with them for
lands when they were disposed to sell them. In reply to
this speech a delegate of the two nations expressed their
gratification that the war had ended, and that they could
now meet and ' smoke the pipe of peace.' ' You have come
up,' said he, ' what has been an untrodden path to you for
many years ; and this path which you have seen as you have
come along, has been strewed with blood. We, therefore,
in our turn, console your losses and sorrows during these
troublesome times. We rejoice that you have opened the
path of peace to this country.' He thanked the commis-
sioners for their advice to the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, not
to listen to individuals who proposed the purchase of their
lands.
" At this stage of the council the Cayuga and Tuscarora
chiefs exhibited a letter from the commissioners of Con-
gress. The letter was read. It informed the Indians that
they, the commissioners, were appointed by Congress ' to
settle a general peace with all the Indian nations from the
Ohio to the Great Lakes' — that the Governor of New York
had no authority from Congress ; but as he had invited the
Indians to assemble at Fort Stanwis on the 20th of Sep-
tember, the commissioners, to save the trouble of two coun-
cils, would alter the determination of holding the council at
Niagara, and meet them at Fort Stanwix on the day named.
" Gov. Clinton next addressed the ' sachems and warriors
of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas.' He
assured them that what was a colony had become a State ;
that he and his friends had met them to open the path of
peace, to establish that friendly relation that existed between
the Indians and their white neighbors previous to the war.
Some passages of the Governor's speech were as truly elo-
quent as anything that will be found among our State
records. He said : ' The council fires which were lighted
both at Albany and Onondaga by our ancestors and those
of the Six Nations, which burned so bright, and shone with
so friendly a light over our common country, have un-
happily almost been extinguished by the late war with
Great Britain. I now gather together at this place the
remaining brands, add fresh fuel, and with the true spirit
of reconciliation and returning friendship, rekindle the fire,
in hopes that no future events may ever arise to extinguish
it ; but that you and we, and the offspring of us both, may
enjoy its benign influence as long as the sun shall shine or
waters flow.' In reference to the letter of the commis-
sioners of Congress, he assured them that their business was
with Indians residing out of any State ; but that New York
had a right to deal with those residing within her boundaries.
" The answer to the Governor's speech was made by
Brant. He said that ' it meets with our dispositions and
feelings, and feelings of our minds.' In reference to the
respective claims of Congress and New York, he thought it
strange that ' there should be two bodies to manage the same
business.' Several speeches followed. Brant and Corn-
planter being the spokesmen of the Indians. The utmost
harmony prevailed ; the Indian orators treating all subjects
adroitly, manifesting a disposition to make a treaty, but
evidently intending to stave off any direct action until they
met in council the United States Commissioners. To a
proposition from Gov. Clinton that the State of New York
would look for a cession of lands to help indemnify them
for the expenses and sacrifices of the war, they replied, ad-
32
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTS, NEW YORK.
mitting the justness of the claim, but saying they were peace
ambassadors, and had no authority to dispose of lands.
The council broke up after distributing presents and leaving
the Indians a supply of provisioti.s for subsistence while
waiting to meet the United States commissioners.
" The treaty of Fort Stanwix followed, conducted by the
United States commissioners, Oliver Woolcott, Richard
Butler, and Arthur Lee. No record of the proceedings
exists in our public archives ; the general result is, however,
known. Terms of peace were concluded ; the western
boundaries of the Six Nations were so fixed as to enlarge
the ' carrying-place' on the Niagara River they had pre-
viously ceded to the King of Great Britain, and starting
from the mouth of Buffalo Creek, was to be a line running
due south to the northern boundary of Pennsylvania ; thence
west to the end of said boundary ; thence south along the
west boundary of said State to the river Ohio. The treaty
was eifected with considerable difficulty, a large number of
the Indians insisting that it should be general and embrace
the Western Indians, so that all questions of boundaries
could be settled at once. Brant was absent, transacting
some business with the Governor of Canada. Had he been
present, it is doubtful whether any treaty would have been
concluded. Red Jacket, then a youth, made his first pub-
lic speech, and as Levasseur (^who derived his information
from Lafayette) says, ' His speech was a masterpiece, and
every warrior who heard him was carried away with his
eloquence.' He strongly protested against ceding away the
hunting-grounds of his people at the West, and boldly ad-
vocated a renewal of the war. The better counsels of Corn-
planter, however, prevailed. The so highly-extolled elo-
quence of Red Jacket had little in it of practicability. The
Six Nations agreed to surrender all their captives, most of
whom had been brought to the treaty-ground for that pur-
pose. The commissioners on behalf of the United States
guaranteed to the Six Nations the quiet possession of the
lands they occupied, which was recognized as embracing all
of New York west of the cessions they had made under
English dominion.
COUNCIL AT FORT HERKIMER.
" The next council of the commissioners of New York,
after the one that has been named, was convened at Fort
Herkimer, in June, 1785. This was with the Oneidas and
Tuscaroras. Gov. Clinton made an opening speech, in
which, after defining their rights, and advising them that
the State had the exclusive right to purchase, informed
them that it was understood they were prepared to sell
some of their lands south of the Unadilla ; and, if so, the
commissioners were ready to purchase. After nearly two
days' deliberation the Governor's speech was replied to by
' Fetrus, the minister.' The orator said his people were
averse to parting with lands ; alluded to the frauds that had
been practiced upon the Mohawks before the Revolution ;
said, ' the German Flats people, when they were poor, ap-
plied to us for lands, and they were friends ; but now they
are rich, they do not use us kindly.' The speech was one
of consummate ability ; especially did the chief turn the
tables upon the Governor in a fre(juent allusion to his for-
mer advice to the Indians to keep their lands. Days of
deliberation and speech-making succeeded, the Indians
making proposition to lease a small quantity of land, then
to sell a small quantity of their poorest land, but failing to
come up to what the commissioners required. In a speech
made by the Grasshopper, he alluded to the attempt by the
British agents, made during the war, to induce the Tusca-
roras and Oneidas to join them. He said, ' They told us
by joining the Americans we would get lice, as they were
only a lousy people ; but, however, although they expressed
the Americans were lousy, they have, although lousy, over-
come their enemies.'
" The commissioners finally succeeded in purchasing the
land lying between the Unadilla and Chenango Rivers,
south of a line drawn east and west through those streams,
and north of the Pennsylvania line, etc., for which they
paid eleven thousand five hundred dollars, and distributed
among them a liberal amount of goods, trinkets, and pro-
visions. In finally announcing the conclusion to sell the
land, the Grasshopper said, ' This news about selling our
lands will make a great noise in the Six Nations, when they
hear we have sold so much ; and, therefore, we hope we
shall not be applied to any more for any of our country.'
How was the future curtained before the simple backwoods
diplomatist ! Little did he think that the narrow strip of
land thus grudgingly and unwillingly parted with would be
added to and widened out until his people were mostly
shorn of their broad possessions."
THE LESSEE COMPANIES.
One great difficulty in the way of negotiating treaties
with the Indians was the organization and operations of
two joint lessee companies. " The constitution of the
State forbade the purchase of the fee in lands of the In-
dians by individuals, reserving the right to the State alone."
To evade this, and come in posssession of the lands, an
association of individuals was organized in the winter of
1787-88, who styled themselves the " New York Genesee
Land Company." The company was composed of some
eighty or ninety persons, mostly residing upon the Hudson
River, many of whom were wealthy and influential. The
principal seat of the company was at Hudson. Dr. Caleb
Benton, John Livingston, and Jared Coffin were the chief
managers. At the same time a branch company was organ-
ized in Canada, called the " Niagara Genesee Land Com-
pany." John Butler, Samuel Street, John Powell, and
Benjamin Barton were principal members of this, — all but
the last named residents of Canada. This branch organi-
zation enabled the company to avail themselves of the then
potent influence of Col. John Butler with the Six Nations
and the influence of his associates.
Benjamin Barton, the father of the late Benjamin Bar-
ton, Jr., of Lewiston, was an active member of the associ-
ation. Soon after the close tjf the Revolution he had
engaged in the Indian trade and as a drover from New
Jersey via the Susquehanna River, to the British garrison
at Niagara. By this means he had become well acquainted
with the Senecas, was adopted by them, and had taken,
while a youth, Henry O'Bail, the son of Cornplanter, and
placed him in a school in New Jersey.
In addition to the influence thus acquired, there belonged
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
33
to tlie New York Company several who for a long period
had been Indian traders. Thus organized, by sueh appli-
ances as usually forwarded negotiations with the Indians,
the company, in November, 1787, obtained a lease '■'■for
nine hundred and ninety-nine years" of all the lands of
the Six Nations in the State of New York, except some
small reservaiions, the privilege of hunting, fishing, etc.
The annual rent was to be two thousand Spanish milled
dollars, together with a bonus of twenty thousand dollars.
" In March, I78S, John Taylor had been appointed an
agent of the New York Board of Commissioners, or Super-
intendent of Indian Aifairs. In that month he was sent
to the Indian country to counteract the unlawful proceed-
ings of the lessees. On his return he reported that he
had fallen in with the clerk of an Indian trader just from
Tioga, who told him that ' Livingston had .sent fourteen
sleighs loaded with goods into the Indian country ; that
tiiey got within fifty miles of Tioga, and would proceed no
farther ; that the Senecas were exceedingly dissatisfied with
Livingston and would not abide by the bargain, charging
liini with having cheated them ; that they threatened
Ryckman for having as.sisted him in cheating them ; that
one hundred and sixty families were at Tioga, with a con-
siderable number of cattle, in order to form a settlement on
those lauds, but were very much at a lo.ss, as they had
heard that the State intended that no settlement should be
made.' Governor Clinton issued a proclamation, warning
purchasers that the lessee's title would bo annulled, and
sent runners to all the Six Nations, warning them of the
fraud that had been practiced against them.
" It was a formidable organization, embracing men of
wealth and influence, and those who, if their own plans
could not be consummated, had an influence with the In-
dians that would enable them to throw serious obstacles in
the way of legal negotiations with them for their lands.
The lease consummated, the next object of the association
was to procure an act of the Legislature sanctioning the
proceedings, and for that purpose an attempt was made to
intimidate by threats of dismemberment and the formation
of a new State embracing all the leased territory. But the
whole matter Wiis met with energy and promptness by Gov-
ernor Clinton, who urged upon the Legislature measures to
counteract the intended mischief In March, 1788, an act
was pas.sed which authorized the Governor to disregard all
contracts made with Indians not sanctioned by the State,
and to cause all persons who had entered upon Indian lands
under such contracts to bo driven off" by force, and their
buildings destroyed. Governor Clinton ordered William
Colbraith, then sheriff" of Herkimer County (which em-
braced all of the present county of Herkimer and all west
of it to the west bounds of the State), to dispossess in-
truders and burn their dwellings. A military force was
called out and the order strictly executed. One of the
prominent settlers, and a co-operator of the lessees, was
taken to New York in irons, upon a charge of high treason.
Thus baffled, the managers of the two a.ssociations de-
termined to retaliate and force a compromise, if they failed
to carry out their original design, by meeting the State
upon treaty grounds, where they could bring a stronger
lobby than they could command for the halls of legislation.
SECOND TREATY OP FORT STANWIX.
At the treaty held at Fort Stanwix, in September, 1788,
with the Onondagas, for the purchase of their lands by the
State, Governor Clinton took the field in person, backed by
all the official influence he could command ; and yet he
found for awhile extreme difficulty in effecting anything.
Little opposition from the lessees showed itself openly, but
it was there with its strongest appliances. In after-years,
when preferring a claim against the " New York Genesee
Company" in behalf of the " Niagara Genesee Company,"
a prominent individual among the claimants urged that
the Canada Company had kept the Indians back from the
treaties, and when they could no longer do so, baffled Gov-
ernor Clinton for nearly three weeks. Still, treaties went
on until the State had possessed itself of the lands of the
Six Nations east of the pre-emption line. The lessees, see-
ing little hope of accomplishing their designs, finally peti-
tioned the Legislature for relief; and, after considerable
delay, in 1793, an act was passed authorizing the commis-
sioners of the land-office to set off" for them from any of
the vacant unappropriated lands of the State a tract equal
to ten miles square. The allotment was finally made in
township No. 3 of the old military tract. Thus terminated,
so far as the State was concerned, a magnificent scheme,
which contemplated the possession of a vast domain, and
perhaps, as has been alleged, a separate State organization.
It marks an important era in the early history of our State.
The influence brought to bear upon the Indians from
Canada, by which the extraordinary lease was obtamed,
was stimulated by the prospect of individual gain; but
may we not well infer — without an implication of the
many respectable individuals who composed the association
in this State to that extent — that it looked forward to the
maintenance of British dominion, which was afterwards
asserted and reluctantly yielded ? It was long after this
before the potent influence which the Johnsons, Butler, and
Brant had carried with them, even in their retreat to
Canada, was counteracted. They were yet constantly in-
culcating the idea among the Six Nations that they were
under British dominion, — the Senecas at least. What could
better have promoted this pretension than such a scheme,
especially if it contemplated the extreme measure of the
dismemberment of this State, — such, as was alleged at the
time, was embraced in the plan of the two organizations?
... As late as November, 1793, James Wadsworth and
Oliver Phelps received a circular signed by John Living-
ston and Caleb Benton, as officers of a convention purporting
to have been held at Geneva, urging the people to hold
town-meetings and sign petitions for a new State to be set
off' from New York, and to embrace the counties of Otsego,
Tioga, Herkimer, and Ontario.
TREATY OP PORT SCHUYLER.
Early in the spring of 1788 another council of the Six
Nations was contemplated by the New York commissioners.
In answer to a message from them requesting the Indians
to fix upon a time, some of the chiefs answered in writing
that it must be '-after the corn is hoed." Massachusetts
not having then parted with her pre-emption right west of
Seneca Lake, Gov. Clinton wrote to Gov. Hancock to secure
34
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
his co-operation in counteracting the designs of the lessees.
The general court declared the leases " null and void," but
Gov. Hancock, in his reply, stated that Massachusetts, on
accountof" the embarrassed condition of the commonwealth,
was about to comply with the proposals of some of her
citizens for the purchase of the preemption right."
The 1st of Septeml>er was fixed as the period for the
treaty, and Fort Sciiuyler was designated as the place. Ac-
tive preparations for it Vfere going on through the summer,
under the general supervision of John Taylor, who had the
zjalous co-operation of Gov. Clinton. In all the villages
of the Six Nations the lessees had their agents and runners
or Indian traders in their interest. Even the Rev. Mr.
Kirkland had been cither deceived or corrupted by them,
and had played a part inconsistent with his profession and
his obligations to Massachusetts. It was reported to Gov.
Clinton that, in preaching to the Indians, he had advised
them to lease to the New York and Canada companies, as
their territory was so wide he could not make his voice heard
to its full extent. At the treaty in Kanadesaga, when the
" Long Lease" was procured, he had acted efficiently for
the lessees. To counteract these strong influences, agents
and runners were put in requisition by the New York com-
missioners, and during the summer the poor Indians had
but little peace. Preparations for the embassy to the In-
dian country at New York and Albany were formidable
ones. A sloop came up from New York with Indian goods,
stores for the expedition, marquees and tents, specie for
purchase money, members of the board of commissioners
and their associates who resided in Now York, and many
curious spectators, among whom were Count Monsbiers, the
then French minister, and his sister. The board of com-
missioners and tiieir retinue started from Albany on the
2od of August, the goods and baggage going up the Mo-
hawk in bateaux, which had been built for the purpose.
They arrived at Fort Schuyler on the 28th. A wild
and romantic scene was soon presented. The veteran sol-
dier, George Clinton, pitched his marquee, and was as much
the general as if he had headed a military instead of a civil
expedition. Among his associates in the commission and
his companions were many who had been with him con-
spicuous in the Revolution, and were the leading men of
the ten young States. They were surrounded by the camp-
fires of the numerous representatives of the Six Nations,
amounting to thousands, who had been attracted to the
spot, some from the interest they felt in the negotiations,
but far the larger portion from the hopes and promises of
feast.s and carousals. Indian traders from all their localities
in New York and Canada, with their showy goods and trin-
kets and their " fire-water," were upon the ground ready to
dispose of either when the Indians should be paid their
money, and equally ready to espouse the cause of the les-
sees. Some of the prominent lessees from Albany, Hud-
son, and Canada had preceded the Governor, and were in
the crowd, secretly and insidiously endeavoring to thwart
the object of the council. Irritated by aH he had heard of
the machinations of the lessees, and learning that one of
their principals, John Livingston, of Livingston Manor,
was present, with the concurrence of his associates. Gov-
ernor Clinton " took the responsibility," as did Gen. Jack-
son at New Orleans, and ordered him in writing to " leave
in three hours" and retire to the distance of forty miles
from Fort Schuyler.
•' After this, Gov. Clinton organized a species of court, or
inquest, and summoning Indians, Indian trader.s, and run-
ners in the interest of both the State and the lessees, took
aflBdavits of all that had transpired in procuring the long
lease. It exposed a connected scheme of bribery, threats,
intimidation, and deception practiced upon the Indians.
Finding that the Senecas were holding back from the
treaty, and that many of the head men of the Cayugas and
Onondagas were absent, and learning that there was a
counter-gathering at Kanadesaga, messengers were sent
there who found Dr. Benton surrounded by Indians and
his agents, dealing out liquor and goods, and delivering
speeches, in which he assured the Indians that if they went
to Fort Schuyler the Governor of New York would either
cheat tiiem out of their lands, or failing in that, would fall
upon them with an armed force. Many of the Indians were
undeceived and finally induced to go to Fort Schuyler,
when they had recovered from the state of be;istly intoxi-
cation they had been kept in by Dr. Benton and other
agents of the lessees. Such had been the excesses into
which they had been betrayed, to keep them away from the
treaty, that many of them, when becoming sober, were sick
and unable to reach Fort Schuyler ; and a Cayuga chief.
Spruce Carrier, died on the road. When they were en-
camped at Scawyancc, twelve miles east of Seneca Lake, on
the eastern trail, Debartzch, a French trader at Cashong,
in the interest of the lessees, went there and by intimida-
tions, and the u.se of rum and promises of presents, in-
duced them to turn back. It was not until the 8th of
September that the different nations were so far represented
as to warrant proceeding to the business of the council.
Gov. Clinton addressed the Onondagas, informing them
minutely of the positions in which the Six Nations stood
in reference to their lands ; that they were theirs to di.spose
of when they pleased, but that to protect them from frauds,
the State had reserved to itself the right to purchase when-
ever they were disposed to sell. He told them the acts of
the lessees were the acts of "disobedient children" of the
State, and that they were a " cheat," at the same time in-
forming them that, as commissioners of the State, he and
his associates were there prepared to purchase. He cau-
tioned them also to keep sober during the council. Black
Cap, in behalf of the Onondagas, replied, assuring the Gov-
ernor that the Onondagas disapproved of the proceedings
with the lessees, had made up their minds to sell to the
State, but wanted a little further time to talk among them-
selves. On the 12th of September the treaty was con-
cluded, and the deed of cession of the lands of the Onon-
dagas, some reservations excepted, was executed. The con-
sideration was one thousand dollars in hand and an annuity
of five hundred dollars forever. After the treaty was con-
cluded, additional provisions were distributed, presents of
goods made, and congratulatory speeches interchanged.
" As the business on which we had met," said the Gov-
ernor, " is now happily accomplished, we shall cover up the
council-fire at this time and take a drink, and devote the
remainder of the day to decent mirth."
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
35
At the negotiation which followed next day with the
Oneidas, Governor Clinton made an opening speech similar
to the one he had delivered to the Onondagas. This was
replied to by On-yan-ha, alias Beech-Tree, who said the
speech of the Governor should be replied to after the people
had consulted together. The next day, just as the council
had assembled, word came of the death of a young warrior
who had been drowned in Wood Creek, while in a state of
intoxication. The Indians refuised to proceed with the
council till they had first attended to the funeral, which
over, the council was resumed. A-gwel-ton-^was, alias
Domine-^Pcter. or Gciod )'yter. replied to the speech of
Governor Clinton. He reminded him of a remark made
by him at Fort Herkimer, in 1785, in substance that he
should not ask them for any more land. The chief reca-
pitulated in a long .speech, with surprising accuracy, every
point in the Governor's speech, and observed, if anything
had been omitted it was because he had not " the advantage
of the use of letters." He then made an apology that he
was fatigued, and wished to sit down and rest, and that in
the mean time, according to ancient custom, another speaker
would arise and raise the spirit of their deceased sachem,
the Grasshopper. But before he sat down he informed the
Governor that the man bearing the name Oe-dat-segh-ta is
the first name known in their national council, and had lorjg
been published throughout the confederacy ; that his friend,
the Grasshopper, was the counselor for the tribe, to whom
that name belonged, and therefore that they replaced the
Grasshopper with this lad, whom you are to call Kan-y-a-
dal-i-go (presenting the young lad to the Governor and
commissioners), and that until he arrives at an age to
qualify him to transact business personally in council, their
friend, Hans Jurio. is to bear the name of O-jis-tal-a-be,
alias Grasshopper, and to be counselor for this young man
and his clan until that period.
The Governor disclaimed any desire on the part of the
State to purcha.se their lands, but strenuously urged upon
them that the State would not tolerate the purchase or
leasing by individuals. He told them that when they
chose to sell, the State would buy, more for their good than
anything else, as the State then had more land than it
could occupy with psople.
Good Peter followed, said the Governor's sp3ech was ex-
cellent and to their minds. " We comprehend every word
of your speech ; it is triie indeed, for we see you possessed
of an extensive territory, and but here and there a smoke."
" But," said he, " we too have disorderly people in our na-
tion. You have a keg here, and they have their eyes upon
it, and nothing can divert them from the pursuit of it.
While there is any part of it left, they will have their eyes
upon it and seek after it, till they die by it. And if one
dies, there is another who will not be deterred by it, but
will still continue to seek after it. It is just so with your
people. As long as any spot of our excellent land remains,
they will covet it, and will never rest till they poss&ss it."
He said it would take him a long time to tell the Governor
" all his thoughts and contemplations." His mind, he said,
was " perplexed and pained, — it labors hard." In a .short
digression he .spoke of the Tree of Peace, and expressed
his fears that " by and by some twig of this beautiful tree
I
will be broken off. The wind seems always to blow and
shake this beloved tree." Before sitting down, Good Peter
observed that they had all agreed to place the business
of the council, on their part, in the hands of ^ol. Louis
and Peter Ostetiuette, who would be their " mouth and
their ears."* There was also appointed as their advisors a
committee of principal chiefs.
The negotiations went on for days ; speeches were inter-
changed, propositions were made and rejected, until, finally,
a deed of cession was agreed upon and executed by the
chiefs. It conveyed all their lands, making reservations
for their own residence around the Oneida Castle, and a
number of other smaller ones for their own people and
such whites as had been interpreters, favorite traders, or
belonged to them i)y adoption. The consideration was two
thousand dollars in money, two thousand dollars in clothing
and other goods, one thousand dollars in provisions, five
hundred dollars in money for the erection of saw and grist-
mills on their Reservation, and an annuity of six hundred
dollars in silver forever.
Rev. Samuel Kirkland was present at this treaty and
materially aided the commi.ssioners. The Governor made
to the Oneidas a parting address replete with good instruc-
tion and fatherly kindne.ss. The Oneidas, in return, assured
him of the satisfaction of their people with all that had
taken place. They thanked the Governor and his a.ssociates
for the fairness with which they had been treated. It
would be difiicult to find a record of diplomacy between
civilized nations more replete throughout with decorum,
dignity, and ability, than is that of this protracted treaty.
The council had continued in session for twenty-five days.
TREATY OF ALBANY.
The next meeting of the commissioners was convened at
Albany, Dec. 15, 1788. Governor Clinton read a letter from
Peter Ryckman and Seth Reed, who were then residents
at Kanadesaga, now Geneva, — Reed at the Old Castle, and
Ryckman upon the lake shore. The letter was forwarded
by " Mr. Lee and Mr. Noble," who had been residing for
the summer at Kanadesaga. The writers say to the Gov-
ernor that the bearers of the letter will detail to him all
that has transpired in this locality, and add that, if required,
* Col. Louis was a French and Oneida half-blood. He held a com-
mission under Governor Clinton in the Revolution. IV-ter 0stef|ucttc.
in a speech made at a subsequent stage of the council, saitl that he had
just returned from France, where he had been tatten and educated by
Lx Fayette. He said that when he arrived in France he " was naked
and the raarquis clad him, receiving him with great kindness; that
for a year he was restless, but when the light of knowledge flowed in
upon bis mind he was distressed at the miserable condition of his
countrymen, and he had returned for the purpose of enlightening and
reforming them. Thomas Morris says in his manuscript that "at
this treaty he became intimate with Peter Ostequette, who, when a boy,
was taken to France by the Marquis de La Fayette. He remained
seven years with the marquis, and received a very finished education."
Mr. Morris was receiving his education there at the same time, and
he says, " I would frequently retire with Peter into the woods and
hear him recite some of the finest pieces of French poetry from the
tragedies of Corneille and Racine. Peter Wiis an Oneida Indian; he
had not been many months restored to his nation ; and yet he would
drink raw rum out of a brass kettle, take as much delight in yelling
and whooping as any Indian ; and, in fact, became as vile a drunkard
as any of them."
36
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tli(!y can induce the Cayugas and Senecas to attend the
council. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland gave in writing an ac-
count of his mission. He stated that on arriving at Kana-
desaga, heuascertained that, to keep the Cayugas back from
the council at Fort Schuyler, two of the principal lessees
and their agents had " kept them in a continued state of
intoxication for three weeks ; that Dr. B. and Col. M. had
between twenty and thirty riflemen in arms for twenty-four
hours ; and gave out severe threats against Peter Ryckman
and Col. Reed, for being enemies to their party and friends
to the government, in persuading the Indians to attend the
treaty at Fort Schuyler." Mr. Kirkland stated that he
had been as far as Niagara and had seen Col. Butler ; that
at the Seneca village of Buftalo Creek, he had seen Shen-
dy ough-gwat-te, the second man of influence among the
Senecas, and Farmer's Brother, alias Oah-ne-wi-ire-was ; and
that they had become disposed to treat with the State.
Before the board adjourned, it was agreed to address a
letter to Reed and Ryckman, asking them to name a day
on which they could procure the attendance of the Cayu-
gas and Senecas at Albany. Reed and Ryckman, on the
reception of the letter, dispatched €James Manning Reed
with an answer, saying that they would be at Albany with
the Indians on the 23d of January, and adding that the
lessees kept the Indians " so continually intoxicated with
liquor that it was almost impossible to do anything with
them." It was not until the 11th of February that Ryck-
man was enabled to collect a sufficient number of Indians
and reach Albany. Several days were spent in preliminary
proceedings and in waiting for delegations that were on the
way. On the lith, James Bryan and Benjamin Birdsall,
two of the lessees, appeared before the commissioners and
delivered up the " long leases" that had occasioned so much
trouble. On the 19tli the council was opened with the
Cayugas. There were many Senecas, Onondagas, and
Oneidas present. Good Peter, on behalf of the Cayugas,
made a speech. He said his brothers, the Cayugas and
Senecas, had "requested him to be their mouth." As
upon another occasion, his speech abounded in some of the
finest imagery to be found in any preserved specimen of
Indian eloquence. In allusion to the conduct of the lessees,
and the long series of precedent diflBculties with the whites,
he observed: "Let us notwithstanding possess our minds in
peace. We can see but a small depth into the heart of man ;
we can only discover what comes from his tongue."
Speaking of the relations that used to exist between his
people and the old colony of New York, he said: "They
used to kindle a council-fire, the smoke of which reached
the heavens, and around which they sat and talked of
peace." He said, in reference to the blessings of peace
and the settled state of things that was promised by fixing
the Indians upon the Reservations under the protection of
the State, " Our little ones can now go with leisure to
look for fish in the streams, and our warriors to hunt for
wild beasts in the woods." Present at the council was a
considerable number of their women, whom Good Peter
called " governesses," and gave the reasons why they were
there. " The rights of women" found in him an able ad-
vocate. " Our ancestors considered it a great transgression
to reject the counsel of the women, particularly the gov-
ernesses ; they considered them the mistresses of the soil.
They said, Who brings us forth ? Who cultivates our lands?
Who kindles our fires, and boils our pots, but the women ?
Our women say let not the tradition of the fathers with re-
spect to women be disregarded ; let them not be despised ;
God is their maker."
Several other speeches intervening, the Governor answered
the speech of Good Peter. He reviewed the bargain the
Indians had made with the lessees, and told them that if
carried out it would be their ruin ; explained the laws of
the State and their tendency to protect them in the enjoy-
ment of a suflBcient quantity of.land for their use, and to
guard them against peculation and fraud. In replying to
that part of Good Peter's speech in reference to the women
and their rights, the venerable Governor was in a vein of
gallantry, eloquently conceding the immunities which belong
to the " mothers of mankind." He told them they should
have reservations "large enough, however prolific they might
be, even if they should increase their nation to their ancient
state and numbers." He apologized to the dusky sister-
hood by saying that he was " advanced in years and unac-
customed to address their sex in public." Other speeches
and negotiations followed, till February 25, when all the
preliminaries having been settled, the Cayugas ceded to the
State all of their lands, excepting a large Reservation of one
hundred square miles. The consideration was five hundred
dollars in hand, sixteen hundred and twenty-eight dollars in
June following, and an annuity of five hundred dollars forever.
In a congratulatory address, after the treaty was con-
cluded, Governor Clinton recapitulated all of its terms, and
observed : " Brothers and sisters ! when you reflect that
you had parted with the whole of your country (in allusion
to the long lease) without reserving a spat to lie down on,
or kindle a fire on, and that you had disposed of your lands
to people whom you had no means to compel to pay what
they had promised, you will be persuaded that your brothers
and sisters whom you have left at home, and your and their
children will have reason to rejoice at the covenant you
have now made, which not only saves you from impending
ruin, but restores you to peace and security."
The three treaties that had been thus concluded had
made the State the owners of the soil of the Military Tract,
or the principal amount of territory now included in the
counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, Cort-
land, and parts of Oswego and Wayne. Other cessions fol-
lowed until the large reservations were either ceded entirely
away or reduced to their present narrow limits. The deed
of cession of the Cayugas stipulated that the State should
convey to their "adopted child, Peter Ryckman, whom
they desire shall reside near them and a.ssist them,'' a tract
on the west side of Seneca Lake, which should contain six-
teen thousand acres, the location being designated. Soon
after the treaty of Albany, the superintendency of Indian
affairs devolved upon John Taylor, as agent for the board
of commissioners. Although the treaty had seemed satis-
factory, a pretty strong faction of all three of the nations
treated with had kept back, and became instruments for
the use of designing whites. Neither Brant, Red Jacket,
Parmer's Brother, nor indeed many of the influential chiefs,
had attended the treaties.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOllK.
37
CHAPTER VII.
TREATY OP OLIVER PHELPS WITH THE SENECA
INDIANS.
Disposition of the Senecas — -Diificulties in the Way of Mr. Phelps—
Compromise with the Lessees — Conclusion of the Treaty.
Although the Senecas liad been urged to attend, and
considerable delegations had been brought with much diffi-
culty to the council.s, it was wholly for the sake of the
influence which the proceedings and actions of the other
nations would exert upon them. Their lands lying west
of the Massachusetts pre-emption line were not the sub-
ject of negotiation by the State of New York, and were
yet in their possession. While they held them, and were
at the same time displeased with the course pursued by the
other nations, they were constantly being stirred up by the
lessees and other parties to hinder and, if possible, thwart
the consummation of the plans of the State. This dissatis-
faction found ready and willing promoters in the persons of
the government officers of Canada and the loyalists who
had sought refuge there during the border wars of the
Revolution. When the first attempt was made to survey
the lands, a message was received by Governor Clinton from
some of the malcontents threatening resistance. When the
period approached for the payment of the first annuity, the
Onondagas informed the Governor that they had received
four strings of wampum from the Senecas forbidding their
going to Fort Stanwix to receive the money. A council of
Indians was convened at Niagara, at which Col. Butler
said the Oneidas were " a poor, despicable set of Indians,
who had sold their country to the Governor of New York,
and had dealt treacherously with their old friends." When
seeking to deter the Onondagas from receiving their an-
nuity, the Senecas informed them that the Governor of
Quebec wanted their lands, that Col. Butler wanted the
lands of the Cayugas, and the commanding officer of Fort
Niagara the Seneca's lands. The Cayugas sent a message to
Governor Clinton, informing him that they were threatened
with total extermination, because they had sold their lands
without consulting the Western tribes. Mr. Turner justly
remarks in a note, page 21, Phelps and Gorham Pur-
chase :
" The part that the Senecas were persuaded to take in
promoting the.se embarrassments was glaringly inconsistent.
They had sold a part of their lands to Mr. Phelps the fall
before without consulting other nations, to say nothing of
their having consented to the ' lease,' which was a far
worse bargain than those by the State. But the main
promoters of the troubles were the lessees and the British
agents, the latter of whom wore soured by the results of
the Revolution, and were yet looking forward to British
repossession of all Western and part of Middle New York.
In all this matter the conduct of Brant did not correspond
with his general reputation for fairness and honesty. He
helped to fan the flames of discontent, while, at the same
time, he was almost upon his own hooks trying to sell the
State the remnant of the Mohawk lands. Interfering be-
tween the State and the Indians, he got some dissatisfied
chiefs to join in an insolent letter to the Governor, which
was replied to with a good deal of severity of language."
DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY OF MR. PHELPS.
The extinguishment of the Indian title to that portion
of the State in which the county of Steuben is situated
was attended with difficulties similar to those whi.Q]j had
marked the progress of -this important work from the be-
ginning. In this case, however, on one side at least, we
lose sight' of a remarkable class of actors in the drama, the
New Y^ork board and their sturdy and efficient head. Gov-
ernor Clinton, and in their .stead appear the agents and
representatives of a new company. Messrs. Phelps and
Gorham having purchased the pre-emption right of the
State of Massachusetts to lands lying wholly within the
domain of the Seneca nation, were preparing, in the spring
of 1788, to take preliminary measures for the colonization
and settlement of the lands which they had purchased.
At a meeting of the shareholders. Gen. Israel Chapin was
appointed to go out and explore the country ; Mr. Phelps,
the general agent, was to hold a treaty with the Indians in
order to purchase their right to the soil ; Mr. Gorham was
appointed an agent to confer with the authorities of the
State of New York in reference to running the boundary
or pre-emption line, and Mr. William Walker as the local
asrent of surveys and sales.
Being well aware of the power and influence of the
lessees and their agents, Mr. Phelps resolved upon a com-
promise as the cheapest and surest means of success. Pro-
ceeding to the Hudson, he met some of the principal lessees
and effected a compromise with them on such terms as al-
lowed them to become shareholders with him and his as-
sociates. The lessees, on their part, agreed to hold another
treaty with the Indians at Kanade.saga, surrender their
lease to all the lands west of the Massachusetts pre-emption
line, and procure in exchange therefor a deed of cession,
Phelps and Gorham, for themselves and as.sociates, to be
the grantees. The treaty was to be held under the super-
vision of John Livingston, the principal agent of the
lessees. With this understanding, and in full confidence that
the arrangement would be consummated, Mr. Phelps re-
turned to New England, fitted himself out with a corps of
agents, surveyors, and a.ssistants, and started upon his advent
to the Genesee country, prepared to take possession and
commence operations. Arriving at Schenectady, where
Livingston was to meet him, he began to hear rumors that
the Indians had refused to treat with the lessees, and that
they had arrested and whipped one of their agents. On
the 13th he wrote to Col. Wadsworth, of Hartford, that
Livingston had arrived with his provisions and goods for
the treaty, and the expedition was ready to depart, but that
an Oneida Indian had arrived from the West with informa-
tion that Brant had got the Indians collected at Buffiilo
Creek, and was advising them to take up the hatchet, and,
if possible, not treat with Livingston and his company.
He expresses his fears that the treaty will fail, and adds his
regrets, as he thinks it will keep back settlement a whole
year. He arrived at Geneva (Kanadesaga) on the 1st of
June, where he waited till the 17th, and seeing no prospect
of convening a council there, he informed Mr. Livingston
that he should proceed independent of the lessees and their
lease. He had by this time discovered that the two lessee
companies were pulling in opposition to each other, and that
38
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the Niagara company had got the Indians assembled at Buf-
falo Creek. He was not long in deciding what to do. Taking
tlie Indian trail, he proceeded to Niagara, where lie met But-
ler, Brant, and Street, and secured their co-operation, they
agreeing to procure with him a treaty with the Indians at
Buffalo Creek. Mr. Phelps rejoined his friends at Geneva,
where he remained until a deputation of chiefs waited upon
him to conduct him to the appointed council-fires. Red
Jacket was at the head of this deputation. Afterwards,
in 1790, at a council in Tioga, when complaining to Mr.
Pickering, Indian agent for Massachusetts, of some wrong
in reference to Mr. Phelps' treaty, he said : " Then I, Billy,
and the Heap of Dogs went to Kanadesaga and took Mr.
Phelps by the hand, and led him to the council-fires at
Buffalo Creek." Alluding to the commission which Mr.
Phelps produced at the opening of the council, which had
been given him by the Governor of Massachusetts, Red
Jacket also said : " Then all know, and Mr. Street knows,
that Mr. Phelps held up a paper with a seal on it as big as
my hand. When he opened his mind to us, we took it
hard."
Rev. Samuel Kirkland was present at the council, having
been appointed by a law of Massachusetts to superintend
the treaty, and see that no injustice was done to the Indians.
His assistant superintendent, Elisha Lee, Esq., of Boston,
was also in attendance. The interpreters were James Deane,
Joseph Smith, William Johnstone, Mr. Kirkland, and sev-
eral others. Of the other side, there were present John
Butler, Joseph Brant. Samuel Street, and the officers from
Port Niagara. The lessees, following up Mr. Phelps, were
represented by John Livingston, Caleb Benton, and Ezekicl
Gilbert. Several Onondaga, Cayuga, and Mohawk chiefs
were present.
Mr. Phelps, on the opening of the council, had his com-
mission or patent from Massachusetts read and explained,
and made a speech explaining to the Indians the object of
the treaty and the right he possessed to purchase the land.
Most of the Seneca chiefs, of whom there was a pretty
full delegation present, were for selling a portion of their
lands ; but it was evident that they had come with the de-
termination of making the Genesee River the western
boundary of their ce.ssion, and this position they maintained
for several days, but finally yielded and fixed the western
boundary, as it was afterwards established. The negotia-
tion then turned upon the price to be paid. Mr. Phelps
and the Indians could not agree, and therefore mutually
appointed John Butler, Joseph Brant, and Elisha Lee as
referees, who agreed that Mr. Phelps should pay for the
tract purchased jive thousand dolliirs and an annuity of
Jive hundred dollars forever. " The Indians had consented
to take for the quantity of land they were conveying, a sum
which would amount to a fair proportion of what the lessees
had agreed to pay for their whole country, and this was
the basis upon which the price was fixed."
The lands thus ceded constituted what is now known as
Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, and included the county
of Steuben, and a considerable portion of Western New York.
The eastern boundary of this tract was the Massachusetts
pre-emption line; its western boundary, •' a line beginning
in the northern line of Pennsylvania, due south of the
corner or point of land made by the confluence of the
Genesee River and the Canaseraga Creek ; thence north
on said meridian line to the corner or point at the con-
fluence aforesaid; thence northwardly along the waters of
the Genesee River to a point two miles north of Cana-
wagus village ; thence running due west twelve miles ;
thence running northwardly, so as to be twelve miles dis-
tant from the western bounds of said river, to the shores of
Lake Ontario." The tract contained by estimation two
million six hundred thousand acres.
The history of this tract or purchase will be given in
another chapter, our present object being simply to treat
of the extinction of the Indian title to these lands. We
will therefore finish what we desire to say upon that sub-
ject.
Mr. Phelps says, " the council was conducted in a friendly
and amicable manner." The Niagara company, or the Can-
ada lessees, Butler and his associates, had an independent
claim for the assistance rendered Mr. Phelps in convening
the Indians and enabling him to accomplish his purpose.
This was probably arranged by a promise on the part of
Mr. Pheips to give them an interest in common with him-
self and his associates, for soon after the sale to Robert
Morris, Samuel Street and others (the Niagara Lessee Com-
pany ) filed a bill in chancery, setting forth that they were
entitled to the proceeds of sales of " fifteen one hundred
and twentieth parts" of all of Phelps and Gorham's Pur-
chase, by virtue of an agreement made by Mr. Phelps at
the treaty of Buffalo Creek. Upon the bill of complaint
an injunction was issued against Phelps and Gorham, their
associates in interest, and their grantees ; but how the matter
was finally disposed of we are uot informed.
There has been a very common mistake as to where Mr.
Phelps held his treaty with the Indians, many supposing
that Canandaigua was the place. Mr. Turner remarks that
the very spot has been pointed out upon which it was held,
and that " the error has been perpetuated by historians and
essayists, who have added a fancy sketch of the scene of the
treaty-ground, with Red Jacket eloquently invoking the
war-cry, the tomahawk, and the scalping-knife, and Farmer's
Brother opposing him. The whole story is spoiled by Red
Jacket's own as.sertion, that ' he and Billy and the heap of
dogs' led Mr. Phelps from Kanadesaga to the treaty at
Buffalo Creek. The idea of a land treaty of Mr. Phelps
with the Indians at Canandaigua must have come from a
gathering which was held there in 1789, when Mr. Phelps'
payment became due."
Mr. Phelps, on returning to New England, reported by
letter to his principal associates the result of his embassy,
saying, " You may rely upon it that it is a good country.
I have purchased all that the Indians will sell at present,
and perhaps as much as it would be profitable for us to buy
at this time." It proved, at least, all that they were able
to pay for. At the session of the Massachusetts Legisla-
ture, in 1789, they found themselves unable to fulfill the
engagement they had made for the payment of the pur-
chase money. They had predicated payment upon the
supposition that they could purchase the public paper of
Massachusetts at its then market value, which was about
fifty cents on a dollar. But the paper rose during that
HISTORY OF STEUBP:N COUNTY, NEW YORK.
39
year to nearly par value in tlie market. Being tlius situ-
ated and having failed to extinguish the Indian title to the
whole of the tract at first contemplated, they memorialized
the Legislature and got released from their obligations in
reference to what remained, paying only for what was in-
cluded in the Indian treaty.
But the Indians who had made the treaty, apparently in
"ood faith, soon became dissatisfied and di.saffected. In
August, 1790, Mr. Phelps informed the elder Mr. Gorham,
in Boston, that the Indians had been to Canandaigua and
had refused to receive any further payment, alleging that
the amount of purchase money was to liave been ten instead
of five thousand dollars. He wrote that the Indians were
very much exasperated on account of some recent murders
of their people committed by the whites at Tioga, that he
was about to undertake a conciliatory mission to their prin-
cipal villages, and that if he did not succeed they would
retaliate by a general attack upon the whites. At a council
held by Mr. Pickering, at Tioga, in November, 1790, Red
Jacket and Farmer's Brother both claimed that the sum to
be paid by Mr. Phelps was ten instead of five thousand
dollars; they alleged that their" heads had been confused,"
and that they had been " cheated." Speaking of the pay-
ment. Red Jacket said," When we went to Canandaigua to
meet Mr. Phelps, expecting to receive ten thousand dollars,
we were to have but five thousand. When we discovered
the fraud we had a mind to apply to Congress, to see if
the matter could not be rectified. For when we took the
money and shared it, every one here knows that we had
hut about one dollar apiece. All our lands came to was
but the worth of a few hogsheads of tobacco. Gentlemen^
who stand by, do not think hard of us for what has been
said. At the time of the treaty twenty broaches would not
buy half a loaf of bread ; so that when we returned home
there was not a bright spot of silver about us."
Cornplanter, the leader of the disaflected Indians, visited
Philadelphia and laid their complaint before President
Washington. The President promised investigation of the
matter. Mr. Phelps wrote a vindication of his conduct in
the making of the treaty, and sent it to the President,
accompanied by the aiEdavits of Rev. Samuel Kirkland,
James Deane, Judge HoUenbeck, and others. In Decem-
ber, 1791, Joseph Brant fully acquitted Mr. Phelps of dis-
honesty or unfair dealing in the purchase of the lands, in a
long letter addressed to the President of Indian Afiiurs for
the Northern District of the United States. In this letter
he is particularly severe on Cornplanter, alleging that he
was " influenced by bribes and selfish views." He says
that the lessees were only released from the payment of
five thousand dollars out of the twenty thousand they had
agreed to pay for the whole country, and a pro rata
amount of their stipulated annual rent. The poor Indians
never realized the sum promised them by the lessees, and
yet there is no doubt but the lessees themselves, in one
form or another, realized a large amount from their illegal
long lease.
We close our chapter on the Indian treaties with the
following extract from Mr. Turner's excellent History of
Phelps and Gorham's Purchase :
" The whole history of the early Indian treaties in this
State is a complex one. There was a disjointed state of
things existing among our own people. The treaties began
without any clear and definite understanding of what were
the respective rights of the State and the general govern-
ment. The Indians, after they had heard of ' one big fire
being lighted for all the thirteen States,' could not under-
stand why they should be invited to attend 'so many little
fires,' or councils. The almost interminable mischief, the
lessees' movement, was thrust in to add to the embarrass-
ment. The close of the Revolution had left them with
distracted councils. Cut up into factions themselves, no
wonder that when they were pulled and hauled about from
one treaty to another, beset by State conimi,ssioners, lessee
companies, speculators, and their ' old friends at Niagara,'
they should on several occasions have complained that their
' heads were confused.'
" But the crowning curse, and the source of nearly all
other evils that beset them, and nearly all that embarrassed
our relations and intercourse with their race, was the use
of spirituous liquors. In the absence of them, the advent
of our race to this continent would have been a blessing to
theirs, instead of what it has proved to be, — the cause of
their ruin and gradual extermination. Nowhere in a long
career of discovery have Europeans found natives of the
soil with as many of the noblest attributes of humanity, —
moral and physical elements which, if they could not have
been blended with ours, could have maintained a separate
existence, and been fostered by a proximity of civilization
and the arts. Everywhere, when first approached by our
race, they welcomed it, and made demonstrations of friend-
ship and peace. . . . Whatever of savage character they
may have possessed, so far as our race was concerned, it
was dormant till aroused to action by assaults or treachery
of intruders upon their soil, whom they had met as friends.
" This was the beginning of trouble. The cupidity of
our race perpetuated it by the introduction of ' fire-water,'
which, vitiating their appetites, cost them their native inde-
pendence of character, made them dependents upon the
trader and the agents of rival governments, mixed them
up with factions and contending aspirants for dominion, and
from time to time impelled them to the fields of blood and
slaughter or to the stealthy assault with the t(jmahawk and
scalping-knife. . . . From the hour that Hud.son lured the
Indians on board his vessel on the river that bears his
name, and gave them the first taste of spirituous liquors,
the whole history of British intercourse with them is
marked by the use of this accursed agent as a principal
means of success. . . . The early French traders upon the
St. Lawrence and in all that region commenced the trafiic
not until they had ascertained that they could in no other
way compete with the English traders than by using the
same means. The early Jesuit missionaries checked them
in their work of evil, but the English trader was left unre-
strained, even encouraged by English colonial authority. . . .
It was with his keg of rum that the Englishman could
alone succeed, and with a morbid, sordid perseverance he
plied it in trade as well as in diplomacy.
" At a later period, when the storm of the Revolution
was gathering, . . . the aspect of the quarrel between
Eusrland and the colonies was not suited to their tastes or
40
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
inclinations, and they resolved upon standing aloof, — the
Senecas at least. Invited to Oswego by the P]nglish refu-
gees from the Mohawk, they were promised that the ' fire-
water' of England's king should be ' as free to them as the
waters of Lake Ontario.' Their intentions were changed,
and their tomahawks and scalping -knives were turned
against the border settlers. A series of events ensued, the
review of which creates a shudder and a wonder that the
offenses were so easily forgiven, — that we had not taken
their country, after subduing them with our arms, instead
of treating for it. But well and humanely did the Father
of his Country consider how they had been wiled to the
unfortunate choice of friends which they made. Englisii
rum was not only freely dealt out at Oswego, but at Niagara,
where it paid for many a reeking scalp, and helped to arouse
the fiercest passions of the Indian allies and send them back
upon their bloody track.
" When peace came, and our State authorities began to
cultivate an acquaintance with the Indians, they found them
deserted by their late British employers, with nothing to
show for the sanguine aid they had given them but appe-
tites vitiated by the English rum-cask, and a moral and
physical degeneracy, the progress of which could not have
been arrested ; and lingering yet among them in all tlieir
principal localities, was the Engli-sh or Tory trader, pro-
longing his destructive traflfic. It was American New York
legislation that made the first statutes against the traSic in
spirituous liquors among the Indians. "
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PHELPS AND GOKHAM PURCHASE.
Original Grants to the Colonies of Massaehusetts and New York — Mas-
sachusetts Pre-emption Lands — Purchase of these Lands hy Phelps
and Gorham — Treaty with the Seneca Indians — Survey of the
Lands — Sale to Robert Morris.
An inquiry into the title of lands in Steuben County
will carry us back to those original patents granted by the
Kings of England, in right of discovery, to their subjects
who e.stablished colonies on the Eastern shores of this Con-
tinent near the beginning of the seventeenth century.
In the year 1620, the King of Great Britain granted to
the Plymouth Company a tract of country denominated
New England, extending several degrees of latitude north
and south, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, east
and west. A charter for the government of a portion of
this territory, granted by Charles I., in 1628, was vacated
in 168-1, but a second charter was granted by William and
Mary, in 1691. The territory comprised in this second
charter extended on the Atlantic Ocean from north latitude
42° 2' to 44° 15', and from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Ocean. Charles I., in 1663, granted to the Duke of York
and Albany, the Province of New York, including the
present State of New Jersey. The tract thus granted ex-
tended from a line twenty miles east of the Hudson River
westward, rather indefinitely, aiid from the Atlantic Ocean
north to the south line of Canada, then a French Colony.
By this collision of description each of these colonies laid
claim to the jurisdiction as well as the pre-emption right of the
same land, being a tract sufficiently large to form several States.
The State of New Y'ork, however, in 1781, and Massachu-
setts, in 1785, ceded to the United States -all their right
either of jurisdiction or ownership, to all the territory lying
west of a meridian line run south from the westerly bend
of Lake Ontario. Although the nominal amount in con-
troversy, by these acts, was much diminished, it still left
some nineteen thousand square miles of territory in dispute.
But this controversy was finally settled by a convention of
commissioners appointed by the parties, held at Hartford,
Conn., on the 16th of December, 1786. According to the
stipulation entered into by the convention, Massachusetts
ceded to the State of New York all her claim to the govern-
ment, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of all the territory lying
west of the present east line of the State of New York ;
and New York ceded to Mas.sachusetts the pre-emption
right or fee of the land, subject to the title of the Indians,
of all that part of the State of New York lying west of a
line, beginning at a point in the north line of Pennsylvania,
eighty-two miles west of the northeast corner of said State,
and running from thence due north through Seneca Lake
to Lake Ontario, excepting and reserving to the State of
New Y'^ork a strip of land east of, and adjoining the eastern
bank of Niagara River, one mile wide, and extending its
whole length, and inclusive of the islands in the Niagara
River. This land, the pre-emption right of which was thus
ceded to Massachusetts, amounted to about six millions of
acres.
Soon after Massachusetts became possessed of this pre-
emption right, a company was formed in that State to pur-
chase a large tract of the land. The company consisted of
Oliver Phelps, Judge Sullivan, Messrs. Skinner and Chapin,
William Walker and others, chiefly residents of Berkshire
County. Before they had matured their plans, Nathaniel
Gorham had made proposals to the Legislature to purchase
a portion of the Genesee lands. Mr. Phelps had a confer-
ence with Mr. Gorham, and, to secure unanimity of action,
they mutually agreed that Mr. Gorham should become a
member of the association and consider his proposition
made for their common benefit. Mr. Gorham liad proposed
the purchase of one million acres, at one and sixpence cur-
rency per acre, payable in the public paper of the common-
wealth. The House of Representatives acceded to the
proposition, but the non-concurrence of the Senate delayed
the consummation of the bargain till the Legislature again
convened in April, 1788. when others, who in the mean
time had made propositions of purcliase to the State, were
included in the company. Messrs. Phelps and Gorham
were constituted the representatives of the association, and
in that capacity made a proposal to the Legislature for the
purchase of all the lands embraced in the Massaehusetts
cession. This was accepted, the stipulated consideration
being one hundred thousand dollars, payable in the public
paper of Massachusetts.
We have already remarked, in connection with our his-
tory of the extinction of the Indian title, that the paper
of Massachusetts was at that time depreciated to about fifty
cents on a dollar.
At the first meeting of the shareholders, preliminary
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
41
steps were taken to hold a treaty with the Indians, — the
Seneoas, in whose portion of the State the hinds were situ-
ated. Mr. Phelps made a trip to Geneva, then Kanade-
saga, and fuilin;;, with the aid of Mr. Livingston, to con-
vene a council of the Indians at that point, hastened by
the old Indian trail to ButFalo Creek, where he found the
Indians had been assembled by the Niagara Lessee Com-
pany, and through the aid of the latter, in July, 17SS,
ho effected a purchase of the Seneoas of the tract of land
known as Phelps and Gorham's Purchase. This treaty was
not held at Canandaigua, as some suppose, but at Buflalo
Creek.* Mr. Phelps during this first trip made his head-
quarters at Geneva, not at Canandaigua. Before leaving
the county he set surveyors at work under the direction of
Col. Hugh Maxwell, to divide the newly-acquired country
into townships, and, having ixed upon Canandaigua as the
focus of intended enterprise, returned to Suffield, Mass.
All retired as winter approached, and left the whole region,
except the small settlement at Geneva, in the possession of
its ancient owners.
Mr. Walker, after having remained in the country till
nearly the setting in of winter, returned, and was present
at a meeting of the associates, in January. He reported
that he had .sold and contracted about thirty townships.
At this meeting a division of the land took place, the lar-
ge.st portions falling into the hands of Phelps and Gorham
and a few other loading associates, who purchased the
interests of the smaller shareholders. The most of the
early sales of townships were to those who held shares,
which will account for the very low price, the shareholders
paying about what the lands cost the a.ssociation.
Mr. Phelps, although his residence in all the earliest
years of settlement was still in JIassachusetts, spent most
of his time in Canandaigua, and was the active and liberal
patron and helper in all the public enterprises of the region
which ho had opened for settlement. He may appropri-
ately be called the Father of the Gene-see country. Of
ardent temperament, active, able, and ambitious in all that
related to the new country, the pioneers found in him a
■« I liiul in .111 article by Judge Goldsmith Denniston, ou the source
of land title in Steuben County, the statement that "the chiefs and
warriors of the Si.'! Nations were assembled, and Mr. Phelps met
them in conference near the Canandaigua Lake. After a negotiation
of two days, and after every preliminary was about being arranged, the
celebrated Red Jacket arose : drawing his blanket around him and
surveying the assemblage, he addressed them in a language and style
peculiar to himself. He represented to them the efifeot of giving the
pale-faces any further foothold within their territories; depicted to
them their former simplicity and happiness and the wrong.s they had
sulfered from the whites, until his Indian auditors were roused and
excited almost to vengeance." This is an error. Red Jacket himself,
in his speech at the Tioga Council (1790), alludes to the treaty be-
tween Mr. Phelps and the Senecas as having been held at Buffalo
Creek, and that he and his friends took him (Phelps) by the hinl
and led him thither from KananJesaga (Geneva). Mr. Phelps, also
in the same year, in a speech to the Indians in answer to their com-
plaints, refers to the treaty as follows : " I wish in a friendly manner
to state to you the particulars of our b.irgain. AVlien I arrived at
Buffalo Creek, O'Bail (Cornplanter) had leased all your country to
Livingston and Benton." He says, " Brothers, you remember we
sat up all night. It was almost morning before wo agreed on the
boundaries. After breakfast wo returned to agree on the price you
should ha.vc:'— Phelps and Gorhamt Purohuae, Aiipaidix, p. 476.
friend indeed, and when disease, privation, Indian alarms,
created despondency, he had a word of encouragement and
a prophecy of a " better time coming." He was useful to
a degree that no one can realize who has not seen how
much one man can do in helping to smooth the always
rugged path of backwoods life.
Oliver Phelps was born at Wind.sor, Conn., and was a
young man at the breaking out of the Revolution. He
was among those who gathered at Lexington and made the
first military demonstration of intended separation and in-
dependence : and, although but a youth, was enrolled in
the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. Upon the or-
ganization of the Connecticut troops, he became a con-
tractor in the army, and was soon advanced to the com-
missary department, in which he did faithful service till
the close of the Revolution. Settling in Suflield, Mass.,
he was sent to the' Assembly, and then to the Senate, and
was also a member of the Governor's Council. During
the Revolution he became intimate with Robert Morris,
the great financier of that eventful period, and whose name
is indissolubly associated with his in the extensive and
beneficent land operations in Western New York, of which
we shall speak more particularly hereafter.
A considerable shareholder in the original purchase from
Massachusetts, Mr. Phelps became, eventually, the chief
owner, by the purchase of shares, reversions, and other
means ; .so that in a few years after the settlement of the
Genesee country was fairly under way, he was reputed one
of the most successful and wealthy of all the founders of
new settlements of that period. In 1795 he was regarded
as worth a million dollars.
A mania of land speculation prevailed in this country
during the year 1796 and about that period, which ex-
tended through all the then settled parts of the Union.
Philadelphia was its principal focus, its leading capitalists,
among whom was Mr. Morris, being the principal opera-
tons. Among the devices of the times was a gigantic
" American Land Company." Elected to Congress, elated
with his success in the Genesee country, Mr. Phelps was
thrown into the vortex of rash adventure, and became
deeply involved. One of his adventures was in connection
with the " Georgia Land Company," a well-known specu-
lation of that period. He was obliged to borrow largely,
and execute mortgages upon his Genesee lands. The titles
under him became involved and created distrust, which
brought upon him a great deal of censure. These troubles,
it is supposed, undermined his health, so that he gradually
declined, and died in 1809, at the age of sixty years. He
had removed to Canandaigua in 1802; was the first judge
of Ontario County, upon the primitive organization of its
courts, and an early representative in Congress for the then
Western District of the State.
Nathaniel Gorham, who was an associate of Mr. Phelps,
never was a resident upon the purchase with which his
name stands identified. He was a prominent merchant of
Boston, and resided in Cliarlestown, Mass. His son and
representative, Nathaniel Gorham, Jr., settled in Canan-
daigua in 1789, among the earliest settlers. He was an
early supervisor of Canandaigua, a judge of the county
courts, and president of the Ontario Bank from its first
42
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
organization until his death. He died in 1826, aged sixty-
two years, leaving several sons and daughters.
Phelps and Gorham being unable to extinguish the
Indian title to the western portion of their lands, as stipu-
lated in their contract with Massachusetts, surrendered to
that State that part to which the Indian title remained, in
consideration of which the State relinquished two-thirds of
the contract price. In 1796, Massachusetts sold these
lands to Robert Morris, who extinguished the Indian title
thereto, sold some, and mortgaged the residue to William
Willink, of Amsterdam, and eleven associates, denominated
the " Holland Land Company." This mortgage was fore-
closed, and the lands bought in by said company. Thus
the " Holland Company" acquired a full title to all the lands
sunendered by Phelps and Gorham to Massachusetts, and
lying west of the. Phelps and Gorham Purchase.
Robert Morris in those days was a l&rge speculator in
lands, and a man of unlimited financial resources. He was
a native of Liverpool, Eng., and came with his parents to
this country when a youth. He entered the service of
Charles Willing, the eminent merchant of Philadelphia, as
clerk, and subsequently became a partner of his son and
successor. At the breaking out of the Revolution he be-
came at once an active partisan in the struggle. In 1776
he was a member of Congress from Pennsylvania, and one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Invested
with the oflBce of secretary of an empty treasury, he became
the financier of the poorest country that ever kept an army
in the field or armed ships upon the ocean ; his own means
were put in requisition, and his almost unbounded credit
freely used.
" When the rich bankers of Amsterdam knew no such
new creation as the United States, or as Congress, or,
knowing them, had no confidence in their engagements,
they trusted him, on his private responsibility, with mil-
lions, which he used in the public service. And when the
great struggle was drawing to a close, — when a last and
desperate blow was to be struck, and the army that was to
do it was in New Jersey, without pay and destitute of com-
fortable clothing, — when its stout-hearted commander-in-
chief was almost yielding to the embarrassments by which
he was surrounded, and upon the point of leading his army
the wrong way, because he could not command the means
of leading it where it should go, — the active, patriotic
financier hastened to his camp, and by assuring him that
he would supply all immediate wants, encouraged him to
put his army in motion. The destination was Yorktown ;
— the defeat of Cornwallis, the crowning act of the Revolu-
tion, was the result." *
Mr. Morris was eventually reimbursed by Congress,
though not for the sacrifice of time and abstraction from
his private business which his public services had made neces-
sary. He was, however, eminently successful in his com-
mercial afiiiirs, and at one time was by far the wealthiest
man in the United States. He met with many reverses,
however, and died poor in New Jersey, in May, 1806.
Mr. Phelps, during the Revolution, having been con-
■-'The money, in specie, that he had pvomised was borrowed .md
paid to the army but a few days before the attack upon Cornwallis.
nected with the commissary department, and Mr. Gorham
being a prominent merchant in Boston, Mr. Morris had
made their acquaintance, and when they sought a purchaser
for their unsold lands in the Genesee country, they applied
to him. Little was known in the commercial cities of all this
region, other than what had been gathered from maps and
from those who had accompanied Sullivan's expedition.f
Mr. Morris, however, sought the means of further informa-
tion. Ebenezer (or Indian) Allen was then located as an
Indian trader at what is now Mount Morris, and was in the
habit of making yearly visits to Philadelphia for the pur-
chase of goods. Samuel Street, who resided at Niagara
Falls on the Canadian side, had also visited Philadelphia.
From them Mr. Morris obtained the information which in-
duced him to accede to the proposition of Messrs. Phelps
and Gorham.
Their deed of conveyance bears date Nov. 17, 1790, and
was executed by Nathaniel Gorham and Rebecca his wife,
and Oliver Phelps and Mary his wife. It embraced their
entire final purchase of Massachusetts, with the exception
of such townships and parts of townships as they had sold,
being in all one million two hundred and sixty-four thou-
sand five hundred and sixty-nine acres. The consideration
and actual price paid by Mr. Morris, was thirty thousand
pounds. New York currency.
At an early period after the purchase, Mr. Morris em-
ployed Maj. Adam Hoops to explore the country, who re-
ported that " in respect to soil, climate, and advantages of
navigation, ' it was equal to any portion of the United
States. Maj. Hoops was then residing near Philadelphia.
He had been in the army throughout the Revolution, was
in Sullivan's catnpaigu, and at one period belonged to the
staff of Gen. Washington. He was one of the aids of
Gen. S\illivan in his expedition to the Genesee country, and
was one of the earliest surveyors of all tiiis region, being
employed first by Phelps and Gorham, and afterwards by
Mr. Morris. In 1804 he purchased part of the township
of Olean, and was the founder of the village which now
bears that name. He died in Westchester, Pa., about 1836.
SURVEYS — PRE-EMPTION LINE.
The first survey undertaken of the Phelps and Gorham
Purchase was the establishment of the " Old Pre-emption
Line," its eastern boundary. Tlie survey originated in this
way : the State of New York ceded to Massachusetts all
the territory within her boundaries west of a line to be
drawn due north and south from the eighty-second mile-
stone on the northern line of Pennsylvania. Before the
running of this line, it could of course be but a mere con-
jecture where it would fall as far north from the starting-
point aa Seneca Lake. Seth Reed and Peter Ryckman,
both of whom had been Indian traders, applied to the State
of New York for remuneration for services rendered in
fit is a somewhat remarkable fact that in most instances in our
early history, the fertility and resources of our new countries were first
brought to the knowledge of the public by the marching of armies
and expeditions in various directions. Such was the case in the
valley of the Mohawk, the Susquehanna, the Genesee, and Ohio
valleys. The rich and inviting territory lying between Chicago and
the Mississippi River was made known by the march of Gen. Scott's
army to the Black Hawk war in 1832.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
43
some previous negotiations with the eastern portion of the
Six Nations, and proposed to take a patent for a tract the
boundaries of which should " begin at a tree on the bank
of Seneca Lake, and run along the bank of said lake to the
south, until they should have sixteen thousand acres between
the lake and the east bounds of the land ceded to Massa-
chusetts." Their request was granted, and a patent issued.
Tiie patentees proposed to Messrs. Phelps and Gorham to
join them in running the pre-emption line, each party fur-
nishing a surveyor. A " Mr. Jenkins," according to some
authorities, was selected by Reed and Ryckman, and Col.
Maxwell by Phelps and Gorham. Meanwhile, the lessees,
assuming that their transactions were valid, took an interest
in the matter, and as Messrs. Reed and Ryckman were both
shareholders in their company, the matter was mutually
accommodated between them. The line was run — which is
known as the " Old Pre-emption Line."
In running this line the surveyors managed to bear to
the west of the " due north" course required by the terms
of cession. Messrs. Phelps and Gorham were much disap-
pointed in the result,* suspected error or fraud, but made
no movement for a resurvey. Their suspicions had been
first excited by an oifer from a prominent member of the
lessee company for " all lands they owned easi of the line
that had been run." They were .so well assured of it that
in the deed to Mr. Morris they specified a tract in a gore
between the line then run and the west bounds of Mont-
gomery and Tioga Counties, those counties then extending
to the true pre-emption line. Tiio resurvey was not made
while Mr. Morris owned the lands, but having stipulated
in his conveyance to the English purchasers an accurate
survey of all he conveyed, he instructed Maj. Hoops to
correct the line. The two brothers — Joseph and Benjamin
Ellicott— who had just completed the survey of the city of
Washington, were employed to superintend the work, using
for the first time in this country the transit instrument
which had then been recently invented in Germany. Upon
their arrival from England they were joined by Judge Por-
ter, who was then a surveyor in the employ of Phelps and
Gorham. " A corps of axemen was employed, and a vista
of thirty feet wide opened before the transit instrument
until the line had reached the head of Seneca Lake, when
night-signals were employed to run down and over the lake.
So much pains were taken to insure correctness that the
survey was never disputed, and thus the ' New Pre-emption
Line' was established as the true division between the lands
of the State of New York and those which had been ceded
to Massachusetts."
The lands purchased by Phelps and Gorham were sur-
veyed into tracts running north and south, called ranges,
and these ranges were divided into townships six miles
square.f This was done under contract with Col. Hugh
*-■ Probably they would bare made Geneva instead of Canandaigua
the centre of their operations, but for the fact that this line, as at first
run, U'ft Geneva on the eastward of the pre-miiption line, and in what,
since the running of the new line, has been Known as " The Gore."
t This, we believe, is the first time in the history of our country
when tliis rectangular method of surveys was adopted, — dividing the
townships into parallel ranges and designating them by numbers. It
was afterwards applied by the government to the whole Northwest
Territory, and is the method prevailing in all the Western States.
Maxwell, who completed most of the northern portion of
it previous to the close of 1788. In 17S!.» the work was
prosecuted with the assistance of Judge Augustus Porter
and others. The surveys of townships into farm lots, in
cases where whole townships were sold, was done at the ex-
pense of the purchaser. Judge Porter, John Adlum, and
Frederick Saxton were among the earliest surveyors of the
subdivisions.
From the original Seld-notes of the surveyors, in the
land-office of the Pulteney estate, at Bath, we gather the
following particulars of surveys made in 1791 and 1792.
The general title of the book is " Surveys of that part of
West Genesee which was sold by Messrs. Gorham and
Phelps to Robert Morris, Esq., except a small tract bounded
on the south side of Chapin and Street's township and the
township five-eighth parts of which were sold to Smith,
Jones and others." Tiie general survey of this tract was
made by Frederick Saxton, Adam Hoops, John Adlum, and
Augustus Porter, and calculated by Frederick Saxton and
Adam Hoops. The purchase of Robert Morris was found
to contain, after deducting twenty-six thousand four hund-
red and forty-six acres, two roods, and thirty perches, for
lands sold to John Stone, E. Scott, Rev. Samuel Kirkland,
E. H. Robins, Esq , and others, one million two hundred
and forty-six thousand five hundred and sixty-nine acres,
one rood, and ten perches. Maj. Adam Hoops adds his
certificate to these surveys, in the words following :
" The above are the contents of sundry townships and
tracts of land in the county of Ontario and State of New
York, sold by Messrs. Gorham and Phelps to the Honor-
able Robert Morris. The several surveys were made by
the persons whose names are hereinbefore mentioned, and
their field books and notes : reference being had thereto as
directed in the margin at A, B, C, D, E, will show the
surveys of the particular townships and tracts.
" Returned at Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania,
this fourth day of February, Anno Domini 1793. The
contents being, as above written in figures. One Million
Two Hundred and Sixty-four Thousand Five
Hundred and Sixty-nine Acres, One Rood, and
Ten Perches.
(Signed) " A. Hoops, Surveyor."
The gore between the old and new pre-emption lines was
found upon survey to contain eighty-nine thousand and two
acres, two roods, and twelve perches. Deducting for the
portion of Seneca Lake included within the lines four thou-
sand and fifty-five acres, three roods, and seven perches, the
net amount of land was eighty-four thousand eight hund-
red and ninety-six acres, three roods, and five perches.
The true Pre-emption Line was run by Messrs. Ellicott,
Armstrong, and Saxton ; the offsets by Morgan Jones,
Augustus Porter, and Frcdenck Saxton, and the calcula-
tions were made by Adam Hoops and Frederick Saxton.
The latter died before the returns were completed. The
length of the gore, from the eighty-second mile-stone in the
northern line of Pennsylvania (southeast corner of Steuben
County) to its terminus on Lake Ontario at Sodus Bay, was
found to be eighty-four miles, seventy-seven chains, and
forty-five links.
44
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PULTENEY ESTATE.
Sale of the Lands bj Robert Morris to Charles "Williamson — Law
Enabling Aliens to Hold Real Estate — Conveyance bj Charles Wil-
liamson to Sir William Pultene}' — Descent of the Estate to the
Heirs and Trustees — Abstract of Title.
Early in the year 1791, William Temple Franklin, the
agent of Robert Morris in London, sold the lands which
the latter had purchased of Messrs. Plielps and Gorham to
an English association, consisting of Sir William Pulteney,
John Hornby, and Patrick Cokjuhouu. Sir William Pul-
teney was a capitalist residing in London, and at that period
occupied a high position as a citizen and statesman. Mr.
Hornby had been Governor of Bombay, and was at that
time a retired London capitalist. Mr. Colquhoun, who
more directly than any of the other members became con-
nected with the management of the estate, was eminent as
a statesman and philanthropist. These gentlemen purchased
the lands of Mr. Morris, paying therefor thirty thousand
pounds sterling, the conveyance by deed being made to
Charles Williamson, agent, April 11, 1792. 3Ir. William-
son had come to the United States for the purpo.se of buy-
ing lands for the Association, and had been naturalized,
and held the office of Judge of Ontario County, and Rep-
resentative in the General Assembly.*
When the purchase was made of Robert Morris, there
was no provision in the statutes of New York allowing
aliens or foreigners to hold or convey lands in this State.
By the treaty with Great Britain, commonly known as
Jay's treaty, concluded in 1794-, this disability was partially
removed so far as subjects of Great Britain were concerned
who ihen held lands or other real estate in the United
States. But a general law of the State was needed giving
aliehs of all classes the right to purcliase, hold, and devise
lands in common with citizens. Such an act was passed
by the Legislature in April, 1798. It made legal convey-
ances to all foreigners valid, except such only of foreign
natioils as were at the time of conveyance at war with the
United States, but prohibited them from making any re.ser-
vations of rent or service in any grant or devise whatever.
An " act explanatory of the construction and intent of the
act of April, 1798," was passed March 5, 1819, by which
conveyances made from one alien to another were declared
valid, together with mortgages upon the said lands and
tenements.
The title of aliens being thus perfected, Charles William-
sou and Abigail, his wife, conveyed the above lands to Sir
William Pulteney, on 21st of October, 1801. Sir William
Pulteney died in 1805, intestate, and his estate descended
to his only child, Henrietta Laura Pulteney, as heir-at-law.
^"Col. Williamson was naturalized and became an American citizen
on the ninth day of June, 1792. The following is his oath, with the
certificate of the Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, copied
from the original now in the office of Judge Ruuisey, of Bath :
"I, Charles Williamson, gentleman, being duly sworn upon the
Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, do say that I will support the
Constitution of the United States.
" CniS. WlI.LIAMSO-X.
'• Done in open Court at Philadelphia, June 9, 1792.
"J. Yeates, Justice Supreme Calirl."
Henrietta Laura Pulteney died in 1808, intestate, leaving
Sir John Lawther Johnstone, her cousin and heir-at-law, to
whom her estate descended. Sir John Lawther Johnstone
died in 1811, and by will left all his lands in America to
Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, Charles Herbert
Pierrepont, David Cathcart, and Masterton Ure, in trust,
to sell the same as speedily as possible, and to invest the
same as therein directed. He authorized them to fill any
vacancies which might occur ; also authorized " three to
act when there were four, and two to act when there were
but three."
On the 1st of March, 1819, Charles Herbert Pierrepont
relinquished his trust, and conveyed to his co-trustees all
his interest in the estate, and on the 20th of November,
1827, these trustees, under an order from the Court of
Chancery, appointed John Gordon a trustee in the place of
Charles Herbert Pierrepont, and conveyed to him the estate
as a CO- trustee. On the 17th of August, 1830, the then
trustees, Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, Master-
ton Ure, and John Gordon, appointed Robert Troup their
attorney and agent for managiug the estate, and in case of
his death or disability to act they nominated and appointed
Joseph Fellows to act as their attorney and agent. By vir-
tue of this appointment and the death of Robert Troup,
Joseph Fellows continued to act as the legally-authorized
agent of the trustees until the 15th day of February, 18G2.
The agents of the Pulteney estate have proceeded to
sell these lands " with all convenient speed," as directed by
the will of Sir John Lowther Johnstone, and have con-
veyed by deeds, and contracted to convey, all of the original
purchase, with the exception of about five thousand acres,
of which about four thousand are in the county of Steuben.
The original proprietors, trustees, agents, and attorneys of
the estate have pursued upon the whole a very just and
liberal policy towards purchasers and settlers upon these
lands. A judicious writer has remarked that " with -noth-
ing to judge from but his business letters, instructions to
agents, etc., it is impo.ssible to form any other conclusion
with regard to Sir William Pulteney but such as is credit-
able to him as one whose capital had made his own interests
and those of his new settlers mutual." And so of the rest.
Mr. Colquhoun was by nature and practice a philanthropist,
and in all his relation to the early history of this estate his
conduct was eminently in keeping with that character. A
marble tablet erected in front of the Presbyterian Cburch
in Canandaigua, to perpetuate his memory, has upon it an
inscription which recognizes the principal events of his use-
ful life. He was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and died
in London in 1820, aged seventy-six years. Few men had
contributed more to the reformation of criminal laws, to the
promotion of trade and commerce, in founding systems for
benefiting the poor, and for public education in England
and Scotland. In some of his correspondence he mentions
having spent some time in America previous to 1790, prob-
ably in some of the Southern States.
Of Mr. Williamson, Col. Robert Troup, Joseph Fellows,
and others, whose names and benefactions are intimately
identified with the Pulteney estate and with the history of
this portion of the State of New York, we shall speak more
at large in a future chapter.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
45
It appears from the records of the State and other sources
of inforuiatioi), that the question of title to these lands has
been a subject of legislation and also of judicial and per-
sonal investigation. In 1789, a gentleman commissioned
by Mr. Beekford, of London, made a purchase of Mr.
Williamson of twenty-nine thousand acres of land. By
contract, the title was to be certified to by Messrs. Hamil-
ton, Harison, and Troup, of New York, all eminent law-
yers, and without their certificate the money could not be
drawn in London. After a very minute investigation these
gentlemen granted their certificate, and Mr. Williamson in
1790 received his money. Another very accurate investi-
gation of the title was made by the Commissioners of the
Land Office of the State of New York. By an error in
the first survey of the Genesee country, a considerable mis-
take was made in the east boundary, or pre-emption line,
which was rectified by a survey made by Mr. Ellicott and
others in 1792 ; this correction of the line gave Mr. Wil-
liamson eighty-four thousand acres more of land than was
comprehended in the first survey made in 1789. As the
Commissioners of the Land Office had then sold part of
the eighty-four thousand acres to difl'erent individuals, and
the important site of Geneva was included in the tract, it
became necessary for them either to compensate Mr. Wil-
liamson or other persons owning these locations. A law
was accordingly passed at the session of 1793, declaring the
line run by Mr. Ellicott and his associates the true boun-
dary line of the lands known as the purchase of Messrs.
Phelps and Gorham, and empowering the Commissioners
of the Land Office to compensate the claimants, allowing
the preference to the person holding under the title derived
from Phelps and Gorham. Afler the fullest investigation
of Mr. Williamson's title, the Commissioners of the Land
Office granted him a patent for fifty-six thousand acres near
Sodus Bay, in what is now Wayne County, as a compensa-
tion for the lands he had surrendered to the State on the
eastern boundary of the counties of Ontario and Steuben.
Previous to granting the patent, the Commissioners of the
Land Office received the report of the attorney-general, in
which, after giving a deduction of the title, gave it as his
opinion that Mr. Williamson was the legal owner of the
land cut off by the line ; and, of course, in the same deci-
sion was involved the whole title to the lands purchased of
Phelps and Gorham.
On the 2Gth of January, 1821, an act was passed enti-
tled " an act to perpetuate certain testimony respecting the
title of the Pulteney estate in this State." According to
the provisions of this act, Robert Troup, Joseph Fellows,
and John Greig were examined before Bowen Whiting, a
master-in-chancery, as to the seizin, descent, and title of
said estate, and an order was entered on the 28th of No-
vember, 1821, to the end that said depositions do, in the
opinion of the chancellor, furnish good prima fitcie evidence
of the facts therein set forth ; and it was ordered that the
depositions be filed in the office of the Register in Chancery,
" there to remain as matters of perpetual record."
Various questions involving the validity of the title have
been litigated from time to time and finally carried to the
Court of Appeals. In January, 1870, in the case of the
People vs. Alonzo Snyder, the Court of Appeals unaui-
mou.sly confirmed the title, and also in March, 1876, in the
case of Henry C. Howard against George K. Bloot.
We append the following
ABSTRACT OF THE PULTENEY TITLE:
'*I. Treaty of Cession between New York and Massachusetts, by
Commissioners of each State, dated at Hartford, 16th December, 1786.
Recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, in Booli of Miscel-
laneous Records, M. R. [A], page 3S, etc., on the 2d day of February,
1787.
"II. Conveyance to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, by, 1st,
Grant of same lands to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, by an
act of the Legislature of Massachusetts, April 1, 17SS. 2d. An act
confirmiDg to Phelps & Gorham a certain portion of said lands, passed
21st November, 178S. Recorded in the office of the Secretary of State,
in Book of Miscellaneous Records, M. R. [A], page 229, etc., 6th of
February, 17S9.
" III. Deed from Gorham and wife and Phelps and wife to Robert
Morris, dated November 18, 1790, acknowledged before James M.
Hughes, and recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, in Book
M. R. [B], of Miscellaneous Records, page 169, etc., on the 2ith day
of May, 1791.
"IV. Deed from Robert Morris and wife to Charles Williamson,
dated April 11, 1792, acknowledged before James AVillson, U. S. Judge,
20th February, 1795. Recorded in the office of the Secretary of State,
in Liber of Deeds endorsed M. R. [I], at page 100, etc., on the 2Sth
day of September, 1798.
"V. Deed from Charles "Williamson and wife to Sir 'Villiam Pul-
teney, dated March 31, 1801, acknowledged on the same day by Wil-
liamson, and on the 16th day of May, 1801, by his wife, before Jacob
W. Uallet, Master in Chancery. Recorded in the Secretary of State's
office in Liber of Deeds, M. R. [M], page 30i, etc., on the 21st day of
October, 1801.
" 3d Rev. Stat., 2d ed., 225 sec. : Act to enable aliens to purchase
and hold Real Estate, passed April 2, 1798.
"Ibid., 226 sec. : ' Act explanatory,' passed March 15, 1819.
" V'l. Exemplification from the Court of Chancery of, 1st. The
death of Sir William Pulteney, intestate, and the descent cast upon
Henrietta Laura, his only child, an heir-at-law. 2d. The death of
Henrietta Laura Pulteney, intestate as to her real estate, and the de-
scent cast in Sir John Louther Johnstone, her cousin and heir-at-
law. 3d. The death of Sir John Louther Johnstone, in December,
1811, after making and publishing in duplicate a last will and testa-
ment. This done under the act of the Legislature, passed 26th Jan-
uary, 1821, to perpetuate this testimony.
20 J. R., 707 ; 5th Cowan, 321 ; 7 Wen., 367.
" VII. Exemplitication from the Supreme Court of the will of Sir
John Louther Johnstone, dated 7th August, 1811, and proved in the
Supreme Court by John Birch Dawson, one of the subscribing wit-
nesses, on the 3d January, 1820, devising his lands in America to
Ernest Augustus, Charles Herbert Pierpoint, David Cathcart, and
Masterlon Ure, in trust, etc.
" VIII. Deed and release of trust from Charles Herbert Pierpoint
to his co-trustees, dated 1st March, 1819. Proved before Lord Mayor
of London by Isaac Samuel Clamtree, one of the witnesses, on the
25th day of March, 1820, and before Richard Rush, American Min-
ister to Engl.ind, on 18th June, 1S23. This was done pursuant to
Chap. 119, Laws of New York, 1816. Recorded in the office of the
Secretary of State, in Book of Deeds, No. iO, page 472, etc., on the
23d day of September, 1823.
" IX. Deed from Ernest Augustus, David Cathcart, and Mastcrton
i Ure to John Gordon, conveying joint interest in lands and appointing
i him co-trustee, dated 19th November, 1S27. Acknowledged 27th and
j 30th May, 1834, by Ernest Augustus and David Cathcart, before Lord
Mayor of London, and by Ure before the Lord Provost and Chief
Magistrate of Edinburgh, on the 27th day of June, 1834. Recorded
in Steuben County Clerk's Office, in Book A, Miscellaneous Deeds,
March 11, 1836.
"X. Proof of the death of Ernest Augustus on the 18th Novem-
ber, 1851, and David Cathcart on the 26th of April, 1829. By exem-
plified copy of commission and evidence, executed by Robert B.
Campbell, United States Consul at London, on the 19th of May,
1860, with certificate of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.
46
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
This commission was executed pursuant to Chap. 161 of the Laws of
New York, 1860, Session Laws of 1800, page 257.
"XI. Deed from Mafi^terton lire aud John Gordon, dated 1st Jan-
uary, 1851, conveying all the interest of Gordon in the estates to
Craven, Oswald, and Estcourt as co-trustees with Ure. Recorded in
Steuben County Clerk's Office, 12th November, 1853, Book of Deeds
69, at page 49, etc.; also, in Ontario County Clerk's Office, in Liber
101, at page 148, etc., on the 26th day of November, 1852; also, in
Monroe County Clerk's Office, in Liber 105. at page 407, on the I8th
day of January, 1853.
"XII. Deed and release of trust from Masterton lire to Craven,
Alexander Oswald, and Edmund liucknall Estcourt, dated 4th April,
1859, acknowledged before George M. Dallas, U. S. Minister at Lon-
don, on the 5th day of April, 1859. Recorded in Livingston County
Clerk's Office, on the Sth day of August, 1859, in Liber 59 of Deeds,
at jiage 278; also, in Steuben County Clerk's Office, Oct. 15, 1859,
in Book 88 of Deeds, at page 539, etc. ; also, in Monroe County
Clerk's Office, on the 11th January, 1800, in Liber 155 of Deeds, at
page 160.
" XIII. Proof of the death of Craven on the 25th day of August,
1806. by exemplified copy of comniission aud evidence, executed by
F. II. Morse, consul of the United States in the city of London, Eng-
land, on the 15th day of June, 1867, with certificate of Henry E.
Davis, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, dated 15th July, 1867.
"This commission was executed pursuant to the laws of the State
of New York.
" XIV, Deed and release of trust from Alexander Oswald and Ed-
mund Bucknell Estcourt to Henry C. Howard (commonly called Vis-
count Andover), George C. K. Johnstone, Henry Chaplin, and James
R. Farquharson, dated Nov. 12, 1867, and recorded in the Steuben
County Clerk's Office, 2d day of May, 1870, at ten A.sr., Book 128 of
Deed?, at page 188, etc.
"XV. Power of attorney from Henry C.Howard {commonly called
Viscount Andover), George C. K. Johnstone, Henry Chaplin, and
James R. Farquharson to Benjamin F. Young, dated April 11, IS68,
and recorded in the Steuben County Clerk's Office, in Liber C of
Miscellaneous Records, page 455, etc., on the 2d day of May, 1870."
CHAPTER X.
EAKLY SETTLEMENT OP THE COUNTY.
Contemporary Settlements — Progress of Emigration AVestward —
Opening of the Genesee Country — First Settlements in Steuben
County — Advent of Col. Charles Williamson — Road from AVil-
liamsport to the Genesee lliver — Benjamin Patterson.
The advance-guard of civilization — the woodsmen aud
pioneer farmers — had begun to move upon the wilderness
of Western New York at the period when settlements were
first made in this locality. Contemporary beginnings had
been made in the forest and along the wild and fertile
valleys of streams, hitherto navigated only by the gliding
bark canoe of the Indian.
The first Indian trader at Onondaga was Ephraim Web-
ster, in 1786 ; the first Indian trader at Painted Post was
William Harris, in the same year. Webster found his way
to Onondaga Lake from New England, and Harris to the
junction of the Conhocton and Tioga Rivers, from Penn-
sylvania. These were tlie forerunners of two advancing
armies coming into Western New York from different di-
rections and by routes entirely separate.
A glance at the progress of emigration westward will
show that the beginning of settlement in this region was
contemporary with the general movement for the coloniza-
tion of New York west of the Mohawk.
The State of New York, thrown upon her own resources,
in 1779 and 1780 enlisted two regiments for the protec-
tion of her frontiers, to serve three years, unless sooner
discharged. They were to be paid and clothed at the
expense of the United States, but the State pledged to
them a liberal bounty in land. To redeem this pledge, as
soon as the Indian titles were extinguished, the surveyor-
general was instructed to survey these bounty lands and
prepare them for the location of warrants. The survey
was completed in 171)0. It embraced about two millions
eight hundred thousand acres, in six-hundred-acre lots.
The tract comprised all the territory within the present
boundaries of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seueca, and Cortland
Counties, and part of the counties of Oswego, Wayne, aud
Tompkins. A large district of country adjoining on the
east was thus put in the way of being settled about the same
period that sales and settlements commenced west of the
pre-emption line, though they did not progress as rapidly.
Land-titles were in dispute, and emigrants chose to push on
farther, where titles were indisputable. Speculation and
fraud commenced as soon as the patents were issued, and
by the time that settlement commenced there were but few
the titles to which were not contested. In addition to
other questions of title, the officers' and soldiers' wives held
in a large majority of cases the right of dower. Land-titles
upon the whole Military Tract were not finally settled till
1800, when a committee appointed by the Legislature, one
of whom was the late Gen. Vincent Matthews, accomplished
the work.
In 17S4-, Hugh White and his family progressed beyond
the settlements on the Mohawk, and founded what is now
Whitestown. In the same year James Dean located upon
a tract given him by the Indians near the present village
of Rome. In 1787, Joseph Blackmer, who was afterwards
a pioneer in Wheatland, Monroe Co., advanced and settled
a short distance west of Judge Dean. In May, 1788, Asa
Danforth, with his family, accompanied by Comfort Tyler,
progressed far on beyond the bounds of civilization, locating
in Onondaga Valley. There being then no road, they came
by water, landing at the mouth of Onondaga Creek. The
very earliest pioneers of all this region speak of " Major
Danforth" and the comforts of his log tavern as compared
with their camps in the wilderness. Another name has
been introduced which should not be passed over with the
mere mention. Comfort Tyler was conspicuously identified
in all early years with the history of the western portion
of this State. He was with Gen. James Clinton in the
establishment of the boundary line between this State and
Pennsylvania. He felled the first tree, assisted in the
manufacture of the first salt, built the first piece of turn-
pike, and constructed the first " stump mortar" in the On-
ondaga region of country. He filled many important offices
in Onondaga County, was one of the original projectors of
the Cayuga bridge, a member of the Legislature in 1799,
and the chief mover in the improvement of the Cayuga
marshes. The Indians, who were his first neighbors, had
great respect for him, and gave him the name of " To-whan-
ta-gua," meaning one who could do two things at once, or
be a gentleman and at the same time a laboring man.
While a member of the Legislature, in 1799, he made the
acquaintance of Aaron Burr. A charter having been pro-
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
47
cured for building the Cayuga bridge, Col. Burr and Gen.
Swartout subscribed for the whole of the stock. At that
time Col. Burr had other business connections in this
recion. " Thus commenced the intercourse of Aaron
Burr with the people of Western New Y'^ork, many of
whom, with Col. Tyler, were drawn into the " great South-
west expedition." Col. Tyler and Israel Smith were com-
missaries of the expedition. They went upon the Ohio
River and purchased supplies, and shipped them to Natchez.
Col. Tyler was arrested and indicted, but was never tried.
With fortune impaired by all this, in a few years after Col.
Tyler removed to Montezuma, and became identified in all
the early enterprises and improvements at that point. He
built the first canal-barge, which appeared with flying colors
at Syracuse on the opening of that portion of the Erie
Canal in 1820. In the war of 1812 he acted as assistant
couimLssary-general to the Northern army. He died at
Montezuma in 1827.
In the progress of settlements westward, there followed
Danforth and Tyler, John L. Hardenburgh, who.se location
was called in early years " Hardenburgb's Corners," now
the city of Auburn. In 1789, James Bennett and John
Harris settled on either side of Cayuga Lake, and estab-
lisiied a ferry. This was about the extent of settlements
west of the lower valley of the Mohawk, when settlements
in the Genesee country began to be founded. The late
venerable Joshua Fairbanks, of Lewiston, who, with his
then young wife, came through from Albany to Geneva in
the winter of 1789-90, was sheltered "the first night in
the unfinished log house" of Joseph Blaekmer, who had
become a neighbor of Judge Dean ; the " next night" at
Col. Danforth's, there being no intermediate settler. They
camped out the third night ; the fourth stayed with John
Harris on Cayuga Lake.
The parents of Gen. Parkhurst Whitney, of Niagara
Falls, came through to Seneca Lake in February, 1790,
camping out three nights west of Rome. It is mentioned,*
in connection with the account of the early advent of Maj.
Danforth, in May, 1788, that his wife saw no white woman
during the first eight months. Tiiese incidents are recited
to remind the younger class of readers that the pioneers of
this region not only came to a wilderness, but had a long
and dreary one to pass through before arriving at their
destination. They literally passed through the " wilderness"
to inherit their " promised land."
In 1788 all the region west of Utica was the town of
Wliitestown, and included in its jurisdiction all the settlers
in the Genesee country. The first town-meeting was " held
in the barn of Capt. Daniel White, in said town, in April,
17S9. Jedediah Sanger was elected supervisor. At the
third town-meeting, in 1791, Trueworthy Cook, of Pompey,
Jeremiah Gould, of Salina, Onondaga Co., and James
Wadsworlh, of Geneseo, were chosen pathmasters. Ac-
cordingly, it may be noted that Mr. Wadsworth was the
first pathmaster west of Cayuga Lake. It could have been
little more than the supervision of Indian trails ; but the
"warning" must have been an ominous task. Mr. Wads-
worth had the year previous done something at road-making,
^ Cla,rk's Onondaga.
which probably suggested the idea that he would make a
good pathmaster. In Clark's " Onondaga" it is said,
" The first road attempted to be made in thi.s country was
in 1790, under the direction of the Wadsworths, from the
settlement at Whitestown to Canandaigua, through a coun-
try then but very little explored, and quite a wilderness."
At the first general election for Whitestown the polls
were- opened at Cayuga Ferry, adjourned to Morehouse's,
at Onondaga, and closed at Whitestown.
At this period the settlements in Western New York
had just begun. At Geneva (then called Kanadesaga)
there was a cluster of buildings occupied by Indian traders
and a few settlers who bad come in under the auspices of
the Lessee Company ; Jemima Wilkinson, with her small
colony, was upon her first location on the west bank of
Seneca Lake upon the Indian trail through the valley of
the Susquehanna, and across Western New York to Upper
Canada, — the primitive highway of all this region ; one or
two white families had settled at Catharine's Town, at the
head of Seneca Lake. A wild region of wilderness sepa-
rated the most northern and western settlements of Pennsyl-
vania from those of the lakes and the Genesee Valley. All
that portion of Ohio bordering upon the lake had of our
race but the small trading establishment at Sandusky and
the military trading post upon the Maumee. Michigan
was a wilderness, save the French village and British garri-
son at Detroit, and a few French settlers on the Detroit
River and the river Raisin. In fact all that is now included
in the geographical designation — the Great West — was In-
dian territory, and had but Indian occupancy, with a few
exceptions similar to those made in reference to Michigan.
In what is now the western portion of the Dominion of
Canada, there had been the British occupancy of a post, oppo-
site Buffalo, early known as Fort Erie, and a trading station
at Niagara, since the conquest of the French in 1759. Set-
tlement in its proper sense had its commencement in Canada
West during the Revolution. It was the oflfspring of one
of its emergencies. Those in the colonies who adhered to
the king fied there as refugees. The termination of the
struggle in favor of the colonies and the encouragement af-
forded by the colonial authorities gave an impetus to this
emigration ; and yet at the period of the commencement of
settlement in Western New York settlement was confined
to Kingston and its neighborhood, Niagara, Queeuston,
Chippewa, along tbe banks of the Niagara River, with a
few small settlements in the immediate interior. Upon Lakes
Erie and Ontario there were a few British armed ves-
sels, and three or four schooners were employed in a com-
merce which was confined wholly to the fur trade and the
supply of Briti.sh garrisons. By the conquest of the
French, Great Britain had prepared a place iu her Canadian
colonies for those who chose to be loyal to her during the
Revolutionary struggle, and would avail themselves of such
an asylum, but they were an element too insignificant to
colonize a country with, and were even despised and
shunned by the better class of European emigrants.
Within the Genesee country, other than the small settle-
ment at Geneva, the Friends' settlement, which has been
before mentioned, there were two or three Indian traders on
the Genesee River, a few white families, who were squatters
48
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
<i
upon the flats, one or two white families at Lewiston, one
at Schlosser, a negro with a squaw wife at Tonuwanda, an
Indian interpreter, and two or throe traders at the aiouth
of Buffalo Creek, and a negro-Indian trader at the mouth
of Cattaraugus Creek. Fort Niagara was a British garrison.
All else was Seneca Indian occupancy.
In all that relates to other than the natural productions
of the soil there was but the cultivation in a rude way of
a few acres of flats and intervales on the rivers and creeks,
wherever the Indians wore located, the productions princi-
pally confined to corn, beans, and squashes. In the way of
cultivated fruit, there were in several localities a few apple-
trees, the seeds of which had been planted by the Jesuit
missionaries, — almost the only relic left of the early and
long occupancy of this devoted people. At Fort Niagara
and Schlos.ser there were ordinary English gardens.
The settlement of the Genesee country was first attempted
by Oliver Phelps, in 1789. It was attended with great
difiioulties. There were nothing but Indian paths, and the
whole country was one boundless forest. Mr. Phelps left
Albany on the 15th of February, and went in a sled as far
as Whitestown, on the Mohawk River. From Whitestown
he was obliged to proceed on horseback ; he found only a
few straggling huts on his way, at the distance of from ten
to twenty miles apart, and they only affording shelter from
the snow and convenience for fire. On the evening of the
third day he reached Geneva. From Geneva to Canan-
daigua he found only two families settled, and the latter
place consisted of " two small frame houses and a few huts."
From Cananduigua to the Genesee River he found only
two families residing on the path. At the Genesee River
he found an Indian store and tavern, and no other indica-
tions of a settlement.
While Mr. Phelps was thus paving the way for settle-
ments west of the lakes and in the valley of the Genesee,
New England pioneers wore launching their canoes on the
Unadilla, and Pennsylvania emigrants were shoving their
barges up the Susquehanna, the Chemung, the Conhocton,
and the Canisteo.
The first settlements in Steuben County were made at
Painted Post, and in the vicinity of the Chimney Narrows,
as early as 1789. Harris, the Indian trader at the Post,
was three years earlier. Then came John Harris, Eli and
Eldad Mead, George Goodhue, Frederick Calkins, and
Kphraim and Ichabod Patterson.
Frederick Calkins may fairly be regarded as the first
farmer of Steuben County, ho having felled the first piece
of timber and made the first clearing for farming purposes.
He was a native of Vermont, and settled on the south side
of the Chemung River, on what is now the site of Corning,
in 1789.*
The oldest deed in the county is that of Col. Arthur Er-
win, for the town of Brwin. It bears date July 18, 1789,
and is signed by Oliver Phelps.f
The settlement at Canisteo, by Uriah Stephens, Richard
Crosby, and their families, was made in the autumn of 1789.
Mr. Stephens belonged to a large family of New England
■■:■- Seo History of Corning,
f History of town of Erwin.
descent, and had settled at an early time in the Wyoming
Valley.
The year 1790 marks the first settlement at Addison, on
the Upper Canisteo, in the lower valley of the Conhocton,
and in several other parts of the county. It is not, how-
ever, our purpose to follow these various settlements in de-
tail in this general chapter. They will all be found in their
appropriate place in the histories of the several towns.
ADVENT OF COL. WILLIAMSON.
The advent of Col. Williamson to this county was the
signal for a more general settlement of the country in every
direction. We quote the following from MoMaster's His-
tory :
" While our foremost pioneers were reaping their first
harvests in the valleys of the Canisteo and Chemung, great
schemes were on foot in the capital of the British empire
for the invasion of the Genesee wilderness. x\n officer of
the royal army had conceived a splendid project for the
foundation of a city in the midst of the forest, and, sustained
by men of wealth in Loudon, was about to penetrate its
utmost thickets to raise up a Babylon among the habita-
tions of the owl and the dragon."
It may be added that Col. Williamson's scheme contem-
plated not only a city but a rich and well-populated tribu-
tary country. He came to colonize the country with hardy
emigrants and industrious settlers of all classes and from
every nation, with enterprising artisans, and intelligent,
thrifty citizens, and to make the wilderness around him
blossom as the rose. Such may be fairly presumed to have
been Col. Williamson's scheme, whatever fault may be
found with his method of carrying it out. He was cer-
tainly a large-minded and liberal promoter of the early
settlement of the country, always devising and doing liberal
things to forward the interests of colonization in every di-
rection. If he came to the wilderness with the visionary
project of building a city, it will be admitted that no man
before or since his day ever made such a stir in the wilder-
ness. No man ever did so much towards the settlement of
any country of the same extent as did Col. Charles Wil-
liamson during the short ten years of his operations.
Col. Williamson's first enterprise was to open a high-
road from Northumberland to the Genesee, over mountains
and valleys hitherto deemed impassable. The only road
leading to the north from the mouth of the West Branch
(where Williamsport is now situated) followed the valley
of the Susquehanna, leading the traveler who desired to
come in this direction a long distance out of his way. A
direct road to the Genesee would cross a ridge of the Alle-
ghanies. "An Indian trail, often trod during the Revolu-
tion by war-parties from the fastnesses of the Six Nations,
ran over the mountains ; but to open a road through the
rugged wilderness which would be passable for wagons was
deemed impossible. After a laborious exploration, how-
ever, by the agent and a party of Pennsylvanian hunters, a
road was located from Ross Farm (now Williamsport, Pa.)
to the mouth of the Canaseraga Creek, on the Genesee, a
distance of one hundred and fifty miles. This road was
opened in the ensuing autumn by a party of German emi-
grants under the leadership of Benjamin Patterson, the
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
49
enownod liunter and guide. Mr. Patterson was well ac-
luaiiitcd with the German language, and Col. W" i
lad etitire confidence in his skill and ahility. lib,
ibundantly supplied with money and means. Seven stow
'oung Pennsylvanians, well skilled in the use of the axe
ind tlie rifle, were chosen by him as assistant woodsmen,
.ad these and the Germans were to open the road, while
he ffuide, in addition to his duties as commander of the
:olumn, undertook to supply the camp with game.
Judge McMaster gives the following graphic and very
nterestiug account of this enterprise:
•* It was in the month of September when the emigrants appeared
t the mouth of Lycoming Creek, ready for the march to the northern
aradise. ... A little way up the creek they commenced hewing the
oad. Here the Germans took their first lessons in woodcraft. They
^ore not ready apprentices, and never carried the art to great perfec-
ion. We hear of them in after-years sawiiiff trees down.* The
leavy frontier axe (nine-pounder, often) was to them a very grievous
hing. They became weary and lame; the discomforts of the woods
rere beyond endurance, and their complaints grew longer and more
.iileful at each sunset. But in a few weeks they found themselves
cep in the wilderness. The roaring of torrents, the murmur of
lUge trees, the echoes of the glens, the precipice.^, at the feet of which
iin the creeks, the forests waving on the mountains and crowding the
.ivinos like armies, were sounds and sights unknown to the pleasant
•lains of Germany. When it was night and the awful howling of the
solves all around scared the children, or when the crash of great
rccs, overturned by the high and whirliug winds of autumn, woke
he wives from the dreams of home, or when the alarmed men, aroused
n the mid-watches by strange uproars, looked out into the darkness
0 see enormous black clouds sailing overhead and the obscure cliffs
jomiug around, while goblins squeaked and vvhist'.ed in the air and
:icked the tents over, then they all gave way to dismal lamentations,
.'he equinoctial storms came on in due time, and it was sufficiently
.isheartening to see the dreary rains pour down hour after hour
fhile the gorges were filled with fog and vapors steamed up from the
wollen torreuts, and the mountains disgu'sed themselves in masks of
aist or seemed, like Laplanders, to mutfle themselves in huge, hairy
louds, and to pull fur caps over their faces. No retreat could be hoped
or. Behind them were the clamorous creeks which they had forded,
.ni\ which, like anacondas, would have swallowed the whole colony
)ut for the guide, who was wiser than ten serpents and outwitted
hem; behind them were bears, were owls, exceeding cruel, were wild
ncn and giants, which were only held in check by the hunter's rifle,
fhe guide was merciless; the tall Pcnnsylvanians hewed the trees and
oared out all m-.mner of boisterous jokes, as if it were as pleasant a
hing to flounder through the wilderness as to sit smoking in the quiet
jrcharils of the Rhine.
"They arrived at the Laurel Ridge of the Alleghanles, which di-
vided the Lycoming from the head-waters of the Tioga. Over this, a
listance of fifteen miles, the road was to be opened, — no great matter
n itself, surely, but it could hardly have been a more serious thing to
.he emigrants had they been required to make a turnpike over Chim-
joruzo. When therefore they toiled over these long hills, sometimes
ooking off into deep gulfs, sometimes descending into wild hollows,
lometimcs filing along the edges of precipices, their sufferings were
nde-scribable. The guide was in his element. He scoured the ravines,
ilambered over the rocks, and ever and anon the Germans, from the
:ops uf the hills, heard the crack of his rifle in groves far below,
kvhcre the elk was browsing, or where the painted catamount, with
lier whelps, lurked in the tree-tops. Not for wild beasts alone did the
bunter's eye search, lie could mark with pleasure valleys and mill
streams, and ridges of timber; he could watch the labor of those invisi-
ble artists of autumn, which came down in the October nights and
decorated the forests with their frosty brushes, so that the morning
iun found the valleys arrayed in all the glory of Solomon, and the
lark robe of laurels that covered the ranges spotted with many colors,
* " An old gentleman, who came over the road in an early day, says
;he trees looked as if they had been gnawed down by beavers." —
Tarner'H Phelps aud Gorkam'a Purchase.
wherever a beech or a maple or an oak thrust its solitary head through
the crowded evergreens; he could smile to sec how the "little people"
that came through the air from the Noith Pole were pinching the but-
ternuts that hung over the creeks, and the walnuts which the squir-
rels spared, and how the brisk and imjiertincnt agents of that huge
monopoly, the Great Northern Ice Association, came down with their
coopers and headed up the pools in the forest, and nailed bright hoops
around the rims of the mountain ponds. The Indian summer, so
brief and beautiful, set in — doubly beautiful there in the hills. But
the poor emigrants were too disconsolate to observe how the thin haze
blurred the rolling ranges, and the quiet mist rested upon the many-
colored valleys, or to listen to the strange silence of mountains and
forest, broken only by the splashing of creeks far down on the rocky
floors of ravines. Certain birds of omen became very obstreperous,
and the clamors of these were perhaps the only phenomena of the
season noticed by the pilgrims. Quails whistled, crows cawed, jaj'S
scolded, and those seedy buccaneers, the hawks, sailed overhead,
screaming in the most piratical manner, — omens all of starvation and
death. Starvation, however, was not to be dreaded immediately, for
the hunter, roving like a hound from hill to hill, supplied the camp
abundantly with game.
** The men wept, and cursed Capt. Williamson bitterly, saying that
he had sent them there to die. * I could compare my situation,* said
the guide, * to nothing but that of Moses with the children of Israel.
I would march them along a few miles, and then they would rise up
and rebel.'' Mutiny effected as little with the commander as grief.
He cheered up the downhearted, and frightened the mutinous. They
had fairly to be driven. Once, when some of the men were very
clamorous, and even offered violence, Patterson stood with his back to
a tree, and brandishing his tomahawk furiously, said, 'If you resist
me I will KILL you, — every one of you !'
*• They worked along slowly enough. At favorable places for en-
campment they built block-houses, or ^*/o</:s, as the Germans called
them, and opened the road for some distance in advance before mov-
ing the families farther. These block-houses stood for many years
hmdmarks in the wilderness. September and October passed, and M
was far in November before they completed the passage of the moun-
tains. The frosts were keen; the northwesters whirled around the
hills, and blustered through the valleys alarmingly. Then a new
disaster befell them. To sit of evenings around the fire smoking and
drinking of co9"ee, and talking of the fatherland, had been a great
comCort in the midst of their sorrows; but at length the supply of
coffee was exhausted. The distress was wild at this calamity. Even
the men went about wailing, and exclaiming, *Ach, kaffce I kaffee,
mein liebcr kaffee !' [Ohy coffee I cojj'ee ! my dear coffee !) However,
no loss of life followed the sudden failure of coffee, and the column
toiled onward.
*' At the place now occupied by the village of Blossburg they made
a camp, which, from their baker who there built an oven, they called
'Peter's Camp.' Patterson, while hunting in this neighborhood,
found a few pieces of coal, which he cut from the ground with his
tomahawk. The Germans pronounced it to be of good quality. A
half-century from that day, the hill which the guide smute with his
hatchet was 'punched full' of holes, miners were tearing out its jewels
with pickaxes aud gunpowder, and locomotives were carrying them
northward by tons.
''Pushing onward seven miles farther, they made the 'Canoe
Camp,' a few miles below the present village of Mansfield. When
they reached this place, their supply of provisions was exhausted.
. . . Patterson killed an abundant supply of game, and went down
with some of his young men to Painted Post, thirty miles or more
below. He ordered provisions to be boated up to this place from
Tioga Point, and returned to the camp with several canoes."}" He
found his poor people in utter despair. They lay in their tents
bewailing their misfortunes, and said that the Englishman had sent
them there to die. He had sent a ship to Hamburgh, he had enticed
them from their homes, he had brought them over the ocean on pur-
pose that he might send them out into the wilderness to starve. They
refused to stir, and begged Patterson to let them die. But. he was
even yet merciless. He blustered about without ceremony, cut down
f Some of the canoes were made at the camp, and some were pushed
up from Painted Post. Capt. Charles Wolcott, of Corning, went up
with a canoe and brought down twenty-four Germans.
50
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the tent-pole with his tomahawk, roused the dying to life, and at
length drove the whole colony to the river bank.
"Worse and worse! When the Germans saw the slender canoes
they screamed with terror, and loudly refused to intrust themselves
to such shells. The woodsmen, however, put the women, the chil-
dren, and the sick into the canoes almost by main force, and launched
forth into the river, while the men followed by land. Patterson told
them to keep the Indian trail, but as this sometimes went back upon
the hills and out of sight of the river, they dared not follow it for
fear of being lost. So they scrambled along the shore as best they
could, keeping their eyes fixed on the flotilla as if their lives depended
upon it. They tumbled over the banks: they tripped up over the
roots; where the shores were rocky they waded in the cold water be-
low. But the canoes, gliding merrily downward, wheeled at last into
t!ie Chemung, and the men also, accomplishing their tedious travel
along the shore, emerged from the wilderness, and beheld with joy the
little cabins clustered around the Painted Post.
" Here their troubles ended. Flour and coflee from Tioga Point
were waiting for them, and when Peter, the baker, turned out warm
loaves from his oven and der liebei- Imjfe steamed from the kettles with
grateful fragrance, men and women crowded around the guide, hailed
him as their deliverer from wild beasts, and begged his pardon for
their bad behavior.
'• It was now December. They had been three months in the wil-
derness, and were not in a condition to move onward to the Genesee.
Patterson, with thirty of the most hardy men, kept on, however, and
opened the road up the Conhocton to Dansville and the place of des-
tination. The others remained through the winter of 1793 at Painted
Post. ' They were the simplest creatures I ever saw,' said an old
lady J *thcy had a cow with them, and they loved it as if it was a
child. When flour was scarcest, they used to feed her with bread.'
'• The whole colony was conducted to the Genesee in the spring.
There was at this time a single settler in the valley of the Conhocton
above the settlements near Painted Post. The fate of the first potato
crop of the Upper Conhocton is worthy of record. This settler had
cultivated a little patch of potatoes the previous summer, and of the
fruits of his labor a few pecks yet remained buried in a hole. The
Germans snuffed the precious vegetables, and determined to have
them. Finding they could not be restrained, Patterson told them to
go on, and if the owner swore at them to say * thimkee^ ihtmkec,' as if
receiving a present. This they did, and the settler lost his treasures
to the last* potato. The guide paid him five times their value, and
bade him to go to Tioga Point for seed.''
BENJAMIN P.4TTERS0N.
Benjamin Patterson was born in Loudon Co., Va., in
1759. His mother was a cousin of Daniel Boone, the
famous pioneer hunter of Kentucky. Mr. Patterson, be-
fore his removal to this county, resided at Northumber-
land, Pa. During the war of the Revolution he served in
a rifle corps, organized for the defense of the frontiers, and
in this perilous service met with many exciting adventures.
He was the Nimrod of the Susquehanna and of Western
New York, the most renowned hunter and practical woods-
man of his period. His military and hunting excursions
gave him a better knowledge of the geography of the
country than any of the pioneers of his times, and he be-
came distinguished as the best guide from Northumberland
to Lake Erie. He was frequently employed by Col. Wil-
liamson to lead parties of immigrants through the wilder-
ness in the early settlement of Steuben County and the
adjoining region, and to superintend mtiny pioneer improve-
ments, in which his practical judgment, skill in woodcraft,
and personal integrity rendered him of great service.
Physically, Mr. Patterson was of a medium height,
squarely built, and of a powerful and agile frame. He
possessed a remarkable memory and powers of narration, so
that, although not polished by the refinements of education,
he could interest and engage the most cultivated minds for
hours at a time with the relation of his adventures, and the
stores of knowledge gathered from observation and experi-
ence. He was a keen observer, and a man of intelligence,
judgment, and strict integrity. He settled in Steuben
County in 1797, and reared a large family. (See Histories
of Erwin, Corning, and Lindley.)
CHAPTER XL
ONTAKIO COUNTT.
Steuben Included in Ontario — Indian Council at Canandaigua — Two
Towns Organized in what is now Steuben County — Col. Williamson,
First Judge — Eleazer Lindley, First Member of Assembly — First
Member of Congress — Count Liancourt.
From 1789 to 1796 the history of Steuben County is
included in that of Ontario. The county of Ontario was
set oW from Herkimer by an act of the Legislature in the
winter of 1789. It embraced the entire territory of the
State of New York west of the Massachusetts pre-emption
line. Of this great wilderness county, Canandaigua was
chosen as the seat of justice. " Mr. Phelps, having select-
ed the foot of Canandaigua Lake as a central locality in his
purchase, and as combining all the advantages which have
since made it pre-eminent among the beautiful villages of
Western New York, erected a building for a store-house, on
the bank of the lake. The next movement was to make
some primitive roads, to get to and from the site that had
been selected. Men were employed at Geneva who under-
brushed and continued a sleigh-road from where it had been
previously made, on Flint Creek, to the foot of Canandai-
gua Lake, following pretty much the old Indian trail.
When this was done a wagon-road was made near where
Manchester now is, at the head of navigation on Canandai-
gua Outlet."
Joseph Smith was the first settler, who moved his family
from Geneva and occupied the log store-house, in the spring
of 1789. He soon after built a block house on Main
Street, and opened the first Uivern. His first stock of
liquor was obtained from Niagara, Upper Canada, by canoe-
freightage from the mouth of the Genesee River.
Early in May, 1789, Gen. Israel Chapin arrived at Can-
andaigua and selected it as his residence, erecting a log
house near the outlet. Connected with him, and with the
contemplated surveys and land-sales, were Nathaniel Gor-
ham, Jr., Frederick Saxton, Benjamin Gardner, and Daniel
Gates. Mr. Walker, an agent of Phelps and Gorham, soon
after arrived with a party, and opened a log land-ofiice on
the site which Mr. Phelps afterwards selected for his resi-
dence.
The late Capt. Horatio Jones, who was one of the first
at the place, revisited it in August, 1789. He thus
describes its appearance at that time : •' There was a great
change. When we left in the fall of '88 there was not a
solitary person there ; when I returned, fourteen months
afterwards, the place was full of people, — residents, survey-
ors, explorers, adventurers ; houses were going up ; it was
a busy, thriving place."
HESTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
51
The scene connected witli the Pickering treaty of 1794
is tlius described :
"As soon as it was known by the Indians that Coi. Pickering, the
agent, woulil come prepared to give them a great feast, and distribute
amon"- them a large amount of money and clothing, the attendance
was very general. For weeks before the treaty they were arriving in
i^quads from all of their villages, and constructing their camps in the
woods, upon the lake-shore, and around the court-house square. The
little villageof the whites was invested, overrun with the wild natives.
It seemed as if they had deserted all their villages, and transferred
even their old men, women, and children to the feast, the carousal,
and the place of gifts. The night scenes were wild and picturesque,
their camp-fires lighting up the forest, and their whoops and yells
creating a sensation of novelty, not unmixed with fear, with the far
inferior numbers who composed the citizens of the pioneer village, and
the sojourners of their own race. At first all was peace and quiet,
and the treaty was in progress ; beeves had been slaughtered, sufficient
to supply them all with meat, and liquor had been carefully excluded ;
but an avaricious liquor dealer secretly dealt out to them the means
of intoxication, and the council was interrupted, and many of the In-
dians became troublesome and riotous. Gen. Chajjin, however, sup-
pressed the liquor-shop, harmony was restored, the treaty concluded,
and the gifts dispensed. A general carousal followed, but no outrages
were committed. The Indians lingered for weeks after the council,
displaying their new broadcloths, blankets, and silver bands and
brooches."
Judge Porter was then in Canandaigua, acting as the
agent for Phelps and Gorham. In the name of his prin-
cipals he had to maice the Indians presents of provisions
and whisky, when they came to Canandaigua, and that
was pretty often. On the occasion above referred to, he
denied an Indian whisky, telling him it was all gone. " No,
no," replied the Indian ; " Genesee Falls never dry." This
was a shrewd allusion to the gift to Phelps and Gorham of
the enormous " Mill Lot," which embraced the Genesee
Falls.*
The town-meetings held at Canandaigua were the first
occasions of bringing the pioneers together, who were spread
over most of the eastern portion of the Phelps and Gorham
Purchase.
During this period two towns were formed in what is
now Steuben County, and were represented in the Board of
Supervisors at Canandaigua. The old town of Painted Post
was formed as a town of Ontario County in 1793, — three
years before the erection of Steuben,— and Eli Mead, the
first settler at the moutli of Mead's Creek, was its super-
visor. The town Thich he represented extended from
Tioga (now Chemung) County to the west line of the
present town of Rathbone, including the settlements at the
head of the Chemung, Painted Post, Tioga Valley, and in
the lower valley of the Conhocton and Canisteo.
The other town was Williamsburgh, and lay west of
Painted Post, as then formed, embracing a large extent of
country. This was also erected in 1793, and was repre-
sented in the board at Canandaigua by Jedediah Stephens,
in 1793 and 1794.
There were tlien no roads to the county-seat, and Mr.
Mead and Mr. Stephens went on Indian trails, a distance of
seventy miles through the wilderness, carrying their pro-
visions in knapsacks on their backs and sleeping in the
shades of the forest when night overtook them.
Courts were not organized in Ontario County till 1793.
* Turner's Phelps and Gorham Purchase, p. 167.
The first Court of Oyer and Terminer was held at " Patter-
son's tavern in Geneva" in June of that year. The pre-
siding judge was John S^op Hobart, one of the three
Supreme Court judges appointed after the organization of
the judiciary in 1777. A grand jury was called and
charged, but no indictments preferred. The first Court of
Common Pleas and General Sessions was held at the house
of Nathaniel Sanborn, in Canandaigua, in November, 1794.
The presiding judges were Timothy Hosmer and Charles
Williamson, associated with whom as assistant justice was
Enos Boughton. Attorneys, Thomas Morris, John Wick-
ham, James Wad.sworth, and Vincent Matthews. A num-
ber of suits upon the calendar, but no trial. One indict-
ment found by the grand jury.
At the next session, in June, 1795, occurred the fir.st
jury trial ever had west of Herkimer County. The party
was indicted at the previous session for stealing a cowbell.
The records of 1799 show that the " chiefs of the Seneca
nation acknowledged the receipt of eight thousand dollars
from Gen. Chapin, as a dividend upon the sum of one
hundred thousand dollars, which the United States Gov-
ernment had received of Robert Morris as purchase-money
of the Holland Purchase and Morris Reserve, and invested
in the stock of the United States Bank.
The first sheriif of Ontario County was Phineas P. Bates,
who was succeeded by James K. Guernsey in 1806.
Ontario County, by a special act of the Legislature, was
made eligible to a representative in the General Assembly
in 1791, although not entitled to it by population. Col.
Eleazer Lindley, under whose auspices settlement had
begun on the Tioga, in Steuben County, received the
election, and was the first member of Assembly from all
the Genesee country. Gen. Israel Chapin was the repre-
sentative in 1792-93.
Thomas Morris, son of Robert Morris, was the first
representative in Congress from all the region west of
Seneca Lake.
Mr. Morris, in his manuscripts, which were published
in 1844, says: "The excunsion which has been spoken of
was undertaken by me,' partly from a desire to witness an
Indian treaty and see the Falls of Niagara, and partly with
a desire to see a country in which my father at that time
had such an extensive interest, and with the determination
to settle in it if I liked it. I was pleased with it, and
made up my mind to settle at Canandaigua as soon as I
should have attained the age of twenty-one and my admis-
sion to the bar.
" Accordingly, in the early part of March, 1792, I left
New York for Canandaigua. I was induced to fix upon
that place for my residence from the character and respect-
ability of the families already there. In the course of that
year I commenced building a framed house, filled with
brick, and which was finished in the early part of the year
1793. That house still subsists, and even in that hand-
some town, where there are so many beautiful buildings,
it is not considered an eyesore. When it was completed,
that and the house built by Oliver Phelps were the only
framed houses west of Whitesboro'."
The first leather manufactured in Ontario County was
by John Clark, a tanner and currier, who came to Canan-
Sf'^^-
52
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK.
daigua with Mr. Phelps, and it was made from the hides
of the cattle driven on to furnish beef for the Indians at the
great gathering to receive their first. annuity.
In his rambles, in 1795, the Duke Liancourt went from
Bath to Canandaigua. He stayed all night at Capt. Mitch-
ell's, who had made a settlement at Watkins, on Seneca
Lake, in what is now the county of Schuyler. The duke
remarks that the settlement was " called Watkiustown,
from several families of that name who possess the greatest
property here." He speaks of Capt. Mitchell's " saw-mill,
where four thousand fivB hundred feet of boards are cut
daily. These boards he sends on the lake to Canandaigua,
where they are sold for ten shillings per one hundred feet.
There is a schoolmaster at Watkinstown, with a salary of
twelve dollars per month."
CHAPTER XII.
OKGANIZATION OF STEUBEN COtTNTT.
Dates of the Erection of Preceding Counties — Original Towns of Steu-
ben— Present Civil Divisions — First Courts — Grand Jury — Court-
House and Jail — Nortliern and Southern Jury Districts — County
Poor-House and Farm.
The civil divisions known as counties have undergone
many changes since the country began to be settled. Under
the Dutch the only divisions were the city and towns.
In 1665, a district or sheriffalty, called Yorkshire, was
erected. It comprised Long Island, Staten Island, and
part of the present county of Westchester. For judicial
purposes it was divided into three Ridings — the name being
derived from the practice of the judicial officers riding from
one place of court to another. The East Riding comprised
the present county of Suffolk ; the West Riding, Staten
Island, Kings County, Newtown, and part of We-stchester ;
the North Rjding, all the present county of Queens, except
Newtown.
Counties were erected for the first time by the act of
1683, and were twelve in number, as follows: Albany,
Cornwall, Dukes, Dutchess, Kings, New York, Orange,
Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester.
Cornwall, now in the State of Maine, and Dukes, in
Massachusetts, were re-ceded by New York, and never rep-
resented in the Legislature of that province after 1691.
Cumberland County, in 1766, Gloucester in 1770, and
Charlotte in 1772 (afterwards changed to Washington),
were formed out of Albany County. Tryon County was
erected in 1772, also out of Albany County, and comprised
the country west of a north and south line, extending
from St. Regis to the west bounds of the township of
Schenectad}', thence running irregularly southwest to the
head of the Mohawk branch of the Delaware, and along the
same to the southeast bounds of tlie present county of Broome,
thence in a northwesterly direction to Fort Bull, on Wood
Creek, near the present village of Rome ; all west of the
last mentioned line being Indian Territory. Thus, the
province consisted, at the Revolution, of fourteen counties.
After the Revolution, the counties which preceded Steuben
were Columbia from Albany in 1786, Clinton in 1788,
Ontario in 1789, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Herkimer, Otsego,
and Tioga, in 1791, and Onondaga in 1794. Steuben was
therefore the twenty-fourth county of the State in the order
of its erection. On the 8th of March, 1796, it was de-
tached from the old county, Ontario, and erected into a sep-
arate county. The population in 1790 was 200, in 1796
it was over 1000, and in 1800, 2000.
The seventh range of townships was annexed to Allegany
County March 11, 1808 ; the part in the fork of Keuka
or Crooked Lake to Ontario County, Feb. 25, 1814 ; a part
of Dansville to Livingston County, Feb. 15, 1822 ; a part
of Reading to Yates County in 1824, and a part to Schuy-
ler County, April 17, 1854.
When the county of Steuben was first erected it was
divided into six towns, viz. : Bath, Canisteo, Dansville,
Frederickstown, Middletown, and Painted Post. The town
of Bath comprised all the north part of the county ; the
town of Dansville, all the northwestern part ; Fredericks-
town, all the eastern part ; Canisteo, all the southwestern
part ; Middletown, all the southern ; and Painted Post all
the southeastern, viz. : Hornby, Campbell, Erwin, Corning,
Caton, and Lindley. The town of Bath originally com-
prised all the territory now contained in Bath, Urbana,
Wheeler, Prattsburgh, Pultency, Avoca, part of Cohocton,
and Howard. The town of Dansville contained all that is
now comprised in Dansville, Fremont, Wayland, and part
of Howard and Cohocton. The town of Frederickstown
ail that is now comprised in Wayne, Bradford (Barrington
and Starkoy in Yates County), Tyrone, Reading, and
Orange, in Schuyler. The town of Middletown contained
the present Addison, Rathbone, Thurston, Tuscarora. Wood-
hull, and part of Troupsburgh and Jasper. The town of
Canisteo contained all the present Canisteo, Greenwood,
West Union, Huntsville, Hornellsville, and parts of Jasper
and Troupsburgh.
The present towns of Steuben County are thirty-two, as
follows :*
1.
Addison.
17.
Hornellsville.
2.
Avoca.
18.
Howard.
3.
Bath.
19.
Jasper.
4.
Bradford.
20.
Lindley.
5.
Campbell.
21.
Prattsburgh.
6.
Cameron.
22.
Pulteney.
7.
Canisteo.
23.
Rathbone.
8.
Caton.
24.
Thurston.
9.
Cohocton.
25.
Troupsburgh
10.
Corning.
26.
Tuscarora.
11.
Dansville.
27.
Urbana.
12.
Erwin.
28.
Wayne.
13.
Fremont.
29.
Wayland.
14.
Greenwood.
30.
West Union.
15.
Hartsville.
31.
Wheeler.
16.
Hornby.
32.
Woodhull.
FIRST COURTS.
The first session of the Court of Common Pleas for Steu-
ben County was held in the court-house, at Bath, on the
21st day of June, 1796, Hon. William Kersey, assistant
~' In 1S60 the county bad thirty-three towns, the town of Savon*
being, in the fall of that year, erected from Bath. The act creating it
was subsequently repeaJed.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
53
judtre, presiding, in the absence of Charles Williamson,
first judge. The other assistant judges present were Abra-
ham Bradley and Eleazer Lindley, Esq., of what was then
the town of Painted Post.
The court was opened with the u.sual proclamation, when
the commisi5ions of judges, justices, sheriff, coroner, and sur-
rogate were read. George Hornell, Uriah Stephens, and Abel
White appeared respectively from Hornellsville, Canisteo,
and Addison, and were qualified as justices of the peace.
The following attorneys and counselors were present :
Nathaniel W. Howell, Vincent Matthews. William Stew-
art, William B. Verplanck, David Jones, Peter Masterton,
Thomas Morris, Stephen Ross, and David Powers. Wil-
liam Stewart appeared as district attorney, or, as the oflBce
was then called, assistant attorney-general, for the counties
of Onondaga, Ontario. Tioga, and Steuben.
The first court of General Sessions was held in the same
year. Besides the judges mentioned in the record of the
Common Pleas, there were the following justices of the
peace present; John Knox, William Lee, Frederick Bar-
ties, George Hornell, Eli Mead, Abel White, and Uriah
Stephens, Jr.
The first grand jury was composed of the following citi-
zens : John Sheathar, foreman ; Charles Cameron, George
IMcClure, John Cooper, Samuel Miller, Isaac Mullender,
John Stearns, Justus Wolcott, John Coudry, John Van
Devanter, Alexander Fullerton, Amariah Hammond, John
Seeley, Samuel Shannon. This jury presented two indict-
ments for assault and battery, and were thereupon dis-
charged.
FIRST COURT-HOUSE AND JAIL.
Upon the organization of the county in 1796, the county
buildings were located at Bath. A wooden court-house,
one ahd a half stories high, with two wings, was erected
the same year. This served the purpose of the county till
1828, when a brick court-house was erected on the site of
the present building. This was destroyed by fire in October,
1859, and the present court-house was erected on substan-
tially the same foundation and according to the same general
plan, in the summer of 1860.
About the time of the erection of the first court-hou.se, a
jail was built of hewed logs. It stood in the rear of the
subsequent stone jail, which was located on the northwest
corner of the Pulteney square, and was torn down in 1846.
The present stone jail was erected in 1845.
By an act of the Legislature, passed July 19, 1853, the
county was divided into two jury districts, the northern
and southern, and the county buildings for the latter were
located at Corning. The court-house at Corning is a fine
brick edifice. It was erected in 1853-54, at a cost of four-
teen thousand dollars. The county clerk's office, erected in
1872-73, a neat and well-built brick structure, contain-
ing the Bath library in the second story, is permanently
fixed at Bath, but the courts are held alternately in Bath
and Corning.
COaNTT POOR-HODSE AND FARM.
This institution for the care of the poor of the county
is located two miles north of the village of Bath, on the
road to Hammondsport.
The farm consists of two hundred acres, purchased by
the county of Moses Lyon for three thousand two hundred
dollars. The main building is of stone and brick, forty by
eighty feet, and was erected in 1834. The first inmates
were admitted November 19 of that year. In 1838 occurred
the first fire, in an out-building, the upper story of which
was used as a dormitory, when Elias Williams, an inmate,
was burned to death. In 1859 another fire broke out in
the night, in a separate building, consuming seven helpless
victims. The fire was too far advanced to be controlled, or
to admit of the rescue of the unfortunate inmates, before
the alarm was given. In 1859 a brick building was
erected, thirty by forty-four feet in dimen.sions, for the
chronic insane, which was burned in April, 1878, with the
lo.ss of sixteen lives. Mo.sfof the victims were deaf and
idiotic, and unable to escape, the fire occurring in the
night.
The first keeper appointed was Isaac Reeves, in 1834.
Since then have been the following ; D. B. Lee, Otis Hunt,
N. B. Falwell, J. V. D. Terry, John L Scofield (first term),
Eli Carrington (first term"), John L. Scofield (second term),
Michael McClane, Eli Carrington (second term), since
April, 1872.
The superintendents (three in number) are elected each
year by the county, and each town elects annually one over-
seer of the poor. The law makes it discretionary with the
Board of Supervisors whether to charge the expenses of
maintaining the poor belonging to the several towns to the
towns themselves or to the county at large. The latter has
been the method adopted in this county till within about
ten years past, since which it has been the custom to charge
the poor having a settlement or location in the different
towns to those towns separately.
The number of inmates in the institution Dee. 15, 1878,
was one hundred and thirteen, of whom seventy-six were
males and thirty-.seven females. The opening of the Sol-
diers' Home, on Christmas, 1878, reduced this number a
trifle by the admission to that institution of a few poor
soldiers, who had sought an asylum from the inclemency of
the winter in the County Poor-House. It is quite a re-
markable fact, and we have thought it worth mentioning in
this history, that the fifth person admitted to this poor-
house, John Edwards, of Hornellsville, is still an inmate.
He was admitted on the 2d of December, 1834, over forty-
four years ago, and never has been known during that
time to be off the premises. His disease is a mild case of
insanity. He was taken into the in.stitution at the age of
thirty-two; now he is an old, white-haired man, seventy-six
years of age.
The commodious and substantial farm-barn on the prem-
ises was built in 1868. A new brick building for male
paupers, and a dwelling-house for the keeper, were erected
in the summer of 1878.
The farm is under the management of Mr. Carrington,
and the labor is furnished by the inmates of the institution,
with the assistance of one hired man. The products are
consumed on the premises. The estimated cash value of
the farm products, in 1878, was $1500 ; estimated value of
the real property, $13,278 ; personal property, $5,224.70.
Total, $18,502.70.
54
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTER XIII.
Physical Features of the County — Geographical Situation — Topog-
raphy — Geology.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
The county of Steuben is situated upon the southern
border of the State, in the tier of counties adjoining the
Pennsylvania line. It lies chiefly upon the southern slope
of the great dividing ridge or water-shed which separates
the waters of Lake Ontario from those of the Susquehanna,
and, on account of this geographical situation, is among the
most elevated sections of the State. The highest summits
in the county are about two thousand five hundred feet
above tide.
The county contains an area of fourteen hundred and
twenty-five square miles, or about eight hundred and
thirty-five thousand acres. It is centrally distant from
Albany one hundred and eighty-eight miles, and is bounded
north by Ontario and Yates Counties, east by Schuyler and
Chemung, west by Allegany and Livingston, and south by
Pennsylvania.
TOPOGRAPHY.
The physical features of Steuben County present a bold
outline of irregular hills and deep, intricate valleys, through
which pass rivers and creeks. The north and west parts of
the county occupy the summit, from whence the slope is to
the southeastern extremity of the county, where the Che-
mung passes the line and flows towards Elmira. The slope
towards that point is from the north, the west, and tile
southwest, where the headwaters of the Conhocton, Canis-
teo, and Tioga rise, all of them converging to a junction
above Corning, and passing into the Chemung. The
streams, aside from the rivers which flow down this slope,
are creeks of different sizes; their valleys are bounded by
hills from two to eight hundred feet high, at some places a
few rods in width, and at others a mile or more. From a
circle of hills, all these waters flow down to the narrow
valley of the Chemung, some eight hundred feet below
their source. But the deep valley of Crooked Lake breaks
in upon this general phase of Steuben as an exception. It
extends far towards the centre of the county, and carries to
the north the waters of three or four towns. It is a deep
excavation of some eighteen miles within the county, break-
ing into the summit of separation between the waters of
the Chesapeake and those of the St. Lawrence, the same
as the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes farther east.
VALLEYS.
The valleys are ocular evidence of the action of water.
The general surface of Steuben County, without that action,
would have been the average elevation of the hills. The
waters, in their several courses towards the ocean, have ex-
cavated channels, which from year to year have deepened
and widened, until they present the features of hill and
valley everywhere existing throughout the county. In
various places walls of shale, with superincumbent sand-
stone, have been broken through, forming deep and wide
valleys.
In the town of Campbell, and partly in Hornby, Mead's
Creek has excavated a valley to the Conhocton, deep and
tortuous, through the hills, — through Wayne, Bradford,
and Savona, to the valley of Mud Creek, extending north-
ward to the head of Little Lake, and thence to Lake
Keuka. The valley of Crooked Lake (or Lake Keuka) is
the deepest, exposing the broken rock to the depth of from
three to four hundred feet, and the debris therefrom along
its shores. This valley extends from Bellona, in Ontario
County, to Branchport; from Penn Yan to Hanimondsport,
and thence to Bath. The valley of the Conhocton is the
widest, and the excavation of tiie hills more uniform than
that of any other, except, perhaps, the Canisteo. It
stretches from Livingston County, where it is scarcely per-
ceptible, to Chemung County, with branching valleys on
either side made by tributary streams. Next of importance
is that of the Canisteo River, receiving its slightest inden-
tations in Allegany, and reaching the level of the Conhocton
and Tioga at Painted Post. This valley is narrow and
crooked, except at the mouth of Bennett's Creek, where
the flats are wide and the hills retiring, and at the mouth
of the Tuscarora Creek, at Addison. This valley develops
much of the debris of the grits and shales through which
the waters have forced a passage. The valley of the Tioga
passes from Pennsylvania northward through Lindley and
Erwin to the Canisteo; in its course it is intersected by the
Glendening and the Cowanesque, the latter extending up-
wards to Troupsburgh.
HILLS.
In the south part of the county, the highest lands ex-
tend from the western line of the town of Lindley througli
southern Addison (now Tuscarora), through southern Wood-
hull ; thence northwest, through the northeast part of
Troupsburgh, to the south line of Jasper ; thence westward
to Greenwood, and southwest to the south part of West
Union, where the source of Bennett's Creek is eight hun-
dred feet above its junction with the Canisteo, and the sur-
rounding hills from three to four hundred feet higher.
Between the Canisteo and the Conhocton Rivers the sum-
mit of highlands commences in the town of Dansville,
passes near South Dansville post-office; thence, through
Fremont and Howard, to the west of Howard Flats ; thence
south to the south line of the town of Howard, following
the south line eastward to the town of Cameron ; thence
southeast, through Thurston and the northeastern part of
Addison, to Erwin.
The summit highlands north of the Conhocton River is
the dividing ridge between the waters which flow into the
Chesapeake and tho.se which flow into the St. Lawrence.
It commences in the town of Wayne, north of the Wayne
Hotel, and follows the highlands, between Little and
Crooked Lakes, to Mount Washington ; thence westward
to the south line of the town of Wheeler; thence north,
through the eastern lots of Wheeler, to the southeast cor-
ner of the town of Prattsburgh ; thence, through Western
Pulteney, north to the county line ; thence west to North
Cohocton, where the ridge curves into Livingston County ;
and thence, through Wayland, to South Dansville, to the
summit between the Canisteo and Conhocton Rivers.
The waters running north to the St. Lawrence interlock
with those running south to the Chesapeake Bay. Cold
MAP OF
\j» a(Ccov\v^v».\\v«.\^
HISTOBY or STKUBKN' COUNTY
f i 8crrnut/e\v t^cl ; ! .
Sctd& of Miles.
VI
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
55
Sprin"- Creek takes its rise two miles north of Bath, while
the head-waters of Mud Creek and Five-Mile Creek are in
Yates County, some twenty miles north. In the northern
part of tlie town of Prattsburgh Flint Creek rises, near the
head of Twelve-Mile Creek, and the waters of the Cana-
seraga rise far south of those of the Conhocton.
ELEVATIONS.
The following elevations have been determined princi-
pally by actual surveys: Crooked Lake, 718 feet above
tide-water; Corning, 925; village of Bath, 1090; Hor-
nellsville, 1150; Arkport, 1194; summit between Mud
Lake and Bath, 1579; summit between Bath and Ark-
port, 1840; summit between Arkport and Angelica, 2062;
Troupsburgh Hills, 2500.
LAKES.
The lakes are marked characteristics of the topographi-
cal features of Western and Central New York. The most
of them discharge their waters into Lake Ontario through
the Oswego River. The Canandaigua, the Crooked, Seneca,
Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, Onondaga, and Oneida, hav-
ing their head-waters far in the Southern Tier, drain all the
intervening territory to the north. All of them lie in val-
leys of excavation far down through the rocks which under-
lie the soil, — the Oneida through the gray sandstone which
forms its bottom, covered with drift; the Skaneateles
through more than three hundred feet of the Hamilton
group, with the Tully limestone outcropping on both
shores ; the Cayuga and Seneca Lakes through the Marcel-
lus shales and the superincumbent Hamilton and Tully
limestones, the latter ranging from four hundred and twenty
to six hundred and thirty feet in depth.
The Crooked Lake (^now called Keuka) is a beautiful
sheet of water, which extends from Penn Yan, in the county
of Yates, to Hammondsport, a distance of about twenty
miles, with a branch to Branehport seven miles. This
lake exhibits an excavation of more than three hundred
feet in depth through the shales and grits of the Erie
group. The waters are fed by springs, supplied with water
by the rain falling on the surface of the surrounding country,
which, passing through the seams and fi.«sures of the rocks,
rushes into the basin below the surface of the lake. No
streams of any considerable magnitude flow into it except
Cold Spring brook at Hammondsport and Lazallier Creek
at Branehport. The lake abounds with white fish, trout,
and perch of fine quality, of which numbers are taken
annually to grace the tables of those who take the trouble
to seek them in their proper season. During the summer
months the transportation of agricultural products and ar-
ticles of commerce employs many boats, aside from one or
two beautiful steamboats, which make daily trips between
Hammond.sport and Penn Yan and intermediate places.
Lake Keuka lies two hundred and seventy-one feet above
the waters of the Seneca; its outlet discharges one hundred
and forty-four thousand and sixty-five gallons of water per
minute, with a current of one hundred and thirty-two feet
per minute. The outlet runs from Penn Yan to Dresden,
a distance of seven miles. Boats pass to and from Seneca
Lake by means of the Crooked Lake Canal, thence to the
Erie Canal, affording a direct and cheap transportation to
the sea-board for all the products of the surrounding
country. The valley of Lake Keuka drains the lands of
Urbana, partly of Wayne, and of Pulteney, in Steuben
County. The hills on the west shore rise some three hun-
dred to four hundred feet above the waters, and on the east
shore two hundred to three hundred feet. BluiF Point is
a marked and picturesque promontory, standing between
the branches of the lake and showing itself conspicuously
above the surrounding scenery. Its elevation is more
abrupt and its altitude considerably greater than the high-
lands on either side of the lake.
Lake Waneta, elevated above Keuka some two hundred
feet, and distant but two and a half miles, in the town of
Wayne, is the summit of a different grade, and the tribu-
tary of waters which flow south into the Chesapeake. An
excavation of a few feet at the Wayne Hotel would pass
the water into Lake Keuka, and thence into Lake Ontario.
Yet the natural drainage is the Conhocton. This lake is
nearly three miles long and about half a mile wide. It
abounds in fish, such as pickerel, perch, white fish, and
trout of the finest quality. It discharges its waters south-
ward into Mud Lake, near Wayne Four Corners, its chief
tributary being a small stream which enters it from the
north at Wayne Hotel ; otherwise it is fed by .springs.
Mud Lake, aside from the waters of Lake Waneta, is
fed by the Tobahanna Creek, and the creek running from
Pine Grove through Tyrone to the lake. This lake is
about two miles long and half a mile wide, abounding
in excellent fish. The outlet is called Mud Creek, and
enters the Conhocton at Savona. In its course are several
small lakes, singularly deep, partly grown and filled up with
vegetable mould and tufa. In the eastern part of the town
of Bath there is a succession of them, which affords a
study for the geologist and natural philosopher, how they
were excavated amidst the surrounding hills to their ex-
treme depth, how detached each from the other, and yet
exhibiting a chain of causes and effects identical through-
out.
In the southeast part of the town of Prattsburgh lies
Duck Lake, now about half a mile long and a quarter of a
mile wide, but evidently in years gone by more than twice
that size. The marsh- surrounding this lake has been
gradually encroaching upon its limits for years. This
marsh extends more than half a mile eastward and south-
ward, and is filling up gradually with decayed organic
remains. Duck Lake is filling up with drift and mould ;
its waters are full of decayed vegetable matter held in
suspension ; they abound iu fish ; depth, six to ten feet.
The creeks running into Duck Lake are the Scutt Creek,
which rises in the vicinity of Scuttville, passing westward
through the marsh into the lake, and the Waldo Creek,
which rises in Pulteney and runs southwest, entering the
northern extremity of the lake through the lands of Charles
Waldo. This lake discharges its waters through a narrow
and crooked outlet of some forty rods in length into Five-
Mile Creek. This lake and outlet have been declared by
statute law a public highway, for the benefit of those who
are disposed to use it, to float lumber down the Five-Mile
Creek to saw-mills or to market below.
56
HISTORY OF STEUBEi^ COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Loon Lake, in the town of Wayland, is situated in a high
valley. The outlet passes for some distance underground,
and then comes to the surface with a volume of water suf-
ficient to drive a mill. It runs northward, while the waters
of Mud Lake, a little distance south of it, run south to
Neil's Creek. The surroundings of Loon Lake are mansh
and swamp. This lake is over a mile long and three-
quarters of a mile wide. The summit here is about eighteen
hundred feet above tide-water.
East of the village of Bath lies a beautiful little lake,
nestled amid the surrounding hills, its waters pure and
clear, its name Salubria. The little gem was probably
dropped there in the breaking up of the great inland sea,
as a " tear-drop" to remind one of by-gone days.* It is
a beautiful sheet of water, and fulfills in all its phases the
characteristics predicated upon the name by which it is
known.
In the northern part of the town of Howard are two
lakes. One of them is to the north of Howard Flats, the
outlet of which empties into Neil's Creek, some two miles
above its confluence with the Conhocton. The other lake,
northeast of Howard Flats, is a beautiful sheet of water,
termed a jxnul by the inhabitants, and surrounded by a fine
cultivated country called the " Pond Settlement." This
lake debouches to the south in a crooked outlet, which runs
past Golf's Mills, thence northeast to the Conhocton. Along
this outlet and creek are developed some of the most re-
markable characteristics of the geological features of Steu-
ben County. Ascending the creek to and past the mills of
Alonzo Graves, we find rocks of shale and grit in masses,
here thrown up in rounded hills, and there torn asunder by
the passage of the water. The valley of this stream through-
out is in marked contrast with the alluvial character of the
Howard Flats above.
In the southern part of the town of Thurston is Friends'
Lake, the outlet of which passes southward through the
hills to the Canisteo. This outlet is in character with all
the streams which are precipitated from the hills into the
valleys below. In dry seasons it secretes its waters beneath
the debris of the shales scattered along its channel. In wet
weather it is the " mad mountain torrent," sweeping every-
thing in its course, and excavating rock and gravel as a
pathway for its tumbling waters.
Goodhue Lake, covering an area of about five hundred
acres, and surrounded by hills and forests of pine, lies in
the extreme northwest corner of the town of Addison, and
forms the head of Goodhue Creek, which passes southeast
through the town, affording hydraulic power for several
saw-mills. It enters the Canisteo below Addison. This is
a wild, picturesque stream in all its surroundings of hill
and valley, sometimes beautiful and quiet as it winds along
its tortuous course, sometimes impetuous, dashing and surg-
ing against the hills as it hastens downward to the Can-
isteo.
RIVERS.
The principal rivers of Steuben County are the Conhoc-
ton, Canisteo, Tioga, Chemung, Cowanesque, Canaseraga,
and their several tributaries, denominated creeks. The
* Goldsmith Denniston.
Conhocton stretches from the summit in Livingston County
to the extreme southeast part of the county, where it unites
with the Canisteo and Tioga, forming the Chemung River,
which retains that cognomen until it is merged in the Sus-
quehanna. The head-waters of the Conhocton are found
in the town of Springwater, Livingston Co., far nortli
among the hills, and north of the inlet of Hemlock Lake,
which empties north into Lake Ontario. Thence it enters
the northwest corner of the town of Cohocton, pa.ssing
through Avoca, Bath, Campbell, Erwin, and Corning,
where it assumes the name of Chemung. This river, to-
gether with its tributaries, drains all the northern and
middle portions of the county. Upon its waters have been
rafted much of the timber of the county, and formerly a
large quantity of grain was floated upon it to market in
Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Conhocton was declared
navigable from the " twenty-two mile tree" (Bivin's Cor-
ners, now Blood's) to Painted Post, and Gen. McClure, as
early as 1795, constructed an ark .seventy-five feet long and
sixteen feet wide, and passed down the river with a cargo
of staves to near Harrisburg. Others frequently navigated
this river with arks during the early period of the coun-
try's settlement.
The Canisteo River takes its rise in the towns of Alfred
and Grove, in Allegany County, and passes eastward through
Steuben to near Painted Post, where it unites with the
Tioga, and thence the united waters of the latter and the
Conhocton flow into the Chemung. This river and tribu-
taries drain the southwestern part of the county ; its flats
rank with the most fertile lands, and the surrounding hills
furnish the most, valuable lumber. This river was also
famous in the early days as an avenue of commerce with
the lower Susquehanna, and with Baltimore and Phila-
delphia, Arkport, in its upper valley, being the headquarters
for fitting out arks laden with provisions and lumber, and
sending them down to the Chesapeake Bay. (See Histories
of Hornellsville, Bath, Urbana, and Bradford.)
The Tioga River rises in Pennsylvania, and enters Steu-
ben County from the south, in the town of Lindley, running
north to the Canisteo, midway between Painted Post and
Addison. Near the Pennsylvania line the Cowanesque
Creek enters the Tioga. This creek has its rise in the town
of Troupsburgh ; from that town it passes into Pennsylvania,
and thence into the town of Lindley, entering the Tioga
near the State line. The valley of this creek presents
some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the State.
The Tusc.^RORA Creek rises in the town of Jasper, and
passes by a tortuous course through the southwest corner
of Rathbone into WoodhuU, thenee to the Canisteo, at the
village of Addison. The hills on either side of this creek
are quite near in their approach, leaving a contracted valley
of fertile alluvium. Tliis creek drains the southeast part
of Jasper, the town of Woodhull, Southern Addison, and
Tuscarora. These towns rank in fertility of soil and graz-
ing adaptation with any portion of Steuben County. The
bills and valleys of the Tuscarora and its tributary creeks
furnish some of the most favorable advantages for wool-
growing and dairy purposes to be found anywhere.
Stephen's Creek has its rise in Jasper, near the head-
waters of the Tuscarora. and runs north through the hills
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
57
of Canisteo, where it enters the river a little below the
mouth of Bennett's Creek. Tiiroughout the course of this
creek the country is elevated into high hills, with precipi-
tous valleys, presenting features broken, bold, picturesque.
Bennett's Creek rises in the town of West Union, at
an elevation of eight hundred feet above the Canisteo
River. Here the hills are about two thousand five hundred
feet above tide-water. The highest source of Bennett's
Creek is a little south of the residence of J. McNeil ;
thence it runs north past Rexville, " Rough-and-ready,"
Greenwood, Canisteo, where it enters the Canisteo River in
ajproad and beautiful delta of flat lands._ This creek ex-
poses to view some of the grits from which have been
quarried grindstones. Its upper source is in a fine lumber
Jistrict; its valley somewhat contracted by the approach of
hills, through wliich are precipitated numerous small, roar-
ing, rattling runs of water, whose beds are paved with
shale, broken stone, and gravel.
PuRDY Creek is a principal tributary of Bennett's
Creek. It rises in the southwest corner of the town of
Hartsville, and runs through a narrow valley northeasterly
to Bennett's Creek, near the residence of H. Eason. The
bed of this creek is covered with the debris of rock and
shale, broken and torn asunder by the precipitous waters.
Crosby Creek rises in Allegany County, and runs
through the northwest corner of Hartsville into Hornells-
ville, and enters the Canisteo at the village of Hornellsville.
The Canaseraga rises in the south part of the town
of Dansville, and runs north into Dansville, in Livingston
County ; thence to the Genesee River.
Neil's Creek rises in the high valley of Loon Lake,
[)ut of Mud Lake, and runs south into Howard ; thence
Bast and north into the Conhocton.
Five-Mile Creek, Ten-Mile Creek, and Twelve-
Mile Creek severally rise in the north part of Pratts-
burgh, and run .southwesterly into the Conhocton ; Five-Mile
Creek at Kanona, Ten-Mile at Wallace's Mills, and Twelve-
Mile at Wallace's Station. These several creeks form the
principal valleys of the towns of Wheeler and Prattsburgh.
Cold Spring Creek rises partly in Bath and Wheeler,
forms quite a stream at the old Henry A. Townsend place,
and thence runs through Pleasant Valley to Lake Keuka,
at Hammondsport. (See History of Urbana.)
Mud Creek rises from Mud Lake, and runs south-
sasterly through Bradford and the eastern part of Bath to
Ihe Conhocton at Savona. At the outlet of Mud Lake,
Frederick Bartles located himself in 1793, and built a
Souring- and saw-mill, making the place quite noted, and
nrospectively quite a large town. (See History of Brad-
ford.)
GEOLOGY.
The surface rocks of the county of Steuben are composed
jf the Chemung group of sandstones and shales to the
icpth of nearly one thousand feet. The sandstones are
most commonly fine-grained, the particles being often ce-
ttiented by shale, the two being intermixed with each other.
It is to this cause, from the disintegrating nature of the
ihale, ihat so much of the sandstone of Steuben County is
af a perishable nature.
The sandstones range in layers from an inch to a foot in
8
thickness. In some localities they form suitable layers for
flagging. In one locality, a quarry suitable for grindstones
has been opened and worked. The shale in some places
assumes a slaty structure, sometimes of a blue color, with
the same tendency to decomposition which characterizes the
whole ma.ss. In some places they form concretions, parallel
with their layers, of carbonate of lime or of manganese, of
sizes from an inch to several yards in length. They are
sometimes colored with bitumen and carbonate of iron.
The rocks of Steuben County pass immediately under
the coal formations of Pennsylvania. The dip or inclina-
tion is constantly to the south, there being no anticlinal
line other than the slightly elevated one which has given
rise to the northern and .southern waters. This dipping of
the rocks to the south, though it diminishes the geographical
height of the coal series, correspondingly increases their
thickness. Some of the hills in the southern part of Steuben
County are capped with conglomerate, showing masses of
red sandstone, together with fossils which border the coal
series ; but the strata of rocks dipping to the south at
Painted Post one hundred and thirty feet to the mile, at
Chimney Narrows one hundred feet, and five miles farther
south one hundred and ninety-eight feet, the strata of rock
peculiar to Steuben County would pass six thousand feet
below the coal beds of Pennsylvania.
The rocks of this county, consisting of shale and sand-
stone of a greenish color, are evidently not of igneous
origin. They abound in marine organic remains of shells
and zoophites, showing the presence of the sea, and not of
land favorable for plants the origin of coal, — the coal se-
ries exhibiting vegetable, not marine remains. The con-
glomerate or pebble rock occurs in this county only as a
terminal rock, and in very partial masses. It diminishes
with the coal as you go north. From all of which it is
evident that these rocks pass under the coal series, and form
the support of their mass.
The rocks of the county exhibiting marine organic re-
mains were at some period submerged by the waters of the
ocean. It has been suggested that an inland sea covered
all the western portion of the State, and observations may
tend to support the theory. The lake ridge of Ontario
shows marks of shores of water, which at various periods
stood from an elevation of seven hundred and sixty-two
feet to the present level of the lake. Similar indications
of ancient shores may be traced at the head of Seneca
Lake. When the waters stood at the highest mark indicated,
the area of the inland sea must have been limited by the
Highlands and New England range on the east ; the shores
of Lake Superior on the north ; the Alleghanies on the
south ; and the head-waters of the Mississippi on the west.
The outlet of this sea would be by the St. I^awrence, the
Hudson, the Connecticut, and the Susquehanna.
The deposition of drift which occurred at that time may
be traced down the valleys of these rivers in the large number
of bowlders deposited.
The indications of diluvial action are everywhere perceived
in the accumulation of gravel, sand, pebbles, and bowlders
strewed over the surface. Diluvial hills are found in various
localities. The level portions of Western New York are
of diluvial ori"in, the surface being strewed with bowlders
58
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of foreign parentage. Many of them consist of granite
and gneiss, some of sandstone from below, others of lime-
stone from above. Many of the rocks bear evidences of
the wearing action of water, running and carrying materials
which wore away, and in some instances polished, the sur-
fiice of the rocks. In some places the abrupt offsets from
one strata to another have been worn down to a gradual
slope. The agency of running water in producing our di-
luvial deposits is very obvious; and the formation of these
deposits shows not only the action of running water in one
direction, but also oP eddies and counter-currents. In
many places we find the coarser deposits on the south side
and Cohocton they are chiefly derived from primary rocks,
some of the crystalline formation, others of granite, gneiss,
and feldspar combined. On the farm of Albert Seeley, in
the town of Fultenej', is a large bowlder of this descrip-
tion, the parent bed of which cannot be nearer than the
primitive formations of the north of this continent. Granite
is found scattered through almost all the northern towns of
the county, and in the southern it is mingled with masses
of conglomerate. In some instances, as in Urbana, Wayne,
Wheeler, and Bath, large blocks are accompanied by rolled
pebbles of greenstone, sandstone, sienite, and limestone.
In the valleys of the Couliocton. Canisteo, Five- and Twelve-
PENCIL SKETCH OF THE RAVINE AT HAMMONDSPORT, EXPOSING TO VIEW .SOO FEET OF SHALE AND SANDSTONE.
of the hill.s, and their ascent more abrupt. We find also
granite bowlders in the same deposit with those of limestone,
many of them worn and rounded as by the whirl of counter-
currents. And many of our hills and valleys bear evidence
of such eddies and currents of water in their formation.
We notice two kinds of materials that have been carried
and deposited by the agency of currents of water :
1 . Bowlders, or large blocks of stone, rounded, and
scattered over the surface or imbedded in clay.
2. Beds of sand, clay, and gravel, composed of rounded
fragments of different sizes.
The bowlder deposits are numerous, and scattered gener-
ally throughout the county. In Pratl.sburgli, Pulteney,
Mile Creeks, limestone is found as a drift rock in rounded
pebbles of different sizes. There is not any uniformity in
the line of deposit of these bowlders, nor can any course
be traced with distinctness. It is uncertain whether they
were grounded from ice deposits or by glacial action.
The ridges of gravel, .sand, and clay appear to have been
formed by similar action of water: they seem to be of simi-
lar character, and from the same localities as the larger
bowlders. There is scarcely any uniformity of drift over a
given space in any one town. In some places it a.ssumes
the form of fine sand, in others of coarse gravel, and in
others of loam in mass, or mingled with sand and gravel;
in other places the sand, gravel and loam, and clay, lie in
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
59
distinct strata upon each other. The depth of these de-
posits of drift varies from above forty feet to two feet.
Howard Flats present a deptli of alluvial deposit singularly
deep as well as unique. Though slightly elevated above
the general surface, this section of the county presents a
high valley forming an extended swamp, and surrounded by
hills in which lies Loon Lake, out of which valley runs
Neil's Creek, along which the alluvium extends to a great
depth, and is devoid of gravel or other strata. The hill
deposits are not uniform ; some present their greatest slope
to the north and east, and their bluff end, or shoulder, to
the south and west. The eastern slope is more abrupt, in
many cases, than the western, the result of the action of
the waters in scooping out the valleys in their course towards
the ocean, or of the eddies and currents of the inland sea
anterior to the drainage from their surface.
Of the action of tlie.se eddies and currents we find in-
stances in the eastern part of the county, through Wayne,
Bradford, and Bath. From Keuka Landing, on the eastern
shore of Lake Keuka, to the Wayne Hotel, and thence
southward, there is a definable valley, the result of these
agencies, and hills moulded thereby, and lakes excavated
the whole distance.
Aside from Waneta and Mud Lakes, a succession of
lakes lie along the valley of Mud Creek, some of them of
great depth and surrounded by ridges and hills of every
conceivable shape. From the south head of Keuka Lake
to the valley of the Conhocton the same features are ex-
hibited, and marked evidences are presented of the action
of water throughout. Depressions and holes, as of former
water-courses, extend from Plea.sant Valley to the small
lake eastward of the village of Bath. Sink-holes are seen
along the valley of Five-Mile Creek, far above its present
level, in the towns of Prattsburgh and Wheeler.
In North Cohocton there are seen the same depressions,
abrupt and deep, and surrounded by hills of gravel, sand,
clay, and alluvium. The .same aj)pearances mark the envi-
rons of Purdy and Bennett's Creeks, the Tuscarora, in Jas-
per, Woodhull, and Addison, Mead's, in Campbell, and the
Cowanescjue, in Lindley and Pennsylvania.
In all the deep ravines and water-courses the rocks are
found outcropping and exposed to view. At Hammond.s-
port, in a ravine above the stone mill, about three hundred
feet of rock is exposed, characterized hy forcoides graphica.
It consists of shale and sandstone, of thin layers below and
thick layers above, the edges being more or less covered
with crystallized gypsum.
Some of the shale near this place emitting the odor of
bitumen, and developing fragments of vegetables and iron
pyrites, induced a search for coal, without evidence of
success.
In the town of Pulteney, at Harmonyville, near the lake
shore, similar features are developed, where digging for
coal resulted in like manner; though argillo-calcareous rock
of sufficient thickness for building purposes is found north
of the village of Bath, and also between Howard and Hor-
nellsville, in the creek ravine. Sandstones of thickness
and density suitable for grindstones are found in the town
of Canisteo, on the lands of Mr. Carter, in Woodhull, on
the lands of Mr. Stroud, in Jasper, on the laud of Mr.
Towsley, and in Greenwood, near the residence of Mr.
John Davis. At this latter place the elevation is about
five hundred feet above the Canisteo and fifteen hundred
feet above tide-water, and the source of Bennett's Creek
is about three hundred feet higher.
At La Grange a salt spring rises, from which salt has
been made by the inhabitants, and was previously made by
the Indians. A sulphur spring rises in Urbana, about two
miles southwest of Ilammondsport, and also above the lake
shore north of that place. Marl and tufa are found near
Cold Springs, also near Arkport, in Troupsburgh, on the
Canaseraga, south of Dansville, on the summit between
this creek and the Canisteo, and along the Five-Mile Creek,
in the north of Prattsburgh.
At Mitchellville, in what is termed the Gulf, — a high
valley between Bath and Wheeler, — is a bed of clay of
unusual depth and tenacity, in which was found the tooth
of a mastodon, about ten inches in length, al.so a large
bone, which was crumbled by the action of the air.
CHAPTER XIV.
STEUBEN COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
Federal Government — State Government — County Government — Ju-
diciary.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
KEPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
Representatives in Congress hold office two years.
They must reside in the State they are chosen to represent ;
must have been seven years citizens of the United States,
and have attained the age of twenty-five years. Each new
Congress commences on the 4th day of March every odd
j^ear. The elections are generally held during the even year
preceding, — in this State on the general election day.
The constitution of the United States directs that a cen-
sus be taken every ten years, which has been fixed at those
ending with a cipher ; and after each enumeration Congress
apportions the representation among the States, and the
Legislature divides the State into Congressional districts.
The first Congressional District, including Steuben
County, was formed by Act of March 23, 1797. It
was the Tenth District, and was composed of Cayuga, On-
ondaga, Ontario, Tioga, and Steuben Counties. The dis-
tricts including this county have been changed as follows :
Act of March .30, 1802. — Cayuga, Genesee, Ontario, and Steul)en,
Seventeenth District.
Act of March 20, ISOl. — Cayuga, Genesee, Ontario, Allegany, and
Steuben, Seventeenth District.
Act of March 8, 1808. — Cayuga, Seneca, Tioga, and Steuben, Four-
teenth District.
Act of June 10, 1812. — Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, Tioga, and
Steuben, Twentieth District.
Act of April 17, 1822. — Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Steuben,
Twenty-eighth District.
Act of June 29, 1832. — Yates and Steuben, Twenty-seventh Dis-
trict.
Act of September fi, 1842. — Allegany and Steuben, Thirtieth Dis-
trict.
60
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Act of July 19, 1851. — Livingston and Steuben, Twenty-eighth
District.
Act of April 23, 1862. — Chemuog, Allegany, and Steuben, Twenty-
eeventh District.
The following table gives the names, residences, and peri-
ods of service of the citizens of Steuben County who have
been Representatives of this county in Congress :
Xames. Residence.
Daniel Cruger Bath
William Woods Bath
John Magee Bath
John Magee Bath
Grattan H.Wheeler Wheeler..
Edward Howell Bath
John T.Andrews Bath
William S. Hubbell Bath
David Rumsey, Jr Bath
David Rumsey, Jr Bafh
Robert B. Van Valkenburgh Bath
Robert B. Van \'alkeuburgh Bath
C. C. B. Walker Corning...
John N. Hungerford Corning...
Cong.
. 15
. 18
. 20
. 21
. 22
. 2.3
. 25
. 28
. 30
. 31
. 37
. 38
. 41
. 43
Dist. Years.
20
28
28
28
28
27
27
30
30
30
28
27
27
27
1817-19
1823-25
1827-29
1829-31
1831-33
1833-35
1837-39
1843-45
1847-49
1849-51
1861-63
1863-65
187.3-75
1875-77
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
John Lloyd, Nov. 4, 1828, Allegany.
Grattan H. Wheeler, Nov. 3, 1840.
John D. Higgins, Nov. 5, 1844.
Perral C. Dininny, Nov. 2, 1852.
James Alley, Nov. 8, 1864.
Horace Bemis, Nov. — , 1868.
John McDougall, Nov. — , 1876.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNORS.
The Lieutenant-Governor has the same qualifications, and
is elected in the same manner, and for the same term, as
the Governor, whose duty he discharges in case of a vacancy
in that office. He is, ex-offick>, President of the Senate, a
Commissioner of the Canal Fund and of the Land-Office,
a member of the Canal Board, a trustee of the Idiot Asy-
lum and of Union College, a Regent of the University, and
a trustee of the Capitol and of the State Hall. Steuben
County has had one citizen elected to this office, viz. :
Hon. Robert Campbell, of Bath, elected Nov. 2, 1858.
Mr. Campbell was also Regent of the University, appointed Feb.
2, 1846, vice Governor Dix, resigned.
CANAL COMMISSIONER.
Hon. Stephen T. Hayt, of Corning, elected Nov. 6, 1866.
CANAL APPRAISER.
Henry H. Hull, of Bath, appointed April 5, 1855.
SUPERINTENDENT OF STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT.
Daniel C. Howell, of Bath, appointed Feb. 3, 1870.
SPEAKER OP THE ASSEMBLY.
Hon. Daniel Cruger, of Bath, elected Jan. 30, 1816.
William B. Ruggles, Deputy Attorney-General, appointed Jan-
uary, 1878.
STATE SENATORS.
Prior to the constitution of 1821, Steuben County was
a part of the large district designated the Western Sena-
torial District, and was represented, among others, by the
following persons, residents of this county :
Vincent Matthews,'* 1798-1804.
Henry A. Townsend, 1811-15.
* Mr. Matthews lived at Elmira when first elected, but afterwards
removed to Bath.
Under the constitution of 1821, this county was in-
cluded in the Eighth Senatorial District, with Allegany,
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Mon-
roe, Niagara and (after Nov. 12, 1824) Orleans Counties.
April 18, 1826, Steuben County was transferred to the
Sixth Senatorial District. During this period the senators
from this county were the following :
Grattan H. Wheeler, 1829-32.
George Huntington, 1836-40.
Under the constitution of 1846, Steuben and Chemung
Counties constituted the Twenty-sixth Senatorial District,
until the act of April 13, 1857. Steuben. Schuyler, and
Chemung Counties then became the Twenty-seventh Sena-
torial District, and have so remained.
The Senate consists of thirty-two members, who are
elected each odd year.
The rest of the senators from this county have been the
following :
William M. Hawley, 1848-49.
William J. Gilbert, 1851.t
Andrew B. Dickinson, 1854-55.
John K. Hale, 1856-57.
Samuel II. Hammond, 1860-61.
Stephen T. Hayt, 1864-66.
G. T. narrower, 1872-73.
George B. Bradley, 1874-76.
George B. Bradley, 1876-78.
Ira Daveuport, 1878-80.
MEMBERS OP ASSEMBLY, 1798-1822.
The Assembly has always been chosen annually. It
consisted at first of seventy members, with the power to
increase one with every seventieth increase of the number
of electors until it contained three hundred members.
When the constitution was amended, in 1801, the num-
ber had reached one hundred and eight, when it was
reduced to one hundred, with a provision that it should
be increased after each septennial census, at the rate of two
annually, until the number reached one hundred and fifty.
This increase was twelve in 1808 and fourteen in 1815.
Members in the several counties were elected on the general
ticket, and the Assembly selected from the Senators annu-
ally the Council of Appointment.
Steuben County was at first districted with Ontario, and
represented in the Legislature in 1798.J Her members of
Assembly under the first constitution were as follows :
1798.
Charles Williamson.
1812.
Jacob Teeple.
1799.
Charles Williamson.
1813.
Jacob Teeple.
1800.
Charles Williamson.
1814.
D.aniel Cruger.
1804.
James Faulkner.
1815.
Daniel Cruger.
1805.
John Wilson.
1816.
Daniel Cruger.
1806.
John Wilson.
1817.
William B. Rochester.
1807.
John Wilson.
1818.
William B. Rochester.
1808.
George Hornell.
1819.
John Dow.
1809.
Henry A. Townsend.
1820.
John Dow,
1810.
John Knox.
1821.
John Dow.
1811.
John Knox.
1822.
Grattan H. Wheeler.
"f" Extra session.
X Eleazer Liudley, of the town of Lindley, was a member of As-
sembly for Ontario County in 1792. Col. Williamson represented the
same county in 1796.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
61
EMBERS OF ASSEMBI.V", 1822-184?.
1838. Samuel Grigga.
David Hall.
Manning Kelly.
18.39,
Andrew G. Chatfield.
Abram M. Lybolt.
Johnson N. Uejnolds.
1840. Richard Brower.
Andrew G. Chatfield.
Abram M. Lybolt.
1841. Andrew G. Chatfield.
Wm. S. Ilubbull.
Samuel A. Johnson.
1842. Aaron W. Beach.
Francis E. Erwin.
Ziba A. Leland.
184.'?. Morris Brown.
Francis E. Erwin.
Ziba A. Leh-vnJ.
1844. John Jamison.
Asa McConnell.
Jeffrey Smith.
1845. Wm. C. Rogers.
Ansel C. Smith.
Jacob Van Valkenburgh.
1846. Andrew G. Chatfield.
Oto F. Marshall.
Wm. C. Rogers.
1847. Hiram Chapman.
Wm. Bivin.
Wm. Hunter.
1823. George McClure.
William Woods.
1824. George MeClure.
Grattan H. Wheeler.
1825. John Kennedy.
James McBurney.
I82fi. Daniel Cruger.
Grattan H. Wheeler.
1827. Paul C. Cook.
George McClure.
1828. Dugald Cameron.
Wm. Woods.
1829. Randall Graves.
Henry Phoenix.
I8;j0. Andrew B. Dickinson.
Josiah Duulap.
1831. Paul C. Cook.
Josiah Dunlap.
1832. Edward Howell.
John McBurney.
1833. AVm. Hunter.
Wm. Kernau.
1834. Joshua Healy.
Wm. Kernan.
1835. Jeremiah Baker.
Joshua Healy.
183C. Lemuel B. Searles. /
Henry Switzer.
1837. Henry G. Cotton.
John I. Poppino.
Benjamin Smead.
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY, 1847-1879.
ASSEMBLY niSTRICTS.
The constitution of 1846 required tlie Board of Super-
visors of the several counties to meet on the first Tuesday
of January succeeding the adoption of the constitution, and
divide the counties into districts of the number apportioned
to them of convenient and contiguous territory, and as
nearly equal population as possible. After each State cen-
sus, the Legislature is required to reapportion the members
and to direct the time when the supervisors shall meet for
the purpose of redistricting. Pursuant to this provision,
the boards met in June, 1857, and in June, 1866. Fulton
and Hamilton Counties together elect one member, and
every other county one or more. Steuben County was dis-
tricted as follows :
First Dlslricl.
1847. — Bath, Prattsburgh, Pulteney, Reading, Tyrone, Urbana,
Wayne, Wheeler.
1857. — Avoea, Bath, Bradford, Cohooton, Prattsburgh, Savona
(from Dec. 30, 1859, to April 30, 1862), Urban.a, Wayne, Wheeler.
1866. — Avoca, Bath, Bradford, Cohocton, Dansville, Fremont, How-
ard, Prattsburgh, Pulteney, Wayland, Wayne, Wheeler.
Second District,
1847. — Addison, Campbell, Cameron, Caton, Corning, Erwin, Horn-
by, Lindley, Orange, Thurston, Woodhull.
1857. — Addison, Cameron, Campbell, Caton, Corning, Erwin, Horn-
by, Lindley, Rathbone, Thurston, Tuscarora (from Dec. 31, 1859),
Woodhull.
1866. — Addison, Cameron, Campbell, Canisteo, Caton, Corning, Er-
win, Greenwood, HartsvUle, Hornby, Horncllsville, Jasper, Lindley,
Eathhone, Thurston, Troupsburgh, Tuscarora, West Union, Wood-
hull.
Third District.
1847.— Avoca, Canisteo, Cohoeton, Dansville, Fremont (from Nov.
17, 1854), Greenwood, Hartsville, Hornellsville, Howard, Jasper,
Troupsburgh, Wayland, West Union.
1857.— Canisteo, Dansville, Tremont, Greenwood, Hartsville, Hor-
nellsville, Howard, Jasper, Troupsburgh, Wayland, West Union.
MEMBERS ELECTED.
D\TE,
1848.
1849.
NAME. DIST.
Abel Kendall 1
John G. Mersereau 2
Alex. H. Stephens 3
Abm. J. Quackenboss... 1
John G. Mersereau 2
John K. Hale 3
1850. Edwin F. Church 1
Ferral C. Dininny 2
James Alley 3
1851. Chas. G. Higby I
James M. Miles 2
Joel Carrington 3
1852. R.B. Van Valkenburgh 1
Benajah P. Bailey 2
Nathaniel M. Perry 3
1853. Dryden Henderson 1
John MeBurni-y 2
Henry H. Bouton 3
1854. John F. Williams 1
Bennjah P. Bailey 2
Obadiah Stephens 3
1855. Seth B. Cole 1
Sylvester Smith 2
Peter C.Ward 3
1856. Goldsmith Deaiston 1
Albert C. Morgan 2
Harlo Hakes 3
1857. R.B. Van Valkenburgh 1
George T. Spencer 2
Solon 0. Thacher 3
1858. R. B. VanV.alkenburgh 1
Washington Barnes 2
William B. Jones 3
1859. Abel Eveland 1
Wiekham R. Crocker... 2
John T. Plato 3
1862. Daniel B. Bryan 1
Henry Sherwood 2
DATE. NAME DIST.
1802. Samuel M. Alley 3
1863. John W. Taggart 1
Henry Sherwood 2
Horace Bemis 3
1864. William E. Bonham 1
Alexander Oleott 2
J. Harvey Stephens 3
1865. William E. Bonham 1
Alexander Oleott 2
Horace Bemis 3
1866. William B. Boyd 1
Amaziah S. McKay 2
Frederick M. Kreidler.. 3
1867. William B.Boyd 1
Christian Minier 2
1868. John F. Little 1
Lyman Balcom 2
1869. Monroe Brundagc 1
Samuel Mitchell 2
1S70. James G. Bennett I
John Davis 2
1871. Thomas M. Fowler 1
James B. Murdock 2
1872. Thomas M. Fowler I
Stephen F. Gilbert 2
1873. Stephen D. Shattuck... 1
Charles F. Houghton... 2
1874. Stephen D. Shattuck... 1
Lewis C. Pierson 2
1875. William B. Ruggles 1
Jerry E. B. Santee 2
1876. William B. Ruggles 1
Jerry E. B. Santee 2
1877. Azariah C. Brundage... 1
George R. Sutherland... 2
1878. Azariah C. Brund.age... 1
George R. Sutherland... 2
DELEGATES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
The constitution of 1821 gradually grew into disfavor
with the people, who demanded a new one, which should
provide for the election of nearly all the officers by the
people, instead of receiving their appointment from the Gov-
ernor. Several other radical changes were also demanded,
and after considerable agitation of the subject, a convention
was ordered for the purpose of adopting a new constitution.
The election was held Nov. 4, 1845, with the following
result :
^* For a Convention" 313,257
" No Convention" 33,860
Agreeably to this expression of the popular will, an act
was passed April 22, 1846, calling the convention at Al-
bany on the 1st of June following, which met accordingly
on that day, and adjourned Oct. 9, 1846. The delegates
from this county were the following: Benjamin S. Brun-
dage, Robert Campbell, Jr., William Kernan.*
The new constitution was submitted to the people Nov.
3, 1846, and adopted by the following vote :
Amended constitution, '
Amended constitution.
Yes" 221,528
'No" 92,436
It came into force on the first day of January, 1847.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OP 1867.
Assembled at Albany June 4, 1867; adjourned sine die
Feb. 28, 1868.
President. — William A. Wheeler, Malone, Franklin Co,
Secretary.- — Luther Caldwell, Elaiira, Chemung Co.
Seryeant-at-Arms. — Samuel C. Pierce, Rochester.
Delegates from Steuben County. — Hon. David Rumsej, Bath; Hon-
George T. Spencer, Corning.
■^ General William Kernan, of Tyrone, then in this county, father
of Hon. Francis Kernan, U. S. Senator, Utica, N. Y.
62
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
COUNTY CLERKS.
George D. Cooper, March 31, 1796.
Henry A. TowDsentl, Feb. 11, 1799.
John Wilson, March 21, 1807.
Henry A. Townsend, Feb. 8, 1808.
Dugald Cameron, Feb. 16, 1810.
John Wilson, Feb. 13, 1815.
Edward Howell, March 19, 181S.
John Metcalfe, Feb. 19, 1821.
John Metcalfe, November, 1822.
David Kumsey, November, 1829,
William H. Bnll, NovemI>cr, 1832.
William Hamilton, November, I83S.
Paul C. Cook, November, 1S44.
Paul C. Cook, November, 1847.
Philo P. Hubbcll, November, 1850.
Chas. W. Campbell, November, 1853.
Samuel M. Alley, November, 1856.
OrsoD Moeber, November, 1859.
Oscar J. Averin, Novemljer, 1862.
Allen A. A^ao Orsdale, November, 1S65_
Nirom M. Crane, November, 1868.
Henry Faucett, November, 1871.
Archibald E. Baxter, November, 1874.
Lucius A, Waldo, November,. 1877.
SHERIFFS.
Sheriffs are elected for a term of three years, and are
ineligible for the next succeeding term. Under the first
constitution they were appointed annually by the Council
of Appointment, and no person could hold the ofiice for
more than four successive years. The sheriff could hold
no other office, and must be a freel»older in the county for
which he was appointed.* The following have been the
sheriffs of Steuben County :
William DuDn, March 31, 1796.
John WilsoB, March 3, ISOO.
Dugald Cameron, February 22, 1804.
Jacob Tccplc, February 16, 1808.
Howell Bull, March 22, 1810.
Cornelius YouDglove, March 25, 1811-
Thomas McBurncy, March 7, 1812.
BenJiamiD Wells, February 23, 1813.
Lazarus Hammond, March 2, 1S14.
George McClure, Fcbruaiy 28, 1815.
Heni-y Shriver, March 2, 1819.
John Magec, Fcbi-uary 19, 1821.t
John Magee, November, 1822.
John Kennedy, November, 1825.
Alva Ellas, November, 1828.
George HuBtington, November, 1831.
John T. Andrews, November, 1834.
Henry Brother, November, 1837.
Hiram Potter, November, 1840.
Hugh Magee, November, 1843.
Henry Brother, November, 1846.
Oliver Allen, November, 1849.
Gabriel T. Harrower, November, 1852.
Lewis D. Fay, November, 1855.
Orange Seymour, November, 1858.
Edwin B. Kasson, November, 1861.
William N. Smith, November, 1864.
Willis E. Craig, November, 1867.
William B. Boyd, November, 1870,
Holland B. Williams, November, 1873.
Franklin D. Sherwood, November, 1876.
» Const. 1777, Art. 26 ; Act Feb. 19, 1787.
f Appointed, and then under new constitution elected in 1822.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
County treasurers are elected under the constitution of
1846, for a term of three years. They were formerly ap-
pointed by the Boards of Supervisors in the several coun-
ties. The following are the names of those who have held
the office in this county :
James R. Dudley, November, 1848.
Perry S. Donahe, November, 1851.
Alexander Hess, November, 1857.
Peter Halsey, November, 1858.
John T. Allen, November, 1861.
Peter Halsey, November, 1864.
Peter Halsey, November, 1867.
Peter Halsey, November, 1870.
Theodore A. Silsbec, November, 1873.
Sebastian G. Lewis, November, 1876.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS.
By an act passed April 17, 1843, the Boards of Super-
visors of the several counties were directed to appoint
county superintendents of common schools. The office was
abolished March 13, 1847. During its existence the fol-
lowing persons officiated for Steuben County :
Ralph K. Finch, Bath.
Alanson S. Phillips, Bath,
SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.
Prior to 1857 school commissioners were appointed by
the Boards of Supervisors. Since that year they have been
elected on a separate ballot. The first election under the
act creating the office (chapter 179, Laws of 1856) was
held in November, 1859. The following shows the school
commissioners for this county and the districts for which
they were respectively elected ;
Name. Dist.
George McLean 1
Stephen A^orhis 1
Eli H. Brown 1
R. R. Calkins 1
Joseph B. Westcott 1
George P. Averv 1
John C. Higby (2d) 1
Zenas L. Parker 1
G. Horatio Guinnp 1
G. Horatio Guinup 1
P. J. Farrington 2
Noble H. Rising 2
Name. Dist.
Edmund D. Peckham 2
William M. Sherwood 2
Jacob H. W^estcott 2
Reuben H. Williams 2
Reuben H. Williams 2
Reuben A. Williams 2
AVillinm P. Todd 3
William S. Hale 3
Horatio Pattengell 3
Rodney Dennis 3
Albert T. Parkhill 3
Edwin Whiting
JUDICIARY.
JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT.
Steuben County is included in the Seventh Judicial Dis-
trict, with Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca,
Wayne, and Yates Counties. The justices of this court
who have been residents of this county are the following :
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, Corning, April 7, 1847.
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, " Nov. 6, 1849.
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, " Nov. 3, 1857.
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, " Nov. 7, 1865.
Hon. David Rumsey, Bath, Nov. 7, 1873.3:
Hon. David Rumsey, " Nov. 1873.J
J Appointed by Governor Dix to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Hon. Thomas A. Johnson.
^ Elected by the people for a term of fourteen years, which expires
Dec, 31, 1887.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTy, NEW YORK.
63
Under the constitution of 1821, Hon. William B. Roch-
ester, of Bath, was appointed Circuit Judge for the Eighth
Circuit on 21st April, 1823.
ASSISTANT ATTOKNET-GENERALS.
This was the original designation of the ofiSce of district
attorney. The district? embraced several counties, and were
.seven in number (Act Feb. 12, 1796). The office was
filled by the Governor and Council during pleasure. The
attorney-general officiated personally in New York County.
The following were the persons appointed under this act for
Steuben County and the territory then constituting the
Sixth District :
William Stewart, appointed March 31, 1796.
Nathiiniol W. Howell, " Feb. 9, 1797.
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.
The office of district attorney was created April 4, 1801.
At first the State was divided into seven districts, as before,
but subsequently several new ones were formed. The fol-
lowing were district attorneys in the Seventh Dbtrict, in-
cluding Steuben County :
William Stewart, appointed March 2, 1802.
l)a,n'\e\ W. Lewis, " March 9, 1810.
William Stewart, '• Feb. 12, 1811.
Vincent Matthews, " March 12, ISIS.
Daniel t'ruger, " April 17, 1815.
On the 21st of April, 1818, a law was passed making
each county a separate district. The names of those hold-
ing office under this law are as follows :
Dimiel Cruger, appointed June 11, 1818.
-lobn Cook,
Henry Welles,
Edward Howell,
B. W. Frnnkliu,
Edward Howell,
Lazarus H. Read,
Andrew (>. Chatfield,
Morris Brown,
Feb. 19, 1821.
Oct. 22, 1824.
Feb. 7, 1829.
iS-M.
June 21, lS:i6.
March 4, 1840.
Dec. 2, 1845.
June 20, 18411.
Under the constitution of 18-16 and the amended con-
stitution of 18G7, district attorneys have been elected as
follows :
Alfred P. Ferris,
elected June, 1847.
Robert L. Brundagc, "
Joseph Herron. "
John Mayriard, "
Chris. ,lobn McDowell, "
Harlow Hakes. "
.lohn II. Butler,* appointed
.lubn II. Butler, elected
.lohn H. Butler, "
Alphonso H. Burrcll, "
Ellsworth D. Jlills. "
Ellsworth I). Mills, "
November, 1850.
November, 1853.
January 7, 185B.
November, 1859.
November, 1862.
1865.
November, 1865.
November, 1868.
November, 1871.
November, 1874.
November, 1877.
COUNTT JUDGES.
During most of the time under the first constitution the
number of judges and assistant justices in the various
counties differed widely, in some counties the number being
as great as twelve of each. By an act passed March 27,
* Appointed vice Herron, removed from the county.
1818, the office of assistant justice was abolished, and the
number of judges was limited to five, including the first
judge. Under the constitution of 1821, the judges were
appointed by the Governor and Senate. Under the consti-
tution of 184G, they are elected for a term of four years,
and their salary fixed by the Boards of Supervisors. The
County Court has, under the present constitution, jurisdic-
tion in actions of debt, assumpsit, and covenant, in sums
not exceeding one thousand dollars, and such other original
jurisdiction as the Legislature from time to time shall give
it. The Legislature under this provision has conferred
upon the County Court equity jurisdiction for the fore-
closure of mortgages, the sale of the real estate of infants,
partition of lands, admeasurement of dower, satisfaction of
judgments wherever seventy-five dollars is due on an un-
satisfied execution, and the care and custody of lunatics
and habitual drunkards.
The constitution associates with the county judge two
justices of the peace, to be designated by law, to hold courts
of sessions, with such criminal jurisdiction as the Legisla-
ture shall prescribe, and perform such other duties as may
be required by law.
The following have been the county judges who have
officiated in Steuben County :
Charles Williamson, March 31, 1796.
William Kersey, Jan. 29, 1803.
James Faulkner, Feb. Ifi, 1804.
Samuel Baker, Jan. 18, 1813.
Thoma.s McBurney, April 15, 1816.
James Norton, Feb. 7, 1823.
George C. Edwards, Jan. 13, 1826.
Ziba A. Leiand, Jan. 9, 1838.
Jacob Larrowe, April 17, 1843.
William M. Hawley, Jan. 30, 1846.
David McMaster, June, 1847.
Jacob Larrowe, November, 1851.
David McMaster, November, 1855.
Washington Barnes, November, 1859.
Guy H. McMaster, November, 1863.
Guy H. McMaster, November, 1867.
George T. Spencer, November, 1871.
Guy H. McMaster, November, 1877.
SURROGATES.
Under the first constitution, surrogates were appointed
for an unlimited period by the Council of Appointment. An
appeal lay from their decisions to the judge of the Court
of Probate of the State. Under the second constitution,
surrogates were appointed by the Governor and Senate for
four years. Appeals lay from their decision to the chan-
cellor. The constitution of 1846 aboli.shed the office of
surrogate, except in counties where the population exceeds
forty thousand, and devolved its duties on the county
judge. In counties exceeding in population forty thousand,
the Legislature may anthoriie the election of surrogates.
They are elected for a term of four years (except in New
York County, where the term is three years), and are
allowed to take the acknowledgment of deeds and administer
oaths in the same manner as county judges (ch. 175, Laws
of 1851).
The duties of surrogate have been performed in this
county by the county judge since 1847. Prior to that
time the office was filled by the following-named persons :
64
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Stephen Ross, March 31, 1796.
Henry A. Townsend, M.arch 24, 1800.
George McClure, March 25, 1805.
John Metcalfe, April 6, 1813.
James Read, April 8, 1815.
Samuel Baker, April 10, 1817.
William Read, March 20, 1821.
James Brniidage, March 28, 1823.
William Woods, Jan. 8, 1827.
Rohert Campbell, Jan. 31, 1835.
David Rnmsev, Jan. 24, 1840.
Ansel J. MeCall, Feb. 3, 1844.
CHAPTER XV.
BENCH AND BAK OF STEUBEN COTINTY.
The establishment of a county and the location of a
seat of jastice bring in due time a bench and bar. Steuben
had no lawyers till the county was organized in 1796.
The first arrival was George D. Cooper, from Rhinebeck,
on the Hudson. He was appointed the first clerk of the
county. The next arrivals were Messrs. Jones, Masterton,
and Stewart, from New York City. These gentlemen of
the legal profession were followed by William Howe Cuyler,
of Albany. Mr. Cuyler was a fine, portly, elegant young
man, of very fashionable and fascinating manners of the
Chesterfieidian order. In 1812, Gen. Amos Hall appointed
him aide-de-camp, and while stationed at Black Rock he was
killed by a cannon-ball from Fort Erie. Maj. Cuj-ler was
a very active and intelligent officer, and his death was much
lamented. He left a young wife and one son.
According to Gen. MeClure's account, the next lawyer
who came to Bath was Dominick Theophilus Blake, a
young man from Ireland. He was well educated, but his
dialect and manner of speech afforded much amusement for
the other members of the bar. Mr. Blake had but little
practice, and remained in Bath but a short time.
Samuel S. Haight, Esq., prior to his removal to Angelica,
Allegany Co., was a prominent member of the Steuben
County bar. He removed from Elmira to Bath, where he
acquired an extensive law practice. Hon. Daniel Cruger,
William B. Rochester, and other eminent members of this
bar, studied law in his oflBce.
Among the early lawyers was a Virginian, named Cuth-
bert Harrison, whom Gen. McClure describes as a " man
of good sense, and, whether drunk or sober, a good-natured,
clever fellow."
The following amusing anecdote, which was contributed
by a member of the Steuben County bar to the " Knicker-
bocker Magazine," is said to relate to Judge Helm, who
resided at an early time in Bath, and became one of the
judges of the Court of Common Pleas :
" Among them was a jolly old Virginian, Judge H ,
a sportsman of the old school of buff breeches and fair
top-boots, well known throughout the country for genial
habits and generous hospitality. He had been appointed
a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Though little
versed in legal technicalities, he possessed a fund of genuine
common sense, which made him a good judge. On one
occasion, in the absence of the first judge, it fell to him to
charge the grand jury. The substance of the charge, so
characteristic of the man and of his opinions, is here given :
" ' Gentlemen of the Grand Jury : — In the absence of
the first judge, it becomes my duty to address you. If
you expect much of a charge, you will be disappointed, as
it will be nothing but a squib. I see among you many
gentlemen who understand the duties of grand jurors better
than I do. I need only say, then, you know your duties,
go ahead and perform them. The sheriflF has handed me
his criminal calendar, by which it appears he has five poor
devils in jail for various offenses ; two of them are for
horse-stealing. Now, gentlemen, there are grades in crime,
and common sense would indicate that the punishment
should be in proportion to the criminality of the offense,
as exhibited by the circumstances of each case. That I
suppose is the law ; if it is not it ought to be so. You
will understand what I mean by this, when I inform you
that one of these scamps stole a slab-sided Yankee mare,
while the other took a Virginia blood-horse. Two others
are indicted for mayhem. One of them for biting off a
negro's nose, which I think exhibits a most depraved appe-
tite ; the other for gouging out an Irishman's eye, a most
ungentlemanly way of fighting. I hope you will look well
to these fellows. The last is a poor cuss who stole a jug
of whisky. The article is so plenty and cheap that it may
be had by asking, anywhere, and stealing it is the meanest
kind of offense, and deserves the severest punishment that
the law will permit. The great men at Albany have made
it our special duty to charge you in regard to private lot-
teries. What is the mighty crime involved in this business
I cannot see, when hustling and pitching coppers is tolerated ;
but I suppose they know, and as the law makes it our duty,
I charge you to look out for them. Sheriff, select two
constables, and march these men off to their duties.'"
HON. VINCENT MATTHEWS.
Vincent Matthews, who was for several years a leading
member of this county bar, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., on
the 29th of June, 1766. At an early age he was sent to an
academy at Middletown, N. Y., and finished his classical
education under the instruction of the great scholar and
lexicographer, Noah Webster. In 1786 he commenced
the study of law with Col. Robert Troup, of New York,
and during his studies became intimate with Pendleton,
Judge (afterwards Governor) Yates, Ciiief Justice Morris,
Aaron Burr, and others whose names form a brilliant con-
stellation in the history of New York jurisprudence. He
thus bad rare opportunities, it being his privilege to see how
justice was administered by Morris, Yates, Spencer, Kent,
and Savage, and how forensic questions were managed by
such master minds as Hamilton and Burr.
Matthews was admitted to practice in the year 1790, and
remained some time with Col. Troup. In 1793 he removed
to Elmira. In 1796 he represented the Western District
in the Senate of the State. Soon after he retired from the
Senate he was appointed, with Hon. James Emott, a mem-
ber of the Onondaga Commission to settle the difficulties
growing out of conflicting claims and litigations respecting
the Military Lands, a delicate and trying position, the duties
of which were discharged with signal ability and success.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
65
In 1809, Mr. Matthews was elected to the Eleventh Con-
ress from the then Fourteenth Congressional District, which
onsisted of Cayuga, Seneca, Steuben, and Tioga Counties.
le served one year in Congress, and returned to the practice
f his profe.ssioD. In 1812 he was elected district attorney
)T several of the western counties, and representing a large
phere of official and professional labor. After holding the
ffice a little over two years, his increasing professional busi-
ess compelled him to resign, and his place was filled by
ren. Daniel Cruger, of Bath. In 1816, at the solicitation
f numerous friends in Steuben County, Gen. Matthews
Bmoved to Bath. Here his popularity continued to increase,
nd he soon became one of the most distinguished lawyers
1 Western New York. In 1821 he removed to Rochester,
rhere his reputation as a lawyer had gone before him, and
'here he entered upon a large and lucrative practice, which
e continued for the remainder of his active life.
Gen. Matthews served in the Legislature, from Monroe
Wnty, in 1826, in the Senate in 1839, and was ap-
ointed district attorney for that county in 1831. He was
sagacious, philosophical, and profound man, and an able
iwyer, though never an active politician. He died on the
6th of September, 1846, in the eightieth year of his age,
aving practiced his profession fifty-five years without
iterruption excepting his official terms.
GEN. DANIEL CRUGER.
Daniel Cruger, whose ancestors were Huguenots, was a
ative of Sunbury, Pa. He was born on the 22d of
)ecember, 1780. He learned the printer's trade in his
oyhood of a Mr. Webster, one of the earliest printers in
ilbany, and afterwards started a paper at Owego, called the'
hcego Democrat, which he edited and published for a
bort time, when he sold his interest and came to Bath, his
ither having previously removed here. For a while he
ursued his occupation in Bath, but it proving injurious to
is health, he entered the law-office of Gen. S. S. Haight
s a student, with whom he continued till he was admitted
3 the bar in 1805, when he became a partner with Gen
laight.
About this time he was married to Miss Hannah
!lement, a niece of Henry A. Townsend, Esq., a lady of
reat refinement, intellectual culture, and graceful accom-
li.sliments, who subsequently was as much admired in the
olished and refined circles of Wa.shington and Albany, as
er husband was esteemed and honored among the gifted
tatesmen and lawyers with whom he associated in those
ities. His ability as a lawyer soon exhibited itself, and he
ecame, within a few years after the commencement of his
ractice, one of the leading lawyers at the Steuben bar.
Mr. Cruger served with the rank of major during the
rar of 1812, and did gallant service with Gen McClure's
rigade in Canada. In the fall of 1813 he was elected to
lie Assembly. In 18U he was re-elected, and also in
815, and during this latter session was chosen Speaker
f the House. It was a memorable contest between the
Icpublican and Federal factions. Jacob R. Van Rensselaer
ras the Federal candidate. So nearly divided were the
actions in the House, that Mr. Cruger was elected by a
majority of only one vote. He was a most efficient presid-
9
ing officer. It has been said, " Perhaps few men ever
presided over a legislative body with more dignity and
ability. He was a man of extensive and profound informa-
tion, thoroughly conversant with parliamentary rules, quick
of apprehension, and he perfectly understood the rules of
debate ; without any apparent reflection ho could apply
them to existing circumstances with perfect facility. His
courtesy and urbanity in the chair were proverbial, and,
notwithstanding the bitter animosity which governed the
partisan strife of that day, he was exceedingly popular as a
presiding officer."
In 1815, Mr. Cruger formed a partnership with Hon.
William B. Rochester, of Bath, subsequently one of the
circuit judges of the State, an eminent and distinguished
politician, a lawyer of fine legal attainments, a judge of
superior abilities, a gentleman by birth, intuition, and prac-
tice, a scholar, ripe and thorough, and an ornament to the
bench, the bar, and the political arena. It is needless,
perhaps, to add that the combination of such talents in this
legal firm rendered it one of the most powerful and influen-
tial in Western New York.
On the 7th of April, 1815, Gen. Cruger was appointed
district attorney for the Seventh District, consisting of the
counties of Steuben, Allegany, and Tioga. The office of
district attorney was at that time second only in importance
to that of attorney-general, and it was while in the dis-
charge of the duties of this office that Gen. Cruger attained
his highest professional reputation. Through a series of
years he wielded an influence in the counties of Allegany
and Steuben almost unbounded.
In the fall of 1816 he was elected to Congress from the
then Twentieth Congressional District. Here his talents
were not less conspicuous than they had before been in the
State Legislature. He served in the House of Representa-
tives as a member of the committee on the judiciary, and
made several speeches, which attracted more than ordinary
attention and won for him a high degree of respect.
When De Witt Clinton was removed from the office of
canal commissioner, meetings were held throughout the
State, denouncing the act in the strongest and most em-
phatic manner. When the intelligence reached Steuben
County a large meeting convened at Bath. It was the
largest meeting which, up to that time, had ever assembled
in this part of the State. Gen. Cruger was called to pre-
side. On taking the chair he made one of his character-
istic speeches, — a speech of great power and efl^ectiveness,
although entirely destitute of any attempt at oratorical
display. It was the calm and dignified expression of his
own deep feelings, rendering his plain words penetrating
and enduring. Among other things he said : " Private
citizens have rights as well as duties. The Legislature is
but a co-ordinate branch of government, instituted for one
and a single end, the duty of making laws. When it is
perverted to other objects, to purposes of ambition or party
spirit, we are authorized, we are bound to make such oppo-
sition as shall call it back to a discharge of its proper duties,
to endeavor to render it as pure as the imperfections of our
nature will admit. Fellow-citizens, that the Legislature,
in the removal of Mr. Clinton, has perverted its powers to
party spirit, party rancor and hate, will be admitted by all
66
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
reasonable and thinking men. No prophetic inspiration
tells that the people of this great State will surely vindi-
cate him. I assert that they will do so, because I claim to
know something of the people of this State. Fellow-citi-
zens, the day will come when shame and confusion will fall
upon the heads of the perpetrators of this outrage."
Any measure which became necessary for him personally
to carry into execution was never delayed on account of
darkness or the elements. In such cases sunshine and tem-
pest, day and night were all the same to him. The follow-
ing incident illustrates this characteristic, and evinces a
greatness of action which, had he been a military comman-
der, would, in times of war, have rendered him formidable
and victorious in the field :
While in the discharge of his duties as district attorney
under the large district system, he left Bath to attend a
term of the Allegany Oyer and Terminer at Angelica. At
that day lawyers as well as judges traveled from circuit to
circuit on horseback. In those days Cruger was the owner
of a valuable horse which he called Jingle Foot. He was
a large bay animal, with a white star in his forehead, finely
proportioned, and like his master, with whom he was a great
favorite, capable of great endurance. He was as fleet as a
deer and docile as he was fleet. Jingle Foot had for two
or three years carried his master to all the courts in West-
ern New York, and was therefore almost as famous as the
steed of Alexander the Great. On this visit to Angelica,
Gen. Cruger, as usual, rode his favorite horse. He reached
that village some time in the afternoon of the first day of
the circuit. On his arrival he found his Democratic friends
in a state of great vexation, owing to an advantage which
the Federals had apparently gained over them.
About this time the term of the clerk of Allegany County,
who was a Republican, was drawing to a close. That oflicer
was then appointed by the Council of Appointment at
Albany, which at that time was composed of Democrats
(Republicans, as they were then called), and of course
would appoint any person upon whom the leaders of that
party in Allegany County could unite. This council was
to meet on Thursday of that week, but as there had been
some misunderstanding among the Democrats as to the
proper person to recommend, no name had been sent to
Albany. But in the mean time the Federals had been on
the alert, and taking advantage of the misunderstanding
among their opponents, had forwarded the name of one of
their own party for the ofiice of clerk to the council. This
fact had just come to the knowledge of the Democrats when
Cruger arrived. The partisan contests of those days were
bitter in the extreme. The appointment of a clerk was a
matter of considerable advantage, and of course this was a
serious affair, especially as it was now apparently too late
to remedy the evil.
Nothing could exceed the chagrin and mortification of
Cruger on learning of this state of things. In a few
moments his room was filled with the leading Democrats
of the county. A Federal clerk in the county of Allegany !
Such a thing was not to be thought of for a moment ! But
where was the remedy ? It was too late for any mail to
reach Albany in time to prevent the appointment. For a
time Mr. Cruger walked the room in a state of intense ex-
citement. At length he sent for the landlord, and that
person soon made his appearance.
" Bullock," said Cruger, " have Jingle Foot well rubbed,
fed, saddled and bridled within an hour and a half."
He then sent for Gen. Haight, who was attending court
at Angelica at that time. When that gentleman appeared
he said, —
" General, I want you take charge of my business during
this term ; put over what causes you can and try the rest,
for I am going to Albany."
" Going to Albany !" exclaimed several gentlemen at the
same moment.
"Going to Albany, Cruger? What can you be going
to Albany for?" asked Gen. Haight.
" To prevent this county being disgraced by a Federal
clerk," was the reply.
" Why, good heavens ! Cruger," said a gentleman present,
" you can't reach Albany in time to prevent that appoint-
ment now."
" Yes I can. Jingle Foot will land me safely in Albany
between this and Thursday noon, or I am mistaken in him ;
at any rate, he and I will make a trial to overturn the nice
plans of these infernal Federalists," said Cruger.
He next gave the general some further instruction con-
cerning his business, and in due time word came that Jingle
Foot was ready at the door.
This was in the month of June. The sun was just
going down as Mr. Cruger mounted his horse and rode out
of the village. Night and day, over bill and dale, he pressed
forward, stopping just long enough for refreshments and a
little rest. Jingle Foot seemed imbued with the same deter-
•mined enei'gy as his master, — seemed to gather fresh strength
as he sped on his course. Such was his progress that just
as the old Albany town-clock tolled the hour of noon of
Thursday Cruger drew up in front of the City Hotel.
" Take such care of that horse as you never did of any
other," said he to the hostler, who came forward as he rode
up ; and the noble animal was soon safe in the comfortable
stables of the hotel.
At the appointed time the Council of Appointment assem-
bled. As Allegany County was the first on the list, that
body was in the act of moving the person recommended
by the Federalists for clerk of that county, when Daniel
Cruger, to their great astonishment, stood before it. He
was not long in relating the true situation of affairs in that
remote region, and matters were soon arranged to his satis-
faction. After resting a day or two in Albany, he again
mounted Jingle Foot, returned to Angelica, and the Demo-
crats of Allegany County rejoiced in the appointment of a
clerk belonging to their own party, having learned a lesson
which healed all dissensions among them.
In person, Gen. Cruger was below the common height,
somewhat thick-set, but with a manly, genteel figure and
bearing. He was graceful and easy in his manners, and his
conversation was refined and cultivated. Both himself and
Mrs. Cruger possessed that genial hospitality which always
filled their house with intelligent and pleasing guests.
During the session of the courts at Bath their house was
always the headquarters of the judges who presided. There
Ambrose Spencer, Yates, and Van Ness rested from their
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
67
ibors in the court-room ; there too John C. Spencer, Elisha
Villiams, Samuel A. Talcott, John A. Collier, David Wood-
tick, and other eminent lawyers of the day, forgetting the
ollisions of the bar, were entertained by Mr. Cruger and
is accomplished lady, while many an agreeable hour passed
y enlivened by pleasing and refined conversation.
It was the custom in those days, when a presiding judge
rrived at a county-seat, to receive him with public honors ;
nd when the hour for the session to open arrived, the sheriff,
1 full uniform, attended by his assistants, carrying their
Bspective badges of office, waited upon him at his lodgings
nd escorted him to the court-house. In the court-room
verything was conducted in the same formal manner.
In 1828, Gen. Cruger sustained an irreparable misfortune
1 the death of his wife. In 1833 he married Mrs. Shep-
rd, a highly-respected widow lady, of Wheeling, W. Va.,
'here the general invested his property, and went to reside
liortly after.
Early in June, 1843, while attending a meeting of the
irectors of Wheeling Bank, he was stricken down with
poplexy, and died within a few moments after the attack.
JUDGE WELLES.
Henry Welles was born in Kiuderhook, N. Y., Oct. 13,
794. His father was Dr. Benjamin Welles, who was an
minent surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Henry re-
eived his early education at the Kinderhook Seminary,
n 1814 he enlisted in a military company recruited in the
ouuty of Steuben and commanded by Capt. John Ken-
edy, of Bath. He was elected sergeant, and soon after,
3r his knowledge of tactics and military drill, was promoted
3 the rank of ensign. His company was attached to Col.
lopkins' regiment of infantry, and, early in July, took
be field, at Black Rock.
In September, 1814, the American army took possession
f Fort Erie. The British besieged the fort, keeping up a
onstant fire for several days, and, at the same time, grad-
ally approaching with their parallels, so that the officer in
ommand congratulated himself that within a few short
ours he would re-enter with his victorious columns. But
n the morning of the 17th of September the Americans
uddenly moved from their works, fell like a thunder-clap
pon their besiegers, and, after a short but sanguinary
attle, drove them from their works to the plains of Chip-
ewa, with a heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners.
In that battle young Welles exhibited the cool intrepidity
f a veteran. As they were entering the works of the
nemy, a British soldier discharged his musket at him.
!'he bullet grazed his side and mortally wounded a young
oldier who stood partly in the rear.
About the middle of November, 1814, he returned to
?ath, and entered the office of Vincent iNIatthews as a
tudent-at-law. His father had made the acquaintance of
his eminent lawyer in the city of New York while the
itter was pursuing his legal studies in the olfice of Col.
Croup, of that city.
After remaining in the office of Gen. JIatthews three
'ears, he was admitted to the bar, in October, 1817, with
Ion. John B. Skinner, of Buffalo, who was also in the class
?ith him, three years later, when they were both admitted
to the degree of counselor. Subsequently, they often met
at the bar as opponents, and were often associated in the
trial of the same causes.
Immediately after his admission, Mr. Welles opened an
office in Bath and commenced practice. Applying himself
with untiring industry to his profession, he soon attained
a very extensive practice both in Steuben and the adjacent
counties.
Among the lawyers practicing at the Steuben bar when
Mr. Welles commenced his career were Vincent Matthews,
William B. Rochester, Edward Howell, Daniel Cruger,
General Haight, and William Woods, — names which dis-
tinguish and adorn the bar. Soon after, Mr. Matthews
removed to Rochester. Early in 1823, Mr. Rochester was
appointed a circuit judge, and Mr. Cruger was in Congress.
Thus many formidable competitors were removed, leaving
Mr. Welles a more open field of labor.
In October, 1824, he was appointed district attorney of
Steuben County, — an appointment which was highly com-
plimentary to him as a lawyer. His predecessor was Daniel
Cruger, who was distinguished throughout Western New
York as a lawyer and writer, eminent in Congress for his
legislative abilities of a high order, and a politician of in-
domitable energy and power. His life appears in another
part of this chapter.
Soon after Mr. Welles was appointed district attorney,
a case occurred which called into action all his professional
and intellectual powers. It was the well-known case of the
People vs. Douglas. The defendant in that case was charged
with having murdered a citizen of Steuben County by the
name of Ives, under circumstances of great atrocity and
cruelty. The victim was found in a piece of woods mor-
tally wounded, in a speechle-ss and dying condition. Who
the perpetrator of the foul crime was, remained for some
time unknown. At length suspicion pointed to Douglas ;
he was arrested, indicted, and in January, 1825, brought
to trial. The matters relied upon for convicting him were
merely circumstantial, but they pointed to him as the guilty
man. The prisoner had many friends and some means-
He prepared for a vigorous and determined defense. Hon.
Edward Howell, Ziba A. Lelaud, and Schuyler S. Strong,
Esqs., of Bath, were retained to defend him; the prosecu-
tion being conducted by District Attorney Welles. The
trial occupied several days, and was exceedingly exciting.
Hon. William B. Rochester presided, assisted by Hon.
James Norton, then First Judge of Steuben County. Every
effort was made to save Douglas which his eloquent and
able counsel could employ ; many abstruse and difficult
questions of law arose and were discussed ; many thrilling
circumstances were developed, in all of which Mr. Welles
exhibited ability and learning equal to the occasion. The
accused was convicted; but, on the trial, a circumstance oc-
curred which set aside the verdict of the jury, and gave
him a new hearing. While the trial was in progress, dur-
ing one of its recesses, the jury visited a place where spirit-
uous liquors were sold and partook of refreshments, some
of them drinking intoxicating liquors. The counsel for
Douglas alleged this act as a ground of error. The case
was carried to the general term of the Supreme Court, and
on the 25th of February, 1825, it came on for argument at
68
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Albany. The conviction was set aside, and a new trial
granted the prisoner. This case is reported in the 4th of
Cowen. In due time the new trial took place, and the
prisoner was convicted and executed.
Judge Welles continued to discharge the duties of dis-
trict attorney until the year 1829, when his increasing civil
business compelled him to resign. Hon. Edward Howell
was appointed in his place. Mr. Welles continued to prac-
tice at Bath ten years, when he removed to Penn Yan,
where he continued to practice with success and distinction
until elected a justice of the Supreme Court.
As a lawyer he was not one of those
" Who pit the brains against the heart,
Gloss misdeeds and trifle with great truths."
At the bar he gained the attention of the court and jury
by the calm, candid manner in which he presented his case.
Though not a rapid thinker, and sometimes slow in coming
to conclusions, yet such was the perfect preparation which
he gave his cases that he was always formidable as an antag-
onist. He was like a heavy piece of artillery, not easily
changed about, but always well and effectually aimed. His
manner is well illustrated by the following anecdote : He
was once engaged in the trial of an important cause, at
Waterloo, in which the counsel opposed to him made an
exhibition of his eloquence, and, in his conceit, a sarcastic
allusion to the plain speaking of his opponent. In his
reply Mr. Welles simply remarked that he never attempted
the flights of oratory which the counsel opposed to him
did ; and he could only say of him, as Junius did of the
king, "The feathers that adorn him support his flight;
strip him of his plumage and you fix him to the earth,"
and that he should endeavor in a quiet way to take some
of the gentleman's plumage from him, — just enough, he
trasted, to keep his good friend out of the clouds ; and
he succeeded to the admiration of all present.
In July, 1847, the first judicial election under the con-
stitution took place. In the Seventh Judicial District,
Thomas A. Johnson, of Corning, Henry Welles, of Penn
Yan, Samuel L. Seldon, of Rochester, and John Maynard,
of Auburn, were elected justices of the Supreme Court.
These gentlemen were lawyers of the highest and purest
professional character. As they had adorned the bar with
their learning and talents, so also they added lustre to the
bench, which since the adoption of the first constitution
had been the admiration of the nation. For over thirty
years the judges of the Seventh District have upheld the
learning, dignity, and purity of the Supreme Court of the
State of New York.
Judge Welles discharged the duties of a justice of the
Supreme Court nearly twenty-one years. The legal reports
of the State bear ample testimony to his ability and
research. It is said, " He entered upon the discharge of
his duties with great industry and directness of purpose,
and the student of the earlier volumes of ' Barbour's and
Howard's Reports' will find the traces of his judicial labor
to be quite as numerous and quite as valuable as those of
any other member of the court."
Judge Welles died at Penn Yan, March 7, 1868, in the
seventy -fourth year of his age.
HON. THOMAS A. JOHNSON.
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson was born in Blanford, Hamp-
den Co., Mass., May 15, 1804. His paternal ancestry was
English, and his maternal Irish. His father was a small
fiirmer, and his advantages for education were such only as
the common schools afforded. In his early boyhood his
parents removed to Colesville, Broome Co., N. Y. As soon
as he was old enough, he spent his winters in teaching
district school and in reading and study. He studied law
with Hon. Robert Monell, at Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y.,
and soon after admission to the bar he removed to Centre-
ville, in the present town of Corning, which was then head-
quarters for business in this region. As business moved
eastward, he removed to Knoxville, and in 1839 became
one of the first residents of the village of Corning, build-
ing one of the best houses in the place at its commence-
ment, in which he resided till the time of his death. He
always took an active interest in building up and fostering
the various business and social interests of the village.
In 1841 he was appointed land commissioner for the
Erie Railroad Company. With Simeon Hammond, now
of Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y., under the firm-name of
Hammond & Johnson, he was half-owner of the water-
power and mill property just east of Corning, and was in-
terested in the same at the time of his death, as one of the
firm of Johnson, Brough & Bostwick. Until his elevation
to the bench he was in the active and constant practice of
his profession.
He was a Whig, of Free-Soil proclivities, and afterwards
a Republican throughout his life. He was one of the first
trustees of the school district in the village of Corning,
and during his life an earnest promoter of education. He
was, from its opening till his death, one of the trustees of
the Elmira Female College. The town of Corning being
Whig, he was chosen to a full share of the town ofiiees.
The county, senatorial, and Congressional districts were
largely Democratic, yet he had the courage to accept at
various times a nomination by his party for the Senate and
Congress, and stumped the district with great ability, al-
though without success in securing his election.
In 1847 he was elected by the Whigs to the ofiice of
justice of the Supreme Court for the Seventh Judicial Dis-
trict under the then new constitution. This county was
included in the district by the active efforts of three men,
who admired Mr. Johnson for his staunch advocacy of
Whig principles, and were determined that Steuben County
should be placed in a strong Whig district, so that he could
be elected ju.stice of the Supreme Court. These tiiree were
Hon. William Divin, member of Assembly (a resident of
Reading, then in Steuben County) ; Hon. Francis H. Rug-
gles, a senator from Chautauqua County (subsequently a
resident of Corning) ; and Hon. Ira Harris, senator from
Albany. Mr. Johnson's personal friend, Mr. Divin, with-
out his knowledge, enlisted the two senators in the project,
which was carried through without regard to geographical
fitness, as the county of Steuben jutted southward to the
Pennsylvania line.
Judge Johnson was re-elected when his term expired,
and twice afterwards, and thus held the office for twenty-
■'■•■->''^>-,fi,„„„..'. &.-/•""
.!,^^]
< 'I
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
69
ve years. At the time of his death he was the senior
istice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York,
luring the latter part of his life, he was one of the justices
esignated to hold the general term of the Supreme Court
1 the fourth department.
As a judge, no man of the past or present generation has
een held in higher esteem for his integrity and judicial
aility. His talents and character, which made him prom-
icnt and successful at the bar, also gave him distinction
nd honor on the bench. He received the honorary degree
\' LL.D. from Hobart College, Geneva.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church, of the tenets
nd service of which he was an ardent advocate. At the
me of his death, and for many years previous, he was a
arden of Christ Church, Corning, and was the largest
Dntributor to the erection of its present church edifice.
He was, in an enlarged sense of the term, a friend of his
illow-man, and was ever among the foremost in enterprises
aving for their object the amelioration of human suffering,
lenoe, at an early day, being duly impressed with the
lisery and degradation resulting from habits of iutemper-
ace, he became active in the cause, and was among the
irliest advocates of the total abstinence pledge as the basis
f temperance reforms. And during his long career of
ublio life he maintained a strict and consistent adherence
5 the principles and practice of his earlier manhood.
Inergetic and faithful in business, benevolent of heart,
onscientious in principle, and genial and courteous in man-
er, he had but to form an acquaintance to secure a friend.
le lived a life void of oifense to his .fellow-men, and died
f a lingering and painful illness, lamented by all who knew
im. He departed this life Dec. 5, 1872.
Judge Johnson married Polly H. Birdsall, of Greene,
Jhenango Co., N. Y., June 7, 1830. She died March
1, 1865. Their children were Anna B., born Oct. 3,
831, married John Maynard, of Corning, Dec. 4, 1856,
he died Aug. 17, 1865) ; Adelaide, born March 21, 1835,
darried Chas. H. Thomson, of Corning, Sept. 26, 1855 ;
ilary Louise, born Feb. 8, 1840, married Hiram W. Bost-
rick, now of Franklin, Pa., Dec. 27, 1865 ; and Lizzie E.,
lorn Oct. 21, 1845.
For his second wife he married, Dec. 26, 1866, Mrs
iarah W. Parker, daughter of Hon. Henry Welles, of Penn
fan, who still survives him. They had one daughter,
dargaret Welles, born Aug. 22, 1867. All his children
.re still living.
JOHN BALDWIN.
Mr. Proctor, in his " Bench and Bar of New York," gives
he following sketch of John Baldwin, who practiced law
or some time at Hornellsville :
" Tho name of this eccentric and able lawyer will not soon be for-
;otten in the counties of Livingston, Allegany, and Steuben. His wit,
lis humor, his withering sarcasm, have created a fund of anecdote
.liuost ine.thaustible. If sometimes his wit descended to vulgarity —
f occasionally lie wielded a tarnished weapon — we can excuse him,
phen we remember thiit the native mould of his mind was above such
icrvcrted use of his intellectual powers. His vulgarisms were like
he rubbish and offal which sometimes surround the polished and
lassie column, showing still the glory and grandeur of a cultivated
irchiteeturo.
"John Baldwin was born in Lebanon, Conn., and while very young
ettled at Gonesoo, intending to make that place his permanent resi-
dence. He had, on attaining his majority, received a competence from
his father's estate, and tho advantages of a good education. Soon
after settling at Genesco be entered the office of Samuel Miles Hop-
kins, with whom he studied law, and after being admitted to the bar,
commenced practice at Moscow, Livingston Co. Not long after he
commeneed practice, by the failure of a brother whose paper he
bad indorsed, he was stripped suddenly of all his earthly possessions
and reduced to penury. He never again recovered his pecuniary
standing. He remained at Moscow but a year or two after his misfor-
tune, when he removed to Dansville, where, by his professional labors,
he gained a fair practice and considerable notoriety for his witty say-
ings and humorous speeches. While at Dansville his practice grad-
ually extended into the counties of Allegany, Livingston, and Steuben.
His good-humor, his never-failing fund of anecdotes, joined to his
acknowledged professional ability, made him a favorite with his legal
brethren and with the people. At this time the income from his pro-
fession rendered him independent, but ho did not possess the faculty for
accumulation.
" In 1S35 he removed to Hornellsville and formed a partnership with
the late Hon. William M. Hawley. This connection in business was
attended by flattering circumstances, and gave Mr. Baldwin a grati-
fying assurance of the confidence he had inspired. After his business
relations with Judge Hawley were dissolve<l ho continued to practice
at Hornellsville till 1842, when he removed to Almond, at which place
he resided till his death, in 1843."
A few anecdotes will serve to illustrate some of the pe-
culiarities of this very eccentric man :
** During his practice in Hornellsville he was called upon to try a
very important case before a magistrate in the town of Birdsall, Alle-
gany Co. The plaintiff in the suit was the great man of the place,
and Baldwin very soon discovered that the magistrate was one of those
truckling sycophants over whom wealth and station exert an almost
unbounded influence ; and being disgusted with his evident perversion
of justice, he poured out upon him the bitterest anathemas. Probably
never before or since has a magistrate been subjected to such a terri-
ble excoriation by a member of the bar. We shall omit a part of the
conversation, giving only enough to show the spirit of the encounter.
When he had finished, the lawyer on the other side arose and informed
the court that it was his duty to immediately commit Mr. Baldwin
for contempt, 'for,' said he, 'unless you do this, all respect for you
as a magistrate will be at an end.'
" ' Talk about respect for that thing !' thundered Baldwin, point-
ing to the magistrate ; * why, he acts more like a magpie peeping into
a marrow-bone than a magistrate trj'ing a lawsuit; the deeper he can
get his head into a hole the better he feels.'
" This sealed the doom of the irate lawyer, and the magistrate in-
formed him that he should commit him to the jail at Angelica for
twenty days for a contempt.
" ' For a contempt upon whom ?' asked the lawyer.
" ' Why, upon me,* said the justice.
" ' A contempt upon you ? Tho thing is impossible ; the most con-
temptible thing in the universe is respectable compared with you !
You are the dirty catspaw of the plaintiff' here, — a burlesque upon
justice !'
"The justice proceeded in earnest to draw up tho papers to have
Baldwin committed, and as they were approaching completion and
opened upon the table to receive the signature of the court, Baldwin
suddenly seized a large inkstand, nearly full of ink, and turned its
contents over the dreaded instrument. In a moment — in the twink-
ling of an eye — it became a sheet of inky blackness, with every letter
obliterated. He then mounted his horse, and started for home across
the county line; but being on a poor and lame horse, he was over-
taken before he reached the point of safety by the constable and his
assistant with a new warrant which had been hastily made out. In
vain he urged his jaded steed ; to be overtaken he saw was inevitable,
but his fertile mind soon devised another metborl of escape. AVheel-
ing his horse suddenly, he faced his approaching enemies. As they
rode up he sternly demanded what they wanted.
"'You are my prisoner,' replied the constable, 'and must go with
me to Angelica,' and he attempted to make the arrest.
" ' Stand off,' said Baldwin, ' or I'll blow you through !'
"At the same time he drew from his pocket one of those old-fashioned
brass inkstand-cases used in those days, and presented it to the breast
of the ofiioer. The polished surface of the inkstand flashed in the
70
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
moonbeams like the bright barrel of a pistol, anti had a most murder-
ous look. The constable and his assistants started back appalled at
the hostile attitude of the lawyer, the former crying out, 'Oh, don't
point that this way; it may go off; take care!"
" ' Leave me, you villains, or, by the hcaven.s above us, I'll send a
bullet through the very heart of some of you! Leave, I say !' And
ho gave the inkstand a shake which caused it to click like the cock-
ing of a pistol.
"This was enough. The next moment his pursuers were galloping
homeward a* fast as their horses could carry them; and Baldwin
went quietly home, thinking, as he afterwards said, that his protect-
ing genius had assumed the shape of an inkstand.
"Baldwin was afterwards indicted in the county of Allegany for a
very bitter and, as was charged, libelous letter, concerning this same
magistrate. The letter was very lengthy, and written in such a man-
ner that portions of it only could be read by any persons except the
writer of it. In drawing the indictment the district attorney attached
the letter itself as part of the instrument. When the offender was
brought before the court he was required to plead to the charges.
" * Before entering my pleas, I ask for the reading of the indict-
ment,' said he.
" In those days a prisoner could demand the reading of the whole
indictment found against him, and in this case the court directed it
to be read. The district attorney commenced. While reading the
usual or formal part of it he did very well, but when he attempted to
read the letter itself he soon came to a full stop — studied awhile upon
it, and commenced again. After stumbling through a few sentences
he was obliged to stop again. Turning to Baldwin, he asked if ho
would not have the politeness to waive the reading of the letter. The
latter declined and the attorney made one more attempt to read, but
soon came to another full stop.
" * Will you not read that horrid, ill-spelled, illiterate, and abusive
letter, Mr. Bahlwin ?' asked the attorney for the people.
"*No, sir; the letter is very legible — very indeed. If the good
people of Allegany County have seen fit to elect a district attorney
that don't know enough to read writing, why, I shall not help him
along,' said the prisoner.
" The official then losing all patience, began in a strain of denunci-
atory eloquence to abuse Baldwin, and concluded by saying that ' the
annals of crime did not present such an awful, willful, and terrible
defamer of human character as John Baldwin, the prisoner at the
bar.'
" As he closed this speech ho took a drink ot water from a tumbler
that was standing on the table before him. Baldwin, with great
gravity, addressed the court as follows:
" * May it please the court, in all the records of the past which I
have been able to consult, I have never until this moment seen or
heard of a wind-mill going hy water '
" Peals and roars of laughter, even cheers, went up from all parts of
the court-room, and for once the vulnerable and brazen-faced district
attorney was silent, stricken through by the prisoner's reply to his
speech.
" After silence was restored, Baldwin again demanded the reading of
the indictment. His opponent declared that it could not be read.
" ' Then, if the court please, I ask that it may be quashed,' said the
prisoner.
" After a few moments' consultation, the court directed that it should
bo quashed, and Baldwin walked from the prisoner's box into the bar
amid the congratulation of his friends.
" Mr. Baldwin was a thoroughly honest man, and never would con-
sent that a case in his hands should be carried by dishonesty or per-
jury. Once he turned a profitable client out of his office for saying
that he could prove anything that Baldwin wished to establish on the
trial of a certain cause which the latter was conducting for him."
HON. DAVID RUMSEY.
Hon. David Rumsey, who, at this writing, is one of the
justices of the Supreme Court of New York, was born in
Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., on the 25th of December,
1810. His father, David Rumsey, Sr., born April 17,
1779, was a printer by occupation, and, with Messrs. Dodd
& Stevenson, of Salem, established the Washington County
Fost^ one of the earliest newspapers published in that sec-
tion of the State. In 1815 he removed with his family to
what is now the town of Howard, in this county, where he
followed farming till the year 1816, when he removed to
Bath and published the third new.spaper issued in that
village, Tlie Farmers Gazette. About a year afterwards
he removed to Auburn and became one of the publishers
of the Cayuga Fatriot, with which he was connected for
several years. At the expiration of this time he returned
to Bath, and on the 17th of April, 1828, issued the first
number of the Steuhen Messenger, whicli was published by
him and his successors, Samuel M. Eddie, William P.
Angel, and Charles Adams, till 1834, when its name was
changed to The Coiisiiiutioiialist, and in 184-t to the Steu-
ben Democrat, and its publication continued till 1852.
David Rumsey, Sr., resided in Bath till the time of his
death, which occurred on March 17, 1852. He was an
active, public-spirited man, frequently serving his town,
village, and .school district in various responsible capacities,
and four years as clerk of the county, to which office he
was elected in the fall of 1829.
David Rumsey, the subject of this notice, was brought
to Bath by his parents at the age of six years. On their
removal to Auburn he was taken to reside in that city,
where he enjoyed for several years the advantages of its
excellent schools. As a boy, he possessed an active and
vigorous intellect ; his faculties were of that order which
led him early to acquire habits of close and careful investi-
gation, and even in boyhood he enjoyed the labor of sifting
truth from falsehood, in the tangled and complicated sub-
jects presented to his mind, with a zest which has only been
heightened in the more abstruse and complex problems
which have engaged his professional attention.
He began the study of law at the age of nineteen, in the
office of Hon. Henry Welles, late justice of the Supreme
Court, then a resident of Bath, and was admitted to the
bar in the year 1831. His practice in this village, and in
a large number of adjacent counties, where his services
have been retained in important suits, has covered a period
of almost half a century, including his career during the
past five years on the bench of the Supreme Court.
In 1832 he formed a law partnership with Hon. William
Woods, of Bath, which relation existed till the death of
Mr. Woods, on the 7th of August,- 1837. Mr. Rumsey
then practiced by himself about four years. In 1842 he
entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Hon.
Robert Van Valkcnburgh, now one of the justices of the
Supreme Court of Florida, who studied law in his office.
This partnership continued until Mr. Van Valkenburgh
was appointed minister to Japan in 1865.
Prior to Judge Rumsey's career in Congress, he discharged
for four years the duties of surrogate of Steuben County,
to which office he was appointed by Governor Seward, in
1840.
In 1846 he was elected to Congress for the first time,
and discharged so acceptably the duties of a representative
that he was put in nomination again, and re-elected in 1848.
He served during the sessions of the Thirtieth and Thirty-
first Congresses, holding a responsible position as member of
the Committee on Private Fund Claims during both sessions.
In 1867 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional
"'~ «>• J-OTr^«- Sari"—
>^^^^^
y
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
71
}oDvention, and while in that body was a member of the
Committee on the Powers and Duties of the Legislature.
u 1872 he was appointed by Governor Hoffman a member
f the Commission to Propose Amendments to the Cousti-
ution of the State.
On the 7th of January, 1873, he was appointed by Gov-
rnor Dix one of the justices of the Supreme Court, to fill
he vacancy caused by the death of the late Hon. Thoraa.s
L Johnson, in the Seventh Judicial District, embracing
'ayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates,
nd Steuben Counties. In November, 1873, he was elected
y the people to fill the same exalted and honorable position
ar a term of fourteen years. But by reason of age his
ime will expire Dec. 31, 1880.
Judge Rumsey, as a member of the bar, lias had a long
nd distinguished practice. He has been engaged in many
f the most difficult and laborious cases tried in the Su-
reme Court and Court of Appeals, and has a reputation
3r integrity, fidelity to the interest of his clients, indefati-
;able labor, and legal acumen second to no other lawyer in
his section of the State. Many interesting and important
ases in which he has participated might be cited had we
pace for them and did it comport with the wishes of Judge
lumsey to have them inserted in a sketch for publication.
As a justice of the Supreme Court, his rulings and de-
isions are characterized by eminent impartiality, and his
emeanor by that courtesy which always renders his inter-
ourse with men agreeable.
Judge Rumsey married, in 1841, Jane E., daughter of
Ion. Anthony Brown, of Ogdensburgh, N. Y., and has
iiree children. His only son. Col. William Rumsey,
erved through the late war, and is his flither's successor
1 a large law j)ractice at Bath.
HON. EDWARD HOWELL.
Edward Howell was born in Nowburg, Orange Co., N. Y.,
)ct. IG, 1792, at which place and in the city of New York
is early years were passed. In his boyhood he made several
oyages to sea on board of a ship of which his father was
laster. In 1808, he came to Sidney, Delaware Co., and
t the age of seventeen was employed as a teacher in Una-
ilia. He came to the town of Bath in the spring of 1811,
nd was employed in farming, teaching school, and mer-
hanJi.se till 1816, when he commenced the study of law
fith Gen. Daniel Cruger, of Bath. In 1818 he was ap-
ointed county clerk, and soon after postmaster of the vil-
ige of Bath. In 1823 he was admitted as an attorney in
he Supreme Court and solicitor in Chancery, and three
ears later as counselor in these courts. In 1829 he was
ppointed district attorney, and was elected to the Assembly
a 1832. In 1833 he was elected to Congress, when he re-
igned the oflBce of district attorney, to which he was re-
ppointed in June, 1836. He was soon after appointed a
Supreme Court commissioner.
Mr. Howell for many years stood at the head of his pro-
ession in this section of the State. During the time he
ras in practice seventeen young men entered his office as
tuJents-at-law, at difierent times within a period of about
wenty years.
To his great abilities and profound knowledge of the law
Mr. Howell added a wide range of information, and a con-
scientious fidelity in the discharge of his duties which
commanded the respect and regard of all who knew him.
He died Jan. 30, 1871, aged seventy-nine years.
WILLIAM HOWELL, ESQ.
William Howell, Esq., brother of Edward Howell, is
still in the practice of his profession at Bath, where he has
continued the same since 1830, a period of forty-nine years.
He is now the oldest lawyer in Steuben County. He was
born in Newburg, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1804. His father died in
Unadilla, N. Y., and in 1811 his mother moved with the
family to the Conhocton Valley, about a mile above Kanona,
in the town of Bath. He came to the village in 1827, and
commenced the study of law in the oflSce of Gen. Daniel
Cruger. In 1830 he was admitted to practice in the Court
of Common Pleas, and as attorney in the Supreme Court
and solicitor in the Court of Chancery in 1833.
HON. ROBERT CAMPBELL.
One of the distinguished members of the Steuben County
bar, as well as an incumbent of the second ofiicial position
in the gift of the people of the State, was Hon. Robert
Campbell, son of Robert Campbell, Sr., who was one of the
first settlers of Bath, and second to no other citizen in point
of honor and integrity. An old acquaintance, speaking of
the senior Mr. Campbell, says, " He was one of Nature's
noblemen, — kind, genial, honest, and true." His son,
Robert, was born in Bath, in the month of May, 1808.
After a preparatory course of study, he spent some time at
Hobart College, Geneva, and in 1826 commenced the study
of law in the office of Cruger & Howell, then the leading
law firm in Steuben County. He was admitted to practice
in 1829, and immediately opened an office in copartnership
with W. T. Worden, Esq., at Auburn, N. Y. In a year
or two he returned to Bath and entered into practice with
Gen. Cruger, under the firm-name of Cruger & Campbell.
Subsequently he formed a partnership with Hon. Samuel
H. Hammond. He was a scholarly, laborious, conscientious,
and successful lawyer, and attained a large and lucrative prac-
tice. His devotion to his profession induced him for many
years to decline political preferment. In 1842 he refused to
accept the nomination for senator, which was tendered him
by the Democratic Senatorial Convention. But in 1844 he
was a member of the Democratic National Convention which
nominated James K. Polk for the Presidency. The Legis-
lature, in 1846, elected him a member of the Board of
Regents of the State University, and he held the office at
the time of his death. Also in 1846 he was elected a
delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and did efficient
service in that important body. He was twice in succession
elected lieutenant-governor of New York, — in 1858 and in
1860, — and presided over the deliberations of the Senate
with great dignity and ability. As a member of the Canal
Board, and indeed in all his official relations, he discharged
his duty with singular fidelity and conscientious devotion to
the public welfare.
As a member of the bar he attained an honorable posi-
tion. Though he never had the reputation of an eloquent
advocate, — a gift which is often the result of rhetorical
72
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
fluency more than of a knowledge of the law, — he was a
lawyer who prepared his briefs with great care, and who
could urge his arguments before a court or a jury with great
clearness and cogency. He was very systematic and labo-
rious in his business habits, and a gentleman of courteous
manners and a kindly and generous disposition.
HON. WILLIAM WOODS.
Hon. William Woods was one of the early and prominent
lawyers of Bath. He was a native of Washington County,
and studied law with Hon. Samuel Nelson, late justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States, who married his
niece. He did a very large legal business, and was one of
the most popular men of his time. He was a member of
the Legislature in 1823 and 1828, a member of Congress
passage, and Mr. Rochester with a large number of pas-
sengers was drowned.
HON. DAVID M'^MASTER.
Mr. McMaster was born in Unadilla, Otsego, N. Y., on
the 21st of April, 1804. He is a graduate of Hamilton
College, in the class of 1826. He began the same year
the study of law at Norwich, Chenango Co., and in the
fall of that year came to Bath, and continued his legal
studies with Hon. William Woods, and was admitted in
1827. His first practice was in Bath, in 1827, in part-
nership with Hon. Henry W. Rogers, and, with the ex-
ception of one year in Clyde, Wayne Co. (1828-29), he
practiced continuously in this village till 1847, a portion
of the time in partnership with Ziba A. Leland and L. H.
Read, both since deceased.
'-^Mmiimm^^r.
J). ^UJiyU^^'^-^^
from 1823 to 1825, and surrogate of the county from 1827
to 1835.
HON. WILLIAM B. ROCHESTER.
This distinguished member of the early bench and bar
of this county was a native of Maryland. He read law in
the oflBce of Gen. S. S. Haight, at Bath, where he practiced
some time, and at one time in partnership with Hon. Wil-
liam Woods. He was elected a member of the Eighteenth
Congress in 1822, was a representative on the part of the
United States in the Congress of the American States at
Panama, and in 1823 was appointed one of the circuit
judges of this State for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. He
subsequently removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was for
many years president of the Branch Bank of the United
States in that city. His health failing, he started to spend
a winter in Florida, for the benefit of that climate, on
board the steamer Pidaski. The vessel was wrecked on its
Under the new constitution, in June, 1847, Mr. Mc-
Master was elected county judge and surrogate of Steuben
County, which offices he filled in a manner creditable to
himself and his constituents. In 1856 he was re-elected
to both offices for a term of four years, and discharged the
duties of the same with that care and fidelity characteristic
of him both as a lawyer and a judge. Few men, either in
their professional or official duties, have gained or retained
the esteem and confidence of their fellow-citizens in a higher
degree than has Judge McMaster.
He was married, Feb. 13, 1828, to Miss Adeline A.
Humphreys, daughter of the late Guy Humphreys, of
Mareellus, N. Y., who died Oct. 7, 1841. By this mar-
riage he has two children living.
On February 22, 1843, he married, for his second wife,
Mary, daughter of the late Hon. George C. Edwards, of
Bath. Of the children by this marriage six are living.
1
1
HON. GEORGE T. SPENCER.
Hon. Geo. T. Spencer is a lineal descendant of the
sixth generation from Jared Spencer, who emigrated to
America about 1634, and settled first at Cambridge,
Mass., then called Newtown ; subsequently at Lynn,
Mass. ; afterwards at Hartford ; and was at Haddam,
€onn., in 1662, where he died in 1685.
His son Thomas migrated to the town of Saybrook,
Conn., about 1679, where the family remained, and where
Judge George T. Spencer was born, Nov. 6, 1814.
His father, George Spencer, was a manufacturer of
ivory combs, piano-keys, etc., and wa.s among the earliest
manufacturers in this country of that class of goods.
He marriwl Julia Pratt, of Saybrook, who was a de-
scendant of Rev. William Pratt, of Baldock, Hertford-
shire, England, through William Pratt, the emigrant of
1633, who was among the early settlers of Saybrook in
1645, known as Lieutenant William Pratt. Of this
union were born two sons and three daughtere, of wliom
Judge Sjiencer was eldest. His father died at the age
of ninety-one, July 24, 1877. His mother died March,
1845, at the age of fifty-nine.
Judge Spencer received his preliminary education at
the common sciiool, at Lees Academy, Connecticut, and
at Amherst Academy, Massachusetts.
In 1833 he entered Yale College, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1837, with classmates William
M. Evarts, Secretary of State ; Morrison R. Waite,
Chief Justice of the United States; and Edward Pierre-
pont, late Minister to the Court of St. James.
In 1839 he entered the law office of Governor Ells-
worth, at Hartford, Conn., and subsequently was a stu-
dent with John G. Forbes, of Syracuse, N. Y., and was
admitted to the bar in July, 1841.
In August of the same year he began the practice of
the law in Corning, where he has remained continuously
until the present time.
He was formerly a Whig, but became a member of
the Republican party upon its formation.
In 1857 he was a member of the Legislature of the
State, and served upon the committee on the judiciary.
In 1867 he was a member of the Constitutional Con-
vention, and from 1872 to 1876, inclusive, judge of
Steuben County.
In the year 1842 he married Harriet, daughter of Ira
Stacy, of Belchertown, Mass. Their children are George
Spencer, of St. Cloud, Minn. ; Mrs. Horace N. Pond, of
Boston, Mass. ; Mrs. Rev. Albert W. Hubbard, of Sivas,
Turkey ; Betsey ; Clarissa ; and Hugh.
I ,/' W* ' ;|,
JUDGE WILLIAM M. HAWLEY.
SVith the eminent lawyer whose name stands at the head of this sketch is aasoci-
■d much of the history of Steuben County and Wester-i New York, while the record
self-mnde men presentB few higlier triumphs of unassisted energy and exertion
in is exhibited in his life, for he was in every sense the architect of his own f<ir-
le. It has lieen truthfully said that those who, in the commencement of life are
npelled to struggle with difficulties, determint^d to overcome them, have the key
success in their bands.
fudge Hawley entered the battle of life, cnrapelled to contend with herculean diffi-
I ties, and when, like Antifus.he was sometimes obliged to touch the earth, he sprang
iin to the contest with renewed t^ner-^ies, which at len^^th gave him the victory.
Ho was born in the county of Delaware, N. Y., Feb. i:i, 18U2. His father was one
the early settlers of that county, a farmer by occupation. His means were limited,
d he could afford his children but few advuDtai];es for education.
Ifoung Hawley vury early evinced a desire for knowle<lge, and the few advantages
thin his reach wer«' eagerly seized by him and turned to best account.
While very young a fiiend of his father lent him " Plutarch's Lives," which he
id not only with avidity, but understandingly, and through his whole life that
falbiographiT continued to be bis favorite author among the ancient writers. So
;entive was his meini»ry, that once reading a work he could repeat verbatim large
rtious of its contents. Hin memory was truly remarkable.
He early conceived the thon;^ht that hi' should one day become a lawyer, and ibis
;a was the theme of his ambition, the controlling motive of his life. Uiton ri*aA:h-
5 his majority, with no fortune except strong hands, a vigorous constitutiou, the
mtal acquirements which he jKjssessed, and a determined purpose, be removed to
mond, Allegany Co., purchased a piece of uncultivated land on credit, and at once
mmeiiced the work of clearing it for tillage. His intelligence an<l business capacity
tre mum manifested, and he inmiedi:ttely to<jk a respectable jwsition among the
i^ple i>f Almond. In the spring of 1X24 he was elected one of the constables of
ni town. At this time inipriaonnicnt for debt had not been abolished, and this
ic of barbarism greatly enhaiu'ed the duties and re»iiM)nsildlitie8 of conslalilea.
tlie discharge of his official duties be was often one -jf the attending constables
the van. 'uscnurta held m Aiigclirti. Although Alb-gany C>ounty was remote from
e more culiivKted portions of tlie State, yet its courts were graced by the most
irned and able judges and advocates of that day, Nothini; occurred which escaped
* notire; the I^gal contests of these gifted advociites wer.- watched by Mr. Hawley
th intense interest, and when the law was pronounced by those profound judges
heard and garnered up all that fell from their lips.
During the first term of court whirh he attended at Angelica he entered his name
a law student in the office of the late George Miles, then a leading member of the
legany bar. As his means did not admit of his devoting his entire time to the
3ce, he pursued his studies at home when relieved from other duties. Thus he
ntinuf'd for two years. Declining the office of constjible. he commenced practice
justices' courts, in the mean time continuing his legal studies. A distinguished
wyer, who in those days often met him in justices' courts, remarked that Hawley
led a c;i3e before a justice with altility sufficient to distinguiah in any court. His
uses were conducted with clignity, propriety, skill, and beaming.
Indue time Mr. Hawley completed his law studies, and pjissed in a credit;ible man-
<r a thorougli examination, was admitted to the bar, and at once opened an office
Almond. Such bad been hi^ reputation liefore his admission that he Was soou in
e midst of a practice of considerable imiKirtance. In the fall of ISIiV he was in-
iced to make Hornellpville his future residence, where he soon took a high position
long the distinguished lawyers by whom he was surrounded, and controlled a large
id lucrative practice. One of his earliest business relations wiis a partnership with
e late John Baldwin, whose legal abilities and keen wit distinguished him through-
out Western New York. This partnership continued only about one year when it
wa.s dissolved. In January, 1846, he wa-s appointed liy Governor Silas Wright first
Judge of Steuben County. Many years previous Governor Wright had met him and
formed his acquaintance, and regarding him as a higb-niinded, honorable, and able
lawyer, he tendered him this position as a mark of his esteem and confidence.
He held tliis office for a little over one year, when Hf)n. David McMaater took his
place by election, and he was elected to the Senate from the Twenty-fifth Senatorial
District of the 8tate, and wjis honored with the second position on the committee of
ways and means, while his name appeared on other important Senate committees
during his term.
On the mth of February, 1848, he delivered a speech in the Senate on certain resolu-
tions instructing the senators and representitives in Congress from this State to vote
for the prohibition of slavery in New Mexico, whose entrance into the Union was
then anticipated. This speech ailded much to his reputation ; it waacalra, direct, and
statesmanlike. It was regarded as one of the ablest delivered in the Senate during
that winter.
Judge Hawley was a delegate from this State to the Democratic National Conven-
tion which iwsembled al Baltimore on the 22d of May, 1848, at which two delegations
from tlie State of New York pre.sented themselves for admission ; one of which was
known as the Free-Soil, lladical, or Barnburner delegation, under the guide of the
late Samuel Young, and th^t of the Conservatives or Hunkers, who were under the
lead of Daniel S. Dickinson. He identified himself with the former.
This convention culminated in a National Convention held at Buffalo, Aug. 9, 1848,
to which Judge Hawley was also a delegate, and entered ardently into all ita pro-
ceedings, and in which Martin Van Buron was nominated for President, and Charles
Francis Adams for Vice-President.
He wa-s one of the committee who introduced those resolutions whose essential
elements were afterwards adoptetl by the Bepiibliciin party. On the iutrodnctiou of
those resolutions he delivered a speech, the very sentiments of which in after-years
he reiterated in a Republican State C'«>nvention.
After retiring from the Senate, Judge Hawley n^ver again sought for official posi-
tions, but confined himself exclusively to his profession, and although fortunate in
his financial matters, he cj)ntinued to practice until within a short period of his death,
wliich occurred Feb. 9, 18f>9.
As late ajH 1868, September, at the Steuben circuit held at Corning, he appeared and
conducted a very important divorce case, and there appeared no diminution in his
fine mental powei-s, and he stood at the bar, aa he had for years, an able and powerful
competitor, though his health had been for some time declining. Few lawyers were
more perfect in their preparation of a case for trial or argument than he. His papers
always exhibited a brief philosophic statement of legally deducted facts, what a cor-
rect system of pleading demands.
As a friend he was sincere andundeviating; unpretending and easy in his manners,
with pleasant, even fine conversational powt-rs, he was an atti*active companion.
There was a seeming humor in his manner that drew the young as well as the old
to him, and which disgnis-'d his faults. As a speaker he was calm, temperate, and
logical ; he knew bow to enliven a dry theme with a proper play of the imagination,
and thus give relief to the fatigue of cbtse attention. In the argument of a purely
legal question, at special or general term, he avoided all florid language, and sought
perspicuity and preciseness of expression.
Ah a citizen he was public-spirited, sedulous to advance the interests of the com-
munity in which he lived, and reaaonably active in all projects of public improve-
ment. Some years previous to his decewe he unitwl with the Episcopal Church at
Hornellsville. In his domestic relations he was a kind husband aud indulgent and
liberal father.
Ill
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
73
HON. JOSEPH G. MASTEN.
Hon. Joseph G. Hasten was a son-in-law of Dugald
Cameron, and a lawyer who attained to considerable dis-
tinction. He came to Bath about 1832, was admitted to
the Common Pleas, and practiced in partnership with Henr^'
W. Rogers. About 1836 he and Rogers removed to Buffalo,
where he afterwards became mayor of that city and justice
of the Superior Court. He was also a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention of 1867. He died in Buffalo about
1872.
HENRY W. ROGERS, ESQ.,
came to Bath from Sidney Plains, N. Y., about 1827. He
taught school, read law with Hon. Henry Welles, and be-
came a partner with Hon. David McMastor, with whom he
practiced for some considerable time. He then formed a
partnership with Mr. Hasten, and both practiced together
till they removed to' Buffalo. Mr. Rogers now resides at
Ann Arbor, 3Iich. During his residence in Buffalo he
was collector of that port, and was also prosecuting attor-
ney, acting in the famous Ratlibun case.
VINCENT M. CORYELL.
Vincent M. Coryell was admitted to the practice of law
in Bath in 1822, and was for a short time a partner of
Judge Welles. He subsequently became a Methodist cler-
gyman. Mr. Coryell was a son-in-law of Dugald Cameron.
SCHirYLER S. STRONG, ESQ.
Schuyler S. Strong, Esq., came to Steuben from Orange
Co., N. Y. In December, 1822, he formed a partnership
with Hon. William Woods, and in 1824 became associated
in practice with Hon. Edward Howell. He took a leading
part in the trial of Robert Douglas for murder at Bath in
1825. Some years later he removed to Springfield, III.,
where he died in 1843. He was a son-in-law of Gen.
Daniel Cruger, and Mrs. Strong is still living at Bath.
AN.SON GiBBS, Esq., was also a practicing attorney at
Bath in 1820 and 1821. He removed to Ellicottville,
where he was prominent as an attorney.
John Cook, Esq., was also an attorney at Bath for
many years, and died there. He followed Daniel Cruger
as district attorney, being appointed Feb. 19, 1821.
HON. S. H. HAMMOND.
Hon. Samuel H. Hammond, who, for a time, was partner
with Mr. Campbell, was a man of very different mould and
temperament. Though gifted with rare powers he disliked
the routine and drudgery of a law-ofiBce, and books of
reference were his abhorience. The scenes of nature, the
wild solitudes of mountain and glen, the sports of hunting
and fishing, were, on the contrary, his delight, and he often
found them so tempting a pastime as to seriously interfere
with anything like systematic attention to professional duties.
He was at times, and, it may be said, generally, eloquent as
an advocate, and was a graphic and rhetorical writer. He
was from temperament and habit better adapted to journal-
ism than to the law, and in the former sphere he is best
known and will be longest remembered. He wrote many
beautiful and tender things both in prose and poetry, which
IQ
those who knew him best love to cherish as mementos of
his genius.
Mr. Hammond was a son of Lazarus Hammond, the
founder of Hammondsport. He was educated at Franklin
Academy, Prattsburgh. He began the study of law with
Gen. S. S. Haight, at Angelica, and finished in the office
of Cruger & Howell, at Bath. He was admitted in 1831.
After practicing for a time at Baldwinsville, N. Y., he re-
turned to Bath, and, in 183G, formed a partnership with
Hon. Robert Campbell, which lasted till 1842. The year
following he opened practice in Albany, and was there
elected district attorney. In 1853 he commenced editing
the Albany Register, and closed his connection with that
paper in 1856. He afterwards practiced law in company
with Hon. William Irvine, of Corning, and in November,
1857, became a partner of A. P. Ferris, Esq., at Bath. In
1859 he was elected to the Senate from this senatorial dis-
trict. In 1864 he removed to Watertown, N. Y., where
he died in November, ly78.
[For biographical .sketches of Hon. George B. Bradley,
C. H. Thomson, PIsq., E. D. Hills, and others, see History
of Corning.]
HON. WASHINGTON BARNES.
Hon. Washington Barnes was county judge of Steuben
County from 1860 to 1864. He settled quite early at
Painted Post; studied law with Thomas A. Johnson, of
Corning, and was admitted to practice in 1836. He after-
wards practiced law five years in company with Ansel J.
HcCall, Esq., of Bath. He was a very earnest and conscien-
tious man in all his dealings, strictly honest and entirely free
from all the tricks aud subterfuges by which professional
men and politicians of a different stamp too often seek
emolument and influence. He died in Bath in 1868.
HON. G. II. M^MASTER.
Guy Humphries HcHaster was born in 1829 ; prepared
for college at Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh., and in the
select schools of Bath ; graduated at Hamilton College, New
York, in the class of 1847 ; was admitted to the bar in
1852; elected county judge in 1863; re-elected in 1867,
and again in 1877. He wrote the " History of the Settle-
ment of Steuben County" in 1850, while a student^at-law.
ANSEL J. MrCALL, ESQ.
Ansel J. McCall, Esq., has been a member of the Steu-
ben bar and in continuous practice at Bath since 1842.
He was born in the town of Painted Post (now Corning)
Jan. 14, 1816. After a preparatory course at Franklin
Academy, Prattsburgh, he entered Union College, and was
graduated in the class of 1838. He commenced the study
of law in company with Hon. David HcHaster, at Bath, and
completed his clerkship in the office of Hammond & Camp-
bell, being admitted, and entering into partnership with
Washington Barnes, Esq., in 1842, with whom he con-
tinued to practice for a period of five years. He subse-
quently practiced several years in company with A. P.
Ferris, Esq. In 1843 he was appointed by Governor
Bouck surrogate of Steuben County, and held the office
till the new constitution came in force, Jan. 1, 1847.
JVJr. McCall is a veteran lawyer, and is not only well in-
74
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
formed in liis profession, but upon all the topics of local
and general interest. Few men in the county are more
conversant with its men or have preserved more of its
history than he. He is a very genial and companionable
gentleman, and one of those persons who never seem to
grow old.
ALFRED p. FERRIS, ESQ.
Alfred P. Ferris, Esq., was born in the town of Milo,
Yates Co., on the 29th of November, 1818. He received
an academical education at Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh,
and came to Bath, Jan. 1, 18i0. He studied law with
Hon. Z. A. Leland and S. H. Hammond, and was
admitted in 1843. Mr. Ferris has practiced law in Bath
ever since. At the .special election under the new consti-
tution in June, 1847, he was elected district attorney, and
held the ofiBce till Jan. 1, 1851.
CHARLES F. KINGSLEY, ESQ.
Charles F. Kingsley was boru in the town of Urbana, in
this county, on the 29th of September, 1835. After re-
ceiving a common-school education, he spent two years at
the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y. Studied
law and was admitted to practice in December, 1857. He
commenced practice in Prattsburgh in 1858, and settled in
Bath in 18G0, ivhere he has followed his profession ever
since.
HON. WILLIAM E. BONIIAM.
Hon. William E. Bonham, now of Hornellsville, was
born at Painted Post. Read law with Hon. Washington
Barnes, at Bath, with whom be practiced for some time in
part^er.^hip. In 18G4-G5 he was a member of the Legis-
lature, in which he creditably represented the first district
of Steuben County. He is a good lawyer, a man of integ-
rity, and a genial, courteous gentleman.
HON. L. H. READ,
who formerly practiced in Bath, was a native of Steuben
County. His grandparents were among the early settlers
of that part of the town of Bath now included in Urbana.
He studied law with Edward and William Howell, and
began practice in Hammondsport. About 1839 he re-
moved to Bath, and became a law partner of Hon. David
McMaster. In 1850, President Fillmore appointed him
Chief Justice of Utah, to which Territory he removed.
After performing the judicial functions for one year, he
resigned and returned to Bath, where he died in 1853 or
1854.
HON. ZIBA A. LELAND.
Ziba A. Leland was a native of New England, and was
educated at Williams College. He came to Bath about
1822. He was eminently successful in the practice of his
profession. In 1838 he was appointed Judge of the old
Court of Conmion Pleas, as the successor of Judge Edwards,
who died in November, 1837. Judge Leland removed from
this county to Auburn, N. Y., where he became a law
partner of Hon. George Rathbun. He died at Mechanics-
ville, Saratoga Co., about 1873.
HON. ANDREW G. CHATPIELD.
Hon. Andrew G. Chatfield was for quite a number of
years a practicing attorney at Addison, in this county. He
was member of Assembly from this county in 1839, 1840,
1841, and in 184G, and di.?trict attorney in 1845. He
subsequently removed to Minnesota, where he became a
justice of the United States District Court, and where he
died not long .since full of honors.
F. C. DiNiNNY, now a resident of Elmira, formerly
practiced law in Addison.
Hon. F. R. E. Cornell also commenced the practice of
law in Addison. He removed to Minnesota, where he
became attorney-general of the State, and is now one of the
justices of the Supreme Court.
HON. HARLO HAKES.
Harlo Hakes was born in Harpersfield, Delaware Co.,
N. Y., Sept. 23, 1823. His father, Lyman Hakes, was a
native of Berkshire Co., Mass., and settled in Harpersfield
at about the age of twenty-two. He married soon after
Nancy Dayton, a native of Connecticut. He was a man
without early opportunities for book knowledge but po.s-
sessed that native talent to be found often among the earlier
settlers of the country.
In after-life he became a careful observer of the events
of his time, and a student of literature. He was by occu-
pation a farmer, yet by his own self-exertion and reading
he acquired a prominent place in the better-informed circles
of society.
He was identified with the Whig party in politics, and
in the year 1841 received the appointment of judge of
Delaware Co., N. Y., by the Hon. William H. Seward, at
that time Governor of the State.
He died at the age of eighty-five, in Harpersfield, in the
year 1873, leaving three sons, Lyman, Harlo, and Harry,
— the eldest, a lawyer of Wilkesbarre, Pa., from 1840 until
his decease in 1874 ; the younger, a part of his life a mem-
ber of the medical profession, but now a practicing attorney
of Wilkesbarre, Pa., having associated with him in prac-
tice his nephew, Lyman H. Bennett.
His daughters are Mrs. Phineas L. Bennett, of Harpers-
field, N. Y., and Mrs. Joseph G. MeCall, of Michigan.
Mr. Harlo Hakes spent his time until about twenty-eight
years of age on his father's farm, attending school winters
until he was seventeen, and was for eight successive terms
a teacher. In the year 1851 he entered the office of Rufus
King, of Davenport, Delaware Co. (_now of Elmira), as a
law student, where he remained nearly two years. He
then became a student with Judge Harris, of Albany, and
after attending one course of lectures at the Albany law
school was admitted to the bar, 1853, and in May of the
same year settled in Hornellsville, N. Y., where he has Ve-
mained in the practice of his profession until the present
time.
In the year 1855, Mr. Hakes married Mary, youngest
daughter of J. D. Chandler, of Hornellsville. Their chil-
dren are M. Evelyn, Hattie V., and Carrie M.
Mr. Hakes was chosen to represent his Assembly district
in the State Legislature for the year 1856, and served on
the judiciary committee during the term. In 1862 he was
elected district attorney of the county, which office he held
■'Cf SoHwJ Sarla.tr- . ^
W
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTr, NEW YORK.
75
for three years. During the year 1865 he associated with
him in the law business James H. Stevens, Jr., a gentle-
man of fine legal ability. This firm has enjoyed a very
large law practice in this and surrounding counties during
the term of partnership, which still continues.
In the year 18G7, jMr. Hake.s was appointed registrar in
bankruptcy for the Twenty-ninth Congressional District,
comprising the counties of Allegany, Steuben, and Chemung,
which office he now holds. He has been somewhat active
in political circles, and interested in questions affecting the
changes in our nation's history. He was originally a mem-
ber of the Whig party, and was a delegate to the Baltimore
Convention that nominated Bell and Everett for President
and Vice-President, since which time he has been a sup-
porter of the Republican party, and its representative of the
Twenty-ninth Congressional District of New York ; was a
member of the Cincinnati Convention in the year 1876 that
made Hon. Rutherford B. Hayes the Republican nominee
for the presidency of the United States.
In addition to his professional and official duties he has
been thoroughly identified with the growing interests of the
village of Hornellsville, and largely interested in real estate.
In 1873 he opened " Hakes Avenue," connecting Main
and Genesee Streets, and donated it to the village, and since
that time has pm'chased and improved that portion of the
village known as " Riverside," and opened and graded the
street called " Riverside Place," connecting Main with Elm
Street, where he has built several substantial and elegant
dwellings, which are classed with the finest in the town.
Mr. Hakes has shown rare taste and mature judgment in
the prosecution of the enterprise at " Riverside," and within
a short space of time " Riverside Place" has become one
of the most delightful and attractive places for private resi-
dences to be found anywhere. Characteristic of Mr. Hakes
are his unyielding support of the right, his constancy of
purpose to accomplish successfully all matters intrusted to
his hands, — either professional or simply of a business nature.
His keen perception, sound judgment, strict integrity and
fair dealing have secured to him a large measure of success
and the confidence of the community.
R. L. BRUNDAGE, ESQ.
R. L. Brundage, Esq., settled in Hornellsville, as an
attorney and counselor-at-law, in 1846. He was born in
Sussex Co., N. J., in May, 1819. His parents came to
this county and settled in Bath in 1824, removing to
Greenwood in 1830. His fiither, Benjamin S. Brundage,
was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846.
Mr. Brundage commenced the study of law with Hon.
John K. Hale, of Hornellsville, in 1840, and in 1846 was
admitted to the Supreme Court and to Chancery. In 1852
he was elected to the office of district attorney, and held
the office three years. He continued in active practice
until 1866, since which he has been employed as attorney
and claim agent for the Erie Railway Company.
HON. JOHN K. H.\LE,
who was for twenty years or more at the head of the
Hornellsville bar, was a native of the State of Maine. He
first settled at Addison, in this county, and came to Hor-
nellsville in 1836. In 1856-57 he was a member of the
State Senate, and shortly afterwards removed to the West.
THOMAS J. REYNOLDS, ESQ.,
for a time a member of the bar at Hornellsville, was one
of its most original minds, and a man of great native
talents, although of quite limited education. He settled at
Hornellsville in 1819. For a while he practiced in part-
nership with Hon. John K. Hale, and subsequently with
Mr. Brundage. During the later years of his life he
engaged successfully in farming and lumbering, and died
quite wealthy in 1867.
Hon. Horace Bemis was born in the State of Vermont.
He read law in that State, and came to Hornellsville in
1850. In 1851 he was admitted to tho bar, and has prac-
ticed in Hornellsville ever since. He has taken a promi-
nent part in politics. In 1863 and 1865, he represented
the Third Assembly District of this county in the Legis-
lature, and was chosen Presidential Elector on the Repub-
lican ticket in 1868.
Hon. Harlo Hakes (See biography and portrait in
history of Hornellsvillej.
James H. Stephens, Esq., a partner of Mr. Hakes, is
a native of the town of Dansville, and was born in 1827.
After finishing his academic education, he studied law at
the National Law School, Ballston Spa, Saratoga Co., and
with William T. Odell, and was admitted at Ballston, Jan.
5, 1852. He settled in Hornellsville as a lawyer, in 1853,
and has had a successful practice.
I. W. Near, Esq , of the firm of Bonham, Near &
Piatt, Hornellsville, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in
1835 ; studied law with Clarke & Colvin, of Watertown,
and was admitted in 1858. He began practice in this
county at Kanona, in 1859, and in 1865 removed to Hor-
nellsville, where he has since practiced his profession.
Hon. William Irvine, well known to the citizens and
bar of this county, began the practice of law in Corning,
about 1849. He was elected member of Congiess, and
served during the years 1857-59. He was colonel of a
regiment of cavalry during the late war, and was appointed
adjutant-general in 1865. He now resides in California.
Joseph Herron was a member of the bar of Corning
from 1847 to 1856. He was elected district attorney in
1854, and held the office two years.
John Maynard, a son of the late Judge Maynard, of
Auburn, came to Corning about 1850, where he practiced
law till he died, in 1865. He was elected district attorney
Nov. 7, 1856.
Henry G. Cotton commenced the practice of law at
Centreville, in the town of Corning, and subsequently re-
moved to the villaiie, where he was a partner of Hon.
Thomas A. Johnson, prior to 1841, at which date he re-
moved to Illinois (see biography of Hon. Thomas A. John-
son).
John P. Shapley, Esq., succeeded Hon. Thomas A.
Johnson in the practice of law at Corning, on the election
of the latter as justice of the Supreme Court, in 1847.
Mr. Shapley died about 1850.
Henry Sherwood, Esq., was another member of tho
76
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
county bar, residing in Corning from 1860 to 1870. Tie
was ii member of the Legislature in 1862. Died in 1875.
Alvin F. P.w.ve was a partner of Mr. Sherwood,
firm of Slierwood & Payne, Corning. He coinnienced
practice liere in 1863, and remained till 1868, wlien he
removed to New York. He was a member of the Legis-
lature from Long Island City in 1876.
ClIAULES H. Berry, Esq., comracneed practice in
Corning about 1850; remained till about 1855, when lie
removed to Minnesota, where he has since been attorney-
general.
Hon. C. N. Waterman practiced law in Corning from
1851 to 1853. He removed to Minn&sota, and became a
judge of the Supreme Court of that State. The firm here
was Berry & Waterman. Mr. Berry died in Minnesota.
Isaac C. Heiuudon belonged to the bar of Corning
about 1855. In 1861 he was appointed secretary to Hon.
Andrew B. Dickinson, United States minister to Nicaragua.
He is now dead.
Some of the other members of the bar who practiced in
Corning were as follows :
George N. Middlebrook, 1850; remained about two
years ; now resides in New York.
William K. Logie, 1860 ; enlisted in 1861 ; killed in
battle at the head of 141st Regiment, of which he was
colonel.
Azariah Longwell, 1864; firm of Longwell &
Graves.
George R. Graves, firm of Longwell & Graves, 1860-
70 ; removed to Minnesota, where he died.
Jacob H. Wolcott, 1870; removed to Utah in 1874.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE COUNTY PKESS.
liATlI.
Col. Williamson was directly connected with the in-
troduction of the jjrinling-press into the Genesee country.
The two first newspapers were established under his au-
spices and patronage. Early in January, 1796, he procured
from Northumberland, or Sunbury, Pa., a second-hand
nevv-spaper-office, and enlisted as printers and publishers
William Kensey and James Eddie. They issued the " Bath
Gazette and Genesee Advertiser." This was the first news-
paper published in Western New York.
It is presumed that Mr. Kersey may have had a connec-
tion with the paper, not as printer, but as one of Mr.
Williamson's agents at Bath. He was a Friend, as would
appear from his letters. In one of them, written to Col.
Williamson at Albany, he speaks of having located some
new .settlors, and at the same time asks for some new typo,
urging that the type they had brought from Pennsylvania
is "old and worn out." "We, on considering the case,
conclude it is best to have a sufficient quantity of new type
to complete the office, so that we may do bu.sincss in good
fashion ; therefore, request that, in addition to the order by
Capt. Coudry, thou may be pleased to send us as soon as
may be, two hundred weight of small pica or bourgeois.
We have some encouragement to pursue the business, but
many of our patrons complain of the badness of the print,
and that not without sufficient cause." Mr. Kersey was at
the time one of the judges of Steuben County, and informs
Col. Williamson that he and his associates had been " in-
dicted by the grand jury for not holding an election at the
Painted Post for a representative in Congress."
The next newspaper established under the auspices of
Col. Williamson was also in the year 1796, but a little later
than the Bath Gazette. He induced Lucius Carey, who
had been publishing a paper at Newburgh, to sell out and
establish himself at Geneva. Mr. Carey forwarded his
printing materials by water, and came himself with his
household goods by land. On his arrival he wrote to Col.
Williamson at Albany that he had ended a long and expen-
sive journey, had arrived and found his house unfinished,
and no room provided for his office. Says he, " lam now
lying idle, and how long I shall I cannot say, only for the
want of a room to work in. My house was to be done in
July, and it is a mortifying reflection to me to have my
parents hear that I must lay idle for the want of a house,
when I had spoken so much in praise of the town, and
been the means of a number coming to it since I was here
in the winter." He says he almost repents of his bargain,
yet " with the loan of one hundred dollars, he thinks he
can get a paper out, and moving along, if he can get a
room."' After a while his dwelling-house was finished, and
a far better one it must have been than pioneer printers
usually enjoy, lor the amount paid for it by Mr. Williamson
was over two thousand dollars. In April, 1797, he brought
out the first number of the ^^ Ontario Gazette and Genesee
Advertiser." The paper was continued about a year and a
half at Geneva, when it was removed to Canandaigua, and
in 1802 sold, and its name changed to the " Western Re-
pository and Genesee Advertiser." Mr. Carey died in
Canandaigua in 1804.
The large and long names of papers in those days was a
common feature throughout the newly-settled regions of
New York. They were designed to stretch out over a wide
and sparsely-populated section, and bring in patronage
and advertisements from all directions. Hence the names
" Western Advertiser," " Genesee Advertiser," etc., so
often attached to the names of the local places where the
papers were published. It was a shrewd method of catering
for patronage to a wide extent of country, but even then
the pioneer papers obtained but a very meagre support, and
many of them were short-lived ventures, which failed in a
few months. Where they were sustained, it was generally
at great sacrifice and long-continued struggles, if not to say
privations, ou the part of the editors or publishers. Few
men deserve more at the hands of the public than those
who toiled long and arduously to establish good newspapers
and printing-offices.
The progress of these first papers was quite encouraging.
Col. Williamson, in 1798, said:
" The printer of the Ontario Gazette dispen,ses weekly
not less than one thousand papers, and the printer of the
Bath Gazette from four to five hundred."
This was a good beginning, certainly, for papers not yet
two years old, and in a country just beginning to be settled.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
77
TOE STEUBEN AND ALLEGHANY PATRIOT.
This paper was the parent of the present Steuben
Farmers' Advocate, and was established by Capt. Ben-
jamin Smead, in the year 1816. The following letters of
Mr. Smead to Gen, Cruger, who had been a member of the
Legislature from Bath the two preceding years, and was
that year Speaker of the House of Assembly, will explain
the origin of this long-lived and successful newspaper, and
through what difficulties it was originally established :
"Ai.DANY, July 28, 1SI6.
"Ho.v. Daniel Cuugeh,
"Sin, — My residence in this city during the last session of the
Legislature enabled me to learn your character, and influence in the
Assembly, and in your county. You will doubtlcs? admit this circum-
stance as an apology from a stranger. In addre?sing you upon a
subject in which I am deeply and immediately intere^ted, I thought
you would desire to learn who I am. I am a printer, and begun at an
early age with a family, which has so rapidly increased that every
effort of enterprise and industry has failed to furnish more than an
ordinary subsistence. Four years I printed and edited a republican
paper in Brattleboro', Vt. and five yours, another republican paper in
Bennington. It is not delicate for me to say more of these papers
than that they were always approved by the republicans j yet, even to
this day, the stinted population of both M'indhain and Bennington
counties cannot give the encouragement an industrious printer re-
quires. In March, 1812, I quitted the latter place on receiving an
appointment in the army ; and continued in the service of my country,
with the command of a company in the 1 Ith U. S. Infy, till last July.
The army being disban led, I then left it — and returning to the citi-
zen's life, without much property, without a plan for settlement, and
with a wife and six lovely children, have ever since been obliged to
work as a journeyman, for a pittance to support them. Having often
marched through nearly the whole extent of the northern section of
this slate, 1 became attached to habits and manners of the people, and
resolved to settle among them for life. In conversations with my
friends, it has been stated that Watertown, Jefferson Co., and Bath,
Steuben Co., both offer liberal encouragements to a printer. I am
most desirous to establish in Bath, and earnestly solicit your assist-
ance. My pecuniary circumstances are low, but retaining much of
the vigor of youth, with my eldest son, who is a printer, I could edit
and print a respectable paper. To embark in such an enterprise, at
such a distance, I want the loan of 5 or 600 dollars three years with-
out interest, office-room one year free of rent, and six months' credit
of stock. The stock comprises only paper and ink, and may amount
to nearly 200 dolls, per ann. The money is required to furnish print-
ing materials, and defray expenses of removal. I have an excellent
press, and the other materials shall be good: all these I will give over
as security for the money immediately on my arrival, which will be
as soon as possible after its receipt.
"If you. Sir, shall feel disposed to contemplate this subject favor-
ably, I beg you to write Judge BucI, editor of the Argus, Albany —
and to Mr. John A. Stevens, editor of the Messenger, Canaudaigua,
for any knowledge you may require of my moral and political char-
acter, and mechanical and editorial cai)acity. AVith the former, I
have assisted to complete the laws and Journals of the Ia?t Legisla-
ture— and with the latter have had about ten years* intimate acquaint-
ance— Mr. Stevens knows mc fully, in public and private life. Either
of these gentlemen, I presume, will give you the necessary assurance,
that if yourself and friends will transmit or order for my use the sum
I ask, it shall be forthwith applied to, and effect the objects herein
proposed.
" Having spent most of my years in New England, my acquaintance
with the local policy of N. York legislation you will consider limited;
I should therefore, in this arduous and responsible undertaking, re-
quire a liberal extension of charity, and all the aid which the influ-
ential republican and literary characters of your town and county can
find leisure to bestow.
" Since completing the Laws, I am upon Smollets and Hume's Hist.
Eng. at Hosford's, adjoining the post-office. Any communication you
may deem proper to make me in reply to this, will therefore be received
and attended to on the instant of it£ arrival.
" Altho' bandied about by the malice of wayward fortune, T am too
proud to beg for support; yet I require a lifting hand — and have in-
dulged the hope that the interest, the honor, the security of a wise
administration, which the counties of Steuben & Allegany mu-st duly
regard, would intluce your most wealthy patriots to blend the relief of
a large and virtuous family with an object so well calculated to con-
tribute to their political happiness.
*' Please write mc early, giving your opinion of my prospects in the
proposed undertaking — and accept the sincere assurances of my high
respect for your personal <fe public character.
"Benjamin Smead."
We have not a copy of the letter of Gen. Cruger in an-
swer to the above, but we infer, from Mr. Smead's second
letter, that it was immediately answered and a proposition
made for the publication of the proposed paper at Bath.
On the 25th of September, IvSlG, Capt. Smead writes again
as follows :
"Albany, Sept. 25, 181fi.
" Dear Sir, — I rec'd your reply to my proposition for establishing
a rcpublicnn paper in Bath; and the sum offered being so much re-
duced below my real want for that purpose, I am sure to be excused
forspending a few days in contemplating economical methods to carry
a good office thither with .300 dolls. I agree to your proposition, and
Mr. Buel has che<Tfully delivered me all your papers relating to me,
the orders for type, Ac, upon my repeating to him the assurance I
made yourself, of securing you with the types for your advances. The
sum is so small for the object, I have sought for, and obtained of
Mess. Websters here, a good and sufficient supply of type, of the
following sizes :
"4 lbs. fluted 2 line Minion, roroan and italic.
S lbs. 5 oz. 2 line G. Primer.
3 lbs. 2 line L. Primer. \ All entirely new.
8 lbs. 10 oz. Double Pic:t, German.
72 lbs. Double Pica, Roman and Italic. J
.*520 lbs. Pica, upon which only 600 pages have been printed, and of
which the enclosed is a specimen. I say it is nearly as
good as new.
10 lbs. Quotations, and about 8 tbs. of leads, with some Great Primer,
Flowers, and other type, and si.\ cases, — all new.
" I enclose Mess. Websters' Bill.
"From the bills of the Mess. Binney A Ronaldsons', of the above
type. Mess. Websters deduct 25 per cent., and I therefore receive it at
180 dollars. In addition to this, I have 230 lbs. Long-Primer, very
good — and all our friends urge me to carry no smaller type. If, how-
ever, we may hereafter require Brevier, it may easily be obtained
from N. York. The weight of all my type is now about 700 lbs., well
assorted, and I can execute upon it as great a variety and as elegant
work as is done in the country. It is all a good bargain. My press
is nearly new, and as good as any I ever wrought with, — it is worth
140 dolls. [Old-fashioned wooden Ramage press], I shall be able to
carry a sufficiency of Chases, Sticks, etc., very good, — and the moment
I arrive at Bath with the whole, safe, (including transportation) the
materials will be well worth, and I am sure you will estimate them at
600 dollars. All these I will immediately make over to j-ourself and
friends, as security for your advances, to be refunded in 3 annual in-
.stalments, if I rightly understand your proposition. You say
300 dolls. to be advanced.
180 dolls. Mess. Websters require you to secure to them for type,
by note, payable in 3 months, given by yourself and Mr.
McClure.
remains a balance of the 300, Sir, to fit my family for
the journey, to procure some other necessary articles,
and for expenses for them on the way,
I shall require 160 dolls., which will make
only more than you offer. I wish you to send me 3
waggons, with 2 good horses each, cheap as they can be
hired j they to bear their own expenses. This expense I
estimate on an uncertain foundation at
120 dolls.
150
"30
330
150 dolls,
480 in the whole. For this I presume all of yon will estimate
my property as liberal security. Now, sir, if you immediately send
me 150 dolls., by mail or otherwise, with the security for the type, I
78
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
will be ready to march within one week after its receipt; and if the
teams start hither as soon thereafter as you can procure them, I will
detain them certainly no longer than a day, and be with you as early
as possible. I wish you to engasc me a comfortable house and well-
lighted office, near to each other. The procuring of stands, trough,
ic., before my arrival, would facilitate the first publication. As you
have had one Prospectus in circulation, I leave it with you to decide
whether another would be useful. As I am not tenacious of a title,
and am a total stranger to your local politics, habits, manners, &c., I
feel delicate in issuing an address to the public until I meet you.
Please send the money immediately, and I will be ready to go with
the teams so soon thereafter as they can be here.
"Very respectfully, B. Smead.
'' D. CuuGER, Esq.
" Sept. 27. — I since find, among the fonts of type I purchased of
Mess. Websters, 8 dolls, worth of leads, which are so very useful, I
have added them to the purchase; the amount, therefore, is 188 dolls,
as per Mess. Websters' Bill, which I enclose. When they receive the
joint note of yourself and Mr. McClure, they will deliver me the ma-
terials,— and all brethren of the type assure me it is a great bargain.
" I return to you the order on Mess. Brace's, because I really
believe I could not get so good a bargain of them for twice the sum —
as 12 cases, Gallies, some Long-primer, G.-Priin'.-r, and flowers are
given me in the bargain.
" I again beg you to send 150 dolls, cash, — and if you could send a
note of 20 dolls, to Judge Buel, he will sell me, very cheap, some ele-
gant Blanks, some useful cuts, such as the U. S. and Slate arms, beau-
tiful card borders, ic, with flowers, — all are very useful, and cannot
be obtained in the country.
"The money I want immediately, and the teams as soon they can
come. The uncertainty of the weather would render covered wag-
gons preferable, — one four-horse (heavy) and one two-horse might be
best, — but all must be left to your convenience.
"Please write by the first return mail.
" Very respectfully,
"B. Smead.
■' N. B. — I wish it to be understood that I do not reject your off'er of
$H00, — but as, on close calculation, I shall want 150 in cash, I do ear-
nestly solicit that you send it. At this moment I couhl obtain, very
cheap, some rules, cuts, U. S. arms. State arms, and other necessary
additions, if I had cash.
"I have given up engagements here, to go to you \vith all possible
speed. B. S."
After a few weeks' ftirther reflection on the .subject, Mr.
Siueitd penned hi.s tliird and lust letter in relation to the
paper. It is as follows :
'■ Albaxv, Oct. 2, 1S16.
"Dear Siii, — Since my last, I have more fully contemplated the
importance of having subscription papers in circulation, and have
therefore printed a concise sketch of my objects. I am not tenacious
of the title; but as you had given no hints of the desires of your
friends on this subject, I have intended to adopt one, short, expres-
sive, and sufiiciently local. This may be altered, if thought best on
consultation.
"I transmit them to you in separate packets, because I understand
I can frank only half an ounae, — and as this pursuit is for public
benefits, the ^jut/i'c will not be defrauded, — and therefore (as members
of Congress have told me similar evasions are deemed and practiced
by them as honorable) I consider it no fraud. If there be any ta-x,
I win pay it to you.
"My reasons for urging the transmission of 150 dolls, might be
further e.\plaincd. I told you I was in low pecuniary circumstances.
Many real necessaries, for my family, for a long journey are indis-
pensable. I also want some Cuts, Blanks for early sales. Blank Cards,
Sticks, one or two chases, a few more flowers, with a number of etcit-
eras, which will be actually necessary, but not attainable in the country.
I choose, however, to borrow as low a sum as will possibly answer the
requirements of such an establishment, and have confined my calcu-
lations therefore to the narrowest limits. The confidence you have
placed in me must be reciprocated. I am therefore in full surety that
I shall be assisted to arrive in Bath with the utmost speed. To meet
the arrangements, I have relinquished places here for labor; journey-
men out of business induced me, for this object, to give places I had re-
served for myself and son tillne.tt summer. The expenses of living here
without property or employment, and the un.'ertainty of the weather of
the sea-on, will account to you for my haste. And further, little fear
as you express relative to the influence of the proposed federal paper,
if the intended publisher has any cunning, he will secure among the
changeable, unfixed portion of influential politicians, a support which
we may not soon recover. The papers I enclose may do good, if they
are distributed in your own enclosures, accompanied with such re-
marks respecting the tone of my paper as you may (with j-our friends)
feel disposed to advise on my arrival. And I repeat my former as-
surance on this subject, that altho' my own general political opinions
will always continue unmoved and independent, I shall require in this
State further knowledge of your local politics, and adhere to the best
judgment of the most intelligent and influential men of your county.
" I am myself .assured, and it is the expressed opinion of all the
printers here (and they know the value of my type) that with this
variety of sizes, the excellence of metal, and beauty of the cuts, I can
make with it as handsome work as is common in the State— it is 100
dolls, below its real value. All advise that I carry no smaller size
than Long-Primer.
" Very respectfully, B. Smead.
"D. Crugeh, Esq.
" 3d Oct., nine o'clock at night. — Have rec'd my press from Binney,
and shall to-morrow box it ready for transportation. Have already
contracted for Rules, Cuts, Chases, Sticks, Flowers, and other neces-
saries in expectation of help from you — and in a very short period, I
will exert all my powers to give you a respectable newspaper.
"The very strict rules of our new Postmaster have induced me to
cut off the blank paper at the foot of my subscription papers — and I
beg you to paste to them white paper, and urge your friends to fill
them immediately."
The paper thus established continued tlio property of
Mr. Smead, who was editor and publisher, till the office was
sold to William C. Rhodes, in 18-19. In 18.57, 3Ir. Rhodes
sold to Perry S. Doiiahe, E-sq., who conducted tiie paper
till August, 1S60, and .sold to the present editor and pro-
prietor, Mr. A. L. Uiiderhill.
The original name of the paper was changed to the Far-
mer's Advocate and Steuhen Advertiser, in 1822. and under
the management of Mr. Donahe it was changed to its pres-
ent name — The Steubex Farmer's Advocate.
It is the oldest paper except two in the State of New
York, having existed uninterruptedly for .sixty-three years.
The facilities of this office and management for making a
good county newspaper are attested by the five thousand
copies sent out weekly to subscribers.
the STEUBEN COURIER.
Henry H. Hull, founder and for thirty-three years editor
of the Steuben Courier, published weekly at Bath, was
born at Preble, Cortland Co., N. Y., in the year 1816.
For a number of years he attended the Homer Academy,
then one of the noted institutions of learning in the State,
and there prepared to enter the junior year in Union Col-
lege ; but in 1839 he abandoned this idea, and went to
Corning, where he taught school for two years. During
tliis time he studied law in (he office of Judge T. A. John-
son, and in 18-t3 he was admitted to the bar, but did not
follow this profession, finding journalism more congenial to
his taste. In 1841 he bought the Corning and Blossburgh
Advocate of Charles Adams, and continued its publication
for two years, when, finding it unprofitable, and receiving
a call from leaditig ^Vhigs at Bath, who had been deprived
of an "organ" by the demise of the Constitutionalist three
weeks previously, he moved the material of the Advocate
HISTORY OF STJiUBExX COUNTY, NEW YORK.
79
to tlic couiity-seiit, and associated with liiiii as publisher
M. F. Whittcmore. Under the firni-nauie of Hull &
Whittemore they issued the first number of the Steuben
Courier on the 20th of September, 1843. It was a six-
column paper, twenty-one by thirty-one inches, and was
the only Whisr organ in the county. At the end of two
years Mr. Whittemore retired from the office to his farm
in Jasper, and the publication of the Courier was continued
by Mr. Hull alone till 1856, when Charles G. Fairman,
now editor of the Elmira Daily Advertiser, was associated
with him for nine months. At the end of that time Mr.
Fairman returned to Elmira to resume an editorial position
there. In 1854, upon the formation of the Republican
party, the Courier became, as it is to this day, an exponent
of Republican principles. In 1864, Mr. Hull formed a
partnership with Enos W. Barnes, and the firm of Hull &
Barnes existed, with the exception of six montlis in 1868,
until July 1, 1875, when Mr. Barnes relii'ed to become
editor of the Alleghany County Reporter. His place on the
Courier was taken by H. S. Hull, son of H. H. Hull, and
the publication of the Courier was continued under the
firm-name of H. H. Hull & Son for nearly a year, when
the partnership was terminated by the death of the senior
editor on the 8th of June, 1876. Since that time the
Courier has been conducted by the junior partner. It has
been enlarged from time to time, and is now an eight-column
paper, twenty-seven by forty-one inches.
H. H. Hull was married, in 1850, to Miss Clara Willis-
ton, daughter of the late Judge Horace Williston, of Athens,
Pa. He was once or twice elected supervisor of Bath, and
held at different times, by appointment of the Governor, the
offices of canal appraiser and harbor-master of tlie port of
New York, the duties of which positions he discharged with
signal ability and fidelity. He was, with perhaps one or
two exceptions, the senior editor of the country press in
the State, having been in the editorial harness thirty-five
years. On the 19th of May, 1876, while in apparently
good health, he was stricken with paralysis, and lingered
with illusory hopes of recovery till June 8, when he died.
For twenty years before his death he was the most prom-
nent figure in Steuben County politics, and his influence
extended through the Southern Tier, and was felt in the
circle of " great politics." He was thoroughly informed
concerning national. State, and local afiairs, and, posses-sing
an acute intellect, a logical mind, and a clear and forcible
style as a writer, he had no superior on the country press as
an able and efl"ective political editor. He had an inexhausti-
ble fund of wit and humor, and was a master of sarcasm and
irony. His influence as an editor, combined with his per-
sonal characteristics, won for him the position he occupied.
He possessed a lofty independence and earnest and deep-
seated convictions, and was fearless in the defense of what he
considered right. He was a politician in the broadest and
best sense of the term, but was not a slavish party retainer,
and hesitated no more to expose knavery in the ranks of his
own party than he did in those of the opposition ; and even
his political enemies, whom he invariably treated with fair-
ness, never charged him with mean intrigue, with double-
dealing, with venality, or with any of the sins which are so
apt to beset tliose who are actively engaged in politics.
CORXIXG.
The Corning JoiiriKil, the oldest newspaper in the village,
was established in May, 1847, by Thomas Messenger, who
remained editor and proprietor till July, 1851, at which
date the establishment was purchased by A. W. McDowell
and Dr. George W. I'ratt. The latter became editor, and in
April, 185H, purchased Mr. McDowell's interest, and re-
mained sole editor and proprietor till July, 18G9, when he
sold one-half interest to T. S. De Wolfe. The paper was
conducted under the firm-name of Pratt & De Wolfe till
Nov. 1, 1874, when Mr. De Wolfe retired, and established
the Corning Independent. Dr. Pratt has been editor of
the Journal continuously since July, 1851, a period of
nearly twenty-eigiit years, and is at this time the oldest
editor in Steuben County.
The Corning Democrat was first issued April 15, 1857,
from the printing-office which a few years previously had
published the Soufliern Tier Farmer, C. T. Huston, of the
Athens Gleaner, and Frank B. Brown, editors and propri-
etors. In November of the same year Mr. Huston retired.
Mr. Brown has continued the proprietor since that time.
During the political conipaiun of 1866; Rev. L.' D. Fer-
guson was associate editor, and from Nov. 9, 1868, to Jan. 1,
1870, the paper was published under the proprietor.ship of
Mr. Brown, by D. E. De Voe & W. A. Rowland. It was
started as a .six-column paper, and in July, 1866, was enlarged
to seven columns, and to eight columns, its present size, in
July, 1871. It is a weekly, Democratic in politics, ably
conducted, and has a good, remunerative circulation.
The Corning Independent was established in the fall of
1874, by T. S. De Wolfe. Some time during 1875, Hubert
S. Edson became a partner with Mr. De Wolfe, and the
paper was conducted by the firm of De Wolfe & Edson till
May, 1877, when Dr. A. J. IngersoU purchased it, and con-
ducted it about one year, changing it to a semi-weekly.
During this year it was edited by Uri Mulford. In May,
1878, it was purchased by George W. Cooper, who is the
present editor and proprietor, and has made it, during the
past campaign, an advocate of the National Greenback
party.
HORNELLSVILLE.
The Hornellsville Tribune was established Nov. 3,
1851, by Edwin Hough. It continued under the manage-
ment of Mr. Hough till 1858, when it was published by
E. Hough & Son till Feb. 1, 1869. The office was then
transferred to D. R. Shafer, and in June following was sold
to J. Greenhow & Son, the present proprietors aud pub-
lishers.
In the outset the paper was neutral in politics. It be-
came Republican under the management of E. Hough &
Son, and under its present management has been Demo-
cratic. The publishers issue a daily and weekly, both of
which have a good circulation, and they have every facility
for first-class job-printing.
The Hornellsville Herald was started March 8,
1872, under the name of "The Economist," as an adver-
tising medium, by M. A. Tuttle, of the dry-goods firm of
Adsit & Tuttle. In 1873 it passed into the hands of an
association, was enlarged to a six-column paper, and its name
changed to the Hornellsville Herald. It was published as
80
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a temperance paper, Miles G. Graham, editor, and Graham
& Dawson, publishers. It continued in this way till Jan. 1,
1876, when it was purchased by E. H. Hough, the present
enterprising editor and proprietor. It is a woU-couductcd
weekly, with a good circulation.
The Hornkll Times was established Jan. 1, 1867, as
the " Canisteo Valley Times," by Tliacher & Tuttle, who
purchased the '• Vidette" (Democrat) office. In Septem-
ber, 1875, Mr. Thacher retired, and for two years following
it was conducted by Sir. Tuttle. Jan. 1, 1877, it was
changed from a weekly to a semi-weekly, and the name
changed to its present popular cognomen. Sept. 1, 1877,
Mr. Johnson Brigham became a partner with Mr. Tuttle,
since which the firm has been Tuttle & Brigham. October,
1877, the paper was changed back to a weekly, and in Feb-
ruary, 1878, a daily was started, which is still continued
with the most flattering success. The Times is an enter-
prising paper. Republican in politics, and is well sustained.
There is also a well-furnished job-office connected with it.
The Gree.vb.\ck Champion, by J. D. Adams, was
started in the interest of the Greenback movement by J.
Willett Smith, Jan. 19, 1878. He published it two weeks
from the Trtbane office. It then passed into the hands of
J. D. Adams, present editor and proprietor, who publishes
it from the McGuire Block. It has attained quite a circu-
lation during the recent " soft money" agitation.
ADDISON.
ADDISON ADVERTISEE.
Prior to the publishing of the Addison Advertiser many
attempts had been made to establish a newspaper at Addi-
son. Some fifteen different publications had been issued, all
of which eked out a short and unprofitable existence.
In March, 1858, the Hon. Edwin M. Johnson, the pres-
ent clerk of the Assembly at Albany, established the Addi-
son Advertiser. It was first issued as a four-paged paper, six
columns to a page, and " independent on all subjects." Col.
Henry Baldwin, of Addison, took quite an interest in start-
ing the paper, and was a partner in its publication for sev-
eral months. In the summer of 1858, Col. Baldwin retired
as a partner, leaving Mr. Johnson as sole proprietor.
The office was first located in the second story of the
frame building then occupied by William H. Manners as a
bakery, nearly opposite the river bridge, on the north side
of Water Street.
At the time the paper was started the material used was
mostly second-hand and small in quantity. The only press
used was a Washington hand-press. But notwithstanding
the poor facilities the paper was entirely printed at home,
and never appeared with a patent outside, nor was it ever
issued from stereotype plates. Before the close of its first
year the paper dropped its independent principles and an-
nounced itself '' Democratic on all subjects." This, how-
ever, did not last long, for in January, 1859, we find the
paper again "independent on all subjects." Soon after the
paper espoused the cause of the Republican party, and con-
tinued a Republican paper till the presidential campaign of
1872, when it advocated the election of Horace Greeley, and
remained a Liberal Republican paper till January, 1873.
The Hon. Edwin M. Johnson was editor, or senior editor,
from its first issue till Jan. 30, 1873, when the paper was
sold to George H. Ilollis, the present publisher.
In July, 1865, Mr. Johnson enlarged the paper to seven
columns and associated with him H. S. Dow and W. R.
Bates, as editors and proprietors, under the firm-name of
Johnson, Dow & Bates. Jan. 1, 1866, both Dow and Bates
retired, leaving Mr. Johnson sole editor and proprietor.
Sept. 4, 1867, Amos Roberts purchased a half-interest,
and its publication was continued under the firm-name of
Johnson & Roberts. June 17, 1868, the Advertiser was
enlarged to eight columns, which size it has continued to
the present time. At the time it was enlarged it donned a
new dress, and about the same time a power-press took the
place of the old hand-pre.ss. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Roberts
were both practical printers, and set themselves at work to
make the office complete. A half-medium Gordon and an
eighth-medium Liberty press were added to the office, as
well as many other valuable machines and improvements.
The present editor and publi.>her. George H. Hollis, pur-
chased the office Jan. 30, 1873, and published the Adver-
tiser as an independent journal till the nomination of Sam-
uel J. Tiiden for President in 1876, when it supported
Tilden and Hendricks, and has since been published as a
Democratic paper.
At the time Mr. HoUis purchased the paper he was well
known to the inhabitants of Addison and adjoining towns,
and, although not a practical printer, the Advertiser, under
his management, gained rapidly in circulation and influence.
This acquaintance with the people in the south towns of
Steuben and the people of Cowanesque Valley, Pa., brought
a large number of subscribers and friends. The paper may
now be considered as established on a firm and paying basis.
URBANA.
HAMMONDSPORT HERALD.
The Ilammondsport Herald was established May 1, 1874,
by Mrs. B. Bennett and Mrs. E. B. Fairchild. It is a local
weekly paper, devoted to the interests of the locality. Jlay
1, 1875, the half interest in the paper owned by Mrs. Ben-
uitt was purchased by Mrs. Fairchild, the latter having
charge of the paper until the fall of 1876, when Mr. L. H.
Brown bought a half-interest. The partnership existed for
one year, when the interest owned by Mrs. Fairchild was
purchased by Mr. Brown, who still continues to edit and
publish the paper.
COHOCTON.
The Cohocto.\ Valley Times is published in the
village of Liberty. It was established as the Cohoclon
Herald in 1872, by H. B. Newell, and afterwards pur-
chased by James C. Hewitt and changed to the Cohocton
Tribune, and in 1875 was bought by William A. Carpenter,
and changed to the Cohocton Valley Times. It is a weekly
newspaper, independent in politics.
obsolete PAPERS.
The Farmer s Gazette was commenced in Bath in 1816,
by David Rumsey, and was published about one year.
The Steuben Messenger was started at Bath, April 17,
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
81
1828, by David Rumsey, and was published by him,
Samuel M. Eddie, William P. Angel, and Charles Adams,
successively, till 1834, when its name was changed to The
Constitutionalist, and its publication was continued succes-
sively by R. L. Underbill, Whitemore & Van Valkenburgh,
and Dow & Richards, and by the last-named firm as The
Steuben Democrat, until 1844, when the paper was sus-
pended. In 1848 it was renewed by L. J. Beach, and in
1849 was transferred to George H. Bidewell, by whom its
publication was continued till 1852.
The Steuheii Whig was published at Bath during the
political campaign of 1828, by William M. Swain.
The Temperance Gem was published at Bath in 1854,
by Misses Jenny and Caroline Rumsey.
The Addison Record was published at Addison by Isaac
D. Booth, from 1840 to 1842, and in 1849 by Dryden &
Peck.
Tiie Addison Advocate was published by H. D. Dyer in
1848-49.
T/ie Voice of the Nation was commenced at Addison by
R. Denton, in 1852. In 1855 the paper passed into the
hands of A. L. Underbill, by whom it was published till
185t), when it was removed to Bath and its name changed
to The Steuben American, and its publication continued
until May, 1867.
Tlie Canisteo Express was published at Addison in 1850^
by Thomas Messenger.
The Addison Journal was started in 1851 by R. Denton,
and was removed to Allegany County in 1852.
The Addison Democrat was commenced by Charles L.
Phelps in 1853, and was merged in the Voice of the Na-
tion in 1854.
Tlie Corning and Blossburg Advocate was commenced
at Corning in 1840, by Charles Adams. In 1841 it passed
into the hands of Henry H. Hull, by whom it was merged,
in 1843, in the Steuben Courier, at Bath.
The Corning Sun was started in 1853 by M. M. Pome-
roy and P. C. Van Gelder. In 1 854, Rev. Ira Brown be-
came the publisher, and changed the name to Tlie Ebnira
Southern Tier Farmer and Corning Sun, and continued it
till 185(;.
The United States Farmer was published at Corning in
the spring of 1856.
The Painted Fast Gazette was started by Mr. Fairchild
in 1846, and continued a few months.
The Painted Post Herald was published by Ransom
Bennett and B. M. Hawley, from May, 1848, for about one
year.
The National American was established at Hornellsville
in 1856, by C. M. Harmon. In November, 1858, it was
sold to Charles A. Kinney, and its name changed to Can-
isteo Valley Journal.
The Fainted Post Times was begun in October, 1870,
by William C. Bronson, H. C. Higman, and S. H. Feren-
baugh. It was discontinued some time in 1877.
The Saturday News was established at Bath, by Enos
W. Barnes, in the early part of the year 1868. It was
Republican in politics. But eleven numbers were issued,
when Mr. Barnes returned to the Steuben Courier office,
from which he had retired Jan. 1, 1868.
11
CHAPTER XVII.
THE LAND CONTROVERSY.
Difficulties with the Lanfl-Office — Meeting of Settlers — The Protesting
Convention — Memorial to Col. Robert Troup — Col, Troup's Instruc-
tions to his Sub-Agent.
The difficulties which many of the early settlers on the
Pulteney and Hornby estates had to encounter in paying
for their lands can be little understood or appreciated by
the present generation. While it was evidently the desire
and aim of the agents to treat the settlers with justice and
equity, yet the policy adopted by them and acquiesced in
by liundreds of land-purchasers proved to be of a very
embarrassing nature. Thousands bought their lands on
contract, agreeing to pay for them in installments, together
with a certain stipulated interest thereon, which accumu-
lated from year to year, amounting in a few years to more
than the lands were worth. Many of them were poor, and
had all they could do to gain a subsistence for themselves
and families on the new lands, which exhausted all their
energies and resources to clear and improve, to say nothing
of paying their installments and meeting the annual interest
when it became due. If these sums were not paid they
were compounded or added to the principal, on which in-
terest was again charged, involving them more hopelessly
than ever in pecuniary embarra.<-sment. The longer this
state of things contitiucd, the worse it became. The agents
could not go on forever accepting promises to pay, and the
only prospect left for many of the settlers was that the
lands on which they had toiled so long to gain a meagre
subsistence would be sold from under them to those who
could pay for them. This matter became so serious that in
1830 the settlers in Allegany and Steuben Counties began
to arouse themselves to the perils of their situation, and
hold public meetings for the purpose of considering what
remedy could be adopted. We give below the report of
A CONVENTION OP SETTLERS
held at the court-house in Bath, in the county of Steuben,
on the nineteenth day of January, 1830, " to take into
consideration the condition of the settlers on the Pulteney
and Hornby estates" in the counties of Steuben and Alle-
gany. Henry A. Townsend, Esq., was called to the chair,
and Edward Howell and George C. Edwards, Esqs., ap-
pointed secretaries. The following delegates appeared, and
took their seats :
Addison. — William Wombough, Lemuel B. Searles, Da-
vid Shumway, Eber Scofield, and Daniel Burdick.
Bath. — William Woods, James Warden, John Corbitt,
Peter Hunter, Melvin Schenck, Caleb P. Fulton, and Elislia
Hawks.
Cameron. — Jacob Thayer, Joseph Loughry, Isaac San-
tee, Sheldon Porter, and Hiram Averill.
Cohocton. — Paul C. Cook, David Weld, Elnathan Wing,
Peter Haight, and Alfred Shattuek.
Canisteo. — Henry D, Millard, William Stephens, Jere-
miah Baker, George Santee, and Moses Hallett.
Dansville. — Thomas M. Boweu, Peter Covert, Annis
Newcomb, Leeds Alien, and Martin Smith,
82
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Erwin. — John E. Evans, Saniuol Erwin, and John
Cooper, Jr.
Grecnirood. — Levi Davis, Thomas Johnson, Anson Cook,
William J. Strong, and Randall Pease.
Hornby. — Isaac Goodseli, Samuel Oldfield, Josiah Wheat,
Francis Northway, and Levi Nasli.
Hornelhville. — Oliver Coon, Othniel Call, Oliver Petti-
bone, Jabez Lamphere, and John J. Sharp.
Howard. — Daniel N. Bennett, Bjram L. Harlow, Wil-
liam GofF, John D. Colljer, and Jacob G. Winne.
Jersey. — Abraham M. Lybolt, Gilbert Reed, Caleb Wol-
cott, Peter Ilouck, and Henry Switzcr.
Jasper. — William Hunter, Benjamin Heliker, Ira Smith,
Uzal M'MynJerse, and Hinckley Spencer.
Painted Fost. — Robert H. Hoyt, Joseph Gillett, Charles
Wolcott, Jr., William Webster, and Henry D. Smith.
Prattsburgh. — Stephen Prentiss, Gamaliel Loomis, Jo-
siah AUis, Ira C. Clark, and Joseph Potter.
Pulteney. — David Hobart, William Sagar, Barnet Retan,
Daniel Bennett, and Scth Weed.
Tyrone. — Henry S. Williams, Henry L. Arnold, John
Sebering, Samuel L. Bigelow, and Daniel Child.
Tronpsburgh. — Samuel Cady, Samuel Griggs, Joshua
Slayter, Jesse Wilden, and Nathan S. Hayes.
Urbuna. — Henry A. Townsend, John Sanford, Jr.,
John Powers, Elias Ketchum, and Dyer Cranmer.
Wheeler. — Jonathan Barney, Nathan Rose (2d), Abram
J. Quackenbush, David Barney, and .John C. Overhizer.
Wayne. — Latham Fitch, John H. Sherwood, and Thorn-
ton F. Curry.
Wood/lull. — Caleb Smith, Samuel Stroud, Asher John-
son, Jeffrey Smith, and iMartin Harder.
Alfred — Edward Green, Daniel Babcock, Spencer Sweet,
Richard Hall, and Clark Crandall.
Burns. — Stephen Mundy, Nathaniel Bennett, and Jose-
phus Miller.
Almond. — David Ciandall, George Lockhart, Joseph
Baldwin, James McHenry, and Ja.sper White.
Andover. — Philip Wardner, Asa S. Allen, Hiram Har-
mon, Elias Purringtou, and Stephen Potts.
Independence. — Alva Wood, William W. Reynolds, and
Almond Crandall.
Italy. — James Fox.
Samuel S. Haight, Edward Howell, and George C. Ed-
wards, at the request of the convention, took their seats as
members thereof. The court-house being insufficient to ac-
commodate the convention and the spectators, the conven-
tion adjourned to the Presbyterian meeting-house.
The convention having reassembled at the meeting-
house, and the objects of the meeting having been discussed,
the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted :
•' Whereas, The unusual and alarming embarrassment of a great
portion of the settlers on what are usually termed the Pulteney and
Hornby estates, in the counties of Steuben and Allegany, call loudly
for the interference of some power to interpose between them and a
state of pecuniary depression which threatens eventually to termi-
nate in conseciuenccs disastrous to the welfare and prosperity of this
section of the State.
" Whereas, In the opinion of this meeting, the proprietors of any
estate cannot be benefited by the existence of a state of things in the
administration of its affairs productive only of general distress, em-
barriissment, and poverty.
" Whereas, In the opinion of this meeting, the true cause of the
present embarrassment and depression may be traced to an ill-judged
policy in the direction and management of the said estates;
** By the disposal of their lands at prices above their value and
entirely beyond the power of the settlers to meet :
" By the practice adopted by the agency of compounding the in-
terest annually on demands due. until by its accumulation it has, in
most cases, increased the original demand to a sum beyond the value
of the land and the improvements thereon; and
*' By threatening to enforce a course of rigid punctuality on many
of the settlers, while at the same time legal restraints are imposed
which render it entirely hopeless for them to attempt the payment of
any considerable portion of their debts.
" And toherens, it is not only the privilege but the duty of the peo-
ple at all times to assemble in a constitutional manner, with a view
to the correction of a state of things evidently prejudicial to the wel-
fare of the community of which they are members.
" Jlesohcd, therefore, That a committee of one from each town rep-
resented in this convention, together with the chairman and secretaries
and William Woods, Esq., be appointed a committee to draft a memo-
rial to the principal agents of the Pulteney and Hornby estates on
the subject of existing grievances.
" Resolved, That the following persons, together with those above
mentioned, constitute the said committee, to wit : Lemuel B. Scarles,
James Warden, Hiram Averill, David Weld, Jeremiah Baker, Thomas
M. Brown, John E. Evans, Levi Davis, Isaac Goodseli, Oliver Petti-
bone, AVilliam Goff. Henry Switzer, Hinckley Spencer, Robert H.
lloyt, Gamaliel Loomis, David Hobart, Henry S. Williams, Samuel
Grigges, John Powers, John H. Sherwood, Asher Johnson, Clark Cran-
dall, Josephus Miller, David Crandall, Asa S. Allen, .\lva Wood, and
James Fox.
" Rcsulveil, That this convention adjourn till nine o'clock this even-
ing to hear the report of the committee appointed in the preceding
resolutions.
" Whereupon the convention adjourned, and again assembkd at the
hour above specified, and the committee reported a memorial, which
having been read, it was
" Resolved, That the same be adopted and be signed by the delegates
composing the said convention."
The convention then adjourned till nine o'clock next
morning.
The convention met on the 20th of January, pursuant to
adjournment, when the following resolutions were adopted :
" Resolved, That Stephen Prentiss, William Woods, Clark Crandall,
Ira C. Clark, and George MoClure, together with the chairman and
secretaries, be a committee to forward the memorial to Col. Robert
Troup and to John Grcgge, Esq., on behalf of the inhabitants of said
counties, and to correspond and confer with them on the subject of
such memorial, as well as any other matter relating thereto; and
that they report the result of such correspondence to this meeting at
a future day.
" Resolved, That this convention, when it adjourns, will adjourn to
meet again at such time and place as the chairman and secretaries
may appoint, and that notice be published by them of such subse-
quent meeting.
" Resolved, That the members of this convention continue to hold
their places until the objects of the convention shall be obtained, or
until others shall he appointed in their ste.id.
'■ Resolved, That it be recommended to those towns interested in
the objects of this meeting, and who are not fully represented in this
convention, to choose delegates to at least the number of five, to rep-
resent them in all future meetings.
" Resolved, That the delegation in this convention from each town
be a committee to bo denominated the Committee of Grievances,
whose duty it shall be to collect all information on the subject of
existing evils and report the same to this convention at some future
meeting. And that said committee be also authorized to collect funds
to defray the expenses attending the carrying into effect the object
of this meeting, and to pay over the same to the treasurer hereinafter
appointed.
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
83
*' Reiolverlj That George C. Edwarda be and is hereby appointed
treasurer, for the purpose of receiving all funds that may be paid
over for the purpose aforesaid, and whose duty it shall be to dis-
burse the same at his discretion, with the advice of the chairman and
secretaries^ in aid of the object contemplated by this meeting.
" lietoh'ed, That the chairman and secretaries bo authorized to cor-
respond with such non-resident land-holders in the said counties as
they may deem proper, and which in their opinion may be produc-
tive of good to the settlers on such lands.
" RcHolved, That while we will use such measures only as are justi-
fied by the laws of the land, to effect the removal of the evils under
which the people of this vicinity labor, wo pledge ourselves to each
other and to the public steadily to pursue the object for which this
eonvcntion is assembled, until a sense of justice on the part of the
land-holders and their agents shall induce them to adopt measures
calculated to alleviate existing embarrassments among the settlers on
said estates.
** licaohed, That the proceedings of this convention be signed by
the chairman and secretaries and published in the several public
journals of the counties of Steuben, Allegany, and Yales, and that
one thousand copies of such proceedings be published in the form of
a handbill for circulation.
"II. A. TowyiSK^D, Chairman.
"Edward Howell,
"Georok C. E
I WELL, )
Edwards, )
Secretaries.'
MEMORIAL.
** To Robert Troup, Esquire,
Chief Agent of the Pulteney Estate, and
" To John Grkgg, Esquire,
Chief Agent of the Hornby Estate.
"THE MEMORIAL
*' o/ the Bubscrihers, delegates chosen h\f the settlers resident upon the said
estates in the several towns of the counties of Steuben and Allegany,
" Respectfully Sheweth, —
"That previous to the construction of the great Erie Canal the
nuniorous navigable streams penetrating the county of Steuben, and
affording means for the cheap and easy transportation of the products
of the soil to a market upon our Atlantic coast, were considered as
conferring important advantages over the more fertile country through
which the canal now passes, and produced a consequent advancement
in the valuation of the land. That at that period of time the com-
motions of the French Revolution had involved the whole civilized
world, our own country excepted, in a general and sanguinary war.
The armies of the several powers of Europe, augmented to the utmost
possible extent, had withdrawn from the cultivation of the soil such
immense numbers of people that the productions of those countries
were found entirely inadequate to the support of their inhabitants,
and the whole of Europe, threatened with a general ilearth and famine,
were compelled' to procure their bread from the granaries of this
country. The productions of our farms were advanced to a price
unprecedented; money was abundant, enterprise high, a spirit of
emulation had gone abroad in the community, which impelled thou-
sands to leave the older settled parts of the country and press on to
the wilderness of the West, calculating upon the continuance of this
fictitious prosperity; and, estimating very extravagantly the local
advantages of this country, a large number of settlers located them-
selves here, contracted for lands at an extravagant price, and for a
time appeared prosperous and happy. Produce of all kinds continued
to command a high price in ready money, and a few of the first set-
tlers, who had obtained the best lands, succeeded in paying for their
farms and establishing themselves in independence and competence.
Very different, however, is the fate of a very large portion of the set-
tlers upon your agency. The lands were covered with a very large
growth of timber, and the labor of clearing excessively great. The
first crops upon the new lands were small in quantity and inferior in
quality. The occupants were poor; for a long time labored under
the greatest difficulties in supporting themselves and their families;
and finally, when they had succeeded in making such improvements
upon their farms as to enable them to raise some surplus beyonil the
most indispensable provision for themselves and their families, the
fortunate period for drawing profit from the productions of the land
had passed away.
" A general peace had succeeded the commotions and distractions of
war ; trade and all the arts of life had settled down into their natural
and ordinary channels. A stagnation had succeeded as profound as
the excitement and activity which had preceded it was general, and
property of all kinds underwent a diminution of more than one-half
in value. The productions of the soil, no longer required abroad,
glutted our markets at home, remaining on hand for the want of pur-
chasers, or selling at prices little better than nominal. In the mean
time the debt of the settler, now swelled by the continual accumula-
tion of interest, was augmented to a sum beyond his ability or his
hope of payment. Add to this that the construction of the great Erie
Canal, while it conferred the greatest advantages upon the country
through which it passed, operated in the same ratio against this by
arresting the tide of emigration from it by the course of its channel
to the great regions of the West, By the great reduction in the labor
and expense of traveling and transportation, distance has, in effect,
been diminished, and the lands of the United States, in the State of
Ohio and Territory of Michigan, become accessible with less labor
and expense than those on which we reside. The adoption of a new
policy by the Government of the United States with regard to the
national lands so introduced into the market, has also had a very se-
rious effect upon this country. The reduction of the price of those
lands to one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and the facility of
transporting their products to market by the lake and the Grand Canal,
have induced many of our citi/.ens who had the means of emigration
thither to do so, and all are prevented from settling here who have
the means of purchasing and paying for lands.
" The Holland Land Company, impressed with a belief of the impe-
rious necessity of the case, have reduced the price of their lands ac-
cording to the exigency of the times, and by their low prices and the
superior quality of the soil and advantages of location upon the great
canal, draw off the settlers from us and prevent the sale of lands here.
In short, the great change which has within a few years taken place
in the value of all kinds of property everywhere; the great reduction
of the relative value of lands in these counties, occasioned by the
construction of the great canal ; the reduction in the price of the gov-
ernment lands and the lands of the Holland Land Company; the di-
version of the tide of emigration, capital, and enterprise to other
channels ; the great amount of debt now due for lands which the whole
value of real estate now in the hands of the settlers, including the
improvements made by them; the utter impossibility of selling
their lands at their estimated value, and their utter inability to dis-
charge their debts, have produced a crisis in the affairs of the inhabi-
tants of a most momentous character, compelling them to appeal to
you for relief from burdens and difficulties too great to be longer
borne.
" Impressed with the truth of these considerations, your memorial-
ists, on the part of the whole community whom they represent, earn-
estly recommend the situation of this country to your consideration ;
and fully that you have the power as well as the inclination to afford
them the fullest relief, they respectfully suggest the propriety of adopt-
ing, with regard to this agency, a policy similar to that lately taken
up by the Holland Land Company, which has had the happy effect
there of restoring peace and confidence, establishing prosperit3' and
enterprise among the settlers, and effecting the collection of a larger
sum of money for the proprietors than was ever before realized for
their lands, and which will undoubtedly produce similar effects here.
Should you adopt this course, gentlemen, we have no hesitation in
saying, that while you most effectually promote the interest as well
of the land-owners as of the settlers, you will cause your own names
to be handed down to posterity among those of the greatest benefac-
tors of mankind.
"Dated Jan. 20, 1830."
COL. TROUPES INSTRUCTIONS.
About three months after the above memorial was pre-
sented, Col. Robert Troup, chief agent of tlie Pulteney
estate, issued the following letter of instruction to Hon.
William W. McCay, sub-agent at Bath, in respect to the
management of the estate in Steuben and Allegany Counties :
"New York, March 14, 1830.
"Dear Sir, — I am informed that the settlers on the Pulteney
estate, in Steuben and Allegany Counties, suppose the debts they owe
84
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the estate are so large as, for the most part, to exceed their ability to
pay.
"I am also informed thaf, in consequence of their supposed inabil-
ity to pay their debts, the settlers entertain serious apprehensions
that they may ultimately lose their farms, and thus be involved in
ruin.
"I have uniformly cherished the kindest feelings towards the set-
tlers, and therefore it is difficult for me to express my extreme regret
at the apprehensions which may agitate their minds.
"As far as was compatible with a just regard for the interests of
my principals, who act in the character of trustees and executors, I
have uniformly endeavored to promote the welfare of the settlers in
the course of policy I have pursued since my connection with the
estate. Accordingly, I have on all occasions endeavored to treat the
settlers with justice and liberality, and to show them every forbear-
ance and indulgence called for by the difficulties attending the settle-
ment of a new countrj'. I have moreover cheerfully made liberal
contributions, from time to time, for promoting religion, opening
roads, building bridges, and other public improvements. In so doing,
I have also acted in perfect accordance with the wishes of my English
friends.
" For some time past I have entertained a V>elicf that the debts due
from the settlers in your department of the agency were generally
too large for their means of pnyment. I had therefore determined
on what appeared to me a proper plan for reducing the debts to a
reasonable aud equitable amount. My objects in determining on this
plan were to animate the agricultural labors of the settlers, and to
inspire them with confidence in their future prosperity and happiness,
by convincing them that I had no desire whatever to deprive them
of the hard-earned fruits of their industry. The plan had in view
the fair appraisement of the buildings and other imjirovements on
every lot, together with the present value of the cleared land, and the
present value of the land remaining in a state of nature. The actual
value of each lot being thus ascertained, I proposed, by making an
abatement upon just and equitable principles, to reduce the contract
debt to a sum below the appraised value, whenever the settler was
ready to make a moderate payment on account of the balance. Be-
sides such reduction of his debt, the settler was to be accommodated
with a liberal enlargement of time for paying the balance, in easy
installments.
" I thought it would be plain to every considerate an* unprejudiced
person, who became acquainted with this plan, that it was deeply
founded in equity, and afforded the settler every assurance that he
would finally be able, by his own exertions, to pay for his farm.
" Soon after I had determined on the plan, I instructed you to put
it forthwith in a train of execution, hy employing one of the assist-
ants in the land-office to make the necessary a]>prftiscment of the
value of the lots. The plan was accordingly put in a train of execu-
tion ; but a good deal of time was necessary to a judicious and impar-
tial appraisement of the lots, and it has consequently happened that
the work has hitherto been performed only in some townships under
your agency.
*• It is still my intention to continue the execution of my plan. But
1 have reason to believe that it may be imagined that, if a person con-
nected with your agency is employed in appraising the value of the
lots, he might be liable to a suspicion of not being sufficiently impar-
tial. I therefore now reqviest you to lose no time in selecting, subject
to my approbation, some independent, judicious, and upright farmer
residing inStiniben or Allegany County, and no way connected with
the esiate, to appraise the lots under contract in the several towns in
your department. As this will be a work of considerable time and
expense, I request you to engage the person you may select to com-
mence with those townships that have not been already appraised by
your assistant. It is possible that his appraisement may prove to be
so correct and fair, on comparing them with the appraisements of the
lots in other townships by the person you may select, as to lead me
to judge that the lots already appraised need not be appraised again.
" The person to be intrusted with the business of appraisement mvist
eontirm the appraisement of the lots in every township by his oath,
anil when the appraisement is returned to the land-office it must re-
main subject to my approbation.
" The agency has heretofore gone to some extent into the practice
of taking wheat and cattle in the payment of debts, and I now direct
you to make the practice general, and to continue it as long as the
settlers shall appear faithfully to second my sincere desire to accom-
modate them and it shall be found advantageous to the agency. The
price at which the wheat is to be received during the winter months
is to be fixed at seventy-five cents per bushel. This price, I am per-
suaded, will secure to the settler a good living profit for his labor. It
must nevertheless be remembered that the wheat to be received on
contracts originally made payable in wheat must be taken at the
price stipulated in the contracts.
"At the time when the price of seventy-five cents per bushel is
given for wheat it may so happen that the settler who has money to
pay may sustain an injury from making the payment in moncj' and
not in wheat. To prevent such injury, you are authorized to allow
the settler a just abatement on his money payment, if he is willing
to make it.
" You will also receive cattle at fair and liberal cash prices.
"When the settler comes to the office to receive the benefit of the
reduction of his debt, I think it reasonable and just that you should
demand of him a moderate payment on account of the balance of his
debt, and I desire it to be expressly understood that, while the ap-
praisements are in progress, the settlers are expected to make pay-
ments as usual. They may rest satisfied that the payments made in
the mean time shall not impair their right to have a reduction of their
debts, but shall be considered in lieu of so much paid at the time of
reduction, and shall accordingly be applied towards extinguishing
the balances that may then be ascertained to be due.
"It is my desire that no occupied or improved lots be advertised
for sale until after the settlers have been favored with the opportunity
of availing themselves of the benefits to arise from the reduction of
their debts under the proposed appraisements.
" Some time since I directed you to reduce for the future the selling
prices of vusttld landt in your agency to a more moderate standard,
and this direction you must continue to observe.
" The details for carrying these instructions into effect must neces-
sarily be a matter of sound discretion with you, and I request you to
exercise that discretion in the same spirit of liberality that is mani-
fested in this letter.
"You will be pleased to communicate to the settlers in due season,
through the medium of the newspapers printed at Bath and at An-
gelica, such part of the details as they ought to be made acquainted
with.
"With great respect, I am,
■" Dear sir, your humble servant,
" Robert Troup.
" Wm. W. M'Cay, Esu."
FURTHER ACTION OF THE SETTLERS.
During the interval of three months between the above
letter of Col. Troup aud another containing his modified
instructions, dated June 14, 1830, meetings were held by
the settlers in many towns of the county, and a spirit of
calm but determined resistance manifested. At an ad-
journed meeting of the convention held in Bath, April 14,
1830, it was
" Resolved, As the sense of this meeting, that the instructions given
by Col. Troup to his sub-agent in Bath under date of March 14, 1830,
will not afford the necessary and reasonable relief required by the
settlers upon the lands embraced in the agencies, and that the con-
vention disapprove of the same.
" Jieuolrrd, That the convention recommend to said settlers that
they withhold all payments upon contracts upon the aforesaid lands
until the necessary relief is granted."
On the 6th of May a large meeting of the settlers in
Urbana was held at Hammondsport, of which James
Brundage was chairman and William Hastings secretary.
The action of the above convention was approved, and it
was
" Resolved y That all further payments be withheld until the asked-
for relief is granted.
" Resolved, That if our grievances are not redressed our delegates
use their endeavors with the convention to memorialize the next
Legislature, praying that proper and expedient laws be enacted for
the relief of this oppressed community.'*
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
85
Such was the spirit and purport of the meetings held
throughout the county.
On the 14th of June, 1830, Col. Troup sent the follow-
ing instructions to Mr. M'Cay :
" New York, 1-lth June, 1830.
'* Dear Sir, — I have received your letter of the 9th ultimo, with
its inclosure. From them, and likewise from late proceedings of a
public nature in Steuben County, I learn, with no little surprise, that
my proposed plan for the relief of the settlers on the Pulteney Es-
tate in Steuben and AUefjany Coniitien, as exhibited in my letter of
instructions to you of the Hth March last, is disagreeable to them :
and especially that part of the plan which prescribes an appraise-
ment of the present value of the improvements on every lot as one
of the items to be taken into the account of its total value. It seems
that this pjirt of the plan is so disagreeable to many of the settlers
that they have rejected it, and, in consequence of their rejection,
have resolved to suspend all payments to the agency. The suspen-
sion, I am informed, is to continue until I agree to their plan of
relief, which, I have constantly understood, consists in my consenting
arbitrarily to cut down their contract debts, without any discrimina-
tion, in the cases of the settlers, to the present value of wild lands,
exclusive of the value of the improvements on their lots, and in my
further consenting to give them new contracts for the lots at the price
of wild lands.
Learning these to be the feelings and views of the settlers, it is
necessary for me to furnish you with additional instructions for your
government.
" I very much regret that my plan of relief has proved so disagree-
able to the settlers. I formed it on mature reflection, and without
having the least possible motive of personal interest to bend my judg-
ment from the straight line of rectitude. The faithful management
of the estate intrusted to my charge places me on middle ground
between my principals and the settlers. I have, on the one side, to
perform to my principals the duties of diligence, justice, and integrity;
and, on the other side, to perform to the settlers the duties of justice,
liberality, and kindness. It was under a sense of these several duties^
most deeply impressed both on my mind and heart, that the plan was
formed. And, such being my duties, I was afterwards very happy to
find that the plan received the full approbation of able, discreet, and
honest counsel, to whom I submitted it for their consideration, but
more particularly for their consideration of the legal exercise of the
powers delegated to me as an agent.
" It appeared to me that, as a discreet and faithful land-agent, I
would not be justified in acceding to the p/an of relief proposed by
the sellfers. I thought it was founded on arbitrary principles, which,
when carried into practice, would prove unjust to the persons I repre-
sent, and unequal towards the settlers themselves.
" The reasons for this opinion are obvious.
*' The plan, by reducing debts dilTering widely from each other in
age, amount, and character, would assume an arbitrary rule, subject-
ing the estate to a heavy and, in a great majority of the cases, un-
necessary loss on the debts in diiferent proportions from twenty-five
to seventy-five per cent. It would not render equal justice to the
settlers themselves; for the operation of an uniform rule of abate-
ment on debts, of various descriptions, could not fail, in many eases,
to exceed what the actual situation of the settlers in justice required.
It would often place the settlers who had profitably enjoyed their
farms for ten, twenty, or thirty years, and had paid little or nothing
for them in the mean time, on a footing of equality with those who
had purchased their farms but recently ; and on a more favorable
footing than those who had made frequent payments, or had quite ex-
tinguished their contract debts. That I have declined acceding to a
plan possessing such very objectionable qualities will not seem ex-
traordinary to any man who sets a due value on his property, and
regards what is fair and just in his business transactions.
'• I supposed, on the contrary, that »»?/ jtlan would afford all the
relief to the settlers that was proper to be granted by a discreet and
faithful land-agent, or that justice and equity demanded. This plan
was grounded on the fair value of every lot, which was to be ascer-
tained by appraising, separately, the present value of the improved
land, and buildings, and the present value of the land remaining in a
state of nature. That the appraisement might be perfectly impar-
tial, it was to be made, under oath, by some independent, judicious.
and honest farmer residing in Steuben or Allegany County, and not
subject to the influence cither of the settlers or the land-office. The
lot having been appraised, and its total value ascertained by uniting
the value of its several parts, the contract debt was to be reduced, by
an abatement on just and equitable principles, to a sum considerably
below the appraised value of the farm.
" But this reduction of the contract debt was not to take place in
favor of every settler indiscriminately, a« there are settlers whose
cases are so circumstanced as to render any relief to them neither
necessary nor proper. In this class of cases are those, among others,
of second purchasers, who have lately bought contracts of the first
settlers, and paid them for their improvements, with express refer-
ence to the balances due on the contract debts.
"The principles of justice and equity, to regulate the abatement pro-
posed, would naturally embrace various considerations, sueh a.s the
greatness or smallness of the price originally agreed to be paid for
the land, the accumulation of interest on the price, the present value
of the property, the enterprise, industry, and general good conduct of
the settler, his ability to pay, his hardships, losses, and misfortunes
since he settled on the estate, and other circumstances furnishing just
and equitable claims to liberality. In no instance, however, did I
intend to charge, in the renewed contract, more than was due on the
previous contract, though the value of the land should much exceed
the debt due on it, my object being to benciit the settler, and not to
injure him. But it should be remembered that the abatement, in-
stead of being designed by me as an act of mere benevolence, was to
be made as a matter of business; and therefore I meant to bound my
liberality by that honest and sound discretion which it was my duty
to observe in managing the pro]ierty of other persons.
"Such are the princi|)les on which the lico plnim proposed for the
relief of the settlers arc grounded ; and I believe that when the arbi-
trary and unjust princil^les of the plan of the settlers are contrasted
with the rational and just principles of my plan, the contrast will
appear so glaring as to flash conviction on every reflecting and un-
prejudiced mind, that my conduct, far from meriting censure from
the settlers, is well entitled to their grateful acknowledgments.
" But my proposed 7)^111 for the relief of the settlers went still farther.
I granted them easy annual installments for paying the equitably re-
duced balances due on their contracts ; and to facilitate their means
of payment, as Steuben and Allegany Counties. depend on the uncer-
tain and hazardous navigation of the Susquehanna for a market for
the sale of produce, I permitted them to make payments in wheat
and cattle, taking wheat at seventy-five cents per bushel, and cattle
at liberal cash prices. It is matter of public notoriety that the price
of seventy-five cents per bushel for wheat is considerably above the
price that has for many years past prevailed in Steuben and Allegany
Counties; and as it is admitted that seventy-five cents per bushel will
yield the farmer a living profit, I readily agreed to allow that price.
" Some of the contracts stipulate payments in wheat, but the greater
portion of the contracts oblige the settlers to pay their purchase-
moneys in cash. And yet I consented to take wheat and cattle in
payment on the cash contracts, though at the certainty of heavy
losses accruing to the agency from the operation. The losses will
arise from the expense and risk attending the transportation to the
seaboard, from the fluctuations of the market, and from bad debts;
in all which respects the agency has heretofore suffered severely.
" I presume I hazard nothing in saying that the facilities thus pro-
posed to be granted to the settlers for the payment of the equitably
reduced balances of their contract debts rendered my plan of relief
complete. I call it complete, for, by its natural effects, the debts of
the settlers obtaining relief would be reduced considerably below the
present worth of their farms, time would be gained for paying the
balances in easy installment.s, and a convenient and ready market, at
liberal prices, would be provided for the sale of their produce. Had
I carried my plan of relief to greater extent in essential particulars,
I should have thought myself unworthy of the important trust con-
fided to me by my principals; but I ask what more equitable and
what more liberal can the settlers rea,sonably desire of me? This
question will be promptly and rightly answered by every settler who
takes pride in performing his honest engagements.
" The settlers voluntarily came and purchased their farms, without
the practice of any imposition by the agency, at the prices commonly
asked by land-holders at the time, and after having explored the lots,
and thereby qualified themselves to judge correctly of the situation,
nature, and value of the lands. They have occupied the farms for
86
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
many years, and supported their families with the productions of the
soil ; and they have been treated by the agency with scrupulous jus-
tice, and almost unexampled forbearance and kindness.
" The settlers who have rejected the appraisement I had in view
have unfortunately thus deprived me of the services of Mr. Grattan
H. Wheeler in the prosecution of my plan of relief, Mr, AVheeler is
known to be an independent, judicious, and honest farmer in Steuben
County, and a respectable member of our Stnte Senate. I had selected
him as the proper person to make the appraisement: but, being now
deprived of the benefit of his services, I forbear to notice the qualifi-
cations that eminently fitted him to e.^ecute the ofiice of appraiser in
a manner satisfactory to all parties.
** Since the appraisement of the lots by an independent, judicious,
and honest farmer appears to be a feature of my plan of relief which
is particularly disagreeable to many of the settlers, I shall not persist
in having the appraisement made. With this exception, however, it
is my fi.\ed purpose to carry the plan fairly into effect.
*' You will therefore bo pleased to repeat your invitation to the set-
tlers, in all the townships belonging to the estate, to make payments
on the contract debts ; and to inform them that, on their making
reasonable payments, you are authorized, in all cases where abate-
ments are proper, to reduce the contract debts according to the equit-
able and liberal principles of my plan of relief: and also to allow
them easy annual installments for the payment of the balances. The
applications for reducing the contract debts should claim your partic-
ular attention, and you are requested to favor the applicants with
every equitable and liberal relief their situation may require, and
your information may qualify you to grant. With respect to applica-
tions from settlers in the townships which Mr. Fowler has examined,
I imagine you already have sutiicient light to guide your judgment;
and as to applications from settlers in the townships which have not
been examined, it is my desire that you grant them such relief as
prudence may recommen 1 under the limited information within your
reach.
"I have heard, with much gratification, that, notwithstanding the
settlers have been advised to the contrary, a respectable number of
them have made payments, and taken new contracts at abated prices.
I cannot help cherishing a hope that their prudent and upright con-
duct will be followed by the other settlers in the several townships.
** I shall wait a reasonable time on the settlers who have resolved to
suspend payments, with the expectation that, on their calmer reflec-
tion, they will see the good sense of abandoning the ground they have
taken. But, if a reasonable time should elapse without receiving
payments from them, it will then become my imperious duty, however
painful to me its execution, to take tet/al meaaures to enforce the per-
formance of contracts which the settlers have so willingly and fairly
entered into. And, in taking such measixres, I do not entertain the
smallest doubt but that the wholesome laws of the State, and its con-
stituted authorities, will afl'ord the same just and effectual protection
to the rights of my principals which they have uniformly afforded to
the rights of all other owners of real property in the Stale.
" I have thus explained, and I hope with cle:irness, the course of
policy which, after dispassionate and deep deliberation, I have adopted
for the coniluct of my agency. The course is sanctioned by my judg-
ment and approved by my conscience. I shall pursue it with steady
and firm steps, without turning to the right or to the left. It is not
my intention to be the first land-agent in the State to set the danger-
ous example of yielding to an attack on the rights of property ; nor
is it my intention to submit to the dictation of any combination of
men, be it ever so numerous, that is formed to force me from the
direct path of duty in the management of the great trust committed
to my charge.
" Faithfully to fulfill these intentions I conceive to be a solemn obli-
gation which, as an ageni, I owe to the interests of the worthy family
that has honored me with its confidence. I conceive it likewise to be
a solemn obligation which, as a citizen, I owe to the high reputation
our State sustains for its wise, impartial, and energetic administration
of the laws : to the rights of all the owners of real property in the
State, whom, to a certain extent, on this occasion I may be truly said
to represent ; and also to the welfare of every other class of my fellow-
citizens, whose prosperity and happiness are inseparably connected
with the preservation of the rights of property, — riyhia which consti-
tute the main pillar that supports the fabric of our free and excellent
government.
" For the general information of the settlers, I request you to have
this letter published in the Bath and Angelica newspapers; and in all
your dealings with the settlers it is ray wish that you treat them with
the courtesy and kindness becoming your station and the character
of the agency.
'* With great respect,
" I am, dear sir,
"Your humble servant,
"Robert Troup,
" Wm. AV. M'Cay, Esq."
CHAPTER XVITI.
SOCIETIES.
Steuben County Medical Society — Steuben County Homoeopathto
Medical Society — Southern Tier Ilomceopathic Medical Associa-
tion— Hornellsville Academy of Medicine — Steuben County Agri-
cultural Society.
STEUBEN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
This society was organized prior to 1818, the records
not showing the exact date. It consists of the major part
of physicians of the county, convened for the purpose of
professional and social advancement. Its first president, as
shown by the minutes, was Dr. Warren Patchin, who was
elected in the year 1818. The eldest living member is Dr.
James Faulkner, now of Dansville, Livingston Co. He
attended the first recorded meeting sixty-one years ago.
The society has held since that date annual and semi-
annual meetings at Bath, Dansville, Corning, Reading, and
Hornellsville (Dansville and Reading were at date of or-
ganization in Steuben County). The society has labored
under some difficulties, chief of which has been the widely-
separated location of its members. It has been useful to
physicians of the county in a professional and social wa}',
giving opportunity for consulting concerning ca.ses and com-
paring modes of practice. This organization has been the
greater prized, as many of its members have been in rural
districts at a distance from professional brethren. The
older members were exposed to many hardships. Their
patients were widely scattered in small openings in the
primitive forests; the roads, illy made, often mere bridle-
paths. In the heat of the day and in the darkness of the
night, in sunshine and in storm, the.se men have done an
arduous, important, and often unrequited duty to the in-
habitants of the county ; and, in the main, they have
done it well. Many are the associations of joy and sorrow,
sickness, accident, and death that will be recalled by the
perusal of the following list of members of this honorable
body. It will be seen that many have finished their labors
and gone to their rewards. The first twenty names on the
list were members prior to 1820.
John D. Iliggins,'' Bath,
Willis F. Clark.®
Warren Patchin,-'-' Patchiusville.
Samuel Gorton. ■■■■'
James Faulkner, Dansville,
Enos Barnes, died at Geneva.
John Warner, ■•■"■
James Warden, died at Mead's Creek,
Andrew Kingsbury,*
* Deceased,
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
87
Daniel Gilbert,*
John P. Kenedy .■■■'
Jacob Chatterton."^
Lyman N. Cook."*
Philo Andrews.'^"'
Walter Wolcott, died at Dundee.
Thomas M. Bowcn, Dansville ; died at Dansville.
Noah Niles,® Prattsburgh.
Samuel Southworth.'*
Simeon H. Goss."^'
Joel Luther.*
Robert F. Hoyt, Erwin, admitted 1820 ; died at Painted Post.
Jonathan Lockwood,*" Tyrone, admitted 1821.
Samuel Scoficld, admitted 1822.
Silas B. Hibbard,® Reading, admitted 1823.
James Cutler," Painted Post, admitted 1823.
George W. Turner,* admitted 1823.
Gustavus A. Rogers, Bath, admitted 1823; died at Chicago.
Samuel B. Chidsey,* admitted 1823.
Isaac L. Kidder, admitted 1824; removed.
Milo Hiird,« admitted 1824.
Levi S. Goodrich,* Howard, admitted 1824.
David L. Wicks,* admitted 1824.
Daiiel H. Orcutt, admitted 1824.
M. C. Kellogg, admitted 1826.
E. R. Pulling, Bath, admitted 1S26 ; died in 1844.
Israel Chissom,* Italy Hill, admitted 1826.
Isaac Wixom, admitted 1827.
T. E. Gansevoort,* Bath, admitted 1S27.
J. L. Livermore, admitted 1827.
F. E. Bateman, Cohocton, admitted 1827.
William Hunter,* Jasper, admitted 1828.
Samuel Olin,* Hornellsville, admitted 1828.
Levi Fay, admitted 1828.
David Hochkiss, admitted 1828.
Nathaniel Sheldon, admitted 1829.
Manning Kelly, admitted 1829.
Zenas S. Jackson,* Prattsburgh, admitted 1829.
Sampson Stodard, admitted 1829.
Winthrop E. Booth, admitted 1829; died at Watkins.
David Ward,* admitted 1830.
Delevan Stebbins, admitted 1831 ; removed.
Norman Truesdell, admitted 1831.
J. B. Wagner, Addison, admitted 1831.
A. L. Comstock, admitted 1832.
Ira L. Babcock, Bath, admitted 1833; removed to Norwalk, Ohio.
Abijah B. Case, Howard, admitted 1833.
A. S. Winslow, admitted 1834.
Myron A. Smith, admitted 1835.
William H. Bissell, admitted 1835; removed.
Daniel H. Shipman, admitted 1835; died at Syracuse.
Andrew Baker, Jr., admitted 1837; died at Norwich, Chenango
Co.
J. S. Jones, admitted 1837 ; removed.
Daniel Seaver, admitted 1842; removed.
Walter S. Cheney, Prattsburgh, admitted 1842 : died at Bath.
Addison Niles, Bath, admitted 1842; died at Quincy, 111.
P. D. H. Goff, admitted 1842 ; removed.
Festus Demerest, admitted 1842 ; removed.
Andrew D. Voorhees, Prattsburgh, admitted 1843; removed.
Wickham R. Crocker, Cameron, admitted 1843 ; died at Cameron.
C. W. C. Howard, Avoca, admitted 1843; removed.
H. H. Hess,* Cohocton, admitted 1843.
Rufus Talmadge, Pulteney, admitted 1843.
Anson Andrews,* Reading, admitted 1843.
J. C. Morse,* Bath, admitted 1843 ; removed.
Newman Abbey, Reading, admitted 1843.
William Gulick,* Tyrone, admitted 1843.
Thomas Shannon, Savona, admitted 1844.
Marsena Terry, Savona, admitted 1844 ; removed.
S. Brownell, Bath, admitted 1844 ; died at Paducah, Ky.
N. M. Harrington, Corning, admitted 1845.
L. K. House, admitted 1845.
* Deceased.
N. M. Perry, Troupsburgh, admitted 1845.
Stephen Hagadorn,* Bath, admitted 1845.
John H. Read,* Bath, admitted 1845.
Christopher Patterson, Avoca, admitted 1845.
E. Van Kuren, Ilammondsport, admitted 1845.
J. B. Graves, Corning, admitted 1846.
George W. Pratt, Corning, admitted 1846 : editor Corning Journal.
Peck, admitted 1847.
Robert Bell, Monterey, admitted 1847.
T. Skinner,* admitted 1847; removed.
A. Robinson,* Hornellsville, admitted 1847.
James Read,* Tyrone, admitted 1847.
Andrew Blanck, admitted 1847 ; removed.
John B. Flemming,* admitted 1847.
Samuel Mitchell, Hornellsville, admitted 1849.
P. K. Stodard, Pratt.'iburgh, admitted 1849.
Joseph S. Dolson, Bath, admitted 1849.
Cameron Patchin, Wayland, admitted 1850.
E. Hall, admitted 1850; removed.
A. T. Lyon, Savona, admitted 1851 ; died at Savona.
Henry C. May, Corning, admitted 1856.
William Gilbert, North Cohocton, admitted 1856; removed.
Ira P. Smith, Bath, admitted 1865.
Samuel Ensign, Bath, admitted 1865; removed.
Augustus F. Mills, Corning, admitted 1865.
Eli Allison, Wayne, admitted 1865.
Dighton L. Case, Howard, admitted 1865.
J. Straton Harlow,* Bath, admitted 1865.
Reuben F. Parkhill, Howard, admitted 1865.
E. S. Carpenter, Cohocton, admitted 1865.
James W. Black,* Bath, admitted 1866.
Andrew Purdy, admitted 1866 ; now a Methodist minister.
W. H. Sheffield, admitted 1866; removed.
H. A. Talmadge, Bradford, admitted 1866.
F. M. Lockwood, Bradford, admitted 1866.
John Mitchell, Addison, admitted 1866.
D. J. Chittenden, Addison, admitted 1867; removed.
Charles M. Graves,* Corning, admitted 1867.
John Cooper, Cooper's Plains, admitted 1867; removed.
C. S. Parkhill, Hornellsville, admitted 1867.
F. Wylie, Bath, admitted 1867.
J. A. Bennett, Prattsburgh, admitted 1868.
.1. S. Jameson, Hornellsville, admitted 1868.
C. H. Ward,* Hornellsville, admitted 1868.
Joseph Robinson, Hornellsville, admitted 1868.
R. P. Brown, Addison, admitted 1869.
J. Van Dusen, Painted Post, admitted 1869; removed.
S. F. Cridler, Hornellsville, admitted 1869.
Benjamin Pickett, Canisteo, admitted 1869.
C. W. Bennett, Bath, admitted 1869.
Lester B. Healey, Cohocton, admitted 1870.
W. T. Green, Hornellsville, admitted 1870.
I. L. Goff, admitted 1870; removed.
W. W. Smith, Avoca, admitted 1871.
Moses T. Babcock, Hammondsport, admitted 1871.
J. H. Trumbull, Hornellsville, admitted 1871.
A. H. Cruttenden, Bath, admitted 1872.
A. D. Bobbins, Corning, admitted 1872.
D. E. Graves, admitted 1872; removed.
H. R. Ainsworth, Addison, admitted 1872.
E. Mullheron, Corning, admitted 1872; removed.
Ambrose Kasson, Bath, admitted 1873.
S. H. Hall, Hammondsport, admitted 1873; removed.
J. B. Smith, Hornby, admitted 1874.
Warren Stewart, Savona, admitted 1874.
G. S. Gallagher, Cohocton, admitted 1874.
M. D. Ellison, Canisteo, admitted 1874.
John R. Selover, Bath, admitted 1874.
L. N. Pinney, Painted Post, admitted 1875; removed.
George F. Case,* Pulteney, admitted 1875.
Frank Oulton, Savona, admitted 1876 ; removed.
Mrs. Agnes Seeley, Bath, admitted 1876.
E. A. Overhiser, Campbell, admitted 1877.
* Deceased.
88
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Milton J. Baker, Horncllsville, admitted 1877.
J. B. Dudley, Painted Post, admitted 1877.
F. E. Cruttenden, Bath, admitted 1878.
Ephraim AVinnie, Fremont, admitted 1878.
Total membership, one hundred and fifty-eight.
The following is a list of presidents, together with the
year for which they were elected :
1818.
Warren Patchin.
1847.
R. H. Hoyt.
1819.
Enos Barnes.
1848.
A. Niles.
1820.
John Warren.
1849.
John D. Higgins.
1821.
Noah Niles.
1850.
Ira L. Babcoek.
1822.
James Warden.
1851.
Stephen Hagadorn.
182.3.
Enos Barnes.
1856.
A. B. Case.
1824.
Warren Patchin.
1865.
Joseph S. Dolson.
1825.
Robert H. Hoyt.
1866.
Samuel Mitchell.
1826.
Gustavus A. Rogers.
1867.
John Mitchell.
1827.
Isaac L. Kidder.
1868.
Christopher Patterson
1828.
John D. Higgins.
1869.
Eli Allison.
1829.
J. S. Livermore.
1870.
A. B. Case.
18.30-
-31. Ebenezer B. Pulling.
1871.
G. H. Van Dusen.
1832.
David Ward.
1872.
J. B. Graves.
1833.
Gustavus A. Rogers.
187.3.
Thomas Shannon.
1834.
T. E. Gansevoort.
" 1874.
H. R. Ainsworth.
1835.
Levi Goodrich.
1875.
H. C. May.
1837.
Gustavus A. Rogers.
1876.
W. W. Smith.
1842-43. Warren Patchin.
1877.
M. F. Babcoek.
1844-
■46. A. B. Case.
1878.
Ira P. Smith.
The following-named members of this society were army
surgeons during the late war, viz. : Drs. Joseph S. Dolson,
Ira P. Smith, F. Wylie, Bath; Dr. M. T. Babcoek, Ham-
mondsport; Dr. Henry C. May, Corning; Dr. P. K. Stodard,
Prattsburgh ; Dr. Seely Brownell, Bath ; Dr. John S.
Jameson, Hornellsville.
This society is now in a prosperous condition, with hopes
of continued and increasing usefulness.
THE STEUBEN COUNTY HOM(EOP.\THIC MEDICAL SOCIETY
was organized May 25, 1867. President, A. De Wolfe,
Bath ; Vice-President, W. S. Purdy, Addison ; Secretary,
James M. Cadmus, Sonora ; Censors, B. F. Grant, Bath ;
H. S. Benedict, Corning ; P. S. Hollett, Sonora.
Charter Members.— A. De Wolfe, Bath ; W. S Purdy,
Addison ; James M. Cadmus, Sonora ; B. F. Grant, Bath ;
H. S. Benedict, Corning ; P. S. Hollett, Sonora ; W. J.
Bryan, Corning.
Regular Memhers. — P. H. Purdy, Bath ; W. E. Hath-
away, Hornellsville ; W. D. Saxton, Liberty ; E.W.Bryan,
Corning ; H. A. Whitfield, Wayland ; Charles Brown, Ham-
mondsport; A. M. Gamman, Corning; B. F. Williamson,
Prattsburgh ; J. L. Gage, Hornellsville ; C. E. Campbell,
Hammondsport ; W. E. A. Gorton, Corning ; W. S. Purdy,
Corning ; F. D. Purdy, Corning.
Officers of the Society for 1879. — President, E. W.
Bryan, Corning ; Vice-President, B. F. Williamson, Pratts-
burgh; Secretary, A. M. Gamman, Corning ; Censors, B.
F. Grant, Bath; A. M. Gamman, Corning; W. E. A.
Gorton, Corning
SOUTHERN TIER HOMCEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
OP THE STATE OP NEW YORK.
A meeting was called and held at the office of Dr. E. D.
Leonard, in the city of Elmira, N. Y., on Jan. 20, 1874,
for the purpose of organizing a medical society for Southern
Tier, New York. Dr. 0. Groom, of Horseheads, was chair-
man, and Dr. E. M. White secretary of the meeting.
Constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the follow-
ing officers elected for the ensuing year: President, Henry
Sayles, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. ; Vice-President, Dr. W. L.
Purdy, Corning, N. Y. ; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. W. J.
Bryan, Corning, N. Y. ; Censors, Drs. N. R. Seeley, M. D.,
Elmira, N. Y. ; B. F. Grant, M.D., Bath, N. Y. ; E. W.
Bryan, M.D., Ovid, N. Y. ; James M. Cadmus, M.D.,
Waverly, N. Y. ; William Gulick, M.D., Watkins, N. Y.
The following were the first members of the association :
Henry Sayles, M.D.,
W. L. Purdy, "
William Gulick, ■'
Orlando Groom, ''
N. R. Seeley, "
B. F. Grant, "
L. L. Brown, "
W. D. Saxton, "
A. P. Hollett, "
E. D. Leonard, "
W. J. Bryan, "
I. L. Corbin, **
W. T. Read, "
John Burting, *'
Elmira, N. Y.
Corning, "
Watkins, "
Horseheads, N. Y.
Elmira, "
Bath, "
Binghamton, "
Cohocton, '*
Havana, "
Elmira, "
Corning, "
Athens, Pa.
Big Flats, N. \.
Corning, "
Officers for 1875, elected January 19: President, Wil-
liam Gulick, M.D., Watkins; Vice-President, N. R. Seeley,
Elmira; Secretary and Treasurer, W. J. Bryan, M.D.,
Corning.
Officers for 1876, elected January 18 : President, W. L.
Purdy, M.D., Corning; Vice-President, K F. Grant, M.D.,
Bath ; Secretary and Ti-easurer, W. J. Bryan, M.D.,
Corning ; Censors, N. R. Seeley, M.D., Elmira; B. F. Grant,
M.D., Bath ; E. W. Bryan, M.D., Ovid, N. Y. ; James
M. Cadmus, M.D., Waverly, N. Y. ; William Gulick, M.D.,
Watkins, N. Y.
Officers of 1876 were re-elected on January 16, 1877.
Officers for 1878, elected January 15: President, W. S.
Purdy, M.D., Corning ; Vice-President, J. L. Corbin, M.D.,
Athens, Pa. ; Secretary axA Treasurer, A. P. Hollett, M.D.,
Havana, N. Y. ; Censors, E. W. Bryan, M.D., Corning,
N. Y. ; William Gulick, M.D., Watkins, N. Y. ; N. R.
Seeley, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. ; 0. Groom, M.D., Horse-
heads, N. Y. ; A. M. Gamman, M.D., Corning, N. Y.
At the meeting on Jan. 15, 1878, Drs. E. W. Bryan
and A. M. Gamman were appointed a committee to revise
the constitution and by-laws. At the meeting held in Corn-
ing, N. Y., on April 16, 1878, they reported, and the fol-
lowing act of incorporation was executed and adopted in
the place of the constitution :
" AN ACT TO INCORPORATE
" The Southern Tier Hom<eoputhlc Medical Assueiation of the Stale
of New York.
" This is to certify, that we, the undersigned, citizens of the United
States, and of the State of New York, residing in the counties of
Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, Broome, Yates, and Alle-
gany, in accordance with the requirements of an act of the Legislature
of the State of New York, entitled 'An act for the incorporation of
benevolent, charitable, scientific, and missionary societies,' passed,
April 12, 1848, have associated ourselves together for the purpose of
organizing a medical society to be known by the name of the * South-
ern Tier Homceopathic Medical Association of the State of New
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
89
York/ for the purpose of scientific investigation, tlie advancement of
our linowledge in the practice of medicine and surgery, to facilitate
the instruction of medical students in the treatment of disease, and
also for the purpose of granting, after due examination, certificates of
<[uaIification to practice medicine and surgery. The association shall
hold its annual meeting on the third Tuesday of January of each
year, in the village of Corning, Steuben Co., N. Y., when they shall
elect a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, who, together
with five members of the association, who shall be elected at the same
time, shall constitute a Board of Directors, and they shall continue
in office one year or until their successors are elected ; and the follow-
ing-named persons shall constitute the board of directors for the first
year, or until the annual meeting in January, 1879 : William S.
Purdy, President; I. L. Corbin, Vice-President; A. P. Ilollett, Sec-
retary and Treasurer, N. R. Seeley, B. F. Grant, William Gulick, E.
W. liryan, 0. P. Barden.
" And the said association shall at its next meeting, on the third
Tuesday of July, ISTS, adopt such by-laws as a majority shall think
best to regulate the holding of meetings, admission of members, and
(he transaction of such other business as m:iy be necessary to carry
out the objects of the association in .accordance with the rec^uirements
of the statutes of the State of New York hereinafter referred to, and
all amendments thereto.
"Dated Corning, N. Y., April Itl. ISrS.
" W. S. Punnv, [l.s.]
"N. R. Seelky, [l.s.]
"Edward W. Br van, [l.s.]
" Wm. E. a. Gorto.v, [l.s.]
" A. P. Hollett, [l.s.]
" B. F. Williamson, [l.s.]
" a. M. GAM.MAN." [l.s.]
"State of New Y'ork, )
County of Steuben, j "• •
"On the Ifith day of April, a.d. 1878, before me, a Justice of the
Peace in and for said county, personally came W. S. Purdy, N. R.
Seeley, Edward W. Bryan, Wm. E. A. Gorton, A. P. Holleft, B. F.
AVilliamson,-a.nd A. M. Gamman, known to me to be the same persons
described in and who executed the within instrument, and acknowl-
edged that they executed the same.
"George Hitchcock,
^^ Justice of the Peace.
"I do hereby consent to and approve of the within certificate.
" Dated April 16, 1878.
"James L. Angle,
" Justice Supreme Court,
"Seventh District.
> ss. :
"Filed April 22, 1878."
"State of New York,
Steuben County Clerk's Office
I Seal of I " I, Lucius A. Waldo, Clerk of said County,
[ Steuben Comity. J and also Clerk of the County and Supreme
Courts therein. Courts of Record, having a common seal, do hereby
certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of an article of in-
corporation with the original of the same, now remaining on file in
my office, and that it is a correct transcript therefrom, and of the
whole of said original. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto sub-
scribed my name and affixed my oflicial seal, the seal of saiil courts,
at Bath, this 22d day of April, 1878.
"Thos. R. Rutherford, Dp. Clerk."
By-laws were adopted in accordance with the act of in-
corporation.
The following members of the association have died, and
suitable resolutions of regret have been adopted.
Henry Sayles, M.D., of Elmira, N. Y.
P. S. Hollett, M.D., of Sonora, Steuben Co., N. Y.
■ W. J. Bryan, M.D., of Corning, N. Y.
H. Hughes, M.D., of Savona, Steuben Co., N. Y.
The following have been elected members of the associa-
tion from time to time. The meetings of the association
have also been largely attended by physicii^ns not menjbers.
Henry Sayles, M.D., Elmira, N. Y.
W. S. Purdy, M.D., Corning, N. Y.
William Gulick, M.b., AVatkins, N. Y.
Orlando Groom, M.D., Horscheads, N. Y.
N. R. Seeley, M.D., Elmira, N. Y.
I. L. Corbin, M.D., Athens, Pa.
B. F. Grant, M.D., Bath, N. Y.
T. L. Brown, M.D., Binghamton, N. Y.
W. D. Saxton, M.D., Cohocton, N. Y.
A. P. Hollett, M.D., Havana, N. Y.
E. D. Leonard, M.D., Elmira, N. \'.
W. J. Bryan, M.D. (dc;id). Corning, N. Y.
T. W. Read, M.D., Big Flats, N. Y.
John Burling, M.D. (removed). Corning. N. Y.
H. Hughes, M.D. (dead), Savona, N. Y.
P. S. Hollett, M.D. (dead), Sonora, N. Y.
I. B. Wcscott, M.D. (West), Horseheads, N. Y.
Mrs. H. E. Brown, M.D. (Brooklyn), Corning, N. Y.
Charles Brown, M.D. (removed), Hammondsport, N. Y.
E. W. Bryan, M.D., Corning, N. Y.
Frank Tompkins, M.D., Penn Yan, N. Y.
James M. Cadmus, M.D., Wavcrly, N. Y.
L. W. Parkhurst, M.D., Elmira, N. Y.
Alex. V. Stobbs, M.D., Mecklenburgh, N. Y.
C. E. Sayler, M.D., Elmira, N. Y.
H. C. Coon, M.D., Alfred, N. Y.
B. F. Williamson, M.D,, Prattsburgh, N. Y.
A. M. Gamman, M.D., Corning, N. Y.
0. S. Barden, M.D,, Tioga, P.a.
E. W. Rogers, M.D,, Crystal Springs, N. Y.
Wm. E. A. Gorton, M.D., Corning, N. Y.
F. W. Adriance, M.D., Watkins, N. Y.
H0RNELL9VILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE.
This association was organized Dec. 17, 1873, and holds
its meetings on the first Wednesday evening in each month.
The first officers were as follows : Dr. J. W. Robinson,
President; Dr. Samuel Mitchell, Vice-President ; Dr. 0.
G. Hubbard, Secretary; Dr. J. H. Trumbull, Treasurer.
membership.
D. F. Cridler, S. E. Shattuck, C. G. Hubbard, C. S. Parkhill, S. F.
Curry, J. H. Trumbull, J. W. Robinson, M. J. Baker, E. Beck-
with, Hornellsville ; D. L. Case, R. F. Parkhill, Howard ; R. P.
Brown, John Mitchell, Addison ; C. E. Annabel, Cameron ; J. W.
Burchard, Fremont; E. Winnie, Haskinville; Z. Deldine, AVni.
H. Hagadorn, Almond; M. D. Ellison, Canisteo ; J. B. Graves,
Corning; H. P. Sanders, Mark Sheppard, Alfred; J. E. Walker,
Arkport; J. K. Richardson, Greenwood; L. V. Rathbun, Rex-
ville; W. W. Crandall, Andover.
Officers for 1878.— D. F. Cridler, President; Samuel
Mitchell, Vice-President ; C. G. Hubbard, Secretary ; J.
H. Trumbull, Treasurer.
THE STEUBEN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
It is proper in giving a history of this society to refer
incidentally to the agricultural organizations which had
existed in this county prior to the year 1853, when this
society was established.
The first one of which there are any authentic records
left is the society organized in 1841, although many of the
older inhabitants can well remember the many county fairs,
so called, which were held at Bath in the earlier times,
under the auspices of Dugald Cameron, of Bath, Capt.
Joel Pratt and Judge Robert Porter, of Prattsburgh, and
many other leading men of the county.
In the early spring of 1841, a meeting of the citizens of
the county was called at the court-house, in Bath, to cour
90
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
sider the practicability of organizing a county agricultural
society, of which meeting Ziba A. Leland was chairman,
and Henry Brother and Robert B. Van Valkenburgh were
secretaries, and Z. A. Leland, 0. F. Marshal, Jacob Van
Valkenburgh, Israel R. Wood, Theron Loomis and Henry
Brother a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws,
and to report at an adjomned meeting to be held on the
1st day of June following.
At the subsequent meeting a constitution and by-laws
were adopted, and the following officers duly elected : Presi-
dent, Otto F. Marshal ; Vice-Presidents, John Cooper, Jr.,
Israel R. Wood, and Erastus Skinner ; Secretaries, Wm. S.
Hubbell and Ziba A. Leland ; Treasurer, Henry Brother.
A fair was held this year, in the month of October, at
■ Bath, and immediately after its close the members met at
the court-house and elected the following officers for the
ensuing year :
President, Lazarus Hammond ; Vice-Presidents, O. F.
Marshal, Israel R. Wood, and Lyman Balcnm; Secretaries,
Theron Loomis and Ziba A. Leland; and Treasurer, Henry
Brother. In comparison with the amount of premiums
now awarded by the society, it may interest some to know
that the society then gave only one hundred and seventy
dollars in premiums.
For the year 1843, Lazarus Hammond was re-elected
President; Wm. Baker, Israel R. Wood, and Otto F. Mar-
shal Vice-Presidents; James Shannon and Robert Campbell,
Jr., Secretaries ; and Henry Brother, Treasurer.
For the year 1844, Israel R. Wood was chosen Presi-
dent ; David Smith, John J. Poppino, and Daniel N. Ben-
nett, Vice-Presidents ; Wm. Cook and Lay Noble, Secreta-
ries ; John Richardson, Treasurer. The fair of this year
seems to have been the last one held by this society, and
immediately after the close of the fiiir, which was upon
the river-flats in the village of Bath, southwest of the
Pulteney Land-Office, the society disbanded; and from that
time Steuben County was without a county agricultural
association until the year 1853, when the organization of
the present society was effected, under the provisions of
chapter 1G9 of laws of 1841.
On the 18th day of May, 1853, upon application made
to Philo P. Hubbell, then clerk of the county, said clerk
gave public notice, as the statute required, that on Wednes-
day, June 22, 1853, a meeting would be held at the court-
house in Bath for the purpose of organizing a county agri-
cultural society. This meeting was largely attended by
the leading farmers of the county,— Hon. Goldsmith Den-
niston presiding and Robert B. Van Valkenburgh acting as
secretary, — and an organization then completed, and the
following officers elected : President, Goldsmith Denniston ;
Vice-Presidents, A. F. Marshall, J. B. Mitchell, A. B.
Dickinson, Lyman Balcom, Redmond S. Davis, and John
Van Wie; Treasurer, George Edwards; Corresponding
Secretary, R. B. Van Valkenburgh ; and Recording Sec-
retary, George S. Ellas.
The first annual fair of the society was held at Bath, on
the 12th and 13th of October, 1853, in the open field, on
the farm of Robert Campbell, at the junction of Morris
and Steuben Streets, temporary structures having been
erected for the purposes of the exhibition.
Early in 1854, the new board of officers elected entered
into an agreement with the heirs of the late Dr. Ten Eyck
Gansevoort, who then owned the portion of the society's
present fair-grounds in Bath, — fronting on Washington
Street, — to lease said lands of said heirs for a term of
years ; and the same year said grounds were properly in-
closed and the only e-xhibition building erected thereon
that the society had until 1867, and on these grounds the
society has since held all its annual festivals and fairs.
The society seems to have had a prosperous career from
the time these grounds were taken, tor while the total re-
ceipts for the year 1853 were only two hundred and fifty-
eight dollars and six cents, they reached the then large sum
of nine hundred and sixty-six dollars and ninety-five cents
in 1854 ; so that, by skillful and honest management, the
society's officers were, in the course of two or three years,
enabled to make a contract for the purchase of said prem-
ises, and in 1862 they received a deed for the same, pay-
ing therefor the sum of twelve hundred dollars.
Almost immediately upon securing title to these lands,
the members of the society began to feel that the buildings
were insufficient and too inferior, and during the years 1863
and 1864 several efforts were made to secure voluntary do-
nations sufficient to warrant the society in attempting the
improvements, but without success ; and yet the hard and
gratuitous work done by Hon. David McMastcr, in this
regard, in 1863 and 1864, made the task all the easier for
those who followed him in the effort, in 1867.
In 1866 the matter of new buildings and larger grounds
and accommodations was brought up at the annual meeting,
and after some discussion laid upon the table.
At the annual meeting of 1867 the matter was more
generally discussed, and Warren W. Willson, Jonathan
Robie, Chas. N. Ackerson, Azariah C. Brundage, and Chas.
H. Robie were appointed a committee to solicit funds for
these improvements ; and they entered upon the work with
a will, and in a short time secured donations to the amount
of three thousand dollars, from the citizens of Bath and
some of the other towns in the county.
This movement, which resulted in the enlargement and
improvement of the grounds, was directed by Robert B.
Wilkes, who had just been elected the society's president ;
and to his energy, sagacity, and untiring labors the .society
is indebted more than to the efforts of any other man for
what was then done.
A special law was procured to be passed by the Legis-
lature, enabling the society to mortgage its real estate, for
the purpose of raising funds to buy additional lands in the
the rear of the old grounds ; and with the money thus
obtained, together with the voluntary donations received,
new buildings and fences were erected at a cost of $4877.14,
lands purchased costing the society $3125.47, and a new
driving-park laid out and finished at a cost of $1593.07.
The supervision and general direction of all these im-
provements was given to Robert B. Wilkes, Charles N.
Ackerson, and Warren W. Willson by the executive com-
mittee, and the work well done.
At the end of the year 1867 the society owed about
$4000, $2639 of which was secured by mortgage on the
society's lands, and running for twenty years.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOllK.
91
In 1872 new grand and judges' stands were erected upon
the driving-park at a cost of §1085.18 ; and at the annual
meeting of this year the constitution of the society was
amended, so that an honorary life-niemhership could be
conferred upon such old members of the society, of the
age of not less than sixty years, who have been most active
in their support of the society, the amendment providing
for the election of three such honorary life-members at
that meeting, and one at each succeeding annual meeting ;
and this honor was then conferred upon Otto F. Marshal,
Day Noble, and Reuben Robie.
In 1873, $1165.04 were expended in grading the
grounds, planting trees, erecting new and commodious
cattle-, sheep-, and swine-pens and stalls, and in other
permanent improvements; and in 187-1 a new dining-hall j
was constructed, and other improvements made, at a cost j
of S13G2.74.
A manufacturers' hall, built in 1876 and costing $428.22,
and additional cattle- and sheep-pens, horse-stalls, and poul-
try-ball, constructed in 1877 at an expense of S552.97, com-
plete the permanent improvements that are worthy of notice.
The fairs of the society rank among the best given by
any of the county societies ia the State, aud the society
itself occupies a proa)inent positiou among similar organ-
izations. It has a large membership, not confined alone to
the people of Steuben County, and its influence upon the
industrial classes of the county particularly is very bene-
ficial. Among its members can be selected many who
were prominent in the society organized ia 1841, and have
since the organization of this society been its staunchest
friends and most faithful workers. Its property in the vil-
lage of Bath, upon which there is only an indebtedness of
§200, is very valuable. The buildings are convenient,
tasteful, and well con.structed, and the grounds and conve-
niences in the best condition and exactly suited to the uses
of the societ}'.
The following are the officers serving the society for the
year 1878: President, Martin W. Noble; Vice-Presidents,
Frank Aulls, J. M. Hopkins, Clarence Myotte, Thomas
Hallett, Thomas Conover, Willard C. Morse, B. V. Lewis,
and John L. Smith ; Secretary, Reuben E. Robie ; Trea.s-
urer, Edwin C. Cook ; General Superintendent, Charles N.
Ackerson.
The following are the persons who have occupied the
positions of president, secretary, treasurer, and general
superintendent of the society, and the years for which they
were elected :
Presidents. — Goldsmith Denniston, 1853, '64 ; Uri Bal-
com, 1856; Lyman Balcom, 1857, '66 ; Daniel Gray, 1859 ;
John W. Taggart, 1860; Grattan H. Wheeler, 1861;
Samuel Balcom, 1865; Robert B. Wilkes, 1867-68;
Frank J. Marshal, 1869 ; Charles H. Robie, 1870-71 ;
Samuel E. Haskin, 1872-73 ; Azariah C. Brundage,
1874-75 ; Nathaniel B. Stanton, 1876 ; Martin W. Noble,
1877-78; J. M. Hopkins, 1879.
Secretaries. — Robert B. Van Valkenburgh, 1853 ; Geo.
S. Ellas, 1853-61 ; David McMaster, 1854-55 ; T. M.
McCay, 1854-56 ; Robert M. Lyon, 1857-65 ; Alexis H.
Cruttenden, 1862-64; Reuben E. Robie, 1866-78.
Treasurers. — George Edwards, 1853; Ilcubeu Robie,
1854-60 ; Ambrose S. Howell, 1861 ; Alvah E. Brown,
1862-63; Geo. S. Haverling, 1864-65 ; Geo. W. Hallook,
1866-74; Edwin C. Cook, 1875-78.
General Superintendents. — James Lyon, 1867-68; Chas.
H. Robie, 1869 ; John L. Smith, 1870 ; Charles N. Acker-
son, 1871-78.
The following are the persons who have been elected to
an honorary life-membership in this society, and the years
when they were severally elected: Otto F. Marshal, 1872 ;
Lay Noble, 1872; Reuben Robie, 1872; Goldsmith Den-
niston, 1873; Lyman Balcom, 1874; Abram Brundage,
1875; Henry McElwee, 1876; David McMaster, 1877;
Henry Brother, 1878.
CHAPTER XIX.
NEW YORK STATE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS-
HOME.
Inception of the Institution— Its Successful Establishment by the
Grand Army of the Republic— Location of the Site at Bath — Con-
current Resolution of the Legislature — Laying of the Corner-Stone
—Description of Iho Buildings- Opening of the Home— Trustees
and Officers for ISTil.
INCEPTION OF THE INSTITUTION.
The first attempt to establish a Soldiers' Home in the
State of New York was made by ex-Governor Edwin D. JI or-
gan, in the year 1863, immediately after his term of office
had expired. Governor Morgan and others procured the
passage of an act by the Legislature, on the 24lh of April,
1863, to incorporate "The Soldiers' Homo," the following
persons being designated therein as the incorporators:
Amaziah B. James.
Robert Lansing.
Wm. H. Ferry.
Peter A. Porter.
Gen. Winficld Scott.
Gen. Geo. B. McClellan.
Gen. John B. Wool.
Washington Hunt.
Francis Kernan.
Millard Fillmore.
August Belmont.
Wm. B. Astur.
Benj. N. Huntington.
J. Sullivan Thorns,
Rev. Francis Winton, D.D.
John n. Brower.
George Beach.
John Bowdish.
David Rumsey.
Charles P. Wood.
Thomas W. Olcott.
William E. Dodge.
A. B. Conger.
Erastus Corning.
Charles P. Daly.
Nathan C. Ely.
John S. Gould.
Robert P. Getty.
George Dayton.
Governeur Kemble.
Oswald Ottcndorfer.
Hamilton Fish.
Edwin D. Morgan.
Geo. Opdyke.
Lockwood L. Doty.
David Devlin.
Edward Dodd.
Wm. A. Wheeler.
Joseph MuUin.
Elias W. Leavenworth.
Samuel G. Andrews.
Peter Caggcr.
Isaac Sherman.
William Kelly.
John A. King.
John T. Hoffman.
John Anderson,
David Banlvs, Jr.
James B. Nicholson.
Wm. Cassidy.
Dean Richmond.
Amasa J. Parker.
Wm. Curtis Noyes.
George Dawson.
John W. Avery.
Samuel Sloan.
Gen. Jas. S. W.xdsworlh.
Thomas H. Faile.
B radish Johnson.
John Stryker.
John B. Hall.
Henry Grinnell.
John Kelly.
John F. Seymour.
Daniel E. Delevan.
Thurluw Weed.
Elias B. Holmes.
Peter Ilowe.
George G. Scott.
Wm. C. Beards' ey.
92
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
D. B. St. John.
J. Dean Hawley.
J. Oakley Vanderpool.
Alexander Stewart,
Gen. C. W. Saaford.
Rl. Rev. Bishop Hughes.
Rev. D. Weston.
Robert B. Minium.
Rev. Morgan Dix.
Martin Grover.
Smith Ely, Jr.
Frederick Jnliand.
Thomas Stephens.
Great interest was manifested in carrying out this project,
and handsome and most liberal contributions were offered
by Governor Morgan, Mr. Lenox, the late Mr. Wolfe, of
New York City, and others. The work would, undoubt-
edly, have been carried forward, and the Home then erected,
had not the trustees, upon canvassing the State, in order to
learn how many inmates it would then be necessary to pro-
vide accommodations for, discovered that there were but
few soldiers or sailors whose friends would allow them to
become inmates of an asylum. Obtaining this informa-
tion, the trustees folded their arms, believing that the time
had not then arrived when a Soldiers' Home was needed.
SECOND EFFORT.
The second effort was made by the Grand Army of the
Republic, which organization annually sent a committee
from its encampment to the Legislature, asking that some
action be taken in regard to this matter.
In the year 1872, through the personal efforts of Gen.
Henry A. Barnum, then commanding the Department of
New York, G. A. R., the Legislature passed an act incor-
porating the " New York Soldiers' Home," which provided
that said institution should be created and maintained by
the State. The following are the persons named therein as
trustees of said Home :
Henry A. Barnum.
Jno. C. Robinson.
Henry W. Slooum.
AVm. Johnson.
James Jourdan.
John H. Martindale.
Clinton D. McDougal.
Timothy Sullivan.
Jno. C. Caruiichael.
Joseph Forbes.
Edmund L. Cole.
John Hammond.
James McQuade.
Wm. F. Rogers.
John B. Murray.
Wm. M. Gregg.
David C. Stoddard.
J. B. Kiddoo.
Adolphe Nolte.
N. M. Curtiss.
James E. Jones.
The act, however, failed to provide any appropriation,
and none was made. On account of the diversity of opin-
ion as to where the institution should be located, and from
other causes, — although each annual encampment of the
G. A. R., in the years 1873 and 1874, sent a committee to
the Legislature for that purpose, — no appropriation was
ever made, and the trustees became discouraged.
It was at this time that a feeling became manifest among
a few of the members of the G. A. R., of appealing direct
to the people for aid to build and establish a home for the
disabled soldiers and sailors who were or might be debarred
the privilege of entering the homes provided by the Na-
tional Government.
With this object in view, E. C. Parkinson, of Brooklyn,
procured subscriptions of one hundred dollars each from
the following persons :
John B. Norris.
John F. Henry.
A, S. Barnes.
B. B. Hagerty.
C. P. Dixon.
Wm. C. Kingsley.
J. S. T. Stranahan.
Philip S. Crooke.
all citizens of Brooklyn, — the first having been obtained
Jan. 4, 1875, and the others within a few days thereafter ;
said subscriptions having been made upon the condition
that at least ten thousand dollars should be pledged before
payment thereof would be required.
At the annual encampment of the G. A. R., Depart-
ment of New York, held at Rochester, Jan. 20 and 21,
1875, ill accordance with a recommendation made by E. C.
Parkinson, Department Inspector, in his annual report, a
committee of fifteen comrades was appointed to consider
the feasibility of establishing a Soldiers' Home, and to
report at the next semi-annual encampment, the following
persons having been appointed such committee :
John B. Murray.
Stewart L. Woodford.
Henry W. Slocum.
Geo. H. Sharpe.
Wm. F. Rogers.
E. Jardine.
E. C. Parkinson.
T. J. Quin.
M. S. Hicks.
L. W. Fiske.
E. J. Loomis.
B. A. Willis.
E. L. Cole.
James E. Curtis.
John Palmer.
The report of said committee was that one hundred and
eighty-eight acres of land, lying on Lake Keuka, would bo
donated by the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity. No
positive action was taken upon the report of the committee,
and it was discharged. At the annual encampment of the
Grand Army of the Republic, Department of New York,
held at Albany, Jan. 25 and 26, 1876, the following per-
sons were appointed a committee, with power to add six
additional names, having full power to take such action as
in their judgment might seem proper in regard to the es-
tablishment of a Soldiers' Home, and to fill vacancies, etc.
Seymour Dexter.
William F. Rogers.
Frauk H. Sheppard.
J. A. Lewis.
E. L. Cole.
J. H. Curtis.
E. B. Gere.
A. H. Nash.
E. C. Parkinson.
B. F. Finly.
Willard Bullard.
L. W. Fiske.
C. R. Becker.
M. F. Sheppard.
R. L. Fox.
On the day of their appointment the members of the
committee met in Albany, and proceeded to effect an or-
ganization. Mr. J. H. Curtis and C. R. Becker declining
to serve, John Palmer and S. P. Corliss, of Albany, were
appointed to fill the vacancies.
The following committee was appointed on organization
and plan : Seymour Dexter, Willard Bullard, and R. L. Fox.
A committee on location was also appointed. The bill
of incorporation was drafted by Hon. Seymour Dexter, of
Elmira, presented in the Assembly by Hon. Eugene B.
Gere, of Owego, and taken charge of in the Senate by
Hon. L. Bradford Prince, of Queens County. The bill
was duly passed and signed by the Governor, Samuel J.
Tildeii, on the 15th of May, 1876.
By the terras of the bill of incorporation the above com-
mittee of fifteen, with six other gentlemen to be by them
selected, together with the Governor and Comptroller of
the State, and the Commander of the Grand Army of the
Republic of the State of New York, formed the first Board
of Trustees. A meeting for the selection of the six addi-
tional trustees, and the or anization of the board, was held
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
93
at the headquarters of the Grand Armjr of the Republic,
Department of New York, 111 Broadway, New York, June
1, 1876. At said meeting John F. Henry and Henry W.
Sage, of Brooklyn ; Henry W. Bellows, of New York City ;
Chas. G. Craft, of Albany ; Farley Holmes, of Penn Yan ;
and Frederick Davis, Jr., of Watkios, were duly chosen as
the additional trustees; and thereupon the board was duly
organized by the election of E. C. Parkinson, President ;
J. A. Lewis, Secretary ; and John F. Henry, Treasurer.
Committees were appointed on plan of organization and
location. The committee on location were direcled to give
notice to all places in the State desiring to offer inducements
for the site of the Home, to send to the committee their
proposals by the tenth day of July following, and that the
committee would meet in the city of Ehnira on said day for
the purpose of visiting the various localities from which
proposals were received. Propositions were received from
the citizens of Watkins, Penn Yan, Lake Keuka, and Bath.
Several days were spent by the committee in carefully ex-
amining all these locations, and the various advantages and
inducements offered by each. After mature deliberation
the committee reported to the board at a meeting held in
the city of Eimira, June 14, in favor of Bath. On the
report being made and much discussion arising, it was de-
cided that the entire Board of Trustees should visit the sites
offered by Bath, Lake Keuka, and Watkins, which was
done forthwith ; and at an adjourned meeting held at Wat-
kins, on June 15, the report of the committee was adopted.
The location offered by the citizens of Bath was a farm,
situated about one mile west of the village of Bath, on the
Conhocton River, known as the Rider farm, consisting of
two hundred and twenty acres. Li addition to said farm
the citizens of Bath donated the sum of six thousand dol-
lars in cash towards the erection of the buildings.
A meeting of the committee on plan and organization
was held at Bath during the last week in September, 1876,
at which time it was decided to invite architects to submit
plans for the proposed Soldiers' Home buildings to an ad-
journed meeting of the committee, to be held at Bath on
the 16th of October following. It was determined that
three buildings should be erected, — two buildings each about
one hundred and twenty-five feet long by thirty wide, and
a third building one hundred and twenty-five feet long and
sixty wide, — all to be three stories in height, built of brick
with suitable trimmings. In accordance with such decision
of the committee, a circular was issued and sent to all ar-
chitects who desired to compete in the presentation of plans
at said adjourned meeting. Plans were submitted by the
following-named architects : I. G. Perry, of Binghamton ;
M. E. Bcebe, of Buff\ilo ; John Y. Culyer, of Brooklyn ;
L. J. O'Connor, of New York City ; Craft, of Sara-
toga Springs ; W. H. Hamilton, of Utica ; Warner & Cut-
ler, of Rochester. None of the plans proving entirely satis-
factory, further consideration of the same was postponed
until October 26, at which time modified plans were sub-
mitted by Messrs. Warner, Culyer, Beebe, and Perry.
After full consideration of said plans, those submitted by
Messrs. Warner & Cutler, of Rochester, were accepted, and
Mr. Warner was duly employed as the architect for the
erection of the buildings.
In November a stone quarry was opened upon the farm,
from which sufficient stone for all the foundations, and all
the cut stone excepting window-sills, were obtained and
placed upon the ground ; the cutting of the stone continued
during the winter. All the sand used in the construction
of the buildings is obtained on the farm. About the middle
of April, 1877, ground was broken for the buildings, much of
the materials for the same having already been delivered.
The following gentlemen constituted the Board of Trus-
tees for 1877: the Governor of New York; the Comp-
troller of New York ; James Tanner, Commander G. A. R.,
Department of New York ; E. C. Parkinson, Brooklyn,
N. Y. ; J. A. Lewis, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John P. Henry,
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Henry W. Sage, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; E.
W. Brueninghausen, New York ; Louis Schlam, New York ;
Sinclair Tousey, New York; John Palmer, Albany; E. L.
Judson, Albany ; S. P. Corliss, Albany ; E. L. Cole, Troy;
R. L. Fox, Oneonta; F. H. Shepard, Utica; L. W. Fiske,
Boonville ; Seymour Dexter, Eimira ; W. F. Rogers, Buf-
falo; M. F. Sheppard, Penn Yan; Farley Holmes, Penn
Yan ; A. H. Nash, Geneva ; William Rumsey, Bath ; Ira
Davenport, Bath.
Officers of the Board. — E. C. Parkin.son, President; J.
A. Lewis, Secretary ; William Rumsey, Counsel ; John F.
Henry, Treasurer.
LAYING THE CORNER-STONE.
Wednesday, June 13, 1877, will be a memorable day in
the annals of Bath, for on that day was laid the corner-
stone of a building which will be not only a memento of
the gratitude of the State to its heroes, but a proud monu-
ment of the patriotic liberality of the citizens of this village.
In the hearts of the soldiers of the Union, the citizens of
Bath will always be held in warm affection.
At an early hour the streets were alive with visitors from
the surrounding country. It was a gala day, and all Steu-
ben County, and a goodly portion of the State, came to
assist in the ceremonies. Flags and banners were sus-
pended everywhere, and bands of music enlivened every
one by playing popular melodies.
Shortly after two o'clock the procession formed in front
of the Park, and at the signal marched by Liberty and
Washington Streets in the following order :
Greisinger's Band.
Custer Post, No. 81.
Veterans, white and colored.
Capt. Linderman's Battery, Buffalo.
Pier's Band, Corning.
Delegates to Semi-Annual Encampment of G. A. R.
Carriages, containing department commander, presiding officer,
orator of the day, the department staff, representatives of the press,
soldiers of the war of 1812, President of the Board of Trustees, vill.age
authorities, and Trustees of the Home, clergymen, and other invited
guests.
Citizens generally.
The road was thronged with people on foot and in car-
riages. When near the Home grounds, the battery lefl
the column and took position on the hill above the Home,
whence it fired salutes at intervals during the ceremony.
The main building was beautifully decorated with flags, and
was roofed over. On the northeast corner a platform was
erected for the speakers and officials. Among the distin-
94
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
guished personages on it, besides the speakers, were Gen.
Henry W. Slocum, of Brooklyn, who commanded the left
wing of Sherman's army on the march to the sea. Rev.
Father Farrell, of St. Joseph's Church, and Mr. Grady, of
New York City, Rev. Henry Hylaiid Garnett, and ex-
Lieutenant-Governor John C. Robinson. Fully fifteen
thousand people were on the ground. In the distance
could be seen Frank Leslie's artist, with his big camera,
photographing the scene.
E. C. Parkinson, President of the Board of Trustees,
introduced Hon. Sherman S. Rogers, of Buffalo, who acted
as presiding officer. Elocjuent addresses were made by the
chairman, by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and Depart-
ment Commander Tanner. Mr. Albeit Clark, Superintend-
ent of Construction at the time, spread the mortar, and the
corner-stone was lowered into its place and formally laid by
Comrade Tanner, amid the cheers of the crowd.
TRANSFERENCE TO THE ST.\TE.
In pursuance of an act of the Legislature, passed March
a meeting held November 13, was appointed Superintendent
of the Home.
DESCRIPTION OP THE HOME.
The ftrm upon which the Home is located consists of
two hundred and forty-one and one-half acres, and lies
about a mile and a half northwest of the village of Bath.
It is in the beautiful Conhocton Valley, which at this point
is about half a mile wide, and is shut in by hills which rise to
a height of from six to eight hundred feet. The Conhocton
River runs through the easterly portion of the farm, drain-
ing the land thoroughly, and with its swift current carrying
away all the drainage and sewage from the buildings.
The soil is a rich alluvium, with clay and sandy loam.
About ninety acres of the farm lie in the valley, and the
balance to the westward consists of high rolling land. It
is all tillable with the exception of thirty acres of wood-
land, situated in the northwest corner of the property.
There is an excellent quarry on the farm, from which all
the stone used in the foundations was taken, and sufficient
may be taken from it to build foundations for any building
NEW YORK STATE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS HOME, BATH, N. Y.
11, 1878, the Home was transferred by deed to the State,
and the following Board of Trustees appointed by the
Governor, to hold office for one, two, and 'three years re-
spectively, from the 15th of January, 1879:
Board of Tiiislees. — The Governor, ex-nfficio ; the At-
torney-General, ex-ojicio ; Henry W. Slocum, Brooklyn,
N. Y. ; James McQuade, New York City ; Isaac F. Quinby,
Rochester, N. Y. ; William F. Rogers, Buffalo, N. Y.;
Nirom M. Crane, Hornellsville, N. Y. ; Byron B. Taggart,
Watertown, N. Y. ; Ansel J. McCall, Bath, N. Y. ; Jona-
than Robie, Bath, N. Y. ; John F. Little, Bath, N. Y.
Officers of the Board. — Henry W. Slocum, President;
Isaac F. Quinby, Vice-President; Nirom M. Crane, Treas-
urer ; John F. Little, Secretary.
Executive Committee. — William F. Rogers, James Mc-
Quade, A. J. McCall, B. B. Taggart, Jonathan Robie.
E. C. Parkinson was appointed Superintendent of Con-
struction June 7, 1878, to complete the buildings, and at
that may be required in future. This quarry is a valuable
acquisition, as it has already saved, and will in future save,
a large sum in construction expenses.
The water-supply is practically unlimited. At several
points on the land are springs of beautiful water, which even
in the hottest summer weather is delightfully cool, pure,
and palatable. The main spriog, from which the buildings
are supplied, is located on the land of C. Lang, adjoining
the Home farm. The spring, and the right of way to it,
weie purchased from Mr. Lang. A stream sufficient to fill
a three-inch pipe issues from the spring, and is conducted to
a reservoir located on the Home farm, about one thousand
feet from the spring and fifty feet below its level. This
reservoir will hold three hundred thousand gallons of water,
and is one hundred and thirty feet higher than the water-
table of the buildings, thus furnishing a water-supply suffi-
cient for all purposes, with sufficient " head" for use in case
of fire, and to carry the water over the top of the buildings.
HISTOKY OF STP:UBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
95
The reservoir is about eighteen liundred feet from the Home,
and the water is conducted thither by a six-inch iron main.
Tiic buildings of the Home consist of one large main
building, one hundred and twenty-five feet long by sixty
feet wide, and two lateral buildings, each one hundred and
twenty-five feet long by thirty feet wide. All the build-
ings are three stories high, and are built of the best qual-
ity Hurseheads brick. The walls are double, consisting
of two eight-inch walls, with a space of two inches between.
Under each building is a tliomuglily dry cellar, eight feet
high. The barracks, or smaller buildings, are located one
on each side of the m'ain building, and distant sixty-five feet
therefrom. Their rear ends are situated opposite the centre
of the main building, so that they project just half their
length in front of it. A wide covered veranda runs com-
pletely around each. The first floor of the main building
is used as the dining-liall and kitchen. The ceiling is six-
teen feet from the floor, and is supported by iron columns
which stand on brick piers built in the cellar. In the
dining-room will be placed twenty-two tables, at which five
or six hundred soldiers will take rations. At the rear of
the dining-room is the kitchen. Here are three euormous
coflfee-pots, of bright copper, which will hold about one
hundred and seventy-five gallons. Here also is a splendid
cooking-range of the most approved style, twelve feet long,
with three fires and three ovens, and all other improve-
ments that could be imagined. There are also four enor-
mous jacket-kettles for cooking meats and vegetables, soup-
kettles holding two hundred and sixty-five gallons, and a
water-tank. On the east side of the kitchen, as in all the
other rooms, there is a hose-attachment, through which a
stream of water can be thrown into an inch-hose in case
the kitchen should take fire. On the other side of the
kitchen is a sink ten feet in length, where the dishes will
be washed. The water from this sink will be drawn off
into a tank outside, where the grease will be skimmed off
for soap. The two upper floors of this building and all
floors of the barracks are used for dormitories, each having
rooms at the front for the ofiicers in charge, and rooms
in the rear for wash-rooms and water-closets.
There is no useless ornamentation on the buildings. They
are plain and neat, there being no sacrifice of the space or
material for mere purposes of adornment. The windows
have stone lintels and cap-pieces. In the centre of the
lateral buildings three windows on each floor are grouped,
the lintels and cap-pieces being of white stone. An arched
piece'of ornamented work, consisting of gray and blue stone
set into the brick-work in concentric semicircles, springs
from the side of the top group, and the whole is sur-
mounted by a peaked wing of the roof, producing a pleas-
ing eftect without elaborate ornamentation. The present
barracks accommodations are estimated to be sufiicient for
five hundred men, and with this number in the dormitories,
the air space for each man will be six hundred cubic feet.
In the rear of the main building is an addition, one story
high, in which are the bakery and ovens.
Fifty feet in rear of the main building is a one-story
brick building, which contains the laundry, the bath-rooms,
engine-room, and boiler-room. From this latter point the
main sewer starts. It is a twelve-inch vitrified pipe, into
which all the pipes from the dormitories, bath-rooms, water-
closets, etc., lead. The flow of water is so strong that the
sewage is instantly swept away, and is carried by this main
pipe to the Conhocton River, into which it empties at a dis-
tance of twelve hundred feet below the buildings. There
is thus no danger of malarial diseases from sewer-gas, and
the perfect sewage and drainage make the location of the
home all that can be desired for salubrity. Adjoining the
boiler-room is a brick shaft nine feet square at the base and
eighty-six feet high. Into this runs the main foul-air duct
from under the centre of the main building. All the foul-
air ducts run into this main one, and the noxious vapors are
drawn into the high shaft by a powerful upward current of
air. This current is caused by the heated iron smoke-stack
from the boilers running up through the centre of the shaft,
and also by a coil of two hundred feet of steam-pipe at the
top of the shaft. The powerful draft thus created sends
the foul air far above the buildings, where it is speedily
dissipated and rendered innoxious.
The buildings are heated by steam-radiators, direct and
indirect, the pure air coming in from the outside of the
building through ducts and carried to the building over
stack-radiators, thus heating the pure air on its passage
to the rooms, which it enters by the usual style of " regis-
ter." Two low-pressure boilers supply the steam for heat-
ing purposes. The cooking is also done by steam, which is
supplied from a fifteen horse-power boiler. Attached to this
is a ten horse-power engine, which is u.sed to do the laundry
work. The steam-heating apparatus was put in by E. H.
Cook & Co., of Elmira.
The buildings are lighted with gas, which is manufac-
tured from crude petroleum in a building seventy-five feet
in rear of the boiler-room. The light is clear, white, and
brilliant, fully equal to the best of coal gas and decidedly
superior to the average.
On the farm there is one good dwelling-house, the old home-
stead, several tenement-houses, and several barns, which can
be used for the storage of grain, etc., raised on the ground.
THE OFFICERS AT THE HOME
are E. C. Parkinson, Superintendent; Daniel O'Driscoll,
Post-Adjutant; and A. H. Nash, Secretary.
These gentlemen are veterans of the war, well qualified
by experience in camp and field to take charge of such an
institution, and the excellent order that prevails shows that
they do their duty faithfully and intelligently. The work
of organizing an institution like this is peculiarly arduous,
and requires an amount of forethought and executive ability
that few can appreciate.*
CHAPTER XX.
GRAPE-GROWING AND \FINE-MAK1NG.
The Grape District — Grape Culture — Wine Companies — Process of
Wine-Malting — Marketing Grapes.
THE GRAPE DISTRICT.
In the production of grapes and wine Steuben is the
banner county of the State. The section of Steuben
- For much of the matter of this chapter credit is due the Sleiiben
Farmer's Advocate of Jan. 31, 1879.
96
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
County adapted to grape-culture is that portion bordering
on Crooiied Lake, in the towns of Pulteney, Wayne, and
Urbana, and in Pleasant Valley, at the head of the lake in
the last-mentioned town. This district lies in latitude
forty-two degrees thirty minutes north, and longitude thirty
minutes west of Washington, at an elevation above tide-
water of nearly seven hundred feet. The valley of Pleas-
ant Valley and Crooked Lake has an indefinite beginning
near Bath, and extends in a northeasterly direction eight
miles, with an average width of two miles, to the head of
the lake where the village of Hammond-sport is situated,
the direction of the lake being mainly the same for twenty
miles farther to Penn Yaii. This lake is three hundred
and fifty feet in depth, of pure, clear water, and seldom
freezes over at the head in the coldest winters. It has two
branches, separated by a promontory of great elevation
called Bluff Point. The circumference of the entire lake,
and that portion of the valley in vineyards, is something
over sixty miles.
The soil is a clay loam largely mixed with shale, gravel,
and stone of black slate. The face of the country border-
ing the lake and valley is remarkably uneven and hilly, and
has in places a slope of forty degrees. This belt or border
of the valley and lake is deeply cut and gashed at various
distances by rushing, dashing streams (at certain seasons of
the year), with ravines a hundred feet deep or more, with
cascades, at intervals, of rare beauty, and again by laugh-
ing, dancing rivulets, draining the border, the plateaus, and
hills which lie back from the lake at every varying distance
and height. It is upon these slopes or borders that the
vineyards of this justly-celebrated grape and wine region
have their location. The belt occupied by the vine is from
a quarter of a mile to a mile in width.
The circumstances and material elements which conspire
to make this a grape locality of earliness and healthfulness
of the vine, above most others, are the composition and
formation of the soil, the perfect drainage by nature, the
influence of the lake, and the links of mountain heights
surrounding it ; besides it is believed that Canandaigua
Lake north, and Ontario and Seneca near by, lend their
influence in lengthening the season beyond that natural to
the latitude, so tempering the atmosphere in moisture and
warmth as to result in a location fur the vine of great health-
fulness, and in giving to the fruit a flavor untainted of soil
or anything of a foreign nature.
GRAPE-CULTURE.
Vine-culture as a business commenced in this region in
1854, by the planting of Catawba and Isabella varieties,
which had been grown in gardens for twenty years before,
having been first introduced into Pleasant Valley by Rev.
William Bostwick.
As early as 1836, Mr. J. W. Prentiss, of Pulteney, had
obtained a few cuttings of Mr. Bostwick, and planted them
on an elevation of eight hundred feet above the lake, and
about two miles back from its western shore. From these
he continued the experiment year after year, until he had
a vineyard of three acres.
In 1854, Andrew Reisenger, a German vine-dresser,
came into Pulteney, eight miles north of Hammondsport,
and planted about an acre and a half on the hill-side on the
banks of the lake with Catawbas and Isabellas, mostly the
former. The soil was a heavy clay, and he trenched it in
the German mode two and a half feet deep. Reisenger's
experiment was rather a failure, and was ultimately aban-
doned by him. But in 1855, Orlando Shepherd and Judge
Jacob Larrowc brought vines from there to Pleasant Valley,
and set out about half an acre each on the hill-side, near
Hammondsport.
The minds of the people in the valley have received a
strong impetus towards grape-culture from several causes.
The first of these was the uniform proHficacy and excellence
of the grape on their lands under almost any treatment ;
second, the great success and profits of Longworth and
others at Cincinnati in its culture, and the example nearer by,
in Avon, and also that of Mr. McKay, of Naples, Ontario
Co., who had cultivated a vineyard of several acres from
about 1848, with great profit; and finally, the agricultural
newspapers of that period were specially engaged in calling
attention to the subject. An influx into the neighborhood
of industrious and honest Germans, familiar with grape-
culture and wine-making, gave the people an opportunity
to obtain further information on the subject. They became
satisfied that their soil and climate were adapted to that
culture, and the Germans supplied them with experienced
laborers. They, therefore, did not await the result of Shep-
herd's and Larrowe's experiment. In 1858 both of these
gentlemen increased their vineyards to two or three acres
each ; Bell and McMaster set out six or eight acres of vines ;
Edwin P. Smith, two acres; Grattan H. Wheeler, four
acres; Charles D. Champlin, one acre; Stanley B. Fair-
child, one acre ; Timothy M. Younglove, one acre.
In the ftill of 1858, Aaron Y. Baker, of Pleasant Valley,
went to Ohio, and examined the vineyards at Kelley's
Island, four hundred acres of which were probably then in
bearing. He brought back thirty thousand cuttings, and
his report of what he saw further stimulated the enterprise
of his townsmen. But we can no longer trace the history
of individual enterprise.
In 1859 and 1860 full two hundred acres of vines were set
out. The surface since planted has extended to about five
thousand acres, a large proportion of which are in bearing.
The present vineyard region extends along the hill-slopes
on the west side of Pleasant Valley and the west shore of
Crooked Lake for a distance of ten or twelve miles, and
occupies a productive area of considerable extent on the
east side in the town of Wayne.
The varieties now chiefly grown are Catawba, Isabella,
Delaware, Diana, lona, and Concord, while there are many
others grown in less quantities. Their rank for wine has
been graded about as follows : first, lona ; then Delaware ;
then Catawba. Diana, for white wine ; Norton's Virginia
Seedling, Ives Seedling, Isabella, Clinton, and Concord, for
red wine.
The average annual yield, taking the entire acreage in
bearing, is estimated at three thousand pounds per acre.
Some vineyards of Catawbas, Isabellas, and Concords do
sometimes yield four tons, and even more, per acre. Other
varieties, as Delaware, Diana, lona, and many others, do not
yield as much under like circumstances.
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
97
The fiicilities for shipping the products of the vineyards,
either as grapes or wine, from this section are ample and
convenient. Hammondsport, at the head of the lake, is
connected with Bath by railroad, which has a station at the
Pleasant Valley Wine-Uellars, two miles south of the former
place and six miles from the latter. Penn Yan, at the foot
of the lake, is not only a port for the steamers which make
daily trips between there and Hammondsport, but is also sit-
uated on the Northern Central Railroad, connecting both
with the Erie and the New York Central. The steamers
land regularly at the dock of the Urbana Wine Company,
whose cellars are located on the west side of the lake, a few
miles below Hammondsport. They also cruise along the
lake-shore, and take on at every dock the packages of grapes
for shipping. The vintage takes place from the 20th of
September to the 20th of October. There are shipped to
New York and other places, as fruit for the table, from
eight to nine hundred tons each year. Of the other por-
tion of the whole crop, the larger share is made into wine,
some into brandy.
WINE COMPANIES.
Incidental to such extensive vineyards, where marketing
for table use was neither profitable nor practicable on so
large a scale, came wine-making, which is now thoroughly
organized and systematized as an industry of no inconsider-
able magnitude. There are three organized and prosperous
wiue companies within the grape-growing zone of this
county, whose history we shall now proceed to give in the
order of their organization, beginning with the pioneer
institution.
THE PLE.\SANT VALLEY VVI.NE COMPANY.
This company was organized in 1860. The original cor-
porators were William Baker, Aaron Y. Baker, Charles D.
Champlin, Grattan H. Wheeler, Timothy M. Younglove,
Deloss Rose, G. H. Bruudage, E. Brundage, Bell & Mc-
Master, Dugald Cameron, and J. W. Davis. It was
through the efforts of the late C. D. Champlin that this
company was formed, and who was its manager until his
death, January, 1875. It was his energy, perseverance,
and business ability that made the business a success and
made a reputation for its product, which is second to none
of the kind produced upon the American continent. Their
vaults and buildings are situated about two miles from Ham-
mondsport, on the Bath and Hammondsport Railroad. Their
vaults are four in number, each 100 by 22 feet, with a
capacity of stowing 1,000,000 bottles of champagne and
100,000 gallons of still wine.
The officers at present are Hon. Ira Davenport, Presi-
dent and Treasurer ; A. S. Tuttle, Vice-President ; D.
Bauder, Secretary ; and Jules Masson, Superintendent.
The company own but a small experimental vineyard, con-
sisting of about five acres, where all the new varieties are
grown and tested for wine purposes. They control, through
its stockholders, nearly 250 acres of the finest vineyards in
this section.
This company, in the first year of its organization, used
about 18 tons of grapes, which steadily increased until
1874, when they consumed nearly 1500 tons. Since that
13
time until the present it has ranged between 500 to 1000
tons yearly, — 12 to 15 pounds of grapes will produce a
gallon of wine. They began the manufacture of cham-
pagne in 18G5, which year they bottled 20,000 bottles,
which steadily increased until 1870, when they bottled
150,000 bottles, which has been about the average up to
the present They distilled from 1000 (o 1500 gallons
of brandy annually up to 1875, since which they have not
distilled any. The capital is nominally $20,000, but the
earnings have been used to enlarge their works, storage, and
stock, until they have nearly §200,000 invested.
THE URBAN.*. WINE COMPANY.
The Urbana Wine Company, located at Hammondsport,
in this county, was organized in the spring of 1865, with
a capital stock of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars,
and owning two hundred and twenty-five acres of grape
land, carefully selected, and much of it then set to grapes.
The first officers chosen were John W. Davis, President;
H. H. Cook, Secretary and Treasurer; and A. J. Switzer,
Superintendent and General Managing Agent.
To superintend the manufacture of wine the company
secured the services of Charles Le Breton, a native of
Nantes, in France, who had been for several years con-
nected with important European wine-cellars, and whose
practical experience eminently insured .success. The build-
ings of the company, which occupy a beautiful site on the
lake-shore about half-way between Hammondsport and
Bluff Point, were begun in 1865 and completed in the
following summer. They consist of three neatly-con-
structed stone dwellings, a "leeparate fire-proof building
for the distilling of brandy, and the main stone structure
containing the cellars and wine-house. The cellars are one
hundred by twenty-two feet in the clear, and are separated
by a heavy stone wall and arched above at the height of
eighteen feet in the centre. The main building, including
the cellars, is sixty-five feet at the front elevation from the
ground to the ridge, and cost the company thirty-five thou-
sand dollars, exclusive of the fixtures, which are certainly
no small item of expense when counted in detail.
The first elected officers of this company continued to
discharge their respective duties till February, 1871, when
the stockholders at their annual meeting elected the follow-
ing: President, D. M. Hildrith, New York; Vice-Presi-
dent, Clark Bell, New York ; Treasurer, H. H. Cook,
Bath ; Secretary, A. Smedburg, New York ; General
Superintendent, A. J. Switzer, Hammondsport ; Board
of Directors, D. M. Hildrith, New Y'ork ; Clark Bell, New
York; Henry H. Cook, Bath ; E. Eldridge, Elmira ; Gen.
W. W. Averell, A. Smedburg, New York ; Dr. Fred. B.
Lent, New York ; Harlo Hakes, Hornellsville ; John W.
Davis, Hammondsport.
LAKE KEUKA WINE COMPANY.
The Lake Keuka Wine Company was organized Oct. 1,
1878, and owns the works known as the " Crooked Lake
Wine-Cellars," .situated in the fine grape-growing section
on Lake Keuka. W. A. Tomer, Secretary ; Charles Le
Breton, Superintendent.
^.T. lie Bretoq was for twelve years in charge as winsr
98
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
maker of the Urbana Wine CompaDy, and his name is
favorably mentioned in connection with awards of the Paris
Exposition of 1878.
PROCESS OF WINE-MAKING.
Still Wine. — The fruit is brought to the wine-house,
where it is carefully tested with the must scale, the price
being graduated by the amount of saccharine matter con-
tained in the grape. Good, well-ripened Isabellas range
from seventy to seventy-five degrees of the saccharometer,
Catawbas eighty to eighty-five degrees, Delawares and lonas
occasionally reaching one hundred and ten degrees.
The grapes are then ground through a grating-mill, set
sufficiently close to break the berries without cracking any
of the seeds. From the mill the pulp foils into a ferment-
ing-lub or directly on the press, for here is determined the
kind of wine to be made. If it falls on the press it is
pressed and deposited in large cakes in the cellar as soon
as convenient, so that no coloring matter contained in the
skin is mixed with the wine, leaving it pure and white.
This is called press wine. If it falls into the tub it is left
to stand a short time (if white wine is wanted) to allow
the wine to settle apart from the pulp, when the wine is
drawn from the faucet, and no wine is taken except what
will run ofiF without pressing, which is termed " cream
wine." If a colored or red wine is de.sired it is allowed
to ferment on the skin from two to four weeks, and is then
drawn or pressed, as is desired. What remains in the tub
after the wiue is drawn is allowed to ferment, and some
time during the year, usually in March or April, is distilled,
and from this is obtained th^ brandy. When the largest
f|uantity of cream wine is made the most and best brandy
is made, while from pressed husks the yield is small.
The average yield of press wine from good, well-ripened
grapes is about eight gallons to the hundred pounds, while
the cream only yields five or six gallons. It is estimated
that one hundred pounds of grapes will make about one
gallon of brandy, so that what is taken out in wine will
lessen its yield in brandy. These figures are subject to wide
alterations, according to quality and condition of the fruit,
but are given to show what may be expected of the grape.
If the grape has been grown upon a favored locality, prop-
erly trained and cultivated, as the season is favorable, its
yield is much more valuable than when reverses follow from
the season of blossoming to harvest. The greatest amount
of sunshine and the least amount of water that will grow
and mature the fruit seem to be the height of excellence.
Whether the wine is leached or pressed, it is stored in
large casks in the cellar, to ferment, and is racked when
sufficiently cured and '■'■fined." The settling of these casks
is termed " lees" and is put with the husks and termed
" brandy material."
Spurkling Wine. — In order to make sparkling wine or
champagne, it must first go into and be a good article of still-
wine. Sparkling wine is made by inducing a second fermen-
tiition in still-wine, which is then corked down, and the gas
which the fermentation engenders is held in and forced to
mingle with the wine, and ever after seeking its liberty
when loosed from its confinement. This gives the wine a
sprightly and lively taste, peculiarly palatable and exhila-
rating. It is the knowledge and skill in creating and con-
trolling the amount of gas in the wine which is so valuable
to a wine-maker and wine-making. Indeed, it is one of the
nicest points, and requires the most careful attention, for a
little too much pressure bursts the bottles, and all is lost ;
too little, and the wine is worthless. The grape is perhaps
the most delicate and sensitive fruit grown ; and it is sur-
prising, even to those who are accustomed to the grape and
its habits, to learn, as experience often shows, how the
quality of the fruit may be varied by the location and sur-
roundings while growing. So, too, nice care is required
to know when the wine is in just the right fermentation for
bottling. The bottles are filled by a machine (imported
from France) with great facility and with the greatest ac-
curacy, so that none will be too full and none with loss than
enough. Thoy are then corked by another machine, which
at once presses the cork and drives it home, when it passes
to the grafi'e machine, and is there secured in the same
speedy and perfect manner by a graffe or gripe (a late
French importation) made of small half-round iron, passing
over the cork and fastening under the flange of the bottle
on each side. The bottles are then laid down on the side,
so that the wine comes in contact with the cork, causing it
to swell and make still more secure that which was firmly
fixed before.
Although the wine when bottled is as well cleared and
nicely y?"e(Z as skill can do it, yet, at the exj)iration of a
j'car, there are found to be dirty streaks of sediment deposi-
ted on the lower side of the bottle. If through accident
or carelessness this sediment becomes disturbed, the bottle
has again to go down on its side for another long rest, and
the operation is retarded for months. This is why strangers
are warned in every such manufactory to keep their hands
ofi" the bottles.
When the wine has lain a sufficient length of time to
deposit its sediment and properly ripen, the bottle is placed
on a table with the same side down it occupied during its
long rest, slightly inclining, the cork downward. An ex-
pert shakes each bottle twice a day from four to six weeks,
by seizing it by the bottom and giving it a quick, rotary,
shaking motion each day, inclining the cork more and more
downwards. By so doing the sediment is gradually slid
down from the side of the bottle until it rests on the cork,
and the wine is clear. The bottles are then removed from
the table and piled in large boxes, cork down, to wait their
turn for disgorging. When this is done they are hoisted
to a room above (always cork down), when the expert seizes
one, with the neck of the bottle in his left hand and the
bottom in his arm-pit ; he removes the grafle and allows the
cork to fly out with a report like a pistol, when all the sedi-
ment and a small portion of the wine is thrown out. Then
for the first in a long time the bottle is turned bottom down
or placed upon its proper base. This process is termed
disgorging. By a nicely-constructed graduated scale, an
amount of syrup (made from rock candy dissolved in wine)
is injected into the wine, without allowing much of the gas
to escape. The bottle is again corked, and the cork graffed
the same as the first time, but with a new and much finer
cork. The first cork cost three cents and the last one five,
all of which are imported, as are also all the machinery and
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTr, NEW YORK.
99
bottles used in the wine-making establishments. The cork
is next covered with foil, when neat and tasty labels are
placed upon the bottles and they are packed in straw ready
for shipment.
This gives but a faint idea of the labor and expense of
making sparkling wine, for it is estimated that each bottle,
from the time it arrives at the wine-house and before it
leaves, requires to be handled two hundred times in order
to perfect a good article of sparkling wine.
BOX MAKING.
The extensive shipping of grapes necessitated an inven-
tion which has grown into a new and important branch of
industry. We refer to box-making, which is carried on by
several steam establishments in the grape district. To illus-
trate the extent of this business we will take one factory,
that, for instance, lately run by the Fairchild Bros., at
Hammondsport. Commencing in the infancy of the grape-
growing, they kept pace with its progress, manufacturing as
follows: 1863,20,000; 1864,50,000; 1865,70,000; all
being sold at home. In 1867 were made 100,000 boxes,
25,000 going to other grape districts in the State. In 1868,
their sales were 180,000, of which 85,000 were foreign sales,
going to the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia,
North Carolina, Kentucky, and California. In 1870, they
made and sold 300,000 boxes, 150,000 going to the States
named. Without doubt, they have sold as high as 100,000
boxes in a year to their home trade.
Three-pound boxes, eighteen in a case, have been the
approved and almost universally adopted method of packing
grapes for market until the present season. Baskets, hold-
ing from five to twenty-five pounds, have this year been
used quite extensively, and promi.se in the future to hold
an important place among the packages for shipping.
CHAPTER XXI.
STATISTICS.
TABLE I.— POPULATION.
Shomiiig the Population of the Connty hi/ Toicns, and the Proportion of Native and Fnrcifjn Born Inhabitants at the State Census of 1875,
Inhabi asts of
Stecben Coonty
A'ldison
Avoca
Bath
Bradford
Cameron
Campbell
Caiiisteo
Caton
C/ohoctOD
Corning
Dansville
Erwln
Fremont
Greenwood
Hartsville
Hornliy
Hornellsville..
Howard
Jasper
Lindley
PrattsUurgh...,
Pulteney
Rathbone
Thurston
Troupabnrgh..
Tnscarora
Urbana
Wayland
Wayne
West Union...,
Wheeler
Woodhull
73,838
Z,.593
1,77G
6,704
901
l,60'.l
'.^,089
2,94S
1,614
3,161
6,796
1,855
2,023
1,122
1,320
963
1,317
8,858
2,131
1,661
1,481
2,518
1,444
1,389
1,388
2,315
1,478
2,117
2,623
853
1,317
1,387
1,977
Born in the United States.
67,127
2,363
1,713
0,025
970
1,503
1,910
2,823
1,555
2,814
.5,670
1,684
1,819
1,089
1,185
916
1,271
7,455
1,993
1.627
1.401
2,378
1,389
1,259
1,342
2,249
1,:«I
1,928
2,127
834
1,077
1,371
1,936
60,199
2,041
1,621
6.487
886
1,439
1,7.55
2,.541
1,252
2,650
4,937
1,6.37
1,640
1,024
1,106
843
1,160
6,524
1,849
1,485
1.109
2,222
1,294
1,126
1,209
1,892
1,175
1,758
2,029
780
956
1,305
1,667
o o
43,140
1,389
1,103
4,020
633
1,276
1,265
1,880
769
1,904
3,273
1,138
1,311
789
882
699
748
3,998
1.440
1,189
775
1,516
952
866
924
1,.502
842
1,372
1,557
462
692
1,019
1,055
6,218
203
102
4;il
149
68
209
223
114
395
6U3
252
93
69
86
116
223
1,038
93
50
75
358
130
62
99
48
80
139
298
192
115
99
107
10,841
449
416
1,036
104
95
281
438
369
361
1,101
147
236
166
138
129
189
1,488
316
246
259
348
212
198
186
342
253
247
174
126
149
187
405
3,237
166
38
155
23
45
55
128
212
49
382
67
104
20
21
21
55
371
46
60
233
23
18
41
54
264
141
36
12
11
65
22
2C9
BOEtt IN fOSEION COONTRIES.
6,711
230
63
679
21
46
179
125
79
347
1,120
171
201
33
135
47
46
1,403
138
34
80
140
65
130
46
66
87
189
496
19
240
16
11
1,602
5
14
29
254
211
105
11
14
6
7
3
289
6
6
6
4
2
7
1
7
55
165
"i
3
3,635
178
22
4.57
19
36
131
70
19
31
709
28
151
3
124
21
30
831
102
12
18
52
14
92
22
55
51
81
5
9
206
6
20
100
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
TABLE II.— POPULATION.
Showing ht/ Towns the number of Persons, of FomiUen, aud of Juhahited Houses, and the average unmher nf Persons to a Funtifi/, aud Persojis
to an Jnhahited House, in t^ifenbeu County, from the State Census of 1875.
CiTiL Divisions.
Steuben Covntt.
Aiidiaun ,
AVOCM ,
Balli
Bradford
CHnieron
Campbell
Ciinisteo
Caton
Cohocton
Corning
Dansville
Erwin
Frpmoiit
Greenwood.,.,
Hartavilk-
Hornby
Persons.
Familiei
73,838
16,092
2,593
562
1,776
419
6,704
1,472
•J91
221
1,009
329
2,1189
423
2,948
615
1,634
373
3,161
681
0.796
1,466
1,855
390
2,023
421
1,122
262
1,320
283
903
2o;i
1,317
298
Tnbaliited
Houses.
Persons
to a
Family.
15,147
4.69
514
4.61
393
4.24
1,389
4.56
■ 216
448
325
4.89
423
494
681
4.79
367
4.38
662
4.64
1,328
4.64
377
4.76
417
4.81
262
4.28
278
4.00
192
4.74
286
4.42
Persons
to an
Inhiiljited
House*.
4.87
5.04
4.52
4 83
4.01
4.95
4.94
5.07
4.58
4.85
6.12
4.92
4.85
4.28
4.75
6.02
4.62
Civil Divikioni:.
Hornellsville..
Howiird
Jasper
Lindlcy
Praltsburgh...
Pnlteney
Pathiioiie
Thurstun
Troiiiisbnrgh .
Tuscaroia.
L'rbaiia
"Wavland
AVayiie
M'est Union...
Wlii-i'ler
Woodliull
,858
,131
,001
,481
,518
444
,3S9
,388
,315
,478
,117
,623
863
,317
,367
,977
Inhabited
Houses.
469
371
303
680
369
304
303
485
317
461
579
206
247
327
469
1,072
460
365
288
555
338
286
291
479
3111
461
468
197
239
321
449
Persons
to a
Family.
4.69
4.54
4.48
4.89
4.30
4.02
4.67
4.58
4.77
4.66
4.69
4.53
4.14
5.33
4.24
4.21
Persons
to an
Inhabited
House.
5.30
4.03
4.68
5.14
4.64
4.27
4.87
4.77
4.83
4.91
4.59
5.60
4.33
6.51
4.32
4.40
Shnwinr/tfre Different Htlifjionn Datou
TABLE III.— CHURCHES.
nntittiia ht Steuheii Oniiiili/^ with the Niiwher ttf Church Orffniiiztitions, Edifees^ SIttiiujs, Memhcrnhip, and
Value of Church Property, from the State Cenitus for 1875.
a
.2
1
o
i
Sittings.
Membership.
Value of Church
Proporty.
§
1
1
o
1
1
i
a.
i.
1
Value of Chnroh
Property.
Afriran Methodiat Episcopal...
1
1
26
4
1
5
3
44
1
16
8
11
80
8,400
1,250
2.50
1,060
750
14,780
200
5,150
2,1411
6,025
25 S600
2,217 114,000
191 8,500
30 2,1100
260 9,(WM)
147 1--m\
_
3
1
1
260
34
100
273
70
60
80
90
S 2,000
3,000
14,1100
5,500
1,175
8,000
4,700
1 Haptist j 26
Seventh-Day Baptist
Christian Connection
4
\
3
44
1
16
8
11
4 ! 1 9nn
United Methodist
3
1
3
3
950
200
900
800
EvanRoliciO Lutheran
Free-Will Baptist
Jlethodist Episcopal
IHethodist Protestant
3,358
60
1,734
681
4,595
234,275
1,550
179,200
138,250
133,600
Wesleyan Hethudist
Total
137
136
S8GT,200
43,885
13,99,'>
TABLE IV.— AGRICULTURAL.
Sh'iuiiig by Towns the Area of Farm Lanth ; the Valve of Farmt, of Farm Diilldiiiys, of Live Stock, and of Jmplemeuta ;
and the Amount of Agricultural Productions.
the Area of Crops,
Area or Land in
Farms.
Civil Divisions.
Present Cash Value.
Actkh,
Steubf.x Covntt '503,014
Addison { 6,146
Avoca 15,859
Bath I 38.620
Bradf..rd , 9,902
Cameron ' 15,029
Campbell 11,950
Canisleo 13,.5.52
Caton 14,530
Cohciclon 21,641
Corning 9,053
Dan.sville 21,023
Erwin 6,473
Fremont 12,810
Greenwood 13,427
Hartsville 11,284
Hurnby 15,239
Ilornellsville 14,180
Howard 24,190
.lasper 18,709
Lindley i 6,851
]'r;ittsbnrgh 27,410
Pnlteney 1 16,:
Kathbone 10.854
Thurston 9'895
Tronpsbnrgh 25,171
Tn.scaroia 12,208
Urbana 18,915
Way land .
Wayne
West Union...
Wheeler
Woodhull
10,743
10,533
14,8.54
17,865
20,567
Unimproved.
^
AcTfs. I
203,895
2,7,531
3,016
12,708
3,776
6,896
6,512
14,666
3,888
7,208
5,6;i6
5,940
7,079
4,939
2,303
6,745
4,032
6,883
0,480
8,516
10,480
7,578
3,480
4,870
3,437
11,977
8,535
6,002
e,.S74
2,32!
2,100
0,705
6,729
Acres.
110,607
0,045
1,903
6,084
607
3,826
7,171
812
4,087
0,308
7,028
4,228
6,.552
343
7,072
3,081
3,701
2.126
1,807
2,309
050
417
6,034
8,208
1.58
1,624
1,047
300
217
8,301
2,401
6,065
Dollars.
28,002.402
439,782
883,700
2,615,270
529,328
631.645
585,525
918,8501
829,942
1,532,663
774,9601
1,320,390
089,200
646,466
473.625
627,612
094,520
1,278,875
1,071,400
704,710
416,715
1,575,455
1,142,6251
601,525
513,816,:
918,825
599,130
1,400,619
838,980
717,.i44
449,414
890.440
823,940
Dollars.
3,549,.322
54,650
136,100
338.775
81,690
102,825:
94,695
103,190
103,670
201,710
114,890
169,025
64,100
74,985
52,600
53.660
97,975
96,330
139,600
107,690
57,489
209,010
160,780
95.150
75 970
80,000
81,601
158,700
114,115
91,070
40,220
109,915
84,830
Dollars.
4.208,005
65,002
139,710
333,767
79,815
132,890
105,065
120,915
137,987
200,284
104,897
141,385
05,165
93,202
110,465
95,917
121,788
123,485
182,516
147,405
63,150
226,825
132,472
104,421
94,140
211,240
116,140
144,437
134,446
87,803
103,247
123,807
164,826
Dollars.
1,135,772
14,433
43,015
111,912
19,708
35,100
43,199
29,017
37,395
72,328
39,013
43,900
15,094
30,208
10,024
29,200
30,403
36,025
49,688
40,065
17,868
62,449
40,8671
26,680
26,647
49,510
29,.505
31,902
52,876
23,!)51
22,395
31,558
34,782
o a
= a
<
Dollars.
2,939,718
35,202
lai,785
220131
32,632
78,843
57,033
74,;'03
95,882
153,390
93,157
100,345
71900
68,706
66,896
59,646
93,018
90,770
130,421
94,216
30,018
170,937
127,181
6.5,540
55,777
121,132
68,639
155,276
94,994
60,432
68,404
86,938!
111,956
..4cr^».
155,697
1,732
5.466
12,475
3,432
4,340
2,876
2,999
3,707
8,883
I 3,021
7,782
1,967
4,425
3,137
2,510
3,829
4,263
8,425
4,335
1,056
10,666
6.171
3,153
3,264
5,792
3,343
6,140
6,007
4,807
3,223
6,633
5,318
Grass Lands.
Acres.
166,354
2,181
4,328
11,825
2,904
0,116
3,759
6,573
4,200
5,420
2,077
4,980
1,930
3.480
6,905
6,083
4,878
6,648
0,930
7,269
2,390
0,926
3,563
4,010
2,080
11,177
4,841
5,588
3,332
3,369
6,034
6,103:
8,960
Acres.
126,616
1,678
3,1126
8,121
2,199
4,231
3,265
3,304
5,145
4,114
2,651
4,208
1,356
2,901
3,960
3,338
5,661
3,740
6,724
6,403
1,017
6,.533
3,156,
2,591
2,557
7,986
3,692
3,936
3,785
1,708
3,611
3,899
6,2.30 1
Tom.
127,o:il
1,742
2,947
8,137
1,868
4,024
3,813
3,740
6,143
4,659
2,746
4,413
1,721
2,763
3,549
3,462
5.184
3,904
5,799
6,447
2,484
5,768
2,811
2,718
2,717
7,886
3,725
3,870
4,001
1,642
3,090
3,684
6,168
Bushels.
5,24:i
29
85
242
273
274
40
51
093
15
209
89
335
29
110
179
134
309
163
50
237
636
71
122
44
31
36
261
216
98
179
17
Acres.
7,327
16
239
1,:«9
354
115
112
100
47
472
06
486
27
62
6
33
19
30
196
892
4:i7
05
107
111
7
803
244
421
23
283
107
Acres.
10,458
60
441
1,673
459
145
197
169
69
625
109
932
61
124
2
49
38
131
2;i2
73
1,193
725
96
247
160
30
895
401
654
21
396
101
Biisliflt.
134,301
307
4,399
21,191
4.693
3,0:15
1,906
2,116
1,133
9,711
1,606
11,491
602
863
100
767
385
705
3,007
1,426
18,249
7,667
1,598
3,452
2,691
102
11,727
5,912
5,768
610
4,'.99
2,143
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
101
TABLE v.— AGRICULTURAL.
Shoiciiij hy Towns the Area of Farm Lands : the Value of Farmn, of Farm Biti/tiin/jB, of Live Stoek and of Implements ; the Area of
Crops, and the Amount of Agrieullnral Productions, — (Continued.)
Civil Divisions.
Buckwheat.
Acres.
Stkubpn County... 22,301
Addison I 2o.5
Avoca I 4(»5
Biith 1,784
Bradford
Cameron.-.
Campbell...
Canisteo....
Caton
Cfjhocton ..
Corninj;
Daiisville...
Krwin
FrenK'nt ...
Greenwood,
HartfVille.
Hiirnhy
Hornellsville....
Howard
.Jasper
Lindley
Prattsliurgll...
Piilteney
Rathlione
Tliurston
Troiipsburgli.
Tuscarora
Ihbana
Wayland
Wayne
West Union...
Wheeler
Woodhull
786
906
381
481
91 j7
742
54:!
606
220
081
621
331
800
320
1,323
972
177
1,168
630
651
629
1,038
583
821
502
556
473
004
1,265
A errs.
19,360
332
656
1,105
636
1,173
12
328
68
548
742
863
213
711
10
408
874
346
1,222
1,037
104
1,260
84
771
70S
929
44.
6
700
748
426
753
1,365
Pro-
duced.
1874.
Btisliels.
446,907
6,052
9,339
37,222
14,449
25,113
6.718
9,753
16,825
13,021
10,340
12,825
4,438
11,216
14,275
7,065
16,211
4,984
24,804
20,660
3,360
22.699
8,820
12,884
10,696
23,520
12,841
16,978
9,842
10,238
9,634
13,405
27,888
Indian Corn.
1874. 1875.
I
Acres,
12,798
. 232
537
1,759
410
219
409
320
324
631
576
695
an
23.?
75
110
176
402
455
93
283
487
569
262
331
330
381
466
496
400
100
365
345
Acres.
15,524
309
690
2,081
450
207
478
338
463
776
663
741
490
298
77
162
236
562
571
1116
319
607
669
351
469
322
486
551
644
548 1
77'
520 1
417
Pro-
duced.
1874.
Bushels.
408.091
7,.630
20,650
(.1,286
14,415
10,-60
15,405
11,992
9,476
22,618
22,734
20,370
16,102
7,231
2,835
3,544
6,083
15.979
14,390
2,284
13,091
18,665
20,114
9,0;8
11,289
10,243
12,101
16,024
19,100
25,905
2,303
13.259
12,256
Oats.
Area.
Pro-
duced.
1874.
1874.
1875.
Acres.
Acres.
Bushels.
04,964
73,621
1,633,018
013
773
17,505
2,176
2,398
62,716
4,872
5,581
105,011
1,433
1,447
23,848
2,116
2,163
60,016
1,160
1,200
29,415
1,358
1,763
40,676
1,728
2,011
44,137
3,450
3,882
88,952
1,265
1,361
35,981
2,594
3,147
75,715
604
639
18,642
2.252
2.891
50,322
1,769
1,879
47,411
1,182
1,433
33,797
l,9il
2,1192
44,223
1,674
1,962
47,586
4,040
4,746
93,115
2,011
2,439
64,337
454
542
13,487
4,752
5,110
115,892
1,909
2,358
45,769
1,216
1,511
31,303
1,269
1,458
31,413
2,713
2,966
76,429
1,330
1,562
34,184
2,180
2,302
45,810
2,406
2,975
09,359
1,623
1,595
31,617
1,906
2,030
56,416
2,903
3,040
66,367
2,096
2,376
53,667
Eye.
Area
Sown.
Pro-
duced.
1874.
1873.
1874.
Acres.
Acres.
Bush.
6,189
7,995
71,173
4
1
29
492
513
5,501
616
727
6,4:M
290
426
2,.321
3
29
30
31
50
396
24
9
304
37
51
238
929
1,099
10,368
49
49
386
797
041
10,146
22
38
248
170
168
1,451
12
6
164
28
31
317
109
107
010
89
49
912
214
223
2,231
7
n
49
3
19
66
349
650
4,226
50
102
263
52
71
438
103
106
1,063
54
88
686
20
50
171
209
429
2,199
1,129
1,300
16,594
121
214
1,170
7
31
116
236
340
2,302
33
67
441
Spbino Wheat.
Pro-
duced.
1874. 1875. 1874.
.4cre8.
11,473
47
377
1,021
337
196
132
146
166
800
96
1,038
28
321
94
125
105
.306
814
145
.59
1,041
389
102
91
209
210
842
082
173
153
634
206
Acres.
7,946
16
246
732
216
148
106
129
135
451
108
509
90
193
70
110
83
198
665
147
33
.501
302
73
103
301
184
057
661
162
113
278
220
Bushels.
106,210
448
3,195
8,665
2,320
2,263
1,313
1,678
1,556
8,453
991
8,074
266
2,306
062
1,346
1,142
2,073
7,7(11
1,659
579
9,886
3,989
1,080
808
3,827
1,931
6,120
9,078
1,233
1,707
4,028
2,541
Winter Wheat.
Area
Sown.
Pro-
duced.
1874.
1873.
1874.
Acres.
Acres.
Bushels.
17,095
22,177
236,591
202
367
2,496
010
988
7,877
2,198
2,792
30,481
483
672
4,454
331
362
4,214
023
762
8.700
708
903
10,530
177
301
2,036
777
1,067
10,965
475
615
8,801
1,909
1,866
28,004
360
642
7,246
280
216
2,742
153
260
2,289
2,52
302
3,431
191
264
2,187
730
1,063
10,561
465
420
4,971
263
329
3,009
357
428
5,477
695
004
9,760
945
1,014
10,318
597
695
6,424
427
572
4,722
480
609
7,443
234
438
2,743
648
833
9,302
612
703
9,021
690
612
6,776
37
67
361
503
781
5,645
291
332
4,511
TABLE VL— AGRICULTURAL.
Showing hy Toicng the Area of Fnnn Lands ; the Value nf Farm», of Farm Bmidings, of Live Stock, and of ImpUmenta ; the Area of Cfops,
and the Amount of Agn'cultnrul Productiona. — (Continued.)
Civil Divisions.
Steuben County..
Addison ,
Avoca
Bath
Bradford ,
CaiTieron ,
Campbell
Canisteo ,
Oiton
Cohocton
Cornin;; ,
Dansvillo
Erwin
Fremont
Greenwnml
Hartsville
>IornIiy
Hornellsville...
Howard
.Jasper
Liiiciley
Piattsbiirgh. ...
Piilteney
Rittlibune
Thurston
Tnitipsburgli...
Tuscarora
UrItHna
Wayland
AVayne
West Union
Wheeler.
Woodhull
Area.
1874.
1875.
.4cr««.
Acres.
7,817
9,912
121
127
297
401
413
408
04
80 1
193
195
133
114
118
l:«
278
275
895
l,-549
168
192 i
647
1,054
57
43
■M-
461
178
19i
120
142
202
209
221
263
3.53
302
179
177
81
74
645
862 !
144
138
1.58
14s
141
130
233
219
170
102
137
149
375
6,58
88
93
214
208 ,
277
444 1
2.60
267 1
1
Pro-
duced,
Apple Orchards.
Grapes.
Maple-Sugar.
Bushels.
1,003,836
17,233
39,883
61,184
9,494
18,486
16,130
16,401
31,060
110,117
21,172
89,424'
8,451
39,740
26,120;
16,7281
20,4)6
26,343
44,678
22,560
0,886
70,727
14,113
10,510|
10,341
28,801
23,518
14,826
45,087
8,854
33,912
36,330
38,270
Trees.
Number.
481,979 !
7,363
17,168
37,942
7,656
13,029
11,900
9,230
23,013
32,713
13,987
16,036
3,713
14,229
7,025
11,330
17,942
11.734
23.526
13,500
5,883
27,750
17,707
10,495
10.942
17,953
13,493
10,620
17,210
9,021
8,664
15,001
16,0!11
Cider
Fruit
dSced. """'''•
1874. 1874,
Bushels.
567,411
4,835
28,104
50,830
4,017
18,120
11,698
11,838
18,184
40,353
1.5,044
24,733
4,343
20,912
8,786
11,921
15,395
15,036
20,146
11,4:58
5,409
39,793
17,476
8,4.52
10,171
10,000
l:i,176
27,100
20,677
11,217
4,743
10,487
28,077
Bar.
13,504
103
451
1,313
215
317
:i85
26:)
443
929
465
013
119
3:17
97
170
415
323
673
244
20.1
839
009
200
204
234
2011
673
798
293
11
410
099
Fruit
pro-
duced.
Pounds.
4,2:15,720
126
Wine
made.
Gals.
73,5(0
12,.563i
200
1,025
100
050
9,020
2,000
150
io'i
"iii
425
630
300
450
700
1,440
1,210
1,220,643
33,060
1,500
20
880
2,015,835
100
332.300
1
Sugar
made.
Pounds.
142,621
14,876
1,645
160
123
1,750
5,002
3,390
Syrup
made.
Gals.
6,200
489
288
27
1,410
13,508
8,464
9,240
1,282
:100
10,0:10
15,140
35
6,889
450
250
771
23,705
315
46
62
320
208
3
408
1
614
75
76
104
47
673
193
15
482
33
38
110
1,244
34
40
50
13,995
2,160
2,306
26
103
216
204
Honey
col-
lected
in
1874.
Pounds.
109,317
235
4,970
9,979
2,901
3,;iO()
2,585
3,990
6,936
7,400
0.80
850
9,:135
1,440
5,500
1,250
4,267
1,:150
2,722
6,273
2,155
5,170
3,6:i3
6,205
3,:!22
1,912
3,6:10
3,352
1,825
2,700
Horses on Farms.
Junel, 1876.
Colts
of
1875.
No.
1,204
16
28
61
27
26
42
62
21
61
20
IS
16
19
29
42
45
23
20
61
40
30
45
90
34
24
63
26
22
37
43
Colts
of
1874.
A'o.
1,319
22
38
79
24
45
32
46
47
97
26
77
16
27
23
24
30
40
65
26
16
70
29
41
37
63
44
21
77
23
27
36
61
Two
years
old
and
No.
16,119
221
496
1,339
316
446
383
4.34
493
871
442
700
161
414
299
297
481
478
716
5:10
193
880
562
405
357
613
.395
603
6:i6
366
383
661
600
E£
Xo.
34:1
8
36
6
9
4
13
15
13
15
20
7
5
Poultry.
Value
Value
Value
of
owned
sold.
epgs
sold.
1876.
1874.
1874.
Dots.
Vols.
Volt.
80,307
37,502
65,257
1,2,54
419
594
2,620
1,211
2,634
6,870
3,889
5,712
1,714
780
1,620
1,402
412
876
2,076
950
1,352
2,105
274
1,122
2,686
1,749
2,062
4,163
1,986
4,16:1
2,402
1,1:17
1,5.64
2,377
584
2,712
896
91
80
2,262
894
1,858
633
643
390
1,190
5:12
903
2,6:S3
1,8:16
2,168
1,874
1,097
1,0.V5
3,572
1,388
2.955
2,057
514
2,521
1,463
480
774
5,821
2,623
7,112
3,107
2,381)
3,304
1,9:13
595
920
2,412
1,006
1,818
4,1:10
3,088
3,031
2,6:10
1,486
1,736
2,699
1,180
1,840
2,112
476
2,074
1,831
847
2,010
1,200
1,078
813
2.616
828
2,083'
3,692
1,095
1,399
102
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
TABLE Vir.— AGRICULTURAL.
Sliowitir/ hi/ Toinnn the Area of Farm Lands, the Value of Farmn, of Farm Bnildinjs, of Line Stock, and of Lnpleinenti, the Area of Crops, and
the Amount of Agricnltural Productions, — (Continued.)
Civil Divisions.
Steuben Couxtt.
Addison
Avoca
Bath
Bradford
Cameron
Campbell
Cani^teo
Caton
Cohocton
Corning
Dansville
Erwin
Fremont
Greenwood
Hartsville
Hornby
Hornellsville...
Howard
Jasper
LiiKlley
Prattsbiirgh. ..
Pulleney
Riitlibune
Thiii-ston
Tronpsburgh...
TuscarorH
Urbana
Wayland
Wayne
We-*t Union....
Wheeler
WoodhuU
Ne*t Cattle ox Fahms
June 1, 1876.
Heifers.
No.
5,:«6
l:i2
106
652
68
96
253
143
236
247
123
188
100
157
126
101
169
118
319
183
61
164
108
199
174
218
317
72
157
92
120
107
131
Ab.
8,100
139
180
634
118
156
257
209
279
314
168
279
104
118
298
204
250
166
332
370
174
239
208
250
207
622
318
148
335
116
387
169
352
No. No.
10,123 5,609
1G9
264
706
148
195
23G
283
334
357
186
298
128
206
376
244
309
250
609
439
234
341
194
345
224
892
355
W
327
122
42 i
233
615
150
91
317
120
85
186
204
146
218
86
128
109
1.32
216
109
262
66
176
240
76
261
76
141
141
411
302
112
347
411
278
84
391
A'o.
5,804
63
48
471
107
46
406
106
102
183
66
218
273
SO
106
142
223
284
91
165
89
2.66
149
143
181
660
168
210
106
821
246
98
248
Milch-Cows.
Average
Number Kept.
1874. 1875.
No.
34,882
446
1,310
2,740
425
1,134
8(KI
1,143
1,015
1,142
699
967
328
886
1,36B
1,943
994
839
2,224
1,676
553
1,180
703
841
718
2,627
1,144
767
1,0"5
450
1,212
863
1,734
No.
35,695
463
1,320
2,719
423
1,241
806
1,165
953
1,230
708
953
259
766
1,521
1,136
1,030
858
2,101
1,812
557
1,166
739
887
736
2,683,
1,174
809
1,000
4!4
1,409
829
1,805
Lbs.
3,568,394
62,7-)8
116,685
331.378
67,5611
88,996
78,537
99,875
96,634
178,018
77,276
150,225
33,448
7'.',ld8
65,927
70,474
92,999
63,808
183,006
112,753
4.5.558
177,704
116,072
94,114
76,713
172,804
108,715
128,066
183,720
86,556
77,597
109,101
143,188
TABLE VIIL— AGRICULTURAL.
ShoiDtny the Number and Size of Farms in Steuben County at the Census of 1875, by Towns,
Civil Divisions.
Number of Farms.
Steuben County
Addison
Avona
Bath
Bradford
Cameron
Campbell
Catijsteo
Caton
Cohocton
Corning
Dansville
Erwin
Fremont
Greenwood....
Hartsville
Hornby
7900
161
182
616
1.59
256
234
204
300
359
220
244
86
172
181
175
219
1080
25
20
66
15
37
41
27
74
55
46
30
7
18
6
9
30
2807
63
63
198
66
99
94
73
132
128
75
73
14
72
53
52
79
s
1
-a
c
s
1-
c
S
•0
c
T3
C
8
i
3245
27
46
98
253
61
106
i
81
97
1
70
132
67
137
1
56
2
82
118
107
92
3
Civil Divisions.
HornelLsville..
Howard
Jasper
Lindle.v
Prattsbnrgh...
Pnlten..y
Ratlilione
Thnrston
Troupsburgh..
Tuscjirora
Urbana
Wavliind
W.tyne
West Union....
Whc-eler
Woodhnll
Number of Farms.
172
358
282
178
389
266
199
193
388
246
259
305
163
214
228
295
d
d
u
o
•a
c
a
s
p
c
B
o
2
29
10
8
36
6
5
30
10
8
30
26
36
63
26
20
46
7
6
18
4
1
27
6
9
56
16
It
39
28
28
.32
8
26
76
15
13
20
3
2
17
4
7
30
2
3
37
51
142
117
67
109
89
82
86
172
87
55
110
55
76
68
117
86
159
122
49
147
82
84
75
146
82
112
80
51
113
118
136
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
103
TABLE IX.— WOOL.
Showing hy Totrns, for the years 1855, 1864, 1865, 1874, and 1875, the Number of Sheep Shorn, the Total Weight of the CUp, and the Average
Weight of the Fleeces,
Civil Divisions.
Steubfn County
Addison
Avoca
Buih
Bradfoid
Cameron
Campbell
Ctinistco
Catun
Cohocton
Corning
Dansville
Erwin
Fremont
Greenwood
Hartsville
llornliy
Hornellsville
Howard
Jasper
Lindley
Prattsl'urgh
Pulteney ' 4iU81
Rathbone
Tburston
Troupsbnrgh.
Tnscarora
Uibanit
"Wayland
"Wayne
"West Union..
Wheeler
Woodhull
Number of Fleeces.
ToTAi, Cup.
1855.
1864.
1865.
1874.
1875.
1865.
1864.
1865.
1874.
1875.
101,484
226,695
233,823
84,897
80,617
336,333
890,065
922,892
404,282
393,020
1,803
483
326
215
199
6,468
2,082
798
955
043
3,007
8,713
10,089
2,948
2,303
9,310
38,448
38,978
13,205
10,818
11,71'2
21,628
21,349
10,056
9,763
38,126
84,968
84,727
48,960
62,758
2,178
5,920
6,(158
2,364
1,807
7,808
24,293
23,384
10,730
8,466
1,010
6,541
5,525
1,359
1,001
6,2o2
20,077
21,206
6,704
8,468
1,219
6,506
6,514
1,023
916
3.483
13,063
12,415
4,675
3,9(5
1,888
6,742
0,786
1,727
1,095
5,589
22,227
14,061
7,347
7,291
1,514
3,810
4,166
1,879
1,045
4,870
13,418
8,553
7,694
4,085
4,044
10,126
11,057
4,170
3,361
14,252
40,297
46,269
20,667
16.347
527
2,109
2,023
605
539
1,516
7,608
7,316
2,467
2,215
6,219
10,573
6,586
4,794
6,027
20,410
74,14(1
44,578
24,338
25,745
802
1,740
1,348
602
378
2,991
7,256
6,773
2,211
1,778
2,129
6,977
7,328
1,498
1,608
8,648
28,(109
28,(J10
6,836
6,980
1,300
8,699
6,901
984
1,333
4,698
20,074
20,469
3,94:i
6,279
2,449
6,2(12
6.405
896
851
9,776
20,787
22,(J38
4,366
4,317
1,093
3,778
4,841
1,022
1,522
7,619
13,180
19,221
6,638
6,453
1,977
6,145
6,863
1,9(J6
1,734
6,243
25,330
26,819
8,563
11,050
6,346
12,489
15,427
2,358
2,304
17,203
48,790
69,586
10,868
11,053
3,656
7,332
8,281
2,371
2,120
13,370
28,078
31,440
11,059
9,376
819
1,852
2,119
328
420
2,700
4,307
8,305
1,240
1,651
8,877
17,570
19,179
9,647
10,284
30,383
74,088
80,928
48,448
53,147
4,981
8,602
10,006
3,970
1,174
16,750
36,616
38,852
20,4.i6
6,200
2,422
2,781
1,022
1,038
8,139
8,768
10 387
4 505
4,009
4,989
1,098
2,621
2,858
1,088
998
4.405
10,585
6,185
3,243
6,381
8,113
1,816
2,020
10,870
22,754
25,402
8,094
9,233
4,135
14,820
3 951
1,592
7,790
1,525
8,132
14 088
13 536
6 708
5,889
38,447
10,318
16J63
29,352
57,278
78,366
36,920
1,451
5,894
6,434
1,704
1,874
6,987
26,590
26,208
8,882
9,711
3,289
5,210
6,617
2,908
2,848
111,749
22,898
23,213
14,736
13,947
681
2,704
3,197
1,391
1,475
1,372
8,635
10,400
6,236
5,504
9,887
12,680
13,390
6,945
6,928
31,876
61,487
60,687
35,199
34,793
1,401
6,291
6,542
1,529
1,706
4,477
19,302
19,734
6,491
7,149
Average Weight of Fleece.
1865.
1864.
1865.
1874.
1876.
3.31
3.95
3.96
4.76
4.88
3.47
4.31
2.45
4.44
4.74
3.04
4.41
3.86
4 48
4.70
3.26 j 3.93
3.97
4.87
.6.41
3.68 4.10
3.86
4.56
4.46
3.24 i 3.62
3.85
4,93
6.29
2.86 j 2.37
2.25
4,47
4.27
2.96 1 3.30
2.16
4,25
4.30
3.22 i3.52
2.06
4,09
3.91
3,52 1 3.98
4.18
4,96
4.80
2.88
3.56
3.62
4,08
4.11
3.28
4.47
6,77
5,08
5.12
3.47
4.17
4.28
4.41
4.70
4.06
4.03
3,82
4,56
4.34
3.31
3.52
3,47
4,01
3.90
3.99
4.00
4.08
4,87
5.07
3.77
3.49
3.97
4.09
4.24
3.16
4.12
3.91
4.49
6.37
3.22
3.91
3.86
4.60
4.80
3.76
3.83
3.80
4,66
4.42
3..30
2,33
3,92
3,78
3.93
3.42
4.22
4.22
5,07
6.17
3.36
4.26
3.88
6,15
6.34
3.36
3.73
4.47
4.73
4.01
3.35
3.70
4.77
6.00
3.35
3,67
3.14
4.46
4..57
3.41
3.43
4.21
3.80
2.84
3.86
4.97
4,74
4,73
4.13
4.34
4.07
5,21
5.18
3.27
4.40
4.13
6.07
4.90
2.36
3.19
3.25
3.76
3.77
3.22
4.85
4..52
5,07
5.02
3.20
3.65
3.5C
4.26
4.19
CHAPTER XXII.
MILITARY HISTOBT.
Steuben in the War of 1S12 — In the Mexican War.
Steuben County was active in the war of 1812.
Three companies of militia were ordered out for three
months' service at the beginning of the war, — two were
independent companies of riflemen, and the third a com-
pany drafted from the regiment. Capt. James Sanford
commanded one of the rifle companies, which belonged
chiefly to the town of Wayne ; the other, which belonged
to the town of Urbana, and mustered about fifty men, was
commanded by Capt. Abraham Brundage. William White,
of Pulteney, was his first lieutenant, and Stephen Garner
ensign. These were organized with two rifie companies
from Allegany County, and the battalion thus formed was
commanded by Maj. Asa Gaylord, of Urbana. Maj. Gay-
lord died upon the lines, and the command devolved upon
Col. Dobbins.
The drafted company was composed of every eighth man
of the regiment, and was commanded by Capt. Jonas
Cleland, of Cohocton. Samuel D. Wells, of Cohocton,
and John Gillet were lieutenants, and John Kennedy
ensign.
" These companies reached the frontiers just at the time
when Col. Van Rensselaer, with an army of militia, was
about to make an attack upon the works and forces of the
British at Queenstown Heights. Capt. Cleland, with many
of his men, volunteered to cross the boundary. . . . The
men on the shore of the Niagara, at the foot of a precipi-
tious bank, were fired upon by the British batteries on the
opposite side, the grape-shot rattling furiously against tlie
rocks overhead. The captain advised his men to seek a
less exposed position, and disappeared with some soldiers.
He appeared again on the field of battle, over the river, in
the course of the forenoon, and complaining of illness re-
turned to the American side. Lieut. Gillet and Ensisrn
Kennedy remained under the fire of the British batteries
with most of the men, crossed the river, and went into the
battle.
" The command devolved upon Gillet. It was doubted
whether he would prove a brave officer, but, to the surpri.se
of all, he ' rushed into the fight as if he had just found his
element,' whirled his sword, rai.sed his powerful voice and
cheered on his men. After receiving a dangerous and
almost mortal wound he continued to fight, swinging his
hat and brandishing his sword, till he finally sank and fell
from pain and exhaustion.
" Ensign Kennedy then took command, hastily forming
the scattering squad which had gathered on that side of
the river into a company. At one time they were con-
fronted by the Indians, whom they drove into a wood.
While exchanging an irregular fire with these enemies
among the trees, Benjamin Welles, a young man from Bath,
who stood beside Kennedy, looking over a fence, was shot
thorough the head and mortally wounded. At the final
engagement of this random, but often gallantly-fought
battle, Kennedy and his men were in the line formed to
meet the British reinforcements which were just coming
104
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
up. Gen. Wadsworth, upon whom the command devolved
after the fall of Van Rensselaer, went through their lines
in a rough-and-ready style, with hat and coat off, explain-
ing to the inexperienced oiEeers his plan. To avoid the
fire of the British, the men were ordered to retire below the
brow of the hill upon which they were ranged and up
which the enemy would march. When the British ap-
peared upon the top of the hill, the militia were to fire
from below. The slaughter would be great ; tliey were
then to charge bayonets, and in the confusion might be suc-
cessful, though the decisiveness of a charge of bayonets up
a hill against veterans by militia, who before that day had
never been under fire, might well have been doubted. The
first part of the plan succeeded famously. As the British
appeared above the hill a fire was delivered which was very
destructive ; but a misapprehension of the word of com-
mand by part of the line caused disorder ; the fire was
returned by the enemy ; the militia suffered considerable
loss, and fell back overpowered to the river, where most of
them were made prisoners. Of the Steuben County men,
two were killed and three wounded."
Ensign Kennedy, in this and other engagements, gained
the reputation of a brave and resolute officer. At the
sortie of Fort J]rie he ordered his men to lie flat upon the
ground, but he himself paced back and forwards by their
heads under a close and heavy fire from the British, because
he thought " being an officer it would not do" for him to lie
down.
" In the second year of the war two companies were
drafted from the Steuben County militia, and sent to the
Niagara frontier, under the command of Capts. James
Reed, of Urbana, and Jonathan Rowley, of Daiisville, faith-
ful and reliable officers. Capt. Reed refused to go as a
drafted officer, but reported himself to the general of the
division at the commencement of the war as ready to march
at the head of a company as a volunteer whenever he should
be called upon. Both the companies were principally levied
from the northern part of the county. Of Capt. Rowley's
company, John Short and John E. MulhoUand were lieu-
tenants, and George Knouse and Timothy Goodrich were
ensigns. Of Capt. Reed's company, George Teeplcs and
Anthony Swarthout were lieutenants, and Jabez Hopkins
and O. Cook ensigns. These conipauies served about four
months. All of the officers and most of the men volun-
teered to cross into Canada, and were stationed at Fort
George."
Judge McMaster, from whose very interesting little work,
" History of the Settlement of Steuben County," the facts
for this account have been drawn, says, " We have not suc-
ceeded in learning anything about the draft for the last year
of the war, if any was made, nor concerning the militia of
this county who were engaged at Fort Erie."
The following incident is related by one of the Steuben
County militia who was engaged in one of the battles on
the Canada line as sergeant of a company : his company
was ordered into action, and before long found itself con-
fronted by a rank of British red-coats. When within a
distance of ten rods from their enemies, the militia halted
and were ordered to fire. Muskets came instantly to the
shoulder, and were pointed at the British with the deadly
aim of rifles at a wolf hunt ;* but to the dismay of the
soldiers there was a universal "flash in the pan," not a gun
went off. The sergeant knew in an instant what was the
cause of the failure. The muskets had been stacked out
of doors during the night, and a little shower which fell
towards morning had thoroughly soaked the powder in them.
It was his business to have seen to it that the muskets were
cared for, and upon him afterwards fell the blame of the
disaster. Nothing could be done till the charges were drawn.
There were but two ball-screws in the company. The cap-
tain took one and the sergeant the other, and beginning
their labors in the middle of the rank, worked towards the
ends. A more uncomfortable position for untried militia
can hardly be imagined. The men, as described by the
sergeant, " looked .strangely, as he had never seen them
before." The British brought their muskets with disagree-
able precision into position, and fired. The bullets whistled
over the heads of the militia. The British loaded their
guns again. Again the frightful row of muzzles looked the
militia in the face; again they heard the alarming com-
mand, /?re .' and again two-score bullets whistled over their
heads. A third time the British brought their muskets to
the ground, and went through all the terrible ceremonies
of biting cartridges, drawing ramrods, and priming in full
view of the uneasy militia. The moistened cartridges were
by this time almost drawn, and while the enemy were about
to fire, the sergeant stood beside the last man. He was pale
and excited. ''Be quick, sergeant; be quick, for God's
sake !" he said. They could hear the British officer saying
to his men, " you fire over their heads," and instructing
them to aim lower. The muzzles this time dropped a little
below the former range ; smoke burst forth from them, and
seven militia fell dead and wounded. The sergeant had
just finished his ill-timed job, and was handing the musket
to the private beside him, when a bullet struck the unfor-
tunate man between the eyes and killed him. The fire of
the British was now returned with effect. Reinforcements
came upon the field, and the engagement became hot. An
officer on horseback was very active in forming the enemy's
line, riding to and fro, giving loud orders, and making him-
self extremely useful. " Mark that fellow," said the sergeant
to his right-hand man. Both fired at the same instant.
The officer fell from his horse, and was carried off the field
by his men. They afterwards learned that he was a colonel,
and that one of his legs was broken
STEUBEN IN THE MEXICAN W.\R.
During the Mexican war, early in the summer of 1846,
President Polk decided on sending a force of volunteers
by sea to the Pacific coast. Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson,
then of New York City, now of San Francisco, was em-
powered to raise a regiment in the State of New York, to
be known as the 7th Regiment of New I'^ork Volunteers,
for service on the Pacific coast and to colonize our new con-
quest there. The regiment was to contain ten companies of
one hundred men each, rank and file.
Steuben County was designated as the place for raising
^ They had been fiimiliar with wolf-hunts in the woods of Steuben
and Allegany.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
105
one company. William E. Shannon, of Bath, at once vol-
unteered to raise the A company. In a very brief space of
time Shannon had enlisted the full complement, and the
company was organized by the election of William E. Shan-
non, captain ; Henry Magee, first lieutenant, and Palmer V.
Ilulett, second lieutenant ; J. C. Van Loren, first sergeant,
H. D. Alden, second sergeant. Nelson Boch, third, and J.
E. Crandall, fourth ; James Williams, first corporal, J. S.
Vincent, second corporal, S. H. Lamb, third, and Z. R.
Lovelace fourth corporal.
Privates. — William H. Skinn, David J. Harmon, Henry
Peckham, Charles S. Phillips, James Aldrich, William H.
Van Loren, Henry Magee, Joseph Evuns, Francis S. Schoc-
key. Comfort Bennett, Jeremiah Van Kuren, Bascom Goit,
Charles Whitehead, Emery Stickley, Anthony D. Jones,
Ezra Whitehead, Cyrus Wallace, Calvin Bennett, Henry
M. Osgood, A. J. Ward, David W. Bunce, Hiram Chase,
Josiah Wood, Peter Gary, Jesse S. Cooper, Oliver J. Goit,
Walter B. Mapes, Edgar M. Barum, Philander Paine, Cor-
nelius Rosenkrautz, Elijah Witherell, James Perriue, Mar-
tin S. Goit, Robert B. Given, David P. Graves, Matha
Sharp, Elijah ^L Smith, John C. Emerson, Erastus F.
Morris, Isaac Whittam, George W. Mapes, Denin D. Mur-
phy, James A. Mapes, Horace Mapes, Joseph Craple, Ben-
jamin Magee, Morris Coon, Finley M. Pawling, Henry Hop-
kins, Calvin Hitt, William M. Gibbs, James M. Vail, Sid
Abrun, Lyman Smith, D. H. Carpenter, John B. Lock,
John E. Truesdale, Philander Van Aukee, Wra. J. Brown,
Warren S. Hodgman, H. S. Biles, G. E. McAllister, Wm.
Baker, J. Syke Baldwin, Caleb Hendy, Ira Johnson, Na-
thaniel Simonson, George W. Sloan, Lamon Reno, John
Magee, Lawrence Ackley, D. J. Thompson.
On the Lst day of August, 18-46, the company left Bath,
with the warm congratulations of its citizens, for the city
of New York, where the regiment was to rendezvous. On
its arrival it was accepted and mustered into service as Com-
pany " I," and went into camp on Governor's Island.
While on the way and before sailing quite a number of the
volunteers grew homesick and deserted, but their places
were speedily supplied with new recruits. The regiment
was a number of weeks in camp. Company I, with D, G,
and E, on the 26th of September, 1846, embarked on board
the good ship Stisaii Drew, and sailed for their destination.
After a prosperous voyage of some six months, with brief
calls at Rio and Valparaiso, on the 20th of March, 1847,
the ship entered the Golden Horn, and cast anchor in the
beautiful bay of San Francisco. On the 1st day of April,
of that year. Company I, with D, E, and G, were taken on
board the United States ship Lexington, and landed at
Monterey on the 2^)th of the same month, and remained
there some ten months. Company I was then ordered
to San Diego, and took passage on a coasting vessel for San
Pedro, and from that place marched overland to the quaint
old town.
The company remained there until mustered out of ser-
vice, on the 25th day of September, 1848, just two years
from its departure from New York City. Capt. Shannon
died of cholera in Sacramento City, Nov. 3, 1850. Lieuts.
Hulett and Magee are now living in California. A few of
the privates of that company still survive, — John C. Emer-
14
son, of Bath, Joseph Evans, of Newark, N. J., Elijah M.
Smith, of San Francisco, Calvin Hitt, of Minnesota, are the
only ones from the vicinity of Bath that are now known to
be living.
CHAPTER XXIIL
MILITAKY HISTORY— (Continued).
Stoubea in the War of the Rebellion — Summary of Regiments .sent to
the Field— The 2.'ia New York Infantry— Buttery E of the 1st New
York Light Artillery — Stth Regiment.
The late civil war which had been threatened by the
South was precipitated by an attack upon Fort Sumter on
Sunday, April 14, 1861. On Monday following, Abraham
Lincoln called for .seventy-five thousand volunteer.s to aid in
suppre-ssing the Rebellion. Under this call Steuben County,
acting promptly with Chemung, sent forth in June, 1861,
the 23d New York Infantry, which was the first regiment
mustered into the service from the Seventh Congressional
District.
Early in the same summer, Capt. John Slocum, of Bath,
raised and commanded a company which was organized as
Battery E of the 1st New York Light Artillery, and mus-
tered into the United States Service at Elmira. The 34th
New York Infantry, containing two companies from Steu-
ben County, was mustered at Elmira, June 5, 1861. The
8Gth New York Volunteers (Steuben Rangers) was organ-
ized and sent to the front in the fall of 1861. The 50th
Engineers, mustered Sept. 18, 1861, was partly made up
of Steuben County men, and also the 104th New York
Infantry, mustered during the winter of 1861-62. Then
came the 107th New York Infantry, chiefly a Steuben
regiment, mustered in August, 1862 ; the 141st Infantry,
mustered during the same month ; the 161st Infantry, .sent
forward in October, 1862 ; the 179th Infiintry, which was
made up partially from this county, mustered from July,
1863, to August, 1864; the 188th and 189th Infantry,
mustered in October, 1864.
Thus it will be seen that from the beginning to the end
of the memorable four years' struggle for the national ex-
istence, Steuben was constantly sending her sons into the
service. Most of them made glorious records in the prin-
cipal campaigns and battles of the war, participated in the
last great conflict with the Rebellion, when its power was
finally broken in front of Richmond, in 1865, and rejoiced
in the surrender of Lee and Johnston, and the final triumph
of the Union cause.
We give in several following chapters the histories of the
regiments and parts of regiments, so far as we have been
able to obtain data, and at the end of the respective town
histories the roster or military record of each town.
THE TWENTY-THIRD NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
The 23d Regiment New York State Volunteers was
organized at Elmira, and on the 6th day of July, 1861,
was mustered into the United States service. This was the
first regiment from the Twenty-seventh Congressional Dis-
I trict.
106
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The regiment was officered as follows : Colonel, Henry C.
Hoffman ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Nirom M. Crane ; Major,
William M. Gregg; Adjutant, William W. Hayt; Quarter-
master, Myron H. Mandevillc ; Surgeon, Seymour Cliurcliill ;
Assistant Surgeon, William A. Madill ; Chaplain, Ezra F.
Crane ; Sergeant-Major, Archibald N. Devoe ; Quarter-
master-Sergeant, Hiram Smith ; Drum-Major, Miles Terrill ;
Fife-Major, Julius C. Smead.
Compariy A. — Captain, Theodore Schlick ; First Lieu-
tenant, Cornelius F. Mowers ; Seeond Lieutenant, George
E. Biles.
Compuiiy B. — Captain, Marshall M. Loydon ; First
Lieutenant, Lemuel K. Bradley ; Second Lieutenant, Wm.
Cole.
Compariy C. — Captain, Samuel Barstow ; First Lieu-
tenant, Moses M. Van Benschoten ; Second Lieutenant,
Charles O. Durland.
Compnuy D. — Captain, Luzern Todd ; First Lieutenant,
Newton T. Colby ; Second Lieutenant, William H. Jones.
Compmiy E. — Captain, George H. Powers; First Lieu-
tenant, John H. Pierce ; Second Lieutenant, Hugh J.
Baldwin.
Cumpavy F. — Captain, William W. Dingledey ; First
Lieutenant, Melville C. Wilkinson ; Second Lieutenant,
Samuel N. Benedict.
Company G. — Captain, Frank B. Doty ; First Lieuten-
ant, Ira Cone ; Second Lieutenant, John Pronti.ss.
Company II. — Captain, M. C. Clark ; First Lieutenant,
A. D. Waters ; Second Lieutenant, B. B. Andrews.
Company I. — Captain, James D. Chapman ; First Lieu-
tenant, A. 0. Durland ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel W.
Cass.
Company K. — Captain, Nathaniel B. Fowler ; First
Lieutenant, Florence Sullivan ; Second Lieutenant, Rodney
W. Steele.
The regiment left Elmira, and upon arriving in Wash-
ington encamped on Meridian Hill, two miles north of the
city. July 17 it was reviewed by President Lincoln and
Secretary Seward, and a fine stand of colors presented by
the patriotic ladies of Elmira. The beautiful banner was
presented by General A. S. Diven, and received by Colonel
Hoffman, who responded in a brief address, thanking them
for the beautiful testimoni.il of their kindness and con-
fidence.
On the 31st of July, from the camp of the 23d could be
distinctly heard the ominous booming of cannon from the
disastrous battle-field of Bull Ilun. During the day ru-
mors came floating into the city that the Union arms were
victorious, but night brought the disheartening truth that
the great army was falling back upon Washington, and
that the terrible battle of Bull Run had been fought and
lost.
July 23 the regiment crossed the Potomac into Virginia
and encamped at Fort Runyon. On the 5th of August
they moved to Arlington Heights, and on the 7th estab-
lished a picket line from the road at Hunter's Chapel to the
house of a Mr. Pearl, near Ball's Cross-Roads. While in
camp at Arlington, the 23d was brigaded with the 21st and
35th New York Volunteers, under command of General
James S. Wadsworth. The regiment remained here until
September 28, nothing of any importance happening to
relieve the monotony of camp-life.
September 28 a general advance of the army was ordered,
and it moved to Upton's Hill only to find the place evac-
uated, and what from a distance seemed to be formidable
cannon proved to be stove-pipe mounted on wheels. On
Upton's Hill, at a locality named by the men of the 23d
Upton's Dale, the regiment went into winter quarters. The
three months, December, January, and February, that the
regiment remained in this pleasant camp were passed in
drills, reviews, and picket.
Nothing occurred to break the ceaseless monotony of
camp-life. " All quiet on the Potomac !" was the sentence
flashed along the wires day after day, until it became a
stereotyped head-line for the press, read in Northern homes
till patience ceased to be a virtue, and the people clamored
for a move of the Army of the Potomac.
At length, on the lOth of March, orders were given for
an advance, the grand, well-disciplined legion moved, and
the nation breathed freer. As the army moved forward the
23d shared in the general chagrin in finding that the formi-
dable host of the enemy had folded their tents and silently
stole away, leaving their pursuers in possession of the banks
of earthworks, over which protruded tlie ominous-looking
" Quaker guns" of Manassas.
On the 14th of Jlarch the command of the brigade was
transferred from Gen. Wadsworth to Col. Rogers, of the
21st.
March 15 the regiment started for Alexandria, for the
purpose of shipping on transports. The roads at this time
were in an almost impassable condition, in consequence of
the heavy rains that had recently fallen, and after strug-
gling one day in the mud the regiment returned to its old
camp. Here they remained two days, and moving one
mile farther on, encamped at Bailey's Cro.ss-Roads. They
remained in this camp until April 4, during which time
Gen. Patrick took command of the brigade. From here
the 23d proceeded to Fairfax, and from thence to Manassas,
and on to Bristoe. April 19 finds the regiment bivouacked
at the foot of Fredericksburg Heights, from which point
the city was subsequently bombarded.
The enemy evacuated the city on the 1st of May, and on
the 7th instant. Gen. Patrick, having been appointed mili-
tary governor of the city, detailed the 23d as guard and
patrol. This regiment raised for the first time the Union
banner in this rebel town. The 23d remained here about
two weeks, when a general advance was made, and after a
series of fiitiguing marches it returned to Fredericksburg,
reaching Elk Run June 9.
On the 27th of June the regiment encamped at " Camp
Rufus King," on the Belle Plain road, about three miles
from the Rappahannock River. This camp was located on
lands owned by the wealthy planter King in the earlier days
of the Old Dominion. While encamped on this beautiful
spot two interesting ceremonies took place, that of the pre-
sentation of a sword to Col. Hoffman by the non-commis-
sioned officers of his command, and one to Liout.-Col.
Crane by the privates of the regiment. A few days later
a handsome sword was presented to Maj. William M. Gregg
by the officers of the line.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
107
July 24 the reginient started on a reconnaissance towards
Gordonsville, which, without entering into particulars, may
be justly regarded as the most extraordinary reconnaissance
during the campaign.
On the 10th of August marcliing orders were received
and regiment moved towards Culpepper, and on the 16th
arrived at the foot of Cedar Mountain, and remained two
days on the battlefield.
August 18 the wagon-trains were sent to the rear, and
the regiment received orders to march at a moment's notice.
They proceeded to Rappahannock Station, and were actively
engaged in that battle, fought August 21 and 22.
A member of the I'egiment, speaking of this conflict,
says,—
" We moved up the river opposite the first ford north of
tliu station, and encamped for the night. During the night
tlie enemy crossed with a force of artillery and cavalry, and
took position in a corn-field and wood near the ford. The
fight was opened about eight o'clock A.M. by Gen. Patrick's
brigade. The enemy opened his battery from the corn-
field, but was soon driven from this position by Reynolds'
battery and Battery B, 4th United States. As the sua
was sinking down the horizon we advanced to the river,
under a raking fire of artillery and musketry, and took
jiusition near the bank of the river, but owing to our small
force we were compelled to retire. The 23d fell back over
a rise of ground raked by the enemy's artillery, column en
masse, and in perfect order, while the shells burst fearfully
above and around it."
Lieut.-Col. Crane in his ofiicial report of this battle says,
" This was the first time that my regiment had been under
fire of artillery. I was highly pleased with the conduct of
the men. They were cool and prompt to obey orders. Both
men and officers behaved like veterans ; not a man flinched
from his duty."
On the morning of the 23d the battle opened with heavy
artillery, and lasted several hours. During the forenoon of
this day the regiment started for Warrenton, and finally,
having come within one mile of the town, bivouacked on
the Sulphur Springs road.
The regiment participated in the battle of White Sulphur
Springs, a spirited and lively contest.
Next came the march to Gainesville, one of the most
severe marches of the campaign, in consequence of the
oppressive heat and scarcity of water. When within six
miles of the town the regiment halted for breakfast.
After the scanty meal had been taken and all the extra
ammunition destroyed the command pre.s.sed on, and dur-
ing the afternoon the advance division was fixed upon,
but it was not until the sun began to sink below the
western horizon that the first shot was fired at the battle
of Gainesville. The attack was opened by Gen. Gibbon's
Brigade, supported by Gen. Doubleday, Gen. Patrick's
Brigade holding the left. In this engagement the 23d,
although on the field, was not entirely engaged. The
battle lasted but one hour and ten minutes, during which
time Gibbon's Brigade lost eight hundred men. Gen.
Patrick's Brigade, to which the 23d was attached, held
the field until the wounded were cared for, and at three
o'clock A.M. started for Manassas Plains, which place was
reached during the afternoon, the men almost exhausted
from want of sleep, food, and water.
The regiment had scarcely stacked their arms for rest
when Sykes' Brigade of regulars passed en route to the
Bull Run battlefield, when Gen. Patrick rode rapidly up
and cried out, '• Prepare to march !"
The brigade was soon in line, when Gen. Patrick ad-
dressed them in the following words : " My men, we return
to the battle-ground of last night. You fight in good
company. You follow the regulars. They're my old com-
panions-in-arms. You fight well ; I've no fault to find.
Keep well closed up and prompt to obey orders. Col.
Rogers, lead off" by the right flank." The regiment par-
ticipated in the battle in the afternoon. On the following
morning opened what has gone down to history as the
'•second battle of Bull Run," one of the deadliest contests
of the Rebellion. From the numbers of the enemy and
their close proximity, it required no prophetic eye to see
that a fierce battle was imminent.
The 23d, then numbering only two hundred and twenty-
five in line, went into this battle with Col. Crane in com-
mand.
The following description of the battle is taken from Col.
Crane's official report :
" This morning (August 30j, after giving time to get
coffee, the brigade changed positions two or three times to
different parts of the field. No enemy in force was dis-
covered, notwithstanding our batteries kept throwing shell
into the woods to draw them out or bring forth a response,
but all continued silent.
" About two P.M. our division was placed under com-
mand of Fitz-John Porter, and with his corps ordered to
advance. It was the prevailing opinion that the enemy
had retired, having been defeated on the previous day.
We advanced. King's Division having the right and form-
ing four lines of battle. My regiment was the third line
of the division. (Gen. Hatch was now in command. Gen.
King having been relieved for the affair at Gainesville,
on the 28th.) We now moved forward to a thick wood.
Here the skirmishers commenced firing, and soon the ad-
vanced lines opened with terrific volleys of musketry We
pushed on. Soon the bullets flew around us as thick as
hail. Now commenced in earnest the final battle of Bull
Run. The enemy's artillery opened upon us with shot
and shell, and this, with their musketry, made a storm of
their fire. Our artillery, in the rear of the woods, could give
us no support.
" Thus the battle raged for about one and one-half hours,
until our front lines were broken and the dead and wounded
lay in heaps. The enemy lay behind a railway embank-
ment, and so well protected that our men charged in vain
upon them, sometimes upon the ditch, and fought hand-to-
hand. Sykes' Brigade of regulars on our left was forced
back, our two front lines were decimated and broken, and
our (Patrick's) brigade badly cut to pieces. Col. Pratt,
of the 20th New York State Militia, was killed and the
regiment scattered and demoralized. The 21st was used up,
and the left wing of the 35th decimated. These had all
left the field and fallen back.
" I had heard no order to retire, and remained in the
lOS
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
woods some little time, my regiment being almost alone. I
finally gave the order to retire (right of companies to the
roar), and did so in as perfect order as on battalion drill.
In this action I lost a number of men and officers wounded,
but only a few killed. Providence has thus far seemed to
favor us.
" On emerging from the woods I met Gen. Patrick,
and saw at once that the battle was going against us, as
the enemy had turned our left, and the fighting was terrific
of musketry and artillery on that part of the field. Our bri-
giide was got together (what was left), and we took a position
in rear of a battery, and the men were ordered to lie down.
" We lay in this position about half an hour, then were
ordered towards the rear and left. As we moved over the
field the enemy continued to throw shot and shell at us,
but fortunately none of my rejjinient were hurt. As we
came out upon the pike. Gen. McDowell rode up, his
horse all covered with foam and dust, and he himself look-
ing nearly exhausted with fatigue and excitement, and or-
dered us towards Centreville. We continued the march,
and soon learned that the army were on the retreat to
Washington.
" We arrived at Centreville about ten P.M., worn out and
exhausted. We lay down upon the ground so completely
tired that we did not mind the rain that commenced, but
slept soundly till morning and wet to the skin."
The following day was one of the deepest dejection to
the Army of the Potomac. The army was in full retreat,
surging back upon Washington, followed by the victorious
arms of the Confederacy within thirty miles of the capital,
and confidence in the generals gone.
Col. Crane farther on in his report says, " It was about
nine A.M. when we received the news that Gen. McClellan
was again in command of the Army of the Potomac. The
efiect was wonderful and thrilling. For miles along the
lines of that battle-shattered and disheartened army cheer
upon cheer rent the air, and the sound swelled and rolled
along like a wave. Officers sprang into their saddles with
a bound, soldiers grasped their muskets with eagerness and
sprang to their places in the ranks, and, at the order for-
ward, all moved as if invigorated with renewed life. We
all felt that we were again a host, and could and would save
our capital and country."
The regiment marched on towards Fairfax, where it re-
mained overnight, and on the followini; morning proceeded
on in the direction of Centreville, finally meeting the balance
of the brigade, and countermarched.
" About this time," says Col. Crane, " we learned that
the enemy were about to make an attack at a point near
Chantilly. Our brigade was moved in that direction, and
the 35th, 21st, and 23d were placed in the old rebel rifle-
pit to protect the right of our line of battle. About sun-
down the enemy attacked our left, and the battle lasted
until about nine P.M. The firing of musketry and artillery
was incessant, and this with the terrific thunder and light-
ning rendered the scene grand and terrific. The enemy
were repulsed with considerable loss. We remained here
until the following afternoon, when we were ordered to
march to Upton's Hill. We set out immediately, and
reached that place about midnight."
Thus ended the disastrous campaign closing with the
second battle of Bull Run.
The 23d remained at Upton's Hill four days, and then
commenced the march into Maryland ; and September 14
finds them in the battle of South Mountain. In this en-
gagement both officers and men behaved splendidly, and
received many encomiums of praise from their superior
officers for their bravery and coolness. The regiment next
participated in the battle of Antietam. In speaking of
this battle. Col. Hoflfman, in his official report, says, " The
officers and men of my command who went into the action
behaved most admirably, never deranging their alij;nment
during the surgings backward and forward of the lines,
obeying with promptitude every order, and all the time
remaining firm, steady, and never moving until they had
received the full order. Their conduct was all that I could
wish. We had one field, one stafl", thirteen line officers,
and two hundred and twenty-three enlisted men. Our
casualties were four killed and thirty-five wounded."
After various marches and skirmishes as well as changes
of command and camps, November 25 finds the regiment
in camp near Brooks' Station.
Here the 23d remained until December 9, when it broke
camp and moved forward. It went into the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, and, by its courage, perseverance, and soldierly
bearing, added fresh laurels to those already won on many
a hard-contested field.
We append Col. Hofirnan's official report of this battle :
"Headquarters 23n N. Y. Vols.. Pratt's Point, Va.,
"Jan. 2, 1863.
"Lieut. H. P. Tavlor, Licuten.int ami Acting Adjutant-Gcneval 3d
Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps :
" Sir, — In pursuauce of orders, I have the honor to report the part
taken by my eommand in the late action at Fredericlisburg, Decem-
ber 12, 13, 14, and 15, to be as follows :
"On the morning of the 11th of December we moved with the
brigade from our bivouac near White Oak Church, on the Belle Plain
road, with the intention, as I supposed, of crossing the Rappahan-
nock. We marched but about one and a half miles when wc were
halted, and remained all that day and night, owing to the difficulty
and delay in haying the bridges.
" That night (11th) the bridges were completed, and at early dawn
we moved down to the northern bank of the river, at a point about
one and a half miles below Fredericksburg, and near the lower bridges,
where we remained while the rest of Gen. Franklin's left graml di-
vision were crossing. The morning was very foggy until about noon,
and we did not cross until about two p. si., we being about the
last. Soon after the crossing was effected (which was without inter-
ruption) we were massed, with other troops of the 1st Division, near
the residence of Mr. Burnard, when the enemy for the first timeopened
upon us from a battery located on the hill opposite, the first shot
striking and bursting in the ground in the flank of my regiment,
wounding one man.
"They threw about twelve or fifteen shot and shell with remark-
ably good range while in this position, which resulted in but trifling
damage, owing to the fuses in their shell being out either too short or
too long.
" We soon moved, with the rest of the brigade and division, to a
point directly in front of said Burnard's house, and deployed our line
and stacked arms.
"(ten. Smith's Corps (6th) was deployed on our right, his line
running parallel to the river, and fronting southwardly and from the
river. The lines of our corps {1st), after the deployment, fronted
easterly and down the river, the line running perpendicular to the
river, the left resting upon it, and the right joining the left of Gen.
Smith's line, and forming a right angle thereto. In this position
we lay behind our stacked arms all night.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
109
" The moniing of the 13th was also foggy, hut the fog lifted early,
and skirmishing commenced along the line, which grew into a general
engagement with artillery and small-arms.
" We wore moved in close-massed columns down the river under a
heavy artillery fire from the enemy's hatteries, some one and a half
miles, when the enemy was found in our front, well posted in pine
woods, and protected by natural rifle-pits.
*' They were soon dislodged by our artillery, when we advanced with
the rest of the division to within about one mile of Massaponi,\ Creek.
This position we held all day, amid a most terrible artillery fire. To-
wards evening the enemy concentrated a very hot artillery fire upon
us, with the evident intention of turning our flank.
" The position was maintained, however, although the brigade on
our left, the commander of which misunderstood the order, fell back
with his command, skirmishers and all, just before dark, whereas his
order directed that he should withdraw his brigade a short distance as
soon as the darkness would cover his movement from the view of the
enemy, but to leave his skirmishers as they were as pickets. This
movement being observed by the foe, and supposing they had accom-
plished their design, and that we were falling back, they advanced
their line so far that their batteries were within thirty or forty rods
of our pickets, and poured a perfect shower of grape promiscuously
over the j)lain. until about one hour after dark.
''They finally becnme convinced of their error, ceased firing, with-
drew their lines, and all was quiet until morning, except an occasional
shot between pickets.
"On the 14th and 16th we held the same position without inter-
ruption, except an occasional round from their artillery and sharp
]iicket firing, which was kept up most of the time, day and night,
with great briskness.
" The picket lines were so close to our advanced position that many
of their shots did execution in our ranks.
"On the night of the 15th we were withdrawn to the north side of
the Rappahannock about midnight, leaving two companies (G and Bj
on the picket lines not informed (except their commanding officers)
that we had retired.
" Companies G and B were placed on picket at dusk on the evening
of the 15th, and by some misunderstanding or inadvertence on the
part of the officer left in charge of the picket, were not informed to
retire at the proper time and with the rest of the line, and remained
about one hour after the rest had left, and at daylight they fell
slowly hack, keeping their deployment and stirring up many strag-
glers :ind sick, who had sought refuge and resting-place around the
hospital buildings, barns, stacks, river-bank, etc., and finally were
the last to cross the bridge, it being taken up immediately behind
them.
" The steadiness and coolness of the otficers and men of my com-
mand, with very few exceptions, were highly commendable through-
out, especially those of Companies A and F, who were on picket during
the night of the 13th, and Company I on the Hth, and Company I)
on the night of 14th and during the day of the 15th.
" Of the cool and deliberate bravery exhibited by the oflicers of the
two companies G and B, under the peculiarly perilous circumstances
in which they found themselves, I cannot in justice speak but in
terms of especial commendation.
" In the action we had engaged one field officer, one acting staff
oflicer (adjutant), fourteen line officers, and nine (U) companies, em-
bracing 276 enlisted men.
" Company C was detached. We took three (3) prisoners. We
had three (3) stragglers.
" H. C. Hoffman, Colonel Commaudiiitj.'^
On the 17th the 23d moved down near the bank of the
river, and went into camp, where it remained until the 20th,
when it receiving marching orders, and proceeded to Belle
Plain and went into winter quarters. This march closed
the active campaign that commenced at Fairfax Court-
House, March 10, and ended at Belle Plain, Dec. 20.
The regiment remained in camp here during the winter
and spring of 1863. April 20 the army moved, and the
23d was assigned to the defenses of Aquia, and was there
in the fortifications during the battle of Chaucellorsville.
A member of the regiment says, " At the sound of boom-
ing cannon and the blaze of battle, which could be distinctly
heard and seen, the spirit of the 23d was aroused, and many
longed to go and help their noble comrades fight out the
battle which all were sanguine must result in a great victory
to our arms."
The term of enlistment of the 23d having now expired,
arrangements were made for the homeward trip, and on
the 11th of May the battle-scarred regiment left the sacred
soil of old Virginia, and on the evening of the 13th came
within view of the " welcome spires and green shade-trees
of Elmira." A sad accident occurred while en route near
Marysville. Capt. Clark, of Company H, was instantly
killed while in the act of climbing on the rear car just as
the train was passing under a bridge. His head struck the
bridge, and he was knocked ofl' the car, his body falling on
the rocks by the .side of the track. When found, a few
moments after, life was extinct.
Upon the arrival of the regiment in Elmira it formed in
line in front of the Delevan House, and an address of wel-
come was delivered by Mayor Spaulding, which was briefly
responded to by Col. Hoffman, after which they marched
to the old barracks of the 23d, where a bounteous repast
was prepared by the ladies of Elmira.
In the language of the Elmira Advertiser, " It was a
magnificent reception and worthy the patriotic people of
Elmira, and gladdened the hearts of the men to honor
whom the demonstration was made ; but it gladdened far
more when they were allowed to throw oif their knapsacks
and war-gear and go home to their own firesides, to their
fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, and sweet-
hearts. Wednesday, the 13th of May, will be ever green
in the memory of the soldiers of the 23d and their friends.''
It was, indeed, a fitting reception of the battle-.searred
regiment of the Southern Tier, the first from the Twenty-
seventh Congressional District.
The following is a list of the killed and missing, and
also of those who died from wounds or disease in the 23d :
Jeremiah V. Bogart, killed in second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862.
Ell Decker, died of fever, Dec. 3, 1861.
David Farron, killed at Antietam, .Sept. 17, 1862.
William March, killed at Fredericksburg, Va., May 25, 1862.
John M. Mowers, died of fever. Dee. 31, 1861.
Herkimer Shults, died of fever, Dec. 18, 1861.
S. Williams, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Christopher Brennan, died at Falmouth, July 4, 1862.
Henry Brown, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Thomas Carroll, killed at Ball's Cross-Roads, Aug. 17, 1861.
Charles W. Tice, died Aug. 5, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam.
Alexander J. Jaynes, died Dec. 15, 1861.
Harlow Arms, died March 24, I8G3.
David J. Perenc, supposed to have been killed at Rappahannock
Station, Aug. 21, 1862.
Jerome Gorton, supposed to have been killed at Antietam, Sept. 17,
1862.
Henry E. Gilbert, died Deo. 1, 1862.
George C. Ames, died Oct. 7, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam,
Sept. 17, 1862.
Richard B. Hurd, killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.
Thomas Van Horn, died Dec. 21, 1861.
Israel Marquart, died Nov. 18, 1861.
James Pease, died Aug. 16, 1861.
Edmund Campbell, died in November, 1862, of wounds received at
Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
William Decker, died Dec. 16, 1861.
11(1
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Elias Dodge, died in January, 1863.
Hamilton Squires, died Dee. 4, 1861.
Henrj C. Cooper, died Dec. 4, 1861.
F. B. Tiffany, died Dee. 12, 1861.
A. M. Taylor, died Dec. 29, 1861.
Samuel W. Kelly, died Jan. la, 186.3, of wounds received at Freder-
icksburg, Dec. i:!, 1862.
J. F. Bosworth, died Sept. 29, 18G1.
J. W. Parmatin, died Oct. 2, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam.
R. W. Steele, died Dec. 7, 1S61. ■
L. L. Bacon, died Sept. 6, 1861.
J. W. Burke, died of consumption after his discharge, Oct. 1, 1861.
A. D. Griffen, died in February, 1862.
J. E. B. Ma.\son, died Feb. 17, 1862, of wounds received from acci-
dental discharge of a pistol.
James Simmons, killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1S62.
Olin L. Bennett, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Uriah F. Faurer, died at Fredericksburg, Aug. 7, 1862.
Charles Hathaway, died from wounds received at Antietam.
C. P. Smith, died Aug. 26, 1801.
S. F. Mc(5ee, died Feb. IS, 1802.
Charles McOmber, killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 12, 1862.
William D. Munagle, drowned in the Rappahannock, May 10, 1862.
BATTERY E, FIRST NEW YORK ARTILLERY.
Among the organizations that went out from this county
near the beginning of the rebellion was Battery E, 1st New
York Light Artillery, organized at Bath, in the summer of
1861. The original ofiicers of this battery were Capt. John
Siocum, First Lieuts. Charles C. Wheeler and William
Rumsey, and Second Lieut. Robert H. Gansevoort. Capt.
Siocum resigned soon after the battery reached Washington,
but soon re-entered the service in an infantry regiment, and
did excellent service. Lieut. Wheeler was promoted to
captain and E. H. Undcrhill to second lieutenant. Robert
J. Parker, of St. Lawrence County, served as first lieu-
tenant in the battery, but was never commissioned.
Under Capt. Wheeler the battery served on the Peninsula
and down to and through the battle of Antietam. The
first gun fired on the Peninsula as the Army of the Poto-
mac advanced to Yorktown was fired by this battery.
The battery had inscribed on its guidons the names of the
following battles in which it won distinction : Yorktown,
Lee's Mills, William.sburg, Mechanicsville, Savage Station,
White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Chancellorsville, Gettys-
burg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna,
Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg. It was finally
mustered out of service June 16, 1865.
Lieut. Rumsey did not serve with the battery, being ad-
jutant of the regiment, and as such served at its head-
quarters in the field. At the battle of Fair Oaks he was
severely wounded. At the same battle the colonel, G. D.
Bailey, was killed, as was also Maj. I). H. Van Valken-
burgh, who was a native of Steuben County.
Lieut. Rumsey was detached from the regiment in De-
cember, 1862, and ordered to duty with Geu. W. W. Averill,
who was also a native of this county. He served with Gen.
Averill as his adjutant-general in the Army of the Poto-
mac, and in West Virginia in the numerous engagements
and raids in which that gallant officer was engaged.
Lieut. Rumsey was promoted to major and assistant ad-
jutant-general by President Lincoln, for gallant service at
the engagement at Mooresfield, in which Gen. Averill with
thirteen hundred men surprised and routed Gen. McCaus-
lin with three thousand five hundred. In this engagement
Averill killed, wounded, and captured more of the enemy
than there were men in his own command.
Maj. Rumsey was promoted by President Johnson to
be brevet lieutenant-colonel for " distinguished services
during the campaign of May, June, and July, 1864," and
was afterwards promoted to brevet colonel by Governor
Fenton.
Lieut. Underbill was with the battery during all of its
service. He was noted for reckless daring to an extent re-
markable even among daring soldiers. When the battery
was mustered out of service he commanded it as captain.
Capt. Wheeler was not a native of Steuben County, but
was living in the county when the war broke out, and
entered the service in this battery. He was an excellent
soldier, and under his command the battery won great
distinction.
THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.
This regiment was organized at Albany, N. Y., to serve
two years. The companies of which it was composed were
raised in the counties of Albany, Clinton, Essex, Herkimer,
and Steuben. It was mustered into the service of the
United States June 15, 1861, and mustered out at the ex-
piration of its term of service, June 30, 1863. It was en-
gaged in the battles of Fair Oaks, Glcndale, Antietam, and
Fredericksburg.
Companies I and E of this regiment were from Steuben
County. Company I was raised in Urbana and Pulteney,
and organized at Hammondsport. William H. King, Cap-
tain ; Alfred T. Atwood, First Lieutenant ; Monroe Brun-
dage. Second Lieutenant ; Sergeants, Henry C. Lyon, John
Finnegan, Lemuel C. Benham, Oren Emmitt, Eugene B.
Larrowe; Corporals, James C. Harrington, Llewlyn McCabe,
George W. Williams, and A. C. Brundage.
Company E was raised at Addison and immediate vi-
cinity. Henry Baldwin, Captain ; James R. Carr, First
Lieutenant; Edwin F. Smith and Henry W. Sanford,
Second Lieutenants. Edwin F. Smith was promoted to
first lieutenant Dec. 23, 1861. Henry W. Sanford was
promoted to first lieutenant April 12, 1862. George W.
Wildrich, of Woodhull, promoted to second lieutenant
Dec. 23, 1861; resigned April 10, 1862. Capt. Wil-
liam H. King, Company I, breveted lieutenant-colonel
United States Volunteers. Monroe Brundage promoted to
captain Feb. 10, 1863. (See biography of Captain Brun-
dage in History of Bath.)
CHAPTER XXIV.
MILITAEY HISTOEY— (Continued).
Steuben in the War of the Rebellion (Continued)— The Eighty-Si.vth
Regiment.
The 86th New York Volunteers (Steuben Rangers) was
organized in the summer and fall of 1861, in Elmira,
N. Y., by Col. B. P. Bailey, and was composed of eight com-
panies from Steuben County, one from Chemung, and one
from Onondaga. The following is the roster of the field,
line, and staff on the departure from that place :
Phuto. by Evans, Corning.
General Jacob H. Lansing was born in the city of
Albany, N. Y., March 9, 1824. His paternal ancestor
came to this country from Holland about the year 1620,
with the Van Rensselaers and many other prominent
families who became the first settlers in the vicinity of
Albany.
His great-grandfathers, on both sides, were officers in the
war for independence, and his grandfather, Jacob Lansing,
was a captain in the State troops in the war of 1812.
His father, James Lansing, was a merchant, lived most
of his life in Albany, and died at the residence of his son
in Corning, in 1869, aged seventy. His mother, Sarah
McMurrey, died in Albany in 1828, at the age of about
twenty-seven.
Their children were two sons, the youngest, Charles
Pjdward, dying while young. Mr. Lansing apprenticed
himself to learn the watch-making trade at the age of fif-
teen, serving out a term of six years.
LTpon reaching his majority he for two years worked as
journeyman, and in the year 1847 went to Rochester, and
soon after to Syracuse, and in 1848, in March, settled in Cor-
ning, and established business for himself, which he con-
tinued until 1858. From that time until the beginning
of the Rebellion he carried on business for William Walker,
of Corning.
In August, 1861, he volunteered in the service of his
country as a private of Company C, and upon the organi-
zation of the 86th Regiment New York Volunteers, Col.
T?. V. Bailey commanding, was elected captain of his com-
))any, with rank from August, 1861. After and including
tlie battle of .second Bull Run the regiment was attached
to the 2d and 3d Corps of the Army of the Potomac, where
it remained until the close of the war. While with the 2d
Corps, the old 3d Corps proper was known as " Birney's
Division of the 2d Corps."
After the battle of Chancellorsville, on account of the loss
of superior officers, and for meritorious services, Capt. Lan-
sing was promoted to major. May 3, 1863; and after the
battle of Gettysburg he was made lieutenant-colonel, with
commission dated June 12, 1863. In April, 1864, at
Brandy Station, he was promoted to the rank of colonel,
and commissioned June 25, 1864. Colonel Lansing re-
mained in the service until November, 1864, and was dis-
charged on account of wounds and disabilities, upon his own
application, in front of Petersburg, Nov. 13, 1864, and came
home and was not connected with the service any more du-
ring the war of the Rebellion. In 1866 he was made briga-
dier-general N. G. S. N. Y., commanding 20th Brigade, com-
prising the counties of Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler. He
remained in command until 1877, when the brigade was dis-
banded, under orders from general headquarters at Albany.
On his arrival in Corning in 1865 he started the jewelry
business on Blarket Street, which he still continues. Gen-
eral Lansing has ever been a member of the Democratic
party, and was always interested in the growth and prosper-
ity of the village of Corning. In 1858 and 1859 he was
president of the village of Corning ; was one of the orig-
inators of the fire department in 1851, and for many years
connected with the same officially. He is P. M. of Painted
Post Lodge, No. 117, F. and A. M.
In 1847, Oct. 26, he married Sarah A., daughter of
William H. Oliver, of Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y.
They have an only daughter, Mrs. Alexander L. Ewing,
of Elmira, N. Y.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ill
Field and Staff. — -Colonel, Benajah P. Bailoy, Corning ;
Lieutenant-Colonel, Barna J. Cliapin, Daiisville; Major,
Seymour G. Rhinevault, Wooilhull ; Adjutant, Charles W.
Gillet, Addison; Regimental Quartermaster, Byron Spence,
Starkey ; Surgeon, John S. Jameson, Hornellsvillc ; Assist-
ant Surgeon, Farand Wylie, Bath ; Chaplain, Jonathan
Watts, Corning ; Sergeant-Major, Henry W. Fuller, Corn-
ing; Regimental Qujrtermaster-Sergeant, Samuel Leavitt,
Elmira ; Regimental Commissary-Sergeant, George P.
Baker, Corning; Hospital Steward, William Sayer.
Band. — Horatio G. K. Anderson (leader), John J.
Bowen, Reuben E. Stetson, Geo. E. Gray, Mortimore W.
Rose, Isaac L. Kress, Walter W. Slingcrland, John M.
Tenny, James A. Wilkie, Geo. Bridgden, William G.
Wright, Estes T. Sturtevant, Geo. J. Benjamin, Rankin B.
Rose.
C'linpaiii/ A, Syracuse. — Captain, Benjamin L. Higgins ;
First Lieutenant, William H. Gault ; Second Lieutenant,
Prentice Holmes; and eighty-three non-commissioned
officers and privates.
Company B, Addison. — Captain, William B. Angle;
First Lieutenant, Charles W. Gillet (promoted to adjutant
by order of Col. Bailey); Second Lieutenant, Hiram J.
niaiicliard ; and ninety-five non-commissioned officers and
privates.
Company C, Corning. — Captain, Jacob H. Lansing;
First Lieutenant, Leonard Scott ; Second Lieutenant, Jo-
seph H. Tull, Penn.sylvania ; and ninety-two non-commis-
sioned officers and privates.
Company D, Hornellsville. — Captain, Daniel S. Ells-
worth ; First Lieutenant, Arthur S. Baker ; Second Lieu-
tenant, Leini H. Crary; and eighty-nine non-commissioned
officers and privates.
Company E, Elmira. — Captain, Thomas F. Shoemaker;
First Lieutenant, John G. Coply; Second Lieutenant, Geo.
A. Packer ; and ninety-five non-commissioned officers and
privates.
Company F, Llndley. — Captain, Henry G. Harrower,
Lindley ; First Lieutenant, Samuel Maurice Slorgan, Lind-
ley ; Second Lieutenant, Michael B. Stafford, Albany ; and
ninety-one non-commissioned officers and privates.
Company G, Canisteo. — Captain, James Bennett, Can-
isteo; First Lieutenant, Nathan S. Baker, Canisteo; Second
Lieutenant, John Fulton, Canisteo ; and eighty-four non-
commissioned officers and privates.
Company H, Steuben County. — Captain, William Ten-
broeck ; First Lieutenant, Wm. G. Raymond ; Second
Lieutenant, James Carpenter, Jr. ; and ninety-five non-
commissioned officers and privates.
Company I, Cooper's Plains, Steuben Co. — Captain,
Amos W. Sherwood, Cooper's Plains; First Lieutenant,
Jackson A. Woodward, Cooper's Plains; Second Lieuten-
ant, Foster P. Wood, Addison ; and eighty non-commis-
sioned officers and privates.
Company K, Woodhull, Steuben Co. — Captain, Seymour
G. Rhinevault, Woodhull ; promoted to major Nov. 22,
18GI ; First Lieutenant, Chas. H. Wombongh, Addison ;
promoted to captain Nov. 22, 1861 ; Second Lieutenant,
John N. Warner, Woodhull ; and ninety-six non-commis-
sioned officers and privates.
The regiment had a number of recruits before leaving
Elmira, which took place about the 1st of December, 1861,
going by the way of Williamsport and Baltimore, arriving
at the latter place late in the afternoon. Marching through
the city from depot to depot by company front, with guns
loaded and bayonets fixed, they reached Washington early
next morning. Camped first on Kendall Green, thence
moved to Bladensburg, remained there about one week,
and then crossed the eastern branch of the Potomac, and
pitched camp on Good Hope Hill, Md. The regiment re-
mained at this place most of the time until March, 1862.
Once during that time having received orders to join the
Army of the Potomac at Camp Griffin, Va., the regiment
remained there about two weeks. About the 1st of March
it was broken into detachments, and did guard duty in and
around Washington : Capt. Higgins with two companies
at Old Capitol prison, Capt. Lansing with three companies
at Georgetown, Capt. VVombough with one company on
Nineteenth Street, Cajrt. Sherwood with one company at
the Central Guard- House, Capt. Bennett with one company
at the Long Bridge, and Lieut. Stafford with a detachment
at the Seventh Street wharf. The field officers did duty
as officers of the day for the district. During this time
there was a change in the line and staff of the regiment.
Quartermaster Spence resigned, and D. F. Brown, who had
been commissioned by Governor E. D. Morgan first lieu-
tenant in the 86th Regiment, Aug. 10, 1862, was appointed
quartermaster in his place. Lieut. Morgan, of Company F,
was detached from his company and placed on the staff of
Gen. Robinson. Lieuts. John G. Copley and Arthur S.
Baker were detailed for duty in the provost-marshal's office
at Washington by order of Col. Doster, provost-marshal
for the District of Columbia. Capt. Bennett, of Company
G, died while on duty here. The regimental band was also
mustered out of service here by orders from headquarters
of the army.
The regiment remained in Washington until the 23d
day of August, when it joined the Army of the Potomac,
under Gen. Pope. It reached Alexandria the same day
and moved to Cloud's Mills, and was placed in the brigade
of Brig.-Gen. A. Saunders Piatt, Gen. Sturges command-
ing division, and from that time moved with the army of
Gen. Pope, arriving on the battle-field of Bull Run on the
afternoon of the 29th, where it was immediately formed
for a charge by Gen. McDowell in person. The regiment
made a gallant charge, led by Col. Bailey, losing many
men and one officer. Lieut. Joseph H. Tull, of Company
C, was badly wounded, and remained on the field six days,
when he was brought to Washington, and was under medi-
cal treatment for over eight months. He was finally dis-
charged, and is now living in that city. This was the regi-
ment's first experience in battle, and it gave them a name
for a fighting regiment which they nobly sustained during
the war. After the battle it fell back to Centreville. and
participated in all the skirmishing that took place on that
retreat. It was in reserve on the march, and during the
battle of Antietaiu under Gen. McClellan. It moved witii
the army after the retreating enemy until they reached
Manassas Junction, when, by orders of Gen. McClellan,
Piatt's Brigade, consisting of the 86th and 124th New
112
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUxVTY, NEW YORK.
York Volunteers and the 122d Pennsylvania Volunteers,
were sent up and through Manassas Gap to support the
cavalry under Gen. W. W. Averill. They met the enemy
and drove them through Front Royal, joining the army
after an absence of two days, and finding that Gen. Mc-
Clellan had been relieved by Gen. Burnside. The regi-
ment participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, and then
moved to Falmouth, on the opposite side of the river, going
into winter quarters. Nothing transpired while here, with
the exception of the Burnside mud march, until Gen.
Hooker's move on Chancellorsville. The regiment was
now and had been connected with the old 3d Army Corps
since the battle of Bull Run, and had been most of the
time commanded by Lieut.-Col. Chapin, Col. Bailey being
disqualified for duty on account of age and the exposure
incident to the Bull Run campaign. About this time
Major Rhinevault resigned, and Capt. Higgins, of Company
A, was commissioned major. The brigade consisted of the
86th and 124th New York and the 122d Pennsylvania,
under Gen. A. S. Piatt. The division was commanded by
Gen. Whipple, and the corps by Gen. Sioklas.
On the 28th of April, 1863, marching orders were re-
ceived, and the regiment bade adieu to their four months'
winter quarters, moving in an easterly direction until mid-
night, when it bivouacked near Belle Plain, on the Rappa-
hannock, the men in heavy marching order, with eighty
rounds of ammunition. April 30 countermarched past
their old quarters, and reached the United States Ford on
the morning of May 1, crossing the pontoons laid there for
that purpose. After cro.ssing they soon struck tiie enemy.
Those acquainted with the hi.story of the battle of Chancel-
lorsville know that the 3d Corps did most of the fighting.
The 86tli came in for their full .share, as the list of casual-
ties given in the correspondence appended to this chapter
will show.
On Saturday afternoon, when the 11th Corps broke, the
3d was sent to their assi.stance, and stayed the rout. Sun-
day is one of the days ever to be remembered by those who
now survive, and were with the regiment on that day.
At first placed in support of batteries, a short time after
the whole division made a charge to the right of the Chan-
cellor Hou.se, the SlJth on the left of the line, next the
plank-road — and such a charge ! — the 86th losing fully one-
third of their men, most of whom were left on the field
when the regiment retired. The lo.ss of oflicers was very
large. Lieut.-Col. Chapin was killed and carried from the
field; Major Higgins was badly wounded; Acting Adj.
Stafford wounded in the hip ; Capt. Angle, of Co. B, and
Capt. Ellsworth, of Co. D, killed (the last two named ofli-
cers were carried into the Chancellor House, and are sup-
posed to have been burned with the building); Lieut.
Woodward, of Co. I, was fiitally wounded, and several
others slightly. After the charge the regiment was put to
work building rifle-pits for their own protection, Capt.
Lansing in command as senior officer. On Monday Gen.
Whipple, division commander, was fatally wounded. On
Tuesday the regiment recrossed the river, and were soon at
their old quarters at Falmouth, and remained there until
the 6th of June, 1863, when an order was received for the
86th and the 121th to accompany a large body of cavalry
on a secret expedition. They started that day in a heavy
rain, in light marching order, with five days' rations. Major
Lansing in command, he having been promoted since the
battle of Chancellorsville. The regiment arrived at Beverly
Ford, on the Rappahannock, on the evening of the 8th,
and bivouacked for the night. Early the next morning they
waded the river, the water reaching the waists of the men ;
they were hurried forward, and soon struck the enemy in
a thick wood, a short distance from the ford. They drove
the enemy through and from the wood, the latter charging
several times to retake it without success. Late in the day
the regiment advanced within eight miles of Brandy Sta-
tion, and then retired to the position they occupied in the
morning. This was mostly a cavalry fight, the infantry
acting as support. The 86th suffered to the extent of
thirteen killed and wounded ; the enemy's loss must have
been greater. Many were left within our lines, among
them a major and a lieutenant.
The regiment expected to be ordered back to Falmouth,
but instead was placed on duty guarding the fords and
Rappahannock Bridge, until the advance brigade of the
Army of the Potomac joined them on the 12th.
Whipple's Division having ceased to exi.st, on account of
the terrible loss it sustained at Chancellorsville, and the
muster-out of several regiments immediately after, the
86th and 124th New York Volunteers, together with Ber-
dan's Sharpshooters, were attached to the brigade of Gen.
J. H. Hobart Ward, in Birney's Division of the 3d Army
Corps. At this place Lieut.-Col. Higgins returned and
assumed command of the 86th Regiment.
On the morning of the 14th the 3d Corps started from
Bealton Station, hurrying back towards Washington, and
bivouacked for the night at Catlett's Station. They moved
the next morning, passing through Bristoe Station and
Manassas Junction. This was a terrible march, on account
of the heat. Very many were sun-struck. They reached
the old Bull Run battle-field on the 16th, continued the
march on the 17th, and camped at Gum Springs on the
night of the 19th. This was a very dark night, so dark
that a person could not possibly see an object two feet from
him; and the only way to get the different regiments into
position was by sound. They moved again on the 23d,
crossed the Potomac, on pontoons, at Edwards' Ferry,
reached Emmettsburg on the evening of the 30th, passing
Poolesville, Middletown, and Frederick City. At this place
orders were received informing the command that Gen.
Hooker had been relieved, and Gen. George G. Meade, of
the 5th Corps, placed in command of the Army of the
Potomac.
On the 1st of July moved through Emmettsburg, march-
ing at quick time for Gettysburg; could hear firing in that
direction, and felt sure the battle had commenced. For-
ward was the cry, and on they pushed. They slept that
night on the field, with guns beside them. The next
morning Gen. Ward led his brigade to the position assigned
it. The 86th numbered about three hundred rank and file,
and was placed on the right of the 124th, near Little
Round Top, in a piece of wood, with the 20th Indiana on
its right. Early in the afternoon the rebel artillery opened
a furious cannonade upon our lines, and about three o'clock
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
113
the iiifiintry advanced to the attack. Gen. Longstreet's
Corps was hurled against the old 3d Corps in four lines,
while the 3d had but one. Ward's Brigade stood firm, and
drove the enemy back, one line after the other. Almost
the first man wounded in the 86th was Col. Higgins, and
he was sent from the field, leaving Maj. Lansing again in
command. The loss to the regiment here was terrible.
Capt. John Warner, of Company K, fell, and several other
officers were wounded and taken prisoners. Among the
latter was Lieut. Seeley, of Company K, acting adjutant.
The loss to the rank and file was severe. It was almost
dark when the lines at the right and lefb gave way, and
orders were received for the SUth to retire. They did so in
line of battle, and were highly complimented by Gen. Ward,
in presence of the whole division, for their gallant conduct on
that occasion. Gen. Sickles having been wounded. Gen.
Birney took command of tlie corps. Gen. Ward of the di-
vision, and Col. Berdan of the brigade.
On the next morning the SClh was placed farther to the
right in the lines, and near where Gen. I'ickett made his
charge that day, but was not called on to do any work.
On the morning of the -ith it was observed that the
enemy's vedettes had disappeared i'rom our front. That
night a heavy rain set iu, and on the morning of the 5th
the regiment assisted in burying the dead.
The regiment moved forward on the 6th, with the army
in pursuit of the enemy, and reached Mechanicstown on the
7tli. It passed through Frederick City on the 8th, and on
the 'Jth changed direction and moved down the Hagerstown
road, through Middletown, and over South Mountain. On
the 10th reached Millport, and on the 11th rested for the
night near Roxbury Mill, in line of battle. On the 14th
heard that the enemy had crossed the Potomac with all his
transportation and stores. On the 17th crossed the Poto-
mac at Harper's Ferry, and passed the night at Hills-
borough. On the 20th reached Upperville. Gen. French
was now in command of the 3d Corps. On the 22d
reached Manassas Gap. On the 23d moved up the Gap,
Ward's Brigade in advance. Struck the enemy near Front
Royal, and, after severe fighting, sent them double-quick
to the other side of the mountain. On the 24th retraced
our steps through the Gap, and on the 26th reached War-
renton. This ended the campaign of Gettysburg.
It will be seen by this that on the 6th of June the 86th
Regiment left Falmouth in light marching order, with five
days' rations, expecting to return by that time, but, instead,
they were fifty-four days without a change of clothing ex-
cept such as they had with them, — a thing not very con-
ducive to cleanliness or health.
Here Col. Higgins again took command, and Maj. Lan-
sing was ordered to Elmira, N. Y., with two officers and
six sergeants, on recruiting service.
On the last day of July, 1863, the brigade moved to
Sulphur Springs and pitched camp, doing picket duty and
drilling until the 15th day of September. On the 16th
crossed the Rappahannock at Freedman's Ford. On the
17th camped near Culpepper. On the 8th of October the
whole division was iu line, and soon was on its way back
to Centreviile, reaching that place on the 14th. On the
I'Jtli moved southward again. On the 30th camped at
15
Bealton Station, and remained there until the 7th of No-
vember. On that day the 3d Corps moved to Kelly's
Ford, on the Rappahannock, in full sight of the enemy,
and, under a galling fire, obtained full possession of the
ford, capturing a large number of prisoners. On the 8th
advanced as far as Brandy Station, crossed the Rapidan
on the 26th, at Jacob's Ford, and on the 27th (Ward's
Brigade being in reserve) struck the rebels about six
o'clock A.M. About sundown the 86th and 124th New
York Volunteers were called upon, as the 17th Maine had
just been driven. The two regiments sprang quickly for-
ward and occupied the space vacated by the 17th Maine,
and checked the enemy, although their batteries rained a
shower of shell upon them, and the infantry endeavored to
drive them back. The lo-ss of the 86th was severe, four
being killed and thirty-two wounded, Col. Higgins among
the latter.
That night the enemy retired from the field. On the
29th advanced to near Mine Run, and found the enemy
heavily intrenched. The picket line crossed the run during
the night, and an assault was ordered, but finally counter-
manded. They were then ordered to retrace their steps,
which was done, crossing the Rapidan at Culpepper Mine
Ford, being pressed hard by the rebel cavalry. The army
moved to near Brandy Station, and went into winter
quarters. At this point Lieut.-Col. Lansing and party
again joined their regiment.
The loss of the regiment up to this time had been very
severe ; there was hardly a company that had the same
officers that started with them, and some of them none.
Company A had none; Company B one; Company C none;
Company D one. on detached service ; Company B two,
one of whom was detached ; Company F one ; Company G
one ; Company H none ; Company I one ; Company K
none.
In the field and staff it was the same. B. L. Higgins,
now colonel, badly wounded and in the hospital. He was
mustered out. J. H. Lansing was lieutenant-colonel ; M.
B. Stafford was major (formerly lieutenant of Company
F) ; James Cherry was adjutant (formerly sergeant of
Co. I); D. F. Brown was quartermaster. Company A
was commanded by Capt. Jerry Ryan, promoted from the
ranks ; Company B, by Lieut. Booth, promoted from the
ranks ; Company C, by Capt. Robert Barton, promoted
from .sergeant ; Company D, by Lieut. N. H. Vincent,
promoted from sergeant ; Company E, by Lieut. Geo. A.
Packer, original ; Company F, by Capt. H. G. Harrower,
original ; Company G, by Capt. N. S. Baker, promoted from
lieutenant; Company H, by Lieut. Stone, promoted from
private ; Company I, by Capt. Foster P. Wood, promoted
from second lieutenant ; Company K, by Capt. John Finney,
promoted from the ranks.
The companies averaged from ten to forty non-commis-
sioned officers and privates, the whole regiment numbering
less than three hundred for duty ; although many more
were carried on the rolls, such, as the sick and wounded in
ho-spitals, and tho.sc on detached service.
During the month of December, 1863, an order was issued
from Washington, that if those soldiers who had enlisted
for three years and whose term of service had about ex-
114
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
pired, would re-enlist for the war as veteran volunteers,
they should receive their bounty and be permitted to re-
turn to their homes in a body with a furlough of thirty
days. Nearly all (two hundred and forty-five) of the non-
commissioned officers and privates of the 86tli re-enlisted
and returned to Elmira, N. Y., where tliey were furloughed
for thirty days.
At the expiration of their furlough they joined their bri-
gade at Brandy Station. While at Elmira, Capt. L. Todd,
of Corning, who had served two years in the 23d New York
Volunteers, was commissioned a captain in the 86th, as-
signed to duty as captain of Company B, and returned with
the resriment to the field. Several of the non-commissioned
officers were also commissioned, but we are unable to give
their names.
The regiment remained at Brandy Station until May 4,
1864, doing the usual picket duty, drilling, and making an
occasional demonstration towards the enemy. During the
month of April, the old 3d Corps was broken up, and the
divisions that Gen. French brought into it after the battle
of Gettysburg were assigned to tlie 6th Corps, and the old
3d Corps proper was assigned to the 2d Corps, to be known
as Birney's Division of the 2d Corps, retaining and wearing
the od Corps badge.
]<]arly in march U. S. Grant was made lieutenant-general,
with conimand of all the armies of the United States, and
made his heiidquarters with the Army of the Potomac.
On the 1st and 2d days of May, 1864, the regiment was
inspected, and on the 4th six days' rations and fifty rounds
of ammunition were issued to each man, and Gen. George
G. Meade's address read to them. At this time the regi-
ment numbered three hundred rank and file, some having re-
turned from the hospitals. At eleven o'clock P..M. the army
moved towards the llapidan, the 2d Corps crossing on pon-
toons at Ely's Ford, and bivouacking near the old battle-
field of Chancellorsville, moved at five a.m. on the 5th.
Ward's brigade reached Todd's Tavern about nine a.m.,
when they countermarched towards the Wilderness Tavern.
The battle had commenced, and the 86th was soon in the
hottest of it, — from about two o'clock p.m. until darkness
put a stop to further manoeuvres. The firing was terrible,
both from musketry and artillery. The woods were so
thick that it was impossible to see the rebel lines. About
eight o'clock p.m. both armies ceased firing and lay down to
take a few hours' rest. The 86th suffered no loss in killed,
but several were wounded.
At five o'clock the next morning the army was again in
motion, pushing the enemy slowly ; but it was hot work,
and quite a number of the 86th fell killed or wounded.
The rebels continued to give ground until about eleven a.m.,
when they turned and nearly overwhelmed the entire corps,
and sent it flying back towards the rear. This was a fearful
time. The men were so demoralized that it was utterly
impossible for the officers to rally them, until they reached
the rifle-pits that had been constructed during the morning.
The corps was re-formed behind these works, and rested,
cooking coffee, and eating, for the first time that day.
About three o'clock p.m. the Confederates advanced again.
The 86th were in the front line of works, and were obliged
to retire with the rest to the second line. The rebels took
possession of the first line, but they were soon forced to fall
back, leaving their dead and wounded behind them. The
2d Corps returned to the first line, and remained there all
that night and part of the next day. About daylight on
the 8th the 86th got their hard-tack and coffee, and about
eight A.M. moved to Todd's Tavern, and there 'formed in
line of battle through the woods. They were attacked
by the rebels, but repulsed them without much trouble.
On the 9th moved to and crossed the Po River, meeting
with but little resistance. On the 10th re-crossed the Po,
after a hard day's work. Ward's Brigade was massed in
column of regiments, four paces apart, at the base of a
thickly-wooded hill, with the 86th on the right. Troops
were going into position on the right and left of the bri-
gade. After the formation news came to the regimental
commanders of the brigade, that they should see personally
that every man's gun was uncapped and bayonets fixed in
their command, and that at a given signal they should ad-
vance, double-quick, with a yell. There were eight regi-
ments in the brigade, and the formation was as follows :
86th New York Volunteers, 124th New York, 3d Maine,
99th Pennsylvania, 141st Pennsylvania, 20th Indiana,
110th Pennsylvania, and 40th New York Volunteers; and
so close and compact that the field-officers were obliged to
take position on the flanks of their commands. At the signal
given the brigade started at a rapid pace. The picket line
of the rebels was soon reached, they giving warning of the
approach. Presently they came to the opening, and such
a sight ! In front a massive line of works, while between
that and the column the ground was strewn with timber.
The cry was forward, and the 86th, moving on amidst shot
and shell, reached the work. They had nothing but the bay-
onet, and were unable to remain long, as their support could
not reach them. The order for retreat was given, and those
that remained went to the wood for cover as quickly as pos-
sible. The 86th went into that charge more than two hun-
dred strong. They left in and around the works of the
enemy one hundred and sixteen men, besides several offi-
cers, and at roll-call next morning but eighty-four answered
to their names. This was the heaviest loss that the regi-
ment ever sustained. They now numbered less than a
company, for duty, and when paraded the companies num-
bered some two rank and file, with possibly one officer. The
regiment returned to their position in the lines, remaining
there until late in the afternoon of the 11th, when the 2d
Corps was moved to the right of the rebel lines, to a place
known as the Brown House. The strictest silence was
ordered. Arrived there about two o'clock A.M. ; formed in
two lines, the 86th being in the first ; the command was al-
lowed to rest without breaking their formation. At about
five o'clock A.M. the order to advance was given in a low
tone. The line sprang forward, and moved as quickly as
the nature of the ground would admit. They soon struck
the rebel pickets, who fired and fled, and were pursued so
closely that many were captured before they could reach the
works. The storming column went over the works, cap-
turing Gen. Johnson, and nearly his whole division, with
all their artillery. The rebels made several attempts to
retake the works, but failed, with heavy loss. The fighting
here was terrible all the 12th and a part of the 13th, and
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
115
the casualties were large. The 86th suffered severely. At
this point Gen. Ward was relieved from command of the
brigade, and Col. Eagan, of the 40th New York, as senior
colonel, assumed command.
On the 14th Birney's entire division was withdrawn a
short distance to the rear, and commenced throwing up a
new line of works. This movement was observed by the
enemy, who sent forward a small force to occupy the aban-
doned works, when the 86th and 124th were directed to
advance and drive them out. Hastily forming, they dashed
forward, under the command of Col. Lansing, and speedily
drove them out and recaptured the works. At this place,
on the ISth, a shell from the rebels struck among the 86th,
injuring four of its number ; among them Capt. Todd of
Company B, who was supposed to be mortally wounded
and sent to the rear, but who recovered and joined his com-
pany, serving until the final muster-out. Early on the
19th, Eagan's Brigade moved about a mile to the rear, and
there rested until about five o'clock p.m. ; this was the first
rest the 86th had been allowed since the opening of the
campaign, having been under fire constantly. About this
time heavy firing was heard in the direction of the Fred-
ericksburg road, and shortly a mounted orderly dashed up to
brigade headquarters, and the next moment the assembly
was sounded. Leaving tents standing and knapsacks strewn
about, the brigade started double-quick for the scene of
action. It proved to be an attack of Ewell on our wagon-
train, and aheavyfighton thepart of Tylerto protect thesame.
Tyler's troops were exhausted, and when Eagan's Brigade
readied the scene they moved quickly over Tyler's troops
and dashed after the flying rebels, whom they followed until
darkness put an end to the chase. The brigade then re-
traced their steps, bringing with them a large number of
prisoners, and the brigade bivouacked that night near where
they struck the enemy, and at daylight on the 20th re-
turned to the place they had left the day before. On the
22d moved forward, crossed the Mattapony, and rested for
the night. On the 23d reached the North Anna, near
the Chesterfield Bridge ; here found the enemy strongly
intrenched. At the bridge they had two redoubts heavily
manned. About five o'clock p.m. the order was given to
make an assault. The 86th and 124th New York, to tlie
left of the road leading to the bridge, were but a few
moments crossing the flats, leaving many of their number
dead and wounded along the route. Just before reaching
the works the enemy became satisfied that they could not
hold them, hurried their guns over the bridge, and hastily
fled, leaving quite a number of prisoners in our hands.
The next morning cros.sed the bridge under a heavy fire.
After crossing, the 86th and 124th were deployed as skir-
mishers, and advanced, driving the rebel skirmishers for
about one mile. Col. Lansing was badly wounded in the
left fore-arm by a sharpshooter and left the field, Maj.
Stafford, of the 86th, assuming command. That night the
regiments were withdrawn, and recrossed to the north side
of the river. On the 28th crossed the Pamunkey at Nel-
son's Ford and erected a line of works near the river, after
which attacked the enemy and drove them into their main
line. The picket lines were but a few rods apart, and kept
up a deadly fire. More dreaded than all were the sharp-
shooters, who kept picking off officers and men, and although
no general engagement took place, many were added to the
death-roll.
On the night of June 1, the 2d Corps started for Cold
Harbor, and in the assault at that place the 86th were in
reserve. After operations were suspended, they were set
to work with the pick and shovel, and continued at this
labor most of the time until the 12th, when they moved,
and on the morning of the 14th reached Wilcox's Land-
ing, and were transferred by steamboats to the south side
of the James River. On the morning of the 15th the
advance was resumed towards Petersburg. On the 16th
Eagan's Brigade made an assault, but were unsuccessful.
Here Col. Eagan, commanding the brigade, was severely
wounded, and Col. Madill, of the 141st Pennsylvania, took
command. On the 18th a general assault was ordered, —
but for some reason deferred until later in the day, when
the assault was made, — but the troops were repulsed with
considerable loss (since the crossing of the James the loss
of the S6th had been heavy, both in officers and men). That
night was spent in throwing up works within short range
of the enemy. On the 20th the brigade was relieved, and
on the 21st moved to and took position on the left of the
Jerusalem Plank-Road. On the 22d had a skirmish with
the rebels. The 86th had an addition to their number
here; the veterans of the 70th Regiment New York Vol-
unteers, one hundred and thirty in all, were transferred to
the 86th; they now numbered about two hundred and forty
for duty. From this time until the 26th of July the regi-
ment was kept busy building rifle-pits, and moving from
one part of the works to another, almo.st con.stantly under
fire. On that day Hancock's command was ordered to pro-
ceed to Deep Bottom as a diversion in favor of the Burn-
side mine explosion, and returned to the lines near Peters-
burg on the night of the 28th. The mine explosion took
place on the night of the 29th or the morning of the 30th,
and ended in a failure, with heavy loss.
An official report of the losses of this brigade from May
4 to July 31, 1864, states the killed, wounded, and mis.sing
at one hundred and twenty-six officers and two thousand
five hundred and forty-three men.
About the 1st of August, Col. Lan.sing returned and
took command, and on the 12ih Hancock's Corps moved to
City Point and bivouacked for the night, and on the 13th
embarked on board steamboats, and remained until mid-
night, when at a signal they steamed up the James, reaching
Deep Bottom about four o'clock a.m., and disembarked.
Gen. Mott was now in command of the division, and
Gen. De Trobriund of this brigade, almost immediately
struck the enemy. The 86th was ordered to the front as
skirmishers, and remained on the line during the engage-
ment, which was severe; the loss of the 86th was light.
On the 18th Hancock's command was again on its way
towards Petersburg, reaching there on the 19th. The 86th
was placed in the front line of works, to the right of the
Jerusalem Plank-Road, and remained there and in Forts
Michael and Scott for about two weeks, constantly under
fire, when the regiment was moved into Fort Sedgwick
(called by the boys Fort Hell), on the plank-road running
into Petersburg, and at a point where the lines were but a
116
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
short distance apart. The picket line at one point in front
of the works was only fifteen paces from the rebel line, and
the rebel fort opposite (Fort Mahone) about twelve hundred
yards. The fort was a very large inclosed work, containing
three regiments, — the 73d and 86th New York and the 99th
Pennsylvania, — two batteries of guns, and twelve mortars.
The scenes here at times were terrific ; no one dared to
remain within their bomb-proofs, as they would not resist a
shell ; the firing was liable to be opened at any moment,
generally occurring about twice in twenty-four hours, often
lasting two or three hours at a time, sometimes calling the
men out two or three times during the night ; at such times
a person could count from ten to thirty shells in the air,
all pointed for these works, and it was of daily occurrence
that from one to ten would be killed. In these night at-
tacks the pickets in front of the works would have a hard
time, and were obliged to lie as flat to the ground as possi-
ble; if a man raised his head on either side a score of bul-
lets were fired at it. At this place the pickets could only
be relieved after nightfall, and were frequently obliged to
crawl back and forth on their hands and kt)ees On the
la.st of September the regiment was relieved, and moved to
the extreme left of the line, where they were set to work
cutting roads through a strip of woods and building a re-
doubt, returning after an absence of three days to their old
quarters. The regiment remained there until the 24th,
when it moved with the corps, reaching the Weldon road
on the evening of the 26th. On the morning of the 27th
cros.sed Hatcher's Run, and soon struck the enemy. Gen.
De Trobriand's Brigade was now on the extreme left ; the
73d and 86th, with the 124th Now York, were advanced
as skirmishers about half a mile, remaining there all day,
covering the front and flank of the brigade. The skirmish-
line was formed in a dense wood, excepting to the right,
where the 124th New York was posted. The rebels had a
battery placed opposite this point, and after a lurious cannon-
ade they advanced for a charge, but were repulsed by the
skirmish-line, assisted by the 2d U. S. Sharpshooters. The
movement on the part of the Union forces having failed
to accomplish the purpose intended, the order to retire was
given, and about ten o'clock P.M. the brigade was marched
back to the Vaughan road, and there bivouacked until noon
the next day, when the march was resumed, and that even-
ing the regiment was again in its old (|uarters. The loss
on the skirmish-lines that day was three ofiicers and about
thirty men.
The regiment remained here (Fort Sedgwick) until No-
vember 29. On the 13th of November Col. Lansing was
discharged, on his own application, and Maj. Stafford was
mustered in as lieutenant-colonel commanding. On the
afternoon of the 29th orders were received to pack up and
be in readiness to move. About sundown a division of the
9th Corps came marching up to relieve the troops in the
front line. The rebels, seeing the movement, opened a
furious cannonade, during which Lieut.-Col. Stafford was
mortally wounded, dying within a few hours. This was a
serious loss to the regiment, as he was a good soldier and a
gallant officer. Starting with the regiment in 1861 as a
second lieutenant of Company F, and rising by merit to
the command of the regiment a.s lieutenant-colonel, he was
beloved, honored, and respected by all in the command. In
the evening the regiment was quietly withdrawn, — now in
command of Maj. Nathan A. Vincent, formerly a private
of Company D, — and on the 30th marched about six miles,
and shortly after started on what is known as the Weldon
raid. Returning to near Petersburg, went into winter quar-
ters, and remained there until the 4th day of February,
1865, doing the usual picket duty, and making thorough
preparations for the spring campaign. On that day re-
ceived orders to prepare for a march. On the 5th they
marched to and encountered the enemy near Hatcher's
Run. The brigade forded the run in battle line, pushing
the rebel pickets about one mile, but were brought to a
halt by the rebels, posted behind their main line of works.
They were immediately set to building works for protection.
On the t)th the brigade was relieved by a portion of the
5th Corps. That night learned that the new lino had been
permanently extended across the run. On the 9th was
moved about one mile to the right, and assigned position
in the new line ; remained here until the final advance,
March 28, 1865, participating in all the engagements until
the surrender of Gen. Lee, April 9, 1865, at Appomattox
Court-Hou.se. After the surrender started homeward bound.
At Burkesville Junction, on the 14th, heard of the assas-
sination of President Lincoln ; moved through Richmond
and Fredericksburg, reaching Washington about the middle
of May, and camped near Fairfax Seminary ; participated
in the grand review in Washington City. On the 29th
day of May, 1865, Lieut. D. F. Brown was mustered out
of the service by reason of General Order No. 26, Head-
quarters Army of the Potomac, made May 17, 1865. After
the grand review the regiment prepared for the trip home
and the final muster-out, which occurred at Elmira, N. Y.,
July 4, 1865.
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE
The following extracts from letters written by Lieut. D.
F. Brown, quartermaster of the 86th Regiment New York
Volunteers, and published in the Corning Journal from
time to time during the war, contain fuller statements of
the casualties as they took place in the regiment :
"FnEDERicKsBUBG, May 7, 186.3,
" De.ar Sni, — .Amid the excitement and confusion of the past few
days, I hnve had but little time or inclination to write
" Our brave Lieut. -Col. Chapin fell about eleven o'clock a.m., while
leading his men in that fearful contest. Cajjt. W. W. Angle, Company
B, was mortally wounded, and has not since been heard of. Capt. D.
S. Ellsworth, Company D, was killed instantly, a rifle-ball passing
through his temples. Lieut. M. B. Stafford, Company F, and acting
adjutant, was severely wounded in the thigh. Lieut. A. J. Woodward,
Company I, received a very severe wound in both knees. Lieut.
Nathan H. Vincent, Company D, was slightly wounded in several
places. After the fall of Ellsworth, the command of the company
devolved on him. Gen. Whipple rode up, and seeing him covered
with blood, requested him to go the rear, but he refused to leave his
company. Capt. N. Warner and Capt. J. H. Lansing, I am happy to
say, came out unhurt, though constantly exposed to the enemy's fire.
The officei-s behaved admirably, and the men followed their e.\ample
in deeds of daring. Both officers and men received a flattering com-
pliment from Gen. Whipple. Among the privates seven were killed
and seventy-one wounded. I have not been able to get the names of
the killed and wounded. We deplore deeply the loss of Lieut.-Col.
Chapin. His death has cast a gloom over the whole command. The
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
117
loss of Ciipt. Angle and Capt. Ellsworth will bo severely felt by the
regiment.
"After the death of Col. Chapin, the command of the regiment
devolved upon Capt. J. H. Lansing, who discharged the duties 'of his
new position with great coolness and bravery. On several occasions
with his men, he charged on the rebel batteries and drove them
from their works. Tuesday the whole army fell back to the place
occupied before the advance. D. F. Brown."
** In the FiELit, Gettysritrg, July 4, 1863.
*• Dear Sir, — Two months have elapsed since I have communicated
with you ; they have been eventful months. On the fith of June last,
our brigade broke camp at Falmouth, and moved up the river about
twenty-three miles, to Beverly Ford, where, on the 11th, we encoun-
tered the enemy. Our regiment was at that time commanded by Maj.
J. II. Lansing, he having assumed the command on the memorable field
of Chancellorsville. Lieut. -Col. lliggins had not sufficiently recovered
from the wounds received at Chancellorsville to enable him to take the
field, but hearing that the army was in motion, he ha>tened to join his
command, which he accomplished two days after the battle. The
engagement at the Ford was mostly between cavalfy, and it was a
sharp and severe contest. The loss in our regiment was about thirty
in killed and wounded. The enemy was handsomely repulsed, and
driven back about five miles. The officers and men of the S6th nobly
KU.stuined their well-earned reputation, and added another proof of
their courage and their devotion to the cause of our common country.
*• 0.1 the Hth of June the wholearioy was in motion. Our direction
was northward. We passel Manass.is. Bull Run, and Centreville.
Oh, wh;it associations are connectel with the.'^e names! How mauy
homes have been darkened by the war-cloud that burst with such
maddening fury on these memorable fields ! How many hearts have
been wrun.4 with anguish by the loss of fathers, brothers, sons, and
friends, who pou e I out their blood and laid down their lives upon
thcs3 huge, roj!«-bui;t altars of their country ! We crossed the Poto-
mac on the 2(ith, at Edwards' Perry, and on the 1st day of July our
corps reached the battle-field of (Tcttysburg.
"On the 2d instant the battle became general. The 3d Corps \vas
on our left wing, against which the enemy massed his forces, and made
a desperate charge for the purpose of breaking it. The contest was
the most desperale ami deadly of the war. Lieut. -Col. Higgins clearly
demonstrated his ability to command. He received a wound in his
side from a rifle-ball, and was taken from the field. The command
then devolved upon Maj. Lansing, who added another proof to his
well-earned reputation for coolness and courage. I will here mention
an inndent. While the SGthand the I24:th New York Volunteers were
making a charge upon the enemy, Gen. Ward sat on his horse watch-
ing the movement, and as they fell back in perfect order, after ac-
complishing their object, the general rode up to Maj. Lansing and re-
marked, ' I never saw men behave better. Major, your men have
nobly won the red diamond, the Kearney badge.' The major replied,
* We feel proud of the blue badge, but if you wish it we will adopt the
red.' The blue badge was the one used by the 3d Division, which is
broken up, but we still wore the badge. . . .
" Capt. J. N. Warner, Co. K, was killed instantly. He was a brave
and able officer. Lieut. Hammond, Co. A, lost a leg; Lieut. Blanch-
ard, Co. B, was wounded in the hand; Lieut. Packer, Co. E, wounded
in hand; Lieut. Seeley, Co. K, acting adjutant, was present dur-
ing the engagement, but afterwards went on the field to look after
the body of Capt. Warner, and he has not been heard from since.
The following is a list of the killed and wounded not heretofore men-
tioned :
'' Killed.— Co. A, Sergt. J. Boies, John Hart: Co. B, L. Piatt, J.
Taylor: Co. D, Calvin L. Stearns; Co. F, George Tremain, John
Topple; Co. H, Jeremiah Everitt; Co. I, A. C. Palmer, J. M. Black-
man; Co. K, Hyman Hazeltine.
*' Wunnilcd. — Co. A, Jeremiah Fisher, Francis Keller, Gilbert
Rogers, Corp. R. Smith, W. S. Chafee, James W. Chafee; Co. B,
Sergt. A. Shauger, Corp. A. Amidon, J. W. Rose, C. L. Odell, L. R.
Root; Co. C, J. Deard; Co. D, J. Bovier, G. Powell, W. E. Stewart;
Co. E, R. Wasliburn; Co. F, Allen W. Beeman, J. E. Brown, Sergt.
S. Tremain; Co. G, E. E, Thompson, S. Hall, J. Iladley, Jr., L.
Maddison, F. Gregory, W. Thomas, Corp. V. Allison; Co. H, Sergt.
James Moidt, Corp. J. W. Ostrander, H. Dawley, W. S. Miller, P.
Pierce, H. Cook; Co. I, F. J. Horton, J. Smith, J. Carrigan, Sergt.
A. J. Northrup; Co. K, Corp. W. Owen, Corp. N. W. Wiuship, since
dead; J. K. Fisk, since dead; Robert Laning, since dead; W. E.
Stewart, A. Simpson.
"The Union loss was heavy, but nothing compared with the
enemy's. His dead are unburied, and the ground is literally cov-
ered; in places they lay in ridges. Our victory is complete. This is
our nation's birthday. Oh, what hallowed memories cluster around
it! Thought travels back to the sanguinary fields of the Revolution,
when liberty perched upon the banner of the triumphant free. Here
the enemy of the same principle lies prostrate at her feet. This day
is commemorated here by the warm blood of slaughtered thousands,
palpitating on the soil of our noble Keystone State.
"Yours in the cause of liberty,
"D. F, Brows, Q.-M."
"In thi-: Field, Brandy Station, Va., Dec. fi, 1S63.
"Dear Sir, — I have unavoidably delayed giving to the numerous
friends of our regiment in old Steuben the result of the recent en-
gagement beyond the Rapidan, as I have hardly had a moment to
devote to the matter.
" At a late hour on the night of the 25th ultimo the bugle sounded
the interesting call (o ' pack up.' Every man was busy in his arrange-
ments for a march until the prompt command of Col, Higgins was
given to fall in. The river was crossed on the 2fith at Jacob's Mill.
On the 27th an engagement took place. The 3d Corps became en-
gaged about ten o'clock a.m. At two o'clock p.m. the 1st Division
was ordered up to meet the enemy. Our brigade, commanded by
Gen. Ward, was selected to make the charge, and the S6th and 124tb
New York Volunteers was selected as the storming-party. A short
time previous to the charge Col. Higgins was borne from the field, a
musket-ball having taken off a finger and passed through both thighs.
Maj. Staff"ord then took command, and led the S6th in one of the
most desperate conflicts that it ever experienced. Our regiment and
the 12'4th alone regained the ground that had been lost by the 3d
Division, and by sundown had driven the enemy sixty rods farther
than any portion of our line had extended, and they held the ground
during the entire night. You can form some idea of the severity of
the engagement, when I assure you the two regiments engaged ex-
pended sixteen thousand rounds of cartridges. Maj. Stafford went
back several times for ammunition. Capts. Harrower and Baker
were appointed acting field-officers to assist Maj. Stafford during
the engagement, and Lieut. Packer was acting adjutant. The com-
panies of the S6th were commanded as follows : Lieut. Holms, Co.
A; Lieut. Booth, Co. B; Capt Robert Barton, Co. C; Capt. N. H,
Vincent, Co. D; Lieut. J, G, Copley, Co. E : Lieut. Henry Thurber,
Co, F; Lieut. A. B. Stanton, Co. G; Lieut. Stone, Co. H; Lieut.
AVood, Co. I; Capt. Phinney, Co. K.
"Gen. Ward paid a flattering compliment to the officers and men,
and said he was proud of them. The general at first supposed that
the regiment had been cut off and taken prisoners, and when he
learned what they had accomplished he remarked to the major, in a
playful manner, that he took his men out to find more comfortable
lodgings with Gen. Lee.
"The killed in our regiment in this engagement were Russel Tay-
lor, First Sergeant, Co. G; John Baxter, Sergeant, Co. C; George
Wright, Co. C; George H. W. Celover, Co. H.
"The wounded were as follows: 1st Sergt. J. Ryon, Corp. Nicholas
Longuot, Jacob Horb, James White, Lewis Hart, James Chaffee,
David Hoyt, all of Co. A; Ist Sergt. F. D. Loomis, Daniel Alden,
Nathan Phenix, of Co. B ; Lieut. Henry Thurber, George Babcock,
George Murdock, of Co. F; Corp. A. Allen, Franklin Hallock, Asel
Wilson, John Wallace, Lafayette Taylor, Foster Gregory, of Co. G;
Corp. Jesse Barton, D. L, Rowley, of Co. H ; Wesley Simons, of Co.
I; Corp. David Countruman, Corp. H. Hillrun, J. C. Sabin, Charles
Wood, Thomas Fanand, Asa Cross, of Co. K.
" Most of the wounds were slight. While marching to the Rapidan,
on the 26th, Albertus Russell, of Co. E, was killed, and AY. S. Kelley,
of Co. D, was wounded, Ity the accidental discharge of a gun.
"The intelligence of the death of John Baxter will fall with op-
pressive weight upon his family and friends, but they can be assured
that he died while nobly battling in the defense of his country. He
lost none of his moral principles by his associations in the army. He
was regarded by his ofiicers, and all who knew him, as a brave soldier.
"To-day Lieut. -Col. Lansing arrived, and was heartily greeted by
the whole regiment. The command will now devolve on him, and I
118
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
should judge from his looks that his absence has not diminished his
ambition or courage.
*' I remain yours, etc.,
" D. F. Brown."
" In the Field, near Spottsylvania CouRT-HorsE, Va.,
"May 10, 1864.
"Dear Sir, — May 6, the battle opened at an early hour in the
morning, and was continued with great fury during the day. The
86th bore well their part in the engagement, making frequent charges
on the enemy's works. Capt. J. G. Copely, Co. E, is wounded in the
arm and leg; Capt. Robert Barton, Co. C, is wounded in the side;
Capt. N. S. Baker, Co. G, is wounded in the face; Lieut. W. W. Card
is wounded in the thigh; Lieut. H. C. Thurber, Co. F, in the foot;
others of the killed and wounded in the regiment, whose names I
have not yet learned.
"May 7, fighting commenced nt an early hour, and our regiment
was engaged all day. The officers mentioned as wounded yesterday
are doing well : none are considered dangerous. In addition to the
above, H. Haliett, of Co. G, Calvin Adams, of Co. B, Henry Willick,
of Co. I, Henry Tenbrook, of Co. H, and Charles Bailey, of Co. I, are
among the killed. The wounded are as follows:
''Company A. — Sergt. Gilbert Hayncs, arm; Corp. John Feistner,
arm; J, Smith, thigh; and Geo. Mazen, leg.
*' Company B. — Sergt. Dennis Talbert, shoulder; Corp. John Ami-
don, face; John Hillion, William Batchee, shoulder.
" C'tiipauy C. — Sergt. Geo. M. Clute, arm; John Houghtaling,
hand; Philip Swick, abdomen; W. Dawley, arm.
** Company D. — Sergt. A. C. Rogers, arm; Milo Tucker, hand; J.
E.Baker, hip; Fnmcis Hurlburt. foot; T.Campbell, leg; L. Duel,
thigh; Henry O'Connor, thigh; Peter Spencer, arm; Isaac Trow-
bridge, thigh.
''Company .£^.— Sergt. E. D. Kemps, leg; Corp. H. H. Cole, foot;
W. E. Cilley, head; H. Hewiit. shuuKler ; R. R. Sweet, hand.
"Company F. — L. E. Warren, side; B. F. Alexander, hand; M.
Enchard, leg.
*' Company 0. — Sergt. Valli.son, leg: C. Boughton, leg; J. Wright,
foot.
*' Comj)aiiy H. — Sergt. W. Bartle, shoulder; Corp. D. S. Cook,
hand; E. Potter, arm; Jesse K. Barton, han 1: John Bastle, hanii :
A. Slater, hand.
"Company I. — W. A. Crout. thigh; Thomas McTigue, arm; G.
Feredenburgh, back.
" Company A'. — Sergt. G. Mcrring, leg: T. F. Ferrand, leg; J. W.
Barber, head: W. Lanning, hand; L. Medbury, hand.
"The above are all the killed anl woundei in the regiment at this
time. Lieut.-Col. Lansing was hit on the leg by a spent ball, and a
ball passed through Major Stafford's hat, producing no injury to
either.
'* May 9, the S6th was on skirniish-line, having been sent out the
night previous. They came in at twelve m. Capts. Todd, Harrower,
Stone, Phinney, and Wood have been in command of their companies
during this protracted battle, and are well. Lieut. Jerry Ryan com-
manded Co. A.
"May 10, sharp fighting all day in the vicinity of the court-
house. The Sfith was engaged towards night. Have not heard of
any casualties in our regiment. Just before dark a charge was made
on the enemy's works, and our forces carried them. The musketry
was the heaviest I ever heard. All so far goes finely.
" Yours, in our country's cause,
"D. F. Browx, Q.-M."
" In the Field, May 12, 1864.
"Dear Sir, — I wrote you on the 10th inst.. and gave you a list of
casualties in the 86th up to that time. There was a severe engage-
ment on the 10th, in which our regiment participated. The battle
continued all day, and a little before dark a charge was made on the
enemy's works. The 86th Regiment led the charge, having a hand-to-
hand fight. The following are the names of the killed and wounded,
so far as I have been able to ascertain :
"Company A, Syracuse. — William Fuller, back; Sergt. Sam. Ing-
ham, arm; George Lawson, shoulder; James White, thigh; Dan.
Palmer, leg; John Brown.
"Company By Addison. — Charles B. Jordan, chest; Sergt. N.
Reynolds, thigh.
" Company (7, Corning. — Henry Lanning, leg ; Charles Comfort,
arm and abdomen; Sergt. W. Mcintosh, knee; Edwin Harridan,
shoulder; Samuel Stevens, killed; Corp. Sam. Merring, killed ; Mar-
tin MTihr, killed ; Corp. F. E. Clark, hand ; Jacob Rarrick, both legs ;
Cyrus A. Hurd, missing; Asa Carner, missing; Perry AVashburn,
missing.
" Company I), Hornellsville. — Capt. N. H. Vincent, arm and thigh,
severe; Samuel Banta, shoulder, severe ; Sergt. John Mcintosh, foot ;
L. Hazeltine, arm and thigh; Chas. Hough, s!ight ; A. Silsbee, ab-
domen, severe.
" Company E, Elmira. — Charles Hart, arm ; Sergt. W. H. Andrews,
leg; Thos. Weaver, finger; Jacob Hanick, thigh.
"Company F, Lindley. — .Joshua Vankuran, arm; Lewis Clark,
hand: Oscar Monroe, missing ; Sergt. J. J, Talbot, missing.
"Company G, Canisteo. — Corp. G. Delat, slight; Luther Matti^on,
arm; John Fulton, pelvis, severe.
" Company H, Troupsburg. — Capt. Samuel F. Stone, killed ; J. C.
Fairbanks, finger; Sergt. Philip Bartle, face; Corp. Jerry AVillinms,
finger; Geo. Cummings, arm; Alphouzo Rowley, arm ; W.Steven?,
arm ; John Fletcher.
"Company 1, Cooper's Plains. — Color Sergt. Daniel Carson, knee,
severe; William Bettis, chest; Corp. Clark Spicer, head; Charles
Cobb, back ; J. D. Thompson, leg.
" Company K, Woodhull. — Charles Fisk, thigh ; Ben. Miller, finger;
Capt. John Phinney. leg and arm; Hugh Clark, killed: Sergt. James
Crowl, killed; Lieut. J. B. Spencer, wounded.
" The above are all I have been able to find. There are doubtless
others wounded on the 10th. We lost in the charge one hundred and
sixteen in killed and wounded and missing. Capt. Stone was in-
stantly killed by a shell, and Capt. Vincent severely wounded by the
same shell. They were both excellent officers, and their loss, with that
of Capt. Phinney, will be severely felt. Lieut. James Cherry, adjutant,
was severely wounded in the thigh.
" Col. Lansing. Maj. Stafford, Capt. Harrower, Capt. Todd and AVood
are not hurt. The men are in good spirits. All looks favorable.
"Yours, etc.,
"D. F. Brown, Q.-M."
" In the Field near Petersbitrg, Va., June 27, 1864.
"Dear Sir, — I suppose you have heard through Maj. Stafford of
the casualties in the regiment sinoo the battle of the North Anna on
the 12th. We left our lines at Cold Harbor, and on the loth we
crossed the Chickahominy, and on the 16th crossed the James at M'll-
cox Landing, near Powhatan. It was a magnificent spectacle to
witness the crossing of the James River by our army. A large num-
ber of steamboats, and numerous other waler-craft. rendered the scene
the gayest and liveliest of anything you can imagine, and as each
boat moved from the shore laden with its living freight, cheer after
cheer from thousands of brave hearts rang out upon the air, remind-
ing one of a picnic on a grand scale. The constant booming of can-
non, however, in the direction of Petersburg, broke the enchantment
of the scene, and reminded us that we were making no pleasure trip,
but would soon be grappling with the huge monster of secession on
another bloody field. On the afternoon of the 16th, while our divi-
sion was massed behind one of the earthworks just taken from the
enemy, Lieut. A. B. Stanton was hit by a piece of shell, and died a
short time alter. Lieut. Stanton came out with the regiment, and had
been in every engagement through which it had passed. His last
words were, * I have served my country faithfully. I must now die
for it.' On the same day, G. Blackman, Co. E, was wounded in the
shoulder; Henry McFall, wounded in shoulder.
"June 18, our regiment made a charge, and after a sharp contest
was repulsed. The loss was as follows : Lieut. Charles S. Carr, Co. I,
wounded in wrist; Sergt. Steven Chase, color-bearer, Co. H, head;
Edward Schofield, Co. F, hand; E. Allington, Co. F. wounded in ab-
domen, since died ; Oliver Campbell, Co. G, arm ; Milo Tucker, Co. D,
band.
"June 22, 1864, the veterans of the 70th Regiment, N. Y. Vols.,
one hundred and thirty in all, were transferred to the 86th. The
regiment now numbers two hundred and forty men present.
"June 27, Maj. Stafford still unhurt, and is in command of the
regiment.
" Yours in the cause of liberty,
"D. F; Brown, Q.-M."
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
119
"In the Field BEFonE PETEnsBimc, Va., Oct. 7, 1864.
" Dear Sir, — Having received our ballots to-day, we are reminded
that tbe time has arrived for us to discharge the sacred duty of voting.
We are thankful that, through the liberal policy of our noble State,
the soldier is permitted to vote. They say but little about politics,
but they think and feel much,
*' Our regiment numbers now about three hundred present for duty.
Tbe men are in good health and spirits. Col. Lansing is in com-
mand, and although there is no forward movement since the affair at
Deep Bottom, yet he has found enough to occupy bi.s attention. Our
regiment has been in the rifle-j)its in the extreme front, within speak-
ing distance of the enemy, for several weeks past, exposed to the tire
of the sharpshooters. For two weeks past tbe 86th held Forts Michael
and Scott, which constitute a portion of our front line of works.
An attack was made several nights ago on our pickets, a little to our
left, which resulted in a repulse of the enemy, with a loss of several
killed and wounded, and about one hundred prisoners. Capt. nar-
rower was in command of the picket lino on that occasion, and for
his prudent and brave conduct received a flattering compliment, in a
general order from our corps commander.
*' Yours, etc.,
" D. F. Brow.\, Q.-M."
GEN. NIROM M. CRANE.
Gen. Nirom M. Crane was born in Penn Yan, Yates
Co., N. Y., Dec. 13, 1828. The family of Crane is of
English descent, and the ancestor of the family, Henry
Crane, — born 1635, — came to America about the year 1660,
as record is found of his descent as son of John Crane, of
Norfolk, England. Gen. Crane traces his descent from
Capt. John Crane, son of Henry Crane, who was born in
1664, and commanded a company in an expedition against
Canada, in 1711, and died in New York, as the result of
hardship and exposure in that campaign.
His grandfather, Daniel Crane, — born 1756, — was a sol-
dier during the Revolutionary war. He, with others, being
at church when the news of the battle of Concord came, at
once enlisted in the service of his country.
About the year 1806 he removed from Connecticut with
his family, and settled in Yates Co., N. Y., in what is
now the town of Benton, — then a wilderness. Hence he
was a pioneer in that county, and there spent the remainder
of his life as a farmer, dying at about the age of seventy.
Gen. Crane's father, Nirom Crane, one of nine children,
was a volunteer and ranked as second lieutenant of a rifle
company in the war of 1812 ; was engaged in the battle of
Queenstown Heights, Canada. He led a quiet life as a
farmer, and died, at the age of sixty-one, in the year 1845,
leaving two sons and five daughters who reached maturity,
of whom the subject of this notice was the youngest.
At the age of fifteen he became a clerk in a general
merchandise store in Wayne, this county, and continued as
such, in that place and Penn Yan, during the remainder of
his minority.
In the year 1849 he established himself in business as a
merchant at Wayne, which he continued successfully for
three years, and removed to Hornellsville, where he carried
on mercantile business until 1856, when, being chosen
vice-president of the Bank of Hornellsville (the first bank
established there), he remained in connection with the busi-
ness of that bank until it was closed, in 1859. He at
once started a private bank, the business of which he car-
ried on until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion.
In April, 1861, inspired with that patriotism and loyalty
to country so characteristic of his ancestors, he raised a
company of volunteers, and in May following, as lieutenant-
colonel of the 23d New York Volunteers (called the South-
ern Tier Rifles), hastened to the capital, reaching Arlington
Heights the next morning after the battle of Bull Run.
As lieutenant-colonel he commanded the regiment through
Pope's campaign, and led it successively in the more im-
portant battles of Rappahannock, Groveton, Bull Run
(second), Chantilly, South Mountain, and Antietam.
After the latter battle he was detailed as acting in-
spector-general on the stafi" of the 1st Army Corps of the
Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj.-Gen. John F.
Reynolds, where he remained until after the close of the
battle of Fredericksburg, and on which he officiated as
aide-de-camp to Gen. Reynolds, and was complimented
in general orders for gallantry on the battle-field by him.
Subsequently he was assigned assistant provost-marshal-
general on the staff of Gen. Hooker, in the Army of the
Potomac, where he remained until the expiration of his term
of service of two years, when, after only two weeks' respite
at home he returned to his regiment as colonel of the 107th
New York Volunteers, joined the regiment at Leesburg,
Va., then on the march to Gettysburg. In the battle of
Gettysburg he had command of the regiment in the thick-
est of the fight, yet losing only a few men.
His corps (the 20th) was then sent, under command of
Gen. Hooker, to join Sherman at Chattanooga. To fol-
low his career through " Sherman's march to the sea''
would be to give an outline sketch of the victories, priva-
tions, marches, etc., of that renowned campaign, the princi-
pal of which were Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Peach-Tree
Creek, and Atlanta, and the taking of Savannah, followed
by the march through the Carolinas, and the capture and
surrender of Johnston's army.
During the campaign in South Carolina, for gallant and
meritorious conduct, he was brevetted brigadier-general
with rank from March, 1865.
Gen. Crane was mustered out of the service in June,
1865, and returned home.
In the fall of the same year he opened a private bank,
under the name of N. M. Crane & Co., which he continues
to carry on.
In 1869 he was chosen county clerk, which oflice he held
one term.
Upon the organization of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home,
at Bath, N. Y., Gen. Crane was appointed by Governor
Robinson as one of the nine trustees, and is also the treas-
urer of that institution.
Gen. Crane has been identified with the Republican
party since its organization, although not in any sense of
the term a professional politician.
In the year 1852, Oct. 19, he married Marie Louise,
second daughter of Matthew MacDowell, of Wayne, Steu-
ben Co., a lady of rare culture, and descended from English
ancestry on the maternal, and Scotch ancestry on the pater-
nal side.
Their children are Sidney H., Marion Louise, and Guy
MacDowell.
120
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
CHAPTER XXV.
MILITARY HISTORT-(Continued).
Steuben in the War of the Rebellion — (Continued).
THE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Tats regiment was organized during the dark hours of
1862, when the novelty of military life had ceased, and
fierce war with all its horrors stood out in awful vision be-
fore the people of this country. The disastrous battles of
1861, and the unsuccessful Peninsula campaign of the Army
of the Potomac, had cast a gloom over the North, and
served to add additional vigor to the already victorious
arms of the Confederacy. It was during this hour, when
the pall of despondency seemed to be settling down upon
the North, that President Lincoln issued a call, July 1, for
three hundred thousand more men.
Gen. A. S. Diven was at that time member of Congress
from the Twenty-seventh District. Near midnight, on one
sultry summer night in July, he was called upon at his
residence in Washington by Gen. Van Valkenburgh, of
Steuben, and Mr. Pomeroy, of Auburn, both members of
Congress from New York, with the message that Secretary
Seward wished to see him immediately. He immediately
answered the summons, and the secretary, addressing him
abruptly, said, " Will you go home and raise a regiment in
your district ? Pomeroy is going. Van Valkenburgh is
going, and you must go. I mean to invite every member
of Congress to do so, and thus raise regiments by districts."
Gen. Diven was prompt to answer " yes," and on the fol-
lowing morning left Washington for Elmira. Although at
first meeting with much discouragement, able men soon
rallied to his support. It is said of Rev. Thoilias K.
Beecher that he laid aside his clerical duties, and with
Gen. Diven traversed Schuyler, Chemung, Steuben, and
Allegany Counties, holding two meetings every day.
Recruiting was rapid. The finst company was mustered
into the United States service in July, and on the evening
of August 13 the 107th Regiment New York State Vol-
unteers left Elmira eii route to Washington.
The regiment was mustered into the service from July
31 to August 31, 1862. It was the first regiment organ-
ized under the call for the three hundred thousand men,
and received a banner from the State in recognition of that
fact.
The following were the field and staif officers : Colonel,
Robert B. Van Valkenburgh ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Alexan-
der S. Diven ; Major, Gabriel L. Smith; Adjutant, Hull
Fanton ; Quartermaster, E. P. Graves ; Quartermaster-
Sergeant, L. B. Chidsay ; Chaplain, Ezra F. Crane ; Sur-
geon, Patrick H. Flood ; Assistant Surgeon, James D.
Hewitt; Sergeant-Major, John R. Lindsay; Commissary-
Sergeant, Henry Inscho; Hospital Steward, John M. Flood.
Five companies of this regiment were raised in the fol-
lowing towns of Steuben County : Company C at Painted
Post, Company F at Addison, Company G at Bath, Com-
pany I at Corning, and Company K at Hornellsville. The
companies of the regiment were organized as follows :
Company A. — Captain, Ezra F. Crane; First Lieutenant,
Melville C. Wilkinson ; Second Lieutenant, John M. Losie.
Company B. — Captain, Lathrop Baldwin ; First Lieu-
tenant, Martin V. B. Bachman ; Second Lieutenant, George
Swain.
Company C. — Captain, William F. Fox ; First Lieu-
tenant, Charles J. Fox ; Second Lieutenant, Irving Bron-
son.
Company I). — Captain, Hector M. Stocum ; First Lieu-
tenant, Samuel A. Benedict ; Seeond Lieutenant, Odell D.
Reynolds.
Company E. — Captain, William L. Morgan ; First Lieu-
tenant, William L. Morgan, Jr. ; Second Lieutenant, Har-
low Atwood.
Company F. — Captain, James H Miles ; First Lieuten-
ant, J. Milton Roe ; Second Lieutenant, John F. Knox.
Company G. — Captain, John J. Lamon ; First Lieuten-
ant, G. H. Brigham ; Second Lieutenant, Ezra Gleason.
Company H. — Captain, Erastus C. Clark ; First Lieu-
tenant, Henry D. Donnelly ; Second Lieutenant, Lewis 0.
Sayler.
Company I. — Captain, Newton T. Colby ; First Lieu-
tenant, Benjamin C. Wilson; Second Lieutenant, Nathaniel
E. Rutter.
Company K. — Captain, Allen N. Sill ; First Lieutenant,
John M. Goodrich; Second Lieutenant, Alonzo B. Howard.
On the 15th the regiment arrived at Washington, and
after a review by President Lincoln went into camp on Ar-
lington Heights, where, August 19, they were first in bat-
talion drill. August 22 marching orders were received,
and on the following day the regiment moved to Fort Lyon,
near Alexandria, Va.
The 107th w;xs brigaded Sept. 1, 1862, with the 35th
JIassachusetts and two Pennsylvania regiments, forming
the 5th Brigade of Whipple's Division, Reserve Corps,
Colonel Van Valkenburgh commanding.
Sept. 6 orders were received to join Gen. McClellan's
army, moving northward to repel Gen. Lee's invasion of
Maryland, and at seven p.m. they were in line of march.
In speaking of this movement Gen. Diven said, " How
glorious the August moon looked down upon us as we broke
camp at Arlington, and with songs of triumph crossed the
Potomac to join the army for the defense of Washington !
How from our camp at Frederick City we saw the smoke
of battle and heard the roar of dread artillery, and marked
the strife in which we were soon to mingle! how after a
night of fatiguing march we encamped at daybreak on the
scene of an ensanguined battle of a day before ! how all day
with cautious march we advanced in the track of the brave
victors of South Mountain ! how eagerly we burned to be
sharers in the strife that was making heroes of our friends
in other regiments ! how we envied the glory that sur-
rounded the 23d !" Ah ! this gallant regiment had not
long to wait. The night of the 17th of September they
lay on their arms, and ere the " gray-eyed morn smiled on
the frowning night" was heard the rattle of musketry, and
the ominous booming of artillery, reverberated over the
army, told only too well that the battle of Antietam had
opened. As Gen. Diven remarked in an address delivered
at the regimental association in 1873, " Comrades, you re-
member the rest of that day."
Yes, the surviving members of the 107th will not soon
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTr, NEW YORK.
121
forget the liorrors of that September day. It was an all-
day's contest, and almost a hand-to-hand struggle. Night
put an end to the contest, and ninety of those brave men
who marched out to meet the enemy in the morning, at
night lay upon the field, killed and wounded. This was
the 107th'.s baptism of fire, and nobly did it pass through
the deadly contest.
Gen. Gordon, in his official report of the battle, bestowed
many encomiums of praise upon this regiment for its bravery
and soldierly bearing. He says, "The 107th New York
Regiment, Col. Van Valkenburgh, I held in reserve, throw-
ing them into the edge of a piece of woods on the left,
which, I was informed by an aid of Gen. Hooker, who met
me advancing, must be held at all hazards." Again, in the
same report, he says, " The rebel lines again advancing, I
threw forward a portion of ray brigade to support those
nearly in front, while the 107th New York was directed to
support Capt. Cotheran's battery on the left. This fine
regiment, but just organized and brought into the field, in
this battle for the first time under fire, moved with steadi-
ness to its perilous position, and maintained its ground until
recalled, though exposed to a front fire from the enemy,
and a fire over its head from batteries in its rear." He
add.s, " 1 have no word; but those of praise for their con-
duct."
Capt. Cotheran, whose battery the regiment supported,
pays it the following tribute in his official report: " The
107th Regiment, New York Volunteers, Col. R. B. Van
Valkenburgh, is entitled to great credit for both coolness and
courage, and the admir.iblc manner in which it supported
my battery during the fight. This being the first time this
regiment was under fire, I most cheerfully bear testimony
to the excellent bearing of both officers and men, while
occupying the uncomfortable position of being the recipi-
ents of the enemy's fire while they were unable to return
it."
Not one moment elapised, from the beginning to the
close of this .sanguinary struggle, that the 107th was not
under fire.
The following vivid summary of this battle, in which the
107th took so conspicuous a position, is given by Gen.
Gordon : " From sunrise to sunset the waves of battle ebbed
and flowed. Men wrestled with each other in lines of regi-
ments, brigades, and divisions, while regiments, brigades,
and divisions faded away under a terrible fire, leaving long
lines of dead to mark where stood the living. Fields of
corn were trampled into shreds, forests were battered and
scathed, huge limbs went crashing to earth, sent by shell
and round shot. Grape and canister mingled their hissing
scream in this hellish carnival ; yet within all this, and
throughout it all, the patriots of the North wrestled with
hearts strong and unshaken ; wrestled with the rebel horde
that thronged and pressed upon them, never yielding,
though sometimes halting to gather up their strength, then
with one mighty bound, throwing themselves upon their
foes, to drive them into their protecting forests beyond.
We indeed at night slept upon the bloody field of our vic-
tory." The regiment was at this time in the 3d Brigade,
1st Division, of the 12th Corps.
On the day following the battle the regiment lay upop
16
the field, and on the 19th marching orders were received,
and they started in pursuit of the vanquished foe. They
moved to Maryland Heights, and weut into camp, Septem-
ber 2i. While here the ranks were greatly decimated by
fever, which raged to such an extent that at the review by
President Lincoln, October 2, not three hundred men were
able to report for duty. The hospitals were filled with vic-
tims of the disease, and their camp at Maryland Heights
was indeed a sorrowful one, where so many of the brave
men, who bad pas.sed the fire of battle, sank before this
destroyer, and were buried in the winding-sheet, for no
coffins, not even of the rudest manufacture, could at one
time be obtained. The first death in this camp was that
of Corp. Joseph Couse, of Company H, and he was buried
in a rough box, made by Sergt. Abram White, oi' old fence-
boards.
The 107th remained at Maryland Heights until late in
October, when they moved to Antietam Ford. Here they
remained a few weeks, and on the 10th of December moved
into Virginia, passing through Harper's Ferry, thence across
the Shenandoah, and down the Leesburg Valley to Fairfax
Station. The regiment halted here for a short time and
then proceeded towards Frederick.sburg; subsequently went
into camp at a place called Hope Landing, on Aquia Creek.
An official report forwarded to the War Department
about this time says, " The 107th remained in camp at
Fairfax Station, Va., until the morning of the 19th of
January, when it broke camp and commenced marching
southward towards Stafford Court-House, together with the
12th Army Corps (Maj.-Gen. H. W. Slocum). The
march was continued from day to day for five days during
the worst possible storm imaginable, fording the swollen
streams and making our way along seemingly impassable
roads. The evening of Friday arrived at Staffiird Court-
House. Here the regiment was paid up to the 31st of
October, 1862, which was the first pay received. Re-
mained in bivouac near Stafford until Tuesday, January
27, when we marched to Hope Landing, on the Aquia
Creek ; remained in bivouac there for a few days, and then
moved to a camp nearer the creek and commenced building
winter quarters for the fourth time. February 13 finds
the regiment still here. Sickness is alarmingly on the in-
crease, and regimentally matters looked gloomy. Only
some four hundred men left for duty, the balance of the
ten hundred and nineteen of six months ago dead, wounded,
or absent sick."
Camp life at Hope Landing had been pleasant and duty
easy, and but for the sickness that prevailed, cau.sed by the
winter, fatigue, and exposure, this camp might have been
left with regret. But not so. The regiment had been
greatly thinned by disease, and on April 27 they cheerfully
broke camp and marched, under the command of gallant,
fighting Joe Hooker, towards the Rappahannock. The
order of march was gladly hailed, and Gen. Diven re-
marked. " Never prisoner left a dungeon more eagerly
than we our camp when wo marched forth under the
proud banner of the 12th Army Corps."
The spring campaign was active as it was disastrous.
Not one week had elapsed after leaving the camp at Hope
Landing ere the 107th participated in the terrible battle
122
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK.
of Chancellorsville, adding fresh laurels to those already
won on the hard-contested field of Antietam.
This regiment having fought gallantly at Antietam, and
left that sanguinary field crowned with the laurels of vic-
tory, never harbored the thought of a possible defeat, and
with the same coolness and determination that marked
their career there, did they move upon the enemy at Chan-
cellorsville. On the evening of the second day, believing
the foe was defeated, marched out to join in capturing a
conquered army ; but they reckoned without their host.
The advance soon became a retreat, and, instead of victory,
it was defeat. Soon afler the regiment marched out they
were ordered back to their position on double-quick, and
met the flying columns of the IVth Corps, driven before
the fierce onslaught of Stonewall Jackson like chaff before
the wind. Right gallantly did the lU7th attempt to stay
the flight of the fleeing and stop the pursuit of the pur-
suing until the night came on, when the confusion was like
unto pandemonium itself During the night the regiment
again formed in line of battle, and until daybreak over their
heads blazed the shrieking shot and shell.
At early dawn, without time to consume the scanty pro-
visions that had been sent them, they entered the fight, and
for hours that passed like minutes struggled with the foe, until
the last round of ammunition was exhausted, and then, with
fixed bayonets, stood, as they supposed, until reinforcements
had come to take their place. Then in orderly march,
proud of their endurance, the regiment retired. The rein-
forcements, however, outstripped them in the retreat ; and,
under a murderous fire, they formed a new line near the
Chancellorsville House, only to be driven from it by the
artillery oi' the victorious foe. The battle of Chancellors-
ville was fought and lost.
It was a bloody day for the 107th. Many a home in
the Twenty-seventh Congressional District was rendered
desolate by this day's carnage. At least one-third of the
force engaged was lost. Fearfully were the ranks of the
107th thinned, but not dishonored. Every survivor who
participated in that day's fight felt conscious of having
performed his duty, and thenceforward the regiment was
counted veteran.
" Thej never fail who die
In a great cause. The block may soak their gore;
Their heads may sodden in the sun; their limbs
Be strung to city gates or castle walls:
But still their spirits walk abroad, though years .
Elapse, and others share as dark a doom.
They but augment the deep and sweejiing thoughts
Which overspread all others, and conduct
The world at last to freedom.'*
From the disastrous Chancellorsville battle-ground the
107th marched to Stafford Court-House, where they went
into camp and remained during the month of May. While
here the regiment parted with their brave Col. Diven and
efficient Adjutant Fanton, who resigned and returned to
their homes. The command of the regiment now devolved
upon Lieut.-Col. Colby,
June 12 the camp presented a lively appearance, as
orders had been received to march at a moment's notice,
and on the following day, at six o'clock, the forces moved
northward to repel the invasion of I|ee. This w^s the be-
ginning of the Gettysburg campaign.
On the 24th of June the newly-appointed colonel, N. M.
Crane, joined the regiment and assumed command. July
1 the 107th reached Gettysburg, Pa., and prepared for the
deadly contest of the morrow. The morrow came, and with
it every indication of a terrible struggle. Everything tend-
ing to encumber the men was thrown aside, guns were
primed afresh, and a few words of encouragement and direc-
tion given by the gallant colonel. Then each man took
his place and awaited the order that should .summon them
to the front, where the sanguinary battle of Gettysburg
was raging in all its fury. The regiment, however, was
not actively engaged, and the loss was small.
July 5 the regiment left the Gettysburg battle-field,
and followed in the pursuit of the retreating enemy. On
the IJth, Gen. Lee, hard pressed, escaped across the
Potomac, closely followed by the Union army, under the
command of Gen. Meade. They continued their march
through Virginia, reaching Kelley's Ford August 1, where
they went into camp, and remained until September IG,
when the line of march was taken up to Bealton Station,
from whence the 107th was transported to Stevenson, Ala.,
to reinforce the Army of the West. From October, 1868,
to April, 18G4, the regiment — with the exception of Com-
panies B and K, which were sent to Shelbyville, Tenn. —
lay at Wartrace, Bell Buckle, and Wartrace Bridge, doing
guard and picket duty.
During this time the 107th received, by transfer from the
disbanded 145th Regiment and by recruits, two hundred
and fifty men, and was enabled to completely recuperate for
the first time from the fatigue of its constant service since
entering the field.
On the 20th of April, 1864 (the regiment then six hun-
dred strong), they broke camp, and then commenced Sher-
man's memorable march. May 15 was fought the battle
of Resaea, and the 107th lost two killed and seventeen
wounded.
Sherman hotly pursued the retreating forces of John-
ston until May 25, when, coming upon his army at Dallas,
a sharp contest ensued, in which the 107th lost nearly two
hundred men.
The following account of this battle is from the pen of
A. S. Fitch, of Elmira, who was a member of the regi-
ment :
" This battle of Dallas, fought mainly by one division
(the 1st) of the 20th Army Corps, was a desperate, earnest
attempt to force from their chosen position a large force of
the enemy closely massed and defended by almost impreg-
nable works. That it failed has been intimated. That it
was not by lack of valor or determined effort on the part of
our .soldiers, I trust I shall make apparent to all. It was
for a long time considered by our men a rash and terrible
blunder on the part of our commanding generals. Be this
as it may, the honest and manly Sherman, as usual, shoul-
ders the entire responsibility of the affkir, by the simple an-
nouncement, in that part of his official report which covers
this engagement, ' all (his was done by my order.'
" It was one of those unfortunate affairs, in which a great
sacrifice of precious life was made, yet nothing substantial
was accomplished. The fact that in one short hour this
one division lost nearly twelve hundred men, killed and
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
123
wounded, proves the magnitude of the aflFair. And here,
too, the entire army were brought to a halt, and after ten
days of incessant fighting and manoeuvring had proved the
enemy's position ahnost impregnable, a flank movement
was resorted to, which alone compelled him to abandon it.
" Two days after the repulse of our troops, a heavy force
of the enemy attempted to assault and carry McPherson's
position, farther to the right. It was defended by earth-
works and artillery, and the brave boys of McPherson re-
pulsed his every attempt, killing and wounding nearly three
thousand of his men, and driving him back shattered and
routed to his works. This, in a measure, ' squared' the
accounts and compensated for the disastrous result on the
25th, and months afterwards we learned from a captured
rebel officer that their loss in our front on the 25th was
very severe, particularly in their second line, which, being
less sheltered by the works, received the brunt of our
terrible musketry fire and suffered severely.
" The 107th Regiment lost a much larger number killed
and wounded in this engagement than any other regiment
engaged, and far more than in any other of its operations ;
hence to them did it become the great event of their three
years' service, and they richly deserve the right to regard
it as such.
" The morning of the eventful 25th of May came. Re-
veille was sounded at 3.30 o'clock, and at 8.30 the column
got under way. It moved slowly forward until noon, when
a halt of an hour was made, after which we moved out on a
by-road leading to the little town of Dallas. The marching
was easy, the weather fine, and our men went forward in
high spirits, hoping soon to reach this objective point in
the line of march ; and as no enemy showed itself, every-
thing bid fair to work for a ready accomplishment of that
object.
" But suddenly a halt was sounded. Then came the
order ' ahout face and ' inarch' Something wa.s the matter
surely. Had our advance struck that long expected ' snag,'
or was there trouble to the rear ? We were marched rap-
idly back for a mile or two, then leaving the road the column
struck across a field, down into a ravine, across a creek,
known by the euphonious name of Pumpkin-Vine Creek,
and up a steep ascent to a thinly-wooded table-land, where
we found artillery in position, and the intiintry of Geary's
2d Division partially intrenched. Matters certainly looked
serious. Orderlies were galloping to and fro giving orders,
and as we went into position one piece of our artillery began
shelling the woods in our front. The boys of our regiment
had a tradition that this marching back left in front always
foreshadowed difificulties and trouble, and speedily came to
the conclusion that there was an enemy in front that we
.should soon meet. The line was formed on the crest of a
hill, the 1st Division taking the place where Geary's Division
had previously occupied. The 2d Brigade, to which the
107th belonged, held the right.
'• We now learned that, early in the day, Gen. Hooker,
with his staff, came upon a rebel picket, posted at the cross-
ing of Pumpkin- Vine Creek, which fired upon him and fled.
The general, with his escort, pushed boldly ahead, and soon
came upon a body of rebel cavalry. A sharp fight ensued,
the escort driving oft' the enemy unaided.
" Shortly afterwards the 2d Division, which was on a
different road than that which the 1st had taken, came upon
a large force of rebel infiintry ; a severe fight followed, the
enemy being driven into a new and formidable line of works,
where they succeeded in checking the advance of our troops
with severe loss. It thus being evident that the enemy were
in large force here. Gen. Hooker ordered the 1st and 3d
Divisions back to the support of Geary, and by five o'clock
P.M. the entire corps were in line of battle, the 107th Regi-
ment occupying a position as before stated.
" We lay for .some time quietly waiting some response to
the shells of our battery, and preparing for the shock that
seemed imminent and close at hand. Yet there was no
shrinking back or expression of dismay on the faces of the
veterans of the 107th. Every one felt that there was hot
work to be done, but so often had they faced the whirlwind
of battle, and tasted of its fiery experiences, none thought
of faltering in this new hour of danger.
" No reply being provoked by the shells of our battery,
the bugle sounded an advance, and the long Une moved
down the hill, across the ravine, and up the other side with
beautiful precision ; a level, thinly-wooded section stretched
before, and forward the line swept, our skirmishers coming
up with, and rapidly driving back those of the enemy, until
they seemed to be making a precipitate retreat. Forward,
double-quick, sounded the shrill bugle^' Forward, double-
quick !' shouted the officers — and away at the double-quick
sprang our elated men. It was an imposing sight. The
entire brigade were sweeping rapidly forward with as true
a front as if on drill. Gen. Williams, who rode close
behind the line, remarked that it was as strict an alignment
as if on dress parade ; the line moved as one man, eager to
overtake what seemed to be a fleeing enemy. But how
terribly were we mistaken ! Suddenly our skirmish line
seemed to slacken its advance, then come to a stand-still ;
not so the main line. Still at the double-quick it went
crashing forward, nearly running down and over the wa-
vering line of skirmi.shers. The word to us was still ybr-
ward, and on we went until we were in the very breath of
the hell fire that was to sweep through our ranks. But
now the pace slacken.s — before us we hear the sharp crack-
ling of musketry. There goes a man fallen to the ground
wounded — there another ; the line halts, and in what a
fearful place ! Directly before us, so near we can see the
embrasures of the batteries, frowned a line of massive earth-
works, bristling with cannon, behind which, massed in
heavy force, lay the enemy. We were fairly trapped — we
could not retreat — we must stand our ground. The ranks
closed up bravely. To the right of the 107th Regiment
was the gallant old 3d Wisconsin. It was some comfort to
us to know they were so near and held the flank. The fire
of the enemy began to increase. Our men leveled their
rifles and the whole line was ablaze with the discharge.
Then out from that dark covert leaped such a discharge
of death-dealing missiles as never before was met in all our
experience. Shot, shell, grape, canister and minie came
tearing through our ranks, mowing a terrible swath of death
and destruction. At this first fire of the enemy fell full one-
half of those lost during the engagement. It was sickening,
fearful.
124
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" Company F occupied a position directly across an open
road that led through the woods, and from its increased
exposure suffered more than any other company. Brave
Capt. Knox, who commanded it, was far ahead of his men,
waving his sword and endeavoring to cheer them on, when
he was struck by a piece of shell and fell mortally wounded.
In quick succession fell its first and second lieutenants,
the former severely wounded, the last dead, while at the
first volley fell nearly one-half of the entire company. And
so along the line men and officers were falling like grain
before the reaper. But, praise God ! the gallant old regi-
ment stood fast, and went not backward a single step. The
broken ranks close up, the line blazed forth its volley again
and again, and though the hell in our front vomited out its
fiery discharges thick and fast, there was no confusion or
disorder. The gaps caused by our fiiliing men were quickly
filled by the survivors, and the ranks, though fearfully de-
pleted, remained unbroken. We should surely have relief
soon, for ammunition already began to fail, and this un-
equal contest could not last long. But nearly an hour
passed, and no relief came, and still the contest went on.
The line of the regiment had become such a mere skeleton
that the men found a partial cover behind the trees, and
replenishing their cartridge-boxes from those of their fallen
comrades, kept up a steady tire upon the enemy's position,
striving, by watching the flash of his cannon, to pick oiF the
men who served them. Col. Crane now dispatched Adj.
Benedict to Gen. Ruger, who commanded the brigade, with
the message to hurry up the relief, as his line was a mere
skeleton, and nearly out of ammunition. Back came the
adjutant with the stern command from the general, '■to
have his men fix bayonets, and hold the ground at all haz-
ards'.' If the enemy should make a sally and charge
upon our shattered line, nothing could save us from disas-
trous overthrow, for there was no force within supporting
distance. Fortunately, however, the enemy, either from
being too much crippled himself, or from an ignorance of
the condition of affairs in his front, did not venture from
the cover of his works, and we were thus saved from com-
plete annihilation.
" The gloom of night began to gather around the devoted
regiment, and we could distinguish the enemy's position
only by the flashes of his cannon and musketry. Suddenly
a thrill of joy ran through every heart, as, looking back,
we saw the long-looked for relief Never was relief more
welcome or more needed. The long line of fresh troops
came up, halted, and fixed bayonets, and took their position
where, for over an hour, we had stood and fought in the
face of a fire seldom if ever equaled in severity during the
war. Cautiously the scattered men were gathered in, and
slowly moving back, lying down occasionally to escape the
shells of the enemy, as he at times redoubled his fire, we
at last got out of range, and were safe. Soon after, as night
set in, the fire of the rebel battery slackened, and the fight
became a mere desultory skirmish fire between the two
lines.
" It quickly grew dark, and, exhausted and heavy-hearted,
our men lay down to rest. Not a company but mourned
the loss of some favorite member ; not a man but had lost
some comrade dearly loved.
" The morning of the 26th dawned with a clear sky and
bright sun, and under its cheerful influences the depressed
spirits of our men rose to their wonted level, and no active
operations being ordered, time and opportunity were given
to look about and ascertain the precise result of yesterday's
contest. Parties were detailed to bring in and bury the
dead, and the regiment was brought together and put in
line to the rear of the field of operations of the previous
day, and now we learned the actual loss during that fright-
ful hour's work.
" Twenty-four of the regiment's bravest and best men
fell dead on the field. Twelve more of the wounded died
during the night. Beside these one hundred and thirty-two
crippled and mutilated forms found refuge in the hospitals,
there to linger for a few days in agony worse than death, or
to escape to a life of hopeless deformity and suffering.
" Among the dead were the very flower of the regiment.
Company B lost three of its very best men, in the persons of
McGuire, Greves, and Vreeland, all shot dead, while among
those fatally wounded was the tried and trusty Corp. Mun-
son, well known to many friends here as a most exemplary
and Christian young man. Company D, in the death of
young William Van Auken. lost a splendid soldier and a
faithful and beloved comrade. Company F, as has been
stated, was terribly cut up, and mourned, in the death of
Capt. Knox and Lieut. Hill, two as brave and accomplished
officers as ever drew sword. Company K lost another true
and Christian young man, Sergt. Eugene Thacher. Com-
pany A lost its noble First Sergt. Hammond, and by the
severe wounding of Capt. John M. Losie (_who suffered the
amputation of a leg) were deprived of a brave and efficient
commander. Two other fine soldiers were Sergt. Ben Force,
of Company H, and Corp. Charles Newberry, of Company
I. Both fell dead while bravely fighting ; men that could
illy be spared, their death caused a vacancy hard to be so
well filled again. But among so many gallant ones fallen
it is useless to attempt a mention of all. Each fallen one
was a hero, and will be ever remembered as such by his
surviving comrades, and a nation's gratitude will, we trust,
ever be accorded to them, as a part of that great host who
laid down their lives that the nation might live.
" The ranks of the regiment, though so fearfully depleted,
were now fully reformed, and its gallant members were ready
for the next ordeal that the campaign might develop."
Fighting and skirmishing were continued on the following
day, and, although the enemy was intrenched, on the 5th
of June he retreated. Sherman lost no time, but followed
hard upon the retreating foe. He crowded Johnston from
one position to another, and from June 6 to 14 was a series
of marches, countermarches, and skirmishes. On the 15th
the enemy opened an attack on our forces at Pine Knob,
and, after a hard fight, was repulsed with heavy loss.
Again there was a retreat by the enemy, and again the
victorious army of Sherman followed in hot pursuit. The
battle of Culp's Farm was fought on the 22d, and on the
27ih followed the battle of Kenesaw.
On went the flying foe before the intrepid Sherman.
Peach-Tree Creek battle was fought the 20th, and here
the gallant Major Baldwin was mortally wounded, June
22. After hard fighting, Sherman secured a position in
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
125
front of Atlanta, and laid siege to the city, which was
finally evacuated by the enemy September 2, and the
107th Regiment was among the first to enter the city.
In this siege the regiment lost about sixty killed and
wounded.
The regiment remained at Atlanta some time performing
provost-guard duty, and on the 15th of September left
Atlanta with Sherman on his memorable " March to the
Sea." On the 26th a skirmish was had at Sandersville,
and December 9, Redoubt No. 3, nine miles from Savannah,
was captured, and December 21 the city was evacuated by
the enemy and the campaign closed. This was one of the
greatest campaigns of the war, and it is an honor to be
able to say, " I marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the
sea !" It may justly be written that the lOTtli during this
campaign added fresh laurels to those already won while
with the Army of the Potomac, and it is well known that
Gen. Sherman held this regiment in the highest esteem ;
and in 1875 he said, " I surely know no regiment that I
would prefer to meet, whose services both East and West
make them justly proud."
.\fter the evacuation of Savannah, the 107th went into
camp on tha Georgia side of the river, where they remained
until Jan. 17, 1865, when they moved with the army for
the campaign through the Carolinas, and participated in
the battle of Avorysboro', N. C, March 16, and Black
River, N. C, March 19. On the 24th they readied
Goldsboro' and went into camp, ending the march of sixty-
six days, — distance, five hundred miles, — the total casual-
ties of the campaign being about forty. Left camp at
Goldsboro' April 10, and, after a series of marches, — pass-
ing through Richmond and other places, — the 25th finds
the regiment in camp near Bladensburg, Md., preparing
the muster-out rolls. June 6 they bade farewell to South-
ern soil, and on the 8th reached Elmira, on the 9th turned
over their camp and garrison equipage, on the 10th were
paid off and mustered out of service, and the 107th passed
into history.
Summary of Marches. — The following is a summary of
marches of the regiment :
Year. Miles.
18B2.— Before leaving Arlington Heights 20
1862. — First campaign in Maryland 175
1862.— To Antietam Ford froni Maryland Heights 10
1862. — Winter campaign to Fairfax and Stafford Court-
House 150
1863. — Campaign to Chancellorsville 75
1863. — Second campaign in Maryland and Pennsyl-
vania 350
1863. — Marches on the Rappahannock and in Ten-
nessee 300
1864. — Campaign to .\tlanta and the sea 600
1365. — Campaign through Carolinas 500
1865. — Homeward march to Washington 400
Total 2580
Summary of Campaigns. — The regiment campaigned
in the following States: Pennsylvania, Maryland, West
Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Ten-
nessee, and passed through Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Summary of Battles. — The regiment participated in the
following battles and skirmishes, viz. :
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862.
Chancellorsville, Va., May 1-3, 1863.
Getty.sburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863.
Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864.
Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864.
CassviUe, Ga., May 19, 1864.
Pine Knob, Ga., June 15, 1864.
Culp's Farm, Ga., June 22, 1864.
Kenesaw, Ga., June 27, 1864.
Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Siege of Atlanta, July 23 to Aug. 24, 1864.
Sandersville, Ga., Nov. 26, 1864.
Redoubt No. 3, Savannah, Ga., Dec. 9, 1864.
Argyle Island and siege of Savannah, Dec. 11-22, 1864.
Averysboro', N. C, March 16, 1865.
Black River, N. C, March 19, 1865.
Roll of Honor. — During the month of January, 1876,
Maj. Charles J. Fox and A. S. Fitch, the efficient secretary
of the 107th Association, visited Albany, and upon appli-
cation at the oflice of the adjutant-general were furnished
with the muster-out rolls of the regiment, from which were
copied the lists of the dead of the several companies, with
date, place, and cause of death. This list comprises only
those who died before receiving their discharge from the
service. Many sick and wounded were discharged, came
home, and died ; none such are reported in this list.
Fieltl (n,d Staff.
Lieut.-Col. Lathrop Baldwin, died July 30, 1864, of wounds received
at Peach-Treo Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Com.-Sergt. Henry Inscho, died April 9, 1863.
Oomjianif A.
Cornelius Hammond, first sergeant, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Charles Bolton, sergeant, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 20, 1864,
of wounds received at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
John B. Arnot, died at Bolivar Heights, Oct. 23, 1862.
Silas H. Betson, died at Hope Landing, Va., March 3, 1863.
Abram Decatur, died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Oct. 13, 1862.
Augustus Demick, died at Fairfax Court-House, Va., Oct. 12, 1862.
John M. French, died Sept. 19, 1862, from wounds received at Antie-
tam.
William Hill, died at Jcffcrsonville, Dec. 2, 1864.
William J. Graves, died at Atlanta, Oct. 24, 1864.
Charles H. Luce, died at Washington, D. C, Jan 21, 1863.
George McPherson, died at David's Island, N. Y., April 5, 1865.
George Ramsey, died at Washington, D. C, July 25, 1863.
Henry P. Smith, died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Oct. 13, 1862.
Henry Stevens, died at Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 19, 1S64.
Company B.
Marcus M. Munson, corporal, died at Kingston, Ga., June 4, 1864,
from wounds received at Dallas.
Guy Rathbone, corporal, died in South Carolina, Jan. 25, 1865.
Jonathan H. Barlow, died at Washington, D. C, Jan. 20, 1863.
John Bright, died in Nashville, Tenn., June 27, 1864, of wounds
received at Dallas.
Harrison D. Cooper, died at Nashville, Tenn., July 7, 1864, from
wounds received at Dallas.
Hay Griene, killed at the battle of Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Harvey Harrington, died at Antietam, Md., Sept. 18, 1862, from
wounds received at the battle of Antietam.
Henry C. Howland, died near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, from
wounds received while on skirmish line.
Jacob W. Jackson, died at Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1862.
Charles S. Keener, died at Kingston, Ga., July 31, 1864, of wounds
received at Dallas.
Martin McGuire, killed at Dallas, M.ay 25, 1864.
Stephen Rickey, died at Summit House, Md., Deo. 22, 1862.
126
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Oscar M. Root, died at Louisville, Ky., Aug. 24, 1864, from wounds
received at Dallas.
Van Buren Stage, died at Harper's Ferry, Oct. l.S, 1862.
Charles J. Terwilliger, died at Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 15, 1862.
Frederick Lostensen, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 28, 1864, from
accidental wounds.
Louis N. Vreel.and, killed at Dallas.
Levi B. V.an Gelder, died at Nashville, Tcnn., July 29, 1S64, from
wounds received at Dallas.
Compaiiif C.
Jeremiah B. Wood, sergeant, Dallas, Ga., May 30, 1864.
William K. Christler, corporal, killed at Averysboro*, N. C, March
17, 1864.
John McCarrick, Atlanta, Ga.. Oct. 11, 1864.
David Able, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 29, 1862.
Andrew Brockway, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Oscar F. Bradley, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 15, 1864.
Archilest Campbell, Atlanta, Oct. 25, 1864.
George Compton, Hope Landing, Va., March 3, 1863.
Michael Crampton, New York, March 19, 1864.
Patrick Dore, killed at Atlanta, Aug. 11, 1864.
Clement Drehcr, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Louis Matthias, Newbern, N. C, May 25, 1864, of wounds received at
Averysboro'.
Clark Richardson, Aquia, Va., May 8, 1863, of wounds received at
Chancellorsville.
William Parks, Aquia Bay, March 17, 1863.
Francis S. Steinbeck, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
William Williams, killed at Rockingham, N. C, March 8, 1864.
C<tinj>aii}/ D.
William E. Van Auken, sergeant, killed at Dalbis, May 25, 1864.
Ford, sergeant, killed at Dallas, iMay 25, 1864.
Be.ach Beardsley, corporal, Fairfa.\ Seminary, Va., Aug. 11, 1863.
William J. Personius, sergeant, Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 5, 1864.
Henry Armstrong, mortally wounded at the battle of Dallas, May 25,
1864, and died same day.
Patrick Callahan. Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862, of wounds received
in battle.
M. Dayton, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 28, 1862.
Nathaniel Finch, Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 27, 1862.
Isaac N. Lobdell, David's Island, N. Y., April 29, 1865.
Isaac Slawson, Richmond, Va., Feb. 18, 1863, prisoner.
Compinii/ E.
Guy C. Adams, sergeant, killed on skirmish line, at Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 3, 1864.
Peter C. Compton, sergeant, died June 30, 1864, of wounds received
at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Daniel B. Scott, corporal, mortally wounded on skirmish line, Aug.
17, 1864; died on the following d.ay.
William Dickinson, corporal, killed at Rockingham, N. C, March 8,
1865.
Martin Bloss, corporal, Louisville, Ky., Dec. 16, 1864, of wounds re-
ceived at Pine Knob.
Charles Wiilover, corporal, Har]>er's Ferry, Va., Oct. 26, 1862.
Erastus Busking, date and place not given.
William Church, Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 2, 1862.
AVilliam Cooper, Harper's Ferry, Va., April 11, 1864.
Stephen Corwin, killed at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 3, 1864.
Joseph V. Hoyt, wounded at Atlanta, Ga. ; died Jiily 30, 1864.
Josiah ILand, Wilmington, Del., Nov. 7, 1862.
John Lalor, Hope Landing, Va., Feb. 21, 1863.
William Ladow, Chattanooga, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1864.
Elias Raiker, wounded at Averysboro'; died March 19, 1865.
Edward Sherman, Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 8, 1862.
Andrew Van Camp, Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 3, 1862.
CoiUJHtJil/ F.
Capt. John F. Kno.x, Kingston, Ga., in May, 1864, of wounds re-
ceived at Dallas.
Lieut. John D. Hill, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Sergt. Amos Rogers, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 7, 1862.
Daniel F. Hathaway, Nov. 3, 1862.
David Latonrette, Sept. 18, 1864.
Henry B. Aldrich, Nov. 16, 1862.
Enos P. Barnes, Nov. 16, 1862.
John Brewer, Feb. 6, 1863.
Daniel Cummings, March 31, 1863.
Wm. H. Hatch, killed at Chancellorsville. Va., May 3, 1863.
James B. Jones, June 5, 1864. of wounds received at Dallas.
Albert A. Johnson, June 1, 1864, of wounds received at Dallas.
Theophilus Krnmloff, Feb. 18, 1863.
James Kelly, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Abraham Miller, Oct. 16, 1862.
David B. Moranville, March 28, 1863.
Samuel Miller, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
James D. Molson, wounded at Dallas : died May 25, 1864.
Fred'k Mellcn, Oct. 7, 1864.
James B. Neliis, Sept. 7, 1864, of wounds received at Dallas.
Edwin M. Reynolds, Nov. 21, 1862.
Gilbert C. Sticklee, Oct. 1, 1862.
David Siraonson, killed at Kenesaw, Ga., June 16, 1864.
James B. Taft, wounded at Dallas; died June 9, 1864.
Parley S. White, Nov. 2, 1862.
Fred'k W. Wagner, June 10, 1863.
A. D. Watson, March 5, 1863.
Wm. H. Young, wounded at Dallas ; died May 26, 1864.
Companif G.
Samuel Kinney, sergeant, wounded: died at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 17,
1864.
Horace Hotchkiss, sergeant, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.
John E. Stratton, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.
Adam Tomer, killed at Dallas. May 25, 1864.
Albert V. Borden, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 25, 1862.
J. H. Greek, Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 17, 1865.
T. M. Aederman, killed at Dalltis, May 25, 1864.
Abram Denniston, Washington, D. 0., Feb. 6, 1863.
Edward Dickinson, Nashville, Tenn., July 20, 1864.
Wm. L. Everitt, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Alonzo Johnson, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Wm. Jackson, died from wounds received at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
John Kallaher, killed at .Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
James W. Lovell, Hope Landing, Va., May 7, 1863.
Walter B. Long, killed .at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Edmond Lewis, Tullahoma, Tenn., April 24, 1864.
James McCullough, Hope Landing, Va., March 1, 1863.
Fayette McCarty, Bell Buckle, Tenn., April IS, 1864.
John Morgan, killed at .\verysboro', N. C, March 16, 1865.
Eleazer J. Mowers, killed at Atlanta, Ga.. Aug. 17, 1864.
Nelson A. Robinson, Smoketown, Md., Deo. 13, 1862.
Jesse E. Stevens, killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862.
D.avid B. Sanford, killed at Dallaii, May 25, 1861.
Jonathan E. Smith, Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 18, 1864.
E. Taylor, Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 10, 1864.
Francis Wheaton, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 10, 1862.
James Wilco.K, Chattanooga, Tenn., June 30, 1864.
John Morrell, Division Hospital, Aug. 19, 1864.
Compantf H.
Benjamin Force, sergeant, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Nathan F. Dykeman, sergeant, Washington, D. C, May 29, 1865 ;
killed by cars.
Joseph Couse, Maryland Heights, Oct. 1, 1862.
Edwin W. Shaw, Hope Landing, Va., April 2.3, 1863.
John R. Ackcrly, Hope Landing, Va., Feb. 25, 1863.
Anthony Boyce, killed at Culp's Farm, Va., June 22, 1864.
Cyrus J. Covin, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Myron Couch, killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864.
Geo. W. Cutler, Hope Landing, Va., March 5, 1863.
Andrew Dewitt, Hope Landing, Va., April 5, 1863.
M. S. Dawson, died at Frederick City, Md., Oct. 1, 1862, of wounds
received at Antietam.
Jason J. Youraans, Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 8, 1864, of wounds re-
ceived at Dallas.
Stephen Edwards, Savannah, Ga., Feb. 15, 1865.
John Griffith, Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 21, 1864, of wounds received
at Atlanta.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
127
Hiram L. Ilawley, Kcnesaw, Va., July 1, 1864.
Isaac Middleton, killed at Atlanta, July 2L', 1864.
Johnson B. Margeson, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1S64.
Charles Mathews, Harper's Ferry, A'^a., Oct. 13, 1862.
Hiram Paddock, Hope Landing, Va., March 2, 1863.
Dewayne Patterson, Washington, D. C, Jan. 22, 1863.
Daniel A. Stewart, Baltimore, Sept. 13, 1863.
John D. M. Van Vleet, Chattanooga, Tenn., June 24, 1864, of wounds
received at Dallas.
Ethan Worden, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 22, 1862.
Vtniipuity I.
Nat E. Rutler, captain, killed at Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863.
Geo. W. Bragg, sergeant, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 26, 1864.
Gideon Belman, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 22, 1862.
Calvin Burlinghaine, Hope Landing, Va., Feb. 2, 1863.
Daniel F. Corwin, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Levi Carpenter, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
John J. Decker, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
John Dougherty, killed at Atlanta, Aug. 5, 1S64,
Albert N. Jaynes, Frederick, Md., Feb. 11, 1863.
Samuel Johnson, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 30, 1862.
Elias Newberry, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
John Powell, New Albany, Ind., Aug. 31, 1864.
Alfred S. Walters, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 29, 1865.
Company K.
0. W. Marey, sergeant, killed at Dallas. May 25, 1864. .
Eugene Q. Thatcher, sergeant, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Alman W. Burrell. sergeant, Philadelphia, June 6. 1863.
Austin Lockwood. Nashville. Aug. 5, 1864.
Chas. Alden, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Henry Brewer, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 16, 1864,
Patrick Brauman, drowned near Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 6, 1864.
E. J. Coleman, Wilmington, March 30, 1865.
G. S. Cone, Aquia Bay, March 12, 1863.
Philander Dowley, Murfreesboro', Tenn., March 14, 1864.
James Fuller, Aquia Bay, Feb. 17, 1863.
Simeon M. Goff, Chattanooga, Sept. 17, 1864.
Eugene E. Howe, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.
Wm. H. Horton, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
William Harrison, Dalton, Ga., Feb. 18, 1864.
C. L. Johnson, Annapolis, Md., March 12, 1865.
Wm. R. Kelley, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 9, 1862.
Lewis Knickerbocker, .4quia Bay, Va., March 19, 1863.
Theo. F. Morris, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.
Jerome B. Newton, killed at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864.
Adin Orrasby, Covington, Ky., May 18, 1864.
John W. Ryan, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 9, 1862.
Henry H. Rasco, Aquia Bay, Va., May 12, 1863.
Chas. H. Storms, Chattanooga, June 19, 1864.
Martin Sage, Maryland Heights, Oct. 4, 1862.
John Van Dyke, New York, Sept. 10, 1863, from wounds received at
Gettysburg.
UEr.\PlTl-L.\TION.
Field and staff. 2
Co. A 14
" B ;: 18
" C 16
" D 10
" E 17
" F 28
" G 28
" H 23
" 1 13
" K 26
Total 195
Died of wounds or killed 88
" disease 107
CHAPTER XXVI.
MILITARY HISTORY-(Continued).
The One Hundred and Forty-First — The One Hundred and Sixty-
First.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIRST.
The 141st Regiment New York Volunteers was organ-
ized at Elmira during August, 1862. At the time, by the
disasters of the Pcninsuhi, it became needful to raise addi-
tional troops to beat back the defiant legions of the South,
who were bent, on account of their successes, upon a gen-
eral invasion of the North. The want of troops was so
imminent that two full regiments were raised in a short
time from this congressional district. The 107th was the
first to perfect its organization, and the 141st soon followed
suit. Col. S. G. Hathaway was selected from the first to
be its colonel, and he added his powerful and eflBcient in-
fluence to hasten its organization. The maximum number
of men were recruited before the last day of August, but
the regiment was not ordered to the front until Sept. 15,
1862. After reaching Washington, D. C, it went into
camp at Laurel, Md., to do guard duty on the railroad
between Baltimore and Washington, and construct military
fortifications in the vicinity of Laurel. It was relieved
November 24 of the same year and ordered to Miner's
Hill, Va., and joined Gen. Cowden's Brigade, of Aber-
crombie's Division, in the defenses of Washington. Here
it took its first lesson in picket duty, and perfected itself in
warlike discipline and defense.
The roster of the oflBcers of the regiment at that time
was as follows : Colonel, Samuel G. Hathaway, Jr. ; Lieu-
tenant-Colonel, James C. Beecher ; Major, John W.
Dininny ; Adjutant, Robert M. McDowell ; Surgeon,
Joseph W. Robinson ; Assistant Surgeons, 0. S. Green-
man, M. T. Babcock.
Company A. — Captain, Charles W. Clauharty ; First
Lieutenant, William P. Ross ; Second Lieutenant, John
Strawbridge.
Gompany B. — Captain, Andrew D. Compton ; First
Lieutenant, Stephen F. Griflith ; Second Lieutenant, Robert
F. Hedges.
Company C — Captain, Elisha G. Baldwin ; First Lieu-
tenant, James McMillan ; Second Lieutenant, Robert F.
Stewart.
Company D. — Captain, Charles A. Fuller; First Lieu-
tenant, William Merrill ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Town-
send.
Company E. — Captain, William K. Logie ; First Lieu-
tenant, John A. Shultz ; Second Lieutenant, E. J. Belding.
Company F. — Captain, Andrew J. Rnssell ; First Lieu-
tenant, John Barton ; Second Lieutenant, Wm. L. Collins.
Company G. — Captain, Daniel N. Aldrich ; First Lieu-
tenant, John W. Hammond; Second Lieutenant, John H.
Rowley.
Company H. — Captain, William A. Bronson ; First
Lieutenant, Stephen S. Roscoe ; Second Lieutenant, James
W. Smith.
Company I. — Captain, E. L. Patrick ; First Lieutenant,
R. A. Hall ; Second Lieutenant, George Tubbs.
128
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK.
Company K. — Captain, Wilbur F. Tuttle; First Lieu-
tenant, George E. Whiton ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph A.
Frisbie.
Companies A and B were organized in Schuyler County;
Companies C, I, and K in Chemung County ; Companies
D, E, F, G, and H in Steuben County.
Feb. 12, 1863, the regiment moved from Miner's Hill to
Arlington Heights. At this time Col. Hathaway and Lieut. -
Col. Beecher resigned their respective positions. Maj.
Dininny was promoted to the colonelcy. Capt. Wm. K.
Logic, Company E, was advanced to be lieutenant-colonel,
and Capt. E. L. Patrick, Company I, to be major. April
15 the division broke camp, and was sent to Suffolk, Va.,
to the department then commanded by ex-Governor John A.
Dix. That vicinity was soon relieved of the presence of the
enemy, and the regiment was not engaged in any general
battle. May 3 it was ordered back, via Portress Monroe,
to West Point, up York River, at the confluence of the
Mattapony and Pamunkey Rivers.
Gen. Gordon now assumed command of the division,
numbering eight thousand men, consisting of infantry,
cavalry, and artillery. The regiment tarried three weeks,
and engaged in building rifle-pits and fortifications until the
command was suddenly ordered back to Yorktown. While
here Col. Dininny resigned his commission, and Lieut.-
Col. Logic was promoted to the vacant place, Maj. Patrick
to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and Capt. Chas. W. Clauharty,
Company A, senior captain, whose just rights had been
hitherto ignored, was advanced to the majorship. On the
9th of June the regiment took up the march to Williams-
burg. The weather on thi.s march was exceedingly hot and
dry, and the men sufl^ered extremely from excessive heat
and thirst. June 11 the march was resumed, reaching
Diascund Bridge June 13, where it remained, far in advance
of the rest of the troops, in a low, marshy, and unhealthy
locality, and the duty was constant, onerous, and harassing.
At this point the regiment had its first brush with the
enemy, David McCann (Capt. McDowell's company) being
the first victim to the rebel bullets.
On June 26 the regiment resumed its march to White
House Landing, and joined Gen. Dix's whole command,
numbering some thirty thousand, on an expedition towards
Richmond, — which should have been captured at that time,
while Gen. Lee and very nearly his entire armies were
invading Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania. Gordon's
Division advanced as far as Bottom Bridge, only twelve or
fifteen miles from Richmond, skirmishing frequently and
getting a healthy practical experience of shot and shell.
Engagements were frequent between the pickets, but no
general battle took place until the 8th of July, when orders
were received to abandon the expedition, and the troops
were transferred to the Army of the Potomac. For four
or five months the bill of fare served up partook of so much
sameness that the regiment suffered extremely in general
health. Their staple diet, as well as luxuries, consisted of
hard-tack, bacon, and coffee, served up ad infinitum, with
no ringing of the changes. July 8 it took up the line of
march to Williamsburg. The severity of the Peninsular
campaign was now apparent in the hard marches made,
which were the immediate causes of more sickness and
death in the 141st than was subsequently experienced.
Rain fell in torrents for days ; and in one day twenty-seven
miles were gained through mud and rain, to find a watery
couch at night. The weather was so hot that the men's
feet were scalded in their wet shoes and stockings. Hun-
dreds went into Yorktown barefooted and feet blistering
sore ; but there could be no delay, — it was laid out to cap-
ture Lee in Maryland. The regiment left the place by
transport, and proceeded direct to Frederick City, Md.,
ariving there July 14. The same night the whole Confed-
erate army made a safe retreat across the Potomac. Gor-
don's Division was now disbanded and the troops trans-
ferred to the 11th and 12th Corps.
The 141st was consigned to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division,
11th Corps; Gen. Howard commanding the corps, Carl
Schurz the division, and Col. Krzyzanowski the brigade.
The regiment joined the corps at Berlin, Md , after three
days' march from Frederick City. July IK it crossed the
Potomac, and arrived at Warrington Junction the 2.5th.
It remained in this locality for some time, marching, coun-
termarching, changing camp, and drilling until September
24, when the order came to move. The 11th and 12th
Corps, under the command of Gens. Howard and Slocum,
both under the command of Maj. -Gen. Joe Hooker, were
transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, then in Ten-
nessee. The regiment arrived at Bridgeport, Ala., October
2, and went into camp on the banks of the Tennessee River,
having traveled in eight days about fourteen hundred miles.
Rosecrans was then shut up in Chattanooga on short ra-
tions,— transportation being fifty miles around by wagons,
while by the railroad through Chattanooga Valley it was
only twenty-eight miles, — the enemy holding the road and
threatening beleaguered Chattanooga from the heights of
Lookout Mountain. The gallant Hooker took the job to
open this valley, which was accomplished in just forty-eight
hours, ending with the famous moonlight " Battle of Wau-
hatchie" on the night of October 28. This opened the
railroad nearly to Chattanooga, and the Army of the Cum-
berland " dubbed" Hooker's men as " Cracker Boys," as it
had not seen but one cracker per day for a month, until
Hooker's men supplied their haversacks from their own.
The 141st took part in the above action, which was fought
on our side entirely by Eastern troops.
Wauhatchie is about five miles from Chattanooga, at the
base of Lookout Mountain. The regiment participated in
the glorious battle of Lookout Mountain, or the " Battle
above the Clouds," where Hooker and the 11th and 12th
Corps won immortal glory.
In the mean time Gen. Grant had taken command at Chat-
tanooga. After the pursuit of the enemy for two days, the
11th and 15th Corps were headed for Knoxville, where
Longstreet was making a threatening siege ; but upon the
approach of Sherman and Howard with their brave troops,
he beat a hasty retreat over the Virginia line for safety.
This ended the march in that direction, and the regiment
returned to its old camp at the base of Lookout Mountain,
having in twenty-four days marched in mud and rain about
three hundred miles. It remained in winter quarters until
Jan. 24, 18G4, when the 2d Brigade was ordered to Shell
Mound, twenty-two miles from Chattanooga and six from
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
129
Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained doing the usual picket
duty, drilling, etc., until the 2d day of May, when it joined
the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2()th Corp.s, — the 11th and
12th having been con.solidated, forming the 20th, — under
the command of Gen. Hooker, and immediately in conjunc-
tion with the armies of the Cumberland, Tennessee, and
Ohio, made for Ringgold to attack the enemy, under com-
mand of Joe Johnston. The battle of Resaca followed that
of Ringgold, in which the regiment lost ninety-five men in
killed and wounded. Lieut. Barber, universally respected
as a Christian, and a courteou.s and brave oflficer, fell in-
stantly killed ; and several officers were wounded.' and a
number of non-commissioned officers and privates were
killed and wounded. The 141,st also fought gallantly at
Dallas, Pine Mountain, and at Peach-Tree Creek, — the
latter being the opening siege of Atlanta, where Col. Logic
and Lieuts. Warren and Babbitt were killed. Lieut. -Col.
A. J. McNett (who had been appointed to the position late
in the December previous, in place of Lieut. -Col. Patrick,
resigned) lost his right arm. Maj. Clauharty, Adj. Hazard,
and Lieut. Shapper were severely wounded ; Capt. Towns-
end and Lieut. Willor were slightly wounded. Half the
regiment was disabled, but stood its ground nobly under
Capt. Baldwin, who succeeded to the immediate command
of the regiment during the slaughter of its officers and men,
and victory continued to perch on their banners. More
fighting was at hand, and Atlanta fell September 2. The
20th Corps, having previously fldlen back to the Chatta-
hoochie, as a feint to the enemy and to cover the rear of the
Union army, was the first to enter Atlanta.
Lieut.-Col. McNett was promoted to be colonel ; Maj.
Clauharty, lieutenant-colonel ; Capt. Baldwin, major ; Adjt.
Hazard, captain ; Lieut. Grey, adjutant ; and four months
previous, Capt. Robert M. IMcDowell was appointed by
Gen. Hooker chief topographical engineer of the 20th
Corps, on his staff.
Soon after Sherman's "march to the sea" was beeun. and,
after about a six weeks' campaign, entered the city of Sa-
vannah, Dec. 21, 186-1. Jan. 17, 1865, leaving Savannah,
Sherman's resistless legions swept northward through the
Carolinas towards Virginia, constantly engaged in skir-
mishing with the enemy, but in no general engagements
until, the 17th and 19th of March, the battles of Averys-
boro' and Bentonville were fought. Here, amid swamps
and under every discouragement, the noble old l-tlst gained
its last glory in severe battles ; and in its last campaign
marched over five hundred miles, at the most inclement
season of the year.
After Johnson's surrender the march was taken home-
ward from Raleigh, N. C, to Alexandria and Washington,
and. May 24, participated in the great review in Washing-
ton, and soon after was mustered out of service.
The regiment reached home June 13, 1865. It was
met at the depot by the committee of arrangements, who
escorted it to the William Street Hospital, where, with the
137th Regiment, which arrived on the same train, they
were furnished with a comfortable breakfast at the hands
of a corps of ladies, who had worked assiduously all night
to get the entertainment ready by the time of their arrival.
After heartily discussing their meal, both regiments were
17
marched to Camp Chemung, where permission had been
previously obtained for them to pitch their tents. In a
.short time after reaching the ground, back of the encamp-
ment of the 19th Regiment, tents were struck and every-
thing was got in readiness for a good rest after their weari-
some marches and long ride.
During the day the 141st was visited by a host of friends
and acquaintances who were eager to welcome back the re-
maining veterans, the heroes of desperate battles and victo-
rious campaigns. The regiment was given a distinguished
reception and dinner, and a beautiful address of welcome
was delivered by Hon. Stephen McDonald, in Wisner
Park.
Below we give the roster of officers. The regiment
numbered three hundred and eighty men when mustered
out. From first to last the regiment had enlisted about
twelve hundred men.
Lieutenant-Colonel, A. J. McNett, promoted to colonel,
not mustered ; Major, Charles W. Clauharty, promoted to
lieutenant-colonel, not mustered; Adjutant, George E.
Gray ; Quartermaster, E. Belding ; Surgeon, G. S. Beaks ;
Assistant Surgeon, 0. S. Greenman ; Assistant Surgeon,
M. T. Babcociv.
Cmnpany A. — Captain, W. P. Ross; First Lieutenant,
C. E. Coryell ; Second Lieutenant, .
Company B. — Captain, W. H. Bradford ; First Lieu-
tenant, J. F. Carroll ; Second Lieutenant, .
Company C. — Captain, E. G. Baldwin, promoted to
major, not mustered ; First Lieutenant, Jud Griswold ;
Second Lieutenant, .
Company D. — Captain, W. Merrill ; First Lieutenant,
C. Osmun ; Second Lieutenant, C. H. Freeman.
Company E. — Captain, Archie Baxter.
Company F. — Captain, A. J. Russell ; First Lieutenant,
M. V. Sherwood; Second Lieutenant, L. B. Scott.
Company G. — Captain, P. C. Mitchell ; First Lieuten-
ant, M. G. Shappee ; Second Lieutenant, .
Company H. — Captain, George Tubbs ; First Lieuten-
ant, F. C. Willor ; Second Lieutenant, A. Stewart.
Company /.—Captain, R. M. McDowell, brevetted
Major United States Volunteers; First Lieutenant, J. B.
Rathbone ; Second Lieutenant, William M. Ware.
Company K. — Captain, G. L. Whiton ; First Lieuten-
ant, M. J. Hogarth ; Second Lieutenant, George W. Rogers;
Second Lieutenant, William H. Brown, not assigned.
The following is a list of the killed, and also of those
who died of disease or wounds, in the 141st Regiment,
taken from its muster-out rolls in the office of the Adju-
tant-General at Albany :
C'tmpatit/ A,
Charles F. Babbit, died of wounds, July 21, 1864.
James C. Burtt, died of wounds, July 26, 1864.
William W. Koons, died of wounds, Aug. 4, 1864.
Curtis J. Chanibeilin, died Nov. 23, 1863.
Hiram H. Piatt, died May 9, 1864.
Asa Bullard, killed July 20, 1864.
Chester K. Chapman, died Dec. 6, 1363.
Delos DimicU, died July 9, 1864.
George Dalrymplc, died Nov. 14, 1863.
Jackson Dickens, died June 1, 1863.
Henry B. Griffin, killed May 15, 1S64.
130
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Osoiir C. Griffin, killed May 25, 1864.
Franklin C. Grant, died of wounds, Nov. 10, 1863.
John Hager, killed May 15, 1861,
Horace W. Hart, died July 14, 1863.
David McClary, died Nov. 14, 1864.
Stephen Mead, died of wounds, July 30, 1864.
Henry Miller, killed accidentally, Dec. 5, 1863.
Daniel C. Norris, died June 6, 1863.
Denet C. Prunnell, died Nov. 2, 1862.
Francis L. Royce, died June 29, 1863.
William W. Sutton, died July 2, 1863.
Charles D. Van Vleit, died April 13, 1863.
Irvin Wetherell, died April 13, 1853.
Cniiipavy B.
George P. McCoy, died Oct. 13, 1862.
James 0. Murray, died Jan. 25, 1863.
Henry S. Wood, died Aug. 16, 1863.
Andrew Archibald, died Aug. 5, 1863.
Louis Clark, died Dec. 5, 1863.
Ira B. Cooper, died March 9, 1864.
Gideon Ellis, died March 3, 1861.
William Francisco, died Jan. 31, 1864.
Isaiah Forrest, died Oct. 10, 1864.
Artemus F. Green, died Dec. 11, 1863.
Eaton Jones, died Dec. 29, 1864.
John Looney, died Aug. 20, 1863.
Jackson McDon.-ild, died May 18, 1864.
Henry B. Palmer, died March 13, 1863.
William Powell, died March 19, 1864.
Edwin Libolt, died Jan. 24, 1863.
Philetus Stoll, died Nov. 4, 1863.
George W. Scott, died April 20, 1864.
Myron E. Triphagcn, died Oct. 29, 1863.
Wellington C. Uurd, died Oct, 19, 1863.
Mark B. Wakeman, die<l July 27, 1863.
Stephen Wilson, died July 15, 1864.
Manley Van Gelder, died April 29, 1864.
Charles Dennison, killed May 25, 1864.
Company C.
Wesley Breese, died Aug. 2, 1863.
Benjamin G. Thompson, killed July 20, 1864.
Isaac E. Bailey, died of wounds, Oct. 5, 1864.
Dwight Murphy, died April 4, 1864.
Elliott M. Noycs, killerl May 15, 1S64.
Judd Albcrtson, died of wounds, July 21, 1864.
William H. Allington, died of wounds, June II, 1864.
James F. Benjamin, died of woiinils, June 14, 1864.
William C. Carnrike, killed July 20, 1864.
George H. Carnrike, killed May 15, 1S64.
Hiram G. Colson, died of wounds, May 16, 1864.
Gabriel N. Cooley, died July 13, 1863.
Henry L. Cartwright, died Dec. 23, 1864.
Lorenzo D. Cartwright, died March 2, 1865.
William H. Decker, died of wounds, July 21, 1864.
William Edwards, died Dec. 25, 1864.
Horace G. Edwards, killed July 20, 1864.
James Elyea, died Dec. 23, 1863.
Corydon M. Giliett, died Feb. 17, 1865.
Shoemaker Hill, died of wounds, June 6, 1864.
John C. Hanmer, died June 1, 1863.
James D. Huff, died Dee. 10, 1864.
Eli Kennedy, died Nov. 25, 1863.
Charles A. Swarthout, killed July 20, 1864.
William Stevens, died of wounds, June 19, 1864.
Samuel A. Smith, died Jan. 3, 1865.
Roswell H. Sleighton, died Jan. 15, 1865.
Judson Scribner, died Jan. 16, 1865.
Francis Van Wormer, died Nov. 25, 1863.
Richard Weaver, died of wounds, Sept. 1, 1863.
Elisha Wright, died Aug. 12, 1863.
Edwin Weed, died Aug. 11, 1863.
Daniel Watts, died April 26, 1865.
Couipatiy D.
Edwin Merrill, killed May 25, 1864.
-John Q. Adams, died of wounds, July 27, 1864.
William Cole, died March 17, 1865.
Charles A. Haradon, died Oct. 25, 1863.
Elisha Booth, died of wounds, May 19, 1863.
.\lfred Countryman, died July 19, 1863.
Henry Coburn, died Sept. 18, 1864.
Andrew Catsley, died Dec. 15, 1864.
Lionell T. De Carr, killed June 22, 1864.
William Davis, died of wounds, Oct. 8, 1864.
Israel Elliot, died Sept. 30, 1864.
Frederick Gluer, died April 13, 1864.
WiUiam F. Hubbard, died March 27, 1863.
Minor T. Millard, died Oct. 22, 1863.
Sylvanus W. Millard, died April 10, 1865.
Nicholas Revill, died Nov. 22, 1863.
George E. Stevens, died July 20, 1863.
Charles L. Satterlee, died Jan. 27, 1864.
Denis M. Stevens, died Aug. 24, 1863.
Henry Thorp, killed July 20, 1864.
Lorenzo D. Taylor, died Sept. (no date given), 1864.
Henry Williams, died Aug. 16, 1863.
William J. Wilson, died April 1, 1864.
Con,
pa„y
E.
Chester M. Wire, died Jan. 22, 1865.
Joseph M. Dunton, died March 22, 1865.
Andrew Benneway, killed July 20, 1864.
William F. Thomson, died June 4. 1864.
Hez Fo.'!, died Nov. 13, 1862.
Charles E. Hughes, died Aug. 9, 1863.
William S. Allen, died Nov. 17, 1863.
John K. Austin, died May 17, 1864.
Abram Carpenter, died Feb. 21, 1863.
Franklin P. Carpenter, died Jan. 18, 1864.
James Cook, died Dec. 16, 1863.
Ira C. Dowd, died Dec. 13, 1863.
John W. Evans, died June 13, 1863.
David Franklin, killed May 15, 1864.
Milo Gorton, killed May 15, 1864.
Albert F. Lynch, died Jan. 1, 1864.
Edwin Marcy, died March 2, 1863.
John G. Prouty, died March 9, 1864.
James E. Seares, died Dec. 8, 1863.
Henry W. Squires, died Feb. 12, 1864.
William C. Youmans, died of wounds, date not known.
Compauij F.
Amos D. Mason, died Dec. 24, 1863.
Alfred W. Bush, died Feb. 3, 1864.
John Corbett, died March — , 1864.
Orin Conderman, killed May 25, 1864.
Russell B. Carrington, died; no date given.
John Gray, died ; no date given.
Samuel D Lovelace, died Sept. — , 1864.
Alexander Maynard, died Aug. — , 1863.
George Owston, died Sept. 1, 1864.
Leander P.artridge, died of wounds, Aug. 7, 1864.
Thomas Robinson, died July — , 1863.
Samuel E. Ryder, drowned June 16, 1862.
Nelson B. Root, died Aug. — , 1863.
Lyman Wellington, died Dec. 29, 1863.
Daniel O'Day, die.l Aug. — , 1863.
Cuwpaiii/ G.
Capt. Daniel N. Aldrich, died Aug. 11, 1863.
First Lieut. Alfred E. Barber, killed May 15, 1S64.
William S. McCrea, died Sept. 21, 1864.
Andrew T. Grant, died of wounds, July 21, 1864.
Charles Kester, died July 2, 1864.
M. T. Aldrich, died Sept. 15, 1863.
Henry Blaickman, died Oct. 1, 1863.
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
131
Edson L. Burr, died Jan. 6, 1864.
Jacob II. Cole, died June 16, 1S64.
Burrows Cole, died June 9, 1864.
James V. Fairchild, died June 3, 1863.
Henry W. Gernon, killed July 20, 1864.
James H. llurd, died June 3, 1863.
Byron Hurd, died of wounds, June 2, 1864.
Ira Kinney, died Nov. 3, 1863.
Oscar R. Leonger, died of wounds, Aug. 12, 1864.
John R. Miller, died May 15, 1864.
John L. Carnegie, died Jan. 25, 1865.
Martin S. Prentice, died Dec. 3, 1863.
Amos C. SteSvart, died : date not known.
George Simons, died Nov. 7, 1863.
Henry Stewart, died June 12, 1863.
Thomas Schoonover, killed July 20, 1864.
Hiram J. Whitehead, died of wounds, July 20, 1864.
Lyman Wright, killed May 15, 1864.
Company H,
First Lieut. Theodore M. Warren, killed July 20, 1864.
Dewitt C. Hamilton, killed May 15, 1864.
George P. Burnham, died Jan. 12, 1864.
Samuel T. Stewart, died May 24, 1863.
James W. Stewart, died Nov. T, 1863.
Henry Abbe, died Nov. 19, 1863.
Albert E. Butler, died Aug. 6, 1864.
Thomas Crusen, died April — , 1864.
.Tohn Campbell, died May 11, 1863.
Alfred Downs, died Aug. 30, 1863.
Jacob Grcss. died July 15, 1863.
Benjamin F. Greeley, died March 19, 1865.
Cassius M. Hadley, died Jan. 6, 1865.
Joseph Howland, died March — , 1864.
Oliver P. Jenks, died of wounds, Nov, 28, 1863.
George W. Jeffers, died of wounds, May 18, 1864.
Daniel Kelly, died Feb, 21, 1864.
Palmer G. Linsay, died Aug. 21, 1864.
Jacob Norton, killed July 20, 1864,
William H, Olmsted, died Feb, — , 1865.
Erastus L. Preston, died Feb, 28, 1864.
Albert Pierce, ilied of wounds, July 24, 1864.
Clark Stewart, died Nov. 29, 1863.
William Vaughan, died Dec. 14, 1864.
Benjamin S. Welch, died Dec. 10, 1864.
VowjHuii/ I.
William T. Cary, died of wounds. May 31, 1864.
Cornelius Doolittle, died Feb. 17, 1864.
George Brees, killed July 20, 1864.
Ezra G. Mallory, died Nov. 24, 1863.
Levi G. Ellis, died Jan. 31, 1865,
George W. Griffin, died March 16, 1865.
George Haxton, died Sept. 27, 1864.
George Hinches, died April 3, 1865.
John J. Jenkins, died Dec. 29, 1863.
Daniel Luther, died of wounds, Aug. 19, 1864.
Stephen Morris, died March 5, 1864.
David McCann, killed June 16, 1863.
George Owens, died April 20, 1864.
James E. Proctor, died May 15, 1864.
Alfred W. Phillips, died Feb, 21, 1865.
Thomas Simon, killed May 15, 1864.
Theodore Vance, died April ID, 1863.
James Wheeler, died Aug. lO, 1863.
Joseph Wheat, died Aug. 28, 1863.
ComjHiny K.
First Lieut, Eugene Egbert, died Dec. (no date given), 1864.
Edwin Branch, died Nov, 16, 1863.
John L. Burt, killed June 22, 1864.
Frank Bloss, killed July 20, 1864.
Lemuel 0. Chambcrlin, killed May 15, 1S64.
Hiram H. Cummings, killed May 15, 1864.
John Fisher, killed May 25, 1864.
Richard Giiy, killed July 20, 1864.
Erastus E. Haskill, died June 19, 1864,
John W. Hapeman, died Aug. 2, 1863.
Godfrey Lenharl, killed May 15, 1864.
Andrew J. McCann, died (time and place not known).
Ephraim Miller, died of wounds, Dec. 16, 1864.
John Marsh, died of wounds, Dec, 7, 1864,
Michael McMann, died Feb, 6, 1865,
Daniel R, Olty, died Aug. 7, 1863.
William Steinlein, killed May 15, 1864.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT,
The raising of this regiment was authorized by Governor
E. D. Morgan, in the .summer of 1862, and on the 15th of
August, 1862, recruiting commenced. Oct. 25 the regi-
ment was reported full, and on the 27th of the same month
was organized and mustered into the United States service
at Elmira, N. Y., by Maj. A. T. Lee, as the 161st Regi-
ment.
The following were the regimental and line officers :
Colonel, G. T. Harrower ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Marvin D.
Stillwell ; Major, Charles Straun ; Adjutant, William B.
Kinsey ; Quartermaster, Marcus E. Brown ; Surgeon, Lewis
Darling ; First Assistant Surgeon, Joseph S. Dolson ;
Second Assistant Surgeon, Charles M. Pierce ; Chaplain,
Thomas J. O, Wooden ; Sergeant-Major, Philip L. Beach;
Quartermaster-Sergeant, J, C. Beeman ; Commissary-Ser-
geant, Rnfus S. Alderman ; Hospital Steward, George M.
Beard.
Company A. — Captain, B. F. Van Tuyl ; First Lieu-
tenant, John Gibson ; Second Lieutenant, S, S. Fairchild.
Company B. — Captain, Horace B. Brown ; First Lieu-
tenant, George R. White ; Second Lieutenant, William H.
Clark.
Company C. — Captain, Robert R. R, Dumars; First
Lieutenant, Orlando N, Smith ; Second Lieutenant, D, D.
Kniffin.
Company D. — Captain, George E. Biles; First Lieu-
tenant, James M. Cadmus ; Second Lieutenant, T. Scott
De Wolf
Company E. — Captain, Peter H. Durland ; First Lieu-
tenant, Robt. J. Burnham ; Second Lieutenant, George 0.
Howell.
Company F. — Captain, John Slocum ; First Lieutenant,
John F. Little ; Second Lieutenant, James Faucett.
Company G. — Captain, Edmund Fitzpatrick; First Lieu-
tenant, John P. Worthing.
Company H. — Captain, Willis E. Craig; First Lieu-
tenant, Nelson P. Weldrick ; Second Lieutenant, Geo. B.
Herrick.
Company I. — Captain, Samuel A. Walling ; First Lieu-
tenant, Myron Powers ; Second Lieutenant, Edwin A.
^Draper. .
Company K. — Captain, Geo, M. Tillson ; First Lieuten-
ant, Mathew B. Luddington ; Second Lieutenant, Henry
O. Jewell.
The regiment left Elmira November 17, and proceeded
to New York, and encamped at Union Course, where they
remained until December 4, when, having received orders
to join the expedition of Gen. Banks, the regiment, now
five hundred and thirty-nine strong, embarked on the
steamer Northern Light, and, with the fleet, sailed under
132
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sealed orders. Their destination proved to be New Orleans,
at which place they landed December 17.
After bivouacking a few weeks on the banks of the Mis-
sissippi, above the city, the regiment moved to the rear of
the city, where the winter was passed.
December 31 the IGIst was assigned to the 2d Brigade,
Col. H. W. Birge, 1st Division, Brig.-Gen. Grover, and
19th Corps. January 21, together with the 30th and 50th
Massachusetts, IT-lth New York, and 2d Louisiana, it was
assigned to the 3d Brigade, Col. N. A. M. Dudley, 1st
Division, Maj.-Gen. Augur, and 19th Corps.
During the winter the 161st had spent a great portion
of the time in battalion and brigade drills, and become in
all respects one of the best disciplined regiments in the
Department of the Gulf At this time Admiral Farragut
was in command of the marine forces at New Orleans, and
being anxious to run a portion of his fleet past the enemy's
batteries at Port Hudson, on the 12th of March ordered
the 19th Army Corps up the east side of the river, to at-
tract the attention of the garrison, thereby affording the
water forces an advantage. After marching thirteen miles,
the order was countermanded and the main body sent to
New Orleans, while the 161st, together with three other
regiments, were shipped on transports and landed eighteen
miles up the river on the west bank.
Preparations were now made by Gen. Banks to march
towards Port Hudson, and on May 12 the 3d Brigade
broke camp and commenced the onward march. May 21,
the main forces came upon the enemy at the Plain's Store
Road, where a sharp engagement ensued, and the rebel
forces were routed and driven towards Port Hudson. The
regiment moved forward, and. May 24, the whole command
halted within one and a half miles of the centre of the
enemy's works.
It soon became evident that a charge was the only effi-
cient means of reaching the enemy's works, and on the 26th
of May a storming-party, consisting of thirty men, a cap-
tain, and a lieutenant from each regiment of the 1st Divis-
ion, was called for. And as an illustration of the material
of the 161st, so many officers and men volunteered for this
perilous task that it became necessary to appoint a special
committee to make the selections. All being in readiness.
May 27, the entire land force, the artillery brigade, and the
fleet of gunboats upon the river opened a simultaneous
attack.
The contest was a terrible one : the artillery and flotilla
poured a flaming sheet of fire of shot and shell ; the land
forces fought with that bravery and perseverance never ex-
celled ; while the assaulting column rushed into the very
jaws of death.
The enemy from his strongly-intrenched position poured
into those blue ranks a murderous fire of grape and canis-
ter, and men fell like wheat before the sickle of the har-
vester. Serg. George Bingham, of Company C, and Edward
Stratton and Anson Retan, of Company A, were instantly
killed.
After this attack the regiment continued to hold its old
position in the ravines until June 14, when another grand
attack was made, and again were the Union forces forced
back.
July 4, Vicksburg surrounded, and Gen. Gardner in
command of Port Hud.son, having defended the position
as long as he deemed his duty required, on the 9th of July
the stronghold was surrendered and occupied by the Union
forces.
From Port Hudson the regiment proceeded down the
river, and on the 9th disembarked at Donaldsonville, and
on the 12th moved to Cox's plantation, six miles dis-
tant. On the following day the enemy threatened an attack,
and, after forming in line of battle, the Union forces, seeing
that they were greatly inferior to the enemy in numbers,
fell back in good order to a more advantageous position
near the town. The enemy opened a brisk fire, which was
kept up some time, the 161st losing six killed, thirty-nine
wounded, and nine missing.
The regiment remained at Donaldsonville until July 31,
when they embarked for Baton Rouge and returned to
their " Old Camp Ground."
August 15 the 161st was assigned to the 1st Brigade,
1st Division, 10th Army Corps. September 2, the regi-
ment embarked for New Orleans, and were ordered on
Gen. Banks' expedition to Sabine Pass. Four compa-
nies were detailed as sharpshooters on the gunboats, — A
and B on the Arizona, E on the Granite City, and D on
the Sachem. Companies C, F, G, and I, under command
of Capt. W. B. Craig, were detailed as a storming-party to
attack the enemy and force a landing. These companies,
with others of different regiments, were commanded by
Capt. Fitch, of the 75th New York, and on the steamer
General Banks. Companies H and K were with Lieut.-
Col. Kinsey, on the N. H. Thomas.
Upon arriving near the Pass the gunboats opened fire,
and soon one became disabled and another grounded. The
troops were not landed, the expedition proved a failure, and
the regiment returned to New Orleans. In the action at
the Pass, Company D had two men wounded, ten scalded,
and Lieut. Lindsay with seventeen men were taken prison-
ers. These were exchanged July 22, 1864.
The 161st were ordered to join the expedition to the
Teche country, and September 15 they left camp. After
a series of marches the regiment went into camp, Novem-
ber 17, near Bayou Teche, where it remained until Jan. 7,
1864, when they broke camp and began the march towards
Franklin, which was reached on the 9th. Here the regi-
ment went into camp, and the men enjoyed themselves
generally for eight weeks.
March 15 the entire army broke camp and began its
march on the famous Red River expedition, and, after a
series of fatiguing marches, came upon the enemy at Pleas-
ant Grove. Here a terrible battle was fought, in which the
gallant 161st saved the whole army from a humiliating
defeat. It lost nine killed, forty-four wounded, and thirty-
nine missing.
At the close of this battle Brig.-Gen. Dwight, on an offi-
cial visit to the 161st, addressed them as follows:
"Officers and men of the 161st New York Volunteers:
I appear before you to thank you for your gallant conduct
in the battles through which you have just passed. In that
of Pleasant Grove you were ordered, upon your arrival, to
advance and hold the enemy in check until the division
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
133
could form in line of battle. Under a hot and destructive
fire you accomplished your mission. By your valiant bear-
ing you saved the Army of the Gulf from destruction, and
it affords me the highest pleasure to convey to you the thanks
of the commanding general. A^ain, at Pleasant Hill, in
your movements by ' column by company,' under fire, you
marched with as much order and precision as if you had
been upon review. To your lieutenant-colonel much prai.se
is due for the skillful manner in which he handled the regi-
ment. Officers and men of the 161st New York, I thank
you." A just tribute to as brave a body of men as ever
marched to battle.
The regiment participated in all the movements of that
disastrous and unwise Red River campaign. The 161st
went into camp at Morganzia, where it remained until
June 18, when it, having been selected to form a part of
an engineer brigade, marched to Vieksburg, arriving in that
city ou the 20th. The regiment had hardly begun prepa-
rations for engineer work when orders were received to
move, and on July 23 they embarked for White River,
Ark Here the regiment remained a few days, and re-
turned to Vieksburg, where it was joined by Lieut. Lind-
.say and seventeen others, who had been prisoners in Texas
eleven months.
August 13 the engineer brigade was abandoned, and the
161st was attached to the 19th Corps, in the Department
of the Gulf The regiment now commenced a series of
marches and skirmishes, changing position almost daily.
August 14 it left Vieksburg for New Orleans, and on the
day following their arrival returned, and were transferred
to the 17th Corps. On the 20th it again embarked for New
Orleans, where it shipped un the steamer Cahawha for
Mobile Bay, to assist in the reduction of Fort Morgan,
arriving in front of that stronghold upon the day of its
capitulation. On the 25th it was sent across the bay to
Cedar Point, and September 2 embarked on the old block-
ade-runner Kate Dale, en route to Morganzia, which place
was reached September 6. About six weeks were now
consumed in changing from place to place. The regiment
was ordered to Paducah, Ky., and on the 26th marched to
Columbus and encamped, where it remained until November
20, and then was ordered to Memphis. December 19 they
bade farewell to Memphis, and embarked for New Orleans.
January 11 the 161st landed at Kennerville, twelve miles
above the city, and went into camp. February 11 it left
Kennerville for New Orleans, and from thence proceeded
to Mobile Bay.
The regiment participated in the capture of Spanish
Fort and Fort Blakely, and was present at the surrender
of Mobile, April 12. Here it remained in camp until
May 20, when orders were received detaching the 161st
from its brigade, with instructions to establish a military
post at Apalachicola, Fla. While here the weather was
inteiLsely hot, and much sickness prevailed. On the 26th
of July an order was received to embark for the Dry Tor-
tugas to relieve the llOth New York, whose term of ser-
vice would soon expire.
The regiment remained in this desolate place until Sep-
tember 25, when, having been mustered out on the 20th,
it embarked for New Yorl^. f^ew York City wps reached
on the 6tli of October, and Klmira on the 12th, where the
battle-scarred 161st were the recipients qf a grand ovation
tendered by the patriotic citizens of that city. The address
of welcome was delivered by Hon. Tracy Beadle, and Elmira,
justly proud of the gallant sons of the "Southern Tier,"
gave them a hearty welcome home.
In the words of the chaplain, "Thus closed the military
history of the 161st New York, — a regiment which had
traveled eleven thousand miles by water and twelve hun-
dred by land, carrying its tattered flag, torn by the enemy's
bullets, over the burning plains of the South, into the
thickest of the fight, and into seven different States, and
came home with not an act to regret, witli not a stain ou
its banners, and with a history for endurance and lieroism
untarnished and glorious."
The following is a list of the killed and wounded as
compiled by the chaplain of the regiment in 1865 :
Batuit Jioittje. — George N. Wright, Co. B.
Port Hitdttun. — Anson Retan .and Edward Stratton, Co, A: and Sergt.
George G. Binghaiu, Co. C.
Cox'h Ptnntniifin. — Otis Waliter, Co. C ; and Samuel Robinson and
Hosea Sibley, Co. H.
Sabine Puns. — Anthony Compton and Orvillo C. Boorom, Co, D,
S'-ibtiie Crnsx-Roatin. — Charles L. Whcaton, Co. A; Lieut. L, Edgar
Fitch, Co, C; Weller F. Smith, Henry E. Hewson, and Joseph
Blunt, Co, D ; Jiiracs Leonard, Co, E ; James Grimes and James
O'Neill, Co. G.
Pleasant Hill. — Elihu Lockvvood, Co. C.
WOdNDKn.
Port Hitdnoii. — Michael Dougherty, Patrick Flynn, Co. A; William
Beekwith, Co. B; Ezra M. Peters, Martin Hallet, Co. C: Frank
McDonald and Eugene Bassett, Co, F; Alfred 0. Spaulding, Co,
G ; Abram Cook and Lucius D, Cushman, Co, U.
Cox's Plantaiinn. — Clinton II. Wilco.'C, Co, A; Capt, William H,
Clark, Sergt. William Hibbard (mortally), Bartlett J, Bcals, and
George A.. Brown (mortally), Co, B; Samuel A. Johnson, Joshua
Kirk, Frank Lctterman, Robert B. Murray, Joseph Seymour,
Amasa Squiers, Co. C. ; Capt. James M. Cadmus, Sergt. Otis
Smith, Dennis Losey (mortally), Bradford S.andford, Luman
Philley, David G. Bryant, Alex, Carman, James Borden, George
Blakeley, and Orville C, Boorom, Co, D : Henry R. Smith, Leroy
Broderick, Co. E ; Stephen Read, Richard Harvey, William Dav-
idson, Co. F; Sergt. Hugh Carney, Sergt. Thos. McCullough, .Aus-
tin Amilie, Andrew Sullivan, Patrick E. Brown, Co. G : Franklin
Waight, Calvin Dibble, Roswcll Miller.
Sabiue Pass. — Abram Blakesley (mortally), Garcy Dodge (mortally),
Patrick Hart (mortally), Jame-s M. Snyder (mortally), Adam H.
Wilco.\ (mortally), George T. Gauuan (mortally), Jos. Bartholo-
mew, Thos, Sawyer, Ira Chubb, Isaac J. Lewis, Co, D.
Scthlne Ctoss-Raada. — Lieut John Gibson, Sergt, William Egglcston,
Sergt. George Prentice, Elijah Spraguc, Co. A ; George C. Cole-
man, Abner R, Page, Jas. Anderson, Ebenezer Boynton, Co. B ;
William AVoodhouse, J, 0, Armstrong, G. H. Barrett, Thomas
Smith, William Smith, H. S. Clark, Co. C ; Capt. .Tames M, Cad-
mus, Tunis J, Harford, Anthony Ayres, Theron F, Miller, Walter
McCormick, Franklin Holmes, David G, Bryant, William Spencer,
Co. D ; Lieut. R. L, Guion, Sergt. Henry Moore, George Fohns-
bee, Nathan P, Parker, .James Murray, Byron Munu, Leartus
Redner, Henry Wcisner, George W. Edget, Co. E; Jacob Swart-
wood, Lyman Trcm.ain, Co. G; Samuel W. Jennings, William T.
Norton, Co, H; Capt. Samuel Walling. Co. I; Capt. George M.
Tillson, Co. K,
Pleasant Hill. — Wm. H. Garvey, Co. A: -John Ilenyon, Co. G.
Marlcsoille. — Capt. Edmund Fif/.patrick, Co. G; E. L. Dewitt, Co. C,
Spanlsk FuH. — Christopher C. Such, Co. A.
134
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTER XXVII.
MILITARY HISTORY— (Continued).
Steuben in the War of the Rebellion — (Continued).
THE ONE HUNDRED AND EIOHTT-NINTH REGIMENT.
This regiment was organized iu September, 1864. Four
of its companies were raised in Steuben County, viz., Com-
panies A, C, G, and H ; the remaining six companies were
raised in the counties of Allegany, Oswego, Madison, and
Oneida. Of the field and staff officers the following were
fiom this county: Colonel, William W. Hayt, Corning;
Quartermaster, J. L. Brown, Corning; Captain John
Stocum, Company A, Bath ; First Lieutenant B. N. Ben-
nett, Company A, ; Second Lieutenant John W.
Brown, Company A, Wheeler. Captain Barrage Rice,
Company C, Bath ; First Lieutenant Dwight Warren,
Company C, Bath ; Second Lieutenant Mortimer W.
Reed, Company C, Urbana. Captain William Washburn,
Company G, Cohocton; First Lieutenant Edwin A. Draper,
Company G, Cohocton. Captain Nathan Crosby, Company
H, Bath ; First Lieutenant Hiram F. Scofield, Company
H, ; Second Lieutenant L. G. Rutherford, Company
H, Bath.
Company A of this regiment was raised in the town of
Bath, Steuben Co., by Capt. John Stocum. When this
popular and well-tried officer erected his little tent on the
Pulteney Square, in the village, volunteers flocked to him.
The result is thus stated in one of the village papers:
'■ Single-handed and alone, in nine days he had a full com-
pany raised, equipped, and mustered into the service. A
better one it would be hard to find, as the military record
shows. At the election of its officers, the company unani-
mously chose ibr first lieutenant Benjamin N. Bennett,
and for second lieutenant, John W. Brown.''
Capt. Stocum was born in Pulteney, April 27, 1825, and
at an early age came tQ Bath a poor orphan boy. By his
industry and good character he won a position of high
respectability among his fellow-citizens. Such was the con-
fidence the young men had in him that, in 1861, when it
was announced that he was about to raise a battery, in two
weeks his company was full. He was appointed captain,
and, with his command (Battery E, 1st New York Light
Artillery), was ordered to the front. After five months'
service Battery E was divided up and put into other bat-
teries.
Returning home in 1862, when there was another call
for men, Capt. Stocum commenced recruiting Company F
of the 161st Regiment, and was soon with his full command
at Elmira. A severe epidemic breaking out among his
troops, numbers died, and he was prostrated with fever
three months. Meanwhile his regiment having been or-
dered to the Department of the Gulf, when he had suffi-
ciently recovered he rejoined them, and rendezvoused at
Baton Rouge, in time to participate in the campaign against
Port Hudson. Feeble health compelled him soon after to
resign and return home.
On the 3d of September, 1864, he commenced raising his
third and last company, for the war, with which he served,
— often placed in higher pommands, — till the final over-
throw of the Rebellion, when he brought his company back
with the loss of only seven, and marched them into the vil-
lage square at Bath, where he bade them fiirewell.
Company C of the 189th was enlisted in August, 1864,
in Wheeler, Bath, Kanona, Avoca, and Urbana, by Capt.
Burrage Rice, assisted by Lieuts. Robison and Warren.
Mustered and clothed by Sept. 13, it was at first assigned
to the 175th New York, but a revocation of that assign-
ment was secured by Captain Rice, at Albany, and it was
afterwards connected with the 189th Regiment.
Capt. Rice was born in Bath in 1829, and enlisted under
the first calls of the President for volunteers at the breaking
out of the war, as a private in the 1st Vermont Regiment.
He took an active part in the battle of Big Bethel, in
which his regiment distinguished itself for bravery, and was
mustered out with it at the expiration of its term of service.
Another regiment being immediately formed, he was chosen
captain of one of its companies, but relinquished the posi-
tion at the urgent appeal of his family and friends, and
accepted the office of under-sherifi' in Bath, the duties of
which he discharged for over two years. While captain of
the 189th, Nov. 4, 1864, he was promoted to brigade in-
spector on the staff' of Brig.-Gen. Gregory, of the 2d Bri-
gade, to which the 189th belonged, a position he held with
great credit till Jan. 11, 1865, when he was shot dead by
ambushed guerillas, who attacked a foraging party under
his command. His body was embalmed and sent to Bath,
and buried with Masonic honors Jan. 19, 1865.
Capt. Silas W. Robison was born in Hornellsville, where
he lived till his seventeenth year, when he went to Ilam-
mondsport to reside with his sister. He was one of the first
volunteers who, in 1861, shouldered the musket in the de-
fense of the Union. Entering Company I, 34th New
York, as a private, he served two yeais faithfully, being
promoted to sergeant, and then to orderly, and discharged
with his regiment July, 1863. He returned to Hammonds-
port and followed farming till he entered the service again as
first lieutenant of Company C, of the 189lh Regiment, and
had command of the company after Capt. Rice's promotion,
and was connnissioned captain in his place upon the death
of that accon)plished officer.
Lieut. Dwight Warren was born in Bath, March 21,
1831. When the war broke out he was engaged in farming.
He sold his farm, and Aug. 19, 1862, enlisted as a private
in Company F of the 161st New York. He was proaioted
to orderly-sergeant Oct. 27. On account of an attack of
typhoid fever, he was not able to join his regiment, which
had sailed with Banks' expedition, till the 20th of February.
He served with General Banks in the Louisiana campaigns,
and after one year was discharged on account of sickness,
and returned home. In the fall of 1864 he assisted Capt.
Burrage Rice in raising Company C, of which he was
elected second lieutenant, and on the death of the captain
was promoted to the first lieutenancy.
Second Lieutenant Mortimer W. Read was born in Urbana,
March 16, 1841, and was brought up a farmer, which oc-
cupation he followed till the war broke out, when he vol-
unteered for two years in Company A, of the 23d New
York, served out his time, and was honorably discharged
^ith his regiment, May 26, 1863. He enlisted again under
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
135
Capt. Rice, Aug. 22, 1864. Upon the organization of the
company in Bath, he was chosen orderly-sergeant, and rose
to the lieutenancy in due course upon the captaincy being
vacated by the death of Capt. Rice.
Company G was recruited in the towns of Cohocton, Avoca,
and Wayland, in this county. In this section the feeling
was the same as everywhere prevailed under the last call, for
men. The large bounties, the coming draft, and the love
of country urged the necessity of filling the quota. The
maximum number of the company was raised by the per-
severance and address of William Washburn, Esq., assisted
by Mr. E. A. Draper, and was mustered in September,
1864. Mr. Washburn was chosen captain ; Mr. Draper,
first lieutenant, and Mr. A. J. Alden, second lieutenant.
These gentlemen accompanied the regiment to the field, and
shared its fortunes in the final campaign which successfully
crushed the great rebellion.
Capt. Washburn, born and brought up in Cohocton, was
a remarkably exemplary young man. For a number of
years he was engaged in teaching and farming in Wisconsin,
and returned to Cohocton in 1851, and was subsequently,
till the breaking out of the war, in the employ of the
Rochester, Corning, and New York and Eric Railroad
Companies. 1 st Lieut. Edwin A. Drapcj- was also a native
of Cohocton, where he always lived till entering the service.
He first enlisted Oct. 1, 1862, as second lieutenant, in Com-
pany I of the 161st New York, and served faithfully two
years with General Banks in Louisiana. He re-enlisted as
a private, Aug. 31, 1864, and enlisting twenty-seven men
for his company, upon its organization it promoted him by
vote t<i the first lieutenancy. He was a neat and skillful
ofiicer, and a real military man, whom the adjutant would
always designate to perform his duties when he was
absent.
Second Lieutenant Andrew J. Alden, although not a
native of Steuben County, married and became a resident of
Avoca, where he established himself in business in 1846.
He enlisted Aug. 22, 1864 ; he was made second lieutenant
in Company G, 189th New York, but disability interrupted
considerably his duties with his company.
Company H, of this regiment, was chiefly raised in the
town of Bath, Steuben Co. In the fall of 1864, after
Captains John Stocum and Burrage Rice had each raised
a company of men, the quota of the town of Bath not yet
being full for the call for five hundred thousand, Hon. D. B.
Bryan, of Sonora, John T. Allen and others, of Bath,
proposed to Supervisor John L. Smith that authority be
obtained for Prof N. Crosby to recruit a company of in-
fantry. The professor, for five years connected with the
Sonora Academy, was designated, by his influence with the
best class of young men, as the proper leader of another
recruiting campaign. Duly authorized from Albany, and
assisted by Lieuts. H. F. Scofield and L. G. Rutherford,
and Sergts. D. Crosby, R. McCann, and S. P. Teachman,
he succeeded so well that in five days were mustered at
Elniira, on the 13th of September, over seventy men for
this company, who thereupon received furloughs home until
the 26th. Punctually they returned, and enough others
came to fill the company's complement, and about one hun-
dred besides. Capt. N. Crosby and his lieutenants were
mustered on the 19th, and Company H awaited in Barracks
No. 1, at Elmira, orders to move to the front.
Capt. Crosby was a graduate of the University of Mich-
igan, and previous to entering the service had been principal
of the Sonora Academy over two years, and had also studied
law with Hon. David Rumsey, at Bath.
First Lieutenant Hiram F. Scofield enlisted in August,
1862, in Capt. Biles' company, then organizing for the 161st
New York, and was at once promoted to sergeant. He was
subsequently made second lieutenant of a colored regiment
organized at New Orleans, and held the position till, with
other oflicers, he was mustered out, on account of consoli-
dation, in the fall of 1863, and returned home. He re-
mained but a short time, however, when he was called to
the position of first lieutenant of Company H, of the 189th
New York. He was acting quartermaster of the regiment
for some time after its organization, and one of its most
active and efficient officers.
Second Lieutenant L. G. Rutherford was born in Bath,
N. Y., Jan. 2, 1840, and received a good education at Pratts-
burgh and Sonora Academies. He studied law with C. F.
Kingsley, Esq., of Bath, and was about being admitted at
the New York bar when he joined the 78th New York
Regiment, under the first call for three hundred thousand
troops. He served in the Shenandoah Valley, under Gens.
Siegel and Banks, but severe illness compelled him to re-
turn home, where he partially regained his health, and re-
enlisted and engaged in recruiting with great enthusiasm
in the fall of 1864. He was made second lieutenant by
the unanimous voice of his company, and was a brave and
reliable officer in all the vicissitudes of the service.
The companies of Capts. Bernan, Washburn, Hill, and
Pond were .sent forward before the regimental organization
was completed, and, arriving at City Point, encamped near
the depot of the United States Mail Railroad, and engaged
in guard and drilling duty under Gen. Patrick. Capt. Pond
had broke faith with his regiment and joined the engineer
corps. On Monday, October 24, the remaining six com-
panies arrived from Washington. The first movement of
consequence was to Warren Station, fifteen miles, Novem-
ber 1, Col. Hayt having been ordered to report to Gen.
Warren, commanding the 5th Corps, in front of Peters-
burg. Arrived here, the regiment was placed in Gen. E.
M. Gregory's (2d) Brigade, Griffin's (1st) Division, 5th
Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, Gen. Meade, command-
ing.
The following few days were mainly spent in building
tents, policing streets, and fitting up the camp in comfortable
military style. On the 5th, Col. Hayt went down to City
Point, leaving the regiment in command of Capt. Stocum,
and while there, on the 12th of November, died suddenly of
congestion of the brain. When this sad news reached his
command at Warren Station, the commissioned officers of
the regiment were convened by order of Lieut.-Col. Allen
L. Burr. After mutual consultation, by request, the com-
manding officer appointed Capt. Burrage Rice, Chaplain
Wm. H. Rogers, and Capt. Wm. H. Withey a comniiitee
to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the regi-
ment. These resolutions, embodying the regiment's high
appreciation of the character of Col. Hoyt and its deep
136
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sense of bereavement at his sudden death, will be found in
the history of the 189th, by the chaplain, page 74.
November 24 — Thanksgiving-Day — was spent in camp,
the regiment partaking of the bountiful supply of baked poul-
try, etc., sent from the North. December 6, commenced the
celebrated raid on the Weldon Railroad. After destroying
miles of the road, tearing up the track, burning the ties,
and heating and bending the rails so as to render them
useless, and effectually cutting off the rebels' communica-
tion with their supplies and reinforcements from North
Carolina, the regiment returned and went into camp before
Petersburg, between the Jerusalem Plank-Road and the
Gurley House, where the whole brigade rendezvoused for
the rest of the winter.
Here the brigade and regiment enjoyed the benefit of
two churches, erected voluntarily by the soldiers in a short
time. Their bodies and gable ends were made of pine logs
and poles, the crevices being chinked and smeared with the
reconsecrated soil of old Virgina. The Christian Commis-
sion furnished the tent-roofs and stoves, which, with the
close-fitting panel-doors, made them comfortable places in
which to worship. One called "The Brigade Church,"
40 by 60 in size, was on the left of the brigade ; the other,
called '• The Church of the 189th," 30 by 40, stood on the
right. The former was dedicated on Sunday, December 22,
by Bishop Edmund S. Jones ; the latter, the following Sun-
day, by Rev. J. K. Tuttle, of Waterloo, N. Y.
A foraging expedition was sent out on the 11th of Jan-
uary, and visited a forsaken plantation at a considerable
distance off the Jerusalem Plank-Road, about six miles out-
side the Union lines and some eight miles from camp.
Capt. Rice was in command. While the teamsters were
loading, he had stationed picket-guards at a distance, to be
on the lookout for the enemy. He was informed by a loyal
re.sident of the near proximity of a band of rebels. They
soon made their presence known by firing twice upon his
command and retreating, so that when the reserve guard
was sent forward they could not be discovered. The train
was loaded, and as quickly as possible commenced to return.
By order of Capt. Rice, Company H, under command of
Lieut. H. F. Scofield, had the advance both going and
coming, throwing out skirmishers on each side of the road,
under Lieut. J. G. Rutherford.
About a mile from the Jerusalem Plank-Road, in a dense
wood, a swamp — swollen full by the recent rains — compelled
the flankers on the left of the train to come into the road
to pass. The enemy, secreted in this swamp as near the
road as possible, fired upon the middle and rear of the
passing train. Instantly riding back from the front, Capt.
Rice ordered it forward as rapidly as possible, and ordered
the men to halt and form in line of battle. The firing of
the enemy, the hurry of the teams and wagons, produced
such confusion that the two companies of the 189th were
the only ones that stood firmly and deliberately returned
the enemy's fire.
Here Capt. Rice fell from his horse mortally wounded.
The officers and men gathered around him. The firing of
the enemy had ceased. With rare presence of mind in
such an extremity, Capt. Rice took this as an indication
that the enemy's intention was to flank the train before it
could reach the plank-road, and to the commanders whose
unflinching troops had silenced the enemy, he said, with
great emphasis, " Move forward your men to protect the
train. You cannot assist me. Move forward ; save the
train !"
They obeyed. The fallen leader should have been borne
to the train by those around him, and promptly succeeded
by the captain next in rank ; but that was shamefully or
tlioughtlessly neglected, and the blame attached to the
whole expedition instead of to those who ought to have
been held responsible.
Instantly upon the assault being commenced, Capt. Rice,
with the coolness of a veteran, dispatched an orderly to
Gen. Gregory for reinforcements. It was not long before
the long roll was beating in the camp of the 189th, and
Lieut.-Col. Townsend quickly led his other eight compa-
nies, under command of Gen. Gregory, to the rescue.
Meeting at our picket lines the train, the general ordered
it to ciimp, and all its guard to " About face!" and, with the
rest, confront the foe, if necessary, and bring in Captain
Rica's body. The body was found after dark. It had
been stripped naked and shot once through the waist and
twice through the head. On the 13th it was embalmed
at City Point, and sent home in charge of Lieut. Dwight
Warren.
On the 5th and 6th of February the regiment was en-
gaged in the battle of Hatcher's Run. In the thick of the
fight, on the second day, Lieut.-Col. Burr rode to and fro
along the lino in front of his brigade, amidst a storm of
leaden hail, and rallied and strengthened his men to stand
firm. Many portions of the line were forced temporarily
to give way, but quickly reformed, and stayed the progress
of the enemy in this part of the field. The 189th, under
Capt. Stocum, did gloriously. Two of the regiment were
killed and eleven wounded in this action.
On the 6th of March, 1865, Lieut.-Col. Burr was pre-
sented by the regiment with a noble black horse, purchased
at six hundred dollars, in token of the gallantry displayed
on the memorable field of Hatcher's Run on the 6th of
February. The presentation was made by Capt. Crosby in
an eloquent and fitting speech, and feelingly and appro-
priately responded to by the colonel.
The regiment participated in several hard engagements
during the final campaign of the war. At Lewis' farm
brisk skirmishing deepened into a spirited conflict. Com.
panics A and B and a portion of F composed the skirmish
line, under Adjt. Roney, which, followed by the regiment
in line of battle, advanced through bushy woods obliquely
to the right, struggling with the enemy, who were con-
stantly giving way. Our regiment had none killed, but
twelve wounded. Company B took twenty-five prisoners,
with three horses and their equipments. A report of the
engagement at Gravelly Run says, " So conspicuous was
the success of the 189th that their brave conduct was
complimented by their brigade, division, and corps com-
manders." At four o'clock p.m. Major Withey, with three
companies, was sent to the skirmish line, supported by the
other seven companies of the regiment in line of battle.
Advancing on double-quick, left wheel, the regiment closely
pressed the fleeing enemy. Thus they were completely
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
137
flanked. Thereupon a charge was made all along our line,
by which six thousand rebels, with their arms and ammu-
nition, were captured, and the battle of Five Forks, the Key
of Petersburg, Richmond, and the downftill of the Rebellion
turned gloriously in favor of the Union. In this decisive
charge every ofiScer and man was in his place ; Gen. Gregory,
followed closely by the 189th, being the first whose horse
leaped the enemy's fortifications, and who struck down with
his .sword those who attempted to raise their guns to take
his life.
On the 3d the news of the evacuation of Richmond
evoked the wildest cheers and enthusiasm. Passing through
Mannsboro' and Dennisville, the regiment struck the Dan-
ville Railroad at dark on the 4th, seven miles east of
Burksville, and immediately were ranged in line of battle
to encounter the forces of Lee trying to elude Sheridan,
who had intercepted him in his westward flight. Hastily
erecting breastworks across the railroad, the 189th lay down
behind them for the night, no enemy appearing. On the
morning of the 5th, planting batteries, strengthening earth-
works, and manoeuvring forces indicated the proximity of
the enemy. Soon the regiment was ordered to advance
and assist the cavalry in capturing a body of rebels ; but they
had not proceeded far when shouts of victory were heard,
and jubilant troops of cavalry came back bringing many cap-
tured battle-flags. The end approached.
The historian of this regiment thus describes the final
struggle before the surrender of Lee : " The bugle-notes by
which, at six o'clock on the morning of Sunday, the ever-
memorable 9th day of April, we were summoned to renew
our marching, called us forth to the proudest deeds that
ever shed lustre on human efibrt. Word was brought that
Lee, completely surrounded, was engaging Sheridan, intent
upon cutting his way through. Marching towards Appo-
aattox Station, we met forty cannon, numerous wagon-
rains, and army stores, and at the depot four railroad
rains of supplies, captured the previous night by the cav-
alry, who were now struggling with the advance of our
ensnared foe. The enemy, unconscious of the presence of
the 5th Corps in support of Sheridan's cavalry, were slowly
but surely repelling it, expecting to break through its lines
and escape. Forming in line of battle in an open field
half a mile in the roar of our cavalry line, which was fight-
ing briskly but giving way. Companies A and F of the
189th, being deployed as brigade skirmishers, advanced
and relieved the cavalry, who moved oflF to the right of our
corps, and took their position in the invincible circle whose
toils now surrounded the greatest hope and army of the
Rebellion. Coolly and steadily our columns advanced under
the volleys of shell and solid .shot poured upon us from the
rebel batteries. Our infantry skirmish line having become
hotly engaged with that of the rebels, we proceeded double-
quick to their support. Rapidly the foe drew back, and
our column rose to the brow of the hills around Appomattox
Court-House. Here the grandest military view ever pre-
sented to mortal sight appeared. Wherever the woods did
not intercept the view. Grant's dread phalanx of embattled
hosts, — infantry, cavalry, and artillery, — were seen con-
verging, ' with awful tread and slow,' down the slopes
towards Lee's hostile and defiant battalions, moving to em-
brace annihilation if made to give battle. On both sides
the banners are all floating on the breeze. Generals and
their mounted aids and officers are hurrying to and fro,
directing the movements which are to decide the issues of
four years of war. The double circle of skirmishers come
into closer and closer conflict.
"Our boys, with fixed and pallid features, move onward,
expecting every minute to participate in the most over-
whelming outburst of fire and death and ruin that ever
shook the martial field. Then across the fields, at terrible
speed, through our brigade skirmish-line, came Lee's
orderly, bearing a flag of truce, and exclaiming, ' Cease
firing ! Gen. Lee surrenders with all his forces !' Instantly
was riven, as if by a thunder-bolt from Heaven, the iron
spell which had bound every man to his fate in the ex-
pected conflict, and in an unrestricted confusion of shouts
and demonstrations of joy, ofiicers and privates gave the
wildest vent to their feelings of gratitude and delight."
18
TOWNS AND VILLAGES
OP
STEUBEN COUNTY.
ADDISON.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
Addison is .situated in the southern part of the county,
and lies upon both sides of the Canisteo River. It is
bounded north by Thurston, east by Erwin, south by Tus-
carora, and west by Woodhull and Eathbone.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is chiefly a hilly upland, broken
by the valley of the Canisteo and its tributaries. The prin-
cipal valley is one mile wide, and is bordered by steep hill-
sides ranging from three to four hundred feet in height.
The chief streams which intersect it are the Canisteo River,
the Tuscarora, Elk Lick, and Goodhue Creek. Goodhue
Lake, in the northwest corner of the town, covers an area
of about 100 acres. The alluvial soil of the valleys is rich
and productive ; on the hills it is clay, mixed with the
debris of broken shale, and produces a fair yield of the
various kinds of grain, grass, and fruit.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in the town of Addison was made by
Samuel Rice in 1791. Reuben and Lemuel Searles, Oliver
Miller, George Goodhue, John Martin, Jonathan Tracy,
Abel White, James Benliam, A.sahel Stiles, Silas Morey,
Elisha Gilbert, William Wombough, and Martin Young
were among the first settlers.
William Wombough settled on a farm about two miles
southwest of the village, on the road leading to Troups-
burgh. He was the father of William and Henry Wom-
bough, the former still a resident of the town. Henry
died some years ago at Addison. He was a prominent man,
and owned a large milling interest at one time in Minne-
apolis, Minn.
John Helmer and John Martin settled on farms about
a mile above the village on the river. None of their fami-
lies now reside in town.
Samuel Colgrove was a surveyor, and settled in the town
at an early day. He resided on the road between William
Wombough's and the village. He afterwards removed to
Arkport.
138
The first saw-mill was built by George Goodhue about
1793. William Wombough also built a saw-mill in 1805,
and the year following a grist-mill. Samuel Smith opened
the first store. Stephen Rice, son of Samuel Rice, was the
fir.st white child born in the town, and the first persons
married were Brown Gillespie and Miss Gilbert, daughter
of Elisha Gilbert. James Martin, brother of John and
Isaac Martin, was the first person who died among the early
settlers. The names of many of the pioneers of the town,
and those who took a leading part in its civil and industrial
affairs, will be found in that part of our history copied from
the early records, under the head of " Organization."
Martin Young, one of the earliest settlers, came into the
county with Col. Arthur Erwin, and settled at the junction
of the Tioga and Canisteo Rivers. In 1793 he cut a pine-
tree on the bank of the Canisteo, near its mouth, and from
the stump there sprouted up three other trees, which are
now standing. They measure about twenty-two inches in
diameter. The old stump from which the tree was cut eighty-
five years ago is still plainly to be seen, although a portion of
the top of it is somewhat decayed. Mr. Young moved to
Minnesota about 1850, and hearing of the singular circum-
stance of the growth of these trees requested his son, Fran-
cis E. Young, to investigate the matter and inform him of
the facts in the case. Mr. Francis E. Young proceeded to
examine and measure the trees, and in the winter of 1875
had a sign put upon them setting forth the fact of the
cutting of the tree by his father in 1793, and of the
sprouting and growth of the three trees from the slump.
That sign is still remaining there, and has been read by
hundreds of curious visitors.
Martin Young drove the first wheeled vehicle into Ad-
dision, — a cart drawn by a yoke of oxen. Francis E.
Young, a son of Martin Young, was born in Addison in
1812, and was one of a family of sixteen children. Al-
though sixty-six years of age he is still hale and vigorous.
ORGANIZATION.
This town was one of the original towns of the county,
and was known as Middletown till April 6, 1808. At this
date it was changed to Addison, in honor of Joseph Addi-
TOWN OP ADDISON.
139
son, the English author. The early settlors called it also
" Tuscarora." A part of Troupsburgh was taken from it
in 1808, Cameron in 1822, part of WoodliuU in 1828,
part of Rathbone in 1856, and Tuscarora in 1859.
In the earliest record, entitled " Votes and Proceedings
of a Town-Meeting held in and for the Town of Middle-
town the first Tuesday in April, 1797," we find that Reuben
Searles was elected Supervisor; Oliver Miller, Town Clerk ;
George Goodhue, John Wyman, and John Martin, Asses-
sors ; Lemuel Searles, Constable ; Jonathan Tracy and
Asahel Stiles, Poormasters; John Martin, George Good-
hue, and Stephen Dolson, Commissioners of Highways;
Lemuel Searles, Collector ; Abel White, Jonathan Tracy,
and Oliver Miller, Commissioners of Schools; Reuben
Searles, Jr., and James Benham, Pathmasters; Elisha
Gilbert and Silas Moray, Fence-viewers ; Reuben Searles,
Poundkeeper.
" Voted, Tliat Reuben Searles' barn-yard be a town pound.
" I'o/ef^, That a lawful fence be four feet and a half high and but
five inches between rail?.
'' Vntcd, That a ferry be kept near where the road crosses the river,
and that threepence be charged for a man to cross.
" Voted, That the next town-meeting be held at the school-house in
said town for the year ensuing."
It is not stated at what house this town-meeting was
held, but it was probably at the school-house, as Timothy
Searles was appointed to take care of that building, and
Reuben Searles to be fireman. This speaks well for the
civilization of the pioneers of Addison. They probably
built the first school-house in the county of Steuben ; if
not, it was certainly one of the first, for it must have been
erected as early as 1796, and at that period there were few
if any school-houses in the county.
At this meeting Reuben Searles, George Goodhue, John
Wyman, and John Martin were appointed a " committee
for settling with the town of Painted Post."*
The second toWn-meeting was held at the school-house,
as above appointed, on the first Tuesday in April, 1798.
Reuben Searles was re-elected supervisor, and by successive
elections continued to hold that oflice till 1804. In the
latter year George Martin was elected supervisor. Mr.
Searles was again elected to the oflBce in 1805. In 1806,
George Martin was elected again, and held the oflice each
succeeding year till 1810, when David Dickinson was
chosen supervisor for one year, and was succeeded in 1811
by Timothy Searles, who held the office continuously till
1814. In this year William B. Jones was elected super-
visor, and continued to be elected each year till 1817, when
he was superseded by Samuel Colgrove, who was supervisor
till 1821, and was succeeded by William B. Jones, who
served till 1823, when Samuel Colgrove was again elected,
and continuously thereafter till 1827.
The town clerks during this period were —
1797-1800. Oliver Miller. j 1802. Harvey Rice.
1800. Brown Gillespie. j 1803-5. Jonathan Tracy.
1801. Abel White. I 1805. Alpbeus Cheney.
* This town was included in Painted Post before the organization
of Steuben County; hence when the county was organized and the
new town of MiUdletown formed, there were accounts or other mat-
ters to be settled with the old town of Painted Post, from which
Middletown was set off.
1805. Elisha Searles.f
1805-10. Solomon Tracy.
1810. Elisha Searles.
1810-14. Jesse Rowley.
1814-17. David Dickinson.
1817. John Towsley.
1818-20. Martin Young.
1820. Isaac Santee.
1821-24. Martin Young.
1824-27. Jesse Rowley.
The town col
as follows
)llectors from the organization till 1827 were
1797. Lemuel Searles.
1798. William Morey.
1799. Reuben Searles.
1800-3. Lemuel Searles.
1803. Reuben Searles, Jr.
1804-9. Lemuel Searles.
1809. AVilliam B. Jones.
1810-13. Lemuel Searles.
1813-15. Lemuel Benham.
1815. Abel White.
1816-18. Stephen Towsley.
1818-23. Hiram Averill.
1823-26. William Austin.
1827. Alfred Nichols.
During the same period the town elected the following
school commissioners :
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1813.
1814.
Abel White.
Jonathan Tracy.
Oliver Miller.
Abel White.
Oliver Miller.
Reuben Searles.
Oliver Miller.
Reuben Searles, Jr.
Abel White.
Brown Gillespie.
Elisha Searles.
John Vercampe.
Abel White.
Reuben Searles.
Reuben Searles, Jr.
Elisha Searles. J
Reuben Searles.
Harvey Kill.
Timothy Searles.
Samuel Colgrove.
David Dickinson.
William Wombough.
Stephen Dolson.
Henry Tracy.
1816. William B. Jones.
Abel White.
William Wombough.
1817. Samuel Colgrove.
William Wombough.
Thomas Metcalf.
1819. William Wombough.
Samuel Colgrove.
Isaac Santee.
1820. William Wombough.
Samuel Colgrove.
Elijah Hallett.
1821. Boanerges Fluent.
Andrew Loughery.
Thomas Wheat.
1822. Samuel Baker.
Elias Mason.
Thomas Wheat.
1824. John Towsley.
Asahel Thomas.
Peleg J. Cole.
1826. William H. Warner.
Jeremiah Rowley.
Jacob Colo, Jr.
In 1798 a bridge across the Canisteo was in construction,
and it was " voted that a sign-post be erected on the north
side of the river, near where the bridge is to cross the
river." In 1799 "a tax of $20 for the support of the
poor" "was voted "to be paid in produce."
"Middletown, the 9th day of April, 1801. Recorded
two slaves for Thomas Thissle ; the age of Luce fifteen
years old, the age of Will eleven years old."
The bridge referred to above was in progress in 1803, as
we learn from the following :
"March, the lath day, 1803. Jonathan Tracy, Town Clerk, re-
ceived one hundred and tifty dollars for the use of building a bridge
in Middletown.*'
" February, the 22d day, 1804. Jonathan Tracy, Town Clerk, re-
ceived one hundred and fifty dollars for the use of building a bridge
in Middletown."
Payments were made on the work as follows :
" April 4, 1803. Paid four dollars by order of the Commissioners."
"April 27, 1803. Paid fifty dollars by order of the Commis-
sioners."
f By virtue of a warrant bearing date Oct. 29, 1805.
^ From 1802 to 1813 no election of school commissioners appears
in the records.
140
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"June 7, 1803. Paid fifty dollars by order of the Commissioners."
"July 15, IS03. Paid fifty-six dolLars by order of the Commis-
sioners."
" March 2, 1804. Paid one hundred and fifty dollars by order of
the Commissioners.
Jo.VATHAS Teiacv, T'oiOH Clerk.
The following, with reference to tlie first hotels, will be
of interest :
" Be it remembered, that we, the Commissioners of Excise for Mid-
dletown, in the county of Steuben, have resolved and licensed the
following persons to keep public inns or taverns in .said Middletuwu
for the year one thousand eight hundred and three, namely : Elisha
Searles, Elisha Gilbert, Robert Martin, Lemuel Benham; and have
taken as a duty of ctcise, for the use of said Middletown, five dollars
from each and every person so licensed, as witness our hands this
4th day of May, 1803.
"Jonx Kso.x,
"Reiben Searles,
"Abkl Whitk."
In 1808 the name of the town was changed to Addison.
This year a committee was appointed to select a convenient
spot for a burying-ground, and it was " voted, that the com-
mittee is to get the burying-grouud cleared and fenced, and
all the expense is to be paid out of the money in the poor-
ofiSce." It is to be presumed that there were no poor at
that time to need the fund that had accumulated, and there-
fore it was devoted to another purpose.
In 1814 the school commissioners laid out four school
districts, as follows :
"The Commissioners of Schools for the town of Addison have filed
in a report at the Town Clerk's office for the division of the town into
school districts, dated the 4th of February, 1814. Division as follows,
to wit : First district to be comjioscil of all that part of the town lying
between the town of Painted Post and the new dwelling-house of John
Martin, and from the Canistco bridge, so as to include the dwelling-
house of Henry Tracy: the second district, from the dwelling-house
of Henry Tracy to the dwelling-house of Jesse Rowley : the third
district, including the dwelling-house of John Martin, to continue up
the river so as to include the dwelling-house of Simeon Baker; the
fourth district to continue from thence up the river to the western
boundary of the town.
" Samuel Coi.gbove,
*' David Dk'KInson,
" TiMOTHV SeAHLES,
"6'o*///Jlt'««/oi(f )'«."
" Vtiled, That the school money be divided and paid over to the dif-
ferent school districts, according to the number of scholars in each
district, when proper trustees are chosen to receive it."
"Voted, That fifty dollars be raised the ensuing year for the use of
schools."
" Voted, That the bounty on wolf's scalps be the same as last year."
The first return of a general election for members of
Assembly, State Senator, and member of Congress is dated
April 28, 1814, and signed by William B. Jones, Martin
Young, John Towsley, and David Dickiii.sori, inspectors of
election. For Assembly, Daniel Cruger, 38 votes ; Moses
Van Campen, 13 votes. For Senator, Philetus Swift re-
ceived 14 votes; Bennett Bucknell, 14 votes; Chauneey
Loomis, 14 votes; John J. Pendergrast, 14 votes. For
member of Congress, Oliver C. Comstock received 36 votes
and Evens T. Throop 36 votes.
June 26, 1818, the fifth school district, extending on
both sides of the river, " from a small run of water called
Stephen Hadley's Creek to the west line of the town," was
laid out by the school commissioners.
" March 3, 1819. Voted, wolves no bounty, panthers
ditto."
In November, 1819, Vincent Matthews and John D.
Higgins, of Bath, and Samuel Colgrove and Isaac Santee,
of Addison, school commissioners for their respective towns,
laid out school district No. 19, in Bonney's Settlement, lying
partly in the town of Addison and partly in Bath. In
1822 another bridge was built across the Canisteo at Addi-
son village. At the town-meeting in 1821 it was " voted
to take one hundred dollars of the poof money, to be put
with other money, for the purpose of building a bridge over
the Canisteo at this place."
This year " voted, that the bounty on wolves' scalps be
ten dollars, and no person to be entitled to the bounty ex-
cept residents of the town." " Voted, that one hundred
dollars be raised for the support of schools."
LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS.
Collectors.
1828.
Edward Nichols.
Hezekiah Dolph.
Alfred Nichols.
1829.
William Womboug
h.
Eber Scofield.
1830.
"
.Tolin Loop.
Amos Carr.
1831.
John Loop.
Archibald Manly.
Joel Prentis.
1832.
" "
Frederick R. Wagner.James Brownell.
1833.
James Baldwin.
..
Eber Scofield.
1834.
ti i.
" "
James Brownell.
1835.
(( n
ti tt
tt i(
1836.
John H. Thompson. " "
tt tt
183;.
•'
<t ti
" "
1838.
William Hamilton
tt tt
It tt
1839.
John 11. Thompson
tt tt
Edward Farnbam.
1840.
"
••
"
1841.
'•
Charles S. Sly.
James B. Jones.
1842.
William A. Baldwin. '* *'
1843.
L. A. Jones.
"
'•
1844.
" "
John Bailey.
1845.
Fred'k R. Wagner
It it
Thomas A. — .
1846.
William Wombough. John W. Diuinuy.
Henry S. Jones.
1847.
Rufus Baldwin.
"
tt tt
1848.
W. W. Smith.
a tt
George W. Carr.
1849.
James H. Miles.
Geo. H. Wetherby.
William S. Guile.
1850.
"
Rulef. S. Gile.
John N. Brown.
1851.
11. Ross Jones.
Abram Dudley.
Francis E. Young.
1852.
"
■'
Llewellyn A. Jones.
1853.
E. D. Root.
"
Llewel'n A. Jones, Jr
1854.
George W. Carr.
John S. Hill.
,.
1855.
Abram Dudley.
Wilson Van Dycke
Oliver Moore.
1856.
Edwin J. Horn.
Rollin R. Smith.
Stephen Lewis.
1857.
0. Seymour.
George Graham.
Martin Wilbur.
1858.
" "
A. S. McKay.
" "
1859.
Thomas Paxton.
Jacob V. Graham.
It tt
1860.
Henry Baldwin.
"
It It
1861.
Edwin J. Horn.
Albert G. Crane.
Simon McCutlough.
1862.
"
"
'•
1863.
"
" "
" "
1864.
F. C. Dininny.
tt tt
tt tt
1865.
« it
" "
L. M. Jones.
1866.
it u
Jacob V. Graham.
Charles W. Gillet.
1867.
" "
John Carr.
" "
1868.
ti tl
Henry S. Jones.
Alfred Kinne.
1869.
« «
tt tt
tt it
1870.
„
tt tt
E. Deville Root.
1871.
it it
F. W. Lattimer.
tt ti
1872.
Henry Baldwin.
It tt
ti tt
1873.
"
tt tt
David K. Hickey.
1874.
S. V. Lattimer.
tt tt
Daniel Allen.
1875.
it 11
James H. Goodhue.
John W. Clark.
1876.
"
F. W. Lattimer.
J. R. Wilhelm.
1877.
H ti
"
tt tt
1878.
Albert G. Crane.
tt tt
Daniel P. Hurlbut.
WILLIAM WOM BOUGH.
The personal history of William Wombough is so intimateiy
connected with the settlement and growth of the Tuscarora
Valley, where now is located the thrifty village of Addison, that
it forms no unimportant part of the general history of this part
of the county of Steuben.
He was bom in Monmouth Co., N. J., in the year 1769.
His parents were of German birth, and his father came to
America about the year 1765, settling in New Jersey. He had
no opportunities for any education from books, and could neither
read nor write, but his very eventful and successfiil business
career demonstrated that a practical education as often secures
financial success.
While a young man he settled in Delaware Co., N. Y., and
engaged in lumbering, rafting his lumber to Philadelphia. There
he remained eleven years, and in the year 1804 removed to the
Tuscarora Valley, and settled in the almost wilderness and
Indian country, where the now beautiful and cultivated fields vie
with the best in the State in point of agriculture. He at once
purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land, where now his
son William resides, built a saw -mill, and in 1806 erected a
grist-mill on the Tuscarora Creek ; where in 1830 he erected a
second one, which is still standing. By this time he had added
to his original purchase, so that he owned some two thousand
acres of land. In 1833 he removed to Woodhull, and purchased
some five hundred acres of land where the village of Newville
now is, and there erected a grist-mill. In the year 1835 he re-
moved to Troupsburgh, purchased some five hundred acres of
land, and erected a saw-mill and grist-mill. There he remained
until 1842, when he returned to Addison, and a few years after-
wards erected a grist-mill (it being the fifth) on the present site
of the sash-factory now owned by Messrs. Mackay & Hill.
In order to furnish his first grist-mill with the proper ma-
chinery he was obliged to go to Philadelphia, which he did in a
lumber wagon, and returned with wagon loaded with weighty
machinery. The incidents connected with such a trip through
forests,
rough roads, its privations, and necessary economy and
hardships, are in striking contrast with the rapid transit of the
railroad car of the present day. Being now at the advanced age
of eighty, he never after engaged in any new enterprises. After
a brief illness of only four days he died from the effects of a
paralytic stroke, at the ripe age of eighty four, in the year 1853.
It is impossible in a short space to do any more than give an
outline of his history. He came into this valley, moving his
goods in boats up the Susquehanna, Chemung, and Canisteo
Rivers, and lived during that period of the settlement of the
country when there was little or no machinery to lessen manual
labor ; and about the time of his death the completion of the
Erie Railway, and the introduction of mowing and other ma-
chinery, made a radical change in the mode of rapid transit of
persons and goods, and in the time to accomplish a given amount
of work. It is worthy of note here that the Indians were in
the neighborhood, and that they were known to come to the
settlement and purchase powder, but never to make purchase of
any lead ; hence, it was always supposed by the settlers that there
was a lead mine near by ; but the secret, if there was one, was
never disclosed by the natives, and no information of its location
discovered.
Mr. Wombough was strong in his political inclinations, and
a staunch member of the Whig party. In the war of 1812
he was drafted, but hired a substitute, paying therefor sixty
dollars. The progeny of this most remarkable business man
is quite numerous in and about Addison, and makes up many
of the representative families of the village.
His wife was Elizabeth Towsley, who did her part well, and
trained her children in all that makes true manhood and woman-
hood. She died at the age of seventy-nine.
His children were Henry, born 1800 (deceased) ; Mrs. Rufiis
Baldwin, 1802 (deceased); William, 1811 ; Mrs. Ira P. Ben-
nett, 1813 ; Mrs. Peter Striker, 1815 ; Mrs. James B. Mur-
dock, 1818 (deceased); Mre. Col. George Farnham, 1823
(deceased) ; Mrs. Gilbert B. Brewster, 1828 ; and Addison
Wombough, 1831.
TOWN OF ADDISON.
141
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The first justice of the peace in this town whose name
appears in the records was Reuben Searles, in 1804. He
was probably appointed a justice at an earlier date. Wil-
liam B. Jones appears as justice of the peace in 1811;
Jesse Rowley and Nathaniel Mallory in 1815; Stephen
Towsley, 1819; Joseph Loughry and Calvin Searles, 1821 ;
Ira Baxter, 1825 ; Hiram Hall and Joel Prentice, 1828 ;
Jeremiah Rowley, 1831 ; Isaac Mills, Jr., 1832.
Jir.STICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE.
is:i3.
I8:u.
1S36.
I8;i7.
I8:i8.
isay.
1840.
1841.
1842.
184:i.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1S60.
Ira Baxter.
Solomon Curtis.
Lemuel B. Searles.
Elijah Fay.
Ira Baxtt'r.
Isaac l). Boyd.
Thomas Wheat.
Ira Ba.xtcr.
Henry N. Birdsall.
Krastus Brooks.
Homer Mandeville.
Isaac Miles, Jr.
William Finch.
Homer Mandeville.
Henry N. Birdsall.
William Everard.
Washington Hudson.
C. H. Cole (vacancy).
Rufus B. Drew.
.■\.G. Chatfield.
William A. Baldwin.
C. H. Cole.
Kufus li. Drew.
John W. Dininny.
Wm. W. Smith.
James B. Young.
John Thompson.
Chas. W. Robinson.
John W. Dininny.
John Thompson.
James B. Young.
Jacob Inmau.
John W. Dininny.
James Whitteuhall.
Chas. W. Robinson.
Daniel L. Aldrich.
Sheldon Clinton.
Henry W. Saui'ord.
1861. Edward H. Buck.
1862. James K. Jennings.
James C. Van Orsdale.
1863. F. L. Jones.
E. H. Ames.
1864. E. H. Ames.
Miles Stevens.
1865. Frederick R. Wagner.
1866. Henry Baldwin.
1867. George H. Shepard.
1868. E. Howard Ames.
1869. E. Howard Ames.
Henry Baldwin.
F. R Wagner.
1870. Henry Baldwin.
E. H. Buck.
1871. E. Howard Ames.
George S. Shepard.
E. H. Buck.
1872. Bradley Blakslee.
1873. James K., Jennings.
E. Howard Ames.
1874. Bradley Blakslee.
E. Howard Ames.
S. D. Clinton.
1875. E. Howard Ames.
Bradley Blakslee.
P. II. Masten.
1876. E. Howard Ames.
S. D. Clinton.
Bradley Blakslee.
1877. E. Howard Ames.
Bradley Blakslee.
H. S. Jones.
1878. E. Howard Ames.
B.C.Wilson.
Bratlley Blakslee.
LANDS ABOUT THE VILLAGE.
William B. Jones kept one of the fir.st hotels on the
north side of the river. He purchased lot No. 3, known
as the " Pompelly Lot," it having been bought of Harman
Pompelly, of Owego, who bought it of Charles Wilkes.
It was part of the Wilkes Tract, which was ()uite an ex-
tensive tract, lying on the north side of the river. Lot No.
3 was purchased from Harmon Pompelly by Solomon Cur-
tis, who laid out a portion of the village on that side.
William Wombough owned lots Nos. 3 and 4 on the south
side, extending back to the town-line. He purchased his
land at an early time, mostly of contractors with the Pulte-
ney estate, who were not able to complete their title. He
laid out part of the village on the south side of the river,
on lot No. 3, about 1832, and it was surveyed by John E.
Evans, of Painted Post. Samuel Colgrove laid out the
north side for Solomon Curtis the same year.
In 1830 the price of wild land in this section was 81.50
per acre. In 1831 it had risen to $2 an acre. In this
latter year most of the timbered lands in this section were
purchased. David Ross and his son, Stephen Ross, of
Troy, purchased several thousand acres, which were sur-
veyed by Col. Wm. H. Bull, of Bath.
MERCANTILE AND LUMBERING.
About this period the valley of the Canisteo became the
scene of active mercantile and lumbering operations. In
1830, John Loop, Shumway & Glover, Wilcox, Birdsall &
Weatherby began at Addi.son as lumbermen and merchants,
and continued till some time in 1832, when John and
Peter P. Loop, Caleb Weatherby, and Read A. Williams
formed a copartnership, and built a store in the lower part
of the village on the north side. They operated largely in
both mercantile aisd lumbering business for about a year,
when they made an assignment, and soon after removed
from the county.
Mr. Williams became a lumber merchant in Chicago.
Mr. Weatherby removed to Warren, Pa., where he died
some years since.
In the spring of 1833 John Loop went down the river
with lumber, and left hi.s brother, Peter P. Loop, who Was
a man of dissipated habits, in charge of his interests at
Addison. On his return he found matters in a very un-
satisfactory state, which troubled him exceedingly. He
went to what is now Erwin Centre, to see to some lumber-
ing interests there, and from there went up the Clendenny
Creek some three miles to a saw-mill. This was about five
o'clock p.M, and it was the last that was ever seen of him
in this part of the country. A crowd of men turned out
and made diligent search for him so long as there was any
hope of his discovery ; but at last it was given up as fruit-
less, and the supposition became current that some ruflSan
had murdered him to obtain possession of the money he had
upon his person.
A story was told several years after that some one from
this section, who had previously known Loop, saw him on
the Mississippi River somewhere above New Orleans, and
that, in an interview, he explained to the narrator the
cause of his sudden disappearance, saying he found him-
self in Pittsburgh, destitute and almost naked, and being
ashamed to meet his old friends, had resolved never to
return to Addison.
Whether there is any truth in this story or not, it is
certain that Loop was very sensitive as to his honor, and
possessed in a very high degree the respect and confidence
of his fellow-citizens. He was supervisor of the town, and
the records made by him while town clerk show a very
careful and elegant handwriting. i
The next firm established here was Thompson & French, I
about 1834. They built their store on the site now occu-/
pied by Smith's Block, corner of Wall and Railroad StreetsJ
John Thompson, the head of the firm, resided in Addison;
John M. French, the other partner, lived at Big Flats.
They did a prosperous business for a few years, and in
1838 sold out to William R. Smith and Ai Fitch. The
latter was a resident of New Brunswick, N. J. Mr. Smith
becanje a permanent fixtijre in the life and business of
14'j
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Addison, being one of its most enterprising and useful
citizens till the time of his death. He was the father of
William A. Smith, the present successful merchant of
Addison. He came to Addison in 1836, and started in a
store which had been built by Ransom Rathbone, in 183.3.
The store is still standing, on the east side of F. W. Latti-
mer's grocerj-store.
Mr. Rathbone did a dry-goods and grocery business from
1833 to 183(3, when he removed to Rathboneville, where
he died many years ago.
S. L. Gillet, A. Cone, and Joel D. Gillet began mercan-
tile business in Addison in the fall of 1835. They occu-
pied the Wombough store on Water Street, and did a
prosperous business for three years. In the fall of 1838,
Joel D. Gillet bought the interest of his partners, and re-
moved his goods to a store which he purchased on Water
Street at the east end of the bridge, where he did a large
business till, on account of failing health, he sold to his
brother. C. E. Gillet, in 1847, who continued the business
till 1850, when he sold to Joel D. Gillet. The latter con-
tinued the store till 1852, and sold to George Wells, who
in a few months sold to E. L. & E. R. Paine. This firm
had a successful career for two or three years, and sold to
George Graham and N. W. Mallory, who continued busi-
ness till burned out in 1857.
Thomas and Benjamin Phillips established mercantile
business and built a store, now occupied as a dwelling, in
1836. They continued only a few years. Thomas Phillips
was the father of Ransom Phillips, now residing in the
town of Addison. Merriam & Haynes succeeded them,
and did business for a short lime in the same store.
Dr. Bradley Blakslee came to Addison in 1840 from
Uteuo, Otsego Co. He was born in the State of Ver-
mont, October, 17!I4, and is consequently eighty-four years
old. In company with Ezra R. Brewer and Hiram Sleeper,
he purchased 1000 acres of land on Elk Creek, now in the
town of WoodhuU. It was a lumber tract, and the com-
pany built a water-mill on Elk Creek and carried on lum-
bering there five years. They also during the same period
carried on mercantile business in a store belonging to Henry
Wombough, on the north side.
At the expiration of five years the company dissolved.
Hiram Sleeper and Bradley Blakslee then formed a mer-
cantile partnership, and built a store where Jacob Graham's
hardware-store now stands. They also built a steam saw-
mill on 250 acres of pine land which they purchased about
two miles up the valley, and continued about three years
in this business, when they dissolved. About 1841, Dr.
Blakslee built his present residence and a store adjoining,
which he occupied about four years as a drug-store. It
was burned down in 1851.
EARLY HOTELS.
William B. Jones and Caleb Wetherby kept early hotels
on the north side of the river. James Van Vleck built
the first hotel on the south side. It is now the rear part
of the American House, and was moved back when the
latter building was erected. Mr. Van Vleck afterwards
failed, and the property passed into the hands of William
Wombouffh.
VILLAGE OF AUDISON.
This village is situated in the beautiful valley of the
Canisteo, twelve miles west of Corning, and is, on the direct
Erie Railway, thirty miles from the city of New York.
The business of the village is chiefly as follows : one tan-
nery, George Stratton ; two sash-, door-, and blind-factories,
McKay & Hill and A. G. Crane & Co. ; one furniture-fac-
tory, Darrin & Baldwin ; one plow-handle factory, E. S.
Mead & Co. ; three steam saw-mills, Brook & Gillet, O.
Bridgeman, E. H. Phillips, and Henry Baldwin; one grist-
and flouring-mill, Curtis & Paxton ; one foundry and machine-
shop, E. J. Horn ; one boot- and shoe-factory, George W .
Farnham. The village has five churches, — Episcopalian,
Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, and Catholic, —
four dry-goods stores, seven grocery and provision stores,
two hardware-stores, two harness-shops, four boot- and shoe-
stores, three millinery and dress-goods stores, three drug
and medicine stores, four hotels, one florist and hot-house
gardener, three meat-markets, two banks, one furniture-
store, three wagon-shops, and five blacksmith-shops. There
is also a cancer infirmary, under the management of Dr.
George Craine, and one union graded school, managed by
a board of education.
The village was incorporated under the general law of
the State in January, 1854. At the ensuing election the
following board of trustees and officers was chosen : Fred-
erick R. Wagner, Bradley Blakslee, Parley Guinnip, Ste-
phen Lewis, . White, and Thomas Pa.xton. Dr. Fred.
R. Wagner was chosen President, and I. V. L. Meigs, Clerk.
The charter was amended by a special act of the Legisla-
ture, approved April 12, 1873. By section third of this
act, the village was divided into two wards, as follows :
" The first ward shall consist of all that part of said village
which lies north of the Canisteo River. The second ward
shall consist of all that part of said village which lies south
of the Canisteo River."
The officers elected for 1878 were the following : Presi-
ileut, J. V. Graham ; Cleric, John W. Clark ; Treasurer,
Chauncey D. Hill ; Collector, Sanford Elmer. Trustees, —
First Ward, Daniel D. Hickey, E. S. Mead; Second Ward,
Lorin Aldrich, James D. Goodley.
POST-OFFICE.
A post-office was established at the village of Addison as
early as 1804. In 1830 a mail was brought once a week
on horseback from Painted Post. This was at that time
the end of the route. In 1831, Dr. F. R. Wagner drew
up a petition for a mail twice a week, which was sent to
Hon. John Magee, then member of Congress. It was
granted by the department, and William B. Jones, who
took the contract, carried the mail from Painted Post to
Addison in a two-horse coach. Mails were delivered semi-
weekly and afterwards tri- weekly till 1849, when Andrew
J. Chalfield, James Birdsall, and Dr. F. R. Wagner drew
up a petition for a daily mail, which was granted. Since
the completion of the Erie Railway the mails have been
carried by rail, and supplied as often at this point as at any
other place on the route.
We append the following list of postmasters since 1830 :
Lemuel B. Searles, John Thompson, William R. Smith,
TOWN OP ADDISON.
143
Charles H. Henderson, Horatio Ross Jones, John N
Brown, Mrs. Ann Taggart, James S. Scofield, Dr. John
Mitchell, and Charles W. Gillet.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Frederick R. Wagner was the first physician in the
village. He was born in Leyden, Mas.s., and when six
months old was brought by his parents to Chenango
County, where he resided till 1830, when he settled in
AddLson. For four years previous he had studied medi-
cine with Dr. Henry A. Mitchell, of Norwich, Chenango
Co., and first commenced his practice here. He continued
strictly in the practice of his profession from 1830 to 1865.
Since retiring from active practice he has been engaged in
the drug business.
The next physician was Dr. Sweeney, who came here in
1833, and remained but a short time. Then came Dr.
William Mclntyre, who, after a few years' practice, removed
to California. Dr. Erastus N. Foot came in 1841. He
practiced in partnership with Dr. Wagner one year, and
after practicing alone for a short time, returned to Greene
County, whence he came. Dr. William Beach practiced here
a few years and then removed to Louisiana, where he died.
Dr. Reuben P. Brown settled in Addison in April, 1847.
He was born in Bradford Co., Pa., where he studied medi-
cine, and graduated at Hobart College, Geneva, in the class
of 1847. He has been in the constant practice of medi-
cine here ever since. Dr. Brown is also a hotel-keeper,
having, in 1873, purchased the Exchange Hotel, known
now as Brown's Hotel, of James E. Smith. It was origi-
nally occupied as a hotel by Samuel D. Smith ; it then
became a store occupied by Mr. Woodhull, and was en-
larged and changed again to a hotel, and occupied by
James E. Smith till he sold to Dr. Brown.
Ruch P. Brown, son of Dr. Brown, graduated at the
New York Medical University and settled as a physician in
Addison, where he was brought up, in 1873.
Dr. John Mitchell and Dr. H. R. Ainsworth are the
other practicing physicians in the village.
LAWYERS.
In 1830 there was no lawyer in town except James
Birdsall, who was engaged in mercantile business with
Whitman Wilcox and Caleb Weatherby. James Birdsall
established a law-office, from which have gone out several
luen of distinction : Andrew G. Chatfield, who was after-
wards a justice of the United States Court in Minnesota,
and who died not long since full of honors ; Washington
Barnes, who distinguished himself at the bar, and died
some years ago at Bath ; F. C. Dininny, now a resident of
Elmira ; F. R. E. Cornell, late State attorney of Minne-
sota, who commenced the practice of law in this town and
became a State senator. He removed at a later period to
Minnesota, where he now resides, and is a judge of the
Supreme Court. The prestige of the earlier bar of this
town is well sustained by its later members. Col. John W.
Dininny, Hon. A. S. McKay, and others. The present
practicing lawyers of the village are Col. John W. Dininny,
Hon. A. S. McKay, Horace D. Baldwin, D. M. Darrin, and
S. D. Clinton.
CHURCHES.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ADDISON
was organized in the month of September, 1832, by t com-
mittee of the Presbytery of Bath, consisting of Rev. A.
Donaldson and Rev. E. D. Wills. The original members
were Porter Phelps, Mary Ellen Phelps, Elilm Whittenhall
and Eliza Ann Whittenhall, William Hoyt, John Shum-
way, and Mrs. Mary Scofield.
Porter Phelps and Elihu Whittenhall were elected ruling
elders. The first meetings were held at the Curtis school-
house, at the east end of the village, until the erection
of the present church edifice. The church edifice was
erected in the year 1838, at a cost of about $3500. James
Turk was the constructor and builder. The building orig-
inally cost about S2000. It has since been enlarged by an
addition pf twenty feet to the rear end.
LIST OF 3IINISTERS.
1835-39. Rov. Daniel B. Butts. | 1864-65. Rev. S. S. Sturgcs.
1340-42. Rev. Lewis Hamilton. ! 1866-67. Rev. D. F. .ludson.
1842-45. Rev. Darius Williams. ' 1867-70. Rev. W. (i. Parrott.
1845-55. Rev. A. H. Parmelee. 1870-72. Rev. C. Simjison.
1855-56. Rev. William Kidder. 1873-74. Rev. J. V. C. Xillis.
1857-63. Rev. D. F. Judson. 1875. Rev. A. R. Olncy.
Elders. — Porter Phelps removed from Addison in May,
1835. Elihu Whittenhall left here in 1843, and now re-
sides in Kansas. John P. Shumway and Joel D. Gillett
were elected elders in 1836. Mr. Shumway removed to
Minnesota in 1844. Mr. Gillett still resides here, and has
been elder of the church forty-two years, and still fills that
oflSce. William Tarbell and William McDowell were elected
in 1840. Col. Tarbell removed to Pennsylvania, and died
there. Mr. McDowell also removed to Westfield, Pa., and
died there in 1875. Dr. Bradley Blakslee was elected an
elder in 1845, and still continues to ofiiciate in that capacity.
E. Van Tuyl, now residing in Binghamton, for some time
officiated as an elder of this church ; he was chosen in
July, 1857. Calvin Cowley was elected elder in April,
1862, and died in 1876. Seth Mullion was elder from
1857 to 1862. In January, 1872, David B. Winton and
Martin Wilber were ordained elders, and still hold that office.
Mr. Joel D. Gillet has been clerk of the church and
society ever since 1836. Present membership of the church,
112; Sunday-school, 110. E.L.Richardson, superintendent.
CHDRCH OF THE REDEEMER — PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
The first services of the Episcopal Church were held in
this village about 1847, by Rev. Gardner M. Skinner, then
a missionary at Corning. At different intervals during a
period of seven or eight years thereafter, services were held
by this clergyman, by Rev. Levi H. Corson, of Bath, and
by Rev. Augustus A. Marple, of Wellsborough, Pa. During
this the bishop had also made a visitation at the place.
Such was the interest manifested during the latter part of
these occasional visits that an efibrt was made to raise a
subscription to build a church edifice ; but the church
people were few and widely scattered, and the movement
for the time being was unsuccessful.
In 1853, Rev. Robert N. Parke, of St. Jamas' Church,
Hammondsport, being informed of the interest and spirit
here manifested, made a visit to the place and arranged to
144
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
hold service during the same month. At the second visit
he preached in the Methodist house of worship to a large
and attentive congregation, and was engaged conditionally
to come and officiate for the six months beginning in Jan-
uary, 1854, in order to test the practicability of organizing
a parish. The conditions being complied with, he came
accordingly on the third Sunday in January, 1854, and
commenced his duties in Addison as missionary for Addi-
son and Rathboneville, holding service for some weeks in
the district school-house of District No. 1.
Early in the spring permission was granted by the trus-
tees of the Academy to hold service in that building, and
on the 18th of April, being Tuesday in Easter week, a
meeting was held in the Academy, at which the parish was
duly incorporated and the first wardens and vestrymen
elected: Senior Wmden, L. Griswold ; Junior Warden,
Z. L. Webb ; Vestrymen, James 8. McKay, David Darrin,
H. J. Fonda, William R. Smith, Thomas Paxton, Stephen
Lewis, H. W. Rathbone.
On the 2(lth of March, 1854, 18 members, whose names
appear below, were received by the rector. Rev. Robert N.
Parke, upon the following instrument in' writing :
"Anmso.N, March 20, 18i4.
*• \Vc the undersigned, citizens of Addison, county of vSteuben, situate
in the Diocese of Western New Yorli, do Iiereby attaclr ourselves to the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this place, now under the rectorship
of Rev. Robert N. Parke.
'' N. B. Ii:iwney.
Henry M. Smith.
William A. Smith.
P. S. Bell.
L- Griswl>ld.
D. Darrin.
Wm. Stradella.
J. S. Lyon.
Stephen Lewis.
W. R. Smith.
James AVhittenhall.
Henry .Sherwood.
Z. Lewis Webb.
H. W. Rathbone.
.lohn W. Dininny.
K. H. Ames.
R. P. Brown.
H. J. Fonda.
" This is to certify that I, Robert N. Parke, Rector of the Episco-
])al t-'hurch in Addison, above mentioned, do receive and recognize
those persons whose names are herein recorded as belonging to the
church now under my charge. '* Robkrt N. P.\rke,
"Addison, March 20, 1854."
On the 3Uth of June, 1858, a subscription was started
for the purpose of raising money to build a church edifice.
The building was finished, and consecrated by Rt. Rev.
William H. De Laucey, Bishop of the Diocese of Western
New York, on the 5th of April, 1860, with every dollar
of indebtedness paid. It is furnished with an organ and
bell, and with every comfort and convenience for the wor-
shipers and for the vestry and other meetings of the parish.
The cliurch now numbers 88 communicants, 48 families,
and 55 in the Sunday-school.
The rectors who have officiated in the church since its
organization are as follows : Rev. Robert N. Parke, about
four years ; Rev. A. R. Van Antwerp, about two years ;
Rev. De Witt C. Loop, about two years; Rev. Albert
Wood, about eight years ; Rev. F. F. Rice, the present
rector, since 1871.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUUCH, ADDISON.
Religious services were held in a school-house below
where the academy now stands, and near Mr. Montgomery's
house, forty-two years ago.
On Wednesday evening, Sept. 3, 1835, a meeting was
held at that school-house, and the Second Methodist Epis-
copal Church of Addison was duly organized. Rev.
Thomas Wheat and Mr. Henry Wombough were chairmen
of that meeting ; Erastus Brooks was secretary. Thomas
Wheat, Samuel Miles, James Turk, James Allen, Henry
Wombough, John Thompson, Amos Carr, Llewellyn A.
Jones, and Jerathmeel Powers were elected trustees of the
society.
Two days after, the board met, organized, and appointed
two committees ; one to select a site for a church, the other
to prepare and circulate a subscription paper. No church
edifice of the society, however, was erected till 1841, as the
Methodists co-operated with the Presbyterian society in the
erection of their church and for several years used it in
common.
On the evening of Nov. 24, 1841, another meeting for
organization was held in the red school-house. The first
Methodist Episcopal society of Addison was legally organ-
ized. Rev. Jerathmeel Powers and Rev. R. T. Hancock
were chairmen. Israel B. Persons was secretary. James
H. Miles, Warren Starkey, James Turk, Myron S. Curtis,
Israel B. Persons, John Thompson, Russel Root, Jr.,
Elnathan G. Brown, and Vincent B. Hathaway were elec-
ted trustees. This meeting took immediate action towards
building a church. Five years afterwards, while Samuel
Nichols was pastor, M. S. Curtis, David Turk, Wm. Price,
and Vincent B. Hathaway, trustees. Ensign Allen put up
the frame to a church building on a lot above where Mr.
H. Ross Jones' house now stands. Three years after that
the congregation (having occupied the basement during that
time), occupied the audience-room of the churcii. After a
struggle of fourteen years Methodism was anchored in Addi-
son. Then followed a quarter of a century of uninterrupted
church life, — a period of blessing and of trial. Then came
the fire and swept away the church building, which had
been built by struggle, sacrifice, and prayer.
The next period of Methodist history begins with the
dedication of a new brick church, on April 21, 1876. This
church was built during the pastorate of D. D. Cook.
John Mitchel, John Orr, L. D. Coburn, P. W. Orr, Geo.
Crane, trustees. It is a substantial structure, tasteful in
its design, and convenient for general church work. Its
total cost was $14,000. To some it seemed unwise to
build a building of its style and cost, but as time goes by
the wisdom of the counsels which finally prevailed will
become more apparent. It was an act of faith which the
Great Head of the Church will bless.
Since the pastorate of Rev. D. D. Cook in 1875-76, Rev.
E. E. Millspaugh, Rev. Canfield, and Rev. • have
served successivel}' as pastors.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP ADDISON.
The First Baptist Church of Addison was organized May
6, 1869, under the missionary labors of Rev. C. W. Brooks.
Rev. S. D. Merrick, the first pastor, settled over the church
in October, 1869, and remained four years and a half
During his pastorate the present house of worship was built,
known as the Baptist Chapel. When became here thechurch
numbered about 30 members ; when he left, it numbered 130,
I
TOWN OF ADDISON.
145
and the churcli property was valued at $7500. At the nri;an-
ization the following persons united : Rev. George Crocker,
Rev. Charles W. Brooks, Mrs. Elsie A. Brooks, Miss Anna
Thurston, George W. Whitehead, Mrs. Julia A. Whitehead,
D. C. Daniels, Jane Daniels, Kate Daniels, George I. True,
Daniel J. Chittenden, Elizabeth G. Chittenden, I. G. Balcom,
John C. Shutts, Jesse G. Wooster, Doratha Darrin, Jane
Stephens. Deacons, Daniel J. Chittenden and Je.sse G.
Wooster ; Cleric, Daniel J. Chittenden.
The pastors have been Rev. S. D. Merrick, Rev. E. M.
Blanchard, and Rev. P. Reynolds. The latter resigned in
May, 1878, and the church at this writing (September,
1878) is without a settled pastor. Present member.ship,
108 ; Sunday-school, 80 ; C. W. Sackett, Superintendent.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
St. Catharine's Church, of Addison, was organized or
built in 1854, by Rev. Father Cunningham, the pastor of
St. Mary's, Corning, who had charge of it and several other
missions in Steuben and Chemung Counties ; visiting and
holding services most generally once a month, until the
community was able to purchase and build the present frame
building known as the above church. Since then St.
Catharine's Church was variously attended from different
missions, until the Rev. Father Bradley assumed pastoral
charge of the mission and became its first resident pastor
in 1866. He continued as such till 1873, when Rev. J.
Brady, its present pastor, assumed charge.
Its present membership numbers 140 families. The
church since then has undergone various repairs and addi-
tional improvements, according to the wants or growtli of
the community. It stands in a very prominent place, and
is one of the chief attractions of the public square. It is
built in a plain style of architecture, and can seat about 350
persons comfortably.
ADDISON ACADEMY.
In December, 1847, Henry Wombough, Rufus Baldwin,
Joel D. Gillet, Elihu Whittenhall, Erastus Brooks, Orange
Seymour, William H. Gray, Bradley Blakslee, William
Bradley, James Baldwin, William R. Smith, and Arthur
Erwin purchased four acres of land north of the village of
Addison as a site for an academy, and the next summer
built an academy building at an expense of about $3600.
A flourishing school was organized and continued until the
building was destroyed by fire in October, 1856.
Subsequently an association of 12 citizens established
a private academic school, in a brick dwelling-house now
owned and occupied by the Methodist Church as a parson-
age. This school was well supported by many of the chief
citizens of the place, and continued till the organization of
the Union Free Academy in connection with the public-
school system of the village.
UNION FREE SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 1.
This district was organized in March, 1868. The first
board of education consisted of the following-named per-
son.s : Jesse K. Strock, John F. Turner, George Farnham,
John W. Dininny, James M. Wood, John Mitchell, David
Darrin, Henry S. Jones, William A. Smith.
19
The board held their first meeting March 28, 1868, at
which John W. Dininny was chosen President; J. M.
Wood, Treasurer ; C. J. Reynolds, Collector. The follow-
ing resolution was adopted :
" litisolved, That the Board of Education of the Union School of
Addison deem it necessary for the interest and requirements of said
Union School to establish an academic department therein ; and we
therefore resolve hereby to establish and maintain said academic de-
partment."
In accordance with this resolution the academic school
was established, and has since been continued, subject to
the visitation of the Regents of the State University, and
receiving its proportion of the literature fund.
In 1873-74, the number of students in the academic
department was 64, — 18 males and 46 females. In 1874-75,
the number was 64, — 22 males and 42 females. The course
of study includes the usual branches taught in academies.
ST.\TISTICS, 1878.
Number of children of school age in the district 506
Number in attendance 386
Number of days' attendance 41,879
Teachers in all the departments 7
Assessed value of taxable property $500,284
Value of .school site Sl,50{)
Value of school building $11,000
Amount expended for school purposes $.3,751.69
Principal, E. L. Richardson, A.M. ; Board of Educa-
tion, 1878, — President, John W. Dininny ; Clerk, D. M.
Darrin ; Trustees, Henry Baldwin, H. K. Ainsworth, D.
B. Winton, John Orr, George Farnham, Lorin Aldrich,
John Mitchell, Daniel K. Hickey, John W. Dininny.
BURYING-GROUNDS.
The first burying-ground was laid out in 1808. It was
located on the south side, on lands belonging to William
Wombough. No conveyance was ever made of lots, but
the proprietor allowed the citizens to bury upon it, and
burials were made here from the earliest settlement, except
in the Baldwin family burying about a mile west of the
village.
In 1845, Joel D. Gillet, Elihu Whittenhall, and William
R. Smith contracted for a lot for a cemetery a short dis-
tance below the village, upon which Addison Cemetery was
laid out. It was deeded to the trustees of the Presbyterian
Church of Addison by Solomon Curtis, March 1, 1850.
The first interment was that of the remains of Lucy J.,
first wife of Joel D. Gillet, in the fall of 1846. The
trustees of the Presbyterian Church have conveyed the
cemetery to the village corporation.
MASONIC.
Addison Union Lodge, No. 118, was chartered June 4,
1847. Dr. Bradley Blakslee was elected and installed as
the first Master, and held the office twelve consecutive
years.
Officers for 1879, W. A. Bartlett, W. M. ; E. S. Mead,
S. W. ; E. Kinne, J. W. ; Wm. Stacy, Treas. ; M. Kinne,
Sec. ; M. Curtis, S. D. ; R. B. Wilcox, J. D. ; J. L. Wom-
bough, S. M. C. ; Dr. Rush P. Brown, J. M. C. ; Dr. B.
Blakslee, Chaplain; J. V. Myers, Tyler; S. B. Borden,
Organist; C. H. Wombough, Marshal.
146
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Addison Chapter, No. 14G, was chartered Feb. 9, 1854,
Charter Council, Dr. Bradley Blakslee, High Priest ; Z.
Lewis Webb, Kiog ; Abram Dudley, Scribe.
Dr. Bradley Blakslee is one of the oldest, if not the
oldest. Mason in Steuben County. He was made a Ma.son
by Hiram Lodge, of Auburn, N. Y., on the 17th or 18th
of November, 1815, and has consequently been a member
of the fraternity over sixty-three years. He afterwards
organized Lafayette Lodge at Otego, N. Y., and was Master
of the same during the trying times of the Morgan excite-
ment. He was instrumental in founding both lodges in
this village, of which he still remains an honored member.
ODD-FELLOWSHIP.
Canisteo Lodge, No. 345, /. 0. 0. /'.—The first lodge
instituted in Addison was Lodge No. 285, in the spring of
1847. The charter members were E. J. Horn, H. Ross
Jones, William A. Baldwin, Henry S. Jones, Charles E.
Gillet. E. J. Horn was elected the first Noble Grand.
The other officers cannot be ascertained, as the archives of
the old lodge were destroyed by fire. On the 19th of
February, 1873, the lodge was reorganized as Canisteo
Lodge, No. 345. The ceremonies were conducted by
D. D. G. M. Charles Horton, of Hornellsville, who occu-
pied the chair, assisted by D. D. G. M. J. W. Stoddard, of
Allegany District, D. D. G. M. D. S. Powers, of Corning,
and D. D. G. M. A. F. Lawrence, of Genesee District.
Corning were largely represented, as were also Elmira,
Hornellsville, and Watkins.
The charter members of the lodge were H. S. Jones,
W. R. Hunter, J. V. Graham, E. J. Horn, E. B. Murray,
F. P. Cook, and D. Phillips, who were duly obligated, and
the formation of a working lodge proceeded with.
The following officers were elected and duly installed :
E. J. Horn, N. G. ; W. R. Hunter, V. G. ; J. H. Goodby,
Sec. ; J. V. Graham, Treas. ; H. R. Jones, R. S. N. G. ;
A. R. Cooper, L. S. N. G. ; F. F. Cook, Warden ; E. B.
Murray, Conductor ; W. J. Schermerhorn, R. S. S. ; R. S.
Woodburn, L. S. S. ; J. V. Myers, 0. G. ; H. P. Lamoreaux,
L G.; D. J. Chittenden, R. S. V. G . ; G. W. Davidson,
L. S. V. G.
A number of Ancients were admitted to membership,
eight new members initiated, and the new lodge bids fair
for a useful and prosperous career. It meets at Masonic
Hall Monday evenings until further notice.
Ancient Order United Worlcmen. — A lodge of Ancient
Order of United Workmen was organized in this village on
Thursday evening, Sept. 14, 1876, with 21 charter mem-
bers. It is known as Eureka Lodge. The following offi-
cers were elected and installed : Dr. Rush P. Brown, M. W. ;
Arthur H. Erwin, G. F. ; Laurin B. Drake, Overseer;
James H. Goodby, P. M. W. ; M. Kinne, Recorder ; F. C.
Taber, Financier ; C. D. Hill, Receiver ; C. D. Cady, I. W. ;
Charles Whitmore, 0. W. ; W. T. Price, Arthur P. Hill,
John V. Richy, Trustees.
BANKS.
ADDISON BANK, LATTIMER & WINTON, BANKERS.
This bank was originally a chartered institution, estab-
lished by William R. Smith and Charles H. Henderson in
1856, William R.Smith President and Charles H. Hender-
son Cashier. About 1861 they surrendered their charter
and Mr. Henderson succeeded to the business. The present
proprietors pureha.sed his interest and building on the north
side of the river in 1867. In 1873 they erected their
present fine fire-proof building on Tuscarora Street, at a
cost of $10,000. It is one of the most completely fur-
ni.shed and commodious bank buildings in this part of the
State, and the business of the firm is on a very prosperous
footing. •
BALDWIN & WILLIAMS, BANKERS.
This bank was established in 1874 by James Baldwin
and Charles D. Williams, the present proprietors. Their
building was erected especially for the purpose of a bank,
and is provided with a very safe and substantial fire-proof
vault. The windows in front are of one solid pane of
English plate-glass, eight by ten feet, and the banking-room
and office neat and commodious. This bank is considered
among the firm and pro-sperous monetary institutions of
this part of the State.
BRIDGES.
The iron bridge across the Canisteo at Addison is one of
the finest on the river. It is one of Post's patent, from the
Watson Iron Company's works, of Paterson, N. J., 135
feet span, and cost $10,000. It was erected in 1870 by
E. J. Horn, F. C. Dininny, H. S. Jones, Commissioners,
and Erastus Brooks, Commissioner of Highways.
The suspension bridge, which spans the river at the foot
of Goodhue Street, is another of tlte substantial ornaments
of the village. It is 204 feet long, and was erected in
1873 by Col. Henry Baldwin, Supervisor, and George
Sisson, Commissioner, for the moderate cost of $5000 ; John
V. Fishier, architect.
MANUFACTURES.
Among the substantial manufactures of the village of
Addison are the planing-mills, sash-, door-, and blind-factory
of A. G. Crane & Co. In 1865, C. C. Crane & Co. pur-
chased the old water-mill built by Ames & Bliss as early as
1845, and manufactured the first machine-made doors,
sashes, and blinds in this part of the State. They built the
present steam-mill in 1866, and fitted up the saw-mill for
making sash, blinds, and doors. This last-named mill was
burned in 1872, and since then the firm have doubled the
capacity of the steam-mill and put in machinery, adapting
it to all classes of finished work, — doors, sash, blinds,
mouldings, etc. In 1874, A. G. Crane purchased the
interest of C. C. Crane, and, entering into partnership with
Charles E. Noble, formed the present firm of A. G. Crane
& Co. The capacity of these mills is 250 doors, 150 win-
dows, and 50 pairs of blinds per day, and furnish employ-
ment to from 25 to 50 hands.
ADDISON MERCHANT AND CUSTOM PLOURING-MILLS.
These mills were built by David Curtis, of Painted Post,
and James S. McKay, of Campbell, about 1853. Col. Mc-
Kay continued to operate the mills, as head miller, for about
ten years. In October, 1865, Thomas Paxton purcha.sed a
I
TOWN OP ADDISON.
147
third-interest in the mill, and has since been associated with
Mr. Curtis under the firm-name of Curtis & Paston. Mr.
Paxton is a citizen of Addison, and is also interested in
mercantile business.
These mills are furnished witii 4 run of stones, and have
a capaeitj' of 12,000 bushels of grain per year.
E. J. HORN, FOUNDRY AND MACHINK-SIIOP.
In 1846, E. J. Horn and Stephen Lewis, under the firm-
name of Lewis & Horn, established the foundry business for
the purpose of manufacturing mill-machinery, steam-engines,
and general castings. Their first shop was burnt in the
fall of 1846, and they immediately rebuilt. In 1856, Mr.
Lewis retired from the firm, and Mr. Horn has since con-
ducted it alone, except during five or six years, when the
business was managed by his sons, as the firm of 0. A.
Horn & Brother. This foundry has supplied a great
amount of machinery to a large section of country around.
MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES.
Mr. George W. Farnham has erected in the village of
Addison a building of three stories and basement, especially
adapted to the manufacture of hand-made boots and shoes
on a large scale. He was formerly associated in this busi-
ness with Mr. Gokey, firm of Gokcy & Farnham, and their
goods obtained a wide reputation. From 40 to 50 hands
are employed in this establishment, besides several traveling
salesmen. This interest bids fair to be one of the most im-
portant branches of manufacture in the Canisteo Valley.
ADDISON AND ELKLAND PLANK-ROAD.
In February, 1850, some of the citizens of Addison and
Elkland, in the Cowanesque Valley, in Pennsylvania, con-
sidering it important that a better and more direct road be
made between the two places, organized a plank-road com-
pany, obtained a charter, and built a plank-road from Ad-
dison to Elkland, Pa., a distance of eleven miles, at a cost
of $20,000. The first directors of the road were Henry
Wombough, William R. Smith, Joel D. Giliet, Rufus
Baldwin, Joel Parkhurst, Leander Culver, William Wom-
bough, H. Ross Jones, and James H. Van Vleck. The
first ofiicers were Joel D. Gillett, I'resident ; H. Ross Jones,
Vice-President; William W. Baldwin, Secretary; William
R. Smith, Treasurer ; Joel D. Gillett, Rufus Baldwin, H.
Ross Jones, Building Committee. The road was built by
John and Patrick Rehill, and completed in 1851. The
south seven miles of the road was surrendered to the towns
through which it passed in 1857, and the remaining four
miles Sept. 1, 1878.
MILITARY RECORD OF ADDISON.
James H, Miles, capt., 107th Inf., Co. F; must. Aug. 14, 1862, three years; res.
Feb. 28, 186;;; in battle of Antietani.
John T. Jackson, 1st scrgt., 107th Inf , Co. F ; enl. July 28, 1862, three years ;
in battle of Antietani; disch. Nov. 22, 1803, for dis.ahility.
John D. Hie, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; must. July 12, 1802, three years ; pro.
to 2d sergt., March 1, 1863; to 2d lieut., June 2, 1863; killed in action at
New Hope Church, Ga., May 25, 1S64 ; in battles of Antietam, Chancel-
loiBville, and Gettysburg.
Loandor Moses Hadloch, private, 107th Inf., Co. F ; enl. July 28, 1862, three
years; took jiart in battles of Antietam, Dallas, Resaca, aud Kulp's Farm;
taken prisoner, July 18, 1864, in front of Atlanta, Ga. ; disch. June 19,
1865, by reason of e.\piration of term of service.
Wm. B. Hurlburt, musician, 107th Inf., Co. F; enl. July 28, 1862, three years;
engaged in the battle of Antietani ; disch. on account of disability, June
2, 1863, by command of Maj.-Gen.Sclienck, commanding 8th Army Corps,
Baltimore, Md.
Geo-. W. Wombough, wagoner, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. July 20, 1862, three years;
disch. June 3, 1863, on account of disability.
Wm. A. Benedict, private, 107th Inf, three years; disch. on account of disabil-
ity, Feb. 13, 1803 ; re-enl. Jan. 5, 1864; wouuded May 15, 180)4; disch by
muster-out, June 6, 1805.
James B. Cherry, private, 107th Inf. ; enl. July 25, 1862, three years ; received
commission as 1st lieut. ; never mustered ; in liattles of Antietjmi, Cliaa-
cellorsville, Gettysburg, and NasliviUe; must, out with regt., June, 1805.
Emniett Crane, private, 107th Inf; disch. Oct. IS, 1862, on account of gunsliot
wound received accidentally.
Manly D. Crane, private, ln7th Inf; enl. July 23, 1SG2, three yeairs; in battles
of Antietam, Gettysburg, Resaca, (in., Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., at capture
of Atlanta and Savannah, juid tlie entrance to Raleigh, N. C ; must, out
with regt., June, 1865.
Cornelius W. Herrington, private, 107th Inf., Co. F; enl. July 31, 18G2, three
years; disch. Feb. 10, 1803, on account of disability ; in battle of An-
tietam.
Benjamin Kimble, private, 107tll Inf, Co. F; enl. July 20, 1SG2, three years;
in battles of Antietani, Chaneellorsville, and Gettysburg; detailed July
13, 1863, as stretcher-bearer in Aiiih. Corps ; must, out with regt., June,
1865.
Theophilus Krunilofr, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; died Jan. 18, 1SG3, at Fairfax
Station, Va , of camp fever; buried at Faiifa.\ Station.
Walter Ciandiill, private, l(i7th Inf, Co. F.
.Samuel Miller, private, 107th Inf., ('o. F ; killed in action, M.ay 25, 1804, at New
Hope Church, Ga.
Charles J. Slarblc, private, 107th Inf., Co. F ; pro. to corporal.
James S. Molson, private, lli7th Inf, Co. F ; killed in action, May 23, 1804, ,lt
New Hope Church, Ga.
David B. Parcells, private, 107th Inf., Co. F; wounded at New Hope Church,
Ga., M.ay 25, 1864.
Robert Short, private, 107th Inf,Co.F; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years; di-ch.
July 20, 1805.
Alansoft Stoddaril, private, 107tli Inf, Co, F; disch. Aug. 13, 1804. on account
of loss of arm at New Hojie Cliurch, Ga.
Frederick Wm. Wagner, private, 107lli Inf, Co. F; enl. July, 1862, tliiee years ;
tiled Jan. 10, 1803, of typhoid-pneumonia, at Fairfax Station, Va.
Sila-i Wo-ley Kimble, piivate, 107tli Inf, Co. E; enl. Feb. 8, 1864, three years;
in battles of Resaca, Peach-Tree Creek, and Dallas ; trans, to Olllh N. V.
Vet. Regt., June 5, 1865; discli. by S. 0. No. 160, Dept. of W'asliington,
July 5, 1865.
Henry B. Aldrich, private, 107tli Inf, Co. F, three years; died in hospital, 1802.
Wm. Hutchinson, private, 107th Inf, Co. F, three years; wounded at Chaneel-
lorsville; disch. May 12, 1864, on account of wound.
Melvin J. Lynch, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; wounded May 25, 1864, at New
Hope Church, Ga.
Abiam Miller, private, 107th Inf, Co. V ; died Oct. 16, 1862, at Harper's Ferry,
Va., of typhoid fever; buried on Maryland Heights.
Lee Mulford, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; wounded at Chaneellorsville. May 3,
1863; pro. to. Corp., April, 1863 ; to sergt., Nov. 1, 1863; commanded de-
tachment— Provost-Guard of 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Army Corps —
from surrender of Atlanta to end of the war.
Hiram Tung, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; disch. for disability, Jan. 1863.
John G. Taff, private, 107th Inf, Co. F.
John Worrell, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. Dec. 10, 1863, three years; died
of chronic diarrlnea at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 15,1864.
Henry David Orser, private, llth H. Art., Co. A ; enl. May 22, 1863, three years.
Wm. Albert Orser, private, llth H. Art., Co. A ; enl. June 6, 1863, three years ;
pro. to sergt.; previously enl. in 23d N. Y. Vols., April 30, 1861 ; disch.
May 22, 1863.
James Wright, private, H. Art., Co. I ; enl. June 1, 1863, three years; pro. to
sergt. in H. Art., N. Y. S. Vols. ; trans. Jan. 1, 1804, to 4tli H. Art. ; disch.
Sept. 20, 1S65.
Lewis Putnam, private, 23d Inf; enl.. April 30, 1861; disch. May 22, 1863; re-
enl. May, 1863, in llth H. Art.
Nicholas Millspaugh, llth H. Art.; enl. May 22, 1S63.
Oliver D. Stewart, private, 107th Inf; enl. Dec. 10, 1863, three yeai-s.
John Rial, private, 33d Inf ; enl. June, 1862, two years.
Henry Baldwin, capt., 34tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. May IS, 1861, two yeai-s ; must, out
June 30, 1863, by reason of exp. of term of enlistment ; was engaged in
tlie battles of Ball's Bluff, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Yorktown, West
Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, Bolivar Heights, Snicker's
Gap, W'arrenton, and first and second Fredericksburg.
Henry W. .Sanford, private, 34lli Inf, Co. E ; enl. May 18, 1861, two years ; pro.
to 1st sergt., July 31, 1861 ; to 2d lieut.. May 30, 1862; to 1st lieut., Oct.
31 1862; in battles of Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks,
Seven Days before Riciimond, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antie-
tam, Ashby's Gap, and first and second Fredericksburg; disch. June 30,
1863, by reason of exp. of term of service ; recruited a company and must,
in as capt., Oct. 10, 1863, in 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; engaged in battles of
Henderson's Hill, La., Pleasant Hill, La., Campti, La., Bayou Saline, La.,
Cane River Crossing, La., Chambers' Plantation, Eayou De Glaze, La.,
Yellow Bayou, La., Marksvilie, La., and fifteen other battles and akir-
148
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mishes about Morganzin, Ln., McCIomrs Mills, Miss., Bluff Springs, Fla.,
Blakely, Ala., and Mt. Pleasant, Ala. ; ilisch. Nuv. 8, 1805, by cxp. of term
of service.
Mollville S. Dunn, priviite, 34th Inf., Co. E; cnl. May IS, ISr.l, two years ; pro.
to 2d lieut.. Octal, 18G2; must, out with regt. ; re-onl. in 2d N. Y.Vet.
Cav., Out. 10, 18n:J; must, us 1st liout.,Oct. 10, ISO;!; participated in nearly
all the battles with the :Uth N. Y. Vols., and in battles of Henderson's
Hill, La., and killed by niusket-sbot at battle of Campti, La , April 4,
1804, while acting ailjntant.
George A. Pabodie, private, :S4th Inf.. Co. K; enl. May IS, 1801, two years ; pro.
to sergt, July ai, 1802; wounded at Fair Oaks, May :Jl, 18G2.
Wm. Duraiid, privati*, 34th Inf., Co. E ; t'ni. May IS, ISGI, two years ; pro. to
sergt. May 18,1801 ; in nearlj all the battles with the :i4th N.Y. Vuls. ;
diach. with regt., June 30, 18G3.
George Crane, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; pro. to
sergt, Oct 31, 1862; in battles of Ball's Bluff, Winchester, Yorktown,
West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, Antielam, Bolivar
Heights, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and first and second Fredericksburg;
must out with regt., June 30, 1803; re-enl. in 2d Vet Cav., for three
years, Jan. 4, 1804; pro. to q.-m. sergt., July 1, 1864; in battles of Mc-
Cloud's Mills, La., BlntlSpiings, La., Blakely, Ala., and skiraiishes about
Morganzia, La.; disch. Nov. 20, 1SG'>, by (I. 0.
Oscar D. Blanchard, private, 34th Inf., Co. K; cnl. May 18,1801, two years; par-
ticipated in the battles of Edwards' Ferry, Harper's Ferry, Winchester,
Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, Antie-
tani, Bolivar Heights, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and first and second
Fredericksburg; must out with regt., June 30, 1803; re-enl. for one year
in 2d Vet Cav., Sept. lo, 1803; in battles of Bluff Springs, Blakely, Mo-
bile, and Claiborne; disch. Aug. 21, 1805, by reason of G. 0. No. 83, War
Department
John Fox, private, 34th Inf., Co. F; enl. May 18, 18G1, two years; must, out
June 30, 1803, by reason of exp. of term of enlistment ; in battles of Ed-
wards' Ferry, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, first and second
Fredericksburg, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and Yorktown.
Charles U.Green, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; in bat-
tles of Harper's Ferry, Y'orktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Rich-
mond, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and first and second Fredericksburg;
must, out with regt., June 30, 1863, by reason of exp. of term of service ;
re-enl. for one year, Aug. 30, 1864, i[i 2d Vet. Cav. ; in battle of Blakely,
Ala.; disch. Aug. 21, 1806, by G. 0.
Thomas H. Guinnip, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl. May 18, 1861, two yeare; in
battles of Ball's Bluff", Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines,
and Seven Days before Kiclimond ; disch. with regt., June 30, 1803, by
reason of exp. of term of service.
Frank H. Holscher, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; onl. May IS, 1801, two years ; must,
out June 30, 1863, at exp. of term of service.
Samuel J. Kimble, private, 34tb Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; in
battles of Ball's Bluff, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Y'orktown, West Point,
Fair Oaks, and Seven Days before Richmond ; prisoner at Antietam ; pa-
roled and exchanged, and in second Frederickslmrg; must, out with regt.,
June 30, 1863 ; re-enl. Aug. 30, 186-1, for one year in 2d Vet. Cav. ; in bat-
tles of McCloud's Mills, Miss., Blakely, Ala., Mt. Pleasant, Ala., and Bhiff
Springs, Fla.: disch. Aug. 23, 180o, by G. 0. S3.
John Lyons, private, 34tb Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1801, two yeai*s.
Daniel Stryker, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; in battles
of Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Rich-
mond, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Ashby's Gap, Bolivar
Heights, and first and second Fredericksburg; must, out with regt. at
Albany, June 30, 1863.
James E. Wilson, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years.
James M. Aumick, private, 34tli Inf., Co. E; cnl. May IS, 1S61, two years; in
battles of Fair Oaks and Seven Days before Richmond; wounded at An-
tietam, Sept 17, 1862, seriously in right thigh; disch. by reason of wound,
April 14,1863.
John J. Campbell, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl, June 20, 1801, two years ; disch.
Sept 18, 1S62, on account of wounds received at White House, Va.
Lyman Deland, private-, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1S61, two years; disch.
Sept. 27, 1862, from wounds received at Fair Oaks.
Henry Franklin, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl. June 20, 1861, two years ; disch.
for disability, 3Iar.'h 20, 1863.
Darius B. Sturdevand, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. June 20, 1861 ; disch. for
disability, Sept 21, 1862.
Charles H. Wombough, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1801, two years;
pro. to State paymaster, June 15, 1861 ; re-enl. in S6th Regt., Aug. 1861 :
pro. to 1st lieut., Aug. 1861 ; to capt. Co. K, Nov. 1861 ; in battle of sec-
ond Bull Run; resigned.
Jacob Seaman, private, 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May IS, ISOl, two years; died at
Towanda, Pa., Aug. IS, 1801, of typhoid fever.
Elias Rider, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; cnl. June 20, 1861, two years; died at Har-
rison's Landing, Va., July 2, 1862, of fever.
Charle.'i 0. Perkins, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, ISOl, two years; died
at New Y'ork City, Oct. 20, 1802, of fever.
Stephen Taft, private, 34th Inf., Co. E, two year.-i.
John Robbins, private, 34th Inf., Co. E, two years; died at Falmouth, Va., Feb.
6, 1803, of lung-fever.
Myron S. Miller, private, 34tb Inf.. Co. E, Iwo >ears; died at Falmouth, Va., Feb.
1, 1S63, of coiisuniiUion.
Daniel R. Gordon, private, 34th Inf., Co. B, two years; killed at White Oak
Swamp, Va., June 30, 1802.
Leonard H. Uenedict, private, :{4th Inf., Co. E, two years.
David A. Lyon, 23d Inf., Co. K; enl. May 10, 1801, two years; disch. May S,
1S62, for disability.
Richard Lyon, 23d Inf., Co. K ; enl. May, 1861, two years.
Edmund Crocker, private, 23d Inf., Co. K; enl. May 16, 1861, two years; disch.
from 23d Regt, Oct. 2, 1862, on account of disability ; re-enl. in 2d N. Y.
Vet. Cav., July 25, 1803, for three yeara ; in battles of Henderson's Hill,
La., Pleasant Ilill, La., McCloud's Mills, Miss., and Blakely, Ala. ; disch.
Nnv. 8, 1805, by G. O. from War Department.
George Parker, 23d Inf., Co. K ; enl. Blay, 1861, two years.
Daniel B. Hurlburt, private, 23d Inf., Co. K; enl. May 16,1861. two years;
disch. from 23d Inf., and re-enl, in 2d Vet. Cav., Sept. 3, 1804, for one year.
William S.Chase, private, .34th Inf., Co. E; onl. May 18,1861, two years; disch.
from 34th Inf., in fall of 1861, on account of disability ; re-enl. July 17,
1863, in 64th N. Y. Vols., for three years; in battles of the Wildeiiiess,
Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, before Petersburg, and at Lee's surrender;
disch. July 27, 1865.
James Staplcton, 8th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Harrison Crane, Ist Inf., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861, for sixteen monlhs; pro. to
Corp.; in battles of Seven Days before Richmond, second Bull Run, Chan-
tilly, first Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville ; disch. with regt., May
25, 1863.
James M. Andrus, 1st Inf., Co. G; enl. Dec. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. for three years in
2d Yet. Cav.
Jeremiah Deland, 1st Inf, Co. G ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861.
Alonzo Curtis, private, 1st Inf. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1801, for unexpired term of regt;
pro. to sergt; in battles of Seven Days before Richmond ; tiiken prisoner
at second Bull Run; exchanged and returned to regt., and took part in the
battle of Chancellorsville ; disch. with regt.. May 31, 1863.
Samuel Stone, private, 3d Int; enl. May 10, 1861, three years.
David Stephens. 1st Inf.; enl. Dec. 19,1861.
Elmer Van Tuyl, capt., Ist Inf.
William Baker, 1st Inf.
George Ilulchinson, 1st Inf.
William Orr, 1st Inf.; enl. Dec. 19, 1801.
Cyrus B. Morse, 141st Regt, Co. G.
Daniel N. Aldrich, capt., 141st Regt, Co. G, three years; died of fever.
John W. Hamninnd, 141st Regt., Co. G.
John W. Diniiiny, maj., 141st Regt, Co. G; must Sept. 13, 1862; April 4,1863,
must in as colonel Hist N. Y. Vols., at Washington, by Capt. De Rnsey ;
must out at Washington, June 7, 1863, on account of disease uf-the eyes ;
in battle of Suffolk, Va.
Edgar R. Barr, private, 141st Regt., Co. G.
Clmrlfis Keyster, 1st sergt, 141st Rogt, Co. G ; taken prisoner at Peach-Tree
Creek ; never since been heard from.
Andrus G. Grant, private, 141st Regt, Co. G; pro. to sergt; died from wounds
received at Peach-Tree Creek, July 20, 1864.
Mason J. Gibson, private, 3d Inf. ; enl. May 10, 1861 ; in battle of Suffolk, Va. ;
disch. May 30, 1803; re-enl. in 2d Vet. Cav.
John Fnisier, private, 1st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 6, 1802.
Lyman Elwood, private, Ist Inf.; disch. on account of disability.
A. Curtis Uri, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; eul. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Kinney Mellville, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year;
disch. Aug. 23, 1865, by reason of Gen. Ord. No. 83, War Dept ; in battle
of Blakely, Ala., April 1, 1865.
Albert Wm. Lawton, i)rivate, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 7, 1863, three years ;
disch. Sept. 1, 1865, by reason of G. 0. No. 77, A. G. 0., 1805.
William D. Kimble, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept 7, 1804, one year; in
battle of Blakely, Ala. ; diseb. Aug. 23, 1805, by G. 0. No. 83, War Dept.
Charles Knajip, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; died
in service.
George Van Gorder, private, Co. G.
Ezra Dewitt Bostwick, private, Co. G.
John W. Legrange, private, lltli IT. Art.
Hamilton White, private, Uth H. Art
Chauncey A. Lynch, private, 11th H. Art, Co. G.
George Beers, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. July 20, 1863, three years.
George W. Hutchinson, private, 1st Inf.; ro-enl. in 2d Vet. Cav.
Sylvester Lynch, 1st Inf., Co. G ; died in hospitvl.
John Peck, private, 2d Vet, Cav., Co. G; enl. July 19, 1863, three years; in bat-
tles of P!ea.sant Hill, La., Cane River, La., Blakely, Ala., Gravely Hill,
Ala., and skirmishos;in and around Morgan/.ia; must out with regt, Nov.
8, 1805, by G. 0.
Virgil Redner, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
William Wilcox, 1st Inf. ; re-enl. in 2d Vet Cav.
Madison Wilcox, 2d Vet. Cav.; died in hospital at Alexandria, Va., May, 1864.
Bennett Mereo, private, 20th Ind. Bat.; enl. June, 1863, three years; disch. by
G. 0., Aug. 6, 1865.
Edward D. Crane, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three years; disch.
March 13, 1863, on account of disability.
Wm. W. Angle, aipt, S6tli Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 1,1861, three years; in battles
of second Bull Run and first Fredericksburg; mortally wounded at the
battle of Chancellorsville and taken to the Chancellorsville Hospital,
and, from the best information, was burned, iui his body was never
recovered.
I
I
TOWN OF ADDISON.
149
Cliarlea U. Wombougb, Ist lieut., 86th Inf., Co. K; <.-nI. Aug. 31, 186T, three
years; pro. to capt. Co. K.
Cliarlc-s Wm. Gil!et(, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. IJ; enl Au^. 14, isr.l, three years;
pro. to 1st lif'ut., Aug. 27, 1861 ; to adjt.. Nuv. IHill ; lu hattU-s of second
Bull Run and first Fredericksburg; diach. hy coniniaiid of Maj.-Gcn,
Halleck, on account of disability, in compliance with Special Order No.
153, Adjt.-Cen 's Office, Wash., April a, 180:i.
Hiram J. Blanchard, private; enl. April •^6,1801, in '2d N.J. Inf., three months'
service; diach. Aug. 1, 1861, with regt.; re-enl. Aug. 14, 18G1, 86th Inf.,
Co. B; pro. to 2d lieut., to 1st lieut., and to c:ipt.; in battles of second
Bull Run, Anticlam, Manaasaa Junction, Fretlericksburg, Chancellors-
ville, Beverly Ford, and Brandy Station ; wounded at Gettysburg (lost
two fingers on right hand), July 2,186:1; di.sch. Oct 20, 18G3,by reason of
wound.
Egbert L. Crane, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 18GI, three years; pro.
to orderiy eergt, Oct. 1, 1861 ; to lat lieut., Nov. 22, 1861 ; in battles of
second Bull Run and firat Fredericksburg ; diach. on surg. certif. of dis.,
March 22, 1863, by command of Maj.-Geii. Berry, 3d Army Corps.
James Brundage, private, 86th Inf., Co. B; died in hospital.
Jeri'y Clark, i)rivate, 8Cth Inf., Co. B; died at Addison.
Jesse Campbell, private, HGth Inf, Co. B; enl. Aug. 1861.
Wm. A. CanipliLdl, privab?, 86th Inf., Co. B; enl Aug. 18G1, three years; served
time out and re-enl. in same regt.
George Crandall, private, 86th Inf., Co. B.
George Davis, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. B.
Francis Davis, private, 86th Inf., Co. B.
Leunard Webster, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. B.
Marcus Williams, private, 86th Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three years; in
battle of second Bull Run ; disch. Dec. 30, 1862 ; re-enl. in 11th II. Art,
June 6,1863; in battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Reams' Station,
Hatcher's Run, Deep Bottom, and several others ; disch. by G. O., Oct. 6,
1863.
A. Charles Sturdevant, 86th Inf., Co. B.
Henry Pierce, private, S6th Inf., Co. B: enl. I>ec. 24, 1S63, three years.
diaries B. Davis, 86th Inf., Co. B.
Estus C. Mandeville, private, 86th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 20, ISGI, three years ;
in battles of second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg; re-enl.
March 4, 1864, at Brandy Station, for three years; after r(*-enlistment was
in battles of Spottsylvania C.-II., Cold Ifarbor, beltire Petersburg, and at
Gen. Lee's surrender; disch. July 4, 18G5.
Robert A. Fox, private, 86th Inf., Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years; disch.
Jan. 1,1864, and re-enl. in same regt, Jan. 1, 1864, in the field; must, out
July 4, 1865, with regt.
Wm. A. Belcher, private, 86th Inf., Co. K.
Darius Sturdevant, drummer, 8Gth Inf., Co. K.
Foster P. Wood, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct. 17, 1861, three years; pro. to
2d lieut., Nov. 22, 1861 ; to Ist lieut., July 1, 18G3 ; to capt., Feb. 14, 1864;
in battles of second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg,
Wapping Heights, Kelly's Ford, Locust Grove, Mine Run, two days in
the Wilderness, charge at Po River and at Spottsylvania C.-H, Anderson
House, charge at North Anna River, Cold Harbor, and took part in all
fights and skirmishe-s before Petersburg from June IG to Nov. 17, 1864;
disch. Nov. 17, 1864, by reason of exp. of term uf service.
Jacob Horning, private, 141st Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years; par-
ticipated in battle of Nashville, Tenu. ; wounded in right leg by a mus-
ket-ball; disch. at No. 1 Hospital, Nashville, Tenn., April 19, 1865, by
reason of G. 0.
James Kent, substitute for Orrin Austin, of Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y.
Warren Luddington, substitute.
Samuel Lewis.
Albert F. Lynch, sub., I07th Inf.; died in service.
James Jackson, private, IGth Ind. Bat.; enl. Aug. 27, 18G4,one year; disch.
July, 1865, by reason of G. O.
Peter Gray, private, 2d Vet. Car.; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year; died at Hor-
gaiizia. La., Feb. 14, 1865, of fever and chronic diarrho-a.
Parke B. Crandall, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Adam Johnson (col'd), private.
Abram Aumick, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Nov. 3U, 1861.
Wm. S. Crans, private, 10th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years; died
July 24, 1865, in hospital at Alexandria, Va.
Valentine Parcells, private, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Dec. 10, 18G:i, three years.
Edward Dickinson, private, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Dec. 7, 1863, three years;
died in service.
Stephen W. Ames, private, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Dec. 10, 1^63, three years.
Robert Baxter, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years.
Edward F. Bates, med. cadet; pro. to asst. surg. and to surg.; appuintcd mem-
ber U. S. Examining Board ; died at Washington, March 8, 18G4.
John L. Morse, 5th Cav.; enl. Aug. 1862; died at Andersunvilh* prison, Sept.
1864.
John R. Miller, John L. Morrison, Calvin Resur, Franklin It. Strait, Thct^ilore
G. Smith.
Edward Shaw, enl. 1804.
Hibbard Hamilton, John Hamilton.
Abram Stolliker, 86th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Oct. I8G3.
Wm. Hamilton, Charles McCluster, Henry Myers, Charles Oolund,
Hamiltiin White, private, 11th H. Art.
John W. Legrauge, private, 11th H. Art.
Chauncey A. Lynch, private, 11th H. Art.
Levi Sturdevant, drummer, 86th Inf.
Charies M. Frazier, private, 105th IVnnsylvania Inf., Co. D; enl. Feb. 23, 1RG2,
three years; in battles of Fair Oaks, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Charles
City Cross-Roads, Seven Days before Jlichniond, second Bull Run, — at
Gettysburg was wounded in left hand, — the Wilderness, and before
Petersburg; disch. March 18, 1865, at exp. of term of service.
John Mead^, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Aug. 18GI ; in battles of second Bull Run,
second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wai)ping Heights,
Orange Grove, and Culpepper C.-H. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863 ; en-
gaged in battles of the Wilderness, Petersburg, and at Lee's surrender;
wounded Oct. 20, 18G4, in rigiit arm by musket-shot, on skirmisli line
near Petersburg.
Henry Williams, 86th Inf.; rc-erd. as veteran, Dec. 1863.
Samuel Dickinson, 86th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 1863.
James Smith, S6th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863.
Perry Washburn, 86th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863.
Gilbert Ackley, 8GIh Inf. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863.
Charies A. Butler, &Gth Inf. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863.
Egbert Bullock, HOth Inf. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1803.
Horace E. Bullock, 8Glh Inf; re-otil. Oct. 18G3, at Brandy Station, Va.
George Bellinger, private, 8th II. Art. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; in battles
of Spottsylvania C.-H. anil the Wilderness; wounded at Cold Harbor in
left foot by «• Minie-ball ; disch. May 3o, 1864, on account of disability.
George Larowe (col'd), private, 31st U. S. Colored Troops, Co. E; enl. Dec. 7,
1863, three years; died from wound at Petersburg, Aug. 18, 1864.
John Carnigee, died in hospital at Indianapolis, Ind.
Alonzo D. Hill, 97th Inf.; drafted July 15. 1SG3, three years; in battles of the
Wilderness; wounded in the head at the battle of .Spottsylvania C.-H.,
May 8, 1864; died from effect of wound. May 18, 18C4.
Charles Wight.
Humphrey Watkins fcol'd), private.
Thomas Wells, private, 14th Inf., three years; substitute for Albert G. Crane.
Levi Van Lise, priv. ; enl. Jan. 15, 1865, three years; sub. for Andrew Barrow.
Patrick Loyd, private; enl. Nov. 18, 1HG4 ; substitute for Rollin R. Smith.
Henry Burdick, priv.; enl. July 22, 1863, three years; sub. for W.J. Van Oiman.
Joseph W. Bridgeford, private; enl. Aug. 29, 1863, three years; substitute for
Llewellyn Jennings.
Charles Esemvine, priviite; enl. Aug. 24, 1863, three years; sub. for Jas. Caple.
Willard D. Rouse, private; enl. July 23, 18G:j, three years; sub. for J.C. Liken.
Moses Shaw, private; enl. Aug. 24, 1863, three years; sub. for Levi Merrill.
John Brady, priviitc; enl. Nov. 10, 18G4; Bubstitnte for Isaac Raskam.
Arthur McGoff, private; enl. Nov. 11, 18G1; sub. for Albert A. McGaflfey.
Joseph Corbishly, private, 15th U. S. Inf.; enl. Dec. 18G4; sub. forOi-vill Odell.
Alonzo 0. Campbell, private; enl. Feb. 23, 1865, three years; sub. for Hiram
Eldridge.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. JAMES II. MILES
was born in Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., July 3, 1807.
His father, Isaac Miles, was a native of Connecticut, born
July 11, 1763 ; married Martha Davis, also a native of that
State, who lived tu the advanced age of eighty years, and
died in 1861.
Isaac Miles was a blacksmith by trade ; first moved to
Chenango County, where he lived many years, and in the
year 1819 settled in Addison, Steuben Co., where he lived
the remainder of his life, and died in the town of Rathbone,
in 1855.
(^Their children were Mrs. Maj. L. A. Jones, Mrs. Rol-/
land Saunders, Patty (died youngj, Mrs. Nichols,
Isaac, of Allegany County, James II., Samuel, of Schuyler
County, John, of Rathbone. The daughters are all dead.
The opportunities for education from books afforded
the.se children were very limited ; but in this, as in many
other cases in the early settlement of the country, privation,
necessary economy, and resolution laid the foundation for a
practical business education that often financially outstrips
the results of any book-knowledge.
Capt. Miles was only twelve years of age when the
family came to Addison. At the age of twenty-two he
150
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
married Evelina B. (born March 20, 1808), daughter of
Samuel Baker, who was one of the pioneers of the town
of Howard.
In early life he began lumbering, and then, without
means, with three other young men, built a saw-mill in
Rathbone (then Addison). For some forty years he followed
this business quite successfully, shipping his lumber by
means of rafts down the Canisteo, Chemung, and Sus(jue-
banna Rivers to Port Deposit and Havre de Grace. For
a few years in the latter part of his lif ; he has been con-
nected with the tanning business.
With marked patriotism and loyalty, July, 1SG2, he
raised a company, of which he was made captain, and
with the 107th New York Volunteers went to the front.
After the battle of Antietam, — in which his company was
engaged, — on account of failing health, he left the army at
Hope's Landing, and came to Elmira, where he was made
commissioner of the board of enrollment, which position he
occupied for about one year and a half, and resigned his
place.
Capt. Miles was formerly a member of the Whig party,
and has been active in the Republican ranks. For several
terms he has been chosen supervisor of the towns of Cam-
eron and Addison, as his residence has been in one of those
towns, and in the year 1851 he represented Steuben County
in the State Legislature, and served on the committee on
Charitable and Religious Societies. He and his wife have
been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since
1830, and he has assisted in the establishment and build-
ing of nearly all the church edifices in and about Addison
and Cameron. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church he has for many years officiated as steward
Capt. Miles remembei's Addison when there were only
some four houses in the settlement, and is now able to
look back and', as he sees its growth to a thriving village
of some two thousand inhabitants, to say, " All of this I
saw and part of this I was."
MAJOR RUFUS BALDWIN.
The family of Baldwin is descended from Benjamin
Baldwin, who emigrated from Buckingham Co., England,
in the year 1G36, and settled in New London, Conn. His
grandson, Isaac Baldwin, Sr., removed with his family from
Norwich, Conn., to Wyoming Valley, Pa., where they re-
mained but a few years in consequence of the Pennamite
and Indian wars. They removed to the vicinity of Ulster,
and subsequently, in the year 1787, farther up the Chemung
River to what is now the town of Chemung, then a part of
Tioga Co., N. Y. He was born in Norwich, Conn., June
12, 1730. Was married to Patience Rathbun, November,
1751. They had eleven children, of whom llufus, the
father of the subject of this narrative, was eldest, born
March 8, 1753.
Of these children, Adah Baldwin, fifth child, born Oct.
31, 1762, was the last survivor of the Baldwin family that
settled in Chemung in 1787. She was taken prisoner in
the massacre of Wyoming, in 1778, at the age of sixteen ; w^as
painted, shaved, and sent barefoot over the mountains and
through the swamps to the Delaware, at Easton. llufus Bald-
win, Jr., was born in Canterbury, New Lcjndon Co., Conn.,
1795. lli.s niiiuirity was spent at home. In 1812 he was
connected with the Light Guards, and soon thereafter gained
the rank of major. About the year 1821 he came to Tioga,
Pa., wIkio he remained one year, and went to the town of
Lawrence, Tioga Co., Pa., and purchased some eleven hun-
dred acres of timber land on the Cowanesque River, where
he built a saw-mill, and began lumbering. He remained there
about thirteen years, and during this time, in the year 1825,
was married to Pamelia, daughter of William Wombough,
who was a pioneer settler in the vicinity of Addison.
In the fall of 1834, having disposed of his property in
Pennsylvania, he settled about one mile east of the village
of Addison, where he purchased some six hundred acres of
farming and timber land of his father-in-law. Until 1851
he was engaged in improving his property, and in general
agriculture, at which time he disposed of his farm, moved
into the village of Addison, and retired from the more
active duties of life.
He was one of the prime movers in the founding and
erection of the Addison Academy, built in 1848. Through
his eflForts the first sash- and blind-factory was established
at Addison. He was one of the projectors and stockholders
of the plank-road from Addison to Elkland. Maj. Baldwin
was a vigorous, active member of the Democratic party, and
was chosen to several important places of trust by the citi-
zens of Addison. He was a plain, unassuming man, in-
terested in every enterprise tending to improve and build
up society ; a genial and sociable man, and possessed of
strict integrity in all his business relations. He died in
1853. His wife died in 18(J7, at the age of sixty-five.
Their children arc Mrs. Rufus N. Weatherby ; William
TOWN OP ADDISON.
151
W. (died in 1852, at the age of twenty-five), a lawyer;
Walter H. (died at the age of twenty-five, in the year 1854),
lumberman ; Henry (admitted to the bar in 1853, supervisor
of the town of Addison, 1859-61. Raised a company in
1861, and as captain joined the 3-4th N. Y. Vols. Was with
his company and regiment through the first campaign of
the Shenandoah Valley, at Yorktown, West Point, Fair
Oaks, and Seven Pines, the seven days' retreat of McClellan
to the Potomac, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. In 1867
he was brevetted major, and in 1868, colonel. His business
is farming and lumbering) ; James, a banker at Addison ;
Kufus, Jr. (died young); Pamelia (deceased), wife of Hon.
Byron G. Stout, of Pontiac, Mich. ; and R. Haskell Baldwin,
died young.
JOEL D. GILLET
was born in Colchester, Conn., August 27, 1809. Tiie
Gillet family were among the early settlers of that place.
His father, Solomon Gillet, was also a native of Colchester;
was a farmer by occupation; married Martha Doolittle, of
Russell, Mass., sister of Mark Doolittle, member of Con-
gress, and also sister of Judge Joel Doolittle, of Middle-
bury, Vt.
Their children were Solomon L., of Elmira, N. Y. ; Mrs.
Martin G. Clapp (deceased), of Watertown, N. Y. ; Joel
D. Gillet, of Addison, N. Y. ; Russell, who resides on the
homestead, in Colchester, Conn. ; Mrs. John 0. Loomis, of
Coventry, Conn.; Aaron G., of Langdon, Minn.; Charles
E., of Oakland, Cal.
The father died March, 1856, at the age of eighty-three ;
the mother died 1S71, aged ninety-three.
Mr. Joel D. Gillet spent his minority on the farm and
at school, except that he was engaged several terms as a
teacher of comnion schools. Upon reaching his majority
he took charge of his father's farm, which he carried on
until October, 1835, when he came to Addison, in the
Canisteo Valley, to take charge, as a partner, of a general
merchandise store established by his brother Solomon, of
Elmira.
Previous to his removal, April, 1835, he was married to
Lucy Jane (born 1818), youngest daughter of David Pat-
ten, of Salem, Conn. Of this union were born three child-
ren,— Mrs. David B. Winton, of Addison ; Emma M.
(died at the age of twelve, in the year 1851) ; and Charles
W., present postmaster of Addison.
For three years Mr. Gillet remained a partner with his
brother after coming to Addison, and in the year 1838
purchased his brother's interest in the store, and carried it
on alone for some twelve years, when, on account of failing
health, he disposed of his mercantile interest.
In the year 1851 he began purchasing timber land in the
State of Wisconsin. While as a merchant he was also
engaged in the manufacture, purchase, and sale of lumber
in Addison, and subsctiuently carried on the same business
quite extensively across the line, in Pennsylvania.
152
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Mr. Gillet continued his purchases West until, at the
present time, he is the possessor of several thousand acres
of land. In the year 18G9 he began cutting timber on his
land there, and either marketing or manufacturing into
lumber, at the city of Cshkosh or Warsaw. His business
operations in lumber have so increased that for several years
past they reach several millions of feet annually.
He was, in his early life, a Clay Whig, and upon the
formation of the Republican party became a supporter of
its principles. Never solicitous of any official publicity,
and never seeking emolument of office, he has preferred the
independence and quiet of a business life.
Mr. Gillet has been identified with the growth of the
village of Addison since its population numbered about two
hundred and fifty inhabitants, with a few scattering resi-
dences. Since his residence here he has been connected
with the schools of the town for several years as school
commissioner.
The Presbyterian Church had been organized some three
years previous to his settling at Addison, then consisting
of thirteen members. In the spring after coming here he •
was elected an elder of the church, which office he has held
now for some forty-two years, and still holds acceptably to
the church. He was one of the prime movers in the con-
struction of the Presbyterian Church edifice of Addison,
and liberally contributed for the same, and is always inter-
ested in the progress of church and kindred interests.
Mr. Gillet was one of the originators of the Addison
Academy, and for several years president of the board of
trustees and one of the principal managers of the school.
He was one of the original stockholders of the Addison
and Elkland Plank-Road, built under charter dated 1850,
and was connected with its management during its entire
existence, — which closed September, 1 878, — either as pres-
ident or treasurer.
In the year 1845 his wife died, and in June, 1846, he
married his present wife, Catherine S., youngest daughter
of Rev. William B. Stowe, a Presbyterian clergyman.
"^^^-^^ ^^
^ Jl^^/i£^'^^
DR. BRADLEY BLAKSLEE
was born in Brattleboro', Windham Co., Vt., Oct. 16, 1794.
His father, David Blakslee, was a native of New Haven, as
was also his grandfather, James Blakslee. The latter was
a captain in the Revolutionary war ; was in the battle of
Bennington; his occupation was farming; moved to Brattle-
boro' during war time, where he died, being frozen to death
while crossing the Green Mountains to get money to pay off
his soldiers.
The former was married in Vermont, to Julia lledfield,
and after living successively in Broome, Cayuga, and Ot-
sego Counties, settled at Addison, Steuben Co., in 1840,
where he died. Doc. 6, 1851, aged eighty-six. His wife
died in 1859, at the age of ninety. Of their seven children.
Dr. Bradley Blakslee is the only surviving one ; was second
son ; received his early education at Aurelius, Cayuga Co.,
N. Y. At the age of twenty-four he began the study of
medicine with Dr. Root, of Otego, Otsego Co., where he
remained two years, and until the death of Dr. Root. He
then spent oue year as a student of Dr. Whitmarsh, of
Delhi, N. Y., and after an examination by the board of
censors of that place, he was passed as an M.D., and opened
I
TOWN OF ADDISON.
153
practice in Otego, N. Y., where he remained about twenty
years, during which time he purchased a farm, whicli he
carried on ; and also, during his residence in Otego, in the
year 1823, he married Phebe Blakslee, his cousin, a native
also of Brattleboro', born Dec. 5, 1794:
In the year 1840 Dr. Blakslee came to Addison, en-
gaged in the mercantile business, and also in lumbering.
He built the firet steam saw-mill erected in the Canisteo
Valley, and during the following twenty-five years was en-
gaged more or less in the manufiicture of lumber, and raft-
ing down the Canisteo, Chemung, and Susquehanna Rivers,
to southern ports. Dr. Blakslee has given little attention
to the practice of his profession, only as necessity required,
during his residence in Addison. A Democrat from his
youth, he has been honored by the citizens of Addison in
official capacity for two terms as justice of the peace,
and some thirty-one years as assessor. He is one of
the old landmarks, and can look back to the pioneer his-
tory of this part of New York, and see the now thriving
villages and cities in place of a few houses or perhaps a
wilderness tract, and reflect with interest upon the progress
of schools, churches, and kindred interests as they have
kept pace with advancing civilization and the growth of
the country.
Dr. Blakslee is, in all probability, the oldest member
of the Masonic fraternity in the county, and possibly in
the State, having been a Master Masson since he wa.s twenty-
one, and a Royal Arch Mason for sixty-three years.
-filfh^
DR. REUBEN P. BROWN
(vas born in Bradford Co , Pa., April 1, 1818. His father,
Adin Brown, was a native of Colerain, Mass. ; was married
;o Lydia Parmenter, a lady of Scotch descent. He was a
Parmer by occupation, and iu early life removed to Sprin"-
Seld, Bradford Co., Pa., then an almost unbroken wilder-
ness, penetrating the forest from Tioga Point, being guided
snly by marked trees. He was killed accidentally by being
ihrown from his carriage down an embankment, as he was
returning from church, in the year 1862. His age was
seventy-eight. His wife died suddenly of heart-disease,
iged sixty-nine. Their children, as follow,,, all reached
maturity before there was a death in ihe family : Mrs. Eben
20
F. Parkhurst, Pennsylvania ; Darius (deceased) ; David, of
Cayuga Bridge ; ]\Irs. I. W. Fassett (deceased), of Wells-
ville, N. Y. ; Dr. R. P. Brown, of Addison, N. Y. ; Mrs.
Orr Wilson (deceased), Pennsylvania; Mrs. Marion Wil-
cox (decea.sed), Pennsylvania ; Dr. Elihu Brown, of Min-
nesota; Frank, of Wells, Pa.; Rev. Henry C. Brown
(deceased), Pennsylvania. At the age of fourteen Dr.
Brown began the study of medicine with Dr. Theodore
Wilder, of Pennsylvania, with whom he remained two years,
followed with one year's study with Dr. Dexter Parkhurst.
After a practice of one year in Austinville, Pa., he attended
one course of lectures at Geneva Medical College, and re-
turned to Austinville and resumed practice, which he con-
154
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tinued fur eiy;ht years, and attended another course of lec-
tures at Geneva, where he was graduated M.D. in the year
1848. The same year he .settled in Addison, where he at
once met the strong competition of older and more experi-
enced medical men.
His perseverance, resolution, and .skill in his professional
duties soon won for him a place in the front rank, where
he has continued to stand until the present time. His
skill as a surgeon has given him an enviable reputation,
not only in his own village but in the surrounding towns,
his practice extending through the southern tier of towns
of the county, as well as to Chemung County, and across
the line into the State of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Brown is a member of the Steuben Coonty Medical
Society, of the Hornellsville Academy of Medicine, and of
the New York Medico-Legal Society.
It may be stated as a historical fact that Dr. Brown was
tlie first surgeon who amputated a limb at Addison.
He has given little attention to politics, but has ever been
interested in the great questions of the day, and unswerv-
ingly identified with the Democratic party.
In the year 1842 he married Sarah Maria, daughter of
William Evans, of Bradford Co., Pa. ■ Their children living
are Mrs. Arthur Erwin and Dr. Rush P. Brown, of Addi-
son. The latter received his preliminary education at Dans-
ville, Ijivingston Co., Alfred University, Allegany County,
and Fallcy Seminary, Fulton, N. Y. At the age of twenty
he began the study of medicine with his father, and after
attending lectures at Bellevue Medical College and New
York University, was graduated M.D. from the latter in-
stitution at the age of twenty-four, in the year 1873. He
enjoys, an extensive practice both in medicine and surgery.
#-•-
A V O C A.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
AvoCA was erected from the towns of Bath, Cohocton,
Howard, and Wheeler, April 12, 1843. It is an interior
town, lying in the rich valley of the Conhocton River and
upon the adjoining nplands, the valley being about a mile
and a quarter in widtii, and of a rich alluvial deposit. The
Conhocton flows tlirougli the town from northwest to south-
east. Ten- and Twelve-Mile Creeks entering as tributaries
from the north, and Neil's Creek from the west. The hills
rise in some places abruptly, but generally by a gradual a.s-
cent to a height of four hundred feet above the river. The
soil upon the hills is chiefly gravel and clay, with a mixture
of loam, and is good, productive farming land, largely cleared
and in a good state of cultivation. For its size it is one of
the most productive and flourishing towns in the county.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In an early day the territory embraced in the town of
Avoca was a favorite hunting-ground of the numerous and
warlike Seneca Indians. It was an unbroken wilderness,
the home of the red man, the deer, the panther, the bear,
and other wild animals. Civilization had not put its trans-
forming hand upon it, and it was in its primeval condition,
wild and romantic. The sound of the axeman or the hum
of industry had not aroused the denizens of the forest from
their wonted security, and the Indian only had roamed over
its wooded hills and beautiful valley in excursions of pleasure
or in the pursuit of game.
The first white settlers within the bounds of this town
were William Buchanan and his son Michael, in 1794.*
*Some local authorities put the date at 1790. We think this an
error. Mr. Buchanan was sent to the "Eight-Mile Tree" by Cul.
AVilliamson to keep a house of entertainment in the interest of the
settlement of that section, anil Col. Wiliiiimsou iliil not settle at Bath
till 1793.
Mr. Buchanan settled on the farm now known as the Levi
Ky.sor Farm. The life of the father has in it some inter-
esting incidents. When a lad of between seven and eight
years he lived with his parents in the beautiful Wyoming
Valley, and while thus living the inhabitants of that lovely
valley suffered all the horrors of Indian warfare. Among
the survivors was the young lad, William Buchanan, who
was taken prisoner. His captors traveled westward until
they arrived in the extreme western part of Pennsylvania
or in Ohio. He was adopted by the chief of the tribe, and
was treated kindly by his foster-father. The mother, how-
ever, disliking the fondness of the chief for the little pale-
face, contrived to send him away, with provisions to last
him on the journey, to' the white settlements on the Susque-
hanna, whither in due time he arrived safely. He had
been with the Indians seven years, and had learned to speak
their language much better than his mother-tongue.
At about the age of twenty he was engaged to go on
board a ship, after which he went to England, Wales, and
several other countries, and finally came back to the United
States. While anchored about three miles from land, it
being night watch, his desire became so strong to become
free, and a landsman again, that he forsook his post, plunged
into the sea. and swam for the shore, which he finally reached
in an exhausted condition. After leaving a seafaring life
he found his way into one of the eastern counties of this
State, whence he removed, with his family, to Avoca, and
there spent his remaining days.
Such was the beginning of the life of the first settler of
this town. Soon after his arrival he erected his log house,
and made it the home of the traveler, or of those who were
seeking homes in this new country. There were no inns or
taverns in all this section, and the only highway was the
VVilliam.soii road through the Conhocton Valley to the
i?^^^i#-<it^
v^-^ J" A
-t:*'^=z;
&-Z.<- ^-Z--L
Residence of THOMAS COTTON, Avoca, Steuben Co N Y
TOWN OFAVOCA.
155
Senesee River. He was sent here as the agent of the
land-office, and his large-hearted hospitality was proverbial
imong the early settlers.
The year following his arrival he planted an orchard,
which now shows the ravages of time, and like the early
settlers is passing away. The orchard which William and
Michael Buchanan set out on the Buchanan farm is now
sighty-eight years old, and some of the trees therein are
worthy of mention, one of which measures nine and a half
feet in circumference at or near the ground. One branch
jf this tree, about six feet from the ground, measures seven
feet, and about ten feet up measures six feet in circum-
ference. The tree is about forty feet high, and from its
present appearance may stand another century. In this
orchard names were given to several of the trees, such as
•' Grandfather Moody," etc., and other names.
This place, or the valley, at that time was known as
Buchanan's or the Eight-Mile Tree. The Eight-Mile Tree
(so marked by Phelps and Gorham's surveyors) stood a
little north of the dwelling of Levi Kysor, about a quarter
of a mile south of the village of Avoca. The section went
by the name of Buchanan's or the Eight-Mile Tree for a
number of years, after which some one unknown to the
writer gave it the euphonious name of Podu.vk. But this
name lasted only a short time, and when the little hamlet
began to assume shape as a village it received a now name,
which the inhabitants take pride in handing down to pos-
terity. The name AvoCA* was given by Sophia White
while on her death-bed. Having heard that the little vil-
lage was about to be christened with a new name, she sent
a written request to the people to allow her to name the
plea.sant forest village.
The first settlers after the Buchanans were James and
Hugh McWhorter and James and George Moore. The
McWhorters and one of the Moores became permanent
settlers, and finally, after a short absence, both of the
Moores. James McWhorter first settled on the I. J. Has-
kin farm, erected a small log cabin, and commenced a small
clearing, but did not remain on tlie farm long, as, before
1800, Gershora Towner and Finley McClure settled in
Avoca ; Gershom Towner purchasing the Haskin place and
Finley McClure the farm now known as the Shaver farm.
Gershom Towner, soon after his arrival, erected the first
hotel or inn in what is now the town of Avoca ; it was on
the Haskin fiirm, and stood on the present site of Mr.
Haskin's residence. Mr. Towner was noted for his hospi-
tality, and no traveler was turned away hungry ; whether
rich or poor, his house was the home of the traveler in this
then new country. Although he did not have a large,
commodious hotel, he supplied liberally the nece.ssaries of
life. The second hotel in the town was erected by Joel
Collin, in 1808, at or near Wallace Station. It was primi-
tive in its construction, being built of logs, the only lumber
then manufiictured in town. Finley McClure cut the road
through on the west side of the river, from Kanona to his
place, when he settled there, there having before that time
been a path or road cut through on the east side leading
through to Naples, Ontario Co.
From Thomas Moore's " Sweet Vale of Avooa.'
Soon after 1801 a tide of emigration set towards Steuben
County, and between 1801 and 1815 quite a number of
families and young men settled in this town. The follow-
ing are the names of those settlers as far as can be ascer-
tained : Asa Phillips, Abram Towner, James Babcock,
Richard Van Buskirk, Henry Smith, James Davis, John
Van Buskirk, William Moody, Daniel McKenzie, Jonathan
Tilton, John Donahe, Eleazer Tucker, Allen Smith, Samuel
Burnhani, Oliver Rice. These were, most of them, for-
merly settlers of Bath, and set ofi' to Avoca. Among
those settlers taken from Howard who settled between
1801 and 1815 were Israel Baldwin, William Allen,
Charles Robords, Timothy Parkhill, Wm. Goff, and
Henry Kennedy. There were others that might be
called early settlers who came into this town between
1810 and 1824: John B. Calkins, Jos. Mathewson, Ger-
shom Salmon, James Silsbee, John Putnam, Hugh Briggs,
Van Housen Hopkins, and a number of others unknown
to the writer. Abram Towner settled on a farm near the
new mill in 1808, and spent his life there. His oldest son
came into possession of the homestead, and resided there
during his long life of seventy-eight years. The son died
May 8, 1876, and the farm yet remains in the possession
of one of the descendants.
John Donahe settled on the creek leading to Howard, on
what is now known as the Donahe place. Richard and John
Van Buskirk settled on what is known as the Sam Haskin
and Allen farm. Eleazer Tucker settled on what is known
as the Tucker farm, about a mile above Wallace Station,
where some of his descendants now reside.
Henry Smith, fither of 0. S. Smith, settled in this town
in 1814, on a farm about one mile south of Avoca village.
This farm was known to the early citizens as the Smith
farm, but is now known as the farm on which William
Allen resides.
William Moody took up and settled the lands now occu-
pied by the village of Avoca.
While the valley was being settled by earnest and worthy
citizens the hills and uplands were receiving their sterling
inhabitants, and in January, 1811, Israel Baldwin settled
on a farm now owned by his youngest son, Abraham H.
Baldwin. This farm lies south of and borders on a beau-
tiful inland lake known as the Smith Pond, taking its name
from a worthy and noble Scot, who settled on the north
side of it in 1810. In the month of March, 1810, William
Allen settled on the farm now occupied by Lyman, John,
and Alexander Shults, those two settlers being the only
ones in that neighborhood until the following year. Israel
Baldwin, when he came into the county and on the farm
where he settled and .spent his life, was the first to cut his
way from the creek road leading to Howard to his posses-
sion. William Allen preceded him, both taking upland
over which no white man had ever traveled to their
knowledge.
Charles Robords settled on what is known as Robords'
Hill in 1814.
Although the pioneers had a hard struggle to obtain sub-
sistence, they did not forget that there was something to
be looked to beyond the supply of their physical wants.
As early as 1796 or 1797 they employed one Anna Parker
156
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
to teach school by going round from house to house through
the sparsely-settled country, imparting knowledge to the
young as well as she could. Her qualifications, except in
physical endowments and good moral character, would at
this day be deemed doubtful for that avocation, for in after-
life she would often tell of her pioneer teaching and say
that she could not write, and those who could were regarded
as highly educated. But she followed teaching for a num-
ber of years, and was succeeded by Susan Collier, who was
the second teacher, and taught school in part of her father's
log house and the dwellings of the inhabitants. Anna
Parker and Susan Collier were the only teachers who taught
in Avoca until they built a school-house, which wa.sin 1818.
It was built of logs and stood on a plat of ground in the
present village, and near where the railroad bridge now
stands. Mary McKenzie was the first teacher in this build-
ing. She taught the summer school. George Cameron was
employed to teach the winter school, at $8 per month, a
price in those days considered high.
There were about 20 families in what is now known as
the town of Avoca in 1812, and the greater part of them
took lands on the river, and but few ventured back on the
hills. After that time settlers came in faster, and in 1824
there were about fifty families settled, and improvements
were commenced that afterwards were enlarged to fine,
beautiful farms, and the comforts of life were easily ob-
tained.
In 1809, Henry Kennedy erected a saw-mill at a place now
known as Gofi''s Mills, and it is said that the year following
James Vaughn built a grist-mill at that point. The writer
has made thorough investigation as to its truth, but is un-
able to affirm the statement, the old settlers informing him
that William Gofl" erected the first grist-mill soon after he
settled in Howard, which was in 1812, and until that event
the Taylor mill, in Wheeler, was the nearest point where
they could procure grinding. Eleazer Tucker built the first
saw-mill on the river in 1825, near Wallace Station. Jon-
athan Tilton built the first grist-mill about a mile south of
the village of Avoca. Soon after James Silsbee built the
flouring-mill in the village. The Goff mill was built some
time before the Tilton or Silsbee mill. These mills gave
the settlers great pleasure, for, until the building of the
Taylor and Goff mills, the people were obliged to resort to
the Cold Spring mills in Urbana, and many, to save the
arduous work of carrying their grists on their shoulders
such a distance, resorted to the more primitive method of
using the mortar and pestle, made sometimes of wood and
stone. Therefore they had great cause for rejoicing over
the erection of these mills near at home.
The first store kept in Avoca was by two brothers, George
and Alonzo Simons, on the corner of the Oliver Zeilley lot.
The whole stock of goods was brought here on two paek-
horses. They were of such a class only as constituted the
actual necessities of living in those plain days.
The Indians who frequented the settlements of the
whites were a lazy set. They would often come out of the
forest to where the settlers were chopping and clearing their
lands, and stand for hours and look on, and if asked to aid
or help, they would retort and say, " Ugh ! me like to see
white man work; me no work; squaw work." At the
time the first settlers came into this town, there were about
50 Indian huts on the Haskin farm, where many relics of
their ingenuity and worship have been found. This region
was a favorite hunting-ground of the Senecas. At the
time Abram Towner settled on his farm near the new mill
and for a number of years after, there were from 50 to
100 Indian lodges on the flat just below his house, and
near that place have been found parts of a stone kettle, the
.stone being of a different character from any found in this
country; it was of that kind that could be worked into any
form desired, and a gentleman now living in Avoca has
made maTiy a bullet-mould out of the remains of the In-
dian kettle. In those days it is .said that the creek running
through the Towner farm and emptying into the river was
their favorite stream for trout, and remained a favorite re-
sort to them after they emigrated from this section, and
many would return to fish on that stream.
There were only two teams of horses owned in this town
before 1812, and they were owned by Michael Buchanan
and James McWhorter. All the other teams were oxen,
and very few at most. Many of the settlers having no
teams of any kind, the ladies and gentlemen of those days
thought it no hardship to walk six or seven miles to make
an evening visit and return. After a few years the farmers
who raised any surplus found an excellent market in Bath
for the products of their farms, which were drawn on sleds
by oxen in the winter. After disposing of their loads, they
were accustomed to start the teams homeward alone, and
when they thought they had got about halfway home, they
would follow and would overtake them, or get home as soon
as the teams did.
The death of Michael Buchanan was the first in this
town. He married Anna Parker about the year 1800, the
marriage having been solemnized by Gen. George McClure.
He lived with his wife only seven years, when he departed
this life, leaving Anna Buchanan a widow, until 1811,
when she married James McWhorter ; but she continued
to live on the Buchanan farm, it having been willed to her
by her first husband prior to his death. The farm has been
kept and owned by .some one of the de.scendants of Anna
Parker to this day. Hugh McWhorter (whose death was
■ the second in town) died March 6, 1812; at the time of
his burial an apple-tree was planted near his head, which
still marks his resting-place. This tree has grown to the
great size of eight and a half feet in circumference.
There were but two places where schools were taught up
to 1818, — one was in the village and the other near Sal-
mon Waterbury's. In 1843 there were eleven school dis-
tricts, which number remains to the present time. There
are several fine school buildings in Avoca, one of which will
take rank with the union school buildings of any of the
sister towns. The number of pupils who attended school
in the town during the school year of 1865 was 633 ; the
amount of expenditures was $1365.37. In April, 1867,
the number of pupils in attendance was 583 ; expenditures,
§1404.21). The population of Avoca is 1876 ; the village
contains about 600 inhabitants, two hotels, two dry-goods
stores, one clothing-.store, two groceries, one cabinet-store,
and several mechanics' shops, and other places of business.
The inhabitants of the town and village are active, indus-
Oscar S. Smith was born in the town of Avoca (then in-
^uded in Bath), March 31, 1816.
His paternal grandfather, Joseph Smith, was a native of
Dutchess Co., N. Y., and settled with his familj- in Bradford
Jo., Pa., as one of the jiioneers of that county, where ho died
it an advanced age. His father, Henry Smith, was about ten
rears old when the family settled in Pennsylvania ; was mar-
■ied to Anna Spalding, of Sheshequin, Bradford Co., Pa., and
mmediately thereafter came to Steuben County, settling in
he then town of Bath, in 1814, purchased a tract of land, built
i saw-mill, and began clearing his land and manufacturing
umber.
He spent the remainder of his life on this farm, quietly
bllowing agricultural pursuits ; was a man of correct habits,
trict integrity of purpose, and unobtrusive in all his ways.
3e died about the close of the late Kebellion at the age of
lighty, having lived in this county to see the forest give place
0 cultivated fields, and schools, churches, and public buildings
akc the place of the pioneer's rudely constructed log buildings.
The wife and mother died at the age of fifty-seven, about
he year 1850. She was a daughter of Maj. William Spald-
ng, and granddaughter of Gen. Spalding, of Revolutinnary
ame.
Their children are Oscar S. ; Mrs. S. W. Park, of Athens,
?a. ; Maria ; Reuben O., of Olean, Cattaraugus Co. ; Erastus
I., of Towanda, Pa. (deceased) ; Henry B., of Lyndon, Osage
^o., Kan. ; and Mrs. Franklin J. Marshal, of Wheeler, this
;ounty. Mr. Smith received his education from books in the
ommon schools of his early days, which although of a limited
.mount formed a taste for reading and study, which lie has
ultivated during his life. His minority was spent at home,
ngaged with his father in farm and lumber business. At
he age of twenty he began business for himself, and unassisted
pecuniarily purchased one hundred acres of timbered land,
upon which he labored for some eleven years, preparing the
land for farming.
In 1849, January 31, he married Elvira F., daughter of
Capt. Jabez Fish, of Sheshequin, Bradford Co., Pa. She was
born in 1824.
In the year 1850 he settled in the village of Avoca, and
opened a general merchandise store, which although of small
beginning, he has gradually increased as the growing interests
of the vicinity demanded, and continues at the present time.
During the twenty-nine years he has been in business as a
merchant in Avoca he has had associated with him at differ-
ent times other men, with firm-names of "Smith & Peek,"
and " Smith & Barney ;" the latter firm is now in business.
Mr. Smith cast his first vote for President of the United
States for Martin Van Buren as a Democrat. Upon the
formation of the Republican party he took an active part, and
was a delegate in the county convention upon the organization
of that party here. He was a delegate to the State Conven-
tion in support of Abraham Lincoln for President. Ho was
appointed postmaster at Avoca, first under the administration
of President Pierce, second of Abraham Lincoln, and third,
in the spring of 1868, of Gen. U. S. Grant, which office he now
holds, making in all some twelve years he has been postmaster.
Mr. Smith is a man of plain, unassuming ways, possessed
of that native talent and sound sense, sharpened by contact
with business through a series of years, not uncommon with
men whose early life was regulated somewhat by the necessity
of the times, and the privations which foster self-reliance.
Promptness, integrity, and justice in his business are his
known characteristics.
His children are O. Park, H. Wilmot, L. Dana, C. Howard,
and R. 0. Smith.
nl
David L. Robords was born in tlie town of Amsterdam,
Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 24, 1799. He is eldest in a
family of eight sons and five daughters of Charles and Mary
Robords, the former a native of New Jersey, and settled in
Montgomery County prior to his marriage, where most of the
children were born. He removed to Steuben County, and
settled in the town of Howard, now Avoca, in 1813, and took
up one hundred acres of timber land. At that time what is
now Avoca was almost an unbroken wilderness. The remain-
der of his life was spent clearing oft" this land, together with
fifty acres more which he had purchased. He died in 1830,
aged flfty-one. His wife survived him some thirty years, and
died at the age of eighty, in the year 1860. Very many of their
children settled in the town of Avoca, and are farmers. Their
names are as follows : David L., Andrew, Ichabod, William,
George, John, Barney, Mrs. Artemus Dunton, Mrs. Wm.
Dunton, Mrs. Vestus Allen, Mrs. Edward Allen, and Mrs.
John Niphcr, of whom only four are living.
Mr. Robords resided at home until he was twenty-two
years of age, and being the eldest son assisted his father very
much in clearing off the forest and preparing his land for
cultivation. He never enjoyed the advantages of an educa-
tion from books ; but possessed of a large degree of native
talent which, brought in contact with necessary privation
and hardship in the early settlement of the town, is only
increased.
In 1821 he settled on one hundred acres of land for him-
self. In 1822 he married Betsey, daughter of David Dun-
ton, of this town, and began lite in the log house. All of
the incidents common to the pioneer were the lot of this
couple ; yet with a will to accomplish whatever they under-
took, and make their beginning a success, Mr. and Mrs.
Robords entered upon the future with willing hands but no
money.
He is now in his eightieth year, and can trace his life back
through some sixty-si.x years as a resident of the neighbor-
hood where he now lives ; he remembers the continual war-
fare carried on with the wolf and other wild animals, in the
protection of domestic animals, in which, during his leisure
hours, he had pleasant pastime with his gun in hand, and be
relates the fiict of killing as many as eight wolves in one day.
A reliearsal of such thrilling incidents to the youth of to-
day fires the young heart with a love for the early days and
the pioneer life, in strange contrast with a beginning of a
business life in 1878.
Mr. Robords has spent his life as a thrifty, enterprising
farmer, and in the same vicinity where his father first
settled.
Always interested in local and national matters, he has
valued the right of sutlVage as a boon of the American people,
and has been connected with the Whig party, and is now a
member of the Republican party. He is one of the old land-
marks that point to the early days, and very few, if any, have
been spared to live so long in the town as he, and contribute
as members of society to the general welfare of its citizens.
He is known for his sterling integrity in all business matters,
and for his broad and comprehensive view of the various
beliefs held by men of the times. His wife died Oct. 4, 18B6,
at the age of sixtj'-three.
Their children are seven sons and six daughters, viz. :
Charles, Mrs. Lyman Perry, Helen (died young), John,
Jo-shua, James, Mrs. Edward Allen, Rachel (died young),
Cyrus, Aaron, Mrs. Alvin Wood, Marvin, and Mrs. Harvey
Fox.
cy^/v^6^^^<^x^<^
Nathaniel B. Chase was born at Liberty Ccirners,
town of Cohocton, tliis county, Dec. 13, 1814. Hi.s fatlier,
Thomas C. Clia-sc, was a native of Beri^sliire Co , Mass.,
and while a young man settled iii Poiupey, Onondaga Co.,
N. Y., where he married Malinda, daughter of Nathaniel
Butts, of that place. She was a native of Canterbury,
Conn., born in 1790, and with her parents removed first to
Massachusetts, and when she was sixteen years of ago the
family settled in Pompey.
Of this union were born in the town of Pompey, Levi
C. Chase, of Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y. ; Mrs. Dr.
Washington Day (deceased), of Arcade, Wyoming Co.
The family removed from Pompey and settled in the town
of Cohocton, Steuben Co., in 1812, and purchased a fijrm, a
portion of which now forms a part of the village of Liberty,
and through which the Rochester branch of the Erie Rail-
road runs. Nearly all of tliis farm was cleared by Mr.
Chase, senior. At the time of his settlement at what is
now Liberty Village there was only a single log house, hence
the Ciiase family were among the pioneers of that part of the
county. In 1837 he sold his farm at Liberty, removed to
Chautauqua County, and died the same year, aged fifty-two.
His wife survived him thirty-six years, and died at the resi-
dence of her son, in Avoca, in 1873, aged eighty-four.
Their children born in the town of Cohocton wore Na-
tthaniel B., subject of this narrative; Aurilla (^died in
infancy) ; Mrs. Franklin Day (deceased), of Buffalo ;
Dwight W., of Elcador, Iowa; Amos W. (deceased);
Josiah (died in infancy).
Mr. Chase received the opportunities of the common
school only until he was ten years of age. At the age of
seventeen he went as an apprentice to learn the milling
business ; after one j-ear he worked as journeyman for
several years. In 1846 he purchased the Liberty Mills,
whicli he carried on for some three years, and removed to
Avoca, purchased a grist-mill and .saw-mill, and after four
years engaged in business with tho.se interests disposed of
them, since which time has been engaged in farming, and
(|uitc largely in real-estate. For nine years, beginning
with 1866, he was depot agent at Avoca, which po.sition
his son, Thomas C., has since occupied.
Mr. Chase was originally a member of the Democratic
party, but upon the formation of the Republican party
became a supporter of its principles. He has never been
active in politics, but ever interested in questions affecting
local and State legislation. In 1877-78 he represented his
town in the Board of Supervisors, besides which he has
never held office, desiring rather the quiet of business to
political preferment.
His life has been one of activity, and in his business
oj)orations he has been generally successful. Unaided pe-
cuniarily when young and beginning a business career, he
learned by necessity those lessons of economy and prudence
not uncommon to our early self-reliant men, which formed
the basis of his business life. In 1834 he married Deborah,
daughter of Amos Stiles, of Livingston Co., N. Y. She was
born in Pompey, Onondaga Co., in 1818. Their children
were Thomas C., of Avoca ; Mrs. Dr. D. S. Allen, of Seneca,
Ontario Co.; Ida Bell (died at the age of three years) ;
and an adopted daughter, Libbie Vrooman. The mother
died Feb. 7, 1872, having been a devoted member of the
Methodist E]nscopal Church for the past twenty years.
Born in the county, Mr. Chase has lived to see the forest
of the Cohocton Valley give way to industry of the settlers
and agriculturists ; the rude log school-houses and churches
supplanted by fine architectural and costly edifices ; machinery
of all kinds take the place of manual labor ; and a country
prepared for the third and coming generations to occupy.
TOWN OF AVOCA.
157
frious, and frugal. Prosperity and thrift arc leaving their
impress on every department of industry.
The first child born in the town was William McWhor-
ter. John Buchanan and Betsey McWhorter were the
next children born. They now lie buried in the plea.sant
village cemetery by the side of most of the early settlers.
Spencer Moore, Abigail Moore, and David llobords are
probably the oldest living representatives of the first settlers
of the town.
The first frame dwelling in the town was erected by
James McWhorter on the Buchanan farm. It is still
standing, and the descendants of the worthy couple who
began life there in a log cabin take special pride in keej)ing
it preserved without change.
ORGANIZ,\T10N.
Avoca was erected April 12, 18415, from the towns of
Bath, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler. The first town-
meeting appointed by law was held at the house of James
(j. Barto, in the town of Avoca, on the first Monday of May,
1843, for the purpose of electing town officers for the en.su-
ing year. The following-named per.sons were duly elected :
Henry A. Louck. Supervisor ; Jesse Louck, Town Clerk ;
Oliver llice, Simeon Holmes, Luther Tilton, Justices of
the Peace; John Donahe, John L. llobords, Marcus Peck,
Assessors ; James Gorton, John Collier, John T. Allen,
Commissioners of Highways; Allen Smith, John B. Ste-
venson, John Conner, Commissioners of Schools ; Charles
W. C. Howard, Addison Niles, School Inspectors; Matthew
Fox, Joseph Matthewson, Salmon Waterbury, Inspectors
of Election ; Jonathan Clisbee, Abram Towner, Poormas-
ters; Perry S. Donahe, Collector; Perry S. Donahe, Josiah
Devendorf, Almon Begel, Cornelius Vader, Oscar Smith,
Constables.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1S4.3.
Henry A. Loucks.
Jesse Loucks.
Perry S. Donahe.
1844.
George W. Burnham. " "
Jesse Devendorf.
1845.
tl 4(
Bernard Fo.v.
Amos Larkin.
1846.
It it
It it
Darius Silsbce.
1847.
tt (I
Peleg Gorton.
Gideon Smith.
1848.
tt U
it it
it tt
1849.
Henry H. IJonton.
Andrew Bautcr.
George P. Fox.
1850.
" "
De.\ter Straight.
"
1851.
(( tl
Joseph G. Sprague.
John B. Payue.
1852.
tt tt
Dexter Straight.
..
1853.
Jose|]h I. Burnham
Peleg Gorton.
Cornelius Vader.
1854.
Ilcnry 11. Bouton.
it tt
Erastua Olmstead.
1«55.
Henry Goff.
Simeon Wagner.
Andrew Bautcr.
1856.
Salmon Waterbury.
Francis H. Guiwits.
Z. J. Calkins.
1857.
tt tt
Simeon Wagner.
George W. Towner.
1858.
Joel Carriiigtiin.
it it
tt tt
1859.
tt
Joseph Guiwits.
(ireorge P. Fox.
1860.
Henry A. Loucks.
it it
Oliver Zeilly.
ISGl.
A. M. Waterbury.
it a
Daniel A. Fox.
1862.
.J. H. Nichoson.
it it
William S. Overhiscr
18fi.3.
"
James Hees.
it it
1804.
Salmon H. Palmer.
(• it
Horace A. Silsbee.
1865.
tt tt
J. Wesley Calkins.
Alexander Patten.
1866.
tt tt
a tt
a r<
1X67.
.Joel CuTrin;^ton.
tt
.Joseph I'illis.
1808.
tt ,t
Ilcnry Robertson.
.>
1869.
I. J. Haskin.
.<
Henry Foults.
1870.
S. E. Haskin.
John E. Storms.
l-uthcr G. Clark.
1871.
I. J. Haskin.
J. Wesley Calkins.
W. G. Borden.
Supervisors.
Town t'lerks.
Collectors.
1872.
F. N. Barney.
Chester Ellis.
George H. Shults.
187.3.
I. J. Haskin.
W. H. AVuoil.
W. G. Borden.
1874.
D. E. Hoadley.
Jii.mes Tuel.
F. L. Shaver.
1875.
Thomas Cotton.
U it
Wm. H. Hammond.
1876.
"
George J. Sliults.
Alva Shunt.
1877.
N. B. CUa.sc. _/
W. 11. Wno.l.
William T. Slattcry
1878.
,. „ ~
U li
S. B. Haskin.
.TfSTICES OF THE I'KACE.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
Oliver Kicc.
Simeon Holmes.
Luther Tilton.
Herman S. Rose.
John L. Robords.
Henry H. Bouton.
John L. Rol)ords.
Henry H. Bouton.
Herman S. Rose.
Salmon H. Palmer.
John L. llobords.
Allen Smith.
James Silsbee.
llernuin S. Rose.
Henry Goif.
Ira Tucker.
Marcus Peck.
Lawson R. ILxhI.
Peleg Gorton.
N. S. Wheeler.
F. H. Guiwits.
Ithiol C. Nichoson.
Peleg Gorton.
Sylvester D. Lewis.
Lawson R. Hood,
1861. Poleg Gorton.
1802. Smith Tucker.
1863. Sylvester D. Lewis.
George A. Fox.
1864. Nathaniel S. Wliccler.
1805. Peleg Gorton.
1866. Leonard Wilson.
1867. G. W. Towner.
1868. Nathaniel S. Wheeler.
1869. Peleg (iorton.
1870. G. W. Coolbaugh.
Leonard Wils(ui.
1871. Forest H. Williams.
Caleb C. Allen.
1872. G. W. Towner.
M. A. Peek.
1873. F. H. Williams.
1874. Salmon H. Palmer,
.lobn Allen.
1875. G. W. Coolbaugh.
G. W. Towner.
1870. Alexander R. Ward.
1877. Salmon H. Palmer.
M. B. Walker.
J. B. Hamlin.
CHURCHES.
The religious sentiment of the early time was of the
Christian denomination, who held their religious worship in
the barn on the Buchanan farm, and continued to hold
services there and in the log .school-house until 1827, when
the first Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at East
Hill. Elders Buzzel and Elisha Brownson were the first
ministers of the gospel, but there was another minister,
called the "star-gazer," who commenced to preach here
about that time. The Christian denomination continued
for some time to represent the predominant faith, but it
commenced to die out gradually, and to-day but few remain
of that order. At pre.sent the Baptists, Lutherans, and
Methodists are the leading denominations of the village
and town.
The village of Avoca has three churches, — the Baptist,
Lutheran, and Methodist, — in which are held regular ser-
vices, and with which are connected prosperous Sunday-
schools.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist Church was organized Jan. 13, 1847, by
adopting the Declaration of Faith and Church Covenant
published by the New Hamp.shire Baptist State Convention.
Twelve male and twonty-onc female members constituted
the church as originally organized. Kev. Horace Spencer
was the first pastor, and James Van Deuzer first deacon.
On the 13th of August, 1847, the church was received into
the Steuben Baptist Association, with which it is still in
communion.
The earliest meetings of the church were held in the
158
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
school-house and at private residences, and continued to be
so held till 1852, when the present church edifice was
erected.
Since its organization this church has had the following
pastors : Rev. Horace Spencer, Rev. James Halstead, Rev.
A. W. Sunderland, Rov. Henry Robertson, Rev. S. T.
Dean, Rev. J. J. White, Rev. R. S. Stowell, and Rev.
Adelbert Chapman, the present minister. The Sunday-
school numbers about 75 pupils.
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This church was organized the ninth day of April, 1842,
by adopting the constitution, declaration, and discipline of
the Franciscan Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church
had no property at that time. James Shults was its first
pastor, and continued to preach to them two and a half years.
The church called Joseph Strough as their second pastor,
who settled with them in 1811, and preached about one
year, after which their first pastor returned and supplied
the church as a missionary for about one and a half years.
After this, for about fifteen years, they had no stated
preaching. Their first officers were : Elders, Richard Col-
lier and Isaac Dillenbeck ; Deacons, John Kinkade and
Benjamin Waggoner. The church at its organization con-
sisted of 12 communicants besides its pastor.
This church was reorganized July 30, 1867, adopting
the constitution and formula of the Franciscan Evangelical
Lutheran Synod, with which it is still in communion. It
was incorporated July 26, 1868, and the church edifice
dedicated in January, 1870. The value of the church
property is 13000.
The first pastor under the present organization was Rev.
N. Clock. The following were the first officers : James
Olmstead and Isaac Dillenbeck, Elders ; John Kinkade,
Hiram Stattson, and George Fox, Deacons ; James Shults,
H. A. Wall, and Daniel Fox, Trustees ; R. V. Whitbeck,
Clerk.
Rev. J. H. Webber succeeded Rev. N. Clock as pastor,
July 13, 1870. The third pastor was Rev. D. W. Law-
rence, from 1872 to 1874. The pulpit was vacant from that
time till Nov. 6, 1877, when Rev. Wm. E. Churchill, the
present pastor, was called.
This church numbered at its organization 10 members;
its communicants at present are 62. Present Elders, Isaac
Dillenbeck, Hiram Stattson, and James Olmstead ; Deacons,
James Shults, P. A. Van Valkenburgh, J. H. Wagner, Sut-
ton Felch, Luther G. Clark ; Trustees, Wm. P. Bellinger,
A. A. Wall, George Bellinger ; Clerk, George J. Shults.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Of this church no data has been furnished us for a his-
tory. It has a fine edifice in the village, the church
property being valued at 850U0. They maintain a prosper-
ous Sunday-school, and have kept up regular services since
their organization.
MASONIC.
The lodge was organized with about 20 charter members.
Rev. George M. Coolbaugh being the first Master. As a
lodge they have been from the first uniformly prosperous.
and have at present one of the most flourishing lodges in
Western New York. The Past Masters are Rev. G. W.
Coolbaugh (deceased), J. N. Moore, W. H. Wood, Thomas
Cotton, S. W. Cooper, H. E. Butler. The present Master
is M. B. Walker.
MILIT.^RY RECORD.
Prior to the taxing of the towns to raise bounties for
enlistments to fill the several quotas, or up to December,
1863, the town of Avoca raised by her contributions the
sum of S3000 to aid enlistments. About. $600 were con-
tributed by the Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Association. These
sums were applied to the payment of bounties and other
expenses connected with the enlistment of soldiers. In
addition to these sums, $2000 for .soldiers' bounties were
raised by tax on the taxable property of the town. Up to
the time of the last call for 500,000 men, Avoca had put
into the field 70 of her hardy .sons, more than her propor-
tion up to that time, and under the last call her quota of 53
was promptly filled, making in all 123 men sent into the
service.
On account of quite a number going out of the county
to enlist, and their residences not being put on the muster-
rolls, it is impossible to give a complete list of the soldiers
of this town. The following list, as complete as can be now
obtained, has been sent us to be inserted in this place :
James nanniiond, Trlinian Head, S. 0. Allen, John March, Ezra Beagle, Lnke
Beagle, William March, Herkimer Shults, .\rie Van Wie, Josiali Shaver,
Jeremiah Shaver, Jesse Rich, Samuel Banta, Levi Itandall, Artennis Dun-
ton, Jos. W. Duiiton,Geo. E. Robords, Lyman Robords, Stillman Robords,
J. W. Robords, Addison Robords, W. L. French, Jos. Jenks, James Cook,
Hoiace Uammond,Thaddeu.s Ward, Jacob Sattsman, Wm. Sattsmaii, Wm.
Martin, John Griswold, R. H. Collier, Joel Towner, Oliver Towner, Edwin
Towner, Deloss Parkhill, Oscar Marcy, Thomas Raplee, Lyman McNeill,
U. Mavlatt, W. F. Kelsey, .Alexander Van Pelt, M. Fitzmaurice, William
H. Vnnck, William Cox, George Curtis, L. Alden, Alfred Olds, Frank
Sager, Willis Sager, B. Stanton, Fred Chase, David Palmanteer, Albert
Piatt, Byron Blarch. Hezekiah Fox, R. McNeill, J. B. Newton, Zina
Calkins, William B. Overhiser, James Voorhees, Eugene Tucker, Isaac
House, Henry Squires, Morris Loucks, Wesley Davis, William Fraley,
John Doud, Ira Doud, Leroy Tucker, L. McCarthy, F. Tucker, E. ,\vei-y,
William Avery, Silas Vrooman, Fred Graves, George Brownrigg, JLarcus
Walker, Gi'orgc A. Collier, JL C. White, Solomon Smith, Abram Miller,
Isaac Armstrong, U. H. Tobias, John N. Gillett, S. H. Houston, Henry
Waffle, William J. Allen, O. W.Ormsby, William E. Haskin, Asa Demand-
ville, Christopher Fox, Abner Robords, W. L. Allen, William Waterbury,
B. Coidey, Fred Collier, Henry Hees, Whit Treat, J. B. Newton.
LIST OF THOSE WHO WENT OCT WITH THE 189TH REGIMENT.
Lieut. A. J. Alden, Squire Wessels, John Wataon, J. 0. Dunton, J. H. Kinkado,
George A. Peck, Alonzo Vunck, Josiah Guiwitis, M. L. Deyo, F. N.
Barney, J. W. Johnson, J. S. Fowler, Ira L. Goff, Joel Beagle, H. E. Butler,
S. D. Briggs, J. Billinger, A. Carey, L. L. Ferris, George W. Gunsalas,
J. E. Griswold, William B. Golden, A. Hooper, B. Hooper, D. Herrington,
B. Herrington, Samuel Olds, W. W. Oxx, J. A. Palmanteer, Lorenzo
Robords, Riley Rasey, Frank Randall, Robert Swart, Thomas Sherwood,
Seth Tilbbs, Joseph Tucker, Oscar Tucker, B. Tobias, William B. Tobias,
Luke H. Voorhees, F. Van Wormer, R. Woodmancy.
LIST OF KILLED AND THOSE WHO DIED BY REASON OF WOUNDS
RECEIVED IN THE SERVICE.
William March, killed at Fredericksburg, May 25, 1862.
William &iltsman, wounded at Cedar Creek, died from wound, Dec. 22, 1864.
Robertson, killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863.
Osair Marcy, morUally woundeii at the battle of Dallas, Ga. ; buried in Tennessee.
Albert Piatt, wounded at Gettysburg, died.
Willis Sager (color-bearer of lS8th), mortally wounded at Five Forks while
fearlessly carrying his colors at the head of his regiment ; died April 29,
1SG5.
Jacob Shumati, killed at Hatcher's Run.
J. B. Newton, killed at Dallas, Ga.
LIST OF THOSE WHO DIED FROM DISEASES CONTRACTED IN
THE SERVICE.
Byron March, served throe years and re-enlisted; died at home, Feb. 29, 1865.
Ranson McNeil, died in Washington, D. C, Dec. 15, 1863.
iJ
,iX^
^::^^^^!'^X^i
Christopder Patterson, M.D., was born in North-
umberland Co., England, on the river Tyne, Nov. 22, 1819.
His father, Roger Patterson, was also a native of Eng-
land ; married Ann Pegg, and with bis family of six chil-
dren— Joseph, Edward, John, Mrs. Clute, Christopher, and
Mrs. Norris Markham — emigrated to America in 1825, and
settled in Otsego County, where they remained four years,
and removed to Steuben County, settling in South Dans-
ville in 1829.
From boyhood, Mr. Patterson, senior, followed the life
of a shepherd, but on coming to this country became a
farmer, which he followed until his death, which occurred
in 1852, at the age of eighty-four. His wife still survives,
and resides on the farm where they first settled in Dans-
ville, being now the oldest resident of the town, and in her
eighty-ninth year. One son, Koger, was born in this
country, and died at the age of nineteen.
Dr. Patterson received during his minority a good edu-
cation. At the age of twenty he became a teacher, which
he followed for five years, his last term being as a teacher
in Howard Academy. In 18-44 he entered the ofiice of
Dr. Bowen, of South Dansville, as a student of medicine,
remaining only one winter, followed by three years as a
student with Dr. A. B. Case, of Howard. His lecture
course was at Geneva Medical College, where he was grad-
uated M.D. in 1848, and .settled in Steuben Co., Indiana,
where he practiced his profession for four years, and re-
turned to this county, Dansville, and was in practice
two years.
In 1854 he married Matilda, daughter of William J.
and Polly Neally, of Bath, this county. Her father and
grandfather came to this county in 1812, settling near
Kanona, and hence were among the pioneers of that part
of the county. She was born in the town of Bath in 1820,
and on the place where her father first settled on coming to
this county, and where he died, Jan. 18, 1858, aged sixty-
nine. Her mother died at the age of sixty-seven, Jan-
uary, 1866.
Soon after his marriage. Dr. Patterson settled in Avoca
as a practicing physcian, and has remained here continuously
in practice, with little exception, until the present time.
As early as 1845, before his graduation, Dr. Patterson
received a license to practice medicine from the Board of
Censors of the Steuben County Medical Society, and since
which time he has been a member of that society, being its
president for one year, and one of the examining board for
two years.
His professional career for most of the time has been one
of constant labor and care, and marked with such activity
and expo.sure as to somewhat impair his health during his
years of practice. Politically, Dr. Patterson has been an
active and interested member of the Whig party and of
the Republican party until iluring the late Rebellion, since
which time he has been identified with the Democratic
party. Not solicitous of public oflBce, he has declined
oflScial position, preferring rather the quiet of his profes-
sional duties. He is ranked among the skillful, honest physi-
cians of Steuben County, possessed of resolution and firm-
ness, and a conscientious regard and .sympathy for the needy
requiring medical assistance, as well as for families of wealth.
^p^^c'f-^iy^^.j^T^i^o-^^
Alexander Arnold was born in Hartford,
Washington Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1808, and married
Kacliel Henderson, a native of the same county, born
Nov. 10, 1808. Wliile a resident of Washington
County he was a farmer. His chihb'en l)orn tlierc
were Mary Jane (died in infancy), and one son,
Lyman, horn Nov. 12, 1828. He settled in Spring-
water, Livingston Co., in 1837, and in November
of tiie same year c-ame to Bath, Steuben Co. (now
Avoca), and ])nrciiased two hundred and forty acres
of land, to which lie made additions, owning at the
time of his death four hundred acres, and on which
his son Lyman and grandchildren reside. One son,
Jay W., was born in Steuben County, July, 1842,
and is now a resident of Wisconsin.
Mr. Arnold, besides being a representative agri-
culturist, was a breeder of fine sheep, and for many
years gave much attention to sheep husbandry.
He was a man of great energy and resolution,
possessed of integrity of purj>ose in all his business
relations, consideration, and independent tliouglit.
He was a liberal contributor to church interests,
and gave largely in the construction of the First
Baptist Church at Avoca. Both he and his wife
were members of that church, and had been con-
nected with church interests prior to settling in this
county.
Mr. Arnold w:us otten solicited to accept office,
but preferred the cpiiet attention to his own aflfliirs.
In ]K)lities he was formerly a Whig, then a Repub-
lican, and diu-ing the latter part of iiis life a Demo-
crat. His wife died in 18G2, and he married, in
1864, Betsey E., widow of tiie late Jose|)h N.
Bradish, of Rochester, who survives him. He died
Sept. 8, 1877.
His son Lyman married for his first wife Mary
Jane McNeil, of Avoca, Jan. 8, 1850, of which
union was born one son, Alexander J. She died
May 4, 1852. For his .second wife he married, Feb.
10, 1853, Magdalene Shults, of Avoca, born March
16, 1827. The children of this marriage are William
H., Eugene S., and Jjincoln J.
TOWN OF AVOCA,
159
Uzal Marlatt, died March 9, 1SC5.
Zilia Calkins, died in tlieservicc and liinicd in Virginia.
Herltimoi- Slinlts, died at bonie.
Isaac Honse, discharged on account of sicltness; died on liis way Iionie.
Benjamin Welch, died in service.
Eugene Tucker (188th Regt), died at home.
Billson, died in service; buried in Virginia.
Henry Squires, died in prison at Belle Isle.
Morris Loucks (22d New York Cav.), died in .\nderson\ illc jirison.
Wesley Davis, died soon after being released from .\ndersonvill6.
Jeremiah Shaver, died at home.
John Doud (prisoner at Andersonville), died at liome.
Le Roy Tucker, died at Harper's Ferry, Va.
Lafayette McCarthy (lU7th), died in Tennessee.
Hezekiah Fo.i.died at Laurel, Md., Nov. 13, 1862.
Edwin Avery, died Dec. 1, 1802.
William Avery, died in service.
Silas Vrooman, died in service, Oct. 5, 186.').
R. Hooper (189th), died in service in Virginia.
Stillman Robords, died at home.
James Cook (Hist), died in Tennessee.
Jonas Emmons, Menzo Deyo, and Silas Sliaver (101st), died from diseuse.
Andrew J. Alden, (lieut. lS9th). died at home.
John E. Griswold, died at home.
Freii Graves, died in service.
William Everett, died I'rom disease.
Among those who were the most active (except those
who marched to the front) in the use of their time and
means in promoting the best interests of the government
during the Rebellion are Salmon H. Palmer, Henry Rob-
ertson, Nathaniel B. Chase, Isaac Baldwin, Jacob H. Collier,
Orange Hilton, Leonard Wilson, George Fox, Joel Carring-
tou, Christopher Wheeler, Peleg Gorton, Abraham Vroo-
man, Joseph Mathewson, John W. Calkins, Oscar S. Smith,
and others whose names the writer has been unable to
learn.
was iiiarrieJ, Dec. 31, 1844, to Laura, daughter of John
and Rlary Willys. He had two children— Valentine, through
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. 11. IL BODTON.
Henry H. Bouton was born in Windham, Conn., April
4, 1815, being the son of Russell and Mary Bouton. His
father was a tanner by trade, which occupation he followed
till he moved to Steuben County about the year 1819, and
settled in the town of Howard, now Avoca, still carrying on
the tanning business, in connection with farming, for a few
years, after which he devoted his whole time to farming.
Henry is the oldest of a family of eight children, four of
whom are now living. He was reared on the farm, and en-
joyed only such privileges for an education as the district
school afforded, except one term at a select school ; but by
close application and continued perseverance he was enabled
to gain sufficient education to entitle him to teach, which
he followed several terms in his own county and in the State
of Ohio. He was in every way a representative man. He
was justice of the peace for several terms, supervisor for
several years, and clerk of the Board of Supervisors for about
twenty years, during which time he originated and issued
the first pamphlet containing the proceedings of the Board
of Supervisors for Steuben County. He represented his
district in the State Legislature in 1852-53, having been a
member of the Republican party from its organization. He
whom this sketch and portrait is inserted, and Ada, wife of
Charles Magee, of Bath. He died Nov. 3, 1876.
THOMAS COTTON
was born in the town of Dansville, this county, April G, 1831.
His father, Silas Cotton, Jr., was a native of Hartford,
Washington Co., N. Y., born Aug. 9, 1800 ; was a farmer
by occupation ; married Lydia, daughter of I'eter and Lydia
Boyce, of Granville, Washington Co., 1826. She was born
Aug. 26, 1804. They removed to Steuben County in 1827,
and settled in the town of Dansville, where they remained
as farmers until 1865, when they removed to the town of
Avoca, where Mr. Cotton, Sr., died, Oct. 20, 1871. His
wife still survives, and resides with her only son. Their
children are Eliza (died young) and an only son, Thomas.
His grandfather, Silas Cotton, was a native of Rhode Island,
and became an early settler in Wa.shington County.
Mr. Cotton remained at home during his minority, and
received a fair education at the common school and at
Rogersville Academy. Jan. 17, 1859, he married Ann S.,
daughter of Samuel H. Allen (2d), of the town of Howard.
Her grandfather, William Allen, was a pioneer settler of
that town, and came there in 1810 from Montgomery
County. Her mother, Ann Stevenson, was a native of
Howard, and her maternal grandfather, John Stevenson,
supposed to have been a native of Argyle, Washington
Co., as he came from that county with his family and
settled in Howard during the early settlement of that town.
Her mother died 1839 ; her father survives, and lives in the
town of Avoca. Mrs. Cotton was born March, 1839.
After his marriage, iNIr. Cotton remained in the town of
Dansville, on the homestead, until 1865, when he disposed
IGO
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of the farm there, and purchased a farm in the Conhocton
Valley, one mile north of the villuge of Avoca, where he
now resides, a view of whicii, with his improvements, may
be seen on another page of this work.
Mr. Cotton has spent his life thus far as an agi'iculturist,
and is known as a representative farmer. He is identified
with the Democratic party in politics, and represents the
unswerving members of his party. Wliile a resident of
Dansville he officiated as justice of the peace for one term,
and since his re.sidence in the town of Avoca he has repre-
sented his town for two terms, 1875-70, on the Board of
Supervisors. In the fall of 1877 he was the Democratic
nominee for nieniber in his district, and although unsucces-
ful in the district, received a large majority in his own town,
notwithstanding the regular majority was on the Republican
side. Mr. Cotton is interested in all matters of local in-
terest tending to benefit society, a man of resolution and
will to carry forward to a successful completion whatever
he conceives to be right. He belongs to the class of thrifty,
enterprising farmers who represent the intelligent agricultu-
rists of the county.
Their children are Bayard, Sarah, Charles 0., and Eliza.
-o-^-OOC-t-
BATH.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Bath is the largest town of Steuben County. It con-
tains an area of 57,21 2 acres, of which 38,620 acres are im-
proved lands, and 17,892 acres unimproved. Of this latter
12,708 acres are timbered lands. The town is centrally
located in the county, and is bounded by Avoca, Wheeler,
and Urbana on the north, Bradford on the east, Campbell,
Thurston, and Cameron on the south, and Howard on the
west.
The surface of the town is broken and hilly. The
Conhocton Valley, extending southeast through the centre,
divides the town into two nearly equal parts. The south
half is a hilly upland, and the north half consists of a series
of wide valleys, broken by several steep and isolated hills.
The streams are the Conhocton River and its tributaries,
Five-Mile and Mud Creeks from the north, and Campbell's
and Stockton's Creeks from the south. The Crooked or
Keuka Lake Valley extends southeast, and opens into the
Conhocton Valley at Bath, three hundred and forty feet
above the lake. The soil is chiefly a gravelly and clayey
loam, with a deep alluvium in the valleys.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in this town was made at Bath
village, in 1793, by Capt. Charles Williamson, agent for
the Pulteney estate, with fifteen families, mostly Scotch and
Germans. On the 3d day of June, 1792, Capt. Williamson
left the small settlement at the mouth of the Lycoming
River, on the west branch of the Susi|uehanna, and entered
the wilderness northward. In ten days he reached the
Cowanesque Creek. He caused a road to be made across
the country, over mountains and valleys hitherto deemed
impassable, which excited the curiosity of the frontier in-
habitants of Pennsylvania, and many were induced to ex-
plore the unknown wilderness to the north. Many turned
back disgusted, while others pressed forward, pleased with
the prospects ofl'ered in the new country. It was thus that
several settlements were begun in the south part of the
county, the principal of which was on the Conhocton River.
The village of Bath was laid out in the midst of a wilder-
ness of 900,000 acres. Early in the season of 1793 a saw-
mill was built, and before the winter set in a grist-mill was
finished. In the year 1794, several new settlements were
made along the Conhocton, in Pleasant Valley and Bartles'
Hollow. At the same time Bath increased in population.
On the most convenient sites mills were built, and roads
were opened, presenting throughout the country a scene of
enterprise and industry. So great was the influx of popu-
lation into the county, early in the year 1796, that Bath
and a district of country eight miles round were found to
contain over 800 inhabitants. There were also two schools,
one grist-mill, and five saw-mills.
The following-named persons were some of the earliest
settlers of Bath : Dugald and Charles Cameron, Thomas
Metcalfe, Hector McKonzie, Andrew Smith, George Mc-
Clure, James McDonald, Henry McElwee. James Reese,
Robert Campbell, William Dunn, William Kersey, John
Wilson, George D. Cooper, Daniel McKenzie, and Gus-
tavus and Brown Gillespie. The first saw- and grist-mills
were erected by Capt. Williamson in 1793, and the first
tavern was opened the same year by John Metcalfe.
Charles Williamson Dunn, born in 1794, was the first
white male child born in the town. The settlement was
begun in 1793, and "before the end of the season," says
Mr. Williamson, " not less than fifteen families were resi-
dent in the village."
On New Year's day, 1794, Mr. Henry McElwee, a young
man from the north of Ireland, arrived in Bath. He sub-
sequently gave his impressions substantially as follows : " I
found a few shanties standing in the wood. Williamson
had his house where Will Woods has since lived, and the
Metcalfes kept a log tavern above the Presbyterian church.
I went to the tavern and a.sked for supper and lodging.
They said they could give me neither, for their house was
full. I could get nothing to eat. An old Dutchman was
sitting there, and he said to me, ' Young man, if you will
go with me you shall have some mush and milk for your
.supper, and a deer-skin to lie on with your feet to the fire
COUftT \IOUSE. 1826
VIEWS IN BATH.fJEW YORK.
in PULTENtY SgUAf^t
-; '
TOWN OF BATH.
161
and another to cover yourself with.' I told him that I
thanked hitu kindly, and would jro along. We went up
through the woods to where St. Patrick's Square now is,
and there the Dutchman had a little log house. There was
no floor to it. I made a supper of mush and milk, and
laid down with my feet to the fire and slept soundly. The
Dutchman was traveling through to the Gene.see. hut his
children were taken sick and he stopped there till they got
well."
In McMaster's " History of the Settlement of Steuben
County" we find the following: " The trees had at this time
been cut away only to admit of the erection of cabins for the
accommodation of the few citizens, and to open a road through
the forest. In the spring of 1794, Mr. McElwee, under the
direction of Capt. Williamson, made the first clearing, being
the Pulteuey Square and four acres behind the agent's house
for a garden, for the cultivation of which he afterwards
imported a gardener from England. The trees on the
square were chopped carefully close to the ground. A
single pine was left standing in front of the agency-house
for a liberty tree. It was trimmed so as to leave a tuft at
the top, and stood nodding defiance at despotism for several
year.*, when it was blown down in a storm."
Gen. George McClure was one of the early settlers of
Bath. In 1850, while residing in Elgin, 111., he prepared,
at the request of the publishers of McMaster's history, a
narrative of his personal recollections of the early men and
times of this locality. From this narrative we shall make
such extracts as are adapted to our purpose in the present
chapter.
" Rev. James H. Hotchkin, in his ' History of the Pres-
byterian Church in Western New York,' makes some severe
strictures on the character of Capt. Williamson and his
settlers. He says, ' They were principally from Europe or
the States of Maryland and Virginia, with a qmnkliiig of
Yankees, who came to make money. The state of society,'
he remarks, ' was very dissolute. The Sabbath was disre-
garded. Drinking, gambling, carousing, horse-racing, at-
tending the theatre, with other concomitant vices, were very
general, and numbers of those who moved in the high circle
were exceedingly depraved.' I do not know from what
source such information was obtained; but this I know,
that the Sabbath was not desecrated in the village of Bath
in the manner that he represents. We had but two public-
houses in that village for many years. One was kept by
the Metcalfe family, and the other by old Mr. Cruger, and
after him by Mr. Bull. Neither of tho.se houses suffered
gambling or carousing on the Sabbath. Nor did I ever hear
of a horse-race on the Sabbath in Bath, nor of theatrical
amusements on that day. There were not more than four
or five families from Maryland and Virginia that settled in
Bath ;* the other part of the population were at least one-
half Yankees, and the other half foreigners and Penn.syl-
vanians. Now I would say that instead of a ' sprinkling of
Yankees,' we had a heavy shower of them. I do not be-
lieve, however, that they were a fair sample of the sons of
* Major Presley Thornton, who was the first occupant of the groat
Sprintjjield Ifoiinf, a mile and a half below Bath, and Capt. William
Helm, two Virginians, were the principal Southern men who located
at Bath.
the Pilgrims, for a good many of them, to say the least, were
no better than they should be. I trust that nothing in my
remarks will be considered invidious. I do not intimate
by any means that Rev. Mr. Hotchkin would knowingly
state an untruth, but that he has not been correctly informed
in relation to the character of a large proportion of the
early settlers
" Among the number of the most respectable Scotch emi-
grants were Charles Cameron and Dugald, his brother.
These two young men were first-rate specimens of the
Scotch character for intelligence and integrity, as well as
for other amiable qualities. Charles Cameron was a merchant,
and the first to open a store in Bath. He was also the first
postmaster by appointment of Capt. Williamson, who paid
all the expenses of transporting the mail once a week to
and from Northumberlaud.f Some fifteen or twenty years
after he obtained the appointment of sub-agent of the
Hornby estate, from John Greig, Esq., of Canandaigua,
the chief agent, and removed to the village of Greene,
Chenango Co. Few men pos.se.ssed -stronger intellectual
powers than Dugald Cameron. He was highly respected
by all classes of his neighbors and acquaintances. He was
a clerk in the land-oSJce for some time, until he and Gen.
Haight were appointed sub-agents by Col. Troup. He was
a great favorite of the people of Steuben. In 1828 they
elected him as their representative in the Legislature of the
State, which office, with some reluctance, he accepted.
While at Albany attending to the duties of his station, he
was seized with a violent ailment, and after a short and
painful struggle departed this life, leaving a wife and a
numerous family of children, most of whom have since
died. His death was lamented by all his relations, friends,
and acquaintances."
Andrew Smith, a trustworthy Scotchman, had the
charge of the farming operations of Col. Williamson, such
as the clearing of the land for cultivation, and other kinds
of labor. He had generally from thirty to fifty men, and
sometimes more, in his employ, while Gen. McClure had
nearly as many in the house-building department. Muckle
Andrew (as they called him, being a large man) and Gen.
McClure were great cronies. They were both single men,
and kept bachelors' hall. They generally met on Saturday
evenings, alternately, in each other's apartments. " We had
in those days," says Gen. McClure, " plenty of the joyful,
but we seldom carried matters so far as to get decently
tipsy. We violated no pledge, for even ministers of the
gospel and deacons, in those days, kept on their sideboards
a full supply of the best Cognac, wine, and old whisky.
" The finst topic of conversation was the bu.sincss of the
past week and what progress we had made in our respective
vocations. The uext business in order was a drink, then a
story or a song. Andrew told the stories and I did the
singing. My songs were generally the productions of
Burns, such as Scots wha ha' wi' Wallace bled, Wlia'U
he King but Charlie, and Auld Lang Syne. The last
verse we always sung standing. My good friend Andrew
had one favorite standing toast, which was as follows:
f An old FrcDchman lived at the " block-house" on Laurel Ridge,
sixty-five miles distant from Bath. Thomas Corbitt, the mail-rider
in 1794, went thither weekly for the Steuben County bag.
162
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
" ' Here's to niyscl', co' a' to mysel',
Wi' a' my heart here's to me ;
Here's to mysel' co' a' to mysel".
And muckle guid may it do me.'
Andrew Smith, in 1708, removed to iiis farm, three
miles below Bath, where his grandson, Seneca S. Smith,
now resides. He had the following children : Charles A.
Smith (deceased) ; Maria, still living ; John J. Smith, now
residing on a portion of the old homestead ; Andrew
(deceased) ; Nancy and Eliz;ibeth, both living in the West.
His grandchildren, sons and daughters of Charles A.
Smith, are John L. Smith, Jane (Mrs. Hezekiah Decker),
Jackson Smith, Nancy (Mrs. Julius Smith), William
Smith, C. F. Smith (deceased), Seneca S. and Otis H.
Smith.
John J. Smith's children are. a.s follows : Elizabeth
(Mrs. C. Ellis), Mary A. (unmarried), Margaret J. (Mrs.
Philip Van Scoter, of Horuelisville), Alice (now a teacher
in the State Normal School of New Jersey), Fanny (Mrs.
Frank Brundage), and Hattie A., wife of Dr. Ira P. Smith,
of Bath.
There were a number of respectable young men, natives
of Scotland, arrived in Bath in the years 1793 and 1794,
among whom was Hector McKenzie, said to be the son of
a Scotch laird, who was employed as clerk in the land-
oiEcc.*
Also, about this time, arrived Robert Campbell, father
of Lieut.-Gov. Robert Campbell, Jr., and Daniel McKenzie,
both respectable mechanics. Mr. Campbell was an indus-
trious and exemplary citizen, and a worthy member of the
Presbyterian Church. There was also old Mr. MuUen-
der, with a very interesting family, who settled on a farm
of Capt. Williamson's, near Bath. They were from Scot-
land, and removed afterwards to the old Indian Castle, near
Geneva.
Henry McElwee and William, his brother, Frank Scott,
Charles McClure, Gustavus and Brown Gillespie, Samuel
and John Metier, with their large families, were natives of
the north of Ireland, whose ancestors were of Scotch
descent. They are all dead and gone long since. Henry
McElwee has a son Henry, now an old man, residing on
his farm at Mud Creek.
William Dunn, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Bath
in the spring of 1793, and kept for a short time a house of
entertainment. He was appointed sheriff of the county
after its organization. He was a very gentlemanly man. He
entered largely into land speculation without capital, and,
like many others, his visionary prospects soon vanished.
He moved to Newtown, where he shortly after died. Mr.
Dunn had two brothers who came to Bath with him, or
shortly after, — Robert and Joseph. The former was called
Col. Dunn. This military title he obtained on his way
from York Co., Pa., to Bath. He was one of a company
of adventurers and speculators, who agreed that they should
introduce each other by certain assumed titles : some judges,
others generals, colonels, majors, but none below the grade
of captain. This Col. Dunn would pass anywhere as a
gentleman of the -first rank in society.
* McKenzie died in the West Indies.
Old Mr. Cruger moved from Newtown to Bath, and
kept the house formerly occupied by William Dunn, on the
southeast corner of the Pulteney Square. Mr. Cruger was
a native of Denmark, — a very pleasant man, full of anecdote
and mother wit. He was the father of Gen. Daniel Cruger,
a sketch of whose life appears in the history of the Bench
and Bar of this county.
General McClure gives the following autobiographical
notes :f
" I was born in Ireland in the year 1770. My ancestors
emigrated from Scotland and settled not far from the city
of Londonderry. They belonged to a religious sect called
Covenanters, who for conscience' sake had to fly from their
country to a place of greater safety, and out of the reach of
their cruel and bigoted persecutors. I was kept at school
from the age of four years till fifteen. The character and
qualifications of those Irish pedagogues, to whom the edu-
cation of youth was then committed, is not generally under-
stood in this country. They were cruel and tyrannical
in the mode and manner of chastising their pupils. Their
savage mode of punishment for the least oflfense was dis-
graceful.
" After leaving school I chose to learn the trade of a
carpenter, and at the age of twenty I resolved to come to
America. I therefore embarked on board the ship Mary,
iif Londonderry, for Baltimore. We made a quick and
pleasant voyage of five weeks. I landed in Baltimore the
first week in June, in good health and spirits. The whole
of my property consisted of three suits of clothes, three
dozen linen shirts, and a chest of tools. As soon as I
landed I stepped into a new building, where a number of
carpenters were at work, and inquired for the master-builder.
I asked him if he wished to employ a journeyman. He
said that he did, and inquired how much wages I asked.
My answer was that I could not tell ; that I knew nothing
of the usages of the country, as I had but a few minutes
before landed from the ship.
" ' Then,' said he, ' I presume you are an Englishman.'
" ' Not exactly, sir,' I replied. ' Although I have been
a subject of King George the Third, of England, my place
of nativity was Ireland, but I am of Scotch descent.'
" ' Ah, well, no matter. Come to-morrow morning and
try your hand.'
" I did so, and worked for him two months, when he
paid me $75. Thinks I to myself, this is a good beginning,
better than to have remained in Ireland and worked for
two shillings and sixpence a day.
" I then determined to see more of the land of liberty ;
for at this time I had never traveled beyond the limits of
the city. I had some relations near Chambersburg, Pa.,
and made preparations to visit them. In those days there
were no stages, only from city to city on the seaboard. All
the trade of the backwoods was carried on by pack-horses,
and some few wagons where roads were suitable. I was
advised to purchase and fit out a pack-horse, but as to do
this would use up half my means, I concluded to be my
f Gen. McClure was eighty years old when this narrative was
written. At the age of sixty-four he removed to Elgin, III., where
he died in the summer of 1851.
JOHN L.SMITH.
JV1RS.J0HN L.SMITH.
JOHN L. SMITH.
The subject of this sketch is of Scotch origin of the
third generation. His grandfather, Andrew, was born
in Lockerby, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, in 1761, and came
to America, and settled in the town of Bath, with Cap-
tain Williamson, in 1793.
He married Elizabeth Lewis, a native of Orange Co.,
N. Y. He had a family of six children, viz. : Charles
A., deceased ; Maria, widow of Dominick Quinn ; John
J. ; Andrew, deceased ; Nancy, wife of Andrew Smith,
residing in Minnesota; and Elizabeth, wife of James
Rutherford, also a resident of Minnesota.
Charles A., eldest son of Andrew Smith, was born in
the town of Bath, in October, 1796, and married Azilla
Morgan, of Bath, N. Y., by whom eight children were
boiu, viz.: John L. ; Elizabeth, wife of H. Decker;
Andrew J. ; Nancy, vvife of J. J. Smith, resides at
Indianaj)olis, Ind. ; Wm. M., deceased ; C. F., deceased;
and S. S., who now lives on the old homestead in Bath.
Charles A. and his father ^vere both farmers by oc-
cupation, of whom mention is made in the town history.
Charles A. died in March, 1865, and his wife in June,
1874.
John L. Smith, eldest son of Charles A. and Azilla
Smith, was born in the town of Bath, Steuben Co.,
N. Y., Dec. 31, 1822. He received a common-school
education, and spent one term in the select school at
Bath. He taught school for several winters. He wa.-^
reared a farmer, and has continued to follow the same
occupation successfully to the present time.
He married Miss Lois M., daughter of Samuel and
Betsey (Dudley) Le Gro, of Bath, March 4, 1847. Mr.
and Mrs. Le Gro were natives of Bangor, Me., and
settled in Bath in 1814.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith three children
have been born, namely : Charles L., Betsey D., and Azilla
M. Mrs. Smith died March 26, 1877. Mr. Smith re-
mained at home with his parents until 1853, when he
settled on the farm where he now resides, his father
having purcha.sed fifty acres of the same about 1847.
Mr. Smith has been the architect of his own fortune,
and his success is a fair example of what can be accom-
plished by industry and frugality. He has some two
hundred and ten acres in his home farm, besides more
than three hundred acres elsewhere.
In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party
until the Kansas and Nebraska difficulties, when he be-
came a strong supporter of the Republican party. He
has held several town offices to the general satisfaction
of his constituents. He was supervisor for two terms
during the war, and was very energetic in getting the
quota from his town filled. He has also been assessor
and highway commissioner.
TOWN OF BATH.
163
own pack-horse, and set out on foot for the far West, leaving
the heaviest part of my goods and chattels to be forwarded
at the first opportunity. I made good headway the first
day, but I had put on too much steam and became foot-
sore. I stopped for the night at the house of a wealthy
German fiirmer, wiio had a large family of children, males
and females, most of them grown up. Mine host and his
good-lookingy/-«(« could not speak a word of English. He
was very inquisitive, but he might as well have talked Hin-
doo to me as German, as I could answer them only in their
own way by a kind of grunt and shake of the head, which
meant ' I can't understand.' So lie called his son Jacob
(who had been at an English school) to act as interpreter.
He told his son to ask me whence I came, and whether or
not I was a. forfloxighter Irishman (that is, in-plain English,
a d d Irishman). Thinks I, this is a poser, and I
answered judiciously, and I think correctly, under all the
circumstances. I told him I was a Scotchman, as in Ire-
land all Protestants go by the name of Scotch or English,
as the case may be. My Dutch landsman appeared to be
satisfied, and we had a very social chat that evening to a
late hour. The fomily were all collected, young and old,
to hear of the manners and customs of the Scotcli. They
seemed to take a great liking to me, and it was well for me
that I had become quite a favorite, for my feet were so
blistered with traveling that I could not move. I remained
several days till I got over my lameness. When I called
for my bill I was told that all was free, and was invited to
remain a few days longer. I set out on my journey re-
freshed and encouraged by the hospitality and kindness of
that amiable Dutch family.
" In three days thereafter I reached Chambersburg,
which is one hundred miles west of Baltimore. I re-
mained there until the spring following, when I discovered
in the newspapers an advertisement, signed by Charles Wil-
liamson, offering steady employment and high wages to
mechanics and laborers who would agree to go with him
to the Genesee country. Thinks I, ' This is a good chance,
and I will embrace it.' I set out immediately for North-
umberland, the headquarters of Mr. Williamson On my
arrival there I was told that Capt. VV. had started, with
a numerous- company of pioneers, to open a road through
the wilderness to his place of destination, — one hundred
and forty miles.*
" I had some relations and other particular friends and
acquaintances in that country. An uncle of mine, by the
name of Moore, who came with his family from Ireland in
the year 1790, had settled near the village of Northumber-
land. I made Uncle Moore's my home until I heard of
Capt. Williamson's arrival at Bath, when I again made my
preparations to set out for the land of promise, accompa-
nied by my Uncle Moore, — a man who had never traveled
more than twenty miles from his old homestead in all his
life, excepting on his voyage to America. I told him that
if his object in coming to this country was to purchase
land for himself and his sons, he ought, without delay, to
go to the Genesee country, where he could purchase first-
rate land for one dollar per acre. This was all true, though
* See account of this road in another chapter.
I was somewhat selfish in making the proposition, as I did
not like to travel alone through the wilderness, liable to be
devoured by panthers, bears, and wolves ; so I eventually
persuaded the old gentleman to accompany me. The old
lady. Aunt Moore, packed up provisions enough for at least
a four weeks' journey.
" We mounted a pair of good horses and set out. We
had only traveled twenty miles when we came to a large
rapid stream or creek, which, from late heavy rains, was
bank full. Uncle Moore concluded to retrace his steps
homeward. I told Iiim I could not agree to that. • Why,
we will be laughed at.'
" ' Well,' said he, ' they may laugh if they please.' And
would go no fartliei-.
" ' Very well,' said I, ' if that is your determination, I
will remain here until the water falls; but I see a house
close by and a large canoe (the first I had ever seen). Let
us go and inquire whether it would be safe to swim our
horses alongside of it.'
" We were told there was no danger, and two men ven-
tured to set us over. Uncle Moore proposed that I should
go over first with my horse, and if I made a safe voyage to
send back for him. We landed in .safety. I got the old
gentleman just where I wanted him. He must now go
ahead, as his retreat was now cut off. In the mean time I
had learned that there were two other large streams ahead
of us, the first called the Loyal Sock, within twelve miles,
and the Lycoming, eight miles beyond. There was no in-
habitant near. What was to be done ? I told Uncle
Moore we must do one of two things, either swim our
horses across or camp on the bank till the river falls; but
I thought there was no danger in swimming, as it was a
deep stream and not rapid. I proposed to go over first, and
if I arrived safely he must follow, if he thought proper.
I gave him directions to hold his horse quartering up the
stream, and seize with his right hand the horse's mane; not
look down in the water, but straight across to some object
on the other side. I passed over without difficulty. The
old gentleman hesitated for some time. At length he
plunged in, and crossed with ease. We soon after arrived
at the bank of the Lycoming Creek. That stream was
high and outrageously rapid. We concluded to wait till
it became fordable. We stopped at the house of one
Thompson, remained there several days, overhauled our
clothing and provisions, and made another fresh start, and
entered the wilderness on Capt. Williamson's new road.
There were no houses between Lycoming and Painted Po.st,
a distance of ninety-five miles, except one in the wilderness,
kept by a semi-barbarian, or, in other words, a half-civilized
Frenchman, named Anthony Sun. He did not bear a very
good character, but we were obliged to put up with him for
the night or encamp in the woods. The next night wo
slept soundly on a bed of hemlock on the bank of the Tioga
River. Next day, about twelve o'clock, we arrived at Ful-
ler's tavern. Painted Post. We ordered dinner of the very
best they could afford, which consisted of fried venison and
hominy. After dinner we concluded to spend the afternoon
in visiting the few inhabitants of the neighborhood. First
we called upon Judge Knox, who entertained us with a de-
scription of the country and his own adventures. We next
1 04
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
called on Benjamin Eaton, who kept a little store of goods,
and, after an introduction by Judge Knox to the rest of the
neighborhood, returned to our hotel and put up for the
night. In the morning we started for Bath, a distance of
eighteen miles. When we reached the mouth of Mud
Creek, we found that a house of entertainment had been
erected there, and was kept by one Thomas Corbit, who
came from Pennsylvania with Williamson's company.
Thomas had been a soldier of the Revolution, and could
sing an unaccountable number of patriotic songs, ' Hail !
Columbia' among the rest. Some thirty years after he be-
came poor and helpless. I procured for him a pension,
through Henry Clay, but he did not live long to enjoy it.
" We arrived at Bath and put up at the only house of
entertainment in the village (if it could be called a house).
Its construction was of pitch-pine logs, in two apartments,
one story high, kept by a very kind and obliging English
family of the name of Metcalfe. This house was the only
one in town except a similar one erected for the temporary
abode of Capt. Williamson, which answered the purpose of
parlor, dining-room, and land-oiBce. There were besides
some shanties for mechanics and laborers.
" I called on Capt. Williamson, and introduced myself
to him as a mechanic. I told him that I had seen his ad-
vertisement, and, in pursuance of his invitation, had come
to ask employment. • Very well,' said he ; ' young man, you
shall not be disappointed.' He told me I should have the
whole of his work, if I could procure as many hands as
necessary. We entered into an agreement. He asked me
when I should be ready to commence business. I told him
that I must return to Northumberland and engage some
hands there, and send our tools and baggage up the north
branch of the Susquehanna to Tioga Point, that being the
head of boat-navigation.
" I introduced Uncle Moore to him ; told him that he
came all the way to see the country, and that, if he liked
it, he would purcha,se a farm and move on it with his family.
He made a selection four miles west of Bath, on which some
of his family now reside.
" We returned immediately to Northumberland, hired a
few young men,^carpenters. We shipped our tools and
baggage on a boat, sold my horse, and we went on foot to
Bath, arriving there in five days. One more trip was neces-
sary before we could commence business, as our ba£";as;e
*> ' CO o
would be landed at Tioga Point. There were no roads at
that time through the narrows on the Chemung for wagons
to pass with safety ; therefore eight of us started on foot
for the Point. When we came within four miles of New-
town, we discovered a number of canoes, owned by some
Dutch settlers. I purchased four of them. One of them
was a very large one, which I bought of a funny old Dutch-
man, who said his canoe ' wash de granny from de whole
river up.' My companions gave me the title of commodore,
and insisted on my taking command of the large canoe. I
selected as a shipmate a young man by the name of Gordon,
who was well skilled in the management of such a craft.
We laid in provisions for the voyage and a full supply of
the joyful. We pushed our little fleet into the river, and
with wind and tide in our favor, arrived at Tioga Point in
four hours, a distance of twenty-four miles. We shipped
our goods and set out with paddles and long setting-poles
against a strong current. Then came the tug of war.
Many times we were obliged to land, and, with a long rope,
tow our vessel up falls and strong riffles, and in ascending
the Conhocton we had to cut through many piles of drift-
wood. Our progress was slow. We made the trip from
the Point (sixty-six miles) in nine days. It was the hardest
voyage I ever undertook. We were the first navigators of
the Conhocton River.
" By this time Capt. William.son had erected two saw-
mills on the Conhocton, near Bath, and they were in full
operation. Houses were erected as fast as 30 or 40 hands
could finish tliem. Capt. Williamson called on me, and
asked how long it would take me to erect and finish a frame
building of 40 by 1 6 feet, one and a half stories high, all
green stuff. He told me that he expected a good deal
of company in a few days, and there was no house where
so many could be entertained. I told him if all the mate-
rial were delivered on the spot, I would engage to finish it
according to his plan in about three days, or perhaps in less
time. ' Very well, sir,' said he; ' if you finish the house in
the time you have stated, you shall be rewarded.' I told
my hands what I had undertaken to do, and the time I had
to do it in was limited to three days. ' I will pay each of
you one dollar a day extra. We shall have to work day
and night. What say you, boys ?' Their auswer was, ' We
will do it.' This was followed up by three hearty cheers
for Capt. Williamson. Next morning I went at it with 30
hands, and in forty-eight hours the house was finished ac-
cording to agreement. No limestone had yet been dis-
covered in that region, nor even stone suitable for walling
cellars, therefore the whole materials for the building were,
from necessity, confined to timber and nails. Capt. Wil-
liamson paid me $400 for my forty-eight hours' job, and
remarked that he would not have been disappointed for
double that sum. He published an account of this little
affair in the Albany and New York papers. It had some
effect of bringing our little settlement into notice. He also
gave orders for the erection of a large building, eighty by
forty feet, for a theatre, and for the clearing of 100 acres,
around which was made a beautiful race-course, and another
at .Genesee Flats, near Williamsburgh. Such amusements
had the effect of bringing an immense number of gentle-
men into the county every spring and fall. This was done
by Capt. Williamson in order to promote the interest of his
employer. Southern sportsmen came with their full-blooded
racers ; others again with bags of money to bet on the
horses, and a large proportion of gamblers and blacklegs.
Money was plenty in those days, — at least in and about
Bath, — and was easily obtained, and as easily lost. Some
men became immensely rich in twenty-four hours, and per-
haps the next day were reduced to beggary.
" Such amusements and scenes of dissipation led to
another species of gambling, called laud speculation. Any
respectable-looking gentleman might purchase, on a credit
of six years, from one mile square to a township of land.
The title that Capt. Williamson gave was a bond for a deed
at the end of the term, provided payment was fully made,
otherwise the contract became null and void. Those bonds
were transferable, and the speculators sold to each other.
TOWN OF BATH.
1G5
and gave their bonds for thousands and hundreds of thou-
sands of dollars, which was the ruin of all who embarked
in such foolish speculations. They became the victims of
a monomania. Capt. Williamson believed that this specu-
lation would hasten the settlement of the country, but its
tendency proved to be the reverse. Besides, it was the
ruin of many honest, enterprising, and industrious men.
" The nest project that claimed his attention was the im-
provement of our streams. They were then called creeks,
but when they came to be improved, and were made navi-
gable for arks and rafts, their names were changed to those
of rivers. The colonel ordered the Conhocton and Mud
Creeks to be explored by a competent committee, and a
report to be made, and an estimate of the probable expense
required to make them navigable for arks and rafts. The
report of the committee was favorable. A number of hands
were employed to remove obstructions and open a passage
to Painted Post, which was done, though the channel still
remained very imperfect and dangerous.*
" The question was then asked. Who shall be the first ad-
venturer? We had not as yet any surplus produce to
spare, but lumber was a staple commodity, and was in great
demand at Hanisburg, Columbia, and Baltimore. I there-
fore came to the conclusion to try the experiment the next
spring. I went to work and built an ark 75 feet long and
16 feet wide, and in the course of the winter got out a
cargo of pipe and hogshead .staves, which I knew would
turn to good account should I arrive safely at Baltimore.
All things being ready, with a cargo on board, a good pitch
of water, and a first-rate set of hands, we put out our un-
wieldy vessel into the stream, and away we went at a rapid
rate, and in about half an hour reached White's Island, five
miles below Bath. There we ran against a large tree which
lay across the river. We made fast our ark to the shore,
cut away the tree, repaired damages, and next morning
took a fair start. It is unnecessary to state in detail the
many difficulties we encountered before we reached Painted
Post, but in about six days we got there. The Chemung
River had fallen so low that we were obliged to wait for
a rise of water. In four or five days we were favored
with a good pitch of water. We made a fresh start, and in
four days ran two hundred miles, to Mohontongo, a place
twenty miles from H;iarisburg, where, through the igno-
rance of the pilot, we ran upon a bar of rocks in the middle
of the river, where it was one mile wide. There we lay
twenty-four hours, no one coming to our relief, or to take
us on shore. At last a couple of gentlemen came on board,
and told us it was impossible to get the ark off till a rise of
water. One of the gentlemen inquired, apparently very
carelessly, what it cost to build an ark of that size, and how
many thousand staves we had on board. I suspected his
object, and answered him in his own careless manner. He
asked if I did not wish to sell the ark and cargo. I told
him I would prefer going through if there was any chance
of a rise of water; that pipe-staves in Baltimore were worth
S80 per thousand, but if you wish to purchase, and will
make me a generous offer, I will take it. He offered me
* The Conhocton was declared nnvigable above Liberty Corners.
The first attempt at cleariug the channel was made on the strength
of a fund of $700, raised by subscription.
$600. I told him that was hardly half the price of the
cargo at Baltimore, but if he would give me $800, I would
close the bargain with him. He said he had a horse,
saddle, and bridle on shore, worth $200, which he would
add to the $600. We all went on shore. I examined the
horse, and considered him worth the $200. We closed the
bargain, and I started for Bath. I lost nothing by the
sale, but if I had succeeded in reaching Baltimore I should
have cleared $500.
" The same spring Jacob Bartles and his brother-in-law,
Mr. Harvey, made their way down Mud Creek, with one
ark and some rafts. Bartle.s" miil-pond and Mud Lake
afiForded water sufficient at any time, by drawing a gate, to
carry arks and rafts out of the creek. Harvey lived on tiie
West Branch of the Susquehanna, and understood the man-
agement of such crafts.
" Thus it was ascertained to a certainty that, by improv-
ing these streams, we could transport our produce to Balti-
more— a distance of three hundred miles — in the spring of
the year for a mere trifle.
"In the year 1795 I went to Albany on horseback.
There was no road from Cayuga Lake to Utica better than
an Indian trail. ... I had got it into my head to dispose
of my chest of tools and turn merchant. I therefore set-
tled my accounts with Col. Williamson. He gave me a
draft on a house in Albany for $1500, accompanied by let-
ters of recommendation. I laid in a large assortment of
merchandise and shipped them on board a Mohawk boat.
Being late in the fall, the winter set in and the boat got
frozen up in the river about thirty miles west of Schenec-
tady, at a place called the Cross Widows, otherwise called
the Widow Veder's. Here the goods lay for about two
months, till a sleigh-road was opened from Utica to Cayuga
Lake. About the last of January I started with sleighs
after my goods, and in two weeks arrived at Bath.
" I have already mentioned that Col. Williamson ex-
pended a good deal of money in improving a number of
farms and erecting a number of buildings on them, which
gave employment to many hands.f These hands were my
best customers, and paid up their accounts every three
months by orders on Williamson ; but orders came from
England to stop such improvements, and shortly after Col.
Williamson resigned his agency. Those tenants and labor-
ers got in my debt at this time about $4000, and in one
night the whole of them cleared out for Canada. They
were a sad set of unprincipled scamps.
•' My next start in business was attended with a little
better success. My brother Charles kept a small store in
Bath, and in the year 1800 we entered into partnership.
I moved to Dansville, opened a store, and remained there
one year. I did a safe business, and took in that winter
4000 bushels of wheat and 200 barrels of pork ; built four
arks at Arkport, on the Canisteo River, and ran them down
to Baltimore. These were the first arks that descended the
f The author of McMaster's history makes this note : Several of
the Uaverling, Brundage, and Faulkner farms, north of the village
of Bath, were cleared by Capt. Williamson. He built large framed
barns on them and settled them with tenants. The scheme was a
failure. After Capt. W.'s departure the farms were almost hopelessly
overrun with oak-bushes.
166
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Canisteo. My success in trade that year gave nie another
fair start. My brother, in the mean time, went to Phila-
delphia to lay in a fre.sli supply of goods for both stores ;
but on his way home he died very suddenly at Tioga Point.
He liad laid in about $30,000 worth of goods. I returned
to Bath with my family ; continued my store at Dansville ;
opened one at Penn Yan, and sent a small assortment to
Pittstown, Ontario Co.*
" My next project was to build a .schooner on Crooked
Lake, of about 30 tons burden, for the purpose of carrying
wheat from Penn Yan to the head of the lake
" Indians were very numerous at that time. Their hunt-
ing camps were within short distances of each other all over
the county. The Indian trade was then an object. I hired
a chief by the name of Kettle- Hoop, from Buffalo, to teach
me the Seneca language. He spoke good English. All
words that related to the Indian trade or traffic I wrote
down in one column, and opposite gave the interpretation
in Seneca ; and so I enlarged my dictionary from day to day
for three or four weeks, until I got a pretty good knowledge
of the language. I then set out on a trading expedition
amongst the Indian encamjjuients, and took my teacher
along, who introduced me to his brethren as seos cngenu,
that is, very good man. They laughed very heartily at my
pronunciation. I told them I had a great many goods at
Tanighanaguanda ; that is, Bath. I told them to come
and see me, and bring all their furs, and peltry, and gammon
(the hams of deer), and I would buy them all, and pay them
in goods very cheap. They asked me, Tcgoije excethgath
and Negaugli ? that is, ' Have you rum and wine, or fire-
water?' That fall, in the bunting season, I took in an
immense quantity of furs, peltry, and deer-hams. Their
price for gammon, large or small, was two shillings. I
salted and smoked that winter 3000 hams, and sold them
next spring in Baltimore and Philadelphia for two shillinirs
a pound.
" At this time there was an old bachelor Irishman in
Bath, who kept a little store or groggery, by the name of
Jimmy McDonald, who boarded himself and lived in his
pen in about as good style as a certain nameless four-legged
animal. He became very jealous of me after I had secured
the whole of the Indian trade. The Indians used to com-
plain of Jimmy, and say that he was toi cos; that is, not
good, — ton much cheat, Jimmy. When I had command
of the army at Fort George, in Upper Canada, about six
hundred of these Indians were attached to my command.
" The next spring I started down the rivers Conhocton
and Canisteo with a large fleet of arks loaded with flour,
wheat, pork, and other articles. The embargo being in
full force, the price of flour and wheat was very low. At
Havre de Grace I made fast two or three arks loaded with
wheat to the stern of a small schooner, which lay anchored
in the middle of the stream, about half a mile from shore.
Being ebb-tide, together with the current of the stream,
we could not possibly land the arks. Night setting in,
there was no time to be lost in getting them to shore, as
* The account of the purchase of the Cold Springs property, and
of Gen. McClure's operations there and on Crooked Lake, will be
found in the history of the town of Urbana.
there was a strong wind down the bay, and it would be
impossible to save them if they should break loose from
the schooner. I left the arks in charge of William Ed-
wards, of Bath, while I went on shore to procure help to
tow to shore. Whilst I was gone the wind increased, and
the master of the schooner hallooed to Edwards, who was
in one of the arks, that he would cut loose, as there was
danger that he would be dragged into the bay and get lost,
and he raised his axe to cut the cables. Edwards swore if
he cut tlie cables he would shoot him down on the spot,
and raising a handspike took deliberate aim. It being
dark the captain could not distinguish between a hand-
spike and a rifle. This brought him to terms. He dropped
the axe, and told Edwards that if he would engage that I
should pay him for his vessel in case she should be lost he
would not cut loo.se. Edwards pledged himself that I
would do so.
" When I got on shore I went to a man named Smith,
who had a fishery and a large boat with eighteen oars, and
about forty Irishmen in his employ, and ofi'ered to hire
his boat and hands. He was drunk, and told me with an
oath that I and my ark might 'go to the d 1.' He
would neither let the boat nor the hands go. I went into
the shanty of the Irishmen, and, putting on an Irish
brogue, told them of my distress. ' The d 1 take
Smith ; we will help our countryman, by my shoul, boys,'
said their leader. They manned the boat, and the arks
were brought to shore in double-quick time. They refused
to take pay, and I took them to a tavern and ordered them
as much as they chose to drink. My friend Edwards and
those jolly Irishmen saved my arks and cargo. Edwards
is yet alive, and resides in Bath.t
" The loss I sustained in flour and wheat this year was
great, but I did not feel it to be a serious interruption to
my business. On my return I concluded that I must sus-
pend the purchase of wheat while that ruinous measure,
the embargo, was in force, and fall upon some other scheme
and project. So I opened a large distillery, which opened
a market to the farmers for their rye, corn, and even wheat,
which I converted into ' tire-water,' as the Indians very
properly call it. Jefierson's embargo did not injure the
sale of it, but the contrary, as whisky was then worth by
the barrel from eight to ten shillings a gallon, and all men,
women, and children drank of it freely in those days. I
converted much of my whisky into gin, brandy, and cor-
dials, in order to suit the palates of some of my tippling
customers.
" I purchased in the fall droves of cattle and sent them
to Philadelphia. I also stall-fed forty head of the be.st and
largest cattle in the winter, which I shipped on arks to
Columbia, and drove to Philadelphia, where they sold to
good advantage. This mode of .sending fat cattle to market
astoni.shed the natives as we passed down the river. It
proved to be a profitable business.
" In the year 1814, I sold my Cold Springs mills to
Henry A. Townsend, for $14,000. I erected other mills
at Bath. In 1816, I ran down to Baltimore 1,000,000
feet of pine lumber, and 100,000 feet of cherry boards and
t He died in March, 1851.
I
'^i^r/^X^
LAY NOBLE.
Lay Noble was born in New Lisbon, Otsego Co.,
N. Y., Sept. 17, 1800. His father, Martin Noble, was
a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., born June 18, 1774.
Married Abigail Lane, born July 29, 1792; was a car-
penter and joiner by trade, and about the year 1795
removed to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he worked at his
trade, and where he .subsequently purchased a farm, on
which he resided until his death, Feb. 23, 1828. His
wife survived him many years, residing with her son in
Bath prior to her death, which occurred Aug. 21, 1857.
Mr. Lay Noble is second in the family of six children,
two of whom are living, the subject of this narrative
and Mrs. Crittenden, of Chippewa Falls, Wis. At the
age of sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-
maker's trade, at Greneva, N. Y. Upon reaching his
majority he began as a journeyman at his trade, which
he followed in various places.
In 1826, Oct. 22, he married Lucinda, daughter of
Lemuel and Amelia (Blakslee) Brooks, of Butternuts,
Otsego Co., N. Y., having in the fall of 1824 .settled in
the town of Bath, this county, and established the cabinet
business.
He was engaged in business in Bath as a cabinet manu-
facturer and dealer in that class of goods until 1832,
and during the same year purchased a farm of two hun-
dred acres in the town of Bath, which he carried on until
1865, when he retired from active business. As an ap-
prentice or journeyman he was industrious, and known
for his honesty ; as a business man and farmer he was
enterprising and successful.
In politics he was a Whig, and afterwards a Republi-
can. Ever interested in church and kindred interests,
he early in life became a member of the Episcopal
Church, and for many years has been a vestryman and
warden of that church, and a member of the same for
nearly half a century.
His wife died Feb. 1, 1867, and he married his present
wife, who was a sister of his first wfe, Mrs. Fanny
Bergen, Oct. 24, 1868. His children are Martin Wil-
liam, Edward (deceased), Mrs. Jacob W. Velie; her
husband is secretary of the Academy of Science, Chi-
cago.
The eldest son, Martin William Noble, is a thrifty
and prominent farmer in the town of Bath. The family
of Edward Noble reside on the farm purchased by Mr.
Noble in 1862.
TOWN OF BATH.
167
curled maple. I chartered three brigs, and shipped my
cherry and curled uiaple and 500 barrels of flour to Boston.
I sold my flour at a fair price, but my lumber was a dead
weight on my hands. At length the inventor of a machine
for spinning wool by water-power offered to sell me one of
Ills machines for $2500 and take lumber in payment. I
closed a bargain with him, which induced nic to embark in
woolen manufactures. I obtained a loan from the State, and
was doing well until Congress reduced the tariff' for the
protection of home industry to a mere nominal tax. The
country immediately after was flooded with foreign fabrics,
and but a few woolen-factories survived the shock.
" I will now close my narrative, so far as it relates to my
own business concerns, with a single remark that although
T have been unfortunate at the clo.se of my business, yet I
flatter myself that all will admit that 1 have done nothing
to retard the growth and prosperity of the village of Bath
or of the inhabitants of Steuben County generally, especially
at a time when there were no facilities for the farmers of
the county to transport their products to market other than
that which was offered them by my exertions. And whether
the people of Steuben or myself have received the most
benefit, I leave them to determine.
" It would appear to be of very little consequence for me
to state the number of civil offices that I held during my
residence in Steuben County. It will only show how far
I had the good-will of the people. Fir.st, I was appointed
justice of the peace, next a judge of the Court of Common
Pleas, and surrogate of the county. In 181G I was ap-
pointed high sheriff' of the county, which office I held four
years. I held the office of postmaster of the vilhige of Bath
about eight years. The good people of Steuben also elected
me three years in succession to represent them in the Legis-
lature of the State of New York. For all these favors I felt
then, and ever shall feel, grateful.
" This brief narrative is nothing more than a mere synopsis
of .some of the principal events of my life during the last
sixty years. I find that all labor, whether of the hand or
bead, has become burdensome, which will be a sufficient
apology for its insufficiencies."
SAVONA.
At the time of the early settlement, and for many 3'ears
after, this part of the town of Bath was known as Mud
Creek, from the intersection of the creek of that name at
this point with the Conhocton River. The first settlers
were Thomas Corbit, who came from Pennsylvania with
Colonel Williamson in 1793, John Doleson, who removed
here from the Chemung in 1794, Henry Bush, and Henry
McElwee, father of Henry, who still resides on the old
homestead. Henry McElwee .settled here some time during
the year 1794.
A post-office was established here about 1823. The ear-
liest postmaster who can now be recollected was Elisha Mc-
Coy. He was followed by Archibald H. Gates, in 1835.
Then came the following in the order named : Marvin Wait,
Daniel Goodsell, D. P. Graves, Marsena Terry, Richard
Graves (1851-62), Harry Cole, Thomas J. Ballon, James
Tyler, Charles Loucks, and John C. Mallory, the present
postmaster. The post-office is kept in the drug-store of
A. Powers.
John Moore, father of James Moore, now living at Sa-
vona, settled here about 1808. David Whitaker, father of
Joseph, Jonathan, and David Whitaker, became a lesident
of the place in 1810. Uriah Hughes, father of the late
Dr. Hiram Hughes, came to the place about 1812. Ches-
ter Whitaker, who resided in this part of the town, was
several terms supervisor and many years a justice of the
peace. He died in 18G7.
Savona has now two physicians, — Dr. J. D. Mitchell and
Dr. Warren Stewart.
Two teachers are employed in the district school.
There are several steam-mills and other manufacturing
establishments; -some half a dozen stores, including dry
goods, hardware, drugs, and groceries ; about J50 dwel-
lings, and a population of 550. There is one hotel, the
Railroad House, kept by Marvin W. Clapp.
The Methodist church of Savona was built in 1843.
Previous to this services had been held in the school-house,
by Rev. Mr. Story and other early preachers. Among the
oldest members of the church were Elisha McCoy and
Lssachar Hughes. The Hughes family generally were
members and supporters of this church. Rev. J. V. Lowell
is the present pastor, and his charge includes also the church
at Sonora.
The Baptists held services with the Methodists at first,
and built their own church in 1856. Elder Eliphas Fisk
was one of the first preachers of this faith in the place, as
early as 1818. The present pa.stor, Rev. Mr. Mallory, has
had charge of the church for twenty-nine years.
These churches both have prosperous Sunday-schools.
KANONA.
The first settlers in this part of the town of Bath were
Henry Kennedy, about 1800 ; Brigham, Elisha, Elijah, and
John Hanks, from Westboro, Vt., 1804 ; Jeremiah Wheeler,
grandfather of Carlton and Andrew Wheeler, 1805.
Henry Kennedy owned the land where the village now
stands, and kept the first hotel, giving to the place the
name of " Kennedyville," by which it was for many years
known.
Erastus Glass came in 1806, and afterwards built the old
Glass saw-mill, where Baker's mill now stands.
Clinton Nixon afterwards kept the Kennedyville Hotel.
He built a saw-mill and tannery about half a mile below
the village, and was also a merchant and speculator about
1830. He subsequently removed to Wisconsin.
John Ostrander, father of Edward E. Ostrander, came
to the town in 1811 or 1812, when nine years of age. He
was a lawyer, merchant, hotel-keeper, and speculator, and
died in 1865.
The Neallys were one of the prominent early families
in this part of the town.
Caleb Farnham was an early settler on the farm where
Zera Bradley now lives. This farm was first owned by
Elisha Hanks. William J. Neally settled on the place
where William Willis now resides.-
We find the following among some of the old papers :
168
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"At a school-meeting, Nov. 23, 1813, Reuben Mont-
gomery, moderator, and Brigham Hanks, clerk, voted that
where the school-house now stands be the site for the school,"
showing that a school-hou.se was built before 1813, but the
site was not owned by the district.
" May 5, 1815, Dauphin Murray entered into a contract
with Eli.sha Hanks, Jared Spalding, and Erastus Glass,
trustees of School District No. 3, in the town of Bath, to
keep and teach a common English school — to wit, reading,
writing, and common arithmetic — for the term of one year, in
the school-house next adjoining the blacksmith-shop owned
and occupied by Brigham Hanks, Esq.'' It appears from
another paper that the said Dauphin Murray taught this
school also in 1814. He was one of the early hotel-keepers
in the place.
In 1833 the Christians and Universalists of Kanona
bought a lot of land, and built a church on the site of
Sillenbach's present mill. The conveyance was made by
Hiero, Ann, and Maria Kennedy, heirs of the Kennedy
estate, " to John K. Towner, Daniel Towner, Franklin
Glass, Shepard Spalding, and Vestus Chapin, trustees of
the First Christian Society, in the town of Bath, and Henry
Smith, Elijah Hanks, Joseph D. Shuart, Royal Knight,
Simpson Ellas, and Christopher Rowe, trustees of the First
Universalist Society of the town of Bath." Dated Oct. 24,
1833. The building and lot were sold at sheriff's sale, and
finally passed into the hands of the Methodists, who used it
till the present Methodist church was built in 1874, when
the lot and building were sold to Mr. Sillenbach.
The Presbyterian church was built in 1831. The Pres-
byterian Society continued to exist till about 1874, when
its remaining trustees gave the church to the Methodist
Episcopal Society, by whom it was rebuilt and dedicated in
1874, and is now occupied as a regular charge.
A post-ofBce was established here at an early date. Among
the postmasters have been the following: Brigham Hanks,
John Ostrander, George A. Farnhatu, Jason H. Stone,
Dwight H. Ostrander, A. L. Barney, W. Graham, Seymour
Huston, and James Neil.
Kanona contains two steam saw-mills, Sylvenus Sillen-
bach and Henry Brother ; one tannery, M. Wayland ; two
grain-warehouses, John J. Ostrander and F. W. Bradley.
The population is 275. It is four miles from Bath, on the
Rochester division of the Erie Railway, and connected with
Prattsburgh by a daily mail-stage.
ORQANIZATION.
Bath is one of the original six towns of the county,
erected March 18, 179G. It then embraced what are now
the towns of Pulteney and Urbana, and parts of Wheeler,
Howard, Cohocton, and Avoca. Pulteney was taken off in
1808, a part of Howard and Cohocton in 1812, a part of
Wheeler in 1820, Urbana in 1822, a part of Avoca in
1843, and part of Cohocton in 1852. A part of Urbana
was annexed April 2(i, 1839.
The first town-meeting for the election of officers was
held at the house of John Metcalfe, in the town of Bath,
on the 4th day of April, 1797. After the votes were taken
by ballot, it appeared that the following gentlemen were
duly elected, viz., Charles Cameron, Supervisor; James
Eddie, Town Clerk ; William Aulls, Patrick McKcU, and
Hector McKenzie, Commissioners of Highways ; Gustavus
Gillespie, Collector; Amos Stone, George Dixon, and
Abijah Peters, Constables ; Daniel Cruger, Patrick Mc-
Kell, Overseers of the Poor ; Amos Eggleston, Joseph
Inslie, William Read, John Woodard, Henry Bush, Henry
McElwee, and Jacob Phillips, Overseers of Highways ; Eli
Read, Andrew Smith, James McKell, 'Thomas Streeter,
Fence- Viewers ; Robert Biggar, Samuel Miller, Samuel
Baker, Assessors ; Samuel Baker and Silas Beers, Pound-
Masters ; George D. Cooper, John Sheather, Charles Wil-
liamson, and Benjamin F. Y^'oung, Commissioners of
Schools.
" The above were duly qualified by William Kersey, Es-
quire, Justice of the Peace.
"N.B. — It was moved and carried to have the next
annual town-meeting at the house of John Metcalfe, inn-
keeper, in Bath."
" At a town-meeting of the inhabitants and freeholders
of the town of Bath, due and legal notice thereof being
first given by advertisement, convened at the house of
John Metcalfe, inn-keeper in said to'wn, the Hon. William
Kersey being presiding officer, the following ordinances,
rules, and regulations were entered into. Giving their as-
sent by dividing to the right and the left :
■' 1. Oi'ditined, That fence? within the saitl Town that are made
round any inclosure shall not be considered lawful unless built five
feet in height, and the vacancies between the rails or logs in the first
three feet not to exceed five inches and an half.
" 2. Ordained, That swine be permitted to run at large without any
obstruction ; provided they are not less than six months old. and do
not run within two miles of the square of the town of Bath.
" :!. Ordiuned, That every inhabitant of the town of Bath who keeps
a cwature or creatures of any kind shall enter their mark with the
town clerk.
"4. Ordained, That cutting oft' both ears of any creature shall be
an unlawful mark.
'• ii. Ordaincti, That George McClure be appointed poundmasler in
room of Silas Beers, who declines serving on account of his moving
out of town.
" Ii. Ordained, That George McClure is empowered to build a sufii-
cicnt pound for the reception of creatures tresspassing, and to be
allowed for the same any sum not exceeding twelve dollars by the
town.
" 7. Ordaineil, That every fence-viewer shall be allowed for his ser-
vices, when called to officiate in his office, one dollar for every view,
and six cents for every mile he may have to go from the place of his
abode.
"8. Ordained, That a fine of ten dollars be inflicted on every in-
habitant refusing to comply with the rules and regulations entered
into this day.
"9. Ordained, That for killing a wolf or panther there shall be al-
lowed to any person (he making it to appear upon oath that the sam^
was killed within the limits of this town) twenty shillings for every
scalp, exclusive of what the law of the State allows."
It appears from the records that the number of persons
in the town eligible by law to do work on the roads was
222. The assessments were from two to four and six days,
some higher. John Metcalfe was assessed eight days, and
Charles Williamson thirty days.
The Commissioners of Highways made the following re-
port :
" We the Commissioners of Highways have met, considered, and
laid out the several Road Districts within the town of Bath in manner
following, to wit :
Photos 8» tv^nx cofstHC.n.-
GEO. S HAVERLING.
I^IRS.GEO.S. HAVERLING.
GEORGE HAVERLING.
The subject of this sketch is the son of Adam
Haverling, and was born at Painted Post, March 18,
1810. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and
was reared on a farm with one John Wormley ; settled
in Steuben County, at Painted Post, about 1804 ; was
there engaged in the distillery business until he removed
to Bath, and continued the same basiness a few years
longer in connection with farming. He finally gave up
the distillery business, and devoted his attention to agri-
culture until his death, which occurred March 12, 1860.
George had very limited advantages for an education,
as he never attended school until he was sixteen years
of age. He attended school one year after he was
twenty-one years of age. By close application to study
he obtained sufficient information to enable him to
transact successfully the business required in the various
relations of life. His early life was spent upon his father's
farm. On the 24th of September, 1836, he married MLss
Ruby, daughter of Samuel Besley, of Campbell. Soon
after marriage he rented a farm for five years. He then
purchased a farm near Bath, a portion of which he still
owns and resides upon, and the balance was sold, in 1853,
for one hundred dollars per acre, a very unusual price for
those days. Mr. Haverling has passed a very active life,
directing his attention mostly to farming, except five years
spent in superintending the building of the Davenport
Home for Orphan Girls, and making the roads and beauti-
fying the grounds of the same. He commenced life poor,
but with industry and frugality, combined with good
judgment, he has gained a competency, and can to-day
look back upon his life as one of labor, yet of pleasure.
He is one of the representative farmers of Bath, and is
a man very highly esteemed by those who know him.
He has never been an aspirant for official honors, always
preferring the quiet of home; he has, however, been
assessor of Bath for seven consecutive years.
Mr. Haverling has been called to settle many estates
during his life, and has given satisfaction to the parties
interested. Mr. and Mrs. Haverling have been worthy
members of the Episcopal Church of Bath for many
years. Mrs. Haverling passed away on the 9th of
June^l878; mourned by a large circle of friends.
ill
Residence or GEORGE S. HAVERLING, Bath. Steuben Co. NY
II
TOWN OF BATH.
169
"The first inoludca Bath Square, Liberty Street, the road northeast-
Supervisors.
Clerks.
Collectors.
ward to William Read's house and southwestward to Canisteo Town,
1812.
Thomas AuUa.
Howell Bull.
Elisha Hanks.
md new road to Capt. Shethars' saw-mill.
1813.
«( It
a ti
a ti
"Second District begins at the house of John Metcalf, including
1814.
a it
ti it
Johrt Hanks.
ill the roads westward as far as the town of Bath extends.
1S15.
Howell Bull.
John Metcalf.
Jonathan Knapp.
** Third District begins at "William Dunn's tavern house, and iu-
1816.
Elisha Hanks.
it
Otis Hunt.
jludes the roads eastward to the house of Daniel White.
1817.
It tt
a ti
(( tt
** Fourth District begins at the house of William Read, and includes
1818.
William Woods.
tt ti
Dauphin Murray.
he road towards Hope Town so far as the town of Bath extends.
1819.
Samuel Baker.
William H. Bull.
tt tt
" Fifth District begins at Capt. Shethars' Landing, and includes
1820.
(C it
it It
it tt
ho road southwestward to his saw-mill.
1821.
Elisha Hanks.
tt it
tt tt
"Sixth District begins at Capt. Shethars' Landing, and includes
1822.
(( tt
John W. Fowler.
tt ti
he roads northward so far as the town of Bath extends.
1823.
it a
ti a
Mosefi Dudley.
"Seventh District begins at the house of Daniel White, and in-
1824.
Heury Welles.
ti it
ti if
ludes the road towards Painted Post and Frederick Bartle's, so far
1825.
John W. Fowler.
Reuben Robie.
William Hamilton,
IS the town of Bath extends.
1826.
tt
tt n
Elisha Hanks.
"William Kersey,
1827.
James G. Higgins.
tt it
a a
"Samuel Baker,
1828.
ti ti
ti it
George Huntington.
^* William Barney'.
1829.
George C. Edwards
Lewis Biles.
it ti
"April 17, 1798."
1830.
it ti
Reuben Robie.
a it
1831.
Reuben Kobio.
Wm. S. Hubbell.
Philo Andrews.
" RECORD OF WILLIAM HELM's NEGROES.
1832.
ti it
William H. Bull.
Jason H. Stone.
" Betsey's child Wat, born Feb. 11, 1805.
" Caty's child Taylor, born April 12, 1805.
"Milly's child Willie, born April 16, 1805.
"Jenny's child Eliza, born M.arch 10, 1805.
"Recorded ICth April, 1805.
" Howell Bull, Toiiyn Clerk."
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
Wm. J. Neally.
tt ft
Henry W. Rogers.
William Hamilton.
ti a
D. McMaster.
Franklin Metcalf.
William Hamilton.
Alexander Hess.
N. W. Gardner.
George Edwards.
ti tt
a it
tt ti
Henry Pier,
Jared H. Thompson.
it it
We find in the town records the following certificate :
1840.
1841.
Robert Campbell, J
ti .<
- tt tt
tt It
ti ti
ti ii
"I, William Dunn, Esq., of the town of Bath, in the county of
1842.
it it
ti it
E, R. Bidwell.
'teuben, do hereby certify that my negro wench Molly was delivered
1843.
U it
Alexander Hess.
" "
)f a mulatto male child on the 22d day of October, 1799, which child
s named Peter.
1844.
1845.
it tt
Chester Whitaker.
Peter Swart.
Perry S. Donahc.
tt tt
it ti
"Bath, 10th d,ay of April, 1800.
1846.
John W. Fowlor.
a ti
Austin Hall.
" To the Clerk of the town of Bath, which you i
will enter as the law requires. J William Di-nn.
1847.
1848.
it tt
a *i
tt tt
it it
John Hanks.
" Recorded the 10th day of April, 1800.
"HENRr A. TOWNSEND, 7V)iril Clfrh."
1849.
1850.
1851.
it tt
John Ostrander.
ti it
tt ti
it a
David Love.
Almon Eggleston.
John Stout.
Slaves were held in the town of Bath till after the pas-
1852.
Paul C. Cook.
James R. Dudley.
it it
age of the law of April 9, 1813, entitled an " Act con-
jerning Slaves and Servants." In that year Gen. Howell
ixxW manumitted a negro man slave whose time he had
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
it tt
David McMaster.
William Howell.
John Palmer.
Charles H. Howell.
Peter Halsey. .
James Lindsay.
Calvin W. Cooley.
Stephen P. Young.
F. W. Bradley.
a tt
purchased of Mr. John Fitzhugh in the year 1809. The
ollowing is the certificate of manumission :
" To all whom It mny coiirevn :
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
ti ti
Alva E. Brown.
ti It
a ti
tt ti
James R. Dudley.
James Lindsay.
it it
Samuel Van Pelt.
Leander Allerton.
Jared H. Thompson.
it it
" I do hereby agree to manumit and set at liberty the above-men-
ioned Aaron Butcher, he having faithfully served me for the terra of
our years; which service I hereby agree to accept for the purchase-
noney and interest.
"Given under my hand at Bath, this 24th day of November, 1813.
" Howell Bull."
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
H. H. Hull.
William Howoll.
John L. Smith.
tt it
David Rumscy.
ti tt
ti ti
tt a
it it
ti it
ti tt
a tt
George W. Breck,
tt it
J. H. Hillermaa.
T. P. Purdy.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
1868.
1869.
it it
tt It
tt tt
ti it
Wm. R. Collier.
Supervisors. Clerks. Collectors.
1870.
tt it
it
C. A. UoderhiU.
797. Charles Cameron. James Edie. Gnstavus Gillespie.
1871.
it It
a ft
T. A. Silsbee,
798.
1872.
Samuel Balcom.
it tt
0. W. Sutton.
799. George MoClure. Charles McClure. Charles McCluro.
1873.
William Rumsey.
It u
Sebastian G. Lewis.
800. " " Henry A. Townsend.Samuel Baker.
1874.
G. H. Brundage.
U ti
John W. Freeman.
801.
1875.
ti a
ti i<
John Sutherland.
802. Henry A. Townsend. Charles McClure. William Read.
1876.
Henry Faucett.
ti ti
John AV. Freeman.
803. Samuel Baker. " " James McDonald.
1877.
James Faucett.
a tt
Frank A. Fay.
804. " " Henry A. Townsend. "
1878.
Orange Seymour.
ti ti
John MeNamara.
805. " " Howell Bull. James Brundage.
806. George McClure. Henry A. Townsend. James McDonald.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
1807. " " Howell Bull.
808. Howell Bull. Thomas Metcalf. " "
1830.
1831.
Henry W. Rogers.
Oliver Rice.
1834. John D. Higgins.
1S35. Oliver Rice.
809. Henry Kennedy. Howell Bull. " "
1832
William Hamilton.
1836. Wil
iam Hamilton.
810. James Faulkner. "' " John Hanks.
George Wheeler.
1838. George Wheeler (v.).
1811. Cornelius Younglove. " " " "
1833
George Wheeler.
Henry Pier.
2 '2
170
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1839.
Oliver Rice.
I860.
Henry Pier.
A. D. Read (v.).
18fil.
E. W. Buck.
1840.
Ziba A. Leiantl.
1862.
James Lindsay.
1811.
Chester Whitaker.
1863.
Joseph B. Westcott.
1842.
George Huntington.
1864.
Abram C. Bryan.
Wm. S. Mulhollcn (v.).
1865.
Charles L. BaiJy,
184.'5.
Nathan Barny.
1866.
Dwight Ostrandcr.
1844.
William S. Mulhollen.
James Lindsay.
1845.
Chester Whitaker.
1867.
Augustus F. Barnes.
184R.
James .Shannon.
1868.
Frank Hardenbrook (v.)
1847.
Arnold D. Read.
Abr.-im C. Bryan.
1848.
AVilliam S. Mulhollen.
1869.
Frank Hardenljrook.
1849.
Chester Whitaker.
Henry J. Norris (v.).
Luther R. Hopkins (v.).
1870.
James Lindsay.
1850.
Nathan Sawjcr.
1871.
Hiram R. Hess.
1851.
Arnold D. Read.
1S72.
Hamilton Lane.
1852.
Henry Pier.
1873.
Frank Hardenbrook.
1 853.
Chester Whitaker.
Henry J. Norris.
1854.
James Lindsay.
1874.
James Lindsay.
1855.
Arnold I). Read.
1875.
Hiram R. Hess.
1856.
Henry Pier.
1876.
Horace L. Lewis.
1857.
Chester Whitaker.
1877.
Frank Hardenbrook.
1858.
James Lindsay.
Henry J. Norris.
1859.
Arnold D. Read.
1878.
James Lindsay.
SCHOOLS.
At the first town-meetinfr, held iu April, 1797, three
town comiriissioners of schools were elected, viz. : George D.
Cooper, John Sheathar, Charles Williamson, and Benjamin
F. Young. These and their successors, annually elected by
the people, continued to exercise the functions of their
office, to lay out school districts, and to take the general
supervision of the schools of the town till 1822. We hare
no record of their proceedings, but undoubtedly the school
district iu the village of Bath was the first organized and
equipped for educational purposes in the town, and as the
inhabitants spread over the town, new districts were formed
from time to time to meet the exigencies of a growing
population.
The first school inspectors elected in this town were
David Higgins, George C. Edwards, and Fletcher M.
Haight ; the last were Aaron C. Switzer and Robert L.
Underbill. The first town superintendent of schools —
Peter Halsey — was elected in 1844 ; the last — Robert
C. Rogers — in 1851. By the new law, commissioners of
schools were elected in each Assembly district, and have
since continued to have charge of the interests of common
schools in their respective districts.
Report of Edwin F. Church, August, 1847.
" I, Edwin F. Church, Town Superintendent of Common Schools
of the town of Bath, in the county of Steuben, in conformity to the
statutes in relation to common schools, do report: That the number
of entire school districts in said town, organized according to law, is
sixteen ; that the number of parts of districts in said town is eleven ;
that the number of joint districts — the school-houses of which are sit-
uated wholly or partly in said town — is Jivcj that the number of entire
districts from which the necessary reports have been made for the
present year is fifteen; that the number of parts of districts from
which such reports have been made is eleven ; and that the number
of schools for colored children taught in said town is one."
It appears from this report that the amount expended in
all the schools
For teachers' wages was $790.58
For library $170.95
Number of children taught.. 1382
Number over five and under sixteen in town 1526
VILLAGE OF BATH.
ORIGINAL SITE AND EARLY PROSPECTS.
The village of Bath was laid out in the midst of a wil-
derness of hundreds of miles in extent, broken only here
and there by a few scattering settlements. Two important
Indian trails crossed each other in the valley where now
run the principal streets of the village, and these being
known to a few hunters served to designate the point of
their intersection as the " Cross-Roads," — the earliest name
given to Bath.
It appears, from the travels of Maude, an English gen-
tleman, who wrote an account of Bath in the year 1800,
that Col. Williamson visited the site of the village in 1792,
accompanied by his friend and relative, Mr. Johnstone, a
servant, and a backwoodsman, whom, with much difficulty,
he had prevailed upon to join the party. At that time he
probably selected the site of his prospective city on the
Conhocton, and the spring following arrived from North-
umberland with his little colony to commence the active
operations of settlement. He seems not to have taken
charge of his little company in person, but gave instruc-
tions to his guide, on his arrival at the designated place of
settlement, to halt and " camp at the cross-roads."
The site of Bath at that time has been described in the
words following : " Sixteen miles above the month of the
Conhocton, the valley of the Crooked Lake, uniting nearly
at right angles with the river-valley, opens in the hills a
deep and beautiful basin, which presents, when viewed from
an elevation, a rim of some ten or fifteen miles in circuit."
. . . This basin was originally covered with a pitch-pine
forest, " save where the alluvial flats, close at the foot of the
dark hemlocks of the southern range, support their noble
groves of elm and sycamore, and where a little round lake
shone in the sunlight below the eastern heights. . . ."
The prospect from these hills is singularly beautiful at
the present day, but the place was evidently selected by
Col. Williamson with a view to its advantages for naviga-
tion, being near the head of the navigable waters of the
Susquehanna, and on the highway of the prospective trade
and commerce of the Genesee country and great West with
the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia. We quote again
from the little book, the " Travels of Maude," also referred to
by Hon. William H. Seward, in his speech to the members
of the Legislature, at the Astor House, in the city of New
York, in March, 1851. This writer spent a considerable
time with Col. Williamson at Bath in the year 1800. He
says:
" Bath is the capital of Steuben County, which county
contains at present [1800] about 300 families. On the
first settlement of the country these mountainous districts
were thought .so unfavorably of when compared with the
rich flats of Ontario County [or the Genesee country], that
none of the settlers could be prevailed upon to establish
themselves here till Capt. Williamson himself set the ex-
ample, saying, ' As nature has done so much for the north-
ern plains, I will do something for these southern mountains ;'
though the truth of the case was that Capt. Williamson
saw very clearly, on his first visit to the country, that the
Susquehanna and not the Mohawk would be its best friend.
TOWN OF BATH.
171
Iven now it has proved so, for at tliis day [1800] a bushel
!■ wheat is better worth $1 at Bath than GO cents at Geneva,
his difference will grow wider every year; for little, if
ly additional improvement can be made in the water com-
lunication with New York, while that to Baltimore will
imit of very extensive and advantageous ones. Its pres-
it efforts are but those of a child, compared with the manly
rengtii it will soon assume. I visited Capt. Williamson's
ills, a little west of Bath, on Conhocton Creek, which
;fore the winter sets in will be made navigable fifteen miles
ig'her up ; at least a farmer there promises to send an ark
)wn from thence in the spring. The navigation of the
usquehauna will then extend to within six miles of the
anandaigua Lake.''
This prospect gave Bath its early importance among the
ttlements of Western New York, and induced its founder
id others to conceive of it as destined to become, at no
jry distant day, the inland commercial metropolis of the
tate. The remarks of Hon. William H. Seward, already
iferred to, at the Astor House festival, will set this matter
I a clear and interesting light. Addressing the members
i" the Legislature, he said :
" Gentlemen,— It seems to me that we can improve this
stive occasion by considering how intimate is the relation
Btween the city and State, how essential each is to the
tlier. There is a town in the interior of the State, far
way, in what was lately known as the secluded, seques-
?red part of it, Bath by name. Many of the representa-
ves of the rural districts know it well, the members from
teuben can speak for it. Of this town I wish to speak.
t is a beautiful but quiet one, situated in the delightful
alley and on the banks of the Conhocton, a tributary of
le Susquehanna. But those who know it well have re-
larked that it has a broad and magnificent plan, iniper-
!Ctly filled out. There are houses on corners designating
;reets and avenues without inhabitants. In short it was
lid out for a great city, but has long since renounced all
mbitious pretensions. You do not know how this has
appened. Well, if on your return to Albany, you will
all on my excellent friend [Mr. Street], the State Libra-
ian, he will give you a small duodecimo volume, published
J the year 1800, containing an account of a journey per-
jrmed by an English gentleman, in the short space of six
reeks, from the city of New York all the way to Niagara
^alls. That traveler visited Bath, then in the day-spring
f its growth, and he recorded of it that it was destined to
ecome the greatest commercial metropolis of the State of
Jew York. The Hudson was only a short arm of the sea.
t did not penetrate the interior far enough to take a hold
f the trade of the country. Bath was to receive all of it
hat could be diverted from the channel of the St. Law-
ence, and the market of Quebec, and send it down through
he Conhocton and the Susquehanna to Chesapeake Bay.
lad that calculation been realized, Bath might have been a
ity like Albany, and New York would have been a city
iver which the President could have had but little ambition
0 preside."
When these expectations were entertained the Erie Canal
vas not thought of It was not till 1801 that Gouverneur
yiorris first suggested to Simeon De Witt the idea of " tap-
ping" Lake Erie, and carrying its waters across the country
to the Hudson lliver, and the idea of transportation by rail-
roads was one of at least a quarter of a century later.
Mr. James Geddes himself, the chief surveyor and engi-
neer of the Erie Canal, passed up the Chemung River and
explored the whole interior of the State in 1792. While
at the Falls of the Genesee, he remarked in his journal that
that cataract unfortunately " spoiled the navigation" of the
Genesee River, and expressed the opinion that the wheat
from the rich Genesee country, just then beginning to be
opened to settlement, would have to be transported south-
ward " by the Newtown Creek." Sixteen years later he
was at the same falls with his leveling instruments, survey-
ing a route which was to convey the rich products of the
Genesee country and of the West, not southward by the
tributaries of the Susquehanna, as he then guessed, but
eastward to the markets of New York and Albany. That
great enterprise, first conceived in 1801, introduced to the
Legislature by Joshua Foreman, of Onondaga, in 1807, and
completed under the eminent statesmanship of De Witt
Clinton, in 1825, revolutionized all the early ideas of politi-
cal economists respecting the avenues of transportation,
and left many a promising town-site shorn of its early
promise, and far away from the highways of trade and com-
merce. Bath only shared the common fortune of hundreds
of other future great cities. Then came the period of rail-
roads, which have still further changed the expectation of
many a promising locality, and have almost rendered natural
water-courses and even canals a non-essential factor in the
calculations of commerce and transportation.
Bath, for many years before the construction of the Erie
Canal, was the most active and important place in Western
New York. Being situated at the head of navigation on
the Conhocton River, and in direct and rapid water com-
munication with Philadelphia and Baltimore, it drew in the
trade and commerce of a large section of tributary country ;
became the seat of many enterprising merchants, the home
of many families of wealth and influence, and the centre
whence legal talent and learning were dispensed over several
adjoining counties. No village founded in the wilderness
ever became so famous in a few years or assumed at so green
an age so many of the concomitants and airs of a city. Before
the place was two years old Col. Williamson had a theatre
in full operation, and a race-course which attracted visitors
from beyond the Hudson and the Potomac. Nor were
these amusements, which served to advertise the new settle-
ment, the only features of its rapid development. Institu-
tions of a more permanent and solid character soon took
root and flourished, schools and churches were founded and
fostered, and an influential bench and bar aided in giving
strength and tone to society. The press, also, was one
among the earliest institutions of Bath, in which this village
took the lead of all others in Western New York, establish-
ing the Bath Gazette and Genesee Advertiser in the year
1796, when the settlement was only three years old.
The growth of Bath has been permanent ; and although
it has not realized the enthusiastic visions of its founder, it
has at least attained the rank and dignity of a beautiful and
substantial shire-town, stretching across the ancient valley and
spreading its white skirts upon the feet of the adjacent hills.
172
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE VILLAGE.
In 1793, Col. Williamson eonimenccd the .settlement of
this village, called Bath, from Lady Bath, of England, a
member of the Pulteney family. " Before the end of the
season," he says, " not less than fifteen families were resi-
dent in the village. Early in the season a saw-mill had
been finished, and previous to the setting in of winter a
grist-mill, with a saw-mill nearer the town, were in great
forwardness." The first-mentioned saw-mill stood on or
near the site of the old " glass-mill," on the road leading to
Kanona. The grist-mill stood near the Conhocton bridge.
Gen. McClure, in giving an account of his arrival in Bath
in 1793, says : " We arrived at Bath, and put up at the
only house of entertainment in the village, — if it could be
called a house. Its construction was of pitch-pine logs, in
two apartments, one story high, and kept by a very kind
and obliging English family of the name of Metcalfe.
This house was the only one in town, except a similar one
erected for the temporary abode of Capt. Williamson, which
answered the purpose of parlor, dining-room, and land
office. There were, besides, some shanties for mechanics and
laborers."
The first clearing in the village, that of the Pulteney
Square, was made in the spring of 1794, by Mr. Henry
McElwce, a young man from the north of Ireland, who
had arrived a few months before. By this time two saw-
mills were in operation, and the green lumber was rapidly
converted into buildings. Houses were erected as fast as
thirty or forty men could build them. Col. Williamson,
expecting a large number of visitors within three or four
days, desired the erection of a building for their accommo-
dation, 40 by 16 feet, with the utmost possible dispatch.
He laid his plans before Gen. McClure, who had charge of
a large force of carpenters. They set to work, and in forty-
eight hours had the building completed. For this suc-
cessful exploit Col. Williamson paid the generous sum of
$400, and had it advertised in the New York and Albany
papers, which had the effect of drawing public attention to
the new settlement. This is only one example of the rest-
less energy and activity of Col. Williamsons administration.
He galloped everywhere through the sparsely-settled coun-
try, over distances which would now be considered long
journeys by rail, stirring up the people, and forwarding the
interests of his estate. " People heard of him afar off,—
in New England, in Virginia, and in Canada. The bankers
of Albany and New York became familiar with his signa-
ture. Englishmen and Scotchmen were aroused from their
homes, and persuaded to cross the ocean for Genesee estates,
and hearty young emigrants of the better sort — farmers
and mechanics of some substance — were met upon their
landing by recommendations to leave the old settlements
behind them, and try their fortunes in Williamson's woods.
Pioneers from below pushed their canoes and barges up the
rivers, and men of the East toiled wearily through the
forest with their oxen and sledges. Not a few Virginia
planters, with their great households, abandoned their
barren estates beyond the Potomac, and performed marches
up the Susquehanna Valley and over the Laurel Ridge in
much the same style (saving the camels) as the ancient
Mesopotamian patriarchs shifted their quarters, — youngT
sters and young ladies making the journey gayly on horse-
back, while the elderly rode in ponderous chaises, secured
against catastrophes by ropes and props, and the shoulders
of their negroes. Several such cavalcades came over the
Lycoming road. One is yet remembered with some interest
by a few, as containing a pair of distinguished belles whose
fame went before them, and who were met on their descent,
half frozen, from the mountains in mid-winter, at the
Painted Post Hotel, by a couple of no less distinguished
sprouts of Northern gentility, one of whom was afterwards
so fortunate as to gain the hand of one of the frost-bitten
beauties."*
In 179G, Colonel Williamson advertised to the country
at large that grand races would be held at Bath. " At the
distance of half a mile from the village a race-course of a
mile in circuit was cleared and carefully grubbed, and all the
resources of the place were brought forth for the entertain-
ment of as many gentlemen of distinction and miscellaneous
strangers as might honor the festival with their presence.
But what probability was there that such a festival would
be celebrated with success in the midst of ' a wilderness
of 900,000 acres?' From Niagara to the Mohawk were
but a few hundred scattered cabins, and in the south a
dozen ragged settlements contained a greater part of the
civilized population till you reached Wyoming. But Colonel
Williamson did not mistake the spirit of the times. On
the day and at the place appointed for the race sports-
men from New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore were in
attendance. The high bloods of Virginia and Maryland,
the fast boys of Jersey, the wise jockeys of Long Island,
men of Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Canada, settlers, chop-
pers, gamesters, and hunters, to the number of 1500
or 2000, met on the Pine Plains to see horses run, — a
number as great, considering the region where they met,
as now assemble at State fairs and mass-meetings. Men
of blood and spirit made the journey from the Potomac
and the Hudson on horseback, supported by the high
spirit of the ancients to endure the miseries of blind trails
and log taverns. The races passed off brilliantly. Colonel
Williamson himself, a sportsman of spirit and distinction,
entered a Southern mare named Virginia Nell ; High Sheriff
Dunn entered Silk Stockings, a New Jersey horse, — quad-
rupeds of renown even to the present day. Money was plenty
and betting lively. Silk Stockings was victorious. . . .
" The great race-course was not often used during Wil- I
liamson's time for the purpose for which it was made. It
was chiefly valuable as a public drive for the few citizens
who were so prosperous as to keep carriages. There was,
however, a course on the land-oSice meadows south of the
village which was at different times the scene of sport."
The building erected for a theatre was of logs, and stood
at the corner of Steuben and Morris Streets. " A troop
of actors from Philadelphia, kept, we believe, at the ex-
pense of the agents, entertained for a time the resident and
foreign gentry with dramatic exhibitions of great splendor."
In 1794, Bath was threatened with an invasion by Col.
Simcoe, lieuteuant-governor of Canada. Col. Williamson
was at that time interested in a settlement at Sodus Bay.
■-« MeMaster's History.
i«
1 I
LORENZO N. RIDER.
Lorenzo N. Eider was born in the town of Howard, Oct. 8,
1817. His father, James Rider, was a native of Saratoga County,
born in 1795, July 11. His s^randfather, William Rider, was a na-
tive of Rhode Island, born in 17i;7, and after his marriage settled in
Saratoga County, where he reared a family of four sons and three
daughters, — -Mrs. Isaiah Tuttle, Mrs. Robert Smith, James, Mrs.
Moses Ogden, William, Samuel, and Joseph ; of whom Samuel
and William are living.
His father, in 181.5, came to the far West, looking for a place to
settle, traveling on foot. He had two lots of timbered land, of
one hundred acres each, booked to him in the town of Howard;
cut the first tree for the purpose of clearing in that section, put up
a log house, and after chopping some four acres returned to Sara-
toga County, and that winter married Sally, daughter of Dr.
Stephen Potter, of Galway, Saratoga County.
The following spring, with his wife and father's family, he came
to their new home, moving their scanty effects with a yoke of oxen
the entire distance. The grandfather and family settled on one of
the lots, where he lived the remainder of his life, having cleared
the most of his lot. He died in 1 864, having lived to almost complete
a century. His wife, Hannah Mosher, died some time after the
settlement in Howard.
His father, with nothing but his axe, yet with resolution and in-
dustry, began in 1816 to carve out a competence. The choppings
from year to year, the gradual increase of cultivated fields, the
framed house taking the place of the log cabin, fruit-growing trees
in place of the forest, on the one hand, all brought about by the
sturdy pioneer, with the assistance of his boys, who were expected
to do their part at very young ages; the indoor work, the old
spinning-wheel, the wheel and distaff going day and night pre-
paring cloth by hand for home necessities, and many other things,
among which "are the necessary privations and hardships incident
to pioneer life, each one in itself has a history full of interest to
the generation of to-day.
These obstacles were met with a will and overcome by the Eider
family, and in time thrift wa.s the result of industry and economy,
with judicious management. For forty years his parents were
farmers ot Howard, and among the respected citizens of the town.
In 1856 they removed to Wayland, where he died in 1863. His wife
died in 1867. Their children are Mrs. Charles Markham, of Hor-
nellsville; Mrs. Dr. H. C. Hess, of Howard, now of Berrien Co.,
Mich. ; Ira S., of Hornellsville ; Susan, died at the age of twenty ;
Philo S., died at eighteen; Mrs. B. W. Short, of Hornellsville.
Mr. Lorenzo N. Rider spent his minority until he was eighteen
at home at farm labor, receiving, however, sufficient education by
improving leisure hours at home in study by the fireplace to en-
able him to become a teacher. By arrangement with his father
he had his time for the next three years, which he spent as a teacher
and at farm labor. It may be said here that his education was
extended by some three months as a student at Howard Academy,
where he attended, boarding himself.
In 1840, March 22, he married Susan, eldest daughter of Barnct
Brayton, of Howard. She was born in 1822, and died in 1845, May
l.S, leaving two daughters,— Mrs. Orville Lewis, of Buffalo, and
Susan, who died at the age of sixteen. After his marriage, Mr. Rider
settled on a farm in the town of Howard, near Haskinvillo, and for
some twenty-flve years was a farmer in that town ; for three years
he has been a resident of Hornellsville. In 1868 he removed to the
town of Bath, and purchased the place now occupied for the
Soldiers' Home, where he has resided, with the exception of the
past two years, until the present time. In 18.50 he married Jane
T., daughter of William and Sarah Allen, of Howard. Herparents
were among the earliest pioneers of that town, settling there as
early as 1810. She was born in 1820, Jan. 1st.
Of this union was born one sou, C. A. Rider, who married Anna
Carpenter, of Bath, Oct. 1, 1878, and resides with his father,
Mr. Rider voted for Wm. H. Harrison for President in 1840, as
a member of the Whig party, and is now identified with the Re-
publican party. He has been .somewhat active in politics ; has
served as justice of the peace two terms while a resident of Howard ;
three terms as supervisor of the town of Fremont, after its erection
in 1864, and represented the Third Assembly District of Steuben
County in the State Legislature in 1860 ; and, as a representative
of the county, advocated and obtained the passage of a bill through
both branches of the Legislature to erect the county of Canisteo
from Steuben, thereby making a division of Steuben County. The
bill did not become a law for want of the Governor's, E. D.
Morgan's, signature.
Mr. Rider has spent a life of activity, and, whether as a farmer
or stock dealer, he has carried into all his efforts at business that
force of character and integrity which commands the respect and
confidence, of his fellow-citizens.
TOWN OF BATH.
173
The forts at Oswego and Niagara were still held by the
British, although by the treaty of 1783 they had agreed to
evacuate forthwith all military posts held by them within
the territory of the United States. It was believed — not
without reason — that these posts were held with a view to
an attack upon the settlements of Western New York, and,
as a pretext to provoke a conflict, Col. Williamson was inter-
fered with by the authority of the Canadian Governor, who,
ou the 16th of August, 1794, sent Lieut. SlieafiFe, a British
officer, to inquire by what authority an establishment had
been ordered at Sodus, and to require that such a design
be immediately relinquished.
Col. Williamson was not at Sodus at the time, but a
letter was left containing the above order. It is said, also,'
that a quantity of flour belonging to Col. Williamson was
seized and carried ofi" by the British. Col. Williamson re-
sented the affront ; a spirited controversy ensued ; the Cab-
inet at Washington took the matter in hand, and war seemed
imminent.
Gen. McClure, in his manuscript, says : " The adminis-
tration at Washington apprised Capt. Williamson of the
difficulties that had arisen between this country and Great
Britain, and required him to make preparations fbi' defense.
He therefore received a colonel's commission from the Gov-
ernor of New York, and immediately thereafter sent an
express to Albany for one thousand stand of arms, several
pieces of cannon, and munitions of war. He lost no time
in making the necessary preparations. He gave orders to
my friend, Andrew Smith, to prepare timber for picketing
on a certain part of our village, and ordered that I should
erect block-houses according to his plan. The work went
cheerily on. We could rally, in case of alarm, five or six
hundred, most of them single men. Our colonel organ-
ized his forces into companies. I had the honor of being
appointed captain of a light infantry company, and had the
privilege of selecting one hundred men, — non-commissioned
officers and privates. In a short time my company appeared
in handsome uniform.
" By the instructions of our colonel we mounted guard
every night, — exterior as well as interior. Most of our own
Indians — whom we supposed were friendly — disappeared,
which we thought was a very suspicious circumstance."
To further fortify the citadel and render it invulnerable
to the threatened attack of the enemy, — who, it was sup-
posed, had designs of laying waste the valley of the Sus-
quehanna and marching on Philadelphia, — Col. William-
son employed Mr. Henry McElwee, of Mud Creek, to cut
white-oak saplings 18 feet long and 18 inches thick at the
butt, to be used for palisades in inclosing the Pulteney Square.
A great many of these were made ready ; but the alarm sub-
sided, and they were never brought into actual requisition.
The village at this time was only one year old, but it
presented a very active and lively appearance. Col. Wil-
liamson* was everywhere making improvements. The
rivers were partially relieved of incumbrances ; roads were
opened; bridges were built; farms were cleared. In 1796,
■~' Notice of the death of Col. Williamson is found in the " Geneva
Expositur" of Jan. 11, 1809. He died in the fall of 1S08, while on
his passage from New Orle:ins to Havana, whither he was going as
British agent or minister to the Island of Cuba.
when the county of Steuben was organized, Bath was made
the county-seat. The population increased more rapidly
than the resources to supply their wants. This, together
with the influx of visitors and .strangers, attracted by the
games and amusements, and especially during the session
of the courts, made provisions very scarce in Bath. Money
was plenty and hospitality liberal and generous, but the
resources of the surrounding country were such, that the
good stock of workingmen and farmers who tilled the land
found the soil so ungracious that they were not a little
straitened for the means of supporting life.
Col. Williamson transported his first flour from North-
umberland and a quantity of pork from Philadelphia. After-
wards these luxuries were obtained as best they could be.
Flour was brought on pack-horses from Tioga Point, then
it was brought in Durham boats from a mill at Jemima
Wilkinson's settlement on the outlet of Crooked Lake. As
the farming country around grew rich enough to have any
surplus to spare, Bath afibrded an excellent market. " The
Canisteo boy brought over his bag of wheat on a horse, threw
it down at the door of the agency-house, and was paid $5
a bushel. He drove his bullock across the hills, slaughtered
it at the edge of the village, and sold everything from hoof
to horn for a shilling a pound. He led over a pack-horse
laden with grain, paid all expenses, treated, and took home
618. One old farmer remembers paying S2.25 for a hog's
head, " and it was half hair at that." Pleasant Valley sup-
plied her quota to the straitened villagers. Said an old
settler in that comfortable region: "Bath was just like
San Francisco ; straw was a shilling a bundle, and every-
thing else in proportion. Money was plenty, but they
almost starved out. They once adjourned court because
there was nothing to eat. If it hadn't been for the valley
the Pine Plains would have been depopulated. After
court had been in session two or three days, you would see
a black boy come down here on a horse, with a big basket,
foraging. He would go around to all the farms and get
bread, meat, eggs, or anything that would stay life. Bath
was the hungriest place in all creation." The situation
thus described will be readily appreciated when it is under-
stood that the citizens of the county made court week in
Bath a sort of general gathering time, and hence the larders
of the village were sometimes speedily exhausted.
In 1796 a frame court-house was erected. The first
Court of Common Pleas was convened on the 2 1st day of
June, 1796. The first Court of General Sessions convened
in the autumn of the same year.
In 1796 a log jail was erected, and stood on the site of
the subsequent stone jail, west of the Pulteney Square and
north of the present Steuben County Bank. A new brick
court-house was erected in 1828, which was subsequently
destroyed by fire, and immediately after the present court-
house was built on substantially the same foundation and
after the same plan.
In 1804 the village contained three streets, viz. : Liberty,
running north from Pulteney Square, and Morris and Steu-
ben Streets, running east and west. There were then 25
buildings in ail in the place, as shown in the engraving in
frontispiece, taken from the recollections of Col. William
H. Bull, now livino: in Bath.
17-i
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The original plat of tlie village was laid out by Thomas
Rees, Jr., surveyor, and a map made of the same, which is
now on file in the county clerk's office.
From Steuben Street north to St. Patrick (now Wash-
ington) Street, and from Liberty Street west to Pine Street,
was laid out by Col. William H. Bull, in April, 1842, being
part of the estate of the late Col. Howell Bull. This part
of the village is known as Bull's Plat, and contains lots as
follows : On Liberty Street, from 1 to 5 inclusive ; on St.
Patrick Street, from 1 to 10 inclusive; on Howell Street,
•from 1 to 10 inclusive; on Williams Street, from 1 to 22
inclusive; on Buel Street, from 1 to 16 inclusive.
INCORPORATION.
The village of Bath was incorporated by a special act of
the Legislature (Chap. 25-1, Laws of 1836), passed May 6,
183G, with the following boundaries :
" Beginning at Morris Street where the same intersects
a road leading to the old race-course ; and thence runnin"
northerly on the easterly bounds of said road to a point
where St. Patrick Street (laid out and not yet opened)
would intersect the same; and thence on the south side of
St. Patrick Street to the west line of John H. White's
farm ; thence north on the west line of John H. White's
farm, and the east line of David Rumsey's farm, to an out-
lot owned by David McMaster; thence westerly on said
McMaster's south line to the southwest corner of his lot ;
thence northerly along the west bounds of said McMaster's
lot, and the westerly bounds of Z. A. Leland's farm, being
the westerly bounds of lots Nos. 34, 33, 32, and 65, to the
division line between the Pulteney and Hornby lands;
thence northerly on said division line to the north corner
of out-lot No. 3, occupied by James Read ; thence south-
westerly on the southwestern line of lots Nos. 3, 2, and 1 ;
thence on the division line between a lot owned by William
S. Hubbell and lot No. 50, being a mountain lot, northerly
and westerly ; thence continuing southwesterly on the
southern line of said lot No. 50 to the northern line of
lot No. 51 ; thence easterly on the line of lot No. 51 to
the northeast corner of the same ; thence on the easterly
line of the same, and the westerly line of a lot lately pur-
chased by Ten Eyck Gansevoort, to the southwest corner
of the last-mentioned lot, being a lot formerly owned by
Gen. McClure ; thence south forty degrees west, to the
south line of the Old Mill Farm (so called) formerly owned
by William Helm, now deceased ; thence on the southern
bounds of the Old Mill Farm to the southeast point thereof,
and from thence to the place of beginning, shall hereafter
continue to be known and distinguished by the name of
' The Village of Bath,' and the freeholders and inhabitants
residing in said village are constituted a body corporate by
the name of ' The Trustees of the Village of Bath.' "
The first meeting for the election of oflScers was held at
the Franklin House, kept by A. R. Gould, on the 7th of
June, 1836, when the following-named persons were elected:
Trustees, John D. Higgins, Ten Eyck Gansevoort, Benja-
min Smead, Moses H. Lyon, John T. Andrews ; Assessors,
Ziba A. Leland, John M. Campbell, Henry Brother ; Treas-
nrer, Robert Campbell, Jr. ; Cleric, Levi C. Whiting ; Col-
lector, Elisha Hampsted ; Constable, 0. W. L. Warren.
The presidents of the board of trustees and clerks of
the village under the old charter were as follows :
Presidenla. Clerks.
1836 Ten Eyck Ganscvooi-t. Levi C. Whiting.
1837
1838 " •' James R. Dudley.
1839 Lewis Biles. D. H. Fitch.
1840 Mo,«es 11. Lyon. .Tames R. Dudley.
1841 John McCiilla. Chas. \V. Campbell.
1842 Wui. W. McCay. Edward H<iwell, Jr.
1843 Benjamin .Sraead. EH Bidwell.
1844 Moses H. Lyon. James Lindsay.
1845 \Vm. W. McCay.
1846 •'
1847 " " Edward Howell, Jr.
1848 " " James Lindsay.
1849 Diivid Rumsev, Jr.
1850 Levi C. Whiting. •• ■'
1851 R. B.Van Valkenburgh. •' "
NEW CH.4RTER.
An act establishing a new charter for the village was
passed by the Legislature June 20, 1851, three-fifths being
present. At the annual election, held on the 6th day of
April, 1852, Robert Campbell was elected president by a
majority of ten votes over his competitor, Levi C. Whiting.
Joel H. Rice and George S. Ellas were elected trustees for
one year, Alfred P. Ferris and Lansing D. Hodgman for
two years. The following persons were elected assessors :
John Bramble for one year; Paul C. Cook for two years;
Mo.ses H. Lyon for three years. Alva E. Brown was
elected Treasurer ; Benjamin C. W^ard, Collector; and Wm.
E. Bonham, Clerk. Since the election of 1852 the fol-
lowing have been the village presidents :
185.3-56. Levi C. Whiting.
1856-58. Moses H. Lyon.
1858. George Edwards.
1859. Samuel U. Hammond.
1860-61. Ambrose S. Howell.
1864. Wm. W.Wilson.
lS65-67.-Jonathan Robie.
1867. Henry AV. Ferine.
1S6S-70. David H. Hastings.
1870-71. A. S. Howell.
1872. Addison F. Ellas.
1873-75. James Lyon.
1875. Reuben Robie.
1876-79. John Davenport.
James Lindsay officiated as clerk of the village for
twenty-nine consecutive years, being elected each year
successively from 1848 to 1876 inclusive. George E.
McMaster has been clerk for the two past years.
The first fire company was organized in 1836. Dec. 17,
1839, the board passed the following :
'^ Reanlced, That the fire company heretofore organized in said cor-
poration of Bath having been duly disbanded, the following-named
persons be and the same are hereby duly organized and constituted a
fire-engine company in said corporation: Lewis Biles, Foreman; J.
McBeath, Assistant Foreman; R. L. Underbill, Clerk. Members:
Moses H. Lyon, Wm. H. Bull, L. H. Read, Daniel Miller, John 0.
Goodsell, Charles Adams, Bernard Fo.\, W. Secor, Reuben Robie,
James Shannon, Benj. D. Lilly, Addison F. Ellas, G. A. Rogers, Wm.
Hamilton, Thos. Metcalfe, James Moore, A. Babcock, Lewis Shoe-
maker, Wm. A. Biles, James R. Dudley, A. R. Gould, Nathan Stevens,
R. H. Graham, John R. Gansevoort, David McMaster."
The charter was so amended by act passed Jan. 22, 1841,
as to authorize and empower the corporation to increase the
firemen of the fire company of the village to any number
not exceeding thirty.
The village well on Liberty Street was filled up in 1841,
and a new one dug on the south side of St. Patrick's
Square, east of Liberty Street.
"Champion Fire Company, No. 1, of the village of
**■-
Lansing D. Hodgman, son of Leonard and Jennette (Morey)
Hodgman, was born Nov. 11, 1815, in Stillwater, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y. He is the eldest of a family of eight sons and one
daughter, of whom seven sons are living. Mr. Hodgman re-
mained at home on the farm until the spring of 1834 ; received
a claasical education at Cambridge, N. Y., Bennington Academy,
Vermont, and finished his preparation for the occupation of a
civil engineer at the Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y. In
the spring of 1834 he commenced engineering under Judge
Wright, chief engineer of the Erie Railway, in the preliminary
survey, and continued on the Erie until the spring of 1837,
when be engaged on the Erie Canal enlargement, eastern divi-
8ion,-in Montgomery County, as assistant engineer, under Isaac
W. Crane and A. C. Powell, until November, 1840. He then
resumed duties on the Erie Railway in charge of a locating
party from Cuba, Allegany Co., west to the Indian Reservation.
In the spring of 1841 he was made resident engineer in
charge of the construction of the road from Hornellsville to
Friendship, and continued until the suspension of the Erie
Company in the fall of 1842. Thenceforward until the fell of
1843 he was agent for the assignees of the Erie Railway Com-
pany.
In July, 1843, he came to Bath, as superintendent for Messrs.
Magee & Cook, in charge of the flouring-mill and books of
the firm, and of the men generally in their employ, in which
position he remamed until Aug. 5, 1845. At this latter date
he was married to Abby C, only daughter of Hon. Constant
Cook, and commenced merchant milling for himself in Bath,
which he has continued until the present time (Feb. 6, 1879),
and also at Painted Post, in company with his brother, W. S.
Hodgman. They bought and operate the Erwin Mills and farm
of five hundred and eighty acres, having three flouring-miUs,
^}7-l^^.CC'^^
feed-mill, gang saw-mill, and pla-iter-mill ; they do a large amount
of business. In October, 1853, Mr. Hodgman bought out
Mr. H. H. Cook's interest in the store in Bath, and continued
mercantile business until 1873 ; also at Blood's Station from
1870 to the present time.
Mr. Hodgman has taken an active part in all local interests.
As trustee of the village he rendered eflicient service during the
period when most of the streets were graded. As one of the
vestrymen of St. Thomas' Church, and a member of the building
committee, it devolved upon him to superintend the erection of
the beautiful church edifice of that parish. In many other ways,
and especially as a member of the board of education during the
past twelve years, Mr. Hodgman has rendered himself useful to
the community. There is no subject in which he has taken a
deeper practical interest than in that of education, and, while
mindful of its general benefits to the community at large, he has
bestowed its advantages liberally on his own children, of whom
he has three sons and two daughters.
In June, 1873, Mr. Hodgman was appointed by Governor
Dix one of the commissioners for the erection of the State
Reformation Prison at Elmira, and he remained for two years
in the discharge of the duties of that office.
Mr. Hodgman is a man of positive character, having decided
opinions on all subjects. His energy and executive ability have
been fully exemplified in the large business he has successfully
managed both for himself and others. He had charge of all the
buildings erected by Mr. Cook on his Bath mill property, con-
sisting of dwellings, mills, hotel, etc., also of the building of the
flouring-mills on the Erwin property at Painted Post in 1853,
and in 1850 was consulting engineer in the location of the Buf-
falo, Corning and New York Railroad through the Cohooton
Valley.
TOWN OF BATH.
175
Bath, was organized April 24, 1851. Levi C. Whiting,
Captain; James D. Blanck, Engineer; P. W. Rhodes,
Cleric." Forty-one citizens were enrolled as members of
the company.
SCHOOLS OF THE VILLAGE.
The first school-house built in the village of Bath appears
in the cut of Bath as it was in 1804. It was a .small frame
building, facing the Pulteney Square from the west side,
just in front of the old log jail, and a little north of the
present Steuben County Bank building. This school-house
was probably erected before 1800, but its exact date cannot
be ascertained. Col. Wm. H. Bull remembers going to
school here in 1805. The building was not painted, and
its appearance indicated that it had stood a considerable
number of years. This school was taught in 1805 or 1806
by a man named Dixon. The building was removed when
the stone jail was erected.
The next school was kept in a small frame building on
the east side of the Pulteney Square, a little south of the
county clerk's office, and wa.s taught by Elani Bridges, of
Prattsburgh, in 1811. During this year, Wm. Howell, Esq.,
(now residing in the village, at the age of seventy-four years)
was a pupil of Mr. Bridges, and so were also a number of
the other early citizens who have passed away. This build-
ing was not on property owned by the school district, nor
was it built for school purposes.
In 1812 the citizens purchased a lot of Henry A. Town-
send, Esq., on Steuben Street, and erected the building
known as the " Old Academy." It was a two-story wooden
structure, standing broadside to the street, and there was a
stairway in the east end leading to the upper story, which
was occupied for a time by the Masons as a lodge-room *
This school-house was burned down in 1824, and about a
year after the old " lied School-House" was built upon the
same site. It was a frame building, 25 by 30 feet, and
stood a little back from Steuben Street, on the lot next east
of Mr. A. Beekman's present sash- and blind-factory. This
building was used for school purposes till 1848. It was
destroyed by fire about 1849.
Among the early trustees of schools in the village were
Judge Edwards, Lewis Biles, Dugald Cameron, David Bum-
sey, Sr., and others. The trustees, at the time of the build-
ing of the Old Academy, were Dugald Cameron, Howell
'Bull, Luman Hopkins, and Samuel S. Haight.
On the 8th of July, 1846, a union school was formed
by the consolidation of Districts Nos. 2 and 5, in the village
of Bath. G. A. Bogers, Washington Barnes, and Richard
Brower were elected trustees. Adam Haverling donated
to the Union District the lot on which the present Haver-
ling Union Free School stands, which was accepted by a
general meeting of the citizens in the following resolution,
passed on the 6th of March, 1847 :
" Resolved, That we accept with feelings of respect and
gratitude Mr. Haverling's generous offer of a lot adjoining
St. Patrick's Square, for the site of a union school-house ;
and tender to him, for ourselves and children, for his provi-
dence and care for their comfort and happiness, our grateful
'^"See evideEce in the litigation concerning the title to this lot in the
Supreme Court, April, I860.
sense of his kindness and our wishes for his prosperity and
happiness.
" Resolved, That the moderator and clerk sign and trans-
mit to Mr. Haverling a copy of the preceding resolution."
David McMaster, William Hamilton, and Constant Cook
were elected the new board of trustees ; and it was voted
unanimou.sly to name the .school building about to be
erected upon the accepted lot " The Haverling Union
School-House of Bath." It was also voted that the sum
of $2000 be raised by tax to build the house upon said lot.
On the VMh of April, 1847, the contract requiring the
erection of a school building of brick and stone, 40 by 60
feet, and three stories besides basement, was let to Sylvanus
Stephens, of Bath, the contract price being 82180.66. On
the first Monday in May, 1848, on motion of Hon. John
Magee, an additional sum of $1000 was voted to complete
the building. It was finished and occupied in the fall of
1848. At the same time that the last thousand dollars
was voted to finish the new school-house, an appropriation
was made to repair the old buildings
The first Haverling Union School building was burned
in 1865. At a meeting of the voters of the district held
March 7, 1866, on motion of Mr. Robert L. Underbill, the
following resolution was adopted :
" Resolved, That the trustees of this district be and they
are hereby authorized and directed to con.struct a school-
house in this district, upon the site now belonging to the
district, at a cost not exceeding the sum of $15,000,
besides the insurance-money and materials on hand."
The insurance on the old building amounted to $2000 ;
the $15,000 in addition was voted to be raised by tax ; the
Haverling lot, lying between the school site and Liberty
Street, was purchased for the sum of $900. An additional
sum was afterwards raised, and the present commodious
and substantial Haverling Union Free-School building com-
pleted at an entire cost of about $25,000. With the en-
largement of the grounds by the addition of the Haverling
building lot, the heating of the building throughout by
steam, and various modern improvements, this school build-
ing, with its surroundings, being situated on grounds adja-
cent to Washington (formerly St. Patrick's) Square, is
among the most pleasant educational institutions in this
portion of the State. Samuel S. May was the builder.
The trustees under whose auspices it was erected were
David Rumsey, Robert L. Underbill, and L. P. Hard.
David Rumsey was president of the board, and George
Edwards clerk.
Tiie principals of the Union School from 1846 to 1868
were as follows: Hathaway, Emerson J. Hamilton,
Charles W. Gulick, James Buell, James A. Broadhead,
William S. Hall, C. C. Wheeler, J. H. Strong, John C.
Higby, and Henry A. Smith.
OKGANIZATION OP THE UNION FREE SCHOOL.
On the 10th of June, 1868, a meeting of the legal
voters of the district was held, to determine whether a
Union Free School should be established in the village of
Bath, in accordance with the provisions of title 9 of chapter
555 of the laws of 1864. The vote was taken viva voce,
and the motion carried unanimously. The following trus-
176
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tees, to constitute a board of education, were elected by
ballot: George Edwards, L. P. Hard, for three years; A.
Beekman,'R. Hardenbrook, for two years ; A. H. Cruten-
den, George S. Jones, for one year. On account of some
informalities, exceptions were taken to tlie legality of the
proceedings, and an appeal made to the superintendent of
public instruction of the State, who sustained the appeal,
and another meeting was called, and on the 6th of August,
1 868, a new board was elected, as follows : G. H. McMaster,
L. P. Hard, for three years ; L. D. Hodgman, R. Harden-
brook, for two years ; A. Beekman, S. Ensign, for one year.
At a meeting of the board, Aug. 7, 1 868, Hon. G. H.
IVIcMaster was elected president, and S. Ensign clerk.
M. M. Cummins was appointed collector, and Rodney E.
Harris treasurer.
At this meeting it was resolved to insure the school
property, as follows: On building, $17,000; on globes and
maps, $800; on furnace, §1200; on fuel, $300. Total,
$21,000.
Rev. A. B. Hyde, of Meadville, Pa., was employed as
the first principal, Aug. 31, 1868, at a salary of $1500 a
year, with the following corps of assistants : Mr. •
Thacher, classical teacher ; Miss Emily Hubbard, Miss
Esther King, Miss M. Vaughn, Miss Mary McMaster,
Miss Maggie Sharp, Miss Alice Smith, Miss Libbie French,
Mrs. Fanny Barnes, Mrs. Anna Wolf, Miss Helen Finch,
and Miss Maria Faulkner.
On Wednesday, Sept. 7, 186S, the Haverling Union
Free School, with its academic department, was opened to
the public. It at once took rank with the leading academic
free schools of the country. It was much to be regretted
that Prof. Hyde, who had been selected on account of his
eminent literary qualifications to preside over the school,
should have seen fit to voluntarily withdraw after having
organized the school and conducted it one week. But such
was his choice, and his place was temporarily filled by Prof.
Z. L. Parker, who remained in charge till Sept. 6, 1869,
when he was succeeded by Prof L. M. Johnson. Prof
John.son filled acceptably the position of principal till Sept.
6, 1870, and was succeeded by Prof E. H. Latimer, who
remained in charge till Sept. 6, 1873, at which date L.
D. Miller, A.M., the present principal, took charge of the
school.
The schools of the village are divided into seven de-
partments,— six besides the academy, which contains an
average of 120 pupils. The entire attendance in all the
departments is 600. Under Prof Miller's administration
quite a large number have been in attendance from out-
side of the district, and many from places quite remote
from the village. Indeed, the attendance of both the home
and the foreign pupils has so much increased that the ac-
commodations in the academic building are scarcely ade-
quate to meet their wants, and will necessitate ere long
an enlargement of the building or a division of the school.
The academy building presents the appearance of a busy
hive, alive with activity and interest from bottom to top.
In 1870 the amount expended by the board for school
purposes was $10,256.29. This is a little above the aver-
age yearly expenditure, though the village is noted for its
liberality in the support of its public schools.
Mr. Haverling in his will made a bequest of the bulk
of his property to the district, from which has been realized
a fund of about $14,000, the annual interest of which is
devoted to the expenses of the school which bears his
name.
The Board of Instruction for the present year consists of
the following-named persons : L. D. Miller, A.M., Princi-
pal; Miss L. C. Martin, Miss E. M. Merritt, Miss A.
McLoury, Miss L. Richardson, Assistants in Academic
Department ; Mrs. L. D. Miller, Teacher of Drawing ;
E. Warren, No. 5 ; Miss E. Faucett, No. 4J ; Miss E.
French, No. 4; Mrs. F. C. Barnes, Assistant in No. 4;
Miss A. Sutherland, No. 3 ; IMiss J. McMaster, Assistant
No. 3 ; Miss M. C. Delano, No. 2 ; Miss F. E. Brace, No.
1 ; Miss A. C. Robie, Assistant No. 1.
Board of Education. — Hon. Guy H. McMaster, Presi-
dent ; C. F. Kingsley, Secretary ; L. D. Hodgman, R.
Hardenbrook, A. Beekman, W. S. Burns.
LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
The members of the bench and bar, as well as of the
medical profession, of Bath, are given in the general chap-
ters in the preceding part of this work. All that is neces-
sary to add here is the list of present attorneys and practicing
physicians in the village.
G. H. McMaster.
A. J. McCall.
AVilliam B. Rugglea.
AVilliam Rumsej.
M. R. Miller.
John F. Little.
J. F. Parkhurst.
P. S. Donahe.
William M. Nichols.
Lester B. Ruggles.
5rE«BERS OF THE BAH.
C. F. Kingsley.
A. P. Ferris.
R. E. Robie.
C. Campbell.
G. E. McMaster.
B. L. Smith.
C. H. McMaster.
W. H. Nichols.
A. E. Baxter.
PHYStCIAXS.
Joseph F. Dolson.
A. H. Cruttenden.
Ira P. Smith.
F. Wylie.
C. W. Bennett.
B. F. Grant.
F. H. Purdy.
Ambrose Kasson.
Mrs; Amelia Dolson.
Mrs. Agnes Seeley.
J. R. Selover.
Frank Cruttenden.
Orlando Sutton.
POSTMASTERS AT BATH.
The following have been the postmasters at Bath since
the beginning of the present century, as reported from the
Department at Washington :
Dugald Cameron, appointed Jan. 1, 1800.
George McClure, appointed Feb. 24, 1805.
Daniel Cruger, appointed June 29, 1815.
Edward Howell, appointed Dec. 30, 1817.
Daniel Cruger, appointed Aug. 13. 1820.
Simpson Ellis, appointed April 8, 1822.
William S. Hubbell, appointed June 22, 1829.
John W. Fowler, appointed Sept. 17, 1835.
Reuben Robie, appointed Feb. 16, 1837.
Levi C. Whiting, appointed July 20, 1841.
George Huntington, a])pointed Nov. 16, 1846.
Timothy Whiting, appointed June 1, 1849.
James Gansevoort, appointed June 2, 1851.
Jesse Vanderhoven, appointed May 15, 1853.
Jesse Vanderhoven, appointed , 1858.
George S. Ellis, appointed April 3, 1861.
I \
'y7~7^^-^
<^.
WILLIAM B. RUGGLES.
William B. Rnggles was the only son of Dr. William B. and Mary
iggles, and was born in Bath, N. Y., May 14, 1827. His mother, by the
ith of Dr. Ruggles, in 1830, was left a widow in indigent circumstances.
ir son, however, was kept at school in Bath most of the time until 1840,
en he entered the office of The Conttitufioualist, then published in Bath
Charles Adams, to team the printer's trade. From this time he was
■own upon his own resources. He continued working in printing-offices
Bath, Coming, and Canandaigua until 1846. During this period, con-
ving an ardent desire to acquire a thorough education, he adopted the
m of combining work and study in the printing-office, and by devoting
irniuge and nights, after the day's work was done, to his books, he was
a.bled to enter Hamilton College^ in the sophomore class, in September,
i6.
During his college coarse, by working at his trade during vacations, and
Lching school one winter, at the same time keeping along with his class
his studies, he was able to earn enough to defray his college expenses,
d graduated in July, 1849.
In October, 1849, he went to Atlanta, Ga., where he immediately secured
situation as editor of the Atlanta Intelligencer, a weekly paper, which
d been started a few weeks before. By the end of the first year he pur-
ased a half interest in the paper, and in the course of another year pur-
ased the remaining half. In the spring of 1854, the city having increased
population largely, he commenced the publication of a daily paper, Tke
lily Intelliyenc.tr, it being the first daily paper ever published in Atlanta.
August, of the same year, he married Caroline, daughter of Col. Lester
.rkcr, of Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y., a young lady whose acquaintance
had made during his college days. He continued the publication of
he fntelligent-er until 1857, which became, under his management, the
iding Democratic newspaper of Upper Georgia, his daily when started,
d for some time after, being the only daily paper in Georgia outside of
a cities of Savannah and Augusta. While a resident of Atlanta, Mr.
iggles was, during several years, a member of the board of aldermen of
ptt city.
In September, 1857, having sold out his property in Atlanta, Mr. Rug-
la ryturned to the North, and commenced the study of law at Clinton,
icida Co., N. Y., under Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, then in charge of the
V school of Hamilton College. For some years before leaving Atlanta,
ving applied himself closely to legal studies in connection with bis edi-
rial duties, he was able to make rapid progress in the law school, and
is admitted to practice in July, 1858. On his admission to the bar, with
\i idea of perfecting himself in practice, he at once entered the law office
the late Judge Charles H. Doolittle, at Utica, N. Y., where he remained
til the spring of 1859, when he returned to Bath, and opened a law
ice, where he has since remained in active practice.
From 1859 to 1875, while always acting and voting with the Democratic
.rty, he persistently declined to be drawn into politics as a candidate,
eferring to give his undivided attention to the more congenial business of
the law, althongh in each of the presidential campaigns from 1864 to 1876,
at the request of his political friends, he was induced to " take the stump,"
and make a sei ies of political speeches in Steuben and some of the acyotmng
counties.
In 1868, Mr. Ruggles and a few other citizens of Bath organized the
'* Bath Library Association," of which be was chairman of the Board of
Managers for several years. Under his chairmanship the library grew from
a few hundred to over five thousand volumes.
He was for several years an active member of the Board of Education of
the Union Free School at Bath, until his duties at Albany induced bim to
resign the position as well as the chairmanship of the Library Association.
During the two years, 1876 and 1877, he was a member of the New Tork
Legislature, representing the First Assembly District of Steuben County.
In 1876 he was chosen by the Democratic State Convention at Utioa as
a delegate to represent the Twenty-ninth Congressional District of New
York in the National Democratic Convention at St. Louis. In the National
Convention he was an active and zealous advocate of the nomination of Mr.
Tilden for the Presidency.
In December, 1877, Mr. Ruggles was tendered and accepted the office of
deputy attorney-general of the State for the term of two years, from Jan.
1, 1878, in which capacity he is at the present time engaged at Albany.
Referring to this appointment, the Steuben Farmerg' Advocate, of Deo.
28, 1877, among other observations, made the fcllowing editorial comments:
" Not only is Mr. Ruggles greatly honored by this appointment, which
came to him entirely unsolicited, but the village of Bath as well. And not
only our town and county, but the young Democracy of the State, who are
proud to acknowledge Mr. Ruggles as a leader and a representative man.
Mr. Ruggles is fully competent for the distinguished and responsible posi-
tion which be has accepted. He is not unknown to the leading men of the
State. His position ae a leader in the Assembly for two winters, a promi-
nent member of the judiciary committee, and the bold stand he took as
the opponent of rings and State jobbery of every kind, gave him that
deserved prominence now accorded to him. We rejoice over this appoint-
ment, also, because it is a tribute to political integrity, and a recognition
of a self-made man, who has worked his way up from the printer's case and
the office boy of a country printing-office. Mr. Ruggles is a native of
Steuben County, and at the age of thirteen years entered a Bath printing-
office, and while pursuing this honorable calling resolved to become an
educated man. We remember him when a boy as a studious youth, and
call to mind the hours when we found him stretched out evenings on the
old * bank' of the printing-office, studying his books by the aid of a tallow
dip, fitting himself for entrance to Hamilton College. He entered that
college in 1846 in the sophomore class, a poor printer, with but thir^
dollars in his pocket, and was compelled to set type vacations and at other
hours to obtain the funds necessary to carry him through college. He
accomplished the purpose and desire of his heart, and graduated in 1S49
with the highest honors of his class."
i
TOWN OF BATH.
177
Ebeiiezer Ellis, apjiointed July 12, 1865.
Ebcnezer Ellis, appointed March 3, 1871.
Ebenezer Ellis, appointed March 18, 1873.
Joseph S. Dolson, appointed Feb. 12, 1874.
Joseph S. Dolson, appointed March 4, 1878.
BUSINESS OF THE VILLAGE.
Mills. — The mills in (lie village and vieiiiity are the
following :
Flouring and Merchant Mill, Bath, L. D. Hodgman,
proprietor.
Henry Brothers' Flouring-JIill, Bath.
John Baker's Mill, situated two miles up the river.
Eagle Mills, L. D. Hustin, three miles below the village.
MANur.\CTORlES. — The interests properly coming under
this head in the village of Bath are the following :
Sash-, Dooi'-, and Blind-Factory, A. Beckman.
Platform Wagons, etc., Loomis & McMaster.
Foundry and Machinc-Shop, Hardenbrook & Co.
Machine-Shop, John M. Ross.
Wagon Manufactory, D. B. Ballou.
Saw-Mill and Lumber- Yard, Samuel Balcom.
Planing-Mill and Bos-Factory, Allen Butler.
Confectionery Manufactory, John Messerschmidt.
Cigar Manufactories, Todd & Van Wie, S. L. Holcumb,
John Beckwith.
Broom Manufactory, John Scott.
Boots and Shoes, Thomas Davidson.
Furniture, Chester Knight.
Cooper-Shop, Joseph Thorp.
Mercantile. — Dry-Goodx, H. W. Ferine & Co., A.
S. Howell & Co., J. & J. C. Bobie, Church & Obert, W.
W. Wilson, Lee Swartz.
Drugs. — John Sutherland, George E. Knight, Mrs. M.
T. Hess.
Hardware. — Wm. H. Shepard, Hastings & Coy.
Jewelry.— y^. P. Sedgwick, Hills, Griswold & Co.,
George W. Murray, J. S. Farr.
Groceries. — Wheeler & Wood, Higgins & Otis, T. J.
Aber & Son, S. S. Eastwood, T. W. Barber.
Clothing.— D. Wile, Thorp & Clark, Charles E. Brown,
C. S. Allison (merchant tailoring).
Book-Stores. — C. Gansevoort, C. D. Wylie.
Shoe-Stores. — James H. Scott, Thomas Davidson, Joseph
Furtlierer.
Dentists. — J. R. Selover, A. Osgood.
Insurance. — ^M. T. Wagoner, Z. L. Parker, B. C.
Ward, D. M. Van Camp.
Meat-Markets. — D. L. Robinson, William V. Long-
well, D. H. Wheeler, Thomas Kniffin.
Milliners.— Mrs. Mitchell & Sister, Mrs. J. Van Der
Beck.
Dress-Making. — Miss Hannah Parker, Misses Tiflfany,
Mrs. A. Palmer.
Paints, Oils, and Painting. — M. C. Purdy, T. P.
Purdy, C. E. Hopkins.
Hotels. — Nichols House, John R. Laidlaw ; Steuben
Hou.se, Daniel Wright ; Mansion House, Perry Topping;
Read House, A. J. Read.
Purdy Opera-House. — M. C. & W. H. Purdy, pro-
prietors.
23
banks,
steuben county bank.
The Steuben County Bank was incorporated by act of the
Legislature, March 9, 1832. The following-named gentle-
men constituted the first Board of Directors : John Magee,
Wm. W. JlcCay, Reuben Robie, Edward Howell, Constant
Cook, James Faulkner,* Andrew B. Dickinson, Chauncey
Hoffman, Charles Butler, Henry S. Williams, Henry B.
Gibson, Ansel St. John, William S. Hubbell.
At a meeting of the directors, held Dec. G, 1832, John
Magee was elected President, and William B. Storm was
appointed Cashier.
The bank first opened for business in a room in the old
Land-Office building, Oct. 24, 1832. The present banking
house was built in 1833, when the business was removed
into it, where it has ever since remained. The bank has
been uniformly prosperous, and has undergone few changes
in its management, considering that it has been in existence
over forty-six years. During this period it has stood the
test of three financial revulsions, the most trying of any
that have ever been experienced in the monetary affairs of
this country, and has passed safely and triumphantly through
them all.
Jan. 15, 1835, Wm. W. McCay was elected President, and
John Magee appointed Cashier. July 1, 1851, John Magee
was elected President, and D. C. Howell appointed Cashier.
Jan. 12, 1869, D. C. Howell was elected President, and
William E. Plowell appointed Cashier. Feb. 24, 1870,
Ambrose S. Howell was elected President. Jan. 13, 1874,
D. C. Howell was elected President, and A. S. Howell,
Vice-President.
FIRST national BANK OF BATH.
The Bank of Bath was organized in April, 1854, under
the laws of the State, as a bank of issue, under the presi-
dency of the late Hon. Constant Cook, with H. H. Cook,
Esq., Cashier. For two or three months the business of
the bank was conducted in Judge Cook's former office, near
his residence, after which the bank was removed to the old
Land-Office building, on the south side of Pulteney Square,
which building it occupied about a year, awaiting the erection
of a substantial brick building upon the site of Judge Cook's
former office. Upon the completion of this building the
bank was removed to it. In April, 1858, the institution
was again removed to the building then owned and still
occupied by it at the corner of Steuben and Liberty
Streets.
On the 14th of December, 1863, it reorganized under the
"Act to provide a National Currency," etc., as " The First
National Bank of Bath," with a capital of $50,000. Offi-
cers as before — Constant Cook, President, and H. H. Cook,
Cashier. Directors, Constant Cook, H. H. Cook, L. D.
Hodgman, E. C. Cook, and W. W. Allen.
A few months afterwards its capital was increased to
$100,000.
On the 24th of February, 1874, at the ripe age of seventy-
six, and after a long and eminently-successful financial ca-
reer, Judge Cook, the founder of the bank, died.
« Still living.
178
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In the following April Henry H. Cook, Esq., was elected
to the vacant presidency, and W. W. Allen appointed cashier.
Under the active management of Constant and Henry H.
Cook, the bank has always done a safe and prudent business.
We append the first and last published reports of the bank :
WEEKLY STATEME.NT, BANK OF RATH.
Bath, N. Y., April 22, 1854.
Slocks $2.0,48.')
Honiis and mortgages 25,237
Cash items $1111.48
" amount notes y.V.'S
" foreign 817
" specie By7..31
$7,901.79
Bills discountcrl 1,527.16
North Kiver liank 5,474.47
Coiumercial liauk, Trov I.;j05.1fi
A. S. Foster, broker....'. 998.42
S67,9S9.U0
Capital $50,722
Emission 1 $1000
'■ 2 2000
" 5 5000
" 5 5000
$13,000
ritOKIT AND LOSS.
Discount $22.87
Postage OR $22.93
Premium 15.59 7.34
Individual dej)o?it3 4,259.06
$67,989.00
HEroKT
0/ /lir rojuli'lHin of lliK Fu-Hl Naliininl Hank nf Ihilh, nl llalh, in
the Slate (if New Yorh, tit the rlrme (»/* hunlnenn nn the Xnt dnij of Oc-
tober, 1878.
KESOUlllES.
Loans ami discounts $360,558.43
Overdrafts 1,671.37
U. S. bonds to secure circulation 100,000.00
U. S. bonds on hand 50.00
Due from apjjroved resiM'vc agents 7,736.92
Due from other national banks 2,384.66
Due from State banks and bankers 23,202.54
Banking-house 1(1.000.00
Cheeks and other cash items, including stamps.. 1,775.55
Bills of other banks 643.00
Fractional currency 76.00
Specie, gold coin $750
Specie, silver coin 197
947.00
Legal tender notes 8,650.00
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer 3,800.00
$521,585.47
LIAIIILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $100,000.00
Surplus fund 20,000.00
Undivided profits 9,502.25
Circulating notes received from comp-
troller $90,000
Less am't on hand and with comptroller
for burning
90,000.00
Individual deposits subject to check 191,212.22
Demand certificates of deposit 10,871.00
Due to other national banks
Due to State banks and bankers
Bills payable 100,000.00
$521,585.47
I, AV. W. Allen, cashier of the First National Bank of Bath, do
solemnly swear that the above statement is true, to the best of my
knowledge and belief.
W. W. .\llen, Cashier.
B. C. CnoK, 1
[Correct Attest.] L. D. Hodosian. > Directors.
W. W. Alles, )
State of New Yokk, i
Coimrv OF Steiibkn-. |
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Sth day of October, 1878.
C. F. Kingslev, Notary Public.
GEORGE W. HALLACK S BANK.
The banking house of George W. Hallack, Bath, N. Y.,
was established Jan. 1, 1849. George W. Hallack, Presi-
dent; Wm. S. Hubbell, Cashier. Mr. Hallack has remained
president ever since. Mr. Hubbell w;i.s cashier up to the
time of his death, in 1873, and was succeeded by F. H.
Dildine for one year. W. H.TIallack was then appointed
cashier, and has .so remained ever since.
In January, 1862, the old bank building was destroyed
by fire. The present building was immediately erected, and
the fine banking-room and ofiices fitted up for the business,
which has steadily prospered, and commands a large share
of the confidence and patronage of the business public.
Mr. Hallack is a native of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., born
Nov. 27, 1819, and came to this county in 1833.
MASONIC.
Bath Clidpter, No. 95, was instituted Feb. 4, 1852.
Louis Biles was the first H. P. ; William Hamilton, K. ;
and John R. Gansevoort, S. The present ofiicers are Isaac
J. Merrill, H. P. ; Henry Faucctt, K. ; Byron W. Yost, S. ;
James Faulkner, C. of H. ; Charles Dudley, P. S. ; Thomas
DavLson, P. A. C. ; Henry Leigh, M. 3d V. ; Charles A.
Clark,. M. 2d V.; George Sutherland, M. l.st V.; Val.
Brother, Sec. ; Jonas Van Wie, Treas. ; Charles B. Mowers,
Tyler.
Koiihoctoii Council, No. 4; instituted Feb. 7, 1871.
The following were the first officers of the lodge : 0. West
Lackey, Master; W. H. Shepard, D. M. ; E. G. Smead,
P. C. W. The officers at present are I. J. Merrill, Mas-
ter; W. H. Shepard, D. M. ; James Faulkner, P. C. W. ;
Charles Dudley, C. of G. ; Henry Faucett, C. of C. ; Thos.
Davison, Steward ; Samuel Scott, Sentinel ; Thomas R.
Rutherford, Treas. ; V. Brother, Rec.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Present Officers. — William McFie, Dictator ; James
Faulkner, Vice-D. ; Charles S. Allison, Asst. D. ; Henry
Faucett, Past D. ; W. H. Young, Reporter; D. C. Alden,
F. R. ; E. H. Hasting, Treas. ; 0. W. Lackey, Guide ; S.
C. Thorp, Guard ; Charles Stratton, Sent. ; A. H. Otis,
Chap.
ANCIENT ORDER 0¥ UNITED WORKMEN.
Present Officers. — Henry Faucett, M. W. ; Andrew
Crook, G. F. ; Chas. S. Allison, 0. ; F. E. Cruttenden, Re-
corder; D. C. Alden, Financier; H. B. Williams, Receiver;
S. C. Thorp, I. W. ; L. D, Cardwell, 0. W. ; S. L. Hol-
comb. Guide; W. H. Shepard, P. M. W.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BATH.
Some time in 1805, Mr. John Niles, a young man in
feeble healtli, who had been licensed to preach, came from
Prattsburgh occasionally, and held religious services. In
June, 180(j, his health liaving improved, he received ordi-
nation from the Ontario Association of Congregational
Churehcs, after which he supplied the church of Pratts-
burgh one-half of his time, and preached the other half at
Bath. On the 16th of January, 1806, a religious society
TOWN OF BATH.
179
vas organized so far as to elect a board of trustees, eon-
iisting of George McClure, J. T. Ilaight, Howell Bull,
James Turner, Dugald Cameron, Samuel S. Haiglit, Henry
A.. Townsend, and Robert Campbell. Two year.s more
3a.s.scd by, however, before we hear of any further effort to
juild up the Church of Chri.st in this community. .Mr.
Miles' labors were continued every other Sabbath until, on
;he Hd of January, 1808, the congregation a.ssembled, prob-
ibly in the court-house, which seems to have been their
alace of worship until they had built a cliureh ; and there
i small number of them entered into a covenant, and were
constituted a church under the name of " The Church of
Christ in Bath, Presbyterian Congregation." Their names
were as follows : Joseph Inslee, Elizabeth Inslee, William
Aulls, Elizabeth Aulls, James Turner, Eunice Johnson,
Henry A. Townsend, Elizabeth Townsend, Howell Bull,
Eunice Bull, Robert Campbell, Mary Shethar, Samuel S.
Haight, Sarah Haight.
On the same day Joseph Inslee and Samuel S. Haight
were cho.sen and appointed deacons of the cliureh. All
this must have taken place in connection with the usual
services of the Lord's Day, the lid of January in that year
having been Sunday.
On the 30th of May following this a call was presented
to Mr. Niles, requesting him to take the pastoral oversight
of the congregation, which be accepted in a letter dated
June 11, and he was accordingly installed by a committee
of the Association, on the 7th day of July, 1808. The
church tlius assumed at its origin a Congregational character,
but in September, 1811, it was received under the care of
the Presbytery of Geneva. In November of the same
year, William Aulls, Elias Ho])kins, Samuel S. Haight,
Henry A. Townsend, and Howell Bull were chosen and .set
apart to the office of ruling elder, and from that time this
has been a Presbyterian Church in fact ;ls well as in name.
Only a year after this the pastor was taken away by
death, Sept. 13, 1812, in the thirtieth year of his age.
In January, 1813, a call was extended to the Rev. David
Higgins, of Auburn, which he accepted, and early in July
of that year he was installed as pastor. He had come
from Connecticut into this State at first on a missionary
tour, and had but recently organized what is now the First
Presbyterian Church of Auburn when he was called to
Bath. Here he remained for eighteen years, extending
his labors over a wide region, :is it was gradually filling up
with new settlers. Under his ministry the church incro;tsed
its membership and erected its first house of worship, and
became well established as a centre of wholesome influence
to the growing village and to the surrounding neighbor-
hood. The preparations for building were begun in 1821.
As yet no house of worship " with a steeple'' had been
built in what is now Steuben County. A lot which had
been part of the land-office premises was given them by
the Pulteney Estate. A subscription was raised amount-
ing to something over $2000, and a contract was made
with Capt. Moses II. Lyon to build the house for $2450.
On the 2d of March, 1825, it wa.s solemnly dedicated, the
services being conducted by the pastor, Mr. Higgins, a.ssisted
by Rev. J. H. Hotchkin, of PratCsburgli, and Rev. iMr.
Clary, of Cohocton. At that time the church consisted
of about sixty members, but six years afterwards, when Mr.
Higgins gave up his pastoral charge, sixty others had united
and quite a number had been dismissed, or were just about
to be dismi.s.sed, to organize new churches in the neighbor-
ing villages. The church of Hammondsport and that of
Kennedyville (now Kanona) derived nearly all their orig
inal members from this ; that of Wlie ;ler took about one-
half of its first mcrabcrsliip from Hath, and still the parent
church had strength enough to go on and prosper.
In 1831, just at the close of his seventieth year, Mr.
Higgins resigned his pastoral charge, and a few years after-
wards removed with his family to Noiwalk, ()., where he
died, June 18, 1842, having passed the age of fourscore.
He was succeeded by the Rev. [saac Walts I'latt, who
had but recently resigned his pastoral charge at Athens,
Pa. Coming to Bath in April, 1831, he found the com-
munity pervaded by a deep religions sentiment, and at the
joint request of the pastor and the people, be became the
stated minister. Under his jireaching, together with the
labors of the pastor, a remarkable work of grace was devel-
oped, resulting in a large addition In the church. His call
from this congregation was dated June 4, 1831.
During his pastorate occurred the discussions which
sprang out of the notable revivals of those times, and were
instrumental in bringing about the division of the Ameri-
can Presbyterian Church. On the 18tli of February, 1838,
a band of a score or more of the members of this church
in Bath — including two of its elders, Ira Gould and John
Emerson — met separately in the court-hou.se, and organized
what was called the Constitutional Presbyterian Church of
Bath.
This new society increased in numbers, and built a house
of worship on Liberty Street, but found it very difficult to
maintain stated services from year to year. The old church
also could not bear the depletion thus occasioned — with all
the attendant irritation — without serious injury both finan-
cially and spiritually.
The pastor, meanwhile, was suffering in bodily health
beyond anything that appeared in his ordinarily cheerful
tone as he went about among his parishioners, and some
very severe domestic afflictions weighed him down with
great anxiety and sorrow. After the loss of a bright and
promising son, in October, 1843, it was difficult for him
to keep up his pulpit and parochial work with his accus-
tomed vigor, and in April, 1844, he gave up the charge of
this church. In 1847 he removed to West Farms, West-
chester Co., where he was pastor until bis death, in Feb-
ruary, 1858.
He was succeeded here at once by Rev. L. Merrill Mil-
ler, then a young man just licensed, and whose ministry of
.seven years proved a well-chosen means of fostering the
best influences in the congregation. In 1851 he was called
to the church of Ogdensburgh, where he is pastor at this
day.
In August, 1851, Rev. George D. Stewart, who had
spent a few years in the ministry at Port Byron, having
been called to this church, began his .stated labors. His
pastorate of about eight years was a very flouri.shing one,
; resulting in the gathering in of many from the surrounding
country neighborhoods. In 1852 the church edifice had
180
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
to be enlarged to make I'oom for tlio growin;:: congrega-
tion.
During tlie winter of 1858-59, a revival of religion began
in the Baptist Church of Bath, and proved to be the begin-
ning of an extended work of divine grace, in which the
entire community participated. The work in this congre-
gation went on under the united labors of the pastor and
the Rev. Wm. E. Jones, of Caledonia, until, as the re.sult
of it, more than fifty persons, at different communion
seasons, were added to this church. Mr. Stewart resigned
his pastoral charge June 1, 1859, and since then has been
doing eminent service to the cause of Christ in Iowa and
Nebraska. lie gave place here to Rev. William Evan
Jones, who had been of such assistance during the recent
revival. He resigned his charge in 1863 to accept the
chaplaincy of one of the volunteer regiment.s of this State,
and so served during the latter part of the war of the Re-
bellion.
After his departure the congregation did not seem pre-
pared to call another pastor, and the services of Rev. James
M. Harlow were engaged as a stated sujiply. He continued
in this relation until October, IStiS, when he gave up the
pulpit. A long vacancy followed, until the close of Septem-
ber, 1869, when, in response to a call dated in July of that
year, the Rev. James M. Piatt began his stated labors here.
On coming back to his boyhood's home to take the place
once occupied by his father, the way was already prepared
for receiving back to the communion of this church the
remnant of those who, more than thirty years before, had
organized a separate church. They had now disposed of
their church property, giving $1000 of the proceeds to the
trustees of this church towards procuring a parsonage, and
since then there has been but one Presbyterian Church in
Bath.
Early in 1870, the trustees called the congregation to-
gether to consider the expediency of building a new church
edifice, and in 1871 a Ladies' Church Aid Society was or-
ganized for the express purpose of raising funds for the
furnishing of a new church and the purchase of an organ.
It was not until 1873, however, that the project of re-
building assumed any definite shape. In August of that
year Messrs. John and Ira Davenport offered to make up
in their family a subscription of $10,000, on condition that
the congregation apart from them should raise $20,000
more, with the view of building a church that should cost
$30,000. The subscription for this amount having been
secured by the following March, the trustees were ap-
pointed the building committee to have charge of the work ;
Mr. John Beekman being at the same time elected a trus-
tee on account of his thorough qualifications for the over-
sight of such a task, and Mr. John Davenport being ap-
pointed president of that board. Steps were immediately
taken, which resulted in the erection of the present sub-
stantial and beautiful stone edifice on the site of the old
church, on the south side of Pulteney Square, according to
plans prepared by Jacob Wrey Mould, architect, of New
York City. The building thus far has cost $50,000, to-
wards which the ladies furnished $2000 through their
society. It remains to complete the building by carrying
out the design for the two towers, which have thus far been
erected to a height of only thirty feet. The interior has
been chastely finished, and was first occupied for religious
services on the 22d of Febuary, 1877. Since that time the
congregation has increased, so that of the 146 pews not
more than 20 can be considered vacant. The membership
of the church is about 250. Besides the Sabbath-school
connected with the church, a Young People's Association
has been in active service since January, 1875, and holds
a devotional meeting every Sunday evening, while engag-
ing also in other Christian work.
The officers of the church are as follows : Pastor, Rev.
James M. Piatt ; Ruling Elders, Peter Ilalsey, Z. L. Par-
ker, A. H. Otis, E. H. Hastings, Dr. A. Kassou ; Deacons,
Jno. L. Scofield, Wm. H. Shepard, S. G. Lewis, C. G-anse-
voort ; Trustees. Jno. Davenport, J. F. Parkhurst, Chester
Knight, C. A. Ellis, Henry Faueett, E. H. Hastings ;
Treasurer, Wm. McFie.
ST. THOMAS' CHURCH, BATH.
The fir.st seeds of this church were dropped in 1815.
Early in the year the esteemed member of Assembly for
this district returned from Albany to his home at Cold
Springs, — midway between Bath and Ilammondsport, —
bringing, as his newly-married wife, a lady of rare culture,
who had been raised in a staunch church family of the Con-
necticut pattern, and more recently had been engaged in
successful educational enterprises in Troy and its vicinity.
This lady, Mrs. Elizabeth Hull Townsend, soon and deeply
felt the loss of those services and ministrations which had
long been endeared to her, and was greatly cheered, one
summer day, upon seeing a gentleman ride up to her door,
in halfclerical, half-military costume, who announced him-
, self as the Rev. Mr. Hopkins, missionary at Mauch Chunk,
Pa., but now on his way farther West, upon business con-
nected with his services as an officer in the war of Inde-
pendence. It was with some difficulty that !Mrs. Townsend
could persuade him to remain and hold a service in Bath.
" They call our Church," he said, '' the Tory Church, and
no one knows how much prejudice and ill-will might be ex-
cited." But .she prevailed, and a service was held in the
old court-house ; and there are some still living in this village
who remember it well.
From that time Mrs. Townsend could not rest. She rode
to Geneva, forty miles, on horseback, taking with her a
young child for baptism, and there urged the claims of the
Southern Tier to a church missionary ; but was sorrowfully
told there was none to be had. Bishop Hobart, to a similar
appeal, returned the same answer.
At length, however, she succeeded .so well in enlisting the
sympathies of iier friends in the East, and of several gen-
tlemen connected with the land-office in Bath, — Messrs.
Troup, Cameron, and others, — that the services of Mr.
ij'Hopkins, who had revisited the place several times, were
secured, as missionary to Bath and Angelica and interme-
diate places. At that time, however, — 1823, — this region
was still covered with dense forests, with here and there a
clearing for some young and thriving settlement. But the
labor and care proved too much for our pioneer missionary,
and he soon sank under them at the ripe age of sixty-nine;
and the little flock was again without a shepherd till the
TOWN OF BATH.
181
summer of 1825, when a new departure was taken, under
the auspices of that young missionary. Rev. William W.
Bostwick, whom Bishop Iloburt sent to this field. Early
in 1826 he organized parishes in Bath and Hammondsport,
between which two places he divided his labors ; not forget-
ting, however, the wider field in which his predecessor had
sown good seed.
At the time of the organization of these churches, there
was not known to be a single male communicant in either
place. In the former the first vestry consisted of Rev. W.
W. Bostwick, Rector ; Zalman Tousy and Nehemiah White,
Wardens; Dugald Cameron, John Brown, John D. Dent,
Wm. H. Bull^ William Gamble, Selah Barnard, Paul C.
Cook, and John D. Mitchell, Vestrymen. Of them Col.
Bull is the only survivor, and has served either as vestry-
man or warden ever since. Of the first wardens, one was
from Campbell and the other from Avoca, as the town has
since been called. The vestrymen were yet more widely
scattered.
Under Mr. Bostwick's au.spices church edifices were
erected in good time at Bath and Hammondsport, and these
have recently been replaced by noble and attractive struc-
tures which would do honor to any place.
For the new St. Thomas' Church, Bath, which cost, in-
cluding lot, bell, organ, architect's fees, and all its equip-
ments, over $60,000, the parish is greatly indebted to the
Hon. Constant Cook, who subscribed more than half that
amount. The congregation contributed the remainder of
the sum to be raised very liberally and promptly, so that
no debt was entailed upon the parish.
The corner-stone of this church was laid by Bishop Coxe,
with imposing ceremonies, one beautiful August evening in
1869, in the presence of a great concourse of people, who
listened to his address with eager delight. The consecra-
tion services, April 13, 1871, were yet more imposing, —
some twenty clergymen in their robes a.ssisting the bishop.
The church is of stone, — after a plan by H. Dudley, of
New York, — clerestory, with nave and aisles, and chapel
attached, fronting 76 feet on Liberty Street, and extending
along the line of Washington Square 140 feet. The recent
purchase and gift of an adjoining lot by H. H. Cook, Esq.,
of New York City, has added greatly to the beauty and
value of the property.
Mr. Bostwick resigned his charge at the end of fourteen
years of hard service, and removed to Illinois, where he
died, in 1846, greatly beloved and lamented. It was his
hand that, Noah-like, first planted the vine in Pleasant
Valley, from which so important results have followed.
His successors at Bath have been the Rev. P. L. Whip-
ple, who died very suddenly in 1844 ; the Rev. Dr. Wilson,
now professor in Cornell University ; the Rev. Levi H.
Corson ; the Rev. Almon Gregory ; and the present incum-
bent. Rev. 0. R. Howard, D.D., who has now nearly com-
pleted his twenty-two years as rector of St. Thomas'.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP BATH.
The first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Bath was incorporated on the 4th of September, 1822.
During several years previous there had been Methodist
preaching in the village, at first occasionally and then regu-
larly at intervals of two or three weeks, as the circuit
preachers came around on their large circuits and preached
in the court-house or school-house if unoccupied and were
not locked against them ; when these could not be obtained
they preached in private houses.
In 1814 Bath was included in Newtown Circuit, with
Newtown (now Elmira) as its centre, but with its circum-
ference undefined, in charge of one of the old, energetic
pioneers, — Rev. Gideon Lanning. But the first Method-
ist sermon of which we can obtain definite account was
preached at the residence of Mr. Gaylord, the house still
standing on the north side of Steuben Street and now
occupied by " Jo. Bell."
In 1820, Revs. James S. Lent and Nathan B. Dodson,
being then on this circuit, made Bath a regular preaching-
place once in two weeks, and formed a society or class com-
posed of thirteen members, and these mostly females.
In 1822, Rev. Benjamin Sabin was in charge of the cir-
cuit. During this year the Rev. Loring Grant, a young
man of good preaching powers, educated a lawyer, was sent
out by the conference to look after the finances of the
church generally, and especially the titles and interests of
church property. He came to Bath and saw its need of a
Methodist house of worship. A meeting was convened on
the 3d of September for the purpose of incorporating the
first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Bath,
at which meeting John Whiting, Dr. Simpson Ellas, George
Wheeler, Jeremiah Baker, and Darius Read were elected
trustees, as appears by the certificate bearing the signatures
of Rev. L. Grant and J]leazer Dewey, presiding, and filed
in Steuben County 4th of September, 1822.
The Revs. Grant and Sabin circulated a subscription for
funds to build a church ; the frame of which was reared in
May, 1823, by John Whiting and Mr. Degolier, and was
by them finished with galleries and bell-tower in 1826,
under the supervision of a board of trustees, elected in
1825, viz. : John Donahe, George Wheeler, Moses Dudley,
Lewis Biles, and John Whiting. And the church was
then dedicated by the Rev. George Lane, of Berwick, Pa.,
then presiding elder on Ontario District.
On the 9th day of April, 1825, the title to the church
lot was conveyed by Howell Bull and wife to John Donahe
and others, trustees, etc., of the First Society of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in Bath.
In 1846, under the pastorate of Rev. Earl B. Fuller, the
house was reconstructed, and by Rev. John Keunard the
galleries taken out, a floor thrown across so as to form a
basement with an audience-room above, and was in June,
1846, reconsecrated by Rev. Dr. J. Copeland, of Lima;
the Rev. Dr. 0. R. Howard, then of Painted Post, preach-
ing in the evening.
In December, 1865, under Rev. A. F. Morey, pastor, it
was determined, at a church-meeting, to make an effort to
enlarge or rebuild the church edifice. A subscription of about
$7000 was obtained, and a plan was adopted for a new
church edifice, to be 90 feet long by 41 in breadth, with
tower and spire, and audience-room and basement for Sun-
day-school and clas.s-rooms ; the structure to be a frame,
ceiled externally, and veneered with one course of brick.
P. S. Donahe, J. Carter, and A. R. De Puy were elected a
182
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
building committee to supervise the erection. The job was
let to E. W. Buck and A. J. Barton, to furnish the mate-
rial and fini.sh the hou.se for the .sum of $8300. The old
church building was sold to Joseph Carter for $775, and
the closing services were held therein on Sunday, the —
day of , 1866. The foundation of the new church
was prepared, and the corner-stone laid with appropriate
ceremonies, on the 16th day of May, 1866, by Rev. J. G.
Gulick, presiding elder of this district, assisted by Warner
Gilbert, Master Mason, in presence of the officers of the
church and a large concourse of people, who were addressed
by the Rev. Dr. J. Lindsay, President of Genesee College,
and Rev. Dr. A. D. Wilber, of Lima.
From a memorandum of the deposits in the cavity of the
corner-stone, the following-named persons were then officers
of this church : Presiding Elder of this district. Rev. J. G.
Gulick; Pastor of Church at Bath, Rev. A. F. Morey ;
Trustees, P. S. Donahe, Nelson Barney, R. Hardenbrook,
Jas. McBeath, and A. Wells. Class- Leaders, Piatt P.
Smith, Wm. Crow, Hiram Brundage, R. Hardenbrook,
Samuel Ovenshire, Thos. C. Davison, and J. H. Thorp;
Stewards, P. S. Donahe (Recording Steward), A. R. De Puy,
T. C. Davi.son, J. Carter, and R. Hardenbrook ; Building
Committee, P. S. Donahe, J. Carter, and A. R. De Puy ;
Exhorters, James Wright, J. H. Thorp; Superintendent
of Sabbath-school, P. S. Donahe.
The house was completed and furnished at a cost of
$10,427, and on the 6th day of February, 1867, it was
opened and dedicated by Rev. J. G. Gulick ; Rev. Dr. Jes.se
T. Peck preached the first sermon, and the Rev. Dr. Schuy-
ler Seager preached in the afternoon.
The trustees elected as incorporators of this church in
1822, and their succcs.sors, elected in 1825, both above
named, were at the time of this dedication all living, except
Col. John Whiting, and all residents of this county ; although
in one case forty-five years had intervened, and in the otiier
forty-two years, since their election. To commemorate such
an event is seldom the privilege of any combination of men.
These ex-trustees of over forty years' standing were each
specially invited to attend the dedication and be guests of
the president of the board of trustees, many of whom were
upon the platform participating in the dedicatory exercises,
and, together with many of the old church pioneers, sur-
rounded the banquet-board of their host to discuss not only
the substantials in profusion spread before them but to talk
over the good old times long-agone. They were among the
strong, reliable old men, — the pioneers of progress and well-
wishers of Zion. Nor had they that day cause to weep, as
did the ancient men who attended the dedication of the
second Jewish temple.
Prior to 1835 this church was united with several others,
and constituted a circuit supplied with one or more preach-
ers, preaching alternately at each appointment. At this time
Bath was erected into a station, and has since had a sep-
arate pastor.
Among those that have preached here are the following :
In 1820, James Lent and Nathan B. Dodson ; 1822, Ben-
jamin Sabin ; 1824, Renaldo M. Everts; 1826, Cum-
mings, Henry F. Rowe, and Asa Orcott; 1827, John Arn-
old, Levi B. Castle, and Ralph Bennett; 1828, Cyrus Story,
Zina J. Buck, and Menzer Doud ; 1830, Samuel Parker
and Samuel Bibbins ; 1831, Asahel Hayward and Augustin
Anderson ; 1833, Edmund 0. Fling, J. Shaw, and John
Dennis ; 1835 (Bath as a separate station), John G. Gulick ;
1836, Chandler Wheeler; 1838, William C. Hosmer; 1840,
Eventus Doud ; 1841, Daniel B. Lawton ; 1842, Philander
Powers; 1844, David Ferris; 1845, Earl B. Fuller; 1847,
S: W. Alden ; 1849, Jo.seph K. Tuttle ; 1850, Augustus
C. George; 1851, E. G. Town.send ; 1852, Nathan Fel-
lows; 1853, Andrew Sutherland; 1855, C. M. Gardner;
1857, Nathan M. Beers; 1859, George Haven; 1861,
William C. Mattison ; 1863, William Manning; 1865,
A. F. Morey; 1868, J. T. Brownell ; 1869, Sam'l McGer-
ald; 1872, E. T. Greene; 1874, R. D. Munger ; 1877,
George Stratton.
BAPTIST CIIDRCH.
On the 16th of March, 1842, a few brethren and sLsters
of the Baptist faith, living in Bath and surrounding country,
met in the Methodist meeting-house, together with an eccle-
siastical council, and were recognized as " The Bath Village
Baptist Church." The constituent members were twenty-
one in number, as follows: Rev. M. Rowley, S. Shattuck,
C. Copeland, H. Vo.sburgh, G. Williams, J. Hedges, J.
Pike, H. HoUiday, E. Frink, H. Lucas, Mary Robinson,
Sarah Woodard, Phoebe Vosburgh, Mary Vosburgh, Mrs.
Frink, Mary Ann Smith, Lucy Lucas, Plujebe Cooper,
Polly Aber, Mr. Tarney, Wm. Woodard.
The first pastor was Rev. M. Rowley. He remained
with them from 1842 to 1845; Rev. H. Spencer from
1845 to 1846; Rev. B. F. Balcom from 1847 to 1848;
Rev. B. R. Swick from 1848 to 1851 ; Rev. J. Parker
from 1852 to 1853; Rev. E. C. Brown from 1853 to
1855 ; Rev. P. Colegrove from 1855 to 1858 ; Rev. E. F.
Crane from 1859 to 1860; Rev. D. B. Olney from 1S60
to 18G1 ; Rev. E. J. Scott from 1861 to 1862; Rev. J.
D. Barnes from 1862 to 1864; Rev. E. Savage from 1864
to 1866 ; Rev. H. F. Cochrane from 1866 to 1867 ; Rev.
J. W. Taylor from 1867 to 1870 ; Rev. I. W. Emery,
the present pastor, settled with the church, Jan. 1, 1871.
The deacons who have served the church have been
H. Holliday, P. Smith, H. ililler, A. Butler, S. Chapman,
N. J. Clark, E. Mott, R. Davis, A. B. Miner, J. Neel, L.
H. Smith.
The following brethren have served the church as clerks:
A. Z. Madison, Wm. Woodard, J. G. Williams, E. Mott,
J. Robinson, D. L. Smith, S. Bovier, S. P. Goodsell, L. H.
Smith, B. D. Piatt.
The house of worship was built in the summer of 1844.
It was repaired in 1859 by adding twenty feet to the length
and removing the gallery. Quite extensive repairs were
again made in the summer of 1870.
Of the fifteen pastors that have served the church ten
are now living. Rev. D. B. Olney died while he was pas-
tor. His death was a sad loss to the church.
The most extensive revivals were in 1843, 1863, 1869,
and 1872.
j There have been added by baptism 462. The present
membership is 226. The most prosperity has been during
the two three-year pastorates and the seven years of the
i present pastor.
ADDISON F. ELLAS.
The ancestors of the subject of tliis sketch came
from England and settled in America some time
previous to the Revolutionary war, as some of them
served in that war. Addison F., son of Dr. Simp-
son and Pliebe Ellas, was born in Ludlow, Mass.,
Dec. 16, 1811. Both of his parents were natives of
Brattleboro', Vt. His father was born July 27,
1784, and his mother March 15, 1788; they were
married about 1808, and soon after removed to
Ludlow, Mass. In October, 1815, they settled in
Bath, N. Y. Dr. Ellas followed his chosen pro-
fession, and, in connection therewith, owned a drug-
store during his residence in Bath.
Dr. Ellas was a Whfg in politics, and held some
offices, such as postmaster and magistrate of Bath.
On the 5th of October, 1867, he died, and his wife
passed away May 8, 1877.
Addison F. was engaged in the distilling business
when young. At the age of twenty he began to
work on the farm, and followed it some four or five
years; he then engaged in mercantile business for a
few years, after which he was clerk about five years
for his brother George. Then he commenced his
chosen occupation, that of farming, purchasing one of
the good farms, some two miles from Bath, on the
Hammondsport road. It consists of some one hun-
dred and seventy-two acres of good, productive land,
which he still owns. Mr. Ellas has been a good
farmer, and success has crowned his efforts. He is
an upright and industrious man, never aspiring to
any of the political honors of his town. He has,
however, held some of the minor positions, but
always preferred the quiet of the home to any official
honors. In politics he affiliates with the Republican
party. He married Miss Jennie C, daughter of
James Little, of Bath, Feb. 25, 1869. Miss Little
was born in Bath, Aug. 28, 1828, and has always
resided here, save some three years spent near Geneva,
N". Y. Mr. Ellas is a good citizen, a kind husband,
and an honest man.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Bath, Oct. 27,
1836. His ancestors on his father's side were from AVales, his moth-
er's, English, and were among the early settlers of this county.
Young Brundage received the usual school training of a country
boy, attending school during the winter months, and working on the
farm in summer. He finished his education atStarkey Seminary in
1854. He then returned to the practical labors of the farm.
He was a boy noted for doing with certainty and completeness
the work he had in hand ; as a man, who never knew what fear was.
In the spring of 1861 he promptly responded to the call of the
President for volunteers to suppress the war of the Rebellion. He
enlisted on the 22d of April, 1861, at Hammondsport, as a private in
what was afterwards Company I, 34th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
W. H. King went out as captain of the company. It was put into a
regiment mainly enlisted in Herkimer County.
Company I left Hammondsport for Albany on the 28th of May. On
the 10th of June, Monroe Brundage was elected by unanimous vote
of his company second lieutenant.
The regiment was mustered into the United States service on the
I5th of June, reported at Washington on the 5th of July, and went
into camp at Kalorama Heightn«. On the 21st of October his regiment
was engaged skirmishing at Edwards' Ferry, operating on the ene-
my's flank, to draw their attention from our forces operating at Ball's
Bluff.
The 34th soon went to Camp McClellan, near Poolsville, where they
remained until Feb. 25, 1862, when camp was broken, and the regi-
ment was engaged in skirmishing around Berryville, AVinchester, and
Harper's Ferry. Then Sedgwick's division, to which the 34th be-
longed, was ordered to AVashington, where it remained until the 24th
of March, when it was ordered to Fortress Monroe. Theythen marched
to I'^orktown, and entered it on the 5th of May, the rebels having evac-
uated the town a few days before. During the month of May the
army, under Gen. McClellan, gradually worked its way towards Rich-
mond, and on the 31st of that month the battle of Fair Oaks was
fought, in which the 34th was an active participant. Lieutenant
Brundage acted asyir«( lieutenant in this engagement. The regiment
was honorably mentioned in the official report. Captain King was
wounded in this battle, after which Lieutenant Brundage acted as
captain, and remained in command of the company until he was dis-
abled at the battle of Antietam.
Among the wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks were Azariah C.
Brundage. Solomon Clark, and Jesse Jacobus, the last two fatally.
Herbert Kellogg was killed on the field. During the disastrous and
memorable seven days' retreat, in June, from Richmond to Harrison's
Landing, Captain Brundage, with his company, was almost constantly
engaged, participating actively in the battles of Peach Orchard, Sav-
age Station, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. From this time
up to the date of the battle of Autietam, the 34th Regiment was en-
gaged in the neighborhood of Washington, skirmishing as occasion
required.
This celebrated battle was fought on the 17th of September, 1862,
and it was in this engagement that the 34th suffered most severely.
Captain Brundage, with his company, made three distinct charges, and
were thrice repulsed. While rallying his company for another charge,
he was struck by a ball in the right arm, near the shoulder; disabled
as he was, he remained in command until the battle was over. On
the following day his right arm was amputated near the shoulder, and
he returned to his home as soon as able to do so, which was about the
1st of October.
On the 26th of January following, having in the mean time received
his commission as captain, he resumed command of his company,
which he retained until the 16th of March, when he was compelled to
leave the service on account of his health. He accordingly resigned,
being unwilling to retain a position the active duties of which he
could not discharge, and receive compensation for services which he
was no longer able to perform. He was a brave soldier, and as true
and generous as he was brave.
He was a favorite with his comrades, and those who survive him
willeverkeep his memory green. His fellow-citizens, who honored
him for his many excellent qualities of head and heart, placed him in
nomination for the Assembly in the fall of 1868, and elected him by
a large majority. In this capacity, as in all others, he showed him-
self strictly honest and scrupulously faithful.
Captain Brundage had been subject to severe attacks of inflamma-
tory rheumatism, caused by exposure in the army, which resulted in
his death un the 2fith of May, 1875, lamented by all who knew him.
TOWN OF BATH.
183
The following are the officers : Pdstor, Rev. I. W.
Emery; Deacons, H. Miller, J. Neel, N. J. Clark, L. H.
Smith ; Superintendents of Sahhath-school, I. W. Emery,
W. II. Freeman; Clerk, B. D. Piatt; Treasurer, ^Y . S.
Burns; Trustees, H. Miller, W. S. Burns, J. Crum, F. A.
Hopkins, B. A. Todd.
MILITARY UECORD OF BATH,
Tlieodure Schlick, major, 23tl Inf., Co. A ; eiil. April 30, 1861, two years; pro.
major 22d N. Y. Cav.; killed at KeriieysviUe, Va., Aug. 22, lSf.4.
Cornelius F. Mowers, 1st Hout., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 3n, 1801, two yr-ars;
res. Nov. 28, IfiGl.
George E. Biles, 2(1 lieut., 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April -JO, 1801, two years ; res.
Nov. 12, 1861.
Freilt-rick Arnd, 2d Ht;r^t., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1S61, two years.
Joseph Fnrtherer, 4th sergt., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two yearti.
Henry F. Cninti, 2d corj)., 23cl Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, ISOl, two years ; pro.
to sergt. Sept. 10, 18G1 ; wounded in the leg at Antictnm, Sept. 17, 1862;
pro. to Ist sergt., Jan. 1, 1863.
William 13. Kinsey, 3d Corp., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; pro.
to 1st sergt., Feb. 1, 1862; pro. to adjt. IGlst N. Y. Vols., Oct. 1862; pro.
to liont.-rol. 161st N. Y. Regt., 1863.
Timothy Terrjll, drummer, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1801, two years; pro.
toseygt., Jan. 1,1863.
William H. Brooks, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; en!. April 30, 1861, two years; ap-
pointed cori)., Jan. 18G2 ; disch. for disab.. May 28, 1862.
John W^ Boilcan, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
Daniel B. Boilean, Corp., 2:,'d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30,1861, two yeare; pro. to
Corp., Jan. 1, 18C3; wounded at the battle of Antietitm, Sept. 17, I8G2.
William B. ,\. Brown, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
David D. Chapin, private, 23<1 Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, ISGl, two yeai-s;
wounded at the battle of Anlietam, Sept. 17, 1S62 ; disch. in convalescent
camp; re-enl. in Co. — , 180th Inf.
Charles C. Campbell, piivate, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 3(i, ISfil, two yeare ;
disch. for disub., Sept. 20, 1S62.
Columbus Dudley, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two yeai*s.
William Greek, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30. 1861, two years.
William A. Hopkins, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two yeara.
Augustus W. Ilyi-r, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, ISGl, two yeais.
William Jump, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
Gilbert H. May, iirivate, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
Henry Mora, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
John M. Mowers, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; died
at Falls Church hospital of typhoid fever, Dec. 31, ISGl.
Edward E. Ostrander, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years;
appointed sergt. Jan. 1, 1862 ; went into ranks Feb. 16, 1862.
Charles W. Smith, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
Herkimer Shults, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 3o, 1861, two years ; died
Dec. 18, 1861, in hospital at Falls Church, of typhoid fever.
George B. Staniford, 2d liout, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years;
appointed corp., Aug. 1, 1861 ; appointed sergt., May 20, 1862 ; pro. to 2d
lieut., Oct. 20, 1862.
John Wilhelm, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years.
William M. Terrill, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; dis-
honorably disch. by order of general court-martial.
James Beaty, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years.
Horace Ellis. _
James Mclntyre, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years.
William M. Earway, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years.
Abrani S. Gould, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years ; wounded
at battle of Atitietam, Sept. 17, 1862 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., Dec. lfe62.
William Rutherford, private, 23d Inf. Co. A; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years.
Stephen A'an Bviren, private, l89th Regt.; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year.
Abrani BrowneU, private. ls9th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 29, 1864, one year.
Jerome Jenkins, jirivate, 1st Art.; enl. Sept. 2, 1S64, three years.
Moses Davison, private, ISOtli Regt.; enl. Oct. 26, 1864, one year.
Richard Montgomery, private; enl. Oct. 4, 1864, three years; substitute for
Warren W. Wilson.
Calvin Swain, private; enl, Aug. 3, 1864, three years; sub. for James Faucett.
Roswcll Sogar, private, 180th Rpgt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
John Murray, private ; enl. A«g. 30, 1864, three years ; sub. for James Young.
John Baker, private; cnl. Ang. 29, 1864, three years; sub. for Robert B. Wilks.
John Stern, private ; enl. Oct. 29, 1864, three years; sub. for Charles Robie.
Abel Casper, private; enl. Nov. 2, 1864, three yeai's; sub. for Seneca S. Smith.
William Davis, private ; enl. Oct. 24, 1864, three years; sub. for Jonathan Robie.
James Murdock, private ; enl. Oct. 26, 1864, three years; sub. for James Lyon.
Joseph Dunlap, private, 189th Regt.; eul. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
Henry Coville, private, l89th Regt.; enl. Sept. 23, 1864, one year.
James Fitzpalrick, private ; enl. Oct. 29, 1864, three years ; sub. for Wm. W. Allen.
John FaTinon, private ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804, three years ; sub. for Benj. F. Young.
Alfred Gordon, private ; enl. Aug. 27, 1SG4, three years; sub. for Jim. 1'. Sinclair.
Jeremiah I). Gleason. pi ivat.-, 1st .\ rt. ; lmiI. Sept. 13, lM64, one year.
Charles H. Butts, private, 1st Art.; enl. Sept. 2'>, 1864, one year.
Curtis C. Cross, private, Ist Art.; otd. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
James M. Jenks, private, 1st .Vrt. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
Philander Whitehead, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
William Scott, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
James Kennety, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, three years.
Moses McChesney, private, lS9th Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
William Cooper, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
William McChesney, private, 189th Inf. ; eul. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
E. L. Rendt, private, ISOth Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Amos S. Yeomans, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Philander Guines, private, 189(h Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Isaac W. Storms, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Floyd Miller, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
James Trnmble, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Gilbert Ingersnll, 1st Art.; re-enl. Jan. 1864, one year.
James ]\Iiner, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 16, 1864, three years.
Amasa D. Ells, private, 179th Regt. ; eul. April 22, 1864, three years.
Silas Spreaker, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. April 9, 1864, three years.
John Costen, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Apn'l 9, 1864, three years.
Zenas Dildine, private, 22d Cav.; etd, April 9, 1864, three years.
William H. Davis, private, 22d Cav.; enl. April 9, 1864, three years.
Joliii Kitchen, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. April 9, 1864, three years.
John A. Hnher, private. 22d Cav.; enl. April 9, 1864, three years.
Samuel Y. Grisword, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. April 9, 1864, three years.
George A. Havens, private, 22d Cav.; enl. April 9, 1864, three years.
Jackson Wilhelm, private, 14tli Art. ; eul. Oct. 19, 1863, three years.
James M. Finch, private, 22il Cav.; enl. April, 1864, three years.
Joseph M. Bailey, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. U, 18(54, three years.
John Morton, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. 11, 1864, three years.
William C. Saltsman, 1st Art.; re-enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years.
Hiram Ilorford, loth Cav. ; enl. March 22, 1864, three years.
Jeremiah Mowers, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. March 22, 1804, three years.
John Swartz, i»rivate, 22d Cav.; enl. March 22, 1864, three years; died at Auder-
sonville.
John S. Vangeldei-, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. March 22, 1864, three years.
A. H. Spier, private, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years.
0. W. Beach, private, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 19. 1864, three years.
Lewis Hille, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. 23, 1864, three years.
Mattliew McGuiness, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years.
William F. Harris, private, ITOth Inf. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years.
Jame*! Fluent, private, 179th Inf. ; enl. March 31, 1864, three years.
William R. Pratt, private, 179th Inf.; enl. Feb. 24, 1864, three years.
Robert S. Wilcox, private. 179th Inf.; enl. March 31,1864, three years.
Charles Rogers, private, 179th Inf. ; imiI. March 31, 1864, three years,
William Welch, private, lOth Cav.; enl. Dec. 17, 1863, three years; re-enlisted.
Charles C. French, priv. ; eul. Sept. 1861. three years ; sub. for John L. Schofield.
Jesse Price, eul. Sept. 16, 1864, three years ; substitute for Augustus T, Barnes.
David Peters, private; eul, Ang. 8, 1864, three years ; sub. for John Wilson.
Dwight Warren, 1st lieut., 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
Nathan Crosby, capt., lS9th Inf.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
L. G. Rutherford, 2d lieut., 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
Hiram Schofield, 1st lieut., 189th Inf. : enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
Bnrrage Rice, capt., lS9th Inf. ; enl." Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
James McQuigan, private, Ist Art.; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years ; re-enlisted.
James L. Storms, private; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Frank W. Brewster, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years ; re-enl.
Philo Jump, private, 50th Eng. ; eul. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; re-enl.
George F. Kirk, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, one year.
Oiristian Gardner, private, 5th Art.
Thomas Honhalan, private ; enl. Jan. 8, 1864.
Anthony Hogan, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1864, three years; re-enlisted.
Francis Turner, private ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864.
Joseph Shirley, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1864.
E. B. Miller, private, 1st Art.; enl. Dec. 24, 1864.
James Lindsay, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years.
Charles L. Davis, private, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years.
William A. Sliney, 16th Art. ; enl, Jan. 5, 1864, three years.
William S. White, private, 16t': Art. ; enl. Jan. 6, 1864, three yeare.
Charles Wilson, privati', 16th Art. ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years.
William Beamer, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, thi-ee years.
Frank Bl. Wedge, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years ; re-enlisted.
Jacob Blarch, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
D. D. Leavenworth, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Dec. '. 8, 1863, three years.
Joshua F. Van Buren, private, 78th Inf. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
Henry Shults, enl. Jan. 5, 1864.
James B. Ells, private, I89th Inf. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864, one year.
John M. Fairfield, private, 10th Cav.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863.
Ford Lewis, private, 10th Cav. ; eul. Dec. 31, 1863.
.Tames Morrison, piivate, 10th Cav. ■ enl. Dec. 31, 1863.
John Birkett, private, 50th Eng, ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864.
Charles Kuox.
John Moss, private, 50th Eng. ; onl. Jan. 4, 1864.
Andrew IHjller, private, 107th luf. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, one year.
Martin Cavanagh, private ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863.
Peter Veely,
Harris Biith-r, 1st Art.; eul. Dec. 24, 1S63.
Edward Burkett, private, 50th Fug. ; enl. fur three years ; re-enl. Jan. 21, 1864.
Michael Ryan, private, 50th Eng, ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, throe years.
184
HISTORr OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
George Clark, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, three years.
William Templar, private, 50lh Eng. ; enl. Jan. 21, 1S64, three years.
William B. Dingley, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1S64, three years.
Theodore Hawkins, private, 10th Cav. ; enl. Dec. 3], 18&J, three years.
Benjamin Sutler, private, 16l8t Inf.; enl. Jan. 13, 1S64, three yeai-s.
Seymour E. Hosford, private, lOth Cav.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
J. D. Smith, private, 86th Inf. ; enl. Dec. 3o, 1863, three years.
Jesse J. Tolbert, 86th Inf.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
Edward Chavelier, 5th Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Sidney J. Hadley, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec. 7, 1863, three years.
George Hadley, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec 7, 1863, throe years.
Lemuel Smith, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec. 7,1863, three year«; died in service.
S. M. Atwell, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years.
Elihu Lockwood, enl. Dec. 30, 1863.
Henry Richardson, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Feb. 7, 18G4, three years; re-enlisted.
Beiij. F. Smcad, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1S64, three years ; re-enlisted.
Philander P. Thorp, 1st sergt., 1st Art.; eul. Dec. 24, 18G;J, three years; re-enl.
Orrin L. Daniels, private, 1st Art. ; o'ni. Dec. 24, 1863, three 3'ears; re-enlisted.
Ezra Niles, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 18G3, three years; re-enlisted.
Charles Clarkson, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years.
Thomas Stinson, private, 179th Inf.; enl. Feb. 3, 1864, three years.
Monroe R. Brewster, private, lT9th Inf.; enl. Jan. 12, 1HG4, three years.
Charles Grumpt, private, 179th Regt.; enl. Feb. 1, 18G4, three years.
Samuel E. Breck, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years.
William D. Potter, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
George F. Comstock, sergt., IGth Art. ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years.
William H. Covert, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year.
George W. Simons, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year,
Robert Read, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year.
William R. Goodsell, private, ISOtli Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Oliver Billington, private, I89th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
David P. Whitaker, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
David Crosby, 1st sergt., ISUth Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1S64, one year.
Robert Robinson, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Anthony Collins, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Martin Collins, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year.
Thomas II. Stills, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year.
Thomas J. Manning, private, 180tli Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Alexander W. Holly, private. 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, lf64, one year.
Robert McCann, sergt., lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
James R. Putnam, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Nathaniel Thomas, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
Nathan Morse, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
John R. Wyckoff, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Thomas Fogarty, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
Thomas Williams, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
Willis Stewart, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
George W. Yeilie, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
Lorenzo J. Sawyer, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
Benjamin Morse, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1S64, one year.
James Bain, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1SC4, one year.
James C. Keive, private, 50rh Eng.; enl. Dec. 13, 1863, three years.
George Edwards, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Dec. 13, 1863, three years.
Edward Mullen, private, lS9th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Frederick Smith, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
John Pratt, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Charles W. Barrett, private, 189th Regt. ; must. 0 t. 5, 1864, one year.
James Bennett, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. o, 1864, one year.
Charles McCann, private, lS9th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1SG4, one year.
William G. Frank, private, lS9th Regt., Co. M ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Harvey A. Fairchild, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year.
Isaac Watts, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
William McElwain, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Henry S. Sprague, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Seymour Huston, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
William Covill, private. 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
John Presho, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year.
James S. Loughrey, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Elisha H. Evans, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct 5, 1864, one year.
S. S. Wheeler, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Thomas Maxwell, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Daniel Brace, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Henry Morrison, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Julius C. Duiitou, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
J. W. Knight, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Joseph MulhoUon, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Merton Ostrander, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
James McPherson, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year.
Henry Covill, private, 189th Regt. ; en!. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Henry G. Bull, private, 189th Regt., Co. M : enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year ; died in
hospital near City Point.
Michael Shea, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, ISW, one year.
Charles M. Frink, private, 189th Regt. ; eul. Oct. 5, 1864, one year ; died in hos-
pital near City Point.
Samuel G. Highcock, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
John S. Benham, private, I89th Regt.; enl. Oct. .^, 1864, one year.
Judson V. Caige, private, 189th Regt, ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Howard Waters, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
John Kniffin. private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Mortimer Ferguson, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Charles S. Grey, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Andrew J. Snell, private, lH9th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Stephen A. Hagadorn, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
John Slocum, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Ahram S. Gould, private, lS9th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Abram Clarkson, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Benjamin Davis, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Alonzo Vunck, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Charles E. Willys, private, lS9th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
George T. Daniels, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1664, one year.
Samuel Faucett, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
William Bottriel, private, lS9th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year.
Isaac Ferris, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
George W. Ferris, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Henry Heron, private, 189lh Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Nelson Kring, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
James Woodbury, private, 189th Regt. : enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
James Heron, private, 189tli Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Henry L. TownsemI, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Isaac Baker, private. lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1804, one year.
William P. Cox, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. .% 1S64, one year.
George Blakesly, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Robert Heron, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Benjamin F. Ferris, private, ISOth Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Ahram Brownell, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
William Algor, private, ISSth Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Barney J. Hyer, private, iy9tli Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
George Ellsworth, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Patrick Bowes, private, ISOth Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year.
Frederick Arnd, sergt., 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 24, 1864, three years; pro. to 2d lieut.
Henry T. Grants, private, 22d Cav. ; eul. Dec. 17, 1863, three years.
Daniel B. Boilieu, sergt, 22d Cav. ; enl. Dec. 17, 1863, three years.
Edward E. Ostrander, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 17, 1864, three years; served
two years in 2:5d Iiif, ; discharged and re-enlisted.
Wellington Wheaton, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 5, 1863, three years.
Henry L. Moore, corp., 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 4, 1S64, three years; served two
years in 23d Inf.; discharged and re-enlisted.
William M. Pratt, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 14, 1S63, three years.
Cornelius Grants, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Thomas J. Clickner, private, 22d Cav. ; enl.'Jan. 20, 1864, three years.
Elias Shults, farrier, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1864, three years.
Alexander Stewart, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Dwight Barker, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 7, 1864, three years.
James Bartlett, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years.
Robert B. Campbell, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years.
Zachariah DiUline, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 16, 1864, three years.
Daniel H. Dickerson, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, three years.
Daniel M. Ellas, priv.,22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years; died at Rochester.
William A. Hopkins, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 21, 1863, three years.
Clint^in N. Ostrander, private, 22d Car.; enl. Nov. 20, 1863, three years.
Lewis E. Shaw, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Thomjis Stewart, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years.
William N. Terrill, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years.
Tobias Vangelder, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 16, 1864, three years.
Lewis H. Covert, corp. ; enl. Oct. 1863.
Thomas Scarvell, private, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years.
Moses Grants, private, 107th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years.
Thomas Wilcox, private, 12th Cav.; eul. Sept. 12, 1864, three years.
Job Loder, private, lOlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 3, 1864, three years.
John F. Little, capt , 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1862, three years.
Thomas Smith, private, IGtU Art., Co. D ; enl. Dec. 1, 1863, three years; disch.
Aug. 1865.
Anson Marsh, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year.
Otis Corbin, private, 141st Regt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1864.
Monroe Brundage, 2d lieut., 34th Regt. ; enl. June 16, 1861, three years ; pro. to
capt. ; lost an arm at the battle of Antietam.
Reuben Eels, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Carlton Eels, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years.
James H. Lane, private, 16l8t Regt. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years.
Alvah B. Clark, private, 7Sth Regt. ; enl. Feb. 6, 1862, three years.
Alexander Kenety, private, 102d Inf.; enl. 1864, three years.
Seneca Watson, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Feb. 22, 1S64, three years.
George Lane, private, 78th Inf. ; eul. Dec. 1, 1S61, three years.
William Kirkham, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Feb. 1862, three years.
Otis n. Smith, strgt., 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; pro. to lieut.
Arnold Shults, sergt., 161st Regt.; eul. Aug. 22, 1862, three years.
Reiiben Smith, private, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years.
Luther C. Townshend, private, 22d Cav.; eul. Jan. 29, 1864, three years; died
at Andersonville, Ga.
Willard Chase, private, 161st Regt., C\). F ; eul. June 3, 1862, three years ; died
in hospital, New York City.
Wm.Emei-sou,priv. ,101st Regt.; enl. Aug. 31,1862, three years; died atElmira.
Henry Emerson, private, 7Sth Regt.; enl. Dec. 2S, 1861, three years; killed at
the battle of ChaucellorsTille.
TOWN OF BATH.
185
Francis Wheatoii, private, lUTth Regt.; eiil. Ang. 5, lS6:i, three years; died at
Maryland Heights.
George W. Lindsay, private, lOTtli Kegt., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 5, 186'2, three yeare;
taken prisoner near Athinta and confined at Florence, S. C; died at An-
napolis, Md., March 27, 1865.
James R. Lewis, private, 161st Regt., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 2a, 1862, three years.
Charles Hicks, private, 78th Regt. ; enl. March 8, 1862, three yeai-s ; killed at
the buttle of Chancellorsville, May, 18G3.
Dennis Story, private, 78lh Regt.; enl. Jan. 1862, three years.
Jacob Story, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years; re-enl. in ii'th
Eng., Sept. 9, 1864.
Chas. Story, priv , 50th Eng.; enl. Sept. 0, 1861, three years; re-enl. Sept. 9, 1864.
Lewis Hathaway, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years ; died in
hospital, La.
Elcazer Cole, private, 47th Regt. ; enl. Feb. 1865, one year; sub. f<>r Wm. McFee.
Lorenzo D. Conine, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. 3, 1864, three years.
Richard H. Harvey, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 25, 18G2, three years.
Dugald Cirabam, private, 161st Regt. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862, three years.
John Story, private, 50ih Eng. ; enl. Sept. 1861, three years.
George H. Hardenbrook, Ueut.,78tli Regt., Co. F; enl. March, 1862, thr^-e years.
William \V. Lindsay, 1st lieut., 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Almcron Slills, private, 101st Regt., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
John F. Lewis, private, 10th Cav. ; enl. Feb. 23, 1864, three years.
RiisUrn Freeman, 1st lieut., 161st Regt.; enl. Oct. 15, 1862, three years.
James Fawcelt, 2d lieut., 101st Regt.; enl. Oct. 15, 1862, three years.
Hugh Brennan, private, 107th Regt., Co. D; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
Patrick Ilrennan, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Oct. 1862, three years; disch. for
disability, and died at home.
Rene Hopt, coi-p., lOlt^t Regt.; enl. Sept. 4, 1862, three years.
Joseph S. Dolson, asst. surg., 161st Regt.; enl. Oct. 6, 1862, three years.
Elias I'almer, private, l07tb Regt.; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years.
James Rutherford, private, 14th Art.; enl. Sept. 1863, three years.
Jacob McCann, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, three years.
Anthony Shanwicb, private, 7Sth Regt.; etil. Jan. 13, 1862, three years; taken
prisoner at Cedar Mountaiu.
James Knight, private, l07th Regt.; enl. Aug. 16, 1862, three years.
Robert Lindsay, private, oOth Eng.; enl. March 7, 1S04, three years.
Robert M. Luve, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Sept. 1, 1802, three years.
David E. Benedict, private, 50th Eng.; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, tlivee years,
riiilip R. Loder, private, 5uth Eng. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1801, three years.
William 0. Mitchell, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Daniel A. Stark, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Oct. 22, 1802, three yeara.
Jolni Greene, corp.. 107th Iiif. ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802, three years.
Ira Bulkley, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1802, three years.
George Clark, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1801, three yeare.
Emmons W, Jack, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 10, 1802, three years.
Theodore F. Horton, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept. 24, 1804, one year.
William Horton, private, Hilth [nl". ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years.
Peter H. Durland, capt., 161st Regt.; enl. Oct. 28, 1802, three years.
Thaddeus S. Reamer, private, 16th luf. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years ; re-enl,
Feb. 14, 1864, in 14th Art.
Oliver Cromer, private, 141st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1862, three years.
Clark Evans, private, lOlst Inf.; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years.
William II. Miller, private, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
John Payne, private, lo7th Inf.; enl. July 14, 1862, three years.
Earl Evans, private, 76th Inf.; enl. Oct. 1801, three yeai-s; re-enl. Feb. 1864.
James RI. Wbittaker, private, 141st Inf.; eul. Aug. 1862, three yeai^s.
Stephen Thomas, corp., 80lh Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct. ISOl, three years; reenl. in
86tli, April, 1865.
George Jack, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year.
Willi:»in H. Thomius, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Oct. 1, 1861, three years.
Peter Austin, private, 107th Inf.; enl. July 23, 1862, three years.
Rufus S. Alderman, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Oct. 22, 1862, three years; pro. to
q.-m. sergt.
James N. Cadmus, capt., 161st Inf.; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three years.
William Moss, private, 107th Inf., Co. H ; enl. July 25, 1802, three years.
James Austin, corp., 07th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, tliiee years.
Jnhn Bakeman, private, IGlst Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three yeai-s.
John Blunt, private, 50th Eng., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 12, 1801, three yejtrs.
George W. Lowell, private, 16th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 1863, tbioe years.
Charles J. Smith, private, 101st Inf., Co. E; enl. Oct. 10, 1862, three years.
Daniel H. Hilt, private, 3d Art., Co. E; enl. Oct. 3, 1864, one year.
Bradford Sanford, ord. sergt., 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three jears.
John T. Merrim, private, IGlst Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three years.
Syvanus A. Van Knren, private, 78th Inf., C-o. F; eul. March, 1862, three years.
Clark B. Oicutt, corp., 64tb Inf., Co. E; enl. Nov. 28, 1862, three years; re-enl.
Aug. 1, 1S64, in 1st Batt., V. R. C, for three years.
William Bryan, 1st lieut., 141st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years.
Joseph Blunt, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Aug, 20, 1862, three years; killed at
Sabine Cross-Roads.
Henry Blunt, private, 50th Eug.; enl. Aug. 1861, tliree years; died at Bellevue
hospital; buried at Cypress Hill.
William Sanford, private, 101st Inf.; enl. Aug. 18(rJ, three yeare; died at Baton
R"«ge, July 10, 1803.
[saac S>';iger, private, 10 1st Inf.; enl. ,\ug. 1802, three years; shut by guerrillas.
John M. Evans, private, I41st Inf.; enl. Sept. 1862, three years; killed at
Georgia, Tenn.
24
Selah Ev:ins, priv., 86th Inf. ; enl. Oct. 1861, three yeai-s ; died at Washington, D. C.
Walter S. Fairfield, jirivate, 34th Inf.; enl. Juno 11, 1861, three years; died at
Washington, D. C.
Charles E. Hughes, corp., 141st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1802, three years; died at Wash-
ington, D. C.
Daniel H. Miller, private, oOth Eng. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years; died at
Savona, Steuben Co., N. Y.
Chester Wise, ord. sergt., Ulst Inf.; enl. Sept. in, 1802, three years; died or
killed at Savannah, Ga.
David B. Sanford, private, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 10, 1862, three years; killed at
the battle of Dallas, May 25, 1864.
David Abel, private, 87th Inf.; enl. Oct. 1, 1861, three years; died at Harper's
Ferry, Oct. 29, 1862.
Charles M. Carr, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Sept. 18G2, three years; died at Baton
Rouge, Sept. 9, 1SG3.
James L. Storms, private, 7Sth Inf. ; enl. Miirc!i 7, 1S(;2, three years; re-enl. in
leth H. Art.; died at Wilmington. X. C.
Neimiah Youmans, drummer, IClst Inf , enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; died in
Bath, Nov. 1862.
William C. Fuller, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
James Stewart, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Judson Clark, color sergt., 161st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1SG2, three years.
Andrew Can-oil, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
George Brown, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
David White, corp., 16lst Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Ambrose Stewart, sergt., 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
William Mills, private, 141st Inf, ; eul. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
R. Sackett. private, 78th Inf. ; eul. March, 1862, three yearns ; re-enl. March, 1864.
Abram B. Van Loon, pri\Tite, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years ;
re-enl. in the navy.
Charles Clarkson, private, 1st Art., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years ; re-enl.
in Jan. 1864, in 1st Art.
George Snell, sergt., 161st Inf. ; eul. 1SG2, three years.
John L. Barber, private, 161st Inf.; enl. 1802, three yeai-s.
John Bennett, 2ii lieut., 10th Mich. Regt.; enl. 1863, three years.
Cliuton Pelbain, juivate, IGlst Inf.; enl. 1802, three years.
Evi Winfield, private, lOIst Inf. ; enl. 1802, three years.
John Ferris, privati-, 101st Inf. ; enl. 1862, three years.
George W. Morrell, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Sept. 1861, three years.
James S. Gillette, corp., 16l8t Inf. ; enl. 1862, three years.
Frank Fay, private, 86th Inf.; enl. 1862, three years.
Eugene Bassett, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three yeara.
Clinton Ostrander, private, 34th Inf.; enl. May, 1861, three years.
Josiah Like, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Sept. 20, 1862, three years.
Harmon Denandler, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three yeare.
Charles W. Wright, Corp., 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years.
Clark Slewait, private, 14 1st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three yeara; died at Nash-
ville, Trnn., Nuv. 29, 1863.
Dana Clark, private, IGlst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1862, three years ; died at Mobile,
May 19, ISGo.
Samuel T. Stewart, corp., 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; died at
West Point. Va., Jan 25, 1864. *
William B. Aber, private, 161st Inf.; eul. Sept. 20,1862, three years; died at
Vicksburg, June 22, 1864.
Henry Shults, private, 101st Inf. ; cnl. Ang. 21, 1862, three years.
Stephen Read, private, 16lst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1802, three years; died at Mem-
phis, Jan. 23, 1864.
Adam H. Wilcox, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years; died at
Baton Rtiuge, La.
James McCuUough, private, lOSth Inf.; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years ; died at
Falmouth, Va.
Stephen Magee, private, 1st Art., Co. E ; eul. Sept. 25, 1861, three yeare; died at
Alexandria, Va., Feb. 9, 1803.
Cornelius Ocorr, private, IGlst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 18G2, three years; died at
Bath, March 7, 1865.
Juhn Clark, private, I07th luf.; enl. Feb. 25, 1862, three year.>; dii-d at Bath,
Aug. 25, 1802.
Ferdinand Nellis, sergt, 34th Inf. ; enl. May 18, 1861, three years ; re-enl. 1863,
in 1st Vet. Cav. ; died at Audersonville, Feb. 18G5.
Cornelius Voorhis, private, 78th Inf.; enl. Feb. 16, 1802, three yeara; re-enl. in
2d N. Y. Art., 1863 ; died at City Pciint, June 28, 1864.
William Reamer, private, 16th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1804, three years.
Isaac Green, 1st heut., 1st N. Y. Batt.; eul. Jan. 19, 1864, tliree years.
Williiim Cooper, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
John James, private, 22d Cav. ; three years.
John Herman.
Thomas D. Flynu, private ; enl. July 15, 1863, three years.
David Van Wie, private; eul. July 15, 1863, three years.
Harvey Payne, Jr., private; enl. July 15, 1863, three years.
JohnC. Vail, priv.; cnl. Sept. 7, 1863, three years ; .sub. fur George Reail, drafted.
Israel L. Barber, private; enl. Sept. 9, 1863, three years ; sub. for (iilbert Stew-
art, drafted.
Wm. Brooks, private; enl. Sept. 9, 1803, three years; sub. for Daniel Dorsey
(colored), drafted.
Thos. 0. Huiton, pnv. ; cnl.Sept.8, 1863, three years; sub. forWm. King, drafted
Wm. Horn ill. priv. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1863, tliree years; sub. for Albert Thomas, il raited.
David N. Morrison, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Aug. 18, 1864, one year.
186
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
William B. McCay, private, IClst Inf.; eul. Sept. 8, 18C3, three ye;irfl; suit, for
Clarence I'criiie, drafteii ; pro. to 1st lietit., IGl^t Inf.
Parley Cole, priv.; eiii. Feb. 15, 1SG5, llirec years; sul'. for Wm. McTee, dmfted.
John Richardson, Jr., corp., 1st H. Art, ; enl. Feb. 7, 1804, three yeara.
Welcome Kichardson, private, 107th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 5, 18G2, three years ;
wounded at the hattle of Gettysburg; discharged.
William Barnes Mason, private, IGlst N. Y. Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802,
three years; disch. Sepr. 2i>, ISGo,
Arthur McGuiggan, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years: disch.
Sept. 20, 1865.
Robert Gansvoort, ca]»t., 107th Regt. ; enl. .Tiily, 1862, three years.
Joliu J. Layman, eapt., I07th liegt. ; enl. July, 1862.
William Runisey, 1st lieut; enl. Oct. 17, ISfil. three years; pro. to capt. and
asst. adj.-gen., Sept. 12, 180:?; mtij., Sept. 9, 18G4; lieul.-col., March 10,
18G5; wounded at Fair Oaks, May 31, 18G2; must, out Sept. 1865.
Dr. Ira P. Smiih, act. asst. snrg., regular army, Aug. K, 1SC2, to Sept. 24, 18C4.
NAVAL RECORD.
Gilbert Higgiiis, enl. May 8, 1864, one year; Colorado.
Edward Stillnian, enl. May 8, 1804, one year ; Oilnrndo.
Pbineas Towle, asst. paymaster ; eul. Aug. 22, 1862, four years ; I'arnkrbiU and
Brooklyn,
Charh's Brother, private, marine corps; enl. Aug. 1SG2, four years; Vanderbill
and Bartford.
Theodore Harris, private, marine corps; enl. Aug. 18G2, four years; Vandeibilt.
Josiah H. Gregg, private, marine corps; enl. Aug. 1SG2, four years; Vanderbill
and Brooklyn.
Wm. Iii^iersoU, private, marine coriis ; enl. Aug. 1862, four years ; Vanderlilt.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKHTCHES.
COL. lUA DAVENPORT.
Ira Davenport was born at Spencertown, Columbia Co.,
N. Y., on the 20th day of September, 1795, and died at
Bath, N. Y., May 2, 1868, in the seventy-third year of his
age. His life was one of active business enterprise, begin-
niug in early boyhood and attaining pi'actical results rarely
realized as the fruit of one's own unaided exertions. He
probably obtained his first ideas of mercantile life, to which
he began early to devote himself with so much assiduity,
in his father's store, who was a merchant at Spencertown,
and had also an interest in a store at Harpersfield, Delaware
Co. To this latter place he was sent as a clerk at the age
of fourteen, and remain^ till he had attained his majority.
His plan of future business, on his own account, .seems to
have been devised while he was gaining this practical ex-
perience; for we find him at once, in the year 1815, start-
ing out for himself to the western portion of the county of
Steuben, in the then backwoods settlement of Canisteo,
now the town of Hornellsville, — named by Col. Davenport
after Judge Horneil, who was one of the earliest .settlers,
— and taking with liim his first wagon-load of goods, a dis-
tance of three hundred miles through a newly-settled coun-
try. On his arrival he was the first merchant in the place,
and he built with his own hands the store in which he sold
his first goods. By such enterprise Col. Davenport laid the
foundation of his future ample fortune. Few 3'oung mer-
chants in these days, we fear, would be content to call such
a beginning " commencing business." But, as might have
been expected, a youth of such courage brought jiersever-
ance, economy, and untiring industry to add to his little
capital ; and, as to these qualities were added integrity,
strong, shrewd sense, and first-rate business talents, he was
soon in the full tide of .success. The career of Col. Daven-
port as a merchant at Hornellsville embraced a period of
about thirty-two years, during which he was engaged in all
the loading business enterprises of the times. While car-
rying on mercantile business at that place, he had stores at
Baker's Bridge, Angelica, Burns, Canisteo, North Almond,
Hammondspovt, Dansville, Almond, and Independence.
He was also a partner in a mercantile house and in a coal
company in the city of New York, and was largely engaged
in running lumber and arks down the river from Hornells-
ville. It is said that he and Hon. John Arnot, of Elmira,
were almost the only survivors, at the time of their death,
of the men who, in the early days, were largely engaged in
arking grain. He removed to Bath in 1847, where he re-
sided the remainder of his life.
While through most of his life he was cliiefly conspicuous
as the enterprising and successful business man, he will only
be known to posterity as the founder of The Davenport
Home for Orph.an Girl.s. This institution was the con-
summation of a purpose long since formed. Unostentatious
as he was, and totally indifl^oreiit to popularity, he was yet
a man of deeper sympathy than many others whose philan-
thropy is trumpeted to the world. The condition of
fiiendless and destitute female orphan children had ex-
cited his profoundest commiseration, and the admirable
institution which bears his name is a proof that his pity
was not left to exhaust itself in mere emotions. He began
to erect a building designed for children of this class in
1861. In 1863 the corporation was organized, and the
fir.st orphan was received July 19, 1864. There are now
sixty children in the Home, enjoying all the benefits of a
genial Christian home, and a more cheery family can hardly
be found in any of the benevolent institutions of the
world.
Col. Davenport conveyed to the Home sixty-five acres of
the beautiful Cameron fiirm, in the village of Bath, which,
with the massive structure of stone and iron whicli forms
the main building, cannot be valued at less than seventy-
five thousand dollars. He besides in his lifetime endowed
it with funds to the amount of one hundred thousand dol-
lars, to which his brother, Mr. Charles Davenport, has added
thirty thousand dollars. Col. Davenport also made a bequest
to the Home in his will of fifty thousand dollars more. At
the time of his death additions to the building were in
process of erection, which were subsequent!}' completed.
If the future management of the Home shall follow the
spirit in which it has been inaugurated, and its usefulness
shall be developed to an extent commensurate with the
munificence of its endowment, — as there is reason to believe
from the test of experience thus far will be the case, — fu-
ture ages will not fail to honor the memory of the founder
till stone and iron shall crumble. Orphaned little ones will
come forward, generation alter generation, to bless the
fatherly spirit which was mindful of them before their
lives began. And when centuries shall have passed away,
and this good year of grace become one of the dates of
antiquity, may there not be wanting the happy voices of
children rescued from want and dishonor ( if such evils must
needs burden the earth so long) to sing on yonder hill-side
the simple songs which their benefact(n' loved so well to
hear !
Col. Davenport married, in 1824, Lyilia, eldest daughter
<^^j)0-yU-tyyV^^^^rA^^
td
!>
-i
■=4
?9
-''■* iy S^nui .?.•«»" •
'I
TOWN OF BATH.
187
uf the late IIoii. Dugald Cinueron, nf Batli, wlio died up-
wards of thirty years ago. Two sons and two daughters
survive him, — John and Ira Davenport, Mrs. Christina D.
Rogers, wife ot" lion. Sliernian S. Rogers, of Bufl'alo, and
Fanny D. Waterman, wife of J. W. Waterman, Esq., of
Detroit, Micli. One son, Dugald C. Davenport, died Feb-
ruary, 1852, at St. Thomas, W. I., and one daughter, Mrs.
Eliza D. Waterman, Dec. 28, 18G5, at Detroit, Mieh.
Tlie death of Col. Davenport was not an unexpected
event, although his iron constitution had so long baffled a
fatal termination of his disease that it was hoped ho might
be spared to witness the completion of the noble under-
taking to which he had dedicated the later years of his life.
The final attack of liis disease was of great severity, and
he was taken away in a few houi'S.
Col. Davenport's two sons, Messrs. John and Ira Daven-
port, succeeded him as the responsible managers of his
charities ; and while it would not suit their wishes were
we to dwell in detail upon the manner in which they have
acted, not only in regard to the express trusts committed to
them, but also in forwarding other undertakings for the
public good, as to which no filial obligation could be felt, it
will suffice to remark that the designs of their father have
been carried by them on the way towai-ds perfect completion,
with a loyalty to the wishes of the founder, and with a
liberality on their part, which has made the Davenport
Home for orphan girls a model of well-devised and eftect-
ivcly-managed charity.
HON. JOHN MAGEE.
John Magee, of Watkins, N. Y., formerly of Batli, N. Y.,
was born near Easton, Northampton Co., Pa., Sept. 3.
1794. His parents, Henry Magee and Sarah Mulhollon
Magee, came to this country from County Antrim, in the
north of Ireland, about the year 1784. Henry Magee
was a descendant from an ancient family of note, often
mentioned in the early hi.story of Ireland. He was a first
cousin of the late Rev. William Magee, D.D., Protestant
Archbishop of Dublin, who is extensively known as an
author.
In 180.5, John Magee, with his j)arents, removed to
Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y., where his mother died
Oct. 12, 1805. In 1808, the family, con.sisting of the
father and five children, — Rebecca, John, Hugh, Thomas
J., and Mary, — removed to Michigan, and settled in the
vicinity of Detroit.
In May, 1812, John Magee, with his father and brother
Hugh, enlisted at Detroit, in the rifle-company of Captain
A. de Quindra. This company went immediately into
active service, had several skirmishes with the Indians,
and took part in the battle of Brownstown on the 8th of
August of that year. His company, belonging to the
command of General Hull, was surreudeved, with his army,
to the British forces, under General Brock, on the IGth
of the same month. He remained a prisoner, on parole,
until .January, 1813, when he was sent, with the captured
troops, to St. Catherines, C. W., and thence across the
country to Fort George. In the following month of March,
obtaining his release, he joined Major Cyrenius Chapin's
command of mounted rangers. In the mean time, Forts
Erie and George had been taken by the American forces,
under General Dearborn ; and the British army, in their
retreat, had scattered their .supplies over the country.
Major Chapin's command were engaged in gathering up
these supplies, and in making other foraging expeditions,
in the region lying between the Lakes Erie and Ontario.
He was again taken prisoner at the battle of Beaver Dams,
near St. Catharines, in June, 1811!. Finding his confine-
ment excessively irksome, he determined to escape ; and
though dissuaded by his commanding oflScer from making
the attempt, he obtained pos.session of his horse, and set
out at full speed acro.ss the lines towards Fort George,
under a shower of bullets from the guard. On the way,
a small boy begged so earnestly to be permitted to ride
behind him, and take his chances for escape, that he allowed
him to do so ; but the poor lad was killed ]>y the fire of
the sentinels; his own clothes were riddled by their balls;
his horse was wounded and fell under him, though not
until he had reached General Dearborn's pickets ; and
gaining the fort with but slight injury, he reported to
the officer in command the disaster at Beaver Dams.
,That officer did not fail to avail himself of the courage
and address which this young soldier had exhibited. He
was immediately ajipointed as a messenger, to carry dis-
patches for the government between Fort Niagara and
Wa.shington, and to points along the frontier. This duty,
attended as it was by many hardships and perils, he dis-
charged with a degree of skill and endurance rarely equaled.
On one occasion, when dispatches of great importance were
forwarded by him to the Department of War, at Washing-
ton, he continued in the saddle for forty-eight hours, pro-
curing fresh horses from time to time, until he reached
Northumberland, Pa., when, becoming completely ex-
hausted, he obtained a reliable person to proceed to
Washington with the papers, and to obtain the requisite
answers, which, as soon as they reached him, he conveyed
to General Wilkinson, then in command. On arriving at
lieadquartors, the general refused to believe lliat he could
possibly have been to Washington in the short time that
had elapsed, until he had received and read the answers
to his communications, when, eying John with astonish-
ment, he mentally expressed his admiration, and, proceed-
ing to his military chest, he presented to him five hun-
dred dollars in gold. This money was not made " the
ffcrm of his subsequent fortune" (as has been repeatedly
stated), but was generously given, every dollar of it, to poor
widows with needy children, whose husbands had been killed
by the Indians. Leaving the service of the government, in
the spring of 1816, John, in company with his brother
Jefi'er.son, made the journey from Buflalo to Bath, Steuben
Co., on foot ; their road for a good part of the distance
being only a path designated by marked trees.
His first employment was cutting cordwood for Capt.
William Bull at twenty-five cents per cord. It had been a
result of the removals of his father's family, the want of
schools, and other privations met in the newly-settled state
of the country, tliat he had entered upon the work of life
almost destitute of education. This deficiency he deeply
ISS
Hl:?T\>KY OF STKl'BtlS COUNTY. NEW YORK.
fyt. *aJ appKt"d 1tiat$<jf vorv oar««aly to supplv by readinz
aiivl sfuviv, Ihinuc :ho years lSli>-lT he e^lp»s^^^ iu tjuiu-
u»^ with hk btvHher-in-law, A<i«m H*wrfing. — a part of
the (itue at a «vui|>ott5aik>n of ei^ht dollars {vr mouth.
In the sprinsr of ISIS he was ekvted to the offiee of
ivustable auvl sx^leetor of the town of Bath, aud in ISll*
he was a].^viuted to the offiiv of deputv sheritF under
Oetvrw M«.-Cl«nt\ the dutkis of which he continued to dis-
charw until 1S:J0. In the year lS:h> he w^»s appointed
matshat for the county of Steuben to take the census.
On the 6th of Jaaitarr. 1S20, he w*? niarrted to Sarah
"■' " " : r of Hon. Thoutas MeBuriK-y. She
~ - ^. leaving no chikirea.
The arduotts dutieif of luarshat he performed pw^raJhr
on fi>i«. : ^' _ : " -y which exfetuled to iHitarto
County V .ujrfton County on the wvsts
and to Tompkins iVuuty on the <<*£*> «aibraciag a territiMnr
laore than double the prvsent limits of Steuben CV>uniy.
Upon th« coiupletioa of his nfp^wt he received the public
thanks of the authoritieis for the n^iuarkable ftithfulness
and accttney of hts returns. ac«v4upauied by a handsome
se* v^f tabie-silrer. In the year 1S2I the office of his:h-
^^wriff beiMauiKr Taeaat by the death of Henry Schriver.
he w»s a{^MBted in his place. In IS-o. when a chai^
in the ovwstitution of the State tool: place, the office of
hi|:b-«h««ff. which had preriotk^y been cooierred by a
cv^Dcil of appcintweot. became eWtire. and he was then
ehosen by the pei^nte to that ^^ffice. and serr^vi till IScfS.
IHurii^ the last years of hfe ".rred to an eluMtee
still standii^ within the lim:.. viUa^ of WackiiKf,
which marked the boandary^ine be<wx>en the cv^anti^ of
SteabMt aitd Tompkins, under which he had iik«« than
o«ce wanted in the nkht for fti^tiT«s 6v>iB justice, who
had motivvs &r crassii^ the bounds at utkseissoaahle bouts.
While <&ehai^i(^ the duties of hfeoSo'. '^ .t;^ with
charactenstie public spirit iu estabfis: , . v^f mait
coacheis between the principal towns of Southw«stera Xew
York and Harndtwir^. Phibtd^phia. Baltimore, and Wash-
in^tou. In thfe lna»^ of biKtneiss he was assjctaied with
JiM^ Cx^i:. of Bath, and others. In the nianagtment of
this« linets of stages, which were of great puhite utifitr at
that period, he became strvx^iy impnxfsed with the impor-
taaes «f raifa«ad fiKtlities. in the pnMwticu of which he
sdbsaiqaeaily took so eott^ptcuotts a part. In the year lSf6.
Mr. Ma^ee was b(««^t forward by hk feUow-^-itiaetis as a
caadiifate for Coagiess. He was ele«ted by a Terr ««•-
siiliinhie majority, aad was again a success&I (.-aatBtxtie Kir
th«saweoSee.
I^ui^ both th«se terms it: Cc: .;t\s!- r.; :,vk. .i -. r.-.iL:-
■eat pv^tioo. G«ne(al Jaeksoo. wh-. s; -.Ixi: -.iax* -.wuj;^
the pK^adeMsd chwr. ie»anied him a^ a wan of extraonfi-
Kirr sa$»ettT and soundmsss of ju^ment. and Ma«le him
his evafidential {nml and adrfeer. He often eiMstdted
him ifon ii^pxtuit ^»£tM«s, and ofeted him a :»u in
1^ cabinet, vhkh 3f r. Mage«. howiever. de«£ned.
Mr. Magee was manied to Atabeik Steuart. Feb. ±1
ISSl. at W^ui^uw. SW«&«d at Watkixs. May 16, 1S<>4.
She w;fe$ the modMM- of ten duldrea. &«r of whom surriTed
her and her htdbjand. Kunely. J^ucan &, Gevxvie J.. John.
and Hebe P. }fage«. and only tww of whtiat ai« now fixi^.
T
Til.. Geu. litxirg*.- .1, Magee, ot" Watkms. aiui Mrs. Hebe
r. Ellsworth.
In I Sol the Steuben County Bank was established.
Mr. Magee was chits^n its first president, and evinced uiucb
^ill and fidelity in cotiducting its affairs until his death, a
jvriod of thirtvsieven years.
Ihiring his residence at Bath. Mr. Magee was one of the
projectors of the New Yi>rk ami Erie Railroad, and devoted
hims^f with characteristic energy to the carrying forward
of that great enterjirtse. strongly anticipating as he did its
great influeiKe in the deveJopmeni of the resources of the
" Svnuhern Tier" ivvinties of the State and its general utility.
Ho was associated with Jv>hn Aruot. Constant Ci^'k. Charles
CVjok. J. H. Chedell. and J. S. T. Stranahau in coustruct-
ing the road fr\»«u Binghamton v. - Homellsville-
Mr. Magee was the prv^jector _ y instrumental in
the baiidii>g of the Couhocton Valley RailrvYtd from Cora-
ing to Bttffalvv a work in which the interests of the citiieits
v>f Steuben County were immediately coiKvmed. His irf-
forts and personal sacrifices in its behalf are well known
among his neighbors, the older citiaeos of that county.
In 1S51 he became interested in the Blte^urg and
Corning Railroad, which was chiefly indebted to his ener-
getic co.<.^>eratioo f»»- its comp4etioo. At that period the
coal bttsiiKss had assumed bot little importance iu the Tic^
Valley. Mr. Magee made his first puivhase of coal lands
iu IS59. and opened the mines at Fall Brook in the saime
year. Entering upon this new field with l^ usual nsoht-
tiott and sa^ran.'ity. overcoming obstacles which, to otho'
min«bk mkrht have appeared insurmountable, he soon found
this work grv^wing so rapidly upon his hands as to donnd
hb constant attention, aikd hts later years were chiefly de-
voted to its ptwectttioB.
In 1S64. Mr. Ma^ee removvd from Bath to Watkiits, in
' -^ ' ' r. Prior to this time, in 1S59 and
xtensive purdta^s of viU^ie i«if>i«ty
at the head of Seneea Lake, for the location of tr«stle-w\»ks.
baeii^ etc.. for the deKverr and slupment of real : for the
purp«£e of K?at-buildi^ : for a steam flouriis:-miIl ; for
dwellings for his wvfktnen : for hk own r^idenee ; aitd for
other purposes^ These btuMiKSS and improvements de~
maitded a wit large outlay, and fun^wd employment
to a hr^ nunri>er of labcreis. TV? bi^iitess interests of
die vilb^ received a vkible impulse from the commence-
matt of theise operattoos. and these intetests Mr. Magee
always manifested a eon&l deaie to promote in a substan-
tial manner. He was a Kieial contributor for the pureh^e
and ia^coveMent of the present cemeterr gtounafe near
Witkias.
He was an ean«t and fiitUul attnitdint upon the Pt«s-
bytetian Chnrek. of which he was a member, and piovided
for the erection of the large Pt«sbytetian church e^fiee ia
Watkins at a cost of SoO.OOt).
In 1S*7. Mr. M^Kse w« ehoain a delegate w the Oi»-
stitutioKJ Cvavention of the State of Xev Toik, and hk
ha pnhficsetriceswaerendetedasaaKndberof thatbody.
He did not Kve to see the work of tkit conventiENi com-
pleted, but hk iaflnenee ^ a member was coasorative and
vahndbie. and hk opinion were ie;»ided with respect.
Mr. Magee £ed of pwahsb. at Watkios. N. T.. April
TOWN OF BATH.
189
5, 1868, and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, in the plat
of ground which he had provided and tastefully improved
for his family burial-place.
John Magee was an honest man. He could not abide
trickery. He never stooped to any meanness in all his
varied and gigantic transactions. He always did business
in a direct, honest, straightforward way. He wanted every
one to come right to the point, for he was already there
himself There was no double-dealing with him. He
hated shams of all kinds, pretensions, and superficial .seem-
ings.
He was an original and marked man. He constitutes a
notable specimen of the American growth which starts from
poverty and develops into wealth, statesmanship, wide per-
sonal influence, and financial control.
In his intercourse with the people of all classes Mr.
Magee was courteous and affable, and always ready to do a
kindness. He had a strong sympathy with young men
who, like himself, were obliged to struggle with privations
and to surmount obstacles in the commencement of their
career. Many instances of his generous assistance to such
persons are remembered with gratitude. Industry, economy,
and self-reliance he commended, and was ready to aid ;
while idleness, wastefulness, and any lack of honesty, in-
tegrity, or of straightforward diligence and thrift, met from
him only the most severe reprehension. If actual misfor-
tune had overtaken a man, if the real wants of the widow
or the orphan reached his knowledge, his heart was ready
to respond and his hand prompt to offer relief
A statesman, second to none in the republic, writes of
him as follows :
" To me he was an attractive man. He was a strona:
o
man upon those points where I feel my own weakness, and
it always gave me pleasure to talk with him. Beyond any
one I have known he was quick in his perceptions of char-
acter, keen in seeing through the facts of matters with
which he had to deal, and prompt in his action. While
he was resolute in his purposes, firm in demanding his
rights, he had, what is rare with men of his cast of char-
acter, great charity for the weaknesses of others, and a
kindly generosity in helping those who made mistakes or
who fell into trouble fnim want of wisdom or .skill. I never
knew another whose .sharp questionings, stern probings, and
close scrutinies always ended in such liberal and generous
conclusions. I have known more or le.ss of the leading men
of our country during the last thirty years. Not one of
them made more marked and deep impressions upon me
than John Magee."
And one of the first judges of the land says of him
that " He was one of those sterling and able men whose
names we are accustomed to as.sociatc with the stability and
prosperity of the state, and whose weight of character far
transcends the dignity of mere official position."
HON. CONSTANT COOK.
The life of this prominent t-itizen of Bath serves admir-
ably t(j illustrate the suuces.s that attends upon habits of
industry, self-denial, and genuine economy, — habits which
were his only capital when, sixty years since, in the first
flush of his manhood, he became a resident of this county,
and step by step placed himself among the most widely
known busine.ss men of Western New York. It will be
seen that he did not stumble upon a colossal fortune ; that
it was by no mere luck or chance that he became a million-
aire. His was an example from which we may all learn
to conquer fortune and deserve success.
Constant Cook, the son of Philip and Clarissa (Hatch)
Cook, was born in Warren, Herkimer Co , N. Y., on the
10th day of November, 1797, and there with his father
passed his earlier years in the work of the farm. On Christ-
mas-day, 1819, he was married at Richfield, Otsego Co.,
to Maria Whitney, daughter of Nathan and Hannah Whit-
ney, formerly of Fairfield Co., Conn.
Mrs. Cook, now a " widow of about fourscore years," still
survives, active and unwearied still in those works of piety
and beneficence which have greatly endeared her name to all
who know her. It was an auspicious day to Mr. Cook and
his fortunes that found him united to one who so nearly
realized the divine ideal* of the excellent woman. So, at
least, thought and felt all they who fifty years later assem-
bled to celebrate the golden wedding in Bath.
In April, 1820, about three months after his marriage, Mr,
Cook removed to Cohocton, in Steuben Co., where he re-
sumed the business of farming ; but soon became interested
with John Magee, late of Watkins, but formerly of Bath, in
immerous passenger and mail routes, by the efficient man-
agement of which they gave great satisfaction to the
public, and laid the foundation of the fortunes which they
subsequently built up. About the year 1840, while still
residing at Cohocton, Mr. Cook was appointed one of the
judges of the county, an office which he filled for the term
of three years.
In 1843, Judge Cook removed to Bath, and engaged in
commercial pursuits with Mr. Magee ; but their attention
was soon drawn to that great work, the construction of
the Erie Railway, and, in company with J. S. T. Strana-
han, of Buflalo ; John H. Chedell, of Auburn; John
Arnot, of Elmira ; and Charles Cook, of Havana, they
took the contract for the building of the road from Bing-
hamton to Corning. The general management of this
work was intrusted by his associates to Judge Cook, who
prosecuted it with such vigor and success as to win for him
very substantial tokens of satisfaction from all concerned.
Subsequently, with the Hon. John Magee, he projected
and built the Buffalo, New York and Corning Road, from
Corning to Buffalo, by way of Batavia and Attica. Still
later he projected the Bloss Coal Company, located at
Arnot, near Blossburgh, Pa.
During the last twenty years of his life, Judge Cook
became widely known for his banking-houseat Bath, which,
early in the war, was converted into a national bank, and
soon took rank with the soundest and most successful insti-
tutions of the kind in the State. The last great and crown-
ing euterpri.se of his life was one of special interest to the
congregation of St. Thomas' Church, Bath, who learned one
day, about six years before his decease, that he had pro-
* Proverbs xzxi. 10-.31.
190
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
posed to the vestry to start a subscription for a new church
edifice, which had lung been greatly needed, with the sum
of twenty thousand dollars, which he soon after increased
to thirty thousand, on condition that half as much more
should be raised by the parish. The proposition was
gratefully received and warmly seconded, and the result is
now seen in one of the most commodious and beautiful
church edifices in the diocese.
Bishop Co.\e, in his address to the Convention of the
Diocese of Western New York in 1871, says:
" It was a good day for the diocese when, in Easter
week, I consecrated the church at Bath. It is one of the
most beautiful fabrics in Western New York, and it adorns
one of its most charming villages. The munificence of a
single parishioner, Mr. Constant Cook, gave it this scale of
spaciousness and splendor, but the parishioners generally
had liberally contributed to the work. The large attendance
of our clergy and laity at the consecration, the spirit and
animation of the services, and the crowded missionary
meeting that completed the solemnities of the festive day,
bore witness to the depth of interest which the good work
had awakened throughout the diocese."
The death of Judge Cook, after a long-protracted illness,
occurred on the 24th day of February, 1874, at the age of
.seventy-six years, three months, and thirteen days. The
Courier of March 4 adds : " The funeral of the late Judge
Cook was attended from his residence in this village on
Thur.sday afternoon last, a very large number of citizens
and friends from abroad being present The solemn and
impressive services were conducted by the rector. Rev. Dr.
Howard. Delegations of mourning friends from Elmira,
Corning, and other places were present, and a long proces-
sion followed his remains to their final resting-place, in
Grove Cemetery."
Of eight children, three only survive him, — Henry H.
Cook, Esq., now of New York City, and Mrs. L. D. Hodg-
man and Edwin C. Cook, both of Bath. He also left six
sisters, — Mrs. Hiser, Mrs. Woodruff, Mrs. Chedell, and
Miss Celente Cook, of Auburn ; Mrs. Orton, of Brooklyn ;
and Mrs. Brown, of Bath.
As before intimated, it will be readily seen that the suc-
cess of Judge Cook was greatly owing to early-formed
habits of persevering diligence and strict economy. Never
idle himself, he had little sympathy with the drones in the
great hive of human industry. We have met with no more
apt disciple of the school that teaches " whatsoever thy
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."
And then, as was natural to such a man, he was socially,
and practically at heart, one of the most democratic of men,
sympathizing deeply with all sorts and conditions of men,
so long as they respected their own manhood, and sought
to act well their part in that state of life to which it had
pleased God to call them.
Naturally, too, his was a wise and discriminating liberality.
The truly needy and deserving always found in him one
who was ready to listen to their appeals, and to take their
cases into consideration. And there was hardly any public
improvement, or any religious, educational, or benevolent
enterprise, to which he was not a generous contributor.
Churches and ministers of all denominations could testify to
this enlarged spirit of liberality.
Judge Cook will also long be remembered, by those
associated with him in various enterprises, as one who
habitually sought to promote harmony and peace. In the
vestry, of which he was a member some ten years, and
especially in the new church enterprise, it was natural that
he should have his own views and preferences upon some
points, and feel, too, that he was entitled to press them.
But he never did. If the majority differed from him, no
one could yield his opinion more readily or gracefully.
We may add that he will be remembered by those who
knew him familiarly for the shrewd and pithy sayings which
daily fell from his lips, as, for instance, his reply to the
aspiring youth who " wanted to know how to get rich."
" Hire out to some i'armer," said the judge, " at ten dollars
a month, and save half of it." We shall have studied his
life and character to little purpose if we tail to discover
that taking care of money is quite as important an element
in all prosperity as earning or making money.
JOHN A. BOWLBY.
John A. Bowlby was born in the town of Dryden,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 6, 1829. He is the son of
James and Catherine Bowlby, both natives of New Jersey,
where they were married. Mr. Bowlby, Sr., was bound
out when a boy to learn the tanner and currier's trade, and
served until he reached his majority. He settled in Tomp-
kins County soon after his m.irriage, and, being naturally
of an ingenious turn of mind, gave his attention to the
carpenter and joiner trade, in which he became an expert.
After several years he turned his attention to farming, and
in 1838 came to Steuben County and settled in the town of
Bath, where his son now resides, on one hundred and
twenty acres of land. He was a man of much resolution
and activity, and a peculiar characteristic of him was his
fondness for hunting, — being a remarkably good marksman.
He died September 14, 1862, at the age of eighty-four.
His wife died Sept. 14, 1869, at the same age.
John A. Bowlby is the youngest in a family of nine chil-
dren, and received a fjiir education from books, which he
has improved by reading and contact with business. He
was married Sept. 30, 1854, to Lydia R., daughter of
Peter and Lucinda Hunter, of Bath, but formerly of Orange
County, settling here about 1823. Their children are
Frank H., John H., Helen C, and Carrie L.
Mr. Bowlby is known as a representative agriculturist in
the town, and resides on the farm occupied by his father,
to which he has made an addition of seventy acres, besides
valuable tracts in other localities. A view of his residence
and surroundings may be seen on another page of this work.
Mr. Bowlby has been a Republican since the organiza-
tion of the party, hijs served the towfi officially, and is now
one of the assessors.
*t:t^5vr^;.
John A.BowLBY.
[viRS. John A.BowLBY
f^ESiDENCE or JOHN A.BOWLBY, Bath, Steuben Co NY
B E A D F O R D.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
The town of Bradford is situated near the centre of the
east border of the count}', and is bounded nortli by Wayne,
east by the county-line, soutli by (.!:nnpbell, and west by
Urbana and Bath.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The southern part of this town i.s made up of high hills,
from which the waters run northeast into Mud Creek and
southwest into Mcad'.s Creek, both streams being tributaries
of the Conhocton. The soil of the valleys is rich alluvium,
gravelly clay, and sand, productive of excellent crops of
corn and wheat. The hills yield abundance of pasturage
and grass, and of late years are being subjected to a more
systematic cultivation.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In 171)3, Frederick Bartles and John Harvey, from New
Jersey, located on the outlet of Mud Lake, at a place known
in the early days as " Bartles' Hollow." Under the pa-
tronage of Col. Williamson, he erected a flouring- and saw-
mill in 1795. While the men were employed in erecting
this mill, Benjamin Patterson, the hunter, was hired to
supply them with wild meat, and was paid $2 a day and
the skins of the animals. In three months he killed nearly
100 deer and several bears, and his companion, named
Brocher, nearly as many more.
Bartles was an intelligent, generous, and hospitable man.
His mill-pond covered about a thousand acres, and was
filled with fish of various kinds, affording rare sport during
the fishing season. Parties of pleasure were entertained
by Mr. Bartles in the best style and free of charge. He
possessed an inexhaustible fund of pleasant anecdote, and
his dialect, being a mixture of Dutch and English, was
very amusing.
Mud Creek at this time was a navigable stream, and it
was thought that the commerce of Mud Lake would re-
quire considerable of a town at this point, but the early
expectations were not realized.
In 1798, Mr. Bartles rafted 100,000 feet of boards from
his mills to Baltimore. In ISOU he ran two arks from the
same place, of which the following record was made by
the county clerk :
"Steuben County: — This fourth day of April, one thousand eight
hundred, started from the mills of Frederick Bartles, on the outlet of
Mud Lake, two arks of the following dimensions: one built by Col.
Charles Williamson, of Bath, 72 feet long and 15 wide; the other
built by Nathan Harvey, 71 feet long and 15 wide, were conducted
down the Conhocton (after coming through Mud Creek without acci-
dent) to Painted Post, for Baltimore. Those arks are the first built
in this county, except one built on the Conhocton, at White's saw-
mill, five miles below Bath, by a Mr. Patterson, Sweeny, and others,
from Pennsylvania, 70 feet long and Ifi feet wide, which was finished
and started about the 20th of March the same year.
*' This minute is entered to show, at a future day, the first com-
mencement of embarkation in this (as is hoped) useful invention.
' Bv IIknuv A.
ToWNSENO,
** Clerk of Steubvn Cuiinty."
IMud Creek has ceased to be navigable since the clearing
of the forests, and the produce of this region seeks the
Eastern markets by canals and railroads.
Among the early settlers of Bradford were Henry Swit-
zer, Samuel S. Camp, Abrani Rosenborg, Thomas Howies,
Michael Scott, Daniel Bartholomew, and Capt. John N.
Hight. Henry Axtelle, John Hemiup, John Sehriner,
Ezekiel Sackett, and a Mr. Smith also settled here at an
early day. The first birth was that of a daughter of John
Harvey, in 1799, and the first death that of Mrs. Thomas
Bowles, in August, 1803. Frederick and Charles Bartles
opened the first store in 1800, and the first tavern or inn
in 1806. Mr. Smith taught the first school, in 1810.
Rev. E. Sanford was the first preacher in town, and Rev.
Mr. Lazelle (Baptist) was the first settled minister, settling
in town in 1816.
The flouring-mill built by Frederick Bartles stood on
the site of the present mill in the village of Bradford. Its
dimensions were 30 by 40 feet. It was destroyed by the
flood and another built on the same site, which was burned,
and a third was built ; that also burned and was replaced
by the present building. Frederick Bartles conveyed the
property to Frank Whitney ; the latter conveyed it to
Munson k Merriman, and it finally passed from their
hands to the present owners, Jesse and Cyrus Mun.son.
Thomas Rowles came from the State of Maryland in the
year 1805, and settled in the town of Bradford, on the farm
on the corner about one mile southeast of the village of
Bradford. By hard work he soon erected a house and
made an opening in the heavy timber, and finally saw his
ftrm cleared up. His children were Thomas Howies, who
died in the town of Bradford, David, Sally, Mercy, Amy,
and Mary.
Michael Scott came from Maryland in 1805, and settled
the first farm southwest of that settled by Thomas Rowles,
with his wife and two children, Thomas and Mary. He
was one of the first blacksmiths in town. He experienced
the life common to the pioneer in an unsettled country, sur-
rounded by wild beasts and Indians. Bears were often
seen, and on one occaision chased his hogs to his house.
At one time Mr. Scott having gone from home, and his
wife being then dead, his little children were left alone, and
the [ndi:ins came and took possession of his house. They
turned three horses into a lot near the barn, and scattered hay
taken from the barn over the lot for their horses. During the
191
192
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
night Mr. Scott's cattle hooked one of the horses, and it
died the next morning. When Mr. Scott returned, in com-
pany with Thomas Corbitt, lie found liis home in possession
of the redsliins, and was soon told of their loss. As the
dusky savages gathered around a blazing fire on his hearth-
stone, they earnestly said to him, " You pay all." Mr.
Scott told them, " No, I am not to blame ; you are more to
blame yourselves than I am. You came here and took pos-
session of my hou.sc and barn when my little children were
alone, and you will have to stand it yourselves ; you are
more able to lose it than I am to jiay for it."
The Indians laid the case before Sijuiro Bartlcs, who told
them they claimed more than $50, and ho could not entertain
the case, and referred tlicm to Samuel S. Ilaight, of Bath.
They went to Mr. Ilaight, and while he was making out
the papers Mr. Corbitt entered and gave the counselor the
history of the case as he saw it, and legal proceedings were
stopped. The Indians afterwards frequently visited Mr.
Scott, and their relations were always friendly. His child-
ren were Thomas, who now lives on the same farm; Samuel,
who went to Michigan; Michael, who also went West;
Mary, who married Levi Miller ; Jane, who married for her
first husband Thomas Sanford, and again mavried Joseph
Tichner ; and Nancy, who married Henry Younger.
Daniel Bartholomew lefl Lancaster Co., Pa., for Seneca
Co., N. Y. When he reached the place where he now
resides, in the Mud Creek Valley, his family were taken
sick with fever and ague, and he was, in consequence,
compelled to stop. He there erected a rude cabin and
commenced clearing. He always lived on the same farm,
and reared a family, of which the fulKiwing were mem-
bers: Nancy, Catherine, Jacob, and Daniel (who .served
in the war of 1S12). Both sons died in the town of Brad-
ford.
Henry Axtell came from near Binghamton, about the
year 1815, and first settled the farm on which James
Decker now resides. He served in the war of the Revo-
lution. His children were John, Nancy, Alfred, and
Henry, the latter of whom became a successful fanner
by persistent effort, and died, in the town of Bradford,
possessed of about five hundred acres of land. His
children were Samuel, John B., Sarah, Melissa Franklin,
and James.
Asa Tolbert was the first settler, and made tlie first clear-
ing, on the first farm south of that settled by Thomas
Rowles. A number of years after, while his family still
lived on the same farm, he was drowned while running a
raft down the Susquehanna River, near Tunkhannock, Pa.
His children were Asa, Samuel, Joshua, Mary Ann, Betsey,
and ^laria.
In an early day George Snell located and first settled
about 500 acres of land, about three miles south of the vil-
lage of Bradford, on the brow of Oak Hill. He laid out
and opened the road that now runs south from the first
corner below the village as far as his settlement. His chil-
dren were Anson, Sylvenus, Jacob, and Margaret.
Stephen Edwards first settled the Piatt property, and
built the first saw-mill on the mill-site about two miles
we.st of the village of Bradford, lie felt the deprivations
usual in a new country. Being unable at that time to get
any tea, he used in his family, as a substitute, hemlock ; and
the twigs, after being steeped, accumulated in a large pile
near his door. His children were John Edwards, Charles,
Dennis, Luman, and a daughter.
John Zimmerman, an early and prominent pioneer, was
born in Austria, and at the age of sixteen was taken from
his bed at dead of night, ironed, and forced into the military
service of the Au.strians, and afterwards was taken prisoner
by the French ; and after service uiidor Napoleon Bonaparte,
was again taken pri.soner by the English and sent tn Canada,
in the service of the British government, al which place he
was sent to look for a corporal who had deserted, when he
and Jacob Swartz, following the example of the corporal,
deserted, as the following copy of the original passjiort,
found among his papers, will show :
••IJci'r.ii.ii. L'ntli .-Jfipt.. IS14.
" This is to certify that the bearer hereof, John Zimmer-
man, late private in His Majesty's service, is a deserter from
the British army, and after passing Canandaugua may be
at liberty to engage as a laborer or otherwise, but not to re-
turn of his own accord within one hundred miles of this
frontier.
" H. Brady, Col. Comd'g."
He often said that he was looking for the corporal yet.
From Buffalo he made his way through sparse settle-
ments and deep woods to the settlement of Jersey (^now
Bradford), in the month of September, 181-i, and immedi-
ately engaged with Frederick Bartles as a distiller, and after
a service of seven months he received a recommendation
from his employer " as an excellent distiller, industrious and
faithful, and has behaved himself in a very becoming man-
ner in every other respect," which indicates somewhat the
qualities that afterwards gave him prominence in his pioneer
home. He then went to Tiaiicaster, Pa., intending to re-
turn to Austria, but there learning that affairs in his old
home were still viiisettlcd, turned his attention again to dis-
tilling, with a good degree of prosperity. On the 7th day
of March, 1S19, he was married to Elizabeth Green. In
182-1, with his wife and two children, Jacob and Elizabeth,
he returned again to play a part in the history of Jersey. He
erected a distillery on the present site of G. H. Given's barn,
and engaged with characteristic energy in business. He
added brewing, lumbering, farming (on the farm now owned
by G. H. Givens), and grain-buying to his business, and
for a time was the most prominent business character in
Jersey. Later his fortunes turned, as is often the case with
men of too large benevolence.
The following children were born in Bradford : John,
Catharine, Martin, Sylvaims, and Napoleon; tlu; two last of
whom now live in the town of Bradford.
David Hight .settled the farm Jeremiah Longwell now
lives on, about two miles west of the village of Bradford.
David Woodard first settled the farm Franklin Barkly
now lives on. His sons were George, John, and Gamaliel.
John In.scho and Abel Eveland settled, in 1830, the
farm, on the edge of Oak Hill, David Inscho now lives on,
about one mile from Mud Creek. The children of the
former were Jo.seph, Andrew, Abel, Frank, Mary, Lucy,
and Sobrina. Abel Eveland held the office of justice of
1i
John Kishpaugh.
|vtRS John Kishpaugh
JOHN KISHPAUGH.
John Kishpaugh was born in Sussex Co., N. J., June 15,
18. He was the son of Joseph and Catharine Kishpaugh.
s ancestors were of German descent. Joseph Kishpaugh
1 family came from New Jersey, and settled in the town of
Ian, Yates Co., in the year 1832, John Kishpaugh being
in fourteen years of age. From a boy he was taught the
3on of self-dependence. Beginning at the age of fifteen as a
ver on the Erie Canal, and after that working summers on a
m and attending school winters, he never since that time
i known what it was to be dependent upon anybody. One
the prominent features in the history of John Kishpaugh
8 his uniting with the Baptist Church at Lodi, N. Y., at the
i of twenty-one years. In 1837 he enlisted in the Hector
fle Company, of Hector, N. Y., and held the offices of 1st
geant, lieutenant, and captain. From 1839 until 1843 he
ed in Tompkins County. In December, 1843, he married
irgarette Clawson, and on March 17, 1846, with his wife, he
ne to Bradford, Steuben Co., and settled upon the farm upon
lich he now resides, surrounded by the results of his ambition
a toil. To Mr. and Mrs. Kishpaiif h were bom two children,
1. : Garry B., who married Agnes M. Ay era, and is a farmer of
ites County, and Elanor Jane, who married Francis L. Drake,
d lives in Schuyler County. Mr. Kishpaugh has always fol-
ded the occupation of a farmer. Coming into Bradford in 1846,
cleared land upon his own farm, and for a time lived in a
log house upon the same farm, where since he has erected a fine
farm-house and commodious buildings, which stand to-day as an
exponent of what his industry and economy have accomplislied.
His wife, Margarette, after bringing up her children so that they
are useful members of society, and ever performing her duties
as wife and mother, died Sept. 10, 1872.
Politically Mr. Kishpaugh is a Democrat, and has always
adhered to the principles of that party. He has held the offices
of overseer of the poor and justice of the peace. Mr. Kish-
paugh is essentially a self-made man, and by his own energy and
labor has made himself one of the successfiil farmers of Brad-
ford. On the 29th of January, 1 874, Mr. Kishpaugh married
Christina Brymer, of Schuyler County, whose father was one of
the pioneer farmers of Steuben County, having served in the
war of 1812. Mr. Brymer was regarded as one of the repre-
sentative farmers of the county. John Kishpaugh is now an
acting justice of the peace, and deacon of the Baptist Church
at South Bradford. His wife is also an active member of that
denomination and society. Mr. Kishpaugh has never taken
any steps backward in regard to the principles shown when he
was twenty-one years old, but has endeavored to strengthen
them by age. He is regarded by his townsmen as a good citizen
and an honest man. Mr. and Mrs. John Kishpaugh live upon
the old farm in Bradford, and after lives of toil they are in-
dependent in a good degree and enjoying the fruits of their labor.
TOWN OF BRADFORD.
193
the peace eight years, was town commissioner of schools,
and served one term as member of Assembly. His chil-
dren are Alonzo, Isaac, Joseph, Thomas, Catherine, and
Mary.
Eli IS Thomas settled the first farm on the hill north of
the village of Bradford, on which Benjamin Whitehead
now lives ; he held the office of commissioner of highways
in 1815.
Peter Rose was also an early settler on the same farm, and
the first' physician in the town. His children were Jesse,
Maria, E., and Ira ; the latter of whom, returning late at
night from hunting, while hanging up his rifle, accidentally
discharged it, and the ball passed through the floor and
bed above, and lodged in the body of John Sanger, from
the effects of which he soon died.
Capt. Hight settled the first farm north of the farm last
mentioned ; killed the first panther, on the Caleb Hedges
farm ; killed the first bear.
The first clearing on Oak Hill — in the south part of the
town — was made by John Shriner, on the farm John Kish-
paugh now lives on. His children were Cornelius and
Low.
The next clearing was on the farm now owned by E. W.
Bennett, by Peter Low, to the extent of 6 acres, and sowed
to wheat. Deer destroyed the crop.
Rumsey Miller settled the farm where Asa Walling now
lives.
David Dennis, in an early day, settled and cleared the
farm on which he died. He drew straw with an ox-team
from Wayne Hotel, twelve miles, through the pines and
hemlocks on Mud Creek, to take his stock through the first
winter. He went to mill in the summer on .sleighs, with
wooden shoes. He married Anna Biggers. His children
were Robert, John, David, Joseph, — who live in the town
of Bradford, — Sallie, Emily, Fannie, Ira, Hannah, Rachel,
— who married Levi Fergus and lives in the town of Brad-
ford,— and Maria, who married James Gillmore and also
lives in this town.
Evan F. Thomas came from Luzerne Co., Pa., and set-
tled in Bradford in 1827. He followed the trade of a
carpenter for thirty-two years, and built two arks for trans-
porting grain in the early days of Bradford. Since 1859
he has been a farmer, and at the present time owns a farm
of 202 acres.
Capt. John Phelps came from Connecticut, and settled
in Yates County in 1780. He was a soldier in the war of
1812. He settled in Bradford upon a farm of nearly 300
acres of land, known as the Peter Houk farm, in 1836.
He was a successful farmer, and raised a large family. He
died in 1856.
James D. Morris came from New Jersey, and settled in
Bradford, in 1820. He helped clear the land upon the
farm now owned by his son, Frank Morris. At his death,
which occurred in 1862, he owned 240 acres.
Benjamin Whitehead came with his father, Charles
Whitehead, who settled in Jersey, now Orange, in 1827.
Benjamin Whitehead settled in Bradford, upon lot 9, where
he now lives, in 1847. He is a successful farmer, and
has raised a large family. His farm now comprises 288
acres.
25
Hosea Longwell was born in Sussex Co., N. J., Aug. 8,
1811, and is, therefore, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.
He is the son of James Longwell and Sarah Carver. On
his father's side, his ancestry came from Ireland. His
mother was a descendant of the old Puritan family of
Carvers, famous in the early history of New England.
Hosea Longwell was the first son of a family of twelve
children. His father came from New Jer.sey with his
family, and settled in Steuben County in 1822. He reared
his family to industry, and instilled in them while young
moral lessons which they have always retained. From 1823
until his death, which occurred in 1871, he lived in Urbana,
and was regarded as one of the representative successful
farmers of the town. In 1833 he married Harriet Brun-
dage, daughter of John Brundage, one of the pioneer men
and representative families of the town of Urbana. In
1842, Mr. Longwell moved from Wheeler to Bradford with
his family, and settled upon the lot where he now resides.
At that time the country was comparatively new, and Mr.
Longwell cleared a good share of the land which he now
owns, and in place of the log house of half a century ago,
has erected a substantial farm residencs and suitable build-
ings, and is surrounded by the results of hLs ambition and
toil. To Mr. and Mrs. Longwell were born eight children,
viz., Eliza, who lives at home; Azariah, who in his early
life studied and practiced law in Corning, and died in 1873 ;
Frank, who lives in Bradford ; Phoebe, who lives at home ;
Hosea, Jr., who married Mary Bale, and is a farmer of
Urbana ; Rachel, who married Thomas Spink, and lives in
Yates County ; Carver, who married Cassie Switzer, and is
a farmer of Bradford ; Eugene, who is a young man of
twenty-two, and lives at home.
Daniel Taylor, in an early day, came with a sack, kettle,
and axe on his shoulder, settled and cleared the farm Henry
Conelly now lives on. He helped lay out and open the
road that runs from Sonora to Mead's Creek, by the way of
South Bradford. He made a clearing and put up a log
house, and the next year moved in his family, consisting of
a wife and nine children. His furniture was simple, — a
board table, two rude bedsteads ; some of the family had to
sleep on the floor. Some of the family went twelve miles
to work to pay the first tax, $1.50. He hauled wheat to
Penn Yan, about twenty-five miles, and sold it for three
shillings and sixpence per bushel. They dressed in flax
garments, winter and summer, and used thorns for pins.
His children were Levi, James, Daniel, John, Mary, Phoebe,
John, Anna, and Henry, the last of whom served his (own
as overseer of the poor and assessor.
John Stilts settled and cleared the farm now owned by
Richard Leonard, and lived and died there. He was an
industrious man and good citizen. He reared six children.
Caleb Rock settled where Elijah Shaw lives.
Philip Morse settled where Jeremiah Inscho lives, about
1830. Wolves troubled his sheep some, and Indians some-
times came to his house for something to eat. Philip
Morse kept the hotel at South Bradford about sixteen
years. His children were Levi, Isaac, Stephen, William,
Catherine, and Philip.
The first frame house built on Oak Hill was on the farm
John F. Havens now lives on.
194
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
The first frame barn was built on the Ephraim Bennett
farm by Moses Ellas. Carpenter, JaiDes Carr.'
Mr. Skinner was an early settler on the farm E. W. Ben-
nett lives on. His first winter was a severe one. He and
his family lived on wheat bran nearly all winter. He
drew to market the next spring the hides of the stock he
had lost through the winter.
Increase Cooley cleared the southeast part of the Chubb
farm ; Moses Wilcox, Truman Ward, and Jeremiah Dick-
inson, the north part..
Joel Halleck cleared the first land in the village of South
Bradford, ten acres, on the corners occupied by Stephen
Dorman's store and the Baptist church. The village stands
on about the highest land in the town.
Increase Cooley and Milo Drake were among the first
postmasters. Increase Cooley was the first merchant or
storekeeper ; William Fragles, the first blacksmith ; Isaac
Dennis, the first wagon-maker ; Dr. Woodruff, the first
physician ; Moses Ellas, the first hotel-keeper ; Joseph
Buckingham, the first shoemaker ; John F. Havens, the
first justice of the peace.
The present business interests are as follows :
Grocery. — George Fragles.
Wagon- Maher. — William Slocum.
Dry- Goods and Groceries. — Stephen Dorman.
Blacksmith. — David Dennis.
Harness-Maker. — Daniel My res.
Notary Fublic. — E. W. Bennett.
Justices of the Peace.- — John Kishpaugh and William
Mathews.
The first settler in the village of Bradford was Frederick
Bartles, who came with his family from New Jersey about
1793. He brought with him a number of horse-teams and
wagons, and cut bis way up the creek from Savona to
the present site of the village. Four of bis sons were
Jacob, William, Frederick, and Charles. He brought a
slave with him, Jim ; he now lies buried at the foot of his
master's grave.*
The first merchant was Frederick Bartles. Among the
first blacksmiths was Samuel Thatcher. The first doctor
was Peter Rose. Capt. Hight was the first surveyor. John
Rosenhark was the first child born in the town. The wife
of Thomas Rowles was the first person who died and the
first buried in the cemetery above the village. The first
wagon-maker was Azariah Genung.
Bradford is pleasantly situated on Mud Creek, about
nine miles from Savona. It has a population of about 200.
The present business interests of the place are represented
as follows :
Merchants. — Munson Wright & Co. and WilRam Hedges
& Son.
Grocery. — E. S. Bennett.
Innkeepers. — J. F. Ward and A. J. Emery.
Postmaster. — William Hedges.
Harness- Maker. — Frank Morris.
Wagon-Maker. — Charles Switzer.
Shoemakers. — H. D. Rosenkrans and L. Green.
Flour, Saw-Mill and Lumber. — Munson Brothers.
* Frederick Bartles Jied in 1SI9.
Physicians. — F. M. Lockwood and W. A. Tallmadge.
Justices of the Peace. — -E. S. Bennett and J. A. Stewart.
Cooper. — David Paddock.
Blacksmiths. — George Jaynes and L. Austin.
ORGANIZATION.
Bradford was formed from Jersey (now Orange, Schuyler
Co.) April 20, 1836, and received its name from Gen. Brad-
ford. A portion of it was annexed to Orange, April 17,
1854. The first town-meeting for Bradford was held at
the house of John Zimmerman, on the fourth Tuesday in
May, 1836. S. Suell was elected Supervisor; Charles
McFane, Town Clerk ; Thomas Kowles, Collector ; James
Wolverton and James Bradley, Justices of the Peace.
Under the old organization as Jersey, James Boyd, A.
Ful.som, and Samuel Adams were Supervisors in 1819, '20,
and '24. Henry Switzer was Supervisor from 1825 to
1830 inclusive, and represented the district in the Legisla-
ture. From 1830 to 1834, William H. Seybolt was Super-
visor; and A. M. Libolt for 1834 and '35. From 1815 to
1822, John N. Hight served as Town Clerk ; Samuel Scbo-
field, 1822; John N. Hight, 1823; Jesse Rose, 1824-31 ;
Stephen Northup, 1831-36. The Collectors we have been
able to obtain as far back as 1 824, as follows : Ephraim
Rolfe, 1824 and '25 ; William H. Seybolt, 1826-31 ; Isaac
D. Little, 1831 ; Abraham Allen, 1832; Thomas Rowles,
1833-30. The following were Justices of the Peace from
1815-36 : James Boyd, Frederick Bartles, Henry Switzer,
Stephen Grifieth, Edward Stubbs, Stephen Haight, Samuel
Schofield, Samuel Buckbee, S. Snell, Samuel Kimball, Nor-
man Libolt, A. M. Libolt, William H. Seybolt.
The following is the list of the principal ofiicers since
the organization of the present town ;
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supen-isors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1836.
S. Snell.
Charles McLane.
Thomas Rowles.
1S.37.
(( ii
it If
if ti
1838.
Wm. It. Seybolt.
ii a
David Dennis.
1839.
a «(
Ransom Coats.
Thomas Kowles.
1S40
J. C. Cameron.
"
it
1841.
Joseph S. Ft'uton.
Aug. J. Monroe.
AVm. Bovier.
1842.
James Barkley.
Ransom Coats.
it ft
1843.
a ft
"
Sayres Whitehead.
1844.
Hosea Longwell.
a it
it a
1845.
Wm. Bovier.
li ti
Micajah M. Lewis.
1846.
(( ti
ft if
*( ti
1847.
John Phelps.
a ft
Newman M. Bennett
1848.
Wm. Bovier.
it a
John D. Seybolt.
1849.
James Barkley.
Piatt P. Clark.
i< ((
1850.
Charles Hubban.
if it
it ti
1851.
Wm. Phelps.
Chancy J. Uarring.
David Rowles.
1852.
it it
Ransom Coats.
Samuel A. Goble.
1853.
John D. Seybolt.
it u
Lewis Bennett.
1S54.
u
t( ii
a a
1855.
John F. Havens.
tt if
J. J. Compton.
1856.
" "
Rufus S. Alderman
1857.
Lewis Bennett.
A. J. Switzer.
it tt
1858.
Jesse Munson.
B. B. Switzer.
A. T. Kress.
1859.
tt u
u
Elijah Wortman.
1860.
John D. Seybolt.
U it
Sayres Whitehead.
1861.
it it
t( ft
a it
1862.
Edgar Munson.
tt tt
James Beard.
1863.
Jesse Munson.
it tt
C. W. Strait.
1864.
if it
tt tt
Sayres Whitehead.
1865.
it if
tt tt
Lewis Holly.
1866.
ft ft
W. A. Talmadge.
a a
TOWN OF BRADFORD.
195
Supervisors.
Town
Clerics.
Collectors.
1SG7.
Lewis Bennett.
W. A.
Talmadgo. Byron Ferris.
1S68.
B. B. Switzor.
ti
a
Van Kcnssel'r Dyke
ISflO.
Frank Aulls.
Geo. D
Woodard. Thoma.s Walling.
1870.
«
((
" D. A. Grander.
1871.
Lewis Bennett.
a
Erastus Kopaleo.
1872.
Theron Cole.
P.A.I
ryant.
Ira Dennis.
1873.
Alonzo Eveland.
W. A. Talmad
ge. " "
1874.
" "
tt
it
■ Isaac Eveland.
1875.
J. M. Gillmore.
tt
"
"
1876.
tt it
"
a
Frank Dorman.
1877.
Isaac Easterbrook.
Jersey
Green.
Wm. Cook.
1878.
Ephraim Bennett.
G. P. Morris.
Charles Walling.
JUSTICES OP
THE PEACE.
183li.
James Wolverton.
1860.
Evan P. Thomas.
James Barkley.
1861.
Charles Tompkins.
.1837.
Milton S. Wells.
John F. Havens.
1838.
Henry H. Tupper.
1862.
James S. Tobias.
18.39.
Wm. H. Seybolt.
1863.
William Willover.
James Buckbec.
1864.
Hosea Longwcll.
1840.
James Wolvcrlon.
Epbraim Bennett.
1865.
Charles Tompkins.
John F. Haven.s.
1841.
Orin Tompkins.
1866.
Evan F. Thomas.
Henry Switzer.
1867.
Wm. H. Genung.
1842.
Milo Sexton.
James C. Goble.
1843.
Wm. H. Seybolt.
John F. Havens.
1844.
James Wolverton.
1868.
H. 11. Kelly.
1845.
John F. Havens.
Azariah Longwell.
1846.
Milo .Sexton.
1869.
Alonzo Eveland.
1847.
Alva Clement.
Martin Longear.
1848.
-James Wolverton.
1870.
Jacob S. Zimmerman.
1849.
John E. Havens.
1871.
C. M. Merriman.
1850.
Abel Eveland.
Wm. Matthews.
1851.
Amos Crosby.
1872.
Alonzo Eveland.
1852.
Henry Conkrite.
1873.
Robert Lantz.
1853.
Geo. S. Patterson.
1874.
John Swart.
James C. Goble.
1875.
Richard M. Blaine.
1854.
Abel Eveland.
Orin Buckingham.
1876.
E. F. Thomas.
Joseph Dennis.
1855.
Orin Buckingham.
E. F. Thomas.
1877.
John Kishpaugh.
Charles Switzer.
1856.
Evan F. Thomas.
E. S. Bennett.
1857.
James C. Goble.
Wm. Matthews.
1858.
Hosea Longwell.
1878.
Wm. Elyea.
1859.
Milo Drake.
Amos Sherwood.
John Kishpaugh.
E. S. Bennett.
Wm. Matthews.
SCHOOLS.
The first school building in the village of Bradford was a
log house, on the flat just back of the pre.seut site of J. P.
Ward's hotel. Thirty-one scholars reported in 1814. First
teacher in the frame building, Jesse Rose. Among the
teachers at that early day were John Broderick and Elder
Fuilerton. In 1815 (Charles Bartles and Joshua King,
tru.stees), a log school-hou.se was built and ceiled inside to
the rafters on the side hill back of the lot now occupied by
John Stetlar. Still later, about 1838, a frame building
was erected on a lot southwest of the present dwelling of
Jesse Mun.sou (2d), — carpenter, Barzilla King. Since
about 1854 that building has been torn down, and a new
one, with more modern fixtures, burlt on the same site, —
Henry Switzer, carpenter. About thirty years ago a little
building, known as the " Little Academy," was built at the
uiouth of the glen on the northwest side of the village,
under the supervision of Jesse Munson and Hiram Merri-
man, where, in an unpretentious way, much good in edu-
cation was done fur the community. Among the teachers
in that place were Rev. Wm. B. Atwell, Rev. Mr. Benton,
George Ford, D. M. Merriman, Wm. H. Brown, and
Alonzo Eveland.
In 1869, the district school-house above spoken of was
moved to the glen, and joined to the " Little Academy," at
a cost of about $500 (Oscar Genung, carpenter), and the
district was at that I'ime organized into a union free school.
John A. Stewart, C. M. Merriman, Wm. Hedges, Wm. S.
Knapp, and B. B. Switzer were chosen members of the
board of education ; Alonzo Eveland, teacher. The present
board is composed as follows ; Jacob Zimmerman, 0. B.
Whitehead, Frank Longwell, Benjamin Hedges, and Jacob
Carmen ; Robinson, teacher.
School district No. 1 was organized about 184(5, and a
frame building was erected on the present site the same
year. A few years previous, a neighborhood school was
held at different places, in vacant houses, and among the
teachers at that time were Joseph Crane and Abel Eveland.
At the time of the organization of the district, Thomas
Scott, Henry Axtell, and John Inscho were elected trustees.
The first teacher was Hannah Miller, and Ansel Hill the
second teacher. At that time Jamas Barkley was town
commissioner of schools.
In an early day, in district No. 1, a log school-house
stood on the corner opposite where Clark Carr now lives.
In 1841, 55 children of school age were reported. Money
received from the commissioners, $23.62, for school pur-
poses. Library money, $5. The library was commenced
in that year, 21 volumes. Willard Childs and John W.
Silvernail were trustees. In 1846 the south part of the
district was added to the South Bradford district, and the
north part, with a portion taken from the Bradford village
district, was organized into the present district No. 1.
In an early day, in what is now known as district No. 5,
school was taught in a log house near the present site of
the Methodist church. The next school was taught in a
log house on the corner opposite S. Dorman's store. After-
wards a frame building was erected on the present site, and
school has been held there to the present time.
Some of the early teachers were Abbey Scudder, Eliza
Robins, and Jacob Snell. Thos. Eveleth and John Diven
were trustees in 1825. The trustees in 1830 were John
B. Stilts and Moses Ellas. Ninety-four children reported
that year. The present trustee is Jacob Fragles. Teacher,
Peter Dennis.
The father of Christopher Cramer first settled the Phelps
property.
James Boyd settled the Nicholas Myres farm and the
Hosea Longwell farm.
Jacob Switzer first settled the farm where B. B. Switzer
died.
The first marriage wa.s that of Frederick Bartles to his
second wife, by Henry Switzer, justice of the peace; the
first innkeeper, John N. Hight ; the first substantial frame
house was built by John Zimmerman ; the first justice of
the peace was Frederick Bartles, appointed; the first justice
elected by the people was Henry Switzer ; John N. Hight
was the first surveyor; Henry Switzer carried the first
mail, and mails continued to be carried by him or under
his supervision during a period of twenty-four years.
19G
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Frederick Bartles built the first distillery. The first lawyer
who settled in the town was Heman Train, Esq. The first
clover-seed was brought into the town from Geneva by
Henry Switzer, who paid for the same $40 per bushel, and
sowed it on the farm where Henry Switzer now lives.
Thomas Sanford sold the first wheat at $1 per bushel at
Dresden. In 1827 wheat .sold for fifty cents per bushel ;
poultry three cents per pound ; maple-sugar three cents
per pound.
Rattlesnakes were abundant. The mowers in the meadow
of Jesse Munson wound their legs with hay-bands to keep
rattlesnakes from biting them.
CHURCHES.
BRADFORD BAPTIST CHURCH.
What is now now known as the Bradford Baptist Church
was constituted a separate church by a council of delegates
Oct. 28, 1834. The council was called by the Tyrone
and Jersey Church, and convened in their meeting-house
in Jersey village.
Brethren representing the following churches were pres-
ent : Campbell — Rev. D. Smith, T. Corbit ; Hornby — Rev.
T. Graves, Deacon Slauntin ; Plainsville (now Dundee) —
Rev. E. W. Martin, 8. Hults, A. Sunderlin ; Catlin and
Jersey— Deacon Lybolt, A. M. Vandeveter; Reading —
Bros. S. N. Smith, S. S. Hurley, R. Drake: Tyrone-
Elder Stone, I. W. Peck, A. Coon ; Barrington, Rev. J.
Ketchum, S. Robertson, L. Forrester.
Rev. D. Smith was chosen moderator, and Rev. D. R.
Coryell clerk of the council. After listening to the read-
ing of their articles of faith and church covenant, the
council agreed to fellowship them as a church, to be known
as the Jersey Baptist Church. Rev. E. W. Martin
preached the sermon. Rev. J. Stone gave the right hand
of fellowship in behalf of the council. Rev. D. B. Coryell
addressed the church. Rev. J. Ketchum made the con-
cluding prayer.
The constituent members were 60 in number. We have
no records previous to 1834, but by reference to the history
of the Tyrone Church, and by old residents still living, we
are informed that this church was originally the south part
of the Tyrone and Jersey Church, and that in ] 825 Rev. V.
R. Wall was sent here by the Domestic Mission Society,
and commenced supplying this church and the Tyrone
Church, which relation he sustained till September, 1839.
In 1833-34 they .succeeded in erecting a house of worship,
which was dedicated soon after its completion. In 1835
the church was admitted into the Steuben Baptist A.ssocia-
tion. Rev. V. R. Wall, John Wixon, Comfort Beebe, were
delegates.
From the time that Rev. V. R. Wall closed his labors
with them till 1841, they appear to be without any stated
settled pastor, when Rev. D. Olney (a licentiate) commenced
his labors with them, which relationship he sustained until
the spring of 1842, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. D.
Carr, which relationship he sustained until June, 1843,
when Rev. Ellett Otis came, who served them one year.
In the spring of 1844, having added to their membership
16 by baptism, they settled as pastor Rev. James L. Cofiin,
which relation he sustained until October, 1849, leaving a
reported membership of 74. In 1850, Bro. I. Estabrooks
(a licentiate) became pastor of the church, he having been
ordained by a council which was called by the church and
convened in their meeting-house June 19, 1850 ; closed his
labors in the spring of 1853, when Rev. 0. B. Call became
the pastor of the church and served them in that relation
for one year.
In June, 1854, Rev. J. Ketchum became pastor of the
church, and served them in that relation for three years,
leaving a reported membership of 85, being an increase of
11 since 1849.
In 1857, Bro. R. Hults (a licentiate) became the pastor
of the church. In November of the same year their pas-
tor, being assisted by Rev. Geo. Balconi, held a series of
meetings, which resulted in an addition to their membership
of 22 by baptism. Bro. Hults closed his labor with them
in the spring of 1859, leaving a reported membership of 102.
Bro. W. P. Omans (then a licentiate) was their next pastor ;
continued two years ; being ordained while with them in
1862.
In February, 1862, Rev. I. Easterbrooks again became
the pastor of the church and supplied them nearly three
years, during which time they repaired their house of wor-
ship at a cost of $1870, which was re-dedicated June 1,
1864. Rev. Geo. Balcom preached the dedicatory sermon.
During the associational year of 1865, Bro. M. H. Perry
(a licentiate) became pastor of the church, which relation
he sustained about one year.
In March, 1867, Rev. R. T. Gates commenced a series
of meetings, as the result of which 23 were added to their
membership by baptism, which made their present number
100.
In June, of the same year, Rev. A. B. Green became
pastor of the church, which relation he sustained until
April, 1873.
In the summer of 1872, they having applied to the
proper authority, had their name changed from Jersey to
Bradford.
During the summer of 1873 they were supplied by Rev.
E. T. Mallory.
In April, 1874, they again procured the labors of Rev.
A. B. Green for one year.
In June, 1875, Rev. E. T. Mallory became their pastor,
which relation he sustained till succeeded by the present
pastor, Rev. F. D. Worth, in 1878.
In the fall of 1875 a series of meetings was held, in
which their pastor was assisted by the Rev. C. W. Brooks,
Rev. I. W. Emery, and Rev. E. F. Francis, which resulted
in an addition to their membership of 33 by baptism,
which increased their membership to 103.
The Bradford Baptist Church is now in the forty-third
year of its history. The known records show that there
have been 149 baptized into the fellowship of the church ;
62 added by letter; 15 upon experience and former bap-
tism ; 14 restored ; 70 dismissed by letter ; 40 excluded ;
15 died.
The church has built but one meeting-house, which they
now occupy. Ordained by council to preach the gospel
ministry, 2 ; licensed one of their members to preach the
TOWN OF BRADFORD.
197
gospel. Have chosen 7 of their number to the office of
deacon, 2 of whom were ordained. Present number, 98.
SOUTH BRADFORD BAPTIST CHURCH.
Previous to 1850 the society held meetings in the school-
house, and the following pastors at various times preached
to the society: Rev. V. Wall, Rev. E. W. Martin, Rev.
Mr. Coffin, Rev. J. B. Rogers.
The first organization was effected July 29, 1848. P].
W. Martin was chosen moderator and Wm. Gillmoro clerk.
Wm. Gillmore, Asa Walling, Ephraim Bennett, Increase
Cooley, Gilbert Oakley, and David Dennis were elected
trustees. The society bought the site of James Taylor,
and erected a church building thereon in 1849 at a cost of
about $1200.
Oct. 20, 1849, E. Bennett, David Dennis, Wm. Mor.se,
and Wm. Gillmore were appointed a committee to visit the
church on Mud Creek to consult with its fiiembers on the
subject of forming a church on Oak Flill.
The church was dedicated Nov. 8, 1849. Wm. Morse,
David Dennis, Isaac Dennis, and John Kishpaugh were
the committee of arrangements. The following were mem-
bers at the time of organization : Ephraim Bennett, Wm.
Gillmore, David Dennis, Robert Babcock, Isaac Dennis,
J. D. Carr, Gilbert Oakley, John Kishpaugh, Phoebe Tay-
lor, Rachel Blaine, Hannah Emerson, Louisa Dykes, Polly
Dennis, Betsey Andrews, Fanny Carr, Margaret Kishpaugh,
Sylvia A. Sylvernail, Melinda Gillmore, Anna Dennis,
Eunice Gillmore, Eliza Goble, Mary Morse.
The first deacons were David Dennis, Wm. Gillmore,
and Ephraim Bennett.
In 1873 the church was repaired at a cost of $260 ; the
trustees were L. W. Chubb, Isaac Dennis, James M. Gill-
more, G. D. Pruden, John Kishpaugh, and James H.
Stedge.
Since the organization 219 members have been added to
the church.
Pastors since the organization : J. D. Carr, seven years
and six months; Philo Griffis (licentiate), nine months; J.
D. Carr (second term), two years and six months ; Wm. H.
Prentis, one year ; J. Kctchum, one year ; S. G. Keim, one
year; A. C. Agar (licentiate), two years; S. Gardner, five
years; George Crocker, two years and a half; E. T. Mallory,
six months, and is the present pastor.
The present deacons are John Kishpaugh and O. D.
Wixon ; trustees, Lewis Bennett, Jeremiah In.scho, Harri-
son Stedge, Leander Chamberlain, 0. D. Wixon, and E. W.
Bennett.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SOUTH
BRADFORD.
The first class on Oak Hill consisted of seven members,
among whom was Mrs. John R. Stilts. It was organized
by Mr. Kent in 1826. Meetings were held from time to
time, mostly in the school-house, until 1847, when the
church was organized on the 23d day of February of that
year, with Aaron Fulkerson, Josiah Conkliu and wife,
Isaac Dennis and wife, Ebenezer Rurasey and wife, Jacob
Stilts and wife, John Tomer and wife, Mrs. John Stilts,
and Joseph Dart as members. The first trustees were
Lorenzo Orcutt, Isaac Dennis, John Tomer, Jesse S. Lay-
ton. A church building was erected the same year at a
cost of about $1000, and dedicated at the beginning of the
next year.
The building was repaired in the fall of 1868, at a cost
of $935.84, and dedicated Jan. 7, 1869. Dedicatory ser-
mon by Rev. B. J. Ives, of Auburn.
Preacher in charge, S. Brown ; trustees, Asa Walling,
W. D. Tomer, Richard Howard. The following has been
the standing of the church at different times:
1851. — -Nathan Fellows, Presiding Elder; Nelson A.
De Pew, Preacher in charge ; John Tomer, Class-Leader.
Members, about 40.
1856. — Porter McKinstry, Presiding Elder ; J. C. Brad-
bury, Pastor in charge ; J. Tomer, Leader. Members, 50.
1859. — Porter McKinstry, Presiding Elder; Josiah Ar-
nold, Pastor in charge ; Asa Orcutt, Supernumerary ; T.
Tomer, Leader. Members, 50.
1862. — F. Congdon, Presiding Elder ; J. Knapp, Pas-
tor in charge; A. F. Countrymen, Assistant; J. Tomer,
Leader. Members, 50.
1866. — John Gulick, Presiding Elder; James H. Ross,
Pastor in charge ; John Tomer, Leader. Members, 50.
1874.— A. F. Mory, Presiding Elder; R. R. Rork, Pas-
tor in charge ; J. Tomer, Leader. Members, 50.
Rev. George Shearer is the present pastor.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BRADFORD.
Meetings were first held in the Baptist church and in the
school-house. Rev. 0. D. Davis was the first resident
minister.
The society or church organized April 26, 1876. The
following were the members at date of organization : Frank-
lin Curtis and wife, Hiram Dykes and wife, Henry Dykes
and wife, Chas. Dykes and wife, Peter Walling and wife,
Hiram Craig and wife, Ursula Andrews, Christina Rapalee,
Mary Gorham, Mrs. Wm. O.sgood.
The first trustees were H. Craig, H. Dykes, G. H.
Givens, N. Christler, and E. S. Bennett. The first class-
leader was Franklin Curtis.
The house of worship was built in 1877, at a cost of
$2385, and dedicated Sept. 11, 1877, by E. T. Green,
presiding elder. Dedicatory sermon by R. D. Monger. The
lot was bought by the society of John Morris, 1877, for
$360. July 17, 1876, six were baptized by Elder E. J.
Cook. Thirty-six persons have since joined.
The Sunday-school was organized Nov. 20, 1876. Present
trustees : John Axtell, James Decker, H. Craig, Stephen
Gannon, Harvey Givens, Henry Dykes, E. S. Bennett.
Present minister, Rev. Geo. Shearer. The parsonage was
purchased in 1877, of H. C. Van Duscr.
In 1877 sixteen persons were baptized by Rev. Geo.
Shearer.
ST. Andrew's church, Bradford.
Prior to the organization of this parish, services had
been held in Bradford by Rev. William Bostwick and Rev.
Erastus Spalding, rectors of St. James' Church, Hammonds-
port. The separate existence of St. Andrew's Church dates
from the arrival of Rev. William Atwill, who came from
198
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Connecticut, and commenced services on the 8th of October,
1850. On the 4th of June following, the place was visited
by Bishop De Lancey, wlio confirmed one person in the
Baptist house of worship and one in the Presbyterian
church on the forenoon of the same day.
On the 8th of June following, the parish was organized,
under the name of St. Andrew's, in a room over the store
of John Mitchel (now Munson & Wright), which had
been previously fitted up for a place of worship. Of this
meeting, which had been duly called by notice read on two
preceding Sundays, the Rev. William Atwill was president
and Edgar Munson secretary.
The officers cliosen were Joseph W. Lord and p]dgar
Munson, wardens; Jesse Munson, Sr., Hosea Longwell,
Jonathan Wood, John H. Read, M.D., Ezelciel Birdseye,
Henry H. Foote, M.D., Rufus Munson, and Andrew T.
Wood, vestry. They were thereupon duly incorporated.
Edgar Munson and Hosea Longwell were elected delegates
(Aug. 13) to the next Diocesan Convention, which was
held in Geneva, on the 21st and 22d of August, 1850,
when they were received into canonical union with the dio-
cese. Twelve communicants, 18 families, and 90 persons
were reported this year.
On the 1st of October, 1864, Rev. Mr. Atwill resigned
the rectorship, and for eighteen months services were main-
tained by lay reading.
On April 1, 185G, the Rev. Milton B. Benton, who had
been a teacher in the school, took charge of the parish, and
in August reports 29 communicants and a congregation of
93 persons. His rectorship closed the last Sunday in
June, 1858, and in March, 1859, it was decided to recall
the Rev. Mr. Atwill, who took charge of the parish again
in May of the same year.
At Easter, 18(jG, he again resigned the parish, to take
effect in April. The Rev. J. T. Cushing assumed the rec-
torship of the parish 3Iay I, residing in Hammondsport,
and officiating, as it would seem, once each Sunday, and on
the principal festivals. During his rectorship the church
edifice was completed, and afterwards consecrated t;>y Bishop
Coxe. A new organ had also been purchased in 1867, at
a cost of $175. In June, 1867, Rev. Mr. Bell became
rector, and in that month the church was consecrated. In
September, 1870, Mr. Bell closed his labors with the
parish, and Rev. Mr. Atwill took charge for the third
time, continuing till April, 1875, when he resigned, and
was succeeded by Rev. William Chattcrson. Rev. Mr.
Chatterson remained with the parish till Sept. 30, 1877,
and for nearly nine months the church was without a rec-
tor. Rev. A. J. Warner, the present rector, took charge
of the parish June 23, 1878, since which time the services
have been regularly maintained, Sundays and week-days.
The erection of a parsonage is contemplated in the spring
of 1879.
The churcli numbers about 50 communicants.
MASONIC.
Jersey Lodge, No. 668, was organized on the 12th day
of June, 1868. John A. Stewart, W. M. ; Cyrus M.
Merriman, S. W. ; Jacob Zimmerman, J. W.
The charter members were John A. Stewart, C. M. Mer-
riman, J. S. Zimmerman, Hiram Merriman, F. Holly,
Amos W. Sherwood, J. N. Switzer, R. Compton, Jr., John
F. Ballard, James S. Tobias, B. B. Switzer, F. M. Lock-
wood, Elijah Wartman, A. Longwell, J. P. Wood. Sev-
enty-nine have joined since by initiation or uniting. Regular
communications every other Friday night.
The Order of the Eastern Star, under title of Harmony
Chapter, No. 24, was organized June 7, 1871. The fol-
lowing officers were appointed : John A. Stewart, W. P. ;
Nancy T. Goble, W. M. ; C. E. Zimmerman, A. M. Sev-
enty-nine have since united. Meetings every other Satur-
day.
MILITARY RErORD OF BRADFORD.
Kinsman, Edward Benedict, private, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; in battles of Re.saca, Dallas, Kenasaw; discli. on account of dis-
ability, June 27,1865.
Elyea, John Hai-rison, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. M ; enl. Jan. 4, 1854, three years ;
first enl. Ang. 11, 1861; in battle of Camden ; diach. ; re-enl. Jan. 4,1864;
in battle of \YilderneS5; disch.
Elyea, Jacob Lewis, private, oOth Eng., Co. M; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year;
must, oirt at Wasliington, D. C.
Can-, Cliarles Davis, private, 50tli Eng., Co. E ; enl. Dec. 20, 1861, three years ;
re-enl. Dec. 20. 1863; in battles of Wilderness, Fredericksburg, North
Anna, Petersburg ; was at the surrender of Lee ; disch. June, 1865.
Cunningham, Seneca, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three
years.
Iloaglin, John A., private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Spencer, Henry A., private, 2d N. Y. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Angel, Theodore, private, 5Uth N. Y. Eng.; enl. Jan. 11, 1S64, three years.
Brewster, Monroe R., private, 50th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Jan. 12, 1864, three years;
re-enl, ; veteran.
Iloaglin, William, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 18(V1, three years ;
re-enl. ; veteran.
Brink, West Calvin W*., private, 50th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 13, 1864, three years.
Barber, William, private,86th Regt.; enl. Dec. 20, 1864, three years; re-enl.;
veteran.
Amadou, Cliailes A., private, 86th Regt.; enl. Dec. 21, 1864, three yeare ; re-
enl.; veteran.
Rowley, Levi, 179th Regt.; enl. March 27, 1864, three yeatB.
Starks, Clark, 179th Regt.; enl. March 20, 1804, three years.
Lind^ley, Henry, private, 179th Regt.; enl. Marcil 25, 1864, three years.
Bowen, Stephen, private, 10th N. Y. Cav. ; enl. March 2, 1864, three years.
Chapman, Thomas C, private, 179tli Inf. ; enl. March 3, 1864, throe yeare.
Rogers, George P., private, 179tli Regt. ; enl. March 28, 1864, three years.
McDonald, James G., private, 179th Regt. ; enl, April 7, 1864, three years.
Carr, Clark S., Ist lieut,, 86th Inf., Co. I; enl. Dec, ISS!, three years; re-enl.
Dec, 1863 ; pro, to 1st lieut., Feb., 1864 ; iu battles of 2d Bull Run, Fred-
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, Beverly Ford, Spottsylvania C,
H., at which place was wounded in left arm, in consequence of which
was honorably disch, Oct, 6, 18C4,
Simmons, Wesley, private, 8Gth Inf, Co. I; enl. March 5, 1861, three yeare; re-
enl. March 5, 1864 ; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, where he was tJtken
prisoner, paroled inlmeiliately, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Beverly's
Ford, where he lost a finger. Wilderness, Spottsylvania C. H., Deep Bot-
tom, Bull Run, near Hatcher's Run ; was at surrender of Lee.
Miller, Benjamin, private, 86th Inf,, Co. I; enl, Oct. 9, 1861, three years; rc-
enl, Jan, 13, 1864; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Mine
Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania C, H, ; honorably disch, June 27, 1865,
Riindall, Charles, private, 86th Inf,, Co. I; enl. Oct, 9, 1861, three years; re-
enl, March 5, 1864: was in battles of '2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Bull
Run, at the left of Petersburg, Deep Bottom, near Hatcher's Run ; was
at the surrender of Lee ; honorabl,v disch, June 27, 1865,
Davis, John, private, 86th Inf,, Co, I; enl, March 5, 1.S61, three yeare; re-enl,
March 5, 1864; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancel-
loreville, Mine Run, Beverly's Ford, Wilderness, where ho was killed;
remains buried at same place,
Simmons, Halsey, private, S6tli Regt, ; enl. March 5, 1864, three yeare; re-enl,;
veteran,
Johnson, Henry, private; enl. March 2, 18G4, three years,
Salsbury, James A., private, 14th Inf, ; enl. Sept, 14, 1864, three years.
Pulver, Jacob, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept, 22, 1864, oneyear.
Marks, James A,, private, 16th Inf.; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, three yeare; re-enl.
Aug, 24, 1864,
Willover, Harvey, private, 180th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept, 13, 1864, one year; in
battles of Hatcher's Run, Bellville, Levis' Farm, Borden Plank-Road,
Gravel Run, Five Forks, .\ppomattox C, H, ; disch, June 25, 1865,
Stills, Thomas Henry, 7lh corporal, 189th Inf., Co. 11; enl. Sept, 17, 1864, one
year ; in battles of Hatcher's Run, Boilden's Plank-Road, Five Forks, Clo-
ver Hill, Appomattox C, H, ; died at Lincoln hospital. May 12, 1865,
Oakley, James, private, 50th Eng,, Co, A ; enl. Sept, 1, 1864, one year ; was at
the surrender of Gen, Lee.
fvlRS.B.B.SWITZER.
B B.SWITZER
BATTICE BRANSON SWITZER.
iice Branson Switzer was born in Bradford, Steuben Co.,
Oct. 20, 1817. He was the son of John and Sarah
r, and grandson of Henry Switzer, of German extraction.
Switzer came from New Jersey with his family, and
in Steuben County about the year 1800. He was two
I coming from Savona to what is now known as Bradford,
cnown as Jersey. Henry Switzer reared a family of
children, of whom John, the father of the subject of
etch, was the eighth. John Switzer, the father of Bat-
ransoD, shared the early struggles and hardships of the
rs of Steuben County. He was a soldier in the war of
being then twenty-six years of age. He died in 1860.
such an ancestry, and among such scenes as were known
early history, was the subject of this sketch born and
. He was the fir.st son of John Switzer, and one of a
of six children, of whom the following were the mem-
dz. : Lawrence, Julia Ann. Battice Branson, Richard
Jacob NefT, and Andrew Jackson. Battice Branson
:r was married to Eliza Littell, Jan. 5, 1842. After his
ge, and during the same year, upon the farm of one
ed acres given him by his father, and upon which his son
now resides, he commenced farming. During his whole
: has followed the occupation of a farmer, and in his early
opped and cleared land to a considerable extent. He was
i regarded as one of the representative farmers of Bradford,
irly advantages for education were limited, but he was re-
1 by his fellow-citizens as a successful business man of more
rdinary ability. Was simple in his habits, energetic in his
iss, and exact in his slightest promises. His determination
:;ceed, combined with his integrity and industry, were
prominent characteristics. In politics, Battice B. Switzer was
a Democrat of the old school. He never neglected his business
to gain political notoriety, but was held in high esteem by his
townsmen, and held the oflGices of assessor, town clerk, and
supervisor. To Mr. and Mrs. Battice B. Switzer were bom
eight children, of whom all are now living, viz. : Eleanor, who
married Franklin Morris, and lives in Bradford ; John C, who
married Sarah Keeper, and is a farmer of Bradford ; Sarah S.,
who man'ied Henry S. Bronson, and lives in Horseheads ; Cassia
C, who married Carver Longwell, and lives in Bradford ; Bat-
tice B., who married Ada Lory, and is a farmer of Wayne;
Frank W., who married Jennie Minter, and is a farmer of
Bradford ; Lavina M., who married MiUer S. Aber, and lives
in Schuyler County ; and Edwin Curtis Switzer, who is a lad
of twelve, and lives at home. Such a famUy did Mr. and Mrs.
B. B. Switzer rear, teaching them lessons of industry and
economy, so that now they are useful and active members of
the communities in which they live. Mr. Switzer made several
large purchases of land during his life, and at his death, -which
occurred upon the 18th of July, 1871, he left as a result of his
labors and successes to his family three hundred and fifty-five
acres of land in Bradford, N. Y. His widow, Eliza, still lives
upon the old Switzer homestead at Bradford, which has been in
the possession of the Switzer family since 1810. Mrs. Eliza
Switzer shared in all the joys and successes of her husband
during his life, and has never failed to perform her duties as a
wife and mother. She has now the gratification of seeing her
children well started in the world. The Switzer family stands
prominently identified with the best interests of the towns in
which they live.
TOWN OF BRADFORD.
199
GenuDt', Henry, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year; died
Aug. G, iHOt), without Vicing disch., of iiiflamuiation of lunge.
Stepenfii'ld, John, private, U)7th Inf., Co. C; enl. July IS, 18C2, three years; was
in the battle of Antietain.
Stepeufield, Wm. 11., private, lOTtb Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years;
wus in the battle of Antietara.
Stepenfield, George, private, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 18,1862, three years;
was in battles of Antiotuui, Snake Creek Gap, Buzzards' Roost, Dallas,
Atlanta, Savannah, llaleigh; was at the surrender of Johnson ; honor-
ably disch. June, ISOri.
Stepenfield, Charles, private, lUTth Inf., Co. C ; enl. July 18, 1862, three years;
was in the battle of Antietani.
Ames, Monroe W., private, 16lst Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 1,1862, three years; was
in the battle of Sabine Pa^-s, where he was taken prisoner; was a prie-
oiier eleven months ; was in the battle of Mobile ; now in the seiTico.
Bartholomew, Joseph II., corporal, leist Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three
years; was scahUd slightly at Sabine Pass; was in the battles of Store
Plains, Port Hudson, Donaldsunville ; was taken prisoner at Sabine Pass
for eleven months ; was in battle at Mobile.
Couipton, Lewis P., private, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years;
was in the battle of Antietam.
Randall, Charles, [)rivate, 86tli Inf.; enl. Oct., 18C2, three years; re-enl. March,
ISCA.
Randall, Benjamin, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct., 1861, three years.
Randall, John, private, SGth Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct., 1861, three years; was in
thy battles of 2d Bull Run and Fredericksburg; re-enl. in Ist Cav., D.
C, May, ISfhJ ; since re-enl. was in the battles of SpottsylvauJa C. H.,
North Auna ; was at the surrender of Lee ; now in the service.
Bartholomew, Je^se, 3d cori)ural, lU9th Inf., Co. G ; enl. July, 1862, three years ;
. wounded in left leg at battle of Wilderness ; disch. June, 1865.
Decker, Heniy, private, 86th Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct., 1862, three years; died Aug.,
1863.
Miller, Benjamin, private, iiVih Inf. ; enl. Jan., 1861, tliree years ; re-enl. in
Jan., 1864.
McEnlyre, Gilbert, private, 16Ist Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug., 1862, three years; took
part in the battle of Sabine Pass, was there taken prisoner; was a pris-
oner eleven montlis; now in the service.
Kishpaugh, Gara B., private, IGlst Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1864, one year.
Wheaton, Lyman B , private, 4th Art., Bat. A ; enl. March 1, 1865, three years.
Dickerson, John, private ; enl. Sept., 1861, three years.
Beakman, Isaac, private, IGlat Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept., 1862, three years.
Blain, Richard, private, 141st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept., 1863, three years; disih.
June, 1865.
Gipple, Lewis, private, 86th Inf, Co, I ; enl. Nov. 1, 1861, three years.
Edwards, George W., private, oUlh Eng. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; was in
the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, North Anna,
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Hatcher's Run; was at the surrender of Lee ;
honorably disch. June 13, 1865.
Walliug, Thomas, private, 189th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 14,1864, ouo year; disch.
June, 1865 ; was at the surrender of Lee.
Blain, Stephen, private, 2:id Inf; enl. April 2U, 1861, two years; was in battles
of 2d Bull llun, South Mountain, Antietam, 1st Fredericksburg; disch.
at expirajtion of term,
Chubb, Ira, private, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept., 1862, three years ; was in the
battles of Stone Plains, Port Hudson, Donaldsonville, Sabine Pass, where
he was taken prisoner for eleven months ; was sealded by the explosion
of a boiler; was in battle at Mubile; now in the service.
Dennis, Isaac, private, 161st Inf, Co. D; enl. Sept, 1, 1862, three yeai-s; received
a wound in the shoulder from the accidental disch, of a pistol, in conse-
quence of which was disch. June 1, 1863.
Covert, Floriden, private, S6th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Sept., 1861, three years ; was in
service about two years; disch.
Morse, Mason, private, 101st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1862, three years; was
trausf. in 1863 to Bat. E, 5th U. S. Art. ; yet in the service.
Holcomb, Josiah B., private, 86th Inf., Co, I; enl. Oct., 186J, tiin-e years; was
in the battle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded in the hand;
disch. June, 1865.
Carr, George II., private, 50th Eng., Co, E ; enl. Sept., 1861, three years ; in serv-
ice about a year; honorably disch. ; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, Wilder-
ness, Petersburg.
Sawyer, Thomas, corporal, 161st Inf., Co. D; oul. Aug., 1862, three years.
Longcor, William, orderly-sergt., 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three
years; now in service.
Crans, Lewis, private, 141st Inf, Co. B ; enl. Sept., 1864, three years.
Kniffin, George, private, 107th Inf., Co. H; enl. July 25, 1865, three years;
disch.
Sawyer, Croinza, private, 189th Inf , Co. H; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Morse, Philip, private, 44th Inf, Co. C; enl, Aug. 13,1862, three years; trunuf.
to 140th Regt.; trausf, to 5th Regt. ; hon. disch.
Zimmerman, S. A,, private, 23d Inf ; enl. Sept., 1862, three years.
Miller, F. Oscar, surgeon, 2d Cav. ; enl. Dec, 1863, three years; disch. Oct. 7,
1864.
Seybolt, John, private, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug., 1862, three years.
Bryant, Phileman A., private, 161.".t Inf., Cu. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
taken prisoner at Sabine Pass and held for eleven months ; now in the
service.
Bryant, David, private, 16l8t Inf. ; enl. for three years.
La Cost, Theodore, private, 1st Cav. ; enl. Nov., 1863, three years.
Gannon, George T., private, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 1 , 1862, three years ;
wounded at Antietam ; taken prisoner, and as such died, at Beaumont,
Sept. 10, 1863.
Compton, William A., private, 80th Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug., 1861, three years;
wounded at Antietiim; died May 30, 1863.
Compt«m, Antony, priviite, 161st Inf, Co. D; enl. Oct., 1862, three years ; killed
on board the transport "Sachem" by a cannon-ball.
Holcomb, Seymour L., private, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1864, three years;
died at Hart's Island, April 19, 1865, of disease.
Woodward, Jackson A., Ist lieut. ,86th Inf., Co. I; enl. April, 1861, three years ;
died at Georgetown, D. C, of wounds received at Chancellorsville.
Covert, John E., piivate, oOth Eng., Co. E; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years;
disch. Jan. 20, 1804; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; died of disease, Aug. 1, 1864.
Dykes, Isaac C, corporal, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl, August 19, 1862, three years;
died at Bradford of fever, Nov. 10, 1862.
Whealon, Daniel S., private, 50th Eng, Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, tliree years;
died March 11, 1864, of fever, at Washington, D. C.
Miller, Leonard, private, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1862, tliree years; died
Dec, 23, 1863, of fever, at Baton Rouge.
Norris, John, private, 161st Inf., Co D; enl. Sept., 1862, three years; died Sept.
or June, 1863, at Baton Ronge, of fever.
Decker, Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1862, three yeai-s; died
Oct., 1863, at Baton Rouge, of fever,
Booram,Orville, private, 16Ut Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug., 1862, three year's; died
at Sabine Pass, from the effects of the explosion of the boiler of steam
ti-ansport "Sachem," Sept. 10, 1863.
Crane, Carlton, private, ISOth Regt. ; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Loyde, Frank J., private, 179th Regt ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year.
Casey, Martin, private, 179th Regt.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; re-enl. as
veteran.
O'Brien, John, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. Sept 12, 1864, one year.
Horning, Jacob, private, I7yth Regt.; must. Sept. 13, 1864, one year.
IloUett, Arthur P., private, 189th Inf. ; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Mudget, 0. Jay, private, 16th Vet. Res. Corps; must. Aug. 25, 1864, three years,
Middletou, John, private, 16th Regt. ; must. Aug. 24, 1864, three years.
Casper, Frederick, private, 16th Vet. Res. ; must. Aug. 24, 1864, three years.
Carpenter, Henry D., piivate, 16th Vet. Res. ; must. Aug. 24, 1861, three years;
re-enl. veteran, Aug. 24, 1864.
Rockwell, Melvel, private ; eid. Sept. 9, 1864, one year.
Crawford, Frank, private; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Rjitbbone, George, private, 50th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Orcutt, Wallace, private, lS9th Regt.; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
Morrisey, John, private ; must. Sept. 12, 1864, one year.
Bryant, George David, private, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years ; wounded in leg at Doualdsonyille ; wounded in arm at Mansfield,
arm since amputated.
Dodge, Gara, private, 161st Inf, Co. D; eul. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ; scalded
by the explosion of the boiler of the steam transport " Sachem ;" died at
Beaumont.
Peacock, John, private, 161st Inf, Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years.
Gennug, Azariah, privaie, 161st Inf. Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
taken prisoner at Donahison ; died at Vickaburg, Oct. 16, 1864.
Sawyer, Thomas, corporal, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
prisoner eleven months; lost two fingers at battle of Sabine ; hon. disch.
Sept. 4, 1865.
StoU, Philetus, private, 141st Inf, Co. B ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years ; died
at Nashville, Tenn.
Talraage, Warren, asst. surgeon, 2oth Inf. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years: re-
signed on account of disease.
CoUon, Charles, private, 189th Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug., 1861, three years; hon.
disch.
Inscho, Abel, private, 86th Inf, Co. I; enl. Oct. 9, 1861, three years ; wounded
in the hand at Chancellorsville ; trausf to the Invalid Corp^, Oct., 1863 ;
diach. Oct. 10, 1864.
Paine, John, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; onl. Aug., 1862, three years; disch.
Fuller, Charles, private, 14th luf, Co. C; enl. July 26, 1861, three years;
wounded in Seven Days' fight before Richmond ; disch.
Bartholomew, Joseph H., corporal, I61st Inf ,Co. D; enl. Aug., 1862, three years.
Sanford, Frank, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Aug. 13, 1864, one year.
La Co=t, Theodore; drafted July 14, 1862, three years.
Givens, George; drafted July H, la63.
CoUingwood, Robert C. ; must, Sept. 8, 1863, three years ; sub. for John Slorris,
drafted July 14, 1863,
Wharton, Alfred; must. Sept. 10, 1863, three years; sub. for George Givens,
drafted July 14, 1863.
Cassidy, Thomas; three years; sub. for Nathaniel Mathews, Jan. 17, 1865,
Corneal, James, private, lU7th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years.
Kishpaugh, Garry B.; enl. Sept. 25,1864, 16lBtN, Y, Vols.; discharged Oct. 1865.
NAVAL SERVICE RECORD.
La Cost, Theodore A. ; enl. Jan. 8, 1865, three years ; U. S. S. Wasp.
Merriman, Clarence Edgarton.
200
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
-JESSE MUNSON.
Jesse Munson was born in Manchester, Bennington Co.,
Vt., Aug. 21, 1792. As the name indicates, his remote
ancestors were of Scandinavian extraction ; but, coming
down through England, and the early days of the Con-
necticut colony, the descent conveys those marked New
England traits of character, resolution, force of will, ear-
nestness and directness of purpose, coupled with readiness
and willingness to labor and learn, and a quick, active sym-
pathy with all things tending to advance and improve man-
kind.
Jared Munson, his paternal grandfather, was born in
Suffield, Conn., from whence he emigrated to Granville,
Mass. ; thence to Manchester, Vt., where he died. His
brothers, Ephraim, Thaddeus, and Jesse, accompanied him.
His sister Anna married a Mr. Wells. Betsey and Mercy
never married. His wife's maiden name was Honora Hale.
Rufus Munson, father of Jesse Munson, was born in
Manchester, Vt., where he followed agriculture, owning
one of the best farms in that section. He married Betliiah
Burton. To them were born four children, — Cyrus, Jesse,
Benjamin, and Polly; all born in Manchester. He died in
1797, leaving the subject of our sketch a child of five
years. After his father's death, Mr. Munson resided among
relatives at St. Alban's, Vt, until his removal to Greenfield,
Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1802, when he went to reside with
his uncle, Curtis Burton. To show the resolute will and
faith in his abilities that actuated the young man, and which
was shown in all his maturer years, we would particularly
note the fact, that, at the age of nineteen, he purchased the
entire business interests of his uncle, consisting of a tannery,
a boot- and shoe-manufactory, farm, etc. In this connec-
tion, we would mention that the only opportunities of edu-
cation available to the young man were the primitive ones
of that day, when the student graduated oftener with knowl-
edge of axe, rifle, and scythe than with that of books.
His education and his capital were his resistless energy and
manly integrity.
When scarcely twenty-one he married, in May, 1813,
Sophia, daughter of Jonathan Tallmadge. She was born
in Canaan, Conn., Oct. 13, 1791. This union was blessed
with five children, — Rufus (deceased), Cyrus (deceased),
Adeliza (Mrs. Hiram Merriman), Edgar, Augusta (Mrs.
Geo. R. Curtis).
For twenty-seven years he conducted to a financial suc-
cess, with and without partners, his extended business, in
connection with lumbering interests in Essex County. In
1837, in connection with Mr. Hiram Merriman, he pur-
chased the grist-mill, .saw-mill, land, and lumbering interests
of F. and W. Whitney, in Bradford, Steuben Co., N. Y.
In 1838 he took up his residence in this wild locality,
where Mr. and Mrs. Merriman had settled in March of the
previous year.
No man for the succeeding forty years was more promi-
nently identified with the growth and development of the
town of Bradford than he. Building at once a larjrer srrist-
mill, he al.so commenced lumbering and farming, and, with
the whole power of his energy, threw himself into the work
of improvement. Under his management, acre after acre
was cleared of its primeval forest, and from that day to the
present the name of Munson has been attached to the
heaviest business house of the town. For many years the
firms of " J. Munson & Co.," " Merriman and Munson,"
and " Merriman, Munson & Co." transacted the bulk of
the business of that section. The same force was given to
every scheme of improvement as to business. In education
this was especially .shown. The Bradford Academy was
established by himself and Mr. Merriman, and a school of
high grade furnished the .settlement.
He contributed largely to the erection and support of the
Episcopal church in Bradford, while other churches re-
ceived his bounteous aid.
Mr. Munson never aspired to oflice, but in times when
he was necessary to success in important matters, he was
placed in such position, and never betrayed a trust. He
served his town several terms as supervisor, and during the
Rebellion assisted in raising the war quota of Bradford,
giving from his own funds from ten to twenty-five dollars
to each man. By his activity the quota of Bradford wa.s
the first filled in the county.
Mr. Munson is of a quick, impulsive temperament, posi-
tive in his likes and dislikes, strong in his friendships and
attachments. Benevolent to a fault, no cry of need went
without relief. He is the unrelenting foe of intemperance,
and an instance in his early life will show the ardor of his
convictions. He had said he would have no liquor but hot
coffee in his harvest-field. This was then almost unheard
of, but the work was commenced. One day, while visiting
a field, he found a decanter of liquor. With indignation
he seized it, and, without waiting for explanations, dashed
it to atoms. In early life Mr Munson was a Presbyterian,
latterly an Episcopalian.
Politically, Mr. Munson has ever been a Democrat. In
all circumstances he has clung to the constitiition as the
bulwark of our liberty, jealously resisted all intrusion upon
its teachings, and has been one of the leading counselors of
the party in the county.
Soon after the death of his wife. May 10, 1871, Mr.
Munson gave up business, which had brought him more
than a competency, and for several years has resided with
his children, in Willianisport, Pa. He has lived to see his
wilderness home " blossom like a rose," his memory cher-
ished and honored, his children occupying high social and
bu.siness positions, and can look back on an unusually long
career of activity without a wish to blot or erase any acts
written in the book of memory.
His son Rufus, who married Lavinia Early, Feb. 13,
1839, died Jan. 6, 1866 ; Cyrus, an Episcopal clergymen,
died in Connecticut, Aug. 1, 1848; Edgar married, June
15, 1852, Lucy Maria Curtis, of Meriden, Conn, and is
now one of the leading business men of William.sport, Pa.
Mr. Hiram Merriman, who married Adeliza, Sept. 22, 1836,
is another of Williamsport's solid citizens. Both of the
latter have been prominently connected with Steuben County
in past years both by residence and business.
Augusta was married, May 22, 1855, to George R.
Curtis, of Meriden, Conn.
>^
^/1y> r/>^
I
TOWN OF CAMERON.
201
WILLIAM HEDGES.
William Hedges wa.s born in BarriimtDn, Yates Co., Aug.
6, 1 827. He i.s the .son of Caleb >S. Hedges and Nancy
McDowell, and is of English descent. Caleb S. Hedges
came from Yates County to Steuben County with his family,
WILLIAM HEDGES.
and settled in Cameron in 1830. In 1838 he moved to
what then was Bradford, Steuben Co., now Orange, Schuy-
ler Co., and settled upon the farm where he now resides.
The subject of this sketch lived at home until he was eigh-
teen years of age and worked upon his fatlier's farm, im-
proving his advantages as best he could for obtaining a
limited education. At the age of eighteen years, having a
desire to mingle with the world, and commence life's battle for
himself, he purchased his time of his father for twenty-jSve
dollars, with the understanding that he was going to learn tlie
trade of boot- and shoe-making, and went to Penn Yan, Yates
Co. Mr. Hedges served his apprenticeship in Penn Yan,
Bradford, and Dundee. At the age of twenty-one years he
was in the possession of his trade, which had been secured
by determined perseverance. In 1849 he formed a part-
nership with H. D. Roseukrans, in the boot and shoe busi-
ness, in Bradford, N. Y., which partnership was continued
until 18.53. In 1854 lie again formed a partnership, in the
manufacture of boots and shoes, with E. S. Bennett. This
partnership was dissolved in 1855, by Mr. Hedges buying
the interest of his partner. He then continued in the
manufacture of boots and shoes until 1862, when he began
to enlarge his bu.siness by adding groceries. In 1869, Mr.
Hedges formed a partnership with Jonathan Robie, of Bath,
in the general mercantile bu.sine.ss, and since that time has
been a merchant in Bradford. The mercantile firm is now
Wm. Hedges & Son. In politics he is a Republican. He
has never allowed politics to interfere with his business, but
has always been identified with the best interests of his
party. He was appointed postmaster of Bradford in 1872,
which office he still holds. Few merit the term of a self-
made man more than does Mr. Wm. Hedges. Beginning
life by learning a trade, entirely thrown upon his own re-
sources, he has by perseverance, industry, and economy
worked himself up step by step until now he is regarded as
one of the solid business men of Bradford.
In 1850 he married Ruth Goble, of Bradford. They
have had children as follows: Carrie A., who died in in-
fancy ; Frank W., who is a partner with his father in busi-
ness ; Mary E. and Lizzie L., who are young ladies and
live at home. Besides his mercantile business Mr. Hedges
has also a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in Brad-
ford, which receives .something of his attention.
C A M E R O IsT.
GENERAL DE.SCRIPTION.
This town was named from Dugald Cameron, one of the
first settlers of Bath, and afterwards an agent of the Pulte-
ney estate. It was formed from Addison, April 16, 1822.
Thurston was taken oif in 1844, and part of Rathbone in
1856. It is bounded north by Bath, east by Thurston,
south by Rathbone and Jasper, and west by Canisteo.
The Canisteo River passes through the southwest part of
the town. The northern part comprises the highlands
between the Canisteo and Conhocton, from which creeks
run south to the river. A portion of the country is some-
what rough, broken into hills and ravines, but it is fairly
productive, yielding good crops of grain, grass, and dairy
products.
26
SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in the town of Cameron was made
in the year 1800 by Richard Hadley, also known as "The
Second James," and Phones Green. Richard Hadley first
lived on the Baker place, at tlie foot of the hill, near the
present railroad-crossing, and it is said he was driven from
that locality by a land-slide, which opened the gap in the
hills at that point where before had been a high wall of
unbroken rock, large masses of earth and rock falling into
the valley, crushing down trees and closely threatening his
cabin. Many high points of soft rock resembling chim-
neys originally covered the slopes of these hills, and have
been gradually disappearing until but few are left. The
process of their formation is again going on, portions of the
202
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
disintegrating rock being held by the roots of a new growth
of pine, while around the surface caving gradually away
leaves a succession of pyramids of stone, each crowned
with a single tree. Wild animals were plenty, and found
a safe refuge among these almost inaccessible rocks. At a
height of from eighty to one hundred and twenty feet above
the level of the river a wall of scraggy rock projects in a
straight line from the steep hill-side on each side of the
valley. The tops of the hills rising three or four hundred
feet above this wall, covered with a thin second growth of
pine, form an almost level line where they shut off the
lower valley, less than half a mile wide in its general
course through the town. In passing through the valley
the view is constantly obstructed by steep headlands and
walls of rock, which give additional interest to the scenery.
Phones Green lived below Baker's Mill, where the old
reformation meetings were held. He was a grandfather
of Capt. Luther White, ihe oldest resident of the town of
Cameron now living. Baker's Mill, a mile below the vil-
lage of Cameron, on the right bank of the river, was the
site of the first saw- and grist-mill in the town. Mr. Had-
ley built the saw-mill, and Capt. Samuel Baker, who came
to the town in 1816, built the first grist-mill, in company
with a Mr. Warden, the same year. Mr. Baker was ac-
companied by his grandson, James B. Wheeler, then a boy
of seven years, who succeeded to the mill, several times
rebuilt, and now occupied by his sons, Grattan H. and
John I). Wheeler. Urbane Baker, a son of the original
owner, is still living upon the hill near by. A carding-
maehine was also erected there by Amos Caldwell, and
operated by John Place several years. John Dean came
from Massachusetts, and located near the mill soon after
Mr. Baker. He is still living in the valley, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety years. His wife is eighty-four years
of age.
Isaac Santee, father of John Santee, of Hornellsville,
and William and Jesse Santee, of Cameron, settled in the
valley, a mile from the Canisteo line, in 1820.
John Hallett, who kept tavern near the bridge, half a
mile west of Cameron, Isaac Santee, Joseph Butler, and
Michael Loughry, were the only residents in the town, west
of Cameron Corners, when Capt. Luther White settled
where he now lives, near the Santee place, in 1824. Amasa
Downs kept a tavern at that time on his farm, and James
Brownell, who was a professional constable, nearly always
managing to get elected to that ofiice, also lived there.
John F. French had a custom tannery on the creek, near
the Methodist par.sonage. John French was married to
Almira, daughter of Matthew Dickey, in 1820, this being
the first marriage in Cameron of which we find a record.
Captain White, who is still living where he first settled
with his grandson John White, was for many years a
prominent citizen and leading lumberman of the Canisteo
Valley.
Elisha Leach, one of the first settlers in Cameron, south
of the river, located on South Hill in 1825, and in 1835
was joined by his father-in-law, Hirah Chase, a native of
Rhode Island, who was the father of Elias D. Chase.
Judah, Hirah, and John B. Chase, a Baptist preacher,
came from Yates County, in 1832, and settled near Elisha
Leach, two miles south of the village of Cameron. Elias
Chase, of Cameron, is a son of Hirah ; Charles, Eli, and
Levi Chase, farmers of Cameron, are sons of Judah Chase.
Reuben Drake, father of George W. Drake, of Cameron
village, was an early settler on that part of the South Hill
called "The Swale." Another son, Peter II. Drake, occu-
pies the old homestead.
Chauncey P. Hubbard, who entered the south part of
Cameron in the extensive forests on the south branch of the
Tuscarora Creek, in 1832, built a .saw-mill, and became
soon well known for his enterpri.se and public spirit. It
was mainly through his efforts that the Presbyterian
Church of Cameron was oiganized, on the Canisteo River.
The old water-mill, in the south part of the town, near his
residence, is still running. His eldest son. Rev. Albert W.
Hubbard, is a missionary in Turkey, under the American
Board of Foreign Missions.
One of the earliest marriages in the town of Cameron
was that of John French.
Among the first settlers in the north part of the town
was Elias IMason, Esq., who came from Madison County,
and in 1815 located on the farm now occupied by his son,
C. W. Mason, as a dairy-farm and cheese-factory. At that
date there was no inhabitant between Cameron Corners and
the church ground, a mile and a half east. Elias Mason
was postmaster of North Cameron for thirty years, the
post-office being at his house until the cheese-factory was
established, in 1870, when it was moved to the " Gulf
James and Henry Knickerbocker came from Chenango
County, and settled on the ridge in northeastern Cameron,
in 1826, and cleared ten acres of land, from which they
obtained 305 bushels of wheat the next year, worth, at that
time, fifty cents a bushel. Afterwards, Henry Knicker-
bocker kept one of the numerous " Gulf" taverns for sev-
eral years. Andrew Bates, also from Chenango County,
joined them soon after their arrival, and John Shaw settled
a mile north, towards the Big Gulf, where Leonard Porter
kept a tavern, on the road from Cameron Corners (Cameron •
village) to Bath. Timothy Carpenter, father of Uriah,
and Alva Carpenter, came from Yates County, and settled
where Uriah Carpenter now lives, in the north part of the
town, near the Thurston line, in 1825. Joseph Plaisted,
from Rhode Island, settled a mile south, and N. Rou.se
farther west. Mr. Rouse is well remembered by the old
settlers as the popular " fiddler " of his day. The Shingle
school-house was built, near the Plaistead place, in 1828.
Samuel V. Pugsley came from Dutchess County, and
settled in the north of Cameron, south of Stocking Creek,
in 1841. John Barber was an early settler west on the
ridge.
" The Gulf" is a deep, dark ravine forming the bed of
Stocking Creek ; commences some distance above the cheese-
factory, and continues three miles below, including in its
curve Bonny Hill, a circular hill three miles across, in the
northern parts of Cameron and Thurston, and is filled with
the original growth of hemlock. This deep, narrow gulf
is crossed by roads only at two points — Yost's Mill, in
Thurston, and at the North Cameron })ost-office on the old
county road, where access to the bottom of the ravine is
had. at the junction of a small branch from the south. The
TOWN OF CAMERON.
203
settlement consists of an old saw-mill and ten houses, four
of which were built for the entertainment of travelers.
It was here that H. Knickerbocker, J. D. Yost, Porter and
others kept their taverns, and accommodated parties from
Bath as well as travelers across the country. Harley Sears,
a native of Seneca County, settled north of Timothy Car-
penter in 1832, James Rowe, who came with him, joining
him on the south. Eli Northrup, from Yates County, set-
tled in the east part of the town in 1830. His son, Asahel
Northrup, lives near by, and is a prosperous farmer. This
is a separate family, and not connected with the Northrup
in the south of the town.
Hiram Averill was an early settler in the north part of
Cameron, on the high land which is known as Averill Hill,
and has been from 1826 a leading man of the town, and
for many years a magistrate. His son, William W. Averill,
a graduate of West Point, early distinguished himself as a
soldier while fighting the Kalamath Indians in the North-
west, where he was wounded. At the outbreak of the war
of 1861-G5 he entered into active service, and distinguished
himself as a brilliant cavalry ofiicer, obtaining a brigadier-
general's commission before the close of the war. Samuel
Watrous and Barnabas Robinson were early settlers in
North Cameron.
In 1831, John French settled on Averill Hill, his brother,
David, father of Byron French, coming soon after. Timothy
Hastings, David Thayer, and Isaac Hedges were early set-
tlers.
From Averill Hill to the south and southwest may be
obtained a fine view of the steep, broken hills bordering
the Canisteo River, from two to four miles distant, forminsr
a magnificent circle around a lower pine-clad hill in front,
while near by, on either side, cultivated farms slope toward
a common centre. To the right, near the west line of the
town, the distant hill is broken off' abruptly by a bend in
the river, leaving a prominent headland. Far to the south
are blue lines of hills in Pennsylvania. Down in the river-
valley in front, on a sloping hill-side sixty feet above the
river, is West Cameron, a hamlet of a dozen houses, a
church, and a school-house. Here was the first home of
Isaac Santee, David Ames, who came in 1825, and Luther
White. The business has been transferred to Cameron, and
the two stores changed, one to a church, and the other,
more recently occupied, is used as a dwelling. The post-
ofiiee of West Cameron was closed in 1874.
As late as 1804, Indians were scattered along the valley,
their temporary camps occupying the sunny knolls along
the north bank of the river. On these knolls they raised
their little store of corn, which was carefully gathered for
winter's use, braided together by the husks, and buried in
hills raised above the surface of the ground. For some
years they were more numerous than the white settlers, ex-
pressing their astonishment at the appearance of the first
arks with childlike simplicity, as they followed them along
the banks. Ainus White, the trapper and hunter, was a
great favorite with them, teaching and learning from them
the arts of woodcraft.
Milling trips were excursions of pleasure down the river,
in which several joined, taknig their bags of grain and their
rifles in a canoe, and watching through the night for deer
which came into the river to feed. Fish were so plenty in
the river that it was not uncommon for a man to spear all
he could carry, in a couple of hours.
Lumbering was commenced along the river by the early
settlers selling the most accessible trees along its banks, and
the manufacture of long shingles, two feet in length, which
were put up in round, barrel-shaped bundles, and sent down
the river in arks. In 1828-29, there began a general
swarming of lumbermen at all the most accessible points,
and mills were erected at every available point along the
river. The boards were made into rafts and run down the
river to Baltimore and Port Deposit, Md., for market. A
boy did not consider himself to be a man, in those days,
until he had been " down the river."
Sometimes belated rafts, lodged along the river by the
falling current, would be carried away by late floods, entail-
ing a loss of thousands of dollars. Making " grubs," which
were pins of white oak, four feet in length, with heads
formed from the root, was an occupation for winter resi-
dents on the hills. The rafts, composed of separate " plat-
forms" of boards, laid each way to a depth of two feet,
were fastened with grubs, which passing up through, were
wedged in their places, and were joined by strong pieces
built in from one platform to another. The rafts were
wielded by strong oars fastened at either end of the raft,
and propelled by the rapid current over falls and rapids, the
ends being elevated by strong timbers to prevent them from
dipping into the rough waters. Ten platforms, making a
raft 160 feet in length and 16 feet wide, were provided with
a temporary cabin, some extra oar blades ; strong ropes to
tie up with when landed, replaced the hickory withes of the
first raftsmen, who had no ropes. A sheet-iron stove or
platform of earth for a fire, bunks for the three men,
cooking utensils, an axe, an auger, and a saw, completed
the outfit, and when once on the way, the country along
the route furnished their provisions. Sometimes, in going
over a fall, the front platform would plunge under the
water and bring up fish, for which the men would scramble
as soon as they could get free from the oars. On the first
trip down, the novice was made the butt of many jokes,
and was the laughing-stock of the older raftsmen.
Long, straight stems of Norway pine, 80 to 120 feet in
length, and free from limbs or knots, were rafted whole,
fastened together with withes, and run to the seaboard to
be used for the masts of sailing-vessels. Rival crews, when
far down the river, were always anxious to see who had the
best man. When the rafts were disposed of. the crews
were paid, and started on foot to return to their homes.
Among the leading lumbermen of earlier years were
Capt. Luther White, who ran as many as 40 rafts of from
50,000 to 60,000 feet each in a season, James H. Miles,
and Capt. James Young.
The village of Cameron is built on a narrow neck of land
at the mouth of a ravine which breaks through the hill
from the north, and is entirely surrounded by the high, pre-
cipitous hills, which open only to admit the river at the
the north, and closes again half a mile below.
A main street runs through the village, parallel with the
river, and along this sti'eet are ranged the older residences
and some fine modern ones, including the beautiful residence
204
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of Dr. Charles E. Annabel. A street crossing this leads
to the depot beside the river.
Daniel A. Ordwaj', who came to Cameron village in 1849,
has kept the hotel near the depot since the opening of the
railroad.
Near the central corner is the Pierson House, now closed,
where, in 1830. Ama.sa Downs entertained traveler.s. Beyond,
towards the church, a street, closely occupied by dwellings,
leads past the old tannery of 1824, long since abandoned as
unable to compete with factory work. The pioneer black-
smith-shop of James Lawrence, whose custom came from
far beyond the limits of the present town, in 1824, has
been replaced by two blacksmith- and wagon-shops, both
well supported by the work from their immediate neighbor-
hood.
The log tavern of John Hallett, near the bridge, has
given way for a more modern one near the depot, and the
Briggs Hotel, near which Andrew P. Erwin kept the first
store in the town, on the principal corner, around which are
grouped the various other business houses of the place, con-
sisting of four dry-goods stores, one of them kept by William
Hallett, son of Nathan, and grandson of John Hallett, the
pioneer, another by Jesse Santee, town clerk, and son of
Isaac Santee, a drug-store, furniture-store, hay-press, a
general warehouse, and a shoe-shop. The Methodist Epis-
copal church occupies a conspicuous position in the west
end of the village, while at the east end of the main street
is a fine school-house divided into two graded departments,
and the school taught by a faculty of two teachers. This
school-house was erected in 1858, and supplies the place of
the little building with sliding windows and rude benches,
in which Malinda Willard, daughter of Stephen Willard,
now the venerable Mrs. James B. Wheeler, taught the first
school in the town of Cameron. The village contains 30
residences and 220 inhabitants.
ORGANIZATION.
The first annual election of the town of Cameron was
held at the house of Samuel Pierson, a mile and a half from
the village of Cameron, towards Bath. February, 1823.
The old records and papers belonging to the town having
been destroyed, it is impossible to obtain a full report of the
action of this meeting, or a full list of the town officers.
At this election Elias Mason was elected Supervisor ; Moses
L. Pierson, Town Clerk ; and James Brownell, Constable.
At the third annual election, commencing Nov. 7, 1825,
for presidential electors, 49 votes were polled, including the
present town of Thurston, which was a part of Cameron
until 1844. Dexter Pratt, Elias Mason, Isaac Santee,
Joseph Loughry, and Reuben W. Miller were inspectors of
election. Only 8972 of personal property was assessed in
the town in 1823, although then including Thurston and
part of Rathbone.
SuperviBora.
1823. Elias Mason.
1824. "
1825. " "
1826. " "
1827. " "
TOWN OFFICEKS.
Town Clerks.
(Xo Record.)
Joseph Loughry.
(No Record.)
Collectors.
Moses L. Pierson.
De.\tpr Pr.ntt.
Sapervisore,
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1828.
Joseph Loughry.
{No Record.)
George S. Pierson.
1829.
H it
"
"
11 it
1830.
'•
tt
it
Moses L. Pierson.
1831.
Moges L. Pierson.
"
"
William Bundy.
IS32.
Andrew G. Pierson.
"
it
Stephen Baskin.
183.3.
Isnac Santee.
it
it
Henry Hollett.
1834.
« u
tt
"
Jacob Thayer.
1835.
ti ti
"
.(
" "
1836.
it tt
ti
"
it n
1837.
C. P. Hubbard.
"
"
EH R. Eddy.
1838.
James H. Miles.
it
"
..
1839.
Joseph Loughry.
James
Liawrence.
Daniel Barber.
1840.
(1 tt
Peter Chase.
tt ti
1841.
Moses De Pue.
(No Record.)
William P. Dailey.
1842.
James Lawrence.
it
■'
Ahram C. Tost.
1843.
"
"
"
ti tt
1S44.
ti it
it
it
James Barber.
1845.
H. L. .«wift.
"
'•
James H. Pierson.
1S46.
Luther White.
Henry
J. Hoyt.
David Orser.
1847.
"
"
■'
Nathan Fluent.
1848.
H. J. Hyatt.
H. H. Brownell.
James H. Pierson.
1849.
John Miles.
D. H. Hinds.
it ti
1850.
« i.
Henry
T. Hoy
it tc
1851.
H. J. Hyiitt.
James
S. Reynolds.
Daniel Barber.
1852.
William X. Smith.
.Tames
E. Jones.
Samuel Edwards.
1853.
■'
.James
jawrence.
John D. Bump.
1854.
Peter Cha.=e.
"
"
a a
1S55.
John Mitchell.
"
.John H, Pierson.
1856.
W. N.Smith.
H. S. S
wift.
James A. Smith.
1857.
"
James
Lawrence.
ti it
1858.
a
"
"
" "
1859.
ti a
"
"
Byron French.
1860.
Samuel D. Sellick."
it
"
William Ordway.
1861.
"
"
it
Robert Brady.
1862.
Orange ^V. Hinds.
"
it
it it
1863.
a a
((
tt
it ti
1864.
tt ti
it
it
it it
1865.
Luther White.
it
it
tt tt
1866.
Heman S. Swift.
tt
it
tt it
1867.
it a
It
ti
William Ordway.
1868.
Jesse Santee.
"
it
" "
1869.
A. .T. Lawrence.
"
"
Daniel Z. Sanford.
1870.
a a
•'
it
Robert Brady.
1871.
Charles A. Bateman
ti
t. it
1872.
Lucius C. Pierson.
"
it
it it
1873.
it it
"
a
Charles F. Johnson
1874.
Gratton H. Wheeler
it
a
Robert Brady.
1875.
it ti
Robert E. Misner.
it a
1876.
S. A. Gardner.
Jesse Santee.
a ' it
1877.
Charles A. Bateman
■■
Robert Brady.
George Eaton.
1878.
tt it
"
"
Nathan Osborn.
Jt7STICES OF
THE PEACE.
1839.
Joseph Loughry.
1863.
Michael H. MoCIane.
1840.
John S. Depue.
1864.
Lewis Cross.
Harlow Smith.
1865.
Jesse Santee.
1847.
K. B. Swartwood.
Elias D. Cha^e.
1848.
Wm. N. Smith.
E. D. Swartwood.
1866.
Charles N. Mason.
George W. Byron.
1856.
John M. Rowley.
1867.
Wickham R. Crocker.
.7. B. Finch.
1868.
S. C
Williamson.
1857.
L. C, Pierson.
1869.
Rich
ard Smith.
C. W. Mason.
•
1870.
Uriah A. Carpenter.
1858.
Lucius C. Robinson.
James Santee.
1871.
Gratton H. Wheeler.
Samuel D. Sellick.
1859.
James A. Smith.
1872.
Miram M. Carr.
Abram D. Sutton.
1873.
Richard Smith.
1860.
William Santee.
Dav
d L. Williamson.
1861.
Charles W. Mason.
1874.
V. A
. Carpenter.
Peter W. Drake.
1875.
Thomas Campbell.
Joel Eggleston.
1876.
L. C
. Pierson.
1862.
Mich.ael McLane.
1877.
Chai
les Jones.
Nathan M. Boebe.
1878.
O.J
Mason.
TOWN OF CAMERON.
205
CHURCHES.
BAPTIST CIIITRCH OF CAMERON.
A meeting was held in the school-house, near the present
church, June 12, 1844, for the purpose of forming a sepa-
rate organization in the town of Cameron. Rev. Moses
Rowley, wlio had been an early missionary preacher, was
moderator, and David French clerk. A committee was
appointed to obtain the names of those who wished to form
a separate organization. Previou.sly the Baptist residents
of Cameron belonged to the church in Bath. Meetings
were held in the school-house, and at the residence of David
Freuch ; Rev. John B. Chase pi'eaching there as early as
1 832. Occasional meetings were held, but no regular preach-
ing was had previous to about 1842, when Rev. Mr. Ray-
mond supplied them. July 11, 1844, under the pastorate
of the Rev. Moses Rowley, a council of the neighboring
churches of the Canisteo River Baptist Association met in
the French school-house, and Rev. D. M. Root was chosen
moderator. Thirty-six persons presented themselves and
were organized into the Second Baptist Church of Cameron,
the first being the church of Bath. Among the first mem-
bers were Moses Dudley, Elias Mason and wife, John L.,
John, and David French, Isaac C. Forgus and wife, Wil-
liam Johnson, Orange W. Hines, Peter Chase, Samuel
Watrous and wife, Barnabas Robinson and wife. Elder J.
D. Carr, and Elisha Thayer, who was licensed to preach the
same year. David French was made clerk, and Isaac C.
Forgus, David French, and Barnabas Robinson were the
first deacons. On the dissolution of the Canisteo River
Association in 1848, the name was changed to the Cameron
Baptist Church. During the pastorate of Revs. Rowley and
Carr, in 1844-45, a great revival added over 100 converts
to the church, including nearly all the population within
reach of the French school-house, where the meetings were
held. During the pastorate of Rev. T. R. Clark, the old
Presbyterian church was purchased and moved from the
river to its present site near the old .school-hou.se, where
the early meetings were held, and rededicated by Rev. Mr.
Todd, Oct. 18, 1871. The trustees rebuilding this church
were Elmer French, John French, George Wolverton,
Samuel Watrous, Clark Ellis, and Benjamin Swartz.
The following pastors have been assigned to this charge :
1832, John B. Chase; 1842, Raymond; 1843-44,
Moses Rowley; 1845, J. D. Carr; 1846, Jesse G. Williams ;
1847, J. D. Carr; 1848, J. S. Chapman; 1849, John C.
Mallory; 1850, Allen B. Chase ; 1851, Benjamin Balcam ;
1852, Wm. H. Prentiss; 1853, J. Scutt; 1854-55, A. B.
Chase; 1856-57, Jesse G. Williams; 1858, W. H. Pren-
tiss; 1859, J. G. Williams; 1860, Francis Sherer; 1861,
Thomas B. Clark; 1862, S. B. Peck; 1863-64, T. B.
Clark; 1865-67, C. C. Park; 1870, Ira Thomas; 1871,
T. B. Clark; 1872, II. Chase; 1873, Rev. Mr. Bron-
dage ; 1874-75, Comfort Beebe ; 1877-78, I. M. Taylor.
John C. Mallory was ordained here in 1849, and Francis
Sherer in 1860. I. C. Fergu.son, David French, B. Robin-
son, Thomas Horton, Samuel Watrous, Henry Rising, Jas.
N. Jack, Harvey Halliday, and John French have been
deacons ; the last three still serving. Byron Freuch is the
present clerk, and John French, Spencer Merrill, and Ben-
jamin Swartz are trustees.
There is also in the south part of the town of Cameron
the Pjast Cameron Baptist Church, whose organization con-
sists mainly of residents of Woodhull. This society is de-
scribed in the history of that town. The church, which
was erected at an expense of $2000, was dedicated by Rev.
Alanson Tilden, June 3, 1861. The trustees were G.
Northrup, William Allen, and P. Northrup. The present
trustees are William Allen, D. Northrup, and S. Newell.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first religious meetings in the town of Cameron were
held by Rev. Abner Chase, a preacher who was admitted
to the New York Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1812,
and preached at tlie hou.se of Phones Green, in the Canisteo
Valley, the same year. Rev. Mr. Chase, at that time, made
his circuit of four hundred miles on foot, preaching several
days in a place, and doing much to awaken an interest in
religion among the pioneers of Cameron. He followed this
circuit for a number of years, and was afterwards assisted
by Revs. Ebenezer White and Charles Giles. The first
regular organization was efi^ected in 1834, during the pas-
torate of Rev. Ira Bronson. Early meetings were held also
at the house of Isaac Santee, who was the first class-leader,
and afterwards at the school-house near. Luther White
was the first steward. Isaac Santee and wife. Phones Green
and wife, and Luther White were early members.
The first church building was made from the store of
Merriman & Co., at West Cameron, which was purchased
by Luther White, and converted into a church at his own
expense. This church was dedicated in June, 1842, by
Rev. Mr. Babcock, presiding elder ; Rev. John Bowman
was the pastor in charge. This church was private property
until 1865, when it was deeded by Mr. White to the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, on condition that they make the
necessary repairs.
The present ofiicers of this church are Rev. J. H. Blades,
Pastor ; Charles Bateman, Recording Steward ; Jesse San-
tee, Erastus Dickey, Stewards ; William Santee, Class- Leader.
The following have been pastors of this church : 1812-20,
Abner Chase, Ebenezer White, Charles Giles, I. J. B.
McKinney, Dubois; 1834, Ira Bronson; 1835,
Thomas Wheat; 1838, Chandler Wheeler; 1840, Philo
P. Tower; 1841, R. T. Hancock; 1842-43, John Bow-
man; 1844, Carlos Gould; 1845, Samuel Nichols; 1847,
E. Colson; 1848, J. Ashworth ; 1850, Daniel Clark;
1851-52, Wm. Potter; 1853-54, Henry Wisuer; 1855-
56, R. D. Brooks; 1857, C. Goal; 1858, Joseph Chap-
man ; 1859, Jared Copeland ; 1860, H. C. Brown, Elisha
Sweet; 1861, J. Thompson; 1864, Wm. Sharp; 1865-66,
Charles Bush; 1867-69, M. D. Jackson; 1870, D. D.
Van Allen; 1871-72, Carlton G. Lowell; 1873-74, F.
M. Smith ; 1875-76, Harris Peck ; 1877-78, J. H. Blades.
The late pastors of the Cameron village church were :
1856, Carlos Gould, J. L. S. Granden ; 1857, C. Gould ;
1858, J. Chapman; 1859, H. C. Brown; 1860, J. Thom-
•son, Jr. ; 1863-65, C. Bush ; 1866-68, M. D. Jackson.
In February, 1S51, a cla.ss was formed at Cameron vil-
lage, with 13 members, of which Samuel M. Reynolds was
206
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK.
made leader. Edward Walton and wife, llosetta Chase,
James Lawrence, Wyman D. Ogden, Heman S. Swift and
wife, and Amelia Scliermerhorn were among the first mem-
bers. A fine edifice was erected in the village at a cost of
S8000, under the pastorate of Rev. William Potter, and
dedicated by Rev. Nathaniel Fellows, in 1852. The first
trustees were Heman S. Swift, James Reynolds, Isaac
McDuifey, and William N. Smith. The first stewards
were Luther Severance, Dr. John Mitchell, H. S. Swift,
John Toles, John Santee.
In 1857 a revival under the administration of Ralph D.
Brooks increased the membership to 55, and Heman S.
Swift was made class-leader. In 1S5G, Robert Morey was
licensed to exhort. Ira Martin, Edward Peckham, Wil-
liam Santee, and E. D. Chase are Class-Leaders ; Charles
Bateman, Clerk ; E. E. Chase, Steward; James B. Wheeler
and Andrew Lawrence, Trustees. The pastors are enumer-
ated in the list previously given.
A branch Methodist Episcopal church was built on South
Hill, during the pastorate of C. G. Lowell, by Charles Bate-
man, Thomas Bateman, John I. Countryman, and John
Quick, trustees, at an expense of ?25UU, and dedicated in
1872 by Rev. J. E. B. Huntington. There is a society of
80 mcmber.s at thi.s place, under the leadership of Charles
Bateman, who is also recording steward. The other officers
are John Quick, Steward; John Quick, Wesley Sherwood,
and Thomas Bateman, Trustees.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The first meetings of this church, in the town of Cam-
eron, were held in the old log school-house, a mile north of
the church, on the Rowe farm, by Rev. John Stocking, who
held revival-meetings there in the winter of 1831-32, and
was assisted by Rev. Gideon Hendricks. Among the first
members were James Rice, Eli Northrup, George Cameron
and wife, Henry Lott and wife, Harley Sears and wife,
James Rice, John D. Yost, and Joseph Plaistcd and wife.
Eli Northrup was made clerk, and John D. Yost, deacon.
In 185-1 a neat little church edifice was erected near the
east line of the town, at an expense of $700, by John D.
Yost, Timothy Carpenter, and Stephen Aldrich, trustees ;
and was dedicated by Rev. Oliver P. Alderman on Christmas-
night of the same year. The present trustees are Uriah D.
Carpenter, Peter Rumsey, Benjamin Osborn. Uriah D. Car-
penter is clerk, and Asher Northrup i.s deacon. The society
has 37 members. The following is the list of pastors :
1831, John Stocking; 1832, William Hendricks; 1833-
■43, Amos Chapman; 1844, Abner J. Wetton; 1848, Ches-
ter D. Kinney ; 1852-5G, Oliver P. Alderman ; 1857,
Burlingame, William D. Rutherford ; 1861, C. D. Kinney ;
1862-63, J. N. Price; 1868, C. D. Kinney; 1869-70,
Henry Wilber; 1873, John H. Carr, 0. P. Alderman;
1874, Lewis Palmeter ; 1875, A. J. Hammond.
A Presbyterian society was formed, and a church was
built in the south end of the village of Cameron, in 1853.
This organization received the Pulteney donation of 100
acres of land to the first church organized in the town
under legal charter. Several years after the society de-
clined, and the building was .sold to the Baptists, who
moved it on to the hill three miles north.
MILITARY RECORD OP CAMERON.
Jiilin F. Frencli, Co. G, 23d N. Y. Inf.
.loljn V. Ackerman, Co. F, 78th N. Y. Inf.; re-enl. vet., same Co. and regt. ; con-
solidated with 102d N. Y. Inf.
Cornelius McGregor, Co. F, lIlTth N. Y. Inf
Wickham J. Barry, cook, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Inf.
David Morandeville, Kl7th N. Y. Vols.
Moses H. Morse, Co F, 107th N. Y. Inf.
James B. (Mierry, Co. F, 107tli N. Y. Inf.
William Crane, Co. F. 107th N. Y. Inf.
John Crane, Co. B; died in hospital.
Mai tin Hallett, IGlst N. Y. Inf.; killed.
Martin L. White, 23d N. Y. Inf.; re-enl. in UI7th N. Y. Inf
Isiuic White, died at Elniira, N. Y.
Joseph White, Md N. Y. Inf.
Alexis Crane, Co. H, Ulst N. Y, Inf.
David Farrand, Co. A, 23d N. Y. Inf. ; killed at Antietain
.\. O. .\nderson, died in hospital.
James Longhry, died in Washington,
riiineas Baker, Cornelins Bahcock.
Solomon Brownell, tVt. G, 1st N. Y. Inf ; re-enlisted.
Daniel Bnrley, Arthnr Henderson, Richard B. Smith, Ceylon .Smith, James A.
Snnth, James B. Wheeler, Jr., John D. Wheeler.
Charles E. Baker, Co. K, ln7lh N. Y. Inf.
George W. Kichmond, Co. II, S.ith N. Y. Inf.
Parker Kulopson.
Hiram Gofl', Co. K, lU7lh N. Y. Inf. ; re-enl. Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf.
Peter FalT.and, Co. G, l8t N. Y. Inf.
Monroe Snyder, Co. D, IGlst Itegt. ; killed on the Miss. River by an explosion.
Elijah Monroe, John Glover.
Asa Cross, Co. K, SOth N. Y. Vols.
Daniel S.anford. disch. for wound.
George Smith, sergt., Co. F, loTlh N. Y. Inf.; wonnded at .\ntietam and disch.
John Armstrong, Wm. Knap[i.
Wm. Stu.art, Co. K, 8Bth N. Y. Inf.
Kiinsom II. Sahin, Co. F, lOTth N. Y. Inf.
Nehemiah Wiuship, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf.
Joseph liowhind, James Crowell, Joseph Reynolds, Henry Scutt, George Scutt,
Horace Dickey, Charles Wood, .\llen Kinner, Decatur Kinner.
Samuel Punches, Co. G, 141st Inf.
John Colhath, Co. G, 141st Inf.
Erastus Dickey, Co. H, Ulst Inf.
Charles Slater, Frank Angel.
John D. Aker, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 6, 1804.
Daniel F. Burley, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Daniel Brownell, Co. A, ISOth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Sidney Church, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf. ; enl Sept. 12, 1804.
Charles E. Hacket, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
James A. Jackson, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 12, 18G4.
Chas. P. Knap, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Wilson Longhrey, Co. A, 189lh N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Moses H. Moree, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 12, 1804.
Norman Stewart, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 12. 1864.
Charles E. Stewart, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Wesley Travis, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Jarvis Talbot, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Wm. H. Winship, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
William Austin, Co. H, 189tli N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 14, 1864.
William Withey, Co. H, ISUth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1SC4.
James A. Smith, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 28, 1804.
Horace Dicker, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1804.
Peter Fanand, Co. F, 189th X. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
Theodore Wood, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
Aliram P. Gould, Co. F, lS9th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
James N. Brady, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
Delos Withey, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
(;eorge Wilder, Co. F, 180th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
Henry S. Waggoner, Co. F, lS9th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864.
Gilbert Ackloy, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. July 29, 1862.
George W. Drake, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 5, 1862.
Wm. W. Gere, Co. F, ll)7th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862.
Harvey S. Marshall, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862.
Ira R. Smith, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862.
Samuel Ackley, Co. G, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Burrows Cole, Co. G, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
George Stewart, Co. G, 14lBt N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
EJson J. Ripley, Co, B, 86th N. Y. Inf; enl. Oct. 14, 1861.
Daniel E. Bailey, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 3(1, 1861.
Daniel Brownell, Co. K, Seth N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
James R. Brownell, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 6, 1861.
Thomas Ferrand, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. S, 1861.
Hynnin Hazleton, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
Elias 0. Owens, Co. K;80th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
Henry S. Swarlwood, Co. K, S6th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
John C. Sabin, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
CAMPBELL.
GEOQRAPHICAL SITUATION.
This is an interior town, lying southeast of tlie centre
of the county. It is bounded on tlie nortli by Bath and
Bradford, east by Hornby, soutli by Erwin and a part of
Addison, and west by Thurston.
physical features.
The surface of the town consists chiefly of high, broken
ridges, separated by the rich valleys of tiie streams. The
declivities of the hills are generally steep, and their sum-
mits from three to five hundred feet above the valleys.
The streams arc the Conhocton River, which flows south-
east through the west part of the town, and its tributaries,
Wolf Run, McNutt's Run, Mead's Creek, Dry Run, and
Stevens and Michigan Creeks. The valley of the Conlioc-
ton River is about one mile in width, and aftbrds a beauti-
ful scope of rich fariuing country. A similar valley lies
along Mead's Creek, in the northeast part of tlie town.
The soil of these valleys is a rich alluvium, wliile that of
the hills is clayey and gravelly loam.
early settlement.
Among the early and prominent settlers of the town
were the Campbell family, from whom its name is derived.
Before them, however, came a few others, who had built
their cabins on the fertile banks of the river, and at Mead's
Creek, before the beginning of this century. These pio-
neers were Joseph Wolcott, Elias Williams, Samuel Cal-
kins, and David McNutt, who gave his name to McNutt's
Run. Mr. Wolcott, with his family, occupied a cabin near
Wolf Run, on a part of the present residence lot of J. D.
Hamilton ; Mr. Williams was a blacksmith, and lived at
Mead's Creek ; Mr. Calkins built his cabin on the bank
of the river below where Curtisville now is, and Mr.
McNutt lived with his family in a little log cabin on
McNutt's Run. These were all the persons or families re-
siding within the six miles square when Mrs. Lucy Teeple,
daughter of 'Rev. Robert Campbell, still residing in the
town, came here with her parents, in 1803. Abram and
Isaac Thomas, hunters, had built a cabin on Mead's Creek,
but they probably were not occupying it at the time referred
to. It was unoccupied and apparently abandoned when the
settlers came into that section.
The first conveyance of this town (numbiir three in the
second range) was made by Oliver Phelps to Prince Bry-
ant, of Pennsylvania, in a deed bearing date Sept. 5, 17S'J.
Mr. Phelps then resided in Massachusetts, although he
had established a land-ofiice at Canandaigua. This deed,
conveying the whole township for a consideration of
£10U0, New York currency, was conditional upon the
acceptance of the terms by Nathaniel Uorhani. i'rince
Bryant convoyed the township to Elijah Babcock, Oct. 2,
1789. Elijah Babcock si>ld 7G80 acres to Roger Clark,
Nov. 22, 1798, and various parcels at other times to Sam-
uel Tooker, David Holmes, and William Babcock. The
title to a large portion of the tnwnship afterwards reverted
to Oliver Phelps, who sold to Joshua Hathaway, Zalmon
Tousey, Robert Campbell, and (lideon Granger. Joshua
Hathaway 's deed for 2037 acres bears date Oct. 2, 1801.
He bought of Oliver Phelps fur 65092.52. Robert Camp-
bell purchased half of the township, Xnv. 21, ISOl, and
the deed of Mr. Phelps to Zalnion Tousey for 1132 acres
is dated Dec. 2, 1801,
Most of these later jjurchasers became prominent in the
early affairs of the town.
In the year 1803, Rev. Robert Campbell and ('apt. Sol-
omon Campbell, his nephew, who had served as an officer
in the Revolutionary war, emigrated from Stillwater. Sara-
toga Co., and settled in this town. Robert Campbell
brought with him four sons, viz., Robert, Jr., 31iner
Campbell, father of Rev. Dr. S. M. Campbell, of Rochester,
N. Y. ; Bradford, who died the second year after their
arrival, and was the first person buried in the Campbell
burying-ground ; Philo, who resided at Painted Post until
his death ; and his daughters, Rebecca, Rachel, Tamar, and
Lucy. Rebecca married Daniel Curtis, one of the old
settlers at Mead's Creek, and father of Daniel B. Curtis,
proprietor of Curtis' Mills ; Rachel married Asa Milliken,
and their marriage was probably the first in the town ;
Tamar married her cousin, Capt. Solomon Campbell, who
came from Saratoga when a young man. They moved to
the West many years ago.
Lucy, widow of the late George Teeple, still resides in
town, and is the only one living of the large family. She
was eighty-seven years old on the 5th day of May, 1878,
and still retains a distinct recollection of the incidents of
their settlement here in the wilderness when she was but a
little girl. When her father came with his family they
rented a house near Bath until he could erect a house to
live in near where the grave-yard now is. He built a frame
house which stood until 1877, wlien it was burned down.
Mrs. Teeple has still living with her an old colored servant,
Jeu, who is the daughter of a slave woman, and was born
in Robert Campbell's house in Saratoga County. She came
here with the family when a child ten years old, and is
eighty-five, and almost entirely blind. She had a brother,
Jehu, who was drowned while running rafts down the river.
Joseph Stevens was one of the first settlers of Campbell.
He came to this town from Sangerfield, Oneida Co., in
1805, and bought land and became a prominent and influ-
ential citizen. He had sons Joseph and John, who settled
and reared families in Campbell. Joseph Stevens, Jr., had
207
208
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the following-named children : .Tared, Amos, Jonas; Ben-
jamin, Joseph, Rulpli, Marcus, Almond, and John, and
daughters Pernielia (Mrs. Aden J. Pratt, deceased) and
HaddiLssah, who married Daniel Horton, father of Charles
Horton, Esq., of Campbell.
All the sons except Jonas and Benjamin removed to
Michigan many years ago. Marcus and John are among
the leading merchants and manufacturers of Detroit. Mr.
Jonas Stevens, of Campbell, has hanging in his parlors the
likenesses of the nine brothers taken in a group, with their
mother — then eighty-five years old — and their sister, the
late Mre. Horton. This group was taken at Canton, Midi.,
on the occasion of a family reunion, in 1861. Mrs. Ste-
vens had five of her grandsons then in the army. Since
then Mrs. Stevens, her daughter, Mrs. Horton, and three
of the brothers have died. Mrs. Stevens died in her eighty-
eighth year.
REMINISCENCES OF JONAS STEVENS.
A short sketch of the early settlement of the town of
Campbell, with something of a description of the manners
and customs of the first inhabitants, interspersed with some
items of experience by the author, may not be without
interest.
" The town of Campbell is a part of the large town of
Painted Post, and derives its name from the numerous
family of Campbells living in it. The Campbells, 1 think,
emigrated from Stillwater, in this State, about the year
1803. Robert and Solomon, with their sons and daughters,
made (juite a colony. Then the Stevens from Oneida Co.,
N. Y., in 1804 and 1805, — almost as numerous as the
Campbells. These, with a few others, and here and there
a hut of Indians, composed the first inhabitants of this
town. They were scattered along the Conhocton Valley,
and here and there a little spot cleared and a log house
built, with a rough stone chimney and large fireplace, and
a crane or some other contrivance to hang the kettle over
the fire. With these arrangements the pioneers expected
to produce a support for their whole families by their own
labor. They raised flax and dressed it, and their wives
spun and wove it, to make their summer clothing, and for
winter the fleeces of their sheep went through the process
of picking and carding by hand, and mixed with black to
make a gray or colored with butternut-bark to save expense ;
and as to buying anything out of the store, that was almost
out of the question. They made their own sugar. There
was one store, which was kept by William Bonham, at
Knoxville, between Bath and Big Flats, a log school-house,
and only two frame houses in town. Their cattle, sheep,
and hogs had the wide range of the big pasture and to go
as they would. At night they must go and hunt them up.
One of them would wear a bell, and it was not strange to
see a deer with them. I was informed of one man who,
while hunting his cows, shot and killed two large bears, and
next morning he took his oxen and cart and brought them
home.
"Their sheep had to be driven up and yarded to keep
them from being torn and devoured by wolves. One night
I unavoidably failed to yard my father's sheep, and I went
out next morning and found tliem within about twenty
rods of the house, with eight of their number killed, or
Wounded so that the}' died. Wolves especially were very
plenty, and often committed depredations upon the farmer's
flocks, and in the fall of the year, late in the evening, their
bowlings could often be heard in the woods all around,
which was extremely frightful. It was rare that the most
skillful hunter could get a shot at one of these. But the
deer — the most beautiful and harmless of wild animals —
were quite plenty, although pursued by wild beasts as well
as men. It was a very pleasing sight to see them start up
in the forest, sometimes as many as four or five together,
and hoist their white flag and bound off most gracefully
among the trees. I have seen as many as seven at one
time come in the depth of winter within fifteen rods of my
father's door, and stand by a stack of cornstalks and eat
as long as they would.
" Almost every man kept a rifle with a flint lock, which
often disappointed him when he expected it to go off and
take down a deer. Their plows in those days were the
old-fashioned bull-plow, with wooden mould-board, and no
iron about them except the share. We knew nothing
about the mowing-machine, horse-rake, thrashing-machine,
grain-drill, steam-engine, railroad, telegraph, sewing-ma-
chine, or any of the numerous inventions now in use. We
were very profligate of our timber; it was so plenty that
we would not have thought of charging a neighbor any-
thing for a dozen or twenty pine-trees. We felt secure
from burglars in our habitations without a lock to our
doors.
•' One incident in the war of 1812 I remember very dis-
tinctly. It used to be talked that there was danger of the
Indians coming over from Canada and going around killing
and scalping the inhabitants. Well, one day I was busy
with my play, my back towards the road, no one near me
that I knew of, when suddenly a hand came spat on the
top of my head, and fingers clenched into my hair and
gave it a shake. I turned my head while he yet held my
hair, and two large Indians with their hunting implements
stood behind me. I thought my scalp had got to come
ofi'. They asked me in plain English if my father was at
home ; I answered that he was. When they saw how
they had surprised me they had a hearty laugh over it.
" One of the Campbell boys and myself once built a fish-
rack, and one night, late in the fall, we caught fish enough
to fill a common-sized two-horse wagon box full. I will
also tell an authentic hunting story. An old hunter in this
neighborhood saw an animal which he took to be a large
wolf, feeding on the carcass of a deer, and shot and wounded
it slightly. He followed it the remainder of the day, and
the next day with another man, but saw nothing of the
animal. The next day another man went with a gun and
dogs. The dogs going ahead of the hunter soon came up
with the animal, and it turned and looked at the dogs, but
they kept out of its reach, while the man came up and saw
that it was a panther. The day following a brother and
cousin of mine went with him and followed it till almost
night, when the dogs started it in a thicket of large hem-
lock-trees. The dogs drove it into a tree. The men came
up, and after looking some time saw the panther in the top
of a large tree. Brother Ben shot him, and he barely kept
KoBERT Campbell, the great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was a native of Scotland, and was born Apnil 23,
1709, and was married April 13, 1727, and settled in Canaan,
Conn., Oct. 20, 1761. He had eleven children, viz. : Kebecca,
born Oct. 2, 1728; Lydia, born Aug. 21, 1730; Daniel, born
March 12, 17S3; Mary, born Aug. 10, 1734; Elizabeth, born
Oct. 1, 1736; Joan, born June f9, 1739; Kobert, Jr., born
May 3, 1741 ; Daniel (2d), born July 29, 1743; Sarah, born
Oct. 15, 174.5; and Solomon, born June 13, 1749.
He was a Presbyterian clergyman of marked ability, and
was ordained minister Oct. 20, 1761, at Canaan. He removed
to Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1762, and was accom-
panied by a very large number of his congregation from Con-
necticut, aboutonehundred members. He continued to preach
as long as his health would permit, and died, mourned by a host
of warm friends, on the 19th of February, 1789; his wife died
July 29, 1763.
Solomon Campbell was undoubtedly born in Connecticut,
and removed to Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in company
with his ]iarents and many others who left Connecticut for
tlieir new home in Stillwater. His father was the first min-
ister in Stillwater. Solomon, Sr., married Sarah Andrews,
Aug. 1, 1771, and liad the following children, viz. : Sarah,
horn May 14, 1772; Mary, born June. 21, 1775; Archie, born
Feb. 23, 1777; Solomon, Jr., born Oct. 30, 1779; Elizabeth,
born Dec. 20, 1781; John, born Dec. 6, 1785; Lydia, born
April 3, 1788; Rebecca, born July 18, 1790; TartuUius, born
Aug. 11, 1792 ; Daniel, born June 31, 1797.
Solomon was known as Capt. Campbell, and no doubt served
in the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer by occupation.
Capt. Solomon Campbell removed to Campbclltown very soon
after his son Archie, who settled in Camjibell in the winter of
1801-1802. Solomon died Dec. 30, 1823, and his wife died
Sept. 20, 1806, in the fifty-fifth year of her age.
Col. Archie Campbell, son of Solomon, was born on Long
Island, and married Miss Sarah Persall, a native of Fishkill,
N. Y., about 1796 or 1797.
Of this union seven children were born, viz. : Solomon A.,
James, Bradford, Elvin, Mary, Jane, and George W. Of this
number, Solomon A. and James were born before coming to
Campbclltown, and Bradford was the first white child born
in the town of Campbell. Col. Archie Campbell was a colo-
nel of the State militia, and served as captain in the war of
1812. He was extensively engaged in the lumber interest
while a resident of Campbell, and was a farmer. He died
suddenlv, March 14, 1825, in the prime of life, and Mrs. Camp-
bell died July 11, 1852.
George W. Campbell, son of Col. Archie and Sarah Camp-
bell, was born in Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1818.
He received a common-school education, but at the age of six-
teen he quit attending school, and was compelled to work in
order to get a living. He commenced to learn the harness
trade at Hammondsport, Penn Yan, and Bath, and continued
four years ; then went into a store at Bath for Amos Babcock,
and continued till 1844; then was engaged in company with
his brother, Solomon A., in the lumber trade in running lum-
ber down the Susipiehanna until 1848; then went to Painted Post
and engaged in the mercantile business with R. O. Smith, now
of Clean, for two years, when Mr. Campbell's health compelled
him to give up the business. He soon commenced the lumber
interest again with Solomon A. until 1857, when he purchased
one-half of his brother's farm, some four hundred acres, and
was engaged in farming for eight years, when he sold his farm
in 1866, and commenced the mercantile business at Campbell,
where he now resides.
Mr. Campbell's business career has been one of steady, on-
ward gain. He commenced life poor, and to-day is one of
the most substantial business men of his native town. In
politics he is closely identified with the Republican party, and
joined the party at its organization in 1856, having previously
been a Whig, as all of his ancestors were. He was supervisor
of his towuYrom 1861 to 1865, and suiierintendent of the poor
from 1872 to 1875. Mr. Campbell has been identified with
the Board of Education for the past three years, and is serving
in that capacity now. Mr. Campbell has given general satis-
faction in all his oflicial business, and to-day is honored by the re-
spect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He married Mi.ss
ElizabethM., daughter of Columbus and Louise Burrill, of
Fairfield, Maine, July 10, 1853. Mrs. Elizabeth M. Campbell
was born in Fairfield, Maine, Nov. 16, 1829, and settled in
Campbell with her parents in October, 1850. Of this union
three children were born, viz.: Sarah Louise, born Jan. 6,
1857; Solomon A., born March 7, 1860; and Archie W., born
Sept. 6, 1863.
JONAS STEVENS.
MRS. JONAS STEVENS.
^'
JONAS STEVENS.
Joseph Stevens, Se., was either a native of New
England or came from England previous to the
Revolutionary war, as he served in that war and had
settled in Saratoga County before the war, where
some of his children were born.
Joseph, Sr., and his son, Joseph, Jr., settled in
Campbelltown, Steuben Co., about the same time,
being March, 1805, — both of whom were farmers.
Joseph, Sr., died while a resident in Wheeler, Steuben
Co., far advanced in years. He and his wife were
members of the Baptist Church at the time of their
death.
Joseph, Jr., and family (except one) were members
of the Presbyterian Society.
Jonas Stevens came to Campbell with his parents
March 13, 1805, and has continued to reside here
ever since except a few years spent at Monterey.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jedediah Miller,
of Ulysses, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1826. Mrs. Stevens
was born Aug. 18, 1807. Of this union five children
were born, viz. : George, Hannah, Harmon, Ralph,
and Jennie. All are living in Campbell, except
Jennie, who resides at Avon, N. Y. Mr. Stevens
has been a farmer by occupation, and has endured
the privations incident to a pioneer life.
For more tiian forty-eiglit years he and Mrs.
Stevens have been living at their present home in
Campbell, and he has always been closely identified
with the best interests of the town. Mr. and Mrs.
Stevens have been members of the Presbyterian
Society for more than fifty years, and Mr. Stevens
is one of two of the first seven who organized the
Presbyterian Church at Campbell. In politics Mr.
Stevens is a staunch Republican, and two of his sons,
Harmon aud Ralph, were soldiers in the 107th
Regiment, New York Volunteers, in the late war.
Ralph lost his right arm during the engagement at
Dallas, Ga., in 1864. Harmon and Ralph were
both honorably discharged, and are now citizens of
Campbell.
For more than fifty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Stevens
have been walking life's journey together, and now
in their advanced years they can look back over
those years of labor with the satisfaction of knowing
that their children are numbered among the respect-
able citizens of Steuben County.
Jonas Stevens, the subject of this sketch, is of
English origin. Jonas, son of Joseph, Jr., and Abi-
gail Knowlton Stevens, was born in Sangerfield,
Oneida Co., N. Y., March 13, 1803.
Joseph, Jr., son of Joseph, Sr., was born in Still-
water, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1771, and died
in Campbell, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1843. His wife, Abigail
Knowlton, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y., June 22, 1777, and died in Michigan, Dec.
19, 1864. Her remains were brought home and
buried by the side of her husband, upon the farm
where they spent so many pleasant years together.
By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stevens had
eleven children, all of whom, save the five oldest,
were born in Campbell, N. Y., and the others in
Sangerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y. Names of children,
— Jared, Permelia, Haddassah, Amos, Jonas, Ben-
jamin, Josej)h, Ralph, Marcus, Almon, and John.
All of this large family lived to be men and women,
and those who died each reached more than seventy
years save two. Two others are to-day upwards of
seventy-two years of age.
t<?-
'dOTOS dl EVANS -
DEACON Jacob Woodward.
fjiRs Jacob WooDWAffD
DEACON JACOB WOODWARD.
The ancestors of the subject of this sketch came from England,
and settled in Massachusetts. Jacob, son of Jonas and Mary
Woodward, was born in Stratton, Windham Co., Vt., Jan. 2,
1794. Ilis father was a native of Millbury, Worcester Co.,
Mass. He married Mary Morsman, a native of Massachusetts,
also. Of this union thirteen children were born, twelve of
whom lived to be men and women, and eight are still living.
Jonas was a farmer by occupation, and followed it through
life. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and every one
of his family, two of whom have been deacons and two
ministers.
He left Vermont in May, 1816, and came to Steuben County,
and located on Mead's Creek, his son Jacob having preceded
him some two months. Jonas and Jacob kept bachelors' hall
during their stay, and returned to Vermont in July — Jonas to
get his family, and Jacob to marry.
Jacob married Miss Betsey, daughter of Joseph Wilder, of
Wardsboro, Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 2, 1816. Of this union
four children grew to manhood and womanhood, viz. : Abigail,
died at the age of sixteen ; Christiana, married Isaac P. Good-
sell, of Painted Post; Zatter W., married Sarah Powers, and
is now on the home farm ; and Dimmis S., married Dr. Samuel
N. Everett, who is now a practicing physician at Campbell.
Deacon Woodward has always been a farmer. He united with
the Baptist Church at the early age of twelve, and ever since
has been a veiy active member of the same, and for more than
forty years has been a deacon. When a young man he commenced
as a teacher of music, and has continued to follow his chosen
profession until within a few years. In politics, formerly a Dem-
ocrat, but when the Republican party was organized he joined
it. He has been a staunch temperance man for a great many
years, and was the first man to organize the first temperance
society in his community. He has held various official positions
to the satisfaction of his constituents.
His wife died Nov. 23, 1873, while visiting with her daughter,
Mrs. I. P. Goodsell, at Painted Post. Her memory is cherished
by her husband and children. Deacon Woodward is now an old
man of eighty-five, hale and hearty, and retains all his faculties.
His only son, Zatter W., is a prominent man of Campbell, and
is a farmer by occupation. He has two sons, Gernane P. and
Miles J., and a daughter, Mary, who mai'ried Geo. Mason, of
Campbell.
Zatter W. was born May 11, 1823 ; mamed Miss Sarah D.
Powers, November, 1862. Mra. Z. W. Woodward was bom
Nov. 10, 1826, in Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y. Mr. Wood-
ward is a farmer by occupation. He has been magistrate, for
■nine consecutive years, of Campbell, and at present is one of
the assessors of the town.
In politics he is identified with the Republican party. Like
his honored father, he early espoused the temperance cause, and
is one of the strong temperance men of the town. He and
his wife are worthy members of the Baptist Church of Cooper's
Plains. He has been clerk of that society for more than twenty
years. Perhaps there is no family in the county that is more
highly respected than the Woodward family. The impress of
a well-ordered life is plainly seen in this family, and Deacon
Woodward, like Deacon St. John, of Hornby, has an untar-
nished name.
TOWN OF CAMPBELL.
209
from falling. Then Nute attempted to .shoot, but his gun
would not go off, so Ben reloaded his gun. The hunter
then shot and brought him down dead. One man could
not lift him from the ground. They turned the skin off as
whole as they could ; filled it with straw. It looked quite
natural. It measured eight feet from the end of its nose
to the tip of its tail. Benjamin Patterson, well known
about Painted Post and Corning, saw it, and said he had
killed many of them, but he never saw as large a one as
that."*
The first grist-mill was built by Gen. John Knox and
Archa Campbell, in 1812. It stood across the race from
the present flouring-mills of Bemis & McKay.
In 1846 a saw- and grist-mill combined was built by
Marcus Wheelock for Andrew Langdon, where the Bemis
saw-mill now stands. Mr. Samuel Cornell, now residing
with his son-in-law Emmons Abel, was many years miller
in this mill. He is the father of John Cornell, of Bath,
and Johnson Cornell, of Cooper's Plains, and is now eighty-
four years of age.
mead's creek colony.
David Holmes and his brother William were the original
owners of the lands on Mead's Creek, in the eastern part
of the town. They traded their wild lands here with the
first settlers for small farms in Vermont. The offer to ex-
change in this manner induced quite a colony to emigrate
to this part of the town in 181G. The original colonists
were Jonas and Jacob Woodward, Hinsdale Hammond, and
Stephen Corbin, from Windham Co., Vt. Jonas Wood-
ward had a family of eleven children, and his son Jacob,
still living near the old homestead, was a young married
man when they came to the town. From his remarkably
clear recollection we have elicited the following facts con-
cerning the old settlers :
The colony came in 1816. The next year Sampson
Bixby and his son Amasa settled in the edge of what is
now Hornby. Mr. Hammond settled on the place where
the Hendersons and Mr. Welch now reside. Seth Hammond
settled on the Mead's Creek road, where I. F. Dibble now
lives. Jonas Woodward settled on the Harmon Stevens
place, on Mead's Creek, and Jacob Woodward on the place
now occupied by Mr. Anthony Brown. He built here his
first log house, in 1817. About ten years later he settled
on the first farm over the Hornby town line, where he
resided about twenty years. Then he exchanged his farm
with Amos Bixby for the place which he now owns on
Dry Run, and where he has resided for the past thirty
years.
Of the original settlers all are dead except Jacob Wood-
ward. He was born in Windham Co., Vt., Jan. 2, 1794,
and is consequently in his eighty-sixth year. Jonas and
Benjamin Stevens, Mrs. Lucy Teeple, and Mr. Woodward '
are the oldest settlers now left in town. Alson Pierce,
whose place is just over the line, in the town of Erwin,
settled here from Windham Co., Vt., in 1814.
Z. W. Woodward, son of Jacob, is a citizen of the town,
residing on the old homestead. Demis Woodward, now
*Mr. Stevens wrote this sketch at the age of seventy-five.
27
Mrs. S. N. Everett, a daughter of Jacob Woodward, re-
sides on the farm adjoining the old homestead. A daugh-
ter of Hinsdale Hammond, who was born in Vermont, and
came here with the family, is still living in Hornby. Her
name is Rachel, widow of the late Jonathan Remington,
who came to the town about 1818.
When the colonists came here there was a little patch of
land which had been cleared by Cyrus Ames, the hunter,
on the place where Jonas Woodward settled, on which was
a little log cabin. All the rest of the valley was an un-
broken wilderness. The hunter's cabin was made the com-
mon stopping-place of the settlers till they could get their
own cabins ready for occupancy.
Of the eleven children of Jonas Woodward whom he
brought with him to this valley, eight are yet living. Two
daughters — Mrs. Lucy Davis and Mrs. Olive Wheeler —
reside in Bradford.
The first school in the settlement was taught in the hun-
ter's cabin, by Rhoda Simmons, in 1817. The next school
was taught in a frame barn. Betsey, wife of Joseph Wood-
ward, and Mrs. Davis, his sister, were among the early
teachers. The first school-house proper was a log building
on land now owned by David Cook.
The little colony from Vermont were mostly Baptists.
On the 22d of February, 1823, they organized what was
known as the " First Baptist Church of Painted Post,"
Rev. Jonathan Stone, pastor. They held services in private
houses and at the first school-house. About 1840, they,
with others, built the Baptist church at Cooper's Plains,
where the members in this neighborhood now attend wor-
ship. Rev. A. Tilden, pastor.
ORGANIZATION.
The act for the organization of the town was passed
April 15, 1831. The first town-meeting was held at the
house of Samuel Bestly, at which Daniel Clark was elected
Supervisor ; Milo Hurd, Town Clerk ; William Stewart,
Samuel Cook, Daniel Horton, Assessors ; John H. Burritt,
William Stewart, Selah Hammond, Commissioners of High-
ways ; Joseph Stevens, Plyna Cobb, Overseers of the Poor ;
Holace Corbin, Frederick Stewart, Miner Campbell, Com-
missioners of Schools ; Milo Hurd, Harvey Burritt, Daniel
Horton, Inspectors of Schools ; Aden J. Pratt, Collector ;
Aden J. Pratt, John Bobbins, Jr., Constables ; Parley
Seamans, Alvin Corbin, Justices of the Peace. The town
was divided into fourteen road districts, of which the fol-
lowing persons were overseers in the order named, beginning
with District No. 1 : Richard Gregory, Samuel Bestly,
Daniel Clark, Gilbert Reed, Benjamin F. Balcom, Alson
Pierce, Peter Covenhoven, Stephen Boyden, Moses Ham-
mond, Moses Woodworth, Salmon Hunsinger, Salmon
Dickinson, Parley Seamans, Hosea Bobbins.
LIST OF TOWN OFI'ICERS.
Supen-isore. Town Clerks. Collectora.
1S32. Daniel Clark. Milo Hurd. A. J. Pratt.
1833. William D. Kno.t. Harvey Burritt. " "
1834. " " Daniel Clark. Minor C. Nute.
1835. Benjamin Farwell. Jared Stevens. " "
1836. " " Frederick Stewart. " "
1837. " " " " " "
210
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1838.
William Stewart.
Aden J.
Pratt.
Selah Hammond.
1839.
i< a
"
"
" "
1840.
S. A. Campbell.
"
"
.,
1841.
<( t(
"
"
Miner Campbell.
1842.
t( It
tt
tt
..
1843.
William Stewart.
"
tt
tt tt
1844.
" "
John P.
Knox.
it
1845.
Willis McNeil.
"
"
Charles T. Horton.
1846.
"
Walter
roHsey.
E. S. Millard.
1847.
.1. P. Kno.\.
•'
"
Elijah Dawley.
1848.
« .«
Aden J.
Pratt.
Charles T. Horton.
1S4'J.
S. A. Campbell.
"
"
Henry Van Curen.
1850.
John P. Knoi.
((
"
..
1851.
Willis McNeil.
"
•'
Orville Sharp.
1852.
tt it
tt
tt
Joseph Hammond.
1853.
Joseph Hammond.
"
tt
Z. W. Woodward.
1854.
S. J. Teeple.
tt
"
Joseph S. Pratt.
1855.
Alson Pierce.
tt
tt
S. M. Quimby.
1856.
Daniel Curtis.
"
"
Sidney Thornton.
1857.
Sivmuel Balcom.
tt
it
Edward S. Millard.
1858.
n n
tt
li
A. J. Pratt.
1859.
"
"
"
S. N. Everett.
1860.
"
"
"
A. J. Pratt.
1861.
Geo. W. Campbell.
if
tt
Saml. H. Thompson
1862.
"
"
"
Z. W. Woodward.
1863.
"
"
"
it
1864.
" "
"
it
Robert B. Dawson.
1865.
" "
"
"
Philo Campbell.
1866.
Charles Cass.
Charles
T. Horton. Byron Pierce.
1867.
ti 4.
■•
Ralph Stevens.
1868.
" "
"
it It
1869.
a tt
.<
" "
1870.
Charles H. Beinis.
"
Josiah T. Burrows.
1871.
tt i(
tt
Isaac T. BuUard.
1872.
•' "
Ralph Stevens.
Josiah T. Burrows.
187.S.
E. J. Armstrong.
Jacob Clawson.
John WiIco.x.
1874.
'•
Solomon A. Cos
5. J. T. Quimby.
1875.
e. R. Sutherland.
Jacob Clawson.
J. T. Burrows.
1876.
"
"
"
N. S. Jaynes.
1877.
"
.(
•'
it
1878.
Elias A. Overhiser.
•'
"
Jerome T. Quimby.
JUSTICES OF THF. PEACE.
1832.
Parley Scamans.
1854.
John Tomer.
Alvin Corbin.
1855.
J. S. Drew.
18.33.
Selah Hammond.
Daniel S. Whittenhall
1835.
Plyna Cobb.
1856.
Joseph Hammond.
Daniel Clark.
Miner C. Nute.
1836.
Seth Hammond.
1857.
John P. Kno-\.
1837.
Daniel Horton.
1858.
Charles Cass.
William Stewart.
Joreah Devcndorf.
1838.
Plyna Cobb.
1859.
Miner C. Nute.
1839.
Daniel Clark.
John Tomer.
1840.
Ebcnezer Leavenworth.
1860.
Henry J. Wagner.
1841.
Miner C. Nute.
1861.
Charles T. Horton.
1842.
Alson Pierce.
1862.
John Tomer.
1843.
Daniel Clark.
1863.
Orr Smith.
Seth Hammond.
1804.
Henry J. Wagner.
1844.
E. Leavenworth.
1865.
Charles T. Horton.
1845.
Miner C. Nute.
1866.
John Tomer.
1846.
Seth Hammond.
1867.
Orr Smith.
1847.
Orrin B. Chapin.
1868.
Zatter W. Woodward.
1848.
David Curtis.
1869.
Charles T. Horton.
1849.
Henry L. Griffith.
1870.
John Tomer.
Plyna Cobb.
1871.
Orr Smith.
1850.
Vincent M. Shoemaker.
1872.
Zatter AV. Woodward.
1851.
Orrin B. Chapin.
1873.
Charles Cass.
Seth Hammond.
1874.
Charles T. Horton.
1852.
Orlando Comstock.
1875.
Orr Smith.
1853.
E. S. Millard.
1876.
Harmon Stevens.
J. D. Hamilton.
1877.
Charles Cass.
1854.
Plyna Cobb.
1878.
Charles T, Horton,
EARLY POPULATION OF CAMPBELL.
Rev. S. M. Campbell, D.D., of Rochester, who was born
and spent his early life in this town, preached the dedication
sermon of the new Presbyterian church, Feb. 4, 1868. In
the course of his preliminary remarks he spoke as follows,
in regard to the early population of this town and vicinity :
" When the more permanent population of this place
began to settle here, it embraced several valuable families ;
but, as often occurs, it was divided into several Christian
denominations. One of the families, that of Zalmou
Tousey, quite marked among the surrounding population
for literary taste and intellectual culture, preferred the Epis-
copal mode of worship ; at a later day another household of
the same preference and peculiarities also appeared, that of
David Curtis, Esq. In the lower part of the town dwelt
another influential family, that of Robert Bonham, em-
bracing several very energetic women, whose sympathies
were with the Methodists ; and they too were .soon strength-
ened by a second household, that of Samuel Cook, who
pitched their tent hard by, and who were of like religious
feeling. Coming farther up the valley, we encountered
still another household, that of Daniel Clark, the head of
which, time out of mind, held the very lucrative office of
justice of the peace among us, where the principles of the
Baptists prevailed ; and this household, too, had its mate a
little farther still up the valley, where another justice of
the peace, Daniel Horton, held his court, who was also a
Baptist. In our Methodist families the denominational
preferences were mostly seen among the women ; in our
Baptist families it was much the stronger with the men.
" It will be seen, singularly enough, that thus far the
denominational households came among us, as the living
creatures went into Noah's ark, just two of a sort, and in
a general sense the same statement will be found true as
we turn to the Presbyterians. One of our Presbyterian
households was more a tribe than a family, but the two
names Stevens and Campbell, in some of their out-branch-
ing relations, for a time embraced them all.
" Such was the material out of which to build a church.
It seems unpromising, perhaps, broken into so many frag-
ments, but the hearts of the people were far better united
than might be supposed. If they were unlike in denomi-
national preferences in another thing they were agreed, —
a willingness to forego such preferences for a common good.
If there was a Baptist meeting in those early days, all went
in ; if a Methodist, it was the same ; and in some respects
the people of God here were at the time like those of a
still more primitive period, when ' the whole multitude of
them that believed were of one heart and one soul, neither
said any among them that aught of the things which he
possessed was his own, but they had all things common.'
" Sufi"er a word also here upon the early industrial pur-
suits of the town. Work is an educator, and the kind of
work which men follow sometimes has great influence on
the characters they form. In this place, besides the usual
business of a new country, there were great inducements to
engage in the manufacture and sale of lumber.
" All over these hills, and up and down this valley, God
had planted great forests of pine, and directly past our
doors He had pjade a stream to flow, swift enough to turn
fPHoros By £v»ns )
y^ V'S^,
Cp>^^.^C^.e<^ (/ C0ii/7--Z^^^
William W. Bartlett, son of Luther and Maria Bartlett, was
born in Dudley, Worcester Co., Mass., July 8, 1825. His
father was born in Massachusetts about 1800 ; married Maria
Windsor, a native of Dudley, Mass., Oct. 5, 1824. Mrs.
Maria Windsor Bartlett was born May 10, 1803. Of this union
three children were born, viz., William W., Eliza N., and Lucian.
William W. is the only one of the children now living.
Luther Bartlett was a manufacturer of scythes and axes ;
later in life kept public house in Thompson, Conn., and died
Feb. 9, 1830. Mrs. Bartlett married David Van Alstine, and
now resides in California. Nathaniel Bartlett, grandfather of
William W., was of Scottish origin, and was born in one of
the New England States. William W. Bartlett's maternal
grandfather, William Windsor (spelled by some Winsor), was
born in Smithfield, R. I., October 12, 1779 ; married Eunice
Nichols, a native of Thompson, Conn., May 8, 1800. Eunice
Nichols was born June 6, 1775. Of this union five daughters
were born, viz., Ann Frances, deceased ; Maria, Lucy E., Sally,
and Elizabeth. William Windsor was a farmer by occupation.
He settled in Campbell, Steuben Co., May 29, 1835, on the farm
now owned by his gi-andson, William W. Bartlett. He died
Jan. 12, 1866, and his wife died Jan. 2, 1852.
William Windsor was a son of Abraham and Nancy Water-
man Windsor, and was one of five children.
The Windsor family is of English origin, having descended
from Joshua Windsor, who emigrated to Anoerica and settled
in Providence, R. I., in 1638, and was one of the twenty who
paid thirty pounds (the amount of the first purchase of Provi-
dence of the natives) on their being admitted equal sharers
th'erein with Roger Williams, the first purchaser, and twelve
othere who had gone there before. By his writings, which still
remain, he appears to have been a man of a religious turn of
mind and a man of ability. Prom him have descended a very
numerous family, of whom William Windsor was one. Abra-
ham Windsor was born March 10, 1756, and died June 27,
1787.
Nancy Waterman was born May 1, 1756, and died Feb. 7,
1846.
William W. Bartlett came to Campbell, Steuben Co., in com-
pany with his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. William Windsor), May
28, 1835, when but ten years of age. He was reared a farmer,
which honorable business he still continues to follow on the same
farm which was purchased by his grandfather, William Windsor.
He married Esther E. Pixley, daughter of Alanson and Mary
Pixley, July 4, 1852. Mrs. Esther E. Bartlett was born at
Albion, N. Y., March 22, 1832. Of this alliance eight children
have been born, viz., Frances E., deceased ; Ella P., and William
W. (twins), Mary E., George McClellan, Cora B., Luther E.,
and Essie.
Mr. Bartlett is one of the largest farmers in the town ; he has
some four hundred acres of land. He has made valuable im-
provements upon his farm since he has owned it; his farm
buildings are substantial, and will compare favorably with the
best farm buildings in the county. In politics a life-long Demo-
crat, casting his first vote for Martin Van Buren and Charles F.
Adams. He has served three terms as assessor of Campbell.
Miss Frances E. Bartlett graduated at the academy at Corning,
married J. W. Burdick, of Newburgh, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1873,
left one daughter, Sarah F., and died Aug. 15, 1876.
Mr. Burdick married for his second wife, Miss Ella P. Bartlett.
Jan. 20, 1878, and has one son, Julian W. Mr. Burdick is a
telegraph operator at Newburgh.
ABRAM HOLLENB£CK.
/^RS.-ABRAM f^OU.ENBECK.
ABEAM HOLLENBECK,
son of Joshua B. and Clarissa Hollenbeck, was born in
Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1830. He is the
sea»ncl son in a family of five children. His father was
a native of Massachusetts, and removed to New York
when a young man. He married Clarissa Marsh, a
native of Broome Co., N. Y., about 1826. By this
marriage five children were born, viz. : David C, who
was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and lost his
life at City Point, Va. ; Abram; Ann E., married D. F.
Woodward, of Jasper; Margaret; and Emily, who mar-
ried Franklin Velie, now a resident of Campbell.
Joshua removed into Steuben County with his family
in the winter of 1843, and settled in Thurston, and in
the following spring located in Campbell. His business
vv;i.s farming. He purchased his farm, now owned by
the estate, situated one and a half miles west of Curtis, in
1847, and the following spring settled upon it, his son
Abram owning a half interest in the original purchase
of one hundred acres. In politics he was a Whig and
Republican. He died April 10, 1872, and his wife
died Nov. 16, 3 878. Both are buried in the cemetery
below Curtis.
Abram received a common-school education, and by
application to his books has acquired practical business
qualifications. He came to Campbell when a boy about
thirteen years old with his parents, and has resided
there ever since. He is one of the substantial farmers
of the town, and well deserves to be ranked among the
representative agriculturists of the county. Upon him
has developed the care of his parents, though his father
died at the age of seventy, and his mother at the age
of seventy-six. He owns some two hundred and thirty
acres of land west of Curtis, and has made creditable
improvements upon his farm. In politics he is a Re-
publican. He has held some of the town oflBces, but
is not an aspirant after official honors.
He married Miss Mary L., daughter of Jacob and
Mary Velie, March 5, 1857. She was born in Orange,
Schuyler Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, 1836. Her mother,
Mary Miller, was born in Ulysses, N. Y., in 1804,
and had eleven children, all of whom lived to ma-
turity but George W. Velie, the youngest son, who
died at Washington, April 29, 1865, while serving
his country.
Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck have four living children
— George A., Ruby A., Lydia M., Esther E., — and two
deceased. John died While an infant, and Clarissa while
quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Hollenl)eck are now in the
prime of life, surrounded by an intelligent group of chil-
dren and all the necessary comforts of a happy home.
TOWN OF CAMPBELL.
211
all our mills, and yet so perfectly navigable during the
spring freshets as to afford us a highway to the markets of
the outside world.
" The result was the development of a branch of industry
here which marked all our early history. In winter the
choppers were at their work in the woods by early day-
light, and the teams were moving to bring in the logs and the
spars. Many a ship has plowed the blue sea, and perhaps
gone round the world, bearing masts that were cut from
these mountains; and the clack of the mills, the screech-
in" of the saw-file, the shouts of the teamsters, and the
crash of falling trees blended into a music which we all
learned to enjoy.
" One evil of this branch of industry was that it brought
into our ftimilies as working men, and into our town as
citizens, a class of rough people ; a still greater evil was
that it took men every year into the temptation one meets
away from home ; but the greatest evil of all was that in
rafting-time it led to such entire disregard of the Sabbath
day. The minister who was so audacious as to preach
against ' rafting on Sunday' soon heard from his people in
a way more forcible than agreeable ; and after our revivals
it used to be said, ' Now, if your converts can go down the
river and back again without losing their religion they will
probably go through.' It was a very severe test, and some
failed under it.
" One of the good things of the business was the hardi-
hood it gave us. This was conspicuous even among the
children. I have some illustrations to give on this point,
especially in the matter of barefoot children, for which one
might challenge the country to find a parallel. It was not
that in summer time we went to school, and to Sunday-
school, and to meeting barefoot: all the children did that
sometimes ; but we had one family of children who went
to school all winter without shoes, who would sometimes
go with us on the ice to slide, and who, when cold, in.stead
of crying or running to the fire, would throw themselves
down on their faces, lift their feet in the air, and strike
them together till they were warm. This was, indeed, an
extreme case among us, but young and old alike were edu-
cated to endure hardships and not complain. Men who were
in the woods at daylight swinging the axe and handling
the frosty log-chains, — men who slept on the rafts, ran the
chutes, and held their oars through Kanawagha, — learned
to laugh at danger, and taught their children that a little
finger-ache was not just the thing to cry for. And when
an emergency came, requiring men to do and dare for the
country, here were people of just the hardihood to meet
the call.
" Another thing which this special branch of industry
did for us was to stir the public mind, and send men
abroad to see the world. There we were, a remote popu-
lation, hid away among the hills, far from the great cen-
tre of social life, and in just the condition to live and die
in contented ignorance of everything beyond the visible
horizon. But, when rafting time came, the whole country
was shaken. As soon as the snow began to melt and the
rivers to rise, an energy was begotten among us which swept
everything before it. The old men felt it at eighty, and
walked out to the river-banks to see the rafis go by. The
little boys felt it at ten, and counted the years till they
should be old enough to go down the river, too. And al-
most the entire adult male population left home, each year,
for the long voyage, and came back to tell us of Northum-
berland and Harrisburg, of Port Deposit and Havre de
Grace, of Philadelphia and Baltimore, as places they had
visited while they were gone."
CHURCHES.
" FIRST PRESBTTERIAN COHOCTON CONGREGATION" — SO-
CIETY OP CAMPBELL AND MOD CREEK.
We find the following in an old book of records :
"The inhabitants of Campbell town and Mud Creek assembled at
Capt. Archa Campbell's on the evening of the 2-ith of December, A.n.
1811, for the purpose of promoting public worship, and appointed
Rev. Robert Campbell moderator, and Ralph Malhone secretary.
"The inhabitants of Mud Creek, including Mr. Fulton, have this
evening agreed to be at one-half the expense for the support of the
gospel, and the inhabitants of Campbell town the remainder.
" Moved and carried by unanimous vote, that the spot for erecting
a house of public worship shall be near the school-house, in the upper
district of said Campbell town.
" Moved and carried, that a committee be appointed to attend a
meeting at the Great Flats, and make trial to get the Rev. Clement
Heckman to preach one-fourth of his time. Solomon Campbell, Sr.,
and David Holmes were appointed as this committee.
"Moved and carried, that the above committee be authorized to
offer the Rev. Clement Heckman $12.5 per annum for five years as a
compensation for the one-fourth part of his ministerial services.
" Voted, that the inhabitants of the aforesaid places assemble at the
house of F. Stewart, on the third Monday of January next, at one
o'clock P.M., for the purpose of forming themselves into a religious
society, and transacting all business connected thereto.
"Resolved, That the Rev. Robert Campbell give legal notice of the
above meeting.
"Robert Cisipbei.l, Moderator.
" R. MalBONE, Secretary."
"At a meeting of the inhabitants of Mud Creek and Campbell
town, assembled at Capt. Areha Campbell'.s, on the evening of the
7th of January, a.d. 1812, and appointed Capt. Solomon Campbell
moderator and Ralph Malbone secretary. Voted, that the above
inhabitants send four delegates to attend a meeting at Post town,«
on Friday next, on business respecting getting the Rev. Clement
Heckman,
" /iesoioeii, That these delegates shall be James Faulkner, James
Fulton, Col. David Holmes, and Capt. Archa Campbell.
" Voted, that these delegates be authorized to offer the Rev. Clement
Heckman for one-fourth of his ministerial labors, at the rate of five
hundred dollars per annum, and design the other societies to join
them in the offer.
" At a meeting of the inhabitants of Campbell town and the settle-
ment of Mud Creek, held at the house of Frederick Stewart, inn-
holder in said town, by a legal warning, according to law, in order to
form into a religious society to support religious worship, held on the
third Monday (or 20th) of January, 1812. Voted, that Solomon
Campbell be moderator and David Holmes clerk.
" Voted, that the name of said society be • The First Presbyterian
Cohocton Congregation or Society in the county of Steuben.'
" Voted, unanimously, to choose seven trustees for said society.
Voted, that David Holmes, Solomon Campbell, Joseph Stevens, James
Faulkner, John White, James Fulton, and Frederick Stewart be
trustees for said society, and Archa Campbell clerk. Voted, that
Frederick Stewart's be the place for holding public worship. Voted,
that the trustees of this society do agree with Rev. Clement Heck-
man to preach for said society agreeable to former votes of the in-
habitants."
(Copied from the minutes of S. Campbell, Jr.)
"At a society-meeting held at the house of Frederick Stewart,
» Painted Post.
212
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
agreeable to adjournment. Voted, that a meeting-house be built at
the place before mentioned, in size thirty by forty on the ground, the
height not to exceed one story. Voted, that a general invitation be
given to the inhabitants to meet for the purpose of hewing the timber
for said meeting-house, on Monday, the 3d inst. Meeting closed in
due form, March 4, 1812.
"AnrnA C.»MPBEi,i., Clerk."
**At a meeting of the First Presbyterian Cohocton Society, in the
county of Steuben, at the house of Frederick Stewart, on the 26th
day of June, 1812, Col. David Holmes was chosen moderator and
Solomon Campbell clerit. Voted, we do proceed to build a meeting-
house at the place heretofore named. Col. David Holmes voluntarily
proposed that he would give the society a title to the said place, and
he would, after the e.xpiration of five years, pay the society for the
said house, if they then had no further use for it. Voted, unani-
mously, to accept said proposals. Voted, that the size of said house
be 22 feet by 32 feet and 13-feet posts. Voted, that John White bo
authorized to employ a carpenter to do the necessary work on and
about the house. Voted, that Obed Nute be a collector for the pur-
pose of collecting the several sums subscribed for tlie support of the
Rev. Clement Heckman, in Campbell Settlement. Voted, that James
Faulkner be a like collector for that part of the society which
includes Mud Creek. Voted, that the house of Archa Campbell be
the place to hold public worship until otherwise directed by the
society, or until the contemplated house be built."
At a meeting of the society, Jan. 19, 1813, Asa Milli-
ken, Arclia Campbell, and James Fulton were elected
trustees for the ensuing year. In 1814 a new board of
trustees was also elected, and with this the record closes.
PRESBYTEBIAN CHURCH OF CAMPBELL.
The first regular Presbyterian preaching began in 1830,
in which year Rev. Benjamin B. Smith moved into the
town, and was engaged as stated supply. His family occu-
pied part of the great red house just below the Narrows,
which at that time formed the residence of Joseph Stevens;
and his little salary was supplemented by about ten dollars
a month, which he received in winter for teaching district
school.
Mr. Smith held a noted revival in a school-house on the
west bank of the river, opposite Gulp's Hill ; and, the
attendance going beyond the capacity of the building, a
shed was erected against the outside, and the windows taken
out between it and the school-room, to accommodate those
who could not get in. Many came from a distance to
attend this meeting, and there was an unusual religious
interest awakened.
Soon after this revival. Rev. David Higgins, then of
Bath, said to Deacon Jared Stevens, " What will you do
with that little handful ? ' and Mr. Stevens answered, " We
will make a church of them, and God will take care of it."
On the 25th January, 1831, the Presbytery of Bath,
then holding its se.ssion at Havana, was applied to for the
organization of a Presbyterian Church in Campbell. The
request was granted, and Rev. David Higgins, and Rev.
Mr. Harmon, and an elder from the church in Painted
Post, of the name of Fry, came by appointment to consti-
tute the church.
They met on the 14th day of February, 1831, for that
purpose, in the same school-house where the Four Days'
Meeting had been held.
It was constituted of seven members, and those mostly
received by letter. Six of the seven members were from
the Stevens family, viz., Joseph Stevens and Abigail, his
wife ; Jared and Jonas, his two sons ; Eliza, his son's wife ;
and Mrs. Rhoda Nute, his sister. The seventh was Mrs.
Hannah Campbell. Thus began the church, — three men
and four women. More came .soon, however ; and the
seed-corn planted on that cold February day soon gave
token of genuine vitality.
On the 6th day of March, 1831, less than one month
from its organization, three persons came forward to unite
by profession. Their names were Rachel Mulliken, Sarah
Campbell, and George Teeple. In about two months more
there was a still further accession. Mrs. Lucinda Gaylord,
Mrs. Pamelia Pratt, Mrs. Lucy Teeple, and Mrs. Rhoda
Ann Nute united by profession ; and Mrs. Hadassah Hor-
ton, by letter, from the church in Pulteney, N. Y. In July
following eleven more came forward, among whom were
Mrs. Sally Ann Knox, wife of W. Douglas Knox, and
Aden J. Pratt. Deacon Pratt held the office of deacon of
this church for thirty-five years, ending only with his
death. In October following there was another accession,
Ralph Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Jr., and James Wheat.
In November, one more, Plyna Cobb.
This completed the year. During that time the church
increased greatly : beginning the year with seven members,
it closed with twenty-eight. Of the members ten were
males. No deaths occurred that year to weaken the little
flock, no one asked for a letter of dismission, and no one
had to be excommunicated. All that had been gained was
saved. Before the year closed the organization was per-
fected by the appointment of three elders, Jared Stevens,
George Teeple, and Aden J. Pratt. Mr. Stevens had pre-
viously been ordained. The other two received ordination
on the 6th day of November, 1831, at the hands of Rev.
B. B. Smith. Mr. Pratt died in this town, June 29, 1865.
Mr. Stevens died at Canton, Mich., in February, 1866.
Mr. Teeple died quite recently.
The church building was erected in 1833, at a cost of
$850. They had a fashion in those days of getting on
with a great enterprise without much money ; and, in
building a church, every one who had lumber, every one
who had a team, and every one who could chop or quarry
stone, could pay his subscription easily. Even the builder
would be glad to take his pay in produce ; and for gla.ss
and nails and paint, a load of boards, or a stick of timber,
would pay as well as gold. In the winter of 1832-33, the
timber was got out for the frame ; and by the time haying
was over in the following summer they were ready for the
raising. They raised the building without whisky.
The architect and builder was Philip Gettur, son-in-law
of John Tanner ; and when the raising day came, he found
himself at the head of a force of men and boys from all
the country round.
The church was dedicated on Thursday, the 5th of No-
vember, 1833.
Rev. B. F. Pratt, of Southport, preached the sermon.
He was afterwards for ten years pastor of the church.
Rev. B. B. Smith was the first stated supply. The
church changed often, was often without preaching for
months together, and often was supplied for only a few
Sabbaths in succession.
Next after Mr. Smith came Rev. Calvin Bushnell, as
r ,=-S>X ',
cJ^$-t^^ut (y; y^iayi^^;^
fMOroS Br CvjtMS.COlfHlMi.N.Y.
MRS. JOHN P. KNOX.
CAPT. JOHN P. KNOX.
Among the old pioneer families of Steuben County
none is more deserving of an honorable mention upon
the pages of the county history than the Knox family.
Judge John Knox, father of Capt. John P., was a native
of Vermont ; married a Miss Hannah Douglas, of the
same State, and removed to Steuben County and settled
at Knoxville, in 1796, where he carried on farming, and
at the same time was the proprietor of a public house.
He was prominently identified with the early history
of the county, and held many of its official positions,
being justice of the peace and associate judge. His
political convictions led him to espouse the cause of the
Whigs. He reared a family of eight children, viz.,
Almira, Wm. D., John P., an infant daughter, Almaria,
Hannah, Diadamia W., and Augustus F., seven of whom
grew to manhood, and all married, save Augustus F.,
and had families. Judge Knox was born May 1, 1770,
and died at Knoxville in 1854. His wife. Miss Hannah
Douglas, was born Feb. 11, 1774.
Their son, Capt. John P., was born in Knoxville,
July 5, 1800, and died at his home in Campbell, Sep-
tember, 1870. His boyhood was spent at home on his
father's farm, receiving a common-school education.
During the winters he was engaged in lumbering.
He married Miss Mary G. Patterson, a daughter of
Andrew F. Patterson, of Milton, Northumberland Co.,
Pa., Feb. 11, 1836. She was born March 4, 1806. Of
this union five children were born, viz., John F., who
served in the war of the Rebellion, and was captain
of Company F, of the 107th Regiment New York
Volunteers. He was in many of the hardest battles,
and fell a victim by being shot at Dallas, Ga., May
25, 1864, and died May 30, 1864; Chas. A., who mar-
ried Miss Anna M. Grarrison, of Rockford, 111., is
now a resident of Campbell, and is engaged as a farmer
and dealer in live stock, and has been engaged in the
lumber trade, saw-mill, and grist-mill business; Frances
F., married J. G. Terbell, and now resides at Walden,
Orange Co., N. Y., and is engaged in farming ; Hannah
D., married J. H. Bemis, now resides at Jefferson,
Texas, and "is extensively engaged in lumbering; and
Robert P., who married Miss Mary Ardell, of Pratts-
burgh, and now resides in Woodhull, Steuben Co., and
is engaged in the millinery business; besides runs a
saw-mill.
Capt. John P. settled in Campbell about 1840, and
was engaged in the lumber business, and was the owner
of a large tract of land. By economy and hard work
he made a good property, and was highly esteemed by his
neighbors. In politics, a Whig and Republican. He
was supervisor of Campbell, besides holding several
other town offices. Mr. and Mrs. Knox were members
of the Presbyterian Church at Campbell, and Captain
Knox always contributed liberally to its support.
He was captain of a company in the State militia, and
was known as Captain Knox. He was a man who was
guided by the principles of right, and reared his family
to industry and sobriety. Mrs. Knox died June 1,
1878, and was buried by the side of her husband at
Campbell.
This short sketch, and portraits above, are inserted by
their children in memory of their parents.
f
TOWN OF CAMPBELL.
213
soon as the church was built. Some special services were
held immediately after the dedication, in wliicii he was as-
sisted by Rev. John Barton, then of Painted Post. On the
evening of Nov. 12, 1833, Mr. Barton had for his subject,
" The Fiery Flying Serpents." That was the night of the
great meteoric shower, and one of his hearers who retired
to rest full of the sermon, awoke in the night and saw the
wonderful display. The long trails of light loft behind by
the meteors instantly suggested the " Fiery Flying Ser-
pents," and for a moment he supposed the old plague had
come again. Then recollecting what the Scriptures say in
regard to the falling of the stars from heaven, he changed
his mind, and, hastily running to a neighbor's house,
aroused him with the awful alarm that we had come to the
jndgnient-day. Few were so much alarmed at the sight,
but nearly the whole town was up and gazing with a certain
feeling of awe at an exhibition so unheard of, so imprcfsive,
and so grand.
At tiie first communion in the new church, Dec. 15, 1833,
there was an accession of four persons, on confes.sion of faith.
One of the four was Philip Gettur, who built the church ;
another was Jane, his wife ; the third was Elijah Dawley,
since removed to Wisconsin ; and the Iburth was Ruth
Stewart, deceased.
The first death iu the church was tiiat of Mrs. Sally
Williams, wife of John Williams, of Cooper's Plains, who
left this world in hope, Feb. 13, 1834.
Rev. Charles Goodrich was the immediate successor of
Mr. Bu.shnell, and entered upon his work in January, 1835,
and continued about two years. During his ministry there
was a powerful revival at Mead's Creek, the influence of
which extended into this congregation. Mr. Goodrich was
assisted in the work by Rev. Mr. White, of Pulteney, N. Y.,
a brother of Rev. President White, deceased, of Wabash
College.
In this congregation the work was greatly assisted by the
presence of Mr. Azariah Gregory, a man of extended in-
formation, devoted piety, and considerable gift of speech.
He died in Chicago about a year later.
The next pastor was Rev. James Hotchkin, an admirable
specimen of the clergy of the olden time. Ho stood erect,
full six feet high, and well proportioned, had a fine fore-
head, crowned with hair as white as snow ; was educated,
correct, dignified, genial, orthodox ; and when he fell a-
preaching or a-praying kept straight on to the end of his
subject, without the slightest regard to the whims of his
congregation or the tokens of pa.ssing time. His wife, too,
was a woman of great dignity and fine character, and the
bare presence of such people was elevating and refining.
The next pastor was a man of very oppo.site peculiarities.
He had a particular antipathy against people who fell asleep
in church. Pausing in his sermon, as he saw a man nod-
ding, he would say, " Brother A, won't you wake up Brother
B ?" At other times he would call out as if the raftmen
present were losing their lumber. With all these peculi-
arities, however, he was a man of a good deal of ability, of
a good, kind heart, and one who seemed intent on doing
faithful service.
Next in the order of pastors came Kcv. E. D. Wells, of
Lawrenceville, Pa. His ministry began in November, 1841,
and closed in Juno following, on account of his failing
health. Then Rev. Lewis Hamilton was called in to assist
iu a series of services, and the whole ripened up into a revival
of religion. The favorable acfjuaintance thus formed with
Mr. Hamilton led to iiis being invited to take the place
made vacant by the retirement of Mr. Wells.
In 1844, Mr. Hamilton was succeeded by Rev. Ebcnezer
Everett. He was a plain man, but quite a scholar, a serious
preacher, and a man of kind heart.
In 1846, Mr. Hamilton was called back and was installed
pastor. In 1849 he resigned, and Rev. B. F. Pratt became
pastor.
In the winter of 1859 and 1 8G0, Mr. Pratt's health having
failed, he was a.ssisted for a time in his work by Rev. H. M.
Johnson. Special services were instituted, and at once the
work of the Lord began to revive. On the 15th of Janu-
ary, 14 persons were received into the church, by profession ;
in April following, 15 more; and among the 29 new mem-
bers were several person.s who were at once set forward to
take a prominent part in church affair.". Of these, one de-
serves particular mention ; I mean the noble young man,
Capt. J. Forrest Knox, who was ordained to the eldership
in June, 1862, who directly after went into the army, and
gave the world the benefit of a Christian example there.
He fell, bravely fighting for his country.
Of the more recent accessions, and of the several ministers
who have served since the retirement of Mr. Pratt, we have
not been furnished with sufficient data. The church is in
a prosperous condition, and has a fine new edifice, which
was finished and dedicated on the 4th of February, 18G8.
CAMPBELL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Among the influential early families who were allied with
the Methodist faith and form of worship in this town were
those of Robert Bonham and Samuel Cook. Some of the
ladies of these families organized the first Sunday-school,
and, with the help of such others as they could enlist, kept
the school open the year round. Says Rev. Dr. Campbell,
" The Methodist people, with characteristic promptness, had
brought in their circuit preachers and organized in some
form as early as 1827 or 1828." From this period services
were held with more or le.ss regularity in the school-house,
and differentministers, circuit preachers, and visiting clergy-
men officiated from time to time.
In 1858, Rev. S. M. Merritt, of the Savona charge, con-
ducted a revival here, which resulted in a general religious
awakening, and many were converted whose preference of
church membership was with the Presbyterians, and who
joined that church .it the close of the revival.
In 1869 the society purchased the old church edifice of
the Presbyterians, and remodeled and refitted it into a neat
and commodious house of worship. It was dedicated Jan.
21, 1869, the sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Searles,
of Auburn. J. P. Knox and J. M. Berais donated the
lot. The building and repairs cost about $2500.
The present trustees are Squire Knowles, John K. Ford,
Henry Thorp, Theodore Barrett, and Charles Barrett. Rev.
J. C. Stevens, pastor.
The present church membership is about 100 ; Sunday-
school, 50.
214
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CAMPBELL.
This church was first organized as a branch of the Savona
Baptist Church, 1870, in the old school-house of district
No. 2. The followinn- 14 persons constituted the original
membership : Daniel Clark, Samuel Strait, Mulford Walling,
Joanna Walling, Mary A. Clark, M. B. Horton, Evelyn
Morse, Boraldus D. Fisk, Benjamin Abel, Emmons Abel,
Octavia Abel, Fanny Abel, and Harrison Abel.
Rev. J. C. Mallory was pastor of the church at Savona,
under whose ministry the organization was effected. It
remained in connection with the Savona Church till 1873.
Simon Bixby, George K. Bennett, and Josiah T. Burrows
wore the first trustees ; Boraldus D. Fisk, Emmons W.
Abel, and Samuel Strait, first deacons. Mr. Strait has
served as deacon continously ever since; Mr. Abel, after
serving several years, resigned, and Simon Bixby was chosen
in his place.
In 1»73 a lot was purchased and the present neat church
edifice erected. Rev. Dr. Clark, of New York, preached
the dedicatory sermon. Rev. E. F. Hard, licentiate of the
Bath Baptist Church, oflaciated as pastor about a year and a
half, and was succeeded by Rev. E. T. Mallory, the present
pastor. The present membership is 51.
VILLAGE OF CAMPBELL.
This village, which is the chief place of business for the
town, lies on the Conhocton River, and on the Corning and
Rochester branch of the Erie Railroad. It contains three
general stores, four churches, three boot- and shoe shops,
one tannery, one saw- and grist mill, one planing-mill, one
wagon- and carriage-shop, three blacksmith-shops, one
harness-shop, one hardware-store and tin-shop, one post-
office, two millinery-stores, one meat-market, one jeweler-
shop, three physicians, and two clergymen. It has an ex-
cellent graded school, and some very fine residences, among
which may be mentioned those of John Runner, L. W.
Stevens, L. Sutherland, John D. Hamilton, C. II. Bemis,
and Col. J. S. McKay.
UNION FREE SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 2,
in the village of Campbell, is graded as primary, interme
diate, junior, and senior departments. T. F. Pan"burn,
Principal; Miss Kate Bockus, Junior; Miss H. Augusta
Hubbs, Intermediate ; Miss A. R. Hubbard, Primary.
The number of children of school age in the district is
260 ; attendance, 175. The house is a two-story frame
building, surmounted by a cupola which contains a bell.
The building is sixty feet square, with a rear extension,
and the property valued at $4500. Trustees, C. H. Bemis
(^President), A. B. White (Secretary), J. D. Hamilton.
Campbelltown Mills, Bemis & McKay, proprietors
(C. H. Bemis and James S. McKay). — These mills stand
on the Conhocton River, on the site of the former mills of
the proprietors, which were erected in 1865, and burned
June 20, 1875. The new mills were built by the firm in
1876-77. They are merchant and custom tiouring-mills ;
three run of stones, with a capacity of about 300 bushels of
grain per day.
Mr. Bemis is a native of Massachusetts, and came to
the town in 1851. He has ever since been engao-ed in
lumbering and milling. Col. McKay came (o this country,
when a young man, from Ireland. He has resided in the
county of Steuben since 1836, and came to this town from
Corning in 1866.
The Bemis Steam Saw-Mill was built by Charles H.
and J. M. Bemis in 1861. It has a capacity of 10,000
feet of lumber per day. The logs are chiefly hemlock, and
brought down the river. The partnership between Charles
H. and J. M. Bemis was several years ago dissolved, and
the latter, now residing in the city of Buffalo, owns and
operates the mill.
Tannery of J. D. Hamilton & Co. — Manufacturers
of hemlock sole-leather. The yearly capacity of this estab-
lishment is 36,000 sides. The building;- was erected in
1857. Since then 670,000 sides have been tanned, valued
at $3,000,000. The company use 4000 cords of bark per
year, and employ 25 men. They have another tannery of
nearly twice this capacity at Emporium, Pa., established in
1866.
Mr. Hamilton is a native of Tompkins County, and came
to this place with his parents in 1836. His father, Corne-
lius Hamilton, carried on shoemaking till his death, in
1850, to which occupation his son was brought up, and
naturally became familiar with the leather business in which
he has now so large an interest.
CURTIS.
Curtis is a post-office and station on the railroad, about
two miles east of the village of Campbell. About 1835,
Col. Balcom, father of Eri Balcom, built a saw-mill on the
Conhocton at this point. The site is occupied by the
present mill of Daniel B. Curtis, which was built by his
uncle, Daniel Curtis, about 1850. A post-office was estab-
lished here in 1875 ; Orr Smith, postmaster. District No.
3, at this .place, employs two teachers, and there is a tan-
nery owned by Allen Bros., of Rochester, which employs
15 hands.
MILITARY record OP CAMPBELL.
John Purest Kno.x, 2d lieut., Co. F, lo7th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 5, 1SC2; pro. to
1st lieut. and to capt. ; wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25 ; died May 29, '64.
Joliu M. Clawson, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 0, 1862; pro. to Corp., to
sergt., to 1st sergt., and to 2d lieut., June 8, 1801; disch. June 8, 1805.
Joiin Eccles, 1st sergt., Co. E, Hist Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; pro. to lieut.; disch.
June 1.^1, 1805.
John K. Austin, 141.st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; died May 22, 1864.
Sterling Austin, 15lh N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804 ; disch. June 15, 1865.
Monroe Ames, 101st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; tatceii prisoner.
Thima-s m,\Ui.
Win. O. Bowers, Co. F, lUTth Inf. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; pro. to Corp. ; disch. July
7, 1865.
Charles E. Buck.
Amos C. Barrett, 86lh Inf.; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. July 6, 1865.
George A. Bemis, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; pro. to sergt.; disch. June
8, 18G5.
Edward Brown, 188th Inf.; enl. Aug. 15, 1864; died Dec. 18, 1864.
Isaac F. Bullard, Co. E, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. June 8, 1805.
S. C. Bassett, 142d Inf. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864; disch. June 19, 1865.
.John M. Blackman, Corp., Co. I, 80lh Inf.; enl. Oct. 1, 1801; killed July 2, 1862.
Andrew Blackman, 86th Inf. ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 17, 1864.
Jacob Bafsel.
Robert T. Bonham, Co. K, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; wounded May 3, 1863.
V. Benedict.
Loran Barnes, 34th Inf. ; enl. May 10,1861; died from wounds received July
24, 1862.
Samuel J. Cornell, Co. F, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; disch. July 30, 1865.
F. Devillo Cooper, Co. B, 107th Inf. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; wounded May 25, 1864.
Harris Devolso Cooper, Co. B, lU71h Inf.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; died July 7, 1864.
William It. Cliristler, l(l7th Inf.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded, and died March
16, 1805.
Helmus Chrisller, 107th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802 ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865.
TOWN OF CAMPBELL.
215
A. A. Covmnn, IClst Inf ; enl. Aug. 16,1802; wounded July l:!, 1803; disth.Oct.
27, 18e:i.
William Ciiok, IClst Inf ; enl. Aug.22,lSG2; disch. Feb.2, 1S05.
William Cliristler, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 1, I6C2; disch. June 18,1805.
William H. C'ooveit, Jr., ISOIh Inf; enl. Sept. 20, 1SC4.
J. B. Clark, H8th Inf; enl. Aug. V.i, 1S02; disch. June 25, 1806.
John Clark, ]48tli Inf; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; killed June 18, 1864.
Albert Cumslork, 1881h Inf; enl. Sept. 3,1804; disch. July 11, 1805.
Calvin Cumstock, 188lh Inf ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804 ; disch. July 11, 1805.
Lorin Carpenter, 16lh Kegt.; enl. Sept. 6, 1804; disch. June 13, 1866.
Abram Carpenter, Co. E, 14)st Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; died J'cb. 21, 1863.
F. Carpenter, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802 ; died June 18, 1804.
G. Carpenter. 16th Regt.; enl. Sept. 5, 1804; disch. June 13, 1805.
Albert Carpenter, 15lli Regt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864; disch. July 2, 1805.
Charles Christler, Hist Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. July 21,1866.
Job G. Campbell, 147th Inf ; enl. July, 1863; died May 5, 1804.
Theodore Deninney, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802: disch. Nov. 1, 1803.
Elanson Dunklee, Co. E, 141st Inf; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; disch. June 27, 1865.
James Dunklee, Co. E, 14lBt Inf; enl. Aug. 18, 1802; disch. July 7, 1805.
J. C. Devolve, Hist Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; wounded; disch. June 8,1866.
H. N. Everts.
P. A. Evans, 15th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1804; disch. July 12, 1865.
David Franklin, Co. E, Hist Inf : enl. Aug. 14, 1862; killed May 15, 1864.
L. C. F..ster, 1st Kegt. ; enl. May 23, 1805 ; disch. July 27, 1806.
James Gurnsey, 107th Inf; enl. July 8, 1862.
R. M. Garrison, 35th Inl. ; enl. May 18, 1801.
William F. Goodrich, Hlh Regt. ; enl. July 16, 1863 ; disch. Aug. 4, 1805.
Alpheus A. Goodrich, Co. E,141stlnf ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; disch. June 29, 1805.
William Greek, Jr., Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. July 6,1862; disch. June 11, 1805.
Clarence Hubbard, musician, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802; pro. to chief
musician ; disch. June 8, 1866.
D. F. Hathaway, Corp., Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died at Maryland
Heights, Va., Nov. 5, 1862.
J. W. Hough, !i7th Inf; enl. July 12, 1863; died June 11, 1864.
E. W. Hough, 14th Inf ; enl. July 13, 1803 ; taken prisoner Nov. 26, 1863, and
never heard from.
William B. Hathaway, 2d Regt.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864.
Edward Hammond, loth Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864 : disch. June 2, 1865.
Selah Hammond, SOth Inf ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863 ; discli. Juno 27, 1866.
Thomas J. Horton, SOth Inf; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; disch. June 2,1866.
William W. Hanna, 105th Inf; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; taken prisoner.
John G. Hamilton, 8th Uegt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; disch. July 7, 1805.
Silas U. Hamilton, 8th Kegt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804; wounded June 17, 1864 ; disch.
June 7, 1866.
T. F. Horton, Hist Inf : enl. Sept. 1864 ; disch. June 8, 1806.
Winslow Jessiip, lOtli Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1861 ; died in service.
N. E. Jessup, 97Ih Inf ; enl. Aug. 5,1863 ; killed Sept. 14, 1864.
Charles F. Jinks, Co. E, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; disch. June 8, 1865.
James N. 'Jinks, lllth Inf ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802 ; killed May 0, 1864.
Thomas M. Jinks, Hist Inf; enl. Aug.2, 1804; disch. June 8, 1865.
George W. Jump, Co. C, SOIh Inf; enl. Nov. 8, 1861.
James Kelly, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. Juno 19, 1805.
Joseph Kiikendiill, 80th Inf ; enl. Nov. 2, 1801 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1802.
Thomas H. Kirkendall, Co. F, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 31, 1801 ; wounded : disch.
March 10, 1864.
J. M. Kirkendall, Co. F, SOth Inf; enl. Oct. 31, 1S61 ; wounded; disch. Jan. 5,
1863 ; died from wounds.
David F. Kimble, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; wounded May 3, 1863 ;
disch. July 13,1865.
William H. Knowlton, 107th Inf ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804 ; disch. July 17, 1866.
I. H. Leavenworth, 1st Regt.; enl. Aug. 3, 1863; disch. July 2, 1865.
Chester L. Morse, Co. I, SOth Inf; enl. Oct. 1S61 ; disch. July 4, 1865.
D. C. Mills, Co. H, 189th Inf ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804 ; disch. May 30, 1865.
John G. Miller, Ist Regt.; enl. Aug. S, 1862; wounded on cars coming home ;
disch. July 18, 1865.
John C. Merrill, Co. I, SOth Inf; enl. Sept. 1, 1801.
Francis Millard, 28th Inf ; enl. Sepf 4, 1802; disch. July l:i, 1806.
H. D. Millard, 112th Inf; enl. Sept. 6, 1S64; disch. July 15, 1866.
Edward Millard, Co. E, Hist Inf ;enl. Aug. 19, 1802; disch. June 19, 1865.
Enoch Mack, 1071h Inf ; enl. July 9, 1862.
Francis M. Mill-, Co. F, 107tl] Inf; enl. Aug. 6,1862; disch. Juno 8, 1865.
Wesley Mcintosh, Co. C, 80tli Inf; enl. Sept. 1801.
Albert M..sher, 1st Regt ; enl. July 17, 1863 ; killed in battle.
D. Meager, loth Regt.; enl. Oct. 10, 1861; wounded at battle of Antietam.
Ambrose Mosier.
Andrew Moaier.
James B. Nellis, 107th Inf ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; wounded May 25, and died Sept.
7, 1804.
Edgar D. Nales, 17th Regt.; enl. July 17, 1803; disch. Aug. 20, 1865.
E. Northway, 5th Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. June 13, 1805.
H. Northway.
William Prindle, lotstinf ; enl. Sept. 29, 1864.
A. C. Palmer, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 1801 ; killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.
H. M. Palmer, 14l8t Inf; enl. July 2, 1862.
Darius Parker, Hth Regt. ; enl. March 30, 1864.
Leander H. Peck, Co. E, Hist Inf; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. April 26, 1864.
Lewis B. Robinson, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; disch. Feb. 1863.
J. H. Rumsey, 112th Inf ; enl. Sept. 6, 1801 ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Rali.h Stevens. Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; lost a leg at Divllas, Ga. ;
disch. March 2, 1865.
George W. Stickler, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; wounded at Pine Ridge.
Gilbert 0. Stickler, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 5, 1862; died Oct. 12, 1862.
Peter Slagle, Hist Inf
Thomas J. Strait, 14Stli Inf ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; died Dec. 13, 1802.
Eraslus Strait, SOth Inf ; enl. Sept. 23, 1804 ; disch. Feb. 18, 1803.
Nicholas Smith, Co. E, Hist Inf: enl. Aug. 20, 1802; disch. Feb. 13, 1803.
John Scott, ISSth Inf; enl. .Sept. 2, 1804; disch. June 22.1805.
Cbas. B. Short, 3d Regt.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864; wounded ; disch. June 10, 1865.
S. K. Sawyer, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802 ; wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25,
1804; disch. June 18,1805.
William H. Spicer, lS9th Inf; enl. Sept. 3, 1864; died at Elmira, N. Y., June 8,
1866.
N. Tompkins, 35th Inf ; enl. May 8, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 31, 1802.
Lorine Tompkins, Hth Regt.; enl. Sept 10, 1864; died Nov. 27.1864.
J. W. Tompkins, :i6th Inf ; enl. May 8, 1.'61 ; d sch. June 13, 1805.
Dewitt C. Tolbert, IGlst Inf ; enl. Aug. 21,' 1862.
Eli G. Todd, Corp., Co. C, 86th Inf ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861.
Frank Vclie, 107tli Inf; enl. Aug. 4, 1S62; wounded at Dallas, Ga.; disch. June
16, 1805.
Geo. W Velie, 189th Inf ; enl. Sept. 16, 1801 ; died April 29, lSr6.
William M. Wixon, S6th Inf; enl. Sept. 20, 1861 ; taken piisoner; disch. June
8, 1805.
Henry James Wagner, musician, Co. I, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 7, 1801 ; disch. Dec.
29, 1802.
Henry W. Wagner, musician, Co. I, SOIh Inf ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801 ; disch. July 4,
1865.
Hosea Williams, SOIh Inf ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; rc-enl. in 141st Inf ; disch. June
8, 1805.
John R. Wyckoff, 180th Inf ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861; disch. June 8, 1865.
Parley S. White, Corp., Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died Nov. 16, 1862,
on Blaryland Heights.
E. J. Walling, SOIh Inf ; enl. Oct. 1, 1861 ; disch. July 4, 1866.
F. A. Wright, 107th Inf; enl. January, 1864.
C. Washburn, 104th Inf ; onl. Aug. 13, 1864 ; disch. .lune 7, 1866.
Henry Wood, 35tli Inf ; enl. May, 1861 ; re-enl. in 86th Inf; wounded May 10,
1864; disch. July 19,180.6.
King Foster, Co. H, lS9th Regt.; onl. Sept. 20, 1864.
William Goodrich, Co. E, ,60th N. Y. Engineers; enl. Aug. 29, 1861.
George Clark, Co. E, 60th N. Y . Engineers ; enl. Aug. 29, 1861.
John E. Covert, Co. E, 50th N. Y. Engineers; enl. Aug. 20, 1861.
William R. Charles, Corp.. Co. H, .60th N. Y. Engineers ; enl. Aug. 25,1801.
Henry L. Mills, Co. I, SOth N. Y. Engineers ; enl. Aug. 17, 1801.
John E. Hoag, Co. F, 107th luf ; enl. July 29, 1862.
Francis M. Mills, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802.
John Brewer, Co. F, 107th luf ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802.
John R. Austin, Co. E, Hist Inf ; enl. Sept. 11,1662.
Benjamin M. Babcock, Co. E, Hist Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Franklin P. Carpfuter, Co. E, 141st Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
John Duval, Co. E, 141st Inf ; enl. Sept. 11,1802.
James Baird, Co. C, SOth Inf ; enl. Sepf 10, 1S61.
Charles W. Brower, Co. C, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861.
Hiram H. Waters, Oo. C, S6th Inf; enl. Sept. 10, 1861.
Albert Youmans, Co. F, 86th Inf ; enl. Oct. 2, 1861.
James S. Fry, Co. I, SOth Inf ; enl. Ocf 9, 1861.
William Gray, Co. I, 861h Inf; enl. Nov. 8, 1861.
George Waters, 801h Inf; enl. Sept. 1861 ; killed Nov. 16, 1804.
G. T. Youmans.
RESIDENTS WHO WENT TO OTHER TOWNS AND ENLISTED.
Warren Steward, col., ICth Ill.Cav. ; enl. April, 1801 ; killed at Vicksburg, Miss.
William L. Bailey, loOtli N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 21. 1862 ; disch. June 13, 1805.
Philander Grimes.
Alva Green, 147th luf; enl. Oct. 1803; disch. July. 1804.
William Hamilton, 8th Regt. : enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; disch, June, 1865.
Charles M. Lee, 141st Inf ; wound.d and discharged.
William B. L\icas, 35th Inf ; enl. May, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 1803.
George W. Mack, 0th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 14, 1864.
A. J. Mack, disch. for wounds.
P. H. Mosier, killed.
William Mathews, llSth Inf ; enl. 1862 : disch. 1864.
Isaac Mathews, 60th Regt. ; enl. 1863 ; disch. 1803.
John Nute, died at Jacksonville, Fla.
C. G. Prentice, U. S. Navy ; enl. Aug. 13, 1,864; disch. June 21, 1865.
L. W. Putman, 50th N. Y. Regt.; enl. ISOI ; disch. June l:i, 1865.
J. R. Putman, 2!d Inf ; enl. April, 1801 ; disch. April, 1863.
George M. Putnam, 107th Inf ; enl. July 23, 1862.
Eugene L. Rendt, 1891h Inf ; enl. Aug. 23, 1864; disch. May 30, 1865.
Charles Rice, 78th Inf ; enl. Dec. 9, 1801 ; disch. 1S02.
Isaiic C. Seager, 161st Inf ; onl. Aug. 7.1802 ; killed in Tennessee, May 2, 1863.
N. T. Smith, 60th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 0, 1864; disch. June 13, 1865.
Jason Stevens, 185th Inf; enl. Sept. S, 1864; disch. May 30, 1866.
J. F. Vankeuren, SOth Inf; enl. Nov. 0, 1801 ; wounded May 10. 1861; disch.
Julv 21, 1865.
216
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN D. HAMILTON.
The great-grandfather of the .subject of this sketch was
born in Scotland, and came to America, settling in New
Jersey, where he reared a large family, of whom William
Hamilton was one. He (William Hamilton) was the father
of eleven children, — five sons and six daughters, — all of
whom lived to manhood and womanhood, and some to ex-
treme old age. Of this number Cornelius S. Hamilton was
born in Morris Co., N J , July 28, 1799. Early in life
he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade, and followed
it through life. He married Miss Rebecca, daughter of
John Davis, of Hunterdon Co., N. J., Nov. 29, 1827.
She was born in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., April
1, 1805, and left there, in company with her parents, about
1825, and settled in Lansing, Tompkins Co , N. Y., where
she became acquainted with her husband, who had left
New Jersey some time before and settled in that place.
Their children were John D., Jane, Sarah A., and Lewis.
They were all born in Lansing. Sarah A. died at the age
of twenty.
In February, 1810, Mr. Hamilton with his family re-
moved to Lawrenceville, Pa., and from there to Dix, Schuy-
ler Co., N. Y., and Nov. 2, 1813, settled in Campbell,
where he resided till his death. In politics he was a Whig.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were members of the Pre.sby-
terian Church at Campbell. Mr. Hamilton died Feb. 20,
1850, and was buried in the cemetery at Campbell. Mrs.
H. is now well advanced in years, and lives with her son,
John D.
John D. Hamilton was born at Lansing, Tompkins Co.,
N. Y., Nov. 17, 1828. He was reared to industry, and
early formed those business habits which have character-
ized him through life. He received a common-school edu-
cation, but by reading and reflection has acquired a good
business education.
He commenced life by working on a farm for seven dol-
lars per month. He also learned the shoemaker's trade.
Before his majority he had made ten trips down the Sus-
quehanna as raft,sman, and acted as pilot during one trip.
When Mr. Hamilton became of age he commenced busi-
ness for himself in the shoe trade at Campbell. In April,
1854, he entered into partnership with S. B. Howell and
John G. Curtis, of Painted Post, and built a tannery at
Curtisville, and this partnership continued till February,
1857. During this time the company owned a store at
Painted Post.
. Messrs. Hamilton and Howell sold their interest in the
tannery to their partner, John G. Curtis, and his brother,
Daniel B. Curtis, and in a few weeks Mr. Hamilton sold
his interest in the store to Mr. Howell.
In April, 1857, he began building his present tannery.
The firm was established under the name of J. D. Hamil-
ton & Co., as it has since remained, though Mr. Hamilton
has changed partners. In 18GG, Messrs. Hamilton, Curtis
& Co. built a very extensive tannery at Emporium, Cameron
Co., Pa. In 1870 the firm-name changed to Hamilton,
Martin & Co., Mr. Curtis having retired. Mr. Hamilton
has been the controlling manager in both tanneries. They
give employment to more than ten men continually, and
during bark-peeling time they employ some three hundred
and fifty or more men. They use about ten thousand cords
of bark annually. This company make the purchases of
their stock in the city of New York, and sell their leather
direct from the tannery. This firm owns several thousand
acres of timber land, and is unsurpassed by any other for
its credit.
Mr. Hamilton aflaliates with the Republican party, and
cast his first vote for Winfield Scott for President. He has
never held any official position, as his extensive business
relations would not allow him to do so. His firm has dealt
with large firms in England, Scotland, and Germany, send-
ing their leather direct to those firms.
He married Harriet D. Lovell, a native of Chemung
Co., N. Y., Feb. 17, 1858. Mrs. Hamilton wa.s born Aug.
25, 1835. They have two children, — Willis L., born April
14, 1860, and Sarah, born Feb. 24, 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are worthy members of the
Presbyterian Church. He has been one of the most suc-
cessful business men in Steuben County (See view of his
residence on another page of this work.) In all his busi-
ness relations he has been actuated by a strict regard for
truth and honor. He is a kind, hospitable neighbor, a
dutiful son, and an affectionate husband and father. His
life shows what can be accomplished by industry, integrity,
and perseverance, coupled with those moral principles
which lie at the foundation of every truly successful life.
DANIEL B. CURTIS. ■
The subject of this sketch is the oldest son of John and
Lucy Curtis, and was born in Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn.,
March 30, 1826. His father owning and carrying on the
business of a tannery, Daniel worked with him until his
death, which occurred in 1845. He then continued the
business alone until 1849, when he sold out and went to
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, being forty
days on the way. He arrived in San Francisco about the
15th of November, 1819, and for the first year was en-
gaged in prospecting and mining, and the remainder of his
stay in California as a general produce merchant, shipping
goods by pack-mules into the mining districts, his head-
quarters being at Marysville. He left California in the
fall of 1856, and in the spring of 1857 he settled at Cur-
tis, Steuben Co., N. Y., having purchased a half-interest
in a tannery there. He continued in the business about
two years, when he sold out to Messrs. Fitch & Ailing, of
Rochester.
He then purchased of his uncle, Daniel Curtis, after
whom the railroad station of Curtis was named, the saw-
mill and farm on which he now resides. The farm contains
about four hundred acres. He was married in Bath, N. Y.,
in May, 1863, to Mary A., daughter of Lucius H. and
Susan Y. Brown. They have had four children, Jennie B.
(who died when three years old), John S., George H., and
Uri B. Curtis.
■s
\
'/^^-^-^5^
»
if
^MM^fj;-^^*^^ .....Aw.^^-^--
-. -..-.'-.'jfe'JftaaSfe-.
RESiDtNCE OF A. J. Carter, Canisteo.New YoRif.
"CANISTEO [lOUSC',' JOHN LARFER FffOFRltTOR, CANISTEO, N.Y
CANISTEO.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Canisteo was one of the original towns of Steuben
County, formed in March, 1796. A part of Troupsburgh
was taken off in 1808, Hornellsville in 1820, and parts of
Ja-sper and Greenwood in 1827. A part of the town was
annexed to Troupsburgh in 1818. It is an interior town,
lying a little southwest of the centre of the county, being
bounded north by Howard, east by Cameron, south by
Jasper and Greenwood, and west by Hartsville. Its sur-
face is chiefly a hilly upland, broken by the deep valleys of
the streams. The Canisteo River runs through the north-
ern part, with a valley half a mile wide, and with hills
450 feet high on each side. The principal creeks running
from the south into the Canisteo are Bennett's and Col.
Bill's Creeks, flowing through narrow, deep valleys, sur-
rounded by steep hills. The .soil is chiefly a clayey and
gravelly loam, with rich alluvium in the valleys of the
streams ; some of the richest lands in the county b'jing the
Bennett Flats, at the mouth of Bennett's Creek.
EAKLY SETTLEMENT.
■ The Canisteo Valley was among the earliest-settled por-
tions of Steuben County Early in 1788, Solomon Ben-
nett, Capt. John Jamison, Uriah Stephens, and Richard
Crosley, from the Wyoming region in Pennsylvania, started
on an exploring expedition up the western tributaries of the
Su.squehanna. They passed up the Chemung and the
Conhocton, but finding no land to suit them, crossed over
the hills and discovered the beautiful valley of the Canisteo.
This valley, about half a mile wide, was bordered by steep
hill-sides from 400 to 500 feet high, inclosing a forest of
heavy timber for a considerable distance, but terminating in
an open flat of several hundred acres, covered with grass
" so high that a horse and his rider could pass through it
almost unperceived." The explorers decided to purchase
two townships on the river, which included the open flats.
In the summer of 1789 a company was sent to the flats to
cut and stack hay for the cattle which were to be driven on
in the fall. The first settlers conveyed their provisions,
baggage, and families, from Newtown (Elmira), on a seven-
ton boat, while four sons of Mr. Uriah Stephens drove the
cattle along the shore. The ascent of the river was no
easy task, as frequently they were obliged to cut away the
trunks of trees and dams of driftwood to clear a passage
for their boat. Sometimes they encountered rapids, when
all hands were obliged to go on shore and tow their craft by
means of a long rope. Having gained the upper flats, the
cattle were turned loose to feast upon the luxuriant grass,
while the pioneers proceeded to build a house of logs 2G
feet long and 24 feet wide. There was only one room
below. Four fireplaces were excavated in the four corners
28
of the room, and with plenty of wood the settlers passed
the winter quite comfortably. Two families spent the
winter in this log palace, and in the spring two others were
admitted, each occupying a corner and arranging their
domestic affairs in their own way, with as much good-humor
as if their apartments had been separated by brick and
mortar.
In the spring of 1790, Solomon Bennett, Uriah Stephens,
Jr., and Col. John Stephens, with their families, joined the
new settlement. They immediately commenced breaking
a portion of the open flats. Four yoke of oxen were neces-
sai-y to force the old-fashinned plow through the thickly-
matted roots of this miniature prairie. After sowing their
wheat and planting their corn, they constructed an enormous
log fence, inclosing about 400 acres of land. From the
present site of the village of Canisteo down to the nest
township, about six miles, they laid out twelve lots across
the valley, and assigned them by lot to the several proprie-
tors.* The first house was built on what has since been
known as the Bennett or Pompelly farm. The first families
who occupied the place were those of Uriah Stephens, Sr.,
and Richard Crosby ; then, as we have said, came Solomon
Bennett, Uriah Stephens, Jr., and Col. John Stephens, in the
spring of 1790. These were followed the same spring by
Jedediah Stephens, John Bedford, and Andrew Bennett,
making quite an important addition to the settlement. Sol-
omon Bennett was one of the leading spirits. He built the
first grist-mill on the Canisteo in 1793. It stood on Ben-
nett's Creek, about half a mile from its mouth. It was
burned in a year or two. Before this mill was built, the
settlers carried their grain to Shepard's mill, on the Sus-
quehanna, nearly one hundred miles. After the burning
of the mill, Mr. Bennett went to New York to procure
machinery for another, but became engaged in other busi-
ness, and failed to .supply the wants of his neighbors
George Hornell, afterwards known as Judge Hornell, set-
tled in the upper township, now Hornellsville, in 1793, and
was induced to build a mill on the site since known as
Hornell's Mills. The settlers were so impatient for its
erection that they turned out and prepared the timber vol-
's The lots in Canisteo and Hornellsville were drawn as follows:
Canisteo.
No.
Arthur Erwin 1
Christian Kciss 2
Solomon Bennett 3
Kolomon Ucnnett 4
Joel Thomas 5
John Stephens 6
John Jameson 7
Uriah Stephens 8
Uriah Stephens, Jr 9
William Wynkoop 10
Jatnes lludley .' 11
Elisha Brown 12
IIORSKI.I.SVII.I.E.
No.
James Hadley 1
John Jameson 2
Arthur Krwin 3
Christian Kciss 4
Joel Thomas 5
Uriah Stephens, .Jr. 6
John Stephens 7
William Wynkoop 8
Uriah Stephens, Sr 9
Solomon liennett 10
Elisha Brown 11
Solomon Bennett 12
217
218
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
untarily. Solomon BenDett kept the first store, and Jede-
diali Stephens the first tavern. James McBuniey, of Ireland,
first came to Canisteo as a peddler. He bought Great Lot
No. 12, in the upper township, of Solomon Bennett, and
other lands ; went to Ireland, and upon his return settled
some of his countrymen upon his lands.
The first birth was that of Olive Stephens, Nov. 18,
1790. The first marriage was that of Richard Crosby and
Hannah Baker, and the first death that of Henry Stephens.
The early settlers of Canisteo frequently recognized
among the Indians, who came to hunt in that vicinity,
some of their old antagonists at Wyoming ; but old enmities
were generally forgotten, and the savages and settlers lived
togetlier on the must amicable terms.
Under the old organization of Ontario County, the set-
tlement of Canisteo was in the town of Williamsburgh,
whicli at that time embraced an indefinite amount of terri-
tory in what is now Steuben and adjacent counties. Jede-
diah Stephens was the first supervisor of that town, and
attended the meetings of the board at Canandaigua in 1794
and 1795. The town-meeting was held at the house of
Uriah Stephens, and seven votes were cast. Solomon
Bennett is said to have been the captain of the first military
company organized in Steuben County.
At the time of the first settlement, the Indians were
accustomed to come down from Squakie Hill several times
a year to engage in horse and foot racing, and other rude
sports. At such times the uproar of their festivals made
the valley appear like a den of maniacs. The Indians,
though "quick as cats" and "limber as snakes," were not
a match for their better trained and more experienced
antagonists. On these festive occasions the Indians came
down with all their households, women, children, dogs, and
horses, but conducted themselves with great civility, giving
their hosts no cause of complaint.
Elias Stephens was a strong, athletic man, and a skillful
wrestler. At one time the Indians proposed a wrestling-
match between him and a young chief, whom they had
selected and trained for the occasion. Mr. Stephens con-
sented, and at the first round hurled the young savage to
the ground with a broken thigh. The chief's backers were
angry, and threatened to kill the victor, but the afliiir was
finally made up, and the unfortunate chief was borne from
the scene of his defeat on a deer-skin stretched between two
poles.
The Indians sometimes made a military display, marching
forth upon the flats to the number of three hundred war-
riors, in full costume, to exhibit the grand war-dance.
They made a fire about eight rods long, and paraded
around it with hideous chants, and a great clattering of
little deer-skin drums. Elias Stephens, by his display of
strength and resolution, became an object of respect to the
Indians, who well knew that he dared to do all he promised.
Fourteen men were once at work in Bennett's mill-yard,
when sixteen of the savages came on whooping and brand-
ishing their knives, and drove the men from the yard. Mr.
Stephens was immediately informed of this raid, and, seizing
a club, he hastened to the mill, where the Indians were
capering- about and brandishing their knives in great glee.
.' Put up your knives, and be off," said he, " or I will beat
all your brains out !" The Indians, deeming that discretion
was the better part of valor, put their knives in their belts,
and quietly walked away.
About 1820 a road was opened up Bennett's Creek as
far as the point known as the Salt Spring.s. At an early
period saline water had been discovered at this place, and
several unsuccessful eflforts had been made to manuf;icture
salt from the water. The water at the surflice was found
not sufiiciently strong, and afterwards an attempt to find
good brines was made by boring, but it was finally given up
as fruitless.
At this place there was a log house at the time the road
was opened, otherwise it was entirely wild from William S.
Thomas' through. There was a man by the name of
Charles Moore, who owned a farm near where Purdy Creek
unites with Bennett's Creek. He was among the early
settlers, if not one of the pioneers. He was living on this
farm as early as 1810, and his family was one well known
in the valley of the Canisteo. One of the daughters be-
came the wife of Uriah F. Stephens, Esq., and of the
daughters of the latter, one is Mrs. David Woollever, of
Hornellsville, and another Mrs. William Ilendershott. Mr.
Moore also had one or more sons and two daughters, — Mrs.
Enoch Ordway and Mrs. Atwell Cook, of Canisteo, — and
some of the descendants are still living in the town. The
place was afterwards occupied (perhaps owned) by John
Moore, who was a relative, but not of the same family.
There were two John Moores in the town ; one kept a
public-house near Hadley's Eddy, on the river, and was
called " Big John," being a large man ; the one who lived
on Bennett's Creek was called " Little Johnny," by way of
distinction, although he was a man of at least medium size
and weight, his only peculiarity being his unusually short
legs. Little Johnny lived in 1810 on the turnpike, in a
little log house. The place has since been known as the
Sweet farm. An old acquaintance, who knew Little Johnny
at the time of which we are speaking, describes him as " a
man in the best sense of the word, — intellectual, kind, and
generous, a good neighbor and a valued citizen." Of Irish
descent, he entertained but a small amount of good-will
towards the government whose allegiance he had renounced,
and he evinced his love and attachment for his adopted
country by taking the field in her defense, in the war with
Great Britain in 1812. Just before the war he was in
Canada, with a friend, and in pa.ssing a fortification he ob-
served that some of the pickets were broken off, and he
remarked to his friend that " if a person was disposed, he
might easily get through them." The remark was over-
heard by a sentinel, and soon Johnny and his friend found
themselves under arrest. They were taken before the com-
manding officer of the fort, who very sternly inquired of
Moore if he had made the remark. Johnny replied very
frankly, " I did, sir." " And would you try it?"' inquired
the officer. " I would, indade, if my country called me,"
was Johnny's prompt reply. The officer then ofi"ered him
large inducements, in British uniform and gold, to enlist in
the British service, but Johnny could not be moved from
his patriotic loyalty to his adopted country. The next year
found him au American soldier in the disastrous battle of
Queenstown, where he was wounded and made prisoner.
pL^-x^Jr ^^:/'^^-^'
GEORGE H. STEPHENS.
George H. Stephens was born in Canisteo, on the place
where he now resides, June 19, 1803. His grandfather, Uriah
Stephens, was a native of Litclifield County, town of Canaan,
Conn. ; married Martha Ratlibun, a native of Stonington,
Conn. Of this union were born before leaving that State:
Benjamin, died in the Revolutionary war ; Mrs. Solomon Ben-
nett, Mrs. Daniel McHenry, Uriali, Jr., John, Mrs. Judge
George Hornell, Phineas, Elias, Elijah, William, and Benja-
min ('2d). The familj' left Connecticut in 1V06, and settled
in Stillwater, N. Y. ; afterwards in Northumberland Co., Pa. ;
thence to Tioga Point; thence to Newtown, now Elmira, and
in 1789 the father and his sons, Uriah and John, explored the
Canisteo Valley, accompanied by his son-in-law, Solomon
Bennett, and James Hadley. That year, with others, they
purchased the upper and lower Canisteo, now Canisteo and
Hornellsville, and the same year Uriah Stephens, Sr., settled
here with his family ; the others settled the following year.
Uriah Stephens, Sr,, was a soldier of the French and Indian
war, and in the Revolutionary war his son Uriah, Jr., took
his place, and served through the entire war on the Indian
frontier in Pennsylvania. Phineas Stephens was in the war of
1812, and ranked as major. Uriah Stephens, Sr., settled on
the place now owned by Thomas Hallett, which remained in
the family about eighty years, and on which he died, as also
did his wife, and they were buried on the farm.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, his wife a
member of the Baptist Church, and buth a.ssisted in the or-
ganization of the first church and school in the town. This
family, whose posterity has become so numerous in the county,
was the first to settle and begin the various enterprises of the
Canisteo Valley.
His father, Uriah Stephens, was very closely allied to the
most important public interests of the town and county, was
town clerk for several years, justice of the peace for eighteen
years, supervisor for twenty years, and associate judge of the
county for six years. He was a man of good business ability,
temperate habits, and ranked among the prominent men of
Steuben County; and his integrity of character, and faithful-
ness to duty as an officer of the public, won the esteem of all
who knew him. His early education was very meagre, but
he possessed much native ability and good, sound common
sense. He married Elizabeth Jones in 1785, while in the
"Wyoming country, of which union were born three sons and
five daughters, — John R. , Mrs. John Ayers, Mrs. Abbott,
afterwards Mrs. Bazey Baker, Mrs. Silas Corey, Mrs. Joshua
Stephens, Matthew, George H., and Mrs. Jerathmell Powers.
Of these children, only the subject of this sketch is living.
The father died Aug. 2, 1849, aged eighty-eight. The mother
died March 30, 1849, aged eight)'-three.
George H. Stephens has followed farming during his life
on the farm settled by his father on the Canisteo River. He
married Harriet, daughter of Daniel Baker, Sept. 5, 1825.
She was born Sept. 6, 1802. Their children are George,
Caleb, Paulina (deceased), Shirene, Elizabeth (deceased),
Mary, Rhoda (deceased), Mrs. Edwin Foster, and Matthew.
Like his father before him, Mr. Stephens is a staunch member
of the Democratic party, and for some fifteen years has served
the people of his town as asses.sor. He was the first man who
joined the Morning Star Masonic Lodge in Canisteo, and has
been a member of that lodge for over half a century.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephens liave lived happily together for
upwards of fifty years, and for some twentj- years of that time
have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
contributors to that and kindred interests. They are now
among the old landmarks that point back to the early days in
the history of the town, and have lived to see schools and
churches established, railroads, the telegraph, and modern
machinery take their places in advancing civilization.
^^^^ w«
L/X-^^n-LAj ^T^^^'
NATHAN CROSBY.
The Crosby family in Canisteo is of English descent.
His grandfiither, Benjamin Crosby, emigrated from Eng-
land about the middle of the last century, arriving in New
York after a long period of suffering by being cast away,
one of the children having starved to death. The family
remained in the vicinity of New York until 1789, when
Mr. Crosby, in company with several others, explored the
Canisteo Valley and purchased the territory that now com-
prises the towns of Canisteo and Horuellsville, and thus
he became one of the original proprietors of this section
of Steuben County. In 1790 he .settled with his family
where Hornellsville now is located, and there owned
several hundred acres of land. He raised a family of eight
children who reached maturity, among whom was Richard
Crosby, who was a captain in General Washington's body-
guard, and was also ensign in tlie first military company
organized.
Richard Crosby was with his father when he first visited
the Canisteo Valley ; married for his first wife, Hannah,
daughter of Jeremiah and Anna Baker, and sister of Hon.
Jeremiah Baker, now living in Canisteo.
Their children were Benjamin, Benjamin (2d), Hector,
Troylus, Mrs. Absalom Travis, Frederick, John, Mrs.
Charles Travis, and Samuel.
The mother died in 1812, and about 1813 he married
Hannah, daughter of Nathan Thomas, of this county.
The children by this union are Nathan, Mrs. Elizabeth
Hallett, Ulysses, and Robert. The father died about 1822 ;
the mother died in 1863, aged seventy-seven.
Nathan Crosby was born in the town of Canisteo, Jlarch
26, 1815. He had limited opportunities for an education
from books, yet received such parental training as to lay
the foundation for a successful business life as a farmer.
His father owned a mile square of land in the valley, and
was thereby enabled to leave to each of his sons a small
farm, which however at the time that Mr. Crosby started
business for himself was of little value. In 1836 he
married Nancy, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth ( Moore)
Hallett, of Canisteo. She was born Nov. 10, 1820.
Their children are Mary (died young), Mrs. Thomas J.
SheflSeld, Hiram, George, deceased, leaving a wife and two
children, Byron and Lewis L.
Hiram was a volunteer, in 1861, of the 86th New York
Volunteers, Colonel Bailey commanding ; served three years,
and was in the battles of second Bull Run, Wilderness,
and all in which his regiment was engaged.
Frank Hallett, a son-inlaw (Mrs. Sheffield's first hus-
band), was in the same regiment, and met his death at
Spottsylvania Court-House, being wounded, taken prisoner,
and died as a prisoner of war.
Mr. Crosby's life has been spent as a farmer and lumber-
man; in the latter business he has been engaged for as
many as thirty years of his life, mostly as pilot on the
Canisteo, Chemung, and Susquehanna Rivers. He has
been a member of the Free-will Baptist Church for over
forty years, having been deacon for the last thirty yeai's of
this time. He is a Republican in politics, but was origin-
ally a member of the Democratic party.
JOSHITJ^^ STEIPHEIsrs.
Joshua Stephens was born in 1793,
and was second child, born in Canisteo,
of Jedediah Stephens. He was mar-
ried Dec. 29, 1811, to Rhoda, daughter
of Uriah Stephens, who was son of the
first settler of Canisteo Valley. She was
born in 1795, and married at the age of
sixteen. This couple first settled by
themselves in 1815 on Bennett Creek,
then a wilderness, on two hundred acres
of land, the property now being owned
by his children, and on which three of
them now reside. They commenced
clearing their land, his wife not only
attending to the housework in the rude
log house, which now stands on the
place, but she often assisted him at the
log-pile piling brush, and in the gen-
eral work of preparing the land for
cultivation. At this time on their farm
were scattered Indian wigwams, so that
their immediate neighbors were the red
men of the forest. Mr. Stej)hens was
a warm friend of the Indian, and often
befriended them; but other white men
were unfriendly, and often had quarrels
with them, burnt their wigwams, and
tried to drive them away. This so en-
raged the Indians that they resolved upon the death of one of their
persecutors. Mistaking Mr. Stephens for this man, they shot him in
mid-day; he was hunting for his oxen in the woods. His death oc-
curred Sept. 20, 1825.
The mother and her four children — Elizabeth, Abigail, De Witt C,
&^Xx^
MRS. RHODA STEPHENS
and George J — were left to meet the
obstacles of a life in a new country as
best they could, but she proved herself
eaual to the emergency. Her courage,
ambition, executive ability, and perse-
verance made her successful. With the
aid of her children she went on clearing
the land, fencing and cultivating it.
Her eldest son, at the time of the
death of his father, was only seven
years of age, but the daughters, being
older, assisted the mother in her out-
door work until the sons were of proper
age to use the axe.
The incidents, privations, and hard-
ships of this family would interest the
reader could they be narrated. The
mother was a model woman in all her
ways, and reared her children to respect
and honor her. She lived to care for
her children. Devotion to family faintly
expresses her love for her children.
She died Dec. 10, 1876, being eighty-
one years and eleven days old, and
lived upon the farm first settled upon
after marriage the remainder of her
life. The second daughter, Abigail,
married Henry Hamilton, of Canisteo j
and the oldest son, De Witt C, married Amanda Hamilton, and re-
sides on a part of the old homestead. The portraits of George J.
and his sister Elizabeth, together with their mother's, accompany this
sketch. They now occupy the old home. The former was born May
5, 1824; the latter, Nov. 2, 1812.
GEORGE J. STEPHENS.
ELIZABETH STEPHENS.
/
/h
^<
Utt t
MBS. SI, H, STKPHEXJ^
MORDECAI H. STEPHENS.
Jbu. la. l$ia He is SOB orif CVI. MlUnm umL Am
Stephacv aad gnoKbcn ot XTraJb ^eftlMi^ dK fiist
sin]«r cif tike Ouusteo ValW.
CoL TUlBut Siqnketts wais a Bttiv» of Bawfrl-
rauHk. beu^ bon at Ak aMMik of tW Jaaao. Afiril
3S, 1TT7.
Hk wifr »«^ 31 BMTK oj 2sow J«sey, K-iira S<epi.
OaL Sicfkas «•■» to Ae Cuskv* Talky ia dh^
^firii^ of 1T91, kavia^ atsissal w drnua^ oatide iqp
tike mvr uin> tke oMOMtiy. He vxs Butnei Ai^.
14. 1797. wi settled m HonelkvilH vImk ke
kcnrever Ksided oahr a sIhr tnKv.awl icskoveJ «»
Ou^ieo aoMl senjkd ca tke old kowesKad, Bov ovsed
W TVaMK Halkn.
He wn»< ji &raMr ■»$( of las fife: v:&^ a ref«^
jCMadw KHB of 1^ «ewa. He n^ed :^ {ckael
w ^ :^ate ■uGtb: :9exv«i ae sapernskw sevfial
\«Kt«: was a akUi of ^reae <«ebl»Btv, sad pama-
pMed ia tke TaziiMS esariv tamigprije:- of kcad ua-
pravoMeacs ia d» Kwm.
He .fied Not. 4, 1>;5IL Hjs aife died May 6.
1<4T. Tkenr dHUna ai¥ Mrs;. C1m)s Mvx«e de-
oat^ed^• ; Bi'apiTa (doMati^ : Ob»>iia& deca^ :
Mis. PkiKp Lee. a^^v Mr^ Williua Beaaett. of
HwMJlsviUe: Monkcu H..: Mi^ S^ii S. Beckvidk,
of Ransts; MllKam B<: Urah, of Eitasae; aad
Jolut. died TOQi^.
OfcacBik mas ptvniioeat^T ivie:si:ced inui tbe iater-
eiss of tke tova aad eowarr, aad «as efetned to rq»-
!V£«ii his A>seaibhr «fistiM in ike Scue Lc'^tslataK.
Oae bnikcr of CoL ^epkens — Joka — atko laaked
as oijkael : aad one kioikHr — Elias — ^«^as na|or.
iXCoideou H. i^qpkeas reHaaaed at kooie aatil tke
3^^e i^ tv«9ty~&iar, v^KB ke named Pket«. dn^ier
of Uriah U|«», of Ouiisfeo. Ske mas Kira Sept.
ax 1S14.
He settled oa a pan of die old kowerttad. vkeK
ke WBitiaed as a finaer dR wost patt of kis artiw
Iwsia^fife.
He mas finaethr idcadfied vidi die Tlli% pu^^
and kfes beoB a HMariier of tke R^aAGena paitr siaee
ie fewwioa. Sooa afta- kis imiuBy ke bmuae a
■RSiber of tke iJiiasoBie £taieniirr of Oaaistetv ^ad
kae keld -ruiciE: oftoK ia dat twdr. He kas heea
fer aaay veai^ a aKaaber of tke Honelkville Cka^K
ter. Xo. 101, aad a diieetor of tke Somketa Her
Masanur Selief Asswiatioa of SSaaiia.
His «ife died CWt. tl\ l$7dk IVir duldrea are
Meribatk, vko nsids «idi ker &iker : 3<i& Claries
Hnkln-, dsd Jaae 17, ISTS, a^ed duiVF-tkiee,
letTti^ oae daa^ner, Mrnie E.; aaid Hkaaa Bk^
BOT a Ksdeat of BaSa, BookiagkaB Ov, :S, C.
TOWN OF CANLSTEO.
219
A pleasant little anecdote i» related of Moore, at hia
surrender in this battle, exhibiting his courage and humor.
In the fight, wiiich was a liand-t^j-hand bayonet encounter,
Moore and a few of his companions had got separated a
considerable distance from the main body, and were not
included in the general surrender. A soldier was sent
down to them to order them up to surrender their arms.
Moore had posted himself on a barrel of whisky which
they found in that part of the field, and drawn up his half-
dozen men in order of battle around liira, and stoutly
refused to surrender unless certain conditions were granted.
'I'lie soldier returned and reported, whereupon an officer
and a sufficient number of men were .sent to insure com-
pliance. The officer found Moore still in posilitjn on his
barrel of whisky. The officer demanded surrender. Moore
replied that he was " ready U) capiialale, but must have
terms." The officer, plea.sed with Johnny's humor, in-
quired what terms he demanded. Johnny replied that,
" his men be permitted to march into camp under shoulder-
arms, and that each one be allowed to fill bis canteen from
the barrel on which he stood." The officer humorously
acceded to the terms proposed, and the canteens were filled,
and Johnny, at the head of his column, marched into camp
and surrendered. He was soon after paroled and sent into
the American lines, but he did not for some time after
leave the service.
Another adventure used to be told of Moore, illustrating
his courage and endurance. Early in the history of the
Valley, Moore and several others made an excursion to
(Jryder's Creek, a small stream in Allegany County. On
their return they struck through the woods from some-
where in the neighborhood of Andovcr to CanLsteo. It
was in midwinter, the snow was deep, the weather cold,
and the distance a good day's travel with ordinarily good
roads. Towards night, and while yet a good way from the
end of their journey, our travelers began to feel excessively
weary, and especially Moore, who was very short-legged ;
but all saw the neces.sity of persevering and even of quick-
ening their pace, as night was fast approaching. At length
Moore gave out and refused to go farther. The others,
who were less exhausted, urged and entreated him to con-
tinue his efforts, but nothing could move him to go farther ;
and the party, thinking that all must perish if they
attempted to spend the night there, finally left him and
urged their way through. The sad story was soon told
through the neighborhood, and a party early next morning
started to find Moore, expecting that he had certainly per-
ished during the night. Hut after going a few miles, what
was their astonishment and joy to meet Johnny puffing his
way through the snow and making as good headway as his
abbreviated appendages would permit. On inquiring of
him how he had kept from freezing during the night, he
.said that after resting awliih;, ho followed on till he came
to a hollow log, into which he crawled as far as he could
and soon fell asleep. After sleeping awhile he was awakened
by finding something was crawling on bis feet. The crea-
ture, he said, lay ((uietly till nearly daylight and then
quietly left. He said he lay warm and rested well. In
the morning Moore backed out and found by the tracks
that his bed-fellow had been a huge bear. His friends
were so incredulous that they followed the back track to
the log where Moore had slept, and found it even as he had
said.
Mr. Moore, though he lived and died in humble life, be-
queathed to hw posterity a rich inheritance, — '• a good
name," which we are a.ssured is far better than great riches.
In passing up Bennett's Creek, the first settler above
Johnny Moore wa.s Joshua Stephens, a son of the Rev.
Jedediah Stephens. At what time he settled there we arc
not aware, but he is mentioned by an old citizen as being
there in 1819, and the clearing was then a small beginning ;
a small log house stood on the right hand, and a barn on
the left of the road, and only a few acres were cleared. It
was, however, a very desirable location, embracing a full
sweep through the flats, and oflFering to industry a reward
in the future which his worthy sons have made full proof
of Joshua Stephens was a man of kind and amiable di.s-
position-, and was highly esteemed as a neighbor and citi-
zen. He married Miss Rhoda Stephens, a daughter of
Uriah Stephens, Esq. Two sons. Clinton and George, still
occupy the old homestead where their father lived and
died. One of the daughters married Mr. Henry Hamilton,
one of the most enterprising farmers in this section of the
country. Mr. Stephens was cut down in the very vigor of
manhood, and when earthly prospects were most inviting,
flattering, and full of hope. With an estimable lady for a
companion, a promising little family of beautiful children,
a farm susceptible of being one of the most desirable in the
neighborhood, there seemed hut little between him and
earthly felicity ; but in one sad hour the whole was shrouded
in gloom. He went out one evening, as he w:is in the habit
of doing, after his cows, but not returning and night coming
on, the family became alarmed, and search was instituted.
He was found the next morning a mile or more from the
house, on the roadside, shot through the body and dead.
He had evidently traveled some distance after being shot,
as his course was indicated by traces of blood. It was sup-
posed that he thought himself fatally wounded and had
made a great effort to reach the road, so that his body might
be the more readily found. It is supposed that this murder
was committed by two Indians who were encamped near
by. The Indians were soon after arrested and put in jail,
and after a time were tried for the murder. They were
ably defended through the influence of their old friends, —
Jones & Clute, of Geneseo. The Indians were found not
guilty, although a strong case was made by the people
against them. Little doubt remained in the minds of the
people that the Indians shot him. The names of the In-
dians were Sundown and Curly Eye, and were well known
to the early settlers. The latter was a professed doctor,
and went by the title of Dr. Curly Eye. Deacon Mowry
Thacher, now living in Hornellsville, seventy-six years of
age, and still active and vigorous, knew the Indians well ;
had an intimate acquaintance with Mr. Stephens, and was
familiar with the circumstances of the tragic death and
the solemn funeral of the murdered citizen. He said in
18t!8, " Though some forty years have since elapsed, I have
a most vivid recollection of that funeral. When the corpse
was about to be removed from the house, his aged and ven-
erable father, trembling under a weight of years, and his
a2o
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
heart smitten to the dust under his crushing sorrow, said
to the audience, ' Stop, friends, a moment ; I want to pray
before you remove the body.' The dear old man fell upon
his knees, and the first words of his prayer were, ' Oh,
God ! assuage my grief.' Few eyes were dry when he had
finished. All hearts sympathized with the aged saint.
But he had gained the victory. He arose apparently calm
and submissive."*
The Indians abandoned their hunting-grounds immedi-
ately, and very few of them were ever seen in this quarter
afterwards.
A short distance above Mr. Stephens lived William S.
Thomas, who accumulated a fair competence and lived to
an old age. He left but one child.
Soon after the road was opened from Mr. Thomas' to
the Salt Spring (1820), John H. Stephens, son of Col.
John, made a beginning in the midst of this nine or ten
mile wilderness, with not a neighbor within five miles of
him, Mr. Thomas being the nearest. Christian Coby about
this time settled on the creek, and Phineas Stephens, bro-
ther of John H., began an improvement the same or the
following year. Batchelder and Woodard made .settlements
a few years later, and later still, Manning and Ordway. A
large proportion of the valley of the creek was covered with
a dense forest of white pine. Mills were soon put up all
along the creek, which abounded with excellent water-power,
and soon a large and profitable business was done in the
manufacture of lumber. The timber being now exhausted,
fine farms are opened up tha whole length of the creek.
John H. Stephens had quite a large family. Two of his
sons, Jerome and Van Buren, are resident and active busi-
ness men of Hartsville. One of the daughters is Mrs. Cos-
ten, of Hornellsville ; and another, Mrs. King, of the same
village. Two are in Andover, two in Greenwood, one in
Hartsville, and one in Portage, Allegany Co. Mr. Stephens
himself quit the scenes of his arduous toil many years ago,
and is spending the evening of his life in Hornellsville.
Phineas Stephens was located a little farther down the
creek, and opened the farm afterwards known as the Stephens
farm. He did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his toil,
but died in the meridian of manhood, regarded by all who
knew him as a good neighbor and a valuable citizen. His wife
was a daughter of Rev. Jedediah Stephens (the late Mrs.
Jeremiah Baker). Phineas had four children, — two sons,
Edwin and Harvey, and two daughters, Melissa and Rachel.
The former married Mr. Hector C. Baker, and the latter,
Hon. John Santee, one of the most successful business men
and influential citizens of Hornellsville. Daniel McHenry
Stephens, another of the sons of Col. John Stephens, settled
and still resides on Slate Creek. Daniel had four sons and
two daughters. One of the sons, and both daughters, are
in Michigan ; the other three sons are still engaged in agri-
culture near the old home.
Col. John Stephens, of whose children and grandchildren
we have just spoken, moved upon the creek in 1822, and
built the mills known as the Stephens Mills. The country
® In 1S30, Curly Eye was visited on the Genesee by Hon. Jeremiah
Baker, and he informed .the latter that Sundown's intention was to
have shot Ezra'Sfephens instead of Joshua, and that he was opposed
to the murderand advised Sundown not to shoot.
was still new and the settlers few and far between. The
mills in their first construction were adapted to the then
present wants of the country rather than to prospective
requirements of an increasing population. In 1830 the
property passed into the hands of his son, Hon. Alexander
H. Stephens. His wife was the daughter of Levi Davis,
who settled in that part of the county in 1825, and became
the owner of the Salt Springs property. Alexander H.
Stephens had one son, Redmond D. Stephens, who was by
profession a lawyer, and a young man of fine education and
much promise. Soon after completing his education, with
the enterprising spirit of the old stock, he went West in
search of a field adapted to his energies and ambition. He
found it in Marion, la., where, mainly by his own energy
of character, he has made himself an enviable standing
and accumulated a fortune. One of the daughters is now
Mrs. Crandall, also a resident of Marion, la. ; another mar-
ried a Joseph Woodbury, proprietor of the Stephens Mills
in Greenwood ; and one daughter we believe still resides at
the old home.
Col. John Stephens, the old patriarch of the families,
had two other children, to whom brief allusion has been
made, — Blias Stephens, Esq., of Canisteo, and Mrs. Dr.
Olin. The former has two sons and four daughters, all of
whom, except one son, reside in Canisteo. Mrs. Dr. Olin
had two sons and one daughter. Both of the sons, Mar-
cellus and Marshall, reside in Hornellsville. Vernetta, the
daughter, married Jedediah Baker, son of Hon. Jeremiah
Baker, of Canisteo, and resides in Iowa.
William Jameson, son of John Jameson, one of the
original pioneers, is now living on the old farm where his
father settled. He has one son, William Jameson, Jr.,
residing on the homestead, and one daughter, Mrs. Ira
Day, of South Dansville.
Of the large Halleft family, among whom were Dr. Samuel
Hallett, Nathan and Thomas Hallett, only one is now liv-
ing, viz., James E. Hallett, who resides at Adrian, in this
county.
Col. John Stephens was one of the original pioneers, or
famous ten, who were enumerated as heads of families iti
numbers three and four in the fifth and sixth ranges of
towns in 1790. The other nine were James Headley, Wil-
liam Baker, Jedediah Stephens, Uriah Stephens, Uriah
Stephens, Jr., Richard Crosby, Solomon Bennett, Andrew
Bennett, and John Jameson. This included all the heads
of families in the Canisteo Valley, from Addison to Ark-
port, at that date.
Levi Davis was also among the early settlers on Bennett's
Creek ; he moved in in 1825. He was a man of active
business habits, and early, in addition to his agricultural
operations, introduced merchandise on a small scale. It
gradually enlarged under his skillful management and that
of his sons, until it assumed for many years the proportions
and dignity of a large and remunerative business.
The Hon. Redmond Davis, one of the sons of Levi
Davis, and merchant at Greenwood, has represented the
Third Assembly District of Steuben County in the State
Legislature, where he did honor to himself and his con-
stituency as an efficient and faithful member.
" In 1820," says one of our oldest citizens, " I passed
Jeremiah Baker was born near the place where he now
lives, in the town of Canisteo, Steuben Co., April 18,
1791, and was said to be the first white male child born in
Steuben County. His father, Jeremiah Baker, was born in
New England, married Anna Stephens, sister of Rev. Jede-
diah Stephens, the first settler of his branch of the Stepliens
family in the Canisteo Valley, of Canaan, Conn. Of this
union were born in the East: Polly, Hannah, Tliankfiil,
Cynthia, William, Simeon, John, and Bazey. Their father
was a soldier through the entire Revolutionary war, his family
living at Wyoming. It was while residents of Wyoming
that the mother and children were taken jirisoners, but were
soon after rescued. He lost all his property there, his build-
ings being burned at the time of the battle of Wyoming.
The family removed to Tioga Point, now Athens, Pa., but
soon after came to Canisteo by means of boats and canoes up
the Canisteo River, and settled near the place where his son,
Jeremiah Baker, now resides, in the fall of 1790, and hence
was among the earliest pioneers of the valley.
The children born here were Jeremiah, Noah, and James.
Poverty, privation, and hardship wore common incidents
for several years of this family, yet all were met with that
courage and patience characteristic of the Baker family. His
father, mother, and Grandmother Corey were members of the
first class in the Methodist Church of this part of the country,
and were the organizers of the first Methodist Episcopal
Church, under John B. Hudson, in Canisteo Valley; was one
of the seven voters of the town for four years, and held various
offices in the early history of the town. He died about 1824 ;
liis wife died in 182.5.
Mr. Baker had limited opportunities for book-knowledge.
At the age of nineteen he married Eunice Powers, of Addison,
a very worthy young lady, and as a wife and mother, a woman
of rare excellence, and did her part well in training her chil-
dren in all that makes true manhood and womanhood.
Mr. Baker's life has been mostly spent as a farmer, yet as a
citizen he has been intimately connected with many of the
most important local improvements of his town and county.
In 1829 his wife died, leaving seven children, — Mrs. John
Crosby, Hector C, Mrs. Nelson Hallett, Caleb, Asa, Elias,
and Nathan.
During the same year ho married Hilda, daughter of Rev.
Jedediah Stephens, and widow of the late Phineas Stephens..
Of this union were born Jedediah, Orlando, and Mrs. James
O'Connor, of Hornellsville. Po]iticall3-, Mr. Baker has
always been a Democrat, yet ever looked well to the men as
well as to the principles to be represented. As a citizen he
has held almost every position within the gift of his towns-
men, as justice of the peace, school commissioner, town clerk,
etc. ; was deputy sheriff with the first sherift'. General George
McCUire, of the county, and represented his Assembly district
in the State Legislature in 1835.
He is one of the old landmarks that )ioint to the early days,
was for fifty years of the pasta representative man in Steuben
County, and is now a pensioner of the war of 1812-14, having
served on the Niagara frontier under General McClure. He
is known as a man of broad ideas, liberal views, and in his
day has been a liberal contributor, especially in the erection
of church edifices in the county, and for the support of reli-
gious institutions, having been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for sixty-one years. For over half a cen-
tury he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has
ever been prominent in the councils of that body, and is now
not onlj- the oldest member of that body in Canisteo, but also
the oldest person living in the town, and now able to dictate
the main facts for this sketch. His second wife died Nov. 22,
1871.
His son, Nathan S., was a volunteer in the late Rebellion ;
was a member of the 86th Regiment New York Volunteers,
Colonel Bailey commanding; was in the engagements of
second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Mine Run,
Gettysburg, Manassas Junction, and the Wilderness, and was
also in skirmishes before Petersburg and Richmond ; was cap-
tain of his com])any, |iromoted in place of the captain, who
died. He was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and
was one of about ten of the original company who returned
to their homes. He was honorably discharged in the fall of
1865. He now resides on the old homestead, and cares for
his father in his declining years. In May, 1855, he married
Roxie Ordway, of Canisteo.
Elias was also a volunteer of the 86th Ri-ginicnt, New York
Volunteers, and served altogether about one and a half years.
j:'^^.^^^
Lyman A. Cook was born in Cunisteo, July 22,
1830. He is the third child of Atwell and Fanny
(Moore) Cook, the former a native of Conway, Mass.,
born in 1792; the latter a daughter of James Moore,
and born in 1796, in Canisteo. Her fatiier was one
of tiie early settlers of Canisteo, and came here with
his family about 1791.
Mr. Atwell Cook is now one of the oldest resi-
dents of Canisteo; married in 1823, he and his wife
have lived together upwards of half a century, and
now reside in Canisteo.
Tiieir other children are James M., Mrs. Lawrence
Hopper, Mrs. Richard Allison, and Mrs. David
Corbett; the three daughters are living.
Mr. Cook was eleven years of age when his parents
removed to Hartsville. His minority was spent on
the farm and attending the common school. In the
year 1852 he married Polly, daugiiter of Nathaniel
and Sophia Crane, of Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y.
Her father was a native of Goshen, Orange Co., and
lier mother was born in New Jersey ; reared a family
of eight children ; were farmers, and settled in Harts-
ville, in 1853, where the mother died in 1866, aged
sixty-seven; the father died in Canisteo, in 1875,
aged seventy-six.
After tiieir marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook settled in
Horncllsville, and he, in partnership with his brother,
James M., carried on farming, and to some extent
lumbering for nine years; when they removed to
Hartsville, and after several years' residence there,
returned to Hornellsville village, where he remained
for two years ; his brother dying in the mean time.
After settling the business, he returned to Harts-
ville, and in 1872 settled in the village of Canis-
teo, where he carried on farming, lumbering, and
general business until his death, which occurred
Dec. 23, 1878.
In politics INIr. Cook was active, and a staunch
member of the Republican party, ^yhile a resident
of Hartsville he represented his town in the Board
of Supervisors, and after becoming a resident of
Canisteo he held no office except as trustee of the
village.
He was an interested citizen in all local improve-
ments, good society, and schools ; was trustee t)f the
Canisteo Academy, and also a trustee of the Baptist
Church Society. He possessed a generous nature,
and integrity and strictness in all the relations of
life. In his business relations his character was un-
sullied ; his interest in and care for the poor were
proverbial. He was a man of untiring industry,
and, with a self-reliance characteristic of himself, he
carried forward to successful completion whatever
he undertook.
Their children are Mrs. William O. Hamilton
and Dwight, living. One daughter, Frankie S. Cook,
died at the age of eleven, in September, the same
year, prior to the death of her father.
ll
1
TOWN OF CANISTEO.
221
up the valley of Bennett's Creek through a dense forest
from William S. Thomas' to what was then the Salt
Springs, at which point there was a little spot cleared and
a small log house. Now, upon that site there is a fine,
flourishing little village." In the winter of that year the
same party, in company with others, passed from the Salt
Springs to Independence, a distance of thirteen miles, over
a road that had ju.st been opened by Nathaniel Thacher for
the Pulteney estate. There was then not a house nor an
acre of land cleared between the Salt Springs and Inde-
pendence. The party came out at or near Peter Teatcr's,
on what is known as the Forsyth farm. After being re-
freshed by the kind hospitality of Mr. Peter Teater the
party returned the same day to Elder David Smith's, in
'J'roupsburgh, from whence they had started in the morning.
ORG.\NIZATION.
The first records of Canisteo which wc have been able
to find are dated "the first Tuesday in April, 1801," and
record the election of the following town officers, at a meet-
ing held at the house of Benjamin Crosby, in what is now
the town of Hornellsville : Supervisor, Uriah Stephens ;
Town Clerk, Joseph A. Rathbun ; Assessors, Obediah
Ayers, Richard Crosby, Nathan Hallett ; Collector, Samuel
Hallett, Jr. ; Overseers of the Poor, James Hadley, Nathan
Hallett; Commissioners of Higliways, Matthew McHenry,
Daniel Upson, Joseph Purdy; Constables, Samuel Hallett,
Jr., Samuel Van Campen, Joel Atherton ; Overseers of
Highways, Christopher Hurlbut, George Hornell, Obediah
Ayers, Joseph Coleman, Benjamin Crosby, Samuel Agnew,
William Stephens, Benjamin Kenyon, and Samuel Hallett,
Sr. ; Fence-Viewers, George Hornell, Uriah Stephens, and
Moses Van Campen.*
* As Moses Van Campen once held the humble office of fence-viewer
in the town of Canisteo, and resided for many years in Dansville,
formerly included in this town, the writer c.Tnnot forbear malting a
note here respecting him.
At the commencement of the Revolutionary war, Moses Van Cam-
pen resided in Northumberlnnd, Pa. M^ith most of the young men
of that patriotic vilbige, he joined the militia, and being stationed on
the frontier, engaged in many perilous enterprises against the In-
dians. He was selected during Sullivan's campaign to take charge
of several important and dangerous scouting movements, sutfered the
greatest fatigues and engaged in the most dangerous services. About
one year after the campaign he was taken prisoner by a party of 10
Seneca warriors, who had been sent by the British to make an attack
in the Minsink settlements. The father of Maj. Van Campen was
thrust through with a spear; and while the red warrior stood with
his foot on the breast of his victim, endeavoring to extricate his spear,
another savage dashed out the brains of Moses Van Campen 's brother
with a tomahawk, and was aiming a blow at his own head. He seized
the Indian's arm and arrested the descending blow. While thus en-
gaged his father's murderer thrust the spear at his side; but he avoided
the weapon, being only slightly wounded. At this moment the chief
interfered and his life was spared. He was taken as a prisoner to
near Tioga Point, and in the night, whi n the ten warriors were asleep,
he and his two companions, Pence and Pike, secured the rifles, and
falling upon their captors, slew all but one, and made their escape.
An account of this terrible scene, and the marvelous heroism and
daring of Van Campen, is found in the " Life of Brant," Vol. 2, p. 59.
See also "Memoirs of Van Campen," by John Niles Hubbard, of
Dansville, a grandson of Maj. Van Campen.
About two years afterwards Van Campen was agaiu taken prisoner
and carried by the Indians to a town i:n the Allegany, the residence
of Cornplanter. Here he was saved l)y Captain Jones, who had been
adopted into the tribe, and who, when they were discussing the ques-
The supervisors of the town of Canisteo up to 1822 were
as follows : Uriah Stephens, 1801-10 ; William Hyde, 1811 ;
William Stephens, 1812; Christopher Hurlbut, 1813-15 ;
Uriah Stephens, 1815-19; Thomas Bennett, 1820-22.
In 1801, Christopher Hurlbut and Jedediah Stephens
each took " licenses to keep public inns," for which each
paid the sum of $5.
May 4, 1802, Christopher Hurlbut, George Hornell, and
Jedediah Stephens were each licensed to keep public inns,
paying into the treasury of the town $5 each. In 1803
the same persons were licensed to " keep public inns," with
the addition of two more, viz., James McBurney and John
Hunter, making five in all, and here the record for licenses
stops. The early settlers now living will, we think, sustain
the assertion that the first three years of this county gave
Canisteo model men for " innkeepers. "
In 1807, George Hornell received 83 votes for member
of Assembly, and George McClure received 19 votes for
the same office. At the same election Daniel D. Tompkins
(for governor) received 12 votes, and Morgan Lewis 26
votes for the same office.
In 1807 the bounty on wolves' and panthers' scalps was
#3. In 1808 it was raised to $5, and was again reduced
to $2, to be paid only to the inhabitants of the town. In
1810 it was raised to $3, " to be given only to the inhabi-
tants of the town," showing pretty plainly that " outsiders "
had been practicing a sharp game on Canisteo.
Among the curiosities of the early records of Canisteo we
find the following :
"I do hereby certify that I have a black male child, born of my
slave Milly (named Milo), on the 1/th day of November, 1811. Wit-
ness my hand this 15th day of April, 1812.
" George Hornell."
Also this, —
" I do hereby certify that I have a mulatto male child, born of my
slave Lucy (named Rob), on the Itlth day of November, 1809. Wit-
ness my hand. James McBurxey."
And this, too, —
** I do hereby certify that I have a mulatto male child, born of my
slave Lucy, on the 15th day of November, 1811 (named Dick), as wit-
ness my band. James McBurnev."
At a special town-meeting held at the house of William
Mulhollen, in December, 1818, for the purpose of voting
on a division of the town, a majority of 6 votes was against
the division. In 1819 the same measure was carried by 35
majority, and in pursuance thereof the town of Hornells-
ville was erected from Canisteo, April 1, 1820.
tion of his life or death, with a single bound leaped over the Indians
,and stood in the circle. His life was saved, and he was sent with other
j>risoners to Niagara. After his settlement in this county, Mohawk,
the escaped Indian from the slaughter of the ten warriors, often visited
him, and the two laughed over that fearful night in the forest. Van
Campen is described thus by a writer in 1842: " He is now nearly
eighty-five years old, and is still healthy and vigorous. His memory
is unusually retentive and his mind remarkably active. Indeed. I
have seldom met a man at his age who possessed so much intelligence,
activity, and uniform urbanity. I have before me two letters written
by him during the past week, which show that his hand trembles not,
and that his mind has not yet begun to fail." For these letters, see
a little volume entitled " Notices of the Sullivan Campaign and other
Documents," published in Rochester in 1842.
222
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CIVIL LIST.
We have given a list of the supervi.sors from 1801 to
1822. The town clerks for the same period vpere Joseph
A. Rathbun, 1801-4; James McBurney, 1804-9; John
Stephens, 1809-12; Simeon Bacon. 1812; James Mc-
Burney, 1813-18; John R. Stephens, 1818-20; Samuel
Russell, 1821 ; Uriah Stephens, 1822.
TABULATED LIST FROM 1822 TO 1878 INCLUSIVE.
Supervisors.
182.3. Wm. Stephens.
1824. " "
1825. " "
1826. " "
1827. Joshua Chapman.
IS28. Wm. Stephens.
1829. "
1830. Wm. Bennett.
1831. "
1832. ••
1833. Wm. Stephens.
1834. " "
1835. Elias Stephens.
183fi. " "
1837. " "
1838. Finley McClure.
1839. Daniel Jameson.
1840. "
1841. 11. C. Wbitwood.
1842. '•
1843. Finley McCluie.
1844. " '•
1845. Wm. II. Mead.
Town Clerks. Collectors.
Uriah Stephens. Nathan Hallett.
Joshua Chapman. Elijah Guyon.
Uriah Stephens.
Nathan Hallett.
It ,i
Jeremiah Baker.
it tl
Nathan ILallctt.
Moses Hallett.
Nehemiah Thomas.
Joseph Abel,
Obediah Stephens.
Ellsha G. Stephens.
A. N. Jarvis.
Samuel Taylor.
Nathan Stephens. Noah Baker.
" " D. MeH. Stephens.
Jeremiah Baker. *' "
Charles Moore. James Moore.
Hector C. Baker. John Shearer, Jr.
" " De Wilt C.Stephens.
Joshua C. Stephens. John W. Stearns.
C. H. Stephens. A. H. Athertou.
Joshua C. Stephens. De AVitt C. Stephens.
Moses Hallett. "
N. C. Taylor. Miner Sammons.
1846. " "
1847. Obediah Stephens. Joshua C. Stephens. Wm. Hallett.
1848.
' " Wm. Jameson.
1849.
1850. " "
1851. Hart Eason.
1852. "
1853. Wm. B. Jones.
1854. "
1855. Hart Eason.
1856. " '■
1857. Joshua C. Stephens. Lucius A. AValdo.
1858.
1859. Lucius A. Waldo,
1860.
M. H. Stephens.
Miner Sammons.
M. H. Stephens.
W. AV. Bennett.
Abram M. Stephens.
Wm. Sammons.
Abram M. Stephens.
Thomas Hallett.
Abram M. Stephens.
1861. Nelson Hallett.
1862.
1863. Wm. H. Mead.
1864. "
1865. N. C. Taylor.
1866. "
1867. George Riddell.
1868. " "
1869. Thomas Hallett.
1870. John H. Brown.
1871. " "
1872. " "
1873. George Riddell.
1874. " "
1875. Miner Sammons.
1876. " "
1877. Albert J. Carter.
1878. Smith Eason.
Tim. R. Stephens.
Francis Converse.
Thos. L. Langley.
Henry Bennett.
Obed. Stephens, Jr. L. H. Pierce.
It tl
John H. Brown.
tl tl
" " Joseph Ashley, Jr.
Eli Soule. " "
" " Warren T. Davis.
" " Edwin E. Baker.
George S. Boasted. Harrison Cooley.
Delaney King.
Andrew Hallett.
J. E. McCaig.
D. C. Corbett.
Terry J. Hiillett.
M. E. Burrell.
Benj. C. Richey.
Abram Stephens.
JUSTICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE.
1830. John D. Jameson.
1S3I. Elijah Guyon.
1832. Orlando Bridgman.
1833. Jerathmel Powers, Jr.
1834. John D. Jameson,
1835. Obadiah Stephens.
1836. Elijah Guyon.
Isaac Jones.
1837. Joshua Chapman.
Lucius Gushing.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
Morris Hallett.
William B. Jones.
Elias Stephens.
John Sherer.
Jerathmel Powers, Jr.
Edmund Cook.
William B. Jones.
Benjamin Stephens.
Joshua Chapman.
Jeremiah Baker.
Elias Stephens.
John Sherer.
Daniel D. Davis.
William B. Jones.
Piiineas 0. Stephens.
John H. Brown.
John Sherer.
B. C. Richey.
Pbine.ts 0. Stephens.
Edward L. Payne.
Robert Boyd.
Peter Masten.
Phineas 0. Stephens.
Robert Boyd.
Amos B. Stanton.
Charles H. Conklin.
1S59.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1S64.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
187.3.
1874.
1S75.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Phineas 0. Stephens.
L. P. Weed.
John Carter.
John H. Consalas.
Amos B. Stanton.
Benjamin C. Richey.
Phineas 0. Stephens.
C. Vf. Daniels.
John H. Consalus.
M. R. Millard.
C. W. Daniels.
Phineas 0. Stephens.
John H. Consalus.
Nathan S. Baker.
William B Jones.
Phineas 0. Stephens.
Morgan R. Millard.
John H. Consalus.
M'illiam B. Jones.
George Crosby.
William B. Jones.
Elijah Hallett.
Phineas 0. Stephens.
H. S. Beebe.
Morgan R. Millard.
James B. Hargrave.
VILLAGE OF CANISTEO.
EARLY HISTORY.
In the large open valley vfhere the village is now situated
stood anciently a Delaware Indian town, known in colonial
history as the " Kanestio Castle." It consisted of about
60 hewed log houses, with stone chimneys in each. This
village or castle was the seat of At-weet-se-ra, the " Dela-
ware King," who, in 1765, the year after the destruction
of the place by Montour and Brantj made a treaty with
Sir William Johnson, at Johnson Hall, on the Mohawk.
Sir William Johnson had sent an expedition under Capt.
Montour, in the summer of 1764, and destroyed the place
becau.se its inhabitants refused to give up two murderers
who had killed two German traders somewhere in the
country of the Senecas. The inhabitants of the ancient
castle were a mixed set of Indians, of different tribes,
chiefly Delawares, fugitive slaves, and deserters from the
British army. They had settled in the broad, open valley
and built there their strong houses, and, at the time of
their destruction, had a considerable number of horses,
horned cattle and swine. (See chapter on the Indian
Occupancy of Steuben County.)
When the first white explorers came here, in 1788, they
were attracted by this broad, open valley, and, in conse-
quence of its richness and immediate advantages for culti-
vation, were induced to purchase the large tract of adjoining
lands. Col. Arthur Erwin drew lot No. 1, where the village
is now situated, but he exchanged lots with Solomon Ben-
nett, who was the first settler in a log house at the Corners,
which soon came to be called " Bennettsville." Mr. Ben-
nett built the first mill one-fourth of a mile east on Bennett's
Creek, to which place he afterwards removed. Nicholas
Doughty was the first blacksmith on the site of the village.
He was a well-educated German and an excellent citizen.
Solomon Bennett opened the first store and kept the first
hotel at the village. It is worthy of note that this hotel
property has ever since, till within a few yeais, been kept
.-^*j
41
THOMAS HALLETr.
THOMAS HALLETT
MRS. THOMAS HALLETT
was bom in Canisteo, this county, April 19, 1830. His
great-grandfather, Nathan Hallett, with his family, set^
tied near the centre of the town of Canisteo about 1800,
and, although not the first to settle here, is numbered
among the pioneers of the town. The Hallett family
is of Irish descent, and the ancestors of the family are
supposed to have come from the north of Ireland.
Not long after their settlement in Canisteo the parents
died. His grandfather, Nathan Hallett, Jr., came with
his parents to the valley from Groton, Tompkins Co.,
N. Y., where they had resided ; reared a family of seven
sons and one daughter, — John, Nathan, Samuel, Elijah,
Isaac, Moses, James E., and Mrs. Thomas Hadley. Of
these children only the youngest son, James E., survives,
and resides in Canisteo.
His father, Moses Hallett, a native of Tompkins
County, where the family resided prior to settling in
this valley, was. born May 8, 1796; married Nancy
Fulton, of Canisteo, born 1800, and now living. Of
this union were born seven children, — Mrs. James Ather-
ton, Andrew S., Samuel, Thomas, John, Mrs. Giles
Morgan, and James, — all living except Samuel.
Mr. Hallett, senior, was a farmer by occupation, was
in politics formerly a Whig, and as a member of that
party was active and ever interested in all local elections
and appointments, and in local and State legislation.
Highly esteemed for his worth as a citizen of his town,
for some twenty-five years he officiated as justice of the
peace, and his counsel in cases of arbitration and as a
jurist were always given to avoid litigation and promote
harmony in the neighborhood. He was also town clerk
for several years, and in all his public relations was
known as a man of strict integrity. He died March,
1866.
Thomas Hallett, son of Moses and Nancy Hallett,
spent his minority at home on the farm, and since,
besides farming, has engaged in lumbering, and for some
fifteen years rafted lumber down the Susquehanna to
southern ports. For two years he resided in Kansas,
acting as assistant superintendent of the Union Pacific
Railroad. On Nov. 5, 1851, he married Sylvia, daughter
of Absalom Travis, of Canisteo. Her grandfather,
Amasa Travis, was one of the early settlers of the town,
and her Grandmother Travis still survives at the age of
ninety-five.
Their children are Perry J. Hallett, of the law-firm
of Burrell & Hallett, of Canisteo, admitted to the bar
June, 1877 ; and Thomas R. and Alida M., both deceased.
In politics Mr. Hallett is a Republican. As the result
of his industry and self-exertion, may be seen on another
page of this work a view of his residence, showing one
of the finest farm locations in the Canisteo Valley.
II
TOWN OF CANISTEO.
223
in the Bennett family. It grew into the present brick
hotel, known as the Canisteo House, which was built by
William Bennett about 1827, and has more recently been
added to and greatly improved in size and appearance.
Solomon Bennett was succeeded in mercantile busine.is by
Dr. Mordecai Hale, who carried on the business some four
or five years.
The Erie Railway, opened through the Canisteo Valley in
1850, gave this village a station on its through line from
New York to Dunkirk, and superseded, for the transporta-
tion of its small amount of freight and travel, the old river
navigation ; but still Canisteo was only a small rural ham-
let, and but for the wise and liberal policy of her citizens in
introducing and encouraging manufacturing interests, might
forever have remained so. The impulse given to the growth
of the place dates from the first establishment of manufac-
tures in 1868. In that year the large boot- and shoe-fac-
tory of L. Allison was put in operation. This was followed
by the various planing-mills, sash-, door-, and blind-factory,
chair-factory, and another shoe-factory, and bent-wood-
works, so that the aggregate manufacturing interests now
amounts to $1,000,000 a year. The effect of these
interests on the growth and population of the place is
shown in a striking manner by the fact that, in June,
1868, an actual census showed the population of the vil-
lage to be only 342 souls ; now the number of inhabitants
is over 2000. This is probably the greatest growth of any
similar village during the last decade.
The manufacturers also brightened up all other interests :
large blocks have been erected, a fine banking-house, the
hotel raised another story and refitted, the stores supplied
with larger stocks of goods, new ones opened, a new school-
house built, and two churches remodeled and enlarged to
meet the wants of growing congregations. In every way
the effects of these various industries are visible, — in the
improved streets and sidewalks, the new buildings, and the
general air of thrift and activity which pervades the place.
INCORPORATION.
The village of Canisteo was incorporated under the gen-
eral law in 1873. The finst charter election was held on
the 17th day of May, 1873, and resulted in the choice of
the following officers : Lucius A. Waldo, President ; Mor-
timer Allison, L. P. Weed, Smith Eason, Trustees ; Daniel
Upson, Collector; William H. Mead, Treasurer.
At a meeting of the board of trustees, held May 19, Wil-
liam E. Stephens was appointed Clerk ; Hiram J. Colgrove,
Police Constable; and Hiram C. Whitwood, Street Com-
missioner.
The village ofiicers met at the office of Burrell & Soule,
May 19, 1873, and took the oath of office, after which the
president and trustees organized a board and proceeded to
business.
^'Resolved, That the treasurer and collector each give a
bond in the penalty of $1500, and that the street commis-
sioner and police constable give a bond in the penalty of
$500 each."
The bonds being given and approved, a survey of the
village was ordered by the trustees, and it was voted to
raise $500 by tax for the purpose of purchasing a site and
erecting a lock-up. At this meeting a set of by-laws and
regulations was adopted.
Presidents of the Villoge. — 1873, Lucius A. Waldo;
1874, George Davison; 1875, Lucius A.Waldo; 1876,
Albert J. Carter; 1877, John E. McCaig; 1878, William
J. Bailey.
The village was laid out and a map made of it by John
H. Consalus, Esq., at the time of the incorporation. Mr.
Consalus .settled in the village in 1840, and has been en-
gaged in lumber, hardware, and furnace business.
CANISTEO ACADEMY.
This institution was chartered March 16, 1868, with the
following Board of Trustees: Lewis F. Laine, Henry
Hamilton, Commodore P. Chamberlain, Nathaniel C. Tay-
lor, George Riddell, John H. Consalus, Joshua C. Stephens,
Edward P. Bartlctt, Mortimer Allison, Lucius A. Waldo,
John Davis, and Richard Allison.
The academy building is of brick, three stories, beauti-
fully situated on an eminence overlooking the village, of
tasteful architecture, and commodious in size and appoint-
ments. It was finished and opened in September, 1871,
and cost, including furniture, library, and apparatus,
$17,500. Two thousand dollars endowment has since been
added.
The following have been the principal and teachers: Rev.
J. S. Bingham and Mrs. Bingham, assisted by Miss Huy-
son ; Prof. Ira Sayles, assisted by Miss Lizzie Conderman ;
Prof Willington La Monte and Mrs. La Monte; Prof. D.
M. Estee, assisted by Miss Ahida Beebe.
Trustees. — Rev. L. F. Laine, President; Dr. George
Riddell, Vice-President ; W. E. Stephens, Secretary ; John
H. Consalus, Treasurer; A. M. Burrell, J. S. Hall, L.
Davison, A. Davison, W. H. Mead, Rev. 0. 0. Lothrop,
Wm. H. Ordway, John Carter, Smith Eason, M. Allison,
L. A. Cook, L. A. Waldo.
Attendance for tlie year ending June 28, 1878: males,
38; females, 73; total, 111.
CANISTEO GRADED SCHOOL.
This school occupies a new wooden building, which was
erected at a cost, including furniture, of $60(10. It employs
five teachers, as follows : Principal, J. B. Ilargrave; A.ssis-
tants. Miss Mary A. Forest, Miss Sarah Lothrop, Miss Ida
Whiting, Miss Frank M. Brown.
7/»s?fe.— William B. Taylor.
The number of children in the district of school age is
434 : attendance, 350. Assessed value of school property
(assessed at one-third) is $178,000 ; value of school property
(aside from the academy), $8000 ; expended during the
year for teachers' wages, $1500.
MANUFACTURES.
Of the principal manufacturing interests of the village
we give the following summary :
Bootr and Shoe-Factory of L. Allison & Co., established
by L. Allison, in the spring of 1808. — In 1873, Isaac Alli-
son became a partner in the business. This firm manufac-
ture hand-pegged boots and shoes, employing from 100 to
110 hands. Their sales have sometimes run up to $300,000
224
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a year, but the general average is $250,000. This was the
first boot- and shoe-manufactory in Steuben County, and
the first of any kind lu Canisteo, and by its success has
prepared the way for many other prosperous enterprises.
The Allisons are natives of Honiellsville, in this county.
This firm have also a factory for the manufacture of
ladies', misses', and children's fine shoes, in the upper
story of the fine new brick block on the corner of Depot
and Main Streets. This business was established in March,
1874, by Pevear & La Croix, of Lynn, Mass. In Jan-
uary, 1877, it passed into the hands of L. Allison & Co.,
by whom the business is successfully conducted. They
employ in this branch about 60 hands, and do each year
a business amounting to $75,000.
A. B. Verbis' Planing-Mill, Sash-, Door-, and Blind-
Factory. — Tills large interest was established on a small
scale, as a planing-mill alone, by Mr. Vorhis, in 1868.
The year following he put in machinery for sash, doors,
etc., and from a small wooden building, in which he first
began, he has increased the capacity of his shops, — adding
a brick structure of large dimensions, — till he has now the
second largest establishment of the kind in the State. The
products of this factory are used for the local trade, for the
Eastern and Southern, and are quite largely exported to
Europe. The shops employ 65 bauds, and the sales amount
annually to about $125,000.
Chair-Factory, Taylor Bros., proprietors ; Steam Works
established in 1874. — The chairs made at these works are
exclusively wood-seated, and average in production from
40,000 to 45,000 chairs per year, giving employment to
40 hands, and amounting in sales, annually, to about
$40,000.
Steam Saw-Mill, L. P. Weed, proprietor. — Built in the
spring of 1874, by Mr. Weed. The average amount of
lumber sawn at this mill is about 500,000 feet per year.
Foundry and jMachine-Shops, H. Carter & Sons. — In
1873, Mr. Carter and Kelsy Bergen started in the manu-
facture of agricultural implements, and built the present
shops that year. After a few mouths, Mr. Carter bought
out Mr. Bergen, and changed the establishment to a ma-
chine-shop and boiler- works, adding, since, the manufacture
of steam-engines. The proprietors themselves work in the
shops, employing an additional force of from 10 to 12
hands, and having ready sale for all the work they can turn
out. Sales amount to about $18,000 a year.
BANK OP CANISTEO.
President, M. Allison ; Vice-President, L. Allison ; Cash-
ier, W. W. Ball.
This banking-house was established in 1876. It is located
in the fine three-story brick block, known as the Bank Block,
on the corner of Main and Depot Streets, which was erected
by M. Allison, James S. Hall, and Davison and McCaig, in
1875. The bank occupies a fine suite of offices in the cor-
ner of the building, on the first floor, and is furnished in
first-class style for banking purposes.
CANISTEO TIMES.
This is a weekly newspaper, started in the village, Jan.
25, 1877, by S. H. Jennings. Mr. Jennings has labored
earnestly to make his paper a success, despite the flood of
dailies from all the cities. The people of the village and
country appreciate the fiict that, aside from all these, they
need a local organ, and are giving the enterprising editor
and publisher an encouraging support. The T'mie* is inde-
pendent in politics, and devoted to local interests.
BUSINESS UOUSES.
The principal business houses are the following :
Dry Goods.— J. Roblee & Co., W. W. Bennett & Co.,
William Riddell.
Dry Goods and Groceries. — Davison & McCaig,
Martin 0. Van Delender.
Clothing. — Louis Unger.
Merchant Tailors. — Schermerhorn & Co., Levi
Totten.
Groceries and Crockery. — Waldo & Davison.
Groceries.— E. E. Stewart, D. C. Corbett, T. K.
Brownell.
Stoves and Hardware. — 0. 0. Laine, William B.
Taylor.
Books and Stationery. — A. B. Laine.
Undertaker and Furniture. — L. B. Riddell.
Druggists and Physicians. — George Riddell & Co.
Wagon-Shops. — George Sherman, A. A. Blonroe.
Wagon-Makers and Blacksmiths. — Whitwood
Bros., George Cooper.
Harness-Makers. — James S. Hall.
Jewelers. — Bateman .^IcKeane.
Hotels. — Canisteo House, H. C. Cheney ; Commercial
Hotel, Wilder Rice.
T.4.NNERY AND Grist-Mill. — Charles Floher.
Marble- Works. — D. P. Crane.
distances.
Canisteo is three hundred and thirty miles from New
York, thirty-seven from Corning, ninety-three from Buffalo,
and five miles from Hornellsville, on the main Erie Rail-
way.
physicians.
Among the early physicians was Dr. Daniel D. Davis,
who was not only eminent in his profession, but a citizen of
prominence aud distinction. Dr. Whitney, also an early
practitioner, came to Canisteo about 1830. Dr. C. P.
Chamberlain, still residing and practicing here, made his
advent to the place about 1845. Drs. George and Le Roy
Riddell came with their parents in 1837. They have been
from early life identified with Canisteo, and, in addition to
their professional duties and labors, also hold a prominent
position among the business men of the village. The pres-
ent physicans are C. P. Chamberlain, Benjamin Pickett, and
M. D. Ellison.
LAWYERS.
Burrell & Hallett, A. H. Burrell, Eli Soule, and William
B. Jones.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CANISTEO.
In 1836 a Presbyterian Church was first formed in this
village, and continued for a few years.
<
H CARTER & SONS CANISTEO IRON WORKS, CANISTEO, NY
. J ij I ': ^1 A',^^^i»a ■w^.v^^.j;;'^
;iiaK5aa«ifeaitai.-:i?«a--^,i ir-nrTymmi'flHtr
Bank Block. CANISTED,f(.Y, M.ALLisON,j.s.HALL.DwisoNafJ''CAiG, Props.
TOWN OF CANISTEO.
225
On the 2J of July, 1849, Rev. Horatio Pattengill com-
menced preaching in Canisteo, and also a part of the time
at Ark port. Services were held only occasionally for some
time, when the congregations becoming large and the inter-
est general, it was decided, in 1851, to have regular preach-
ing. Rev. Mr. Pattengill from this time held regular
services on each Sabbath. A choir was organized, the
ladies formed themselves into a sewing society, a fair was
held with profitable results, which awakened an interest in
the erection of a church building. Among the foremost
in this movement was the late N. C. Taylor, one of the
leading citizens of the place for many years, who contrib-
uted most liberally to the erection of the church and the
support of preaching. No church edifice had yet been
erected in the village, and the way was open for the Pres-
byterians to go forward with their enterprise without incur-
ring denominational jealou.sies.
On the 20th of March, 1852, a society was organized
and a board of trustees elected, consisting of the following-
named persons : B. C. Riohey, N. C. Taylor, William B.
Jones, Peter Myers, Thomas J. Magee, and William H.
Mead. A lot was purchased of the Pulteney estate, $1360
were subscribed, and the society proceeded to erect a church
edifice. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1852, and the
house was finished and dedicated Feb. 15, 1853, the addi-
tional sum of $325 being raised at the dedication.
On the 20th of March, 1853, a church organization was
formed, with the following members, viz. : Stephen P.
Sturdevant, Harriet P. Sturdevant, Sarah Waters, Joseph
Ashley, Ann Ashley, and Henry Ackers. Joseph Ashley,
Stephen P. Sturdevant, and Peter Myers were chosen eld-
ers ; Joseph Ashley, clerk of session.
Oct. 19, 1853, a call was extended to Rev. George
Spaulding, who accepted, and was installed pastor, Feb. 7,
1854. He was succeeded, October, 18G0, by Rev. L. F.
Laine. Rev. J. H. Brown, present pastor, assumed charge
in February, 1874.
A bell was procured in 1856, and a spire erected in
1868. In 1877-78, the church was remodeled and enlarged
at a cost of $4500.
A Sunday-scliool was organized at the beginning, and
has continued prosperous. Present number, 225 ; church
membership, 112. Present trustees, H. S. Beebe, M. L.
Taylor, John E. McCaig, William Riddell, Henry Carter,
L. P. Weed.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Rev. John B. Hudson was the pioneer Methodi.st
preacher in Canisteo, about the year 1800. He preached
in nearly all the houses in the settlement, but chiefly at
the residences of Jeremiah Baker and Jedediah Stephens.
There was a revival under his ministry, and a class was
formed, of whom Jedediah Stephens and Abigail, his wife,
Mrs. Cory, mother of Mrs. Abigail Stephens, Jeremiah
Baker, Sr., and Anna, his wife, Benjamin Crosby, father
of Richard and Reuben Crosby, and his wife, were mem-
bers ; and later. Daniel Up.son and Rachel, his wife, Elijah
Stephens and Abigail, his wife.
This early class continued in existence till the present
organization was formed. Jedediah Stephens and Jereiaiah
29
Baker were the earliest class-leaders. The class in those
days consisted chiefly of women. Mr. Baker used to go to
meet his class to what is now the town of Howard. Jede-
diah Stephens was ordained deacon in 1808, and minister
in 1812. Jeremiah Baker, now living, son of Jeremiah
Baker, Sr., was converted in January, 1818, and united
with the church, and was elected steward, and has held the
ofiiee ever since — a period of sixty-one years. He was also
class-leader twelve years subsequently to joining the church.
About the year 1 850 a society was organized and a par-
sonage built. Trustees, Jeremiah Baker, Stephen Taylor,
John H. Consalus, E. L. Gray, C. P. Chamberlain, and
William B. Jones.
In 1853 measures were taken to erect a church building,
which was finished and dedicated in 1857. Jeremiah
Baker, as one of the trustees, had charge of the erection
of the edifice. At that time Rev. Chandler Wheeler was
preacher in charge. The original cost of the church was
$4000. In the summer of 1875 it was enlarged at a cost
of $3000. Rev. C. E. Millspaugh was minister in charge.
The ministers who have ofiiciated since the building of
the church are the following : Rev. Chandler Wheeler,
1856-57; Rev. L. L. Rogers, 1858; Rev. J. M. Park,
1859; Rev. J. Tunon, 1860; Rev. W. A. Bronson,
1861-62 ; Rev. A. S. Aldridge, 1863 ; Rev. Isaac Everetts,
1864-65 ; Rev. N. N. Beers, 1866; Rev. Wesley Cochran,
1867 ; Rev. F. D. Blakeslee, 1868 ; Rev. J. H. Blades,
1869-71; Rev. James Landreth, 1872-73; Rev. C. E.
Millspaugh, 1874-76 ; Rev. D. D. Cook, 1877-78 ; Rev.
D. W. Gates, present pastor.
The church at present numbers 150 members. Value of
church property, $8000; attendance at Sunday-school, 150.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first church of this faith and order organized here
was a branch of the Baptist Church of Hornellsville.
On the 30th of November, 1876, previous notice having
been given, a meeting was held in Riddell's Hall for the
purpose of organizing a Baptist Church in Canisteo, Rev.
D. Van Alstine presiding. It was resolved that " we whose
names are hereunto subscribed do now organize ourselves
into a regular Baptist Church, to be known as the Baptist
Church of Canisteo."
T. K. Brownell, Mrs. A. M. Dclaney, Mrs. Lima Covert
Sherman, Mrs. L. T. Crane, Mrs. Rosetta Comfort, Mrs.
Polly M. Cook, Mrs. Alice Jameson, Le Roy Riddell, Mrs.
Emeline Pratt Riddell, Mrs. Elmira A. Pratt, Mrs. Clarissa
Wood, Miss Diantha Bertrom, Rev. C. K. Bunnell, Mrs.
M. J. Bunnell, Mrs. Adeline Cooley.
Rockwell H. Comfort and Dr. Le Roy Riddell were
elected deacons, and T. K. Brownell clerk.
Rev. C. K. Bunnell has been pastor of the church since
Dec. 1, 1876.
The Sunday-school was organized in December, 1876,
William La Croix, Superintendent. The Sunday-school
numbers 80 members ; church membership, 50.
The first trustees were Rockwell H. Comfort, Le Roy
Riddell, J. W. Allen, T. K. Brownell, John N. Jcfi'ers,
John W. Brown, M. S. Parkhill, Lyman A. Cook, and
William La Croix.
226
HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The followinjj; constitute the present board : R. H. Com-
fort, Le Roy Riddell, T. K. Brownell, J. N. Jeffers, M. S.
Parkhill, Norman Roblee, Elmer Walker, B. McKeen, and
J. W. Allen.
J. N. Jeffers, Superintendent of Sunday-school.
MASONIC HISTORY.
Evening Star Lodge, now No. 44 (of Hornellsville),
was organized in Canisteo about 181G. Its first Master
was Rev. Andrew Simpson, who used to travel the forest
twelve miles from his home, in Jasper, for a period of
about four years, to be present at every regular communi-
cation of the lodge. The lodge was subsequently removed
to Almond, and thence to Hornellsville, where it still re-
mains. (See history of Hornellsville.)
After the removal of Evening Star Lodge (we are not
informed exactly at what date), Morning Star Lodge, No.
421 (which is now No. 65, its number having been
changed upon the reorganization of Masonry, about 1840),
was formed at the hou.se of Col. William Stephens, who
was chosen the first Master.
The lodges of Canisteo and Hornellsville were the only
ones in the county which maintained their charter during
the period of the Morgan excitement. The archives of the
lodge in Hornellsville wore saved by a fortunate conjunc-
tion of circumstances by Col. John R. Stepliens, who
happened to be passing when they were thrown from the
window of the lodge-room by .some zealous anti-Masons.
Col. Stephens picked them up and saved them. He and
Maj. Thomas Bennett and Bazey Baker met under Maj.
Bennett's sign-post for several years, and made their re-
turns to the Grand Lodge. In this way they preserved
their charter.
Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, F. and A. M., of Canisteo,
has at present the following officers : H. C. Green, W.
M. ; Elias Stephens, S. W. ; Walter Craudall, J. W. ; C.
M. Coston, S. D. ; Thomas Dawson, J. D. ; H. E. Buck,
Sec. ; L. A. Waldo, Eli Soule, and C. M. Coston, Trustees.
ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN.
The following officers of Canisteo Lodge, No. 29, were
installed Monday evening, Jan. 7, 1879, for the ensuing
year, viz. : H. C. Beckwith, P. M. W. ; W. M. Crandall,
M. W. ; H. W. Johnson, G. F. ; Daniel Rice, Overseer ;
G. J. Kinney, Recorder ; R. Whitaker, Financier ; Jerry
Burnham, Receiver; James Roblee, Guide; Lewis Neely,
I. W. ; F. F. Thomas, 0. W. ; Harrison Crane, Represen-
tative to Grand Lodge ; and Smith Eason, Trustee.
MILITARY RECORD OF CANISTEO.
James Bennett, capt., Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Nov. 12, 1861.
Nathan S. Baker, 1st lieut., Co. G, 86th Eegt. ; ninst. Nov. 19, 1861.
John Fulton, 2d lieut., Co. G, 86lh Uegt.; must. Nov. 20, 1861.
Amos B. Stanton, Istsergt., Co. G, 86th Regt.; must. Oct. 7, 1861.
Russel B. Taylor, sergt., Co. G, 8Bth Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Phineua S. Baker, sergt., Co. G, S6th Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Elislia S. .tones, sergt.. Go. G, 80th Regt.; must. Oct. 7, 1861.
Harvey M. Bennett, sergt., Co. G, setli Regt. ; must. Oct. 7, 1861.
Franklin Hallett, corp., Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Lutlioi H. Pierce, Corp., Co. G, SOtli Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
William Thomas, corp., Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Hiram Crosby, corp., Co. G, 86th Regt.; must, Sept. 28, 1861.
Nathan H. Crosby, Corp., Co. O, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
David Hadley, coi-p., Co. G, 86th Kegt. ; must. Sept. 28, 18CI.
Reuben W. Millard, Corp., Co. G, 86th Regt.; must. Sept. :3U, 1861.
Lewis Burgess, private, Co. G, 86tli Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
James F. Baker, private, Cii, G, 86th Regt. ; must. Oct. 19, 1861.
Robert 0. Carr, private, Co. G, 86th Uegt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Wall.ice Chandler, private, Co. G, S6th Kegt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Hascal B. Grah.anis, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Samuel Hall, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
John Hall, private, Co. G, 86lh Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Addison Hallett, private, Co. G, 861h Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Henry Hadley, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Nathan V. Hallett, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 18G1.
Jefferson Hadley, Jr., private, Co. G, 8Gth Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
James Kilberry, private, Co. G, S6th Regt.; must. Sept. 28,1861.
George V. Mattison, private, Co. G, SGth Eogt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861.
Alexander Moore, private, Co. G, 861h Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1S61.
James A. Jones, private, Co. F, 179th Regt.; must. May 2.0, 1864.
,\ndre\v McConnell, private, Co. F, 179th Regt.; must. May 25, 1864.
Aaron R. Sherman, private, Co. F, 179lh Regt.; must. May 25, 1864.
Chauncy Foot, private, Co. F, 189th Kegt.; must. Sept. 30, 1864.
I.eander A. Pickhard, private, Co. B, 86th Regt.; must. Sept. 13, 1861.
Edwin E. Baker, private, Co. B, 86th Regt.; must. Sept. 10, 1861.
Hiram Hallett, private, Co. K, 86th Regt. ; must. .\ug. 30, 1861.
Charles K. Ordway, private, Co. K, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 10, 1861.
Fi edcrick B. Kinner, private, Co. F, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 7, 1862.
Almon W. Burrell, seigt., Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. July 31, 1862.
Merritt F. Smith, wagoner, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 12, 1862.
Charles E. Baker, private, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. July 31, 1862.
Asa M. Clark, private, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. July 31, 1862.
Sylvester Cole, private, Co. K, 107th Kegt. ; must. July 31, 1862.
Philander Dawley, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. July 31, 1862.
James Fuller, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. Aug. 8, 1862.
Edward R. Gay, private, Co. K, 107th Eegt. ; must. Aug. 13, 1862.
Ebenezer W. Helmes, private, Co. K, 107tli Kegt. ; must. July 31, 1862.
James A. Japhet, private. Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. ,\ug. 8, 1862.
Perry Nicholson, private, Co. K, 107th Kegt. ; must. July 31, 1862.
Levi B. Overhiser, private, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 13, 1862.
Martin Sago, private, Co, K, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 13, 1862.
Shelden G. Tayler, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. Aug. 8, 1862.
John Van Dyck, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. Aug. 8, 1862.
Samuel Punches, Jr., private, Co. G, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
William A. Bronson, «ipt., Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
David W. Langley, 1st sergt., Co. H, 14l8t Kegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
De Witt C. Hamilton, sergt., Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
George P. Burnham, Corp., Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Willard T. Preston, Corp., Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Edwin E. Baker, Corp., Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Charles C. Austin , private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Jeremiah Archer, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Henry Abbe, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
William Barkalow, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Joseph M. Brown, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Albert Butler, private, Co, H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Benjamin B. Buck, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
William D. Brayman, private, Co. II, 141st Kegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Matthias Converse, private, Co. H, 14]sf Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Thomas Crusen, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Jacob T. Converse, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Ezra Conrad, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1S62.
William E. Codington, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Alfred Downs, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; mu.st. Sept. 11, 1862.
Erastus Dickey, private, Co. H, 14l3t Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Alfred S. Da.scam, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt. ; muft. Sept. 11, 1862.
Warren T. Downs, private, Co. H, 141.st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
William L. Fo.\, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Jefferson Fox, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Jacob Gresa, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Joseph Howland, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt. ; mn<t. Sept. 11, 1862.
Jacob Howland, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
John Hallett, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Simeon P. Maride, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
William Moore, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Moses L. Monhart, private, Co H, 14l8t Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Erastus Preston, private, Co, H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Elisha W. Preston, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
A.lelbert Rosa, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
John Stephen, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sei't. 11, 1862.
Hardee Stephens, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
eueca Thompson, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. ^
Abraham Wampole, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Augustus Wells, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862.
Albert Colgrove, private, Co. H, 161st Regt. ; must. Sept. 18, 1862.
Tlie following men enlisted from the town of Canisteo under the several calls
of the President during the years 1S63 and 1864:
-J
FIRST CALL.
William Ellison, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
James Kilbury, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
David H. Bruce, must.Jan. 4, 1864.
/Vlf^S.C.B.Tf^AVIS.
C. B.Tf^avis.
CHARLES B. TRAVIS.
Amasa Travis, the father of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1770. Hemanied Dec.
14, 1800. Phoebe Travis, his wife, was also born in Dutchess
County, Dec. 25, 1783. Of this union were born twelve chil-
dren, three males and nine females, nine of whom lived to ma-
turity. In May, 1801, they moved to Bergen, N. J., staying
there four years ; thence to Sheshequin, Pa., where they remained
one year. At this place Charles B. Travis, their third child, was
bom, March 22, 1805. From Sheshequin they moved to Howard,
in this county, in 1806. Coming through Chimney Narrows, at
Corning, they were in great peril, their horses losing their footing
in the rapid water, which was several feet in depth on the narrow
roadway. Mrs. Travis says : " I held my babes, Charles, a year
old, and Absalom, three years, and my husband reined the horses
safely to land." They were the second family settling in
Howard, where they occupied a place which had been' in the
possession of a Mr. Hovey. He had chopped about three acres,
and had put up a log house, which had only one gable end
boarded up ; a floor had been laid, except around the fireplace ;
no ceiling, no doors. Mr. Travis had to return for another load
of goods, so they put up a quilt for a door, and rolled a barrel
on the bottom of it to keep it secure. Here she remained alone
with her babies until the return of her husband, with no neigh-
bors within miles of her. In the night scarce a sound was heard
save the shrill, piercing cry of the hungry panthers.
They stayed in this place about one year, and then removed
to Howard Flats, where they lived from 180G to 1818, twelve
years. Mrs. Travis was a woman of wonderful genius and
physical energy, and literally almost provided for and sustained
a large family by her own labor, while her husband was felling
the forest-trees and clearing a place for a home. She cut and
made the coat worn by Seth Rice, the first supervisor of the
town of Howard. Knowing her superior abilities as a spinner
and weaver. Judge Hornell said to her that if she would spin
and weave a piece of cloth to compete for a premium at Bath,
and it took the premium, he would make her a present. She
made the cloth ; it took the premium at the fair, and the judge
made her a present of a two-year-old heifer.
Mrs. Travis still resides on Travis Creek, in Canisteo, with
her daughter, in good health, at the advanced age of ninety-five
years.
Chas. B. Travis was married Jan. 28, 1834, to Sylvia Crosby,
daughter of Richard Crosby and Hannah Baker, sister of Hon.
Jeremiah Baker. This marriage was blessed with eight children,
— Solomon, Amasa, John C, Wesley, Cynthia M., Eleanor M.,
Samuel, and Nelson C.
Mrs. Hannah Travis was bom April 6, 1811. Mr. and Mrs.
Travis settled on Travis Creek, in Canisteo, in an unbroken
wilderness, and the flourishing settlement on the creek bearing
their name is the result of their hard labor — unintermitting
labor — and praiseworthy economy.
Mr. Travis and his sons now own about nine hundred acres
in the vicinity of the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Travis, in
the possession of health, enjoy the fruit of their industry on
their well-tilled farm in the pleasant valley. Both have been
consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church for over fifty years, and their house has ever been the
home of the itinerant.
Mr. Travis in early life was a Jackson Democrat, but latterly
has been identified with the Republican party.
II
TOWN OF GANISTEO.
227
Joseph Williams, must. Jan. 4, 18G4.
Samuel A.Stephens, must. Jan. 4, 1864.
Newman Harding, must. Dec. 4, 1863.
Hiram Hallett, must. Nov. 25, 1863.
Lewis J. Quant, must. Dec. 4, 1863,
Jeremiah J. Baird, must. Jan. 4, 1864.
Miles Hallett, must. Jan. 1, 1864.
David C. Osborn, must. Jan. 1, 1864.
William H. Baker, must. ,Ian. 4, 1864.
John H. Colier, must. .Ian. 5, 1864.
James A. Allen, must. Doc. 31, 1863.
Franklin Hallett, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
William G. Brady, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
Van E. Ellison, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
Oscar Swarthont, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
Nathan H. Crosby, must. Jan. 5, 1863.
John Uadley, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
John S. Campbell, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
David Longhery, must. Jan. 4, 1864.
George B. Sherman, must. Jan. 4, 1864.
Adalbert Buck, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
SECOND CALL.
Foster Gregory, must. March 14, 1864.
Luther Mattison, must. March 14, 1S64.
Wm. W. Sanford, must. April 8, 1864.
Nathan Thomas, must. Feb. 20, 1864.
Jesse Campbell, must. Dec. 31, 1863.
George W. Thomas, must. Feb. 20, 1864.
Sanford Downs, must. Dec. 17, 1SG3.
James H. Stewart, must. Feb. 22, 1864.
Homer Stewart, must. March 9, 1864.
Larry Ireland, must. Feb. 22, 1864.
James B. Chilson, must. Dec. 26, 1863.
THIRD CALL.
James S. Williams, must. May 13, 1864.
James .\rpel, must. May 13, 1864.
William Kilter, must. May 13, 1864.
William Brower, must. May 13, 1864.
Charles Brayman, must. 5Iay IG, 1864.
Oliver Clark, must. May 'J, 18G4.
George Archer, must. March Si, 18G4.
James A. James, must. March 23, 1864.
Henry Cole, must. March 10, 1SC4.
Aaron R. Shearm:in, must. March 17. 1864.
Andrew M. Cornell, must. March 14, 1864.
Wm. Armstrong, must. March ."), 1804.
J. W. Robinson, 51.D., must. March 16, 1864.
James Wood.
FOURTH CALL.
Lemnel H. Curtiss, must. Aug. 20, 1SG4; substitute.
Albert B. Baan, must. Aug. 17, 18G4; substitute.
Horace P. Butler, must. Aug. 17, 1S64 ; substitute.
Commodore Thurber, must. Aug. 19, 1864; substitute.
John H. Reynolds, must. Sept. ."?, 1864; substitute.
Albert H. Ordway, must. Sept. 20, 1864.
Ellas S. Baker, must. Sept. 27, 1864; discharged.
N. F. Rosa, must. Sept. 26, 1864.
Simeon C. Turner, must. Sept. 21, 1864.
Marshall Hallett, must. Sept. 26, 1864.
Edwin Taylor, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
William H. Marvir), must. Sept. 30, 1864.
Lorenzo B. Linsey, must. Sept. 28, 18C4.
James E. Wilson, must. Sept. 3(1, 1864.
Jesse Bovier, must. Sept. 30, 1864.
Jesse W. Yaw, must. Oct. 8, 1804.
Charles Millard, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Curtiss D. Cross, must. Sept. 21, 1864.
Truman C. Shaver, must. Sept. 21, 1864.
Hosea Brnner, must. Sept. 30, 1864.
Edwin P. Angell, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Warren Denning, must. Sept. 21, 1864.
William H. Olmsted, must. Sept. 21, 1864.
John J. Arnold, must. Sept. 21, 1864.
Cassius M. Hadley, must. Sept. 28, 1804.
Joseph Cunningham, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Wilson Robinson, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Isaac Vorhis, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Alonzo Hauler, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Milton E. Crane, must. Sept. 30, 18G4.
Argus Seram, must. Oct. 4, 1864.
Chester Monroe, must. Oct. 3, 18G4.
Michael Higgens, must. Oct. 13, 1864.
Daniel A. Griswold, must. Oct. 3, 1864.
Chauucey Foot, must. Sept. 30, 1864.
Benjamin Clark, must. Oct. 3, 1864.
Tlieodore Tourney, must. Oct. 1, 1864.
Benjamin Greeley, must. Oct. 7, 1864.
William Mathews, must. Sept. 30, 1864.
\. T. Shoemaker, must. Oct. 3, 1864.
John Gibson, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Stephen P. Marsh, must. Sept. 26, 1864.
Henry Swarthont, must. Sept. 27, 1864.
George S. Wilson, must. Sept. 27, 1864.
Jonathan Van Schover, must. Sept. 26, 1864.
Edward W. Mai-sh, must. Sept. 26, 1864.
J. M. Kauna, must. Sept. 24, 1864.
John S. Colbroth, must. Sept. 30, 1864.
John Mattison, must. Sept. 26, 1864.
Martin L. White, must. Sept. 28, 1864.
Jos. R. Wilson, must. Sept. 27, 1804.
Bloses Hurderden, must. Dec. 29, 1864.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
NATHAN STEPHENS.
Nathan Stephens was born in Harderstown, N. J., Dec.
8, 1783.
According to history, Henry Stephens, whose father,
Nicholas, was an officer in Oliver Cromwell's army, after
the death of the " Protector" emigrated to America, first
settling in Stonington, Conn., 1G60, with his two brothers,
Thomas and Richard.
The line of descent from Henry Stephens to Jedediah
Stephens, the first settler of this branch of the Stephens
fiimily in the Canisteo Valley, is as follows: (1) Henry;
(2) Henry ; (3) Jedediah ;* (4) Jedediah 2d, the first set-
tler of Steuben County of thi.s branch; born May 11,
1757, at Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn., married in Goshen,
Orange Co., N. Y., to Abigail Corey, Jan. 1, 1778 ; was a
volunteer soldier of the Revolutionary war and served six
years; was in the Indian battle of Wyoming, July 3, 1778,
where his brother, Rufus, was killed. He owned a farm at
Wyoming; was taken prisoner by the Peunamites, under
Gen. Plunket, but after a few days released.
In May, 17tM», with his wife and family of five children,
Abigail, Silas, Nathan, Sylvina, and Cynthia, removed from
Wyoming and settled on lot No. 10, in the town of Canis-
teo, on the place now owned by his grandson, Joshua C.
Stephens, the property having been in the flimily since.
He purchased six hundred acres of timbered land, some
fifty acres of which he cleared prior to his death, Jan. 26,
1830. He was a man of little book knowledge, but pos-
sessed of much native ability, and upon settling in the neW
country was soon recognized as a worthy citizen. While
Canisteo belonged to Ontario County, in 1793-94 he rep-
resented his town as supervisor. In early life he was a
member of the Congregational Church. About 1800 he
became a member of the Methodist Church, and from 1812
to the time of his decease, was a local preacher of that
denomination.
* Jedediah Stephens, Sr., married Mary Ralhbone. Their children
were Joshua; Anna, born March 17, 1753; Eunice, born June 12,
1755; Jedediah, born May 11, 1757 ; Ira, born July 18, 1759; Rufus,
born May 2, 1762 ; Sylvania, born Jan. 14, 1764; Nathan, born Aug.
4, 1766; Cynthia, born Sept. 26, 1768.
Joshua Stephens married Oct. 27, 1767, Christiana Dutcher: Anna
Stephens married Jeremiah Baker, Sr.; Eunice Stephens married Elijah
Rude; Jedediah Stephens married Jan. 1, 1778, Abigail Cory; Ira
Stephens married Sibyl Ransom; Cynthia Stephens married Francis
Saturlee.
228
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
His sixth child, Olive, born Nov. 10, 1790, in Canisteo,
was the first white child born in Steuben County. The
other children born here were Joshua, Hila, and Pamela.
The mother died Aug. 28, 1825.
Nathan Stephens, familiarly called Capt. Nathan Ste-
phens, was seven years of age when the family came to this
valley; was brought up to know and experience all the hard-
ship of the pioneer; was married May 14, 1804, to Rachel
Gilbert, of Addison (her father, Elisha Gilbert, being one
of the first settlers of that town), and for some eight years
resided in that town, on what was known as the Gilbert
estate, now owned by Col. Henry Baldwin. The remain-
der of his life was spent on the old homestead in Canisteo,
where he erected commodious buildings and made many
other improvements, among which was the " Methodist
The father died April 3, 1862 ; the mother having died
Feb. 7, 1850.
Joshua C. Stephens, youngest son, born May 30, 1816,
received a fair education in the common school, in Howard
and Alfred Academies ; was a teacher for several terms. Aug.
3, 1845, he married Hannah, daughter of Harris Abbe, of
Howard. She was born Sept. 30, 1823, in Enfield, Conn.,
from which place her parents removed about 1800, and
settled in Howard about 1825. Their children are Ira G.,
James A., Harris M., Nathan J., Mrs. James H., Stewart,
of Howard, Emma H., and Mary M.
He has resided on the old homestead his whole life and
carried on farming, and to some extent has carried on lum-
bering. He has been closely allied to the best interests of
his town, and ever interested in all its local improvements,
^^/-/^C^H^
t^^
tavern," which he assisted his father in building. He was
a staunch member of the Democratic party, and cast his
first vote for President of the United States for Thomas
Jefi'erson.
He was elected to fill many offices in his town, was town
clerk for several terms, and also school commi.ssioner, and in
the interest of education was a strong and able advocate,
and did much to forward its progress. Although a farmer,
he was very fond of hunting and trapping, and it was esti-
mated that for thirty years of his life lie averaged to kill
one hundred deer annually.
His children are Elisha G., Jedediah H. M., Ebenezer
C, Franklin D., and Joshua C, all living, and all residents
of Steuben County except the third son, who is a resident
of Allegany County.
— the education of the young and good society. Educated
in the Democratic party, of which his grandfather was an
unswerving member, he has been a somewhat active exponent
of its principles. Many years ago he was school inspector
of the town, subsequently, about 1850, town superintendent
of schools, and has been town clerk and supervisor for
several terms. In 1842 he became a member of the Morning
Star Lodge, No. 65, Canisteo ; his father and grandfather
having been among the founders of that lodge. In 1854 he
was appointed Eminent Commander of the Edwards Com-
mandary, at Hornellsville, now called De Molay Command-
ery, No. 22, which position he held for some two years. His
connection with Masonry has been continuous since he first
became a member, having been called during that time to
fill various official positions in the several bodies.
fvfRs John CAf?TER.
John Carter.
.^. - ik
I .,'j'._;;-SH.. .1- Jb.,
RESIDtNCt OF JOHN CARTER, CaniSTELO, N Y
TOWN OP CATON.
229
JOHN CARTER
was born in Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1821.
His father, Anthony Carter, was a native of Vermont, born
Oct. 19, 1787; married Rachel Teter, — born in Tompkins
Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1791,— Aug. 19, 1807, and settled
in Tompkins Co., N. Y., with his parents about 1816.
The family, on account of famine in Vermont, left that
State, oro-ssed Lake Champlain on the ice, and with a very
small amount of money, as the result of the sale of their
property, finally settled in their new home in the far west,
and were among the pioneers of Tompkins County.
Her father, Peter Teter, came from New Jersey, was
about the first settler of Lansing, that county, built the
first mill, owned a large tract of land, became wealthy, and
died where he first settled on coming to the county. Both
grandfatliers, Anthony Carter and Peter Teter, were soldiers
of the Revolutionary war.
Anthony Carter was next youngest of five children of
the Carter family, settled in the town of Greenwood, 1830,
where the family resided nine years, and came to Canisteo,
purchasing, on Bennett Creek, two miles south of the vil-
lage, some one thousand and thirty-three acres of land, most
of which still remains in the family.
He followed lumbering for many years of his life prior
to, and after coming to, Steuben County ; was an active,
enterprising, and thrifty business man. He was a man
characterized for his generosity, and did much in the early
days of the settlement of Greenwood to assist those nidre
in need of the comforts of life than his own family. He
died Dee. 8, 1857. His wife died April 7, 18(13.
Their children are Peter, Mrs. Uriah Douglass, Mrs.
William Laiigley, Mrs. George Brown, Daniel John, Mrs.
Alvali Davis, Anthony, Calvin, Mrs. Lewis Cornell, Mrs.
James Fuller, George W., and Mrs. Hamilton Bartlett.
John Carter remained at home until he was twenty-four
years of age, and worked on the farm and in the saw-mill.
His opportunities for book knowledge were very limited,
but his subsequent life has fully demonstrated the fiict that
education does not all come from books, necessary economy,
privation, and self-reliance often laying the foundation for
opulence and a wide field of intelligence, reading, and
knowledge.
In 1844, October 13, he married Catherine, daughter
of Erastus and Mary Stephens, of Canisteo. Her father
was grandson of Uriah Stephens, the first settler of the Can-
i.steo Valley. She was born May 22, 1826.
For twenty-five years after his marriage, Mr. Carter
carried on farming and lumbering, on a part of the farm
settled by his father in Canisteo, and in 1870 removed to
the village, where he has been engaged in erecting dwelling-
houses, some of which are among the most substantial and
elegant residences in the village. His life has been one of
constant activity, and to such enterprising and resolute mten
as he Canisteo owes its business-like and thrifty appearance.
His fine hotel block, the most elegant building in the vil-
lage, is shown on another page of this work.
Mr. Carter has given his life strictly to business, never
accepting the honors of office or its emoluments. He is
interested in the education of the rising generation, and a
liberal supporter of that and kindred interests. He is a
member of the Republican party, and encourages all enter-
prises of rei'orm and local improvement in the village and
town. Their children are William T., Erastus A., Addio
A., Eva, and Mary L.
—<r ~) ''gCSu I ( II
C A T O ^.
QENBRAL DESCRIPTION.
Caton was formed from Painted Post, under the name
of " Wormly," on the 28th of March, 1829. On the 3d
of April, 1840, it was changed to its present name. It is
the southeast corner town of the county. Its surface is
elevated, quite level, and less broken by deep valleys than
any other town of the county, there being but a few small
streams, flowing northward. The extensive forests of this
town have aflorded large quantities of lumber. Upon some
of the highest hills is found a coarse, silicious conglomerate,
which forms the bed of the coal measures. The soil is
chiefly a clayey and shaly loam.
SETTLEMENT.
Joseph and Charles Wolcott made a temporary settlement
in this town in 1814; but Isaac Rowley, from Bradford
Co., I'a., who located here in 1819, seems to have been the
first permanent settler. Stephen and Simeon llurd settled
in the town in 1821, Solomon Tarboxin 1822, and E. P.
Babcock, Edward Bobbins, and Henry Miner in 1823 ; Ab-
ner Gilbert, E. Robbins, and Elias P. Babcock purchasing
4000 acres in the southeast part of the town, and Mr. Gil-
bert erecting a .saw-mill at the outlet of the marsh the same
year.
In 1824 a few men from the more eastern counties —
among whom were P]phraim Hill, Levi and Willis Gridley
came, with their families, into the heavy-timbered hills of Ca-
ton, and located themselves among all the wild surroundings
of a backwoods life, taking at random their future farms,
where now their sons and grandsons are living the posses-
sors of well-tilled acres and surrounded with the homes of
industrious neighbors. The rough roads by which they
came have been changed to good, broad highways, leadinsr
past the modern farm-hou.ses which have replaced the log
house of the pioneer. The descendants of Mr. Hill are
now widely known as among the leading men of the town
230
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and are intimately connected witli its liistory. The arrival
of Amos Hamlin on the south border, near Lindley, in
182(5, and Culunel Isaac Thompson, in 1827, opened a set-
tlement in the beautiful little valley of Cram's Creek.
These (lid men have long since passed away, but their sons
still inlua'it the lands as well as energy of their fathers,
John Thompson having made of the old Thompson home-
stead one of the best and most productive farms in the
town His residence is surrounded by a beautiful grove of
maples, and commodious farm-buildings please the eye.
Ira C. Hamlin, son of Amos Hamlin, is one of the most
energetic business men of Lawrenceville, Pa., though still
living upon the old homestead. On the southeast hill, near
the centre of the town, live Orlando Emerson and the sons
of Stephen L. Gregory, in modern farmliou.ses overlooking
the (juiet little village of Caton Centre, on the land tlieir
father, Dr. Gregory, settled upon when in 1825 he came
from Chenango County to the " West" of that day, looking
for a new home in which to develop his restrained ambition.
Elias P. Babcock, one of the purchasers of the 4000-aere
tract in the southeast part of the town in 1822, has passed
away. His son, Henry L., a man of wealth and enterprise,
still owns the old farm into which Caton Centre has crowded
half its houses, and his grandson, eTulien Babcoek, conducts
the store in which, in 1819, W. D. Gilbert .sold the first
goods in a village of two houses and a thinly-settled farm-
ing community as a doubtful venture. Mr. Gilbert retired
from business several years ago, but is still a moving spirit,
though venerable with age. From the old families of Caton
are descended many of the leading business men of Corn-
ing and the surrounding villages, whose success speaks well
for their early training.
George Buuher and Benoni Johnson were here as early
as 1823, and Rufus Howe. Ephraim Hill jilanted the fir.st
fruit-trees, bringing with him some plum-trees in an old
churn.
In 1820, Eli Gridley, Amos Bimham, George Thurher,
and Amos Lewis — who said he lived in "No. 1, in the
brier-patch!" — came. Mr. Lewis was a great bee-hunter,
and, as bee-trees were plenty in the woods, made himself
known and welcomed.
In 1827, Col. Isaac Thompson settled in the southeast,
near the Lindley line.
In 1835, Rev. Arthur VVcscott and his brother Horace
came from Chenango County, and located for themselves
and their brother George ; but when he came, two years
after, with his fiimily, Jlr. Herrick had had the smallpox
in his cabin, and he refused to occupy the place.
In 1832, Frederick Barnard and Gershom Wilcox came,
with their families, and erected a frame house, near the
Corning line, in twenty days, and Mr. Barnard erected a
saw-mill at onee. In a letter written back, Oct. 23, 1832,
he says he has working for him Samuel Gorton, James Gor-
ton, Dick Clark, two Dills, J. Wood, Rowe, Hurd, Gregory,
and Gilbert, and speaks of them as " a noisy set of fellows."
John Rowe opened the farm near the old Baptist church
at a very early day.
Shepard Hurd was the first child born in town. Oliver
Woodworth and Elizabeth Hurd were the first couple mar-
ried. Joseph Toby was an early settler.
Samuel Wormlj- kept the first tavern and post-office, on
the Neals [)lace, where were formerly the four corners.
W. D. Gilbert opened the first store, in 1849, when there
were but two hou.ses in the " Centre." He said, " They all
weiit to bed as soon as it became dark, and he had no night
trade."
Several years after the mill was built ague became preva-
lent, and the people, believing the cause to be damming the
marsh, — which was a level bed of swamp a quarter of a
mile in width and extending south some three miles, and
covered with a forest of balsam and white ash, — ^complained
until the dam was opened. As the clearings became older
and more developed, the ague ceased to exist.
Orchards were planted early, Mr. Hill putting out 100
apple-trees the year after his arrival, 1825, and others
following his example.
In 1S24 there were but three spans of horses in the
town. A trip to Corning — seven miles — had to be made
over the hills, con.suming a full day to go and return.
But few residents were scattered about the town, and
farming was hard work. Game was a necessity rather than
a luxury, and what was raised was well earned. The first
corn raised was backed to the old ■' pound-mill" at Painted
Post. Often children would sit up waiting for the return
and a supper of new corn, or the eldest boys would sally
forth with rifle to meet father and keep oif the wolves, which
were numerous long after the settlement began, but were
vigorously hunted for the $40 bounty.
James Davison was an early settler. Charles, his son, a
resolute farmer, is remembered by the old settlers as the
champion wolf-slayer, he continuing to follow them, with
unerring aim, until they disappeared, — he at one time kill-
ing six, and at another following a single wolf until he
had run it down.
The early settleis came poor, working on the river for
corn and provisions; then for themselves, clearing while
their supplies lasted ; holding logging-bees, in which all
joined, until a few acres were cleared for each.
The vicinity of Caton Centre was originally covered
with a variety of hard timber, the hill west being a dense
growth of tall, straight beeches, covering the ground with
nuts in autumn. Maple-sugar was, and still is, an impor-
tant source of reveime to the farmers of Caton. Shingle-
making was extensively carried on with profit, if the maker
did not suffer loss in rafting to market. Then the travel-
ing "shingle weaver," with his axe, froe, saw, and rifle,
would steal his way into some secluded cluster of pines, erect
a roof against some upturned tree, and with his solitary
companion spend the season shaving shingles, living on the
proceeds of his rifle. When done, he would knock the
prop from his roof, and set the pile of shavings and the
woods on fire to blacken the .stumps and destroy the proof
of his clandestine labors.
Flax was raised in those days, and every daughter taught
to spin and weave. Cows and oxen ran at large in the woods,
subsisting through the season on mosses and twigs. A few
years before the settlement, say the " old men," worms in
large numbers killed the hemlocks on tlie highlands, and
the woods soon became filled with dead trees, which con-
tinued falling as they rotted or were blown over.
CKoro? gy LVAHS
PHILIP flUBBAI^D
JVIRS PHILIP fHUBBAI^D
RESIDENCE or PHILIP flUBBARD, Caton, Steuben Co n y
i
TOWN OF CATON.
231
The first >;rist-mill was built by A. B. Breese, pievious
to 1832.
Christopher Deyo cauie from Greene County to Caton in
1847. His only living son, Alonzo Deyo, a prominent
citizen and wealthy farmer, who has done much to advance
the interests of his town, occupies a fine residence overlook-
ing Caton Centre and the valley below.
Dr. Gregory came from Chenango County in 1S26, and
settled on the Robbins tract, with his sons, conducting an
ashery for several years, making pot and pearl ashes, and
supplying the surrounding country with sateratus, or its
equivalent. Stephen G. Gregory was one of the early post-
masters.
In 1842, Dexter Davis, from Orange, Mass., brought
the first steam-engine into the town, building a saw-mill
and pail-factory in the heavy pines just above the Barnard
settlement, employing some thirty hands, and conducting
for some years the heaviest manufacturing business in the
vicinity of Corning.
For years Caton was known only as " Number One,"
that being its designation in the old survey ; but after
Samuel Wormley's tavern was opened, it became known as
Wormley, that name being held after the first town election.
The name of Caton was derived from that of Kichard
Caton, who, with Edward Carroll, of Carrollton, Md., one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was one
of its original land-owners.
The only settlement of note in Caton is Caton Centre,
near the centre of the town, and seven miles from Corning.
It contains three stores, post-office, shoe- and wagon-shop,
jewelry -store, Grange Hall, two churches, two blacksmith-
shops, a saw-mill, and over fifty residences. Barnard's
Mill settlement consists of the usual clu.ster of eight or ten
residences, and necessary shops about the mill.
ORGANIZATION.
At the first annual town-meeting of the town of Worm-
ley (now Caton), held at the house of Russell Stanton on
the 11th day of February, 1840, the following persons
were elected : Supervisor, Amos Lewis ; Town Clerk, Or-
lando Gregory ; Assessors, John Gillett, Russell Stanton,
Zimri B. Robbins ; Commissioners of Highways, Amos
Bonham, Joseph P. Brooks, Horace Wescott ; Commis-
sioners of Common Schools, Abram D. Kinney, Amzi
English, Joshua Russell; Inspectors of Schools, Naboth C.
Babcock, Henry L. Babcock, Henry Stanton; Poormasters,
John Griswold, John Spencer; Collector, Thomas Brooks;
Constables, Smith Spencer, Josiah B. Bailey, Harvey C.
Howe ; Justices, Israel Woodworth, Jacob Robbins, George
Wescott, Naboth C. Babcock.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
1840. Amos Lewis.
1841. .John Gillett.
1842. Naboth C. Babcock.
1843. John Gillett.
1844. Jauics L. Whitney.
1845.
184(1. Amzi English.
1847. Orlanclo Gregory.
1848. " "
Town Clerks.
Orlando Gregory.
Abram Hawvcr.
Collectors.
Thomas Brooks.
James L. Whitney.
Henry L. Babcock.
.Josiah B. Hiley.
Harry C. Howe.
VVilliaui Boyer.
J. B. Rilev.
1S49.
1850.
1851.
1S52.
185:i.
1854.
1855.
1S56.
1857.
1858.
lS5y.
18(10.
ISCil.
18(12.
I8(i:j.
1804.
1865.
186(>.
1867.
1868.
ISO!).
1870.
1871.
1872.
187.3.
1874.
1875.
187U.
1877.
1878.
Supervisors.
Henry D. Smith.
Christian Minier.
James Lawrey.
(t ii
H. D. Smith.
C. Minier.
D. Clinton Weslcott.
P. H. Brown.
William D. Gilbert.
C. JMinier.
Town Clerks.
Romeo Recfl.
Orliinilo Gregory.
Wm. D. (}ilhert.
S. C. Skinner.
Wm. D. Gilbert,
(jeorge Sage. Jr.
W. D. Gilbert.
T. S. Wolcott.
L. G. .Johnson.
H. E. Gilbert.
W. 1). Gilbert.
P. II. Brown.
Geo. W. Brown.
C. Minier. Albert Gridley.
William D. Gilbert. Osceola Gilbert.
C. J. Minier.
J. n. Rathbun.
Levi Force.
Edwin C. English.
Alonzo Deyo.
Abram J. Whilncy
Dubois Schutt.
G. W. Brown.
Wm. D. Gilbert.
Harrison Howe.
Wm. D. Gilbert.
S. G. "N'easie.
George W. Brown.
Julian Babcock.
Wm. P. Howe (3d).
W. 0. Matteson.
(Atllectors.
.lohn W. Sawyer.
Jonas Johnson.
John E. Wolcott.
William H. Brace.
John W. Sawyer.
Harry N. Howe.
.lohn E. Wolcott.
Juliu.s M. Lewis.
Hiram Sanday.
Chas. N. Wolcott.
E. Deyo Niver.
G. W. Hill.
Alonzo Deyo.
George W. Brown.
E. C. English.
John B. Rathbun.
Harrison Howe.
Victor Kennan.
Lewis Wolcott.
William M. AVolcott.
Farnsworth Gorton.
Burtis B. Reed.
Joseph N, Thurber.
S. G. Vezie.
E. G. Woodward.
Eli L. Gridley.
.JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1840.
Israel Woodworth.
1859.
William A. Brown
Jacob Robbins.
1860.
Able Rose.
George Wescott.
1861.
W. D. Gilbert.
Naboth C. Babcock.
1862.
Pierce Ilerrick.
1841.
Jacob Robbins.
Daniel Davis.
Naboth C. Babcock.
1863.
Levi Force.
1842.
Naboth C. Babcock.
1864.
Daniel Davis.
1843.
Amos Bonham.
1865.
Wm. D. Gilbert.
1844.
George Wescott.
C. Minier.
1845.
Benoni Johnson.
1866.
.Tesse Buchanan.
1846.
James L. Whitney.
1867.
Alonzo Deyo.
1847.
John Gillett.
1868.
Daniel Davis.
1848.
Christian Minier.
1869.
L. B. Smith.
1849.
Benoni Johnson.
1870.
Daniel Hitt.
1850.
James L. Whitney.
1871.
A. Deyo.
1851.
N. C. Babcock.
Wm. D. Gilbert,
1852.
C. Minier.
1872.
Daniel Davis.
1863.
Benoni Johnson.
1873.
Wm. D. Gilbert.
1854.
John Gillett.
1874.
Daniel Hitt.
1S55.
James L. Whitney.
1875.
Alonzo Deyo.
1856.
S. H. Smith.
1876.
Alonzo Day.
1857.
E. W. Fuller.
1877.
W. 0. Matteson.
1858
R. B. Cole.
1878.
Osceola Gilbert.
1859
C. Minier.
CHURCHES.
The first church in this town was the Presbyterian, they
holding service and organizing a Sunday-school in 1824.
They continued to hold the meetings in Gilbert's mill and
H. D. Smith's barn several seasons, until 1833, when their
church was completed. Rufus Howe, his son William, and
Stephen L. Gregory, built the church. Rev. Benjamin
Harron was the first settled pastor. In the absence of a
preacher Deacons Ephraim Hill or Edward Robbins would
read a sermon. Rev. David Harrower, Rev. Mr. Higgins,
Rev. Dr. Joshua B. Graves, and Rev. Mr. Jones were
pa.stors. Levi Gridley was also one of the first deacons.
Titus Smith and wife, jMis. Ephraim Hill, sou and daugli-
232
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ter, and Mrs. Benoni Johnson were among the first mem-
bers. The organization ceased to exist about 1854.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
William and Martha Hubbard, who came to Caton in
1831, were the first Methodists in the town. Thomas
Wheat, a local preacher, formed the first class, in the year
1833, in the old East school-house (now No. 4), where the
first meetings were held. The first members were William
and Martha Hubbard, Elizabeth Hubbard, Lewis Gridley,
Julia Grifiin, Priscilla Darrow (colored). Afterwards,
Amos Bonham, James Davison, Elias Babcock, Enos
Smith and wife, Amzi Enjilish and wife, William and Jesse
Harrison became members. In 1838 their meetings were
held in the North school-house, on the corner of Salter
Steele's (now Philip Hubbard's) farm. Rev. Chandler
Wheeler preaching Wednesday evenings once in two weeks.
Afterwards, meetings were held in Elias Babcock's wagon-
house. In 1839 meetings were held in the Presbyterian
church.
After a powerful revival under Chandler Wheeler, in
1838, the old Methodist Episcopal church was commenced.
It was occupied as a place of worship in 1840, but was not
dedicated until 1842, 0. Trowbridge, pastor. Enos Smith,
Amzi English, and Lewis Gridley were the building com-
mittee, who, with Amos Bonham, secured subscriptions.
Levi Toby gave the church land.
The new church was dedicated Jan. 16, 1868, Rev.
Henry Harpst, pastor. It cost $6100.
Since the first class was organized, in 1833, thirty-four
preachers, with their assistants, have successively proclaimed
the gospel here. Six years of pioneer work in school-houses,
one year in the old Presbyterian church, twenty-eight in the
old Methodist Episcopal church, and nine in the new, make
up the forty-four years of our history.
Pastors from 1832 to 1878.— Joseph Pearsall, 1832;
Joseph Chatraan, 1833 ; Wm. Hosmer, 1835 ; Nathan
Fellows, 1835 ; Marshall St. Johns, 1835 ; Ira Bronson,
1836 ; Noble Palmeter, 1836 ; Ira Bronson, 1837 ; S. M.
Gorton, 1837. Place of meeting, the old East school-
house, now No. 4.
Chandler Wheeler, 1838 ; Chas. Davis, 1838. North
school-house. First church begun.
Ambrose Abbott, 1839. In Presbyterian church.
Chas. S. Davis, 1840 (old church occupied) ; A. Hard,
1841 ; C. L. Brown, 1841 ; 0. Trowbridge, 1842 (old
church dedicated) ; I. V. Mapes, 1843 ; E. B. Fuller,
1'844 ; E. E. Chambers, 1846 ; Chas. Nash, 1846 ; T. B.
Hudson, 1847 ; John Wiley, 1847 ; Alva Jones, 1848
(Caton a station); Job Golden, 1849; A. H. ShurtlefF,
1850; Curtis Graham, 1851 (first parsonage bought);
Levi Wood, 1852; J. Jerolamon, 1854; Stephen Merritt,
1856 ; J. Everett, 1857 ; Chas. Bush, 1859 ; H. AVisner,
1861 ; J. Robinson, 1863; J. H. Austin, 1864; H. Row-
land, 1866; H. Harpst, 1867 (present parsonage bought);
S. H. Auldridge,"1869; J. Jerolamon, 1872; M. F. De
Witt, 1873; Wm. W. Hunt, 1875; J. B. Bradbury,
1876-78.
The earliest preachers are spoken of as valiant, earnest
men, and were warmly welcomed in their semi-monthly
visits. They then had large circuits, much travel and
labor, with little salary. The local interests were carried
forward by the class-leader, who was then the real pastor,
while the preacher hurried from place to place, scattering
the gospel seed as he went. There are six classes formed
in various parts of the town, under separate leaders. Pres-
ent membership, about 200.
Class- Leaders. — N. D. Davis, Henry Farran, E. Hill,
Arad Hunt, L. R. Wheeler, R. Emory.
Stewards. — Henry Russell, H. Davenport, Jas. Gilbert,
B. L. Gregory, Earl Hill, Frank Howe, Jonas Johnson,
Arad Hunt, Jas. Marcy.
District Steward. — Bruce L. Gregory.
Recording Steward. — Jonas Johnson.
Tnistees.—N. D. Davis, Geo. Brown, T. Rhodes, E. Hill,
H. Davenport.
President of the Board. — N. D. Davis.
Clerk. — Geo. Brown.
Treasurer. — Thomas S. Rhodes.
Rev. Arthur Wescott was a missionary worker ready to
go anywhere, and in his earnest, vigorous way drawing large
audiences, and leaving a name never to be forgotten. He
preached in Caton from 1835 until his death in 1870.
THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
has a class of some 15 members, at Barnard's Mill, which
was organized in 1865, and is supplied from Lindley and
Gibson. Class-Leader, Justus Reed ; Stewards, Mrs. John
Havens, Lewis Wood.
THE CATON BAPTIST CHURCH.
This cliurch was organized at the house of Nelson Wol-
cott, Aug. 23, 1832, as the First Baptist Church of Painted
Post. Among the first members were Thomas, Ebenezer
A., Betsey, and Betsey Ann Miller, Nelson, Charles, and
Mrs. J^lizabeth Wolcott, Russell and Eunice Stanton, Syl-
vester and Ada Martin, Philo Rowley, W. E. Brace, Anna
Champlin, Catherine Butcher, Lois Babcock, Lucy Berry,
Abigail J. Brown, and Sarah Babcock. First Trustees,
Elias R. Babcock, Charles Wolcott, Ebenezer A. Miller.
The pastors were supplied from other charges for a number
of years. Among the regular pastors are for 1841, Rev.
W. A. Brown ; 1843-47, 1. Woodworth ; 1849, N. Prince ;
1853, W. Jones; 1854, D. T. Lock wood ; 1856, N.
Prince; 1857-63, S. M. Brookman ; 1864, J. H. Miles;
1867-70, S. D. Merrick; 1872-73, A. Dickinson. William
Sharp, the present pastor, settled in 1874. Present Trus-
tees, William B. Miller, James Davison, John Ford.
Deacons, William B. Miller, Orrin Gridley, Dubois Schutt,
Edmond Strouse. Pre.sent membership, 86. Mrs. Wolcott,
aged eighty-seven, is the only one of the original members
now living. In 1842 the church was made a separate
charge. The first church was located on the brow of the
hill west, overlooking the village, its location being still
marked by the old cemetery where many of its earlier
members have been gathered to rest. The present building
was erected in 1852, and is valued at 14000.
<2^(^^^nn, fJA/E:y-
The paternal grandparent of John Gillett, tlie
subject of tlii.s sketcli, was a native of C'onnecticut,
and married, Nov. 14, 1754, Abigail Hough, and
had a family of nine children, of whom Joseph, the
father of Captain John Gillett, was born in Connecti-
cut also, and in youth removed to near New Lebanon
Springs; then settled in Steuben County, then Painted
Post, now Corning, previous to his marriage. He
was among the very early pioneers of this county.
He married Miss Catherine, daughter of Aaron and
Catherine Hunt, of Wyoming, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1795.
Miss Hunt was born April 20, 1778, and Joseph
Gillett was born Dec. 8, 1771. Of this union nine
children were born, of whom Captain John was tlie
second son and third child. Captain Joseph was a
farmer by occupation. He was one of the promi-
nent men of Painted Post ; was magistrate for some
fourteen consecutive years, also supervisor of the
town. He was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and acted
in the capacity of captain. He was wounded in one
of the engagements, and was brought home. He
died Sept. 29, 1848, and his wife died Oct. 18, 1841.
Captain John Gillett was born in the old town of
Painted Post, four miles from Corning, toward
Elmira, Nov. 15, 1801. He lived with his parents
until he was about twenty, Avhen he married Miss
Betsey Butcher, daughter of George Butcher, of
Luzerne Co., Pa., Dec. 14, 1821. John learned the
ii-unsmitli trade when a boy. Mrs. John Gillett was
born Jan. 5, 1794. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs.
Gillett eight children were born, viz. : George, Wil-
liam, Sarah H., Mary E., Catherine E., George (1st),
Joseph, and Rhoda M. Of these, George (1st),
Sarah H., Catherine E., and Joseph are dead. Mrs.
Gillett died July 18, 1869, and Mr. Gillett married
his present wife Sept. 16, 1877. Captain John came
into Caton in 1822, and settled May 9, 1823, and
is one of the oldest settlers of the town, and is living
on the same farm he settled on at that early day.
He formerly was a Democrat, but of late years he
has been identified with the Republican party. Ho
has been justice of the peace for eight years, and
supervisor for one term, and assessor for eight years ;
in fact, he has held nearly all the important offices
of his town. For more than fifty years he was pilot
dowu tiie Ciiemung and Susquehanna, and was con-
sidered one of the best on these rivers, but his prin-
cipal business has been farming. He still resides
on the " Old Home" where he settled in 1823. He
has been one of the leading farmers of Caton, and a
man highly respected by those who know him. His
present wife is a native of New Jersey, and settled in
Steuben County in 1851.
Mr. Gillett's two wives iiave been members of tiie
Baptist Church, and Mr. Gillett a regular attendant
on the same. He was chorister for many years.
TOWN OF CATON.
233
MILITARY RECORD OP CATON.
Gilltert, Osceola, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; discli.
Jiinei:^, 18G5.
Taggart, Nathaniel, private^ Hist Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
disch. Nov. 24, 1863, for disability.
Cleaver, William Henry, corporal, 107tli Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three
years ; disch. Jan. 14, 1865.
Smith, Emory Osgood, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; discli. Nov. 14. 1862.
Smith, Thompson Lewis, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, three
years ; discharged.
Lomiller, Joseph, pnvate, I6th H. Art., Co. C; enl. Dec. 30, 1863, three years;
wounded Oct. 7, 1864, at City Point, Va.; died Dec. 27, 18G4.
Veazee, Arthur, private, 107th luf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three years;
wounded May 2.3, 1864, at Dallas, Ga., disch. June 16, 1865.
Babcock, Wilson Humphrey, private, 107th Inf., Co. A ; enl. July 16, 1862, three
years; disch. June 16, 1865.
Smith, Hezekiah Samuel, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. for two years.
Smith, Henry Putnam, private, 107th Regt., Co. A ; enl. July 16, 1862, three
years; died at Bolivar Heights, Oct. 13, 1862.
Everetts, John Sitmnel, private, lo7th Inf., Co. I ; enl. June 16, 1862, three
yeai-s ; disch. July 24, 1865.
Gilbert, James Abner, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; eul. Oct. 16, 1861, two years;
disch. May 23, 18(i3.
Gilbert, Dennis Kingsley, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. Oct. 16, 1861, two years;
disch. May 23, 1863.
Hubbard, Wilbur Fisk, private, 141st luf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 27, 18G2, three
years ; died March 27, 1863.
Gregory, Seelye Dwight, private, 50th Eng.. Co. H; enl. Aug. 2i, 1862, three
years; died Oct. 11, 1864.
Pew, Richard, private, 10" th Inf., Co. A; en). July 16, 1862, three years; taken
prisoner; disch. June 16, 1865.
Ham, Darin-i Daniel, private, 50th Eug., Co. H; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years;
disch. Sept. 20, 1864.
Gorton, Farnsworth, private, 1st Pa. Res., Co. A ; enl. May 25, 1861, three years ;
wounded June 30, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 4, 1862.
Russell, John Emory, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three years;
disch. June 29, 1865.
Miller, Horace Winchester, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three
years; pro. to corporal, Jan. 1, 1862; to sergt., 1863.
Howe, Harrison, private, 141st Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
disch. June 26, 1865.
Guliver, Clark Davis, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years;
re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; pro. to corporal, Feb. 17, 1865; discli.
June 13, 1SG5.
Guliver, Geo. Washington, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three
years; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; disdi. June 13, 1865.
Jacobs, Edgar, private, 50th Eng.; en!. Jan. 4, 1864, three yeare.
Wescott, Charles Byron, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Cragle, William, private, 50th Eng. ; eul. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Worden, Seth M., private, 14th H. Art.; enL Dec. 29, 1863, three years; killed
at Cold Harbor.
Hooker, Orin, private, 16th H. Art. ; enl. .Ian. 5, 1864, three years.
Futy, Patrick John, private, lUth Cav. ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years; taken
prisoner at Grove Church and sent to Libby prison. May 11, 1864; pa-
roled; died, place unknown.
Reynolds, George, private, 10th Cav. ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years; disch. in
1865 for disability.
Reynolds, Henry, private, 10th Cav.; enl. Feb. 12, 1S63, three years; taken
prisoner at Grove Church and sent to Libby prison. May 11, 1864; paroled
Jan., 1865.
Tobes, Henry, private, 10th Cav.; enl. Mar. 31, 1863, three years.
Brown, James H., private, 179th Inf; enl. Mar. 31, 1863, three years.
Cam, James, private, 179th Inf.; enl. Mar. 31, 1863, three years.
Moon, Marcus, private, 179th Inf ; enl. Mar. 30, 1863, three yeara.
King, Heekman, private, 179th Itif ; enl. Mar. 30, 1863, three years.
Macier, John, private, 179th Inf.; enl. April 11, 18G3, three years.
Stevens, William, private, 179th Inf. ; eid. April 13, 1863, three years.
Morse, Rubert, private, 179tli Inf; enl. April 13, 1863, three years.
Cox, Frank D., private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years.
Cox, Worden, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; died
at Washington, Oct. 5, 1864.
Force, Henry Dickerman, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three
years; disch. June 28, 1865,
Fos, George, private, 16l8t Inf.; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, three years; sub. fur Ed-
gar H .
Brown, Levi Sarth, private, 16l8t Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year.
Burley, Reamer, private, 16l3t Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year.
Osborne, George B., 14th H. Art.; enl, Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
Collins, John, private; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, three years; sub. for Henry M.
Du ryea.
McCarthy, Thomas, private ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, three years ; sub. for Christopher
E. L .
Silvana, James H., private; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, three years; sub. for Abrani J.
Whitney.
30
Wheeler, Minar, private, 16Ist Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept.l2, 1864, one year; disch.
July 31,1865.
Bnrrell, Francis, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year.
Short, Gideon, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year.
Booth, Amasiah, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year.
Bissell, William H., private, 4th Cav. ; enl. Sept. 23, 1864, one year.
Williams, James, private ; enl. Sept. 23, one year; sub. for Levi Force.
Ogle, John, private, 3d Cav. ; enl. Sept. 23, 1864, one year.
Moon, John, 16lst Inf; enl. Sept. 12, one year.
Orr, Oliver, 50th Eng.; enl, Sept. 12, one year.
Degroat, Charles, 50tb Regt.; enl. Sept. 12.
Orr, Ira, 50th Regt.; enl. Sept. 12.
McCabe, William, private, 179lh Regt.; enl. Sept. 24, 1864, one year.
Glace, John, private, 3d Cav.; eul. Sept. 24, 1864.
Northnp. William H., 3d L. Art.; enl. Sept. 23.
Burnhan, Charles H., 20th Regt.; enl. Sept. 27.
Peterson, William, 3d L. Art. ; enl. Sept. 23.
Twitmier, Henry W., 3d L. Art.; enl. Sept. 23.
Harsbergen, Jacob, 3d L. Art.; enl. Sept. 23.
McCirmic, William, l06th Inf.; enl. Sept. 29.
Collins, James, 58th Inf. ; ehl. Sept. 30.
Allen, Orin, 10th Cav.; enl. Sept. 30.
Traverse, Zephaniali, private, ISSth Regt; enl. Sept. 24, 1864, one year.
Shill, Adam, l8Sth Regt. ; enl. Sept. 24.
Coon, Daniel B., 15th Cav.; enl. Sept. 24.
Wilson, John, 15th Cav. ; enl. Oct. 3, 1864.
Gridley, Albert Levert, private 50ih Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, three
years; re-enl. Dec. 25, 1P63; disch. June 13, 1865,
Gridley, Pliny Fisk, 50lh Eug., Co. F; enl. Aug. 15, 1864, one year; disch. June
13, 1865.
King, Jeremiah Bishop, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three
years ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Never, Etilebert, mnsi.ian, Hist Regt., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. Mar. 12, 1863, for disability.
Rothbone, John Boldin, 1st lieut,, 141st Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three
years; wounded Blay 25, 1864; disch. June 26, 1865.
Herrick, Josepli, piivate, 107th Regt., Co, I ; enl. Aug. 7, 1SG2, three years.
Ciani, Simon Bolivar, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 31, 1861, three years ;
disch. Sept. 20, 1864.
Grey, Juhn, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 25, 1861, three years; died
June U, 1862.
Mcintosh, Schuyler Henry, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, two
years ; disch. June 13, 1862, fur disability.
Wright, Peter, private, Ulst Inf., Co. D; enL Aug. 22, 1862, three years; discli.
June 26, 1865.
Eldnd, William Horace, private, 16th H. Art., Co. F; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three
years; died Mar. 29, 18G5.
Gurusey, George Ransom, private, l(t7th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, three
years; wounded five different times; disch. June 20, 1865.
Gorton, William Harrison, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three
years; disch. Dec. 26, 1862.
Brace, William Henry, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 16,1862, three years;
disch. Feb. 4, 1863.
Bnice, Daniel, corporal, 107th Inf., Co. I ; enl. July 15, 1862, three years ; disch.
March, 1864.
Howe, Francis Sylvester, corporal, 14l8t Inf., Co. D; enL Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; disch. June 28, 1865.
Hill, Stitson Edward, sergt., 50th Eng.; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years; pro. to
Corp., Jan. 8, 1862; to sergt, Dec. 24, 1862; must, out Sept, 24, 1864.
Tliornton, Richard, corporal, lOtli Vet Res., Co. H; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three
years ; wounded July 14, 1864; disch. June 27, 1865.
Wilkins, Henry Dart, corporal, 5Uth Eug., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three years ;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Tobey, Charles Luther, private, 15th Eng., Co. C; enl. Sept. 22, 1S64, one year;
disch. July 2, 1865.
Tobey, John Edwin, private, 97th Inf, Co. II ; enl. July 15, 1863, throe years;
taken prisoner, Dec, 1864 ; paroled ; disch, June 6, 1865.
Cummins, Clarion Dwight, private, 50th Eng., Co. A; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three
years; died in Dec, 1864.
Cummins, Albert Armintus, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, three years;
re-enl. Dec. 25, 1863 ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Allen, Trobridge, private, 5Uth Eng., Co. H ; eul. Dec. 14, 1861, three years ; disch.
Dec. 16, 1864.
Brooks, William James, pnvate, 1st L. Art, Co. F ; enl. Oct 1, 1862, three years ;
re-enl. Jan. 23, 1865 ; disch. June 23, 1865.
Henderson, Elias De Wilt, private, 1st Vet. Cav., Co. B; enl. July 6,1863, three
years; disch. Aug. 1, 18G5.
Riley, Erastus, private, 50th Eng., Co. L; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Rinnan, Isaac, private, 38th Inf, Co. I; enl. April, 1861, two years; missing at
battle of Bull Run ; supposed to be dead.
Kinnan, David, private, 24th Cav., Co. K; enl. Nov. 1, 1863, three years; died
May 15, 1864,
Kinnan, Victor, private, 147th Inf., Co. H ; enl. July 18, 1863, tljree years; was
wounded June 18, 1S64.
Brooks, John, private, 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. May 1, ISGJ, two yeara; disclf.
June 5, '63; re-enl. Aug. 1, '63, 14th H. Art, Co. E ; disch, July 21, '65.
Davis, George Henry, private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years.
234
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
rarraiii, Joseph Henr.v, artiflctir, 50th Eng., Co. II; eiil. Aug. 7, 1861, three
years; ro-eriJ. Feb. 4, 1SG4.
Bnrto, William Shear, private, loth Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years ;
woumled at While House Landing, May 22, 1864 ; disch. April 8, 18C5.
Buchanan, Jesse S., private, 10:id Inf., Co. I ; enl. Jan. 22, 1862, three years ;
di.seli. Nov., 18G2, for disability.
Miller, Thomas, private, 86th Kegt., Co. E ; enl. Nov. 18, 1861, three years ; disch.
May 31, 1802 ; re-enl. IClst Kegt., Co. C, Aug. l:i, 1864, one year ; disch.
Aug. 14, 1865.
Barber, John, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Ang. 7, 1861 , three years ; killed
at Fredericksburg, Dec. 11, 1862.
Bnchanan, James H., private, 89th Inf., Co. G; enl. Nov. 26, 1861, three ycare;
re-enl, Jan. 4, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 3, 1865.
Rhodes, nalsey Amos, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three years ;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Davis, JoliTi William, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years;
re-enl. April 1, 1865, as sub, ; disch. July 25, 18&'»,
English, Edwin Clark, private, 2:id Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct, 16, 1861, three yeare ;
discli. Nov. 16, 1862.
Kelley, Abraham GeorRe, priv.ate, UGth Inf., Co. C; enl. May 1, 18C1, three
years ; woumled May 5, 1864 ; disch, Aug. 15, 1865.
Gridley, Elanson, private, 57th Pa., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861, three yeaTs ; killed
at Fredericksburg, Dec. 4, 1862.
Osborn, Theodore, private, lu7th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Ang. 7, 1862, three years ;
wound.-d Miiy 25, 1804, at Dallas, Ga. ; disch. May 23, 1805.
Davis, Carl Cris. John, private, 10th H. Art,, Co, C ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863, three
years; died May 7, 1864.
Strubeck, Edward, private, ]41st Inf., Co, D; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years;
disch, June 26, 1865,
Ellis, Elisha, private, 141st luf ,Co.D ; enl. Aug, 14,1862, three years; wounded
and taken prisoner,
Lindsley, Levy, private, 141st Regt.,Co. D; enl. Aug. 1,5, 1862, three years; hurt
by the bursting of a shell ; disch. June 26, 1805.
Wolcott, Jafijl, HofTiuan, private, 23d Inf., Co. D ; enl. April 20, 1861, twoyears ;
disch. May 2 i, 1803.
Boucher, Uudolpli, private, 23d Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861, twenty months ;
died Jan. 12, 1802.
Boucher, Kobert, private, IGth H. Art., Co. C; enl. Dec, 22, 1S63, three years;
died Aug. 9, 1804,
Boucher, Henry, private, ICth II, Art,, Co. C ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years ;
disch. May 17, 1S65,
Herrick, Pierce, private, 1st Pa, lies,, Co. A ; enl. Apr.l 25, 1861, three yeare;
diHcli.
Gregory, Warren Seelye, sergt., lllllh Inf., Co. E ; enl. Aug, 7, 1862, three yeais ;
di-ch. June 5, 1S65.
Stook, Henry, private, 10th H. Alt.,Co, E; enl. Dec, 22, 1S63, three years ; disch,
June 16, 186,5.
Berry, Dexter, private, 107tli Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug, 11, 1862, throe years; hurt
by the bursting ofa shell. May 3, 1863, and has been deaf aud dumb ever
since.
Day, Alonzo, private, 141st Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years; disch.
June 29, 186.5.
Thorji, Henry, private, 14l3t Inf., Co, D ; enl. Aug, 18, 1862, throe years; killed
at Peiich-Tree Creek, Ga.
Hunt, Thomas, private, G4ih Inf, Co. D; drafted July 17, 1863, three yeare;
taken prisoner at Culpepper and sent to Belle Isle, and from there to An-
dersonvillc, where he died.
Hunt, William, 2d lioul., 14th H. Art., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 24, 1863, thiee years;
disch. Sept. 6, 180,5.
Bellew, John Barding ; drafted July 17, 1803 ; commuted A\lg. 27, 1863.
Barnard, George A.: drafted July 17, 1863, three years ; commuted Ang. 26, '03.
Wellman, John Ru-sell, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; eid. Aug. 14, 1862, three
years; disch, June 20, 1865.
Hardenbcrg, Lyman Moore, private, 107tb Kegt,, Co. I; enl. Aug. 2,1802, three
years; disch. June 13, 1805.
Hardeuberg, Moses Depew, corporal, 107th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Aug, 11, 1802, three
years; disch. June, 1865.
Baville, Nicliola.s, private, 141st Regt, Co. D; enl. Aug, 22, 1862, three years;
died ^ov. 22, 1803.
Rowley, Leonard Bradley, private, 50th En*g., Co. H ; enl. .\ug. 14, 1862, three
years; disch. June 13, 1S65.
Tbornton, Edward Delos, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug, 14, 1801, three
years; died Oct, 20, 1861,
Uitdicox, Enoch, private, 16Ist Inf, Co, F; enl. Sept, 7, 1SG4, one year; disih,
Sept. 6, 1865.
Ilitirhcox, Daniel, private, S6th Regt.; enl. fur three years.
Ingle, Seymour, private, 57th Inf, Co. P ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861, three years ; disch.
Feb. 10, 1863; re-enl. 12th Pa. Cav., Co. I, Sept. 16, 1864, one year; disch.
June 23,1805.
Brown, Edwin, private, 141st Inf,, Co, D; enl, Aug, 14, 1802, three years;
wounded ; disch. June, 1865.
Wescott, I'ulaski De Kalb, private, lll^t Inf, Co. D, enl. Aug, 13, 1S62, throe
years; disrh, June 20, 1865.
Cfon, Matthew M,, private, 107tli Inf, Co. I; enl. .\ug, 7, 1862, three years;
disch. April 11. 1804; re-enl. April 11, 1865, one year.
Rowley, Seelye Brown, private, 1st Pa. Res,, Co. A ; enl, June 12, 1861, three
years; wounded second Bull Run, Aug. 23, 1862; disch. June, 1864.
Rowley, Cicero, private, 107th Inf, Co, C ; enl, Aug. 7, 1862, three years.
Rowley, Henry Clay, private, 50th Eng.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three year^; disch.
June 27, 1865.
Shephard, Itba, corporal, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 4, 1?61, three yeare; re-
enl. Feb, 7, 1804, three years; disch. June 13, 1865.
Tobey, Gorttin, private, 50th Eng., Co. .\ ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; disch,
Nov, 7, 1862, on account of being lame.
Bruse, Leeland Surck, private, 23d Regt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, three
years ; disch.
Marcey, Edwin, private, 141st Inf,, Co. F ; enl. .\ng, 18, 1862, three yeare ; died
Mar, 3, 1863, at Minor Hill, Va.
Elwell, William T., private, 5uth Eng., Co, H; enl, Sept. 18, 1861, three years;
re-enl. May 2, 1864.
Ham, Seneca T., private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year; disch.
Sept, 6, 1805,
Honness, Solomon H,, 141st Inf, Co, D ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three yeare; disch.
Feb. 25, 1803.
Lindsle.v, Allen, Jr., private, 18»th Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year;
disch. July 10, 1865.
English, William, private, 97fh Inf., Co. A ; enl. Ang. 20, 186.3, three yeare;
disch, Aug, 0, 1865.
Hill, Sylvester, private, 141st Inf., Co, F; enl. Sept, 14, 1SG4, one yeir; disch.
June 8, 1865.
Miles, James Nelstm, private, 14tli H, .\rt,, Co, E ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ;
disch. June 3, 1805.
Littlefield, James Wallace, private, 12tli Cav , Co. K ; enl, Sept. 10, 1864, one
year; disch. June 15, 1865.
Rowley, Charles, private, 141st Inf, Co. E ; enl Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; disch.
June 20, 1S65.
Sawyer, Charles, musician, 141st Regt,, Co. H; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year;
disch. Jnne 26, 1865.
White, Leroy, private, r2th Cav., Co. H ; enl, Sept. 15, 1864, one year.
McCartey, Edward, private, 56th Regt,, Co. I ; enl, Sept. 10, 1864, one year ;
disch. Aug. 2, 1865.
Bruwn, Lyman, private, 141st Regt,, Co. D; enl, Sept. 14,1864, one year; disch.
June 26, 1805.
Knox, Horace II,, private, 14th 11, .\rt,, Co, M ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year;
disch. June 10, 186.5.
English, Bei.jamin Leroy, sergt., 179tli Inf , Co. D;enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year ;
pro, to sergt,, Jan. 1, 1865 ; disch. June 8, 1865.
Spencer, Harlan Hendby, private, 141st Inf, Co. F : enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ;
disch June 25,1865.
White, Ezra Marwin, private, 188th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 5, 1865, one year;
disch. July 1, 1865.
Gl idley, John Nelson, private, 141st Begt., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ;
disch. June 26, 1865.
Osborn, Luther Washington, private, 142d Inf, Co. E; enl, Sept. 7, 1864, one
year ; disch.
Wolcott, Samuel Emmett. sergt.-major, 12th Cav., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 14, 1804, one
year; disch, June 14, 1865,
Piert, J(din, private, 188th Inf, Co, F ; enl. Sept. 27, 1804, one year; disch. July
1, 180.5.
Thompson, Lemuel, private, 188th Inf , Co, F; enl, Sept. 10, 1804, one year;
disch, July 11, 1805,
Tlionison, John, private, 188th Regt,Co.F; enl, Sept. 15, 1864; killed March
29, 1865, at Lewis' Farm, Va.
Wheeler, James Horton, private, lOlst Inf, Co, U ; enl. Sept.l6, 1864, one year;
disch. June 15, 1865.
Kelley, John Struck, private, 16l8t Regt,, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year.
Brown, Israel Rogers, private, 161st Regt,, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year ;
disch. May, 1865.
Kelley, Charles Edsol, private, lOIst Regt., Co, K ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year ;
still in the service.
Kelley, Th.addeus James, private, 161st Regt., Co, K; enl. Sept, 10, 1864, one
year.
Kelley, Uriah, 161st Regt., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year.
Widgcr, A Ipbeus Cornell, private, 161st Regt., Co, K; enl. Sept. 17, 1804, one
year.
Frank, Charles William, private, 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year.
Hagencamp, Daniel St. John, private; eid, Jan. 4, 1864, three years; disch.
May, 1865,
Youngs, Joseph Norman, private, 22d Cav,, Co, C; enl, Dec. 16, 1863, three
yeare; disch. Aug, 1, 1865,
Brace, Daniel, private, 12th Cav,, Co. L; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year; disch.
June 19, 1805.
Tobey, Joseph Willard, private, 161st Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept, 12, 1804, one year.
Marcey, Job, private, 20tb N. Y. Bat. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; disch. Aug.
5,1805.
Wilkins, John Hiram, private, 179lh Regt., Co. D; enl. March 19, 1864, three
years; wounded June 17, 1864; disch. Jnne .
Tobey, Ransford, private, 179th Inf, Co, A ; enl. March 7, 1864, three years.
Tobey, James Darlin, private, 3d L. Art., Co. D; erd. Sept. 29, 1864, one year;
disch. Sept. 7,1865.
Riley, John Anderson, private, 1st L. Art., Co. F; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year;
disch. June 20, 1865.
Kinnan, Harvey, private, 1st L. Art., Co. F; eid. Sept, 17, 1864, one year; disch.
June 20, 1865.
^5??C^^
The subject of this sketch was born in Harring-
ton, Litchfield Co., Conn., in the year 1805, Aug.
10. His parents were natives of Connecticut also,
and removed to this State (New York), and located
at Laurens, Otsego Co., when he was a child. They
remained in that county about twelve years, and
then removed to Guilford, Chenango Co.
William D. remained with his parents until his
majority, assisting them in various kinds of business,
such as farming, blacksmithing, and lumbering. He
received a common school and academic education
at Oxford Academy. Mr. Gilbert remained in Guil-
ford until 1845, engaged in the mercantile trade and
blacksmithing.
In 1846 he located at Corning, Steuben Co., and
engaged in tlie manufacture of car springs for one
Judson Mallory, now deceased. In 1849 he settled
in Caton, and opened the first store in said town ;
continued in the mercantile trade until April 1,
1875, when he retired from business.
He has held many official positions, to the general
satisfaction of his constituents. He has been post-
master for twenty-five years, justice of the peace
eighteen years, supervisor a number of years, and
justice of sessions for three terms.
His present family consists of a wife and two sons.
The oldest son, Rufus H., was born in Guilford,
Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1832. He was edu-
cated a physician and surgeon, and graduated at the
New York Medical College; entered his profession
in said city, and continued to practice until the Re-
bellion, when he entered the army as physician and
surgeon of a regiment. He was for some time on
General Dix's staff, and was appointed medical direc-
tor at Fort Monroe. He remained in the service
until the close of the war, when he became con-
nected with the Central Railroad in New Jersey.
He then became engaged in the elevated railroad
of the city of New York. He obtained a charter
from the Legislature of this State for the road;
said road is known as "The Gilbert Elevated and
Rapid Transit Road of the City of New York,'
named in honor of its renowned projector. Mr.
Gilbert is now engaged in that business. The second
son, Wm. H. Gilbert, is now a medical student at
Ann Arbor, Mich.
LUCIUS J. JOHNSON.
liENONI JOHNSON.
^\ ~w
r>E.\. TITUS S.MITII.
MRS. LUCY P. SMITH.
COL. FREDERICK BARNARD.
MRS. LUCY BARNARD.
TOWN OF CATON.
235
Biiclwniin, Morell, private, IGlst Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 2, ISM, one year; disch.
July 31, T.SG.5.
Buchanan, William, private, 161st Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year ;
still in the service.
Niver, Ettlelmrt Burgoides, private, lT9th Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one
year ; wounded April 2, 1865 ; disch. June 7, 1865.
Ehodes, Silas Riley, private Ulst Ilagt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14,1861. one year;
disch. June 26, 1.S65.
Rhodes, Thomas Henry, private, 141st Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, one
year.
Cram, Dutey Shipper, private, 12th Cav., Co. D; enl. Sept. 11, 1864, one year;
disch. June 19, lS6.i.
Starner, Daniel, private. Pith Cuv., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year; died
July 14, 1865.
Mcintosh, Schuyler Henry, corporal, 170th Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one
year; disch. June 16, 1865.
Cook, Benjamin, private, lath H. Art., Co. D; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year;
disch, June 23, 1865.
Thurber, Joseph Nelson, private, ISth Eng., Co. 11 ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one ye.ir ;
disch. June 15, 1865.
Gillett, George, private, ISSth Inf, 0.1. F; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, one year; disch.
July 1, 18G5.
Wolcott, Lewis Alexander, corjioral, 179th Inf., Co A ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one
year; discli. June 8, 1865.
&ates, Amasiah Augustus, private, 14th H. Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one
year.
Niver, Kverett Deyo, private, 141st Regt., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year ;
disch. Juno 26, 1865.
Piney, Henry Augustus, private, 141st Regt., Co. F ; .enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one
y6ar; disch. June 25, 1865.
Wilkins, Robison, private, 17!ith Inf., Co. A ; enl. Mar. 21, 1803, three years;
taken prisoner, July 30, 1864, at Petersburg; paroled Feb. 19, 1865 ; disch.
June 2, 1865.
Holmes, James Smith, private, 188th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year;
disch. July 12,1865.
Niver, Weller, private, 12th N. Y. Cav., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year;
taken prisoner Mar. 8, 1865, at Kingston, N. C. ; paroled Mar. 25 ; disch.
June 2.5, 1865.
Miller, William Brown, private, 14lst Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ;
disch. June 26, 1865.
Gridley, Wesley Prince, musician, 12th Cav. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year.
Hill, Joseph Gillett, private, 141st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; discli.
June 26, 1865.
Wolcott, William Maynerd, private, 141st Regt., Co. F; enl Sept. 14, 1864, one
yeai-.
Wescott, Bailey .Saveril, private, ISSth Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 20, 1863, one year.
West, Albert, private, 12th Cav., Co. L; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year.
Hill, Joseph G., drafted July 17, 1865 ; commuted,
Whitney, Oliver W , drafted July 17, 1863 ; commuted.
Wolcott, Timothy S., drafted July 17, 1863 ; commuted.
Shephard, A. Cleveland, drafted July 17, 1863 ; put in a substitute.
Smith, Charles, private ; enl. Aug. 17, 1862, three years.
Ferren, Romauzo, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug., 1861, three years.
NAVAL SERVICE RECORD.
Wescott, Bailey Saveril, private; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
PHILIP HUBBARD,
son of Wm. and Martha Hubbard, was born in Norfolk,
England, May 12, 1827. He is one of a family of twelve
children, teu of whom lived to be men and women. Of
this large family, the five eldest were natives of England,
and came to America about 1828 or 1829, settled at Utica,
Oneida Co., remained there some two years, and then came
to Caton, Steuben Co., N. Y., in June, 1831, and settled on
the farm now owned by their son Philip, and which con-
tinues to be the home of Mrs. Hubbard. Mr. Wm. Hub-
bard was a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard
were among the first Methodists in the town, and Mr. Hub-
bard established the first Sunday-school in Caton, of which
he was superintendent. He was instantly killed by the fall-
ing of a tree, while in the woods, March 10, 1840, thus
leaving a family of ten cliildreu to the care of Mrs. Hub-
bard and the older members of the family. By careful
management, and strict attention to business, this family
was kept together, and received a good education, some of
whom have been to tlic higher institutions of learning.
It was among these early scenes that Philip grew to man-
hood, and at the early age of sixteen he was called to take
charge of the family, having spent one year previous at
Utica, working on a farm. At the age of eighteen he com-
menced to buy out the heirs of his father's estate. In 1851
he purchased fifty acres on the north of the "Old Home,"
and .some twenty-five acres since, thus making a fine farm
of one hundred and fifteen acres of good improved land, on
which is one of the best farm-houses in the town, a view
of which may be seen elsewhere in this work, with portraits
of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard above.
He was married to Miss Susan M. Mulks, a native of
Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1854. Of this union, two
sons, Wm. and John J. Saxe, were born. In politics, Mr.
Hubbard affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Hub-
bard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
Mr. Hubbard is one of the liberal supporters of the same.
Mr. Hubbard has greatly assisted his brothers and sisters in
getting their education, besides making for himself his pres-
ent comfortable home.
BENONI AND LUCIUS JOHNSON.
Benoni Johnson was born in Harwiuton, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., and married Miss Rlioda Gilbert, daughter of Jabez
Gilbert, of the same place. They had the following-nutued
children, viz. : Lucius, Lester L., and llhoda C. The two
first were born in Connecticut, and Miss llhoda C. in
Cayuga Co., N. Y. Benoni Johnson was a farmer by
occupation. Lucius was born April 11, 1812, and re-
moved to Cayuga County with his parents about 1815 and
there remained some five years, then went to Chenango
County, town of Guilford, and remained till August, 1823,
when he settled in Caton with his parents. Benoni John-
son, however, came the spring before and worked for Elias
Babcock, of Caton, and made the purchase of his small
farm. After residing some five years at Caton Centre he
settled on his farm, and continued to reside there till a short
time before his death, when he removed to the Centre and
remained with his son the rest of his life. He died Nov.
3, 1870, and his wife died March 29, 1850. Mr. Johnson
was a magistrate for several years, and was assessor for one
or two years. He and his wife were members of the Pres-
byterian Church, but Mrs. Johnson united with the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church a few years before her death.
Lucius Johnson was reared among the hardships of a
pioneer life, and early imbibed those principles of industry
and economy which are the cardinal elements of every suc-
cessful man's life. He worked on the farm in his younger
days, but for more than thirty years he has worked at the
wagon-making and carpenter's trades. He left his farm
some twenty-five years ago and located in the village. He
married Miss Margaret Butcher, of Pennsylvania, in De-
cember, 1830. Of this union five children were born, two
of whom are dead.
236
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In politics Mr. Johnson is identified with the Republicai>
party. He has held the oflSce of town clerk one year, but
never was an aspirant for oflBcial honors. Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson are worthy members of the Baptist Church of
Caton. As a citizen Mr. Johnson is highly respected by
those who know him. He is one of the pioneers of Caton.
The portraits of himself and father may be seen elsewhere
in this work.
DEACON TITUS SMITH,
son of Simeon Smith, of Vermont, was born in Chenango
Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1801. He was reared upon a farm
and followed that occupation through life. Mr. Smith
was one of the early settlers of Caton, having settled here
about 1822 or 1823. He married Miss Lucy P., daughter
of Elias Babcock, of Caton, Nov. 2, 1824. The fruit of
this union has been seven children, viz., Emory O., Lewis
B., Simeon S., Lucinda R., Jas. P., Enos S., and Thomp-
son L. Emory O., Simeon S., and Thompson L. served
in the late war, in the 50th Regiment New York Volun-
teers, and were honorably discharged.
When Mr. Smith settled in Caton he located on the
farm now owned by his son, Enos S. Smith, and was one
of the leading farmers of the town of Caton. He united
with the Presbyterian Church when young, and was ever
active in religious matters. He was deacon for a great
many years, and often officiated in the minister's place.
He was a great anti-slavery man, and three of his sons
served in the war. He was one of the first in the county
to sign the temperance pledge. He was peculiarly zealous
in the Sunday-school work, and was at his post of duty
when he was seized with a mortal disease which soon re-
sulted in his death, Oct. 22, 1865. The general manifes-
tation of sympathy exhibited by the neighbors on the day
of the funeral was a striking illustration of the esteem and
confidence held for him by the community, generally, as
one of the noble pioneers of Caton. His memory is cher-
ished by his many children and widow. He never was an
aspirant for political honors.
Mrs. Smith (formerly Lucy P. Babcock) was born in
Stonington, Conn., July 20, 1804, and settled at Caton
with her parents about 1823. Mrs. Smith is a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and is now living with her
daughter, Mrs. Lucinda S. Richards, in Caton.
COL. FREDERICK BARNARD,
son of William Barnard, was born in Milford, Otsego Co.,
N. Y., Aug. 10, 1802, his parents being among the pioneers
of Otsego County. Col. ¥. Barnard was reared on the
farm. He married Miss Lucy, daughter of Col. Gershom
Wilcox, Jan. 1, 1824. Miss Lucy Wilcox was born in
Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 12, 1803, and in 1806
removed to Otsego County with her parents, who were also
pioneers of New Lisbon, in that county. Of the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Barnard, seven children have been born, viz.,
Mary, Edwin W., Charles D., Melissa A., Gershom W.,
George A., and E. P. All are now living and settled near
their " old home" save Mary, who died April 28, 1844, at
the age of nineteen.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnard settled in Steuben County, on
the farm now owned by their son, Gershom W., Oct. 22,
1832. Col. Barnard was engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness for some years while residing in Otsego County, but
followed farming and lumbering after his settlement in
Steuben County. While residing in Otsego County he was
colonel in the State militia. He died Oct. 15, 1862, leaving
his widow and six children. His widow is now in her
seventy-sixth year, hale and hearty, and has the satisfaction
of knowing that her children are all good, respectable citi-
zens of the county, and are all living within two miles of
the " old home." Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have been mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.
Col. Barnard was a man well thought of by his neighbors,
and left a name of which his children need not be ashamed.
In politics, first a Whig, then a Republican. He was school
inspector for many years. Mrs. Barnard is now on the old
home in Corning. Her parents, Col. Gershom and Betsey
Wilcox, settled in Caton, then Painted Post, Oct. 22, 1832.
Col. Wilcox was a wagon-maker by trade, and as soon as
he came to Caton he erected a saw-mill, which was one of
the first in the town. For many years he followed his trade
and the lumber business. Col. and Mrs. Wilcox were
members of the Baptist Church in Connecticut, but never
united in Caton. In politics, first a Democrat, then a Re-
publican. He was colonel of the State militia. He died
Oct. 14, 1863, in his eighty-first year, and Mrs. Wilcox,
May 7, 1875, in the ninety-third year of her age. Col.
and Mrs. Wilcox had seven children, six of whom are now
living, of whom Mrs. Barnard is the eldest child.
COHOCTOlSr.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
This town is situated in the northern border of the
county west of the centre, and is bounded north by Ontario
County, east by Prattsburf^li, south by Avoca and part of
Howard, and west by Wayland and part of Fremont.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is mostly a hilly upland, sepa-
rated into ridges by deep and narrow valleys. The princi-
pal stream is the Conhocton River, which flows in a south-
erly direction through the centre of the town, and is bordered
by a rich valley varying from a quarter of a mile to a mile
in width. The soil of the valley of the Conhocton is allu-
vium mixed with clay and loam, and is very productive,
while a .slaty and gravelly loam prevails chiefly on the up-
lands. These uplands, however, or hills, as they are called,
such as Lent Hill and Potter Hill, are among the best farm-
ing lands in the town, the only waste lands being along the
steep declivities of the hills and ravines. The town is
watered with many clear brooks and springs, and is well
adapted to grain, fruit, grazing, and dairy purposes.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Shortly aft«r the settlement of Bath, about 1794, Joseph
Biven was sent by Col. Charles Williamson to erect a tavern,
for the accommodation of settlers, on the Pulteney estate,
in the north part of what is now the town of Cohocton.
Little is known of Mr. Biven except that he located his
tavern at a point then known as the " Twenty-two Mile
Tree." After roads were laid out through that section, the
place was known as '■ Biven's Corners." It is now North
Cohocton, a name which it has borne since the post-ofifice
was established here in 1828. The site of the original
tavern was that on which William Van Riper now keeps a
hotel. Frederick Blood, one of the early settlers of the
town, kept a hotel on this corner for many years. He was
the father of John, Asa, Avery, Ziba, and Frederick Blood,
Jr. The latter resided till his death on the farm, since
divided between Harvey John.son and Alonzo Parks; he
was the father of the present Mrs. Oliver Rice, proprietor
of the Mountain View Hotel, at Blood's Station. Asa,
John, and Ziba removed to the West many years ago;
Avery died in North Cohocton, at the house of his sister
Harriet, widow of the late Isaac Leggett.
Frederick Blood was a native of Germany, and came to
this town from Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y. He had
been enticed into the naval service in his native country
when quite a small lad, and had come to America as a
drummer-boy on board a man-of-war.
In 1802, James Woodard, from Vermont, settled in the
town, with a large family of sons, among whom were Aruna
and Obadiah Woodard. James Woodard settled on the
place where George Waldron now resides, and built a log
cabin. His son, Aruna, settled on the place now occupied
by David S. Wait. For several years their cabins were the
only landmarks in that neighborhood, Naples, in Ontario
County, being the nearest settlement where anything but
the rude.st frontier comforts could be obtained.
Jonas Cleland and his son, James Cleland, now the oldest
settler in Cohocton, came into the town from Pompey,
Onondaga Co., in 1805. At that time there was not a
house from Naples to Avoca, except the cabins of the Wood-
ards, above mentioned, and the house of Joseph Shattuck,
uncle of Hon. Stephen D. Shattuck, at the corners where
the village of Liberty now stands. This house was a prom-
inent one in the town, was one of the earliest hotels, and,
on account of its convenience and central location, was the
place for holding the town-meetings for many years after
the town was organized
The first house between Liberty and Avoca was built by
Jonas Cleland, in 1805, or early in 1806. It stood near
the Davis Creek, not far from the barn afterwards built and
owned by Albertus Larrowe, grandfather of the present
owner. Mr. Cleland bought of the Pulteney estate a tract
of land a mile square, .south of Liberty, for twelve shillings
an acre. On a portion of it he built a house, which he sold,
together with part of the land, to Albertus Larrowe, and
then built another house, where he settled with his family,
just south of the Davis Mill, now owned by Thomas War-
ner. He also built the first saw- and grist-mill in the town
of Cohocton. The saw-mill stood on the site of the present
Warner Mill ; the grist-mill was built on the opposite side
of the road from Mr. Cleland's house, the road then runninsr
down on the flat instead of where it now does. The saw-
mill was built about 1808 ; the irons used in it were manu-
factured in Europe, and had been left on the spot by Col.
Williamson, who had undertaken to build a mill here prior
to his retirement from the agency of the Pulteney estate,
and had proceeded so far as to get out the timber for the
dam, and make other preparations for building. Being
called from the agency unexpectedly, the work was left un-
finished, and the materials and irons, a few years after, were
used by Mr. Cleland in carrying out the original purpose
for the benefit of the settlers.
The grist-mill built by Mr. Cleland at a somewhat later
date, was a great boon to the early settlers. Before its
erection they had to go on horseback with their grists to
Naples or to Dansville, the roads being such at that early
day as not to admit of traveling with any wheeled vehicle.
Alvin Talbot came into the town soon after, and settled
on the Dusenberry farm. Ezra Parker settled on the old
Dewey place, now owned by James Cleland. Job Briggs
237
238
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
settled on lands afterwards owned by Dennis Connor. He
was a cooper by trade, and followed that occupation Ste-
phen Burrows was the first settler on lands now owned by
Henry Paul. Ebenezer Keeler was one of the early set-
tlers on Twelve-Mile Creek, and was a prominent and in-
fluential man in the affairs of the town. Joseph Jackson,
Eleazer Tucker, John, George, and Paul Wilson, and Sal-
mon Brownson and his sons were the first settlers on Loon
Lake, then in the town of Cohocton. (See history of Way-
land.)
Early in the year 1805, Joseph Chamberlin, from Her-
kimer County, settled on the Davis farm, near Liberty. His
effects consisted of a cow and a dog, and a few articles tied
up in a pack which he carried upon his back. His mode
of living, in its primitive simplicity, is said to have rivaled
that of even Diogenes himself, who lived in a tub, for he had
not even a tub nor a milk-pail. As a substitute for the latter
he chopped a notch in a log, and trained his cow to step
astride of it ; then milking her into the notch, he crumbed
in his bread and ate with a wooden spoon.
The following year Levi Chamberlin, Joseph Shattuck,
and Deacon Horace Fowler became settlers in the town.
Among the early settlers were also Timothy Sherman, James
Barnard, Samuel Rhodes, Jesse Atwood, Isaac Morehouse,
Charles Burlinghara, and Richard Hooper. The latter died
Feb. 10, 1801, and his death is believed to have been the
first in town.
The first marriage was that of Joseph Biven and Sarah
Hooker, who were united in marriage in 1798, and their
first child, Bethiah Hooker Biven, born in 1800, was the
first white child born in town.
The first school was taught by Sophia Trumbull, in the
house originally built by Jonas Cleland on the Larrowe
place. The first school-house was a log building, and
was erected near the river, on the Dusenberry farm, about
1810.
The first tannery was built by William Walker, about
1816. It was located a mile and a quarter below Liberty,
on premises now owned by James Moulton. This tannery
was operated about twenty-five years, and wjis an import-
ant establishment in the early settlement of the country.
Richard Treneman, of Rochester, established the present
tannery on the site of the old woolen-mill, formerly owned
by Fredmore & Dance.
Soon after the Cleland grist-mill was got in operation,
Rudolphus Howe, father of the editor of the Prattsburgh
Neios, and Jonathan Danforth, of Saratoga, bought an acre
of land of Jonas Cleland and erected the first distillery in
town. It stood between the present road and the barn con-
nected with the Davis mill-house, owned by Mr. Thomas
Warner. Mr. Cleland owned an interest in this distillery
during the later years of its existence, and it continued to
be used as a distillery till about 1833. In a series of reminis-
cences recently published we find the following allusion to
the establishment :
" At a time when the still was in operation, Abram Lent
and his brother John were lumbering in the woods near the
place where Hiram Dewey now lives. The weather being
rather cold, it was proposed that one of them should take
a jug and go down to the still and get it filled with Uncle
Jonas' best whisky. This was done by Abram ; but on
his return with the jug the whisky refused to come out,
and on examination it was found to be frozen. John ac-
cused Abram of playing a joke on him by filling the jug
with water and pretending it to be whisky. Abram insisted
that it was Cleland's best. He inserted a stick in the jug,
and by stirring vigorously succeeded in getting a little out,
which John admitted had a slight whisky flavor, yet he ex-
pressed an opinion that it ought to be boiled down in order
to make it what it should be. He accordingly proceeded
to boil a quantity of it until it was about two-thirds boiled
away ; when in tasting he declared it wns water, pure and
simple, even the flavor of whisky having entirely disap-
peared."
Judging from the above the distillery was not a very
slroiiff anti-temperance institution.
In the reminiscences just quoted we find the following
reference to the old settlers: "Lucius Shattuck in 1810
built a log tavern on the site now occupied by the law-
office of the late C. J. McDowell. . . . He was the father
of Hon. Stephen D. Shattuck, who is now one of the
leading merchants of Cohocton ; Jonas Cleland, who came
here about the year 1805 ; Joseph Chamberlin, who kept
the log hotel above referred to ; Joseph Shattuck, who was
a Revolutionary soldier, and is buried in the cemetery at
Liberty, he was the father of Lucius Shattuck ; David
Parmenter, well known to most of the voters of Cohocton,
who died but a few years ago at the age of eighty-seven
years, he was the ancestor of the Parmenters of to-day ;
Philip Cook (father of Constant Cook), who was a slave-
holder and owned slaves iu Cohocton, it being lawful at
that time to hold slaves in the Slate of New York ; David
Loomis, Samuel Leggett, father of the late Allen Leggett ;
Abram Lent, father-in-law of Hiram Rynders ; Isaac More-
house ; Cornelius Crouch, ancestor of the present Crouches ;
Liberty Chamberlin, Dan Davis, father of A. M. Davis,
Esq., and Melvin H. Davis, Mrs. N. J. Wheeler and Mrs.
S. S. Rosenkrans, who reside in the village of Liberty ;
Paul and Constant Cook, sons of Philip Cook ; John Lar-
rowe, who bought the flats below the village, which are
now known as the Larrowe farm. He died about ten years
ago,* leaving a large fortune to be divided between his sons
Albertus and Franklin, or rather the heirs of Franklin, he
having died just previous to the decease of his father ; Law-
rence Van Wormer, father of Valentine, John, and Henry
Van Wormer, who now reside in or near the village."
The family of Horace Fowler, father of 0. S. and L. N.
Fowler, the distinguished phrenologists, were among the
early settlers of Cohocton. They resided in the village, iu a
house which stood on the site of the present residence of
Mr. A. Larrowe.
Abram Lent was the first settler on Lent Hill, in 1810.
He married Betsey, the oldest daughter of Samuel Hart-
well, who was a nephew of Roger Sherman. Mr. Hart-
well's wife was Elizabeth Wilkinson, a sister of the celebrated
Jemima Wilkinson, the " prophetess." Samuel Hartwell
passed through many adventures during the war of 1812.
He was taken by the British and carried to Kingston, where
» Written in 1S76.
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
2S!)
he was confined in jail. He succeeded in breaking out,
and made liis escape to the United States. He made his
way to Jerusalem, in Yates County, the home of his sister-
in-law, Jemima Wilkinson, and afterwards moved to North
Cohocton. From 1815 to about 1830 he kept a hotel on
tlie corner of Liberty and Naples Streets in North Cohoc-
ton. This was the second hotel in the place, and was after-
wards kept for many years by his son, Elijah Hartwell.
Mr. Hartwell and his wife both died many years ago.
Matthew Hatch, with his two sons, Philip and Sylvanus,
settled at Lent Hill about the year 1812. They came
from near Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y. Matthew
Hatch died at Lent Hill, and was the first person buried in
the Hatch burying-ground. His .son, Barnabas C. Hatch,
removed to Jackson Co., Mich., where he became a judge
of the county court and a member of the State Legis-
lature for that di.striet. He died in 1874. Nelson Hatch,
another son, accidentally shot him.self when a young man.
Philip Hatch lived at Lent Hill till 187G, and then re-
moved lo Wayland, where he has since resided. Sylvanus
died, at the house of his only son, Hiram W. Hatch, of
Blood's Station, in 1874.
John C. and Thomas Bowles were early settlers of Co-
hocton.
Trippknock, the four corners west of Liberty, was first
settled by Jared Barr, about the year 1807. Afterwards
the Tripps — Charles and family — settled there, and kept a
hotel. They were noted wrestlers and boxers, and probably
from this came the peculiar name of the place. It is said
that the cognomen was first applied to it by Ben Haight,
commonly known as " Crazy Ben," who, on one occasion,
got rather roughly handled at Tripp's tavern. There was
once a brewery at Trippknock on what is now the A. H.
Weld lot. Paul C. Cook and Daniel H. Davis owned an
interest in the concern.
On Potter Hill, Gideon Potter, Sr., and Anthony Crosby
were the first settlers. Job and Benjamin Briggs settled
farther west. At Brown Hill, John Brown and his sons,
William, Abram, Blanville, Sylvanus, and Richard, were
the first settlers.
James Armstrong settled on the place where he now
resides, in the Arm.strong neighborhood, in 1815, where he
has ever since resided. He came with his father, Martin
Armstrong, and two brothers and two sisters ; they built a
log house on the west part of the farm, and afterwards a
double log house, hewed down and plastered, in the vicinity
of the residence of his brother, Cook Armstrong, who
occupies the western portion of the estate. The present
residence of Mr. Armstrong was erected in 1833.
About 1823 a .saw-mill was built on the site of the
present Hoag Mill, by Gabriel Dusenberry and his sons,
Seth and John. About 1842, Stoning and Brown con-
verted it into a paper-mill, and continued to operate it
very successfully for several years. Merritt H. Brown then
retired, and his father, Merritt Brown, and his brother,
Lucius, conducted the mill till it was destroyed by fire,
together with a large dry-house which stood on the site of
the present Hoag blacksmith shop, about 1852. It had
been operated about ten years as a paper-mill, and several
houses had been built near it. Benjamin S. Hoag then
bought the property and built a saw-mill upon the site of
the paper-mill ; this was burned, and he built another,
which was also destroyed by fire in 1875 ; he then built
the mill, which he now owns and operates, upon the site of
the former mills. Mr. Hoag came here from Montgomery
County in 1814.
REMINISCENCES.
Among the pioneers have often been found many quaint
and original characters. Cohocton was not without its
representatives in this regard, among whom may be men-
tioned Isaac Morehouse, Philetus Finch, and Charles
Burlingham, or " Charlie," as he was familiarly called.
" Charlie never failed to be on hand on election and town-
meeting days. Placing himself under the exhilarating
effects of old Bourbon, he would make fun for the hun-
dreds with his dance and song, ' Laugh when you win,
laugh when you lose,' and ' Hay foot, straw foot,' etc., etc.
Isaac Morehouse was emphatically the leader of the turf;
he was equal to all emergencies in that line, and in ten
minutes could ' drive dull care away' by getting every
one in the community excited over a horse-race; even the
snow-paths in midwinter were used for his race-courses.
Philetus was always on hand to say and do just the right
thing to give character, point, and pathos to the operations
of Charlie and Isaac. Philetus played a very practical
joke on Constant Cook ; it was about as follows: In those
days the law for imprisonment for debt was in full force.
Philetus was Mr. Cook's debtor, and failed to make pay-
ment. Mr. Cook had him consigned to jail at Bath, where
he remained for some time. When court sat, the judge
directed that Mr. Cook be informed that if Mr. Finch was
kept any longer in custody he, and not the county, would
have to pay his board. There was suflBcient logic in that
reasoning to induce Mr. Constant Cook to see that his
imprisoned debtor was released, and accordingly he set out
for Bath on horseback, the best means of conveyance then
at hand. Arriving there, he immediately effected the re-
lease of Finch, who pretended to be sick, and would not
consent to be released unless Cook would take him back to
Liberty ; this he agreed to do, provided they would " take
turns" in riding the horse on the return journey. Cook
took the saddle first, and Finch went limping and cringing
after, playing sick to perfection ; they had not gone far
when Cook stopped and waited for Finch to come up, when
he told him to get on and ride and he would walk a little
way. Finch took the saddle and made a forced march
right through to Liberty, leaving Cook to foot it the whole
distance, sixteen miles. Philetus on arriving home found
him.self in perfect health."
In the early days the administration of law was conducted
upon principles peculiar and in keeping with the primitive
condition of the times. Among the early justices of the
peace were Constant Cook and E.squires Slack and Barnard.
While Esquire Slack was justice there was a case before
him in which Esquire Patchin was defendant. The case
was set down for one o'clock, but defendant Patchin did
not arrive till a little after two On his arrival he found
the justice fast asleep in his chair and nobody present. He
took the justice by the shoulder and shook him vigorously,
inquiring what had been done with the suit. The justice
240
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
roused up and yawningly replied, " Took judgment against
you by default." The defendant replied that he thought
the justice honest, but he was a very ignorant man.
Another case was pending in a justice court, in which
Dan. H. Davis was attorney. After working faithfully for
his client, with very little hope of success, — the case grow-
ing darker and darker as it proceeded, — he resolved not to
incur the mortification of a defeat, and, rising from his seat,
he seized the minutes of the court, deliberately rolled them
up, thrust them into his pocket, and coolly walked out of
the room, remarking, " I will take care of the merits of
this case."
In 1823, Joseph Wilkinson built a barn, which is now
standing, on the farm of W. H. Smith. Like many of
the early settlers, Mr. Wilkinson had his peculiarities. In
employing workmen to build the above-mentioned barn, he
agreed to pay them fifty cents a day if he did not provide
them with whisky, or two and sixpence a day and furnish
whisky. Thinking they could have free access to his jug,
at any rate, they accepted the former offer, — the fifty cents a
day without the whisky.
The barn was framed, and at the raising, as was the cus-
tom in those days, the new building had to be named. The
person selected to perform this ceremony was Jonas Cleland,
one of the most intelligent of the early settlers, and not
without a certain quaint humor, which served him in good
stead in such emergencies. Mr. Cleland took his place on
the plate of the barn, and, after the usual drink and flour-
ishing of the bottle, got off the following shrewd poetical
version of the bargain made between Mr. Wilkinson and
his builders :
''This is a fine frame, and deserves a good name,
And what shall we eall it?
It stands upon a rise ;
Two and sixpence was its price.
Fifty cents lie had to p.ay,
And then he hid the jug away."
This was followed by the customary " three cheers," which
ended the ceremony.
When Mr. Cleland came here, in 1805, and for quite a
number of years afterwards, the Indians used to come here
to fish and hunt and trade their ai'ticles of native manufac-
ture with the whites. They had a very neat lodge, covered
with hemlock-bark, which stood about sixty rods below the
Davis mill, on the bank of the river, and other lodges along
the valley, one of which stood on the Larrowe farm, east of
Liberty. Usually they would come and occupy the same
lodge for several successive hunting seasons, but they came
at last and would not enter the one on the bank of the river,
on account of a superstitious belief that it was haunted by
some evil spirit.
At that period game was very plenty, and the streams
and river abounded with fish ; speckled trout sported in the
clear waters ; deer crossed the paths of the pioneers, and
even entered their door-yards ; bears roamed through the
forests of the surrounding hills, and the howling of wolves
made unwelcome music during the night. The few early
settlers who kept sheep were obliged to enfold them in
walled inclosures, to protect them from the ravages of
wolves during the night.
On the road loading from Potter Hill to Jerome Flint's
may be seen the ruins of an old log structure, built up in
the form of a square pen. This was Jonas Cleland's " bear
trap." Such structures were often built by the pioneers,
and baited with mutton, or some other kind of meat, for
the purpose of decoying bears to enter at a trap-door in the
trap ; and such was the nature of the structure that, when
once in, his bearship found himself a prisoner to the superior
cunning of his captor and unable to escape. Mr. Cleland
built the pen in 1815, but did not complete or use it, for at
that time one Robbins, a hunter, brought from the East a
large, five-spring iron trap, which was substituted for the
more primitive method of catching bears. Mr. Valentine
Van Wormer afterwards caught a deer in the same trap,
and it is now an interesting souvenir of by-gone days in
the possession of James Cleland.
On the Dusenberry farm there was at an early time a
famous bear-path along the side of the river. Jonas Cle-
land once set a "dead-fiill" in this path, in which he
caught some thirty or forty bears.
ORGANIZATION.
Cohocton was formed from Bath and Dansville, June IS,
1812, and takes its name from the Conhocton River, which
flows in a southeasterly direction through the central part
of the town. A part of Avoca was taken off in 18-43, and
the principal part of Wayland in 1848. In 1874, an
addition was made to the eastern part of the town from the
town of Prattsburgh by the adoption of the following reso-
lution by the Board of Supervisors :
" ReioUreil, That so much of the western part of Pr.attsburgh as is
now described, viz.: All that tract or parcel of land situate in the
town of Pratt.^^burgh and bounded as follows (iiccording to the com-
promise line agreed upon bctweeen the parties residing on the adver-
tised district) : commencing at the northwest corner of lots No. 96,
on the township line ; thence east, along the north line of lots Nos. 96,
97, and 98, to the northea.st corner of said lot 98 ; thence south, along
the east line of lots Nos. 98, 85, and 76, to the southeast corner of said
lot 76 ; thence east, along the north line of lot 62, to the northeast
corner thereof; thence south, along the east line of lots Nos. 62 and
55 to the cast bank of Twelve-Mile Creek ; thence along the east bank
of said creek to the township line; containing 3853 acres of land,
more or less, be set off from said town of Prattsburgh, and anne.\ed to
s.aid town of Cohocton, as those petitioners have so earnestly prayed.
" Charles K. Minor,
"Ira. Carrington.
" Commiltee."
The act erecting the town of Cohocton, passed June 18,
1812, provided that the first town-meeting should be held at
the house of Joseph Shattuck, Jr. This meeting was held
in April, 1813, and the following town oflScers were elected :
Samuel Wells, Supervisor ; Charles Bennett, Town Clerk ;
Stephen Crawford, John Slack, and William Bennett, As-
sessors ; Jared Barr, John Woodard, and Isaac Hill, Com-
missioners of Highways ; John Slack and Samuel D. Wills,
Poormasters ; James Barnard, Constable and Collector;
Isaac Parmenter, Constable; James Griffis and Thomas
Rogers, Fence-Viewers. The following were chosen Path-
masters of the ten districts then in the town, in the order
named, beginning with District No. 1 : Samuel D. Wells,
Seth Kellogg, David Reynolds, James Grifl&s, Jonas Cleland,
Jonathan Danforth, Stephen Crawford, Drake, Elisha
a-A^,^/f^■
-^-fH^gyr:^
j-t^-t-t-^uy h^u^L
Qc
/ A
VALENTINE VAN WORMER.
Valentine Van Wormer was born in Charleston, Schoharie Co.,
N. Y., Oct. 22, 1812. His paternal ancestors came from Hol-
land. He is the eleventh child in a family of thirteen children of
Lawrence and Anna (Staley) Van Wormer, both natives of New
Jersey. His Grandfather Van Wormer migrated from New
Jersey, first settled on the Hudson River during the Revolution-
ary war, and subsequently settled in Montgomery Co., N. Y.
His father was a farmer in Montgomery County for twenty
years, and traded his farm there for some eighteen hundred
acres of land in the Conhooton valley, near the village of Lib-
erty, on the Robert L. Bound's tract, and in 1816 settled in the
town of Cohocton, where he purchased two hundred and fifty
acres more. Some six hundred acres of this land he is said to
have cleared and made ready lor cultivation.
He assisted in the erection of the first Methodist church
here, and prior to that time the quarterly meetings of that de-
nomination were often held in his barn for want of a more
commodious building. He was one of the pioneers of the town
and contributed largely to its early local enterprises. Although
a man of very little book knowledge, he possessed much native
talent and ability, was well informed, and had strong reasoning
faculties.
Prior to settling in this county he held various official posi-
tions in Montgomery County, was a member of the Democratic
party, and ranked as lieutenant in the old militia, with commis-
sion signed by Governor Tompkins. He was a man of gi-eat
perseverance, and known for his correct habits and strict integ-
rity. For many years both he and his wife were consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died August,
1852, aged eighty-four. His wife died January, 1853, aged
seventy-nine.
Of their six bods and eight daughters, thirteen reached man-
hood and womanhood, and five sons and one daughter are now
living. Mr. Valentine Van Wormer was only four years of
age when the family settled in the town of Cohocton. He spent
his minority at home, receiving a good education at the common
school and at Lima Seminary. For five terms he was a teacher
after reaching his majority, and Nov. 22, 1838, he married
Anna, daughter of Judge E. W. Cleveland, of Naples, Ontario
Co. Her father was prominently identified with the local in-
terests of that county, and held the various offices of supervisor,
justice of the peace, and associate judge for many years. He
was a, volunteer in the war of 1812, lived to be sixty-seven-
years of age, and died in 18G0. Mrs. Van Wormer was born
Dec. 4, 1817.
Their children are Mrs. Wm. Henry Mattison, of Ionia,
Mich. ; Mrs. Dr. E. M. White, of Liberty ; Fayette M., soldier
of the late Rebellion, died Feb. 7, 1865, aged twenty-one;
Emory L., of Avoca ; Mrs. C. W. Stanton, of Liberty ; Eugene,
a farmer, of Cohocton ; and Eugenia, a teacher.
After his marriage Mr. Van Wormer carried on the farm
for nine years settled by his father, and purchased a farm of
Constant Cook, contiguous to the village, upon which he has re-
sided since 1847.
He was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican
party, of which ho has since been a somewhat active member.
He was school commissioner for two terms, and also school in-
spector for two terms under the old law, and has been once the
candidate of his party for the Assembly, but was unsuccessful,
his party being in the minority. He has ever been interested
in the temperance reform since its first organization, yet never
a member of any secret societies, and from their youth both he
and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
241
Brownson, and Levi Smith. Samuel D. Wells and Jonas
Cleland were chosen Poundraasters.
It was voted that a bounty of $5 bo given for each wolf's
scalp, and $10 for that of a panther. The bounty for
wolves' scalps was afterwards raised to $20. Twenty dol-
lars per head made wolf-hunting in those daj's for a time
profitable ; many scalps were taken and brought in, and the
bounty paid.
The records of the town from 1813 to 1839 appear to
have been lost, — at least tbcy are not to be found in the
town clerk's office. We have, however, by diligent search
in the county clerk's office, and from other sources of in-
formation, been able to supply in some measure the defi-
ciency.
From 1823 to 1826, inclusive, Paul C. Cook was super-
visor, and was followed by David Weld in 1827 and 1828.
Paul C. Cook was again supervisor in 1829 and 1830.
Then followed David Weld for the year 1831, and then
John Nichoson for 1832, when Paul C. Cook was again
elected, and held the office for three consecutive years. In
183ti, Elias Stephens was chosen supervisor; then Paul C.
Cqok again for 1837 and 1838. The rest of the super-
visors, together with other town officers, will be found in
the tabulated statement below.
Lucius Shattuck held the office of town clerk for twenty-
three consecutive years, and was the incumbent of that
office at the time of his death, in 1852.
The first justices of the peace, hy appointment, in the
town of Cohocton, were John Slack, James Barnard, Jonas
Cleland, and Frederick Blood. Others who held the
office at a later day were Constant Cook, John Nichoson,
Paul C. Cook, Thomas A. Bowles, John Hess, J. P. Brace,
Simeon Holmes, and Myron M. Patchin. Some of these
were in what is now the town of Wayland, which was then
included in Cohocton. Below will bo found a list of the
justices of the peace from 1839 to the present time.
At the election for senators and members of Assembly
in 1814, the town of Cohocton gave four votes each for
Joseph Kirkland, Joshua Forman, Valentine Brother, and
Jared Sanford, for senator, and one vote each to Philetus
Swift, Chauncey Loomis, Bennett Becknell, and John J.
Pendergrast. For member of Assembly, Moses Van Cam-
pen received 25 votes, and Daniel Cruger 39 votes. Samuel
D. Wells, John Stark, Francis Blakely, and Samuel Rhodes,
inspectors of election.
In 1816, Daniel D. Tompkins received 15 votes for Gov-
ernor, and Rufus King 14 votes. For Lieutenant-Governor,
John Taylor received 14 votes, and George Tibbitts 15
votes. Daniel Cruger had 71 votes for member of Con-
gress, and Enos T. Throup 71 ; Elijah Miller 52, and Elea-
zer Lindley 52.
The political status of the town of Cohocton was gener-
ally Democratic, up to the year 1856, yet, in 1840, it caught
up the rallying cry of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too," and gave
a decided majority for Gen. Harrison for President. But
after the effect of the " Hard Cider" wore off, and it had
emerged from the "log cabins," it went back to the Demo-
cracy. In 1856 it gave over 200 majority for Fremont,
and since that memorable campaign, till the annexation of
a portion of Prattsburgh, in 1874, has been a decidedly
31
Republican town. The political parties since then have
been more nearly equally divided.
During the Fremont campaign, a terrible accident occurred
in the village of Liberty, which cast a pall of gloom over
the place for a long time. While the excitement of the
canvass was running high, a cannon had been procured to
give vent to Republican enthusiasm, and to invite, by the
reverberations of its thundering voice, the inhabitants of
the neighboring hills to a mass-meeting, then in progress at
the village. The cannon was being discharged in the road
(which was full of people), just above the residence of
Amos Stone, when it exploded, throwing heavy pieces of
iron in every direction, endangering the lives of many.
One of the pieces struck and fatally wounded Wallace Hen-
dryx, son of Thomas Hendryx, a merchant of the village;
another piece struck and badly injured Albert H. Weld,
but he afterwards fully recovered. Y^oung Hendryx died
the next morning, and his sad and untimely death was
mourned by all. He was a universal favorite among all
with whom he was acquainted.
It will be appropriate in this connection to speak of some
of the citizens of this town, who have held important posi-
tions of responsibility and tru.st by the suffrages of the
people. Paul C. Cook, for many years a merchant at Lib-
erty, and prominently identified with the political as well
as business history of the town, was chosen by the Demo-
crats of his Assembly district to represent them in the
State Legislature, in 1827. Ho was re-elected to the As-
sembly in 1830. In 1844 he was elected county clerk,
and changed his residence from Liberty to Bath, where he
continued to reside. He was re-elected county clerk in
1847, and discharged the duties of this, as well as all the
responsible offices which he filled, in a highly creditable and
satisfactory manner.
Richard Brower was formerly a merchant in the village
of Liberty, and did business in the former store of Paul C.
Cook, previous to its occupancy by Dan. H. Davis. He
owned the farm now belonging to Amos Stone, which he
sold to David Rumsey, of Bath, and the latter sold to Mr.
Stone. In 1839, Mr. Brower was elected by the Demo-
cratic party of this district to represent them in the State
Legislature.
At the election held in 1859, C. J. McDowell was chosen
district attorney for Steuben Co., and held the office three
years. He was especially adapted to discharge the respon-
sible duties of that important office, and he administered it
with zeal, efficiency, and honor. His term of office was
distinguished by the unrelaxing vigor and persistency with
which he prosecuted criminals, who were then banded to-
gether in large numbers to resist or evade the law, and de-
feat the ends of justice. The breaking up of these bands,
sending some to the State-prison, and causing others to flee
the country, were the acceptable fruits of his administration.
Mr. McDowell has possessed in a large degree the confidence
and esteem of his town's people, who have .several times
elected him to the office of supervisor.
At the fall election of 1873, Stephen Shattuck was elected
to represent the district in the Assembly. He served ac-
ceptably during the term, and was re-elected and returned
the following year, and during the session distinguished
242
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
himself for his earnest and persistent contest on the floor of
the Assembly with the enemies of reform. Mr. Shattuck
is a popular member of the Democratic party, and has held
the office of supervisor of his town for six or seven terms.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1S39
Calvin Blood.
Paul C. Cook
Henry Noble.
1840.
John Hess.
Thos. Hendry
X.
Almond Eggleston.
1841.
" "
Jesse P. Brace.
Lawrence S. Borden
1842.
Paul C. Cook.
t( It
It 11
1843.
John Hess.
James Draper
Silas Hulbert.
1844.
<( It
«
1845.
Calvin Blood.
"
Hiram Dewey.
1846.
Zcphnian Flint.
Henry 6. Blood.
Joseph Crouch.
1847.
John Hess.
<( ((
Amos W. Chase.
1848.
Calvin Blood.
JamesJDiaper,
.( It
1849.
Zephman Flint.
Walter M. Eldred.
it
1860.
C. J. McDowell.
Austin Hall.
a
1851.
li u
Step'n D. Shattuck
Chas. J. Bosenkrans
1852.
" "
L. Shattuck.
a tt
1853.
David H. \Vilco.\.
Step'n D. Sh.Tttuok.
Wm. R. Hill.
1854.
C. J. McDowell.
A. W. Chase.
George W. Haight.
1855.
A. Larrowe.
Andrew W. W
oore.
George T. Mead.
1856.
« ii
"
11
a
1857.
tl n
Austin Hall.
it it
1858.
James Draper.
Leonard D. C
onnei
it ((
1859.
Stepu D. .Shattuck.
Austin Hall.
George W. Haight.
1S60.
David H. Wilcox.
John H. Stanley.
1. ti
1861.
ti if
Austin Hall.
Cyrus H. Stone.
1862.
" "
Ezra S. Carpenter.
Wm. Washburn.
1863.
F. N. Drake.
Walter M. Eldred.
S. D. Shattuck.
1864.
" "
Ezra S. Carpenter.
a
1865.
David H. Wilcox.
Austin Hall.
A. Larrowe.
1866.
John H. Butler.
Charles II. Beyer.
John D. Hendryx,
1867.
U tl
"
'
Charles Tripp, Jr.
1868.
C.E. Thorp.
Marcus S. Harris.
C. P. Bailey.
1869.
Step'n D. Shattuck.
it t
S. S. Rosenkrans.
1870.
" "
Carlos H. Wilcox.
T. J. Briggs.
1871.
J. M. Tripp.
1. «
Hiram W. Hatch.
1872.
Step'n D. Shattuck.
Albert T. Parkhill.
F. Granger Tripp.
1873.
Thos. Warner.
Edwin A. Draper.
James C. Green.
1874.
it i
it a
1875.
James P. Clark.
.<
Jacob Wagner.
1876.
0. S. Searl.
H. C. Liddiard.
Charles E. Hall.
1877.
Myron W. Harris.
Jas. M. Reynolds.
James H. Moulton.
1878.
Byron A. Tyler.
*t li
John Robinson.
JUSTICES OF THK PEACE.
1839.
Myron M. Patohin.
1858.
Jam
es F. Wood.
1840.
Constant Cook.
Asa
Adams.
1841.
Frederick Blood, Sr
1859.
Edwin Finch.
IS42.
Dan. H. Davis.
1860.
Thof
. S. Crosby.
1843.
Myron M. Patchin.
1861.
Asa
Adams.
1844.
Jesse McQuigg.
1862.
James F. Wood.
1845.
Frederick Blood.
Samuel G. Fowler.
1846.
C. J. McDowell.
1863.
Wm.
W. Wait.
1847.
Myron M. Patchin.
1864.
Thos
. S. Crosby.
1848.
Stephen C. Phillips.
1865.
Asa
Adams.
Nelson Thorp.
1866.
James F. Wood.
1849.
Wm. W. Wait.
1867.
Thos
. S. Crosby.
Levi C. Chase.
1868.
Ithiel H. Nichoson.
1850.
Walter M. Eldred.
1869.
Asa
Adams.
1851.
Samuel G. Fowler.
1870.
Marcus S. Harris.
1852.
E. L. Bradley.
1871.
Geor
ge M. Hewitt.
Austin Hall.
1872.
Eetn
a M. Davis.
1853.
Wm. W. Wait.
1873.
Asa
Adams.
Frederick Blood.
1874.
Hiram Wygant.
1854.
James F. Wood.
1875.
Jasper Partridge.
1855.
Edward Finch.
1876.
Clarence W. Stanton.
1856.
Thos. S. Crosby.
1877.
Charles Sheldon.
1857.
Wm. 0. Nichoson.
1878.
Thos
S. Crosby.
TAX-ROLL OF 1829.
Prom an old tax-roll in the office of the town clerk we
find that in 1829 there were in the town of Cohocton
(then including Wajland) 381 land-owners, who resided in
the town and paid taxes on from one-fourth of an acre to
541 acres. This latter was the largest estate then owned
by any resident of the town, and belonged to Philip Cook.
It was valued at $11.42 per acre, and the tax assessed upon
it was $11.69. Warren Patchin owned 409 acres in what
is now Wayland, assessed at $12 an acre, and his tax
amounted to $15.65. Silas Shattuck owned 288 acres,
assessed at $2.24 an acre, tax $2.29. James Cleland had
234 acres, assessed at $6 an acre, tax $6.14. Dan H.
Davis, 330 acres, valued at $10 an acre, tax $10.33. The
most valuable land in the town at that time seems to liave
been a quarter of an acre owned by Ira Gilbert, which was
assessed at a valuation of $50, and taxed 52 cents. From
this roll we find that the lands belonging to residents of the
town at that time amounted to 33,821 acres, while 21,706
acres were owned by non-residents, and of this latter
amount, 18,057 acres were owned by the Pulteney estate.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP COHOCTON.
It appears from the oldest record in the posse.'^sion of this
church, entitled " A History of the Settlement and Forma-
tion of the Church of Christian Union," that a meeting was
" convened by agreement, and opened by prayer by the
Rev. ," the name of the minister not being given. The
object of this meeting seems to have been to inquire into
the history of the earliest religious society in the town.
Hence the record proceeds: " Entered upon a full investi-
gation, and found that in the year 1802 a few professors
made some beginning and improvement, but the great dis-
tance from other settlements, and other discouragements
common to a new settlement, caused them to remain deso-
late until 1802, when James Woodard, from Vermont,
with a numerous family of sons, came and began to im-
prove on some of the former beginnings, and bringing his
wife, being a professed follower of Christ, and recommended
by some former church and brethren to some one church of
Christ wherever her lot might be cast, — whose oldest son,
Arunet, and his wife, Hannah, united with a neighboring
church,* about seven miles distant, but did not enjoy much
advantage thereby, although that church had a stated pastor.
Thus they remained neglected and forsaken for several
years, and had but a single sermon preached until the year
1807, when Elijah Parker and Stephen Crawford moved in
among them. They, with their wives, being Christian pro-
fessors, united together and set up public worship on the
Sabbath. In 1808 the inhabitants met together and ap-
pointed the two last named persons to lead in public meet-
ings; and in 1809 the few Christians among them were
visited by the Rev. Aaron C. Collins, when about ten per-
sons proposed to join in church fellowship, and about the
middle of June by the Rev. Abijah Warren, with whom
they agreed to preach and labor among them for one year."f
* At Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y.
I Another record says "one-third of a year."
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
243
On Sunday, Oct. 8, 1809, a regular church was formed
of the Congregational order, consisting of nine members :
" Thus the Lord planted a church in the wilderness, and
did not leave Himself without witness in this moral desert."
Of the original nine members, three had been admitted
by letter before the formal organization, in June, 1809,
viz., John Slack, Jerusha Slack, and Martha Fowler. The
other six who united by letter, Oct. 8, 1809, were Elijah
Parker, Mehitable Parker, Stephen Crawford, Ruth Craw-
ford, Obadiah Woodard, and Sybil Woodard. In 1811,
Levi and Anna Fowler and Jesse Atwell became members ;
in 1816, Horace Fowler and Rebecca Talbot; in 1817,
Susannah Rodney and Boice Shepard ; in 1818, Jothan
Hoar, Chloe Shattuck, Lucy Woodruff, and Silena Bentley;
in 1820, Nancy Weld, Polly Andrews, and Anna C. Clason ;
in 1821, eight were received by letter and examination, viz.,
Ezra Sliepard, Sally Dubois, David Weld, Mary Fowler,
Hannah Bennett, Sally Ketchum, James Conn, and Anna
Conn. The following seven were received in 1822: Daniel
Raymond, Clarissa Cook, Elizabeth Collyer, Sophia Shepard,
Sally Watkins, Mary Hoar, and Julia Wells. There were
eight additions, as follows, in 1823: Benjamin Haight,
A.sa Phillips, Joel Collyer, Eliza Haight, Tama Phillips,
Anna Bentley, Orlin Watkins, and Eletca Watkins. Eight
more united in 1824, viz., Allen Haight, Sally Haight,
Lucinda Bennett, Casey Crandall, Abigail Crandall, Lucy
Ann Raymond, Abraham Waugh, and Phoebe Raymond.
In 1825 there were eight more additions, as follows : John
Davis, Clarissa How, Orson Fowler, William Bagnell, Sally
Bagnell, Eunice Clary, Almira Lee, and Charity Smork.
In 1826, Rhoda Standclift, Martha Waugh, and Molly
Jones were received by letter. Eight more became mem-
bers in 1827, viz., Peres Powers, Mary Clary, Caroline
How, Abigail Henry, Harriet Cook, Laura StaudclifF, Na-
thaniel Beetts and Mary Beetts.
" Jan. 14, 1810. — This day the church met, according
to agreement, when Rev. Abijah Warren was chosen mod-
erator and Stephen Crawford scribe."
" April 6, 1810. — The church met and made choice of
Elijah Parker for deacon.
"June 2, 1811. — Voted, that Elijah Parker and Stephen
Crawford represent us in the Congregational Association at
Bath, and endeavor to have this church united with them."
In 1818, Rev. Robert Hubbard appears as pastor, though
the date of his settlement is not given. In 1820, Rev.
William Stone oflBciated, and, in 1821, Rev. Aaron C. Col-
lins. In 1823, Rev. Statham Clary became pastor, and
remained in charge till 1829 or 1830. Under his ministry
the first church edifice was probably erected. We find no
account of the building of it in the records, but the follow-
ing shows when it was dedicated :
" Feb. 3, 1830. — The first Congregational meeting-house
dedicated to the service of Almighty God. Sermon by
Rev. Robert Hubbard; text, Haggai, ii. 9."
Rev. Lewis W. Billington officiated after the erection of
the church till about 1832, when the name of Rev. Mr.
De Forest appears as pastor.
April 10, 1823, the church was represented in the Pres-
bytery by its delegates, and thenceforward assumed the form
and order of the Presbyterian Church.
Jan. 31, 1834, this church took the following decisive
action in favor of temperance :
'■'Resolved, That this church admit none to its commu-
nion hereafter, who are not or do not become members of
the temperance cause at the time of their admission."
Rev. I. Strough was pastor of this church from 1850
until his death in June, 1854. The following notice of
his death appears in the church record :
"June 7, 1854. — Rev. I. Strough, pastor of the Pres-
byterian Church of Cohocton, departed this life, and has
gone to receive his great reward above."
His successor was Rev. W. L. Andrews, who commenced
his labors early in 1855. He was succeeded, in 1856, by
Rev. A. T. Wood. Rev. J. Woodruff followed in Novem-
ber, 1857. Rev. M. B. Gettson, of the Naples Presby-
terian Church, officiated as pastor in 1861, and continued
till the close of 1871.
The present church edifice was erected in the summer
and fall of 1872, and was dedicated at ten o'clock a.m. on
the 14th day of December, the sermon being preached by
Rev. Dr. William E. Knox, of Elmira. At two o'clock
P.M. Rev. Charles B. Austin was installed pastor of the
church. He remained with the church till Feb. 27, 1876.
The church was then served by supplies and candidates for
the pastorate till Sept. 1, 1878, at which date Rev. John
Waugh, the present pastor, began his labors.
The Ladies' Missionary Society was organized April 11,
1878. Mrs. John Waugh, President; Mrs. Carrie Harris,
Vice-President ; Mrs. Thomas Warner, Secretary ; Mrs. Dr.
Saxton, treasurer.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHDRCH OF COHOCTON.
The records of this church begin with the following
entry :
"We, the suVjscribcrs, do certify, that at a meeting in the town of
Cohocton, county of Steuben, on the 24th day of February, in the
year of our Lord 1829, of the male persons of full age, being mem-
bers and friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in pursuance of
public notice given two successive Sabbaths or meetiug-days, and at
least fifteen days before the time of meeting, for the purpose of in-
corporating themselves, according to the act to provide fur the incor-
poration of religious socielies. Cyrus Story and Sylvanus Calkins,
two of the members of said society, were duly chosen to preside at
the said meeting, and that David Lusk, Isaac S. Kidder, Ebenezer
Connor, Paul C. Cook, and Cornelius Crouch, who were duly elected
trustees of the said society to I>e incorporated, and it was resolved by
the said meeting, that the society to be incorporated should be called
and known by the name or title of the ' First Society of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church of the town of Cohocton.' And we do further
certify, under our hands and seals, that the above-mentioned pro-
ceedings were had in our presence.
" Dated Cohocton, Feb. 24, 1829. , ,-— , ,
" Cyrus Story. j l. s. [
"Sylvands Calkixs
..{u^}
" Taken and acknowledged before me, this 24th day of February, 1829,
"Paul C. Cook, A Judge of the County Courts."
" Immediately after the election of the foregoing trusr
tees, they were divided by lot into three classes, numbers
one, two, and three; and the seats of Isaac S. Kidder and
David Lusk, members of the first class, shall be vacated at
the expiration of the first year ; Ebenezer Connor and Paul
C. Cook, members of the second class, at the expiration of
244
HISTOllY OF STEUBP^N COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the second year ; and Cornelius Crouch, of the third class,
at the expiration of the third year. The followinij-named
persons were present, and considered members of said so-
ciety, viz. :
Cyrus Story.
Sylvanus Calkins.
Isaac S. Kidder.
Bavid Lnsk.
Constant Cook.
Samuel Chamberlain.
Anson Delaniater.
William Walker.
Levi Smith.
Zina Alford.
Paul C. Cook.
Cornelius Crouch.
Ebenezer Connor.
Caleb Crouch.
Lucius Shattuck.
David Parmcnter.
Amos Cornell.
Andrew Conn,
Adin Parmenter.
In 1830 a subscription was circulated for the purpose of
erecting a chapel or church edifice. At the annual meeting
of that year a resolution was passed to have the subscription
" recorded in the book of the society for the purpose of ex-
hibiting the manner and principle on which the proposed
chapel is to be erected." The following is a copy, as we
find it in the records :
'* We whose names are hereunto subscribed do agree to pay to Eb-
enezer Connor, Paul C. Cook, Cornelius Crouch, Isaac S. Kidder, and
Constant Cook, trustees of the first Methodist Episcopal Church in
the town of Cohocton, the several sums set opposite our respective
names for the purpose of erecting a chapel at or near Liberty Corners
in saiil town. vSaid house is calculated to cost about !?14U0. It is ex-
pressly understood that said house, if built, is tu be free for all author-
ized preachers of the gospel to preach in when not wanted to be
occupied by said Methodist Society. It is also agreed that those who
pay for materials for building shall pay the same at Liberty Corners
by the 1st day of May next; those who p.iy in labor, on demand, and
those who pay in cash or produce, in three semi-annual payments
from the date hereof, provided the sum of $500 be subscribed, other-
wise said subscription to be null and void.
" Dated at Cohocton this lOlh day of February, 1830."'
The meetings of the society and trustees were held chiefly
at the house of Caleb Crouch till the completion of the
chapel. We find a record of one of the meetings, held at
the store of Orton & Cook, on the 31st of December, 1832,
at which a committee, which we take to have been the build-
ing committee, made their report. It appears from the fol-
lowing that the chapel was at this time finished and ready
for use :
** WhcrcdH, The Chapel in this place was built by the subscriptions
of individuals of different denominations, we the trustees of the Soci-
ety do hereby ordain and declare that the Methodist Society shall
have the privilege to occupy the chapel the forenoon of each Sabbath
(and in case of a quarterly meeting or any extra meeting, they may
occupy the house the whole day) and the remainder part of the day
said Chapel shall be free for all authorized preachers to occupy.
•■ Ji-.SSE P. Brace, Clerk."
Rev. Samuel Bibbins presided at the annual meeting of
March 10, 1832, and is the first minister mentioned in the
record. In 1835 we find Rev. Joseph Pearsol "•presiding"
at the annual meeting " held at the school-house in District
No. 5, in the town of Cohocton." The first annual meet-
ing recorded as " held at the meeting-house" was April 26,
1836, " Paul C. Cook presiding."
From 1839 to 1845 there are no meetings recorded, and
it appears that at the latter date the society was reorgan-
ized, and held its regular annual meetings thenceforward on
the " last Monday in January of each year."
The new organization, dated " Cohocton, 13th January,
1845," and signed "Andrew W. Moore, clerk," was consti-
tuted of " the following persons, who were present and con-
sidered members of said society," viz. :
Calvin Blood.
David Parmenter.
Fletcher C. Eateman.
James Draper.
Hiram Dewey.
Orin Marshall.
Harry Field.
John Lake.
Albert S. Henry.
A. L. Shattuck.
Thomas Hendryx.
Valentine Van Wormer.
Andrew W. Moore.
Benjamin P. Arbour.
S. Hagadorn.
M. T. Coaley.
John L. Van Wormer.
Henry G. Blood.
C. J. McDowell.
J. H. Mills.
Calvin Blood was president of the board of trustees till
1854, when Amos W. Chase appears as president, and L.
D. Conner as clerk. In 1857, Stephen Hagadorn was
president, and in 1858, V. Van Wormer. Lewis Marsh in
1859, and H. Rathbone in 1860. In 1861 we find the
name of Rev. Mr. Mandeville presiding at the annual meet-
ing ; in 1862, V. Van Wormer. No further record of an
annual meeting occurs till Jan. 27, 1873, at which time
"the meeting was called to order by Rev. Mr. Vosburgh,
and G. E. Ackerman was elected secretary." This year a
new board of trustees was elected, as follows: Valentine
Van Wormer, for three years ; James Draper, for three
years ; John Adair, for two years ; Isaac Palmateer, for
two years ; Lewis Knapp, for one year ; E. A. Draper,
clerk of the board of trustees.
In 1875, James R. Wilson and Isaac Palmateer were
elected trustees for three years, and M. E. Harris for two
years. In 1876, Gr. W. Marsh and Valentine Van Wormer,
for three years.
In 1873 this church was set ofi" as a separate charge,
called Liberty Charge, to which the society at Loon Lake
was attached, and so remained till 1877, when it was dropped
and Wallace attached. Wallace was dropped in 1878, and
Lent Hill attached. Since the change in 1873, the follow-
ing ministers have officiated : Rev. Mr. Vosburgh, two years';
Rev. William Wardell, one year ; Rev. D. W. Gates, three
years ; Rev. Dr. A. Purdy, present pastor.
The church edifice was remodeled and enlarged at a cost
of about $2000, in 1872. Present membership, 69; Sun-
day-school, 75.
FIRST UNIVERS.\LIST CHURCH OP COHOCTON.
Among the earliest settlers in Cohocton there were many
of the more respectable and influential citizens who were
believers in the doctrine of the final salvation of all men.
Such men as Peter Haight, Levi Smith, Simeon Holmes,
Elizar Tucker, Benjamin Warner, David Parmenter, Lucius
Shattuck, Darius Crosby, John Larrowe, were men who
styled themselves Universalists ; and although they did not
organize as a society, they often held meetings at their own
houses, or in some school-house in the town, where they
listened to such ministers as the Revs. A. G. Clark, O. B.
Clark, Mr. Payne, Cheny, Richardson, and others. After
the Methodist Episcopal church was built in Liberty, they
held meetings more frequently in th;.t church until about
1858, when, one Sunday upon going to the church to hold
services, they found themselves shut out, the door being
locked, and no one knowing where the key could be found.
^^^ii/u^^/-^c^^
Lewis Clayson was born in
Westchester Co., N. T., March
31, 1808. He is the youngest
and only surviving child of
Enoch and Mercy Clayson. The
former, a native of Stanford,
Conn., was a farmer by occupa-
tion ; was a Minute Man in the
war for independence, though
never called out; lived to the
age of eighty-nine, and died in
Westchester County, 1857. The
latter was a native of West-
chester County, lived to be
eighty years of age, and died
about 1860.
Mr. Clayson spent his minor-
ity on the farm, and was with
his father until he was thirty-
three years of age, receiving
the limited opportunities of the
district schools of that day for
his education from books. In
March, 1841, he married Cor-
delia, daughter of Robert and Susan Halstead, both natives of West-
chester Co., N. Y. She was born April 8, 1816, is a lady of rare ex-
cellence, and does her part well
in all that pertains to the duties
of a wife and mother.
The same year of their mar-
riage, Mr. and Mrs. Clayson re-
moved to Steuben County, and
settled on the farm where he
now resides, in the town of
Cohocton, which now comprises
some seven hundred acres of
land, in possession of himself
and sons, and a large part of
which he has cleared of its
original forest.
He is one of the enterprising,
industrious, and thrifty farmers
of the town, and a model agri-
culturist, and for many years
has given considerable atten-
tion to buying and selling
stock.
Mr. Clayson has never given
any particular attention to po-
litical matters, but ever re-
garded the right of suffrage.
independentaction, and thought
of great value. His life has
been given almost wholly to
agricultural pursuits, and he is
a quiet, unassuming man, pos-
sessed of strict honesty in all
his business relations. Their
children are Robert H. and
Enoch A., — farmers near their
father, — Mrs. Melvin Miller, of
Wayland, and lone, at home.
ci^-ciA
<2^ix/^ ^5)^
Smith Clayson, an older
brother, born 1796, in West-
chester County, married Ann
Gilbert, of South Salem, N. Y.
She died in 1840, at the age of
forty-two, leaving one daughter,
— Harriet (Mrs. Melvin Davis),
Cy\_y of Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y.
In 1842 he married Letitia
Derevere, of Mount Pleasant,
Westchester Co. In 1852 he removed to Steuben County, and set-
tled in the town of Cohocton on one hundred and sixty acres of
land, now owned by his son,
Henry S. Clayson, to which ad-
ditions have been made, making
the farm two hundred and ten
acres. On this farm Mr. Clay-
son spent the remainder of his
life. He was a representative
farmer ; gave some attention to
buying and selling stock. He
was a Democrat originally, and
during the latter part of his life
a Republican. He was known
as a conscientious man ; was a
member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and possessed of
sterling integrity in all his bus-
iness relations. He died in
1860, leaving a widow, now
Mrs. Isaac Magoon, of North
Cohocton, and one son by his
second marriage, Henry S., who
married Julia A., daughter of
Hobart Gregg, of Bath, March
20, 1871. Their children are
/^-yi, Mark, Hobart, Ernest, Lewis.
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
245
they were obliged to adjourn the meeting for that time.
This was the beginning of a feeling which finally resulted
in the building of the iiret Universalist church in Cohocton.
As will be seen by referring to the history of the first
Methodist Episcopal Church in Cohocton, that church was
built by the united means of all denominations, — with the
express understanding and agreement that it was to be free
to all denominations when not in use by the Methodist, and
they were to use the house Sunday mornings only, except
when they held their regular quarterly meetings ; at such
times they had the use of the house the whole day. This
agreement was faithfully lived up to till the time mentioned
above. As might be expected, this action upon the part of
the Methodist brethren aroused a spirit of opposition
among those calling themselves Universalists, and they de-
termined upon building a church of their own. A meeting
was held Sept. 19, 1859, at which D. H. Wilcox was
chosen chairman. At this meeting a regular church
organization was formed, and Franklin Larrowe, Amos W.
Chase, and D. H. Wilcox were elected trustees. A sub-
scription was circulated and enough subscribed to warrant
the commencement of erecting a church at once. Among
the more liberal in giving for this purpose were such men as
John Larrowe, Franklin Larrowe, Alburtas Larrowe, N. J.
Wheeler, F. N. Drake, Amos W. Chase, E. A. Parmenter,
David Parmenter, P. F. Horr, T. S. Crosby, Stephen
Phillips, Benjamin Warner, John Kellogg, 0. C. Smith,
G. E. W. Herbert, Austin Hall, S. D. Shattuck, and
others. The church was commenced in the summer of
1860, but not completed and dedicated until September,
1863. Rev. J. M. Austin, of Auburn, N. Y., preached the
dedication sermon. It is located on Maple Avenue, is a
fine building, and cost about $3000.
Soon after the dedication the society engaged the services
of the Rev. M. Tuller, who remained with them about two
years, since which time they have had no settled pastor and
only occasional preaching.
The doors of this church have always been opened
cheerfully to their brethren in Christ, no matter by what
name they may be called. During the years 1872 and
1873 the Presbyterian society being without a house of
worship, they were given the free use of this church, and
are at present occupying it, their own church undergoing
repairs. In talking with a prominent member of the Uni-
versalist .society he said : " Our society have a fine church,
well finished and furni.shed, free from debt, and we are
happy to be able to furnish so respectable a place for wor-
ship to those of any other denomination who believe in
God as the Maker and Ruler of all things."
ST. pkter's (catholic) church, cohocton
This church is situated at the village of Liberty. Rev.
Michael Steger was the first missionary priest who officiated
here with a view of erecting a church edifice. He built the
present St. Peter's church in 1861. The building is a
frame structure, 34 by 48 feet, and cost about $1400. The
first board of trustees consisted of Conrad Shults, John
Gehrig, and Theodore Lichius.
Since Father Steger, the following priests have oflieiated
here as missionaries, holding services once a month : Rev.
F. R. Mazuret, Rev. L. Vanderpoel, Rev. M. J. Darcy,
Rev. S. B. Gruber, Rev. A. Bachmann, Rev. E. Niebling,
and Rev. A. Geisenhoff.
Rev. Joseph Feuger is the present resident pastor. The
present trustees are Matthew Haag and Jacob Stein.
ST. Paul's (Lutheran) church, cohocton.
The original members of this church formerly belonged
to the Lutheran Church at Perkinsville, in the town of
Wayland. On account of the distance which they had to
go to attend worship, it was decided to establish a church
at Liberty, which was done in 1860, under the ministry of
Rev. Mr. Strobel. The building, when erected, was 30 by
40 feet, and since then an enlargement of 16 feet has been
added to the rear end.
The first trustees were Philip Zimmer, Henry Swingle,
Henry Hengle, Philip Bortz.
The following ministers have served this church in the
order named : Rev. Mr. Hasscarl, Rev. Edward Werner,
Rev. M. During, Rev. F. Spindlcr, Rev. Edward Barman,
Rev. August Weisel, Rev. Mr. Himmbler, and the present
pastor. Rev. Mr. Herr.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ZION CHURCH, COHOCTON.
This church is situated southwest of the depot, at the
village of Liberty. The building is a plain wooden struc-
ture, 30 by 40 feet, and was erected as a house of worship
by the society which separated from St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, in 1869. Rev. Mr. Beauragard was the first pa.s-
tor, under whose ministry the building was erected. Since
him have been Rev. Mr. Tele, Rev. Jacob Smith, Rev. Mr.
Hernlein, Rev. Jacob Bockthaler, Rev. Jacob Steinhenser,
and the present pastor, Rev. Louis Zuber. The present board
of trustees of the society consists of Philip Volts, Philip
Dantz, and Godfrey Flashman.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH COHOCTON.
So far as can be ascertained, the first Methodist services
were held in this part of the town in 1816, by Rev. Mr.
Adgate and Rev. Micah Segar, an elder brother of Prof.
Segar, formerly of Lima. These ministers formed a class,
of which the following persons were members: Eloazer
Dewey and wiic, James and Mary Moulton, Abigail Moul-
ton, Timothy Dewey and wife, David Lusk, Caleb Boss and
wife. Among the earliest ministers were Revs. Fowler,
Arnold, and Cummins. It has been impossible, in the
absence of records, to obtain the names in full and times
of service of all the ministers, but the following, furnished
by Mr. Rice Moulton and others, may be presumed to be a
tolerably correct list : Revs. Zina J. Buck, Cyrus Story,
Benager Williams, Stephen Trimbly, Henry Wisner, Wil-
liam Jones, George Wilkinson, Theodore McElhenny,
Robert Parker, Joseph Ashworth, Pingree, J. B. McKin-
ney, Verannus Brownell, Samuel Parker, Atchison, Pinder,
A. C. Hayward, Anderson, Spinks, Hall, and Sanford.
Since 1850 the records show the following ministers: Rev.
Henry Harps, 1851; Rev. John J. Brown, 1853; Rev.
John Knapp, 1855; Rev. Mr. Dunnegan, 1856; Rev. A.
D. Edgar, 1858; Rev. Stephen Brown, 1862; Rev. W.
W. Mandeville, 1864; Rev. J. Dunnegan, 1865-66; Rev.
246
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
N. N. Beers, 1867; Rev. S. M. Merritt, 1868; Rev. C.
G. Curtis, 1869; Rev. J. B. Countryman, 1871-72; Rev.
J. E. Tiffany, 1873-75; Rev. J. L. King, 1875-76;
Rev. G. W. Terry, 1877, present pastor.
In 1846 the church edifice was built, and was repaired
and enlarged in 1868. The church has good, comfortable
sheds and a parsonage. The present membership is 113,
with an attendance at the Sunday-school of 157. R. P.
Moulton, superintendent. The present trustees are E. S.
Carpenter, S. G. Smith, H. S. Shattuck, W. Walden, T. J.
Cornish.
Mr. Rice Moulton has been a member of this church for
fifty-eight years, and during a good portion of the time has
been class-leader. He was born at Saratoga Springs in
1805, and came to Cohocton in 1815.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LENT HILL.
About the year 1831 a class was formed on Lent Hill
by Rev. Mr. Norris, and worshiped in a log school-house
on the corner opposite the present church. In 1834 a
church was erected and dedicated by Rev. Mr. Buck. The
society was known as the First Union Society of Cohocton
and Prattsburgh. The first trustees were P. Hatch, H.
Ketch, D. Field, R. Stanton, E. Holcomb, and J. D. Smith.
H. Ketch, class-leader. The society has about 40 members.
TEMPERANCE.
There has always been a strong temperance element in
this town. The Sons of Temperance and several temper-
ance societies have flourished in Cohocton, and their labors
have been fruitful of a great deal of good. This town for
the past five years have much to their credit voted no
license.
VILLAGE OF LIBERTY.
The village of Liberty is situated on the Rochester and
Corning branch of the New York and Erie Railroad, fifty-
nine miles southeast of Rochester and thirty-five miles from
Corning. It contains six churches, three hotels, five stores
of general merchandise, two drug-stores, one hardware-
store, one jewelry, two clothing-houses, three millinery-
shops, two merchant tailoring establishments, two barber-
shops, one flour- and feed-store, two boot- and shoe-shops,
one photograph gallery, two harness-shops, two meat-mar-
kets, one weekly newspaper and job-office, five blacksmith-
shops, two restaurants, two carriage-shops, one cabinet and
furniture establishment, one cigar manufactory, one shingle-
mill, one saw- and planing-mill and lumber-yard, one agri-
cultural warehouse, one large hay- and straw-press, two
grain warehouses, one grist-mill, one public hall, post-oflBce,
express and telegraph offices, a prosperous public school,
and flourishing lodges of Ma.sons and Knights of Honor.
The village was named Liberty from a liberty-pole hav-
ing been raised here on the first Fourth of July after the
organization of the town.
FREEMASONS.
Liberty Lodge, No. 510, F. and A. M. — This lodge was
chartered Jan. 15, 1801, the charter being signed by Fin-
lay M. King, Grand Master, and James M. Austin, Grand
Secretary. The charter members were as follows : Albur-
tus Larrowe, Stephen D. Shattuck, John Kellogg, James
Draper, Benjamin Warner, A.sa Adams, and Hiram Dewey.
First Officers. — Alburtus Larrowe, M. ; Stephen D. Shat-
tuck, S. W. ; John Kellogg, J. W. ; James Draper, Sec.
The lodge now contains about 60 members, and is in a
flourishing condition. It has frequently distinguished
itself by acts of charity, not known to the uninitiated.
Fresent Officers. — Stephen D. Shattuck, M. ; J. M.
Crouch, S. W. ; E. A. Draper, J. W. ; I. L. Goff, S. D. ;
Henry Finch, J. D. ; Monroe Harris, Treas. ; Thomas
Warner, Sec; Rev. S. T. Dean, Chap.; C. H. Beyer,
Tyler.
Masonic Hall is situated in the Warner Block, a fine
large building, erected by Thomas Warner in 1871.
ODD-FELLOWS.
A lodge of Odd-Fellows was organized in the year 1848,
but prospered only a short time, owing to conflicting ele-
ments. Among the members are many prominent names:
Frank Larrowe, C. J. McDowell, J. H. Mills, A. Larrowe,
Morris Grey, James Draper, D. H. Wilcox, Peter Van
Houghton, Austin Hall, John Kellogg, A. C. Marvin,
Amos Chard, M. T. Conley, Andrew Moore, and others.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Cohocton Lodge, No. 944, was organized March 9,
1878, with 25 charter members. The officers were as
follows: C. E. Thorp, D. ; M. W. Harris, V. D. ; M. A.
Peck, A. D. ; I. L. Goff^, P. D. ; E. A. Draper, R. ; T. R.
Harris, F. R. ; J. M. Reynolds, Treas.; Rev. D. W.
Gates, Chap. ; C. H. Stone, G. ; J. M. Cavenaugh, G. ;
J. C. Green, S.
The lodge now numbers 44 members.
At a regular meeting of the lodge held at their rooms
on Monday evening, Dec. 23, 1878, the following officers
were duly elected for the ensuing term, ending July 1,
1879 : Dr. I. L. Goff, D. ; Thomas Warner, V. D. ; G. E.
W. Herbert, A. D. ; E. A. Draper. R. ; A. H. Weld, F.
R.; A. J. Hyland, Treas.; C. E. Hall, Chap.; C. H.
Stone, G.; J. C. Green, G.; C. H. Beyer, S. ; C. E.
Thorp, P. D. ; M. W. Harris, S. H. Leavitt, P. F. Horr,
Trustees.
PHYSICIANS.
Liberty has the following physicians :
Allopathic— L. B. Healey, M.D., and I. L. Goff, M.D.
Homoeopathic. — W. D. Saxton, M.D., and E. M. White,
M.D.
THE PRESS.
The first newspaper established in Cohocton was in
1859, by Wm. Wait Warner, and was called the Cohocton
Journal; only issued about two years, when Mr. Warner
moved West.
The next paper was a weekly paper, published by H. B.
Newell in 1872, called the Cohocton Herald, and shortly
afterwards purchased by James C. Hewitt and changed to
the Cohocton Tribune; and in 1875 wa.s bought by Wm.
A. Carpenter and changed to the Cohocton Valley Times,
which is still published by Mr. Carpenter. It is a well-
conducted weekly, independent in politics.
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
247
THE LUMBERING INTERESTS.
The lumbering business has been one of the most im-
portant, and we may say one of the most lucrative, indus-
tries of the town of Cohocton.
In the year 1854, H. D. Graves, F. N. Drake, and Har-
rison Harvey, of Le Roy, came to Liberty and entered into
copartnership for the manufacture and dealing in lumber,
under the firm-name of H. D. Graves & Co. They built
their first mill about three miles from Liberty, between that
place and Loon Lake. Some time after this, Mr. Z. Wa-
terman became a partner, and Messrs. Graves and Harvey
retired from the firm. Mr. Waterman was by no means
successful as a lumberman, and, consequently, very soon
tired of the enterprise and withdrew, leaving Mr. Drake
sole owner. In the spring of 18G1 he invited Geo. W.
Drake and Thomas Warner to make him a visit and join
him in his favorite sport of trout-fishing, these speckled
beauties being then plenty in some of the streams. This
invitation was accepted, and during this fishing-excursion
they became satisfied that there was more money in the
lumber business, if sulficiently enlarged and properly con-
ducted, than in the hardware trade, in which they were
then engaged at Le Roy.
They accepted an offer from Mr. Drake to become mem-
bers of a firm, with a firm-name of F. N. Drake & Co., and
immediately extended the business by making large purchases
of timber, and bought the Davis mill, in Cohocton, and the
Waterbury mill, at Wallace. This firm manufactured at
least 8,000,000 feet of pine and hemlock lumber each year,
and having bought their stock low, the rapid advance of
prices caused by the war soon made the members of the
firm wealthy.
In August, 1867, F. N. and G. W. Drake sold their
interest to Mr. Thomas Warner, who has continued the
business to the present time. During this time he moved
what was called the big mill to the village, and located it
just above the depot, near the railroad-track ; both arc now
in operation. During the eleven years in which he has
been engaged in this business he has given employment to
a large number of men, and, consequently, disbursed large
sums of money, that have told favorably on the business
interests of the village. He has built two elegant dry-goods
stores and owns several others, and has also erected at least
a dozen dwelling-houses.
NORTH COHOCTON.
This village, situated in the northern part of the town,
contains a Methodist Episcopal church, two dry-goods and
general stores, one grocery, one hardware-store, one hotel,
three milliner-shops, one jeweler's-shop, two blacksmith-
shops, and one wagon-shop. There are here two large
cooper-shops, one of which is run by steam, and manufac-
tures 100,000 barrels per year. D. D. Clark and H. S.
Shattuck own planing-mills. D. D. Clark manufactures
largely heading and staves for cooperage. S. R. Abrams
is a manufacturer of patent medicines ; J. Tonsett, harness-
maker. C. H. Griesa carries on furniture and undertaking
business. Theodore Griesa is a practical taxidermist, and
has a fine collection of stuffed birds.
There are three physicians practicing here, viz., Dr. A.
L. Gilbert, Dr. E. S. Carpenter, and Dr. N. F. Wetmore.
Jasper Partridge, Esq., is justice of the peace.
A We.sleyan Methodist Church organization exists in this
part of the town. Their meeting-house is a mile north,
at the county line. The Free Methodists also have an
organization, but no house of worship.
The North Cohocton post-ofiice was established by Eleazer
Hall in 1853, under President Pierce. He was superseded
by Asa Adams, who continued to hold the office till April
21, 1871. A. G. Jockman was his successor, and was
superseded in 1876 by Ezra S. Carpenter.
A flourishing union school is situated between this and
Blood's Station, — H. W. English, Principal ; Miss Sarah
Sutton, Teacher in the Intermediate Department; Mrs.
Mary Arnold, Teacher of the Primary Department. Trus-
tees: Milan J. Tyler, President; Horace Stodard, Wm.
Sherman, Charles Tiffany ; H. W. Hatch, Secretary. The
union school was established in 1872, and the house built
in 1874. It is a three-story frame building, and cost $4000.
The total expenditure for school purposes the past year was
$1500. The assessed value of taxable property in the
district is about $200,000.
Solomon Hubbard was the first merchant in North
Cohocton. After his death William A. Gilbert purchased
the building and carried on mercantile business for over
thirty years. Dr. Blakslee, of Patcliin's Mills, first prac-
ticed medicine here. He died within a few years in Wis-
consin, about one hundred and five years of age.
blood's STATION.
This is a thriving little hamlet on the railway, and the
point of departure for the stage-route to Naples and Can-
andaigua. A post-ofiice was established at Blood's, April
21, 1871, through the instrumentality of Mr. Asa Adams,
who was the first postmaster. Mr. John D. Hendryx
succeeded him in 1877.
Blood's Station is fifty-five miles from Rochester, by the
Rochester branch of the Erie Railway. It has one drug-
and grocery-store, and one general and dry-goods-store,
L. D. Hodgman ; one hardware-store, Hiram D. Hatch ;
one clothing-store, Peter Roeker ; general merchandise,
Thos. J. Cornish ; flouring- and grist-mills, David S. Wait;
steam saw-mill, A. Van Wie ; planing, moulding, and feed
steam-mill, John W. Mattice ; steam saw- and shingle-mill,
Hiram G. Clark. There is one hotel, the Mountain View
House, kept by Oliver Rico.
The Baptist Church at this place was organized in 1875,
and has a neat fiamed church edifice and a Sunday-school
numbering 75 scholars and teachers. The trustees are
Monroe Harris, J. J. Crouch, J. A. Shultz, J. D. Hendryx,
and Wheeler Ciason. The pastor. Rev. S. T. Dean, settled
over the society June 19, 1875.
Besides the business above mentioned at the station,
there are three grain warehouses, owned respectively by
Caprin & Fowler, Mjller & Co., and H. W. Hatch, doing a
large business.
MILITARY RECORD OF COHOCTON.
Shaltiick, L. Brace, capt., 3otli Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years ; pro.capt.
Hewitt, Janic9 C, 1st sergt., 351h Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, ISGl.two years; pro.
l8t sergt, Oct. 21, ISlil. *
Wilcox, Carlos II., 5tli sergt., 35th Eegt., Co. F ; enl. June 11, lS61,two years;
pro. to 5th sergt., Oct. 21, 1861.
248
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Cunningham, Geoi-ge, private, S.'ith Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years;
re-enl. Hth H. Art., Co. D, July 11, 180:i, three yeara.
Dunn, Daniel B., private, 35rli Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 15, 1861, two years ; disch.
Feb. 11, 1803, for disability.
McDowell, Wra. H., Sd Bergt , 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years;
pro. to .3d sergt., Oct. 21, I8GI.
St. John, William H., 2d sergt., 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years ;
pro. to 2d sergt., Oct. 21, 1861.
Chapman, William H., private, 36th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years.
Spike, Oliver P., private, 35tli Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years.
Draper, Frank M., Ist Corp., 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, three years.
Grieves, JohnTvth corp., 35th Inf, Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years ; pro. to
7lh Corp., Feb. 20, 1863.
Carmen, Wm., private, 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years.
Koapp, Myron, private, 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; died
in h"sp. at Falls Church, Va., July 25, 1862, of t.vphoid fever.
Rain, John, private, 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Juno 11, 1861, two years.
Horr, Benjamin, private, .35th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years.
Gill, John, private, 36th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; re-enl.
March 28, 1804, three yeara.
Bandolpli, George, private, 35th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; died
at W.oshington, D. C.
Wood, Reuben W., private, 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years.
Brown, Coello Fernando, private, 101st Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three
years; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Mattice, Theodore, private, 161st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years.
Haynar, David James, private, 14th Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1804, three years; wounded;
died at McDougal Hospital, N. Y., Oct. 4 or 5, 18C4.
Rowe, Lemuel, private, 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch.
Sept. 20, 1865.
Hoaglin, William Wallace, 2d sergt., I61st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862, three
years; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Nostrand, Samuel, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Wise, Eodolphus, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. \vg. 21, 1802, three years.
Wise, Benjamin, private, lOlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug 21, 1862, three years.
Tan Atteii, John, Corp., 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three yeai'S.
Eex, William, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Ehruharth, Albright, private, 30lli Inf, Co. F ; enl. May 25, 1864, thiee years;
disch. July 17, 1805, at Washington, D. C.
Eldred, Luther Bailey, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl Aug. 21,1802, three years;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Byer, Charles, 1st sergt., IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, tliree years; pro.
to 1st sergt., April 9, 1863; wounded at Sabine Pass.
Dunn, Daniel B, private, Hth II. Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 5. 1864, three years;
re-enl.; wounded in Ihe foot, March 25, 1805; wounded in the abdomen
in front of Petersburg and taken prisoner; paroled March 30, 1865 ; disch.
July 1, 1866.
Totten, James II., 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years.
Blackrich, Gregory, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Tyler, Milon F., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Monlton, James H., private, 175th inf., Co. A; enl. March, 1804, three years.
Tagua, Samuel, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch.
for disab., Aug. 10, ISG'I.
Ressicker, Nicholas Van, private, IbL-it Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1803, three
years; died at New Iberia, La., Nov 19, 1863.
Wemple, Ephras V., 2d Corp., 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. July 17, 1862, three years ;
disch. for disability, Feb. 3, 1803.
Fisher, Stilman S., 1st sergt., 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 1862, three years;
died of disease at Baton Rouge, April 9, 1803.
Kessicker, Jacob, private, 14th Art. ; enl. March, 1864, three years ; died at EI-
mira, not long after he enlisted.
Bocker, George, private, 164th Inf, Co. H; enl. March 31, 1864, three years;
committed suicide, Feb. 1864, in the service.
Bacon, Austin H., Jr., private, 189tll Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year ;
died of typhoid fever on a transport from City Point to Baltimore, about
Feb. 3, 1806.
Sbults, Andrew, private, lG4th Inf; enl. March 31, 1864, three years; disch.
July 15, 1865.
Tamling, Benjamin W., private, 164th Regt., Co. A; eol. March 31, 1864, three
years ; disch. July 15, 1865.
Stetson, Reuben E., private, 164th Inf., Co. B; enl. March 31. 1864, three years;
discharged.
Knoodle, John, Jr., private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
died at Elmira, Dec. 2, 1862.
Campbell, John, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. .\ug. 21,1802, three years; disch.
Sept. 20, 1805.
Wait, Benjamin, 1st Corp., 161st Inf. Co. F; enl. .\ug. 21, 1862, three years.
Bush, William Wesley, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three yeat«.
Watkins, Edwin F., lOlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Raymond, A. C, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Alleu, Robert, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; disch. at New
York, Aug. 24, 1863.
Clayton, Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years; died
at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1802. •
Hewitt, Charles M., private, 101st Inf., Co. F; enl. .\ug. 21, 1862, three years;
died at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1802.
Townsend, Chester, private, 101st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21. 1862. tliree years;
disch. for disability, March 18, 1863.
Foster, Hollister, private, lOlst Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Avery, Gilbert F., corp., 161st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Walling, Samuel S., capt., IGIst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years;
wounded near the eye and month.
Praper, Edwin A., 2il lieut. 161st Regt., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, two years;
res. June 1, 1864; re-enl. 189th Regt., N. Y. Vols., Co. G, Sept. 28, 1864,
one year; pro. to 1st lieut.
Jencks, James D., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years;
must, out Aug. 30, 1865.
Craig, William, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; pro.
to Corp., Feb. 9, 1804.
Young, Joseph, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Avery, John A., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; died
at New York, Jan. 1, 1863.
Waggoner, Nicholas, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years.
Moore, Robert!., private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. March 4, 1805.
Falts, Nicholas, private, 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; died
at Simsport, La., May 17, 1864.
Greives, Charles, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. Aug. 24, 1803, at Baton Rouge, La.
Edmonds, John F., Corp., 161st Inf., Co.F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years.
Morrison, George, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1863, at Alexandria, Va.
Wellington, Trimball, private, IClst Inf, Co. F; inl. Aug. 21,1802, three years;
committed suicide, June 25, 1863, at Baton Rouge.
Filder, Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; died
at Sinisport, La., May 17, 1864.
Knoodle, John, Sr.. 4th sergt., 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years;
wounded in hip; taken prisoner, April 8, 1864; disch. March 4, 1865, ut
Baton Rouge.
Lyon, Josiah B., private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. at Baton Rouge, Aug. 24, 1863.
Barber, Orlando, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years; died
of wounds received at Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864.
Stanton, Elij.ah, private, lOlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1S62, three years; died
at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1862.
Geer, William H., private, IGlst Inf, Co.F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; died
at New York, Nov. 28, 1862.
Tripp, Sidney R., private, 161st Inf, Co.F; enl. Aug. 21, 1 802, three years; disch.
at Elmira, Dec. 10, 1863, for disability.
Webster, Willi.Tm B., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ;
disch. March 4, 1802, for disability.
Catner, Daniel S., private, 101st Inf. Ch). F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ;
disch. Sept. 23, 1805, for disability.
Cranmer, Harvey B., 101st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21. 1802, three years.
Adair, John, IGI.-t Regt., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; disch. Aug. 29, '64.
Mattice, David II., 3d sergt., 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. ,4ug. 21, 1802, three years;
disch. by general Older 122.
Hulbert, Isaac, private, 101st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch.
at Elmira, N. Y., 1SC2.
Wager, John, private, IGIst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; died at
Vicksburg, Miss., Nov. 14, 1864.
Stowe, Lysis, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; died at
Perry, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1862
Glover, Rodolph R , private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ;
disch. July 25, 1805, for disability.
Miles, William, private, 4th Regt.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years.
Blackcreek, (ieorge, private, 4th H. Art., Co. G ; eul. Jan. 5, 1804, three yeais;
disch. Sept. 26, 1865.
Blood, James H., private; enl. Feb. 13, 1864, three years; found dead at Elmira,
N. Y., not long after he enlisted.
Pierce, Silas N., capt., Gth Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 27, 1861, three years ; pro. to
corp , Sept. 27, 1801 ; to Gth sergt., Jan. 27, 1802 ; to 1st sergt., Dec. 1, 1802 ;
re-enl., same regt. and Co., Dec. 15, 1863; pro. to capt.. May 4, 1866;
wounded in left side at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1804.
Day, John, private; enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, three years.
Ressiiikei, Jacob, private; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; died at Elmira, not
lung after enlistment, of fever.
Jones, Franklin, private ; enl. Jan. 13, 186-1, three years.
Clason, Mon roe, private, 4th H. Art , Co. L ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; disch .
Oct. 2, 1865.
Maclany, .lames, private; enl. Jan. 3, 1864, three years.
Snyder, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; disch.
June II, 1863; re-enl. 6th Cav., Co. C, Jan. 16, 1804, three ye.irs ; tiiken
prisoner; disch. June 5, 1865.
Morehouse, Ira H., private, 35th Regt., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1801, two years;
disch. Juno 11, 1863 ; re-enl. Olh Cav., Co. C, Jan. 20, 18G4, three years.
Leggett, Charles M., private, 4th II. .\rt., Co. L; enl. Jan. 3, 1804, three years ;
must, out Oct. 2, 1805.
Rowe, Christian, private, 14th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years.
Stine, Jacob, private, 14lh H. .\rt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Reeves, George II., private, 4th .Yrt., Co. L; enl. Jan. 3, 1864, three years,
narrim, Harvey E., private, Hth II. Art.; eul. Jan. 4, 1804, three years.
Epley, Franklin, private, I4th H. .\rt., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
249
Flynn, Angwine, private ; enl. Jan. 3, 18G4, tliree years.
Roberts, Ilinim, private, 22<1 Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years.
Spike, Oliver P., Ut sergt.Gth Cav., Co. F; enl. Jan. 3, 18G4, three years; pro. to
Corp., Dec. U, 186;J; to 4th sergt., Jan. 1, 1805; to lat sergt., May 1, 1865.
Narraccny, Samuel, privatp ; enl. Jan. 3, 1804, three years.
Grives, William, private, 4th H. Art., Co. L ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; must.
out, Oct. 2, 1865.
Brown, Ezekiel, 1st corp., 14l8t Inf., Co. E; enl. Ang. 20, 18G2, three yeare ;
disch. June 8, ISGo.
Finch, Edmond Jacob, private, Gth Cav., Co. C; enl. Jnly 28, 1862, three years;
wonnded in the arm ; disch. on account of wound, Jan. 18, I860.
Fincks, Charles Edwin, private, 7Sth Inf., Co. F; enl. March lu, 1862, three
years; re-enl. 78th Uegt., Ci>. F, three years; disch. Jnly 15, 1865.
Waahbiirn, William, capt., lH9th Inf., Co. G'; enl. Aug. 19, 18C4, one year.
Kimball, Elbert E., Ist sergt., 189th Uegt., Co. G; enl. Ang. 20, 1864, one year.
Wetniore, Edwin H., Gth Corp., ISOth Inf.. Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1SG4, one year.
Carpenter, Fnmk, private, 189th Inf, Co, G; enl. Aug. 29, lSG4,one year ; disch.
May 30, I860.
Carpenter, Simeon D., private, lS9th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year ;
di.«rh. May 30, 18G5.
Covell, John H., private, 189th Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 25, 1SC4, one year.
Cleland, Luther, private, 189tb Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 23, 1864, one year.
Dean, Honce, private, 189th Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 16, 1864, one year.
Pemerest, Nelson H., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Ang. 30, 1864, one year.
Eckerman, Jacob, private. IS'Jth Inf., Co. G; enl. Ang. IS, 1864, one year.
French, Willard L., private, 189ili Inf.,Co.G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
Ferris, Luther L., private, 189tli Inf., Co. G; eul. Aug. 23, 1864, one year.
Gurnsey, Roberta, private, lS9th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Hewitt, George M., Jr., private, 189ih Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
Ilartcr, Leonard, private, lS9th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year.
HufTman, Peter, private, 189lh Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year.
Harris, James, piivate, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
Ha.ssell, Chas. F., private, lS9tb Regt., Co G; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. one year.
Hunt, Philip, private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 1, 1S64, one year.
Johnson, Oscar, i)rivate, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
I'eck, Silsbe, private, 188th Regt, Co. G; enl. St*pt. 1, 1864, one year.
Prete, Tbaddeus W., private, lS9th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 12, 18G4, one year.
Palmeiiter, Jary A., private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year.
Peterson, Elmer, pi ivale, 189th Kegt-, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 17, 1S64, one year.
Roberts, Lorenzo, private, lH9th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 23, 1864, one year.
Reyncdds, Vincent L., private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year.
Randolph, John S., private, 189th Regt., Ck G; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year.
Sonri.ier, Bolster, privstte, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Clayton, Walter C, private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
Smith, Hugh, private, 189th R-^gt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year.
Wilkinson. Haskell, private, 189ih Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 19, ISGi, one year.
Williamson, George W., private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 17, 1864, one year.
Wagoner, Jacob, private, 189t]i Regt., Co, G; eid. Aug, 20, 1864, one year.
Wood, Andrew Jackson, private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year.
Zuzenfuse, William, private, lS9th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 18, 1864.
Conrad, Chris., private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 26, 1864, one year; died
of disease at City Point Hospital, Va., March 20, 1865.
Van Wormer, Fayette M., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enL Ang. 26, 1864, one year;
died of typhoid fever at Cohocton, Feb. 7, 1865.
Brown, Gaylord, private, 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; disch.
Ang. 1801. for disability.
Hatta«, Chester H., private, l07th Inf., Co. F; enL July 28, 1862, three years;
disch. June 5, 1865.
■\Varing, John, private, 189th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year; disch.
Wheaton, Henry M., private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year ;
died at City Point, Dec. 1864.
Haight, Edgar S., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; died
at City Point of typhoid fever.
Parley, Abbot, private, Gth Cav., Co. C; enl. Sept. 17, 1861, three years; disch.
Dec. 16, 1863 ; re-enl. 6th Cav., Co. C, Dtc. 16, 186;i, three years ; disch.
Aug. 186.5.
Wemple, Ephraim V., private; 28th Bat. ; eul. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; trans, to
112th Inf, Oct. 5, 1864; disch. June 31, 1865 ; re-enlisted.
Woodwurtb, Henry P., sergt., 104th Inf., Co. E; eul. Oct. 23,1861, three years;
re-enl. 104th Inf, Co. E, Feb. 28, 1864, three years ; taken pris. Aug. 21,
1864 ; released March, I860 ; died at Cohocton, March, 1865.
Clason, Monroe, private, 6th Cav., Co. C; three years; disch. Sept. 12, 1863, at
Harper's Ferry, Va ; re-enl. 4tli H. Art., Co. L, Jan, 4, 1864, three years ;
di.sch. Oct, 2, 1865.
Vankleech, George, private, 104th Regt., Co. E; enl. Oct. 1861, three years;
killed at 2d Bull Run.
Hall, Charics E., sergt., 189th Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Stone, Cyrus HoIIiday, sergt., 189th Inf, Co. G; enl. Ang. 29, 1864, one year.
Patterson, Orin James, private, IGlst Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year;
disch. July 13, 1865.
Farley, J<din Harvey, private, l04th Inf., Co. F.
Ressiker, Nicholas, Jr., private, 4th H. Art., Co. L; enl. Jan. 1, 1863, three years ;
disch. Aug. 28, 1865.
Burlingham, Calvin, private, lo7th Regt., Co. I ; enl. July 31, 186:J, three years ;
died of disease, Feb. 3, 1863, at hospitil of Hi7th Regt. N. Y. Vols.
Bariy, William, private, 104th Inf., Co. E; enl. Oct. 1, 1861, three years; disch.
for disability, Dec. 1, 1862.
32
Avery, Edward C, 2d sergt., 161st Regt., Co. F; eul. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ;
died at New York City, Nov. 30, 1862.
Conrad, Chris., private, 189tli Regt., Co. G ; eul. Aug. 26, 1864, one year.
Geer, James, private, 3.'>th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1862, two years ; disch. for
disability, Nov. 22,1861.
Hewett, Julius A., private, 6th Cav., Co. F; enl. Sept. 24, ISGl, three years.
Cole, Samuel L., private, 4th H. Art., Co. K ; enl. Dec. 7,1863, three years.
Wheeler, Wesley, private; enl, March 29, 1864, three years.
Day, Leehman 11., capt,, l04th Inf., Co. B; enl, Oct. 7, 1861, three years; reg.
April 8, 1862.
Smith, Daniel, private, 104th Inf., Co. B; enl. Oct. 7, 1861, three years.
Ressicker, Andrew, private, lS8th Inf., Co. D ; onl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year.
Davis, Aetna, 2d lieut., 13th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, two years; pro. to
2d lient., Oct.9, 1862; trans, to 140th Regt., June 20, 1863; must, out by
general order 147, July 1, 1863.
Randolph, William, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Kimball, Luther M., private, lS9tli Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year;
died at Eluiira, N. Y., Oct. 1864.
Walder, John, p; ivate, 3.'jth Regt., Co, F; enl, June 11, 18C2, two years,
Bennett, George H., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Carey, Albert L., private, 189th Kegt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year.
Roberts, Lorenzo, private, 189th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Drake, Aaron P., private; enl. Sept. 9, 1804, one year.
Clayton, Roswell, private; enl. Sept. 1864, one year.
HuUz, Jacob, private; enl. Sept. 1864, one year.
Walling, Clinton, private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year.
Weaver, Caleb W., private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Feb. 12, 1864. one year.
\Vilaon, Jerry, i)rivale, 3il Cav., Co. A ; enl. June 13, 1801, three years.
Webster, Lynnvn, private, IGlet Inf., Co. I'*; eul. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years.
Tompkins, George H., priva'e, Gth Cav., Co. C ; enl. Sept. 30, 18G1, three yeaiB;
wounded in the shoulder; taken piis. and sent to Ricbniund ; rc-enl.
April 22, 1864, three years.
Kellogg, Murray, private, 78th Inf., Co. F; enl. March 5, 1862, three years;
disch. Feb. 4, 1863, for disab.; re-enl. 14th H. Art., Co. D, Jan. 3. 186»,
three years; wounded in front of Petersburg; disch. at Rochester, July
13, 1865, on account of wound.
Pierce, John, capt., Gth Cav., Co. F; enl. Sept. 27, 1861, three yeara; pro. to capt.
Sept. 6, 1862; wounded arid taken pris. at Morton's Ford, on the Rapidan
River, Dec. II, 1863; not been heard from since.
Crawford, James N.. sergt., Gth Cav., Co. C; enl. Sept. 27,1861, three years; pro.
to Corp., Dec. 14. 1863 ; to sergt. ; re-enl. Dec. 15, 1863.
Spike, James H., 3d vorgt. ,0th Cav., Co. F; eul. Sept. 27, 1861, three years ; taken
pris. June 11, 18G4 ; not been heard from since at Florence.
Beckwitb, Morton, private, Gth Cav., Co. C; three years.
Nichoson, Clark, private, 6th Cav., Co. C; three ycai-s; trans, to Inv. Corps.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE W. DRAKE
was born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., Jan. 26, 1820.
He was next to the youngest in a family of ten children of
Elijah and Polly (Tumbling) Drake, — the former a native
of New Windsor, Conn., born in 1773 ; the latter a native
of Lee, Mass., born in 1780. His father was one of the vol-
unteer in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of Platts-
burgh. He lived at New Haven, Conn., for many years,
and carried on the tanning and currying business. During
the latter part of his life he lived in Milton, Vt., and wa.s a
farmer by occupation. The majority of the children were
born while the family resided in New Haven. He died at
the age of fifty-six. His wife survived him many years,
and died at about the age of eighty-four, in Columbus,
Wis., where she was residing with her youngest sou, San-
ford C. Drake.
George W. was only nine years old when his father died.
His mother having married again, he came with tlie family
to Le Roy, Genesee Co., in 1830, where he remained on a
farm until 1839, when he with his older brother, Franklin
N. Drake, formed a copartnership in the grocery and pro-
vision business. This business was carried on successfully
until 1842, when he disposed of liis interest in the business
to his brother, and went to Battle Creek, Mich., and opened
250
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a general mcrcliandisc store, whicli he continued, however,
only some three years, and returned to New York. AVhile
a resident of Michigan, in 1842, he married Sarah, daugh-
ter of Adam Willis, of Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y., and
after his return settled in Lo Roy, and engaged with his
brother in the grocery business. He was successful in
Le Roy in this business, in the hardware trade, and as
a farmer, until 1861, when he removed to the town of Co-
hocton, and in company with Thomas Warner, now a lead-
ing and enterprising business man of that place, entered
into a partnership with his brother, Franklin N. Drake, in
the lumber business and general merchandise. This busi-
ness had been established in Cohocton by his brother in 1 854.
Prior to settling in Cohocton, in 1847, his wife died,
leaving him one son. Davi 1 S. Drake, who is now associated
with his uncle, Franklin N. Drake, of Corning, in business,
and is superintendent of the Blossburg Coal Company ; and
one daughter, Mrs. John White, of A^'olga City, Iowa. For
his second wife he married, in 1849, Harriet, daughter of
Abial Lewis and Nancy P. Roberts, of Le Roy, Genesee Co.
Of this union were born Mrs. Myron W. Harris, Louis F.,
Herbert W., and Charles P., of Cohocton. Mr. Drake re-
mained in business in the town of Cohocton, attending to
the mercantile part, until 1866, when he assumed the entire
mercantile interest of the firm, and in 1867 he disposed of
this to his son-in-law, Mr. Myron W. Harris, who is now a
prominent and successful merchant at Liberty, and the same
year disposed of his lumber interest to Thomas Warner. As
early as 1865 he had taken an interest in the Bless Coal-
Mining and Railroad Company, with his brother, which
interest was retained until 1871, one year after his death,
which occurred April 27, 1870. His wife died in the fall
of 1868. He never took an active interest in political
matters, but gave his whole attention to a bu-siness life.
Mr. Drake was a man of remarkable bu.-5iness capacity, pos-
sessed of social and marked characteristics that made him
esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was
known as a man of strict business integrity, and interested
in all matters of local improvement, good society, and the
education of the young.
TIIOxMAS C. ARMSTRONG
was born in Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., March
22, 180!). His grandfather, Nathan Armstrong, was a
soldier of the Ri.volutionary war, was a resident of Mont-
gomery County for a few years, removed to Otsego County,
town of Eutternuts, where the family lived until the year
1815, and came to Steuben County, town of Cohocton, ac-
companied by his sons, Martin and James. The previous
year (1814) one son, Jonathan, and two sons-in-law, Flint
and Elliott, came here ; the former died the same year, the
latter resided in the town until their death.
The grandfather and two sons settled on one hundred
acres of land on the Robert L. Bound's tract. The whole
township at that time was almost an unbroken wilderness.
The next year (1816) the families of Nathan Armstrong
and his son Martin removed to their new home in this
county. The grandfather died in 1841, caused by a fracture
of his hip, his wife having died several years before.
Martin Armstrong, father of Thomas C., purchased the
same year he came here eighty acres of timbered land,
where his son and daughter now reside, the land having
been the homestead of the family for some sixty-four years.
Most of this land was cleared by Mr. Armstrong, Sr.
He took a deep interest in all local improvements in the
pioneer days of the town, built the first school-house in his
i^ ;^^^ V
own district, and also the one in the district north of him.
He was a Democrat, but took no active part in politics. His
wife was Margaretta Onderkirk, to whom he was married
Jan. 28, 1798. She died April 17, 1799, leaving one son,
Nathan. His second wife was Ruth Sawdy, born Feb. 8,
1783; married March 5, 1805. Their children, born in
Montgomery County, are Hiram, Margaretta, Thomas C.,
James, Lucia ; and in this county, one daughter, Rhoda.
Only four are living, and of this family of children, only
one son, James, ever married.
The father was an active, thorough-going man, a repre-
sentative farmer, a man of sterling integrity and large
benevolence. He was one of the pioneers of the town, and
met the obstacles to settlement, law, and order with manly
courage. He used to market his wheat by taking it in
wagons to Albany, and bringing loads back for some mer-
chants of Bath, — in striking contrast with the means of
conveyance for marketing produce in 1878. He died Sept.
30, 1824 ; and it is a singular coincidence that two other
brothers died on the same day of the month, in different
years, and all of typhus fever. His wife died June 15, 1846.
Mr. Thomas C. Armstrong, with his sisters Lucia and
Rhoda, still occupy the homestead settled by their father.
Mr. Armstrong was one of the first advocates of the free-
school system in his town, was a Democrat prior to the
formation of the Republican party, and is now an unswerv-
ing supporter of Republican principles. He took strong
ground against human bondage, and was a supporter of the
Union cause during the late Rebellion.
TOWN OF COHOCTON.
251
MRS. DAVID S. WAIT.
DAVID S. WAIT
was born in the town of Cohocton, on the farm where he
now resides, Sept. 15, 1825. His father, Duty Wait, a
native of West Greenwich, Kent Co., R. I., was born
March 21, 1785, and married Hannah Wells, of Peters-
burgh, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1807. She was
born June 12, 1790. They resided in the town of Peters-
burgh for seven years, and removed to this county, settling
in the town of Cohocton, July 4, 1814, on one hundred
and four acres of land, to which Mi-. David S. Wait has
made additions, and now owns some six hundred acres.
Mr. Wait, Sr., was one of the pioneers of the Conhocton
Valley, was a farmer during the remainder of his life, and
cleared off the greater part of his land. He was a man of
strict integrity of character, upright in all his business re-
lations, quite active as a member of the Democratic party,
for several years was assessor of the town, and was respected
by all who knew him. He died Feb. 25, 1855. His wife
died April 10, 1858.
Their children were five sons and seven daughters, of
whom the subject of this narrative was the third son. He
received a good education in the common school and Frank-
lin Academy, and assisted his father on the farm during his
minority. At the age of twenty he became a teacher, and
for five terms was a successful instructor.
He learned surveying in a mathematical school at Bath,
taught by a cadet of West Point, and from the age of
twenty-three to thirty-three was on the farm with his father,
and did considerable surveying, which he continues until
the present time. In 1859 he married Mary, daughter of
Adin and Nancy (Kenyon) Parmenter, of Wayland. She
was born Feb. 17, 1831 ; is a lady of rare intelligence, and
was a successful teacher of common and select schools for
sixteen terms.
Mr. Wait is known as a thrifty, enterprising agriculturist
of the town, and to his farming interest be has added,
within the last two years, milling, which he carries on at
Blood's Station. He has ever been an unswerving member
of the Democratic party, and, although not solicitous of
political preferment, has held some positions of trust in the
town, preferring the quiet and independence of a business
life. He is interested in local matters of improvement, and
gives his support for every object tending to educate the
rising generation, and for two years officiated as superintend-
ent of common schools. His correct habits, integrity in
business, conscientious regard for the right, and open, free
representation of any matter with which he is connected,
are patent to all who know him. Their children are Eva,
Guy, Letta, Grant, Seraph, David S., Ammorilla, and
Ernest Duty.
CORNING.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATIOtf
The town of Corning, originally township No. 2 in the
first range, is situated on the eastern border of Steuben
County, and is the second town north from the Pennsyl-
vania line. It is bounded north by Hornby, east by Che-
mung County, south by Caton, and west by Erwin.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is divided into two nearly equal
upland portions by the valley of the Chemung River,
which extends northwest and southeast through nearly the
centre. This valley and the valleys of the lateral stream
divide the uplands into rounded hills and narrow ridges.
The principal tributaries entering the Chemung River on the
north are Borden, Post, Narrows, Clump Foot, and Win-
field Creeks ; and on the south. Monkey Run and Steele's
Creek. The soil upon the hills is a heavy slaty loam, and
in the valleys a fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam,
occasionally intermixed with clay. As an agricultural sec-
tion the town will compare favorably with any other portion
of the county.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlements in this town were made by Fred-
erick Calkins, Ephraim Patterson, and his son Ichabod, in
the autumn of 1789. Mr. Calkins was a native of Ver-
mont. In the summer of 1789 he had located on laud in
what is now the town of Erwin, near the present Erie Rail-
road bridge, across the Conhocton River, and commenced
clearing a farm; but finding he was on lands which had
then been recently purchased by Col. Arthur Erwin, he
withdrew, and in the autumn of that year erected his cabin
on the south side of the Chemung River, opposite the
Chimney Narrows. The following spring he became one of
the original purchasers of the town of Corning. The deed
to Mr. Calkins and his associates, Caleb Gardner, Ephraim
Patterson, Justus Wolcott, Peleg Gorton, and Silas Wood,
from Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, for township
No. 2 in the first range, or what is now Corning, was exe-
cuted May 10, 1790, and recorded in Book 2 of Deeds,
page 151, etc., in 1801. All the proprietors, except Silas
Wood, took possession of their lands as early as 1792.
Ephraim Patterson, in 1789, settled on the west bank of
Post Creek, just above the Chimney Narrows, and his son,
Ichabod, upon the old Neheniiah Hubbell farm.
Frederick Calkins" farm of 140 acres, upon a portion of
which he erected his cabin in 1789, was situated on lot 14,
on which a part of the village of Corning now stands. The
village was not then thought of, and for more than forty
years after its site remained an unbroken wilderness, with
the exception of a portion of the farm cleared by Mr.
^52
Calkins and the Bradley farm, which were afterwards in-
cluded within its corporate limits.
On the 15th of March, 1792, Caleb Gardner, Ephraim
Patterson, Frederick Calkins, George Goodhue, Hezekiah
Thurbor, and Justus Wolcott reconveyed to Oliver Phelps
10,040 acres of the lands of the town originally purchased
of Phelps and Gorham. And April 4, 1792, Pelcg Gorton
reconveyed 2000 acres to Oliver Phelps, which were not to
include any intervale or flat lands.
PARTITION OF THE LANDS.
After the purchase of the tract now forming the town of
Corning, the proprietors had it surveyed by John Konkle,
and apportioned among them by Brenton Paine and Elijah
Buck. The apportionment was made in 1792. In 1801,
it not appearing that all parties were satisfied with the
division, the questions in dispute were submitted to Wil-
liam Jenkins, Eleazer Lindley, and John Hendy, to arbi-
trate. Their report or award was soon after submitted. It
left the original division undisturbed, but awarded certain
sums to be paid some of the proprietors as compensation for
difference in the value of the lands. This settled forever
the questions of titles as among the first purchasers.
In 1793, a log grist-mill was built on Post Creek, near
the house of Ephraim Patterson, by a Mr. Payne and Col.
Henderson. The first store was opened by Benjamin Eaton,
in 1795. It was situated in what is now the highway at
the head of the street leading from Knoxville to the Corning
bridge. His first stock of goods was brought from Wattle's
Ferry, now Unadilla, by a man named Comstock and Samuel
Cook, a lad then of sixteen, whose father settled at Painted
Post in 1792. They drifted down the Chemung in a canoe
to Tioga Point, then poled their boat up the Susquehanna,
drawing it upon the shore at night and sleeping under the
trees. In five days they accomplished their journey, and
set out upon their laborious return home.
Col. Williamson, in 1796, purchased a tract of land on
the north side of the Chemung River, since known as the
Jennings farm, and commenced the erection of a large two-
story frame building on the high-road for a first-class hotel.
It was commodious and well furnished for those times, and
was the first two-story frame house built in the town that
was clapboarded, and completed in the best style the means
at hand would permit. That it was well built, is evident
from the fact that for eighty-two years it has withstood the
elements. It is true, some years ago Mr. Sly repaired and
painted the old building, so that it gives promise of lasting
another eighty years. It was long known as the Jennings
Tavern, on account of John Jennings having purchased the
property in 1813 from the Pulteney estate, and kept a
tavern there until his death in 1834. Col. Williamson,
MR. B. F. BALCOM.
vxjss^-^'
MRS. B. P. balcoj:.
REV. BENJAMIN F. BALCOM
was born in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. T., January 11, 1810.
His grandfather, Henry Balcom, was born in Worcester Co.,
Mass., and married Keziah Stowe. In 1790 they migrated
from the State of Vermont to Chenango Co., N. Y. Of this
union there were seven children, — Khoda, Fanny, Francis,
Lefa, Samuel, Olive, and Sally.
Mrs. Balcom was an exemplary Christian, and was one of
the founders of the Presbyterian Church in Oxford in 1799.
Of these children, Samuel was father of the subject of this
narrative, and married Polly Knapp, in the year 1800, in
Oxford ; was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and
worked some as a millwright, and at one time purchased some
five thousand acres of land in Steuben Co., N. Y.
Their children were Judge Lyman Balcom, of Painted
Post; Eliza (Widow Pearsall), of Owego, N. Y. ; Luke (de-
ceased); Fayette, of Oxford; Benjamin F. ; Harriet (Mrs.
William Rhoads), of Wisconsin ; Uri, of Chicago; Judge
Eansom Balcom, of Binghamton ; and George, of Kansas.
The father died at the age of seventy-five, in Oxford, in the
year 1847. The mother died at the age of seventy-five, in the
year 1852.
Benjamin P. Balcom remained at home until he was eighteen,
during which time he received onh' a limited education. In
the year 1828 he came to this county, returned in the fall of
the same year, and Jan. 8, 1829, married Eliza A., daughter
of Russell and Charlotte Root, of Oxford, N. Y. ; she was born
Sept. 13, 1810. In July of the same year he moved his goods
with an ox-team through the country from Oxford, and settled
at Cam]ibell, on the farm now owned by Daniel Curtis.
With his father's assistance be built two saw-mills, house,
and barn, and began clearing oft' the original forest. To give
a narrative of facts connected with his history there would
be to give a sketch of the early history of the settlement of
that part of the county. Ho remained there some six years,
and purchased some twenty-four hundred acres of land in the
town of Addison, retaining the same only about one year,
when he sold it, realizing some fifteen thousand dollars. This
was a remarkable success, considering that he had only his
willing hands as capital when the purchase was made. He
then removed to Campbell, and remained there as a farmer
until 1857, and was known as one of the best agriculturists in
Steuben County.
At the age of twenty-five Mr. Balcom united with the Bap-
tist Church. He became a close student of the Bible, and for
years made it his study. In the year 1842 he was licensed to
preach by the Baptist Church of Campbell and Erwin, and was
ordained aminister of the Baptist denomination in March, 184.3.
Since that time he has been pastor of the church at Corning
for four years ; at Bath for one year ; organized a church at
Painted Post and remained for four years ; at Hornby for one
year ; at Campbell and Erwin for one year ; and as an Evan-
gelist in this and surrounding counties for some twenty-five
years. He is widely known as a zealous worker in protracted
effort in the Baptist denomination, and his work and influence
will remain as a monument of one of the pioneer Christian
men of Steuben County. In the year 1857 he removed to the
place where he now resides in the town of Corning, and pur-
chased a farm which he still carries on. During his ministry
of thirty -six years Mr. Balcom has never left an appointment
unfilled, and he has every year for that period been engaged
in a revival of religion.
Their children are Benjamin, Eliza (deceased), John, Caro-
line (deceased), James, drowned at Painted Post at the age of
twenty-eight; William (deceased), Luke, and Mark.
Elder Balcom and his wife are now in their sixty-eighth
year of age, having lived happily together nearly half a century,
and at the time of writing this sketch their cards are welcome
to friends and relations, children and grandchildren, to cele-
brate their fiftieth anniversary by a golden wedding on the
8th of January, 1879.
XC^^>
la^s/v^.-^/
Hon. John McBurney, the subject of this sketch, was born
in Northampton County, in the State of Pennsylvania, on the
29th day of August, 1796. He was the son of Thoiiias McBurney,
who witli his motlier and her family emigrated from County
Antrim, in the north of Ireland, at the close of the llevolu-
tionary war, to Northampton County, and was of the famous
Scotch-Irish stock that have wcm such a reputation for their
stalwart, firm, and genuine fighting qualities. Their influence
in this country has ever been marked. Thomas McBurney
married the daughter of the late Judge Mulholland, then one
of the leading citizens of Northampton County. Thomas
McBurney with his family emigrated to Steuben County about
1800, and purchased a farm in Uie then town of Painted Post,
which is now occupied by 1), W. Fuller. He at once became
a prominent man of the county ; was appointed sheriff in 1812,
and after the e.\]iiration of his term was appointed first judge
of the old Court of Common Pleas in 181fj. He became wealthy,
and wielded great political influence in the county. He died
in 1828 on his homestead at Painted Post.
With the exception of a term or two at an Eastern school,
he had no other education than what could be obtained in the
common schools of the town. His tastes and habits inclined
him to become a farmer, and as soon as he attained his majority
he married Jemima Patterson, a daughter of the late Ichabod
Patterson, one of the six proprietors'of township two, in the
first range, included in the old town of Painted Post.
Mr. McBurney immediately moved upon the farm across the
river from Corning, a part of the purchase of Patterson, upon
which he spent the remainder of his life. Bv his industry
and thrift upon this farm he laid the foundation of the hand-
some fortune he left his family.
In 1831 his wife Jemima died, leaving him three children :
Mary, wife of C. K. Miller; James McBurnev, and Jemima,
wife of John Dodge. In 1832 he married Almariah Knox,
daughter of the late Judge Knox, of Painted Post. She lived
but a few years and left one son, John Knox.
He married for the fourth time Mrs. Edwards, daughter
of the late Cornelius Younglove, of Hammondsport, who still
lives. Mr. McBurney held various town offices. In 1832 he
was elected a member of Assembly from this county and served
well his constituency. In 1853 he was again elected to the As-
sembh- from the Third Assembly district. It was during this
session that active ettbrts were made to divide the county of Steu-
ben. Mr. McBurney, who was an able advi>cate, was strongly
opposed to the measure, and sought to secure the aid of as many
as possible of his fellow members to defeat it. He was ever out-
spoken and frank, neverconcealinghis opinionsand sentiments.
It was a common saying you could always tell where to find Mr.
McBurney, and know how he stood politically or socially. He
continued to reside upon and .work his farm till his death, wliich
occurred on the 7th day of August, 1867. He was truly and
practically a farmer, for he not only worked with his hands,
never engaging in speculations or venture of any kind, but
steadily followed the plow,; nd by slow and sure accumulation
acquired a fortune.
He illustrated the fact that any farmer, however humble, if
he will unchangeably and persistently pursue his calling and
live within his income, cannot fail in process of time to lay
by a handsome competence.
Politically, Mr. McBurney from his youth up was an earnest
and active Democrat. Notwithstanding, he was elected and
re-elected time and again supervisor, justice of the peace, and
assessor of the old town of Painted Post with a strong majority
against his party. "When he administered justice, friend and
foe stood equal before him. His best friend had nothing to
hope and his bitterest foe nothing to fear, for he, like the
goddess of justice, could see neither.
It was remarked bj' the late Judge Burns, whose political
and family relations placed him ever in position of hostility
to Mr. McBurney, that in all his practice before justices of the
peace, and it was an extensive one, Mr. McBurney was the only
one who in making his decisions could rise above prejudice and
dispense justice manfully and impartially. As a supervisor and
assessor the public found in him a faithful and competent public
officer. He was a man of good sound sense and rare integrity ;
with him the oath of office was no lip service. No public
plunderer dare approach him with a bribe As a friend he
was true and earnest ; as a foe, stern and uncompromibing.
II
TOWN OF CORNING.
253
while a resident of Northumberland, Pa., in 1792, formed
the acquaintance of Benjamin Patterson, the famous hunter
and guide, who was also a resident of that town.
The colonel saw he was the very man to run his new
hotel, and at once induced him to remove to the new coun-
try and open the house. In the fall of 179G, Patterson,
while here, killed a large amount of game, and had sahed
down a large quantity of bear meat and dried deer hams,
to supply his hotel the coming season. In May, 1797,
Patterson and his brother Robert, with their families and
efiFects, embarked in boats and commenced the slow and
toilsome voyage up the Susquehanna, from Northumber-
land to Painted Post. The boats (sometimes called Dur-
ham boats) were long and narrow, and propelled against
the current by setting-poles, after the manner of the early
voyagers on our Western rivers. A stout man on each side
of the cabin, which rose slightly above the broad gunwale,
with a long pole braced against his shoulder, walked steadily
from stem to stern, while the steersman with his rudder
kept the craft in the right direction. When the current
was very rapid, the living freight went on shore, and with
a long rope attached to the bow, the boat was drawn up
the rapids by the crew. It has been told that the young-
sters of the family enjoyed tlie voyage hugely.
Early in the beautiful month of June, Patterson tied his
tiny fleet to the bank just above the old Corning bridge and
quite convenient to his new home. He brought with him
his furniture and groceries, and was prepared at once to
open his house.
On his arrival he found a number of fiimilics in the
valley, located as follows : David Fuller at the Conhocton
ford ; Stephen Ross on the farm in Centreville, known as
the old Philo Hubbell place; Eli Mead and his son Eldad
on the old Judge McBurney place, now owned by Fuller ;
George McCuUough, on the next farm east. His house
was nearer the bank of the river, at the termination of the
McCuUough lane ; Howell Bull lived near the site of the
Bonham House, and Fitch Wattles just across the road ;
Judfe Knox came next. Across the road was Ben Eaton's
store. Mrs. Nehemiah Hubbell, then the widow of Ichabod
Patterson, occupied the next farm ; Senator Bradley's farm
was occupied by Jared Irwin, who planted the row of
buttonwoods which skirt the highway. The old Mallory
and McCuUough's lands, now the village of Corning, were
then owned and occupied by Jonathan and Jeduthan Row-
ley. Next below them resided Abraham and Dr. Phineas
Bradley and their brother-in-law, Eliakim Jones. Enos
Calkins lived just below them in a log house on the bank
of the river at the turn in the road. Frederick Calkins
lived near the site of the old red house, lately burned.
The Grotons, Wolcotts, and Rowleys lived still farther
east. Besides those named there were living in the vicinity
James Turner, William Kuox, Hezekiah Thurber, Samuel
Shannon, David Ilayden, Joseph Grant, Jonathan Cook,
and David Trowbridge.
In 1804, Patterson left the tavern and removed upon
his farm two miles up the Tioga. Capt. Howell Bull was
his successor, and ran the house for a year or so. Col.
William H. Bull, of Bath, relates this incident as occurring
while his father occupied the place. One day. Gen. Ker-
nan, of Tyrone, rode into the shed in the rear of the
house to hitch his horse, and discovered, not the Saviour,
but the enemy of mankind, a huge rattlesnake, coiled up
in the manger, taking his siesta. The general hurried into
the bar-room, and with affected anger saluted the captain
thus: "By St. Patrick, captain! if you entertain such
customers as I find in your shed, I .shall seek other quar-
ters." His snakesbip was soon disposed of, and the general
appeased with a bumper of his favorite beverage. The
next landlord was Jonathan Rowley, who for long years
afterwards kept a hotel in Dansville. In 1813 the agent
of the Pulteney estate, finding it no longer necessary or
profitable to run a hotel, sold the property to John Jen-
nings, then of Newtown, who, a short time previous, had
emigrated from the famous Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
He occupied and kept that old tavern until his death, a
period of over twenty years.
John Jennings was a great wag and rare character. So
much esteemed was he that men and boys from far and
near called him " Uncle John " or " Uncle Johnny." He
was a stout, dumpy man of about five feet eight, with a
ro.sy, happy face — wrinkled like an old pippin — and double
chin, bright hazel eyes, flecked throughout with brown
specks, that twinkled with fun and beamed with good-
humor, aided much by the many crows'-feet about them.
He was portly withal and quite corpulent, making him no
mean type of the dispenser of mirth and good cheer for
others. In dress he was somewhat careless.*
Knoxville was founded by and named after the Hon.
John Knox, who came to the place about 1795, from his
native State of Massachusetts. He led a distinguished and
active life, reflecting the highest honor upon the commu-
nity he established. His residence — in which he kept a
public-house — was located upon the second lot below the
Methodist church in Knoxville. It was in this house that
the original Painted Post Lodge of Free and Accepted
Ma.sons occupied rooms, and where it flourished till 1827.
Among the old landmarks of the town were the grist-
and saw-mill erected by Ansel McCall, in 1805, upon the
site lately occupied by the Hammond & Johnson mills, on
the south side of the river, below the canal-dam. Mr.
McCall moved into the town in 1804, and occupied a log
house near his mills. He was the father of Ansel J.
McCall, Esq., one of the old lawyers of Bath, the late
Mrs. Betsey Calkins, the late Mrs. William S. Hubbell,
of Bath, the late Mrs. F. E. Erwin, and Mrs. T. Whiting,
of lowa.f
CENTREVILLE.
Centreville formed part of the large farm of Judge
Thomas McBurney. In 1824 or '25 he laid out that por-
tion where Centreville is now situated into village lots, and
having set up a high post, and placing upon it the likeness
of an Indian and squaw painted on canvas, claimed it as
the site of the original Painted Post, and named the incip-
*" Article by A. J. McCall, Esq., in the Corning Journal.
f On tbo Parks farm, now owned by Nelson Cowan, is still stand-
ing a barn built by Justus Wolcott, in 1736. Tbe nails in it were
made at Bartle's Hollow, now Bradford, and brougbt on horseback,
in a pair of old-fashioned saddle-bags, by John Wolcott, a son of
Justus Woleott.
254
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ient village accordingly. It became a place of much activ-
ity and attracted many enterprising men. Philo P. Hubbell
kept hero a large hotel ; Fidelis Fermbaugh had a large
saddle- and havness-.shop ; Z. F. Wilder carried on an ex-
tensive blacksmith-shop; John Arnot and II. H. Mathews
built a store; Mr. Charles L. Mills and Charles E. Osborne
carried on mercantile business. It was at Centreville that
the late Judge Thomas A. Johnson began his legal career,
which brought him afleiTvards such high honors and dis-
tinction.
The first school here was taught by Ansel J. JlcCall,
Esq., now of Bath.
About the year 1824 the " old Mallory house" was built.
For the time and general condition of tlie country it was
something palatial. The spectacle it now presents of dilapi-
dation and age is an eloquent reminder of those simple days
when luxury was the exception and masculine severity in
habits and morals the rule of life. In a wing of this house
the " Bank of Corning" was first located after its establish-
ment in 1839.
CHEMUNG CANAL.
This region had now become extensively known as a lum-
ber district, the quantity and quality of which made it
famous. By means of rafts and arks the lumber had been
floated down the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers to the
Chesapeake Bay, where a market was found for it in Balti-
more, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, as well as at the larger
towns accessible along the shores of the Susquehanna. The
only outlet to the Eastern seaboard being through these
rivers, the markets to which they led were consequently
arbitrary and unreliable. Albany and New York needed
the surplus products of this region, but these cities were
inaccessible. The Erie Canal was completed in 1825, and
although this great avenue of commerce was opened, its
distance of seventy-five miles north made transportation over
the hills to reach it exceed all prospective profits. This dis-
advantage-was removed by the construction of the Chemung
Canal, which placed Corning at the head of inland naviga-
tion, communicating with the Hudson and the Atlantic
Ocean. It necessarily became the shipping-point for all the
products of this fertile country ; and it is to this fact that
Corning owes its growth and prosperity. The bill for the
construction of the canal passed April 15, 1829 ; the work
was completed in 1833. A State dam was thrown across
the Chemung River at the lower end of the corporation of
Corning, and a canal feeder constructed a distance of fifteen
miles to Horseheads in Chemung County.
ORGANIZATION.
Corning was originally part of the old town of Painted
Post, which was organized as a town of Ontario County in
1793, and embraced all the territory from the eastern boun-
dary of what is now Steuben County to the west line of
Addison. When Steuben County was erected, in 1796,
Painted Post was narrowed in its dimensions, and made
one of the original towns of the county, comprising the
territory now embraced in the six towns of Hornby, Camp-
bell, Erwin, Lindley, Canton, and Corning. The first di-
vision of the town occurred in 1820, when Erwin and
Hornby (embracing Campbell and Lindley) were set off,
leaving Painted Post reduced to two townships, number one
and two in the first range, or Canton and Corning. Canton
was taken off in 1839, leaving the town of Painted Post
reduced to one township, viz.. Corning, which it remained
till March 31, 1852, when its name was changed to Corn-
ing. We give below the civil list of Corning only from
this date, as the history of the old town of Painted Post —
including its ofiicers — is given in connection with that of
the town of Erwin, in which the village of Painted Post
is now situated.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks
Collectors.
1S52.
Wm. Irvine.
Chas. C. B. Wiilker. Theodore J. Steele.
1853
Simeon HainmonJ.
George Thorn
)Son. Simeon Van Etlen.
1854.
John Maynard.
" "
Jonathan .S. Belknap
1855.
Charles Packer.
Wm. W. Robinson. Wm. A. Spencer.
1866.
B. P. Bailey.
"
..
1857.
Stephen F. Hayt.
Henry T. Mclntire. Benj. C. Wilson.
1858.
Chas. C. B. Walker.
James K. Newell. David S. Powers.
1859.
Stephen T. Hayt.
Edwd. T. Rob
inson. " "
1860.
It li
It tt
it tt
1861.
n tt
It tt
E. J. Mallory.
1S62.
H It
George W. Fuller. David S. Powers.
1863.
it It
it t
it tt
1864.
Nelson Cowan.
Edwd. E. Rob
mson. Edward R. Hatch.
1865.
ti tt
it
t tt it
1866.-
tt tt
"
Edward Clisdcll.
1867.
Henry GoflT.
Jacob H. Wolcott. George Hitchcock.
1868.
" '•
" '
Benj. C. Wilson.
1869.
John Vischer.
G. 6. Hallenbeck. Louis D. Stone.
1870.
Austin Lathrop, Jr.
it a
Benj. F. Edgar.
1871.
tt tt
tt ii
John Cowley.
1872.
tt tt
it tt
G. P. Miller.
1873.
it tt
0. J. Robinson. G. W. llallenbeck.
1874.
tt
Jas. C. Mcintosh. David S. Powers.
1875.
i( tt
0. J. Robinson. Levi Cowley.
1876.
"
Calvin W. Sm
ith. R. A. Benham.
1877.
tt it
Wm. E. Vand
erhoff. M. T. Inscho.
1878.
Nelson Cowan.
J. M. Johnson
Fr.ank P. Rease.
JUSTICES OF THE PE.ICE.
1850.
Josiah Weeks.
Daniel F. Brown.
18B3.
Emerson G. Edgar.
Jeremiah D. Quackenbush.
1851.
George N. Jlitldlebrook.
David Lane.
1852.
Butler S. Wolcott.
1864.
AV. A. Spencer.
1853.
Charles H. Thomson
A. T. Payne.
1854.
Daniel F. Brown.
1865.
F. A. Williams.
Isaac Gray.
1866.
John James.
1855.
Dexter Davis.
1867.
James S. Robinson,
1856.
David L. Johns.
1868.
William A. Spencer.
Oliver Peak.
1870.
Henry Goff.
1857.
Z. Lewis Webb.
1871.
James S. Robinson.
1858.
Rufus Arnold.
1872.
William A. Spencer.
James S. Robinson.
1873.
George Hitchcock.
1859.
Rufus Arnold.
1874.
Henry Goff.
1860.
Plina A. Rouse.
1875.
James S. Robinson.
1861.
Orrin Dodge.
1876.
Grove P. Miller.
M. F. Cooper.
1877.
George Hitchcock.
J. M. vSmith.
1878.
Peter W. Calkins.
1862.
James S. Robinson.
VILLAGE OF COKNING.
Just fifty years ago, when the bill for the construction of
the Chemung Canal was being discussed in the Legislature
at Albany, and soon after Col. Samuel Young, of Saratoga,
had made his adverse report in relation to it, Capt. Vincent
Conklin, of Horseheads, took his team, and with great
difficulty reached Blossburg, and procured a load of the
Blossburg coal, and had it conveyed to Albany, to satisfy
HIRAM raiTCHAlU).
Photo, by Juyaes, Corning, N. Y.
I.UCINDA PRITCHARD.
HIRAM PRITCHARD.
Hiram Pritehard was born at Lawranceville, Tioga Co.,
Pa., Feb. 7, 1818.
His father, Calvin Pritehard, was a native of Wyoming,
Pa., and at the age of five years remembers the Indians taking
his father prisoner at tlie time of the ever-memorable massacre
there ; since which time he has never been heard of, and is
supposed to have been killed. The mother and children es-
caped, coming to Tioga Point, and subsequently settled at
Lawrenceville, where they became the pioneer settlers.
His father was a farmer, and lived and died on the farm
where they first settled after reaching Lawrenceville. His
father died at the age of seventy, about the year 1847. His
mother, wliose maiden name was Anna Kennedy, died in 1840,
aged fifty-seven.
Their children were eight sons and two daughters, of whom
the subject of this sketch was third son, and since the age of
nine years has cared for himself, receiving no education from
books except as he has gathered it himself as opportunity
occurred.
At the age of eighteen he married Lucinda, daughter of
Lot and Hannali Searles, of Flemingville, Tioga Co., N. Y.
Fur eiglit years after his marriage he followed milling, six
years of which time being after he settled in Corning, which
was in November, 1838.
When Mr. Pritehard became a resident of the place there
was no village, and only a few houses, one of which was
framed ; hence, he has seen the entire growth of the now
thriving village of Corning, and has been identified with its
various interests, and is now one of the oldest residents, having
lived here the longest, with a few exceptions, of any now living
in the vicinity.
In 1843 he opened a general merchandise store which he
continued for three years, followed by four years as a clerk
for Payne & Olcott.
In 18-50 he took charge of an extensive lumber business in
Clinton Co., Pa., for Phelps, Dodge & Co., of New York City,
where he erected mills and manufactured lumber, shipping
the lumber and timber to Wrightsville, Pa., headquarters of
the firm for the lumber interest. He remained in this business
for three years, and soon after bought three thousand acres of
timber land in Tioga Co., Pa., in partnership with James A.
Hayt and Aaron H. Foster. Here the firm built an extensive
mill and began the manufacture of lumber. Mr. Pritehard
disposed of his interest in this property after about fifteen
months, and removed to Corning, and from 1856 to 1863 was
a dealer in lumber, handling as high some years as ten million
feet. He then purchased a one-half interest in the foundry and
machine-shops at Corning, owned by Payne & Olcotts, and
in 1868 disposed of this interest, which concluded his active
business life. Mr. Pritcbard's is only another example of a
self-made man, and of privation and necessity of economy in
early life, with a will to do, resulting in a successful business
career.
He was a Whig until that party was merged into other
parties, and has since been a Kejiublican.
He has been officially connected with the interests of the
village in many places of trust and responsibility ; was presi-
dent of the village in 1861-62, during which time he caused
permanent improvements to be made in the village, although
opposed strongly by some of the citizens, which now merit the
approval of all, and fully demonstrate his far seeing and sa-
gacity. In the year 1873, May 28th, he was appointed by Gov.
John A. Dix, with Gen. Alexander S. Diven, Lansing D.
Hodgman, Casper S. Decker, and Eaton N. Frisbie as asso-
ciates, a commissioner for the erection of the State Reforma-
tory at Elmira, N. Y. Was trustee and president of the
Board of Education for fifteen years beginning with 1861,
and has liberally contributed to church and kindred interests
since his residence liere. Ho was one of the organizers of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of the place, and has been a
member of the same since.
His children are Truman S., Mrs. M. V. Sales, and Albert.
Hiram W. Bostwick was boi-n at New IMilford,
Conn., Aug. 28, 1802. At the age of sixteen he
went to Albany, N. Y., as a clerk in a whip manu-
facturing establishment.
In 1820 he married Mary Rowley. In 1824 he
removed to Laurens, Otsego Co., N. Y., and formed
a co-partuership with his brotlicr in a general mer-
chandise store, where he remained until about 1836,
when he removed to Painted Post, tliis county, and
engaged in lumbering at the mills now known as
the " Gang Mills." Soon afterwards, as one of the
Corning Company, he removed to the present site of
the village of Corning, and became the general
manager of that company, and so continued until
its dissolution in 1855; aiid to him more tlian to
any other one person was the prosperity of the
village due. He was president of the Bank of
Corning, of the Tioga Iron, Mining, and Manufac-
turing Company, which built the railroad from Corn-
ing to Lawrenceville, Pa., connecting there with the
Tioga Navigation Company, owning the railroad
from Liiwrenceville to Blossburg, constituting the
first outlet for bituminous coal from the Pennsyl-
vania mines.
He was one of the chief promoters, and for a time
president of the Buffalo and Conhocton Valley Rail-
road.
After the great fire at Corning in 1850, he, with
Major Andrew B. Dickinson, built tlie " Dickinson
House" and " Concert Hall," thereby stimulating
others to erect many of the finest buildings now in
Corning.
In 18G3 he went to Nicaragua as an assistant of
Major Andrew B. Dickinson, who was United States
Minister to the government of that country. He
returned to the United States in 1866, and established
his residence at Vineland, N. J., where he died
April 8, 1868.
TOWN OF CORNING.
255
the incredulous that there were rich deposits of that mineral
in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania, that would
come into use and set aside the charcoal so extensively used
by blacksmiths and machinists ; that if they would construct
the Chemung Canal, having its western terminus at Painted
Post, all the vast timber and coal interest would be developed,
and a country hitherto shut off from commercial centres,
save by the unreliable navigation of the Chemung River,
would pour its rich treasures into Albany, on the Hudson.
While Mr. Conklin was thus demonstrating to the Legisla-
ture the feasibility of the Chemung Canal, he had an atten-
tive listener in the person of P]dwin Crosswell, Esq , senior
editor of the Albany Argus. In a strong editorial Mr.
Crosswell took up the line of argument as presented by Mr.
Conklin and others from the Southern Tier, and advocated
the passage of the bill. The bill passed April 15, 1829.
Great were the rejoicings of the people in Chemung and
Steuben Counties, in New York, and in Bradford and Tioga,
Pennsylvania. The work was completed in 183.3.
The late Erastus Corning, with his keen business fore-
sight, foresaw that he who would be first to develop those
rich mineral deposits at Blossburg would' reap lasting bene-
fits. In consultation with Mr. Thomas W. Olcott, the great
financier, it was determined to organize what was afterwards
known as the Corning Company. This was in 1835. They
and their associates, Joseph Fellows, Watts Sherman, Hiram
Bostwick, Ansel Bascom, Bowen Whiting, Wm. A. Bradley,
and Levin I. Gilliss, made a purchase of the lands of the
Erwins, at Painted Post, but through some misunderstand-
ing, the purchase never became valid.* Where the pros-
perous village of Corning now stands was then, with the
exception of some cleared farm land in the valley, in its
primeval state. The company, not being able to purchase
lands on the east side of the Chemung, made a bona-fide
purchase of about 340 acres, embraced within the present
corporate limits of Corning. Railroads were then being first
constructed in America. By a careful survey the company
ascertiiincd that a railroad could be constructed from their
town site, at the head of canal navigation, to the coal-fields
at Blossburg, cheaper than a canal, or cheaper than it could
be floated down the Tioga on arks or rafts. A charter
was obtained for a railroad to the State line at Lawrence-
ville, where they were met by enterprising men from Phila-
delphia, Messrs. James K. Wilson, Cofiin Colket, J. W.
Ryerss, and others, with a charter from the State of Penn-
sylvania, connecting them with the Blossburg coal region.
In the year 1839 the locomotive first traversed the Tioga
Valley. Then it was that Corning sprang into being. Al-
though Mr. Parcell and a few families had located at Corn-
ing in 1838, yet it was not until the years 1839, 184:0,
1841, and 1842 that Corning received its impetus. It was
christened in 183G, but it was not until the time above
referred to that signs of future life and prosperity dawned
upon it. Then came the men that were to lay the founda-
tion— or rather the superstructure, for the foundation was
surely laid by Erastus Corning, Thomas W. Olcott, and
their associates — of Coming's future greatness. The good
people of Corning were apparently on the wrong side of
* See Chas. H. Erwin's history of Painted Post.
the river. The main stage-route from Big Flats to Bath,
vin Painted Post, ran on the east side, passing the Chimney
Narrows, and crossing the mouth of Post Creek. But
Corning was equal to the emergency. Bridges were thrown
across the Chemung two and three-fourth miles below ;
roads were opened connecting them with Big Flats on the
east, and Knoxville and Painted Post on the north. It
might be well to here mention some of the enterprising
citizens of Corning in 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, and later.
Among them were Col. H. W. Bostwick, manager of the
Corning Company ; Dr. W^m. Turbell, Thomas A. Johnson,
Esq , Laurin Mallory, P. J. Mallory, Wm. M. Mallory,
Maj. S. B. Denton, Nelson L. Somers, H. G. Phelps, B.
P. Bailey, John A. Parcell, B. W. Payne, Daniel D. Com-
stock, Geo. T. Spencer, E. P. Rogers, S. T. Hayt, Hiram
Pritchard, William J. Arnold, and Charles Clark, besides
many others, distinguished for their public spirit and enter-
prise. Hotels, banks, stores, shopSj and various oflBces,
after the completion of the Blo.ssburg Railroad, were im-
mediately erected. A printing-ofiice was opened in 1840,
and a newspaper established by Charles Adams called the
Corning and Blossburg Advocate. The people of Corning
had scarcely realized the completion of the Blossburg Rail-
road, when, in 1840, the advance-guard of the New York
and Erie Railroad made their appearance in Corning. The
State of New York had loaned its credit to a.ssist the com-
pany in the sum of $3,000,000, and from Piermont, in
Rockland Co., N. Y., to Dunkirk, on Lake Erie, gangs of
workmen were engaged in driving piles for the road-bed,
and spanning rivers and streams with bridges.
Corning received a considerable share of the money ex-
pended by the Erie Company in driving piles, building
bridges, etc. Then, to add to the general enthusiasm, the
political campaign of 1840, with all its concomitant ma-
chinery, made Corning, with its stirring and active popula-
tion, an overflowing town, brimful of business. Specula-
tion was rife. Corner lots were above par. From Chemung,
Tioga, Broome, and Otsego Counties capitalists were locating
at Corning, the El Dorado of the Southern Tier. Mechan-
ics of all kinds were in great demand. Lumber was a cash
commodity, and bill-timber of every kind brought a high
price. Yet *there were thousands of feet of lumber in the
log burned up by the settler who wished to clear a spot for
a shop or dwelling, and could not wait to have his lumber
drawn to the mills at the head of the feeder, to be manu-
factured. From the incipient step, in 1835, to the first era
of their progress, in 1840, all had been prosperous. From
this latter year through 1841 and 1842 there followed a
financial depression. Yet comparatively few of the busi-
ness men of Corning were seriously or permanently crippled
by the general bankruptcy which pervaded the country.
5Iany, however, suffered by the failure of the New York
and Erie Railroad Company. Many of the business men
and lumbermen had taken stock in part payment for timber
and materials furnished, and had suffered thereby. But the
recuperative qualities of Americans are proverbial ; and the
citizens of Corning were not an exception. The ranks of
the business men were strengthened in the intervening years,
from 1842 to 1854, by a strong and active class, who look
hold and gave a new impulse to business.
256
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The Erie Railroad Company had compromised their
claims, and a new set of men were at the helm, who
pushed the road to completion in 1S51. At the close of
1849, it was finished to Corning. Large appropriations
from the State had enabled the Corning people to improve
the highway through the Narrows, and to afford better
facilities for canal navigation. The Blossburg Coal Com-
pany were shipping a large amount of coal from their
wharves, and the lumber dealers were flooding the Eastern
markets with the choicest Chemung flooring, etc. ; so that
by reference to the canal reports we discover that, in 1849,
Corning stood third on the list of inland shipping-ports in
the State of New York. The Erie Company had located
their depots and yards at the upper or west end of Corn-
ing. This for a time seemed to draw business in that
direction.
D. A. Fuller, father of George W. and Dwight L. Fuller,
of the Dickinson House, erected a hotel called the Waverly,
near the present stock depot of the Erie Railway. The
demand of the traveling public compelled him to enlarge
his accommodations. In 1850-51 the Waverly spread into
the Terrett House, Mr. Fuller continuing the lessee or
owner. About this time the Dickinson House was com-
pleted by the late Hon. A. B. Dickinson, of Hornby, and
Col. H. W. Bostwick, of Corning. There were now four
well-conducted hotels in Corning, viz., the Dickinson
House, by S. B. Dennis, succeeded by Mayor Field, and
lastly by the Fuller Brothers ; the Corning House, by Capt.
E. Pier, and others ; the Terrett House, D. A. Fuller, pro-
prietor; and the Railroad House, by Maj. P. P. Cleaver.
Foundries were established, churches were erected ; Dyer
and Concert Blocks were completed ; the village through its
corporate officers was making many necessary and desirable
improvements.
The village then contained about 3000 inhabitants, —
with the town, 4372. The Corning Jovrnal had been
established in 1846, by Thomas Messenger, and in the year
1851 had passed into the hands of A. W. McDowell and
Dr. G. W. Pratt. Good schools were in session ; the pul-
pits were filled by able ministers ; and a full corps of com-
petent physicians and lawyers were located at Corning ; in
fact everything that was desirable in an enterprising, first-
class business town.
We now approach the second era in the history of Corn-
ing,— the era of tire. She had previously been visited with
the element. The terrible conflagrations which occurred in
the next six years are familiar to every inhabitant of the
Chemung Valley. It will be recollected that the year 1852
was a comparatively mild epoch in political affairs. Few
mass-meetings were held in comparison to former presiden-
tial campaigns. Yet the citizens of Corning had not for-
gotten the exciting times of 1840, 1844, and 1848, and
were determined to keep alive the political spirit which had
animated them in the early stages of their history.
In the year 1850 a railroad was projected, called the
Buffalo and Conhocton Valley Railroad, with such men as
Hon. John Magee, of Bath, enlisted in the enterprise. By
the terms of the charter, which was obtained in 1850, the
southern terminus was at Painted Post. But this would
benefit Corning, as it connected with the Erie. Corning
was most fortunate in this new project. It would give her
a thoroughfare through to Rochester and Buffalo by the Con-
hocton Valley. This project was only fairly inaugurated
when another, and, as it has proved, a more lasting and sub-
stantial work, was to seek an outlet by the way of Corning.
We allude to the purchase, by Hon. John Magee, of the
interest of certain members of the Corning Company in the
old Blossburg Railroad, who had became the debtors of Sir.
Magee. He took possession of the road in 1851, and im-
mediately made arrangements for widening the gauge, and
relaying the tracks with desirable T-iron. The Pennsyl-
vania stockholders consented, and during the year a sub-
stantial railway, with all the modern improvements, was
opened to the public. Mr. Magee had also purchased the
lease of the coal-mines at Blossburg. This was tke initial
step in developing the vast coal region now operated by the
Fall Brook Coal Company, the Arnot or Blossburg Coal
Company, and the Morris Run Coal Company. Thus it
seems that every adversity on the part of Corning had been
overcome through some new avenue of prosperity.
About this time Corning was strengthened by the advent
of two bankers, George W. Patterson, Jr., and John N.
Hungerford, who came to identify them.selves with the busi-
ness interests of the place. Mr. Patterson remained con-
nected with the George Washington Bank, as president, till
within a quite recent date. I^Ir. Hungerford is still bearing
an important part in the financial transactions of the village.
The Corning iSVn, a weekly newspaper, was published in
1853 by Mark M. Pomeroy and P. C. Van Gelder, and
continued about a year, when it was purchased by Rev. Ira
Brown, who published a paper in the interests of the
farmers and horticulturists. In the mean time a lodge of
Freemasons and Odd-Fellows had been established, the
new lodge of Masonry taking the name of Painted Post
Lodge, No. 117, and counting among its members some of
the most intelligent and reliable of the citizens. Corning
is now the centre of Masonic attraction, the whole upper
story of Concert Block being used as lodge-rooms for the
Blue Lodge, No. 117; Chapter, No. 190; Council of R.
and S. M., No. 53 ; A.-, and A.-. S.-. Rite ; Lodge of Per-
fection ; Council Princes of Jerusalem ; Corning Chapter
Rose Croix, and Corning Consistory. Corning has many
able representative men in various vocations, in whom she
may feel an honorable pride : such men as George B.
Bradley, S. T. Hayt, John N. Hungerford, C. C. B.
Walker, Austin Lathrop, Jr., D. F. Brown, Chester S.
Cole, B. Graves, William D. Turbell, C. H. Thomson,
Hiram Pritchard, B. W. Payne, A. H. Gorton, Q. W.
Willington, C. F. Houghton, Henry Goff, G. W. Pratt,
F. B. Brown, Charles G. Denison, E. Clisdell, William
Walker, C. E. Corbin, C. D. Sill, Dr. A. D. Bobbins, and
numerous others deserving of mention.
Corning is distant from New York 291 miles, from Buf-
falo 142, from Rochester 94, from Hornellsville 42, from
Bath 20, from Dunkirk 168, from Blossburg coal regions
40.48, and from Elmira 18 miles. It is a picturesque and
healthy region, and surrounded by a rich agricultural and
fruit country. It is the half-shire of Steuben County, the
courts being held alternately here and at Bath. The
present population of the village is about 7000. Her rail-
X ^n
TOWN OF CORNING.
257
road facilities are ample,— one branch of the Erie winding
up through the rich valley of the Conhoeton to Rochester,
another traversing and bringing into close communication
the inhabitants and towns of the Canisteo; thence westerly
to Dunkirk and Buffalo. The connections made by the
Corning, Cowanesque and Antrim, Tioga and Blossburg,
stretch out to the coal regions, and penetrate the agri-
cultural and lumbering interest of Northern Pennsyl-
vania, thus insuring connections of high importance to its
permanent growth. Nearly a million tons of bituminous
coal find an outlet within her limits, many thousand tons
of which are rcshipped to various towns and cities East and
West.
INCORPORATION AND OFFICERS.
The petition for the incorporation of Corning was made
in behalf of the people by Horace G. Phelps, James C.
Davis, and Joseph Herron on the 31st of August, 1848.
The petition was granted by Hon. David McMaster, county
judge, Sept. 6, 1848, he appointing S. T. Hayt, William
Hood, and John P. Shapley, inspectors of election, to take
assent of the electors for incorporation. The vote taken
Oct. 25, 1848, showed 118 in favor of incorporation and 5
against it. The first charter election occurred Jan. 12,
1849, and resulted in the choice of the following Board of
Trustees : Horace G. Phelps, Laurin Mallory, George T.
Spencer, Aaron H. Foster, and James S. Robinson. At
the first meeting of the board, Laurin Mallory was elected
President, and Thomas Messenger Clerk. At the regular
election in March following the same trustees were elected,
and Mr. Mallory was re-elected President.
The Board of Trustees selected their presiding officer
until the charter was amended, in 1858, when the president
of the village became elective by the people. The following
are the names of the presidents of the village from its
incorporation, and the years they served:
1849. Laurin Mallory.
iSSO. G. T. Spencer.
1851. J. B. Graves, M.D.
1852. A. H. Foster.
1853. A. H. Foster.
1851. Merrill Colby.
1855. Merrill Colby.
1856. Alexander Olcott.
1857. Robert Olcott.
1858. G. D. Williams.
1859. Jacob H. Lansing.
1860. Jacob H. Lansing.
1861. Hiram Pritchard.
1862. Hiram Pritchard.
1863. Chas. G. Denison.
1861. Cyrus D. Sill.
1865. Chester S. Cole. .
1866. Auslin Latbrop, Jr.
1867. Austin Latbrop, Jr.
186S. Henry Goff.
1869. Alonzo H. Gorton.
ISro. George Hitchcock.
1871. Chas. 6. Denison.
18(2. Chas. G. Denison.
187.3. Lewis C. Kingsbury,
1874. Chester S. Cole.
1875. John Hoare.
1876. Joshua B. Graves.
1877. Chas. G. Denison.
1878. Gdvrin Bannister.
CORNING POST-OFFICE.
About the year 1840, Mr. Philo P. Hubbell, afterwards
clerk of the county, removed the " Painted Post" post-office
from Centreville to Corning. Soon after the inauguration
of President Harrison, in 1841, the name was changed to
Corning Post-office, and Maj. S. B. Denton was appointed
postmaster. Under the administration of President Polk,
in 1845, Maj. Denton was superseded by the appointment
of John McBurney. The successors of John McBurney
were George P. Loveland, Philo P. Hubbell, W. B. Whi-
ting, Thomas Messenger, and D. B. Cumpston, until the
33
spring of 1853, when George W. Dyer was appointed post-
master. Mr. Dyer commenced a thorough and complete
renovation of the office and its appurtenances, making it in
appearance and convenience more commensurate with the
progressive spirit of the village and the growing wants of
the citizens. He erected the commodious building in which
the office remained till 185G, putting therein 50tl boxes and
drawers in place of the 190 boxes of the old office. After
several other changes of location, the office was removed to
its present convenient quarters in Brown Block, in 1873.
The postmasters since George W. Dyer have been C. C. B.
Walker, D. A. Fuller, C. H. Tomson (twelve years),
George W. Pratt, and E. Ciisdell, the present incumbent.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
On the 4th of January, 1851, the Board of Trustees
adopted a resolution that two fire companies be formed.
Jan. 10, 1S51, Rescue Fire Company No. 1, Rescue Hose
Company No. 1, and Rough and Ready Fire Company No.
2, and Rough and Ready Hose Compauy No. 2, were or-
ganized ; D. B. Cumpston and Thos. W. Adams, foremen
of the first two, and Alexander Olcott, of the latter respect-
ively. Tiie name of Rough and Ready was afterwards
changed to Neptune. In 1857, Alliance Hook-and-Ladder
Company No. 1 was organized, with John Bulmer, fore-
man.
In 1862 the fire department was incorporated with Al-
fred Jones as President, and George W. Pratt, Secretary.
C. H. Thomson succeeded Mr. Jones, and William Walker,
Mr. Pratt.
The department is now organized as Alliance Hook-and-
Ladder Company No. 1, Pritchard Hose Company No. 1,
Olcott Hose Company No. 2, and Sherwood Hose Company
No. 3 ; A. H. Gorton, President ; C. G. Denison, Vice-
President; Thomas H. Thomson, Secretary; Frank
Kingsbury, Treasurer; F. W. Jeuners, Chief Engineer;
H. S. Edson, First Assistant Engineer ; and R. E. Cole,
Second Assistant Engineer.
CANAL COLLECTORS AT CORNING.
1845-47, Thomas McBurney: 1848, A. M. Fridley ;
1849, D. D. Com.stock; 1850-51, H. Thurbur; 1852-53,
Thomas McBurney ; 1854-55, E. Dodge ; 1856-57, J. S.
Robinson ; 1858-59, J. H. Lansing ; 1860-61, George W.
Pratt; 1862, E. P. Rogers;* 1862, Thomas McBurney;
1863-66, George W. Pratt; 1867, Luzerne Todd; 1868-
69, Frank B.Brown; 1870-71, Peter Rease; 1872-73,
Truman S. Pritchard; 1874-75, Charles G. Denison;
1876-78, Nelson L. Somers.
RAILROADS AND BUSINESS.
The railroad and shipping enterprise of Corning is a large
item in its business. The main line of the Erie Railway
was completed to Corning in December, 1849, and was
opened for business in January, 1850. Mr. J. A. Red-
field, of this village, afterwards superintendent of the
Northern Central Railroad, was the first agent. Mr. A. T.
■* Rogers was removed and McBurney appointed in his place the
25th June, 1862.
258
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Cochrane was his clerk, and in April of the same j'ear was
appointed by Benj. Loder agent, and has continued to act
in that c-apacity through all administrations up to the pres-
ent time, — about twenty-nine years. This is the very best
evidence that he has been a faithful and competent officer.
In 1852 the Buffalo, Corning and New York Railroad,
now the Rochester branch of the Erie, was completed to
Corning, giving an outlet to a vast agricultural and lumber
district. The statistics for 1873 show that Corning, ex-
ceeded in tonnage any other station on the road except
Jersey City and Buffalo. The tons of freight forwarded
were 830,891, amounting to $503,170.20. Tons of freight
received, 31,221, amounting to $122,768.96. Total freight
business of the station, §625,939. 16. Passenger tickets
sold, 74,506; receipts for the saiue, §72,098.46. Total
business of the station, $698,037.62. Since the opening
of the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning Railroad, which is
now the great avenue for the transportation of coal to the
New York Central and the Erie Canal, the freight of this
station has materially diminished, but it is still, with its
natural increase during the past four years, retained in
Corning and only transferred to another oflSce.
SYRACUSE, GENEVA AND CORNING RAILROAD.
This road, connecting at Corning with the old " Corning
and Blossburg," now the Corning, Cowanesque and An-
trim Railroad, forms a continuous line from Antrim, in the
coal regions of Penn.sylvania, to its connection with the
four-track New York Central at Lyons, N. Y., and with
the Erie Canal. The several divisions of this line are the
Corning, Cowanesfjue and Antrim, from Antrim to Cor-
ning ; the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning, from Corning to
Geneva ; and the Geneva and Lyons road, from Geneva to
Lyons, the northern terminus. This route, including
branches from Lawrenceville to Elkland, Pa., and from
Blossburg to Fall Brook, is owned and controlled by the
Fall Brook Coal Company, which has one of its principal
offices at Corning, and is operated jointly by the Syracuse,
Geneva and Corning, and Lehigh Valley Railroad Com-
panies, carrying the celebrated Mclntyre coal from the
mines to the Central Railroad, at Lyons. The Fall Brook
Coal Company deliver 400 tons per day of their own coal,
and run a freight train each way daily, for general mer-
chandise. The whole number of miles from Antrim to
Lyons is one hundred and twenty-five ; distance from Cor-
ning to Lyons, seventy-two miles.
The Syracuse, Geneva and Corning Railway Company
filed their articles of association Aug. 27, 1875. The first
board of directors consisted of the following gentlemen :
Patrick Lynch, Wm. T. Hamilton, Frank H. Hiscock, Syra-
cuse, N. Y. ; Darius A. Ogden, Penn Y'an, N. Y. ; George
J. Magee, Daniel Beach, John Lang, Watkins, N. Y. ;
Alonzo H. Gorton, Alexander Olcott, Chas. C. B.
Walker, Stephen T. Hayt, Corning, N. Y. ; Edgar Mun-
son, Williamsport, Pa. ; Alexander G. Cattell, Morchants-
ville, N. J.
Careful surveys, and a thorough examination of eight
different routes between Corning and Geneva, during the
months of September, October, and November, 1875, re-
sulted in the selection of the present route, which was de-
cided on by an overwhelming vote of the board of directors
during their meeting at Watkins, Dec. 30, 1875. It was
principally due to the unanimous vote of the Corning di-
rectors that this one route was selected out of the eight ;
and experience has shown already that their course of ac-
tion was a wise one in every respect.
The work of building the road was let Jan. 14, 1876,
to Vibbard, Ball & Stuart, of New York, who sublet it to
different parties. Work on the whole line was commenced
early in March, 1876, and continued until May 1 of the
same year. Then it became evident that Vibbard, Ball &
Stuart were not able to fulfill their obligations to the sub-
contractors, and work was stopped on the entire line, all the
foremen, laborers, teamsters, etc., were paid off by the
company from funds advanced by the Fall Brook Coal Com-
pany, and the whole work suspended until October, 1876.
Gen. Geo. J. Magee had then decided to take himself the
contract to build the road. He consequently resigned his
position as director and member of the executive committee,
and relet the work, mostly to the same parties who had held
contracts under Vibbard, Ball & Stuart. Col. Austin La-
throp, Jr., of Corning, received the contract for building
the timber foundation and masonry for the Corning bridge,
also for the construction of all bridges, trestles, etc., on
sections 1 to 0, both inclusive. Wm. C. Gibbons, of Corning,
had the contract for the earthwork of sections 1 to 6, both
inclusive. During the winter of 1876-77 the work was pros-
ecuted with all possible speed. Track-laying was commenced
at Corning early in April, 1877. On July 4, 1877, a grand
excursion from Watkins Glen to Corning had been ar-
ranged, and about 500 persons enjoyed the ride over the
new road and celebrated the day in Corning. July 5, the
work of track-laying and ballasting was commenced at
Geneva. The last rail was laid Oct. 11, 1877, and the
work of ballasting progressed repidly, so that on section 3
the road could be opened for freight and coal trafiic and for
passenger transportation Dec. 10, 1877. It has been in suc-
cessful operation ever since, and is a grand monument to the
enterprise and sagacity of the Fall Brook Coal Company.*
The engineer corps consisted of the following persons :
A. Hardt, Chief Engineer; R. H. Canfield, Division En-
gineer, South Division ; J. G. Baker, Division Engineer,
North Division, succeeded by Edward Canfield, Nov. 20,
1876. John Lang, of Watkins, N. Y., is now the Presi-
dent and Treasurer of the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning
Railroad ; Alexander Olcott, of Corning, its Secretary ; and
J. H. Lang, of Watkins, its General Auditor. The present
Superintendent is A. H. Gorton ; H. A. Horning, General
Passenger and Freight Agent; G. R. Brown, Superintend-
ent of Telegraph ; Michael Clancy, Track Master ; all resi-
dents of Corning. The Syracuse, Geneva and Corning
Railroad connects at Himrod's with the Northern Central
Railroad ; at Geneva, with the Auburn branch of the New
York Central and Hudson River Railroad, at the same
point, with the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and with the
Geneva and Lyons Railroad ; affording a direct route to
« The tot.al cost of the road and equipments was $2,430,988.78. The
capital stock of the company is $1,200,000. .'.mount of stock sub-
scribed $1,193,700.
dl
HON. STEPHEN T. HAYT.
Simeon Haite (as the name was originally spelled) emigrated
from England in 1629, and Settled at Charlestown, Mass., and
finally settled at Stamford, Conn. He died in 1657, leaving
three sons, — Nicholas, Walter, and Benjamin. Walter removed
from Stamford, Conn., to Norwalk, Conn., in 1650, and died in
1699, leaving two sons, — John and Zerubbabel, who died in
1738, leaving three sons, — Daniel, Caleb, and Joseph, the last
of whom died in 1730, leaving four sons, — Zerubbabel, James,
Moses, and Joseph.
Zerubbabel, eldest son of Joseph, left Norwalk about 1749,
and settled in Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y., where he died
in 1794, leaving four sons, — Stephen, Moses, Justus, and Zeph-
aniah. Stephen served in behalf of England, in the French
war, and was bom in 1730 ; married Miss Martha Els, of New
Canaan, Conn., and died in 1770, leaving four sons, — Stephen,
John, Samuel, and Zephaniah. Stephen, the eldest son, was
bom in 1760 ; served in the Revolutionary war as private in
the 2d Connecticut Regiment from 1777 to 1783, when he was
discharged by order of General Washington, and was honored
with a badge of merit for his six years of faithful service. He
was married to Miss Hannah Delavan, of North Salem, N. Y.,
and died in 1834, leaving five sons, — John C, Charles, Harry,
David, and William. John C. removed from Patterson to
Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1826, removed to Corning,
Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1833, and died in 1854, having had five
sons, — Samuel T., James A., Stephen T., William W., and
Daniel M.
Hon. Stephen T. Hayt, third son and fifth child of Dr. John
C. and Martha Hayt, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y.,
June 5, 1822. His father was a physician by profession, but
was principally engaged in the lumber and milling business. On
the 1st of May, 1833, his parents and family settled in Corning.
Stephen attended the common school when young, and after-
wards received an academic education. From 1840 to 1843
he was clerk in a store at Elmira, since which time he has re-
sided in Corning. From 1843 to 1850 he was engaged in the
mercantile business ; from 1851 to 1869, in the lumber trade,
with a yard in Albany. Since 1869 he has been engaged in the
manufacture of flour and feed, and has one of the most
substantial mills in the county, and does an extensive
business.
He married Miss Margaret C, daughter of Edwin Townsend,
of Palmyra, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1856. Of this union nine
children have been born, namely: Stephen T, Martha T.,
Daniel H. C, Margaret C, Charles W., James T., Isabel W.,
Jessie K., and Robert 0., all of whom are now living.
In politics, Mr. Hayt is a firm supporter of the principle.? of
the Republican party. He has held nearly all the important
offices in his town, besides county or State positions. He was
elected supervisor in 1856, and re-elected several times, having
served twice as chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He was
elected to the State Senate in 1863 and re-elected in 1865. In
1866 he was elected canal commissioner, and served three years.
At present he is a member of the Board of Education, and takes
a deep interest in all that pertains to the intellectual and moral
welfare of the young of Corning.
TOWN OF CORNING.
259
the four tracks of the New York Central and Hudson
River Railroad.
The Syracuse, Geneva and Corninp; Raihoad has proved
already a great benefit to Corning. Freights to and from
New York have been reduced nearly one-half, reducing the
price of a great many articles correspondingly. The Fall
Brook Coal Company, who are operating the road, had to
increase their motive-power and rolling-stock, and also the
number of clerks, conductors, engineers, shop-hands, etc.,
mostly residents of Corning, adding considerable to the re-
sources and wealth of this village.
We may be allowed to predict here, with a fair prospect
for the fulfillment of our prediction, that ten years hence
the population of Corning will be at least doubled ; that
under the stimulus of the newly-formed railway connection,
supported by home capital and enterprise, and assisted by
cheap coal of excellent C(uality, manuHictories of ail kind
will spring up in and around Corning, and will make it
commercially one of the most important points of Southern
New York.
FALL BROOK COAL CO.MPANY.
The Fall Brook Coal Company was organized in 1859.
Its present officers are Geo. J. Magee, President ; Daniel
Beach, Secretary ; John Lang, Treasurer.
The machine- and car-shops of the Fall Brook Coal
Company are located at Corning. These shops were in
part built by the Buffalo, Corning and New York Railroad
Company in 1853. Gen. Magee afterwards added to them,
making them the shops of the Corning and Bio.ssburg Rail-
road while that road was under his management, and sub-
sequently leased them to the Tioga Railroad Company,
which occupied them ten years. The Fall Brook Coal
Company took possession of them in October, 18G2. The
shops occupy a lot of eight acres owned by the company at
the lower end of the village, including also sixteen dwelling-
houses occupied by the workmen and their families. The
company has made extensive improvements and additions,
among other things the erection of a new carpenter-
shop, a wooden truss building, 75 by 175 feet, heated
throughout by steam, a paint-shop, and a store-house for
passenger cars. These shops employ 100 hands, and all
the cars, rolling-stock, and equipments for the entire line
of roads owned by the company are here manufactured and
kept in repairs. They constitute one of the most impor-
tant business interests of Corning. Mr. 0. C. Patchell is
superintendent of the shops, and J. C. Dow foreman of the
wood department.
BLOSSBURG COAL COMPANY.
The Blossburg Coal Company, having its headquarters
and officers at Corning, is the successor of the " Bloss Coal-
Mining and Railroad Company," whose interest it pur-
chased in 1871. The company owns and controls the
Tioga and the Elmira State Line Railroads, making con-
nections with the Erie, Lehigh Valley, and Northern Cen-
tral, and Utica, Ithaca and Elmira Railroads at Elmira.
The coal is mostly transported to Elmira by the Tioga Rail-
road Company, whence it is shipped by the different routes
East and West. They also bring considerable coal to Corn-
ing for smithing, gla.ss-works, and other purposes.
The officers of the company are : President, F. N. Drake,
Corning; Secretary and Treasurer, H. H. Cook, Bath;
General Superintendent, D. S. Drake, Corning.
The Morris Run Coal-Mining Company, of Syracuse,
has a branch office in Corning, — A. Beers, agent. This
company transports a large amount of coal over the Syra-
cuse, Geneva and Corning Railroad.
CORNING MANCFACTURES.
B. W. Payne & Sons. — This firm conducts the largest
foundry and machine-shop in this section of the country.
The business was established in 1840 by Mills & Osborn.
In 1845, Mr. B. W. Payne, of Corning, P. Judson Mal-
lory, and John M. French, now of Rochester, purchased
the works. In 1847, Mr. Mallory died, and Mr. French
retired from the firm. Laurin Mallory and Alex. Olcott
then became a.s.soeiated with Mr. Payne under the firm-
name of B. W. Payne & Co. Robert and Theodore Olcott
subsequently became partners, and the firm was known as
Payne & Olcott till 1862, when Mr. Payne purchased the
interest of the Oicotts, and took in as a partner Mr. Hiram
Pritchard. They continued together till 1868, when Mr.
Payne purchased Mr. Pritchard's interest and took in his
two sons, Benjamin N. and David W. Payne. Benjamin
N. had served his time at the trade, and David been in
the United States Engineer Corps and is now superin-
tendent of the works. Since the time above mentioned
the firm has been known as B. W. Payne & Sons. The
works occupy about an acre and a half of land near the
Erie Railway tract, and employ a force of from sixty to
ninety men. About 1000 tons of iron are melted up an-
nually. In 1873 eighty-five portable and stationary engines
were built, many of them for the Southern States, and
some going as far as Texas and Colorado. The business
of the establishment amounts to about $200,000 a year.
Preston & Heermans. — This is another large foundry
and machine-shop, younger in years than the one previously
mentioned, yet it has grown into popular favor, and its
business is extending far out into the surrounding counties.
These shops were established in 1867 by George W. Pres-
ton, a practical machinist, and George Heermans, a business
man of marked ability. Their works are located on a plat
of land containing thirteen village lots, bounded on three
sides, by Erie Avenue on the south. Market Street on the
north, and Cedar on the west. The shops are capacious
and substantial. They manufacture engines, mill ma-
chinery, and do all kinds of repairing, taking special
pains that everything shall be done in a workmanlike
manner. These shops employ about thirty men, and do
a business of §60,000 per annum.
Hayt's Flouring-Mill. — The proprietor of this mill,
Mr. Stephen T. Hayt, has lived in Corning forty-five years
— in fact, has grown up with it, and been identified with
every enterprise looking to its prosperity and advancement.
He built this flouring-mill in 1868. It is Co by 55 feet
in dimensions, four stories high, has four run of stones,
and is propelled by two fifty horse-power engines, which
are not permitted to lie idle much of the time. This mill
has an average capacity, or is capable of grinding per
annum, pearly 200,000 bushels of grain. In 1873, 80,000
260
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bushels of wlieat were ground, 16,500 barrels of flour
packed, from 80,000 to 90,000 bushels of coarser grains
ground, besides 2500 tons of plaster at the plaster-mill
adjoining the flouring mill. The business of this year
amounted, in gross, to $250,000. This is one of the finest
mills in this portion of the State.
Plasing-Mill and Sash-Factort. — This establish-
ment is owned and managed by Messrs. Walker & Lathrop,
in connection with their large lumber trade. Here large
amounts of lumber are dressed, and large quantities of sash
manufactured, giving employment to about thirty men.
Tills is but one department of the business of this enter-
prising firm. The amount of busine.ss done in this depart-
ment reaches the sum of $75,000 annually.
CoKNiNG Stone Company. — The quarries of this com-
pany are located about half a mile from the railroad south-
west of the village, and include about 100 acres. Many
of the public and private buildings of Corning are built of
the stone from these quarries, and also some of the stone
for the Elniira Reformatory.
Glass- Works. — -The Glass- Works of Corning are widely
known. They were established in 186S by Amory Hough-
ton, formerly proprietor of the Brooklyn Flint-Glass Works,
Brooklyn, L. I. The works stand on a lot of six acres,
north of the railroad, where their buildings are adequate to
the extensive business carried on, giving employment to
120 men, and manufacturing annually $180,000 worth of
goods. We have not space to describe in detail the process
of manufacture, nor is it necessary in a work of this kind.
We will only say that all kinds of flint and colored glass-
ware are manufactured at the works, including goblets,
champagne and wine glasses, decanters, dishes of all kinds,
lantern-globes, caster-bottles, ink-stands, lamp-chimneys, etc.
Glass Cutting and Engraving. — This branch, which
is separate and distinct from the glass manufacturing de-
partment, and is in itself a wonderful art, is carried on in
Corning by Mr. John Hoare, who leases two floors of the
main building of the Corning Glass- Works. Mr. Hoare
formerly conducted the same business at the Brooklyn Flint-
Glass Works, and is a workman whose twenty-five years'
experience has given him great skill and knowledge in the
art. In this establishment from SO to 100 skilled hands
are employed, and all the finer work is done for the britannia,
silver, and silver-plated ware manufacturers. Also the fine
cut glass for' the Executive Mansion, at Washington. The
manufactured glass for cutting and engraving is purchased
of the Corning Glass- Woiks. The cutting and engraving
done here amounts to $100,000 annually.
business houses.
Among the leading business houses of Corning may be
mentioned the following :
Walker & Lathrop, Hardware, Lumber, Planing-Mill,
Sash- and Blind-Factory. — This firm does a business of
$400,000 per annum, and carry a stock of $60,000. The
business was established by Pjrastus Corning and James
Horner, in 1840. David B. Campston and C. C. B. Walker
bought them out, in 1848. Prom 1850 to 1857 Mr. Hor-
ace Turner was a member, the firm being Walker & Turner.
Mr. Austin Lathrop, Jr., became a member of the firm
in 1862.
Sjiith & Waite, Dry-Goods, Carpets, Oil-Cloths, Mer-
chant Tailoring, etc. — This house was established in 1864.
They have two fine stores on Market Street, and their busi-
ness amounts in the aggregate to $60,000 per annum.
GoFF & Robinson represent a large dry-goods and
notion house, organized in October, 1870. Their business
amounts to $150,000 annually
C. R. Maltby & Bro. — This firm is carrying on a
very extensive wholesale grocery trade. The house was
established in 1867. It is doing an annual business of
$:-}oo,0()o.
E. L. Dickinson & Co. are proprietors of a large
bakery and confectionery establishment, successors of Mr.
E. B. Smith, who established the business, in 1865. The
sales amount to $50,000 a year.
F. W. Parsons, Successor of J. A. Parsons & Co. — Dry-
goods, shawls, boots, and slioes constitute their principal
staples. The house was established by J. A. Pansons, in
1856, and is doing a business ranging from $70,000 to
$100,000 a year.
0. A. Cary, succe.s.sor to J. K. Newell, represents a
large interest in dry-goods, carpets, etc. The business was
established by Newell & Owen, in 1868. The annual sales
of this house amount to about $75,000, and it carries
$30,000 worth of stock.
Turbell & Co., wholesale and retail druggists, have a
large and prosperous business. Their house was the first
established in Corning, by Dr. Wm. Turbell, in 1840, on a
small scale, and has grown to its present importance. The
sales of this house annually amount to $75,000.
Pritchard, Sayles & Co., Dealers in Hardware, Stoves,
and Tinware. — This firm represent a business aggregating
annually about $50,000. The house was established in
1867. The present firm have been proprietors since 1868.
Mr. Ciias. G. Denison is engaged in an extensive
business, embracing coal, cement, salt, and pork-packing.
A large amount of coal is delivered in the village for
family use. The business of this house amounts to not
less than $50,000 a year.
S. C. Campbell, Dry Goods. — This house carries also
a large stock of boots and shoes. Mr. Campbell's store is
one of the finest in the village, and his annual business
amounts to about $60,000.
Cole & Thomson are among the leading general in-
surance agents, and are doing an extensive business. This
interest was established by Mr. George Thomson, in 1848.
The present proprietors are Chester S. Cole and Col. C. H.
Thomson.
William Walker, also one of the leading business
men of the place, is engaged in an extensive insurance
business, in addition to the hat, cap, fur, ,ind glove trade,
for which he is so extensively and favorably known.
Baxter & McIntosh, Retail Druggists. — Established in
1871, formerly Baxter Brothers. The members of the
present firm are D. H. Baxter and James C. Mcintosh.
W. D. Todd, Hats, Caps, and Gentlemen's Furnishing
Goods. ^ — Mr. Todd also owns a half-interest in the mer-
chant-tailoring establishment of M. Sehenek & Co., located
A. HOVGHTUN, Jr., VVfS.
H, P. SiN'.i.AiRE, Sec'y.
CORNING GLASS WORKS, CORNING, N. Y.
John Hoare,
Prop, of Cutting and Engraving Dept.
STEAM GRANITE AND.MARBLE WORKS, CORNING, N. Y.
LoVASso Field, Proprietor.
^CM-e/2&^
7
C7-i^*<^
TOWN OF CORNING.
2G1
in tlie adjoining store on Pine Street, and a cigar-store at-
taclied. His sales amount to $35,000 or $40,000 per
annum. Commenced business in 1875.
Douglas & Brown, Wholesale and Retail Druggists. —
Tliis firm was established in April, 1878. Mr. Douglas had
been previously for sixteen years connected with the drug
house of W. B. Turbell & Co. A. K. Brown is the other
member of the firm.
There are two ready-made clothing-stores in the village,
Messrs. M. P. Ansorge, doing a very large business, and
J. W. Werner.
C. E. CoRBiN and E. S. Barnes have each well-supplied
book-stores and news-rooms on Market Street.
LovAsso Field's Steam Granite and Marble-
Works is a leading interest in the manufacture of all
kinds of monumental and cemetery work from foreign and
American granites and marbles. He runs a steam stone
sawing-mill and steam-poiishing machinery, and does a large
amount of business. Established in 1875.
Another enterprise in the same line is the Haischer
Brothers' Marble-Works. In August, 1875, Messrs.
Victor and Anthony Haischer purchased the works of Mr.
John Mcintosh, and 1878 erected their present new and
commodious shops. They do a business amounting to from
$16,000 to $20,000 a year.
There are two large furniture and undertakers' establish-
ments, as follows : Thomas Taylerson, established in 1858,
and J. W. Darrin, established April 12, 1871. Mr. Tay-
lerson came from England to Corning in 1843. In 1858
he started a furniture manufactory. In 18G2 he erected
his present building, and in the same year added the under-
taking department. The business was conducted by Tay-
lerson & Sharpsteen, 18G9 to 1871 ; then Taylerson &
Lathrop, and Taylerson & Sill, till 1877, since which Mr.
Taylerson has carried on the bu.sine.ss alone.
J. W. Darrin, established April 12, 1871. Mr. Dar-
rin purchased the interest of John Mallory, and, in 1875,
built his new and commodious store, where he now carries
on a prosperous business.
DICKINSON HOUSE.
Among the many well-known and popular first-class
hotels, the Dickinson House enjoys a reputation second to
none. This is owing to the superior manner in which it ia
kept by the Fuller Brothers. The house is capacious, and
elegantly furnished and equipped throughout with all that
can conduce to the comfort and satisfaction of guests and
the traveling public. This hotel was built in 1850. In
1865, Mr. George W. Fuller, and in 1871, his brother, D.
L. Fuller, became proprietors. They are the sons of an
old and popular landlord, and have inherited a predilection
for correct and successful hotel-keeping. Mr. John Veezie
has for many years occupied the position of clerk, and Mr.
Thomas Argue has been head porter ever since the house
was opened.
globe hotel.
The Globe Hotel, a new brick building near the Erie
depot, was opened in November, 1877. Charles Barry,
proprietor.
BANKS.
Corning has two banks, which are among the sound and
prosperous monetary institutions of the State. They are
as follows :
J. N. Hungerford's Bank, organized 1860. J. N. Hun-
gerford. President ; E. C. Pond, Cashier.
Q. W. Wellington & Co.'s Bank, organized 1862. Q.
W. Wellington, President ; Theodore Olcott, Cashier.
BUSINESS SUMMARY.
The business of Corning may be briefly summed up as
follows: dry goods, $445,000; groceries, $610,000;
liquors, $95,000 ; hardware, $146,000 ; foundry and
machine-shops, $260,000 ; planing-mill and .sash-factory,
$75,000; furniture, $25,000; drugs, $100,000; confec-
tionery, $60,000 ; hats and caps, $15,000 ; oil, $35,000 ;
hotels, $65,000; flouring-mill, $250,000; glass-works,
$180,000; glass cutting and engraving, $100,000; mis-
cellaneous, $100,000 ; railway and express business,
$1,000,000, making a total of $3,975,000.
lawyers.*
The following are the lawyers at pre.sent practicing in
Corning :. Geo. T. Spencer, Geo. B. Bradley, A. S. Ken-
dall, D. F. Brown, F. A. Williams, A. Hadden, E. B.
Ro.ss, E. D. Mills, C. H. Thomson, John W. Brown, C.
D. Baker, F. C. English, Egbert Shoemaker.
SCHOOLS.
Corning is celebrated for the excellency of her .schools
and school buildings. From her earliest history there has
been a public sentiment strongly progressive, and the
unanimity with which the school officials have been sup-
ported in their efforts is worthy of emulation. Education
forms so important a part in the growth and progress of
this enterprising village, that a brief history of the schools
cannot fail to be of general interest.
The first movement towards organizing a school in the
then District No. 14, town of Painted Post, village of
Corning, was made Sept. 2, 1839, at the house of S. B.
Denton, where a meeting was held for that purpose. At
this meeting H. W. Bostwick was chosen chairman. The
result of the meeting was the appointment of Thos. A.
Johnson (late Judge Johnson), Wm. L. Waller, and
Charles Clark, trustees, and William J. Arnold, clerk.
Judge Johnson was made chairman of the board, and was,
therefore, the first president of* the board of school trustees
in the village of Corning. A room was secured over a
store, and the sum of tweuty-eiglit dollars voted for books,
book-case and fuel. Comparisons are sometimes odious,
and the reader will appreciate the force of the expression
when it is stated that in 1840 the clerk was directed by
tlie board to call a meeting of the tax-payers, to determine
how the public money should be dispo.sed of, — an idea new
to the present age.
At this time there were two schools : ten dollars were
applied to one taught by Miss Mary Bonham, and the
balance, a small amount, to the one taught by Col. Jona-
* See Bench anJ B:ir of the Cuiintv.
262
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
(ban Fellows. This was in 1840. Cu.stoms change. In
June of the same year a proposition to build a school-
house was made and favorably entertained, and ^300
voted for the purpose. At a succeeding meeting a motion
to reconsider failed. Charles Clark was the architect of
the now building, the plan calling for a steeple ; but thi.s
latter was rejected, and two additional windows put in the
building instead. The structure was 24 by 30 feet; 16
feet from bottom sill to top plate ; contained six windows,
each having 24 lights, of 7 by 9 glass, and seats and desks
for 40 persons. The seats were designed by Col. Fellows.
The building was painted with two coats of white paint,
and all finished in a workmanlike manner. The contract
was let to the lowest bidder, Mr. Charles Clark obtaining
it at $270. On the 1st of September, 1840, the first
The building was erected on the public square. The work,
however, was seriously retarded by the refusal of some to
pay their tax. The trustees resigned ; new ones were ap-
pointed, and finally the work was complete. In 1847, the
expenses had increased to $280.20 ; P. Morse, Misses
Jeruslia Cooper, Stacy, and Bliven being the teachers. In
1848, the expense had increased to $675.26, a much larger
corps of teachers being necessary. The schools continued
in a prosperous condition till 1850, when the free school
law was enacted by the Legislature. To supply any de-
ficiency a tax of $1200 was at once voted, and free-schools
inaugurated. There was considerable opposition to this
appropriation, and a decided effort made to reduce it ; but
on motion of S. T. Hayt, Esq., it was increased to $2355,
and in 1852 $800 was voted to build a wing on the cast
'"'■^^>.-...
CORNING FREE
school-house in the village of Corning was ready for occu-
pation.
The first financial report was made on the 4th of Sep-
tember, 1843, and showed an expenditure for the year of
$73, and a balance in the treasury of 86 cents, and a float-
ing debt of $30.70, all of which was provided for by tax.
In 1844, the public money amounted to $89. In 1845, a
proposition to build a new school-house was introduced, the
trustees being at the time S. B. Denton, Bertine Pew, N.
L. Somers, and E. P. Rogers, clerk. Thomas A. John-
son, J. B. Graves, and P. J. Mallory were appointed a com-
mittee to co-operate with the trustees. The report showed
that there were about 260 children requiring education, and
accommodations for only about 60. It was not until June,
1846, however, that definite action was taken, and then, by
a vote of 20 to 4, $1200 were appropriated for the purpose.
ACADEMY.
side of the school building. The expenses this year were
$1940.
On the 13th of April, 1859, a special act was passed by
the Legislature, " to encourage and promote education in
the town of Corning," the trustees of district No. 9 being
constituted a board of education. In 1862, the old Meth-
odist church was purchased at a cost of $300, and became
the left wing of the school building. The corps of teachers
this year was enlarged to IS, under the charge of Z. L.
Parker, as principal. He was succeeded in 1864 by Prof
Slie, who continued till 18G6, when Prof Wildman as-
sumed charge. During each year the attendance and in-
terest increased, and the schools of Corning were the subject
of much flattering comment, as indeed they deserved. In
1868, H. A. Balcam, M.A., a graduate of Columbia College
and a leacher of large experience, was called to take charge
TOWN OF CORNING.
263
of the schools. He entered upon his duties on the Slst
of Aurrust, 1868, and at once inaugurated a graded school
with a full academic course. The first annual commence-
ment was held June SO, 1869, at which time four students
were graduated and received diplomas. A cla.ss of eleven
graduated in 1870. It was during this year that Prof.
Balcam urged the necessity of providing better facilities
forthe accommodation of pupils, and advocated the erec-
tion of an academy that should be worthy of the growing
and enterprising village. At his urgent solicitation a meet-
ing was called and held on the 26th of August, 1870, which
was attended by the tax-payers of the village. The board
of education were authorized to raise by tax $25,000, with
which to commence the building, — only nine di.ssenting
votes being cast. The board at this time consisted of the
following-named gentlemen : Hiram Pritchard, Samuel C.
Robertson, George W. Patterson, Jr., Lewis C. Kingsbury,
George Hitchcock, and Charles G. Denison. Such a lib-
eral public spirit as was manifested at the meeting greatly
encouraged the board of education, and they proceeded at
once to carry into efl'ect the wishes of the people. Nine
large village lots were purchased on Third Street, Walnut
Street dividing them, locating four lots upon one side where
the building stands, and five upon the other to be devoted
to a park and play-ground. A general plan was drawn up
by Prof. Balcam and Mr. Patterson, which was given to
Mr. S. F. Eveleth, architect, of New York, who prepared
the construction plans. The building was .so far completed
as to be occupied on the 1st of September, 1873. The
cost of its erection was about $70,000.
We herewith append a brief description of this noble
building, of which the citizens of Corning justly feel
proud. It is of red brick ornamented with stone, having
a very fine outside architectural appearance. The founda-
tion is 70 by 100 feet, exclusive of a small wing in which
are located the boiler for steam-lieating apparatus and closets.
The building being located on the side-hill there is a sub-
cellar basement in which is the coal-room and the furnace.
Above is the basement proper, and is entered from the rear
of the building, opening into a reception-room elegantly
carpeted and furnished. In the rear are six rooms occu-
pied by the janitor and his family. To the right of the.se
is a large corridor, through the centre of the basement,
106 by 16 feet, connecting by an arch-way with two other
large basement rooms, each 45 by 35, which, being heated
by steam, are used for play-rooms during unpleasant weather.
From the corridor are halls leading to the closets and into
the wing in which is located the chemical laboratory, a
room 35 by 30. Ascending one flight of stairs the visitor
is ushered into, first, a hall in the tower in which the stair-
ways are located, both in front and rear, except that the
rear tower only rises to the second story while that in front
is 102 feet from the ground to the summit. The outer
doors, each having storm-doors, open into the tower halls
or vestibules, and these communicate with ante-rooms, 16
by 21. From these ante-rooms the school-rooms, contain-
ing 60 seats each, are entered. The first and second floors
being divided precisely the same, it is only necessary to de-
scribe one of them, except the seats are larger as we go
from the primary through to the academical rooms. The
first floor is devoted to the primary and secondary depart-
ments. There are four rooms on each floor, 26 by 40 feet.
Each room has two wardrobe-rooms, 8 by 8 feet. The two
rooms on the ea.'it and the two on the west side of the
building communicate with each other by large folding-
doors. Passing to the third floor we enter the academical
room, 39 by 08 feet, and containing 150 seats. From this
room the principal is in direct communication with every
department both by speaking-tubes and signal-bells. The
school-rooms are all furnished with Chase's single desks,
iron frames with folding seats, the woodwork all being of
fine cherry. The flooring throughout the building is of oak,
and all deadened so that the noise of one department does
not disturb the exercises of another. Every room in the
building contains gas-burners, 100 in all, and the school-
rooms, while abundantly supplied with windows, can be
darkened by the inside blinds attached to each. The vesti-
bules contain seats and are warmed, so that pupils arriving
early may be comfortable in the coldest of weather. All
the departments are most elegantly finished and furnished,
and it is altogether one of the most complete school-build-
ings in the State. A large number of volumes and geolog-
ical specimens have already been placed in the library and
cabinet-rooms which occupy the upper floor of the building,
and ascending another flight of stairs we enter the clock-
room, where a tine, large clock, with four dials, occupies
this story in the tower. Still another flight, and we stand
by the deep-toned bell which calls the youth of Corning
to these halls, and hourly, day and night, rings out the
hours. This bell weighs 2500 pounds, and bears the fol-
lowing in.scription, cast in the bell :
"MENEELY BELL FOUNDRY, WEST TROY.
CORNING FREE ACADEMY.
A.D. 1873.
HinASr PRITCHARD,
SAMDEL C. ROBERTSON,
GEO. W. PATTERSON, JR.,
LEWIS C. KINGSBURY,
GEORGE HITCHCOCK,
CHAS. G. DENISON.
BOARD OF EDUCATION.
JOHN N. HUNGERFORD, Treasurer ;
GEO. E. EATON, Secretary ;
H. A. BALCAM, M.A., Principal,"
It would be an act of injustice not to mention in this
connection the valuable services of Mr. Geo. W. Patterson,
Jr., one of the Board of Education. From the first incep-
tion of the work to its completion and occupancy he gave
up all other business, and devoted his whole time and atten-
tion to the enterprise. Every piece of timber and every
portion of the work was personally inspected by him. Hia
valuable counsel and individual efibrt cannot be estimated
pecuniarily. And all this without any other fee or reward
than the consciousness of rendering a valuable public service.
Prof Balcam remained in charge of the schools till June
29, 1876. On the 4th of September, 1876, Prof A. Gay-
lord Slocum, A.B., a graduate of Rochester University,
assumed charge, and is the present superintendent and
principal of the academy.
2C4
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Sfafislics. — Since the establisliuiont of "llie academic de-
paitment 120 have graduated, as follows: 4 in 1869 ; 11
in 1870; 17 in 1872; 22 in 1873; 12 in 1874; 18 in
1875; 27 in 1876; and 9 in 1878. Tiie assessed valua-
tion of property in the district is $1,473,049. Total amount
expended for school purposes for the year ending Sept. 30,
1878, ^15,599.56. Number of school age in the district,
1386. Attendants, 1076. Whole number of days taught,
115,328.
The First Street School employs 5 teachers and has 387
pupils.
Board of Jiistructioii, 18l8-7d. — A. Gaylord Slocum, '
A.M., Principal and Superintendent; Sanford F. Huntley,
B.S., First Assistant; Miss Maggie C. Milne, Second As-
sistant ; Miss Carrie W. Coates, First Grammar Department ;
Miss Ella L. Mallory, Second Grammar Department ; Miss
Sarah A. Ferenbaugh,* First Intermediate Department ;
Miss Bessie Spencer,* Second Intermediate Department ;
Miss Lucy M. Berry,* First Secondary Department; Miss
Sarah A. Saunders,* Second Secondary Department; Miss
L. A. Robertson, First Primary Department ; Miss Sarah
S. Eaton,* Second Primary Department.
First Street School. — Miss M. D. McCaffrey, Grammar
Department ; Miss M. D. Clancey, Intermediate Depart-
ment; Miss M. I. Regan, Secondary Department; Miss M.
C. Bergen, Primary Department ; Miss M. J. Stafford,
Second Primary Department.
Board of Education, 1878-79. — A. S. Kendall, Presi-
dent; Geo. Hitchcock, Secretary; Q. W. Willington, Treas-
urer; Chas. G. Denison, A. H. Gorton, E. D. Mills, S. T.
Hayt, E. Clisdell.
CORNING LIBRARY.
At a meeting held on the 25th of February, 1873, the
Corning Library was organized under the general law, with
the following officers : C. H. Thomson, President ; George
W. Pratt, Vice-President; H. A. Balcam, Secretary; J. N.
Hungerford, Treasurer ; Mrs. A. B. Maynard, Librarian.
A handsome one-story building, suited for the library, was
erected on Erie Avenue, and the library was opened to the
public on the 4th of February, 1874. Its growth has been
rapid, and it is undoubtedly one of the most prosperous and
beneficial institutions of the village. By the payment of
two dollars per year any person can become a subscriber,
which entitles him to draw from the library such books as
he may desire to read, subject, of course, to the rules of the
association, which are very liberal, and intended to promote
reading and selfculturc among the masses of tlie people.
The library now contains 6500 volumes, carefully selected
for general reading, and embracing many rare and valuable
books of reference. The following-named persons constitute
the present board of trustees : C. H. Thomson, Wm. Walker,
Geo. T. Spencer, Q. W. Willington, S. T. .Hayt, Geo. W.
Pratt, Jno. N. Hungerford, C. C. B. Walker, J. B. Graves,
H. Pritchard, Ales. Olcott, Geo. B. Bradley, Henry B.
Noyes. The two last named having succeeded Wm. D.
Turbell and H. A. Balcam, of the first board. C. H. Thom-
son, President; G. W. Pratt, Vice-President; William
"^ Graduates of the Corning Free Academy.
Walker, Secretary; J. N. Hungerford, Treasurer; Hon.
George T. Spencer, Historian ; Miss F. Maynard, Librarian.
CORNING WATER-WORKS.
In pursuance of a special act of the Legislature, the
board of the village of Corning, in 1870, inaugurated a
movement for the .supply of the village with water. At
the annual election in 1871, the people authorized "the
newly-elected board to issue the bonds of the village for the
construction of water-works. Charles G. Denison, presi-
dent of the village, and A. H. Gorton were appointed the
supervising committee, who purchased a piece of land for a
re.servoir, at the head of Pine Street, 210 feet above the
village, and entered into a contract with the Gloucester
Iron-Works, of Philadelphia, to construct the reservoir and
lay the necessary pipes. The work was completed at the
contract price, $20,000, in September, 1872, including the
reservoir, 2126 feet of 8-inch pipe, 3225 feet of 6-inch
pipe, 3434 feet of 4-inch pipe, 268 feet of 3-inch pipe, 20
branches, 22 hydrants, 12 stop-valves, plugs, caps, etc.
This arrangement has been found very effective for fire
purposes, the natural force of the water through an inch
and a quarter nozzle throwing a stream 120 feet perpen-
dicular, or five streams far above the highest building in
the village. In case of a deficiency of water in extreme
dry weather, a pumping apparatus has been established at
a never-failing pond of beautiful clear spring water, in the
lower part of the village. The reservoir on the hill is .sup-
plied with water from the creek, known as Monkey Run,
and is sufficient for all purposes except in very dry weather.
Since the original construction of the works, about $15,000
have been expended upon them in the form of repairs and
improvements, making the total cost as they now stand
about $35,000. It is safe to say that Corning is favored
with a system of water-works seldom enjoyed even by large
cities.
On the 1st of January, 1877, the village corporation
transferred the Corning water-works to Messrs. H. C. Heer-
mans and T. L. Lawrence, lessees, for thirty years. H. C.
Heermans, Superintendent ; T. L. Lawrence, Engineer.
CORNING GAS COMPANY.
The Corning Gas Company was incorporated Aug. 1,
1862. The officers are L. C. Kingsbury, President; C. S.
Cole, Secretary; F. D. Kingsbury, Treasurer; and R. E.
Cole, Superintendent.
CHURCHES.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP CORNING.
This church was organized at Knoxville, about 1810,
and was originally known as the " Presbyterian Church of
Painted Post." Its first house of worship was built at
Knoxville in 1832, the church having up to that time held
services in the school-house. The second edifice was erected
in the village of Corning, and was dedicated April 28, 1842.
The year following, by action of the Presbytery, the name
was changed to the First Presbyterian Church of Corning,
and the organization was soon after incorporated, with the
following-named persons as trustees : Bradford A. Potter,
James A. Hayt, and Charles R. Tisdale.
W.W. WORMLEY
WILLIAM W. WORMLEY.
Samuel Wormley, son of John Wormley, was born in Cumber-
land Co., Pa., Aug. 14, 1796, and settled in the town of Corning,
formerly Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y., about 1815 or 1816,
within two miles of the place now owned by his son, William W.
He was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and endured all
the privations incident to a pioneer life. He was one of the rep-
resentative farmers of his time, and owned some three hundred and
fifty acres of the best land in the town. In politics he was a Jack-
son Democrat. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church a short time before his death.
He married Sally, daughter of Joseph Gillctt, In 1818. She was
born Dec. 2, 1797. Of this union six children — live sons and one
daughter — were horn, viz. : Henry, now in Illinois ; Joseph G., a
resident of Steuben County ; Minerva, now a resident of Geneva,
N. Y. J William W., the subject of this sketch ; George (deceased) ;
and John G., who is living in Michigan. Mrs. Samuel Wormley
died Aug. 10, 1852, and was buried in the cemetery near Corning.
Mr. Wormley married a Mrs. Hannah Wolf, a resident of
Seneca Co., N. Y., for his second wife. At the time of his death,
and for many years previous, he was a citizen of Seneca County,
within five miles of Seneca Falls. He died Feb. 14, 1868, and was
buried by the side of his first wife.
William W. Wormley, son of Samuel and Sally Wormley, was
born in the town of Corning, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 19, 1824.
He was reared on the farm, which honorable business he has suc-
cessfully followed to the present time. He commenced life poor,
receiving but a small sum from his father, but by untiring energy
and frugality he has become one of the large and substantial
farmers of his town and county. The winters have been spent
lumbering ; thus his life, like many others in the county, has been
farming aiid lumbering. He owns more than four hundred acres
of land, the greater part of which lies along the river, in the
beautiful valley below the village of Corning. His improvements
are good. A view of his buildings can be seen opposite. Ho has
always been a firm Democrat in politics, but of late so far favors
the movements of the Greenback party as to believe it would be
for the best interest of the country if the national banks were
done away with, and their issue of $324,000,000 replaced by as
many greenbacks as it takes bonds placed with the controller of
the currency to secure the issue of said national bank notes. We
would then have $360,000,000 instead of $324,000,000, thus add-
ing $36,000,000 to the circulation, and saving to the country the
interest on f 360,000, (X)0 of bonds.
He married Mary D., daughter of Horace and Malinda Westcott,
July 25, 1849. She was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., June 8,
1826, and settled in Steuben County with her parents in 1839.
As the result of the above alliance three children have been
born, namely, — Mandame M., who married Le Roy Miller, and
now resides on a farm in the town of Corning; Prank P., who
married Emma Van Kurin, and now resides on the farm with his
parents ; and Miss Carrie, at home with her parents.
We append the following in reference to Horace Westcott : He
was a native of Connecticut, and settled when a boy in Norwich,
Chenango Co., N. Y., in company with his parents, and continued
to reside there till 1839, when he settled in Caton, Steuben Co.,
with his family. He was a farmer by occupation, and by perse-
verance and frugality gained a competency. His golden wedding
was celebrated several years ago by his children, grandchildren,
and friends. He has three children, viz. : Mrs. Wm. W. Worm-
ley, and Mrs. H. D. Smith, both of Corning; and Dr. N. S. West-
cott, 360 Bleeckor Street, New York City. His widow still lives-
He died Dec. 31, 1878, aged seventy-seven years. He was a tender
and aftectionate husband and father, a kind and obliging neighbor,
a true and warm-hearted friend, and an honest man.
TOWN OF CORNING.
2(55
In 1SG7 the present beautiful church edifice was built,
at a cost of $:56,000.
This church, when first organized, was under the juris-
diction of the Presbytery of Geneva, afterwards of Bath,
then it was transferred to the Presbytery of Chemung, and
is now within the bounds of the Presbytery of Steuben. It
was organized by Rev. John Niies, of Bath. The first
settled pastor was Rev. Clement Hickman, who was installed
Aug. 25, 1812, and resigned in 1816. From that time till
1821 the church was without a pastor, but was kept alive
by a few devoted and faithful Christian women, who main-
tained the prayer-meeting and the Sunday-school. Among
these were the late Mrs. Wm. Bonham, of Painted Post,
and the late Mrs. Ann McCali, of Bath. The superintend-
ents of the Sabbath-school were Mrs. Ann McCall and Miss
Maria Knox, afterwards the wife of Mr. John McBurney.
The successor of Rev. Clement Hickman was Rev. Thomas
Lounsbury, whose field of labor embraced several settle-
ments, extending from Big Flats to Campbell, and who
numbered among his hearers the settlers on JMud Creek.
The pastors who have served this church from the first
are the following; Rev. Clement Hickman, 1812-16 ; Rev.
Thomas Lounsbury, 1821-23 ; Rev. Mr. Gilbert, 1823-25;
Rev. Reuben Sanborn, 1826-27; Rev. David Harrower,
1827-29 ; Rev. David Higgins, D.D., 1829-31 ; Rev. John
Barton, 1832-35; Rev. John Smith, 1835-38; Rev. F.
W. Graves, 1838; Rev. Samuel M. Hopkins, D.D., 1840-
42 ; Rev. Joshua B. Graves, 1842-47 ; Rev. Job Pierson,
1847-49; Rev. A. L. Brooks, 1849-51 ; Rev. Robert E.
Wilson, 1851-55; Rev. Darwin Chichester, 1856-59;
Rev. William A. Niles, D.D., 1859-72 ; Rev. Anson G.
Chester, 1872-75; Rev. M. L. P. Hill, 1875-79.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In the spring of 1845 a second Presbyterian Church was
established in Corning. The original members, numbering
46, were regularly dismissed from the old church to form
the new organization, which was formed by the Presbytery
of Chemung, Nov. 20, 1845. Their house of worship was
built on the north side of Erie Avenue, corner of Wall
Street, and was familiarly known as the Old Tabernacle.
Rev. Horatio Pattengill, D.D., was the only pastor. The
two churches were united on the 2d of April, 1849.
CHRIST CHURCH, EPISCOPAL.
The parish of Christ Church. Corning, was organized on
the 2d of April, 1841, by Rev. Richard Smith. Jonathan
Fellows was chosen senior warden, and John Miller junior
warden, with the following vestrymen : Hiram W. Bostwick,
Laurin Mallory, Thomas A. Johnson, Philander J. Mallory,
Nelson L. Somers, Jonah Davis, Wm. J. Arnold, and Seely
Brownell.
The Corning Company donated a lot on West Market
Street, on which a chapel was built and occupied for wor-
ship till the present church was erected in 1854. The
edifice occupies a pleasant and desirable site on the corner
of Walnut Street and Erie Avenue. It is built of stone
in the Norman-Gothic style of architecture, and cost, as at
present completed, about $25,000.
Several influential families outside of Corning are con-
34
nected with the parish. The rectors who have officiated
are the following, in the order named : Revs. Richard
Smith, M. A. Nickerson, Justice Field, James Eaton, G.
M. Skinner, F. J. R. Lightbourn, N. Barrows, E. Z. Lewis,
L. D. Ferguson, Lucius Sweetland, Wm. Montgomery,
Joseph Hunter, E. S. Wilson, S. R. Fuller.
Present Wardens. — Nelson L. Somers, Corning ; David
Curtis, Painted Post.
Vestrymen. — A. Houghton, Jr., A. Lathrop, Jr., John
Hoare, William Walker, E. C. Maltby, S. B. Wellington,
J. B. Maltby, Zerah Todd.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP CORNING.
The first circuit preacher. Rev. Joseph Pearsall, received
his appointment to Painted Post Circuit from the Genesee
Conference in 1832. The Corning Circuit, including
Caton, was organized in 1839, and Corning became a station
in 1847. The Corning class in 1833, and for several years
following, held its meetings in the school-house at Little
Flats. The first church edifice was erected in 1839. It
was located on the south side of First Street, a little east
of where the court-house now stands, and was supplied with
a bell presented by Mrs. Erastus Corning. Chandler
Wheeler and Thomas S. Davis were the preachers at that
time. The trustees were Jo.seph Gillett, Sr. , H. G. Phelps,
B. P. Bailey, Jesse Clark, and H. W. Bostwick. Among
the members were Jesse Clark, Class-Leader; Eliza Clark,
H. G. Phelps, Hannah Phelps, James Lawry, Ann Lawry,
Mrs. C. Wheeler, John A. Parcell, Caroline Parcell, R. W.
Gladwin, Elizabeth Gladwin, Warren Starkey, Sophia
Starkey, David Spencer, Grace Rhodes, B. P. Bailey,
Martha Bailey, Rebecca Simpson, and later, Hiram Pritch-
ard, Lucinda Pritchard, Mary Lee, Mary Phelps, Adelia
Tifiany, Maria Van Deusen, Hannah Rhodes, Charles S.
Bailey, Eliza Rich, and Harriet Land.
The presiding elders were appointed as follows : Manly
Tooker, 1832; Benjamin Shepman, 1836; Jonas Dodge,
1837 ; J. H. Wallace, 1838 ; Jonas Dodge, 1841 ; Thomas
Carlton, 1844 ; William Hosraer, 1846; Nathan Fellows,
1848 ; H. N. Seaver, 1852 ; Porter McKinstry, 1855 ; S.
L. Congdon, 1859 ; J. G. Gulick, 1867 ; Thomas Tousey,
1874; Luke C. Queal, 1875; E. T.Green, 1877.
Ministers. — Joseph Pearsall, 1832 ; Joseph Chapman,
1833; William Hosmer and Daniel Fellows, 1835 ; Mar-
shall St. John, 1835-36 ; Noble Palmeter and Ira Brown-
son, 1837 ; Chandler Wheeler and Charles S. Davis, 1838 ;
Ambrose Abbott, 1839 ; Charles S. Davis, 1840 ; Amos
Hard and Charles L. Bowne, 1841 ; Hanford Colborn and
Trowbridge, 1843 ; J. V. Mapes, 1843; E. B. Fuller,
1844 ; E. E. Chambers, 1846 ; T. B. Hudson, 1847 ; John
Wiley, 1848; H. N. Seaver, 1849; Jonathan Watts,
1850 ; Theodore McElheney, 1852 ; David Nutten, 1853 ;
Alpha Wright, 1855; A. S. Baker, 1856; J. Raines,
1858; J. T. Arnold, 1860; Thomas Tousey, 1862; R.
Hogeboom, 1863; J. K. Tuttle, 1865; S. L. Congdon,
1866-68; C. P. Hard, 1868; Thomas Stacy, 1871 ; J. P.
Farmer, 1873; A. S Durston (local supply), 1873; A.
N. Damon, 1874; G. W. Chandler, 1877; J. V. Benham,
1878.
In the fall of 1860 the subscription for the new church
266
HISTOEY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
was circulated by the pastor, llev. J. T. x\rnold. He was
not only pastor, but the successful financier of the enter-
prise. The church is a commodious briclc structure, with
a capacity for seating about 700, and has recently been re-
modeled and refitted at a cost of about §1200.
Rev. Dr. William Hosmer, pastor of this church in 1835,
has since been for many years editor and manager of the
Northern Christian Advocate aud Northern Independent,
at Auburn, N. Y.
ST. Mary's (catholic) church.
The first services of the Catholic Church were held in
Corning in 1812, by Rev. Patrick Bradley, then residing at
Geneva, N. Y. At that time there were not more than
three or four Catholic families residing in the place. Rev.
Mr. Bradley vi.sited Corning about three or four times a
year, till 1S45 or 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev.
John Sheridan, from Owogo, who visited the place five or
six times a year, till the year 1847. From this time till
1849 services were held about once a month. The com-
mencement of the Eric Railway at this time began to in-
crea.se the Catholic population of Corning, but they were
chiefly poor laboring men.
In 1849, Rev. Mr. Sheridan commenced the erection of
a small frame church, and when it was finished. Corning
was visited monthly from Elmira till the year 1850, in
which year Rev. John Boyle and Rev. Mr. Cunningham,
of Elmira, paid visits to the parish monthly, and sometimes
twice a month, till 1852. Rev. Mr. Cunningham was then
appointed the first resident clergyman of Corning, and
remained till December, 1860, visiting the missions at Ad-
dison and Bath. During his time the little church at,
Corning was considerably enlarged, and a church built at
Addison. The Catholics of Corning also built a school-
house during this year.
In December, 1860, Rev. Peter Colgan was appointed
pastor of the Corning mission, including the villages of
Corning and Addison, and vicinity. He immediately took
measures for the permanent establishment and effective sup-
port of the Catholic school, calling a meeting Dec. 16, 18G0,
at which a committee was appointed, the village divided
into several small districts, and the heads of Catholic fam-
ilies taxed according to their means to support the school,
to which proposition the entire congregation agreed. In-
temperance was also declared to be an evil which was de-
stroying the peace and happiness of many families, and a
temperance society was organized, Jan. lo, 1861. Also,
at the same time, a benevolent society was formed.
The first confirmation was held by the Rt.-Rev. Bishop,
October 5, 1862, twelve adult persons being confirmed.
St. Mary's Cemetery was at the same time consecrated by
the bishop.
Nov. 22, 1863, Rt.-Rev. Bishop Timon visited the
church and confirmed 112 persons.
On the 10th of June, 1866, the corner-stone of the new
St. Mary's church was laid, and during the same day Rt.-
Rev. Bishop Timon confirmed 203 persons.
The cost of the new St. Mary's church was about
$65,000, including the parochial residence. It is not yet
finished in accordance with the original plan, the spire not
being built at this writing (Feb., 1879). The Catholic
population of Corning is about 2000 ; about 500 more are
included in the country part of the parish, which embraces
Big Flats, Caton, Hornby, Lindley, and part of Erwin. A
large frame building has been erected for the school, which,
in October, 1862, Rev. Mr. Colgan succeeded in placing
under the State law, so as to entitle to a share of the State
and district money.- The attendance at the school is 380
pupils, and it employs 5 teachers. In 1868, St. Joseph's
Orphan Asylum was opened in a small frame building, pur-
chased by Rev. Mr. Colgan, in September, 1864. The Sis-
ters of Mercy, who have charge of the orphanage, are also
teachers of the female department of the school.
In 1873 the State Arsenal building was sold by the Slate,
and was purchased by Rev. Mr. Colgan, with the site, in-
cluding four acres of land, at a cost of §12,000, and con-
verted into an asylum and convent, where the Sisters reside.
An additional sum of $3000 was expended in fitting up
the place. Ten orphans arc now in the asylum, where they
are cared for till places can be had for them in good families,
when they are sent out and others taken in their stead.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist Church of Corning was organized Aug. 24,
1842, with 24 original members. E. D. Fish and D. Baker
were chosen deacons, and J. Clark clerk.
The church edifice was erected, and dedicated May 8,
1850.
Since the organization of the church the following pas-
tors have officiated : Rev. B. R. Swich, Rev. Luke Davis,
llev. A. H. Starkweather, Rev. Charles Morton, Rev. H. F.
Hill, Rev. George Starkweather, Rev. Mr. Barnes, Rev.
D. Van Alstine, Rev. F. R. Fowler, and Rev. James P.
Thorns, the present pastor.
The present membership of the church is 137 ; Sunday-
school, 139.
There is also a Free-Will Baptist Church in Corning,
which was organized in 1865.
PHYSICIANS.
The first physician who settled at Corning was Dr. Wil-
liam Turbell, who is still a resident of the village. Dr.
Turbell was born at Southampton, Long Island, in the
year 1798, and is a graduate of the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of New York, in the class of 1826.
Dr. Seely Brownell was the next physician, who prac-
ticed a few years, and was succeeded by Dr. N. M. Her-
rington in September, 1844.
Dr. Corbett Peebles, who had formerly practiced in
Knuxvillo, came to Corning about 1842. He practiced
till about April 1, 1844, when he removed to Big Flats,
where he has since resided.
Dr. Hoffman was also an early practitioner in Corning.
He practiced here a short time in 1844.
Dr. N. M. Herrington, who is still in active practice in
the village, came here as a physician in September, 1844.
He was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y , in 1812,
and graduated at Castleton, Vt., in 1837. He has been
a constant practitioner in this village for more than thirty-
four years.
Dr. Joshua B. Graves was born in Bridport, Addison Co., Vt.,
Dec. 14, 1806.
His father, Increase Graves, was clergyman of the Congregational
Church, and for forty years was pastor of one church at Bridport, Vt.,
remaining there until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty
years.
His mother, whose maiden name was Stetson, sister of the first of
the name who kept the Astor House of New York City, died at the
age of upwards of eighty years at Bridport, Vt.
Dr. Graves spent his minority until he was eighteen on the farm
and attending common school. He received an academical education
at Castleton, Vt., remaining there one and a half years.
About the time of reaching his majority he entered the Vermont
Academy of Medicine, under Prof. Woodward, from which he was
graduated M.D. in the year 1828, having been for two years previous
to his graduation assistant surgeon in the surgical and anatomical
departments of that institution.
Dr. Graves commenced the practice of medicine in the city of Troy,
N. Y., where he remaine<l for five years For the fallowing two years
he was a student of theology with N. S. S. Beaman, D.D., and at the
end of that time was ordained in his father's pulpit in Vermont, and
was successively a pastor of a church at Stockbridge, Mass., for one
year; for one year at Otego, N. Y. ; for two years at Deposit, N, Y, ;
and five years at Honesdale, Pa.; and in the year 1S42 settled in
Corning, N. Y., and was pastor of the Presbyterian Church of this
place for three years.
During the first year after coming to Corning he resumed the
practice of medicine and surgery, and has remained in the practice
of his chosen profession until the present time. His ride extends
through nut only Steuben County, but in adjacent counties, and espe-
cially in surgery he is called to distant localities. In this particular
branch Dr. Graves has excelled for many years, and is known for
his skill in successful operations in all the various departments of
surgery, and very especially in Ovariotomy, having saved five cases
out of seven. Dr. Graves is said to have performed the only opera-
tion of Caaarean Section in Steuben County, which occurred in 1855,
a record of which may be found in the American Journal of Obstet-
rics, vol. iv., published in 1872. He is a member of the Steuben
County Medical Society, a permanent member of the State Medical
Society, and honorary member of the Meigs and Mason Medical
Society, of Ohio.
For his first wife he married Armitta L, Davis, of Troy, N. Y. Of
this union he has one surviving daughter, Mrs. John Myers.
His wife died in 1845, and the same year he married Mrs. Maria
A. Mills, of Corning. Of this marriage one daughter survives, Mrs.
William S. Green. Mrs. Graves died in June, 1872, and in the year
187;^, Aug. 28, he married Alice E. Lyman, of Iowa. They have an
adopted son, Charles Richard Graves.
Dr. Graves has always ranked at the head of the medical profession
in the vicinity where he resides, and his thorough knowledge and
skill in medicine and surgery has led others to seek his counsel in
diftieult cases, and particularly is he called upon in a legal way to
give testimony as an expert in cases requiring actual knowledge and
experience in difficult cases.
Dr. Graves has gained much notoriety, and his jiublications have
received favorable notice from critics, as they have appeared from
time to time in the various journals of the State and United States;
and his counsels in many cases have added much to standard works
on medical science, and will be highly valued by the younger mem-
bers of the fraternity.
He has been for several terms a trustee and president of the village
of Corning, and also trustee and president of the Board of Education,
and originated and wrote the first charter of the village.
Generally, Dr. Graves has been connected with the Democratic
party, and was the unsuccessful candidate for the State Legislature
about the close of the war, and also for the State Senate in 1869, his
party being in the minority some three thousand.
He was appointed the first surgeon in the Twenty-ninth Congres-
sional District for the examination of recruits at Elmira, at the
beginning of the war of the Rebellion, and formed the first
Board of Examiners in the State; and, through the recommendation
of Gen. A. S. Diven, Dr. Graves' plan for the examination
was adopted through the western and central portions of the
State.
TOWN OF CORNING.
267
Dr. George W. Pratt, best known as the veteran editor
of the Corning Journal, was among the early practicing
physicians of this vilhige. Dr. Pratt was born in Milo
Yates Co., N. Y., in 1821. His father, Joel B. Pratt,
came to Painted Post, and settled at the mills, a mile below
Corning, in 1834. Dr. Pratt began his medical studies with
Dr. William Turbell, of Corning ; he then studied about
two years with Dr. Boynton, at Elmira, and graduated at
the Medical College at Geneva, N. Y., in January, 1845.
In March of that year he commenced practice in Corning,
and practiced till September, 1849, when he removed to
Mar-shall, Mich., where be practiced and edited a paper till
April, 1851, and then returned to Corning and practiced
medicine here till 1853, when he bought out Mr. McDow-
ell, and became fully engrossed in the Corning Journal, of
which he had become editor and one-third proprietor, in
July, 1851.
Dr. J. B. Graves is one of the oldest practitioners in the
village. He was born in Bridport, Vt., in 1806, graduated
at Castleton, in that State, in 1828, and practiced medicine
in the city of Troy. In 1842 he came to Corning, and in
1843 began a successful medical practice, which he still
continues. (See biography of Dr. Graves.)
Dr. Charles M. Graves, son of Dr. J. B. Graves, a grad-
ate of the University of Kentucky, practiced in Corning
about five years prior to his death.
Dr. A. T. Mills is a native of Corning, and graduate of
the Medical University of New York. In 1863 he com-
menced practice with Dr. Graves, and has continued ever
since.
Dr. W. S. Purdy was a former resident and practitioner
at Bradford and Addison, and settled in Corning in 1869.
He was born in Newburgh, N. Y., and graduated at Geneva
in 1S33.
Dr. A. M. Gamman graduated at the New York Medical
College in 1876, and settled as a physician in Corning the
same year.
Dr. William J. Bryan settled in Corning in 1869, and
practiced here till his death, in July, 1877. He was a
graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College at Cleveland.
Dr. E. W. Bryan, brother of the above, and gi-aduate of
the same college, began practice here in October, 1877, and
until November, 1878, was in partnership with Dr. Gamman.
Dr. Eber Van Keuren, formerly practicing at Bath and
Hammondsport, settled in Corning in February, 1877. He
graduated at the Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass.,
in 1845.
Dr. George Hallenbeck commenced practice as a phy-
sician in Corning, in 1876. He is a graduate of the Med-
ical Department of the University of New York, in cla.ss of
1875-76.
Dr. J. D. Gilbert is in practice at Knoxville.
Dr. Benedict, deceased ; Dr. N. R. Seeley, now in El-
mira; Dr. R. H. Gilbert, of New York City, the original
projector of the Metropolitan Elevated Railway of New
York ; and Dr. J. N. Skelton, formerly practiced in Corn-
ing.
FIRES IN CORNING.
On the 18th of May, 1850, the noon strokes of the
tower-clock in the old Presbyterian church steeple were
continued by a din of alarm-bells, and a dense volume of
black smoke rose above the roof of the Corning House,
from the shops of the Corning and Blossburg Railroad.
The flames immediately communicated with the Corning
House, which in an incredibly short time was wrapped in
fire. There was no effective fire-apparatus in the village.
The wind, strong when the fii-e broke out, soon increased
to a gale. The flames from the Corning House leaped the
streets in every direction, and sealed the doom of the busi-
ness portion of the place. Building after building went
under till not a store nor a shop nor a public-house, we
believe, remained standing when the disastrous day closed.
This catastrophe is known in local history as the " great
fire." To this day trees may be seen on the south side of
Erie Avenue with their front sides scarred with the ex-
treme heat.
In the spring of 1851 a .second large fire occurred, start-
ing in the barns of the old Clinton House, and destroying
nearly all property on the north side of the street to the
Dickinson House.
On the 30th of June, 1856, a most disastrous conflagra-
tion again swept the western portion of the business street.
The fire broke out in the old foundry of Payne & Olcott,
about half-past four o'clock in the afternoon, and burned
till near midnight, sweeping both sides of iMarkct Street
for nearly a whole block each way. It passed over to Erie
Avenue, and destroyed several dwellings, stopping only after
the most laborious exertions to stay its progress in the rear
of the present Erie Station and Arcade Block. The loss
in this fire was set down at $150,000. The two fire-
engines did good service, but assistance from Bath was
called in.
Again, on the 16th of July following, the eastern por-
tion of Market Street was laid in ashes. The fire started
in the large wood-built Dyer Block, at three o'clock in the
morning, and was not got under control till some time after
daylight. Property to the amount of $125,000 was de-
stroyed. Many of the fine brick stores which had risen
on the ashes of the great fire of 1 850 were among the first
to succumb.
Subsequently fire swept through where now is the
Arcade Block, destroying a fine stone flouring-mill on the
site of the present Erie Passenger Depot, which was re-
moved from the extreme west end of town.
Other minor fires have visited the devoted town, till it
has seemed almost a hopeless task for the people to rebuild.
Yet, in the face of discouragements and disasters seldom
equaled in a place no larger and within so short a number
of years, the good village has reached, if not yet the fur-
thermost expectation of its founders, yet a place of enduring
and growing importance among the towns of the Southern
Tier. The trials of its people have not been endured with-
out triumphs, and there has been an active, determined
spirit on the part of its citizens to build up its institutions
on a firm and prosperous foundation.
MASONIC RECORD.
We find in the lodge at Corning the following memo-
randum, furnished by the late Philo P. Hubbell, of the
oldest Masonic organization in Steuben County :
208
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
"Ezra Ames, Grand High Priest of Grand Royal Arch Chapter
of the State of New York, issued a Dispensation for a Lodge of * Mark
Masters' (Royal Arch Chapter first degree) to Frederick Stewart,
Robert Campbell, John Knox, Ansel McCall, Archa Campbell, Solo-
mon Campbell, Sr., and Nehemiah Hubbell, to open a lodge in
Painted Post, under the name of ' Steuben Mark Master Lodge, No.
— .' Frederick Stewart, First blaster ; Solomon Campbell, Sr., Senior
Warden; John Knox. Junior Warden.
"Dated City of Albany, Sept. 23, a.l. 5806, a.d. 1806."
SYMBOLIC MASONRY.
Painted Post Lodge, No. 117.- — From records in the
possession of this lodge at Corning, it appears that the
lodge was instituted in June, 1808, under the name of
Painted Post Lodge, No. 203. Application for a Dispen-
sation was made Dec. 28, 1807. It was read in Grand
Lodge and referred March 7, 1810. Its first officers were
installed (working U. D.) July 14, 1808: John Knox,
W. M. ; Benjamin Patterson, S. W. ; Solomon Campbell,
J. W. ; Tho§. McBurney, Treas. ; Samuel Colgrove, Sec.
The warrant was issued March 14, 1812.
John Kdox continued to be W. M. from 1808 to 1814,
inclusive, and was succeeded by Joseph Gillett, who held
the office till 1818. John Knox was again Master from
1818 to 1822, and wa.s followed by Henry Stevens during
1822, and Laurin Mallory, 1823 to 1826. Daniel E.
Brown was then made Master of the lodge, and so re-
mained throughout the Morgan excitement till 1831.
The lodge was afterwards reorganized as Pdinted Post
Lodge, No. 117, which is its present designation.
Officers for 1878.— Joseph J. Tuily, W. M. ; John S.
Earl, S. W. ; A. D. Bobbins, J. W. ; Charles M. Gamman,
Treas.; George Hitchcock, Sec; Daniel Campbell, S. D. ;
Edward Byrne, J. D. ; A. Butterworth, S. M. C. ; Thos.
Chittick, J. M. C. ; C. H. Voorhees, Chap. ; T. S. Pritch-
ard. Marshal ; Geo. B. Hill, Tyler ; L. C. Kingsbury, H.
Pritchard, Q. W. Wellington, Trustees.
Regular communications, first and third Tuesday even-
ings, except during June, July, and August, one meeting
only, on the first Tuesday. Election, Dec. 17, 1878.
Past Masters. — Wm. A. Spencer, C. M. Gamman, J. H.
Lansing, C. H. Thomson, R. L. Hill, T. S. Pritchard.
CAPITULAR MASONRY.
Corning Royal Arch Chapter, No. 190, chartered Feb.
7, 1866. — The following were the first oflBcers : C. H. Er-
win, H. P. ; Simon Van Etten, E. K. ; H. D. Edwards, E.
S. ; William Ketchum, C. of H. ; Chas. M. Gamman, P.
S. ; Edward Clisdell, R. A. C. ; George M. Smith, M. 3d
V. ; T. S. Pritchard, M. 2d V. ; F. A. Brown, M. 1st V. ;
C. H. Thomson, Treas. ; W. S. Hodgman, Sec. ; Jacob
Martin, Tyler.
Officers for 1878.— T. S. Pritchard, M. E. H. P ; C. E.
Greenfield, E. K. ; R. L. Hill, E. S. ; L. C. Kingsbury,
Treas. ; Geo. Hitchcock, Sec. ; Victor Haischer, C. of H. ;
A. D. Robbins, P. S. ; John S. Earl, R. A. C. ; Joseph J.
Tully, M. 3d V. ; E. C. Maltby, M. 2d V. ; A Haischer,
M. 1st V. ; Rev. Fred. K. Fowler, Chaplain ; Geo. B. Hill,
Tyler.
Regular convocations, second and fourth Wednesday
evenings; election, Dec. 25, 1878. Past High Priests: C.
S. Cole, Ed. Clisdell, G. W. Fuller, J. H. Hitchcos.
CRYPTIC MASONRY.
Corning Conned, R. and S. M., instituted June, 1876.
—First officers : Henry A. Balcam, T. I. M. ; R. L. Hill,
R. L Dep. M. ; T. S. De Wolf, III. Pr. C. of W. ; C. H.
Thomson, Treas. ; O. W. Burre-ss, Recorder; F. D. Kings-
bury, C. of G. ; G. W Fuller, C. of C. ; M. Rosenbaum,
Steward ; A. D. Robbins, Sentinel.
Officers for 1878.— C. H. Thomson, T. I. M. ; T. S.
De Wolfe, R. I. Dep. M. ; T. S. Pritchard, 111. Pr. C. of W. ;
C. S. Cole, Treas. ; E. Clisdell, Recorder; F. D. Kingsbury,
C. of G. ; G. W. Fuller, C. of C. ; D. F. Brown, Steward;
A. D. Robbins, Sentinel ; H. A. Balcam, Past T. I. M.
Regular assemblies, second Friday evenings of each
month; election, Dec. 13, 1878.
A.-. AND A.-. S .-. RITE.
Corning Lodge of Perfection. Ineffable. Instituted Sept.
14, 1866.— First officers : George M. Smith, T. P. G. M.;
Chas. H. Thomson, M.of T. Dep. G. M.; R. J. Burnham,
V. S G. W.; Austin Lathrop, Jr., V. J. G. W. ; Henry
Sherwood, G. 0. ; Chester S. Cole, G. T. ; 0. W. Bump,
G. St. K. of St. S. and A. ; John H. Way, G. M. of C. ;
John Toles, G. C. of G. ; Hiram Pritchard, G. H. B. ;
Jacob Martin, G. Tyler.
Officers for 1878.— J. H. Hitchcox, T. P. G. M. ; D. F.
Brown, H. of T. Dep. G. M. ; G. W. Fuller, V. S. G. W. ;
H. T. Curtis, V. J. G. W. ; C. F. Houghton, G. O. ; C. S.
Cole, G. T. ; A. Lathrop, Jr., G S. K. of S. and A. ; F. D.
Kingsbury, G. M. of C. ; C. E. Greenfield, G. C. of G. ;
H. Pritchard, G. H. B. ; J. L. Scott, G. Tyler.
Regular meetings, second and fourth Monday evenings.
Election, Adar 3d.
Corning Council, Princes of Jerusalem. Historical. In-
stituted Sept. 14, 1866. — First officers: R. J. Burnham,
M. E S. P. E. G. M. ; George M. Smith, G. H. P. G. D.
M. ; Austin Lathrop, Jr., M. E. S. G. W. ; Chas. H. Thom-
son, M. F. J. G. W. ; 0. W. Bump, V. G. S. K. of S. and
A. ; Chester S. Cole, V. G. T. ; John H. Way, V. G. T. of
C. ; John Toles, V. G. M of E. ; Jacob Martin, G. T.
Officers for 1878.— D. F. Brown, M. E. S. P. G. M. ;
H. B. Berry, G. H. P. D. G. M. ; Geo. Whitmore, M. E.
S. G. W. ; L. A. Hazard, M. E. J. G. W. ; M. L. Wood,
V. G. S. K. of S. and A. ; C. S. Cole, V. G. T. ; E. T.
Walker, V. G. M. of C. ; P. L. Hinman, V. G. M. of E. ;
B. L. Davies, G. T.
Regular meetings, second and fourth Monday evenings.
Election, Tebeth 20th.
Corning Chapter Rose Croix. Philosophical. Insti-
tuted Sept. 14, 1866. — First officers: Austin Lathrop, Jr.,
M. W. and P. M. ; R. J. Burnham, M. E. and P. K. S.
W. ; Chas. H. Thomson, M. E. and P. K. J. W. ; Geo.
M. Smith, M. E. P. K. G. 0. ; C. S. Cole, R. and P. K.
T. ; 0. W. Bump, R. and P. K. S. ; H. Pritchard, R. and
P. K. H. ; J. H. Way, R. and P. K. M. of C. ; John
Poles, R. and P. K. C. of G.
Officers for 1878.— F. D. Kingsbury, M. W. and P.
M. ; A. D. Robbins, M. E. and P. K. S. W. ; T. S. Prit-
chard, M. E. and P. K. J. W. ; G. W. Fuller, M. E. P.
K. G. 0. ; C. S. Cole, R. and P. K. T. ; G. Hitchcock, R.
and P. K. S. ; H. Pritchard, R. and P. K. H. ; E. A.
x^ < /<nfc (yXLeji^^iA.A^j-^(9-^^
Col. Charles H. Thomson was born in Belchertown, Hampshire
Co., Moss., Aug. 21, 1880.
His paternal ancestors came from London, England, and settled in
the eastern part of Long Island, and soon afterwards removed and
settled in Connecticut.
His maternal ancestors emigrated from Wales, near Chester, Eng-
land, and settled in Hartford Co., Conn., in 1660.
His grandfathers both were residents of Tolland, Conn. His mater-
nal grandfather was an officer in the war of 1S12, whose father was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war.
His father, Dr. Horatio Thomson, was a native of Tolland ; married
Cordelia Chapman, of the same place. He was a practicing physician
for some thirty-four years ; first for some two years in Tolland, and
the remainder of the time in Belchertown, to which place he moved
soon after his marriage. His wife died about the year 1S34, and Dr.
Thomson subsequently married Lucy M., daughter of Hon. Mark
Doolittle, of Belchertown, Mass., a lady of rare excellence, and who
trained her stepsons, Charles and George F., M.D., in all that makes
true manhood.
Dr. Thomson died in the fall of 1S60, at the age of fifty-seven,
and was succeeded in pra-ctice by his youngest son, George F. Thom-
son, M.D., who holds a representative place in the medical fraternity
of that county.
Charles H. was eldest son, and spent his minority at school. Ho
received his preliminary education at the Belchertown Classical School
and New Salem Academy, and at the age of sixteen entered Hamilton
College, N. Y. At the expiration of his freshman year he went to
Williams College, from which institution he was graduated Aug. 21,
18.^0.
In September, 1850, he came to Corning, and became a law student
with Hon. George T. Spencer, and was admitted to the bar in March,
1853, and at once entered upon a partnership with Judge Spencer,
and has continued in Corning in the practice of his ])rufession until
the present time, being a member of the law-firms of Spencer it Tliom-
son, Thomson *fe Mills, Spencer, Thomson k Mills. During the past
five years he has occupied an office alone.
In the year 1850 he also opened an insurance and real-estate office,
which he has continued until the writing of this sketch, and is, with
one exception, the oldest insurance agent in Western New York. The
firm-names in the insurance business have been Thomson &
Dyer, Thomson & Farrington, Bigelow k Thomson, and Cole k
Thomson.
Mr. Thomson has been prominently identified with politics, and
has been interested in important national questions. He was formerly
a member of the Whig party, and is now a Republican. While a
member of the Whig party he held the office of justice of the peace
for one term, and was for one year one of the trustees of the village
of Corning.
In April, 1861, he was appointed postmaster at Corning by Presi-
ident Lincoln, which office he held until Aug. 22, 1S72. For many
years he was chairman of the Republican Count)' Committee, and as
a member of the Republican State Committee had the entire super-
intendence of the soldiers' vote in 1864. He hns been a member of
the State and National Committees of the Union League of America
since its organization, in ISOu, until the present time, and was an al-
ternate delegate to the Cincinnati Republican Convention of 1876,
For about twenty years he has been connected with the New York
State Militia and National Guard of New York, and has held every
grade of office from lieutenant to and including colonel, by which
latter title he is familiarly known. Ho was for several years vice-
president of the New York State Military Association.
Since the organization of the fire department in 1851, Col. Thomson
has been a member, and since the same was chartered has been a
trustee and president thereof. In connection with Robert Olcott (now
deceased), in May, 1857. he organized the Alliance Hook-and-Ladder
Company, of which he has been foreman and is now president.
Interested in the literature to be read by the young people of Corn-
ing, which performs a great part in fixing their tastes for reading and
usefulness as members of society in after-years, Col. Thomson soon
after his settlement had begun the collection of books for a library,
and in the year 1873 may be said to have founded the present library
of Corning, which will remain a monument of merit to his memory.
Col. Thomson is a member of all the Masonic bodies recognized in
the county. He is a P. M. and life-member of Painted Post Lo<lge,
No. 117, F. and A. M., and is a P. D. D. G. M. of the Grand Lodge
of the State of New York; was one of the original members, and
has been treasurer, and is a life-member of Corning Chapter, No. 190,
R. A.M. He was one of the original members, and is a life-member, has
been treasurer, and is now T. I. M. of Corning Council, No. 53, R, and
S. M. In 1871 he was one of an official deputation to England from
the Grand Council of R. and S. M., of the State of New York, to estab-
lish councils in that country. He is a Sir Knight of St. Omer's Com-
mandery. No. 19, K. T., of Elmira; a Past Sovereign of Kadosh
Conclave, at Hornellsville; and a permanent member of the Grand
Council of the State of New York of Knights of R. and C. He was
the founder and is a life-member of all the bodies of the A. and A. S,
Rito in Corning; has been Commander-in-Chief of the Corning Con-
sistory since the time of its organization, and received the thirty-
third degree, June 19, 1869.
In the year 1855, Sept. 26, he married Adelaide, daughter of Hon.
Thomas A. Johnson, of Corning, Their children are Thomas H.,
Adelaide L., and Cordelia C.
^y^/!^^w.
't^-^u-t
Alonzo H. Gorton was born in the town of Corning, tliis
county, May 18, 1828.
His grandfather, Riifiis Gorton, was ono of the pioneer set-
tlors of Corning, was engaged in tlie himber liusiness, and
carried on a grist-mill, and was among the early thrifty and
enterprising business men. At about the age of fifty he went
to Michigan, and engaged in farming, and died in that State
about the year 1863.
Of his I'hildrcn, seven sons and two daugliters, Sanuid Gor-
ton, father of the subject of this narrative, was fourth child,
born A|iril, 1802, in the town of Corning; was a millwright
by trade, and spent some eighteen years in the Stat(^ of Michi-
gan, working at his trade and farming. JIarried Sarah Ann
Daley, of Milford, Chenuing Co., N. Y. Of this ujiion were
born two sons, of whom only Mr. Alonzo H. Gorton sur-
vives. His mother died at Corning, in 18G4, aged about fifty-
two. His father, still hale and hearty, resides with his sister
at Athens, Pa.
Mr. Gorton's minority was mostly spent on the farm, having
very little opportunity for any education from books. Very
soon after reaching his majority he came back to his native
town from the State of Michigan, where the family had re-
sided for some years, and began work at his trade as a car-
penter, and also engaged in car building. This he followed
until the year 18.')7, when he engaged with the State in th(^
reconstruction of the dam on the Chemung River, at Corning.
From 1858 to 18G0 he spent in pattern-making for a foundry
hero. l?y this time Mr. Gorton had acquired much e.\perience
in general business, and his integrity with all with whom
he had been connected had won for him thcii' full cod-
fldence.
In I8B0 he began at the bottom of business for the Kali
i5rook Coal Company, occupying almost every position, until,
in 1804, he was given the superintendency of the "Corning, Co-
wanesque and Antrim Railway," formerly called the " Bloss-
burg and Corning Railway."
When Mr. Gorton first became connected with this road as
sui)erintendcnt it extended only from Corning to Lawrcnce-
ville, to which additions have since been made to Antrim,
and another branch to Elkland, Pa., and in the year 1877
another road was completed from Corning to Geneva, called
the "Syracuse, Geneva and Corning Railway," of which he is
superintendent.
He has been connected with the Diimocratic party since his
first vote, and identified with the local interests of the village
of Corning during his residence hero. For many years he
has otliciated as one of the trustees of the village, and for two
terms was president, and is said to have been one of the origin-
ators of the water- works of the place.
In the Are department of the village he has been an active
member since the new organization, for several years foreman,
and for the last four years president. Mr. Gorton's has been
a life of activity, and for the last few years one of much care
and responsibility.
In the year 18.50 ho married Maria Louise, daughter of
Thomas Alexander, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Their surviving son, William Gorton, received his pre-
liminary education at Corning Academy and Poughkeepsie,
studied medicine with Dr. Updcgraft", of Klmira, and after
three courses of lectures at the New York Homcpopathic
Medical College, was graduated M.D. from that institution,
April, 1878.
TOWN OP CORNING.
269
Krfii;,'er, R. and P. K. M. of C. ; A. Van Order. R. and
1'. K. C. of G.
Regular meetings, second and fourth Monday evening.s.
Election, Asceii.'sion Day.
Corning Cmmalory. Philosophical and Chivalric. In-
stituted Sept. 14, 1866.— Finst officers: C. II. Thom.son,
C. in C. ; George M. Smith, 1st Lt. Com.; R. J. Burn-
liani, 2d Lt. Com. ; Austin Lathrop, Jr., M. of S. and G.
O. ; O. W. Hump, G. S. and K. of S. and A. ; C. S. Cole,
G. T.; Henry Goff, G. C. ; L. D. Stone, G. E. and A.;
Hiram Pritchard, G. H. ; John H. Way, G. M. of C. ;
Jiilin Foles, G. C. of G.; F. E. Spaulding, G. S. B. ;
Jacob Martin, G. S.
Officers for 1878.— C. II. Thomson, :;:!'^ 111. C. in C. ;
F. I). King.'ihury. H-J°, 111. l>t I.t. Cm. ; G. W. Fuller,
82°, 111. 2d Lt.Com. ; C. C. B. Walker, 82°, 111. M. of
S. and G. O.; Q. W. Wellington, :'.2°, 111. G. C. ; J. H.
Hitchcox, 32°, 111. G. S. and G. K. of the S. and A. ; C.
S. Cole, 32°, 111. G. T. ; 1). F. 15rown, 32°, III. G E. and
A.; II. T. Curtis, 32°, 111. G. M. of C. ; H. Goff, 32°,
HI. G. S. L ; H. Pritchanl, 32°, 111. G. H. ; C. E. Green-
field, 32°, III. G. C. of G. ; John Hoare, 32°, III. G. S. ;
.]. 11. Hitchcox, 32°, Sec. of the Rite.
licgular rendezvous, second and fourth ^Monday even-
ings. Triennial election, Dec. 27, 1870.
MILITARY RECORD OP CORNING.
IVtci II. Fnro, Co. U, fitli Tav. ; cnl. July :i], 1802 ; wiuriilod ; iliscli. .lunp 27, 1864.
J..lin ». Faro, Cii. I); .'illtli Kng. : cnl. An;;. 22, 1804; disch. June 14, ISC').
Isaar K. Rose, Oi>. I), 141»t Inf.; cnl, Aug. 19, 1802; wounilH iit l!l■^•acll, Ga.;
disch. June Tl, ISC').
Walter A. Lnce, Co. I), Hint Inf.; enl. Aug. 31, 1801 ; dinch. Aug. 31, 1804.
William Tdtti'n, C). f, 80th Inf ; enl. Aug. 20, ISOI ; re-enl. ii« vet., Dec. :)0,
180:l; died March 17,1804.
Frederick Darrin, C.i. F, ;)7lh Inf. ; enl. July, 180:l ; discli. July 18, 180.').
Samuel liiirt, Co. C, I4I»1 Inf.; enl, Aug. 21, 1802; discli.Oct. !>, 1803,
Alheit Trnax, C«, O, 141st Inf. ; enl. June 25, 1803; dinch. July 20, 180.5.
John II. Sherwood, Co. 1, Hint Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; died at Waihington,
I). C, Sept, 30, 18M.
McLeod W. Cunningham, Co. I, Mist Inf. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; pro. to «orgt,,
Nov. 1804; disch, July, ISCi.
Duel Taylor, Co. C, 30th Inf.; enl. Aug. 20, 1801; re-enl. Dec. .31, 1803; dincll.
June 27, ISO.').
Thomas K. Pilloll, Co. C, 80th Inf ; cnl. Oct. 19, 1801 ; pro, to corp,, March, 1802 ;
to com, Bcrgl., Oct. 0, 1804 ; di»cli. June 27, 180.1.
Jan.in Stevens, Co. li, IH.'.th Inf.; enl. Sept. 3, ISO); discli. Juno in, ISC').
John I!rigg», Co. C, 80th Inf ; enl. Ang. 1801 ; di»ch. June 10, 18C.5.
Leander Stevenson, Ci.. I, 80(h Ueyt.; enl. Pec. 4, 1801 ; wounded at Bull Rnn,
Aug. 2, 1802; dlsch. JaTi. 11, 1805.
Eliaa W. Palmer, Co. D, 23d Inf.; cnl. April 2n, 1801 ; di«ch. May 22, 1803.
Henry Travor, Co. B, Ist Vet. Cav. ; cnl. June 10, 1803 ; ivouniled at New JlHrltel,
May 1.5, 1804.
Clarltson Heath, Co. II, lOCllh Inf.: enl. Ang. 22, 18G2; died In Louisiana, Feb.
1, 1803.
Jacoh Chafer, Co. I, lOlsl Inf. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1803; dlsch. at Tallaliassee, Fla.
Charles K. Crahani, f'o. C, 141«t Inf.; enl. Ang. 2, 1802; wounded at Peach-Tree
Creek, Ga., July 20, 1804; disch. July, 1805.
Orville I'erkins, Co, E, 14lBt Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; pro. to Corp., Feb. 1805 ;
rlisch. June 8, 1805.
Benjamin Smitli, Co. K, 141st Inf.; enl. Ang. 21, 1802; pro. to Corp., Nov. 1,
1802 ; to Bcrgt,, Fclr. 22, 1805 ; diech. June 20, 1805.
Alien S. Tillingliasl, Co. K, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802 ; dlsch. Juno 21, 1805.
Williiiin K. Chiltcriing, Co. 1). 23d Inf.; enl. July 1, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 180:!.
Nflsipli Luce, Co. D, 2,ld Inf, ; enl, April 24, 1801 ; discli. May 22, 1803.
Wiiiiani Ili-niy Jones, sergl,, Co. I), 23d Inf ; enl. May i, 1801 ; wounded at An-
lietani, Sept. 17, 1802 ; pro. to 2d lient.. Vet. Kcs. Corps, July 10, 180.3.
Nelson Jones, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. May 1, 1»01 ; re-eul. I4th II. Art., Jan. 14,
1804 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1805.
Ztilmon R. Lovelevs, sergt., Co. D, 141»t Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; wounded at
Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1804 ; dlsch. Juno 25, 1805.
Iloyt C. Bisiiop, Co. F, 97lh Inf; enl. July IS, 1803.
Sumner «. Sturtovaut, Co. F, 03d Inf; enl July 18, 1803; discli. June 20, 1805.
Daniel Ileitis, Co. D. 80th Inf.; cnl. Jan. 4, 1802; uoniidrd at Chaiicellorsvillc,
May 3, 1863.
Hiram Francisco, Co. C, IClsl Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; trans, to navy, Sept. 14,
1804; discii. t;, S. .Ship I'orliwnilh, Sept. 9, 1805.
George II, Davis, Co, K, 141»l Inf ; enl, Ang, IS, 1802 ; disch. Juno 18, 1866.
nenjamin C, Wilson, 2d iieut,, Co, K, lU7lh Inf, ; enl, Aug, 9, 1862; res. Dec. 9,
1 802.
Kdward Wlieeler, Co. K, ll)7th Inf. ; cnl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; discli. April 3(1, 1805.
Daniel L. Inhoe, qm, sergt,. Hat. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; disch. at Richmond,
Va., June 23,1806,
Luzerne Todd, cap!., Co. D, 23d Inf.; onl. April 18, 1801; disch May 22, 1863 ;
re-enl. In soili Inf,; must, Feh, IS04; pro. to muj., Jan.20, 1805; dlsch.
at Kiniira, N. Y., July 4, 1806.
George Leacii, Co. B. i07lli Inf.; cnl. July 10, 1802; wounded at Dalla.s, Ga.;
disch. May 2:t, 1805.
Wasliingtoii Van Dermark, wagoner, Co. B, 80th Inf.; enl, Aug. 14, 1801 ; ro-
cnl. as vet., Dec. 1863; wounded June .30, 1804.
Albert R. Davenport, Co. I>, 2.)d Inf.; enl. April 25, 1801 ; jiro. to corp , Aug.
1861 ; disch. May 22, 1803.
William Payne, Co. O, 101st Inf; enl. Sept, 6, 1802; died at New Orleans,
Nov. 2, 1803.
William Nicliols, Co. G, 17th Inf; i-nl. Oct. 17, 1801 ; wounded at Alianta, Ga.;
di'Cii. Oct. 1804.
David Morrison, Co. B, 0th N. Y. II. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804 ; disch. Ang. 1805.
Frederick Auck, Co. A, 23d Inf. ; enl, Aug. 17, 1801 ; re-enl. in Co. C, 80tli Inf.,
Dec. .30, 1803 ; wounded at Sls)tlBylvaT,ia, May 12,1804; dlsch. June 27,
1805.
Ludwig Auck, Corp., Co. C, 8OII1 Iiil. ; enl. Oct. 2, 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 3D, 1863 ;
wounded at North Anna River; di-ch. June 27, 1805.
.lonathnn Riggs, O'.C. 107th Inf; cnl July 28, 1802 ; discli. nt Lincoln hospital,
Wa.sliington, D. C.
Adolpli Goodell, Co. C, 37th Inf. ; onl. Sept. 1, 1804; disch. July, 1R0.5.
James H. Cochran, 201h Ind. Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1S04 ; discli. June 20, 1865.
Orazcne May, Co. 1>, 23d Inf.; cnl. April, 1801 ; won ruled at Bull Run ; discli. at
Upton's Hill, Va.
.loseph Barbour, Cu, 11,70th Inf.; enl. .Sept. 1803; trans, to 147th Inf.; wounded
March 30, 1804; disch. July 14, 1805.
Archie E.Baxter,(!o.E,141stInf.; cnl. Aug. 18, 1802; made 1st sergt. ; wounded
at Resaca, Ga. ; pro. to 1st Iieut., Jan. 22, 1801 ; to capt.. Jan. 1, 1805 ; disch.
June 9, 1S0.5.
Jereniiali Ro;;au, Co, I), 1st Pa. Cav. ; enl. July 2, 1801 ; disabled on raid; disch.
in hospital at Pliiiadeipliia, Pa,, June 1, 1804.
Frank Veitli, Co. K, 2d Cav.; drafted July 10, 1803; disch. Oct. 7, 1805.
William Fanclier, Co. A, 107tli Inf ; enl. .Ian. 1, 1804 ; trans, to OdCli Inf, May,
1805; disch. July 17, 180.5.
Amasa L. Gorton, Co. F, 8OII1 Iiif. ; enl. Oct. 12. 1801 ; discli. April 10, 1862.
Lewis Rascli, Co. K, 87th Pa. Inf. ; enl. Ang. 24, 1861 ; re-cul. Feb. 22, 1804 ; pro.
to 1st sergt., Sept. 1664 ; to 1st iieut.. May '28, 1805 ; discli. July 5, 1805.
Patrick Corcoran, Co. B, 14th U. 8. Inf. ; enl. April, 1802; killed at Bull Run,
Aug. 29, 1802.
James Murphy, Co. F, 9701 Inf ; drafled July 10, 1803; disch. July 18, 1S06.
Lorin D. Voak, Co. E, 142d Inf.; cnl. Sept, .5, 1804; wounded at Chapin's Farm,
Va., Oct, 27, 1S04; dlsch, June 28, 180.5.
William Ileimili, Co. C, 85th Inf; cnl. Sept. 17, 1801 ; disch. Ajirii 20, 180i; le-
enl.in (;<). I, lll'lh Inf, July '23, 1802; disch in Virginia, Oct. 12,1803; re.
cnl. at Bullalo, N. Y., in Co. II, 49tii Inf., July 11,1801; discli. July 9, 1805.
Milo A. Hastings, Co. II, lOIst Inf; enl. Aug. '22, 1802; discli. Oct. 16, 1805.
Andrew Sullivan, Co. G, 101st Inf.; enl. Oct. 20, 1802; lost an arm in battle;
disch. at Baton Rouge, La., April 18, 1804.
AlbertC. Hudson, Corp., Co. B. .33d Inf.; enl. March 9,1801; ro-onl.a« coiT.,Co.
I, 1st Cav., Sept. 18. 1803; wouniied at Cliarleslon, S. C, Aug. 2'2, 18M.
Giilrert Noiris, Co. F, 188lh Inf.; onl. Sept. 16, 1S04 ; disch. July 9, 1606.
Daniel Denning, Co 11, 20th V. S. Col. Inf. ; enl. Feb. 1, 1863 ; wounded at John's
Island, July 7, 1804 ; disch. Sept. 18, 1865.
Kdward McNally, Co. B, 6lh Cav.; enl. Aug. 7, 1802; dlsch. June 13, 1865.
Thomas J. Decker, Co. D, '2.3d Inf.; enl. May 18, 1861; wounded at Antiotam,
Sept. 17, 1802; disch. May 10, 180.'!.
Warren L. Ilines, sergt,, Co, I), 141st Inf.; disch, June 2.3, 1805.
Rockwell G. Johnson, Co. E, .52d 111. Inf; enl. December, 1801; dlsch. at Cor-
inth, Miss,, January, 1803,
Itenjamin Guildersleive, Co. E, Ulst Inf; enl. Ang. 10, If 02; disch. June 8,
1S05.
Nelson Wheeler, Co. D, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 4, 1802; dlsch. at Elmira, N. V,,
June 17, 1805,
James Fairer, Co, G, lUth Inf ; enl, Ang, 8, 1862 ; disch. June 8, 180.5.
George II. Smith, Corp., Co. K, 90th Inf; enl. Dec. 20. 1803; dlsch. Fob, 4, 1868.
Lewis Weaver, Co. D, Mist Inf; cnl. Ang. 10, 1802; wounded at Peach-Tree
Creek; discli, Jan, 27, 1805.
Wiiiiani H. Clark, Co, F, lOlii Cav.; cnl. Dec. 13, 1801 ; must, as muslciau 1st
llrig., '2d Cav. Div., Jan. 1, 1803; pro. to leader, April 13, 1863; dlsch.
Dec. 12, 1804.
John E. Hubliell, Co. E, 153d Inf. ; enl. Aug. 30, I8')2 ; wounded at (,'edar Creek,
Va.; disih. at Savannah, Ga., Oct. 2, 1866.
James A. Stall, Co. D, 12Ctli Inf. ; enl. Ang. 7, 1802; dlsch. for disability, Oct.
3, 1863.
Casper Creamer, Co. G, lOlst Inf ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; pro. to coip. and to sergt. ;
diseh. Oct. 28, 180.5.
Wiili.im Morgan, Co. B, .5i'th Eng.; enl. June 13, 1804 ; disch. June 28, 186.5.
John M. Heath, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. May 0, 1861 ; disch. June 22, 18«S.
270
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Garret Miihar, Co. F, SCIli Inf. ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; wounded at second Bull Bun ;
re-enl. Sepl. .1, 18G4, in Co. G, IGlsl luf. ; disi h. Nov. 20, ISCo.
Edward L. liarnes, Co. D, 21st Inf.; enl. Slay 21, 1801 ; pro. tosergt. ; dLsch. Nov.
28, 18C1.
Eli Perry, Co. B, 97tli Inf.; enl. .Tnly 10, 1803; disch. Aug. lo, 1865.
Ebenezcr Martin, Cn. I), 23d Ihf ; cnl. May 16, 1801 ; di.-icli. May 20, 1803.
Kobort Burton, Co. C, 80rli Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1801 ; pro. to 2d lieut., June 20,
1862 ; wounded at second Bull Bun, Aug. 30, 1802; pro. to capt., July 3,
I8G3; wounded at Wilderness, May 6, 1864; discb. for wounds, Sept. 27,
1864.
Patrick Conley, Co. G, IClst Inf; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Nov. 20, 1805.
(3haiies H. Freeman, Co. D, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; pro. to com. sergt.,
Sept. 17, 1802; to 2d lieut., July 29, 1803; to 1st lieut., April 1,1805;
disch. June 25, 1806.
Patrick Edward Fittz, Co. I, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept. 10, 1804; disch. June 22,
1866.
Carlton II. Lovell, Co. F, 36th Inf ; enl. May 1, 1801; pro. to Corp., Nov. 1801 ;
disch. June .6, 1863; re-enl. as 1st sergt., Co. 1), 14th Art, July 9, 1803;
disch. Sept. 0, 1864.
Oscar F. Junes, Co. C, 86th Inf ; enl. .\ug. 20, 1801 ; pro. to sergt.; disch. at An-
napulis, Md., Dec. 13, 1802.
Delos C. Steward, Co. G, 101st Inf ; cnl. Dec. 26, 1803 ; disch. Nov. 1866.
Henry Reese, Co. G. 101st Inf ; enl. Jan. 6, 1804 ; died in hosp. at New Orleans,
La., Sept. 1804.
■William v. Morrison, Co. G, 16Ist Inf; enl. Dec. 30, 1863; died .at Dry Tortugas,
Fla., Nov. 1805.
Silas B. Beelie, Co. F, 351h Inf.; enl. May 17, 1661 ; wounded at Antietani, Sept.
17, lS(i2; disch. June 6,1803; re-enl. Aug. 11, 1804, in Co. C, lOtb Vet.
Res. Corps.
Myron RoLbins, Co. G, 150th Inf; enl. May 17, 1862; disch. June 8, 1865.
Le Grand G. Brandt, Co. G, 16Ist lur. ; enl. June 4, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 18, 1805.
Eli Ames, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Dec. 22, ISOi; disch. Oct. 18, 1805.
Fayette Thrall, Co. I, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; d;sch. Juno 5, 1805.
James McGloin, Co. C, 14th U. S. Inf; enl. March 3, 1802; wounded at battle
of WiMerness, May 5, 1864; disch. March 3, 1805.
William Willinnis, Co. D, 141st Inf; enl. Aug, 17, 1S62; disch. Feb. 17, 1864.
John De Groat, musician, Co. 1, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 7, 1802; disch. July, 1803.
William Kemp, sergt , Co. C, Otb Cav. ; enl, Aug. 14, 1861 ; pro. to Ist sergt. and
to 2d lieut.; disch. Aug. 12, 180.5.
Richard Connor, Co. D, 14th H. Ait. ; enl. July 24, 1803 : taken prisoner before
Petersburg, Va. ; disch. as permanently disalded.
Thomas Tuppcr, sergt., Co. F, ISSIb Inf; enl. Sept. 16, 1804; disch. July 11,
1S65.
John T. Brown, Co. E, "8tb Iiif ; enl. Nov. 4, 1861 ; disch. July, 1866.
Robert Cliristian, Co. B, 5tb Cav,; enl. Sept, 5, 1802 ; sixteen months in prison
at Castle Thunder, Va,, where be died, July 28, 1804,
John Tanner, Co, D, 141st Inf; enl, Aug, 14, 1802; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps,
Dec. 14, 1803; pro, to sergt,, Sept. 1864; disch. June 28, 1805.
Cornelius Gorton, Co, B, 6lUCav,; enl. Sept, 5, 1802; died at Richmond, Va.,
Nov. 30, 1804,
Peter Caulkins, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. May 16, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863.
George S. Spencer, Co, B, 10th Cav, ; enl, Feb. 15, 1804; disch, July 19, ]805.
Samuel Cleaiy. Co, E, 1.6th Eng.; cnl. Sept. 27, 1804; discb. June 15,1805.
Alexander H. While, Co, D, Ulst Inf; enl, Aug. 20, 1802; disch, June 24, 1865.
George P, Baker, com, -sergt. 801h Inf; died at Washington, D, C, Aug, 14
1802,
Samuel II, Blackman, Co. F., 35th Inf; enl. May 7, 1861; wounded at second
battle of Bull Run; discb. June 17, 1803; re-enl, in Co, F, 891h Inf,, Dec,
4, 1863; discb, Aug, 3, 1865,
George Gorton, Co, IT, 14th Art,; enl, July, 1863.
Henry Day May, A. A, surg , 5th U. S. Inf ; must. Feb. 19, 1862 ; disch. from
regt. Aug, 8, IS02; must, in 145th Inf, Sept. 18, 1862; disch. Jan, 4, 1804;
brevet Ciipt,, May 25, 1805,
George Weekes, Co, I, lollh Inf ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; discb. June 17, 1805.
Delos Parkbill, Co. E, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; wounded at Resaca, Ga.;
disch. May 30, 1805,
Bernard Cowley, artificer, Co. F, 50th Eng,; enl, Aug, 30, 1862; disch, June 15,
1805,
Charles Lorin Weldon, Co, F, 35th Inf; enl. May 24, 1861; killed in battle at
Sharpsburg, Md,, Sept, 17, 1862,
Albert F, Beebe, Co, C, 10th Vet, Res, Coi-ps; enl. May 24, 1801 ; wounded at
South Mountain; disch, March 2,1863; re-enl. in Co. C, lOlh Vet, Res.
Corps, Aug. 30, 180-1 ; disch, Nov, 24, 1805,
Frederick Stenbeck, corp., Co C, 107th Inf; enl. July 10,1862; wounded at
Dallas, Ga,, May 2,5, 1804; disch. Aug. 12, 1S06.
Francis Theodore Stenbeck, Co. C, 107th Inf ; enl. July 20, 1802; killed at Dal-
las, Ga., May 25, 1804.
David Quackenbush, Co,—, 10th H, Art,; enl, Jan, 4, 1802; trans, to Co. K,
1st Mounted Rifles; discb. Nov. 8, 1805,
John Weekes, Co. D, Ulst Inf ; enl, Aug. 21, 1602 ; taken prisoner at Lookout
Mountain; in prison ten months; disch. at Washington, D. C, Junes, "05.
Henry Van Campen, Co, D, 23d Inf; enl. April 20, 1803 ; taken prisoner at Sul-
phur Springs, Va, ; trans, to Co, B, 14th U, S, Inf, Dec, 15, 1802 ; disch.
Oct. 22, 1864 ; re-enl. JIarcli 28, 1805,
Dennis Cady, Co, F, 14th Inf: enl, Feb, 20, 1802; died at New York Sept 15
1804. ' ■ '
Nathaniel Wood, Co. D, Ulst Inf; enl. Aug. 16, 18C2; disch. March 13, 1864,
James M, Morse, Co, D, 107th Inf,; enl, July 24, 1862; disch, June 5, 1804.
Amos Miller, Co. B, .''■otb Cav ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. June 1.5, 1S6.S.
Dennis Nash, Co. A, 188th Pcnnsjivania Inf; enl. Feb, 2.3, 1804; disch. July
22, 1865,
Hiram Francisco, Co, C, 161st Inf; enl, Aug, 21,1802; trans, to U. S, Navy,
Sept, 1. 1804.
Byron W. Thrall, Corp., Co. C, Uth H. Art.; enl. July 20, 1803; disch. June
24, 1865.
Simeon D. Thrall, sergt, Co. D, 107th Inf ; enl, July 29, 1802; disch. June S, '65.
David T. Darrin, mu'^ician,Co, G, 86th Inf; enl, Jan. 12,1862; wounded at Bull
Run, Aug, 30, 1802 ; disch. Feb, 4, 1803,
Henry M, Breese, Co, G, 101st Inf ; enl, Jan, 12, 1804 ; died A:ig, 29, 1864,
Win, Ellison, Co, G, 161st Inf ; enl. Sept 1, 1804 ; disch, Oct, 15, 1865.
Andrew Thompson, Co, D, Ulst Inf; enl, .\ug, 22, 1802; wounded on picket,
Dec, 1802; disch, March 8, 1863.
George Crittenden, corp,, Co, C, 86th Inf; enl, Aug, 28,1801; re-enl. as vet;
disch. July 4, 1805,
Sheldon Odell, Co G, 5Uth Eng.; enl, Dec. 29, 1803; disch. June 13, 1865.
William Henry Smith, Co, C, 161st luf ; enl, Jan, 4. 1804 ; wounded at Sabine
Cioss-Roads, April 18, 1864; disch, Dec, 11, 1805,
William V, Morrison, Corp., Co, G, 161st Inf; enl, Dec, 27, 1803; died at Dry
Tortugas, Fla,, Oct, 18, 1805,
John Lewis, Co, I, 16Ist Inf; enl, Dec, 25, 1863 ; died at Fitzpatrick hospital,
June 18, 1804,
Lioni 1 T. De Carr, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl, Aug. 21, 1802; killed in battle at Ma-
rietta, Ga., June 22, 1864.
Charles W, Edger, 13th H, Art ; enl. June, 1864 ; died in hospital, Sept. 10, '64.
Reuben G. Stevens, Co. B, Uth U. S. Inf ; enl. March 5, 1802; wounded at Bull
Run, Aug. 30, 1862; wounded at Laurel Hill, Va., May 12, 1864; disch.
April 5, 1805.
Milo Gorton, Co, E, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21,1802; killed at Resaca, Ga., May
15, 1804,
Peter B, Plienas, Co. F, 14th U, S, Inf ; enl, April 15, 1862 ; wounded at Bull
Run. .\ug. 30, 1.'62 ; disch. April 25, 1805,
Michael Harris, sergt,, Co, C, 161st Inf ; enl, Aug, 22, 1862 ; disch, Oct. 25, '65.
Richard Jacobs, Co. I, 107th Inf; enl. Aug, 8, 1862; disch, June 9, 1806,
Adam Tomer, Corp., Co. G, 107tb luf ; enl. Aug, 5, 1802; killed at the battle of
Dallas, Ga,
George Wescott, Co. I, 107th Int; enl, Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. June 9, 1865.
Oi ley R, Gorton, Co, F, 60tb Eng, ; enl, Aug, 30, 1862 ; disch, June 17, 1S05,
Dewitt Gorton, Co, I, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1804 ; wounded at Hatcher's
Run ; discb, Feb, 0, 1865,
Daniel Lindsay, Co, I, 101st Inf; enl, Jan. 4, 1804; injured at White Plains
Landing, and died at home.
William Lindsay, Co. I, 161st Inf; enl, Jan. 4, 1804; killed at Sabine Crosa-
Roads, April 8, 1864,
James Lindsay, Co, I, 188tb Inf; enl. Sept 19, 1804; discli, June 28, 1805,
Jerome Gorton, Co, D, 23d Inf; enl. Oct. 14, 1801 ; missing, supposed killed at
Antiotam, and buried on the tield.
John Baxter, sergt, Co, C',86th Inf; enl. Aug, 26, 1801 ; killed at Mine Run, Va.
Edward S, Borst, corp,, Co. B, 5th Cav.; enl. Aug. 12, 1802; taken pris. Oct 17,
1803; died in Andersonville prison, Aug, 17, 1804.
Wni. I, Wilson, Co, D, Ulst Inf; enl, Aug. 19, 1802; died at Corning, N. Y.
.\lfred Allen, Co, D, Ulst Inf,; enl, Jan, 5. 1804; discb, June 27, 1805.
Giles B. Beebe, Co, F, 35tli Inf; enl, Juno 11, 1861 ; discb, June 6, 1803; re-enl.
in Co, C, loth Vet, Res, Corps, Aug, 11, 1804; discb, Nov. 2, 1805,
Arthur L, Eaton, Co, I, lOlst Inf ; enl, Dec. 1883; trans, to Co, B, 111th luf,
Oct. 1805; disch. Nov. 19, 186.5, at Tallalia.ssee, Fla.
Frederick R. Burlising,Co. D, 23d Inf ; eul. April 20, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1802;
re-enl. in Co. D, 5tb Art., Dec. 4, 1803 ; disch. July 19, 1805.
Arthur A. Brown, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. Sept, 27, 1801 ; wounded at South Moun-
tain, Sept 14, 1802; disch, Dec, 0, 1802.
Jacob H. Brown, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. April 20, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863.
Samuel Jacobs, corp,, Co, G, 1st Lincoln Cav. ; enl. Feb. 2, 1864 ; disch. June 27,
1805,
John C, Gorton, corp,, Co, D, 23d Inf ; enl. Oct 14, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1803.
Augustus Dotboff, Co, E, Uth H. Art, ; enl, Jan. 5, 1864; taken pris. at Fort
Steadinan ; p.iroled from Libby prison, March 25,1805; disch. June 28,
1865, at Elmira, N, Y.
Augustus W. CauBeld, Co. D, 80th Inf; enl. Aug. 14, 1802; died in Libby
prison, at Richmond, Va,
Abraham W, McCord, Co, G. 161st Inf ; enl. Sept, 1, 1864; disch, Oct. 16, 1865,
Charles W, Denning, Co, K, 25th U, S, Inf; enl. March 22, 1865; disch, at
Mulligan's IJend, S, C.
Daniel Denning, Co, B, 26th U. S. Inf; enl. Feb, 1, 1864; wounded at John's
Island, S, C; discb, Aug, 28, 1805.
John R, Updike, Co, B, 5th Cav, ; enl, Aug, 11, 1862; wounded at Hanover C.
II,, Va,, June 30, 1803 ; disch, June, 1805,
Charles C, Morris, Co. B, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl, Jan, 19, 1804; disch, at City
Point, Va,, Nov, 29, 1865,
William I, Daily, Co, — , Ulh H. Art,; enl. Jan, 5, 1804; trans, to U, S, Navy
and lost at Fort Fisher,
Henry Clark, Co, D, Ulst Inf ; enl, Jan. 2, 1804 ; wounded at PeacbTree Creek ;
trans, to Co. A, 6th Invalid Corps; disch. July, 1865.
Charles Davenport, Co. D, 6th Cav. ; enl, Aug 13, 1802 ; killed on Wilson's raid,
June, 1863,
Myron Davenport, Co. B, 60th Eng. ; enl. March 22, 1806 ; disch. July 10, 1866.
TOWN OF CORNING.
271
Reuben H. Grant, Co. D, IGIst Inf.; enl. Jan. i, 1864; killed at Pleasant Hill,
La., April 8,1864.
Tiniolliy Hunt, Corp.; Co. D, 14Ist Inf.; enl. Aug. 23, 1862; promoted April 1,
1804: ilisch. June 20, 1SC5.
Andrew Lewis, Corp., Co. D, 14Ist Inf.; enl. Aug. 18, 18G2; disch. at Elniira,
N, y.
David Van Elter, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. May, 18G1 ; re-enl. in Co. K, 2l8t Cat.,
Sept. 1803 ; died near Utica, N. Y., on the return home.
Andrew Kerr, Co. K, 21st Cav. ; enl. July 28, 1802.
Chester E. Kenyon, Co. K, lUStli Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; wounded at Chancel-
lorsville. May 2, 1803.
John Shaw, Co. F, lS8th Inf ; enl. Sept. 26, 1864.
William Doolittle, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862.
Joseph E. Barber, 188th Inf; enl. S.-pt. 20, 1804; disch. June, 1865.
John Rire, Co. D, 23d lof ; enl. M.iy 22, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 1803 ; re-eul., Co.
I, 107th Inf. Feb. 5, 1S04; diseh. Aug. 12, 1865.
Thomas Dillon, Corp., Co. G, 101st Inf. ; enl. Sept. .1, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 25, 1805.
John Murray, Co. G, 9th U. Art. ; enl. Dec. 28, 1803 ; disch. Oct. 10, 1865.
Michael Acbison, Co. — , 14th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1804; wounded at Old
Church, May 30, 1864.
William McMahan, Co. C, 80th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 8, 1861 ; killed at battle of Wil-
derness, May 12, 1861.
Wm. Briggs, 8Gth Inf; enl. Sept. 8, 1801 ; died at Corning, N.Y., March, 1804.
Daniel F. Brown, 1st licut. and qr..nir., 86tb Inf; enl. Aug. 10, 1862; disch.
May 20, 1805.
Jacob H. Landing, capt., Co. C, SOth Inf ; must. Aug. 26, 1801 ; pro. to major
May 3, 1803 ; lo lietit.-col., June 12, 1863 ; wounded May 24, 1864, in en-
gagenient on North Anna Uiver; to col., June 25, 1864 ; discli. Nov. 13,
18ii4, at expiration of term of service.
Henry C. Oliver, Co. C, 8Gth Inf ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 22, 1864.
Allen N. Sill, capt., Co. K, lOTtli Inf ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel-
lorsville, May 3,1803; pro. to major, July 8, 1864; to lieut.-col., Sept. 27,
18G4 ; must, out with his regiment, June 19, 1805, at Elmira, N. Y.
Charles E. Clnte, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. May 16, 1801 ; disch. May, 1863; re-enl.
In Co F, 194th Inf, July 2, 1804 ; disch. Sept. 1804; re-enl. in Co. D, 7th
Pa. Cav., Sept. 9, 1864 ; disdi. June, 1805.
Frederick Damn, Co. F,97tli Inf ; enl. July 6,1863; wounded at Hatcher's Run,
Feb. 0, 1804; disch. Aug. 0, 180.5.
George N. Cluto, Co. K, 2)d Inf ; enl. May 15, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863.
Alfred Brown, 451h V. S. Inf : enl. July 29, 1SG4 ; disch. Nov. 4, 1865.
Thomas 0. Allen, Co. D, 8GIh Inf ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corjis,
June 1,1863; disch. Oct. 8, 1804.
Samuel I. Moore, Co. C, 14Ist Inf; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; disch. June ID, 1S05.
Darius M. Davis, Co. D, 141st Inf.; enl. Jan. 5, 1861; disch. June 11, 1805.
James Clark, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl. .iug. 27, 180i ; disch. July, 1865.
Elijah C. Row ley, Co. D, 107lh Inf. ; enl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; pro. to Corp., Dec. 1802 ;
wounded at Cliancellorsville.
George Seymour, Co. B, 207th Pa. Inf ; enl. Jan. 8, 1865 ; wounded at Fort Has-
kell ; disch. March 23, 1865.
Albert Coe, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl. Dec. 3(J, 1863 ; wounded at Resaca, Ga. ; disch.
Juno 22, 1805.
Elijah Crowfoot, Co. 1, 33d Inf ; enl. July 10, 1801 ; died in hospital at New Yolk
City, Aug. 15, 1862.
John Thompson, Co A, 10th Cav. ; enl. Feb. 0, 1804; injured before Petersburg;
discli. JuTie 2, 1805.
William Tolteii, Co. C, 8Glh Inf ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 30, 1863.
Buell Taylor, Co. C, SOth Inf; enl. Dec. 31, 1863; disch. June 27, 1865.
John Wallace, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Aug. 25,1862; discli. at Panoncas, Fla.,
Jan. 14, 1805.
Thomas R. Tillott, Corp., Co. C, 80th Inf ; enl. Oct. 29, 1861 ; re-enl. as vet., Dec.
31, 1803 ; pro. to com.-sergt., Oct. 0. 1801; disch. Juno 27, 1865.
John Briggs, Co. C, 86th Inf; enl. Aug. 1861 ; re-enl. as vet., Dec. 31,1863; died
at Corning, Feb. 28, 1865.
William Henry Jones, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; wounded at battle of
Antietam ; disch. May 22, 1803 ; re-enl. as 2d liint., vet., July 10, 1808.
Nelson Jones, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. May 1, ISOl ; disch. May 22, 1863; re-enl.
Co. — , 14th H. Art., Jan. 4, 1804 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1806.
George Leach, Co. B, 107th Inf; enl. July 10, 1802; wounded twice in battle
of Dallas, Ga. ; disch. May 23, 1805.
Washington Van Dermark, wagoner, Co. B, 80th Inf ; enl. Aug. 14, ISOl ; re-enl.
Dec. 31,1863; wounded Jan. 30, 1804 ; disch. in hospital, June 4, 1805.
William Slagel, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Aug. 27, 1862 ; taken pris. at Donaldson-
ville. La., Sept. 1803 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y.
Joseph Barbour, Co. B, 70th Inf ; enl. Sept. 1863 ; trans, to 147th Inf ; wounded
at Hatcher's Run, March 30, 1804 ; disch. July 14, 1805.
Albert H. Henderson, Co. B, 23d Inf ; enl. May 9, 1861 ; disch. May, 1863 ; re-
enl. Corp., Co. I, Ist Cav., Sept. 8, 1863 ; wounded at Charleston, S. C,
Aug. 22, 1804.
Charles F. Davis, leader of band, 8Gth Inf ; enl. Oct. 1, 1801 ; disch. Feb. 9, 1863.
Garrett Mahar, Co. F, 8Gth Inf; enl. Oct. 15,1861; wounded at second Bull
Run; discharged; re-enl. in Co. C, 16l6t Inf , Sept. 5, 1804; pro. to corp.
Nov. 1801 ; disch. June 5, 1863.
Carlton H. Lovcll, Co. F, 35tli Inf; enl. May 1,1861; pro. to Corp., Nov. 1861 ;.
disch. June 6, 1803; rc-enl. as Ist sergt., Co. D, 14th U. Art.; disch. Sept.
6, 1864.
John Tanner, Corp., Co. D, 141st Inf; enl. Aug. 14, 18G2 ; trans, to Co. G, Vet.
Res. Corps, Dec. 14, 1803; pro. to sergt., Sept. 1804; disch. June 28, 1865.
George Erway, Co. H, G4lh Inf; enl. Aug. 10, 1864; disch. May 30, 1865.
Walter C. Noble, Co. H, 3d Ohio Inf; enl. April 15, 1861 ; re-enl. Co. ll,:!d Ohio
Inf. June 13, 1861 ; pro. to Corp., Oct. 1, 1802 ; re-enl. Co. G,52d N. Y. ; pro.
to corp , Nov. 1864 ; pro. to color-sergt., 5Iarch,18C5: disch. June 20, 1865.
John Reagan, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Aug. 27, 1802; died at Baton Rouge, La.,
July 17, 1801.
Villours D. Star, Co. G, IClst Inf ; enl. Aug. 25, 1SG2; wounded and disch. at
Baton Rouge, La.
George W, McKinney, Co. G, 161st Inf: enl. Sept. :), 1862; disch. June, 1865.
Austin Omiia, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Sept. 1, 1862; wounded at Donaldsonville,
La., July 13, 1863 ; disch. June, 1805.
Thomas Riley, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Sept. 29,1802; taken pris. at Sabine Cross-
Road.s, La., April 8, 1864; exch. Oct. 1804; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., Nov.
1865.
Michael Harrington, Co. G, 161st Inf ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862; pro. to Corp. ; disch.
Nov. 1805.
Thomas Muipliy, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; lost by collision of
stealiilio.at on Mississippi River, Jan. 9, 1805.
Henry Marshall, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Sept. 26, 1862; disch. Nov. 1865.
Michael McGiven, Co. G, 161st Inf ; enl. Aug. 2'2, 1862 ; disch. Nov. 1805.
Albert M. Harris, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Sept. 4, 1802; disch. with the regiment.
Lewis H. Goodsell, Co. G, lOIst Inf ; enl. Sept. 2, 1802 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y.,
1865.
John Hill, Co. G, lOlst Inf ; enl. Sept. 5, 1862 ; disch. at Dry Tortugas, Fla.
Jtidson C. Beeman, Co. G, 16lst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1802 ; disch. at Baton Rouge,
La.
Terrence Collaghan, Co. G, 101st Inf.; enl. Aug. 25, 1802; disch. at Elmira, N. Y.,
1805.
Stephen Gill, Co. G, 101st Inf: enl. Sept. 13, 1803; died at Baton Bongo, La.,
July 24, 1803.
Patrick Donovan, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Sept. 3, 1802; disch. at Elmira, N. Y.,
1805.
Edwin Harrison, 'iOth In J. Bat.; enl. June 0, 1803; disch. Aug. 4, 1805, at N.Y.
City Bat. Barracks.
George L. Barker, Co. G, lOlst Inf; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; taken pris. at Sabine
Ci OSS-Roads, April 8, 1864; exch. Sept. 1864; disch. at Elmira, N. Y.,
1865.
Christopher Burns, Co. G, 101st Inf ; enl. Aug. '22, 1802; disch. at Fort Jefferson,
Fla.
Jacob Betzel, Co. G, 161st Inf ; enl. Aug. 27, 1802 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y.
William Henry Snyder, Co. C, SOth Inf
JohnGilbeitGillan,Bal. B, 1st L. Art.; enl. Dec. 18, 1863; disch. at Elmira, June
21, 1865.
Timothy M. Gillan, Co. F, 23d Inf ; enl. April, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., Aug. 1861 ;
wounded at battle of Antietam ; died at home. May 24, 18G3.
William F. Gillan, corp , Bat. B, 1st L. Art. ; enl. Nov. 1861 ; re-enl. as vet., Dec.
28, 1803, at Brandy Station, Va. ; disch. June 18, 1806.
Henry Morse, Co. C, 194tli Inf ; enl. March 28, 1865 ; disch. May 3, 1805.
John J. Fowler, Co. D, 144th Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; taken pris. at Goose
Creek, Va., Aug. 21, 1803; disch. at Washington, D. C, June 8, 18C5.
Abram L. Fowler, Co. D, 141st Inf; enl. Ang. 16, 1802 ; disch. June 8, 1865.
William W. Hayt, adjt., *23d Inf; enl. Apr. 18G1 ; oisch. with regt. at exp. of
term of service ; re-enl. as col. of 189th Inf. ; died at City Point, Va.,
Nov. 3, 1864.
Charles P. Snick, Co. D, 2;id Inf ; enl. at Upton Hill, Va., Feb. 13, 1802 ; disch.
May 21, 1863; re-ont. Co. H, 188th Inf, Sept. 23, 1S64; disch. July 8,
1805.
John Henry Moloney, Co. F, 189tb Inf; enl. Sept. 23,1864; disch. May 30,
1865.
George E. Denning, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Jan. 2, 18G4. ■
Frederick K. Lewis, Co. G, IClst Inf; enl. Sept. 5, 1862.
John M. Brown, sergt., Co. I, 107tli Inf ; enl. July 24, 1862; wounded at An-
tietam, Sept. 17, 1802; disch. at Calvert Hospital, Va., April 4, 1863.
John T. Bates, Co. V, 101st Inf ; enl. Sept. 4, 1862 ; disch. at Baton Kouge, La.,
March '27, 1803.
Edward P. Graves, 1st lient.and a. q.-mast., 107th N. Y.lnf ; enl. July 18, 1802;
pro. to capt, and a. q.-mast. of 1st Div. 20tli Army Corps, Apr. 7, 1804;
bievetted major after the close of the war; chief quartermaster of the
district of Montgomery, Ala.
Israel Van Campen, sergt.. Co. B, 14th U. S. Inf; enl. Mar. G, 1802; disch. at
Fort Trumbull, Conn., Mar. 4, 1805.
Geui ge R. Mott, Corp., Co. F, 14th U. S. Inf ; date of enl. unknown ; killed at
battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1803.
Harlan Van Etten, Co. D, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 11,1862; disch. July, 18G5.
Peter McNeil, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. April, 1801; disch. May, 1803.
William Mott, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. May 6, 1801 ; disch. June 21, 1803 ; re-enl.
as sergt., Co. F, 188tli Inf; pro. to 1st sergt. Oct. 10, 1864; disch. July 10,
1805.
Elijah F. Mott, sergt., Co. F, 188th Inf; enl. Sept. 14, 1864; pro, to 2d lieut.
Oct. 10, 1864; disch. Jan. 27, 1865.
Albert Nixon, Co. D, 14th U. Art. ; enl. June l.'i, 1863 ; disch. April 30, 1865.
George Johnson, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. April 23, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 180:!.
Alexander I. Jones, Co. D, 'iSd Inf; enl. April 24,1801; died at Fall Church,
Va., Dec. 15, 1861.
Ilarlow Ames, Co. D, iM Inf ; enl. April 20, 1801 ; died at Belle Plain, Va.,
March '24, 1803.
David B. Salmon, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. April '20, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 1803.
272
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
William I. Palmer, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Oct. 28, 1861; dIsnWeil l.y accident,
Oct. 29, 1801 ; disch. April, 1S02.
Dewitt C. Juhn.TOn, Cu. D, 2!d Inf.; enl. Oct. IS, 1801 ; discb. May 22, 1863.
Lewis A. Dnnind, Cu. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Oct. 18, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 18G3.
Charles S. Van Hon.scn, Co. E, 142d Inf.; enl. Sept. 7, 1864; wounded at Fort
Fisher, Jan. 15. 1863; diach. Sept. 4, 186.5.
Silas B. Decker, Co. G, 13lli 11. Art. ; enl. Feb. 6, 1803 ; trans, to Bat. M, Cth H.
Art., Jan. 20, 1804; disch. Aug. 24, 1865.
Frederick Oriisper, Co. P, 14th U. S. Inf.; enl. March 15, 1802; wounded at
Snicker's Gap, V«., Nov. 3, 1802.
Stephen D. Gorton, Co. E, Hl-st Inf.; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; killed at Resaca, Ga.
Charles H. C.nnfoit, Co. C, 86th Inf.; enl. Feb. 18, 1804 ; killed at battle of Wil-
derness.
Daniel Oliphant (sub.), Co. I, 97th Inf. ; must. Aug. 3(1, 1803 ; died at Washing-
ton, D. C, April, 1864.
Isaac H. Palmer, Co. E, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; disch. Aug. 16, 1866.
William 11. Huyck, Co. D, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; disch. June 26, 1805.
Pulaski DeKalb Westcolt, musician, Co. D, 141st lof. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; disch.
June 24, 1865.
Lewis A. Durand, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Oct. 18, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863.
Hiram C. Tnrrell, Co. D, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; pro. to sergt,, Sept. 10,
1802; di»ch. June 13, 1805.
Cassius M. Tnrrell, Co. D, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res.
Corps, July, 1864; ilisch. July 3, 1865.
Henry C. Bonhani, Co. E, Ulst Inf.; enl. Sept. 16, 1864; disch. June 24, 1865.
Thomas Brown, Co. A, Hth H. Art.; enl. July 30, 1863; disch. July 10, 1865.
Byron A. Barton, Co. K, 2d U.S. Cav. ; twice wounded at Flint Hill, Va., on
reconnaissance; honorably mentioned by Gen. McClellan ; disch. July 14,
1804; re-enl. Co. K, 2d U.S. Cav., July 1.5, 1804; taken prisoner on Stone-
man's raid to Richmond, Va. ; detailed at headquarters of Gen. U. S.
Graut, at Washington, D. C. ; disch. at end of war.
Jacob Hollenbecli, Co. F, 80th Inf. ; enl. Oct. 28, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 29, 1804.
Salem Loucks, Corp, Co. L, 2d U. S. Cav.; disch. at Savaye Station, Texas, Feb.
12, 18li6.
John H. Collier, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Sept. 23, 1801.
Henry F. I'eet, Co. — , 6th Pa. Inf.; enl. May 10, 1861; disch. May 11, 1802.
Asa A. earner, Co. D, 23d Inf. ; enl. Jlay 10, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863 ; re-enl.
Co. — , 86tb Inf., Feb. 10, 1804 ; disch. July 4, 1865.
Charles E. McCarty, drummer, Co. F, IStli Inf.; enl. May 14, 18G1 ; disch. May
14, 1803.
George M. Clark, Co. 1, 20th Conn. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 12,1862 ; disch. June 26, '05.
John Taylor, Co. M, 13th II. Art.; e?il. Sept. 1803 ; disch. July 11, 1805.
John Emperor, Co. G, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 28, 1802; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Reuben F. llann, Co. B, Sth U. S. Inf. ; enl. July 17, 1863 ; pro. to sergt., Oct.
1863 ; to 1st sergt., July, 1805 ; disch. Nov. 10, 1865.
Samuel Starks, Co. G, 161st Inf.; enl. Sept. 3,1862; disch. June 14, 1805.
Charles A. Palmer, Co. K, 132d Pa. Inf.; enl. July 26, 1802 ; wounded at Autie-
taui, Sept. 17, 1802 ; disch. from wounds, Nov. 14, 1802.
James .Miller, drum-major, 85th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1861 ; discli. at Washington,
1). C , April, 1802.
Horace K. Runisey, capt., Co. B, 130th Pa. Inf.; oul. Aug. 0, 1802; disch. for
disability, Feb. 28, 1803.
Benjamin A. Cooper, Co. F, 50th Eng. ; enl. Aug. 28, 1804 ; disch. June 28, 1805.
Edward Smith, Co. M, Begt. ; enl. July 17, 1863 ; disch. at Elmira, N. V.,
at ciuse of war.
Richard Houks, Co. G, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Oct. 28, 1865.
Samuel II. Mott, Co. I, 107th Inf. ; enl. July 24, 1802; disch. July 17, 1805.
Ale.vander Mutt, sergt., Co. C, 171st Inf.; enl. Oct. 25, 1862 ; di-sch. at Harris-
burg, Pa.
Michael O'Neil, Co. D, 07th Ohio Inf. ; enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 31, 1864;
re-enl. Co. D, 67tli Ohio Inf.. Feb. I, 1864 ; disch. June 18, 1805.
John Gibbons, Co. D, 14l5t Inf; enl. Sept. 19, 1804; disch. June 18, 1863.
Jefferson Burris, Co. F, 188th Inf.; enl. Sept. 1804; disch. July 1-2, 1805.
Robert J. Buriiliam, Co. B, 71st Inf. (militia) ; enl. April 20, 1801; must, out at
New York Cily, July 3i), 1801 ; re-enl. Ist liout. Co. E, 161st Inf.; disch.
at Baton Kouge, La., Aug. 29, 1803.
Hiram Fiancisco, seaman; trans, front IClst Inf., Sept. 14, 1864; disch. at
Brooklyn, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1865.
Lemuel Jacobs, sailor, enl. Feb. 2, 1864.
William I. Daily, marine; trans, from 14th H. Art. ; lostat the storming of Fort
Fisher.
Delos C. Sherwood, Ist sergt., Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Jlay, 1801 ; discli. May 22,
1863; re-enl. private Co. G, 101st Inf., Dec. 25, 1803; pro. to 1st sergt. ;
disch. Nov. 1865.
William U. Lucas, Bat. L, 14th R. I. Art., and Bat. L, 11th U. S. Col. H. Art.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. JOHN N. IIUNGERFORD.
The subject of this sketch is of English origin, of the
seventh genenttion. His greut-grandfather, on his father's
side, was Benjamin Hungerford, son of Thomas Hunger-
ford, of Haddam, Conn., who was born in the year 1703
and died in 1792. His grandfather on the same side was
Capt. Jacob Hungerford, of Bristol, Conn., who was born
July 16, 1748, and died June 23, 1S12. The wife of
Capt. Hungerford was Mary Newell, who was born- Nov.
HO, 1749, and died Jan. 30, 180G. She was a daughter of
Rev. Samuel Newell, who was a native of Southington, and
was graduated at Yale College in the year 1739. He mar-
ried Mary, widow of Timothy Root, of Farmington, whose
maiden name was Mary Hart. Rev. Samuel Newell was
for forty-two years pastor of the Congregational Church at
Bristol, Conn.
The father of the subject of this sketch was Lot Hun-
gerford, who was born Dec. 8, 1777, and died Jan. 9, 1827.
His great-grandfather on his mother's side was Stephen
Smith, of Goshen, Litchfield Co., Conn., who was born in
the year 1710, and died in 1793. His grandfather was
Henian Smith, who was born in 1753, and died in Vernon,
N. Y., in September, 1837. Between the years 1795 and
1800 he was three times a representative in the General
Assembly of the State of Connecticut. His wife, Hannah
Benhani, was born June 15, 1754, and died in 1802. The
mother of the subject of this sketch was Celinda Smith,
who was born in 1783 and died in the year 1868.
John N. Hungerford was born in the town of Vernon,
Oneida Co., N. Y., on the 31st of December, 1825. His
parents removed from Connecticut to Vernon in the year
1801, performing the journey to Albany on horseback, and
from Albany to Vernon with ox-team. John N. was the
youngest of nine children. His father. Lot Hungerford, a
farmer by occupation, reared his family to habits of industry
and frugality, and died, as above stated, in the year 1827,
leaving a good and honored name. John N. was reared on
the farm, and attended the common schools of his district
until he was twelve years of age, when he removed to
Westfleld, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., to reside with his eldest
brother, Hon. S. H. Hungerford, who was engaged in the
mercantile business at that time. In 1838 he entered
Westfield Academy, where he prepared himself for college.
In the fall of 1843 he entered the sophomore class in Ham-
ilton College, where he was graduated in the summer of
1846. During his residence at Westfield he was clerk for
his brother, and there learned the mercantile business.
From the year 1846 to 1848 he was engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Oriskany Falls, N. Y., with his brother-
in-law, Geo. W. Couch. For a short time following he
was in the Bank of Whitestown, at Whitestown, N. Y.
In May, 1848, he became cashier of the Bank of Westfield,
which was established by his brother, Hon. S. H. Hunger-
ford, who was president of the same. In July, 1854, he
settled in Corning, Steuben Co., N. Y., and in August fol-
lowing established the George Washington Bank, in com-
pany with Geo. W. Patterson, Jr., son of Hon. Geo. W.
Patterson, of Westfield, N. Y. Mr. Hungerford was pres-
ident and Mr. Patterson cashier. In December, 1858, Mr.
Hungerford sold his entire interest to his partner, George
W. Patterson, Jr., and subsequently had no further connec-
tion with that bank. In the spring of 1859 he established
his present bank, known as J. N. Hungerford's Bauk.
In his political convictions lie was a Whig, until the or-
'^''""4 Sy Sam^l St"!^
TOWN OF CORNING.
273
ganizatioQ of the Republican party, since which time he
has been a pronounced Republican. He has been prom-
inently identified with the best interests of his town and
county, and often has been chosen as a delegate to represent
his constituents in district, county, and State conventions.
He has held various official positions in Corning, and for
four years was chairman of the Republican committee of
Steuben County. He was a delegate to the National Re-
publican convention at Philadelphia, in 1872, which nom-
inated General Grant for President, and Hon. Henry Wilson,
of Massachusetts, for Vice-President. He took a very ac-
tive part in that campaign.
In 1876 he was elected to the Forty-fifth Congress, to
represent the Twenty-ninth District of New York, com-
prising the counties of Allegany, Chemung, and Steuben,
receiving 21,087 votes, against 17,973 votes for E. D.
Loveridge, Democrat. In Congress he served on the Com-
mittee on Education and Labor.
In June, 1859, he was married, at the residence of the late
Duncan S. Magee, in Corning, to Miss Mary W., daughter
of the late Dr. Ten Eyck Gansevoort, of Bath, Steuben
Co., N. Y., and formerly of Albany, N. Y. His wife died
in the month of October, 1871.
Mr. Hungerford is an active member of the Presbyterian
Church at Corning, and has been a tiustee of the same for
more than twenty years. He has also been for several
years a trustee of Hamilton College, and of Elmira Female
College.
Mr. Hungerford is a man of deep and earnest convic-
tions, which lead him to be firm in upholding what he be-
lieves to be right, — a man of integrity and uprightness in
all his relations and dealings in life, charitable in his
opinions of others, as well as in his deeds, and of a social
nature that attaches to him many warm friends.
HON. CHARLES C. B. WALKER
was born at Drewsville, a small village in Cheshire Co.,
N. H., in 1824. The battle of life commenced early, and
he had but limited opportunities for acquiring an education.
When barely six years of age, his father, through business
embarrassments, was placed within jail limits, under the old
law of imprisonment for debt, at Keene, N. H. He was a
soldier of the war of 1812, and died at the age of forty-
seven, in 1842. His mother, whose maiden name was
Harriet Blake, resides with her son iu Corning, and now
in her eighty-third year, is just beginning to receive the
widow's pension.
Thus early in life the future merchant commenced a
career remarkable for its industry, perseverance, and suc-
cess. His opportunities were few, his means meagre, but
nothing that helped him to turn an honest penny was de-
spised. Before he reached the age of seventeen he accu-
mulated the snug sum of $800, which he loaned to his
father. This little capital was not only the foundation of
his future prosperity, but enabled his parent to lease the
Eagle Hotel at Charleston, and afterward the Cheshire
House, at Keene, N. H. The elder Walker was famous
as a landlord throughout New England in hjs day, and was
35
the original recipient of the now common title " The Prince
of Landlords." In his .seventeenth year, young Walker
entered the hardware-store of W. H. Bowman, at Palmyra,
N. Y., with a frugal salary ; but mindful of the early les-
sons, and in deference to the wishes of his mother, who was
afraid of the hotel influence, he remained seven years with
Mr. Bowman, rapidly acquiring a thorough knowledge of
the business, but his aspirations craving a wider field, he
set out for Albany in 1848 with undefined plans, yet strong
in determination to engage in the trade for himself.
He boldly presented himself to the late Hon. Erastus
Corning, and asked for credit, stating his desire to engage
in business for himself, adding that he had saved $1500
(part of which he had earned while a lad and loaned to his
father). Mr. Corning suggested that $1500 was a small
sum to commence hardware business on. Walker replied
if Mr. Corning did not give him credit, somebody must.
This spirited answer of the young man favorably impressed
the mind of that able and successful financier, and he im-
mediately gave orders to his confidential clerk to give Mr.
Walker all the credit he wanted. Thenceforth the most
cordial relations subsisted between him and Mr. Corning,
and young Walker was treated more like a son than other-
wise, retaining the confidence of that gentleman ever after-
wards.
Soon after the above incidents, Mr. Walker, in 1848,
commenced business in the village of Corning, with the
firm-name of Cumpston & Walker, establishing the largest
hardware business in the Chemung Valley, and placed it
upon an enduring basis. In addition to this he engaged
extensively in the lumber trade, which he carried on with
characteristic industry.
His business enterprises have been among the most intri-
cate, as well as of the most varied character. Canals, rail-
roads, and public buildings also engaged his attention, and
the many contracts he has taken have always been per-
formed to the fullest satisfaction of the authorities ; nor has
he in a single instance ever failed to complete his work, — a
distinction enjoyed by but few public contractors. His
business operations have given employment to a large num-
ber of men. In the fire of 1850, with nearly all of the
business buildings of Corning, his was destroyed, and
during the same year he built the store that he occupies at
the present time. In 1851 he took in a partner, Horace
Turner, who purchased Mr. Cumpston's interest. The new
firm continued until 1857, when Mr. Walker became the
sole owner of the business, which he carried on until 18G2,
and associated with him in business Austin Lathrop, Jr.,
who is now a member of the firm.
In the spring of 1856 he was appointed by President
Pierce postmaster of Corning — he was entirely ignorant of
the fact that a change was meditated until he received the
appointment — and re-appointed by President Buchanan, in
May, 1860. He was a delegate to the National Democratic
Convention of the latter year, and warmly supported Ste-
phen A. Douglas for the Presidency. During the interim
betweeu the adjournment at Charleston ^nd the reassem-
bling at Baltimore, an agent of the administration told Mr.
Walker " he saw the President yesterday ; that the Presi-
dent was not at all satisfied with his course at Charleston ;
274
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
that unless lie acted differently at Baltimore, he knew the
consequences.'
Mr. Walker responded that he " satisfied his constitu-
ents, if not the President, and to them alone held himself
responsible."
He went to Baltimore and stood by his friends and by the
Democratic organization. He was almost immediately re-
moved.
The Democratic party of the then Twenty-seventh Con-
gressional District (Steuben and Livingston Counties) nomi-
nated him their candidate for Congress in that campaign.
The district being overwhelmingly Republican, there was
no chance for his election ; yet he ran far ahead of his ticket,
notwithstanding the opposition of the administration, who
sought to punish him for his course at Charleston and
Baltimore.
It is a significant fact that, although a postmaster, he was
then arrayed against the Federal oiBce-holders. He stood
boldly for the rights of the people, and denounced the arro-
gance of the administration which sought to enforce ob-
noxious measures and defeat the will of the people through
corrupt means. The following extract from an address to
his constituents, shortly after the nomination of Stephen
A. Douglas, will better explain the principles he advocated :
" There is a principle pervading the entire Union that
the people ought to be and are the depository of power, and
that they are vested with the right, subject only to the
Constitution, to determine for themselves and to provide by
legislation, without foreign interference, what they may need
or want."
He was also a delegate to the National Democratic Con-
vention of 1872, and was active in support of the principles
of the Cincinnati platform, and the nomination of Horace
Greeley, of whose talents and integrity he was an ardent
admirer.
In April, 1861, at the breaking out of the Rebellion,
Gov. Morgan appointed him assistant quartermaster-gen-
eral, with rank as colonel, and he was detailed to the ren-
dezvous at Elmira. In two weeks he provided quarters for
fifteen thousand soldiers. His energy and efiiciency in this
work called forth special commendation from the Governor
and high praise from the United States oiScers. His stay
at Charleston during the convention of the previous year
had given him an opportunity of judging of the people who
had appealed to the " arbitrament of the sword," and he
constantly urged the most vigorous prosecution of the war.
In 1861, at the meeting of the Democratic State Committee,
he was the only one who urged the policy of a Union ticket,
for he realized what the war was, and was anxious to show
the South an undivided North.
When, in 1862, the President issued his call for three
hundred thousand more. Col. Walker was appointed a mem-
ber of the War Committee by Gov Morgan, giving his time,
money, and best energies to fill the call, and it was largely
due to his efforts that Col. Van Valkenburgh and Lieut.-
Col. Diven marched into Washington with the first regiment
raised under that call. In all the stirring incidents of the
Rebellion, Col. Walker was found side by side with the
most patriotic, aiding the needy families of the soldiers, and
those who became the sole support of aged parents.
In politics, he early imbibed those principles which had
for their advocates such statesmen as Michael Hoffman, Silas
Wright, W. L. Marcy, and Horatio Seymour. His ardent
nature made him an effective worker as well as a wise coun-
sellor. For the last twenty years he has served his party as
a member of the State committee with rare fidelity and gen-
eral acceptance.
In 1858 he was chosen supervisor of Corning, against
great odds, but his numerous cares compelled him to refuse
a re-election.
In 1870, Governor Hoffman appointed him a member nf
the first commission for the Elmira Reformatory. He was
chosen chairman, and devoted much time and study in de-
veloping the policy finally adopted for that institution, and
to perfecting building plans as well as the erection of the
buildings. He continued a member of the commission
until the Legislature changed the management of the Re-
formatory to favor party friends.
He represented the Twenth-ninth Congressional District
in the Forty-fourth Congress of the United States, and at
the time of election, although his party was in the minority
of from four to five thousand, he received a majority of
some three thousand ; and in his own town, of a poll of
seventeen hundred, his majority was some nine hundred
and eighty. He served on the committee on the Post-ofiBce
and Post-roads, also that on Expenditures in the Post-ofiice
Department.
His course in Congress was maiked by a close and intel-
ligent attention to his duties ; his decisive and complete
defense of the military rendezvous at Elmira against
charges of neglect and cruelty ; and for his effective sup-
port of all measures for the welfare of the country, also
measures for the relief of the soldiers and others whom the
Federal government was in duty bound to protect. His
record in that memorable Congress reflected alike honor to
himself and credit to his district. The approval was gen-
eral, and the expression for his re-election so universal that
a public declination was deemed necessary, in which he re-
iterated his feelings of two years before, intensified by an
experience of two years, " that he much preferred the
pleasures of home and its associations to any honors which
a possible election might bring him."
His whole career has been marked by his strong sym-
pathy with the agricultural and mechanical interests.
Farmers, manufiicturers, lumbermen, mechanics, and labor-
ing men, by the hundreds, can testify to the timely aid
given in the past.
In the year 1854, March 2, he married Maria D.,
daughter of Edward S. and Maria Townsend, of Palmyra,
N. Y. Her father was a native of Palmyra, and her
grandfather. Rev. Jesse Townsend, was a Presbyterian
minister, and among the early settlers of that place.
Their children are Alvah (deceased), Mrs. James A.
Drake, of Corning, Charles E., Hattie E., and Edwin S.
Col. Walker, with his family, spends much of his time
during the summer months at his beautiful farm residence
at Palmyra, to which he intends to retire when he with-
draws from active business.
At present the firm of Walker & Lathrop is extensively
enKaged in the lumber, manufacturing, and hardware busi-
TOWN OF CORNING.
275
ness, and other enterprises which are d.'veloping the
resources of Southern New York. In these pursuits Col.
Walicer has achieved honor and fortune, has earned the
respect of a legion of friends, and sot an example before
the young men of this generation worthy to be emulated.
HON. GEORGE B. BRADLEY
was born in the town of Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb.
5, 182.5. His grandfather, David, and his fiither, Orlo F.
Bradley, were both natives of Richfield Co., Conn. David
Bradley removed to Chenango County during its early settle-
ment, was a farmer by occupation, and died at about eighty-
four years of age. His father died in Corning in 1845.
Mr. Bradley spent his time until he was sixteen on the
farm, and at the common schools, and was subsequently a
student at the Ithaca Academy. In 1815 he became a stu-
dent of law, with Judge Monell, of Greene, N. Y., with
whom he remained only a short time, and was afterwards a
student with James Crombie, of Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y.,
and was admitted to the bar in May, 1848. In June of
the same year he settled in Addison, Steuben Co., in the
practice of his profession, where he remained the balance of
the year ; and after practicing for some four years in Wood-
hull, in the year 1852, settled in Corning, where he has
since resided, in the practice of the law.
He has been a member of the law-firms of " Bradley &
Brown" and " Bradley & Kendall,'' and is still a member
of the latter firm.
Mr. Bradley is a Democrat in politics, and holds an in-
fluential position in that party. In the fall of 1873 he was
elected to the Senate of the State from the Twenty-seventh
Senatorial District, and served efficiently in that body during
the term of 1874-75. In the fall of 1875 he was re-elected,
and discharged the duties of senator during the following
term (1876-77). Under the administration of Governor
John T. Hofi'man he was appointed a member of the consti-
tutional commission of the State of 1872-73, and in the fall
of 1878 was a candidate of the Democratic party forjudge
of the Court of Appeals.
Mr. Bradley married, in 1850, Hannah E., daughter of
John Lattimer, of WoodhuU.
FRANKLIN N. DRAKE
was born in the town of Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., Dec.
1, 1817. His father, Elijah Drake, was a native of New
Windsor, Conn. ; was married to Polly Tambling, a native
of Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass. ; was a farmer by occupation,
and died in 1829, at the age of fifty-si.^, in the town of Mil-
ton. His wife was subsequently married to Christopher
Cadman, and removed to Le Roy, Genesee Co., N. Y.,
where the smaller children, at the time of their father's
death, were reared.
Of eleven children, Mr. Franklin N. Drake was the
ninth child. At the age of fifteen he began a clerkship
in a drug-store at Le Roy, where he remained for three
years, followed by one year spent in the West, and one
year as clerk in the drug business in New York City. In
the year 1840 he returned to Le Roy, and opened busi-
ness for himself in the hardware and grocery trade, which
he continued for some fourteen years. In the spring of
1854 he purchased timber-lands in Cohooton, Steuben Co.,
and began manufacturing lumber on quite an extensive
scale, running some six mills, and shipping his lumber to
various markets North,
In the year 186G Mr. Drake sold his lumber in-
terest in Cohocton, having previously, with seven others,
purchased a tract of coal and lumber land near Blossburg,
Pa., built a railroad connecting their lands with the Tioga
Railroad, and developed their lands for coal and lumber
purposes, under the name of " Bloss Coal-Mining and
Railroad Company," of which he was general superintendent.
In 18(J7, Mr. Drake removed to Corning, and the .same
year the company bought the Tioga Railroad, and he was
elected president of the same. In 1871 the Bloss Coal-
Mining and Railroad Company sold their mine and roads
to the Blossburg Coal Company, of which company Mr.
Drake was elected president, and still holds the office, as
also the presidency of the Tioga Railroad Co., with office
located at Corning. The company, in 1876, extended their
railroad to the city of Elmira. In 1870-71 he was a
director of the Erie Railway. Mr. Drake has never been
solicitous of any political preferment, but rather preferred a
strictly business life, never accepting any office except
that at one time he was supervisor of the town of Cohoc-
ton, and served as auditor one term at Corning. In the
year 1840 he married Abigail, daughter of Giles Man-
waring, of Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y., but a native of
Lynn, Conn. She was born in 1819. Their children were
three sons and three daughters, of whom only two sons
reached manhood. Henry lived to the age of twenty-six,
and died in 1873, leaving a wife and two children.
James A. Drake, the only surviving son and youngest,
married Isabella, oldest daughter of Hon. C. C. B. Walker,
of Corning, and is in bu.siness with his father.
ELLSWORTH DAGGETT MILLS.
Ellsworth Daggett Mills, second son of Charles Lewis
Mills and Maria Ann Kellogg, was born at Fairfield, Conn.,
May 8, 1836. The Mills family is of English origin. The
first American progenitor was Peter Walter Mills, who, upon
leaving England, went first to Leyden, Holland, where he
was called Vondermeulen. He came to America between
1636 and 1640, and settled at Windsor, Hartford Co.,
Conn. Soon after his name was changed back to Mills by
an act of the Colonial Legislature of Connecticut.
His son, named Peter, had twelve children. Three of
his sons were graduates of Yale College, and became minis-
ters of the gospel. The eldest, Jedediah, was for fifty years
pastor of the first church in Huntington, Conn. His wife
was a granddaughter of Robert Treat, who was Governor
of Connecticut for several years. His son, Elisha, lived
in Huntington, and represented that town in the General
Assembly of the State for thirty consecutive years.
Charles L. Mills removed from Fairfield, Conn., to Steu-
ben County in the year 1835, and settled at Centreville, in
276
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
the then town of Painted Post, where he engaged in mer-
cantile business. He brought his family from Fairfield in
1836. He removed to Corning in 1841, where he con-
tinued to reside until his death, in 184.5. He first engaged
in the mercantile business, in Corning, in connection with
Charles E. Osborne, and afterwards in the foundry busine.ss,
to which B. W. Payne & Co. succeeded at his death, and
which has been carried on so successfully since by B. ^V.
Payne & Co., Payne & Olcotts, Payne & Pritchard, and B.
W. Payne & Sons.
The Kellogg family is of Scotch origin, the first settler
in America having been Stephen Kellogg, who settled at
Westfield, Mass., about the year 1700. Maria was a daugh-
ter of Alexander Cyrus Kellogg, who was a grandson of
Stephen before mentioned, and was a successful merchant
and prominent citizen of Troy, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch began his residence in Steu-
ben County at the early age of six weeks, in the summer of
18o6, at Centreville, moving to Corning in 1841, where,
with the exception of about seven years, he has always
lived. His education was received in the public schools in
Corning and the academy at Fairfield, Conn. He studied
law with Hon. Geo. T. Spencer and Charles H. Thomson,
then practicing law at Corning, under the firm name of
Spencer & Thomson; was admitted to practice in 1857;
went to New York City to reside in 1858, and remained
until 1865, when he returned to Corning and formed a law
partnership with Charles H. Thomson. Has since been
a member of the law-firms of Thomson & Mills, Spencer,
Thomson & Mills, and Spencer & Mills.
He was elected district attorney in 1874, and re-elected
in 1877 ; was also elected member of the board of educa-
tion of the village of Corning in 1874, and re-elected in
1877.
In politics he was originally a Democrat. He became a
war Democrat at the breaking out of the war, and soon after
became identified with the Republican party, and has acted
with that organization, substantially, ever since, and was at
one time chairman of the Republican county committee.
He was married in 1862 to Eliza A. Wellington, a daugh-
ter of Samuel B. and Amelia Wellington, who died in 1869 ;
has two sons living, Charles L. and George A.
He has one brother living. Dr. Augustus T. Mills, now
practicing his profession at Corning, and three sisters, Mrs.
Anna K. Curtis, of Ithaca, N. Y., Catharine L. Mills, and
Mrs. Margaret A. Green, both residents of Corning.
Mr. Mills has a good reputation as a lawyer, and is highly
esteemed for his social and moral qualities.
AUSTIN LATHROP, Jr.
The paternal ancestor of the subject of this sketch. Rev.
John Lathrop, was a native of Barnstable, England, and
settled in America, at Scituate, Mass., Sept. 28, 1634. He
died at Norwich, Conn., Nov. 8, 1653. The great-grand-
father of Austin Lathrop (sometimes spelled " Lattrop" by
many) was named Jedediah. He was a native of Stoning-
ton, Conn. He had seven sons, of whom Israel, the grand-
father of Austin, was the youngest, and was born in Bozra,
Conn., in October, 1770, and settled in Otsego Co., N. Y.,
in 1801. He was married to Miss Martha, daughter of
John White, of Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y.
John White was a brother of Dr. Joseph White, of
Cherry Valley, known far and near as a physician and sur-
geon of great .skill. As the result of the above union, four
children — two sons and two daughters — were born, of whom
Austin Lathrop, Sr., was the eldest, and was born in Otsego
Co., N. Y.. Aug. 19, 1805. His brother Delos was two
years younger, and graduated at Union College with honors,
became a lawyer in 1832, and settled in Bufiklo, and died
in the city of Albany, in 1835.
Austin Lathrop removed to Chenango County, and from
thence to Lawrenceville, Pa., in 1830. He married Miss
Amy, only daughter of Daniel Walker, of Lawrenceville,
Pa., Nov. 5, 1832. Of this union, seven children — four
sons and three daughters — were bora, viz., Margaret, Martha,
Austin, Delos, Daniel, William, and Mary. Mrs. Lathrop
died March 19, 1850.
In 1836, Mr. Lathrop removed to Covington, Tioga Co.,
Pa., but at the present time (January, 1879) he is a resi-
dent of Academy Corners, Tioga Co., Pa.
He has spent the most of his life as a farmer and lumber-
man, in Lawrence township, Tioga Co., and is now retired
from business, at the age of seventy-four years.
Austin Lathrop, Jr., son of Austin and Amy Lathrop,
was born in Covington, Tioga Co., Pa., April 9, 1839.
At the age of sixteen he left the paternal roof, and went
into the busy world for himself For two years he was
lumber inspector for Ballard & Sampson, of Williamsport,
Pa. ; for one year a clerk in a general merchandise store, at
Lawrenceville, for Mr. Ballard ; and March 30, 1859, came
to Corning, and engaged as a clerk for Hon. C. C. B.
Walker, in a general hardware store. June 13, 1862, Mr.
Lathrop was admitted as partner, with firm-name of Walker
& Lathrop, since which time, Mes.sr8. Walker & Lathrop,
in connection with hardware, carry on an extensive busi-
ness as manufacturers and dealers in lumber.
Mr. Lathrop is a member of the Democratic party, and
in matters of local interest has always been connected with
such enterprises as tend to the growth and prosperity of the
town and village of Corning.
He was treasurer of the village for one year ; for two
years following, its president ; and supervisor of the town
of Corning for nine years, ending February, 1878, during
which time he was elected four times as chairman of the
Board of Supervisors of the county.
Mr. Lathrop was connected with the fire department of
the village for many years, and for some two years as chief
engineer.
QUINCY W. WELLINGTON
was born in Moriah, Essex Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1832. He
was second son in a family of seven children of Samuel B.
and Amelia (Greene) Wellington, — the former a native of
Alsted, Vt., born Sept. 7, 1805, the latter born at Saratoga,
N. Y., June 29, 1813. Of the children, all are living
except two.
Mr. Wellington removed with his parents to Tioga in
the year 1845, and in the year 1849 entered the store of
U(JJ//u^^J^f^C
Henry Goff was born in the town of Howard, Jan. 8,
1816. His father, William Goff, was a native of Bennington,
Vt., burn in 1781 ; went to Otsego County while a young man,
and married Harriet Hamilton, of the town of Butternuts,
and began farming.
Of this union were born in that county. Job; Mrs. Ziniri
Burnham (deceased); Mrs. Nathan Goff (deceased) ; Jehial
I}, (ileceased); Potter D. H., a practicing physician of Wis-
consin.
The family settled in the town of Howard, this county,
about 1810, when Mr. Goff first purchased some two hundred
acres of land on Goff's Creek, making additions thereto sub-
sequently of several hundred acres. On his land was a saw-
mill, and on which he built a grist-mill, the first built in that
section of the county, and erected a wool-carding and cloth-
dressing mill; and in 1833 he built the brick house now stand-
ing in tlmt ]>art of the town, making the brick by hand. He
lived where he first settled until he had erected the third grist-
mill on different sites on the 'same farm. He also built a
distillery which he carried on for some twelve years, and was
engaged in stone-cutting.
At one time when there was a scarcity of provisions, Mr.
Goff brought flour from Penn Yan, paj'ing twenty dollars per
barrel, and distributed it among the need}'; and during the
famine, in 1816, it is said that Mrs. Goff spent a large part of
one winter sifting bran, taking the finer part and mixing with
flour to supply the destitute; and at a time when there was no
physician near she was the ever ready physician and midwife
for the settlers; such was her generosity and kindness, that
her name will long be honored for her many wnmanlj' virtues.
He was an enterprising, thrifty business man ; his sympathy
for those around him was only limited b_v his ability to help
them, and to such families as the Goffs was the establishment
of schools, settlement of towns, and manufacturing interests
of the early days most due.
Mr. Goti' was esteemed very highly by the citizens of the
town ; was supervisor for many years, and a member of the
Democratic party. Although a man of little book knowledge,
he possessed much native ability and sound common sense, and
during the latter part of his life gave much of his time to
reading, and especially to the study of the Scriptures, in which
he was well versed, and believed in the final justification of
the whole human race.
Their children born in the town of Howard are Cameron,
Henry, Washington (died young), Warren W., Hosea B., and
Mrs. Alkali Bennett.
The father died in the town of Howard, at the age of
seventy-eight ; the mother died at the age of fifty-six, in the
year 1843.
Mr. Henry Goff spent his minorit}- on the farm and in the
mill, receiving a fair common-school education. At the age
of twenty-two he married Minerva, daughter of Reuben and
Pjlecta (Loomis) Smith, of the town of Bath. Her parents
soon after their own marriage settled in Howard, when
there were only three families in the town, and afterwards re-
moved to Bath, where they lived until they died. She was
born Fell. 5, 1813. His first liusiness for himself was in the
carding and cloth-dressing mill, which his father turned over
to him about the time of his marriage. To this he added the
manufacture of chairs, wagon hubs, etc., in which he was
successful, and got a good start in business.
In 1851 he engaged in the lumber business with Joseph I.
Burnham, rafting down the Canisteo. For three years as a
farmer, and five as a merchant, he resided in Avoca. In 1862
he opened a general merchandising store in Corning, which he
carried on for seven years, and since has given his attention
wholly to the dry-goods trade in that place, and is among the
successful and enterprising merchants of Southern New York.
Mr. Goff has always been a staunch member of the Demo-
cratic party, and has been called upon by the citizens of his
town to fill man}' places of trust and responsibility. Was
supervisor of the town of Avoca, and for six years a justice of
the peace of that town ; has been supervisor of Corning for two
years; eight years justice of the peace and one year president
of the village of Corning.
During the excitement consequent upon the draft for Corn-
ing of one hundred and forty-five men during the late Re-
bellion, Mr. Goff took an active part in raising money to
hire men and prevent the draft; i.nd for four days continuously
was chairman of the meeting of the citizens of Corning at that
time, and was a liberal contributor in supporting that suc-
cessful project.
His attention has been more particularly given to business,
preferring that to political honor or the emoluments of office.
Their children are J. Dimick, who died at the age of twenty-
three ; and Mahlon D., who is now a resident of Corning.
/i^/if^c
William Walker was born at Sawley, York-
shire, England, Oct. 11, 1827. His fatiier, Benja-
min, eldest son of Eli Walker, of Haddeufield, also
a native of Yorkshire, is now in Mannum, South
Australia. His mother, Bridget Baldwin, second
daughter of Anthony Baldwin, of Gisburn, Coates,
Yorkshire, England, a captain in the royal navy, is
deceased.
Mr. Walker came to the United States, landing
at New Orleans in 1842 ; thence up the Mississippi
and to Chicago, then a small village, where he
resided on a farm in the vicinity for several years.
He returned to Europe in 1849, spent three years
traveling through different parts of the continent,
and on his return to America, in 1852, settled in
New York City, where he remained for a few years
and carried on quite extensively woolen manufacture
in Ohio.
In May, 1856, he removed to Corning, where he
has since been a leading dealer in hats, caps, and
gentlemen's furnishing goods ; and for several years
past has done a large and successful business in fire
and life insurance.
During his residence in America he has made two
trips to Europe, one of which was made on board a
sailing vessel in fourteen days from New York to
Liverpool.
For several years since he came to Corning he has
been a vestryman of Christ Church.
He was one of the original members of the Al-
liance Hook-and-Ladder Company, of Corning, and
is now an honorary member of the same. He has
been a trustee and president of the Corning fire
department.
June 16, 1859, he married Helen Comstock Bost-
wick, niece of Col. Hiram W. Bostwick, of Corning.
She was born in Milford, Otsego Co., N. Y., June
23, 1837. Their children are Anne Leach, William
Baldwin, Helen Bostwick, Mary Louise, Fred Leach,
and Edith ; of whom Mary Louise and Fred Leach
Walker are deceased.
Mr. Walker is identified with the Republican
party, and interested in all questions aifecting local
or State legislation. He is a promoter of tlic best
interests of society, and gives his attention strictly to
a business life.
John Storms.
^iRS. John Storms
Residence OF JOHN STORMS. Corning, Steuben Co., N Y
TOWN OF CORNING.
277
T. L. Baldwin & Co. as errand boy. In 1851 he became
a clerk in the store of J. B. Steele, and remained with him
one year, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Etz,
with the firm-name of Etz & Wellington. After the death
of his father at Tioga, Pa., March 1, 1854, he withdrew
liis interest from the firm, and came to Corning, Steuben
Co., where he entered the oflBce of the New York and Erie
Railroad Company, under the management and control of
A. T. Cochran.
On the 13th day of May, 1857, he married Matilda B.,
the accomplished daughter of B. C. Wickham, of Tioga,
Pa. Her father, although now seventy-four years of age,
is at the head of tlie banking house of B. C. Wickham &
Co., and through a long life of usefulness has retained an
unsullied reputation for integrity in all his business rela-
tions, and is known for his manly qualities and business
sagacity. In the year 1859, Mr. Wellington entered the
George Washington Bank, at Corning, where he remained
until September, 18(52, when he, in company with Samuel
Russell, organized under the individual banking law of the
State of New York, with the name of Q. W. Wellington
& Co.'s Bank. After four years Mr. Russell withdrew his
interest, and Mr. Wellington has since been the sole owner
of the bank, giving his whole attention to legitimate bank-
ing, acting in concert with, and aiding the full development
of all business interests in the locality to the extent of his
means, until at the present time his bank ranks financially
with the strongest banking institutions in the county.
This sketch gives only another illustration of the result
of self-exertion by well-directed efforts, and adds another
name to the list of self-made men, who, by strict attention
to business, with a will to succeed, have won their way from
an humble position to take rank in the best leading
financial circle of the country. His children are Benjamin
Wickham, Catherine Amelia, Samuel Barney, Adelaide
Louise, Sarah Etz, Emily Clara, of whom Samuel Barney
and Emily Clara died in infancy.
JOHN STORMS
Was born Jan. 31, 1814, in the city of New York. He
is the son of John and Sarah Storms, who were natives of
New Jersey. The family settled in New York about the
year 1813, and two years after removed to Guilford, Che-
nango Co., where they resided till the year 1832, at which
time they took up their residence in Steuben County, town
of Corning (then Painted Post). Upon his arrival in
Steuben County, Mr. Storms purchased quite an extensive
tract of timber-land and a saw-mill, and engaged in the
lumber trade and in farming. He died Dec. 21, 1855.
Mrs. Storms died on the 8th day of August, following.
John Storms, Jr., was the fifth son in a family of sis
children, two of whom are now living. Mr. Storms has
followed farming for a business, and is one of the best
farmers in the town, having a place for everything and
everything in its place. He is one of the best-known
tobacco buyers in the Chemung Valley, having been em-
ployed, for many years, by heavy New York firms to make
their purchases in this section.
He has always been a Democrat, as was his father before
him.
He was married, February 12, 1837, to Miss Louisa
Camp, daughter of Sylvester and Mittie Camp, of Owego,
N. Y. She was the second daughter in a family of twelve
children, ten of whom are living. The year following his
marriage, Mr. Storms moved upon the flirm, where he now
resides, the buildings being an old log house, barn, and
wagon-shed which, if standing now, would present not a
very pleasing contrast to his present elegant buildings.
Mr. Storms takes much pride ip his fine stock, and is espe-
cially fond of a good horse.
They have two daughters, viz., Maggie, wife of Henry
W. Farr, and Rachel, wife of Rufus K. Edminster, both of
whom arc farmers, residing in the town of Big Flats, Che-
mung Co.
DANSVILLE.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
This town was formed in March, 179G, and was named
from Daniel P. Faulkner, an early and influential citizen,
familiarly known as " Captain Dan." Parts of Cohocton
and Howard were taken off in 1812, a part of Wayland in
1848, and Fremont in 1854. A portion of the town was
annexed to Sparta (Livingston County) in 1822, and a
part of Cohocton was reannexed April 26, 1834. Dans-
ville i.s the northern town upon the west border of the
county. Its surl\»ce is a rolling upland, divided into ridges
by the narrow valleys of the streams, which flow both north
and south into the two systems of waters which find their out-
let in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Chesapeake Bay.
The head-waters of the Canaseraga Creek, in this town,
flow north, and the Canisteo Eiver south. The soil is
sandj' and gravelly loam in the east and north, and gravel
underlaid by hard pan in the southwest.
SETTLEMENT.
Although the town of Dansville was formed in March,
1796, the portion containing the population at that time
was subsequently taken off, and that portion comprising the
present town was without an inhabitant previous to 1804,
at which time Isaac Sterling settled half a mile east of
Burns' Station, near the foot of the hill, on the old Ark-
port and Dansville road. Samuel Gilson settled next
north of Sterling the same season. At that time the road
ran along the foot of the east hill, avoiding a shallow lake
or mar.sh, which filled nearly the whole valley for a distance
of three miles. This body of water was covered with rank
grasses on the west, presenting the appearance of a beau-
tiful prairie, while to the westward a scraggy growth of
shrubs and swamp-ash joined the pine aud maple which
lined the road. It was at the outlet of this body of water
that the " Arkport" of the earl}' navigators was established,
and past the settlements of these early pioneers the growing
travel of Dansville lumbermen and wheat-growers found an
outlet.
In 1806, Isaac Sterling opened the first tavern in the
town, which was succeeded by others until it was said
" there was a tavern at every mile on the road, and the
woods were alive with the noisy ox-teamsters who hauled
staves to Arkport to sell for $1.50 a thousand, and drank
up the money on their way home." I Settlement had so
increased in 1811 that a school was opened, and\^ames
Jonesjlfather of Philander S. Jones, postmaster and mer-
chant of Burns since 1845, was the first teacher. . This
school was not far from Doty's Corners. In June, 1816,
James Jones was married to Miss Polly Shaw, his being
the first marriage in the town. Spencer B. Joijes, their
son, occupies the old homestead near by. The Joneses were
278
early settlers in this valley, four brothers, John, James,
Major, and Harry, coming from Penn.sylvania. In the
north part of the town, on Stony Brook, is a narrow glen,
varying in width from 50 to 90 feet, and 200 feet deep,
down which the brook leaps in a succession of falls and cas-
cades, making a descent of 150 feet in a distance of 275
yards. Half a mile above this deep, dark glen, the first
saw-mill in the town, built by Rufus Fuller, was in opera-
tion in April, 1816. I
Mr. Fuller built a grist-mill just below the saw-mill, in
1820, taking the stones from Oak Hill. This grist-mill
was carried away by high water about 1823.
A general settlement was made in 1816 in various parts
of the town. Among xhe first of these was Osgood Carle-
ton, father of Osgood W. Carleton, who came from Maine,
and settled on the State road, near Beechville, in 1815.
In 1815, Jehial Gates came from Vermont and explored
the new country. The next year he was followed by a
number of families and young men from Addison and Rut-
land Counties, among whom were Charles Oliver, Joshua
Healy, Elisha and John Robinson, Joseph Phelps, Jesse
Bridge, Jo.siah Pond, Joseph Cobb, Martin Smith, New-
man Bell, Capt. John Bobbins, "Put" Rich, Judge David
Demery, Jehial and his sons Gross and James Gates, Arad
Sheldon, Silas Brookins, Isaiah Goodeno, and Venare Cook.
These people located in and around Beachville. Judge
Demery located south of " the corners," and his wife
cooked for some of the surrounding young men, who re-
turned in the winter and brought back their young wives
the next spring.
Elisha Robinson, father of L. K. Robinson, of Dans-
ville, is still living on his first farm, at the age of eighty-
three.
Charles Oliver, whose -son is one of the leading men of
Rogersville, organized a company of militia for " Simeon
Bacon's Battalion" among his Vermont neighbors, and
was commissioned April 16, 1816.
Jerome B. Phelps, now one of the oldest and most re-
spected men of Dansville, is a son of Joseph Phelps.
A tavern was opened in this settlement in 1816, by Jesse
Churchill, in a large double log house, near the Brayton
place, one-half mile east of Beachville, and the country
soon becoming settled, it was made for years a place of f
general resort, — men meeting there Saturdays to end the
week in a general frolic, — pitching quoits, wrestling, running
horses, and liberally patronizing " the Deacon" — as Mr.
Churchill was called — until well into the coming week.
Nathaniel and Thomas Brayton, brothers, came from
Washington Co. Philip, son of Thomas Brayton, lives on
the old homestead, near the first burying-ground.
Tisdall Haskin and Timothy Atwood, surveyor and
II
JOHN P FAULKNER.
MRS.LUCINDA FAULKNER.
JOHN P. FAULKNER.
The subject of this sketch is a lineal descendant, of
Dutch origin, from Capt. Daniel P. Faulkner, who was
one of the very earliest pioneers of Dansville, Livingston
Co., N. Y., and the one after whom the present town of
Dansville in Steuben County was named. He was
familiarly known as Captain Dan. He died when but
thirty-eight years of age.
John Faulkner was the sou of Capt. Daniel P., and
was born at Milton, Pa., July, 1787 ; married Hannah
T. Periue, daughter of Capt. Wm. Perine, of Dansville,
N. Y. She was born September, 1787. Of this alliance
six children were born, all of whom, save one son — John
P., — are dead.
Mr. Faulkner settled in Dansville in 1819, and con-
tinued to reside there until hLs death, in March, 1863.
His wife died in August, 1865.
John P., only surviving child of John and Hannah
Faulkner, was born in Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y.,
Sept. 18, 1811. He was reared a farmer, which honor-
able business he still continues to follow. When a young
man he worked out by the month on the farm, and did
not despise the day of small things. When but eight
years of age he came into Dansville, Steuben Co., N. Y.,
which has since been liLs home.
He married Luciuda Lemons, daughter of Maj. W. S.
Lemons, of Dansville,. N. Y., Nov. 28, 1833. She was
born Dec. 3, 1811.
As the result of the above alliance six children have
been born, viz. : Ann, Dorr, Phedova, Agnes, Kate,
and John L., all of whom were born in Dansville,
Steuben Co., N.Y.
Dorr was a brave soldier in the war of the Rebellion ;
was a member of Company B, 136th Regiment New
York Volunteers, mustered in Sept. 25, 1862. He was
with his regiment in many battles, and lost the use of his
left arm, July 3, 1863, in the battle of Gettysburg, and
was honorably discharged in December, 1863.
At the present time he is engaged as postal clerk on
the Erie Railroad, where he has been for several years.
The other son — John L. — is at home with his father
on the farm. Mr. Faulkner is one of the representative
farmers of Dansville, and owns a large farm near
Rogersville.
He is a staunch Republican in politics, and has been
honored with some of the offices of his town. His wife
was and he is a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Rogersville.
He bought his present farm in 1861. As a citizen he
is well spoken of by his neighbors. His wife died
March 14, 1876.
TOWN OF DANSVILLE.
279
school-teacher, settled on the Beachville fiuni, occupied by
John P. Faulkner. Jared Root and his son, John Root,
settled near.
William S. Lenien, from Harrisburg, Pa., settled in the
deep, narrow valley of Canaseraga Creek in the north, on
the first land surveyed in that portion of the town. His
son, James P. Lemen, who occupies the old homestead, was
born March 1, 1816. Mr. Lemen was the first white child
born in the town of Dansville.
In the north part of the town, to the east of Stony Brook,
was originally a high sandy plain, covered with a light growth
of oak and yellow pine, which had been annually burned
over by the Indians to make a hunting-ground. When
the first settlers came there were about 1000 acres of this
so open it could be seen through, and nearly level, some of
the surrounding hills being also quite bare. These lands
had to be plowed for the first crop, and were soon aban-
doned by the first settlers as unfit for cultivation. This
land is still known as Sandy Hill.
In ISIU, Chauncey Day, father of Chauncey Day, — for
years proprietor of the only hotel in Kogersville, — a native
of Massachusetts, made (ho first settlement in that part of
the town.
Of the first two settlers in the town who came in 1804,
Isaac Sterling was elected fence-viewer in 1805, whose
award was twenty-five cents a day for actual services, and
Samuel Gilson, overseer of highways, in March, 180G,
before there were any other inhabitants in its present
limits.
The following interesting document was filed in the
clerk's office of the town of Dansville, in 1811 :
HANUMISSIOX FROJI .SLAVEnV.
•' Knmv all men by these presents, that I, Nathaniel Rochester, of
the town of Dansville, in the county of Steuben, and State of Neiv
York, have, and by these presents do, manumit, and make free from
slavery, my negro slave named Benjamin, about sixteen years old,
and my negro slave named Casandra, about fourteen years old. In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty-ninth day of .January, 1811.
(Copy.) "N. RocHE.sTER." [seal,]
This was certified before John Metcalf, justice of the
peace.
The record of a sale on file in the same oflice, in 1814,
shows this property not to have been very valuable. Ann
Faulkner, of the town of Bath, sold " all right, title, and
interest in a little negro girl named Julia, born of her
slave, Ann," in September, ISOS, to James Faulkner, for
twenty dollars.
In 1819, John Faulkner, a soldier of 1812, and a son of
Capt. Daniel P. Faulkner, and William Perine, father of
II. W. Perine, of Bath, moved into the maple-land.s, a mile
south of the sand-lands. Of Mr. Faulkner's family of
eight children, the only one yet living is John P. Faulkner,
son of John Faulkner, and grandson of Daniel P. Faulk-
ner, after whom the town was named, a leading citizen of
the town, and principal occupant of the little hamlet of
Beachville. Ilufus Stone was an early settler on Sandv
Hill.
In those early days, it was impossible to got work by the
day, except around " old" Dansville. All work among the
settlers was done by " bees," from house-raising to harvesting.
The first barrel of salt brought into the north settlement
was paid for with fourteen bushels of oats, and the first
crop of wheat on the sand-hills was pulled up by the roots,
as being too short to reap, and the heads cut ofl' over a
•stump with a broad-axe ! The name of " The Lamp-Blacks"
still clings to a portion of the old road through this part of
the town where, in 1824, stood a round kiln of upright
poles, daubed with mud on the outside, with a small open-
ing through which the operator crawled to pile his ftit-pine
faggots for burning, or to scrape the lamp-black from the
sides after they were burned. Lime was burned at Rogers-
ville, and potash made everywhere. Charcoal was burned
at $4 a hundred weight, for the use of the blacksmiths, while
" three shillings" (37 -j cents) a day was paid for chopping
the wood. If pork enough was raised to last until sugar
came, in the spring, the people were happy. Among the
early recreations pursued by the boys might be mentioned
killing rattlesnakes on the " Old Brail farm," hunting wild-
cats, to see them fight the dogs, or " cooning." Raccoons
were plenty, and not every family of boys could boast even
a flint-lock relic of the old war, yet, with axe, and dogs,
and pine torch, the dangerous sport was eagerly pursued by
boys who are the gray-haired grandfathers of to-day. The
last bear was killed by " Uncle Charley'^Tripp between
Rogersville and Loon Lake, in 1846, while quietly feasting
upon corn in a farmer's garden.
The original settlers in Sandy Hill and its vicinity have
given place to an industrious German population, from
Prussia, on the Rhine, who have made of it the most valu-
able portion of the town. Among their leading men are
Alexander Leib, John Hayt, Alexander Green, Jacob
Kurtz, and Jacob Kurtz, Jr.
The patriarch of Sandy Hill was John Brail, a spare,
gonial old man, his form bent with age, and his bald head
fringed with snowy looks which fell upon his shoulders.
Everybody knew him as " Grandpap Brail," and every one
liked him.
John Brail, who was born Jan. 28, 1771, migrated to the
flats below the village of Dansville, and in 1817 bought the
Brail farm, now owned by William Hall, and built a log
house, into which he moved with his family of seven chil-
dren, the same fall. His fireplace, occupying an entire end
of the house, was an inclosure of huge stones, resting upon
the ground. The chimney, commencing at the garret floor,
consisted of sticks, thoroughly plastered with mud, and ex-
tending just above the roof Great logs, which were shoved
in on rollers by the united efforts of the family, kept the
fire for six or eight days. Pitch-pine faggots furnished the
only light for years. Ilis first clearing was made and sowed
to rye in the fall of 1817. The next year grain was scarce,
and as soon as this rye would do, a part of it was cut and
shelled by hand. They put it in an old-f:ishioned Dutch
oven and dried it for two days; then took it to Opp's mill
to be ground. It being only half ripe and sticky, the mill-
stone clogged and stopped. The accommodating miller took
up the stone and gathered the grist, telling him he could
boil it like rice, and eat it with milk.
Cows were scarce and expensive, but money would buy
a cow when it would not buy bread. He gave Jonathan
280
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Barnhart $40 for a new milch cow, and drove her home.
Boiled rye and milk was the staple article of food for the
winter of 1818-19. The next crop was wheat, raised on
a field opposite the old buryinn;-ground. The soil was too
poor to make straw, but good grain was produced in short
scattering heads near the ground. This was pulled and
threshed on a bed-quilt. His income while farming was
produced from the burning of charcoal, in which he was an
expert.
The necessity of a school becoming apparent, in Decem-
ber, 1818, he notified the .scattered settlers to attend a
meeting which was held Dec. 25, 1818, at the house of
Rufus Stone, in school district No. 8, pursuant to a notice
given by John Brail, by order of Elisha W. Brockway,
commissioner of common schools. William S. Lemen was
chosen moderator ; Rufus Stone, clerk for the district ;
Rufus Stone, Chauncey Day, and William S. Lemen, trus-
tees ; David Stone, district collector. The following reso-
lutions were adopted :
*' lieBoived, That the forks or corners of the highway at or near the
house of John Brail be the site for the school-house.
" Renolved, That those persons that do not deliver their part of the
lumber by the 8th day of January ne.\t at the site of the school-
house that their portion of the lumber shall be assigned over to some
other person by the trustees, and that the money be collected of said
delinquents and paid over to the said assignee or assignees.
" Renohed, That the said school-house be built of plank, twenty-
one feet long and eighteen feet wide.
" ReHoletdy That the trustees raise by tax $73, to be njipropriatcd
to building said school-house in the aforesaid district.
" lieaolved, That each person liable to pay taxes in said district
pay one day's work towards building said school-house when called
upon by any one or more of the trustees, and that the said ijay's labor
be gratis.
" Resolved, That the amount of lumber persons deliver at the site
of the school-house as aforesaid shall apply towards his part of the
before-mentioned tax.
^^ ReHoU-ed, That this meeting be adjourned to the 9th day of Jan-
uary next, to bo holden at the same place.
" [Signed,] W. S. Lemen, Modenitm:
" Rufus Stone, Clerk."
This meeting marked an epoch in the history of Sandy
Hill. Some of the resolutions seem to be arbitrary, but in
those early days everything had to succumb to the necessity
of the case. On the 16th day of January, 1819, twenty-
two days after the first meeting of this district, the meeting
convened at the same place according to adjournment, and
the first resolution passed was in these words :
*' Resfdvcd, That the school-house be finished so far that there can
be a school kept therein within s^'en days, aud that the school com-
mence on the 2oth inst."
The lumber used was only valued at $3.50 per thousand
feet.
A month from the date of the first meeting, Elisha W.
Brockway was teaching the first three months' school, for
$13 50 per month. An assessment of half a cord of good
wood was made for each scholar. The walls were notched
and laid up like logs, and the fireplace, like that of Grand-
pap Brail, was liberal in its proportions. The windows
shoved sideways ; the door, at one corner of the building,
swung upon wooden hinges, and the desks were wide
boards placed in a standing position against the walls.
Weeks and months of labor were expended in cutting,
notching, and gouging these desks full of images and
strange devices. The seats were heavy slabs, with legs
driven into auger holes. A water-pail, dipper, hickory-
splint broom ; a high, straight-backed, splint-bottomed
chair for the teacher, and a long, blackened, wooden poker
for the fire, comprised the necessary furniture. In 1819,
Mr. Brockway was again hired, to be paid partly in wheat
at " the April price," which was about $1 per bu.shel. In
1824 wheat was hauled to Rochester and sold for forty
cents per bushel. In 1825 the old fireplace gave way for
a stove, which was paid for by the first tax collected by
warrant. The old school-house was remodeled in 1836,
after the cholera, and in 1845 abandoned for a new one.
During its existence this school-house was the educational,
social, and religious centre for a large scope of country.
In the old burying-ground, a few rods west of where the
school-house stood, where rest the remains of many of
the pioneers, an inscription reads : " John Brail. Died
Dec. 2, ISGO, in the 90th year of his age." Inscribed
upon many of the stones are the terrible words, " Died
of cholera."
In 1834 the tide of German emigration turned towards
Sandy Hill and the north of Steuben County. In August
the families of Mr. Bolinger, Rider, Kersh, and Schu
came by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, one of their
number dying on the way of cholera. The families, num-
bering 18 persons, moved into the old Brail house, and
soon after ]Mrs. Brail was taken sick. The next day, August
24, she died. The doctors reluctantly admitted that the
disease was contagious. The funeral, for which large prep-
arations had been made, was abandoned. On Sunday
morning one of the daughters died ; three of the emigrants
were dead or dying. Samuel Lemen led a band of volun-
teer nurses, composed of Zera Blake, Samuel G. Dorr, Mr.
Driesbach, Rufus Stone, Joseph Acomb, Andrew Brail,
John Brail, Jr., and others, doing all that men could do to
arrest the spread of the disease. None of these ever fully
recovered from the effects of their terrible watching. Mr.
Blake was made an invalid for life. The rough cofiins
were made in the old school-house. Mr. Blake took a load
of boards back into the woods, half a mile distant, and
constructed two temporary buildings, aud the two remaining
sick, Mr. Bolinger and Mr. Rider, were carried thence on
stretchers. Before arriving at the foot of the hill, Mr.
Bolinger died ; a day or two later, one of Mr. Rider's
daughters died. A strict guard surrounded the contagion,
and no intercourse was permitted with the outside world.
Mr. Schu was the only one who recovered. Brandy aud
loaf-sugar were largely used as preventives. On the 4th of
September, Simeon Decker died. Five days later his father,
Samuel Decker, came down the old Indian Trail, on horse-
back, to get lumber for his wife's coffin. Going home from
the burial, he, too, was attacked, and died before morning.
September 15, Mr. Acomb, one of the nurses, died. Andrew
and John Brail, Jr., John P. Faulkner, Mr. Driesbach,
and Samuel Lemen buried him in the field near the house.
All night long the sentinel watched at the barn where his
young wife and four children had taken refuge, passing the
preconcerted signal, " All is well ! " that it might be
OEA.JARVJS CASE.
/^1RS.L0R£TTA CASE.
JARVIS P. CASE,
son of Philetus and Lucinda Case, was born in North Canton, Hartford Co.,
Conn., June 9, 1805. His father was a native of Simsbury, Conn.; be was
the son of Amasa Case, Jr., who was the son of Amaaa Case, Sr., who was
a native of Scotland. It is related that three brothers came from Scotland
and settled in New England. One of these was named Amasa, from where
Jarvis P. came. The parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents of
Jarvis P. lived and died in Connecticut. Philetus was a farmer by occu-
pation. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. They
reared a family of nine children, of whom Jarvis P. was the eldest. He
was a respected citizen. Jarvis P. remained at home on his father's farm
until he was twenty-four years of age, when he left home and was engaged
for a few years as agent for the sale of clocks. In 1829 he settled in Dans-
ville, Livingston Co., N. Y., where he met his wife, Mrs. Alpbeus Stout,
formerly Loretta Wyatt, June 1, 1836. She was born April .3, 1804, in
Seneca Co., N. Y., and settled in Dansville in 1808 or 1809, with her parents.
Of this union three children were born, viz. : Lucinda C. and Henry P.,
died while very young; antl Henry Seymour, was born Jan. 16, 1844, and
died April 18, 1857, and was buried in the cemetery at Burns.
Mr. Case was living at Dansville while engaged in the sale of clocks ; he,
however, sold his interest, and in 18;J2 or 1 833 bought a farm of one hundred
acres, on Oak Hill, town of Dansville. He has owned some four different
farrar: within sight of where they now reside. Mr. Case has been successful
in his business relations, but he will be known by future generations, and re-
membered by his neighbors, not by the number of acres he has owned, but
by the influence of un upright Christian life. He became a worthy member
of the Presbyterian Church in 1840. He has been one of the most promi-
nent and useful men in the town. For more than twenty-five years he
has been deacon of the church, and clerk and trustee for a great many
years.
For the past few years he and his wife have been members of the Pres-
byterian Church at Arkport. Deacon Case has been very liberal in sup-
porting the church. Among many other things he gave a bell to the
church at Arkport, which will continue to call the people together for wor-
ship long after he is gone.
Deacon Case settled on his present place about 1867 or 1S6S, where he
continues to reside. In politics he was formerly a Jackson Democrat, but
of late years he has not taken an active part in politics. He has been an
assessor of the town for some ten years.
Mrs. Case joined the church at the same time as Mr. Case. Mr. and Mrs.
Case are staunch temperance people. He has never used any ardent spirits
of any kind, neither has he used tobacco in any form. The history of
Deacon Case is one that might well inspire one to holy living. He is
now very infirm, and ere this brief sketch shall be read in the history of
the county, he will probably have passed away.
We append the following as his last written testimony for the cause of
Christ :
" After an experience of the religion of Jesus Christ for almost forty
years, I find that its excellency, beauty, and power are not in the least
diminished ; I find, to the joy and delight of my inmost soul, that every-
thing that I have said or done for our dear Redeemer or his cause, although
said or done in weakness (great weakness), now comes back to me in an
hundredfold, not in dollars and cents, but in his infinite fullness, as Christ
promised his disciples in Matthew x'lx. 29.
'• In a life devoted to Christ and his glorious cause there is nothing good
that can be really lost, but everything that is really good is saved.
"The nearer I approach the Sun of Righteousness the clearer are my
religious views, the brighter is my path, the more lively my hope, the more
animating my prospect, the stronger my faith, and my peace is broad and
deep as the river with overflowing banks. Wod be praised forever for
bringing me down to my present low physical estate of body so gently and
gradually. He having given me the full and uninterrupted use and exer-
cise of my reason and judgment during all of my illness and suffering.
" I think that God's purposes respecting me in this life are now pretty
much answered, unless it is his holy and righteous will that I suffer more
here.
" I think it must constitute & grand and important element of the happi-
ness of Heaven to the saints there who have lived on this earth to know
and to feel that by Divine Grace such was the course and conduct of
their lives in this sinful and wicked world that the Lord Jesus Christ could
own them as his true followers, and call them by the endearing names of
'the children of a king,' and 'the sons and daughters of the Lord Al
mighty,' and prepare for them auob mansions of glory and bappiueds."
.-^
y
■^^Q
|vl0RGAN H. C-ARNEY.
|vIrs .^loRGAN |^. Carney.
JOHN CARNEY.
John Carney was a native of Strabane, Ireland ; settled in
Pennsylvania, near Easton, some time after the Revolution ;
married Mary Heater, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom the
following children were born, viz. : Betsey, William, John,
Joseph, James, George, and Jane. Betsey and William were
bom in Pennsylvania ; John, at Hornellsville, Steuben Co. ; and
all the remainder in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y.
John Carney, Sr., was a farmer by occupation. He was one
of the very earliest settlers in Steuben County ; settled at Hor-
nellsville about 1796 or 1797 ; remained a short time, when he
removed to Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., where he continued
to reside until his death. John, Jr., was born at Hornellsville,
Dec. 22, 1798 ; removed to Livingston County about 1800.
He was reared a farmer, which honorable vocation he continued
to follow through life. He married Anna Decker, in 1822.
She was born in Pennsylvania in 1800. Her parents were
natives of Pennsylvania also. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs.
John Carney eleven children were born, viz. : Morgan H.,
John, George, Alonzo, William, Joseph, Hiram H., Charles and
Martha (twins), Lyman, and Homer. Mr. Carney settled in
Dansville the year he was married, on the farm now owned by
Washington Fritz ; remained a few years, when he settled upon
the farm now owned by his son, Charles R. He was one of the
large farmers of the town. He reared his large family to in-
dustry, and each of them is a respected citizen of the com-
munity in which he or she resides. In politics, Mr. Carney
was a Democrat. He died Oct. 21, 1863. His wife died Nov.
19, 1872. They were buried in the cemetery at Doty's Comers.
Morgan H. was born April 27, 1824, in Dansville, Steuben Co.,
N. Y. He remained on his brother's farm until his majority, then
spent nearly two years in Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich., and
then returned home. He was married, June 2.3, 1848, to Miss
Sylvina, daughter of John and Melinda Carroll, of Bums, Alle-
gany Co., N. Y. She was born there April 4, 1827. Her
father was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Bums with
his father about 1806. He married Malinda Haskins, of
Almond, N. Y.
The paternal ancestor of Mrs. Morgan H. Carney was bom
in Ireland, and her maternal ancestors were from England, and
settled in New England.
As the result of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carney eight
children are born, viz. : Hily A., John W., Mary J., James B.,
Joanna R., Kate P., Morgan H., Jr., and Charles M. ; all are
living. In 1865, April 14, he purchased his present farm.
He owns some three hundred and twelve acres of good land ;
two hundred and forty-five is in the home farm. Mr. Carney
has been a life-long Democrat ; was known as a " War Demo-
crat."
Mr. Carney has held various official positions in his town.
He has been justice of the peace eight years, and supervisor for
two terms, in all of which he gave general satisfaction to his
townsmen. Mr. and Mrs. Carney are members of the Baptist
Church at Canaseraga. Mr. Carney is one of the representative
men of his town, and is a man respected by his neighbors. He
inserts this brief sketch of his parents and grandparente in
memory of them.
TOWN OF DANSVILLE.
281
known they were yet safe. The kst deatli was that of
Darius Decker, which occurred September 21, eighteen
victims liaving fallen before the terrible scourge.
On Oak Hill, the high land forming the western part of
the town, a settlement was made in 1816-17 by Moses
Hulburt, Joshua Williams, Daniel, George, and Hubbard
Griswold, William C. Rogers, Thomas Buck, George But-
ler, and Joshua Woodard.
In this settlement, two miles west of Rogersville and
commanding a view of some 3000 acres of cleared farms
directly east, was located the old log church, where elec-
tions were held alternately with the taverns at Rogersville
and Beachville, and here the first couple were joined in wed-
lock,— Cyril Buck, son of Thomas Buck, marrying Philena
Hall, June 16, 1818. The children of this couple, D. S.
Buck, Mrs. H. A. Kuder, Mrs. Edward Kridler, and their
grandson, Hon. Fred. M. Kridler, are still residents of
Dansville.
Of the Griswold family, Laduli, grandson of Daniel
Griswold, still occupies the old homestead. From the
western summit of this hill, near the Methodist J]piscopal
chnich, a triangular opening in the valley far below presents
itself to view, surrounded by high and precipitous hills.
The apex, extending four miles across the valley and pene-
trating the hills on the opposite side, is occupied by the
village of Canaseraga, in Allegany County.
Through this valley, extending beyond the range of
vision north to the old village of Dansville, and past the
village of Burns, just visible four miles to the south,
across the valley, once ran the main line of local com-
merce before railroads were known. The old marsh has
disappeared. In 1832 a ditch ten feet in width was cut
from Burns to Arkport, redeeming the greater portion of
this beautiful valley, which is now a level body of fine
cultivated farms, only a narrow strip being still occupied
by a growth of white a,sh and aquatic shrubbery. Just at
the foot of the hill, two miles from Burns, at the Healy
Mansion, in the Doty's Corners post-office, the first estab-
lished in the town. Its former name of Dewitt Valley,
given it in 1825, caused confusion in the mails, and the
present name was substituted. Joshua Healy, the pro-
prietor of this beautiful ftirm, is a son of Joshua Healy,
one of the boys who, with Elisha Robinson and Charles
Oliver, started in 1815 from the Green Mountains of Ver-
mont with one horse between them, and made themselves
homes in the then far distant West. The taverns are all
gone, and the store, kept by an unknown adventurer in
1820, has been replaced by the little hamlet of Burns; a
railroad station on the Lake Erie and Northwestern Rail-
way, which is divided by the western line of the county.
The post-office, store, hotel, and some twenty residences
are in Steuben County, while the depot is in the county of
Allegany. The post-office was established at this place
after the opening of the railroad in 1850.
Dr. Thomas M. Bowen, from Washington County, settled
east of Beachville, on the hill, a quarter of a mile distant,
in 1819, and was the postmaster of South Dansville. Eli
Carrington, Timothy, Nathaniel, and Meyer Wallace, from
Vermont, joined the settlement in 1820, and Arad Sheldon
opened a tavern, south of Mr. Bowen's, in which election
30
was held in 1825. This soon became a business centre
under the management of Aaron W., Robert, and John
M. Beach, three brothers, who bought the principal inn
and opened a store. In 183i, a hurricane swept over the
place which destroyed buildings and did much damage.
Aaron W. Beach represented his district in the Assembly,
in 18-12.
Beachville declined with the transfer of business to
Rogersville, and now consists of some 15 houses, occupied
by farmers and farm laborers, a blacksmith- and wagon-
shop, and the abandoned Baptist church. A mile over the
hill, to the northwest of Beachville, is Rogersville, sur-
rounded on three sides by sloping hill-side farms and open
to the northwest, showing the hills of North Dansville and
the second range of hills far beyond in Livingston County.
Choice groves of sugar-maple and old ajjple-orchards vary
the scene on every side.
Gently sloping down the point between Ganong and
Stony Brooks, for nearly a mile, runs the main street of
the village. Near the upper end of the street, on the left,
is the old homestead of the Stevens family, where Hum-
phrey Stevens settled in 1822. Just beyond, the crown-
like dome of the Dansville academy rises above the sur-
rounding maples which hide the village beyond. Beside
it is the little Universalist church, abandoned years ago for
more modern innovations. Passing down the broad, shady
avenue, we find the academy to be a fine three-stoi'y wooden
building, and beyond, on either side, a succession of fine,
modern residences. Just above the hotel was opened the
first store by the founder of the village, William C. Rogers,
a native of Rhode Island, who opened his store in the
dwelling-house of Prosper Booth, in 1829, afterward build-
ing across the street, where his son-in-law, Hon. D. L.
Kingsley, still continues the business.
The first settlers in the village were Jonas Bridge, Pros-
per Booth, and Daniel Handy, who, in company with John
Miller, built the flouring-mill, in 1822. The post-office was
moved from Beachville to Rogersville, and, in 1848, Mr.
Rogers moved the old store down from Beachville, and
opened therein a select school which soon after became the
academy. In 1850, a foundry was established by R. W.
& D. Dans, near the store, for the manufacture of stoves
and farming implements which continued in operation seve-
ral years. A cross-road, leading from Dansville to Hornells-
ville, 12 miles distant, passes through the centre of the
village. Just below rises the tall spire of the Methodist
Episcopal church beside the fine residence of Charles Oli-
ver, Esq., son of the Vermont pioneer. Farther down the
street the old .stone mill stands corncrwise to the street,
where the land breaks ofi" abruptly with a descent of 25
feet, the walls continuing for half a mile below as though
torn out by the action of some terrible flood. Since a
blacksmith with his family were swept away in his house
by a flood, some years ago, this lower valley has been nearly
tenantless.
Rogersville contains between fifty and sixty residences,
and is one of the neatest looking villages in the county.
Among the business houses are two stores, an unoccupied
block of stores, hotels, three blacksmith- and two wagon-
shops, and broker's office, and flouring-mill. There are also
282
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
two churches and the academy in the village. A daily
stage to and from Dansville carries the mails. The busi-
ness depends upon the immediate surrounding country for
its support. The northern part of the town is devoted
chiefly to grain raising, while dairying is more prevalent in
the south.
ORGANIZATION.
The first town-meeting of the town of Dansville, then
including the present town and village of North Dansville,
iu Livingston County, lield in the village of Dansville, at
the house of Samuel Faulkner, April 4, 1797. There were
chosen as town officers for that year, Isaac Van Deventer
and James Faulkner, Overseers of Highways; David Ful-
ler, Collector. At the next election on record, held in
1799, Daniel P. Faulkner was elected Supervisor; James
Hooker, Town Clerk; William Phoenix, Amariah Ham-
mond, James Porter, "Commissioners;" Alexander Fuller-
ton, William Porter, John Phoenix, Assessors ; Frederick
Barnhart, Constable and Collector; James Hammond, Path-
master ; William Porter, Overseer of the Poor ; Amariah
Hammond, Frederick Court, Fence-Viewers. Twenty-four
votes were cast at the general election of April 30, May
1 and 2 of the same year.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
18113.
1804.
180.i.
1806.
1807.
I80S.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1S32.
1333.
18.34.
Supervisore,
Daniel P. Faulkner.
Alex. FuIlerton(v.).
Jacob Vjindeventer.
Ain, Hammond (v.),
Samuel Faulkner.
Amariah Hammond.
CIVIL LIST.
Town Clerks.
James Hooken.
L. Hammond (v.).
Richard Porter-
Lazarus Hammond.
Richard W. Porter. John Metcalf.
« U U ti
Jared Irwin (v.).
Samuel Cuthbertson. " "
Jared Irwin. *' "
Jonathan Rowley. " "
Wm. B. Rochester.
Tbos. MoWharton.
a It
tt ti
James Faulkner.
Joshua Heal}-.
James Faulkner.
Joshua Healy.
Charles Oliver.
Nathaniel Brayton.
Aaron W. Beach.
John C. Rochester.
James Faulkner.
Matthew Porter.
Selah Barnard.
John Kershner.
Wyllys T. Clark.
Timothy Atwoood.
Wm. C. Rogers.
Prentice Barrows.
J. P. Brookins.
P. Barrows (v.).
Josiah Fisher.
William C. Rogers.
Aaron W. Beach.
Wm. C. -Rogers.
Collectors.
Frederick Barnhart.
Henry Cruger.
Nathaniel Porter.
Gwyn Wilkinson.
Richard Porter.
Thos. McLcm.
Jas. McCurdy.
Matthew Porter.
Adam Lewis.
William Ferine.
John Miller.
Thos. McWharton.
Darius Hill.
Thos. McWharton.
Nathaniel Purdy.
John Jones.
Amariah Hammond.
Alpha Stout.
Hosea Craudall.
Samuel Shannon.
Gross Gates.
William Doty.
Gross Gates.
James Gates.
Solomon Scidmore.
ft it
Josiah Pond (v.).
1835.
18.36.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1S57.
1858.
1859.
I860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Superrisors.
Aaron AV. Beach.
Joel Carrington.
tt tt .
Timothy Wallace.
tt .1
(( tt
Joshua Healy.
Charles Oliver.
Leeds Allen.
Charles Oliver.
it tt
Joel Carrington.
tt tt
Luther AYhitc.
Joel Carrington.
Wm. W. Healy.
Eli Carrington.
Wm. W. Healy.
Wui. A. Woodard.
Wm. W. Healy.
Cha.x. S. Ackley.
(( tt
Wm. W. Healy.
Dyer L, Klngsley.
Benj. F. Kershner.
Warren Wallace.
it it
Fred. M. Kreidler.
Morgan H. Carney.
(( tt
Lewellyn S. Healy.
ii tt
Charles Oliver.
Town Clerks.
Wm. C. Rogeri
Alexander Kelly.
John Witter.
J. H. Stevens.
Wm. C. Rogers.
Albert Goodeno.
Dyer L. Kingsley.
W. C. Kingsley.
Albert Goodeno.
L. H.Benjamin.
Geo. J. AVaggoner.
D. H. Oliver.
Nicholas Welter.
D. Day.
Daniel Eveland.
Wesley Fritz.
Dyer L. Kingsley.
Collectors.
Solomon Scidmore.
Josiah Fond.
Silas Cotton.
Alexander Kelly.
John Leonard.
Alexander Kelly.
Joseph Flint.
tt •>
Wm. A. Woodard.
Thos. W. Bowen.
Dyer L. Kingsley.
Thos. W. Bowen.
Dyer L. Kingsley.
Thos. W. Bowen.
Andrew W. Cook.
Daniel McCoUum.
Oscar Doolittle.
James B. Lemon.
Henry L. Jones.
Chas. R. Holliday.
ti it
Daniel S. Blank.
Andrew W. Cook.
Anthony Mindnicb.
Jacob Kurtz.
Syrens Watkins.
D. A. Babeock.
-John Hflight.
John Lander.
tt tt
Chas. R. Carney.
tt tt
John Haight.
1807,
1809,
1810,
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1817.
1818.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1832.
1833.
1,834.
JUSTirES OF THE PI
Isaac Vandeventer, I 1835.
Jonas Cleland. I 1836.
Stephen Haight.
John Metcalfe. I
Jared Irwin. 1837.
Samuel Cuthbertson. 1838.
W. B. Rochester. I 1839.
William Anient. 1840.
Selah Barnard. . 1841.
Samuel Hunt. 1842.
E. W. Brockway. 1843.
George Reynale. 1844.
Rufus Day. 1845.
Thomas M. Bowen. 1846.
John Williams. 1847.
E. W. Brockway.
Aaron W. Beach. 1848.
Martin Smith. 1849.
Charles Oliver,
Amherst Kingsbury,
Martin Smith. 1850.
Charles Oliver. 1851.
Aaron W. Beach. 1852.
Henry Sharp,
James Briggs.
Peter Doty. 1853.
Elnathan P. Foster. 1854.
Aaron W. Beach. 1855.
Thomas J. Lewis.
Jonas Bridge.
Anthony Hollister.
Charles Oliver,
James B. Cowry.
Aaron W. Beach.
Jonas Bridge.
Charles Oliver.
James B. Curry.
Timothy Wallace.
Joshua Healy.
Charles Oliver.
George G. Babeock.
Lyman Norton.
Amos Knowlton.
Aaron Bowen.
J. H. Stevens.
W. H. Clark.
H. Florey.
Robert Brail.
Nathan B. Newcomb.
Lyman Brayton.
William A. Woodard.
0. Mosher.
George G. Babeock.
John M. Roberts.
Orison Mosher.
Samuel Lemen.
■-k^M
Phileitus Allen.
Mrs./Almeda B, Allen.
PHILETUS ALLEN,
BOD of Leeds Allen and Polly Woodard, was born in
Dansville, April 7, 1825. He is the only living son of
a family of twelve children, of whom two sisters also
survive. His father was a native of Massachusetts,
and was born July 18, 1792, and settled in Dansville,
Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1815. He married Polly Wood-
ard, Dec. 30, 1819. She was born in Onondaga County,
Sept. 22, 1801. Of this union twelve children were
born. When Mr. Leeds Allen settled in Dansville
all this town was one vast wilderness, not a house nearer
than two miles, where a family by the name of Bridge
lived. Mr. Allen chopped and cleared a large farm,
made valuable improvements, reared a large family, and
was one of the most prominent men of his day. In
politics, a firm Democrat of the Jackson school. He
held various town offices. He was assessor several terms,
and supervisor two terms. He did not seek political
honors, but was a quiet, unassuming man, preferring
the surroundings of home to all official honors. He
and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Rogersville, and he was very prominent in
the society. He died April 30, 1865. His widow still
resides on the old homestead; is hale and hearty.
Philetus was feared a farmer, which honorable busi-
ness he still continues to follow. He received a common-
school education. He married Almeda, daughter of
George and Millie Burditt, of Rogersville, Dec. 23,
1847. She was bom Nov. 9, 1830.
Geo. Burditt, son of Thomas and Lois Burditt, was
a native of Vermont, and settled at Rogersville in 1818.
He married in 1817, and had five children, of whom
Mrs. Almeda Allen is one. Geo. Burditt was a farmer
by occupation ; held some town offices, and was a Demo-
crat in politics. He died Aug. 14, 1851, and his wife
died Dec. 4, 1839. As the result of the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Philetus Allen thirteen children have been
born, ten of whom are living. Their children were as
follows : Mary F. and Leeds B. (deceased), Benson T.,
Rachel E., Wm. W., Walter L., Phebe A. (deceased),
Geo. Mc, Nellie M., Homer G., James H., Clara E.,
and Leon D.
Mr. Allen is one of the representative farmers in
Dansville, and owns some one hundred and ninety-three
acres of good land. In politics he has been a life-long
Democrat. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Rogersville.
J.A.JONES.
SPENCER B.JONES.
SPENCER B. JONES.
The grandfather of the subject of this brief sketch was Ben-
jamin Jones, of Welsh extraction. He was born Dec. 16, 1741,
in Pennsylvania; married Elizabeth, his wife, about 1770, by
whom nine children were born, of whom James was one, and
he was bom Dec. 4, 1779. His wife, Elizabeth, was born Oct.
24, 1746, and died Dec. 1, 1825. Benjamin was a farmer.
He died Dec. 7, 1803. James Jones was a farmer by occupa-
tion ; married Mary Shaw, a native of Luzerne Co., Pa., Jan.
9, 1816. Mrs. Mary S. Jones was born Dec. 18, 1800. Mr.
Jones and wife had a family of eight children, viz. ; Philander
S., Palmer, Mary Ann E., Spencer B., Keziah, Catharine, ElizaT
beth, and Lewis M.
Mr. Jones was one of the early pioneers of Steuben County,
having settled in the county several years before his marriage.
He settled first at Canisteo, and followed farming, lumbering,
and was also engaged in rafting on the Canisteo River. He
soon settled at Arkport, and was employed for a time in aware-
house. Arkport wa.s the head of navigation at that time. He
settled in Dansville before his marriage, in the immediate neigh-
borhood, where he continued to reside till his death, Dec. 14,
1861. He settled on the farm now owned by his son Spencer
B. in 1825. He had a farm of some three hundred acres at
one time. He he^d some minor offices in the town. He was
the first teacher in the town, having taught a school in 181 1 .
He was a man respected by his neighbors, reared h'\n family to
industry, and each of his children is a respected citizen of the
community in which he or she resides. In politics he was a
Jeffersonian Democrat. Mrs. Jones died Dec. 26, 1855.
Spencer B. was born in Dansville, Aug. 5, 1824. He was
on his father's farm untU he was twenty-four years of age ; then
was engaged as foreman on a railroad in Ohio for one year ;
then returned to his father's farm, which has been his place
of residence ever since. He married Elizabeth C. Weldy,
daughter of William and Elizabeth Weldy, natives of Pennsyl-
vania, April 12, 1855. She was born Sept. 15, 1834, and died
Oct. 18, 1867. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Of
this union three children were born, viz., Addie J., Mattie E.,
and Carrie E.
Mr. Jones married his present wife, Miss Margaret E.,
daughter of William and Sally Ann Woolever, of Dansville,
Dec. 24, 1868. She was born April 26, 1842. They have
one daughter, Ethel M.
Mr. Jones is a Democrat in politics. He has held the office
of assessor of the town for nine yeai-s, and is holding that po-
sition now. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are worthy members of the
Baptist Church at Canaseraga, Allegany Co., N. Y. He has
a good farm in Dansville, situated on the road between Arkport
and Dansville. The old home was the first public-house, in
1806, in the town. The farm consists of about one hundred
and fifty-six acres of good land, well watered and improved.
He is a respected citizen of his town, and well worthy a place in
the liistory of his native county.,'
TOWN OF DANSVILLE.
283
1856.
Timothy Wallace.
1867.
Charles It. Holliday
1857.
Morgan H. Carney.
1868.
Henry A. Kershuer.
1858.
Lyman C. Squires.
1869.
John N. Kennedy.
1859.
John P. Faulltner.
Charles Oliver.
1860.
Thomas Cotton.
1870.
Peter Krcidler.
1861
51. II. Carney.
1871.
J. Beach.
1862.
.Joshua Healy.
1872.
A. W. Cook.
1863.
Samuel Lemen.
1873.
John P. Faulkner.
1S64.
B. F. Kcrshner.
Moses MeMaster.
C. W. Stevens.
1874.
Peter Kreidler.
1865.
John Kenueily.
1875.
Liseum Robinson.
Henry A. Kershner.
1876.
Henry A. Kershner.
Thomas Burditt.
1877.
Marion F. Watkin.s.
1866.
Joshua Healy.
1878.
Peter Kreidler.
1867.
John \. Be.ach.
THE ROGEESVILLE UNION SEMINARY.
SOUTH D.INSVILI.E, STEIIBES CO., N. Y.
In 1848, William C. Rogers moved a store building from
Beacliville to the present grounds of the Academy, and
established therein a select high school with one department.
This was a private enterprise, and was supported by tuition
fees, under the supervision of Mr. Rogers. Rev. J. Strough
was the first principal. The present fine building was com-
pleted in 1852, by subscriptions and contributions, and
Jan. 28, 1853, the Rogersville Union Seminary was char-
tered by the Regents of the State University, who appointed
William C. Rogers, Joel Carrington, Jonas Bridge, Robert
Brail, James H. Stevens, Edward Crydler, Gardner Pierce,
Robert W. Davis, Samuel G. Dorr, Michael Ouston, John
W. Rider, Robert Beach, John Kelly, Rev. F. G. Hibbard,
Isaac Lyon, M. E. Blake, and C. S. Ackley, M.D., the first
trustees of the institution. The large three-story building
is finely located in a handsome grove of maples, its grounds
comprising three acres of land. It contains a large chapel,
four recitation rooms, a library, and forty dormitories.
Faculty, 1878-79. — Lewis McHenry, Principal, Higher
English, Mathematics, and Sciences ; Mrs. E. S. McHenry,
Preceptress, Common and Higher English, Latin, and Ma-
thematics; Dr. C. S. Ackley, President; A. W. Cook, Secre-
tary.
Calendar. — Fall Term opens Wednesday, Aug. 28, closes
Nov. 27, 1878; Winter Term opens Wednesday, Dec. 11,
closes March 12, 1879 ; Spring Term opens Wednesday,
March 10 ; closes June 18, 1879.
Expenses. — Preparatory, 86 ; Provisional and Normal,
$7; Academic, $8; Incidentals, $1; Board at Hall, per
week, $2.75 ; Room rent for student, $1.75 ; Instrumental
Music, §10 ; Vocal Music, $1.50 ; Use of Instrument, $2 ;
Telegraphy, $10; Drawing, $3.
The following is the course of study recently established
by the Regents, in compliance with an act of Legislature.
Those completing this course will receive the diploma of
the Regents, which entitles them to admission into any col-
lege in this State: 1, Algebra; 2, Plane Geometry; 3,
Physiology; 4, Natural Philosophy; 5, Rhetoric; 6, Amer-
ican and General History ; 7, Chemistry. Any four of the
following group : (8, Botany ; 9, Physical Geography ; 10,
Astronomy; 11, Mental Philosophy; 12, Book-Keeping ;
13, Geology). Kndi any four of the following group : (14,
English Literature; 15, Moral Philosophy; IG, Science of
Government; 17, General History; IS, Zoology; 19, Trigo-
nometry ; 20, Drawing).
An equivalent amount of work and time spent on Latin,
Greek, French, or German, may be substituted for Nos. 12
to 20, or any of them. Students wishing to take a longer
or shorter course may do so, and will receive a correspond-
ing diploma from the institution.
The names of the different principals of the Rogersville
Union Seminary are as follows, arranged in the order of
time: 1, Rev. J. Strough; 2, Vosburg; 3, C. W.
Bennett; 4, W. S. Hall; 5, E. H. Wildman; 6, Rev. J.
Easter ; 7, J. W. Byam ; 8, Rev. Chas. Gifford ; 9, Rev.
J. Haskell; 10, W. A. Dawson; 11, Nye R. Hill; 12,
D. D. Babcock ; 13, E. L. Maxson ; 14. Barton S. Part-
ridge; 15, Lewis McHenry.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Methodist meetings in the town of Dansville
were held on Oak Hill, — in the house of George Butler,
half a mile north of the present church, — in the spring of
1817. Parker Buel and James Bronson were the first
preachers. A class was formed immediately after, consist-
ing of George Butler and his wife Abigail, Thomas Buck
and his wife Abigail, and Robert Butler, brother of George,
who was class-leader. The next summer, meetings were held
at the residence of Thomas Buck.
In 1818 there was a general revival of religion, com-
mencing in August and continuing through the winter,
under the preaching of Revs. Buel and Bronson, convert-
ing nearly the entire population for miles around, and in-
creasing the class to nearly 100 members.
The walls of the first house of worship in the town — well
remembered by the old families as the old log church — were
rolled up in 1819, without the aid of any trustees or build-
ing-committee, and occupied immediately. Mrs. Benjamin
Picket, the first convert, died the day the church was raised.
As cold weather came on, Cyril Buck and Philander
Hitchcock secretly purchased a stove, which they put up
in the church before any one knew their intentions.
Early services were held in the school-house at Beach-
ville, John Root being an .early worker in the church at
that place. Afterwards, as the centre of population changed,
a new church was built in Rogersville by Leeds Allen and
William C. Rogers, Trustees, and dedicated, July 19, 1841,
by Rev. Mr. Woodruff.
In 18G2 a new church, costing $2200, was dedicated on
Oak Hill, three-fourths of a mile west of the old log church.
John Kreidler, Julius Hulburt, and Daniel Kreidler were
the trustees. Mrs. Lydia Woodard is the oldest member
of this church now living, having been a member for fifty-
two years.
The first cla,ss-leaders were Leeds Allen, Joshua Wood-
ard, and Joseph Flint. The pastors have been : 1817-18,
Revs. Parker Buell, James Bronson ; 1819, Thomas McGee,
Elihu Nash; 1822, Asa Allen, John Copeland ; 1823,
Robert Packer, Nelson Hoag ; 1825-26, John Arnold, Asa
A. Call, Henry F. Row; 1828, John Arnold, Levi B. Castle;
1833, Asa B. Pickard, Samuel Salsbury; 1837, John Shaw,
Andrew Pickard ; 1838, Robert Parker, Nelson Hoag, Ben-
jamin Sabin, Caleb Kendall, Micah Seiger, and Chester B.
284
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Atgate ; Menzo Doud, Osa Orcott, Samuel Cliurch, and Ira
Bronson ; John Shaw, Saul Church, and John Knapp have
served in the old log church. Subsequently the same pas-
tors have supplied all, including the following: 1847, V.
Brownell; 1849, D. Ferris; 1857, J. M. Park; 1859, D.
Knapp; 1861, E. D. Rosea; 1862, T. Jolly; 1863-64,
R. Parker; 1865, Rev. Mr. Hall; 1866, E. T. Bliven ;
1867. Charles Bush; 18G8, J. T. Thompson ; 1869, \Vm.
Haskell ; 1870, Rev. Mr. Dunkin ; 1871-72, William Has-
kell; 1874-75, A. Sorenberger; 1876-77, W. W. iMande-
ville; 1878, M. J. Landreth.
Present trustees : Oak Hill, Lorenzo Hulburt, Harvey
Cleveland ; Rogersville, Peter Kreidler, Joseph S. Flint, J.
M. Hendee. Present oflScers; Daniel Kreidler, Joseph S.
Flint, Lorenzo Hulburt, Class-Leaders ; Peter Kreidler, Re-
cording Secretary; J. M. Hendee, Joseph S. Flint, Daniel
Kridler, Newton Kingsley, Stewards. Total membership, 84.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first Baptist meetings in Dansville were held by a
Rev. Mr. Ford, of Howard, as early as 1819, at Beach-
ville, in the log school-house, on Thomas Brayton's land.
Mr. Brayton, who was a deacon of the church and an elo-
quent speaker, also held meetings when there was no pastor
at hand, and officiated at funerals. Annual association
meetings were held in barns during the summer. Among
the early members were Thomas and Nathaniel Brayton,
Tolman Brown, James Bryant, Robert and Jonathan Sloan,
Stephen Holden, Erastus-Sexton, 3Iorton Smith, and Thos.
M. Bowen.
In 1852, Rev. Nicholas B. Rector came to Dansville and
found the society divided into Old School and New School
factions. Rev. George Dye was preaching to the New
School, and Mr. Rector took charge of the Old School fac-
tion, reorganizing with 24 members. Each faction occu-
pied the church on alternate Sundays. Revs. Prentice,
Jones, and Green succeeded Mr. Dye until the decease of
Rev. Sir. Rector, in 1865, after which Rev. Mr. Thorp
supplied them occasionally, for a short time, and the church
was abandoned.
There have been deacons : Old School, Thomas Brayton,
Aaron Bowen ; New School, Robert Beach.
The present trustees are Robert Beach, Philip Brayton,
John P. Faulkner. The church was a fine building, but
has been suffered to fall into decay.
THE UNIVERSALIS! CHURCH.
This society was organized at Rogersville through the
efforts of Rev. Asa Upson soon after the opening of the
seminary, in 1848, and in 1852 a church was built in the
village at a cost of S2800. Joseph Phelps, Elisha Robin-
son, and John M. Bryant were trustees. This church was
dedicated by Rev. J. H. Tabor. Among the early mem-
bers were John Robinson, Joshua Healy, Uriah Upson,
Jerome B. Phelps, Humphrey Stevens. Pastors, O. B.
Clark, Asa Upson, T. H. Tabor, Rev. Mr. Austin, E. M.
Whitney, Rev. Mr. Payne. The society has ceased to
exist since 1866.
An evangelical society was formed in the north part of
the town in 1863, and a church built on Oak Hill, which
was burned soon after. A second one was subsequently
erected at an expense of S900. Fred. Hanna and wife
were leading members. A Roman Catholic church was
built of logs in the north German settlement in 1834.
These have both been merged in stronger societies in ad-
joining towns.
MILITARY RECORD OF DANSVILLE.
George M. Morrison, sergl., Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl.Sopt. 11, 1862.
William 0. Sylvester, corp., Co. F, 14l3t N. Y. Inf.; cnl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Joseph C. Newcomb, Corp., Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Thomas W. Cotton, Corp., Co. F, 14Ist N. Y. Inf.: enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
William B. Ames, Co, F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
George B. Burditt, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Leister B:iker, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf ; enl. .Sept. 11, 1S62.
Joseph S. Flint, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Albert Goodeno, Co. F, 141stN. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11,1862.
John Gnty, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Benjamin & Johnson, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Edward A. Kreidler, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
George Owston, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
M.ithias Pomroy, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1S62.
Liscomb K. Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Nelson B. P.oot, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
William D. Sylvester, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Lyman Wellington, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862 ; died in Ander-
sonville, Ga., prison.
Bruce Luther, sergl., Co. B, l.^eth N. Y. Inf.
John C. Drehmer, sergt., Co. B, i:S6th N. Y. Inf.
John C. Wheaton, sergt., Co. B, l:i6th N. Y. Inf.
William L. Lookins, sergt., Co. B, 136lh N. Y. Inf.
Dorr Faulkner, Corp., Co. B, l:l6lh N. Y. Inf
George Dolph. Co. B, VMU\ N. Y Inf.
Martin L. An.leison, Co. B, 136th N. Y. Inf.
W. Seymour Babcock, Co. B, l:i6th N. Y. Inf.
Aaron B. Baker, Co. B, 130th N. Y. Inf.
Patrick Finn, Co. B, 136th N. Y. Inf.
Baldess Foot, Co. B, 13Cth N. Y. Inf.
Amariah Boylan, Co. B, 130th N. Y. Inf.
Egbert Gors, Co. B, 13Clh N. Y. Inf
John Heller, Co. B, 130th N. Y. Inf
William Sliffy, Corp., Co. D, UlU N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 12, 1863.
Warren Preston, Co. D, 14lh >'. Y. Art. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863.
George Cunningham, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863.
James E. Fulton, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863.
William Goode, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 12, 1863.
Thomas Hughes, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863.
Harrison Morehess, wounded at second Bull Run.
Thomas H. Levers, 130th N. Y. Inf.
Joseph H. Bowen, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
David Bowen, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf
Stephen B. Clark, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Russell B. Carrington, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.
William L. Flint, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
George Frisby, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.
George Owston, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; killed.
Nelson B. Root, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Abram Russell, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
George Sherer, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.
G. C. Sylvester, 141st N. Y. Inf.
E. Wellington, Co. B, 13th N. Y. Inf.
Fred Wellington, 13th N. Y. Inf.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MICHAEL WEBER,
son of John J. and Maria A. Weber, was born in Ger-
many, March 6, 1826. He received a common-school
education. He emigrated to America, and settled at Pitts-
ford, Monroe Co., N. Y., in July, 1848, and remained about
six months, during which time he worked on a farm;
then settled in Wayland, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1849, and
worked for his cousin, Frederick Westerman, on the farm
and at lumberiuE'. He then farmed on shares for some
MRS.ANN-A f/IARlA WEBER.
I^ICHAEL WEBER.
r^^M^-^:^:':^l-7 ■'r-'^>t^:^y-'--'
Residence of MICHAEL weber, dansville, srEuecNCo.NY
Dorcas Shipimn.
Isaac Shipman.
.1 -j.ji . ISAAC SHIPMAN.D/*.'.
TOWN OF DANSVILLE.
285
ISAAC SHIPMAN.
The ancestors oF the subject of this sketch came from
Germany. Mathias Shipman, grandfather of Isaac, was a
native of New Jersey. He had several children, of whom
one was Mathias, Jr. Mathias, Sr., died in New Jersey,
where his wife also died. Mathias, Jr., was a native
of New Jersey. He married Catherine Kline, who was
also a native of that State. Miss Catherine Kline's grand-
parents were born in Germany, and settled in Greenwich,
eight years, and purchased his present beautiful home in
the spring of 1863. His farm consists of one hundred
and ninety acres of good, improved land, on wliich are
some of the best farm buildings in this section, a fine view
of which, with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen
elsewhere in this work.
His parents came to America and settled in Pittsford, i
N. Y., in 1852. They bought a home in Dansviile, Liv-
ingston Co., N. Y., the same year, and continued to reside
there till their death. His father died in October, 1865,
and his mother in September, 1872. They had five chil-
dren,— one son and four daughters, — all of whom are liv-
ing, and each of whom has a family.
Michael Weber married Anna Maria, daughter of Michael
and Mary Sandel, of Lehigh Co., Pa., Oct. 31, 1854. She
was born Nov. 2!), 1830, and removed to Dansviile, Liv-
ingston Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1832, in company with
her parents, who died in that town. Mr. and Mrs. Weber
have six children, viz., Julius, Mary, Elizabeth, George,
William, Carrie, and Emma, all of whom are now at home.
Mr. Weber was a member of the Lutheran Church in
Germany, but has not united with any religious body since
coming to America. Mrs. Weber is a member of the
Reformed Churcli, but both are attendants on the Presby-
terian Church at Arkport. Mr. Weber is a representa-
tive man of the town in which he resides, and is well
deserving a place in this history. He affiliates with the
Democratic party in his political convictions.
N. J. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Shipman had ten children, —
five sons and five daughters, — of whom Isaac was the seventh
child and fourth son. He was born in New Jersey, June
8, 1802, and left that State in company with his parents
and family when but five years of age, and settled in
Bloom, Columbia Co., Pa., where his parents died. His
father was a farmer, and Isaac remained on the farm till
1824, when he settled at Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y.,
where he remained one year. He then wont to Canada,
and remained about a year ; then returned to Sparta, and
remained there till 1833, when he settled on Oak Hill, in
the town of Dansviile, where he resided till the spring of
1870, when he settled on his present fine farm of some
ninety-eight acres, a view of which, with his residence and
portraits of himself and wife, appear on another page of
this work. Mr. Shipman \»as engaged in a distillery some
seven years after leaving his father's farm, since which he
has followed farming.
He married Dorcas, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Berry,
of Pennsylvania, March 4, 1830. She was born Sept. 19,
1807, in Columbia Co., Pa. They have had seven chil-
dren, viz., William, Elizabeth, ^Mathias, Catherine, Jack-
son, Alonzo, and one who died in infancy. Elizabeth
married John Lyman Wellington, of Rogersville, by whom
four children were born. John L. Wellington was a sol-
dier in Company F, 141st Regiment, New York Volunteers,
was in several engagements, taken prisoner, and died while
in prison at Danville, Va. Mathias and Catherine arc at
home. Alonzo was a soldier in Company K, 1st Regiment,
New York Dragoons, mustered into .service at Portage,
N. Y., Aug. 20, 1862, promoted to corporal, Dec. 10, 1863,
and died at Finly Hospital, Washington, D. C, Aug. 18,
1864, from the effects of a wound received at TreviJlion,
June 11, 1864. He was a brave and gallant soldier and
a true patriot. All the rest of the children are dead.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Shipman are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Burns.
In politics Mr. Shipman was formerly a Jack.son Demo-
crat, but of late years he has been a staunch Republican.
v-ft;.
E R W I N.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
This town lies west of Corning, and was formed from
Painted Post, July 27, 1826. Lindley was taken off in
1837, and a part of Corning was annexed in 1856. The
surface of the town is about equally divided between high
rolling uplands, and the broad alluvial valleys of the
streams. The hills rise from* four to six hundred feet
above the valleys, which are from one to two miles wide.
The Tioga and Canisteo Rivers unite in the southern part
of the town ; the Tioga and Conliocton in the northeast
part, forming the Chemung River.
SOIL AND PRODUCTS.
The lands of this town are divided into valleys and
hills, three-fifths of which, perhaps, belong to the latter
division. Nearly the whole of them in the valleys of the
Conhocton, Tioga, and Canisteo are improved. The soil is
a deposit of rich alluvium, well adapted to the growth of
cereals, roots, and most of the choice fruits, and many of
the farms are now carefully and scientifically cultivated.
The hills, where the sides are not too precipitous (and this
is rarely the case, though some of them reach an altitude
of nearly six hundred feet above the rivers), are all tillable,
and their soils of loam and clay generally produce good
crops and are well adapted to fruit and grazing.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in Steuben County was made within
the bounds of this town. In 1786, William Harris, a
Pennsylvania Indian trader, established his cabin and
trading-post near the north end of the bridge which now
spans the Conhocton River, in the village of Painted Post.
While he was in Pennsylvania on a visit, about Christmas,
1787, his house was burned. This is the circumstance re-
ferred to by Judge MoMaster in the following description
of Judge Baker's visit to Painted Post, with his Indian
guide, from his log cabin up the Tioga River, just beyond
the Pennsylvania line :
" On the morning of Christmas day, in the year 1787,
a backwoodsman and an Indian issued from the door of a
log cabin, which stood half buried in snow on the point of
land lying between the Cowanesque Creek and the Tioga
River, at the junction of those streams, and set forth on
the ice of the river for a journey to the settlers below.
They were clad according to the rude fashion of the fron-
tiers and the forest, in garments partly obtained by barter
from outpost traders, and partly stripped by robbery from
the beasts of the forest. Tomahawks and knives were
stuck in their belts, snow-shoes were bound to their feet,
and knapsacks of provisions were lashed to their backs.
286
Such was the equipment deemed necessary for travelers in
Steuben County not a century ago
■' The pioneer and his savage comrade pursued their
journey on the ice. The Tioga was then a wild and free
river. From its source, far up in the ' Magnolia Hills' of
the old provincial maps, down to its union with the equally
wild and free Conhocton, no device of civilized man fretted
its noble torrent. A single habitation of human beings
stood upon its banks, the log cabin at the mouth of the
Cowanesque. . . . But it bore now upon its frozen surface
the forerunner of an unresting race of lumbermen and far-
mers, who in a few years invaded its peaceful solitudes,
dammed its wild flood, and hewed down its lordly forests,
through which it flowed. The travelers kept on their
course beyond the mouth of the Canisteo to the Painted
Post. Here they expected to find the cabin of one Harris,
a trader, where they might have lodgings for the night, and,
if necessary for the comfort of the savage breast, a draught
from ' the cup which cheers (and also inebriates).' On
their arrival at the head of the Chemung, however, they
found that the cabin had been destroyed by fire. The
trader had either been murdered by the Indians, or de-
voured by wild beasts, or else he had left the country, and
Steuben County was in consequence depopulated.
" Disappointed in this hope, the two travelers continued
their journey on the ice as far as Big Flats. Here night
overtook them. They kindled a fire on the bank of the
river, and laid them down to sleep. The air was intensely
cold. It was one of those clear, still, bright nights, when
the moon seems an iceberg, and the stars are bright and
sharp like hatchets. The savage rolled himself up in his
blanket, lay with his back to the fire, and did not so much
as stir till the morning; but his companion, though framed
of that stout stufi' out of which backwoodsmen are built,
could not sleep for the intensity of the cold. At midnight
a pack of wolves chased a deer from the woods to the river,
seized the wretched animal on the ice, tore it to pieces, and
devoured it within ten rods of the encampment. Early in
the morning the travelers arose and went their way to the
settlements below, the first of which was Newtown, on the
site of the present village of Elmira.
" The backwoodsman was Samuel Baker, a New Eng-
lander, afterwards well known to our citizens as Judge
Baker, of Pleasant Valley."
SURVEYORS AT PAINTED POST.
That portion of the Phelps and (rorham purchase which
now constitutes Steuben County was surveyed into townships
by Augustus Porter, Frederick Saxton, and others, in the
summer of 1789. Judge Porter, in his narrative published in
Turner's History of the Holland Purchase, says with regard
EOWARD TOWNSEND
EDWARD TOWNSEND.
Henry A. Townsend was of English origin. He settled
in Bath before the year 1800, and was the second county
clerk of Steuben County. He was associated with such
men as Governors Clinton and Tompkins. He was a
warm advocate of all the improvements; was a member
of the Legislature of this State in 1809, and made
his influence felt for good. He finally settled at
Cold Springs, where he was engaged in the man-
ufacture of paper and woolen goods. He purchased
his mill property of Gen. McClure, and erected the
first paper-mill in the county. He married Elizabeth
MoflBt, of Orange Co., N. Y., by whom several children
were born, of whom Edward was one. His wife died,
and he married a Miss Elizabeth Hull, of Connecticut,
by whom one daughter — Sarah — was born. He died
Oct. 23, 1837. Edward Townsend, son of Henry A.,
was horn in the year 1799. He received an academic
education, and was studying law at Albany when his
health gave out, and he was compelled to seek out-door
employment.
He married Eliza, eldest child of Capt. Samuel
Erwin, Novemljer, 1821. Miss Eliza Erwin was
born Oct. 15, 1801, at Easton, Pa., and settled in
Erwin with her parents in 1803. As the result of the
above union, one son — Edward Erwin Townsend — was
born, Jan. 23, 1825, at Athens, Pa., whither his parents
had gone to reside on a farm.
Edward Townsend was injured by the kick of a horse,
from the effects of which he died nine days after, about
1826. Soon after the death of her husband, Mrs. Town-
send left her home in Alliens, Pa., and with her little
son, Edward E., came to Erwin to reside with her
parents, Capt. Samuel Erwin and wife. After the death
of her mother, in 1860, she settled on her farm where she
now resides. Mrs. Townsend has been a member of the
Presbyterian Churcii for more than fifty-five years.
Edward Erwin Townsend lived with his uncle, Gen. F.
E. Erwin, after the death of his father until his mar-
riage to Miss Nancy L. Jerome, Sept. 7, 1848. She
was born in Suffolk Co., N. Y., March 12, 1826. Of
this union eight children were born, three of whom are
living, viz.: F. E. and Arthur E., now residing in Cali-
fornia, and Annie L., now at home with her f»arents.
Mr. Townsend received a common-school and academic
education. He settled on his present farm soon after
marriage.
He is one of the solid Republicans of Erwin. He is
postmaster at present. Besides having the charge of a
large farm, he has charge of the depot, which he built
principally.
(Chotos ev Evans )
^y^aot.
^^
t^-,-
JOHN M. PATTEKSON.
John M. Patterson, son of Benjamin and Sarah Patterson, was born in
Erwin, March 23, 1804.
Benjamin was born in Loudon Co., Va., Sept., 1759. He was a farmer
by ocoupation, and learned the trade of blacksmith when young. He
served through the Revolutionary war as a soldier, and during a portion
of this time he acted as a spy on the frontier, for which he received extra
remuneration. Benjamin left Virginia when a very young child, in com-
pany with his mother, for Bald Eagle, Pa., where Mrs. Patterson's parents
(Benjamin Boone and wife) then resided. This was Benjamin Patter-
son's home till he became a resident of Northumberland Co., Pa., from
wbioh place he removed to Corning, then "Painted Post," May, 1797. At
the close of the Revolutionary war he returned home and remained till he
was called to be a soldier under General Sullivan. He was in several
battles, some of which were very severe. He was present at the burial of
those who were massacred at Wyoming of historic fame. He had charge
of the boats on their return to Northumberland from Athens (then Tioga
Point).
He married three times. First, to Jemima Price, of Pennsylvania, of
whom one son, Samuel, wafl born. Second, to Mary Taggart, of North-
umberland, of whom three children were born, viz., Thomas, Hannah, and
Mary. Third, to Mrs. Sarah Shannon, formerly Sarah McCalla, of Bucks
Co., Pa., but at this time of Northumberland Co., Pa., married in 1795, of
whom three children were born, viz., Robert, Sarah, and John M.
Mr. Patterson kept public house at Knoxville, town of Coming, some six
years, and then purchased a farm of Hugh Erwin, in the town of Erwin,
then " Painted Post," in 1803, where he continued to reside until his death,
which ooonrred July 2, 1830. Mrs. Patterson died July 6, 1849. Mr. Pat-
terson was closely identified with all the material and religious interests of
the town in which he lived, and his home was often the resort for ministers
of various denominations. He held various town offices, such as commis-
sioner and supervisor of Painted Post. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian Society. He was em-
ployed by Captain Chas. Williamson, in 1792, to conduct a company of two
hundred and thirty emigrants from Williamsport, Pa., to the Genesee
River, to a place now known as Mount Morris, then " Big Tree." After
the Revolutionary war he was chosen captain in the State militia, and
was known by some as Captain Patterson.
John M. was reared among the scenes of pioneer life, receiving a com-
mon-school education, with General Francis Erwin and his family, also
General W. D. Knox, and Captain John P. Knox, and many other old
pioneer boys and girls of whom mention is made in this history. He
was reared a farmer, which honorable calling he haa followed through life.
He remained at home till his father's death, when he came in possession of
one-half of his father's farm. He continued to reside there till 1872,
having added some two hundred and fifty acres more, besides land in other
parts ; in all, he had five hundred and forty acres of land.
Mr. Patterson has been quite extensively engaged as a stock-grower,
and was one of the best farmers in the town. He now owns some two
hundred and forty acres.
He removed to Painted Post in the spring of 1872, and to the place
where he now resides in 1873. In politics formerly a Jackson Democrat,
of late years he sustains men rather than party. He has been for many
years commissioner and assessor of Erwin.
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Painted Post, and have been for more than fifty years. He
is a temperance man, and a liberal supporter of the society to which he
belongs.
He married Mary, daughter of Samuel and Temperance Cook, March 28,
1826. Mrs. Patterson waa born Aug. 16, 1807, in Painted Post, now
Lindley. Her parents wore natives of New Jersey, and removed into
Steuben County, while they were yet children, with their parents. Mrs.
Patterson's great-grandfather came from England and settled on Long
Island. Her grandfather, David Cook, served in the Revolutionary war
as lieutenant ; was by occupation a farmer, and died at the age of eighty-
eight. Her father, Samuel Cook, was born on Long Island, in 1779, Jan.
30 ; married Temperance Van Wey, of New Jersey, about 1803 or 1804, of
whom nine children were born. He died Sept. 8, 1864, and Mrs. Cook
died Feb. 9, 1843. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson six children
were born, viz.. Temperance S., Sarah A., Harriet C, Robert H., Alfred
D., and Samuel B.
TOWN OF ERWIN.
287
to the survey, '■ While engaged in it we made our head-
quarters at Painted Post, on the Conhocton River, at the
house of old Mr. Harris and his son William. These two
men, Mr. Goodhue, who lived near by, and Mr. Mead, who
lived at the mouth of Mead's Creek, were the only persons
then on the territory we were surveying." It seems that
Mr. Harris did not become discouraged by the burning of
his establishment in the winter of 1787, but subsequently
returned and rebuilt his house, and had a comfortable place
for the entertainment of the surveyors in 1789.
FIRST PURCHASE OF ERWIN.
Early in the summer of 1789, while the surveyors were yet
at work in this vicinity. Colonel Arthur Erwin, from Erwina,
Bucks Co., Pa., came to Painted Post with a drove of cattle,
which he was driving to Canandarque (now Canandaigua).
While resting his cattle here he employed an Indian guide,
mounted his pony, and explored the surinunding country.
The situation and sceneiy so delighted him that he resolved
at once upon purchasing a tract of land in this vicinity. On
his arrival at Canandaigua he proceeded immediately to the
office of Messrs. Phelps and Gorham, inquired if the land
was for .sale, and made them an offer for the land, which is
now the town of Erwin. They were to take in part pay-
ment his drove of cattle, and the remainder was to be paid
in gold. The next morning the offer was accepted, and
within twenty-four hours after the deed was signed. Colonel
Eleazer Lindley arrived, and made an offer for the same
township. He, however, subsequently purchased the town
of Lindley.
The first time the name of Painted Post appears in any
record or legal document is in the deed of conveyance to
Colonel Arthur Erwin, which we here copy as a matter of
curious interest to the reader. It is undoubtedly the oldest
deed in Steuben County.
THE PEKD.
" To (ill pers'iitg tn trhiim lliete presents aJmlt coitte, yreetliKj : Know
ye, that I, Oliver Phelps, now of Canandarque, county of Ontario, and
State of New York, Esquire, for and in consideration of the sum of
£1400 lawful money of the State of New York, to me in hand paid
before the ensealing hereof, by Arthur Arwin, of Bucks County, t-tate
of Pennsylvania, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, and
am fully satisfied, contented, and paid, have given, granted, bar-
gained, sold, aliened, released, conveyed, .and confirmed, and by these
presents do freely, clearly, and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell,
alien, release, convey, and confirm unto him, the said Arthur Arwin,
his heirs and assigns forever, the certain jiiece or parcel of land lying
in the county of Ontario, in the said State of New York, being town-
ship Xo. 2, in the second range of towns, being north of Penns^'lvania
line, and si.x miles west of Massachusetts pre-emption, being si.\ miles
square, containing 23,040 acres, known by the name of Painted Post,
to have ayiri to hold the before-granted premises, with the appurten-
ances and privileges thereunto belonging, to him, the said Arthur
Arwin, his heirs and assigns, to him and his own proper use, benefit,
and behoof forever more. And I, the said Oliver Phelps, do iiind
myself, my heirs, and executors, and administrators do covenant,
promise, and grant unto and with the said Arthur Arwin, his heirs
and assigns forever, that before and until the ensealing hereof, I am
the true, sole, proper, and lawful owner and possessor of the before-
granted premises, with the appurtenances, and have in myself good
right, full power, and lawful authority to give, grant, bargain, sell,
alien, release, convey, and confirm the same, as aforesaid, and that
free and clear, and freely and clearly executed, acquitted and dis-
charged of and from all former and other gifts, grants, and bargains,
sales, leases, mortgages, wills, entails, jointures, doweries, thirds, exe-
cutions, and encumbrances whatsoever. And furthermore, T, the said
Oliver Phelps, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, do
hereby covenant, promise, and engage the before-granted premises,
with the appurtenances, unto him, the said Arthur Arwin, his heirs
and assigns forever, to warrant, secure, and defend against the lawful
claims and demands of any person or persons whatsoever.
" hi witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
eighteenth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-
nine.
"Oliver Phelps. [l. s.]
"Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of
" Amos Hall,
"John Cott."
"This deed, and deed of confirmation, from Nathaniel Gorham,
were recorded at Albany, Feb. 9, 1792, by request of Joseph Erwin.
They were also recorded in the County Clerk's Office at Bath, Juno 4,
1870, in Book of Deeds 12S, pages 27.3-276."
TOWN OF PAINTED POST.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME.
The name "Painted Post" originated in the erection by
the Indians of a monument to the memory of the brave
Seneca chief, Cant. JMontour. who died in the year 1779,
from wounds received at the battle of Freeling's Fort.
"This account," says Mr. Chas. H. Erwin, "we get from
Mr. Taggart, a young man, who was at the time a prisoner
under the notorious Tory Capt. McDonald, and was present
at the burial."
The celebrated Seneca chief, Cornplanteiu being inter-
viewed by Capt. Samuel Adams, in 1833, said that "a
great chief and brave was there taken sick and died, and
was buried under the shade of an elm, on the north side
near the mouth of the Conhocton River, and that he
(Cornplanter) was one of the council that placed over the
grave a post stained with the juice of wild berries to mark
the spot."
The spot on which it stood, and remained standing for
many years after the first settlers came into the country,
was within a few feet of the northeast corner of the wagon-
shop of Messrs. Stout & Hurd, erected in the spring of
1860, and was repeatedly identified to persons now living
by such early settlers as Edmund C. Cooper, Capt. Samuel
and Francis Erwin, Robert Patterson, and Samuel Cook.
For many years the " painted post" was a noted land-
mark throughout the frontier regions of Western New York
and Northern Pennsylvania. That it was a favorite haunt
of the red man long previous to its settlement by the whites,
is abundantly indicated by the great number of relics of
Indian occupation found scattered in and around the place.
Stone hatchets, flint arrow-heads, lance-points, pottery, mor-
tars, and many other mementos of the past, and curiosities
of the present, have here been gathered and preserved.
They are chiefly pre-historic, showing that the occupancy of
the Indians must have been at a period prior to their inter-
course with the whites, although at a later period it was un-
doubtedly a place of rendezvous for the wandering tribes and
war-parties passing back and forward through the country.
The fact that it was chosen as a burial-place of the chief,
Montour, shows that it must have been a place for which
the Indians entertained considerable ancestral reverence.
Since the white people have occupied the spot, it has not
288
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
been an uncommon occurrence, in excavating for cellars and
digging post-holes, to come upon graves in which have been
found the bones of Indians, pottery, arrows, and other relics.
In 1847, Mr. Erwin, in sinking a post-hole on the south-
west corner of his residence lot, exhumed an Indian skele-
ton, and in the same grave found an arrow-point as white
as marble, and pieces of broken pottery. In 1860 another
Indian skeleton was unearthed, while excavating the cellar
of the Bronson block, on the southwest corner of Hamilton
and Water Streets. This grave contained the bones of a
very large person, the thigh and arm bones being of an
unusual length. It was buried in a sitting posture; in the
same grave were broken but well-preserved pieces of Indian
pottery and arrow-heads, showing that he had been amply
provided with ammunition and cooking utensils for the long
journey to the happy hunting-grounds.
The old town of Painted Post was organized as a part of
Ontario County in 1793, and was represented by its super-
visor, Mr. Eli Mead, in the board which met at Cauandui-
gua. Mr. Mead went on foot, by Indian trails, through the
vast wilderness nearly seventy miles to meet his associates
from the different scattered settlements at the county-seat.
There was scarce a habitation on his route, and he was
compellod to " take his hotel and bar in a knapsack upon
his back in the daytime, and use them for a pillow at night,
under the protecting roof of the dense foliage of the trees
near his path." When the county of Steuben was erected
in 1796, Painted Post became one of its original towns.
It comprised the territory now embraced in the six towns
of Hornby, Campbell, Erwin, Lindley, Corning, and Caton.
The first division occurred in 1826, when Erwin and
Hornby (including Campbell and Lindley ) were taken off,
leaving Painted Post reduced to townships numbers one and
two in the first range, or Caton and Corning. Cuton was
taken off as " Wormley" in 1839, reducing Painted Post to
the single town of Corning, to which name it was changed
on the 31st of March, 1852.
We have desired to obtain a complete list of the super-
visors and other town ofiicers of Painted Post during the
time it was a town of Steuben County, but owing to the
loss of the records, and the absence of reliable verbal in-
formation, we have been unable to do so. We find that
Benjamin Patterson was supervisor of the town in 1806,
and we have olitained from miscellaneous records in the
county clerk's office tke following list since 1823: Thomas
McBurney, 1823-24; John Knox, 1825; Thomas McBur-
ney, 1826-27 ; John Knox, 1828-29 ; Henry H. Matthews,
1830-32; Daniel Gorton, 18.33-34; William Bonham,
1835; Samuel K. Wolcott, 1836; John McBurney,
1837-38; H. II. Matthews, 1839; Thomas A. Johnson,
1840-41; John McBurney, 1842-43; John Sly, Jr.,
1844; Thomas A. Johnson, 1845-46; H. B. Noyce,
1847; Jonathan Brown, 1848; Benjamin P. Bailey,
1849-50 ; Daniel B. Cump,ston, 1851.
PROGRE.S.S OF SETTLEMENT.
David Fuller with his family settled in the town in the
autumn of 1789 ; Eli and Eldad Mead, in 1790 ; Capt.
Samuel Erwin and his brother Francis, David and Jona-
than Cook, Capt. Howell Bull, and several others, in 1792.
The first hotel, called the Painted Post Hotel or Tavern,
was built by David Fuller in the spring of 1790 ; it was of
round logs, one and a half stories, contained two rooms, and
was located near the north end of the Conhocton bridge.
Mr. Fuller was an agent and tenant of Col. Arthur Erwin,
and for a long time the popular landlord of the hotel.
NARR.ATIVE 01' THE LATE SAMUEL COOK.
" In the summer of 1792, I came with my father and
family to Painted Post. Our goods from Tioga Point were
pushed in a canoe up the Chemung and Conhocton Rivers
by my father, and our cattle, sheep, and hogs were driven
along the banks by my mother and sister and the children.
In the Chemung Narrows we were met by a large party of
Indians who were going to Tioga Point to make a treaty.
At first my mother was very much frightened, but the In-
dians were very civil, and passed us with their friendly
salutation of ' sac/wo,' how do you do ? or ' sachoo-cacho,'
how are you, my friend ? We met with no other unusual
incident until we reached and landed at a log tavern sit-
uated on the north shore of the Conhocton River, near the
end of the bridge built there that spring. This tavern was
kept by David Fuller, with whom my father and family
boai'ded some days, or until he found a log shanty situated
near the Post Creek road, into which he moved. I was
then thirteen, and now I am eighty-one years old. Jjph-
raim Patterson was then living in a house on the west bank
of Post Creek, just above the Chimney Narrows; Ichabod,
his son, was living in another, situated upon the farm re-
membered as Nehemiah Hubbell's (father of Hon. Wm. S.
Hubbell, of Bath, and Philo P. Hubbell, of Winona, Minn.) ;
and Frederick Calkins was then living on the south side of
the Chemung River, nearly opposite the Chimney Narrows.
We lived in this shanty a little more than a year, then
moved up to Mr. Lindley's, who was just commencing a
new settlement, and built a log house near where Col. Mor-
gan now lives. In 1793 or 1794 there was a log grist-mill
built on Post Creek, just above Patterson's house.
" In 1795, Benjamin Eaton opened the first store in the
town,* if not in the county, for the benefit of civilization.
It was situated upon the ground now used for the highway,
at the head of the street leading from Knoxville to Corning
Bridge. A man by the name of Comstock, from the mouth
of Goodhue Creek, up the Canisteo, and myself, then nearly
sixteen years old, started in a canoe for Wattles' Ferry (now
Unadilla) after his first stock of goods. We floated down
the Chemung River to Tioga Point, then poled up the
Susquehanna to Wattles' Ferry, drawing our boat upon the
shore at night and sleeping under the trees upon the banks.
We reached our destination in five days, where we found
Mr. Eaton, who had gone by land. The stock of goods was
too large for our canoe, though it was a very large one,
which compelled Mr. Eaton to purchase another small one,
for which he paid one gallon of whisky. We loaded the
canoes, and took charge of the small one, and we started
down the river on our return. The water was low and the
boats heavily laden, and we were frequently compelled to
unload and ' tote" the bundles past the rapids. Without
* In what is now the town of Corning.
C^a^^^
Phutos Sr EfAHs.CoMiiiHij n 1
?<ry^C^
JlyU'Mi:i^W
JUDGE LYMAN BALCOM.
The subject of this sketch is of Scotch origin of about the fifth
generation. It is related that two brothers settled in Sudbury,
Middlesex Co., Mass., having come from the north of England, to
which place they had gone from Scotland. The great-grandfather
of Lyman Balcom was poisoned when about forty years of age,
leaving a family of five sons and one daughter, of whom Henry
Balcom, the grandfather of Lyman, was the youngest. He was
born in 1740 in Worcester Co., Mass. Served in the French and
Indian war from 1756 to 1763, and was also a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war. He passed through both wars uninjured, and was
honorably discharged. By occupation, a carpenter and joiner and
farmer. He married Miss Coziah Stow, a native of Worcester Co.,
Mass., by whom seven children, two sons and five daughters, were
born, of whom Col. Samuel Balcom was the second son and fifth child.
Henry Balcom was injured by ahorse when an old man of seventy-
two, and died from the effects of the injury in October, 1812. His
wife died in the fall of 1826, at the good old age of ninety.
Col. Samuel Balcom was born in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co.,
Mass., Dec. 31, 1772. He was reared a farmer and carpenter, and
continued to follow it through life. He married Mi.ss Polly Knapp,
a native of Connecticut, during the winter of 1799, at which time
they were citizens of Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y. Mrs. Polly
Balcom was born Dec. 1, 1780, and removed to Chenango County,
when but ten years of age, with one Eliza Blackman. She was
the first white girl or woman in Oxford. Mr. Balcom settled in
Oxford about 1790. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. Balcom nine
children were born, six sons and three daughters, all of whom lived
to maturity, of whom Judge Lyman Balcom is the eldest, born
Nov. 19, 1800, in Norwich (now Preston), Chenango Co., N. Y.,
two and a half miles from Oxford, north. Col. Samuel Balcom
was extensively engaged in lumbering in this county from 1829
to 1835. He and his wife were residents of the county from 1836
to 1837, when they returned to Oxford and spent their remaining
days. He was colonel in the State militia, having risen from a pri-
vate. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church of
Oxford. He was a presidential elector in 1840 for Harrison ; he
was at first a Jeflersonian and Jackson Democrat, but later in life
a Whig. He served as magistrate for several years in Chenango
County. Ho died August, 1847, and Mrs. Balcom died October,
1852, and both lie sleeping side by side in the cemetery at Oxford.
Judge Lyman Balcom received a common-school education.
He was reared a farmer and lumberman. At the early age of
thirteen he commenced lumbering ; at fifteen he went down the
Susquehanna with his father. The next year he went alone, and
when but seventeen years of age he was a pilut. Lumbering has
been one of the chief occupations of his early life. When about
twenty years of age he commenced life for himself. From the first
he has been very successful in making money. He was the owner
of some five hundred or more acres before he settled in Steuben
County, which he sold. He bought and sold several farms before
his settlement in Campbell, Steuben Co., which was in April,
1835, and settled in Erwin, April, 1852. He made his first pur-
chase in Steuben of one thousand acres for ten hundred and thirty
dollars in 1832, which he sold in 1836 for six thousand dollars.
Previous to this sale he bought more th*n sixteen hundred acres
more, which he sold in 1836 also. He has bought and sold more
than five thousand acres of land. He purchased his present
beautiful faim home in 1864, having previously purchased the
larger part of his farm.
Judge Balcom is not only the representative farmer of Erwin,
but of the entire Chemung Valley. His farm is situated on the
northwest side of the Tioga River, about half a mile above the con-
fluence of the Tioga and Cnnhocton Rivers. It is very level, and
one of the most productive farms in the State, yet Mr. Balcom has
made his farm di>ubly productive by his course of farming. He
has made agriculture a study, and enjoys an enviable reputation
as a successful farmer He has four g«od houses and ten barns,
some of which are very large. He has made his farm by ditching
and by the judicious use of manure and plaster. A view of his
home may be seen opposite. In politics he was a Jackson Demo-
crat, but later joined the Whig party, and became a Republican
when that party was organized. He has heldvarious town offices
both here and in Chenango County.
He has been assessor several terms, supervisor of Erwin from
1871 to 1872. He has been a delegate several times to district,
county, congressional, senatorial, and State conventions, and was
elected to the State Legislature in 1867, and served one term. He
was an associate judge of the county court from 1840 to 1846. In
all his official positions he has given general satisfaction.
Mrs. Balcom is a member of the Presbyterian society, and Mr.
Balcom is a regular attendant of the various societies, though not
a member of any. He married Miss Clarissa HoUenbeck, daughter
of Abram and Margaret HoUenbeck, of Greene, Chenango Co.,
N. T., July 12, 1820. She was born Sept. 7, 1799, in Greene,
N. Y. Of this union six children were born, viz.: Mary E.,
Samuel, Margaret, Charles, Su.san P., and Jane E., all living save
Mary, who died July 30, 1869. Mr. Balcom has taken the premium
several times for fine stock, and was president of the Agricultural
Society several years ago ; also vice-jjresident. He was a director
of the Steuben County Bank for several years.
Mr. and Mrs. Balcom had their golden wedding July 12, 1870,
at which time were gathered their children and grandchildren and
other members of the family, also a very large number of their
neighbors and friends.
TOWN OP ERWIN.
289
serious accident, but with severe toil, we arrived safely at
home with tlie first stock of merchandise."
In 1801, John E. Evans came to Painted Post and
boarded with Benjamin Patterson. He afterwards pur-
chased a farm about a mile and a half soutli of the village,
and built a house (the farm now owned by C. F. Piatt).
Mr. Evans was born in the city of London, England, and
came to Philadelphia in 1800. Before leaving England
he had been liberally educated. He possessed those active
and business qualifications which made him a leading man
in the early settlement of this portion of Steuben County.
He taught the first school in the town, and numbered
among his pupils Robert and John Patterson, Gen. F. E.
Erwin, of Painted Post; Gen. Wm. D. Knox, of Junction
City, Kas. ; John Erwin, Esq., of Cleveland, 0. ; Col. F.
E. Young, of Hornellsville ; Thomas Wheat, Arthur H.
Erwin, John McBurney, Samuel Shannon, Philander Knox,
and many other well-remembered names. During the war
of 1812 he was collector of revenue, afterwards postmaster.
He was the first clerk in the town of Erwin, was re-elected
six times ; was justice of the peace ; and in all his public
and ofiicial positions maintained a character for capacity,
honor, and integrity. He died, Feb. 27, 1854, at the age
of seventy, leaving his second wife and three children.
In the early spring of 1803, Capt. Samuel Erwin re-
moved with his family to Painted Post from Easton, Pa.
His furniture and goods were carted to Wilke.sbarre, the
metropolis of the far-famed Wyoming Valley, on the Sus-
quehanna lliver, and there shipped on a Durham boat and
brought up the rivers to Painted Post. Capt. Erwin, wife
and daughter, the latter then about fifteen months old (now
Mrs. Eliza E. Townsend, living with her son, Edward E.
Townsend, at the " Pines," four miles south of the village),
came the entire distance on horseback, he carrying the
child on a pillow in front of him. The distance was about
three hundred miles. After a short delay at the house of
David Fuller they moved into their new residence, a log
house, situated a few rods east and south of the old log
barn still standing upon the farm now owned by Gen.
Francis E. Erwin, about a mile and a half west of the
village. They lived in that house until about 1811, when
they moved into the log tavern formerly owned and occu-
pied by David Fuller, where they remained till 1823.
Charles H. Erwin, the youngest son of Capt. Samuel
Erwin, was born in the town of Erwin, where he still
resides, April 30, 1822.
By this time there had been made in various parts of
the town many new settlements. George Young, father of
Col. Francis E. Young, and of Clement H. Young, of
Corning ; Edmund C. Cooper, father of Levi C. Cooper,
of Painted Post, settled in the town about 1823. Mr.
Young, then a single man, was from Philadelphia.
DIVISION OF THE ERWIN ESTATE.
After the death of Col. Arthur Erwin his property was
by allotment divided equally between his ten children, who
were all then living. Of the number, Capt. Samuel,
Francis, Maj. Arthur, Mrs. Rebecca McKcan, and Mrs.
Mulhollon, became settlers upon their portions in the town
of Erwin. The other bi'others and sisters, except Mrs.
37
Dr. John Cooper, subsequently disposed of their property
in the town, chiefly to the brothers and sisters who had
settled here. " Captain Sam" and " Uncle Frank," as they
were usually called, came into possession of their portion,
upon which the village now stands, and Maj. Arthur of
the extreme southwestern portion of the town.
The division was made by commissioners chosen by the
heirs of Col. Arthur Erwin, pursuant to an act of the
Legislature, passed March IC, 1785, consisting of John
Konkle, Eleazcr Lindley, and Henry McCormick. A map
of the town of Erwin, showing the several allotments
made to each heir, may be found in the county clerk's office
of Steuben County.
THE TOWN IN 1812.
In 1812 the settlement had grown to a size that required
them to assist in adjusting the national difficulties with
England. A day was appointed for determining, by draft,
who should have the honor of defending our rights and
privileges from the Tories. The draft was made in Bath,
and several residing at Painted Post were chosen, among
whom were Abner Trowbridge, Edmund C. Cooper, James
Gillen, Thomas Wheat, and several more whose names can-
not be obtained. Joseph Gillett, then living on Little
Flats, below Corning, was a lieutenant in the regiment, and
was wounded. Judge Thomas McBurney also held a com-
mission. Edmund C. Cooper procured a substitute. Daniel
Mulhollon, since removed to Jasper, enlisted twice before
the draft ; the first time his father obtained a release, con-
trary to his wishes ; lie enlisted again, and in one of the
battles in Canada lost his left hand, or rather, had it so
severely wounded that amputation was necessary. The
drafted men were engaged in several battles. Lieut. Joseph
Gillett was wounded, and compelled to come home. He
detached from his company Sir. Trowbridge to accompany
him, and neglecting to have this put properly upon record,
Mr. Trowbridge was, very unjustly, put down as a deserter.
Mr. Erwin, who states this fact in his pamphlet (Hist.
Painted Post), says, " A truer patriot never went to war."
Those who were called out upon the second draft did not
reach the scene of action before peace was declared.
" THE GREAT PUMPKIN FLOOD."
In the autumn of 1817, the town was visited with what
has been designated the " great pumpkin flood." At this
time few, if any, of the settlements extended far beyond
the river-flats, and the waters overflowed the banks and
swept nearly all the late produce oft". The pumpkins, which
upon the rich soil had grown in great abundance and to a
great size, were very conspicuous, covering the face of the
deep, swift current. The experience of a pioneer, which
probably resembled that of many others, is given by Mr.
Samuel Cook, as follows : " My father was then living in a
log house, just above and on the opposite side of Tioga River
from Erwin Centre. We had on the second floor, which
was made of split hewn logs, some corn in the ear. The
flood had driven two families to our house, and my father
brought the sheep to the house in a canoe, and we shoveled
the corn back, raised the floor and put the sheep in the
second story. The water came in on the first floor and
290
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
then we all went up into the second story, where we re-
mained until morning, — three families, eleven sheep, and
the corn, with scarce room enough for either alone.
" In tlie morning the waters threatened to cover the second
floor, and my father took the families and the sheep out of
the window into the canoe, and to the hill-side which was
near by. During the day five stacks of wheat and oats
floated off' and went out of sight down the river, two of
which were afterwards recovered (every sheaf, I believe) ;
having floated over two miles, they were found landed right
side up upon the head of MulhoUon's Island, opposite
Edward E. Townsend's farm. It was to the settlers in
these valleys the most disheartening event that had yet
occurred, coming at that season, and before the crops were
all gathered. Nearly every settler in the valleys of the
Tioga, Canisteo, and Conhocton was victimized, and the
destruction of property was only exceeded by the dis-
appointment and suffering of the hard-toiling settlers."
THE INUNDATION OP 1833.
In 1833 the valleys of the Conhocton and Tioga were
again inundated. This flood, being in the month of May,
was occasioned alone by heavy showers. It came within
twelve inches of reaching the height of the great flood of
1817, and was much more disastrous. Mills, manufac-
tories, dwellings, bridges, lumber, cattle, sheep, and swine,
were swept away by the swollen and remorseless current.
Many reminiscences of this flood, and of the exciting and
often ludicrous scenes which it presented, are yet vivid in
the recollection of old settlers on the lower Conhocton.
Says Mr. Erwin, speaking of its effect upon the river at
Painted Post: '-Timothy W. Whiting and his partner,
William Boardman, in an effort to secure .some lumber that
had been rafted, floated past our town on two platforms of
lumber that had broken loose, without oars. The water
was so high that the ' grubs' touched the Conhocton bridge,
and they had barely room, by lying flat upon the platforms,
to pass under it. Under the Knoxville bridge they were
compelled to drop into the water and hold on to the plat-
forms. They were, however, rescued below the bridge and
before reaching the canal-dam, but the lumber was lost."
The narrator also recollects seeing " Jacob Bullman, a well-
known hunter, now living in the wilds of Michigan, ride
past on three slabs with only an edging for a setting-pole,
and safely step off" upon the banks not a dozen feet from
the bridge."
THE GREAT FLOOD OP 1857.
On the 10th of November, 1857, the waters of the
Chemung River and its tributaries were higher than at any
time before of which any record exists. About midday on
the 9th the clouds gathered ; presently the rain commenced
falling, and it continued in torrents until in the night. It
seemed as if the flood-gates of heaven were opened, and the
people of these valleys were to share the fate of the ante-
diluvians. All night men went to and fro carrying lanterns,
the scene reminding one of the Dismal Swamp with its fire-
fly lamps multiplied. In the morning the excitement was
fearful ; the waters were pouring into the low places and
many of the houses. Steadily and rapidly the waters ac-
cunmlated, and increased until the waves dashed against the
planks of the bridges, which stood firmly, resisting the force
of trees, logs, lumber, stumps, furniture, corn, pumpkins,
produce and the flood-wood hurled against them. At three
o'clock P.M. the waters were observed to be at a stand ; two
hours later they were visibly falling, and the people felt a
sense of relief from the impending danger. The next morn-
ing presented a scene which baffles all attempts at description.
The waters had risen in the night and complctelj' deluged
all the flat lands, so that at Painted Post boats landed at the
door of the hotel, and it was a " perfect sea of water from
there to the mountains on the west of the Tioga River, or
where the river should be." It is impossible to convey a
just idea of the mi.sery, loss, and suffering which this flood
entailed upon the inhabitants who lived within the field of
its ravages.
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Erwin was organized, and held its first elec-
tion, on the 7th of March, 1826, at the house of Daniel
Rooks, Jr., which stood upon the site of the Erwin House,
about four miles south of Painted Post. Ethan Pier, Esq.,
was the presiding officer. Capt. Samuel Erwin was elected
the first supervisor, and John E. Evans the first town clerk.
The town officers to 1878, inclusive, are as follows:
LIST OP TOWN OPPICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Cleiks.
C.il lectors.
1826.
Samuel Erwin.
John E. Evans.
Silas Cook.
1827.
" •'
« «
it it
1828.
It ti
It <i
" "
1829.
(. a
« it
Arthur Erwin, Jr.
1830.
Abner Thurber.
ti It
Samuel Patterson.
18.11.
it ii
" •'
" "
1832.
li tt
it it
tt It
1833.
John Cooper, Jr.
" "
tt it
1834.
Cbauncey Hoffman
Julius Morgan.
" "
1835.
<i <(
« a
it tt
1836.
A. C. Morgan.
Ansel C. Smith.
u it
1837.
Francis E. Erwin.
J. G. Me.ssercau.
tt
1838.
a n
Washington Barnes
Joseph E. Borst.
1839.
Artliur Erwin, Jr.
ti a
" "
lS4n.
.( a
William J. Gilbert.
(( it
1841.
it tt
a ,i
It tt
1842.
"
" "
it a
1843.
William J. Gillett.
Justin M. Smith.
tt tt
1844.
t. tt
.( a
It tt
1845.
it tt
tt it
it it
1846.
tt tt
David B. Cumpston
Nelson Carpenter.
1847.
" "
E. E. Townsend.
" "
1848.
it it
L. M. Badger.
Joseph E. Borst.
1849.
Arthur II. Erwin.
R. 0. Smith.
"
1850.
"
a it
" "
1851.
Ira P. Bennett.
Darwin A. Smith.
John Woolsey.
1852.
Uri Balcom.
Chas. J. Chatfield.
Clement II. Baker.
1853.
<.
"
Oscar Jordan.
1854.
Samuel Erwin.
it it
Isaac N. Sutherly.
1855.
Arthur H. Erwin.
William D. Farwell
William N. Howell
1856.
..
tt it
John Borst.
1857.
it it
it it
Austin M. Smith.
1858.
it tt
tt tt
t( it
1859.
<i <i
Francis Erwin.
it it
1860.
"
William D. Farwell.
Isaac N. Sutherly.
1861.
t( it
it tt
t( it
1862.
it it
Benjamin Farwell.
P. A. Easterbrooks.
1863.
William J. Gilbert.
II. D. Edwards.
Amos J. Banter.
1864.
Wni. C. Bronson.
..
Albert S. Ward.
1865.
"
A. K. Knai)p.
Wm. N. Howell.
1866.
(( it
Charles J. Fox.
U H
1867.
it . it
Benjamin Farwell.
tt a
1868.
Alanson J. Fo.x.
Albert R. Sayles.
tt it
^'J*^
Photos b' cvans
ot
^
^n^-^<^
CALVIN LOVELL.
The subject of this sketch is the fifth child of a family
of thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to be men and
women.
Levi Lovell was a native of Canaan, Conn., and was bom in
the year 1787. He married Maria Dascom, a native of Canaan,
also, by whom thirteen children were born, of whom Calvin
was the fifth, and was born at Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., May
30, 1822. Levi Lovell was a farmer by occupation. His
father left Canaan, Conn., and settled in Dutchess County, then
in Chemung County, where he died at an advanced age. Levi
Lovell settled in Dutchess County, and then in Veteran, Che-
mung Co., with his father; here he was married. He was the
owner at one time of a good farm ; was a man respected by
his neighbors. He died in 1861 ; his wife died about 1846 ;
and both lie buried in the cemetery at Big Flats.
The maternal grandfather of Calvin Lovell was John Dascom,
a native of Scotland, who settled in America, previous to the
Revolutionary war, in Connecticut; served through the war, was
one of the soldiers who marched through these parts, and was
honorably discharged. By occupation he was a blacksmith.
He reared a family of six children, each of whom had a family,
one of whom was Maria, who married Levi Lovell. John
Dascom died while living with his daughter, Mrs. Levi Lovell,
on Big Flats, in 1832 ; his wife died many years previous.
Caivin Lovell was raised on the farm. When fifteen years
of age he was engaged as clerk for Fox Holden, of Eimira;
served some eighteen months ; then was with one Samuel Hall
about a year; then on the farm till 1841, when he went into
the public house on Big Flats as clerk, remaining some five
years, and settled in Corning in 1846. He was engaged as clerk
for Samuel Maxwell, in the Corning House, for one year ; then
went to Eimira as clerk for Messrs. Kaight & Sly, in the Man-
sion House.
He married Miss Lucretia, daughter of Edward and Marilla
Beebe, natives of Canaan, Conn., Jan. 2, 1849. Mrs. Lucretia
Beebe Lovell was born Sept. 18, 1825, in Catlin, Chemung Co.,
N. Y. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. Lovell four children
were born, viz. : Ella B., Cora M., Edward Beebe, and Chas.
H. ; all are now living at home.
Edward Beebe was born Aug. 15, 1796, and was one of a
family of twenty-four children ; emigrated to Catlin, Chemung
Co., about 1819 or 1820 ; purchased a farm, built a log house,
returned to Canaan, Conn., and married Marilla Collins, and
returned to his then western home in an ox-wagon. He was
nineteen days on the road, and settled in the spring of 1821.
He endured all the hardships of a pioneer life. He had a family
of four children, of whom Lucretia was second. He died while
residing with his only son, William Wallace, in Osceola, Clark
Co., Iowa, July 16, 1871. His wife died Dec. 18, 1831.
Mr. Lovell settled on a farm in Big Flats soon after his mar-
riage ; remained one year ; then spent one year in Illinois, and
in December, 1850, came to Painted Post; and January, 1851,
commenced keeping public house, and followed it seven years ;
and in 1859 settled on his present fine farm in the Tioga Valley.
Mr. Lovell has one of the best farms in the valley. He has
been very successful in all his business relations, and is considered
one of the substantial citizens of Erwin.
In politics he was a Whig until the Republican party was
organized in 1856 ; since which time he has been a Democrat.
He has held some minor oflBcial positions. As a farmer he
takes pride in raising fine Ayrshire stock, and often has taken
the first premium at the agricultural fairs of his county.
The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketcli
came from England. He married an Irish lady;
they settled in Tolland Co., Conn., and had several
sons.
Willis J., son of Ira and Lovina Richardson
Savory, was born in Marcelliis, Onondaga Co.,
N. Y., Nov. 28, 1807. Ira Savory was a native of
Tolland Co., Conn., born Aug. 7, 1776 ; married
Lovina Richardson, of the same county, about 1802.
Mrs. L. Savory was born Feb. 20, 1783. They had
twelve children, of whom Willis J. is tiie third.
Ira Savory settled in Onondaga County previous to
his marriage, and remained on a farm until 1818,
when he located in Campbell on the " Granger Farm ;"
remained some three years ; then spent two years on
Ralph Babcock's farm ; then settled at Painted Post,
and continued to follow his chosen occupation as
fiirmer. He died Feb. 9, 1842. His wife died Oct.
29, 1864.
Willis J. settled in Steuben County with his
parents in 1818. Mr. Savory remained with his
father till he was twenty-one years of age ; then he
commenced to work for Gen. F. E. Erwin for
eight dollars a month ; worked seven years in the
Erwin family. In the mean time he had purchased
a farm of one hundred acres of land in Catlin,
Chemung Co., N, Y., and had it paid for. He mar-
ried Nancy Wilty, daughter of Jacob and Barbara
Wilty, of Lancaster Co., Pa., Oct. 28, 1836. She
was borH Oct. 3, 1809, and died Jan. 21, 1875. Of
this union nine children were born, viz. : Mary, John
W., Charles, Sarah, Joiui (2d), Ann E., James W.,
W. R., and Martha. All are dead save James W.
and Martha.
Mr. Savory removed to his farm in Chemung
County soon after marriage, and built a house and
remained one year, when he finally settled at Painted
Post, in 1838. He kept public-house some eight
years ; was on his farm one year ; tlien purchased
the hotel pro|)erty known as the " Erwin House,"
which he had formerly kept. He was engaged as
hotel-keeper some twenty years. He sold his hotel
in January, 1870, and located at his present home,
which he had purchased in 1867.
Mr. Savory has been engaged as farmer and hotel-
keeper through his active life. He retired from
business in 1870. He married his present wife,
Mrs. Catharine Piatt, widow of Thomas V. Piatt,
of Dutchess Co., N. Y., Dec. 30, 1875. Mr. Savory
has been a life-long Democrat.
c'w •■ \:
^.^. ^&c^^£^r-h^.
Warren S. Hodgman, son of Leonard and Jen-
nette Hodgmau, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y., Dec. 10, 1824. His father was born in Still-
water, Jan. 21, 1791. He married Jennette Morey,
Jan. 12, 1815. She was the daughter of Deacon
Thomas Morey, of Stillwater, and was born July 25,
1793. Of this union of Leonard and Jennette
Hodgman eightchildren — seven sons and one daughter
— were born ; seven of this number grew to manhood,
five of whom became heads of families. Leonard
Hodgman was a farmer during his active life, but is
now retired from business. He is still living, and is
now, Jan. 21, 1879, eighty-eight years of age.
Mrs. L. Hodgmau died Dec. 25, 1870, and was
buried in the new cemetery in Stillwater.
Warren S. Hodgman worked on his father's farm
until he was twenty-two years of age. He received
a common-school and academic education. In Sep-
tember, 1846, he removed to Bath, Steuben Co.,
N. Y., and worked for his brother (L. D.) in the
grist-mill ; continued four years, then settled at
Painted Post, where he now resides. He and his
brother (L. D.) rented the old Erwin grist-mill, Jan.
8, 1850, and ran it for some four years; during
which time, in 1851, Constant Cook purchased the
mill property and farm. In 1852, Mr. Cook built
the saw-mill, and in 1853 built the new grist-mill,
under the supervision of Warren S. Hodgman.
April, 1857, Mr. Hodgman became a joint owner
with his brother (L. D.) in the property ; they have
continued in business ever since, the firm being known
as W. S. Hodgman & Co. Mr. Hodgman is also
connected in business at Corning, and Bradford,
McKean Co., Pa.
In politics he is a pronounced Republican, ever
alive to the interest of his party. He has been called
to occupy several official positions of trust and honor
in his town. He has been assessor for ten consecu-
tive years, supervisor for one term, and president of
the board of education for three years. He has been
a member of the Presbyterian Church for more than
thirty years.
He married Jennie C, youngest daughter of Judge
Lyman and Mrs. Clarissa Balcom, Feb. 1, 1860.
Mrs. W. S. Hodgman was born in Campbell, Steuben
Co., N. Y., April 3, 1837. Of this union six children
were born, viz. : Edward B., Harry L. (deceased),
Mary F., Lyman B., Clara L., and Susie B. Mr.
Hodo-man is from one of the best families of old
Saratoga County, and is trying to follow in the paths
of his honored parents.
He is one of the leading men in Steuben County,
and his influence for good is felt in the community
in which he resides.
^^fe^ (s^ aiynA.at^<^>K_
^RS. Peter Coven hoven
CAPTAIN PETER COVENHOVEN.
Tlie ancestors of the subject of this sketch came from Holland, and set-
tled in New Jersey at a very early day. The first Covenhoven was named
Peter.
The paternal great-grandfather of Capt. Peter Covenhoven was named
Peter, also, and was a native of New Jersey. He had a eon Albert, who
was bom in Freehold, Monmouth Co., N. J. He married a Covenhoven, by
whom eight children — four sons and four daughters — were born, of whom
John was the fourth child, and was born at Freehold, Monmouth Co., N. J.,
Jan. 10, 1778. He was a farmer by occupation.
He married Miss Mary Phillips, a native of Germantown, about 1800.
Miss Mary Phillips' parents were bom in Germantown, N. Y., and grand-
parents in Ireland ; the latter lived to be more than one hundred years of
age. Of this union six children — four sens and two daughters — were
born, of whom Peter was the second.
John Covenhoven removed to Montgomery Co., N. T., when a mere child,
in company with his parents, about the year 1781 or 1782.
Albert Covenhoven was an officer in the Revolution, and died while a
resident of Montgomery County. His wife died there also.
John Covenhoven died Ajiril 23, 1815, and his wife married Ezekiel
Roberts, by whom she had four children. She died Dec. 16, 1871, in her
ninetieth year.
Capt. Peter Covenhoven was born in Root, Montgomery Co., N. Y., April
22, 1803. He was reared a farmer, which honorable business he has con-
tinued to follow ever since. He had no advantages whatever for an educa-
tion, never having atteuded a school but six months in his life, yet ho has
obtained by that same indomitable energy, which has ever characterized
him through life, a good, practical education, by reading and reflection.
His father dying when he was but twelve years of age, he commenced to
work on a farm by the year, at three dollars a month. With this he clothed
himself, and at the end of the year had fourteen dollars left.. He con-
tinued to work by the month and year for nine years. At the age of
twenty-one he had saved some three hundred dollars.
This is the beginning of one of the most successful careers in the county
or State. In 1821 he visited Steuben County, remaining some six weeks,
and in September, 1823, settled in Corning, and worked for Lauren Mallory,
thrashing wheat with a flail and gathering corn, at ten dollars a month; to
be paid in corn at thirty-seven ;ind a half cents per bushel.
In October, 1823, ho (nirchased his first one hundred acres of land in
Hornby, paying four hundred and seventy dollars. To this he has kojit
adding until ho has owned more than fifteen hundred acres, which he paid
the larger part for in cash. Beside this vast amount of land he has plenty
of money at interest.
To give a detailed account of this man's life would require more space
than we have at our command, but sutfiee to say that no man in Stetiben
County can show a more successful career. This amount of property was
ail obtained by farming, no sjteculation. He has also lost some property,
but in the main he has met with wonderful success.
He left Hornby in 1863, and settled on his present farm of four hundred
acres.
In politics ho was a .lacksonian Democrat, bnt when the Republican
party was organized he joined it. He has held various oflioial positions, to
the general satisfaction of his constituents. Early in life he was chosen
captain of a company of State militia, and is known as Capt. Covenhoven.
He has been assessor of Hornby, also supervisor for two terms.
He married Miss Sarah M. Rorks, March 28, 1828. She was born at
Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Of this union six children — three
of whom are now living — were born, viz. : Thos. N. and Daniel R., who
are farmers in Hornby; Martha J., at home with her father, in Erwin.
Mrs. Sarah Covenhoven died May 19, 1863, and was buried in the ceme-
tery at Hornby. She was a worthy member of the Baptist Church of
Hornby. Her memory is cherished by her family.
Capt. Covenhoven married his present wife, Mrs. Susan Richardson,
widow of Clark Richardson, of Campbell, Dec. 24, 1864, by whom she
has one daughter, — Susie D.
We subjoin the following in reference to Mrs. Peter Covenhoven :
Mrs. Peter Covenhoven, deceased, was the daughter of Daniel and Pru
dence Rorks, and was born in Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y, Her
father served in the Revolution with some distinction. Her mother was a
woman of deep piety and uncommon ability. Some most excellent hymns
are now in the family, which she composed. Mrs. Sarah M. Covenhoven
was the only daughter of Mrs. Daniel Rorks, and inherited her mother's
traits of character, her main oharacteristios being Mntelfiskaets, fidelity, and
2iHriti[.
She was a noble woman, physically, intellectually, socially; a true friend,
a most aSTectionate and laitht'ul wife and mother. She lived with her hus-
band thirty-two years on the place whore she breathed her last, rendering
to him most efficient help in the accumulation of property, and in training
their children in habits of industry and economy, in intellectual culture,
and in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Not only her own
children, but she also took orphan children under her maternal care, and
trained them as her own. They call her mother, as well they may, and
most painfully do they feel her loss.
But though dead, she still lives, — lives in immortal bloom, lives in her
influence, lives in her children, who bear her impress and reflect her moral
beauty.
The funeral was at the house of the deceased, the family residence, and
was attended by a large number of people, who came to sympathize with
the bereaveil, and to take a last view of their departed friend and sister in
the Church of Jesus. A sermon was delivered on the occasion from the
Psalmist : " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," —
Ps. 116, 15. The speaker dwelt on the character brought to view, the sol-
emn scene, and the interest which God takes in the death of His people.
The deceased possessed this character, and hence to her death was infinite
gain. While, then, we are weeping on earth, she is rejoicing in heaven,
with the innumerable company of the glorified, in the immediate presence
of her Saviour.
From the house of mourning we went in a long train of carriages in
solemn procession to the place of burial. The coffin was lowered into a
water-proof grave, beneath the radiance of the meridian sun, looking down
from the skies as cheerfully as though death had never entered our world.
The day was beautiful, the air was fragrant with the perfume of foliage
and blossom, the birds were singing, and all nature rejoicing in newness
of life. What a change is revealed by Him who has declared Himself to
be " The resurrection and the life," and has said to His followers, " Because
I live ye shall live also."
" The storms of wintry life will quickly pass,
And one unbounded Spring encircle all."
May friends and relatives who read this notice of the deceased, follow
her as she followed Jesus, and enjoy with her the unspeakable blessings of
a glorious immortality !
TOWN OF ERWIN.
291
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1S33.
1834.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1840.
1841.
1842
1844.
1845,
1847.
1849.
1850.
Supervisore.
Wm. C. Bronson.
Lyman Balcom.
Ira P. Bennett.
Chas. J. Fo.x.
Francis Erwin.
W. S. Hodgnian.
Francis Erwiii.
Town Clerks.
Benjamin Farwell.
Charles A. Rose.
F. E. Young.
P. D. Parkhurst.
P. W. N. Sanderson
J. Monroe Smith.
Collectors.
Wra. N. Howell.
Greeley D. Rood.
Wm. N. Howell.
M. W. Hubbard.
D. W. C. Erwin.
E. D. Bonham.
Henry D. Edwards.
J. Monroe Smith.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Ansel C. Smith.
Benjamin Harrower.
John E. Evans.
John McClure.
Ansel C.Smith.
John E. Evans.
Charles K. Miller.
Charles K. Miller.
Clement H. Young.
Uri Balcom.
Ansel B. Wood.
Roswell Enos.
William Erwin.
G. A. Farnum.
C. F. Piatt.
James Munsoll.
Henry C. Willcox.
C. F. Piatt.
Zatter Wilder.
T. E. Young.
John Tiffany.
John Day.
Samuel Erwin.
1856. Benjamin Farwell.
1857. Emery M. Wood.
John A. Shults.
1859. Samuel Adams.
Francis Erwin,
1860. John A. Shults.
1861. John A. Shults.
1862. John Day.
1864. Francis Erwin.
1865. Samuel Erwin.
1866. Thomas F. Simmons.
1867. Samuel Erwin.
1868. Samuel Erwin.
1869. Andrew J. Blackman.
1870. James S. Tobias.
1871. R.H.Schuyler.
1872. Francis Erwin.
1873. A. B. Hurd.
1874. James S. Tobias.
1875. A. J. Ross.
1877. A. M. Smitli.
1878. Chas. F. Dunklee.
James S. Tobias.
VILLAGE OF PAINTED POST.
In the spring of 1833, Capt. Samuel Erwin first laid out
the village-plat of Painted Post ; that between the Hornby
road and the river, and Hamilton and Steuben Streets. The
plat was subsequently enlarged, — on the east by Gen. F. E.
Erwin, H. P. Badger, and George W. Patterson, and on the
west by Charles H. Erwin.
The village was incorporated under the general law July
18, 1860.
In 1840 the first church edifice was erected in the village.
It is now standing, and is occupied by the Presbyterian
society.
In 1850 the Methodist Episcopal Church erected their
edifice on the corner of Chemung and Steuben Streets.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1852, and their
house of worship erected in 1860.
PROGRESS OF THE VILLAGE.
We take the following notes showing the progress of im-
provements in the village and other miscellaneous matters
from the excellent little work which has been our principal
authority in preparing the matter for this chapter, — Mr.
Charles H. Erwin's pamphlet " History of Painted Post."
" In 1822, Francis Erwin erected a two-story frame
hotel, 70 by 50 feet, at a cost of $2000 ; Mr. Timothy
Goodrich, architect. This was the first frame upon the
site of the present village, and remained for half a century,
lacking a few months, and was burned on the 29th of April,
1872. We have the original contract, in the handwriting
of John E. Evans, and on the same sheet a draft of the
front and rear, east and west elevations, with a plan of the
ground, second, and garret floors, by IMr. Goodrich. It
was purchased in 1847, by Willis J. Savory, who raised it
one story. It was always used for the purpose for which
it was built. Capt. Samuel Bessley (father of the wife of
the architect, Mr. Goodrich, of 3Irs. George Havevling, of
Bath, and of Mrs. Col. Uri Balcom, of Chicago) first, and
for many years occupied it, and gained a widely-known repu-
tation as one of the best of landlords. It was situated on
the rortheasE corner of Water and Hamilton Streets.
" The same year Capt. Samuel Erwin erected the first
frame store upon the northwest corner, opposite the hotel,
which was rented to the late Mr. John Arnot, of Elmira.
The late Hon. William S. Hubbell, of Bath, was his clerk.
The next year (1823) he erected the house we now own,
where we reside, and where now (December, 1873) we are
writing this article, and in which there has never been a
change in the form of a room since it was first finished.
Capt. Erwin occupied it until his death. It is now the
oldest frame building, excepting the old grist-mill, in town.
The same year he built the old grist-mill and saw-mill now
owned and occupied by Warren S. Hodgnian, and his
brother, L. D. Hodgnian, of Bath. John Spicer was the
builder and millwright. There were four run of stones
and a halfgang bolt put in the mill.
" We still liave many of the old receipted bills for the
materials, also the shipping bills. When these buildings
were raised, the ' neighbors' from Tioga Point, Newtown,
Big Flats, Lawrenceville, Lindley, Penn Yan, Bath, and
intermediate places, were here to assist. The occasion was
the last gala day for the old and first hotel of the town,
and where all received their victuals and drink.
" In 1824, Mr. John Wygant cut the sheet-iron Indian
which has ever since graced the village, perched upon a
painted post. This effort, taking into consideration the
times and their fticilities, was quite a success ; and when
looked at as in commemoration and perpetuation of the
original monumental post, we can the more readily overlook
all the imperfections, and better appreciate, guard, and pro-
tect it as a memento.
" In 1847 the bank of Cayuga Lake, at Ithaca, owned
by H. J. Grant, was purchased by Asa S. Foster, of the
city of New York, and Cephas F. Piatt, of Painted Post.
In the spring of 1851 they removed it to this village, with
a capital of $50,000. It was for several years kept in the
second story of the Empire Block. In 1860, Mr. Piatt
became sole proprietor, at which time its issue was over
$70,000, and he occupied for some years the brick building
he had erected for a bank.
" In 1848, the late A. II. Erwin, Gen. F. E. Erwin, I.
P. Bennett, and the late Henry S. Brooks, erected an ex-
tensive foundry and inachine-.«hop, with a block of three
large stores, and the largest public hall in the county, over
the stores, known as Mechanics' Hall. It was completed in
1849. Some two years later the company purchased Mr.
Bennett's interest, and was known as Erwin & Brooks. In
1853, Mr. David Curtis purchased Gen. Erwin's interest,
and the title of the firm was Curtis, Erwin & Brooks. In
1855, Mr. Curtis gave one-half of his interest to his
daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Erwin. The nest year Mr.
292
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Brooks sold half of his interest to the late Judge Wash-
ington Barnes. Under the superintendence of the late
James H. Simmons, of Fairport, X. Y.. and until the finan-
cial pressure of 1857, it was unsurpassed by any establish-
ment of the kind in Western New York, giving employment
to nearly 100 men.
"In the autumn of 1850 the New York and Erie Rail-
road was completed between Corning and Hornellsville,
passing through this village. In 1852 the Buffalo. Con-
hocton Valley and New York Railroad, made a junction at
this village with the Erie. The Western Union Telegraph
Company completed its line along the Erie road in 1855,
and along the Buffalo, Conhocton Valley and New York
Railroad in 1857, putting this village in momentary com-
munication with all places along the lines and throughout
the country.
" Empire Block was built by A. B. McCuller and Messrs.
A. H. aud F. E. Erwin, in 1841 . It stood upon the south-
east corner of Water and Hamilton Streets, the third story
being occupied by Empire Hall.
" On the evening of Sept. 2, 1850, a lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons was instituted in the village. Maj. M.
H. McGrath was the first W. M. The order is now in a
flourishing condition.
PL-iNK-ROAD.
" In 1852, a company was formed under the name of the
Corning, Painted Post, Cooper's Plains, and Monterey Plank-
Road Company. A single track was laid from the village
of Monterey (now in Schuyler County) through the valley
of Mead's Creek, to Cooper's Plains, and thence to the
bridge over the Chemung River at Corning, — about fifteen
miles, with four toll-gates. Some six years after, the com-
pany abandoned the plank-road between Cooper's Plains and
Monterey, and, subsequently, by special act of the Legisla-
ture, resolved itself into the Conhocton Stone-Road Company,
obtaining a charter therefor for a period of thirty years.
This road from the Corning bridge, through Painted Post,
to Cooper's Plains, has been facetiously called a '■Jordan
road,' i.e., a ' hard road to travel,' during certain portions
of the year. The road is not well kept up by the company,
and is a free highway only in its poorest condition."
THE GAXG-JIILLS.
About the year 1832. the estate of William Erwin, in
this town, was purchased by Isaac Gray, and two lawyers
from Owego, Messrs, Piatt and Dana, It embraced an area
of some 4000 acres of land, bountifully supplied with
groves of superior and valuable pine timber. They built
the first mill upon the site of the establishment now known
as the Gang-Mills, and after a few years sold the property
to Sylvester Smith, Abram Ogden, and Col. Hiram W.
Bostwick, A few years later, Judge Smith became sole
proprietor, and for some ten or twelve years manufactured
lumber, and improved the lands. He then sold to Messrs.
John C. Cameron and James D. Weston, two gentlemen
who were credited with a long experience, and a practical
knowledge of the lumber business; however, these gentle-
men did not long retain possession. In 1846, Rev. Norman
Fox, father of A, J, Fox, one of the present proprietors,
Abijah Weston, and William C, Bronson purchased of
Messrs, Cameron and Weston this property. This enter-
prising firm immediately rebuilt and enlarged the mill, add-
ing gangs, slabbers, edgers, lath, and other improved ma-
chinery, and, as the increasing demand required, added
steam to their hydraulic power, new buildings, with planing
and picket machines, until it has become the most extensive
lumber establishment and firm in the town, county, or State,
and the nucleus of perhaps the most extensive lumbering
business in the United States, when aggregating the various
results of the different manufactories over the widely-spread
localities in which one or the other of these gentlemen are
the principal owners. All of the members of this firm have
their residence at Painted Post, and their mills are situated
about one mile southwest of the village.
They have in their possession the title in fee-simple to
many hundreds of thousands acres of the best timber-lands
in the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and
Wisconsin, and timber-rights, licenses, or Government
leases, for more than a million and a quarter acres of the
very best timber tracts of Canada, They own and run
seven extensive gang-mills, that average each from ten to
thirty millions feet of lumber annnally, and four large
planing-mills, with each a capacity of from 50,000 to
250,000 feet of dressed lumber per day, together with the
immense and unknown quantities of shingles, lath, and
pickets manufactured h\ them, and the number of their
employees is counted by the thousands.
The firm is now known as Fox, Weston & Co., Mr.
William C. Bronson having sold his interest to A. J. Fox
and his brother, Maj. Charles J. Fox.
EXTRACT- WORKS.
The Extract-Works of this village have applied a new
method for the manufacture of the extract of hemlock-
bark, an article of great importance to tanners and dyers,
and also used in various manufactures.
In 1856 the Van Orman tannery, on Chemung Street,
was purchased by Harvey Bissel and William D, Farwell.
These gentlemen established a successful business, which
was conducted under the immediate superintendence of
Benjamin Farwell, of this village. In 1859, William D.
Farwell sold his interest to 3Ir. Bissel, and about 1864
Mr, Bissel sold to Cyrus Pyle & Co., of which firm N.
Spencer Thomas was a member. The latter, while con-
nected with this firm, successfully completed the new
method for the manufacture of the extract of hemlock-
bark, and is the patentee and owner of the process, as well
as of numerous machines used in making it. Mr. Thomas
is now a resident of Elmira. William D. Farwell is a
member of the gigautic mercantile firm of John V. Far-
well & Co., Chicago. 3Ir, Harvey Bissel, who spent his
last years in Toledo, Ohio, was an important aid to the
business interest of this village, where he resided many
years, and was indefatigable in his efforts to build up and
improve the place.
The Extract- Works employ some twenty men ; their
capacity is from 3000 to 3500 cords of hemlock-bark, and
about 400 cords of barrel material per annum, there being
an extensive barrel-factory attached. The establishment is
I
Photos ev e\>»ns .
SAf^<
t
CX-it c<_
^^jC<3C
tJe/^^
ISAAC P. GOODSELL.
The Goodsell family is of Scotch extraction. The paternal
grandfather of Isaac P. Goodsell was Jacob Goodsell. He
was a native of New England, and married Betsey Warner,
whose father fell in the Revolution. He was a fine mechanic
in all branches of iron work, and a farmer, also. He was father
of twelve children. His wife died in Westmoreland, and he
removed to Hornby about 1820, where he died.
Sherman Patterson, maternal grandfather of Isaac P.
Goodsell, was born in Cornwall, Conn., and married a Miss Beach.
To them were born seven children, three sons and four daughters.
He was captain in the Revolution, and was in sight of General
Montgomery when he fell at Quebec. He was a farmer, and a
perfect specimen of physical manhood, dying at the advanced
age of ninety-two years.
Isaac Goodsell, father of Isaac P., was born in Cambridge,
Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 30, 1789. He was married to
Anna Patterson, in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., Aug. 23,
1810. She was bom in Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., March
16, 1794. From this marriage came nine children, four sons and
five datighters, eight of whom lived to maturity, and six are now
living. About 1813 or 1814 they left Westmoreland, and
moved to Susquehanna Co., Pa., where they remained till their
removal to Painted Post, now Hornby, in 1824. Two of their
children were born in Westmoreland, four in Pennsylvania, and
the rest in Hornby. Isaac Goodsell was a farmer and blacksmith
by occupation. Both himself and wife were members of the
Baptist Church. Two of the children were Methodists, and six,
like their parents. Baptists — one a Baptist minister.
Isaac Goodsell was a staunch, unswerving Democrat, held sev-
eral official positions, and was a captain in State militia. He
died Aug. 25, 1841. His widow still survives, living with her
children, hale and hearty, at the age of eighty-five.
Isaac P. Goodsell was born in Pennsylvania in the year
1818. He was reared a farmer, and is a blacksmith. He
settled in Hornby in 1824, and married Christiana, daughter of
Deacon Jacob and Betsey Woodward, of Campbell, Aug. 25,
1841. Miss Woodwaid was born Nov. 14, 1819. Of this
union were bom five children, namely : Byron W., Jacob L.,
Ella E., Dimis H., and Normah C. Jacob L. died in infancy.
Mr. Goodsell learned his trade at Hornby Porks, and worked
seven years in that place, which was founded by his father, who
purchased a farm there and started that village. He bought
his farm about 1848, moving to it the same day President Taylor
was inaugurated. He owned at one time two hundred and
seventy- eight acres of land. He left his farm and moved to the
village of Painted Post, April 1, 1871, in consequence of his
ill health, and a desire to educate his children, leaving his farm
in charge of Ella E. and her husband, Orin Roloson. He has
•since resided at Painted Post, engaged in selling agricultural
implements, and looking after his various business affairs.
Both Mr. Goodsell and wife were formerly Baptists, but for
the last six years have been Methodists. Mr. Goodsell has
been superintendent of Sabbath-schools, and a leading temper-
ance man. He was formerly a Democrat, but at the organization
of the Republican party became a member of that party, and
has ever been faithful to its principles. He was postmaster at
Hornby, and, by suffrage of his fellow-townsmen, held the office
of justice of the peace and other town offices.
PHOrOS ev EVANS. CO»N("G
(f/'yvt-y^^ ^^4.-f^^yLi!!!Lc''^
^aL,tcs2^ ^€i/^tAZ.&£^
PHILO CAMPBELL,
son of Robert Campbell and Rachel Dolson, was born
in Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1808.
His grandfather was the son of Rev. Robert Camp-
bell, who was born in Scotland, in 1709, and settled in
Canaan, Conn., as a Presbyterian minister, in 1761, and
removed to Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1762,
where he was the first minister north of Albany, and
where he was buried.
Robert (3d) was born in 1777, at Stillwater; was
educated for the ministry ; graduated at Dartmouth
College. He never preached, but followed farming for
a business; settled in Campbell with his father, who
was named Robert (2d) also, in the winter of 1801 and
1802. He died in 1861, while residing in Michigan,
where he had gone some twelve years before. His wife
died some five years before, or about 1856.
Philo Campbell was reared on his father's farm until
he was about eighteen ; he then went to Chenango
County, and learned the carding and cloth-dressing busi-
ness, which he followed more or less for fifteen years.
He married Calista, daughter of Solomon and Martha
Cushing, of Vermont, Nov. 23, 1832. Miss Calista
Cashing was born near Brattleboro', Vt., April 23,
1814. Her parents are distant relatives of Hon. Caleb
Cushing (deceased).
As the result of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Philo
Campbell three children were bom, viz. : William Wal-
lace, born Feb. 13, 1834; died June 23, 1836. Solomon
C, born Jan. 9, 1836 ; married Aurelia, daughter of
Benjamin and Hannah Farwell, of Painted Post, and is
now one of the largest merchants in Corning; he has one
son, Wallace B. Sybil H., born Nov. 11, 1838; died
Feb. 3, 1842.
In June, 1836, Mr. Campbell removed to Bellevue,
Eaton Co., Mich. ; purchased a farm of some two hun-
dred acres; remained until October, 1845, when he re-
turned to Steuben County, and settled in Hornby, where
he followed his trade some five years; then followed
lumbering some three years on Mead's Creek, Campbell,
where he settled about 1850.
About 1854 he purchased his present farm in Camp-
bell. He built all the buildings on his farm, which are as
fine as any in the town. He left his farm in December,
1877, and located on his present place of residence in
Painted Post, where he is surrounded by all the com-
forts of a pleasant home.
He has always been identified with the Republican
party since its organization, having been a Whig pre-
viously. Mr. Campbell has been commissioner, assessor
three years, town clerk two years, and collector one year;
also was trustee of schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of the Baptist
Church at Painted Post. He is one of the temperance
men of Painted Post.
TOWN OF ERWIN.
293
run night and day, and is under the effioient management
of Mr. Charles Iredell. The products arc shipped directly
from the works to all parts of this continent, and to
Europe.
Since 1855, tobacco has been successfully raised in the
valleys, and nearly an liundrcd acres are annually planted
in the town. Calvin Lovell, Esq., residing on a farm near
the Gang-Mills, is the pioneer in the culture of this lucra-
tive production.
About three o'clock a.m. on the morning of the 7th
of May, 1860, a fire was discovered in the foundry then
owned by Messrs. Curtis, Erwin, Brooks & Co. It spread
rapidly and consumed the foundry block and buildings, the
barn of the company, the barns, li very-stable, and market
of the hotel, five dwellings and five barns on the north side
of Water Street, and four .stores, wagon-, and blucksmith-
shop on the south side. It was estimated that more than
$50,000 worth of property above insurance was destroyed.
The same year Messrs. A. Weston, Wni. C. Bronson,
Charles H. Erwin, and Wnj. II. Calkins rebuilt the foun-
dry and machine-shops, to which they have added at various
times since. In 1865, with the addition of Maj. McGrath
to the company, they erected the extensive door-, sa.sh-, and
blind-factory, which flourished a few years and was then
abandoned.
The large three-story brick block on the corner of Ham-
ilton and Water Streets was erected by Wm. C. Bronson,
in 1860. In 1869, Dr. Orcott's drug-store and H. D.
Edwards' jeweler-store were added.
In 1870, Wm. C. Bronson and Harris C. Higman opened
a bank in the Bronson Block. In 1872 these gentlemen
purchased the Bank of Cayuga Lake, and Mr. Bronson
the building of C. F. Piatt. Mr. Bronson immediately
commenced the enlargement and rebuilding of the old
bank, adding an iron and plate-glass front and another
story. In January, 1873, Mr. Bronson purchased Mr.
Higman's interest and became sole proprietor.
In 1872, Mr. Bronson built on his lot, in front of the
Erie depot, an iron-roofed, fire-proof planing-mill, and in
1873 opened, with George Dorn and Alva Bronson, an
extensive lumber-yard. This mill has a capacity of 50,000
feet of dressed lumber per day.
On the 28th of February, 1873, the village was scourged
with another desolating fire. All the buildings between
Hamilton Street and the Erie railway-cro.ssing, on the
south side of Water Street, including the Empire Block,
were consumed. Nearly all of these buildings have since
been replaced by better structures.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper started in the village was the Painted
Post Gazette, in the year 1846, by Sir. Fairchild. It con-
tinued to be issued only a few months. In May, 1848,
Messrs. Ransom Bennett and B. M. Hawley commenced
the publication of the Painted Post IJeralJ, which was
continued about one year.
In October, 1870, Wm. C. Bronson, H. C. Higman, and
S. H. Ferenbaugh began the publication of the Painted
Post Times, Mr. Higman retired in 1872. The paper
has lately been discontinued.
PUBLIC SCHOOL.
John E. Evans taught the first school in the village, or
rather in the pioneer .settlement ; for it was a quarter of a
century at least before the village was laid out. " The first
school-house," says Mr. Erwin, " that we recollect, was
situated on the site of the dwelling now occupied by E. S.
Borland, which is also Messrs. Ilodgman's farm-house. This
school-house was built of plank, and the rent of ground
given by Capt. Samuel Erwin. The next one was built on
the south side of the river, and is now used as a dwelling
by Mrs. Hallack. In 1848 or 1849, the late Arthur Erwin
built a large twostory frame building on the south side of
the river, nearly opposite the residence of the late C. J.
Chatfield. This building was rented to the district, together
with two acres of ground, for SI 00 per annum, to be used
for a district school. The main building was some 50 by
75 feet, with a projecting gable, supported by four large
pillars in front, and a wing on the north and south sides,
making a front upon the street of about one hundred feet.
It was used by the district school till 1868, when the pres-
ent model brick school-house on Charles Street was built,
at an expense of $14,000, including the lot and furniture.
William C. Bronson was the contractor, and Maj. M. H.
McGrath the architect. The old building, after being
abandoned for school purposes, was converted into a tobacco
warehouse, and was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1871.
The public school is a union free school, with an academic
department. It is provided with a valuable library of mis-
cellaneous books and works of reference, has a fine lot of
new apparatus for performing philosophical and other experi-
ments, and is received under visitation of the Regents.
The school has been designated by them to instruct a
teachers' class during the winter term, beginning Jan. 6,
1879, in methods of teaching, school management, and in
general normal training.
Board of Education. — S. B. Howell, President; E. H.
Smith, Secretary ; W. H. Calkins, J. Z. Wilder, A. F.
Timerman ; J. Monroe Smith, Treasurer.
Facidt^.^Fj. AV. Griffith, Principal; Bell S. Arnold,
Academic Assistant ; Florence E. Willson, Intermediate
Department ; Minerva D. McCarty, Primary Department.
Calendar. — Winter Term commences Jan. 6, 1879;
closes April 4; Spring Term commences April 14, 1879 ;
elo.ses June 27.
Rates of Taition. — All actual residents, free ; non-resi-
dents as follows : Academic Department, per term, $5 ;
Primary and Intermediate Departments, $3.
Attendance during the past school year, 160 ; Academic
Department, 75.
cooper's plains.
We learn from Mr. Alson Pierce, an early resident of
Cooper's Plains, that one John Williams, a " Hessian,"
who had been taken prisoner at Burgoyne's surrender at
Saratoga, settled on lands adjoining the town line between
Erwin and Campbell about 1705. In 1814 part of this
land was bought by Judge McBurney, and in 1815, Alson
Pierce and the two Cobbs purchased most of the remainder.
Mr. Pierce came from the State of Vermont, and at the
time of his settlement there was a road leading from
294
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Painted Post to Bath, along the Conhocton, by which the
mail was carried on horseback once a week. John E.
Evans was then postmaster at Centrevilje. The Bath
paper was then carried open, and thrown into the yards as
the carrier passed by. The first post-office at Cooper's
Plains consisted of a " shingle nailed to a tree, under which
the mail was stuck by the accommodating mail rider."
Judge Cooper settled in this part of the town in 1828.
He was an only son, and his father resided in Easton, Pa.
His mother was a daughter of Col. Arthur Erwin. His
son, John Cooper, Jr., was a physician of considerable note,
and the founder of the village of Cooper's Plains.
About 1841, Dr. Cooper built a large residence on his
farm near the junction of Mead's Creek Valley with Con-
hocton, and laid out a portion of his farm into village lots.
The place soon began to attract settlers. Albert Mulligan
opened the first store, and subsequently Col. Uri Balcom,
now a resident of Chicago, carried on lumbering and mer-
cantile business, operating a saw-mill, which had been built
by John Williams. An.son Buck, father of Edward Buik,
Esq., of Addison, built and kept the first hotel. This
house for many years after Mr. Buck left it was occupied
by the late Daniel Ogden, who.se reputation as a " prince of
landlords" nearly absorbed the name of the village, for it
used to be more frequently said "going to Ogden's" than
going to Cooper's Plains. The building was burned in
1871, and has not yet been replaced.
The Rochester branch of the Erie Railway passes through
and has a station at Cooper's Plains. There are a Baptist
and a Methodist church, a large and commodious district
school-house, a flouring-mill, steam saw-mill, chair-factory,
wagon- and blacksmith-shops, one or two stores, a post-office,
and some twenty-five or thirty dwellings, and the Good
Templars maintain a flourishing lodge in the village.
ERWIN.
In the spring of 1873 a depot was built near the west
line of E. E. Town.send's property, and the station was
called Erwin. A post-office was established here, and Mr.
Townsend was appointed postmaster.
There are now three post-offices in the town of Erwin,
viz., Painted Post, in the village of Painted Post; Cooper's
Plains, at Cooper's Plains ; and Erwin, at Erwin.
MILITARY RECORD OF ERWIN.
Abbey, John, private, 74th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861, three years ; re-enl. ;
lost an arm at the battle of Gettysburg ; disch. in consetiuence.
Abel, Emerson W., scrgt., Hist Inf , Co. E ; enl. Aug., 1SG2, three year^.
Adams, William Bradford, private, I07th Inf., Co, C; enl. July, 1862, three years.
Alexander, Geo., private, 8th U. S. Col Inf. ; drafted July 17, 1863, tliree years.
Araeigh, Richmond .!., private, 74tli Inf., Co. K ; enl. May 22, 1861, three years ;
re-enlisted; disch. Jnne, 1865.
Ames. Eli, 16Ist Inf. ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, throe years.
Andrews, Uansom Riley, piivate, 20th N. Y. lod. Bat.; enl. June G, 1863, three
years; disch. Aug. 7, 180.5,
Bailey, Charles .\ma^a, private, 86th Inf, Co. I; enl. Sept., 1861, three years;
discb.; re-enl. same co. and regt. in 1863; wounded in battle of tho Wil-
derness, May G, 1864 ; died the next day.
Bailey, Sylvester.
Baker, Morgan Henry, musician, .'iOth Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug., 1862, three years ;
disch. June 8, 18G5.
Ball, Joseph Allen, corporal, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. April 12, 1801 ; wounded in
the battle of Antietam in the right arm, arm amputated; disch. Dec. 5,
1802.
Barber, Henry C, 10th Cav.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
Barnett, Henry E., IGth Vet. Res. Corps; enl. July 27, 1864, three years.
Baumes, Peter, private, 60th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years.
Beet^ Schuyler, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; pro.
to artificer ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Benjamin, James R., 16th II. Art.; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years.
Bennett, Wilson Le Roy, musician, Gth Cav., Co. L; enl. Oct. 16, 1861, three
years; disch. Oct. 28, 1864.
Berry, Francis, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862. three years ; disch.
June 13, 1865.
Blanchard, William Alexander, private, 51th Eng., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1, 1864,
one year ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Blowers, John, 50th Eng. ; enl. .'Vpril 3, 1865, one year.
Boardman, James, enl. Aug. 29, 1S63, three years ; sub. for James McGuire.
Boguie, Jame^, 179th Inf.; enl. March 20, 1864, three years.
Borst, Ira .\., private, lij7th Inf, Co. C ; enl. July 9, 18G2, three years ; captured
Dec. 15, 1864; in Florence prison three months; exchanged; disch. June
2, 1865; died in Nov.
Borst, Pbilo, corporal, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 4, 1862, three years; pro. to
Corp., Aug. 1, 1S62; disch. Feb. 4, 1863 ; re-enl. 50th Eng., Co. A, Dec. 19,
1863, three years ; pro. to artificer, July 1, 1864 ; to Corp., April 23,1865;
disch. June 30,1865.
Borst, Theodore, 50th Eng.; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three year.<.
Bor»t, Julius Rowley, .50th Eng,; enl. Dec. 19, 18G3, three years.
Brimmer, Lorenzo, 50th Eng ; enl. .\pril 3, 1865, one year.
Britten, William James, Jr., private, Gth Cav., Co. L; enl. Aug. 2, 1864, three
years ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865.
Bronson, Irving, capt., 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 29.1862, three years; pro. to
1st licut.. May 2, 1863 ; to capt., Sept. 20, 1805 ; disch. .June 5, 1865.
Brower, Charles, private, SGth Inf
Brown, Sanford Delos, corporal, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three
years; disch. June 13, 1865.
Brown, Gilbert La Fayette, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 19, 1863, three
years; died Aug. 6, 1864.
Brown, Samuel W'atson, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three
years; disch. June 5, 1865.
Brown, Wm. A., 50th Eng. ; enl. Aug 30, 1864, one year.
Brown, Henry E., 23d Inf; re-eul. 22d Giv., Aug. 9, 1SG4, three years.
Burnsides, James, drafted.
Button, Miles, private, 179th Inf., Co. B ; enl. JIarch 3, 1864, three years; disch.
May 29, 1805.
Brockway, Andrew, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July, 1862, three years;
killed in the battle at Dallas, May 25, 1864.
Calkins, Milton, 2d sergt, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 9, 1862, three years; disch.
June IS, 1865.
Campbell, William, 20th U. S. Col. Inf; enl. July25, 1864, three years.
Cassida, John, 50th Eng.; enl. Aug. 31, 1861, one year.
C.irman, John, enl. Aug. 23, 1864. tliree years ; sub. for Warren S. Hodgnian.
Chapman, Alonzo, 179tli Inf; enl. Mar. 31, 1864, three years.
Clark, John B., enl. Dec. 16, 1804, three years; sub. for .\bijah Weston.
Cliristler, Charles, private, 14lst Inf; enl. Aug., 1862, three years.
Chatfield, Charles James, 1st lieut., 23d Inf, Co. D; enl. April, 1861, two years;
pro. to Corp., Aiig.l, ISOl ; wounded in the leg in 8ec.ond Bull Run battle,
Aug. 31,1862; disch. May 22, 1803; re-enl. 10th Cav., Jan. 2, 1864, three
years; must, out 10th Cav. and appointed Ist lieut. of 20th N. Y. Ind.
Bat., April 4, 1864 ; disch. July 7, 1864 ; re-enl. Ist U. S. V. V. Corps, Co.
H, Dec. 5, 1804, one year ; pro. to sergt., Jan. 5, 1865 ; to 2d lieut. of 2d
Regt., 1st Corps, July 24, 1865; to 1st lieut. same regt., Oct 5, 1865.
Cobb, Charles, private, 86th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861, three years ; disch. and
re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years; taken prisoner at Gains' Farm, June 1,
1864; sent to Libby prison eight days; moved to Andersonville for ten
months; paroled April 29, 1865; disch. June 28, 1865.
Cobb, James Ezra, private, 3oth Inf, Co. F ; enl. for two years ; re-enl. in 20th
Ind. Bat.
Cobb,Wm., private, 23d Inf, Co. D, two years; re-enl. in 50thEng.,Co. A, one year.
Cook, Seth Dagger, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 5, 1802, three years;
disch. Feb. 5, 1863; re-enl. in 10th Cav., Co. L, Aug. 25, 1804, one year;
discli. June 28, 1865.
Coolbaugh, Jerome, enl. Aug. 14, 1864, three years ; sub. for Alanson J. Fox.
Coon, Jndson C, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862, three years.
Cooper, John, surg. Fremont's staff; appointed June 21, 1801 ; must, out Jan.,
1862 ; reappointed A. A. surg. U. S. A., Feb., 1862 ; must, out and reap-
pointed surg., 2d La. Cav., May, 1804; disch. July 24, 1805.
Cooper, Thomas Wallis, 1st liout.,7th Inf., Co. B; enl. April 19, 1861; pro. to 2d
lieut.; died at St. Louis, Oct. 31, 1802.
Cooper, Fredei-ick, *2d lieut., 4th Mo. Cav., Co. F; enl. Dec. 24, 1861, three years;
served as vol. aide-de-camp; commissioned 2il lieut.; disch. July 19, 1862.
Cooper, Benjamin A., private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one year.
Conner, Theodore, corporal, 107tli Inf, Co. C; enl. July 7, 1802, three years;
pro. in August, 1803; wounded at Chanci-llorsville ; disch. June 5, 1805.
Coryell, Edward, private, 86th Int., Co. C; eul. Nov. 5, 1861, three years.
Cornell, Wm. Harrison, sergt., 14l8t Inf, Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three years.
Courtwright, John, 107th Inf, Co. C ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Cowley, Bernard, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug., 1862, three years.
Cowley, Michael, 1st sergt., 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 1802, three years;
pro. to 1st sergt., Jan., 1863 ; disch. June 5, 1865.
Creamer, Roscoe D., 16th V. R. Corps; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, three years.
Dill, John H., lOtli V. E. Corps; enl. Aug. ,5, 1804, three years.
Dodge, Leonard Lorycor, private, 112th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year;
killed at Fort Fisher.
TOWN OF ERWIN.
295
Durniai), Eugene C, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. March 15, 18G5, one year;
di■^ch. June l:i, ISCo.
Duval, Al.ram, SUtli Eng.: r-nl. Dec. 19, 18G3, three years.
Edwards, Samuel P., IGth V. U. Corps; enl. July 27, 18C4, three yeais.
Elwell, Thomas A., Sth H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years.
Emory, George Washington, private, 50tb Eng., Co. F; enl. March 19,1864,
three years ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Erwin. William Wilberforce, 1st lieut., 74th Inf.,Co. K; enl. May 22, 1861, three
years; sun-struck June 5, 18G2 ; resigned on surg.-general'fl certif. of
these injuries, Nov. 4, I8G2.
Erwin, De Witt Clinton, 2d seryt, 50th Eng., Co.F; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three
years ; pro. to 2d sergt. ; diseli. June 13, 1865.
Erwin, Edward.
Evans, Charles Ernest, private, oOtli Eng., Co. A ; en!. Aug. 21, 1SG2, three years;
disch. Nov. 14, 1862, disability.
Foster, Homer B., musitian, Hist Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three yeare.
Fo.x, William Freeman, lii-ut.-cul., 107th Inf., Co. C; ent. July 29, 1862, three
years; pro to nmjor, Feb. 3,1863; to licut.-col., Sept. 5, 1863; wounded
at the batile of Antielam ; in left knee at Cbancellorsville, and again iu
arm at Resacii ; disch. in eonsequence.
Fox, Charles James, major, l07tli Inf., Co. C; enl. July 29, 1S62, three years;
pro. to captain, Ft-b. 3, 1863 ; to major, Sept. 27, 1864 ; disch. June 5, '65.
Fox, Nurman, Jr., chaplain, 77th Inf.; must. Dec. 1, 18C2, three years; diseh.
Dec. 13, 1865.
Freeling, Thomas, must. Dec. 16, 1864, three years; sub. for Alvah Brouson.
Furgison, Michael, I79th Inf.; enl. Aug. 6, 1SG4, three years.
Gilbert, lienry Krwin, private, 2 M Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, three years ;
died of congestion of the lungs, Dec. 1, 18G1.
Golden, Charles, corporal, 107tli Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 18G2, three years; disch.
June 5, 1865.
Goodno, Ira A., enl. Dec. 29, I8G3, three years; sub. for Patrick Cowley,
Hale, James Lemon, artificei-, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, thi ee years ;
pro. to artificer, Dec, 1862^ wounded in back by a spent ball, bi'fore Fred-
ericksburg, Dec 11, 1S62; disch. June 13, 1865.
Hedden, Joseph, 16th V. K. Corps; enl. July 3U, 1865, three years,
llorner, Thomas, sergt., I07ih Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 1862, three years ; pro. to
Sf rfjr., Nov., 186:^ ; disch. June 5, 1865.
Honghtailing. William, artificer, 50tli Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three
years; pro. to artificer; disch. June 13, 1865.
Jenning:-, William Walbice, private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three
years; disch. June 20, 1865.
Jordan, Townsend Bartlett, private, 2iJth N. Y. Ind. Bat.; enl. March 18, 1864,
three years ; disch. Aug. 5, 1865.
Kirklaiid, James, private, oOth Eng., Co.F; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Knight, John, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. A; enl. Sept. 19, 1863, three years; pro. to
artificer, July 1, ISGi ; disch. June 30, 1865.
Knight, Lemuel Cniter, artificer, 50th Eng , Co. A; enl. Dec. 19, 1863, three
years ; pro. to artificer, July I, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865.
Lewjs, Jesse B , color-sergt., 107th Inf., Co. C ; enl. July 3, 1862, three years ;
pro. to color-sergt. ; disch. fur di.^ability, Feb. 10, 18G3; re-enl. Dec. 20,
18G3, 50th Eiig., Co. A, three years; pro. to artificer and corporal; disch.
June 13, 18G5.
Lewis, Solomon, private, 2d Cav., Co. E; enl, Dec. 20, 18G3, three years ; disch.
July, 1865.
Lewis, Alonzo, corporal, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 6, 18G2, three years; since
killed in a luuiber establishment.
Manley, Jerome, 1st lieut., Gth Cav. ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, two years ; pro. to Ist
Bergt., March. 1862 ; disch. fur re-enl. Dec. 15, 1863.
Mann, Reuben T., 8th U. S. Col. Inf. ; drafted July 2, 1863, three years.
Mathia*", Francis, private, l07th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 27, 1862, three years;
wounded in right forearm at Dallas, May 25, 1864; disch. for disability,
Jan. 27, 1865.
Matlniis, Louis, private, 107th Inf , Co. C; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years; shot
in both knees, March 16, 1865; legs amputated and died in consequence.
May 6, 1865.
May, Anthony, enl. Aug. 28, 1863, three years ; suli. for Lenhart May.
Mayo, Thomas, corporal, 14th Inf., Co. E ; enl. June 12, 1861, two years; pro. to
corporal, Dec, 18G2; disch. June 30, 18G3.
McCanna, Henry, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. May 6, 1861, two years; disch.
May IG, 1863; re-enl. loTlh Inf., Co. C, Jan. 5, 1864, three years; trans.
to 60th Inf.; disch. Aug., 1865.
McGrath, Michael Healy, major, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 6,1862, three
years; pro. to c-iptain, Co. F, Nov. 14, 18G2; brevetted major, June 10,
1865 ; wounded slightly in left knee, June 5, 1863, at Deep Run ; disch.
June 13, 1865.
McHenry, Matthew A., artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Sept., 1862, three years.
Mcintosh, Parker, private, 23d Inf., Co. C; enl. April, 1861, two years ; must.
out May, 1863; re-enl. Jan. 28, 1865, one year.
Mcintosh, Schuyler, cor|)oral, 79tli Inf.; enl. Sept., 18G1 ; disch. for disability,
July. 1862; re-enl.
Mcintosh, James Gay, private, 74th Inf., Co. K; enl. 1861, three yeiirs ; died
of fever.
Mcintosh, Alonzo, private, 14th H. Ait.; enl. Dec. 13,1863; taken prisoner near
Gaines' Farm, Va., June 14, 1864 ; taken to Libby prison ; his father had
a letter from him July 1, ISG4, since when he has nut been heard of or
from ; supposed to be dead.
McKean, De la Fletcher, private, 112th Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 28, 1864, one year ;
disch. April 28, 1865.
McKinney, Henry, 107th Inf.; enl. Feb. 29, 18G4, three years.
McTigue, Thomas, 86th Inf.; enl. Dec 31, 1863, three years; re-enl.
Miller, Frank, 50th Eng.; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years.
Miller, Newman, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years.
Millspaugh, Frederick, IGtli H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 9, 1863, tliree years.
Minier, William, 179th Inf. ; enl. March 17, 1864, three years.
Moore, William Henry, drum-major, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three
years ; disch. by special order from Sec. atanton.
Morrison, Benjamin P., 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 2, 1864, three years.
Mosher, Albert, enl. Aug. 21, 1863, three years ; sub. for George W. Coovert.
Mourhess, Ferril C, IGlst Inf.; e'll. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Myres, Francis, 5oth Eng.; enl. March 17, 1865, one year.
Naramore, Daniel Hubbard, private, 74th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, thn-e
years ; wounded in the head ; disch. iu consequence.
Neal, David, drafted July 17, 18ti3, three yeai*3.
Northaway, Harlo, private, lOth Cav.; eul. Aug. 22, 1864, three years; disch.
June, 1865.
Olmstead, Ricliard, corporal, 14th Inf., Co. C; enl. March 4, 1862, three years;
wounded iu the left arm and in the breast at Spottsylvania ; disch. March
14, 1865.
Osborn, Lawrence W., corporal, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July, 1862, three years.
Owen, Jas. Clark, private, 107tli Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4, one year; re-enl.
Osterhout, James F., private, 107ih Inf., Co. C; enl. July 29, 1862, three years;
wounded in the foot at Chancetlorsvitle ; disch. in consequence.
Pace, Lewis, private, 50th Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; disch. June
13, 1865.
Pace, William, private, 50th Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; disch.
June 13, 18G5.
Page, Sylvester Parchnst, 1st sergt., 74tli Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861, three
years; wounded in the battle of Williamsburg in light knee, May 5,
18G2; again in the battle of Gettysburg, in groin; disch. Oct 11, 1864.
Palmer, Joseph, private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three years.
Paxton, Stephen D., 179th Inf.; enl. March 31, 1864, three years.
Phelps, Nelson 0., corporal, 50th Eng , Co. F; enl. Aog. 29, 1862, three years ;
pro. t't corporal, 1864; disch. June 13, 18G5.
Pitts, Joseph Theodore, private, 23d Inf., C-o. D ; enl. Aug. 19, 1861, twenty-one
months; disch. June 20,1863; re-enl. 50th Eng., Co. A, Feb. 17, 1865, one
year; disch. June 13,1865,
Pitts, James, corporal, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jau. 1, 1864, three yeara ; pro. to corp. ;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Prouty, Lester J., 50th Eng.; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year.
Rarric, Jacob.
Rece, Edward, private, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 1863, three years; disch.
for disability, Feb. 8, 18G4.
Reese, John, bGih Inf. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; re-enl.
Reilly, George, l6th V. R. Corps; enl. July 26, 1864, three years.
Richards, Robert M., artificer, 50lh Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 30. 1862, three years.
Rose, Rankin B,, musician, 86th Inf.; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years; disch.
March, 1862; re-enl., artificer, 50lh Eng., Co. F, Aug. 21, 1862, three
years; pro. to artificer; disch. June 13,1865.
Rose, Mortimer Wilson, musician, 8Gth Inf, Co. I ; enl. Oct., 1861, three years;
transf. to regt. band, Oct., 18GI ; disch. in March, 1862 ; died June 1, 1863,
consumption.
Russell, James, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 19, 1861, two years; disch.
May 22, 1863.
Rumsey, Isaac, 86th Inf; enl. Feb. 15, 1864, three years.
Russell, David, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; disch.
July 19, 18G5.
Rus«eli, David Halsey, private, 23d Inf., Co. D ; enl. May 16, 1861, two years.
Kussell, Oliver, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years.
Schuyler, Henry S., 8Gth Inf., Co. I; enl. Feb. 15, 1863, three years.
Sherwood, Amos W., captain, 86th Inf., Co. I.
Shotr. Peter S., enl. Aug. 27, 1863, three years ; sub. for Valentine Miller.
Shults, John Addison, captain, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three years;
pro. to captrin, March 14, 18G3; in consequence of disease in his limbs,
resigned July 31,1863.
Smith, John Seth, corporal, 5th Cav., Co. B; enl. Aug. 17, 1862, three years
pro. to corporal, Nov. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg, April G, 1863
taken prisoner and sent to Hagerstown hospital ; escaped April 19, 1863
left forearm and hand permanently disabled ; disch. April 25, 1864.
Smith,Henry Albert, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Smith, Isaiah, private, 86th Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct. 26, 1861, three years; wounded
at second Bull Run ; leg amputated and died next day, Sept. 10, 1862.
Sprague, James R.,16th V. R. Corps; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, three years; re-eul.
Stevens, Park, 13th 11. Art.; eid. Aug. 23, 1864, one year.
Thomas, Stephen, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; re-enl.
Thornton, John, IGtli V. R. Corps; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, three years; re-enl.
Tuttle, Iliram B., artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years.
Vastbinder, James M., private, 1st Rifles, Co. E; enl. Aug. 1861, three years;
di>ch. for disab. Dec. 9, 1861,
Walker, Henry, 16th V. R. Corps; eul. Aug. 5, 1864, three years; re-enl.
Ward, Reuben Charles, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; hou.discli. by special order from President Lincoln; re-enl. 50th
Eng., Co. A, Mar. 15. 1865, one year.
296
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ward, Albert Scott, 3d sergt., 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 15, 1862, tliree j-eara ;
pro. to sergt., Feb, 10, 18G.'i ; wounded in ri-ilit leg at Chancellorsvillo,
May 3, 1863; leg amputated below the knee: disch. July 27, 1863.
Ward, Lewis, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years; disch.
June 13,1865.
Ward, William Carlton, private, 97th Inf., Co. F ; drafted July 17, 1863, three
years ; killed in the second day's fight of the Wilderness.
Wheeler, Richard, 86th Inf. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years ; re-enl.
Williams, Alwyn, private, 74th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 1, 18G1, three years;
transf to Vet. Res. Corps, June 24, 1863 ; diach. June 2, 1864.
Williams, Silas, private, 50t!i Eng.; enl. Aug. 7, 18G4, three years.
Wilson, Andrew J., IGth V. R. Corps; enl. July 26, 1864, three years; re-enl.
Winer, Pulydore B., 2d Cav. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
Wood, Jerry V., 3d sergt., I07tii Inf, Co. C; ctiI. July 9, 1862, three years; was
in the battle at Dallas, carried from the field with typhoid fever, and died
thi- third day after. Not feeling well he had a pass from his officers, but
refused to keep out of the fight.
Wood, Stephen Edgar, private, 6th Cav., Co. L ; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years ;
disch. A\ig. 23, 1865 ; died Sept. 3, 18C5.
Wood, Augustus Hazen, sergt., 6th Cav., Co. L; enl. Sept., 1861, three years;
disch. for rc-enl. Dec. 16, 1863, three yeara; pro. to corporal, July 4, 1864;
to sergt., Dec, 1864; disch. Aug. 23, 18C5.
Woodruff, Ezra, private, 8Gth Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 17, 18G1, three years; discb.
for re-enl. Jan. 1, 1861; wounded in left thigh at Spottsylvaiiia, May 12,
1SG4, and disabled for further service; disch. May 11, 1865.
Woodruff, Wilson, private, l07th Inf., Co. C ; enl. July 9, 1862, three years;
wounded at Cliaticellorsville, and transf in consequence to V. R. C^orps.
Woodruff, Aaron,
Wolcotf, David Ferdinand, sergt., 5th Cav.; enl. March lu, 18G2, three yeare;
disch. for re-enl. Mar. 13, 1864; pro. to saddle surgt., Apiil 13, 18G4 ; disch.
July 19,1865.
Wright, Fred. A., private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 9, 18G2, tliree years;
disch. for disjtbility, 18C3.
Wygaiit, John, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl Sept. 23, 1861, three years.
Yeomans, William Corey, private, 141st Inf, Co. E; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three
years; wuunded in left shoulder at battle uf Peach-Tree Crt*ek, July 20,
1864 ; died in consequence, Aug. 20, 1864.
LIVING IN TOWN BUT ENLISTING ELSEWHERE.
Ascli, Meyer, colonel, 1st N. J. Cav.; appointed Aug. 18G1, three years; pro.
to lat lieut. and adjt., Oct. 1, 18G1 ; to capt. Co. H, March, 18G2; up-
pointed aide-de-camp to Maj.-Gen. Pope, July, 1862; wiih Gen. Pope —
1861 — in Dept. of the Northwest; Nov. 1863, appointed asst. adjt. -gen. to
Gen. T. C. H. Smith, commanding Dist. of Wisconsin ; Jan. 7, 1864, asst.
adjt.-genl. to Gen. Albert Sully, coninmnding Dist. of Iowa; Feb. 1864,
chief of cavalry, Dept. of the Nnrlhwest ; March, reported to Cav. Bureau,
Washington, D. 0.; April, assist, adjt.-gen. to Gen. Kautz, commanding
cav., Dept. of James ; Oct., taken prisoner in front of Richmond, six
months in Libhy, Salisbury, and Danville prisons; March, 18G5, ap-
pointed colonel, 4tli Mo, Vol. ; disch. May, 1865.
Birnes, Johu Dubois, chaplain, 13th Inf., Co. F; enl. May 16, 1861, two years ;
appointed chaplain, July 4, 1861; res. on account of poor health, Aug.
6, 1862.
Britton, Edward Daniel, corporal, 6th Cav., Co. L; enl. Jan. 29, 1864, three
years, pro. to corporal, Jan. 1, 1865; disch. Aug. 9, 1865.
Campbell, William Carlos 1st sergt., 141st Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three
years; disch. Feb. 2, 1863, disease of the lieart.
Chase, Fiaucis Marion, private, 189th Inf, Co. I; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year;
disch JuTie 10, 18G5.
Cooper, Levi Cornell, musician, 6th Cav., Co. L ; cnl. Oct. 16. 1861, three years ;
disch. for re-eul. Dec. 16, 1863, three years ; disch. Aug. 23, 1865.
Badger, Herbert.
Decker, John C, private, 50th Inf., Co. F.
Dickinson, Edward, private, 20tli N.Y. Bat. ; eul. Sept. 6, 18G4, one year; disch.
May 8, 1865.
Erwiu, Samuel, piivate, 37th Inf., N. Y. M., Co. C; disch.
Kvritt, Richard Philips, private, 86th Inf, Co. I; enl. March 22, 1862; three
years; disch. July 4. 1865.
Fox, George Henry, private, 77th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year; disch.
Halsey, fllenzo Dw Witt, pr.vate, 2Utli Art., (.'o. E ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, one year;
transf about Sept. 20, 1864, to I4i!d Ui'gt., Co. E ; wounded in right loot
in front of Richmond, Oct. 27, 1864; disch. June 24, 1865.
Kimball, Floy<l, private, ISSth Inf., Co. F; eul. Sept. 17, 1864, one year; disch.
Aug. 11, 1865.
Laman, John Jay, captain. 107th N.Y. Inf, Co. G; cum. Sept. 6, 1862; resigned
at Atlanta, Oct. 25, 1864.
Lamphire, Alonzo, private, 10th Cav., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year ; disch.
June 5, 18G5.
Manly, Jerome, 1st lieut., Gth Cav., Co. L; enl. Dec. 16, 1863, three years ; pro.
to sergt., Dec. 20, 1863; to 1st lieut., Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Nov. 22, 18G5.
Pitts, John William, private, 5th Art., Co. C; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years;
disch. July 31, 1865.
Ragan, John, private, 161st Inf.
Ragan, Jeremiah, private, 1st Pa. Cav., Cu. D; enl. July, 1861, three years;
disch. June 1, 1864.
Sykes, Lorenzo, corporal, 23d Inf, Co. H ; enl. May 16, 1861, two j ears ; pro. to
corporal, Nov. 27, 1863 ; disch. May 20, 1863.
Teachman, Leander, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F ; eoL Aug. 15, 1861, three years ;
must, out for re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; pro. to artificer, 1863 ;
wounded in the mouth in front of Petersburg, at Fort Hell, Aug. 12,
1864 ; disch. June 13, 18G5.
Todd, Eli Gilbert, lat lieut., 86th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, three years;
pro. to corporal, Nov. 27, 1861 ; to sergt., Aug. 25, 1862; disch. for re-enl.
Dec. 31, 1S63, three years; pro. to 1st sergt., Aug. 6, 18G4 ; to Ist lieut.,
Co. C, Sept. 28, 1864 ; twice slightly wounded; disch. July 5, 1865.
WilUanis, Alwyn, private, 142d Inf, Co. E: enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; wounded
in right thigh, Oct. 27, 1864. before Richmond; disch. June 7, 1865.
NAVAL SERVICE RECORD.
Cooper, Theodore, 2d asst. eng.. U. S. N. ; enl. Sept., 1861 ; pro. to 2d asst. eng.,
Sept., 1863 ; serving as asst. prof, of naval philosophy at Naval Academy,
AnapoliS, Md.
Curley, Patrick, alian McManus, fireman, enl. Sept. 1, 1862, one jear, De Solo;
disch. May, 1864:.
Curley, Patrick, alias Hughes, re-enl. July 24, 1864, sloop Jtininta ; discb. June
3, 1865.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
COL. ARTHUR ERWIN.
In this connection it seems proper to record a few of the
leadini; facts in the life of one so pioiuinently identified
with the first settlement of tliis town, and otiiers in the
county, as was Cul. Arthur Erwin. He came from near
the city of Antrim, Ireland, before tiie Revolution, and
settled at Erwinna, Bucks Co., Pa , nearly opposite Fiench-
town, N. J. He was a gentleman not only of shrewd busi-
ness habits and untiring energy, but of culture and affluence.
In personal appearance he was dignified, commanding, and
aflfable, and of a kindly and generous disposition. He was
the proprietor of a large landed estate, extendii>g some
eight or nine miles along the west bank of the Delaware
River. During the Revolution he held a commission and
served with some distinction in the American army. Soon
after the close of the war he made a purchase of nearly five
thousand acres of land in the Chemung Valley, near Tioga
Point (now Athens), and subsequently, in the years 1789
and 1790 he purchased the town of Erwin and parts of
the towns of Canisteo and Hornellsville.
He was twice married, and reared a family of ten chil-
dren, among whom his soiis, Capt. Samuel, Francis, and
Maj. Arthur, bore a conspicuous part in the early settle-
ment of this town and county.
In the early summer of 1792 he visited liis possessions
in this vicinity, accompanied by his two sons, Samuel and
Francis, who were to remain and superintend his business
here. On his return, while stopping at the house of Dan-
iel McDuffe, one of his tenants, near Tioga Point, he was
shot, and died within a few hours, — supposed to have been
assassinated by an ejected squatter by the name of Thomas.
Capt. Samuel Erwin.
Capt. Samuel Erwin was born in Erwinna, Bucks Co.,
Pa., May 4, 1770, where he received the rudiments of an
English education at the "select schools." In 1792 he
accompanied his father to Painted Post, and remained in
charge of his father's large possessions here till 1795 or
1796. On the 10th of January, 1799, he was commis-
sioned by President Adams first lieutenant in the 11th
Regiment of United States Infantry, his commission expir-
ing with the President's term of office. President Jeffer-
son, Feb. IG, 1802, commissioned him first lieutenant of
-C^j (o^ C^'TT^^H^J
« 1
TOWN OF ERWIN.
297
the 2d Regiment of United States Infantry, and he was
subsequently promoted to the rank of captain.
In 1801 he married Miss Rachel Heckman, of Easton,
Pa., and removed from thence to Painted Post, in the
summer of 1803, where he resided till his death, Nov. 10,
1836. Ho maintained, throughout his long life, a charac-
ter for the highest respectability and integrity.
Physically, Capt. Erwin was the ideal settler and pioneer,
his height being nearly six and a half feet, and his frame
erect and powerful. It is said that for physical vigor and
endurance he had no equal in the county, if in Western
New York. In manners he was a graceful gentleman of
the old school, courteous, kind, obliging, careful for the
wants of the sick or suffering, and a model of probity in
all his social and business relations. " His genial and social
qualities have left the most grateful recollections among
those who knew him in the intimacies of friendship."
In 1806, Capt. Samuel Irwin and his brother Francis
were engaged in mercantile business, and continued sellin<'-
goods till 1811. From some old papers it appears that
Maj. Arthur Erwin was their clerk.
GEN. FRANCIS E. ERWIN,
the second son and third child of Capt. Samuel Erwin and
Rachel Heckman, was born in the town of Erwin, Steuben
Co., N. Y., May 3, 1803. He is one of a large and intel-
ligent fiimily of ten children who grew to manhood and
womanhood. His educational advantages were confined to
the common schools of that early day, yet by that untiring
energy which has been a prominent characteristic of him
through life, he acquired a good practical education. He
was reared a farmer, which honorable business, combined
with that of lumbering and some minor interests, has con-
tinued to be his occupation up to the present time. He
has been successful in his financial dealings, and ranks
among the solid and representative men of his native town.
Gen. Erwin has been a life-long Democrat of the Jeffer-
son and Jackson school. He is a firm believer in a redeem-
able currency, or a currency redeemed in coin at the will of
the holder.
He has held many positions of trust and responsibility,
the duties of which he has always faithfully discharged,
and with satisfaction to his constituents. During the years
1838 and 1839 he was supervisor of his town. He was
elected to the State Legislature in 1841 and 1842, and
.served two terms. While in the Legislature he was a mem-
ber of the Military committee, and during his second term
was chairman of the same. The general's friends urged
him to be a candidate for the third term, but he declined,
preferring the quiet of home to official honors. He mar-
ried Miss Sophia, daughter of Ansel McCall, of Painted
Post, Jan. 23, 1827. She was born Oct. 23, 1806. Of
this union, seven children were born in the town of Erwin,
five of whom are still living, and are among the most re-
spected citizens of the town or county.
Mrs. Erwin died May 16, 1856. She was a lady highly
esteemed for her excellent traits of character, and died re-
gretted by those who knew her. Gen. Erwin has held all
the military offices in the State militia, from the rank of
corporal to that of general, save that of captain.
38
ARTHUR H. ERWIN,
son of Capt. Samuel and Rachel H. Erwin, and grandson
of Col. Arthur and Mary Erwin, of Scotch-Irish descent,
was born in Erwin, Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1805.
He was one of a family of nine children, all of whom lived
to maturity. His early advantages for an education were
chiefly confined to the common school of his town, then
known as " Painted Post." When quite a young man he
attended an academy at Easton, Pa., and here met Miss
Frances M., daughter of William and Rebecca McKeen,
his future wife. His boyhood was spent upon his father's
farm, and he was also more or less engaged in lumbering.
His father was engaged in the mercantile business at Painted
Post ; hence Arthur also had more or less experience in
the business. He was a partner with his father in the
store for several years.
He married, Feb. 2, 1828. Of this union twelve child-
ren were born. All are living except the youngest, who died
when quite young, and De Witt Clinton, who was a soldier
in the Rebellion, in the 50th Engineer Corps, and was
honorably discharged, and returned home to the farm, and
died Dec. 11, 1873. All of this large family were born in
the town of Erwin, and the larger part in the house where
the widow and family now reside.
Arthur H. continued in mercantile business till about
1830, when his health compelled him to seek outdoor em-
ployment; hence he went on his father's farm and remained
about one year, when he returned to Painted Post and re-
sumed his former pursuit, continuing till the winter of
1834, when he settled on the large farm, which continued
to be his home till his death, which occurred Aug. 1, 1863.
During these years he was engaged in the foundry busi-
ness under the firm-name, Erwin, Bennett, Brooks & Co.
During Mr. Erwin's lifetime he was extensively engaged in
lumbering, and was the owner of a steam saw-mill. Like
many others of this community, he was engaged as a farmer
and lumberman. Mr. Erwin inherited a large portion of
his property ; has made great improvements upon his home-
farm, which is one of the best in the town. This farm has
never gone out of the Erwin family since its first purchase
in 1789.
In politics Mr. Erwin was formerly identified with the
Whig party, but towards the close of his life he voted the
Democratic ticket. He represented his town for eight
consecutive years as its supervisor, and was such at the
time of his death.
His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Painted Post, and Mr. Erwin became a member a .short
time before his death. He was always a friend of educa-
tion, and gave his children good opportunities for the same.
He was a liberal supporter of the different churches of his
town, and the poor found in him a friend indeed. He was
a good citizen, a kind neighbor, a true and devoted hus-
band, and an affectionate father. His name is held in
grateful remembrance by the members of the family. He
was buried in the family cemetery in Erwin, three and a
half miles west of Painted Post. His widow still survives,
and resides at the old home with her sou Winfield Scott
and three of her daughtera.
FREMONT.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The town of Fremont was formed from Hornellsville,
Dansville, Wayland, and Floward, Nov. 17, 1854. The
south end of Wayland, in township 5, was subsequently
added, but a compromise was effected returning a part,
leaving an addition one by two miles in extent. It is
situated in the northern part of the county, near the east
line, and is bounded by Dansville and Wayland on the north,
Cohocton and Howard on the east, Howard and Hornells-
ville on the south, and Hornellsville and Wayland on the
west. It is an elevation of broken land, cut into small
bodies by numerous knobs and ravines. It forms the divid-
ing ridge between the Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers, and
comprises, for the most part, fine grazing lands. The ridges
and valleys alternate between hard pan and gravelly soil, fine
wheat and farming land occurring in all parts of the town.
ERECTION OF THE TOWN.
Elisha J. Stephens, the first supervisor, was the principal
mover in the erection of the town of Fremont. An at-
tempt was being made to erect a new county, and to avoid
the possibility of a more distant county-seat, Mr. Stephens
mapped out a new town, which he gave the name Fremont,
and procured its erection at the nest session of the Board
of Supervisors, tliereb}' creating one additional vote in that
board against the new county.
SETTLEMENT.
Mr. Stephens, a son of Capt. Nathaniel Stephens, of
Canisteo, moved from that town in 1834, and entered the
wilderness to operate the saw- and grist-mills of Daniel Up-
son, the first mills built in the town. The .saw-mill was
built in 1816, and the grist-mill in 1819. At the time of
his purchase there was only a little log cabin down in the
ravine by the mill, and another occupied by David Dun-
ham, a preacher, who still lives there, near the present
tavern. There was a small clearing, made by " Jerry"
Carrington, in 1818, and all else was woods. Mr. Ste-
phens repaired the mill, and added a separator and smut-
mill, a new thing in those days, inducing customers to come
from a long distance, and even past other mills. A black-
smith was induced to locate at the mill, and a cooper came
and made barrels for the flour. One hundred acres of land
were cleared the first season. In 1839 a daughter of Mr.
Stephens dying, was buried on the extreme corner of the
clearing, and afterwards the cemetery was located at that
point. The first store in the village was opened by Cor-
nelius H. Stephens, in 1858, five years after the post-office
was established. The Stephens Hotel was opened in 1854.
The village is named Fremont Centre, but the post-oflace is
Stephens' Mills. It is located upon a high bench of land
298
overlooking Stephens Creek, and extends for half a mile
along the base of a knob which rises abruptly to a height
of ninety feet above the level of its street. From the top
of this hill may be seen level farm-lands in the distance,
and fringes of low timber filling the ravines, which are too
deep and dark to be worth clearing. To the east, as you
look from the hill-top over the little village, is the residence
of Alvin Gates, son of Salmon Gates, who made the first
settlement in 181(j, half a mile to the north, where you see
the old homestead. This, one of the finest farms in the
town, is occupied by another son, Syphorus Gates. Levi,
brother of Salmon Gates, settled just out of sight — to the
west, and his son, G. W. Gates, lives in the fine house at
the we.st end of the village. Just below the village, in the
valley, where the grist-mill stands, were the old Upson mills,
to which hard-working men came years ago with bags of
corn on their backs. Close under the hill to the east, half
hidden by a grove of hemlock, is the Advent church and
cemetery. A few straggling houses continue to the valley
beyond.
Far beyond this church, where the eye rests on a broad,
level hill-top, at the west line of the town, was made the first
settlement in the present town of Fremont, by Job B.
Rathbun, father of William B. Rathbun, the present oc-
cupant, and last of the family bearing the name in this
State. Job B. Rathbun came from Connecticut and settled
in Dansville, where he was pathmaster as early as 1810.
Moving on to the hill in the spring of 1812, he built the
first house in the town, just behind the present residence.
Half-way between Stephens' mill and the point of first
settlement, known as Job's Corners, is an open basin a mile
across, the lands gradually sloping until they join in the valley,
and extending in cleared farms to the hill-tops on either side.
In this valley, just beyond the old orchard on the right as you
ascend the stream to the west, is the residence of the first
neighbor of Job B. Rathbun, Abel H. Baldwin, who came
from Otsego County in 1812, and is now the oldest man in
the town, as well as the oldest settler. Mr. Baldwin was
born in March, 1878, and has lived with his wife, who is
still living, sixty-six years. Thomas, father of Sylvester and
John A. Buck, settled just beyond the orchard, and built
his log cabin on the top of the hill. They were natives of
Washington County. The only other settler within six
miles at that time was Job Rathbun, two miles east, over the
ridge, and the road consisted mainly of white spots blazed
upon the trees with an axe. They used first to carry their
grists to Bath to be ground. John A. Buck married Re-
becca, the daughter of his neighbor Baldwin, Aug. 24,
1815, and settled on the ridge near by. They were the
first couple married in the town of Fremont, Their son,
Charles E. Buck, born Nov. 12, 1816, was the first white
(^^'/^ ^ Jie^Jjyy^P
The subject of this sketch is of English origin. It is
related that three brothers — Thomas, Richard, and Henry
Stephens — came to America from Ireland some time during
King Philip's war, served during said war as colonels, and
afterwards settled: Thomas, in Massachusetts; Richard, in
Charleston, S. C. ; and Henry, in Hartford, Conn. Elisha
G. Stephens, eldest son of Nathan Stephens and Rachel
Gilbert, of Canisteo, and grandson of Jedediah and Abi-
gail Stephens, natives of Connecticut, was born in Addison,
Steuben Co., N. Y., March 21, 1805. He is a lineal de-
scendant of the fifth generation from Henry Stephens. He
received a common-school education, and taught school four
winters. He remained at home until he was twenty-one
years of age ; then worked at the carpenter and joiner
trade until he was thirty years of age.
He married Sarah Bennett, daughter of William and
Mary Bennett, of Canisteo, May 21, 1829. She was born
at Hornellsville, April 30, 1807. Her father was a son of
Captain Solomon Bennett, one of the twelve who was a
purchaser of the original towns of Canisteo and Hornells-
ville of Phelps and Gorham.
Of this union five children have been born, — one who
died in infancy. William B., who married Samantha Van
Scoter, and has two living children, Floyd L. and Ira B. ;
he is at home with his father, and is at present a merchant
at Stephens' Mills ; Emeline, deceased ; Benton W., who is
at home with his father on the farm ; and Le Roy, deceased.
The first three were born in Canisteo, and the other two in
Fremont. Elisha G. continued to follow his trade until Jan-
uary, 1834, when he settled in the present town of Fre-
mont, but at that time known as Hornellsville. During his
residence in this place he has ever been the leading man,
and to him more than to any other one is honor due for
the growth and prosperity of the little hamlet which now
bears his name.
He purchased the mills known as Upson Mills, and has
continued to own them ever since. He has also more than
one hundred and fifty acres of land, besides the public-
house of the place, which was his home at the time of the
death of his wife, May 29, 1861.
Mr. Stephens has been a life-long Democrat of the Jef-
fersonian school. He has held various ofiices of trust and
honor in the towns of Canisteo, Hornellsville, and Fremont,
having served as supervisor of Hornellsville two terms
and magistrate four years, and in Fremont was the first
supervisor of the town after its organization for two terms,
and magistrate for more than twenty years. He has often
represented his town as a delegate to congressional conven-
tions. Mr. Stephens belongs to one of the very earliest
pioneer families of Steuben County, his father — Nathan —
having settled in Canisteo as early as 1790. The names
" Stephens" and " Stevens" are one and the same.
As a man, Mr. Stephens is respected by all. He is now
nearly seventy-four years of age, hale and hearty, and retains
the vigor of youth, and does more town business than
any other man.
TOWN OF FREMONT.
299
cliild born in tlie town. Miss Lydia Everett taught the
first school. The first death in the town was that of Mrs.
Amos Baldwin, which occurred Dec. 12, 1815. Ira Travis
was an early settler to the south of Mr. Rathbun, in the
valley of Big Creek. Solomon and Jacob Condorinan were
early settlers between Baldwin's and Job's Corners. Capt.
Joseph Bartholomew, from Washington County, father of
Ebcr Bartholomew, settled south of Job's Corners in the
southeast part of the town.
The road from Fremont Centre to Hornellsville, six miles
distant, winds among numerous round knobs of cleared land,
rising from twenty to eighty feet above the surfiice of the
rolling lands which they obstruct, and overlooks deep, nar-
row openings, dark with hemlock, or green with growing
grain. Before these were cleared, they were the haunts of
wolves, wild-cats, and beasts of prey ; furnishing a secure
retreat from the pursuing hunter. Past these to the south,
close beside a beautiful grove of beech and maple, is the
residence of Morrison Harding, one of the leading farmers
of the town, where Lemuel Harding, his father, settled in
181(i.
Soon after, Oliver Harding, a soldier of the Revolution,
who left the Wyoming Valley at the time of the massacre,
moved into the place with his other sons, Oliver, Jr., Ju.s-
tus, Abram, and Henry, giving the name of Harding Hill
to that part of tlie town. Samuel Sharp settled west of
Harding soon after.
Elisha Strait, who came in 1815, was the first settler in
the north part of the town, and was joined on the south by
Edward Markham and Francis Drake, in 1816.
Jerry Kinney and George Nutting, Barnet Bray ton,
Henry Cotton, and Leonard Briggs formed a settlement at
the head of the west branch of Neil's Creek, in 1819.
When these settlers came, there was a camp of some 20
Indians on the Cotton place, in the valley, where they
hunted during the season.
Henry Cotton, who came from Washington County, still
lives with his son, Samuel Cotton, on the old homestead.
The first clearing in the vicinity of Haskinville was made
by Alexander Kelly, father of Charles Kelly, on the Isaac
Rathbone place, half a mile east.
James Rider, father of L. 31. Rider, and William Has-
kins came together from Saratoga County in 1818, and set-
tled across the creek from Henry Cotton.
William Holden made shingles in a little log house, in
1834, and had a few acres partially cleared, but soon after
sold out his improvement to William Haskin, who moved
there and opened the first tavern in the town, on the same
ground, in 1836. The village, which has grown around the
old tavern, is situated in a deep valley near the head of
Neil's Creek, and consists of a store, hotel, cheese-factory,
shoe-shop, and twenty residences. Half a mile above is a
saw-mill.
A mail-route from Wallace's to Hornellsville, by stage,
passes through, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Half a mile over the hill, to the west of Haskinville, in
a sheltered little valley, is the beautiful farm of Leadran
11. Benjamin, the present supervisor of the town. Here
his father, Silas Benjamin, located, when ho came from Ot-
sego County, in 1834.
In 1820 Gideon Maynard, from Cayuga County, settled
on the high dividing-ridge near the Methodist Episcopal
church, making the first settlement in that vicinity, on the
farm now occupied by his son, Richard Maynard. In the
northwest corner of the town Stephen Holden, father of
Jedediah and Stephen Holden, Jr., settled in 1816 on land
still occupied by his sons. From this high divide may be
obtained a most comprehensive view of that part of Steuben
County west of Bath and north of the valley of the Canisteo
River. The lands, which are here high and rolling, pre.sent
the appearance of a general level, cut through with occasional
valleys and ravines, from which show the tops of standing
timber ; while beyond the view blends into a line of nearly
level farms and skirts of woodland to the east. To the
south and west the more distant hills of central Allegany
and southern Steuben blend with the hazy skies beyond.
From here, looking to the southeast, may be seen the vast
level of cleared farms in eastern Fremont, at Job's Corners,
where the first hardy adventurer, Job B. Rathbun, located
far beyond Dansville, towards Bath, in 1812, when those
two towns were the great business centres of an almost
unbroken wilderne.ss. These high and airy points were
selected first by the pioneers, and their trails were marked
along the tops of all the ridges long before the opening of
roads through the more difficult valleys. Long before these
hills were bared the noblest game of the forest had fled.
In 1818, Daniel Upson, the miller, killed the last elk seen
in the town ; but wolves remained much later. An early
settler, who penned his little flock of sheep in a high
inclosure, was astonished to find two wolves with them in
the morning, unable to climb the high walls which sloped
inward, and too much alarmed at the situation to have a
taste for mutton. Sometimes a wolf would be tracked to
the " knolls" in the south part of the town, when a gen-
eral hunt would be instituted, the retreat surrounded, and
close figuring ensue on the division of the bounty, which was
from §40 to $60 apiece on each wolf" killed in the town."
It is related how a shrewd hunter for several years guarded
the secret of a she wolf's retreat, stealing her young and
rearing them until old enough to take a bounty, and how
he trapped wolves where they were plentiest, leading them
home securely tied, to kill them in his own town " accord-
ing to law." Sometimes, too, these early settlers were
in want of bread. Mr. Upson, the miller, relates how
when he had been repairing his mill, and started it on Sat-
urday night, the settlers, who were waiting with backloads
of corn, forced him to grind all night and far into the Sab-
bath, that their little ones might have bread.
The lumbering of the town has ceased to furnish em-
ployment, but little timber being left, except upon the
waste land along the ravines, and some beautiful groves
upon the uplands, which are reserved for tlie manufacture
of maple-sugar in the spring, which is still a profitable in-
dustry in favored seasons. The roads are generally superior,
and the scenery varied and picturesque. Buildings are of
modern construction, the open fireplace of the fathers
having almost entirely disappeared. Many of the farmers
of the town are engaged in active business pursuits during
the winters. Four cheese-factories are in operation in dif-
ferent parts of the town, located respectively on Big Creek
300
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
in the southeast, where is also a post-office ; at Haskinville,
on the farm of John M. Kelly, near Stephens' Mill, and
in the southwest part of the town, on Harding Hill.
There are two Grange organizations in the town, and one
Odd-Fellows' society. The main business of the town
centres at Fremont Centre. Elisha G. Stephens, who re-
sides here, has been a leader in public afl'airs of the town
since its formation, and for twenty-four years has been a
magistrate. He and Morrison Harding were prominent in
support of the government and furnishing volunteers during
the war of the Rebellion.
Among the leading men of the town are William E.
Rathbun, J. Jolly, L. H. Benjamin, Daniel Wainright,
D. M. Page, L. n" Rider, and William B. Stephens.
FREMONT CENTRE.
Fremont Centre contains one store, the Methodist Epis-
copal and Advent church, a hotel, shoe-, blacksmith-, and
wagon-shops, cheese-factory, fiouring-mill, and thirty-five
residences.
Mails are received Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
by stage from Wallace Station, in Avoca, and by stage
from South Dansville to Hornellsville, and return Wed-
nesdaj's and Thursdays.
ORGANIZATION.
At the first annual town-meeting of the town of Fremont,
held in E. G. Stephens' hotel, at Fremont Centre, Feb. 13,
1S55, the following officers were elected: Elisha G. Steph-
ens, Supervisor; Franklin Dartt, Town Clerk ; Jason Ranger,
Salmon Gates, Ebenezer H. Mason,* Justices of the Peace;
Randal F. Beecher, Isaac P. Haskin, and Morrison Hard-
ing,t Assessors ; Hiram Culver, Norman Eldredge, William
Haskin.J Commissioners of Highways ; James R. Babcock,
Collector ; Cornelius Conderman, Overseer of the Poor ;
Derick Goes, Joshua YV. Palmer, Caleb Bullock, Inspectors
of Election ; John Eldredge, Henry J. Pawling, George
Bartholomew, Thomas McAdams, Constables; J. S. M. B.
Green, Town Sealer. George Collins, Jr., was appointed
Commissioner of Schools, March G, 1855.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1855.
Elisha G. Stephens
Franklin Dartt.
James R. Babcock.
185C.
tt u
»
«
1857.
Lorenzo N. Rider.
Wm. B. Stephens.
Henry J. Pawling.
1858.
« ((
Franklin Dartt.
« .<
1859.
ti it
Wm. B. Stephens.
John B. Cummins.
1860.
Jason Ranger.
tt ti
Stephen B. Haskin.
1861.
ti It
Samuel B. Hendee.
John Sternburgh.
1862.
Othniel Preston.
Daniel Wainright.
Almond T. Allis.
1863.
ti t(
a ti
Henry Pickle.
1S6+.
Samuel E. Ilaskin.
Samuel B. Hendee.
Syphoras Gates.
1865.
Wni. B. Stephens.
Daniel Wainright.
Milo Canfield.
1866.
"
Dwight jVIanwaring
Orrin L. Rider.
1867.
W. 13. Rathbun.
AY. A. Chapman.
a
1868.
Wm. B. Stephens.
Calvin Bullock.
Alpheus Harding.
1869.
Escls Page.
Orrin L. Rider.
it it
1870.
tt tt
Daniel Wainright.
It tt
=s Elected in Howard,
f Elected in Hornellsville.
i L. M. Rider, elected in Howard, also held over the balance of his
term one vear.
Supervisoi?.
1871. Esek Page.
1872. " "
1873. Ira Carrington.
1S74. " "
1875. D. iMerville Page.
1876. Calvin Bullock.
1877. L. H. Benjamin.
1S78. " "
Town Clerks.
Daniel Wainright.
Albert Good no.
Daniel Wainright.
Collectors.
Nathan Razey.
Orrin L. Rider.
J. R. Conderman.
it it
McldoD J. Harding.
it it
Cameron Cotton.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
JUSTICES
JasoD Ranger.
Salmon Gates.
Ebenezer H. Mason.
L. M. Rider.
E. H. Mason.
George Collins, Jr.
John Cole.
William B. Rathbun.
Charles Bullock.
Esek Page.
Elisha G. Stephens.
Hiram Culver.
Joseph J. Burnham.
James Timmcrman.
F. G. Allis.
Esek Page.
Finley McColum.
THE PEACE.
1865. P. S. Burdett.
1866. Elisha G. Stephens.
1867. Martin E. Hamlin.
1868. Paul S. Burdett.
Harrison Russell.
1869. George Collins.
1870. Elisha G. Stephens.
1871. Tcherick P. Vankeuren.
1872. Paul S. Burdett.
1873. George Collins.
1874. Elisha G. Stephens.
1875. Byron C. Hurlbut.
Harrison Russell.
1876. Tcherick P. Vankeuren.
1877. James S. Brownson.
1878. Elisha G. Stephens.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first meetings of this society were held by Rev.
David Dunham, in Byron Harlow's house, in 1828, and in
the Harlow school-house on Big Creek, in 1830, by Revs.
John Arnold and Levi B. Castle. In 1831, Rev. Cyrus
Story formed the first class. Ambrose, David, and John
Dunham, and their wives, Byron Harlow and wife, Zilum
Pratt and wife, Dexter Pratt and wife, John Mason and
wife were first members. The first class-leader was David
Dunham ; first steward. Dexter Pratt. The pastors have
been Revs. Cyrus Story, John Shaw, and Andrew B. Pickard,
E. Dowd ; 1864-65, M. Fillmore, Asa Story, Robert Packer,
Israel Kellogg, and Gage, Ira Bronson, Nelson Hoag,
Samuel P. Gurnesey, M. D. Jackson, C. G. Lowell, J. J.
Turten, Daniel D. Van Allen, Eliza F. Bliven, A. S. Baker,
John II. Perry, Delos Potter, L. R. Crippin, Geo. F. Cole;
1876, E. Batchelder; 1877, Aaron Sornberger; 1878-79,
John Irons.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of the town is com-
prised in three separate classes, located on Big Creek, in the
southeast, on Briar Hill, in the west, and at Fremont
Centre.
WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.
The first meetings were held by Rev. Stephen D. Trembley,
who organized a class in the Gulf school-house, in the south-
east part of the town, in 1831. Jacob Winnie and wife,
Jesse Bartholomew and wife, and John Pauling and wife
were among the first members. The Haskinville circuit
was formed in 1855, by Rev. S. D. Trembley. A church
was built by J. W. Faiden, Geo. H. Sprague, and Isaac R.
Rathbun, trustees, at an expense of $1000, and dedicated
Dec. 23, 1876, by Rev. L. N. Stratton. List of pastors:
1855, S. D. Trembley ; 1858, C. C. Reynolds ; 1860, G. W.
Scudder; 1861, M. Q. MeFarland ; 1862, G. L. Payne;
1867, P. S. Stratton ; 1868, Henry W. Bixby; 1873, John
MRS.)^ENRY COTrON.
fJENRY COTTON
HENRY COTTON,
son of Silas and Elizabeth Cotton, was born in Hartford, Wash-
ington Co., N. Y., June 20, 1798. His father was a native of
Rhode Island, and settled in Washington County at a very early
day. He was a farmer by occupation, and continued to reside
in Hartford until his death. He reared a family of eleven chil-
dren, of whom Henry was the fifth child. The grandfather of
Henry was Samuel Cotton, a native of Rhode Island also, who
settled in Hartford, Washington Co., about 1814, and remained
until his death. Henry Cotton was reared on the farm, and has
continued to follow the same until the present time. He has also
been somewhat engaged as a dealer in cattle and sheep. He worked
out by the month on a farm for two seasons before coming to
Steuben County. He located on his present farm in November,
1819. He came here in company with Messrs. Barnard, Bray-
ton, and William E. Congdon. He has made all the improve-
ments on his present farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres.
Mr. Cotton is a substantial farmer and citizen, and to such men
is due the credit of making Steuben County what it is today.
He is highly spoken of by those who know him.
He married Almira, daughter of Daniel Martin, Dec. 28,
1820. She was born Oct. 6, 1802, in Hartford, Washington
Co., N. Y. Of this union five children have been bom, viz. :
Silas, born June 7, 1822, married Miss Sally Ann Mack, Dec.
31, 1845, and had one son, George E. ; Silas Cotton and wife
are dead ; Lydia Ann, bom Nov. 8, 1827, married George
Collins, Feb. 22, 1846, and has five children ; Samuel Cotton
was born Sept. 20, 1831, married Sarah Carrington, April 17,
1850, and has two children ; Daniel Cotton was born Aug. 16,
1837, married Jane Tuller, Feb. 17, 1859, and has two children ;
and Juliza Cotton was born Oct. 1, 1839, and married William
H. Bowen, Feb. 17, 1859, and has nine children.
Mrs. Henry Cotton was a member of the Baptist Church,
was a lady highly esteemed, and left a name which is cherished
to-day by members of the family. She died March 6, 1857,
and was buried in the BeachvUle Cemetery in DansvUle.
Mr. Cotton married Miss Desdamona Phelps, a native of
Vermont, but a resident of Steuben County after she was
twelve years of age, Jan. 7, 1858. She was a member of the
Universalist Church. She died Sept. 28, 1875. Mr. Cotton
has been a Democrat the larger part of his life. He is now an
old gentleman, hale and hearty, living on the same place he
purchased in 1819. He is a member of the Baptist Church.
He has a large and interesting family of children and grand-
children, who love and respect their aged father and grandfather.
Out of five couple who were married within six weeks of
one another, all are now dead save the subject of this sketch ;
so, one by one, the old pioneers are joining the innumerable
caravan who are marching to the pale realms of shade.
TOWN OF FREMONT.
301
Eandolf ; 1874, J. W. Fancher; 1878, J. H. Cook. Past
elders, G. L. Pajiie, J. Bartholomew, Jacob Ward. Li-
censed, Jacob McDowell.
Present officers, J. H. Cook, Pastor ; George H. Sprague,
Erastus Hard, Trustees ; Isaac R. Ratlibun, Clerk and Class-
Leader, Haskinville ; George Bardeau, Class- Leader at Big
Creek school-house.
Present membership 76, some of whom live in adjoining
towns.
EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
The first meetings of this society were missionary meet-
ings, held by German preachers from Pennsylvania, in the
house of Jacob Conderman, in 1828. Meetings were held
here, and also funeral.s, until the building of the church
near by, in 1800. The trustees were Jacob H. Conder-
man, Andrew Holmer, and John Nipher.
Among the first members were Jacob Conderman and
wife and Mrs. Polly Helmer. The pa.stors were Revs.
Jacob Rail, Henry Graves, Jacob Moose, Henry Curtiss,
James F. Shults. Present Pastor, John H. Peters; Clerk,
Wm. R. Babcock ; Steward, Adam Helmer. Present mem-
bership, 40.
The church was dedicated in July, 1860, by the Rev.
John Wagner.
THE FIRST ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF FREMONT.
In 1870, Rev. William A. Fenn, of Rochester, then an
Advent preacher, came to Fremont in response to an invi-
tation from some of the citizens, and pitched a tent on the
flat south of the present Advent church, from which he
commenced to preach daily. Some thirty persons were
converted to his doctrine during the two weeks he remained.
Among the converts were Alvin Gates and wife, George W.
Gates and wife, Hubbard Head and wife, Mrs. Ruth Ship-
ham, Mrs. Celia Gates, Cassius Booth, Willard Westcott
and wife, Mrs. Daniel Head, Ephraim Bcntley and wife,
John and Fanny Mauhart, Isaac Masterman and wife.
Burton Dart and wife, Fayette Robinson and wife, and M.
Carrington. After the departure of Mr. Fenn, Rev. John
W. Taylor filled his place. Syphonius Gates was chosen
Elder ; Burton Dart and Isaac Masterman, Deacons. In
1871, a church was built and paid for, at an expen.se of
$1600. The church was dedicated by Rev. William A.
Fenn. Pastors : Revs. John W. Taylor, A. G. Briggs, 0.
Wendell, Seymour Moo.se, Henry Zeigiifus. Present
membership, 30. Deacons : John P. Oswald, William
Roberts. Trustees : John P. Oswald, Fayette Robinson,
Burton Dart, William Roberts.
At a meeting held at the house of Increase Miller, in
the east part of the town, in 1853, George Morris was
chosen Chairman, and Rev. A. S. Baker, Secretary ;
Richard Maynard, Wm. Osborn, George Morris, Thomas
Osborn, and David Dunham were chosen trustees, and a
church was built soon after, on the land of Increase Miller,
at an expense of 8900. The first class-leader was David
Dunham. Present officers: Luther M. Osborn, Clerk;
Russell White, Cla.ss-leader ; Russell White, Thomas Davis,
John Kelly, Stewards. Present membership, 7.
A church was built at Fremont Ceutre by John M.
Kelly, Isaiah Ingals, and Samuel B. Hendee, Trustees, at
an expense of $4000, and dedicated Oct. 8, 1874, by Rev.
D. W. C. Huntington. The present officers are Russell
C. White, Class-Leader ; Melvin L. Osborn, Clerk ; Caleb
"Bullock, Samuel B. Hendee, John M. Kelly, Trustees.
Present membership, 38.
MILITARY RECORD OP FREMONT.
Alexander Maynard, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Charles Qneisser, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Harrison Russell, privale, Co. K, lOTIli N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Ang. 13, 1862.
Samuel E. Kider, sergt., Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1802.
James M. Kelly, Corp., Co. F, Itlst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1SC2.
Amos D. Mason, Corp., Co F, 141st Y. N.Iiif ; enl. Sept. 1I,18C2.
Eugene E. Abner, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1SC2.
Harvey J. Bennett, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11,1802.
Warron Briggs, Co. P, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1802.
Edgar W. Brown, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. II, 1802.
Sweet B. Coburn, sejgl., Co. F, UUt N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
Samuel A. H. Conderman, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. ''
Daniel C. Cook, Co. F, 141.st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
George Coburn, Co. F, lllst N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
Orrin Conderman, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Aug. 11, 1802. ^
Russell B. Carrington, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. .\ug. 11, 1802.
Warren A. L. Demery, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
Trumair C. Gil/ljs, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862.
William H. Harrison, Co. F, lllst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
Dexter V. B. Jolly, Co, F. 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
As.ael Mead, Co. F, 14Ist N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802.
James H. Moore, Corp., Co. F, 141st N. Y. luf. ; cnl. Ang. 11, 1802.
Albert Manliart, Co. F, 14Ut N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1SC2.
Thoniiis Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Ang. 11, 1802.
Franklin M. Reynolds, Co. F, Hist N. Y. Inf.; cnl. .\ug.ll, 1802.
Daniel Wheeler, wagoner, Co. F, 141st N. Y.; enl. Aug. 11, 1862.
Edward Cole, Co. A, 25lb Cav.; cnl. Feb. 20, 1804.
Thomas W. Cotton, Corp., Co. F, lllst N. Y. Inf.
Leonard N. Hengenir, Co. F, 14Ist N. Y. liif.
Orlando Pettis.
H,arvey J. Bennett.
Benjiimin S. Johnson, Co. F, Hist N. Y. Inf.
Samuel A. Conderman.
Orrin Conderman.
Charles F. Hamlin, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Henry Tuttle, ISOth N. Y. Inf.
Lisfomb C. Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Melanilithon Barber, piivatc, Co. D, S6th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1801.
Alon/.o Davis, private, Co. D, 86th Regt.; enl. Sept. .'"), 1861.
Jacob A. Duel, private, Co. D, 86lh Regt. ; enl. Nov. 2, 1861.
John M. Kelly, 1st sergt., Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
Tbomas Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf
Abrani Bnssell, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.
William E. Codington, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. luf.
John Brown.
Edward Brown.
Steward Shinebarger.
John Swain.
Duane Cook, l.ith N. Y. Vol. Inf.
Hendrick Ratlibun. SGth N. \. Inf.
Samuel Smith, 8nth N. Y. Inf
Francis Hurlburt, 86tli N. Y. Inf.
James R. Stephens, ItMlh N. Y^. Inf.
William B. Travis, 104th N. Y. Inf.
Horatio Allen, lolth N. Y. Inf.
Ira Allen, 104th N. Y. Inf
Henry Head, 104tli N. Y. Inf.
Sweet Brayton, 107th N. Y. Inf.
Cla-k Preston. lllTth N. Y. Inf.
Reuben Ziuimernian, 107th N. Y. Inf.
Delos Br.iwncll, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Inf.
John A. Brownell, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Inf
The following men enlisted on the call of the President of Oct. 17, 1S03 : James
D. Jolly, Benjamin Hnlburt, Jacob G. Winnie, George M. Saxton, Isaac
W. Trowbridge, George H. Vredenbnrg, Henry Barber, John Wisler,
Warren Briggs, Joseph Ueed, Henry Cohen, Charles F. Stephens, Francis
Hurlburt, Silas Manning, Benjamin J. Miller, Monroe Betron, James F.
Davis, Charles liladdison, Isaiah K. Martin.
The following men enlisted under the last call: James Scott, George Mason.
Robert D. Person, John Seaman, John S. Early, Edward Murphy, Peleg
Decker, Amos H. Ercubmck, Edward Forte, Merritt Stanton, William
Gorman, Edward Qninn, Daniel Wilc.ix, John Williams, Edward Willom,
Oeoige Klemhany, James H.Stevens, Patrick McGuire, Thomas Crook-
■bhank, Charles H. Bonnin, George B. McClosy, Joseph Lichield.
GREENWOOD.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The town of Greenwood was formed from Troupsburgh
and Canisteo, Jan. 24, 1827. West Union was taken from
it in 1845, and a part of Jasper was anne.xed in 1848. It
lies upon the western border of the county, and is bounded
nortii by Hartsville, east by Jasper, soutli by West Union,
and west by the county line. Bennett's Creek runs through
the east part of the town tbrougii a valley excavated from
four to six hundred feet below the hill-tops. The central
and western part of the town is rolling u])land of clayey
loam, the valleys being loam mixed with gravel and shale.
E.VRLV SETTLEMENT.
Alexander H. Stephens came up Bennett's Creek from
Cani.steo, in company with Anson Robinson, popularly
known as " llobinson Crusoe," and commenced the first
clearing in the town of Greenwood, a mile north of the
present village, on the Hovey Stephens place, in the spring of
1821. Ezra Cobey, a Prussian, had previou.sly made a small
clearing three miles down the creek, in Canisteo. The road
had been chopped up through the valley and south to the
■ State line, by the land-office, but was not cleared. They
worked hereduring the summer and part of the winter, living
in a log cabin and working on their mill, Mrs. John Stephens
coming up occasionally to do their cooking. The family
did not move into Greenwood until the mill was running.
Ezra and John H. Stephens moved up the valley first, and
Phineas came soon after. The mill, to which was soon
added two " run" of stones, was built near the Brundage
mill, and run by an undershot breast-wheel. The outlines
of the old pond are still marked by willows. This was the
first mill built in the town, and was operated by Uriah
Stephens until 1825, when Colonel John Stephens moved
into the town. At this time there was no mill in roach of
the settlements down the creek nearer than at Wombougli's,
on the Tuscarora, and another north, on the Canisteo.
Settlement along the creek was made very fast after the
mill was built.
Deacon Jacob Manning, from New Hampshire, came in
1823, his family consisting of his wife and one son, Daniel
Manning. Dennis Sanford settled back on the hill, to-
wards Krusin's Corners, in 1824. Eleazer Woodward
came in 1823, from New Hampshire, and opened a tannery
on a small stream to the east, near the mill. Sebe Norton
and Stephen Powell settled in the southwest part of the
town, on the ridge, and Enoch Ordway and his two sons-
in-law, " Hoose" Carr and Ezra Lovejoy, Hiram Putnam,
John H. Hoyt, Joseph and Josephus Bachelor, and Jacob
Manning settled along and near the creek. Guy Wardwell
lived on the strip of land annexed to Greenwood from Jas-
per before any other settlement was made in the town.
302
Next to building a mill, the opening of a tavern and cross-
roads was an alluring enterprise.
In the fall of 1824, Levi Davis, of Dryden, Tompkins
Co., came and bought the site of the present village of
Greenwood, built a log house, and in March, 1825, moved
in and opened a tavern. In one corner of the room a bar
was fenced off, in which he sold goods, which consisted
mainly of tea, snufF, cotton cloth, tobacco, pork, and whisky
(worth twenty cents a gallon at the still ), oats, hay, and
indigo for coloring cloth. This was the first tavern and
store in the town. As business increased, he added a bed-
room to the front stoop, and built a kitchen in the rear.
Mr. Davis also commenced the manufacture of pot and pearl
ashes, which he continued for thirty years. The farmers
when clearing their land gathered and saved the ashes,
which (hey boiled down in bad weather, selling the black
ash at the store. Seven hundred bushels of ashes were re-
quired for a ton of potash, which would be worth from §80
to $100. A man could make $10 a month by gathering
his ashes and boiling down the proceeds. This was a cash
business, the Liverpool market readily absorbing these
chemicals, until (he Russians entered into competition some
years later. The first post-office in the town was at this
store. Joshua L. Chapman, then a boy of fifteen, carried
the mails on horseback through the dense forest from Hor-
nellsville to Canisteo. passing through Greenwood, the jour-
ney taking him one day each way. This was in 1828-29.
In 1826, Col. Ira Davenport, father of Hon. Ira Davenport,
the present State senator, became Mr. Davis' partner. David
Foote and Wm. Ferguson, who bought two village lots of
Redmond Davis, a short distance above the store, and opened
a coffin and furniture manufactory in 1830, were the next
settlers in the future village. Some of their heavy carved
work is still treasured by Mr. Davis, as specimens of artistic
skill.
In 1830, Benjamin F. Brundage moved from Bath, and
erected a carding and cloth-dressing factory in Greenwood,
in which he did a successful business until its destruction
by fire in 1846, when it was replaced by the present ttouring-
mill. Mr. Brundage has been a prominent citizen. Of his
seven sons, Robert L. and Benjamin C. are prominent
lawyers ; Israel M. a successful farmer, — he has for several
years been supervisor of the town ; and John M. Brundage
has been justice of sessions.
Daniel MeCormick came from the county of Antrim in
1832, and built a grist-mill at Rough and Ready. In 1834
his brother James came, bringing his wife and two little
children, arriving in the winter at New York City, where
he bought a one-hor.se wagou, and started up the North
River on his overland journey to his new home, which he
reached about the middle of January, after twenty-four days
TOWN OF GREENWOOD.
303
nf almost insufferable hardship, arrived at liis destination,
and purchasing an improvement, made that summer the
first three firlcins of butter for marlcet which were shipped
from tlie town. He soon increased his dairy to 30 cows,
and built him a house, three stories in height, on the point
of a high hill overlooking the village, from which he took
the name of " High Jimmy" McCormick, as he is popu-
larly known throughout the surrounding country.
Among the earlier settlers are also Henry Young, who
came from Tompkins County in 182C, and settled where
his .son William now lives. George Updike came from
Seneca County in 1828; Benjamin Edwards from NewBeld,
Tompkins Co., in 1880 ; Wni. Atkins from Enfield in 1832 ;
Abrain Williamson and Daniel llicliey from Uly.sses in
1827, settling in the west part of the town. John J.
Dutclier settled near Kruseii's in 1820. John Kogers,
from Lansing, Cayuga Co., settled in the soutii part of the
town, near the old Catholic church, in 1832. Hiram Bur-
ger, who lives near Greenwood village, came with his
father, Ezekiel Burger, from Troupsburgh, where he was
born, in 1815. Enos Smith came from Seneca County in
1828, and settled on the hill west of the village. Homer
Mallory, supervisor of Greenwood for the past six years, is
a son of Samuel Mallory, who came from Connecticut, and
settled near Kru.sen's Corners in 1838. John Balsby
settled in the northwest corner of the town in 1828.
Charles C, son of Ezra Stephens, was the first white
child born in the town, his birth occurring in 1824. The
first marriages were, on Christmas, 1828, Hiram Putnam
to Lucinda, daughter of Ezra Stephens; and, June 14,
1829, Redmond Davis, son of Levi Davis, to Jane, daugh-
ter of Nathaniel Porter. The first school was taught by
Sarah Carr.
When the first settlements were made, the valley was
filled with a heavy growth of nutritious herbage, upon
which cattle were driven up from the river to fatten. The
first settlement south was Mr. Olmstead's, now Rexvillo.
Richard Krusen came from Dryden in 1825, and opened
the cross-roads, four miles west of Davis' store, towards
Andover, where he kept a tavern until the country had
become well settled, and railroads changed the routes of
travel. Acting as a sub agent for the land-office at Bath,
he did much towards attracting a good cla.ss of settlers
from his native country.
In 1828, the first clearing west of Greenwood was that
of Jo.seph Crossing, and just beyond, on the Ridge road,
lived Randal Pease and Daniel Richey, who came in 1827.
The next place west, on the hill, was Aden Lewis, William
Brown, and Timothy Terpeting. Then, nearly opposite
each other, were James and William Bess; and back some
distance from the road was John Potter. Timothy Hol-
loway from Dutchess County, on the right, was the next
.settler, and half a mile through the dark woods was the
little clearing of Elisha Sanford. Joiniiig the Sanford
place was An.son Cook, Esq. Robert Richards lived where
Alva Richards, who came in 1834, now lives. Nathaniel
Richards, their father, came in 1828.
Enos Mead, from Newfield, Tompkins Co., made the
first clearing west of Krusen's Corners, in 1827. His son,
Alvin Mead, who came a few months later, brought the
first wagon into that part of the town, his brothers chop-
ping the road ahead ihr him to drive through. Mr. Mead
contracted for 1050 acres of land, and brought several
families of his relatives. The Mead settlement became a
centre of improvement, and a post-office was established
there in 1842, with Alvin Mead postmaster. The post-
office was discontinued on the opening of another at Rex-
ville, in the north part of West Union.
William Burrows was an early settler still west, near the
county line, and built a saw-mill in 1830. Joshua Gold-
smith, a son-in-law of Derrick Krusen, the school-teacher,
lived near him. Half a mile north of Krusen's Corners
was the log school-house where Sophie Phelps taught school.
There were many small clearings in that part of the town
as early as 1830.
A spring of salt water was discovered by Ezekiel Burger,
a native of Delaware County, while hunting, before the set-
tlement of the town. This spring was a resort for deer and
elk, and was well known by the Indians, who watched for
them as they came to drink its waters. Mr. Burger and a
Mr. Mathews had built a couple of cabins at the spring, one
roofed with elm-bark, and the other with what was called a
"stake and ridered roof;" that is, built in at the top, and
the I'ough-split shingles laid in courses and held in place-by
logs laid over each cour.se and held in place by stakes or
wooden pins. The spring was close to the creek, but a drill
had been erected and a well sunk sixty-four feet by hand,
when the drill was broken off in the well. Boiling was
carried on in kettles until Mr. Davis bought the land, and
Mr. Mathews died, when the enterpri.se was abandoned.
After the well had been abandoned fijr a few days the
settlers would come and pump out the water and boil down
a sack of salt in Burger's kettles until they were taken
away. Salt was hard to get in those days, and the well was
much frequented. Afterwards, when roads were opened,
salt was imported so cheaply that the well was abandoned.
In 1870 a well was drilled at this place for oil to a depth
of GOO feet, resulting in gas, which would burn freely
for several minutes, and salt water in small quantities,
with some indications of oil. The well was abandoned
when the contract under which it was drilled had expired.
The north part of the town, west of Bennett's Creek, is
quite broken, and its settlement is comparatively recent. The
western and central part, which has the appearance of high
rolling prarie, is well cultivated, and the view from almost
any point is magnificent. Descending into the deep, narrow
valley of Bennett's Creek, in the north part of the town,
the change is very abrupt. The hills on either side of the
deep, narrow valley are cleared and cultivated, and a con-
tinuous row of farm-houses extends along the left bank of
the stream to the village, some three miles south. Follow-
ing the hill on the right bank of the stream is the partially-
completed grade of the Rochester, Hornellsville and Pine
Creek Railroad, which was abandoned in 1875, and which
has made the town of Greenwood famous for its refusal to
pay its assessment of tax upon bonds issued for its con-
struction.
One of the principal citizens of the town, Alexander H.
Stephens, the first settler, is a .son of Col. John Stephens,
one of the earliest settlers of the county, and Olive Frank-
304
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
lin, daughter of Capt. John Franklin, the hero of the
Wyoming massacre. Uriah F., Phineas, Elias, John H.,
Alexander H., and Franklin Stephens are the members of
the family. Alexander H. Stephens, who was born in
1801, has been a leading spirit in the affairs of his town,
from its erection to the present time. Mr. Stephens is a
man of high literary attainments, and one of the most in-
fluential citizens of the town. He was a member of the
State Legislature in 1848, and ably represented its interests
while there. His wife, Mary M. Davis, was a daughter of
Levi Davis, the first merchant, and for years the leading
business man of the town. James H. Stephens, son of
Phineas Stephens, and Redmond Davis and John Davis,
both sons of Levi Davis, have also been sent to the State
Legislature from Greenwood.
The village of Greenwood contains nine stores ; harness-,
cabinet-, wagon-, shoe-, and blacksmith-shops ; a large steam
saw-mill and flouring-mill ; the " Stage House" and Green-
wood Hotel, a large three-story building ; two churches, a
fine two-story school-house, and an unusual number of fine
residences. Elias V. Davis has conducted a jewelry estab-
lishment here since 1841, at which date there was but one
store in the place. The village extends along both .sides of a
single street filling the space between the hills and the creek,
and a street starting from the central part of the village
and continuing west, and contains about 200 inhabitants.
There is a flouring-mill at Rough and Ready, a mill settle-
ment in the south part of the town, where was once a post-
office, named from the Rough and Ready Presidential candi-
date ; and north of the village are two flouriug-mills and a
saw-mill.
ORGANIZATION.
The first town election of the town of Greenwood was
held at the hou.se of Levi Davis, March 6, 1827, when the
following officers were elected : Levi Davis, Supervisor ;
Anson Cook, Town Clerk ; David Murray, Randall Pease,
Uriah F. Stephens, Assessors ; Richard Krusen, Uriah
Ingley, Aden Lewis, Commissioners of Highways ; Jacob
Manning, James Bess, Overseers of the Poor ; Abram V.
Olmstead, Joseph Batchelor, Thomas Johnson, Commis-
sioners of Common Schools ; Francis Strang, Josiah Hay-
wood, Moses Clauson, Inspectors of Common Schools;
John H. Stephens, Collector; John H. Stephens, Ira S.
Mills, Constables. John J. Holt, John Stephens, Amos
Lewis, Jr., Linden Lewis, Francis Pilgrim, Amos Labar,
Enos Mead, John Krusen, Wm. Brown, Wm. M. Blair,
Sylvanus Strang, Wm. Crampton, Joseph Davenport, Seba
Norton, John Matt&son, and A. V. Olmstead were made
path masters.
The name of Greenwood was given it by Hon. Alexan-
der H. Stephens, through whose exertions a half mile was
added to the east end of the town, from Jasper.
Supervisors.
Randall Pease.
Anson Cook.
LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
1S27. Levi Davi3.
1828. " "
1829. " "
1S30. Thomas Johnson.
1831. Levi Davis.
1832. "
Town Clerks.
Anson Cook.
Francis Strang.
Collectors.
John H. Stephens.
Ira S. Mills.
" Wm. M. Blair.
Joseph Davenport. Joseph Deremer.
John J. Holt. " "
Alex. H. Stephens. " "
Elijah Guyon.
John Davis.
Augustus Mallory.
John Davis.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
183r.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1X67.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876. "
1877. "
1878. "
JUSTICES
1830. Thomas Johnson.
1831. Sherman Brown.
William Johnson.
Joseph Baehelder.
1832. F. Strang.
1833. Anson Cook.
Talmai Ferrell.
1834. Benjamin Smead.
1835. Sherman Brown.
AVilliam Horton.
1836. Tahnai Ferrell.
John H. Stephens.
1837. Benjamin S. Brundage.
William M. Blair.
1838. Lulher Campbell.
Philetus Farrar.
1839. Benjamin S. Brundage.
1840. Alvin Mead.
1841. Philetus Farrar.
1842. Hanford Smith.
1843. Luther Campbell.
1844. Alvin Mead.
Sheppard Amidon.*
Leonard Smith. '^
Town Clerks.
Moses Clauson.
Collectors.
Ira S. Mills.
Daniel Richcy.
Joshua L. Chapman.
A. R. Stephens.
Daniel B. Closson.
It It
Wm. Bess (v.).
Nelson Rogers.
Josh'a L. Chapman. Isaac Richey (v.).
S. J. Conklin.
" " Oliver B. Richey.
>i II II II
J. B. Chapman. ** "
A. K. Stephens. •* '*
" '* Samuel Saston.
J. L. Chapm.in. Wm. Z. Skank.
Israt'l .M. Brundage.
Danifl Manning.
Israel M. Brundage.
(< II
John Davis.
Homer H. Mallory.
tt II
R. H. Sheffield.
John Davis.
Israel M. Brundage.
John S. Hartrura.
John Davis.
Merritt F. Smith.
Homer H. Mallory.
Benjamin Iliekctt.
B. D. Conkling.
M. V. B. Fisher.
J, L. Chapman.
De Witt C. Amey.
J. W. Whiting, Jr.
De Witt C. Amey.
Valentine Reimann.
De Witt C. Amey,
Valentine Reimann.
OF THE P
1S45.
18i6.
1347.
1848,
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
Alexander Todd.
Homer S. Brundage.
Alexander Todd.
J. M. Brundage.
Nelson Blair.
J. L. Chapman.
John iMcMinds.
Valentino Reimann.
Wm. Burton.
Francis Updyke.
, John S. Young.
Mathias Pease.
Levi Pease.
Cornelius 0. Haryan,
Freeman Rogers.
Wm. 0. Swar.s.
EACK.
Jesse B. Smith.
Sheppard Amidon.
Leonard Smith.*
Andrew Vansickle.*
William Bess.
Philetus Farrar.
George W. Easterbrook.
Sheppard Amidon.
Thomas Strceter.
Luther Campbell.*
Daniel L. Starr. "^
John Brundage.
B. S. Brundage.
John Starr.
Luther Campbell.
B. S. Brundage.
A. H. Bruster.
Joseph B. Chadwick.
A. H. Burrell.
Abram Crout.^"
J. H. Stephens.
Edward E. Stuart.
Ebenezer Northrup.
Warren Houghton.
* Vacancy.
J^^-4^^UU^
Jesse T, Atkins was born in the town of En-
field, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1820. He
Avas one in a family of six children of William and
Rozina Atkins. His father by a previous marriage
had fifteen children, and hence was tiie father of
twenty-one children. He was a native of Ciierry
Valley. His parents removed from Enfield and
settled in the town of Greenwood among the earlier
settlers ; was a farmer during his residence here,
where both he and iiis wife died.
Jesse T. Atkins liad very limited opportunities for
in education, as ir tiie early history of the town
a pecuniary value was placed upon the time of chil-
dren; he was reared on the farm and inured to the
hardships common to a farmer's life, in clearing off
the forest and preparing the land for cultivation.
After reaching his majority he purchased one lum-
dred and ninety-five acres of land in the west ])art
of the town of Greenwood, — on which his widow
and family now reside, — a considerable part of which
he cleared and made improvements upon of good
farm buildings. July 19, 1854, he married Harriet,
daughter of John and Roby Scott, of Greenwoo<l.
Her parents formerly resided in Genoa, Cayuga
Co., N. Y., and settled in Greenwood about 1841 ;
her father died two years prior to the settlement of
the family here ; her mother died February, 1876.
Mrs. Atkins was born Dec. 21, 1836.
Mr. Atkins spent his life as a farmer. He was a
man of indomitable perseverance, resolution, and
industry. He carried forward to successful com-
pletion whatever he undertook. For many years
prior to his decease he dealt quite largely in stock,
shipping to New York. He was known as an enter-
prising, thrifty business man, and possessed strict in-
tegrity in all his business operations. Mr. Atkins
never gave much attention to politics, but was a
member of the Republican party, and valued the
right of suffrage. Of him it may be truthfully said
no more stirring, active, and enterprising man lived
in the town of Greenwood, and bis farm and build-
ings show that he was a thoroughgoing agricul-
turist. He died April 13, 1868. His wife, a lady
of good executive ability, is successfully carrying on
the fiirm and making improvements thereon. Their
children arc William, Jesse, and Rhoda.
TOWN OF GREENWOOD.
305
1861.
1862.
1863.
1861.
186.').
;8G6.
1867.
1868.
Edward E. Stuart.
A. H. Burrell.
Augustus M.illory.^'
E. V. Davis.«
E. V. Davis.
Ebcnezer Northrup.
William L. Ilartruin.
M. E. Nearing.
.Silas Kellogg."-:-"
John M. Brundage.*
George McLean.
1869. William L. Ilartrum.
187n. Silas Kellogg.a
1871. Jolin M. Brundagc.
1872. Henry W. Young."^'
1873. William S. Ilartrum.
I'erer Thomas O'llargan.
1871. Silas Kellogg.
1875. John M. Brundago.
1876. P. Thomas O'Hargan.
1877. Thomas D. Rogers.
1878. Silas Kellogg.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP GREENWOOD.
Soon after the arrival of Alvin Mead, in 1827, Rev.
James Hemingway came to Greenwood, accompanied by
another preaclier, and remained a week, preaching in Mr.
Mead's liouse. Rev. Asa Orcutt preached at Krusen's
" corners" as early as 1825-2G. A class was formed, in
1827, under the leadership of Enos Mead, whose wife, his
sons, Samuel and Alvin, and their wives, Fanny Everest
and Arron Burris, were members of the church at its organi-
zation. Alvah Richards was one of the fir.st stewards.
Revs. Joseph Ashworth, Nathan Fellows, David Fellows, S.
Northway, Ambrose Abbott, Samuel Nichols, J. Jerola-
mon, L. Northway, Theodore McElheney, Wm. Jones,
Alvin F. Walker, Jacob Striker, L. L. Rogers, C. Graham,
Alvah Davison, and Wm. C. Mathison have preached to
them at different periods. The old log school-house has
rotted down, and as the landmarks disappeared one by one,
the old cemetery, with its sacred but unmarked graves con-
taining the early dead of the church, has become lost in the
cultivated field which now occupies its former site. Ziba
Cook was class-leader, in 1851, when the reorganization
was effected, under the pastorate of Rev. L. L. Rogers.
Alvin Mead, present class-leader, has filled that position
since 1852; Steward, Wilber T. Mead; Pastors, 1852,
Revs. W. C. Mathison ; 1856, John S. Bush ; 1857, S.
B. Dickinson; 1858, David Nutten ; 1859-60, R. E.
Thompson, Mr. Jolly; 1861-62, Henry Harpst.
The building of a church in the village of Greenwood
was begun and carried to its completion through the exer-
tion of persons not members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, nor even professors of religion. To the efforts of
Dr. R. H. Sheffield, Merrit T. Smith, Geo. D. Woodward,
and others, is due the honor of the action which secured
the organization of a legally-constituted society and build-
ing a fine church, costing over $5000, under the corporate
protection of the Methodist society. The church was dedi-
cated, Sept. 1-1, 1876, by Rev. B. I. Ives, and upon inquiry
it was found that there were but three Methodists connected
with them or living in that part of the town. Rev. Charles
T. Gifford was assigned to the work of organization, and
was .succeeded by Rev. Francis M. Smith, in 1877, who
was relieved by Rev. Charles R. Buck, in November, 1878.
There are now five classes in various parts of the town,
under the leadership of Merritt M. Smith, Geo. D. Wood-
ward, V. Reimann, Alouzo D. Stephens, and Charles H.
Norton. The present membership is 116. Charles H.
Norton is present Clerk ; Wm. Baker, G. D. Woodward,
C. H. Norton, Albert Ingalls, Charles H. York, Reuben
■* Vacancy.
Stephens are Stewards. M. F. Smith, V. Reimann, and
Geo. D. Woodward, Tiustees.
THE UNlVEttSALIST CHURCH OF GREENWOOD.
The first Universalist meetings were held by Rev. O. B.
Clark, Rev. R. M. Cheney, and Asa Upson, in the old stone
school-house. In 1851 an organization was formed, con-
sisting of 12 members, among whom were Levi Davis and
wife, John H. Stephens and wife, and R. S. Davis and wife.
Alexander H. Stephens was elected clerk, and Levi Davis
and John H. Stephens trustees. A church was immediately
built in the village of Greenwood, and dedicated in 1852,
by Rev. E. Francis. Revs. J. C. Sawyer, Walter Buliard,
and the present pastor, Dr. I. K. Richardson, have since
been pastors of this society. The church has been recently
repaired, making the actual cost of the edifice about $2500.
The membership numbers 31. Dr. I. K. Richardson is
Clerk, and John Davis, Frank Brundage, and J. B. Wood-
bury, Trustees.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GREENWOOD.
In 1871, Rev. John H. Cheeseman moved into the vil-
lage of Greenwood, which was then the central point between
the localities in which he labored, and began meetings in
the school-house, continuing to preach as occasion permitted
until the winter of 1875-76, when his efforts were rewarded
by a revival and the organization of a society on the 19th
of February, 1876, with 17 members. Among these were
Henry Hoyt and wife, Charles L. Cheeseman and wife, and
John Freeland and wife. Charles L. Cheeseman was made
Deacon and Clerk. Henry Hoyt, Washington Morton, and
William Potter, Trustees ; and William Morton, James M.
Cheeseman, Wilson Wyckoff, and William Blair, Build-
ing Committee, and a church commenced, which it is ex-
pected to complete during the coming year. The society
now numbers 33 members.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.
In 1860, a Wesleyan Methodist class was formed in
Greenwood, on " Danby Hill," through the efforts of Alvah
Richards, a leading member, and for years a licensed
preacher. This class was formed under the preaching of
Rev. Daniel Fanton, who was formerly a Methodist Episco-
pal clergyman. The members were Daniel Fanton and
wife, Charles Comash and wife, David Fanton and wife,
and Alvah Richards, who was the first steward, and is the
only original member yet living. This class has since been
consolidated with the charge at Jasper, although an organ-
ized class is still vigorously supported.
MILITARY RECORD OF GREENWOOD.
Amey, Dewitt C, 1st sergt., leist N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; pro. to sergt., Oct. 27, l.Sf)2; to let sergt., Aug. 1,1864.
Trobridge, George W., private, 80th N. Y. Vols.; oiil. Aug. 1861, three years;
re-enl.Dec. 3(1, 18C3, for three years; killed in battle of the Wilderness.
Humiston, Elrude L., private, 6th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Eeimaun, Valentine, sergt., 141st N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years.
Knight, Warren S., corp., leist N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl Aug. 20, 1862, three
years; pro. to Corp. in 1863.
Crone, Franklin B., Corp., 141st N. V. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ; pro.
to Corp., June 1, 1864.
Richey, Alpheus H., private, 86th N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; re-
enl. Dec. 30, 1863, for tbree years.
39
306
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
West, Chaancey A.,recrait;* enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; discb. Nov. 30,1864.
Barnes, Levi, corp., leut N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years ; pro.
to Corp., Aug. 1, 1863.
Stephens, Lee, private, 189th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Oct. 18, 1864, one year.
Clark, John, private, IGlst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years.
Donaldson, Wm., priv., IClst N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. Feb. 19, 1864, three years.
Merrit, Rinaldo S., private, 161st N. T. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years.
HoyI, Justice G., priv.,14l8t N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 10, 1862, three years.
King, Leonard C, private, I61st N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 4, '64, three years.
Storm, Wra. H., private;* enl. Jan. I, 1864, three years; disch. April, 1S64.
Tyler, John B., priv., 161st N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years.
Conrad, Ezra, private, 141st N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years.
Stephens, Brace \V., musician, 16lst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three
years ; was a prisoner of war in Tyler, Texas.
Norton, Charles H., private, 107th N. Y. Vols., Co. K-; enl. July 31, 1862, three
years,
Norton, Wm. T., Corp., 161st N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20. 1802, three years ;
pro. to Corp., Aug. 1, 1864; wounded at the battle of Sabine Cross-Roads,
La., April 8, 1864.
Norton, George R., private, 107th Regt. ; enl. July, 1862, three years.
Norton, Edgar W., private, 5tli H. Art. ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years.
Hush, William, private, 107th Regt.; enl. July, 1862, three years.
Todd, John, private, 23d N. Y. Vols.; enl. 1861, two years.
Aldin, Daniel T., private, 86lh N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; served
term and re-enlisted for three years.
Ketchum, Robert, private, 86th N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years.
Knight, Alonzo, private, 86th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; wounded
at the battle of the Wilderness, and since died.
Tapping, George, private, 86lh N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; died
in service.
Raaco, Wellington, private, 86th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 1861, three ye,ars ; disch.
before term of service expired.
Kellogg, Silas, private, 86th N. Y. Vols., fk>. B; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years;
disch. before exp. of term of service on account of disability.
Michels, James, private, 5th H. Art. ; enl. Doc. 1863, three years.
Dexter, Wheeler 0., private, 16th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Burger, Timothy, private ;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; died in the service.
Smith, Johili H., private;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years; died in the service.
King, Charles L., private, 16lh H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years.
Bell, Joseph S., Jr., private, 16th H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; died in
the service.
Hush, Wm., Jr., private ;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years.
McGraw, Aaron, private ;» enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; disch. before going to the
front.
Wand, Samuel, private, lelst Regt., Co. B ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years.
Clark, Thaddeus B., private, 5th H. Art.; enl. Dec. 1863, three years.
Sheldon, Gilbert W , priv., 1st Mtd. Rifles, Co. I ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Baker, Meldin, private;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years.
Freeland, Thomas, private, Ulst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; disch. on account of wounds.
Reynolds, Normon, private, S61h N. Y. Vols., Co. B; enl. Ang, 1861, three years ;
served full term and re-enlisted.
Younglove, Wm. A., recruit;* enl. March, 1864, three years.
Faling, Jacob W., recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Ternyburry, Miner, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Strait, James, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Olmsted, Mortimer A., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Norton, Washington, recruit, 189th N. Y. Vols., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one
year.
Ingley, Henry, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Faling, Lencious J,, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Erskin, John, recruit ;• enl. July, 1864, one year.
Saxton, John, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Savery, Edwin T., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Hilborn, Andrew R., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Bell, Sylvester, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Baker, James, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Austen, Derance, recruit ;« enl. July, 1804, one year.
Stephens, Caasius M. Clay, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Ingraham, David A., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Bunker, Oscar, recruit, 189th N. Y. Vols., Co, V ; enl. Sept. 18, 1864, one year
Bunker, G.W., recruit, 189th N. Y. Vols., Co, F; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year.
Sherwood, Henry, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Brush, John, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Cassidy, William, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Thormon, John R. D., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Savage, William, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year.
Mattison, Samuel, private, leist N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; disch. on account of disability, Jan. 25, 1864.
Krusen, James P., private, 189th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year
White, Philo A., priv., 14l6t N. y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years.
Mattison, Geo. Gilbert, private, Ulst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years ; disch. on account of disability, July 20, 1866.
* No record of company or regiment.
Jeffers, George W., private, Ulst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; wounded at the battle of Resaca, Ga., May 16, 1864, and died of
wounil. May 18, 1804.
Nearing, Addison Oscar, private, 8Cth N. Y. Vols.; enl. Sept. 1861, three years;
died at Falmouth, Va., of disease, Dec. 8, 1862, and buried at that place.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. ALEXANDER II. STEI'IIENS
was born in Canisteo, Sept. 8, 1801. He is a son of Col.
John Stephens, and a grandson of Uriah Stephens, the
first settler of the Cani,steo Valley, 178!). His mother was
Olive Franklin, a native of IMiddlebury, Conn. She was
taken prisoner at Wyoming, by the Indians, and kept eight
days. Her mother, taken at the same time, was killed, and
left in the wilderness.
Col. John Stephens and his family settled in Canisteo in
1790, he having visited the valley the year previous. Their
children are Mrs. Ezra Stephens, Franklin, Uriah, Phineas,
Elias, John H., Alexander H., Frederick, Daniel, and Mrs.
Dr. Olin. Colonel Stephens, with his family, came to
Greenwood in April, 1825, built the first grist- and saw-
mill in Greenwood ; the grist-mill being subsequently re-
built by his son, Alexander IT., the subject of this notice,
and finally disposed of by him about 1863. The family of
Col. Stephens were among the earliest pioneers of the town.
He died March 19, 1837. His wife died Nov. 6, 1848.
Mr. Alexander H. Stephens received a good common-
school education for the days of log school-houses. He
was married Jan. 20, 1829, to Mary May, daughter of
Levi and Mary Davis. Her parents settled in Greenwood
at the same time as did Col. Stephens. She was born in
1810. After his marriage Mr. Stephens began life for him-
self, clearing the forest, and preparing the land for cultiva
tion, and carrying on the grist-mUl. He cleared the most
TOWN OF GREENWOOD.
307
of the one hundred and fifty acres of hind received from
his father, and made the first chopping in the town of
Greenwood, and continued in the milling business until the
sale of the mill, in 1863. He also erected the first framed
house built in the town.
Mr. Stephens, in middle life, was a quite active exponent
of the principles of the Democratic party, and for seven
years represented his town on the Board of Supervisors,
and held various other town ofiices, and in 1848 repre-
sented his Assembly district in the Legislature of the State.
During that year, while at Albany, being handed a copy
of "Noah's Weekly Messenger," he subscribed for it, and
has read it for thirty years past. He and his wife were
among the organizers of the Universalist Church at Green-
wood, and were members of the same until her death, Sept.
9, 1866. The former is still an attendant upon its service.
Mr. Stephens has lived to see fine edifices supplant the
log cabin, villages grace the valleys of the county, and the
original forest give place to fine agricultural fields. He is
a man of sterling qualities, and endowed with the charac-
teristics of perseverance, independence of thought and ac-
tion, promptness in all business matters, prudence, and good
judgment. Their children are Redmond D., of Iowa, Mrs.
Joseph B. Woodbury, Mrs. William G. Porter, of Green-
wood (living), and Mrs. Amos W. Crandall, and Merritt A.
(deceased).
e^^ J^^^
ASA H. STEPHENS
was born in the town of Canisteo, March 14, 1820. He
was the son of Ezra Stephens and grandson of Col. John
Stephens, who was the son of Uriah Stephens, the first
settler of the Canisteo Valley, — 1789. He spent his mi-
nority on the farm at home, in the town of Greenwood,
where his father settled when it was a wilderness tract of
land, the same farm now being in possession of the family.
In 1844, July 31, he married Charlotte, daughter of
■L/I\jl
Randall and Nancy Pease, of Greenwood. Her parents
removed from Dryden, Tompkins Co., in June, 1826, and
settled in the town of Greenwood, where she was born, in
August following ; and hence the Pesse family were among
the earliest settlers of the town. His father, Ezra Ste-
phens, died in Canisteo, about 1851, and his mother died
about 1845, in Greenwood.
After his marriage, Mr. Stephens settled on the home-
stead, a part of which he had purchased from his brother,
308
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Andrew R. Stephens, and remained on the same farm during
the remainder of his life. He made many improvements
on the farm, erected elaborate farm-buildings, and was, in
fact, a representative agriculturist of the town. He was a
thrifty, active, and enterprising farmer, a man of good ex-
ecutive ability, and of excellent judgment in business mat-
ters. Characteristic of Mr. Stephens, as well as of his
ancestors, was his fondness for hunting, and very much of
his pastime was spent in pursuit of the wild game so nu-
merous among the hills and valleys of this part of the
county, — in his day being mostly deer and foxes. He,
however, killed one bear.
He was always interested in local matters, and was iden-
tified with the Democratic party, as a member of which he
held various town offices.
He and his wife were members of the Universalist
Church at Greenwood, and supporters of that and kindred
interests.
Their children are Randall P., who married Flavilla
Porter, of Greenwood. Rozeltha (Mrs. David Panshall, de-
ceased), Viola V. (Mrs. Marcus Todd), Charlotte (Mrs.
George Woodward), Olive, and Mary.
For many years prior to his death he was quite an exten-
sive dealer in cattle and sheep, buying in Steuben and ad-
joining counties and marketing in the East and New York ;
and in this business, as in everything he undertook, he was
successful.
He died, Nov. 4, 18G6, at Unionville, Dutchess Co., —
where he had gone to dispose of a large drove of cattle
which he had purchased at home, — and his remains were
brought back to Greenwood Cemetery, at Greenwood, Steu-
ben Co., for interment.
LKVI DAVLS
was born in Oxford, iMass., Jan. 8, 1782. Was a lineal
descendant of the sixth generation from an ancestor who
emigrated from Wales. He married Mary Spurr, a native
of Canton, Mass., born Aug. 11, 1782. While a resident
of Ma.ssachusetts he carried on farming in Charlestown.
The children born them were Redmond S., now a res-
ident of Greenwood, George, who died at the age of four
years, and Mrs. Alexander H. Stephens, for many years a
resident of Greenwood, who died in Septenjber, ISGU.
In 1815, the family removed to Columbus, Chenango
Co., N. Y., and remained one year, thence to Dryden,
Tompkins Co., where they resided till 1825, and then came
to Greenwood (then Troupsburgh), this county, and settled,
building a log house on the present site of the Ward
Hotel. The incidents of a pioneer life — settling in the
wilderness, the necessary economy to support a family, the
struggles with poverty and privation in a new country —
were all met by this family. His first purchase was 14-1
acres of land, to which he made additions subsequently of
several hundred acres, and during his life had in his pos-
session considerable real estate. He was an industrious,
thorough-going business man, and passessed characteristic
integrity in all his business relations. He was interested
in the improvements of the town, and in all local matters.
He was the first to e.stablish trade at Greenwood, and com-
menced in a small way to supply the settlers with the
necessaries of life, and from the time of his first settlement
here until the present time a mercantile business has been
carried on by the Davis family, it now being in the name
of John Davis & Co.
The other children are Levi, born in Columbus, Che-
nango Co., N. Y., and John Davis, born in the town of
Dryden, Tompkins Co. He also, from the time of his
settlement, for many years kept a public-house in the log
house first built when he settled hero, and some forty years
ago built the Ward Hou.se as it now is, except the third
story. Ho was also engaged for some thirty years, more
or less, in the lumber business. In politics lie was a Whig,
and was the first supervisor of the town of Greenwood
after its erection, and held the office some two years sub-
sequently. He was the first postma.st.er at Greenwood, and
officiated in that capacity some twenty-five years following
the establishment of the office.
His wife was known as a woman of great sympathy for
the needy ; was truly a helpmeet, fulfilling all the duties
pertaining to a wife and mother, and did her part well,
training her children in all that makes true manhood and
womanhood. She died July 9, 1854, remembered for her
many virtues. He survived her nine years, and died July
9, 1863.
HAETSVILLE.
QENKRAL DESCRIPTION.
HTartsville lies on the west border of the county,
south of the centre, and was erected from Hornellsville,
Feb. 7, 1844. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by
several deep valleys. The valley of Bennett's Creek ex-
tends along the east border of the town, while Purdy Creek
flows east through the north part, their valley.s being bor-
dered by steep hills from four to six hundred feet high.
The soil is productive, being for the most part a shaly and
clayey loam.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Joseph Purdy, a native of Ireland, and for some years a
prominent citizen of Steuben County, was the first actual
settler in the town of Hartsville. In the year 1810 he
moved up the creek which bears his name, and settled in
the northwest corner of the present town, occupying a par-
tially-completed cabin, which had been commenced and
abandoned by a Mr. Brookins the year before. He was
the sole occupant of the town until 1819, when Jesse,
father of Silas Palmeter, a native of Madison County,
Perry Potter, and his brother Andrew, and William D.
Burdick, who was a boy of seventeen, and lived with Mr.
Potter, .settled on the ridge near the head of Crosby Creek,
in the northwest part of the town. William D. Burdick
" booked," that is, had fifty acres reserved on the books at
the land-office for his purchase, when of age, but soon aOcr
traded to his brother, who lived over the line in Allegany
County, for an old watch.
Daniel P. Carpenter came from Orange C'ouiily with an
ox-team, in the summer of 1822, and settled on the
Vickers place, half a mile below Hartsville Centre, moving
into an unfinished log house, that had been built in the
deep woods, which almost closed together above its roof.
Their only neighbor was Mr. Purdy, two and a hall' miles
down the creek. In October, Fiaiil; I'cjwrll, liitlier of II.
F. Powell, came from Dutcliess County, and located below,
near the cemetery, living in the old Brookins cabin while
building. Mr. Powell was grandfather of Nathaniel and
Elisha Purdy.
This valley was a famous hunting-ground, deer gathering
in numbers to feed upon the mosses which clung to the
trees in the shady valley. Fearful stories were related by
the hunters of the Canisteo Valley, to di.ssuade people from
settling here and spoiling their favorite hunting-ground.
On the flat, near Hartsville Centre, were found many
bent poles, which had been u.sed by the Indians in their
camps, and the early pioneers plowed up mortars and other
implements about the old cornfield, which was abandoned
by the Indians when the white men came into the valley
There were several of these cornfields along Purdy's Creek,
and a large apple-tree stood for some years, below the Purdy
place.
While Mr. Purdy lived in the Brookins house, a fright-
ened deer, chased by wolves, sought refuge in the house,
and was killed by the family, at a time when they were in
such want of provisions that Mrs. Purdy, who was a pious
lady, considered it a special dispensation of Providence.
A young man came over the hills from Allegany County
at an early day, and discovering a deer-lick near the head of
Purdy Creek, went down to the Canisteo, found the num-
bers of the land, and continued on to Bath, in great glee,
to enter the land on which to locate a salt-work. He was
under age, but received a " booking," which reserved the
land from entry until he should be old enough to purchase.
Returning to Canisteo, he borrowed a kettle, and with ket-
tle, axe, gun, and tinder, returned to the spring and boiled
industriou.sly for several days, but obtaining no salt, left in
disgust. This place, known as the Birch lick, was a famous
place to watch for deer, which were shot in the night as
they came to drink. Gravel was scattered where they would
rattle when stepped upon, a gun was sighted where the deer
was supposed to stand while drinking, supports were fixed
under it, and the patient hunter lay in ambush with his
gun "set," awaiting the time when the exciting rattle of
the gravel should signal him to fire the gun, after which the
deer was almost certain to be found. Later, when in the
darkness an ox was shot, this risky sport was abandoned
for the more laborious trail, where they would be shot while
crossing at some favorite point from one hill to another.
In 1823, William Hudson and John Granger located
below Mr. Carpenter, on the creek. Robert G. Martin set-
tled on the present fine farm of Richard F. Allison, and
was married to Mary A. Gleason, a member of Mr. Powell's
family, in December of 1823. This, the first wedding in
the town, was quite an affair, and was attended by the en-
tire population of the valley, consisting of Mr. Hudson and
wife, Mr. J. M:irtin and wife, D. P. Carpenter and wife,
John Granger and wife, Mary Carpenter, and Susan Nichols.
Mr. and Mrs. Hudson stood up with the happy couple.
The ceremony was performed at one o'clock, after which
the party sat down to a hearty dinner of baked beans and
sausage, and a jovial time was had until it was time to
wade back home through the deep snow to do the chores.
It was not considered safe to leave a house alone a great
while then, lest the wooden chimney should take fire, as
was a common occurrence when at home.
Sarah Ann, daughter of Daniel P. Carpenter, was the
first white child born in the town, her birth occurring in
January, 1823. The first death was that of Charlotte,
daughter of Ebenezer Martin, in 1823. In 1824, Joseph
Thompson moved on to the abandoned place of Mr. Hud-
309
310
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
son, and Joseph Hood, of Yates County, father of U. D.
Hood, of Corning, finished a log house, which had been
partially built and abandoned, on the site of the present
village near the bridge. James Thomp.son came in 1824.
Mrs. Thompson was a cousin of Mrs. Carpenter, both
families coming from Orange County.
In 1828, James Howell and John Martin joined the
settlement. In 1825, William Allison, father of Richard
F. Allison, of Hartsville, and Slortimer, Lawrence, Isaac,
and Oscar Allison, of Canisteo, a native of Orange County,
moved from Horsehcads and settled north of Mr. Carpenter,
who shared his house with him until he could build. This
was a common hospitality among the early settlers. Casper
Van Buskirk built a log liou.se near by and moved in the
next spring. The country bad become so settled at this
time that Mr. Carpenter ventured to bring in some goods
and open a store, the first in the town, at bis residence. A
log school-bouse was built on his land the same season, and
Z. A. Purdy, daughter of Joseph Purdy, taught the first
school in the town. In 1827, Mr. Carpenter built the first
saw-mill in the town, on his place. Daniel P. Carpenter
was one of the most prominent men of his time, and did
much to advance the settlement of his town. He became
interested in the land-office, and, in connection with his
other business, conducted an ashery for some years. Be-
fore the organization of the town of Hartsville, the first
election for this part of the old town of Hornellsville was
held at his house. The men came on horseback to vote,
and all the women iu the neighborhood came to assist in
cooking their dinner, wliich was a free lunch on a grand
scale ; roast pig forming the central attraction, around which
revolved numerous wholesome dishes, with a profusion of
pumpkin-pie, piled high on plates, for dessert. Twenty
guests came from Hornellsville, and numerous others from
Almond. On removing the plates many silver coins were
found by the girls, where tliey had been deposited by the
grateful guests. Elections were held seven years at Mr.
Carpenter's.
Robert G. Martin built a mill where 11. F. Allison's
mill stands, in 1832. Wm. Allison built another soon
after; Mr. Whiting built one two miles above, Asher and
Whiting between, and near the bridge a stave- and shingle-
mill was built. All were running until about 1855, when
the stock of timber began to give out, and the clearing
made the .season for running water-mills much shorter by
drying up the streams. R. P. Allison put up the first
steam-power in the town.
John Hood, an officer in the war of 1812, came from
Bellona, Yates Co., in 1826, and .settled on the hill near
the Allison place. Soon after be organized a company of
militia under Col. Amasa Thatcher, and was made captain.
Nathan Williams was lieutenant, Oliver Coon, ensign ; and
Ferris Clawson, first sergeant. Joseph Lawson, Henry
and Adam Acker, Silas Palmeter, Wm. Allison, Robert
Martin, Hiram and George Powell, Eli.sha and Perry Potter,
were members of the company, which used to assemble at
Carpenter's to train. Charles N. Hart, who gave his name
to the town, James Clawson, Benjamin S. and John Van
Buskirk, and William Allison, were the leading business
men of the town. After the lumbering ceased, farming re-
ceived more general attention, and dairying became a lead-
ing industry.
The principal cheese-factory, on Purdy Creek, has manu-
factured upwards of $10,000 worth of fine cheese during
the past season, and another large factory is in successful
operation in the northwestern part of the town.
When Jacob Vickers came to Hart.sville in 1855 there
was no store in the town. An eflbrt was made several
times, but the country was not sufficiently developed to
support a local store until 1868, when J. D. Russell began
the present business, which has been continued by Mr.
Vickers.
Joseph Henry opened the Centre House, in Hartsville,
in 1851. The business was first located at the present
cheese-factory, a mile above the present village, and was
changed to the present locality in 1858. The post-office
was first at Charles N. Hart's residence, between Hartsville
Centre and Canisteo. The land is all taken from the land-
office. The last lot near Hartsville Centre was sold for 75.
cents per acre at private sale.
On the hill in the southwest part of the town, Simeon
Baker settled with his three sons, James, Ephraim, and
Simeon, Jr. Robert Hemphill, a native of New Hampshire,
settled on the top of the dividing ridge east of Hartsville
Centre, the highest land in the north part of the town, in
1835, where his son, George W. Hemphill, now resides.
Benjamin and David Cook were early settlers on this ridge
toward the valley east, where they went to have their bread
baked by the Carpenter girls while clearing their farms and
erecting their cabins. Oliver, Jonathan, and Solomon Pet-
tibone settled near the Hemphill place in 1832. Mrs.
Isaac Burdick, Jr., came from Allegany County, in 1826.
Hiram P. Burdick, the present pastor of the Seventh-Day
Church, and popular temperance worker, then a lad of ten
years, was the oldest of her family. William D. Burdick
was a brother of Mrs. Isaac Burdick, Jr., and married a
sister of Isaac Burdick, Jr.
From the high land to the west of Mr. Hemphill's may
be seen a fine scope of country to the west. Just off' the
highest ridge is the Seventh-Day Baptist church, and a
few rods below is the residence of Rev. H. P. Burdick, the
well-known temperance worker, and one of the leading men
of that part of the county, who says, with pride, that Harts-
ville has never granted a license to sell strong drink. Just
beyond, is the oldest cheese-factory in the town. To the
east, a point of high land extends northward like a gigantic
wall, while to the north the view extends to Fremont and
the bills about Bath. To the west, across the deep, narrow
valley which beads near by, Lewis Clark, father of the pres-
ent Lewis Clark, built his pioneer cabin and rai.sed his
family. Near by, the land slopes smoothly to the north
for a quarter of a mile, when it descends rapidly into the
deep, narrow valley of Crosby Creek. A mile below in the
valley, near the line of Hornellsville, lives Capt. John Hood,
the oldest of the living pioneers of Hartsville.
The low, sloping hill-sides on each side of the little
village of Hartsville Centre are covered with well-tilled
farms, an occasional sugar-bush intervening, and the vil-
lage has a quiet, old appearance, which is enhanced by
the numerous stone fences and an occasional old-fa.shioned
TOWN OP HARTSVILLE.
^11
well-sweep beside some roadside well. The valley holds
a continuous width of a i(uarter of a mile, and opens above
the village into a beautiful little flat at the mouth of
Donaldson Creek. Ascending Purdy Creek nearly south-
west the hills gradually disappear, until the level of that
stream is reached near the south line of the town. A road
to the east ascends Call Hill, so named from Othniel Call,
the first settler in this part of the town, who came from
Tompkins County in 1828, and located at the crossing of
the old road between Greenwood and I'urdy Creek. His
brothers-in-law, Micah and Francis Kennedy, came the next
year, and located west of Call. Aaron V., son of Micah
Kennedy, occupies the old farm, and both the Kennedy
brothers are still living. Joseph Alma and David Alger
came next, and settled east, near where Mr. Alma still lives.
This ridge contains some fine rolling farms, and is generally
well settled.
South of this hill, on Slate Creek, — -a stream running east
half across the town, — Thomas Stout settled in 1832, on
an abandoned chopping made in 1829. The settlement on
this creek was first induced by lumbering. Two mills are
still running on that stream a portion of the year. Daniel
M. Stephens was an early settler on this stream.
There are six saw-mills in the town, — three on Furdy
Creek, two on Slate Creek, and one on Fall Brook. A
mile above Hartsville Centre is a chee.se-factory, feed-mill,
and shingle-mill. There are post-offices and trading-points
near each side of the town, which absorb much of its
products ; this town also furnishes the main support of two
cheese-factories in adjoining towns.
HARTSVILLE CKNTKE.
This, the principal settlement and business centre, com-
prises some forty residences, scattered along the valley of
Purdy Creek, near the centre of the town. Two saw-mills,
two stores, a fine new Methodist Episcopal church and parson-
age, school-house, and the usual trades comprise the balance
of the improvements. Most of the buildings are old, among
which are scattered later and more modern ones, the finest
of which are the Methodist Episcopal parsonage and the
residence of R. F. Allison, one of the leading business men
of the town. The lumbering of the two mills is confined
to the few straggling hemlocks, oaks, and scrubby pines
left as worthless by the lumbermen of thirty years ago.
Mail is received daily from Canisteo by private conveyances
according to opportunity, there being no contract for its
regular carriage.
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Hartsville was formed from the southern
part of Hornellsville, comprised in township No. 3, on
Feb. 7, 1844, and named Hartsville, in honor of Charles N.
Hart, one of the loading men of the town. A town-meet-
ing was called at the house of Erastus S. Beard, on the
first Tuesday in March of that year, and the poll opened
by Christopher C. Purdy, Sidney Frisby, and Calvin Withy.'
The ofiicers there elected were Charles N. Hart, Supervisor ;
Erastus S. Beard, Town Clerk ; James Beard, Jonathan Pet-
tibone, Elizur Sage, A.ssessors ; Silas Palminter, Jonathan B.
Purdy, Reuben W. Millard, Henry Acker, Justices of the
Peace ; Israel Adams, Edmoud Cook, Levi C. Henry, Com-
missioners of Highways ; David S. Whiting, Russell Ami-
don, Overseers of the Poor ; Silas Palminter, Superintendent
of Schools; John Van Buskirk, Collector; Robert Hemp-
hill, Calvin Withey, Inspectors of Election ; Samuel H.
Burdick, Barney Hinckley, Chester F. Whiting, Con-
stables ; Casper Buskirk, Sealer of Weights and Measures ;
William Allison, David S. Whiting, Uriah F. Stephens,
Oliver Peltibone, Nathan Neff, Peter Hinckley, Elisha
Potter, David Call, Reuben IT. Millard, Burton H. Saun-
ders, Ebenezer Martin, Benjamin Hall, Silas Tolls, David
Alger, John Holt, and Shubad S. Fenton were elected
Pathmasters.
LIST OF TOWN OPFICER.S.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1348.
1849.
1850.
1S51.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1S44.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
Supervisors.
Charles N. Hart.
James Beard.
a it
Edmund Cook.
Town Clfiks. Collectors.
Ei-!istus P. Beard. John Van Buskirk.
Sidney Frisbcy. Barney Hinckley.
Richard F. Allison. Kingsley Amidon.
Michael A. Howell. Barney Hinckley.
" " James W. Corbitt.
Erastus Beard.
Francis Kennedy.* Joseph Henry.
" " Sidney Frisbcy.
James Beard. " "
Edmund Cook.
James Beard.
C. C. Purdy.
James M. Cook.
F. n. Reynolds.
Jonas Goodno.
Jacob H. Stryker.
Shepherd Amidon. " "
Richard F. Allison. Sidney Frishey.
Samuel Woolever.
Aaron V. Kennedy.
James Moore.
John A. Farnham.
James M. Henry.
ti it
Micah Kennedy.
a a
Allen C. Henry.
Tisdale A. PuBer.
" " A. A. McGraw. " "
Dennis McGraw.
« " Deforest Crane. William Hamilton.
" " Dennis McGraw. " "
Silas Palmer. Jacob H. Stryker. Samuel Woolever.
Richard F. Allison. Henry L. Farnham. Alanson W. Almey.
Lyman A. Cook. Joseph Vickers. A. W. Almey.
*i ** '• " Dura Martin.
Wesley Langs.
John A. Farnham.
Cas. M. C. Stephens
M. S. Amidon.
Langford Whiti'ord.
Levi 0. Henry.
R. F. Allison.
H It
James A. Almey.
Joseph Vickers.
James B. Hcndee.
J. H. Stryker.
II it
Albert Amidon.
Jacob H. Stryker.
t> it
Jonas Goodno.
Langford Whitford. George R. Corbett. AV. W. Langs.
JUSTICES OF
Silas Palmeter.
Jonathan B. Purdy.
Reuben W. Millard.
Henry Acker.
Reuben W. Millard.
Jonathan B. Purdy.
David S. Whiting.
Silas Palmeter.
Christopher C. Purdy.
Luther King.
Reuben Millard.
Jonas Goodno.
Robert Hemphill.
Luther King.
C. C. Purdy (v.).
C. C. Purdy.
THE PEACE.
1856. Shepherd Amidon.
1857. Robert Hemphill.
1858. Luther King.
1859. C. C. Purdy.
Jonas Goodno,
1860. Shepherd Amidon.
1861. Silas Palmeter.
1862. S. C. Watkins.
1863. James M. Henry.
1864. M. A. Cass.
1865. Silas Palmeter.
P. D. Hinckley.
William Gay.
1866. W. W. Wither.
1867. Phileman Tuller.
Barney Hinckley.
•Special meeting to Hll vacancy.
312
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1868. Charles R. Amidon.
James M. Henry.
1869. George R. Corbetl.
1870. Willi.im W. Willier.
1871. .T.imes M. Henry.
1872. James M. Henry.
187i?. Silas Palnieter.
1874. William K. Thatcher.
1875. Charles S. Jenkins.
1876. James M. Henry.
1877. John R. Hemphill.
1878. William K. Thatcher.
CHURCHES.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAllTSNII.I.E.
At a meeting held at the house of H. Caiiiwell, on Sat-
urday before the second Sunday in November, 1838, a
society was formed with ten members. Their names were
Nathan Noff, Ebenezer Martin and wife, Sarah W. Turner,
Rhoda Martin, Hannah Ncff, Rachel Tolls, Hiram Carn-
well and wife, Robert, Hemphill. Rev. R. Clark was the
first pastor, under whose preaching this class was formed.
Early preaching was held in the house of F. Kennedy and
the Carpenter school-house. Solomon Pettibone was made
the first Deacon, and Robert Hemphill, Clerk. Pastors:
Revs. R. Clark, Hiram Carnwell, 0. B. Call, C. G. Smith,
Washington L. Cook, H. A. Rose, Rev. Mr. Clark, James
Babcock, Roswell Corbett, Allen C. Henry, and C. K.
Bunnell, present pastor. OflBcers : Joseph W. Henry, Dea-
cori ; P. M. Phelps, Clerk. There are 30 members, among
whom are Mrs. Angeline Martin, who with her husband,
Ebenezer Martin, joined the society at its organization.
Deacons: 1847, Jonathan Truman ; 1857, George Hood,
Lyman Lewis, Thomas Bordeau, Alonzo Woodard.
Liccn.sed : 1847, Hiram P. Burdick.
Ordained: 1848, H. P. Burdick, William C. Kenyon,
President of Alfred College, Darwin Maxon, D. K. Davis,
W. M. Babcock.
Present membership, 130. Clerk, H. G. Pope.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Rev. James Hemingway formed the first IMethodist
Episcopal Church in Hartsville in June, 1825. The first
meetings were held in the house of Daniel B. Carpenter ;
John Hood was the first class-leader. Among tlic first
members were Hiram Cornell and wife, Louis Clark and
wife, Robert D. Martin and wife, Mary, wife of John
Martin, Mary Carpenter, Amos Babcock, Noah Dunbar
and wife. The first stewards were Robert Martin and
Lewis Clark. The first Methodist Episcopal Church edi-
fice was built by Eli Woodrufi", John Acker, Joseph
Vickers, Charles Dutcher, and John Eels, Trustees, at an
expense of 13400, and dedicated March 19, 1870, by Rev.
B. I. Ives. The present membership is 67. Pastors :
1825, J. Hemingway; 1826, Eleazer Dewey; 1827, Rev.
Mr. Kurzort; 1828-29, Rev. Mr. Buell ; 1830-36, Rev.
Mr. Filmore, John Shaw, John Vaughn, Nathan Fel-
lows, C. Storey, Jesse Bacon, Rev. Mr. Kinney ; 1837,
S. Nichols; 1853, R. M. Beach; 1854-55, W. A. Bron-
son; 1856-57, Chandler Wheeler; 1858, L.L.Rogers;
1860, J. J. Turton ; 1862, S. H. Aldrich ; 1863-64, Isaac
Everett; 1865, N. N. Beers; 1866, Wesley Cochran;
1867, W. W. Colvin ; 1868, F. D. Blakeslee ; 1869, S. M.
Dayton, Henry Goodwin; 1870, J. H. Blades; 1871-72,
James Landreth ; 1873, C. E. Milspaugh; 1874, E. D.
Graham; 1875-76, Maj. J. Robins; 1877, Andrew Purdy;
1878, J. J. Dayton. Rev. E. Dewy, who married a daugh-
ter of Daniel B. Carpenter, died at this place in 1867.
John Hood, Oliver Pettibone, Jacob Stryker, John
Hopper, and the present incumbent, Joseph Vickers, have
been class-leaders. Daniel Reed, Recording Steward ; W.
S. Parish, Eli Woodworth, E. K. Powell, Milo Hayze,
Charles Hayze, Samuel J. Zeliff, Stewards; Eli Wood-
worth, Jacob Vickers, D. Reed, J Vickers, W. S. Parish,
Trustees. A fine new parsonage has been built, adjoining
the cluiich.
THE SEVE.NTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH OP HARTSYILLE.
In the year 1836, Hiram P. Burdick, then a boy of six-
teen, started a Sabbath-school near his present residence,
attending the old church in Allegany County, getting the
lesson there and rehearsing it to his little class at home.
His library consisted of a Bible, spelling-book. Pike's
arithmetic, and a Columbian reader. Afterward, he hoed
potatoes two days for seventy-five cents, and bought " Barnes'
Notes on Matthew and Mark." Out of this first effort grew
the organization of the church in the town of Hartsville,
the same year, with 33 members, many of whom were already
members of the church just over the county line, in Alle-
gany County. Among the first members were Mrs. Betsey
Burdick, Hiram P. Burdick, Eiisha Potter and wife, Silas
Palmeter and wife, Jlrs. Harriet Pettibone, and William D.
Burdick and wife. This society continued to be a branch
of the Allegany Church until 1847. At a meeting called, of
which George Hood was chairman, but one vote was cast
in favor of building the church, two for the present site, and
30 for H. P. Burdick as soliciting committee. With the
assistance of Miss Eliza Potter, $1300 were raised by sub-
scription the next day, and the church was completed the
next year, at an expense of $2800, and dedicated Oct. 1,
1856, by Rev. Thomas Brown. This was the first church
built in the town. H. P. Burdick, George Hood, Lewis
Clark, Schuyler Whitford, and Wm. D. Burdick were build-
ing committee. Pastore : 1847, Hiram Cornwell ; 1848-
53, H. P. Burdick ; 1853-54, Darwin Maxon ; 1854-58,
H. P. Burdick; 1858-61, Wm. C. Kenyon, H. P. Bur-
dick; 1861-67, H. P. Burdick; 1868, B. F. Rogers;
1869, Jonathan Allen, president of Alford College ; 1869-
75, D. K. Davis ; 1875-77, H. P. Burdick ; 1877-78,
U. M. Babcock; 1878, Ira Lee Cottrell, H. P. Burdick.
MILITARY RECORD OF HARTSVILLE.
Harlow Phelps, Co. A, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; en\. Sept. 11, 1862.
Charles E. Hinckley, wagoner, Co. II, 141st N. Y. Inf.; cnl. Sept. II, 1862.
John T. Amidon, Co. B, SCth N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Sept. 10, 1861.
Denzil Amiilon, Co. B,_80tli N. Y. Inf. ; eul. Sept. in, 1861.
Alhert Amidon, Co. B,"sCth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 10, 1S6I.
Newman P. Stryker, Co. B,8Gth N. Y. Inf.; cnl. Sept. 13, 1861.
Oscar Monroe, Co. B.SGth N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Sept. 13, 1861.
William II. McCane, Co. B, SOth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
William Letts, Co. F, S6th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861.
Daniel P. McGraw, Co. F, 8Gth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. in ca?alry.
John Popple, Co. F, SCth N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Oct. 21, 1861.
William B.Jenkins. Co. I, ii6lh N. Y. Inf.: enl. Nov. 18, 1861.
George W. I'arscls, Co. I, 861h N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 24, 1861.
Hngh Clark, Co. K, S6th N. Y. Inf.; eul. Sept. 13, 1861.
Ambrose A. McGraw, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
James C. Orvis, Co, K, S6th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
William K. Orvis, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
George M. Woodworth, Co. K,86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
Ephinetus Webb, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
John Ilemi)hill, Rev. J. J. Dayton, George Powell, William Stryker.
Seymour G. Kyenvault, capt. ; pro. to maj.
Newman Striker.
fHOTdS e* EVAKS COffNlWCNf
'^-i-<:^C-'y-lO'L€-L^
/ yi
^Tm^ .=^^^^^^^
DEACON JOHN ST. JOHN,
son of John, Sr., and Susannah St. John, was born at
Hiibbardton, Rutland Co., Vt., Sept. 29, 1792. His
parents were natives of Fairfield Co., Conn., and settled
in Vermont. The St. Johns are of English origin, and
John St. John's mother was of French and English descent.
At the age of seven Mr. St. John commenced living
with an uncle, with whom he remained till he was twenty-
one. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. About 1816
he emigrated to Steuben County, and made a permanent
settlement in the spring of 1817 on the farm now owned
by Ira Hendrick, and has lived in this locality ever
since. On Oct. 1, 1821, he married Lucinda Shumway,
daughter of Elijah and Chloe Shumway, of Woodstock,
Mass. Mrs. St. John was bom, Feb. 5, 1798, at Pomfret,
Conn. Four children were born, viz. : Clarissa S., who
married Wm. Nichols, Esq., of Bath. Minerva, who
married Dr. Daniel Slauson, of Corning; they had three
children, one of whom, John, lived with his grandparents
and family after he was about one and a half years old,
and continued to do so till the fall of 1875, when he
went to Port Hudson and resided with his father until
the terrible epidemic of 1878 occurred in the South, when
he and his father both fell victims to the yellow fever ;
the son preceded his father only three days. Francis
O., another son of Deacon St. John, resides at home with
his father, and his daughter, Sarah A., is living with her
father and brother.
In politics Deacon St. John is a Democrat. He cast
his first presidential vote for President Madison when he
was a candidate the second time, and has been able to
vote at every presidential election since. He has been
assessor of Hornby. When a young man he and Mrs.
St. John joined the Baptist Church of Hornby, and for
nearly forty years he has been deacon of the same. By
word and deed he has tried to maintain a Christian char-
acter, and has done his part to build up the cause of
Christ in his community. Mrs. St. John died March
6, 1860, leaving a record of devoted ness to the society of
which she was a bright and shining light. Her memory
is ever green to her family.
Deacon St. John is now an old man of eighty-six
yeai-s, yet he is hale and hearty, of sound mind, and is
surrounded by the comforts of a happy home. He
is now living with his two children, Francis O. and
Sarah A., who are devoted to the wants of their aged
father.
HORNBY.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
Hornby was erected from the old town of Painted
Post, on the 27th of January, 1826, and was named in
honor of John Hornby, an eminent English land-holder.
The town of Campbell was taken from it in 1831, and
part of it was annexed to Orange, Schuyler Co., April 11,
1842. It lies near the centre of the east border of the
county, and has a high, rolling surface, intersected by deep,
narrow valleys, chiefly formed by Dry Run and Post and
Border Creeks. Border Creek is in the southwest part
of the town and flows into the Chemung, while Post
Creek, in the south, enters the Chemung opposite Corning.
The soil is a clayey and shaly loam of superior quality.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Asa and Uriah Nash, the first settlers in Hornby, set-
tled in 1814 in the north part of the town, called Nash
Settlement. Edward Stubbs, Ezra Shaw, Samuel Adams,
and Jesse Underwood settled in 1815. In the same year
Jesse Piatt, John Bobbins, and Amasa Stanton settled in
the Piatt Settlement, in the southwestern part of the
town. James S. Gardner, Chester Knowlton, and Aden
Palmer settled in the Palmer Settlement in 1816. Others
came near the same time, among whom were Hiram and
Benjamin Gardner, John St. John, Isaac Goodell, Aaron
Harwood, John Sayer, and Jacob Goodsell, with his two
sons, Daniel W., aged thirty-three, and Henry, aged twenty-
eight, each having families.
The first tavern was kept by E. Shaw, in the Under-
wood District, near the present school-house. A. B. Dick-
ason, who afterwards spelled his name Dickinson, opened
the first store on the old homestead about 1824. One of
the first settlements was that of Levi, father of Ira Nash,
the schoolmaster, near Nash Lake, a bottomless body of
spring water, comprising some 60 acres, surrounded by
hills and abounding with fi.sh. Nash built a saw-mill at
the outlet of the lake. Isaac Goodsell kept the earliest
tavern at Hornby Forks.
Lorena A. Hendrick, daughter of Theodore and Char-
lotte Hendrick, the first white child born in Hornby, was
born Jan. 19, 1818.
John Bidler and Lucy A. Piatt, the first couple mar-
ried in Hornby, were married, Feb. 2, 1813 or 1814, by
William Mulhollen, justice of the peace, and commenced
housekeeping on Mead's Creek (now Campbell).
In 1838 the farmers first commenced to break up or
plow land. Most of the land was sowed on new fallows
with winter wheat, but sometimes with spring wheat and
oats. In no case was there a failure of a crop.
To guard against wolves, Hon. A. B. Dickinson in early
times built a high fence around a field to preserve his
40
sheep. Wild-cats were numerous, destroying sheep for J.
H. Humphreys as late as 1859, and one was killed in 1875.
Mr. St. John, a native of Rutland Co., Vt., came from
Otsego at the age of twenty-four years, and located near
where he now lives, in 1816, and boarded with his neigh-
bor, Asa Nash, built the log house whose walls are still
standing, made a small clearing, and returning brought out
Theodore Hendrick, and bought the Nash place. His
housekeepers locating for themselves, he again returned to
Otsego, bringing his sister, who remained with him until
he found a permanent housekeeper, Lucinda, daughter of
Ledger Shumway, of Connecticut, and sister of Mrs. Jesse
Underwood, whom he married in 1822. Mr. St. John
had three daughters, one of whom was the wife of Mr. M.
Nichols, Esq., of Bath. Although nearly eighty-seven
years of age, he is still in good health and vigor, and well
remembers the events of the early days in which he par-
ticipated. He is the oldest of the early settlers remaining,
and one of the few who, living in a land of game and
hardy adventure, stuck quietly to his business, and made
himself a home, while the early hunters of his day are
" hunters" still, though less successful than in days of
yore
At that time a crowd of upwards of 100 would assem-
ble for their annual three days' election and general holi-
day, when an unusual amount of jollification took place.
Wolves levied their tax upon sheep, so that it was almost
impossible to keep them. Hogs fattened upon beech-nuts,
which were abundant in the woods. Indians were never
numerous nor troublesome, though their appearance some-
times did frighten the women. In 1824 they clothed
themselves in home-made and homespun wool and flax,
which when made into cloth was taken to the primitive
factory to be finished. The nearest store previous to Dick-
inson's was Bonham's, kept, at the river, by William Bon-
ham, a small, thick-set, slow and easy man, who had the
general reputation of being " a good fellow." Goods were
brought from Newburg, on the Hudson, in wagons, and
consisted of bake-kettles and skillets, in place of the modern
stoves. Ammunition was a heavy item of trade, all the
boys having guns of .some kind. Tea, cofiee, and notions,
which were sold in exchange for hides and grains, which
were sent down the river in arks, or maple-sugar, which the
teamster took North on his way after goods, many families
making the greater part of their living from the sap brush.
Wheat sold for five shillings and oat's one shilling a bushel.
Ferenbaugh's, five and one-half miles from Corning, is
in the town of Hornby, in a thickly-settled farming local-
ity, four miles from Hornby Forks, on the old farm first
opened by Fredalius Ferenbaugh, in 1826. The first farm
on the left, just opposite the creek bridge, is that of Mr.
313
314
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Thomas Oldfield, which was the first settlement between
Beaver Dams and Corning. A 3Ir. Hodge was the pio-
neer ; afterwards came Martin Lane. Samuel Lilly, one of
the earliest settlers yet living, resides just above on the
same road. He is eighty-five years old, having been born
in 1793. William W. Cole and Benjamin Lewis, Jr., were
his pioneer companions.
An almost continuous row of farm-houses extends from
Mr. Oldfield's along the foot of the hills to the left, sur-
rounded by shrubbery and fruit-trees and backed by well-
tilled lands, until you pass Benedict Perenbaugh's, when
the hills open to admit the beautiful valley of Post Creek,
which is divided by the east line of the town and county.
In 1824, the only building in this valley was a little log
house, on the present Oldfield place, and Mr. Samuel Lilly
came up the creek in 1822, $300 in debt, with a family of
nine children, and opened a claim on the Pulteney estate,
paying for it by hard labor, such as only the early pioneers
of a heavily-timbered country can realize, clearing 104
acres of timber-land with his own hands. At the time of
this entry the country was all a wilderness, with only an
occasional small opening, teams going up the creek to Wat-
kins for goods and returning via Horseheads.
When up to Bath to make a payment on his lands, Mr.
McCay, the agent, asked of Lilly, " How do you get along
for roads?" He answered, "We don't get along at all."
After he had explained the condition of things the agent
informed him that if he would open a road, the work thus
done should apply on payment for his lands, at the rate of
81 per rod. This report was received with incredulity by
his few neighbors, but Mr. Lilly complied, making 180
rods that year which was accepted and applied, and also 89
rods the next year. This road was opened along the valley
below high-water mark, and subsequently had to be moved
to the foot of the hill. Before this it took two days to go
to Corning. Game of all kinds was especially abundant.
The first stage-route was established by A. B. Dickinson
and Mr. Seymour, a tavern-keeper in Corning.
Among the early settlers was Isaac Lafevre, who built
the first grist-mill in town, and Jane C. Leach, who is
credited with having taught the first school. George Stan-
ton was the first male child born in the town. The first
death was that of John Stanton.
Alonzo Gaylord was also one of the first school-teachers
in the town as well as first assessor. He was intimately
connected with the development of the town for several
years, and much of the early improvement was due to him.
The late Hon. Andrew B. Dickinson became, at a later
day, a resident of Hornby, and was perhaps the most re-
markable and distinguished man who has ever lived in the
town. Major Dickinson represented this Senatorial district
for four years, and for many years was a leading and in-
fluential politician. At the same time he was one of the
most extensive farmers and stock-growers in this part of the
State. Under Mr. Lincoln's administration he was ap-
pointed minister to Nicaragua, where he displayed so
much diplomatic ability that the government to which he
was accredited made particular request, and offered pecuniai-y
inducements, to have him returned. He finally consented,
and settled in that country, purchasing a sugar plantation
and living upon it until his death, which occurred April
21, 1873.
ORGANIZATION.
Owing to the loss of the records the list of the officers of
1826 is incomplete, but in 1827 there was a vigorous open-
ing of roads, under the administration of Henry Gardner
and James W. Holmes. Roads were surveyed from Elijah
Robbin.s', three miles around West Hill ; from David
Smith's, north, through by John Dickinson's, south and
east ; three miles east from the county line ; and nearly 300
days' work laid out that year.
At the three days' election held at Shaw's tavern,
Knowlton's, and Dickinson's store, in 1826, the following
officers were elected : Supervisor, A. B. Dickinson ; Town
Clerk, Josiah Wheat ; Collector, Hiram Gardner ; Justices
of the Peace, Alonzo Gaylord, Milo llurd, Jonathan Fel-
lows ; Inspectors of Election, A. B. Dickinson, Josiah
Wheat, Alson Pierce, Daniel Clark ; Assessors, Alonzo
Gaylord, ; Commissioner of Highways, Amasa
Stanton ; Constable, Hiram Gardner.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1826.
A.m\. B. DickinsoD.
Josiah Wheat.
ll-enry Gardner.
1S27.
Rice Nash.
u it
William Stewart.
1S2S.
And. B. Dickinson.
ti It
Pliny Cobb.
lS2il.
a it
it It
"
1830.
Daniel Clark.
it tt
Milo Ilurd.
1831.
(. a
•'
■'
1832.
And. B. Dickinsun.
Jonathan Kimbali.
.\lanson Gibbs.
IS33.
"
Josiah Wheat.
" "
18.34.
i, ti
(t «i
ti ti
1835.
■•
" "
" "
1836.
a it
tt It
"
1837.
.<
it tt
James Warrick.
1838.
W. H. Gaylord.
"
"
1839.
Amasa Stanton.
"
0. D. Chatfleld.
1840.
"
Henry Gardner.
John II. Gardner.
1S41.
'•
"
a
1842.
David Smith.
Lyman C. Wheat.
Lemuel Wcllman,
1S43.
ii i>
" "
"
1844.
U It
John F. Stanton.
it it
1845.
Flavel W. Morrow.
"
Elijah S. Hill.
1846.
Peter Rhoda.
Philo Campbell.
John M. Bixbj.
1847.
"
••
Darius Wellmiui.
1848.
Willis H. Gaylord.
F. W. Morrow.
Darius L. Wellman
1849.
F. W. Morrow.
D. D. Slauson.
Clark L. Smith.
1850.
John T. Stanlon.
., it
0. L. Underwood.
1851.
Peter Covenhoven.
it tt
Darius L. Wellman
1852.
H ti
.Samuel 0. Masters.
Kussel Wellman.
1853.
John T. Stanton.
J. M. Bi.\by.
a a
1854.
F. W. Morrow.
"
it 11
1855.
Wm. A. Armstrong
Nial Gardner.
Orlando F. Rhoda.
1856.
F. W. Morrow.
S. 0. Masters.
Frank 0. St. John.
1857.
"
Nial Gardner.
Charles (1. Rogers.
185S.
ti it
D. L. Wheat.
n ii
1859.
George Adams.
J. Roof, Jr.
Philander Wellman
1860.
"
John J. Hazen.
Charles G. Rogers.
1861.
N. B. Stanton.
..
0. L. Underwood.
1862.
H («
Michael H. Sands.
Silas Masters.
1863.
" "
it ti
And. J. Hendrick.
1864.
'•
Joseph D. Gilbert.
•' "
1865.
J. H. Ferenbaugh.
G. J. Murphy.
Philander Wellman
1866.
Asem Eddy.
Henry F. Harrison
U i<
1867.
"
John B. Smith.
Charles G. Rogers.
1868.
Jas. B. Humphrey.
J. W. Dickinson.
George V. Whiting.
1869.
Saml. Easterbrooks
Myron A. Eddy.
Aug. J. Hathaway.
1870.
"
John Pitts.
P. H. Wellman.
1871.
J. H. Ferenbaugh.
li it
David N. Lane.
1872.
it n
L. J. Stanton.
M. J. Harrison.
*x
*'^^*:5ar«.t y''^svifij.
rHOTOi, flr £v<>HS COPN HO N Y
fVIRS.S.T. STANTON.
COL. N. B. STANTON.
Among those whose names appear upon the pages of our
county history, none have a better record of an honest, indus-
trious life than the subject of this sketch. Colonel N. B.
Stanton, son of Deacon Amasa Stanton and Dimmis Brown,
was born in Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1814.
He was the oldest of a family of seven children, all of whom
save the colonel were born in Hornby, his brother George
being the first boy born in Hornby. The colonel's grandfather
was a native of (!onnecticut, and hence his ancestors were in
America before the llevolutionary war, and undoubtedly were
of English origin.
The colonel's father was also a native of Connecticut, and
one of the early pioneers of this county, and settled in Hornby
in 1816. He cut the road through from Painted Post to his
home in Hornby. He married Dimmis Brown, a native of
Connecticut, who was born in 1795, and emigrated to Mont-
gomery County ; married about 1813, and settled in Hornby in
1816. Amasa died in 1842, and she died Sept. 13, 1878, in
Grand Rapids, Mich., and was buried in Hornby, at her request.
The colonel came from one of the best pioneer families of the
county. He was reared to industry and sobriety, and in youth
imbibed those principles so earnestly maintained by hiii devoted
parents. He was reared a farmer, which honorable occupation he
sucoessfully followed. Repurchased hiw present farm about 1840,
aud since has added thereto, until now the family have two hun-
dred and seventy-five acres. He has made nearly all the im-
provements on his farm, chopping and clearing the same. His
farm was always in a good state of cultivation, and he was con-
sidered one of the leading farmers in the town or county. He
married Samantha Tracy, daughter of Deacon Jolin aud Polly
Stanton Tracy, of Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 12,
1841. Mrs. Colonel Stanton was born July 6, 1824. The
Tracys originally came from Connecticut, and settled in Mont-
gomery County.
Of this happy union of Colonel and Mrs. Stanton nine
children have been born, eight of whom are living, namely : Au-
gustus W., E.sther, Olive A. (who died at the age of seven), J.
Amasa, Ophelia R., Frank P., Adelia, Charles A., and Elmer E.
In politics Colonel Stanton affiliated with the Republican
party from its organization, having previously been a Whig.
During the war he was very active in raising troops ; was
supervisor for some eight years during the war. He held
various offices of trust in the town, to the general satisfaction of
his constituents. In 1870 he was elected vice-president of the
Agi-icultural Society, and in 1876 was cho.sen president of the
same. In his official position he won the respect and confidence
of a host of friends, and to him more than any other peraon is
due the increased interest and membership. Colonel Stanton
was identified with the State militia of his county, and has held
the various military positions from private to colonel. Colonel
Stanton was a man highly respected by all who knew him, and
by his kind, genial disposition won the esteem of his neighbors.
As a man, he was courteous and obliging ; as a husband, kind
and true ; as a father, tender and affectionate ; as a son and
brother, loving and sincere. He came to a sudden death, April
16, 1878, by accidentally falling into a well. He left a good
name as the priceless legacy to his widow and children. He
left his family in good circumstances. At the time of his death
he had lived longer in town than any other man. He was a
temperance man.
moTos Br EvoMS.ConoiNC K.Y.
DANIEL GOODSCLL
;^RS DANIEIL GOODSELL
DANIEL W. GOODSELL.
The subject of this sketch was born in Cambridge, Wash-
ington Co., N. Y., May 14, 1788. His father, Jacob, and
mother, Phebe, were natives of Litchfield Co., Conn., and soon
after their maniage settled in Washington Co., N. Y. Of this
union twelve children were born, of whom Daniel W. was the
second child and oldest son. The ancestors of Daniel W. were
of English origin, and settled in America previous to the Rev-
olutionary war.
Daniel W. was reared a farmer, which honorable calling he
followed until advanced age compelled him to give it up. As a
fanner he has been successful. In the winter of 1802 he
settled in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., in company with
his parents and family.
He married Miss Dinah Barker, daughter of Lawton and
Hannah Cushman Barker, Oct. 8, 1812. Lawton Barker was
born in Rhode Island, April 5, 1772 ; married Miss Hannah
Cushman, September, 1794. She was born at Dartmouth,
Mass., April 7, 1773. Of this union seven children were born,
one son and six daughters, of whom Dinah Barker is the eldest.
She was born Oct. 4, 1795, at Cambridge, Washington Co.,
N. Y. As the result of this happy alliance eight children have
been born, viz. : Phebe, Hannah, George, Samuel, Albert, Mary,
William, and Nelson, all of whom still live, save Mary.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodsell resided one year in Oneida County
after their maiTiage, then removed to Choconut, Susquehanna
Co., Pa. ; remained some six or seven years, and in April, 1820,
settled in Hornby, on a farm near where they now reside. Mr.
and Mrs. Goodsell's eldest child was born in Oneida County,
the next three in Pennsylvania, and the remainder in Hornby.
Mr. Goodsell has been a farmer by occupation. In politics,
formerly a Jeifersonian Democrat, but later in life a Republican.
He has held the office of assessor of Hornby. Mr. Goodsell
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1828, and
Mrs. Goodsell with the Baptists in 1823.
In 1869, Mrs. Goodsell received an injury which compelled
them to give up the old farm and live with their daughter Han-
nah, who married Levi Coye. Mr. Coye is a native of Auburn,
N. Y., and settled in Hornby, when but eleven years of age,
with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Goodsell are now far advanced
in life, having lived longer together than any other couple we
know of in the county. More than sixty-six years ago they
commenced life's journey together, and Mrs. Goodsell is as
smart as ever, save her lameness, but age has made its mark on
Mr. Goodsell.
They have reared a family who are respected. Mr. Goodsell
was never absent from home more than four weeks at any one
time.
Levi Coye was born Nov. 8, 1811, and married Hannah
Goodsell, Oct. 11, 1838. Of this union four children were
born, viz. : Minerva 0., Alva D. and Ahce (twins), and Emma
A. Mr. and Mrs. Coye are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church of Hornby, and have been for many years. Id
politics, formerly a Whig, and then Republican. Mr. Coye is
one of the substantial farmers of Hornby.
rfS-'-i^^'
V f
■^4s'§^'
GEORGE GOODSELL.
f PfOTOS BY Evans. CORN'HC.N Y.)
MRS. GEORGE GOODSELL.
GEORGE GOODSELL.
Among the most highly respected citizens of Hornby
may be placed Mr. George Goodsell. He is the eldest
son of Daniel W. and Dinah Goodsell, and was born in
Choconut, Susquehanna Co., Pa., Feb. 17, 1817. He
spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, in which,
at an early age, he took a deep interest. When twenty-
one years of age he commenced work for himself on
forty-one acres of land in Hornby, whither he had come
with his parents in 1820, when but three years old ; to
this first purchase he has been adding acre after aci-e,
until he has two hundred and eight acres of land, and
other property. He has chopped and cleared the larger
part of his home farm himself. During the winters he
has for a great many years been engaged in lumbering,
but of late has given up that interest.
He married Miss Olive, daughter of Theodore and
Charlotte Hendrick, old settlers of Hornby, and late
of Orange township, N. Y., March 12, 1846. Mrs.
Olive Goodsell was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 10,
1816, and removed to Hornby in 1817 with her parents.
Of this union the following children were born, viz.,
Isabell C, born April 6, 1848 ; she married Layton
Powell, of Hornby, and has three children, namely,
Ellen, Clarissa, and George. Clarissa A. was born
April 23, 1852, and died May 2, 1852. Delilah was
born Aug. 5, 1854; married David Kiif, and now re-
sides in Pennsylvania; they have one son, Arthur.
Dinah E. was born March 22, 1856, and married Clay-
ton Roloson, of Hornby ; and Theodore D., born Oct.
31, 1860, and died in infancy.
Mr. Goodsell has been a life-long Democrat, but never
takes a very active part in politics. He has held some
of the minor offices of his town. He is regarded as
one of the upright citizens of Hornby. Both of his
parents are still living, honored and respected by all
who know them.
TOWN OF HORNBY.
315
Supervisors. Town Clerks. OoIIcctors.
1873. J. H. Ferenbaugh. Peter D. Rogers. M. J. Harrison.
1874. Saml. Easterbrooks. Isaac N. (Jreen. L. G. Stanton.
1875. " " Myron A. Eddy. Ricbard H. Rogers.
1876. Samuel C. Erwin. Frank Sands. P. H. Wellman.
1877. *' '' '* *' '' **
1878. .'\lfrcd Rolo.son. Henry Wheat. David N. Lane.
ISL'fi. .Milo Ilurd.
Jon.<itban Fellows.
Alimzo (Jaylord.
1S27. Daniel Clark.
Josiah AViieat.
1828. Alonz.o Uaylord.
1S2<). .Josiah Wheat.
ISIill. Daniel Clark.
.lo.^iuh Wheat.
Is:U. Henry tiardner.
Josiah Whent.
1S;)2. Mark Laine.
Samuel Bi.\by.
.Iniiathan Kimball.
ls;j;;. Ilem-y Gardner.
.Josiah Wheal.
IS;;4. Henry Gardner.
lS:l.'i. .lonathiin Kimliall.
isae. David Smith.
I 837. .\mbrose Ponil.
Amasa Stanton.
1838. Josiah Wheat.
Henry Gardner.
1839. Ambrose Pond.
1840. David Smith.
1841. Simeou R. Ivingsford.
John T. Stanton.
1S42. Henry Gardner.
Samuel Oldfield.
Josiah Wheat.
1843. Paranach JIaradou.
1S44. Walter L. Patchin.
.James AVarnick.
1845. Ambrose Pond.
1846. C. D. Thomas.
1847. Thomas Jewett.
184S. Paranach Haradon.
JCSTIrES OF THE PE.\CE.
1849. Hiram Gardner.
1850. Paranach Haradon.
1851. Alexander H. Swartwout.
1852. Thomas Jewett.
1S53. Paranach Haradon.
Hiram Gardner.
1854. Cornelius Benjamin.
1855. A. H. Swartwout.
1856. Asem Eddy.
E. 1!. Hniigerford.
1857. Paranach Haradon.
1858. A. H. Swartwout.
1859. C. F. lienjamin.
1860. Ama.sa Eddy.
I),arins Wellinan.
1861. John P\*rcnbaugh.
1802. Paranach Ilariiilcm.
186;!. Joseph S. Chapin.
1864. Isaac P. Goodsell.
P. Haradon.
1865. C. G. Wheat.
1866. William Hamilton.
1867. Richard V. Van Vasen.
1868. John II. Ferenbaugh.
1869. C. G. Wheat.
1870. G. J. Murphy.
1871. C. L. Smith.
1872. Willis S. Lilly.
1873. Charles G. Rogers.
D. L. Wellman.
1874. H. W. Stejihcns.
John Ferenbaugh.
1875. Clark L. Smith.
Geo. J. Murphy.
1876. Asem Eddy.
1877. Thomas Oldfield.
1878. H. W. Stephens.
The village of Hornby contains some thirty residences,
two stores, a shingle-mill, shingle- anil saw-mill, three
blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, two shoe-shops, a
turning- and rake-factory, a school-house, two churches,
and the only post-ofBce in the town.
Armstrong's Mills, on Cutler Creek, a saw- and grist-mill,
comprises a small hamlet, a mile above which is the Wes-
leyan church. Ferenbaugh's, on Post Creek, oon.sists of
several residences, saw-mill, blacksmith- and wagon-shop,
and scliool-hou.se, and is a flag .station on the Syracuse,
Geneva and Corning Railroad, which passes through the
southeast corner of the town.
CHURCHES.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The regular Baptist Church of Hornby first met on
West Hill, in Robins' Settlement, and on Mead's Creek ;
Rev. Mr. Stone moving from Campbell to Hornby between
1824 and 1830, and holding meetings at both places
Amiisa Stanton and Dyer Wentworth were the first
deacons. Revs. Bebee, Coriell, and Sheardown succeeded.
About 1838 the churches formed two separate societies,
and about two years after the Hornby society entered tlieir
new church at Hornby Forks. Ainasa Stanton and Jacob
Underwood were the trustees of the new church ; Rev.
Mr. Coriell preaching in it first. Rev. Ray G. Lewis suc-
ceeded, dying at his charge, March 29, 1851, at the age of
fifty-two years. He was buried in the Goodsell Cemetery,
near the scene of his labors. Then succeeded Revs. Parker,
William Birdsley, Rev. Sander.?on, Rev. William Sharp;
1860, Rev. W. W. Beardslee ; 1862, Rev. P. P. Sander-
son; 1864, Rev. F. G. Surbridge ; 1866, Rev. Isaac Easter-
brook ; 1869, Rev. R. Corbit ; 1871, Rev. W. C. Larned ;
1873, Rev. S. D. Ross; 1876, Rev. Benjamin Hughes, B.
P. Mathews.
The present officers of the church are : Clerk and Moder-
ator, Josiah Easterbrooks; Trustees, John Adams, George
Adams ; Treasurer, George Adams ; Deacons, John St.
John, George Adams, Benjamin Bovliees.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
September 14, 1831, a committee a]ipoiiited by the Pres-
bytery of Bath to f(inn a church in llie town of Hornby
met at the Knowlton school-house. Rev. B. B. Smith de-
livered a sermon, and 21 candidates were organized into a
church. Josiah Wheat was made clerk, and Francis North-
way, Josiah Wheat, and Sarap.son Bixby chosen elders.
Thirteen more candidates were admitted November 20.
Meetings were held at Chester Knowlton's house. The
pastors were: in 1833, Rev. Mr. Barton; 1836, Rev. Mr.
Goodrich; 1838, Rev. D. B. Butts; 1839, Rev. John-
Gray; 1847, Rev. P. L. de Home; 1854, Rev. Wm. R.
Downs; 1856, Rev. John Gray; 1866, Rev. Mr. Chap-
man; 1869, Rev. J. G. Butler. Elders: 1838, Henry
Gardner; 1852, Daniel D. Slawson ; 1854, S. R. Hunger-
ford, D. L. Wheat; 1858, C. G. Wheat; 1864, Andrew
Hyslip. Among the first members were found the names
of Haradon, Gibbs, Jennings, Gardner, Rockwell, Harrison,
Cross, and Palmer. In March, 1851, definite steps were
taken towards building a church, and Marcus Gaylord,
Henry Gardner, S. R. Huugerford, D. L. Wheat, and D.
D. Stanton were chosen trustees, and a substantial building
erected the ensuing year. The present trustees are Charles
Wheat, Alexander Steward, and Henry F. Harrison.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
organized a class at Mr. Abel R. Palmer's, under the
preaching of Rev. James Hall, in 1828. Sylvester Brooks
was class-leader until his removal from the place in 1838,
when he was succeeded by Levi Coy. A division of senti-
ment occurring in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the
organization of the Wcsleyans in 1843, many of the mem-
bers went over to that tirganizatiou, thus reducing this
church to but a very few members. After a short time.
E. P. Carr was leading a class under the preaching of Rev.
Joseph Chapman. About 1863 the church was reorganized
under the leadership of Kev. A. II. ShurtlifF, with Alex-
ander P. McCabe as cla.ss leader, who was succeeded by
Joseph Chapin and William Stevens, the present leader.
Meetings were held at Mr. Palmer's and D. W. Goodseil's
for several years. When the church reorganized they held
meetings in the Baptist house until the Presbyterians
tendered them the use of their house. Among the earliest
316
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
members were Mr. John Chambers and wife, John Bixby
and wife, Lemuel Wellman, James Roe and wife, Daniel
Goodsell, and Henry Fero and wife. There are now about
45 members. The present officers are : Pastor, Rev. A. S.
Gould ; Stewards, S. P. Goodsell, A. G. Coyle; Class- Leader,
William Stevens.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH,
organized in 1843, drew largely from the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in this place, taking all but 8 or 9 of its 40
members. The first officers were : Pastors, Rev. Simeon
Hall, Rev. P. A. Johnson, alternates; Class-Leader, A.
Bixby ; Stewards, W. Pierce, H. W. Bixby, Lemuel Well-
man ; Licentiates, John Bixby, Leander Pond. The organ-
ization took place with a revival, and above 40 members
were gathered in, among whom were Darius Whitney, Sid-
ney EUe-sworth, Daniel Pierce and wife, Abrani Whitney
and wife, and Daniel Bixby and wife.
Former pastors: 1844-40, Rev. John Kitchell, Rev. S.
Philips; 1847-48, Leander Pond, licentiate; 1849-50,
no pastor; 1851-53, Rev. Peter Slauson ; 1854-5G, Rev.
Wm. S. May; 1857-58, Rev. D. E. Baker; 1859, no
pastor; 1800-61, Rev. D. E. Baker; 1862-04, H. W.
Bixby, licentiate; 1805-06, Rev. T. W. Reed, who was
succeeded by the present pastor.
Meetings were held first in the Knowlton school-house,
and then at Hornby Forks, until 1851, when, in consider-
ation of aid extended by this society to build the Presby-
terian church, it was occupied by them on alternate Sun-
days. Several years after they left the church and held
.services in school-houses, their numbers declining, and
being for some time without a pastor.
On the 4th of March, 1877, Rev. L. N. Stratton offici-
ating, the Wesleyans dedicated their first church, at Shady
Grove, on Cutler Creek, at a paid-up expense of $1200.
The pi'esent officers are : Pastor, Rev. Henry W. Bixby ;
Leader, H. T. Jimerson ; Stewards, C. G. Rogers, H. P.
Fero, M. L. Baker, Mrs. R. K. Hays, Miss L. Bixby;
Trustees, H. W. Bixby, E. B. Rolfe, J. N. Henry; Licen-
tiates, D. Bixby, L. Horys ; Church Clerk, G. W. Bixby.
The present membership numbers 43.
MILIT.\RY RECORD OP HORNBY.
Goodsell, Sylvenus John, private, 60tli Eiig., Co. B; enl. .Sept. 9, 1801, three
years ; pro. to artificer, Oct. 22, 1861 ; disch. March 3, 1863, for Uisab. ; re-
enl. 50th Eng., Co. D, Dec. 2.0, 1863, three years; pro. to artificer, April
10, 1864; to Corp., Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Hathaway, Augustus Jeremiah, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864,
one year ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Clark, Henry Silas, private, S6th Inf., Co. C; enl. Nov. 18, 1861, one year ; disch.
Feb. 12, 1863, for di.sab. ; re-enl. 15th Eng., Co. F, Sept. 22, 1864, one year ;
pro. to artificer, Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. Jutie 13, 1865.
Bixby, Rufus Galusha, private, 50th Eng., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Goodsell, William Levi, private, 50th Eng., Co. D; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Lane, David Nelson, private, 14th tJ. S. Inf., Co. B; enl. Feb. 28, 1862, three
years; diach. May 8, 1862, for disab. ; re-enl. 50th Eng., Co. D, Aug. 17,
18G4, one year ; pro. to artificer, Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 13, 1805.
Humphrey, William Wallace, priv.. 188th Inf., Co. F; eul. Sept. 10, 1864, one
year ; pro. to Corp., Oct. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 31, 1865, on ace. of wounds.
Snow, Geo. Simpson, private, 15th Eug., Co. F; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Ely, Martin William, private, 107th Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 7, 1862. three years;
disch. May, 1863 ; died at home of consumption contracted in the service,
July 21, 1863.
Harrison, Wm. Nelson, priv., 10th Cav., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861, three years ;
pro. to Corp., Feb. 1862; must, out at exp. of service.
Kirkendall, Alonzo, private, 50th Eng., Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years;
disch. June 27, 1865.
Wheaton, Daniel, private, 50th Eng., Co. Q ; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three yeare ; died
in the service, March 11, 1864, at Washington, of measles.
St. Germain, John, private, 15th Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 26, 1863, three years;
drafted; enl. before notified; taken pris.. May, 1864, near Newtown, and
has not been heard from since.
Van Ortwick, Geo. W., private, 15th Eng., Co. F; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, one year ;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Bnrnap, Tracy, private, 5th Cav., Co. B; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three years ; disch.
June 13, 1866.
Swartwout, Clayton, private, 9th Art., Co. F; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years;
disch. Sept. 25, 1865.
Leavenworth, Lyman Bixby, private, 9th Art., Co. F ; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three
years; wounded in right leg at Cedar Creek, Va. ; disch. June 6, 1865,
on surg. certificate.
Burnap, George, private, 50th Eng., Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years; died
of fever, Nov. 3, 1864; buried in Hornby.
Monday, Wm. Harvey, private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. .\ug. 29, 1862, three years;
disch. Juno 13, 1865.
Velie, William D., private, 107(h Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch.
Feb. 28, 1803, for disability.
Stanton, Lawson Jay, Corp., 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 19, 1861, three years;
disch. Oct. 22, 1864, at exp. of term.
Jaynes, Albert Muusou, private, 107th Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 8, 1S62, three years ;
died at Frederick, Md., Feb. 1863, of typhoid fever.
Simons, Henry, enl. .\ug. 8, 1864, one year; disch. June 25, 1865.
.Scott, Jonathan, one year ; killed in front of Petersburg; buried in Livingston
Co., N. Y.
Remington, Washington B., private, 9th .\rt., Co. F; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, three
years; disch. Oct. 9, 1865.
Lilly, Willis S., sergt, lS8th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 10, 1804, one year; disch.
July 1, 1865.
Butler, Thomas, private, 15th Eng., t'o. M; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year; disch.
June 13, 1865.
Randall, Alonzo, private, 50th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, three years;
disch. Sept. 21, 1864, at exp. of term.
Lashure, James H., private, 188th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year ;
disch. July 1, 1865.
Easling, Wm. Harrison, private, 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 18,1861, three years;
disch. Dec. 2, 1863; re-enl. 86th Inf., Co. C, Dec. 3, 1863, three years;
disch. June 25, 1865.
Southard. William, private, 97th Inf., Co. B ; drafted July 17, 1803 ; disch. Aug.
6, 1865.
Duvall, Albert, Jr., private, 9th Art., Co. F ; enl. Jan.l, 1864, three years ; disch.
Sept. 29, 1865, by order 220 of the War Department.
Covenhoven, Peter, drafted, July 17, 1863; disch. Aug. 5, 1865, by general order
No. 2, of War Department.
Culver, Wm. Henry, private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. .\ug. 20, 1862, three years;
disch. June 21, 1865.
Hilton, Sylvester B., private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 31, 1802, three years;
disch. June 27, 1865.
Taylor, Ebenezer Ovid, private, 35th Inf., ('o. F; enl. May 15, 1801, two years ;
wounded at Fredei icksburg ; disch. May 15, 1803, at exp. of term.
Henderson, Atexamler, private, 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ;
disch. June 24, 1805.
Wasson, John, private, 89tli I [if., Co. A; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, three years; wounded
at Antietam ; disch. Oct. 21, 1864, at exp. of term.
Harrison, Myron James, private, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three
years ; disch. June 23, 1865.
Scott, John D., private, 50th Eng., Co. D; eul. Aug. 20, 1864, one year; disch.
June 13, 1865.
Ward, John Itollin, private, 50th Eng., Co. K ; enl. .\ug. 20,1864, three yeara;
disch. June 20, 1865.
Randall, Josejih Thompson, private, SOth Eng., Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three
years; disch. June 20, 1865.
Lamphere, Alonzo M., private, loth Cav., Co. E; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one year;
disch. June 5, 1805.
Sands, William D., Corp., I07th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 20, 1862, three yeara ;
disch. June 17, 1805.
Morrow, James Humphrey, private, 50th Eng., Co. D ; enl. .\ug. 25, 1804, one
year; disch. June 13, 1805.
Green, Freeman, Corp., 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 9, 1801, three yeara;
died March, 1862, near W'ashington.
Clark, Francis E., private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. C ; eul. Sept. 19, 1861, three years ;
re-enl. same regt. and co., Dec. 31, 1863; pro. to Corp.
Pond, Leander, private, 107th N. Y. Vols., Co. B; enl. June SI, 1862, three years.
died iu the service.
Pond, Ambrose, private, 50th N. Y. Eng., Co. F; enl. Dec. 1863; died in the
service at Baltimore.
Leavenworth, John R., private, 107th N. Y. Vols. Co. I; enl. June 21, 1862;
must, out by general order.
Ladue, Daniel, private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. 1861 ; must, out by general order.
PHOTOS er EVAMS
SAMUEL LILLY.
MRS. ELIZABETH LILLY.
SAMUEL LILLY.
The paternal grandfather of Samuel Lilly was a native of
Wales ; his maternal grandfather was a native of Germany.
His Grandmother Lilly came to America and settled in North-
ampton Co., Pa., many years before the Revolutionary war.
She had several children, of whom John F., the father of
Samuel, was the youngest. John F. was born in Northampton
Co., Pa., and married Miss Catherine Bowlender, a native of
the same place. Of this union seven children, four sons and
three daughters, were born, of whom Samuel was the sixth child
and youngest son. John F. was a blacksmith by occupation.
In 1818, John F. and family went to Pickaway Co., Ohio, and
he died there in August, 1820. The following November,
Samuel took his mother to Columbia Co., Pa., and resided there
four years. His mother lived to be about one hundred years old.
Samuel Lilly was born in Northumberland Co., Pa., Aug. 7,
1793. He worked with his father at the blacksmith trade
when young ; also for some fifteen years was engaged in the
distilling business, and the remainder of his life was engaged
upon the farm. He married Miss Mary Wooliver, daughter of
Jacob Wooliver, of Columbia Co., Pa., May 5, 1814. Of this
union three sons were born, viz., John, Jacob, and Elisha.
Jacob is now dead. Mrs. Lilly died November, 1819, while
living in Pickaway Co., Ohio. Mr. Lilly married for his second
wife Miss Elizabeth Wooliver, sister of his first wife, Septem-
ber, 1821. She was born June 23, 1799. Of this union ten
children, two sons and eight daughters, were born, namely :
Catherine, Hester, Louvina, Mary Ann, Alvin J. (was killed
by an accident in his eighth year), Clarissa, Elizabeth, Miranda,
Matilda, and Willis S., who was born June 23, 1845, and is
now at home with his father, and is the owner of the old
home. Mrs. Lilly died April 15, 1865, the same day that
President Lincoln died.
In politics Mr. Lilly was formerly a Democrat, but later in
life a Republican. Mr. Lilly and his second wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Lilly is now an old man of eighty-six years, in good
health, living at the old home in Hornby, where he settled
in 1831. His son was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion ;
enlisted Sept. 15, 1864, in Company F, 188th Regiment New
York Volunteers ; said regiment was in nine engagements, and
Mr. Lilly was in all of them save one. He was honorably dis-
charged July 8, 1865, and returned home to remain with his
parents.
He married Cynthia, daughter of Daniel Buck, of Beaver
Dam, Schuyler Co., N. Y., Jan 24, 1866. She was born Feb.
21, 1847. Of this union two children, Cassia and Roy, are
born. Mr. Samuel Lilly's son, Elisha, waa also in the war of
the Rebellion, and was honorably discharged.
J. BWasson .
Mrs. J. B.Wasson.
Photos. Bf £v*n3, Cpwh'xc
South East View
RfsiDtNCE OF J. B.WASSON, f^oSNBY, Steuben Co., NY
TOWN OF HORNBY.
517
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THEODORE HENDRICK.
THEODORE HENDRICK,
MRS. CHARLOTTE HENDRICK.
of Orange, Schujler Co., N. Y., son of Samuel and Han-
nah Hendrick, was born in Massachusetts, in 1792, and
settled in Hornby, beside Deacon St. John, about 1817, and
followed farming. He was one of the early settlers of Hornby,
and experienced all the privations incident to a pioneer life.
He married Miss Charlotte, daughter of Benjamin Jeleff,
of Vermont, on the banks of Lake Champlain, in the fall of
1813. Mrs. Hendrick was born in the spring of 1792, in
Vermont. Of this union eight children were born, viz.,
Ellen, Sept. 27, 1814; Olive, Oct. 10, 1816; Laura, Jan.
19, 1818, being the first white girl born in Hornby ; Sarah
A., Oct. 19, 1820 ; Benjamin, Jan. 19, 1823 (died September,
1827); Maria, April 12, 182(5 ; Charlotte, Rlaroh 28, 1828
(died Sept. 18, 1842) ; and Amanda S., Aug. — , 1831
(died May 10, 1859). Li politics Mr. Hendrick was a
JefFersonian Democrat. He died Dec. 13, 1858, and Mrs.
Hendrick died March 5, 1875. Ellen and Maria live to-
gether, near where their parents settled in 1817, in Hornby,
on the farm owned by their parents at the time of their
death. Olive married George Goodscll, and now resides in
Hornby ; Laura married John llemer, and resides in Min-
nesota ; Sarah married Philip Kemer, and resides in Iowa ;
and Amanda married Amou Webster, and died while living
in Minnesota. Ellen and Maria have an equal interest in
the " Old Home," and insert this biography and portraits
in memory of their parents.
JOHN B. WASSON,
.son of Andrew Wasson, was born in L'eland, Dec. 13, 1827 ;
removed to America and settled at Watkins in 1849, and
in Steuben County in 1856. He married Miss Catherine
Ann Ellison, Sept. 15, 1863. She was born in Ireland,
May 12, 1836. Mr. Wasson served nearly two years in
the late war, and was honorably discharged. He settled
on his present farm in 1864, and built his present fine
house in 1877.
Mr. Wasson has some one hundred and thirty acres of
good land in his home farm, clear of debt, beside some fifty
acres more, near by, nearly unincumbered. In politics he
is a firm Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Wasson are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. They have the following children :
Sarah Jane, Thomas M. (deceased), Wm. John, and
Robert H.
Mr. Wasson's parents came to America in 1851, and set-
tled at Dix, Schuyler Co., N. Y., and are now (1878) liv-
ing. Mrs. Catherine Ann Wasson came to America in
1853, and settled at Watkins.
3ir
HORNELLSVILLE.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
The town of Hornellsville is situated near the centre of
the west border of the county, and is bounded north by
Dansville and Fremont, east by Howard and Canisteo, south
by Hartsville, and west by Allegany County.
PHYSICAL FEATtlRES.
The Canisteo River, forming a rich valley from one to
two miles in width, passes through this town from north-
west to southeast, dividing it into two nearly equal upland
sections, and affording a fine variety of land.scape. The
hills which border tiiis valley are in some places .steep and
precipitous, but generally tluiy rise giadually to a height of
four or five hundred feet, and sweep away into a broad and
undulating table-land of rich farming country. In .some
place.s this table-land is broken or divided into rounded hills
by the smaller streams which flow into the Canisteo. The
principal of these are the (Janacadea and Crosley Creeks,
entering the Canisteo from the south and southeast. The
soil generally is a clayey and gravelly loam.
ORIGINAL PURCHASE.
In 6 Cowen's Reports, pages 707, 708, etc., we find
the following history of the original purchase of Canisteo
and Hornellsville :
"In the early part of 1789 a number of persons came
into the western part of the State to buy land. In order
to purchase cheaper and on better terms, they formed a
company consisting of twelve persons, and Solomon Ben-
nett and Elisha Brown, two of the associates, were selected
to go to Oliver Phelps and make a purchase for the com-
pany. In pursuance of such authority, they went, and
entered into contract Aug. 8, 1798. The purchase was
approved by the company, and soon after Arthur Erwin,
Solomon Bennett, and Joel Thomas were deputed by the
company to go to Canandaigua, where Phelps resided, to
complete the purcha.se. They accordingly went, and took
a deed for town.ship 3, 5th range (Canisteo), and township
3, 6th range (Hartsville'). Uriah Stephens was made a
party to the deed at the request of Phelps, and afterwards
signed the notes which were given for the consideration
money.
" It was soon discovered that the Canisteo Flats, which
the company wished to purchase, were not covered by these
lots, but wore covered by township 3, 5th range (Canisteo),
and town.ship 4, 6tli range (Hornellsville). Erwin, Ben-
nett, Thomas, and Stephens, accordingly, went to Canan-
daigua in September, 1790, to get a deed for their town-
ships and to deliver up the former one. Phelps agreed to
give them a new deed, provided they would consent to strike
one-half mile by six from each township, so as to make
318
them five and a half by sis miles. As considerable im-
provement had been made on town.ship 3, 5th range (Can-
isteo), it was agreed that, instead of taking one half-mile
from that township, one mile in width should be taken
from town.ship 4, Gth range (Hornellsville), so aS to have
township 3 (Canisteo) six miles .square, and township 4
(Hornellsville) five miles by six. In pursuance of this ar-
rangement, a deed was executed Sept. 17, 1790, by Phelps
to Erwin, Bennett, Thomas, and Stephens, for the two
entire townships, and they, on the same day, rcconveyed
to liim one mile by six of the west side of township 4, tith
range ( Hornellsville)."
See 4 Wendell's Reports, pages 59, etc.
DRAWING OP THE LOTS.
The twelve lots into which the town of Hornellsville was
divided by the original proprietors were drawn as follows :
James Hadley, No. 1 ; John Jameson, No. 2; Arthur Er-
win, No. 3; Christian Kriss, No. 4 ; Joel Thomas, No. 5;
Uriah Stephens, Jr., No. G ; John Stephens, No. 7 ; Wm.
Wynkoop, No. 8 ; Uriah Stephens, Sr., No. 9 ; Solomon
Bennett, No. 10; Elisha Brown, No. 11; Solomon Ben-
nett, No. 12.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlements were made in this town, then " Up-
per Canisteo,'' as early as 1793, by Judge Hornell and
others. Deacon Mowry Thaclier, now living in Hornells-
ville, came into the town in 1810, from Troupsburgh,
where his father, Nathaniel Thacher, had settled in 1808.
Mr. Thacher knew all the settlers at that time in the
Canisteo Valley, from Addison to the village of Dansville,
and has given us in a series of " reminiscences" a collection
of valuable information not elsewhere attainable. He
entered this town (^then Canisteo) at its eastern boundary,
and the first house, after passing an unbroken wilderness of
eighteen miles in extent, was that of Col. William Stephens,
familiarly known as " Capt. Bill," who kept the most
famous tavern in all this region. Capt. Jameson lived in
a double log house, farther on, and the next was a hewed
log house on the bank of Bennett's Creek, the residence of
" that genial, good old man, John Stephens," who owned
all the beautiful fiat extending across the entire valley, and
including the ancient Indian apple-tree^ which is still stand-
ing. Tills tree measures nearly three feet in diameter, and
is probably more than a hundred years old.
The next location was that of Nicholas Doughty, the
Dutch blacksmith, who " made hoes and pitchforks as
heavy as j)lowshares are now," in a little log shop by the
side of his log cabin. He was a kind-hearted, respectable
man, and, withal, a pretty shrewd trader. Of the large
^^a, c/^^6r^U/i^U2J2y~~^
Hon. Asa McConnell was born in Orange Co., N. Y.,
Feb. 4, 1801. His father, Charles McConnell, was also a
native of the same county ; was married to Sally Sammons,
and was a farmer by occupation. In the year 1808 he
moved with his family and settled in the town of Howard,
this county, then an almost unbroken wilderness tract.
His journey with a lumber wagon the entire distance, and
from Bath by only a wagon-road cut through the timber,
is in strong contrast with the same distance traveled by
means of railway at the present time.
His purchase in the town of Howard was one hundred
and sixty acres of timber land, which he at once began to
clear of its heavy forest, and prepare for raising cereals.
His house was always open to the new settler, and many a
prospecting one made it a welcome rendezvous until lie had
selected and located for himself. He was a soldier of the
war of 1812. His father died in the year 1827, at the
age of fifty-one, leaving a wife and family of seven sons
and four daughters. His mother died at the age of seventy-
four, in the year 1856.
Of these children, Asa was eldest, and upon the death
of his father took general charge of the affairs at home,
and carried on the farm. At the age of sixteen he had
been apprenticed to learn the carpenter's and joiner's trade,
which took his time until he reached his majority.
For a few years he worked at his trade, and in the year
1825 married EUzabeth, daughter of Major Jones, of
Dansville. Her father was one of the early settlers of
that town, she being born in the town of Hornellsville,
Sept. 18, 1805. He remained upon the farm, ranking
among the most indu.strious, thrifty, and judicious mana-
gers of agricultural matters in the town, until the year
1867, when he removed to Hornellsville, and soon after, in
partnership with his two sons, Benton and Philo F., pur-
chased the planing-mill property now owned by the sons,
and began the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds. In
this business he continued until 1877, when he disposed of
his interest to his youngest son, Floyd T.
The business of the firm has so increased that their
manufacturing interest is the largest in the county of the
kind, and one of the most extensive in the southern part
of the State, being carried on with that enterprising spirit
often found among self-made men. They are dealers, also,
in marbelized slate mantels, grates, and fenders, and French
and American window-glass.
Mr. McConnell has given his attention mostly to business
operations during his life, yet while a resident of the town
of Howard he was elected by his fellow-townsmen to the
office of justice of the peace for some four terms, and for
one term was supervisor of the town, and in the year 184-1
represented his Assembly district in the State Legislature.
During his earlier and middle life he was somewhat active
in the interests of questions affecting our local and State
political history, and ever stood a staunch member of the
Democratic party. His remaining children are Mrs. A. J.
Ward, of Madison, Wis. ; Mrs. Warren P Cook, of Genesee,
111.; Mrs. Edward T. Young; and Miss Jennie, of
Hornellsville.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLB.
319
family he then had, few, if any, are left in this part of the
land.
Abraham Minier and his brother Henry occupied the
farm now owned by a son of the late Captain William Ben-
nett. It was then known as the Dr. Hale farm, afterwards
as the Pompelly, and still later as the Meade farm. Uriah
Upson lived on the opposite .side of the river from this
farm, a little farther up, and nearly on the site of the
present Canisteo depot. He liad a large family, many of
whom still remain. Next came William MulhoUon, famil-
iarly called " Uncle Billy." He kept a tavern in a hewed
log house, and owned a most beautiful farm, sweeping from
hill-t(ip to hill-top across the broad valley, and all yet owned
by Samuel and William, the surviving sons, who have
greatly imjiroved and beautified the ancestral homestead.
Then came Col. James McBurnoy, a bachelor, at that
time of some forty or forty-five years, and owning some
1600 acres of land. He had, for that time, a fine house,
well finished and painted, the grounds neatly fenced and
shrubbery in the yard. He had also a fine orchard in full
bearing. This splendid property was bought of Solomon
Bennettj^father of the late Maj. Thomas and W^illiam
Bennett. It is now, in great part, owned by Mr. T. J.
Magee. Col. McBurney married a Mrs. Erwin, of Dans-
ville, Livingston Co., with whom he lived many years, but
left no child to bear his name or inherit his estate. He
was a man of sterling integrity, strong mind, and kindly
disposition. As a Democrat he was decided in his political
principles, and was honored by his townsmen with every
responsible office in their gift. In later life he became a
member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ilornellsville
at the time of its organization, and an active and liberal
helper in the erection of the first church edifice.
The next occupied farm on the way we have thus far
traveled was owned by old Mr. Richard Crosby, who was
as early a settler as any in the valley. He, in company
with Solomon Bennett, Capt. John Jameson, and Uriah
Stephens, explored this region in 1788, and became a settler
on this form in 1790. It is the same farm now owned by
Alauson Stephens and Philip Van Scoter. Mr. Crosby
was an old man in 1810, and soon passed away. He had
two sons, Reuben and Richard, and three daugliters, Han-
nah, Rachel, and Polly. Reuben lived a little north of
Mr. Hough's on the bank of the creek. It was then all
woods between there and where Main Street, in the village
of Hornellsville, now is. Richard lived on the river a few
miles below Col. Bill's mill, and owned a good farm there.
He had several sons, the most of whom have passed away,
but some remain, and a new and enterprising generation of
that name have taken the place of their ancestors. None
of the daughters of old Mr. Crosby are living at this writ-
ing. Hannah, known as Aunt Niel, was the last to depart,
some years since. Rachel married Daniel Upson, and
reared a large and respectable family. Many of the
grandchildren remain here, but the majority of them have
removed West. Polly married Elias Stephens, who lived
in a hewed log house near the railroad crossing below the
Hornellsville depot. They had two sons and five daughters,
two of whom, Erastus Stephens and Mrs. Holmes, were,
until their recent decease, residents of Hornellsville.
Deacon Thacher, speaking of Mrs. Niel, says : " This
most estimable lady lived with her father and mother, when
I first knew lier, but she owned a house and 50 acres of
land, the gift of her father. The house stood a few rods
east of Canisteo Street, and nearly opposite the Franklin
House. It was thickly wooded between the house and road,
though a little improved, and a small orchard stood farther
back. Here she lived, as I have been told, for many
months entirely alone, with no neighbors nearer than the
settlement at ' Lower Canisteo,' a distance of six or seven
miles. She was a model pioneer heroine. In the midst of
a den.se forest, the hoot of the owl, the howl of the wolf,
and the panther's cry were familiar sounds by night, and
the timid deer almost a constant visitor by day. Here she
held this frontier outpost for months entirely alone. Her
husband and her brother Reuben's wife were buried on the
same day, the first occurrence of the kind ( the interment
of two persons on the same day) in this entire region. She
lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and died, as she
had lived, with the respect and esteem of all who knew her.
She was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Hornellsville."
Oliver Harding was the nearest neighbor of Reuben
Crosby, and lived on what is now Main Street, a few rods
back from the " turnpike," as it was then called. He was
an old man in 1810, a veteran of 1776 ; he had often seen,
and, if we mistake not, fought under the immediate com-
mand of General Washington. The old hero would always
be affected to tears when looking at the likeness of his be-
loved commander, and the slightest disrespect towards him
would rouse the deepest indignation of the old soldier. He
had six sons and two daughters. The daughters have long
been dead, and all the .sons save one are now gone. James,
the eldest but one, died some fifteen years ago. He was
about eighty years of age, the father of Morrison Harding
and Mrs. Erastus Grovcr. Adam Lewis was a half-brother
of Mr. James Harding, and the father of Mrs. Matthew
Stephens. " Harding Hill" received its name from Oliver
Harding.
Judge Hornell, after whom the town was named, came
next. He lived in what for a long time was known as the
" Red House." It stood a little back from the road, and
on the site of the house now owned by Mrs. Dr. Gray, on
Washington Street. It was a large building for those days,
and was kept as a public-house for a long series of years.
The judge was one of the earliest of the pioneers, and bore
his full share of pioneer hardships, which were neither few
nor small. He purchased two or three thousand acres of
land, and soon erected a grists and saw-mill, which were a
great relief to the infant settlement, as their nearest grist-
mill was at Elmira (then Newtown), sixty miles by the
present road, but nearer one hundred by the roads they
were then obliged to take. The few neighbors here and at
"Lower Canisteo" used to join and fit out a fleet of canoes,
load them with grain for all the families, and then a sufii-
cient number of the hardy woodsmen, with their setting-
poles, navigated the fleet through all the windings and
turnings, through the collections of driftwood, and over the
shoals ; when wet and wearied, as the day closed, they were
obliged to find a shelter wherever night overtook them. By
320
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
their indomitable energy they overcame every obstacle, and
carried their precious freight safely to " Newtown." But
the victory was not then half won ; it was then, as now,
much easier to go with the current than against the cur-
rent (whether the stream be water or corrupt public senti-
ment) ; but energy and will generally succeed, and so did
our energetic pioneers. These journeys " to mill" occupied
weeks of exhausting toil. We may well imagine that the
new mills were hailed with joy, and that their owner was re-
garded as a benefactor, as he truly was in more respects
than one. He was a man of great energy of character, and
grappled heroically with the difficulties of frontier life. He
had always a helping hand to e.\tend to the struggling poor.
It is said of him that at a time of great scarcity of grain,
when he had about all there was within twenty miles in
every direction, a man of considerable wealth came to him
and a.skcd him if he had grain to sell. " Yes," said the
Judge, "have you got the money to pay for it?" The
man somewhat indignantly replied, "Yes, sir!" "Well,
then," said the Judge, " take your money and go where
they have it to sell ; I must keep mine for poor men who
cannot go away after it."
For seventeen years, Judge Hornell was the life of the
settlement and the embodiment of its history. Endowed
with a liberal mind, and a kind and generous heart, he was
a good citizen, a warm friend, and an honorable man. He
was called by the people to fill many important trusts, and
was one of the associate judges of the county. He died
and was buried on the eminence just west of and overlook-
ing the village, leaving a " name and a memory that his
friends will not willingly let die." His widow survived him
nearly thirty years. A plain marble slab, reared by the
loving hand of a daughter (whose kindness in sickness and
trouble many can never forget, and who has herself passed
from earth), marks their resting-place. It bears the fol-
lowing inscription :
"GEORGE AND MARTHA HORNELL,
"pioneers .4ND FOU.NDER.S Of HORNKI.LSVII.LE.
"They spread their tent in the wilderness, 1794, and built them a
vineyard, but the Master called them home ere they gathered the
fruit."
A writer adds this comment :
" As we stand on that eminence and look far off over the
broad valley of the Canisteo, with its busy thousands, and
hear the rush of the locomotives, as they speed by on either
hand, jarring the sacred resting-place of the pioneers, and
watch the breezes waving the ripening grain of their de-
scendants, while from the old mill to the river in the distance
comes up the hum of the busy mart now peopled with
strangers, we cannot but repeat, "JEre they gathered the
fruit:'
THE INDIANS.
The Indians had cleared here and there a small spot all
along the Canisteo Valley. There was scarcely a farm on
the flats but had some portion bearing marks of Indian
cultivation. Old corn-hills, although covered with a thick
sward of grass, were plainly to be seen by the early settlers.
They did not, however, at the time of which we are speak-
ing, cultivate the lands, but still kept possession of their old
hunting- and fishing-grounds. They were quite as fond of
dignity and titles as were their pale-faced brothers. There
were Col. Shongo, of Wyoming notoriety. Tall Chief, and
Tall John, Clump Font, and Yankee John, who called
himself " Capt. John," the Jamesons, sons of the white
woman captive, and a great many other celebrities. These
sons of the forest had acquired a fondness for the " fire-
water" of the pale-face, and under its influence had become
so much the counterpart of their instructors, that their
presence was neither agreeable nor safe. But there was
one feature in their drunken revels which it would have
been well for their professedly more civilized neighbors to
have adopted. They invariably kept one or more of their
number sober, who generally succeeded in saving them from
fines and lock-ups, and their white neighbors from serious
injury.
In 1812 and 1813 there was great dread of the Indians.
They had a great many warriors in the valley of the Gen-
esee, and it was greatly feared they might be induced to
take up the hatchet against their intruding white neighbors,
but they finally embarked in our cau.se and became our
allies. It was in this service that the chief Shongo ob-
tained the title of colonel. This chief had borne an active
part in the Wyoming raid, and was well known by many of
the settlers in this valley. Aunt Olive Stephens (mother
of Mrs. Dr. Olin) was a captive among them. Her mother
was shot down by her side, and she herself escaped death
almost miraculously. None knew Sliongo better than Maj.
Van Campen. of Angelica, father of Mrs. Rev. Robert
Hubbard, the late Mrs. George Lockhart, and the late Mrs.
Samuel MulhoUen. Van Campen could not forget the
horrors and sufferings of Wyoming, where men, women,
and children were the victims of savage barbarity, and he
retained a deadly hostility towards the perpetrators, many
of whom he recognized as they roamed over their hunting-
fields of the Allegany and Steuben forests. Shongo and
the major were foes by mutual consent, and were each on
the watch for the other, especially on their hunting excur-
sions. It happened in one of these tours that each discov-
ered the other at about the same moment, and each availed
himself of the shelter of a large tree as a fortress behind
which to fight. They both stood for a few moments, neither
daring to expose himself to the sure shot of his antagonist's
rifle, when the major finally resorted to a ruse to bring out
his savage foe. He very carefully slipped his ramrod under
his hat and quietly carried the hat out till the keen eye of
the savage caught sight of it. Instantly a ball from
Shongo's rifle struck the hat, and Shongo jumped from his
hiding-place, but only to find himself a victim of the supe-
rior cunning of the white man. He as speedily sprang
behind his fortress and commenced reloading his rifle ; in
this act he dropped something and thoughtlessly stooped
to pick it up. Now was Van Campen's opportunity, and a
bullet from his rifle convinced the savage chief that his foe
was a sure shot. The ball struck the fleshy part of the
Indian's thigh, and, although not fatal, it extorted a terri-
ble savage yell with which the discomfited chief beat a
hasty retreat into the thick woods. Van Campen did not
choose to pursue him.
Deacon Thacher, from whose " Reminiscences" most of
'^l^/vi/^ ^/^/^ /uuiJ^-t^tr-
Christophek Httrlbut, Jr., whose portrait is here pre-
sented, was born in Wyoming Valley, Pa., Dec. 17, 1794, and
was next to the youngest of a family of eight children, seven
of whom lived to a mature age. He married Ellen Tiffany,
of Palmyra, N. Y., June 4, 1823, by whom he bad six chil-
dren, Myron, Edmund, Lydia, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Abigail.
He was a farmer, and a man of unblemished character, and
died Feb. 8, 1875, having lived seventy-seven years on the
"old Hurlbut homestead," in Arkport.
As Christopher Hurlbut, Sr., was the head of the family
here, and the founder of the village of Arkport, a more
minute history of him is given.
He was born in Groton, Conn., May 30, 1757, and died in
Arkport, N. Y., April 21, 1831. He descended in the follow-
ing direct line from English ancestors; John, Jr., John, Sr.,
Stephen, Samuel, and Lieut. Thoma.s Hurlbut, who came
from England about ltj30, and settled in Connecticut.
April 3, 177G, Christopher enlisted in the Continental army
and served under the immediate command of Gen. Washing-
ton. In 1777 he visited Wyoming Valley. In February,
1778, he left Groton for Hanover, Luzerne Co., Pa., to pre-
pare a home for his father's family, and returned in June to
assist in moving them to the valley. When they arrived
at Lackawasen, on the Delaware, they were met by the
fugitives flying from the " Wyoming massacre," which put a
stop to their further progress for that season. Christopher
helped bury the victims of the " massacre," and the family in
November, 1779, settled in their new home in Hanover. In
1782 he married Elizabeth Mann, of Wysox, Pa. Their chil-
dren were Abigail, John, James, Sarah, Elizabeth, Nancy,
Christopher, and Edward ; all but the latter were born in
Hanover, Pa. In 1789 he was a]ipointed by Governor
Mifllin, of Pennsylvania, judge for the county of Luzerne
for seven years; and in 1791 he received the appointment by
the same Governor of "justice of the peace for the district of
Wilkesbarre," which ofBce he held until he moved from the
State.
While living in Pennsylvania he was a ))rominent actor in
the stirring scenes of the valley which followed the historic
battle of July 3, 1778. Of him, Gearge Peck, D.D., the
historian of Wyoming Valley, says: "Mr. Hurlbut was a
man for the times, of more than usual education ; a good
mathematician, and a practical surveyor. His plots of large
tracts of land surveyed by him in the county of Luzerne are
acknowledged data."
In 1796 he visited "the Genesee country," and purchased
a large tract of choice land at the head of the Canisteo Valley
(now Arkport), known as great lots Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 13, in
the Gore. The following spring be erected a small log hou.se,
and in August, 1797, left Wyoming Valley with his family in
a Durham boat, and ascended the Susquehanna as far as
Tioga Point; from there by land to his new home, five miles
from the nearest white inhabitant. About 1800 he built a
saw-mill and store-house, and in 1801, or the spring of 1802,
he ran the first arks ever taken down the Canisteo.
The first years of the present century were spent by him in
clearing his farm and developing the country. He laid out
and im])roved roads in every direction from Arkport ; obtained
the passage of an act by the Legislature of this State making
the Canisteo Kiver a "public highway," and made it a
channel of commerce down whose waters were borne much
of the products of " the Genesee country."
He built a large hotel and farm-house in 1805-6, which is
still in good repair, and about 1815 a carding and cloth
dressing mill ; he also bought about the same date a large tract
of pine timbered land in what is now Perkinsville, Steuben
Co., on which he built a saw-mill. He filled various
offices in the town of Canisteo, and was appointed judge of
Steuben County. In the law creating the " Erie Turnpike
Company" he was named as one of the three commissioners to
locate and construct the road, a work of much labor and ex-
pense, but of great importance to the country. Public im-
provements, public .schools, and public morals found in him
an efficient advocate and worker. In religion he was a
Presbyterian, as were his ancestors, and as are his descend-
ants. In politics he was a Whig of olden times.
His children settled in this valley and vicinity, except
Nancy, who married Ziba Hoyt in "1815, and moved back
to Wyoming Valley to bec<ime the mother, in 1830, of Henry
M. Hoyt, the present Governor of Pennsylvania.
A I
■HOTOS Br SuriOM , jlOitHaiSvniC.H.'r
MRS FRANCIS COLOROVZ
f ■
FffANC/S COLGROVE
FRANCIS COLGROVE,
son of Samuel and Clarissa Colgrove, was born at
Painted Post, June 17, 1810. He is of English origin.
His parents came from Rhode Island, settled in
Steuben County at an early day, and continued to re-
side in the county until their death. Francis received
a common-school education; removed into Addison,
remained a few years, then settled at Arkport, more
than fifty years ago, where he remained following the
occupation of a farmer until his death, Nov. 25, 1878.
He was very successful as a farmer. He married
Amanda, daughter of John and Sibyl Pitts, of Ark-
port, Oct. 17, 1830. Mrs. Amanda Colgrove was born
in Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1815, and settled in
Arkport in 1818, in company with her parents, who
were among the early pioneer families of this part of
the county.
As the result of the above union, ten children have
been born, viz., John P., Henry, Newton, Samuel F.,
James, Theodore, W. H., Mary A., Chas. A., and Frank
E., all of whom were born in the town of Homellsville,
in the community where the widow and a portion of the
family now reside.
Mr. Colgrove affiliated with the Republican party
until within a few years of his death. He was a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Homellsville, and
his wife is a member at the present time. Their son,
Newton, was a soldier in the late war ; enlisted in Com-
pany E, 188th Regiment New York Volunteers; mus-
tered into service Oct. 4, 1864, and was honorably dis-
charged at the close of the war.
Mrs. Colgrove's mother, Mrs. John Pitts, is now living
in Arkport, and is in her ninety-first year; has good
physical health, and has retained her faculties remark-
ably well for one so old.
/my?^ //
C^:^?W
JOHN J. SHARP.
Johu J. yiiarp was born on Staten Island, Jan. 1,
1800. Little is known of the ancestry of the Sharp
family beyond his father, William Sharp, who was a
merchant on Staten Island for many years. He was
married to Elizabeth Johnson, by whom he had thirteen
children, five of whom are now living. The family
moved to Arkport, this county, in the year 1812, and
hence were among the early settlers of the town of Hor-
nellsville. Subsequently the parents moved to Pennsyl-
vania, where the father died at the age of eighty-four,
in the year 1844. The mother died during the same
year, at the age of seventy-eight.
Mr. Sharp's opportunities for an education from
books during his minority were somewhat limited, as
he came with his parents to their new home when
only twelve years of age, and tiiose of our early set-
tlers who still survive remember well the rude log
school-house and its meagre appointments. In the
year 1824 he married Olive, daughter <if William Hyde,
Esq., of Arkport. She was born De< '.a, 1802. With-
out pecuniary assistance this couple began life for them-
.selves.
For eleven years they lived on what is known as the
Wheeler farm, during which time, by industry and
economy, they accumulated sufficient means, and in the
year 1835 purchased the farm now owned and occupied
by the surviving wife and children.
Nearly all of this farm, consisting of one hundred
and five acres, Mr. Sharp cleared of its original for&st,
where now may be seen cultivated fields and farm im-
provements, showing the handiwork of a careful and
representative farmer. His children were Edwin Reuben
(deceased) ; Ann Eliza (deceased) ; Lucinda (deceased) ;
John W., of California ; and Mary Elizabeth (Mrs.
D. H. Butler), of Elgin, III. The mother died Aug.
17, 1838.
For his second wife he married, Jan. 24, 1839, Eliz-
abetli, widow of the late David Boyd, and daugliter of
Richard Allen, who emigrated from Ireland, lived iii
Luzerne Co., Pa., and subsequently moved to Erie Co.,
Pa., where he died. She was born March 17, 1812.
Of this union five children were born, — Sarah ; Martiia
H. (deceased) ; Milton (deceased) ; Henry W. and Helen
H. (twins).
Mr. Sharp was decided in his political inclinations,
and unswervingly identified as a member of the Repub-
lican party.
For many years he was an active member and elder
of the Presbyterian Church at Hornellsville, which
connection he retained until the organization of the
Presbyterian Church at Arkport, when he united with
that church, and was elder of the same until his death,
Dec. 9, 1875.
]\Ir. Sharp was a man of sterling integrity, correct
habits, and known for uprightness in all his business
relations.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
321
the above has been taken, with some verbal alterations, in
company with his brother, in 1828 or 1829, visited old
Shonso at his village residence on the Genesee River. He
was then an old, white-haired man. Upon his attention
being called to his encounter with Van Campen the old
chief laughed, and pulling aside his blanket showed the
scar, which was still plainly visible. He knew Judge Hor-
nell well, and called him by his Indian name, Ton-equin-e-da.
He also had in his possession a copy of a treaty signed by
George Washington.
The Tories and Indians from Niagara, on their way to
Wyoming, in 1778, came across the Genesee country and
reached the Canisteo in this town. About a mile above
the village of Hornellsville they cut the pine-trees and
built the canoes which carried them down the Susquehanna
to the scene of that terrible massacre. The place where
they built their canoes has often been pointed out by the
late Col. John R. Stephens, being on the bank of the river
on his farm where the stumps from which the trees were
cut were standing. At the time Col. Stephens settled on
the place a partly-fini.shed canoe and some of their tools
and implements were found there.
Nathaniel Thacher, father of Deacon Mowry Thacher,
removed from Troupsbnrgh, and settled about a mile below
the village of Hornellsville, on the site of the Arnott grist-
mill, in 1810. His house, for that day, was considered a
very excellent one, being constructed of hewed logs. In
about two years he settled on what is now known as the Hart
farm, where he resided ten years. He then moved into the
village, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died
in Florence, Ala., about 1825, leaving his widow, four sons,
and two daughters. His third son, Otis Thacher, resided
on the homestead in the village, where his family still reside,
till his death, March 14, 1868. He was a prominent citizen,
and was often called to fill positions of honor and trust. He
held military commissions under Governors De Witt Clinton
and William L. Marcy. In 1840 he was appointed one of
the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the
county, in which position he acted for five or six years. In
1850 he was deputy marshal of the Third Assembly Dis-
trict of Steuben County, and took the census of that year.
He was one of the members of the Presbyterian Church of
Hornellsville at its organization in 1831, and by his zeal
and liberality aided largely in the erection of the first church
edifice in the village. He was a devoted Christian and an
earnest advocate of temperance.
Deacon Thacher has resided in the house where he now
lives over fifty years. He was born in Gloucester, R. I.,
June 15, 1802, and came with his parents to this town in
1810. The house in which he resides was built in 1819,
by his father, Nathaniel Thacher, for his son-in-law, George
Hornell, a son of Judge Hornell. It is the oldest house
now in town. Most of the old Hornell homestead, which
was purchased by the Thachers in 1831, is now embraced
in the First Ward of the village, and a large part of it
covered with buildings. The first settlers on the site of
the village were Judge Hornell, Benjamin Crosby, Elias
Stephens, Elijah Stephens, and Oliver Harding. The
Stephens' were brothersin-law to Judge Hornell, and settled
here soon after.
41
EARLY HISTORY OF ARKPORT.
In the spring of 1797, Judge Hurlbut and his eldest
son, John, then a boy twelve years of age, came from Wy-
oming, Pa., to Arkport, and made a small clearing, planted
a piece of corn, and built a small log house where James
Hurlbut's saw-mill now stands. Judge Hurlbut had pre-
viously purchased over 900 acres of land in the valley of a
land speculator, at $4.50 per acre, and afterwards had to
pay for the same land the second time at the land-ofiice.
After putting up the house they returned to Wyoming
Valley, and in the fall of the same year returned to Ark-
port, bringing the family, — John Hurlbut, who died in
1831; James Hurlbut, of Geneva ; Christopher Hurlbut,
of Arkport, then three years old ; Abigail and Mrs. Tag-
gart, both of whom have since died ; Mrs. Joshua Shepard,
of Dansville; and Mrs. Hoyt, of Kingston, Pa.
Mr. Nathan Cory, father of Jonathan Cory, accompanied
the family to assist in the arduous task of moving. They
came up the river in flat-boats to the point where the
bridge crosses the Canisteo, a mile below Arkport. Here
the process of debarkation commenced, and they made their
way through the dense forest of weeping elms that thickly
covered the beautiful valley to their lonely cabin, surrounded
by savage beasts and the scarcely less savage and much more
wily red u)an. But soon a cheerful maple-wood fire was
burning on the capacious stone hearth, and the good house-
wife had the evening meal prepared from a well-selected
stock of comforts and luxuries laid in before leaving the
beautiful and far-famed Valley of Wyoming.
Judge Hurlbut was a native of Groton, Conn , and moved
to Wyoming Valley the same year the battle was fought,
and was within forty miles of Wilkesbarre the day of the
horrible massacre. For several years he was employed by
the Connecticut Legislature in making surveys of the sev-
eral townships in the valley. He was the first surveyor in
the town of Hornellsville,^for a long time the only one, —
and was employed almost constantly by the land-office in
making surveys in Steuben, Livingston, and Allegany
Counties. The year after his arrival he built a large two-
story double log house, and commenced keeping tavern,
and in 1806 (the same year in which Judge Hornell built
his red tavern) he built his residence, then, if not now, the
largest dwelling in town. In 1800 he built and launched
the first ark ever run on the Canisteo, and took it to Balti-
more, loaded with wheat, which he purchased of the far-
mers in Dansville and Geneseo. He was successful in this,
his first experiment, and a market was opened at once for
the surplus grain, pork, and beef of the Genesee country.
The same year he built a saw-mill and erected a large
storehouse on the east bank of the Canisteo, to which in
winter the farmers of the Genesee Valley would bring their
wheat and corn, butter and cheese, and other marketable
products, and store them, waiting only for the " moving of
the waters" to step in and ride to Baltimore and a market.
Thousands of bushels of grain were sent annually from this
port, and some seasons as many as eleven arks were loaded
with wjieat, corn, etc., and sent down the Susquehanna.
As early as 1804, Gen. William Wadsworth, of Geneseo,
started from Arkport, with two boat-loads of very large stall-
fed oxen, and reached Baltimore in safety.
322
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In 1806, Hall & Ellsworth, of Geneseo, sent down an
ark, loaded with 300 barrels of mess pork, a large quantity
of cheese, and a great number of dried venison hams.
Jonathan Cory went down with this load, and he says they
lived high.
Thus things went on swimmingly till the Erie Canal was
built, and the tide of transportation turned through that
channel to the Eastern seaboard.
The year following Judge Hurlbut's settlement in Ark-
port, Nathan Cory, from Corytown, in the Wyoming Valley,
came in with a large family of boys, — Johnson, Eleazer,
Adam, William, and Christopher. Nathan Cory purchased
about 100 acres of choice land at the head of the valley,
on which his son Johnson built a large tavern-house, which
he kept thirty-eight years. Eleazer Cory taught the first
district school here in the winter of 1798, and about the
same time Miss Abigail Hurlbut, assisted by her sister,
Mrs. Taggart, established the first Sunday-school, in a pine
grove, using large scoring-blocks for seats, and afterwards
holding it in the saw-mill. It is pleasing to be able to say
that these schools have been well sustained ever since.
The same year Stephen Webb, father of Stephen and
Shepard Webb, settled on the farm now owned by William
Harrison. After clearing this farm he went to No. 4, now
Almond, and built a grist-mill on the site of the Evan Davis
mill. He afterwards exchanged his mill for a farm in Ark-
port, where he resided till his death in 1831.
In 1798, Joel Atherton built a house on the west side of
Main Street, about forty rods north of the residence of Mr.
Potts, and was the first blacksmith in the place. Here he
dug a well and " stoned it up with cord-wood."
In 1802 came William Hyde, father of Col. Avery Hyde,
Ira Hyde, decea.sed, Mrs. Christopher Doty, and Mrs.
Thomas Major. He moved from Nanticoke, below Wilkes-
barre, and settled on the hill just north of the burying-
ground. Willis Hyde was the first justice of the peace ap-
pointed, and held the ofiice till his death in 1823.
James Cleveland, in 1802, settled on the farm where
Selah Van Scoter resides, then called Mill Town, and
cleared 20 acres. The same year. Col. Williamson, of
Bath, built a saw-mill on Mill Creek, near Mr. Cleveland's.
At this time John P. Ryerss was living at Arkport, sell-
ing goods from the old store-house, and James Taggart, of
Northumberland, Pa., was his clerk. They sold salt at
^10 a barrel and coarse factoiy-cotton at 50 cts. a yard.
Mr. Ryerss bought at the land-oiBce 1300 acres of choice
land, directly .south of Judge Hurlbut's residence and in-
cluding the farms of Elias Ayres and Selah Van Scoter.
At the death of Mr. Hyde, James Cleveland was ap-
pointed justice of the peace, and held the ofiice until the
election of John Pitts by the people.
John Pitts came about 1810. Silas Stephens settled on
the Ayers farm about the .same time. Elias Van Scoter,
father of Philip and Selah Van Scoter, came in 1802 ;
Capt. Abbott, in 1804; Willis Hyde, 1812. He settled
north of Arkport, adjoining the marsh, where he built a
large frame house and bade fair to enjoy a full share of
worldly pro.sperity ; but in twenty years eleven of that once
happy family lay side by side in the grave, with both father
and mother at the head.
William Sharp, formerly of Staten Island, with a family
of twelve children, settled in Arkport, in July, 1812, and
soon after purchased the Babcock farm, on the Dansville
Road, and lived there nearly thirty years. His son Wil-
liam made the first cabinet-work in the town, in 1814.
As early as 1798, Rev. Andrew Gray preached regularly
at Alfred, Almond, Arkport, and Dansville. Mrs. McCoy
— mother of James McCurdy, and living on the place occu-
pied by him — was Rev. Mr. Gray's nearest neighbor on the
north, and Judge Hornell on the south. Mrs. McCoy, it
is said, used to think nothing of walking from Dansville
over to Arkport after the breakfast-dishes were washed,
making a good vi.->it and returning in time to get supper
for the men. She always used to come " light-footed," as
she called it, that is, barefooted.
SETTLEMENT OF THE HILLS.
The earliest settlements were chiefly, if not exclusively,
in the valleys of the streams, and not till within compara-
tively few years — since the pines have become scarce and
inferior — have the uplands been occupied exclusively, or
even generally, for agricultural purposes. But within these
few years wonderful improvements have been made. The
smoke of the many burning fallows has not been made in
vain. All the hills surrounding the village have been
thickly settled, and their improvements form a large part
of the wealth and pro.sperity of the town.
The settlement known as Wellever Hill is situated south-
east upon the dividing ridge between this town and Harts-
ville. The soil on the hill is excellent both for grain and
grass, and no better wheat land is to be found in Western
New York. The first settler of this neighborhood was Mr.
Cahran. He moved here over fifty years ago and cleared
a farm, and was followed soon after by David Wellever, the
father of four townsmen of that name, who came from
Lycoming Co., Pa. After him came Andrew Hendershott,
Samuel Hathaway, Peter Best, John Meeks, and James
Spencer. Alanson Stephens made a fine clearing on the
hill overlooking the village. The settlers have good houses,
and the district to which they belong has a good school.
The settlement is rapidly increasing in agriculture, and
some have devoted considerable attention to wool-growing.
Leaving Wellever Hill we come to Crosby Creek, where
we find a snug neighborhood of farmers. Those familiar
with this region twenty-five years ago, will be astonished
at the change that has taken place. Among the earliest
settlers on the creek were Leonard Drake, Jerry Davis,
Wm. D. Burdick, Richard Peter.son, Samuel and Thomas
Burnett, Asa Whitford, Isaiah Bartlett, and Elisha Potter;
and in later years, John Stone, John Cleveland, Abraham
Whitford, Samuel Olin, Edwin G. Burdick, Samuel and
George Cobb, and the Wheelers. There are many fine
farms, two saw-mills a short distance up the valley, erected
by N. B. Haskell.
Pennsylvania Hill embraces a large tract of country on
the table-land northwest of the village, and contains some
of the best farms in the town. Among the oldest inhabi-
tants were James Dildine, James McMichael, William
Emery, A. Sutton, Daniel Sutton, Ira Hyde, and Gilbert
Wright.
WILLIAM WOOLEVER.
WTLLIAM WOOLEVER.
William Woolever was born in Columbia Co., Pa., in the
year 1807, Oct. 29. His grandfather was an emigrant from
Genuany. His father, Samuel Woolever, was bom in Columbia
County in 1779 ; married Effie Gillespie, a native of the same
county. Of this union there were born four sons and three
daughters, of whom William was eldest. His father died at
the age of forty-five, in the same county where he was born.
His mother died at about the age of forty, the next year after
her husband, in the year 1825.
Of the children, only a sister, Mrs. Jacob Yager, of Lycom-
ing Co., Pa., besides the subject of this narrative, survives.
Mr. Woolever came to Arkport, Steuben Co., first in the year
1823, with his father; stayed nearly one year, and returned to
their home in Pennsylvania. After the death of both his
father and mother, in the year 1826, he returned to Arkport
and began work by the month for Christopher Cary. His
whole capital was twelve shillings in money. In 1827 he mar-
ried Mrs. Cary, and began a business life for himself.
Through the assistance of the late Ira Davenport he rented
a farm (Mr. Davenport's), which he carried on for ten years,
and was then able of his own means to purchase seventy acres
of land for himself, to which he af^rwards made additions, so
that he became the possessor of several hundred acres of fine
agricultural land about Arkport.
His life has been one of industry, economy, and care, and it
is to such men as Mr. Woolever that the rising generation ffill
ever owe a debt of gratitade for their enterprise, privation, and
resolution in building schools, churches, clearing off forests, and
establishing law and order in society. With that public spirit
that shows devotion to country and sympathy for the needy,
upon the breaking out of the late Rebellion, Mr. Woolever was
the first man to ofier his subscription for the care of soldiers'
wives and families while they were in battle at the front.
He has been an unswerving member of the Whig and Re-
publican parties, and ever exercised the right of sufirage.
His wife died in October, 18C9, aged seventy. HLs children
were William (deceased), Mary Ann (deceased), Alexander (de-
ceased), Augustus (deceased) ; James and Samuel, of Arkport ;
and Mrs. AUington Ward, of Michigan.
For his second wife, in the year 1870, he married Mrs. Mary
Ann Cairns, widow of the late Hiram Cairns, of Allegany Co.,
N. Y., and daughter of Sylvester Prior, of Arkport.
/"■ \ ■■•
'ty">'-^'i^<^'^t^-''yi^<^
3^<u^u^/—^^^
'i^^yt^'Y.^-^-z^^z^-cn^^^
GEOROE DAVENPORT
was born In Speucertown, Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct.
15, 1814. The Davenport family was one of the oldest
of that county, and became quite numerous. His grand-
father, Noah Davenport, settled in Columbia County
soon after he was married ; was a farmer by occupation.
His children were four sons and four daughters, of whom
the late Col. Ira Davenport, one of the first settlers of
HornellSville, was one son. William Davenport, father of
the subject of this sketch, was the second son ; he remained
upon the old homestead in Columbia County; was mar-
ried to Lavinia Davis, and by this union were born two
sons and one daughter, viz. : Mrs. John Olmstead
(deceased), of Yonkers, N. Y., but formerly of New
York City ; George, and Charles (deceased).
His father was a farmer during his life, and died at
the age of eighty-fonr, in the year 1873, on the old
homestead where he was born. His mother died at the
age of fifty-seven, in the year 1850. Mr. George
Davenpoi't, the only surviving member of the family,
spent his minority on the farm and attending school.
At the age of twenty-six, in the year 1840, he mar-
ried Caroline, oldest daughter of Squire Mead, of Somers,
Westchester Co., N. Y. She was born March 3, 1822.
The Mead family were among the first settlers at Somers,
and a family of prominence. For elevjen years he
remained on a part of the old homestead, and in the
year 1851 removed to Arkport, and settled on the farm
where he now lives; a view of which, with his im-
provements, may be seen on another page of this work ;
showing a marked contrast with its condition when he
first settled on it, and bearing marks of industry, the
labor of years, and the result of judicious management.
Mr. Davenport belongs to that class of thrifty, en-
terprising agriculturists upon whose shoulders rest the
tax of the country, and without whose aid no public
improvements would have existence, and the town and
county would be without society, law, or order.
He has never taken an active part in politics, but has
been identified from his first vote with the Democratic
party, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson.
He was a strong Union man during the late Rebellion,
although opposed to the war at its commencement, and
was one of the first to contribute for the relief of soldiers'
families. His children are Mrs. Charles G. Alley, of
Whitehall, Mich.; William; Mrs. J. H. Rider, of Wells-
ville, N. Y. ; Stephen ; Henry ; Mrs. Daniel Curry.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
323
Prom Pennsylvania Hill we come by a gentle descent to
the Webb District, first settled by Col. John R. Stephens,
Stephen Webb, Bazey Baker, and others. The Ryerss
tract is in this district, and embraces several hundred acres
of land, considerable of which is improved. On this tract,
deeply imbedded in the primeval forest, is the Ryers' Lake,
a favorite resort of pleasure-parties and amateur .sportsmen.
In the Winfield Settlement, northeast of the village, the
first settlement was made by Matthias Reed, nearly fifty
years ago. Since then farms have been cleared and greatly
improved by Sylvanus Cleveland, Horace and William
Winfield, Orrin Burch, Henry Belts, Henry Keefer, John
Newson, and others. The settlement numbers among its
members some of the most thorough, prosperous, and influ-
ential farmers of the town.
Prom the Winfield district, by a good and well-traveled
road, we reach the old Turnpike Settlement, lying on the
main road between this town and Bath. Maj. Bennett
cleared a farm on the turnpike in 1808, and was one of the
first settlers. After him came John Beattie, Jonathan L.
Nicholson, Dudley Robinson, Wm. R. Stephens, Samuel
Jones, Henry Chapman, N. Dilanow, and Mr. Boyd, some
of whom are in the town of Howard. Tiie late Nathaniel
Pinch, Esq., of Hornellsville, was among the early settlers
on this hill, having settled on the farm formerly owned by
Mr. Boyd, and known as the Cross farm. He was the
second resident surveyor in this town, and a very enterpri-
sing and useful citizen. Nathan Osborne was also one of
the early surveyors. The turnpike hill is one of the most
prosperous settlements in the town. It is familiarly known
as " Nicholson Hill" from the numerous families of that
name who have settled there, all descendants of the patri-
arch Jonathan L. Nicholson. The district has a good
school, and regular religious services on the Sabbath.
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Hornellsville was formed from Canisteo,
April 1, 1820, and embraced, in addition to the present
territory, the town of Hartsville and part of the town of
Premont. Hartsville was taken oflT in 1844, and part of
Fremont in 1854.
The first town-meeting in and for the town of Hornells-
ville was held on the first Tuesday in March, 1821, at the
house of Martha Hornell, then occupied by Peter Reynolds,
when the following town officers were elected : Ira Daven-
port, Supervisor ; John R. Stephens, Town Clerk ; John
Hurlbut, George Hornell, James Harding, Assessors; Wm.
B. Bostwick, Collector; Elijah Stephens, Stephen Webb,
Poormasters ; Stephen Coon, Asa Upson, Samuel Harding,
Commissioners of Highways ; Christopher Hurlbut, Arvin
Kennedy, George Hornell, Inspectors of Schools ; James
Taggart, William Stephens, Amos Graves, School Commis-
sioners ; Wm. B. Bostwick, David Whitney, Wm. Webb,
Constables ; Amasa Thacher, Justus Harding, William
Stephens, Jr., Fence- Viewers.
In April an election was held to elect two members of
Congress for the Twentieth Congressional District, result-
ing as follows : Wm. B. Rochester, 35 votes ; David Wood-
cock, 31 votes ; Sherman Camp, 38 votes ; Jonathan Rich-
mond, 34 votes. At the same meeting to elect members
of Assembly for the counties of Steuben and Allegany, the
result was as follows : Asa Lee Davidson, 38 votes ; Wm.
Woods, 39 votes ; Amos Peabody, 25 votes ; Grattan H .
Wheeler, 25 votes.
LIST OP TOWN OPFIOEES.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1821.
Ira Davenport.
John R. Stephens.
Wm. B. Bostwick.
1822.
"
it it
Truman Bostwick.
1823.
John II. .Stephens.
George Hornell.
James Taggart.
182J.
"
Samuel Thacher.
Truman Bostwick.
1825.
"
Wm. Stephens, Jr.
it it
1826.
Maj. Thos. Bennett
Otis Thacher.
tt it
182?.
u «
" "
Stephen Webb, Jr.
1828.
Jas. McBui-ney.
It tt
'•■ "
1829.
"
Augustus Newell.
John R. Stephens.
1830.
it tt
Thos. Bennett.
"
1831.
It tt
John Morris.
Charles Lefferts.
1832.
James Uyke.
John R. Morris.
Erastus Lewis,
1833.
" "
Thos. J. Reynold?.
Andrew Morris.
1834.
Jas. McBurney.
Martin Adsit.
Daniel McAlmont.
1835.
"
tt It
tt tt
1836.
Ira Davenport.
" '•
ti it
1837.
"
" "
Asher C. Smith.
18.38.
tt tt
ti tt
Wm. D. Burdick.
1839.
tt ti
" "
" "
lS-10.
Hugh Magee.
Chas. Lefferts.
Vincent Stephens.
1841.
" "
Andy L. Smith, Jr.
It it
1842.
John R. Morris.
Hiram Bennett.
John Burdew.
1843.
tt tt
"
Philip Van Scoter.
1844.
tt tt
"
(( it
1845.
Thos. Major.
Rufus Tuttle.
Elias Ayers.
1846.
tt
Andy L. Smith, Jr
" "
1847.
tt tt
Rufus Tuttle.
Wm. U. Doty.
1848.
Martin Adsit.
Daniel Bullard.
it It
1849.
Aaron Morris.
Wm. H. Doty.
Daniel Haas.
1850.
"
Nath. Blaksley.
" "
1851.
Elisha G. Stevens.
ti it
Fred. E. Rogers.
1852.
"
It It
" "
1853.
Wm. Bennett.
Marcus E. Brown.
Wm. H. Doty.
1854.
tt tt
It It
Philip Van Scoter.
1855.
Lewis D. Benton.
" "
Rufus E. Holmes.
1856.
Marcus E. Brown
Chas. E. Baldwin.
II it
1857.
tt tt
Nathan Nichols.
Charles Major.
1858.
Alanson Stephens.
Miles W. Hawley.
James McWooliver
1859.
tt tt
Theodore Badger.
it it
1860.
Philip Van Scoter.
Nathan Nichols.
John A. Major.
1861.
tt ft
Joseph Lanphear.
Elijah Cone.
1862.
J. H. Stephens, Jr.
Chas. C. Reynolds.
it it
1863.
tt tt
Elmon D. Smith.
Henry F. Howard.
1864.
" "
Peter P. Houok.
it it
1865.
John A. Major.
M. W. Hawley.
tt a
1866.
tt tt
(1 it
ft ti
1867.
Chas. F. Smith.
tt it
it tt
1868.
J. W. Robinson.
ti tt
ti it
1869.
Arza P. Broese.
it it
John A. Farnham.
1870.
John McDougall.
it It
It it
1871.
tt tt
it it
a it
1872
" "
it it
It tt
1873.
Walter G. Rose.
Wm. 11. Greenhow.
it it
1874.
tt It
"
William Dickey.
1875.
Miles W. Hawley.
It It
Thomas Morrissay.
1876.
tt it
tt a
Wm. H. Harris.
1877.
it tt
tt tt
G. P. Burlingham.
1878.
S. E. Shattuok.
Joseph Cameron.
A. B. Crockett.
JUSTICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE.
. John Pitts.
1830. Jabesh Lanphear.
1831. John R. Stephe^s.
1832. Ephraim Wood.
1833. Charles N. Hart.
1834. John Baldwin.
1835. Stephen Abbott.
1836. Dexter Straight.
1837. Chas. N. Hart.
1838. John Baldwin.
321
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1838.
John Pitts.»
1858.
Richard C. Major.
1839.
John Pitts.
1859.
Homer Holliday.
David Crandall.'^
1860.
John Hurlbut.
1840.
David Crandall.
1861.
Hiram Bennett.
1841.
Charles LefTcrts.
1862.
William W. Osgoodby
1842.
Elisb.l (i. Stephens.
1863.
Homer Holliday.
Israel Adams. ^>"
1864.
James McWooiever.
1843.
Sidney Frisbie.
1865.
Hiram Bennett.
1844.
John Pitts.
F. Colegrove.*
Nathaniel Finch.*
1866.
S. M. Thacher.
1845.
Hiram Bennett.
S. D. Pitts.*
1846.
Benjamin T. Hoyes.
1867.
Stephen F. Gilbert.
1847.
Ethan Coats.
1868.
Homer Hollid.iy.
Andrew Morris.*
1869.
Kodney Dennis.
1848.
John Hurlbut.
Henry Howard.*
Nathaniel Finch.*
isro.
Charles E. Beard.
1849.
Nathaniel Finch.
1871.
H. F. Howard.
1850.
Hiram Bennett.
1872.
Martin V. Doty.
1851.
Andrew Morris.
187-3.
Homer Holliday.
1852.
William E. Haight.
1874.
C. E. Board.
1853.
James Atley.
1875.
H. F. Howard.
1854.
Hiram Bennett.
1876.
Orson Mosher.
1855.
Homer Holliday.
1877.
Edwin J. Cox.
1856.
John Hurlbut.
1878.
Henry L. Walker.
1857.
John M. Wisewell.
VILLAGE or HOENELLSYILLE.
The Tillage of Hornellsville is situated in the upper Can-
isteo Valley, and at th e intersection of the Buffalo division
with the main line of the Erie Railway. Its railroad
facilities and advantages for manufacturing and commercial
interests are second to no other place in the county. Hor-
nellsville is distant from New York three hundred and
thirty-five miles, from Dunkirk one hundred and twenty-
eight miles, from Buffalo ninety-one miles, and from
Corning forty-one miles. The population of the village
has rapidly increased during the past decade, and is at
present estimated at between 7000 and 8000.
The history of the growth of this village from a rural
hamlet presents a long period of prosperity and general
improvement. But the period of its rapid growth began
with the construction of the New York and Erie Railway.
In 1832 the Legislature passed an act chartering this com-
pany to build a railroad from some point on the Hudson
River, through the southern tier of counties by way of
Owego, to some point on Lake Erie. The route through
this county was left undetermined. There was no clause
in the bill compelling the company to construct the road by
the way of Hornellsville, and the only sure thing was that
it would go through the county somewhere, and perhaps up
the valley of the Canisteo. Great anxiety prevailed, and
when, at last, through the exertions of influential citizens,
prominent among whom may be mentioned Hugh Magee,
the late Judge Hawley, James McBurney, Charles N. Hart,
Martin Adsit and others, the engineer decided to locate
the road through this village, the joy of its citizens was
unbounded.
In 1841 the pile-driver, a steam-machine combining pile-
driver, locomotive, and saw-mill, made its appearance upon
the route. It moved upon wheels, driving two piles at a
time, and sawing them off at a level as it passed along. In
this section it commenced operations at the lower edge of a
pine woods, which stood back of the present depot, and
* To fill vacancy.
moved eastward, constructing the original but long since
obsolete road-bed of the great Erie Railwa}'. The traveler
through the valley sees at this day the relics of this early
work, and perhaps wonders for what purpose and at what
period so many piles were driven into the ground.
The company running out of funds, the construction of
the road was for some time suspended, which was not only
a serious blow to the hopes of Hornellsville, but for some
time a great detriment to her business interests. The pros-
pect of the road being speedily finished had stimulated un-
wonted activity ; speculation had run high ; real estate had
risen rapidly ; people had begun to look for " good loca-
tions" and " corner lots ;" and land which had remained in
one ownership since the early settlement had suddenly
begun to change hands, and to be " staked out" or fenced
into lots. All this was brought to a sudden stand, and, it
was feared by many, to a hopeless reversion, by the suspen-
sion of the building of the road. The work, however, was
again resumed, and the road built through from Piermont,
on the Hudson, to Dunkirk, N. Y. On Sunday, the first
day of September, 1850, the first locomotive came up the
valley, and stopped at this village. We need not speak of
the rejoicing of the citizens, nor of their gratitude to the
railway company, to whom more than to all other advan-
tages the village owes its rapid growth and its present and
prospective prosperity. The entrance of the road gave the
place that impulse which it has ever since held, changing
it from a small inland village to a prominent position
among the thriving and posperous business centres of the
State.
The progress of the place rapidly followed. On the 19th
of November, 1851, Edwin Hough published the first
number of the Hornellsville Tribune, the first newspaper
published in the town. The village was incorporated June
28, 1852. The branch road to Buffalo was opened the
same summer.
This and the following year were marked by a whirl and
excitement, and fortunes were made in corner lots. Large
and expensive buildings were erected, and the population
increased so rapidly that buildings could not be erected fast
enough to accommodate the new-comers. The Tribune of
that date states that there was not a single house to let in
the village.
The first locomotive in Hornellsville was the "Orange, No.
4," built by the Norris Locomotive-Works at Philadelphia.
She was also the first that ran to Attica, and in fact the
pioneer of the entire road. Engine No. 90 was the next,
and the first to sound the steam-whistle between Buffalo
and Cleveland. She was taken from Boston to Piermont
by N. G. Brooks and C. W. Tafts, on a schooner, then put
on a scow and towed to Buffalo by the way of the Erie
Canal, then located on a ship and taken to Dunkirk, and
ran the first train at that end of the road.
In February, 1851, C. W. Tafts was ordered to Hornells-
ville from Dunkirk, to run engine No. 73, between Hor-
nellsville and Andover as a construction-train. He came
by stage, which took four days (instead of four hours, as at
present). Jamestown, EUicottville, Little Valley, and An-
gelica were stopping-places. Fare and hotel charges, $10.
At that time Hornellsville contained about one hundred
Walter G. Rose was born in Coventry, Conn., Oct. 2,
1814. He was second son in a family of three sons and
three daughters of Horace and Marcia (Edgerton) Rose,
the former a native of Coventry, and the latter a native of
Lebanon, Conn. His parents removed from Connecticut
and settled in the town of Hartwick, Otsego Co., N. ¥., in
1827, where they followed the occupation of farming, and
for awhile his father was a merchant. There they re-
mained until the year 1846, when the fomily came to
Hornellsville (except one daughter, Mary Ripley Rose, who
died in Otsego County), where the parents lived until their
decease, the father dying in the year 18G2, at the age of
seventy-four ; the mother died at the age of eighty-six, in
the year 1875.
Of the children, all are living except Ashley and Horace
J., leaving those who survive at the time of writing this
sketch, Walter G., Mrs. J. X. Brands, and Mrs. Jonathan
Wyatt, of Wisconsin.
Mr. Rose, after receiving a fair education at the common
school, at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to learn the
tinner's trade, with term of service of three and one-half
years, followed with three years as a journeyman. His
industry and integrity exemplified during this time won
the confidence of his employer, and he was taken in as a
partner in the business, which was continued for some six
years at Hartwick, Otsego Co., when Mr. Rose started a
general merchandise store for himself, which he carried on
until 1845, and disposed of it. The same year he came to
Hornellsville and purchased the property he now occupies,
in connection with his father, which they took possession
of in the spring of 1846.
At this time Hornellsville was a small village of some
two hundred and fifty inhabitants. Mr. Rose at once
established a general hardware business and the manufac-
ture of tinware, which was the first established in Hor-
nellsville and the Canisteo Valley. This business he has
increased as the growth of the village and country around
demanded, until instead of a few hundred a year it now
reaches as many thousand annually, and is the oldest house
of the kind in the Canisteo Valley.
Mr. Rose has not only been intimately connected with
the growth of the village in all its improvements and enter-
prises, but as well the town beside, being chosea to occupy
many positions of trust and responsibility, both within the
corporation and town : as trustee of the village for some
three years, assessor for nine years, and supervisor for two
years, all of which positions have been filled with fidelity
to the citizens and credit to liim.self
Upon the organization of the Bank of Hornellsville,
Mr. Rose was chosen vice-president (with Mr. F. G. Bab-
cock as president), which connection he still retains.
He has been unswervingly identified with the Democratic
party since he cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren for
President of the United States, and in his party has been
somewhat active and a conservative counselor.
In the year 1839 he married Glovina, third daughter of
Peter and Cornelia (Murray) Olendorf, of Otsego Co., N. Y.
She was born March 18, 1816.
Her paternal grandfather, Daniel Olendorf, was a native
of Germany ; was in the Revolutionary war ; was taken
prisoner with his wife by the Indians at Cherry Valley, and
were prisoners some two years.
Her maternal grandfather, William Murray, was a native
of Bristol, England ; came to America at the age of eighteen ;
was private secretary for General Washington during the
war for independence.
Their children are John R. and Charles, partners with
their father in business. Gilbert G. died young, and Annie
was drowned in the Canisteo River at the age of eighteen,
in the year 1869.
roo^-iy^^ CyOC
James Alley was born in Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y.,
March 25, 1810. He is a lineal descendant of the third
generation from his ancestor, Alley, who was of
French birth, and settled in Dutchess Co., N. Y., where
his father, William Alley, was born in 1763, and was
married to Phebe Dusenbury, and in the year 1798 re-
moved to Cayuga County, and during his life followed
farming and worked some at his trade as a mason. He
died in Moravia at the age of eighty-seven. His wife
died at the age of sixty-seven.
The family consisted of eight sons and two daughters, of
whom Mr. James Alley was sixth son.
Until he was eighteen he spent his time on the farm of his
father and attending the common school, followed by five
years as a clerk in a general merchandise store at ]\loravia,
where he laid the foundation for his subsequent career as a
merchant and business man.
In the year 1833 he settled in the town of Howard,
this county, and started mercantile business for himself,
carting his goods from Hammondsport. During these days
staging it to Albany was the quickest mode of transit.
Mr. Alley remained as a merchant in Howard until 1849,
and during that time, in the year 1836, was married to
Julia, daughter of Charles Graves, of that town.
By this union were born (that now are living") two chil-
dren, Charles G., a lumber merchant of Whitehall, Mich.,
and Mrs. George M. Smith, of the same place.
Upon the close of his mercantile business in Howard he
removed to Hornellsville, and for twenty-one years was a
dry-goods merchant of this place. Mr. Alley was also en-
gaged in other enterprises while in the mercantile business
here.
In the year 1870 he commenced operations in the lumber
business at Whitehall, Mich., purchasing at that time and
since some five thousand acres of land. In this business
now, which has become largely successful, he has associated
his son and also his son-in-law.
While a resident of the town of Howard, Mr. Alley
was honored with the ofiices of clerk and supervisor several
terms each, and in 1850 represented his Assembly district
in the State Legislature. He was formerly identified with
the Whig party, and upon the formation of the Republican
party became a supporter of its principles.
In the year 1877 his wife died, and in the year 1878
he married Mrs. Amanda Sweetland, of Hornellsville. Mr.
Alley still retains his residence at Hornellsville, although
he .spends much time in connection with his lumber business
in Michigan.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
325
houses, two churches, and two school-houses. Cobb's Hotel,
corner of Main and Canisteo Streets, opposite Mr. Adsit's
store, was the resort of the weary traveler.
One week previous to the grand opening day of the
road, engine No. 73, on a gravel-train, sank in the quick-
sand at Tip-Top Summit, just west of the water-tank, and
it took over a week to Ret her out. She has been of great
service since.
THE ERIE SHOPS.
The first Erie shop (or shed) was built in 1849. It was
enlarged in 1850 to accommodate three engines, and ma-
chinery for repairing the same. It was burned in 1856.
The ground was broken for new shops and engine-house,
and the foundation laid in 1854, the old shops being too
small. The building was completed in 1856, and was dedi-
cated by a grand ball, September 4, 1856. H. E. Bur-
ringer, ticket-agent for the company at that time, sold
tickets for the ball. He has remained in the company's
service ever since, holding positions of responsibility and
trust.
The Erie shops, at Horneilsville, cover six acres of
ground, including two round-houses. The latter will
accommodate 42 engines. The car-.shops employ 50 men ;
the machine-shops and round-houses employ 172 men ; be-
sides, there are 120 engineers and firemen on the Western
Division of the Erie Road, and 300 engineers and firemen
on the Buffalo Division. W. H. Van Deusen is chief clerk
of the shops. A. M. Rollins had charge, as general fore-
man, previous to 1851 ; in that year he was succeeded by
Stephen Hobbs, but was returned by Mr. Martin in 1854.
John Latham served as general foreman from 1859 to
1869 ; W. E. Cooper, from 1869 to Feb. 14, 1874 ; J. W.
Chapman, from Feb. 14, 1874, to June, 1878. G. H.
Griggs, present master mechanic, took charge of the shops
June 15, 1878. There are four yard-masters: A. A.
Dudley, William Branzen, George H. Bullock, and Ami
Osgood. Thomas Stoddard, baggageman ; Louis Hienderf,
railway police ; J. E. Neff, night police ; A. E. Brow, chief
telegraph operator. 75 men are employed in the yard,
freight-hou.se, ticket-office, and around the station, under
the control of the station-agent, D. K. Belknap.
The railroads add about 2500 to the population of Hor-
neilsville. The average monthly pay-roll of men living in
the village is, for the Western Division, $23,000, and for
all three divisions, $40,000. There are about 30 miles of
switching in the Horneilsville yard, and from 500 to 800
cars pass through the town cacii way every day.
DANIEL K. BELKNAP
was born in Bethany, Wayne Co., Pa., iMar. 17, 1828. His
ancestor, Samuel Belknap, emigrated from Wales, and
settled in the town of Windsor, Conn., about the latter part
of the seventeenth century.
His great-grandfather, Abel Belknap, born in 1739,
married Elizabeth Stevens, and moved to Stillwater, Sara-
toga Co., N. Y., where he followed farming, and on his farm
was fought the ever-memorable battle between Gates and
Burgoyne, "The Battle of Saratoga." He was a .soldier
of the Revolution, first ranking as ensign, and at the close
of the war as lieutenant of artillery.
His grandfather, Abel Belknap, Jr., was also a soldier of
the Revolution, and after the close of the war moved to
Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., where he became one of the
early settlers. His children were five sons and three daugh-
ters, of whom Horace Belknap, father of the subject of this
sketch, was second, and was born at Cherry Valley, in the
year 1792 ; married Susan, daughter of Joseph Skinner, of
Damascus, Wayne Co., Pa. The Skinner family were de-
scendants of Admiral Skinner, who was one of the first set-
tlers on the Dealware River, west of Port Jervis ; was
driven away by the Indians and Tories, and returned after
the close of the war. Horace Belknap followed farming
and lumbering; was in the war of 1812 as a musician (a
fifer), lived the most of his life in Wayne Co., Pa., and
died in Tioga Co., Pa., at the age of sixty-one. Of their
five sons and three daughters, Daniel K. was third child.
He received only a limited early education. At the age
of eighteen he went into the busy world for himself, re-
solved to do whatever would bring an honest livelihood.
For five years he was with a company of civil engineers on
the Pennsylvania coal roads, and his experience in this new
business led him to desire more of a railroad life. Upon
the completion of the Erie Railway he at once obtained a
position, and for twenty-seven years has been connected
with that great highway, in various positions of trust and
responsibility. There are very few, if any, in the employ
of the Erie Company who can trace their business relations
with the road through all its administrations, as can Mr.
Belknap. And it is said, that during its entire length, no
man is better or more favorably known by all the employees
of the road. For eleven years he was stationed at Deposit,
N. Y., as agent, and for the past six years he has been lo-
cated at Horneilsville. With all the changes in connection
326
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
with this great thoroughfare, few have retained to so full
an extent the confidence of the several administrations of
this road as has Mr. Belknap. In all matters of local in-
terests Mr. Belknap has not shrunk from responsibility, and
supports with a liberal hand and willing mind churcii and
kindred interests. Since the organization of the Bank of
Hornellsville he has been one of its directors. He has led
a strictly business life, seeking no political preferment or
official notoriety.
In the year 1857, Oct. 14, he married Elvira Blizzard,
of Sullivan Co., N. Y. Their children are Walter and
Laura.
The following is a list of station-agents at Hornellsville
from the opening of the Erie Road, in September, 1850, to
date: J. A. Redfield, Sept. 1850, to Feb. 1852; II. B.
Smith, Feb. 1852, to Oct. 1854; J. S. Spellman, Oct.
1854, to March, 1855 ; J. S. Sheaffer, March, 1855, to
Jan. 185G; H. B.Smith, Jan. 185G, to Sept. 1858; T.
P. Stowell, Sept. 1858, to May, 1863; W. C. Taylor,
May, 18G3, to March, 1864 ; E. Van Tuyle, March, 1864,
to Nov. 1866 ; E. M. Canfield, Nov. 1866, to Nov. 1868 ;
S. C. Jillson, Nov. 1868, to Feb. 1873; D. K. Belknap,
Feb. 1873, to present time.
The following are the master mechanics and superintend-
ents of the Hornellsville shops and the Western Division
of the Erie Road :
Master Mechanics. — KXhevt Griswold, 1851-53; Jas.
Gilraore, 1853-54; Will, Hart, 1854-56; F. P. Martin,
1856-57; H. G. Brook.s, 1857-61 ; John Durrell, 1861-
64; M. E. Cooper, J. W. Chapman, G. H. Griggs, present
master mechanic.
Siiperintendents.~\N . C. Taylor, 1851-53; R. N.
Brown, 1853-54; J. A. Hart, 1854-56; B. Smith, 1856
-57; Charles P. Robinson, 1857-61; H. G. Brooks,
1861-64; J. S. Beggs, 1864, to present time.
INCORPORATION OP THE VILLAGE.
The village was incorporated, under the general law, at
a court of sessions held in Bath, on the 28th day of June,
1852. The first election of ofiieers was held August 30
of the same year, at which John H. Lillie, Thomas Snell,
J. T. Wilbur, Richard Durbin, and Wm. C. McCormick
were chosen Trustees; George Alley, Hiram Bennett, and
llufus E. Holmes, Assessors; Horace Bemis, Clerk; Mar-
tin Adsit, Treasurer ; and James Fogle, Poundmaster. At
the meeting of the board, John II. Lillie was chosen Presi-
dent.
1853.— Col. L. D. Benton, R. Durbin, D. S. Reyno,
James Alley, John J. Ely, Trustees; D. S. Reyno, Presi-
dent ; H. A. Patterson, Clerk ; N. Chadwick, Treasurer.
1854.— P. C. Ward, William M. Hawley, R. L. Brun-
dage, H. Bennett, J. M. Osborne, Trustees; Col. P. C.
Ward, President ; Ezra Bowen, Clerk ; Martin Adsit,
Treasurer.
1855.— T. J. Reynolds, J. M. Wisewell, W. R. McCor-
mick, J. H. Lillie, C. E. W. Baldwin, Trustees; Maj. T.
J. Reynold.s, President; M. C. Prindle, Clerk; M. E.
Brown, Treasurer.
1856.— W. G. Rose, R. Pardee, William Bennett, S.
Taylor, Martin Adsit, Trustees ; Martin Adsit, President ;
J. R. Sheldon, Clerk ; I. E. Sharp, Treasurer.
1857. — N. M. Crane, Mark Ball, L E. Bowen, James
Kinshern, Stephen Taylor, Trustees ; Col. N. M. Crane,
President ; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk ; I. E. Sharp, Treas-
urer.
1858. — M. E. Brown, Martin Adsit, J. P. Martin,
Morris Smith, Philip Van Scoter, Trustees ; M. E. Brown,
President; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk; H. Holliday, Treas-
urer.
1859. — Morris Smith, Mark Ball, Philip Van Scoter,
J. T. Glazier, Martin Adsit, Trustees; Morris Smith, Presi-
dent; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk; R. Pardee, Treasurer.
I860.— Mark Ball, Noah D. Ogden, David Conderman,
James T. Glazier, Nathan Nichols, Trustees; Mark Ball,
President ; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk ; I. E. Sharp, Treas-
urer.
1862.— Alonzo Trumbull, Walter G. Rose, W. H. Coy-
kendall, George H. Kellinger, Mark Ball, Trustees ;
Alonzo Trumbull, President ; Ziba B. Guilds, Clerk ; James
W. Burnhani, Treasurer.
1863. — Hiram Bennett, N. D. Ogdeu, A. Trumbull, C.
L. Prindle, Trustees; Hiram Bennett, President; E. R.
Reynolds, Clerk.
1864.— L. D. Pratt, Charles F. Smith, James M. Cook,
Horace Bemis, E. H. Badger, Trustees ; L. D. Pratt, Presi-
dent; V. B. Wetmore, Clerk.
1865.— Martin Adsit, Charles F. Smith, Mark Ball,
Walter G. Rose, John R. Sbeldon, Trustees ; Martin Ad-
sit, President ; John Culbert, Clerk ; Augustus McHenry,
Treasurer.
Since the adoption of the new charter, the following have
been presidents and clerks of the village:
Presidents. Clerks.
1S67 1. W. Near. J. M. Popple.
ISGS R. M. Tuttle A. S. Charles.
ISfiiJ Rodney Dennis. (i. W. Brigdcn.
1S70 John R. Rose. Miles W. Hawley.
1S71 .S. E. Shattuck. W. H. Van Dusen.
1872 II. E. Biivinger.
187u Horace IJeniis. A. S. Charles.
1874 James H. Stephens. A. G. Howard.
1875 Samuel Arnott. D. G. Moriarty.
1876 R. D. Jillson. M. G. Graham.
1877 Charles Adsit. G. W. Brigden.
1878 G. S. Humphrey. F. P. Rathbun.
ALDERMEN. — 1878.
First Ward. — Richard Stellman, J. H. Shaut.
Second Ward.- — George Hollands, G. L. Boynton.
Third Ward — E. I. Gilbert, J. I. Bentley.
Fourth Ward. — John Sauter, David Adams.
Fifth Ward.— J. W. Chapman, Thomas Kelley.
Sixth Ward.— B. F. Collins, J. W. Burns.
Police Justice. — George W. Brigden.
Treasurer. — Charles Maguire.
Collector. — Stephen Hollands.
Assessors. — Edward Connoiy, Thomas Burris, Harvey
Prentis.
EARLY MERCHANTS AND BUSINESS MEN.
Col. Ira Davenport was the first merchant in the village.
He came here iu 1815 with a single wagon-load of goods,
driving three hundred miles, from Harpersfield, Delaware
NATHANIEL B. HASKELL
was bom in the town of Wayne, Kennebec Co., Me., Dec. 3,
1811. The ancestors of the Haskell family emigrated from Eng-
land, and settled in New England, in 1G26. His grandfather,
Eliphalet, and his father, Jacob, were both natives of New
Gloucester, Cumberland Co., Me. ; the latter was a lumber-
man and farmer' by occupation ; was a captain of a company of
militia in the war of 1812, and in the beginning of the present
century moved to Wayne, Kennebec Co., Me. He was married
to Charlotte Bennett, of which union were born four sons and
three daughters, of whom Nathaniel B. Haskell was third child.
Five of the children are now living. The father died at the
age of sixty -five, in the year 1848. The mother died in 1831,
at the age of about forty-five.
Mr. Haskell remained with his father engaged in lumbering,
farming, and carrying on a grist-mill until he was twenty years
of age. In the year 1831 he went to New Brunswick and en-
gaged as a millwright. There he remained for three years and
went to Bangor, Me., where he remained for some two years,
and a short time afterwards accompanied Hiram A. Pitts, the
inventor of the Pitts' Separator, through New Jersey and Penn-
sylvania in its sale. After one year he traveled alone, selling
this machine, and it is said that Mr. Haskell bought the first
machine that was sold.
In 1843 he went to Penobscot Co., Me., and engaged in
lumbering, which he continued until 1857. His first purchase
of timber land was some seven thousand acres in that county.
and his operations were somewhat extensive. Tn 1847 he mar-
ried Hannah, daughter of Nathaniel Shorey, of Burlington, Me.
Her grandfather lived to the advanced age of ninety-five, and
died in Lowell, Me. Her father, during the latter part of
his life, moved to Wisconsin, where he died in 1875. Mrs.
Haskell was born Dec. 2, 1827.
In 1857, Mr. Haskell moved to the village of Hornellsville,
and one year and a half latsr moved on to the place where he
now resides, then a woodland tract, but now by his untiring
industry and enterprise a pleasant farm residence. His first
purchase was some three hundred and sixty-five acres, most of
which he has cleared of its original forest and erected commo-
dious buildings thereon.
Mr. Haskell's has been a life of active business, rewarded with
merited success. For several years since he came to Hornells-
ville he has been also engaged in the lumber interest in Michi-
gan, and a part of the time his family has resided there. In this
latter interest he was associated with William Bennett, and James
and George Alley, which interest he disposed of in 1870. In
1868 he bought an interest in the lumber business in Huron Co.,
Mich., with Henry C. Spaulding, of Elmira, which he still retains.
He was formerly a WTiig, was a delegate to the first State
convention in Maine, and assisted in the organization of the
Republican party, since which time he has been identified with
that party. His children are Moses, Bennett, Edward M.
Albert, Lizzie A., Henry Beecher (deceased), and Bell M.
ALANSON STEPHENS,
the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Hornellsville,
this county, Dec. 8, 1820.
The Stephens family in this county is descended from Elijah
Stephens, his grandfather, who settled in the town of Canisteo in
the year 1789 ; he, with some six others, coming from the Wyoming
Valley after the great massacre there, by the way of the Susque-
hanna, Chemung, and Canisteo Rivers in boats, stopping awhile at
Newtown (now Elmira), being the first white inhabitants in the
Canisteo Valley. Elijah Stephens became a large land owner,
owning several tiers of lots through the town. He met the trials
of a wilderness life and of early settlement with that resolution
which overcame difficulties, and paved the way for the prosperity
of his progeny, which became quite numerous. He died at the
age of about eighty, in the year 1840, leaving three sons and six
daughters.
His father, Benjamin Stephens, was second child of this family,
was a farmer by occupation and in his day figured in the early
settlement of the town ; he was married to Arthusa Hamilton, of the
town of Howard. Her father, Alexander Hamilton, was a Revo
lutionary soldier, was a pensioner, and lived to a very advanced
age. Of this union were born five sons and two daughters, of whom
the subject of this notice was the oldest. His father died in 1835,
having been born in 1800. His mother died about 1840, at the
age of forty.
Mr. Stephens spent his early life as a carpenter and joiner, and
as early as at the age of fifteen engaged in rafting lumber down the
Su.squehanna River to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Port Deposit,
which he carried on quite extensively, sometimes reaching as high
a figure as one million feet in a year. His entire .stock of lumber
was cut and sawed in the town of Hornellsville, and for some ten
years and until the beginning of the war he operated on a large
scale in this business ; since which time he has continued the same,
but not so extensively. A part of the time he was in partnership
with Mr. Barnard, of Albany, who owned some seventeen hundred
acres of timber land in the town of Hornellsville. Mr. Stephens'
principal occupation now is farming.
In early life he was, through necessity, denied the opportunities
of an education from books (as in those times a pecuniary value
was often set upon the time of children), and hence during his subse-
quent life be, feeling the need of the same, has done very much to
confer upon others this great gift. In the Fifth Ward may be seen
a fine school edifice built by him, and afterwards accepted by the
people of that ward : and it may be said that nearly all of the school
edifices of the village of Hornellsville bear the imprint of his
hand in their construction. In this work Mr. Stephens always
felt well repaid that such opportunities might be given the rising
generation for an education, and never consented to receive any
remuneration for his services. Valuing Mr. Stephens' experience,
and knowing his warm interest in school work, for the past twelve
years he has been elected President of the Board of Education of
Hornellsville, and for some twelve years prior was connected with
the Fifth Ward school as trustee.
In his early years Mr. Stephens was a Democrat, but subse-
quently has regarded principles above party, and independently
favors the man who represents the principles of sound doctrine and
reform. For two years he has represented bis town as supervisor.
In the year 1842 he married Catherine, daughter of Christopher
Doty, of Hornellsville. His wife died in 1866, leaving four sons, —
Christopher B., Thaddeus A., Walter, and William B., and one
daughter, Mrs. Paul Lord.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
327
Co., where he had for several years previous been clerk in a
store in which his father had an interest. His first store,
which he built with his own hands, was a frame building,
about 18 by 20, and stood just opposite the present foundry
of Messrs. Rawson & Tliacher. It was afterwards removed
and converted into a kitchen of the " Black Horse" tavern,
opposite. He built his next store just east of Main Street,
being part of his residence, now standing, as a tenement-
house, opposite Mr. Charles Hartshorn's. This hou.se was
long after known as the " Eagle Tavern," kept for many
years by Hugh Magee.
Mr. Davenport's next store was the first brick hou.sc
erected in Hornellsville, — residence and store combined, —
and is now occupied by Martin Adsit, Esq. He used to
haul his goods by team from Catskill, on the Hudson.
Col. Davenport had stores in many other parts of tlie coun-
try, and made a large fortune in mercantile business. In
1847 he removed to Bath, and there resided till his death.
May 2, 1868.
His nephew, Martin Adsit, Esq., succeeded him in busi-
ness, and had also a bank in the same store for many years.
Present locality. No. 127 Main Street.
Andy L. Smith, father of Andy L. Smith, the present
merchant, was the pioneer in the tanning and shoemaking
business, on the site of the present tannery of Mr. William
O'Connor. He commenced about 1816, and after carrying
on tanning for many years, closed that business and en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits.
Dugald Cameron, son of the agent of the Pulteney estate
at Bath, settled in Hornellsville about 1814. He occupied
lands owned by his father, and carried on lumbering as his
chief occupation. He was also a fanner, and at one time
held the office of justice of the peace.
POSTMASTERS.
The first postmaster in the town was Judge. Hornell.
There is an impression that he was succeeded by one of his
sons, but it is uncertain. Col. Ira Davenport was the next
incumbent of the office, and held it many years. He was
succeeded by Dr. Manning Kelly, who resigned in 1832.
John R. Morris was then appointed, and held the office
nine years, when he was superseded, under Tyler's adminis-
tration, by John K. Hale, who held the office during the
balance of the presidential term. Under Mr. Polk, in 1845,
Maj. Thomas J. Reynolds received the appointment. The
election of Gen. Taylor, in 1848, changed the order of
things, and upon his incoming administration Martin Adsit
became the incumbent, and held the office till the adminis-
tration of President Pierce, when Andy L. Smith received
the appointment, and held the office for a short time, when
he was succeeded by Dr. Luman A. Ward, who held the
office under Buchanan's administration. He was succeeded,
under Mr. Lincoln, by E. G. Durfey, who was followed by
J. W. Shelly. S. M. Thacher was his successor, and re-
mained in office till the appointment of the present incum-
bent, F. M. Cronkrite.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Hornellsville of which we have any
account, was established under the patronage of Judge Hor-
nell about the year 1810. It was taught by Miss Sarah
Thacher, in a block-house which was then standing near
the residence of Deacon Mowry Thacher, a brother of the
lady. The first school-house built in the village was of
hewed logs, and stood on the site of the pre.sent cabinet-
factory of Messrs. Deutsch, Tschachtli & Co. It was built
about 1813. Mr. Thacher remembers being at school in it
when peace was declared with Great Britain, and one of the
large scholars, to celebrate that event, wrote the word
" Peace" in large letters, and attached the slip to his hat-
band. This was the first district school, now District No.
7. The first teacher was a man by the name of Dudley
Miller, who is described as a " tall and lean specimen of
humanity, with military boots and little tassels hanging
from the tops." It is said that he was a great gallant, but
met with about as much success among the fair Katrinas
of the Canisteo as his ancient counterpart, the hero of Sleepy
Hollow. This building was burned down, and a small frame
school-house was built on the site of what is now the Can-
isteo Block, corner of Main and Church Streets. It was
moved off at the time the Presbyterian church was built.
Among the teachers in this building were George Hornell,
Jr , Uriah Stephens, and James Osborne. Solomon Head,
irreverently called " Old Head," by the boys, was also a
teacher about this time, and was followed by John Hunt-
ington, a brother of ex-senator Huntington, of Bath. He
was succeeded by Rev. Samuel White, Mary Morris, Par-
melia Stephens, and others. Deacon Mowry Thacher taught
three winters, and was followed by John S. Livermore, Dr.
Thomas, and Orange McCay.
In 1833" the district purcha.sed the land for a school lot
on the point between Canisteo and Church Streets for $40,
and the " Old Red School-House " was built at a cost of
about $200. The dimensions of the building were 22 by
28 feet. Ira Davenport was the architect. The first teachers
who taught in it were Washington Cruger, Samuel Porter,
H. V. R. Lord, and Samuel Street. The latter taught for
a considerable length of time, and is better remembered
than any of the early teachers by many now living, who
during that period attended the district school. Many
farmers' sons came in and boarded in the village, and at-
tended school during the winter months. Mr. Street was
somewhat severe in his government, but he possessed a
kindly. Christian heart, and always commanded the respect
of his pupils. He was followed by Hiram Bennett, Esq.,
and afterwards, Hiram Hood, John McAlmant, Orson B.
Clark and others taught the school.
In the summer of 1844 the new school-house, west of the
park, was built. Mr. Clark finished his term in this build-
ing, and was succeeded by Mr. Street, who was again em-
ployed as teacher. After him came the following : E. B.
Coon, A. E. Crane, Prof D. Ford, of Alfred, Myron Hurl-
but, of Arkport, N. S. Scott, Horace Bemis, Mr. Merriman,
Redmond D. Stephens, R. R. Rork, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Baker,
Erastus Williams, J. H. Strong, Benton C. Rude, Elizabeth
Bartholomew, Rev. S. D. Booram, H. J. Danforth, A. G.
Harrington, Mr. Murphy, W. T. Dunmore, and D. L. Free-
born.
James Taggart, Asa Upson, and Stephen Coon were
the first school commissioners of the town of [lornellsville.
328
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
elected in 1821. From that time till 18-44 there were 44
different persons elected to the office, and during the same
period there were elected 27 inspectors ; the first of whom
were A. Kennedy, Christopher Hurlbut, and George Hor-
nell, Jr., and the last were J. K. Hale, Hiram Bennett,
and William M. Hawley. In 1843 the Legislature abol-
ished the offices of commissioners and inspectors, and created
that of town superintendents. At the town-meeting of 1844,
Mowry Thacher was elected to the office, being the first
superintendent of common schools in the town of Hornells-
ville. He had previously served ten years as inspector.
The following year Samuel Olin was elected ; then Comfort
E. Baldwin (1846), Samuel Olin (1847), Dr. Baldwin
(1848-51), Daniel McCay (1851-54), H. A. Patterson
(1854), Elon G. Durfey (1855), the last.
In 1856 the Legislature abolished the office of town
superintendent and county superintendent, and provided
for the election of school commissioners in each Assembly
district. The first for this district under the act was Wil-
liam S. Hall. He was succeeded by Rev. Horatio Patten-
gill, whose successors, in the order named, have been R.
Dennis, A. T. Parkhill, Edwin Whiting, W. P. Todd, H.
R. Williams.
PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.
The public schools of the village of Hornellsville, by a
special act of the Legislature, are organized as a graded
school and placed under the control of three trustees as a
board of education, who hold office for three years, one
trustee being elected each year. To the graded school an
academic department, subject to the visitation of the re-
gents, was added, and the first regents' examination was
held in November, 1872.
The buildings now occupied by the schools are as follows:
No. (1) one (Park School), which contains the academic
department, is on Union Street, opposite the park.
The building is a substantial brick structure, two storie.s
high, with no basement, and will comfortably accommodate
750 pupils.
No. 1 (Fifth Ward School) is on South Canisteo Street,
on the south bank of Crosby Creek. It is also a substan-
tial brick structure, two stories high. The building stands
upon a rise of ground, with its main entrance to the east.
It is decidedly the finest school building in the village. It
will comfortably accommodate 1500 pupils.
No. 3 (Sixth Ward School) is situated on East Main
Street. It is also a two-story building, and is the only one
of the ward schools built of wood.
The aggregate value of school property is as follows :
Buildings nnd lots $25,000
Reference library 500
Apparatus 700
Total $26,200
Teachers. — D. L. Freeborn, Superintendent.
Park or Acade.mic School. — D. L. Freeborn, Princi-
pal; Miss W. E. Bray ton, /"/ece/j^ress; Miss Maggie T.
Welch, First Assistant; Miss Laura La Croix, Second
Assistant; No. 6, Miss Mary Reilly ; No. 5, Miss Fannie
Norton ; No. 4, Miss Belle Bronk ; No. 3, Miss Belle Sim-
mons; No. 2, Miss Belle Shelley; No. 1, Miss Nellie Spicer,
Miss Susie Dunavon.
Fifth Ward School. — D. H. Hendershott, Principal ;
Miss Lizzie Graves, Assistant in No. 4 ; No. 3, Miss Alfa
Gays; No. 2, Mi.ss Mary Welch ; No. 1, Miss Vandalia
Varnum, Miss Ada Rockwell.
Sixth Ward School. — Miss Elizabeth Bartholomew,
Principal; No. 3, Miss Eva San tee ; No. 2, Miss Alice
Aldrich; No. 1, Miss Eva C. Stillman.
Broad Street School. — Miss Eugenia Morris.
Board of Education. — Alanson Stephens, Esq., Presi-
dent ; Hiram Bennett, Esq., Secretary ; Dr. J. W. Robin-
son, P. P. Houck.
physicians.*
John S. Jameson, J. W. Robinson, S. E. Shattuck, M.
J. Baker, C. S. Parkhill, S. F. Cridler, C. G. Hubbard,
Samuel Mitchell, H. C. Orcutt, W. E. Hathaway.
lawyers. t
The present lawyers of Hornellsville are Harlo Hakes,
Horace Bemis, James H. Stephens, Jr., William E. Bon-
ham, I. W. Near, C. W. Stephens, H. Holliday, Wm. C.
Bingham, D. L. Benton, Wesley Brown, R. L. Brundage,
John M. Finch, Rodney Dennis. J. E. B. Santee, D. M.
Page, C. F. Beard. Fay P. Rathbun, J. F. Wetmore, W.
W. Oxx, Henry N. Piatt.
the hornell library.
This institution, as well as the building which it occupies,
is a credit to the growing and prosperous village of Hor-
nellsville. It occupies a capacious room in the Shattuck
Opera House, a building which would be an ornament to a
city of 20,000 population. Part of this fine building is
owned by the as.sociation, and affords ample and first-cla.ss
accommodations for the completion of the plan, as to cabi-
nets and collections of art, which the enterprising managers
have in view. The history of this library furnishes an
example of what may be accomplished in the interest of
literature and home culture by the united, energetic action
of a few earnest spirits. In the spring of 1868 seven
young men incorporated the Hornell Library Association.
They had neither money nor books, but they proposed to
get both, and to this end they procured and sustained a
course of lectures, a masquerade or two was indulged in,
festivals were held, and some money thus procured ; more
was secured by the issuing of life certificates. The first
books were bought June 1, 1868. Now Hornell Library
has on its shelves 6000 volumes.
This library was the first village library established in
Western New York, and its remarkable success induced
other villages to follow the example thus set. It has main-
tained since its organization a successful lecture course, and
we find upon its records the names of many of the ablest
lecturers in the country, who have from time to time in-
structed and delighted large and appreciative audiences
under its auspices. During the first four years the average
increase of books was 1000 volumes a year.
The association is composed of 34 persons who own life
certificates. They annually elect nine managers, a president,
vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The first board of
* See Medical Societies, in general history.
t See Bench and Bar of this county, in general history.
-^^^s^-^^^
Du, John S. Jamison was born in the town of Canisteo, Steuben
Co., N. Y., July 25, 1S22. His grandfather, John Jamison, born Dec.
3, 1753, in Durham, Bucks Co., Pa., was of Irish and Scotch descent.
Served through the war for independence as a captain, and while in
command of the garrison at Fort Washington was taken prisoner,
and kept in an old hulk in New York harbor eighteen months. He
settled in Canisteo in the spring of 1790. He was a farmer by occu-
pation, and died March 23, 1826.
His father, John D. Jamison, born in Canisteo, Aug. 10, 1797, was
second in a family of nine children ; was married to Elizabeth Stearns,
July, 1S21, of which union were born four sons and one daughter, of
whom Dr. Jamison is eldest. His father enlisted in the war of 1812;
served only a few days when peace was declared. He was a farmer:
was a member of the Democratic party, and for many years served
the people of his town as magistrate. He died in Canisteo, Dec. 14,
185(1.
Dr. Jamison received his early education at the cumnion school, at
the Clyde Academy, and the academy at Nunda. His health failing
while at the latter school, he was compelled to give up his much-
coveted idea of a graduating course at Union College, and for one
year was a teacher in the common school, and some three years an
instructor in penmanship. By the latter means he paid his way not
only at school, but in his subseq^uent medical studies.
In the year 1847 he began the study of medicine with Dr. D. D.
Davis, of Canisteo ; attended lectures at Buffalo Medical College and
Michigan University, and was graduated M.D. from the latter insti-
tution in April, 1852, and has since been a member of its Alumni
Society. He at once began the practice of medicine in Canisteo, but
after one year came to Hornellsville, where he has remained until the
present time, and during the twenty-five years he has followed his
profession in Hornellsville he has retained the confidence of a large
circle of the citizens of this and adjoining counties.
May 4, 1861, Dr. Jamison entered the service of the array as as-
sistant surgeon at the rendezvous at Elmira, and was subsequently
placed in charge as examining surgeon of the vulunteer force organ-
izing and quartered at that place. In the fall of the same year he
accompanied the 86th New York Volunteers to Washington, as sur-
geon of the regiment, with commission dated Oct. 12, 1861, remaining
there until his regiment was called into active service at the battle
of second Bull Run, where he was a prisoner in the Rebel lines for
eleven days, and under a flag of truce released. Dr. Jamison re-
mained with his regiment during his terra of service of three years,
being often detached as division surgeon, spending nearly two years
of his term of service as such. For his skill and medical ability, by
special order? of S. Williams, A.-^sistflnt Adjutnnt-General, by com-
mand of Major-General Meade, he was appointed on the Board of
Examiners for the purpose of examining medical officers of the army.
For these services he was complimented very highly by the medlciil
director, and especially for the detailed report given of everything
occurring in ihe division which in a remote degree affected the medi-
cal department. Dr. Jamison, by virtue of the order of Major-Gen-
eral Hancock, of April 2, 1804, as Surgeon-in-Chief of Division, was
made a member of the Medical Board for the purpose of examining
all applicants for leave of absence, discharge, or transfer to the Vet-
eran Reserve Corps, by reason of physical disability.
On account of bis large operative experience and skillful treatment
of cases as surgeon-in-chief of a division of the 3d Army Corj)S
Dr. Jamison, in June, 1806, was requested by George A. Otis, Surgeon
and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel United States Volunteers, to contribute
to bis office reports of his operations and interesting cases during
the war.
Upon the expiration of his term of service he returned home and
resumed the practice of his profession, which he still continues. In
1873 he was appointed United States Pension Examiner at Hornells-
ville, which position he still retains.
Dr. Jamison has never taken an active part in politics, but has
always been interested in the questions affecting any change in our
nation's history. In the year 1845, May 26, he married Lavinia,
daughter of Abijah Newman, of Schuyler Co., N. Y. They have an
only son, Luman Catlin Jamison.
Dr. S. E. Shattuck was born in'the village of
Branchport, Yates Co., N. Y., May 27, 1829. He
was second in a family of four children, the others'
names being Darwin and Sarah (Mrs. John Town-
send), of Sewell, and Rebecca (Up Degraff ) Shattuck,
the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter a
native of Philadelphia, Pa.
His father M'as a farmer the greater part of his life,
and died at the age of seventy-eight. His mother
died at the age of seventy-six.
Dr. Shattuck received his preliminary education
at the common schools at home, and at the Franklin
Academy at Prattsburgh, followed by a few terms
in teaching. At the age of twenty he began the study
of medicine with Dr. D. N. Newton, of Towanda,
Pa., with whom he continued one year, followed by
a course of study of some three years with Dr. E.
Doubleday, of Yates Co., N. Y. He was for three
terms a student at the Geneva Medical College and
Buffalo University, and was graduated M.D. from
the former institution in June, 1851.
The same year (October), he came to Hornellsville,
and began the practice of medicine, at which place he
has since remained continuously in the practice of his
profession.^ He is now a physician of some twenty-
seven years' standing, a greater number than any
other now a resident of the village of Hornellsville.
Unassisted pecuniarily in early life. Dr. Shattuck
has, by self-exertion, and that integrity of purpose
characteristic of his professional and business career,
received not only the confidence of the citizens as a
practitioner, but has, by sagacity in ])usiness relations,
accumulated a fine property. As a result of his in-
dustry, may be seen on Broad Street, Hornellsville,
one of the finest blocks in Steuben County.
He has not been actively connected in political
circles, but ever interested in the questions affecting
local and national good. He was first identified with
the Whig party, and upon the formation of the Re-
publican party became a supporter of its principles.
He has never sought political emolument or the pub-
licity that office brings, yet in local matters has been
once chosen as jjresident of the village of Hornells-
ville, and in the spring of 1878 was elected super-
visor of the town on the Greenback ticket.
In July, 1851, he married Harriet, daughter
of John B. Hinman, of Bradford Co., Pa. They
have living an only daughter, Hattie.
Ja.TYoM,
Dr. Luman a. Ward was born in the town of Scipio,
Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 18, 1809. He was eldest son of
James Ward, who was a fiirmer by occupation ; resided
most of his life in Cayuga and Allegany Counties, and died
in the latter county, town of Almond, at about the age of
fifty.
Dr. Ward had limited opportunities for an education
from books, and spent his minority with his father on the
farm. At the age of twenty-four, in the year 1833, he
married Hannah Maria, daughter of Peter Earll, of Lysan-
der, Onondaga Co., N. Y., a lady of culture and rare excel-
lence, and descended from one of the old flimilies of this
State.
At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Ward began tlic study of
medicine with Dr. Davis, of Dansville, Livingston Co.,
N. Y., and after the regular course of study entered the
Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which
he was graduated M.D., Feb. 27, 1839.
Previous to settling in Hornellsville in 1840, Dr. Ward
had practiced medicine at Dansville with his tutor, Dr.
Davis, and for some nine years previous to entering college
had begun practice in Hornellsville, where he met strong
opposition by the profession of the old school. His new
theory of medicine soon won its way into favor with the
citizens of the village and vicinity, and by his undaunted
perseverance and I'esolution be demonstrated, many years
prior to his death, its efficiency and merited place in the
records of medical history. For twenty-eight years he was
a practicing physician in the village and this section of the
country, and was really the pioneer of that theory of med-
icine, which has come to be regarded of great value by
the community at large, and by many of the learned of the
present day.
Dr. Ward was very much interested in questions of local
and national importance, and was associated with the leaders
of the Democratic party of the State. He identified him-
self with the Democratic party during the days of Andrew
Jackson, for whom he cast his first vote for President of the
United States, and ever remained an unswerving supporter
of that party's principles. He was for seven years post-
master at Hornellsville by appointment of President Pierce,
and although always assisting others, and a strong advocate
of what he conceived to be right, he never seemed solicitous
of any political emolument for himself
Characteristic of Dr. Ward were his attachment to friends
and support of conceded principles, his unqualified disap-
proval of dishonesty, his strong opposition to those who
differed with him in action or theory, his integrity in all
bis business relations, and especially for his social and genial
qualities at home. He died Aug. 3, 1872, having spent a
life of most active labor and untiring efibrt.
His children were throe sons and two daughters, of whom
only one daughter, Sarah A. (Mrs. Ebenezer Ellis\ of
Hornellsville, survives.
^./z^
KuFUS TuTTLE Was born at Woodbur}', Conn., April 2,
1806. He was a lineal descendant of Nathaniel Tattle, who
(according to Cothran's History of Woodbury, Conn.) settled
in that town in 1G80, and died August, 1721. The emigrant was
William Tattle, who came from England, landed at Boston,
1C35, and moved to New Haven, Conn., 1639. He was the
eldest of two sons and three daughters of Thaddeus and
Susannah (Booth) Tuttle, both natives of the same place as
himself.
His father was a farmer by occupation, and died in the year
1815. The mother and children, left without much means of
support, met their lot with a will that succeeds, "the boys"
doing all they could for the support of the family. The
children, by necessity, had no opportunity for education from
books, yet through the kindness of their minister, an Episco-
palian clergyman, learned the rudiments of an English edu-
cation.
At the age of twenty ho started into basine.ss for himself
without capital, except willing hands to do whatever would
turn an honest penny.
On borrowed capital he started as a peddler, which he
continued for a few years, when upon going into the State of
Pennsylvania the lumbering business opened to his view, and
he began rafting lumber down the Delaware to Philadelphia
and other markets. After about eight years in this business,
by a very heavy freshet he unfortunately lost his entire stock
of lumber, valued at several thousand dollars, and was again
financially where he began years before, except he had gained
much experience.
With undaunted perseverance, and fixed resolve to succeed
(not uncommon with young men of his day), he then started
as a drj'-goods peddler along the southern tier counties of New
York, where, by strict attention to business, he accumulated
sufficient means, so that at the end of two years he was enabled
to start business for himself, which he did in 1837 as a drj'-
goods merchant at Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y. There he
remained for three years, when, on account of the death of
his brother in Harford, Pa., he disposed of his business in
Almond, and took charge of and settled the quite extensive
mercantile business of his deceased brother. In October, 1842,
he came to Hornellsville, where he purchased some real estate,
and for several years gave his attention to its improvement,
and erected several substantial residences thereon. In this
business, and as a private broker, he was engaged until his
death, Oct. 28, 1874.
Mr. Tuttle was a man of correct habits, plain and un-
assuming, temperate, industrious, and possessed of strict in-
tegrity in all his business relations. In his earlier life he was
a member of the Democratic party, but soon after the fornui-
tion of the Republican party became a supporter of its princi-
ples, and was strongly attached to the Union cause during the
war of the Rebellion.
He was married Dec. 1, 1831, to Ann Lester, of Mount
Pleasant, Wayne Co., Pa. His wife only survived her mar-
riage one year, leaving a son, Rufus W., who died at the age of
twenty-eight, at Shoals, Martin Co., Ind., where he had been
engaged in civil engineering on the line of the Ohio and
Mississippi Railroad.
For his second wife he married, Jan. 23, 1837, Millinda,
daughter of Col. Harry Mumford, of Mount Pleasant, Pa
She was born March 18, 1815. Their children are Russell M.
and Carrie, who both reside at Hornellsville. The son, Uussell
M. Tuttle, received a collegiate education, graduating from the
University of Rochester in 18C2. A few weeks subsequently
(Aug. 13), he enlisted in the 107th Regiment New York Vol-
unteers. He was appointed 1st sergeant, and promoted (Janu-
ary, 1863) to 2d lieutenant, and (July, 1864) to 1st lieutenant.
He was brevetted captain United States Volunteers March 13,
1865. He served as Assistant Adjutant-General on staff of
Gen. T. H. Ruger, and as Topographical Engineer on staff of
Gen. W. T. Ward, in 20th Army Corps. Mr. Tuttle com-
menced the publication of the Canisteo Valley Times at Hor-
nellsville, N. v., in 1867, of which he is still one of the editors
and publishers.
^ ..i
/!
/
-^L<1^^U:>^
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
329
managers consisted of the following-named persons : I. W.
Near, S. M. Thacher, N. P. T. Finch, Miles W. Hawley,
J. W. Shelley, Stephen F. Gilbert, E. J. Johnson ; Charles
Adsit, President ; John M. Finch, Vice-Fi-esideat ; N. M.
Crane, Treasurer.
By a special act passed in 1869 all the moneys received
from licenses and fines for the violation of the excise laws
were devoted to the purchase of books for the library.
These amounted at first to a sum of from $1000 to $1500
a year. The income from this source, however, was by a
subsequent amendment limited to a sum not to exceed
$500 per annum, and this has since been applied to the
purchase of books.
The following are the officers of the association for 1878 :
Cass Richardson, President; J. E. B. Santee, Vice-Presi-
dent; L. T. Charles, Secretary; C. H. Young, Treasurer.
Managers. — II. M. Tuttlo, Chairman ; Cass Richard-
son, C. G. Hubbard, F. M. Sheldon, F. M. Kreidler, F. F.
Finch, H. E. Buvinger, F. M. Cronkrite, W. H. Johnson.
BANK.S.
FIRST N.4^TI0NAL BANK OF HORNELLSVILLE.
The association of this bank was organized in November,
1863, by Martin Adsit, of Hornellsville, Ira Davenport,
Constant Cook, Ira Davenport, Jr., and Henry H. Cook,
of Bath, N. Y., who were the first board of directors, and
held all of the stock. The bank commenced business May
1, 1864, in a small wooden building on the corner of Main
and Canisteo Streets, with a paid-up capital of $50,000,
and with liberty to increase it to $200,000. The first
officers were
Ira Davenport, President.
Martin Adsit, Cashier.
First Board of Directors. — Ira Davenport, Constant
Cook, Martin Adsit, Henry H. Cook, and Ira Davenport, Jr.
On the 26th of June, 1865, Ira Davenport resigned the
presidency, and Martin Ad.sit was appointed in his place,
and Charles Adsit was appointed cashier. On the death
of Ira Davenport, in 1869, John Davenport became a
stockholder and director, and the same relation was assumed
by Charles Adsit on the death of Constant Cook. In May,
1875, the capital stock was increased to $100,000, and all
paid in. In 1870 the bank erected a new and substantial
brick banking-house, No. 117 Main Street, and removed to
the elegant quarters which they now occupy Jan. 1, 1871.
The banking-room is well and conveniently arranged, with
first-class vault, time-lock, etc.
The present officers are as follows :
Martin Adsit, President.
Charles Adsit, Cashier.
Martin Adsit.
John Davenport.
directors.
Charles Adsit.
Ira Davenport, Jr.
Henry H. Cook.
Martin Adsit, the president of this bank, was born in
Columbia Co., N. Y., in December, 1812, and removed to
Hornellsville at the age of fourteen, in December, 1826.
42
The village at that time consisted of twenty-five houses and
a grist- and saw-mill. Mr. Adsit entered the store of his
uncle, the late Colonel Ira Davenport, of Bath, then the
only merchant in Hornellsville, as clerk, and remained in
that situation until he commenced mercantile business for
himself in Hornellsville, in the year 1833. He has ever
since continued in the business, in addition to his banking
interest. The mercantile firm is at present Martin Adsit
& Son, the latter being John 0. Adsit.
bank of hornellsville.
Capital, $50,000.
President. — F. G. Babcock.
Vice-President. — W. G. Rose.
Cashier. — -W. H. Johnson.
Assistant Cashier. — F. H. Furman.
directors.
F. G. Babcock, W. G. Rose, Chas. S. Clark, D. D.
Babcock, W. H. Johnson, A. Hubbard, D. K. Belknap.
N. M. crane & CO.'S BANK.
President. — N. M. Crane.
Cashier. — S. H. Crane.
Teller.— Charha Crandall.
BANDS.
Hornellsville has two excellent brass bands, — the P. G.
Babcock Hook-and-Ladder, No. 4, William Snow, leader,
and the Ilornell Union Cornet Band, Prof R B. Perkins,
leader.
CHURCHES.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HORNELLSVILLE,
consisting of 28 original members, was organized on the
10th of July, 1832. Chauncey B. Smith and Mowry
Thacher were ordained elders, and have continued to
officiate in that capacity till the present time. Of the
original members these two elders, Mrs. Harriet Bostwick
and Mrs. Hannah Thacher, are the only ones who survive.
The first church edifice was erected in 1834, and was a
building 39 by 49 feet in dimensions. In 1862 it was
enlarged, the side galleries being removed and the audi-
ence-room extended 20 feet ; at the same time its lecture-
room and parlors were built. In 1871 its central tower
was removed, a new front erected, and an organ pur-
chased. In 1875 a third enlargement was made whereby
45 additional seats were secured, so that the church is now
capable of seating 650 persons comfortably. The present
membership is 329.
A union Sunday-school was organized by George Hor-
nell, Jr., in 1820, and was maintained during the summer
months only until Elder C. B. Smith became superintend-
ent, in 1829, after which it continued both summer and
winter. On the erection of churches of different denom-
inations, the school was divided. Elder Smith continuing
to have charge of the Presbyterian division till 1841. He
has since that time remained in the school as teacher. The
present Sunday-school has an enrolled membership of more
than 500 officers, teachers, and scholars.
Clergymen. — The following have served the church for
330
HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the years set opposite their names: George P. King, 1832-
33; Moses Hunter, 1834-35; Benjamin Russel, 1837-38;
J. W. Hopkins (first pastor), 1839-41; C. B. Smyth,
1841-42; E. S. Pecii, 1842-43; F. M. Hodgman, 1843-
45 ; Foster Lilly, 1845-48; H. Pattengill (second pastor),
1849-57 ; F. W. Graves, 1857-58; Ira O. Belong, 1859-
60; Milton Waldo, 1861-71; W. A. Niles (third pastor),
1872, and still continues.
Elders. — C. B. Smith, Mowry Thacher, N. C. Lockwood,
Nathan Piatt, T. Scott Thacher.
The annual meeting of the Young People's Christian
Association occure on the evening of the first Sunday of
September. The Free Reading-Room, in the Babcock
Building, is open daily, except Sundays, from eight o'clock
A.M. to ten o'clock p.m.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP HORNELLSVILLE
was organized in 1830. Their meetings were at first held
in private residences, and then in the school-house till their
church edifice was erected.
The ministers who have served this church are as follows :
Rev. Asa Story, 1830 ; W. D. Gage, 1835 ; Robert Par-
ker, Nelson Hoag, 1837 ; Ira Bronson, Nelson Hoag, 1838 ;
Samuel Church, 1839; D. B. Lawton, 1840; V. Brow-
nell, 1841 ; Philo Tower, 1842 ; W. E. Prindar, 1843 ;
Sheldon Doolittle, 1844-45 ; W. E. Prindar, 1846 ; John
Knapp, John Spink, 1847-48 ; Carlos Gould, 1849 ; S. B.
Roouey, 1850; James W. Wilson, 1851; A. S. Baker,
1852 ; James Asthworth, 1853 ; N. A. De Puy, 1854-55 ;
H. N. Seaver, 1856; W. C. Huntington, 1857-58; J. R.
Jacques, 1859-60 ; J. Walters, J. B. Knott, 1861 ; E. P.
Huntington, 1862-63; Chas. M. Gardner, 1863-66; C.
P. Hart, 1867 ; Thomas Stacy, 1868-70 ; W. C. Mattison,
1870-71 ; E. Wildman, 1872; C. C. Wilburn, 1872-73;
K. P Jervis, 1874-76 ; L. A. Stevens, 1877.
The Y. P. C. A. meets on the first Thursday evening in
each month.
Christ's eplscopal church of hornellsville
was organized into a regular parish on the 6th of March,
1854. Rev. James Robinson was the first rector. The war-
dens and vestrymen were as follows : Aaron Morris, Charles
L. Prindle, wardens ; Martin Adsit, William H. Chandler,
Peter C. Ward, Charles Strawn, George Hackett, T. J. Mc-
Gee, Thomas Snell, N. M. Crane, vestrymen.
Rev. Mr. Robinson resigned, and on the 1st of January,
1859, Rev. Floyd Windsor became the rector. Services
were held in Washington Hall till the winter or early
spring of 1860, when the building was destroyed by fire.
The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid in May,
1860, and was opened for public service on Christmas-day
of that year. Services have been held in it ever since by
Mr. Windsor, who has been rector for twenty years. At
the laying of the corner-stone the rector was assisted in the
ceremonies by Rev. Lewis Thebon and Rev. Robert Har-
wood, of Angelica, and Rev. Horatio Pattingill, D.D., then
pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Hornellsville. Hon.
William M. Hawley also delivered an address. The mem-
bership has increased from 38 to 170, who are now in com-
munion with the church. The Sunday-school, which for
many years was under the superintendency of James W.
Burnham, numbers 140 scholars, 16 teachers, 2 librarians.
Dow L. Sharp, Stipermte.ndent.
L. T. Charles, Secretary.
M'ardens. — John Badger, Martin Adsit.
Vestrymen. — J. W. Burnham, Harlow Hakes, F. M.
Sheldon, James Burns, Charles Strawn, E. T. Young, E.
H. Badger.
J. S. Jamison, Clerk.
The Ladies' Parish Aid Society holds weekly meetings
in the rectory.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HORNELLSVILLE
was organized on the 17th of October, 1852. The mem-
bership at that time consisted of 15 persons, — 8 gentlemen
and 7 ladies. Rev. Thomas S. Sheardown was pastor.
During his pastorate of one year thirty were added by
letter, baptism, etc. Their place of meeting was in Union
hall, the third story of a brick block, opposite the Presby-
terian church. Nov. 12, 1854, William Luke was called,
and was ordained in December following. He closed his
labors April 29, 1855, and the church was without a pas-
tor till Jan. 7, 1856, when Rev. Henry A. Rose was
called and remained till March 22, 1859. During his pas-
torate the first meeting-house was built, — a substantial brick
structure. From Aug. 2, 1859, to July 1, 1861, Rev. John
B. Pittman was pastor. His successors were Rev. Jacob
Gray, 1861-63 ; Rev. A. G. Bowles, 1863 ; Rev. Isaac C.
Seeley, 1864-67 ; Rev. Joel Hendrick, 1867-72. On the
1st of November, 1872, Rev. D. Van Alstin, D.D., suc-
ceeded Mr. Hendrick, and is the present pastor.
The early membership of this church was made up
almost wholly of new-comers to the place, — persons who
had not made their fortunes, but were in search of them.
They were thoroughly, united, willing to work, and they
accomplished much. The money for the purcha.se of the
lot was furnished on liberal terms by members of the Bap-
tist Church of Elmira. The largest number added to the
church by baptism during any one pastorate was when Mr.
Hendrick was pastor, — 73 being baptized and 140 added
by letter, experience, and baptism.
The following who were pastors are now dead : T. S.
Sheardown, William Luke, A. G. Bowles, I. C. Seeley.
During the year 1873 the church edifice was rebuilt and
enlarged at an expense of about $8000. It is now a com-
modious and substantial house of worship.
The church has enjoyed repeated revivals of religion,
and the present membership is 234. Present oflScers :
Rev. D. Van Alstine, D.D., Pastor.
Deacons. — J. S. Haskins, A. Brown, D. B. Merriman
George Lewis.
Clerk.— 0. S. Palmer.
Superintendent of Sunday-School. — A. S. Van Winkle.
Trustees. — C. Hartshorn, J. S. Haskins, A. Brown, J.
Lanphear, 0. S. Palmer, S. H. Merriman, J. W. Nichol-
son, E. M. Le Munyan.
ST. Ann's (catholic) church, hornellsville.
In 1843, Father Benedict Bayer came here from Roches-
ter, and said mass at Thomas Doorley's, at Webb's Crossing.
I
Chas. N.Hart.
CHARLES N. HART, ESQ.,
was born in Stillwater, Saratoga County, N. Y., Nov. 18, 1803. In
the year 1826 he came with his wife, Eliza Allen, to whom he had
been married May 1, 1824, and settled in that part of Hornellsville
known as Hartsville, and purchased the farm which still remains
in the hands of the family. At an early day he gave his attention
to lumbering, and was the first to send lumber from this place direct
to the Albany market. Soon after his settlement a new town was
formed, which by petition of the citizens to the county board was
named Hartsville, in honor of their much respected citizen. Mr.
Hart was the first supervisor of that town, and served the commu-
nity for years as postmaster and magistrate. He was one of a few
of his day who succeeded in the manufacturing and purchasing of
lumber. It was then so thoroughly impressed upon the minds of
the people that no one could succeed in this busine.ss, that at one
time when Mr. Hart had not the money to purchase a few articles
that he wanted, he asked the late Ira Davenport to give him a few
days' credit, when Mr. Davenport immediately replied, " No sir I
No man can succeed who runs a saw-mill." In the year 1847 he
removed to this village, having purchased the fine property now
occupied by his sons on Main Street, and for the last few years
prior to his death was engaged with his sons in the care of his
farm, and in the purchase and sale of cattle for the market. His
finest property was a farm of some five hundred acres, situated
about two miles south of the village, which he used for raising
stock and hay, often cutting from three to five hundred tons, most
of which he sold here to go to an eastern or southern market.
It may here be mentioned that Mr. Hart brought into the Can-
isteo Valley the first mowing machine in use here. He was a man
of remarkable business abilities, characterized especially for per-
sistent industry, energy, and sagacity. He met with a full measure
of success. He enjoyed always the fullest confidence of his neigh-
bors, the broadest trust of all with whom he had business relations,
the esteem of the public, and the warmest love of his more imme-
diate relatives. He was a man of strong convictions, impatient of
sham, despising pretension, and always sternly resisted whatever
he considered a public wrong, or an individual imposition. He
was a friend of temperance, a liberal supporter of religion, and
kind and helpful to the deserving. Mr. Hart was not much given
to office seeking, was identified originally with the old Whig party,
and a member of the Republican party since its formation. He
died Nov. 7, 1873. Mrs. Hart died Aug. 24, 1877. She was a
native of Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. United with the Pres-
byterian Church in 1850, of which she remained a most active and
consistent member. During the war she was one of the most active
who took a part in procuring and forwarding supplies to our sick
and disabled soldiers, and in cases of distress was never appealed
to in vain. In her last days she took a deep interest in the temper-
ance movement. Their children are two sons, Reuben and Henry,
business men of Hornellsville ; Mrs. Charles Hartshorn, Mrs.
Martin A. Tuttle, and Mrs. Sfcott Thatcher, of Hornellsville; Mrs.
Daniel Reed, of Hartsville ; and Mrs. W. H. Bloomingdale, of
Albany.
■^ 0m m.
George W. Terry was born in the town of Pulteney,
this county, Sept. 24, 1824. His father, Remus Terry,
was a native of Dutcliess Co., N. Y. ; was married to
Temperance Sherwood, a native of Orange County. Her
parents were natives of and resided many years on
Long Island.
In 1816 his father settled in the town of Pulteney, and
in 1828 removed to the town of Italy, Yates Co., where
the family remained for four years, and the father re-
moved to the State of Indiana, where he died, in 1875, at
the age of seventy-eight. His mother for many years
resided with and was cared for by her son, and died at
his residence in Hornellsville, May, 1876, aged seventy-
six.
His maternal grandfather, James Sherwood, was a
soldier of the war for independence, and also of the war
of 1812; having entered the war of 1776 at the age of
fourteen to take the place of his father, and with his
brother who was killed.
Mr. Terry had a brother Remus and a sister Louisa.
At the age of four years he went to live with his Grand-
father Sherwood in Pulteney, where he remained until
the age of fourteen, when he went into the busy world
for himself, and unassisted, pecuniarily, during the re-
mainder of his minority laid the foundation for a suc-
cessful business career. From that age until he was
twenty he followed the business of a butcher and dealer
in stock. In 1844 he married Henrietta Trenchard, of
the town of Wheeler, who was born August, 1823. For
nine years he was a farmer in the towns of Prattsburgli
and Wheeler. In lsr);j he removed to Hornellsville,
where he purchased .litogether some six hundred acres
of land adjoining the village, thirty acres of which now
forms a part of the village of Hornellsville, lying on
both the east and west side of the Canisteo River.
Mr. Terry has spent the most of his life as a farmer;
but during the last six years, besides his farming and
real estate interests, has carried on milling and lumber
business. He is ranked among the thrifty, enterprising
men of Steuben County, possessed of a business ability
often found among men who carve out their own
fortune.
He has been somewhat actively identified with the
Democratic party, and for three years was one of the
assessors of the town. His wife died in 1870, leaving
four children, — George, in business with his father, Mrs.
Albert E. Hicks, Delia, and Jessie.
For his second wife he married Mrs. Luciuda Tren-
chard, daughter of James I. Maxfield, of Wheeler. She
was born in 1838. Their children are Henry and Cora.
TOWN OF HORN ELLS VILLE.
331
On that day he baptized 14 children. Three months later
he came again, and said mass in Judge Thurher's old brick
building. In three months he officiated again in the old
school-house, where the brick school-house now stands.
In 1844, Father McAvoy came and paid a visit once in
three months, and continued his labors about five years.
In 1849, Rev. Michael O'Brien came, and built a little
brick church, 30 by 40, on Cross Street, by the railroad.
The brick work was done by Adam Hill, and the carpenter
work by William Mahar. Father O'Brien remained about
two years, and was followed by Rev. Father McCabe, for
sis months, and he by Rev. Daniel Moor, about two years,
and after him Father McGlew, about two years. The
next was Father Keenan, who remained eight years and
doubled the size of the church by an addition. Then
came Fathers Lawton and Gregg, remaining one year, and
was followed by Father Story, one year. Father Creedan
built the new church, situated on the corner of Elm Street
and Erie Avenue, and the convent and school-house on the
opposite corner. The church is a brick building, 110 by
t)0 feet, with priests' residence attached. There are 13
Sisters of St. Joseph, who are teachers in the school. They
were brought here by Rev. William J. McNab, who en-
larged the school-house to twice its original .size. The
school prior to that had been supported by the town as part
of the common-school system.
When the first priest came, in 1843, his parish extended
from Friendship to Corning, and from Rochester to the
Pennsylvania line. Cornelius Carroll, now living in Hor-
nellsville, before there was any visiting priest here, went to
Rochester to get his three children baptized. He went by
wagon to Danville, and down to Rochester by canal, and
was over a week in performing the journey.*
MASONIC.
EVENING STAR LODGE, NO. 44.
From partial records, and the recollection of old mem-
bers, we gather the following items respecting this old
lodge :
The lodge was organized in Canisteo some time before
1814. The first entry in the record (which has evidently
lost some of its preceding leaves) is dated Jan. 17, 1814,
at which time " Evening Star Lodge met for installation,
and installed by brethren of Ageteen Lodge, Joel Redfield,
Wonshipful Master ; William Higgins, Past Master ; John
Ayers, Past Senior Warden. Brethren present, Andrew
Simpson, W. M., Timothy Perry, S. W., John Stephens,
J. W., James Jones, Nathaniel Thacher, William MulhoUen.
Visiting brethren, Andrew Morris, Uriah Stephens, Wil-
liam Hyde, Samuel 0. Thacher, Elias Perry, Samuel Lenox,
and Samuel Darby. Extra lodge called, William Stephens'
petition, and deposit paid ; John R. Stephen.s' petition, and
deposit paid ; William B. Jones' petition, and deposit paid ;
Timothy Russell's petition, and deposit paid. William
Stephens balloted for and accepted. John Stephens bal-
loted for and accepted. William Stephens initiated, John
R. Stephens initiated, William B. Jones initiated. The
lodge closed in harmony."
* Items furnished by Johq Cameroq, Hgrnellsville.
At the next monthly meeting a committee was appointed
" to form a code and by-laws," and were instructed " to re-
port of the lodge on the next regular lodge night."
The lodge appears to have been financially prosperous.
In the minutes of the September meeting, 1814, "one
hundred dollars and fifty cents " are reported in the treasury,
and the yearly dues twelve shillings. The usual fee accom-
panying application for admission seems to have been $4,
but we find this minute, " Samuel Head paid $8 for first
degree." Also, " George Hornell's petition and deposit
received." '• Voted that Brother Barnard have $10 from
the funds of this lodge for the use of Brother and
family." And that "all the money paid into the lodge be
kept for the use of the lodge." " Voted that a box be pre-
pared, and all the money put into the same, and the treas-
urer keep the key."
Dec. 23, 1814, Andrew Simpson was again chosen Master;
John Stephens, S. W. ; John Stephens (No. 2), J. W. ;
Uriah Stephens, S. D. ; Elijah Stephens, J. D. Twenty-
four members present at this election. " Voted that the
next stated lodge be held at the house of W. MulhoUen."
" Voted that the steward furnish the lodge with the neces-
sary refreshments."
The records then skip to " Feb., 1817," when the lodge
is duly chartered by Dc Witt Clinton, Grand Master. Rev.
Andrew Simpson is still Master; William MulhoUen Sec-
retary. Dec. 18, 1817, William Stephens was elected
Master. The following year Elijah Andrew was engaged
" to instruct twice a week for three months for $18, and a
committee was appointed " to procure a suitable room in
Upper Canisteo, near Hornell's, to hold Evening Star
Lodge."
November, 1848. — " Resolved that Evening Star Lodge '
be removed to the house of Peter Reynolds, a few rods from
Davenport's." We have it from some of the old Masons at
Canisteo that Evening Star Lodge was moved to Almond
before it went to Hornellsville, to make room for the
chartering of another lodge, and that Morning Star Lodge,
No. 421 (now Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, of Canisteo),
was soon after chartered. Of the old Evening Star Lodge,
Andrew Simpson was the first Master, and traversed the
forest twelve miles from his home in Jasper, for about four
years, to be present at every meeting of the lodge.
The lodges in Hornellsville and Canisteo were the only
ones in the country which maintained their charter during
the Morgan excitement. The anti-Masonic spirit was par-
ticularly virulent in Hornellsville at that time, and some
anti-Masons threw the archives out of the window of the
lodge. Col. John R. Stephens, a prominent Mason at that
time, happening to be passing along the street, picked them
up and preserved them. Col. Stephens, Maj. Thomas Ben-
nett, and Bazy Baker met under Maj. Bennett's sign-post in
Hornellsville for several years, and made their returns to
the Grand Lodge, thus preserving their charter intact.
After meeting at Peter Reynolds' as above stated, the
lodge made several other removes, each time for the better.
Once, while occupying a building where Harry Johnson's
house now stands, they were burned out, losing everything
but the books, which were saved with risk by the late Hon.
Miles W. Hawley, who was then secretary.
332
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
This lodge at one time bore the number 259, but was
changed to No. 44 upon the reorganization of Masonry in
the State, about 1840. Througli all its vicis.situdes and
changes it has maintained an existence, and now numbers
100 members.
W. W. Howell, M. ; W. Brigden, Sec.
There are in Hornellsville other Masonic lodges, as
follows :
DE MOLAT COMMANDERY, NO. 22.
Meets every first and third Thursday in each month.
A. G. Howard, Sec. ; H. D. Leach, E. C.
STEUBEN CHAPTER, 101.
Second and fourth Thursday in each month.
A.CG. Howard, Sec. ; L. S. Boardman, M. E. H. P.
HORNELLSVILLE LODGE, 331.
First and third Tuesdays in each month.
A. G. Howard, Sec. ; G. W. Griswold, M.
ETENING STAR LODGE, 44.
Second and fourth Tuesday in each month.
W. Brigden, Sec. ; W. W. Howell, M.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.
OASIS LODGE, 251.
Meets every Monday evening at Odd-Fellows' Hall,
corner Main and Church Streets.
MANUFACTURES.
Hornellsville Tannery, William O'Connor, proprie-
tor.— The large steam tannery of Mr. O'Conner was estab-
lished in 1864. It is exclusively employed in the manu-
fiicture of rough leather, of which 50,000 sides a year are
tanned, giving employment to about 20 hands. The orig-
inal part of the building was the old tannery built by Andy
L. Smith, which has been enlarged, thoroughly repaired,
and adapted to the extensive business carried on by the
present proprietor.
Mr. O'Conner, from early boyhood, resided in Hartsville.
He learned his trade in Le Roy, Genesee Co., and since his
residence in Hornellsville has been closely identified with
the business interests of the place.
The Furniture-Manufactory of Messrs. Deutsch,
Tschachtli & Co. constitutes one of the leading manufac-
turing interests of the village. In 1871 this firm pur-
chased the building at the foot of Main Street, erected for
a sash- and blind-factory by Mr. James Barclay, and con-
verted it into a large steam cabinet- and furniture-factory,
putting in a new 80 horse-power engine in 1873. They
liave two stores and a varnishing-room near the factory, but
their principal warehouse is in the Canisteo Block, half of
which is owned by the firm. They make all varieties of
plain and the best upholstered furniture, their upholster-
ing being all done at home in their own shops. They
do a large business, and give employment to about 50
workmen.
The Boot- and Shoe-Manufactory of William Rich-
ardson & Co. was established Jan. 1, 1872, the fine brick
building occupied by the firm having been erected by them
in the fall of 1871. This building is four stories besides
basement, and constructed with special reference to con-
venience for the large manufacture of boots and shoes
carried on by the firm.
Mr. Richardson belongs to a family noted for their enter-
prise in this business, his brother having one of the largest
shoe-factories in the State, at Elmira. Previous to locating
their business in this village, the Messrs. Richardson had
been engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes at Al-
mond, Allegany Co., where their father had established the
business in 1845. The members of this enterprising firm
are William and Cass Richardson (half-brothersj. They
have another factory at Andover, Allegany Co., and a tan-
nery connected with it. The business of their factory in
this village amounts to 150 cases of boots and 15 to 20
cases of shoes per week, and they employ 150 hands.
McCoNNELL & Co., Planing-Mills, Dealers in Lumber,
and Manufacturers of Doors, Sash, Blinds, Mouldings,
Pickets, etc. — This is a steam-power establishment, employ-
ing some 50 to 60 hands, and doing a large and successful
business. It was first established by Morris Smith about
1855. In the spring of 1867, Asa McConnell purchased
the premises, which have since been enlarged more than
four times their original capacity, and improved by the ad-
dition of all kinds of modern machinery adapted to the
business carried on. They dress and manufacture into
their various products about 4,000,000 feet of lumber per
annum. The interest of Mr. Asa McConnell was purchased
by his son, Floyd T. McConnell, in 1877, who has now
associated with him his brothers, Benton and Philo F.
McConnell, under the firm-name of McConnell & Co.
Mr. Asa McConnell is one of the oldest settlers now liv-
ing in Steuben County.
George W. Terry's Flouring-Mill was built in 185G by
George and James Alley and William Bennett. In 1872,
Mr. Terry bought the property. This mill has a capacity
of 200 barrels per day, merchant and custom flour.
Rawson & Thacher are the proprietors of a large Foun-
dry and Machine-Shops.
HOM(EOPATHY IN HORNELLSVILLE.
Homoeopathy met with strong opposition in the western
part of the county during the early years of its history,
and consequently its earlier advocates met with indifferent
success. The first employment of homoeopathic remedies
in the treatment of the sick in Hornellsville was by Mrs.
0. Sheldon, who came from Madison County in the year
1851, where she had been in active practice for some time,
and to her belongs the honor of the introduction of homoe-
opathy in this vicinity.
By her clear perception of disease and successful admin-
istration of remedies she secured a large circle of patrons
and friends, doing much to overcome the prejudice existing
against the system, and paving the way for its future suc-
cess. For more than twenty years, and until homoeopathy
was well established, she held a good practice, and retired
only by reason of declining years.
The next pioneer was Dr. Gray, who settled here about
the year 1852, but remained only a short time. He was
r^*^, "^ ' '
el/ }^ci^2i7t
'tenfLy
CHAELES HARTSHORN
was born in Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1815. His
father, Jacob Hartaborn, was a native of Litchfield, Conn., bom
Oct. 27, 1777, and removed to Madison County while a young
man, about 1803, in which year, August 28, he married Jeru-
sha Ransom, a native of Colchester, Conn., who was born July
15, 1779.
He resided on the farm, where he was one of the pioneer
settlers of the town, until his death in 1850. His main occu-
pation was farming, although, through his interest in the great
political questions of his time, he was promiaentiy identified in
politics, and gained cousiderable distinction as an advocate in
justices' courts under the name of " Pettifogger."
His children were Philander (deceased), Mary (Mrs. David
Madale, deceased), Jane (Mrs. Orson Shelden, of Hornellsville),
Dr. John R. (deceased), Charles, Minerva (Mrs. Bigelow
Packer, deceased), Adelia (Mrs. Luke G. Maxson, Hornells-
ville), and Ira D. (of Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y.). The
mother of these children died in 1855.
Mr. Charles Hartshorn spent his minority on the farm of his
father, and received the advantages only of the common schools
of his day for obtaining education from books, but his subse-
quent history has ftdly developed his early business ability and
sagacity.
His time from thirteen to fifteen years he spent with
his eldest brother, who was then a merchant at Hornellsville,
and at the age of twenty-three he came to the then small village
of about seventy houses and three hundred and fifty inhabitants
to take up his residence, and purchased a one-third interest in
his brother's farm of two hundred and forty-four acres (including
a portion of the present site of Hornellsville), a grist-mill, and
saw-mill. Aft«r two years he became the sole owaer of the
property, which he managed until 1850, the date of the com-
pletion of the Brie Railway, when the growth of the village
required that he should lay out a large part of his farm into
village lots, which he did, and has since been largely interested
in real estate transactions and building, both within the village"
and in the adjoining country.
In the year 1845, March 2, Mr. Hartshorn married -Cordelia,
eldest daughter of Charles N. and Eliza (Allen) Hart, of Harts-
ville, this county, but formerly of Saratoga County. Her father
became a resident of this county in 1826. Mrs. Hartshorn was
bom in 1825.
They have an only son, Charles Hart Hartshorn. Mr.
Hartshorn has led a strictly business life, although somewhat
active formerly as a Whig, but now as a Republican, he has
ever been interested in the matters of vital importance to the
country. He has never been solicitous of public preferment,
and has only been connected publicly as an excise commissioner
under the old law, and for two terms trastee of the village.
About 1852 was the first organization of the Baptist Church
and Society. Mr. Hartshom, as a member of the latter, in 1856
was chairman of the building committee in the erection of the
fine brick stracture of that denominatioo in the village, and
foremost in support for its construction, and has since not only
contributed liberally for that, but all enterprises of a kindred
nature in the village.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
333
followed by Dr. Noble, duiin;;; the 3'ear 1856, who remained
about two years, doiiij; more, but it seems an unsatisfactory
business, for he left for more promising fields.
Dr. Morj^an came here in 18(30, and secured quite a pat-
ronage, which he held for several years, riding from Hor-
Dellsville into the adjoining towns. His wife was an ear-
nest advocate of the advantages of homoeopathy, and be-
came .something of an adept in administering to the sick
in the absence of her husband.
J. E. Seeley, M.D., located in Hornellsville in 1866.
Having graduated at Philadelphia and .spent a year or more
in the service of the United States navy, he was well posted
in his profession, and although young in practice, he did
much to satisfy the public that homceopathy was more
than a myth ; that it was in fiict founded in nature,
scientific in character, successful in apjilication, and entitled
to the candid consideration of an enlightened public. Dr.
Seeley made many warm friends during the four years of
his practice here. In 1871 he removed to Scottsville, N. Y.
^a^^ ^ (^^sS^
Dr. H. C. Orcutt succeeded Dr. Seeley. He came from
Vermont, where he had been practicing honiocnpathy for
the previous eighteen years. He was born in Moretown,
Vermont, April 16, 1822, his father removing to Mont-
pelier soon after, where he spent his boyhood days. He
studied with Asa George, M.D., of East Calais, and grad-
uated in medicine in October, 1845, at Dartmouth College,
an allopathic institution.
In June, 1846, he married Helen M. George, daughter
of his former preceptor.
On graduating he immediately began the practice of
medicine in Troy, N. Y., following the system which he
had been taught for the six succeeding years, during which
time his observations of the success of a homoeopathic com-
petitor led him to believe that there was real merit in the
new system of medicine, and a more thorough investigation
convinced him of its decided superiority, when he aban-
doned the old system and, removing to Orleans County, in
1852, began the practice of homoeopathy, which he followed
successfully up to the time of his removal to Hornellsville,
in 1878. The marriage of his only daughter to Dr. Z. G.
Bullock, of Allegany, N. Y., induced him to make this
change, — that the family might not be so widely separated.
During the nine years of his residence in Hornellsville
Dr. Orcutt has had a full practice.
In 1873 ho a.ssociated with him Dr. C. \V. Brown, a
graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Chicago.
This partner.ship existed about a year, when Dr. Brown
withdrew, continuing practice a year or more, when he re-
moved to Hammondsport, N. Y., and subsequently to
Dansville.
Dr. Orcutt continued alone in practice until the spring
of 1878, when he became associated with Dr. W. E. Hath-
away, which partnership still continues.
Dr. Hathaway is a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical
College of Philadelphia. He came to HornelLsville the
latter part of 1877, from Elkland, Pa., where he had been
in active practice several years.
Dr. J. L. Gage, formerly of Scottsville, N. Y., came to
Hornellsville some time during the year 1877, remained
about a year, and removed to Baltimore, Md. He was
succeeded by Dr. McPlierson, a recent graduate of the
Homoeopathic College of Philadelphia.
During the whole period covered by the foregoing history
there has been no honucopathic physician, other than those
mentioned, located within a radius of twenty miles. Ho-
moeopathy rapidly gained favor during the past few years,
has now its proportionate share of adherents, and its future
prosperity is certain.
MILITARY RECORD OF HORNELLSVILLE.
Arnold, Stephen, 23d Regt.
Armstrong, James, 141st Uegt.; taken pris. at Lookont Valley in Oct. 1863;
exchanged ; distliarged.
Armstrong, Jonathan, Itllst Regt. ; discharged.
Arwin, Charles M-, record not known.
Arghsinger, Moses, IGlst Uegt. ; discharged.
Aiken, Edwin, 179th Ke^it.; discharged.
Aiken, Alex. O. M., ITDlhltogt.; died in Feh. 1SC6.
Arnold, Gnstavus, l.'itli Tav. ; discharged.
Aelson, Wm. H., Adams, James D., Adams, Ed. L. ; discharged.
Balton, Will. II., lIlTtli Regt. ; wonnded at Dalton.
Baljcock, Enoch H., luVth Regt.; pro. to Corp. ; discharged,
liatharick, Cluarles, l()7tli licgl.; iliscliarged.
Barton, John, entered Hist Regt. as let lient,, Sept. 10, 1862; resigned Miiy,
18C3; re-entered as capt'. in IT'.'th Regt. in April, 1864; pro. to niiy. ; killed
at mine explosion before retersburg.
Bowen, Joseph H., 141st Regt. ; discharged.
Bishop, George, 141st Regt.; died in 1864.
Bnrt'is, Tommy, 141st Regt. ; pro. to orderly sergt.; discharged.
Brown, J. W., Hist Regt. ; disch. Nov. 1S62.
Brown, Chauncey, 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability.
Bennett, Jolin, 179th Regt.; discharged.
Bennett, Ira K., SGth Regt. ; pro. to. Corp. ; discharged.
Bowen, David, 14l8t Regt. ; disciiarged.
Bush, Alfred W., 14Ist Regt. ; disciiarged.
Bradford, David D., — Vol. Cav. ; disciiarged.
Biicklin, George, — Vol. Cav.; discharged.
Barber, Perry S., 2d Cav.; discharged.
Bates, Geo. T., 8Cth Regt. ; discharged.
Brown, James, 16th Heavy Art. ; discharged.
Benedict, Franklin, 86th Regt. ; discharged.
Babcoek, George B., sergt., 23d Regiment.
Baker, Arthur S., pro. to 1st lient., 86tli Regt.; assist, acting provost-marshal
general.
Baker, Junior C, 5th Heavy Art.; discharged.
334
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Burr, Phineaa, 50th Engineers; diacliarged.
Bingham, Poi ter, 16th Heavy Art.; discharged.
Brownell, David S., 107th Rpgt.; discharged.
Babcuck, David A., 6th Cav.; discharged.
Beei-8, llermon S., 6th Cav.; discharged.
Brooks, Thoma.s S., 6th Cav. ; discharged.
Benjamin, Addison P., 107th Regt. ; discharged.
Patrick, John B., pro. to qni.-aergt; discharged.
Brown, Thoa. J., 179tti Regt. ; discharged.
Bodee, George W., 179lh Regt. ; discharged.
Brannan, Patrick, 17Uth Regt.; discharged.
Brown, Julin, 179th Regt. ; discharged.
Bemus, Fianklin, 9th Cav.; discharged.
Brown, Will., 4th Cav.; discharged.
Baker, Solomon, 189th Regt.; discharged.
Baker, Morgan, 189th Regt.; discharged.
Bickford, George W., 50th Regt.; discharged.
Baker, Olin, 15th Cav.; discharged.
Burns, David, 15th Engineers ; discharged.
Bnice, Philip II., 5Utli Engineers; discharged.
Boston, John, 10th Cav,; discharged.
Bradley, Wni. ; discharged.
Brown, Marcus E., lat lieut., IGlst Regt.; discharged.
Brooks, Wm. R., 161st Regt. ; died at Port Hudson,
Baker, Wra. H., '^M Regiment.
Bunn, John, 179th Regiment.
Bellis, John H., 2:id Regt. ; wounded at Antietam,
Brigdon, John T., 23d Regt. ; served two years.
Burnett, James H.,2;id Regt.; detached, June 25, 1862, in the 10-lth Pa. Battery.
Bennett, Olin L., 23d Regt. ; killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Brenner, Dennis, 23d Regt. ; wounded at Antietam.
Bowman, Jesse J., 23d Regiment.
Colony, Edwin, 23d Regt.; disch. Jan. 26, 1862.
CliUbbuck, John, 2"tii Regt.; discharged.
Clark, W. H., 23d Regt. ; wounded at Antietam ; discharged.
Clark, Benah C, 23d Regt. ; disch. Jan. 16, 1863.
Grossman, A Ion zo M,, 23d Regt,; taken prisoner at Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862;
discharged,
Chilson, Stephen, 23d Regt, ; discharged.
Cranmer, Alfred S., 23d Regt.; wounded at Antietam; disch. Jan. 16, 1863.
Collins, Brower H., coi-p., 10th Cav.; taken prisoner at Bull Run ; discharged.
Crane, Kiram M., lieut.-col , 23d Regt.; discharged.
Chidsey, Lucien B., q.-m. sergt., 307th Regt.; disch. for disability, Nov. 1862.
Coe, Ephraim, U)7ih Regt.; discharged.
Cone, George S., I07th Regt,; died at Hope Landing, Feb. 1863,
Collins, W'ni. L , 179th Regt. ; resigned on account ol" ill health in Nov. 1862.
Case, Heram, 14lst Regt.; discharged.
Crane, Frank D., 141st Regt. ; disch. for disability, March, 1863.
Corbit, Juhu, 14lst Regt. ; died at Shellmound, Tenn.
Clark, Stephen, 141st Regt.; discharged.
Colieru, George T., 14lst Regt.; discharged.
Cilley, D. Henry, Ist III. Cav.; discharged.
Cole, Sidney, 1st Dragoons ; discliarged.
Cornish, David, 16th H. Art. ; discharged.
Cowles, Heniy W., 50Lh Eng. ; discharged.
Cummings, Geo. W., 86th Regt.; discharged.
Card, Truman P., discharged.
Cone, Ira, 1st lieut., 23d Regt.
Carney, John B., 6th Cav.
Ciirr, Charles, 179th Regt.; pro. to lieut.; discharged.
Chandler, Senior, 50th Eng.; discharged.
Cattens, Julius F.. 179th Regt.; discharged.
Cliapman, Martin H., 6th Cav. ; discharged.
Collins, Eustus, 179th Regt.; discharged.
Campbell, Ebin,25th Cav.; discharged.
Corcoran, Michael, 4th Cav.; discharged.
Curtis, Setli, 5i)th Eng.; discharged.
Campbell, H. G., 189th Regt.; discharged.
Cook, Franklin, 10th Cav.; discharged.
Collins, Madison M., IGlst Regt. ; pro. to Corp., Oct, 12, 1863; discharged.
Dunlap, Jolir. R., 86th Regt. ; re-enlisted.
Dewitt, Benjamin C, 6th Cav. ; pro. to sergt. ; wounded at Brandy Station.
Doorly, Edward, 6th Cav.
Doty, Levi, 14l8t Regt. ; pro. to corp. and sergt ; discharged.
Derby, Jamea A., 2:Jd Regt. N. Y. S. Vols. ; wounded at Bull Run ; taken pris-
oner at Curtinsville ; exchanged.
Doty, Franklin B., 23d Regt. ; pro. to capt. of Co. G, 23d Regt., May 9, 1861 ; re-
enl. May, 1864, in 179th Regt.; pro. to lieut.-col. ; killed before Peters-
burg, Va., April 2, 186J.
Doty, Martin Van Buren, 23d Regt.; discharged; re-enl. in April, 1864, as
hospital steward 179th Regt. ; was pro. to capt. in 179th Regt.
Duel, Lester L., 86th Regt. ; discharged.
Davis, George W., 86th Regt. ; re-enlisted.
Dennis, Geo. W., l6lst Regt. ; discharged.
Duffy, Michael, 10th Ciiv. ; discharged.
Doon, Alfred, 85th Regt.; discharged.
Daerly, Alfred, 6th Cav.; re enlisted; discharged.
Di.x, Thnmas, 14th H. Art.; discharged.
Duffey, John, 6th H. Art. ; discharged.
Donnivon, Thomas, 15th U. S. Inf.; discharged.
Drew, John, loth U. S. Inf.; discharged.
Derby, Stephen C, 15th U. S. Inf.; discharged.
Daily, Amos, 1st U. S. Inf.; discharged .
Edwards, Alonzo, 1st Vol. Cav.; discharged,
Ellsworth, David S., capt., 86th Regt.; killed at Chancellorsvillo.
Ellsworth, Liraa A., lt>t Vol. Cav.; discharged.
Eakin, Samuel D., 179th Regt.; discharged.
Ellis, B. F., 4th Regt.; discharged.
Emery, Joseph \V., 141st Regt.; discharged.
Evans, J. W., 189tli Regt. ; discharged.
Emory, Charles, 187th Regt.; discharged.
Evarts, Orrin, 15lh V. S. Inf.; discharged.
Edminister, Wm. H., 2id Regt. ; wounded at Antietam ; discharged.
Elliott, Geo., 23d Regt.; discharged.
Edwards, Ethan A., 2'Jd Regt.; discharged.
French, John F., 23d Regt.; dischirged.
Fleet, David, 23d Regt.
Force, Levi, 179tli Regt.; pro. to corp.. sergt., and captain; re-enlisted; dis-
charged.
Flinn, John.
Farr, James E., 179th Regt.; pro. to lieut.
Freeman, B. S., 1st Dragoons; discharged.
Finch, N. P. Tal., 1st lieut., 179th Regt.; pro. to q.-m.; discharged.
Farly, James, 1st Dragoons; discharged.
Faster, W. H., 23d Ri-gt.; discharged.
Fanton, Joseph, 179th Regt.; pro. to hospital steward ; discharged.
Foreman, Henry, 189th Regt.; discharged.
Fairbanks, Gardiner, oOth Eng. ; discharged.
Franklin, Martin H. ,189th Regt.; discharged.
Folsuser, Isaac, 50th Eng.
Fander, Mirah T,, 23d Regt.; died at Fredericksburg, Aug. 7, 1862.
Fulkeraoii, Joseph, Jr., Kith H. Art.
Fander, Samuel G., 23d Uegt. ; discliarged.
Flint, Will L., 141st Regt.
Foster, Parker, 23d Regt.
Fristen, George W.
Foster, Henry, disch. fur disability. May, 1863 ; re-enl. March, 1864 ; discharged,
Goodrich, John M., 1st lieut. ; res. Jan. 13, 1863.
Gunn, Wyron, lOTtli Regt.; discharged.
Granger, John M., Ulst Regt. ; discharged.
Gilbert, Stephen F,, 14Nt Regt. ; discharged.
Green, Sylvestei- S., 15th Cav. ; discharged.
Green, Jason, Jr., 107th Regt.; discharged.
Gardner, John B., 109th Regt. ; discharged.
Grover, Abe, 4tli H. Art.; re-enl.; discharged.
Grow, Hiram, 85tli Regt. ; discharged.
Gregory, Livingston, 179th Regt,; discharged.
Gregory, Daniel, 189th Regt. ; discharged.
Goodno, Hiram, 189th Regt. ; discharged.
Good, John, 188th Regt. ; discharged.
Gillow, Hugh, 188th Regt. ; discharged,
Greeno, Volney H., 12th Cav. ; discharged.
Hathoway, L. D., 161st Regt. ; pro. to lieut. and capt. ; discharged.
Head, Hubbard W. R., 189th Regt.; discharged.
Higgins, Russell, 189tli Regt.; discharged.
Higgins, Walter B., 189th Regt.; discharged.
Hill, Nathan R., ISOth Regt.; discharged.
Helmer, Michael, 189th Regt.; discharged.
Hizer, I., lUth Rogt. ; discharged.
Hadley, Henry, 179th Regt.; discharged.
Haage, John, 3d Cav, ; discharged.
Hizer, Cassius M., 179th Regt,; discharged.
Hogarty, Michael J., wounded at Resaca, Ga. ; discharged. *
Hagadorn, James B. ; discharged.
Hagadorn, Tliomas R., 179th Regt.; discharged,
Hickey, George H., wounded before Petersburg, Va. ; disch.; died soon after
of his wounds.
Hill, Austin, 179th Regt. ; wounded at Petersburg, April 2, 1861 ; discharged.
Hill, Chester, wounded at Petersburg, April 2, 1861 ; discharged.
Hazleton, Eugene A., 23d R.-gt.
Higgins, Walter, 23d Regt.; disch. for disability.
Hallett, Elijah, 23d Regt. ; corp. ; wounded at Bull Run, Aug. 3, 1863.
Hallett, Theodore, 23d Regt.
Hallett, Marshal, 23d Regt.
Hopkins, Enoch, Jr., 10th Cav.; discharged.
Haugli, Joseph, 63d Regt.; discharged.
Hazleton, Leon, 86th Regt.; killed in 1864.
Hough, Augustus A., 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability.
Hovey, Jerome B., 50th Eng. ; discliarged.
Hutchins, Wm. H., 14th H. Art.; killed in the Wilderness.
Hodge, Jacob E., Jr., 16th H. Art. ; discharged.
Harrison, Charles, Ist Vol. Cav. ; discharged.
Howard, Alonzo B., 23d Regt. ; pro. to 1st lieut. and q.-m. ; discharged.
Hunt, Charles M., 141st Regt. ; discharged.
MICHAEL CROTTY.
Michael Crotty was born in Gourhas, County Clare,
Ireland, in 1829. His father, Michael, senior, was a
well-to-do farmer of the same place, and was there born
and died, being about sixty years of age. Of his three
sons and three daughters, only the subject of this narra-
tive came to America.
In the year 1848 he emigrated to this country, stop-
ping first at Elmira for a while. He then moved to
Canisteo, and from there to Alfred, finding employment
with Professor Kenyon, of Alfred University, where he
acquired a good common-school education. In 1853 he
settled in Hornellsville, and after a few years in the em-
ploy of Mr. Osborne, he became the confidential clerk
of Maurice Fitzgerald, by wiiom he was intrusted im-
plicitly with the financial part of his business. In 1863
he j)urchased the location on Broad Street which he oc-
cupied as a place of business until his death. It was in
this place that he first went into business for himself,
and where by judicious management he accumulated a
comfortable fortune, tlie larger jjortion of which was
made by operations in real-estate.
Mr. Crotty was connected with the best interests of
the village during his residence here, and showed that
characteristic industry and integrity worthy the emu-
lation of others, and by his own exertion, from strug-
gling witii poverty, became one of the best financiers
of Hornellsville. He is thus spoken of by the papers
of the village at the time of his death, which occurred
Sept. 9, 1877 :
" When a man of wealth or influence passes away it is
very easy to say good words for him in public, but all
who were acquainted with Mr. Crotty well know that
we speak only the truth when we say the highest praise
that can be given to any one — that he was an honest man.
And more than that, while he probably had more inti-
mate dealings with more poor jjeoplc than any other man
in town, no one can truthfully say that he ever in any
way took advantage of that fact to advance his own
interest by distressing them in any manner. Nay, more
than that. When he knew a man to Ije worthy, but
unfortunate, he did not even enforce his own just dues,
but tided him over his difficulties by not merely passive,
but active sympathy and aid. He was a man whose
word was believed to have been as good as his bond.
His people trusted him implicitly. The last act of his
life was to make a will, bequeathing everything he owned
to his wife, unreservedly and without restrictions of any
kind, remarking that, as they had begun life together
poor, and had toiled together in early days to gain their
possessions, everything should go to her at his death."
He wa-s married July 3, 1856, to Margaret O'Brien,
a native of Ireland, and who came to America at the age
of seventeen, settling first at Hornellsville. Their chil-
dren living are Maggie and Nellie.
TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE.
335
Hatljoway, Charles, 2nd Regl. ; died of wounds received at AntietHin.
Hnrtman, Michael, Hist Regt. ; diacliarged,
Hough, Charlis F,, 2;id Regt.; wounded in Wildeincfa.
Harrison, William H., 141st Regt. ; discharged.
Hough, Lcroy S., 23d Regt. ; re-enl. in Oct. 1864; discharged.
HaiTison, John D.,Hl3t Regt.; discharged.
Hollie, Henry, 6th Cav. ; discharged
Howley, Lester D., 2;id Regt ; served two years ; discharged.
Howley, M. W., 141st Regt.; pro. to q.m.-sergt, Oct. 1862; pro. to let lieut.
Jan. 18. 1864 ; discharged.
Howe, Eugene E., UiTth Regt.; discliargi-d.
Hamill, Oeo. W., 107th Regt. ; discharged.
Jamison, John S., asst. hosp. eurg, in the State service at Elniira, from May 4,
1861 ; surg. for the 86Hi Rpgt. from Oct. 12, 1861 ; detailed surg. of Gen.
Tratl's brig , in Oct. 1862 ; d'-tailed by Maj.-Gen. Stonenian surg. of tlie
•M] Div. of 3d Army Corjw, Dec. 5, 1862 ; detailed by Maj.-Gen. French to
the same position July 13, 1863 ; tJetailed by Maj.-Gen. Meade t«i he one
of a board of three for nied, and surg. examinations of the Artny of the
Potomac, Aug. 19, 1863 ; detaileri by Maj.-Gen. Ilirney to lie surg, of the
3d Div. of the 2d Army CVups, Ai)ril 29, 18C4.
Johnson, Charles L., lOTth Regt. ; died in March, 1861.
Jones, Wm. D., 179th Regt.
Jndd, Henry J., 179th Regt.
Jt-huFSton, Samuel, 50tli Eng.
Jolinsston, Ed. T., 50th Eng.
Jones, Elias'J., 15tli Cav.
Jones, Levi J, 179th Regt.
Kellison, Samuel O., 107th Regt; disch. for disability, Dec. 1863.
Kemp, William, Gth Cav.; pro. to 2d lieut ; dismissed; re-enl. in 1st Conn.
Cav. ; taken pris. in Wilderness ; discharged.
Kelly, John, 179th Regt. ; discharged.
Kizer, Cassins M., 189th Regt.; discharged.
King, Charles, Ist Cav.; discharged.
Kilburg, Andrew, 189th Regt.; discharged.
Kennedy, Juiiies ; discharged.
Lamphere, W*m. ,107th Regt; died at Wilmington, N.C.
Long, Jitmes, 141st Regt.; taken pris.; exchanged; dischaiged.
Lorow, David R. P., 14l8t Regt ; discharged.
Lynch, John, 188th Regt ; disch.
Lippincotl, Juan.
Leonard, Thomas, 8th Cav.
Lockwood, Bradley.
Lorow, John P.
Litts, David.
Leader, Jesse, 23d Kegt.
Loper, Henry, Gth Cav.
Love, Martin M., IGih H. Art. ; discharged.
Maxon, Luke G, 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability.
Marra, Morgan, Ifilst Regt. ; discharged.
Miner, Henry, 16l8t Ri-gt ; discharged.
Mason, Reuben J., 1st Vet. Cav.; discharged.
McCay, Medad, 12th U. S. Inf ; wnunded; discharged,
Morse, Will A.; discharged.
Miller, George W., 2.3d Regt ; pro. tosergt, Nov. 1, 1862.
Millard, George, lS7th Regt.; discharged.
McOmber, Walter, 189th Regt.; discharged.
Mooney, Michael, 132d Regt.; discharged.
Morutz, George, 2.3d Regt; discharged.
Moore, George, 9th Art.; discharged.
Mayliew, Philetus J., 189tli Rogt; discharged.
Madison, Charles S., 160th Regt. ; discharged.
McKenmi, Thomas, 25lh Cav.; discharged.
McLarso, Bingham.
Monroe, Will T., fifer, 23d Regt
March, James, 179tb Regt
Marvin, George H., 23d Regt. ; diBcharged.
Morgan, Ed., 23d Regt.; dischargnd.
Mouerhart, Wm. H., 23d Regt. ; discharged.
McAmbler, Charles H., 2.3d Regt; disch. for disability.
McKinney, Charles H., corp., 23d Regt. ; wounded at Autietam, Sept. 16, 1862 ;
died Sept. 18, 1862, from the wounds.
Morgan, Reviben C; pro. to curp., Aug. 1,1861; wounded at Bull Run, Aug.
1861 ; disch. Dec. 30, 1862.
Martin, Julius.
Martin, Francis.
Morristm, William,
Maynard, James.
Maynaul, William.
McCarthy, Michael.
Miller, Frank, 179tli Regt.; discharged.
MulhoUen, William, 16th H. Art; discharged.
Monroe, Millroy, 11th Cav.
Mason, Thomas J., 10th Cav. ; discharged.
McKenmar, James, 5Uth Eng.
McFall, Henry, 86tb Regt. ; discharged.
McCow, Henry, 86th Kegt.; discharged.
McDonald, John, Ulst Regt; discharged.
McMohan, Timothy, Ulst Regt ; discharged.
Morrisaey, John, 141st Regt.; discharged.
Mayuord, Alexander, lllst Regt. ; discharged.
Murphy, John, Hist Regt.; di.scharged.
Mason, Amos D., 141st Regt ; died in Chattanooga, in 1864.
Morris, Theodore F., I07rh Regt; killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.
Marks, Patrick, Gth H. Art
Kelson, Wm.H.
O'Connor, Henry, 5th H. Art. ; discharged.
Osborne, Peter, 86th Regt; died.
O'Day, Daniel, 141st Regt ; died at Weaversville, Aug. 1863.
Ploof, Morris H., 14l8t Regt.
Popple, John Jones, 86lli Regt. ; killed at Gettysburg.
Partridge, Leander, Hist Regt; died in 1864.
Parker, William.
Patrick, Charles, lOTth Regt.
Prentiss, John, 86th Regt.; discharged; re-enl. as capt. in the 179th Regt.;
res. on account of ill health.
Patterson, Israel, 187th Regt
Prentiss, Anson, 23d Regt.
Phillips, Alfred W., Ulst Regt
Pettigrew, Rubert L., 179tli Regt
Pettigrew, Almond, Ulst Regt.
Pettigrew, John E., 179th Regt.
Perrouz, Louis, loth Cav.
Plimpton, Albert M., 107th Kegt. ; disch. for diisability.
Peterson, Wm., 189tli Regt.; dischaiged.
Pinch, James W., lo7th Regt.; pro. to sergt. ; wounded in battle; taken pris. ;
exchanged; discharged.
Pinch, Win. E.,50ih Eng.
Pinch, Thomas H., 179tli Regt
Peacock, David, Ist Dragoons.
Patrick, John B , I70th Regt.; pro. to q.-ui. sergt.
Prangin, John H., 179th Regt.
Ploof, Franklin P.,4ib H. Art
Poole, Cyrus, 160ih Art
Preston, Horatio G., 179th Kegt.
Pauling, John, 23d Regt ; disch. for disability.
Renslow, Freeman. 23d Regt.
Robinson, Robert R., 23d Regt. ; wounded July 23, 1861 ; died at home.
Ready, Philander, 2d Cav.
Ryan, John W., 107th Regt ; died at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 2, la62.
Richardson, Joshua.
Rackfellow. John, 10th Cav.
Rich, Frank, 65th Regt
Ryan, John, 40th Regt.
Riley, John.
Rick, 132d Regt.
Rinea, Henry, 89th Regt.
Rulison, Josiah, 12th Cav.
Reynolds, Franklin M., lS7th Regt.
Reynolds, Willson, 187th Regt.
Reynolds, Andrew Jackson, Ulst Regt
Reynolds, Henry A., 187tli Regt.
Reynolds, David E., 14l8t Regt; disch. for disability.
Reynolds, William H., 187rh Regt
Raymond, Charles H., 111th Regt
Reimas, Constantine, 50th Eng.
Rowe, Edward, 50lh Eng.
Richards, Elias F., 179th Regt
Raymond, Spencer G., 179th Regt.
Kascoe, Andrew F., 5th H. Art
Reily, John, 161st Regt.
Reed, William L., 50th Eng.
Ready, Philander, 2d Cav.; disch. for disability.
Randall, Clark, Ist Dragoons.
Raas, Will. Ulst Regt
Robinson. Joseph W., 179th Regt. ; entered as asst. surg. of 82d Regt, March,
1862; pro. to surg. of 141st Regt., Aug. 1862; resigned June. 1863; taken
prisoner in the seven days' battles un<ler McClellan ; re-enl. as surg. of
179th Regt ; div. surg. part of the time.
Russel, Andrew Jackson, 14l8t Rogt.; detailed ae-arttst
Sylvester, Peter, 15th Cav.
Sands, James, 188tb Regt.
Stuodan, Albert, 65th Regt
Sherwood, Micajab v., Ulst Rfgt.; pro. to Ist lieut., April, 1864; pro. to capt.
1864 ; discharged.
Sweet, Jerry, 107th Regt. ; discharged.
Sill, Allen N., capt, lo7th Regt.; pro. to maj., Aug. 1, 1864; pro. to lieut.-col.,
Oct 1,1864.
Swartout, Estees A., musician, Ulst Regt.; discharged.
Strown, Charles, IGlst Regt.
Shinnebarger, Stewart, 141st Regt ; disch. for disability, 1864.
Skinner, Parmcrson, unassigned.
Sawyer, Harris C, Ulst Regt; pro. to hospital steward, 1862.
Summers, Tiiomas, 14th H. Art
Simpson, William H., 14l8t Regt. ; discharged.
336
HISTORY" OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Stephens, Cliristopher B., 14lBt Regt. ; discharged.
Smith, Philip, IGth H. .\rt,; discharged.
Stone, .Tehiah, 8Grh Regt.; discharged.
Stone, Chauncey, 80th Regt.; discharged.
Shnniway, Stephen, 86th Regt.; disch. for disability.
Stephens, Wiljium O., 86th Regt.; discharged.
Springer, Eli, 161st Regt, ; discharged.
Sturtevant, Ilirani H., 170th Regt.; discharged,
Sentcr, Joseph Q., 23d Regt.
Shanum, John, 10th Cav. ; discharged.
Sliannni, Andrew, 161st Regt. ; discharged.
Smith, Lorenzo D., 2.3d Regt.
Snyder, John, 10th Cav.; discharged.
Sirddctter, Elihn, lTDth Regt.; discharged.
Sands, James, IROIh Regt.
Smith, David C, 179th Regt. ; discliarged.
Shinnebarger, Samnel, n9th Regt.; discharged.
Sipp, George, 17'.>tli Regt.; discharged.
Stephens, Sayles C, 179lh Regt.; discharged.
Sharp, William, 179(h Regt.; discharged.
Scinburt, Fiederick, C5th Regt.; discharged.
Sherman, Juiin, 160th Regt.; discharged.
Show, Alexander, 50th Eng. ; discharged.
Shiiltz, Jeremiah, 189th Regt. ; discli.arged.
Smilh, Charles H., 189th Regt.; discharged.
Spencer, Jnde, 189th Regt. ; discharged.
Tultle, Ruasel M., 107th Regt. ; pro. to 1st sergt., Ang.12,1862 ; pro. to2d lieut.,
March 1, 1863; pro. to 1st lient., Ang. 1, 1SG4; pro. to capt, Marcli l;i,
1865 ; on staff of Bi ig.-Gen. T. H. Ruger.
Taylor, David S., 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability.
Taylor, Will H., drnmmer, 23d Regt.
Thompson, John W., 1st Vet. Cav.; discharged.
Tibbits, Will.
Tunis, William J. H.
Thacher, Eugene, 107th Regt.; killed at Dallas, Ga.
Watts, John, chaplain, SOth Regt.
Wright, Gilbert, 107th Regt.; pro. to sergt.; discharged.
Willor, Frederick C, 141st Regt.; pro. to 2d lieut., Dec. 1862; pro. to Ist lieut.
and to capt., in 1864.
Wisner, Pollldore B., Corp., 141st Regt. ; disch. for disability. May, 1S63.
Washbnrne, Theodore, 1st Dragoons; discharged.
Witter, Chauncey, 16th H. Art.
Witter, Silas, 16th H. Art.
WMlkins, Marcus, IGth H. Art.
Wonlever, Lewis D., IGth H. Art.
Whitford, Sylvanus, 5th H. Art.
White, William H., 85th Regt.
Walker, Gilbert, 85th Regt.
Winter, Gustavus, 50th Eng.
Williams, George, 179th Regt.
Willis, George.
Wakefield, Orrin P., 23d Begt.; pro to Corp., Aug. 18G1.
Welch, Patiick, 179th Regt.
Wilkinson, John C.
Wliceler, Governor O., 189th Regt.
Wells, Ansnn, 65th Regt.
Wruston, George, 15th U. S. Inf.
Willson, Charles, lath Cav.
Williams, Myron, IStli Cav.
Wheaton, Albert, 23d Regt.; wounded at Anti'-tam.
Wallace, Andrew, 86tlt Regt.; disch. for di>ialiility ; re-enl.
Van Scoter, William H,, 23d Regt.
Van Scoter, Hudson J., 2!d Regt.
Zimmerman, M. U., 23d Regt. ; pro. to sergt.. May, 186 I.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
>- ^.
WILLIAM L. SUTTON
was born in the town of Reading, Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov.
6, 1828. He is a descendant of William Smith on the
paternal side, who was a soldier under Oliver Cromwell, the
English Protector.
The Sutton family are of English descent, and some of
the ancestors were settlers in the Wyoming Valley, and
escaped the terrible onslaught of the Indians and Tories in
that massacre.
His father, John Sutton, is a native of Lodi, Seneca
Co., N. Y. ; married Catherine Lybolt. By this union
there were born six children, of whom only three are living,
the subject of this narrative being the eldest. His father
is now a resident of Hornellsville.
At the age of eighteen, Mr. Sutton, desirous of breaking
the monotony of home-life, went to Nantucket, where he
embarked on the whaling-ship Culamhia, Capt. Joseph C.
Chase, and was on the sea for four years before returning,
11
Jb^'^YctP^u^^^A^-
DK. CHARLES D. ROBINSON
was born in Delaware Co., N. T., March 1, 1809. When only
three years of age his father died, leaving his mother with her
three sons (the others' names being William and Watson) in quite
limited circumstances. The mother, who was a lady of consider-
able culture, supported the family for a few years by teaching, and
until the boys grew to be able to care for themselves. When
about twenty-one years of age, Charles began the study of medi-
cine wi«h Dr. Ualsey, of that county, and about the same time his
mother died. At tlie age of twenty-four he was graduated JI.D.
at Fairfield, N. Y., ami began the practice of his profession in the
town of Burns, Allegany Co., JJ. Y. During tlie year he re-
mained in that town ho was nmrried to Minerva, daughter of
John Welch, of Tompkins C'lunty. She was born in Sci|iio,
Cayuga Co., in 1813.
Dr. Robinson was successfully' located in practice at Angelica,
Almond, and Burns, and enjoyed a large business and the confi-
dence of a large circle of the citizens of these places. He was not
only in the foremost rank as a skillful practitioner, but held in
high esteem by his fellow-citizens; for one term, 18ril-'>2, lie repre-
sented them in the State Senate. In the year \V-'A lie removed to
Hornellsville, where In- practiced as a physician until within a few'
years of his decease, which occurred Jfov. 10, 1873. Dr. Robin-
son was a man of genial disposition and characteristic kindness of
heart. His early hook-education was limited by force of circum-
stances, but in his later years lie was a c-ircful student of choice
literature, well read in his profession, and conversant with the
great political questions of his time. His political neord was first
as a snp]Mirler of Andrew Jackson, subsequently ii member of (he
old Whig )>arty, and an unswerving adherent of the Republican
party after its formation
His children were Helen Augusta, an only daughter, who
died at the age of five ; and an only son. Dr. Joseph W.
Robinson, now a practicing physician at Hornellsville, and
ranked among the first in this part of the State in his profes-
sion.
He received his preliminary education at Alfred University,
Allegany Co., N. T., and at Oberlin College, Ohio. After a
course of study with his father, he entered BuHalo !Medic»I
College, from which he was graduated M.D. in IS'IO, aubse-
(|uently taking a post-graduate course at Bellevue Medical Col-
lege, jS. \
lu March, 1862, he entered the army and was commissioned
Assistant Surgeon, 82d Ne'.v 'i'ork Vcduuteers (2d Nev.' York
Militia), of Oormua's brigade, Sedgwick's Division of Sumner's
Corps. February, 1863, Dr. Robinson was, for meritorious ser-
vices at the battle of White (.'aks, promoted to Suraeon 141st
New York Volunteers, and while connected with this regiment
held the position of brigade and division surgeon, and received
honoralile mention by the generals commanding in their reports.
He continued to occupy this |iosition until April, 1864, when on
account of the failing health of his father he resigned liisconiiuis-
sion and came home. V^ery soon, however, he returned to the army
and was commissioned as Surgeon of the IT'-'th Regiment, with
commission dated May 16, 1864, which position he filled until
he was mu.stered out at the close of the war, under gencr:il .-irdor,
June 16, 18iir).
To write a liistory of Dr. Robinson's connection witli the army
would bo to sketch an outline narrative of Iho manhe.s, iiri-
vations, and battles of the regiments whicii he was connected with
during the entire war.
TOWN OF HOWARD.
337
visiting nearly all the important maritime towns of the
world and making a circuit around it. For four years
after his return he engaged as a machinist in Penn Yan.
In the year 1854, Nov. 17, he married Mary L. Eaton,
of Yates County.
In 1857, Mr. Sutton learned the art of photography, and
opened a gallery in Hornellsville, where, by strict attention
to business, he has become not only a first-class artist, and
ranks among the highest of the profession, but has won the
confidence of a large circle of the best families of the sur-
rounding country.
In politics he is a Republican, and is identified with the
interests of that party. In local matters he has officiated
as trustee of the village for two terms.
HOWARD.
SITUATION AND DESCRIPTION.
Howard lies in the interior of the county, a little north-
west of the centre. It was erected from Bath and Dans-
ville, June 18, 1812. A part of Avoca was taken off in
1843, and a part of Fremont in 1854. It is bounded north
by Fremout, Cohocton, and Avoca, east by Bath, south by
Canisteo, and west by Hornellsville. The surface of this
town is elevated and rolling, forming part of the dividing
ridge between the Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers. In the
northeast part of the town is Ormond's Pond, and also in
the extreme northeast corner is a pond from which flows a
stream which connects with creeks near Goff's Mills. The
soil of this town is a clayey loam ; at Howard Flats, though
high, it is of great depth. South of the flats is the grist-
mill of Alonzo Graves, in a deep valley surrounded by hills,
the declivity of which shows the debris and outcropping of
shale and slate. The streams are all small, flowing into the
Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers.
43
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement was made in this town by Abraham
Johnson in the winter of 1806. Mr. Johnson was a young
married man, and brought his wife with him to his wilder-
ness home. He settled in that part of Howard known as
Towlesville, on the place where Eben Towle now resides.
Chas. McConnell settled on the farm for many years
known as the Alkali Bennett farm, a short distance from
Howard village. His family consisted at that time of him-
self, wife, and one child, Asa McConnell. The latter, when
his father settled in Howard, was between seven and eight
years of age, and is still living. He was a resident of How-
ard, and lived on a farm adjoining the one his father first set-
tled upon until a few years ago, when he removed to Hornells-
ville, where he still resides, enjoying good health and ripe
in years. Asa McConnell represented his district in the
Legislature in 1843. Aaron McConnell was a member
of the Board of Supervisors in 1870 and 1871.
338
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Soon after the settlement of these families, accessions
were made to their number in the early part of 1809, by
the arrival of Samuel Baker, who settled where J. Rice now
or recently lived ; Reuben Smith, Abram Smith, Joel Bul-
lard, and Abel Bullard, who settled on the road leading
from Goff's Mills to the turnpike, near the old State road.
Later the same year, the earliest settlers were cheered by
the arrival of Daniel N. Bennett, Jacob Bennett, Job B.
Rathburn, and three brothers. Daniel N. and Jacob Ben-
nett settled on the beautiful plateau on which the village
of Howard now stands, and it was called for many years
thereafter by the name of Bennett's Flats.
Job B. Rathbun and brothers settled in the northern
part of Howard, and took up the land now known as the
Meeks and Parkhill ftirms; also the farm known as the Job
B. Rathbun farm, at Rathbun Corners, where Job B. made
his home until his death. The Job B. Rathbun farm is
still owned by one of his descendants (Brown Rathbun).
Job B. Rathbun was a man of indomitable will and perse-
verance; uniting those qualities with industry and a faculty
to save, he accumulated a large property, which at his death
his children inherited, leaving them, with industry and
economy, a competency during their lives. These few
families did not long have to contend alone with the forest.
Some time in the winter of 1810, William Allen, John
Hoagland, and David Smith settled in Howard. William
Allen settled on the farm just east of the pond now owned
by John and Lyman Shults. David Smith settled on the
west side of the pond or little lake, which afterwards was
called Smith's Pond. John Hoagland settled on the farm
adjoining the pond, on the premises where Abraham Hoag-
land lived during a long and well-spent life. The farm is
now owned by his only son, George H. Hoagland. Israel
Baldwin arrived in the settlement in the month of February,
1811, and settled on a farm south of the pond. The other
lands in that settlement were taken up at a later date.
Probably no country was ever settled by men of more
worth and sterling qualities than was this little settlement.
Their doors were ever open to receive the traveler and
stranger. They were ever ready to contribute to the wants
of the needy, and many the one left their doors with thank-
ful hearts for the bounties bestowed upon them. A little
before these last settlers arrived, and about the year 1809,
one Henry Kennedy settled on the creek-road leading from
Howard to Kanona, about three miles easterly from How-
ard village. Soon after his arrival he erected the first saw-
mill in the town, which was a great relief to the then
sparsely-settled community, it enabling the people to get
boards and slabs to cover their little log houses, and occasion-
ally a settler would build a small board .shanty. The set-
tlers, before the saw-mill was built, covered their cabins with
slabs of split timber, with a few exceptions William Goff
moved from Otsego County some time in the fall of 1812,
and settled on the creek-road leading from Bath to How-
ard, and about three miles from Howard village. He
probably was actuated in choosing his location on account
of the fine water-privilege for milling and other purposes,
for soon after his arrival and settlement he built the first
grist-mill that was erected in Howard. (The building was
then and has ever since been called GoflF's Mills.) It was
a great epoch in the history of Howard and the surround-
ing countrj', and was hailed with much delight and pleas-
ure, the few inhabitants having, before that event, to travel
long distances with their corn, wheat, and other bread-
stuffs on their shoulders to have it ground ; for very few of
the inhabitants had teams with which to go to mill, and
those who had rarely took them, the roads being only
paths cut through the forest. The erection of the mill was
not the only benefit derived by the settlement of William
Goff in the new county; his and his wife's kindness and
hospitality to the settlers were proverbial, and from his
mill thousands of pounds of corn-meal and flour were dis-
tributed to the poor, without any expectation of a return.
Not only this, but during the year (as it has always been
called) of famine, which looked as though the settlement
of Howard must almost fail, he left his home with what
means he could command, went East and purchased wheat
and corn, and on his return distributed it to the almost-
starving people, with no other promise than that if the
settlers the next year raised sufiieient to support their
families, and had a surplus, they could pay it back. By
the joint efforts of William GofF and his excellent wife, the
.settlers were supplied, and the year of famine piissed. They
lived to rear a large and respected family. Most of the
children still survive their parents, making good citizens in
the communities in which they live.
Russell Burlison settled in Howard in 1813, on the
farm now known as the Van Wie farm, occupied by Alonzo
and Henry Van Wie, his family at that time consisting of
himself, wife, and two children. One of his descendants,
Hiram B. Burlison, who was born in 1816, still resides in
Howard, and is one of the sterling men of that town.
Accessions continued to be added to their number, and be-
tween 1810 and 1820 many new settlers took up lands,
and made Howard their future home, among whom were
Seth Rice, Jonas Rice, Jonathan Ketchum, Isaac Bennett,
Benjamin Bennett, Thomas Bennett, Hamilton Parkhill,
John Stephenson, David Walker, Andrew Baker, James
Stewart, George Stewart, Richard Towle, Reuben Ham-
mond, Joseph C. Lane, Isaac Brasted, Oliver Parkhill, R.
F. Ferris, Simeon Baker, David Rathbun, Jabez Beebe,
and a few others whose names the writer has been unable
to obtain. Jonas Rice took up the farm now owned and
occupied by Reuben F. Ferris. Seth Rice took up the
farm now owned by Jacob and Aaron Lyke. Jonathan
Ketchum erected the first frame hotel that was built in
Howard. After he erected his hotel he built a small tan-
nery, which was operated for some time. Although Ketchum
built the first frame tavern it was not the first tavern built,
for before that event Isaac Bennett erected a small log
tavern, on the corner of the street leading to the Baptist
church, where the residence erected by Barney Alden now
stands. This hotel consisted of one room below and the
sleeping-rooms above. About that time another log tavern
was built by Benjamin Bennett, called the " Double Log
Tavern." It stood on the farm known as the Philip Ben-
nett farm, on the opposite side of the street, and a little
east of the house. These two log hotels were kept some
time before the frame hotel of Ketchum was built.
Randall and Calvin Grav&s built the first store, on the
a-^^-<_
Abijah B. Case was born in Westford, Chittenden
Co., Vt., Oct. 12, 1803.
Owing to adverse circumstances he never attended school
a day till he was sixteen years old. He then attended a
district school for two winter terms, during which time an
unquenchable thirst for acquiring an education was imbibed.
He worked out by the month, always employing his spare
moments with his book, so as to enable himself to have
the advantages of an education. Thus by rapid strides he
received a good academical education, and subsequently,
December, 1827, graduated at the medical college at Cas-
tleton, Vt.
Always desirous of obtaining more light, he sought and
received both theoretical and practical knowledge from the
Massachusetts General Hospital and the Jefferson IMedical
College at Philadelphia. This thirst for more knowledge
in his profession has never deserted him, and subsequently
we find him attending parts of courses of lectures at
Geneva and Buffalo, or giving home demonstrations to
his students. He practiced medicine in Vermont about
three years, a short time at Belmont, Allegany Co., and then,
in 1833, located in Steuben County, where he has ever since
employed his time in study, practice, and teaching of medi-
cine, and in many cases by home demonstrations.
Although a resident of Howard, his practice has never
been circumscribed, being frequently called to remote dis-
tances, and even now, in his seventy-sixth year, is still
engaged in active business, and bids fair for years of use-
fulness.
He was married at Shrewsbury, Vt., Sept. 14, 1828, to
Miss Sophrouia Pierce, who was born Nov. 6, 1 805, and
died Feb. 10, 1873. Miss Pierce was the daughter of
Caleb Pierce, and cousin to ex-President Pierce.
He has reared three children : George F., born July 24,
1830, who became a physician, and practiced in Howard
and Pulteney till his death, which occurred Sept. 8, 1875,
leaving a wife and one son. At one time George F. was
regimental surgeon in the war of the Rebellion. Julia,
born March 14, 1833, who is the wife of Charles Forrester,
a wholesale grocer at Scranton, Pa. Dighton L. was born
May 17, 1838, studied medicine with his father, graduated
at the Buffalo Medical College, and is practicing in Howard.
Dr. Ca.se is evidently a man of mark. Without the aid of
inherited wealth or social prestige he has made his way
from obscurity to a high position, socially and professionally.
He is not the possessor of great riches, though he has
earned more money than most of his contemporaries. He
is of that confiding turn, honest to a fault himself, that in
outside business he has been overreached, and, too, he has
always considered it " more blessed to give than to receive."
So the poor have always found in him a friend indeed.
He has been a member of the State Medical Society for
nearly thirty years, and is perhaps the oldest practitioner in
the county.
i^e^ ^^ /^'
CA^-
Seth H. Rice was born in Steuben County, Sept.
9, 1819. He was the son of Jonas Rice, who came
from Massachusetts in the year 1811, and settled one
and a half miles north of Howard village, on the
farm now known as the Ferris farm. In 1825 he
removed to the farm near Towlesville, where he lived
until his death, and where the subject of this sketch
lived fifty-two years until his death, which occurred
Feb. 20, 1877.
Mr. Rice was married Feb. 12, 1840, to Miss
Gracia Wheeler, who was born July 18, 1818. Her
parents, Jeremiah and Sarah, were among the early
settlers of Bath, her father being from Vermont,
and mother from Washington Co., N. Y.
Their children are Lydia, wife of Wm. Willis,
who resides in the town of Howard ; S. L. Rice, a
farmer in Howard; Martin S., who died Nov. 5,
1869, aged eighteen years ; and Floyd H., who re-
sides with his mother on the homestead.
Mr. Rice was a man of much prominence, and a
citizen of integrity in all matters with which he was
connected. He was town assessor for six years,
justice of the peace some eight years, and associate
judge one year. He was a man of high moral prin-
ciples, a strong advocate of temperance, and a devout
Christian.
During the past forty years, besides acquiring an
honest living for himself and family, he has accumu-
lated a fair property.
His whole life has been an example of indus-
try, and all who were personally acquainted with
him recognized in him all that was manly, true,
and noble.
He was a liberal contributor to church interests,
and to as great an extent as any man who ever lived
in the town of Howard, and for many years was an
officer of and prominent in the councils of the church
of his choice.
TOWN OF HOWARD.
339
plat of ground now owned by Aaron McConnell. It shows
the ravages of time, and before many years it will pass
awaj- as have done its founders. There was great pleasure
manifested by the settlers by reason of this enterprise, for
until that time all the products of the soil that could be
spared found a market only in Bath, or some other distant
point ; but when this store was opened they found a ready
exchange, and could procure the necessaries of life almost
at their own door, giving in exchange anything they had to
spare. This was the only store in Howard until 1831, when
Calvin Whitwood, a man of enterprise, .settled there. He
at once constructed the store now owned by Abel R. Hig-
gins. This store for many years was called the Whitwood
Store. Whitwood continued in the business some years,
when he took in a partner, James Alley. They continued in
business some time, when Whitwood transferred his interest
to James and George Alley ; they enlarging their trade
accumulated property fast, so that after a few years, by
good, discreet management, they were enabled to erect a
grist-mill. They erected the mill about one and a half
miles east of Howard village. The erection of the mill
was a much-needed enterprise, and opened up a new source
of benefit to its projectors. The Alleys did not remain in
Howard but a few years to enjoy the fruits of their well-
earned respect and prosperity, but sold their interest in the
store to Aaron McConnell, the youngest son of Charles
McConnell, who continued business at the old store for
many years, accumulating a competence for life. The mill
property was sold to Alonzo Graves, since which time the
store has been owned by several different parties, Martin
V. Strait being the present owner. William Lilly became
a resident in 1837, and erected the store now owned by the
Henry Baldwin estate, this making the third store in the
little village of Howard.
The first school that was taught in town was in a little
log school-house, which stood near the present residence of
Aaron McConnell. This house was used for a number of
years, when it was supplanted by a frame building.
About the time the school was commenced in the villaire
there was also a school opened in Towlesville, these two
schools being the only schools taught in the town for a
number of years, although after 1820 there were schools
organized, and the inhabitants of Howard have always
manifested a commendable zeal in promoting the cause of
education. In carrying out that desire an academy was
built in 1835. The academy building stood on the oppo-
site side of the highway leading past the Baptist church,
and a short distance above the church. One Dupark was
the principal, with a corps of good, competent teachers.
The school was well attended, and supported by the inhab-
itants for a number of years, but it has been abandoned as
a school and the building converted into part of a hotel.
There are sixteen or seventeen school districts in the
town, having good schools, well attended. Of the Howard
village school it may be said that few towns have a more
commodious school building, and their corps of teachers
will rank among the first.
In the early days of Howard the religious sentiment was
largely composed of the Christian denomination, and their
ministers were missionaries, holding their meetings in pri-
vate dwellings, barns, and the little log school-houses.
Elder Buzzel was one of the first ministers who preached
in this town. After a few years communicants of other
denominations began to supplant the Christian persuasion,
and to-day there are left only a very few believers of that
order. The leading denominations of Howard are the
Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists, — there being two
Baptist churches, one in Towlesville and the other in How-
ard village. There is also a Presbyterian church in the
village, and a Methodist church in Towlesville, all being
good, active churches. The Baptist Church in the village
of Howard was organized Feb. 6, 18"i6. The number of
members at the time of its organization was nine, — five
male and four female communicants. The number of
members added to the church since their organization has
been 457. Rev. B. B. Brigham was their first pastor, who
commenced his services soon after the organization, and
closed his labors Nov. 28, 1829. The church held its
stated meetings in the different school-houses and private
dwellings until 1835, when they erected their present
house of worship, which they repaired during the year of
1877, making it a convenient, permanent, and beautiful
edifice in which to worship.
The following are the names of the pastors who served
that people from the first organization to the present time:
Rev. B. B. Brigham, G. Gowdy, Rufus Peet, Chas. Ran-
dall, Daniel M. Root, M. Rowley, D. Carr, E. G. Spencer,
C. G. Smith. Rev. E. Mosher settled March 1, 1851, and
closed his labors Aug. 29, 1858. He truly was a man of
God. Elder Easterbrook, Rev. Wm. I*]ntwistle, Rev. Jas.
Andrews, Rev. J. B. Randall, Rev. Wm. P. Omans, Rev.
A. Tilden, Rev. M. H. Dewitt, Rev. J. French, Rev. L. J.
Lusk, who commenced his pastoral services April 1, 1875,
and is their present pastor. The church has been blessed
under his care, and he is much honored and loved by his
people. No records were kept of the first officers of the
church, but Reuben F. Ferris was one of the first dea-
cons of the church, and he was truly a man in every way
qualified for the high and sacred trust ; living and prac-
ticing that which he professed. They sustain a fine Sab-
bath-school of about 75 teachers and scholars. The church
is not wanting in benevolence and a missionary spirit. They
have a good parsonage. The church property is worth
$6000.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church of Howard was organized a
short time before the Bapti.st Church, and built their
church edifice in 1834. The church recently repaired
their edifice, making it a commodious and beautiful struc-
ture. This church since its organization has made good
advancement, and now numbers about 100 communicants.
They have been fortunate in procuring the services of able
pastors, and those who have been endued with the Spirit
of Him whom they sought to honor. They have for many
years sustained a good Sabbath-school, the fruits of which
have been visibly manifest by the addition to their church.
They have a good and comfortable parsonage. The value
of the church property is about $0000. The churches of
Towlesville built their edifices many years after the build-
ing of the church edifice in Howard village. Both
340
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK.
churches maintain their identity, and are looking forward
to a more successful future. Sabbath-schools are well sup-
ported, and the call for charity is met with a zeal and
spirit that is commendable. The Methodist and Baptist
church property is worth about $3000 each. The Baptist
and Methodist Churches predominate quite largely over
all other denominations of the town. In quite an early
day there was a colony of people of Irish and Scotch
descent, but mostly Irish, who settled in the southern part
of the town. Upon their arrival they took up lands near
together, and constituted a community by themselves ; the
vicinity in which they settled was called Dublin, and that
name is continued to this day. Most of those settlers took
up wild lands, but they possessed the spirit of enterprise,
and but a few years had elapsed before the whole aspect of
that section of the town was changed from a very wild
and rough state to green fields and fine dwellings. The
enterprise of that community was not excelled by any
other community or settlement of the town ; they brought
with them the customs and religion of their fatherland.
Soon after their settlement they erected a small Episcopal
church and a Presbyterian church, but the communicants
of the Episcopal church were but few, and stated services
in their little church did not continue long.
The Presbyterian Church was of the Scotch or old-school
tenets, and is continued to this day. That little colony,
like all others, has felt the ravages of time, and most of the
old settlers have passed away, but their descendants have
'taken up the work where their fathers laid it down, except
that they have most, if not all, adopted the customs, usages,
and language of the adopted country; and to-day the line
of demarkation of the different nationalities is swept away,
and they are one people, each vying with the other in pro-
moting the best interest of the whole.
Howard, until the projected railways from New York
City to Dunkirk and Buffalo were completed, was con-
sidered to be a place of some note, and no place for many
miles around had brighter prospects; for men of enter-
prise and good business abilities sought it as the coming
place, and for quite a number of years it was regarded
as one of the best business centres of the county, and
maintained its position as such until the shrill whistle of
the locomotive echoed and re-echoed through the valley and
over the hills. Then came a change ; the foresight of keen
business men saw that Hornellsville, then a little village of
but a few dwellings, not one-fourth as large as Howard, was
the coming mart for trade and traffic. The business men
of Howard saw it ; then came an exodus. Among the first
were Col. Benton, James Alley, George Alley, Samuel Al-
ley, and others ; a few years later, Henry Goff, Asa Mc-
Connell & Sons ; and many others since then have sought
different points to engage in business. Yet a few remained,
and others have settled in Howard and accumulated a com-
petency for themselves and families. Among the most suc-
cessful in mercantile business since the Alleys left Howard
are Aaron McConnell, Henry Baldwin, Ira Lane, Abel N.
Brown, and Abel Higgins. Those in business at present
are Abel N. Brown, Abel R. Higgins. Ira Lane and Aaron
McConnell have retired from business, and H. Baldwin is
now deceased.
PHYSICIANS.
Of the medical profession, the pioneer physician of the
place was Dr. Baker, who settled in Howard some time in
1817. He was soon after followed by Dr. Levi S. Good-
rich, who brought Dr. Wixom with him. Dr. Abijah B.
Case settled in Howard some time in 1832. Dr. Robinson
and Dr. Runner came in soon after Dr. Case. Dr. Isaac
Rathburn commenced the practice of medicine in 1843.
Austin Baker practiced a few years and died in Howard.
Of the present practicing physicians there are four, — Drs.
Abijah B. Case, Isaac Rathbun, Reuben F. Parkhill, and
Dighton Case. The town of Howard has always had an
able corps of physicians, and ever after Dr. Case settled
there many students came from far and near to study med-
icine under his instructions; and of late years the offices of
A. B. Case and Dr. R. F. Parkhill have been well repre-
sented by medical students, and those who have studied
with them have usually made their mark in the world.
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Howard was erected from Bath and Dans-
ville, June IS, 1812, and the first town-meeting held in
April, 1813, at the residence or hotel of Simeon Bacon,
who then lived on the Daniel Hamilton farm. Local tra-
dition asserts that Thomas Bennett was elected the first
supervisor. It has been impossible to obtain a list of the
other town officers elected at that time, and indeed of the
town officers prior to 1823, as the town records before that
date have been lost or destroyed. We find, however, at
the county clerk's office, in Bath, a book of records con-
taining the oaths of office of certain town officers, from
which we take the following list of supervisors and collectors
for the years named :
Supervisors. Collectors.
IS2:i Israel Baldwin. Rufus Halsey.
1824 Daniel N. Bennett.
1825 '• " Alfred Rathbun.
1826 William Goff. Artemas M. Leigh.
1827
1S2S (ireen Hern. John L. Robarda.
182!) " " " "
IS.iO Divniel N. Bennett. " "
18.31 " " Philip Bennett.
18H2 H. N. Rathbun. Jason Ranger.
1833 John W. Whiting. " "
1834 "
1835 William Goff. Ebenezer Bullock.
1836 " " " "
1837 Issachar Goodrich. " "
1838 C. E. Beldin. John R. Parkhill.
1839 "
1840 James Alley. " •'
1841 *' *' Hiram B. Burleson.
1842 " "
1843 Asa iMcConnell. " "
1844 John Hamilton. A. R. Stephens.
1845, " " Ira Lane.
1846 D. N. Bennett. B. S. McConnell.
1847 " "
1848 Joseph I. Burnham. *' **
1849 Ira Lane. Ale.'cander Jones.
1850 '■ ■' " "
1851 Ansel House. Ezekiel Rice, Jr.
1852 Alkali Bennett. Anson E. Green.
1853 " " John Preston.
1854 Ansel House. Warren W. Goff.
1855 Moses S. Bennett. " ''
1856 " '' John Martin.
1857 Alonzo Graves. " "
1858 " " Lewis Hamilton.
1859 Ansel House. " "
1860 Alkali Bennett. Alanson Horton.
1861 " " David A. Franklin.
1862 A. T. Parkhill. Webster Sharp.
1863 " '• "
1864 John F. Shaver. " "
'oo^^L^ '^.^
C^Z^yT^^^-'-t^
^(^^^
JOEL RUSSEL.
Joel Russel was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Jan.
29, 1811, being the son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Mead)
Russel. When about a year old his parents moved to
Seneca County ; lived there about five years, and then
moved to Tyrone, Schuyler Co. Joel being the oldest
of the family, and in very moderate circumstances, it
became his lot .to be deprived of many of the advantages
of acquiring an education which many even in those
days of poor schools enjoyed. At the age of nineteen
he commenced life for himself by purchasing his time of
his father for seventy-five dollars, and working on a
farm by the month, and when he was twenty-four years
old had not only paid his father, but had saved enough
to purchase ninety acres of land in Howard, which is a
part of his present farm. He has constantly been
adding to his farm, and now is the owner of two hundred
and eighty-eight acres of excellent land. Thus by hon-
esty, integrity of purpose, and untiring perseverance he
has placed himself in the possession of a competency
where he is enjoying life as much or more than others
reared under more favorable circumstances. Mr. Russel
has been a staunch Republican since the organization of
the party, and during the Rebellion ever by word and
action maintained our nation's cause. He cheerfully
gave his sons to his country.
He has been twice married. Nov. 2, 1834, to Miss
Eleanor Dow, who was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y.,
Jan. 23, 1806, and died April 17, 1856. Dec. 6, 1856,
he married his present wife. Miss Sally Ann Mather,
who is the daughter of Colton and Anna Mather, of
Yates Co., N. Y., and was born Oct. 17, 1824.
By his first marriage he had six children, viz., Lewis P. ;
Harrison ; Horace, who was a soldier in the 109th Regi-
ment New York Volunteers, and died at Beltsville, Oct.
27, 1862; Abrara B.,who served in the41stRegimentNew
York Volunteers, and died at Indianapolis, Ind., June
18, 1865 ; Sarah Jane ; and one child who died in infancy.
By his second marriage one son has been born, J. W.
cSp^^ /o^J u^idCAn^ ^^^.e^ -^^^^-f^-^^i^^^^P^
JOEL BULLARD.
Joel Bullard was born in the town of Barry, Mass.,
July 2, 1809. He is the son of Joel, and grandson of
Samuel Bullard, natives of Massachusetts, and of English
origin. His father was married to Hannah Brown, Jan.
31, 1 800. Soon after he removed to Vermont and stayed
a year or two, returning to the town of Barry, where he
remained till he moved to Howard, Steuben Co., N. Y.,
in 1810, and purchased and settled on the place now
owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch.
When Mr. Bullard arrived in Howard it was nearly
an unbroken wilderness, but he contended successfully
against all the hardships of a pioneer life, wild beasts
included. Of his two sons, Abel and Joel, Abel died
Dec. 21, 1819.
Mr. Bullard died in the midst of his usefulness, April
6, 1820, aged forty-eight years. He is remembered as
being forward in the development of the country, an
efficient and trustworthy man. His widow resided upon
the homestead till her death, June 1, 1845, aged seventy-
six. Thus we find the subject of this narrative father-
less at the age of eleven, in a sparsely settled wilderness
country, with very little educational facilities, commenc-
ing the battle of life. If the youth of to-day would
but stop and consider how much has been epdured ^nd
accomplished by these old pioneers, a lesson of frugality
and temperance might be learned which should avail
them much.
He was married May 4, 1831, to Agnes Winnie,
daughter of Jacob G. and Nellie Winnie, who came here,
in 1816, from Rensselaer County. She taught district
school several years previous to her marriage.
By this union were born five children, via. : Hannah
Ann, widow of Jacob R. Decker ; Eleanor F., wife of
Andrew Sharp; Joel Henry (deceasetl); Hester, who mar-
ried John Henry Gray, both of whom have since died,
leaving one son, Willie S. Gray, who li\fes with his grand-
father ; and Judith Maria, wife of John G. White.
Mr. Bullard is the oldest living male settler in the
town of Howard. In politics he has always been a
staunch Democrat, and is a good representative of the
indomitable perseverance of the pioneers of Steuben
County. Still hale and hearty, he is one of the few old
living landmarks, surrounded with kind', children to
smooth his pathway as his time of release from earth
draws near, having led a life of .sterling integrity and
uprightness of character, honored by all who know him,
and at the writing of this sketch bids fair for more years
of usefulness.
TOWN OF HOWARD.
341
Supervisors. Collectors.
1865 Alkali Bennett. Marvin Goff.
1866 " " " "
1867 A. M. Cole. B. 0. C. Sharp.
1868 Alkali Bennett. Lewis Spaulding.
1869 Aaron McConnell. Hiram (ioff.
1S70 " " Jolin Briscoe.
1871 " " Byron Bennett.
1872 John G. Sharp. John Bri.scoe.
1873 " " Philip P. Bennett.
1874 Josiah House. '• "
1875 " " " "
1876 J. C. Hoagland. " "
1877 " •' Wm. H. MeKibbin.
1878 George Bennett. P. P. Bennett.
1879 William H. Willis.
MILITARY RECORD.
During the great crisis that was pending before the
breaking out of the Rebellion of 1861, the citizens of
Howard watched with bated breath the then pending issues.
They could not believe that these sister States seriously
meditated on the dissolution and destruction of the nation
and cradle of liberty, but thought that when the political
canvass had pa.ssed, reason and justice would prevail, and
peace sit enthroned, as it had for nearly a century past.
They, like all others, have seen their mistake ; and when
the news, wafted, as it were, by the wings of the wind,
came to their ears, the hardy sons of toil came from the
farm, the workshop, and in fact from every branch of in-
dustry, with alacrity, in response to the nation's call ; and
Howard, unlike most of other towns, filled up her ranks
with her own hardy and willing sons. Howard was called
upon under the difierent calls to furnish men, and the fol-
lowing are the names, as far as the writer has been able to
procure them :
First Lieut, l^enjamin N. Bennett, Alonzo Van Wie, Martin Ilif^gins. James
Van Wie, Valencourt .\Uen, Horace Bennett, David Sharp (died), H. G.
Preston, Saul A. Alden, Gilbert .\lden, Im Betmott, Byron Bennett,
Henry Cumiiiings, Daniel Gray, Nelson Higgin?, Joseph Hand, David
Hecox, Frank Keyser, Itoltort McBeth, Horace M. Meeks, Edgar J. Phil-
lips, Denzel Phillips, John Quigley (died), Lewis P. Russell, Nathaniel
Searls, John Vaiicampen, Adolplius Welch, Heniy Willis, Webster W.
Wagner, Chapin C. Morgan, Edward Morgan, Henry Manhart, George
Elliott, Samuel Taylor, James A. Derby, Edward Graves, Wm. Patterson,
Charles Hammus, Samuel Hall, Russell Taylor, Lafayette Taylor, Benja-
min WiUeon, Asa Wilson, Ilendrick Rathbun, IfiJiac Rathbun, David
Hamilton, Charles Alden, John Mills, Lyman Westcott, William Edson,
Durand Dunton, Eugene Dunton, Gilbert Dunton, Asa Keyser, William
Graves, Warren Keyser, Deloss Goff, Sidney Mesick, Abel N. Brown,
Henry Palmer, Stephen Peterson, Edwin Preston, Nathan B. Graham,
Biram Goff, David Wells, David Cole, John Swain, G. Searls, Austin Con-
nell, Capt. Richard Towie, Dennis Morris, Henry Sprague, Andrew
Sprague, William Hammond, Euos Allen, Ansel Oxx, James Cooper, Jos.
Dunn, Nelson Danes, Eugene Danes, George Shearer, Robert Shearer,
Stewart, William R. \Vlilte, John 0. Hoagland, William H. Marge-
son, Reuben W. Van Pelt, Cranson Ilagadorn, George Norton, R. W.
Welch, Patrick Dillen, Timothy Dillen, Michael Hammers, James Baker,
Alvin N. Baxter, William A. Wales, Henry Johnson, Ansel T. Wilson,
Patrick W^atson, David Nipher, George R. Deloss, Herman L. Allen,
David Bennett, Luther Wateis, Daniel W. Sabin, Ira Stephens, Scott Mc-
Kinney, Herbert M. Horton, Alanson Horton, John Swain, Alexander
Magill, Sylvester Shearer, James Dempsey, Henry Brasted, James M.
Willis, Henry W. Stephens, Josiah Hiler, John Cochrane, Henry Groose-
phend, John Hallett, S. S. MuUiken, William Coats. William Chose,
Andrew De Graff, James Cochrane, N. B. Grames, D. W. Dart, Webster
Sharp, James E. Borden, James McChesney, Eraslus Hawloy, George
Searls, Leroy D. Goff, John W. \Vhite, Joseph Fox, Abraham Russell,
Albert Pierce, B. Rice, William Dyke, Joseph Hyler, Dennis Morris,
Luther Stewart.
The number of killed and mortally wounded, and those
who died in the service, the writer has been unable to
ascertain, but they were quite a large number. During the
Rebellion, quite a number of public meetings were called
to take measures for the adoption of the best measures to
fill the different quotas, and make provisions for poor fami-
lies whose fathers and sons went into the service. A reso-
lution was passed that a committee be appointed to look
after the families of the soldiers, and see that they did not
suiFer for necessaries of life. The committee consisted of
John R. Parkliill, Alonzo Graves, Alkali Bennett, and
Andrew Stewart. The ladies of Howard, soon after the
breaking out of the Rebellion, formed a Ladies' Aid Society,
for the purpose of co-operating with the the Sanitary Com-
mission of the nation. Not only did they aid the great
commission, but they sent box after box of necessaries to
the front to their fathers, sons, and husbands, to cheer and
comfort them in their work. There was a War Committer
appointed by the people, consisting of Aaron McConnell,
Alonzo Graves, and Albert T. Parkhill, with full powers to
take such measures as they deemed proper and most ex-
pedient to raise money and men in the interest of the town,
and how well they discharged their trust is manifest by the
result.
The town of Howard, during the Rebellion, raised the
following sums of money as a town, by the issuing of town
bonds, and private subscriptions, as soldier bounties :
Amount raised in 1861 $10.00
" 1862 1674.00
•' 1863 369.86
" " 1864 650.00
" " 1865 318.86
Total amount raised by the town §3022.72 '
In addition to what was raised by the town, there was
raised upon the credit of the town, in Steuben County
bonds, the sum of $42,450 :
Amount raised for the year 1864 $13,800
" " 1865 28,650
Total amount raised by county bonds $42,450
The interest raised on account of the Indebtedness for
the Steuben County bonds was.
For the Tear 1865 $1127
" "" 1866 3505
Total interest up to 1866 $4632
There was interest paid subsequent to 1866, amounting
to about $1000.
During the struggle to maintain the honor and integrity
of the nation, the town of Howard very early in the con-
test took a loyal attitude, and maintained it through the
great struggle, and she will ever be ready to make any
sacrifice that may be required of her to maintain the
nation's honor.
JASPER.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The town of Jxsper was erected from that part of Can-
istco comprised in township number two, in the fifth range
of the Phelps and Gorham purchase, and a part of Troups-
burgh, included in the same townsliip, Jan. 24, 1827. The
name was given in honor of Sergeant Jasper, the hero of
Fort Moultrie and Savannah Spring, A half a mile was
annexed to Greenwood from the west side, in 1848. It
has Canisteo and Cameron on the north, Rathbone on the
east, Woodhull and Troupsburgh on the south, and Green-
wood on the west. The surface is very hilly and broken,
the highest summits being over 2000 feet above tide. The
streams are small, and for the most part run through deep
and narrow valleys. Col. Bill's Creek rises near the resi-
dence of P. Ostrander, and runs north to the Canisteo ;
the head-waters of Tuscarora Creek rise near the residence
of J. S. Whiteman, and run south into Woodhull. The
soil of this town is chiefly a slaty, gravelly, and clayey
loam.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In the fall of 1807 a person standing upon the high-
land in the northern part of Jasper, and looking to the
south and east, would have been greeted with a sight which,
once seen, is never to be forgotton. Far off down the val-
ley, the bright green tops of the tall pines floated lazily in
the light breeze, their giant trunks revealed in the lowlands
nearer by, then blending in the distance like the green of
growing grain, covered the entire valley, extending in groups
part way up the hill-sides where the yellow of the beech and
maple fringed the higher land, while dark-blue strips of
hemlock extended up the narrow valleys on either side and
became finally lost in the golden glow of autumn, far out
over the hills. Away ofi' to the south, beyond a fringe of
pines higher than the rest, rises a thin blue smoke, perhaps
the camp-fire of some roving hunter.
Let us descend into the valley in our course towards it.
On either side of the narrow ridge the ground, covered
with a soft brown carpet of pine leaves, descends into the
swampy level of the higher lands where the waters from
numerous hill-side springs gather to form the little brook
which flows down through the valley. The woods are
alive with birds and squirrels. A breaking twig startles a
herd of deer, and, with a snort of alarm, they rapidly dis-
appear among the tall pines, their clattering hoofs breaking
the stillness of the forest with a startling sound. Follow-
ing the course of the little brook the sound of the wood-
man's axe breaks the stillness, and leads us over a slight
hill to the south. As we reach the ascent, light shines
through the open trees and reveals a short distance ahead
a small clearing in which a man is busily trimming the
.342
limbs from a tall pine upon whose fallen trunk he stands.
A few rods beyond is the little cabin. The smoke which
led us here rises in lazy wreaths from a burning log, beside
which stands the large old-fashioned bake-kettle perched
high upon its iron legs and its lid covered with smouldering
ashes. Near by stands a pail with one long stave extend-
ing upward for a handle, and over the fire swings a black-
ened copper kettle. ' As we enter the opening the chopper,
a large muscular man with bare arms and open collar
thrown away from his breast, descends from his high
perch, and, bidding us welcome with a strong German
accent, leads the way to his cabin. This man is Nicholas
Prutsman,* and the little blackened acre, half filled with
stumps and surrounded with a rude fence of logs and
poles, is the firet cleared land in the town of Jasper.
Nicholas Prutsman, Sr., a native of Germany, left the
Tioga Valley, with his family and household effects in a
wagon, in the spring of 1807, and moving down the valley
and up the Canisteo to Addison, followed the course of the
Tuscarora Creek, up past the Caleb Smith settlement of the
year before, in Woodhull, still farther up the north branch
of that stream, clearing a road with his axe as he progressed.
At a distance of nine miles above the last settlement he
turned to the west, and following a small tributary a mile
towards its source, unhitched his team, turned them loose
in the woods, and made his camp for the night under a
giant oak, seven miles from the nearest habitation. Here,
accompanied by his wife and children, he camped while
building the little cabin which in after-years was replaced
by the old homestead near Marlatt's Corners, the public
highway passing under the old " camp oak," directly in
front of the house. Mr. Prutsman built the first saw-mill
near the Toogood place. His daughter, Sally Prutsman,
who was the wife of the late Orrin Kittle, was the first
white child born in Jasper, her birth occurring April 28,
1808. Adam Brotzman, his brother, came the next year
and located at the " five corners," his place being a mile
distant, towards the east.
Andrew Craig, Sr., one of the most prominent men in the
town daring his life, left Ireland during the great rebellion,
at the age of eighteen, and in 1810 left his home near
Philadelphia for the new Western country, and was ap-
pointed a sub-land-agent for the proprietors in that city.
The first night after his arrival was spent by Mr. Craig in
an Indian wigwam, near the present village. His farm
joined Andrew Simpson's, south, these two farms occupying
what is now a beautiful village. Mr. Craig made the first
butter for market, his wife going with him to Philadelphia
* Nicholas spells his name Prutsman, while his brothers Abr.ain
and Philip spell theirs Brotzman, their children following their exam-
ple.
J^Oy,
roi
AMOS F. WOODBURY.
Ainos F. Woodbury was born in the town of Richfield,
Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1803. His fother, John
Woodbury, was a native of Massachusetts, born about
1779, went to Otsego County when a young man, and mar-
ried Sophia Densmore, of that county ; settled there on a
farm in the town of Richfield, where he lived the remain-
der of his life. He was among the pioneers of that county,
and lived on the farm where he first settled until his death,
at the age of eighty-six years. His wife died, leaving four
children, — Amos F., Mrs. Moses Wheeler, John, and Mrs.
Moore. He was subsequently married three times : first to
Rebecca Blake, of which union were born two children, —
George and William ; second, to Rhoda Hawkes, of which
union were born four children, — Mrs. Northrop, Lydia and
Laura, twins, and Daniel, on the old homestead ; third, to
Mrs. Clark, who survived him some twelve years.
Mr. Amos F. Woodbury was mostly at home during his
minority, and like many of the boys of his day had limited
opportunities for any education from books, but the neces-
sary economy, and in many instances hardships endured by
both parents and children, often laid the foundation for suc-
cessful business lives.
Nov. 16, 1823, he married Lura, daughter of Elijah and
Mary (Balcom) Martin, of Richfield. For seventeen
years following his marriage he resided in Herkimer Co.,
N. Y., and followed farming and stock dealing, and in the
latter business he was quite .successful. He bought his
stock mostly in this State, and marketed in New York and
other eastern markets.
In 1840 he removed with his family, and settled in the
town of Jasper, Steuben Co., purchasing some two hundred
acres of land, where he still resides, although many years
ago he passed the active duties of life. To his first pur-
chase he afterwards added some one hundred and eighty
acres, and of all his land he has caused to be cleared about
one hundred and fifty acres. On his farm he erected com-
modious farm buildings, which now show the handiwork
of a thoroughgoing agriculturist and business man. Their
children are Amanda, died at the age of eighteen ; Joseph
B., of Greenwood ; Mrs. Philip Moore, of Jasper ; James
G., died in Illinois, born in Herkimer County ; and Mrs.
George Dennis, born in Jasper, and now resident on and
the owner of the old homestead.
In politics Mr. Woodbury was formerly a Democrat, but
now is a Republican, having left the old ranks to vote for
Henry Clay for President of the United States. He has
been called upon by the citizens of his town to hold several
positions of trust and responsibility, and for some nine
years in succession has officiated as assessor, and for three
years represented his town in the Board of Supervisors.
He belongs to that cla.ss of men who, by self-reliance, reso-
lution, and industry, carve out a fortune for themselves, and
through their exertions the local improvements of town and
county are brought to successful completion, law and order
established, and the country prepared for the enjoyment of
the rising generations. His wife died Jan. 23, 1868, a
woman of great kindness of heart, generous, of unsullied
character, and respected by all who knew her.
*^^ ,^^*^^^ss^-5
-^^
ja^^ H/u...
oZ? 'X^'^-^C^.e^ ^,:^^:i^Sz2/2J^^—
ALLEN DRAKE.
Peter Drake was a native of New Jersey ; married
Rhuhaiua llussell, also born in that State. Soon after
their marriage, in the year 1813, they removed and settled
in the town of Benton, Yates Co., where they remained
for sixteen years and carried on farming ; and io the year
1829 came to the town of Jasper, where they purchased
one hundred and fifty acres of timbered land in the west
part of the town, where they lived the remainder of their
days. He died in 1852, aged sixty-five. She died in 1851,
aged si.xty. Their children are Allen, born in New Jersey,
Sidney, Mrs. David Dennis, Mrs. Hiel Savage, Ayres, Mrs.
Leler Moors, and Charles Peter. The last two were born
in Steuben County ; the others, except Allen, were born in
Yates County.
Mr. Allen Drake received no pecuniary assistance in
starting out for himself in life. His education from books
was confined to the common school, but the lessons learned
while at home, during his minority, of industry, necessary
economy, and judicious management laid the foundation
for a successful business career.
At the age of twenty-four he married Priscilla Benaway,
of Jasper. The children of this marriage are Siduey, Mrs.
William H. Wheeler, Mrs. Andrew Murphy, and Mrs.
Harrison Purdy.
]Mr. Drake began life in the log house and on fifty acres
of wild land ; soon after he added fifty acres more ; after six
years, in 1840, he settled on one hundred acres, where he
now resides, to which he has made additions of some five
hundred and sixty acres ; some two hundred acres he
cleared of the original forest, and all of which he has put
in a good state of cultivation, having built on the same
some four dwelling-houses now occupied by his children,
together with some thirteen framed barns and as many
framed sheds. His farm is the largest cultivated farm in
town, and possibly in Steuben County, and shows the work
of a life-intere.st and care of a careful husbandman and
agriculturist. Mr. Drake has given his attention mostly
to dairying, sheep and stock raising, and is ranked among
the most successful farmers of the county.
He has ever been interested in all matters of local im-
provement in town and county ; was a member of the
Democratic party until the election of Buchanan, when he
united with the Republican party. While a young man he
officiated as assessor for several years ; since which time he
has never consented to accept official honors, although often
solicited to hold high places in the gift of the people. His
life has been given strictly to business, yet not so closely
to his own aflfairs as to neglect what duty required in his
neighborhood and town.
Mr. Drake is known as a thrifty, enterprising, candid
man, possessed of strong resolution, quick perception, and
force of character to complete whatever he undertakes.
A man of correct habits and genial dispo.sition, and among
his associates sociable, and especially in hLs fomily is this
characteristic particularly exemplified. He is a liberal sup-
porter of church and kindred interests, a staunch supporter
of morality and good society. His wife died May 29, 1847.
For his second wife he married, in 1847, Olive Savage,
of Jasper. She died Aug. 24, 1848, leaving a daughter
who lived to the age of seventeen.
He married for his present wife, Nov. 19, 1848, Lucinda,
danghterof Abel Andrew, of Orange, formerly in this county.
The children of this marriage are Luzerne, Mrs. Harmon
Huntington, Fannie, and Bertha.
Mr. Drake is now in the sixty-ninth year of his age, having
been born Nov. 3, 1810. For some two years past failing
health has compelled him to relinquish largely the active
duties of life, but he sees arouud him the fruits of his
labor, and devoted children comfortably enjoying places
prepared for them by him.
TOWN OF JASPER.
343
to work it over into rolls. Andrew Murphy, Sr., brother-
in-law of Mr. Craig, father of Andrew Murphy, of Jasper,
and John and Robert Murphy, of Canisteo, came soon after
and located a short distance north.
Occasional settlements were made during the next de-
cade, including Andrew Moore, who came in 1816, and his
brother, John Moore, now one of the most prosperous and
respected farmers of the town, who is still living on the
place he selected south of Marlatt's Corners. When he
came there, a young man, with nothing but his vigorous
manhood to rely upon, his neighbors suggested placing him
under bonds that he should not become a public charge.
Many of those neighbors lived to see him achieve that suc-
cess which commands respect and adds to the reputation
of his surroundings.
A few months after the arrival of Mr. Brotzmaii, Andrew
Simpson, father of Alexander, John, and Herman Simpson,
came from Scipio, Cayuga Co., and built his cabin where
the Drake Hotel now stands, in the village of Jasper. Mr.
Simpson's eldest daughter, Polly, was married to Samuel
Gregg, of Elmira, soon after, that being the first marriage
ceremony performed in the town. Two other sisters, Mi-
nerva and Jane, were subsequently married to Col. JeflFrey
and Ira Smith, pioneer settlers of WoodhuU. Ebenezer
Spencer came in 1808, and located a mile and a half north
of Mr. Simpson, applying himself so vigorously to the task
of clearing that in 1823 he had the largest improvement in
the town.
In 1811, John G. Marlatt settled on the hill between
Mr. Simpson's and Nicholas Prutsman's, and afterwards the
place became known as Marlatt's Corners. His brothers,
Abram, Gideon, and Matthias, came afterwards, and with
their father, Gideon Marlatt, Sr., who died in August, 1823,
and two brothers-in-law, Uzal McMinds and Thomas Fen-
ton. John G. Marlatt occupied the same farm, from his
purchase in 1811 to his death in 1873, at the age of eighty-
. seven years.
Oliver Pease made the first settlement in 1816, where
WyckofF's tavern became a favorite resort, in the west part
of the town, near the deep, dark ravine known as the
" Gully." The old tavern has long since disappeared, and
near its place rises the tall spire of the Wesleyan church.
In 1823, Robert Sharp, a soldier of 1812, moved on to
the farm where he still lives, at the ripe age of ninety-four
years. At the loggings and rail-splittings of fifty years ago,
he was known as " the man who could out-chop any man
in the county." Mrs. Sharp, who is ninety-three years
old, is also living where, for nearly three-quarters of a cen-
tury, this aged couple have seen the progress, in rapid
strides, from the unbroken wilderness to the highest civiliza-
tion.
The first settlement in the northwestern part of the town
was made by Guy Wardwell, in 1822. William F. Gard-
ner, Henry Whiteman, and Richard Winship came in 1821,
and with him his brother Sylvester, father of Dr. D. C.
Winship, a prominent physician of Jasper, located in the
southern part of the town. Sylvester Winship, grandfather
of the doctor, accompanied his sons.
Here, among the pines, were the favorite hunting-grounds
of a quiet race of Indians, who remained in small numbers
some years after the white men had begun to clear the val-
leys. Stone hatchets, arrow-heads, and curiously-wrought
stones, whose use was unknown, were picked up in great
numbers by the early settlers. " Nicholas," an old Indian,
who used to frequent the Craig settlement long after the
rest were gone, playing for hours with the children, is said
to have brought lead and run it into bullets and fanciful
forms for their amusement. It was believed he obtained it
about the N. Prutsman farm, but he would only say, in an-
swer to questions, " Plenty; not far off!"
The settlements were few, and far apart. The first school,
taught by Amanda Smith, was attended by children whose
long walk consumed nearly the entire day ; the barefooted,
tow-clad boys starting early that they might complete their
tasks and return before nightfall ; their homes were scat-
tered over a distance farther than the bounds of the present
town.
Mills were scarce and distant at first, and the ingeniously
constructed " dandy rarer " cracked the corn and wheat of
the early settler, in a hollowed stump. A spring-pole made
fast at the root-s of a neighboring tree, swung from a fork
set securely in the ground, from the end of which hung the
huge pestle, with a pin run through crosswise for handles.
The operator, pouring in his grain, stood upon the stump,
and grasping the pin with both hands, brought down the
pounder with the force of his weight. The unskilled oper-
ator, who caught the pin under his chin, or in his clothing,
as it recoiled from the blow, and was hurled from the stump
in astonishment, still remembers how it worked.
School moneys were voted each year " to the full extent
of what the law allowed," and $250 a year voted for high-
ways and bridges from 1827 to 1839. In the year 1846 a
special town-meeting held for that purpose voted 108 to 113
against license to sell liquors. The war of 1861-65 called
for special town-meetings in rapid succession towards its
close. Feb. 26, 1864, a special call voted a tax of $300 for
each recruit, to fill quota, 159 votes being cast for tax, and
15 against. Aug. 6, 1864, a vote of 102 to 84 increased
the amount to $500 each. Aug. 26, 1864, a unanimous
vote of 64 added another hundred dollars. September 23,
the same year, the fifth special town-meeting, by a vote of
144 to 84, again declared in favor of a $600 bounty to re-
cruits for the army.
The first settlement in that part of Jasper comprising
most of the northern part of the town, and known as the
" Hampshire Settlement," was made by Samuel Dennis, a
surveyor from New Hampshire, in the spring of 1824,
three miles northeast of the village, on the divide between
the Tuscarora and Col. Bill's Creek. Here he remained
alone for nearly two years, clearing four acres of land, raising
a crop of wheat, and building a house, with, to use his own
words, " the howling of the wolves for company." In
1826 he brought his family, and was soon followed by his
brother, Moses Dennis, several other families coming the
next season.
Ephraim Woodward made a settlement in the town two
miles farther west than Mr. Dennis the same fall. He
was a man of great muscular power, and an almost con-
stant hunter, whose recklessness led him into many fierce
encounters. On one occasion he narrowly escaped death
3M
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
in a fierce encounter with a black bear, whicb he succeeded
in killing, after being lacerated in a horrible manner. His
son, Alden Woodward, occupies with him the old home-
stead.
Deacon Joshua Sargent, Thomas Whiting, Enoch
Ordway, David and Putnam Woodward, Jonathan R. and
William Prentice, and his father, Henry Prentice, were
among the earliest settler.s from New Hampshire.
Deacon Thomas Whiting came to Jasper in 1827,
bought a farm, and after a year and a half returned to
New Hampshire, where he married Sarah Cram, and re-
turned accompanied by Lewis Cram, who settled near him.
Deacon Whiting, whose Christian worth endeared him to
the community in which he lived, died in 1878, leaving
one son, Oliver 51. Whiting.
Numerous other families from the same State joined
them during the next ten years. The descendants of these
hardy New Englanders are prosperous and energetic farm-
ers. Their settlement includes the best-watered body of
land in the county, and though somewhat broken, is
highly productive. The first church in the town was
built by them, and they have always done their full .share
in promoting the moral welfare of the town. The first five
ballots cast in the town of Jasper for the abolition of
slavery were written and voted by New Hamp.shire men of
this community, among whom were Alfred Hadley, Thomas
Whiting, I. K. Robinson, and Jonathan Whiting. A
cheese-factory established by Samuel Dennis, son of the
old surveyor, in 1874, is doing a successful business, and
adds to the prosperity of the settlement. In 1877 the
Hampshire post-ofiice was established at the cheese-factory,
with Mr. Dennis, postmaster. Mails are received by the
Ja.sper and Canisteo stage, Wednesdays and Fridays.
ORGANIZATION.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Andrew
Simpson, the first Tuesday in March, 1827. Stephen
Towsley was chosen '• moderator" of the meeting, and the
following oificers were elected : Andrew Craig, Supervisor ;
William Hunter, Town Clerk ; Uzal McMinds, Oliver
Peas, Sr., Samuel Dennis, Assessors ; Jonathan Schanck,
Collector ; John G. Slarlatt, Elijah Peak, and Benjamin
Hilliker, Commissioners of Highways ; Stephen Towsley
and Ira Smith, Overseers of the Poor; Henry Phoenix,
Enoch Ordway, and Joseph Dutton, Commissioners of
Schools ; Ira Simpson, Jonathan R. Prentice, and William
Hunter, Inspectors of Schools ; Lewis Fenton, Philip
Brotzman, and Jonathan Schanck were chosen Constables,
by the uplifted hand •, Pathmasters, J. G. Marlatt, Ira
Smith, Barnabas Kinney, Joseph Dutton, Lsaao Wardvvell,
Israel S. Osgood, Alvah June, Benjamin Hilliker, Jehial
Wood, Ebenezer Spencer, Jedediah Talbot, Benjamin
Woodward ; Fence-Viewers, John G. Marlatt, Stephen
Towsley, and Philip Failing. Two hundred and fifty dol-
lars were voted for roads and bridges. In the general
election held in November, 1827, there were 67 votes cast,
and Oliver Peas, Stephen Towsley, Ira Smith, and Samuel
Dennis were elected Justices of the Peace. Samuel Den-
nis, William Hunter, Andrew Craig, Uzal McMinds, and
Oliver Pease were Inspectors of Election.
LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1827.
Andrew Craig.
William Hunter.
Jonathan Schanck.
1828.
tt ti
It ti
" "
1829.
it n
ti _ . II
Hinckley Spencer.
1830.
tt t(
it It
it a
1831.
it it
ti tt
Darius Simpson.
1832.
tt ii
H. Spencer (v.
.
it it
1833.
Stephen Towsley.
it tt
Allen Drake.
1S34.
it it
it it
Jonathan AVhitney.
1835.
a it
tt tt
,
a it
1836.
" "
Charles Huntei
.
it t(
1837.
William Hunter.
(' "
ti ii
1838.
"
ti It
Arnold Phelps.
1839.
" "
J. D. Mandcvi
le.
" "
1840.
J. R. Prentice.
John McMinds
"
1841.
John G. Marlatt.
it a
Joseph Fenton.
1842.
J. R. Prentice.
ii tt
"
1843.
William Hunter.
Robert Boyd.
it tt
1S44.
.Andrew Craig.
" "
a ti
1845.
'• "
Joseph Fenton
John McMinds.
1846.
William Hunter.
Peter S.S.McNeal.
H. C. Simpson.
1847.
Alvah June.
it
"
"
1848.
U it
it
It
Milo Chilson.
1849.
" ••
it
•'
Asa B. Mudge.
1850.
•'
H. C. Simpson
Jedediah Stephens.
1851.
" "
Darius Simpson.
AVm. M. AVaight.
1852.
Darius Simpson.
Uri W. Metcalf.
Lorenzo S. Wolcott.
1853.
J. R. Prentice.
"
a a
1854.
Jesse L. Bartow.
"
Elias AVhittemore.
1S55.
J. R. Prentice.
ti a
(( n
1856.
Jonathan Schanck.
it it
a it
1857.
"
Ira D. Hotchk
ss.
John McMinds.
1858.
Ira D. Ilotchkiss.
Nich. B. Hilbo
ne.
"
1859.
u
Milton Timerman.
AVm. T. AVoodward.
1860.
Henry C. Prentice.
James Outman
Henry A'an Orsdale.
1861.
(( it
James S. Outman.
Amos R. Hilbourn.
1862.
"
AV. E. Craig.
Josiah S. Craig.
1863.
AmosT. Woodbury
James S. Outm
an.
Burnham Sargeant.
1864.
"
Henry Van Orsdale.
it it
1865.
It a
Uri AV. Metcalf.
C G. Hutchinson.
1866.
AVillis E. Craig.
J. S. Outman.
Orrin Swan.
1867.
Samuel F. Dennis.
it n
Andrew Murphy.
1868.
(( ti
tt ti
C. B. Hilbourn.
1869.
ti ti
tt a
Andrew Murphy.
1870.
Geo. D. Woodward.
"
M. E. Timerman.
1871.
it it
"
H. C. Mulhollen.
1872.
Samuel Dennis, Jr.
"
M. E. Timerman.
1873.
Willis E. Craig.
" "
J. B. Sargent.
1874.
James S. Outman.
Henry B. And
rews.
Charles AVhiting.
1875.
AV. E. Craig.
"
Charles B. Hilbourn
1876.
a
a
•
Hosea P. Barnard.
1877.
Asa Spencer.
Willard J. Guinipp
it «
1878.
it ti
"
Andrew Hardy.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1827.
Oliver Peas.
1841.
Amara Merithew.
Stephen Towsley.
John
More.
Ira Smith.
1842.
Darius Simpson.
Samuel Dennis.
1843.
Richard Sheffield.
1831.
Jonathan R. Prentice.
Herman C. Simpson.
Joseph Henshaw.
1844.
John R. Towsley.
1832.
John J. Rowley.
1845.
Amara Merithew.
1833.
Samuel Hudson.
1846.
Har
fey Andrews.
Peter Drake.
1847.
Dennis Knapp.
1834.
Darius Simpson.
1848.
Johc
A. Parker.
1835.
Jonas Clark.
1849.
Amara Merithew.
1836.
Samuel Hudson.
1850.
Har
'ey Andrews.
1837.
John AVyckoff.
1851.
R. H. Sheffield.
1838.
Darius Simpson.
1852.
Alvah June.
Abram Butts.
1853.
AVill
am McLane.
1839.
Richard Sheffield.
1854.
Morgan M. Benaway.
1840.
Henry Andrews.
1855.
Joht
Timerman.
TOWN OF JASPEK.
345
1855.
John T. Plato.*
1867.
Alfred Williams.
1856.
Roswcll C. Griffin.
Augustus Van Orsdale.
1857.
Jonathan K. Kctchum.
J. M. Simpson.
1858.
Solomon Countryman.
1868.
Moses F. Whittemore.
Oliver B. Countryman.*
1869.
Adam Hardy (2d).
1859.
Jona;? Tiraermau.
1870.
Solomon Countryman.
Moses F. Whittmorc.
1871.
Andrew Murphy.
1860.
Amara Merithcw.
1872.
Jerome M. Simpson.
1861.
Allen A. Van Orsilale.
1873.
Adrian Hardy, Jr.
Moses F. Whittemore.
1874.
Edwin P. Spencer.
1862.
Robert Murphy.
]87.'>.
Allen A. Van Orsdale.
1863.
Jonas Timerman.
1876.
J. M. Simpson.
1864.
Jonathan K. Ketrfhum.
1877.
Peter Drake.
1865.
Asa Spencer.
1878.
De Witt C. Amey.
1866.
S. Countryman.
VILLAGE OF JASPER.
The old business portion of Jasper, known as the Five
Corners, was centered around Adam Brotzman's tavern,
and had grown to contain besides the tavern a saw-mill,
two stores, or places where goods were sold, and a post-office,
the first in the town. William Gardner was postmaster.
The post-ofiBce became an object of contention between the
rival corners, and was changed to Marlatt's Corners, where
John G. Marlatt became postmaster. Previous to this
Harvey Phoenix came from Painted Post, bought five acres
of land, and opened the first store between Bath and Knox-
ville. Pa., near Marlatt's In 1826, Edward Craig began
clerking for Mr. Phoenix, and in 1834 bought him out,
and moved the store to the old Craig farm at the Five
Corners. Nelson Johnson went to Washington, and se-
cured the appointment of Andrew Craig, Sr., postmaster,
and the removal of the post-office to the new store. At
this time there were only the Craig house, the store, and
two other houses, — one a log house near the creek, where
Andrew Simpson lived, and a little plank house where his
son, Carter Simpson, sold candies and notions.
Nelson Johnson built the first steam flouring-mill, in
1848, and the only flouring-mill in the town.
The present village of Jasper contains 260 inhabitants,
and is a place of some business importance. There are
nine stores here, the proprietors of which are generally
descendants of the first settlers. There are also the ordi-
nary trades-shops, a saw-mill, two hotels, and three churches.
A beautiful cemetery is located just above the village. The
buildings are neat and modern in appearance. Mails are
received daily by stage from Canisteo. A post-office has
also been established at Talbott's Creek, under the name of
North Jasper, and the West Jasper post-office closed.
The abandoned Five Corners is now a little cluster of
farm-houses surrounding a large hotel recently completed,
on the site of the old Swan tavern, and just across the creek
from the pioneer tavern of Abram Brotzman. The old
cemetery at the Five Corners contains the remains of many
of the old settlers of the town, among whom are those of
Barnabas Kinney, David Cook, Stephen Towsley, Uri
Merriam, and Mrs. Sally Kittle, the first child born in
Jasper.
CHURCHES.
JASPER BAPTIST CHURCH.
On the 9th of February, 1817, there assembled in what
was then the town of Troupsburgh, Nathaniel Seelye, Bed-
* Vacancy.
ford George, Charles Card, William and John George,
Rebecca Seelye, Lurena Herrington, and Phoebe Card ;
Charles Card was appointed clerk. Agreeing upon articles
of faith, they united in forming the Troupsburgh Baptist
Church. Such as had not been, were baptized. During
the month of June, 1817, Rev. Samuel Bigelow baptized
and received into the church 14 persons. At a meeting
held at Charles Card's, July 12, 1817, which was presided
over by Rev. Andrew Sherfarne, of the Massachusetts Mis-
sionary Society, the name was changed to the Jasper Bap-
tist Church. In 1823 the order of Freemasons became a
source of much trouble in the church. The present house
of worship in Jasper village was raised June 7, 1834, and
occupied, as soon as inclosed, for meetings, but was not
finished until 1840. The trustees were Ebenezer Spencer
and H. C. Simpson. There have belonged to this society
since its organization 275 members. In August, 1849, the
membership was 67 ; July, 1856, it was 32.
Pastor.s, 1818, Rev. David Smith; 1819, Charles Card;
1826, William Moore; 1832, John B. Chase; 1837, B.
Murdock; 1839, Thomas W. Colby; 1841, David Smith,
P. Colgrove; 1842, Asa Griffin; 1844, Warren Rice;
1846, William Raymond ; 1847, Warren Rice ; 1848, Levi
Stone; 1854, Calvin Thomas; 1861, G. Crocker; 1863,
W. Capron ; 1866, Roswell Corbett; 1868, E. T. Mallory;
1872, A. H. Todd ; 1875, E. L. Garrett, the present pas-
tor.
There have been licensed to preach from this church :
1817, David Smith; 1818, C. Card; 1835, E. Kittell;
1841, Asa Griffin; Ordained: 1820, David Smith ; 1862,
Thomas Dunham.
Deacons : 1820, Jesse Rowley ; 1829, John Kent ; 1830,
E. Kittell; 1837, Hinckley Spencer, Darius Simp.son ;
1844, Adrian Hardy; 1859, Benjamin Thomas; 1860, E.
C. June. Present Clerk, A. J. Spencer. Trustees, A. J.
Spencer, E. C. June. The present membership is 43.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JASPER.
During the summer of 1825, Enoch Ordway organized
the first Sunday-school in Ja.sper. This school met for two
years in Mr. Ordway's house, then in a vacant building,
and in 1828, in a log school-house on the present farm of
S. T. Dennis. In 1828 a Sunday-school society was formed
for the purpose of organizing Sunday-schools throughout
the town. Oct. 29, 1829, the First Presbyterian Church
of Jasper was formed with 25 members. Deacon Joshua
Sargent, who has taught a cla.ss of men in this Sunday-
school for forty-two years, was one of the first elders.
Enoch Ordway was one of the first deacons. Mrs. Thomas
Whiting and Mrs. S. Fry Dennis are the only original
members of the church now living. Samuel Dennis and
wife. Earl Stone and wife, Samuel Butler and wife, Joshua
Sargent and wife, Jedediah Talbot, Cloe Lawson, Parmelia
Whittemore, and Putnam AVoodward were of the first
members. Wm. H. Prentice and wife added their names
two days afterwards. The first pastor was Rev. Mr.
Pomeroy. In 1830 meetings were held at Adam Fail-
ing's house, boards were brought in for seats. The women
sat in the house, and the men on the piazza and the
stumps about the yard, while the minister stood in the
44
346
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
door. The womeu came with sun-bonnets, while the
little girls, clad in checked-tow frocks, wore white cotton
handkerchiefs around their heads, and all carried their
well-cleaned shoes in their hands until near the meet-
ing. They generally brought their dinners, and attended
the forenoon sermon and Sunday-school before dinner, and
had another meeting after, when they dispersed for their
homes, following paths through the woods, by marks cut
upon the trees with an axe. This church received the 100-
acre gospel lot from the Pulteneys, their organization being
first in accordance with the incorporate law of the State.
The first church, 24 by 36 feet in size, was built on the
State road, near Earl Stone's, by William H. Prentice,
Karl Stone, and David Ward, committee, who commenced
their work in 1844, and finished in 1846. Meetings were
held in it while building. The first Sunday after its com-
pletion it caught fire in the morning and was burned before
service. The second building was immediately erected in
the Hampshire settlement, near the Benin's place, and was
dedicated in December, 1847, by Rev. G. T. Everest.
Rev. G. T. Everest, Jonathan Whiting, Earl Stone,
Thomas Whiting, and Sylvester Lamson were trustees and
builders. This building was abandoned on the completion
of a larger church in Jasper village, in 1872, at a cost of
$6000, exclusive of the site, which was donated by W. E.
Craig. The church was dedicated Feb. 15, 1872, by Rev.
W. A. Miles. The trustees were G. D. Woodward, S. F.
Dennis, 0. M. Whiting.
Pastors: 1829, Rev. David Higgins ; 1830, Rev. Mr.
Pomeroy ; 1835, Orrin John.son ; 1837-38, Robert Hub-
bard; 1839-42, Noah Cressey ; 1843-44, T. W. Duncan ;
1847-48, G. T. Everest; 1852, Geo. Spaulding; 1854,
Harvey Hyde; 1856-58, Geo. Van Deurs ; 1858-67, S.
A. Rawson; 1868, Alexander Gulick ; 1869-73, Samuel
A. Rawson ; 1874-75, John Beechcr ; 1876, J. H. Brown ;
1877-78, Arthur Bruen, present pastor.
Officers : Joshua Sargent, Jonathan R. Prentice, J. L.
Ordway, J. Sumner Sargent, Deacons ; Samuel Dennis,
Clerk; Asa Spencer, Burnham Sargent, 0. M. Whiting,
Trustees. Two members of this church are now laboring
as foreign missionaries : Rev. Joseph Whiting, in China,
and Miss Olive Whiting, in Japan.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF JASPER.
The first meetings of this society, held in the town of
Jasper, were under the auspices of Mrs. S. A. Grinolds
and Mrs. Smith, in 1818, who are said to have been the
only Methodists in the town at that date. Rev. Buel
was the first preacher. As a result of his labors there was
a revival, and a class was formed under his preaching, of
which Uzal McMinds was made class-leader. Mrs. McMinds,
Louis Hayes and wife, Samuel Cady, who became a local
preacher ; Mrs. Cady, HoUis Cady and wife, Jonathan
Cady and wife, Hon. Samuel Griggs, afterwards of Troups-
burgh, and his wife, a Mr. Marlatt and wife, and some
others, united in forming the first class. Bleetings were
held in the school-house at Marlatt's Corners, and as late
as 1834 were held at the present village, and at the old
corners below, in the school-houses, until the erection of the
present church. Revs. James Bronson, ■
Magee, .
Peck, Micah Sager, and Asa Orcutt were early preachers,
traveling a long circuit and meeting their appointments
once in four weeks. Rev. Mr. Atchison, who preached
here in 1830, is well remembered as a man of peculiarly
regular habits, who allowed nothing to interfere with his
fixed hours for eating, sleep, or study, no matter what the
surroundings might be.
Nicholas Prutsman and Miles Kinney were trustees build-
ing the church, which was repaired, and a large basement
constructed beneath. The church is at present a fine build-
ing, standing upon a hill-side street overlooking the village
and the valley to the north. The block upon wliich it
stands belongs to the society, and contains also a fine par-
sonage. During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Coolbaugh, a
splendid new bell, weighing over 2000 pounds, was pur-
chased, and on New Year's day, 1879, it first rang, in proc-
lamation of the advent of a Happy New Year. This bell
is toned to the key of G,and wears the inscription, "Jasper
Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. G. J. Du Bois, 1878."
The total cost of the church has been $7000. The rededica-
tion, which occurred after the repairs, took place in 1871,
Rev. B. I. Ives preaching the dedicatory sermon. During
the pastorate of Rev. G. J. Du Bois, in 1856, Rev. Michael
Coyle, then a school-teacher at Troupsburgh, was converted.
He is now a prominent member of the Central New York
Methodist Episcopal Conference. At that time there were
upwards of 150 persons added to the church.
The following pastors have ofBciatcd at this charge, and
preached before its organization : 1830-35, Revs. Mr.
Achison, Anderson, Ashworth; 1836, I. J. B.
McKinney; 1837, Waller and St. John;
1838-53, Luther Northway, M. Rogers, Huntley, C.
Gould, M. H. Davis; 1854-55, C. J. Bradbury; 1856, G.
J. Du Bois ; 1857, Chandler Wheeler, D. Rittenhouse ;
1858, Carlos Gould; 1859, C. J. Bradbury; 1860-61,
Merritt M. Davis ; 1864, J. Powell ; 1865-66, J. J. Tur-
ton; 1867-68, L. T. Hawkins; 1869, C. Dillenbeck ;
1870-72, Francis M. Smith; 1873-75, C. 6. Curtis;
1876-77, J. R. Catlin; 1878-79, G. J. Du Bois.
The present officers of the society are Milton Timerman,
Class- Leader ; Edwin Whiting, Recording Steward; C. B.
Hilburn, J. M. Taft, Robert Hilburn, Abram Walrath,
De Witt C. Amey, Stewards ; Jonathan Whiting, Andrew
Savage, John N. Duncle, R. Johnson, Trustees. The
present membership is 190. It is impossible to obtain a
full history of this church, as all their old books of record
have been destroyed.
WESLEYAN METHODIST CHnRCH.
The First Wesleyan Methodist Church of Jasper was
organized in March, 1871, at the " Gully school-house,"
in the west part of the town, under the preaching of Rev.
Mr. Sinsabaugh. Rev. P. D. Rathbone had preached there
a short time previous. The first members were Geo. W.
Sibley and wife, Tlmrlow Woodward and wife, William
Drake and wife, Joseph Banks and wife. Geo. Sibley, who
afterwards became a minister, was made class-leader, and
Thurlow Woodward, clerk. A building was immediately
commenced under the supervision of Geo. W. Sibley, Martin
Campbell, and Thomas Woodward, trustees, and was dedi-
Dr. Solomon Deck was born in the town of Minden,
Montgomery Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, ISK!.
His father, John Deck, was also a native of that county,
was a wagon-maker by trade and carried on farming ; was
married to Elizabeth Banter, of which union were born
three children, Urial, Nancy, and John. His wife died,
and for his second wife he married Catharine Failing.
Their children are Solomon S., Daniel, Betsey, and Mar-
garet.
His parents removed and settled in Jasper, then called
Troupsburgh, in 1822, then an almost entire wilderness, and
a few scattered inhabitants. His father purchased three
hundred and fifty acres of land, upon which he settled, and
cleared some seventy-five acres prior to his death, March,
1813. His wife survived him several years, and died
in April, 1861.
Dr. Deck started for himself in life upon reaching his
majority, received fair opportunities for an education dur-
ing his minority, and was a teacher for several terms. In
1837 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Jones, of
Bath, and was afterwards a student with Dr. Leaver, of
Bath. He attended medical lectures at Castleton (Vt.)
Medical College, from which he was graduated M.D. in
1841, and the same year settled at Jasper in the practice
of his profession, where he has continually resided since.
For the first twelve years he traversed this country,
attending to his calls on horseback, and in no case during
his active life did lie ever make a distinction with the rich
or poor, but gave his services as freely when he did not ex-
pect remuneration as when he would receive a merited fee.
For many years Dr. Deck's ride extended distances of
twenty-five miles around, and night and day he was found
in the saddle, often denying himself of the rest and sleep
which his mind and body demanded. Many incidents
woi'thy of mention connected with his experience, depicting
the suft'ering of patients and the wants of the needy, might
be written, in which his .sympathy has shown his promi-
nent characteristic.
Dr. Deck has not only been first in his profession, and
ranked among the leading physicians of the county in
point of skill and medical knowledge, but as a citizen has
ever been interested in all matters of a local interest.
Feb. 23, 1843, he married Frances C, daughter of
Joseph Wheeler, of Kanona. Her father was one of the
first settlers of that part of the county, was a farmer, and
kept public-house. He died in 18G0, aged sixty-one. Her
mother, Sarah Kennedy, was daughter of Colonel Henry
Kennedy, who was the first settler of Kanona. She died
Aug. 13, 1878, aged eighty. Mrs. Deck was born Dec.
22, 1822.
Dr. Deck was formerly a member of the Whig party,
and is now a Republican ; has never been active in politics,
but has given his whole attention to the practice of his
profession. He was selected under the old law as school
inspector, and subsequently was school superintendent of
the town for two years.
They have only one daughter, Sarah P., wife of Allen
A. Van Orsdale, who for one terra was clerk of Steuben
County, and for several years has ofiiciated as justice of
the peace for the town of Jasper. Failing health some
ten years ago caused Dr. Deck to partially relinquish his
practice, since which time he has only attended calls at
home and occasionally made visits at short distances, giving
coun.sel when called upon. He started in life without
pecuniary assistance ; but with that self-reliance and resolu-
tion characteristic of him, and a good executive ability,
he has .secured a fair competence, and is ranked among
the men of the county who carved out their own fortune.
.1
TOWN OF JASPER.
347
cated Fob. 14, 1875, by Rev. Adam Crooks, general agent
of the Wesleyan connection. Pastors: 1872, P. D. Rath-
bun ; 1872, Rev. Mr. Sinsabaugh, Rev. Mr. Sniffin ; 1873,
Geo. W. Sibley; 1874-75, S. D. Prentice; 1876-77, G.
W. Scudder ; 1878, S. W. Jennings. Membership, 27.
Present officers, William Drake, Clerk ; William Root,
Class-Leader ; Otis Potter, William Drake, Stewards ; Peter
Drake, George Wentworth, Trustees. The church build-
ing, a neat edifice costing $1800, is located on Jasper Hill,
on the cast side of the deep, dark gorge called " the gully,"
near the highest point of land in the town.
MILITARY RECORD OP JASPER.
Coopor, Wm. II. II., private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 19, 18C2, three
years; clisch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Baroes, Nelson, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, one year;
nnist, out .\ug. 17, 1865, at Elniira.
WaigLt, George Wulcott, private, 101st N.Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 21, 1864, one
year; tliscli. for disability .and must, out at PhilaJelpliia, Pa.
Waigbt, Franklin, Corp., IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, throe years;
wounded at the liattle of Cox's Plantation. La.; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
De Witt, Lafayette Alonzo, private, SOtli N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 14, 1861,
three years ; wounded at the hattle of Chancel lorsville, Va., May .3,1863;
re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863: in service tlireo years and ten months.
Doty, Stephen Oliver, private, 161st N. Y. Inf. Co. H ; enl.Jing. 30, 1864, one
year; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Tiinerman, Montgomery Albert, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 26,
1861, one year.
Beneway, James Horatio, private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one
year; disch. Sept. 2(1, 1SG5.
Beneway, George Washington, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864,
one year; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Heckman, Sylvester, private, I61st N. Y. Inf., private, Co. II ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804,
one year; discli. Sept. 20, 1805.
Williams, Dennis, private, 85th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; disch.
June 27, 1805.
Dennis, Moses, 2d sergt., R6th N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; died at Washington, D. C, April
0,1862, of typhoid fever.
Johnson, Edgar Wallace, private, 60th N.Y. Eng., Co. F; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three
years; died at Washington, May 8, 1804.
Banks, Ezra (2di, prive.te, 2<l Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 24, 186 i, three years.
Countryman, Alfred, private, 14lst N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three
years; died July 14, 1863, at Portsmouth, Va., of remittent fever.
Countryman, David France, Corp., 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861,
three years; wounded at battle of Mine Run, Nov. 27, 1863; pro. to corp.,
Nov. 1863 ; disch. Sept. 9, 1804.
Owen, William, 2d sergt., 86th N.Y. Inf., Co. K; enl. Aug. 1", 1S61, tliree years;
pro. to Corp., 1862 ; to 2il sergt., 1863 ; prisoner of war at Andersonville,
Ga., and Salisbury, N. C, nine motilhs and seventeen days; wounded at
battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 ; also wounded at Chancelloi-sviUe; re-
enl. Feb. 20, 1804.
Owen, Courtland, private, 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Feb. 20, 1.SG2, three years ;
wounded at battle of Chancellorsville. May 3, 1803; prisoner of war at
Richmond ; paroled about May 14, 1863.
Moore, Therein Vincent, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three
years; pro. to Corp., 1864; to sergt., April 1, 1804; taken prisoner April
8, 1804; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Moore, Theodore Van Rensselaer, private, 15th N.Y. Vet. Cav , Co. C; enl. Sept.
26, 1804, one year.
Talbot, Dennis, Ist sergt., 86th N.Y. Inf., Co. B; enl. Sept. 7, ISCl, three years;
pro. to 1st sergt., 1863; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1803; wounded at the battle of the
Wilderness, May 6, 1804, in left shoulder.
Talbot, John Dugalil Camercm, private, lS9th N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1, 1S64,
one year; died Oct. 15, 1864.
Cook, Abrani, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H: enl. Aug. 19, 1862, throe years;
wounded at Port Hudson, June 26, 1863; disch. March 20, 1864.
Vroman, Isaac Wardwell, private, 76th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; drafted July 18, 1863,
for three years; disch. Dec. 29, 1803, for disability.
Whittemore, Abijah Webster, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1802,
three years; died Dec. 26, 1862, of typhoid pneumonia.
Vaughan, Chai les, private, 86th N. Y. Int., three years ; died Feb. 14, 1863.
Vaughan, James Miron, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. II ; enl. 1862, three yeata ;
died at New Orleans, La., Feb. Ill, 1863, of typhoid fever.
Stephens, Edwin B., private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year.
Edwards, Stephen, Corp., 16th N. Y. II. Ait., Co. C; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, throe years;
onl. in April, 1861, and must, into U. S. service, June 15, 1801 , in the 34th
N. Y. Regt., Co. E; mnst. out June 30, 1863.
Winship, Geo. W., Corp., I6th N.Y. H. Art., Co. F; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Whiting, William, private; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, tliree years; detailed as clerk for
headquarters of rendezvous at Elmira, N. Y.
Huls, Beuj., Jr., private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year.
Hayes, Jasper Newton, private, ICth N. Y. H. Art., Co. M; onl. Sept. 29, 1864,
one year; disch. June 3, 1S65, for disability.
Waight, Volney, private, 8Gth N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years ;
must, out Oct. 1804.
Hardy, Charles Orley, private, 91st N. Y. H. Art., Co. C; drafted July 18, 1863,
for three years; disch. July 19, 1865.
Hardy, Simon, private, 91h N.Y. H. Art., Co. E; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three .years ;
disch. Sept. 30, 1865.
Mayhew, John Christopher, Corp., Sl'th N.Y. Inf., Co. K; enl. Sept. 1,1861, threo
yeai-s; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1803; pro. to Corp., Sept. I, 1864; disch. July 4, '65.
Timerman, Wm. John, private, IGlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 20, 1804, one
year; disch. Sept. 2n, 1865.
Whiting, Ch.arles, private, 161st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 5 1861, one year ; disch.
May 9, 1S65.
Huntington, John, private, llilst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Feb. 19, 1864, three
years ; died of chronic diarrhoea at Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1804.
Lamson, Leonard Stockbridge, private, 16th N. Y. II. Art. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804,
three years.
Hatch, Miles Powell, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H, one year; died at New
Orleans, La., Jan. 12. 1805, from fracture of skull received Jan. 9, 1805, on
steamer X H. Dick^y^ which collided with steamer i/o'm Bainf., near Vicks-
burg, Miss.
Talbot, John, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. 1862, three years ; died at Now
Orleans, La., Jan. 30, 1865, of chronic diarrhoea.
Cardwill, Lucius Demster, private, IClst N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 3, 1804,
one year; wounded Jan. 9, 1865, on the boat Jofm ff. Dicketj^ on the Mis-
sissippi River; disch. May 29, 1865.
Murphy, Andrew, sergt., 161st N.Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ;
disch. May 13, 1863, for disability.
Bartoo, Jesse Kellogg, Corp., 86th N. Y. Inf, Co.H; enl. Oct. 4, 1801, three years;
pro. to Corp., July, 1862; wounded in left hand in battle of Cliancellors-
Tillo; disch. Oct. 9, 1864.
Andrews, Jonas Dodge, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Aug. 1862, three
years; disch. for disability. May 9, 1863.
McMindes, Prescott, priviUo, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three
years; disch. Aug. 30, 1864.
McMindes, Uzal, private, ICUt N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year;
disch. Sept. 20,186.5.
McMindes, Jasper, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, one year;
disch. Oct. 1805.
Stewart, Wm. L., private, SOtli N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 1861, three years;
died near Gettysburg, July 12, 1863.
Edwards, Artemus Andrew, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. I: enl. March 28, 1864, three
years.
Patrick, Sebert, private; onl. Jan.l, 1804, three years.
Reynolds, John.
Jacobs, Delos, private, 80th N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years;
disch. Sept. 2 or 3, 1864.
Robinson, John, Jr., private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 5, 1804, one year;
disch. Sept. 20,1805.
Robinson, Josiah, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Oct. 3, 1804, one year;
served two yeara in 35th N. Y. Inf.; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Robinson, Samuel, Corp., 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years;
pro. to Corp., Feb. 9, 1803; died at Port Hudson, La., July 14, 1863.
Winship, Wesley, private, 16l3t N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; must. Oct. 3, 1864; died Jan.
9, 1805, on steamer Jolm U. Dicke'j, on the Mississippi River, which col-
lided with the steamer John Rdiiit:
Towsley, Wm. Harrison, 14lst N. Y. Inf ; must. Oct. 3, 1864, one year.
Hardy, Wm., private, 9th N. Y. H. Art., Co. E; onl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year;
wounded in battle of Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864, in left thigh ; disch.
July 6, 1865.
Hardy, Adrian (2d), private; enl. March 10,1862, throe years; detailed as nurse
in hospital, serving threo years ; ro-enl. April, 1864, in 33d Co., 2d Bat ,
Vet. Res. Corps, for three years; pro. to sergt. about Sept. 1, 1805.
Towsley, Charles Alansou, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862,
three years ; disch. for disability, Juno 15, 1865.
Towsley, Amos Hubbard, private, 16lst N. Y. Inf., Co. U ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862,
three years ; died July 7, 1S03, at Baton Rouge, La,, of chronic diarrhoea.
Prentice, Francis, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. B ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three yeara ;
died at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 16, 1862, and buried at that place.
Barnard, Horace, private, IClst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year ;
disch. Sept. '20,1865.
Calkins, Charles, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H; must. Oct. 27, 1862, three
years; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Wentworth, Augustus Hall, private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861,
throe years.
More, Ira, private, 97th N. Y. Regt., Co. G ; drafted for three years ; died Sept.
24, 1864, near Petersburg, Va.
Healy, Eleazor, private, 16lst N. Y. Inf, Co. C; onl. Doc. 25, 1803, three years.
Bosseo, Ransom Philip, private, ICIst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three
years ; died at Elmira, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1802.
Springer, Redmond, private, IClst N.Y. Inf., Co. C ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three
. years ; died Juno 18, 1864, at Vicksbnrg, Miss., of chronic diarrhcea.
Brown, Frederick D., private, 141st N. Y. Inf; mnst. Oct. 3, 1864, one year.
Gee, Edward, I41st N. Y. Inf ; must. Oct. 3, 1804, one year.
Whiteman, Jacob, private, IQlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Oct. 3, 1864, one year;
died at Vicksburg, Miss., March 29, 1865, of typhoid fever.
348
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Fnrgpnt, Snninrr, SCIb N. T. Inf., Co. K; ml. Atlg. 30, IfCl, three jears; disch.
Fel). 23, 186;j.
Nevtmjin, Hosea, private, 16l8t N. Y. Inf., Co. II; enl. Aiig.20,lSC2, tlireejeais ;
(liscli. June 20, 1S05.
Lilly, Mnnlej', piivate, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; nuiBt. Oct. 27, 1862, three years;
(Jisch.Sept. 20, ISM.
Iladlcy, Wni. Wallace, private, 7Clh N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; drafted July 18, 1803, for
three years; in battle of the "Wilderness, and taken prisoner, MayC, 1SG4;
sent to Lynchburg and Danville, Va., Andersonville, Ga., Florence, S.C. ;
prisoner seven months; disch. Sept. 8, 1865.
Hilburn,CharlesBratzman,corp., 80th N. Y. Inf, Co.K; enl.Sept. 9, 1861, three
years; pro. to Corp., Oct. 18^2; wounded at second Bull Run and in the
"Wilderness, in right leg; taken prisoner June 14, 1804; piisonerat Libby,
Andersonville, Columbia, aiul Florence; disch. April 27, 1865.
Hilburn, Wm. Harrison, private, 80th N. Y. Inf , Co. K ; enl. Sept. 6, 1861, three
years ; died Dec. 12, 1863, at Alexandria, Va., from wound in the head re-
ceived at Mine'Enn ; buried .tt Jaspei, N. Y.
Talniadge, Andrew Mur|ihy, private, IClst K. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug.21, 1802,
three years.
Craig, "William lleniy, sergt.. Hist N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three
years ; pro. to sergt., July 1, 1803 ; disch. Sept 20, 1805.
Taylor, Sheldon Goodrich, private, lOlh N. Y. H. Art., Co. C; enl. Jan. 1, 1864,
three years; died at Wilmington, N. C, March 28,1866; first enl. in 107th
N. Y. Inf., Co. K, March 7, 1862; disch. March 20, 1863.
Butler, Israel, private, 86II1 N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years;
re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863; disch. July 4, 1865.
"Walker, Byron, private, 8Ulh M. Y. Inf., Co. B; enl.Sept. 9, 18B1, three years;
wounded at Gettysburg in left arm, July 2, J863 ; re-enl. March 4, 1804 ;
taken lirisoner Nov. 1, 1804, in front of Petersburg; prisoner at Eich-
niond, Ya., four months; disch. June 6, 1865.
Green, Seeley Delos, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 15, 1864, three
years ; served in 64lh N. Y. Eegt., Co. G, eighteen months ; wounded at
Antietam ; disch. Aug. 12, 1865.
"Van Fleet, Gustavus, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. I; enl. March 28, 1864, three
years; died at Vicksburg, Bliss., Nov. 29, 1804, of chronic diarrhcea.
Sibley, Samuel Franklin, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Feb. 20,1804,
three years.
Barnes, Chester, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years.
Ellis, Thomas, private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. C ; en!. Jan. 1, 1804, thi ee years ; died
at St. Louis. Mo., Aug. 15, 1SC4, of quick consumption.
Kirtland, John D., private, lOlst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; must. Sept. 12, 1804, one
year; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Darrow, Daniel Webster, IClbt N. Y. Iiif , Co. H ; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, one year.
Hutchinson, Albert, 16l8t N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; disch.
Sept. 20, 1805.
"Woodward, Moses F., private, 161st N. Y'. Inf., Co. A ; must. Sept. 12, 1864, one
year; disch. Aug. 28, 1865.
Green, George Myron, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863, three
years; taken prisoner June 29, 1864; died at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 2, '64.
Meuroe, Andrew Jackson, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 14,1863, three
years; died at AndereoTiville, Ga
Craig, James A., 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. II: enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years; trans.
to Battery A, at Tortugas, Oct. 1S05.
Gosper, William A., private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, one year ;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Myers, "William H., must. Oct. 4, 1804.
Chase, Francis M., must. Sept. 28, 1864.
York, Charles W., 161st N. Y. luf , Co. H ; must. Oct. 3, 1804.
Scbanck, Emory, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Feb. 29, 1804, three years ;
died Aug. 27 or 28, 1864, on the transpoit Jl/ernnioc, at sea.
Ketchum, Kobert Morris, private, 86lh N. Y. Inf., Co. B; must. Sept. 9 or 10,
1805, three years ; disch. Sept. 11, 1864.
Talmadge, Ira Stephens, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 28, 1861, three
years; disch. Sept. 1863, at Baton Eouge.
McMindes, Ezra, private, 34th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. May 5, 1861, two years;
died Oct. 9, 18C2, at Annapolis, Md.
Jackson, Levi, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 12, 1861, thi ee years;
died at Washington, D. C, Aug. 28, 1862, of typhoid fever.
BroHghton, John, private, 801h N. Y'. Inf, Co. B ; enl. Oct. 10, 1801, three years ;
died at Washington, D. C, March 19, 1802.
"Vroman, William, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years ;
disch. Sept. 20,1865.
Barnes, Levi, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; must. Oct. 27, 1862, three ye.ir8.
Marlatt, Wm. Henry Martin, Corp., 16lBt N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862,
three years; pro. to Corp., Aug. 1, 1804; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Cushman, Lucius Curtis, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802,
three years; volunteered to assault Port Hudson, May 27, 18G3, and re-
ceived a wound in thigh ; died at New Orle.vns, Dec. 13, 1803, of typhoid
fever, and buried at that place.
Woodward, Thurlow Houston, private, 136th VI. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 30,
1SC2, three years ; disch. Nov. 1, 1865.
Kaner, Jeremiah, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years;
disch. Sept. 13,1804.
Woodward, Philo Putnam, private, 86lh N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Oct. 5, 1801,
three years ; disch. Oct. 17, 1804.
Wood, Charles, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. K ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years ;
wounded at battle ot Wilderness, Nov. 27, 1863 ; disch. Juno 28, 1805.
Wyckoff, Elias, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19,1862, three years;
disch. Aug. 1803.
Freeland, James, private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; must. Oct. 27, '62, three years.
Frceland, Clark, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Oct. 27, 1862, three
years; died at Fort Wood, New York harbor, Dec. 1862.
Quick, Francis, private, I07th N. Y. Inf, Co. F; enl. July 26, 1862, three years ;
wounded at Chancellorsvillc, May 3, 1863, and Gettysburg, July 2, 1863;
taken prisoner; at Libby prison eighteen days; disch. Aug. 23, 1865.
Alvord, Itufus Lee, private, leist N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862, three
years; disch. May 13, 1865.
Sibley, Ilosea, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
killed in action at Co-x's Plantation, La., July 14, 18C3.
Jennings, Samuel Washington, Corp., 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Ang. 26,1862,
three years; wounded at Mansfield, La., April 2, 1864; disch. May 20, 1865.
Mulhollou, Wni., private, Co. E, 34th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. May, 1861, two years; disch.
June, 1863; re-enl. in 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. I, Jan. 15, 1864, for three years;
wounded at the explosion of a magazine at Mobile. Ala., May 25, 1865,
in both shoulders ; disch. Oct. 18, 1865.
Phelps, Milo, private, 111th N. Y. Inf , Co. G ; enl. Jnly, 1861, three years ; taken
pi'isoner at Harper's Ferry, Sept. 1802, and paroled ; disch. Feb. 1864.
Hutchinson. Wm. Edwin, private, 102d N. Y. N. G., Co. B; enl. Sept. 12, 1864,
one hundred days; disch. at New York City, Nov. 13, 1864.
Dibble, Calvin, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. U ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, three years;
wounded at Donaldsonville, La., July, 1^63 ; disch. March 8, 1864.
Prentice, William Heed, capt., 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three
years ; pro. to ser;;!., Oct. 27, 1862 ; to Ist lieut., July 14, 1863 ; to capt.,
Sc-pt. 10, 1803 ; disch. at Tortugas, Sept. 20, 1805.
Dennis, Christopher, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three
years ; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Haven, Hiram, private, 33d N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. April, 1801, two years ; died
at New Orleans, La., of chronic diarrhcea, Sept. 15, 1804.
Raymond, John, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1863, three years; disch.
Juno 3, 1803.
Eaymond, Frederick,jnivate, 2d Yet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1863, three years.
Itaymond, Charles, private, 14th U. S. Regulars, Co. E, three years; wounded
in atikle in battle of Weldon Railroad, Va.
Raymond, Josiah, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G, three'years; died at New Orleans,
La., June 17, 1864, of smallpox.
York, James Arcelius, private, SCth N. Y. Inf., Co. G; enl. Oct. 10, 1861, three
years ; probably killed at battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 10, 1S64.
Erskins, Joseph, private, 80th N. Y.Inf, Co. G ; enl. Oct. 10,1861, three years;
died at Wasliingtoti, D. C, May 24, 1864, of smallpox.
Lasou, George Washington, sergt., 70th N. Y. luf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 25, 1861,
three years ; taken prisoner at battle of the Wilderness, May, 1864; pris-
oner seven months at Andersonville, Ga., and Florence, S. C; wounded
in the aim in battle of Fredericksburg; re-enl. Jan. 1,1864; trans, to
147th Eegt., Co. A, March, 1865 ; disch. June 9, 1865.
Davis, Benjamin Franklin, private, I61st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. .\ug. 20, 1862,
three years ; disch. June 14, 1805, at Barrancas, Fla.
Sanford, Daniel Todd, sergt., 89lli N. Y. Inf, Co. C ; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, three
years; pro. to sergt., Sept. 17,1862; wounded in groin at Wire Bottom
Church, May 20, 1804; disch. Dec. 0, 1864.
Buller,Jonas, private, 26th N. Y.Inf, Co. H ; enl. May, 1801, three years; miss-
ing after the battle of South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862.
Matteson, Gilbert, private, 14l8t N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ;
disch. July, 1866.
Eves, Philander.
Matteson, Samuel, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ;
disch. Feb. 1804.
Starr, Elbert Augustus, private, 141st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three
years ; wounded July 20, 1864, Peach-Tree Creek ; disch. March 15, 1865.
Sherwood, Myron L., must. Sept. 19, 1804, one year.
Cornelius, Ira, ICist Regt. ; must. Sept. 19, 1804, one year.
Craig, Willis Edwaid, major, 161st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862, three years;
pro. to niaj,, Sept. 16, 1863; disch. Oct. 16, 1805.
Bruner, George, private, 107th N. Y. Inf, Co. K, three years.
Murey, Charles, 107th N. Y. Inf., Co. K, three years; wounded June 17, 1803.
Raymond, William, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; must. Feb. 2, 1804, three
years; died at Andersonville, Ga.
Alliger, John Matthias, private, 74tb N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. May, 1801, three
years ; died of wounds received in battle of Williamsburg, Va., May 7,
1862, and buriid at Williamsburg, Va.
KESIDING IN JASPEE AND WENT FOR OTHER TOWNS.
Hollcnbeck, David, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ;
uied Feb 6, 1865, of typhoid fever at 5th Corps hospital. City Point, Va.
Talbot, Jarvis (■2d), private, ISSth N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1 , 18G4, one year ;
disch. June 20, 1865.
Dennis, Daniel Walker, private, 9th H. Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year;
wounded at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, in right hand ; disch. July 22, '65.
Stevens, John, private, 141st N. Y. Inf , Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years;
wounded in thigh. May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.; disch. March 4, 1865.
Matteson, Luther, private, 12th Vet. Ees. Corps, Co. I ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three
years ; first enl. in Co. G, 86th N. Y. Regt. ; disch. March 13, 1864 ; re-enl.
March 5,1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg in his right arm, also at Spottsyl-
vania C.-H. in his right arm ; disch. July 14, 1865.
PMOIOS B> ft. M*ITt *tr WOOOHUtl N
^^-/^rpt^^^A^ ^:/^!^
r^-^
<i:''^^€Xf^7-^W^ Z^^2^^^^5-i-2:^
HENRY STEARNS.
Henry Stearns was born in the town of Framingham
Mass., Aug. 19, 1809. His grandfather Stearns, with two
brotliers, emigrated from England during the early part of the
last century ; one settling in New Hampshire, a second in Con-
necticut, and the direct ancestor of Mr. Stearns in Massa-
chusetts, where he lived to be upwards of one hundred and
two years of age. His father, Timothy Stearns, was a native
of Massachusetts ; married Mary Look, of Framingham ; was
a shoemaker by trade ; in early life commenced carrying mail
between Boston and Worcester on horseback, and subsequently
ran a stage between those two places. He died in middle life,
and when the subject of this sketch was only three years of
age, leaving a wife and seven children, viz. : George, Mrs. Alvah
Curtis, Mrs. Nelson Stowe, Charles, William, Henry, and Tim-
othy. The mother survived her husband some fourteen years,
and died in Medford at the age of about sixty. Of these
children, only Charles, of New Jersey, and Henry are
living.
Mr. Stearns spent the time from eleven to sixteen years
of age with Richard Piske, of Framingham, on a farm,
receiving the opportunities of the common school and the
academy at Framingham for an education. Pie served an ap-
prenticeship in the cabinet and undertaking business with
Frederick Van Dorn, of Lowell, Mass., for five years, closing
upon reaching his majority, when he went to New York City
and worked as a journeyman for one year, and afterwards one
year in Cincinnati, Ohio, and two years in Newark, N. J. He
married, in 1833, Cordelia, daughter of Rev. Clark Robinson,
of Bath, this county. Her father was a native of Vermont, and
was a grandson of Dr. Robinson, of Williams College, Mass.
He was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was
minister for some fifty years, and died at the residence of his
daughter, in Jasper, Jan. 28, 1877, at the age of eighty-
five. Her mother, Celinda S., was daughter of Benjamin
SpragTie, of Rhode Island, and died in Bath, at the age of forty-
seven.
Mrs. Stearns was bom in the town of Bath, Sept. 2, 1816.
Their children are George, Charles, Mrs. Eugene H., Cramer,
and William H. After their marriage, Mr. Stearns spent a
short time in the town of Howard, in the cabinet business ;
was in Boston for ten years, and settled in Buffalo, where he
established the cabinet business, and with the exception of two
years, spent in the drug business in Newark, N. J., remained
in Buffalo for some fourteen years, when by fire he lost his
entire property.
In the year 1857 he removed to the town of Jasper, and
began again in a small way, and after three years, by close at-
tention to business and strict economy, was enabled to estab-
lish himself as an undertaker and cabinet-maker, which interests
have gradually increased until the present time. Mr. Stearns
since his settlement here has been generally successfiil, y^t often
called upon to favor the needy, which he does with a liberal
hand. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stearns are supporters of the church
and kindred interests ; she being a member of the Second
Advent Church and Mr. Stearns an attendant of the service
of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Stearns is identified with the Republican party, and in-
terested in all matters of local reform and improvement.
TOWN OF JASPER.
349
WilManiB, Alfred, Corp., 188tli N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 14, 18C4, one year;
pro. to Corp., Oct. 10, 18C4; discli. Jnly 11, 1866.
Sanford, Ptier Tlionms, privat<>, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 21, 1803, three
years ; ilieJ at Morgaiiziit, La., Oct. 15, 1861, of chronic diarrhuea.
Yorke, ICIias, 1st Pennsylvania Rifles or Bnck-tail.
Eves, James. 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. 1! ; enl. 1861.
Quick, Richard, private, 2d Pennsylvania Cav., Co. L ; enl. July 4, 1862, three
years; prisoner of war about thirteen mouths at Belle Isle, Andeison-
ville, and Charleston and Florence, S. *.'.
Horn, John Carpenter, private, 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, Co. E; enl. 1861, three
years; disalled by sunstroke, May 7, 1862; disch. Sept. 15, 186:!.
Bartoo, Eli William, piivate, 85th N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year ;
disch. July 17, 186.").
Bartoo, Sniitli, private, 85th N. Y". Inf., Co. A; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year;
disch. July 17, 1S65.
Vanskiver, Jonathan Peter, private, IBlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 8, 1804,
one year.
Broughton, Charlns, private, 80th N. Y. Inf , Co. G; enl. Jan. 21, 1804, tliree
years ; wounded in thigh in the Wilderness, May 6, 1804 ; disch. June 27,
1865.
Johnson, Daniel Rnfus, Corp., 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one
year; si-rved in 34th N. Y. luf about sixteen mouths; trans, to 60th
N. Y. Regt. ; disch. July, 1865.
Dennis, George Washington, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. I, thiee years; died
at New Orleans, La.. Sejit. 4, 1864, of remittent fever.
Springer, Eli Barnard, piivate, IClst N. Y. Inf, Co. C: enl. Jan. 1.3, 1S64, three
years; trans, to Battalion A about Sept. 20, 1865, at Fort Jefferson, Fla.
Van Orsdale, Allen Augustus, 2d sergt., 1st Penn-ylvania Rifles, Co. A ; enl. May
30, 1801, three years; disch. June 1, 1802.
McMindes, Charles, private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. 11; enl. Oct. 10, ISOl, three
years ; disch. Oct. 17, 1804.
Hardy, George Ailrian, private, !)th N. Y. H. Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 15, 18C4,one
year; must, nut July 20, 1865.
Marsh, Edward William, piivate, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. II; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one
year; died Feb. 1, 1865, at New Oilcans, La., of chronic diarrho?a.
Stewart, Homer, private, 179th N. Y. Inf , three years; disch. for disability,
Sept. 1864.
Hamill, George Wa.«hin);ton, private, 107th N. V. Inf, Co. K ; enl. July 19,1862,
three years; disch. June 14, 1805.
Spencer, .\8a, Corp., 13Gth Pennsylvania Inf., Co. B; enl. .\ug. 5, 1S62, nine
months; must, out at Hariisburg, 1 a.
Phillips, James lliiam, private, 51st N. Y. Inf, Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1,S63, three
years; first entered the 109lh N. Y. Inf.; trans, to 5lBt N. Y. Inf.;
wounded in front of Petersburg, June 17, 1864 ; disch. .\ug. 1805.
Phillip-s, George F., private, 109th N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Aug. 9, 1802, three
years; disch. June 8, lS6."t.
Rawson, Andrew Hubbard, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. July 23,1803,
three years; pro. to q. m.-scrgt., March 1, 1864.
Eawson, Edgar Samuel, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 25, 1803,
three years.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
DEA. THO.MAS WHITING
was born in Lyndoboro', N. H., April 30, 1802. He was
the fifth in a family of eight children of Oliver and Hannah
Whiting, who arrived at maturity. Thomas was about
thirteen years of age when his father died. His mother
remained on the homestead, and carried on the farm until
her death, at the age of .sixty. Of their children only one
son is living, — Oliver, now a resident of the town of
Jasper.
Mr. Whiting remained at home with his mother until
he reached his majority, except a year or two, when he
worked out. In 1826 he came with others to the town of
Jasper, Steuben Co., looking for a place to settle, and before
returning purchased one hundred and sixty acres of tim-
bered land in Jasper, which property he subsequently cleared
and lived upon until his decease.
Returning to New Hampshire he married, Oct. 16, 1828,
Sarah, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Cram, both
natives of Lyiideboro', N. H. Sarah Cram's mother died
when she was only thirteen months old, and she resided
with lier aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Woodward, until her mar-
riage. She was born June 12, 1804. Immediately after
their marriage they removed to Jasper, traveUng with
horses and carriage the entire distance and being fourteen
days on the way, reaching their new home in Steuben
County late in the fall of 1828.
At this time there were only a few scattering settlers in
the town, and no school-houses uor churches. Mr. and
Mrs. Whiting were closely identified with all the local im-
provements of the town. Most of his land he cleared and
prepared for cultivation and erected buildings for farming
purposes.
Kiryy^C/'^ y/ d\u.OL^f^^
He was a man of reading, and well informed in the
events of his time. For some three years he was school
commissioner of the town, and, although often solicited tn
accept public offices in the town, he preferred the ([uiet of
business and its independence to political honors. He
was formerly a member of the Whig party, and an active
exponent of its principles ; was strongly opposed to human
bondage, and was one of three in the town who first voted
the Anti Slavery ticket. After the formation of the
Republican party he became a supporter of its platform.
Mr. Whiting and his wife were attendants of the Presby-
terian Church before leaving New Hampshire, and Mrs.
Whiting was a member of the same, and she was among
the organizers of the Presbyterian Church at Jasper, and
Mr. Whiting became a member of the same in 1832, and
was ordained one of its ruling elders, Sept. 12, 1847. His
real worth and close relations with tiic church endeared
him to all its members. As a friend and neighbor he had
but few equals; was constant, kind, and a man of correct
moral habits and strict integrity in all his business relations.
He died Oct. 31, 1878. His wife still survives.
They reared a family of six children, three of whom
are living: Mrs. William Schanck ; Oliver, who married
Martha A. Prentice, of Jasper ; and Cynthia.
3$r>.
L I N D L E Y.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The town of Lindley was formed from Erwin, May 12,
1837. It lies upon the southern border of the county, east
of the centre, and is bounded by Erwin on the north, Ca-
ton on the east, the Pennsylvania line on the south, and
Tuscarora on the west. The east and west parts of Lindley
are elevated and hilly uplands, divided by the deep valley
of the Tioga River, which is about one mile wide, and
bounded by steep hill-sides from 400 to 600 feet high. The
soil on the hills is a heavy, shaly loam, and in the valleys
a rich alluvium. A large portion of the surfice of the hills
is still covered with forests, from which lumbering has been
extensively carried on.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement of this town was made upon the
Tioga Flats, by Colonel Eleazer Lindsky, in the year 1790.
Mr. Lindsley was a native of New Jersey, and had been an
active officer of the " Jersey Blues" during the Revolu-
tionary war. Previous to 1790 he had ridden through tlie
Genesee country to find a tract of land where he might es-
tablish himself and gather his children around him. The
unhealthiness of the region around Seneca and Canandaigua
Lakes prevented his settling in that region, and he chose a
tract less promising for agricultural purposes, but one that
promised freedom from the diseases to which the more fer-
tile northern plains were subject.
His colony consisted of about forty persons, who, with
their goods, were transported to the Susquehanna. At
Wilkesbarre these were transferred to boats and poled up
the river, while the horses and cattle were driven along the
trails or rude roads upon the banks. They arrived at their
place of destination June 7, 1790. Plows were made, and
the river-flats were immediately broken. These flats were
covered with rank grass, bordered by higher land covered
with Indian corn-hills, which had been hilled up year after
year, until so prominent as to be yet seen where undisturbed.
It was on these corn-lands the first crop of the pioneers was
raised. The season was too far advanced for corn, but a
great harvest of buckwheat was secured. Buckwheat, corn,
milk, and game constituted their food the first winter. " Old
Pomp," a negro belonging to Col. Lindsley, made himself
useful by pounding buckwheat in the dug-out top of a
stump, with pestle hung like an old-fashioned well-sweep,
from the time the ice closed the river in autumn until
spring removed the impediment, and allowed the trans-
portation of grain in canoes to Shepard's mill at Tioga
Point, fifty-two miles down the river. Old Pomp seems to
have been something of a hunter as well as a miller, killing
three bucks at one shot as they were feeding upon the moss
in the river, and being kicked over a log and into the
350
brush and nearly killed himself, from the recoil of the gun,
which he always loaded with a handful of powder, and the
entire contents of the old-fashioned brass moulds, — an ounce
ball and nineteen buckshot of various sizes.
Colonel and Mrs. Lindsley were members of the Presby-
terian Church at Morristown, N. J., and in this new settle-
ment the Sabbath was strictly observed. Traveling mis-
sionaries were cordially welcomed, and when none of these
were present to conduct the religious services. Col. Linds-
ley himself would read a sermon. In 1793 he was elected
a member of the Legislature. He died at home soon after,
and his remains were the first to be placed in the plat he
had himself selected for the cemetery of the colony, his
death taking place in June, 1794. This cemetery is situ-
ated on the left bank of the river, and contains the remains
of many of the early pioneers. It is known as the Linds-
ley Burying-ground. His was the first death in the new
colony, which lost in him an energetic and worthy founder.
Col. Lindsley was accompanied to his new home in the
Tioga Valley by his two sons, Samuel and Eleazer, and by
his sons in-law. Dr. Ezekiel Mulford, Ebenezer Bachus,
and Capt. John Seelye. David Cook and David Payne,
who, in company with Mr. Bachus, built the first mill at
Lindley Station, also accompanied the colony. Eliza Mul-
ford, daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Mulford, was the first child
born in Lindley, and first white female child born in the
county of Steuben, her birth occurring Aug. 10, 1792.
David Cook and Elizabeth Cady were the first couple
united in marriage. Col. Lindsley, before his death, had
erected a saw-mill, the irons for which he had brought with
him from New Jersey, and which was in operation in 1790,
being one of the first mills on the Phelps and Gorham pur-
chase, and the first in the Tioga Valley. This mill was
located at a fall, a short distance up Watson Creek. The
first grist-mill was built soon after, between this and the
river. Mrs. Lindsley, after the death of her husband, kept
the first public-house between Williamsport and Bath, and
entertained Col. Williamson and his crew on their early
journey through the wilderness. She died in Lindleytown,
Nov. 20, 1806.
Many of the descendants of the Lindsley, Mulford, and
Seelye families still live in the Tioga and adjoining valleys.
The principal descendant of the Lindsley family is Bradley
Lindsley, who occupies the original home of his grand-
father, much improved and beautified, but still exhibiting
the old style of liberal hospitality and welcome. Charles
Ford, only son of the first merchant in the valley, and
grandson of Col. Lindsley, married the daughter of Gen.
Cruger, of Bath, and still lives in sight of the little ceme-
tery where sleep the colonists and many of their children.
A visit to his home is a rare treat to the antiquarian, the
TOWN OF LINDLEY.
351
house being fillnd with many mementos of early public
men, as well as of the early settlers of Steuben County.
Dr. Ezekiel Muiford, the physician of the colony, was a
direct descendant of John Muiford, of Maidstone, Sussex,
England, who was one of the first thirty-five English set-
tlers in the State of New York, he settling on Long Island
in 1639. Dr. Muiford and his wife both died within a
few hours of each other during the fever of 1812, leaving
a family of fifteen children. Lindsley Muiford, who was
the oldest of the family, became known throughout the
country as a woodsman and hunter, living a life of adven-
ture with a young Indian for some years ; finally settling
down as a prosperous farmer, and dying at the age of
eighty-seveu years.
Jeremiah and Eleazer were intimately connected with
the early development of Lindlcytown, which was built
upon their farms, and were highly respected by the com-
munity in which they lived. Eleazer Muiford, the last
survivor of the Lindsley colony, who came in 1809, died
in 1871, at the age of eighty-four years. In 1811 he was
married to Miss Betsey Lillibridge, who had come to the
settlement to teach school. John C and E. P. Muiford
are the leading members of the family in the town, and
prominent citizens. Lee and Uri Muiford, well-known
journalists and writers in Steuben County, are of this
family. Castilla was the fiither of Gen. John E. Muiford,
who acquired a national reputation by his connection with
the exchange of prisoners during the late war. liliza, the
first child born in the colony, was the mother of Rodney
Bachus, the inventor.
Joseph Miller, the school-teacher of the colony, grand-
father of Horace Vastbinder, informs us, in a school com-
missioner's report for 1826, that " the school-books used in
the four districts of the town are Webster's Spelling-book,
Murray's English Reader, Murray's Grammar, Walker's
Dictionary, Daboll's Arithmetic, Flint's Surveying, and
Moars Geography."
Charles Seelye, who occupies the old homestead of his
grandfather, Capt. John Seelye, near the Lawrcnceville
depot, is a son of Wm. Seelye, long a leading citizen of
Lindley, and the only one left to bear the name.
Col. Gabriel T. Harrower, grandson of Rev David FTar-
rower, and for many years one of the leading lumbermen
of Tioga Valley, served as colonel of the 161st New York
Volunteers in the late Rebellion, and represented this dis-
trict in the State Senate in 1871.
Of the seven slaves brought by the colony from New
Jersey some of their descendants are still living in various
parts of the county. " Old Pomp" fell a victim to the
epidemic fever after tending the sick during the terrible
winter of 1813.
Wm. More, one of the most extensive farmers in the
southern part of the county. Col. G. T. Harrower, Hiram
Middlebrook, S. M. Morgan, and Rev. W. H. Hill have
been leading business men of Lindleytown for many years.
T. J. Presho and S. Hammond are leading business men
at Erwia Centre.
Joseph Miller, one of the colony, who was in later years
for a long time school commissioner, taught the first school,
near the Pennsylvania line, in 1793, which shows that the
first settlers of this wilderness did not remain long without
the means of education for their children. Dr. Muiford
located himself near the State line, and devoted himself to
his profession. Col. Lindsley sold to John P. Ryer.ss a por-
tion of the northeast corner of the town, and in 1804, Jas.
Ford came from the East as his clerk, bringing a stock of
goods and opening the first store in the valley, near the Orr
place, below Cook's Creek. Amos Halsey came after the
colony, and was accidentally killed in 1802.
The first post-otfice was at Judge Lindsley 's house, and
afterwards, in 1830, at the store of Lyon & Morgan, Albert
Morgan being postmaster. Rev. David Harrower, a Scotch
Presbyterian preacher, resided in Lindley, and preached in
the surrounding country at that date. Joshua Russell
came to Lindley in 1823, settling on the Calder farm, at
the mouth of Muiford Creek. Lime was burned at this
point from marl, in the hills, in 1816. Coal has been found
also, on the surface among the hills on this creek, in small
quantities. This was one of the heaviest timbered towns in
the county, no less than fourteen miles having been located
along the river within the present town limits. Robert, a
brother of Ben Patterson the scout and hunter, who par-
ticipated in the engagement at Freeling's Fort and other
scenes of the early Indian wars, was one of the early set-
tlers, removing from the old tavern at Knoxville, and
locating at the mouth of the creek which bears his name,
in 1804. Among the later arrivals previous to 1830 are
found the names of E. F. Tremans, A. F. Lyon, A. C. and
Julius Morgan, John P. Ryerss, Abner Thurber, Frederick
Heckart, and Eber Scofield. Elani Watson has been jus-
tice of the peace almost continuously from 1830.
The Lindsley colony brought with them several slaves,
who remained with their masters until years after the legis-
lation abolishing slavery in New York. Death emancipated
them from a not burdensome servitude.
The line of road past the Patterson place was in earlier
days a well-known racing-ground, and the scene of many a
rural frolic among the hardy pioneers and their children.
The river, which is now confined to its narrow bed, covered
much of the flat with its shallow waters, and fords were
convenient at each settlement. Oak timber in the flats
furnished acorns to fatten the half-wild hogs, and butter-
nuts covered the ground in their season. Every family had
its dui'-out, and deer were shot at will in the woods or while
feeding on the rich mosses in the dark shadows of the river.
Col. Lindsley portioned his lands to his children and fol-
lowers in long strips across the town, the old partition sur-
veys still annoying their possessors by their inconvenient
angles. The now rich river-flats were in many cases aban-
doned by their owners for hill farms, which, when devel-
oped, were vastly inferior in value to those they left.
From the opening of the railroad with its wooden track
and thin strap rails from Corning up the valley to the
Blossburg coal-mines in 1840, the real settlement of the
town outside of the valley may be said to have begun, and
as the timber was taken ofi" men began to realize the possi-
bility of clearing away the smaller growth and making
themselves homes. Their houses were built with an eye
to comfort and hospitality, having large doors, through
which, in winter, the heavy logs were drawn by teams
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and rolled from the rude sled into the huge open fireplace
at one end of the large living-room.
The Lawrenceville, Pa., Station, on the Corning, Cowan-
esque and Antrim Railroad, is in Lindley, Lawrenceville
being across the Tioga River and just over the State line.
There are here, beside the depot and round-house, the junc-
tion of the Elinira and State Line, and Cowanesque branch
of the Corning, Cowanesque and Antrim Railroads, a large
saw-mill, and fifteen dwellings. The Valley Enterprise, of
Lawrenceville, was published here at the depot by Henry C.
Mills a short time in 1870.
Lindley Station, two miles farther down the valley, con-
tains a saw- and planing-mill, two stores, furniture-shop, two
blacksmith-shops, a wagon-shop, shoe-shop, hay-press, two
school-houses, three churches, and thirty-four dwellings.
Lindley is the first post-office established in the town, A.
C. Morgan having been made postmaster in 1829. A sul-
phur spring of considerable note exists near the station.
Cook's, a flag station a mile from Lindley, at the mouth
of Cook's Creek, consists of the large steam-tannery of Isaac
H. Bary, store, and 25 dwellings. Just across the river is
the Sandt Mill settlement.
Erwin Centre is six miles from Corning, in the town of
Lindley, on both sides of the river, and takes its name from
having been the centre of Erwin before Lindley was taken
off. There is here a flouring-mill, a store, saw- and stave-
mill, two blacksmith-shops, a shoe-, and cooper-shop ; post-
office, school-house, and Methodist Episcopal church, and
about forty dwellings.
Half a mile up the Clendenna Creek is a mill and settle-
ment. The hills are thickly covered with farms, and dairy-
ing is extensively carried on. The three bridges span the
river at Lawrenceville Depot, Lindleytown, and Erwin
Centre.
ORGANIZATION.
At the first annual town-meeting in the town of Lindsley,*
held in the school-house at Erwin Centre, on the 6th day
of February, 1838, the following were " duly elected officers
of the said town :" Supervisor, Benjamin Harrower ; Town
Clerk, Chauncey Hoffman ; Justices of the Peace, Silas
Cook, William Seelye, and Jonah Davis ; Assessors, Ansel
C. Smith, William Lindsley, Jeremiah Upham ; Commis-
sioners of Highways, G. A. Ryerss, Thomas Clark, Benj.
Patterson ; School Commissioner, Michael R. Thorp, A. B.
Lindsley, James G. Mersereau ; School Inspectors, D. P.
Harrower, T. L. JMersereau ; Overseers of the Poor, Ben-
jamin Patterson, Jeremiah Mulford ; Constables, W. A.
Lindsley, Richard Marks, Abner Collins, Royal Vamillea ;
Collector, W. A. Lindsley. At this election it was voted
to elect an officer to protect game, and to double the amount
of school money.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors. Town Clerks. CoUectors.
1838. Benjamin Harrower. Chauncey Hoffman. William A. Lindsley.
1839. William Lindsley.
1840.
Edward H. Tremans.
E. H. Tremans. Thomas Clark.
A. F. Lyon.
*So spelled in the record in the clerk's office. The t was dropped
out in recording, making the name Lindley, as now generally spelled.
Supervisors.
Toi
■11 Clerks. C..llector8
1841
Silas Cook.
Julius Morgan. Richard Marks.
1.S42
Ansel C. Smith.
a *i ti ti
1843
" "
Gabriel T. Harrower. Joseph Rorobaugh.
1844
G. T. Harrower.
M. P. Orton. Richard Marks.
1845
James G. Mersereau
. "
1846
"
Eber Scofield. Eli Harris.
1847
Henry A.Miller.
" " James Clark.
1848
Samuel J. Mersereau
.Geo. Thurber (2d). Rich.ard Marks (lie)
D. P. Harrower.
1849
David P. Harrower. "
1850
Gabriel T. Harrower
. Eber Scofield. George McLagan.
1851
"
Samuel Heckart. Robert Patterson.
1852
Ansel C. Smith (tie)
" " Joseph Collins.
1853.
Eber Scofield.
..
1854.
Samuel Heckart.
D. P. Harrower. A. J. Tillman.
1855.
A. B Lindsley.
M. W. Rose. Eleazer Lindsley.
1856.
G. T. Harrower.
Ira Lyon. Mathcw Riffle.
1857.
it ti
"
1858.
Henry G. Harrower
Charles Mulford.
1859.
A. C. Morgan.
Vincent Hall.
1860.
"
" " George Camp.
1861.
Eber Scofield.
William More. Phineas Burr.
1862.
ti a
" " William C. Brown.
1863.
a It
'* ** Joseph Collins.
1S64.
Wiiliam More.
Henry F. Hill. John C. Mulford.
1865.
'•
Milo W. Rose.
1S66.
Eber Scofield.
" " George L. Hovey.
1S67.
S. M. Morgan.
William More. Mathew Riffle.
1868.
Eber Scofield.
" *' Phineas Burr.
1869.
William More.
Hiram Middlebrook. I. N. Grenell.
1S70.
" "
George Bennett. Samuel Patterson.
1871.
Mason Hammond.
T. J. Presho. Ralph Cook.
1872.
William More.
W. H. Hill. William Cook.
1873.
James C. Orr, Jr.
James A. Rogers. Ira Warner.
1874.
G. T. Harrower.
T. J. Presho. John H. Harrison.
1875.
a (.
Thomas Carey. Asa C. Hill.
1876.
William More.
John C. Mulford. Robert Orr.
1877.
T. J. Presho.
Fred E. Thurber. John Brinnen.
1878.
James A. Rogers.
" " Mathew Riffle.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1838.
Silas Cook.
1851. J. S. Stewart.
William Seelye.
A. C. Smith.
Jonah Davis.
1852. Chauncey J. More.
18.39.
Morris Johnson.
Elam Watson.
William Seelye.
G. T. Harrower.
ISIO.
James G. Mersereau
Benjamin Patterson.
A. C. Smith.
1853. A. B. Lindsley.
1841.
Abram B. Lindsley.
Charles Stocum.
James G. Mersereau
Nelson Cr.awford.
18-12.
Jonah Davis.
1854. B. L. Colwell.
Eber Scofield.
Ira Lyon.
1843.
Elam Watson.
Lewis M. Drake.
William Farraod.
E. Scofield.
Chauncey Hoffman.
1855. Atwood Fales.
1844.
Eber Scofield.
Charles Stocum.
Julius Morgan.
William R. Seelye.
1845.
William W. Miller.
Hiram Colder.
Eber Scofield.
1856. Ira Lyon.
Julius Morgan.
Abner Thurber.
1846.
Rufus W. Palmer.
B. S. Colwell.
Silas Cook.
A. J. Daniels.
1847.
George Thurbur.
1857. Eber Scofield.
Rufus W. Palmer.
Joseph Collins.
1848.
Abram B. Lindsley.
185S. Elam Watson.
Eber Scofield.
Eber Scofield.
A. C. Smith.
Thomas Clark.
1849.
Stilman Smith.
1859. Elam Watson.
Eber Scofield.
Eber Scofield.
Austin M. Smith.
1860. Ira D. Lyon.
P. A. Wise.
1861. Chester P. White.
1850.
A. C. Smith.
James Cook.
Henry A. Miller.
1862. William Seelye.
Eber Scofield.
Charles Stooam.
TOWN OF LINDLEY.
353
1862.
1S63.
1S64.
1865.
1866.
1867,
1868.
1869.
Elam Watson.
Eleazer P. Mulford.
Henry C. Bull.
Joseph AV. Gurnsey,
Eleazer P. Mulford.
Charles Stocum.
Elam Watson.
Joseph W. Gurnsey.
Elam Watson.
Sheldon D. Clinton.
Henry C. Bull.
H. S. Payne.
Henry C. Bull.
Eber Scofield.
William Burr.
Mason Hammond.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Charles Stocum.
Elam Watson.
William Burr.
Edwin Temple.
Isaac Sandt.
Isaac Sandt.
Charles Stocum.
William Burr.
Alexander Manley.
Mason Hammond.
Osceola Gilbert.
Elam Watson.
Robert Patterson.
R. S. Stowell.
Hamilton McHeury.
CHURCHES.
THE FIRST B.\PTIST CHURCH
was organized in Liudleytown, Saturday, June 13, 1841,
under the preacliinjr of Rev. Mr. Sheardown, five being
baptized the next day, Sunday. Albert C. Morgan was
chosen clerk.
July 15 the neighboring organizations met in council,
and the church was organized, with Messrs. Walker and
Brady, deacons. Preaching was supplied them at the school-
hou.ses until a union was cflFected with Lawrenceville, Pa.,
in March, 1844, llev. T. W. Colby, Rev. 0. G Stevens,
and Rev. Ransom Marine oflBciating. The organization
failed to appear at the annual association after 1846, and
ceased to exist as such about 1SG4.
THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
was organized under the preaching of Rev. John W. Saw-
yer, in 1866, and a church built on the Sohofield place, at
Lindleytown, in 1866 or 1867.
The first trustees were Eber Scofield, Hiram Middlebrook,
and John Sawyer, Class-Leader. Pastors : Revs. Welcome
Smith, George Edwards, Wm. Parry, John Stacy, J. W.
Sawyer, Levi Kelly, Samuel Perkins, A. W. Paul, Geo.
Stoner. Rev. J. D. Osmun, the present Pastor ; Present
Local Preacher, Elisha Hudson ; Class-Leader, A. H.
Knapp ; Recording Steward, E. Hudson ; Stewards, Fran-
cis Holbert, Ellen S. Camp. Trustees, E. Hudson, Ed-
ward Camp, Lewis Wood, Justin Reed, James Harrower.
The church numbers 14 members.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church first organized at Erwin Centre, in 1850,
with Rev. Clement Young Pastor and Charles Stokum,
Class-Leader, — Rev. Kasimer P. Jarvis, of Painted Post,
rendering great assistance by his services. Rev. Amasa
English and Rev. Francis M. Smith preached afterwards.
In 1861 the class was changed from the Painted Post to
the Tuscorora charge until 1866, when it became a separate
charge.
Pastors : 1868, Rev. Peter B. Clark ; 1870, Rev. Stephen
M. Dayton ; 1874, Rev. George Wilkinson ; 1875, Rev.
Geo. Sherer;. 1877, Rev. Andrew Purdy ; 1878, Rev. Isaac
Everett. Their church was built under the present Trus-
tees,— Hamilton McHenry, Luke Gibson, George Pepper,
Simon Arnold, James Cook, and Nathan Taft, — in 1875,
at an expense of $3000, and dedicated Jan. 27, 1876.
45
James Orr is class-leader. Stewards : George Pepper,
Ralph Cook, Hamilton McHenry. The church consists of
35 members.
Another class was formed at Lindleytown, Dec. 13, 1876,
and Daniel F. Merritt, David I. Jones, R. S. Stowell, Wm.
More, William Burr, Thomas E. Gary, and Jas. A. Rogers
made trustees. Work was iniraediately commenced on a
building, and, Nov. 15, 1877, the "Centennial Methodist
Episcopal Church of Lindley" was completed. Besides the
trustees, the present officers are Class-Leader, Clerk, and
Treasurer, John C. Mulfoi-d.
The church has now about 50 members, and is a part of
the same charge with the Erwin Centre Church.
THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH OF LINDLEY
was organized, under the preaching of Rev. L. D. Ayers,
May 20, 1875, — G. T. Harrower, H. Jliddlebrook, Lorenzo
D. Ayers, Elam Watson, and Isaac Sandt being the com-
mittee who drew up the articles of church covenant.
Forty-five names were placed upon the roll, and Isaac
Sandt, Elam Watson, and Barney Griswold were made
deacons.
Trustees. — Robert Higgins, C. Terwillegar, Oliver Camp.
Treasurer. — John C. Mulford.
Secretary. — S. M. Morgan.
May 22, 1877, the church was changed to The Baptist
Church of Lindley, and a delegation appointed to repre-
sent the church at the next session of the Baptist Associa-
tion ; 51 members were retained, and E. P. Gillett, Oliver
Camp, James H. Middlebrook, James Walker, and Mathew
Riffle elected trustees; S. M. Morgan, Clerk; Elam Watson,
H. Middlebrook, and Ann Rifle, Deacons; and Leroy Wat-
son, Treasurer and Collector. The pastor, Lorenzo D. Ayers,
was then regularly oidained, and a church building com-
menced, which is now nearly completed.
MILITARY RECORD OF LINDLEY.
Harrower, G.T.,coI., IClstliif. ; enl. Sept. 0,1862, three years; res. Nov. 25, 1863.
Harrower, H. C, capt., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1801, three years; re-enl.
86th Inf., Dec. 1803, three years; pro. to col., March 3, 1804; disch. Oct.
12, 18G4.
Bradley, Elijah B., private, 107th Inf, Co. C, three years.
Booth, Elijah D., private, Hist Inf., Co. D; enl. An-. 14, 1852, three years;
served nearly two years; mortally wounded at the battle of Resaca and
died in field hospital, May 19, 1804.
Booth, Geo. W., 107th Inf., Co. F, three years.
Belcher, Nelson, lU7th Inf., Co. F, three years.
Boyle, Edwin, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years ; disch.
June 28, 1865.
Clark, James, private, 15th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1804, one year; pro. to
4th Corp., Nov. 1S64; disch. June 13, 1805.
Walker, Gilbert, private, 50th Eng., Co. M; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; pro.
to first class ; disch. June, 1865.
Morgan, S. M., maj., S6th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1861, three years; pro. to capt ■
and ass't adj.-gen., Feb. 28, 1.'<C4; brev. maj., March 18, 1865; taken pris.
at Colli Harbor, Va. ; sent to Libhy prison, Richmond, Macon, Ga., Charles-
ton, S. C, Columbia, S. C. ; paroled for exchange, Dec. 20, 1804; res.
April 1, 1865.
Merrill, William, capt., 141st Inf, Co. D ; enl. 1802, throe years; pro. to capt.,
Aug. 1, 1863; disch. June 24, 1865.
Bradley, Oscar, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 21, 1862, three years ; died on Mary-
land Heights, Oct. 1802.
Decker, John, private, 50th Bug., Co. P; enl. Aug. 22, 1S62, three years; disch.
June 13, 1803.
Elliott, Israel, private, Ulst Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 10, 1802, three years ; died
Sept. 30, 1864, in hospital at Jefferson, Ind.
Houghton, Chas. A., Corp., 14l8t Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 19, 1802, three years;
disch. June 24, 1805.
Knapp, Justice, private, Ulst Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years ; trans.
to Inv. Corps; died Mafch 15, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn.
354
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Knapp, Abrnm, private, 14l9t Inf., Co. P; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; trans.
to Vet. Ues. Corps, March 0, 1SG5 ; disch. July 5, 18&5.
Lfndtey, George H., private, lilst Int., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. June 24, 1865.
LiudJey, \Vn». A., Corp., 14l3t Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
wounileil in left leg; disch. June 24, 18G5.
Ladrio, Oscar, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
Millard, S. W., private, Ulst Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, tliree years ; died
in hospital at Elniira, N. Y.
McGilfiey, Abram, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years;
disch. March 24, 1863, on account of disability.
Madden, Michael, sergt., 107th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 21,1862; pro. to sergt. and
must, out at end of war.
Merrill, Edwin, sergt.. 141st Inf., Co. D; eiil. Aug. 21, 18G2; pro. to sergt, Jan.
1, 18G4 ; mortally wounded at Dallas and died on battle-field ; buried on
battle-field near Dallas.
Patterson, Samuel, private, 60th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, Ihree years;
disch. June 28, 1865.
Treumain, Gilbert, corp., 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 1.SG2, three years;
wounded May 15, 1864; must, out with regiment.
Treumain, Lyman, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 18C2, three yeara.
Treumain, Warren, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
disch. May 20, 18G5.
Taft, Stephen, 107th Inf., three years.
Wall, James, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; pro. to
artificer; disch. June 14, 1865.
Webster, Isaac, 141st Inf.
Wales, Nelson Sissou, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three years ;
disch. with the regiment, June 9, 1S65.
Wetty, William, lU7th Inf.
Wheeler, Isaac, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862, three years.
Webster, Charles, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
disch. June 24, 1865.
Cook, Jonathan, private, 35th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 6, 18C1, two years; disch.
May, 1863 ; re-enl. Sept. 1864; wounded and died at City Point, April 11,
1865.
Harris, M. Albert, private, 161st Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 1862, three years; disch.
Oct. 1S65.
Buchcr, James, private, 1st Light Art. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
Paul, John J., private, 15th Eng.; enl. Aug. ;il, 1864, one year; disch. June 13,
1865.
Romayne, Stephen, private, 15th Eng.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year : disch. June
13, 1805.
Eifle, James, sergt., 15th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year; pro. to
sergt., Dec. 15, 1864; disch. June 13, 18G5.
Brown, William, private, 5Uih Eng., Co. B; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year.
Bucher, Isaac, private, 1st Light Art. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1S64, one year.
Kelley, David, private, 15lh Eng., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; disch.
June 13, 1SG5.
Rifle, Daniel, private, 15th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug.27, 1864, one year; disch. May
12, 1865.
nahman, Chas , private, loth C;iv.; enl. Oct. 14, 18G4, one year.
White, Walter H., private, 5Uth Eng.; enl. Jan. 4, 18G4, three years,
Lyon, Elcazer, 1st Pa. Rifles, Co. A; enl. April, 1S61, three years; re-enl. Dec.
1863, three years; captured in Aug. or Sept. 1864; taken to Salisbury,
N. C; paroled or exchanged, and died at Anuapolis, Md., March, 1865.
Orr, William, private, 50th Eng.; enl. Jan. 2, 18G4, three years.
Paul, Hiram, private, 107th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, three years.
Beman, Warren, sergt., 8Gth Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 31, 18G3, tliree years; re-enl.
vet.; disch. July 4, 1865.
Marsh, Edwin, drummer, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; re-
enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; disch. June 27, 18G5.
Warren, Lewis E., private, 86th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years.
Brown, Lyman, SGth Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years.
Beman, Charles, S6th Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; re-enl. vet.;
disch. July 4, 1SG5.
Tremain,Seth, lieut., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861. three years; re-enl.
Dec. 20, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut., 1865; disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865.
Scofield, Edward H., private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years;
re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863; wounded at Petej-sburg, June 18, 1864; trans, to
Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 1865; disch. Aug. 3, 1865.
Wall, Charles B., 2d corp., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; died
at Camp Goodhope, Md., of typhoid fever; buried at Lindley, N. Y.
Rifle, Hii-am, private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enI.Sept.l4,lSGl, three years ; wounded
at Gettysburg; disch. at Elmira, Juue 8, 1864.
Colder, Hiram, private, 86th Inf,Co.I; enl. Feb.l5,18G4, three years; wounded
at the battle of Spottsylvania Court-House, May 10, 1864; disch. Kov. 4,
1864.
Gaze, Franklin, private, 4th H. Art., Co. I ; enl. June 26, 1862, three years; died
at Foi t Schuyler, ur Schuyler's Island, Nov. 26, 1864.
Follonsbee, Isaac, IGlst Inf.
Pritchard, Morris, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862, three years ; trans.
to Co. E, 17th Kegt., Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 11, 1865 ; disch. June 30, 1865.
Amidon, Solomon B., private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 29,1864, three years;
re-enl. vet.; disch, with regiment, July 4, 1865.
Harret, Amos C, 86th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, three years; re-enl. vet. •
disch with regiment, July 4, 1865.
Hudson, William H., private, 86th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, three years ;
re-enl. vet. ; disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865.
Moran, Thomas, 86th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, three years; re-enl. vet. ;
disch. witli regiment, July 4, 1865.
Wigant, Ilai vey M., S6th Inf., Ct*. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, three years; re-enl. Tet.;
disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865.
Brown, C. H., sergt., 86th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; disch. Sept. 20,
1865.
narrower, John G., 1st lieut., iGlst Inf ; enl. July 14, 1863, three years; disch.
Sept. 20, 1865.
Burr, Phineas, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; disch.
June, 1865.
Hanley, John, private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl.Sept. 14,1861, three years ; wounded
at Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863 ; trans, to Inv. Corps ; disch. Sept. 18(>4.
Keville, Wm., corp., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; disch. Sept.
30, 1864.
Dougherty, John, private, SGth Inf., Co. F ; enl.Sept. 21 , 1861, Ihree years ; trans.
to Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 28, 1S63 ; re-enl. April 21, 1864; disch. Nov. 18,
1865.
Vastbinder, George, private, 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1861.
Marsh, Henry, private, 86th Inf.Co. F; enl. Oct. 13, 1861, three years; wounded
at second Bull Run battle, Aug. 26, I8G2 ; disch. in consequence of wound,
Nov. 27, 1862.
Kinney, Henry L., private, 8Cth Inr,Co.F; enl. Oct. 18, 1861, three years ; sick,
sent to hospital at Washingtim, Feb. 1862, from there to Philadelphia;
disch. at the latter place, June G, 1862.
Westcolt, Delos H., corp., 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 11, 1861, three years; died
in Stanton Hospital, Washington, Sept. 17, 1863.
Thurber, Henry C, Ist lieut. and adjt., SGth Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three
years; pro. to seryt., Oct. 1, 1861 ; to 2d lieut., July, 1863; to 1st lieut.
and adjt., Feb. 18G4 ; disch. Oct. 10, 18G4.
Seelye, Myron M., private, SGth Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 27, 1861, three years.
Matson, William, private, G4th Inf., Co. K; enl. July 16, 1863, three years;
wounded in shoulder at Weldon Railroad, Aug. 14, 1864; died at Lindley,
Oct. 14, 1864.
Muggins, John, private, 68th Inf, Co. H ; drafted July 17, 1863, three years;
disch. Dec. 1865.
Cook, Silas, sergt., SGth Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years.
Williams, Samuel, private, 3lPt Inf. fcol.),Co. F; enl. July 17, 1863, three years;
disch. at Brownsville, Te.\., Nov. 7, 1865.
CowU's, Demetrius, corp., 86tli Inf , Co. F; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years ; disch.
for disability.
Clark, Samuel, private, Ist Inf, Co. G ; enl. July 13, 1862, three years ; died at
David's Inland, Oct. 7. 1862.
Cowles, Henry, 1st Pa. Rifles, Co. A, three years; re-enl. in 50th Eng.
Marsh, Robert, musician, 86ih Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; died
and buried at Fredericksbui g, Jan. 22, 186:i.
Gordon, Amasa L., priv;ite, 8Gth Inf, Co. F ; enl. Oct. 25, 1861, three years.
Miller, Thomas F., private, SGtli Inf., Co. F; enl. Oct. 26, 1861, three years.
McMahon, Michael, private, SGth Inf., Co. F; enl. Nov. 12, 1861, three years.
Stewart, Levi, private, S6lh Inf., Co. F; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, three years; disch. June
7, 1862.
Thomas, John, private. 86Ih Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years.
narrower, John G., 1st lieut, 1st Rifles, Pa. Vet. lies. Corps, Co. A; enl. April
21, 1801 ; pro. to capt. March 1, 1863; res. June 23, 1863, to accept com-
mission of 1st lieut. and adjt. in 161st N. Y.Inf. ; disch. Oct. 15, 1865.
Allington, Edgar, private,8Gth Inf.,Co.F; enl.Feb.3, 1864, three years ; killed
at buttle of Petersburg, June 18, 1864.
Campbell, William A., private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ;
re-cnl. vet. ; disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865.
Mathews, Isaac, private, 50lh Eng. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year; disch. June
13, 1865.
Randall, Lyman, private; drafted July 17, 1863, three years.
Benton, Jared, private ; drafted July 17, 1863, three years.
Broi^kway, William, private; drafted July 17, 1863, three years.
Mulford, Charles C, private ; enl. Feb. 1S64, three years.
Miller, Jacub, private, 89th Inf ; enl. Jan. 10, 18G4, three years ; died in hospital
at Folly Island, S. C, April 29, 1864.
Schuyler, Henry S., private, 86th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Feb. 1864, three years; missing
at battle of Spottsylvania Court-House, May 10, 1864 ; never heard from.
Rumsay, Isaac, private, 86th Inf. ; enl. Feb. 1864, three years.
Wheeler, Richard, private, 86th Inf.; enl. Feb. 18G4, three years.
Fairbanks, Gardner, private, 50th Eng., Co. M; enl. Jan. 1864, three years;
disch. Juno 26, 1865.
Hawkins, Charles, private.
Rupell, Orrin, Jr., private, 72d Ohio Inf, Co. F; enl. Jau. 1, 1862, three years;
re-enl. Jan. 1, 18GI, three years; disch. June 9, 1865.
Mulford, Lee, sergt., 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 6,1862; pro. to corp. in 1862;
to sergt., 1863 ; disch. at end of war.
Rifle, Andrew Jackson, private, 2d Harris L. Cav., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864, one
year ; disch. June 5, 1865.
Walker, Robert, 89th Inf., three years; re-enl.
Walker, James, private, 1st Pa. Rifles, Co. A ; enl. June II, 1861, three years;
wounded through the neck at South Mountain, Va., Sept. 14, 1862; disch.
March 4, 1863; re-enl. 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G, Sept. 20, 1863, three years;
taken pris. Oct. 4, 1364 ; confined at Meridian, Ala., until April 26, 1865,
when he was paroled; disch. April 17, 1865.
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
355
Eobinson, Jamps (sub.), private, 50th Pa. Inf., Co. K ; enl. March 7, 1865, one
year; discli. July 30, 18C5.
Robinson, Wra. (sub.), private, 50th Pa, Inf., Co. K ; enl. March 7, 1865, one
year ; disch. July 3tl, 1865.
Cook, Arthur, Jr., private, i:Jth 11. Art., Bat. C; disch. June 21, 1805.
Demenstoy, Walton, private, 50th Eng.
Carey, Thomas, private, 2d Uatris L. Cav., Co, K ; enl, Sept. 7, 1864, one year ;
disch. June 5, 1SG5.
Lindflley, Henry, private, 179th Inf., Co. B; enl. March 25, 1864, three years;
disch, Juue S, 1SC5.
Lindsley, Joseph, private, 3d L, Art,, Bat. K ; enl. Sept, 5, 1861, three years ;
disch. July 1^, 1SG5,
Beed, Myrun II,, enl. 1801, throe months ; re-enl. in 14th Inf,, Jan. 18C2, three
years; served full term and disch, with regiment.
Cowles, A. Dcmetriuj", private, 50th Eng. ; enl. three years.
Cowles, Henry, 50th Eng,; enl. three yeara.
Cowles, James, private, 5Uth Eng. ; enl, three years.
Cook, A. Justice, private, 107th Inf.; onl. Feb. 28, 180 1, three years; dUch.
Aug. 1865.
Sawyer, Addison, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 21, 1861, three years.
PEATTSBURGH.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
The town of Prattsburgh is centrally situated upon the
northern border of the county. It is bounded north by
Italy and Naples, in Ontario County, east by Pulteney,
south by Wheeler and Urbana, and west by Cohocton.
PHl'SICAL FEATURES.
The eastern part of the town forms the highlands be-
tween Keuka Lake and Five-Mile Creek ; the central, the
elevation between Five- and Ten-Mile Creeks ; and the
extreme western border is Lent Hill, west of Twelve-Mile
Creek. The hills and valleys range generally from north-
east to southwest. The hills rise from 300 to 400 feet
above the valleys. The valley of Five-Mile Creek is 1400
feet above tide-water. From the hills, which gradually
rise from this and other valleys of the town, the prospect
is that of a beautifully-undulating table-land extending in
all directions, covered originally with hard timber — -hem-
lock and white pine — but at present presenting a fine rural
landscape of wooded slopes and cultivated farms. The
farm-buildings indicate the thrift and prosperity of the
enterprising agriculturists of this .section. The soil is of
gravelly and clay loam, adapted to pasturage and to the
growth of cereals, fruit, and vegetables. The town con-
tains 35,638 acres, of which 27,410 are improved lands,
and 7578 acres are timbered lands. The value of farra-
buildings ranks next to that of Bath, being 8209,610,
exclusive of dwellings, to the latter $338,775. (See gen-
eral tables of statistics.)
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
[Mrs. Anna Pratt Rice, the only daughter of Capt. Joel Pratt, and
who was at the time of her death, in 1876, the oldest person and resi-
dent in Prattsburgh, communicated, a short time before her decease,
to William B. Pratt, Esq., the following facts concerning the early
settlement of the town.]
" Her father, Capt. Joel Pratt, was from Colchester, and
her mother, Mary Beach Fowler, from Hebron, Conn. The
children, in the order of age, were Joel, Ira, Harvey, Anna,
Dan, and Elisha. Capt. Pratt and his son Harvey, with
four ox-teams, six men, and one hired girl, and needful tools
and provisions, came to this region in the year 1800, in the
month of February, and settled on Hemlock Hill, four miles
west of Pleasant "Valley, and cleared 110 acres of heavy
forest, and sowed the same with wheat in the fall. They
got there in the night and found the sleepers of a rude cabin
torn up by the Indian.s, and were obliged to cut hemlock
boughs and place them for a temporary floor. The build-
ing of the cabin had been provided for the year before by
Capt. Pratt when he visited the country on horseback.
After the wheat was sown, Capt. Pratt and son returned
to Columbia County, and the men of the company scattered
in different directions. In February, 1801, Capt. Pratt
and Harvey returned, and Joel also came on in time for the
harvest, which was a prolific one. At this time there had
not been a single tree felled in what is now the town of
Prattsburgh. The grain was cut with sickles by men ob-
tained from Bath and Pleasant Valley, then the only near
settlements, and stored in a barn built the same season, with
lumber hauled up the long hard hill from Pleasant Valley.
It was thrashed the succeeding winter with flails, hauled to
Bath with ox-teams, a part of it floured, and all of it stored,
and the whole product floated to Baltimore in the spring of
1802, on arks, and sold for twenty shillings and fourpence
a bushel.*
" In the year 1800, Uriel Cliapin came also from Spencer-
town with his family, settling on lands now occupied by
Julius Stickney, in Wheeler. Mr. Jared Pratt also came
the same year with his family, and was the first actual white
settler in Prattsburgh. Both Chapin and Pratt had been
on the year before alone, the latter making the first clearing
in the town. There were four acres of it lying a little south
of Mud Lake, on what was long known as the Beach farm.
In October, 1802, Capt. Joel Pratt removed his fiimily,
coming with both horse and ox-teams, and was eighteen
days in making the trip."}" There was then no open road
on the route they came. After getting a few miles this side
of Brown's, in what is now the town of Jerusalem, the com-
pany followed blazed trees a number of miles on the last
* Capt. Pratt sold his wheat for something over $2.50 a bushel,
and came back from Baltimore on foot with nearly $8000 in bis
pocket.
f From Spencertown, Columbia Co., to his new house.
356
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of the journey, rcachinj; finally, after many tribulations, the
cabin on Hemlock Hill. When within two miles of the
end of their journey, they were obliged to sojourn for two
days at one Deacon Bennett's till a road could be cut
through ; the only open road which they had formerly
traveled being up the hill from Pleasant Valley on a differ-
ent route. The Aimily lived on the hill some three years,
during which time there was friendly intercourse with the
Chapin and Jared Pratt families, by a road opened through
the dense forest. Mrs. Rice traveled the same, in one in-
stance, alone, though wild beasts were numerous. The
family removed to this place in 1805, into a house built of
hewed logs, on the knoll occupied now by William B. Pratt.
The barn had also been built, the trees being cut away to
make room for it, and some of the stumps remain there-
under till this day.
" In the summer of 1804, Mrs. Rice kept house for her
father for awhile, in a log cabin a few rods west from where
L. 0. Dunning resides, while he cleared sixty acres of
forest, a part of the present premises of A. H. Van Housen.
It was heavy maple timber, and the labor was largely done
by three men from Sherburne, they using long pikes, and
throwing the trees into immense windrows. When the fo-
liage was dry the surrounding forest was lighted with such
a prodigious fire as is rarely seen, reducing not only leaves
and limbs, but trunks also, to a large extent, to ashes.
Where the village now stands was cleared subsequently by
parties from Middletown, now Naples, under the superin-
tendence of Uriel Chapin and William Root, of Albany,
the latter being interested by purchase of lands. Seventy
acres were cleared at one time, and sowed with wheat, mak-
ing a luxuriant growth in the fall, which afforded fine
grazing for deer, then so abundant that Joel Pratt was able,
with his old flint-lock musket, to capture three in a single
day.
" The road to Middletown was opened prior to 1802, — a
two-rod road which extended to Bath by way of the Hemlock
Hill, Uriel Chapin being the contractor. At the two ex-
tremes— Naples and Bath— were the only grist-mills in all
this region. At this time (1805), settlers were coming in
considerable numbers. Minister Niles being the first after
Jared Pratt, unless we except Daniel Buel, a bachelor and
expert hunter, who located his cabin on grounds now owned
by W. H. Babcock, and profitably followed his chosen pur-
suit. Buel subsequently wandered off to Northern Ohio,
and met his death at the hands of some of the very abor-
iginal race with whom he had so long fellowshiped. While
making a fire in his cabin a treacherous savage stealthily
entered his door, and fiitally buried his tomahawk in his
back. This was the last of Buel, wFio was well esteemed
by the early settlers for his simple habits, unobtrusive in-
dustry, and unflinching integrity. His hold on his mother's
affections was so strong as to bring her on one occasion all
the way from Stockbridge, Mass., afoot, some three hundred
miles to visit him.
" Mr. Niles vacated the post of principal of the academy
at Clinton, Oneida Co., to preach the gospel to a few
scattering settlers in this then howling wilderness. His
first religious services, and the first public services in the
town, were held in the house of Jared Pratt, a rude log
structure where Luther Wheeler's house now stands. The
congregation consisted of eight persons — Mr. Niles, wife and
son George, Jared Pratt and wife, Mrs. Rice and her brother
Harvey, and Daniel Buel. It is to be regretted that the
particular text used on the occasion is not remembered.
Mrs. Rice and her mother came over from the Hill on horse-
back.
" The first death was that of a child of Wm. P. Curtis,
where his son, Wm. B., now lives. It was a little girl, and
she was found with her face in a small and shallow stream
of water — dead. A tin horn was blown by the family as
a signal of distress, which was heard by Jared Pratt, more
than two miles distant, who sped with all haste to the scene
of affliction. He was the nearest neighbor excepting Pomc-
roy Hull, who then lived where Benjamin Cook now does.
The child was buried near the house. Subsequently, Mr.
Tuttle, father of Joel Tuttle, died, and was buried in the
present grounds of Elijah Allis. In July, 1806, occurred
the death of Harvey Pratt, the third in town. What is
now the old cemetery-ground had been burned off and
planted with corn. A road was opened through it, and the
first body lowered, the late Dan Edson assisting. After-
wards one acre of ground was conveyed by Capt. Pratt to
the religious society for a public burying-ground, and the
bodies of the Curtis child and Jlr. Tuttle were placed
therein. Since then have been gathered there a great con-
gregation."
We have quoted the above article in full on account of
its interest, although not strictly in chronological order.
From it we learn that Jared Pratt, the first settler of
Prattsburgh, came on and made a small clearing in 1799,
and moved his ftimily to the town in the year 1800. He
had then just set out in his career of life. He brought
with him a wife to share the vicissitudes of pioneer life,
and to soften and sweeten its adversities. The farm he
first selected and continued to occupy as long as he lived is
that now owned by Mr. Luther Wheeler, and he then
planted a row of Lombardy poplars, which at this day
marks the place of the first shelter built for civilized man
within this township.
" They constituted the only family in the township for
about two years and a half; their hardships were many and
their privations great. No neighbors within seven miles,
no roads except a mere trail, and dense forests all around
them. To obtain flour for their bread, Mr. Pratt would
yoke his oxen, fill his bag with grain, lay it across the
yoke of his oxen, and drive his team eleven miles to Naples,
where was the nearest mill to his habitation, the road all
the way lying in a dense forest without a habitation con-
tiguous to it."*
Capt. Joel Pratt first visited the country on horseback in
1799, and selected Hemlock Hill, where he had a log cabin
erected that year. In the year 1800 he came on and cleared
110 acres of land, sowing the same to wheat that fall. The
following season the wheat was harvested, and in the spring
of 1802 was conveyed by ark to Baltimore. Capt. Pratt
returned from Baltimore, and before removing his family
in October of that year, entered into contract for the
* Hotchkin's Hist. Western New York, p. 464.
^ /C S L:i?u^jLo^cL A_ -/O
Philo K. SronnARD, M.D., was born in the town of Jerusalem,
Yates Co., Sept. 28, 1825. The ancestor of the Stoddard family was
of English birth, and settled in Northampton, Mast-. The great-
grandfather Stoddard removed to Danburj, Conn., where he raised
seven children, five of whom were sons, and fit for military duty at
the time of the Revolutionary war, viz., Benjamin, Joel, Mosely,
Cyrenus, and Darius.
The grandfather, Cyrenus, enlisted in the war for independence,
suffered from scurvy, and was for three days and nights at one time on
a picket-boat on Lake Charaplain without rations, or once relieved
from duty. After the war he was pensioned. He married Candacc
Mix, lived in Greene Co., N. Y., and afterwards moved to Cherry
Valley. Their children are Sabra, Philo, Cyrus, Benjamin, Orra,
Olive, and Esther.
Benjamin, father of Br. Stoddard, was born in 1796, in Cherry Val-
ley, Otsego Co., and was the first settler ou lot 12 of the Green Tract,
in Jerusalem township, Yates Co., and paid therefor six dollars per
acre. He was then twenty-one years of age, and had in property, all
told, an axe, a gun, a watch, and six dollars in money.
Armed and endowed with youthful courage and a strong constitu-
tion, he entered upon the work of subduing the wilderness, and
earning on his land the wherewithal to pay for his title.
In 181S he married Hannah Kelly, also a native of Otsego County,
and few women have been a better support to a husband than she in
the arduous labors of pioneer life and the care of a large family. Mr.
Stoddard held a captain's commission in the 103d Regiment Infantry,
granted by Gov. Enos T, Throop, in 1828, and a lieutenant's com-
mission previously given by Gov. Yates. He also held several town
offices. He died June 4, 1878. His wife still survives. Their
children are Chester (deceased), Siirvina, Charles, Philo K., Susan
Ann, Esther, and Thomas F.
Dr. Stoddard received his preliminary education at the common
school and at Franklin Academy. At the age of sixteen he was a
teacher, by which occupation and by farm labor he acquired sufficient
means to enable him to prosecute his studies. He was a teacher for
six terms in the common school and one term in the Franklin
Academy.
At the age of twenty he began the study of medicine with Dr.
Elisha Doubleday, of Italy Hill. After one year he became a student
with Dr. Andrew D. Vorhees, of Prattsburgh, with whom he remained
two years in the study of medicine, and also learned dentistry. He at-
tended lectures at Geneva Medical College in 1845-46; subsequently at
Buffalo Medical College, from which latter institution he was gradu-
ated M.D. in June, 1848, and the same year settled in Prattsburgh,
where ho has remained in the practice of medicine, surgery, and
dentistry ever since.
Solicited by the war committee at Elmira, he became a volunteer
surgeon in the service of the United States immediately after the
second battle of Bull Run, and was for a short time stationed at the
Armory Square Hospital, D. C. In September, 1863, he received a
commission as assistant surgeon in the 161st Regiment, and was with
this regiment until the close of the war; was in the battles of Mans-
field, Pleasant Hill, Spanish Fort, and at the capture of Mobile. Sev-
eral times Dr. Stodtiard was detailed to take charge of hospitals. He
had charge of Gen. Bailey's brigade hospital at Vicksburg for a short
time; of smallpox hospital at White River Landing; and received
several complimentary appointments from Gen. Franklin for his well-
known faithfulness and sobriety, not less than for his skillful service
as a surgeon, and was detailed by him to take charge of a boat-load of
three hundred wounded from Grand Ecore to New Orleans, after the
battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and for a short time prior to
the breaking up of the war he was stationed at the Dry Tortugas
with his regiment.
During his two years' service. Dr. Stoddard had for eleven months
sole charge of the regiment. His faithfulness to ilutj', and his ability
to discriminate between those able to do duty and those who were not
was so correct that during the entire time, though he reported nine-
teen hundred and twenty-nine cases of sickness and wounds, there
was not a single death. At the close of the war he was honorably
discharged and resumed his business in Prattsburgh, and has since
continuously prosecuted not only the practice of medicine and surgery,
but of dentistry. When necessary. Dr. Stoddard assumes grave re-
sponsibilities without hesitation, and operates with a skill which
knowledge and firm courage alone impart. As an obstetrician he has
few superiors. He was the first in town to administer chloroform
successfully, and has since used it in all severe operations with highly
satisfactory results. He counsels freely with all honorable physicians
of whatever school. Besides his professional duties, he is interested
in thoroughbred stock, and four years ago introduceil the first into
Prattsburgh, and now has a fine herd of Alderncy and Jersey cattle.
In 1850, July 4, he married Sarah Jane, daughter of Sebastian
Lewis, of Prattsburgh. (if this union was born one sod, Philo L.,
who received his education at the Franklin Academy, and is now in
the practice of dentistry with his father. Mrs. Stoddard died July 4,
four years after her marriage, and in September, 1856, Dr. Stoddard
married Sarah, slaughter of Albert Cowing, of the town of Jerusalem,
Yates Co.
Dr. Stoddard has ever been strictly temperate in his habits, and
never allowed himself to use cither liquor or tobacco. Ho is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a contributor to church and
kindred interests, antl in his professional life the needy receive the
same attention as those from whom he expects a fee.
C^u>i^/if "/^qAu
O
^U^ & '^^cU
CHARLES WALDO
was eighth cliild and seventli son of Jesse and
Martha Waldo, born in tlie town of Prattsburgli,
Nov. 2, 1805, and is said to have been the first white
male child born in the town.
He received his education at the common school
and at Franklin Academy, and until he reached- his
majority most of his time was spent at home. At
the age of twenty-one he became a teacher, but only
followed teaching for two terms.
At the same time and place as the marriage of his
brother Lucius, he married Elizabeth Elvira Par-
melee, daughter of Asa Harmon and Emily Parmelee.
She was born Aug. 22, 1809.
For six years subsequent to his marriage he car-
ried on farming on the old homestead, one-half of
the time following his marriage.
In 1831 he settled on one hundred and sixty acres
of land, mostly timbered, where he has since resided,
and to which he has made additions, so that at one
time he had some three hundred acres.
His main business tlirough life has been farming.
He has never been actively connected with the po-
litical circle, but has preferred the quiet of a business
life; yet he has ever been interested in questions
affecting local, State, or National legislation, formerly
being identified with the AVhig party, and now an
unswerving sujiporter of Republican principles.
Valuing the intrinsic worth of a good education, he
has through life taken a deep interest in that subject,
and done all in his power to promote the progress
of education in his vicinity and town, and especially,
as means would afford, has he given his children
the benefit of the best schools.
Mr. Waldo has ever been of a studious turn of
mind, and conversant with the current topics of the
times. As early as nineteen years of age he became
a member of the Congregational Cluirch of Pratts-
burgh, was for many years connected with its manage-
ment, and for the past twenty-five years has been a
deacon of that church, ■\\hich office he now tries to
honor.
His wife died Jan. 16, 1873. She became a mem-
ber of the Congregational (now Presbyterian) Church
at sixteen years of ago ; was a woman possessed of
rare excellence and Ciiristian virtues, devoted to her
family, and especially interested in church and Sun-
day-school work. In the sjjhere she was remarkably
gifted in adapting herself to the capacities of children
of tender age.
The surviving children are Charles Dwight, of
Lyons, N. Y. ; David Parmelee, of Midland City,
Mich. ; William Albigense, of Prattsburgh ; Theron
Linsley, a graduate in the Class of '63 of Hamilton
College, and a Presbyterian clergyman ; George Har-
mon, of Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Chloe Elizabeth ; and Mrs.
A. J. Snoke, of Princeton, Ind.
(^^tU^^^^oc^ ""Mc/c/^ o^.
'y(ytytA(0
-^^^
LUCIUS WALDO.
Lucius Waldo was born in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
June 25, 1802. His father, Jesse Waldo, was a native of
Mansfield, Conn., born in 1761 ; married Martha Hovey, also a
native of Mansfield, Conn., born in 1770. Settled in Oneida
County, where they lived for several years, and removed to
Prattsburgh, this county, and settled near the town-line of
Prattsburgh and Pulteney, in July, 1805 ; took up quite a large
tract of timbered land, and spent the remainder of his life in
clearing oflF the forest and preparing the land for cultivation.
He came into the town nearly simultaneous with Captain Joel
Pratt, Pixley Curtis, and other families, numbering fourteen.
For several years he was chosen as justice of the peace, and
also officiated as assessor for several terms. He belonged to the
old Federalist party, and consequently opposed the war of 1812.
He was a deacon of the Congregational Church at Prattsburgh
for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1826. His
wife was an exemplary Christian woman, and proved a helpmeet
in all the duties of pioneer life, and educated her children in all
that makes true manhood and womanhood. She died in 1849.
Their children born in Connecticut were Mrs. Isaac Pardee,
Jesse, Aaron H., Otis, Albigense ; born in Oneida County,
Henry H. and Lucias; bom in Prattsburgh, Charles, Abigail
(died young), and Edmund. Of these only Lucius, Charles, and
Edmund survive.
The subject of this sketch was only three years of age when
the family settled in Prattsburgh. His education from books
was attended with tfie then common obstacles of a long distance,
rude school-house, and poor roads. A distance of four miles
was often traveled to get to school, but his subsequent career
as a business man has fully demonstrated that education does
not all come from books.
In the year 1828, Oct. 15th, he married Rebecca, daughter
of Obed and Sibyl (Carter) Hervey, of Prattsburgh. She was
born March 10, 1808.
After his marriage, Mr. Waldo settled on a farm adjoining
where he now resides, to which he made additions until he now
occupies the same premises, as also enough more to make over
three hundred acres, upon which he and his wife have resided
over half a century.
His life has been one of industry, economy, and self-sacilfice ;
yet through his middle life, and until debarred by age and in-
firmity, he was ever regarded as one of the thrifty, enterprising,
and intelligent farmers of the town.
Mr. Waldo was originally a member of the Whig party, op-
posed human bondage, and since the organization of the Repub-
lican party has been a supporter of its principles.
Mr. and Mrs. Waldo have lived in an unostentatious way ;
became early in life members cf the Congregational Church of
Prattsburgh, and arc liberal supporters of all interests tending
to aid the needy and educate the rising generations. They have
lived together upwards of fifty years, but passed the day of
their goWen wedding without public notice.
d
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
357
purchase of the town of Prattsbur^'h, to which he removed
from Hemlock Hill in the year 1805.
ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE TOWN.
On tlie 16th day of June, 1802, Col. Robert Troup, chief
a<;ent of the Pulteney estate, entered into a contract with
Capt. Joel Pratt, then of the county of Columbia, and
William Root, of the county of Albany, whereof the follow-
ing is the substance :
I. Messrs. Pratt and Root were to take upon themselves
the sale and settlement of township No. 6, 3d range of town-
ships in the county of Steuben. The township thus desig-
nated was afterwards organized as Prattsburgli, in honor of
the founder.
II. The survey was to be made in convenient lots to
suit purchasers, at the expense of the said Pratt and Root,
and to be made as soon as practic;ible. We learn from
other sources of information that the survey was tuade by
Hon. William Ker.sey.
III. The third article contains the stipulation for reserv-
ing 200 acres, to be appropriated forever to the use of a
clergyman, who shall ultimately reside in said township, to
minister to them according to the Christian faith and doc-
trine.
IV. The fourth article contains a charge to Messrs.
Pratt and Root to exercise great diligence in the matter of
effecting sales.
V. The fifth article relates to the price of land, which in
no ca.se is to be less than $3 an acre, and as much more as
possible. An article dated 2d of February, 1803, shows
that from that time lands might be sold for $2.50 an acre.
VI. to XIII. The subsequent articles, to the thirteenth,
contain several provisions relating to the manner of payment
and the form of security to be taken whenever the lands in
question were sold upon credit.
The two remaining articles stipulate that Messrs. Pratt
and Root should receive as a compensation for their care
and trouble, and as an incitement to diligence, one moiety
or half part of so much of the purchase-money as (com-
puting the number of acres contained in such lots) shall
exceed the sum of $2 per acre ; but with the provision that
no portion of this should be paid till said Pratt and Root
had themselves paid into the land-office of the Pulteney es-
tate, at Geneva, the sum of $32,000.
The objects of these two original purchasers were un-
doubtedly dissimilar. Mr. Pratt had determined to form
a church as well as a town, and it was his intention to have
cast in his lot with the hardy pioneers of the new colony.
Mr. Root, on the contrary, continuing to reside in Albany,
looked upon the enterprise merely in the light of a hopeful
speculation.
Concerning the former, Mr. Hotchkin, in his History of
Western New York, remarks as follows : " It was his de-
termination to settle himself and family on this township,
and to establish a religious society in the order to which he
had been accustomed. With a view to the accomplishment
of this object, he required every person to whom he sold
land to give a note to the amount of $15 on each 100 acres
of land purchased by him, payable within a given time,
with legal interest annually, till paid to the trustees of the
religious society which should be formed."*
Rev. John Niles came to Prattsburgh, accompanied by
his family, in the autumn of 1803. He was a licentiate of
a Congregational Association, and in feeble health, for
which reason he desired to combine with the ministry the
invigorating labor of an agriculturist. Capt. Pratt gave
him a farm of 80 acres as an inducement to settle here.
It was a portion of the present farm of Israel B. Van
Housen.
William P. Curtis, Samuel Tuthill, and Pomeroy Hull
came in the year 1804, and also, later in the same year,
Salisbury Burton, who occupied for many years what used
to be so well known as the Burton farm.
In 180G we find a goodly array of settlers. In addition
to those already named, were the following : Enoch Niles,
Rufus Blodget, Jesse Waldo, Judge Hopkins, John Hop-
kins, Deacon Ebenezer Rice, Robert Porter, Deacon Ga-
maliel Loomis, Samuel Hayes, Deacon Abiel Linsley, Moses
Lyon. Uriel Chapin, Asher Bull, Roban Hillis, Stephen
Prentiss, and jierhaps others.
Of the pioneers of this town, Mr. Hotchkin remarks that
"almost all the heads of families who first came in were
members of the Congregational Churches, and persons of
more than ordinary intelligence. They were drawn hither
by the expectation of enjoying good religion and civil
society. They were peculiarly a homogeneous popula-
tion."
The plan proposed by Capt. Pratt for forming a perma-
nent fund for the support of the gospel was at first adopted
with great unanimity, but subsequently it became a source
of dissatisfiiction, and after a few years was relinquished.
It was probably continued long enough to produce all the
beneficial effects its author had in view, and it was certainly
an important means of drawing to this settlement an unusu-
ally large number of religious and intelligent fitmilies.
Capt. Pratt and his partner, Mr. Root, were not of" con-
genial aims and purposes." To end the differences between
them it became necessary for the former to buy out the in-
terest of the latter, which was done in the year 180G by
the payment to Mr. Root of nearly $8000. In the same
year the original contract was rescinded between all the
contractors, and a new one entered into between the agent
of the Pulteney estate and Capt. Pratt, Joel Pratt, Jr., and
Ira Pratt for so much of the township as remained at that
time unsold. This contract, like the former one, was re-
scinded about 1810 or 1811, in consequence of Capt.
Pratt's inability to comply with its terms, — an inability
resulting from a serious pecuniary embarrassment beyond
the power of human calculation to foresee or of human
prudence to overcoYiie.
The first frame building erected in town was a barn built
by Joel Pratt, in 1804. It stood on the rear of the lot
now owned by Grandus Lewis, on Chapel Street, and was
subsetjuently removed by Mr. Pinney to his farm, in the
ea.st part of the town. At an early time, when families
were coming in, this barn used to be a common stopping-
place for them till they could arrange the rude appoint-
• Hist. Western New York, p. 406.
358
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ments of their own cabins. It was also the usual place of
holding public worship. Mr. Pratt soon added to this barn
a frame house, which stood on ground now occupied by the
residence of Martin Pinney, and which, with important
additions and improvements, is now the residence of Mr.
Elias Wygant.
Tiie first merchants of the town were Joel Pratt, Jr.,
and Ira Pratt. Aaron Bull kept the first hotel. It was
built of logs, and opened in 1806 or 1807. It stood ad-
joining Dr. Pratt's office, where the store of Martin Pin-
ney now stands. In the year 1808 three log houses stood
on the east side of the public square ; one was the resi-
dence of Henry Allis, and stood on the same site as the
dwelling now occupied by Elijah Allis; the second was the
residence of Cyril Ward, and stood near the present resi-
dence of Mrs. Rice ; the third was owned by Capt. Theo-
dore Brown, and stood on the .site of the present residence
of Mr. Thos. Van Tuyl.
Judge Porter at that time lived in a log house which
stood upon the same ground or near the present residence
of John C. Higby. Add to these the first meeting-house,
and you have the village complete as it was in that early day.
The first burying-ground was the one on the Bath road,
just south of the village. It was laid out in 1806. We
have before alluded to it as receiving first the remains of
Harvey Pratt, and then of three or four others, who first
died in the settlement, as the forerunners of the immense
multitude now resting there. Here sleep most of the pio-
neers of Prattsburgh, whose names on the simple monu-
ments recall to the present generation the " forefathers of
the hamlet."
ROAD TO BATH.
The two-rod road to which reference has been made, did
not continue for a long time to be the principal thorough-
fare to Bath. The same road, which is usually traveled at
the present day, leading to the village, was cut through a
dense forest, in 1805, at the joint expense of Capt. Pratt
and the Pulteney estate. It intersected the road leading
to Geneva, near Brown's Hollow, but for several years was
next to impassable. In 1807, two roads were cut from the
village of Prattsburgh to Crooked Lake, one opening the
way to West Hill. Each of these roads nearly correspond
to the ones now in use.
Till 1 808, Bath was the nearest post-village. During
that year a post-route was established from Geneva to Bath,
passing through the village of Prattsburgh, over which the
mail was carried on horseback, generally, once a week.
That year the Prattsburgh Post-office was established, and
Joel Pratt, Jr., was postmaster. It was nearly twelve
months before Mr. Pratt was put in possession of a mail-
bag, the mail matter designed for this office being taken
from the bag at Geneva and brought here in a separate
parcel ; so, too, the mail here was made up in a separate
package and deposited in the bag on reaching Bath. These
were not the only difficulties. Daniel Cruger, who in those
days represented this district in Congress, contrived to get
the stage-route from Geneva to Bath on the east side of
the lake, thus leaving Prattsburgh unprovided with mail
focilitics. Mr. Pratt was obliged, under the.se circum-
stances, to send mail matter to Bath as he had opportunity.
and receive from thence what was in that office in the same
precarious manner. On making complaint to the depart-
ment of the injustice of this arrangement, he was author-
ized to provide a mail-carrier for a regular weekly mail till
other arrangements could be made. These were effi;cted
soon after, and since that time no irregularity has occurred
in the mails. Since the establishment of the railroads the
citizens have been favored with a daily delivery.
H0N0R.4.BLE MENTION.
The first child born of white parents in this town was
Marietta, daughter of Jared Pratt. It is recorded of her :
" She resided here till 1830, and we know not, within the
whole range of our town's history, that there ever lived
among us an individual whose life better exemplified the
Christian walk. She was but a little way removed from
total blindness, yet, notwithstanding the loss of so impor-
tant a sense, she was well educated, and lived the life of a
child of God, and died in the sure and certain hope of a
glorious resurrection."
The first marriage celebrated in the town was between
Isaac Pardee and a daughter of Deacon Waldo.
The first male child born in Prattsburgh was Charles
Waldo, who still resides here, and has reared a fiimily of
five sons, who are all settled elsewhere.
LIFE IN TIIE EARLY DAYS.
" The early years of our town's history," say the local
historians, " were not days of modern refinement. Those
were days of patient toil and patient endurance. The pio-
neers of our early history were strangers to the moderately-
luxuiious appointments of our modern homes. For a few
years the present residence of John C. Higby was the only
hou.se which art had embellished or paint adorned, to feast
the eye of the traveler throughout the whole distance of
the weary route leading from Geneva to Bath, through
Prattsburgh. This was called the ' Lily of the Valley.'
The frugal housewives of those days knew nothing, or at
least experienced none of the benefits or care of three-ply
carpets, hair-cloth sofas, or marble-top centre-tables; no
more did they have the tribulations of a modern party,
with its knackery of ice-creams and jelly-cakes, five layers
deep ; pleasure carriages then formed no part of a farmer's
inventory.
'■ These early settlers generally came here in the winter,
and upon ox-sleds, subsisting throughout their journey
upon their own provisions. Deacon Waldo and Judge
Hopkins, the morning previous to their arrival, found their
stores reduced to two loaves of bread, being then at Sher-
man's Hollow.
" In 1805, Stephen Prentiss, Warham Parsons, and
Aaron Cook purchased adjoining farms in that part of the
town known as West Hill. The same year Mr. Prentiss
occupied his place. Mr. Parsons, the next year, settled on
his form, and the year following Deacon Cook became a
permanent resident, and occupied his place till the day of
his death. In 1807, Michael Keith purchased and began
the cultivation of a farm in Rikcr Hollow, where he lived
in undisturbed .solitude till the advent of Thomas Riker
and William Draie, in the year 1810.
MRS. LUTHER GRAVES
LUTHER GRAVES.
j* ft/oros BY MA flcES ''sATrsaufTGH )
LUTHEK GRAVES
was born in Whately, Mass., Jan. 16, 1794. He was the
seventh child in a family of ten children — five sons and five
daughters — of Israel and Anna (Brown) Graves, both of whom
were also natives of Whately.
His father was a farmer by occupation, and both he and his
wife were members of the Presbyterian (!hurch, and educated
their children in religion as well as morality, and all that makes
true manhood and womanhood. The parents died at their
native place at advanced ages.
In 1815, Mr. Graves migrated to the then " far West" and
made his first settlement in the town of Prattsburgh, this
county. His first purchase was one hundred and fifteen acres
west of the village, and to get there he was obliged to pass
through an unbroken wilderness. He has since made additions
to his first purchase, and now owns the same farm and enough
more to make one hundred and fifty-five acres in all.
It may be interesting to the young to read of the privations
and patience of the early settlers ; hence, the writer will give
an incident in the pioneer life of Mr. Graves :
For several years he boarded with Josiah Allis, an early
settler, the arrangement for his board being that Mr. Graves
was to work two days of the week for Mr. Allis as compensa-
tion for his board for the whole week, leaving him four days to
chop and clear ofi" the timber on his own farm. The first rude
log cabin, subsequently supplanted by a framed one, and lastly,
a modern residence took the place of the second one, together
with the gradual removal of the original forest and the woods,
teeming with the bear, the wolf, and the deer, are all matters
of interest in the life of the pioneer.
In the year 1819, Oct. 20th, he married Hannah Burton,
of Prattsburgh. Of this union were born two daughters,
Mrs. Sidney Luce (deceased), of Brighton, Monroe Co., N. Y.,
and Mrs. Francis Briglin, of Prattsburgh. The mother died
July 2, 1824, aged twenty-two.
For his second wife he married Charlotte Cooper, of Pratts-
burgh, Oct. 28, 1824. Of this union were born two sons,
Martin Luther and Asher Allis (deceased), and one daughter,
Jemima Elizabeth (died young). The mother died May 17,
1843.
For his third wife he married, May 23, 1844, Rebecca Sturte-
vant, of Prattsburgh, whose portrait may be seen above. She
died August, 1878, aged seventy-eight.
For sixty-three years Mr. Graves has owned and managed
his farm, although for the past fourteen years he has done no
labor himself on it, but has resided in the village of Prattsburgh.
Born during the latter part of the eighteenth century, Mr.
Graves has lived under the administration of every President
of the United States.
He was a member of the old Whig party, and is now a
Republican.
His life has been one of quiet and labor, self-sacrifice and
industry. He assisted in the erection of the first school-
house in - his neighborhood, in making the first roads, and
in building the first church edifice, and for over half a cen-
tury has been a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Prattsburgh.
A view of his farm-residence may be seen on another page of
this work, showinsr the result of a life of toil.
Farm Buildings or LUTHER &RAVt;_
Steuben County, n. y
ii
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
359
"In 1806, Judge Porter erected wliat lias, in later years,
been known as Higby's Mill, occupyinj; the mill-site at the
new bridge, across the stream, east, of the present residence
of C. G. Higby. At that time Mechanic Street was lined
on both sides with a dense forest. The same year, and
while Prattsburgh was yet included in Bath, Mr. Porter
was elected justice of the peace and Esquire Curtis con-
stable. The assessed taxes for township No. 6, 3d range,
were $1.25, of which amount Squire Curtis paid five cents."
RELIGION AND EDUCATION.
We have already seen that the early settlers of Pratts-
burgh made it their first care to provide for themselves the
institutions of religion. When but two families composed
the community the head of one was a minister of the gos-
pel. A few years later almost the entire population of the
town were emigrants from New England. In coming here
they were influenced by the same motives which inspired
their predecessors first to settle in the New World, — that is,
to establish in the wilderness the institutions of religion and
free government. Among such a people we should natu-
rally look i'ur the .school as occupying the second place to
the church. Accordingly, in this community educational
matters were early thought of, and such provisions made
as time and circumstances permitted in a new country.
" In 1812, in advance of the act of the Legislature re-
specting common schools, there were four .schools, volun-
tarily established and sustained by the individuals of their
respective neighborhoods. The principal one of these was
in the village of Prattsburgh, — a small school-house, stand-
ing hard by the church, in true New England fashion, and
probably upon the precise spot of ground now occupied by
Ezra Bramble's shoe-shop. Near by, and directly in front
of the old church, was a clear spring of never-failing water,
where these literary tyros would duck their heads and wash
down their tough doughnuts. Another school-house was
near the present residence ol' E. H. Hopkins, in the Waldo
district, the third in the vicinity of the Bridges farm, and
the fourth in what is now Wheeler. These school-houses
were the private property of the inhabitants, and, like all
the schools of that day, were faulty and insufiicient for
what were felt to be the wants of even those times.
"After the passage of the common-school act the town
was divided into a number of school districts, in accordance
with its provisions, and a manifest improvement in the
character and teaching of the schools was the result. Still,
with this measure of improvement, they were felt to be
deficient, the great difficulty being to obtain qualified
teachers.
" The school-house which stood upon the site of the pres-
ent residence of Edwin Wilson was built in 1810, and
contained the village school till 1839."
FRANKLIN ACADEMY.
The subject of establishing an academy at Prattsburgh
began to be seriously discussed as early as 1822. Sub-
scription-papers were put in circulation, — one to raise the
necessary means to erect a suitable building, another to
create a permanent fund for the support, in part at least,
of the school. In 1823 a sum deemed adequate was found
to have been subscribed, and that year trustees were ap-
pointed and arrangements made for the erection of the
building. Considering the few inhabitants then in Pratts-
burgh, the amount raised was liberal, being about S2000
for the erection of the building and between 83000 and
$4000 for the support of the school. The ground upon
which the academy stands was purchased of Judge Porter.
The building as originally erected was 52 by 32 feet and
two stories in height, surmounted by a cupola or belfry.
" Who in this beneficial efibrt is entitled to the greatest
share of praise would prove an invidious task to name. Judge
Porter was the largest subscriber ; Dr. Niles was a liberal
contributor and the most active agent; and it is but just
to say that the money that was raised at that time was
more the result of his untiring energy and vigilance than
of any other one cause. The friends of this institution,
and the community which have experienced so largely its
benefits, owe to the memory of Dr. Niles a lasting debt of
gratitude."
The effort that built the academy was a general and
united one, and the good resulting therefrom has been like
the flowing of a gentle stream.
The regents' charter of Franklin Academy bears date
Feb. 23, 1821. Kirly in that year the building was so
nearly conipleteil as to admit of occupancy, and the first
academic term comnienced under the direction of Wil-
liam Bjanl.sley. Since th:it time more than half a century
has passed away. These years have not been years of un-
interrupted prosperity in the fortunes of Franklin Academy,
for, like all else, the institution has had its days of darkness.
These, however, have been cumparatively few : its career
has been generally prosperous ; and probably from that day
to this there has not been a moment's regret, or even a dis-
appointed anticipation, in the minds of any of its founders.
In 1827 the fortune of this institution was deemed ade-
quate, and its future success seemed to demand a .separate
female department. That year witnessed this beneficial
change.
Upon the application of Hon. Grattan H. Wheeler, the
Legislature, in 1828, made an appropriation of $2000 for the
purpose of founding an academic library, which has been
of great benefit to the institution and to the community.
In 1868 the academy was merged in the Franklin Acad-
emy and Union Free School, and has since been conducted
under the provisions of the Union Free School law. It
still maintains a high order of scholarship.
PRINCIPALS.
The following are the principals of Franklin Academy
from the establishment of the institution :
Election. Exitus.
1824. — Rev. William Bcardsley, A.M 1S28.
1828.— Eli Eddy, A.M 1S29.
1829. — .Seymour Oookins, A.M 1831.
1831.— Rev. Oliver S. Taylor, A.M., M.D 1834.
1834.— Rev. Samuel Schaffer, A.M 183o.
1835. — Rev. ,Iobn Humphrey, A.M 1836.
1836.- Rev. Horace Woodruff, A.M 1839.
1839.- Rev. Flavel .S. Oaylord, A.M 1845.
1846.— Curtis C. Riildwin, A.M 1846.
1846.— Hon. Scth li. Cole, A.M 1854.
1854.— Charles L. Porter 1855.
1855.— AViUiam U. Jackson, A.M March, 1858.
1858, March.— Wm. S.'Searles, A.M July, 1858.
1858, July.— Wni. Kreutzer, A.M " 1859.
360
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Election. Exitus.
1859, July.— W. D. Taylor, A. B July, 1860.
1860, " SherrilE. Smith, A.B March, 1866.
1866, March.— N. W. Ayer, A.M July, 1867.
1867.— J. C. Whiting : 1868.
186S.— G. E. McMiister 1869.
1869, August.— J. Weslev Eddy December, 1869.
1869, December.- S. F. Bagg 1871.
1871, July. — E. Wiluiot Cuuimings November, 1871.
1871, December.- Paul C. Howe March, 1872.
1872, March.— H. A. Smith July, 1872.
1872, August.— A. J. O.^born 1874.
1874.— James A. Christie 1877.
1877.— W. F. Gelslon 1878.
1878.— Frank E. Wells»
ORGANIZATION.
Prattsburgh was formed from Pulteney, April 12, 1813,
and contained at that time half of the town of Wheeler.
Subsequently half of the township adjoining on the west
wa.s added to it. The half-township taken from this to
form Wheeler was detached in 1820, and since then the
boundaries of the town have remained unchanged. The
first town-meeting was held on the 1st day of March, 1814,
at which Joel Pratt, Jr., was elected supervisor.
CIVIL LIST.
The town records having been destroyed by fire and those
in Bath being deficient, we have been unable to get a com-
plete list of the town oflicers from its organization. We
give below all that we have been able with the utmo.st dili-
gence to find. The early rolls of those who took oaths of
office at Bath are for the most part lists of names and
dates, with no mention of the town attached to them.
We find that Stephen Prentiss was supervisor, and Isaac
Ainsworth collector, in 1824. Mr. Ainsworth was also
collector in 1823. Then there is a blank, so far as Pratts-
burgh is concerned, till 1827, after which the list is as
follows :
Supervisors.
1827. Robert Porter.
. 1828. Barrage Kioe.
1829. " "
18.30. " "
18:il.
1832. " "
183.3. " "
1834.
1835. Daniel Burroughs
1836.
1S37. Aaron Pinney.
1838. " "
1839. " "
1840. J. H. Hotchkin, J
1841. John L. Higby.
1842. "
1843. "
1844. " "
1845. John F. Williams
1846. John C. Higby.
1347. "
1848. " "
1849. Aaron Pinney.
1850. " "
1851. Joseph Lewis,
1852. John Anderson.
1853. John F. AVilliams
1854. Joseph Lewis.
Justices.
(No record.)
Collectors.
Sylvester Alderman.
a it
Jacob Wilson.
S. A. Johnson.
Harry Clark.
(No record.)
S. A. Johnson.
(No record.)
W.VanValkenburgh
Thomas W. Bailey.
Aaron Pinney.
E. B.Woodworth.Jr.
Marcus T. C. Higby.
r. (No record.)
Ezra Chapin.
Seth Miner.
John Smith.
Abner P. Lyon.
Isaac Vermilya.
J. F. Williams.
(No record.)
H. B. Eddy.
J. F. Williams.
Asa Hopkins.
Wm. E. S. Noble.
Orris Briggs.
Jerry Allis.
Josiah Allis.
Jerry AUis.
Supervisors.
Justices.
Collectors.
1855.
G. Denniston.
John Smith.
Henry Nefif.
1856.
"
'
J. K. Fenton.
it a
1857.
it
'
C. J. Clark.
David Smith.
185S.
John F
. Williams.
H. B. Eddy.
ti it
1859.
"
"
D. N. Aldrich.
Hiram Wygant.
1860.
"
"
J. C. Clark.
J. W. Williams.
1861.
"
"
Harvey AVeld.
Erastus B. Miller.
1862.
"
"
H. B. Eddy.
" "
1863.
"
it
Jasper Partridge.
it it
1864.
William B. Pratt.
George McLean.
John W. Williams.
1865.
"
Daniel D. Waldo.
"
1866.
ti
George McLean.
ti ,(
1867.
it
Ephraim Kidder.
E. C. Eddy.
1868.
"
Daniel D. Waldo.
John W. Williams.
1869.
"
George McLean.
Bcnj. B. Austin.
1870.
H. B. Williams.
(No record.)
Edwin Wilson.
1871.
D. W.
Baldwin.
Ephraim Kidder.
Charles F. Greoell.
1872.
Martin
Pinney.
(No record.)
William Cook.
1873.
"
"
Diiniel D. AValdo.
"
1874.
a
it
(No record.)
Jas. A. Middleton.
1875.
'•
It
James Bennett.
John A. Bonney.
1876.
Henry
A. Hopkins.
Charles Shults.
A. E. Green.
1877.
"
"
Elijah Allis.
Charles H. Briglin.
1878.
Martin
Pinney.
Daniel D. Waldo.
C. J. Clark.
CHURCHES.
Garrett Winnie.
* All the above, with three exceptions, are college graduates ; but we
are not able to give the proper titles of the last eleven.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PRATTSBURGH.
The first religious service ever held in the town was by
Rev. John Niles, at the house of Jared Pratt, in the year
1803. Mr. Niies became a resident of the town in the
autumn of that year, and held his first religious service on
the Sunday following his arrival. From that day to the
present the people have never been without the preaching
of the gospel. The barn erected by Jarcd Pratt in 1804,
and which was the first frame building in the town, was
used as a place of public worship until the erection of the
first meeting-house.
The following is the record of the organization of the
first church :
"Bath, June 26, 1804.
" On this day and year of our Lord I, Timothy Field, Pastor of the
First Congregational Church in Canandaigua, organized a Church of
Christ in the district of Bath, at the house of Mr. John Niles.
" TiMOTHV Field."
The conclusion of the articles of organization of the
church reads :
" In testimony of our assent to the above Confession of Faith and
Covenant, we have hereunto subscribed our names, at Bath, this
twenty-si.xtb day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and four.
"Joel Pratt, Martha Tuttle,
John Niles, Dorcas Niles,
Samuel Tuttle, Mary Hull,
Pomerov Hull, Han.nah Niles,
Salisbcky Burton, Sarah Curtiss,
William P. Curtiss.
" The following persons not being able to attend when the church
was constituted, subscribed the Confession of Faith and Covenant a
few days afterward :
"LvDiA Beach, Olive Burton,
Marv Pratt, Almira Tuttle."
John Niles and Capt. Joel Pratt were chosen to attend
the Association of Churches of Ontario at Middlesex, June
10, 1806, and unite with that association. In the years
1806 and 1807 a large number of settlers came, most of the
^^t^c-tyt^^
Joseph G rover Sturhevant was born at Caldwell, N. J., Feb. 25,
1807. He was a descendant of John Sturdevant, son of a London
silversmith, who in colonial times emigrated from England to Con-
necticut. The line of descent is 1st. John; 2d, James; 3d, John;
■1th, Joseph G. The great-grandfather and grandfather were both
fanners. The former died in Connecticut; the latter, in Pennsylvania.
John, father of Joseph G., was born in Norfolk, Conn., April 12,
1776. He was the seventh son in his father's family of twelve chil-
dren. Physically he was more delicate than his brothers, yet possessed
of patient, quiet industry and perseverance. That, joined with his
poetical tastes and love for intellectual pursuits, enabled him, despite
unfavorable circumstances, to obtain a very good education.
This he turned to successful account as teacher from time to time
during his varied and eventful life.
His wife, formerly Mrs. Crane, daughter of Joseph Grover, a Pres-
byterian clergyman and missionary in Western New York, was born in
Parsippany, N. J., Jan. 2, 1777. Their three children were also born
in that State, — Harriet (now Mrs. Eleazer Ililer, of Michigan), in
1,104; Joseph 6., in 1S07 ; and Miss Abbv Sophia, of Prattsburgh,
in 1815.
John Sturdevant served in the war of 1812-14 as a colonel of the
United States troops quartered at New York, in which city he was
for several years a merchant, also a marshal, and keeper of a State
prison.
He removed to Virginia; afterwards to Bristol, N. Y'. ; and from
thence, two years later, to Prattsburgh, where he purchased a saw-
mill and seventeen acres of land. To this himself and son made
additions from time to time until his death, which occurred Sept. 22,
1854. His wife died in Ohio, at the residence of her son, Zenas Crane,
March 22, 1802.
Joseph 6. Sturdevant failed to receive the more liberal education of
a college course, which, providentially denied to the lather, the father
most naturally craved to enjoy in his son.
The lad of seventeen, when his father settled in the wilderness of
pines then bordering Prattsburgh Creek, was, like many another son,
not the exact type of his father's desires, yet none the less a real and
creditable type, and the headstrong, micbanical genius of a boy who
slighted college tutors proved himself a ready and apt pupil of life's
finest masters, — experience, obj-ervation, energy, and conscientious-
ness. His nature was at home among the hills and jiines and invig-
orating hardships of a jdoncer life, none of which he feared or shunned.
Socially fond r»f questions and argument, lie was well kno^\n in all
the local debating schools of the period, and, as his sister often told
him, would "always be on the opposite side, anyhow."
Later he became a constant reader not only ed" the current news of
the day, but .also of universal history, and njuch of the best literature,
past and present. Few are blessed with a heller memory, or more
clear, general intelligence, which he could al will bring to hear with
much humor and force.
Possessed of much constructive ability, he enjoyed nothing better
than a rush of business, with a generous force of men at his command,
and whose confidence and affection he always won. Most stubborn
when driven, but gentle when led. He also had a keen relish for, and
judgment ot most of the tine arts, of which he was an excellent
critic.
He was married in Ohio, Aug. 29, 1833, to Rebecca, daughter of
Robert and Esther (Carlin) Mahan, born in Washington, Pa., Nov.
15, 1811. For many years they lived on their farm, erecting fine
buildings, and gradually fitting it for agricultural purposes, though
his main business was manufacturing lumber from the pines. In
early times he often obtained but five dedlars per thousand for best
lumber. This had to be hauled by the wagon load over rough roads,
mostly to Canandaigua and Geneva; later it was shipped by way of
Keuka Lake and Erie Canal to Waterloo and Seneca Falls.
Their children were seven in number: Mrs. W. A. Farris, of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio; Robert Austin, of Prattsburgh, in jiossession of the
homestead and mill; John; Harlan P.. of Blufl' Point, who served
for thiee and a half ycais as a Union siddier in the late Rebellion,
passed unwounded through many severe battles, and was honorably
discharged after being a prisoner at Libby and Millan,and having sev-
eral months of experience with the terrors of Andersonville ; Milton
G., who died June 11, 1870; Ella 11., wife of Mortimer Blood (de-
ceased), of Italy ; Miss Samantha, of Prattsburgh ; and Celia D., a
lovely child, who died at eight years of age.
In politics Joseph G. Sturdevant was a Democrat, and earnest sup-
porter of the Union. Though often neiuiinalcd for a leading office in
his town, he never consented to serve more than one term. He was
modest and unostentatious in all his ways, and many remain who
could testify to his high sense of justice, his jicrsistency in what he
considered right, his strict integrity and unselfishness in all business
transactions.
In religion, though nominally n Ba|itist, his simple, yet broad
Christian faith made him remarkably tre e fre.m all sectarian |ireju-
dices : he seemed rather possessed with a feeling of brotherhood,
good-will, and benevolence towards all branches, and every good cn-
terjirise of the great Christian Church.
A few months before his death he purehaseel and fitted up a house
and lot in Prattsburgh village for a home of retirement in declining
years. This he deeded to his wcll-bcloveei wife who survives him, and
where', with her daughter and his sifter, she continues to reside. There,
in the stillness, linked about by long arms of ancient apple-trees, life's
evening shadows gathered very soein.
As an old tree cannot always endure transplanting, so to him the
relief anil removal from life-long see nes of labor anel care filled his
heart with homesickness, which he was too brave to admit but which,
doubtless, in part induced the prostrating fever that cneled his life.
Aug. 25, 1872, his waiting spirit calmly returned to God who gave it
and the home prepared beyond.
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
361
heads of families being members of the Congregational
Church, drawn thither by the expectation of a good re-
ligious and civil society, and forming a homogeneous popu-
lation. I have but to mention a few of them that you may
see that they gave shape and tone to the future of the church
and town : Robert Porter, Abiel Linsley, Jesse Waldo, Sam-
uel Hayes, Elias Hopkins, John Hopkins, Gamaliel Loomis,
Elam Bridges, Aaron Cook, James F. Judson, Ebenezer
Rice. The names of Burton, Hubbard, Prentiss, Johnson,
and others also now appear in the roll of the church. The
first of these, Robert Porter, probably did more for the
church and town than any other man, excepting Capt.
Pratt. He was a graduate of Yale College in 1795, and
studied for the ministry, and from 1803 to 1806 was prin-
cipal of Hamilton Academy (afterwards Hamilton College),
Clinton, N. Y. His brother was the celebrated Dr. Noah
Porter, of Farmington, Conn.
The others were originally from Connecticut, of the best
Puritan stock. '• There were giants in those days."
" As might have been expected from such people as the
pioneers of Prattsburgh, they early set about erecting a
house for their public worship. So they resolved in 1806.
" The site selected, and afterwards built upon, was upon
the public square, and near the southeast corner of it. At
first they determined that this house should be constructed
of hewn logs, a plan particularly displeasing to Capt. Pratt.
At his suggestion the constituents of what was afterwards
the Prattsburgh Religious Society met to review their pre-
vious decision, but after interchanging their own views, they
came to the same conclusion. Mr. Pratt retorted upon this
embryo society the anathema pronounced against those who
dwelt in ceiled houses, while the temple of the Lord laid
waste. Then this people met for a third time, and for the
third time agreed to build a log church. Capt. Pratt cut
short the proceedings of this meeting by seating himself at a
table and drafting a paper, in form as follows :
"'Bath, Feb. 23, 1807.
"'We, the subscribers, being desirous of erecting a house for the
purpose of accommodating the society for public worship, do promise
to pay unto Capt. Joel Pratt the sum opposite to our names ; to be
paid on the completion of said house, in case there can be a sufficient
sum subscribed. Said house to be .32 by 22 feet.
" To this 416 added his name, and the sum of $20, and
before twenty-four hours had run round, he presented the
paper, and had actually obtained a subscription in a greater
or less sum from the head of every family within the town-
ship, when the aggregate sum of $220 was found to have
been subscribed, which was considered adequate, and which
built the first Congregational church of Prattsburgh. Two
years later this house was found too small to accommodate
the congregation assembled each Sabbath ; then it was
lengthened bj' adding 18 feet to its east end, making its
proportions 22 feet by 50 feet, with upright timbers possibly
9 feet in height.
" This church was never, either in its exterior or interior
appointments, much of a feast to the lover of fair architec-
tural proportions. Painting never adorned it. It had an
entrance at each end, by what was at first centre doors,
but afterwards they were pu.shed to one side ; entering from
the west end, one passed about one-third the length of that
46
•50 feet aisle, when he would reach the space occupied by
the pulpit, which was then stuck to the northern wall like
a bird's nest ; nor was this church ever in one stead for a
great length of time. In 1820 it was sawn asunder from
the ridge of the roof, and the one half of the building was
moved 11 feet north, and the intervening space built up
anew ; so it remained till 182S, when it was superseded by
the completion of the present church edifice."
The religious society was not organized properly till
Nov. 16, 1807.
The following is the article of incorporation :
"To all to whom it may concern, be it known that after legal noti-
fication had been given for the purpose of forming a religious society
in the sixth township, third range, in Steuben County and State of
New York, the inhabitants of said township met at their place of
public worship on Monday, the 16th day of November, 180.7.
" By the unanimous voice of the meeting, Deacon Enoch Nilcs and
Deacon Abiel Linsley were chosen Inspectors.
" Voted, secondly, that the society be called Prattsburgh, and that
six trustees be chosen, who are ever after to be known by the name
of the Trustees of the Prattsburgh Religious Society. And, fourthly,
that Enoch Niles, \Vm. P. Curtiss, John Hopkins, Jesse Waldo, Josiah
Allis, and Joel Pratt, Jr., be the trustees of said society.
" Be it known that we, the inspectors of the election above recited,
do certify that the above is a true statement of the proceedings of the
meeting. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and
seals.
"Abirl Linst.ey,
"Enoch Nii.es."
Then follows the permission of Judge James Faulkner
for the recording of the above articles, dated April 18,
1808, and the certificate of the county clerk.
The record continues : " The trustees of Prattsburgh
Religious Society met the 18th day of May, 1808, at Ira
Pratt's house, and considering it necessary for the welfare
of the society that a regular system of proceedings be ob-
served in all affairs relative to the society, have instituted
the following articles as their guide : Article 1. Whenever
any person shall make application for uniting with the
society, he shall be accepted by paying into the society's
fund a sum that the trustees shall consider proportionate
to his property and privileges. Articles 2, 3, and 4 refer
to the fund notes. Article 5 reads, ' The money arising
from the use of the fund shall be appropriated only for the
support of the gospel ministry of the Presbyterian or Con-
gregational order.' "
It will be seen from this that either of the above forms
of church government were included in the original plan of
the founders of the church, the Presbyterian being named
first.
The following resolution brings to light the fact that the
fiithers kept Saturday night :
" Voted, Oct. 11, 1808, that the members of the church
will not attend raisings, or other similar associations, on
Saturday in the afternoon."
Deacon Loomis was diligent in prosecuting all who
traveled on Sunday in the township. For many j'ears the
religious aspect of the town formed its most distinguishing
feature.
" Previous to the organization of the church, Mr. Niles led
in the public worship. After its organization he was elected
its standing moderator, and more frequently preached. His
362
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
health became in a great measure re-established, and he re-
ceived ordination June 11, 1806, from the Ontario Asso-
ciation. He was employed as a stated supply for one-half
of the time at Prat.tsburgh and the other half at Bath, till
the spring of 1808, when he received a call to settle at
Bath, and removed there with his family. From this time
until the next April the church was mostly without preach-
ing, when Eev. James H. Hotchkin visited them by re-
quest, and received an unanimous call for settlement, and
was installed pastor Aug. 16. 1809. The membership of
the church novr reached 61, — 52 having been received by
letter and 9 on profession of faith.
With the installation of Blr. Hotchkin began a new era
in the church. A pastoral relation which continued thirty
years and nine months is an uncommon event, and brings
with it a long train of blessings. I should judge from the
minutes that Mr. Hotchkin was a very prudent man and an
organizer as well as an able preacher of the gospel. His
formative influence may be seen down to the present. time.
Oct. 2, 1812, " It was voted that in view of the church
it is expedient that the ministers and churches in this
county become connected with the Presbyterian Church of
the United States, provided the churches may be allowed
to tran.sact discipline in the congregational way ;" and at a
meeting of the church, April 12, 1813, the delegate to the
association was authorized to vote for the dissolution of the
association, with a view to a connection with presbytery,
and provided this was done, to request Geneva Presbytery
to take this church under its care. At a meeting of the
Presbytery of Geneva in April, 1813, the following minute
was adopted ;
" The presbytery are of the opinion that a union with
the ministers and churches of the Ontario Association is
highly important, as it will combine their influence in pro-
moting the great interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ; and
they cordially invite the said ministers and churches to
unite with the presbytery by adopting the confession of
faith and form of government of the Presbyterian Church.
But should any of the said churches find it most for edifi-
cation to continue the practice of receiving and rejecting
members by vote of the brethren of church generally, in-
stead of a session of ruling elders, the presbytery do not
consider that any bar to the contemplated union, and are
willing they should continue the practice as long as they
shall deem it expedient."
On the 25th of May, 1813, the aissociation met in Pratts-
burgh and adopted the following resolutions;
'* Whereas, It appears from Itie Holy Scriptures of imraen.<?e im-
portance tiiat all who love our Lord Jesus Christ should be united in
the strictest bonds of Christian fellowship, that they may with one
heart and voice unite in opposing error and in disseminating the
knowledge of divine truth, and whereas, in the view of this associa-
tion there is no reason why these professing Christians, usually called
Presbyterian and Congregationalist, should not receive each other as
brethren and be united as one body in the strictest sense, and whereas
there exists in this country a presbytery connected witli the tjcneral
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ; therefore,
''Refiolved, That it is desirable that this association become united
with the Presbytery of Geneva.
'^lieeolvedy That as a means of forming the union this association
be dissolved." Thus it appears that the famous Aecomiiwdutinij Plan
which had so much to do with the future ecclesiastical history of
this land was formed in this place. On the 21st of September, 181.3,
this church was received into the Presbytery of Geneva.
The Presbytery of Bath was organized in 1817. When
Mr. Hotchkin commenced his ministry here there were
but three ministers and four churches on this territory of
the above denominations. He says, " The inhabitants were
comparatively few, scattered in groups distant from each
other, and experiencing the privations and hardships inci-
dent to a new settlement. The roads, where they existed,
were in a most unimproved state, and traveling in any
form was fatiguing. The inhabitants enjoyed few oppor-
tunities of attending public worship, and the work of the
ministry was an arduous employment. The writer has been
called a distance of forty miles to preach a funeral sermon,
being the nearest clergyman of the Presbyterian denomina-
tion to be obtained. He has not unfrequently traveled
forty or fifty miles to assist in the organization of a new
church, to afford a Sabbath's preaching, and to administer
the sacraments to a destitute church."
This church with its pastor thus engaged in missionary
work, but never itself received any foreign aid, giving
liberally always to spread the gospel. Mr. Hotchkin was
active in the ecclesiastical affairs of the church, and in
1820, with Judge Porter, represented his Presbytery upon
the original Board of Commissioners of Auburn Theologi-
cal Seminary, and was the second president of the board.
This church gave for the establishment of that seminary
over $1400, besides subsequent gifts.
During Mr. Hotchkin's ministry 318 were received into
the church, — 100 by letter and 218 on profession of their
faith, — and at its close the church numbered 240 members.
As the result of the revival in 1825, a new and elegant
church was erected, 60 feet in length and 45 in breadth,
and furnished with a bell, and was dedicated Feb. 13,
1828. The ground was given by Judge Porter, described
as seven rods east from the academy line and of the same
depth. He also headed the subscription for pews with the
sum of $400. The building cost $4000.
Rev. George R. Rudd immediately succeeded Mr. Hotch-
kin, beginning his labors with the year 1830, and was
formally installed pastor on the 24th of March upon a
salary of $450, and continued as such until dismissed, May
3, 1836. Three revivals occurred during his ministry ;
219 were added to the church, 151 at least by profession,
leaving the church with 365 members. Mr. Rudd was
lield in very high esteem, as the records show, but was
obliged to give up this charge on account of failing health,
and has been obliged to turn aside to secular pursuits, and
is now living in Lyons, N. Y. During the pastorate of
Mr. Rudd in 1831, the glebe on West Hill, given by
Colonel Robert Troup, agent of the Pulteney estate, was
exchanged for a lot in this village, being a lot which in-
cluded the present parsonage lot and extending south to
Chapel Street. The present parsonage was built in 1832-
33, at an expense of $835. The old cemetery south of the
village was deeded by Captain Pratt to the Prattsburgh
Religious Society for the use of a burial-ground. The four
acres constituting the public square were also deeded to
this society " for the use of a public square." The open
square was deeded to the society by Judge Porter, to be
b ,d. Jt^ ujikvh^
<J^^ZMA.i:c ^ °'^^^^W^^<^t^,t?:^
E. A. HUBBARD.
E. A. Hubbard was born in the town of Reading, Schuyler
Co., N. Y., Oct. 18, 1816. His father, Ezekiel Hubbard, was
a native of Massachusetts. He was a resident of Bridgewater,
Oneida Co. ; of Reading, Schuyler Co. ; of the town of Jeru-
salem, Yates Co., and about the year 1821 settled in the town
of Prattsburgh, about six miles west of the village. While a
resident of the town of Bridgewater he was a soldier of the war
of 1812-14, and went to Sacket's Harbor to defend the frontier
against the invasion of the British. He married Mary M.,
daughter of Nicholas Rouse, Esq. She was a native also of
Massachusetts. Their children were Mrs. Truman Strong, of
Prattsburgh (deceased); Nicholas R., of Livingston County;
Ezekiel T. (deceased), of Prattsburgh ; Ephraim A. Hubbard, of
Prattsburgh ; Albert H., of Gralesbury, Mich. ; and Henry M.,
of North Cohooton.
The father spent the remainder of his life, after settling in
Prattsburgh, as a farmer, and was connected with many of the
pioneer interests of the town. He died at about the age of
seventy. The wife survived her husband only some three years,
and died also at about the age of seventy. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Hubbard were early members of the Baptist Church here, and
were connected as such before there was any church edifice.
Mr. Hubbard had limited opportunities for an education from
books. At the age of twenty he purchased the time before
reaching his majority of his father, and with his brothers,
Nicholas R. and Ezekiel T., purchased two hundred and twenty-
eight acres of land. In the year 1838 he married Laura C,
daughter of Judge Ezra Chapin, a pioneer in the settlement of
the town. She was born in Prattsburgh, April 15, 1819.
Soon after his marriage he disposed of his interest in the
farm to his brothers, and for three years remained somewhat
unsettled in business, during which time, for two terms, he was
a teacher in the common school.
In 1840 he purchased a farm of eighty-eight acres, made
improvements of fine buildings and orchards on it, and occupied
it as a farm for sixteen years. In 1856 he disposed of this
farm and purchased one contiguous to the one he now owns, a
mile and a half west of the village of Prattsburgh. During
his career as a farmer he has been known as an intelligent and
representative agriculturist.
His life has been one of activity, industry, and prudence,
preferring the quiet of a business life to oflScial notoriety. lu
December, 1873, he removed from his farm and settled in the
village where he now resides.
Mr. Hubbard has ever been a staunch member of the Demo-
cratic party ; was for one term commissioner of schools ; served
also as commissioner of highways, and has been interested in all
local matters connected with the growth of the town. He and
his wife have been members of the Baptist Church, — the former
since two years prior to his marriage, the latter from five years
after her marriiige until her death, which occurred Dec. 12,
1878. Mr. Hubbard is a liberal supporter of church and edu-
cational interests, and a lover of law and order in society.
In the capacity of a wife and mother Mrs. Hubbard has well
illustrated the noblest sphere of a woman's work. She was
careful of her home, and made it the dearest spot on earth for
those who were there to be protected, and through its conse-
crated influences guided to a better home above. In her private
life she was truly a wife and mother — beloved, quiet, patient,
and gentle.
Their children are Prances G., Maria M., and Albert A., all
deceased.
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
363
kept open by the society for that purpose, or to revert to
his heirs. This gives to the society a certain chartered
right in these, and the records show that sueli oversight
has been taken of them by the society in former years.
Rev. S. Griswold then supplied tlie church for one year
from July 1, 1836, as nearly as the date can be ascertained.
Rev. B. Foster Pratt began regularly to preach with the
year 1838, and was installed over the church January 31,
and continued until Aug. 31, 1841. During the first year
of his ministry there were added to the church 121 mem-
bers, the largest number ever received in any one year.
During his whole ministry there were added not far from
175. His pastorate was terminated by an event somewhat
amusing to read at the present time, but probably serious
enough at that time. Mr. Pratt was charged with preach-
ing a sermon of Rev. Mr. Gaylord's, then principal of the
academy, but Mr. Gaylord testified to having never written
or preached a sermon on that text. Mr. Pratt died in
Kalamazoo, 3Iich., Nov. 4, 1870.
Rev. Aaron Judson then followed as stated supply for
two years, and a season of special interest occurred during
his ministry.
Rev. B. C. Smith began his ministry Jan. 1, 1844, and
was installed pastor of the church April 9, 1844, upon a
salary of $500, which was afterwards increased to 8600 ;
which pastorate continued until April 30, 1859, when he
resigned from failing health, — a ministry of fifteen years and
four months. Mr. Smith graduated at Auburn Seminary,
in 1827, and was for twelve years thereafter chaplain of
Auburn State Prison. His ministry was also characterized
by revivals of religion, one in 1849 adding 48 to the church
on profession at one time; 310 were added to the church
by letter and on profession. He died Oct. IC, 1861, and
his widow still abides among us, beloved by all. In 1845
16 feet were added to the church building, the galleries re-
moved, and the floor raised, forming a basement story as at
the present time.
Nov. 5, 1859, the church, numbering at that time 340
members, called Rev. David D. Gregory upon a salary of
$600. He was installed, and his ministry began Jan. 1,
18G0, continuing until Aug. 1, 1866. During his minis-
try 100 were added to the church. Mr. Gregory was a
minister of more than usual ability, and filled several very
important pastorates. He is remembered with great affec-
tion by many in this place.
Rev. D. H. Palmer, now of Penn Yan, became the stated
supply of the church Jan. 1, 1867, with a salary of $1000.
He was born at Victor, N. Y., graduated at Rochester
University in 1860, and at Auburn Seminary in 1863, and
from his graduation until he became the pastor of this
church, labored as a home missionary beyond the Rocky
Mountains. During his pastorate there were two interest-
ing revivals, and 72 were added to the church on profession
and 18 by letter. His ministry closed in October, 1871.
Rev. S. W. Pratt was called as stated supply Jan. 1,
1872. He was born in Livonia, N. Y., graduated at Wil-
liams College in 1860, and at Auburn Seminary in 1863.
He was ordained and installed at Brasher Falls, N. Y., in
July, 1873, where he preached four years, after which he
was stated supply at Hammouton, N. J., for four years.
Two general revivals have occurred thus far during his
ministry, in 1873 and 1875, the latter continuing through
eight weeks in the village, and eight weeks in surrounding
school-houses. A debt of $1000 was paid in 1873. The
pastor has assisted as superintendent of the Sunday-school,
and taught a Bible class and the teachers' meeting.
STATISTICS.
The whole number of members received into the church
is 1367, 287 have died, as far as known ; the number re-
ceived by letter is over 300 ; the number excommunicated
over 40; 609 have been dismissed to other churolics ; 146
have removed without taking letters, and may be noted as
unknown. The average annual loss to the church for the last
ten years, by death and removal, has been not far from 18.
Previous to March 6, 1839, this cburcli was governed
by action taken in open church meeting, when it was re-
solved that it was expedient to elect a standing committee
to be chosen by ballot in classes annually, of which the
pastor should be chairman ex officio. This arrangement re-
mained till Nov. 18, 1868, when ruling elders were elected
in place of the standing committee, and the church became
fully Presbyterian in its organization.
After the division of the Presbyterian Church, in 1837,
this church became connected with the New School body.
Rev. J. H. Hotchkin was vice-president and acting mod-
erator of the meeting at Auburn, which made the famous
declaration of principles.
The following have served as standing committee of the
church: Theron Linsley, John Hopkins, Gamaliel Loomis,
David Judson, Edward R. Porter, Chauncey Hayes, Jesse
Waldo, Gilbert E. Burton, Addi.son Judson, P. B. Sheldon,
Aaron Waldo, Charles T. Hopkins, Charles G. Higby, J.
H. Hotchkin, P. C. Howe, U. T. Carpenter, Martin Miner,
Aaron Cook, Elam Bridges, O. P. Fay, Bacchus E. Stevens,
William P. Curtis, John C. Denniston, Auren Daboll, Elias
Wygant, Erastus Skinner, Julius Bartlett, Joseph Lewis,
D. W. Hotchkin, H. B. Eddy, Charles Waldo, Luther
Sturdevant, Albigencc Waldo.
The following have been, or now are, ruling elders in the
church : U. T. Carpenter, Luther Sturdevant, J. H. Hotch-
kin, W. S. Foster, Ashman Daboll, P]lias Wygant, John S.
Parker, Henry J. Pinneo, Charles G. Higby, Martin Miner,
P. C. Howe, John Hotchkin, Stephen A. Jackson, Dwight
S. Cook, Z. J. Terry.
This church has .sent out the following ministers of the
gospel: Rev. Silas C. Brown, Rev. David Judson, Rev.
Beriah B. Hotchkin, D.D., Rev. John W. Hopkins, Rev.
Edmund F. Waldo, Rev. Theron Loomis, Rev. Henry
Spalding, Rev. William Beardslee, Rev. David Malin, D.D.,
Rev. Robert L. Porter, Rev. Charles W. Gurney, Rev.
Edward Prentiss, Rev. Levi Waldo, Rev. Cyrus E. Rosen -
krants, Rev. James M. McLean, Rev. Joel Wakeman, D.D.,
Rev. Silas F. Judson, Rev. George Southworth, Rev. Piatt
H. Skinner, Rev. Edwin S. Skinner, Rev. David F. Judson,
Rev. J. Merril Manning, D.D., Rev. Norman Prentiss,
Rev. James H. Phelps,"" Rev. T. L. Waldo, Rev. T. B.
Williams.
Rev. S. M. Campbell, D.D., Rev. John E. Benton, and
probably others, were members of the Sunday-school.
364
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
None of tliese, distinguished as many of them have be-
come, have done such a work as Rev. Henry Spalding, a
more tlian orplian boy, vphose self-denial in obtaining an
education at the academy was very groat. He and Dr.
Marcus Whitman, witli their wives, went out as mission-
aries to the Indians in 1836, and were the first white set-
tlers in Oregon. Mrs. Whitman (Miss Narcissa Prentiss)
was a member of this church, and with her husband was
massacred by the Indians. This heroic band, by their
courage and devotion, saved Oregon, and all our present
possessions beyond the Rocky Mountains, to the United
States. Mr. Spalding received during his ministry over
1000 Indians into the church, converted through his labors.
Not far from a score of ministers' wives have gone out
from this church. The women of the church have sus-
tained a Home Missionary Society vigorously for forty
years.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
The first Sunday-school in the town was probably organ-
ized by Judge Porter in 1816. He was its superintendent,
for the most if not all of the time, until the organization
of the Pratfsburgh Sunday-School Association, May 5,
1826, of which Rev. J. H. Hotchkin was President; Wil-
liam Beardsley, Secretary ; Elam Bridges, Treasurer ; with
a superintending committee of 14. Ten Sunday-schools
were then organized in different parts of the town, reaching
in 1828 a membership of 408. The church school in 1821)
numbered 163. The exercisesr then consisted in repeating
texts from the Scriptures, the catechism, and verses of
hymns. The a.ssociation had a vigorous life till 1844,
when it was dissolved. Space will not allow us to give
the list of superintendents of the church Sunday-school ; but
they have been throughout among the leading men of the
village.
TEMPERANCE.
In the early days of Prattsburgh the drinking of whisky
was a common thing, and members of the church carried
on distilleries ; but drunkenness was a subject of discipline.
Ten gallons of whisky wore once given to Rev. Mr. Hotch-
kin at a donation. The reading publicly on successive
Sunday evenings, by Principal Beardsley, about 1825, of
the celebrated temperance sermons of Dr. Lyman Beecher,
produced a temperance reform, into which Mr. Hotchkin
entered with all his might. This gained for him the
enmity of the distillers, whose craft was in danger, and
thus began a division whose fruits have troubled the church
ever since. The descendants of the distillers of those days
are now among the strongest friends of temperance.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Methodist Society in Prattsburgh was organized
as early as 1829. At that time a chapel was built, which
is still standing on Chapel Street, and is owned by John
Ardell, and used as a tenant-house. The society was or-
ganized chiefly through the instrumentality of Dr. Noah
Niles, Aaron Bull, and Bishop Tuttle, who were formerly
connected with the Congregational or Religious Society of
Prattsburgh. Dr. Niles was a man of talents and influ-
ence, and sometimes occupied the pulpit in the absence of
the circuit or visiting preachers.
Among the clergymen who oflBciated during this period
were Rev. Chandler Wheeler, Rev. George Wilkinson, Rev.
Joseph Pearsoll, and Rev. Curtis Gould.
The society continued a regular charge till about 1840,
when their house of worship was sold for debt, and the or-
ganization disbanded. A class, however, remained here all
the time, and circuit preachers held service in such places
as they could get to preach in, prayer- and class-meetings
being held in private houses and in the school-house. These
were discouraging days to the band, but they struggled on
hopefully and prayerfully. In 1847, Rev. James Hall was
sent here by the Conference, at the solicitation of the few
brethren. He came and settled in the place and remained
here about three years. Through his earnest work and
excellent Christian example, the cause was somewhat re-
vived and strengthened. A new organization was formed
under the name of the " First Methodist Episcopal Society
of the town of Prattsburgh." Elder Knapp, Wm. W. Fos-
ter, Charles J. Higby, Charles L. Cole, A. C. Montgomery,
Stephen A. Jackson, Noble Sweet, and others, were among
the members. They held their meetings for nearly a year
in the district school-house. During the year 1847—48 the
society erected a neat church edifice on the south side of
the Park, at a cost of about 81500. This building was
burned in the year 1853, and the society again went down,
so that there was no regular charge from this time on till a
new organization was eifected in 1869, although preaching
was had here more or less during all these years by minis-
ters who traveled upon the circuit. The ministers who offi-
ciated during this period were Rev. Martin Wheeler, 1851 ;
Rev. J. Brown, 1852-54 ; Rev. A. G. Layman, 1856-57 ;
Rev. H. Wisner, 1858; Rev. U. S. Hall, 1862-64; Rev.
T. Jolly, 1864-65; Rev. Ezra Tinker, 186.5-66; Rev. J.
AV. Putnam, 1866-67; Rev. A. G. Layman, 1868.
The present church edifice was erected in 1869, at a cost
of about $3500. The .society was reorganized and the
church built under the ministry of Rev. N. N. Beers, who
remained in charge during the years 1869 and 1870. His
successors have been the following: Rev. C. Dillenbeck,
1870-72; Rev. William Wordell, 1872-74; Rev. F. M.
Smith, 1874-76 ; Rev. J. B. Peck, 1876-78 ; Rev. N. B.
Randall, 1878, present pastor.
The present Trustees are Spencer Francis, R. W. Hop-
kins, John Coward, P. F. Paris, John Frost, Lewis Haight.
Stewards: P. P. Paris, Recording Steward; John Babcock,
Charles Graves, Joseph Seeley, George Shults. Class-
Leaders : Joseph Seeley, A. L. Parker, John Coward,
William Merrit, Charles D. Graves, George Shults.
The present church membership is 175 ; Sunday-school
(teachers and pupils), 140 ; Mrs. N. B. Randall, Superin-
tendent.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF PRATTSBURGH.
This church, at its formation, was compo.sed of several
fljmilies mostly residing at West Hill, and who had been
members of a Baptist Church in Wheeler. The church in
Prattsburgh was probably organized in 1821. Elder Nehe-
miah Lamb was its first pastor, — a man of humble preten-
sions, but of most unsullied goodness. Among the earliest
MRS. HARRY GODFREY.
/^ARRV GODFREY.
HARRY GODFREY
was born in the town of South East, Dutchess Co., N. Y.,
July 8, 1802. He was the eldest son in a family of
twelve children of Joseph and Polly Godfrey. The
former was a cooper by trade, and spent most of his life
as a lumberman and farmer. He died at Itha(!a, N. Y.,
at the age of seventy-five. The latter died at the age of
seventy, at the residence of her son Joseph, in Detroit,
Mich.
The children are Harry, Philo, of Dryden, Tompkins
Co. ; John (deceased), David (deceased), Ira (deceased),
G«orge (deceased), Jeremiah, of Detroit, Mich.; Joseph
(deceased), Mary Ann (deceased), Hannah, Almira
(deceased), and Ursula (deceased).
At the age of sixteen Mr. Godfrey went into the busy
world for himself, worked by the pionth for four years
tending saw-mill and lumbering, receiving a part of the
time nine dollars per month.
At the age of twenty he came to Steuben County, and
purchased some forty-four acres of timber land in the
town of Pulteney, of Dugald Cameron, agent of the land-
office. To this purchase he made additions until he had
seven hundred acres at one time. He met the obstacles
of the pioneer, and endured the privations of the early
settler, in making his beginning in the new country ; but
his subsequent successful career has shown that he then
laid the foundation for the remarkable business interest
which he has lived many years to carry on.
In 1822 he married Thersa, daughter of Seth and
Catherine Weed, of Pulteney. She was born in the
county of West Chester, June 16, 1806, the ever memor-
able day of the great eclipse of the sun.
Mr. Godfrey remained a farmer and private broker in
the town of Pulteney until 1874, when he removed to
Prattsburgh, where he now resides. He has lived to
watch the growth of the county for nearly fourscore
years, to see schools and churches established, business
interests built up, railroads and telegraphs span the globe,
and machinery of all kinds lessen manual labor.
He has led a strictly business life, preferring its quiet
to the bickerings of political strife.
He cast his first vote for Daniel D. Tompkins for gov-
ernor, and has been unswervingly a member of the
Democratic party.
While a resident of the town of Pulteney he held the
office of supervisor for one year, and that of justice of
the peace for twelve years ; and it is said that, while act-
ing in the latter capacity, in no instance was his decision
reversed in a higher court when an appeal was made.
Unassisted financially, while young, Mr. Grodfrey by
his own self-exertion, industry, and prudence has, after
many years of labor, reached rank among the strongest
financial men of Steuben County, and is known among
business men as a man whose word is as good as his
bond. His surviving children are Mrs. George Dean
and Mi"s. Beach, of the town of Pulteney.
Very few are spared to live so long together as have
Mr. and Mrs. Grodfrey, — the time being at the writing of
this sketch fifty-six years.
TOWN OF PRATTSBUKGH.
365
members of the church appear the names of Robert and
Ebenezer C. Olds, John De Golia, Jacob Koon, Josiah
Babcock, and Jolin Smith.
In the fall of 1822 the congregation built a log meeting-
house on West Hill, having obtained permission from the
Pulteney estate to use one half-acre of land for church pur-
poses. For eleven years this log church, with its huge
stone fireplace, sheltered a sincere and devoted congrega-
tion of worshipers till it was destroyed by fire.
After the burning of the log church, in 1833, a frame
church was built one mileeastof the old site, in the year 1835,
at a cost of $1500. In this building the church worshiped
until 1842, when the membership divided into four parts.
One part remained in the same place of worship, and was
known as the " First Baptist Church of Prattsburgh."
Another part went to Lyon's Hollow, and was known as
the " Second Baptist Church of Prattsburgh." Another
part went to West Creek, and were known as " The West
Creek Baptists." The fourth part went to the village of
Prattsburgh, and was known as " The Prattsburgh Village
Baptist Church." Before the division, in 1842, the church
was quite prosperous, and reached a membership, in 1838,
of 209. This was a result of the revival effort in 1837,
under the leadership of Rev. T. S. Sheardown. Over 100
were added to the church in one year, and ninety-eight of
them by baptism. After the division, in 1842, each part
became feeble, and only one survives at the present time.
The old first church survived but five or six years, and had
only one pastor, — Rev. C. S. Smith, who served them two
or three years. They sold their meeting-house, and it was
removed to the village and became a Methodist Church.
The few members that went to West Creek were never
recognized as a church, built no house of worship, sustained
DO regular pjstor, and kept up meetings only a few years.
Most of them afterwards helped to build up the church at
the village of Avoca. Tiie second church, at Lyon's Hol-
low, built a house of worship, at a cost of about $G00,
which still stands, but is not used, the church being disor-
ganized. Its highest membership at any time was about
60, only 5 or 6 of whom still remain in that vicinity. Its
pastors were N. B. James, C. S. Smith, T. R. Clark, A. B.
De Groate, Thomas Dunham. Its deacons were R. Rou.se,
J. Fenton, S. Foster. Its clerk was E. T. Hubbard. The
church at the village was recognized July 5, 1842, having
then 43 members. In 1845 it built its present house of
worship, at a cost of $2000. Its membership has varied
considerably at different times. The highest number was
140, in 1853; the lowest was 64, in 1876. The present
jnerabership is 77. The pastors in their order of time and
length of service from the organization in 1823 at the old
log church down to the present time are as follows: Nelie-
miah Lamb, from 1823 to 1830 ; Amos Chase, 1831 to
1836; James H. Stebbins, 1836 to 1838; T. Hendrix,
1838 to 1840 ; Samuel Adsit, 1841 to 1843 ; A. S. Knee-
land, 1844 to 1847; W. F. Purington, 1848 to 1855;
Merrill Forbes, 1856 to 1862; D. W. Litchfield, 1862 to
1863; W. Dunbar, 1863 to 1867; D. Van Krcolin, 18(i7
to 1868 ; V. L. Garrett, 1869 to 1870 ; D. Burroughs,
1870 to 1872; A. B. Greene, 1872 to 1873; R. J. Rey-
nolds, 1874 to 1876; E. F. Owen, 1877 to 1879, the
present time. The first trustees in 1823 were Robert
Olds, John De Golia, Jacob Koon, John Smith, Ebenezer
Olds. The first trustees at the village in 1843 were Aaron
Pinney, Joseph S. Babcock, Selah Gillett, Chauncey J.
Clark, John Smith. The deacons from first to last have
been as follows : John De Golia, R. Olds, Richards,
H. Clark, J. S. Babcock, Selah Gillett, A. B. Miner, C. B.
Gillett, Truman Strong, W. H. Babcock, Isaac Van Vleet,
J. S. Horton. The society clerks have been Josiah Bab-
cock, John Smith, John Hoase, J. Niles, Isaac Vcrmilya,
C. B. Gillett, Peter M. Dingee, J. S. Babcock, Jr., H. G.
Koon, John Vermilya, A. C. Smith, J. S. Horton. The
church has licen.?ed the following-named persons to preach
the gospel ; Caleb Lamb, Reuben P. Lamb, David Oliiey,
Andrew Wilkins, Riley Clark, Josiah Brace. It has or-
dained the following ministers : James H. Stebbins and A.
S. Kneeland. The church from its organization in 1823
until 1843 was connected with the Steuben Association.
Since 1843 it has belonged to the Yates Association.
In 1875 the church bought a pai-sonage, at a cost of
$1600. The property of the church, including house of
worship and parsonage, is now valued at $5000. The
Sunday-school numbers about 100 members. J. S. Horton
is the Superintendent ; Edward Gillett, Secretary ; W. F.
Williamson. Chniister. The present officers of the church,
Feb. 1, 1871), are: Pastor, Rev. E. F. Owen; Deacons,
Truni.in Strong, C. B Gillett, W. H. Babcock, Isaac Van
Vleet, and J. S. Horton ; Trustees, \i. T. Watkins, W. H.
Babcock, C. Pelton ; Clerk, J. S. Horton ; Society Clerk
and Treasurer, E. A. Hubbard; Collector, A. Pinney;
Chorister, E. T. Watkins; Sexton, Beccher Howe.
The Ladies' Missionary Society of the church has the
following officers: President, Mrs. E. F. Owen; Vice-
President, Mrs. Ira Horton ; Secretary, Mrs. J. L. McCar-
rick ; Treasurer, Mrs. C. H. Randall.
The church sociable has the following officers : Presi-
dent, Mrs. J L. McCarrick ; Vice-President, Mrs. C. H.
Randall; Secretary, Miss Kate Pinney; Treasurer, Miss
Hattie Corey.
The church is now in a very prosperous condition, and
bids fair, with the blessing of God, to increase in efficiency
and usefulness in the future.
MASONIC.
iMr. Hotchkin, in his "Early Recollections," says: '-I
think the lodge was organized about the year 1820. I
well remember its installation, and some of the member.'?
who came from Bath, among whom were Moses Lyon, J.
R. Gansevoort, William Woods, and, I think, Reuben Robie.
My fiither, although not a Mason, was invited to preach
the installation sermon for them in the old meeting-house.
He took for his text. Matt. vii. 20,—' Wherefore by their
fruits ye shall know them.' His sermon was well received,
and he was well entertained at the banquet at the hotel,
and received a further token of their appreciation by a
purse reasonably well filled.
" I judge that the order, in its incipient stage, was weak,
but it soon began to show a living vitality, and accessions
were made to it from time to time. I think that Scth
Wheeler, E.sq., was the fii-st Master of the lodge, and at
366
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
that time were connected with it Bishop Tuttle, Dr. Cor-
nell, and Owen Reiley, of Pulteney ; two men by the name
of Frisbie ; two by the name of Wheeler ; and a few others.
" I remember a celebration of St. John's Day. The
fraternity on that day were able to make quite a show.
The growth of their body and delegations from other lodges
made a fine appearance. Mr. Hotchkin was again called
upon to preach, which he did to good acceptance, taking
for his subject the life of St. John, the patron saint, whose
birth they had convened to celebrate. From this time for-
ward a goodly number of the prominent men of Pratts-
burgh became connected with the order. The names of
Judge Van Valkenburgh, A. P. Lyon, Esq , Samuel A.
Johnson, Esq., Samuel Hayes, Joel Tuttle, Ira C. Clark,
and George M. Payne are mentioned as members at this
time. They changed about several times, but after Mr.
Lyon became a member he fitted up a lodge-room in a
large chamber in the upright part of his house, which stood
on the ground the Park Hotel now occupies. At that time
all the meetings of the lodge were held in the afternoon,
instead of the evening."
We have no means of ascertaining the number of this
lodge, or following its history further than the facts or
recollections above presented. We presume that it went
down during the anti-Masonic excitement, which began
about the year 1827, and was never again renewed as the
same lodge.
PRATTSBURGH LODGE, NO. 583, F. AND A. M.,
was instituted under dispensation, -July 7, 18G5, with the
following charter members : William Tillotson, George
McLean, J. M. Hopkins, John Knapp, E. T. Watkins,
Daniel D. Waldo, E. Wilson, John E. Bramble.
First Officers,— V^^iWinni Tillotson, W. M. ; Geo. McLean,
S. W. ; Joseph M. Hopkins, J. W. ; John Knapp, Troas. ;
E. T. Watkins, Sec. ; Daniel D. Waldo, S. D. ; E. Wilson,
J. D. ; J. E. Bramble, Tyler.
The warrant was issued June 14, 1866. At that date
the membership was 32. All of the original charter mem-
bers are still living, except George McLean.
rresent Officers.— D. D. Waldo, W. M.; E. H. Van
Housen, S. W. ; W. S. Foster, J. W. ; P. F. Paris, Treas. ;
John Frost, Sec. ; J. H. Greene, S. D. ; John Bonny, J. D. ;
J. P. Montgomery, Tyler.
VILLAGE OF PRATTSBURGH.
The village of Prattsburgh was bounded and incorporated
as follows, Dec. 7, 1848 :
"STEUBEN COUNTY COURT.— In the matter of the petition
of Bishop S>riTH and Jas. H. Hotchkin, Jr.
"On reading and filing the petition of Bishop Smith and Jas. H.
Hotchkin, .Jr., residents of the territory hereinafter mentioned and
described, for the incorporation of saitl territory as a village, by the
name of the Village of Prattsburgh, which territory is bounded and
described as follows, viz. : Beginning at the southeast corner of lot
No. 53, in township No. 6, in the third range of townships, in said
county of Steuben ; thence west 60 chains; thence north 106 chains and
66i links; thence east 00 chains; and thence south 106 chains and 66i
links, to the place of beginning, containing one square mile. And on
sufficient proof, showing that the act passed by the Legislature of the
State of New York, on the 7th day of December, 1S47, entitled 'An
Act to provide for the Incorporation of Villages,' has in all respects
been duly complied with, so as to entitle the said territory to be incor-
porated as a village —
" Ordered, That the said territory be, and the same is, incorporated
as a village, by the name of the Village of Prattsburgh, if the electors
thereof shall consent thereto, according to the provisions of the act so
passed by the Legislature of the State of New York, aforesaid, and
that Addison Ainsworth, Abram I. Quackenbush, and Whitman Smith,
three of the Inspectors of election of the town of Prattsburgh, in which
the said territory is situate, be, and they are hereby appointed In-
spectors, to hold and preside at an election, which is hereby ordered
to be held within said territory, for the purpose of obtaining the
assent of the electors of the said territory for the incorporation
thereof as a village, by the name of the Village of Prattsburgh,
according to the provisions of the net aforesaid; and they are ordered
and directed to perform all the duties required of them by the pro-
visions of said act.
"Dated this 8th day of November, 1848.
*' D. McMaster, Judge.
" H. L. COMSTOCK, ) r ,. . t'
*'A. D. Read, J
"STEirBEN COUNTV, 8S :
*■ I certify that I have examined the certificate and notice of the
holding of said election, and the affidavit of the posting of such
notice, and am satisfied that all the proceedings in respect to notify-
ing and holding the meeting therein mentioned, canvassing the votes
given thereat, and making such certificate, are legal.
'' D. McMaster, Coimti/ Jiu/<je.
•* Dated Dee. 7, 1848.
''Steuben' Countv, *« ;
"Clerk's Office, Bath, Aug. 1, 18o0.
" I, Paul C. Cook, Clerk of said county, do hereby certify that the
preceding is a true copy of an original certificate of incorporation
remaining on record in this office, and having compared the same
with said original record, I find it to be a correct transcript therefrom,
and of the whole of said, original.
*' Given under my hand and seal of said county, the day and year
first above written.
"P. C. Cook, Clerk.
NEW CHARTER.
"We, the unilersigned, comprising the majority of the persons who
had previouslj' presided at elections for village officers of the village
of Prattsburgh, do hereby certify and return, That on the twentieth
day of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-
seven, a special election was held in and for said village of Pratts-
burgh, in accordance of the provisions of Section 30 of Title VIII. of
Chapter 291 of the Laws of the State of New York, passed at the
ninety-third session of the Legislature, entitled * An Act for the In-
corporation of Villages,' at which special election the following reso-
lution was voted on, viz. :
" Resolved, That the village of Prattsburgh become a corporation
under the provisions of Chapter 291 of the Laws of the State of New
Y''ork, passed at the ninety-third session of the Legislature, said chap-
ter being entitled ' An Act for the Incorporation of Villages,' and that
said corporation possess all powers given thereto by said act.
" We further certify and return, that more than ten days previous
to the holding of such special election notices were posted in at least
six public places in the village of Prattsburgh aforesaid, stating time,
and place, and object of election, and cop^'ing the resolution, of which
said notice the following is a copy, viz. :
"special election.
"Notice is hereby given that a special election, in and for the vil-
lage of Prattsburgh, will be held at the hotel now kept by Daniel B.
Van Auken, in said village, on the 20th day of February, 1877, at
which election the following resolution will be submitted to the quali-
fied electors of said village, to be voted upon by them, the said quali-
fied electors of said village, viz.:
"Resolved, That the village of Prattsburgh become a corporation
under the provisions of Chapter 291 of the Laws of the State of New
York, passed at the ninety-third session of the Legislature, said chap-
ter beiug entitled ' An Act for the Incorporation of Villages,' and that
said corporation possess all powers given thereto by said act. And
c^iC, 7T^/l^^ JW c
I ^rcA ^
IRA C. WILLIAMS.
Ira C. Williams was born in the town of Rushville, Yates
Co., N. Y., May 8, 1809. His father, Joseph H. Williams, was
a native of Connecticut, settled in Yates County, in 1801, was
a blacksmith by trade, and followed farming and blacksmithing
while a resident of that county. He married Margaret Poster,
a native of Massachusetts, prior to migrating from his native
place.
He died at the age of seventy-two, in 1837, at the residence
of his daughter, in Ohio. His wife died Sept. 15, 1831, at
Rushville, aged sixty-two.
Their children were Mrs. Clark Green ; Mrs. Rodolphus
Morse ; Mrs. James Loomis ; Mrs. James Holden, of Rushville ;
Mrs. Willard Fay ; Joseph H. ; Mrs. John Van Housen ;
Colonel John F. ; Ira C, of Prattsburgh ; and Mrs. Theodore
Baker, of Ohio ; of whom only four survive. The youngest
was the first to die, but lived to be upwards of fifty years of age.
Mr. Williams remained at home until he was nineteen years
of age, when he traveled through many of the western States,
visiting places of interest, and looking for a place to begin life
for himself Aft«r about two years he returned, and in the year
1833, Jan. Ist, married Anna M. Benedict, of Jerusalem, Yates
Co., N. Y.
Their children of this marriage are Francis, a lawyer at
Corning, N. Y. ; Ezra (deceased) ; Mrs. Daniel Sargent, of
Rochester; Forrest H., of Rochester; Mrs. Edward Van Housen,
of Prattsburgh ; Theodore B., graduate of Rochester Univer-
sity and of Auburn Theological Seminary, now a Presbyterian
clergyman in Michigan ; Ira C, graduate of Long Island College
Hospital, a doctor in Michigan ; Helen M. (deceased) ; and
Charles R., a graduate of Princeton College with high honors,
now principal of the High School at Auburn.
Mr. Williams settled in Prattsburgh in 1830, purchased a
saw-mill and cloth dressing establishment, and carried on these
interests for some twenty years. For a time he was a farmer
on West Hill, and subsequently purchased a grist-mill at Avoca,
and ran it for ten years, settling on the farm where he now
resides, near the village of Prattsburgh, in the year 1876.
He has devoted his whole time to business operations, and
has never been active in politics except to cast his vote as a
member of the Democratic party, of which he has ever re-
mained a staunch supporter. He has been elected to fill several
oflSces in the town, and discharged the duties of those offices
with strict integrity of purpose. His wife died April 30, 1867,
aged fifty-four. Thanksgiving Day, Nov., 1871, he married
Mrs. D. C. Neiil, daughter of Jacob G. Shults, of the town of
Wheeler.
il
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
367
I'rustees.
notice is hereby further given that said election will be o]^cned at ten
o'clock A.M., and closed at sunset, of the said 20th day of February,
1877, and that said election will be held in pursuance of the statute
above mentioned, by virtue of a resolution in accordance with said
statute, duly adopted by the board of trustees of said village, at a
regular meeting of said board, held Feb. 6, 1877.
" Dated Feb. 7, 1877.
(Signed) "E. T. Watkins,
"Job Arnold,
" W. S. Foster,
*' J. A. Bknnett,
•' Z. J. Terry.
" Wm. W. Grf.es, Village Cleric.
" And we do further certify and return, that at such Special
Election, held as aforesaid, fifty-six ballots were cast, of which said
number fifty-three were cast with the word 'Yes' Ihcrcon, and three
were cast with the word ' No' thereon.
'• In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 20th day of
February, in the year 1877.
" E. T. WatkiX.S, 1 Trustees of
'■ Wm. S. Foster, [ llie ViUtigr. ../
"A. J. ArxOLO, J Priillsburrjli.
" State of Nf.w York, I
County op Steuben, i
"On the 27th day of February, in the year 1877, personally ap-
peared before me Elijah T. Watkins, Wm. S. Foster, and A. Job
Arnold, to mo personally known to be the same persons who executed
the foregoing return, and severally acknowledged the execution
thereof.
"D. D. Waldo, Ji(«r/i-f nf ilie Peine.
"State of New York, 1
County of Steuben, J
" Elijah T. Watkins, Wm. S. Foster, and A. Job Arnold being duly
sworn do depose and say, each for himself, that the foregoing relurn
by him subscribed is true.
"E. T. Watkins,
"Wm. S. Foster,
" A. J. Arnold.
" Subscribed and sworn to before me this 27th day of February,
1877.
" D. D, Waldo. Jitttiee n/ the Peace.
"State of New York, I
Steuben Co. Clerk's Office, )
*'I, Archie E. Baxter, Clerk of said Count)', and also Clerk of the
County and Supreme Courts therein, Courts of Record, having a
common seal, do hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing
copy of the Incorporation of the \'illage of Prattsburgh with the
original of the same now rem.aining in my office, .and that it is a cor-
rect transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said original.
" In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and
affixed my official seal, the seal of said Courts, at Bath, this
[L. S.]
31st day of March. 187
'Geo. H. Parker, Dep. Clerk.
'' Recorded February 28, 1877. at 1 i'.m.
•A. E. Baxter, Clerk."
VILLAGE OFFICERS.
On account of the loss of the village records by fire, we
find no ofiicial list previous to 1870. From that date the
village ofiicers have been as follows :
Trustees.
1870.— Wm. B. Boyd, Martin Pinney, Elijah T. Wat-
kins, Elijah Allis, Andrew K. Smith ; Wm. B. Boyd,
President ; A. C. Montgomery, Clerk ; Chas. F. Grennell,
Collector; D. W. Baldwin, Treasurer.
1871. — Martin Pinney, Elijah Watkins, Elijah AUis,
Jas. A. Bennett, Uri L. Hurd ; Martin Pinney, President ;
Wm. W. Greene, Clerk; Wm. II. W. Cox, Collector; Geo.
McLean, Treasurer.
1872.— Thomas Van Tuyl, Z. J. Terry, E. T. Watkins,
James A. Bennett ; Thomas Van Tuyl, President ; Wm.
W. Greene, Clerk ; Geo. McLean, Treasurer.
1873.— A. H. Van Housen, Paul C. Howe, Henry A.
Ackerson, Peter F. Paris, J. L. McCarrick ; A. H. Van
Housen, President; R. M. Van Tuyl, Clerk; George Mc-
Lean, Treasurer.
1874.— Martin Pinney, Paul C. Howe, L. M. Nichols,
Oliver N. Chapell, Abram H. Van Housen ; Martin Pin-
ney, President ; Wm. W. Greene, Clerk ; George McLean,
Treasurer.
1875.— E. T. Watkins, Spencer Francis, W. S. Foster,
J. A. Bennett, A. K. Smith ; E. T. Watkins, President ;
Wm. W. Greene, Clerk; George McLean, Treasurer.
187G.— E. T. Watkins, J. A. Bennett, Job Arnold, Z.
J. Terry, W. S. Foster; E. T. Watkins, President; Wm.
W. Green, Clerk ; A. K. Smith, Treasurer.
NEW CHARTER.
1877.— E. T. Watkins, President; Wm. S. Foster, A.
H. Van Housen, Henry A. Ackerson, Trustees; Wm. W.
Greene, Clerk; A. K. Smith, Treasurer.
1878.— Uri L. Hurd, President; H. J. Pineo, W. T.
McLean, William S. Foster, Trustees; Wm. W. Greene,
Clerk ; A. K. Smith, Treasurer.
Prattsburgh is beautifully situated in an upland valley,
and in one of the healthiest locations in the State. It is
eleven miles from Kanona, the nearest railroad station on
the Rochester Division of the Erie Railway, ten miles from
Naples, in Ontario County, and sixteen miles from Bath.
It is also accessible from the railroad at Blood's. A daily
mail-stage runs regularly between this village and Kanona.
The population of the village is about 2500. It has an
enterprising weekly newspaper and job printing-ofiice ; four
churches — Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Catholic;
a prosperous Union Free School and Academy ; a fine
hotel, adjoining the Park, — the Park Hotel, kept by D. B.
Van Auken ; two private banks ; and a score or more busi-
ness houses, shops, etc., for the various trades and occupa-
tions.
The principal business houses are as follows : Six dry-
goods and grocery-stores, of which the following-named
gentleman are the proprietors : T. Van Tuyl, M. Pinney,
G. R. R. Ainsworth, Baldwin & McCarrick, Watkins &
Turner, and C. F. Grennell ; two drug-stores, Bennett &
Warfield, and C. F. Hayes, proprietors; two hardware
houses, J. H. Hotchkin & Co., and Geo. H. Look ; two
grocery-stores, C. H. Randall, and J. H. Greene ; two fur-
niture houses, W. S. Foster, and Z. J. Terry. The bankers
are A. K. Smith and G. R. R. Ainsworth. Insurance, W.
F. McLean. Loan-ofiice, Francis & McLean. A public
hall is kept in the hotel.
PHYSICIANS.
The physicians are as follows: P. R. Stoddard, M.D. ;
B. F. Williamson, M.D. ; J. A. Bennett, M.D.; and
368
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Drs. W. G. Look, Wm. W. Greene, and P. L. Stoddard,
dentists.
CLERGYMEN.
Presbyterian, Rev. F. D. Seward; Baptist, Rev. E. F.
Owen ; Methodist, Rev. N. B. Randall.
LAWYERS.
D. D. Waldo, J. K. Smith.
THE PRATTSBURGH NEWS.
The first number of this paper was issued Dec. 12, 1872,
by Paul C. Howe,, whose enterprising management has
made it one of the most successful weeklies in the county.
It is independent in politics, and devoted to local news and
general intelligence. In 1876, Mr. Howe took into part-
nership with himself his son, Wm. L. Howe, since which
the publishers have been P. C. Howe & Son. In January,
1878, the paper was enlarged to .seven columns.
We are indebted to Mr. Howe, and to the columns and
files of this paper, for much of the valuable information
embodied in the history of this town. Also to Messrs. W.
B. Pratt and J. H. Hotchkin.
MILITARY RECORD OF PRATTSBURGH.
Austin, Lockwood, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Avery, John.
Avery, George.
Avery, Charles.
Bloomer, .\aron, Co. G, 10th Cav.
Babcock, Horace, 101st N. Y. Vols.
Borden, George, 14l8t N. Y. Vols.
Brockway, Byron, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Brockway, Andrew, Co. G, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Baker, Jackson, 5th Cav.
Bilker, Wesley, Co. A,iad N. Y. Vols.
Bonney, John N., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Bonney, W. L., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Ball, George, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Booth, E., Co. O, 107th, and Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Bliss, George.
Bramble, George, Co. I, 15th Eng.
Bramble, Charles.
Berlew, Urian, 4th H. Art.
Bailey, John, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Boyd, 0. H., Co. K, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Burch, Delos, Co. U, 189th N. Y. Vols.
Coleman, E. J., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Cook, W. N , Co. K, lOTtli N. Y. Vols.
Cornish, A., 12C(h N. Y. Vols.
Grossman, Evander, Co. I, 15th Eng.
Covil, John,22d Cav.
Clark, Mori., 15th Eng.
Cole, George, Co. H, 180th V. Y. Vols.
Curtis, Epiiraim.
Cameron, AVallace, loth Cav.
Coon, Edward.
Cook, Harvey, 161st N, Y. Vols.
Cooper, Ir.a, loih N. Y. Cav.
Cornish, James, 10th N. Y. Cav.
Cornish, Albert, 14th N. Y. Vols.
Clark, D. D.
Clark, Riley.
Cliapin, Paschal, 101st N. Y. Vols.
Chapin, Claude, lOlst N. Y. Vols.
Cook, Amos, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Dikes, John, 14th Brooklyn Zouaves.
Denniston, H. G., Co. G, 107th, and Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Denniston, Aaron, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Denniston, Abram, Co. G, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Denniston, Samuel, Cav.
Dunn, Eb.
Denniston, Harvey, Co. G, 10th Cav.
Di.xon, John, 9th Cav.
Earley, J. F., Co, K, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Elsworth, D., Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Earley, J. S.
Everitt, John, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Elliott, Nelson.
Fay, Chiirles, 101st N. Y. Vols.
Fowler, John, 15th Eng.
Flynn, Pat, 101st N. Y. Vols.
Ford, George.
Foster, Joseph.
Foster, William.
Fuller, Smith, Co. A, 126th N. Y. Vols.
Fisher, Joseph.
Fisher, Sylvester, 2d Mounted Rifles.
Frost, J. H., Co. A, 126th N, Y. Vols.
Finton, Abram.
Graves, Sidney.
Greene, Henry.
Gillett, Theodore, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols
Grenneli, C. F., Co. C, 188tb N. V. Vols.
Greene, A. E., Co. 1, 15th Eng.
Greene, W. W., Co. A, 12CtU N. Y. Vols.
Gelder, Barney, Co. A, 126th N. Y. Vols.
Galivan, John, Co. A, 126th N. Y. Vols.
Hoose, Stephen, 2d Mounted Rifles.
Hartford, James.
Horr, John, 6th Cav.
Hore, E. P.
Hoo-ie, James, 2d Mounted Rifles.
Hayward, Philip, 148th N. Y. Vols.
Havens, Thomas, Co. F, 14th N. Y. Vols.
Hayes, C. F., 161st N. Y. Vols.
Hatliaway, David, Co. I, 15th Eng.
Hill, William.
Hotchkin, Samuel, Co. — , 23d N. Y. Vols.
Hunt, Richard, 2d Mounted Rifles.
Hunt, William, 2d Mounted Rifles.
Hunt, Eugene, 2d Mounted Rifles.
Hayes, Byron, Co. C, ISSth N. Y. Vols.
Homes, W. A., Co. K, 14th R. I. H. Art.
Jones, A. F., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Johnson, Charles.
Jackson, George.
Lewis, J. C, Co. C, 188tli N. Y. Vols.
Look, William G., 161st N. Y. Vols.
Lewis, William H., 101st N. Y. Vols.
Lewis. Cliarles, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Lewi-, Wilham, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Lane, Frank.
Louclis, Jolin, Cii. B, Hlh R. I. H. Art.
Miller, John.
Middleton, John.
Maxoni, Manley.
Morrison, George, lOlst N. Y. Vols.
Bliller, Jon:itliau.
Moore, Robert.
Nome, William, Co. K, lolstN. Y. Vols.
NcIT, Delos, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Nnrtlirup, tlliarles.
Nortlirii|i, Evander, Co. G, 10th Cav.
Polmanteer, George.
Porter, Kd,, Co. C, 188tli N. Y. Vols.
Paris, Peter, Co. A, 126tli N. Y. Vols.
Perry, Jolin, 20th N. Y. Colored Troops.
Perry, William, 14tli R. I. II. Art.
Potter, John, Co. A, 2:td Inf., and Co. G, 10th Cav.
Parker, John, Co. G, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Palmanteer, Frank.
Parsons, .lames, IStli Eng.
Parsons. Richard, 50th Eng.
Partridge, Lewis, Co. A, 26th N. Y. Vols.
Patch, Frank, Co. C, 188th N, Y. Vols.
Phillips, Richard.
Partridge, Stephen.
Partridge, Lewis.
Robinson, Sherman.
Raymond, Samuel, Co. I, loth Cav.
Riker, ElLas.
Stryker, Milton, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
She,a, Michael, I89th N. Y. Vols.
Smith, Ira, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Stoddard, P. K., 161st N. Y. Vols.
Sturdevant, H. P., Co. E, lolst, 137th, and I40th N. Y. Vols.
Smith, Hector. 4th H. Art.
Stewart, Edinond.
Sanderson, Dwight.
StebWns, Smith, 126th N. Y. Vols.
Smith, Ed., 10th Eng.
Scott, James.
Smith, Gus, 76th N. Y. Vols.
Benjamin cook.
(pHoros-BV M E Van //oysEN J
Mrs. Benjamin Cook.
BENJAMIN COOK
was born in Palentine, Montgomery Co., N. Y., July
30, 1807. His grandfather, Casper Cook, emigrated
from Germany, was married prior to coming to this
country, and first settled in Montgomery County. He
was a merchant, and also carried bn farming. His chil-
dren were five sons and four daughters, of whom Jasper
Cook, father of the subject of this narrative, was second
son, and married Ann Eve Rickard ; removed to Oswego
County, where he was a farmer, and where he died ; -his
wife died in Palentine.
Their children are Barney, of the Black River Country ;
Mrs. Andrew Getman, of Palentine ; George, of Illinoir, ;
Benjamin, of Prattsburgh ; Harrison (deceased) ; and
Mrs. Washington Saddler, of Fulton County.
After Mr. Cook was five years of age he resided with
his uncle, Adam Plank, who was a farmer and hotel
keeper, near Schenectady, N. Y., until the year 1826,
when he was married to Angeline, daughter of Henry
Bowman, of Amsterdam, N. Y. She was born May 5,
1810. After his marriage he was a farmer for five years
in Johnstown, N. Y., and for one year at Sand Flats ;
and after one year spent at Geneva, he, in 1833, settled
in the town of Prattsburgh, on West Hill. He received
no pecuniary assistance in beginning business for him-
self, but by economy and well-executed plans has had a
successful business life.
For forty-two years he has been a farmer where he
first settled on coming to this town. In 1875 he pur-
chased a place near the village, where he now resides.
Mr. Cook is known as a plain, unassuming man, pos-
sessed of an unsullied character, correct habits, and
strict integrity.
Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church of Prattsburgh, and were united with church
interests prior to coming to this county.
He is a man of independent thought and action, and
has generally voted with the Democratic party. He
has held offices of trust and responsibility in thg town
of Prattsburgh, all of which have been filled to his
credit, and with justice to his fellow-townsmen ; was
assessor for nine yeai's, poormaster for two years, road
commissioner for one term, and justice of the peace for
one term.
Their children are Adam, of Wheeler; Henry, of
Avoca; Charles (deceased); Mrs. Seth Strong, William,
Benjamin, Sarah, and Albert, of Prattsburgh.
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
369
Smith, Samuel, 101st N. T. Vols.
Smith, Oscar.
Stedman, Julius, 10th N. Y. Cav.
Stautoii, Clark, 1st N. Y. Cav.
Skinner, Arthur, 161st N. Y. Vols.
Stanton, Stephen.
Thayer, A. P.
Terry, Z. J., Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Turner, Peter.
Thayer, Ely.
Tuthill, t'harlcs, 22(1 N. Y. Cav.
Thayer, Martin.
Thayer, Mortimer.
Upthegrove, Clark.
Van Tuyl, Benjamin, IClst N. Y. Vols.
Van Tiiyl, John, loth N. Y. Cav.
Van Housen, Israel, 101st N. Y. Vols.
Van Arilen, George.
Vanderwalker, John.
Wales, Frank, Co. C, ISSth N. Y. Vols.
Waldo, G. IL, Co. C, 188th N.Y. Vols.
Walters, Al., Co. C, lS8th N. Y. Vols.
Wigden, Benjamin, 14th R. I. H. Art.
Wigden, William, Hth R. I. II. Art.
Wigden, Martin, 20th N, Y. Vols.
Whitehead, Aaron, Co. U, 107th N. Y. Vols.
Watkins, J. J., Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols.
Williams, F., lolst N. Y. Vols.
Wilcoi, C. H., 161st N. Y. Vols.
Waldo, Edmund, 189th N. Y. Vols.
Wheaton, Marvin, Co. B, 176th N. Y. Vols.
Wheaton, George.
Wheaton, Alvin S.
Y'oungs, Martin, 126lh N. Y. Vols, and 10th Cav.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. ROBERT I'ORTKH.
Hon. Robert Porter wa.s the son of Noah Porter aud
Mary Lewis, who were married May 11, 1764. He was
born at Farmington, Conn., Oct. 6, 1773. By means of
records preserved in the family liis genealogy can be traced
back, through four generations, to Robert Porter, who was
" the son of a clergyman in England. He was among the
first emigration to this country, and one of the eighty-four
proprietors of the town of Farmington."
Noah Porter, the father of the subject of this sketch,
was for many years a deacon of the church of Farmington.
He was distinguished for his acquaintance with the Scrip-
tures, gifts in prayer, and disposition to do good, particu-
larly his zeal for the promotion of missions. After a vig-
orous and serene old age, greatly endeared to his children
and respected by all who knew him, he died, Jan. 6, 1818,
aged eighty-four years.
Dr. Noah Porter, who was for sixty years pastor of the
first church of Farmington, Conn., the father of President
Noah Porter, of Yale College, was a brother of the subject
of this sketch.
Hon. Robert Porter graduated at Yale College in 1795.
He subsequently spent two years in studying theology
under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Charles Backus, of Somers,
Conn., and was then licensed to preach. During the suc-
ceeding four years he preached almost constantly in various
congregations in the State of Connecticut and performed
two tours of missionary service under appointments from
the Missionary Society of Connecticut. On the 28th of
November, 1799, he was married to Roxanna Root, of
Litchfield, Conn.
47
In 1801 he became Principal of " Hamilton Oneida
Academy" (now Hamilton College), at Clinton, N. Y., and
having purchased a cottage and small farm near the acad-
emy, he removed his family to that place. During his four
years' residence at Clinton, in addition to his duties as pre-
ceptor, he preached almost constantly in vacant congrega-
tions, of which there were a number in the vicinity. His
example of integrity, of neighborly courtesy, of enterprise,
and enthusiasm for the higher moral pursuits left an im-
press on the character of the place which it still retains.
Prof Edward North, of Hamilton College, says, " While
a resident of Clinton, Principal Porter made his home in a
cottage that is now the oldest residence on the college hill-
side. One of the apple-trees grafted by him, more than
seventy-five years ago, stands to-day. It measures fifteen
feet in girth, and is still a vigorous and productive tree."
In the spring of 1806, Jlr. Porter removed with his fam-
ily to Prattsburgh. At that time the site of this village
was almost an unbroken forest. He purchased of Sir
James Pulteney lots Nos. 44, 54, and 07, upon which a
large part of the village is now located. He erected the
first grist-mill in town and many other substantial buildings,
some of which are yet among the best in the village. He
planted extensive orchards of choice fruit, and where they
have not been removed to make way for improvements they
still continue to be the most productive and valuable in town.
The records of the town of Prattsburgh show that all the
most responsible offices within its bounds have from time
to time been filled by him. For many years he was justice
of the peace, supervisor, etc., and in 1814 he was placed
on the bench as associate county judge, a position which
he filled with credit to himself.
He was a liberal contributor towards all town improve-
ments, and was foremost in the origin, building, and sup-
port of the Franklin Academy and the Presbyterian church,
and was the largest contributor towards the erection of these
buildings. The ground upon which the Presbyterian church
was built was given by him. He also deeded to the reli-
gious society the open square nearly in front of the church
to be kept open as a play-ground. He was the first pre-
siding ofiicer of the board of trustees of the academy, — a
position he retained fur many years. He lived to see this
institution in its most flourishing days, — the resort of an
advanced class of students, who gladly availed themselves
of its superior advantages for obtaining a thorough prepara-
tion for college. Some of the students of those days, among
whom were Dr. S. M. Campbell, of Rochester, and Dr. J.
M. Manning, of Boston, frequently sought his aid on the
knotty points of their Latin and Greek, and readily ob-
tained the a.ssistance they sought.
He was fond of his family, and mingled much with his
children in their sports. Ho had an exuberance of fun,
was fond of good jokes, aud had a store of them constantly
ready for suitable occasions. He brought with him some
funds beyond what he invested in lands and mills, which,
being loaned, was at that day of great value to the commu-
nity. He was kind to the unfortunate poor, but had no
patience with men of indolent habits. He was fond of
society, a man of chaste feelings and habits, and enjoyed
entertaining his friends at his own house.
370
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Judge Porter was a successful agriculturist, as were his
.two sons after hitii. He delivered the addresss before the
first agricultural society at Bath. He possessed a fine lit-
erary luind. While in the prime of life, he began to feel
the efi"ects of a steadily-increasing paralysis, which eventu-
ally rendered him almost helpless. For many years it af-
fected only his physical organization, leaving his mental
faculties apparently as clear and active as before. It would
seem as if it must have been a crushing blow for one so
active and buoyant as was Judge Porter to be thus sud-
denly stricken down, but he received it as a chastisement
from his heavenly Father and yielded to it with submission.
He died, Aug. 20, 1847, aged seventy-four years. The
work of his hands, and the influence of his life, made an
impression on the village and people of Prattsburgh which
will long be gr.itefully romemljered.
Mrs. Roxanna Porter, wife of Judge Porter, was a woman
of much intelligence and piety, — a fit helpmeet for her hus-
band. Her labors and strength were most freely given for
the comfort and good of her family. She died, greatly
beloved and mourned, Oct. 24, 1835, aged sixty-one years.
Judge Porter had four sons and two daughters. Belinda,
born Oct. 15, 18t)2 ; William L. born Feb. 23, 1805;
Edward R., born Aug. 7, 1806 ; Robert L., born April 8,
1810; Thomas, born July 5, 1813 (died in infancy), and
Mary A., born May 20, 1815.
Belinda attended school for several years at Litchfield,
Conn. She was a lady of unusual intelligence and culture.
She was married, Dec. 20, 1824, to Judge Z. A. Leland, of
Bath. They had six children : Amelia, Robert P., Mary,
Adeline, Belinda, and Charles. The latter died in his third
year. Mrs. Leland died at Bath, March 26, 1842. Her
daughter, Amelia, married Rev. Charles L. Adams, Oct.
1, 1850. Mr. Adams died at Neenah, Wis., Oct. 23, 1852,
leaving a son, Charles, who has nearly completed the course
of study at Hamilton College, and is at present studying
law at Watertowa, N. Y. Mrs. Amelia Adams was a£;aiu
married, to Rev. P. Barbour, April 10, 1862, and has four
children, Harriet, Amelia, Sarah, and Robert P. Barbour.
Her present residence is at Malta, Saratoga Co., N. Y.
Robert P. Leland, second child of Mrs. Belinda P. Le-
land, was married to Caroline Burch, March 5, 1851. He
was killed by the accidental discharge of his gun while
hunting, Sept. 1, 1853, aged twenty-five years. He was
educated as a civil engineer, and was a young man of un-
usual promise and abilities. He left a daughter, Lue Le-
land, who was married to Mr. R. F. Bloomer, iu 1876.
]Mary, third child of Mrs. Belinda Leland, is unmarried
and living at present at Mechanicsville, N. Y.
Adeline, fourth child of Mrs. Leland, was married Sept.
20, 1854, to Frank A. Fitzgerald, of Syracuse, N. Y. She
has four children, — Amelia, John, Cornelia, and Louise.
Her son John is now in his third year at Union College,
in the class of civil engineers. Mrs. Fitzgerald, who is at
present visiting her son at Schenectady, goes soon to her
home at Nassau, Bahama Isles.
Belinda, fifth child of Mrs. Leland, was married Dec.
26, 1861, to Warren Hunt. They have five children,
Mary, Ephraim, Warren, Charles, and Adeline.
Judge Leland died Aug. 26, 1872, aged eighty years.
William L. and Edward R., second and third children
of Judge Porter, were both farmers, and the farm of their
father was divided between them. As members of church
and society, they both stood in the first rank, and they
were both fur many years trustees of Franklin Academy.
William married Olive L. Parmalee, of West Bloomfield,
N. Y., Nov. 8, 1826. They had five children,— Mary,
William, Harriet, Robert, and Belinda. Mrs. Olive Porter
died Feb. 6, 1848, aged forty years. Mr. William L.
Porter married again, Mary T. Chamberlain, March 6,
1849. In 1853 he removed from Prattsburgh to Penn
Yan, where he soon became as widely known and honored
for his humble and faithful discharge of every duty, as at
the home of his earlier years. For the last six years of his
life he acted as deacon and elder in the Presbyterian
Church of Penn Yan. He died Oct. 19, 1869.
His oldest child, Mary, graduated at Mount llolyoke
Female Seminary, in 1853. She afterwards taught for
several years at Philadelphia, and was married at Penn
Yan, Oct. 14, 1858, to Rev. James F. Taylor. They have
three children, — William, Grace, and Mabel. They reside
at present at Saugatuck, Mich.
William, second child of William L. and Olive L. Por-
ter, was drowned while bathing, June 27, 1848. He was
sixteen years of age.
Harriet, the third child of William L. Porter, for sev-
eral years a teacher at Penn Yan and at Milwaukee, Wis.,
was married, June 1, 1869, to Mr. E. W. Mills, of Penn
Yan, at which place she now resides.
Robert, the next child, died at Prattsburgh, in 1841,
aged four years.
Belinda, the youngest child, was for several years a most
beloved and acceptable teacher iu Penn Yan. She died at
the age of thirty-five, July, 1877. She was greatly en-
deared to all who knew her.
Edward R., third child of Judge Porter, was married to
Lydia C. Van Valkenbaugh, of Auburn, Sept. 17, 1828.
He owned and occupied a portion of the farm of his father
up to his death. He was for several years deacon in the
Presbyterian Church of Prattsburgh, and his life and char-
acter were such that his sudden death was mourned as the
occasion of a loss to the whole community. He died Aug.
1, 1857, aged fifty-one years. Mrs. Lydia C. Porter, wife
of Edward R. Porter, died Aug. 23, 1868. They left three
children, — Charles, Catherine, and Edward.
Charles graduated at Amherst College, in 1852, was
admitted to the bar in the State of Illinois, in 1858, and
married Nellie V. Penny, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., in 1862.
Their daughter, Annie, died in 1867, in her second year.
Mrs. Nellie Porter died in 1871. Charles was married
again in 1872, to Miss Emma D. Blanchard, of Wheat-
land, Iowa.
Catherine, second child of Edward R. Porter, graduated
at Mount Holyokc Female Seminary, in 1852. She was
married to Charles R. St. John, Sept. 19, 1860. They have
four children, — Charles, Edward, Emma, and Robert. Mr.
and Mrs. St. John reside at the old homestead of Edward
R. Porter. Her father and she and her children are the
only descendants of her grandfather. Judge Porter, who
now reside at Prattsburgh.
a-EOi?.C3-E Ti.. I?.. -A-hsts'woi^th:.
George R. R. Aiiisworth was born in tlie town of
Rnittshiirgh, Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 1830. His
failier, Isaac Ainsworth, was a native of Massachusetts,
and came to Otisco, Onondaga Co., with his mother (the
fatlier liaving died in Massachusetts) while quite young,
and during the latter part of the last century. Wiiile a
young man he migrated to the town of Prattsburgh,
about the year 1800, and took up some twelve hundred
acres of timbered land. This was in the time of Indian
wigwams, and when the forests in this section teemed
with wolves and other wild game.
During his lifetime he cleared over one-half of the
original forest from this land, as-
sisted as he was by seven negro
men whose families lived on his
place, and he retained his entire
property until his death, 1840.
Having received a lii)eral edu-
cation in his early life, upon
coming to this new country Mr.
Ainsworth, senior, spent his time
for several winters as a teacher,
ami many of the oldest men now
living in Prattsburgh owe their
early education to the efforts of
this man. While he lived he wasa
representative man ami a worthy
citizen, and for some twenty-five
years held places of trust and
responsibility in the town. He
was one of the organizers of the
Presbyterian Church of the place,
and contributed liberally to that
and kindred interests during his life. He was mai'ricd
to Louisa Burton, after settling here, in the year 181 "2,
of which union was born one son, Addison, who now
resides in his native town.
His wife died April 26, 1816, and he married Sallie
Towusend, of Prattsburgh, the same year, September 4.
Of this union were born five sons and one daughter," —
Willard (deceased), Clinton (deceased), Mrs. Dr. Cheney
(ileceased), George, Henry C, and Burrage R. The
mother of these children died in 1841, at the age of
forty-three.
George R. R. Ainsworth was only ten years of age
when his father died. At the age of fifteen he became
a clerk for James C. Johnson, of Prattsburgh, and after
one year went to Penn Yan, and was a clerk with Mr.
E. B. Jones for three years; at the end of which time he
came to Prattsburgh and established a general merchan-
dise store with Dr. Chauncey Hayes. After a partner-
ship of three years, Mr. Ainsworth disposed of his
interest in the store, and estsiljlished himself alone in
the same business, which he has enlarged as the growing
interests of the country demanded, and continued until
the present time. In 1862 he established a private
bank, and has since carried on legitimate banking in
connection with his mercantile business.
In 1875 he established a bank in Hammondsport,
this county, which has been
managed since by his -son, Henry
C. Ainsworth.
His father was a firm sup-
porter of the old Whig party,
and, carrying out the principles
of his progenitor, Mr. Ainsworth
is identified with the Republican
party. Never solicitous of any
]K)Iitical preferment, desiring
rather the quiet of a strictly
private life, he has given his
whole attention to business.
He has grown up with the
village of Prattsburgh, and ever
been at^tively interested in its
prosperity. For some ten years
he was trustee of the Franklin
Academy, and since the estab-
lishment of the Union Free
School, in connection with the
Acadcmv, he has held the office of trustee for two
years.
Mr. Ainsworth is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he has been secretary and treasurer for
many years, and among the first to forward all interests
tending to educate and elevate the rising generation.
He is an acceptable business man, and as a neigh-
bor has no superior in genuine kindness of heart, and
liberal, unostentatious acts of private charity.
In the year 1851 he married Mary E., daughter
of David Smith, of Hammondsport. Their children
are George R., Henry C, Mary E. (deceased), Edward
S., Willard S. (deceased), David S., Clara T., and
Robert L.
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
371
Edward, third child of Edward R. Porter, was married
to Sarah M. Watkins, June 13, 1867. Mrs. Sarah Porter
died Sept. 4, 1869, aged twenty-two years. Edward was
again married, to Sophia A. McLoud, Dec. 13, 1871. He
resides at Phim Point, on Seneca Lake.
Robert L., fourth child of Judge Porter, graduated at
Hamilton College, in 1833. He completed the course of
study at Auburn Theological Seminary, and became pastor
of the Presbyterian Clmrch at Branchport, N. Y., where
he labored for five months, when sickness arrested him in
his hopeful career, and death terminated his labors at the
very commencement of his course of usefulness. He died
May, 1838, aged twenty-nine years.
Mary A., youngest child of Judge Porter, was married,
in 1836, to Rev. David Malin (now D.D. of Philadelphia).
She died May 24, 1842, aged twenty-seven years. She left
two daughters, — Sophia H. and Elizabeth R. Sophia was
married to Mr. Sargent, of Philadelphia, October, 1864.
She died in 1871, leaving two daughters, Mary and Sophia.
p]lizabeth, second daughter of Mrs. Mary Malin, died
Jan. 28, 1867.
HON. CHARLES G. HUiBY
was born in the town of Brutus, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept.
23, 1812. His grandfather, John Higby, came from Lee,
Mass., and settled in Ballston, Saratoga Co., prior to the
Revolutionary war. He married Mindwell Lewis, of which
union were born four sons and nine daughters, — Lucy, John,
Mindwell, Sarah, Submit, Ansta, Electa, Lewis, Electard,
Sampson, Hannah, Jeduthun, and Ruth. The father died
at Ballston, at over ninety years of age. The mother also
died at an advanced age at Ballston. Lewis was a soldier m
the war for Independence ; was captured by the Indians
and Tories and carried a prisoner to Canada, where he re-
mained for nearly two years. The mother and smaller chil-
dren were also captured by the Indians, and rescued. Four
of the son,s-in-law, Wilcox, Israel Phelps, Ebenezer Phelps,
and John Parsons were also soldiers of the war.
Jeduthun Higby, father of the subject of this sketch,
was born Oct. 15, 1775, at Ballston, N. Y., and married
Sylvia Strong, Jan. 4, 1801. Their children were Livy S.,
John L., Myron T., Marcus T. C, Charles G., and an
adopted daughter, Soplironia Kelly. Of this large family
of children, only Charles G., the youngest son, is living.
Jeduthun was a soldier in the war of 1812-14, ranking
as lieutenant, and after the burning of Buffalo held a cap-
tain's commission in command of a company. Soon after
his marriage he settled in Brutus, Cayuga Co., where he
carried on farming, and in the spring of 1818 removed to
Pratt.sburgh, Steuben Co., and settled about two miles west
of the village. He was one of the vestrymen upon the
organization of the First Episcopal Church, at Auburn,
N. Y., while a resident of Cayuga County, and attended
the Presbyterian Church, at Prattsburgh, after coming to
this county. He, with two others, was killed in the town
of Pulteney, by a tree falling across their wagon, Oct. 11,
1820.
His wife died at the age of eighty-two, Nov. 18, 1863,
at the residence of her sou, Charles G., in Prattsburgh.
Charles G. Higby was only eight years of age when his
father died. He received a good English education at the
common school and at the Franklin Academy, and at the
age of sixteen became a teacher. He was a teacher for
some six terms during the winter season, and summers
worked on a farm of fifty acres, which he had purchased.
about four miles from the village, and where he "resided with
his mother. His early life was one of self-exertion, economy,
and care ; and unassisted pecuniarily he began life.
At the age of twenty-four he married Phebe Jane,
daughter of John and Rhoda C. Bramble, of Prattsburgh,
and settled at once on his farm. To this purchase he had
also added one hundred and fifty acres of timber land near
by. In the year 1841 he removed to the place where he now
resides, near the village, and engaged in milling and lum-
bering in connection with farming, and the latter interest
he carries on at the present time.
Mr. Higby has been a strong supporter of Democratic
principles, yet supported President Lincoln and the Union
cause during the war, and was ever opposed to the exten-
sion of slavery. He has been the representative of the
school interest of the town for many years as school super-
intendent under the old law, and has always taken a deep
interest in the progress of education.
In 1851 he represented his Assembly district in the State
Legislature, and advocated the passage of the free-school
law.
Mr. Higby and his wife arc members of the Presbyterian
Church of Prattsburgh, and for many years he has been a
trustee and elder of the church.
He was a trustee of Franklin Academy for many years,
and was a member of the first board of trustees, upon the
organization of the Union Free School in connection with
372
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the Academy. Their children are Jeduthun (wlio died
in infancy) ; John C, a graduate of Hamilton College in the
class of '61 ; was a school commissioner, first district,
Steuben County, for one term, and is now a farmer in the
town of Prattsburgh ; and Lydia L.
Tlie Higbys of Prattsburgh have been representatively
connected with the growth of the town in all its various in-
terests for over si.xty years, and known as useful members of
society, and citizens of integrity in all their business rela-
tions.
AARON PINNEY.
MRS. AARON PINNEY.
AARON riNNEY
was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1801.
His fiither, Philander Pinney, with his brother Joseph set-
tled in Saratoga County soon after the close of the Revolu-
tionary war ; another brother, Alexander, settling in New
Canaan, Columbia Co. His father was a farmer by occu-
pation ; was married to Lucy Phelps, a native of Con-
necticut, of which union were born four sons, — Philander,
Martin, Calvin, and Aaron, — and five daughters, — Mrs.
Enoch Cornell, Mrs. John Phelps, Lura, Louisa, and Mary.
Of these children only the subject of this sketch and Louisa
are living.
The father died in 1817 at the age of fifty-seven. The
mother died April 14, 1849, at the age of eighty-five.
Mr. Pinney remained at home, working on the farm,
and attending school a part of the time — winters — until he
reached his majority, at which time he came to the town
of Prattsburgh (1822) and purchased some eighty acres of
land, which he soon sold, and bought one hundred and
thirteen acres on the county line in the north j)art of the
town. He was married, January, 1826, to Sophronia, an
adopted daughter of Jeduthan Higby, of Prattsburgh, and
settled on his farm. The log house, the monotony of clear-
ing off the forest, the necessary privation of the early set-
tler, the economy and prudence required in order to make
a favorable balance at the end of each year, were all ex-
periences of Mr. and Mrs. Pinney.
He resided on this farm for some ten years and then
purchased one hundred and seventy acres, one and a half
miles from the village, on which he resided mainly as long
as he carried on farming. In 1854 he sold this farm and
moved into the village of Prattsburgh, where he has resided
nearly all the time since. Besides his farming interest, Mr.
Pinney had many other transactions in real estate, and has
given his attention tjuite largely to buying and selling stock.
He has been a member of the Democratic party since
his first vote, and for several years represented the town of
Prattsburgh on the Board of Supervisors. Soon after set-
tling in the town both Mr. and Mrs. Pinney united with
the Baptist Church of Prattsburgh, and remained in that
connection, the latter until her death, Aug. 6, 1872; the
former is still a supporter of the church and kindred in-
terests.
Their children are Martin, a merchant and dealer in real
estate of Prattsburgh, and who has for several years been
supervisor of the town ; Mrs. Richard Playsted, of Wayne
County ; Isabella (deceased) ; Mary (deceased) ; Dwight,
of Wisconsin ; Mrs. John McCarrick, of Prattsburgh ;
James (decea,scd) ; Philander, with his brother Martin in
the mercantile business ; Kate, and Mrs. Wm. Hunt, of
Erie, Pa.
Mr. Pinney is a plain, unassuming man ; his life has
been one of industry and self-exertion, and his integrity in
all his business operations has won for him the confidence
and esteem of all who know him.
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
373
WILLIAM B. PRATT.
The Pratt family of Steuben County trace their descent
from John Pratt, who, with his brotlier, Lieut. William
Pratt, emigrated to America, and is supposed to have settled
at Cambridge, Mass., in 1633. John Pratt was one of the
members of Thomas Hooker's church, and was evidently
one of the company who went across the wilderness with
their pastor and laid the foundations of Uartford, as he drew
lot No. 31 in the first assignment of lots there in February,
1639, and the same year represented Hartford in the first
General Court, and for several years afterwards.
Capt. Joel Pratt, a lineal descendant of the fifth genera-
tion from John Pratt, and son of Deacon Klisha Pratt, of
Colchester, Conn., born Sept. 26, 1745, married Mrs. Mary
Beach Fowler, daughter of Deacon Benjamin Beach, of
Hebron, Conn., February, 1779 ; first settled in Columbia
Co., N. Y., and in the year 1799 visited the wilderness
about Prattsburgh on horseback, at which time what is now
Prattsburgh was an unbroken wilderness. He returned
home, and in the year 1800, with his son Harvey, a four-
ox team, six men, and one hired girl, with needful tools and
provisions, after a journey of eighteen days, reached what
is now Urbana Hill, four miles west of the village of Ham-
mondsport, and the first year cleared off one hundred and
ten acres of forest, and made the land ready for wheat.
In 1802, Capt. Pratt removed his family to the new set-
tlement. In 1804 he made improvements on the place now
occupied and owned by William B. Pratt, near the village
of Prattsburgh, and in 1805 settled there with his family.
(For further particulars relative to Capt. Pratt's early settle-
ment, see history of Prattsburgh.) Their children were Joel,
Ira, Harvey, Anna, Dan, and Elisha.
Capt. Pratt was identified with and held a controlling
interest in the early settlement and disposition of lands, gave
the town its name, assisted in founding the first religious
societ}', laid out the public park, and secured it to the Pratts-
burgh Religious Society, together with a plat of ground for
a cemetery, and lands for the support of church interests.
He died at Prattsburgh, Sept. 30, 1821. His wife died at
the age of sixty-three, Jan. 31, 1818.
Elisha, youngest son of Capt. Joel Pratt, born in Spen-
certown, Columbia Co., Aug. 21, 1790, was twelve years of
age when the family settled here. He married Emily,
daughter of Dr. Bildad Beach, of Marcellus, Onondaga Co.,
N. Y., Feb. 7, 1821 ; lived on the homestead first settled at
Prattsburgh during his life ; was a farmer by occupation ;
led a strictly business life, was a man of correct habits and
sterling integrity in all his business relations, and respected
by all who knew him. He died April 12, 1849. His wife
died June 2, 1871, aged .seventy-four. She was a person
of great vigor of mind, was the last relic of the early set-
tlers on the road from Prattsburgh towards Bath, and was
at the head of a fiimily fifty years prior to her death. Their
children were, Joel (deceased), William B., and Mary B.
(who died young).
Mr. William B. Pratt, only surviving child of the fiimily,
was born Dec. 27, 1822, received a fiiir education at the
common school and at the Franklin Academy, but spent
a very large part of his majority at farm labor at home.
Mr. Pratt is among the representative agriculturists in
374
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the town of Prattsburgh, and has ever been interested in
all matters leading to local improvement and the general
welfare of the citizens of the town. (A view of his resi-
dence, built by his grandfather, Capt. Joel Pratt, in 1817,
with its surroundings, may be seen on another page of this
work.) Ho was formerly a member of the old Whig party,
but in 1 859 became a member of the Democratic party, the
principles of which he still adheres to. From 18G3 to
1868, inclusive, he represented his town as supervisor,
and (which is a fact worthy of note here) in 18G-1, while
acting as supervisor, he did the town very efficient service
under the call of July, for ninety-two men for the army.
In this matter, with the support of intelligent citizens, he
is said to have saved the town some seventy-five thousand
dollars.
For some fifteen years he was a member of the board of
trustees of the Franklin Academy, and has ever been a
liberal supporter of educational interests, and was largely
instrumental in making the public park.
Mr. Pratt has engaged earnestly in the advocacy of the
" Patrons of Husbandry," giving his time and money for
its support, believing as he does that the farmer is the
" golden goose," from which others pluck feathers of profit ;
that he is largely the unequal tax-payer of the country, and
hence is entitled to a representation in all matters aifecting
local, State, or national interests ; and in behalf of this
movement, and many others, he luis written many articles
for the press that have claimed the attention of the think-
ing public.
Mr. Pratt has been married three times : first, to Mar-
tha Jane McNair, of West Sparta, Livingston Co., in
1847 (she died Nov. 14, 1848j ; second, to Mrs. Hester
A. Carr, daughter of Deacon Babcock, of Prattsburgh
(she died in 1852, leaving one son, Joel, who also died, at
the age of 13) ; for his third wife he married Cornelia P.,
daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Brother, of Bath, Sept.
16, 1852. Of this union have been born eleven children,
of whom nine survive.
OTIS WALDO
was third son and fourth child of Jesse and Martha Waldo,
pioneer settlers in the town of Prattsburgh ; was born Dec.
28, 1794, in Connecticut, prior to the removal of the fam-
ily to this county. The line of descent of the Waldo family
here is traced back to Cornelius Waldo, the emigrant who
settled in Ipswich, Mass., in' 1650. The descent is through
(1) Cornelius; (2) John; (3) Edward; (4) Shubiiel ; (5)
Jesse; (6) Jesse second, father of the subject of this nar-
rative.
About the year 1815, Mr. Waldo, with youthful vigor
and a resolution to succeed, commenced life for himself,
settled on some fifty acres of timbered land, built a saw-
mill, and began lumbering and clearing oif the original
forest and preparing his laud for tillage. He afterwards
made additions to his origiual purchase, so that his farm
comprised two hundred and ninety-four acres, now owned
and occupied by the only surviving son, James A. Waldo.
In 1S2U, Sept. 28, he married Fanny, daughter of Dea-
con Aaron and Miriam Cook, of Prattsburgh. She was
born Oct. 21, 1798. Their beginning was in a house built
about 1816, a view of which may be seen in the same pic-
ture with a view of the second residence erected by Mr.
Waldo, as shown on another page of this work. For about
a half-century, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo lived on this home-
stead, made various improvements, erected commodious
buildings, and cleared almost the entire farm of its original
forest ; the result of a life of labor and toil.
His life was one of activity. Possessed of that force of
character common to the family of Waldo, yet he was un-
o.stentatious and plain in his ways, a valuable citizen, and
known for his integrity of purpose in all his business rela-
tions, characterized for his consideration, firmness, and
honesty.
He took no active part in political matters, further than
to cast his vote, which he did intelligently, first with the
Whig and afterwards with the Republican party.
In early life he became a member of the Congregational
Church of Prattsburgh, and with his wife, both remained
consistent to their religious faith until their death. Mr.
Waldo was very fond of the study of the Scripture, and
discussed with force and intelligence the various topics
therein contained. He died July 15, 1870. His wife died
Feb. 24, 1870. They had the following-named children:
Otis H. Waldo, received his academic instruction in
Franklin Academy, and graduated at Union College in
1843. In 1844 he advocated the interests of Clay
and the Whig party, and after the election went South
and studied law with Gen. John A. Quitman, of Natchez,
Miss. In 1849 he settled in Milwaukee and entered upon
the practice of the legal profession, soon rising to the front
rank. He pursued his cherished avocation with vigor, was
possessed of strong natural endowments, improved by much
reading and study, an intense worker, and ambitious beyond
his strength. As a lawyer he was successful, professionally
and financially. He served as president of an important
railroad leading from the city of Milwaukee, to whose energy
that enterprise is said to be largely indebted. He was the
unsuccessful candidate for the mayoralty of the city and for
the United States Senate, the city being of adverse politics.
His death occurred Oct. 30, 1874. Martha Miriam (died
in infancy) ; Abigail F. (died young) ; and James A. Waldo,
the youngest and only surviving member of the (limily, re-
sides on the old homestead.
JOSEPH M. HOPKINS
was born in the town of Prattsburgh, on the farm where he
now resides, April 19, 1815. His grandfather, Capt. Con-
sider Hopkins, was born in West Hartford, Conn., in June,
1723, and died in August, 1795. He married Lydia Gil-
bert, born in the city of Hartford, in 1731, and died in
September, 1800. Their children were as follows:
Consider Hopkins, born in New Hartford, July, 1752,
died 1838; Hannah Hopkins, born in New Hartford, April,
1754, died February, 1813; Roderick Hopkins, born in
New Hartford, April, 1756; George Hopkins, born in New
Hartford, February, 1758; Elias Hopkins, born in New
Hartford, Jan. 4, 1760; John Hopkins, born in New
fr^ --^^^ g^
'-^^ cl -^^^^^^^^^.tt^:^^::^
Residence or J.A.WALOO. prattsburgh, Steuben Co, ny.
ll
«^«^v.
'-^^d^/i^fZy cy.
/^■jf^^'.
'^/U^y
'j£4t ^ t- - « -. .. T Kt-% \,
Residence or J. M. HOPKINS, Frattssurgh. Steuben Co,N,Y
i
TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH.
375
Hartford, Aug. 31, 17(53; Mark Hopkins, born in New
Hartford, Oct. 14, 17(U.
In 16 — two brothers by the name of Hopkins emigrated
from England and settled in Rhode Island, and the above
are descendants from one of them.
Capt. Consider Hopkins was a farmer, and, it is said, was
very fond of hunting, often braving extreme danger in
searching out the hiding-places of the panther and wolf
He died at the age of about forty-six, leaving a wife and six
sons and one daughter, viz.. Consider, Roderick, George,
Elias, John, Mark, and Hannah (Jlrs. Ashcr Rull). His
father, Mark, was the youngest of the sons, and the only
one who did not reach the advanced age of eighty. When
a young man, Mark Hopkins and his mother removed to
Oneida County, where he was married, 6rst to Lydia Mer-
rill, of which union were born Elisha G. and Lydia. The
mother of these children died in 1794, aged twenty-six.
For his second wife he married Sarah Kellogg, Feb. 14,
1802. Of this union were born in Oneida County Ralph,
Erastus, and Eliza C. (Mrs. Simeon Hayes, of Pratt,sburgh) ;
after reaching Steuben County, Emily M. (Mrs. George E.
Hayes, of Buffalo), Ralph W., Mark, Joseph Mark, and
Hiram.
The father first came to Prattsburgh and settled the farm
now owned by his sou, Joseph M., in the spring of 1800,
taking up some one hundred and eighty-two acres of timbered
land. In 1807, March, he moved his family here and began a
pioneer life in the new country. In 1814 he built the residence
now standing on the premises and occupied by his son, and
with the exception of some repairs, is as it was built, sixty-
four years ago. A view of the same with its surroundings
may be seen on another page of this work. He and his
wife were among the early members of the Congregational
Church, and he was one of the founders of the Franklin
Academy, and one of its trustees for many years. He
died in 1843, at the age of nearly seventy-nine. His wife
died in 1852, at the age of nearly seventy-eight. Of all the
children, only Joseph M. and Mrs. Hayes have remained
residents of Steuben County, they being now the only sur-
viving ones.
Mr. Hopkins spent his minority on the farm, received a
fair education at the common school and at Franklin Acad-
emy, and was a teacher for' one term. For many years
after reaching his majority, on account of ill health, he
spent little of iiis time on the farm. He was early identi-
fied with the society of Odd-Fellows, and was District
Deputy Grand Master in 1853-54, and visited ofiioially the
various lodges of the county ; and prior to that time had
represented the society in the Grand Lodge of Northern
New York several times.
In 1854, March 30, he married Laura A., daughter of
Henry G. and Laura (Hopkins) Linsley, of Prattsburgh.
She was born Oct. 20, 1831. Since his marriage he has
given his attention mostly to farming. His children are
Mark H., Charles E. and Harriet E. (twins).
July, 1860, Mr. Hopkins became a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity, and has been identified with that body in
Prattsburgh since.
He has not been actively identified in political matters,
but ever interested in the questions of State and National
importance. Was formerly identified with tlie Whig party,
and upon the formation of the Republican party became a
supporter of its principles.
Mr. Hopkins has always been interested in educational
matters and local improvements, and for some twenty years
following the death of his father was a trustee of Franklin
Academy.
He has been jirominently identified with tlie " Patrons
of Husbandry" since the organization in 1874, and liber-
ally supports that interest looking to the welfare of tlie
agriculturist, and is at present Worthy Master of the
" Steuben County Council," and has been for three years
elected Master of the " Prattsburgh Grange."
At the annual meeting of the Steuben County Agricul-
tural Society, held in Bath, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1879, Mr.
Hopkins was elected president of the society for the ensuing
year. This is a just recognition of the ability of Mr. Hop-
kins, as well as of his entire devotion to the business of
agriculture.
JOHN VAN IIODSEN
was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1802. His
grandfather, Henry Van Housen, was one of the first settlers
of Albany County ; resided there until about thirty years
of age ; removed to Johnstown, Montgomery Co., where
his six children were born, except the eldest, viz., Henry,
John, Wynard, Jacob, Mrs. Linkinfelter, and Mrs. Flans-
bury. The mother of those children died in that county,
at the age of about forty. The father subsequently resided
with his son Jacob, in Cato, N. Y., and died there at the
age of sixty-nine. All of the children are dead.
His father, Henry Van Housen, was a native of Albany ;
at the age of sixteen went to Montgomery County ; married
Betsey Benedict, of the same county, but a native of Dan-
bury, Conn., and her father, Robert Benedict, was an early
pioneer of Saratoga County.
Of this union were born six sons and three daughters, —
Henry, Robert, John, Sarah, Ann, Rebecca, Susan, Charles,
and James ; of whom Robert, John, and Sarah are living.
The father was a farmer, gave his children a fair opportunity
for an education, and in the latter part of his life lived
with his son John, in Prattsburgh, where he died, aged
seventy-four, in the year 1853. The mother survived her
husband some three years, and died at the residence of her
daughter, in Boston, Mass., about the year 1856, at the age
of seventy-six.
Mr. John Vaii Housen spent his life until he was twenty-
seven at home on the farm. In 1829, September 24, he
married Ann, daughter of Cornelius Hoffman, of Mout-
womery County. She was born Sept. 23, 1805. Her
father was a cousin of the father of ex-Governor John T.
Hoffman.
He began life after marriage without pecuniary assistance
from his parents, and by self exertion, prudence, and strict
economy through a business life of over half a century has
secured a suflBcient competence to place him and his fomily
beyond the apprehension of want. For five years as a for-
mer in Montgomery County, and forty-four years as a suc-
cessful and leading agriculturist of Steuben County, he has
led an active, industrious life of manual labor. In 1834
376
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
he settled in the town of Howard with his fiimily of wife
and two children, — Charles H. and Catharine (deceased).
In 1846 he settled in the town of Prattsburgh, on what is
known as the Jared Pratt fiirm of three hundred and ten
acres, and in 1876 purchased the place where he now resides,
near the village. Besides his farm interests, he has dealt
quite largely in real estate in the town of Prattsburgh, as
also in the town of Howard ; and in all his business transac-
tions Mr. Van Housen lias acted with that successful saga-
city and common sense often found among men who carve
out their own fortune.
The children born in the town of Howard were Edward
and is a man of correct habits. In the days of slavery he
stood strongly intrenched againt human bondage, and during
the late Rebellion supported the Union cause, and one son,
Israel A., was for nineteen months a soldier of that war.
It is a fact worthy of note here, that while a resident of
the town of Howard, although not worth altogether one
hundred dollars, Mr. Van Housen borrowed fifty dollars
and assisted in the erection of the first Presbyterian church
of that town. To such men churches, schools, society, law
and order owe their existence, and the sketches of the lives
of such men may prove lessons of profit to their progeny and
the rising generation who enjoy the results of their labor.
(T^L.^ (^^-^^U^l-^ Cr^ ,_J-LyC<i ie^l^XJ
'^ly^L {yutoiJ-^^
H. and Israel A. The mother died Oct. 7, 1841. For
his second wife he married Adeline, daughter of Beriah
Hotchkin, of Prattsburgh, Aug. 2, 1843. Of this union
was born, in the town of Howard, also one daughter, Mrs.
Dr. Warren Stewart, of Savona.
After moving to Prattsburgli the mother died. May 12,
1846, and for his third wife he married Mrs. P. W. An-
drews, daughter of Joseph H. Williams, of Rushville,
Yates Co.
She was born May 10, 1805, and is a lady of fine
intellectual attainments. Blr. Van Housen ha.s ever been
a strong advocate of temperance principles before the people,
He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since he
was fifteen years of age, and all of his wives have also been
connected with the same religious body.
Mr. Van Housen, now in his seventy -seventh year, is
known as one of the most active men in the community,
and shows a well-preserved constitution and active mental
faculties ; and in the interests of the agriculturist, he has
taken an active part in the spread of the platform adopted
by the " Patrons of Husbandry ;" was one of the charter
members of the grange for the town of Prattsburgh, and
has been prominent in its councils, and liberal in time and
money to place before the people its principles.
PULTENEY.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
This town is situated upon the west shore of Crooked
Lake, and is the nortlieast corner town of the county. It is
bounded north by Yates County, east b}' Keuka, or Crooked
Lake, south by Urbana, and west by Prattsburgh.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Pulteney contains an area of 20,110 acres, 16,213 of
which are improved farms, 3897 timbered and other unim-
proved lands. The surface is a rolling upland, from seven
to nine hundred feet above the surface of the lake, and
presents many fine points of observation, from which the
lake and surrounding country may be seen to advantage.
The declivities along the lake-shore are broken by many
narrow ravines, formed by small streams. The soil is chiefly
a shaly and gravelly loam, but in some places near the
lake clay predominates. The highlands are well adapted
to farming, and since the introduction of grape culture,
those along the declivities of the hills bordering upon the
lake have been rendered valuable.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The names of a number of the early settlers, who came i
to Pulteney previous to 1808, and who took a part in the '
organization and civil affairs of the town, are preserved in
the records, from which we have transcribed largely in an-
other section of our history of this town. John Van Camp
and David Thompson appear to have been the first settlers,
about the year 1797. Among the other early settlers were
Samuel Miller, G. F. Fitzsiramons, John Black, James and
George Simms, Henry HoiFman, Abraham Bennett, and
Shadraoh Norris. Samuel and Nathaniel Wallis, John
Ellis, William White, James Daily, Erastus Glass, Harmon
Emmons, and Seth Pierce arrived in 1806, and soon after
Elias and John Hopkins, Cornelius Lounsbury, and George
Raymond.
Shadrach Norris was an old Revolutionary soldier, and
has many descendants still living in town, among whom are
his grandsons, Levi, Samuel H., John.son, Shadrach, and
James Norris, and his granddaughters, Mrs. Esther Clark
and Mrs. Susannah Halliday.
Thomas Hyatt, grandfather of Mrs. Celia Alexander
and Mr. Nelson R. Hyatt, was one of the early settlers.
Stephen Stratton settled in the south part of the town,
on the Palmer farm, now occupied by Vaniah Drake, in
1816. He is now ninety-two years old, and resides in
Prattsburgh.
In February, 1808, the town of Pulteney was formed
from Bath, and comprised what are now Prattsburgh and a
part of Urbana. Prattsburgh was set off in 1S13, and a
part of Pulteney was annexed to Urbana in 1848.
48
Immediately upon the organization of the town, improve-
ments began to be made in various directions, road and
school districts were formed, and roads surveyed and opened.
At the first town- meeting nineteen overseers of roads were
elected, to superintend the opening and improvement of an
equal number of road districts in the town. From 1814
settlers came in from the eastern part of the State and from
New England, and took possession of the northern part of
the town. They were a hardy, industrious, enterprisiTig,
and moral people.
Hon. Goldsmith Deniston, a former resident of Pulteney,
was employed, in 1859, to make the agricultural survey of
the county, a full report of which, together with a history
of the title to lands and a brief sketch of the early settle-
ment, was published in the Transactions of the State Agri.
cultural Society for 1860. Mr. Deniston has since removed
to New York.
ORGANIZATION.
The first town-meeting for the town of Pulteney was
held at the house of Jesse Waldo, on the first Tuesday in
March, 1808. The meeting was legally opened by Robert
Porter, Esq., Moderator. A ballot then being taken, the
following persons were chosen town officers : Uriel Chapin,
Supervisor ; Aaron Bell, Town Clerk ; Aaron Cook, Elias
Hopkins, Nathan Wallis, Assessors ; William Curtis, Col-
lector; Salisbury Burton and Daniel Bennett, Overseers of
the Poor; Samuel Hayes, John Hopkins, Shadrach Norris,
Commissioners of Roads ; John Ellis, Gamaliel LoomLs,
George Raymond, Cornelius Lounsbury, Josiah AUis, Fence-
Viewers ; Hermon Emmons, William P. Curtis, Constables.
" Voted, to build two pounds at the expense of the town,
one near the house of Shadrach Norris, the other in the
centre of Pulteney Society."
" Voted, that Shadrach Norris and Joel Pratt, Jr., be
Pound-keepers."
" Voted, to choose two committees of one person each to
build the aforesaid pounds, and that Shadrach Norris and
Joel Pratt, Jr., be said committees."
" Chosen Overseers of Roads : Cornelius Lounsbury-, Sol-
omon Daker, John Ellis, Isaac Spalding, Asa Brown, Aaron
Bordin, James Stone, John Kent, Reuben Hall, John Black,
Daniel Bennett, Isaac Pardy, Joel Tuttle, Asa Cooper,
Josiah AUis, Martin Hayes, Stephen Prentiss, George
Wrenchin, William Rowley."
At the election for senator held on the last Tuesday in
April, 1808, the following persons received the votes set
after their respective names : Samuel S. Forman, 15 votes ;
Henry McNeil, 14 votes; Rowell Hopkins, 13 votes; Fran-
cis Henry, 13 votes; Putnam Catlin, 13 votes; Silas
Halsey, 6 votes ; Francis A. Bloodgood, 6 votes.
For member of Congress the votes were as follows :
377
378
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Vincent Matthews, 76 votes ; Joseph Grover, 45 votes ;
George Hornell, 2 votes ; Henry A. Townsend, 1 vote.
For member of Assembly : George Hornell, 68 votes ;
Henry A. Townsend, 52 votes ; Vincent Matthews, 4 votes.
Uriel Chapin, Elias Hopkins, Nathaniel Wallis, Inspectors
of Election.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
1S08.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
181.'J.
18H.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1S26.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1838.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
Supervisors.
Uriel Cbapin.
(( (t
Robert Porter.
Uriel Chapin.
(t if
Stephen Prentiss.
John Hathaway.
John Prentiss.
Town Clerks.
Aaron Bull.
Jesse Walilo.
Aaron Bull.
John Hopkins.
Stephen Norris.
Daniel Sheldon.
Collectors.
William P. Curtis.
Benjamin Bridges.
Stephen Norris.
Josiah Dunlap.
Johns. N. Reynolds.
Daniel S. Benton.
Robert Miller.
Daniel Sheldon.
John Gulick.
Jared T. Benton.
John Gulick.
Jared T. Benton.
li <(
SiJas G. Smith.
Jared T. Benton.
Ira Hyatt.
John A. Prentiss.
Jared T. Benton.
Ira Hyatt.
Robert Miller.
Josiah Dunlap.
Johns. N. Keynolds.
Ira Hyatt.
Sam'l Fitzsimmons.
Josh. W. Eggleston.
Wm. H. Clark.
George Coward,
George Wagstaff.
Levi Norris.
Philander Copeland,
Joseph Stebbins,
F. W. Carpenter.
George WagstaflF.
Harry Godfrey.
J. J. Reynolds.
S. L. Ferguson.
Levi Norris.
it 41
41 ii
F. W. Carpenter.
(1 a
Jasper Ree.
Samuel B. Lyon.
George Wagstaff.
George McLean.
William Chandler.
ti a
J. H. St. John.
Warren Miller.
Tompkins W. Boyd.
Levi Norris.
Tompkins W. Boyd.
Richard F. Horton.
Chas. A. Newland.
Tompkins W. Boyd.
Richard F. Horton.
Joseph S. Horton.
James D. Stone.
Richard H. Stewart.
James D. Stone, Jr.
Joseph S. Horton.
Judson H. Gibson.
John Gibson.
William Allen.
George S. Prentiss.
D. McLeod.
Henry R. Hess.
Supervisore.
1872. Odel C. Cross.
1873. J. J. Reynolds.
1874. S. B. Lyon.
1875. John Gilson.
1876. S. B. Lyon.
1877. " "
Town Clerks. Collectors.
Jared H. Smith. Orrin Stearns.
" " D. Ward Finch.
William Brush. N. R. Hyatt.
Thomas J. Wagstaff. P. 0. Horton.
Henry R. Hess."=^ John Sanderson.
George A. Wagner. Egbert G. Shwart.
1878. A. H. Denniston. Thomas J. Wagstaff. Oscar L. Fox.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Among the early justices of the peace were James Bent-
ley, Josiah Dunlap, Johnson N. Reynolds, Lovitt H. Edget,
Anson Cog.swell, John Hathaway, and John Prentiss.
** '
.U-STICKS ELECTEE
BY THE PEOfLE.
'* (•
1830.
Nathaniel Ball.
1854.
Nelson Ball.
John Lay.
1831.
Lovitt H. Edget.
1855.
Eli Pickett.
*' ''
1832.
John Hathaway.
1856.
John M. Clark.
Thomas Perkins.
1833.
Daniel Northrop.
1857.
Owen Riley.
'*
1834.
John Gload.
1858.
Harry Godfrey.
Stephen Horton.
1835.
A. S. Bennett.
1859.
Franklin N. Carpenter
Thomas Perkins.
1836.
John Gulick.
1860.
James Fitzsimmons.
(( n
1837.
Harry Godfrey.
1861.
Owen Riley.
Elijah Kent.
1839.
Daniel F. Drew.
1862.
James J. Reynolds.
Seth Weed.
1840.
John Gulick.
1863.
Robert Miller.
It It
1841.
Jared T. Benton.
1864.
M. D. Covell.
David Hobart.
1842.
Robert Miller.
1865.
Owen Riley.
" "
1843.
Joel Tomer.
1866.
Levi Norris.
Corn. M. Haight.
1844.
Charles Brown.
1867.
Hiram D. Tomer.
Lovet H. Edget.
Joseph R. Lee.
1868.
M. D. Covell.
Anson Cogswell.
1845.
Jared T. Benton.
1869.
Hulls McConnell.
II II
1846.
Robert Miller.
1870.
Levi Norris.
Thomas Horton.
1847.
James Fitzsimmons.
1871.
Bela Bonny.
Jacob Lee.
Charles Brown.
1872.
Joseph E. Covell.
Jared T. Benton.
1848.
Harry Godfrey.
1873.
Joseph S. Horton.
1849.
Jared T. Benton.
1874.
Goldsmith Deniston.
John M. Ciark.
1850.
Nelson Ball.
1875.
Henry Wagstaff.
Amos Tanner.
1851.
James Fitzsimmons.
1876.
Edward M. Foster.
" "
1852.
William Cavill.
1877.
Orlando F. Elliott.
1853.
Benjamin F. Welles.
1878.
Philip Paddock.
PULTENEY VILLAGE.
The village or hamlet of Pulteney is situated in the
northeast part of the town. It has two churches, three
general stores, two steam-mills and box-factories, three
blacksmith-shops, a post-office, and a district school. It is
on the main road leading from Hammondsport to Branch-
port, and within a short mile of the steamboat landing on
Keuka Lake. The steam-mills are owned respectively by
Carpenter & Wintermute, and the Prentiss Brothers.
T. J. & C. W. Wagstaff are dealers in dry goods, gro-
ceries, hardware, and medicines. L. M. Nichols, drugs and
groceries. D. H. Green, boots, shoes, and groceries. L.
M. Nichols is a physician, and also postmaster.
South Pulteney Po.st-Offiee is a hamlet in the southern
part of the town. It has a Baptist church. Rev. C. W.
Town.send, pastor ; a steam-mill and box-factory, C. C.
Hill, proprietor; and a district school, No. 8. The post-
masters who have held the office here since its first estab-
lishment, are Lebeus Drew, Rufus Talmage, Levi Norris,
Hiram L. Clark, Allen W. Brasted, and Joshua W.
Eggleston.
GRAPE CULTURE.
The following extract from a communication published
in the Naples Record in 1861, gives something of the
* Appointed.
JOHN CORYELL.
John Coryell was bom in New Jersey, April 27, 1796.
He was son of David and Charity Coryell, who were
natives of the same place. The name Coryell is of
French origin. His mother's ancestors came from Hol-
land.
His father removed with his family to Seneca Co.,
N. Y., 1802, where they resided until 1812, and settled
in the town of Pulteney, Steuben Co.
John is third son of a family of ten children, and
he and Andrew, who resides in Michigan, are the only
surviving ones.
He was reared on a farm, and early learned habits
of industry and economy, having limited opportunities
for an education.
Oct. 18, 1816, he manied Mary, daughter of John
and Margaret Ellis, who settled on the farm where Mr.
Coryell now resides, in 1806.
Soon after his marriage he purchased a [wrtion of the
land that his father had bought of the Pulteney estate,
and continued to reside on this farm until 1843, when he
removed to hLs present residence.
Their children are William ; Andrew ; John ; Mrs. John
Garner, of White Lake, Mich. ; David ; Mrs. Josiah
Nevyns, of Pulteney; Josiah; Greorge; Joseph, killed in
the army, near Fredericksburg, during the late Rebellion ;
Mrs. Andrew Dunlap (deceased), of Clinton Co., Mich.
The mother died Nov. 10, 1837. Mr. Coryell married
for his second wife Mrs. Waddell, daughter of John and
Isabell McAnally. Her father was a soldier in the war
of 1812, and died while in service.
By her first husband Mrs. Coryell had seven children,
six of whom are living. Of this union were born James
H. and Chattie.
Mr. Coryell has ever been a member of the Whig and
Republican parties, and although not active as such, an
unswerving member of those parties ; and a noteworthy
fact is, that all of his sons and stepsons are of the same
political principles.
He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Pulteney for nearly sixty years, and an elder of the same
for some fifty years, and both his wives were also mem-
bers of the same church.
He has always been ready to contribute to church and
kindred interests, and a supporter of good society.
TOWN OF PULTENEY.
379
history of grape culture in this town, and the first attempt
to ship grapes from this locality to the Now York market.
The writer, passing over the hills from Prattsburgh, is par-
ticularly interested in the prospect of the grape-growng sec-
tion of Pulteney. He says :
" Nearing the village of Harmonyville (South Pulteney)
the puffing of steam was distinctly heard, which upon a
near approach was found to be connected with an extensive
grape-box factory belonging to the Prentiss Brothers, of that
place.
" During a sojourn of a few weeks in that village, I
became acquainted with a Mr. J. W. Prentiss, a man of
varied intelligence, and, withal, an artist of no mean order
in land.scape and portrait painting. Being at that time a
sort of traveling artist myself, this acquaintance with Mr.
Prentiss was to me both agreeable and interesting. After
a pressing invitation, I visited him at his house where I
could feast my eyes on some of his skill with the brush, as
well as to satisfy my appetite on some of his fine Catawba
grapes. I was at the time very much surprised that Mr.
Prentiss, with all his cultivated tastes, should have chosen
to live where he did, one mile below the village on the
lake-.shore, far removed from the outside world, especially
during the winter months, but he .seemed to enjoy his
solitude.
" It appears from a little history I remember his giving
me at the time, that an eccentric New Yorker, with plenty
of money, during a hunting and fishing excursion, selected
this place for a residence, and there erected a comparatively
splendid house ; but his first impressions didn't keep pace
with his after-experience, and to relieve him of his unpleas-
ant incumbrance, Mr. Prentiss bought him out. Previous
to this, Mr. Prentiss lived back from the lake, towards
Prattsburgh, about two miles, where he first commenced
the cultivation of the grape. Since his sons have com-
menced the making of grape-boxes in the village he spends
part of his time there printing labels, and whatever else he
can do to help the business along.
"According to an article in The Wine Reporter, published
by the Pleasant Valley Grape Growers' Association, he ob-
tained in the year 1836 two Isabella, one Catawba, and one
Sweet Water grape-vines of the Rev. W. W. Bostwick, of
Hammondsport, and planted them on an elevation of 800
feet above Crooked Lake, and two miles from its west
shore. Prom these he continued year after year to in-
crease his stock until he had a vineyard of three acres.
"Allow me to quote from the same paper a description of
his first regular shipment, which, as a matter of history of
the grape interest in this country, will be interesting to
those who are familiar with Mr. McKay's first efibrt in the
same direction :
" ' In 1856 he gathered and secured with care, in half-
barrel tubs, a portion of his choicest grapes, a Ion, shipped
them to Bath for New York, where they arrived iu due
time, and were stored in No. 5 Erie Buildings, in care of
M. D. Stairin, Esq., commission dealer in farm produce.
Mr. Prentiss came on to New York soon after the arrival
of his ion of grapes, — mark the quantity. Stairin not
being strictly a fruit dealer, nor very well acquainted with
the trade, directed Prentiss to a party in Broadway, who
reluctantly came to see the thirty tubs of grapes to be sold
in the city of New York. He was not a little surprised at
viewing the array of tubs and the quantity of grapes. The
grapes were fine, and the season of the year favorable, it
was admitted, but the quantity — a ton, or it might be 2200
lbs. — to be thrown on this market at once ! No one had
the courage to undertake it, at least this dealer had not It
was, however, agreed that the task should be undertaken
upou condition that three tubs only be offered daily, lest
depression suddenly should come, and the market finally be
broken. The stipulations were carried out, and in a few
days the whole thirty tubs of grapes, of about 75 lbs. each,
were disposed of, — sold.'
" It will probably not be until several generations have
passed away that the claims of these men for the herculean
efforts in starting into being a va.st interest will be properly
recognized. Mr. Prentiss is a man about sixty-five years
old, of a cheerful and companionable nature, and from
appearances is destined to live many years, as we trust he
will.
" In passing through Harmonyville, I could only spare a
few minutes to converse with Mr. Prentiss, and requested
him to write me by the first mail, with some items of his
history that would be interesting to grape growers. True
to his promise, the following letter was received by Satur-
day's mail :
"'Friend Sagau, — It is now eleven o'clock and a neighbor has
just left mo, and it's little I can do for you this night. I send you
the chips from the UVue Htqutrtcr, — the contrast then and now. When
I commenced the grape business there were none grown in this county
except in gardens. Tbe Vevay vineyards commenced in Indiana had
been abandoned. Tbere was the energetic Vermonter, Underbill, of
Cro'on Point, North River, and Longworth, of Ohio, were the only
ones I knew of that had grape on the brain.
'" The warm side-hills on Crooked Lake were not worth the ta.\es
for anything then discovered, and grapes seemed to be just the thing.
We had an eccentric neighbor, a* very excellent man, Josiab Dun-
lap* by name, who had set out his door-yard, barn-yard, farm, and
both sides of the road to apple, pear, peach, plum, and all kinds of
fruit th;it would grow but grapes, so I took the grape, and soon had
three acres growing. People laughed at me for putting out so many ;
but I thought I had got to supply the town to get any myself, so I
went ill. Well, when I had more than was needed at home, I began
to reach out for market, and Bath was the outlet ; but soon McKay,
of N.aples, came down with his fancy boxes, and raised the price to
ten cents a pound,— six was all I thought of asking for them. Mc-
Kay must have begun about the time I did, or soon after, and the
N.aples people know how ho " piithed Ihlni/K," or rather how his wife
did. Then it was small business; now there are at least 400 tons of
grapes within one mile of me, and in the same radius there are 500,-
000 grape boxes made for the shipping trade. The Prentiss Brothers
will turn out this year from 150 to 200,000 bo.xes ; this, with plan-
ing, matching, and re-sawing machines, turning-lathes, and supply-
ing builders and joiners, etc., makes only one of four est;iblishmcnts
of like kind in this town. Two other box-factories have steam saw-
mills attached.
'•' But time fails; at another time will perhaps extend these remarks
and perhaps say something on the good or ciiV of the business.
'* * Yours ever,
" ' J. W. Prentiss.' "
Some years after Mr. Prentiss had made a successful
attempt at raising grapes, a German vine-dresser, hearing
that there was a vineyard in Pulteney, came to see the won-
* Judge Dunlap was a man of extensive reading and intelligence,
and an influential citizen. Ho was a supervisor of the town, and
also a member of .Assembly.
380
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
der. This was in 1852. After satisfying himself that if
vines and fruit would grow in such an unscientific manner
it would be safe to undertake the business, Mr. Reisenger
selected a place on the Wagner farm, near the lake, and in
1853 commenced business. Three acres were planted for
the purpose of growing grapes for wine and brandy. In
1857 this experiment proved so successful that Judge Lar-
rowe, of Pleasant Valley, employed Mr. Reisenger to plant an
acre, about a mile from the lake, up the valley. The roots
set out were of Mr. Reisenger's own growing, not, as errone-
ously stated, obtained from Avon, Livingston Co. From
those small beginnings the fever spread, until nearly every-
body that had land or could buy within a mile of the lake,
had a vineyard. Land that was nearly valueless after the
wood was oflF, soon became a little fortune in imagination.
An acre when set out to vines was worth $500, and when
in bearing, §1000 at least. But this was soon found to be
only a speculative value. Pleasant Valley Wine-Cellar sprang
up, Urbana followed, and soon Pulteney Wine Company was
formed. Other individual wine-cellars blossomed into suc-
cassful operation.
With all the grapes used in wine-making, but a small
part was used as fruit, and an outlet was found in New
York City fii'st, and soon spread from Boston to Washing-
ton, D. C.
CHURCHES.
Of the religious denominations in town, it is claimed that
the Close-Communion Baptists were on the ground first. Al-
though the Methodists had some " forerunners in the wil-
derness," yet the Baptists had the first organization. There
have been two Close-Communion Baptist societies, with re-
spectable church buildings for public worship ; one Free-Will
Baptist society, with house of worship. Then there is a
class calling themselves Seventh-Day Baptists, with house,
where stated meetings arc held. Then there is a class
calling themselves " Christians." These have no churches,
but hold meetings with other churches. We come next to
the Methodists. They have two societies, one Methodist
Episcopal, iJie other Wesleyan. There are also a Presby-
terian church and society. There has formerly been a Con-
gregational church and society, but they were in rather close
proximity to the Baptist society, and have died out.
All these societies are well attended on the Sabbath, and
when taking into consideration the fact that the town is
only three miles wide and eight long, with nearly half the
people going to other towns where meetings are nearer, no
one can deny that we have a go-to-meeting people. " I make
no pretensions to give their religious temperature, but if zeal
is a criterion, we shall certainly measure at least with the
average ; and if much preaching has its influence, we should
be a godly people."*
MILITARY RECORD OF PULTENEY.
Atwooil, Alfred J., Ist lieut., 34th Begt., Co. I; eiil. May 22, 1801, two years;
pro. to capt. and a. q.-m., U. S. V., Nov. 2G, 18G2.
Lyon, Henry Clinton, 1st sergt., 34th Rcgt., Co. I; enl. May 22, ISGl, two years;
pro. to 2d lieut. ; wounded at Anlietam and died at Frederick City, Oct.
5, 1802.
Piatt, Oscar, private, ISOth Eegt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; died at
Pulteney, March 3, 1865.
* Furnished by J. W. Prentiss.
Pelton, Wesley Sliller, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ;
died July 22, 1802.
Loder, William Cliauncey, private, IClst Regt., Co. A.
Hutton, Henry, private, 341h Eegt., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861 ; wounded at An-
tietani; discli. Oct. 1862.
Gibson, Edward Lacy, private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ;
discli. May 22,186.5.
Goodrich, Charles Henry, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; enl. May 22, 1861, two
years ; disch. June 15, 1803.
Gibson, Warren, Corp., 16l6t Regt., Co. A ; must. Aug. 27, 1862, three years ; died
Feb. 13, 1863, in hospital at Baton Rouge.
Gibson, Judson Hewitt, Corp., 34th Regt., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ;
pro. April, 1862 ; disch. June 15, 1863.
Jones, Lester J. S., private : must. Feb. 6, 1864, two years.
Wilmoth, John R., private ; enl. Feb. 11, 1864, three years.
Moons, Charles C, private ; enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years.
Martin, Joseph W., private ; enl. Jan. 22, 1864, three years.
Covell, John D., coip., 22d Cav.; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years.
Carmer, John H., private ; enl. Jan. 25, 1864, three years; died at Elmira before
joining his regiment.
Stickler, Henry, private ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864, three years.
Agor, George L., private ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. three years.
Stone, James Wesbley,itrivate,4lli H. Art., Co. G; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, three years;
died Sept. 4, 1S64, at David's Island, N. Y., and buried there; remains af-
terwai ds removed to Pulteuey.
Horton, Martin, private, 4tb H. Art., Co. G; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, three years;
disch. Oct. 5, 1865.
Hess, W^illiani Asa, pi ivate, IGlst Regt., Co. A ; enl. June 2.'), 1864, three years.
Brown, William A., l>rivate ; enl. Jan. 20, 18G4, three years.
Brown, Albert C, private; enl. Jan. 20, 1864, three years.
Galagan, Francis, private ; elil. Jan. 23, 1804, three years.
Ballard, Cyrus, private, S6th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 19, 1804, three years.
Tlinmpson, Isaac, private: enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years.
Kinsman, William J., private, SGth Regt.; must. Jan. 19, 1864, three years.
Dreniard, John C, private; enl. Feb. 11, 1864, three years.
Austin, Charles C, private; enl. Jan. 19,1864, three years.
McCain, William, private; enl. Jan. 23, 1804.
Liirins, John, private ; eid. Jan. 19, 1864, three years.
Vaughn, Dallas, private; enl. Feb. 1, 1804.
Guy. Benjamin, private, SGtli Regt., Co. I; etil. March 6, 1864, three years; killed
at the battle of Plymouth and buried on the field.
Conner, Andrew R., private, 85th Regt., Co. I ; enl. March 6, 1864, three years.
Waldo, William Alby, private, lS9lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year.
Chase, Jefferson J., private ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year.
Adams, Isaac, private; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year.
Lines, Reuben R., private, 189th Regt., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year.
Price, Blathew H., private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Retan, Nelson, private, 161nt Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; disch.
Aug. 28, 1865.
Morrow, Robert D., private, 189th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1804, one year.
Cole, George B., private, ISOth Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1SG4, one year.
Spears, J.acob, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; enl. May 22, 1861, two years; re-enl.
189th Regt., Co. H, Sept. 3, 1864, one year: disch. for disiibility.
Taylor, Isaac A., private, 189th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year.
Guy, James Alva, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; enl. May 22, 1861, two years; re-enl.
I89th Regt., Co. U, Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Prentiss, John, private, 101st Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 3, 1S64, one year; disch.
(by general order of May 20, 1805) at Tallahassee, Aug. 28, 1865.
Moon, Owen G., 189tli Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Dunn, Jephtha, private, ISOIh Regt , Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; died
in Stanton hosp., AVashington, D. C, of disease.
Prentiss, E. Angelo, private, lOlst Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Brush, William H., private, lS9lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4, one year.
Mahan, William J., private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
McCorncIl, James H., private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804. one year.
Roberts, Thomas S., privale, 189th Rigt., Co. II; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year;
disch. before leaving the barracks at Elmira.
Burch, Delos H., ISOth Eegt. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Lee, Erastus David, private, 101st Eegt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year;
disch. Aug. 28, 1865, at the e-\piration of enlistment.
Green, Daniel H., ISOth Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Willit, Almerou, private, ISOth Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year.
Knapp, Lewis, enl. Sept. 24, 1864, one year.
Barron, James, enl. Aug. 24, 1864, three years; sub. for Mathias Bedell.
McCullun, John, enl. Sept. 1, 1864, three years ; sub. for Delos R. Bedell.
Hess, Heiiiy Reuben, private, 16!st Regt., Co. A ; enl. August, 1863, three year.".
Tripp, George, private, 161st Regt., Co. A; enl. Aug. 23,1862, three years; died
at Elmira, Nov. 23, 1862.
McConnell, Joel Aiusley, private, 161st Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1,1862, three
years.
Brady, James Robert, private, 23d Regt., Co. A ; enl. Apiil, 1861, two years.
Gibson, John, 1st lieut., leUt Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1862, three years; severely
wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, La.; must, out at expinition of term.
Dart, Henry, private, 34th Regt., Co. I ; enl. May 8, 1861, two years; slightly
wounded at Gaines' Hill ; diich. May 8, 1863.
Smith, Henry, private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three years ; disch.
for permanent illness, Feb. 1864.
TOWN OF RATHBONE.
381
Simerson, Bariiet, private, 189tli Inf., Co. H; enl. Nov. 3, 18C4, one year; diecli.
June 9, ISGo.
Hill, Peter AiMlorson, priv;tte, IGl^t Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1802, three years; died
Sept. G, ItsGi, in liosp., :thd whs buried nt Baton Itouge, La.
Retnn, Sylvester L.. privute, 161st InC, Co. A ; oiil. Aug. '^2, 1SG2, Iliree ye.ire.
Ketao, Anson, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 28, 18G2, three yearns; shot
through the heart at the siege of Port Hudson, May 29, 18G3; buried in
the woods near Port Hudson.
Shuart, Bradley King, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years;
died in general hosp., May 31, 18G4, and buried in the hospital biirying-
gi-ound at Baton Rouge.
Dunn, George Cam, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 30, 18G2, three years;
disch. Sept. 21, 18G5.
Finegan, David, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. April 19, 1861, two years; disch.
June 30. 1SG3; re-eni. sergt., 2ath Cav., Co. M, July 1, 1863, three years.
Finegan, John, sergt., 34th Inf.; enl. April 21, 18G1, two years; wounded at
Antietam and Fredericksburg; pro. to sergt , Oct. 1S02; disch. April 18,
1863, by reason of wounds.
Harris, Nathan, private, IGlst Inf. ; enl Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. June
6, 1863, protracted illness the cause.
Lee, James E., private, lUlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22,1862, threo years; died in
New York City, Dec. 3, 18G2; buried in Pultenoy.
Clark, Lewis, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; died
at Baton Rouge, in general hosp., Jan. 13, 1863; and buried in hospital
buiying-ground at Baton Rouge.
McCarrick, James R., private, 34th Inf.; Co. I ; enL May 3, ISGl, two years;
disch. from service on account of protracted illness, April 27,1863.
Lamphear, John Armstrong, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three
years.
Russel, William, private, 161st Inf ,Co. A; enL Aug. 30, 18G2, three years; trans.
to Washington, D. C, June 6, 1SG4.
Babcock, John, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, throe years; died
of sniallitux. Den.2S, 18G2; buried in Pultenoy.
Godfrey, Charles Dwight, curp., IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ;
died of tvphoid fever, Nov. 28, 1862.
Whitehead, Aaron, Jr., private, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 22, 1861, three years ;
disch. Oct. 11, 18G2, at Lniory Hospit.il, Washington, I). C, by reason of
disability.
Sinsebox, James W., private, IGlst Inf., ('o. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 18G2, threo years.
Brown, Charles W., private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years;
died of typhoid fever, Dec. 3, 18G2.
Spears, -Alonzo, private, 148th Regt, Co. I ; must. Sept. 5, 1862, three years.
Spears, Andrew, private.
Pierce, Oluey, private, l^jth Regt., Co. I ; must. Sept. 15, 18G4, one year ; disch.
July 1,1865.
Drumm, Esbon, private, 188th Regt., Co. B; enl. Sept. 23, 18G4; disch. July,
1865.
Gload, James Deles, private, ISSth Regt., one year; disch. July 1, 1864.
Pierce, Jesse B., private, 15th Eng., Co. I ; cnL Aug. 29, 1864, one year; disch.
June 29, 1865.
Pierce, Charles Ithiel, private, 50lh Eng., Co. A ; enl. Feb. 22, 1864, three years ;
died- Aug. 15, 1S04, in hosp. at Washington.
Pierce, Peter Cashing, private, 50tli Eng., Co. A; enl. Jan. 1864, three years;
disch. June 28, 1865.
Pierce, Albert, private, 141st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 1862; wounded at battle
of Peach-Tree Creek ; died July 21, 1864.
Ellis, Robert (alias Robert Dunn), private, 21st Cav., Co. E ; enl. threo years,
Lounsberry, William, jirivate.
Davis, William Edward, private, IClst Regt , Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862.
Eggelston, William, private, 34lh Regt., Co. I; enl. April 21, 1861, two years ;
re-eol. sergt. 161st Inf., Co. A; Aug. 25, 1SG2, three years; severely
wounded in the neck at Sabine Cross-Roads.
Wagstaff, George Henry, sergt., IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1SG2. threo
yeai-8 ; died at Baton Rouge, Feb. 26, 18G3.
Seeley, Benjamin Franklin, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 25, 18G3, three
years; disch. Aug. G, 1SG3; died Aug. 20, 1863.
Ho rton, Joseph Robert, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1SC2, three years ;
trans, to Washington, D. C, into thi Vet. Res. Corps.
Pinneo, Charles Adelbert, private, 2d Mounted Rifles; enl. Jan. 18G3, three
years.
Rarick, Abel, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; onl. Aug. 21.1862, three years; disch.
on surg. certificate of permanent tlis:ibility, Jan. 23, 18G3.
Prentiss, William Augustin, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; wounded at Spanish Fort ; disch. at Elmira, Sept. 8, 18C5.
Prentiss, George Stanly, corporal, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years;
pro. to sergt.; to 2d lieut., Jan. 1,1865 ; wounded severely at Saldno Cro.'is-
Roads; also wounded in b-ft hand by collision on the Mis>issippi; disch.
at Marine U. S. A. general huspital, March 28, 18G5,by surgeon's certifi-
cate of disability.
Neagns, Wilson, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; must, out
Sept. 20; disch. Oct. 16, 1865.
Fay, James, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; euL April 22, 18GI, two years; disch.
by must, out, June 15, 1863.
Lounsberry, Jolin, private. (
Ransom, Peter, private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; disch.
Oct. 17, ISGo, at Tallahassee, Fla.
EATHBONE.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The town of Rathbone was formed from Addison, Cam-
eron, and Woodhull, Mar. 28, 1856. It lies in the interior
of the county, south of the centre ; its surface consisting
of high, rolling upland, broken by the valleys of the Can-
isteo River and a branch of Tuscarora Creek. The upland
is from three to four hundred feet above the valleys. In
some places, naked and precipitous ledges of rock crop out
on the sides of the declivities, but the soil is chiefly a
clayey and shaly loam, with alluvium in the valleys.
SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in the town of Rathbone was made
by William Benham, a mile above the ea.st line of the
present town, on the left bank of the Canisteo River, in
1793. James Hadley is also said to have settled farther
up the valley, near the west side of the town, about the
same time. Samuel Benham entertained travelers on the
Benham place as early as 1804. Abel White, who was for
many years known as the most successful trapper and hunter
in the town, settled on the flat, a mile above the village of
Rathbone, on the right bank of the river, in 1804, and on
the 24th of June his son, Luther White, the first white
child born in the town, and now a leading citizen of Cam-
eron, was born there. Far from neighbor.-*, the early set-
tlers were subjected to hardships which made an encounter
with wild beasts an affair of little importance, if victory
was gained by the hardy pioneer. The river was alive with
fish, which gathered in shoals at the riffles, and were easily
caught. Shad ascended the river annually in large num-
bers. At night, two men, one with a torch and the other
with a rude spear, would take in a short time as many fish
as they could carry away. It was easy enough to live, but
bread had to be earned. For this purpose small clearings
were made, while the remaining land was left for years
covered with the original growth of the forest, affording
protection to wild beasts, who gathered nightly around the
little clearings and made the night hideous with their calls.
In 1806, Solomon, brother of Isaac Tracy, and Benjamin
Rin-ira made the first improvement in Rathboneville, by
382
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
building a double log house in what is now the east end of
the village, where they lived together while clearing the
upper portion of the flat, near the bridge. Across the
river, Lsaac and Jonathan Tracy built the first saw-mill in
the town, a few rods from the mouth of the stream which
bears the name of Traey Creek. In 1816, Mr. Tracy
added what was then a grist-mill, but is spoken of by the
old men of to-daj* as a corn-cracker of doubtful capacity.
Mrs. Tracy was a sister of Jeremiah Baker, of Canisteo.
The earliest marriage recorded is that of Peleg Cole to
Polly, daughter of Isaac Tracy. Martin Young, a native
of Germany, was an early settler in the Canisteo Valley,
joining the Addison line. In 1814 his son, Peter Young,
located a mile below Rathboneville. At that time his
grandson, Martin B. Young, who is still living, was ten
years of age. Moses Powers settled two miles above
Tracy's, on the left bank of the river, and, in 1815, taught
the first school in the town. Jacob Cook lived near the
present flouring-mill of Rathboneville in 1810. Zephaniah
Townsend and Thomas Maybary were early settlers in the
west part of the valley, near the bluff" known as " The
Narrows," where he kept " entertainment," as did nearly
ail the early settlers along the river-valley.
Abner Chase, the pioneer preacher, who visited the valley,
for the first time, in 1812, relates that in making his first trip
up the Canisteo, through an almost unbroken forest of pine
and hemlock, intermingled with oak, he inquired at a little log
cabin if he could be kept for the night, and was answered that
they were in the habit of entertaining travelers. They pro-
ceeded to turn his horse upon the grass down by the bank of
the river. A few minutes after a peddler, who was passing
through the country exchanging his goods for furs and deer-
skins, drove up, and also stopped for the night. Before they
lay down for the night the family informed them that they
might hear the howling of wolves or screech of a panther
during the night, but not to be alarmed, as they could not
break in. They also informed them that rattlesnakes some-
times crept up from under the floor, but they might sleep
upon the crossbeams, upon which was laid a piece of rude
flooring overhead, supporting a pallet of straw, upon which
they were to sleep, out of reach of the snakes.
Zeno Sellick occupied the valley farm joining the west
line of Rathbone, in 1825. His son, John Selleek, was an
early .settler in the Northrup Settlement.
John Helmer, who was the first settler above the May-
bery place, gave the name of Helmer Creek, which flowed
through his farm and emptied into the Canisteo River from
the north. Just out of sight from the river, on Helmer
Creek, is the only cheese-factory ever erected in Rathbone,
under the management of the proprietor, John Adamson,
whose father settled on the river below, in 1845. This fac-
tory was first opened in 1875, and has been steadily increas-
ing its business since its erection. A short distance above
the cheese-factory may be seen the foundation of a large
shingle-niill long since burned.
Cameron Mills, five miles above Rathboneville, was so
named by the post-oflBce department when a portion of the
old town of Cameron, and when transferred to the new town
of Rathbone still retained its old name, although causing
much confusion in the mails thereby. This place was first
known as Hubbardville, Daniel Hubbard, an enterprising
man from Broome County, having erected and operated the
first flouring-mill in the town, near the present mill, and
also opened a store. This place has received many additions,
and is at present a beautiful little hamlet, containing, besides
the mill, two blacksmith- and wagon-shops, a store, saw-mill,
a fine hotel near the neat little depot, a school-house, located
in a fine grove of oak and pine, which has been reserved
and fitted for a park and picnic ground, and seventeen fine
residences. Wm. Crawford, whose residence, just opposite
the depot, overlooking the river, is the most prominent, is
the son of an early settler, and the merchant of the place.
John Toles is a prominent business man of the place. Below,
towards Helmer Creek, Jonathan Rowley was an early settler.
Among the early settlers was also Benjamin Northrup,
located on the high, rolling land in the west part of the town
north of the Colo school-house, in what is now popularly
known as the Northrup Settlement, previous to 1829. His
sons, George, Mo.ses, James, Peter, and Norman, and their
descendants, are leading citizens in that part of the town.
Thomas Allen, from New Jersey, a man of remarkable
mathematical capacity, but without education, at an early
day lived on the town line of Cameron and WoodhuU, and
moved out of town, into another room, when displeased
with the action of the assessors.
Col. Franklin B., and his brother, Chauncey P. Hubbard,
built a water-mill in the heavy, unbroken forest, on the north
branch of Tuscarora Creek, and opened roads in 1829.
Their near neighbors to the north were Isaac Merrill and
Benjamin Norttirup.
The Cole school-house was built on the land of Jacob
Cole, who settled early on the hill, four miles south of
Rathboneville. The first schonl-house, built of logs, was
replaced by the present red school-house, about 1852. Re-
ligious meetings were held on this ground as early as the
first school, and have been continuous. When Jacob E.
Cole, who still occupies the old homestead, came, in 1847,
there were but few paths, and' much of the original forest
was still untouched. Stephen Gloyd, who had recently
came from Massachusetts, settled near the Cole school-
house, where his .son, Delos Gloyd, lives, in 1846. He
was one of the first elected justices of the town of Rath-
bone. Harvey Fultz was an early settler between the
school-house and Woodhull village.
Most of these hill lands arc covered with hard timber,
while the ravines and lower lands back from the river were
large bodies of hemlock, much of which is still standing.
The higher bluffs along the river were the home of the
whortleberry, which lay in rich blue clusters under tha
straggling chestnut pines, where resorted the dangerous
rattlesnake, both snakes and berries disappearing together
as the land became more generally cleared.
The hardy lumberman, living in his temporary hut with
his companions, working in midwinter with bared arms,
and the collar of his red flannel shirt turned back from his
muscular neck, clambering over logs and through the knee-
deep snow, cutting logs for thirty or thirty-five cents per
thousand feet, and spending his money with a recklessness
e(iual to that with which he dares the falling trees or flying
limbs, has given place to the quiet farmer, perhaps his son,
TOWN OF RATHBONE.
383
and in his old age sits quietly by the fireside, or attends to
feeding the stock of the farm during the long, idle winter
months. Rail-making is almost entirely abandoned ; the
broad zigzag lines of fence, which have since the early set-
tlement furnished the growing-place for raspberries and
blackberries, are fast rotting down, and being replaced by
more modern fences of wire or boards.
There are four saw-mills in that part of the town south
of the river, one of which contains a planing-, lath-
and shingle-mill. Seth Cook, the proprietor of this mill,
is one of the earliest settlers, and one of the oldest lumber-
men in the town. The gospel lot of one hundred acres,
donated by the Pulteney estate to the first religious organ-
ization in the original town of Woodhull, is in Rathbone,
joining the Woodhull line, and is farmed by the society,
thirty acres of wheat having been grown on the newly-
cleared portion in 1878.
The early elections were held on Bonny Hill, at the May-
bery tavern, which was a prominent place of gathering
for years, and at Addison. The first bridge was built on
the old county road, but after being carried off by a flood,
the crossing was changed to Baker's, in Cameron. This
made it inconvenient for teams in liigh-water, but a man on
horseback could still follow the old way of crossing (with
knees in the saddle), or lead the horse behind a canoe.
There are four river-bridges in the town.
EATHBONEVILLE.
As seen from the east, towards the cemetery, the village
of Rathboneville, the principal settlement of the town,
presents an individuality of appearance characteristic of the
enterprise of its citizens. From the church on the right,
which stands out in bold relief against the only cleared
slope in sight, a succession of large business houses extend
across the narrow valley to the river's bank. First, just
beyond the church is seen the little brown depot, beside
which rise the tall wooden structures comprising Burgett's
Hotel and Burgett's business block, extending across the
west end of the public square, each three stories in height,
and hiding completely the street on which are the remainder
of the buildings comprising the village. To the left of this
street, near the river, rises the first brick block in the vil-
lage, and one of the finest in the county. Tiiis block, built
in 1876, is occupied.by Whitmore Brothers & Co., of whom
Orman S. and Keyes Whitmore, who commenced business
here in 1845, were the original members. A few rods
farther down the river the large flouring-mill built by Henry
Rathbone, in 1855, occupies, with its out-buildings, the
south side of the square. On the bluff acro.ss tlie river,
and nearly 500 feet above, the farm-buildings of Kitchell
Lyon are visible over the mill. Upon the street beyond
the square are located the remainder of the business houses,
and beyond, the few fine residences comprising the remain-
der of the village, shaded by closely set maples 40 feet in
height, and extending to the bridge, a quarter of a mile
distant, which leads to the saw-mill and farm houses whore
once stood the Tracy mill of 1806. Surrounding the vil-
lage is a circle of hills, too steep to be cleared, and covered
to their tops with a growth of young pine and bare walls
of rock. Upon their summits are fi,ne faiming lands, well
tilled, and occupied by an industrious and hardy people,
who have for the second time removed the pines from some
of their lands, where lumbering first began fifty years ago.
A road was opened up the valley at an early day, and its
few citizens led an idle life, or worked hard for pleasure
rather than profit, until about 1828, when it began to be
learned that some gain might be had in rafting the logs cut
from trees near the banks of the river to the nearest mills
down stream, or selling them to some speculator as they lay
upon the banks. The work of cutting logs was hard, but
when they lay upon the skidways it required but little ready
cash to buy them.
The first real business of the town began with the advent
of Gen. Ransom Rathbone, who came in 1842 and engaged
in lumbering, opening the first store in the town on the
ground now occupied by Burgett's Hotel. He also opened
the first hotel in the place, which was kept byCjohn R.
Jones. } A post-office was opened, and received the name
of Rathboneville. Business activity began to be manifest
on every hand. Lumbermen came into the valley, and
joined those who already resided there in the ta.sk of re-
moving the forests of pine, felling the tall trees in almost
inaccessible positions upon the face of the bluffs, where
(when once fallen and cut into logs) it required strong
hands and brave hearts to unloose them and send them
thundering into the valleys below. High upon the hill-tops,
too, were cut thousands of logs, which had to be placed in
the valley. Bare, smooth roads, descending in straight
lines and bordered by thick young pines, mark the path
followed by these logs as they were rolled off at the top,
and hurled with terrific force down the steep hill-side, wear-
ing away the solid rock to a depth of several feet, and
striking with such force as to split logs two or three feet in
diameter, or send them spinning across the frozen river in
a manner as dangerous as startling to the beholder. Among
the prominent men of those days were Martin B. and Capt.
James Young, James H., Isaac, and John Mills, Joseph
Loughry, A. H. Kinney, a merchant of the town, and first
station-agent, Whitmore Brothers, Henry Rathbone, and
F Goff, farmer and lumberman. It was Maj. Rathbone, a
citizen of this town, who received the assassin's knife, while
intercepting the murderer of President Lincoln.
The people of the surrounding country came into the
Canisteo Valley to buy and to .sell, and in this valley were
collected the popular gatherings of the day. The boisterous
revelry of travel up and down the valley added to the
tumult, and furnished the groundwork for a name of law-
lessness which attaches to new settlements. Yet this valley
was remarkably free from crime. The earliest meetings
were held here ; and in Rathbone, Cameron, and all the
valley towns from Corning to Arkport and Dansville, relig-
ious services were held as early as settlement was made. Of
the early .settlers, men of hardihood, whose physical natures
were developed by the surroundings with which they battled,
many were early recorded as members of Christian churches,
and those still living are respected members of society. The
only destructive fire which has visited the village burned
the store of H. W. Rathbone and the Good Templars' Hall.
in 1853. But little shipment of butter was made at this
station previous to 1860, since which date it has been a
384
HISTORy OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
constantly-increasing product of the surrounding farms.
Much of the products of Jasper and WoodhuU find an out-
let through this village, which contains a fine church, about
120 inhabitants, and seven stores, besides the usual trades.
In 1874 a fine cemetery was laid out, half a mile below
the village. These grounds were donated to the Methodist
Episcopal society by Stephen Mead, and were dedicated by
the burial of Ella C, daughter of John H. Hasten, — a
leading member of the Methodist Church and business man
of the village.
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Rathbone was formed March 28, 1850, and
on the 6th day of May a special election was held at the
house of David A. Fulnier.«, for the election of town officers.
The town was named in honor of General Ransom Rath-
bone, father of the first supervisor, and the ofiicers elected
were William R. Rathbone, Supervisor; George W. Young,
Town Clerk; Israel Horton, Stephen Gloyd, Justices of the
Peace; Edmond L. Peckham, Superintendent of Common
Schools; Lucius Parker, Commissioner of Highways; Geo.
Northrup, Jonathan Bromley, Uri Scofield, Assessors ; Geo.
Barber, George Harrington, George B. Davis, Charles Rey-
nolds, Timothy T. Brooks, Constables; Abram Rodgers,
James Northrup, Overseers of the Poor ; Seth Whitmore,
Ira Boyer, William P. Barron, Inspectors of Election ;
Samuel Edmonds, Collector ; Samuel Mitchel, Town Sealer.
There were 243 votes cast at this election. William C.
Cummins was appointed assessor to fill vacancy of Uri Sco-
field, who declined to serve.
The town board at this election were C. H. Cool, George
C. Lloyd, George W. Young, and Seth Whitmore, Jr.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1856.
Wm. R. R,athbone.
George W. Young.
Samuel EJmonds.
1857.
Curimander H. Cole
tt tt
William Young.
1858.
AVm. R. Rathbone.
tt It
James Crawford.
1859.
George Northrup.
James B. Y'oung.
"
1860.
it tt
George W. Y'oung.
Samuel Pha?nix.
1861.
A. H. Kinney.
tt tt
•'
1862.
George C. LloyJ.
tt tt
tt tt
1863.
"
tt tt
tt t.
1864.
(( u
tt It
tt
1865.
John Miles.
tt tt
Israel Horton.
1866.
George W. Young.
Aug. F. Timernmn.
William Y'oung.
1867.
" "
"
Dan'l J. Chittenden
1868.
" "
James B. Y'oung.
Charles H. Wattles.
1869.
t* n
Aug. F. Timerman.
Franklin Harder.
1870.
tt It
Northrup V. Young.
William H. Warner
1871.
" "
(t tt
ii tt
1872.
1. <l
tt
..
1873.
<t tt
tt tt
Charles \V. Rumsej
1874.
James Northrup.
W. H. McChesney.
D. M. Rutherford.
1875.
John Kenally.
tt tt
Lewis D. Crawford.
1876.
" "
N. P. Y'oung.
John Adainson.
1877.
"
tt tt
u
1878.
Moses Northrup.
Warner Checsman.
Curtis Youug.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
1856. Israel Horton.
Stephen Gloyd.
1857. George C. Lloyd.
Stephen Gloyd.
1853. C. Barnum Torrence.
1859. George B. Young.
1S60. George C. Lloyd.
1861. Stephen Gloyd.
Nathan Y'oung.
1862. C. Barnum Torrence.
1863. Nathan T. Y'oung.
1864. Alfred Northrup.
1865. John Toles.
Ilarvev Fultz.
1866. Frederick D. Brown.
C. Barnum Torrence.
1867. C. H. Cole.
Seth Whitmore.
1868. John Kenally.
Israel Horton.
1809. Frederick D. Brown.
1870. C. H. Cole.
John Toles.
1871. John Kenally.
1872. John Kenally.
John Toles.
1873. Frederick D. Brown.
1874. John F. Bowyer.
1875. Alvah H. Kinney.
1876. Gilbert L. Wilbur.
Charles E. Severance.
1877. Charles P. Cole.
John Toles.
1878. John F. Bowyer.
CHURCHES.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Before religious meetings were held in Rathbone, the
few settlers living along the river-valley attended those in
what is now Cameron, farther up the river, where Rev.
Abner Chase preached as early as 1812, and was afterwards
joined in his long circuit by Revs. Ebenezer White and
Charles Giles. In 1831 a class was formed at the Town-
Line school-house, and Jacob Cole was made class-leader.
Samuel Miles was also a class-leader before the church was
built. James H. Miles, a leader in moral enterprises, and
a genial, vigorous speaker, was an early class-leader, — his
leadership commencing from the date of his marriage, in
1831, when a young man. Among the early members of
the Methodist Church were James Miles and wife, Stephen
Willard and wife, Jacob Cole and wife, RoUand Sanders,
Jonathan Herrington and wife, James Reynolds and wife,
Eleazer Geer and wife, Isaac McDufFey and wife. During
the pastorates of Revs. Carlos Gould and Samuel Nichols,
in 1844-45, a church was built in the town of Cameron,
joining the Addison line, and became known as the Town-
Line church. This church, costing §1100, was built by
James H. Miles, Stephen Willard, and Rolland Sanders,
trustees, and dedicated by Rev. Mr. Powers, of Painted
Post.
The subsequent formation of the town of Rathbone
placed this church in the centre of the new town. The
present officers of the Town-line church are Adam Wilson,
Cla.ss-Leader ; Adam Wilson, Finley Goff, Luther Sever-
ance, Stewards ; Luther Severance, Isaac Sanders, and Dr.
Samuel Mitchell, Trustees. E. D. Peckham was for many
years a prominent member and a class-leader of this society,
until his removal from the town, in 1878.
Among the pastors who have officiated in this town may
be mentioned, 1812-20, Revs. Abner Chase, Andrew
Peck, Robert Parker, Ebenezer White, and Charles Giles;
1821, Leeds Allen; 1824, Micah Seager, C. V. Adgate ;
1822, Solon Stocking, Eiisha Bibbins ; 1827, Levi B.
Castle, John Arnold ; 1835, Theodore McElheney, Thomas
Wheat; 1838, Charles Wheeler ; 1840, Philo P. Tower ;
1841, R. T. Hancock; 1842, John Bowman; 1844, Carlos
Gould; 1845, Samuel Nichols; 1847, William Potter,
Ebenezer Colson ; 1848—19, Joseph Ashworth ; 1859,
J. Knapp; 1860, E. D. Rosa, Buell, I. J. B.
McKinney, Wm. Sharp, A. A. Van Allen, C. G. Lowell,
M. Jackson, F. M. Smith ; 1876, W. Bartle, H. Peck, J.
H. Blades.
A class was formed at the Cole school-house, in the south
part of the town, by Rev. William Potter, during his pas-
torate in 1847, with Jacob Cole, Class-Leader, and Jacob
TOWN OF RATHBONE.
385
E. Cole, Steward. Among the early members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in the town of Rathbone,
besides those mentioned above, were Martin B. Young and
wife, Mrs. James Young, John H. Soper, Mrs. Israel Per-
sons, Lewis H. Bridgeman, and others, who in 1850 joined
in building a large edifice in the village of Rathboneville,
where the population and business of the town then cen-
tred. James H. Miles, Lewis H. Bridgeman, Ira Martin,
Lewis Crawford, Martin B. Young, J. H. Soper, and Wil-
liam D. Smith were the trustees. The ground was donated
by Gen. Ransom Rathbone. The usual difficulty of col-
lecting subscriptions and paying for material was avoided
by giving John Toles the subscription for building the
church complete. At its dedication, in 1850, this was one
of the finest churches in the charge, and its meetings were
well sustained by the inhabitants of the surrounding coun-
try. This church is finely situated on an elevation over-
looking the town, and is joined by a hand.some parsonage.
In 1874 the Rathboneville charge was formed from parts
of Woodhull and Rathbone, and includes the Cole school-
house, Hedgesville, and Rathboneville. The class-leaders
have been James H. Miles, George W. Young, Lewis
Gokey, A. F. Timerman, and the present leader, Joseph
Burlingame; Rev. William Bartle is pastor; John H. Mas-
ten, Recording Steward ; Northrup P. Young and John
Dewel, Stewards; Osman S. Whitmore, N. P. Young, and
John H. Masten, Trustees. The present membership is
67, including 20 at the Cole school-house. Rev. William
Bartle is pastor of the Rathboneville Church, and Rev. J.
H. Blades is pastor of the Town-Line Church ; both of
which organizations are well sustained.
MILITARY RECORD OF RATHBONE.
David C. Chase, Corp., Co. B, 86th Eegt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
Alanson Fancher, Co. B, 80th Kegt.; enl. Aug. 30, 1861.
Matthew Phoenix, Co. B, 8Cth Regt. ; enl. Ang. 30, 1861.
Lyman K. Root, Co. B, 861h Regt.; enl, Aug. 30, 1801.
Wolcott C. Torrence, Co. B, 86th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 3D, 1861.
Peter D. Titus, Co. B, 86th Regt.; enl. Oct. 2, 1861.
Silvestus S. Bailey, Co. I, 80th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 24, 1801.
Edward Dickinson, Co. I, 86th Regt.; enl. Oct. 24, 1861.
Lester C. Disbrow, Co. I, 86th Regt. ; enl. Nov. 8, 1801.
Samuel Dickinson, Jr., Co. 1, 86th Regt.; enl. Nov. 12, 1861.
William M. Wood, Co. I, 86th Regt.; enl. Oct. 24, 1861.
49
Charles H. Young, Co. K, 86th Regt.; onl. Aug. 30, 1861.
John Phinney, Co. K, SOtli K^gt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1801.
Charles H. Reynolds, Corp., Co. F, 107th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862.
William S. McCrca, 1st sergt., Co. G, 141st Eegt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1802.
Isaac Hiiriington, Corp., Co. G, 14l3t Regt. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1802.
George Day, musician, Co. G, lllst Regt. ; enl. Sept. U, 1862.
Samuel S. Brink, Co. G, Ulst Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1802.
Edson L. Burr, Co. G, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Jacob H. Cole, Co. G, 141st Regt. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
Jacob Conins, Co. G, 141st Uegl. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
John P. Crans, Co. G, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Franklin E. De Groat, Co. G, 14l8t Regt. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
William Houghtailing, Co. 0, 14Ist Regt. ; onl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Reuben Jacobs, Co. G, I41st Regt.; eid. Sept. II, 1862.
John Jacobs, Co. G, lllst Regt. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
George W. Kimble, Co. G, lllst Regt ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Edwin R. Nolton, Co. G, 14Ist Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
Amos C. Stewart, Co. G, lllst Regt. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Henry Stewart, Co. G, 141ist Regl.j enl. Sept, 11, 1802.
Lewis Woodsworth, Co. G, lllst Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
William C. Chamberlain, Co. B, S6th Regt.; enl. Aug. 30, 1801.
Samuel Merring, 86th Regt.; killed at Wilderness.
Martin Sherman, Co, H, 179th Regt; onl. Aug. 18, 1804.
Michael Spelling, Co. E, lllst N. Y. Inf.
Horner Stevens, Co. A, 107th N. Y. Inf.
George F. Cole, Co. G, 50th N. Y. Kng.
David Calkins, Co. H, 101st N. T. Inf.
Orson Burlingame, Co. G, 2d Vet. Cav.
William F. Hawley, Co. D, 1st Mtd. Rifles.
Vinson De Groat, Co. B, 107th N. Y. Inf.
Charles H. Young, Co, F, 107th Inf.
George E, Merring, Co. K, 80th N, Y. Inf.
Julius Lattin, Co. H, 04th N. Y. Inf.
Fred. D. Brown, Co. — , lllst N. Y. Inf.
tliarles Smith, Co. F, 17th Vet. Res. Corps.
James B. Y'oung, lOtli Co., 2d Bat. Vet. Res. Corps.
John W. Sanders, Co. A, lOth N. Y. Cav,
Uriah P, Blain, 53d Co,, 2d Bat, Res, Corps,
Reuben Jacobs, 101st Co., Vet, Res, Corps.
William H, Case, Co, K, Olth N. Y, Inf,
Amander G. Cole, Co. G, 2d Vet. Cav.
Samuel J. Phoenix, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf.
Frederick D. Cooper, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav.
Jacob W. Myers, Co. G, Olth N, Y, Inf,
Curtis F, Young, Co, F, 107th N. Y, Inf.
Thomas J. Young, 1st sergt., Co. F, 107th N. Y, Inf
Charles W, Titus, Co, F, 107th N, Y, Inf,
Henry A, Smith, Co. G, lllst N. Y. Inf.
Frederick W. Young, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf,
Henry Young,
, Austin Root, Co, F, 107tli N. Y, Inf. \
James B. Jones, Co, F, 107th N. Y. Vi>
Ira Stevens, Alanson Planchard, Darwin A. Cole.
Edson Ripley, 23d N. Y. Inf ; died in service.
Israel Washburn, 23d N. Y. Inf
John Boothe, 23d N. Y, Inf
Eugene Martin, 23d N, Y, Inf,
Elijah Monroe, 23d N, Y, Inf
"William H. Warner.
THURSTON.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
Thitrston, formed from Cameron, Feb. 28, 1844, is an
interior town, sitnated sonthcast of the centre of the county.
Its surface consists of high, rolling upland, chiefly, forming
the dividing ridge between the Conhotton and Canisteo
Eivers. The streams are Stockton Creek, in the northwest
part of the town, and Michigan Creek, in the south, flowing
in deep, narrow ravines, bordered by steep hill-sides. The
soil is chiefly a shaly and gravelly loam.
EARLT SETTLEMENT.
In the northwest corner of the town of Thurston rises a
high ridge of hills, north of Stocking Creek, and occupying
a portion of the town, comprising sis square miles, separated
from the remainder of the town by a deep, narrow ravine,
known as the Gulf This gulf is impassable, except at a
single point at the south, where is a flat of some six acres,
occupied by the steam saw-mill of A. E, Tost, and the
usual accompanying residences. The Gulf above is narrow
and dark, from 300 to 400 feet deep, and filled with the
original growth of hemlock and hard timber. The hill is
high and quite broken. It was on this high land that
Luke Bonny and William Smith made the first settlement
in the town, in 1813, Mr, Bonny received much encour-
agement from the land-ofiBce, and was awarded the job of
cutting a road from Bath south, through the town, crossing
Otter Creek at Eisingville,
The hill on which he settled still bears his name. In
1823 his widow was living in the valley below, where ho
bad previously died.
Anderson Carpenter, brother of Timothy Carpenter,
settled near the Methodist Episcopal church, in the north-
west corner of the town, in 1S13, and he, too, died almost
alone in the wilderness. He was killed by the fall of a
tree, in 1817.
Amos Dickinson, whose sons, David, Samuel, and Amos
Dickinson, are well-known residents of the town, settled
near Anderson Carpenter, in 1S14, moving from Bath to
that place. Joseph Fluent joined them in 1S17, and the
next year (1818) was married to Fanny Dickinson. These
were the first persons married in Thurston.
David Smith, brother of William, and father of Mrs.
Gay, came in 1S22.
In 1826, Harvey Haliiday, Jacob Parker, John and
Boanerges Fluent, and John Stocking had joined the
settlement on Bonny Hill.
The first school was taught by Caroline Vinan, in 1818,
near the present school-house. A school-meeting was
called in 1S2S, and SlOO were appropriated to build a frame
school-house, 20 by 24 feet in size. In December, at a
special meeting which was called to buy a stove, it was
386
" voted that all hardness and quarreling in this district
shall cease from this date, and we shall live in peace, as
neighbors ought to do," This frame school-house was the
old red school-house, still standing near the church, in
which the early meetings were held, and which was re-
paired and painted red in 1848,
Harlow Smith, for many years a prominent and highly-
respected citizen of Thurston, came from Hector in 1826
and settled on Bonny Hill, His son, Pitt M, Smith, the
only remaining member of the family, still lives in the
town, near the old Bonny place.
Moses D. Depue, father of John S, Depue and A, R,
Depue, now of Bath, but for many years leading citizens
of Thurston, fettled on Bonny Hill in 1830.
Stephen Aldrich, with his sons. Warner M., Thomas S,,
Stephen, and George, — one of whom, Warner, was mar-
ried,— came from Rhode Island and located in the south
part of the town in 1822, Thomas Aldrich still occupies
the old homestead between Risingville and the little sheet
of water known as Friends' Pond, so called from the fact
that these early settlers were of the Society of Friends,
Rev. Mr. Tripp used to come from the East to preach with
them at the settlement The older members of the family
are still respected members of the Society of Friends and
leading citizens. Leonard Aldrich, who was elected asso-
ciate judge in 1S7-, is a son of Warner M. Aldrich.
Stephenson Pugsley settled half a mile southwest of Ste-
phen Aldrich. From this high rolling land may be seen
the cleared hills beyond Merthautville and Risingville, and
the still higher lands of Bonny Hill, to the northwest.
William and James Jack, from Cecil Co., Md., were also
early settlers near the Friends. AVilliam Jack still lives on
the farm where he first cleared an acre of land in 1822,
and returned to Maryland for his family, moving with slow-
going oxen and camping at Campbelltown while he cut a
road to his form. James >«', Jack, the veteran school-
teacher of the town, and Christie A, Jack, who occupies
the old homestead, are his sons.
Samuel Fisk, who came in the same year, occupied the
joining lot towards the east. Amos, Ethias, and Boralis
Fisk lived at Merehantville, Ethiiis building his house
where Deacon Wm. Merchant lives, next to the old store,
and the two others below.
There was no one living south between the Friends' Set-
tlement and the river, Seth Cook and Arnold Payne, both
natives of Rhode Island, were early settlers near Thomas
Aldrich,
The Goodhue Pond, near this settlement, — which was
called New Michigan, — is a deep body of pure water,
1200 yards in length and half as wide, and lying in the
southern part of Thurston, northeast coruer of Cameron,
TOWN OF THURSTON.
387
and northwest corner of Addison, and is well stocked with
a variety of fish. It has alwaj's been a favorite resort.
Early settlers came from the north of the town to catch
fi.sh in this pond, and pickerel weighing upwards of 100
pounds have been taken from it. It is fed by a subterra-
nean spring, and is surrounded by steep hills, upon which
are fine farming-lands. This lake was stocked with bass
by the fish commission in 187.3.
The Cranberry or Friends' Pond, to the west, near the
south line of the town, is a bottomless spring, half a mile
across. It is located on the top of the dividing ridge, a
mile or more from the Canisteo Kiver and five hundred and
fifty feet above the river-valley, and is surrounded by rolling
lands, which are now well-improved farms. It is filled with
pickerel and perch — which are the natural fish of the pond
— and is remarkable for the coolucss of its waters. The
early settlers resorted here to gather cranberries, which
grew in great abundance upon the soft, boggy lands sur-
rounding it.
M. 0. Keith, who came from Massachusetts in 1834 and
settled a mile south of Risingville, near Mr. Jack, was the
father of Albert W. Keith, the proprietor of the Merchant-
ville mill and a prominent citizen of the town.
John Vanderwarker and Henry Forburg made a clearing
between Risingville and Merchanlville in 1820, and planted
an orchard, which was abandoned, and, growing up to pines,
was forgotten. In 1876 lumbermen, cutting this second
growth of heavy timber, discovered a part of the apple-
trees standing at regular distances from each other.
William Hawley settled on the Phillips place, near Mer-
chantville, in 1820.
Fenner Eddy came from Rhode Island, and in 1832
opened a custom-tannery a short distance below, on the
place now occupied by his son, Jeremiah F. Eddy. In
1836, Stephen Aldrich and Fenner Eddy were mentioned
often on the town clerk's books as receiving wolf-bounty
certificates.
The first saw-mill was built by Paris Wheelock, on Otter
Creek, near the east line.
Lifus Fish was an early settler in the northeast, on a
branch of the Conhocton. John Corbett settled on North
Hill, near him, and was for years well known throughout
the town.
Many marshes, or bodies of level, wet land, were found
upon the hill-tops in the southern part of the town, some
of which still exist, while most of those cleared have been
drained, and are rich bodies of land, though small in
extent. The lands furnished a variety of timber. The
early settlers chose that covered with hemlock, beech, and
maple, avoiding the pine lands until lumbermen came in
and bought the lands they had rejected, because of the
stumps, which never rotted. When these lands were found
to be valuable, they were already taken up.
Going to Bath to buy goods, or make payments and con-
tracts with the land-office ; to Erwin's mill to trade, and to
Cameron Corners to attend election and town business; or
training at Troupsburgh, were the only pleasure excursions
of fifty years ago ; but a variety of occupation was to be
had at home, — hunting, fishing, and clearing new land, or
searching the deep woods for stray cattle.
Edwin Merchant came from Herkimer County, in 1841,
and purchasing at the land-office the site of the present
village, opened a blacksmith- and wagon-shop in the woods
between Wni. Hawley's farm and Fenner Paddy's tannery.
In 1845 he built the saw-mill. The opening of the lum-
bering settlement at Risingville increased the business of
this place, and in 18.54, Alvah Carpenter and 0. P. Alder-
man purchased the store of Harley Sears, who moved from
Risingville the year before.
From that time Merchantville has been a trading-point
and business centre. A daily mail is received from Camp-
bell, continuing through to Ri.singville, three miles above,
on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There arc here
four stores, a saw- and shingle-mill, two blacksmith-shops,
a wagon- and a paint-shop ; Methodist Episcopal church
and parsonage, Christian church, school-house, and twenty-
six dwellings. It is located along the north bank of Otter
Creek, and is an old-looking village, though neat in appear-
ance. To the south, a quarter of a mile distant, a steep
hill, extending past the village, rises to the height of one
hundred and fifty feet, covered with the debris of fallen
timber from which the valuable portion has long since
been removed. The surrounding country, though rough
and broken, affords a liberal support to the business of the
place.
In the year 1852, Josephus Turbell, of Goshen, Orange
Co., and Charles Osborne, of Corning, bought a large tract
of heavy pine timber in the eastern part of the town, and
erected a large mill in the valley of Risingville. At this
time there was a clearing of some 15 acres in the valley,
upon which were two houses, one of which was occupied
by Noble H. Rising, and an old seedling apple-orchard,
which for the inferiority of its fruit was unrivaled.
Campbell — a store, tavern, and platform beside the Buffalo
and Corning Railway, seven miles distant — was the outlet.
Three miles towards Campbell, in the eastern part of Thurs-
ton, was Merchantville, where was a saw-mill, the Eddy
tannery, Mr. Merchant's wagon-shop, half a dozen houses,
and a school-house, in which meetings were held. The
Risingville mill was a leading institution of its kind. Two
40-horse power engines furnished the power. An old-
fashioned gate, with a single saw, cut all dimensions of lum-
ber to order ; a second cut the sides of the log into boards,
leaving the flat body to be fumed down and run through
the 30 saws of the " gang," which left it a pile of finished
boards, ready to be .stored in the mill-yard, or hauled on
wagons to Campbelltown for shipment. A shingle-mill, a
picket-saw, a wood-saw, and an " edger" completed the
equipment. Some thirty hands were required in and about
the mill. A blacksmith-shop was a necessary adjunct. A
large boarding-house was built near the mill for the single
hands, and dwellings were erected along the road for the
families of the married ones.
The old Rising House was turned into a boarding-house
for the teamsters and choppers in the woods, and large
barns were built for the accommodation of their teams. A
store, the first in the town, was opened near the mill by
Harley Sears. Nineteen houses were erected in the settle-
ment, and men began to buy forms and improve them in
the immediate surrounding country. A school was estab-
388
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Hshed, and meetings were regularly held by the ministers
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occasionally by
Rev. 0. P. Alderman. A Sunday-school was also opened
with a large attendance. A Masonic lodge was established,
E. P. Mulford being the first Worshipful Master. Good
Templars held their sessions in the same hall, which was in
the upper story of the boarding-house, and the " Know
Nothings," who were traced to the bushes under the large
apple-tree in the front yard, were said to have also held
their meetings there. A post-office was opened in 1853,
and Noble H. Rising was made postmaster.
The white-pine edgings, which accumulated rapidly at
the mill, were run out on an elevated railway and thrown
upon the ground, until the pile was high enough to extend
the temporary track upon its top. When a mound had
been formed some 40 feet in diameter, the railway was
removed and the pile was fired, to destroy the encumbrance
of so much wood. While it was building, the whole settle-
ment supplied their fires with fuel from this pile.
The business of the town centred at Risingville for
several years, through the influence of lumbering, and the
yellow paper money of the Bank of Goshen, familiarly
called " butter money," with which the hands were paid,
became well known throughout the town.
Turbell & Co. had some 2000 acres of heavy pine lands,
which were gradually made into small farms after the lum-
bering ceased. The settlement was finally abandoned, and
the old buildings have been removed or fallen into decay.
The old mill was destroyed by fire, and has since been
replaced by a small grist-mill, the first in the town, which
was erected by Eber Fi.sk, in 1874.
The principal occupant and present owner of the valley
which comprised this settlement is James Jerry, a native
of Berthier, Montreal, Canada, who came to the settlement
as a sawyer in the mill, but is now one of the most influ-
ential citizens and a leading dairy farmer of the town.
His residence, on the site of the old house where the log
teamsters boarded and held their boisterous carnivals, is
one of the finest in Thurston. The family of Thomas
Spencer, who came from Springwater in 1853, occupies the
Noble Rising place, and a neat little church has been added
to the settlement, which also contains a school-house, two
stores, and five other residences. Mr. Carty Wright, a
farmer, a short distance below the grist-mill, and William
and James Hanrihan, who settled in the southwest corner
of the town, first came to work in the Turbell mill.
John Richtnjyer settled a mile north of Risingville, in
1848. His son, William Richtmyer, is a prominent farmer,
and has been supervisor of the town. H. G. Willard was
one of the earliest settlers on the hill to the east.
There are two cheese-factories in the town, one on Bonny
Hill, and another opened in 1875, by John Adamson, in
the southwest.
Leonard Aldrich and Lyman H. Phillips, residents of
Merchantville, have both filled the office of justice of ses-
sions.
ORGANIZATION.
This town was named in honor of William B. Thurston,
a member of the Society of Friends or " Quakers," and one
of the principal land-owners of the town.
At the first annual election of the town of Thurston, held
in the house of Joseph Cross, on the present Beaton place,
on North Hill, April 2, 1844, the following officers were
elected : Joseph Cross, Supervisor ; Noble H. Rising, Town
Clerk; John S. De Pue, Henry Briggs, Peter D. Edsell,
Arnold Payne, Justices of the Peace ; Henry Rising, James
L. Ostrander, Fenner Eddy, Assessors ; William Jack,
Amos Fluent, Jared Goodsell, Commissioners of Highways ;
Stephen Wakeman, Abijah Youmans, Overseers of the
Poor ; John S. Eddy, Collector ; Oliver Stewart, Oliver
Baker, James A. Booth, Jefierson Moore, Nathan Stephens,
Constables ; Warner A. Aldrich, Samuel R. Creveling,
Aaron R. De Pue, Inspectors of Election.
LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1844.
Joseph Cross.
Noble H. Rising.
John S. Eddy.
1845.
Fenner Eddy.
"
"
Bliph.as Fish.
1846.
" "
Sam
'1 R. Crev
eling.
Stephen Wakeman.
1847.
"
"
"
tt it
1848.
"
tt
'
Oliver Stewart.
1849.
John S. De Pue.
Noble H. Rising.
tt It
1850.
"
"
,i
.lohn Roj'ce.
1851.
Noble H. Rising.
Thomas P. Aldrich.
" "
1862.
Cornelius Bouton.
'
•'
.( it
1853.
<• it
Sam
1 R. Crev
eling.
Lewis Sears.
1854.
John Rojce.
Sch-
yl'rD. Jo
anson
John A. Stocking.
1855.
"
Edwin Merchant.
"
1856.
John S. De Pue.
((
"
Clark Babcoek.
1857.
H li
William Merchant.
" "
1858.
it li
'
tt
it it
1859.
" "
Edwin Merchant.
it it
1860.
it tt
"
"
tt tt
1861.
ti u
tt
It
tt it
1862.
It tt
"
tt
tt tt
1863.
tt tt
It
tt
tt it
1864.
tt tt
"
"
tt tt
1865.
tt It
It
tt
Andrew Shauger.
1866.
Oliver P. Alderman
"
"
"
1867.
Alva Carpenter.
Harmon Stevens.
James Medowell.
1868.
James Jerry ."■^■"
Edwin Merchant.
Andrew Shauger.
1869.
Alva Carpenter.
0. F
. Corwin.
"
1870.
tt tt
Smy
r A. Whitcomb.
•' "
1871.
tt tt
."
"
Seward Aldrich.
1872.
Lewis Masters.
It
"
Hen. Knickerbocker
1873.
it tt
tt
((
it it
1874.
Lyman H. Phillips.
tt
tt
it it
1875.
James Jerry.
Orlando F. Corwin.
" "
1876.
"
Kzrn
iM. Royee.
it it
1877.
William Richtmyer
tt
tt
John A. Filkins.
1878.
•' "
Orlando F. Co
rwin.
Josiah R. J. Johnson
B. F. Stamp.
JUSTICES
OF THE PEACE.
1844.
John S. De Pue.
1851.
B. B
Bancroft.
Henry Briggs.
1852.
J. S.
De Pue.
Peter D. Edsell.
185.3.
Eleazer P. Mulford.
Arnold Paj'ne.
1854.
H. P
Clark.
1845.
Edwin Merchant.
1855.
B. B
Bancroft.
Warner M. Aldrich.
1856.
Jcrrad H. Goodsell.
1846.
Joseph Cross.
1857.
Schuyler D. Johnson.
Abijah Youmans.
John
Conner.
Peter D. Edsell.
Henry Briggs-
1847.
Benjamin B. Bancroft.
John
S. De Pue.
1848.
John S. Do Pue.
Henry Briggs.
1858.
H. P
J. S.
. Clark.
De Pue.
IS49.
Henry Briggs.
1859.
Henry Briggs.
1850.
Warner M. Aldrich.
Jamea N. Jack.
* At the regular election Alva Carpenter and Leonard Aldrich, can-
didates for supervisor, received a tie votej and James Jerry was
elected at a special election.
TOWN OF THURSTON.
389
I860.
John S. De Piie.
1868.
1861.
John Kichtmyer.
1869.
1862.
Leonard Aldrich.
1870.
1863.
Orson D. Davis.
1871.
1864.
John S. De Puo.
1872.
Orson D. Davis.
1873.
1865.
Andrew Shauger.
1874.
1866.
Ljman Phillips.
1875.
Leonard Aldrich.
1876.
1867.
Orson D. Davis.
1877.
Hervey Halliday.
1878.
CHUR
OHES.
Charles E. Richtinyer.
Lyman Philli|)S.
Leonard Aldrich.
Z. S. Helm.
Charles E. Richtmyer.
Lyman H. Phillips.
Leonard Aldrich.
Zachariah S. Helm.
Charles E. Riolitmyer.
Lyman II. Phillips.
Henry Morrison.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Rev. Buel Parker is said to have preached in Tliurston
in 1814. Meetings were held on Bonn)! Hill in the old
log school-house, and in the school-house which stands near
the church, soon after its erection in 1S2G. Harlow Smith,
Amos Dickinson, and their families, were among the early
members. Joseph Marrow was the first class-leader. Mrs.
Gay, daughter of David Smith, one of the first settlers on the
hill, is the only original member living. The organization
was a partof that of Bath for many years. Rev. Charles Brun-
dage came from Allegany County in 1842, and through his
exertions the church was erected, and made a free church
for all Christian denominations. This church was built by
Moses Dudley and Harlow Smith, trustees, on land donated
by Rev. Mr. Brundage, and dedicated by Rev. ■ Bab-
cock, presiding elder, in February, 1843. Rev. Mr. Brun-
dage delivered an anti-slavery lecture in the church soon
after its erection, making himself .somewhat unpopular
thereby, and causing much local confusion and discussion,
which extended to the meeting of the next annual con-
ference.
The present officers of the church are Pitt M. Smith,
Recording Steward ; Joseph Marr, Fred. Keyser, Benja-
min Van Gelder, Stewards ; F. Keyser, P. M. Smith,
Henry Sprague, John Adams, D. H. Dickinson, Trustees.
Revs. Buel Parker, Wm. Henry, Asa Story, Cyrus Story,
McElheny, Hoag, Parker, and Ev-
erett were early preachers in this part of the town.
Present pastor, Rev. M. Davison.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP RISINGVILLE.
Meetings were held on the hill near Risingville in the
old red school-house, previous to 1841, the pastor supply-
ing the congregation alternately with that at some other
school-house. There are no reords of a class having been
regularly organized previous to 1850. A three days' quar-
terly-meeting was held in the Turbell mill, in the summer
of 1855, and was largely attended. Services were held in
the old Sears store, and in the Aldrich school-house, a
mile south, until the mill settlement was partially aban-
doned. Afterwards, as the country around became more
improved, a permanent organization was effected by the
farming community, and in 18G4 a fine church building
was erected by Alex. Sutton, Thomas Spencer, McCarty
Wright, James A. Booth, A. Shauger, C. W. Martin, and
Wm. R. Richtmyer, trustees. Rev. D. W. T. Huntington
preached the dedicatory sermon.
The following pastors have preached to this class : Wm.
Arnold, Cyrus Story, 1852, Wm. E. Pindar; 1853,
Day; 1854, A. F. Morey ; 1855, C. Gould; 1856, Sey-
mour G. Ryenvault; 1865, W. Woalgemath ; 1866, L. S.
Grandon; 1868, D. W. Gates; 1878, J. Knapp ; 1879,
John Stevens.
Class- Leaders : 1850, John Richtmyer; 1858, Thomas
Spencer, and McCarty Wright, present leader. Stewards :
1853, E. P. Mulford, John Richtmyer; 1878, Charles H.
Martin, who is also clerk. The present Tru.stees are Au-
gustus Tompkins, David Wright, Robert Heckman, Isaac
Warrick, Wm. White, McCarty Wright, and Oscar W.
Sutton.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP MERCHANTVILLE.
A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at Merchant-
ville, previous to 1850, by Rev. Wm. Arnold, and consisted
of 11 members, among whom were Anthony Collson and
wife, John W. Collson, Emma Collson, Clark Babcock and
wife, William Merchant and wife, and Annette Terry. A
church was built in 1801, during the pastorate of Rev. J.
W. Brown, and dedicated by Rev. Mr. Congdon, Presiding
Elder. The first Trustees were John Brock, Anthony
Collson, H. G. Willard, Eber Fisk, and John W. Collson.
Anthony Collson was first class-leader and steward.
The pa.stors have been Revs. Wm. Arnold, Charles Bush,
3Ierritt, Countryman, John Knapp, W. W.
Mandeville, L. L Grandon, Bronson Covey, Cook,
John Knapp, John Stevens.
The present officers of the church are Albert W. Keith,
Recording Steward ; Lewis Curtis, Class-Leader ; J. W.
Collson. N. Sterling, L. H. Curti.s, A. W. Keith, Trustees.
There are 20 members in good standing on the church
roll.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF THURSTON.
This church was first organized at Smith's school-house,
in the town of Bath, March 26, 1836, by Rev. G. A. Hen-
drick. Afterwards the increase of membership from the
south caused a change from Bath to West Hill, in the cen-
tral part of Thurston, which occurred March 20, 1842,
during the pastorate of Elder E. Fleming. Among the
first members were Robert Colyer and wife, Jared Goodsell
and wife, Fanny Folsoni, Mahetibal Havens, Adaline Gris-
wold, Lydia J. Goodsell, and Harlcy Sears and wife.
While Elder Hendrick labored with this church, 44 were
baptized and 50 admitted to membership. During this re-
vival, Chester D. Kinney and William D. Rutherford were
converted. Afterwards they were ordained and became
eminent ministers of the Christian Church. Attempts
were made to have the place of worship at Bath, on the
division of the school district in 1844, which deprived
them of a place of worship. In that year Rev. Oliver P.
Alderman, who had become a resident of Merchantville,
awakened a new interest in the church, making many addi-
tions to its membership. The fellowship meetings were
then changed to the Aldrich Settlement, then known as
'■ New Michigan." In the winter of 1846-47, Elders
Kinney and Rutherford held meetings at Merchantville,
then called Otter Creek, converting large numbers, and
making that the centre of the church in Tliurston.
The Merchantville church was commenced in April, and
390
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
was dedicatod June 27, 1852. After the dedication ser-
vices were coDcludud, Mr. Oliver Burley aud Miss Jane
Hall stood up in the crowded assembly and were united in
marriage.
The church was built at an expense of $600, by Edwin
Merchant, Marias O. Keith, and John Royce, Trustees ;
Edwin Merchant donating the grounds. The building was
made free for all denominations when not in use by the
society. Among the early members here were also Deacon
John Rutherford and wife, Levi Peters, Isaac Dewitt, Levi
Peters and wife. B. Simmons and PI Merchant were early
deacons. The church now comprises 92 members. The
present officers are Edwin Merchant, Treasurer and Deacon ;
0. P. Corwin, Cleric ; John F. Keith, Edmond Jones,
p]dwin Merchant, Trustees.
The following-named pastors liave preached in the church
of Thurston, Rev. Oliver P. Alderman, a prominent mis-
sionary preacher of the Tioga River Christian Conference,
supplying the pulpits of Thurston and Cameron when
vacant, since 184-1: : 1836, Gideon A. Hendrick ; 1842,
E. Fleming, James M. Westeott; 1844, Jabez Chadwick ;
1846, Chester D. Kinney; 1847, William D. Rutherford;
1848-55, Oliver P. Alderman; 1856, W. D. Rutherford,
A. Burlingame ; 1857-64, 0. P. Alderman ; 1865, Bryant
R. Kurd ; 1866, Abner J. Welton ; 1867, B. II. Kurd ;
1869--70, Henry C. Wilber; 1871, Wm. K. Stamp ; 1872,
Henry Leonardson ; 1873, John H. Carr; 1874, Lewis
C. Palmeteer; 1875-77, A. J. Hammond; 1878, Oliver
P. Alderman, the present pastor.
MILITARY RECORD OP THURSTON.
Colconl, Albert, private, 78th Rogt., Co. K; enl. July 9, 1863, threp years.
Dickinson, David Harrison, private, 2M Regt., Co. A; enl. May IG, 1861, two
years; re-enl. 22d Regt., Co. G, Jan. IG, 1864, three years; disch, Aug. 9,
1865.
Dickinson, Francis Asbury, private, 23d Regt., Co. A; enl. Blay IG, 1863, two
years; re-enl. 16lh Regt., Co.'C, Dec. 2.S, 18G4; discli. Aug. 25, lS6,i.
Stockings, Alva Joliu, private, 161st Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 25, 1863, three
years.
Sliauger, Andrew, 3d sergt., 80th Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 18, 1861, three years.
Wright, Robert, private, Ist Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year.
Speusl)e, Frank, private, 9Stli Regt., Co. A; enl. Aug. 10, 1864, three months.
Booth, Frank, private, 8Gth Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three yeara; disch.
by vvonnil.
Croas, Mitcliel Fitch, private, 189lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year.
Stevens, Ilarinun, private, 107tli Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 3, 18G2, three years.
Bailey, Alexander, Corp., 111st Refit., Co. E; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, th-ee yeara.
Downing, TlionuLs William, 2d sergt., 86tli Regt ,Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three
J'eai-s.
Piatt, Willis, priv:it6, 189th Regt., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 1, 1864, one year.
Piatt, George, private, 2 id Regt , Co. D ; enl. May 16, 1861.
Piatt, Legrand, private, S6lh Regt., Co. C; enl. Aug. 14, 1861; killed at Gettys-
burg, July 2,1863.
Phillips, Ljman, Corp., 141st Regl., Co. E; enl. Aug. 21, 1862.
Gleason, Ezra, 2d lient., 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years;
wouniled at Ant.etani, Sept. 17, 18C2; disch. Nov. 2, 1862.
Taylor, William, private, 189th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year.
Edsell, Peter Harmon, private, 50th Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years;
re-enl. Dee. 26, 1S61; pro. to sergt., 7th of April; disch. June 13, 1865.
Tillett, Richard Thomas, private, 86th Regt., Co. C; enl. Oct. 19,1861, three
years; re-enl. Dec. ;;l, 18 i3; pro. to com. -sergt., Oct. 6, 1864; disch. June
27, 1865.
Youngs, Blakesley Rufus, private, 23d Regt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, twenty
months.
Johnson, AlonziJ, private, 107tli Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years;
wounded at Antietim, Sept. 17, 1862; died and buried on the field.
Benedict, Erasmus David, private, 50lh Regt., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, tln-ee
years.
Sagar, William, private, 107lh Regt., Co. G ; enl. .\ug. 6, 1862, three years.
Goodsell, Jerrod Isaac, private, 50lh Regt., Co. E; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three
years,
Johnson, Elijah Anson, private, 189th Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 30, 1864.
Thompson, Francis Willianj, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, three years;
pro. to corp , Dec. 16, 1861 ; died at Chattanooga, Teun.
Jack, Washington John, private, 9oth Regt., Co. H; drafted July 1, 1863; taken
pris. May 20, 1864, near Fredericksburg; taken to Richmond, then to
Andersonville, where lie died, Sept. 2, 1864.
Jack, Brownel Uby, priv.ate, 86th Re^'t., Co. B ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861 ; died at
home.
Jack, Boman, private, 86th Regt., Co. B ; enl. .Aug. 30, 1861. three yeara.
Jack, Amur, private, lilst Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1S62, three yeara.
Heekmm, Lafayette, private, 1st Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year.
Keith, ftlerifield Merrel, private; enl. Aug. 29,1864; died at post hosp., City
Point, Va., Nov. 21,1864.
WiUhelm, Benjamin George, private, 50th Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 24, 1864.
Royce, Ezra Mirvin, private, 2 td Regt., Co. D; enl. April 1, 1861, two years ; pro.
to Corp., July 10, 18 it; taken pris. at .\ntietara; taken to Richmond, put
in Libby prison ; exch. ; sent to regt. Nov. 10, 1862.
Royce, Matthew, private, 'Gth R!.5t., C ■. H ; dr.ifted July 1, 186!, three years;
taken pris. at battle of Wilderness; died in Florence, S. C, Nov. 6, 1864.
Elzy, Richard, priv.ite, 3 1st R^^t., Co. II ; enl. D ic. 10, 18G4, three years; sup-
posed to lie killei at Petersburg, Jum' 6, 1S64.
Burgett, Wilhelin, private, 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years.
Wales, Andrew, private, 107th Rogt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years.
Chapman, Baldwin Amos, private, 3J Regt., Co. H; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three
years.
Diniuny, Emery George, private, 1st Regt., Co. A ; enl. July 1, 1863, three years.
Eddy, Fenner Jerry, priv.ite, 189th Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year.
Vare, Aden, private, 189th Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1,1864, one year; pro. to
sergt., Co. A, 189th Regt., 2iith of March.
Babcock, Benjamin Merchant, private, 141st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 20, 1862,
three years.
Babcock, Hamilton Edgar, private, 189tli Kegt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one
year.
Caleon, Ezra, private, 3d Regt., Co. H; enl. Dec. 28, 1861, three years ; wounded
by accident, April 28, 1864.
Youngs, Harrison W., private, 8Cth Regt., Co. I; enl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years.
Youngs, John, private, 86th Regt., Co. I ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861, three years.
Gleason, D.ivid, private, 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years,
Lovell, James, private, 107th Regt., Co. G ; enl. .\ilg. 6,1862; died of fever at
Hope Landing, Va.
Smalley, Samuel Stewart, private, 76th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 14, 1862. three
years ; taken pris. near the Rapidan ; died in Florence prison. South Car-
olina, Oct. 1,1864.
Martin, Oscar Eugene, private, 141st Regt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862.
Sears, Edward James, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years ;
died Dec. 8, 1863.
Stomp, Frank Benjamin, private, 3d Regt., Co. H; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three
years.
Stomp, Aaron John, private, 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years;
taken prisoner.
Beten, Sullivan George, private, 189th Regt., Co. H ; enl Aug. 22, 1864, one
year.
Beten, Dingley William, private, 78th Regt., Co. F ; enl. Jan. 22, 1862, three
years ; killed in Georgia while with Sherman, near Gouldsboro', March
24, 1865.
French, Frazier Lewis, private, 111th Regt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, one year.
Corbitt, Gilbert Thomas, private, 50th Regt., Co. E ; pro. to Corp., May 1, 1864.
Layton, Philip, private, lOTtli Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, three years;
wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864.
Green, John, private, 107tli Kegt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, throe years ; pro. to
Corp., Jan. 1, 1865 ; wounded March 16, 1865, at Averysboroilgh, N. C.
Demick, Hiram Harrisnn, private, 50th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year ;
died of chronic diarilioea, Farmersville, Va.
Helm, Selah, private, 5iith Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; re-enl.
50tli Eng,, Co. E, Dec. 25, 1863, three years; pro. to Corp., 1863; to sergt.,
April 1, 1864; must. June 13, 186.5.
Helm, Ziicliariali Schoumaker, private, 50th Eng., Co. E; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three
years ; pro. to Corp., Jan. IG, 1802 ; re-enl. SOtli Eng., Co. E, Dec. 25, 1863,
three years; pro. to sergt.. May 1, 1864; must, out June 13, 1865.
Helm, Jasper Semon, private, 50th Regt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861 ; re-enl. 50th
Regt., Co. E, Dec. 25, 1863, three years ; wounded on picket, Aug. 13, 1864,
near Petersburg; must, out June 13, 1805.
Helm, Henry Montraville, private, 50th Rogt, Co. E; euL Jan. 4, 1864, three
years.
Helm, James Vangerder, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1802, three
years.
Felkius, John, private, lS9th Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year.
Skinklc, George, private, 501h Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year.
Aldricli, Stephen Mifflin, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; wounded
in bead at battle of D.iUas, May 4, 1864.
Aldrich, Seward, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. .^ug. 20,1862; wounded in
leg.
Booth, Levy John, private, 86th Regt., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861, three years;
pro. to 2d lieut., March 22, 1863; Ist lieut., July 4, 1863 ; died March 31,
1865.
Thorp, Charles, private, 107th Regt., Co. C; enl. Aug. 2,1862, three years.
Linn, Gidding Lewis, private, Ulth Regt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year;
disch. at end of war.
Linn, John, private, 1st Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year ; taken sick
at Fort Woodbury, and died Nov. 24, 1864.
TOWN OF THURSTON.
391
Bowtrs, Isaac, [irivHtc, Mist Regt., Co. E; eril. Sept. 10, 18G2; taken sick May
2, 1804.
Vase, Mann Aaron, privati>, 14Is( Kegt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, lliree years.
Edsell, Edwin Thon ius, private, 7Stli Kcat. ; enl. March, 18G.i, tliree years; died
of disease at Fall.s Cliurcli, Aug. 30. 1862.
Eiisell, Samuel John, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1862.
Sanford, Drew David, private, lOTth Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three
years.
Prowty, Grifflth John, private, 14l6t Regt, Co. E; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three
years; died of disease, Nashville, Term , March 3, 1864.
Carter, John, private, 21il Regt., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 12, 1804, three yeare ; taken
pris. in Georgia ; taken to Andcrsonville prison ; died in prison, Aug. 24,
1805.
Dinghy, Roger William, private, 50th Regt, Co. E; enl. Jan. 20,1864, three
years.
Edsell, William, private, 07th Regt., Co. C; enl. Sept. 19, 1861, three years; died
of fever at Alexandria, Ya., July 7, 1862.
Dusenbury, De Witt, private, .^Oth Regt.,Co.E; enl. Jan. 14, 1804, three years.
Gilkins, John A., private, ISOth Regt., C^o. A ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; must.
out by gejieral order of Sec. of Wai-, May 30, 1865.
Beach, C.iriell Williaui, private, Odlh Regt., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 4,1864, three years.
Nogar, Henry John, private, 94th Regt., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 14, 1804, three years.
Alderman, Melviii, |uivate,4tli Regt., Co K; enl. April 6,1863, three years;
wounded in right arm, May 19, 1804; pro. Aug. 1, 1SC5.
Kclley, Andrew Jackson, private, 3d Kegl,, Co. U ; enl. Dec. 25, 1S64, three
years.
Kelley, Abel t, private, 3d Regt., Co. H ; enl. Dec 23, 1864, three years.
Vangtdder, Rol)ert, taken prisoner and died.
Vangelder, Clinton, private.
Peters, David.
Harford, Seymour, piivalc, lOtli Regt., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 16, 1801, three years.
Colcord, Amos Dickinson, private.
Ackermon, John,
llorton, Tliomus.
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCH.
JUDGE L. II. PHILLIPS.
Vulkert Phillips, son of John Phillips, was born in
Otsego Co., N. Y. His father was probably born in Hol-
land and .settled very early in this country, in Otsego
County. He was a farmer by occupation. Vulkert Phil-
lips followed farming principally. He married Ruth Hun-
gerford, daughter of Rev. James Hungerford, of Ontario
Co., N. Y., by whom he had nine children, of whom eight
are still living. He settled when a young man in the town
of Campbell, and was engaged in working farms on shares.
In 1841, he purchased the farm now owned by his son,
Lyman H., in the town of Thurston, of Judge Lyman
Balcom, of Erwin. In politics he was formerly a Whig,
but when the Republican party was formed he became a
member of the latter organization. He and his wife were
members of the Christian Church of Thurston. He died
in 1867, his wife in 1869. Lyman H., youngest son of
Vulkert and Ruth Phillips, was born in Campbell, Sept.
15, 1837. He was reared on the farm, and was also
engaged in the lumber bu.-iness more or less during the
winter. At the age of twenty-one he commenced teaching,
i^^ ^^;.a^4/.-^-/C
and taught nine winters. He enlisted Aug. 21, 1862, in
Company E, 141 st Regiment New York Volunteers. He
served till the close of the war. The history of the battles
and marches made by his regiment can be seen by referring
to another part of this work. He was honorably discharged
with his regiment, at Elniira, N. Y., in 1865. He had
two brothers in the army, John and James ; both went from
the West. Mr. Phillips is a staunch Republican, and has
held various ofiBcial positions. He was elected in 1866 as
justice of the peace, and still continues to hold that ofiBce.
In 1874 he was elected supervisor of his town. In 1876
he was elected Justice of Sessions and served two terms.
He married, March 22, 1871. Olive M. Booth, widow
of Lieut. John L. Booth (see Jlilitary Record), who died
from a disease contracted while in the army in the spring
of 1865. Olive M. is the daughter of Ansel J. and Jlliza
Parker, and was born at Bath, Nov. 16, 1845. Since re-
turning from the army, Mr. Phillips has resided on his
present farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Phil-
lips is one of the representative men of Thurston. He
takes an active interest in wiiatever pertains to the material
or educational interest of his town.
TROUPSBUEQH.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
Troupsburgh lies upon the southern border of the
county, west of the centre, and is bounded north by Jasper,
east by Woodhull, south by the Pennsylvania line, and west
by West Union and part of Greenwood.
PHYSICAL FEATORES.
The surface of this town is principally a hilly upland,
broken by the deep valleys of small streams. The higliest
summits in the county are in this town. They reach an alti-
tude of twenty-five hundred feet above tide-water. Troup's
Creek, flowing south, is the principal stream. The soil,
which is productive, is chiefly a slaty and clayey loam.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
An old citizen has given us the following account of
Troupsburgh and some of its early settlers : " In 1808 there
was no road on Bennett's Creek, nor on Crosby Creek, nor
Big Creek, nor indeed on any creek except Col. Bili'.s Creek.
Up this creek, and running to and through Troup.sburgh to
Cowanesque, Pa., was a road called the State road, which
had been opened by the Pulteney estate, for the purpose of
settling their lands. The towns of Woodhull, Troupsburgh,
Jasper, West Union, Greenwood, Hartsville, and with very
small exceptions, Canisteo and Hornellsville, were an un-
broken wilderness. The State road passed up the creek
seven miles, following its bank to a place then called Hog-
back Hill. It ascended a ridge between Col. Bill's Creek
and a small rivulet coming in from the left. Running up
the point of the ridge, which was very steep, the summit
was gained by no small effort, and the road was on the very
verge of a precipice. Whether this peculiar shape of the
ridge gave it the name of Hog-back, I never learned. From
this point to the settlement in Troupsburgh was eight or
nine miles, making the distance from Col. Bill's some six-
teen miles of as dense a forest as thousands of years of un-
disturbed growth could make it. Here nature had a park
of almost boundless extent, into which she had gathered a
menagerie which was always on exhibition, and without the
usual vexation of a gate or door fee. That old forest chief,
the noble elk, still stood at the head of his race ; the lesser
lights of the same family were almost without number ; the
black bear was everywhere to be found crossing the path of
the traveler; wolves in droves sent forth their discordant
notes from every part of the wilderness. The panther, wild-
cat, and fox seemed to regard the new animal, man, with
idle curiosity, and roamed over this magnificent hunting-
ground as though the new-comer was an accession to their
list of friends.
" The first family then on the road was that of Andrew
Simpson. He lived in a new log house on the bank of a
392
little stream a short distance north of what is now Jasper
Corners, and did a little at blacksmithing in a small way for
the settler.s, who were then only a few families. The farm
then owned by Sir. Simpson is now a very valuable property.
He had several sons, among whom were John, Hiram, and
Darius, and a daughter, Minerva, who married Hon. Jeff'rey
Smith.
" Ebenezer Spencer lived a little off the State road, a short
distance before reaching Simpson's. He lived to see the
forest become a fruitful field, and bequeathed to his pos-
terity not only the fruits of his arduous toil, but, what was
vastly better, a name without reproach. He had several
children : one of the daughters married Smith Hayes.
Spencer soon had a neighbor near him by the name of
Wooley. After leaving Simpson's the next house was that
of a good-natured, generous-hearted old Dutchman, by the
name of Brutzman — they called him Uncle Nicholas ; he
had a brother by the name of Adam, who lived a little east
of him, at a place afterwards called the Five Corners.
Uncle Nicholas had one or more sons, and four or five
daughters. The eldest son, John, when I last knew him,
was a young man of good habits and much promise. The
whole family have passed now beyond my knowledge.
"Andrew Craig, in 1810 or 1811, settled a little above
Simpson's, on the opposite side of the road, and soon made
a splendid farm at or near the site of the present village of
Jasper. Mr. Craig was an energetic, enterprising man,
and soon began to develop the resources of the region of
country where he had located his home. He was the first
to introduce the making of butter as an article of com-
merce in that town, or in all that part of the country. It
soon became a very remunerative business, in which his
neighbors rapidly joined. Mr. Craig for some time did the
main part of the marketing, by taking the butter for him-
self and neighbors in the fall or winter to the Philadelphia
market by team. In after-years he was engaged quite ex-
tensively in droving, and at one time nearly lost his life b}'
the falling of a bridge with himself and drove of cattle
upon it. Mr. Craig came out alive, but was ever after, I
think, a cripple. He lived to see the third generation of
his posterity. Two of his grandsons are largely engaged in
the mercantile business in the village of their own making ;
one of them (Willis E. Craig) was sheriff of the county
in 1867-68. Two of his daughters were the wives of Hon.
William Hunter, and one was the wife of Dr. Charles
Hunter.
" Old Mr. Marlatt soon followed Mr. Craig, and settled a
little above him on the same side of the road. Mr. Marlatt
had several sons, of whom were John, Abraham, Joseph,
and Gideon. John, the oldest, located farther on, near Uncle
Nicholas, the Dutchman's. He began in the midst of the
cJ^.
^^^^ &*-^^^^
SAMUEL GRIGGS.
Samuel Griggs wat' born a! Uootor, Tompkin.- Co., N. \., Feb. 10, l?94.
His father, John Grigga, was of Welsh origin, a Revolutionary soldier,
taking ]>art in the battle of Bunker Hill, In the retreat after that action
he carried Benjamin Chamberlain, a wounded comraile, three-quarters of a
mile to safety. This generous action injured his health so seriously that
he never after was a well man. By his first wife he had twc children, .Seth
and Anna. For his second wife he married Mrs. Tho»ias, whose maiden
name was Mary Smith. She was b«>rn Dec. 13, 1756. Of this union were
born Samuel, Polly (Mrs. Razey Baker), Caleb, Abigail, and Klijah. Mrs.
Griggs survived her husband (who died about 1800, in Elkland, Pa.) many
years, marrying a Mr. Smith. She died Dec. 6, 182G, aged seventy years.
Samuel Griggs was brought up by his brother-in-law, Samuel Cady, who
married Sally Thomas, from the age of nine. Mr. Cady resided in Trciups-
burgh. In 1814, Mr. Griggs, accompanied by his brothers Caleb aud
Elijah, went to Cincinnati, Ohio. Caleb was soon drafted as a soldier
against the English, and Samuel, under the rigid laws of Ohio, was ajt-
prenticed to a baker who supplied the array with " hardtack." After two
years ho returned to Troupsburgh. where he purchased the farm — one
hundred acres — now owned by Philander Wilco.x. He married Amy
Church, Oct. I.'i, 1819. She was born in Hillsdale, Columbia Co., N. Y.,
Feb. 27, I80;i. This union was blessed with twelve children : Sabrina
(deceased), born May I, 1820; Harriet (deceased), ,Iune 8, 1821 ; William
N., Feb. 8, 1823; Amy Caroline, .Ian. .".0, 182f>; Samuel W., Feb. 20, 1827;
Luthor C. (deceased), Dec. 8, 1828: Kho.la P., March 2., 1830; John E.
(deceased), Jan. 7, 1832; Wilson S., Deo. 7, 1833; Mary Jane, Nov. 16,
1835; Martha M., Dec. 19, 1837; and Emma Minerva (deceased), Aug
31, 1839.
Mr. Griggs had very limited opportunities for education, being selfedu-
itated, pursuing his studies at night by the light of pine-knots that he
gathered iu the day, and in this, as in other directions, showed the force
of his character, qualifying himself, under these disadvantages, as a teacher,
and teaching several terms.
From his marriage ho employed himself in agriculture, clearing about
four hundred acres of its heavy timber. In 1836 he engaged in merchan-
dise at Troupsburgh Centre, and in company with his son, W. N., con-
tinued in tnidc until his death, which occurred Jan. 9, 1864.
Mr. Griggs was a man of marked char.acter, and would have been suc-
cessful in any avocation. He amassed a fine proj-erty, giving hi? children
the opportunity of commencing life in a different manner from the pri-
vations of his early life, when for many days the chief sustenance of the
family was " bran bread." Of large business capacity and thorough
honesty, he had the entire confidence of the community, and wa** en-
trusted with ofiice from his first vote. He held at various periods every
office in his town : was supervisor for six years; wa5 elected member of
Assembly in 1837, serving with honor to himself and satisfaction to his
district.
Mr. and Mrs. Griggs joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1828, and
never ceased their allegiance to that faith. Hand in hand for many years
they walked, giving their personal influence and pecuniary assistance un-
sparingly to the cause of religion, and much of the f>uccess of Methodism
in this locality is due to their eSbrts.
From his lirst connection with the church until his death, Mr. Griggs
was steward or cla.«s-leader. Mr. Griggs was greatly interested in the
cause of education. He was the father of Triiu]i.sbHrgh Academy, to which
he contributed eighteen hundred dollars, and he had the satisfaction of
seeing his children well educated, his sons holding various positions of
honor and trust, and all, sons and daughters, consistent Christians. His
son, William N., is now (1879) the supervisor of the town, which oflice he
has heid two terms.
Politically, Mr. Griggs was an active Democrat, believing the perpetuity
of the Republic depended on the carrying out of the principles of that
party, aud that every dovialion from its teachings brought danger to the
laud. His sons are also true to their allegiance to the ..-ame principles.
Luther Church, father of Mrs. Griggs, was of English descent, and born
in Barrington, Mass., in April, 1781. He removed to Madison Co., N. Y.,
thence to Troupsburgh in 1816, where he died March 28, 1858. He mar-
ried Rhoda Darrin in 1802. She was born November, 1784, and died
Jan. 17. 1861. This union resulted in fourteen children, Mrs. Griggs and
her brothers David. Ira, Luther, and Sylvester now surviving. Mrs.
Griggs is, at the age of seventy-six, hale and hearty, carrying her years
lightly, and waiting patiently the call to meet her departed husband in the
" Better Land."
TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH.
393
forest without means, and by perseverance and industry
worked himself up to competence and wealth. Two of his
sons also engaged in mercantile business successfully. Be-
tween old Mr. Marlattand his son John were located Fenton,
the carpenter, and McMindes, the tailor. Judge Mallory
lived east on the State road, and I think just on the edge
of what is now WoodhuU. The judge was one of the earliest
settlers ; at what date he settled I am not sure, but he was
there in 1808, how much before I do not know. The judge
was a man of fine, commanding appearance. Intelligent,
social, and generous, he was highly respected, and his influ-
ence was felt far beyond the locality of his own neighbor-
hood. His three sons — David, Nathan, and Amos — early
settled in that part of Troupsburgh known as the West Set-
tlement, or oftener, Mallory's Settlement. They were ener-
getic, enterprising men, and soon made themselves most
desirable and elegant houses in the best j^art of the entire
town. The descendants are many of them still there, in
some respects filling the places made vacant by their fathers.
A daughter of the. judge was the wife of Alan.son Perry,
who.se sons are occupying places in society of responsibility
and usefulness, among whom Dr. Perry holds a conspicuous
place. Alanson Perry settled here in 1808. Near Judge
Mallory lived a family by the name of Tubbs. It was the
family to which Rev. Robert Hubbard so kindly ministered
in the time of the memorable epidemic of 1813. Caleb
Smith also then lived in that neighborhood, who had three
sons whom I recollect, — Amzi, Ooriiell, and Jeff'rey. The
latter of these acquitted himself with honor in the State
Legislature from Steuben County, in 184-1, and was a man
of influence, respectability, and moral worth in the commu-
nity where he lived. The elder brothers, if living, have
passed beyond my knowledge. There may have been other
children in this family, of whom honorable mention might
justly be made, but the writer's acquaintance was at so early
a period that he may have inadvertently forgotten them.
" After passing our worthy friend. Uncle Nicholas, the
next house on the State road was built by Nathaniel
Thacher in 1808.* A description of this house will fur-
nish a picture of a large class of houses in that wild region
at that day. Bear in mind that this was sixty years ago.f
There were no saw-mills within five and twenty miles of
this settlement ; the roads were over mountains rough and
high, and through sloughs and creeks unbridged. It was
therefore no small affair to get a thou.sand feet of boards from
Tuscarora (now Addison) or Canisteo to Troupsburgh.
Besides the pioneers were generally, if not altogether, men
of small means, who were braving all the hardships of pio-
neer life to make themselves a home in the wilderness.
Well, then the house, the model house :
" The road runs here nearly north and south, and the
house was built on the west side of the road, the ground
gently falling to the east and south. It was, I judge, about
20 by 24 or 26 feet; the walls were of round logs, cut
within a stone's throw of the site of the building, notched
(or ' saddled,' in settler parlance) together at the ends, and
thus raised to the height of ten or twelve feet. The beams
* Father of Deacon Mowry Thacher, now living in HornoUsville, and
the author of these reminiscences. *
f Now seventy years, as the above was written in 1868.
0
to separate the stones were of the satpe material, round
logs. Rude rafters, made of poles and flattened on one
side, were notched into the top logs and pinned together at
the top to support the coming roof. Across the rafters
were pinned ribs made of round poles, flattened on one side,
and sometimes strips split out for the purpose from bass-
wood logs or other timber. Upon tlie.se ribs were laid the
.shingles for the covering. The shingles were out of the
nicest pine, and were some three feet in length. Upon each
course were laid large-sized poles to hold the shingles in
place. These poles were kept in place by short billets of
wood lying between the poles that held the roof down.
And now the house is covered and inclosed. The floors
were made of bass-wood planks split out from the trunks of
the trees, and made as smooth as they well could be on one
side by hewing ; doors and partitions of boards ; the chim-
ney of rough stone gathered from the adjoining grounds,
and made sufficiently wide and deep to admit a log six feet
long and two feet in diameter. The house had a very
pleasant outlook towards the south, and must needs have a
piazza. This was made by extending the beams a few feet
beyond the walls and carrying the roof to the outer ends of
the beams, and flooring the piazza with the inevitable bass-
wood. Such, dear reader, was the home of many a back-
woodsman at the day and in the place of which I am
speaking, but it was home nevertheless, with its peculiar
attractions, though destitute of refined polish or even com-
fort.
" This farm afterwards became the property of Dr.
Charles Hunter, who lived but a few years to enjoy it. A
little beyond, and adjoining this farm, lived Jesse Lapham,
a good, kind-hearted, and, of course, honest Quaker, with
his gentle dame, his son Porter, and his daughter Ruth. I
think they remained but a single year, and the premises
were soon after occupied by Philip Cady. It became a
beautiful farm many years after, in the hands of John
Simpson, of whom I have before spoken. From this farm
you ascend what used to seem to the writer a very long
hill, upon the summit of which, and on the left of the road,
lived Elijah Hance. It was, I think, nearly opposite where
the cemetery now is (or was forty years since). Of this
ftimily I have long since lost all knowledge. I only recol-
lect he had one son named Lyman and one John, and one
daughter named Cynthia. A little east of Hance, and on
a branch road, were Reuben Stiles and Dan Martin. Mrs.
Ann Stiles is still living (1879) in Troup.sburgh, at the
great age of ninety-five years.
" Nearly opposite the cemetery grounds was the firet
school-house in Troupsburgh. In the winter of 1809, the
school in this house was taught by Abner Thomas ; in the
summer following, by Sarah Thacher. In a little valley not
far beyond the cemetery, lived an old patriarch, Elihu
Cady, a tall, noble figure, and apparently a man of great
physical power, but through whose locks, like Schanado's,
' the snows of nearly fourscore winters had already passed.'
His companion, too, a healthy, light-hearted, social old lady,
had apparently loft her threescore and ten considerably in the
distance behind her. This aged couple had entered the
wilderness in their old age, with a large family of grown-up
children, and endured all the hardships and privations of a
394
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
rough country, lljat they might enjoy the pleasures and
privilege of living and dying with their children. They
lived several years after this, and were, I suppose, like
Ahrahani, buried by their sons. Maj. Samuel Cady, whom
the old man used to call his baby, as I suppose he was the
youngest, lived a little farther on. upon the rise of ground
on the right-hand side of the way. The major stood in the
front rank, if not in advance of his contemporaries. He
was a man of a good deal of tact and energy, and had be-
gun to make ' the wilderness blossom and bring forth fruit
for the eater.' There were three other sons in this family,
— Peter, Curtis and Philip, — whether any daughters 1 do
not recollect. None of that family, I think, remain in
Troupsburgh. The farm owned by Maj. Samuel, soon after
the time of which I ara speaking, came into the hands of
the late Hon. Samuel Griggs, who made of it a most beau-
tiful and desirable home. Mr. Griggs, though a few years
younger, was really contemporary with the earliest settlers.
His home, for a long number of years, was on the Cady
farm, though this was only a part of the large landed estate
of which he was proprietor. At an early period he entered
also into mercantile business, and kept a small, but steadily-
increasing stock of goods, till he became a well-known and
respectable merchant. He often represented his town as
supervisor, and was for many years an acting magistrate,
and was at one time one of the representatives from Steuben
County in the State Legislature (in 1838). He was modest
and retiring in his manners, and yet he was a man of ex-
tensive influence in the town where he lived. He was for
many years an esteemed and active member in the Methodist
Church. One of the sons of this excellent man is now a
prominent and successful merchant in his native town.
One of the daughters is Mrs. H. Reynolds. There were
several other children in this family, some of whom have
gone to the land whence none return, and some remain, it is
hoped, to fill the place of an honored father.
" Andy B. Reynolds, son of Squire Reynolds, occupied
next to Mr. Griggs, on the opposite side of the road, and
only a short distance beyond. He was a man of consider-
able prominence in his early life, being both justice and
supervisor for many years. Squire Reynolds was one of
the settlers of 1808 or 1809, and located in the hollow, a
little off the State road, on the right, upon the road now
running from the State road to Troupsburgh Centre. His
family consisted of five sons and three daughters. The
eldest of the daughters, Martha, married Lewis Hayes, a
very worthy man, and also a settler of 1809. From this
worthy pair sprang a numerous and respectable family,
many of whom are still occupying respectable and useful
positions in society. Another of the daughters became the
wife of John Simpson. She died in early life, and left
several children. One of the sons, I think, is a clergyman,
and another a man of extensive business engagements.
The third daughter is Mrs. Orange Perry, whose husband
is one of the most extensive and successful agriculturists
in that part of the county, and whose sons are distinguish-
ing themselves iu the same department of usefulness. Of
the sons of Squire Reynolds, the oldest, Lent Reynolds, is
now dead, and the place is occupied by his son, George
Reynolds. Of the sons of Lent Reynolds, five in number,
two are clergymen, two have followed merchandise, and the
fifth is an agriculturist, and remains at the old home. A
daughter is the wife of a clergyman. Harry B., another
of Squire Reynolds' sons, was for many years proprietor of
the mills at Troupsburgh Centre, a man of respectability and
good business talents. He is still living, at an advanced
age. Of his family, or of his brother Frederick's, the
writer is unable to speak.
" Jonathan Rogers was a neighbor of Squire Reynolds,
living just across the way. He was a quiet, good citizen,
and left a large family, some of whom are still occupying
the place of their father, who is gone.
" Capt. George Martin, who was also one of the first
settlers, located at what is now the Centre, and a few years
after commenced the erection of a grist-mill on Troup's
Creek, which is something of a stream where it passes the
Centre. Martin's means were very limited, and the mill
was a rude structure, built of round logs. It was a lame
apology for a mill, but it was in good time, and certainly in
a good place, as any one would be likely to think who had
tlie e.xperience of carrying a bushel of corn twenty miles on
horseback to get it ground. In after-years it became the
property of Mr. H. B. Reynolds, and was rebuilt and re-
modeled, and became an important fixture for the enter-
prising owner, and not less so for the many who had, by
bitter experience, learned the way to Judge Hornell's mill,
in Upper Canisteo. This fine property passed into the
hands of Mr. Mallory (son of Nathaniel), and now, with
steam added to the water-power, makes an establishment
second to few in the country. Upon this original Martin
farm stands the very pleasant little village of Troupsburgh
Centre.
" Upon a pleasant little eminence just above the village
and overlooking it stood a very nice and comfortable academy
building, a monument of the taste, culture, and sacrifice of
the few for the benefit and future good of the many. Great
credit is due to Prof. N. Reynolds, of Wellsborough, for
laying the foundation out of which grew this enterprise, so
much to the credit and honor of his native town. In his
first vacation after receiving his degree of A.B. he started
a select school near the Centre, which so increased in pop-
ularity and numbers that an academy became a necessity.
A few generous-hearted men put shoulder to the wheel and
consummated the enterprise. The building was burnt a
few years ago.
"The Mallory Settlement was so called from the three
Mallory brothers, who first broke the wilderness in that part
of the town and made there as beautiful farms as could be
desired in that region. They made for themselves, and left to
their children, a competence of worldly goods and the better
iiiheiitanco of a good name. There is a place there still
known as Mallory's Corners, where a considerable business
has heretofore been done in merchandise. Mr. Lewis Biles,
of Bath, was about the first in that business at this point.
It was afterwards occupied by Lent Reynolds and later by
Lewis Bowen, still later by Bowen & Bassett ; but I think
it is now abandoned as a place of trade.
" On the road running from the Centre to Mallory's
Corners lived that well-known and estimable man Zadoc
Bowen, father of Mr. E. Bowen, of Hornellsville. Mr.
TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH.
395
Bowen, though not the earliest, might yet well be consid-
ered as belonging to the pioneers, as but little had yet been
accomplished to soften the privations and discomforts of a
beginning in the wilderness. The place then occupied by
Mr. Bowen is now a fine farm, and was made so, very
much if not altogether, by his own persevering toil and
industry. He h;is some years since rested from his labors.
" Farther on, near the Corners, and nearly contemporary
with the Mallor3's, was Elder David Smith, — then compar-
atively a youtig man, — who seemed to have entered the
wilderness with the double purpose of making a home for
himself and rising family and of preaching the gospel to the
then almost entirely destitute of that and the surrounding
towns ; and in a most praiseworthy manner he accom-
plished both objects. Under his persevering industry and
skillful management the forest gave way, and in its place
arose a most beautiful farm clothed with verdure and
flocks. During the six days of labor his hands ministered
to his own and others' wants, and the Sabbath generally
found him at some destitute point, ready to break the bread
of life to the famishing. The forest and field furnished his
study, the Bible his library, the whole surrounding country
his parish, and his salar}- was the result of his own toil. I
think the first church organization in that entire region was
the result of his labors. He also preached at all points
along the river. At Cameron was quite a church gathered
by him, and he often preached in what is now Horuells-
ville, and for nearly or quite a year steadily. He finally
■left that part of the country and located in Bath, — a few
miles from the village, — where I suppose, if living, he still
resides.
" Alanson Perry also lived on this road, and had a fine
farm not far from Zadoc Bowen's.
" Returning, now, and gaining the State road near Squire
Reynolds', and going still towards Cowanesque, we come to
Richard Philips, who was among the first settlers, but did
not remain long in that neighborhood. Near and next to
him were two brothers by the name of Lord, who were
early settlers, and this was the end of the settlement in that
direction. The early settlers forming the nucleus of the
Chenango Settlement were James Carpenter, John Miller,
and others.*
" The early settlers of this region were drawn hither by
all the variety of motives which in all parts of the country
induce the pioneer to seek the frontier ; but the great pre
vailing motive was cheap land and long payments. The
Pulteney and other estates were crowding their lands upon
the market, and inducing settlement by low prices and long
credit. Twenty shillings cash or three bushels of wheat
per acre was the standard price of the land, with ten
years, or longer if desired, for payment. After 1809 the
migration was quite rapid and the lands were rapidly
put under contract, the settlers finding it about all they
could do to support their families and pay (as they were
obliged to do) the taxes, and very few of them did more.
Most of them were compelled to let the interest accumulate
year after year, till payment of principal became nearly an
impossibility,* and after long years of hard toil, privation,
■ See biography of James Carpenter.
and suffering, found themselves worn out, loith a family
but without a home. Very few, indeed, of the original
contractors ever had a deed. They labored truly, and
other men entered into and enjoyed the fruits of their labors.
The pioneers were a hardy, industrious, energetic classof men,
who could endure almost everything to accomplish the great
object of their desire, to maket hemselves a home ; but it
took the full length of an ordinary lease of life to disrobe
the lands of such a forest as covered the hills of Troups-
burgh in 1800. Squire Reynolds and his boys used to clear
twenty acres a year of this immensely heavy forest, and put
it into winter wheat, but he never had a deed, as I think.
' Little Bobby Sharp,' as they used to call him, who lived
on the State road near Spencer's, a little bit of humanity,
chopped with his own hands more than a hundred acres of
those overgrown hemlocks, maples, beech, and elms, the
ashes of which would now be worth more than the original
price of the land. But I think he never had a deed, at
least not of the original purchase. He would clear off quite
a farm, sell out the improvements, and begin in the woods
again. But the scene after a long half-century has most
agreeably changed. The old pioneers have nearly all' gone
the way of all the earth. In many instances their descend-
ants are enjoying the fruits of their toil and privation.
Everywhere in that region is seen the appearance of comfort
and thrift. Fine, well-improved farms, comfortable and tasty
dwellings, good outbuildings and orchards, all unmistakably
tell that, whatever else is or was, Troupsburgh is not a
failure."
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Troupsburgh was formed from Addison, then
known as Middletown, and Canisteo, Feb. 12, 1808. Green-
wood, then including a part of West Uniou, and a part of
Jasper, were taken off in 1827, and the greater part of
Woodhull in 1828. The name was given in honor of
Robert Troup, Esq., of New York, who succeeded Col.
Williamson ;us agent of the Pulteney estate, in 1802.
At the first annual election, held at the house of Danie
Johnson, near the present village of Woodhull, in March,
1808, the following ofiicers were elected: Daniel Johnson,
Supervisor ; Samuel B. Rice, Town Clerk ; Stephen Dol-
son. Brown Gillespie, Elijah Cady, Assessors; Uri Martin,
William Wooley, Nathaniel Slallory, Commissioners of
Highways ; Rezen Searse, Constable and Collector ; Daniel
Johnson, Poormaster; Elijah Cady, Second Poormaster ;
Caleb Smith, Fence-Viewer; and Domady Prisor, Peter
Cady, Overseers of Highways.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supen
isore.
Town
Clerks.
Collectore.
1808.
Daniel J
ubiison.
gamut
IB.
Rico.
Rezen Searse.
1809.
tt
"
tt
"
it tt
1810.
"
it
"
"
Lemuel Benbam
1811.
it
"
■'
it tt
1812.
a
"
ti tt
Charles Card (v.).
Wm. Card (v.).
1813.
"
ti
it
u tt
1814.
u
tt
tt
Square Kcynolds
ISlJ).
"
tt
tt
Kufus Gilbert.
1816.
'<
"
tt
Calvin Serl.
1817.
tt
tt
•'
Samuel Cady.
1818.
"
tt
tt
it tt
1819.
"
•'
"
Samuel Griggs.
396
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
18.34.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1S6S.
1869.
1S70.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Supervisors.
Samuel Cadv.
Adna B. Reynolds.
ii <(
Ashcr Johnson.
tt «i
Samuel Griggs.
William Card.
Joshiui Slujter.
William Card.
Orange Perry.
tt K
Alexander Tucker.
Levi Grinolds.
Town Clerks.
Samuel B. Kice.
u tt
Samuel Griggs.
William Card.
Collectors.
B. Reynolds.
Adna B. Reynolds.
tt tt
Lent Reynolds.
Harry B. Reynolds.
Jeffrey Smith.
Wm. Slayter.
Harry B. Reynolds
Ezra Bowen.
Chas. Hunter (v.).
Griffin Rogers.
Samuel Griggs.
Bradshaw White.
Nathaniel Mallory.
Alexander Tucker.
Levi Grinolds.
tt tt
Wm. Ten Broeck.
It It
Levi Grinolds.
tt tt
Wm. Ten Broeck.
ti tt
James B. Murdock.
a tt
(t it
tt it
Eleazer Fenton.
a It
Samuel Olmstcad.
Wm. Carpenter.
Eleazer Fenton.
«f it
James B. Murdock.
Eleazer Fenton.
John G. Lozier.
it it
li ft
a it
it it
W. N. Griggs.
ii K
Nathaniel M. Perry
it a
Willis White.
ti It
W. N. Griggs.
Fred. S. Reynolds.
Griffin Rogers.
Elijah C4riggs.
Samuel Olmstead.
Wm. N. Griggs.
n ii
Richard Capwell.
Matthew Rogers.
it ii
Sol. F. McFarland.
Matthew Rogers.
(i tt
Nelson Card.
Byron Jones.
Matthew Rogers.
Iselton Wilcox.
tt it
George C. Blake.
Matthew Rogers.
Henry Simpson.
J. F. Brooks.
George C. Blake.
Matthew Rogers.
Willis White.
James F. Brooks.
Byron Seely.
, Marsena Cummings.
Wm. Sluyter.
Seiluthan Loomis.
Lyman Dodge.
Griffin Rogers.
Charles Fay.
Lewis Edwards.
Hiram S. Hayes.
Emerson D. Shaw.
Lewis E. Bowen.
Henry Rude, Sr.
Harvey S. Webster.
Henry Rude, Sr.
Benj. Grinolds.
David Nucl.
Erastus T. Mallory.
II tt
Leonidas Works.
Levi W. Grinolds.
Wm. 0. Sluyter.
Orson McFarland.
David Church.
Geo. H. Williams.
Eleazer Fenton.
Henry Brutzman.
Leicester B. Lewis.
Eli Bates.
Eleazer Fenton.
N. Vickery.
R. Bates.
Wm. W. Card.
James Bouton.
JtJSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1827.
Asher Johnson.
Samuel Griggs (4 years).
1836
William Card (3 years).
1837
Joshua Sluyter (2 years).
1830.
Samuel Griggs (1 year).
1831.
Joshua Sluyter.
1838
1832.
Jesse Weldon.
1S39.
1S33.
William Card.
1834.
Harry B. Reynolds.
1840
1835.
Edmon W. Rolison.
1841
Abram Marlatt.
1842
Orrin Shaw.
Abram Marlatt.
Joshua Sluyter (2 years).
Abram Marlatt (3 years;.
Levi Grinolds (4 years).
, William B. Miller.
Thomas W. Bailey.
Lyman Dodge (2 years).
, Noble D. Ormsby.
Levi Grinolds.
Cyrus Van Wrakel.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
185L
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855,
1856
1857,
1858.
1859,
Stephen Phetaplace.^"
Joshua Sluyter."^''
Thomas W. Bailey.
Harry B. Reynolds.
Levi Grinolds.
Lyman Dodge.^=
Lyman Dodge.
Jonathan K. Ketchum.
Harry B. Reynolds.
I. W. Bailey .«
Rufus Fuller.
Parlea B. Miller.
J. K. Ketchum.
Levi Grinolds.*^'
Thomas W. Baily.
Griffin Rogers.
Alanson Wilson.
Stephen Oatman.
Levi Grinolds.
William 0. Sluyter.
Orson L. McFarland.
Asa Ward."^
Seymour Sanford.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
18C9.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Levi Grinold.
J. W. Bailey.*
W. Wheaton.
S. L. McFarland.
E. T. Mallory.
John G. Lozier.
S. W. Wheaton.
0. L. McFarland.
H. Simpson.
J. G. Lozier.
Amos Turner.*
Jerry G. Smith.
0. L. McFarland.
James Bouton.
Eleazer Fenton.
Urial Atwood.
Isleton Wilcox.
0. L. McFarland.
James Bouton.
John G. Lozier.
W. J. Miller.
James D. Bennett.'
CHURCHES.
REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first steps were taken towards organizing a church
May 5, 1835, at a meeting of the .surrounding Baptist
Churches, in a conference held at the house of Rufus Fuller.
Rev. Edward Murdock acted as moderator, and Rufus
Fuller was chosen clerk. The early record is lost, but the
name of Lucinda Harrington is still remembered as one of
the first members, and a leading spirit in the church. In
1836 a council was held in a barn, Rev. J. B. Chase being
moderator, and David Simson clerk. This meeting re-
sulted in the church being accepted by the Association.
Bradshaw White was the first deacon ; Rufus Fuller, clerk.
The pastors of this society have been : 1836-45, Edward
Murdock ; 1845-47, Rev. Byron Hunt. Afterwards, Rev.
J. M. Wade, Rev. Edward Murdock, 1866-68 ; Rev. Ira
Thomas, 1868-72; Rev. W. P. Omans, 1872; to the
present time. Rev. Hudson Seeley. E. J. Hunt and Joshua
Murdock were ordained deacons in 1868. Present officers :
E. C. Picket, Clerk ; Joshua Murdock, E. J. Hunt, and
Bradshaw White, Deacons. Of the 115 present members,
the greater portion live in the town of Troupsburgh, together
with all the officers named, but the new church is located
just over the line, in Pennsylvania.
The country having become more generally settled soon
after, meetings were also held in the " Chenango Settlement,"
in the east part of the town, at the house of John S. Miller
and others, until 1839, when the school-house was built in
District No. 4, and occupied by the society. April 7,
1855, a meeting was held at the school-house, with Elder
Warren Rice, Moderator, and Ami Hayes, Clerk, at which
it was resolved to organize a separate society, to be celled
the
EAST TROUPSBURGH BAPTIST CHURCH.
Wm. Holmes and Parley B. Miller, father of the present
clerk, were appointed deacons. Among the first members
were Warren Rice and wife, Wm. Holmes, Parley B. Miller
and wife, Peter Dodge and wife, Thomas Musto and wife,
* Vacancy.
/4r/^,0^v>y
0
Nathaniel M. Perry was bnrn in the town of" Troups-
biirgh, Feb. 26, 1817. His ancestors were originally from
England, from whence they came to Rhode Island ; thence to
Connecticut, where Elialcim, the paternal grandfather of the
subject of our sketch, was born. The celebrated Oliver H.
Perry was of another branch of this family. Eliakim Perry
emigrated from Connecticut to Middletown, Kutland Co.,
Vt., where he married a Miss Downer. He was a farmer, and
a soldier in the Kevolutionary war. Of this union were born
five children, three sons and two daughters.
Nathaniel Mallory, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Perry,
and from whom he received his name, was born in Vermont,
about 1752. He Was an ardent patriot, serving in the battles
of the Revolution, and was wounded in the service. He mar-
ried Keziah Pray, from whom descended Dr. Perry, and the
union brought forth three children, all daughters. He mar-
ried a Miss Wood for his second wife, whom he also survived,
dying in 1828, aged seventy-six years.
Alanson Perry, the fourth child of Eliakim Perry, was born
in Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt., about 1782. He spent his
youth with his father on the farm, married Rachel Mallory in
1806, and in 1808 the young couple came to Troupsburgh, then
a forest wilderness, to struggle with others amid toil and great
privations until a home was carved from the primitive woods.
He did well his part; was a hardy ])ioneer farmer, ever alive
to the improvement and best interests of his town, and in his
old age enjoyed the result of his youthful toil and the esteem
of his associates. In politics he never wavered, holding to
the principles of Democracy as enunciated by Thomas Jeffer-
son. To this couple were born seven children : Hrunette, in
1807; Harriet, in 1809; Lloyd, in 1811; Nathaniel M., in
1817; Teresa, in 1819; Melissa, in 1821; and Emily, in 1824.
All save Brunette were born in Troup.sburgh. Mr. Perry
died in Troupsburgh in March, 1849, aged sixty-six years
Mrs. Perry died in 1842, aged fifty-seven years.
The subject of our. sketch remained with his father engaged
in farming until his twenty-first year, receiving his early
education at the primitive country schools. At that time he
went to study at Middlebury Academy, in Wyoming County,
wliere he remained several terms. His school-days over, he
commenced the study of medicine with William Hunter, M.D.,
of Jasper. Graduating at Geneva Medical College in 1845,
he commenced practicing his profession in his native town,
where he still attends to an extensive practice. He is a mem-
ber of the Steuben County Medical Society and Elmira Acad-
emy of Medicine, and the only physician in the town.
His children are William H., born May 7, 1850 (who was
married Aug. 21, 1878, to Addie, daughter of Hon. J. B.
Murdock) ; Maria, born Sept. 8, 1852 ; and Kirke, born May
21, 1866.
Dr. Perry has always been a friend of jirogress, improve-
ment, and educati<in. Was inspector of schools, the first town
superintendent of schools, was twice supervisor, and was elected
member of Assembly in 1851 In politics, Dr. Perry has
been staunchly and unswervingly a Democrat, his counsels
ever sought and heeded by his party, and he has been for
many years a member of the Democratic county committee.
In 1849 he became a member of Sentinel Lodge, No. 151, E.
and A. M., of Greenwood; was one of the charter members
of McClellau Lodge, No. 649, of Troupsburgh, and Master for
several terms. He is also a member of Addison Chapter, and
St. Omer's Commandery at Elmira.
All in all. Dr. Perry is a man of broad charity, sound judg-
ment, high character and integrity, a representative man in
the worthiest sense of the term, and an aid in building up and
advancing the best interests of society.
TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH.
397
John Simpson and wife, Otis Dodge and wife, Ami Hayes,
Amy Williams, Susan Newell, and Susan Miller. A church
was built in the " Chenango Settlement," by Hiram Olm-
sted, H. B. Carpenter, Hiram Rice, Sylvester Brown, and
William Carpenter, trustees, at an expense of S3000, and
dedicated Nov. 4, 1875, by Rev. Gustave Anderson, of New
York. Pastors: 1855-57, Rev. AVarren Rice, L. Balconi ;
1858-59, John G. Covenhoven ; 18G0-61, Wm. G. Ray-
mond, T. R. Clark; 1862-65, J. G. Covenhoven, L. C.
Warriner, E. Murdock ; 1867, Eli Thomas, Rev. Mr. Ui-
man; 1869-70, S. H. Murdock; 1871, J. W. Bra.stead ;
1873, Wm. G. Raymond, James Bell; 1874-76, C. K.
Bennett; 1877, J. W. Belts, the present pastor. Rev.
Wm. G. Raymond left the charge for the army, enlisting
in the 86th Regiment, New York Infantry, and was after-
wards made chaplain of that regiment. F. D. Holmes,
Eli Bates, and H. B. Carpenter are the present Deacons;
Wm. S. Miller, Clerk ; S. Olmstead, J. H. Symonds, F. D.
Holmes, Wilson G. Morey, and Wm. J. Miller, Trustees.
The present membership is 96.
THE CHURCH OF TROUPSBURGH.
Rev. Mr. Wade preached at the school-house at Troups-
burgh Centre as early as 1844, and was succeeded by Rev.
Mr. Call, W. G. Raymond, Wm. Rice, and Alanson
Tilden. Lent Reynolds and wife, Harvey S. Webster, Otis
Reynolds, and Alanson Skinner were first members. First
deacons ; Fred. Reynolds and Rufus Fuller. The church,
which was dedicated June 3, 1874, by Rev. N. S. Rey-
nolds, of Tioga, was built by L. Works, E. T. Mallory, and
Alfred S. ShuflBeld, trustees, at an expense of $3000. The
present membership is 124.
Present officers: Rev. S. H. Haskell, Pastor; George
Blowers, Clerk ; L. Works, Joshua Murdock, Geo. Blowers,
Deacons ; A. S. Sheffield, L. Works, and Hiram Rice,
Trustees. At Mallory 's Corners is a class of 23 members,
of whom Mr. N. Perry is deacon.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
This society has held meetings in various parts of the
town since their organization in 1850, Rev. B. F. Mack
having been the pioneer preacher, succeeded by Revs. Wm.
Mack, Hiram Bacon, Jacob Stuart, and the present pastor,
Daniel W. Hunt. Among the earliest members were Mr.
Rogers and wife, and Jonathan Styles and wife. They
have a present membership of about 30.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Although a few Friends, or " Quakers," as they are more
popularly known, held their meetings at the residences of
Mr. Douglass and Samuel Rice, who were of that society
as early as 1816, the first meetings were held by Revs.
Brunson, Buell, and McGee. In 1823 they were lield at
the house of Gregory Benedict, and on his removal, at
Joshua Styles'. The first religious workers were three
women, — Mrs. Smith, mother of Samuel Griggs, Sarah
Cady, her sister, daughter of Samuel Cady, and Mrs. Levi
Grinolds, — and it was through their efibrts that the first
preachers, Revs. Buell and Bronson, held a series of meet-
ings at the house of Samuel Cady, which resulted in a re-
vival in 1819; and a class was organized at that time, in-
cluding Elijah Cady and wife, Mrs. Mary Van Canipen,
and Usual McMinds and wife, under the leadership of
Mr. McMinds. Samuel Griggs, and afterwards Samuel
Cady, were also made class-leaders. Tiiis society received
the " Gospel lot" of 100 acres from the Pulteneys to the
first church in Troupsburgh ; Samuel Griggs made the ap-
plication, and was one of the first trustees. Mrs. Griggs,
who is still living at Troupsburgh with her son. W. N.
Griggs, is the oldest living member, as well as one of the
first. In 1858 a reorganization under Rev. S. H. Aldrich
was effected, and Wm. Maud, W. N. Griggs, and Harry
N. Reynolds were made stewards.
Previous to 1856, Revs. Joseph Ashworth, J. C. Hunt-
ley, Luther Northway, I. J. B. McKinney, Charles Gould,
J. B. Bradbury, G. J. Dubois, and S. H. Aldrich supplied
this society when they became a separate charge. They
were afterwards in charge of Rev. L. Rogers, 1860 ; R.
MacWood, 1861; E. Sweet, A. West, 1864; L. Ford,
1865; Isaac Garrett, 1866; John C. Wood, 1867; Wm.
W. Hunt, 1868; J. H. Dubois, 1869-70; C. T. Gilford,
1871 ; D. Potter, 1873; E. H. Pierce, 1874-75; H. B.
Troxel, 1876-77 ; N. B. Congdon, 1878.
L. L. Rogers and J. Bartle were licensed to preach at
this charge. A church costing $5000 was built under the
management of W. N. Griggs, Norman Bennett, and Lo-
renzo Sanford, trustees, in 1872, and dedicated December
29 of the same year by Rev. D. W. T. Huntington. The so-
ciety have also a parsonage at Troupsburgh Centre. Church
officers: Abel Rice, Class-Leader; A. Williams, Clerk;
J. Hayes, A. Williams, Henry Edgett, L. Sanford, Wesley
Grigg, and Uriel Atwood, Stewards ; L. Sanford, U. At-
wood, and W. N. Griggs. Trustees. There is a member-
ship of 84, and the services are well attended. The old
members are represented in the church by their descend-
ants, who form the greater part of the list upon the books
of the society.
Occasional meetings were held at the school-house in the
Chenango Settlement soon after its erection, in 1839, and
the interest continued, until in 1846 the first class was
organized by Rev. Luther Northway, and Henry Bates
made their leader. John Miller and wife, Joseph Brown
and wife, Eber Styles, Alanson Wilson and wife, and Oliver
Pease and wife were the first members.
During the pastorate of Rev. E. B. Thomas a church
was built at an expense of $2000, and dedicated by Rev.
S. Hunt, of Bufialo. The trustees were Geo. Northrup,
Jerome Edwards, J. L. Miller, John A. Wilson, H. B.
Tew, Geo. Bartle, and Geo. Tew. The present officers are
Rev. John Knapp, Pastor; John A. Wilson, Class-Leader;
Henry B. Tew, Clerk ; Geo. Bartle, J. S. Miller, Joseph
Wilson, Stewards; J. A. Wilson, Jerome Edwards, L.
Miller, Geo. Bartle, John R. Williams, and Wm. Carpen-
ter, Trustees.
Tlie church is finely situated in a little valley, surrounded
by industrious farmers, nearly all of whom came with their
fathers from Chenango County, and gave the name of Che-
nango to this part of the town by settling in a body by
themselves.
398
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
SIILITARY RECORD OF TRODPSBURGH.
Ten Broecli, Wm,, c.ipt., 86th Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; res.
Aug. 11, 1SG2, on account of poor health.
Ten Broeck, Hiram, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 2,1861, two years; disch.
July 2, l.S6.i.
Ten Broeck, Wen. Henry, private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Ang. 8, 1862, three
years ; killed at batlle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
Bartle, Philip J , sergt., SGth N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years;
pro. to 1st sergt.. May 7, 1862; .lisch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Inf., Co.
H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; pro. to 2d lieut., Feb. 15, 1861 ; to Ist licut.,
Aug. 15, 1864; to capt., Dec. 23, 1864; disch. July 4, lS6o.
Raymond, William G., chap, in reg. army, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. U; enl. Sept. 7,
1861, three yeara; pro. to chap, in reg. army, July, 1862 ; disch. from regt.
Card, Willi;im W., capt., 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ;
pro. to 2d lieut.. May 7, 1862; to 1st lieul., Feb. 15, 1864; to capt., Aug.
1864; disch. for disability, Oct. 31, 1864.
Murdock, Edwin P., sergt., SGth Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years;
disch. for disability, July, 1862.
Austin, William, sergt., 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; disch.
for disability, Feb. 8, 1S64.
Prlntice, Daniel C, sergt., 86th Eegt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; pro.
to sergt.. May 7, 1862 ; disch. for disab., Dec. 15, 1862, at Baltimore, Md ;
died in Troupsburgh.
Hunt, Sylvester H., Corp., 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861, three years;
pro. to Corp., May 7, 1862 ; died of disease, July, 1862.
Mory, James, sergt., S6lh Rcgt.,Co.H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, throe years; pro. to
Corp., May 7,1862; to sergt., Jan. 1,1863; disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th
Kegr., Co. U, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; pro. to 1st sergt.. May 15, 1865;
disch. July 4, 1865.
Pierce, John A., Corp., 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years; died
of disease, March l;J, 1862, at Georgetown.
Holt, Hiram E., Corp., S6th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 18GI, three years ; re-enl.
86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 3,1863, three years; disch. July 4, 1865.
Hendrick, Adrian A., musician, 86lh Regt., Co. II: enl. Sept. 2il, 1861, three
yeara; disch. for disability, Oct. 27, 1862.
Bartle, William, sergt., 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Si'pt. 7, 1861, three years; disch.;
re enl. 86th Kegt., Co. il, Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; wounded May 7, 1864,
also Nov. 18, 1864, and lost leg; disch. May 15, 1865.
Bates, Abram W., private, 86th Regt., Co. II ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, three years ; died
of disease, March 19, 1862.
Brown, Stephen, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, ISfil , three years ; disch.
Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Regt., C<j. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three yeai-s; pro. lo
sergt.. May 7, 1865 ; wounded in arm ; di.sch. July 4, 1865.
Bly, Stephen, private, S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 19, 1861, three yeara; di«ch.
for disability, March 13, 1863.
Bennett, Austin L., private, 86lh Regt., Co. H; enl. Feb. 18, 1862, three years;
died of disease, near Falmouth, Va., Dec. 12, 1862.
Carpenter, Thomas S., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. lu, 1861, three years;
died of disease, ,\pril 16, 1SG2.
Carpenter, Otis A., private, 86tti Regt., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years;
disch. to receive promotion in 2d U. S, C. T., Sept. 5, 1863 ; pro. to 2d
lieut., Aug. 26, 1863; to 1st lieut., Sept. 12, 1864; disch. for wounds.
Chase, Stephen P., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years,
disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86tli Kegt., Co. U, Dec. 31, 1863, three years;
pro. to sergt., March 9, 1864 ; wounded June 18, 1864 ; disch. July 4, 1865.
Carr, Henry W., private, 861h Regt., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ; dieJ
March 16, 1862, near Washington, D. C.
Carr, George A., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three ye.ira;
disch. Nov. 6, 1SG4.
Card, Charles E, private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; disch.
for disabilily, Sept. 1862.
Crook, Horace, private, S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years; died
Nov. 12, 1863, at New York City.
Cook, Douglas D., private, 86tli Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three yiars;
disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. S6th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years;
trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 21, 18G4; discharged.
Costley, Philander, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861, three years;
disch. Ang. 1. 1862, for disability.
Clark, Benson, private, 86th Regt., Co. 11 ; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, three years.
Church, John, private, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years ; died
Aug. 2, 1862, at Washington.
Church, Benjamin, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Ang. 17, 1861, three years;
died of disease, July 20, at Baltimore.
Cater, Abraham, private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. March 1, 1864, three years;
killed Juno 7, 1864.
Dunham, Richanl G., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, three years;
disch. April 25, 1863.
Elliott, John W., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 2, 1861, three years ; disch.
by reason of disability. May 28, 1862.
Fairbank, Joseph C, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ;
disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 28, 1864.
Grinnolds, Merrill, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ;
died .\pril 6, 1862, of disease.
Gardner, George W., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years;
disch. for disability, Aug. 1862.
More, Ira V., private ; drafted ; died of disease, Sept. 24, 1SC4, near Weldon R. R.
Hober, Hiram A., private, SGth Regt., Co. H; enl. S'pt. 25, 1861, three years ;
disch. Sept. 23, 1864, at expiration of service.
Hober, Salem J., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years;
trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 13, 1864 ; re-enl. 9th
Vet. Cav., Co. F, Aug. 30, 1864. ime year; pro. to sergt., Oct. 20, 186.i, by
special order; disch. at expiration of term, Aug. 30, 1865.
Everitt, Jeremiah, private, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. March 22, 1862, throe years;
killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.
Holt, John, Corp., S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 21, 1861, three years ; disch. Dec.
30, 1863; reenl. 86lh Regt , Co. H ; disch. July 4, 1865.
Hubbard, Wm. H., private, S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. Ill, 1861, three years;
disch. Sept. 13, 1864, at expiration of service.
Haxton, Timothy A., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three yeais ;
wounded .at Bull Run ; died in hospit-il, Sept. 26, 1862.
Jordon, James, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years ; disch.
for disability, Feb. 12, 1863.
Jordon, Daniel P., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; disch.
for disabdity, June 11, 1862.
Lebar, Leotiard, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861, three years ; killed
at second Bull Run.
McFarland, William, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years:
disch. for disability, Feb. 25, 1863.
Miller, William S., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, throe years ;
wounded at Gettysburg; tr.ins. to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. Sept. 21, 1864.
Marlatt, John G., private, 80th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 16, 1861, three years ;
disch. for disability. May 28, 1862.
Olmstead, S.amuel W., Corp., 86tli Regt , Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ;
wounded and disabled at Gettysburg; disch. Oct. 27, 1864.
Ordway, Biatha, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ;
wounded at second Bull Run ; disch. for disability, Jan. 18, 1863.
Pierce, Dclos F , private, 86tli Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; taken
pris. and exchanged ; sent, to Camp Parole; disch. at expiration of service.
Pierce, Heni-y L., private, 86th Regt , Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years;
disch. for disability, Nov. 16, 1862.
Pierce, William, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; disch.
Dec. 30, 1863 ; reenl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years : disch.
July 4, 1865.
Phelps, Milo B., private, 86lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years.
Potter, Eli, private, 66th Regt,, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, three years ; disch .
Dec. 30, 1863 ; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. II, Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; wounded
and disabled. May 8, 1864 ; disch. Slay 13, 1865.
Rogers, W'm. J., Corp., 861h Regt., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; taken
sick and trans, to Vet. Corps., April .30, 1804; disch. Sept. 12, 1864.
Rowley, Alfonzo. private, 86th Regt., Co. H; onl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years;
disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863; wounded
May 10, 1864; died May 14, 1864.
Sanderson, Wm. .\., Corp., 86lh Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years;
died of disease while home on furlough, Jan. 23, 1864.
SymonJs, Watkins, private, 86th Regt., Co. II; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years;
discli. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1861, three years;
killed at Po River, May 10, 1861.
Schoonover, Wm. A., private, 86tli Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, three years ;
tians. to Vet. Corps, Sept. 20, 1863; disch. at expirarion of service.
Thomas, Benjamin P., private, 86th RegU, Co. H ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, three years;
died of disease at Sulphur Springs, Aug. 31, 1863.
T,ionuis, Amos, pr.vate, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, three years ; disch.
for disability, Dec. i), 1862.
Younglov.', Wm. A., private. S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years;
disch Dec. 3t(, 1861; re-enlisted.
Pringle, William A., private, SGth Regt., Co. H; enl. Nov. 10, 1861, three years ;
disch. Dec. :io, 1863 ; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years ;
killeil at I'o River, May 10, 1864.
Bartle, John S., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three years;
wounded and trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. June 29, 1865.
Williitnis, Jeremiah, 1st lieut., 86th Regt., Co. H : enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three years ;
pro. to seigt., Oct. 12, 1864; to 1st sergt., Dec. 23, 1864; to Ist lieut., May
15, 1865 ; wounded at Boydtown Road ; disch. July 4, 1865.
Bates, James Henry, private, 34th Regt., Co. E; two years; detached on gun-
boat St. Louis ; disch. from navy July 7, 1863 ; disch. from service, 1863 ;
re-enl. 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; must. Nov. 10, 1863 ; disch. Nov. 8, 1805.
Barnes, Enos P., private, 107th Regt., Co. F; onl. July 28, 1802, three years ;
died at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 21, 1862.
Brown, Benjamin F-, private, 86th Regt., Co. R ; enl. Aug. 17. 1861, three years ;
disch. July 5, 1862, by order sec. of war; re-enl.; served nearly two years
as steward in Trinity Church hospital, Georgetown, and Judiciary Square
hospital, Washington ; served in the army about one year as asst. surg. ;
disch. May 21, 1865.
Austin, Erwin H., Corp., 161st Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; pro.
to Corp., Aug. 20, 1863 ; disch. Oct. 16, 1865.
Winship, Nehomiah W., sergt., 86th Regt., Co. R; enl. Ang. 17, 1S61, three years ;
died July 3, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg.
Olmstead, Henry M., private, 34th Regt., Co. E ; enl. May 2, 1861, two years;
died June 26, 1862.
Church, David, private, 107lh N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. July 21, 1862, three years;
disch. for disability. May 26, 1863.
Church, William L., private, 107th Regt., Co. E; enl. July 24, 1862, Ihrdc years j
died of disease at Chattanooga, Aug. 2, 1864. . ^-.'.-..^-v^
TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH.
399
lUys, R<)8well S., private, lOTtli Regt., Co: E; enl. Jan. 7, 18G4, three years;
discli. Aug. "24, 1SG,5, .it Wjishington, D. C.
Marlalt, William H., sergt., Htli Wis. Inf., Co. B ; enl.Dec. 4, 18G1, ttiree years;
disch. Feb. 14, lS(i4 ; re-enl. 14lli Wis. Inf., Co. B, Feb. 14, 1804, three
years; wounded at Weldou Railroad, Aug. 18, 1804; disch. July 14, 1865,
at Richmond, Va.
Hall, Royal A., sergt., 90th N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years;
pr»». lolst sergt., Jan. 1,1804; wounded at Drury's Bluff; disch. Feb. tj, '06.
Potter, William, private, 1st N. Y. Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 18G4, one year;
disch. June 8, 18G.'>, at Camp Pmtt, West Ya., by gen.ord. No. 83, A. G, A.
Glover, George W., Corp., 96th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ;
pris. three days; paroled ; disch. Feb. 6, 18G6.
IJober, Simeon B., private, 101st Regt., Co. I; enl. March 28, 1804, three years;
disch. July 8, I860, by general order No. 77, A. G. A., April 28, 1865.
Reunett, Norman, private, 14th II. Art., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 1, lt)64, three years;
wounded between C*)ld Harbor and North Anna ; disch. Sept. 6, 1865.
Dunham, James M., private, 8Gth Kegt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861, three years ;
died at Camp Goodhope, May 19, 1802.
Sfaaut, Norman, private, 101 st Regt., Co. 1 ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; taken
pris. at Sabine Cross- Roads, April 8, 1804 ; taken to Tyler, Tex. ; exchanged
Oct. 23, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 2(1, 1805.
White, Inman Bl., private, 861h Regt, Co. F ; enl. Oct. 25, 1801, three years;
disch. Dee. 19, 1863; re-enl. SOth Regt., Co. F; Dec. 19, 1863, three years;
taken prisoner at the Wilderness, May 6, 1864; taken to Andersoiiville;
moved to Florence, Sept. 13, 1864, w here he was last seen in a dying con-
dition from starvation.
Shaiit, Epliraim, private, 141st Regt., Co. 11 ; enl. Sept. 22, 1804, one year; disch.
June 18, 1805, at Washington, D. C.
Brooks, John Nelson, private, 14th U. Art., Co. G; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three
years; killed June 17, 1864.
Wilkinson, Clarence, private, sub., 120th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one
year; wounded at Hatcher's Run, Uct. 27, 1804; disch. Feb. 27, 1865.
Miuard, Joseph B., private, 76th Regt., Co. E; enl. Oct 14, 1801, three years;
wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, April 8, 1864 ; died of wounds.
Picket, Charles E., private, 179tli Regt., Co. C ; enl. March 31, 1864, three years ;
. disch. June 7, 1865, at Fairfax, Va.
Murdock, Henry M., private, 17Ulh Regt., Co. C; enl. March 31, 1864, three
years ; disch. for di^abil ty, Sept. o, 1804.
Abby, George W., private, 189th Regt., (;o. F; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year;
disch. May 17, 1865, at Elniira, N. Y.
Clark, Charles, pr.vate, 1^9tll Kegt., Co. F; enl. Nov. 21, 1864, one year.
Allager, John M., private, 74tli Uegt., Co. C; enl. MaicU 28, 1861, three yeais;
wounded Slay 5, and died May 7, 1862.
Watkins, William R., private, 97th Regt., Co. G ; dr.ilted May '28, 1804, three
years; taken pns., March 31, 't>o ; paroleil .\pril 2, '05; d.sch. Blay 25, '65.
Thomas, William B., private, loth 11. Art., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 4, 1865, three years;
disch. Aug. 21, 1805.
Forgerson, Julius W., private, IGlst Regt., Co. H ; dralted Jan. 22, 1864, three
yeais; disch. Nov. 12, 1865.
Ililbnrn, William H., private, 80th Regt., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, three years;
wounded in thigh, also in the head ; died Dec. 12, 1863.
Hill, Ilezekiah, private, I9th Regt., Co. I; enl. April 29, 1861, two years; disch.
June 2, 1863.
Tobias, Jacob, private, liJth Regt., Co. I ; enl. April 29, 1801, two years ; taken
I>ris. at Mai tinsburg, Va ,and sent to Richmond ; died in prison, Sept. '61.
Steel, Harrison Otis, pi ivate, 101st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. IS, 1862, three years ;
disch. March 15, 1805.
Cummings, William E., private, 161st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; died of disease at Baton Rouge, Aug. 5, 1863.
McFall, Uenry, private, 80th Regt., Co. H; enl. Jan. 14, 1864, three years;
wounded in shoulder at Petersburg ; disch. for disability, July 26, 1865.
Stiles, Reuben, private, 86tli Regt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. *29, 1861, three years ; disch.
Sept. 5, 1865, at Elmira.
Haxton, Henry John, private, 189th Regt , Co. F; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, one year;
disch. June, 1805.
Brown, Ira, private, sub., 76th Regt., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 19, 1863, three years ;
wounded at Wilderness, May 8, 1864; died of wounds, May 3, 1864. at
Lincoln Hosjiital, Washington, D. C.
Mack, George \V., private, 0th N. Y. H. Art., Co. I; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years;
wounded at Petersburg, June 17, 1864; disch. Miiy 15, 1865.
Holt, Joseph F., private, S6th Regt., Co. II; enl. Oct. 1861, three years; wounded
at second Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862; died of wounds, Sept. 16, 1862.
Hill, George, private, 70th Regt. ; dnifted July IS, 1803, three years ; taken pris.
Oct. 1, 1S64, and sent to Salisbury, N. C. ; paroled March, 1865; died at
Elmira, March 25, 1865.
Hillyer, William H., private, lS9th Regt., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year ;
disch. Way 3, 1805, near Washington, D. C.
Holt, WHIiani Amos, sergt., SOth Regt., Co. H ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863, three years ;
wounded and taken pi is., May 10, 1804 ; paroled Aug. 12, 1804 ; exchanged
Dec. 25,1864; returned to regt., Feb. 14, 1865 ; pro. to sergt., April 1,1865;
disch. June '27, 1805.
White, William C, private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years;
died Sept. 1863, at Station hospiuil.
White, Edward BI., private, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ;
disch. May, 1862.
Morton, Lewis B., Corp., 86th Regt., Co. F; enl. Oct. 25, 1861, three years:
Wounded at second Hull Run ; died Aug. '30, 1862.
Morton, Hiram, private, 189th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 23, 1804, ono year ; difch.
May 30, I.SO.'., near Washington, D. C.
Potter, Darling, private, 80th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; disch.
May 7, 1865.
Nudd, David, private, 189th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1860, near Washington, D. C.
Lozier, Ilyron J, private, 86lh Regt., Co. K ; eul. Ang. 29, 1861, three years;
died at Elmira, N. Y"., Nov. 2, 1861.
Finch, Philander W., private, l'2'2d Regt., Co. E; enl. July 18, 1863, three years;
disch. J 3, 1805.
Heeley, Richard I,., private, ngth Regt.,Co.C; eul. March 31, 1864, three years;
wounded at Petersburg.
Bailey,Steplion A., sergt., 80th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; pro.
to sergt.. May 7, 1862; disch. Dec. 30. 186:i; re-enl. 86th Regt., (U>. H,
Dec. 31, 1803, three years; pro. toltt sergt., Aug. 6, 1864 ; to 1st lieut.,
Dec. 23, 1804 ; wounded at Petersburg, March 25, 1865 ; died of wounds,
April 9, 1805.
Jordan, Elias P., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Jan. 3, 1864, three years; killed
at Wilderness, May 10, 1864.
Gardner, Benjamin 0., private, SOth Regt., Co. K; enl. Dec. 31, 18C1, three
years ; died of disease, April 13, 1802, at Washington, D. C.
Houghtaling, George R., private, 188lh Regt., Co. K; enl. Sept. 15, 1804, one
year; disch. May 19, 1865.
Whipple, E. S., private, 14th N. Y. II. Art., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Brooks, James F., private, 90lh Regt., Co. A; enl. Oct. 31,1861, throe years;
wounded in right side at Donaldsonville; taken pris. to Baton Rouge;
disch. March 8, 1804.
Brooks, John L., private, 90th N. Y. Vols., Co. A ; enl. Nov. 8, 18C1, three years ;
died of yellow fever, Oct. 2, 1862, at Key West, Fla.
Seeley, Horace B., capt., 8Gth N. Y. Vols., Co. K ; enl. -Aug. 29, 1801, three year- ;
pro. to 2d lieut., Dec. 9, 1862 ; to 1st lieut., July 2, 1863 ; taken piis. at
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; pro. to dipt., Jan. 2, 1805 ; released from prison
March 1, 1865.
Gilkey, John W., private, SOth Regt., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, three years ; de-
tailed in ainl-ulauce corps, Oct. 3, l-'<'62; disch. Dec. 31, 1864; re-enl. SOth
Regt., Co. K, Dec. 31, 1864, three years; served in ambulance corps;
disch. June 27, 1805.
Gilkey, Franklin E., sergt., S6ih Regt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 29, 1861, three years;
wounded at C'liancellorsville ; disch. Sept. 9, 1864.
Darien, Nelson B.. private, 3d N. Y. Art., Bat. I; enl. Sept. 8, 1804, one year;
disch. July 29, 1865.
Bowers, Charles A., priv.tte, 161st Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Cook, Thomas M., private, 1st N. Y. Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 18C4, one year;
disch. June 8,1865.
Cook, Rufus, private, ISOlh Pa. Inf., Co. D ; enl. July 27, 1862, nine months;
disch. for disab., Dec. 31, 1802 ; re-enl. 1st N. Y. Car., Co. F, Aug. 27, 1864,
one year; disch. June 8, 1865.
Thomas, Sylvenus, private, SOth N. Y. Eng., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one year ;
disch. June 13, 1865, at Fort Barry, Va.
Potter, Newton, private, .'iOth N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year;
disch. June 13, 1805, at Fori Barry, Va.
Mulkins, Charle.s, private, 136lh Pa. Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 9, 1SC2, nine months ;
died at Mount Pleasant hosp., Washington, D. C, Oct. 11, 1862.
Labar, George, private, 4tli Pa. Cav., Co. I; enl. Oct. 21, 1864, one year ; disch.
Dec. 5, 1864, at Camp Biddle.
Everet, James S., private. Cist N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 16, 1864, one year ;
died of disease, Sept. 28, 1864.
Jordon, Sipiire J., private, SOth Regt., Co. K; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years;
died of disease, Feb. 1, 1864, at Brandy Station, Va.
Carpenter, Henry B.,corp.,1881h N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year.
wounded at Petersburg; disch. June 2, 1865.
Hallock, Abram, private, 5Uth N. Y. Eng., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 29, 1304, one year;
disch. June 13, 1865.
Williams, William H., private, 3d N. Y. Art., Co. I ; onl. Sept. 8, 1804, one year ;
disch. July 8, 1S05.
Williams, Alfred, Corp., 188th Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; disch.
July 10, 1805.
Minard, John II., Corp., 76th N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. Sept. 17, 18C1, three years;
wounded at Winchester ; disch. Nov. '25, 1864.
Minard, James I., private, 3d N. Y. Ait., Bat. I; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year;
disch. July 8, 1865, at Syracuse, N. Y.
Minard, Isaac A., private, Sd N. Y. Art., Bat I; enl. Sept 8, 1864, one >ear;
disch. July 8, 1865.
Stephens, William O., private, S6th Regt., Co. II ; onl. Jan. 14, 1864, three years ;
lost an arm at Spoltsylvania Court-House; disch. Sept. 20, 1864.
Stone, George, private, Ist N. Y. Cav., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year ; disch.
June 8, 1885.
Dennin, John F., private, 2d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ■ enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year;
disch. Aug. 2;i, 1865.
Rowley. Daniel F., private, 86lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; sup-
posed to have been killed at Wilderness.
Houghtaling, Alfred, private, 2d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year.
Ketchum, Thomas T., private, 188lh Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year;
disch. July '27, 1865.
Lathrop, Matthew (suh.), private, llllh Regt., Co. I ; enl. Aug. IS, 1864, one
year; disch. June 4, 1865.
400
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Marlatt, Georgo F., private, 161st Kegt., Co. I ; enl. Jan. 18, 1864, three years;
disch. Nov. 12, 1865.
Bailey, Charles B., private, 85th Regt., Co. A; cnl. Sept. 14, 18G4, one year;
disch. May 1, IS6.i, at Mosley Hiill, N. C.
Haxton, Alonzo H., private, 15lh H. Art., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ;
disch. June 20, 18Gj.
Webster, Jay, Corp., 76th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years ; wounded
in left knee at Fredericksburg; wounded at Falls Church; disch. on ace.
of wound, Oct. 22, 1862, at Philadelphia, Pa.; re-enl. 14tli H. Art., Co. K,
three years; trans, to 9Gth Regt, Co. K ; pro. to 2d lieut., March 24, 1SG4 ;
died of disease at Petersburg, Aug. 4, 1864.
Webster, Chauncey, private, 14th H. Art., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 9, 1863, three years;
disch. Aug. 26, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Wilber, Henry
Eowley, John W., private, 179th Regt., Co. C; enl. March 31, 1864, three years;
wounded on picket, June 25, 1864; disch. Dec. 4, 1864, by gen. ord. No. 422.
Skiner, Ebenezer, private, 3d N. Y. Art., C<j. I ; enl. Sept 8, 1864, one year;
disch. July 3, 1865.
Skiner, Reuben, private, 3d N. Y. Art., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; disch.
July 8, 1865 ; died of diseiise, Aug. 3, 1865.
McFarland, William R., private, Ist N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 24, 1864;
disch. June 8, 1865, at Camp Prat, W. Va., by gen. ord. No. 83, A. G. A.
Lewis, Benjamin F., private, lS9th N. Y. Inf., Co. F; enl. Nov. 21, 1864, one
year; disch. June 5, 1865,
Baily, George B., Corp., 181th Regt., Co. A; enl. .^ug. 24, 1864, one year; pro
to. Corp., May 15, 1865 ; disch. July 12, 1865.
Ackley, Samuel, private, H6th Regt., Co. F; enl. July 20, 1863, three years;
taken pris. at Wilderness, May 5, 1864; paroled March 27, 1865, at Wil-
mington, N. C; disch. Aug. 22, 1865.
Lewis, Truman W., private, 184th Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year;
disch. June 29, 1805, at City I'oint, Va.
Dunham, Richard G., private, lllth Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, one year;
disch. June 4, 1865, by general order No. 26.
Dunham, Richard, private, 14th H. .\rt., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 7, 188.'}, three years ;
taken pris. at Petersburg, June 6, 1864; died at Anderson ville, Sept. lo, '64.
Spencer, Rnymond G., private, 161st Kegt., Co. I; enl. March 30,1864, three
yeai-s; died Aug. 15, 1864, at Vicksburg, Brigade Engineer's hospital.
Eice, George, private, 86th N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Feb. 4, 1863, three years;
taken prisoner and died at Andei-sonville, Oct. 1864.
Mai'latt, Hamilton J., private. 161st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three
years ; disch. Aug. 29, 1863, at B.iton Rouge, La.; re-enl. 161st Regt., Aug.
24, 1864; disch. May 29, 1865.
Dodge, Amasa, private, 45th Pa, Inf., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 1861, three years; disch.
for disability, Aug, 29, 1802; re-enl, 45th Pa, Inf, Co, I, March 9. 1864,
three years; wounded at Petersburg, April 2, 1865 ; d sch, July 17, 1805.
Cummins, Norman W., farrier, 7tli Vet, Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1864, one
year; pro, to farrier about two months after entering the service; disch.
June 8, 1865, by general order No. S3, A. G. O,
More, Erastus V,, private, 1st Vet, Cav,, Co, F; enl. Aug, 25, 1864, one year;
disch June 8, 1865, by general order No, 83, A, G, 0.
Hays, Hiram H,, private (aub,), Co, I; enl, Aug, 31, 1864, one year; disch, June
2, 1SC5,
Marlatt, John G,, private, lllth Regt., Co. I ; enl. Aug, 24, 1864, one year ; disch,
June 14, 1865,
Ordway, Bialha, private, Ist N, Y, Cav,, Co. F; enl, Aug, 27, 1864, one year;
disch, June 8, 1865, at Camp Pratt, W, Va,
Marvin, William, private, 14th H, Art,, Co, M ; eul, Jan, 4, 1864, three years ;
wounded; disch, Aug, 11, 1865,
Cook, David, private, 1st N, Y, Vet, Cav,, Co, F; enl, Aug, 29, 1864, one year;
disch, June 15, 1805, at Wheeling, W, Va.
Darien, Joseph H., private, 107th Regt,, Co, I ; enl, Aug, 7, 1862, three years ;
taken pris. March S, 1805; paroled at Richmond, Va,, March 31, 1865;
discli. May 31, 1865, by general order No, 77,
Holt, Silas W., private, 76th Regt., Co, H ; enl, July 20, 1863, three years ; disch.
July 3, 1865, near Washington,
Ten Broeck, Ira W,, private, I2thN, Y. Cav,; enl, Sept. 12, 1864, one year; taken
prisoner, March 8, 1865 ; disch. July 7, 1865.
Bartle, Jesse, private, 161st Regt., Co. F ; enl. Sept, 6, 1804, one year; died of
disease, Feb, 2, 1865,
Wilson, George S., private, 161st Regt,, Co. F ; enl. Sept, 27, 1864, one year ; disch,
a Sept, 3, 1865,
Wilson, Joseph R., private, 16lst Regt, Co, F; enl. Sept, 27, 1864, one year;
disch. Sept, 3, 1S65,
Williams, John R,, private, 2d Pa, Cav,, Co, L; enl. Jan, 2, 1862, three years ;
disch, Jan, 19, 1865,
MiUer, Charles M,, private, 96th Regt., Co, K ; enl, Feb, 6, 1863, three years;
wounded at Cold Harbor, also at Markett's Heights; disch, at White Hall
hospitiil. Pa,, June 13, 1865,
Bates, Richard, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept, 7, 1864, one year ; disch,
Aug, 23, 1805,
Miller, Reuben, private, 96th Regt., Co. K ; enl, Feb, 6, 1864, three years ; taken
pris.; sent to Camp Parole, Annapolis; was sick and furloughed until
exchanged or discharged, and has never been notified of his exchange.
Miller, Alexander T,, private, 50th Eng, ; enl. Sept, 12, 1804, one year; trans,
to 1881h Regt,, Co, E, Oct. 4,1864; killed at Hatchers Run,
Miller, Wesley, private, 96th Regt., Co, K ; enl, Feb, 0, 1804, three years ; killed
at Fort Harrison, Sept, 29, 1804,
Pierce, Henry, private, 86th N. Y. Vet, Vols., Co, H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year ;
disch, June 2, 186.i,
Powers, Eli R., private, 3d Lt, AH., Co. D ; eul, March 2, 1804, three years ; disch.
July 5, 1865, at .Syracuse.
Kelly, William R., private, lU7tb N, Y, Vols,, Co, K; enl, Aug, 9, 186'2, three
years; died of disease, Oct, 9, 1862, at Harper's Ferry.
Miller, Wm. Julian, corp,, 18Sth N, Y, Vols., Co, G ; enl. Sept, 6, 1361, one year ;
disch, July 1, 1865, at Rochester, N, Y,
Cornell, Franklin, private, HOth N, Y, Inf., Co, B; enl, March 11, 1864, three
years; wounded at Gettysburg; disch. April 3, 1865, by reason of wound.
Chase, Charles Wesley, private, 1:16th Pa, Vols., Co, D; enl, Aug, 1, 186*2, nine
months ; died of disease, Oct, 27, 1862, at Smoketown hospital.
Tanner, Dennis, private, 5th H, Art,, Co, C; enl, March, 1864, three years ; died
at Harper's Ferry general hospit;il, Dec, 10, 1804,
Cummings, George W., private, S6th Regt.. Co, H ; enl, Jan, 14, 1803, three years;
woundtd at the Wilderness and died May 20, at Howard hospital.
Cook, Jerome B., private, 1st N, Y, Vet, Cav,, Co. F ; enl, Aug, 27, 1864, one year;
disch, June 15, 1805, at Wheeling, W. Va,
Cummings, Wallace W,, private, 188th N. Y, Vols., Co, E; eul. Sept, 10, 1864,
one year ; disch, June 29, 1805,
Lozier, Charles Henry, private, 2d Pa, Cav,, Co, B ; enl, March 8, 1864, three
years ; lost a leg, June 11, 1804 ; disch, March 2, 1865,
More, Willis, private, 2d N, Y, Cav,, Co, L; enl, Aug, 31, 1864, one year, disch,
June 5, 1805,
More, Lester, private, 2d N. Y. Cav., Co. L ; enl, Aug, 31, 1864, one year ; died
of disease at Guysboro' general hospital, Nov, 20, 1864,
Rude, William, private, 188lh N, Y, Vols,, Co. A; enl. Sept, 22, 1804, one year;
killed at Petersburg, March 31, 1805,
Stoliker, Abram, private, 42d Pa, Inf., Co. C ; enl, April 25, 1801, three years ;
disch, Dec, 20, 1863; re-enl, 1901h Pa, Inf,, Co. C, Dec, 21, 1863, three
years; taken pris, and sent to Richmond, Aug, 19, 1864; paroled Feb, 27,
1805 ; disch, June 14, 1805,
Williams, Merit M„ Corp., 188th Regt,, Co, E; enl. Sept, 12, 1804, one year;
wounded at Hatcher's Run, Oct, 27, 1864; disch, July 1, 1865,
Card, Charles Edward, private, 1st N, Y, Cav., Co, L; enl. Sept. 10, 1863, three
years ; disch, July, 1865,
Card, Willis H,, private, 86th Regt,, Co, H ; enl. Sept, 2, 1864, one year; disch.
June 2, 1865,
Wakeley, Daniel C, private, 136th Pa, Inf., Co, D; enl. -\ug, 9, 1862, nine
months; disch. May 29, 1803,
Artcber, Jeremiah, private, 187th Pa, Inf,, Co, I; enl, March 28, 1864, three
years ; disch. Aug, 3, 1865,
Harrington, Aaron, private, 27th Pa, Inf,; enl. Sept, 1, 1864, one year; disch.
May 31, 1805, at Alexandria, Va,
Stiles, John, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co, E ; enl. Sept, 19, 1804, one year ; disch.
July 1, 1805.
Stiles, Ezra, private, ISStli N, Y, Inf, Co, E; enl. Sept, 19, 1801, one year; disch,
July 1, 1865,
Thomas, Eli P,, private, 188th N, Y, Inf,, Co, K ; enl, Sept. 12, 1864, one year;
disch. July 1, 1805,
Rowley, Dauiel, private, 179th N, Y, Inf,, Co. C; enl. March 30, 1864, three
years ; killed at Petersburg, July 30, 1864,
Rowley, H, George, private, 80tb N, Y. Inf,, Co, K; enl, Sept. 9, 1861, three
yeai-s ; died March 28, 1862, at camp hospital, near Washington, D. C.
Cook, John R,, corp,, 80th Regt, Co, K ; enl, Sept. 5, 1861, three years ; wounded ;
disch, Dec, 6, at convalescent camp near Alexandria, Va, ; re-enl, 50th
N, Y, Eng,, Co, K, Aug, 25, 1864, one year; disch, June 4, at Elmira,
Cook, James, private, 136th Pa, Inf,, Co, D; enl, Aug, 9, 1862, nine months;
disch, June 4, 1863, at Harrisburg; re-enl, 1st N, Y. Cav., Aug, 28, 1864,
one year; disch, June 15, 1865, at Wheeling, Va,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
JAMES CARPENTER.
James Carpenter was born in Exeter, Otsego Co,, N. Y.,
Oct. 18, 1800. His ancestors came from England to Long
Islanti, from whence his father, John Carpenter, went to
Otsego about 1795. He moved to Chenango County in
1808. He married, in Long Island, Ruth, daughter of
Thomas Smith. This couple had six children ; three —
Joseph, Mary, and James — attaining maturity. Mr. Car-
penter died about 1808 ; his wife two years previously.
James Carpenter was bound to Francis Peeso, a farmer,
with whom he stayed till of age. When twenty-five he
married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Dodge, and followed
farming in Oxford until 1831, when he came to Troups-
burgh. He purchased the farm where he now resides, with
TOWN OF TEOUPSBURGH.
401
his son Henry B., paying two dollars and twenty-five cents
per acre, " one-fourth down." By energy and industry he
transformed a roadless forest into a pleasant home, and, at
the age of seventy-eight years, is in possession of health.
By his first wife he had ten children : James, born Feb. 5,
1826 ; William and Wills (deceased), twins, July 26, 1827;
Henry B., Jan. 12, 1829 ; Ruth E., Oct. 8, 1831 ; Otis A.,
past, Mr. Carpenter has ever been a representative farmer,
a kind father, a warm friend, an estimable citizen. For
nearly forty years Mr. Carpenter has been a Baptist. Ilis
first vote was for Andrew Jackson. He afterwards was a
Whig and a Republican. Few fathers have a prouder
record in the late war — four sons and two sons-in-law were
in the army ; one son, Thomas S., dying in the service.
Jfi^vui^ XoOy^^-i^c^rU^/t
Sept. 28, 1833 ; Mary, Sept. 26, 1835 ; Milton (deceased),
Sept.—, 1837; Thomas S. (deceased), June 22, 1839;
Maria N., June 14, 1842. Mrs. Carpenter died June 23,
1843. Mr. Carpenter married Elvira Hamblin, April 9,
1844. Of this union were born Ellen L., July 31, 1845.
Mrs. Carpenter died, aged seventy-two years, Oct. 20, 1877.
A sturdy pioneer, one of the few remaining pillars of the
51
In strict integrity, diligent industry, and Christian
honesty, Mr. Carpenter has no superior.
Henry B. Carpenter was married to Celestia Bingham,
April 2, 1857. She was born Aug. 31, 1834. Their chil-
dren are Eddie (deceased), born March 21, 1859; Ralph
H., Oct. 13, 1862; Thomas G., March 3, 1865; Willard
M., Oct. 18, 1866; and Ettie V., Oct. 21, 1872.
TUSCARORA.
ERECTION AND DESCRIPTION.
TusCARORA was formed from Addison, Dec. 13, 1859.
It iDcludes township No. 1 of the third range of Phelps
and Gorham's purchase, and is situated on the south border
of the county, east of the centre. The surface is hilly and
somewhat broken by the valleys of the Tuscarora Creek and
other small streams. The soil is chiefly a clay loam, with
gravel and alluvium in the creek-valleys.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
William Wombough, the first settler of Tuscarora, was a
native of New Jersey, and the son of a Revolutionary sol-
dier. His departure from the old home was characterized
by that impetuosity which was his ruling characteristic
through life, and which made for him an abundant success
where many others would have failed. After his father's
death there arose a dispute about the division of the prop-
erty, when William, then a young man, said if they would
give him $100 he would leave and let the rest settle it among
themselves. He added to this $70 during the next season,
and in June, 1804, purchased 187 acres in the Tuscarora
Valley, including the present residence of his sou, William
Wombough, in the town of Tuscarora, a few rods from the
south line of Addison. Engaging in lumbering in a small
way, Mr. Wombough was so successful in his various enter-
prises that in 1806 he built a small grist-mill and a saw-
mill on the stream, just in front of the family residence.
His rich bottom lands produced heavy crops of wheat and
corn, which were gladly loaned by the settlers up the creek
and others who were less favored, to be paid with increase
after harvest. His mill was without a competitor for many
miles. Working industriously in the lumber-woods him-
self, he invested his gains in lands, becoming in a few years
the possessor of a large amount of valuable timber lands.
Although within the present bounds of Tuscarora, the ben-
efit of his industries accrued to Addison, but little settle-
ment being made south for several years. A mile and a
half up the valley Amos Dolph made the first settlement at
Carrtown, afterwards known as Addison Hill. Amos
Towsley, whose son, John Towsley, was a prominent citizen
for a number of years, settled between them in 1816. Jes.se
Rowley settled at the forks of the creek, a mile above Mr.
Dolph, but three months after Mr. Wombough, in 1804.
Mr. Rowley came from the North River, bringing with him
a family of ten, three others being born in Tuscarora, of
whom Jemima, wife of John Plimley, who was born in
February, 1806, was the first child born in the town.
Jesse W. Rowley, son of Jesse Rowley, the present town
clerk and proprietor of the long-known " Rowley's Tavern,"
was born on the place where he now lives, and is the oldest
living man who was born in Tuscarora. He has been either
402
town clerk or supervisor every year but five since the for-
mation of the town. At the time of Mr. Rowley's settle-
ment there was no inhabitant between him and Osceola,
Pa., nor between him and Woodhill. In 1816, Samuel
Colgrove and Mr. Tousley came on the creek above Wom-
bough's.
Lying for the most part on the point of land between the
Tioga Valley and the valley of the Canisteo, the easy
outlet for lumber destined Tuscarora to an early settlement.
Heavily timbered, and divided on the south into separate
ridges by small streams, and the north and east opened by
the Tuscarora Creek, it only required a market to furnish
many a winter's work to the hardy lumbermen, whose
camp, built of huge logs and roofed with snow-laden
boughs, existed for a season, then moved to a more favored
locality. The hardy adventurer, who with a family of little
ones, attempted to penetrate the dense forest in the south
part of the town, before the advance of civilization, is well
entitled to remembrance. Daniel Strait, an old soldier of
the Revolution, migrated from Chenango County, in 1799,
to the Cowanesquc Valley, but finding a more favored
locality among the thrifty pines upon the point above the
" Lindsley Settlement," made the first settlement in southern
Tuscarora, adjoining the Pennsylvania line, on what is
known as the Morehead place, in 1809. Following the
example of other early travelers, he chose winter that he
might travel on the ice. After breaking through several
times in his journey down the river, he succeeded in work-
ing his passage to a point on the hill, sheltered on the east
and west, and overlooking the broad valley far to the south
when the dense forest was removed, but then so completely
veiled by standing timber as to only admit the midday sun-
shine to the little " opening," which had been cleared to
erect the first rude log cabin. For seven years he lived
here, alone with his little family, the nearest neighbor being
on the river, five miles away. The little log cabin lies in
ruins near the spring, and the aged veteran sleeps on the
hill-side near by. His son, Daniel Strait, Jr., lived to see
the modern frame house succeed the log one, the hills
checkered here and there with clearings, and he, too, at
the age of seventy-eight, was removed from the scene of
his labore, leaving two sons, Luke and Joel, who live just
over the hill to the west. In 1816, Asahel Thomas joined
the elder Mr. Strait, but it was not until 1824, when Joseph
Gile came on the hill, and settled where Archibald Manley
now lives, that a road was blazed through to Addison.
John C. Orr, father of John Orr, a leading merchant of
Addison, settled two miles south of Addison, in the north-
eastern part of Tuscarora, about 1816; his father, Joseph
Orr, coming afterwards, together with other members of the
Orr family, and forming the Orr Settlement before any
TOWN OF TUSCARORA.
403
others located in that neighborhood. Up Mind Creek
Daniel Burdick and Andrew Orowl were among the earliest
settlers in the east part of the town. Rev. David Short,
a Close-Communion Baptist preacher, grandfather of Robert
Short, the well-known and popular Addison blacksmith,
located on the HoUis place, joining the Pennsylvania line,
southeast of Strait, in 1823, preaching throughout the
surrounding country, and industriously working upon his
farm.
Warren and Benedict Northrup settled in the Northrup
Settlement in 1825.
After Mr. Gile had made a small clearing, and John
Webster had settled between him and Rowley's, Rev. Aaron
Baxter with his family, Alfred Nichols his son-in-law. and
Simeon Freeman, a boy in his employ, settled near the
Penn.sylvania line, a mile farther west than Strait. Mr.
Nichols had a pair of horses and §25 in money. With no
experience to guide him, but with a resolute will to suc-
ceed, he built him a house 14 feet square, and barely high
enough to walk into without stooping, and began to cut
down the trees about his cabin. Meanwhile, Elder Baxter
visited the land-office at Bath, and made an arrangement
by which he should receive half a dollar an acre on all lands
he might sell; the balance of 81.50 an acre to be paid at
the land-office. Through his exertions that part of the
town began to settle so rapidly, that in 1830 he had gath-
ered 46 of his neighbors together into a church. His col-
ony came from Chenango County, and included the families
of James Sprague, Migeman Taft, David Hart, Samuel and
Enoch Mack, Eliba Albee, Orrin Swan, and Samuel Smith.
In 1827, Elder Baxter cleared 30 acres of land and
planted it to wheat, obtaining a large yield, which found a
ready sale in the Tioga Valley. In 182G a single house
could be seen in a small opening among the thick, blue
hemlock-trees, on the hill to the cast of the Tuscarora Val-
ley, a mile above the mouth of Mind Creek, exactly in the
centre of the town. This was the home of Justus Wright,
who came there when his son Isaac Wright, who still lives
on the old homestead, was but six months old. Of all the
dense forest of that time, there is but an occasional strip
of brushwood left. The sloping hillsides are covered with
grass-lands and cultivated fields, sloping to the stream below,
and dotted with the farm-houses of a people who have
abandoned the woodsman's axe and rifle for the plow and
reaper. A mile up the valley shines the spire of the church
of South Addison. Baxter's Hill, which shorn of its woods
overlooks the valley of the Cowanesque, has passed into the
hands of his grandchildren. Just at the foot of the hill,
below Wright's, is Parsels' mill and settlement. Ascend-
ing the east hill past Mr. Wright's to the south, the trav-
eler finds himself overlooking a little valley upon the
hill-top, open towards the southwest. Half a mile distant
stands the Free Baptist church ; on the hill beyond is the
Nichols House, a wayside tavern years ago. Just below,
in the quiet nest at your feet, is the farm-house of George
H. Freeman, the present supervisor, and one of the leading
citizens of the town. There is no more pleasing location
in the old settlement. When his father, Simeon Freeman,
left the employ of Elder Baxter in 1830, he purchased the
woodland from which he reclaimed these fruitful acres, and
here he passed his life. The first deacon of the first church
in the town, his life honored his position. From this point
the eye can trace the valleys of the Canisteo, the Tioga, and
the Cowanesque Rivers ; and away to the west, beyond
Woodhull, the blue hills of Jasper still covered with the
primeval forest. Capt. Joseph Manley, whose place is oc-
cupied by his descendants, M. M. and 0. C. Manley, was
one of the earlier settlers. Zelos Toles, father of Martin
Toles and Mrs. Aaron Orr, came shortly after Baxter, and
settled in the northeast part of the town, being, with the
Orrs, the first in that direction.
Many of the early settlers came from Chenango County,
making a successful journey if they came through with
their teams — usually oxen — in a week, and then, perhaps,
having to wait a few days for the river to fall before a
crossing could be effected at Addison. Another day of
driving, lifting, loading, and unloading would be consumed
in getting back upon the hill, where the tired travelers
found rest in the half-finished cabin, over which the tall
pines and hemlocks closed, nearly shutting out the sunlight.
The teams were turned loose to shift for lhem.selvcs.
First after the arrival came the work of building the
huge open fireplace, boring holes in the logs for pins upon
which were placed shelves, chinking between the logs with
blocks left from the shingles of the roof, and " daubing"
with mud, tracking and spattering over house and goods,
but making the whole warm and comfortable for winter.
When things were put to rights the door had to be hung
upon its long wooden hinges and the flaxen latch-string
poked through a gimlet-hole to the outside. It was not
uncommon for these labors to be interrupted by the child-
ren discovering a deer at the spring near by, when the rifle
would be taken from its place over the fireplace, and soon
after the monarch of the forest would be hanging from a
rafter in the farther end of the cabin, his huge antlers the
wonder of the children, who a few years after were skilled
in the arts of woodcraft, bringing down the squirrel with
unerring aim.
The whole of the timber is gone except a few straggling
hemlocks, only the Parsels mill remaining in the town,
working upon the down timber and hemlocks which would
have been scorned by the lumbermen of ten years ago.
The open flat between the Tuscarora and the mouth of
Mind Crock is occupied by a large steam-tannery.
The woolen-factory — still patronized by those who spin
their own yarns — is located a short distance above the old
Wombough homestead, in the Tuscarora Valley. This
factory was built by William Wombough, Jr., — the present
owner and occupant of the old place, — in 1844, at an ex-
pense of $14,000, and worked 250 spindles. This factory
furnished employment for upwards of 30 operatives for
twenty years, and was an important industry in its best
days^ — people coming from Corning, Campbell, Caton, and
the surrounding towns south and west, and from Northern
Pennsylvania, to get Ciirding and cloth-dressing done, as
well as to dispose of their wool for " full-cloth" with which
to make their winter's clothing. This factory is still doing
a large amount of work, being extensively patronized by
the surrounding wool-growers; but with the clearing of
the land up the creek, the country became more generally
404
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY-, NEW YORK.
drained, and the supply of water-power failed except for a
few months during each year.
Mr. Wombough has also built five saw-mills, three of
them being in Tuscarora. There is no finer view to be
had in the valley than that of Addison as seen from this
point. Standing at the old Wombough homestead and
looking north, the most prominent object which presents
itself to the vision across the mile of perfectly-level farm-
land is the high round point of the hill, through which the
Canisteo River breaks as it enters the valley above the
village of Addison. To the right of this bluff the village is
plainly visible, with its white walls and tall steeples, behind
which rises the sloping side of u hill covered with broken
patches of young timber and green meadows. A steep
point of woods near by, on the right, shuts off the view of
the lower part of the village down the river. To the left
of the Tuseorara Valley rise cultivated fields, sloping gently
back from the valley till lost to view at a distance of half
a mile from the lower level.
The old plank-road between Addison and Elkland, which
runs through this valley, was opened in 1851, and aban-
doned in September, 1S78, but a regular daily stage still
runs over the route through the town, a line branching off
at Rowley's for Woodhull. South Addison, whose post-
ofiice is at Rowley's, is two miles north, on the one shelv-
ing street between "VVombough's and Rowley's, and contains
two .stores, a hotel, and some twenty dwellings. Near by,
on the flat, is an old cemetery containing the remains of a
few of the early dead of the valley, marked by stones taken
from the hill-side, and rudely lettered.
ORGANIZATION.
On the 13th of December, 1859, Mr. Williams pre-
sented a bill to the Board of Supervisors for the erection
of the town of Arville, from that part of the town of
Addison lying south of a line running east from the
southeast corner of the town of Rathbone, to the east line
of the town of Addison. The name Arville was changed for
that of Tuscarora, the name of the adopted tribe of the
Five Nations, and the new town was formed, the first
town-meeting being held at the house of Oliver Moore, Feb.
14, 1800, Joseph Manley, Stephen Coon, and Charles W.
Robinson being the inspectors of election. The first offi-
cers of Tuscarora were Jesse W. Rowley, Supervisor ;
George W. Webb, Town Clerk ; Philip W. Perkins, Com-
missioner of Highways ; Lorenzo Wettenhall, Joseph Oak-
den, Lansing Hand, Assessors ; Archibald Manley, Albert
W. Wells, Charles Hill, Inspectors of Election ; Myron M.
Manley, James Lemunyan, Charles W. Robinson, Justices
of the Peace; G. H. Freeman, Collector; Cicero' Wetten-
hall, Amos Tobias, and George Thomas, Constables.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.
1S60. Jesse W. Rowley.
18G1. Nehemiah Manley.
1862. Jesse W. Rowley.
Town Clerks.
Gcorsre W. Webb.
Collectors.
George H. Freeman.
George C. Aldrich.
Jason McMinds.
Supervisors. Town CU-rks.
Collectors.
1867.
William Wombough. Jesse W. Rowley.
Robert B. Orr.
1868.
(( ti ti a
Jesse W. Fenton.
1869.
ti 11 It tl
"
1870.
It tt tt tt
George C. Aldrich
1871.
tt it tt ti
Willard D. Rouse.
1872.
ti tt it tt
Daniel Albee.
187.?.
it it tt tt
Zalmon W. Smith.
1874.
• • it tt tt
Loren M. Webb.
1875.
Jlordeeai Casson, Jr. ** **
Albert V. Wells.
1876.
Jesse W. Rowley. Stephen T. Al
lee.
Edward Young.
1877.
Geo. H. Freeman. Jesse W. Rowley.
Stephen T. Albee.
1878.
it a ti a
Robert B. Orr.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1860.
Myron M. Manley.
1S70.
Orin
C. Manley.
James L. Lemunyan.
1871.
Geor
ge n. Freeman.
Charles W. Robinson.
Solomon C. Smith.*
1861.
Henry Dininny.
1872.
Jaso
n McMinds.
1862.
Myron M. Manley.
1873.
Josh
ua C. Smith.
lS6:i.
George Webb.
Hen
ry Dininny.*
1864.
Jason McMinds.
1874.
Willard D. Rouse.
1865.
Haviland G. Cornell.
1875.
George H. Freeman.
1866.
M. M. Manley.
Jesse W. Fenton."'
Samuel Hitchcock.^'
1876.
Jason McMinds.
1867.
George H. Freeman.
1877.
Jesse W. Fenton.
1868.
Jason McMinds.
1878.
Willard D. Rouse.
1869.
Samuel Hitchcock.
-
CHURCHES
1863. William Wombough. Geo. N. AVettenhall. Daniel Albee.
1864. " " Stephen T. Albee. Orin C. Manley.
1S65. " " " " Samuel Hitchcock.
1866. " " John Orr. Robert Orr (2d).
THE FIR,ST METHODIST CHURCH
of Addison was formed in Tuscarora before it became a
separate town. As early as 1829 Elder Orcutt preached
in the house of Ambrose Owen, which was the first house
between Daniel Strait's and Addison, on the east road, two
miles and a half north of Strait's, where Thomas Smith
afterwards lived. Although meetings were held much
earlier, it was not until 1833 that a class was formed con-
sisting of seven members, among whom were Richard
Finch and wife, Seth AVixon and wife, Stephen Coon and
wife, and William Wixon, who was made class-leader.
Rev. Asa Smith was pastor at that time. In 1831, a lot
of 50 acres of Pulteney land was set aside for the benefit
of the society, Justus Wright, Jared Ketchum, and Jacob
Cole. Jr., being made trustees. Rev. Thomas Wheat
preached in 1832, in the old log school-house near where
the present church stands, on Mine Creek. Meetings were
held in the school-house for several years. Revs. Joseph
Chapman, Mr. Kinney, Joseph Pearsall, and Mr. Bronson
preaching. Rev. J. Landreth, an enthusiastic Irishman, is
well remembered as having preached when meetings were
held at the house of Solomon C. Smith, father of Joshua
C. Smith, before the old church was built on East Hill.
George Cook and George Bonam built the first church
in 1849. This church has since been abandoned for a new
one at Addison Hill, which was dedicated Oct. 15, 1874.
The trustees were J. C. Smith, Edson Wright, and Dennis
Beers. Revs. David Smith, Mr. Newcomb, G. H. Cole,
J. C. Stebbins, Gould, George Sherer, and William
M. Bartlo have since been pastors. The present officers
are Rev. 0. B. Weaver, Pastor ; Spencer Mather, Isaac
Wright, John Orr, Sr., and George Wettenhall, Class-
Leaders in different parts of the town ; John Street^ Grant
* Vacancy.
TOWN OF TUSCARORA.
405
Brown, Joel Hurd, Stewards ; Washington Benedict, Edson
Wright, Dennis P. Beers, Trustees.
The society owns a parsonage at South Addison. The
present membership is 46.
THE FIRST FREE-COMMUNION BAPTIST CHURCH OP
ADDISON.
This church was constituted July 5, 1829, in what is
now the southeastern part of Tuscarora, with 19 members.
Rev. Aaron Baxter, who had preached to them since
1825, being the first elder of the new church.
The first deacons were Samuel Mack and Migeman Taft ;
Clerk, Enoch Mack. Among the first members were
George and Elizabeth Manly, James Sprague, Eliba and
Abigail Albee, Jonas Schoonover, David Hart, William,
Zadoc, Lydia, and Polly Mack, Abigail Baxter, Eunice
Hackett, Hannah Carr, and John Webster. The first
meetings were held in the house of Archibald Manly. In
1830, 28 names were added to the list, of whom 23 were
added by baptism, among whom were Simeon Freeman,
Daniel Schoonover, and Alniira Albee as the result of a
revival, during which Elder Baxter was assisted by Rev.
Hiram Bacon. These'were all baptized in the Cowanesque
River, at Nelson, or " Beecher's Island," Pa., in the early
part of winter, on a very cold day, ice having already
formed on the river. This revival occasioned an unusual
amount of excitement among all classes, and is still remem-
bered as " the great reformation."
In 1831 meetings were held in the school-house near
Alfred Nichols'. In 1834, Simeon Freeman was chosen
deacon, which position he held until his death, which oc-
curred in 1871, at the age of sixty-three years. Adron
Smith, Tubal Baxter, and Archibald Manley were licensed
to exhort, and the same year Cyrus Sprague was chosen
deacon. A committee was also formed in 1834, to meet as
representatives of this society at the Free Baptist Church
quarterly meeting, for the purpose of uniting with them.
This committee was composed of Deacon Simeon Freeman
and Elder Dyer Woodworth. A union was effected, and
the church became the First Free Baptist Church of Addi-
son. In 1847 the society appointed Simeon Freeman, Seth
Albee, and Daniel Strait, Trustees ; and Daniel Albee, Clerk ;
and a church building was immediately erected in the
Nichols neighborhood, in the southern part of the town.
Their pastor at the time of the change. Dyer Woodworth,
also joined the new organization.
List of pastors : Revs. Samuel Dean, Dyer Woodworth,
Simon T. Aldrich, John J. Allen, Benjamin F. Slack,
Amos Wing, John W. Brown, B. F. Herrick, and Levi
Kellogg, present pastor.
Present officers : George H. Freeman, Daniel Albee, John
Wright, Deacons; G. H. Freeman, Clerk ; I. S. Albee, O.
C. Manley, John Wright, Trustees; A. M. Hathaway,
Society Clerk. Present membership, 113. The church
has been recently repaired at an expense of $1200, making
it in reality a new church.
MILITARY RECORD OF TUSCARORA.
Robert, Alexander Baxter, prirate, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. G; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three
years; disch. Nov. 8, 18G5.
Smith, Oscar I>,, pilvate, 144th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct 2, ISM, oiio year.
Aldrich, James H., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G3, three years.
Smith, .Andrew J., private, Hist Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 2, 1804, one year.
Leniuiiyan, Jo.soph A., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1803, three years.
Taft, Orrin B., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 0, 1804, one year ; disch.
Aug. 23, 1865.
Taft, William F., private, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. G ; enl. Sept. 0,1864, one year ; diach.
Aug. 23, 1865.
Albee, Eugene, Corp., J89lh Inf., C). F; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; pro. to 4th
Corp., Oct. 15, 1804; disch. Sept. 11, 1865.
Kathbun, Orsemus, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. M.ay 28, 1801, two years;
wouiided at battle of Gettysburg ; diach. ; re-enl. July 10, 1803, in 2d Vet.
Cav.; disch. Nov. 8, 1865.
Rouse, Williard D., piivate, I07th Inf ; enl. July 28, 1862.
Carr, William R., private, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. July 2«, 1862, three years;
disch. for disability.
Patchall, John B., private, .34tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. Jlay 28, 1861, two years ; disch.
at expiration of service.
Smith, Charles, private, 1st N. Y. Inf ; enl. June 7, 1802, two years; disch. for
disability.
Lemunyan, Edwin M., sergt., 34lh N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. May 28, 1862, two
years; wounded, and disch. for disability.
Coou, Daniel II., Corp., 34th Inf, Co.E; enl. May 28, 1861, two years; disch.
June 30, 1863.
Coon, Julius S., private, 141st Inf , Co. G; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years.
Tillman, Henry, artificer, 60th N. Y. Inf; enl. three years.
White, Dennis, private,lst N. Y.Inf., Co.G; enl. Jan.l3, 1862,eighUon months.
Wilson, William, private, 4th N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 28, 1802, throe years.
Wliitehead, Joel, private, 1st Pa. Rifles; enl. April 14, 1801, three years.
Orr, Oliver, private, 15th N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year.
Degroat, Charles, private, 15lh N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year.
OiT, Ira, private, 16th N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year.
Orr, John, capt, lOitli N. Y.Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three years; entered
ord.-sergt. ; pro. to 2d licut.. May 1, 1803; to 1st lieut., June 2,1863; to
capt., Sept. 14, 1864 ; disch. June 6, 1805.
Clinton, Charles, sergt., 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three years ; disch.
June 5, 1865.
Boyer, Israel, sergt., 141st luf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; discU.
Sept. 10, 1805.
Orr, George Henry, private, Co. F; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three years; disch. for
disability.
Boyer, Andrew J., private, .34th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. May 1, 1861, two years;
discli. at expiration of service, June 30, 1803.
Suell, Hiram Henry, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years ; disch. under order 77, May 12, 1805.
McTamany, Patrick, private, 188th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year;
disch. July, 1S05.
Sprague, William F., private, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
wounded at battle of Resaca, May 15, ISOl; disch. June 8, 1865.
Tinney, Silas, private, lltli Vermont luf ; enl. .Aug. 13, 1802, three years.
Swan, David, private, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, two years; disch. for
disability.
Van Vliet, Albert, private, 1st N. Y. Inf ; enl. two years.
Dickei-sou, Mark, private, 107th Itif, Co. F; enl. Aug. 4, 1802, three years.
Aldrich, Levi Henry, private, 3d Vt. Inf; enl. Nov. 27, 1803; wounded in arm.
McPhe, George, 1st sergt., 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years ; disch.
June 30, 1863.
McPhe, John, 1st sergt, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1803, three years; pro.
to 2d sergt., Nov. 1, 1804; to 1st sergt., Feb. 28, 1804; disch. Juno 8, 1805.
Scully, EdWiird, Corp., 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 9, ISO), three years;
pro. to Corp., Sept. 1, 1S04 ; disch. Nov. 8, 1805.
Barron, William, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 4, 1803, three
years; wounded; disch. Aug. 1865.
Bessie, Henry W., blacksmith, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co.G; enl. Sept. 17,1863,
three years; disch. under order 77, June 8, 1865.
Hill, William Henry, private, 1st Pa. L. Art., Bat. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three
years ; re enl. for three years, Jan. 30, 1804 ; disch. June 27, 1805.
Bates, Richard, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 7, 1864, one year; disch.
Aug. 23, 1805.
Aldrich, Truman, private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; disch.
June 8, 1805.
Aldrich, Garner A., private, 141st Inf, Co. G ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year ; disch.
June, 1805. •
Carr, Amos, Jr., sergt., 2<1 Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; pro.
to 5th sergt., March 31, 1804 ; disch. Nov. 8, 1865.
Herrington, Michael, Corp., lOIsl Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug 23, 1862, throe years;
pro. to Corp. ; wounded at Fort Donelson ; disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Bogardus, Henry E., sergt., 31Ih Inf, Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years;
wounded in battle of Antietam, June 30, 1803.
Albee. Emerson, Corp., 34th Inf, Co E ; enl. June 14, 1801, two years.
Snyiler, David, private, 4th N. Y. Art., Co. I ; enl. Juno 4, 1864, two years; dUch.
Oct. 20, 1804.
Masco, Ebcnezer, private,14l8t Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; disch.
Jan. 10, 1S65.
Aldrich, Adin T., private, 34th Inf, Co.E; oul. May 18, 1801, two years; disch.
for disability, Aug. 15, 1801.
Colgrove, William R., private, 34lh Inf., Co. B; enl. May IS, 1861, two years;
wounded; disch. June 3*J, 180.3.
406
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Baker, John Austin, private, 141st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 27, 18G2, three years;
wounded at haltlo of Kpsaca, Ga.
Casson, Mordecai, Jr.,corp.,2d Vet, CaT., Co. G; enl. Aug. 27, 1SG2, thrre years.
Mourhes, George Wasliington, private, 141 st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1802, three years ;
disch.; rccnl. Aug. 13, 18G4,in 5mhN. Y. Eng.
Mourliea, Levi IJ., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year.
Manley, M. V. M., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18C3 ; three years.
Kowley, William K., private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years;
wounded May 15, 1.SC4; disch. June 30, 18C5.
Duly, John G., private, lllth Inf.; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one year.
Strait, Loren, private, Ist Inf.; enl. March 3,1802. two years; djgch. for disabil-
ity, Aug. 8, 1802.
Rowley, Cliarles H., capt., 141st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 24,1862, three years; pro.
to capt, Dec. 1-5, 1803 ; disch. April 4, 1865.
Parish, Daniel, private. Hist Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three years; disch.
June, 1865, in Kentucky.
Weaver, Caleb, private, 22d N. Y. Cav.; enl. three years.
Raxter, Harvey Aaron, sergt, 2d Pa. Cav. ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, three years.
Baxter, Henry L., qm.-st-rgt., If-t N. Y. Cav.; enl. Aug. 1S61, tliree years.
Simpson, llalstead, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. July 26, 1863, three years;
disch. Nov. 8, 1865.
Dininny, Churles Henry, private, 2d Pa. Cav.; enl. Oct. 10,1864, one year; disch.
fur di^^ability, Sept. 1805, at Philadelphia, Pa.
Vanderlin, Bullock, private, 86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 13, 1861, three years.
Egbert, Bullock, private, 86th Inf.; enl. Aug. 15, 1861. three yeitrs.
Baxter, George Fiauk, private, 84lh Inf ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, two years; disch.
Feb. 1803 ; re-eul. as corp. in 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; pro. to sergt., March,
1804; disch. J.in. 5,1805.
Young, J(din P., private, l.-^t N. Y. Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1862, sixteen months ;
disch. May 25, 18—.
Young, Edward, Corp., 34tli N.Y. Inf.Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years ; pro.
to Corp., June 2, 1862; wounded twice; disch. June, 1863.
Webb, Elbert C, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years.
Thomas, Charles, private.
Elliott, William Jobn, private; died at home after leaving service.
Gordon, Whitman, private; discli. Aug. 8, 1802.
Dickinson, Arnold, Itt N.Y.Inf, Co. G ; disch. May 31,1863; re-enl.in 2d N.Y.
Vet. Cav., Aug. 13, 1863.
Greene, George, private, Ist N. Y. Inf., Co. G ; disch. Nov. 24, 1802.
Belcher, Nelson, private, 107th Inf, Co. F.
Carl, Lorenzo Dow, piivate, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
Dates, Joseph Benjamin, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. July 20, 1863,
three years; disch. June, 1805.
Greene, Daniel M., private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav,, Co. G.
Lowry, Chailes L., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G.
McColuni, Jacob, jirivatp, 2d Vet. Cav.
McCastlin, Jacob E., private, 2d Vet. Cav.
Montgomery, Addison, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G.
Spicer, Michael, blacksmitb, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1863, three years ;
died at larrjicks hospital, New Orleans. La., May 28, 1864.
Lyman, Thomas, private, 2d Vet. Cav.
Cliapman, Silas.
Albee, Elezer, private, 50th Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 9, 1864, one year ; pro. to coi-p.,
Oct. 15, 1804 ; disch. Sept. 11, 1805.
Moore, Willis, private ; enl. Sept. 5, 1804.
Moore, Lester, private ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864.
Demun, John F., private ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Greeley, Jonathan, private ; enl. Sept. 12, 1804.
Uoughtaling, Alfred H., private; enl. Sept. 12, 1864.
Temple, Daniel, private, 2d N. Y. H. Art.; enl. Sept. 1863.
Fcnton, Amos, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; disch.
Aug. 23, 1805.
Burt, Sylvenus Tursby, private, 188th Inf , Co. F; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year;
disch. July 1,1865.
Crow], George W., corp., 64th N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 21, 1862, three yeai-s ;
pro. to sergt., Oct. 10, 1804; disch.
Crowl, Willard 11., private, 50th N.Y. Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 29, 1S04, one year;
disch. Juno 8, 1805.
Schoonover, Benjamite, private, 141st Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three yeare;
disch. June 8, 1865.
Mcintosh, Wisfley, sergt., 86th N. Y.Inf, Co. C ; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, three years;
pro. to Corp., May 18, 1802 ; to sergt., Jan. 1864 ; disch. June 13, 1865.
Hamilton, Albert S., sergt., 141st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years-
pro, to 1st sergt., Nov. I, 1804; wounded ; disch. Feb. 13, 1865.
Simons, Caleb, private, 4tb N. Y. H. Art., Co. I; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years-
disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Swan, David, private, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 2ti, 1802, three years ; disch.
Jan. 28, 1803.
Smith, Joshua C, 3d sergt, 14l8t Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 20, 1863, three years-
pro, to 3d sergt, March 1, 1865; wounded ; disch. June 26, 1865.
Benedict, George H., ord.-sergt., 2d Pa. Cav., Co. L ; enl. Sept 25, 1861, tliree
years; pro. to ord.-sergt., Oct. 1862; taken prls. at Kicbmond ; impris-
oned at Andersonville, and there died.
Brood, Lester E., com.-sergt., 2d Pa. Cav., Co. L ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ;
disch. July 20, 1865.
Weeks, James, private, Hj7tli Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years; disch.
July 17, 1865.
Orvis, Emerson, musician, 103d Inf., Co. C; enl. June 25, 1802, three years;
dif^ch. Jan. 25, 1864; re-enl. Jan. 26, 1864; disch. Dec. 1865.
Orvis, Seymour F., drnnimer, 141st Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ;
disch. June 8, 1865.
Hurd, Sherman, private, 1st N. Y. Inf., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 13, 1862, sixteen months ;
disch. May 25, 1863.
Reynolds, Edwin M., i>rivate, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. July 26, 1862, three years;
died of disease in Antietam hospital, Nov. 20, 1862.
Burt, Benjamin Franklin, private, 34th Int., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two vears;
pro. to Corp.; disch. with his regiment, June 30,1863 ; re-enl. Sept 2, 1864,
at Avon, N. Y., for one year; disch. with regiment, July 1, 1865.
Mudgelt, David Benjamin, private, 34th Inf, Co. E; ent. June 20, 1861, two
yeiirs; disch. with rejziment, Juno 30,1803 ; re-eul. Sept 2,1864, at Avon,
N. Y., for one year; taken prisoner at battle of Weldon, Va. ; in Lihby
prison two montlis; disch. July 27, 1805.
White, George Washington, private, 2d N.Y. Art.; enl. June, 1863, three years;
taken pris.; tupposeil to have died in Libby prison.
Smith, Samuel A., private, 141st Inf.; enl. Oct. 2, 1864, one year.
Aldrich, Mijamin, private, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; killed in
battle. Sept 15, 1803.
Lacquay, Benjamin, private, 34th Inf, Co. E ; enl. May 27, 1861, two years;
killed at battle of Fair Oaks, May 28, 1862.
Orr, William, private, 50th N.Y. Eng.; enl. Jan. 1, 1864; died in hospital at
Washington, Sept. 23, 18G4.
Wbitehead, Hiram J., private, 141st Inf ; enl. Sept. 9, 1862, three years ; wounded
at batile of Lookout Mountain, and died at Atlanta of such wounds.
Fay, Thomas E., private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three years; disch.
April 11, 1804 ; died Aug. 3, 1864.
Van Vliet, Isaac Henry, private, Pa. Bucktails; enl. April 15, 1861, two years;
missing at battle of Fredericksburg.
Van Vliet, Deluss, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 1803, three years; died
in buspitai at New Orioans, Aug. 29, 1863.
Carr, James R., Ist lieut., 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl. May IS, 18G1, two years ; died
Oct. 4, 1861, ill hospital at Danistown.
Mead, Ebenezer, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1801, died in hospital at Troy.
Coon, Jumes G., private, 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May 18,1801, two yoiirs; mortally
wounded and died in hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 17, 1803.
Myers, Martin J., private, 80Ih III. Inf; enl. Oct. 8, 1864.
Mack, William Jefferson, qm.-sergt., 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept 1803, three
years; died of sickness, at Baton Rouge, Aug. 16, 1864.
Benedict, George H., capt., 2d Ta. Inf; enl. Oct 1862; died Nov. 11, 1864, at
Andersonville.
Prentice, Martin S., private, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; Kalarama Hospital,
D. C, Dec. 9, 1864.
Schoonover, Thomas, private, 14l8t Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ;
wounded at battle of Peach-Tree Creek; died at Atlanta, July 22, 1864.
Cummings, Daniel, private, lu7th Inf.; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; died in hospital at
Aquia Creek.
Hurd, B,vrun B., private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept 10. 1802; mortally wounded in
battle of Ret^acji, Ga. ; died in hospital at Chattanooga.
Wriyht, Lyniiin, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept 10, 1862; killed in battle. May
15, 1804, at Res.ica, Ga.
Aldrich, James, private, 188th Inf ; enl. Sept. 27, 1864, one year ; wounded be-
fore Petersburg, and died of his wounds at Alexandria, Va.
Lemunyan, Milo D., sergt., 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May 28, 1861, two years ; re-
enl. in 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; pro. to ord. -.sergt. ; died of disease at
New Orleans, March 8,1864.
White, Daniel, private, 34tli Inf, Co. E; enl. May 28, 1861, two years; killed at
battle of Antietam.
Grey, Peter, private, 2d N. Y. V.t. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept 3, 1864, une year;
died in hospital, Jan. 24, 18G5.
Buck, John B., private, 34lh Inf, Co. E; enl. May 27, 1861, two years; died on
David's I>laud, N. Y., June 9, 1862, of wound.s received in battle.
Plemly, David S, private, 2d N.Y. Vet Cav., Co. F; enl. Jan. 1863, three years ;
died Oct. 28, 1864, at New Orleiins General Hospital.
Pensioner, Lewis, prvaite, 34ih Inf., Co. E ; enl. May 28, 1801 ; two years.
Hatch, William, private, lo7tb Inf, Co. F; enl. July, 1863, three years; killed
in battle of Chancellorsville.
Bills, Abel, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. Oct 1861 ; killed on picket duty near
Alexandria.
Manley, Lutlier B., private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. two years.
Cummings, Richard, private, 34tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. July, 1801 ; disch. June 30, '63.
Gibbs, Albert V., private ; enl. June, 1801, two yenr^ ; disch. June, 186.3.
Mack, Clark Eugene, private, 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ;
died of disease in hospital at David's Island, N. Y., July 22,1862.
Wright, Edsou, private, 141st Inf.. Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch.
for disability, Sept. 19, 1804.
Weeks, Alva, musician, 2d Pa, Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 2, 1862, three years ;
disch. Dec. 16, 1863; re-enl. Dec. 16, 1803.
Trim, George, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. July 29, 1801, two years; disch. at
expiration of service.
Fenton, Jesse Warren, private, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. G ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years ;
disch. Nov. 8, 1865.
Shumw;iy, Uri, wagoner, 86th Inf; enl. Aug. 17, 1801, three years; disch. May
30, 1804.
Butler, George, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 2, 18'j4, one year; disch.
Aug. 23, 1865.
U B B A N A.
GEOaaAPHICAL SITUATION.
The town of Urbana is situated near the northeast part
of the county, in latitude 42° and 30' north, and about 15°
west from the meridian of Washington. It is bounded
north by Pulteney and Prattsburgii, east by Wayne and
Bradford, south by Bath, and west by a part of Bath and
the town of Wheeler.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is divided into two nearly equal
ranges of highlands by the valley of Keuka Lake and
Pleasant Valley, which lies at its head. The lake and
valley are skirted by hills which rise at fir.st quite abruptly,
and then more gradually, until at a distance of from one to
three miles they attain an altitude of nearly a thousand
feet. The lake is twenty miles in length from Penn Yan
to Hammondsport, from half a mile to a mile in width,
and lies in a northeast and southwest direction. There is
also another head to this lake at Branchport, six miles dis-
tant from Penn Yan ; this branch lies nearly north and
south, and is about eight miles long and half a mile wide.
It is bordered by the same abrupt hills on each side, and
is divided from tlie foot fork of the lake by Bluff Point,
which, at or near the point, attains the width of a mile and
gradually widens to two or a little more, and rises to tlie
height of the corresponding hills on either side of the lake.
The extreme elevation of Bluft' Point is reached about half
a mile from the point which divides the waters of the lake,
and is .seven hundred feet high ; yet the slope is so gradual,
not only of Bluff Point, but of all the lands skirting the
lake, that it is tillable to the water's edge.
Pleasant Valley is bordered by the same range of high
hills, which make a turn at the head of the lake, .so that
the valley lies nearly east and west. At the head of the
lake it is only half a mile wide, but gradually opens to a
mile and a half at a distance of three miles up. The land
of this valley is an unbroken level of heavy clay, but upon
exposure to the atmosphere and frost slakes into a fine dark
mould or loam. It is very strong and productive cither
under the plow or for meadow-land, for which it is mostly
used.
The lands of this town have ever been celebrated for
their very fine quality of winter wheat, and not only the
certainty of a crop, but the extraordinary high flavor and
perfection of almost all kinds of fruit. Both tlie soil and
climate of this peculiar lake-basin, especially on its northern
rim, render it emphatically a fruit section. The sloping
lands on the north side of the valley and lake are the
favored localities of the grape. The soil is a loose, gravelly
loam, with a slight mixture of clay. In some places the
gravel is round and clean, mixed with coarse sand and a
slight portion of lime, which often adheres to the sand and
gravel till the whole becomes a solid mass of concrete. The
land is extremely dry, loose and porous, and without any
hard pan, resting upon a slate rock formation. This rock
occasionally crops out upon the surface, but is generally
covered with several feet of the porous soil, which is ad-
mirably adapted, not only to the growth of the vine, but
to the perfect ripening of the most valuable varieties of
the grape.
The climate is mellowed by the cold, deep, and pure
waters of the lake, and by the particular form and lieight
of the hills, which so break up and destroy the currents
of cold, swi«ping winds, that so cripple everything in
their onward sweep over the more elevated and exposed
localities not far distant. The average temperature of the
thermometer is several degrees higher here than at any
other locality in this county, and will compare favorably
with that of the city of New York. Fog, also, which is
the great enemy of the vine, as well as of the grape, is not
known in this locality, while almost every clear morning its
distant line is easily traceable along the valley of the Con-
hocton River, only eight miles distant. This is probably
caused by the fact that the lake and its tributaries are fed
almost exclusively by clear, cold spring water. Cold Spring
Brook, which forms its inlet, flows mostly from a limestone
rock, and gushes up pure, cold, and sparkling. It is only
five miles long, and yet it has been sufficient to propel two
1-un of stone almost constantly for over seventy years. It
u.sed to be celebrated for its fine speckled trout, till the line
of the angler had so thinned their ranks that few have been
taken of late years.*
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In the spring of 1793 the first permanent settlers came
to Pleasant Valley, — William Aulls and his .son Thomas,
from Reading, Pa., — and .settled on the south side of the
valley, and about one mile up from the lake. They cleared a
piece, put it into corn, and raised sixty bushels from a single
acre, being the first land cultivated in this valley. In the fall,
Mr. Aulls returned to Reading, and brought his family via
Blossburg, Lawrenceville, Painted Post, and Bath, with a
two-horse wagon, following the road then just being cut
through the forest.
The same fall, Mr. Aulls was followed by Samuel Baker,
Richard Daniels, and Amos Stone. The last three were
actually the first who pitched their tents, as they had made
their purchases before Mr. Aulls came.
Richard Baker, Samuel Daniels, and Amos Stone were
originally from the vicinity of Hudson, on the North River,
• See history of grape culture, in general chapter.
407
408
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
as it was then called. They settled at or near the mouth
of the Cowanesque River, in Pennsylvania, only a few miles
south of our State line, in 1787. The land on which they
settled had not yet come into market, and they chose to
change their location rather than risk further improvements
when any doubt rested with the title.
3Ir. Daniels was of Dutch origin, small of stature, but
tough and hardy, while his wife (whose name was Hoose)
was tall and erect, and carried a mark of dignity in her
every movement. Mrs. Baker was a daughter of Mr.
Daniels, and the very image and pattern of her mother.
Samuel Baker was a native of Connecticut. Wlien fif-
teen years of age he was taken by the Indians, and re-
mained a prisoner till released by the surrender of Bur-
goyne at Saratoga. He afterwards enlisted in Col. Willett's
corps, and served for a time in the army. He was a large
man, not particularly tall, but his shoulders were high, and
a large head set on a short neck, so that he was generally
called a tall man. In his more advanced years he became
corpulent, and his weight was something over two hundred
pounds. They reared a family of six sons and six daughters,
all of whom married and reared families. One son, Thomas,
stood six feet four inches in his stockings, with the same
high shoulders of his father, and when in tolerable working
condition weighed two hundred and fifty pounds.
Amos Stone was unmarried when they settled on the
Cowanesque, but soon after married a Miss Ives, of New-
town. These three men and their wives all lived past ninety
years, except Mrs. Stone, who died about thirty years after
their settlement in this valley. All these first families occu-
pied the farms on which they first settled until they died.
Samuel Baker died in 1842. He was prominent in the
early settlement of the county, and for several years held
the office of associate and first judge of the county court.
Mr. Daniels took the farm on the north side of the inlet,
at the head of the valley ; and Mr. Baker on the south side
adjoining, while Mr. Stone took the next farm below Mr.
Baker, on the same side of the stream ; Mr. Aulls next
below Mr. Stone. This location had been selected by Judge
Baker, while on a trip to Canandaigua, which he made
through the woods by following the township line, which
line, in crossing the valley, now forms the western boundary
of the Hammondsport corporation.
These were soon followed by William and Eli Read,
Capt. John Sheathar, John Faulkner, and James and
Abram Brundage, all of whom became fixtures except Capt.
Sheathar, who located on the lake, and soon after gave place
to Lazarus Hammond.
Mr. Faulkner sold to Cornelius Younglove in 1807, and
took a new farm about midway between the lake and Bath,
on the Two- Rod road. This was a road cut as nearly in a
direct line as the land would allow from Bath to Pratts-
burgh. Capt. Stone paid for his farm in cutting this road.
The most of the farms of those above mentioned are yet
in the possession of their descendants. This is quite un-
usual ; for men who settle a new country are more inclined
to fall in love with the excitements attendant upon early
settlements and follow their drift, than to tame down and
run into the quiet habits and plodding way of the everyday
old country farmer.
Capt. John Sheathar was the original purchaser and first
settler on lands where the village of Hammondsport now
stands. He bought of Charles Williamson 145 acres, de-
scribed as follows : " Beginning at a post on the bank of
the inlet of Crooked Lake ; thence north two degrees east
one hundred and sixty perches to a post ; thence west one
hundred and forty-four perches and five links to a post;
thence south two degrees west to a thorn-tree on the bank
of the inlet ; thence down along said inlet of the lake to
the place of beginning." The deed of conveyance from
Charles Williamson bears date Sept. 25, 179C. Capt.
Sheathar also bought at the same time a portion of land
adjoining this, in what is now the town of Wayne, which
he conveyed to his son, James Sheathar, Feb. 20, 1800.
The premises on which Capt. Sheathar lived were sold at
sheriff's sale, and Sheriff Wilson conveyed the same to
William Root, of New York, in a deed bearing date Oct.
30, 1802. The premises are described in the deed as "All
that plantation or farm on which the said John Sheathar
now resides, being partly in township number five in the
second range and partly in town.ship number five in the third
range." This place, containing 170 acres, and described as
" all that part of lot number twelve in the tenth range of
lots west of the inlet of Crooked Lake," was conveyed by
William Root to Lazarus Hammond, June 9, 1807. Mr.
Root did not complete his title, but sold his interest in the
premises to Mr. Hammond for "ten dollars, lawful money
of New York." Mr. Hammond completed his title to the
above land, and 50 acres in lot twelve in the eleventh range
of lots, Aug. 18, 1826.
Capt. Sheathar, like most of the first settlers in this sec-
tion, had been a Revolutionary soldier. He held a com-
mission as captain of dragoons, and had the reputation of
being an excellent officer and a favorite with Gen. Wash-
ington. He lived on his farm at the head of Crooked Lake
in good style, and fared sumptuously. He was a generous,
hospitable man and a true patriot. He was a stout, portly
figure and made a fine appearance on horseback, dressed in
his Continental regimentals, as he used to appear on all
celebration occasions. Some of the early settlers still living
at Hammondsport have a distinct recollection of him, or of
the desciiptions given of him by their parents and those
who were his contemporaries.
For many years the settlement in Pleasant Valley was
the most prosperous, and one of the most important, in the
county. The soil was very productive and yielded a supply
for the inhabitants, and furnished much food also for the
less fortunate inhabitants of the Pine Plains, as Bath was
called. An old settler of Pleasant Valley gives the follow-
ing account of the relation of the valley to Bath in those
early days :
" If it had not been for the valley the pine plains would
have been depopulated. After court had been in session
two or three days, you would see a black boy come down
here on a horse, and with a big basket, foraging. He would
go around to all the farms to get bread, meat, eggs, or any-
thing that would stay life. Bath was the hungriest place
in all creation. You couldn't trust a leg of mutton to any-
body but the land-agent."
The Brundages were early settlers in Pleasant Valley.
c^/
Dr. M. T. Babcock is a Dative of Washington County,
born April 30, 1825.
He is the son of Oliver and Chloe Babcock. His ancestors
on the paternal side were for several generations residents of
Vermont ; on the maternal side, of Connecticut.
His father took up his residence in Washington County
about 1820, where he was married. About 1829 the family
settled in Steuben County, in what is now the town of Read-
ing, Schuyler Co., and a few years later removed to the town
of Jerusalem, Yates Co., where the parents died.
Dr. Babcock was reared on the farm, and attended district
school until he was sixteen years of age, followed by several
years as a student at Franklin Academy, and a teacher in
Steuben and adjoining counties. He read medicine with Dr.
P. K. Stoddard, of Prattsburgh, and during the same time
learned dentistry. In 1852 he was graduated M.D. at Geneva
JMedical College, having been admitted to the lecture courses
of that institution the year previous.
The same year of his graduation he established an office in
Hamniondsport, and during the winter of 1854-55 attended a
course of lectures at the Butfalo Medical College. After three
years' practice in Hamniondsport he attended a second course
of lectures at Buftalo, and resumed his practice of medicine,
which he continued until the fall of 1862, when he was ap-
pointed assistant surgeon in the 141st Regiment New York
Volunteers, which position he held until the close of the war,
and was honorably discharged. The following bears testi-
mony of his valuable services as a surgeon :
Headqu.\kters 1st Division, 20tii Ahmy Coni'S.
Office Subgeon-i.v-Ohief,
Near Washingto.v, D. C, May 30, ISfiS.
To all whom it may concern :
Assistant Surgeon Moses T. Babcock, lUst Regiment New York Vol-
unteers, has been on duty at division hospital since July, 1864, and
has shown marked fidelity in the performance of his duties as a medi-
cal officer.
In operative surgery he has been very successful, both in amputa-
tions and in e.xcisions. During the long and arduous campaigns of
Savannah, and from Savannah to Goldsboro', his services at divisidn
hospital were regarded as indispensable.
Always on duty, he has ever been ready to second and assist in
carrying out any suggestions of the surgeon in charge.
H. Z. GILL,
Sdrgeoit V. S. Volunteers,
Brevet Lt.-Col. and CniEF 1st Div., 20th Army Corps.
Field Hospital, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps.
Near Washington, D. C, June 4, 1865.
To whom it may concern ;
Assistant Surgeon M. T. Babcock, 141st New York Volunteers, at
present on duty at hospital, 1st division, has been connected with
said hospital during the campaigns of Atlanta, Savannah, and Oolds-
boro*, during which time he has given gratifying evidence of his skill
as a surgical operator by the success which followed. As a surgeon
in charge of wards he always showed marked fidelity in administer-
ing to the wants and comfort of the sick, and always prompt in the
performance of his duties. His wards were always in a first-rate con-
dition. Always on duty, and ever ready to promote and assist in the
welfare of the sick and the duties which were required at a general
field hospital, he was regarded as one of the most valuable officers.
P. F. FLOOD,
Surgeon 107th New York Volunteers,
Formerly in charge Field Hospital, 1st Div., 20tii Army Corps.
At the close of the war he resumed his practice in Ham-
niondsport, and has a large ride in this and adjoining counties.
Since 1805 he has been associated with his brother, Dr. O. H.
Babcock, who is a graduate of Buffalo Medical College, but
gives his attention largely to the practice of dentistry.
Dr. Babcock has been a member of the County Medical
Society for many years, and was elected president of the same
in 1877, which position he held for one year. He has been
an outspoken Republican since the organization of that
party.
I
I
John W. Taggart was born in the town of
Middleburgh, Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1811.
His grandfather, William Taggart, resided at
Newport, R. I., during the Revolutionary war ; was
married twice, his wives being sisters — McComber.
His children were thirteen, nine by the first wife
and four by the second. One son was killed in the
war for independence.
His father, Henry Clark Taggart, was born Jan.
27, 1786, and was youngest of the children; was
married first to Miss Williams, of Newport, R. I.
His second wife was Catharine, daughter of William
Almy, of which union were born one son, John
W., and two daughters, Mrs. H. N. Walter and Mrs.
Bennett.
Mr. John W. Taggart settled in Steuben County
forty-five years ago, and since his r&sidence here has
filled many places of trust and responsibility witli
integrity, and ranked among the staunch citizens of
the town of Urbana.
His occupation during the most of his life has been
that of a farmer. For some four years he has rep-
resented his town in the Board of Supervisors of
the county; has been president of the Steuben
County Agricultural Society, and in 1863 repre-
sented the First Assembly District of the county
in the State Legislature.
He has been twice married. Of his first mar-
riage there were born three daugliters, — Elizabeth,
Catharine (deceased), and Cynthia.
His second wife, Ella, is the daughter of Martin
Browneli, of Bath, and was a widow of the late
Erastus Farr. Their marriage occurred Oct. 23,
1877. Her children by her first marriage are John,
James, and Ella ; by her present marriage with Mr.
Taggart, one son.
11
TOWN OF URBANA.
409
The original Brundagc family in tliis country came from
Wales and settled in Pennsylvania, near Wilkesbarre. In
the year 1799, James and Abram Bruiidage came with
their families to this county, and located at Painted Post,
taking up their abode in a double log house, where they
lived four years, when they removed with their families to
Pleasant Valley, in this town, arriving there in April, 1803.
James, the elder of the two, located where is now the
residence of his youngest son, James M. Brundage. Abram
Brundage settled about two miles farther up the valley, on
what is now the farm of his son, Hiram Brundage.
About the year 1807, Benjamin Brundage, the father of
James and Abram, came from Pennsylvania to visit his
sons, and while here died and was buried in tiie cemetery in
Pleasant Valley.
The family of Abram Brundage consisted of his wife,
whose maiden name was Polly Sims, and ten children, as
follows: Benjamin, William, James, Jesse, Charles, Mat-
thew, Hiram, Alfred, Almira, and Abram S. Of these
there are still living James, Charles, Matthew, Hiram, and
Abram S., all residing in this county.
Abram Brundage, Sr., was born in 1775, and died in
September, 1861. During the war of 1812 and 1814, at
the head of an independent company, organized in his im-
mediate vicinity, he entered the army, and served during the
greater part of the war on the northern frontier, and a por-
tion of the time in Canada. During the remainder of his
life he was familiarly known as Capt. Brundage.
Of the descendants of Capt. Brundage who served during
the late Rebellion were AddLson Brundage, now of Cold
Springs, in Urbana, who enlisted in Co. G, 22d New York
Cavalry, in November, 1863, and served until the close of
the war.
Monroe Brundage enlisted on the 23d of April, 1861, as
a private in what was afterwards known as Co. I, 34th Regi-
ment New York Volunteers, to which further reference is
made in this work.
The family of James Brundage consisted of his wife
(whose maiden name was Mary Hoffman) and fourteen
children, as follows : Philip, John, Abraham, Benjamin,
Polly, Sally, Henry, Samuel, George S., Catherine, Eliza-
beth, Daniel, James M., and Anna. Of whom there are
Still living Sally Read, in Seneca Co., Ohio ; Anna Acker-
man, in Waterloo, N. Y. ; James M. and Daniel, on the
old homestead ; and George S., on an adjoining farm.
The elder James Brundage was born in 1765, and died
in 1839 ; his wife died in 1815 ; he subsequently married
Love Blakeslee, who survived him. Philip Brundage served
during a part of the war in the company of which his
uncle, Abram, was captain ; he Wiis taken sick, and re-
turned home, — his death following in a short time. Abra-
ham Brundage (second) was drafted towards the close of
the war, and the company to which he was assigned
was ordered to Buffalo ; but by the time they reached
Dansville the war came to a close, and the command was
returned home and disbanded. Azariah C. Brundagc, son
of Abraham Brundage (second), enlisted on the 25th of
April, 1861, in what was Company T, 34th Regiment of
New York Volunteer Infantry, and on the organization of
his company wa.s elected a corporal, which pcsition he held
52
until the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862, in which
engagement he was wounded by a bullet in his neck, which
he still carries. In consequence of this wound he was dis-
charged from the service on the 30th of July, 1862. In
the year 1877 he was elected to the Legislature from the
First district of Steuben, and in the following year was
re-elected by an increased majority.
Cold Spring Valley was occupied by Gen. George McClure
in 1802. Ho erected mills, and kept them in operation till
1814, when Henry A. Townsend took possession of the
valley, and resided in the " Cold Spring House" till his
death, in 1839. Mr. Townsend removed from Orange
County to Bath in 1796, was elected county clerk in 1799,
and continued to hold the office till 1814. He was one of
the most respected, useiiil, and influential of the early citi-
zens. Upon the organization of the town of Urbana, in
1823, he was elected to the office of first supervisor, and
by successive elections held the office till 1832.
Mr. Lazarus Hammond, the founder of Hammondsport,
removed from Dansville to Cold Spring in 1810. He after-
wards settled at Hammondsport, where he resided till his
death. He was the first town clerk, elected upon the organ-
ization of the town in 1823. He was sheriflF of the county
in 1814, and afterwards associate judge of the county court.
The first white child born in the town was that of Samuel
Baker, Jr. ; the first marriage was that of Jonathan Barney
and Polly Aulls, in 1794 ; the first death was that of John
Phillips, in September of the same year. Eliphalet Norris
taught the first school, at Pleasant Valley, in 1795. Caleb
Chapman kept the first tavern at North Urbana, and
Henry A. Townsend the first store at Cold Spring in 1815.
Capt. John Sheathar built the first .saw-mill in the town,
in 1797, and Gen. George MoClure the first grist-mill, at
Cold Spring, in 1802. Elder Ephraim Sanford preached
the first sermon, at the house of Judge Baker, in 1795.
Darius Read was one of the first settlers at the head of
Pleasant Valley, on the road towards Wheeler. On the
20th of January, 1870, the following facts were elicited
before a commission at Hammondsport, appointed by Hon.
Guy H. McMaster, to inquire into the lunacy of said Read.
A jury of twelve citizens was summoned by the sheriff,
and Mr. Read, on examination, said that ho was eighty-one
years old last August. He moved on the farm where he
now resides in 1793 ; he had not been off the farm during
the last fifteen years, nor to the village (three miles distant
from his residence) since May, 1851, nearly nineteen years.
Mr. Read has enjoyed almost uninterrupted good health,
and called his neighbors by name as readily as though he
had been meeting them frecjuently in the daily round of
business, and yet many of them he had not seen during the
past twenty years. One in particular had gone through all
the changes from a school-boy to a silvery-bearded and bald-
headed man, and had acquired a corpulency which an alder-
man might envy, yet he was as readily recognized as if he
had retained the freckled face and fla.xen hair of boyhood.
Mr. Read's ideas were remarkably clear and his words well
chosen ; in early life he had acquired a good common-school
education, and had also had some experience in teaching.
The jury refused to ajiply the word lunalic to his case,
but, in accordance with his own wi.sh, recommended the
410
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
appointment of a committee to see to liis affairs, he having
a voice as to who the committee sliould be. Mr. Read liad
spent most of his time for the last twenty years reading, and
mo.st of his reading had been from the Bible. He had
steadily avoided intercourse with his neighbors. His wife
died in 1868, old but active to the last for one of her years.
Daniel Bennitt, father of Benjamin and Samuel B.
Bennitt, settled in Urbana, three miles north of Ham-
moodsport, in 1796. He purchased land in what is known
as the Schermcrhorn tract. Abram De Puy, David Hutches,
Samuel Drew, Derrick Brink, Jo.seph Rosenkrans, Jonathan
Easton, Henry Schoonhoven, John Daniels, and Samuel
Townsend were some of the pioneers.
Among the early settlers were John Phillips, Obediah
Wheeler, John Walters, Cornelius Younglove, Reuben
Hall, Andrew Layt«n, Henry Griffith, Daniel Kingsley,
Caleb Rogers, Noah Griffith, Robert Harrison, Isaac Noble,
Isaiah and Erastus Webster. Caleb Chapman settled on
the place now occupied by Mr. Gleason, in North Urbana,
where he first kept a log hotel. The first log tavern, where
the " Urbana House" now stands, was kept by a man by
the name of Hull. John Walters was the first settler on
the farm now owned by James Brundage. Obediah Wheeler
was several times supervisor of the town, was one of the
early justices of the peace, and held the office as late as
1861. Israel R. Wood, father of Jonathan Wood, settled
in North Urbana in 1813.
ORGANIZATION.
Urbana was formed from Bath on the 17th of April,
1822 ; a part of it was re-annexed to Bath, May 3, 1839.
At the same time a part of Wheeler was annexed to Ur-
bana, and a part of Pulteney, April 12, 1848.
In pursuance of the organizing act, the first town-meet-
ing was held at the school-hou.se in Pleasant Valley on the
fourth Tuesday in Blarch, 1823, and Henry A. Townsend
was elected Supervisor ; Lazarus Hammond, Town Clerk ;
Andrew Layton, H. Griffith, and Abraham Brundage,
Assessors ; Obediah Wheeler, Reuben Hall, and Abraham
Brundage, Commissioners of Highways ; Caleb Rogers,
Collector; Caleb Rogers, Daniel King.sley, and William II.
Ennis, Constables ; Samuel Baker and William Read,
Overseers of the Poor ; William Read, Edward Townsend,
and Franklin Baker, Commissioners of Schools.
The following, in the order named, were elected Over-
seers of the twenty-one road districts into which the town
was divided : Abraham Brundage, Samuel Baker, John
Walters, Cornelius Younglove, William Read, John Brun-
dage, Noah Griffith, Robert Harrison, John Daniels, Reu-
ben Hall, Simon I. Jacobus, John Plane, John Richardson,
Andrew Layton, Isaac Noble, Stephen Douglas, Isaiah
Webster, Erastus Webster, John Loder, Simon Ingersoll,
James Harrison.
John Walters, Abraham Brundage, and Reuben Hall
were chosen Fence- Viewers, and William Baker, Pound-
Master.
At this meeting a tax of $50 was voted for the support
of the poor, and also to raise as much money by tax on the
town as is received by the town from the State for the .sup-
port of schools.
At the general election, Nov. 3, 1823, Robert McCay
received 67 votes for Senator ; James Norton, 59 votes ;
John Bowman, 25 votes ; and James McCall, 18 votes.
For member of Congress, Daniel Cruger received 69 votes,
and William Woods, 25 votes. Grattan H. Wheeler ran
against four other candidates for Assembly, the vote being,
George McClure, 21 ; Elisha Hanks, 35; William H. Bull,
30; Ichabod Andrews, 13; Grattan H. Wheeler, 68.
Edward Town.send, Franklin Baker, and William Read,
commissioners of schools, laid out seven districts in the
town in 1823. The boundaries of District No. 1 were as
follows : " Beginning at the southeast corner of Seth Read's
lot, and running north to the north line of said town ; thence
west along the said town-line to the town of Wheeler ;
thence south along the line of the said town of Wheeler to
the bounds of Cornelius Younglove's lot ; thence west along
the said town-line to the town of Wheeler ; thence south
along the said town-line to the corner of the .said town of
Wheeler on the old Town road ; thence east to the bounds
on Richard Daniels' lot ; thence along the north lines of the
said Daniels', Younglove's, Eli Read's, and Lazarus Ham-
mond's lands to the place of beginning." Those familiar
with the " old landmarks," or who can trace the boundaries
of this district on a map, can see what District No. 1 in the
town of Urbana was 56 years ago. District No. 4 was
called " Mount Washington District," and No. 7, '' Pleas-
ant Valley District."
On the 25th of May, 1827, the commissioners of schools
reported $59.76 received from the State for the support of
schools, and the same amount collected by tax from the
town. This sum was divided among the districts as fol-
lows: District No. 1, $12.08; No. 2, $5; No. 3, $9.61 ;
No. 4, $19.21; No. 5, $16.91; No. 6, $14.98; No. 7,
$33.05 ; No. 8, $8.08.
In 1840, the amount received from the State for the
support of schools was $229.62, and an equal amount raised
by tax upon the town. The sum, being $459.24, was ap-
propriated as follows : $367.39 for teachers' wages, and
$91.85 for libraries. The number of children over five
years of age and under sixteen, in the town, was 590.
Three years later the number had diminished by 16, being
574, and in 1848 was reduced to 550. After this there
seems to have been a steady increase of the juvenile popu-
lation.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors. Town Clerks, CoUectors,
1S23. Henry A. Townsunil. Lazarus Hammond. Caleb Rogers.
1824. " •' " " " "
1825. " " " " " '■■
1S26. " " William Hastings. " "
1827. " " William Baker. " "
1828. " " " " " "
1829. " " Stephen S. Havens. " "
1830. " " " '■ " "
1831. " " " " " •'
1832. John P. I'oppino. '■ " Daniel C. Miller.
1833. William Baker, " " " "
1834. " " " " " "
1835. John J. Poppino. .Samuel Brundage, '* "
1836. ■' •' Jacob Larrowe. Daniel W. Wheeler.
Ig37^ I. II « <i « «
1S3S. Amasa Church. " " "
I SS'.l. Jacob Larrowe, William Randel. " "
1840. Obediah Wheeler. ZenasCobb. " "
TOWN OF URBANA.
411
1841.
1842.
1843.
1S44.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1801.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Supervisors.
Obediah Wheeler.
Peter Houk.
Obediah Wheeler.
William Baker.
Aaron Coggswell.
John J. Poppiuo.
it It
John W. Davis.
John J. Poi)piuo.
John Randel.
A. S. Brundage.
M. Brown.
Orlando Shepherd.
John Randel.
John W. Taggart.
Joseph A. Crane.
John W. Taggart.
Benjamin Myrtle.
Absalom lladden.
Benjamin iMyrtle.
Absalom Hadden.
G. W. Nichols.
R. Longwell.
Charles L. Bailey.
Town Clerks.
Barnum B. Mallory.
Stephen S. Havens.
H. L. Comstock.
tt it
Augustus Moody.
Samuel L. Garey.
William Randel.
Melkiah S. Fenton.
Stanley B. FairohiUI.
Melkiah S. Fenton.
Charles E. Halsey.
Benjamin Bennitt.
B. Franklin Drew.
Collectors.
E. A. Sweet.
Daniel W. Wheeler.
a a
Philip J. Velio.
Archibald Jones, Jr.
Aaron Coggswell.
Ira ^'an Ness.
N. P. Williams.
Jadies Covert, Jr.
Lewis Wdod.
Charles F. Kingsley.
a i(
Ilnbert D. Rose.
G. W. Elwell.
J. S. Tobias.
Reuben L. Seeley.
Frank L. Kingsley.
Oliver 11. Babcock.
De Witt Bander.
Orson C. Mattison.
B. M. Coggswell.
Dugald Cameron, Jr.
William Wright.
James Donnelly.
Trevor Moore.
James Laughlin.
N. W. Bennett.
it it
Frank E. Hastings.
.John Q. Brown.
Robert 0. Laughlin.
John Prey.
Ilobart J. Moore.
R. Longwell.
Clark H. Bronson.
Addison Damoth.
Trevor Moore.
Clark H. Bronson.
.'( it
Charles G. Wheeler,
Charles B. Ci-ane.
•nrSTICKS EI.KI'TEI> UV THE PEOPLE."'
1827.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
Isaac Noble.
Obediah Wheeler.
John Powers.
Matthew Brink.
.Tohn J. Poppino.
Obediah Wheeler.
Morgan L. Schermerhorn.
Stephen S. Havens.
Abraham Brundage (2d).
Jacob Larrowe.
Jacob Larrowe.
Dryden Henderson.
John Randel.
Meredith Mallory.
Peter Houk.
Jacob Larrowe.
Abraham Beales.
John Randel.
Obediah Wheeler.
Monroe Gillett.
Harlowe L. Comstock.
Dyer Cranmer.
Anson Coggswell.
Joseph S. Finton.
Joseph S. Finton.
Harlow L. Comstock.
Dryden Henderson.
James Ennis.
Dyer Cranmer.
Thomas White.
Dyer Cranmer.
Delanson Latimer.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1S61.
1862.
1863.
1SG4.
1865.
1866.
1807.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Matthias Clark.
Benjamin Bennitt.
Ephraim Sanford.
Stanley B. Fairchild.
Dyer Cranmer.
Oliver D. Tobias.
John R. Brown.
Benjamin Bennitt.
Obediah Wheeler.
Oliver D. Tobias.
David Wortman.
Daniel B. (Tarleuhousc.
Edmund P. Smith.
Azariah C. Younglove.
M. M. Clark.
Andrew A. AVhite.
Edmund P. Smith.
Benjamin Bennitt.
Oliver H. Wheeler.
Wiliiiim Wright.
Benjamin F. Drew.
Abijah Palmer.
Jacob W. Wheeler.
Benjamin Bennitt.
Samuel C. Haight.
Charles L. Bailey.
Benjamin F. Drew.
Orin E. Loveridge.
David Casterline.
Benjamin Bennitt.
Benjamin F. Drew.
* Law passed April 7, 1827.
VILLA(;K of HAMMONDSl'Oirr.
This village is situated at the head of Crooked Lake, or,
as the Indians called it, Lake Keuka. This lake is a beau-
tiful sheet of clear water, fed by springs and the rain which
falls upon the surface of the slopes and surrounding hills.
It has no streams of any considerable importance entering
it, except Cold Spring Brook, at Hammnndsport, and ]ja-
zalier Creek, at Braiichport. The valley in which this lake
is situated is an excavation of more than tliree liundred feet
in depth, through the shales and grits of the Erie group of
rocks. The hills rise on the west shore from three to four
hundred feet above the water, and on the east shore from
two to three hundred feet ; the surface of the lake itself
being two hundred and seventy-one feet above that of Seneca
Lake. It is navigable for steamboats and barges from Ham-
mondsport to Penn Yan, a distance of twenty miles, and
also, on its west branch, to Branchport, in Yates County.
One of tlie mo.st singular features of Lake Keuka is its
division into two branches by a bold and beautiful promon-
tory, called Bluff Point, which thrusts itself like a blunt
wedge between its beautiful, clear waters, and is itself an
object of attraction amidst the surrounding scenery. The
soil upon this bluff, and upon the highlands on either side,
extending far away into the surrounding country, is pro-
ductive farm-land, and well cultivated, while along the
slopes and abrupt declivities which border the lake are the
finest vineyards to be found in the country.
The fruit of this peculiar region, as well as that of Pleas-
ant Valley, at the head of the lake, has received appropriate
attention in an earlier part of this work.
The importance of Lake Keuka for navigation, and for
the transportation of the products of a large extent of
country to market, attracted attention to Hammondsport at
an early day. Before the construction of the Jlrie Canal,
most of the products of the Genesee country passed south-
ward, by the Susquehanna and its tributaries, to markets in
Harrisburg, Columbia, Baltimore, and Philadelpliia. They
were hauled to the nearest places accessible by arks on the
Canisteo, Tioga, and Conhocton, loaded aboard of these
rude crafts, and when the rivers were at a suitable piteli in
the spring, run down to the markets along the Susquehanna
and on the sea-board. From the first settlement of the
country till 1825, or during the first quarter of a century,
these arks were the only means of transportation to market,
except by teams, over long and almost impassable roads.
"Wheat, flour, pork, venison, staves, and lumber of all kinds
found their way to market in this manner.
Col. Williamson, during his administration at Bath, ivas
indefatigable in having the streams cleared of their ob-
structions and opened to this kind of navigation. Mud
Creek was explored and made navigable to its confluence
with the Conhocton, and arks were first run down from
Bath and Bartles' Hollow, and then from Arkport on the
Upper Canisteo. It was ascertained that, by improving the
streams, the produce of tlie country could be carried to
Baltimore, a distance of three hundred miles, in the spring
of the year, for a mere trifle. Gen. Geo. McClure was one
of the earliest and must enterprising men in demonstrating
the practicability of this kind of transportation for grain
and lumber. In the spring of 1795 he ran the first ark
412
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
loaded witli staves down the Conliocton from Bath ; in
1800 he removed to Dansville, opened a store, and during
the winter took in 4000 bushels of wheat and 200 barrels
of pork, whieh he shipped in the spring on four arks from
Arkport, on the Cauisteo, to Baltimore. In 1802 he pur-
chased the Cold Spring mill-site, half-way between Bath
and the head of Crooked Lake, of one Skinner, a Quaker,
with 200 acres of land, and also purchased, from the land-
office and others, about 800 acres to secure the whole priv-
ilege. Here he erected a saw-mill, flouring-niill, fulling-
mill, and carding-machine. The fluuring-mill, with two
run of stones, was completed in the best manner in three
months. Gen. McClure's design in building this mill was
to convert as much as practicable of the wheat of the
farmers into flour, it being safer to ship over so dangerous
a navigation than the wheat in bulk, which was sure to be
Crooked Lake, notwithstanding the famous embargo of
President Jefferson. This, however, turned out a fruitless
enterprise, as the farmers usually did not thrash their grain
and get it ready fov market till winter, and then the lake
was frozen over and the schooner could not sail.
We have thus given the history of the first commerce
on Lake Keuka, and the first commercial enterprise at
Hammondsport. From this time forward till 1825, the
place exhibited nothing beyond the ordinary routine of
farm-life. Capt. John Sheathar, as we have .seen, was the
first settler, in 1796. The land originally purchased by
him became the property of Judge Lazarus Hammond, in
1807. Several years after, Judge Hammond became a
resident of the place, and built his house on the site of the
present residence of Deloss Rose, Esq., on Sheathar Street.
He laid out a portion of his farm into lots and streets,
o&tzzS^
lost should tlie ark be wrecked on tlie passage. He sent
hand-bills into all the adjoining country, offering liberal
prices for wheat delivered at his mills or at his stores in Penn
Yan, Pittstown, or Dansville. He received during the first
winter 20,000 bushels of wheat, two-thirds of which he
floured and packed in barrels at his mills, and in the winter
built eight arks at Bath and four on the Canisteo, and in
the spring ran the flour to Baltimore and the wheat to
Columbia. He cleared enough in that one year's operations
to pay all the expenditures and improvements on his Cold
Spring property.
While operating at Cold Spring, Gen. McClure erected
the first store-house at Hammondsport. He also built the
first vessel on the lake, the schooner Salli/ of about thirty
tons burden, for the purpose of carrying wheat from Penn
Yan to his store-house at the head of the lake. This was
in 1803. He advertised his vessel as a regular trader on
and gave the public square to the village. William Hast-
ings was the first merchant, and built the first store, in
1825. Lemuel D. Hastings came in that year and entered
his brother's store as clerk. He remained in that capacity
till 1835, when he embarked in mercantile business for
himself, and has continued in it ever since. In the fall of
1825, Ira G. Sniith, of Prattsburgh, came and erected a
store ; and about the same time a few others put up build-
ings about the public square.
The construction of the Erie Canal, at this period,
changed the entire route of transportation for the pro-
ducts of the country, — sending them north to that great
thoroughfare, and thence eiist to the seaboard, instead of
southward by the waters of the Susquehanna. Crooked
Lake became the most available route to the Erie Canal
for the products of all this section of country, and
gave to Hammondsport, at the head of the lake, a new
'-'^-
..^IT'
7^-
(Jf-^^^/A. m^^^^^
BEiNJAMlJSI MYKTLE
was born Dec. 29, 1814. Married Arabella Smith, Nov.
16, 1838. Born and lived in Wheeler until Oct. 6,
1857, when he moved to Hammondsport, where he now
lives. His children were Arabella, now wife of Dr. C.
S. Stoddard, of La Crosse, Wis. ; Van Buren, now of
Wellsboro', Pa. ; and Maggie, wife of O. H. Young-
love, of Pleasant Valley. He is one of fifteen children
of Philip Myrtle, who was born in Bucks Co., Pa., in
1773. Married Rebecca Walters in 1795. The two
yeare succeeding he lived on a small island in the
Susquehanna Eiver, named " Hill Island." In 1797
he moved with his family to Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y.
This proved a tedious and laborious task, and re-
quired six weeks to reach Painted Post. He moved
up the river in a canoe, and at night hauled the
craft and turned it bottom up to shelter the family.
At Painted Post he left the family and proceeded to
Bath on foot, with his axe and gun. On his way he
had the good fortune to kill a large black bear. A por-
tion of the meat he sent back to his family by tlie mail
carrier, and sold the skin for five dollai-s. This proved
a godsend, as his funds \yere entirely exhausted.
At Bath he engaged with John Wilson, sheriff of this
county, to manage a distillery, which he did for three
years. After a few days he returned to the Post for his
family, and took- them to Bath, where he remained until
he purchased forty acres of land in the town of Wheeler,
where he built a log house to which he moved his family
in 1800, and lived fifty years, until his death.
This forty acres he purchased at two dollars and fifty
cents per acre, and for which he paid with seven years'
continuous hard labor. This was the nucleus about
which clustered the old Myrtle homestead of six hun-
dred acres, mostly cleared, and much of it in a high
state of cultivation, and all paid for at the time of his
death.
The trials and hardships of the early pioneers seem
more like a fable than reality. He found it no fiction.
He was obliged to winter his cattle by cutting trees for
them to browse. No hay, and grain scarce. The shoes
for himself and family were made from deer-skin which
he dressed himself. The nearest mill was at Bradford,
and required three days with ox-team and sled to make
the trip.
He raised a family of twslve children (losing three
in infancy), all of whom are now living. Ail are married,
and all raised families except one. It is now seventy-
three years since one of these children died ; of the girls
five are now widows. There are about sixty grand-
children, nearly all of them living. Three sons and
nine daughters are now living, and about the same num-
ber of great-grandchildren.
TOWN OF URBANA.
413
importance. The agent of the Pulteney estate, taking
wheat and produce in payment for lands, made this the
shipping-point by barges on the lake to Penn Yan, whence
it was hauled by teams to Dresden. The farmers gener-
ally, for several counties around, disposed of their surplus
products through the same channel. In this way a large
amount of grain and produce was handled for several years,
and all that was wanting to make Ilamniondsport the head
of navigation, connected with New York and all interme-
diate cities by a continuous line of boats and barges, was a
canal connecting Crooked Lake with the Seneca. The
"Albany Regency," seeing the importance of this project,
got a bill through the Legislature establishing the Crooked
Lake Canal, in 1830. In 1831 the enterprise was com-
pleted, and at once Hammondsport became a city of " great
expectations." While the canal was in prospect a new
impulse had been given to the place ; lots were laid out
and sold ; new buildings were erected ; the population con-
siderably increased ; and the business, by no means small
before, was rapidly augmented. Messre. Olcott and Ger-
inaiti, of Albany, Judge Whiting, Charles Butler, and Mr.
Dezeng, of Geneva, known as the Hammondsport Com-
pany, came and purchased of Judge Hammond and Wil-
liam Ha.stiugs all their land which remained unsold. The
progress of building received a rapid impulse ; all the large
warehouses and stores now in the village were erected
during this rapid period ; many speculators and capitalists
were attracted to the place, and many investments made
which subsequently proved profitless.
At this time neither the Chemung nor the Genesee Val-
ley Canal had been constructed, and Hammondsport was
really the shipping-point for the entire extent of country
embraced in Allegany, the southern part of Livingston
County, a large part of Chemung, .Steuben, and Tioga
County, Pa. Situated at the head of navigation for all
this extent of rich agricultural and lumbering country,
and with direct communication by boats with the city of
New York, the expectation was not unnatural that Ham-
mondsport was destined to become a large place ; and this
expectation was in a measure realized till the Genesee Val-
ley Canal cut off a large portion of her tributary territory ;
and even after that she enjoyed a good degree of prosperity
as the exclusive shipping-port of Steuben County till the
opening of the great Erie Railway, in 1850, and the Corn-
ing and Rochester branch, in 1852.
Immediately after the opening of the Crooked Lake
Canal, a number of new merchants came in from Geneva
and Ithaca. The first steamboat, the Keuka, was built
and put upon the lake by the company in 1835. A. M.
Adsit and John Gregg built another boat to run in com-
petition with the Keuka, and sold it to Capt. Allen Wood,
who ran the boat, and also a small " propeller," for some
six years. The Yates, now running on the lake, was
built by Holmes & Co., of Penn Yan. Capt. Wood sold
his boats to Holmes & Co., who own and run the Steuben
and the Yates. The Lvlu, a small boat recently started,
was built by Sanders & Hall, of Hammondsport, in 1878.
A. M. Adsit was one of the leading merchants of the
village, with Deloss Rose and William Hastings & Co. ;
and after the opening of the canal did a large business in
the transportation of grain. Adsit & Co. were proprietors
of a line of deck-boats which made regular trips from New
I'^ork City to Hammondsport. J. W. Taggart, of Cold
Spring, and Dugal Cameron, of Plea.sant Valley, were Adsit
& Co.'s agents in New York. A. M. Adsit was succeeded
by J. W. Davis ; Deloss Rose, William Hastings & Co.,
by L. D. Hastings and G. W. Nichols. These merchants
were also dealers in lumber and wool, which at one time
were large interests, and a large amount of money was an-
nually paid out by them to the fiinncrs for their produce.
In 1831, Gen. George McClure built a saw- and plaster-
mill at Hammondsport. He also built a house, and resided
here up to the time of his removal to Illinois. John Ran-
del came here from the city of New York, in 1833. He
was born in that city, in 1801, and had been a merchant
there. On his arrival in Hammondsport he opened a store
on the corner where the Steuben House now stands. In
1852, he built the brick store which is now a part of the
Railroad House, on Water Street. Mr. Raudel was in
business as a merchant in Hammondsport about twenty-
three years, and was justice of the peace in 1838 and 1842.
The Mallory stone mill, which still stands as one of the
prominent landmarks, was begun by Meridith Mallory, of
Yates County, in 1835, and finished in 1836. About
$30,000 were invested in the engineering and construction
of the mill, which were entirely sunk, as the enterprise
never paid a cent on a hundred dollars. The mill is four
stories in height and was supplied with three overshot
wheels, one above another ; the water, which had an im-
mense fall, was brought from the "Gulf Stream," in a canal
or race dug along the side-hill. John Capell, of Peim Yan,
was the master millwright, and Mr. Van Autrick, a son-in-
law of Mr. Mallory, the engineer. The mill was a first-
class merchant- and custom-mill, with four run of stones,
and finished in splendid order. Had the expectations of
Mr. JIallory been realized, it no doubt would have been a
fine property. Mr. Mallory came to reside here, and was
elected justice of the peace in 1838. Previous to coming
here he had been elected member of Congress in Yates
County.
The first school-house in the village was built in 1827.
It stood on the site of the present St. James (Episcopal)
Church. The present large stone building was erected for
an academy in 1858. J. W. McLaury was principal, and
had the charge of the school about six years, while it con-
tinued an academy. He was an excellent teacher, and lefl
the impress of his influence and character upon the com-
munity. He removed to the West, and is now a resident
of the State of Iowa.
The present public school employs three teachers, — four
during the winter season. An effort is being made to
change it into a union free school, under the manage-
ment of a board of education, which will soon be success-
fully accomplished.
Steamboats make regular daily trips between Hammonds-
port, Penn Yan, and all intermediate points. During the
spring and summer of 1878, a small steamer has also made
trips to Eranchport and other landings along the lake.
Hammondsport is also connected with Bath by a narrow-
eauf'e railroad, which was commenced in 1872 and opened
414
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
in 1874. The town of Urban.i w,is bonded for $40,000,
and the corporation of Batli for $30,000, to build the road,
wliieh was expended in grading and laying the ties. It was
then leased to Capt. Allen Wood, who ironed it, furnished
the rolling-stock, and now operates the road as lessee of the
company.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Ezekiel B. Pulling was one of the early physicians
of Hammondsport, and a man of considerable eminence in
his profession. He died at Batli from the effects of poison
received in making a post-mortem examination. Another
of the early physicians was Dr. Amasa Church.
The present physicians arc Dr. C. E. Campbell, Dr.
Moses T. Babcock, and Dr. Oliver H. Babeock.
Three lawyers reside and practice in the village, viz.,
Benj. Bennitt, Benj. F. Drew, and Monroe Wheeler, Esqs.
URBAN.A. LODGE, NO. 459, F. AND A. M.
Chartered June 17, A.D. 1859, a.l. 5859. The first
officers were Clark Bell, W. M. ; J. B. Van Auken, S. W. ;
Peter Marsell, J. W.
Bank of Hammondspout; Ainsworth & Co., Bankers;
e.stablished as a branch of Mr. Ainsworth's Bank of Pratts-
burgh, in 1878. — The building, formerly a law-office, has
been fitted up in good style for banking purposes, and the
institution seems to be entering upon a career of prosperity.
incorporation and officers.
On the 16th of June, 1850, an order was entered in the
Court of Se.ssions of Steuben ('ounty, incorporating the
village of llaniniondsport under the general law of the
State. The petitioners were Delos Rose, S. B. Fairchild,
William Hastings, S. Waterous, Henry Benham. and Ben-
jamin Bennitt. The corporate limits of the village, as
defined in the articles, were as follows : " Beginning at the
northeast corner of lot number ten in the twelfth range of
lots in township number five in the second range of town-
ships; thence south four and a half degrees west twenty
chains and sixty-four links to the centre of the Inlet
Bridge, on the road crossing the valley ; thence north
eighty-four and a half degrees west nine chains and fifty
links to 0. Shepherd's line ; thence north six degrees west
fourteen chains ; thence north eighty-five and one-half de-
grees west nineteen chains, hitting the .south end of 0.
Shepherd's shed or stable ; thence north four and one-half
degrees west six chains and twenty-four links ; thence
south eighty-four and one-half degrees east eight chains
and fifty links to the west line of said township ; thence
north four and one-half degrees east on said township line
twenty-six chains and twenty-eight links to the northwest
corner of said lot number ten ; thence .south eighty-four
and one-half degrees east forty-two chains and fifty links,
along the north line of said lot number ten, to the place of
beginning ; constituting one hundred and seventy-one
acres and seventy-nine one-hundredtlis of an acre, and no
more, into a village by the name of Hammondsport."
The population included within these limits, at the date
of incorporation, was 530 inhabitants. The vote was taken
on the 29th day of June, 185G, and stood 47 for incorpor-
ation and 34 against it ; 81 being the whole number of
votes cast. The first election for officers was held on the
22d of November, 1856, when the following were elected :
Trustees, William Hastings, John Randel, J. N. Crane, J.
W. Davis, Clark Bell ; Assessors, Orlando Shepherd, Ben-
jamin Bennitt; Collector, Lewis Wood; Treasurer, John
Waterous ; Clerk, B. Frank Drew.
1857. — Trustees: William Hastings, John Randel, J.
N. Crane, J. W. Davis, Clark Bell ; Assessors, Henry
Benham, Orlando Shepherd, Benjamin Bennitt ; Collector,
Lewis Wood ; Treasurer, John Waterous ; Clerk, F. P.
Wisner.
1858. — Trustees: John Randel, William Hastings, J.
W. Davis, E. P. Smith, T. H. Bacon ; A.ssessors, Henry
Benham, Orlando Shepherd, B. Bennitt ; Collector, Lewis
Wood ; Trea.surer, John Waterous ; Clerk, F. P. Wisner.
1 859. — Trustees : Eber B. Van Keuren, J. J. Buchanan,
Benjamin Myrtle, Deloss Rose, E. P. Smith ; Assessors,
Orlando Shepherd, Lester Lee, J. B. Van Auken ; Treas-
urer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, Lewis Layton, Jr. ;
Clerk, Hubert D. Rose.
I860.— Trustees: G. W. Nichols, B. Bennitt, J. H.
Keeler, O. D. Tobias, M. T. Babcock ; A.sses.sors, J. B.
Van Auken, D. Henderson, N. V. Wintermute ; Treasurer,
Samuel Waterous; Collector, Peter Marccll ; Clerk, Thomas
H. Bennitt.
1861. — Tru.stees: Moses T. Babcock, B. Bennitt, Oliver
D. Tobias, Lewis Layton, Jr., Henry 0. Fairchild ; Asses-
sors, Salmon P. Garey, Orson C. Mattison, N. V. Winter-
mute ; Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, Peter Mar-
.sell ; Clerk, Thomas H. Bennitt.
18G2. — Trustees: Benjamin Myrtle, Moses P. Babcock,
John W. Davis, G. W. eIwcII, Thomas H. Bennitt.; As.ses-
sors, Edwin P. Smith, John H. Keeler, N. V. Wintermute ;
Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, Oliver I). Tobias,
Clerk, Thomas H. Bennitt.
1863. — Trustees : Benjamin Myrtle, J. W. Davis, A. J.
Switzer, G. W. Elwell, D. Cameron ; Assessors, G. D.
Mitchell, D. Henderson, H. 0. Fairchild ; Treasurer, E. B.
Van Keuren ; Collector, B. M. Coggswell ; Clerk, T. Mit-
chell.
1864. — Trustees: John Randel, Eber B. Van Keuren,
Deloss Rose, Walter L. Moore, Benjamin Myrtle; Assessors,
Alfred Brundage, Charles Harvey, Dryden Henderson ;
Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, A. B. Stoutenbui-gh ;
Clerk, H. D. Rose.
1865.— Trustees: G. W. Nichols, J. H. Keeler, R. H.
Green, Henry Benham ; Assessors, E. P. Smith, J. R.
Brown, S. W. Barrett ; Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Col-
lector, O. D. Tobias ; Clerk, De Witt Bauder.
1866.— Trustees: M. T. Babcock, W. L. Moore, S. S.
Fairchild, A. J. Switzer; Assessors, E. P. Smith, A. H.
Morris, D. Cameron, Jr. ; Treasurer, Samuel L. Waterous;
Collector, O. D. Tobias; Clerk, A. A. White.
1867.— Trustees: M. T. Babcock, S. S. Fairchild, W.
L. Moore, G. W. Nichols, L. I. Rose ; Asses.sors, H. Ben-
ham, J. R. Brown, Drew Glann ; Treasurer, Samuel Wate-
rous; Collector, 0. D. Tobias; Clerk, A. A. White.
1868.— Trustees: Grattan H. Wheeler, Hessel Smith,
Matthew Hetterman, Jacob Frey, S. S. Fairchild ; Assessors,
Robert Snow, Drew Glann, James Smith ; Treasurer,
..^s^'^:^?*-*.
David Bailey
|VIrs. David Bailey.
m:
y£ :^ V\ ;#
RESIOtIl_,. ADSIT BAILEY, URBANA, ST£U8£N CO..N.Y.
i
TOWN OF URBANA.
415
Samuel Waterous; Collector, Frank Covert; Clerk, Win.
W. Wrigiit.
1869. — Trustees : Nelson Jewell, Matthew Hefferman,
Jacob Frey, Ed. W. Cotton, Bela K. Streety ; Assessors,
Jlobert Snow, A. A. White, David Costerline ; Treasurer,
Peter Morsell ; Collector, Frank M. Covert ; Clerk, James
Donnelly.
1870.— Trustees : Jacob Frey, Allen Wood, Deloss Rose,
G. W. Nichols, B. Frank Drew ;• Assessors, Grattan H.
Wheeler, John Randel, ]>enjau]in Myrtle ; Treasurer, J. S.
Thorp; Collector, Francis M. Covert; Clerk, William W.
Wright.
NEW CHARTER.
At a special election, held on the 24th day ol' January,
1871, it was determined, by vote, to reincorporate the village
under the general law pa.ssed April 20, 1870. Thirty-six
votes were cast, 33 of wliicli were in favor of the change,
and the new charter was accordingly adopted. The officers
elected March 21, 1871, were, Absalom Hadden, President;
George W. Nichols, Allen Wood, and Walter L. Moore,
Trustees; Benjamin P. Drew was chosen Treasurer; and
George C. Wise, Collector. At the first meeting of the
board, William W. Wright was chosen Clerk ; David Burch,
Police Constable ; and J. B. Van Auken, Chief Engineer
of the Fire Department. The president was authorized to
procure a seal and an order-book for the village, and the
regular meetings were appointed for Tuesday evening of
each week. At the following meeting, March 28, 1871,
David Costerline was appointed Street Commissioner.
The following have been chosen presidents of the village
under the new charter : Absalom Hadden, 1872; Grattan
H. Wheeler, 1873; B. R. Streety, 1874; S. S. Pairchild,
1875; 0. H. Babcock, 1876; Grattan H. Wheeler, Jr.,
1877; Trevor Moore, 1878.
The following have served as trustees of the village for
the years named : George W. Nichols, Allen Wood, Wal-
ter L. Moore, 1871 ; Grattan H. Wheeler, Allen Wood,
George W. Nichols, 1872; S. S. Fairchild, G. E, Rosen-
krans, Allen Wood, 1873 ; Robert G. Snow, John W. Davis,
David Costerline, 1874 ; Jules Ma.s.son, Patrick York, David
Costerline, 1875 ; Jacob Frey, Jules Masson, Patrick York,
1876; Patrick York, John R. Brown, Jacob Frey, 1877;
George E. Rosenkrans, John R. Brown, Patrick York,
1878.
The treasurers under the new charter have been Ben-
jamin P. Drew, 1871-76 ; James S. Thorp, 1876 ; Henry
C. Ainsworth, 1877 and 1878.
The collectors under the new charter have been George
C. Wise, 1871; Addison Damoth, 1872; Francis M.
Covert, 1873-75; John Wager, 1875; Jabez C. Mills,
1876; Daniel Damoth, 1877 and 1878.
Hobart J. Moore has been regularly appointed corpora-
tion clerk, and has served in that capacity since 1872.
In April, 1871, the fire department was reorganized un-
der Jacob B. Van Auken as Chief Engineer, Almon H.
Eggleston, First Assistant, and Wm. Benner, Second As-
sistant; 25 members were added to the company, and
the board made an appropriation for the repairs of the en-
gine and engine-house. Improvements have gone steadily
on ; the creek, known as the Gulf Stream, has been sub-
stantially walled at considerable expense, and sidewalks laid
and kept in good repair in every part of the village. It
would be difficult to find a village where the effects of good
corporation regulations and careful enterprise on the part
of the board are more apparent than in Hammondsport.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. HAMMONDSPORT.
The Presbyterian Church of Hammondsport was organ-
ized Sept. 14, 1831. A committee of the Presbytery of
Bath, consisting of Rev. Isaac W. Piatt, Rev. S. White,
Mr. Elam Bridges, and Mr. Baueliman, the two latter rul-
ing elders, met at Hainniondsiiort for the purpose of or-
ganizing a Presbyterian Church, at which time the follow-
ing persons, members of different Presbyterian Churches,
presented letters of dismission from their respective churches,
namely : Samuel A. Hastings, Lucinda Daniels, Eliza C.
Flagler, Augustus Moody, Thomas Judd, Thomas White,
and Stephen K. Tourtellot, whereupon the committee or-
ganized them into a Presbyterian Church. The church
then elected Samuel A. Hastings a ruling elder, and he
was set apart to his office in the usual way, the exercises
being concluded with prayer.
Judge Hammond gave the lot upon which Wm. Hastings
built the first house of worship, and gave it to the society.
This is the house now occupied as the Catholic church.
Hammondsport then gave promise of becoming a large
place, a centre of business enterprise and trade, being
largely patronized by the surrounding country and towns.
Many people moved in during that year. It was a year of
great revivals in many places, and also in this place. Meet-
ings were held by Rev. Mr. Finney with great success.
Rev. Mr. Flagler was the first pastor of this church,
remaining one year and a half, during which time 43 were
added. Arrangements were made for holding a series of
meetings, but failing to do so they were afterwards con-
ducted by Rev. Mr. Ordway and Rev. Mr. Rudd, of Pratts-
burgh. These meetings resulted in many conversions.
The second pastor was Rev. Mr. Adams, who remained
a year and nine months ; 24 were added during his minis-
try. That year, especially the fall of 1834, was a sad time
for Hammondsport. A terrible fever prevailed, which was
also prevalent in many other places that season, causing
many deaths. So general and so fatal was this fever that
many became disheartened, and quite a number removed
from the place.
Rev. Mr. Delevan was the third pastor. He was a young
man just entered upon the ministry ; was married while
here, and his wife died here. He stayed with the church
three-fourths of a year, during which time 40 were added.
The fourth pastor was Rev. R. E. Wilson, whose minis-
terial labors were also begun here, and for fourteen years-
he continued the faithful shepherd of his flock, "leading
them into green pastures and beside the still waters."
During his ministry 133 were added. During the winter
and spring of 1843 there was an interesting series of meet-
ings, Mr. Wilson being assisted by Rev. IMr. Minor, of
Penn Yan.
The present house of worship was dedicated in 1847.
The society purchased the parsonage in 1849. In the win-
416
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ter and spring of that year there was "a series of revivals,
in which Mr. Wilson was assisted bj Rev. Mr. Hawley, of
Penn Yan.
The fifth pa.stor, Rev. S. Mills Day, was a young man
of much talent and ability, just from the seminary. He
remained five years, and received 44 members into the
church. Then came Rev. S. Vorhis, who was the sixth
pastor of the church. He held protracted meetings in the
winter and .spririj:, resulting in quite an extensive revival.
As the fruit of his labors 42 were added. Mr. Vorhis
was radical in politics as in religion, and it was during
his ministry here that the late war was begun and ended.
The church was united in sustaining him ; its doors were
thrown open fur war-meetings, and whatever pertained to
the interest of our soldiers and the Union. Four young
men of this society were sacrificed upon the altar of our
country, — Willie Vorhis, the eldest son of the pastor, whom
many remember as a young man of great promise ; Solomon
Clark, son of Matthias Clark, a former elder of the church ;
George K. Benham, and Daniel S. Layton. The first died
in Libby prison, Richmond ; the others were killed upon
the field of battle.
Rev. 0. H. Seymour was the seventh pastor. Forty-
eight were added under his ministry, — 32 at one time, —
mostly young people, who were converted during the re-
vival in the winter of 1866. Rev. D. Chichester succeeded
him, and remained over six years. Eighteen were added
during his ministry, which was suddenly terminated by death,
in January, 1876. He was a man to whose sterling worth
and genial social qualities the church and the county will
ever delight to bear testimony. He had arranged, previous
to his death, for a series of meetings to be held during the
" week of prayer," which were afterwards ably conducted
by Rev. Mitchell, of Lakeville, with a deep religious im-
pression upon the community.
After the death of Mr. Chichester, the church was with-
out a settled pastor for some time, although never without
church services. A part of the time the church was ably
supplied by Rev. Mr. Townsend, of Attica, N. Y.
Rev. B. Bosworth commenced preaching for the church
on the first Sunday in November, 1876, as a stated supply,
and was subsequently chosen pastor, in which capacity he
still ofiiciates.
The elders of the church have been Samuel A. Hastiuas,
Dr. N. Stebbins, William Brewster, Elijah Judd, Matthias
Clark (deceased), Allen Dunning (deceased), Aaron Rosen-
krans, Solomon Clark, L. D. Hastings.
The Sabbath-school was organized five years before the
formation of the church, exercises being held in the old
school-house. It has ever since been maintained with
interest. The early members are now widely scattered, —
some among the living, others among the dead. China
holds the dust of one young man, Frederick Brewster, who
went from this Sabbath-school, and died upon the mission-
ary field. To many it is still a place of sacred memories,
around which cluster the familiar faces of teacher, pastor,
classmate, friend, — a dear remembered group, now widely
separated by distance, perchance by death.
This church was early in unison with the temperance
movement, and was instrumental in bringing about a better
state of things in regard to the drinking and sale of in-
toxicating liquors in this village, resulting in the total
abolishment of it from the dry-goods stores, in all of which
it was previously sold the same as any other article of mer-
chandise.
ST. JAME.S' CHURCH.
St. James' Church, Hanimondsport, was organized June
15, 1829, by Rev. William W. Bostwick. The following
were the first officers certified to in the instrument of incor-
poration : Henry A. Townsend and John Powers, Wardens ;
Lazarus Hammond, Cornelius Younglove, Ezekiel B. Pull-
ing, Israel R. Wood, John Mitchell, Jr., and Zelotes Knapp,
Vestrymen. Said certificate was signed and sealed in the
presence of Mrs. Elizabeth H. Townsend and Charles N.
Tuttle, by Rev. William W. Bostwick, John Powers, and
H. A. Townsend.
During Mr. Bostwick's rectorship, in 1832-33, the first
church edifice — which is still standing, although removed
to give place to the new one — was erected, and was con-
secrated by Bishop Onderdonk, Aug. 27, 1833. At this
time 25 communicants were reported. The lot on which
the old church stood, and where the new church now
stands, was given by Messrs. Germain and Whiting, and
deeded by them Sept. 24, 1836. The building committee
of the old church were Lazarus Hammond, Ira G. Smith,
and John J. Poppino. Nathan Taylor was the builder,
and the cost was $1600. Rev. Mr. Bostwick retained the
rectorship some fourteen years, residing at Hanimondsport
all the time. Up to 1833, when the church was conse-
crated, his services were given to several places ; but from
1833 to 1840 his time was divided equally between Bath
and Hammoudsport. Then for two years he gave part of
his time to Wayne and Hornellsville instead of Bath. In
1842 he resigned his rectorship and soon went West, where
he died Oct. 5, 1845, in the forty-ninth year of his age
and the twenty-first of his ministry.
In the spring of 1835 a bell was procured for the old
church, of Lewis Aspinwall, of Albany, N. Y. It cost
$119, and is now used temporarily in the new church. An
organ was also procured of Thomas Wagstaflf, in 1846,
costing $300.
After Mr. Bostwick, Rev. Philemon Coe officiated awhile
in 1842-43. Then for some six years Rev. Erastus Spald-
ing had charge of the parish, up to 1849. For some time
in 1849-1850, Rev. Loren Ru.ss was minister in charge.
The next rector was Rev. Charles Woodward, who remained
from November, 1850, to some time in 1852. After Mr.
Woodward, Rev. (now Dr.) Parke officiated from 1853 to
1855. All those following Mr. Bostwick held short rector-
ships. Then came Rev. Daniel E. Trowbridge, who was
rector fifteen years. After 1870, when Mr. Trowbridge
resigned. Rev. James Stoddard was in charge about three
years. Then, with some vacancies. Rev. Mr. Cushing
officiated about one year, and was succeeded by the present
rector. Rev. H. V. Gardner, who entered upon his duties
July 1, 1875.
The corner-stone of the new church was laid by Bishop
Coxe, April 18, 1876. It was consecrated by the same
June 12, 1877. The new church, valued at 110,000 and
complete in all its appointments, is of a style and workman-
TOWN OF URBANA.
417
ship that will bear examination. The windows, by Mr.
Samuel West, of Boston, are valued at $1000, and the
organ, by Steer & Turner, of Westfield, Mass., at $1200.
Washington Irving Tillotson, of Oneida, N. Y., was the
architect, and Jacob Allington, of Penn Yan, the builder.
The building committee was Rev. H. V. Gardner, John W.
Davis, Deloss Rose, T. M. Younglove, D. Bauder, and
Charles L. Bailey.
The parish has a rectory and glebe valued at $3000.
The present number of families is about 00, communicants
100, and the parish is in a flourishing condition.
MILITARY RECORD OP URBANA.
Babcock, Hlopes Treat, nsst. sur., lilst Inf. ; must. Sept. IS, 18tJ2, three years.
Charles Marion Brace, btigl er, 21 st Cav., Co. K ; enl. Oct. 25, 18G3, three years ;
taken prisuner at Winchester, also wounded in left leg below knee.
Harrison, Lysander Woodard, corp., 76th Inf, Co. E ; drafted July 13, 1803,
three years; pro. to Corp., July 1, I8(>4 ; trans, to 91st Kept., N. Y. Vnla.
Henry, Noble Faircliild, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. ll,18G3, three years ;
taken prisoner on Wilson's raid, June 29, 1864; taken to Bichraond,
from thence to Andersonville, whore he snfTered the barbarities of the
rebel Wirz; prisoner five months and seventeen days.
Carr, John, private, 22d Cav., Co, G; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years; taken pris-
oner on Wilson's raid, Jnne 2D, 1864 ; exchanged April 28, 1865.
Donelly, James, private, 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. I; enl. May, 1861, two years ;disch.
Jnne 30, 1863; re-eol. as corp. in 22d Cav., Co. G, Nov. 12, 1803, three
years; pro. to sergt., July 1, 1865 ; disch. Ang. 1, 1865.
Warren A. Royke, bugler, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 26, 1863, three years;
disch. Ang. 1. 1865.
Benham, Frank Henry, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 14, 1863, three years ;
taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, Nov. 12, 1864; exclianged March 1, 1865.
Addison, Brundago, private, 22d Cav,, Co. Ci ; enl. Nov. 29, 1863, three years;
taken prisoner on Wilson's raid south of Petersburg, June, 1864; disch.
July. 1865.
Ousteront, Abrani, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. May 1, 1861, two years; disch.
June 30, 1863.
Stratton, Isaac, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec, 15, 1863, throe years; taken
prisoner on Wilson's raid, June, 1864, and taken South, where he died
of starvation, Oct. 1864, at Andersonville.
Brundage-, Azariah Conger, corp., 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 25, 1861, two years;
wounded at Fair Oaks in the neck by musket-ball, in consequence of
which he was disch. July 30, 1862.
Ousteront, Cornelius, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Ang. 20, 1862, three years;
died Nov. 21, 1864, of chronic diarrhoea and quick consumption at homo,
Morrison, Hiram, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 29, 1864, three years ; disch.
about Aug. 1, 1805.
Jacobus, Henry, corp., 34th Inf., Co. I; must. Jnne 15, 1861, two years; disch.
June 30, 1863.
Jacobus, Jesse, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years ; was
wounded in thigh at Fair Oaks; had an amputation, and died Jnne 4,
1862 ; buried on or near battle-field.
Bardeen. Lewis, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 16, 1863, three years; was
wounded in the head at Smithfield.
Barrett, George, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 12, 1S63, three years; disch.
about Aug. 1, 1865.
Church, Amasa Edward, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 11, 1863, three yeai's ;
served as clerk for Medical Director; disch. Aug. 1, 1865,
Carr, Henry, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 13, 1863, three years; disch.
Aug. 1, 1865.
Stone, James Madison, drummer, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May 3, 1861, two years;
disch. June 30, 1863.
Carrigan, Avery, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 14, 1863, three years ; disch.
Aug. 1,1865.
Wright, William Wilson, 1st Heut., 102d Inf., Co. F; enl. Feb. 3, 1862, three
years; pro. to eergt., March 26, 1862; to orderly-sergt, May 21, 1862;
to 2d lieut., April 4,1863; to 1st lieut., Aug. 1, 1864 ; to capt., Nov. 26,
1864. but not mustered; enl. in 7Sth Regt.,but trans, to 102d N. Y. Vols.;
wounded and taken prisoner at Cedar Mountjiin, Ang. 9, 1862 ; exchanged
at Aiken's Landing, Nov. 6, 1862 ; wounded again at Chancellorsville, May
3, 1863.
Harrington, James Clement, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 19, 1861, two
years; disch. June 30, 1863; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. G, Nov. 12, 1863,
three years; pro. to sergt., Nov. 18, 1863; to com.-sergt., June 1, 1865;
disch. Aug. 1, 1865.
Coats, Philander, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; must. Feb. 2, 1864.
Edgerton, Harris, private, 22d Cav,, Co. G ; enl. Nov. 13, 1863, three years ; disch.
from hospital (can ascertain nothing more).
Simmons, George B., private, 194th Inf., Co. C; enl. March 11,1865, three years;
did not go to the front, and was must, out soon after enlisting.
Goff, Wm. Henry, private, 34th Inf., Co. 1 ; enl. May, 1861, two years ; disch.
June 15, 1863; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. G, Dec. 12, 1803, three years; pro.
to sergt. ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865.
53
Woodniff, Sanitiel, private, 22ii Cav., Co, G; piil. Dec. 18G3, three years; wa.s
taken prisoner on Wilson's rai<i, June 29, 1864, nntl sent to Florence,
S. C, where lie died, Dec. 18, 1804, of starvation.
Sweezy, Walter Townsliend, private, Ist Vet. Cav., Co. 1; enl. Oct. 20, 18G;i,
three years; disch. with regim''nt.
Everett, Isaac D., 22d Cav., Co.G, three years ; prisoner of war; died at .\nder-
sonville, Ga., Ang. Vj, 1864.
Bradley, James, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
May :iO, 1865.
Dyer, Elisha. private, 189th Inf., Co. <^' ; enl. Sept. ;i, 1864, one year ; disci). May
30, 1865.
Laughl in, Charles, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Carr, George Bnrd, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Ang. 16, 1864, one year;
disch. May 30, 1 SOS.
Cornell, William, private, 189th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Oct. 12, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Wood, Franks., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Ang. 31, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
White, Samnel, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30,1865.
Mnrray, George W., private, 161st Inf., Co. 11; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years;
sick from Jan. 1, 1862, and disch. Aug. 9, 1S63.
Williams, Ezra B., capt., Co. E, 88lh U. S. Col'd Inf. ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three
years; pro. to capt., Aug. 25, 1S63, and trans, from the 161st N. Y. Vols,
to 88th U. S. Col'd Inf. ; must, out Aug. 12. 1864, at consolidation of regt.
Jayne, William Austin, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Ang. 28, 1864, one year;
disch. May 25, 1865.
Larowe, Asa Stewart, Corp., 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 22, 18G1, two years;
disch. June 30, 1863.
Powers, Wm. Bradley, act. asst. snrg., 157th Inf, Co. I ; drafted July 15, 1863,
for three years; disch. for disahility.
Ketchum, Wilbur, private, 189th Inf., Co.C; enl. Aug. 31,1864, one year; disch.
May 30,1865.
Larowe, Eugene B., capt., 34tll Inf., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ; pro. to
sergt., Oct. 1,1861; to 2d lieut., July 1, 1,S62; to 1st lient., Dec. 13,1862;
to capt., March 16, 1863 ; disch. with regt.
Ellison, Frank Oscar, private, 189th Inf., Co.C; enl. Ang. 1S64, one year;
disch. May 30, 1866.
Woodrutf, Francis Marion, private, 189th Inf., Co. C.
Wheeler, Oliver Howard, sergt., 78th Inf., Co. F; enl. March 6, 1862, three
years ; taken prisoner at Cedar Mountain, and taken to Richmond ; ex-
changed at Aiken's Landing, Sept. 13, 1862 ; disch. at e.^p. of term.
Henderson, Bufus J., private, 107th Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, three yeai«;
wounded at Antietnm, Sept. 17, 1862; disch. Oct. 24, 1864.
Bronson, Clarke H., Corp., 78th Inf. ; enl. June 4, 1862, three years ; taken
prisoner at Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862; paroled Sept. 15, at Belle
Island ; exchanged Nov. 1862 ; disch. Feb. 13, 1863, for disability.
Wheeler, George, corp,, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. one year; pni.
to corp. at muster ; disch. May 30, 1865.
Glackin, William, private, 34th Inf., Co. I : enl. May 20, 1861, two years ; ilisch.
March 12, 186.3. for disability.
Barnes, Dorin, private, ."4th Inf., Co, I; enl, June 15, 1861, two years; killed
in seven days' fight before Richmond,
Bronson, Henry S,, priv.ate, 34tli Inf, Co, I; enl, April 22, 1861, two years;
disch, July 16, 1861,
Burd, Daniel, private, 34th Inf,, Co, I; onl, April 18, 1861, two years; disch,
June 30, 1803,
Baker, Delezon H,, private, .34th Inf,, Co, I; enl. Juno 1,5, 1S6I, two yean;
died at Harper's FeiTy, Nov, 1862, and buried there,
Crofoot, Oi lando M,, private, 34th Inf,, Co. I ; must, Aug. 15, 1861, two years ;
wounded at Fair Oaks, and disch. Aug. 1863.
Evans, Norman, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; must, Jnne 15, 1861, two years,
Fairfield, Walter S,, private, 34th Inf, Co, I ; must, June 15, 18«1 , two years ;
died at Fredericksburg, Va,, and buried there.
Hurley, John U., private. 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years ; killed
at first Fredericksluirg, Dec. 13, 1862, and buried there.
Greek, Ezra, private, 34tli Inf., Co. I ; must. Juno 15, 1861, two years; killed at
Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Mathews, Manley F., sergt., 34tb Inf , Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years;
pro. to sergt., July 1, 1862 ; disch, June .'io, 1863.
McDonald, Michael, private, 34th Inf, Co. I ; must, June 1.5, 1861, two years;
disch, Jan, 19, 1863, on account of wound received at Antietam,
Boss, William Penn, private, 34tli Inf,, Co, I ; must. June 15, 1801, two years ;
disch. Jan. 1, 1862, for disability.
Sprague, Samuel, private, .34th Inf., Co. I ; ninst. June 15, 1861, two years ; died
Juno 25,1861.
Taylor, George, private, 34th Inf., Co, I; must, Juno 15, 1861, two years; re-
enl, in 189th N. Y. Vols.
Tomlinson, WiUmr F,, private, 34tli Inf,, Co. I ; must. Juno 15, 1861, two years ;
taken prisoner at Malvern Hill.
Thayer, Eli R., corp., 34th Inf, Co. I : must. June 15, 1861, two years ; pro. to
Corp., July 1,1S62.
Templer, Chester, 34tli Inf, Co. I; must. June 15, 1861, two years ; wounded at
Malvern Hill and discharged.
Williams, George W., coi-p., 34th Inf., Co. I; must. Juno 15, 1861, two years;
disch. Juno 30, 186:i.
418
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
McCaljo, Llewellyn, Corp., 3Jtli Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 18(;1, two years ; ilietl
at Al(!xan<Iria, Vii., May 2'.i, ISIVJ, of fever, aii'l Iiuried tliere.
Sweeney, JanieH, private, ;J4th Inf., Co. I ; enl. April 14, 18G1, two years; (lirscli.
with regt., June 30, 18C3.
Clark, Solomon J!., private, .'i4tli Inf., Co. I ; cnl. .\pril, 1861, two yearn ; killed
at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1802, and buried there.
Bonham, Lemuel, »ergt,, 34th Inf, Co. I; enl. May 22, 1801, two years; disrh.
April 9, 18C3.
EdBall, Samuel, A., private, 34tli Inf., Co. I; enl. April 10, 1801, two yeare; iljfich.
Dec. 1, IS61 ; re-enl. in 78tli Inf., Co. K, Jan. 1802, for three years.
Jacobus, Samuel, private, inih Cav. ; enl. P'eb. 12, 18G4, three years; wounded
at St. Mary's Church in left side.
Emmet. Orrcn, sergt., 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1801, two years; disch.
Juno 30, 1863 ; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. O, Feb. 2, 1804, three years; pro.
to Ist lieut., and trans, to Co. D, June 22, 186.'j; disch. with regt.
Reece, Theodore, private, 189th Inf, Co. C ; must. Sept. 13, 1804, one year.
"Webber, Uicliard II., private, 34tli Inf, Co. I ; must. June 15, 18G1, two years ;
disch. June 30, 1863.
Scoliold, Wni. B., private, I4th II. Art., Co. C; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years.
Bailey, Steplion Andrew, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; must. Se|it. 13, 1804, one
year; died at Sickles' Barracks hospital, Alexandria, June 10, 1865.
Woodruff, tleorge Washitigton, private, 34tli Inf, Co. I : enl. May, 1861, two
years ; disch. June 3(1, 1803 ; re-enl. in 14th H. Art., Co. B, Dec. 16, 1863,
three years ; disch. Aug. 24, 1865.
Woodruff, Volney, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May, 1801, two years; disch.
Juno 30, 1863; ro-cnl. in Mil] II. Art, Co. B, Aug. 1803, three years; disch.
Aug. 24, 1865.
Robison, Silas Way, sergt., 34tli Inf., f'o. I ; enl. May 22, 1801, two years ; pro.
to sergt., Oct. 1, 1862; to orderiy, March 1,1863; disch. Jnue 30, 1863;
re-enl. in 189th Inf, Co. C, for three years, and must, as Ist lieut., Sept.
16, 1864 ; pro. to capt., Feb. 9, ISOr. ; disch. May 30, 1805.
Booth, Ambrose Erasmus, private, 180th Inf, Co. II ; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one
year; disch. Aug. 14, 1805,
Edgar, William, private, 189th Inf., Co. C ; must. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Ballard, Isaac M., private, 7Cth Inf, Co. E; drafted July 15, 1803, for three
years.
Decker, Simeon, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug, 1804, one year; disi-h. May
.30, 1865.
French, James, private, 2Gth Inf. ; enl. April, 1861, two years ; re-enl. in 22d
Cav., Ca). G, and must. Feb. 2, 1864 ; taken prisoner, and died at Andor-
Bonville, Ga., Oct. 15, 1864.
Sherman, Ira L., private, Ist Art., Co. K ; onl. Sept. 21, 1861, three years ; disch.
Sept. 21,1862.
Van Orsdal, A. C, private, ]S9th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch.
with regt., May 30, 1865.
Haight, Samuel C, sergt., 1st Art., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 22, 1861, three years ; pro.
to sergt., Oct. 1, 1801 ; struck by lightning, June 2, 1862, near Gaines'
Hill; disch. Nov. 22, 1802.
Young, f'hristopher, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 1, 1863, three years;
must, out with regt., Aug. 1, 1865.
Lamb, Justus, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Palmer, George, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years.
Dildine, William, private, 13th Inf., Co. B; enl. Nov. 2, 1862, three years;
discharged.
Abbot, Frank, drummer, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1805.
Welch, William, blacksmith, 10th Cav., Co. 0 ; enl. Oct. 9, 1861, three years;
served one term and re-onl. in same regt.
Little, Eli S.. private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
near Washington, June 1, 1865.
Smalley, Stephen, private, ISOth Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year ; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Rosonkrans, George E., sergt., 161st Inf., ('o. A; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years;
disch. June 14, 1865.
Lake, Isaac, private, 16lHt Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch.
at Baton Kouge, La., Nov. 4, 1863.
Shanley, Harney, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch.
May 311, 18G5.
Wottd, Charles Franklin, private, 189th Inf, Co. C ; oul. Aug. 28, 1804, one year.
Shanley, Patrick, l)rivate, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 4, 1804, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
Little, Henry C, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, one year; died
July 1, 1805, at home of consumption.
Barrett, George W., private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; onl. Dec. 4, 1803, three years.
Daniels, William II., sergt., 34th Inf, Co. I ; enl. May, 1801, two years; pro. to
sergt., March 10, 18C3; disch. June .30, 1803; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. G,
March 0, 1864, for three years; l)ro. to sergt ; had his leg broken, June
16, 1805; disch. Nov. 9, 18G.5.
Sylaman, Andrew, private, 189th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year ;
disch. May 30, 1805.
Paddock, John N., corp., 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years.
Van Qolder, Amasa, private, 18yth Inf., Co. C; oul. Aug. 25, 18G4, one year;
disch. May 30, 1865.
Sauford, Thomas, private, 34th Inf, < .'o. I ; eul. May 22, 1801, two years ; disch.
Juno 30, 1803.
O'Cain, Peter, private, 78tli Inf., Co. F; onl. Jan. 0, 1802, three years; re-enl. in
2otti N. Y. Cav. ; taken prisoner on the James River, and taken to An-
dersonville, Ga., where ho died April 1, 1864.
Van Gelder, James C, Corp., 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three years;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Jacobus, Egbert, private, 14th H. Art., Co. B; enl. Sept. 2, 1863, three years.
Bennett, Benjamin, Ist lieut., 23d Itif., Co. A; enl. April 17, 1801, two years;
pro. to let lieut., Nov. 28, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1803 ; re-enl. in 22d Cav.,
Co. G, as capt., Jan. 29, 1864, for three years; taken prisoner at Reams'
Station, June 29, 1864, and imprisoned in Petersburg, Libby prison, Rich-
mond and Danville, Va., .\ugusta, Marion. Savannah, and Washington,
Ga., Charleston, Columbia, Yorkville, and Charlotte, S. C, Salisbury and
. Goldsboro', N. C, atid again at Libby prison ; from there released on pa-
role, March 13, 1865; pro. to nuij., March 23, 1805, with rank from Jan.
24, 1865; exchanged March 25, 1865, and rejoined regt,, April 23, 1866 ;
disch. Aug. 1, 1805.
Smith, Alexander M., c-orp., 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 18, 1863, three years;
served in 84th Pennsylvania Inf., Co. G, and disch. Oct. 14, 18G4, on ac-
count of wound received in battle; taken prisoner, aud died at Ander-
siinville, Ga., Oct. 14, 1804.
Rice, Wm. A., private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 13, 1863, three years; disch.
Aug. 1, 1865.
Green, Gilbert, sergt., 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 16, 1863, three years ; pro. to
sergt. about Nov. 1864 ; disch. with regt., Aug. 1, 1865.
Barret, Ebenezer, private, 189th Inf, Co. C ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year.
Bates, Anthony, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year.
Clark, Theron H., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1865.
.Tacobus, Obediah, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year ; disch.
May 30, 1805.
King, Harvey, private, 189th Inf, Co. 0 ; onl. Sept. 2, 1804, one year.
Lockwood, RIarcns, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 7, 1804, one year; disch.
May 30,186.').
Mott, Joseph, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; died in
the service.
Rice, William C, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch.
May 30, 1805.
Sylaman, Lewis, priv.-ite, 189th Inf, Co. C; cnl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; disch.
May :)(), 1805.
Sylamivn, Washington, private, 189th Inf, C.j. C; enl. Aug. 30, 1804, one year;
disch. May 30, 1865.
Swee/.y, George W., private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years.
Castorline, W. 11., private, 23d Inf, Co. A ; must. May 10, 1861, two years.
Sayer, Morton Smith, private, 161st Inf, Co. E; enl. Feb. 16, 1863, three years ;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Van Ness, Ira, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 15, 1861, two years ; disch.
Aug. 17, 1S62 ; re-enl. in 1st Vet. Res. Corps, Co. D, Feb. 10, 1805, three
years.
Layton, Daniel, 1st lieut., 22d Cav., Co. G, three years; killed in the battle of
White Oak Swamp, June 14, 1864, and buried there.
Fairchihl, Stephen Smith, capt., 161st Inf, Co. E; must, as 2d lieut., Oct. 27,
1862, for three years; pro. to capt., Sept. 9, 1864; <lisch. July 25, 1865.
Barret, Van Rensselaer, private, 101st Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 24, 1862, three
years; disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Ballard, Martin Lewis, private, 161st Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three
years; disch. Dec. 20, 1862; re-enl. in 1st Vet. Cav., Co. I, Sept. 1.5, 1863,
three years.
Bronson, George, sergt., 161st Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Evans, Clark, Corp., 16l8t Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; pro. to
Corp., Sept. 20, 1802; disch. Sept. 20, 186i).
Tharp, James Nixon, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 2, 1804, one year;
disch. May 30, 186.5.
Brush, John W., private, IGlst Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years.
Webster, Warren E., wagoner, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years.
Adams, Dudley, private, 161st Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch.
Aug. 24,1863.
Beam, Jonathan, private, 101st Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25,1802, three years; died
at Now Orleans, U. S. general hospital, Oct. 7, 1863, and buried there.
Barret, Tliumas, private, lOlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; died
at New Orleans, Oct. 1863.
Carr, Jallne, private, lOlst Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three ye.ars; disch.
Sept. 20, 1666.
Dunn, George C, private, lOlst Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1802, three years;
disch. Sept. 21,1865.
Doherty, Michael, private, 1 Gist Inf, Co. A ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862, three years;
wounded at Port Hudson, June 14, 1803, and discharged.
Ellis, Albert, private, IClst Iiif.Co. A; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years; left at
New York City, Nov. 19, 1802, and died there.
Fox, Wm. F., private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1802, three years; died at
EIniira, Nov. 28, 1862, of fever.
Northrup, Daniel, private, lOlst Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years;
died at New York City hospital, Nov. 21, 1802.
Odell, Wm. I.., private, 101st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1862, three years; died
at Baton Rouge, .Inly 29, 1803.
Rice, Lewis, private, lolst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years; disch.
Sept. 21, 1805.
f/IRS.CH/(RLES L. BAILEY.
CHARLES L. BAILEY.
RESIDENCE or CHAS. L. BAILEY, Urbana, Steuben Couniv. N.i'
TOWN OF UKBANA.
419
Such, Christopher C, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; oiil. Aug. 20, 18G2, threo ycftrs;
disch. Oct. 17, I860.
Smith, Horniiin, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three years;
served full term.
Sprague, Tobias, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1SG2, three years;
disch. Sept. 20,1865.
Sprague, Elijah, private, lOlat Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, throo years ; disch.
Sept. 20, 1865.
Smith, Edgiir M., private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, lsG2, three years;
served full term.
Silsbee, Benjamin, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 2.'i, 1862, three years ;
died at Baton Rouge, Jan. 12, 1863.
TowDshend, Wm. S., IGlet Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; died at
New Orleans, Sept. 21, 1863.
Townshend, Josiah, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years;
disch. Sept. 20. 18C5.
McFie, Thomas, Jr., sergt., 78th Inf., Co. F; enl. March 3, 1862, three years;
pro. to Corp., April 26, 1862 ; to sergt., Dec. 19, 1862 ; to Ist sergt., April
5, 1863; taken prisoner at Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 18G2; excli. Dec. 13,
18G2; wounded at ChancellorsviUe, May 3, 18G3.
McFie, Alexander B., sergt, 189th Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year;
disch. witli regt., June 1, 1865.
Potter, Wm. R., enl. Aug. 1864, one year; came from Pennsylvania.
Bucanan, J. J., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1864, one year; served on
detached duty ; disch. May 30, 1865.
Aber, Harrison, private, 14th H. Art., Co. B; enl. Dec. 12, 1863, three years;
detailed at Queen Street hospital, Alexandria, where he died Aug. 9,
1864, and was buried there.
Smith, John, private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 20, 1864, three years.
Kain, William, private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 20, 1864, three years.
Selby, William, private, 180th Inf. ; enl. May 30, 1864, three years.
Harrington, Silas, private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 31, 1864, three ye.irs.
Slight, Lyman A., private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 31, 1864, three years.
Dennis, Dempsey, private, 180th Inf.; enl. June 1, 1864, three years.
Smith, John, private, 180th Inf. ; enl. June 1, 1804, three years.
Leath, Noah, private, 180th Inf. ; enl. June 1, 1864, three years.
Butler, Charles D., private, enl. Aug. 31, 18G4, three years ; sub. for Hubert D.
Rose.
Steadman, Julius, private, enl. Aug. 24, 1864, three years ; sub. for George W.
Nichols.
Morse, William H., private, drafted July 15, 1863, for three yeai-s.
Chase, Russell, private, 7Gth Inf, Co. E; drafted July 15, 1863, three years;
wounded at Gaines' Hill, May 29, 1864; came home and died, in conse-
quence of wound, Aug. 1, 1864.
Cummings, George, private, enl. Sept. 21, 1863, three yeare; sub. for Martin
Hoagland.
King, Wm. II., capt., 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. April 20, 1861, two years; wounded
at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862 ; pro. to col. 5oth Regt. N. Y. Vols., Aug. 22,
1862, but was not must, at the time on account of sickness; res. Jan. I,
1863, on account of wounds and disease ; appointed Aug. 11, 1863, capt. in
Vet. Res. Corps, and assigned to Co. D, Ist Regt, Dec. 12, 18G5.
Wright, John, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; must June 15, 1861, two years; died
May 19, 1862.
Brace, William \V., private, Gth H. Art., Co. C; enl. June 18, 1863, three years;
disch. Aug. 24,1865.
Lines, Reuben Ruthlaml, private, 189th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sejit. 7, 18G4, one year;
disch. May 30,1865.
Little, Amos, private, 169th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year ; disch. May
30, 1865.
Abel, Aaron, private, 161st Inf , Co. A ; enl. Sept 16, 18G4, one year; disch. at
Tallahassee, Fla., Sept. 20,1865.
Brace, Daniel, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 17, 18G4, one year; died at
City Point, Va., March, 1865, of inflammation of lungs.
Beaton, James, private, 2l8t Inf., Co. G; enl. Miiy 6, 1861, two yeare; wounded
at second Bull Run in arm and twice in hand; discli. March 24, 18G3 ;
re-enl. and must as private, June 16, 1864, for three years; pro. to sur-
geon's steward in charge, Feb. 23, 1865, in Potomac fiotiUa.
Woodrutr, FraTicis Marion, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. S(.'pt 13, 1864, one
year; disch. with regt. May 30, 1865.
Hurlburt, Uiram E., private, ICIst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 5, 18G4, one year ; de-
tailed as brigade mail messenger from Mobile to Now Orleans ; disch. at
exp. of term of service.
Lockwood, Bradley, private, lS9th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; disch.
on account of disability soon after enlistment.
Ellas, George H., com.-sorgt., Ist Nebraska Cav., Co. D; eul.June 10, 18GI, three
years; pro. to 5th sergt, June 15, 18GI ; to 4th sergt, April 10, 1862; to
3d sergt., Feb. 1, 18G3; pro. to com.-sergt, Dec, 1,1863; disch. Aug. 26, 'G4.
Benham, George K., private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; died
while in the service.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
CHARLES L. BAILEY,
second son of David and Sabriua Stone Bailey, was born
Aug. 7, 1830, in Urbana, Steuben Co., N. Y. His father
settled in the town of Urbaua when but three years of age,
in company with his parents, in 1808. Adsit Bailey now
owns the place where the Bailey family first settled, and
where the grandparents died. David Bailey was a native
of Lodi, Seneca Co., N. Y., and was born in 1805, and
died at his residence in Urbana, Aug. 20, 1 872. His widow
still lives. They had seven children, five of whom survive.
Charles L. Bailey was raised on the farm, and in the
tannery, until he was twenty-seven years of age, about
which time (1857) he removed to Bath, where he was en-
gaged in agriculture for some ten years, when he returned to
Urbana, to the farm he now owns, a view of which, with
portraits above, may be seen elsewhere in this work. Mr.
Bailey is also engaged in the cultivation of grapes.
His early advantages for an education were mo.stly con-
fined to the common schools of this district, save one
term spent at a select school, at Hammondsport. At the
age of nineteen he commenced teaching, and followed it
five terms. He is identified with the Republican party, and
has held various town-offices to the general satisfaction of
his constituents. He has been justice of the peace three
terms, and supervisor two terms, and is the present incum-
bent of that office. He was married to Miss Amanda S.,
daughter of Wm. P. and Elizabeth Ide, of Chemung Co.,
N. Y., July 3, 1854:. She was born May 13, 1835, and
died March 11, 1865. Of this alliance three children were
born, viz., Lafayette C, Sabrina, and Amanda (deceased).
Mr. Bailey married his present wife, Miss Lydia Bachus,
daughter of Abner and Hulda Coykeudall, of Sussex Co.,
N. Y., Feb. 26, 1868. Mrs. Bailey had two children —
Ellen and Minnie — by her former marriage.
Adsit Bailey was born in Urbana, Jan. 8, 1812, on the
farm where he now resides, and where his grandparents
settled in 1808, where they and the parents of Adsit con-
tinued to reside until their death. A view of the old home,
and portraits above of David Bailey and wife, may be seen
elsewhere in this work. Adsit Bailey married Edna,
daughter of Peter and Elenor Depuy, of Urbana. By oc-
cupation, farmer and grape-grower. In politics a llepub-
lican.
^"Lo
W A Y L A N D.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
Wayland is the most western town on the northern
border of the county, and was formed from Cohocton and
Dansville, April 12, 1848, a part of Fremont being taken
oflF in 1854. Wayland is bounded north by Livingston
County, east by Cohocton, south by Dansville and Treuiunt,
and west by a portion of Livingston County.
rHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface is an upland of beautiful rolling country,
intersected by the valleys of small streams and brooks, and
forms a part of tlie water-shed between the Susquehanna
River and Lake Ontario. Its highe!5t summits are from
1600 to 1800 feet above tide-water. Loon and Mud Lakes
are situated in a rich valley in the south part of the town,
and their waters flow in opposite directions. The outlet of
the former is subterranean for half a mile, and where it
comes to the surface it is of sufficient size to form a valu-
able mill-stream, upon which mills have been in operation
from the time of the early settlement. In the north part
of the town the prevailing soil is gravel and muck, while
in the south it is a shaly loam, and higlily productive for
agricultural purposes.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In 180(5, Adam Zimmerman settled on lands where the
railroad depot is now situated. His descendants are still
residing in the town, and are among its influential citizens.
The north part of the town was settled by Capt. Thomas
Bowles, Mr. Bowen, and John Hume, in 1808, and by Mr.
Hicks, in 1810, and Thomas Begole, in 1814. The settle-
ment at Loon Lake, in the south part of the town, was made
by Salmon Brownson, James Brownson, Elisha Brownson,
and Isaac Willie, in 1813. Osgood Carlton was an early
settler at the south end of Loon Lake, and on the west
side lived Sojomon Draper, the great-grandfather of Edwin_
Draper, of Liberty. The settlers in the central part were
Demas Hess, Samuel Draper, Benjamin Perkins, and Wal-
ter Patchiu, father of Myron M. Patchin. Walter Patchin
removed from Onondaga County and settled in Wayland
(then in the town of Cohocton), in 1813. He settled at
the point now known as Patchin's Mills, Myron M. Patchin
being at that time about eight years of age. The latter
has resided here ever since, and reared a family of four
children, — one son and three daughters. He has been one
of the prominent and leading men of the town, having been
justice of the peace in the town of Cohocton at and before
the erection of Wayland, and for a number of terms sub-
sequently, as late as 1854.
Salmon Brownson, the first settler at Loon Lake, pur-
chased in that vicinity 400 acres of land. He was the
420
father of Rev. Elisha Brownson, and of Rev. James Brown-
son, sons by his fir.st marriage. He married his second
wife, Polly Howard, a sister of Nathaniel Howard, and had
several children, among whom were Ira Brownson, after-
wards a clergyman in Pennsylvania ; Charles Brownson,
now living in Lima, Livingston Co. ; and David Brownson.
Of the two daughters belonging to this family, one married
the late Gardner Pierce, Esq., of Wayland, the other mar-
ried Edward Wentworth, who, after her death, removed to
Michigan.
Perkinsville was named after Benjamin Perkins, who
was a prominent man in that part of the town. Mr. Mc-
Millen also came to that part of the town as early as 1812..
John Hess, now residing in Dansville, Livingston Co.,
is a .son of Demas Hess, and for many years before his re-
moval was prominently identified with the town and village
of Wayland. He was elected the first supervisor of the
town, and held the oiEce by successive re-eleojjons till
1853. Mr. Hess owned property where the village of
Wayland stands, and erected some of the principal build-
ings, stores, hotels, etc. Demas Hess had a brother, John
Hess, who was also an early settler of the town.
Peter Shafer lived for many years on the road to Dans-
ville, and kept a noted tavern and black.smith-shop. This
tavern was, in the early times, the resort of many persons
of rather unenviable notoriety, and stories are told of things
being done there which would not bear being brought to
the light.
The early settlers of this town endured many privations.
" It was a hard town to settle," said Rev. Elisha Brownson,
" and the people were generally poor. No road passed
through the town except the ancient one from Bath to
Dansville. One circumstance connected with the early
settlement of this town may be somewhat interesting. In
1815 there being a scarcity of bread, I went through the
towns of Springwater, Livonia, and Sparta, and thence to
Dansville, in search of grain for sale, and none was to be
had in those towns, nor in Western New York. People
had to hull green wheat and rye for food. I found a field
of rye on William Perine's farm, which was thought nearly
fit to cut. I went home and got some neighbors, and with
oxen and cart we went and cut some of it, thrashed it, and
took it to the mill and had it mashed, for it was too damp
to grind, and we thought ourselves the happiest people in
the world because we had bread."
The contrast to such extreme want is seen in the abund-
ance and the prosperity of the present town ; and the labor,
energy, and enterprise of the old pioneers and their de-
scendants have created this difference. Few, especially of
the present generation, appreciate the toil, privation, and
perseverance involved in the herculean undertaking of clear-
TOWN OF WAYLAND.
421
ing up a heavy timbered township, and converting- a wilder-
ness into a fruitful field.
Erastus Ames, a noted hunter, settled at an early time
in the Loon Lake neighborhood. He was a large and pow-
erful man, and had a reputation for hunting exploits second
only to that of " Ben Patterson" himself.
-— Dr. Warren Patchin built the old hotel near Patchin's
Mills in 1824. He intended to have built of brick; the
brick were made a few rods from the house by Seth Cady,
but the clay not being free from limestone, the brick cracked
on exposure to moisture, and were found to be worthless. A
frame house was erected instead. It is still standing, and
occupied as a residence by the miller.
The first grist- and saw-mill on the site of the present
flouring- and grist-mill was built by Dr. Warren Patcliin,
the father of Warren Patchin, the present proprietor. Dr.
Patchin came from Ballston, Saratoga Co., with his family
in February, 1S17, and settled a mile east of Patcliinville.
He was a physician, fiirmer, and enterprising business
man. He built the saw-mill in 1820, and the grist-mill in
1822. The saw-mill was burned in the latter year, while
the frame of the grist-mill was standing near it. Dr.
Patchin died Feb. 13, 1872.
Warren and Cameron Patchin, sons of Dr. Patchin,
bought the interest of the other heirs in 1873, and have
since owned the mill property. Warren Patchin, in 1838,
bought the fine place, where he now resides, at Loon Lake,
and took possession of it in 1840.
Robert S. Miner settled about a mile south of this place,
in 1824, at the head of Neill's Creek. He cleared and
owned the fiirui now owned by Lewis and George Tichnor.
A plank-road was built from Patcliinville to Dansville
about 1842 ; gates were erected, and tolls collected over the
entire route till quite recently, when this end of the route
was abandoned as a toll-road.
Loon Lake is becoming quite a place of r&sort for tourists
and pleasure-seekers. It is the highest lake in the State except
Chautauqua. The premises are owned by Thomas Warner,
Esq., of Cohocton, who, in 1870, made the elegant improve-
ment known as the Lindenwood Park and Hotel. In ad-
dition to this it is proposed next year to put a small pleasure
steamer on the lake. The place will then be one of the
most desirable and healthful resorts to be found in the
country.
Among the influential citizens of the town are the Ben-
netts, the Zimmermans, Babcocks, and others, whose names
appear in the ofiicial li.st. The following were among the
land-owners and tax-payers of the town at the time of its
organization, in 1848 : Cliauucey Avery, Rhoda Arm-
strong, Thomas Abrams, Jacob Ames, John Alexander,
Moses Brownson, William Babcock, James Brownson, David
Brownson, James S. Brownson, Francis Badgerreau, James
R. Babcock, John N. Bower, George Bill, Valentine Bower,
C. W. Brownson, Chauncey Bennett, James H. Begole,
Anthony Brooks, David Bowen, William Beach, Philip
Bortes, Christian Bill, John Bill.
ORGANIZATION.
The act to erect the town of Waylaud was passed April
12, 1848. Section second of the act provided that " all
the justices of the peace and other town officers elected or
appointed in either the towns of Cohocton or Dansville, and
who shall reside upon the territory hereby erected into the
town of Wayland, shall hold their ofiices respectively until
the expiration of the terms for which they were respectively
elected or appointed, and the residue of the town officers
shall be elected in the same manner as in other towns."
The third section provided as follows for the first town-
meeting : " The first town-meeting in the town of Wayland
shall be held on the first Tuesday of IVIay next at the pub-
lic-house kept at Patchin's Mills, and Warren Patchin, Jr.,
John Hess, and Myron M. Patchin, or any two of them,
shall preside and shall appoint a clerk for that meeting.
All subsequent town-meetings in said town shall be held on
the S-ame day upon which other town-meetings are held.
" Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately."
At the above-mentioned special town-meeting, held at the
house of C. Patchin, on the 2d day of May, 1848, according
to the provisions of the preceding act, there were present
W. Patchin, Jr., John Hess, and Myron M. Patchin, who
constituted the board of said meeting. D. C. Ward was
appointed clerk. At this meeting the following-named per-
sons were elected to the respective town offices : John Hess,
Supervisor, previously elected; M. M. Patchin and Amos
Knowlton, Justices of the Peace, previously elected ; Chaun-
cey Moore, Justice of the Peace for vacancy of one year
and full term ; Gardner Pierce, Justice of the Peace for
two years ; Samuel W. Epley, Town Clerk ; R. M. Patchin,
David Poor, David Brownson, Assessors; H. H. Hess,
Superintendent of Schools ; Stephen C. Philips, Wesley
Doughty, P. E. Day, Commissioners of Highways ; George
Karchen, Gideon Moon, Joseph Fronk, Constables ; John
Hamlin, Sealer of Weights and Mea.sures.
LIST
OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisora.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
ISIS.
John Hess.
Samuel W. Epioy.
Jonas B. Day.
1849.
ii ti
Henry A. Weed.
Jacob McDowell.
1850.
tt u
" "
it tt
1851.
Daniel Poor.
Asahcl MeDowell.
Jonas B. Day.
1S52.
John Hess.
Am'y K. Paniicntcr
Aaron Saxton.
1853.
David Poor.
C. P. Whitman.
" "
1851.
M. M. Patchen.
Guy B. Bennett.
tt it
1855.
John Hess.
Solomon F. Hess.
ti it
1856.
(( a
(( tt
Gilbert Totten.
1857.
a tt
De-xter S. Jollcy.
it tt
1858.
James G. Bennett.
tt tt
tt tt
1859.
"
tt tt
tt tt
1860.
tt tt
Solomon F. Hess.
tt it
1861.
tt tt
Dexter S. Jollcy.
Ira B. Pierce.
1862.
tt tt
Nic. Zimnierniann.
John Miller.
1863.
tt tt
tt tt
tt tt
1864.
James P. Olarli.
tt tt
James Redmond.
1865.
tt tt
tt tt
John Miller.
1866.
James G. Bennett,
Geo. W. Morehouse
Charles Thompson
1867.
James P. Clark.
U. S. Roscnkrans.
J. W. Sccor.
1S68.
James Redmond.
James E. Adams.
Adolph Wcrdein.
1869.
H. A. Avery.
tt tt
tt ti
1870.
James Redmond.
Henry B. Rice.
Peter Didaa.
1871.
tt ti
Nic Zimmormann.
Harris Curtis.
1872.
Martin Kimmell.
James E. Adams.
John P. Miller.
1873.
tt tt
Henry Schly.
N. W. Schuhmehl.
1874.
Jacob Morsch.
tt ti
John P. Miller.
1875.
James G. Bennett.
Adolbert W. Moon.
Adoljih Werdein.
1876.
"
Valentine Ilutlman
Charles Thompson
1877.
F. E. Holliday.
George Folts.
Nicholas Walker.
1878.
John M. Folta.
tt tt
Peter Didas, Jr.
■122
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
JUSTICES ELECTED BV THE PEOPLE.
M.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
M. Patchen and Amos Knoi
Chauncev Moore.
Gardner Pierce.
Gardner Pierce.
M. M. Patehin.
James G. Bennett.
Melvin D. Strickland.
S. Ilolliday.
M. M. Patehin.
James G. Bennett.
M. D. Strickland.
M. M. Patehin.
S. Holliday.
M. D. Strickland.
Nicholas Zimmerman.
John H. Carpenter.
N. J. Sommers.
James H. Begole.
James E. Adams.
Nicholas Zimmerman.
Hon, Justices previously elected.
1862. H. S. Rosenkrans.
1863. William R. Hill.
1864. Nicholas Zimmerman.
1865. James E. Adams.
1866. H. S. Rosenkrans.
1867. Aaron Saxton.
1868. William Shutz.
1869. James E. Adams.
1870. Nicholas Zimmerman.
1871. Franklin E. Holliday.
1872. Peter Didas.
1873. James F. Wood.
1874. Nicholas Zimmerman.
1875. F. E. Holliday.
1876. Peter Didas.
H. S. Rosenkrans.
1877. Harvey B. Rice.
1878. James F. Wood.
ACTION OF THE TOWN IN RAISING BOUNTIES.
At a special town-meeting held in the house of the late
Jacob Kirch, at Perkinsville, in the town of Wayland, on
the 29th of December, 1863, for the purpose of taking
into consideration the subject of raising bounties for volun-
teers, pursuant to the resolutions passed by the Board of
Supervisors, it was voted whether or not the town would
raise and pay a bounty of $300 to each volunteer who
should enlist under the call of the President for 300,000
men. The vote stood as follows: whole number of votes
cast, 225 ; for the bounty, 208 ; again.'st it, 17.
A special town-meeting was convened at the same house
as the above, on the 5th day of March, 1864, to consider
and vote upon the question of raising a bounty of $300
for each volunteer who should enlist in the service and be
accredited to the town under the call of the President for
500,000 men. At this meeting the vote was unanimous
for the bounty, 101 votes being cast, and not a dissenting
vote.
A similar unanimous vote was also taken on the same
question at a special meeting held at the same house, on
the 2d of April, 1864:
"At a special town-meeting held in the Town Clerk's office, on the
31st of April, 1864, it was unanimously agreed that the Supervisor of
this town should see that the family of every volunteer soldier ac-
credited to the town, and in the service of the United States, which
should be proven to be in indigent circumstances, should be relieved
to the amount of $15 at a time, by virtue of Chapter 8 of the Laws of
New York, entitled, * An Act to authorize the levying of a tax upon
the taxable property of the different counties and towns in this State,'
etc., passed February 9, 1S64.
"James P. Clark, Superviaur.
"NiCUOLAS ZiMMERMA.V, J. P.
"James E. Adams, J. P.
" September 20, 1864, at a meeting of the Town Board at the office
of the Town Clerk, ' on motion, it was resolved unanimously to pay
to all volunteers accredited to this town, either personally or as sub-
stitutes, previous to the draft, the sum of $600.
"Resolved, That the Supervisor is empowered to raise the bounty
to any amount less than $1000, as in his best judgment he shall see
fit, to save the town from a draft, provided he can legally obtain the
bonds upon longer time than those now issued.
" Besftlredf That the Supervisor be empowered to draw bonds over
and above the $600 to the amount of $25 to cover costs and expenses
to each volunteer accredited to this town.
"James P. Clark, Siiperviaor.
"NiCH. Zimmebmax, Town Clerk.
" H. S. Rosenkrans, "1 , ,. .
' [ Jnsttcea oj
"James E.Adams, > ,, d
the J^eace.
" W. R. Hill, )
"At a meeting of the Town Board, held October 6, 1 864, in the
office of the Town Clerk, for the purpose of authorizing the Super-
visor to make a contract for a sum not exceeding $700 in bonds to any
])erson or persons responsible for such sum, as contracted by him,
the said Supervisor, to obtain volunteers or substitutes to exonerate
this town from the draft under the late call of the President for
500,000 men, it was unanimously agreed upon to give him, the said
Supervisor, full power to enter into any such contract as above
specified.
"jAilES P. Cl.1RK, Siipci-viaor.
"Nirn. Zimmermam, Tuicit Clerk.
" W. R. Hill,
" J. E. Adams,
" H. S. Rosenkrans,
JitBticen of
the Peace.
"On the 14th of November, 1864, it was decided by the Town
Board of the town of Wayland, in full meeting at the Town Clerk's
office, that the local bounty of $700, as formerly decided upon, be
paid to each individual of the town having furnished a substitute to
serve for three years in the United States service under the last call
of the President for 500,000 men, which substitute has been duly ac-
credited to the town of Wayland.
"Jasies p. Clark, Sitperviaor.
" NicH. ZiMMERSiAN, Town Clerk.
"James E. Adams, 1 Juatices of
" H. S. Rosenkrans, J the Peace."
January 11, 1865, James P. Clark, Supervisor, pre-
sented the provost-marshal's certificate showing that the
quota of the town of Wayland (55 men under the call of
July 18, 1864) was filled.
VILLAGE OF WAYLAND.
The village of Wayland is situated upon the Corning
and Rochester branch of the Erie Railway, fifty miles east
of Rochester and thirty-six miles west of Corning. It con-
tains two churches, five hotels, two dry-goods and stores of
general merchandise, two drug-stores, two hardware-stores,
one harness-shop, six groceries, one clothing and merchant-
tailoring establishments, two boot- and shoe-shops, two
furniture and undertakers' warerooms, two meat-markets,
one jeweler-store, two millinery-stores, two printing-offices
and weekly newspapers, two wagon- and carriage-shops, four
blacksmith-shops, one plaster-mill, sash- and blind-factory
and planing-mill, two saw-mills, one furniture-manufactory,
one steam-power cider-mill, two grain-warehouses, one cigar-
manufactory, and one gun-shop.
The post-office handles a large amount of mail matter for
a country village. The fire department has a chartered
hook-and- ladder company. The place supports a brass
band, two justices of the peace, three physicians, and one
dentist. The district school is graded, and employs three
teachers. We give the statistics as follows :
DISTRICT NO. 1 — -W.iTL.iND.
Principal, John P. Brown ; Intermediate, Miss C. N.
Ferguson ; Primary, Miss Jennie Carr ; Trustees, B. M.
Morris, James 0. Cook, Andrew A. Granger.
Children in the district, 248 ; average attendance, 147 ;
TOWN OF WAYLAND.
423
assessed valuation of district property, .?l()4,00fl ; value of
school property, $4G00 ; total expenditure for school pur-
poses, $998.53.
There is a large establishment in the village for pressin"
hay and straw by horse-power. Morris iV Kinmiel have a
large steam-mill for the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds,
and mouldings, and for grinding plaster. The business was
establislied in 1875. They also own a steam saw-mill near
the village, and there is another owned by the Bennet
Brothers.
The population of the village within the corporation of
one mile square is between 600 and 700.
WAYLAND DEPOT POST-OFFICE.
This post-office was established in 1852. John Hess was
the first postmaster, and was succeeded by the following-
named persons : James G. Bennett, 1853 ; Dexter S. Jolly,
1858 ; Benjamin B. Hess, 1861 ; Solomon F. Hess, 1863 ;
Thomas A. Abrams, 1865; William Northrup, 1867;
Henry Schly, 1875.
INCORPORATION.
The village of Wayland was incorporated under the gen-
eral law in April, 1877. The first meeting for the election
of officers was held May 22, at which the following-named
persons were chosen : H. S. Rosenkrans, President ; N. N.
St. John, Guy B. Bennett, Henry Schly, Trustees ; Torry
S. Beeman, Collector ; George W. Morehouse, Treasurer.
At a meeting of the board held on the 25th of May, 1877,
C. C. Tinker was appointed clerk. On the 4th of June,
following, the board passed the first of the village ordi-
nances, which have since been added to from time to time.
At the election of March 19, 1878, G. B. Bennett was
elected Trustee, Charles H. Fowler Treasurer, and Alanson
Southwick Collector ; C. C. Tinker was reappointed Clerk.
The village of Wayland is a thriving business centre for
a considerable portion of the surrounding country.
CHURCHES.
There are seven churches in the town of Wayland, situ-
ated and named as follows: 1, Lutheran Church, Perkins-
ville; 2, Catholic Church, Perkinsville; 3, Methodist Epis-
copal Church, Loon Lake ; 4, Union Church, School Dis-
trict No. 11; 5, Evangelical, School District No. 8; 6,
Methodist Episcopal, Wayland village; 7, Christian Church,
Wayland village.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AT PERKINSVILLE
was built by Nicholas Morch and Jacob Smith, in 1850.
The wife of Jacob Smith, who died in January, 1850, was
the first person buried in the Catholic cemetery at this
place. The school was first taught in the church by
Nicholas Zimmerman, in 1851, and in 1853 the school-
house was built by Rev. J. M. Steger. The church was
first organized with 15 or 20 members ; it is now sup-
ported by about 200. It is incorporated under the gen-
eral law of the State, Peter Engel and Joseph Keltgen,
Trustees.
The Union Church building (School District No. 11)
was erected by contributions of difierent denominations.
The Christian minister preaches here occasionally. Durin"
the past three years the ministers of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation have held regular services once in two weeks. It
is at present under the charge of Rev. J. H. Peters, who
holds services also at East Wayland, in the school-house of
District No. 6. The church is a frame building, 30 by 40,
and the congregation averages about 150 persons.
THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH (GERMAN),
ill District No. 8, was built about 1808. The present
pastor, Rev. Mr. Damm, resides at Groveland, Allegany
Co., and holds services in this church once in two weeks.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WAYLAND.
The Christian Church of Wayland was organized in tlio
year 1864. Ministers at present. Rev. G. H. Hibbard and
A. J. Welton.
The principles of organization were no creed but the
Bible, no name but Christian, and no test of fellowship but
Christian character.
Believing the Bible to be divinely inspired, it became —
and is still — a perfect rule of faith and practice, which all
men have an equal right to read, understand, and practice
for themselves.
Among the charter members may be found the names of
Simon Harris, Oliver A. Harris, Calvin Green, Lovina
Magee, A. J. Welton, Lucy Welton, and Ida L. Welton.
Rev. A. J. Welton became their first pastor and Simon
Harris deacon and clerk.
The Christian chapel was built the same year, before the
organization of the church, by the untiring efforts of A.
J. Welton, who solicited all of the funds and took charge
of the whole matter until it was dedicated and deeded to
the society organized to receive the same.
Rev. J. D. Childs preached the dedicatory sermon, after
which the house was dedicated to the worship of God the
Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the
world.
Note. — Of the Methodist Churches at Wayland and
Loon Lake we have been unable to obtain any history.
MILITARY RECORD OF WAYLAND.
Eawber, Nicholas, Jr., private, 13tli N. Y. Inf., Co. B; enl. April 28, 1861, two
years; disch. Oct. 23, 18G1, at Arlington Heights hospital; rc-enl. 188th
N.y. Regt., Co. U, Sopt. 18, 1864, one year; wounded in the hand; disch.
July 27, 1865.
Eneller, Jacob, private, KUth Regt., Co. D ; enl. Doc. 13, 1861, three years ; disch.
Jan. 14, 1S63, at Belle Plain; roenl. Dec. 23, 1863, in 21st N. Y. Cav.,
Co. K.; disch. July 21, 1865.
Eneller, Michael, Jr., private, 13th N. Y. Regt., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1861, three
years; wounded in the breast by a cannon-ball, and died about June 20,
1862.
Eneller. John, private, 188th N. Y. Regt., Co. D, one year.
Smith, John Joseph, private, lllth Pa. Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 10, 1861, three
years; disch. Dec. 15, 1863; re-enl. in the siinie regt. and co. for three
years the same day ; disch. July 18, 1865.
Swingel, William, private, 28th Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years;
disch. July 31,1865.
Fronk, Joseph, private, 28th Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years;
disch. July 31, ISe.').
Conrad, Pliilip, private, 13th Inf , Co. B ; onl. April 17, 1861, two years ; disch.
May 14, 1863.
Gurgin, Jacob, private, 28th Art.,Co.B; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1862, three years; disch.
July 30, 1805.
Norris, George, private, 179th N. Y. Inf, Co. 1!.
Sutten, Joseph, private, 13lli N. Y. Regt., t.'o. U ; enl. Sept. 1S61, eighteen
months; wouodod ; disch. May, 1863.
424
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Lane, George Washington, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1, 1864,
one year; discli. June 8, 1865.
Earl, George Elisha, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 28, 1864, one
year; iliach. June 8, 18(>5.
Secley, Permellon, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year ;
iliach. June 8, 1805.
Brownell, George EdmonJ, piivate, 35th N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. June, 18G1, two
years; disch. June 5, 1863.
Herrin, Theodore Berleyton, private, 141st Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 5, 1804, one
year; disch. June 10, 1865.
Herrin, Joseph Tilley, private, 14l6t Inf , Co. F; enl. Sept. 5, ISOo, one year;
disch. June 20, 1865.
Herrin, Amos, private, 141at N. Y'. Kegt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year;
disch. June 26, 1865.
Tompkins, William Harrison, private, 2Sth Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22,1862, tliroo
years ; disch. July 31, 1865.
Hill, Dewitt Warner, sorgt., 28th Art., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years ;
disch.Jnly 31, 1865.
Thompaon, Thomas C, private, lat N. Y. Dl-agoona, Co. K ; enl. Aug. 15, 1SG2,
three years ; diach. July 19, 1865.
Kice, Seth Zera, private, 28th Kegt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 30,1862, three years;
pro. to Corp., May, 1864 ; disch. July 31 , 1865.
Rice, Thomas Bradey, private, 2Sth Regt., Co. U; enl. Aug. 30, 1SG2, three
years; pro. to sergt., July, 1864; disch. July 31, 1865.
Wheeler, Clayton Marcellus, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Bat. E ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ;
three years; disch. for disah , March 13, 1863.
Earles, William, private, 7Gth N. Y. Inf., Co. F; drafted July 14, 1863, three
years; wounded in the hand; disch. July 24, 1805.
Pinchin, Waldo, private; drafted July 14, 1863, three years; taken prisoner;
sent to Libby prison, Va.; has not been heard from since.
Thompaon, John Austin, private; drafted July 14, 1803, three years; disch.
and removed to Iowa.
Bill, John Nicholas, private, HOth N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. March 31, 1804, three
years ; disch. June, 1805.
Lane, Samuel, Jr., private, 179th Inf., Co. D ; enl. May 20, 1863 ; died at Way-
land, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1865, while on a furlough home, of chronic diarrht.ca.
McDowell, Simon Victor, private, 28th N. \. Art., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 2, 1SG4, three
years; disch. July 31, 1865.
Hess, Charles Denes, bugler, 28th Art., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, tlirce years ;
disch. July 31, 1865.
Parsons, George W.lahington, private, 28th N. Y. Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22,
1.902, tlirce years; disch. July 31, 1865.
Ferney, Frank, private, 14th U. S. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 28, 1864, three years ; substi-
tute for N. Zimmerman.
Tichenor, Lewis James, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Oat. E ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; disch.Jnly 31, 1865.
Pettis, Orlando, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one year ;
disch. June 8,1805.
Huflf, James Dennis, private, 141st N. Y. Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year;
died, Doc. 9, 1804, of typhoid fever.
Yoakhen, Peter, private, 281h Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 28,1802, three years;
disch. July 30, 1.S65.
Kester, Tunis, private, 107th N. T. Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, three years ;
disch. June 0, 1865.
McDowell, Alexander, private, 28th Art., Co. B ; enl, .\ug. 30, 1862, three years ;
disch. July 31, 1865.
Martin, Phineas Isaac, private, l.SOth N. Y. Kegt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 14, 1802,
three years; diach. July 17, 1805.
Morehon.se, Clark, private, 18th Regt.
Youngs, George, private, 107th N. Y. State Militia, Co. I ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three
years ; disch. Jan. 1863, for disability.
Ingrabam, Charles Byron, private, Soth N. Y. Inf., Co. B ; enl. Sept. 1801, three
years; re-enl. May, 1804; died, Aug. 1804, in -^.nde^8onvillB prison.
Glover, Melvin, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years;
disch. July 31, 1805.
Hoag, Nathan, private, 28th Regt., Co. B; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, three years ; disch.
July 31, 1865.
Paine, Alonzo, private ; drafted July 14, 1803 ; diach.
Swingel, Jacob, private; drafted July 14, 1863.
Werdine, Adolph, sergt., 109th N. Y. Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years;
disch. J.in. 17, 1805.
Swingle, Jacob John, private, 147tli N. Y. Inf, Co. A; drafted July 18, 1803,
three years; disch. July 9, 1805.
Hendrick, William, private, 107th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Co. I ; enl. July 23, 1802, three
yeara^ disch. July 7, 1864.
Van Riper, Jerry, private, 28th Art., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 5, 1863, three years ; discli.
July 31, 1865.
Van Riper, Norris, private, 104tb N. Y. Inf, Co. I); enl. June 1.5, 1802, three
years ; died at Salisbury prison, N. C, Dec. 3, 1864.
Conrad, John, private, 104th Inf, Co. D; enl. June 15, 1862, three years; died
in Salisbury prison, N. C, Jan. 14, 1805.
Evingham, Warren, private, 104tll Inf, Co. D ; enl. Juno 15, 1862, three yeai-a ;
died in Salisbury prison.
Dunton, Levi, private, 13th N. Y. Inf, Co. G; enl. Oct. 10, 1801, three years;
disch. May 20, 1863.
Pfaff, George, private, 104th N. Y. Inf., Co. D ; enl. June 20, 1862, three years ;
disch. Dec. 24, 1802, for disability.
Fuller, Chester, private, 107th N. Y. Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; disch. 1865.
Bill, Henry, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; disch.
July 30, 1S6S.
Olayson, Robert Halsted, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Co. B; eul. Aug. 23, 1864,
one year; disch. July 30, 1805.
Fish, Harvey, private, 179tli N. Y. Inf, Co. A; enl. Feb. 1804, three years;
taken pris. at Petersburg; died at Andersonville, about July 24, 1805.
Fox, George, private, 0th Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years ; disch. Aug.
24, 1805.
Fox, Charles, private.
Martin, Wesley, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; disch.
June 9, 1865.
Curtis, Albert Dewitt, sergt., 161st Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 22, 1S62, three years ;
disch. Sept. 20, 1805.
Pierce, Henry Clinton, Corp., lOlst Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 25, 1802, three years ;
disch. Sept. 20, 1865.
Tripp, Christopher C, private, 161st Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862, three years;
died ot chronic diarrhoea while on a furlough home, about Oct. 25, 1864.
Werermiller, Christian J., Corp., 28th Art.; enl, Aug. 1802, three years ;'disch.
July 31, 1865.
Werermiller, Henry, private, 2Stii Art.; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; disch.
July 31,1805.
Mehlembacker, Chriatopher, Jr., private, 28th Art. ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years ;
disch. July 31, 186.5.
Sick, Philip, Jr., 28tb Art,; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch. July 31, 1865.
Moon, Koynolds, private, 86th Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 1802, three years;
disch. June 2, 1865.
Fox, John George, private, 104th Inf., Co. B ; enl. March, 1862, three years;
wounded.
Frister, Charles.
Uenny, Michael, 28tb Art.; enl. Oct. 4, 1864, three years; substitute for Jaraea
Redman.
Doughty, John, private, 28th Art. ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862, three years; disch. July
21,1865.
Perkins, .lames, Jr., Corp., 28th Art. ; enl. 1862, three years; disch. July 12, 1865.
Schutz, William, private, 97th Inf., Co. B; drafted July 24, 1863, three years;
disch. July 18, 1865.
Beck, George John, piivate, 107th Inf, Co. I; enl. July 30, 1802, three years;
disch. April 20, 1803.
Bill, John Nicholas, private, 28th Eegt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years; disch.
Aug. 1865.
Gross, Joseph, private, 188th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year ; killed
at Hatcher's Run, Feb. 6, 1865.
Huffman, Joseph, private, 188th Inf, Co. G.
Didas, Peter, private, lS81h Inf, Co. G ; enl. one year.
Didas, Peter, Jr., private, 188tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; disch.
June 12, 1865.
Hess, Alfred Marion, Corp., lS9th Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year;
disch. June 8, 1865.
Conrad, George, private, 18Sth Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; disch.
July 1, 1865.
Roth, Stephen, private, 6th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Dec. 27, 1863, three years ;
disch. Aug. 24, 1865.
Ranber, Nicholas, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year.
Booth, John, private, 188th Regt.; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, one year; disch.Jnly 1,
1805.
Brown, Benjamin, private, 188th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year ; disch.
May 9, 1805.
Conrad, Christian, died -\pril, 1805, at City Point, of typhoid fever.
Woolfango, Nicholas, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. D; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one
year; disch. July 1, 1865.
Yoakhen, Nicholas, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; enl. Sept. 2, 1804, one
year; diach. July 10, 1865.
Holaer, Frank, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. Aug. 3, 1864, one year.
Knhn, Jacob, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; eul. Sept. 3, 1864, one year;
diach. July 12, 1805.
Kuhii, William, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year;
disch. July 12, 1865.
Grine, Christian, private, ISSth N. Y. Inf, Co. D; one year; disch. July 10,
1865.
Yoakhen, Mathew, private, 188th N. Y.Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year;
disch. July 10, 1865.
Schwingel, Philip, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one
year; died Nov. 24, 1864, at City Point.
Morehouse, Clark, private, 188th Inf, Co. G; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; disch.
Aug. 11, 1865.
Miller, Peter, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 1,1864, one year;
disch. July 1, 1865.
Miller, Nicholas, private, lS8tli N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1804, one year;
discli. July 1, 1865'.
Madoun, Clayton Augustus, private, 104th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; enl. Feb. 1, 1862,
three years; disch. Dec. 3, 1662.
Brown, Waldo, private, 18Sth N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept, 9, 1864, one year.
Brown, David, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year;
wounded in tlie hand; hospital discharge.
McDowell, Clayton Augustus, sergt., 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; eul. Sept. 9, 1804,
one year; disch. July 11, 1805.
JoelWixson.
rHOras BT an l<air/*H,3*TH »»
fAKS.JOLL W/XSON
-> FRONT OF HUUSE. ^
RESIDENCE OF JOEL WIXSOM. Wa,
i Co, N. Y
TOWN OF WAYNE.
425
Glover, Geo., ISStli Inf., Co. D ; eril. Sept. 9, 1804, one yoir ; disch. July 1. 1865.
Dye, Iiii, ISStU N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. .\ng. 18G1, one year ; rtiscli. July 1,1863.
Avery, Chauncey Stilman, Corp., 18StU N. Y. Inf.. (^o. II; enl. Sept. l>, 18G4, one
year; disch. .Inly 1, 1865.
Cole, Ilenian, private, 1st Dryer Cav., Co. G; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years;
disch. Dec. 28, 18G3, for disability.
Dildine, Eugene, private, 188tli N. Y. Begt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year;
disch. July 9, 1863.
Bjbor, William, priv.ate, 183tK Regt., Co. B; enl. Sjpt. 3, 1804, one year;
disch. May 22, 1865.
Smith, Wendell, private, ISSth Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, one year; died
of typhoid fever, Jan. 20, 1865, at City Point.
Shutes, Jacob, private, 188th Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 0, 1864, one year; disch.
July 11, 1805.
Smith, Peter, private, ISSth Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch,
July 11,1865.
Kirch, John Nicholas, private, 89th Inf., Co. D ; enl. Fob. 5, 1804, three years ;
disch. Aug. 3, 1800.
Steinhart, Henry, private, 188th Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year; died
of typhoid fever at City Point hospital, Jan. 29, 1805.
Knoodle, Jolin, sergt., 161st Uegt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 31, 1862, three years;
wounded and taken prisoner; disch. March 4. 1863.
Jewell, lUiarles Collus, sergt., 154th N. Y. Begt., Co. C; enl. July 20, 1802, three
years; digcli. June 11, 1865.
Thompson, Georen Ehrbu, coip., 188th N. Y. Begt., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 7, 18&4, one
year; disch. July 1, 1865.
Thompson, Elisha Fleyley. private, ISStll N. Y. Begt., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864,
one year; disch. .July 1, 1865.
Gianger, Andrew Andei-son, private, 188th N. Y. Begt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 3,
1804, oue year; disch. June 24, 18G3,
List of the names of the persons who enlisted in the service and credited to the
town of Wayland: Jacob Wyond, Peter K<'therled.i, J.icob IIollz, Lewis
Ceckwith, Hoisted Clayson, Christian Oonidt, Klartin Dye, Melviii Glover
Geo. H. Granger, Mathiiis Hock, A. M. Hess, James Harris, Frank Jencks,
Jerome Kingslcy, Wendell Smith, Frederick Sick, Nicholas Sclmr, John
Wurmiller, John Yocutn, Alex. .McDowell, Simon .McDowell, Charles
D. Hess, lieuben Stetson, Merett Markliam, Joseph liorron, Albert Cory,
Westley Martin, Lewis Bennett, George Hartwcll, Wni. H. Somniers,
Orlando Pettis, Simon G. Avery, Cliauncey S. Avery, John G. Beck, UcnJ.
Brown, Wm. M. Booth, John Booth, Wm. Baker, Irii W. Cliace, Henry
Dye, Peter Ditas (1st). Peter Ditas (;d), Henry W. Dyer, David Forester,
John Foot, Almond J. Abranis, Andrew A. Granger, Gideon S. Granger,
Pery Hoago, Joseph HofTnian, John H. Hunter, Frank llolser, William
Johnson, Wm. S. Kellogg, Augustus Keruchtou, Win. Knhn, Michael
Morch, Daniel Magee, Wm. Kanber, I'eter Smith, Albert Sedgwick,
Philip Schwingle, Andrew Totlon, Lorenzo Wodkins, Nicholas Yocum,
Christian Yocnm, John Youngs, Chester llittus, Adolphus Werdine,
Tlioniiie Kester, Bc.imun, George Youngs, Orleans W. Day, Joseph
Smith, Jacob Smith, Orin Van Valkenburg, Martin Guglo, Conrad Deiter,
George Fuller, Adam Foot, Micliael Albright, .John B. Kruchlen, Peter
Newnuan, Christian Grim, John Grim, Levi G. Uunton, Joseph Sutton,
Cornelius Dcnjerest. Claysou Wlieoler.
Eiduted in Buffalo.— T\tM\i:ia Brown, Matthias Ilowet, Harry G. Osgood, Charles
Lewis, John Taylor, John Hardlor, Oscar Canhnm, John Doyle, William
Dowl, John aiaker, Albert Kise, Watson Sharp, John Pyle.
Enlisted in i?oc/(tf«t«r.— George Simpson, Dick Green.
Muslered in iil £/mmi.—Wra. Clark, John Wall, John Lawless, John Cokeloy,
Howard Buchanan, John Lewis, Alexander ('ollins, Fr.ink Tinna, John
Brown, Johani Karl, Thoma.s Cowen, .\lbort Smith, Wm. 3Ioon, W. C,
Johnson.
WAYNE.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
This town is situated upon Lake Keuka, on the east
border of the county. It is bounded north by Lake Keuka,
east by the county line, south by Bradford, and west by
Urbana and a portion of Lake Keuka. The town is about
nine miles long by four wide, and the north end terminates
in a point upon the lake.
PHTSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of this town is a rolling upland, from four
to five hundred feet high, forming a plateau of rich and
well-cultivated farms, and descending abruptly to the lake
on the west and north. The northern end of the town along
the lake-shore, being opposite the high lands of Pulteney,
and sheltered by them from the northwest and west winds,
is peculiarly adapted to fruit, and contains some of the fine.st
vineyards in the grape-growing section of this county.
Peaches are also successfully raised in this locality. The
soil is a gravelly and slaty loam, resting upon a subsoil of
hard-pan. Lake Wanota (Little Lake), lying upon the east
border, is a beautiful sheet of clear water, three miles in
length by half a mile in width.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlers in the present town of Wayne were
Zephaniah HoflF, Henry Mapes, Widow Jennings, and Solo-
54
mon Wixsoii, in 1791. Enos, Joseph, and James Sil.sbee,
Abraham Hendricks, Joshua Siuitii, John Holdridge,
Elijah Reynolds, and Kphraiiu Tyler were also among the
pioneers. The first birth was that of Elizabeth Wisson,
Nov. 6, 1793; the first marriage was that of I'^phraim
Sanford, Jr., and Julia Hoft". Nathaniel Frisbie taught the
first school in 1797.
Ephraim Sanford, who had been a soldier in the Revo-
lution, came from Luzerne Co., Pa., and settled, in 1793,
within the present boundaries of the town of Wayne.
He bought of Jacob Hallctt, of the city of New York,
1864 acres of land in and around said town for £4(50 in
1793. A portion of the laud he afterwards sold for eighteen
pence an acre. He first settled on the farm where his
grandson, Russel Sanford, now lives. Wolves and bears at
that early day were a source of frequent annoyance. He
immediately gave his attention to clearing land, and as the
settlement grew in numbera he became also a pioneer worker
in the religious cau.se. He was an earnest member of the
Baptist ministry, doing his work always from the conscious-
ness of duty, and never accepting any pay for his services.
He was identified with the building of the Baptist church
on the Salter corners in 1794, wliich at that time belonged
to the Chemung Association.
In 1802 he prospected in Allegany County, and in 1804
he moved his fiuuily there, and .settled in the town of
426
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Oramel. He helJ at his house the first religious meeting
in that town. His daughter Betsey was the first child
born in the town of Oramel. He afterwards returned with
his family to his former place of settlement, in the town of
Wayne, where he died in the care of his son James, in the
eighty-ninth year of his age. His children were James,
Sallie, Betsey, John, David, Ephraim, Densey, and Wil-
liam, all of whom died in the town of Wayne ; Irena, died
in Banington. James died with his son Russel, on the
farm of his father, Jan. 31, 1842. Russel Sanford has
two children.
Enos Silsbee was born in 1765, in the Stato of Pennsyl-
vania. In 1794 he came with his wife and children, John,
James, and Deborah, settled, made the first clearing, and
erected the first building on the farm near the Hunter
school-house, where his grandson, Isaac Silsbee, now lives.
He toiled early and late to clear his farm. He kept the
first hotel in the territory embraced by the town of Wayne.
He built the first ashery, which he ran for a number of
years. Farming, however, was his principal vocation. He
was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died on
the form he settled, in 1830. His daughter, Sarah, was
born in the town of Wayne.
John Silsbee, the oldest son, settled on the form where
Samuel Bailey now lives ; he there built and ran the first
saw-mill in the town of Wayne. He afterwards moved on
the form his father settled, and tliere reared the following
family, viz : Sobrina, who died in Yates County ; Joshua,*
who died in California ; Calvin, who now lives in Michigan ;
Angeline, who lives in Tyrone ; Francis, Arminda, Martha,
and Isaac, who now live in Wayne.
James Silsbee, the son of Enos, in company with Fitch,
ran the first store in Wayne, near the Hunter school-house.
He built the first tannery, and ran the first grist-mill by
horse-power. It had one run of stone, consisting of two
cylindrical stones lying horizontal and parallel, and revolving
towards each other. He finally moved to Avoca.
Anthony Swarthout came from Seneca County and set-
tled the Asa Swarthout farm, on the banks of Keuka Lake,
near Keuka, about 1806. He made a clearing, and built a
log house and log barn. Around him was a howling wil-
derness. He lost eighteen sheep in one night by the wolves.
A village of Indian wigwams stood on the beach of the
lake, just below Mr. Swarthout's house. His relations with
the Indians were always friendly. Ho often enjoyed with
them their hunting and fishing sports. He was a suc-
cessful farmer, and a member of the Baptist Church. He
died on the farm he settled. His children were Ezekiel,
John, Henry, Caleb, George, Andrew (who was elected three
years supervisor without opposition), Asa, Catharine, Anna,
Elizabeth, and Mary.
Abram Hendricks was the first settler at Keuka, on about
one hundred acres of land. He was succeeded by Jabez
Hopkins, who kept the first hotel at Keuka, in a log and
frame building ; he also kept the first store at Keuka. He
was an active business man, engaging in farming and cattle-
* Joshua Silsbee was one of the most noted comedians of his age.
He was the first to introduce the Yankee character on the American
stage, in Philadelphia, and acquired the sobriquet of " Yankee Sils-
bee."
buying. Reverses, however, overtook him in later life,
and he finally died with his daughter Huldah, in the town
of Bath. His children were Charles, Harry, Huldah, and
Betsey, the last of whom married Henry Houck.
The next man at Keuka was Aaron Olmstead, who was
an early blacksmith in the town of Wayne. He made axes
and scythes by horse-power ; he built the second warehouse
at Keuka, and was also innkeeper. His children were
Eliza, Hanford, Julia, Charles, and Mary.
Thomas Bennett and Parker were the first occupants on
the Goblc form, just below Keuka. They became somewhat
notorious in counterfeiting the metallic currency of their
day. Bennett was arrested and sentenced to State-prison,
after five years was pardoned, and died within one year
thereafter. Parker escaped the officers in pursuit by swing-
ing his horse across the lake at Three-Mile Point.
John Goble was the first permatient settler on the same
premises. He was a good man, and died in the faith of
the Baptist Church, leaving his son, Gersham, who also
died on the same farm. The children of Gersham were
Jonathan (who married Eliza Weeks, and went to Japati as
a missionary), Rachel, Jennie, Henry, Rebecca, and Mary.
Thomas Margeson came from Essex Co., N. J., and set-
tled on the Sutter form, in 1806. He was the first shoe-
maker in the town. He devoted his time to his trade and
forming. He was for many years a member of the Baptist
Church. He died in the town of Wayne, in 1827. The
following were his children : John, Thomas, Charles, Ben-
jamin, Job, Israel, Caleb, Cornelius, Elizabeth, Susannah,
Hannah, and Mary, who now lives in the town of Wayne
with her nephew, Israel.
Henry Houck came from Germany, and "married Polly
Bell, an English lady, in the city of New York, and set-
tled in the town of Wayne, in an etirly day, on the farm
where Joseph Rote now lives, where he made the first
clearing and built the first house ; he was a farmer and be-
longed to the Presbyterian Church. His children were
Andrew, Nellie, Peter, Henry, Sallie, Abel, John, and
Joseph ; the last of whom married Maria Rarrick, and
settled on the farm where his son, J. E. Houck, now lives.
He died in 1828, and left his wife amid the hardships of
that early day with a family of little children, of which the
following were members : Henry, Van Rensselaer, Betsey,
Luenna, Matilda, Catherine, Caroline, Polly, and Joseph E.
The grandchildren of Henry Houck, the pioneer, now
number thirty-seven, and his great-grandchildren, seventy-
two.
Israel R. Wood was born in 1790, moved from Orange
County to Steuben in 1814, settled, and made the first
clearing on the farm where his son Jonathan now lives, in
1816. The next spring he built a log house near the old
orchard now growing on the same farm. By hard and vig-
orous work the heavy timber on his land gradually faded
away, and lot after lot was made suitable for the plow, until
he had the satisfaction of seeing his form .sufficiently cleared.
He then gave his attention to stumping until these incum-
brances were nearly all removed, and he had seven miles of
stump-fence on his iarm. In order to improve the productive-
ness of his farm, he for a third time worked over it in the way
of ditching. He was a very successful farmer, and a member
t^
w ■,
M.VKNAPP
MRS M.V. KNAPP.
M V. KNAPP, W/AYNE, Steuben Co.n
TOWN OF WAYNE.
427
of the Episcopal Church. He died in possession of about
500 acres of land in 1SU8. His children were Abram
Fleet, Jonathan, and Andrew (the last two now live in the
town of Wayne), Ida, Joel P., Emily, Jane, William, Israel,
Henry S. (who died a soldier in Virj^iiiia), Mary Ann, Dru-
silla, and John.
Joseph Bailey, a soldier of the llevolution, came from
Orange County and settled in Wayne, on the farm where
Henry Houck lives, about 1799. His title proving de-
fective, he then settled the Cornelius Bailey farm, which he
cleared and improved. He raised his family there, and
being remote from grist-mills he burned a hole in the top
of a stump in whicli to pound grain for his family's use.
His meat consisted of deer, many of which he caught in
the lake after the dogs had run them in. His children
were John S., Cornelius, Samuel, Jemima, Nathan, and
Elizabeth.
John S. Bailey, the first of the above children, settled
and cleared the Grove Spring farm. He died in the town
of Wayne, with his son Samuel, in 1875.
George Hunter was the first settler on the farm where
D. nice now lives. He was a prominent citizen, with de-
cided traits of character. He was supervisor of his town,
and always interested in public affiiirs. At the election in
1840, he, being a conservative, refused to vote because he
did not want to deposit his ballot with Democrats and
Whigs; finally he deposited his vote in a box made for
the especial purpose of receiving it. He died on the
same farm, in 1845. He married Deborah Silsbee. His
sons were Harvey, Harrison, Horatio, Horace, and Henry ;
the last of whom studied law with Judge Walles, of Penn
Yan, and practiced at Rochester, where he was city attor-
ney, and where he died.
The daughters were Maria, Julia, Emily, Sallie, Mary,
and Eliza, who married the Rev. Daniel Russell.
Solomon Wixson settled in 1791, on the farm where his
grandson Solomon now lives. He built his first house on
the banks of the lake; he was a farmer by occupation, al-
though he served his town as justice of the peace. He lived
and died on the same farm he settled, surrounded by the
fruits of his labor. His children were Joseph, Joshua,
Reuben, John, Daniel, James, Solomon, Elizabeth, Polly,
Clary, and Jllijah, who died on the same farm in 1878.
John Earnest settled in the town in the fall of 1817,
near where Wni. 0. Baile}' now lives. He was an early
blacksmith in the town ; he made axes for which people
came thirty miles ; two years after he moved to Avoca. At
one time, while bringing a load of salt from Geneva to that
place, when within two miles of home, he was confronted
by a panther in the road ; his wagon got fast in a mud-hole,
and while he was unhitching his team they broke loose and
ran away, and left Mr. Earnest to face his merciless enemy
alone ; finally a dog drew his attention and Mr. Earnest
escaped, and ran till he fell with terrible fright in his own
door. He afterwards returned to the town of Wayne, where
he became a member of the Presbyterian Church. He lived
in the town the remainder of his life, and died with his son
John in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His children
were Julia Ann, John J., Mary J., Lsaac, Alexander, George
W., Eliza, and De Witt.
His son John has always lived in the town of Wayne-
He has been engaged in wagon and carriage makins, wool,
sheep, and cattle buying. He wa.s supervisor and assessor
in his town, and has been prominently identified with it.s
interest. He has always been an earnest worker in the
temperance cause, even when it required courage to do so.
The first school-house in the town of Wayne was a log
building, and stood on the Salter corners.
William Brewer was an early shoemaker in the town.
He practiced law somewhat in justice courts. He bought
Jo.seph Wedge's wife for a pair of boots, with whom he
lived till he died.
Fitch & Silsbee were the first storekeepers.
Dr. Wells and Dr. Comstock were the first physicians.
The Stubbs family were among the early .settlers of
Wayne.
Simeon Sackett was the first settler on the farm now
owned by James Smith. He was a farmer by occupation.
He died on the same farm with a disea.se called by the early
settlers " the cold plague."
John Teeple made the first clearing in the south part
of the town of Wayne, on the Teeple farm, about 1800.
He was the first surveyor in the territory now known as
Wayne ; he was a good farmer and built and ran a distillery.
In his neighborhood belief in witchcraft at one time was
quite prevalent. It was believed his daughter Polly was
bewitched. An image was formed of dough made of flour
and the blood of the person bewitched, and shot with a
silver bullet, believing that they would thereby kill the
witch, Mrs. Slooum. He died on the same farm. His
children were George, Jacob, Margaret, and Polly.
John B. Mitchell, Sr., was born in England in 1772, and
came to this country when a young man. He stopped in
New York City for a few years, where he married Ann
O'Roark ; moved to Paterson, N. J., and stayed there a year
or two, and then went to Utica, N. Y., where he remained
till the close of the war, in 1814. He then removed to
Wayne with his family. He brought a stock of goods with
him, and upon his arrival opened a store, which he after-
wards sold out to Silsbee & Fitch. He had eight chil-
dren,— Ann Eliza, John B., Maria, George D., Thomas,
Mary Ann, Joseph, and Richard. None are now living ex-
cept Maria McDowell and Joseph, who reside in Wayne.
He died in 1841.
John B. Mitchell, deceased, was born in the city of New
York, May 14, 1802, of Engli.sh parentage. In his infancy
his father moved to Utica, and about seven years later emi-
grated to Frederickstown, Steuben Co., which embraced what
is now Bradford, Tyrone, Wayne, and Barrington. He resided
with his father, John B. Mitchell, Sr., who was engaged in
farming and distilling up to 1825-26, with the exception
of a short time while a clerk in the store of John II. Gan-
sevoort, at Bath. Shortly after this he commenced the
mercantile business in a small way for himself at Wayne,
increasing his business from year to year, until he estab-
lished a branch store at Bradford, where he bought wheat
and other, produce, and shipped it down the river in arks
to Baltimore. Abandoning business at Bradford, he and
Michael Willour (now deceased) started the first store at
Watkins, and continued in business there for several years.
428
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
He then established a second store at Wayne. Then he
re-establi.shed a more extensive business at Bradford, deal-
ing largely in lumber and shingles, shipping to the Eastern
cities by the Crooked Lake and Erie Canals. He built a
commodious warehouse on the shore of Keuka (Crooked)
Lake, where he bought and shipped large quantities of grain.
He was one of the largest contributors to the Crooked Lake
Canal in grain, timber, lumber, shingles, etc., owning
and running several canal-boats. He then built a foun-
dry and machine-shop at Wayne, and afterwards a steam
saw-mill, and operated them successfully. He dealt
largely in cattle and sheep, and drove them to Philadelphia
market. He bought and sold timber and farm lands, own-
ing eight and ten farms at once. Necessarily trusting to
others in the management of such an extensive business,
together with the failure of his brother, for whom he in-
dorsed largely, he was obliged in the summer of 1851 to
submit to the galling necessity of seeing his property, which
he had been twenty-five years in accumulating, by incessant
toil both day and night, sacrificed under the sheriff's hammer,
the mere pittance which it brought satisfying but a small
portion of the demands, leaving him to struggle to the end
of his life under a burden that hung like a " mill-stone
about his neck," with a young family of children to main-
tain.
Ambitious and energetic beyond most men, he made
desperate struggles to free himself from his indebtedness in
an honorable way, hoping that some time in the immediate
future he would be able to do it, and assume his position
as one of the foremost business men of the country, when
he hoped to carry out the cherished projects of his earlier
and more prosperous career. But the task was greater than
he could accomplish, stripped and hampered as he was, with
one exception. He had the gratification of knowing that
the Episcopal Church, of which he was a member, and
which he labored so long to establish, would be completed.
In politics he was a Whig and Republican. Wheu his
town was Democratic he was elected supervisor two years
by large m.ijorities, and declined to take it a third time.
He was bold and fearless iil the expression of his ideas, and
unyielding in his convictions. He died on the 14th day
of January, 1873, in the seventy-first year of hi.s age.
Matthew McDowell was born March 28, 1798, at the
foot of Lake Keuka, on the east bank of the outlet. His
father, John McDowell, and his mother, Catherine Par-
kinson, came from New Jersey in 1794, with Col. William-
son. He married Maria Mitchell, June 21, 1827. Hecame
to Wayne wheu a young man, and located on the fiirm where
his son Frank now resides. He has four children, — Ann
E. (who married Samuel Hallett), Francis M., Marie Louise
(wife of Gen. N. M. Crane), and George W., all of whom
are now living in Steuben County. Mr. McDowell was
supervisor for several years, and justice of the peace for a
long time. He was always a Democrat. He died June 2G,
1864.
GRAPE INTEREST.
The first vineyard in the town of Wayne was set in 1863
by John Grace, on the property now owned by the Keuka
Vineyard Company, at Keuka, who are the largest grape-
growers on the lake, their vineyards embracing more than
100 acres. The second vineyard was set on the lot where
Prudence Houck now lives at Keuka by James or Norman
Sunderlin. At the time these vineyards were set there was
some doubt as to whether the grapes would ripen as well
on the east side of the lake as they would on the west side.
It has been demonstrated, however, that they not only do
as well, but as a matter of fact they ripen a few days earlier.
There is at the present time about 300 acres of bearing
vineyard in this town, consisting principally of the follow-
ing varieties: Catawba, Delaware, Diana, lona, Isabella,
Concords; other varieties do equally well. The average
yield of these vineyards is about one and a half tons per
acre, and the average price about $100 per ton.
It has been demonstrated that the peach can here be
successfully cultivated ; there are a few fine orchards now
growing, with an average yield of about 150 bushels per
acre.
ORGANIZATION.
Wayne was formed as " Frederickstown," March 18,
1796. Its name was changed, April 6, 1808, in honor of
Gen. Anthony Wayne. Reading, Schuyler Co., was taken
ofi' in 1806, Orange, Schuyler Co., in 1813, and Barring-
ton, Yates Co., and Tyrone, Schuyler Co., in 1822. A
part was annexed to Tyrone, April 17, 1854.
In 1801 all the votes cast for Governor in the town of
Frederickstown were 26.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.*
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1801.
Benjamin Wells.
Joshua Smith.
(No Record.)
1802.
« it
"
Lorin Francis.
180.3.
a a
'* "
Simeon Sackett.
1804.
John Dow.
ti it
it tt
1805.
Jacob Teeple.
u t.
.1 it
ISOfi.
It It
n a
a it
1807.
It it
u u
it it
1808.
John Teeple.
Benjamin Sackett.
tt (1
1809.
tt ti
ti tt
tt it
1810.
" "
u u
tt it
ISll.
ti it
it ti
James Sanford.
1812.
it it
John Silsbce.
Matthew Knapp.
1813.
H ti
Benjamin Sackett.
James Silsbee.
1814.
tt It
if ti
Matthew Knapp.
1815.
ti tt
tt tt
Jabez Hopkins.
1816.
it tt
it ti
Jacob Hoagland.
1817.
William Kernan.
a tt
Reuben Nixon.
1818.
" "
it it
Joseph Hause.
1819.
John Teeple.
it *i
Alexander Patten.
1820.
"
Enoch Decamp.
William Tompkins.
1821.
it it
it t.
George W. Teeple.
1822.
David Hall.
it tt
Julius Eaton.
1823.
William E. Wells.
George Hunter.
Oliver Rice.
1824.
(t it
ti it
it ti
1820.
a a
tt a
it tt
1826.
ft It
David Hall.
it it
1827.
George Hunter.
a it
James B. Curry.
1828.
it i(
Enoch Webster.
it it
1829.
tt it
" '*
Wm. R. Holdridge.
1830.
William Birdseil.
ti a
it it
1831.
it it
Orlando Comstock.
Benjamin R. Sweek
1832.
George Hunter.
. « "
Joseph Coykendall.
1833.
11 ti
it it
John Degraw.
1834.
Mathew McDowell.
. It ti
Edward Richmond.
1835.
tt i.
ti ti
Rice Tompkins.
■ No records were kept in the town previous to 1801.
FRANCIS M. McDowell
was borii at Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., on tlie 12th
of June, 1831. He was the eldest son of Matthew
and Maria McDowell, and was educated in the
common school, with the exception of a few terms at
an academy. He developed a great taste for reading
when a boy, giving up all his leisure to it, from
which he derived a great fund of information.
During the fall of 1851 he went to Adrian,
N. Y., and soon after became interested with Mr.
Samuel Hallett in the lumber business. When tlie
Bank of Hornellsville was organized, in 1854, he
was elected cashier.
In January, 1857, the firm of Samuel Hallett &
Co. was formed, of which he was a member, and
he removed to New York and took charge of the
business during Mr. Hallett's two years' absence in
Europe on important railroad negotiations. During
the next few years Mr. McDowell visited Euro[)e
several times in the inter&st of the firm, and while
there traveled extensively in England and on the
continent.
He was married in London, in October, 1861,
to Sarah Josephine Spang, daughter of Charles F.
Spang, of Pittsburgh, Pa., who died abroad in 1868,
where she had been some years for her health.
In 1863 he was one of the firm who took the
contract to build the Union Pacific Railroad, Eastern
Division, now known as the Kansas Pacific, and
had charge of their office in New York. Owing
to difficulties with Gen. John C. Fremont, this
firm was dissolved, and the construction of the road
was continued by Mr. Samuel Hallett until his
death .
During the winter of 1867-68 he was one of
seven gentlemen who founded the order known as
the Patrons of Husbandry. Soon after he was
elected treasurer of the National Grange, which
office he still holds. This order has a larger mem-
bership than any order ever organized in tlie United
States, — and probably in the world.
For many years he has lived at Wayne, N. Y.,
and has been extensively engaged with others in
growing grapes on the shores of Lake Kiuka. They
have at this time the largest vineyards in tliis
section.
In December, 1874, he married Eva, daughter of
Wm. M. Sherwood, of Woodhull, N. Y. He has
sincfi resided on the old homestead, which has been
occupied by the family for over fifty years.
Mr. McDowell has great perseverance, and there
are few his superiors in geniality of temper and
ability to make friends.
il
TOWN OF WAYNE.
429
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1840.
1847.
1848.
1849.
lS,iO.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
Snpervisore.
Orlando Comstock.
it n
John P. Lozicr.
Henry Chichester.
Orlando Comstock.
Jacob Teeple.
Levi Knox,
Town Clerks.
Geo. G. lloldridge.
Rice Tompkins.
William T. Hastings.
Williiim Birdscll.
Shclden W. Mungar.
Horatio Hunter.
Collectors.
Kice Tompkins.
James Covert, Jr.
Keubcn Smith.
Daniel W. .Sundcrlin. William H. Doughty
Harsey Hill. " "
An<lrew D. Swarthout. " "
" " Lyman F. Noble.
John B. Mitchell.
it ..
George Schuyler.
Joseph Eveland.
Joseph Hoat.
Ansel H. Williams.
George Schuyler.
Robert Diggers.
Anios Wortman.
Thomas Palmer.
Benj. T. Fletcher.
Lewis .\. Knnpji.
1855.
1856.
1857. "
1858. John B. Birdseye.
1859. "
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
John J. Earnest.
George Schuyler.
Bela Bonny.
Joel Wi.\son.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1809.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Charles D. Wells.
It il
Joseph Roat.
Thomas E. Walsh.
Charles K. Minor.
Monm'th II. (ianung
Henry S. Griffith.
George D. Woodard,
WilberF.Toailinson
Kcuben Smith.
Erastus E. Bennett.
Thomas White.
Erastus E. Bennett.
Eli Allison.
Henry T. Mitchell.
Charles T. Walsh.
John Knapp.
George Hill.
George D. lligley.
James Force.
Samuel Holly.
Heiiry Wixson.
Reuben Smith.
Horace Wixson.
Reuben Smith.
John F. Burge.
Reuben Smith.
James A. Grey.
Anthony H. Rai-rick.
f.John F. Burge.
U it
John Crnnc.
Charles B. Doughty.
Thomas E, Walsh.
T. AValsh.
H. Kleekler (tie).
Henry Kleekler.
Joseph B. Ketchum.
Ira Margeson.
Thomas E. Walsh.
David A. Lamb.
Charles T. AValsh.
Abrara F. Beyea.
Howell Gardner.
James Wixson.
Andrew J. Dibble
Delbcrt Knapp. " **
George D. Woodard. David A. Lamb.
Solomon R. Wixson. John Thetgar. James S. Dean.
James Wixson. Levi D. Curran. Justus Lamb.
Solomon Wixson. C. D. Sunderlin. Isaac Silsbee.
jrSTIOES OF VHE PEACIv.
1830.
Nathan Fitch.
1850.
Hiram Baker.
1831.
Daniel W. Sunderlin.
1851.
G. W. Griffith.
1832.
Stephen Griffith.
1852.
Van Kens'r W. Sunderlin
1833.
David Hall.
Ira A. White.
1834.
Henry Hill.
1853.
William Birdsell.
1835.
Daniel W, Sunderlin.
1854.
John L. Griffith.
1836.
John Broderick.
Levi Kno.\.
1837.
William Birdsell.
1855.
Otis W. Folsom.
1838.
Harvey Hill.
James R. Gleason.
Orland Comstock.
1856.
William H Doughty.
1839.
Matthew McDowell.
1857.
Horace Griffith.
1840.
Rice Tompkins.
1858.
Levi Knox.
1841.
William Birdscll.
1859.
David Wortman.
Matthew McDowell.
1800.
William H. Doughty.
1842.
Enos Wortman.
1861.
Reuben Schuyler.
1843.
Franklin Ilolden.
Robert Biggers.
1844.
Enoch Welister.
1862.
Levi Knox.
1845.
Franklin Holdun.
1863.
George P. Lord.
William Birdsell.
1864.
William H. Doughty.
1846.
Amos Wortman.
John B. Mitchell.
1847.
John Chamber.
1865.
Horace Griffith.
David .Sanford.
Otis W. Folsom.
1848.
William H. Doughty.
1806.
James R. Gleason.
David Gannon.
1867.
George P. Lord.
1849.
William Birdsell.
1868.
Minard Canfield.
Jonathan P. McCoy.
1869.
William Morelund.
1870. James R. Gleason.
1871. Hansel S. Hill.
1872. David B. Garlinghouso.
1873. AVilliam M. Ireland.
1874. James R. Gleason.
1875. Marcena V. Knopp.
1876. John Thetgar.
1877. D. J. Houck.
1878. Lyman Aulls.
CHURCHES.
WAYNE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Wayne Baptist Church was constituted as early as
1794. The number of constituent members cannot now be
ascertained. From the best information sJ'thercd, Elder
Ephraim Sanford was tlie first regular pastor, and con-
tinued that relation with the church, most of the time,
until 1823.
It also appears fron) the few early records of the church,
that an Eider Kggleston.of Bath, was invited to meet with
the brethren when he could, which invitation seems to have
been accepted, as he is reported to have been with them
occasionally in their meetings.
Elder John (ioff is al.so reported to have occasionally
administered the ordinances for the church, from 1804 to
1807.
The earliest record now found of the church sending a
delegate to an association was in 1807, when an Elder
Griffith was appointed, and it is supposed to the Chemung,
as that was the name of the as.sociation with which the
church first united.
No record of statistics can be found by which to ascer-
tain the number of members in the church at this early
day and settlement of the country until 1808, when they
numbered 81, and it is evident also they were scattered
over (|uitc an extent of territory, as they generally held
their church meetings at private houses, from lime to time,
quite a distance from each other, and from five to eight
appears to be the number that usually came together on
tlio.se occasions. The church ob.scrved a pretty strict disci-
pline in those days of its early history; and there seem to
have been frequent changes of membership by baptisms,
letters o'f admi.ssion, dismLssions, and exclusions.
In 1811 we find the church was a member of the
Cayuga Association, which met that year at Aurelius.
P]lder Ephraim Sanford, delegate to the association, reported
17 added to the church, and total membership 51.
In 1814 the church belonged to the Ontario Associa-
tion, which held its anniversary that year at Bristol ; Elder
Sanford, pastor, and James Osgood, delegates ; 8 added to
the church, and 74 total membership.
In 1818, September 9 and 10, seven other Baptist
churches, by their delegates, met in convention with the
Wayne church, and organized the Steuben BaptLst Associa-
tion. In this organization, the Wayne church was the most
leading and efficient member, having at that time a meet-
ing-house, and a membership of 105, — more than one-third
of the whole number of the eight churches.
In 1819 the church granted letters of dismission to more
than thirty of their number, to form the Second Wayne^
now Barrington Church, of which number thiitccn were
male members. At the close of Elder San ford's pastorate
the church reported a membership of 122.
In 1823, David B. Coriell was licensed by the church to
430
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
preach the gospel, and as Elder Sandford had become aged
and infirm, Coriell preached for the church most of the
time.
In April, 1825, he was ordained and became the regular
pastor of the church, which relation he sustained until
1834, except two years, 1830 and 1831, when the church
was supplied with preaching by Elder David Smith, of
Bath, and J. S. Chapman, a licentiate of the church.
During this period of eleven years the church passed
through some lingering trials, but received by baptism 48,
and reported a membership at the close of 103.
In 1835, J. S. Chapman, having received ordination
previously, became the pastor of the church, and served
them in that relation three years, baptizing into their fel-
lowship 34, — increasing the membership to 135. During
his pastorate their present house of worship was built.
Elder J. P. Call was their pastor the two succeeding
years, in which time 82 were baptized and the membership
increa.sed to 2 IS.
From June, 1840, to November of the same year the
church was without a pastor, therefore no pastor appears in
their delegation to the a.ssociation ; yet they report 21 bap-
tized and 94 dismissed, which reduced their membership
to 152. The large number dismissed was to form the
Urbana church.
In the fall of 1840 the church settled Elder A. C. Mal-
lory as their pastor, who remained in that relation with
them eleven years and baptized into their fellowship 147.
Sixty-nine were baptized during the associational year of
1842, and was the large.st number ever baptized into the
church in one year. At the close of Elder Mallory's pas-
torate the church numbered 177.
Elder 0. B. Call was the next pastor ; continued two
years, baptized 21, and left a reported membership of 197.
From the spring of 1854 to the following winter the
church was without a pastor, and report but 102 membere
to the a.ssociation, — a discrepancy of 89, according to their
previous report, unaccounted for, — probably the result of
revising and correcting their list of the names of their
number.
In December of the same year the church secured the
labors of Phil. GriflBs, a licentiate, who was ordained the
following April by a council called by the church for that
purpo.se. He remained but one year. Membership re-
ported, 101.
Elder George Crocker succeeded Griffis as pastor, and
served the church two years. The number of members at
the close of his labors, 90.
Elder D. D. Atwater followed Crocker in the pastorate,
and was with the church three years ; reported 47 baptized
and a membership of 102. The church was destitute of a
settled pastor in 1861, but supplied by Elder J. Ketchum.
Elder H. R. Dakin took the pastoral charge of the
church in 1862, and continued the relation four years.
Baptized, 5 ; reported membership at the close of his
labors, 80.
Since Elder Dakin closed his services with the church,
in 1866, the following pastors have officiated : Rev. Lewis
Brasted, two years; Rev. L. D. Worth, three years; Rev.
P. D. Jacobus, since May 1, 1877.
As the office of deacon is of Divine appointment in the
church, it may be proper briefly to refer to those who have
been chosen and duly appointed and set apart by the church
to serve them in that official relation. The first deacons in
the church were Solomon Wixson and Abraham Hendryx.
Deacon Wixson died in April, 1813, and Hendryx moved
away soon after. The church then elected Thomas Mar-
geson and James Silsbee to that office, who served the
church for many years, when their Lord called them to
their reward on high. John Sanford and Ralph Van
Houten were next chosen to officiate as deacons in the
church, and were true yoke-brethren in their official duties,
serving to a good old age ; yet previous to the decease of
either of them, in 1841, the church elected Amos Wort-
man to that office, that those aged brethren might have
assistance in their official duties.
In April, 1850, William H. Doughty, Horace Cole, and
Ephraim Sanford were properly ordained as deacons in
the church, who served the church for a term of years ;
but have all moved away, and are now serving other
churches in their official capacity. In February, 1864,
Gurden L. Webster, Henry Jacobus, and William K.
Harrison were ordained, who, with Deacon Wortman, are
the present officiating deacons in the church, having the
counsel and aid of Deacon Daniel Garlinghouse, who has
united with them from another church.
One thing we think worthy of notice, which shows the
caution and good judgment of the church in the selection
of their deacons. During their long history their deacons
have never had difficulty with each other nor with their
pastor.
We have now given a brief sketch of the history of the
oldest Baptist church in a large extent of this section of
country, having existed .seventy-six years ; and the brethren
and sisters have a desire to yet live as a church, and help
sustain Baptist views of gospel doctrine and church order
as taught in the New Testament. They have lately much
improved their meeting-house in appearance, both inter-
nally and externally, so that it was never more pleasant
and inviting as a house for the worship of God than at
the present time. And the writer feels it his duty to state,
in behalf of the church, that they still maintain a discipline
equal (and in some respects better) to any other Baptist
church with which he is acquainted. And he would further
add, may it. not be well — and even duty — for the younger
and prosperous churches to encourage and assist this old
church in their present feeble and somewhat discouraged
state. They would gladly unite with any other Baptist
church in sustaining a pastor where practicable, and have
made efibrts to do so, but hitherto have not succeeded.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF W.VYNE.
In an early day the Presbyterian society united with the
Bapti.st society in moving a building which was partly
finished from the Salter corners to the first corners west,
and there they completed the building. Each society held
meetings in the house every alternate Sunday. On the
twenty-fifth day of December, 1809, the Presbyterian
society was organized by John Linsley, missionary ; Fred-
erick Bartles was the first elder chosen. The church con-
jVIRS. PRUDENCE flOUCK.
LEWIS V. fiOUCK.
(deceased }
LEWIS V
Ijewis V. Houck, son of Joseph and Maria Houck,
was born in Wayne, April 12, 1822. His father was of
Dutch origin, and his mother of French. Lewis V.
had a common-school education, and was able to do all
kinds of practical business. He was reared a farmer.
On the 16th of July, 1S57, he marrietl Miss Prudence
E. Hover, daughter of Abram and Polly Hover, of
Tyrone, Schuyler Co., N. Y. Of tliis union one
daughter, Alice M., was born, July 1, 1858. Mrs.
Houck was born April 6, 1827.
Soon after marriage Mr. Houck removed to his own
farm in Wayne ; remained five years ; sold out and pur-
chased another farm ; remained three years ; then tradetl
for the present Ijeautiful farm in Tyrone, consisting of
two hundred and sixty acres of good productive land ;
HOUCK.
at the same time he removed to Keuka, on to the place
now occupied by his widow and daughter. Mr, Houck
was engaged quite extensively in grape-culture. His
widow still continues the business. Mr. Houck was
very successful in all his business transactions, and by
industry and economy left his family in good circum-
stances.
In politics he was a Democrat, but never held any
political offices. Mr. Houck was killed accidentally by
a log rolling over iiim in the village of Keuka, only
a few rods from bis house.. He retained his conscious-
ness until the last, living some two hours. He died
Aug. 5, 1873, and was buried in the McDowell Ceme-
tery at Wayne, where a fine marble monument marks
his resting-place.
TOWN OF WAYNE.
4:n
sisted of 9 male and 7 female members. About 150 per-
sons had united with the church up to 1830.
In 1830, 19th of January, at a meeting in the school-
house near Joseph Tompkins', the Wayne and Tyrone
society united under the name of the Presbyterian Society
of Wayne and Tyrone. Stephen GriiSth and Gain McCoy
were ruling elders. Si.x trustees were chosen, Enoch Web-
ster, President ; and Sylvester Wells, Clerk.
In 1831 the association of the two societies was dissolved,
and the society of Wayne was again organized as the Pres-
byterian Society of Wayne, on the fifth day of November,
1831, with 9 trustees, viz., Matthew McDowell, David
Hall, E. S. Wells, Orlando Comstock, Stephen Griffith,
H. J. Brinkerhoff, J. Degraw, Enos Silsbee, and John
Earnest. David Hall was chosen President ; John Earn-
est, Treasurer; M. McDowell, Clerk.
In 1837 a new building was erected on the present site
of the Episcopal church. J. Rowlett, pastor; D. B. Bal-
lard, carpenter and painter. Anson Truman while at work
on the steeple fell therefrom to the ground, from the effects
of which he died.
The society held meetings there with more or less inter-
mission until 1809, when they transferred the house and
lot to the Episcopal society. Among the pastors were the
following: John Linsley (missionary), Joseph Merrill, Mr.
Ba.scom, Ebenezer Lazell, Joseph Crawford, David Higgins,
James Rowlett, M. J. Smith, B. J. Russell.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Previous to the organization, the Methodist Episcopal
society of North Uibana held meetings in the school-house
and in the Baptist church. The society was organized on
the twenty-eighth day of February, 1837, at a meeting of
which Josej)h PearsoU was chairman, and Daniel C. Bal-
lard was secretary Five trustees were elected and classed
as follows, viz. : John S. Bailey and Closes Crookston, 1st
cla-ss; Daniel C. Ballard and Benjamin Woodruff, 2d class;
Simon I. Jacobus, 3d Class. At that time Abner Chase
was presiding elder. Afterwards the number of trustees
was increased to 6.
About 1839 the present site was purchased of Ebenezer
Brundage, and the present building erected thereon, Daniel
C. Ballard carpenter and painter. Horace Tomlinson was
among the trustees and one of the building committee; he
was also class-leader, which latter place he held up to the
time of his death in 1844.
In 1870 the number of trustees was reduced to three.
In 1872 the church was repaired at a cost of $1200. John
Elyea carpenter, and T. P. Purdy, of Bath, painter; Otis
W. FoLsom, mason ; D. W. Gates was the preacher ; Wat-
son M. Tomlinson, A. N. Seamons, and Tompkins Covert
were trustees. Israel Wood also took great interest in the
repairs. A. F. Morey was presiding elder.
The number of present members is about 30 ; present
trustees, Israel Wood, Richard H. Hall, and W. M. Tom-
linson; present class-leader, Watson M. Tomlinson; present
pastor, C. G. Curtis.
The following list comprises nearly all the pastors : Asa
Orcutt, Joseph Pcarsoll, Henry Wisner, Asa Story, Mr.
Barckley, Mr. Bacon, J. D. Jewett, A. D. Edgar, Hiram
Sanford, R. L. Stillwell, R. M. Beach, A. R. Jones, W. E.
Binder, John J. Brown, A. Parsel, Stephen Brown, Reu-
ben Drake, S. B. Dickinson, Eli H. Brown, Charles Davis,
J. Bronson, C. Dillenbeck, S. Wetzel, D. W. Gates, E. B.
Pierce : C. G. Curtis, present pastor.
EPISCOP.\L CHURCH.
About 1869 the Presbyterian Church property was trans-
ferred to the Episcopal society. The church was organized
on the 25th of March, 1872, as St. John's Church, Rev.
Wra. Atwcll, Missionary, presiding at the meeting accord-
ing to the conditions of the bishop's order. J. B. Mitchell
and Jonathan Wood were elected church-wardens. George
P. Ford, John Grace, F. M. McDowell, Andrew Wood,
John Stanhope, Ira P. Ward, Jonas Wheeler were elected
vestrymen.
The church was repaired, in 1870, at a cost of SI 200,
and consecrated, on the 2d of September, 1875, by Bishop
A. Cleveland Coxe. Ten persons have since been baptized
by Rev. W. J. Pigot. Four of these persons have been
confirmed by Bishop Coxe.
Rev. Wni. Atwell was the first clergyman ; Rev. J. W.
Pigot, the second ; Rev. Mr. Warner is the present rector.
-MII.IT.^RY RECORD OF WAYNE.
TlioDins Mitcliell, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 11, 1863, three years ; was
taken prisouer, iLiid held ad such about ten months at Andersoiivilte and
Florence, and died at Wilmington, N. C, March 5, 1865, from expo!iuro
and starvation.
Clinton, Dovitt E»rncst, 89lh Inf., Co. A ; enl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years;
wounded in thigh at Fredericksburg; disch. about two months after.
Joseph Evelaiid, private, I41st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three yeara; pro.
to sergt., Feb. 29, 1864; disch. June 21, 1865.
Israels. Taylor, private, Snih Inf.,(Jo. A: eul. Sept. 28,1861, three years; wounded
at Sharpsbnrg, in hip ; died at camp bosp., near Fredericksburg, Nov. 29,
1862, of chronic diarrhcea.
Egbert Jacobus, private; three years; disch. for disability.
Moses W. C*iokston, private, ISOth Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ;
discharged.
Hiram Brink Stone, sorgt., 141h II. .\rt., Co. B ; onl. July 10, 18C3, three years ;
pro. to Corp., June 10, 1S64; to sergt., June 12, 1865 ; tlisch. Aug. 6, 1865.
John Lown, privato, 14tli II. Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 23, 186!, three years; taken
pris. at Pegram Farm, Aug. 20, 1864; taken to Libby, thence to Belle
Isle and Salisbury ; disch. April 6, 1865.
Johnson Brink JIargeson, 107th Inf., Co. II; enl. Aug. 1, 18G2; killed on tho
field at Dallas.
Stephen Edwards, private, loTth Inf., Co. II ; enl. July 28,1862: wonndtnl at
.\utietam ; disch. Jan. 13, 186 i ; rc-enl. in same regl. and company, Feb.
24, 1S64 ; died of chronic diarrlicea, Feb. 15, 1865.
Horace Wixson, Corp., 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. .\ug. 22, 1862, three years; disch.
for disability, Jan. 28, 1863.
Thomas Barrett, private, 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three yeare ; discli .
June 8, 1865.
Samuel Green, sergt., 107tb Inf., Co. B; enl. Sept. I, 1861, throe years; discli.
for disability, Jau. 1, 1803; rc-enl. Sept. 13, 18G4 ; discharged.
Ira Margesou Wood, private, 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three yeara ;
disch. June 29, 1865.
Henry Switzer Wood, orderly-sergl., 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Ang. 22, 1862, throe
years; died of typhoid fever, near Warrenton Junction, Aug. 16, 186.1.
George W. Scott, private, Hl-t Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three yearn ; died
at Shell Mound, Tenn., of chronic diarrluea, April 2, 1864.
Franklin Gardner, private, IGlst Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. II, 1862, three years;
died in ho.spital on Long Island, of typhoid fever, Dec. 15, 1862.
Cyrus Alonao Schuyler, private, 101st Inf., Co. B; enl. Ang. II, 1862, threo
yeara ; died of typhoid fever at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 17, 1863.
Lewis J. aark, private, 18Dth Inf., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year ; disch.
May 31), 1805.
Elias Gasper Putnam, 1st sergt., I07th Inf., Co. H; enl. July 25, 1862, threo
yeurn; discli. June 5, 1805.
Henry Wisner Smith, Corp., 0th U. Art., Co. E; onl. Fob. 9, 1804, threo yeara ;
disch. Aug. 24, 186.5.
George Washington Read, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 0, 1802, threo
years; re-enlisted.
Jeremiah Runisey, private, 107th Inf., Co. O; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three yeara.
John Kalahar, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 0, 1862, three years; killed
at Antietnm.
432
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Huston D. McCabe, private, 1891h Inf., Co. TI ; eiil, Sept. 11, 1805, one year; disch.
Muy 1, 18G5.
George Wilhur McCahc, privjite, lS9th Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. Il,18G5, one year;
discli. May 1, iSOo.
William B. Crane, private, lOTtli Inf., Co. G; cnl. Aug. 4, 1862, three yeara ;
tliscli. Juuo 5, 1805.
Wilbur Fisk Tonilinson, private, :Ut!i Itif., Co. I; enl. April 18, 18CI, two years;
taken prisoner at Blulvern Hill, Aug. 7, 1802; released un parole, Sept. 13,
1802; disch. Juno :10, 1803; re-enl. private, 22d Cav., Co. G, Feb. 9, 1805,
three years ; taken prisoner during Wilson's raid, and held as such until
Feb. 27, 1805, when he died at Andoi-sonville, on that date.
Clmrlcs Edgar Donison, private. Hist Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 25, 1802, three
years ; killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 18G-4.
Williatn Powell, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; died
March 19, 1804, at Lookout Valley, Tenn.
William Henry Kelly, bugler, lOth Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 17, 1804, three years ;
discharged.
James Franklin Gleason, private, lS9th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one year;
disch. June 10, 1S05.
Amasa Marion Gleason, 4tl. sergt, 189th Inf., Co. U; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one
year; discli. June in, 1805.
Edward Absalom Washburn, private, 189th Inf., Co. II; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one
year; disch. June 10, 1805. •
Francis Lacost, private, Gth Art., Co. B; enl. Feb.G, 18G4, three years; disch.
Sept. 1, 18G5.
Wallace W. Earnest, private, Ulst Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ;
disch. for disability, April 11, 1803.
Peter Eveland, private, 189th Inf., Co. II; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; died
Jan. 21, 1805.
Andrew M. Dunham, veteran, 8Gth Inf ; enl. Jan. 21, 1805, three years.
Henry Mapes, private, 107th Inf., Co. II; enl. July 25, 1802, three years; disch.
March 9, 1801, for disability.
Angelo Prentiss Welles, private, 85tU Inf, Co. I; enl. March 1, 1801, three
yeare; discharg<-d; re-enl. mus., 85th Kegt., Co. I, Jan. 1, 1S04. three
years; disch. June 27, ISOo.
James Pitts, private, 5Uth \. Y. Vols.; enl. Jan. 1, 1804.
Charles Coykendall, private, 107th Inf, Co. U ; enl. July 25, 18G2, three years ;
di.-;ch. July 20, 18G1, for disability ; re-enlisted.
Charles H. Matoon, private, 85th Inf., Co. I; enl. March 1, 1801, three years ;
discharged; re-enl. musician, 85th Inf , Co. I, Jan. 1, 1804, three years;
di.sch. June 27, 1805.
Joseph Coykendall, private, 80th Inf, Co. I; enl. Dec. 18, 18G1, three years;
disch. Dec. 19, 1803; re-enl. private, 80th Inf., Co. I, Dec. 31, 1803, tliree
years ; disch. June 27, 1805.
Charles J. ChatfieM, private, HnU Cav.; enl. Jan. 2, 1804, three years.
Edgar Wood, private, 0th Cav. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years.
Henry Willick, veteran, 80th Inf.; enl. Dec. 20, 1SG3.
Newman Miller, private, 5Sth Inf.; onl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years.
John Fulton, private, 85th Inf; enl. Feb. 17, 1804, three years.
William T. Dininny, piivate, 10th Cav.; enl. Jan. 20, 1804.
William T. Spicer, private, lS9th Inf, Co. H ; enl Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch.
May 20, 1805.
David B. Scoficld, private, 189th Inf., Ct). H; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
D. C. Mills, private, lS9th Inf , Co. U ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4, one year ; disch. May
20, 1805.
Amos Little, lS9th Inf., Co. H.
Moseby J. Moss, corp., 189tli Inf, Co. II; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one year; disch. May
30, 1805.
Henry Genung, private, lS9tb Inf, Co. II ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one year.
Petlo J. Ilaight, private, IbOth Inf, Co. II ; onl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year.
Isaac P. Teachman, private, 189th Inf, Co. U; enl. Aug. 31, 1805,one year; disch.
May 30, 1805.
Wm. W. Crawford, private, 189th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year.
George C. Mooti, private, 9th H. Art. ; enl. Sept. 17, 1804, one year.
Washington M. Winters, private, 1st Cav. ; enl. Sept. 24, 1804, one year.
Hezcliiah Towiisend, private, 0th Cav.; enl. Aug. 24, 1804, one year.
John R. Bonnell, private, I89th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; discli.
May 30, 1805.
Henry Colegrove, private, IS'.Uli Inf, Co. U ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one year; disch.
May 30, 18G5.
Harman Calhoun, private, 189th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 13, 18G4, one year; disch.
May 30, 1805.
Erastus llusted, private, 189th Inf, C-o. H ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; disch.
Way 30, 1805.
Sylvester Shoemaker, private, 189th Inf., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, ono year;
disch. May 30, ISO.'i.
John Rickey, private, l07th Inf., Co. H; enl. July 25, 1802, three years; disch.
June 5, 1805.
Thomas E. Morse, corp., 107th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years ; disch.
Feb. 4, 1803.
William H. Covill, private, I07th Inf, Co. H ; enl. July 25, 1862, three years ;
disch. June 5, 1805.
Cyrus 1. Covill, private, I07ih Inf., Co. H ; enl. July 28, 1862, three years ; killed
at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1SG2.
John Seybolt, 14Ist Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years; discli. Feb. 7,
18G4.
Lafayette Hollis, piivate, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 31, 1802, three years.
Andrew J. Lawn, sergt, 14th H. Art, Co. B; enl. July 13, 18G3, three years;
pro. to Corp., March 1, 1805; to sergt., Aug. 1, 1865; disch. Aug. 26, 18G3.
Michael McDonald, private, 14th II. .\rt., Co. B ;enl. Aug. 29,1863, three years;
died in general hosp. at Wa-^hiugton, Feb. 1805.
William J. Wixson, private, 85th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 20, , three years ;
wounded at Fair Oaks; tjiken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C, April 20,
18G4; exch. March 1,1865; disch. June 8, 1805.
William Gniham, sergt., 107tli Rugt., Co. B; enl. July 18, 1802, three years;
disch. June 5. 1805.
Charles Howard Elwood, corp., 148th Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 26,1862; taken
prisoner, Oct. 27, 1804, and sent to Richmond, Libby prison; thence to
Salisbury prison, where he died, Feb. 7, 1865.
Franklin Elwood, private, Berdan's Sharpshooters; onl. Nov. 15, 1861, three
yeai-s; died in Now York, of fever. May 14, 18G2.
John Albert Peacock, private, 101st Regt,, Co. B; enl. Aug. 13, 1802, three years.
Levi Loiie Paddock, private, 40th Mich. Inf, Co. I ; must. March 7, 18G4, three
years; died in Elmira, Aug. 8, 18G4.
David Nathan Paddock, private, l03d Regt., Co. I ; enl. March 7, 18G2, three
years.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
M. V. KNAPP,
son of James A. and Margaret Knapp, was born at Penn
Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1824. His father was a
native of this State, and settled in Yates County at a very
early day. He had a family of ten children, viz., Gebr<re
H., James, M. V., A. P., S. A., Mary L., Chas. P., 0. C,
Wm. C, and F. R. All are living except James and
George H. James A. Knapp, Sr., was a painter by trade.
He died in the seventy-seventh year of his age, at Penn
Yan, N. Y.
Mr. M. V. Knapp was reared a poor boy, but by indus-
try and economy, and the aid of his faithful wife, he has
acquired a competency, and during his life he has aided
his parents and other members of the family to a livelihood.
He commenced life by working on a farm by the month;
also for some time was engaged on the Erie Canal. He
married Miss Sarah E. Haight, daughter of John and
Sarah Haight, of Penn Yan, Dec. 31, 184(5. Miss Haight
was born July 8, 1826. Of this union two children were
born, viz., Marsena A. and Manford H., the latter of whom
died at the age of five months. Mrs. M. V. Knapp's
parents were also early settlers of Penn Yan, and members
of the Baptist Church. i\Ir. Knapp has followed farming
the most of the time since he was married, and to-day is
the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres of good
land, known as the Judge Hall farm, a fine view of which,
and portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp, may be seen in this
work. In politics Mr. Knapp has always been identified
with the Democratic party, and has held some of the po-
litical offices of his town. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are mem-
bers of fche Baptist Church of Wayne, and contribute liber-
ally to its support. Their son is also a member of the
same church.
JOEL AVIXSON.
Mr. Joel Wixson, of Wayne, N. Y., sou of Daniel and
Deborah C. Wixson, and grandson of Solomon Wixson, who
was one of the earliest settlers of Wayne, was born in
Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1814. His fatlier
was a native of New Jersey, and was born Aug. 18, 1786,
and married Deborah Conkliu, of New Jersey, March 3,
,*/•
^^^^^^
TOWN OF WAYNE.
433
1811. Mrs. Wixson was born July 7, 1793. Daniel Wix-
son settled in Wayne on the farm now owned by his son Joel
about the time of his marriage. Of this union eleven chil-
dren were born, viz., Mary, Joel, Martin, Norman, John,
Daniel, Sacket B., Solomon C, Franklin, Eli B., and Meuzo.
Martin and Daniel are deceased. Daniel, Sr., was a soldier
in the war of 1812, and was a farmer by occupation, and
roared his family to industry and economy. He was suc-
cessful, and was numbered with the most highly respected
citizens of Wayne. He and his wife were members of the
Baptist Church. He died Dec. 2, 1852, and his wife died
April 4, 18(54. Mr. Joel Wixson lived with his parents
till he was about twenty-two, when he went to Illinois and
remained about one year, having taken up three hundred
and twenty acres of land. He returned and taught school
winters, and worked on the farm summers.
He married Miss Lydia S. Wright, daughter of John
and Lydia Wright, of Barrington, Yates Co., N. Y., April
3,1839. Mrs. Wixson was born June 4, 181(). Of this
marriage six children were born, viz., Mary Jane (died at
the age of twenty-two), Alzada, Alonzo J. (died at the age
of twenty-three), Ida (died at the age of twenty-one), John
Wright (died at the age of about twenty), and Lydia W.
Mr. Wixson settled on his present farm (the old home-
stead) in June, 1855. He has a fine farm of about one
hundred and eighty acres under a good state of cultivation.
Besides farming, he is engaged in the growing of grapes,
peaches, and apples, occupying for this purpose .some twelve
acres. He is a breeder of fine sheep, and in all his farming
interests intends to keep up with the spirit of the times.
In politics, he affiliates with the Republican party. He
has held various offices of trust and honor, such as assessor
and supervisor, for two terms during the war, and at present
is a commissioner of railroads. He and Mrs. Wixson have
been members of the Baptist Church for many years. He
is interested in good schools, and has given his children
good opportunities for an education. On Mr. Wixson's
sixty-fourth anniversary the members of his own and Mrs.
Wixson's family gathered at his home and made him an
agreeable surprise and a fine present, thus attesting their
love and esteem for him.
Mrs. Wixson's father, John Wright, was one of the
earliest settlers of what is now known as Barrington, Yates
Co., N. Y., and became one of the wealthy men of that
county. He held various offices of trust, and was num-
bered among the most honorable in his community.
SAMUEL IIALLETT.
Samuel Hallett was born in Canisteo, Steuben Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 3, 1827. His parents were Moses and Nancy Fulton
Hallett. He attended the common school winters, until he
was sixteen, when he went to Alfred Academy for two terms.
He was graduated at the State Normal School in Albany,
N. Y., in 1847. He married Ann E. McDowell, of Wayne,
N. Y., April 18, 1848. Before and after his marriage he
taught school in Bath and elsewhere, with marked success ;
afterwards he was confidential clerk for George D. Mitchell,
of Hammond.sport, N. Y., until 1851, when he went to
Adrian, N. Y., and engaged in the lumber business. While
55
there, F. M. McDowell became interested with him in busi-
ness, and continued with him until his death. In 1852 he
removed to Hornellsville, and opened a banking-office ; soon
after he with others organized the Bank of Hornellsville.
In 1855 he went to Europe in the interest of the Scioto
and Hocking Valley Railroad- Company.
He was nominated for Congress by the American party
in 1856, and although unsuccessful, ran far ahead of his
ticket. At the beginning of the war he joined the Repub-
lican party, and acted with it ever after.
Early in January, 1857, the firm of Samuel Hallett & Co.
was formed, consisting of Samuel Hallett, F. M. McDowell,
N. M. Crane, and G. W. McDowell, for the purpose of
transacting a general banking and negotiating business, and
located at 58 Beaver Street, New York. In the latter part
of this month, he went to Europe in connection with the
Nautilus Submarine Diving-Bell.
While there he became interested in the enterprise of the
Atlantic and Great Western Railroad Company, and re-
mained until he had placed a sufficient amount of the stock
and bonds to buy the iron and complete the road ; for which
negotiation the firm received, as commissions, as large an
amount as was probably ever given to any American house
for a similar transaction up to that time. He returned from
Europe in October, 1858.
The success of this enterprise gave an impetus to the
business of the house, which in the early years of the war
made it prominent in monetary affair.s. Their financial
circular was quoted extensively both in this country and in
Europe.
The house earnestly supported the government during
the critical times of 1861, and sub.scribed largely to its first
loans.
In 1863 a new firm, retaining the same name, was or-
ganized, and in connection with Gen. John C. Fremont,
bouglit the controlling interest of the Leavenworth, Pawnee
and Western Railroad Company, one of the initial lines of
the Union Pacific, and changed its name to the Union Pacific
Eastern Division, now known as the Kansas Pacific. Mr.
Hallett took the entire charge of the work in Kansas, and
pushed it with his usual vigor. It was found, however,
that the subsidy in its original shape, together with the
difficulties in negotiating railroad securities at that time,
was insufficient to build the several roads contemplated by
the act of Congress, and he with others made such repre-
sentations to Congress as induced them to cancel the first
lien and take a second mortgage on the roads.
Difficulties arising, Gen. Fremont retired from the enter-
prise, and Mr. Hallett continued the work in his own name.
In the face of almost insurmountable difficulties, he com-
pleted the first section, and issued cards of invitation for a
grand opening, when on the 27th day of July, 1864, he
was assassinated in the streets of Wyandotte, Kan., by a
discharged engineer. He is buried at his home in Wayne,
N. Y. ^
On the day of his death, Mrs. Hallett sailed from Europe
for home with her four children, Ellen, Mai-garetK., Robert
L., and Samuel I., who are all living, except Ellen Hallett
Stewart, who died April 16, 1876.
Mr. Hallett was a man of pleasing address, had a sanguine
434
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
temperament, a genial disposition, and was possessed of a
vast amount of energy.
His forte was to make others see things as he saw them.
We cannot give a better idea of the estimation in which
he was held at the time of his death than by subjoining the
following extracts :
(From the Wyandotte Giizettc of July S«, 1864.)
" We regard the death of Samuel Hallctt as an irrepar-
able loss to Kansas and to the United States. As the leading
spirit in the great Pacific Railroad enterprise, the man does
not live who can make his place good. . . . Let the millions
who shall pass and repass from the Atlantic to the Pacific
remember that to Samuel Hallett, more than to any ten
men, they are indebted for the early completion of this great
artery of travel. . . ."
(From the New York Tribtme, Ang. 10, ISfiJ.)
"The electric spark that flashed over the wires the an-
nouncement that Samuel Hallett had met a sudden death,
at the hands of a discharged engineer of the Union Pacific
Railway, faintly resembled the wonderful intellect which
that rash act quenched in the meridian of its brightness.
... If any man was entitled to the reputation of genius,
that man was Samuel Hallett. Rising suddenly from
poverty, ... he had attained a position which gave him
control of some of the most gigantic financial enterprises of
the age. . . . His influence on the railway enterprises of
the period was remarkable. Though not yet forty years of
age, he had been instrumental in expediting, if not in saving
from destruction, two of the chief roads of the country, viz.,
the Atlantic and Great Western and the Pacific. Both of
these owe their present success, at least, to his sagacity and
persistency, in the early days when the conservatism of
capital shrank from the risks of what seemed doubtful ad-
venture. It does not matter that other men will have con-
ducted these enterprises to final success ; to Samuel Hallett
belongs the credit of having saved them when brains and
courage were needed to accomplish what mere money could
not."
*=^
WEST UNION.
ERECTION OP THE TOWN.
In the petition which was circulated for the formation of
this town the name was Green, but it was referred back to
the petitioners as conflicting with another town of the same
name, when they changed it to Union. This also conflict-
ing with another Union in the eastern part of the State
the word West was prefixed, and the bill was passed April
25, 1845, erecting the town of West Union. The town,
though not thickly settled at that time, was erected for
political reasons, the ruling power having gravitated towards
the north end of the old town of Greenwood, to the exclu-
sion of the more remote southern part.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Jonathan and John Mattason and David Davis came from
the Cowanesque Valley, entering the town from the south,
and settled on the Ed. Plaistead place, about a quarter of a
mile west of the present Troupsburgh line, on land which
overlooks the towns of Troupsburgh, Woodhull, and Tusca-
rora, and both the Cowanesque and Tioga Valleys. The
tax-roll shows them to have been there as early as 1821.
Abram V. Olmstead, a native of Delaware County, opened
the first clearing in the valley, on land now occupied by a
part of the village of Rexville, in 1822. The first child
born in the town was his son, Walter B. Olmstead, who
was born Nov. 4, 1823, and afterwards, when a young man,
opened the first store in the town. Abram V. Olmstead
opened the first tavern, in the log house which stood for
years after on the site of McCormick's hotel, one side
propped up to keep it from falling into the road.
William Burger, also from Delaware County, an uncle of
Mr. Olmstead, who came the next year, settled on the place
in the south part of the town, where John Hauber now
lives, and lived with old Mr. Bray, he having no family.
Frederick Hauber, father of John Hauber, came over
the hills from Lawrenceville, Pa., opening his road as he
traveled, and located in the valley between the others. His
log house, then the finest building in the valley, still stands
beside the road. It was made of hewn logs, and was nearly
two years in construction. At that time there was only a
footpath down the creek. Besides the Mattasons there
were no neighbors to these venturous pioneers. The whole
country was a maze of woods and hills, filled with dark gorges
in which it was easy to get lost. The timber was harder
than that of the country farther east, consisting of maple,
beech, birch, cherry, elm, and basswood, while upon the
blufls were skirts of hemlock, and back south and west were
high ridges of land almost impassable. Pine was plenty a
few miles southwest, but so far from market that it had no
value for a number of years. The hard-timbered lands
were chosen as being more quickly cleared from stumps,
and the surrounding forests furnishing the maple-sugar,
whose manufacture was a remunerative employment for
weeks during the spring months. With the general clear-
ing of land, the change of climate has also changed the
sugar-making, causing the flow of sap to be less regular and
of shorter duration, so that the present improved pans and
buckets, in place of the old-fashioned kettles and troughs,
split and hollowed out with an axe, do not compensate for
the chaniie.
TOWN OF WEST UNION.
435
The high land, on which the greater portion of the im-
proved fiirms arc located, is for the most part quite level,
but cut into, along the courses of the main streams, by short,
deep ravines, covered with the original growth of timber.
The clearings are large, and buildings generally good.
There are few large orchards. In the northwest part
of the town the flat land continues across the deep, narrow
valley formed by Kyder Creek, as it does also in the south-
west corner of the town.
The first settlers in the northwest part of West Union,
on the ridge north of the creek, were Uriah and B. Ingley,
Vincent Compton and his sons, William and Vincent, who
all lived in separate houses around the large spring where
David Sherman's house now stands ; Adam Young, from
Danby, settled half a mile east on the Forbes place, in 1824,
and in 1828 his brothers, William and Ephraim, and his
father, Henry Young, located on adjoining lots. Their
first neighbors west were Daniel Hamilton and David Baker.
Stephen Boyd and a Mr. Reed also settled in the neighbor-
hood of the " big spring," which was called " the village."
A mile and a half from the Olmstead place, now Rexville,
in a westerly direction, the Kyder Creek rises in a deep,
narrow valley, where a spring stream flows from the hill at
the south, and following the course of the swamp, which
fills the narrow valley for a distance of two and a half miles
around to the west and south, between the high hills, de-
scribes a semicircle when it reaches the open valley at " Pine
Sapling," and flowing southwest, joins the south branch of
Kyder Creek, in Allegany County, flows into the Genesee
River, and finds an outlet through the great lakes into tlie
Gulf of St. Lawrence. A branch of Bennett's Creek, rising
in a large spring at the head of this swamp, is also fed by
this stream from the hill, which passes the thirty-feet bound-
ary in the wet seasons, and whose waters, thus divided, flow
also north to the Canisteo, and thence south into the Chesa-
peake Bay. A mile and a half to the south of this spring,
and at an elevation of 450 feet above its level, is the place
of the first settlement on the ridge which forms the central
part of the town, and is the highest point of land in the
county. A couple of miles east, around the ridge, is the
point of first settlement, where the Matta.sons lived. Away
down in the narrow valley between is Rexville, nearly 500
feet below, and entirely hidden from view by the surround-
ing hill-sides, until you approach its level.
This high central ridge, which extends east and west
across the town, was for years after the settlement of the
surrounding country, the unmolested home of the deer and
other wild animals, and was known as " the Big Woods."
The first settlement was made after the completion of the
old Blossburg Railroad, in 1840, by John Shehan, who set-
tled on its highest point, and was joined the year after by
Dennis Malone, who made his first clearing on the Mike
KiefFe place, on the Whitesville road. These men were
both natives of Ireland. Luke Fox joined them, on the
west, before any other settlement was made. The town of
West Union owes its prosperity to the building of the New
York and Erie Railway, in 1842-48; it,s principal settle-
ment dating back to that time. Its citizens, now prosper-
ous farmers, are almost entirely composed of the better class
of native Irishmen, who, discouraged with the vicissitudes
of railroading, then a new industry, left the public works
which first brought them to this part of the State, plun</ed
into the unbroken wilderness, and working after the manner
of their own country, made up in muscle what they lacked
in means.
Philip W. Failing is one of the oldest settlers in the east
part of the town.
A Mr. Bigelow settled in the narrow valley at the outlet
of the swamp on Kyder Creek, known as the "pine-sapling
lot," in 1838, and Mr. Howard took the place lower down,
which included the sapling. Abel Mattason settled half a
mile below, in 1841. The pine-sapling was a single pine-
tree, of gigantic proportions, standing by itself in the open
valley below the swamp, and since the earliest settlement a
prominent landmark. This tree, which was cut down in
1877, measured nine feet across the stump. Rising in a
single stem to the height of twenty feet, it divided into
seven diff'erent trunks, which rose in a group to the height
of one hundred and ninety feet from the ground. Seven
thousand feet of lumber and forty thousand shingles were
made from its trunk.
Land depreciated in value after the first settlements were
made, and many of the early settlers traded their improve-
ments for whatever they could get. Trading was all barter
and exchange, except the raising of money for the payment
of taxes. The discontented followed the Western current,
and the settlements about the spring were partially aban-
doned, and suSered to grow up to briers and wild cherries.
In 1841, David Sherman came from Herkimer County, and
bought two hundred acres of land, including the early clear-
ings. These he irainediately re-cleared, and commenced the
manufacture of cheese for market, in 1842. Mr. Sherman
may safely be considered the pioneer dairyman of West
Union. His large dairy-farm, now under the management
of his son and son-in-law, Eugene Sherman and Alvin C.
Barney, is one of the finest-looking farms in the county.
The front of his fine residence overlooks miles of rolling
hill-lands, divided from each other by narrow ravines, filled
with standing timber, and away beyond is seen in the blue
distance mazy hill-tops across the county. This was the
seat of government, and here was opened the first post-ofiSce
in the town, and David Sherman, the present postmaster^
has filled that oifiee since its erection, in 1847.
David Sherman was a supervisor during the first twelve
years of the town of West Union, and his neighbor, Moses
Forbes, one of the earliest settlers, a quarter of a mile south,
toward the big sapling, was town clerk until 1851.
Alvin Chapin was an early settler in the .southwest part
of the town, and had a large clearing on the hill south of
the south branch of Kyder Creek, in 1842. As early as
1841 his little log cabin was chosen by ex-Governor Sey-
mour as a stopping-place for the night, when passing through
the country.
The .surroundings have changed ; capacious and well-filled
barns greet the eye, and a modern residence, replacing the
old log house, is filled with all the luxuries of a refined and
successful people. This beautiful farm supports a cheese-
factory, and is occupied by Hiram and Giles Chapin, sons
of the first settler.
Alexander Keenan came in 1849, and settled on the
436
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
main ridge, in the " big woods ;" and about the same time,
Daniel Hamilton, father of James Hamilton, the present
supervisor, and several other families settled near Shehan's
place. The hard timber, in later years, has furnished a
profitable industry for the winter months, firewood finding
a ready sale at prices that pay well for the time which
would otherwise be spent by the farmers in idleness. This
wood is taken to the river-valleys, on sleighs, for market.
In 1849, Charles and Daniel Rexford, sons of Dr. John
T. Rexford, of Troupsburgh, encouraged by the rapid settle-
ment, moved into the valley of Bennett's Creek, and
erected a saw-mill just above the present one, at Rexville.
This mill consisted of a single saw, working in an upright
wooden frame, but still was a good mill for those days.
Sawing out their timber in this mill, the Rexfords pro-
ceeded to erect the first frame building in the town, and
open a tavern, which they named the " Eagle." Roads
were opened down the creek to " Bennettsville" (Canisteo),
and over the hill to the Canisteo ; east from the tavern,
past Oliver Perry's, to Jasper and Troupsburgh ; and also
west to Andover, in Allegan}' County. The old tavern
could accommodate half a dozen guests at night, and many
more during the day, becoming much frequented after
lumbering commenced, by the opening of the mills at
Wileyville, five miles south.
The Rexfords sold the tavern to James McCormick,
popularly known as " High Jimmy," a famous Irish wit
and dairy-farmer, of Greenwood, in 1859, and left the
village to which they had given their name.
John Hauber, in whose liouse the first election was held,
was the first man married in the town, his marriage to
Jane K. Hauber taking place May 18, 1832.
Old Mr. Bray did not live to see the removal of the tall
trees from about his door, but died in 1826. His was the
first death in West Union. In 1855, Rexville assumed
additional importance from the opening of a store, this
time to be a permanent one. Jesse Jones and Dr. Cyrus
B. Knight were the proprietors. Soon after, a mail-route
was established, and whole wagons began to take the place
of temporary carts, and " .sleds" made from the crotches of
trees with a cross-piece or bolster pinned across for a seat,
or for chaining fast a log, as occasion might require.
Horses, too, began to be more generally used upon the
roads, while oxen were confined to the heavy work about
the farms.
Uriah Stephens taught the first school, long after the first
scholars had made their way over the hill to an adjoining
district in Troupsburgh.
Wileyville, a saw-mill and post-ofl5ce in the south part of
the town, was opened by John Wiley, William Fisher, and
Benjamin Wilkes, in 1849. Myers & Davison built a mill
on the South Creek, "a branch of the Kyder, in 1855, near
the heaviest body of pine timber in the town, and shipped
their lumber by wagons to Dansvillo a couple of years,
when, building having become more general, a home
market was found.
Of the inhabitants of this town, more than 100 are natu-
ralized citizens, from all parts of Ireland. They are indus-
trious and enterprising, and have neat and commodious
buildings, with well-improved farms where the earlier set-
tlements were made. The later settlements consist of small
improvements, and are only partially paid for.
The representative men of West Union are well known
throughout the county. Patrick Harden, F. X. Ward, who
claims to be the first Irishman of Rexville. Lawrence Max-
well, and Alphonzo McCormick, a son of " High Jimmy,"
are all leading merchants of Rexville. Mr. McCormick is
postmaster, and Mr. Maxwell has been town clerk for the
last three years ; James Hamilton, supervisor, is a young
man of energy and ability ; F. X. Ward, who was elected
associate judge in 1875, is a native of Ireland, as are also
the prominent men of the town generally.
VILLAGE OF REXVILLE.
The village of Rexville contains some thirty residences,
most of which are of neat, modern appearance, and extend
along both sides of the single street on the west side of
Bennett's Creek, occupying the whole width of the deep,
narrow valley. The place contains about" 160 inhabitants.
There are also here a steam saw-, planing-, and grist-mill,
erected in 1877; wagon- and blacksmith-shops, two churches,
one of which is the finest country church in the county ;
and on the site of the first log cabin where Mr. Olmstead
used to sit, rifle in hand, and " take his pick" of deer on the
bank of the creek, is a large three-story hotel, under the
supervision of " High" Jimmy McCormick, a typical wit
of the " County Antrim," Ireland, whose pungent remarks
have given him a wide reputation.
The mail-stage from Canisteo to Whitesville, and Brook-
field, Pa., passes through Mondays and Fridays, giving a
mail twice a week each way.
Surrounding the valley are knobs of land, partially cleared
and partially covered with beech and maple groves on their
less accessible points, giving to the place a cool and refresh-
ing appearance in summer. The principal industry is cattle-
raising and dairying. A cheese-factory, capable of consum-
ing the milk of 1200 cows, has recently been erected at
Rexville, and two others have been in successful operation
for several years in the west part of the town. Grindstones
were cut here from sandstone before settlement became
general, but they were imported cheaper than they could be
made when the country became more settled.
ORGANIZATION.
West Union, the southeastern town in the county, was
formed from the southern half of Greenwood, April 5, 1845,
and the election for the first officers was held at the house
of John Hauber, on the present site of Rexford village,
May 6 of the same year. The officera elected were David
Sherman, Supervisor; Moses Forbes, Town Clerk; Jere-
miah B. Millard, Cornelius Rosa, and William H. Olmstead,
■Justices of the Peace for terms of three, two, and one year,
respectively ; David Collins, Peter A. McLean, Marsena
Cummings, Assessors; Jeremiah B. Millard, Jeremiah Ing-
ley, Alvin Chapin, Commissioners of Highways; Cornelius
Rosa, Henry B. Baker, Jr., Marsena Cummings, Inspectors
of Election ; Thomas F. Hubbard, Henry B. Baker, Over-
seers of the Poor ; Walter B. Olmstead, Collector ; Walter
B. Olmstead, Calvin Clark, William B. Hauber, L. D.
Baker, Constables.
TOWN OF WEST UNION.
437
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
I860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1845.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852,
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors. Town Clerks. Collectors.
David Sherman. Moses Forbes. Walter B. Olmsted.
it II tt (t ti it
•' " " " Charles Rcxford.
" " " " Samuel C. Ileliker.
James Ladd.
David Sherman.
t( tt
Francis X. Ward.
Ephraim Young.
David Wass.
Alvin C. Barney.
Alpb. McCormick.
Alvin C. Barney.
Alph. McCormick.
i( It
Alvin C. Barney.
Patrick Harden.
Samuel C. Ileliker.
Jesse C. Skillman.
a it
James B. Wiley.
Alvin C. Barney.
Jeremiah Jones.
Darius Osmin.
John O'Hara.
N. E. Corwin.
Philip G. Failing.
Charles A. Fox.
Jas. J. McCormick.
AVm. H. Sheffield.
Francis X. Ward.
t( a
Alph. McCormick.
Michael L. Carr.
Edgar B. King.
James Coleman.
Joshua H. Richey.
Jas. D. Hamilton.
Lawrence Maxwell.
Edw. H. Plaisted. "
James D. Hamilton. "
JUSTICES OF
Jeremiah B. Millard.
Cornelius Rosa.
William H. Olmstead.
Jeremiah B. Millard.
Bradshaw White.
Charles N. Philips.
Cornelius Rosa.'^
James Ladd.
James W. Smith.®
Israel Jenning.
Bradshaw Wliite.
James W. Smith.
Ephraim Young,
Champion Stebbins.
Philip W. Failing.
Smith A. Nixon.
James W. Smith.
James B. Wiley.
Levant A. Barney.
N. E. Corwin.
Edward Plaisted.
William Vaughn.
Darius Osmin.
It ti
Palmer Norfield.
James Conway.
Joshua H. Richey.
it it
David D. Smith.
Daniel Hamilton.
John Hurkenrider.
Charles McKinley.
William H. Jones.
THE PEACE.
1863. Jeremiah Boucher."
1864. Benjamin Corwin.
1865. Jeremiah Boucher.
1866. Ephraim Young.
1867. F. X. Ward.
1868. James Ladd.
1869. Job J. Chapman.
Edward H. Plaisted.
1870. James Comoas.
Levant A. Barney
1871. Francis X. Ward.
1872. Jeremiah Boucher.
1873. Levant A. Barney.
1874. James Conway.
1875. Francis X. Ward.
1876. Henry Cramer.
1877. Levant A. Barney.
Edwin Tracy.*
1878. Philip W. Failing.
Benj. J. B. Edwards.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF REXVILLE.
The first religious meeting in the town was held at the
house of Abram V. Olmstead, in 1B31, — a Methodist min-
ister preaching, — and meetings were held in the woods dur-
ing the summer ; every two weeks changing to Mr. Olm-
stead's house, and Mr. Bray's when the weather became
cold. William Burger was the first class-leader, and was
succeeded at his death, in 1832, by Mr. Olmstead, the first
* Vacancy.
settler at Rexville, who retained the position, doing good
work in the little settlement, until his death in 1870.
Among the first meml)ers were Mr. Olmstead and family,
William Burger, Fred. Hauber, William Bray and wife.
Among the early pastors are remembered the names of
Revs, Dewy, Buell, and McKinney, as earnest workers.
The church, which was dedicated in August, 1870, by
Rev. M. H. Davis, was built by Edward Daily, Sylvester
Skillman, and John Plaistead, trustees, at an expense of
$900. Rev, M, H, Davis, C, T, Gifford, F, M. Smith,
and W, Buck have served as pastors. The present mem-
bership is 34 ; besides which there is a branch class at
Wileysville, numbering 18 members. William H. Jones,
of Rexville, is class-leader and clerk ; Thomas Day, Edward
Daily, and William Jones trustees. The church, though
small, is neat in appearance, and at the time of its con-
struction sufficiently large for the sparsely-settled location.
The first settlers were Christian people, and observed the
Sabbath with Puritanic grace.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Previous to the year 1832 a number of Catholic families
from the north of Ireland settled in the town of Green-
wood. Daniel and Thomas McCormick came in 1833,
and were soon followed by Widow McCormick, mother of
Thomas and John McCormick and Patrick McCormick,
with their families. Numerous Catholic families continued
to settle in the towns of Greenwood, Troupsburgh, and West
Union. Although increasing in numbers, no church was
established until the year 1845, when the Catholics came
together, and resolved to build a cliurch in which they
could, like Solomon of old, worship God in a more suitable
temple. Up to this time the religious wants of Catholics
were attended by priests, who came on horseback from
Rochester. Among those we may mention the Rev. Fathers
Simon Sandril, M. Murphy, and Thomas McEvoy. The
site of the new church in Greenwood, together with the
cemetery attached, was donated by Mr. Patrick Flinn,
whose memory will always remain dear to the priests and
Catholics of Greenwood, Rexville, and Troupsburgh.
In the year 1846 holy mass was offered for the first time
in the new church by Rev. Thomas McEvoy. In 1848,
Right Rev. John Timon visited this portion of his diocese,
and offered up the sacrifice of the mass, and administered
the sacrament of confirmation to a large number of children
and adults. Previous to 1848 large numbers of Catholics
had settled in this and the adjoining towns. With others
came Neil O'llargan, with his family, who soon identified
himself with Catholic interests.
The Rev. Fatber McEvoy, who was the founder of the
Greenwood Catholic church, attended to the parish from
1845 to 184!), in which year he was succeeded by Father
Michael O'Brien, who resided here until 1851, when he
was replaced by Fathers Patrick Bradley, Daniel Moorland,
and Jo.scph McKenna, respectively. In 1852, Bishop Timon
visited this parish a second time, and administered con-
firmation to a large number, including many recent settlers.
Rev. John Fouhey was appointed to the pastorship of
Greenwood and West Union, Oct. 15, 1852, and adminis-
tered the affairs of the parish until 1856, when the juris-
438
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
diction was for a time transferred to the Franciscan fathers
of Allegany College, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. In 1859,
Rev. James Fouhey was appointed pastor of this parish.
Previous to this appointment. Bishop Timon made a third
visitation, in 1856, and also in 1860 made a fourth one, in
each of which he administered confirmation to numbers of
children and adults. Rev. James Fouhey was succeeded,
in 1861, by Rev. Father McConnell, who remained until
1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Rogers, who
in turn was replaced, in 1867, by Rev. James H. Leddy,
who remained until 1869. During Father Leddy's admin-
istration a Catholic benevolent and temperance society was
founded. From the 9th of May until the 9th of July,
1869, Rev. James Bloomer and Rev. Philip Kinsella ad-
ministered the parish as quasi pastors.
In order to meet the wants of the Catholics of Troup.s-
burgh, a handsome little church was built during the admin-
istration of Rev. James Fouhey, in 1860. It has since
ceased to be used as a house of worship, owing to the
founding of a splendid new church in the village of Rex-
ville, in 1870, which church has also superseded the old
church of Greenwood, founded in 1845.
In the summer of 1869, Rev. C. D. McMullen was
appointed pastor of Greenwood, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan.
On his assuming pastoral charge, one of his first oflScial
acts was the transfer of parochial jurisdiction from Green-
wood to the village of Rexville, in the town of West Union,
where was founded a larger and more handsome church,
suited to the wants of the Catholics of the towns of Green-
wood, West Union, and Troupsburgh. Owing to the oner-
ous duties of his office, and the large undertaking of build-
ing a new church, Rev. Bishop Ryan appointed Rev. Father
O'llarragan as an assistant pastor, in 1871. The new
church progressed in building during the years 1871-72.
Alphonzo and J. J. McCormicIc donated to the Rt. Rev.
Bishop the site of the new church. Patrick Harden, Jas.
McCormick, Sr., one of the old pioneers of the town, C.
N. Dunne, John O'Hara, Patrick Carey, Martin Moran,
Peter Lee, Daniel O'Kane, John O'Hargan, Michael Max-
well, Michael Kilduff, and many others, contributed liber-
ally to its support. The magnitude of the undertaking,
and the pressure of hard times in 1873, caused the work
of building to progress slowly. Rev. Father O'Flanagan,
who succeeded to the pastoral charge on the death of Father
McMullen, in 1872, used every means in his power to com-
plete the church, but it was reserved to Rev. Father Con-
nery to bring this labor of years to a successful termina-
tion. In 1874, the present pastor, Rev. M. P. Connery, a
young priest, assumed control of the parish, and by his
energy and perseverance a debt of $2200 was removed, and
the new St. Mary's Church was finished and dedicated by
Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan, Sept. 8, 1875, in the presence of a
large concourse of clergymen and laity.
This splendid church, which had been erected at a cost
of $18,000, was burned Feb. 13, 1877. The people imme-
diately began with willing hands the construction of an-
other, and Sept. 14 of the same year the present church
was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God by Rt. Rev.
Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo, assisted by Rev. R. E. V. Rice,
CM., and Rev. John Tally, CM., of the seminary of Our
Lady of Angels College, Suspension Bridge, N. Y. ; Rev.
F. Clark, Hornellsville; Revs. Wm. Keegan and P. Creigh-
ton, Brooklyn ; Rev. P. Kinsella, Rev. Henry Leddy, Rev.
Martin Ryan, Rev. P. Cronin, and many other distinguished
clergy and laymen. This new church is one of the finest
in the county, costing §9000, and is remarkable both for
its large proportions and the beauty of its architectural
design. The spire is 135 feet in height, and contains a
2000-pound bell. In addition to the church, Rev. Father
Connery has erected a splendid parochial residence adjoin-
ing, and has increased tlie church property to three and
a half acres.
Besides Father Connery, Rev. Father Malloy is at present
attached to this church. Of the former priests of this
parish, two — Rev. Father C. D. McMullen and Rev. Arthur
McConnell — are buried in the cemetery attached to the old
church. The present membership is about 1000, including
residents in the three towns of Greenwood, Troupsburgh,
and West Union.
MILITARY RECORD OP WEST UNION.
George Bruner, private, Co. I, lCl7lh Regt. ; enl. Aug. 3, 18G2.
D.aniel Oostelln, privaee, Co. I, 107tli Begt.; enl. .Inly 24, 18G2.
Levi Ciirpenter, private, Co. I, lUTlll Kegf.; en], .Inly 20, 1862.
William Clark, private, Co. I, lOTlh Regt.; enl. Ang. 1, 1862,
Williiim H. Castle, private, Co. I, KJTIh Begt.; enl. July 28, 1862.
Aaron Linza, private, Co. I, 107lli Begt. ; enl July 24, 1862.
Charles W. Littlefleld, private, Co. I, 107th Begt.; enl. Ang. 8, 1862.
Alexander Olmsteail, private, Co. I, lU7th Begt.; enl. July 24, 1862.
Michael IJuigley, private, Co. I, 107th Begt.; enl. July 24, 1862.
William H. Smith, private, Co. I, 107th Begt.; enl. July 24, 1862.
John strait, private, Co. I, 107th Regt.; enl. July 30, 1862.
Sairles Simpson, private, Co. I, 107th Begt. ; enl. Aug. .5, 1862.
Montgomery Smith, private, Co, I, 107th Regt.; enl. Ang. 1, 1862.
Tobias Wright, private, Co. I, 107th Regt.; enl. July 28, 1802.
James W. Smith, 2d lient, Co. H, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
David T. Ilauber, Corp., Co. U, Ul.H Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Foster E. Hodges, musician, Co. H, 141.st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Timothy Barker, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
John Campbell, private, Co. H, Ulst Begt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
Oliver P. Jenks, private, Co. II, 141st Begt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
llaniel Kelly, private, Co. H, Ulst Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862.
J^imes Kelly, private, Co. H, 14ist Regt.: enl. Sept. II, 1862.
Palmer G. Linsay, private, Co. H, I41st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1863.
Patrick Mulheiren, private, Co. H, Ulst Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
Jacob Norton, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862.
Harrison Hanber, Jlortinicr Ricliey, Byron Wiley.
Palmer A. Linya, Co, B, 86th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 21, 1861.
George A. Carr, Co. II, 80tli N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1801.
William A. Holt, Co. H, SOIh N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
Joseph F. Holt, Co. II, 8Gth N. Y. Inf.; enl. Oct. 31, 1861.
Wesley J. llonghtailiiig, Co. H, 8Cth N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
Edwin M. White, Co. 11, 86rh N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1801.
William C. White, Co. H, SOIh N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861.
George H. Hubbard, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf.; enl. 1801.
John Corwin, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf.; died in Andersonville prison.
Egbert C.irwin, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf.
John A. Rice, Co. H, 8Gth N. Y. Inf.; died in hospital at Washington, D. C.
Palmer Warfield, wounded and discharged.
Milo Walters, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf.
William Tadder, 1st lient., 1st N. Y. Dragoons.
George Tadder, 1st N. Y. Dragoons.
David Tedder.
Patrick Donnoly, N. Y. Art.
Hiram Cbapin, 1st N. Y. Dragoons.
Aaron Lindsay, N. Y. Inf.
Chailes Morey, 107th N. Y. Inf.
Lucius Failing.
David D. Smith, wounded.
Greeley, died in service.
Charles Mathews.
Boucher, killed in battle.
John Erskins.
Cornell, killed in battle.
Alonzo Slnyter, wounded.
David Corwin, killed in battle.
Amanzo Wiley, Crocker.
TOWN OF WEST UiNION.
439
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
DAVID SHERMAN
was born in Norway, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Jan. 10, 1800.
His father, Samuel Sherman, was a native of Tiverton,
R. I. ; was of German descent, liis ancestors first going to
England, and thence to America. He was born in 1756 ;
was a soldier of the Ilevolutioniiry war, and most of the
time act«d as minute-man in Rhode Island. He afterwards
went out privateering; was taken prisoner, and after several
weeks was exchanged. He married Sarah Sawyer, a native
of Little Compton, R. I. ; settled on Prudence Island ;
afterwards at Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., where
he lived for some fifteen years, and removed to Norway,
Herkimer Co., where he died at the age of sixty-five. His
wife also died there, in 1832, at the age of seventy-two.
Their children are Mrs. Joshua Benjamin, of Norway;
Wright, of Norway, afterwards of Oswego ; Humphrey, of
Wayne County ; Antrace ; Cynthia ; Mi-s. Phineas Randall,
of Pennsylvania; George, of Alfred, Allegany Co., N. Y. ;
Samuel, of Norway ; David, subject of this sketch ; Josiah,
of Alfred; and Mrs. James Baker; of whom only two are
living in 1879, — Josiah and David.
Mr. Sherman remained at home until he was twenty-six
years of age, and received a fair common-school education.
At that age he married Minerva, daughter of Luther and
Clarissa Ilorton, of Norway, Herkimer Co. He carried on
farming on his father's farm until 1841, with the exception of
a few years spent working at the carpenter and joiner trade,
at which time he removed with his family and settled in
the town of Greenwood (now West Union), purchasing two
hundred and seventy-five acres of land, mostly timbered, to
which he has made additions since of several hundred acres ;
and his farm now eompris*es some six hundred and forty
acres, located in the northwest part of the town, it being the
largest farm in one body, occupied by one man, in the town.
/
^ .c^iyV-\^ ^yU^^^r-i^^^^i--^-^ ^(/l
i^
He has been, since his settlement in the town, not only
a representative farmer, but leading in all public enterprises
for the benefit of the people, and interested in local and
State legislation.
In 1845 he represented his town on the Board of Super-
visors, and held that office for thirteen years in succession,
except one. For two years he officiated as assessor, and
since 1847 has been postmaster at West Union, receiving
his first appointment under Postmaster-(!enoral Johnson.
Mr. Sherman was identified with the Democratic party
in his middle life, and a quite active exponent of its prin-
ciples, but being a strong anti-slavery man, and opposed to
the extension of slavery in the Territories, in 1856 supported
Gen. John C. Fremont for President of the United States,
and has since been a member of the Republican party. He
was early in life a member of the Free-Wili Baptist Church,
as also was his wife, but since his residence in Steuben
County has been a liberal contributor to other denomina-
tions, and of kindred interests. Mr. Sherman is a plain,
unassuming man, unswerving in principles of justice, a man
of correct habits, and possessed of strict integrity in all the
relations of life. Mrs. Sherman died May 5, 1867, aged
sixty-one, having been born on the day of the great eclipse,
in 1806. She was a woman of great self sacrifice wherever
duty called, and possessed strong sympathy for those in
need, and during the latter part of her life was a very de-
voted Christian.
Their children are Mrs. J. C. Green, of Alfred Centre;
Mrs. Milo Burdick, of Alfred Centre; Mary, wife of Hon.
Aivin C. Barney, of West Union ; and Eugene. Eugene,
only son, married Christy Forbes, of Iowa, and resides upon
a part of the homestead formerly owned by Mr. Sherman,
and, with his brother-in-law, Mr. Barney, carries on the
farm, of which they are now the owners.
WHEELER.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION. I
The town of Wheeler was formed from Bath and Pratts-
burgh, Feb. 25, 1820, and was named from Capt. Silas
Wheeler, the first settler. A part of Avoca was taken off
in 1843, and a part of Urbana in 1839. It lies in the
interior of the county, northeast of the centre, and has a
high, rolling surface, in many places of great variety and
picturesqueness, and richness of soil, particularly in the
valleys. The farms are among the finest in the county,
and under a high state of cultivation, the soil being a clayey
and shaly loam, well adapted both to pasture and tillage.
The principal streams are the Five- and Ten-Mile Creeks,
and some small lateral tributaries.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Capt. Silas Wheeler, in honor of whom the town was
named, was the fir.st permanent settler. He was a native
of Rhode Island, but then I'ecently from Albany Co., N. Y.
He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was with Benedict
Arnold in his perilous march through the forests of Maine,
and at the assault of Quebec stood near Montgomery when
he fell. He was four times taken prisoner, — twice by land
and twice upon the high^seas as a roving privateersman.
After his second capture upon the coast of Great Britain
he was confined in jail at Kinsale, Ireland, and condemned
to be hanged as a pirate. He escaped by the aid of a
friendly Irishman and of the distinguished orator and
statesman. Henry Grattan. Mr. Grattan procured for him
a passport, protected him from press-gangs and the police,
and secured for him a passage to France, whence he re-
turned to America. He settled in the town of Wheeler
(then included in Bath) in 1799.
Capt. Wheeler's first trip to mill is worthy of record, as
it gives an insight into the hardships and privations of the
new settler. There were at this time three mills in the
neighboring towns, viz., at the Friends' settlement, at
Naples, and at Bath. The mill at Bath was not running
for want of something to grind. Capt. Wheeler's first busi-
ness was to make a cart, which he did after the most primi-
tive style j the wheels were sawn from the end of a log of
curly maple, the box was made to correspond, and with a
yoke of oxen attached to this vehicle he started for Naples.
Two pioneers went before with axes to clear the road, while
the captaiu with his bovine vehicle, bounding over logs and
stumps, and floundering through the bushes, followed.
The first day's march was six miles, the second brought
them to their destination. Capt. Wheeler was famous
throughout all the land for his anecdotes, and many an
otherwise weary hour has been beguiled by listening to his
adventures. He died in 1828, aged seventy-eight, with his
son, Grattan H. Wheeler, on the property now owned by
440
his grandson, G. H. Wheeler. The Gulf road to Bath was
opened by Capt. Wheeler, and the Kennedyville road was
opened a year or two afterwards. His children were two
twin daughters, Ruth and Sarah, and a son, Grattan H.
Wheeler.
Col. Grattan H. Wheeler, the son of Capt. Silas Wheeler,
was an extensive farmer and lumberman. He was always
interested and largely identified with public afiairs, also
a successful politician. Besides filling with energy and
public spirit various town offices, he represented his dis-
trict in the Assembly from 1823 to 1827, and mainly
through his efibrts in the Legislature the property qualifi-
cation of town officers was materially modified. He after-
wards held the office of State Senator, and while discharg-
ing its duties, was elected Representative in Congress, in
which capacity he served from 1831 to 1835. Col. Whee-
ler was a useful and benevolent citizen. At one time he
owned 3000 or 4000 acres of land. He died on the farm
on which his father settled, about 1851. His children by
his first marriage were Sallie, Silas, and Grattan H., and by
his second marriage, Fannie, Eliza, Ruth, Adelia, William,
and Addison.
Nathan Rose, who married Ruth Wheeler, settled in
1804, and made the first clearing on that part of the
property now owned by 0. F. Marshal, known as the
Rose farm, on the west side of the creek. He was a
farmer by occupation, and a great lover of hunting and
fishing. The game taken on such occasions he often
divided with his neighbors. He moved to Michigan in
the spring of 1834. His children were Polly, Wheeler,
Fanny, Sarah, Fruman, Rebecca, Palmer, Gardner, Fred-
erick, Mahula, DoUie, and John.
William Holmes, who married Sarah, daughter of Capt.
Silas Wheeler, settled and made the first clearing on the
farm where Ira P. Barney now lives, about 1804. He
was a shoemaker by trade, but devoted his time chiefly to
improving his farm. He died on the same farm. His
children were Betsey, Henry G., Lucy, Samuel, Polly, Ruth,
Harriet, and Silas.
Levi Gray was the first settler on the farm now occupied
by E. Hathaway. He was the first postmaster in the town,
about 1816, on the same farm. The mail was then car-
ried on horseback from Bath to Geneva. He was justice
of the peace before the town of Wheeler was erected, and
the first town clerk in the town of Wheeler. His children
were Samuel, Daniel, Jane, Frank, Harry, Eunice, Larron,
Elizabeth, Lucretia, and Richard.
GEN. OTTO P.. MARSHAL.
Otto Frederick Marshal was born in Ziesar, kingdom of
Prussia, on the 14th of August, 1791, and came in com-
TOWN OF WHEELER.
441
pany with his father, Daniel Marshal (then a widower), to
New Yorii, in 1799, whence they removed to Utica, in 1801,
and thence to the town of Wheeler, on the 22d of February,
1810, settling on a farm purchased by the senior Mr. Marshal
of Valentine Bear, of Bath, in the year 1805. Gen. Marshal
is a farmer by occupation. He has always been interested
in public affairs, and a strong advocate, both in theory and
practice, of a judicious and economical management of the
^/)k !z4J//ia^
/?
same. He has held at different times various town offices,
among them those of supervi.sor, justice of the peace, and
assessor. He served his county as superintendent of the
poor at different times, beginning with his first appoint-
ment, in 1835. He represented his district in the State
Legislature in 1847. He was a commissioner of deed.s many
years, appointed postmaster in 1837, and now holds the ap-
pointment of notary public. He was an interested and
prominent member of the military organization of the
State. He was corporal in 1810, and has held every office
in the regular line of promotion from that position to the
rank of major-general, to which office he was commissioned
June 29, 1832, and the duties of which he faithfully dis-
charged until he resigned, April 9, 1845. He was present
as a commissioned officer at the execution of Robert Doug-
lass, in Bath. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
in which society he has been elder and trustee many years.
He now lives on the same farm where he fiiTst settled, at the
age of eighty-six, surrounded by the fruit.s of his labor.
His children are Eliza Ann, Sarah D , Frederick, Francis,
and F. J., the last of whom now lives with his father on
the same farm.
He has always taken an active interest in the agricul-
tural affairs of his county and State, and has held places on
important committees in the agricultural organizations of the
county and State.
56
George Renchan came from Albany County at an early
day, and settled on the north part of the J. H. Wheeler
property, known as the Renchan farm. He built a log
house on the flat west of the Prattsburgh road. Afterwards
a house was built on the same road. At one time an Indian
camp stood just north of Renchan's house, on the flat.
Their relations with the Indians were always friendly. Mr.
Renchan's experience with wild animals was frequent and
troublesome. Mr. Renchan died in the service of his
country, in the war of 1812, on his way to the front, leav-
ing his widow to encounter alone the difficulties of her
pioneer home.
J. C. Overhiser came from Otsego County, in 1811, and
settled on West Creek, where Chester A. Overhiser now
lives. He saw his farm cleared up and improved. He was
a farmer by occupation and a member of the Methodist
Church. He died in the town of Wheeler, May 13, 1871,
in the ninetieth year of his age. He was the parent of
the following eighteen children, all of whom are now living :
James L., born April 7, 1S15.
M;iry, born Oct. 3, ISIG.
Harry, born Jan. 29. 1S18.
Manilla, born Sept. 16, 1819.
Chester A., born Feb. 27, IS21.
Andrew P., born Aug. 14, 1822".
William S., born April 14, 1824.
Seth A., born June 9, 1825.
Micha S., born Nov. 26, 1S26.
Sabra E., born Feb. 19. 1828.
John C, born Aug. 19, 1829.
Joseph S., born Nov. C, 1831.
Abram T., born Oct. 9, 1832.
Slunian D., born April 4, 18,34.
Catherine, born Jan. 18, 1836.
Martha A., born Oct. 9, 1837.
Levi B., born Feb. 12, 1840.
Sarah A., born March 4, 1843.
The following were old settlers in the north half of the
town of Wheeler, formerly part of Prattsburgh. Mr.
Lakin settled the place now owned by B. V. Lewis ; George
Raymond where Carl Stickney now lives. In " Mutton
Hollow," Jenks Young, Thomas Cuming (father of the late
Mrs. John French) settled. Philip Beenicr was a resident
there in 1810. Uriel Chapin settled on the place after-
wards bought by Col. Grattan H. Wheeler. He was a
son-in-law of Capt. Joel Pratt, and kept the first school in
Wheeler. He was a large dealer in stock, having a farm
of three hundred and twenty acres, now owned by the heirs
of Grattan H. Whesler.
William Rowley settled on the north part of the farm
now owned by George Renchan, and lived there in 1810.
The farm was then owned by his father-in-law, Daniel Ray-
mond.
On the west hill lived Andrew Harris, on the farm now
owned by George Bull. Noah Stephens was an early set-
tler on the farm now owned by Isaac D. Noxon, and John
Clark on the farm now owned by Jesse .Merritt.
Capt. Silas and Grattan H. Wheeler built a saw-mill in
the south part of the town, on the farm now owned by J.
Butts, about 1809. They afterwards sold to Gen. George
McClure, and he sold to Dugald Cameron, and Cameron to
Geo. W. Taylor, his brother-in-law, who established there
a grist-mill, distillery, and ashcry, and operated for some
considerable time with success. Taylor was a man of much
enterprise. He w;is at one time a prominent merchant of
Bath.
In the south part of the town, formerly lying in the
town of Bath, Reuben Montgomery was an early settler
(about 1806), on the farm now owned by the widow of S.
H. Rose.
442
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Mitchellville, in the southeast part of the town, contains
about twenty buildings. About 1840, George D. Mitchell
erected a store and saw-mill there and operated these for a
time successfully. E. F. Bliven is the present store-keeper.
A shingle-mill is now riin there by Henry Squires.
Abram Cranmer settled on West Hill about 1808.
After occupying various lands in the town, he finally set-
tled and cleared the farm on which he now lives, on West
Creek. He is a carpenter by trade, but gave an industri-
ous attention to farming. He is a member of the Baptist
Church, and now lives on the same farm, at the age of
ninety-three years.
The first school-house in the territory now known as the
town of Wheeler was a frame building, .which stood on the
farm now owned by Ephraim Anils, on a part of the ceme-
tery lot. The second school-house was a log building, on
the Daniel Baker lot, now owned by John French.
The present building there is the third house and was
built by the job by Richard Gray, J. F. Marshal, Trustee.
The first school-teacher was Uriel Chapin. Capt. Wheeler
built the first saw-mill, in 1802, and set the first nursery on
the old Wheeler farm on the east side of the road. John
Beals kept the first inn before and during 1820, and Cor-
nelius Y^ounglove the first .store, in 1835.
Rev. E. Eggleston (Baptist) was the first preacher.
The first birth in town was that of William, son of Jona-
than Barney, Nov. 1, 1801, and the first death was that of
the same child, Dec. 1, 1802. Levi Gray was the first
postmaster ; second postmaster was Daniel Gray ; third
postmaster, O. F. Marshal ; and the fourth and present
pastmaster, Ephraim Aulls.
The following are the present business interests of
Wheeler : Renchan & Son, feed and saw-mill ; Thomas
Van Tayle, saw-mill ; Thomas Plan.sett, hotel and grocery ;
S. Bailey, blacksmith ; Mortimer Langley, blacksmith ; W.
Bailey, wagon-maker; Anna Williams, school-teacher; 0.
F. Marshal, notary public; D. Z. Gibbs, steam-mill;
Ephraim Aulls, postmaster.
Daniel Raymond settled on the George Renchan farm, in
1804. Among his children were the following : Joel, Mrs.
Burt, Mrs. Rowley, Hannah Haucks, Silas George, Rufus,
Daniel, Alva, Alanson, Lucy, Roswel. Hannah Haucks
died in the town, Jan. 5, 1879, at the age of ninety-six
years eleven months and nineteen days.
Jonathan Barney settled on the farm on which P. F.
Myrtle now lives, about 1800. He there made the first
clearing, and erected the first building. He was a farmer
by occupation, and held some town offices. He entered the
war of 1812 as captain, and was promoted to the rank of
major. He died on the farm now occupied by J. P. Barney,
about 1852. His children were David, Darius, Eliza,
Ephraim, Nathan, Burt, Ira P., Thomas, Sarah, Jane, and
Mary Ann.
Furman Gardner came from Albany County, in company
with Capt. Silas Wheeler, at the age of seven years. He
afterwards settled, and made the first clearing on the lot
where Don Wheeler now lives. He afterwards cleared the
farm, and erected the first building where his son, Wm.
Gardner, lives. He was an honest, industrious citizen, and
died on the farm he cleared. His children were Sarah,
Silas, Rebecca, Addison, Henry, William, Thomas, Harriet,
Benjamin, Polly.
Henry Chichester came from Otsego County, in 1812,
with his widowed mother, one brother, and three sisters,
and settled on the Henry Grace farm, in the town of Wayne,
county of Steuben, where John Lay, a short time before,
had made the first clearing. He afterwards moved on the
Bans Knapp farm, same town, where Groves Soles had been
the first settler before him. Thence he moved into the town
of Wheeler, in 1847, on the farm where he now lives.
Thomas Aulls settled with his father, William Aulls, in
the town of Urbana, on the Benjamin Decker farm, in
1793, and about 1800 removed to the farm in the town of
Wheeler, now occupied by his son, Ephraim Aulls. He
there made the first clearing, and erected a log house and
afterwards made a frame addition thereto. He gave dili-
gent attention to clearing and improving his farm. He was
the first justice of the peace in that part of the town of Bath
afterwards set off to Wheeler. He was a good man and a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and died on the farm
he settled, about 1847. His children were Polly, William,
Samuel, Hiram, Ephraim, Joseph, and Sarah. Ephraim
has always lived on the same farm, and has been postmaster
at Wheeler Centre some forty years.
Albertus Larrowe came from New Jersey in 1800, and
settled on the farm now occupied by his son Albertus. He
built a log house near the present dwelling, and cleared the
most of his land. He was a successful former, and died
on the same farm in 1857. His children were John,
Eliza, Sarah, Catherine, Minerva, Jane, Charlotte, Jacob,
James, Albertus, Jonathan B., Franklin, Charlotte. Jacob
Larrowe was judge of Steuben County, and died in Ham-
mondsport, March, 1878.
Philip Myrtle came from Pennsylvania, and settled on
the farm now owned by D. Z. Gibbs, about 1800. He
cleared the most of the farm, and built the first saw-mill
there and the present buildings. He was a good and honest
citizen. He died on the same farm at about sixty years of
age. His children were Betsey, Margaret, Susan, Sarah,
Catherine, Lydia, Aiigeline, Eliza, Benjamin, Henry, Fred-
erick, and .^Iarilla, all of whom are now living.
CIVIL LIST OF THE TOWN.
At the first town-meeting, held in 1821, Thomas Aulls
was elected supervisor. He was re-elected in 1822. lu
1823, Grattan II. Wheeler was elected, and was succeeded
by Thomas Aulls again in 1824. How long Mr. Aulls
continued to serve as supervisor we have no means of know-
ing. The records show no other name till 1830, when
Jonathan Barney was elected. From that time we have
the list of the principal town ofiicers as follows :
Supervisors. Town Clerks. CoHectors.
1830. Jonathan Barney. (No record.) Hiram Rose.
1831. Thomas Aull.s. " " " "
1832. Jonathan Barney. •* " ** **
1 833. Seth Wheeler. " " "
1834. " •' " " " "
1S35. Jonathan Barney. " " " "
1836. " " Piatt P. Smith. " "
1837. " ' " " " "
1838. " " Ephraim Aulls. Jacob Thompson.
I 1839. S. H. Rose. " " " "
TOWN OF WHEELER.
443
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The record of the election of Justices of tlie Peace for the town has
been kept since 1S3G.
Those elected since that date arc as follows :
1836. Levi Gray.
Abram 1. Quackenbush.
1837. Levi Gray.
Sherman Rose.
1838. Sherman Rose.
1839. Selah EMis.
18i0. John E. Gunsolus.
Seth Wheeler.
1841. Ira P. Barney.
1842. Sherman 11. Rose.
1843. Seih Wheeler.
1844. John E. Gunsolus.
1845. Ira P. Barney.
1846. Hiram Van Pelt.
1847. Grattan II. Wheeler.
1848. James Wagoner.
1849. Ira P. Barney.
1850. Henry Chichester.
1851. Isaac Cranmcr.
1852. George A. Wise.
1853. James AVagoncr.
Ira P. Barney.
1854. Duniel Gray.
1855. Caleb Allen.
1856. James Wagoner.
1857. Nelson Clark.
Simeon Wagoner.
1858. Daniel Gray.
1859. Caleb Allen.
1860. H. Y. M. Charlesworth.
1861. Julius Stickney.
1862. Ira P. Barney.
1863. Isaac Cranmer.
1864. No record.
1865. Henry K. Squires.
1866. Julius Stickney.
1867. Isaac Cranmcr.
1868. U. Y. M. Charlesworth.
1869. Martin V. Clark.
1870. Don D. Wheeler.
1871. Isaac Cranmer.
1872. Simeon Wagoner.
1873. Thomas Aulls.
1874. Eugene Clark.
1875. Oliver R. ¥ox.
1876. Willard Eels.
1877. E. T. Bliven.
1878. Chas. M. Renchan.
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
Collectors.
1840.
Ilosea Longwell.
Ephraim Aulls.
Erastus Rose.
1841.
"
Piatt P. Smith.
a a
1842.
0. F. Marshall.
" "
D. D. Thompson.
1843.
"
H. N. Rose.
a
1844.
"
Edmund P. Smith.
a a
1845.
H. N. Rose.
Erastus Rose.
James J. Maxfield.
1846.
Jonathan Barney.
"
Daniel D. Lewis.
1847.
H. H. Rose.
Geo. A. Banter.
Joseph Hankerson.
1848.
J. E. Gunsolus.
"
George Renchan.
1849.
a it
Piatt P. Smith.
Adam Banter.
1850.
Benjamin Myrtle.
Geo. C. Wise.
James E. Taylor.
1851.
ti (i
" ■'
H.Y.M. Charlesworth.
1852.
Grattan H.Wheeler
Josiah Guiwils.
George Renchan.
185.3.
Dan. D. Thompson.
tt ti
John C. Wiliiams.
1854.
" •'
James E. Taylor.
a a
1855.
Ira P. Barney.
Edward Y. Knajip.
AVilliaui Thompson.
1856.
Daniel Gray.
James E. Taylor.
Jacol) Lewis.
1857.
Ira P. Barney.
a
a
1858.
" "
a
Orville Thompson.
1859.
Daniel Gray.
0. F. Marshal.
C. A. Overhiser.
1860.
.James Derrick.
James E. Taylor.
Hamiltou llaide.
1861.
Daniel Gray.
F'kl'n J. Marshal.
'•
1862.
James Derricli.
James E. Taylor.
Wm. N. Thompson.
1863.
"
..
"
1864.
" •<
"
Lemuel H. Lewis.
1S65.
S. II. Rose.
D. D. Lewis.
"
1866.
Daniel Gray.
•'
Frank M. Bauter.
1867.
"
Fred'k Uawkinson.
L. B. Overhiser.
1868.
■' "
•' "
William Jolly.
1S69.
J. II. Lewis.
Rieh'd M. Tompsoi
. David Bauter.
18(11.
Julius Stickney.
■'
.Tohn Robards.
1871.
H It
George Lewis.
.-Viva Aber.
.1872.
Lemuel II. Lewis.
William Gardner.
Charles Cranmer.
1873
L. H. Wheeler.
"
Charles M. Coatcs.
1874
William Gardner.
Edgar Hathaway.
Harvey Castor.
1875.
li ii
" '•
Levi Jolly.
1876
Thomas Aulls.
.< a
H. S. Overhiser.
1877.
ii •(
George E. Derrick.
A. J. Crans.
1878
a li
1. a
Joel Thompson.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHKELER.
For many years after tlic settlement of the town there
was no stated public worship. A missionary or neighbor-
ing minister occasionally held meetings there ; David liar-
rower occasionally preached in an early day, James Ilotchkin
also preached in 1815, on West Hill, and David Iliggins in
the east part of the town, on the creek. In 1824, Beriah
Hotchkin preached in the town during one year every
alternate Sabbath. In that year a church was organized
with members taken from the churches of Bath and
Prattsburgh, Aug. 30, 1825. It was received under the
charge of the Presbytery of Bath. In 182G it consisted of
23 members. Afterwards discordant feelings arose in
the church, and meetings were discontinued, but subse-
quently application was made to the Presbytery for the
formation of a new church. A committee was appointed,
among whom were.llev. Messrs. Higgins and Budd. The
committee met Oct. 19, 1831, and organized a church,
consisting of 5 male and 4 female members, under the
name of Centre Wheeler Church. Ten members more
were received from the original church. In 1832 a legal
organization was effected, under the name of the First
Presbyterian Society of Wheeler, and the following trusters
were elected : Harry Read, Albert Wilcox, Reuben C.
Montgomery, Cornelius Younglovc, Otto F. Marshal, and
Levi Gray.
June 18, 1832, Thomas Aulls was appointed treasurer
and T. W. Hitchcock clerk. The .same year a new church
was erected by Samuel Aulls, at a cost of §600, on a site
between the house of Ephraim Aulls and the ])resent hotel.
given by Thomas Aulls. The house has since been moved,
and is now used for a blacksmithsliop. In February, 1833,
Rev. James Hotchkin commenced preaching, and was in-
stalled pastor the ITtli of the following September. He
continued pastor till Feb. 17, 1837. Rev. Elijah Wollage
officiated in 1838-39. Rev. Flavel S. Gaylord preached
afterwards two or three years. The society built another
house, in 1867, on the present site, at a cost of something
over S2000. It was dedicated Sept. 7, 1870. Rev. James
M. Pratt preaching the sermon from Psalms Ixix. 9. Rev.
Mr. Palmer made the dedication prayer. Service has been
held there with some intermission to the present time.
The present trustees are Wm. Gardner, D. Z. Gibbs, E.
Aulls, O. F. Marshal, Orville Raymond, and Henry Chi-
chester.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CUURCU OP WHEELEIl.
In the early history of the society, meetings were held in
the Cole school-house, just south of the present church.
The class w;is at time a part of the Avoca charge. About
1845, Joseph H. Tultlc, pastor, and John A. Bauter,
George Bauter, George Shcppard, Hiram Rose, John Over-
heiser, were the trustees. The society, having received a
deed of the present site of Erastus Rose, proceeded to
erect a church building thereon, at a cost of about S800,
by George Renchan, carpenter. The building was again
painted, about 1861, by A. Ballard, of Hammondsport.
C. L. Gifibrd was pastor. The class was attached to the
Kanona charge about 1801, where it remained until 1872,
when it was united with the class at Wheeler Centre and
the class at the Hemlocks, and a new charge or circuit
thereby created.
The number of Sabbath-school scholars at present is
444
HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
about 30. The Bible-claSs numbers about 25. Present
trustees are D. D. Lewis, Nathan Rose, and Robert Webb.
Pastors, since separated from Kanona charge, J. H. Du
Bois, two years; H. 0. Abbot, one year; G. J. Du Bois,
one year; Geo. W. Moxey, one year, and Chas. P. Patterson.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETT OF WHEELER CENTRE.
The Methodist Episcopal society at Wheeler Centre
formerly belonged to the Kanona charge. At one time it
held meetings in the building now occupied by S. Bailey as
a blacksmith shop.
A separate charge was organized in 1872 at the Western
New York Conference, in Rochester, from the Wheeler
Centre Class, the Hill Cla.ss, and the class at the Hemlocks.
A. F. Morey, Presiding Elder; J. H. Du Bois, Pastor.
The first trustees were D. G. Lowe, John Scott, P. F.
Myrtle, David Ackerson, J. W. Searles, and John Eckler.
Class-Leader, Horace Palmer.
The first marriage was that of Frank AuUs to Miss Elva
Gay. J. H. Du Bois oflSciating minister. The first baptisms
were in October, 1872, as follows : P. F. Myrtle, David Ack-
erson, Daniel Benedict, Charles Searles, and Eliza Brewer,
by A. P. Morey. Fourteen persons have since been re-
ceived in tlie church by baptism. Thirty-eight persons
belonged to the church since the organization.
In 1874 the society bought the present parsonage-lot, of
P. F. Myrtle, for $650. The dwelling was enlarged by
inclosing the front upright part, in 1877, at a cost of about
§450. Albert Richards, carpenter.
The number of Sunday-school children is about 0. Su-
perintendents and teachers about 12. Present class-leader,
W. Edwin Coats Present trustees, P. F. Myrtle, A. P.
Overheiser, John Eckler. Pastors since organization, 1872 :
J. H. Du Bois, two years ; H. O. Abbott, one year ; G. J.
Du Bois, George Moxey, and Chas. Patterson.
MILITARY RECORD OF WHEELER.
Williams, Seabury, private, 23(1 Inf., Co. A; enl. April, 1S61, two years; killed
at Autictara, Sept. 17, 186>.
How, Eli^lia, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April, 1861, two years; digch. June,
18C:i, at Elmira.
Smith, Charles, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April, 1861, two years ; re-enl. in
14tli H. Art.
Couch, Geo , Jr., private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May, 1861, two years.
Waide, Charles, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. May, 1861, two years; dlsch. for
disability, Ang. 1861.
Gray, Aaron, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May, 1861, two years ; re-enl. in 46th
Pa. Regt.
McGuinnis, Henry, private, 1st N. Y. Art., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1861, two years.
McGuinnis, Matthew, private, Ist N. Y. Art., Co. E; enl. Ang. 1861, two years.
Townsend, Elijah, private, Ist N. Y. Alt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1861, two years.
Ingesoll, Gilbert, private, 1st N. Y. Art., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1861, two years;
re-enlisted.
Armstrong, Isaac H., private, 102d Inf., Co. D; enl. 1862, three years; re-enl.;
discli. at end of the war.
Armstrong, Eliphalet, private. lU2d Inf., Co. D ; enl. 1862, three years ; re-enl.;
discli. at end of the war.
Armstrong, Wm. W., 102d Inf., Co. D; enl. 1802, three years; re-enl.; disch.
at end of the war.
Crocker, Peter, 102d Inf., Co. D; enl. 1862, three yeare.
Pelham, John, private, 10th Cav., Co. G; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years; disch.
fur disability, Sept. 1862.
Welch, Wni., 10th Cav., Co. G; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years; disch. July, 1865.
Townsend, Asbury Peter, 14th H. Art., Co. E; enl. 1862, three years ; disch. for
disability ; re-enlisted.
Billings, Otis, private, Wlieeler's Battery; eul. Aug. 10, 1.961, three years;
killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 18C3.
Billings, Wallace, private, I4Ist Inf., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 1804, one year ; disch. Avg.
8, 1805, near Washington.
Stevens, Jesse Everett, piivate, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Ang. 2, 1802, three years ;
killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Everett, Wm. L., private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. .Aug. 2, 1862, three years; killed
at Anliotani, Sept. 17, 1862.
Harris, Edwin BL, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. July, 1862, three years ; disch.
June 5, 1805.
Brewer, Nelson .lames, private, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. July, 1862, three years ;
disch. at Elmira, Jnne, 1865.
Kelly, Edwin, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch,
at Elmira, June, 1805.
Brewer, Henry, jtrivate, 107th Inf., Co. K : enl. .Aug. 1862, three years; died in
hospital at Harper's Ferry.
Jordan, Henry, private, lOl^^t Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch.
Nov. 1865.
Remer, William, private; enl. Jan. 2, 1862, three years; wounded at Fort
Fislier; died Feb. 8, 1865, in hospital at Fort Schuyler.
Allen, James, private, 14lst Inf , Co. E; enl. Ang. 1862, tlireo years; disch. at
Cincinnati, July, 1865.
Allen, Wm. S., 141st Inf., Co. E ; enl. .Aug. 1802, three years; died in hospital
at Nashville, Tenn.
Baker, Samuel, private, 101st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1802, three years ; disch. at
Elmira, Nov. 1805.
Aulls, Thoma-i, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. .Aug. 1864, one year; disch.
May, 1805.
Harris, Andrew Jackson, private, 107th Inf., Cj. G ; enl. July, 1862, three years ;
disch. Jnne, 1865.
Morse, Garret G., private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; disch.
Ang. 1865.
Jordan, Solomon, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ;
disch. Aug. 29, 186!, for disability ; re-enl. 189th Inf., Co. G, Aug. 1861,
one year; disch. May 19, 1865, at Alexandria.
Pelham, Clinton, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years: disch.
Oct. 1S65.
Jordan, John, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. .Ian. 1864, three years; disch. at
Rochester, Aug. 1865.
Jolly, Wm., Corp., leist Inf., Co. A ; enl. .\ug. 14, 1862, three years ; disch. at
Port Jefferson, Sept. 20, 1805.
Borden, John, private, Ulst Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years;
wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864; disch. at Jefferson hospital, Nov.
24, 1864.
Barrett, Joseph, private, IClst Inf., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, three years; disch.
at Tallahassee, Nov. 12, 1805.
Horton, John, priv.ate, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1864, one year; disch. at El-
mira, Jnne, 1865.
Wygant, Harvey E., piivate, 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, three years ;
disch. June, 1865.
Wallace, Caleb L., private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 23, 1863, three years ; taken
pris. June 23, 1804, within eleven miles of Ricliniund, confined a short
time in Lildiy prison, removed to Andersouville, and died of starvation,
Nov. 26, 1865.
Barrett, Grattan Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. C ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years ;
slightly wounded at Mansfield ; disch. at Tallahassee, Nov. 1865.
Palmer, Horace, 1st sergt., lOlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Ang. 17, 1862, three years ;
disch. at Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 12, 1865.
Coats, Sylvenns, private, ISOth Inf, Co. H; enl. Sept. 15, 1865, one year.
Earl. Benjamin, private, IClst Inf., Co. .A; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch.
at Port Jefferson, Sept. 20, 1865.
Storms, Charles Henry, private, 107th Inf., (Jo. K; eul. Aug. 11, 1802, three
years : taken sick and removed to general field hospital at Chattanooga ;
died June 19, 1804.
Overhiser, Levi Barney, private, 107th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three
years; taken pris. in Georgia, confined a short time in Florence; ex-
changed ; disch. at Elmira, June, 1865.
Overhiser, Joseph Story, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 1804, three years;
disch. at Rochester, Ang. 6, 1865.
Lockwood, Charies Fletcher, private, 16Ist Inf., Co. A.- enl. .Aug. 22, 1862, three
years; trans, to Ifit Dragoons, Dec. 1862; disch for disability; re-enl. loth
Cav., Co. G, Jan. 1804, three years; disch. Dec. 31, 1864, on account of
wounds and disability.
Lockwood, Lebens Drew, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 1863; died at
Lincoln hospital, Washington.
Strong, Byron Pete, private, 7Gth Inf.; must. Sept. 1863, three years ; sub. for
John G. Webb ; dieil in V. S. gen. hosp.. Armory Square, April 22, 1864.
House, Menzoe, private, 107th Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, three years; taken
pris. at Rutledge, Ga. ; paroled ; disch. June, 1805.
House, Peter Abram, private, 107lh Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, three years;
disch. June 22, 1805, at York, Pa.
House, Wm. Ambrose, private, 161st Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 1802, three years;
disch. Sept. 1865.
House, Martin V., private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year ; disch. June 5,
1865, near Washington.
DiUenbeck, Stephen, private, 161st Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug, 1862, three years;
disch. Oct. 16, at Elmira.
Clark, Wm. E., private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch.
Oct. 1805.
Clark, Martin V., 70th Inf., Co. H; drafted July 14, 1803, three years; disch. in
91st Regt., July 3, 1865.
Lewis, George, private, lOlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1802, three years; disch.
Oct. 17, 1805.
TOWN OF WOODHULL.
445
Maxfield, Godfrey, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; diach.
Oct. 1865.
Van Pelt, Alexander, private, 107th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ;
disch. for disability, Sept. 7, ISO J.
Wheaton, Charles L.. private, 16l3t Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years;
taken prie. ; died April 16, 1864.
Willard, Sugar, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1862, three years.
Garvey, Henry William, private, IGlot Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years;
discli. June 10, 18G4, at Elmira.
Blakesley, Joel, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. lSr.2, three years.
McChesney, Lucas, private, 16lBt Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch.
Oct. 1865.
Stratton, Edward, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; killed
at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863.
Brush, John, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1SG2, three years; disch. Sept,
20, 1865.
Upthegrove, Clark, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1SG2, three years; came
home on furlough, Nov. 5, 18G2; taken sick with typhoid fever, and died
Dec. 1862.
Stryker, Frank, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 18G2, three years.
Weaver, George, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1SG4, one year; disch.
June 30, 16C5, at Alexandria.
Bellinger, George, private; enl. Jan. 1864, three years.
Taylor, Sylvenua P., private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; taken
sick ; died July 25, 18Gi, at University hospital, New Orleans.
Couch, Charles, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 18C4, three years; died in
hospital at New Orleans, Aug. 2+, 1864.
Shults, Kzeriah, private; enl. Jan. 1864, three yeai-s.
Briggs, George A., private ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years,
Greek, Wra., private ; enl. Feb. 1864, three years.
Rtymond, Wm., private ; three years.
Hamill, Philip, private; three years.
AVheeler, Wm. Henrj', private, 189th Inf., Co. C; onl. Aug. 1864, three years;
disch. June 8, I860.
Cooke, Harvey Edward, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years;
disch. Jan. 1863, lor disability; re-eul. Sept. 18C3, 1st Vet. Cav., Co. F;
disch. July 29, 1865.
Toby, Ransfurd, eul. April, 1864, three years.
Wilkins, Robert, enl. April, 1864.
Paris, Tyler, private, 107th Inf., Co. G, enl. July 22, 18G2, three years ; wounded
in left knee ; disch. June 5, 1865, at Elmira.
Brtmer Hial, eul. May, 18G4, three years.
Delany, Palscy, enl. Aug. 1862, three years; sub. for Franklin J. Marshal.
Connelly, Daniel, must. Sept. 18G4, three years; sub. for James P. Streight.
Murphy, John, must. S^pt. 1864, three years ; sub. for Lf nuiel Lewis.
Owooney, John, must, Sept. 18G4, three years; sub. for Nathan Rose.
Douglass, David, must. Sept. 1864, three years ; suh. for Richard M.Thompson,
Kelsey, Francis, must. Sept. 1864, three years ; sub. for John H. Priiie.
Bagley, Charles F., must. Sept. 1864, three years; sub. for Philip Prine.
Saleman, George, must. Sept. 1SG4, three years; sub. for David H. Prine.
Welch, George, must. Sept. 1S64, three years; sub. for George E. Derrick,
Taylor, George W., must. Sept. 18G4, three years; sub. fur Orville Thompson.
Shuits, Meriin, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch.
June, 1865.
Cooper, Ira, Jr., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sopt 18G4, one year; diach. at
Elmira for disability.
White, Wm., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 18G4, one year; disch. June,
1865.
Morrison, David Henry, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1804, one year; disch.
June, 18ii5.
Ackerson, John, enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch. Nov. 1864.
Read, Mortimer W., sergt., 189lh Inf., Co.C; enl. Aug. 18G4, one year; disch.
June. 18C5.
Gray, Charles Muuson, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1864, one year.
Welch, Benjamin S., private, 14l8t Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year;
died Dec. 9, 1861, of typhoid fever.
Cormie, Robert J., private, ISOth Inf., Co.C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch.
June, 1865.
Simons, Alvii D., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; onl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch.
June, I860.
Ilina, Peter, private, Hist Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch, June
8, 1S65.
Churchill, Daniel, private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year.
Keeper, Waddetl L., private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year.
Hark, Chai les, private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year.
Hickory, David J., private ; eul. Dec. 18G4, one year.
Preston, George, enl. Dec. 16, 1864, three years; sub. for Thomas J. Gray.
Robeshaw, Ciiailcs, enl. Dec. 17, 1SG4, three years; sub. for Richard Gray,
Castor, Charles, private, 107th Inf., C». K; enl. Aug. 11, 1SG2, three years;
wounded May 25, 18C4, at New Hope Church; disch. May 30, 18C5.
Dowd, Ira C, private, 141st Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; died in
Georgia, Dec. 1SG4.
Irons, Emir A., private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1802, three years ; disch.
July 6, 1864.
Brown, John Wesley, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 18G2, three years; disch. for
disability.
Warner, Franklin, private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
Drake, Edwin, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1S62, three years.
Krants, Moses, private, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
Blakesley, Robert, private, IGlst Inf., Co. I; eul. Aug. 1862, three years.
Billings, Elisha, private, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 1802.
Allen, Elijah Read, private, Capt. Mowers; three years.
McNeal, Lyman, private; enl. Sept. 18G2, three years; brought home, Aug.
I8G0 ; died.
Shaut, Franklin, drafted, 18G3.
Mowers, Belden, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 1862, three years.
WOODHULL.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
This town occupies a central position upon the .southern
border of the county. Its surface is a hilly upland, varie-
gated with forests and cultivated farms. The principal
stream is the Tuscarora Creek, which flows east through
the northerly part of the town. The general character of
the soil is that of a clayey and gravelly loam, and is good
land for agricultural purposes.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Laying back from the river- valley, and off the line of
general travel, the town of Woodhull presented but little
inducement to the permanent settler in its first years of oc-
cupation. Some venturesome hunter, who had found his
way over the hills south of the Canisteo, discovered among
the dark hemlocks of the Tuscarora hills a beautiful little
valley, thinly covered with groves of maple, oak, and hem-
lock, and inhabited by countless herds of elk and deer. It
seemed to be a hunter's paradise. To the east, a gently-
sloping hill-side occupied the space between two streams
which, uniting at its base, formed the South branch of the
Tuscarora Creek. Westward, a point of land at the lower
end of the valley left barely room for the stream— some forty
yards in width— to find its way out. Continuing towards
the east in its general course, sometimes filling the narrow
space between the hills, and again opening at the mouth of
some smaller tributary into a level valley, so obstructed in
its course by fallen trees as to be almost impassable in itfi
downward course of 700 feet, it finds an outlet through the
Tuscarora Valley into the Canisteo River, twelve miles dis-
tant. The first inhabitants of this town were men who
lived for the pleasure of the chase, and found their way
into this secluded spot with their families, only to leave on
the approach of a more permanent settlement.
In 1804, Pauicl Johnson, father of Ashcr Johnson, first
supervisor of Woodhull, and for a number of years a prom-
446
HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
inent citizen, settled on the South branch, about a mile west
of the present village of Woodhull.* Mr. Johnson was the
first permanent settler within the bounds of the present
town, and was supervisor of the old town of Troupsburgh,
which then included a portion of WoodhuU until 1812.
Spears and Merlin entered four hundred acres of
land each, on the left bank of the Tuscarora, and Mr. Merlin
did some chopping on the west end of Col. Jeffrey Smith's
farm, in the north part of the village, but abandoned it with-
out making any settlement. In the spring of 1805, Bethuel
Tubbs, father of Joel and Zebulon Tubbs, eame up the
frozen creek, upon the ice, and located upon the North
branch, a short distance above the point. During the same
year. Squire Wilkes located on the hill near the point,
Caleb Colvin coming about the same time and locating near
him, and Josiah Styles settling on the Cook place. Stephen
Dolson, Brcakhill Patrick, Wm. Martin, and Bethuel Tubbs
settled back, on the west of the point. These settlers did
little more than to build themselves cabins and open com-
munications with the outer world by way of the creek. In
March, 1806, Caleb Smith, a native of Orange County,
who had recently settled at Southport, Chemung Co., sold
his improvement at that place, and with the proceeds
($1300) ascended the Tuscarora with his family of nine
children, for the purpose of establishing a mill at the new
settlement. He purchased ten acres of land immediately,
as a freehold, and commenced work upon his mills. A
dam was built across the narrow outlet of the creek, at the
lower end of the valley, and two separate mills were erected,
a saw- and a grist-mill. The grist-mill was built of logs,
and the stones were taken from the bed of the stream near
by. During this year the settlement increased, Joshua
Green, Asel Styles, and Henry Martin locating half a mile
north of the creek, towards Jasper. Lekins Clark, Daniel
Cortright, a Mr. Mynear, and Mr. Laton settled up the
South branch in the order named. Several of the South
branch families only remained while game was plenty, mak-
ing but little improvement.
Samuel Smith, whose place was on the point occupied by
the academy, came in 1807. The grist-mill was burned
the year after it was built, and the next year the dam and
saw-mill was carried away by high-water. These were the
first mills in the town. The first birth recorded is that of
Polly, daughter of Samuel Smith. Levi Rice and Cynthia
Tubbs, Zebulon Tubbs and Sally Rice, and Abner Thomas,
who taught the first school, and Esther Tubbs were the first
couples married in the town. The first death was that of
adaughter of Stephen Dobson, in 1808. The first meetings
were held at the house of Daniel Johnson, a Rev. Mr. Jones,
of Elmira, preaching. During the same year a school-house
was built of hewn logs, two miles up the creek, towards an-
other settlement, Abner Thomas teaching the first school.
The first settlers who came were poor, and subsisted mainly
by hunting and fishing. What clearing was done they did
in the easiest way, cutting out the scattering underbrush
and smaller timber, and girdling the hemlocks. The more
energetic, but less experienced, cut a ring around the hem-
« At Woodhull, on the South Branch of the Tuscarora, the two
streams above are known as the North and South blanches; the North
branch being the main stream.
locks to the depth of three or four inches, to make sure
their death. If large trees stood where a fence was wanted,
they were felled, and brush was freely used to piece out the
distance between them. Limbs and dead trees were con-
stantly falling upon the growing crops, and the shade of the
surrounding forest caused wheat to smut badly. Rye was
a surer crop, and was the staff of life for many years. Work
was to be had on the river, payable in grain, and if the
harvest was too far off to suit the family appetite, wheat and
corn could be had of the river formers, payable after har-
vest, with a peck on each bushel for interest. Interest
may have been high, but the unfortunates were rarely
brought before the power of the law.
The boys had their annual trip to the river in the fall to
get butternut bark for coloring their winter clothing. Buck-
skin was worn, some of the girls even appearing at school
with buckskin waist and coarse woolen skirt. Home-made
shoes, made from leather tanned on shares away down the
river, and called " leggins,"' were common. An old settler, now
a man of wealth and influence, tells of the pride with which
he donned his first cotton shirt, made of coarse, dark, three-
quarter cloth at a cost of 50 cents a yard. Many of the
early settlers becoming discontented, abandoned their lands,
which, growing up to grass, made pasture for the cattle of
those who remained. In 1812, the death of Mr. Johnson
and five of his family from a fever which appeared general,
scared off some of the settlers who thought the locality to
be unhealthy.
George Martin built the second mill during this year,
farther down the creek. There was a little further settle-
ment before 1821, when Seth Peirce opened the road which
still bears his name. This road, commencing on the Can-
isteo River, was cut through the heavy timber south in as
direct a course as possible, passing through an unbroken
forest to the valley where now is Woodhull village, continu-
ing south to near the Pennsylvania line. The object of
this road appears to have been to induce settlement, and
was in a slight degree successful. Mr. Peirce received from
the Pulteney oflice some lands near the south end of the
road, laid out a four corners, and built throe or four log
houses. He also chopped over 30 or 40 acres of land, but
never moved there. Peter Smith, who helped make the
road, his wife cooking for the hands, was induced to remain
for a while at the opening, but it was finally abandoned.
Wm. Wildrich and William H. Sly now own the fine farms
upon which this first effort at settlement proved a failure.
Mieajah Sherwood, fiither of the late Hon. Henry Sher-
wood, of Corning, Hiram Sherwood, of Jasper, and Wm.
M. Sherwood, of Woodhull, made the first opening on
this road south of Woodhull, a mile and a half from the
village, in 1821, building his first house upon a large hem-
lock which he felled across the hill. His second or per-
manent house still stands above the road near the watering-
trough, its heavy door and little old-fashioned windows
looking forth from beneath the broad, old-fashioned open
"stoop," over which projects at least a third of the roof of
the house. Hero the old pioneer died, in 1843. John
Stone and Hugh Boyd opened farms adjoining, south, in
1822, and soon after, others, from Pulteney, settling south
and southeast, gave the locality the name of Pulteney Hill.
TOWN OF WOODHULL.
447
To the norlh, Mr. Hovnockei- and James Williams at-
tempted a settement on the present Bebout place, but find-
ing it too far back, and water scarce in the dry season, Mr.
Williams moved down on the Tusoarora Creek, and made
the first permanent settlement between " Rowley's" and
Woodhull village, selling his place on the Hill to Asel
Bears in 1825. The same year (1S2G), Worcester Perry
moved on to the place where he still lives, at the foot ai'
the hill south overlooking Hedgesville ; Thomas Hedges
coming the same week. The Peirce road does not appear
to have been used previous to tliis time, as Mr. Perry spent
a whole week in opening it so that he could get through
with his wagon.
Building a log cabin 16 feet in length, and flooring it
with two lengths of rough puncheons split from a pine near
by, Mr. Perry worked through the first year surrounded
by difficulties. A friend stopping with him, late in the
fall, went out in the night to shoot a bear, and killed one
of his cows. The other one soon became injured in the
woods, and had to be killed. In the depth of winter, during
a terrific snow-storm, while his neighbor, Mrs. Hedges, was
awaiting her husband's return from the mill, a large maple-
tree he was chopping near the house fell crosswise of the
kerf, and striking upon his house, broke in the entire roof,
throwing the debris upon the women and children, and de-
molishing his winter's supply of provisions which were stored
in the loft. In their haste to escape, the two choppers fell
over each other beside the stump, and barely escaped being
buried beneath the huge trunk. Happily no one was in-
jured. Moving his family to neighbor Hedges', he found
employment for the winter in rebuilding and preparing for
the coming work of spring.
There were then but the families of Samuel Smith, Mar-
tin Harding, and Henry Harding, a mile west; and no
other family between the Canisteo and Woodhull villages
in the north part of the town.
As early as 1825, Andrew Colgrove bought and made
shingles to run down the river, making them on his land
and drawing them north to the South branch, and thence
down the Tuscarora to Addison. This was the only lum-
bering done previously to 1833, sawed boards being drawn
from the Cowanesque Valley at that late date. Immense
quantities of good timber were burned while clearing.
Woodhull did not become a business centre until Joseph
Tubbs, who kept the first tavern a mile up the point at the
old cross-roads, moved down to the present locality in 1833,
and Sylvester Tousey, John Stone, and Calvin Searle
opened the first store in the town, when it began to assume
some importance to the surrounding country. In 18.Ja a
blacksmith-shop was opened, and Ichabod C. Leach built
and opened the first permanent store ; S. V. Lattimer,
Col. Jefi'rey Smith, and his brother, Alfred Smith, being
the principal movers in developing the resources of the
town.
In 1844 a foundry for the casting of farming implements
was established by Warner & Gardner, and in 1851 the
village boasted three stores, one of which was conducted by
Hamilton Marlatt, son of one of the early settlers, who is
still in business; a church, a post-office^ and about a dozen
residences, within a stone's throw of (he woods on three
sides. A mail-route was established before the organiza-
tion of the town, Isaac Goodsell carrying the mail through
by way of Woodhull once a week on horseback.
At the head of Elk Creek, a branch of the Tuscarora
from the south, in the east part of the town, is the Free-
Will Baptist church, and beside it is the old cemetery
where were buried the earlier settlers in the southern part
of Tuscarora and Woodhull. The first settlement in the
southern part of the town was made in this beautiful little
valley, in 1827, by John Brimmer, who.so log cabin has dis-
appeared, and in its place part way up the hill stands the
handsomest residence in that part of the town, whose owner
and occupant, Adolphus Harrison, is the son of one of the
early pioneers. Daniel Christeon came the next year, and
opened a clearing near the Hurd place, half a mile farther
south.
. In 1832, when Alvinza Foote came into the valley, there
were but five or six families in the region, Wm. Lewis
being the last one towards the State line. In the valley
were Eli Terry and James Christeon. It was impossible
to get wagons through the roads, and all travel w;»s done
on sleds. Mr. Foote, one of the early religious workers
and the first deacon of the church, still lives where he first
settled. He is father of Truman B. and Albert Foote, who
are well-known citizens. Toward the centre of the town,
on the higher land, there was no settlement previous to
1835, except the old Rozier Mill, until you reach Peirce's
road ; most of the southern part of the town having a very
recent date, and the greater portion of the clearing having
been done in the last twenty years. The telegraph road
from Addison to Osceola, Pa., passes up the valley of this
creek.
Caleb Smith, who was seven years a magistrate before the
formation of the town, was the first postmaster. Joseph
Tubbs was succeeded at his death by his son, Silas H. Tubbs,
whose influence is as much felt in business circles as any
man in that part of the county. The village was laid out
in lots, in 1834, by Henry Wombough, Sr. Col. Jeffrey
Smith, who has been intimately connected with the town
since his early manhood, was successively ensign, paymaster,
adjutant, major, and colonel, in the old days of general train-
ins, first town clerk of the town of Woodhull, and twice elected
to the State Legi.slature,— in 1844 by the Democrats, and in
18C0 by the Republican party. Possessed of great firmness
of character and temperance habit.«, he well sustains the
weight of his seventy-eight years, still occupying the farm
upon which he started in life. He is a son of Caleb Smith.
VILL.VGE OF WOODHULL.
The present village is located just below the point formed
by the high land between the two creeks, and contains some
450 inhabitants. Looking from this point down stream to
the east, the valley is visible for two miles down the Tus-
carora Creek, the sloping hill-sides dotted here and there
with modern farm-houses, occupying the entire scope of
vision. Far off in front is a dark strip of hemlock timber
upon the top of the highest ground in sight. Near by,
just beyond the village, a knoll projects from the hill-side
half a mile away, its top at the height of the tree-tops in
the valley. This is the cemetery, white with the marble
448
HISTOIir OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sentinels standing guard over the inhabitants of the past.
Here rest many of the earlier settlers. Just to its left is
the most conspicuous residence in the place, and finest in
the town, — that of William M. Sherwood, son of the oldest
settler in the central part of the town. This land was
entered by Caleb Smith, before any other improvement or
opening had been made within your present scope of vision
than a couple of acres of ragged chopping near where the
church on your left sits back into the hill-side, above the
creek. This chopping was the only evidence of civilization
which greeted the eyes of Mr. Smith when he came with
his fomily, in 1806. The few straggling apple-trees between
the village and the cemetery on the flat are the remains of
the first orchard planted in the town, and were raised from
the seed and transplanted. Just below, in the little space
beyond the orchard was the first house, and at the point
beyond stood the little log grist-mill, with its huge fireplace.
The few rods between the orchard and the foot of the hill
was a swamp in " those days." The brown, one-story build-
ing, just beyond the church at your feet, is the town-hall,
and occupies the spot where hung the huge kettles of the
sugar-camp, when the Smith boys, now respected old men
with grandchildren, gathered sap from the maple-sugar bush,
which has since been cut down to make way for the village.
On the right, a dense wood of maple and hemlock comes
down to the foot of the hill and extends away beyond ; the
road passing to the right up the hill, leads through the
woods to the old Sherwood place and Pulteney Hill, where
were made the first settlements in the town, farther south
than those on lands visible around and in front of you.
The business part of the village is on both sides of the Tus-
carora, which is spanned by a bridge on Main Street, on
which street most of the business houses are located. The
large building close in front of you, on the point, is the
"WOODHULL ACADEMY AND UNION SCHOOL.
This institution adds much to the importance of the vil-
lage, obtaining its students from this and the surrounding
towns to the south and west. It was built in 1868, by
subscription, at an expense of $4000, and was originally
designed as an academy. Hamilton Marlatt and Orin B.
Baxter were the original movers in its erection, Mr. Marlatt
donating the grounds, comprising one acre of land, in the
most conspicuous part of the village. It was incorporated
under the general law, but in 1877 the property was deeded
to the district for a union free-school building, with an
academic department. The first principal was Prof. Jef-
freys, of New Berlin. D. H. Cobb was principal for eight
years, and was succeeded by Prof Baldwin. Present prin-
cipal, Emmett Maxon, late of Alfred College, Allegany
County. The entire attendance is over 200 students.
The mercantile business of Woodhull is of more import-
ance than that of any other place of its size in the south-
western part of the county. Wool, butter, and honey are
shipped from this point in large quantities, and goods
brought in by way of Addison, which is the principal ship-
ping-point, regular express-wagons running to that place,
carrying goods a distance of twelve miles for §3 per ton.
Daily mail-stages pass through, connecting Troupsburgh
and Jasper with Addison. There are now in the village
more than twenty stores, besides the usual trades, including
five blacksmith-shops. The place also sustains three law-
yers, a large hotel, capable of entertaining between 40 and
50 guests, and two churches. To the old foundry has
been added a wool-card and shingle-mill. In 1858, James
Baldwin built the large steam flouring-mill at the south
end of Main Street, near the furnace. A cheese-factory
near the village, the first in the town, was built in 1874>
by Henry Cobb, its management thus far proving the
eventual success of this industry here. The old school-
house near the centre of the village has been appropriated
for a town-hall. In 1871, Charles Adams started the
Woodhull News, a four-page, four-column weekly news-
paper, at $1.25 a year, and secured a circulation of over
200, but abandoned the enterprise for a larger place the
next year.
Hedgesville, four miles north, bears the name of its first
owner, Thomas Hedges. It contains two stores, a large
steam flouring-mill and saw-mill, which were built in 1874,
and some sixteen dwellings. Mail is received Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays, from Rathboneville, six miles
distant. The Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Union
cliurch is located here. The East Woodhull post-office is
five miles east of Woodhull village, at a private house.
ORGANIZATION.
The town of Woodhull was formed from Troupsburgh
and Addison, Feb. 18, 1828, and in 1856 a portion was
taken ofi^ the north end and joined to the town of Rath-
bone. It takes its name from Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull,
one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. At the first
town-meeting, held at the house of Asher Johnson, Feb.
18, 1827, Asher Johnson was elected supervisor, Jefirey
Smith town clerk, Stephen Kent collector, Zebulon Tubbs
Supervisors.
1828. Asher Johnson.
1829.
1830. "
1831. David Edwards.
1832. "
1833. " "
1834. " •'
1835. " "
1836. "
1837. " "
1838. Stephen Kent.
1839. " •'
1840. " "
1841. David Edwards.
1842. " "
1 843. " "
1844.
1845. Christopher Marlatt.
1846. " "
1847. " "
1848. " "
1849. Silas G. Tubbs.
1S50.
1851. S. V. Lattimer.
1852. " "
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Town Clerkg. Collectora.
Jeffrey Smith. Levi Tubbs.
Calvin Searl.
Stephen Kent.
(No record.)
it ti
Harry M. Harder.
t( it
Nelson Perry.
a ti
Joseph R. Peeso.
Christopher Marlatt.
tt tt
It tt
"Worcester Perry.
D. H. ■Williams.
E. L. Stroud.
S. V. Lattimer.
Andrew S. Smith.
Wm. S. Edwards.
Andrew S. Smith.
Joseph R. Peeso.
Edward Lanning.
Joseph R. Peeso.
""" Destructive fires, in 1806 and 1875, burned the entire business
parts of the village of Woodhull, on both occasions destroying the
records in the town clerk's ofSce.
TOWN OF WOODHULL.
449
Supervisor.
Town Clerks.
1853.
Jeffrey Smith.
(No record.)
1854.
Asa Arnold.
ti ti
1855.
S. V. Latliraer.
tt tt
1866.
A. J. C. Edwards.
tt tt
1857.
n n
tt tt
1858.
S. V. Lattimer.
tt tt
1859.
"
tt tt
1860.
Nelson Perry.
H. Kurd.
1861.
"
A. S. Smith.
1862.
S. V. Lattimer.
(No record.)
1863.
"
«
ISOt.
Halscy Swarts.
A. Smith.
1S65.
J. K. Strock.
(No record.)
1866.
D. H. Williams
tt ti
1867.
Jas, Carpenter,
Jr.
tt tt
1S68.
J. S. Warner.
D wight R. Cowley
18R9.
H It
• ( ((
1870.
•<
1.
1871.
H. S. Williams.
W. W. Wright.
1872.
"
J. E. McCaig.
1873.
William Carpenter.
E. M. Hathaway.
1874.
"
tt
1875.
'•
W. W. Wright.
1876.
.Silas G. Tubbs.
.<
1877.
tt it
it
1878.
Coral Morgan.
Charles P. Slater.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE
Collectors.
Joseph R. Pecso.
ti tt
John A. Boyd.
Joseph R. Peeso.
H. II. Van Orsdale.
L. D. Wiley.
Harmon P. Matson.
it tt
L. D. Wiley.
Edwin F. Smith.
Austin Simons.
William Bartle.
1849. H. S. Williams.
1851. Joseph Fenton.
1853. H. S.Williams.
1855. .loseph Fenton.
1859. Lewis D. Wiley.
1860. W. H. Sly.
1861. C. M. Griswold.
1864. D. Williams.
1865. S. Harrison.
•1866. A. S. Smith.
Phineas Tuttle.
James W. Marlatt.
W. P. Wilson.
John S. Andrus.
Charles Calkins.
1868. R. H. AVilliiims.
1869. J. P. Stroud.
1871. L. V. Payne.
1872. C. G. Herrington.
1873. C. M. Griswold.
1874. L. V. Payne.
1875. R. H. M.ason.
1876. Sanford Newell.
1877. Caleb G. Herrington.
1878. W. W. Wright.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church of Woodhull was organized by
Rev. Isaac Flagler, of Hammondsport, at the schoolhouse,
near Worcester Perry's, Oct. 15, 1831, adopting the Con-
fession of Faith and Covenant of the Bath Presbytery.
The original members were Allen Sheldon and wife, Frank-
lin B. Hubbard, Chauncey P. Hubbard and wife, Obed
Hathaway and wife, Catherine Pomeroy, Martin White-
man, Hannah Gulick, Dorotha Whiteman, Thomas Hedges,
Mary Shumway, Hannah Smith, Elizabeth Stroud, and
Lyman Morrell and wife. Allen Shelden and C. P. Hub-
bard were chosen elders and F. B. Hubbard clerk.
Their pastors were, in 18.31, Revs. Warren Day,
Pomeroy; 1832, Rockwell White; 1833-34, Orrin John-
son ; 1835, John Gray ; 1838, D. B. Booth, James Cressy ;
1846, AV. B. Stowe, M. Welles; 1860, Baldwin;
1866-72, Alexander Gulick ; 1872, James W. Ball ; 1873,
Albert W. Hubbard ; 1873-75, J. W. Beecher.
The Methodist Episcopal Society united with them in
building a union church at Hedgesville, which was dedi-
cated by the Methodist Presiding Elder in 1861. The
present membership is about 40.
There is also an organization in the southeast part of the
town, holding meetings in the Baptist church on Elk Creek.
This society was organized Sept. 1, 1865, and numbers 13
members. Rev. Mr. Sturgis, of Addison, preached first ;
57
afterwards Revs. Kennedy, Brown, Joseph Long-
ley, John Boal, Wm. A. Hubbard. Present elders : L. 0.
Walker, H. Cilly.
The Presbyterian Church received the Pulteney donation
of 100 acres of land for first church organization in the
town.
THE FREE BAPTIST CHURCH
held services at the hou.scs of the settlers before 1832, and
about 1834 a society was formed, and after the Foote school-
house was built held meetings there. The first members of
the organization were Deacon Ransom Northrup and wife,
Aboiza Foote, Daniel Campbell. There were only 7 mem-
bers. Elder Crow preached to thorn and also Wra. Mack.
The deacons were A. Foote, D. Campbell.
The second Free- Will Baptist Church was re-established,
after a suspension of some years, Feb. 18, 1852, at the
house of Heman Greenslate, who was made clerk. Rev.
Simon T. Aldrich and Rev. Wm. Jlack were present.
Eleven persons were formed into a society, among whom
were Warren Stephen, Benedict and Laura Northrup, Levi,
Washington, and Polly Benedict, Bucklin Wood, Geo.
Mack, and Amy HarrLson. Warren Northrup was the
first deacon.
A church was built, at an expense of S2000, and dedi-
cated in August, 1875, by Rev. S. Aldrich, of Elmira.
Trustees : Amos S. Sprague, William Mack, Salmon Har-
rison. The first funeral held in the now cliurch was tiiat of
Hannah, wife of Isaac Benedict, one of the oldest members.
The present officers are Orvill A. Hurd, Clerk; Edward
Northup, Salmon HarrLson, Orvill A. Hurd. Present mem-
bership, 47. Pastors: Revs. Wni. Mack, Levi C. Warri-
ner, B. F. Mack, Geo. Knapp, John W. Brown, Daniel
Hunt, Wm. Peck.
WOODHULL BAPTIST CHURCH.
On the 20th of November, 1835, 20 persons assembled
at the house of John Kent, half a mile above the present
village of Woodhull, and organized themselves into the First
Baptist Cliurch of Woodhull. Their names were Seth Bax-
ter and wife, John Kent, wife and daughter, afterwards wife
of William P. Myers, Ira Smith and wife, Stephen Kent,
Ephraim Wood and wife, Samuel Stone, Wm. Martin and
wife, Maria and Emma Edwards, Philena Marce, Lucy A.
Dodge, Ebenezer Gardner, Samuel Cooper and wife. Ste-
phen Kent was appointed clerk, and John Kent deacon.
A council of neighboring churches was called, which met
with them Jan. 13, 1836, with Rev. J. B. Chase, modera-
tor ; and after due examination they were accepted by that
council. Stephen Kent, aged seventy-five years, is the only
one of the original members now living.
There was no settled pastor until 1840, Deacon John
Kent, a licentiate, preaching when no one happened along
to supply their pulpit. Rev. John Goff and Rev. Mr. Finch
were early preachers. Rev. Thomas VV. Colby was the first
settled pastor. In June, 1849, 17 members withdrew, and
formed themselves into an organization called the Newville
Church. In March, 1858, through the efforts of Rev.
George Balconi, both churches disbanded and united in
the formation of a now church, under the name of the Union
Bapti.st Church of Woodhull. This church has been well
450
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sustained since its organization. The following have served
as pastors: 1838, Rev. Mr. Lewis; 1840, Rev. Thomas
W. Colby; 1842, Warren Wright; 1845, P. Colgrove;_
1847, Levi Stone; 1850, Ransom Marvin; 1857, George
Baleom; 1858, A. Tilden ; 1861, G. Crocker; 1863, A.
Tildcn, W. Capron; 18G4, G. Crocker; 18G6, C. W.
Brooks; 1870, A. W. Brasted ; 1873, J. E. Bell; 1874,
C. K. Bunnell. Present pastor, W. J. Belts. William
Smith, Ira Thomas, L. C. Warriner, L. H. Evarts, A. W.
Wilcox, and D. Potter have been licensed to preach, and
William Smith and Warren Rice have been ordained by this
church. John Stroud, James W. Miller, S. H. White-
head, and A. W. Wilcox are the present Deacons; H. P.
Matson, Clerk; Robert H. Ma.son, Stephen Kent, James
W. Miller, Trustees.
In 1856, a church was built, the pastor, Rev. Mr.
Marine, working himself upon it as carpenter, and also aid-
ing the church by contribution. The present membership
is 107. Tlie society owns a parsonage adjoining the church.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The early settlers held their first meetings at the house
of Bethuel Tubbs, long before any society was formed. The
first regular preacher was Rev. Mr. King, who traveled on
horseback, making his circuit once in four week.s. In 1846,
a church was built at Woodhull village, Alfred Smith do-
nating the land and much of the means. The trustees were
Alfred Smith, P. H. Tubbs, C. F. T. Locke, F. D. Brown,
and Philo Jlillard. The preaching has been supplied, and
in most eases irregular, no record having been kept by the
society. Revs. Colston, Ashworth, Abbott, Rourk, De Puy,
Peck, Thomas, and Wm. Potter have preached to them.
The present membership is 74. Rev. John Knapp, Pastor;
Milton Gool, Class-Leader; David Coryell, Edwin Smith,
Willis Stroud, Emniett Calvin, Myron P. Wilson, Stewards;
David Coryell, H. Swartz, Edwin Smith, Myron P. Wilson,
William Hopper, Trustees.
A second organization was formed at Hedgesville, in 1 848,
and in 1861 a union church was built; Joel Eggleston
and William Geer being trustees for the Methodist, and
Thomas Hedges, Wheeler Perry, C. P. Hubbard, trustees
for the Presbyterian society. Revs. Colston, Ashworth,
Clark, Wni. Potter, Wisner, Brooks, Cameron, Roza, Ryen-
vault. Brown, Merrett, Haskell, Peck, J. H. Blades, and
Wm. Bartle, present pastor, have preached to them.
Present Officers.- — Class-Leaders, Joel Eggleston, Francis
Howard ; Stewards, Alfred Alien, Peter Sanford. Present
Trustees of the church : Methodist, Wm. Geer, Joel Eggle-
ston, George Lawrence ; Presbyterian, Chauncey P. Hub-
bard, Wm. M. Sherwood, Robert Knox.
MILITARY RECORD OF WOODHULL.
Smith, Eilwiii Faiwen, Isl liciit., 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; cnl. April 27, 1851,
two years ; pro. to 1st lielit. ; disch. for ilisal>ility.
WiUrick, George W„ 1st lieut., 34th N. Y. Inf.. Co. E: enl. April 27, 18G1, two
years; res. Blarch, 1SG2.
Rhinevaiilt, Newton, private, 34tli N. Y. Inf., Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two
years.
Baldwin, Horace D., private, 34th N. Y. Inf. , Co. E; cnl. April 27, 1801, two
years ; discli. Sept. 1, 1801, for disahility.
Smith, Farfield John, priv.ate, .34th N. Y. Inf , Co. E ; enl. April l7, 1801, two
years; discli. Juno 30, 1803, for disability.
Mayo.Thonjas, private, 34tli N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two years.
Kdwards, Stephen, priv., 34th N. Y. Inf., Co- E ; must. June 15, ISGl, two years.
Johnson, Daniel, private, .34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. June, 1861, two years.
Hawley, George, private, 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two years;
killed in hatlle.
Coryell, ArchiLald, piiv., .34Ih N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. April 27,1801, two years.
Ilaskin, Lei oy, private, 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two years.
Lewis, Solomon, private, 34th N. Y. Inf.
Johnson, Thomas, private, 34th N. Y. Inf.
Rhinevault, S. G., niaj., 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years.
Wildrick, John W., eapt., SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861. three
years ; pro. to 1st lieiit. and eapt. ; died at Falmouth, Va., Dec. 8, 1862.
Warner, John N., eapt., 8tith N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1801, three years ;
l)ro. to eapt. ; killed in battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1802.
Stroud, John M., piiv., 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, ISGl, three years;
disch. Oct. 2S, 1802, for disability.
Butler, Franklin, private, 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 17, 1801 ; died in
hosp. at Camp Good Hope, March 29, 1862.
Butler, Edward, priv., 80(h N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Ang. 17, 1801, three years ;
disch. for disability, Jan. 14, 1803.
Simons, Austin, i.rivate, SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 8, 1801, three years ;
wounded in arm (amputated) ; disch. Oct. 7, 1863, for disability.
Fisk, Charlemagne, private, SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 17, 1801, three
years; wounded at second Bull Run, at Fredericksburg; and at Spott-
sylvania ; re-enl. Co. F, Dec. 21, 1803 ; disch. July 4, 1865, by order 84.
Bartbs, William, priv., SOth Kegt., Co. K; cnl. Dec. 21, 1803, three years;
wounded at Wilderness and at Petersburg ; disch. June 0, 1865.
Stryker, Rufus, private, SGth N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. 1802, three years; died
in hosp.. May 13, 1862.
M.aihMt, Andrew Jackson, qm.-sergt , 86th N. Y. Inf.. Co. C; enl. Oct. 13, 1801,
throe years; re-enl. SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. C, Dec. 31, 1863, three years;
disch. May 3, 1805, for disability.
Rounsville, John Evans. 2d Corp., SGth N. Y. Regt., Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, 1601,
three years; re-enl. 80tli N. Y. Eegl., Co. K, Dec. 31,1864, three years;
disch. July 4, 1805, by general order 84.
Fisk, Bullen Jabez, priv., 80lh N. Y. Inf, Co. K ; must. Aug. 17. 1801 ; wounded
at second Bull Run ; killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 186.3.
Simons, Wesley, Corp., 80lh N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; cnl. Nov. 18, 1861, three years ;
wounded at Cliancellorsville and at Mine Run ; re-enl. 66th N. Y. Inf,
Co. K, March 5, 1804.
■Williams, Lester A., private, SOth N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 30, 1801, three
years; re-enl. SGth N. Y. Inf., Co. K, Dec. 31, 1863; disch, June 27, 1865,
by general order.
Calvin, James C, private, SOth N. Y. Inf; enl. Nov. 3, 1861, three years; died
in hosp. at Camp Good Hope, May 31, 18G2.
Calvin, George W., private, 8Clh N. Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Nov. 3, 1861, IhreB
years ; killed at Locust Grove, Nov. 27, 1803.
Calvin, Silas R., private, 8Cth N. Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Aug. 15, 1802, three years ;
died at Washington, April 22, 1803, of sm.illpox.
Fiik, Horace, rorp., 8Cth Int., Co. K, three years ; disch. Nov. 14, 1804, expira-
tion of time.
Lanning, Robert, private, SClh N. Y. Regt., Co. K ; must. Aug. 1802 : died July
3, 1802, at Gettysburg, of wound received at Fredericksburg.
Lanning, William, private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. K; died May 20, 1863, near
Washington, D. C.
Brown, Charles F., private, SClh N. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years.
Barnes, Jerome, private, SOth N. Y Regt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861, three
years; disch. March 20, 18G4, for disability.
Belcher, William, private, 8Cth N. Y. Regt.
Buckley, Edwin B., private, 8Gth N. Y. Regt.
Cleveland, Stratton, private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 12, 1801, three
years ; trans, to 2d Bat. Vet. Res. Corps ; disch. April 28, 1804 ; re-enl. for
Canton, Mass., three years; disch Nov. 20, 1865, by reason of general
order 155, A. G. 0.
Drake, Elias, private, SOth N. Y. Begt., Co. K; enl. Nov. 6, 1861, three years;
died April 12, 1802.
Newman, George W., 3d sergt., SOth N. Y. Regt. ; died May 18, 1863, at Potomac
Cieek hosp., of gunshot wound,
rutnani, Alonzo G , private, SOth N. Y. Regt., three years; served lime out.
Wiley, James A., private, SOth N. Y. Regt. ; died.
Slater, Charles P., private, SOth N. Y. Regt. ; cnl. Aug. 1801, three years ; flfer ;
re-enl. Dec. 31, three yeare.
Marlatt, Willard, priv., SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. C; enl. Oct. 15, 1861, three years ;
disch. Oct. 13, 1862, for disability.
Clemens, Daniel, private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 24, 1801, three
years; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Clemens, John, private, 86th N. Y. Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years ;
re-elil. vet., Dec. 20, 1804 ; disch. July 14, 1805, by general order.
Newman, Russel Titus, private, SOlh N. Y. Regt., Co. K; must. Sept. 10, 1861,
three years ; disch. March 31, 1802, at Camp Good Hope, D. C.
Haskill, Riley R., priv., SOlh N. Y. Regt., Co. K; enl. Nov. 0, 1861; died March
22, 1803, at Falmouth, Va., of consumption.
Lanning, Henry L., private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. C ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three
years; disch. for disability. May 3, 1805, at Washington, D. C.
Carpenter, James, Jr., priv,, SOlh N. Y. Regt., Co. K ; must. Sept. 4, 1861, three
years; trans, to Co. H, and elected 2d lieul., March 8; disch. May 8, 1862.
S.ample, Leioy, SOth N. Y. Regt, Co. C ; must. Nov. 0, 1801, three years; died
March 2, 1802.
Sample, John, Jr., private, SOth N, Y. Regt., Co. C; must. Nov. 6, 1861, three
years ; disch. .\pril 15, 1862, at Georgetown, D. C.
TOWN OF WOODHULL.
451
Touuer, Henry C, piivato, 80lh N. Y. Regl., Co. C ; must. Nov. C ; died Dec. 14,
1802.
SchoonoviT, William A., pvivatp, 8Cth N. Y. Regt., Co. H; must. Nov. 6, 1861,
three years ; discli. at Wasliiiiglon, D. C, Oct. 8, 18G4.
Baxter, Pliilo N., private, 80tli N. Y. R'gl. ; cnl. 18CI, three years.
Kelly, Geoige, private. SGth N. Y. Regt. ; eill. 18r,l, three years; discharged.
BIy, Stephen, private, 8Clh N. Y. Regt.; enl. 1801, three years.
Cook, Jatnes !>., 8Gth Regt. ; three years.
Medbern, Lucias, private, SCth N. Y. Uegt.; enl. Feb. 1, 1804, three years.
Wood, Harry, private, SGth N. \. Vols. ; enl. Feh. 1, 1804, three years.
Johnson, Asapli, private, SGth N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 23, 180:1, throe years.
Adams, Calvin ; enl. Dec. 21), 18G:t, three years ; dead.
Cook, Horace, private, SGth N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. 18G1 ; died in N. Y. Hosp.,
of chronic diarrhoea.
HcPhcrson, Henry, private, 8Gth N. T. Vols. ; enl Dec. 31, 1803, three years ; died
in army.
Thomas, Lyman P., private, SGth N. Y. Vols.; enl. Dec. 31, 18G3, three years.
Merririg. Samuel, private, SGth N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1803, three years.
Dawley, Win. H. ; enl. Feh. 17, 1804, three years.
Bronny, James Edwin, priv., IGlst N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 21, 1863, three years;
disch. Oct. 16, 18G.> ; e-tpiration. of tei'm.
Atwood, Unal, private, Ist N. Y. Inf., Co. G; cnl. Jan. 1, 1802, two years ; disch.
May 8, 1803, for disability.
Grummon, Zenas, private, 1st N. Y. Regt., Co. G; enl. Jan. II, 1862, sixteen
months ; wounded at Charles City Cross-Roads ; disch. May 25, 1863 ;
expiration of term.
Grummon, Samuel Leonard, private, 1st N. Y. Regt., Co. G; enl. Jan. 11, 1862,
sixteen months ; re-eiil. Ist X. Y. Vet. Cav.; missing May, 18G4; reported
hung by guerrillas.
Grunimons, Aniliew Jackson, private, 2d Vet. N. Y'. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 1803, three
years ; re|K>rled died on gov. transport on his way home on furlough.
De Merandeville, Wm., private, 6(lth N. Y. Kng., Co. M ; enl. Jan. 4, ISC !, three
years,
(^ilegrove, Samuel Edwin, private, 161st N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 8, 18G2,
three years ; disch. Oct. U, ISGo, by order 84.
Griswuld, Chester M., musician, lOlli N. Y. Cav., C!o. F ; cnl. Dec 13, 1801, three
years; discli. Dec. 12, 1804; expiration of term.
Bump, Albert, private, IClst N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 27, 1SG2, three years;
died at EIniira, Nov. 1862, in iiosp.
Smith (Granger), F.phraim, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. 1801, three yeai-s ; disdi.
1803, for disability.
Colgrove, Albert, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II : enl. Oct. 27, 1802, three years ;
disch. Oct. 10, 1805, by general order.
Whiled, John, private, lOIstN. Y. Regt., Oo. H; enl. Aug. 18,1802, three years;
disch. Aug. 10, 1805, for disability.
Olin, Edward, priv.ate, let Pa. Rifles (Bucktails), three years; disch. Dec. 20,
18G2, for disability ; died soon after.
Huestcd, George 0.,sergt., 107th N.,Y. Regt.. Co. F; enl. July, isoi, three years ;
disch. March, 18G2.
Wood, Luzon L., private, IClst N. ¥. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three
years ; disch. Oct. 1805.
Delong, William, private, 161st N. Y. Regt., Co. H; eul. Aug. 1, 18C2, three
years ; disch. Oct. 27. 1865.
Colegrove. David, private, IGlst N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, threa
years; disch. Oct. 1805.
French, Roswell, private, Ist N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Juno 13, 1862, seventeen
months ; disch. April, 180-', for disability.
French, Stephen, private, 1st N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Jan. 15, 1802, seventeen
months; disch. May, 1863, expiration of term; reeni 50lh Eng., Jan.
1, 1864, three years ; disch. June, 1865, by order.
Colegrove, William, private, 161st N. Y. Regt , Co. U ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802, three
years; disch. May, 1863, for disability.
Lewis, Samuel, private, 107th N. Y. Inf, Co. C ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years;
disch. March 7, 1863, for disability.
Tubbs, James H., priv., lOlst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ;
disch. Sept. 20, 1805; expiration of terra.
Mattin, Peter, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Aug. 11, 1862, three
years ; disch. Sept. 20, 1865 ; expiration of term.
Cleveland, Stratton.
Dawley, Hezekiah, private, 8Gth N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. 1861.
Gee, Ephraim S., private, 188th N. Y. Vols., Co. E.
Hutchinson, 11. Ross, private; enl. 1862.
Merandeville, David D., private.
Brownell, Asa, private.
Crane, John, private ; enl. 1862.
Watson, George D., private; enl. 1802.
Wfttson, Alpheus D., private; enl. 1862.
Linch, filelvin, private.
Quick, Franklin, private.
Kinney, Samnel, sergt., lOTth N. Y. Kegt., Co. G ; enl. June 17, 1862, three
years ; shot at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 17, 1801 ; died Aug. 18, 1864.
Kinney, Ira, private. Hist N. Y. Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years ;
died of camp fever and chronic diarrhoea, at Stephenson , Ala., Nov. 3, 1864.
Maatio, Abram, Corp., IClst N. Y, Regt., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 30, 1864 ; disch. Nov.
13, 1865, by general order.
Williams, George, private, 5th N. Y. H. Art.; enl. Deo. 23, 1863, throe years.
Brownell, Jesse, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Dec. I, 1863, three years.
Miller, Oscar F., private, 2d Vet. Cav.; cnl. Dec, 10, 18C3, three years.
Kisk, John D., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 22, 180 S, three yean; died
Nov. 24, 1864.
Sunford, Peter F., private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Dec. 1, 1863, three years ; died io
camp, Sept. 2, 1804.
Dan ley, Levi, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; cnl. Doc. 22, 18G1, three yeara.
Miller, Sobiuion B., pi ivate, 2d Vet. &iv. ; eul. Dec. 1, 1803, three years.
Griswuld, Fninktin N-, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; eul. Dec. 21, 1803, three years.
Blend, Horace, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; eul. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
De Merandeville, William, private, 5Uth Eng.; oul. Jan. 1, 18ti4, three years;
died of fever. May 8, 1804.
Edwards, George, priv., 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1SC4, three years; disch. Jimo
24, at close of war.
Atwood, Mo^es L., private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; cnl. Jan. 4, 18C4, three years.
McCoIlnm, Peter, private, 2d Vet. C^vv.; cnl. Jan. 4, I8CI, three years.
Willson, Myron P., private, 2d Vet. Cav.; cnl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years; disch.
Nov. 8, 18G5; expiralion of service.
Buck, David A., private, 50lh Eng.. Co. M ; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, threo years ; disch.
June 13, 1805.
Sample, George, private, 50th Eng., Co, M ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, threo years.
Blend, Taylor, private, 2d Vet. Cav.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years.
Haxtiui, Alonzo H., private. lulU II. Art ; cnl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years.
Dawley, Hosca (sub.), private. Gist N. Y. Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug 8, 1804, one
year; wounded near Petersburg; disch. Sept. 1865.
Brown, Edwin G. (sub), private, lu4lh N. Y. Inf., Co. F; enL Aug. 8, 1861, one
year; disch. Juno 7, 1SC5.
O'Bryau, Thomas, private, oOth Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year.
Simons, Albert II., private, 50tU N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year ;
in service two months.
RichardM, John \V., private, 5(lth N. Y. Eng.; enl. Aug. 19, 1804, one year.
Richards, Archibjild, private, 50tli N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year.
Rice, Silas W., private, 50lh N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year.
HowanI, Willi.im, private, 60lh N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, I8C4, one year.
Sample, Levi, private, .50tli N. Y. Bug.; enl. Aug. 20,1804, one year ; died July
15, 1805.
Howard, Clinries, private. 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Aug. 20, 1804.
Biirtlett, Welcome, private, Soth N. Y^. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1804, one year.
Jones, James T., private, ."iOth N. Y. Eng., (Jo. I; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year;
died in field hosji. front of Petersburg, Oct. 21, 1805.
Brooks, Marion U., private, Ist N. Y. Cav.; enl. Aug. 2>, 1801, one year; teu
monlhs in service.
Martin, John H., private, Ist Vet Cav.; enl. Aug. 20, 1SG4, one year; disch.
June G, by genenil order.
Moore, Erastus N , private, 1st Vot. Cav.; enl. Aug. 23, 1861, one year.
Cummings, Noinian W., private, 1st Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug. 2.'>, 1801, o.io year.
McFarland, Wm. B , private, 1st Vot. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 24, 18C4, one year.
Stillwell, Edgar, private, 501h N. Y. Eng. ; cnl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year.
Fisk, Daniel B., private, Siith N. Y. Eng.; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year.
Page, Erastus, private, 5fllh N. Y. Eng.; eul. Sept. 1, 1SG4, one year.
Ives, Titus D., private, .5Mth N. Y. Eng.; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one .vear.
Cook, John R., private, 5(th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, I8G4, ono year.
Brown, William, private, 5uth N. Y. Eng.; cnl. Aug. 23, 1864, ono year.
Cook, James D., private, 60th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1804, ono year.
Thomas, S\ Ivanus, private, 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Aug. 29, 1804, one year.
Potter, Newt.jn, private, 50tli N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864.
Halleck, Abram, private, OOth N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Ang. 29, 18C4. one year.
Cook, Thomas M., private, 1st X. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug. 27. 1804, ono year.
Ordway, Bcatha, private, Isl N. Y. Vet. Civ.; enl. Aug. 27, I8C4, oue yoar.
Potter, William, private, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug 27, 1804, one yoar.
Conk, Ilufns, private, let N. Y. Vot. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, ono year.
Cook, James P., private, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one yoar.
Cook, Jerome B., private, Ist N. Y. Vol. Cav.; enl. Aug. 25, 1801, one year.
Simons, Richard M., private, Ist N. Y. Vot. Cav. ; oul. Sept. 3. 1864, ono year ;
disch. June 29, 1803, by special order.
Cook, David, private, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; onl. Aug. 29. 1884, ono year.
Fuller Philander, private, oOth N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804. ono year.
Jones, Cvnis W., private, 161st N. Y. VoN. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864, one yc:.r.
Halt, George A., private, IGlst N. V. Vols.; enl. Aug. 17, 18GI, one year.
Stephens, George (sub ), private ; enl. Nov. 10. three years.
Graves, Horace M., private, 7Cth N. V. Regt, Co. A; drafted July 18. 1863.
three years; wounded at Wilderness; disch. May 28, 18G5, by general
order.
Sullivan, Michael, private ; drafted July 18, 1SC3, three years.
Grummonds, Orin F., private, 97th Regt.; drafted July 18, 1863, throe yoar.;
disch. Dec. 12, 1803, for disability.
Simons, Richard W., priv., 50.h Eng., Co. I; d™ft«i July 18. 1883, thro, yoars ;
disch. Nov. 18, 1803, for disability.
Gardiner, Aaron, private ; ilmncd July 18, 1863, three yoais.
Strait, Abram, private ; drafted July 18, 180.3, threo years.
Paine, John II., private ; dralteil July 18, 1803, three years.
Simons, Wato C, private, 70th N. Y. Regt., Co. D; drafted July 18. 18G3, thra.
years ■ wounded at Wilderness ; disch. May 20, 1803, for disability.
Calkins, Charles, private; drafted July, 1803, threo ye.ts; wounded by accl-
dental discharge of gun ; disch. Sept. 16, 186.5, by general order 116.
Calvin, Stephen, Jr., private ; drafted July 18, 1863, threo years.
Brimmer, Gilbert, private ; drafted July 18, 1863.
Van Cavon (sub.), Abram, private.; drafted July 23, 1863, threo yo«s.
STATISTICAL DIEECTORY
OF CITIZENS OF STEUBEN COUNTY WHO HAVE AIDED IN THE PUBLICATION OF THIS WORK.
ADDISON.
Afiiswortb, H. R., Physician, p. o. add. Addison.
Angle, S. L., Book-Keoper, b. New York, S.185G, p. o. add. Addison.
Brewster, G. B., farmer, li. Npw York, s. 1848, p. o. .idd. Addison.
Brooks, Eraatus, Retired, b. Massachusetts, s. 183U, p. o. add. Addison.
Baldwin, James, Banker, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1836, p. o. add. Addison.
Baldwin, Henry, Farmer and Manufacturer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1836, p. o. add.
Addison.
Brown, R. P., Physician, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1848, p. o. add. Addison.
Birdseli, 11. H., Justice of Peiice, b. New York, 8. 1832, p. o. add. Addison.
Brady, J., Catboh'c Clergyman, b. Ireland, s. 1872, p. o. add. Addison.
Brown, J. M., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Addison.
Bluke^lce, B., Physiciun, b. New York, s. 1831, p. o. add. Addison.
Blakeslee, Bradley.
Crane, A. G,, Wannfactiirer, b. New York, a. 1857, p. o. add. Addison.
Djirrin, D. M., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1849, p. o. add. Addison.
Deninny, J. W., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1820, p. o. add Addison.
Gillett, J. D., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1833, p. o. add. Addison.
Hill, C. D., Manufacturer, p. o. add. Addison.
HoUi,^, Geo. H., Fditur, b. New York, p. o. add. Addison.
Jones, Cul. J. E., Farmer, b. New York, r, lS;il, p. o. add. Addison.
Jennings, L. A., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. Addison.
Jenning.s, S., Saloon-Keeper, h. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Addison.
Jonea, Robeit, Barber, s. 1864, p. o. add. Addison.
Lattimer, S. V., Banker, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1828, p. o. add. Addison.
Meade, K. S., Jlaiiufiiclurer, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Addison.
BIcKay, 11. €., Manufacturer, b. New York, 8. 1851, p. o. add. Addison.
Pa.\ton, Thomas, Miller, b England, g, 1840, p. o. add. Addison.
RiU'S, James II.
Rife, F. F., Minister, b. New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Addison.
Short, R.. Black.smith, b. New Yi.rk, s. 1829, p. o. add. Addison.
Smith, W. A., Merchant, b. New York. a. 1836, p. o. add. Addlsun.
Stiatton, G. W., Tanner, b. New York, s. 1865, p. o. add. Addisun.
Young, F. E., Pilot, b. New York, s. 1812, p. o. add. Addison.
AVOCA.
Arnold, L., Farmer, b. WaKhington Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Avoca.
Arnold, A. J., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Avoca.
Baldwin, I. W., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 1846, p. o.add, Avoca.
Barney, F. N., General Merchandise, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p.-o. add.
Avoca.
Bouton, v., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1846, Goflf's Mills.
Chase, N. B., Farmer and Broker, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s 1814, p. o. add. Avoca.
Cotton, Thomas, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add. Avoca.
Collier, L H., Farmer and Builder, b. Green Co., N. Y., 8. 1815, p. o. add. Avoca.
Carrington, Joel (Retired), b. >Vashington Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Avoca.
Dillinback, Henry, Cheese-Maker, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1868, p. o. add.
Kanona.
Edwards, Solomon, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Avoca.
Haakin, Isnac J., Farmer, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p.o. add. Avoca.
Keelcr, E., Famier, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Wallace.
Kclsey, W. F., Keeper of Inbred Hnrabletonian and Messenger Stallions, b. Ot-
sego Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. 0. add. Avoca.
Mackio, Robert, Fanner, b. Glasgow, Scotland, 8. 1824, p, o. add. Avoca.
Patterson, C, I'hysiciun and Surgeon, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Avoca,
Parkhill, A. T., Lawyer, b. New York, a. 1829, p. o. add. Avoca.
I'almer, S. IL, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, b. New York, s. 1835, p.o. add.
Avoca.
Reynolds, V. L., Druggist, b. New York, 8.1844, p.o. add. Wallace.
Robotds, Daniel L., p. o. add. Avoca.
Rice. J. W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Neal'a Creek.
Smith, 0. S., General Merchandise, b. New York, a. 1816, p. o. add. Avoca.
Spooner, A. M., Lawyer, b. New York, e. 1852, p. o. add. Avoca.
Slattery, William T., General Merchandise, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add.
Wallace,
Tuckfir, Smith, Farmer and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add.
Wallace.
4.'>2
BATH.
Allison, Cbas. S., Merchant Tailor, b. England, a. 1859, p. o. add. Batb.
Allen, W. W., Banker, b New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. Bath.
Aber, Tbeo. J., Grocer, b. New Jersey, s. 1830, p. o. add. Bath.
Aber, Edward E , Grocer, b. New York. a. 1853, p. o. add. Bath.
Averell, Oscar J., Contractor, b. New York. s. 1836. p. o. ndd. Bath.
Bennett, C. H., Physician and r^urgeon, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. Batb.
Black, James W., PbystciaB and Siirgw>n, b. New Vui k, s. 1829, deceased.
Brundage, A. C, Farnwr, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Bath.
Brundage, Jesse, Farmer, deceased.
Brundage, Mrs. Sarah, Fanner, b. New York, a. 1809, p.o. add. Bath.
Brundage, Capt. Monroe, b. New York, a. 1836. drceuctl.
Brundage, G. H., Fsirmer and Stock Grower, b. New York, a. 1834, p. o. ndd.
Bath.
Barton, M. V., Carriage Manufacturer, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. Bath.
Burns, Wm. S., Capt. 4tb Mo. Cav., Book-Keeper, with I. & J. Davenport, b.
New York, s. 1868, p. o. add. Bath.
Brother, Henry, Merchant and Miller, b. Maryland, a. 1827, p. o add. Bath.
Bull, Mrs. Lncinda, b. New Hampshire, s. 1818, p. o. add. Baih.
Bull, Henry G.,s. 1844.
Bowlby. John A., Ftfrraer and Dealer in Fine Stock, b. New York, a. 1839, p. o.
add. Biitli.
Btyan, Joshua W., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1826, p. o. add. Savona.
Bilker, Juhn R,, Miller, Kanoi-a Mills, b. New York.s. 1857.
Campbell, C. W., Clerk, b. New York, s. 1818. p. o. add. Washington, D. C.
Cook, E. C, Banker, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Bath.
Cruttenden, A. H., Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, b. 1856, p. o. add.
Bath.
Coss, D. M., b. New York, a. 1818, p. o. add. Bath.
Carrington, Eli, Farmer and Keej'cr of County Poor-House, b. New York? b.
1824, p. o. add. Bath.
Carpentpr, F. P., Farmer, b. New Yo.k, s. 18G8, p. o. add. Kanona.
Crozier, Eliza C, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. Batb.
Dolson, J. S., Postmaster, Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, a. 1825, p. o.add.
Bath.
Davenport, John, Dealer in Western Landa, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. add.
Bath.
Davenport, Ira, b. New York, a. 1841, p. o. add. Bath.
De Peyster, Augustus, b. New York City, s. 1871, p. o. add. Bath.
Ellas, Cbas. A., Druggist, b. New York, ». 1848, p. o. add. Bath.
Ellas, A. F., Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1815, p. o. add. Bath.
Emery, I. W., Baptist Clergyman, h. Vermont, s. 1863, p. o. a<ld. Bath.
Erwin, Gen. F. E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1806, p. o. add. Hath.
Edwards, Jas. U., Mason and Farmer, b. New York, s. 1813, p. o. add. Bath.
Ferris, A. P., Lawyer, b. Now York, s. 1823, p. o. add. Bath.
Faucelt, Henry, Insurance .\geht, b. New York, a. 1833, p. u. add. Bath.
Ferris, Delan-^on, Farmer, b. New York, s. 182S, p. o. add. Bath.
Frink, Elan, Farmer, in War of 1812, b. Massachusetts, s. 1817, p. o. add. Bath.
Grant, B.'F., Homoeopathic Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, a, 1827. p. o.
add. Batb.
Gilmore, Peres, Tailor and Hotel-Keeper, now Money-Loaiicr, b. Vermont, ».
1S17, p. o. add. Bath.
Hull, H. S., Editor and Publisher, b. New York, s. 18'>4. p. o. add. Bath.
Howell, Wm. E., Banker, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. Bath.
Howell, D. C, Banker, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. add. Bath.
Hillman, J. H., Photographer, b. England, b. 1875, p. o. add. Bath.
Hodgman, L. D., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1843, p. o. add. Bath!
Haverling, Geo. S., Farmer, b. New York, b. 1810, p. o. add. Bath.
Uardenbrook, Richard t<l Sons, Foundry and Hardware Merchants, b. New Jer*
sey, a, 1845, p. o. add. Bath.
Howard, 0. R., Clergyman, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Bath.
Halsey, Peter (Retired), b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Balh.
Hodge, Jacob N., Mechanic, b. New York, a. 1862, p. o. add. Bath.
Hodge, Rebecca E., b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. ndd. Bath.
Houeyman, Austin, Farmt-r, b. New Jersey, g. 1863, p, o. add. Bath.
Hardenbrook, Frank, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, b. New York, s. 1845,
p. o. add. Savona.
Hunter, Geo., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1333, p. o. add. Bath.
Knight, G. E., Druggist, b. New York, a. 1863. p. o. add. Bath.
STATISTICAL DIRECTORY.
45:^
^,
Ka-si)n, A., Physician nnd Stirgeon, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Bath.
KingsK'y, Chns. F., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1835, p. o. atld. Bulh.
Lewis, S. G., County Treasurer, b New York, 8. \SM, p. o. add. Bath.
Laidlaw, Jno. R., Prop, of Nicliols House, b. New York, e. 1874, p. o. add. Bnlh.
Le Gro, S. I)., Fttrmer, b. Nt-w York, a. 18;J4, p. o. add. Biith.
Look, Sylvesior, Et.-lectic Physician and Surgeon, b. Now York, 8. 1810, p. o.
uild. Bath.
Longwell, Chus. S , Farmer, b. New Jersey, e. 18G8, p. o. add. Bath.
McMaster, Guy H., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1830, p. o. ndd. Bath.
McCall, A. J., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Bath.
Miller, M. Ituniejey, Lawyer, b. New York, b. 1848, p. o. add. Bath.
Merrell, I. J , p. o. add. Bath.
Morse, Lew is, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Savona.
McKlwee, Henry, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1S04, p. o. add. Savona.
McElwee, Samuel, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1812, p. o. add. Savona.
Moore. Jame.", Agent, b. New York, a, 1810, p. o. add. Savona.
Nichols, Wm. M., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1822, p. o. add. Bath.
Nichols, W, v., Mercliant, b. New York, 8. 1862, p. o. add. Bath.
Noble, M. \V., Farmer and Gmpe Grower, b. New Yolk, 8. 1817, p. o. add. Bath.
Noble, Edward, Farmer and Dairyman, b. New York, s. ISiil.
Noble, Mi8. Edward, Farniei, b. New Yoi k, s. 1858, p. o. add. Bath.
Obert, C. B., Merclmnt, b. New York, s. 18G6, p. o. add. Bath.
Oatrander, Edward E., Commission Merchant, b. New York, a. 1831, p. o. add.
Savona.
Ferine, H. \V., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1838, p. o. add. Bath.
Parkhurst, J. F., Lawyer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 18G3, p. o. add. Bath.
Piatt, .lames M., Presbyterian Clergyman, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1831, p. o. add.
Bath.
Pnrdy, F. S., Dealer in Paints and Oils, b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. add. Bath.
Parker, Gi-o. II., Deputy Clerk, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Bath.
Parkinson, E. C, Supt. of Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, b. Iieland, 8. 1878, p. o.
add. Bath.
Kutherford, Thos. R., Cicrk, b. Ireland, 8. 1851, p. o. add. Bath.
Buggies, W'ni. B., Lawyer and Deputy Attorney-General, b. New York, 9. 1827,
p. o. add. Bath.
Rumsey, D.ivid, Jtistice Supreme Court, p. u. add. Bath
Runisey, William, Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Bath.
Ruble, Reuben E., Lawyer, b. New Y >rk, s. 184:*., p. o. add. Bath.
Read, Wm. II., Farmer, b. New York, ». 1817, p. o. add. Bath.
Read, Juhn II., Physician and Suigeon, b. New York, s. 1820.
Read, Mrs. Juhn II., b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. Bath.
Rider, Lorenzo N., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1817, p. o. add. Bath.
Read, I>Hvid V., Farmer, b. New Jeisey, 8. lS:i5,p. o. add. Kanona.
Sherwood, F. D., SlieiitT, I.. New York, 8. 18:16, p. o. add. Batli.
Sebiver, C. L., Dentist, b. New York, s. lS5r>, p. o. add. Bath.
S'lover, J, R., Pliysician, Surgeon, and Dentist, s. 181S, p. o. add. Bath.
Sutherland, Jolin. Druggist, b. London, England, s. 1849, p. o. add. Balh.
Smith, Ii-a P., Physician, b. New York, 8. 18 ;5, p. o. add. Bath.
Sedgwick, W. P., Jeweler, b. New York, a. 1S37, p. o. add. Bath.
Shannon, Robeit, Merchant and Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1831.
Smith, John L., Farmer and Stock Grower, b. New York, s. 1823, p. o. add. Bath.
Smith, John J., Farmer, b. New York. s. 1802, p. o. add. Bath,
Smith, Jane R., Farmer, b. England, s. 1819, p. o. add. Bath,
Smith, Andrew J., Farmer, b. New York, 8.1827, p. o. add. Bath.
SJiattuck, 0. W., Superintendent of DaveTiport Hom*-, b. New Hampshire, s.
1877, p. o. add. Bath.
Strait, John, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1SG5, p. o. add. Bath.
Shepard, Wm. 11., Hardware Merclmnt, b. New York, s. 1861, p. o. add. Bath.
Tharp, P. P., Clothier, Tharp & Clark, b. New York, p. o. add. Balh.
liODipson, George W., Farmer and Thnisber, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add.
Bath.
Underbill, A. L., Editor and Publisher, b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. Bath.
Wagner, M. T., Insurance, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Bath.
Wilison. W. W., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1857, p. o. add. Bath.
Wilkes, Robert B., Farmer and Stock Grower, b. Ireland, a. 1831, p. o. ndd.
Bath.
Wilkes, Hjirriet M., Farmer, b. New York, a. 183G, p. o. ndd. Bath.
Wilkes, B., Merchant and Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1831, p. o. add. Bath.
Willianig, H. B., ex-Merchant, Farmer, and Produce Dealer, b New York, s.
1834, p. o. add. Bath.
Woodbury, James, Farmer and Carriage Ironer, b. Vermont, a. 1850, p. o. odd.
Bath.
Warden, James, Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, deceased.
Ward, C. W., b. New York, s. 183G, p. o. add. Bath.
BRADFORD.
Aulls. Frank, Lumber Merchant, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Bradford.
Axtell, John B., Farmer, b. New York, n. 1828, p. o. add. Bradford.
Axtell, F., Farmer, b. New York, a. 18 :!4, p. o. aud. Bradford.
Barkley, Franklin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 183;J, p. o. add. Bradfoi d.
Bennett, Lewis, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. South Bradford.
Bennett, E. W., Farmer and Stock-Growcr, b. N«w York, •. IS-'M, p. o. add. South
Bradford.
Chubb, Ira, Farm r. b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. South Dradfoid.
Decker, James, Farmer, b. Pcnnsylrania, ». 1829, p. o. a»ld. Bradford.
Eveland, Alonzo, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. odd. Bradford.
Easterbrook, Isaac, Episcopal Clergyman, b. New York, b. 1823, p. o. add. Brad*
ford.
Ferris, Susan J., b. New York, a. 1847, p. o. add. Bradford.
Gillmor, Jas. M., Farmer, b. New Ynrk, s, 1833, p. o. ndd. South Bradford.
Giveans, Geo. T., Farmer, b. New Jersey, s. 1859, p. o. add. Bradford.
Giveans, J. H., Farmer, b. New .lereey, h. 1859, p. o. add. Bnutford.
Havens, John V., Farmer, b. New York, 0. 1842, p. o. add. South Broitfurd.
Hedges, Willi.im, merchant, b. New York, a. 18:19. p. o. add. Bnullord.
Kishpaugh, John P., Fanner, b. New Jersey, a. 1846, p. o. add. South BnidfonJ.
Knapp, W E., Teacher, b. New York, a. 1852, p. o. add. Biadford.
Longwell, Ilosea, Farmer, b. New Jersey, 9. 1822, p. o. ndd. Bnidrord.
Matbew.'t, Nathaniel, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S:12, p. o. add. Bradford.
Mathews, Wm,, Farmer, b. New York. a. 1838, p. o. add. South BradCird.
Munson, Jesse, Sr., Mill Lumber, Farmer, Merchant, b. Vermont, p.o. odd. WII-
liumsport, Pa.
Munson, Jesse, Merchant and Miller, b. New Y'ork, a. 1832, p. o. odd. Bradford.
Myers, Geor^je H , Farmer, b. New York, s. 18;i8, p. o. add. Bmdford.
Morris, John, Farmer, b. New York. b. 18.19, p.o. add. Bmdford.
Phelps, Elizabeth, b. New York, s. 1S3G, p.o. add. Bnulturd.
Rapalee, Emstns, Farmer, b. TsVw Y'ork,8. 1859, p. o. add. Biadford.
Stedgo, J. II., Farmer, b. Now York, s. 18GI, p. o. add. South Bntdford.
Sexton, Norman, Farmer, b. Connecticut, r. 1831, p. o. ndd. South Bmdford.
Switzer, Lawrence (Retired), b. New York, p. o. add. Bradfoid.
Swit/cr, Mrs. B. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1820, p. 0. add. Bradford.
Switzer, B. B., Farnur, b. New York. s. I8.'»l, 1.. o. add. Bradford.
Switzer, John C, Fanner, b. New York, s. 18H, p. o. itdd. Bradford.
Scott, Thomas R. {Retired Farmer), 1». Maryland, s. IS05, p. o. add. Bnidfur.1.
Thomas, Evan F., Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, a.l82T, p. o. add. Biadford.
Trumbull, Augustus A., Fanner, b. New Y^ork, s. 18t1,p. o. add. Sonora.
Walling, E. L , Fanner, b. New Y^ork, s. 185;i, p. o. ndd. South Bradford.
Ward, John L., Pro|)rietor of Bradford House, b. New York, p. o. add. Bradford.
Wortman, Elijah, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1831, p. o. odd. South Bradford.
Zimniermun, M. V , Grain Inspector, b. New York, ::•. 1839, p. 0. add. Bradford.
CAMERON.
Dickey, J. E., Postmas-ter and Agent New York, Lake Erie and Western Rail*
road, b. New York, b. 1841, p. 0. add. Cameron.
Fairbanks, Geo., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Cameron.
CAMPcELL.
Biirtlrtt, W. W., LiiDiberinan, Fanner, and Stock Dealer, li. Massacliusctu, l.
ISSS, p. o. aUd. Mcad'ij Creek.
Balcuni, John, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Cnrlisvillc.
Barrt'tl, Wai-ren, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Barrett, AuioB C, Farmer, and Soldier in Co. I. 80th Begt., N. Y. S. Vi.b., b.
New York, 8. 1845, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains.
Bemis, C. II , Lumber and Grist-Mill, b. Maseachuselts, 5. 1849, p.o. add. Camp-
belltown.
Bideler, Isatic, Farmer, b. Pcnncylvania.
Bidder, Esther J., b. New York
Bideler, Martin V., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 18;i5, p. o. add. Cooper's Philuj.
Bideler, Adelia E., b. New York,*. 184(1, p. o. add. Coopei's Plains.
Bideler, Artliiir I., b. New York, s. 1802, p. o. add. Cooper's i'laina.
Bidder, Mary A., b. New York, «. 1804, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains.
Biilelor. John, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania.
Campbell, Geo. W., Merchant, b. New York, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Cass, Clias. (Retired), Postmaster, b. Canada, s. 18^7, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Clawsoii, J., Merchant, b. New York, 8. 1841, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Crisler, Edgar, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. CoO|ier'» Plains.
Curtis, D. B., Farmer and Lumberman, b. Connecticut, 8. 1857, p. o. add. Cnrti«-
ville.
DibI I;, Ira F., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. add. East Campbell.
Hole, .beck. A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 184G, p. o. add. Curtis.
Hamilton. John D., Farmer, b. New York, s. 184;!, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Ilinigh, C. B., Farmer, b. New York, e. 18:16, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains.
Knox, Chas. A., Farmer and Stock Dealer, b. New Y'ork, 8.1838, p.o. add. Camp-
belltown.
McCay, Jas S., Superintendent of Connty Farm, Merchant, and Miller, b. Ire-
land, s. 183", p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Mills. Ilcnry, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Mills, Mrs. Mary, b. New Yoik, «. 1841, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Notes, Squire, Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Nolcs, Edgar Deh«, Soldier in 37tb Rcgl., N. Y. Vols., b.New York.s. 1842, p.o.
add. Campbelltown.
Overhiser, E. A., Phy«iclan, b. Now York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Quick, Aaron, Fariucr, b. New York, s 1842. p. o. add. Cooper's Plains.
Quick, Mrs. Olive F., b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Coopers Plains.
Quick, Mason H., b. New York, s. 1864, p. o. add. Cooper s Phiins.
Quick, Mary L., b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Coopers Plains.
454
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Runner, John, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1821, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Short, Silas L., Farmer and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. odd. East
Campbell.
Stevens, Juniis (Retired), b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Stevens. Benjamin, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Stevens, Levi \V., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1820, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Stevens, Hiuinoo, Farmer and Blacksmith, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add. East
Campbell.
Sutherland, Geo. R., Merchant and Member or Assembly, b. New York, s. 1SG5,
p. o. ftdd. Campbelltown, died Oct. 2o, 1878.
Swilzer, Jacob, Farmer, b. Pennsylvaniii, 8. 1820, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Switzer, Mrs. Mary A., b. New York, b. 1820, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Velio, Franklin, Furmer and Soldier, 109th Regt., N. Y. S. Vols., b. New York,
p. 0. add. East Campbell.
Wilcox, Bradford, Farmer, b. New York, b. 1845, p. o. add. East Campbell.
Williams, Mifi. E. B., b. New Yurk, b. 1848, p. o. add. Campbelltown.
Wixson, Lewis, Farmer, b. New York, b. 1817, p. o. add. CHmpbelltown,
Wixson, M. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Camplielltown.
Woodward, Gemane P., Farmer, b. New Yoik, b. 1851, p. o. add. East Campbell.
CANISTEO.
Allison, M., President of Bank of Canisteo, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Allison, Isaac, Mannfactiirer of Boots and Shoos, b. Now York, s. 1826, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Bnrrill, A. M., Attorney, b. New York, s. 18G0, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Baldwin, Helen (Retired), b. New York, s. 1808, p.o. add. Canisteo.
Bennett, W, W., Mt>rcbant and F:irmer, b. New York, p. o add. Canisteo.
Brisco, C. C, Sash Finislier, b. Pennsylvania, s. 187G, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Burnhain, J. U., Machinist, b. New York, s. 1838, p.o. add. Canisteo.
Beckwitb, II. C, Clerk at Depot, b. New York, s. 184G,p. o.add. Canisteo.
Bell, W. W., Cashier in Bank uf Canisteo, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1876, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Bilker, Jeremiah (Retired), b. New York, b. 1791, p. o. add. Adrian.
Baker, Asa M,, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Adrian.
Bennett, Alunzo, Farmer and Insurance Agent, b. New York, b. 1826, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Carter, George W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18S9, p. o. add. Canisteo.
C^lgrove, H. J., City Pulice, b. New York, b. 1SG9, p. o. add. Cani=teo.
Carter, John, Real Estate Dealer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Cheney, H. C, Propr, of Cani-teo House, b. New Hampshire, s. 1874, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Carter, H. St Son, Manfrs. of Agricultural Impt'ts, b. Now York, a. 1873, p. o.
add. Canisteo.
Cook, Abram, ('urpenter, b. New York, s. 1874, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Crane, D. F., Marble Manufictnrer, b. New York, a. 1808, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Consalua, J. H,, Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Carney, William, Farmer and Livery, b. New York, ». 1870, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Carter, A. J., V. M. and Agent for N. Y., L. E. & \V. R. R., b. New York, s. 185G,
p. o. add. Canisteo.
Crandall, W. M., Sash- and Blind-Factory, b. PetrnHylvanin, a. 1873, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Crane, Harrison, Sash- and Blind-Fuctory, b. New York, s. 1874, p. o. add. Can-
isteo.
Carter, J. D., Founder and Machinist, b. New York, s. 1875, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Corbett, D. C, Dealer in Boots and Shoes, Crockery, Groceries, and Provisions,
h. Massachusetts, s. 1871, p. o. add. Catiistoo.
Carter, Daniel L., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Cook, L. A., Fairner and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1830, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Do Lwny, J. M., Door Finisher, b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Cunisteo.
Davison, L,, Merchant, Lumberman, and Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1851, p. o. add.
Caniatco.
Davison, A., General Merchant, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Dorenius, T. C, Sash-, Blind-, Door-Maker, and Glazier, b. New Jersey, s. 1875,
p. 0. add. Ciinisteo.
Davifl, G. L., Book-Keeper in Bank of Canisteo, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Eason, Smith, Supervisor and Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1848, p. o. add. Can-
isteo.
Edson, C. II., Grist-Mill, b. New York, 3. 1872, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Eason, Mrs. Hart, Farmer, b. Vermont, a, 1840, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Eaaon, Richard A., Tinsmith, b. Massachusetts, s. 1853, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Ellison, M. D., Physician and Surgeon, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1877, p. o. add. Can-
isteo.
Eatee, D. M., Principal of Canisteo Academy, b. New York, b 1876, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Ford, C. L., Foreman of Sash- and Door- Fact-try, b. Pennsylvania, b. 1873, p. o.
add. Caniateo.
Gilbert, L. H., Foreman of Chair-Factory, b. New Hampehiie, s. 1874, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Gray, E. L., Mason, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Caniateo.
George, Mre. Mary, Gents' Furnishing Goods and Hair Work, b. New York, s.
1871, p. o. add. Ciinisteo.
Green, Frank, Railroad Man, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Garrison, N. M,, Carp'Miter and Builder, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Can-
isteo.
Goff, 0. B., Railroad Man, b. New York, s. 1875, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Hallett, P. J., Attorni'y, •'. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Hall, L. E., Bunt- and Shoemaker, b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Hallett, Sylvester, Farmer, b. New York. s. 1828, p.o. add. Adrian.
Hammond, Burdette, Boots and Shoes, b. New York, s. 186G, p. o. add. Caniateo.
Hallett, Wilaon, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1817, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Hargrave, J. B., Teacher, b. New York, s. 1854, p, o. add. Cani-fteo.
Jennings, S. II., Editor of C(ini$teo Times, b. Now York, a. 1877, p. o. add. Can-
isteo.
Jeffers, 0. P., Mason, b. New York, b. 1S72. p. o. add. Canisteo.
Jacobs, L., Barber, b. New York, s. 1878, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Jeffers, John N., Mason, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Lain,C. H., Manufacturer of Cooperage, b. New York.s. 1808, p.o. add. Canisteo.
Langlfy, D. W. (Retired), b. New York,8. 1839, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Langley, Hannah E. (Retired), b. Massachusetts, b. 184G, p. o. add, Canisteo.
Lain, A. B., Carpenter and Join<T, b. New York, s. 1871, p. o. add. Canisteo.
McCaig, J. E., Druggist and Exporter to Africa, b. Scotland, s. 1871, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Mead, William H. (Retired), b. New York, s. 183G, p. o. add. Caniateo.
McLean, William, Furmei-, b. New York, 8. 18G0, ji. o. add. Canisteo.
Osborn, Georgi! E., Door-Maker', b, New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Ordway, William H.. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Pickett, Benjamin, Physician, b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Phillips, H. It., Dentist, b. Pennsylvania, p. o. add. Caniateo or Westfield, Pa.
Preston, G. H., Dentist, b. New York, s, 1878, p. o. adil. Canisteo.
Riddell, George, Physician, b. Massiu-liusetts, s. 1837, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Riddell, William, Merchant, b. Maasachuselts, a. 1837, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Riddell, Scott, Furniture and Undertaker, b. New York, a. 1855, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Reyncdds, Thomas S., Door-Maker, b. New York, s. 1846, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Soub', Eli, Attorney, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Samons, Miner, Farmer, and Lumberman, b. New York, a. 1819, p. o. add.
Canisteo.
Stewart, E. E., Groceries and Provisions, b. New York, S.18G3, p.o. add. Canisteo.
Soely, .lames L., Photographer, b. New York, s. 1873, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Stone, Mrs. E. C, Millinery, b. New Yoi"k, s. 1875, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Stephens, W. E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o, add. Canisteo.
Stephens, Roxey (Retired), b. New York, s. 1808, p. o, add. Canisteo.
Stephens, Mordecai (Retired), b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Stephens, J. C, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1816, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Stephens, Geoi-gw H., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1803, p. o. add. Caniateo.
Stephens, Caleb, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. CanUteo.
Stephens, Phineaa 0., Farmer, b. New York, b. 1817, p. o. add. Caniateo.
StepheTis, George J., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Stephens, Dewitt C, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1817, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Stevens, W. C, Book-Keepcr, b. New York, a. 1872, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Taylor, W. B., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1824, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Taylor, M. L., Chair Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1849, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Taylor, H. S., Chair Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Thoniaa, Mra. M. C. (Retired), b. England, a. 1855, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Travis, Charles B., Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1806, p. o. add. North Jasper.
Vorhis, A. B., Sarfh, Door, and Blind Manufacturer, b. New York, a. 1863, p. o.
add. Canisteo.
Van Orman, I. A., Wood Work and Pattern Maker, b. New York.s. 1847, p. o.
add. Canisteo.
Whitakor, R. W., Planing-Mill, b. New Jersey, s. 1870, p. o. add. Canisteo.
Whitely, Betsey J., Grocery, Music-Teacher, and Preaching, b. New York, 8.
1869, p. 0. add. Canisteo.
Warren, J. M., Druggist, b. New York, s. 1873, p. o. add. Caniateo.
Weed, L. P., Farmer atid Lumberman, b. Connecticut, s. 1854, p. o. add. Canisteo.
CATON.
Bahcock, Julinn, Merchnnt, b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. mid. Caton.
Brown, Alexander, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1853, p. o. add. LawrenceviUe, Pa.
Barnard, U. A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Corning.
Barnard, G W., Surveyor, b. Now York, a. 1834, p. o. add. Corning.
Barnard, C. D., Lumber Dealer, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Corning.
Braee, J. W., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 185;, p. o. add. Caton.
Buchanan, James II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Seely Creek,
Scliuyler County.
Deyo, Alonzo, Farmer, b. New York, ». 1847, p. o. add. Caton.
Gilbert, William D., Merchant, b. Connecticut, 8. 1840, p. o. add. Caton.
Gilbert, J. A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1839, p. o. add. Caton.
Gillett, George, Farmer, b. New York, >. 1830, p. o. add. Caton.
Gillett, John, Farmer, b. New York, b. ISUl, p.o. add. Caton.
mil, Charles E., Farmer, b. Now York, 8. 1852, p. o. add. Caton.
Hern, John, Farmer, b. England, 8. 1877, p. o. add. Lawrenceville, Pa.
Hubbard, Philip, Farmer, b. England, 8. 183-', p. o. add. Caton.
Holmes, W. H., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Caton.
Hunt, William II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850. p. o. aild. Caton.
Johnson, L. G., Farmer, b. Connecticut, p. o.add. Caton.
Jones, Philo, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1860, p.o. add. Caton.
STATISTICAL DIRECTORY.
Lnrisoii, Oscar, Farmer, b. Tioga Co., p.,., «. 18G4, p. p. „,i,|. L;i»renceville, Pa.
Maltesoii, W. 0., Teacher, b. New York, ». 1844, p. o. adil. Caton.
Miller, \V. 11., Fanner, b. New York, ». 1830, p. u. aiUI. Citon.
Riclmrcl, L. S., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1835, p.o. aild. Oiloii.
Slliilh, E. 0., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Caton.
Smith, Tims, Farmer, b. New York, ». 18C5, p. o. add. C'alori.
Schlllt, Andrew, Physician, b. New York, s. 18:15, p. o. add. Caton.
Shiirp, William, Clergyman, b. Connecticut, b. 1874, p. o. add. Caton.
Slranss, Edniond, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1SG7, p. o. add. Catou.
Spinney, John, Farmer, b. Nova Scotia, ». 1874, p. o. add. Calon.
Tubey, \V., Kiirmer, h. New Yoi k, «. 1853, p. o. add. Calon.
Vogel, Mina, Dressmaker, b. New York, b. 18.>1, p o. add. Caton.
Walden, James, Farmer, b. New Ynik, «. 18.i7, p. o. add. Caton.
Wellman, John K., Farmer, h. New York, s. 18M, p. o. add. Corning.
COHOCTON.
Armstrong. T. C, Farmer, b. Moalgomery Co., N. Y., «. 1816, p. o. add. Co-
hocton.
Adams, Asa, Drugs and Medicines, b. Krio On., N. Y., s. 184G, p. o. «dd. Blood's
De|K)t.
Bentley, K. W., Farmer, b. Steuben Co.. N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Cohoctoii.
Bamos, Irn F., Farmer, b. Steuben Co.. N. Y., ». 1854, p. o. add. Neal'a Creek.
Carp.-nter, W. A., Prop, and E-l. of Timet, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o.
add. Cuboctnn.
Clayson. Lewis Farmer, b. WestcheRter Co., N. Y., 8. 1840, p o. add. Wnj'lnnd.
Clayson, R. 11., Fm mer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add Wiivland.
Crawford, J. N., Farmer, b. Yiites Cd., N. Y., a. 1840, p. „. ,idd. IJb..id'.-4 Depot.
Clark, J. r., Fanner, Hay and Stnuv Dealer, b. Cuyiiga Co., N. Y., a. I8;J7, p. o.
add. Oobocton.
Cleland, .lames, Fnrmer, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., h. l^O.'i, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Drake, Louis F., Merchant, b New York, p. o. adil. C^dioctun.
Dewey, Hiinm, Farmer, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. 181W, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Edmonds, .lesse, Farmer, b. Coniicclieut, s. 1851, p. n. ndd. Cohocton.
Foils, Philip, Farmer, b. Prussia, s. 1846, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Foster, K. F., Farmer, b. Orange Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Flint, Jerome D., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o, add. Coliocton.
Fowler, F. C, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1851 p. o. ndd. N. Cohocton.
Green, John, Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 18C0, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Gibson, G. M., Farmer, b. Onrario Co., N. Y., s. 18;i7, p. o.add. N. Coliocton.
Harris, M. W., General Merchandi^e, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add.
Cohocton.
Harris, T. N., General Merchandise, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., b. 1842, p. o. add.
Cohocton.
Hoig, B. S., Farmer and Manufacturer of Lumber, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y.,
e. 1816, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Harter, Leonard, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Hann. Jacob, Farmer, b. Baden, Germany, s. 184;t, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Healy, L. B.. Physician and Surgeon, b. Stenben Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add.
Cohocton.
Healy, B. S., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 18A5, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Johnson, .1. K., Painter, b. Sleuhen Co., N. Y., s 1852, p. o. add. Blood's Depf)t.
James, S., Farmer, b. New York City, a. ISlfi, p. o, add. Cnhocton.
Iianghlin, M , Tailor, b. Ireland, s. 187G, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Lawrence, R. L., Veterinary Surgeon, h. Ireland, s. 1878, p. o. add. Blood's
Depot.
Magoon, Isaac, Retired, b, Vermont, s. 1841, p. o. add. N. Cohocton.
Moulton, R. P., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y , s. 184n, p. o. add. N. Cohocton.
Moulton, n. M., Milliner, b. Steuben Co., N Y., s. 1820, p. o. add. N. Cohocton.
Peck, M. A., General Merchandise, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Co-
hocton.
Rex, Jacob, Farmer, b. Pennoylvania, s. 1847, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Rex, William H., Farmer, b. Seneca Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Bice, Robert C, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y , a. 18:tl, p.o. add. NrHl's Crerk.
Reynolds, J. M., Dealer in Watches, Clocks, and Jewelry and IMatcd Ware. b.
Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Shattnck, H. S., Cooper, b. Stenben Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. N. Cohocton.
Stanton, Abel, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. add. Cohocion.
Searle, O. S., Lawyer, b. Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., s. 1871, p. o. add. Cohocton.
Tyler, C. M., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y.. s. 1854, p. o. add. Blood's Di-pot.
Tyler, hyrou A., Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. u. add. Blood's Depot.
Tyler, Milan J., Uetii^ed Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., «. 1842, p. o. add. Blood'*
Depot.
Vandewarken, Peter (Retired), b. Montg4imery Co.,N. Y., h. 1832, p.o. add. Riker
Holbiw.
Wait, David S., Fanner, b. Stenben Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Blood's Depot.
Weld, Dwighf, Farnftr, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Blood's Depot.
Wetmore, K. II., General Merchandise, h. Onlario Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. add.
Blood's Depot.
Wing, E. II., Fanner, b. Steubt-n Co., N. Y., a. 1824. p. o.add. Bb>od'M Depot.
Wells, E. O., Photographer, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1871, p. o. ndd. Cohocton.
Warner '^'homaa, Lumber Dealer, b, 91iissHchusetlB,8. 1861, p^o. add. Gobocton.
CORNING.
Austin, James A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Coming.
Bradley, George B.. Lawyer, b. New York. s. 1848, p. o. add. Coming.
Brown, Frank B., Publisher of Corning Dnnocr.il, b. New York. •. 18M, p
add. Corning.
Brown, D. F., Lawyer, b. New York. s. 1840, p. o. add. Corning.
Beals, F. D., Dentist, b. Massachusotto, s. 187C, p. o. add. Corning.
Bryan, E. W., Physician, b. New York, a. 1877, p. o. add. Coming.
Bannister, E., Farmer and Proa, of Village, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. a
Corning.
Balcom, Rev. Benj. F., Farmer and Clergyman, b. New York, a. 1828, p. o. a
Painted Post.
Bedlent, J. II., Farmer, b. New Y^rk, s. 1834, p.o. add. Corning.
Bediei.t, Mrs. E. A., b. New York, s. 1802. p. o. add. Corning.
Burt, Juhii M,, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Big Flat.
Cole, C. S , Insurance Agent, b. New York, s. 185;t, p. o. add. Corning.
Cooper. George W., Publisher of Corning /nd«/>Md<n(,b. MasaachuMHB,.. i;
p. o. add. Corning.
Cowan, Nelson, Coal Dealer, b. New York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Coming.
Caulkins, Friend, b. Cunneclicut, s. 1848, died April 17, 1874.
Cttulkina, Peter W., Carpenter and Joiner, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1848, p. o. a
Corning,
Caster, Wm., Farmer and Lumborman, b. New York, a. 1842, p.o. add. Cornl
Code, Nathan, Farmer, b. New York, b. 1872, p. o. add. Corning.
Drake, F. N., President of Tioga Railroad Company and Blos^burg Coa) Ck
pany, b. Vermont, s. 18;>4, p. o. add. Corning.
Drake, D. S., Supt. uf Blossburg Coal Company, b. New York, s. 18G1, p. o. i
Corning.
Dickenson, E. L., Confectioner, b. New York, s. 186:J, p. o. add. Coming.
De Wolf, George E., Fiirmer, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Corning.
De Wolf, William A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Curulng.
De W<tlf, Iliram, Farmer, b. New York, decr-niicd.
De W<dr, Peter .1., Fiirmer, b. New York, p. o. a^ld. Corning.
English, K. (;., Lawyer, b. New York, a. 1837, p. o. add. Corning.
Ea-terbrooks, John A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. Coming.
Edger, Williiim F., Farmer, b. New York, «. 1818, p. o. add. Gibson.
Edger, Fninkie I., b. New York, s. 1849, p. o, add. Gibwm.
Ellison, C. B., Firmer, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning.
Fuller Bros., Props, of Dickens4>n House »lnc© 1803, p. o. add. Corning.
Fondcrson, F. A., Dentist, b. New York, a. 185<», p. o. add. Corning.
Field. Lovasso, Marlrle Denier, p. o. add Corning. '
Frymire, Samuel, Blacksmith, b. Ciinada, s. 1850, p. o. ndd. Corning,
Fero, D. K., Jeweler, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Corning.
French, Mrs. M(-lis>a A., b. New York, a. 18,'(2, p. o.add. Corning. '^^^
Folnsbee, I:iaac, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1874, p. o. ndd. Corning.
Fox, Cliarles J, Manufacturer of Lumber, b. New York, e. 1800, p. o.
Painted Post.
Greenfieh), C. E , Merchant, b. New York, s. 1846, p. or odd. Corning.
Githler, M., Tanner, b. Germany, a. 1858, p. o.add. Painle«l Post.
Graves. K. P.. Book-Keeper, b. New York, a. 1840, p. o. adil. Corning.
Gorton, William, F;irmer, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. adil. Corning.
Gillette, William (Retired), b. New York, a. 1823, p. o. add. Coming.
Gillette, Charles W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning.
GofT, Henry, Jlerchant, b. New York, p. o. add. Corning.
Goff, Stephen, Farmer, b. New York, «. 18.'»0, p. o. add. Con*.ing.
Gilbert, A. J., liiverytuan, b. New York, a. 1840, p. o. add. Corning.
Gorton, Peleg, Farmer, b. New York, «. 1H;'.2, p. o. add. Ct)rning.
Gorton, S. 1) , Farmer, b. Niw Voik, s. 1814, p. o. add. Corning.
Gorton, Hiram, Furmer, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Corning.
Gorton, Uufu«, Farmer and Grocer, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. Coming
Gorton, Pliibindcr, Gn.>cer, b. New York, e. 1810, p. o. add. GlL«on.
Gorton, Penjiimin, Boat Building and Boating, b. New York, a. 1825, p. o. ■
Gibson.
Gorton, Benjamin, Mechanic, b. New York, a. 1813, p. o. add. Gibson.
Huiigt-rfoid. J. N., Banker, b. New York, s. 1864, p. o. add. Corning.
Heermans. J , Real (>tate .Agent, b. l*ennaylviihia, s. 1805, p. o. add. Oornin
Hilcht-ock, George, Juaiice, b. NfW York, ti. ISM, p. o. add. Corning.
Howell, C. G., Corning Oil C«>mpany, b. New Jeraoy, a. 1845, p. o. add. Coral
Hadden, A., Lawyer, b. New York. s. 1832, p. o. add. Corning.
Ilerrlngton, N. M., Physician and Surgeon, b. Now Yotk, a. 1844, p. o. a
Corning.
Houghton, Amory, Jr., Glass MannfactunT. b. Maasachusetta,*. 1808, p. o. a
Corning.
Hoare, John, Cut Glaxa 3Iannfacturor, b. Ireland, a. 1868, p. o. add. Corning
llayl, S. T , Miller, b. New York, a. 18:J3, p. o. add. Corning.
liny, A. I>., Farmi-r, b. New York, a. IS-U), p. o. add. Big Flat-.
Hunt, Wm., Farmer and LuniU'rnmn, b. New Y'ork, a. 1842, p o. add. Coml
Hare. John (Reiiifd), b. Pennsylvania, a. 1820, p o. ndd. Painted Post.
Hare, William II., Jobber, b. Penmtylvniila, a 1835, p. o. add. Painted Pus*
Ingorvoll, A. J., Prop, of Pine Wood Cure, b. New York, i. 1818, p. o. a
Corning.
J.iync", Kiigftie, Insurance, b. New York, a. 185G, p. o. add. Coming.
Kendall, A. S., Lawyer, b. Mnsaachupetta, a. 1850, p. o. add. Coming.
King, W. N.. Florist, b. New York, a. 1849. p. o. add. Girning.
Kingsbury, L. C, Manufacturer and Fatiner, b. New York, a. 1864, p. o. a
Corning. *■
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
', Corning, Organized in 1873.
p, Austin, Jr., Merthant, h. Pennsylvania, 8. 18r)9, p, o. add. Coming,
ir, J. H., JewekT, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning.
f, David M., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S:J8, p. o. add. Corning.
]enry C., Physician, b. New York, b. 18W, p. o. ndd. Corning,
ney, James C, Farmer, b. New York, «. 1820, p. o. add. Corning.
Jolin, Jr. (Ketired), b. Pennsylvania, s. 1827, p. o. add. Corning.
Uigostiis S., Physician, b. New Y'ork, s. lS-12, p. o. add. Corning.
, N. S., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, b. IS—, p. o. add. Big Flats.
Leroy H., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, a. 1871, p. or^dd. Corning,
ney, James, Jr., Farmer, b. Wisconsin, s. 1861, p. o. add. Corning.
3. D., Lawyer, p. o. add. Corning.
Henry B., Farmer, b. Rhode Island, s. 1832, p. o. add. Big Flats.
Seorge W., Publisher of Corning Journal, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add.
!)orning.
, B. N., Fo!indry, b. Pcnn.sylvania, s. 1839, p. o. add. Corning,
W. S., Physitinn, b. New York, b ISol, p. o. add. Corning,
d, T. S., Merchant, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1838, p. o. add. Corning.
trd, h , Uetiied, p. o. odd. CVirning.
)mmelt B., [jawycr, h. Pennsylvania, s. 1868, p o. ndd. Corning.
3on, S. C, Farmer, h. New Yu: k, s. 1862, p. o. add. Corning.
, Wm. T., Blacksnnlh, b. Germany, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning.
lart, Cliarles, Faimer, b. New York, s. 1S56, p. o. add. Corning,
lart, A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1870, p. o. add. Corning.
% Alvali, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1808, p. o. add. Corning.
', Washington, Farmer ami Gardener, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add.
^'orniiig.
Pliney A., Teacher, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o.add. Corning.
Oliver (Retired), b. Vermont, s. 1819, p. o. add. Gilison.
'eter. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Curning.
Its. Catherine, b. New York^ s. 1844, p. o. add. Corning.
indrew J,, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Corning,
r, George T., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Corning.
Just. BI., Merchant, b. New York.s. 1834, p. o. add. Coming.
1, E. (Retired), b. N^w York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Corning.
i, N. L., Lumber Dealer and Canal Collector, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o.
idd. Corning.
k, M., Merchant Tailor, b. Germany, b. 1858, p. o. add. Corning.
C. W., Merchant, b New York, 8. 184G, p. o. add. Corning.
, Charles, Farmer, h. New Jersey, g. 1831, p. o. add. Big Flats.
Henry P., Painter, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Corning,
r, William A., Road Commissioner for sixteen years, b. New Y'urk, s.
:841, p. o. add Corning.
, Mrs. Lovisa A., b. Pennsylvania, s. 18C0, p. o, ndd. Big Flats.
A. D., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18:i2. p. o. add. Corning,
er, J.icob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 18G8, p. o. add. (horning.
I, John, Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1832, p. o. add. Big Flats,
on, Charles H., Lawyer, b. Massachiisetts, s. 1850, p. o. add. Corning,
son, Thomas, Furniture Deahr, b. England, s. 1840, p. o. add. Corning.
\V. D., Gents' Furnishing Goods, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning.
Zerah, Merchant, b. New Yoik, b. Ici49, p. o. add. Corning.
L., I'ainter, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning,
er, Frank L., Moclianic, b. New York, a. 1859, p. o. add. Corning.
John D., Co. A, 159th Regt, N, Y. S. V., killed Sept. I'J, 18G4, at Fisher's
Hill.
Adt^-line A., b. New York, s. 1S3G, p. o. ndd. Corning.
, S. J., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1845, p. o. add. Corning,
ey, Wm. F., Mannfiicturei-, b. New York, 8. 1847, p. o. add. Corning,
eren, Mrs Elizabeth, p. o. add. Big Flats,
us, Louis, p. 0. add. Painted Post.
T, John, Farmer, b. New York. s. 18C5, p. o. add. Corning.
tr, C. C. B., Merchant, b. New Hampshire, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning.
'gt'in. Q- ^V^- Banker, b. New York. s. 1854, p. o. ndd. Corning,
igtoii, J. G., Book-Keeper, b. Vermont, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning,
tr, William, Insurance Agent, b. England, s. 1S5C, p. o. add. Corning,
ms, F. A., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1834, p o. add. Corning.
, N. E , Merchant, b. New Y'mk, s. 1844, p. o. add. Corning,
ley, A. J , Farmer, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Big Flats,
ley. William, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Corning,
tt, Oraon E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Corning.
tt, Frederick, Farmer, b. New York, «. 180G, died in 1873.
tt, George, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning.
DANSVILLE.
y, C. S., Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. South
Dansvilie.
, Philotna, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1825, p. o. add. South Dansvilie.
ck, Geo. G., Farmer and Postmaster, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. Doty's
Corners.
on. P., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. South Dansvilie.
;r, Simeon, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1827, p. o. add. Arkport.
ly, Morgan H., Fanner, b. New York, 8. 1824, p. o. add. Burns.
ove, Henry, Farmer, b. New York, s. 18iJ7, p. o. add. Canaseraga.
', Ja«;. B., .'armer, b. New Y^ork, s. 18^, p. o. add. South Dansvilie.
Case, Jarvis P., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1830, p. o. add. Arkport.
Densmore, A., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1818, p. o. add. Ark|mrr.
Day, Chauncy, Prop, of Rogersville Hotel and Farmer, b. New York, s. 1876,
p. o. add. South Dansvilie.
Ellis, Albert, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Arkport.
Eveland, Jacob (Retired Farmer), b. Pennsylvania, b. 1836, p. o.add. South Dans-
vilie.
Fritz, Elias, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s- 1825, p. o. add. Doty's Corners.
Fritz, Wesley, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania^ s. 1824, p. o. add. Doty's Corners.
Faulkner, John P., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. ad<l. South Dansvilie.
Hcndep, John M., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1819, p. o. ndd. South Dansvilie.
Healy, Byron, Lawyer and County Judge of Wyoming Co., b. Dansvilie, Steuben
Co., 8. 1830, p. o. add. Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y.
Healy, Joshua, Farmer, b. New Y^ork, s. 1828, p. o. add. Doty's Comers.
Heuly, William W., Genenil Produce Dealer and Grain Farmer, b. New York,
s. 1822, p. 0. ndd. South Dansvilie.
Jones, S. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Burns.
Jones, P. S., Postmaster, b. New York, b. 1818, p. o. add. Burns.
Levers, John, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1839,- p. o. add. Dansvilie, Livingston
Co., N. Y.
Lemen, J. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Dansvilie, Livingston Co.,
N. Y.
McCollnm, Wm. H., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, b. 1827, p. o. add. Burns.
McCartney, M. S., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1838, p. o. add. Dansvilie, Living-
ston Co., N. Y.
Oliver, Chas. (Retired), b. Vermont, a. 181G, p. o. ndd. South Dansvilie.
Owston, Jonathan, Farmer, b. England, s. 1835, p. n. add. South Dansvilie.
Shipman, Isaac, Farmer, b. New Jereey, s. 18(3, p. o. add. Arkport.
Weber, Michael, Faimer, b. Germany, s. 1856, p. o. ndd. Arkport.
Woolever, Jas. P., Farmer, b. N. Y., b. 1840, p. o. add. Arkport.
Watkins, M. F., General Ticket -Agent Erie Railroad, b. New York, s. 1870, p. o.
ndd. Burns.
Williams, John J., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. D.uisviUe, Living-
ston Co., N. Y.
ERWIN.
Bronson, Frank E-, Book-keeper, b. New York, s. 1856, p. o. -.uUl. Painted Post.
Balconi, Lyman, Fanner, b. New Y'ork, s. 18:i5, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Bennett, Ira P.. Real Estate, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Campbell, Philo (Retired), b. New York, s. 1808, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Cooper, Arthur E.. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains.
Cgvenhoven, Peter, Farmer, b New York, s. 1821, p. o. add. Erwin.
Erwin, Francis, Farmer and Supervisor, b. New York, 8. 1834, p. o. add. Painted
Post.
Erwin. W. S., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Erwin, Arthur, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1807, p. o. add. Addison.
Erwin, John T., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18 — . p. o. add. Addison.
Erwin, Chas. H. (Retired), b. New York. s. 1832, p. o.add. Painted Post.
Farwell, Benjamin, Merchant, b. Massachusetts, s. 1820, p. o add. Painted Past.
Goodsell, Isaac P. (Ketired), b. Pennsylvania, s. 1824, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Gilbert, Mrs. Rachel E., b. New York, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Hodgman, Warren S., Merchant Miller, b. New York, s. 1846, p. o. add. Painted
PoBt.
Hnl'baid, M. W., Lnnibei-man, b. New York, s. 1865, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Iredell, Chas., Superintendent of Extract Works, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1864, p. o.
ndd. Painted Post.
Lovell, Calvin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Orcutt, Daniel, Drng;;isl, b. Connecticut, s. 1844, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Orcutt, James t>., Drufrgist, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. adiL Painted Post.
Patterson, John M. (Retired;, b. New York, s. 1801, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Piatt, C. F., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Pierce, Alson (Retired), b. Vermont, a. IS15, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains.
Stanton, Ji lomo I., Merchant, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1866, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Savory, Willis J. (Retired), b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. ndd. Painted Post.
Short, Charles B., Lumberman, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1844, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Tobias, James S., Attorney, b. New York, 8. 1832, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Townsend, Eliza E., b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1803, p. o. add. Erwin.
Tousey, Chester A., Hardware, b. New Y'ork, s. 1874, p. o. add. Painted Post.
Yonng, F. E. (Retired), b. New York, B. 1808, p.o. add. Painted Post.
FREMONT.
Cotton, Henry, Farmer and Stock Grower, b. New Y'ork, s. 1820, p. o. ndd. Ste-
phens' Mills.
Stephens, E. G., Farmer and Mill Owner, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Ste-
phens' Mills.
Stephens, F. D., Fanner and Carpenter and Joiner, b. New Y'ork, s. 1813, p. o.
add. Stephens' Mills.
GREENWOOD.
Atkins, William, Farmer, b. New Yorli, s. 1S32, p. o. add. Andorer.
Alkjiis, Harriet, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1842, p. o. add. Greenwood.
Briindage, J. M., Druggist and Justice of the IVacc, b. Now York, s. 1830, p. o.
add. C.eenwood, ^:
STATISTICAL DIRECTORY.
457
Brundago, Mary I., Widow ..f Ismi?! M. llriiudagc, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o.
acid. Greenwood.
Davis, Jolin, Mcicliaiit, b. New York, s. 1875, p. o. add. Greenwood.
Fisber, Mary SI., Widow of Gcorgo F. Fisher, 1«. New York, 8. 1835, p. o. add.
Greenwood.
Harrington, J. C. Blacksraith, b. New York, s. 18:19, p. o. add. Greenwood.
Bellermaii. Matilda, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o add. UreenwiHid.
Porter, Sjibrey. b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Greenwood.
Pease, LalTany, Farmer, b. Now York, 8. 1827, p. o. add. Greenwood.
Rogere, Jolm, Karmer, b. New York, s. 18.')2, p. o. adii. Andovcr.
Stephens, Riindal P, , Farmer and Cattle Dealer, b. New York, «. 1849, p. o. add.
Greenwood.
Taylor, Antoinette, b. New York. 8. 1834, ]>. o. add. Greenwood.
Woodbury, Jos. B,, Producer of Petroleum Oil, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add.
Greenwood.
Williamson, Elias, Farm, and Lnni., b. New York, 8. 1831, p. o. add. Greenwood.
Wood, William II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1859, p. o. add. Greenwood.
HORNBY.
Aioisttr)tig, J. E., Fiirmer .iiid l.utnberriiau, b. New Yink, «. 1S44, p. o. add.
Corning:.
Adams, George, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Hornby Forks.
Burnap, C. U., Farmer, b. Xew York, s. 185U, p. o. add. Corning.
Baxter, Mary J., Farmer, b. New York, s. 187S, p. o. add. Hornby.
Covenboven, Daniel U., Farmer and Dairyman, b. New York, 8. 183U, p. o. add.
Painted Post,
Dunlap, ■William, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1819, p. o. add. Corning.
Eaaterbrook, P. A., Farmer and Mason, b. New York, 8. ]8;J1, p. o. add. Painted
Post.
Goodsell, Wm. L., Fami. and Mi-cbanic, b. New York, 8.1846, p. o. add. Hornby.
Goodsell, George, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1820, p. o. add. Corning.
Hendrick, Ira B., Farmer, b. New York, p. o. add. Monterey, Schnyler Co.
Hendrick, Muria. 1>, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1826, p. o.add. Monterey, Schnyler
Co.
Henry, .Tolin N., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Hornby.
Lane, Eugene A., Farm, and Teacher, b. Now Y'ork, s. 18.'>0, p. o. add. Corning.
Lilly, Willis S., Farmer, h. New York, «. 184o, p. o. add. Corning.
Oldfield, Thomas, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, b. New York, s. 18;J1, p. o.
add. Corning.
Pond, E. A., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s, 1826, p. o. adil. Hornby.
Rogers, George W., Farmer and Ket. Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o.
adil. Hornby.
Roloson, Alfred, Farm, and Supervisor of Town, b. New York, a. 1832, p. o. add.
Hornby.
Roloson, Petfr, Farmer, b. New Jersey, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Corning.
St. John, John, Farmer, b. Vermont, 8. 1817, j*. o. add. Hornby.
St. John, F. 0., Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1829, p. o. add. Hornby.
Stanton, J. Amnsa, Farmer and Trader, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Painted
Post.
Stephens, H. W., Farmer and Currier, b. New York, 8. 1869, p. o. add. Hornby.
Sly, Georgf, Farm, and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1815, p. o. add. Corning.
Travis, Elislia, Soldier in 1812 and member of Baptist Clinrch sixty yeara, b.
New York, s. 18.51, p. o. add. Monterey, Schnyler Co., N. Y^.
Travis, Clara Gay, b. New York, 8. 1851, p. o.add. Monterey, Schnyler Co., N. Y_
Underwood, Orson L., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Hornby.
Van Hoi twick, George W., Farmer and Mechanic, b. New York, s. 1849, p. o
add. Corning.
Waason, Jolm B., Farmer, and Soldier fn Co. A, 14l3t Regt.. N. Y. S. V., Ii
Ireland, s. 1850, p. o. add. Mead's Creek.
Wasson, Catharine A., b. Ireland, s. 1856, p. u. add. Mead's Creek.
HORNELLSVILLE.
Adsit, ai., Banker, b. New York, s. 1S26, p. <>. add. Ilurnellsville.
Alley, S. M., b. New York, b. 1848, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Adsit, Ch.arles, Cashier in Fir8t National Bank, h. New York, 8. 1843, p. o. add.
Ilornellfiville.
Allen, C. N., Engineer, b. Now York, s. 1858, p. o. add. Ilornellsrille.
Akins, A. F., Conductor N. Y., L. E. and W. R. K., b. New York, 8. 1855, p. o.
add. nornellsvillo.
Boynton, G. L., Foreman, b. Massachusetts, s. 1S72, p. o. ad<l. Ilornellsvillc.
Bonfley, J. I., Grocer, b. New York, s. 18G3, p. o. add. llornellsville.
Boardman, L. S., Painter, b. Now York, 8. 1862, p. o. add. llornellsville.
Baker. M. J., p. o. add. llornellsville.
Bennett, II., Lawyer, b. New York, a. 181.% p. o. a<l>l. HornelNville.
Bonliam, Wni. E., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1827, p. o. ad.l. llornellsville.
Bemis, H., Lawyer, b. Vermont, 8, 18511, p. o. add. HornelUville.
Benton, D. L., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 184C, p. o. add. llornellsville.
Belknap, D. K., Agent N. Y., L. E. and W. R. R., b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1873, p. o.
add. Hornellsville.
Brundage, B. L., Attorney, b. Now Jersey, 8. 1824, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Burnham, I. W., Dry Goods Merchant, b. New York, «. 183C, p.o. add. Hornells-
ville.
f,8
Buringer, D. C, Ik»ik-keepor, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Babcock, V. G., Banker, li. New York, 8. 1871, p. o. add. Haruellsville.
Brown, A. E., Manager of Tolegraplj, b. Sew York, s. 1849, p. o. add. Hornells-
ville.
Boyden, Wm., Engineer, b. New York, 8. 18G,"., p. o. aild. IIornolNville.
Bellivon, .lolin, Engineer, b. Can.idn, «. IftK), p. o. add. Ilornillsville.
Brown, R. W., Builder, b. New Brunswick, s. 18CC, p. o. add. llornellBville.
Bennett, Martha A., b. New York, 8. 1807, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Beach, James E., Assistant Engineer, b. New York, a. 18C5, ji. o. add. llornells-
ville.
Bollon, Enos, Engineer, b. Now York, 8. 18159, p. o. add. liornellaville.
Burdick, Mrs. Jolin, b. New York, a. 1800, p.o. add. Almond.
Crane, Nirom M., Banker, li. New York, ». 1845, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Cadogan, Charles, Grocer, b. New York, 8. 1838, p. o. add. noriiellavllle.
Carle, Murray J., Dealer in llata and Caps, b. New York, s 1873, p.o. a<ld. llor-
nellsville.
Clark, F., Clergyman, b. Irnbind, 8. 1873, p. o. ad.l. llornellsville.
Chase, S. C, Marble Dealer, b. New York, s. 1871, p. o. a^ld. Hornellaville.
Cridler, D. F., Phyaician and Surgeon, b. New York, s. 18:IB, p. o. add. liornella-
ville.
Chapman, J. K., Engineer, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Cadogan, Abrani, Builder, b. New York, a. 18.3C, p. o.add. HornelUville.
Crotty, Michael, Grocer, b. Ireland, s. 1849, !>. o. add. Ilornollsvdie.
Chapman, J. W., Engineer Di8|»>tcher, b. New Hampshire, s. 1808, p. o. add. Hor-
nellsville.
Collins, B. F., Conductor N. Y., L. E. and W. R. R., b. New York, «. 1870, p. o.
.■uld. Hornellsville.
Caaterline, D. C, Liveryman, b. New York, a. 1872, p. o. a<ld. Hornellsville.
Collins, Wm. L.. Conductor, b. Pennsylvania, a. 185:1, p. o. adil. Hornellaville.
Cameron, Ronabl, Engineer, b. Scotland, s. 18G3, p. o.add. Hornellaville.
Curry, Michael, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1846, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Dennis, Rodney, Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1834, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Di.\son, James O., p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Dows, Harry, Miller, b. England, a. 1863, p. o. add . Homellsville.
Daniels, F. E., Fireman, b. Massachuaetle, a. 1870, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Davison, Wm., Engineer, b. Engbind, a. 1861, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Depuo, A., Conduct^tr, b. New York, a. 1861, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Davenport, George, Farmer, a. 1851, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
Daveupolt, Stephen A., Farmer, a. 1852, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
Davis, .\nson, Butcher, b. Now York, s. 18.35, p. o. add. HornellBVille.
Ellis, Wells E„ Produce Dealer, b. New York, 8. 18.')4, p. o. add. Ark|K.rt, N. Y.
Finch, John M., Attorney, b. New York, a. 1841, p. o. add. IlornellsviUe.
Faulkner, R. K., Grocer, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Farrand, Peter, Brakemtin, b. New York, a. Iil5, p. o. add. HornelUville.
Fitz Gibbon, Thoe. (Retired), b. Ireland, s. 1869, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Grecnhow, J., Editor Tribune, b. England, a. 1870, p. o. adil. Ilornelbville.
Glazier, James T.. Merchant Tailor, b. .New York, e. l.S.'j.'i, ji. o. add, Hornellaville.
Griswold, G. W., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Gartside, Frank, Engineer, b. England, s. 1863, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Grief, F. J., Manufacturer, b. Now York, s. IKJ.'*, p. o. add. Him nellsvillo.
Goff, Job, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1812, p. o. add. noriullsville.
Hartshorn, Charles, Real Estate, b. New York, a. 18.10, p. o. aild. Hornellsrille.
Hollands, George, Flour and Feed, b. England, s 1865, p. o. add. HornelUville.
Hongh, E. II., Editor Heratil, b. New York. 6. 1851, p.o. add. Hornellaville.
Hart, H. C, Favniei , b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Hubbaril, C. G., Pliys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Humphrey, G. S., Contractor and Builder, b. Connecticut, a. 186«, p. o. add.
HornelUville.
Ilirl. Reuben F., Farmer and Lumbcnnan, b. New York, s. 1847, p. o. add.
Ilornellsvillc.
Hor.in, JI. J.. Engineer, b. New York, a. 1851, p. o. add. Honiollaville.
Hawley, Slibs J. II., Clerk, N. Y., L. E. and W. B. B., b. New York, a. 1854, p. o.
.add. Ilftrnollsville.
Haskell, N. B., Farmer and Lumberman, b. Maine, a. 1857, p. o. add. HornellsTlIle.
Hurlbut, Chrialopber, Sr., Farmer and Surveyor, b. Connecticut, s. 1797, dleO
in 1R31.
Hurlbut, John, Farmer, s. 1797, died in 18:11.
Hurlbnt, Wm. S., Farmer, b. New York. s. 1820, p, o. ad.l. Ark|«>rl, N. Y.
Hurlbut, John, Farmer, b. New York, a. 18il, i>. o.add. Arkport, N. Y.
Hurlbnt, Christo|>her, Farmer, a. 1797, died in 1875.
Hurlbut, Kduiiind, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1826, p. o. add. Arkp.i t, N. Y.
II.H«kell. Lucina 0., Farmer, b. Maine, s. 1859, p.o. add. llorio'lUvllle.
Hunt, Horace, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1856, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Ingham, A. L., Conductor, b. New York, a. 1870, p. o. add Hornellaville.
Johnson, R.L., Dry Goods Merchant, b. England, a. 1867. p.o. add. Hornellaville.
Jamlaon, John S., Phys. and Surg , b. New York, a. 1822, p. o. add. Hornellaville.
Jonea, A., Farmer and Broker, b. New York, a. 1825, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Kimball, Wm. A., Conductor N. Y., I.. E. and W. R. K., b. Maasachnaetta, a. 18SI,
p. o. adil. Honiellavillc.
Lockwood, J. A., Carriage Manfr , b. Connecticut, a. IS-M, p. o. add. Hornellstllle.
Loftue, A. J.. Conductor, N. V., L. E. and W. R. R., b. Ireland, s. 1868. p. o. add.
Hornellaville.
Loveland, II. B., Sr, Farmer, b. Pennaylvania, «. I860, p. o. »<ld. Arkl"irt, N. Y.
McDougall, J., Prop'rofGns-Worka, b. Sc..Cl«nd,a. I860, p. o.add. Hornellsville.
Mitchell, Samuel, Pliya. and 8nrg., b. New York, a. 1847, p. o. add. HornellaTlllc.
McConnell. Asa (Retired), b. New York, s. 18()1, p. o. add. H..rnell»ville.
Blaxson, M. B., Manufacturer, b. New York, a. 18«1, p. o. add. Uornellavllle.
458
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
Mills, John, Kngineer, b. New York, 8. 1874, p. o. aild. Hornellsville.
Miller, Iiicrfase, Farmer, t. New York, ». 1S20, p. o. mhl. IIoniellMville.
Miller, LennarJ, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1841, p. o.adil. Ilortittllsville.
Near. 1. W., Lawyer, b. Npw York, 8. 1859, p. o. adil. Ilornellsvillo.
Nicholson, J. W., lirocer, b. New Yoik, f. 1842, p. o. add. Ilnrnellsville.
Nicbolifon, IlariMun, Farmer, b. PeniiH^lvaiiia, 1811, p. o. add. IIorneII>«vilIe.
Nichol8(tti, Ediji\iiid, Fanner, Ii. IVmisylvuiiia, 1808, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Nichols, Fred. S., Prop'r of Nichols House, U. New York, s. 1870, p. o, add. Hor-
nellsville.
Osx, W. W., Lawyer, b. New York.s. 1847, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Ordway, G. M.. Farmer, h. New York, s. 18^2, p. o. add. IluniclUville.
Orcutt, H. (_'.
O'Connor, Geo. W., Tanner, b. New York, s. 18G4, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Plimpton, A. J., Florist and Gardener, b. New York, 8.1838, p.o. add. Hornellsville.
Prindle, A. T., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1848, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Pryor, Frank, Sliueniaker, b. Pennsylvania, 1857, p. o. add. Aikport, N. Y.
Payne ii. K., .Siiilion Ag't K. U. R., h. Now York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
Koldnaon, J. W., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1876, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Richardson, Csiss, Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Rose, W. G , Hardware Merchant, b. Connecticut, s. 1845, p.o. add. Hornellsville.
Richardson, "Wm., Boot Manfr., b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Roger.*, ('liavles. Engineer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1851, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Rockwell, H. H., Telegrapher, b. New York, s. 1860, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Rezuor, Lot, Postmaster and Merchant, b. New York, s. 1808, p. o. add. Arkportj
NY.
Rork, Rev. R. R., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o, add. Arkport, N. Y.
Ranger, fL K., Farmed, b. New York, s. 18;i4, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
ijhattnck, S. E., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Sutton, W. L., Pliotugraphcr, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Santee, J. E. R., Attorney, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Hurnellsville.
Smith, A. S., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1820. p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Simmons, W. H., Prop'r of Hotel, b. England, s. 1806, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
SweetliUUl, Amanda, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Steven>*, A., Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1820, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Stone, C. 0., Switchman, b. New York, s. 1844, Hurnellsville.
Smith, Cha,-*. H., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1848, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
Sharp, John J.. Fanner, b. Staten Island, N. Y., s. 18U0, died Pec. 9, 1875.
Sharp, Henry \V., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
Swarlz, lioss H., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1848, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Tiiatcher, Mowiy, Farmer, b. Rhode Island, s. ISlu, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Tuttle it Brigham, Puhlishers Times, p. o. add. HurneUaville.
Tschachtli, R., Furniture Dt-aler. Ii. Switzerland, s. 1866, p. o. add. HornelUville.
Terry, G. D., Miller, b. New York, s. 185(1, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Terry, Geo. W., Farmer and Miller, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Thatcher, S.M., Farmer, b. Now York,8. 18"J4,p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Thatcher, Scott, Jlanfr. of Reapers and Mowei-s, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add.
Horneitsville.
Tracy, G. H., Engineer, b. New York, s. 1802, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Taggart, Geo., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Arkport.
Van Dusen, W. II., Chief Clerk in H. Shops, b. New York, s. 18G5, p. o. add.
Hurnellsville.
Vau A nlwerp.T., Store-keeper E. R.,b. New York, 8. 18G1, p.o. add. Hornellsville.
Wetmure, J. F., Attorney, b. New York, s. 1855, p. u. add. Hornellsville.
Whitikar, D., Butcher and Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1«72, p.o. add. Hornellsville.
Williams, G. W., Veterinary Surg., b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Wright, G. M., Conductor, N. Y., L. E. and W. K. K., b. New York, s. 1867, p. o.
add. Hornellsville.
Wallace, A. R., Engineer, b. New York, s, 1839, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Ward, Mre. L. A., b. New York, s. 184U, p. o. add. Hornellsville,
Wiles, A. J., Engineer, b. New York, s. 1861, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
W'akem.in, Bennett, Engineer, b. New York, s. 1865, p. o. add. Hornellsville.
Walker, J. E., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1876, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
Woolever, William, Farmer, b.Now York, s. 1823, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y.
HOWARD.
Bennett, George, Farmer, b. Nuw Vork, s. 1836, p. o. atld. Howard.
Brasted, Nicholas, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Howard.
Brasted, John C, Farmer, 1.. New Jersey, s. 1819, p. o. add. Howard.
Bullard, Joel, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1810, p. o. luld. Howard.
Bartholomew, Eber, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1819, j). o. add. Big Creek.
Case, A. B., Physician and Surgeon, b. Vermont, s. 1833, p. o. add. Howard.
McC<.iunell, John, Farmer, li. New York, s. 1818, p. <». add. Goff's Mills.
Russel, Joel, Farmer, li. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Howard.
Rathbun, Isaac, Physician and Farmer, b. New York, s. 1817, p. o.add. Howard.
Rice, Mrs. Gratia, p. o. add. Kanona.
JASPER.
Andrews, H. B.
Button, G. F.
Craig, L.
Catlin, John R., Clergyman, p. o. add. Locki>orr, N. Y.
Craig, A. B., Farmer and Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Jasper.
Cbatfield, Ezra, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. Jasper.
Coimtrynntn, W., Farmer, b. New York, e. 1839, p. o. add. Jasper.
Cushman, Sirs. D., b. New York, 8. 1842, p. o. add. Jasper.
Drake, Allen, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Jasper.
Du Bois. G. J., Clergyman, b. New York, a. 1827, p. o. add. Jasper.
Deck, S., Pbysifiao, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Jasper.
Dennis, Ger.rge, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1843, p. o. add. Jasper.
Dennis, F., Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1824, p. o. add. Jasper.
Drake, Ayers, Proprietor of Hotel and Farmer, h. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add.
Josper.
France, Jas. II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1861, p.o. add. Jasper.
Hunter, W'. W^, Merchant, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Ja.sp<-r,
June, Elias C, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Jasper.
Lamson, Mrs. Sarah, Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1825, p.o. add. Jasper.
Marlatt, A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. Jasper.
Pierce, John, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1861, p. o. add. Jasper.
Swan, Orrin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Jasper.
Savage, A. N., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1838, p. o. add. Jasper.
Shefield, T. J.. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1832, p.o. add. Jasper.
Sterns, Henry, Dealer in Furniture and Undertaker, b. Ma>isachusett>:, s. 1836,
p. o. add. Jasper.
Talbot, Ebenezer, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. North Jasper.
Taft, Nelson R., Farmer, b. Rhode Island, 8. 1830. p. o. add. Ja8|>er.
Towsley, J. R., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. ad<l. Jiisper.
Yroman, Hulda, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Jasper.
Whiting, Oliver, Farmer, b. New York, i>. o. add. Jasper.
Winship, D. C, Physician, b. New Yoi k, p. o. add. Jasper.
Wentworth, G. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. add. Jasper.
Whitman, W. J., p. o. add. Jasper.
LINDLEY.
Cook, James, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. Erwin Centre.
Colder, Hiram W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1839, p. o. udil. Llndley.
Clineburg, I., Tanner, b. Bohemia, s. 1876, p. o. add Lindley.
Camp, 0., p. o. add. Lindley.
Hill, William II., Lumberman, b. Now York, a. I860, p. o. add Lindley.
Harrison, Thomas, Farmer, b. 1822, New Jersey, s. I860, p. o. add. Lindley.
Harrison, Mi's. Jane, b. 1827, New Jei-aey, 8. 1860, p.o, add, Lindley.
Kuhl, Mrs. R. H., b. New Jersey, s. 1864, p. o. add. Lawreneeville, Pa.
Lindsley, E. B., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1817, p. o. add. Lawreneeville, Pa.
Lindsley, A. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1812, p. o. add. Lawreneeville, Pa.
More, William, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1847, p. o. add. Lindley, N. Y.
Mersereau, Theodore L., Fanner, b. New York, a. 1831, p o. add. Lindley, N. Y.
Morgan, S. M., p. o. add. Lindley, N. Y.
Orr, James C, Farmer and Lumberman, b. New Vork, s. 1832, p. o. luhl. Erwin
Centre.
Patterson, Samuel, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Lindley.
Presho, T. J., Merchant and Station Agent, b. New York, s. 1865, p, o. add.
Erwin Centre.
Rogers, James A., Farmer and Supervisor (1878), b. Pennsylvania, s. 1870, p. o.
add. Lindley.
Seelye, Mrs. Catherine, b. Ni,-w York, s. 1829. p. o. add. Lawienceville, Pa.
Stowell, R. S., p. o. add. Lindley.
PRATTSBURGH.
Ainsworth, Addison, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1813, p. o.add. Prattbburgb.
Ainsworth, G. R. R., Merchant and Hanker, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh.
Armstrong, George, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. Avoca.
AUiss, Henry E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh.
Bennett, Jas. A., Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, p. o. add. Prattsbnrgh.
Babcock, Walter H., Farmer, b. New York, ». 1861, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh.
Blodgett, William D,, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1845, p. o. add. Riker Hollow.
Birdseye, J. R., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1858, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Cook, Benjamin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh.
Chapell, 0. N., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1839, p. o, add. Praltabnrgh.
Chapin, Addison, Ret. Merchant, b. New York, a. 1818, p. o. add. Prattsbnrgh.
Curtis, William B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1806, p. o. add. Praltsburgh.
Clark, Thomas J., Farmer and Miller, b. Miissachnsetts, s. 1836, p. o. add. Riker
Hollow.
Daboll, Aaron, Mechanic, b. Connecticut, s. 1822, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Foster, W. S., Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, b. Vermont, s. 1847, p. o. add.
Prattsburgh.
6illett, Chauncey B., Farmer, b. New York, s. ISlo, p. o. add. Praltsbingh.
Godfrey, Harry, Private Bi'oker and Real Estate Dealer, p. o. add. Pnitlsburgh.
Graves, Luther, Ret. Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1815, p. o. add. Praltsburgh.
Graves. Charles D , Fa>-mer, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Hine, P. C, Editor of Prattsburgh yews, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Pratts-
burgh.
Uotchkin, James H., Hardware Merchant, b. Now York, s. 1809, p o. add-
Prattsb:irgh.
Hurd, G. L., Prop, of Moat-Market, b. New York, s. 1869, p. o. aiiil. Piatts-
burgh.
STATISTICAL DIRECTOR Y.
459
Hoes, Jojin, Fiiriner, b. Kew York, a. 1S24, p. o. adil. Pmttslmrgh.
lliihlmrd, E. A., Retired Farnicr, b. New York, 8. 1821, p. o. add. l*rtittsbnrgh. .
Hopkins, Henry A., ) Props, of Siiw- niid Grist-Mills, b. N'cw York. a. Henry
Hopkins, Iljdph \V., j" 1817, Rjilph 1822. p. o. add. Pnittsburgh.
Higby, Cbiiri«!S (I,, Fiirnior, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. add. Prattabiirph.
Hamlin, James M., Fiirnicr, b. New York, «. 1838, p. o. add. Prattsburgli.
Higby, Joliii C, Fiirmer, b. Now York, «. 1S:19, p. o. add. Prattsbnrgh.
Horton, Junie*, Farmer, b. New York, s. 184:J, p, o. add. Prattsburgh.
Hopkii]s, Juspph i^I., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1815, p. o. mid. Prattsburgh.
Hubbard, Htnry N., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. I'raltfiburgh.
Look, William G., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, 8. 1831, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Lewis, Richard, Farmer, b. Now York, ». 1824, p. o. add. Pnittsburgh.
Miner, Martin, Retired Fanner, b. Connecticut, a. 1857, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Pratt, William B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18i2, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. ,
Pinney, Martin, Slorchant, b. New York, i>. o. add. Prattobm gh.
Pinneo, H. .1., Wagon IMnlr.. b. New York, 8. 1850, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Putnam, .\aruti H.. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1838, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Paliiiaiiteer, Ij. C, Faiin. and Clergyman, b. New York, s. 1820, p. o. add. Biker
Hollow.
Rose, Smith K., Farmer, b, Nftw York, 8. 1847, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Sturdevant, Rebecca, p. o. add. Pmttsbnrgh.
Smith, Jay K., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1848, p.o. add. Prattsburgh.
Stoddard, P. K., Phys. and Surg., b. Now York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Pmttsburgh.
Strong, Triinum, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1S09, \i. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Sbnlte, Charles, Fainici-, b. New York, s. 18;J9, p. o. add. Avoca.
Terry, Nathan, Farmer, b. New Jersey, s. 1823, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Van Aukon, D. IJ., Prop, of Park Hote!, b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Pratts-
hnrgli.
Van Uousen, John. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1834, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Waldo, Wilhiim W., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1825, p. o. add. Manitowoc, Wis.
Waldo, Lucius, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1805, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Waldii, Charles, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1806, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Wald».>, James A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1836, p. o. add. Pratistmrgh.
Williamson, II. F., Physician and Surgeon, b. Now York, s. 1851, p. o. add.
Prattsburgh.
Wheeler, Luther, Farmer, b. New Hami>shire, 8. 181G, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Wliei'ler, Elijah. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S43, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
WcM, William E , Farmer, b. Ni^w York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Prattaburgh.
Weld, W. W., Farmer, b. New Y<.rk, s. 1830, p. o. add. Riker Hollow.
Williama, Josiah, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1838, p. o. add. Prattj*burgh,
Williams, Ira C.
PULTENEY.
Bi-ii»li, E. C, FarnuT, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., p. o. add. Suiitli I'ulteney.
Brink, Francis, Farmer, b. Broome Co., N. Y., 9. 18G0, p.o. add. South I'ulteney.
Bonrey, 1*. F., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1854, p. o. add. rultcney.
Bennett, Sarah K., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., p. o. add. South Pulleney.
Coryell, Jolin, Farmer, b. New Jersey, s. 1810, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Cross, O. C, Farmei' and Grape-Grower, b. West Chester Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o.
add. Pulteiiey.
Dennistou, A. H., Farmer, li. Steuben Co., N. Y., 9. 184C, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Dean, G. li., Farmer, 1). Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 18.12, p. o. add. Soutli Pultoncv.
Egolston, Benjamin, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., S. Y., ». 1832, [i. o. add. Pulteney.
Foskelt, U. II., Farm<r, b. Ontario Co.,N. Y., p. o. add. Pulleney.
Gay, John, Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., 8. 18:)!, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Hulse, Mrs. 0. T., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y'., s. 1817, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Holden, Franklin, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., S. Y.,8. 1834, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Ilorton, Mrs. Sarah J., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y.,s. 1837, p.o. add. Pulteney.
McConnclI, Smith, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Miller, Robert, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1833, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Prentiss, J. W., Prop, of Vineyard, b. Massachusetts, s. 1812, p.o. add. Pulteney.
Pickett, Eli, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. IgOO, p. o. add. South Pulteney.
Reynolds, James J., Far r, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Pulteney.
Rice. Mrs. h. A., Farmer, b. Westchester Co., N. Y.,b. 1820, p. o.aild. Pulleney.
Riley, Owen, Farmer, b. Stouben Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Prattsburgh.
Wagslafr, Henry, Farmer and Fruil-Grower, b. Englaml, s. 1837, p. o. add.
Pulteney.
Wagencr, Jacob, Farmer and Fruit-Grower. b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o.
add. Pulteney.
Dickinson, David H., Lumberman, b. New imiU, h. i.^;-.;, p. ,,, ,i<i,i. itmh.
llalliday, llerney. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 182.'., p. o. aild. Bath.
Helm, II. M., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p.o. add. Siivona.
Jack, William, Farmer, b. Maryland, s. 1823, p.o. add. Merchiintville.
Look, J. B., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Bath.
Mercbaut, Edwin (Retire di. b. New York, 8. 18;I2, p. o. add. Merchanlville.
Phillips, L. H., Farmoi*. b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. ad«l. Mercli>iiitville.
Peters, Joseph K., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1843, p.o. add. Merciouitvllle.
Koyce, David, Faiuier, b. New York, s. \t>ij:i, p. o. add. Ris ngville.
Seanions, Alvin, Farmer, b. New York, s. ISOU, p. <i, add. Mercbantville.
Vos&, Robert C, Slerclnint, b. Rlnale Island, s. 182^1, p. o. add. Merchantville.
Wilbur, J. Murray, Farmer, b. New York. «. 187.1. p. o. add. Uiitli.
TROUPSBURGH.
Atwood, IJrial, Merchant, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Tnjup«l«iirgh.
Blowers, George, Farmer, b. Ponnaylvania, a. 1848, p. o. add. TruuiMlairgh.
Carpenter, Henry B., Farmer, b. New York, a. 18:Jl, p. o. add. Trtiu|«bur)(h.
I Griggs, Wm. N., Merchant, b. New York, a. 182:i, p. o. add. Troui«burgh.
Griggs, Samuel W., Fanner, b. New York, !*. 1827, p. o. add. Troupsbnrgh.
Griggs, Wilson S., Carriage-Maker, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add. Truupa-
I burgh.
I GriDolds, Levi W., Farmer and CattU-Dcaler, b. Now York, a. 1827, p. o. add.
South Troupsburgh.
Grinolds, Mrs. Almirn, b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. odd. South Trouiwliurgh.
Murdock, James B., Merchant and Real Eatatc Dealer, b. New York, h. 1632,
p. o. add. South Troupsburgh.
Murdock, Edward P., Farmer and Cattle Dealer, b. PennNylratda. h. 1844, p. o.
add. South Troupsburgh.
Olmateil, Hiram, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1^, p. o. add. Eaat Truuiwburgh.
Perry, Nathaniel M., Pbyaician and Surgeon, b. New York, k. 1817, |>. o. add.
Troupaburgh.
Perry, Wm. H., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1850, p. o. add. Trouimbiirgh.
Reynolds, George, Farmer, b. New York, a. 18:10, p. o. add. Trouiiaburjrh.
Willcox, Philander, Farmer, b. Now York, a. 18^18, p. o. add. Trouiimburgh.
Wilcox, Frederick D., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Trou|«l)urgh.
TUSCARORA.
Benedict, Washington, Fanner, b. New York, .s IKII. p. o. a-ld. AddUon Hill.
Beers, D., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S3<I, p. o. add. Addi-^.n Hill.
Batt-a, !>., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1832, p. o. adtl. Addison Hill.
Casaon, Mordecai, Blacksmith, b. New Yi>rk, a. 185-1, p. o. add. Addlaon.
Coon, Stephen, Farmer, a. 1828, p. o. ailil. Soutli Addison.
Craul, W. H., Blacksmith, b. New York, a. 1845, p. o. add. Addison Hill.
Deninny, Phebe, and Son, Farmeia, p. o. add. Addison Hill.
Freeman, George H.. Farmer, b. New York, a. lf)3I.
Hamilton, (.'. G., Farmer, 8. 1830, p. o. add. South Addison.
Kellogg, L- S., Clergyman, b. Connecticut, p. o. add. Addiaun.
Mack, E. A., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1852. p. o. add. Addiaou Hill.
Nichols, Alfred, Farmer, b. Rhode Island, a, ls:;.5, p. o. add. Nelson, Pa.
Rowley, J. W., Farmer, b. New York, s. islo, p. o. add. South Addison.
Straight, L., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. .\ddifon.
Thompson, G., Farmer, b. New York, a. 18:U, p. o. add. Addison.
Wambough, W., Farmer, b. New York. a. 1811, p. o. add. Addiaon.
Young, John, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1831, p. i». add. Addiaon Hill.
RATHBONE.
Chte.inian, Warner, Slioouiaker, h. New York, s. 1838, p. o.aild. RatliboneTille.
McWil'ianis. John, Farniei-, h. New York, s. 18G9, [>. o. add. Rathbonevillo.
Norlhrup, Mosos (Retired), b. New Jersey, s. 18fi8, p. o. add. Cameron Mills.
Bichmyer, John II., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Cameron Mills.
Sly, John M., Lumber Dealer, b. New York, s. 1858, p. o. add. Cameron Mills.
THURSTON.
Brundage, C. M., Farmir, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Bath.
Buck, Seymour A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 18.VI, p. o. add. Mercbantville.
Canter, Peter A., Farmer, b. .New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Biitli.
URBANA.
Agor, Nicholas, Farmer, b. Putnam Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. adil. llamnioniUport.
Bailey, Adslt, Farmer and Grape-Grower, b. St«nb«n Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o.
add. Ilammondsport.
Bailey, Charles L., Fanner and Grape-Grower, l>. Steulwn Co., N. Y., s. 1830,
p. o. add. Hammondsport.
Bailey, Mrs. Sabrina (BctirMi), b. Steuben Co., N. Y., ». 1808, p. o. add. Ham-
mond.port.
Babcock, 91. .t 0., Physicians and Sargeons. b. Washington Co., N. Y., «. 1830,
p. o. a<ld. Hamniondsiiort.
Bennett, B., Lawyer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., b. 1827, p. o. add. llammonds|wrt.
Bennett, William, Farmer, b. Connecticut, 8. 1818, p. o. add. Hammond«iiort.
Brown, Lewis H., Eilitor.
Brundage, 11. W , Farmer and Snpl. of Poor of Steuben Co., N. Y.. b. Url«na,
s. 1843, p ... aild. Nortll Uriiana.
Brundage, Lewis, Farmer, b. Stouben Co , N. Y., 8. IftlO, p. o. «.hl. North Urban*.
Bnindage, .lames M., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1813, p. o. add. Honi-
mondrtjK>rt.
Brundage, James W., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1841. p. o. ad.l. Balh.
Brundage, John, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1634, p. o. add. Balh.
Brundage, Mrs. Kdward, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. ISMl, p. o. add. lUm-
mondsporr.
Drew, H. F., Lawyer, b. Steuben Co , N. Y.. «. Wil, p. o. add. Ilunmondsport
4 GO
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Dumoth, George, V unier, b. Dolawiire Co., N. Y., 8. 184*2, p. o. n»lil. nmnmuiids-
poi t.
Fiiulkner, .Tosopli, Farmer, h. Indiana, a. 1826, p. o. add. Diitli.
Gleason, Ezra, Farmer, I>. Warren Co., N. Y., s. 1K4S, p. o. add. North Urbnim.
Giitnnip, G. H., :?cliool Coniuiissiouer, b. Stoiibon Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add.
Uanimondsport.
Laytun, Isaac, FarnuT, h. New Jtreey, 8. 1831, p. o. add. Ilammondsport.
Laylon, Thomas (Rclirud), b. New Jei'jiP.v, a. 1^12, ji. o. add. Ilammondsport.
Larrowt-, E. B.. Wine Staiiufiicturcr, b. Slciibon Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. p. add.
Haminoiuisport.
Longwell, Randall, Farmer and Stock Dealer, b. New Jersey, 8. 1842, p. o. add.
IluriinioiulBport.
Lake, Thomas W., Fariiit-r, b. Stfluben Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Hamnionds-
IKjrt.
Huore, H. J., Druggist, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., e. 18KJ, p. o. add. IIanimund»j>ort.
Myrtk', Benjamin, Grape-Grower, b. Stenberi Co., N. Y., a. 1814, p. o. add. ilam-
mondsport.
Myrtle, Cbirence, Famu-r, b. Steuben Co., X. Y., s. 1853, p. o. Bath.
Nichols, G. W.
Bosenkninz, G. E., Carnage and Wagon Maimfactuier, b. Steuben Co., N. Y.,
s. 1844, p. o. add. Ilammondsport.
Tasgnrt, .1. W., Farmer and Lumberman, b. SelioharieCo., N. Y.,8. 1833, p. o.add.
Hanirnondsport.
Watkins, James, Farmer, b. KnKl»nd, .s. 184G, p. o. aiM. Bradford.
Wheeler, J. W., Carriage inid Wagon Manufacturer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s.
18:i8, p. o. add. Norlli Urbaiia.
Yoimplove, T. M., Farmer and Surveyor, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1814, p. o.add.
Hainuioridsport.
WAYLAND.
Bennett, .lames G., Blacksmith and Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o.
add. Wayhmd,
Bu!<h, Mrs. Jane (Retired), b. Sleuben Co., N. Y., s. 182G. p. o. add. Waylaud.
Breitiing, F. J., Teacher, h. Gerniauy, s. 1S59, p. o. add. Porkinsville.
Bill tz, Peter, Dealer in Furniture, b. Germany, s. 18(;7, p. o. add. Waylaiul.
Bill, Mary Ann, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. PerkinsvHle.
Bicker, Frank, Farmer, b. Germany, s, 1863, p. o. add. Wayland,
Br.iunshweig, P., Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1846, p. o. add. Wayland.
Bill. Louis:», Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1836, p. o. add. Wayland.
Clays'ju, Jerome, Farmer, b. Sreuben Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. o. add. Wayland.
Conrad, Henry, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1H3G, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
Day, O. W., Farmer and Lumberman, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. I8:J8, p. o. add.
Wayland.
Doiightz, Wesley, Retired Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y.,8. 1812, p. o. add. Wayland.
Dranier, D., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1838, p. o. add. Wayland.
Dnnne, Jacob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1830, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
Folts.John M.
Faulkner. Mrs. Samh, Fainier, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8.1822, p. o. add. Perkins-
ville.
Foot, Joseph, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. J'erkinsville.
Folts, George, Grocer.
Gessiier, Peter, Hotel-Keeper, b. Germany, s. 1852, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
Gross, W. E., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Perkinstille.
Haitz. J. C, Farmer, b. Gerinnny, s. 1S3G, p. o. add. Wayland.
noniiner, I'eter, Farmer, b. Germany, s, 1S47, p. o. add. Wayland.
Huffman, Jacob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1830, p. o. add, Perkinsville.
Kimmot, Martin, Farmer and Lumberman, b. Germany, s. 184G, p. o. add. Way-
land.
Keelor, Cyrus, Farmer and Luinberman, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o.add.
Wayland.
Kausch, William T., Cigar Manufacturer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., e. 1853, p. o.add.
Wayland.
ICornbau, J. G., Farmer, b. Germany, s. 185:'-, ^ o. add. Perkinsville.
Kester, G. T., Blacksmith, Onundaga Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
Kuhn, Jacob, Farmer, b. Orniauy, e. 1851, p. o. add. Wayland.
Lander, Jacob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1834, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
Morris, B. M., Lumberman, b. Allegany Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Wayland.
Marks, Nicholas, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1852, p. o.add. Wayland.
Mecblenbacher, Lewis, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1846, p. o. add. Wayland.
Marvin, A. C , Farmer, b. Delaware Co., N. Y., s. 183U, p. o. add. Wayland.
Moon, Reynolds, Farmer, b. AUeg-any Co., N. Y., s 1820, p. o. add. Wuyland.
Mecblenbacher, Louis, Farmer, b. Germany, s. ISliG, p. add. Perkinsville.
Miller, Conrad, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1836, p. o. add, Perkinsville.
Preston, Adrian G., Physician and Surger)n, b. Yates Co., N. Y.,s. 1847, p. o. add.
Wayland.
R'-x. Charles N., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. I84o, p. o. add. Wayland.
Baubui-, Steplien, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 18—, p. o. add. Wayland.
St. John, N. N., Physician, b. Monroe Co., N. Y., s. 1874, p. o. add. Wayland.
Schly, Henry, Postmaster and Merchant, b. Steuben Co.,N. Y.,s.lS42, p. o.add.
Wayland.
Soemur, Rev. John, Catholic Priest, b. Gerniauy, s. 1846, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
Smith, Jacob, Farmei'.
Towusond, J., Proprietor of Hotel, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o. add.
Wavlaud.
Wilson, Mary, fiHlliner, b. llbnois, s. 1859, p. o. add. Wayland.
Whitemun, Edwai-d, Farmer and laimberman, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1815, p. o.
add. Wayland.
Wbitoman, George E., Farmer, b. Steuben Co.,N. Y., a. 1848, p.o.adil. Wuyland.
W'erkly. Margaret, Farmer, b. Livingston. Co., N. Y., s. 18—,
Yolion, Casper, Farmer, b. Germany, b. 183D. p. o. add. Wayland.
Yochem, Caroline, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1855, p. o.add. Porkin^iville.
Yobon, Peter, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add. Perkinsville.
WAYNE.
Cranz, William, p. o. add. Wjivne.
Earnest, Jtdiu J., Cariiage Mnfr. and Farmer, b. New York, s. 181K, p. a. add.
Waytie.
Earnest, Cassius M., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Wayne.
Gleason, James R., b. New York, p. o. add Wayne.
Holly, Almira, p. o. add. Urbana,
Honck, Prudence E., Fai-mor and Grape Grower, b. New York, s. IS.'JS, p. o. add.
Wayne.
Hallet, Ann E , Fai^ner, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Wayne.
Knapj>, M. V., Fann. and Stock Gn>wcr. b. New York, a. 1854, p. o. add. Wayne,
McDowell, George W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. Wayne,
McDowell, V. M., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1831, p. o. mid. Wayne.
McDowell, Eva Sherwood, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Wayne.
Rarrick, Hiram S., ]>. o. add. Wayne.
Sanford, Russell, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. Wayne.
Sanford, David, Farmer, b. New .Torsey,8. 1818, p. o. add. Wayne.
W'ixson, Joel, Farmer and Fiiiit Grower, b. New York, s. 1814, p. o. add. Wayne.
Wixson, Norman, Farmer and Fruit Gruwer, b. New York, a. 1819, p. o. add.
Wayne.
Wixson, S. R., Farmer and Supervisor, b. New York, s. 183.5, p. o. add. Wayne.
WEST UNION.
Barney, Levant A., Fanner, b. New York, s. 18.''il, p. o. add. West Union.
Connery, M. P., Clergyman, b. Ireland, s. 1874, p. o. add. llexviUe.
Coffin, Harvey, Farmer, b. New York, p. o. add. West Union.
King, Harrison, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. Wliite's Cornel's, Pa.
Sheiman, David, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. West Union.
WHEELER.
Aulls, E.. Farm, and Postmaster (eight years), b. New York, s. 1809, p. o. add.
Wbeeler.
Bliven, Rev. E. T., Merchant, Postniastci-, and Bajitist Clergyman, b. New York,
8. 1S55, p. o. add. MitcheHvilte.
Mai-shal, Gen. Otto F., Farmer, b. Prussia, s. 1810, p.-o. add, Wheeler.
Ut*iichen,Geo. A Son, Farmei-s and Lumbermen, b. New York, 8. 1814, p. o. add.
Wheeler.
Wheeler, D. D., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1845, p. o. add. Wheeler.
WOODHULL.
Bnid.v, W. H., Ilarilwiuv Slerchant, b. New YurU, ». 18G7, p. o. arUI. Wooilbull.
lloUis, E. T.
Husmi, W. II., I'loji. of Hotel, li. Now York, s. 1878, p. o. aiW. Wooilhull.
Iluid, K., M reliant, b. New York, 8. 1851, p. o. srtii. Wooiihull.
Loolllis, V. H., Druggist, b. N'cw York, 5.1849, p. o. atU. WooilUull.
Miiston, Fotor, Lawyer, b. New York, d. 1845, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
JIarlalt, W., Artist, b. New York, s. 1S:17, p. o, add. Woodhnll.
M;isoii, R. II., Mei-cbant and Insurance Agent, b. New York, s. 1864, p. o. add.
\Voodliull.
.Miirlalt, H., Dairy Farmer, b. New York, s. 1811, p. o. add. Woodlmll.
S>ullivan, John, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1858, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
Smith, Edwin F., Postal Clerk, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
Slierwoocl, William IM.. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. Woodlmll.
Smith. .loffery. Farmer, b. New York, s. 18(iG, p. ". add. Woodhnll.
Stone, Joel, Dairy Far^lor, b. New York, s. 1809, ]>. o. add. Woodhnll.
Smith, K. II., Wool Grower and Deputy Sheriff', b. Pennivlvania, ». 1835, p. o.
add. Woodlmll.
Tubhs, W. W., Merchant, b. New York, 8. 1826, p. o. add. Wooilhnll.
Wright, Williaiu W., Lawyer, b. Ireland, s. 1851, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
Wilcox, A. W,, Merchant, b. New York, 3. 18:iS, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
Williams, H. S,, Loan Agent, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
Warner, S., Druggist, b. New Y'ork, s. 1843, p. o. add. Woodhnll.
Warner, J. S., K<jnnder, b. New York, 9. 1843, p. o. add. Woodlmll.
Wilson, M. 1'., Blackeniith and Carriage Maker, b. New York, 8. 1838, p. o. add.
Woodhnll.
Bd
la:
I nn.i lOT
=*
.V
jy 0 " " ° - ^^
%/ ^:^<- %./ .■•^•' %/ .-ig
•1 o^
-ov?'
■«•■ '^'■% ■:^p;- /\ '-wP:" *^'\ "■>.: ' /% •.^- .^'\
' ^.Z^-',/ "°^'^^-/ ^^/^•\/ \
,.^.,.'„v *,^^^* /,-«^-._ -^^^z ,^.. .^^^,. /_^-,
,G^ \P^ -o. . ' A
"^■P °" .<" "^-^ -^^^ ^c- ^^
I-
c
.; • < o
\
I
^-.
.^-, *.,,.* .■„-^^.?,<. *,^^,* ,',^-. %/ ..;
- ^■=,.** ::?iife'-. \/ .-m'. %.*' • ^'/ •■
,«.^
"°o
.^
, o " • . «^,
. ' ' •
"'•^^n^
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11