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1348162
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COgNTY PyBUC LIBRAHY
3 1833 00826 0538
STATUE OF MARY JEMISON, "THE WHITE WOMAN OF THE GENESEE, LOCATED
IN LETCHWORTH STATE PARK AT PORTAGE
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF PERRY
NEW V O II Iv
CoMMonoRE Oliver Hazard Perky
THE HERO OF THE BATXLK OF LAKE ERIE
IK WHOSE HONOR THE TO^VN WAS NAMED
V / Compiled
AND Written by
A FRANK
r>.
ROBERTS
IN COLLABORATION WITH
CARL
G.
CLARKE
Reprinted from the Perry Record, pcblishbd by
C. G. CLARKE & SON
1
9
1 5
PERRY, NEW YORK
C. G. CLARKE & SON, PUBLISHERS
19 15
INTRODUCTION
1348162
About one hundred and seven years ago, several of the
energetic and enterprising settlers from Massachusetts, Ver-
mont, Maine and other States, emigrated from their native
homes and established themselves within the bounds of the
present Town of Perry. The wilds rapidly gave way to civili-
zation ; the forests fell as the dwellings arose ; soon the unob-
structed streams were arrested, their currents made subser-
vient to the will and comfort of man, and the conquering power
of industry and science, with the profuse bounties of
Nature, combined to render this one of the most beautiful and
prosperous abodes of man.
With what delight would these same pioneers gaze upon
the Perry of today I Their retrospective view would begin at
the time when they felled the first tree, turned the first fur-
row, raised the first loo- cabin, and then the modern frame
house. They would remember the first few houses which
formed the nucleus of our present village; they would con-
template with deep satisfaction the fruit of their labor, toil
and early sacrifices, which noAV have resolved themselves into
a common heritage to us of the Perry of todaj^
On this One Hundredth Anniversary of the incorporation
of our Town, I take pleasure in submitting facts concerning its
early and general history. It has been my aim to seek out the
facts from every available source, recognizing as I do the his-
torical importance of the subject. However, errors may prob-
ably be found; many things of real importance may be miss-
ing; but not until one undertakes a work of this kind can the
amount of labor and the difficulty of obtaining substantiated
facts be realized. This is not given with the idea that it is even
considered a complete history, but rather a collection of arti-
cles dealing with past local events. These have been gleaned
from reliable sources of information : old letters, files of the
Perry Herald, Perry Record, miscellaneous copies of The
Countryman, Silver Lake Sun, AVyoming Times and other
newspapers. Beer's Plistory of Wyoming County, published
in 1880, has been consulted extensively. The Life of Mary
Jemison by Seaver, and J. W. Merrill's History of the Twenty-
Fourth New York Battery, have also furnished much material.
The writer i3resents the work with the belief that it is
as correct as it is humanly possible to produce it at this late
period. Moreover, the present has seemed to be the opportune
time for preparino- a history, as the sources of trustworthy in-
formation are rapidly disappearing.
FRANK D. ROBERTS
Perry, New York, 1914.
At the request of the author, the editor of the Record will
add such facts of local history as are of his intimate knowledge
during the past quarter century.
CHAPTER I
Early History of Wyoming County — How It was Formed — Mary
Jemison, the **White Woman of the Genesee" — First Settlers
in the Several Towns.
The land now embraced in Wyoming County was a part of
Albany- County from 1683 to 1772 ; Tryon County from 1772 to
1784; Montgomery County from 1784 to 1789; and Ontario
County from 1789 to 1802.
Genesee County was formed from Ontario County on
March 30th, 1802. It comprised all that part of the State lying
west of the Genesee River and a line extending due south from
the point of the junction of that river and Canaseraga Creek ;
to the south line of the State. Allegany County was taken
from Genesee in 1806; Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara
in 1808 ; parts of Livingston and Monroe in 1821 ; Orleans in
1824, and Wyoming on May 14th, 1841. Wyoming County is
an interior county and contains 590 square miles.
The eastern tier of towns, with the exception of a portion
of Castile, belonged to the Og'den, Silver Lake and Cotringer
tracts of the Morris Reservation, and the remaining part of the
county to the Holland Purchase. The Gardeau Tract, contain-
ing 17,927 acres on both sides of the Genesee River, was re-
served for Mary Jemison by the Seneca Indians in their treaty
with Robert Morris in 1797. About one-half of this tract lies
in the present Town of Castile. Mary Jemison and her de-
scendants continued to reside upon this tract until 1816, when
she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river
to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, and removed to the Cattar-
augus Reservation.
10
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PEFRY
From a Painting by the late
Carlos Stebbins of Pike
]\Iary Jemison, known as "The White Woman of the
Genesee," was the first white woman to reside in this region.
She was of Irish parentage, born in 1743, durino- the voyag-e
across the ocean. The family settled upon the western frontier
of Pennsylvania, where they remained in peace until the brea' -
ing out of the French War in 1754. In the summer of 1755
their home was surrounded by a band of Indians and Frencli-
men, who plundered all that was valuable and carried awa}'' tlie
whole family as captives, except two brothers who were work-
ing in the barn, and who, knowing that their aid could accomp-
lish no purpose, made good their escape. The captives were
taken into the forests, and in a da}^ or two all were murdered
and scalped, except Mary and a small boy, w^ho were carried
to Fort DuQuesne. She was soon afterwards adopted by two
EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 11
Indian sisters and taken to an Indian settlement on the Ohio
River to supply the place of a brother who had been slain in
battle. She was given the name of "De-he-wa-mis," meaning
"A beautiful girl." The sorrow consequent upon being torn
from her friends gradually wore away and she became quite
reconciled to her new condition.
After arriving at a suitable age she was married to a
young Delaware Indian named ''Shenenjee." In 1759 she
changed her residence, traveling on foot to the Genesee, and
locating at Little Beard's Town, near the present site of Cuyler-
ville. During this long journey she carried her little son on
her back the entire distance of 600 miles. Her husband did
not accompany her on the trip, having previously joined a war
party traveling in another direction, the understanding being
that at the close of the campaign he was to join his family at
their new home on the Genesee. Shortly after her arrival she
received word that her husband had been taken sick and had
died soon after her departure. Two or three years later she
married an Indian named Hi-ok-a-too. Four children were born
of this union.
When General Sullivan invaded the country, her house
and fields shared the fate of the rest. Seeing them all des-
troyed, she set about preparing for the coming ^vinter. Tak-
ing her two younger children on her back and bidding the
three others to follow, she sought employment, where, by
husking, she paid for 25 bushels of shelled corn, enough to
supply her family through the winter.
At the close of the French war she had the privilege ex-
tended to her of returning to the English, but she chose to
remain with the Indians, as she knew that her half-breed child-
ren would not be welcomed among her English friends.
After the close of the Revolution she received a grant of
12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
the Gardeau Reservation, which was about six miles in length
and five miles in Avidth. Although she adopted the customs
and habits of the Indians, she retained her knowledge of the
English language and remembered the early instructions of
her mother. Toward the close of her life she embraced the
Christian religion, and died on September 19th, 1833, aged 90
years. She w^as buried in the old Mission burial ground near
Buffalo, but in March, 1874, her remains were taken up and
re-interred on the Letchworth Estate. What was left of the
old headstone was also taken up and erected near the head of
the grave. Near this, at the present time stands a marble
monument — a square block — some six feet in height. Upon one
face of this is carved the inscription which originally appeared
on her tombstone. It also bears other historical facts. Sur-
mounting this is a magnificent bronze statute of Mary Jemison
in her Indian costume, bearing on her back a babe, just as she
came to the Genesee Valley.
Here, on the banks of the Genesee River, to the murmur
of which she listened during seventy-two years of her eventful
life, lie her honored remains. She passed through such trials
as fall to the lot of but few people in this life.
The first white man who lived in this county was Eben-
ezer Allen, a notorious Tory, commonly known as "Indian
Allen." He was a native of New Jersey and joined the ma-
rauders who, under the leadership of Brandt, scourged with
fire and sword the Susquehanna Valley, and toward the close
of the Revolutionary War settled upon the Genesee, cultivating
for a time the fertile river flats belonging to Mary Jemison.
He afterward erected mills at Rochester, and later lived for a
time on the Oatka Creek, until his removal to Delwarton, West
Canada, where he died in 1814. Few characters mentioned in
either history or fiction have approached so nearly the idea
of total depravity as this blood-thirsty monster. He was an
EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 13
open polygamist, murdered several persons while professing
the greatest friendship for them, and while upon the war trail
he amused himself by dashing out the brains of infants.
The greater part of Wyoming County is embraced in the
tract known as the ''Holland Purchase," some of the eastern
towns being included in the Morris Reserve. The territory
known as Western New' Y^'ork was originally claimed by the
State of Massachusetts by virtue of a charter granted by the
King of England to the Plymouth Colony. The same territory
was subsequently granted to the Duke of York and Albany.
Without giving a history of the disputes which arose between
the States of Massachuestetts and New Y'ork, we will say that
the question was settled by a convention of Commissioners who
met at Hartford, Conn., on Dc'^ember 16th, 1786. According
to the stipulations entered into, Massachusetts ceded to New
York all her claim to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the
territory lying west of the east boundary of New York, and
the State of New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of
pre-emption to the soil of all that part of New York lying west
of the meridian passing through a point in the south boundary
of the State, 82 miles west of the northeast corner of the State
of Pennsylvania, excepting a strip one mile wide, extending
along the east bank of the Niagara River, from Lake Erie to
Lake Ontario.
Li April, 1788, Massachusetts contracted to sell this ter-
ritory to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps for 300,000
pounds in the consolidated securities of that State, which were
at a discount of more than 50 per cent at that time. The rapid
advance in the value of these securities rendered Phelps and
Gorham unable to fulfill their contract and a lar^e part of
the purchase reverted to the State. The part retained and
subsequently known as the ''Phelps and Gorham Purchase"
was bounded east by the pre-emption line already described,
14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
and west by a meridian passing through the point at the junc-
tion of the Canaseraga Creek and the Genesee River, south
by tlie south line of the State and north from this point along
tlie Genesee River to a point two miles north of "^.he Village of
Canawagus (Avon,) thence west 12 miles, thence northerly to
Lake Ontario at a distance of 12 miles from the Genesee River,
On Mareli 11th, 1791, the State of Massachusetts sold the ter-
ritory west of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase to Robert
Morris, the assignee of Samuel Ogden. Mr. Morris sold to tlie
Holland Company all the tract lying west of a meridian pass-
ing through a point 12 miles west of the southwest corner of
the Phelps and Gorham Purchase.
The territory lyino- between the Holland Purchase and
l^lielps and. Gorham purchase was called "Morris Reserve"
and was sold to various parties in large tracts. The sale was
made to the Holland Company before the Indian title was ab-
rogated, but with an agreement on the part of Morris that
it should be annulled as soon as j)racticable. This was
effected by a treat}" made at Big Tree (near the present site
of Geneseo) in September, 1797. The meeting of the Com-
missioners and the Indians was exceedingly interesting. Full
accounts of its proceedings have been published and form an
important part of the history of the Genesee Country. A sec-
tion of the original Big Tree, at which this council took place,
may be seen at Portage, near the grave of Mary Jemison, w^here
it was placed b^^ the late Hon. Wm. Pryor Letchworth. In this
treaty the Indians retained certain reservations in different
parts of the purchase, some of which they continue to occupy.
Preparations Avere soon made to survey this tract, and a
line run with a transit instrument, betw^een Morris' Reserve
and the Holland Purchase, was called the ' ' Transit Line. ' ' This
line ran near the present Transit Road on the west boundary
of the Town of Perry. Theophilus Cazenove, of Philadelphia,
EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 15
Fa., was the general agent of the company, and Joseph Elli-
cott was the principal surveyor. It Avas surveyed into ranges
ininihered from east to west and into townships about six miles
square, numbered from south to north. The townships were sub-
divided into lots three-fourths of a mile square and numbered
from south to north, beginning on the east tier. The survey
was begun early in the Spring of 1798. Among the surveyors
were: Joseph and Benjamin Ellicott, John Thompson, R. M.
Stoddard, George Burgess, James Dewey, David Ellicott,
Aaron Oakford, Jr., Augustus Porter, Seth Pease, James
Sinedle}^ George Eggleston and William Shepard.
. Previous to the sale of the tract to the Holland Company,
J\Ir. Morris had sold the triangle tract of 87,000 acres to LeRoy,
Bayard & McEvers, and 100,000 acres directly west of this to
the State of Connecticut and Sir William Pulteney. Upon ar-
riving at the south line of the Connecticut tract, Mr. Ellicott
found that the east side of the Holland Purchase would inter-
sect that tract, to avoid which he moved west about two miles
and then ran the line due north to Lake Ontario.
In 1799 Theophilus Cazenove was succeeded by Paul Busti
as general agent of the Holland Land Company. He remained
in charge of the affairs of the company until 1824, when he
was succeeded by John J. VanDer Kemp, who continued in
charge until 1837, when the business of the company was
closed up.
The first land office in this section was located at Pine
Grove at the home of Mr. Asa Ransom. In 1802, Genesee
County was formed and the land office was moved to Batavia.
The building which the Holland Land Company then erected
is standing on its original location on Main street, Batavia,
a memorial to the pioneer land-oi^mer of Western New York.
Joseph Ellicott received the appointment as Local Agent
16 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
and continued as such until 1821. During that year he was
succeeded by Jacob S. Otto, who held office until his death in
1827. David E. Evans was local agent during the remainder of
the company's business career. In the year 1811, Ebenezer Mix
entered the service of the company as clerk and had control
of the sales and sub-divisions of the land. It was through
these men that the pioneers of Wyoming County, west of the
Transit Line, made their original land purchases. Those de-
siring land on the east side of the line were obliged to go to
Canandaigua to secure their proper titles.
The opening of this new^ region to settlement, under the
auspices of a rich and liberal company, instituted a new order
of things in the general history of the county and was of great
benefit to the settlers. Roads were constructed, bridges erect-
ed, and everything done to promote settlement and to remove
difficulties in the paths of the settlers. The affairs of the com-
pany were always conducted in a most honorable way. Lands
were sold at moderate prices with a small cash payment and
liberal terms were given for the balance. In consequence of
the richness of the land and the moderate prices asked by the
company, settlers came rapidly, and soon the entire region was
w^ell filled with an enterprising and industrious population.
On March 19th, 1808, Warsaw was formed from Batavia
and then comprised the present towns of Middlebury, Warsaw
and Gainesville. Middlebury was set off from Warsaw in 1812 ;
Gainesville in 1814. Sheldon w^as also formed from Batavia on
March 19th, 1808. In 1811, Attica was formed from Sheldon
and embraced the present towns of Attica, Orangeville and
Wethersfield. Orangeville w^as formed in 1816 from Attica,
and Wethersfield from Orangeville on April 12th, 1823. Ben-
nington was formed from Sheldon on March 6th, 1818, and
China on March 6th, 1818. On April 20th, 1832, Java was
formed from China, and in 1866 the name of China was
EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 17
changed to Arcade. Eagle, Pike and ftenesee Falls were an-
nexed to Wyoming Connty from Allegany in 1846. Perry was
set off from Leicester in 1814, and Castile from Perry in 1821.
Covington was formed in 1817 from Perry and LeRoy.
First Settlers in Each of the Towns of Wyoming County:
Town Date By Whom Settled
Arcade 1809 Silas Meech
Attica .1802 Zerah Phelps
Bennington ...... .1802 John Towles, Jacob Wright, Wm. Barber
Castile 1808 Daniel McKay
Covington 1807 Jairus Cruttenden, and three others
Eagle 1808 William Hodges
Gainesville 1805 Charles Bristol, William Richards
Genesee Falls 1804 John, Seth and Saml. Fields
Java 1808 William Richardson, T. Kirby
Middlebiiry 1802 jabez Warren
Orangeville 1805 John Duncan
Perry 1807 Joseph Woodward
Pike 1806 Peter Granger, Ely Griffith, A. Newcomb, P.
Harvey, Caleb Powers came at the same time
Sheldon 1804 Roswell Turner
^^^^^saw 1803 Eleazur Webster
W-ethersfield 1810 Lewis Hancock, Guy Morgan, Calvin Clifford
CHAPTER II
Various Names by Which the Town was Known — How Formed — Its
Acreage — Early Settlers and Where They Came From — Rivalry
Between the Inhabitants — Anecdotes.
Perry was named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard
Perry, the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie. This was not the
first name given the place. It was originally called "Slab-
town," which was soon clianged to Shacksburg, and after-
wards to Beecliville. At the time of the incorporation of the
Town of Perry the village vras known as Colnmbia. Later, this
was changed to Ninevah, bat gradually the village assumed the
name of Perry.
An anecdote of the days when the place was called Nine-
vah may be of interest. At that time Perry Center and Perry
were about of equal size and there was a great deal of rivalry
between the inhabitants of the two hamlets. The story goes
that one year there was a serious drought, when all of the wells
at the Center became dry, with the exception of one on the
place owned by Deacon Howard. Residents of Ninevah went
to the Center, cut a log, and with it plugged the Deacon's
well. Some one wrote a poem about the incident, which
we have been unable to secure, but these last few lines have
been given to us as illustrative of the thought of the poem:
And those Ninevites came
As sure as Hell
And dropped a log
In Dea. Howard's well.
Perry was set off from Leicester and incorporated as a
town on ]\Iarch 11th, 1814, and at the time of its corporation
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 19
included Castile and a part of Covington. At this time, and
until the formation of Wyoming County on ^lay 14th, 1841,
Perry was a part of Genesee County. Castile was set off from
Perry in tlie year 1821. The portion of Covington was taken
off in 1817. The Village of Perry was incorporated by a special
act of the Legislature on May 17th, 1830. The charter then
adopted was given up and a new one was granted by a special
act of the Legislature in 1864, to meet the requirements due
to changed circumstances. The village was governed under
that charter until 1901. Its provisions Avere somewhat indefin-
ite, and as the Legislature had adopted a General Village Law
which greatly simplified matters and made the duties of tlie
governino- powers explicit, by vote of the residents of tlie vil-
lage, taken on February 19th, 1901, the decision was in favor
of adopting the General Village Law and it became effective
in March, 1901, since which time the village has been governed
by its provisions.
There are 21,120 acres of land in the Town of Perry. This
is included in a tract of 50,000 which was sold by Robert Mor-
ris to Samuel Ogden and Avhich has always been knoAvn as the
''Ogden Tract." The northern part of this tract, which in-
cludes about one-third of the town, was divided by Mr. Ogden
and sold to several different parties. The entire western por-
tion of the northern part was sold to Mr. Guernsey, who divid-
ed the land into small parcels and sold it to many of the in-
coming settlers. The eastern part was sold to Jacob Ely and
others. Between them, on account of a discrepancy^ in the sur-
vey, was created what became known as "The Gore." The
southern portion, which includes more than one-half of the
Town of Perry, was called the ''South Ogden Tract," and some-
times the "Lake Tract.
In 1807 the latter portion was surveyed by William Shep-
ard of Canandaigua and soon afterward was placed upon the
20
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
market. John Greig, who had established a land agency at
Canandaigua, had charge of the sales and sold most of the land
in small lots to the settlers.
Immigration to Western New York did not become rapid
until after the Revolutionary War and for several years was
principally confined to the regions nearest Lakes Erie and
Ontario. In the year 1800, Buffalo was still a small town and
there was not a house on the present site of the City of Roch-
ester. It was not until about this time that the sturdy pioneers
began moving up the fertile Valley of the Genesee.
In the early Spring of 1807, a certain Joseph Woodward
arrived from the eastern part of the State, made a small clear-
ing in the virgin timber and erected thereon the first log cabin
to be constructed in the Town of Perry. This was one of the
usual block style and stood on the land now owned by Mr.
Thomas Wright, about one-half mile east of Perry Center. In
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One of the few remaining Log Cabins built by the Pioneer of this
section ; situated about three miles east of Perry, and the only one in this
locality that is occupied at the present time.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 21
1809, evidently dissatisfied with his location, Mr. \Yoodward
moved to Mount Morris. Deacon Bntler, Avho arrived in Perry
in 1810, purchased the land and occupied the house.
The first permanent settler of the town, however, was Mr.
Samuel Gates. Mr. Gates was horn in Colchester, Conn. At the
outbreak of the Revolutionary War he had promptly enlisted
in a militia regiment which was soon attached to General
Gates' Army. He participated in a number of engagements
and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. About a year
after the close of the war, he started on foot for the far west.
Arriving at Canajoharie in the Mohawk Valley, he found em-
ployment and remained there for four years. In 1787 he mar-
ried a youno- lady of 16 years and took up the occupation of
boatman, transporting goods as far west as Seneca Lake, wdien
there were none but Indian traders to supply. Being favorably
impressed with the country lying at the head of Seneca Lake,
he erected a cabin and moved his family there. Although there
were no whites residing in that vicinity, ]\Ir. Gates and his fam-
ily continued to live there during eight years. The next six
years Mr. Gates and his family spent at Caneadea. In the Spring
of 1807 he learned that the country around what is now Perry
was being surveyed, and hearing that the land in this vicinity
was excellent, he journeyed here to see it. Finding that it was
all that had been claimed for it, he erected his cabin on the hill
overlooking the northwest end of Silver Lake, near the pres-
ent residence of Parris Andrews, and returned to Caneadea for
his family. Mr. Gates raised the first crop of wheat and set
out the first orchard in the Town of Perry. His daughter Nancy
was the first white child born in the town.
As might be expected, hired help was not to be procured
at this period of the town's history, and the settlers had to de-
pend upon their wives to assist them in their vrork. In Auo-ust,
1812, while Mrs. Gates was assisting her husband in piling up
22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
some logs, she ruptured a blood vessel and died very suddenly.
Her remains were buried near the center of the old cemetery
where the Perry Public Library now stands. In January of tlie
following year, the infant town was visited by an epidemic
which carried away a number of the settlers, and Mr. Gates
fell as one of its victims. He was buried beside the remains
of his wife.
While journeying through the woods to attend the funeral
of Mr. Gates, Mr. Amos Otis pulled up a small sapling, using it
as a cane. After the grave had been filled, Mr. Otis noticing
a few roots on the sapling, pressed them gently into the soft
earth. Two or three years afterward he visited the cemetery
and was surprised to see that the little tree was growing nicely.
He took out his pocket knife, trimmed the branches, and during
several years carefully watched its g-rowth. The tree thrived
and grew into the large and stately oak which was cut down in
1914 to make way for the new library building.
As will be noted, Mr. Gates v/as one of those indomitable
pioneers who preferred the hardships incident to pioneer life
to the comforts of living in settled communities. A good share
of his life was spent on the extreme frontier. As the regions
in which he had lived began to fill up with settlers, he seemed
to have an uncontrollable desire to penetrate even further into
the western wilderness.
A few weeks after the arrival of Mr. Gates, Deacon Sam-
uel Salisbury, who was a resident of Leicester, passed through
the Town of Perry on his way to visit his brother, who had set-
tled near the present Village of Warsaw. While near the pres-
ent site of Perry Center, he was startled by hearing the sound
of an axe, and hestitated whether to venture up to the party
wielding it, fearing that it might be a party of Indians ; but not
being sure of his way, he took the risk and found the stranger —
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 23
a white man named Peter Beebe — clearing- a spot large enough
and gettijig out timber for a cabin.
During the year 1808, Josiah Williams, Amos Smith and
K'isha M. Smith and their families settled within the limits of
the present Town of Perry. Mr. Williams came from Vermont,
bringing his family and household goods in an ox cart and he
(.T'v'cted the first log tavern. This was built on the extreme of
Ncrth Main street, on the corner of the Simmons Road, on the
site now occupied by the residence of the late E. G. Matthews,
and it was a popular hostelry for a number of years. Nancy
Williams, a daughter, died in 1811, and her's was the first
death that occurred among the settlers of this town. Mr. AYil-
Kaiiis died on January 26th, 1832, aged 68 years. Elizabeth,
his wife, died on October 19tli, 1829, aged 72 years. Both w^ere
biii :ed in the old cemetery where the Library now stands. Amos
^'- ..'th came from Sherburne, Chenango County, in ]\Iarch and
t^cUled three-fourths of a mile east of Perry Center. Elisha M.
^.ii^th settled near Sucker Brook and built a log cabin there,
ill 1810 he erected a frame barn, which was the first frame
building erected in the town. It was 30 feet wdde by 40 feet
loiio- and required the aid of w^omen to raise it, as there were
only nine men whose services could be secured.
A daughter of Amos Smith, in speaking of the early times,
said that it was the custom then, wdien a building was to be
raiced, to have plenty of liquor furnished, otherwise it was
thought impossible for the work to go on ; but when their house
Avas raised in June, 1827, a new order was introduced. No liquor
ever having been used in their family, save in case of sickness,
it could not on that occasion be brought* on the premises. The
carpenter urged that a bottle of liquor be procured and
laid aside to be used in case the work should not proceed. But,
no ; as it was to be a test case, no compromise should be allowed.
As a result, temperance prevailed, and it Avas said to be the
24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
first building raised in that vicinity on the cold water
plan. When the Avork was done, a nice supper awaited the
workmen, who seemed to be well satisfied with the change
inaugurated.
Again^ in speakincv of those early times, she said that soon
after her father came to Perry, one of his neighbors employed
a man to help him with his work. One day, toward night, this
man concluded to return to his home, which was a few miles
vAvay. Her father and neighbors opposed his going at that time
of day, fearing that he might be molested by some of the wild
p.nimals, which were then quite plentiful. He still persisted,
and finally started out, with the understanding that he was to
use his voice in case he needed help. He had not been gone
long, however, before he was heard making a loud outcry for
assistance. Upon hearing the rather expected signal, the men
caught up their o-uns, and hurrying on, found the man up a
nmall tree, just OTit of reach of an old bc^r, with her five cubs.
The old one was soon dispatched, when the cubs took to a tree;
two of them were killed, the others were captured and carried
back in triumph.
During the year 1809, the writer fails to find that any addi-
tions were made to the population of this community, but in the
early part of 1810, Mr. Amos Otis settled on the west side of
Silver Lake inlet, near West Perry, just below Parris Andrews '
orchard. Mr. Otis was born in Colchester, Conn., in the year
1787 ; came to Perry at the age of 23 and spent nearly his w^hole
life in this immediate vicinity. During the last few years of his
life he resided in Warsaw, at which place he died in the year
1883, and was buried at West Perry. He passed through all
of the phases of pioneer life and lived to see the wilderness
in this section changed to the thriving towns and prosperous
rural community of today. His wife, Louisa Davison, was the
first white child born in Genesee County.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 25
Other arrivals of ]810 were Cornelius Anable, Justin Lyon
and Joshua Clark.
Let us digress and consider the circumstances which sur-
rounded the lives of these early settlers as compared to those
cf the age in wdiieh we live. At the beginning of the twentieth
century there is, strictly speaking, no frontier to the United
States. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the larger
portion of the country was frontier. In any portion of the
country today, in the remotest villages and hamlets, one is
certam to find some, if not many of the modern appliances of
civilization such as were not dreamed of one hundred years
a_2;'0. Aladdin himself could not have commanded the glowing
terms necessary to write the prospectus of the closing years of
the nineteenth century. So, too, it requires an extraordinary
effort of the imagination to conceive of the condition of things
in the opening years of that century; or at the time of the early
settlement of Perrj^ If we were to go back to the period
mentioned, we can tell with sufficient accuracy w^hat were
the circumstances of the early settlers' lives. We cannot
tell exactly what he had, but we can name many things
that he did not have, for the simple reason that they had not
then been invented or discovered. In the first place, we must
bear in mind that he lived in the woods. His children
could not attend school, for the very good reason that there
were no schools in this vicinity. The region was wild, in
the sense that, excepting for the Indians, it was almost unin-
habited and untilled. This portion of the country was covered
with heavy timber, practically unbroken. Bears, wolves, deer,
panthers, bobcats, rattlesnakes, wild pigeon and wild geese
abounded throughout the section. There were few roads, and
certainly none that could be called good. There were a few
horses owned, but at this period the oxen predominated. Carts
were usually home made and very crude and awkward. No
26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
locomotives, no bicycles, no motor cycles, no automobiles. The
only pen was a goose qnill and the ink was home made. Paper
was scarce and expensive. Newspapers and books were few
and far between. There were scythes and sickles, but of a
grade that would be unsalable today at any price. There were
no self-binding harvesters, no' mowing- machines. The flail was
used until succeeded by the threshing machine. The plows,
drags and cultivators were constructed of wood, and very poor
apologies for the kinds now in use by our prosperous farmers.
Tinder boxes were used until the manufacture of the friction
match. For light, the settler depended upon the open fireplace,
although the tallow dip was used to some extent at that time.
Candles, oil, gas and electricity came later. There was no tele-
graph, no telephone, comparatively no mail service.
Practically all of the cloth used by the early settler and his
family Avas made by means of tlie hand loom, and the common
fabric was made of a mixture of linen and woolen. As for food,
wild game was abundant. There Were no oranges, lemons,
bananas, no canned iroods, and but few importations of any
kind. Coffee and tea were a luxury usually not obtainable.
We might go on and on reciting the privations of the pion-
eer, but it is unnecessary. It is not easy for us, living in the
midst of the necessities, comforts and luxuries of a later civili-
zation, to realize the conditions under which the early settlers
of this vicinity lived and died.
It required pluck, energy, health, strength and an indomit-
able w^ill to come into a new country and make it a home. A
few of the pioneers gave it up and returned to the east, but the
great majority held fast and were rewarded for their labors.
Those who had families usually left them behind in coming to
the new country, and after providing a new home, returned for
them. Others, unmarried, returned for "the girls they left
behind them."
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 27
One of the greatest inconveniences under which the early
settlers labored was caused by the scarcity of mills, and the
difficulty of reaching them on account of the lack of roads. Up
to tills period in the history of the town, the nearest accessible
mills were at LeRoy and Conesus; trips which at this time re-
quired two or even three days. At this time LeRoy was called
"Buttermilk Falls."
During the year 1811, several more families settled in
Perry, among whoiu were Seth Canfield, Julius Curtiss and
John Hammersley. Messrs. Canfield and Curtiss formed a part-
nership and erected the first saw mill built in the town. Mr.
Hammersley constructed the first dam on the outlet, now
knoAvn as the Whipple dam, and in 1813, erected thereon a saw
mill. A short time after the completion of this mill, he con-
structed a flouring mill. This was of small capacit}^ but suffic-
ient for the needs of the few settlers.
Another arrival in 1811 was Henry Bush. Special men-
tion is made of the fact, because he brought into Perry the cn^y
slave ever knoAvn to have been brought into the town. This
slave went under the name of Jack Bush, was about 20 years
of age, and noted chiefly for his enormous size and strength.
Under the laws g'overning slavery at that time, he became a
free man when he attained the age of 28. After gaining his
liberty he moved to the Town of Attica, dying there many years
afterward. It is said that Jack's feet were so large that none
of the Attica shoe makers possessed a last large enough to
make his shoes, and that he was required to journey to Daniel
Ball's shoe shop at Perry Center to get the necessary size. Mr.
Ball, it seems, kept a last of enormous proportions, solely on
Jack's account.
Orrin Sheldon came here in 1811 from New Marlborough,
Mass. He was accompanied by his wife, Sally, aged 17 years,
28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
and their child six months old. They made the trip in an ox
cart in which two chairs served as seats, coming by the way of
Canandaigua, and were three weeks making the journey. When
her husband was obliged to be away from home on business,
Sally and the baby were left in care of the Indians, who fre-
quently came and staid at the Sheldon home, and friendly rela-
tions existed between them.
Other pioneers who took up land in Perry in 1811 were
Aaron Pond, Peter, Elijah and Jonathan Atwood.
The first log house built in the villa^^e was erected in the
year 1810 by a certain Mr, Palmer, who was supposed to have
come from LeRoy. This cabin was erected on the present site
of Mr. A. J. Wood's residence (the former Dolbeer property,)
near the corner of Dolbeer place and Main street. For some
reason, Mr. Palmer never occupied this house, but sold it to
Julius Curtiss in the summer of 1811.
The first frame house in the town was erected about the
year 1812 by James Edgerly, grandfather of our fellow towns-
man, Jerome Edgerly. This was a two-story building, situated
just south of the " Universalist Hill," near the boundary line
of Castile and Perry. Mr. Edgerly was born in Danville, Vt.
When 18 3^ears of age, he enlisted in Gen. Sullivan's army, par-
ticipated in the famous Wyoming Valley Campaign and assisted
in driving the Indians over the Genesee Eiver High Banks. He
was much impressed with the richness of the land in the Gene-
see Valley and in 1812 moved his family to Perry.
An orchard was set out by Mr. Edgerly and his son
Edmund, on the top of the hill, and after a series of grafting
experiments, they produced the famous Edgerly "Bailey
Sweet" apples. The trees set out in this orchard were pur-
chased in the east and brought into town on horseback. Some
of them are still standing on property adjoining Bradford
street, owned by Mr. C. AV. Rudd.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 29
The first frame hotel or tavern was erected by another son
of Mr. Edgerly, James C. It was located just about where the
bend in Bradford street is today, on a road which at that per-
iod ran directly south and intersected one that ran from the
upper dam, southeast. The second story of this tavern was fin-
ished off as a ball room, arched over in the center under the
ridge. This was the first dance hall constructed in the town,
and there the elite of Perry's early days tripped the "light
fantastic" on numerous occasions. Mr. Edgerly kept a few dry
goods and groceries in the same building and was Perry's first
merchant. Benoni Butler walked the entire distance from
Utica to Perry to clerk for Mr. Edgerly. He received the
munificent salary of $6.00 per month and board for his services.
While conducting his mercantile business, the first local post
office was established, with Mr. Edgerly as postmaster, the mail
coming from Leicester on horseback once a week.
About this time there arrived a man by the name of Hugh
Hi go-ins, who used ancient stone age methods in dwelling house
con-^.truction. Near the railroad curve opposite Whipple's boat
livery, he burrowed into the hill and made an excavation large
enough for himself and his wife to live in. The front of this
unique home was built up with flat stones and contained one
door and one window. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins raised a family
of seven or eight daughters while residing in this dugout.
During 1812, settlers came in rapidly. The second war
with England was then in progress, and many chose to stop
here, rather than go nearer the seat of war. During the war,
the inhabitants of Perry were frequently alarmed by rumors
of Indians coming to lay waste the country. They had burned
Buffalo and devasted several places in the vicinity, and
naturally, the people lived in a state of apprehension through-
out the entire struggle. As far as the writer has been able to
learn, Perrj^ had but one volunteer in this war. This was Elias,
30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
a son of Josiali Williams, the i^roprietor of the tavern. He was
killed at the defeat of the American General Winchester, at the
battle of River Raisin, which took place near Detroit, Mich., in
January, 1813. This engagement is sometimes designated as the
Battle of Frenchtown. A brief sketch of the battle follows :
In the beginning of 1813, the American army had been organ-
ized into three divisions — the Army of the North, commanded
by Gen. Hampton, to operate in the vicinity of Lake Cham-
plain ; the Army of the Center, under direction of the comman-
der-in-chief, to resume offensive movements on the Niagara
frontier and Lake Ontario; and the Army of the West, under
command of Gen. Winchester, who was soon superseded by
Gen. Harrison. Early in January, the last mentioned division,
made up of various detachments of militia from the Western
States, moved toward the head of Lake Erie to regain the
ground lost by Gen. Hull in the previous summer. On the 10th
of the month, the American advance, composed of 800 men un-
der Winchester, reached the rapids of the Maumee River. A
body of British and Indians was posted at Frenchtown, on the
River Raisin, 30 miles from Winchester's camp. A detachment
of Americans pressed forward, attacked the enemy on the 18th,
captured the tow^n, encamped there, and on the 20th of the
month were joined by Winchester and the main division.
Two days afterward, the Americans were suddenly assault-
ed by a force of 1500 British and Indians, under the command
of Gen. Proctor. A severe battle was fought, each side losing
nearly 300 men. The British were checked, and for a time the
issue was doubtful, but Gen. Winchester having been taken by
the enemy, advised his forces to capitulate under a pledge of
protection given by Proctor and his subordinate. As soon as the
surrender was made, the British general set off at a rapid rate
to return to his headquarters at Maiden. The American
wounded were left to the mercy of the savages, who at once
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 31
began their work with tomahawks, scalping knives and torch-
es. The two houses into which most of the wounded had
been crowded were fired, while the painted barbarians stood
around and hurled back into the flames, whoever attempted to
escape. The rest of the prisoners were dragged away through
untold sufferings, to Detroit, where they w^ere ransomed at an
"enormous price.
In the course of 1812, a certain Wm. Gould erected a shoe
shop and David Stannard built a tavern. These establish-
ments were erected in the vicinity of our present depot. An-
other tavern was erected during the same year on the site of
the old Alanson Lacy house. It was a log house, and almost
as large as the building now^ standing. The owner was Matthew
Lemon, and the day the house was raised, people came from
Mt. Morris, Geneseo and other towns to assist in the work. In
1817, Samuel Lacy and his son Elnathan purchased the place,
paying .i<1600 for the house and 100 acres of land. Mr. Lemon
went to Olean and afterward to Ohio, where he became a Meth-
odist minister. Mr. Lacy tore down the log house in 1834 and
erected the present frame building. He conducted the new
house as a temperance tavern for several years, and eventually
gave up the hotel business, thereafter the house bein^ used as a
private residence.
Soon after the arrival of Julius Curtiss and Seth Canfield,
these gentlemen purchased a tract of land which embraced
the greater part of the Village of Perry. The epidemic which
prevailed throughout Western New York in 1813 caused the
death of both of these men. Their mills and lands were then sold
to Mr. Levi Benton. In 1817 this property passed into the
hands of William Wiles. During the same year, John Ham-
mersley sold his flouring and saw mills to Benjamin Gardner
and Jonathan Child, who afterward removed to Rochester. In
1828, Mr. Gardner erected a large grist mill and began the bus-
32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
iness of making flour for the eastern markets. This mill was
put up by David Edgerly, an early contractor. Mr. Gardner's
boss millwright was a Mr. Dazell, who came to Perry from
Rochester.
Mr. Gardner was an aristocratic young gentleman and pos-
sessed considerable means. His advent into Perry was destined
to mean much to the early industrial development of the com-
munity. Beside the flourino^ mill, he also owned and operated
a cooper shop, an ashery, one or two other mills or shops, and
a general store. He died on Dec. 27th, 1834, aged 45 years,
after a short illness, and Perry lost one of the greatest of her
earlier citizens. His remains were buried in the old cemetery.
A few years ago, they were taken up and re-interred in Hope
Cemetery. Mr. Gardner's residence is still standing in a good
state of preservation on its original site, just to the rear of our
present depot, and is owned at the present time by Mr. C. M.
Smith. In its early days it must have been regarded as a beau-
tiful home. A portion of it was his first store.
In 1823, Wm. Wiles sold his mills and lands to Rufus H.
Smith, who was an early settler of Perry and subsequently one
of the Judges of Genesee County.
In the summer of 1816, John Thompson, who had been in
Perry but a short time, was drowned in Silver Lake. He had
been across the lake to the home of Aaron Pond, seeking em-
ployment. On his return trip, it is supposed that the large dog
that he had with him, upset the canoe. Mr. Thompson is sup-
posed to have been the first white person drowned in Silver
Lake.
Thomas Edgerly came to Perry from New Hampshire in
1814 and took up a large farm. In 1818 he helped in the erec-
tion of a hotel in the village, and kept it for a period of four
years. Mr. Edj^erly also established himself in business, pur-
JUDGE RUFUS H. SMITH
34
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
chasing his goods in Utica and bringing them to Perry with
foiir-horse teams. While engaged in conducting his store, he
succeeded James Edgerly as local postmaster. He died in 1837.
A partial list of other pioneers who were early settlers in
Perry, follow^s :
Philip Sparling,
Almona Hart,
Elkanah Bates,
Thomas Toan,
Campbell,
Charles Leonard,
Gamaliel Leonard,
Ralph Ward,
Jabez Ward,
Lemuel Blackmer,
Abram Avery,
Richard Buell,
Noah D. Sanger,
John Squires.
Graham Benedict,
William True,
Norman Blakeslee,
Warren Buckland,
Jabez Brigham,
Capt. Pat. McEntee,
Cassander Watrous,
Mark Andrews,
Samuel Waldo,
Septimuss Smith,
D. Richards,
Caleb Phillips,
John Mclntyre,
Salmon Preston,
■ Ensign,
David Moss,
Jesse Moss,
G. Waldo,
M. Burt,
Gideon Tabor,
Pardon Tabor,
E. Sheldon,
Horace Sheldon,
Nath'l Howard,
Samuel Howard,
Jacob Reed,
Daniel Calkins,
J. H. Hollister,
J. D. Taylor,
Levi Silver,
Abram Hamsley,
Bills,
Foskett,
John Olin,
Freeman Gates,
Greenlief C^ark,
Noeh Baron,
Daniel Dickerson,
Trueman Alverson,
S. Hosford.
Isaac Rudgers,
A. Hosford,
Robert Moore.
Arwin Olin.
Jacob Nevins,
Moses Wooley,
H. Kingsley,
Richard Aherson,
Samuel Benedict,
Hugh Glasgow,
G. Glasgow,
Jonathan Handley,
Ebenezer,
Selden,
and Otis Higgins,
Nahum Phillips,
Samuel SafL'ord,
Allen Buckland.
During the early settlement of the town the deer were
plentiful, and bears and wolves were a great pest. It was
almost impossible to keep sheep and hogs. Of five large hogs
owned by Mr. Amos Otis, the bears killed four ; but Mr. Otis had
the satisfaction of killing as many bears as he had had hogs
killed.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY ^ 35
1348162
Game and fish from Silver Lake greatly helped the settlers
in the early years in the way of food, especially in the cold
years of 1816 and 1817. Frost occurred every month of the
year 1816. Ice formed to the thickness of an inch in May.
Snow fell to a depth of three inches in New York on the 5th
of July. Corn w^as frozen to such an extent that the greater
part was cut in August and dried for fodder, and the farmers
supplied themselves from the corn produced in 1815 for the
seeding of the Spring of 1817.
In the issue of the Wyoming Times, an early local publica-
tion, of the date of Feb. 13th, 1856, Mr. Otis related the story
of a bear hunt which took place in the vicinity of Perry about
the year 1815. It follows :
"I had some sport in seeing a couple of Indian hunters
kill a bear. During the fall of a light snow they had struck on
the trail of a bear, which was followed about a mile, when they
found that he had ascended a large chestnut tree and gone into
a hole about 25 feet from the ground, where he had evidently
designed to take up his winter quarters ; but he was foiled in
his expectations, for the following morning the Indians gave
me and another neighbor an invitation to go with them and see
them kill the bear. Arriving at the tree, the first business was to
build a fire. They then proceeded to make an Indian ladder.
This was done by cutting a sapling about 7 or 8 inches in dia-
meter and trimming off the limbs, leaving them about a foot
long. Then, with our help, they raised it up against the tree.
They cut a small pole about 15 feet long, and having procured
some elm bark which was torn into strips, everything was
ready. One of them climbed the ladder and the other drew
from the fire some blazing brands, which he tied up with strips
of bark and attached them to the small pole. He handed them
to the other Indian, who put them into the hole and they fell
to the bottom of the tree, where Bruin lay in sound sleep. This
was a warm reception for poor Bruin, who, after receiving two
or three more bunches of firebrand, began to ascend the tree.
The Indian on the ladder immediately came down, and taking
their rifles, they placed themselves one on each side of the
36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
tree, a few rods distant and waited for the bear to make his
appearance. This he did in a short space of time. Putting his
head out of the hole, he looked about with a ^reat deal of indig-
nation to see who had been so abusive as to disturb him in his
slumbers. After looking for a short time, he crawled out on a
limb of the tree, immediately over the hole, where he became a
fine target for the Indians' rifles. At a given signal they both
fired at him, when he instantly fell to the ground and ex-
pired."
Another incident of the early days is well worth repeating
rt this time. In the year 1808, Mr. Benjamin Parker, who had
located in the ToAvn of Warsaw, made a trip through this sec-
tion on foot. Upon his return through the forest that covered
nearly the whole region between the Transit and Perry Center,
he met seven bears — three old ones and four cubs. Having no
other weapon than a large club, he struck one of the bears,
breaking his club. """^ith no alternative he was obliged to
i-etreat and took refug. in a small tree. His cry for help was
heard by Elisha Smith, though nearly a mile distant, and
forthwith he went to the rescue, armed with an axe and gun,
accompanied by his d i g. The four cubs and two of the bears
were soon treed, and as it was quite dark, fires were kindled
to prevent their escajje. In the morning, the tAVO bears were
shot and the cubs w^ere taken alive.
During the early years, rattlesnakes were very numerous
and many persons were bitten by them. The cases were suc-
cessfully treated by Tall Chief, an Indian doctor who resided
at Squawkie Hill, in the Town of Leicester. The settlers hunt-
ed and attacked the snakes in their dens and soon thinned
them out.
CHAPTER III
Anecdotes of Calvin P. Bailey, one of the Most Prominent Early
Settlers — Perry's First Tavern— Early Settlers of Castile —
Perry's Pioneer Physicians — Town Meetings at Perry Center.
Mr. Calvin P. Bailey arrived in Perry in 1816, bringing his
family and a stock of merchandise. He formed a partnership
with his brother-in-law, Samuel Hatch (father of our towns-
man, S. A. Hatch) and opened a store on the site of the present
Hatch block on the corner of Main and Covington streets, now
occupied by Roche's grocery, and the firm became Perry's
first permanent merchants, although, as stated previously,
James C. Edgerly had brought in a few goods. Mr. Bailey was
a son of Charles and Martha Bailey and was born in Newbury,
Vt., in 1792. In 1814 he married Sybil, daughter of John and
Waitsell Hatch, of Hardwick, Vt. Eight children were born
of the union. Mr. Bailey continued in the mercantile and gen-
eral business until his retirement from active pursuits. In the
year 1828 he was elected to represent his district in the State
Assembly, and in 1840 he was chosen as delegate to the
National Convention which placed the name of William Henry
Harrison in nomination for the Presidency, on which occasion
Mr. Bailey proposed the name of Henry Clay for the nomina-
tion, but he was defeated. Mr. Bailey was also the delegate
representing Wyoming and Genesee counties at the National
Convention of the Whigs, held in Baltimore in 1844.
A story is told of Mr. Bailey's first speech in the Assembly.
Notwithstanding the fact that it was a good address, a member
of the opposite party desiring to ridicule him, arose following
the address and remarked : "Gentlemen, I have often heard of
the Genesee Flats, but this is the first time I was ever privi-
leged to see and hear one."
38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Mr. Bailey was a man of force and positive nature. He
never brooked interference and resented opposition. A story
is told that at one time he was having a small bridge built
across the outlet, near the old tannery site, probably at the
time that he was road commissioner. He was assisting a man in
laying plank and was standing near the end of a plank about
to be spiked to the stringer. He told the man to go and bring
a certain tool, and when the man said, ''If I do, you'll "
Mr. Bailey commanded him to "Get that tool !" The man obeyed
stepping off the other end of the plank, and Mr. Bailey
plumped into the outlet with a great splash. He came up
spluttering and was assisted to the bridge by his helper, but
Mr. Bailey realized that the man had simply obej^ed orders and
he said nothing in condemnation and took his medicine philoso-
phically. But the story has lived to this day.
Mr. Bailey was a man of generous and philanthropic
nature, especially in contributing funds for local institutions.
He paid nearly one-half of the expense of building the old
Presbyterian Church, although he was not affiliated with the
church society. His sons — John H. and Charles W. — were
among the first college graduates of the town.
. In 1824, Bailey & Hatch erected an oil mill, and in 1827 a
grist mill. In 1836, Mr. Bailey and one other erected the block
now occupied by Koche's grocery and Chaddock's hard-
ware. All of the stone used in the construction of this building
was hauled overland from Brockport, N. Y. The block was an
advance over any building that had been erected in the town.
At the time of the big fire of 1856, which will be described in an-
other chapter, Mr. Bailey kept the roof from taking fire at
great risk to himself. It is about the oldest building in the bus-
iness section, as nearly all of the rest have been burned at some
time or other. Mr. Bailey died at his residence on North Main
street on Sept. 8th, 1860. His wife died in 1872. His home oc-
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 39
eupiod the site of the present residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. N.
AVyckoff (the former M. H. Olin property,) and the original
bnilding was raoved to Water street, where it is. now used as
a Polish grocery.
Following the opening of the general store by Bailey &
Hatch, other mercantile firms came in rapidly, and soon stores
covered a good share of the northern part of our present busi-
ness district.
Warsaw, Batavia, LeRoy and Perry were the four towns
in this section favored as centers of trade in the early days. Few
^•oods were sold for cash ; almost the whole trade was on credit
or barter basis. Notes were made payable in grain, lumber,
cattle, etc. Maple sugar formed an important article of trade
for many years, constituting the principal source of sweetening.
Ashes from burnt timber formed another of the most important
articles of trade, and after being converted into black salts,
was one of the most valuable commodities at the command of
the inhabitants. Containing much value in small bulk, they
could be easily transported, and commanded a ready market.
In reading old newspaper advertisements of Perry's early
business men, it is a noteworthy feature that all classes of deal-
ers advertised to take furs, lumber, dairy products, in fact any-
thing raised by the settlers in exchange for furniture, groceries,
hardware, or anything else held by them for sale. Even the
editor of one of Perry's earliest newspapers offered to take
"wheat, corn, hay, wood, pork or lard" from those who were
indebted to him. That cash was scarce is evident, and most
business was conducted, as before stated, on the swap plan.
As previously stated, the Town of Perry was incorporated
in 1814. In that year the first town meeting was held at the
tavern kept by Peter Beebe at Perry Center, and the following
named officers were chosen: Supervisor, Jairus Cruttenden
40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
(who had settled in that portion of Perry which was afterward
taken off in forming the Town of Covington.) Town Clerk,
Warren Buckland. Collector and Constable, Salmon Preston.
Justices of the Peace, Robert Moore, Pardon Tabor, Levi Ben-
ton and James Symonds.
For several years after the formation of the town, the
people were obliged to go to Batavia for the most of their public
business, that town being the county seat, embracing most of
the towns now included in Wyoming County.
Town meetings were held at Perry Center regularly until
about 40 years ago. As the Village of Perry grew in population,
there was more or less agitation about changing the meetino^
place to the village, but because of the small attendance of the
villagers at these meetings, the Perry Center people managed to
defeat the proposition as regularly as it came to vote. On one
occasion, however, prominent citizens of the village succeeded
in getting together a sufficient number and carried the meas-
ure. After the proposition had been voted upon a number of
the villagers arose in th6 ir ^lee and started for Perry, without
waiting for the adjournment of the meeting. One of the sly
Perry Center politicians, who had been quietly taking in the
situation, arose and made a motion that they rescind the pre-
vious action. The motion was promptly seconded and carried,
much to the chagrin of the remaining Perryites, who were
thus forced to journey to the Center for their next annual
meeting.
The first tavern at Perry Center was built by Peter Beebe
in about the year 1809. It was constructed of logs and stood
on the ground now occupied by the residence of Chas. Ball. Mr.
Beebe conducted the log tavern a few years, then had it torn
down and erected in its place a framed building which he used
for many years as a hotel. It was eventually closed, sold and
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 41
removed to land owned by Mr. W. 0. Newcomb, and by Mm
converted into a dwelling house. On the northwest of the four
corners, a framed hotel Avas erected by a certain Mr. Atwood.
This was conducted by various parties as a hotel until 1858.
It was subsequently purchased by I\Ir. Wm. H. Hawley, Sr.,
and used by him as a dwelling house. The first store at Perry
Center was established by Mr. Pierce of Avon, with John D.
Lan^don as his clerk. The building stood on the southwest
of the four corners. Among the early settlers of that vicinity
was Samuel Satford, born in Connecticut on Nov. 2-ith, 1788.
In 1810, at the age of 21 years, he went as an American seaman
to the Island of Cuba, and served four years before the mast.
In 1818 he started for New York and came to Buffalo Corners
by way of Bethany, walking a distance of 400 miles, carrying a
pack on his back. After securing a place at Buffalo Corners,
he returned to Connecticut with his brother-in-law, Sidney
Morse, and shortly afterward started again for Perry, with an
ox team and a horse ahead, drawing a covered wagon. His
family consisted of his wife and two sons — Amos and Harding,
aged 4 and 2 years, respectively. They arrived at Buffalo Cor-
ners on October 14th, 1818. He afterward erected a small store
at the Corners and mail matter was left there in his care. Many
a homeseeker w^as made welcome at his humble abode, and he
was urged to build a tavern. He died on October 23d, 1880,
aged 92 years, and was buried with his family in Prospect Hill
Cemetery at the Center. Bulfalo Corners derived its name
from the fact that it was in early days a prominent point on the
main traveled road between Buffalo and Albany.
Levi Silver, Sr., was born in New England and spent his
earh^ married life at Lempster, N. H. After a few years he
inoved to Sutton, Vt., from whence he came in 1815 to Perry.
His brother-in-law, Captain Peter Atwood, whose wife was Abi-
gail Silver, had previously settled near what is now Perry Yil-
42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
lage and about a mile from a beautiful little lake called ''Silver
Lake," named, no doubt, partly from these settlers as well as
because of the clearness of its waters. Captain Atwood drove
to Vermont to bring the family, which consisted of Mr. and Mrs.
Levi Silver and nine children.
Levi Silver moved in 1820 to the farm in the west part of
the town, now owned and occupied by George Humphrey. Here,
in 1821, he built the house as it now stands (with the exeception
of the porches and slight changes inside,) which was used as a
tavern for many years. His wife, Susan Nichols Silver, was
noted for her famous warmed potatoes, and many a traveler
made it a point to reach the Silver Tavern on account of this
attraction. At that time, Samuel Perkins of Warsaw drove the
stage from Warsaw to Geneseo and put up at this tavern. Mrs.
Silver lived to the ripe old age of 99 years.
Many of the early settlers of the Town of Perry, including
the Otis, Kingsley, Blanchard, Bacon, Stowell, Dickerson and
Wiles families, located in the vicinity of West Perry. Soon a
thriving and prosperous community was established. In the
late 30 's the little hamlet at the corners boasted a school, a gen-
eral store, a tavern, a shoe shop, a distillery, and a blacksmith
and wagon-making establishment. It was also the birthplace
of a man who became famous as an artist, whose son has
achieved even greater fame than his father. Lemuel M. Wiles
was born in West Perry on October 21st, 1826. In 1847 he was
graduated from the New York State Normal School, and later
he was for ten years director of the College of Fine Arts, Ing-
ham University, LeRoy, N. Y. After leaving that institution he
was director of the Art Department of Nashville University,
Nashville, Tenn. He was a splendid instructor and was noted
as a landscape painter. Prof. Wiles erected a large building
on the west side of Silver Lake, which he conducted for several
years as a Summer Art School, where instruction was given to
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 43
many pupils from a distance as well as from this section of the
State. His son, Prof. Irving R. Wiles, is one of the most noted
portrait painters in the country, and a prominent artist of New
York City.
As Castile was a part of Perry until Feb. 27th, 1821, the
following early history of that place is given : The first settle-
ment was begun about 1808 or 1809, b}^ Daniel McKay of Cale-
donia, who erected a saw mill on Wolf Creek, in the southeast-
ern part of the town. About the same time, Robert Whaley
removed from Caledonia and settled on the Allegany Road, a
short distance from the center of the present Town of Castile.
Mr. Whaley had charge of the saw mill, which was about one-
half mile from the mouth of the creek, on the Cotringer tract.
This mill was stocked with the fine logs purchased from Mary
Jemison, and the lumber was transported to the river's high
bank, where there was a slide by which it was conveyed to the
river, thence floated down to the older settlements. Mr. Whaley
opened a tavern at his place of residence, and for many years
the "Whaley Stand" Avas widely known and patronized by
the settlers of this and other parts of the country farther west.
In 1816 a severe calamity occurred at this pioneer tavern. Mr.
Whaley had removed to his mill and rented the house to a Mr.
Eldredge. Several men from LeRoy put up there for the night,
when the house took fire and two of the men perished in the
flames. The house was rebuilt, and in 1817 Mr. Whaley occu-
pied it, passing away there soon afterward. His widow con-
tinued the business for a number of years.
The first settlers at the village were Ziba Hurd and Jona-
than Gilbert, who came from Vermont in 1816. Among other
early settlers were Clark Sanford, Jacob Kellogg and his two
brothers, A. Pond, James Thompson, William Tripp, Dow I.
Clute, Charles Tallman, Freeman Sanford, Ebenezer Seymour
and Sylvester Derby. A settlement was begun at an early day
44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
in the western part of the town, near Silver Lake, called the
"Tallman Settlement." The first birth in the toAvn was that
of Jane McKay in 1813 ; the first death was that of Laura
Wilcox in 1815; the first school was taught by Anna Bennett,
who came from Vermont in 1816. The first grist mill was
built by John Card and Sylvester Lathrop on Lot No. 40 in
1820. The first store was kept by Lemuel Eldridge and M. E.
Frost in 1815. In 1821 a postoffice was established, and Mr.
Ilurd was appointed postmaster. During the same year he was
also elected as Castile's first supervisor. The first religious
services were held near the south end of Silver Lake in 1816 by
Rev. Benjamin Luther of the Baptist denomination. A
Christian Society was organized in 1819 ; a Presbyterian Society
in 1824; also a Methodist Society in the same year. The Bap-
tist Society was organized in 1835.
The water power furnished by Wolf Creek, and the abund-
ance of fine timber in the vicinity gave great activity to the
lumber business for many years. At one period, not less than
14 saw mills were located on this creek. When Mr. Clark San-
ford settled in the town in 1816, Mary Jemison was living near
the Genesee River, a mile below St. Helena. Castile Village at
that time contained about half a dozen framed houses and a
few log ones. Dr. Child kept a small store in the village at that
period.
In 1817 a landslide occurred and about 25 acres of the
present town of Castile slid into the Genesee River, damming
it and causing a permanent change in its course.
Before the village took the name of Castile it was known
first as Rickettsville, then as Freemansburg, and later as Oak-
dale.
PERRY'S PIONEER PHYSICIANS 45
To the late Amos Otis, who settled in Perry in 1810, and
who kept a diary containing particular record of early events,
numerous extracts from which were published in the Wyoming
Times of 1856, we are indebted for many of the facts which ap-
pear in this history.
Dr. Jabez Ward was the first physician to settle within the
Town of Perry. He was a son of Ralph and Lorain Ward and
was born on Feb. 3d, 1788. He came here and located just
east of Perry Center in 1813. Dr. Ward received his education
in the east, being licensed to practice bj^ the Connecticut Medi-
cal Society. A pleasant picture of good old Dr. Ward is given
by one of the old Perry Center boys — Edward A. Sheldon, Ph.
D., founder of the State Normal School at Oswego, N. Y. — in a
reminiscence of the old home church and community, written
on June 25th, 1889. He said : "Among those who made a strong
impression upon my young life was Dr. Jabez Ward, one of
the original organizers of the (Perry Center) church. He was
our family physician, as he was of nearly all of the families of
the town. He was a man of marked and rare traits of charac-
ter. He may be justly termed a unique man. His duplicate
would be hard to find. He was a cheerful, and we might al-
most say, a jolly man. His best remedies for the sick were not
to be found in his saddlebags. I cannot say that I ever enjoyed
the latter, with its unswallow^able pills and picra, but I was
ever willing to endure them for the sake of a visit from one
whose presence was such pleasant and wholesome medicine for
both the body and soul. He cut an odd figure on his old horse
as he threw his arms up and down and his heels out and in, as
if in frantic effort to Avaken an animal that appeared to be in
a jogging slumber. I am sure that both horse and rider took
many of their naps on the road. So thoroughly was the horse
habituated to a certain gait that any ordinary nap would not
in the least interfere with his measured step. The rider often
46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
fell from his horse in his sleep, but he was too much of a phil-
osopher ever to be hurt by such falls. He knew too well the
danger of saddle-girths and efforts to save oneself from the ef-
fects of a fall, to expose himself by the presence of the former,
or by yielding to the natural impulses to rely on the latter for
protection. He ahvays went to the ground like a bag of sand,
and his saddle with him, with no harm to wind or limb. The
only harm that ever followed wa.^ the trouble of throwing on
the saddle and leading the horse to a fence and remounting.
His happy repartee and stories made him an agreeable com-
panion alike to old and young. He was a man of strong affec-
tions and deep religious feelings, and his influence for good
was felt in every home he visited, as well as in the church in
which he presided as an officer."
The story that is told in connection with the last illness
of Dr. Ward portrays the character of his whole life of service
and self-sacrifice. In July, 1843, he was seized with pneumonia,
a result, perhaps, of exposure on some errand of mercy. The
disease progressed, and he laid on his bed in a serious condi-
tion. Two 3^oung friends were sitting up with him, giving him
the needed medicine from time to time. As the hours passed
slowly by, the watchers became drowsy and slept in their
chairs. A knock came at the door, unheard by the young men,
but the ready ear of the sick man heard, and he arose and an-
swered the summons. It was a messenger with an urgent call
from one of his patients a mile or so away. Perhaps the Doctor
did not realize the seriousness of his own condition. At all
events, he left the house, his own Avatchers still sleeping, and at-
tended the ease with his customary success. When he returned to
his own bed, he was carefid not to disturb the slumbers of the
tired young friends. In the morning the doctor was worse,
undoubtedly due to his midnight ride, and a day or two later,
PERRY'S PIONEER PHYSICIANS 4T
®n the 16th of the month, he passed away. His remains were
buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery at Perry Center.
Dr. Ward's old account books reveal a life of hard work
with very small return. The people whom he served were
nearly all poor, hard working citizens. When the difference
between the time of his arrival in Perry and the present date
is considered, it will not be imagined that the Doctor led an
easier life than did the pioneer who leveled the forest and
cleared the land. The population at that time was scattered
over wide extent of territory. There were a few roads which
at the present time wovdd be called miserable, but which at that
period were considered good. Sometimes, the Doctor in making
his calls was forced to follow a path which had been cut
through the woods, and in which the stumps had been left
standing ; or, perhaps, the way was only marked with an ax cut
or a brand upon the trees. At other times he would follow
the lighted torch of a settler who had come in the night to guide
him to the afflicted household.
The task of procuring medicines was a serious one for the
early practitioner. The supply had to be purchased six months
or a year in advance, as the pioneer merchant made but one
or two trips east in the course of a year. When the supply was
exhausted, the Doctor was forced to rely upon the roots, barks,
herbs, etc., which grew in the forest.
The patient of today has a much easier time in his illness
than did his forefathers. Antiseptics were unknown, and a
severe surgical operation meant practically certain death. Nor
was there ether, choloroform or other anesthetics for the relief
of pain. Bleeding was resorted to for numerous afflictions,
such as headaches, fevers, inflammations, etc. We of this later
period may congratulate ourselves that the practice of medicine
and surgery has been raised to a much higher standard than
48
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
was thought possible, due to research and discovery on broader
and more scientific educational lines.
Dr. Jacob Nevins was born in Danville, Vt., January 28, 1788. He re-
ceived his medical education at St. Johnsbury, Vt, coming to Perry later and
locating on the farm now owned by his son, Hon, B. A. Nevins. He died on
September 28th, 1860.
Dr. Jacob Nevins was the second physician to settle in the
town, coming in the year 1816. Dr. Ezra Child was the first
physician to locate in the village. He resided here a short time
and then emigrated to the State of Indiana. Doctors Otis Hig-
gins and Mason G. Smith were also early practitioners in Perry.
Dr. Higgins came in 1818 and practiced his profession in this
immediate vicinity until his death in 1844.
PERRY'S PIONEER PHYSICIANS
49
Geo. L. Keeney, M. D., was a son of Josiah and Phoebe Keeney. He
was born in 1809 and died on Dec. 31st, 1869. His parents were natives of
Conneticut and located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, in the latter part
of the 18th century. The doctor graduated from Yale College in 1832, and
during that year entered upon the practice of his profession in Perry, where,
in 1835, he married Ann, daughter of William and Hannah Dolbeer.
CHAPTER IV
Perry Three-quarters of a Century Ago — Days of the Mail Coach —
Manufacturing Concerns and Business Places — Early Educa-
tional Institutions — Musical Organizations.
Between the years of 1810 and 1820, the populaticn of the
town increased rapidly, particularly after tiie war w!lh Eng-
land had closed. The next decade, from 1820 to 1830, rhowed
still more rapid progress in all respects. The whole of Western
New York was now well filled, comj^aratively speaking. It
was during this period that the Erie Canal was completed. The
rich and fertile "Genesee Countr}^" had become well known.
Tlie extreme hardships of the pioneer had entirely passed. The
facilities for travel by the completion of the canal were greatly
improved, and a more ready sale of the products of the soil re-
sulted in bringing from New England and the eastern and mid-
dle sections of New York a larger number of people than at
any previous time. During the next ten years, from 1830 to
1840, the largest population in Perry's rural districts was
shown, and it has never since been exceeded. Although, since
that period the rural population has diminished, we have since
1840 constantly improved our farms and buildings, beautified
our homes, increased our religious and educational privileges
and facilities, added to the comforts of life and gained in posi-
tion, influence and general prosperity.
Now let us take a glance at the Village of Perry and see
it as it was about three-quarters of a century ago, between the
years of 1840 and 1845. At that time Perry possessed neither
a bank, a railroad, a telegraph nor a telephone line ; but people
listened daily for the toot of the horn of the mail coach, as
drawn by four horses it dashed through the streets and finally
PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO
51
South view in Perry village.
The above picture is a reproduction from an old gazeteer of the State of
New York, pubHshed in the early 40's, and is a view from the south, looking
north. It shows Lake street at the extreme left, also the M. E. Church and
District Union School. The church at that time faced a road connecting
Lake and Covington streets. The "National Hotel" shown is the building
removed for the Wise block and remodeled into the Hotel Covington. The
building at the left of the hotel is the present Record office, removed and
remodeled, from the site of the Garrison (now Austin) block. These two
buildings are among the oldest frame business buildings in the village. As
may be noted, there were at that time no buildings between the hotel and
the Bailey block, now occupied by Roche's grocery. The Presbyterian and
Baptist churches are shown in the distance. At the extreme right may be
seen the porch of the hotel conducted by A. B. Walker. It was destroyed by
fire in 1857 and its site is now occupied by The Tavern.
came to a stop in front of the old National Hotel, kept by
Tlioiiias Livingston, near the corner of Main and Lake streets.
B}^ the mail coach people found a means to visit other
toivns or receive and send money, goods, etc. J. A. McElwain
was the proprietor of the line which ran from Perry to Can-
andaigua, eastward, passing through Moscow, Geneseo, Li-
vonia, Richmond and Bristol, at that time all of them being
52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
places of considerable size. A line also ran from Perry to Buf-
falo, by way of Buffalo Corners, Avest, via Orangeville, Sheldon,
Wales, Aurora and Hamburg; one from Perry to Jamestown,
via Pike and Ellicottville. The Warsaw and Batavia line pass-
ed through Wyoming and Bethany and connected at Batavia
with the New Y^ork Central Railroad. There was also a mail
line to Sardinia via Gainesville, Orangeville, and Java. Those
were the days that made the hearts of the tavern-keepers re-
joice, for business w^as business, and there was plenty of it.
Between Castile and Geneseo were 11 taverns, all well patron-
ized, and "full every night" was a common expression. As one
travels the highways today in almost any direction, he may
observe the buildings whose peculiar appearance marks them
as being taverns of the early days, now remodeled to make
them as nearly as possible into the modern residence.
Following is a list of the business places conducted at the
time of which we write. Of groceries there were five, con-
ducted respectively by H. A. Barton, R. Stratton, B. B. Hicks,
Jivah Higgins, and Hicks & Bailey. The dry goods firms also
numbered five, being two more than at the present time, viz :
Parsons & Clark, John H. Bailey, G. L. Davis, Rufus H. Smith
and S. W. Merrill & Sons.
Aplin & Owen and F. J. & N. Bullard manufactured har-
ness and saddlery. Mr. Bullard conducted his business for over
30 years from this time.
Tailors were plenty, and prices for fashionable goods were
much lower than at the present time. The list of tailors com-
prised J. L. Wilson, Charles Wing, Hutchinson & Rockwell,
and J. B. Farmer.
The boot and shoe dealers were John Ten Eyek, E. Hig-
gins & Son, W. J. Chapin & Co., and Peter Alberty.
PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 53
C. 0. Buddington manufactured hats and caps. One of the
liats made by him is on exhibition at the Log Cabin near the
Walker grounds at Silver Lake, and bears only a slight re-
semblance to the modern styles.
The milliners were in full force, and had representatives
in the persons of ]Mrs. Catherine Bayne, Mrs. Polh^ Higgins,
Miss Martha Shearman, and Z. & S. BuUard. ]\Iiss Shearman
continued her business in the same building, on the site of the
present Sage garage, until about the year 1880.
The physicians were : Z. W. Joslyn, Mason G. Smith (who
also occupied the position of Justice of the Peace and issued
prescriptions and subpoenas at the same time;) G. L. Keeney
and Otis Higgins.
The cabinet makers and furniture dealers Avere : David A.
Shirley, Hooper & Battre, and A. S. Horton. Mr. Buttre re-
ma ineci in business until about 1885.
John Carr and W. and Wm. Dolbeer carried on the busi-
ness of carriage and wagon making.
Hicks & Bailey and A. Otis & Son managed the two
foundries and did a vast amount of custom work.
Of lawj^ers. Perry had a large number, the legal business
of that period being of greater proportion than at present. We
find the names of I. N. Stoddard, J. J. Pettit, Wm. Mitchell
(who was also Surrogate;) L. A. Hayward and Levi Gibbs.
E. C. Pease was a barber who advertised as follows :
"Those gents who would be shaved in a trice,
And have their hair cut and combed very nice ;
Who would have all done with most perfect ease,
Will not go amiss to call on E. C. Pease."
Wm. Taylor and Henry E. Homan attended to the butcher
business and had first-class markets on Main street.
54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
E. M. Kimball and James Hmitijigton sold watches, clocks,
jewelry and accordeons.
Stephen Sherman attended to house and sign painting. Jos-
iah Andrews had a land office. David Mitchell sold drugs and
medicines. A. B. Wall er conducted a livery stable. A. D.
Smilh attended to Uncle Sam's affairs at the postoffice, with
Henry N. Page as deputy. Marcus D. Smith attended to car-
riage painting and trimming, and was considered the "boss
trimmer'' in this section.
Perry had four flouring mills, viz: The one known as "The
Lower Mill," because of its location on the outlet, was operated
by Hatch & Bailey; the second mill, operated by N. Severence
& Co. ; the third mill by Rufus H. Smith ; and where Tomlin-
son's mill now is, E. B. Sacket Avith George L. Davis in charge
as agent, conducted the business.
Perry had a curious genius in those days in the person of
Levi S. Mitchell, who was better and more familiarly known as
"Corporal" Mitchell, and who conducted a small restaurant
on what was called "The Sweeney plan." His capital was so
limited that he was compelled to borrow funds of his younger
patrons whenever the traveling oyster vendor came on his
monthly trip. Now, Judge Rufus H, Smith, who was his land-
lord, would early discover that the "Corporal" had made a
raise among the boys and laid in his stock of bivalves, and
quietly giving the word to his friends to assemble, the Judge
would walk in and call for oysters. After disposing of all that
the "Corporal" had in stock, the Judge would tell him to
"Chalk it down on rent," thus demolishing the latter 's bank
account and business at one fell swoop, whi^e the young men
who had furnished "the needful" were ( ompelled to take
buckwheat cakes or boiled eggs for their j uy, instead of the
choice oysters at "one-and-six" per plate, for which their
mouths had watered.
PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 55
T. Prawl and Philander Simmons conducted two extensive
blacksmith shops and had a thriving business.
One of the largest tanneries in the western part of the
State was the one at Perry, operated by W. J. Chapin, Jairus
Moffett and Brown.
Elisha Briggs managed the patent picket fence factory
doAvn the "Creek Read," as it was called.
Rufus H. Smith owned the carding mill, and George Col-
burn acted as manager, with 15 hands in their employ.
Perry boasted of three saw mills, one OAvned by R. 11,
Smith and operated by Charles Hope and Aaron Axtell, Sr.,
one by James Shearman, at the upper dam ; and one by Ashall
Shaw at the middle dam.
Ed. Root conducted a livery stable and toy store, and daily
created more fun than all of the clowns in the circus business
could manufacture in a whole season.
Bailey & Hatch managed quite an extensive flaxseed oil
mill, using for that purpose a three-story building and employ-
ing seven men. Davis & Sacket had a large distillery and ash-
ery at the middle dam. Two cooper shops were doing busi-
ness here, one operated by Beriah Brown and the other by
Luther Bacheldor, each having a large business.
Perry had a select school kept by Mrs. Harriet Massette,
also an academic school on Covington street, with J. C. Yander-
cook as principal, and Miss R. Grisew^ood as assistant. . Their
terms of tuition were very moderate, as may be noted by one
of their advertisements, from which we quote : ' ' Tuition per
term of 11 wrecks : In the First Department, for Spelling, Read-
ing and Rudiments of Geography, with varied oral exercises in
56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
various other branches. . .$1.50. The above, with Rudiments
of Grammar, Arithmetic, Orthography, etc. . .$2.00. The above,
with advanced classes in Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic,
Composition and Penmanship. . .$2.50. In the Higher Depart-
ment: For all common English Branches, with Composition,
Declamation, Natural Philosophy, History, Rhetoric, Logic and
Book-Keeping. . .$3.00. The above, with Intellectual Philo-
sophy, Moral Science, Chemistry, Astronomy, Algebra, Survey-
ing, Geometry, Rudiments of Latin and French Languages,
etc . . . $4.00. Lessons will also be given in Sketching, Land-
scape, Oriental and Mezzotinto Drawing and Painting on terms
to suit the convenience of those washing to take the lessons.
i\Ir. Yandercook will also organize classes at the request of
mechanics, clerks, apprentices, and any others, to give them in-
struction at any time they may choose, aside from the regular
hours for school, as his principal wish is to make himself truly
useful in his calling and benefit all with whom he may asso-
ciate."
There was also a select school kept by Miss Harriet Ham-
mond ; and a district school with T. S. Loomis, principal, who
had four assistants. This school had an enrollment of 350
pupils.
A very popular society, known as "The Perry Musical As-
sociation," was in existence at this time, with the following
named officers: President, James McEntee; First Vice-Presi-
dent, Alanson Lapham; Second Vice-President, Gilbert Mit-
chell; Secretary, E. G. Billings.
In May, 1844 a terrible hail storm occurred here, which
practically ruined all of the crops. Stones weighing one ounce
each were picked up on Main street..
PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 57
The Countryman was being published in Perry at this per-
iod. A perusal of a copy of this paper reveals an almost entire
absence of local items, the greater part of the paper being
made up of advertisements and foreign news. The Country-
man was a six column sheet and contained but nine columns of
reading matter, being in marked contrast to the local papers
of the present, with their many columns of live community news
and interesting miscellanj^ And yet the patrons of The
Countryman were glad to pay $3.00 per year for even such a
paper as that. The editor, Mr. D. S. Curtis, called on his pat-
rons to either "pay postage on communications or get them
franked, as we cannot stand the expense." The joke will be
seen when it is understood that persons could send all the mail
thej^ chose and were not compelled to prepay postage, the fol-
lowing being the rates of postage charged at the time : Under
30 miles, 6c ; over 30 miles and under 80, 10c ; over 80 miles
and under 150, I2V2Q; over 150 and under 400, 18%c; over 400
miles, 25c ; with double rates for every additional sheet of
paper, without regard to the weight. As a consequence, no
envelopes were used, the letter being folded, and sealed with a
wafer, and directed on the back.
Horse racing was one of the most popular sports of the
early 40 's. At this period and until the construction of the
race track at the fair grounds, races were held on South Main
street, the course being from the top of the " Universalist Hill"
to Needham's woods. That horse racing was considered a
man's sport by the local editor, at least, is the conclusion nec-
essarily reached from the following which we copy in its en-
tirety from the issue of the American Citizen, published in
Perry by Mitchell & Lewis, dated Sept. 27th, 1837.
''We perceive by handbills in circulation that our Gaines-
ville (Silver Springs) neighbors are to be treated by one of
58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
those schools of public morals, with something a little extra,
at least in our region.
''After describing certain regulations, the handbill informs
us that 'Convenient seats will be arranged for the LADIES.'
Ladies at a horse race! ! ! Astonishing! ! Who could have
thought that we had arrived at such a pitch of refinement?
But we forgot — they had a dancing school in that vicinity last
winter. ' '
The following statistics of Perry Village for the year 1845
were compiled at the close of that year by the late Col. Wm.
Dolbeer :
Population within the Corporation .... Male, 522 Female, 549
Value of Manufactured Products —
Four Grist Mills $65,880.00
Three Saw Mills 1,992.00
Oil Mill 2,400.00
Tannery 14,500.00
Ashery 1,300.00
Two Foundries 10,115.00
Fulling Mill 1,175.00
Carding Mill 4,000.00
Total $101,362.00
General Stores 8
Boot and Shoe Stores 1
Drugs and Book Store 1
Groceries 5
Taverns 2
Churches 4
Buildings 150
CHAPTER V
Early Industrial Development — Distilleries and Asheries Important
Features — Foundry, Flax Mill and "Clothiery" Were Other
Industries.
When the pioneers first came to Perry, the land was cov-
ered Avith a fine growth of timber, which, owing to the scarcity
of mills and roads, was practically valueless in its natural state ;
but by gathering the ashes that remained after burning the
timber and putting them through a certain process, the settlers
manufactured black salts, which found a ready market at the
nearest settlement. The manufacture of potash, at that time
gommonly called "black salts," was the principal source of rev-
enue for the settlers until they could prepare their land and
harvest their crops.
At an early date in the town's history, David Thorp, Sam-
uel Howard, Jason Lathrop, and Langon, Leonard & Sanger
started asheries at Perry Center, and from that time most of the
farmers discontinued making potash and sold their ashes tr
these concerns. Mr. Lathrop 's ashery, which, was erected on
Lot No. 5, was in existence for many years.
During the first Idw years, the settlers raised only a suf-
ficient amount of grain for their own needs, as there was no
market nearby, and the cost of transportation was too great to
convey it any long distance. About the year 1820, Samuel How-
ard erected a distillery on Lot No. 17 at Perry Center, and this
acted as an incentive to the farmers to raise more grain, as the
spirit into which the distillery converted it could be trans-
ported at much less expense. Benjamin Gardner built a
distillery in the village in about 1822. Still another was erect-
ed at West Perry about the ^'^ear 1825. The completion of the
60 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Erie Canal opened the Eastern markets to farm products and
rendered distilling unprofitable, and the industry struggled for
a time against the inevitable, but finally yielded to necessity
and succumbed.
As stated elsewhere, eTohn Hammersley constructed what is
now known as the Whipple dam, in 1811. In the year 1813
he erected a grist mill and a saw^ mill. The grist mill was sit-
uated on the south side of the dam, just below the present lo-
cation of Wm. Whipple's shop. In 1817 Mr. Hammersley sold
the grist mill to Childs & Gardner, Mr. Childs subsequently sell-
ing his interest to Mr. Gardner, who continued to operate the
mill until 1828. Later it was converted into a wooden dish mill
and pails, tubs, bowls, etc., were made there for a number of
years. It finally fell into disuse and was torn down.
The saw mill which had been built on the north side of the
dam, was also sold to Mr. Gardner and was operated by him un-
til his death in 1834, when it passed into the hands of James
N. Sherman, who erected a new saw mill on the same site. A
few years later, Mr. Sherman sold the mill to Hon. Rufus H.
Smith. After a period of use it was converted into a wooden
pump factory, operated by Brazilla Howe, who was familiarly
known among the citizens at "Pump" Howe. This establish-
ment was in operation until about the year 1860.
In 1818, Wm. Wiles built a grist mill near the present site
of Mark Phelps' residence on Gardeau street, on the east bank
of the outlet. The machinery, or gearing, used in this mill was
made entirely of wood. This mill changed hands several times
and was used for a number of years. It finally went into dis-
use, and in 1860 was destroyed by fire.
Although a considerable quantity of the products manu-
factured by these early promoters of industry was sold to the
numerous immigrants who were taking up land in the Genesee
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT / f
Country, as well as to those who were striking out for a more
distant Western home, the greater portion was sold in the east.
It was impracticable for each manufacturer to deliver his
products to Albany, and at length an extensive system of trans-
portation was established. Experience demonstrated that one
teamster could manage six horses as well as two, and thus re-
duce the cost. Six horse teams, with harness to match, were no
trifling affairs in those days. The horses were furnished
mostly by the Dutch settlers of the Mohawk Valley, and were
noted for their solidity and strength. Most of the wagons
w^ere covered and sufficiently strong to carry eight to ten tons.
The driver rode the "off'' wheel horse and used one guiding
rein only. Thus equipped, the '"Dutch ship," as it was called,
struck out for Albany with its cargo of flour, jjotash and whis-
key as freight, to be loaded on the return trip with all sorts of
machinery and merchandise. Thirty days were allowed for a
round trip, although in good going the time was shortened a
few days, while in the Spring and Fall it w^as not uncommon to
be out forty days.
About the year 1822, a foundry was erected by Harvey
Prichard on Water street, on the west bank of the outlet, a
short distance south of Walnut street, and was used for the
manufacture of iron castings, principally plow points and
sleigh shoes. IMr. Prichard had a potash kettle lined with clay,
and melted his iron with charcoal. It has been said that his
plow points were so hard that they would outlast any two that
are on the market today. Prior to his venture into the foundry
business, he had been a flax spinner and a rope maker, but had
found that there was not enough demand for such commodities
among the residents to make their manufacture profitable.
Although considered a genius at whatever work he undertook,
he was inclined to neglect his business, preferring his dog and
gun to his work, consequently he was not as successful in his
62
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
various enterprises as his talents would have permitted. In
1842 the foundry was sold to A. Otis & Son, who continued the
business for several years, after which it was remodeled into a
flax mill and operated under the management of Wm. T. Ham-
lin. Tow, which was used extensively in upholstering, was
manufactured here for several years. A part of the old foundry
was used for a time as a cooper shop.
RICHARD T. TUTTLE
Born on September 30th, 1830.
on April 27th, 1896.
Died
A cloth factory, or "clothiery" as it was called, and a saw
mill were built in the village about 1822. The saw mill was
afterward enlarged and is still in operation, under the manage-
Born Oct. 10, 1825 DAVID ANDRUS Died July 9, 1909
64
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The above picture shows in the foreground the old wooden bridge on
Gardeau street, which was replaced in 1883 by the present culvert. The
view is taken from the north, looking south, and shows the Wylie woolen
mill in the distance. The mill stood at the rear of The Tavern, a short dis-
tance north of Andrus' planing mill. The man on the bridge is James Hildum.
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
65
nieiit of tile Andrus Estate. Tliis is the oldect established in-
dustry ill the town, the lir.idjer business having been carried on
there continuously for a period of 92 years. Among those who
have operated this mill we find the names of Hon. Rufns H.
Smith, Edmund M. Bills, E. M. Read & Co., (Jerome Allen,) E.
M. Read & Co., (R. T. Tuttle and James Wyckoff,) Read &
Andrus, and David Andrus.
The "clothiery" was converted into a woolen mill about
the year 1856 by John Post. He was succeeded by Henry N.
JAMES WYLIE
Born at EldersHe, Scotland, in 1826.
Died on June 29th, 1906.
Page, a Mr. Green, who later operated the Green woolen mill
at Pike, then by Wylie & Morton, and later by James Wylie.
66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
While conducted by Mr. Wylie, the Perry Woolen Factory, as
it was known, employed a capital of $20,000, contained 216
spindles, five looms, and manufactured annually about 16,000
yards of cloth. The mill was operated continuously until its
destruction by fire on August 7th, 1880.
In 1824, Bailey & Hatch erected an oil mill, a short dis-
tance below the Prichard foundry. Linseed oil was manu-
factured here until 1848. This firm also owned a grist mill
which they had purchased in 1827.
Another clcthiery was established about the year 1827 by
Wheeler & Buddington. It was located on Water street, a short
distance from Gardeau street. Mr. Buddington also carried on
an extensive hat business in connection with the clothiery. The
factory was afterward converted into a grist mill and was
operated successively by N. Severance, Palmer & Atwood,
John Richmond, and then by his son-in-law, Wm. Hutton. The
building was torn down in 1898. The old roadway which led
to this mill may still be seen, leading off from Water street.
A short distance below the buildings of the Perry Knitting
Cc, another grist mill was erected about the year 1819 by a
certain Mr. Bailey, a former resident of LeRoy. Before falling
into disuse, this mill changed ownership no less than 18 differ-
ent times, as follows: Bailey, (LeRoy;) C. P. Bailey & Samuel
Hatch ; Calvin P. Bailey ; Brown & Grisewood ; Bailey, Brown
& Co. ; Robert Grisewood ; Calvin P. Bailey ; Brown & Frost ; G.
Taylor ; Anson D. Smith ; Robert Grisewood ; Grisewood &
Bradfield; Bradfield & Bolton; Bradfield & Loomis; White &
Harrington; Cornish & Chase; L. P. Cornish; J. B. Hutton.
The first tannery to be erected in the town was established
near Simmons' Corners by John Olin about the year 1817, and a
good business was carried on until 1841, when the tannery was
closed. The second tannery to be erected was built about 1820
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
67
by Samuel and Henry Phoenix on the present site of Kerry's
blacksmith shop on Covington street in the rear of the former
Bailey (now Hatch) block. At this time a plank road was laid
over the creek (w^hich flows under Main street through a cul-
The above picture shows the former Richmond Mill referred to. The
old sluice-way leading to Hamlin's Flax Mill is shown in the foreground
The view is taken from the north, looking toward the south.
68
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
vert,) for the ccnvciiience offanuers in unloadingtheir tanbark,
which was used in the process of manufacturing leather. Some'
two or three years later another tannery was constructed by
WiUard J.Ohapin. This Avas situated on theCrocker property on
Leicester street. In 1832 the two firms consolidated under the
iiajiie of Phoenix, Chapin & Co., and used the Phoenix property
as their main factory. The following year they removed
nito a building in the ravine of the outlet, near the'present lo-
WILLARD J. CHAPIN-Born on March bth, 1791; died on July 28th
18o2. He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and Postmaster of Perry in the
year 1838. Mr. Chapin was interested in lake property and owned what was
known as ''Chapin's Landing." He also laid out the present road that runs
from the Allegany road to the lake, past the water works standpipe Mr
Chapin was a prominent member of the Baptist Church, of which he was
clerk for a number of years.— (From an old pencil drawing )
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
69
cation of the electric power plant belonging to the Perry Knit-
ting Co. Following the dissolution of this firm in 1837, the
Phoenix brothers removed to Wisconsin, where they founded
tlie town of Delevan. Then a new firm was organized in Perry
with Willard J. Chapin, Jairus Moffett and a certain Mr. Brown
as members. A son of Mr. Chapin (G. C.) succeeded this firm
and continued the business until about the year 1872. The
building was then converted into a spoke factory and con-
ducted as such a few years by David Chase.
JAIRUS MOFFETT — Prominent in the early days of Perry ; was elected
Sheriff of Wyoming County in November, 1852, and served three years.
About the year 1828, John Gregg, erected a foundry on the
site occupied by the stone building that is noAV a part of the
Robeson cutlery factory. On November 24th, 1837, he sold the
70 • HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
property to Ellery Hicks. Within one year or two following
the sale, a severe electrical storm visited this section and the
building was struck by lightning and burned. It was a serious
financial loss to Mr. Hicks, who did not possess sufficient capi-
tal to erect and equip another plant to take its place. With
the double purpose in view of expressing their sympathy for
Mr. Hicks in his misfortune and of saving the industry to the
town, a public meeting was called. It resulted in a day being
set for the farmers to come with their teams and wagons, a gen-
eral agreement having been made to draw all "of the cobble-
stones necessary to construct a much larger and better build-
ing than the one that had been destroyed. Stone masons, car-
penters, and men from the various walks of life contributed
their services, some for a day, others for a longer period and in
a comparatively short time, the stone building that is now a
part of the Robeson cutlery factory had been completed, practi-
cally without cost to Mr. Hicks. Such was the public spirit of the
citizens of the Tow^n of Perry in the late 30 's, which we are
pleased to state is characteristic of the present, day, as has been
frequently manifested and is evidenced by many public and
private improvements.
Common castings had been produced in the old foundry, but
after beginning operations in the new building, Mr. Hicks
greatly increased his output and extended the business by add-
ing several different lines to his list of manufactured products.
Among the articles made by him were grist, saw and fanning
mill castings, hollowware stoves, plow^s, threshing machines,
scales, etc. The business was then known as the '/Perry Steam
Furnace." In 1844, Mr. Hicks took Walter S. Bailey (son of
Calvin P. Bailey) into partnership. Mr. Bailej^ was succeeded
in 1848 by Rufus H. Smith. In 1851, Hicks & Smith sold the
business to Messrs. Swift & Bacheldor, Mr. Hicks and family
removing to Battle Creek, Mich. In 1859, Swift & Bacheldor
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
71
The above picture shows the former Watson (now Commiskey) block
on the comer of Main street and Borden avenue. The small frame build-
ings at the right were the Postoffice occupied by Jason Lathrop, Postmaster,
and the late Dr. Traver. The open space at the left is now occupied by the
Caswell block. Next is the Cole Hotel, conducted by Tyler Cole ; next is
"Jack" Bolton's meat market with a Democratic "liberty pole" in front;
Buttre's cabinet shop and the old Foundry that is now a part of the Robeson
Cutlery factory. The small frame buildings stood on what is now the en-
trance to Borden avenue.
72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
were in turn succeeded by Beardsley & Ensign, wlio changed
tile name of tlie concern to the "Perry Iron Wori.s, ' and m
addition to the above mentioned products, manufactured wheel
cultivators, land rollers, harrow^s and other agricultural imple-
ments. In 1865 Mr. Ensign retired, and Jerome Edgerly took
his place in the firm. These gentlemen piii'chased the dam sit-
uated at the rear of the building and constructed a water pit at
a cost of $2000. In the Spring of 1867 Mr. Beardsley sold his
share to Elnathan Millspaugh, and the new firm was known as
Edgerly, Millspaugh & Co. In Noveuiber, 1867, M. E. B» nedu-t
purchased the interest of Jerome Edgerly and they were suc-
ceeded by Millspaugh & Wheeler in 1868, this firm in turn be-
ing succeeded by R. W. Benedict & Co., who contiiuied the busi-
ness until 1874, when it was sold to M. H. Olin & Co. The mem-
bers of this company, in addition to M. H. Olin, were: K. W.
Benedict and Robert Stainton. In 1875 Messrs. Benedict and
Stainton retired and were succeeded by R. T. Tuttle, Truman
Olin and James Wyckoff, Mr. M. H. Olin retaining his interest
and the firm being known as Wyckoff, Tuttle & Olin. This
concern manufactured the Royce reapers and mowers, and em-
ployed about 70 men, producing about 1200 machines annuall}^
and the business amounting to about $200,000 per year. In
1882, Truman and M. H. Olin sold their interest in the reaper
works and took over the hardware business that had been con-
ducted by Wyckoff, Tuttle & Olin. Wyckoff & Tuttle contin-
ued the manufacture of reapers and mowers, Mr. Tuttle in 1885
selling a part of his interest to three sons of Mr. Wyckoff, the
firm being known as Wyckoff, Tuttle & Co. In 1889 "Mr. Tuttle
retired, selling his interest to Wyckoff & Co., consisting of Mr.
James Wyckoff and his sons Frank H., Edwin M., and
James N. The manufacture of a self-binder was begun in
1884, to fill the demand for a machine that would meet the re-
quirements of progress. Mr. James Wyckoff' died in 1890. The
Wyckoff Harvester Company was formed in 1893, when J. N.
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 73
Wyckoff purchased the interest of his brothers Frank H. and
Edwin M., and in the Fall of 1894 the plant was removed to
Jamestovrn, where it was conducted for about three years.
The second dam on tlie outlet, which is now known as the
"Tomlinson dam," was constructed by Benjamin Gardner in
1826. Prior to this, he had erected a distillery, an asliery and
a cooper shop in the immediate vicinity. Mr. Monroe Lambert
managed the distillery for a number of years. In 1828 the grist
mill now owned by Tomlinson & Son was erected b}^ ]\Ir. Gard-
ner, and the one which he had purchased in 1817 from John
Hammersley was converted into the wooden dish mill pre-
viously mentioned. After Mr. Gardner's death in 1834, J. H.
Bennett took charge of the mill and continued the business un-
til 1844, when this, the ashery, distillery and other property for-
merly owned by ^Ir. Gardner, were sold to E. B. Sackett.
Regarding the activities of distilleries and the conditions
prevailing during the earh^ period, the following excerpts from
an article written by Rev. John Stainton and published in the
Silver Lake Sun in 1870, may be of interest as compared with
conditions at the present time. He said:
''Of the whiskey manufactories there w^ere two in the vil-
lage and one at West Perry. Then, indeed, did King Alcohol
reign without a rival. Whiskey was a staple article of trade.
Every merchant and grocer sold it, and nearh^ every customer
bought and used it ; and it was, like potash, a prime article of
export. Such was the fashion of the day, the public custom of
the times. Perhaps it may be inferred from our description of
the primitive state of society that we all loved the liquor and
were a settlement of drunkards. Not exactl}^ so : still, nearly
everybody drank. No temperance organizations then existed,
such as w^e now have. Drunkards lived and died as such, and
the marvel is that there were not many more, for tippling was
the general rule. Drinking was no disparagement of character
unless marked by excess. This frequently occurred from those
who came up from Gardeau and Smoky Hollow. They gener-
74
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
ally had a fight when they came up to town, and made the night
hideous by their screaming and bawling when they started for
home."
"The Countryman," published in Perry by Daniel Curtis, in its issue of
July 25th, 1844, contained the above picture and following explanation :
"Above is an engraving (by a young man in this office) of a view from
the southwest angle, of a large and superior Flouring Mill just completed in
this village. It is 60x50 feet, three stories high, with lofty attic, and contain-
ing four runs of stones. The first mill on this site was built by Benjamin
Gardner, and the present one by George L. Davis. We shall be glad to have
other persons owning manufactories, mills and other property, get drawings
and engravings of their premises, that we may insert them. The expense is
but trifling, and will be accurately done by the young artist in this office."
Mr. Sackett did not take active management of these indus-
tries, but continued tliem through his agent, George L. Davis.
During 1844 the grist mill was considerably^ enlarged and much
new machinery w^as installed. All of the new castings were
manufactured at the local foundry operated by Hicks & Bailey.
The grist mill has since been owned successively by : Rufus
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
75
Smith, George Taylor, Taylor & Nobles, James and Charles
Nobles, Nobles & Tomlinson. In 1878, Mr. George Tomlinson
purchased the interest of C. AV. G. Nobles, since which time the
property has been owned and operated by the Tomlinson
family.
GEORGE TOMLINSON
Born, August 15th, 1822. Died, May 11th, 1908.
76
HISTO:<Y OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The above view is taken from a point south of the Andrus planing mill
looking west, and shows the "Andrus pond," the culvert across Main street
and the Dolbeer blacksmith shop occupied by the late John Copeland, on the
left. The white building is the former Wm, T. Hamlin residence, now occu-
pied by Joseph Ireland's Farmers' Supply House. In the distance is the
Tomlinson mill and the sheds which covered the ground now occupied by
the Tomlinson and Gillett residences on Center street. This picture was
taken some time in the early '70's.
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 77
In 1865, while this mill was being conducted by Nobles &
Toiulinson, the same firm erected a building on the present site
of the salt works, and used it as a cider mill. In 1868, generat-
ors were introduced and the manufacture of pure cider vinegar
was begun b}^ them and carried on prosperously^ until the
Spring of 1878, when, in dividing their property and interests
prepaiatcry to dissolving partnership, the flouring mill was
taken by Mr. Tomlinson and the vinegar works by Mr. Nobles,
who associated with himself, his son Marshall S. Nobles, under
the firm name of C. W. G. Nobles & Son. The new manage-
ment made a number of important improvements and an exten-
sive business vras carried on until about the year 1885. The
mill, Avhen operating to its full capacity, coiisumed 1500 bushels
of api)les per day, producing thirty barrels of vinegar. The
baiTels weie made by the firm of Loomis & Fanning, who con-
ducted an extensive cooi)er shop at this time.
At the time ^Ir. Tomlinson v/as associated Avith Mr. Nobles
the firm also conducted a hame factory at the vinegar Avorks.
In 1886 the Perry Salt Company was organized, with a cap-
ital stock of .$80,000, most of which Avas subscribed by local res-
idents. C. W. G. Nobles Avas the principal organizer and stock-
holder. The building that he had pre\dously used as a vinegar
Avorks Avas remodeled to conform AA^ith the requirements of the
ncAv industry and other and larger buildings Avere soon erected
and equipped Avith the proper machinery. A group of large
vats Avere erected on the ridge near the present Tempest knit-
ting mills, and Avere used for evaporating the salt. The cost of
manufacture by this process Avas considerably greater than the
mined salt, consequently 4he management found it difficult to
compete AA^th the concerns that mined the product. The result
Avas that the local plant failed and AA^ent into the hands of a re-
ceiver, and later, through foreclosure proceedings, passed into
the hands of the First National Bank of Perry, the business be-
78
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
ing' conducted for four years by George K. Page, when it was
purchased in 1899 by the National Salt Company. This so-call-
ed "trust" closed the local plant, together with several others
which had come under their control, thus eliminating their com-
petition. The following year the plant Avas again sohl, tJiis
(V
03
a
03
s
o
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 79
time to the Iroquois Salt Company, of which Mr. Harry Yates
of Rochester was the principal stockholder. This company con-
tinued business until about 1909, when a portion of the build-
ings were refitted and used one year as a cider mill. The busi-
ness was apparently unprofitable, and after an idleness of a
few years the plant was dismantled and the buildings were
taken down.
CHAPTER VI
Mauufactories That Had an Important Part in the Growth of the
Town — Rise and Fall of Salt Manufacturing — Knitting Com-
pany's Development.
A brick yard was established about the year 1828 near
West Perry, just south of the road, near the inlet, a Mr. IMoses
being the proprietor and manufacturer. The brick used ui the
construction of the old Presbyterian Church, the old Perry
Academy and the block erected by Kufus H. Smith, (a part of
the present Olin block) were manufactured at this yard.
The Perry carriage factory was established in the year
1832 by Wm. K. Dolbeer. The building occupied by this concern
was located on the corner of Main and St. Helena streets. Mr.
Dolbeer afterward took his son Kimball into partnership under
the firm name of Dolbeer & Son. In 1865 the property was
sold to Moses Dolbeer, and in 1867, W. H. Botsford was taken
into partneship under the firm name of Dolbeer & Botsford,
Baggies, phaetons, lumber wagons, sleighs, cutters, etc., were
manufactured by the firm until 1872, when the property passed,
into the hands of G. B. Olin & Co., who used it for several
years for the manufacture of the celebrated spring-tooth har-
rows that found a wide sale. The industry was later removed
to Canandaigua.
Calvin Fanning came to Perry from Avon in about 1846
and erected a cooper shop near the site of the district school
building standing on the "flatiron" corners about one mile
east of Perry Village, just beyond the Alanson Lacy place.
Later, he moved the business to a building on Water street
and continued it there for a number of years. About the year
1870, his son Charles A., together with Henry and Lyman Loo-
mis, rented the property on the corner of Main and St. Helena
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
81
streets, the firm being known as Loomis, Fanning & Co. About
two years later the}" purchased property on Center street, near
the depot, for greater convenience and enlarged facilities. In
1877 Henry Loomis retired, and in 1882 Lyman Loomis with-
ALANSON LACY
Born, 1810. Died, 1909.
drew from the business, which was thereafter conducted by Mr.
Fanning. In 1884 he added a coal business to his line of coop-
erage. In 1894, owing to failing health, he relinquished the
active care of the business to his son, Fred D. Fanning, who
took charge and complete management of it. After the death
of C. A. Fanning in 1899, the business was conducted under the
firm name of F. D. Fanning & Co., who added the local ice busi-
ness, purchased of C. G. Martin. Mrs. Fanning died in 1909,
82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
and since her death F. D. Fanning has been the sole owner and
manager of the business. He has added another industry, an
apple evaporator works, which has met with success.
C. W. G. Nobles & Son conducted a coal business for sev-
eral 3^ears after Mr. Nobles dissolved partnership with Geo.
Tomlinson, and after Mr. Nobles' death it was sold to Charles
Dolbeer, who sold it to C. A. Carmichael and C. A. Toan, Car-
michael & Toan adding a local ice business. In 1894, Carmi-
chael & Toan sold their business to C. G. Martin, who sold the
local ice business to F. D. Fanning.
John Dickerson, a son of Daniel Dickerson, who came to
Perrj^ in 1S14, conducted the fii'st marble or monumental works
in the town. About the year 1820 he opened a quarry on his
father's farm near West Perry. Here he manufactured many
of the rude monuments erected in the old cemeteries where
sleep the remains of so many of Perry's pioneers. The native
stone which he chiseled may be seen in other towns than Perry,
as far east as Lima. When the means of tranportation and
the wealth of the people would allow, he journeyed to Rutland,
Vt., his native town, for marble which he sent on to Perry and
finished as desired. About 1865 Mr. Dickerson removed to
Kansas, where he died on Sept. 8, 1878.
Deacon Moses McKee was another early monument maker.
His establishment was located on Center street, near the culvert
Avhere the Edgerly creek crosses the highway, about one-
quarter of a mile from the junction with Covington street. He
specialized in white marble slabs which came from Vermont.
Many of these may be seen in Hope Cemetery.
About the year 1850 a certain Mr. Buttre established a
monument works in Perry, but for some cause he discontinued
business within a few years.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 83
The Siitlierland monument works were established in
Perry in 1880 by Charles Sutherland. Although beginning in
a small way and employing only one man, by efficient work-
manship and good management the business has groT\Ti until
its capacity has been enlarged several times, numerous hands
are employed, and its product has found an extensive sale
throughout this section.
The Perry Knitting Company was organized in 1881 by
local residents, the enterprise being promoted by Mr. A. A.
Moore of Greenwich, N. Y. The original investment of capital
stock was $40,000, which was increased to $71,300 the third
year. In 1892 it was again increased to $100,000. The first
buikling, now known as Mill No. 1, was erected in 1882. Mr.
Moore's connection with the industry continued for only one
year, he being succeeded by Mr. T. H. Bussey, who was in
cliarge two years. He was followed by Patrick Kane as super-
intendent, who remained in that capacity for six years and in-
creased its working force to about 70 operatives. Until this
time the industry had not been profitable, but it began paying
expenses under Mr. Kane's nmnagement, although no divi-
dends were realized by the stockholders. Mr. Kane was suc-
ceeded in 1891 by Mr. George M. Traber, who came here from
Little Falls, N. Y. Within the period since 1891 the growth of
the industry, in the size of the plant, number of operatives, and
the amount of business done, has been remarkable. The Perry
Knitting Company began with 35,000 square feet of floor space
devoted to its business. At the close of 1914 the company had
246,269 feet of floor space, or nearly five acres, the plant con-
sisting of the following briefly described buildings :
Mill No. 1 — 54x98, six stories, brick.
Mill No. 2—36x89, four stories, brick.
Box factory — 60x133^/^, three stories and basement, brick.
Yarn mill — 109x268, three stories, brick.
Born, Dec. 3. 1842 HON. MILO H. OLIN, Died
May 20, 1907
Mr. Olin was the prime mover in the project of establishing a knitting
mill in Perry in 1882 and was originally its largest stockholder. The busi-
ness had a number of serious setbacks, but he never lost faith in the possi-
bilities of the enterprise, and not only backed it with every dollar he
possessed, but borrowed money on his credit to insure the success of the
business and tide it over its difficulties. In the Fall of 1885 he was elected
President and General Manager of the company and devoted every energy
to make the business a success, an ambition that was fully realized after
overcoming serious difficulties.
In 1888 Mr. Olin was active in the organization of the Citizens (State)
Bank of Perry, which is a solid financial institution. He was made Presi-
dent at the organization and was continued in office until he died.
Mr. Olin was one of the promoters and a large stockholder in the Silver
Lake Agricultural Association. He was also the leader in the movement to
induce the Robeson Cutlery Company to locate in Perry and gave $500
toward the purchase price of the idle reaper works building, spending his
time and effort to get other citizens to give, and accomplishing his object.
Later, he took stock in the company to aid in its greater development.
When a Creamery was proposed for Perry, as a benefit to the farming
community as well as to the village interests, Mn Olin took stock in the
enterprise, and when its failure seemed probable because of inability to
raise the necessary amount of money, he made up the deficiency to insure
its establishment.
In every movement for the betterment and progress of the town he took
a leading and active part, giving generously of his time and money. He was
one of the Railroad Commissioners of the town and an earnest advocate of
that enterprise which gave Perry rail communication with the outside world.
Whatever enterprise might benefit Perry found an active champion in
Mr. Olin, whether it was civic, educational or philanthropic, and none could
truthfully say that he failed to do his part; and he did not stop to consider
whether or not he was to be directly benefited.
Mr. Olin was not only prominent in his town, but also in the county and
State. In the Fall of 1891 he was nominated by the Republican County Con-
vention for Member of Assembly from this county, and served two terms.
He was a Presidential Elector in 1897, the first term of President McKinley,
For a period of six years he was one of the State Fair Commissioners, a
position he held until the time of his death. He was also a director of the
State Experiment Station at Geneva. c. G. c.
86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Office — 33x50, two stories, brick; the second story being
occujjied by a restaurant i'or tlie convenience of employees.
Engine and dynamo house — 35x40.
Mill No. 5 — 139x160, three stories and basement, brick.
Two engine houses, each 26x34.
Two boiler houses — one 26x38 and one 26x50.
Foui- large frame storehouses.
Tluee concrete storehouses.
Dimensions over all of the seven storehouses, 336x105.
Concrete picker house — 97x109.
Concrete Wash House — 79x75.
Concrete Dry House — 51x40.
With its water, steam and electric power, the plant uses
1500 horse-power. Of this amount, about 100 horse-power is elec-
tric, generated by waste w iter carried through a huge trunk con-
duit to a site 1800 feet below the plant, where it has a fall of 85
feet. An immense electric generator which is operated by
steam produces 800 borse-power. The entire plant is lighted by
electricity developed by its owu machines, with a capacity of
1000 incandescent lamps. It is heated throughout by steam, be-
ing equipped with the exhaust system. It has a complete tele-
phone system, with twenty-two stations, giving instant com-
munication with the foreman of every department.
In addition to the fire protection given by the municipal-
ity, the company has its own independent pumping system,
with a capacity of 750 gallons per minute, and an automatic
spiinkling system in every department.
At the present time the company has about 1000 employees.
Of this number about 100 belong to the night force, the factory
having for several years been obliged to run night and day to
keep up with its orders. The factory has 18,824 cotton spin-
dles, about 400 sewing machines, and 225 knitting machines,
besides the large amount of other machinery necessary for
This picture shows a portion of the Yarn Mill on the left; the office
ered bridge leads to another building, is shown small sections of Mills
In the above picture, taken from the east bank of the outlet, in the center is shown Mill No. 1; at the right of it i
right is shown a portion of the Yarn Mill. At the left is shown a portion of the Box Factory.
Mill No. 2; at the extreme
This picture shows a portion of the Yarn Mill on the left; the oflfice
on the right of it, behind the tree. Beyond the office, from which the cov-
ered bridge leads to another building, is shown small sections of Mills Nos. 1 and 2. This view is taken on Hope street, looking east,
on the right of it, behind the tree. Beyond the office, from which the cov-
Nos. 1 and 2. This view is taken on Hope street, looking east.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 87
Operating such an important industry. On the average, every
working day, 28,000 complete garments are made. To pro-
duce these the company uses 135 bales of cotton each week;
(500 pounds or more to the bale) or 34 tons per week of cotton
that is spun into yarn.
The company manufactures a large variety of light and
heavy weight underwear in two-piece and union suits and their
product is sold to the largest jobbers in nearly every State of
the Union, and the goods are retailed in every part of the
United States. They are also getting an export business well
established. In addition to their home office in Perry, in which
seven people are employed, the company maintains an office on
Broadw^ay, New York City.
The late Hon. M. H. Olin Avas president of the company
from 1885 until his death in 1907. It is due to his faith in the
enterprise, his tenacity of purpose and his loyalty to Perry that
the institution has passed through the trying times it has been
obliged to meet and overcome, particularly during its first few
years, when to keep it in operation, he assumed financial obli-
gations that would have caused great personal loss had his
faith not been justified. To G. M. Traber, the inanager during
the continuous period since he took charge, a great measure of
credit is also due for the success that the company enjoys. The
faith and courage of Mr. Olin, combined with the practical ex-
perience and executive ability of Mr. Traber were the factors
that turned the tide in the favorable direction since followed
and enjoyed.
The Robeson Cutlery Company
The business of this company was founded in 1879 by the
late Millard F. Robeson. At that time Mr. Robeson was a
traveling salesman for a New York concern and took up the
MILLARD F. ROBESON
Born, April 8th, 1847 Died, Dec. 30th, 1903
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 89
selling of cutlery as a "side line," buying knives from jobbing
houses. He kept his first stock in a bureau drawer. As his
trade grew he increased his stock and kept it in a clothes press
in his home. It outgrew the storage facilities of his clothes
press and the overflow occupied the floor space underneath
his bed. Next he built an addition to his house, a room spec-
ially fitted with shelves to contain his stock. Mr. Robeson felt
quite proud when that proved to be too small and he erected a
brick building on the rear of his residence lot in Elmira. In
1894 he purchased an interest in the Rochester Stamping
Works and removed to that city, continuing his cutlery busi-
ness by buying of jobbers as before. In 1895, Mr. Robeson
rented a factory building at Camillus, N. Y., and began the
manufacture of his own product, employing 30 to 35 men. Three
3^ears later — in the Spring of 1898 — the industry was removed
to Perry. Mr. Robeson having visited this place on several
occasions, selling his goods to the hardware trade, he was im-
pressed with the town and its advantages. At that time the
buildings now occupied were idle. They had been vacated by
the Wyckoff Harvester Co., which had removed to Jamestown,
N. Y. Business men had talked the matter over with him and
made the proposition which they believed could be fulfilled :
If Mr. Robeson would remove the industry to Perry, the plant
would be rented to him for a reasonable figure until such time
as his payroll amounted to $36,000 per year, an annual sworn
statement to be rendered to a trustee. When the pay roll
reached the sum named, the plant would be deeded to the Robe-
son Cutlery Co., upon consideration of $1.00, the company to
agree to continue the industry in operation here for a period of
ten years, when the property would become theirs absolutely,
without reservation. If the company suspended business or
removed from Perry before the expiration of ten years the
property was to be deeded back to the trustee upon considera-
tion of $1.00. Mr. Robeson agreed to the proposition, and the
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 91
late Hon. M. H. Olin, heading: the list ^vith $500, took an active
part in securing subscriptions from other public spirited citi-
zens, who gave all the way from $500 down to .$25 toward the
$8,000 necessary to purchase the property and secure the in-
dustry for Perry. The effort was successful within a compara-
tively short time, and the late George Tomlinson was made
trustee for the citizens who subscribed. The above stipulations
were fulfilled and the land and buildings were accordingly
deeded to the company. Since the industry came to Perry the
business has increased rapidly, necessitating the erection in
1906 of a 90x40 brick addition containing three stories and
basement. The buildings are heated throughout by the exhaust
and live steam systems, and are protected from fire by auto-
matic sprinklers, also by chemical tanks distributed through
the entire plant. A dynamo with a capacity of 600 lights gives
ample light for all apartments. The company uses approxi-
mately 250 horse-power in the operation of its machinery.
This is distributed from three units- — gas, steam and water —
which produce the necessary power, with plenty of reserve.
The company's pay roll at the end of 1914 amounted to more
than $200,000 per year. Beginning with a force of about 35
men, the company now has about 400 employees, manufacturing
more than 1,500,000 knives. Its factory is one of the three
largest cutlery plants in the United States in the amount of pro-
duction. The company has 52 traveling salesmen who sell the
product in every State in the Union.
The Tempest Knitting Company
This company was organized in 1907, Avith a capital of
$75,000 and with the following named gentlemen as stock-
holders: t). M. Tempest, George J. Grieve, James N. Wj^ckoff,
Joseph E. Cole, Br. John Harding, Charles H. Toan and Ches-
ter F. Holcombe. A brick building three stories high, was
92
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
erected on property purchased of Wm. Rudd and Lloyd Mcln-
tyre, off Federal street, above the railroad trachs, from which
a switch runs directly to the mill. The company began manu-
facturing cotton underwear, Nov. 25th, 1907, with a force of
28 employees. A 70-foot addition was built on the east end in
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 93
ir»12. and an addition 50x96 was built on the west end later in
the year, doubling the original capacity. A 300 horse-power
Corliss engine is connected with a 100 horse-power dynamo,
which furnishes power to the individual electric motors attach-
ed to the different machines, thus doing away with all overhead
shafting and fixtures. The factory is heated throughout by the
exhaust and live steam systems, lighted by electricity of its own
manufacture, and is equipped with an automatic sprinkling
system for fire protection. The pressure tank used in this sys-
tem was installed in the Fall of 1913 and has a capacity of
80,000 gallons. In addition to this protection, there is a
hydrant at each end of the building connected with the six-
inch supply main of the municipal system. The number of em-
ployees has been steadily increased since the beginning, there be-
ing nearly 200 at the present time. Mr. Tempest, in whose honor
the industry was named, closed his connection with the con-
cern in October, 1908, disposing of his stock a short time after-
ward to local residents.
The Lander & Watson Hosiery Co.
This manufacturing concern was organized in 1908 by D.W.
Watson and James Lander. Mr. Watson had previously made
an extensive study of the matter and materials and had in-
stalled a hosiery knitting machine in his home on Elm street.
Then he purchased material and experimented until he pro-
duced the satisfactory article. He tested it thoroughly by
actual wear and induced a number of his friends to give his
product a severe trial. Finding that he had succeeded in making
a grade of hosiery that by practical demonstration was superior
to a majority of such goods sold, he decided to extend the man-
ufacture of his product and place it upon the market. Mr.
Lander became interested and the two gentlemen decided to
embark in the business under the firm name mentioned.
94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Land was leased on the Matthews property and a tWo-story
building, 20x30 feet in size was erected. Machinery and the
other necessary equipment were installed, and operations began
in August, 1908. A small addition was made to the original
building in the following year. About two years after the be-
ginning of operations, the company was reorganized and a
stock company was formed, a number of the local citizens as-
sisting in financing the enterprise. About a year after the re-
organization, Mr. Watson retired to go into business for him-
self. The annual production has been about 175,000 pairs of
hose.
In March, 1893, Messrs. William L. Smith, James Kennedy
and Benjamin H. Hollister formed a co-partnership under the
firm name of Smith, Kennedy & Co., and erected a saw and
planing mill on Center street, a short distance south of the dc
pot. In 1895, Messrs. Kennedy and Hollister sold their interest
to Mr. Smith, who continued the business a few years. The
most prominent building erected by Mr. Smith was the Town
Hall, which was constructed in 1896. He lost money on the
contract and became financially embarrassed in consequence.
Messrs. Kennedy and Hollister held a mortgage against the
mill property, and following foreclosure, sold it in 1900 to John
J. Martin, who remodeled and converted it into the grist mill
which has since been conducted by him. In 1907, Mr. Martin
sold the building and land to his son, William K. Martin.
The Roberts Lumber Company was formed in 1908 by Mr.
W. J. Roberts. A building, 54x100, was erected on the east
bank of the outlet near Gardeau street. An addition, 20x110,
was constructed the following year. All of the machinery used
in the plant is operated by electric power furnished by the
Perry Electric Light Co.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 95
The Perry Glove and IMitten Manufacturing Company was
organized by George A. Clark and was successfully managed
by liim until the time of his death on Jan. 16, 1911. Its product
was canvass gloves and mittens, for which he found an exten-
di v^e sale.
In the Winter of 1914, Perry citizens subscribed for $20,000
stock in the Kaustine Company, Incroporated, manufacturers
of sanitary closets, and secured the location of that industry in
Perr^^ They removed their factory equipment from Bradford,
Pa., and early in 1915, began manufacturing here on a small
scale. A factory site was secured on the Carmichael (formerly
Needham) farm, adjoining the line of the Buffalo, Rochester &
Pittsburg Railroad, and the work of erecting a plant at a cost
of about $10,000 was begun in April, 1915. Perry capital also
was invested in the construction of an 1800-foot switch from the
road leading north from the lake, through the property to the
site of the Kaustine Company's plant, providing a number of
other desirable factory sites for future development. The land
for these additional sites, consisting of about ten acres, was
given by W. H. McClelland and Lucius Atwater, who had pur-
chased the farm for development into residence property, nam-
ing the tract "Lake View Heights." The Buffalo, Rochester
& Pittsburgh Railroad Company contributed a portion of the
expense for the 1800-foot switch above referred to, and the new
industry began operations here with favorable indications of
steady growth, its first month's sales amounting to double what
they were in the same period the previous year.
CHAPTER VII
Educational Institutions of the Early Days— Encouragement Always
Given by Townspeople to Such Factors in Its Devt lopment—
Private and Public Institutions.
The great bulwark of the Pilgrims was their faith in God
and universal education. The pioneers brought these traits of
character to Western New York, and wherever a settlement
was made, the church and the school house were the immediate
successors of the log cabins of the settlers. Whatever else might
be neglected, religious worship and the education of their
children were not forgotten.
In the winter of 1812-13, two school houses were built in
the Town of Perry, one at West Perry and the other in the vil-
lage. The exact location of the first mentioned is unknown.
Miss Ann Cutting, a resident of Warsaw, taught the school and
was the first teacher to conduct a school in the town. The vil-
lage school house was a small log building and stood on the flat
iron piece of ground at the junction of the Richmond mill road-
way and Water street, a short distance northeast from Gardeau
street. Miss Catey Ward, who came from New Marlboro, Mass.,
and who w^as a sister of the pioneer physician, Jabez Ward, was
engaged as the first village school teacher. Miss Ward was
born in Massachusetts, Jan. 1st, 1792, and came to Perry with
her parents, Ralph and Lorian Ward, in 1813. She was one of
the original members of the Congregational Church at Perry
Center. After finishing her career as an instructor, she mar-
ried John Russell, an early settler in Perry. She died on Feb.
20th, 1865, and is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery at Perry
Center. In the Pioneer Log Cabin at Silver Lake is exhibited
a large wooden ball which was used in this village school as a
globe map, the first to be used in the town.
' EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 97
In 1813, another log school building was erected at Perry
Center by the early settlers of that portion of the town and was
opened in the Fall of that year \vith Miss Ann Mann of Massa-
chusetts, as teacher. This was used as a school building but
one 3^ear, and was subsequently sold to one of the incoming set-
tlers and converted into a dwelling.
In 1869, the late A. W. Young of Warsaw wrote a good des-
cription of the early school house, together with personal rem-
iniscences of the period. He said : "The first school houses were
built of logs, and with fireplaces and chimneys like those of the
log dwelling houses. They were sometimes roofed or shingled
with 'shakes,' a material resembling staves for barrels. The
writing desks were made by boring large holes in the side of
the house, slanting downward from the wall, and driving into
them large pins upon which the boards were fastened, so that
the pupils, when writing, faced the wall. Seats were made of
slabs, flat side up, resting on four legs. Many of our citizens
remember those school houses in which thev received their lim-
ited education — the ill chinked walls, the large, open fireplace
filled with a huge pile of logs in a vain attempt to make a
comfortable place to study. They remember that most com-
mon of all questions coming from the remote parts of the room,
'Master, may I go to the fire?' and how often the 'Master,'
annoyed by the continued reiteration of this question would
respond the emphatic 'No !' Nor have they forgotten their pe-
culiar feelings when, their whole bodies trembling with
cold, they were compelled to keep their seats until relieved by
the arrival of 12 or 4 o'clock, with the thrice welcome word,
'Dismissed.' Not only were school houses uncomfortable, the
course of instruction and the qualification of teachers were
very defective. The entire course in most of the schools em-
braced only spelling, reading, writing and common arithmetic.
In this last branch, DaboU's arithmetic was used, and the mathe-
98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
luatical ambition of many pupils was satisfied when they cculd
'cipher' to the end of the 'Single rule of three,' which in that
popular work, came before fractions. Few teachers having a
knowledge of grammar, this was not insisted upon by the in-
spectors. Geography, now one of the studies in every primary
school, could hardly be found in a country school. The man-
ner of teaching and conducting a school is also worthy of note.
Writing, in many schools was not done at any fixed hour, nor by
all at the same time. None but goose quill pens were used ; a
metal pen would have been considered a great curiosity. To
make and mend the pens and 'set copies 'forten, twelve or thirty
pupils took no small portion of the teacher's time and was
often done during the reading and other exercises, in which
the worst mistakes often escaped the. observation of the teacher.
To avoid this, some teachers did this Work before or after school
hours. The introduction of metallic pens and the printed copy
book is an invaluable improvement, saving much time and labor
and furnishing the pupils with good and uniform copies. Nor
had the blackboard been invented; or, if it had, it was not
known in the rural districts. Nor were pupils in arithmetic
taught in classes. They got the attention and assistance of the
teacher as they could. Voices were heard from different parts
of the f'oom : 'Master, I can't do this siim, ' or 'Alaster, please
show me how to do this sum.' These, with questions asking
liberty to 'go and drink,' etc., which, on the floor of some schools
were ahvays in order, the teacher going from one part of the
room to another to help the scholars or do their work for them,
and scholars running to the teacher to ask him how to pro-
noiince the hard words in the spelling and reading lessons — all
these and other things that might be mentioned, kept the school
in a constant bustle. There were, however, some good teachers
then; and there are many now who answer too nearly to the
foregoing description, yet a coiujaarison of Ttlie schools of t]ie_
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 99
present time "'^^ith those of that period show a vast improve-
ment."
In the year 1819 the Town of Perry was divided into school
districts, and the districts then established have been altered
from time to time, as the changing circumstances have required.
The writer has made an effort to trace the various districts from
the time of their original formation up to the present, but has
found that very few cf the old school records were available
and without them the work could not be accomplished.
The first district school house in the town was built near
Perry Center in about the year 1819, some distance west of the
four corners, and was taught by Samuel Waldo. This was
probably the first frame school building in the town. Another
frame school building was erected soon afterward on the Center
road, just above Watkins avenue. Silas Ellis, from Vermont,
was engaged as the first teacher.
Of the district schools which had been established in the
town, special mention is made of old District No. 5 at West
Perry. This was one of the most important of the early schools,
both as to scholarship and numbers, generally ranking first after
the Union School in the village and the Institute at Perry Cen-
ter. Among those who tatight this school in its early days we
find the names of Rev. David Nutton, Miss Emeline D. Howard,
G. B. Matthews, Sarah E. Pitch, J. N. Flint, Sarah Howard,
Samuel W. Tewksbury, Deacon Wygant, and James N. Bing-
ham.
In 1869, districts numbered 7, 9 and 14, embracing the Cen-
ter neighborhood, were consolidated, forming District No. 8.
Land was purchased on the southwest of the four corners, and
the present school building (costing approximately $3,000) was
erected. The lumber used in its construction was hauled over-
land from Pi^ard. The first teachers employed were E. W. Hoyt
100 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
of Pavilion and Miss Libbie Judd, who had charge of the pri-
mary department. At one time in the school's history, 125
students were enrolled.
In 1816 the Water street school house was found to be too
small to accommodate the constantly increasing number of pu-
pils and another building was constructed on the corner of Lake
and Short streets. This was a two-story building, the school
occupying the lower floor, the second floor being devoted to
public use for meetings, lodge purposes, religious gatherings,
etc. On March 6, 1819, Constellation Lodge No. 320, F .& A. M.,
was instituted in this small upper room. As near as we can
learn, Ebenezer Higgins, a brother of Dr. Otis Higgins, was the
first Worshipful Master. The building was used principally as
a school for a period of 16 years. As the population of the village
continued to increase, a still larger school building was needed,
and in 1832 a portion of the building that is now known as
"The Beehive," was erected and w^as used for the advanced
scholars, the Water street building being used as a primary
school from 1832 to 1845.
In 1902, the late Harwood A. Dudley of Warsaw, who came
with his parents to Perry in 1831, wrote reminiscences of his
early school days at The Beehive, excerpts from which are here
given :
"It had its departments, perhaps not graded just as now,
but sufficiently so to be marked and distinct. The boys' depart-
ment had for its head Wm. Skidmore. We children used to
called him ' Bill. ' The girls ' school had Miss Charlotte Ayers for
teacher, and, as I remember, she was much more capable and
popular than Bill Skidmore. 'Skid' was severe and erratic in
his discipline, while Miss Ayers was patient and considerate in
the management of her department. I remember an incident
in Skidmore 's discipline that reveals his mode of punishment.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 101
Two boys got into a scrap one day at recess and came into the
school room in a dilapidated condition that attracted the teach-
er's attention and led to the inquiry as to what had occurred
outside. A scrimmage was reported, and the teacher adopted
a novel mode of punishment. I remember the details distinctly,
as I was one of the boys. Three good and strong branches from
a neighboring tree were brought in and the offenders were
called into the center of the room ; and each was given an ' olive
branch,' while the teacher retained the stoutest stick for his
own use. The culprits were then ordered to finish their fight
then and there. The spirit of the contest had by this time died
out from both parties, but when we did not put in all the energy
the teacher thought proper, he would add force to the conflict
by whaling the laggard and he closed the entertainment by giv-
ing each of us a separate and distinct punishment on his own ac-
count. The two boys were ever afterward good friends, but
they will ever remember William Skidmore's vigorous ways
of administering punishment to fighting school boys."
In 1845, District No. 16 (Water street school) and No. 6
(The Beehive) were consolidated and the last named school
building was remodeled, greatly enlarged, and re-dedicated
on November 18th of that year. Rev. Joseph R. Page, pastor of
the Presbyterian Church, delivering the oration. This building
served as a public school until after the purchase of the Academy
property by the district in 1872, at which time it was sold and
converted into a dwelling house. After the coalition the school
was known as the District Union School. Under the new
regime Mr. T. S. Loomis was engaged as principal. His sister,
Miss Loomis, was the head of the young ladies' department, and
Miss Eliza Dolbeer (afterward Mrs. Henry N. Page) was in
charge of the primary department. All pupils were charged for
tuition as was the custom with all schools of the period. In
102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
m
1846 Mr. Locinis resigned and was- succeeded b}^ Mr. J. B.
Chase.
The following named are remembered as having taught
school in The Beehive : Solomon Hull, Charles J. Hull, Linus W.
Thayer, Komott, Charles Holt, Charles Mix, J. H. Met-
caif, Lydia Risdon, Elisha Risdon, Elizabeth Fox, Mentor How-
ard, Lydia Huntington, Mrs. J. S. Brown, Esther Goodell, Miss
Howard, Harriet Bachelder, Thomas Ccpeland, J. C. Bradt,
Gardner, A. J. Mallory, Miss Parsons, Miranda Millspaugh
(Mrs. Marvin Smith,) Amy Newland, Sophronia Broughton,
Mark Pierce, Delia Jeffers (Mrs. T. B. Catton,) Edwin M. Resd,
Mary Palmer (Mrs. Mark Pierce,) Ellen Rood, John P. Robin-
son, Kate Garrison, Martha Garrison, Grace Grieve, Marion
Grieve, Jessie Grieve, Elmina Taylor, J. Wheat Merrill, Wm.
Turner, Kate R. Keeney, E. H. Wygant, Marietta Scranton, Ab-
bie Bathrick (Mrs. Martin P. Andrews,) Libbie WestlaLe
(Washburn,) Priscilla Westlake (Fiske,) E. Hoyt, Manville
Cheeney, George Lucas, Ella S. Calligan, Lida Calligan. Vic-
toria M. Herring, and George B. Fern.
The most important of tlie early educational institutions in
the Town of Perry was established on the northeast of the four
corners at Perry Center in the year 1839 by Prof. Charles A.
Huntington, a graduate of Burlington College in Vermont,
and was known as the Perry Center Institute. The school be-
came widely and favorably known, students being enrolled
from all parts of Western New York. During its most prosper-
ous years— or between 1841 and .1844— the enrollment averaged
about 140. ^ ' " „^ _ _
The writer has been shov^n by Hon. B. A. Nevins, ono of the
first catalogs issued by the Institute, dated January 20, 1841.
The catalog was printed by J. B. W^ood at Perry Village, and
contains the names of the following instructors: Charles A.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
103
Huntington, Principal of the male department ; Henry E. Sel-
den, Assistant; Lucy Huntington, Principal of the female de-
partment. The young men occupied the first floor of the build-
ing, and the young ladies used the second floor. The following
named gentlemen were the "Examining Committee," a com-
mittee which was appointed annually and whose duty it was
PROF. CHARLES A. HUNTINGTON
Born April 26, 1812. Died in Portland, Ore., Sept. 24, 1904
to visit the school from time to time and inform themselves
respecting its instruction and internal regulations: Rev. John
Scott, Rev. Jesse Elliott, Rev. Jenks Phillips, Hon. Peter Pat-
terson, Phicol M. Ward, Esq., Dr. Jabez Ward, Samuel Howard,
Esq., Truman Benedict andiNorman Blakeslee. This commit-
tee also gave out reports of the standings^and conditions of the
104 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
school at the close of alternate terms. FoUoAving is a list of the
names of students who were attending the school in 1841 :
Male Department — Frederic Austin, Charles G. Benedict,
Charles J. Benedict, Wm. Benedict, James H. Bingham, Homer
Bingham, Albert M. Bingham, Jasper N. Bolton, Wm. E. Brad-
ley, Merritt E. Bradley, Philander Bronson, John M. Butler,
Henry C. Butler, Calvin Butler, Morgan Calkins, Norman W.
Call-ins, Volney G. Cal. ins, Albert L. Camp, James H. Camp,
Joseph E. Chapman, Timothy G. Clark, Wm. Clute, Squire A.
Cox, German Cossitt, George W. M. Dana, Amos J. Gardner,
Wm. H. Harrison, Galen Higgins, Mason A. Hollister, Samuel
^I. Howard, Wm. Howard, Charles Howard, Franklin M. Pix-
ley, Amasa Porter, Carlos R, Snow, Charles E. Salter, Royal T.
Hcward, James B. Kniffin, George Lapham, Alva Lacy, J. Mat-
tison, Henry L. McCann, Wm. H, McEntec, James S. McEntee,
Stephen McEntee, John C. McEntee, Cyrenus McKee, Johnson
A. Moss, Lambert A. Moss, John Nevins, Thomas Patterson,
Peter Patterson, 2d, Wm. C. Patterson, L. D. Pettibone, Samuel
D. Purdy, Silas M. Rawson, John Scott, Edward A. Sheldon,
George K. Sheldon, Stewart Sheldon, Andrew Sheldon, Wm. H.
Walker, Alva H. Waldo, Edwin P. Waldo, Jabez R. Ward, Har-
rison G. White, Daniel C. White, Edmund H. Wygant, A. A.
Bainbridge, M. A. Gibson, Henry Robinson.
Female Department — Charlotte W. Austin, Phebe A. Ball,
Mary J. Ball, Mary F. Banks, Mary Benedict, Betsey Benedict,
]\Iartha A. Benedict, Mary A. Bingham, Phebe Bingham, Julia
A. Bortles, Ann Briggs, Mary Briggs, Lucinda Z. Bradley, Fan-
ny M. Burr, Mary W. Buell, Sarah Y. Butler, Phebe C. Calkins,
Emeline C. Calkins, Sarah C. Coleman, Mary W. Coleman, Vel-
ona Cossitt, Caroline Cox, Fanny L. Cox, Larenza M. Hollister,
Lydia Hollister, Sarah J. Hollister, Caroline Howard, Emeline
Howard, Amelia M. Lathrop, Helen A. Lathrop, Marie A. Mc-
Entee, Mary Ann McEntee, Jane E. Mills, Caroline Miner, Es-
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 105
tlier M. Moss, Lucy J. Oliu, Loeza Olin, Eliza A. Patridge,
Susan S. Paterson, Elizabeth Patterson, Loviea Palmer, Sarah
A. Purdy, Susan Phillips, Cynthia Phillips, Laura A. Rawson,
Olive W. Rawson, Esther Rudgers, Mary Scott, Hannah J.
Scott, Dorliska E. Sheldon, Caroline AY. Sheldon, Mary A.
Stewart, Lucy B. Tallmage, Jane E. Voohees, Phebe Ward,
Sarah Ward, Clarinda White, Caroline A. Witter, Harriet Wor-
den, Melvina A. Bolton, Amanda M. Bolton, Lucy E. Bradley,
Eliza A. Calkins, Phebe Howard, Mercy A. How^ard, Henrietta
Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Louisa A. Lockwood, Caroline Cole-
Uian.
Sarah Ward, whose name appears in the above list, was the
mother of Rev. Charles Sheldon, the noted author of ''In His
Steps." Amasa Porter, whose name is in the list, w^as a local
preacher, and although 45 years of age, he was a student in this*
school. Others who received their education at the Perry Cen-
ter Institute and later became prominent in the affairs of the
world, were : Rev. Herman N. Barnum. who for many years was
a noted missionary in Turkey ; Jabez R. Ward and his brother
Sidney, both became eminent jurists of the early 70's; Henry
C. Butler was afterward a prominent judge in Minnesota; Al-
bert Bingham became a noted lawyer of Livingston county;
his brother, Monroe, after finishing his course at the Institute,
removed to the West and subsequently became Lieutenant-
Governor of the State of Wisconsin; EdAvard A. Sheldon be-
came one of the leading educators of New York State, the
founder of the State Normal School at Oswego. Today, in the
Capitol at Albany may be seen a bronze statue of Mr. Sheldon,
the cost of which was defrayed by the voluntarj^ contributions
ot children throughout the State.
Another person who attained National ])rominenee (the
writer is not certain that he was a student of the Institute) was
Joseph Ward, a deeendant of Gen. Artemus Ward, the first
106 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Commander-in-Chief of the Massachusetts forces in the Kevolu-
tionary War. Mr. Ward was born in Perry Center on May
5th, 1838. He received his early education in the school at the
Center and those in the village. Later in life, he removed to
Y^ankton, S. D., where he founded Yankton College and became
its first president. He was also one of the most prominent lead-
ers in South Dakota's struggle for statehood. He died in De-
cember, 1889. In 1913, George Harrison Durand completed a
book entitled "Joseph Ward of Dakota," a copy of which was
kindly loaned to the writer. It is a splendid and powerful trib-
ute to the life and achievements of the former Perry Center
boy.
The school year at the Institute was divided into four terms
of eleven weeks each. Tuition for connnon English studies was
$3.00 per term. For tlie higher branches of English Science,
and for Latin, Greek and French languages, $4.00. Under the
item of "incidentals," the catalog states that "the expense of
fuel, sweeping, etc., will be defrayed by an assessment upon the
school." It also states that "the price of board, which can
be procured in good families residing near, varies from $1.25
to $1.75 per Aveek."
A very fine set of instruments for the purpose of illustra-
tion in astronomy, electricity, optics, etc., were installed with
the ordinary school apparatus. The text books used at the
Institute w^ere : Town's Spelling Book, ToAvn's Analysis, Kirk-
ham's and BroAvn's Grammar, Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Mit-
chell's Geographical Reader, Mitchell's Geography, Colburn's
and Adam's Arithmetic, Bridge's Algebra, Davies' Legendre's
Geometry, Flint's Survey, Abbott's Abercrombie, Parker's Ex-
ercises, Watts on the Mind, Comstock's Philosophy, Turner's
Chemistry, Gray's Astronomy, Burritt's Geography of the
Heavens, Gray's and Mrs. Lincoln's Botany, Emerson's History
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 107
of the United States^ Whelpley 's Compoimd, Young's Science of
Government.
Below is given the program rendered at an examination
and exhibition of the Perry Center Institute held on Wednes-
day, Feb. loth, 1843. Judging from the number of selections
on the program, it is evident that a full day was put in ; and it
is something of a wonder when the people found time for their
meals. In the pi.'cgram published below we have omitted the
"singing selections," "music" appearing no less than eighteen
times :
FORENOON
Reading in the Bible by the School; Prayer; Monitor's Re-
port; Arithmetic; Sallust ; Compositions by James R. Dales,
James B. Kniffin and Wm. C. Patterson; English Grammar;
Compositions by Mary W. Coleman, Sally M. Calkins and Phebe
C. Calkins ; the First Elementary Class ; Algebra ; Geometry.
AFTERNOON
Compositions by Phebe Ward, and Sarah Ward; Second
Elementary Class ; Astronomy ; Composition by Theodosia Par-
ish; Compositions by Clarinda M. White, Lucinda Z. Bradley,
Helen M. Purdy, Mercy A. Howard; Miscellaneous Arithmetic;
Compositions Manercy L. Munson, Ann M. Banks, Velona Cos-
sitt and Amanda M. Bolton ; Exercises in Georgraphy ; Composi-
tions by Elizabeth Kay, Betsey Benedict, Lucy E.Bradley, Mary
W. Patterson and Sarah B. Dales ; Declamation by Melvin H.
Dales; Report of Examining Committee; Address by Rev. E.
M. Toof.
EVENING
French Prologue by S. W. Hitchcock ; Select Declamations
by James R. Dales, James B. Kniffin, Leander Fitch ; Origina]
Declamation by Herman N. Barnuni; Latin Extract (Cicero) by
John D. Higgins; Original Declamation by James S. McEntee;
108 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Select Declamations by H. M. Thorp, Edwin Waldo, Wm. Bene-
dict, Albert M. Bingham ; Original Declamation by C. J. Bene-
dict ; Latin Extract by Jabez R. Ward ; Original Orations by
H. C. Butler, Peter Patterson, 2d, S. M. Howard ; Select Decla-
mation by Wm. C. Patterson, Edmund Wygant and Daniel
White ; Original Orations by Thomas S. Price, Stewart Sheldon
and Edward A. Sheldon ; Dialogue by James S. McEntee and
Stephen McEntee ; Original Orations by S. W. Hitchcock, J. D.
Higgins, J. R. Ward and Amasa Porter; Music; Prayer; Bene-
diction.
After continuing the institution for a few 3'ears, Prof.
Huntington became financially embarrased and secured funds
by mortgaging the property. Being unable to meet the pay-
ments upon this indebtedness, the mortgage was foreclosed in
1845 and the property passed into other hands. Mr. Hunting-
ton removed to the West, where he became a missionary to the
Indians. The new owners attempted to continue the school,
but through lack of proper management, the attendance grad-
ually dwindled and the Perry Center Institute soon passed into
history. The building was sold to Daniel Ball, who moved it
across the street and converted it into a shoe store. It is still
standing, in a good state of preservation, on the southeast cor-
ner, a memorial to Perry Center's palmy days.
••SEMINARY HILL"
In the year 1829, the Genesee Conference of the Methodist
Church, which met in Perry, appointed a committee to consider
the advisability of founding an institution of learning in this
district. Several towns, including Perry, Lima, Cazenovia, Le-
Roy and Brockport, desirous of securing the school, offered
inducements to the committee. A meeting of local citizens was
called and an option on the block now bounded by Cherry, Fed-
eral, Pine and Center streets, was secured to offer as a site for
the school. In 1830, the committee gave its report, and after
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 109
much debating it was decided to build the Genesee Wesleyan
Seminary at Lima. The property above referred to was known
for years as "Seminary Hill.''
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Several private schools were established in Perry between
the years 1820 and 1870. One of the first of these institutions
was the "Perry English and Classical School/' which began in
about 1829. Harriet Massett was preceptress of this school,
and F. Lethbridge her assistant. The school was continued un-
til about the year 1845.
The "Perry Classical School," as it was called, was opened
in Perry in 1838 by Prof, and Mrs. B. W. Care}^ Massett in the
third story of the Bailey block. This was one of the most popu-
lar of the schools of this class, an average of 60 students being
maintained during the terms of 1839. As it may be of interest
to the student of today, the courses of instruction and the cost
of each are given as advertised by the faculty :
Introductory Class — The Elements of Knowledge — Read-
ing, Spelling, Writing and Arithmetic ; per term of 12 weeks,
$3.00.
Junior Class — The Elements of Natural Science, English,
Grammar, History, Astronomy, and Practical Book-Keeping ;
per quarter, $4.00.
Senior Class — The Greek, Latin and French Languages,
Algebra and Euclid's Elements; per quarter, $5.00.
Industrial — Mrs. Massett gives lessons in making worsted
and wax flowers, and in painting by theorem ; each, extra, per
quarter, $3.00.
In 1845 this school passed into the control of Peres Brown,
who continued it until 1847.
A school was opened by Mr. Josiah Andrews in the base-
ment of the Baptist Church, which he equipped with many of
the articles now used in Kindergarten work, at that time feat-
no HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
nres that had never been heard of. His wife's sister, Miss Har-
riet Frazer, was installed as teacher. A niece of Miss Frazer
(Mrs. Maria Andrews Bailey) called the writer's attention to
the fact that a black band was painted on the floor, on which
the little folks marched to music.
A certain Miss Squires conducted a school similar to the
above mentioned during the years 1835-7.
A ''Select School for Y^oung Ladies" wag started in the
village on April l2th, 1841, under the management of Miss
Sarah Prentiss. Instruction was given for a few years in Eng-
lish, French and Spanish languages, drawing and painting.
An ''Academical School" Was opened in the village on
May 6th, 1844, with J. C. Vandercook as Principal and Miss R.
Griswold as Assistant. The courses of instruction have been
given in a preceding chapter.
"The Perry Female Seminary" Was established in May,
1843, and continued one year. The course of instruction em-
braced English, Mathematics, Languages, Vocal and Instru-
mental Music. The expenses incidental to conducting the school
were defraj^ed by pro rata assessments upon the pupils. Miss
Abigail C. Rogers Was Principal ; Miss Mary Parton, Assistant ;
and Mr. S. W. Hitchcock, French teacher.
A "select and Classical School for Boys^' opened for the
reception of students on November 28th, 1844, and continued
until about 1849. N. G. Allen was Prinicpal. The school util-
ized a part of the old National Hotel as a school building.
Miss Harriet Hammond conducted a select school in Perry
for a few years, beginning about 1849. A portion of the house
now occupied by M. S. Sweet, corner of Lake and Short streets,
was used by this institution. Among its students were Miss
Helen Edgerly and Mrs. Albert Richards.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS HI
The little building now occupied by Charles Jenks as a
second-hand store, on Covington street, was used in the early
'50 's as a private school. A certain Mrs. Skidmore taught the
school during 1851 and 1852. Miss Sophronia Broughton taught
here two or three years, and Miss Harriet Clark one year.
A Miss Sanborn established a private school on the corner
of Watkins avenue and North Center street (the Perry Center
road) in the late 30 's. Jerome Edgerly was one of her students.
A Miss Clisbee opened a school on the corner of Lake and
Leicester streets in 1862 or 1863. Among other students were
W. H. Tuttle, Henry Nobles, Clara Macomber and Sarah Clark.
Misses Bullard and Andrews opened a select school on
Sept. 30th, 1867, in the lecture room of the Presbyterian
Church, teaching primary and common branches, higher Eng-
lish, modern languages, instrumental and vocal music, oil paint-
ing, gymnastics, etc.
Among other private schools was one opened in December,
1846, by the late Mark A. Pierce. Mr. Pierce used the old Meth-
odist chapel as a school building and closed it in 1848.
E. DeCost McKay and Lucinda Bradley taught select
schools at Perry Center during 1855-6.
CHAPTER VIII
The Old Perry Academy, A Prominent Educational Institution That
Was Built by Public Subscription and a Landmark for Many
Years — Succeeded by Perry High School.
The erection of the old Perry Academy was begun during
the summer of 1853. The corner-stone Was laid With appro-
piiate exercises on July 4th of that year, and the building was
completed and dedicated to the purposes of education on the
4th of October, 1854, a great throng of people participating and
many prominent men taking part in the exercises. The brick
used in its construction was made in Mr. Moses ' brick yard at
West Perry.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 113
At the dedication services the address was made by Prof.
^Vest, Principal of the Buffalo Female Seminary. Following is
the program of the exercises of the day:
Reading of Scripture by Mr. Scott ; reading of Dedication
Hymn by Rev. Eben Francis, Universalist minister ; singing of
the same by the choir; prayer by Rev. Joseph R. Page, Presby-
terian clergyman ; music ; address by Prof. West ; presentation
of keys to Prof. Dann by Mr. David Mitchell ; remarks by Mr.
Dann ; presentation of a large bible by Mr. Mitchell on behalf of
i\Iiss Sherman and Miss Waterbury ; presentation by Mr. Dann
of a copy of Webster 's Unabridged Dictionary ; music ; reading
of the secretary's report of the affairs of the institution; bene-
diction. In the evening the Philharmonic Society gave a grand
concert. All of the exercises of the day passed off well and
left universal good feeling among the people. The scholars
made a splendid appearance.
The Academy was located on the site just to the rear of the
present school building, and cost — including lot and equip-
nient — $16,750, \vhich was raised by popular subscription. It
was 87 feet wide, 58 feet deep, and three stories above the base-
ment, which the Methodists afterward converted into a board-
ing hall for the accoraodation of its non-resident students. Be-
sides a large chapel in the third story, it contained about thirty
x-ecitation rooms. A Library was installed in the building for
the convenience of the students. Additions were made thereto
from time to time, and when it was removed to the new school
building it contained about 1500 well-selected volumes. The
Academy also contained a well-equipped Laboratory, the appar-
atus costing approximately $600.
In receiving the keys of the building on Dedication Day,
Prof. Dann said:
"I thank you for the distinguished honor you have con-
ferred upon me .... Of your own free will ^^ou have called me ;
114
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
as freely I accept the trust; and may God grant that whenever,
and under whatever cireuiiistances I may restore these keys, tlie
insignia of my office, to their proper owners, they may be found
as bright and untarnished as today. . . .1 am neither ignorant
nor unmindful of the responsibilities I thus assume. You make
me at once the steward of your property investedhere, the guard-
PROF. CHARLES H. DANN
ian of your children, the depositorj^ of your dearest hopes, your
most invaluable possession. . I deem it unnecessary on this occa-
sion to advance my views of education, to argue its importance,
or to ask the sympathy and co-operation of this people in build-
ing up an institution here w^hich shall be the pride of Perry,
the glory of Wyoming, and the light of the land. . . .You open
to me a building unsurpassed for beauty of plan, symmetry of
construction and convenience of arrangement by any school
edifice in the State. The structure as you see it today speaks
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
115
the praise of all whose time or means have contributed to its
erection, more emphatically than any words of mine. .If the
furniture, library, apparatus, grounds, and teachers are made
to correspond with the building itself, the world will be no
longer left to inquire w^here Perry is. . . .My friends, this insti-
tution is your foster-child ; cherish it as such, remembering that
your property invested here is still your own. It is a deposit
in trust for your children's benefit. Let it be understood that
this is the people's, and the whole people's school, and every
honest individual of whatever creed, party or calling, feel that
he has an interest here ; that the success of this enterprise is
identical with his own. ' '
CYRUS MERRILL Photo by Crocker
Among the men who were prominent in the efforts to se-
cure the institution were : Hon. Rufus H. Smith, Dr. Mason G-
Smith, Enos W. Frost, Hon. Wm. Mitchell, David Mitchell,
116 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
James S. Bougbton, Austin Toan, Capt. Wm. Dolbeer, Erastus
Bradley, Edward P. Clark, John Olin, Parris Olin, Edmund C.
Bills, Robert Grisewood, Hon, Calvin P. Bailey, Shepard P.
Bullard, Cyrus Merrill and others.
A complete and competent corps of instructors having been
secured, the institution was opened for the reception of stud-
ents on October 2d, 1854. The records show that on October
24th there were 211 pupils registered ; on October 31st, 225; and
on February 24th, 1855, there were 270 registered. The first fac-
ulty was composed of the following named :Chas. H.Dann, Prin-
cipal ; Andrew J. Rodman, Professor of Ancient Languages and
Mathematics; Alexander Loos, Professor of Music and Modern
Languages; Miss Jerusha Waterbury, Preceptress; Miss So-
phronia Broughton, Drawing and Primary Department; Miss
Amanda L. Mills, English; Miss Jessie Grieve and Miss Delia
Curtice, assistant teachers.
In connection with this institution there were three literary
societies, to one of which each student was assigned. Their ob-
ject was "to promote the knowledge of the English language
and to secure its proper use in reading, writing and speech.''
These societies were known as the Catonian, Newtonian and
Beta Phi. There was also a society for the primary students
known as the Sophronian.
On January 3d, 1855, the three literary societies held a
prize contest. A fine audience was in attendance, and at the
conclusion of the exercises Mr. Charles H. Dann and Miss Jer-
usha Waterbury entered the chapel, passed upon the platform,
and were there, in the presence of nearly a thousand witnesses,
joined in marriage. Rev. Joseph Page officiating. The newly
married couple withdrew to the parlor of the institution to re-
ceive congratulations of their friends of whom nearly 300 were
students. A wedding at the home of the bride was abandoned
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 117
for the purpose of giving a pleasing surprise to the Academy's
pupils.
The Academy was organized upon a non-sectarian basis,
but in 1856 it passed into the control of the Genesee Conference
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining under super-
vision of the Conference until 1872. A Board of Visitors was
appointed annually by the Conference to manage the interests
of the school. Among the prominent members of the Confer-
ence who were especially active in furthering the interests of
the school were : Rev. Gilbert DeLaMatyr, Dr. John B. Went-
worth, and Rev. Sanford Hunt.
Prof Dann did not complete his school year, which was
finished by Andrew J. Rodman, who was succeeded in 1855 by
Prof. Gardner. In 1856-7, Rollin C. Welch was Principal, fol-
lowed in 1858 by Prof. Martin R. Atkins, who was in charge
until 1866.
Prof. Atkins is tenderly remembered by his pupils. His
wife and daughters Florence and Octavia (the late Mrs. John
B. Smallwood) taught during the same period. He was much
beloved by his associate teachers as well as by the pupils. Miss
Mary Green who was Preceptress for many years, paid the fol-
lowing tribute to Prof. Atkins :
' ' To speak as an associate teacher, it seems to me fitting to
recall some of the qualities that went to make up his successful
career. The gift of teaching was his in a large measure ; he had
the ability to impart knowledge and was always mindful of the
apostolic injunction to 'do good.' He had abundant sympathy
for all students, but especially for those to whom the way to
knowledge was a way of self-denial. He knew by personal ex-
perience the hard places, and his words were always of encour-
agement. His was a rare comradship, too. How he entered into
the spirit of our fun. No voice rang out in heartier laughter
than his, on the playground or in the assembly, over healthy
sport. While he held firm the reins, there was an absence of
Born 1816 MARTIN ROCKWELL ATKINS Died 1884
Monument erected in Hope Cemetery in 1897 by former pupils and friends,
— Photo by Crocker
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OP^ PERRY
119
foi'biddiiig formality. Though licn-lil:e in appearance, \ve soon
learned licw accessible he was. Sincere, he did not pose for ef-
fect : and he enjoyed greatly the gifts tliat came to him without
ceremony and parade The crown of all was the Christian
faith that inspired and directed their lives, manifest in inter-
ronrse with pupil and friend, the light within illuminating
th«Mr teaching, making them w^orkmen that need not be ash-
amed."
EDWIN M. READ
Born July 11, 1831 Died June 6, 1909
Prof. Edwin ]\I. Read, who was Principal of the District
Union School on Lake street, was engaged as instructor in
mathematics by Prof. Atkins and became a member of the fac-
ulty of the Academy in 1859, a position which he filled with
marked ability for several j^ears.
120
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Miss Mary Green was Preceptress for several years, associ-
ated with Prof. Atkins and Prof. Welch. She was extremely
popular with the students and her personality is inseparably
connected with the institution in the minds of those who came
under her beneficent influence.
MISS MARY GREEN
(From an old, faded photograph.)
In addition to the Principals of the Academy as above de-
ferred to, other Principals were : Jason N. Fradenburgh, 1866 j
John D. Hammond, Sept. 1867; M. H. Paddock, October to De^
cember, 1867 ; Lowell L. Rogers, December, 1867 to 1870; Edwin
Wildman, 1870 to 1872,
In consequence of the enlarged powers and liberal financial
aid conferred by the State upon Union and district schools in
the late '60 's and early '70 's, and the" great advance made by
such schools in their courses of study and methods of instruc--
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 121
tion it became very difficult to maintain denominational schools
operated like the Perry Academy on a tuition basis.
In 1872, the District Union School building, now known as
*'The Beehive,'' had become unfit for school purposes, and at
a meeting of the citizens, held on April 12th, 1872, it was voted
to appropriate $5,500 for the purchase of a site and the erection
of a new building. During the following week the project of
purchasing the Perry Academy of the Methodists, instead of
constructing a new building, was discussed, and at a special
meeting called for the 23d of April, a committee consisting of
H. A. Brigham, J. \V. Chamberlain and George Tomlinson was
appointed to confer with the trustees of the Academy. The re-
sult of their conference was the transfer of the Academy prop-
erty to the district for $4,500. A new name, the "Perry Free
Academy," was given to the institution, and later it was called
the ''Perry Free Academy and Union School," and Perry Acad-
e!iiy passed into history. Prof. Edwin Wildman was the first
Principal and continued until June, 1873, in the Fall of that
year being succeeded by Miss Ella S. Calligan, who was his
Preceptress^
The reorganization in 1872 gave new impetus to the school.
From that time on the work and efficiency steadily advanced,
the growth in attendance at the school keeping pace with the
rapid increase in the population of the town. The advance in
academic work was duly recognized by the University of the
State of New York when, in 1897, the school was designated by
that body as the "Perry High School."
Referring to the "school exhibitions" of the old Academy
days, which were the event of the year, the following reminis-
cences have been secured from various sources. Charades,
tableaux, i^laylets, orations, essays, declamations, etc., were even
more prominent than at the present time. The exhibitions were
122
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
inaugurated by Prof. Atkins an:l Miss Grecai. One cf the first
included a colloquy prepared by Miss Green, which she called
"The Court of Fashion, " in which Nellie Keeney, Alice Suiilh,
Libbie Merrill and others took part, costumed in the gowns of
their mothers and grandmothers and Aunt Olivia Sherman.
The "May Queen" was a Summer success with its flowers and
music ; thirty girls took i)art and set the hearts of the young
men all aquiver as they came up the stairs from the dressing
Perry Academy, later Perry High School, replaced by present building.
room in their dainty, fetching gowns. Our informant said: "I
can see these young men now — Milo Olin, Romaine Moffett,
Henry Cleveland,' Wheat 'Merrill, John Smallwood, Will Grieve,
Charlie Dolbeer, Wesley and Robert Stainton, and even sly
Prof. Read followed them with admiring glances. And there
was Robert Dow ;I remember him singing in the quartet,' A Bea-
con Light to Glory,' and breaking the hearts of certain young
- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 123
women wlien it was known that lie would not return to school
the next year."
From another source we learn that the grounds were quite
different from the present time. On the east and south and
partly on the west of the old Academy building was a fence;
on the west and north, a hawthorne hedge. The front approach
from the street was by a winding board walk ; on the west side
of the front grounds there was a well and pump. There were
no trees on the front grounds, except two or three old apple
trees west of the porch. An apple orchard occupied thew^est half
of the rear grounds. What is now Hawthorne street was a road-
way or lane, on the west side of which were pastures or other
fields. ''Ornamental branches" were taught by the late Mrs.
E. T. Tuttle, Althea Rowley, Mrs. L. M. Wiles, Miss Mary Mor-
ton, Mrs. Mary (Brigham) Bemus, Anna Sutherland and Miss
Flora Bradley. On one occasion the first prize for drawing was
won by Willie D. Page, the prize consisting of a crayon head
of a shaggy dog, entitled "Who Said Rats?" executed by the
drawing teacher. The upper floor of the old building was oc-
cupied chiefly as the "chapel" or general assembly room, in
which the whole student body gathered for morning religious
service and a short homily by one of the professors or some vis-
iting dignatary. In the chapel the regular Friday afternoon
rhetoricals were held (also the closing and winter exhibitions)
which were the crowning events of the year. The older pupils
can vividly remember the drilling for these occasions and scent
the odor of the frequent hemlock festoons w^hich encircled the
gallery and hung above the doorways. Some of the boys and
girls were remarkably good in recitations. Ella Smallwood
(Mrs. Robert Stainton) excelled in that line, and later, Jennie
Smallwood (Mrs. V. H. Badger,) won the honors. Ida Cha-
pin (Mrs. G. K. Smith) was particularly happy in her rendition
of "An Order for a Picture;" Frank Wyckoff was thunder-
124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
ously impressive, whether celebrating "The Ride of the Noble
Six Hundred" or a Cataline hurling his *'defi" at tho Roman
Senate. Doane Davis made Sheridan's Ride thrillingly real to
l)oyish ears. Albert Brigham, grave and self-possessedinhisprose
selections, gave a hint of the substantial qualities that afterward
gave eminence to his scholarship, Newton Wyckoff won rhe-
torical laurels on at least one occasion, when he received first
prize at a public exhibition for the best declamation, and it is
sad that such fame should have been diminished by the subse-
quent throwing of pebbles into the Principal's rain water tub.
Charles King essayed to speak "The Indian Chief's Lament,'^
and only got as far as the line
"I will go to my tent and lie down in despair''
Avhen his memory failed him completely and he was obliged to
follow the action of the chief and lament his own failure.
Principals who followed ^liss Calligan were : Irving P,
Bishop, 1878 to 1885; Jesse P. Worden, 1885 to 1888; Mary E.
Catton, 1888 to 1897 ; Wm. H. Adams, 1897 to 1899 ; Herbert C-
Jeffers, 1899 to 1902; M. J. Multer, 1902 to 1905; Clarence A.
Fetterley,.1905 to 1906 ; Wm. H. McClelland, 1906.
The steady and rapid growth of the toM^n naturally had its
effect upon the public school. Within the eight j^ears from 1894
to 1902 the village alone had more than doubled its popula-
tion- — from 1526 to 3346 — and while the High School depart-
ment was not seriously handicapped, the various grades became-
overcrowded, necessitating frequent alterations in the building
to provide the required accommodations. These alterations for
the enlargement of the rooms changed the original plan of the
building and unavoidably^ weakened its supports.
The State Department of Education became insistent that
greater facilities be provided, as the law was being violated by
failure to furnish the required amount of floor space and air
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
125
fepace for the number of pupils in attendance. The Board of
Education, composed of C. G. Clarke, president ; G. M. Traber,
J. N. Wyckoff, C. W. Rudd, Mrs. W. H. Herron, Mrs. J. W. Olin
and Mrs. G. H. Peddle, trustees, had deferred action as long as
possible, until in January, 1905, they were obliged by the
crowded condition of the institution to make an extended state-
ment in detail, showing the imperative necessity of providing
additional school facilities, a problem that had vexed them for
about three years and which they had met as far as possible by
alterations as above referred to.
NEW PERRY HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
People who had been students in the institution 20 to 25
years previous to this time could not understand or appreciate
the necessity confronting the Board, the building at that period
being partly occupied by living rooms and having ample accom-
126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
mcdations. They could not realize the changed conditions, and
it was natural that many believed the Board's statements to be
exaggerated. In consequence, strong opposition developed and
even bitterness of feeling was engendered. They proposed to
meet the condition by renting rooms outside, and various other
expedients were suggested, all of which had already been care-
fully considered and found unsatisfactory by the Board. The
most inexpensive proposition the Board was able to submit
was a new High School building and necessary repan-s and im-
provements upon the existing building to properly care for the
grade pupils.
On January 31st, 1905, a special school meeting was held
at the school building to discuss the proposition for the expendi-
ture of $33,000, as above outlined. There were about 500 people
in attendance and the State Avas represented by W. C. Halliday
of the Department of Education. Architect F. W. Kirkland of
Rome, N. Y., who had been selected b}^ the Board, was also pres-
ent to answer questions and give information. W. D. Page was
chairman of the meeting, and remarks w^ere made by a number
of people. After considerable discussion the meeting was ad-
journed to Saturday, February 4th„ at the Town Hall, to vote
upon the proposition, the polls to be open from 1 to 6 o'clock.
At the time set, the plans for the proposed new building were
on exhibition. There were 419 votes cast, of which 318 were
in the negative and 101 in the affirmative, the majority against
the proposition being 217. Of the number who voted, 119 were
women.
Following the defeat of the proposition, Mr. D. H. Buck-
land in conversation with Trustee J. N. Wyckoff stated that the
only feasible proposition was an entirely new building that
would accommodate all of the pupils and also provide for future
growth. Mr. Wyckoff suggested that Mr. Buckland circulate
a petition and learn how many of the taxpayers held the samq
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 127
view. Mi\ Buc-land accepted the suggestion and soon secured
99 signatures, representing business and professional people as
Well as other taxpayers.
Although there was no knowledge of it at the time, the
\ icw of I\Ir. Buckland appears to have been the same as that of
Hon. Frank H. Wood, Chief of the Inspections Division of the
State Department of Education, who w^rote to the Board, under
date of February 28th, 1905, and in his letter said that he had
leceived reports from his inspectors stating that the building
was unfit for the needs of the district, and he instructed the
Board to call a special meeting on March 28th, to vote upon a
proposition "to expend a sufficient sum of money to construct a
new school building adequate in size for the accommodation of
all of the children of school age residing in the district to
Uieet the present needs and to provide also for reasonable
growth for years to come."
In accordance with the requirement of Chief Wood, a call
was published for a special school meeting to be held at The
Auditorium on March 28th, 1905, at 7:30 o'clock p. m., for the
purpose of voting upon a proposition to expend $50,000 for a
neAv building. There was a small attendan<^e at the meeting, of
which Dr. P. S. Goodwin Avas chosen chairman. ]\Ir. A. E. Hall
of the Inspections Division of the State Department of Educa-
tion was present to answer questions. Much antagonism was
manifested, and after considerable discussion a motion was
carried to adjourn to Saturday, April 1st, at the Town Hall,
the polls to be open from 1 to 6 o'clock p. m.
NotAvithstanding the fact that a circular letter signed by
30 of the business people of Perry, giving the qualifications of
voters and urging them to turn out and vote in favor of the
proposition, there were only 368 votes cast, 51 less than the
number upon the first proposition submitted. There were 192
128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
negative votes and 176 affirmative, a majority of 16 against the
proposition.
By direction of A. E. Hall of the Inspections Division, an-
other special meeting was called for May 12th, 1905, at The
Auditorium, at 7 :30 p. m., to vote again upon the proposition
to expend $50,000 for a new building, and the matter was ex-
plained in detail in the Perry Record, giving complete particu-
lars of what had been done, what was demanded by the State
Department and what must be done. In spite of all this, the op-
position was persistent and bitter, and less than 200 people — a
majority of them opponents — gathered at the meeting on May
12th. Hon. B. A. Nevins was chairman and introduced Mr. A.
E. Hall, by whose authority the meeting had been called. Mr. Hall
reviewed the requirements of the State Department and advised
favorable action in the matter, concluding by saying that if it
were otherwise he should recommend that the building be con-
demned. The hostile feeling manifested itself when a motion
was made to adjourn to the second Tuesday after the annual
meeting in August. An amendment was offered to adjourn to
Saturday, May 13th, at the Town Hall, from 1 to 5 o'clock.
When the questions were put the responses in each instance
were so loud that it was impossible to decide which had carried.
In order to be certain, the audience was requested to remain
and vote again by rising. Three tellers were appointed — one
for each section of the house — and the original motion to ad-
journ until the second Tuesday after the annual meeting in
August was carried by a vote of 99 to 65.
Politics had been injected into the fight, considerable of
the opposition being directed against the president of the Board
by those who were antagonistic toward him personally, and by
some the proposed building was sneeringly referred to as
' ' Clarke 's monument, ' ' the other members of the Board coming
in for a share of the unjust criticism for simply endeavoring
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 129
to fulfill their responsibilities to the district and meet the re-
quirements of the State Department.
In keeping up a fight, the opposition were merely adding
to the expense, figuratively ''cutting off their nose to spite
their face,'' for the reason that if the people refused to provide
the proper facilities the State money would be with-held, the
building would be condemned and a new one would therefore
be compulsory.
About 125 people attended the annual meeting held on
August 1st, 19C5, at Avhich time Will W. Grieve was chosen
chairman. The trustees' report showed that they had held
22 regular and special meetings and six informal meetings dur-
ing the school year. In view of the criticism of the Board,
among which was one that they had employed a "boy archi-
tect" in the person of Mr. Kirkland, a motion was made by
Trustee G. M. Traber that a committee of five, composed of per-
sons outside of the Board of Education, be appointed and em-
powered to engage a competent engineer or architect to make
a thorough inspection of the school building and report whether
it could be made to comply with the State law, and whether it
would be advisable to try to enlarge the building; the report to
be submitted before August 15th and the expense to be borne
by the district. The motion was carried and the following
named were nominated and elected as such committee: M. H.
Olin, C. A. Carmichael, C. H. Toan, Charles Wise and J. E.
Cole.
Nominations of nine different persons were made for the
office of trustee to succeed Mr. C. G. Clarke and Mrs. W. H.
Herron, who were also nominated to succeed themselves. Mr.
Clarke declined a renomination. At the annual election on the
following day, Charles Wise and George A. White were chosen
as trustees, 386 votes being cast.
130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The committee elected to engage an architect to inspect
the old building and make a report took no one into their con-
fidence. They chose J. P^oster Warner of Rochester, the archi-
tect of the Powers Hotel in that city and of many of the city's
school buildings. He was a man of extended experience and
one whose ability was widely known. Under date of August
7th, 1905, Mr. Warner made his report, from which the follow-
ing excerpts are taken:
''I find the building in a very bad condition as regards the
construction. The outside walls are badly bulged and cracked,
and have been anchored together with tie rods; also, where the
interior walls have been taken out, the supports at present are
inadequate. As to whether the building could be made to com-
ply with the State law, I should say that the expense of so do-
ing would be entirely unwarranted, as it would amount al-
most to the entire reconstruction of the building; and I
should advise against the enlarging of the same, as the pres-
ent structure is not of sufficient value to warrant the ex-
penditure of the amount of money necessary to provide the
additional school facilities. If sufficient money was expended
on the structure to bring it up to the requirements of the law,
it w^ould then accommodate a much smaller number of pupils
than the present structure provides for. I enclose a copy of
the instructions to school officers, which is sent out from the
Commissioner of Education at Albany. Y^ou will observe that
with the requirements necessary it will be practically impos-
sible to alter the building to comply with the present law."
The special committee published the report and notified the
public of a special meeting on August 14th, at 7 :30 p. m., at the
school building, at which time Mr. Warner was present in per-
son to make his report and answer fully any questions that
might be asked. C. H. Toan called the meeting to order, about
100 people being present. W. P. Andrus was chosen chairman
and Mr. Warner was introduced. He answered numerous ques-
tions and the subject was thoroughly discussed for about two
hours, Mr. Warner's statements substantiating fully those that
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 131
had been made by the Board of Education and proving the
merit of their contention, the result of over a year of careful
study of the matter.
On August 15th the question of expending $50,000 for a
new building was again submitted and carriages were used by
those for and against it in getting out the vote. There were
483 ballots cast, of which 269 were in the affirmative and 214
in the negative, a majority of 55 in favor of the proposition.
Some of the opposition were hard losers, claiming that illegal
votes had been cast, but the only illegal voter discovered was a
man who had made the loudest complaint and who had been
one of the most active opponents.
Architect Warner highly commended the plans that had
been prepared by Architect Kirkland. Eleven bids were re-
ceived for the work, and early in May, 1906, the contract for
construction was let to the Mt. Morris Lumber Co., of Mt. Mor-
ris, N. Y., at their bid of $44,130.28, exclusive of heating and
plumbing.
The corner-stone was laid on August 31st, 1906, the cere-
monies opening with a selection by the Casino Orchestra and
prayer by Rev. C. H. Dibble of Perry. Addresses were made
by John B. Smallwood of Warsaw and M. A. Lovejoy, Esq., of
Perry, former pupils of Perry Academy. Mr. Lovejoy gave a
brief historical sketch and he was followed by Rev. Mr. Dibble,
who made congratulatory remarks. The new principal, Prof.
W. H. McClelland, was then introduced, and among other
things he said: "I have come to Perry with heart and soul in
my work. Whatever is of interest to Perry is of interest to me.
I am a servant of the best interests of the people and village
.... I want to commend you for this great undertaking of erect-
ing this splendid monument to the educational interests of this
community. Too much praise cannot be given to the members.
132 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
of the Board of Education who have so willingly given their
time and thought to plan for the interest of this and future
generations. We shall be proud of the magnificent new build-
i]]g. its commodious rooms, spacious halls, heating and ventil-
ating systems, its large and well-equipped laboratories. These
things, with an efficient corps of teachers and the harmonious
"w^orking of teachers, parents and the Board of Education, will
insure us a school system second to none in the State."
Notwithstanding it was thought that the new building
would be large enough for present and future needs, four years
after its completion it was found necessary to finish off four
rooms in the attic on the third floor, and other enlarged facili-
ties were also made in the basement of the building. The words
of Prof. McClelland were prophetic, as the present position of
the institution testifies.
The new building was erected in front of the old one, per-
mitting the use of the old structure until the new one was com-
pleted, thus avoiding interruption of the school work and sav-
ing the expense of using outside quarters. It w^as with mis-
givings that the Board of Education decided to erect the new
school in front of the old one and thus shorten the beautiful,
long approach, with its attractive grove on the north and its
spacious lawn on the south, to which they were endeared by sen-
timent, but utility and economy were practical considerations
that they could not afford to ignore.
With the community spirit that is characteristic, when the
new edifice began to take shape and its beauty and complete-
ness began to be realized, the bitterness and antagonism disap-
peared and loyalty to Perry and its institutions again became
manifest, and the wisdom of those who fought for the project
was admitted, even by their opponents. The school today has
the united support of citizens and stands as a monument of
Perry's enterprise and progressiveness.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 133
The following named are graduates of Perry High School,
belonging to the Alumni Association, which was formed in 1885.
These marked by an * are deceased.
1877— Sarah Clark (Mrs. F. H. Austin.)
1878— Nellie Wheeler (Mrs. Fred B. Godfrey,) Augusta
Palmer, Lillie Palmer (Mrs. AV. L. Chapim) James Newton
Wyckoff.
1879— Pteta Butler (Mrs. Wm. Hoyt,) *Myra Jenks (Mrs.
W. Eugene Hamlin.)
1880— No class.
1881— Cyrus Fitch, Nannie Allen (Mrs. Wm. Thorpe,) Net-
tie Handley, Nellie Starks.
1882— C. Minot Griffith, Celia E. Chamberlain (Mrs. J. T.
Cooley,) Stella C. Wylie (Mrs. C. H. Toan,) *Eva J. Cole.
1883— ^Edward P. Purcell, Garrett D. Roche, Charles L.
Shepard, Elva R. Kniffin (Mrs. C. Minot Griffith,) Clara B.
Lacy (]\Irs. Herman Lewis.)
1884— Addie E. Burns (Mrs. M. H. Jackson,) *Julia F.
Westlake (Mrs. D. W. Babcock.)
1885— Martha A. Catton (Mrs. Daniel Rich,) Etta A. Cham-
berlain, Dora L. Homan (Mrs. R. G. Stainton,) Lida M. Lucas
(Mrs. J. Stewart,) *Mary L.Read (Mrs. Arthur Pitkin,) Maud
E. Fisk, Mary Wylie, Flora S. Sheldon (Mrs. G. C. Fox.)
1886— John Barry, Charles E. Benedict, Charles A. Bui-
lard, Wm. G. Roche, Kate C. Griffith (Mrs. Fred W. Smith,)
Carrie D. Read (Mrs. C. G. Clarke,) Jennie M. Wheeler (Mrs.
Edward Gra^^)
1887— ^Hiram Howden, Albert Hull, Eugene Karn, Charles
A. Owen, Clara A. Benedict, Stella M. Heath (Mrs. Allen Hath-
away,) Georgia Rutherford, ^Clara C. Surdam, Grace Utter
(Mrs. W. F. Pettes.)
1888— Charles S. Benedict, Luther C. Crippen, Wm. Little-
dyke, Wm. F. Pettes, elessie Gates.
134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
1889— Wm. W. Grieve, Allen Hathaway, Mark A. Macom-
ber, Win. C. Parler, Jennie M. Bills (Mrs. Fred Watkins,) Kate
B. Gates (Mrs. D. H. Gates,) *Marv B. Rndgers (Mrs. M. C.
Hutton,) ^Caroline E. Sanford (Mrs. D. E. Foskett,) Hattie B.
Tabor (Mrs. A. Ariiiour.) Edna A. Tallman, Jessie Tucker
(Mrs. W. T. Olin,) Addie M. Whalen (Mrs. T. T. Mangan.)
1890— Mary C. Kane, James B. Griffith, Mary E. Smith, A.
Gould White, *May Wilcox, *Myron H. Luce.
1891— John T. Washbinn. Marion E. Dow, (Mrs. A. E.
Menzie,) *Nora E. Stainton, Ida E. Watrous, Glenn Martin,
Grace G. Willey (Mrs. G H. Bemis,) Minnie Buttre (Mrs. Le-
land Pixley,) Richard G. Benedict, *Lua M. Green (Mrs. L. A.
Paschke,) Guy C. Shaw, Maergie Lacey (Mrs. Clarence Wid-
ener,) Edith M. Mclntyre (Mrs. Guy Watrous,) Marcella M.
Roche, Maud E. Jenlrs. Olean S. Green (Mrs. G. H. Peddle,)
Alton A. Richardscn, *Crra A. Chapin, *Nellie J. Burns, Fred
C. Kimball.
1892— Julia E. Rude (Mrs. Ed. Clark,) Roy B. Dow, Nellie
B. Jenks (Mrs. R. ]\I. Olhi.) ^Herbert A. Ensign, George J.
Grieve, Nellie A. Heath (Mrs. M. A. Macomber,) Anna M. Sand-
erson (Mrs. Frank Coleman.)
1893— IsabePe S. T;owing (Mrs. R. W. How,) Fred M.
Washburn, Frances M. Bernard, Kittie M. Smith (Mrs. R. S.
Collyer,) *Ida M. Handyside (Mrs. Charles C. Chase,) Flora A.
Hodge, Lulu A. Ward (Mrs. Arthur Windsor,) Fannie C. Fisher
(Mrs. Walter Jones,) Alfred S. Wilcox, Emma E. Hack (Mrs.
W. C. Sahrle,) Mary VanHouten (Mrs. S. W. Hart.)
1894 — Lloyd P. Benedict, Carl Stainton, Harry Robinson,
Romaine Wallace, Flora Kimball, Madge Dow, Luie Sweet
(Mrs. Charles E. Roc^ wood,) Elizabeth Willey (Mrs. George
Drake,) Florence Andrews (Mrs. Harvey Webber,) Edith Mc-
Withey (Mrs. David J. McMaster,) Bessie E. Thurston.
1895 — Harriet Hamilton (Mrs. Herbert Slaight,) Gertrude
Armstrong (Mrs. E. J. Webster,) Eva Lewis, Maude Knowlton,
Kathryn Bernard (Mrs. L. P. Benedict,) George S. Macomber,
Lloyd G. Stainton, Flora M. Cronkhite (Mrs. Lewis Allen,) Mar-
cus H. Butler, George H. Russell, Fannie S. Alverson (Mrs.
Wm. McMahon,) Charles M. Benedict, Griffith Gardner, Edwin
M. Read, Elizabeth Halligan, John E. Stainton.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ]35
1896— Ilollaud E. Beiicdiet, Marie A. Wiidman (Mrs. John
McKecwnj Karl Y. Sharpsteeii, Flora A. Weilman (Mrs. Fred
Smith,) Gertrude E. Staiiitcn (Mrs. D. H. Allen,) Dora E. Cross
(Mrs. Beujaiiiiii White,) Alice J. Hough, M. Louise O'Brien,
Jessie M. Russell, Edith Smith.
1897— Anna M. Dibble, *Char]es R. Gregg, Wm. E. Smith,
C. Leslie Robinson, Charles E. Duffy, Stacey B. Belden.
1898— No class.
1899— Roscoe C. Parker, A. Stanley Copeland, Isabelle
Cole, L. May Meter, Fran G. Cliffcid, W. Carlton Buckland,
Mary A. Hough (Mrs. Charles Heist,) Carrie L. Howell (Mrs.
Clarence Hull,) Mark J. Nevins, Floyd M. Mclntyre, Lloyd M.
IMcIntyre, Benson F. Tallman. Albeit R. Watrous, Clarence J.
Whalen, Arthur W. Whalen, *Ella Smith.
1900— Hope Benedict (Mrs. R. E. Dildine,) Myrtle Clark,
Minnie Kennedy.
1901— Warren Badger, Georgia Beardslev (Mrs. Llovd
Burlingham,) Cora Clifford, M. Agnes Cole (Mrs. H. C. White-
nack.) Laura Cole (Mrs. Carl BucI land,) Harry B. Nevins,
*Lena C. Rudgers, Blanche A. Smith (Mrs. Leslie Robinson,)
Daisy Stowell (Mrs. W. W. Laine,) Evelyn Sutherland (Mrs. C.
A. Mclntyre,) Florence M. Tallman (Mrs. Lucien Crandall.)
1902— Julia May Butler (Mrs. Floyd Reeves,) Teresa Culli-
nan, Bessie Dalrymple (Mrs. L. G. Stainton,) Jessie Howlett
(]\Irs. Roy Calkins,) Roy A. Spellicy, M. Frances Tallman (Mrs.
Robert Dunlop,) Daisy R. Toal (Mrs. E. D. Olin,) Gladys Van-
Dresser, Patrick Whalen, Isabelle White, Elizabeth Wiidman,
Bessie Macomber (Mrs. A. R. Watrous,) Ella Parker, *Grace
Sowerby (Mrs. C. F. Holcombe.)
1903 — Mary Chace, Alice Dow, Irvin Badger, Andrew
Boyd, Blanche Lillibridge, Lewis Toan, George Parker, Bessie
Higgins (Mrs. A. C. Stowell,) Irene Tomb'nson (Mrs. Theron
Jackson,) Clara Ellsworth, Ada Smith (Mrs. Harry Foskett,)
Laura Sharpsteen, Harry Hubbard, Jennie Sullivan (Mrs. John
Boyd,) Mabel Knowlton.
1904— Genevieve Watson (Mrs. F. D. Roberts,) Clarence
White, Agnes Tomlinson, James Herron, Grace Cornwell (Mrs.
Charles Coleman,) Claude Tempest, Agnes Butler, George
136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Gregg, Maude Croal (Mrs. German Olin,) Louis Brighain, Es-
ther Alaconiber (Mrs. Llovd Melntyre,) Carlos J. Toan, Robert
W. Calkins, *Marleah Waldo.
1905 — Calla Brown (Mrs. Cale Kerry,) May Brown, Agnes
Carey, R. Ethel Clark, Clara A. Edgerly (Mrs. George M. C.
Parker,) Lucy Silver, Bessie Traber, Madge VanDresser (Mrs.
L. B. Swift,) Harold Axtell, Cale Herry, John Macomber, Wm.
Martin, Cecil Thompson.
1906— M. Edna Button (Mrs. John Butler,) Bessie Had-
sell, Edna Tuttle, Sadie Spellicy (Mrs. Archie Brink,) Louis
Stryker, Willard Nevins, Stella Copeland.
1907— Thomas Toan, Alice Edgerly, Hilda Pownall (Mrs.
Carroll,) Burr Cornwell, George Ernest White.
1908 — Marcella Craven, Lyle Brown, Florence Slack, Eliz-
abeth KershaAv (Mrs. J. D. Gilmore,) Marion Palmer (Mrs.
Ralph Traber,) Benjamin Smith, Earl Watson, Ethel Waldo
(Mrs. M. E. Laird.)
1909— Harry Tallman, Gertrude Dean (Mrs. Walter Weeks,)
Welles Ward, Alice Toole, Irene Allen, Ina Bennett (Mrs. Har-
old Littledyke,) Archie Butler, Elva Cornwell (Mrs. Carl Make-
ley,) Madge Croal, Mary Macomber (Mrs. Wm. Martin,) Edith
Silvernail (Mrs. Irving Eaton,) Hugh Axtell, Caroline Brian,
Carl Read Clarke, Mildred Cornwell (Mrs. Leigh Clark,) Mary
Mitchell, Dolbeer Smith, Roy Whipple.
1910 — Florence Eckert, Merle Butler, Elizabeth Wise, Rus-
sell Fish, Wm. Wusthof, Doris Dysinger (Mrs. Harry Coker,)
Leola Shaw% Dell Clark, Howard Wellman, Lillian Clark (Mrs.
Frank Toal,) Carl Digel, Ruth Chapin, Clara Kelly (Mrs. John
Adrian,) Josephine Watson (Mrs. C. S. Southwick,) Margaret
Campbell (Mrs. Burr Cronwell,) Blanche VanValkenburg (Mrs.
Harry Snyder,) Pratt Badger, Olive Littledyke (Mrs. Clifford
Rice,) Mabel Walton.
1911 — Edna Brian, Ruth Bennett, Hazel Badgero, Fanny
Cone (Mrs. Walter Scott,) Mary Clarke, Winnifred Graves,
Albert Herry, Myron Ogden, Florence Parker, Roy Richardson,
Maynard Rudd, Lucile Smith, Ethobur Snyder, Mary Toan,
Sprague Tomlinson.
1912— Fred Farr, Edith Wilcox, Mary McClurg, Harold
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 137
Davis, Elsie Peck, Mae Porter (Mrs. 0. Thomas,) Ethel Cas-
well. George Bauer, Mildred Cole, Ruth Cook, Francisca Mar-
tinez, Buell Tallman, Helen Sweet, Nellie Bush, Helen Hager,
Harry Nye, Lenna Royce, Genevieve Rodgers, Edna Sullivan,
Mae Ward, Ethel Wright.
1913 — Helen Allen, Marguerite Barber (Mrs. Harlow Beek-
with, Foster BroAvn, H. Louise Clark, IMiriam Daniells, Reba
(ianoung, Frances Hamlin, Winnifred Hutton, Gladys Kelly,
Florence Miller, Carrie Morris, Keyes Page, Isabelle Scheer,
Mina Slocum, Harold Slocum, Francis Terry, Marian Watrous
(Mrs. Gordon Draper,) Lois Watson. Leon Wellman, Ruby
Wickings, Edith Wright, James Wyckoff.
1914 — Fleta Badgero, Madge Buttles, Agnes Campbell,
Teresa Carey, Nellie Carpenter, Laura Cronin, Ethel Morris,
Blanche Otis, Jane Post, Isabelle Slack, Lucy Smith, Sarah
Sweet, Ruby Watson.
On February 16th, 1915, the buildings occupied by the
Chamberlain Military Institute at Randolph, N. Y., were practi-
cally destroyed by fire. Messrs. Templeton & Davidson of the
Silver Lake Hotel Co., who had been conducting the Recreation
Inn at Silver Lake, just south of the Assembly grounds, con-
ceived the idea that the property would make an ideal location
for the school, advantageous to them as a year- 'round institu-
tion for their property, one that would bring Silver Lake and
Perry into greater prominence, and a place where the school
could inaugurate and conduct a naval branch as well as its mil-
itary institution, and develop into a school of magnitude and
importance. Accordingly, they got in touch with the superin-
tendent. Col. James E. Dunn, who came and looked over the
property, and arrangements were made between him, the Silver
Lake Hotel Co. and the Chamber of Commerce of Perry where-
by he brought his faculty and student body, numbering about
40 in all, to the lake, and opened the school on April 5th, 1915,
following the Easter vacation. The name of the organization
138
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
was changed to the "Silver Lake Military and Naval School of
Perry, N. Y./' by permission of the State Board of Regents,
and application was made to the Federal Government for a
naval equipment as authorized by Act of Congress. The school
began with bright prospects for substantial growth and indica-
tions that it would prove to be a valuable educational factor
as well as an attractive advertisement of this locality.
CHAPTER IX
Pioneer Struggles to Establish Church Organizations Representing
their Religious Affiliations — Their Development, Growth and
Accomplishments.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PERRY CENTER
The first religious service in the town was held in 1813
at Perry Center by the Rev. ^Mr. Herrick of the Baptist denom-
ination, while on his retreat from Buffalo, following its destruc-
tion by the Indians during the war then in progress. In 1814
the little hamlet was visited by Rev. Oliver Ayer and Rev. Silas
Hubbard, missionaries sent out by the Home Missionary Society
of Connecticut. These men gathered a few parishioners to-
gether and, on the 28th of June, 1814, in a log house, the resi-
dence of one of the members, they formally organized the first
church society in the town of Perry, composed of eight mem-
bers. These were : Samuel HoAvard, Ralph Ward, Mrs. Lorian
Ward, Jabez Ward, Miss Catey Ward, Hervey Butler, Mrs.
Sally Butler and a Miss Roxa Carpenter, all of them natives of
Massachusetts or Connecticut.
Samuel Howard died on April 2d, 1819, aged 66 years, this
being the first death among the original members. Ralph Ward
died on October 4th, 1822, at the age of 60 years. His wife,
Lorian Ward, survived him about ten years, dying in 1832. Ja-
bez Ward, the beloved physician, was elected a deacon at the
organization of the church and held the office until his death
in 1843. Miss Catey Ward lived to be 73 years of age, dying in
1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hervey Butler enjoyed the fellowship
of the church but two years, removing from the town in 1816.
He was associated with Dr. Ward as a deacon of the church.
Miss Roxa Carpenter, the eighth and last of the original mem-
140
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
bers, accompanied the family of Samuel Howard from Connecti-
cut to Perry and afterward became the wife of Samuel Howard,
Jr., who in 1843 was elected deacon, in which office he was par-
ticularl}^ useful to the church until his death in 1863.
Mrs. Roxa Carpenter Howard was the last but one of the orig-
inal members of the church when she died in 1862, aged 75
years.
The church w^as organized as a Congregational church, but
two years later — in 1816 — the members voted that "it is exped-
ient for this church to be united with the Geneva Presbytery,
but to retain the Congregational form of government." The
same year, therefore, the church became united on the "accom-
modation plan" with the Presbytery of Geneva. It remained
under that supervision until September, 1831, when the church,
after a thorough inquiry into the feelings and judgment of the
officers and members, unanimously resolved "that it is exped-
ient that the connection between this church and the Presbytery
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 141
be dissolved. ' ' Accordingly, it was regularly dismissed from the
Presbytery on the 22d of September of that year. Since that
time it has remained Congregational in all of its relationships.
Services were first held in the log homes of the settlers;
then, as the congregation grew, they were held in Deacon How-
ard's barn ; and after that, for a time in the Taylor school house
on the first corner west of the Center. This had been built with
a view to the needs of the church society, with ascending floor
and high backed seats arranged in "slip" form, with two aisles
extending to the back seat, reserved for the choir, which led
the congregational singing. This was a great improvement up-
on the barn in which they had previously worshiped.
Miss D. E. Sheldon, in a reminiscence AA-ritten many years
ago to the home church and community, said : "The almost uni-
veisal mode of conveyance for those who could not walk to the
services, was the lumber wagon, without spring of box or seat,
drawn by oxen, that were chained in long rows to the corners
of the rail fence in front of the school house. A board placed
across the top of the wagon box sufficed for the more sturdy
members of the household, while the feeble and delicate ones
were supplied with the old-fashioned straight-backed, splint-
seated chairs. These were removed within the school house and
arranged in rows around the ample fireplace, and in the cloak
room on the north side of it, for the accommodation of the
mothers with their little ones, while the fathers took the older
ones with them into the hard uncushioned seats. Suspended
from the chair pommels were always to be found spacious reti-
cules containing the family lunch for the noonday intermission
between the two services. In winter the lumber wagon was ex-
changed for the log sled, with bundles of straw for seats for the
wee ones, who were snugly wrapped in the warm homespun
garments of their mothers' manufacture. Once, though at a
later date when the traveling was impassible for either wagon
142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
or sleigh, I knew a stoneboat to be substituted to couvey to a
Thanksgiving service a large family, whom neither the inclem-
ency of the weather nor the horrible condition of the roads
could deter from the anticipated reunion feast. When the fam-
ily possessions became sufficiently ample to warrant the pur-
chase of a horse, the mother, with one child behind and cling-
ing to her, and another in her lap, would ride on horseback
with the indispensable reticule hanging upon the horn of the
saddle, while the father walked by the side of the little group.
When the second horse was secured, making a span, our highest
ambitions were fully realized; but oh, the joltings which the
long-coveted accelerated speed gave to them in those same
springless wagons. I sometimes question. Do the worshipers
of the present generation, enjoying as they do, the stated min-
istration of the Word in their spacious house of worship, with
its easy cushioned seats and comfortable modes of conveyance
to and from the Sabbath and week day services, measure their
efforts and sacrifices by their increased privileges and oppor-
tunities?"
Sarah Ward, daughter of Dr. Jabez Ward, has written an
nceount of the theology of the Perry Center community, and
tells also of how carefully the customs of their former New Eng-
land homes were maintained. "Some of these customs were
the strict 'keeping' of Saturday night as the beginning of holy
time ; the nightly ringing of the curfew, the tolling of the bell
upon the death of anyone in the parish — all of these were punc-
tiliously observed. ' '
Deacon Sheldon, Jabez Ward, and Phicol M. Ward would
often read sermons in the days when the church had no supply
pastor. Rev. Edmund Ingals, Jr., came in 1816 and was the
first regular appointed pastor of the church. He was succeed-
ed by Rev. Elihu Mason, who was pastor during 1817, and after-
ward in 1820. Rev. Edward Andrews was pastor for six months
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
143
during 1819, but there was no pastor during the period outside
of that time. Then followed Rev. Samuel T. Mills, May 1821,
W: Dece.uber 1824; Rex. Eli S, Hunter, July 1825-6; Rev. Jona-
than Sheldon, 1826-7 ; Rev. Lot B. Sullivan, 1827-8 ; Rev. Dexter
PHICOL MUNRO WARD
He was the son of Ralph and Lorian Butler Ward, and was born at
New Marlboro, Mass., May 14, 1799, and died at Perry Center, December 5th,
1873, He served as Supervisor from this town during the years 1831-32-33,
and was for many years a Justice of the Peace.
Clary 1828 and six months in 1829. During the brief ministry
of Mr. Clary, a great revival attended his labors and many peo-
ple were added to the church. It was during his ministry, in
the Spring of 1828, a movement was made toward building a
church edifice. A subscription paper bearing date of April
144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
20tli of that year was circulated ; 100 names were signed to the
paper and the total amount subscribed was $2,656.00. Work
on the building was begun at once, and when the foundation
walls had been laid and the frame was ready for "the raising"
and the workmen were on hand, it is an incident worthy of re*
cord that all of the children from the surrounding country assem-
bled at the invitation of Rev. Mr. Clary, and being arranged in
regular order on the sills of the building about to be erected,
Mr. Clary standing in their midst, after a few words addressed
to those assembled, prayed for God's blessing upon the enter-
prise on which they had entered, and especially for the child-
ren there assembled.
The house was completed and dedicated on March 4th,
1830, Rev. Julius Steele of Warsaw preaching the dedicatory
sermon. In 1856 the building was quite extensively repaired
and a lecture room was added. The re-dedicatory sermon was
preached by Rev. J. E. Nassau, also of Warsaw. Minor repairs
were made from time to time until in 1900 the building was re-
juvenated. The service of re-opening and re-dedication was
held on Jan. 13th, 1901; the sermon was given by Rev. H. E,
Guimey of Warsaw.
For a number of years the church owned no parsonage.
In 1863, the place known as the ''Moss place," now owned and
occupied by D. J. Powell, was purchased, and for 13 years was
used as the manse. In 1876 this property was sold, a portion of
the lot being retained, and a new parsonage and barn were
built, which have since served the purpose.
The growth of the church seems to have been steady. To
the eight persons who were the charter members, 732 have been
added. In 1825, the membership numbered 35; in 1834, about
125; in 1868, there were 96; in 1889, at the 75th anniversary,
they numbered about 100, and at the present time 189.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 145
The Sabbath School numbers about 150, has a live Home
Department and several organized classes. In 1914, four for-
eign students were being supported by these classes and several
other worthy objects were being helped by its gifts. A Bible
class was formed by Deacon H. Sheldon in about the year 1829.
The Ladies' Benevolent Society, which is believed to be the
oldest organization of its kind in the State, was formed in 1824,
and has had a continuous existence ever since. When the Wo-
man's Home Missionary Union of the State was organized,
this society became an auxiliary without changing its constitu-
tion under which it had worked for so many years.
In 1822, a number of the members of this church withdrew
and organized the Presbyterian Church of Perry, but after a
few years, little progress having been made, they returned to
the mother church. In 1834, however, a second effort was
made, which soon developed into a strong church society.
The others who have been pastors of the Congregational
Church since Rev. Mr. Clary are : Revs. Wm. P. Jackson, three
months in 1829 ; Samuel H. Gridley, D. D., 1830-6 ; Orrin Brown,
1836; Caleb Burge, M. D., 1837-8; George W. Newcomb, 1838-
40; John Scott, 1840-1; George W. Gridley, 1842; Wales Tiles-
ton, 1843-4; Philo Canfield, 1845-8; Mason Mear Smith, three
months in 1848; Thomas M. Hodgman, 1848-58; George J.
Means, 1859-63 ; Isaac N. Ely, July to December, 1863 ; Claudius
B. Lord, 1864-66; James P. Root, 1866-76; W. C. Sexton, 1876-
78 ; Edgar Perkins, 1878-80 ; E. H. Martin, 1880-85 ; J. W. Grush,
1885-93; J. C. Bergmann, 1893-4; J. J. Shingler, 1895-7; D. A.
Blcso, 1897-99; F. E. Dark, 1899-1902; F. A. Kimberly, Nov.
1902, and since that time.
146
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Among the early settlers of the Town of Perry were a
number of families and individuals known as belonging to the
Baptist denomination, but not in sufficient numbers, in their
estimation, to warrant their assuming the responsibilities of a
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 147
distinct clir.rch. A few of them united with the Middlebury
church at Wyoming, which, at this period, was the nearest
church of the Baptist denomination. Others worshiped with
the Presbyterian society at Perry Center. Thus they continued
to worship until September, 1816, when the Baptists of the com-
munity united in a Conference to be known as ' ' The First Bap-
tist Society of Perry," in which organization they continued
until November 5th, 1818, when they were publicly recognized
as a Church of Christ.
During the existence of the Conference — from September,
1816, to November 5th, 1818 — the members met regularly for
worship on the Sabbath and for Conference on the last Satur-
day of each month. They had occasional preaching by elders
Hart well, Kelsey, Brown and Wisner, through whose efforts
five were added to the little number by baptism, the first of
whom was David Carlisle by Elder Kelsey. A few were
also received by letter from other churches.
On the 25th of October, 1818, the following named people
met according to previous notice and adopted articles of faith
and practice, also a church covenant, and proceeded to organize
themselves into a regular Baptist Church : Solomon Squires,
John Bowen, Beriah Bowers, David Carlisle, Thomas E. Par-
merly, Peter Clark, Samuel Waldo, Martha Bartlett, Hannah
Finch, Betsey Leonard, Anna Squires, Sarah Parmerly, Clar-
inda Bowers and Nancy Bowers. Out of the 14 original mem-
bers, Mr. Waldo remained active in the work of this church un-
til the formation of the Leicester Street Baptist Society in 1879,
at which time he withdrew and joined that organization, re-
maining an active member until his death in July, 1883. Mr.
Waldo and his wife arrived in Perry on May 3d, 1816, after a
three weeks journey from their former home in Vermont, and
it is said, upon his arrival his possessions comprised a wife, a
horse, an axe, and $9 in money. Prior to leaving Vermont, Mr.
148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
and Mrs. Waldo liad affiliated with the Baptist society there.
They brought their church letters with them, and soon after
their arrival, joined the Middlebury church at "Wyoming, re-
maining members of that society until the formation of the local
organization.
On the 5th of November, 1818, the following named mem-
bers of the churches of Leicester, Warsaw and Gainesville, viz :
Rev. Daniel McBride, Deacons Wm. Wiseman and Joseph Por-
ter, Enoch Weller, Josiali Waite, John Reddish and Charles
Tallman met in council at the home of John Bowers and pub-
licly recognized the church by extending to it the hand of fel-
lowship by Rev. Mr. McBride. Samuel Waldo was appointed
Clerk of the church at this meeting, and during the next year,
John Bowers was appoined the first deacon. Rev. Mr. Wisner, the
first pastor of the church, continued his labors about one year,
receiving for his services such donations as his parishioners in
their poverty were able to bestow. He was succeeded by Rev.
Jesse Brown on June 3d, 1820, who also labored with the church
one year, after which it was supplied occasionally by Rev.
Joshua Bradley and others, until August 25th, 1822, when it be-
came a branch of the First Baptist Church of Middlebury.
During the first five years of the church history, there
were seven additions by baptism, the first of whom was Sarah
Bentley, who was baptized by Rev. Mr. Wisner on August 8th,
1819. Five were received hy letter and one was excluded. The
connection with the Middleburj^ church as a branch continued
from August 25th, 1822, to October 1st, 1825. The members,
however, continued to hold their meetings and had occasional
preaching by the pastor of the Middlebury church. Rev. Mr.
Tuttle, and others.
On the 1st of October, 1825, the church was reorganized
and recognized as an independent Baptist Church at a council
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 149
convened at Perry, at which the churches at Middlebury, Cov^-
ington, T7arsaw, Gainesville and Nunda were represented. Rev
David Bernard preached the sermon. The following named
were the members of the chnreh nnder the reorganization;
Joshua Calkins, Silas Rawson, Philip Sparling, John Hollen-
beck, Beriah Bowers, Daniel Calkins, Joshua Calkins, Jr., Sam-
uel Waldo, Willard J. Chapin, Abram Wiles, Alva Stockwell,
Orlan Griffis, Elizabeth Calkins, Bethena Rawson,
Sparling, Jemima Hollenbeck, Maria Olin, Amanda Edgerly.
Virtue Kelsey, Sarah Phoenix, Martha Bartlett, Tabitha Cal-
l-ins, Selina White, Sally Wiles, Cynthia Sanford, Mercy Cal-
kins, Susan Stilhvell, Catherine Sparling, Sally Hall, Anna
Bowers, Samantha Stockwell, Dorcas Calkins, Abigail Irish, a
total of 33. Upon the reorganization, Willard J. Chapin was
appointed clerk and held the office until his death in 1852.
In 1826, Rev. Richard H. Benedict became pastor, and the
real growth of the church began. During the two years of his
pastorate, 84 members were added to the church. In February,
1828, he was succeeded by Rev. Noah Barrell. In the early part
of his pastorate the subject of Free Masonry caused consider-
able agitation in the church, it being ascertained that several
of the members were also members of the Masonic fraternity.
In order to allay all excitement and satisfy the ones who were
not members of the order, the following renunciation was
drawn up at the convenant meeting on March 1st, 1828, and
signed by the members who had formed a connection with the
Masonic order: ''We, the undersigned members of the Baptist
Church in Perry, having been members of the Masonic institu-
tion, and having some time since voluntarily withdrawn from
the same, do hereby renounce our connection with the Masonic
institution and fraternity, and are determined never to uphold
or support Free Masonry." Signed by John Calkins, Matthew
Burroughs, Samuel F. Phoenix, Willard J. Chapin, Wm. A.
150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Bartlett, Joshua Calkins, Jr., Samuel Waldo, Daniel Calkins
and Thomas Parkinson. A resolution was soon adopted, refus-
ing fellowship to Masons. In July, 1844, this measure was
broadened, and it was voted to have no fellowship with mem-
bers of any secret society. In 1879, after a controversy of over
a year's standing, it was voted not to require further tests as to
society fellow^ship. This action dissatisfied a portion of the
members, who withdrew and formed what became known as
''The Leicester Street Baptist Society of Perry, N. Y."
On September 6th, 1828, the church formed itself into a
Missionary Society, auxiliary to the New York Baptist State
Convention, and voted to contribute for the object of the
convention what would amount to 18% cents for each of its
members. The church has been a missionary body since that
time, contributing according to its ability for the various ob-
jects of benevolence.
Rev. Mr. Barrell closed his labors as pastor of the church
on the 16th of December, 1829. From that time until the
August following, the church was without a pastor, but was
supplied by Revs. Mr. Justin, Freeman and others. At the co-
venant meeting held in August, 1830, the church invited Rev.
Daniel Eldridge to become its pastor. The invitation was ac-
cepted and he entered immediately upon his duties. The church
had just completed its meeting house, the first Baptist meeting
house in the town, erected at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated
at the time Rev. Mr. Eldridge became pastor and added much to
their comfort and convenience. In those days, after the com-
pletion of a house of worship, it was the custom to auction off
the seats or pews to the highest bidders. The purchaser, or his
heirs or assigns, was supposed to be privileged to retain owner-
ship forever. The writer was permitted to examine one of the
deeds given by the Baptist Society to Edmund C. Bills, dated
Jan. 31st, 1831, at which time Mr. Bills purchased seat No. 36
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 151
for the sum of $74. The deed was signed by Rufiis H. Smith,
Willard J. Chapin, E. Lacy, Samuel Phoenix and Samuel
Waldo, who constituted the Board of Trustees of the Society
at that time. In 1849, the church building was enlarged to
double its original capacity, and in 1900 it was moved to the
side and rear of the present church edifice, where it is still used
as a Sunday School room and annex. When the Baptist Society
was first organized, the services were held at the homes of the
members. As the membership grew, the meeting place was
changed to the village school house, which served them as a
place of worship until the church erected in 1830 was com-
pleted.
During the term of Rev. Mr. Eldridge as pastor of the
church a great revival was held and 112 people were added to
the church by baptism. In January, 1833, he was succeeded as
pastor by Rev. Absolom Miner, but owing to ill health, Mr.
Miner served the church only about six months and resigned on
the 24th of August following. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm.
Arthur, father of the late President, Chester A. Arthur, who at
that time was a boy of about four years of age. In the April
following the arrival of Rev. Mr. Arthur, the church purchased
a parsonage on North Main street at a cost of $800. This house
was afterward removed to what is now Elm street, to furnish
the site for the residence of W. T. Olin, and now stands in the
rear of Mr: Olin's home, having undergone some alterations
after its removal to its new site- Having sold the property, the
church society purchased a house and lot on Leicester street for
its parsonage, the place owned by Mrs. J. M. Boughton. This
was used until 1882.
Rev. Mr. Arthur resigned in September, 1837, and was fol-
lowed by Rev. Elon Galusha. It was during the ministry of
Mr. Galusha that the church took positive ground with refer-
ence to American slavery. Her influence had long before been
152
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
exerted in opposition to the great sin, through the early labors
of Samuel Phoenix, the tanner, and afterward by Josiah And-
rews and others; but as tlie iniquity steadily worked its way
into every avenue of the Christian church, the members resolved
that as a Church of Christ, they could not fellowship slave-
holders or their apologists, a position from which the church
never receded.
REV. WALTER R. BROOKS
Afterwards President of Hamilton College
Photo by Crocker
Other pastors who followed Rev. Mr. Galusha were : Daniel
Eldridge, second term, 1841-3 ; J. W. Spoor, 1843-6 ; F. Glan-
ville, 1846-9 ; Walter R. Brooks, 1849-57 ; Chauncey W. Ward-
ener, 1857-9 ; Roswell Cheney, 1859-75 ; Charles Ayer, 1875-77 ;
J. W. Harris, 1877-81 ; B. S. Terry, 1881-83 ; J. W. Duffy, 1884-
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 153
5; G. E. Farr, 1885-87; Y. A. Sage, 1887-89; Joseph Sullivan,
1889-90; M. B. Comfort, 1890-93; J. H. Hollingsworth, 1893-99;
H. A. Pease, 1899-1904; T. G. Eiswald, 1901-08; H. A. Waite,
began in March, 1909.
In 1886 the present parsonage was constriTctecl adjoining
the church, at a cost of $1900, and in 1887 — during the pastor-
ate of V. A. Sage — the pipe organ now in use was purchased
at a cost of $1250. The present church edifice was begun in the
Summer of 1900, during the pastorate of Rev. H. A. Pease. The
corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on Sept.
25th of that year, Rev. John Mason of Batavia delivering the
address of the day. It was completed at a cost of $15,000, and
was dedicated on July 23d, 1901, Rev. C. A. Barbour, D. D., of
Rochester, preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1914 the con-
gregation witnessed the burning of the last mortgage on the
property and is now free from any indebtedness, being in a
flourishing condition. The present membership is about 650;
that of the Sunday School, 375. Mr. George Morse has served
the Sunday School as its superintendent for a consecutive
period of 20 years.
In 1913, expensive repairs were made upon the church edi-
fice, hardwood floors being laid in the auditorium, the walls
were re-decorated and the pipe organ was rebuilt. The expense
of these improvements amounted to about $2,000. The society
is creating a fund for the re-building of the original structure
in the rear, now used as Sunday School rooms.
154
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In 1912, the late Robert Stainton wrote an historical sketch
of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church Society. Having been affil-
iated with the organization for a period of nearly 50 years, he
was able to give an exceedingly interesting and accurate review
of the past achievements of the societj^ Mr. Stainton 's work is
reproduced here, together with such other material as the
writer has been able to secure.
The first Methodist inhabitant of Perry of whom we have
any knowledge was Henry AVallace, who came in June, 1816.
He went on foot to the quarterly meeting of the Caledonia Cir-
cuit held near Batavia, and while there requested that a
preacher be sent to Perry. Complying with this request, Rev.
Robert Minchell was sent and held the first preaching service
the same year in Mr. Wallace's home, which stood on Gardeau
street, just on the edge of the town of Castile.
A class of six members was formed : Henry Wallace,
leader; Sabra Wallace (his wife,) Hannah Wallace (his daugh-
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 155
ter-in-Iaw,) Miles Ehoades and wife, and a Mrs. Dow, who had
located a mile or so farther south about the same time that Mr.
Wallace came. Of this first class, Hannah Wallace died in
1831 ; Henry Wallace in 1840, aged 82 ; and Sabra Wallace in
1844, aged 80. Associated with this first preacher were Rev.
Wm. Jones and Thomas McGee. In February of the next year.
Rev. Wm. Wiles, a local preacher and ordained Deacon, came
to Perry with his two sons and their families, a son-in-law and
two daughters. This was a great addition to the infant society,
as 'Mr. Wiles was a man of means. He owned the greater part
of Main street and the most valuable water power on the outlet.
Thomas Batchelden, an exhorter, settled near Perry about the
same time, and in 1818 Thomas Grisewood came. Mr. Wallace,
upon becoming deaf, was succeeded as class leader by Storey
Wiles, and he by Thomas GriscAvood in 1819.
After the arrival of Rev. Mr. Wiles, the preaching place
was removed to the Wiles home, which stood just south of the
Traver place, about opposite the present Record office. As the
congregation grew, the village school house was used for the
Sunday services. Under the labors of Rev. Benajah Williams,
preacher in charge of the circuit, a great revival occurred in
1818-9 which was probably the first in the toAvn. Among the
converts were Wm. Dolbeer and wife, who proved loyal and
true throughout a long life as residents of Perry.
The society had now increased to 36 members, and they
proceeded to organize according to law, and laid plans for a
church building of their own. This meeting was held on Nov.
25th, 1822, at the home of Wm. Wiles. The following named
were elected as a Board of Trustees : Samuel Gilman, Thomas
Grisewood, Wm. Dolbeer, Samuel Wiles, Thomas Batchelden
and Rev. Wm. Wiles. The new church was erected and ready
for dedication in the spring of 1824, and the presiding Elder —
Rev. Goodwin Stoddard — preached the sermon. The church
156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
stood on the northerly side of Short street, about half way be-
tween La' e and Covington streets, and cost $800. It was the
first M. E. Church within the present county. In 1829, the
Genesee Conference held its sessions in this church, and Bishop
Roberts presided. At this session, action was taken which re-
sulted in the founding of the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at
Lima. In 1831, Perry was made a station. A larger edifice was
needed and was erected in 18c{2. The old building was sold, re-
moved and used for several years by the Universalist Society.
It was subsequently converted into a boarding house for the
accommodation of students of tlie old Perry Academy. The
new elii'.reli was nuicli larger, with ample galleries, and was
built en the Lake street property now owned by T. B. Hasten.
The church faced east, on a road which at that period connect-
ed La e and Covington streets. It cost $4,000, and was dedi-
cated by Sanuiel Luckey, D. D. The Genesee Conference held
its annual session in this church in 1837, Bishop Iledding pre-
siding. The edifice was destroyed by fire in 1838 with a total
loss, as it was uninsured. The society then purchased the re-
maindei' of the lot through to Covington street and built a
session house in which they worshiped until the new church
was completed in 1840. This was erected on the Lake street
end of the lot and was continuously occupied until the comple-
tion of the present beautiful brick and stone church edifice on
the corner of Covington and Short streets.
The pastor in charge during the building of the third edi-
fice was Rev. J. T. Arnold, noted for that line of work. It was
dedicated by Rev. Schuyler Seager, D. D., Principal of Genesee
Wesleyan Seminary. The church cost $3,000, and the session
room $400 additional. In the great fire of 1856, when Main
street, south of Lake street, on the west side, was all destroyed
the steeple caught fire and was completely wrecked, the church
itself being saved only by the most heroic efforts of citizens.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 157
The late Seymour Sanford and Rev. T. B. Catton were the di-
recting minds who saved the church.
A still more fiery trial awaited the church in the Fall of
the same year, when the Genesee Conference held its annual
session, lasting 17 days. A time of trouble and bitter dissen-
sion, the effects of which are not yet entirely obliterated and
forgotten, was the outcome. At this session, Rev. B. T. Roberts
and Joseph McCreary were tried and expelled from the Con-
ference and the M. E. Church. Bishops Janes and Baker were
both present at this Conference and presided, although Bishop
Janes was president by assignment. The Perry church had its
full share of the strife and bitterness of separation and lost
some of its most earnest and trusted members, who later formed
the Free Methodist Church Society of Perry.
The church building was occupied from 1840 to 1883, dur-
ing which period minor improvements were made. In the lat-
ter year the society became dissatisfied with the edifice and de-
cided upon a thorough change and remodeling to conform more
adequately to modern usages. After considerable discussion
it was decided to turn the building half way around, facing
Lake street, elevate it and put a basement beneath, with every-
thing new inside, modern pews and cushions, stained glass
windows, carpets, furnace, etc. The work was begun in the
Summer of 1883 and completed in the Spring of 1884. The
church was re-dedicated on March 11th, 1884, by Chancellor C.
N. Sims of Syracuse University. A new pipe organ was in-
stalled in 1893 at a cost of $800.
At the beginning of the twentieth century a spirit of rest-
lessness and dissatisfaction manifested itself among the mem-
bership, who felt that the church should keep pace with the
onward march of progress, and after two or three years of con-
sideration and agitation, under the pastorate of Rev. F. M.
158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Cole, the present church building was started in the Summer of
1906 and completed in the Fall of 1907 at a total cost of
$39,540.95. It was dedicated on Sept. 1st, 1907, Rev. John
Krantz, D. D., preaching the sermon and conducting the appeal
for financial aid to meet the debt. A splendid pipe organ was
installed in 1909 at an expense of $2,500. This sum was outside
and independent of the church building fund, and was secured
through the quiet and tactful methods of the pastor, Rev. J. Ed-
ward Martin.
The society has owned two parsonages. The first was a
house bought in 1836, which stood on the corner of Leicester
and Hawthorne streets. It was destroyed by fire on April 19th,
1877, during the pastorate of Rev. A. Sutherland. Quite aii
agitation followed as to where the new parsonage should be lo-
cated, and through the generosity of the late Martin P.
Andrews and wife, who pledged $700 each conditional upon its
erection on the triangle at Lake, Leicester and Center streets,
it was built there in 1877.
Regarding the pastors who have had charge of the church
the writer has found it extremely difficult to locate them in
chronological order, but the list is fairly authentic up to 1850.
Since that date they are accurately recorded. While Perry
was a circuit beginning in 1816, the organization under Robert
Minchell held the first preaching service, as before stated. Then
came Wm. Jones, Thomas McGee, Benajah Williams, James
Bronson, Cyrus Storey, John Cosart, Chester V. Adgate, Reeder
Smith and Wilbur Hoag. The others, previous to its being made
a station in 1831, are not definitely known. Since becoming
a station, the following named had charge : John B. Alverson,
Seth Matteson, F. G. Hibbard, D. D.; J. T. Arnold, 1839-41;
John Parker, 1841-3 ; I. H. Kellogg, 1843-5 ; Philo Woodworth,
1845-7 ; DeForest Parsons, 1847-9 ; Charles D. Burlingam, 1849-
51 ; Allen P. Ripley, 1851-53 ; J. B. Wentworth, 1853-4 ; Milo
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
159
Scott, 1854-55 ; H. Ryan Smith, 1855-57 ; W. S. Tuttle, 1857-59 ;
J. B. AYentworth, 1859-61; Sanford Himt, 1861-63; E. A. Rice,
1863-65; J. H. Bayliss, 1865-66; James E. Bills, 1866-7; E. L.
Newman, 1867-70 ; L. A. Stevens, 1870-73 ; J. H. Rogers, 1873-6 ;
Andrew Sutherland, 1876-9 ; John W. Sanborn, 1879-82 ; Henry
Vosburg, 1882-4 ; Henry Clay Woods, 1884-87 ; Carlos G. Lowell,
1887-93 ; John T. Canfield, 1893-95 ; Benjamin Copeland, 1895-
99 ; Sylvester W. Lloyd, 1899-1901 ; Frank M. Cole, 1901-7 ; J.
EdAvard Martin, 1907-12 ; Wm. W. Robinson, 1912.
From an earl}^ period a Sabbath School has been main-
tained Among the first superintendents were Rev. John Stain-
DAVID PAGE STOWELL
Born, June 15, 1818, at Lebanon, N. Y. Died December 28, 1901
ton, Gilbert Mitchell, Prof. M. R. Atkins, A. B. Cooley and
David P. Stowell.
160 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
During the nine years from 1906-15 the society raised the
remarkably large sum of $75,719.51. Of this amount, $45,023.51
represented expenditures for building, interest, pipe organ, etc.,
and the balance for current expenses and benevolences. The
final payment on the church property was made on Jan. 15lh,
1915, at which time the mortgages were burned at a praise ser-
vice, at which Revs. F. M. Cole and J. E. ]\Iartin were present
to rejoice with the pastor and peoph\
The present membership of the church society is about 450.
160 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
During- the nine years from 1906-15 the society raised the
remarkably large sum of $75,719.51. Of this amount, $45,023.51
represented expenditures for building, interest, pipe organ, etc.,
and the balance for current expenses and benevolences. The
final payment on the church property was made on Jan. 15th.
1915, at which time the mortgages were burned at a praise ser-
vice, at which Revs. V. ]\I. Cole and J. E. Martin were present
to rejoice with tlie pastor and people.
The present membership of the church society is about 450.
Upper left, old Catholic Church, upper right, old Piebbyterian Church, center, old. Perry Union School, lower left, old Baptist
Church; lower right, old Methodist Episcopal Church. All are now replaced by new buildings.
— From pictures taken in 1894
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 161
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The early history of the Congregational Church of Perry
Center is also the early histor;^ of the Presbyterian Society of
Perry, as the two organizations were affiliated from the time
of the establishment of the first named up to the year 1834,
with the exception of the period from 1822 to 1831.
On July 22d, 1822, five of the members of the Congrega-
tional Church withdrew and established a Presbyterian Sociery
in the village. Rev. Samuel T. Mills of Moscow and Rev. Nor-
ris Bull of Geneseo were present at the organization. This
first society did not make much progress, never numbered more
than 27, and while they had occasional preaching, they did not
have a settled pastor. On August 30th, 1831, the little society
disbanded and its members returned to the mother church
shortly after the erection of the Congregational house of wor-
ship.
162 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Rev. Samuel Gridley, pastor of tlie Perry Center churen,
was active in the second church organization, which consisted
of 23 members, and which was organized on Sept. 13th, 1834,
witli the following named as trustees: Merrick Hough, Dr. Otis
Iliggins, James K. Webster, Ilarvey Iloman, Ednumd Birdsall,
and Orris Gardner. The congregation used the little building
on Covington street, now occupied as a second-hand store, as a
place of worship. A reorganization took place at a meeting hehl
on the 14th of July, 1835, when the present Presbyterian Society
was constituted by the Presbytery of Genesee. Messrs. Orris
Gardner, Ebenezer Iliggins and Joseph E. Lambright Avere
elected Ruling Elders, and Dr. Otis Iliggins and Ednumd Birds-
all were chosen Deacons.
Rev. Sanniel Gridley sui)plied tlie congregation with
preaching during the first two years. In 1837 he was succeeded
by Rev. Selden Ilaynes, who served as supply for 18 months,
during which time it was decided to erect a new house of wor-
ship. On Jan 1st, 1839, the building was comi)leted and dedi-
cated with appropriate ceremonies. Revs. Erastus Gillett of Ba-
tavia, Joseph Ladd and W. Stratton assisting Rev. Mr. Haynes
in the dedicatory services. The brick used in the construction
of the building was manufactured at West Perry. Temporary
repairs were made on the edifice from time to time. In 185"2
a chapel was added at a cost of $1,300. During the same year,
Mr. E. P. Clark, a local hardware dealer, presented the society
with the bell which is now in use. In 1856 the pulpit was
remodeled and re-decorated through the generosity of Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Durkee. Repairs were made in 1860 at an expend-
iture of about $700. In 1875, extensive improvements were
made through a building co^nmittee composed of German B.
Olin, Henry N. Page, R. T. Tuttle and Mrs. C. A. Cleveland.
The auditorium was enlarged by removing the gallery in front
and enclosing the porch. The windows were narrowed and re-
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
163
l)laced with stained glass ; the walls were frescoed, the audience
room was re-seated, and the present pipe organ was purchased
at that time. The expense incurred by these improvements
amounted to about $6,700. The church was re-dedicated on Dec.
28th, 1875, Rev. Joseph R. Page, a former pastor of the society,
pi-uaching a sermon on "The Influences of the Sanctuary.'^
REV. JOSEPH R. PAGE
Photograph by Crocker.
Rev. Joseph R. Page, D. D., began his ministry with the
church in February 1840, and continued until October, 1841,
when he returned to Auburn Theological Seminary to complete
his studies. Dr. Page came back to Perry and was installed as
pastor on Oct. 4th, 1843, and continued until December, 1856,
when he became pastor of the Congregational Church at Strat-
REV. CASSILS H, DIBBLE
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 165
ford, Conn. Three years later he was recalled to this church
and continued to preach here until the close of 1867. During
the absences of Dr. Page, already referred to, Rev. J. W. Ray,
Rev. Mr. Tileston and Rev. Mr. Pattengill supplied the church.
In 1868, Dr. Page was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Hazeltine, who
served as stated supply for a period of about two years. On
Oct. 27th, 1870, Rev. H. B. Gardner became pastor and con-
tinued his ministry for two years. Rev. Cassius H. Dibble be-
gan his labors in this church in December, 1872, as stated
supply, and was installed on Sept. 26th, 1876, as its regular
pastor. During the continuous period from 1872 to 1902, a
span of 30 years, he was the faithful spiritual guide and be-
loved pastor of the congregation, being prominently identified
with every movement for civic betterment and maintaining
cordial and harmonious relations with the clergy and people
of other denominations. During his term as pastor there were
nearly 500 accessions to the church membership, of Avhom about
150 are still identified with the society. Upon Mr. Dibble's
retirement from active ministry the congregation voted to him
a life lease of the old manse which had been his home for many
years, and erected a new manse at a cost of about $5,000 for
the use of succeeding pastors.
Rev. Joseph Addison Jones, who was a student at Auburn
Theological Seminary, became pastor in 1903, leaving in No-
vember, 1905, to become pastor of the Madison Avenue Reform-
ed Church in Albany, which he continues to ably serve at the
present time. The present pastor. Rev. Wm. V. TeWinkel,
came to Perry on March 1st, 1906, and has been the faithful
pastor of the church since that time.
The project of erecting a new house of worship was pre-
sented to the congregation by the pastor at the request of the
church officials, in a sermon delivered on Sept. 13th, 1908, a
date that marked the 74th anniversary of the organization of
166 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
"The Bi'ick Cliurch Society." Ten days later a congregational
meeting was held to considiM* the matter, and committees- were
a{)pointed to canvass the members. At anotlier meeting held
in February, 1909, the report showed such a gratifying re-
sponse that it was (h^cided to proceed with the erection of a new
church without uiniecessary delay. In due time the prepara-
tions for building were completed and the last services held in
the old edifice occurred on .luly ISth, 1909. The corner stone
of the new building was laid on Sunday, Nov. 14th, of that
year. For two years the eongi-egation Avorshiped pleasantly
and harmoniously with the First Baptist Society until Sept. 3d,
1911, when the new church was ready for occupancy. The
dedication, which had been deferred until all indebtedness up-
on tlie building had been provided for, took place on Sunday,
Oct. 11th, 1914. The dedication sei-mon Avas delivered by Rev.
C. H. Dibble, Pastor Emeritus, from the text "Receivers of the
Fullness of Christ." Rev. W. V. TeWinkel, the pastor, gave
the prayer of consecration. The cost of the building Avas about
$43,000.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
167
FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
RWUNIVERSALIST ^^m^^^^,"^
peuu"^:
• Pastoi^
Many of the early settlers of Perry, including the families
of Josiah Williams, Amos Otis, Dan Dickerson and the At-
woods, were followers of the Universalist faith, and services
were frequently held at tht hemes of these pioneers, although
it appears that no effort was men made to establish a society.
As the town grew, many of the new comers were found to be
of the Universalist denomination, and at a meeting called on
Oct. 8th, 1831, a constitution and profession of faith were adopt-
ed, to which the following named subscribed as constituent
members : Dan Dickerson, Titus Howe, Robert Mattison, Hiram
Austin, Arvin Olin, Talmon T. Carver, Moses Wooley, Eliakim
Botsford, Noah Bacon, Josiah Williams, J. H. Bolton, Amos
Otis, John Griffith, Isaiah T. Gore, Jonas Wood, William Tripp,
Homer Bingham, Nathan Chichester, Oliver Goodspeed, Samuel
Marsh, Joseph Wilson, James Calkins, Jacob Ashdiu, Rodney
Atwood, Stephen B. Ta)3or, Mary Collins, Nancy Wood, Ann
168 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Dickersoii, Betsey Ayers, Betsey Olin, Dolly Botsford, Densa
Biirnhaiii, Margaret Bacon, Lovina Otis, Deborah Waterman,
Mary Patcliin, Sally Tripp, Polly Bingham, Laura Goodspeed,
Harriet Collins, and Lucy Ann Collins.
J. H. Bolton, Josiah Williams and Dan Dickerson were
elected trustees at this meeting. The regular church organiza-
tion was effected on the 18th of June, 1843.
Up to the year 1833, the society had no regular place in
which to hold their meetings, services being held at the homes
of the parishioners. During that year, however, it was voted
to purchase the old Methodist Church, and the trustees were ac-
cordingly instructed. This was used as a house of worship
until the erection of the present building. It was then sold and
converted into a dwelling house and wa^ subsequently destroy-
ed by fire. The present church edifice was completed in the
Summer of 1852 at a cost of approximately $4,000 and was
dedicated on Feb. 9th, of the following year, Rev. A. Skinner of
Utica preaching the dedicatory sermon. Extensive repairs
were made on the building in 1886, and it was rededicated on
April 7th of that year. Rev. W. E. Gibbs delivering the address
of the day. The pipe organ was installed a number of years
ago at a cost of $800.
The church records do not give the names of the pastors
previous to the church organization. The following named are
known, however, to have preached before that time : Sampson
Skeele, W. T. Reese, Alfred Peck, Moreton, John Flagler,
Benjamin Luther, L. L. Saddler, T. P. Abell, Seth Barnes, Jacob
Chase, Orrin Roberts, Alanson Kelsey, B. G. Bennett. The pas-
tors since the organization was effected were : Daniel Ackley,
Stephen Miles, J. S. Brown, Eben Francis, A. B. Grosh, D. C.
Tomlinson ; Stephen Crane, 1866-73 ; W. B. Randolph, 1873-77 ;
George Adams, 1877-78; W. Sisson, 1878-80; John Clarence
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 169
Lee, 1880-83 ; John F. Gates, 1883-86 ; J. E. June, 1886-89 ; S. A.
Whitcomb, 1889-90 ; J. F. Gates, 1890-91 ; H. C. Munson, 1891-
92; Asa Coimtryman, 1892-94; Charles Palmatier, 1894-1903;
John Evans, 1903- '06; Clara E. Morgan came April 1st, 1906.
A lot on Center street was given to the society by the late
Geo. Tomlinson, and in 1888 the present parsonage was built,
Rev. J. E. June being the first to occupy it.
During the '70 's, and in some of the years before and after,
the annual harvest festival of the Universalist society was the
social event of the season and always was looked for with pleas-
urable anticipation. A bountiful supper was an important
feature, together with a dramatic performance, followed by
games and dancing, making an evening of particular pleasure
for the young folks. In those days, dancing was frowned upon
if not forbidden by a number of church organizations, and the
occasion was one of the few opportunities afforded to enjoy the
pastime under proper surroundings.
170
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
ST. JOSEPH'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Rev. Thomas McEvoy Avas the first priest to visit the
few Catholics living in Perry. He came in the year 1848 to the
liome of Dennis Kennedy on Watrous street, and there cele-
brated mass for the first time in the history of the town. After-
wards, mass was celebrated at irregular intervals by Fatherji^
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 171
Lawtoii, Ryan and McEvoy in the homes of James McKrink,
John Whalen, James O'Connor and Mr. Kennedy. Other early
Catholic families were those of Bernard Smith, James Malono
and Thomas Farrell.
About the year 1859, a few Catholics of the town pnrchavS-
ed a building on Covington street, which had been used as a
private school and for the session room of the Presbyterian
society, from E. P. Clark for $300. This served them as a meet-
ing place until 1873, when it was abandoned for the building
erected in that year and dedicated on June 17th, under the
direction of Rev. John Fitzpatrick. The building cost approxi-
mately $5,000.
The society was conducted as a Mission until 1879, and was
attended by Fathers McConnell, Purcell, McGuiness, Gregg,
Cook, FitzPatrick and O'Duyer. In March, 1879, Perry and
Silver Springs (then called East Gainesville) were formed into
an 'independent parish with the Rev. Peter Berkery as resi-
dent pastor. There was no parochial residence for him, and
he boarded v/ith members of the congregation until the
i-ectory was built. Father Berkery was succeeded in April,
1882, by Father Herrick, who remained until January, 1884,
when he was succeeded by Rev. Francis Sullivan, who built the
present attractive rectory and for 13 years labored successfully
among the people. Upon his promotion to Albion, N. Y., Rev.
Wm. T. Wilber was appointed to take charge, and was pastor
from 1897 to 1904. On June 4th, 1904, the Rt. Rev. Chas. H.
Colton, Bishop of Buffalo, appointed Rev. Thomas J. Caraher
pastor at Perry and instructed him to build a needed new
church. Some things had to be done before the work could be
begun, viz : The renovation of the old property, and the re-
moval of the old church with vestry and barn to other locations
to make room on the Leicester street site for the new edifice.
The old church was removed to a site north of the rectory and
172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
refitted for use as an aniusenieiit and dining hall.
During the Fall of the year 1905, after the Bishop had per-
sonally inspected the grounds and given instructions as to the
lequirenients, the excavation work was begun for the new
church, and during the month of October the foundation was
built, but on account of tlu^ unfavorable weather which set in,
work was discontimu'd for the winter. It was resumed in the
following spring, and on Oct. 14th, 1906, the corner-stone was
laid by. Bishop Colton, assisted by Rev. Thomas Walsh and
many priests of the Diocese. Father McKenna, O. P., of New
York City, preached the sermon on that occasion. The building
was comi)leted in November, 1908, and has been occupied since
Dec. 6th of that year.
On Sunday, Aug. 1st, 1909, it was dedicated by Bishop Col-
ton, assisted by Rev. Dean Vandepoel of LeRoy, Rev. Francis
Sullivan of Albion, Rev. J. McGrath, Rev. Charles Duffy, D. D.,
Rev. M. J. Kean, and Rev. Thomas Walsh, D. D., D. C. L. of
Buffalo. Rev. John H. O'Rourke, S. J., of New York City, de-
livered the sermon of the day. The church is a beautiful mar-
ble edifice and cost approximatel}^ $50,000, including furnish-
ings. It commands the admiration of all who see it and their
wonderment how it could have been constructed for the sum ex-
pended. It is a lasting and substantial memorial of the care,
foresight and executive ability of Father Caraher, who gave
his personal attention to every detail and secured complete re-
turn for every dollar expended.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY ^ 173
HOLY APOSTLES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Episcopal services were held in Perry in Prof. Allen's pri-
vate school rooms as early as 1845. At this time the Rt. Eev.
Bishop DeLancey acted as supply. About the year 1875, the
small body of Episcopalians living in Perry held services in the
little chapel that stood upon a site on Main street, now the en-
trance to Borden avenue. Revs. Sweetland and Battin were the
only regular pastors of whom the writer has any information.
Services Avere finally abandoned in this little church, and
the few adherents of the faith affiliated Avith other religious
bodies of the town. The avails of the sale of the church prop-
erty formed a nucleus for a larger fund, and as the town rapidly
increased in poulation, it was found that a considerable number
of the new comers were Episcopalians, who were desirous of
seeing a church of that denomination in the place. This fact
gave courage to the old members and their interest was re-
newed. About the year 1897, weekly meetings were held by the
Episcopalians in the Universalist Church, and earnest efforts
were made to realize their ambition to have a church of their
own. The fund for the purpose grew, and in 1899 the present
edifice was constructed at a cost of $3500, the corner stone be-
ing laid by Bishop Walker of the Diocese of Western New
York.
During the period since the building of the church there
have been seven rectors appointed, viz: W. A. Atkinson, who
was the first, labored here for two and one-half years, the
others in order being as follows : Revs. Stoddard, Willey, Har-
vey, Murch, and the present rector, Percy Isherwood. Mr. F.
E. Eustace supplied vacancies as lay reader. The present mem-
bership comprises about 60 families.
174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
FREE METHODIST CHURCH
Tln' first int-t^tintxs of tliis society Avcre 1k4(1 in Smith's Hall,
iocattnl on tlu' corner of ]\Iain and Lake streets, in the thir<;l
story of the brick block ei'ected by Rufus II. Smith. The or-
•icinization as a clnni-li society was established at a meeting
held on Nov. 5th, 1860, witli tlie following named persons as
members in fidl connection: John GriseAvood, Hannah Grise-
wood, Jonatlian Ilandley, ]\Iary Ilandley, .James R. Johnson,
l\lioda ^I. Johnson, ^lark Johnson, \Vm. Rndd, Sarah Rndd,
Thomas B. Catton, Sarah II. Catton, James Purdy, Sarah
Pui'dy, Wright Mason, ]\Iary Clark Sanford, Hannah Sanford,
Lydia Grisewood, Ann Smitli, Elizabeth Hare. The following
Summer they erected a church building on a lot presented to
them by Anson D. Smith, on the corner of Main and Gardeau
streets. This church was dedicated on July 20th, 1861, by Revs.
Asa Abell and Loren Stiles. The parsonage was built on Gar-
deau street, adjoining the church. In the Fall of 1862, a class
of 25 from Burke Hill united with the Free IMethodists and the
organization was then known as "The Perry and Burke Hill
Circuit." A Sunday School was organized with Thomas B.
Catton as its first superintendent Only one of the charter
members is now living — ]\Ir. Wm. Rudd, who is still active in
the work of the church.
In May, 1915, the society purchased of E. J. Soper, his
new residence property and vacant lot on Church street. The
i-t'sidence will be used as a parsonage, and it is the intention of
the society to erect a new church building in the near future.
The pastors who have served the church are : A. A. Phelps,
Wm. ^Manning, Asa Abell, G. W. Humphrey, George Slack, C.
Hudson, S. H. Lowe, J. W. Reddy, Henry Hornsby, T. J. Ewell,
:\I. C. Burritt, George W. Marcellus, G. AV. Coleman, C. B. Essex,
J. A. Green, D. S. Warner, W. C. Chamberlain, C. W. Bacon,
THOMAS B. CATTON
176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
D. G. Mark, J. Robinson, J. H. Wheeler, J. H. Harmon, W. T.
Wees, L. Barmore, R. Carne, L. A. Sowthworth, M. A. Parker,
H. J. Wood.
LEICESTER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
During the Summer of 1879, owing to a controversy of over
a year's duration, concerning secret societies, a portion of the
congregation of the First Baptist Church withdrew from that
organization and formed wliat later became knoAvn as ''Th'.r
Leicester Street Baptist Society of Perry." For a period or
about three years they held their regular church services in the
Academy building. Rev. Jesse Ellicott preached to the con-
gregati m until his death in March, 1880, when Rev. J. D.
Tucker was engaged as pastor.
A council of the Genesee Baptist Association was called
and convened at Perry on Feb. 15th, 1881, at which time argu-
ments were heard for and against the recognition of the organi-
zation as an independent church. Not being able to agree upon
the subject, an adjournment was taken until Nov. 15th, at
which time the organization succeeded in obtaining the desired
recognition.
The society purchased a lot on Leicester street and the
erection of a church edifice was begun in the Summer of 1881.
On Jan. 26, 1882,, it was formally dedicated by Rev. H. D.
Ewell. The cost of the building was $4,300.
Regular services were held in this church until February,
1909, when the organization disbanded and the members re-
united with the mother church, under the name of the "Baptist
Church of Perry."
Other pastors of the church were : Revs. Brown, D. C. Her-
rell, and James Blanden.
About the year 1909, the church property was sold to the
late W. P. Andrus, who converted the building into an apartr
ment house.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 177
ST. STANISLAUS CHURCH
The growth of Perry's largest knitting industry from a
working force of 100 or more to over one thousand created a
labor problem that induced many Polish people to come here
and seek employment in the mills. When the number reached
about 300, a Catholic priest of their own nationality was se-
cured in the person of Rev. Joseph Rudzinski, and the parish
of "St. Stanislaus Kosta" was instituted on Nov. 14, 1910, by
Bishop Colton. At that time the congregation numbered over
300, representing over 40 families. The congregation now num-
bers nearly one thousand and the society has a church building,
a rectory and other property, including a cemetery, totaling in
value about $10,000.
Father Rudzinski is a loyal citizen of his adopted country
and has done much for the uplift of his people, encouraging
them in learning American customs and inspiring in them a.
devotion to American ideals.
CHAPTER X
Excitement Over Discoveries of Gold in California Perry Men Were
Among Those Who Were Lured by the Fortunes Quickly
Made.
In the late '40 \s, gold discoveries in California created
great excitement and drew many people to the Pacific Coast
in search of their fortnne. A large nnmber of men went alone
while many others took their families across the country in
"prairie schooners" and braved the perils that beset them
iit-arly all of the way west of the ^Missouri River.
From Kidpath's history of the United States we quote: "A
few (lays after the signing of the treaty of peace with Mexico,
i\n event occurred iu California which spj-ead excitement tlirough
the civilized world. A laborer, employed by Captain Sutter, to
cut a mill race on the American fork of the Sacranu^nto River,
discovered some pieces of gold in the sand in which he was dig-
ging. With further search, other particles wt^re found. Tlie news
.'.plead as if borne on tlie wind. Fi'omi all cpiarters, adventurers
came flocking. Other explorations led to further revelations
of the precious nu'tal. For a while there seemed to be no end
to the discoveries. Straggling gold hunters sometimes picked
up in a few hours the value of .t500. The intelligence went fly-
ing through the states to the Atlantic, and then the ends of
the world. ]\len thousands of miles away were crazed witii
excitenuMit. Workshops were shut up, business houses aband-
oned, fertile farms left tenantless, oifices deserted. Though the
overland routes to California were scarcely yet discovered,
thousands of our eager adventurers started on the long, long
journey."
The "gold fever" manifested itself in Perry and infected
Riley Senter, Charles H. Erickson, Samuel P. Pierce and Mark
A. Pierce, who left here on May 11th, 1849, and started for Cali-
fornia bv the "overland route." At Council Bluffs, la., they
MARK A. PIERCE
180 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
iiK't otlicis wlio wvi'v ])()iiii(l for tlic "GoUlt'ii State," and at tliat
place till' *'Avaj!:oM train" was t'oriucd. Tlu* lon^ journey across
the plains was he^un alxiut .lune 1st, 1S49, and after several \in-
expeeted delays, tlu' party reaelied Salt Lake City in November.
It was deemed inadvisable to take tlie slioi'test route from Salt
Lake to California on aeeount of the heavy snows in the SieriM
Nevada Mountains, hence they left S;i!t Lake City in December,
takin*r a 1 1 ;iil iininin«: a sout hei-|y coui'se.
At Laianiie, \Vyoluin«,^ before r*eaeliin^' Salt Lake City, the
pait\' was oblijred to stop for a time and make repairs to their
wairons and outfit. In ;i htter \\i-itteii from Laramie on Au^.
*J.")th, 1S4}), Riley Senter told of some of their experiences. It
was pul)lished in the P»*i-ry Demoei-at. fi-om wliich we make the
followintr excerpts :
*'The land about liere is far fi'om bein«r fit to cultivate.
There is an imnu'iise i'e»ri<ni of c(uinti'y 'net ween the States and
the Kocky ^Mountains that is fit only for butl'alo and other wild
aninuils to ran^e \ij)on. From where we crossed the ^lissouri
it continues to grow more barren as we journey westward. The
country is almost entirely destitute of tii)d)er. There is gener-
ally some along the river and creek banks, just a few scattering
tiees. Great quantities of material have been thrown out here.
On all of the abandoned camping i)laces are to be found boxes,
barrels, trunks, a great quantity of iron in all shapes — wagon
tires, horse shoes, blacksmith tools, etc. Wagons have been
burned with their provisions by some, because they could not
get any otters for the proi)erty. The North American Fur Com-
pany have a station here to trade with the Indians, and I can
readily see how large profits are made. These traders pay a
mere trifle for buffalo robes. A cup of coffee and one of flour
is about the usual jn-ice. I was told that one cup of molasses
is sufficient to purchase a buffalo robe. Moccasins are bought
for a few cents. The buffalo is the only dependence of the In-
dians ; for hats they cut the hair from the hides and seW' it. Tiie
Indians are looking with a great deal of anxiety upon the emi-
gration of the whites through their territory, fearing that all
"THE FORTY-NINERS" 181
of tbfc buffalo Avill be killed and that tbey will have to starve.
Officials at the forts endeavor to pacify the Indians by tellin;,^
tlieui tliat the United States will supply them with food whe.n
the proper time arrives. Indians are experts in shooting the
buffalo, and I have frequently been told that they can drive an
arrow through an animal. I really believe it from the appear-
ance of their arrows, which are pointed with a sharp iron,
shaped something like the old flint arrow heads found in Wyo-
ming County. From the time we started until w^ithin ten miles
of Laramie we did not see an Indian, and then discovered about
25 lodges on the opposite side of the river. Although having
frequently been told to be very cautious about going into dan-
ger, some half a dozen of us started immediately for their
cam J). Before getting over the river we saw them go for their
horses and rush across between us and the wagon train, w^hicli
was moving on. We hardly knew what to nuike of their move-
ment, but thinking it best to start directly for them, we did so
and found that their great anxiety was to get to our train for
the purpose of trading and getting presents. They had plenty
of ponies, some buff'alo robes and moccasins, and Avere anxious
to trade their ponies for our horses. Anything that an Indian
takes a fancy to will buy one of their best ponies. An old
military coat will buy a pony at any time, such as the traders
ask from $75 to $100 for. These Indians are the Sioux. They
have suffered terribly from the cholera, wdiich began its rav-
ages among them last spring, but now has nearly ceased. They
do not bury their dead, but hang the bodies up, either in trees
or upon long poles, believing that if buried the dead one could
not see. In following one creek, some of us found several
bodies in trees; one was that of a child carefully placed on a
network of sticks woven together. Bj^ its side lay a pretty red
blanket folded up along with several deer and elk skins of the
softest kind, together Avith several small trinkets. * =* * We
intend to start tomorrow by the river route. There is no doubt
that gold is there or near there in abundance; so we are told
by the Mormons on the road, and if there is as nnich as is said
to be we shall go in for a share. I hope to send some of the dust
home by next spring. I like the company I am with; they are
a set of men who know how and are ready to work ; some me-
chanics, others farmers when at home. My health is excellent
and 1 have never regretted starting from Perry."
182 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Charles Erickson died on the trip, particulars of his death
being written to the home folks by Mark Pierce in a letter from
which we make the following excerpts:
"Our course al'tiT wt- left Salt Lake City lay through a
dreary and desolate region inhabited only by Indians who sub-
sist mostly by robbery. We followed the route marked on the
map as 'Fremont's trail of 1844.' Before we crossed the divid-
ing ridge of the Great Basin we encountered severe weather;
the mercury registered 22 degrees below zero and the snow was
nearly two feet in depth. Although we were much exposed to the
inclement weather, we endured it better than one would expect.
After erossing the dividing ridge and traveling down the Santa
Chira Kiver a day or two, we emergetl into spring-like elimate
wliieli continued until we reached our destination. We had
occasion to stoj) during the first few days of .lanuary on a snuill
sti'eam called 'Mudd.w' wliieh is tlie only watercourse between
the 'KioX'irgin' and "\'egas, ' in order to recruit our cattle. A
desert 60 miles in length lies between tin- Muddy and Vegas, and
it is destitute of water nearly the wholcseason. Afterleaving the
Mudily we i)ushed our way along as fast as possible and camped
near a patch of grass, which was only enough to meet the needs
foi* one night. Charles complained of illness and we gave him
a simple remedy, which soon quieted his pain and he fell asbM*]).
Early the next moi*ning we were under way and had the good
fortune to find some grass and water in the afternoon. Charles
1 ode all day upon a bed nuide in th(^ wagon. At night he was ap-
parently better, but the dampness of the wagon cover from the
frequent showers of the day was not conducive to his comfort.
On Sunday, Jan. 4th (1850) we arrived at the 'Vegas' (a fer-
tile spot in the desert,) pitched our tent and collected a quan-
tity of dry canes to spread upon the ground. We immediately
made a bed for Charles and covered him snugly. He was suf-
fering from a severe form of erysipelas and we gave him reme-
dies that we hoped would ease his pain and quiet his nerves. On
iMonday morning he was somewhat better and when the sun
rose he wrapped himself in his blanket and walked about con-
s-iderably. A physician connected with our train gave him
some remedies which alleviated his suffering and the next day
he appeared better, but early in the evening he became sud-
"THE FORTY-NINERS" 183
deuly worse and Ave became much alarmed about him. We call-
ed another physician, who was connected with Pomeroy's train,
encamped nearby, to counsel Avith ours. I was pained to hear
their decision that his symptoms were very unfavorable. They
did all in their poAver to allcA^iate his trouble, but he became
partly deranged and continued in that state until a fcAv mom-
ents before he died at 5 o'clock in the morning of Jan. 9th,
1850."
The partA^ entered the Mountain MeadoAv pass and reached
the old Santa Fe and California trail 200 miles south of Salt
Lake City. Progress along the trail was sIoav, San Bernardino
Mission in Southern California being reached on Jan. 30th, and
SanFrancisco about Feb. 15th. At SanFrancisco they met four
other men from Perry Avho had gone by the Isthmus of Panama
route, viz : Lee Higgins, HarA'ey Nobles, Alonzo Bobbins and
Frimate Jenks, a brother of the late Joshua Jenks. From them
they receiA'ed the first ncAvs from home since their departure.
Charles H. Homan and the late David Andrus Avere other
Perry men Avho were numbered among the '49 'ers, but none of
them succeeded in making their fortune in the Golden State.
Their experiences, however, were among the most exciting and
interesting of their lives.
CHAPTER XI
The Silver Lake Sea Serpent, a Cleverly Conceived Hoax That Was
Successfully Employed for Some Time and Brought Silver
Lake Into Prominence.
Tn 1855, the villages of l\*n-y and Castile wciv fearfully
excited over the reported diseovei'v of a wonderful and hideous
monster that had been discovered in the li({uid depths of beau-
tiful vSilver Lake. In time tiiis excitement t'Xteiided all over
the State, and e\« ntually to many pai'ts of the eiitii'e United
States. Peoi)le came on foot, by carriage, on horseback, and, in
fact, by any means of locomotion o])tainal)le, to see if even a
glimpse of the monster could be obtained, and the hotels found
that they had "struck a bonanza." The Perry [)aper, edited
by Truuuui S. Gillett. made hay wliile the sun shone and issued
extras illustrated with cuts of the lake and the monster suppos-
ed to live in its depths, and these papers had a large sale.
Di-. Sheldon lliggins, who was the proprietor of the Perry
Drug Store, and who was also an ad;'i)t in the engravers' art,
furnished the cuts for the paper.
Old wood engraving made to illustrate the Sea Serpent.
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 185
An old whaleman by the name oi! Daniel Smith was im-
ported, bringing his boat, harpoon and lances, and proved to be
quite an object of curiosity to the people who congregated at
the lake.
The M-riter is indebted to the Wyoming Times and an article
published at the Castilian office in 1880 by Gaines & Terry for
our narrative, and Avill begin the strange tale with the follow-
ing article from the Times, dated Perry, July 18th, 1855 :
APPEARANCE OF A SEA SERPENT IN SILVER LAKE
The Testimony of Five Credible Witnesses— Great Excitement,
Narrow Escapes, Etc.
"The beauties of Silver Lake, half a mile from this village
have been recorded in prose and verse time and again. It is a
splendid sheet of water, about four miles long and from one-
half to three-quarters of a mile wide. Its outlet, after coursing
through a deep gorge, flows into the Genesee River. It con-
tains sites for 16 or 18 milling privileges, about half of which
are improved. The lake is a great resort for fishing parties,
muscallonge, pickerel and bass being caught here with live bait
during the summer, and speared through the ice during the
winter. Catfish or bullheads are as thick as grasshoppers in a
wheat field It is the resort of pleasure parties from the
village and abroad, and seldom has anything occurred by which
the fair fame of Silver Lake has been tarnished; nor has it
acquired any other than an honest reputation as being one of
the most beautiful, safe and desirable places of resort in the
State, either for fishing or — in its season — hunting. But to our
story:
''Friday evening last, as a party of which we formed one
was disembarking from a trip up the lake, with a hundred
I)Ounds or less of dressed catfish, Messrs. Charles Hall, Joseph
R. McKnight, Charles and Alonzo Scribner, accompanied by
tA\o boys named George Hall and John Scribner, were just
leaving the landing on an evening's fishing excursion. The
story of their voyage and its incident is theirs as related to us
186 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
in all siiRH'rity, and we ^'iw it witli tbo I'tMiiark that tlie party
liad no ]i([U(t!* in tlu'ir boat, nor was tlicrc' any in or abont the
party.
''They left tlie lan(lin«^ near ^Ir. Howe's pump faetoi-y
a])out 7 {». m. on Friday, and rowed \ip the narrows of tlie out-
let, ANhere two of the party ^ot out and di-a«:r^^'d the ])oat
through. As tlie ehannel l)eeanie wider they took seats
in the boat and rowed steadily up ihe lake. They anchored
in about the center, near tlie noilheast end. and began fisli-
injx. 'riie evening- was nnt dai'k ; ])oth shoi-es were in view,
and the stars and clouds appeared altei-nately. About 9
o'clock, as the entire party were fislnng, McKnifjht — who ^at
in the stei'ii of the boat — called attention to what had the sem-
blance, thou^ih much lai-<rcr, of a \c,i\^ tree Irimnu'd olf, lying
on the surface of the water, noi'th of their boat and a dozen yards
off. All looked at it, and various suggestions were mad<' re-
garding it. It api»eai"<'d to be SO or 100 feet long. However,
the j)arty continued I'ishing. The thing they saw, be it ti-ee, log,
or whatnot, remained in the same position for twenty minutes
or half an hour. At about 9 iIJO it had disai)peai'ed, when or
how the jniity had not observed. In about ten nnnutes ^Ic-
Knight called attention to the same object between the boat
they occupied and the old sailboat 'Frolic,' which lies aground,
disabled on the east shore. The center of the log, tree, or Avhat-
ever it was, was in a direct line from the stern of the boat and
not more than four rods away. After watching it a few min-
ut«^s. ]\lcKnight, Avho was nearest it, exclaimed: 'Boys, that
thing is moving!' All looked at it, but having concluded that
it was a log, when first seen, continued pulling up the catfish.
A few minutes more passed, and Hall noticing that it had and
Avas changing its position, exclaimed : 'See, it is bowing around !'
And true enough, so it was. All looked and saw the same
movement. Its head — it could no longer be called a log — was
now Avithin three rods of the boat, and, as it approached, the
Avaves parted on either side as if a boat Avere leisurely ap-
proaching.
''Scribner, in an attempt to cut the rope attached to the
anchor and boat, lost his knife and pulled up the anchor. Hall
grasped th^ oars and began pulling A'igorously for the Avest
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 187
shore, MeKiiight steering the boat, Scribner took seat with
Hall and assisted in rowing. All this was the Avork of an in-
stant, and their ni^'sterions and unv/elcome guest disappeared
while it was going forward, to the great joy of the party. But
tliey were not clear of their visitor. The boat had not been
propelled more than forty rods when the strange visitor was
again visible on the surface for the third time, to the northeast
of them, and between the boat and the outlet. This time the
visitor was within one rod of the boat, and the party were mak-
ing rapid progress toAvard the inlet. All in the boat saw the
creature. It again disa])peai'ed.
"For the fourth time, when the party was within 35 or 40
reds from their proposed and now nearest landing point, the
couth side of the inlet, the Serpent — for uoav there was no mis-
taking its character — darted from the water, about 4 feet from
the stern of the boat, close by the rudder paddle, the head and
forward parts of the monster rising above the surface of the
Avater 8 or 12 feet in an oblique direction from the boat. All
in the boat had a fair view of the creature and concur in repre-
r.enting it as a most horrid and repulsive looking monster. Mc-
Knight has no doubt that the portion of the body above the
water was as large in circumference as a flour barrel, while
Hall — one of the oarsmen — thinks that it was the size of a but-
ter firkin in circumference. Both agree as to the length ex-
posed to view. On the opposite side of the boat, about a rod
and a half to the northeast, the other extremity of the serpent
was in full view, lashing the Avater AAuth its tail. When the for-
Avard part descended upon the Avater it created Avaves that
nearly capsized the boat and suspended regular operations at
the oars.
"The party reached shore in safety, but frightened most
out of their senses. They left the boat on the side of the lake
farthest from home, and footed it home, some tAvo miles, rather
than venture doAA-n the outlet, not more than half a mile in
length. It is almost needless to say that they slept little that
night or the next. We will add, for the benefit of the incredu-
lous, that these men are persons of character ; they Avould be
belicA^ed in this community in any ordinary matter betAveen man
and man. We admit that it is a large story, but it is about a
188 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
lar^'c si'i-ix'iit. He Avould be a monster at liall" the size. But
here is tlie af^'idavit of two of the party:"
Josepli 1\. McKni«:ht and Charles Hall, both beiiif]: duly
swoni, say tliat tlu-y have heard and read the article j)ublished
in the Wyoming Tinu's in relation to the serpent in Silver
Lake, and that the statements there made ai'c true of their
own knowledge.
Signed, Joseph R. ^NleKnight,
Charles Hall
Subscribed and sworn to this 16th day of duly, 1855, be-
fore me. Enos W. Frost,
Justice of the Peace
The publication of the pi-eeeding aiiicle set the ball in
motion. The excitement ran high and was intensified the next
Aveek by the issue of the Times, wldeli contained the following
article under date of July 25th :
"Last week we gave as full and graphic an account of the
monster seen in Silver Lake by Charles Ilall and Joseph ]\Ic-
Kiught as we were able to procure. We now present to our
readers such other information regarding tlie stranger as has
come to hand. At the same time Ave assure our i-eaders that we
pay no regard to the many rumors afloat containing 'sights'
seen at the lake, nnless traced to the author, and his statement
given without coloring.
"Sat\n-day evening, the 14th inst., one day after McKnight
and Hall with their party were fishing, and saw what they re-
garded and still regard as a monster serpent, Franklin ]\Iorgan,
Abner Glazier, Eli Bishop and GeorgeKingsley,youngmenfrom
16 to 23 years of age, residing on the west side of the lake, Avent
doAvn to bathe. They had heard th-e story tliat a monster had
been seen in the lake, but as they had been acquainted with its
waters for years and never seen anything unusual in or about
them, laughed at the credulity of some persons and ridiculed
the idea of there being anything there of unusual dimensions.
They landed near the mouth of the inlet, had a good swim
and dressed themselves, nothing occurring to especially at-
tract thei^ attention. ThcA' again took their boat, pushed
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 189
off to row up the lake, their landing place being on the same
side, but some distance above. When 15 or 20 rods from the
inlet, Morgan — who was steering the boat — heard a noise that
sounded like a tow-line being raised from the water. Upon
looking around he discovered the form of a bow upon the
water, its center projecting a trifle above the water line, but
both ends concealed from vicAV. It formed a span of 10 to 12
feet long and appeared to be at least a foot in diameter and of a
dark color. Glazier was paddling the boat on the north side and
also saw it. It was then sinking and gradually disappeared. This
occurred between 8 and 9 o'clock in the evening. Both shores
of the lake and objects on them were in full view.
"These four men work on farms two or three miles from
the village, and have no object in presenting a large story. Af-
ter this straightforward recital by Mr. jMorgan, we asked him
if he would go bathing in the lake in the evening now?
He promptly replied that he would not, unless very near the
shore ; nor in the daytime in the middle of the lake ; that what
he saw had the appearance of being a very large serpent.
'* A reverend gentleman well known in this community and
formerly a resident of this village, called upon us yesterday
morning and stated that he had an interview on Monday with
an Indian named John John, some 50 years of age, and in the
course of conversation asked him if there was an^^ truth in the
rumor that the Indians on Squawkie Hill would not fish in
Silver Lake? John John replied that it was true, and added
that once upon a time two of the tribe encamped upon the
shores of the lake one night and were frightened by the appear-
ance of a serpent or monster. He inquired of the Indian what
size the monster was. John John replied: ^As big as a flour
barrel.' He asked John if it was in consequence of this that
they would not bathe or fish there, and John replied in the af-
firmative.
"Since this occurrence several parties have visited the lake,
but mostly during the day. It is now proposed, and we cer-
tainly hope that it will be carried out, to man one or two boats
each evening and watch for the appearance of the monster.
The various statements in regard to it, coming from persons
190 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
wcW known in tliis community, and porsons, too, liaving no de-
sire or object in misrepi'esenting siieli an oeeun-ence, cannot
be denied until after full and careful investigation. They are
tohl with that sincerity that carries conviction with tlie recital;
that tlie persons have seen something: of an unusual character
in the lake — something that frightened them exceedingly — and
in one instance, at least, caused four men to row for shore, and
that, too, distant one mile, rather than return down the short
oiith't but half a mile in length. Besides tliis, at intervals for
several years, persons who have been called to the lake on busi-
ness or for diversion, make someAvhat similar represcMjtations,
though on such occasions, extending through a period of 20
years, the monster has been curtailed of half its dimensions.
''After a thorough search had been made, and not till then,
can the testimony of competent witnesses be disregarded and
set aside because others have not been fortunate or unfortunate
enougli to have obtained a sight."
In the meantime a Vigilance Society had been organized
and the result of its labors may be found in the subjoined ar-
ticle from the Times, dated August 1st :
*'We detest snake stories. There is no subject Ave approach
with more disgust than a 'yarn' liaving one of those creeping,
crawling, cursed reptiles for its foiuidation. But as faithful
chroniclers of events in this quarter, as the publisher of a pub-
lic journal, truthful in its character, and with a desire to its
continuance in the same honest, but not heavily l)eaten track,
we feel constrained to follo\y up the narrative of what has not
only caused excessive frights in some parties recently — which
has Indian tradition to back it, more recent evidence to sustain
it — and has set the newspaper world in a blaze.
"As some of our exchanges doubt the assertion that the
party Avith Hall and ^IcKnight, whose narrative Avas first
given, had no liquor Avith them, Ave aa411 barely remark that
both are honest, temperate and industrious mechanics, coopers
by trade. One has been employed by ^Iv. BroAvn, the miller,
for five years, and Mr. BroAA^n regards him as a most truthful
and honest man. The other has not resided in the A^illage for
so long a period, but bears upon his face the appearance of an
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 191
honest, truthful man. They do not fish as sporting, amateur
fishermen often do, with the brandy bottle at their side and
with more desire for that than for the fish. They fish when
they do go upon such an excursion after a day's labor, and to
procure them as food for their families, as well as affordinor
pastime. So much for the men whose affidavits were appended
to the first statement.
' ' Tuesday evening, the 24th, was dark and rain fell in tor-
rents. The \ igilance Committee did not go out in search, and
we have not learned that any pari}- ventured upon the lake.
Wednesday evening, the 25th, two or three boats well manned
were upon the lake. One remained until 10 p. m. A heavy mist
set in, completely enveloping the sky, hills and lake. Not an
object was visible five rods from the boat, yet the men visited
various parts of the lake and returned at the hour above indi-
cated, without anything of an extraordinary character occur-
ring.
"Thursday evening, the 26th, another party went out. The
evening was beautiful; about every portion of the lake was in
view under the pale rays of the full moon. They returned be-
tween 10 and 11 p. m. Nothing strange occurred. Friday af-
ternoon, the 27th, as two farmers well known and highly re-
spected, were Avorking in the field near the lake, they saw some-
thing that appeared like a log, but three or four rods long, ly-
ing between the inlet and outlet. They noticed it some
time, but soon after it had disappeared. They only say, if there
is a serpent there they saw it, and that it is as long as has been
represented.
''Friday evening another party visited the lake and return-
ed between 10 and 11 p. m. without encountering anything of
an unusual character. Saturday morning, the 28th, Mr. Hall —
the gentleman who with Mr. McKnight and the Scribners
saw what they regarded as a very large serpent — accompanied
by his wife, daughter and one or two of the boys visited the
lake. The wife and daughter had never been upon its waters,
and although the father was much frightened some two or three
weeks since at what had occurred while there, as hundreds had
been upon and around the lake since that occurrence and noth-
192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
inj? unusual liad taken place, took his family with liini foi- tlio
sail and at the same tinu» to fish. The wliole family saw the
Keri)ent, and we ^ive the statement as related to us by the
daughter, an intelligent girl of 15 or 16 years.
*' 'We started between S and 9 p. m. Father i-owcd u}) the
outlet, my brother sitting in the bow of the boat to inform him
as to the course of the channel up the nai'row and crooked ])ass-
age. We entered the lake; the wind was quite higli and the
waves rocked the boat so much that mother requested father to
I'ow over to the other side, where the water ai)i)eared more still.
Father rowed toAvai"<l the inlet. When approaching it he sus-
])ended rowing and looked ai'ound to ascertain if he was in the
right course, as no one was steering, and called attention to an
object on the right hand side of the iidet, partly concealed by
the rushes. I\Iy brother looked at it and began screeching and
crying that it Avas the snake they had before seen. We all sat
quietly in the boat and looked at it. It appeared to be of a
dark color at first, but as it moved off going into the water, it
was of a lighter color, of a copper color. At mother's request
father turned the boat around and rowed for the outlet, mother
standing up and looking back. She saw the same thing appar-
ently following the boat some rods on, and told father
to row for his life. I stood up and also saw it. Its head and for-
ward part was above water at least a yard, and upon its back
it appeared to have a fin as Avide as fatlier's hand. I was fright-
ened and covered my face with my hands and resumed my
seat. Its head was as much as 15 or 16 inches around and its
back was much larger. (We here asked her if its head was as
large as a dog's head and she replied that it was larger. Since
then she has stated to others that it was as large as a calf's
hcad.r "
The above statement has been read to me and is true of my
OAvn knowledge. Mary M. Hall.
I also subscribe fully to the facts set forth in the above
statement. Merilda C. Hall.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 31st day of July,
1855. C\Tiis Merrill,
Justice of the Peace.
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 193
*'The party landed near Mr. Howe's pump factory, and as
a cloud of rain was about breaking, went in for shelter. Mr.
Howe was there and we have had an interview with him. Mr.
HoAve, who is a straightforward man, says that Mr. Hall did not
appear much frightened when the party came into the factory.
He told the story in a straightforward manner. Mrs. Hall was
much agitated, remarked that she did not want to go sailing,
but was over-persuaded by her husband ; that she had rather
have washed steadily three days than have been so much fright-
ened. Mr. Hail came down to the village, related the circum-
stance, and a number of men, well armed, repaired to the lake.
They remained on or about it the remainder of the day, but saw
nothing unusual.
''Saturday evening, two citizens who have been most skep-
tical in regard to the monster — and there are others of that
character — Dr. Smith and Counselor Stoddard visited Mr. Hall
and family. ]Mr. Hall and his wife related the occurrence
very nearly as it is above stated by the daughter. The child-
ren were present and all corroborated the statement. These
gentlemen made the visit purposely to probe the story to its
foundation and cannot think that any family could unite in
manufacturing such an absurd and monstrous 'yarn' out of
whole cloth. ]\Ir. Hall describes the appearance of the head of
the reptile with much precision, and even the little boy about
five years of age said he 'saw a big snake; saw him squirm,'
etc."
From the Wyoming Times, Aug. 1st, 1855.)
"On Monday, July 30th, 1855, quite a crowd of visitors
were at the lake, endeavoring to get a sight of his majesty, the
sea serpent. The well-authenticated statement of Hall, Mc-
Knight, John John, Morgan and others, has attracted to this
village many of the citizens of the adjoining towns and vil-
lages, and quite a number of visitors from cities have taken
quarters with their friends or are located at Walker's well-
kept hotel.
"To our surprise, on going to the lake on Monday we
found seven boats well manned, upon its quiet waters, one
being the center of attraction. We approached it and found
194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
that it eontaiiUM] four youn^ iiioii from an adjoining town. One,
Daniel Sniitli, had l)ut recently returned from a four-years'
windings voyage. They were at the lake on Tuesday last, hav-
ing previously heard of the Silver Lake sea serpent, saw about
40 feet of the monster, moved towards it, and as they neared it,
his nuijesty, not fancying tin'ir ai)i;earan('e, glided olf into
deeper A\ater and did not again a{)i)eai" on tlic surface. They
returned home that evening. I'nder Suntli's direetions a har-
poon lanee and other instruments for capturing Avhales were
nuiinifaetured, and on ]\Ionday the same party, Avith coils of
rope and arms for capturing the serpent. \\ as patiently in wait-
ing foi- his appearance.
"This was a new and novel feature in the Silver Lake
fishei'y, but no d()\d)t one tliat the exigencies of the case de-
manded. Wink' young men of oui* own village have watched
for him almost nightly, as well as in tli<' day time — while a joint
stock company is being foi-ined for the pui'i)()se of having
proper instiuments constructed to capture the monster alive,
and Avhile this susi)ense and doubt exists as to his snakeship's
identity, his immense i)i-oi>oi'tions, and the selection of his food.
We are glad that i)arties in lu'ighboi-ing villages are not be-
hind hand in desiring his capture, and that suH'icient enterprise
exists to lend our own energetic citizens a helping hand toward
the accom[)lislnnent of that object.
"Of course, the public will believe, credit or reject as
uuich of the story as they please. AVe have our own im-
pressions regarding it, and as several corr<\spondents have
made the inquiry, we will say that "vve have no doubt that there
is a reptile of unusual dinu'iisions, that is harmless, or else
half of the village — men and boys — would have mysteriously
disappeared during the last quarter of a centur3% for it is a
favorite bathing place and there are no families residing near
enough to be in the least annoyed by their exhibitions while
swimming. The search will be continued, and it is hoped that
whatever there is at the lake of enormous size, beside pickerel,
bass, etc., may be captured, and its full length and size be made
known to the public. I^nless captured soon, we shall have to
publish a daily edition to keep our friends at a distance as well
as here, fi lly posted."
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 1S5
August 8th, the enterprising publisher of the Times came
"to the front" with the "clincher" Vv^hich gave a substantiated
account of the "monster" and caused old maids' teeth to
chatter worse than ever, while the tide of emigration to the
lake became much increased and the excitement corresi)ond-
ingly so.
"Wednesday, the 1st inst., the existence of a monster fish
or serpent species in the quiet waters of Silver Lake was estab-
lished beyond reasonable doubt, if indeed there has been room
for doubt for a week past. At about noon on that day the
monster was seen by at least half a dozen persons from differ-
ent points of view, from the upland adjoining the lake. There
were no boats out. AVorkmen on the farm of Mr. A. Macomber,
not half a mile distant ; two young men visiting at Mr. Ma-
comber 's, on another part of the farm; a young man named
Alerrill, from this village, from another point ; a part of Isir.
Macomber 's family, from the upper window facing the lake,
all saw the monster, apparently sunning himself on the surface
of the water.
"A description is impossible, except of his movements.
He moved and floundered about for 10 or 15 minutes. The par-
ties were from one-quarter to one-half a mile distant. The water
elsewhere on the lake was as smooth as glass, and there could
be no deception or optical delusion in the vision of the parties.
The parties saw it unknown to each other. Some of them have
no personal acquaintance, and one or two are yet most ready
to disbelieve their senses rather than to run counter to w^ell-
established theory in regard to snakeology.
"For ourselves we are forced to admit the fact of the ex-
istence of a monster of the serpent species, of immense propor-
tions, in Silver Lake, unless we disbelieve merely because w^e
have not seen. We hope, however, to announce before long that
he has been captured. Every effort is being made to accomplish
that object. We assert without fear of contradiction, that there
is not a log floating on the water of Silver Lake; that nothing
has been placed there to create the serpent story, and that what
is above stated, and what has appeared in the Wyoming Times
regarding a serpent in Silver Lake has been related to us by
candid, honest and truthful men and women — persons who
196 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
liavc not fliiiclied in testifying to tlie facts as given to tlie
public.
"The above appeared in an extra from this office on Wed-
nesday. We forwai'ded it to our city exclianges, tliat they
might keep tlieir tliousands of readers posted as to the actual
existence in Silver Lake of a monster which has been repeat-
edly j^een during the past 30 years, whose sjiecies is unknown,
and wliose liaunting i)lace is uncertain. Tt truly seems incred-
ibU\ In many quarters it is so treated, yet when we aver that
some of those who have seen it are the persons who are spend-
ing days and niglits at the lake to effect its cai)ture, that they
are endeavoring to bring about the result by means of live
bait in the shape of ducks or chickens attached to large hooks
with buoys in the distance: that one sailor who has been for
four years upon the Pacific, engaged in the capture of Avhales,
having seen it in company with three other j)ersons, has had
constructed instruments which he believes necessary to its
cai)tui-(»; that they have seen it, too. with th<' full glare of day
upon it, we cannot resist the conviction that there is in that
little lake a fish or reptile of extraordinary dimensions. The
men who have been favored with a sight and whose story was
at first hooted at, as well as those v.dio have seen it since, con-
firm their belief by their acts. They know that such a creature
exists there and they are determined to capture it if that be
possible.
"Two men of this village, who were there on Friday in a
brat, both responsible and candid men, were favored with a
view of the monster. They went and are now there, having en-
gaged a boat for one month, to convince themselves as w^ell as
satisfy the public."
Edwin Fanning, long a resident of Perry, relates his Avon-
derful experience in an affidavit published in the Times of Aug.
16th, as follows :
"The following statement made by Edwin Fanning of this
village, duly attested, accompanied by the endorsement of
several prominent citizens as to Fanning 's character for truth
and veracity, cannot but confirm and strengthen the very
general belief that there is a monster in Silver Lake. In fact.
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 197
the evidence in regard to it is undisputed in any quarter, and
the candor and sincerity of Avitnesses is unquestioned.
"When falsehood is so apparent as in a letter purporting
to emanate from this village, published in the Bulfalo Republic
of Tuesdav, it is almost unnecessary to refute or contradict it.
Edwin Fanning's Statement
"I went up to Chapin's Landing, Silver Lake, about 6
o'clock Wednesday evening, the 15th inst., remained there
about 15 minutes and then walked down the shore of the lake,
past the old sailboat 'Frolic' to the point of the jutting pro-
montory. I remained there and looked at the birds flying
around the foot of the lake. On glancing my eye across the
lake to the westward, in the range of the mouth of the inlet and
about 15 rods from where I was standing, a monster of a ser-
pent rose out of the water, exhibiting at least eight feet of the
forward portion of its body above the water. In a few seconds
he disappeared; in about three minutes afterward he again
came to the surface, about the same length being exposed to
view as before. He remained on the surface of the water at
least three minutes, making evolutions similar to those of a
snake. He turned his head and the forward portion of his
body, and appeared to be looking around him. The third time
he came up he apparenllj^ sported on the water, drew up his
body as a snake does on the ground, dove down his head por-
tion, and projected portions of his body out of the water, as
though full of joints. These movements were continued nearly
half an hour. His body was as large as a large barrel ; his head
about a foot in diameter at the largest point. He spouted water
from his mouth at least four feet high and it would fall back
upon him like the play of waters from a fountain. His length
I should think was at least 100 feet. I called to Mr. Sharp-
steen's men who were working in a field, but they did not
come. I related the circumstances to them as I returned. When
I called to Mr. Sharpsteen's men, the serpent was playing upon
the water. My calling did not disturb him. I remained there
until he disappeared and did not again come up. The sun was
shining at the time. I was on the east side of the lake and saw
the serpent as distinctly as I ever saw anything in my life. He
198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
was about 15 or 16 rods from me, Avas of a beautiful dark green
color, and appeared to be perfectly smooth. 1 will be 21 years
of age next April.
"I do solemnly swear and certify that the above state-
nuuit, which I have related and which has been read to me, is
true of my own knowledge."
(Signed) Edwin Fanning.
Subscribed and sworn before uie this 15tli day of August,
1855. Cyrus Merrill,
Justice of the Peace.
"We, the undersigiu'il, have known Edwin Fanning, whose
statement is above recorded, for several years. He is a resi-
dent of this village ; he has always maintained a good character,
and is a young man of intelligence, truth and veracity."
Signed by Cyrus Merrill, II. N. Page, S. Iliggins, S. P. Bul-
lard, C. W. Bailey, B. B. Iliggins, C. P. Bailey and C. L. Hatch.
Perry, August 15th, 1855.
"The above was issued from this office on Thursday last
and sent to the daily papers with which we exchange. AVe have
nothing more to add to it. The young man who makes the
statement and testifies to it has resided here for several years
and is well known by many of our citizens."
On the 22d the Times satiated the eagerness of its readers
with the following :
"Daniel Smith, to whom allusion was made a week or two
ago as being a returned whaler, after a four-years' cruise, was
in town again on Saturday. He brought with him his harpoon
and lance and proposes to remain during the week. He has
visited the lake each day since his return, but has not been
fortunate enough to get even a glimpse of the serpent which
he is satisfied from actual observation exists in Silver Lake."
The writer of this history will not attempt to give all of
th-e corroborative evidence. To prove the serpent's existence
anything but a myth, the grim monster appeared to many who
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 199
have not been mentioned, probably aggregating at least 100
different people, many of whom hurried at once to the Justice 's
office to make their affidavits. Visitors came by the hundreds
from all parts of the State, completely swamping the hotels
and necessitating the opening of private residences to accom-
modate the throngs. Crowds lined the lake every clear night
during August and September. Skepticism had been over-
come, and nearly everyone believed that the monster really
existed. Plans were continuously brought forward to effect its
capture. A tower was erected at the north end of the lake and
a sentinel equipped with a spy-glass was on duty each day,
keeping a strict watch on the movements of the serpent.
Hunters lined the shores, "armed to the teeth," and two or
three were fortunate enough to get distant shots at the mon-
ster. The Times of Sept. 5th relates that Mr. Joshua. Jenks, a
local resident was one of those so favored. Mr. Jenks was
prepared to shoot the serpent, was but three rods from it, but
being thrown oft' his guard by its sudden appearance, and
somewhat alarmed, did not get correct aim before the reptile
disappeared. Some of the citizens put out set-lines made by
using clothes-lines and an enormous hook turned out by the vil-
lage blacksmith, baited with ducks, fresh pork, etc., the whole
being supported by a small buoy.
The Last of the Matter.
From the Times of Sept. 5th, 1855.
"Two weeks ago a compam^ was organized with a capital
stock of $1,000, with ten per cent, paid in, with the following
named officers : Hon. R. H. Smith, president ; R. C. Mordoff,
treasurer; H. N. Page, secretary. Said company to be known
as 'The Experiment Company,' organized to devise ways and
means to capture the snake. During the present week, very
little of what the committee are doing has transpired. Last
week, several members visited Buffalo, conversed with several
of the oldest fishermen there and availed themselves of the
suggestions and experience. It has been suggested to the com-
200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
niittee that Mr. Green, a su])marine diver now engaged in rais-
ing the treasnre of the 'Atlantic' in Lake Erie, might prove of
service in tlie capture of the monster. Whether the suggestion
will be acted upon hy the coimiiittee is yet a nuitter of doubt.
Another suggestion, and one that conhl be easily tested, is to
l)lace live bait in and around the marsh where the serpent lias
been most frequently seen, elevated sufficiently to give those
watching a fair shot at his majesty, should he api)ear. Various
otiier suggestions are before the committee, but they seem to
keep their affaii's to themselves, at b-ast f(U- the present."
The Cause of All the Excitement, or the Real Snake.
Business had been very quiet in the hotel line in Peii-y
for several seasons. Various schemes for improving conditions
had been considered, and to the late A. B.Walker is credited the
l)lan of creating the Silver Lake sea serpent. Confidingthe prop-
osition to a few of his intinuite and trustworthy friends, he
foinid that it met with their instant approval. Of various plans
discussed, the following was deemed the most practical and sur-
est of ultiuiate success. The serpent was to be constructed of a
body about 60 feet long, covered with a waterproof canvas sup-
ported on the inside by coiled wire. A trench was to be dug and
gas pipe laid from the basement oi a shanty situated on the
west side of the lake, to the lake shore. A large pair of bel-
lows such as were used in a blacksmith shop, secreted in the
basement of the shanty connected to tiiat end of the pipe, and
a small light rubber hose from the lake end to the serpent. The
body was to be painted a deep green color, with bright yellow-
spots added to give it a more hideous appearance. Eyes and
mouth were to be colored a bright red. The plan of manipulat-
ing the serpent was simple. It was to be taken out and sunk
in the lake, and then when everything was read}^ the bellows
were to be operated and air forced into the serpent, Avhich
naturally would cause it to rise to the surface. Weights were
to be attached to different portions of the body to insure its
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT
201
sinking as the air was allowed to escape. Three ropes were to
be attached to the forward portion of the body, one extending
to the shore where the ice house now stands; one across the
lake, and the other to the marsh at the north end; the serpent
to be propelled in any direction by the aid of these ropes.
202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
]\Iaiiy iiiijlits were spent l)y these fi-ieiids in its eonstrne-
tion. It is said tliat tlie serpent was made in the old Cliapin
tannery, Avliieii it will be remembered, was situated in the out-
let ravine. At last it was comj)leted and taken at nijrht to the
lake and suidv in about 20 feet of v/atei-. One of the iiumi went
aeross to the slianty to opei-atc the Ix'ilows. ihe othrrs ivman-
iuiT near the spot wIicit tlic sn-pciit Avas suid<, to note tlic re-
sult of their labors. Tiiey did not h.a\e loni; to Avait, foi* sud-
denly the head of the serpent appranMJ and I'ose «i:i-aeefully to
a JU'i^ht of about eijjlit feet al)oV( the water. (.>ther poi'tions
of the monster became visible and ihe entire eonstruetion was
so lifelike that it sent the shi\'ei-s {'oui-sin«i thi-ou^h Ihf Ixidie-;
of tile builders. It v.as towed aboui by the men \'()V a tiiiir to
be eei'tain that it would rniiain uiii-i«z'ht and work well jifeiu'r-
ally. Then the sitjnal was jriven, the bellows stopped forcing
the air. and the nu)nster which was to place Peri-y and Silvc^r
Lake "on the map" forever sank rai)idly aiul soon disapix'arcd
from view. Its tryont proved a great success, even more so than
its builders had anticipated. i
Tlie tinner to do now was for them to wait for a favoral)le
tinu^ to ''spring it" upon the people. On Friday evening, July
13th, 1855, one of the uumi i-eported a boatload of men engaged
in fishing not far from where the serpent was secreted. Other
conditions being favorable, it was decided that the proper time
to open the shoAv had arrived. It was destined to be a larger
and more nerve-racking entertainr^'^iit :hau any of them had
dreamed.
After a period of several weeks of genuine excitement,
pleasure, and a greatly increased business at the hotel, it began
to dawn upon the men that things would be mighty hot for
them in this section of the country if their mischief w^ere found
out. On tAvo or three occasions only a miracle seemed to have
prevented :liscovery, and finally, after one of these narrow
THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 203
escapes, it was decided that the sea serpent had done its full
duty, had accomplished the purpose for which it was construct-
ed, and now must disappear forever. Accordingly, it was taken
from the lake and stored in the attic of the hotel. When the
Walker House Avas destroyed by fire in this village in 1857 the
remains of the great hoax Avere discovered in getting out some
of the contents of the building.
Following its removal from the lake to its place of hiding
there was patient waiting on the part of people for its reap-
pearance at its frequent haunts, but no indications of a solu-
tion of the great mystery becoming apparent, the excitement
gradually abated, visitors departed to their homes, and the
old time routine of village affairs succeeded, and the Silver
Lake Sea Serpent passed into history.
CHAPTER XII
Political Divisions Existing in the Early Days — Anti-Masonic Feeling
Entered Into Politics but Soon Died Out. Beginning of Anti-
Slavery Crusade.
Political oi)inioii in tlie early days of the settlement of
Perry was divided into two princii)al parties, viz: the
Federal and the Rcpuhliean. Prior to the War of 1812
the Federals were exceedingly poi)nlar, but their opposition to
the carrying on of that war caused many desertions from their
ranks and event iially tlic i)arty dropped their name and its
members became affiliated with other organizations. The Re-
publicans had been tei'iued by their opponents, by way of
ridicule and reproach, "Democrats." a name which they came
gradually to adopt. About the year 1815 this party was also
known as "The Bucktails. " After the disappearance of the
Federal party their main opponents Avere ''The Clintonians."
They were afterwards known as "National Republicans,"
wlneh name distinguished them from the "Democrat-Republi-
cans" or Democrats, as the old Republican party was after-
wards called.
The Anti-^Iasonic party had its origin in the excitement
following the publication of a book purporting to disclose the
secrets of Free ^Masonry and the subsequent disappearance of
its author, Wm. Morgan, a resident of Batavia. The party be-
came fully organized in 1828 and at once became exceedingly
strong in this section of the State. In 1832 the Anti-Masonic
party consolidated with the National Republicans for the pur-
pose of carrying the State for their ticket and electing the
National Republican candidate (Henry Clay) for President.
The objects of this coalition were not attained, however, and
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 205
the Anti-Masonic party ceased to exist soon after the campaign
ended.
The Whig party, which later became one of the chief con-
tenders for honors at the polls, grew out of the combination of
the two above mentioned parties, and that name was retained
by them until the formation of the Republican party in 1855.
Local residents who were prominent "Whigs of the period of
1840-50 were: Robert and Peter Patterson, Calvin P. Bailey
and I. N. Stoddard. Prominent Democrats of that time were :
Rufus H. Smith, Wm. Mitchell, Moseley Stoddard, Linus W.
Thayer and James Sherman.
A local history of the campaign of 1840, which ended in a
notable victory for the Whigs, was kindly furnished the writer
by the Hon. Harwood A. Dudley of Warsaw, a short time be-
fore his death in May, 1914. Mr. Dudley became a resident of
Perry in 1831. The article was originally written for the Perry
Record and published in that paper in 1898.
The Campaign of 1840.
The political campaign of 1840 is still remembered by
people who are old enough to remember the stirring scenes
which occurred 58 (now 75) years ago. It differed from the
rough-and-ready campaign of 1844, when Henry Clay was de-
feated. The campaign of 1840, which resulted in the election
of Gen. Wm, Henry Harrison, is often referred to as ''the sing-
ing campaign." The Whigs were certainly in a musical frame
of mind and the campaign songs of the period are yet retained
in the memory of many people. The refrain of
''Tippecanoe and Tyler, too
And with them we'll beat Little Van.
Van, Van, Van, is a used up man,
And with them we'll beat Little Van,"
fixed itself deep in the mind of a boy who was then 16 years of
age, and often comes up for review, with all of the attendant
circumstances of its original rendering. The song was printed
on slips of paper and distributed at a meeting held in a log
CALVIN P. BAILEY.
Member of Assembly, 1829-1830.
Full of energy as a pioneer business man; fearless, enthusiastic and
ready for any emergency. With entire confidence in the future of Perry,
he was ready to embark in any enterprise that needed push and pluck to
make it a success. A man of great native talent; a strong Whig partisan.
(H. A. Dudley.)
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 207
cabin erected for political purposes ; or, rather, to be the center
of the gatherings, for the cabin would not generally hold the
crowds that gathered to hear the speeches and sing the songs
that helped to keep up the enthusiasm of the campaign.
The log cabin in the Village of Perry stood on the corner
of Main and Covington streets, so that the crowd of people
could find standing room on the ground immediately surround-
ing the cabin, as well as on two broad streets of the village.
The logs for the cabin had been contributed by the Whig farm-
ers of the region, and the slabs for the roof had been drawn
from the upper saw mill by Mrs. James Sherman, whose hus-
band was a mild and subdued Democrat. She drove her own
team, standing up man-fashion on the load, and was received
with the hearty cheers of the enthusiastic Whigs, who took
the team from the wagon and unloaded the slabs, when Mrs.
Sherman was drawn by hand to the front of the hotel, where
a Whig orator thanked her for her contribution toward the
election of Harrison. The old song was never sung more en-
thusiastically than on that occasion. This event woke up the
dazed Democrats, w^ho thought to annoy the Whigs by taking
advantage of the cover of night to bore holes in the flag-staff
so that, when a strong wind should blow, the weakened pole
would break off at the peak of the roof. The mischief was dis-
covered at daylight and the pole was braced up and strength-
ened. A watch was maintained all through the campaign to
prevent another attempt to injure the property or the cause.
A man and boy were always on duty after that occurrence to
thwart the jealous Democrats, either to take away the braces
from the pole, steal the coon skins tacked up by the side of the
door, or carry off the cider barrel that w^as kept on tap near the
entrance. My turn at watching came with Walter Scott Bailey,
one of the most enthusiastic young Whigs of the town. The
service was cheerfully rendered by both of us.
Alfred S. Patterson, a venerable resident of Westfield, per-
formed a feat of horsemanship during that campaign which
probably has never been excelled. Mr. Patterson then lived in
Perry. He drove from the village to Rochester, a distance of
over 40 miles, a 40-horse team attached to a two-story log cabin
on wheels. The structure contained over 100 persons who made
208 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
the trip in this novel fasliion to attend a monster Whig demon-
stration. It took all one day to aicomplisli the feat, but ]\Ir.
Patterson landed liis load on time. A remarkable feature of the
trip was the successful turning of Hutl'alo and Exchange
streets in that city. Thousands of people witnessed and ap-
plauded the act.
Tliere was a combijuitinn of i)at]-iotie f(M'liu«; and pioneer
enthusiasm in the campaign of 1S40 tiiat was uni(pie and telling
in its effects. It was the first break of the people from a long
line of Democratic successes, which may be said to have de-
rived its strength from the vigor of the Jackson regime. The
campaign touched the hearts of "the common people," or as
Lincoln called them, "the plain people," and they determined
to thi'ow oft' tlie yoke of what they Ix'licvcd to be a Democratic
aristocracy, which seems to be a paradox. The line of Presi-
dents had all been from the South ; the North Imd a strong vot-
ing power, but not much influence at Democratic conventions,
and this good-natured campaign se«»med to have been a tiu'n-
ing point in our political history, which is still felt and recog-
nized.
Systematic agitation of the slavery question began in 1833,
during which year "The American Anti-Slavery Society" was
formed. From then on until the close of tlie Civil War, slav-
ery becanu^ the main issue of contention. From time to tinu*
the Legislature had enacted laws concerning slavery, extending
up to the year 1819. In 1799 a law was passed providing for
the gradual extinction of slavery in New York State. In 1817
a further act was passed decreeing that there should be no
slaverj^ in the State after the 4th of July, 1827. Ten thousand
slaves were set free by this act. County organizations of The
American Anti-Slavery Society were formed tliroughout the
State. Such a society w^as formed in this countj^ (then Gene-
see) about the year 1836 at Batavia. The pro-slavery agitators
were quite numerous in the Northern States at this time, and
several meetings of the local societv, and other abolition rallies
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 2C9
were broken up through their efforts. In explanation of this it
sliould be understood that at this time there wa^ a general
feeling all through the North that slavery was alloAved and
upheld by the Constitution of the United States, and as a ccn-
sequence, many people opposed the abolition movement.
The Genesee County Anti-Slavery Society, at a meeting
convened at Warsaw on March 23d, 1836, decided to establish
a paper for the purpose of expressing the abolition sentiment.
One thousand dollars was subscribed for its support the first
year. This paper, The American Citizen, was accordingly
established at Warsaw, but at the end of a year its finances
were in such condition that its abandonment appeared neces-
sary. At this juncture, Mr. Josiah Andrews of Perry, an ardent
supporter of the anti-slavery cause, purchased the newspaper
and outfit and removed it to Perry, furnishing the capital for
its continuance. David Mitchell and Lewis were its
publishers, Mr. Lewis soon retiring and being succeeded by
Ansel Warren. In January, 1841, the publication was removed
to Eochester.
This was not the only philanthropy of Mr. Andrews, wlio
was perhaps the best read and educated man in the town at
that time. He was born in Buckfield, Maine, in 1799, and came
to Perry in 1817, his brother Mark having made his home here
the year previous. With the exception of six years spent in
Cincinnati, 0., he resided in Perry until his death in 1817. 'Mv.
Andrews w-as knowT.i as the village orator and poet. In the
earliest days of the anti-slavery crusade Mr. Andrews was
an earnest foe of the evil and for a time was connected Avith
the "underground railroad" and assisted slaves in escaping
pursuit under the fugitive slave lavr. He was liberal in giving
to all good causes in which he was interested, and was prob-
ably Perry's greatest temperance advocate, going so far as
to purchase the old National Hotel for the sole purpose of hav-
210
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
\n^ it coiicliictc'cl as a tonii)eraiice tavern, in opposition to the
otliur liotcls which were licensed.
The Libei'al Party, I'oruicd from tlie American Anti-Slav-
t'Vy Society, was organized in 1839. Although it had many sup-
JOSIAH ANDREWS
porters in this section of the State, a great majority of the
Abolitionists refused to join the new party, preferring to re-
main with the old parties and voting for candidates who were
opposed to the extension of slavery and in favor of its gi'adual
extinction.
For a few years previous to 1S4S, the Democrats had been
divided into two factions, namely. ''Hunkers" and ''Barn
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 211
Burners," the last named being opposed to slavery extension.
The Liberty Party and the Barn Burners joined forces and or-
ganized the ''Free Soil Party" in 1848. At the ensuing elec-
tion many of the Whigs voted with the ]iew party, and together
they made a formidable combination.
Among the Perry men who were active supporters of this
movement were D. L. Oilman and L. A. HayAvood, both prom-
inent lawyers of the village. In 1850 the Barn Burners and
Hunkers settled their differences, reunited and nominated Hor-
atio Seymour for Governor. Many of the Hunkers Avere opposed
to this union. These were known as "hard shells "and those who
favored the proposition were termed ''soft shells." At this
time the Whig party became affiliated with factions known as
"conservatives" or supporters of the administration, and the
"radicals," who were under the leadership of Wm. H. Sevrard.
In Perry and vicinity the radicals of the Whigs and the soft
shells of the Democrats were largely in the majority in their
respective parties.
In 1852 the Whigs were overwhelmingly defeated at the
polls and from the ruins of the organization was formed the
present Republican party. This party included many who
had belonged to the Barn Burner faction of the Democrats. The
Republican party was established for the purpose of fighting
the extension of slavery. At that time the feeling regarding
the slavery question ran high, and the Republican success of
1860 precipitated the great Civil War and the final extinction
of slavery.
The Prohibition Party and other political organizations
that have came into existence since the Civil War have had
some adherents in Perry, but the great majority of the citizens
of the town were affiliated with either of the dominant parties
—Republican and Democratic— until the formation in 1912 of
212 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
the Xati(iii:il I'ld^ri'ssivc party, whii'h caused some ilel'eetioii
lVi)iii the ranks of Ixith of the i^reat parties, prineipally from
the Kei)ul)lieaii. In hieal government, party lines liave been
hirgely oliliterated and \-oter.s have aeted indejiendently on
many oeeasions.
As far as spi^etaeular features are eoneerned, Presidential
eampaign rallies — especially of the earlier days — have ahva>'s
lieen red letter oeeasions in the to^vn's local Instory. ilareh-
ing clul:)s from neighborine,- towns, with their gay uniforms,
torches, re(l fiii', ilrum eoi-jis, bauds, etc., were always on
hand to i;i;;l:e and stimulate enthusiasm. ]\Iain street was
nsuail\" gaily attireil for such occasions ami presented an
a\-enue (if eohir. The business places, with few exceptions,
parlieipati'il in the gem-ral effort to make Perry as brilliant
and attraeti^•e as possilile. The store windows and those of
priwiti' residencies along the line of march of the various par-
ading clnlis showed grandly in their array of designs, from
c.il(:ic(l paper, lanterns, flags, Inniting, and the ornamented
](ictures of the party candiates. The men and women who
wei-(.' deeply interested in the siiceess of the party in whose
lioniir the deceiatious wi're made I'xhibited great enthusiasm,
and tile cliihlicn ^\-ei'e delighted by the disi>lay, which was only
to lie witnessed in the larger of the country towns. Pole-rais-
inus v\-ith speechi'S were fi'equent features of Presidential cam-
paigns. E;edi of the local political organizations had its res-
pccfi\-c marching dub and vied with those of other towns in
making llie l)i'.st appearance, also in prodiudng the unique in
attraction V such as the 40dmrse team ha\iling the log cabin to
Kochester, as |ire\iously mentioin/d. During the campaign of
ISSS the ('a; tib' Kepublicau rinb came to Perry drawn by two
trai'timi cnoincs. The uniforms and. insignia of the marching
clubs usually bnuight out some characteristic of the party's
ca.ndida.tcs. as in the Lincoln eampaign of 1S60 the mai-cliers
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 213
uiirrietl large tin Ivctlfs, -wedges and rails, symbolical of the
(.Treat Kail-Sjilittcr : and agaiu the Roosevelt campaigu of 1904,
iU \\'iiirh time the last political marching club was formed in
I'erry, -when their eonstume consisted of the uniform adopted
by tiu' Koosevi'lt Kough Kiders.
The littb' eannnn now adorning the iiinuaele of theRobeson
( 'utli-ry (_'o"s stoui' building has spoken in sonorous tones at
many of thi- early eamiiaign rallies.
CHAPTER XIII
Perry's Part in the Civil War — Organization of the 24th New York
Battery, in which Many Local Residents Enlisted Town's Loy-
alty and Patriotism Abundantly Evidenced.
A history of tlK' 24tli Xcw York Battery was written by
J. "Wlieat" Merrill and piiblislied in 1870. It is hardly neces-
sary to state that this work has been used extensively in the
l)reparation of the following paragraphs.
Systematic agitation of the slaver^' question which was
destined to result in the greatest of civil wars, began in about
1833. People in general throughout tliis section were ardently
opposed to legislation which would permit the extension of
slaver}' into our new states or ten'itories. Anti-slavery socie-
ties were formed and many meetings were held advocating the
restriction of slaveiy to certain bounds, and leading to its
gradual extinction. Among the residents of Perrj' who were
active in the abolition movement were : Josiah Andrews, David
Mitchell, Ansel Warren, Samuel Phoenix, AVillard J. Chapiii
and a Mr. Lewis. The movement inaugurated hy these societies
throughout the country- never lost its momentum, but gained
followers as the yeai-s advanced. Local churches took decided
stands against slavery, a position from which they never re-
ceded. The local press continually denounced the pro-slavery
leaders of the country. Noted orat.:rs visited the town from
time to time and did their full share in arousing anti-slavery
sentiment.
Citizens of the country throughout the North did not be-
lieve that the differences of opinion held between the North
and the South would result in armed conflict, and not until
like a thunderclap came the news of the firing upon Fort Sum-
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 215
ter did they appreciate to what extreme measures the South
would go in defense of its convictions. But when war came it
found Perry ready. Xo town in the United States was more
loyal, none more generous, none more enthusiastic. The first
citizen of Perry to volunteer his services in defense of the
Union was Mr. M. S. Salisbury, who enlisted on April 25th,
1861, in Company C, 74th New York State Militia. On account
of no more militia regiments being accepted by the Govern-
ment, he promptly re-enlisted in Company C, 21st New York
Volunteers, on May 7th, 1861. A few others followed Mr. Sal-
isbury's lead and enlisted in regiments of their choice during
the Summer months. In the Fall of that year, Mr. Jay E. Lee,
a young and suceessfri lawyer of Perry, convinced that more
men were needed for the army, determined to offer his services.
Upon investigating the tactics of the different branches of the
service, he selected the artillery as that most needed and desir-
able. Together with Mr. James Yv^yekoff and Harry C. Page,
he set forth interesting the young men of the place in organiz-
ing a company which would represent the town and vicinity in
the Federal Army.
In the local columns of the Wyoming Times, under date
of September 27th, 1861, we find the following paragraph:
*' Meetings and speeches in favor of the war, we had sup-
posed 'played out.' Action, action is now the word. All are
enlightened on the subject of war, or ought to be. Monday
evening, however, another meeting was held, called by Messrs.
Wyckoff, Lee and Page, with a view of obtaining recruits for
a company of artillery. Prof. Atkins was called to the chair,
whereupon J. E. Lee, Esq., stated that it was their purpose to
organize an artillery company to be attached to G. D. Bailey's
regiment, and enlarged at some length upon the advantage of
this branch of the service over all others. He was followed by
Harry C. Page, Prof. Atkins, Rev. Mr. Tomlinson, Rev. Joseph
R. Page, Judge Gilman, N. P. Currier and Philander Simmons,
after which an opportunity was given to enlist."
216 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The result of this meeting was a response from about 50
men to the call, who pledged themselvos to tlie organization
})roposed. For some reason or other, which we arc unable to
explain, when the actual time came for going to J^uffalo for
nuister, only 20 of the number kept the faith. These consoli-
dated with other squads from other towns and foiiiied a com-
pany of which j\Ir. Lee was elected captain. Soon after he
received his connnission. the people of Perry, appreciating his
efforts, and ability, i)resented him with a purse of $05, contrib-
uted by them for the purpose of i)urchasing side arms for his
use in the service of his country.
Having completed the organization, the company remained
at recruiting headquarters (Fort Porter, Buffalo) until about
the middle of NovemlxM-. Then they left for Albany with 56
men. AVhile at this post, Major Thomas W. Lion, inventor of
a fire rocket, introduced himself to tlieir notice. A description
of this rocket is found in an editorial of The Times, Dec. liOih,
1S61:
"Various statements have appeared in the papers relative
to the 'rocket gun,' and none precisely alike, yet all represent-
ing this arm of the service as a most terrible one. It has
never been used on this continent, and experienced artillerists
have never seen it. Tlie papers and Government are only in the
secret. Its principal purpose appears to be to throw a flame of
fire suft'iciently large to frighten horses and thus throw the
enemv's cavalrv into confusion. Of course, the battalion must
have the right of the advancing arnn^ and take their chances
of having their rockets silenced by the picked riflemen of the
opposing forces. The rocket gun is represented as having a
breech-loading field piece capable of discharging bombs, balls
and percussion shots as well as rockets. The rockets are to be
used for firing buildings behind v.iiich the enemy may seek
shelter, or for removing by fire any obstacle throAvn out to re-
tard the advancement of the troops. The expansive properties
of the rocket are wonderful, creating a ball of fire 15 feet in di-
ameter, which can be thrown by this breach-loading projectile
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 217
5300 yards, or over three miles. It is stated that the Government
has purchased the exclusive right of manufacturing this terri-
ble instrument of destruction and will soon introduce it to the
rebels."
As Major Lion desired to form a battalion to use this
rocket in the field, a consolidation of several squads of recruits
occupying the barracks at Albany then formed "The Rocket
Battalion," consisting of companies A and B, 80 men each.
Captain Lee's company formed company B. In December the
battalion received orders to report in Washington, where, after
a delay of nearly four months, the long-looked-for rocket guns
were turned over to them. After several weeks of experiment-
ing the ' ' guns ' ' were proven an inglorious failure, owing prin-
cipally to the fact that they could not be used with any great
degree of accuracy. Mr. Merrill relates :
"Upon one occasion, while at target practice, we were
shooting at a blanket, and some miserable scamp stole the blan-
ket while we were still shooting at it."
At other times it would take a circle similar to the boomer-
ang and return quite near the gun which started it upon its
mission ; and so it was concluded, as Gen. Burnside Avas in need
of artillery, to give the men some guns and send them on. The-
quaint rocket carriages were exchanged for the more substan-
tial six-pounder carriage and the sheet iron tubes were turned
into rifle cannon.
Battery B then consisted of four three-inch rifled pieces
and just enough men and horses to man them. From various
causes, each of the two batteries in the battalion had diminshed
in numbers. As a whole they would have no more than could
properly man one six-gun battery. About the last of June,
1862, Company B was placed in the third division and Com-
pany A in the second division as independent four-gun bat-
teries, named respectively. Captain Lee's battery and Captain
218 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Kaiisoiirs battery. On tlie 3d of Jul}^ 1862, Captain Lee's bat-
tery was ordered to outpost duty at Newport Barracks and
their duties began to be like those of a soldier. For the present
we leave tlie nucleus of the 24th New York Battery and return
to Perry to speak of those wlio were enlisting to go to Newport
Barracks and fill up tlieir ranks.
(^11 tlie 22(1 of August, 1862, Mr. George S. Hastings, junior
member of the law firm of Lee & Hastings, received authority
to raise recruits to join Captain Lee's battery. In one week 50
men had volunteered; another week had increased the number
to 60. ^Ir. ^lerrill says: "The Union Army was nu^eting with
defeat and loss of men. The President made a call for 300,000
more. The smothered fire of patriotism that was burning in
the hearts of the young men of Perry burst forth, and father's
connnands, mother's warnings, nor sweetheart's pleadings and
caresses could avail aught in trying to subdue the flame. 'Twas
contagious and spread witli such inicontrollable rapidity that
in a short time al)out 60 more of the bravest and best young
men of Perry and vicinity had come forward and enlisted in
tile cause. Full of the ambition and pride of youth, full of
patriotic fervor and eager for the strife, believing that w^e
could help to redeem what others had lost, we did 'not stop to
think or realize how true might be our parents' predictions, or
the fears and presentiments of our friends. What a blessing
to man is ignorance of the future ! The men, with but few^
exceptions were young, and the galaxy of the town in which
they lived. Their enlistment seemed a spontaneous outburst
of the single thought that had dAvelt in many minds w4th equal
poAver: 'Young men for war, old men for counsel.' Resolution,
courage and determination were stamped in the faces of all.
Like the elans of the feudal times of old, they meant to show
that the flower and the pride of the country would win the
crov:n of victory or death, and like those stories of old, the
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 219
long, long days passed slowly by; the weary hoiue watchers
waited, hoped and feared till finally a remnant few returned
in a pitifnl plight to bear the sad tidings of defeat, of suffering
and death."
The citizens of the town encouraged recruiting in many
ways. A great deal of enthusiasm was exhibited throughout
the vicinity. Generous bounties Avere offered and paid. At this
time it must be. remembered that the Government did not pay
bounties to recruits. The toAvn bounty fund raised by the
citizens of Perry amounted to about $6,000. In their sphere
the women of Perry labored with an enthusiasm fully equal to
that of the men, and the hospital stores and comforts for the
sick and wounded in the field, which they prepared and sent to
the seat of war, solaced the suft'erings of many a poor soldier.
During the entire period of the war the women of the town
were active in their good work.
The men recruited by Mr. Hastings took their departure
for the seat of war on Sept, 10th, 1862. The citizens turned out
early in the morning to bid a last good-bye to the boys and
about 6 o'clock they were on their way to Castile Station,
where they boarded the cars for Buffalo. After a fcAv days'
stay in Buffalo, during which time they were mustered into the
service, the recruits were sent to Newport Barracks by way of
Albany, New York and Newberne,N.C., where there were warm-
ly greeted by their old friends and acquaintances, who were glad
to have their companionship and assistance. On the 19th of
October^ orders were received designating the company as
"The 24th Independent Battery of Light Artillery, Ncav York
State Volunteers." After the names of the newcomers had
been added to the muster roll, it contained the names of five
officers and 126 men. The battery remained at Newport Bar-
racks about five months, during which time the boys were
called out on one scouting expedition and one trip to New-
220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
berne. On the 11th of December, two detaclinients of the bat-
tery went witli Gen. Foster and participated in the battles of
Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsboro. Soon after the retnrn
of the troops from the expedition to Goldsboro, tlie battery re-
ceived six very handsome new six-ponnder Napoleon guns, an
additional supply of horses, new harness, and n<'W ecpiiinnent
throughout.
They remained at Newberne until about the middle of
]\[arch, 1863, when a feint was made on that place by the rebels,
and soon afterwards they advanced upon Pljnuouth, N. C.
About the first of April the battery was sent to Plymouth,
where it remained about a year. Early in 1863, Captain Lee
suffered a severe hemorrhage of the lungs, the result of expos-
ure and over-exertion, which unfortunate event compelled
him to resign his commission on June 13th, 1863, Lieut. L. E,
Cady succeeding him in command of the battery. Tlie Winter
of that year passed pleasantly with the men of the battery, but
the Spring brought the Battle of Plymouth, wliieli ended in
bringing them all together as prisoners of war. One of them
in an account of this battle has said: ''Up to this time the his-
tory of the battery had been a pleasant one. We had our petty
quarrels and animosities; w^e had suffered from jealousies and
disappointments ; we had accused and been accused ; but these
things were trifles after all, and it needed but a day of gen-
uine trouble in common to bring us all to a united sympathy
and an interchange of kindly w^ords and kindly feeling. So far,
I say, our army experience had been unusually free from hard-
ships. At Newport Barracks we had comfortable log houses
for our quarters, plentj' of food, plenty of clothing, and only
enough drill for good gymnastic exercise. At Newberne we
had been furnished new tents and new barracks, and there,
too, our quarters, food and raiment were excellent, and our
duties comparatively light. At Plymouth we used unoccupied
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 221
houses for quarters. Our scouting duty had l^een but a pleas-
ant excitement. The only affliction we experienced was the
monotony arising from garrison duty. An inactive soldier's
life is a lazy life at the best, and ignorant and thoughtless of
what the result might be, we welcomed the attack which was
to end so disastrously for us."
On the ITth of April, 1864, the cavalry of the rebels at-
tacked the pickets of the garrison, and it soon became evident
that something more than a feint or raid Avas intended. The
garrison consisted of 1900 effective men under Gen. Wessells.
Xon-combatants were removed during the following night and
preparations were made to resist the attack. Desultory firing
was kept up diu'ing the night and the next day it was steadily
maintained until about 5 o'clock p. m., when an advance was
made and earnest fighting began. The rebel artillery, consisting
of about forty pieces, opened fire upon the works, and the artil-
lery of the d^efenders replied with such terrible precision that
it was believed that half of the artillerymen of the enemy were
put out of the fight. Of course, a detailed account of this bat-
tle cannot be given here. It may be briefly stated that during
the night of the 18th, the rebel ram Albermarle succeeded in
driving away the naval supports of the garrison, and took a
position where her guns could be used with effect. During the
day and night of the 19th, the forces of the enemy assumed
more advantageous positions, and on the 20th made a simul-
taneous assault upon the entire Union line ; and at the same
time sent a column into the town. The guns of the 24th battery
were served double-shotted with canister, ''hurling death
and disaster into the ranks of the enemy, and not imtil the
rebels seized the muzzles of their guns did the cannoneers fail
in their work. ' '
For nearly two hours did the fight go on in the streets of
Plymouth, the force surrendering only under stern necessity
CO
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PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 223
and ill small detachments. The Union loss, notwithsanding
their strong breastworks, was about 180. That of the rebels
was stated in the Raleigh papers as 2200. When it is remem-
bered that the garrison of 1900 men defended the town against
a force of 12,000 rebels during four days, no suspicion of a lack
of bravery will be entertained.
CHAPTER XIV
Sketch of the Battle of Plymouth and Surrender of the 24th N. Y.
Battery— Horrors of the Prison at Andersonville, Ga., in which
Perry Men were Sufferers.
Ill ;i sketch (tf the siiri-fiK Irp <»f tile iMtli \t'\v York IJattery
;it IMyiiKiiitli. \. ('.. Mr. Mn-iill says:
"All loyal I'iti/A'iis ol' tlic I'liinMl States have a pride in onr
])eautil'ul National l)anner, and evei- is it a pleasure to tlieir
lieai'ts to see it t'lntterin*r in the l)i-ee/.e. As children we learn
to love it, honor and chei-ish it.
"'I^vo epochs in niy lil'e have heeii stron*rl>' iiiai'ki'd hy the
sijj^ht ol" this 'eiHl)leiii of the free.' First when it was slowly low-
ered from the color stall* of Fort Williams at Plymouth and the
C'onfedei'ate colors I'eplaeed it. Second, when forthefirst timein
seven months I saw it wavin«r from the masts of the vessels that
had come to take us from our horrid |>rison pens. In expei*-
iencinir the fii"st it was a sad si^ht to see our pi'ide, our hoasted
'Stars and Stiij»es/ fallintr. We had, foup:ht for tliem, many
of our eomrades had died for them; hut all was lost! Few of
the many Fnion soldiei-s who stootl ai'ound me had dry eyes as
those colors fell.
'■Stii[)ped of our ai'iiis, mortified and sick at heart, we
were penned \)\ rehel *|ruards and allowed to take a niglit's rest
on the green sward. As the sun lowered we took a view of our
once pleasant and happy camp. How desolate and dreary it
was now I Proud in our own strength, we had been conquered.
How much of hate, passion and revenge rald^led in the bosoias
of even those who would be Christians. Our comrades killed,
the battle lost to us, our friends at home frightened, anxious
and full of sorrow; our j)rosi)ects for freedoui from this de-
grading imprisonment, far in the dim, dim future. Cruel taunts
were thrown in our faces, cruel acts were committed on every
side of us. We tried to brave it out ; we tried to comfort our-
selves with the knowledo:e that Ave had fought a good fight;
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR
225
we endeavored to believe that an immediate exehange of pris-
oners would take place ; we consoled ourselves Avith the thought
that none but cowards Avould taunt a fallen foe; yet heavy
hearts and sad minds dwelt with us through that long night.'"
A few of the men of the Battery were made prisoners dur-
in the early part of the battle and were taken to the prisons at
Florence and Charleston, from which some never returned.
1915 I860
BENJAMIN H. HOLLISTER
On the morning following the battle, those who had sur-
rendered were ordered into line and marched 17 miles. The next
morning they arrived at Hamilton. On the 25th of April they
reached Tarboro. At this place the officers who were prisoners
were separated from the soldiers and were taken to Richmond.
The remaining prisoners were loaded on platform ears and sent
226 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
soutli tlir()ii«zii ( ■|iarl»'st()ii, Savainiali and ^Macoii to Andcrsoii-
\ill(', (Ja. One ot* tliciii has said :
'*It was (luitc dark hi'iore Ave wwv allowi'd to dist'inl)ark
t'loiii llic cai's. The stockade was about -half a mile from tlie
(h'pot. We wei'e tohl tliat ])ef()re (Miterin^ the i)i*isoii we would
1) ' ()i*iiaiii/('d into drtaclmicnts. We were iiiarcdu'd to a lev(d
l)lot of irround throu«rli ^^"lli(•ll ran the stream that furnished
the pi'ison stockade with watrr, and at'tci- a uiiard liad'^beeii
|)la('e(l ahont us Ave Avere peiMiiittcd to fni'nish oui'sclves Avitli
Avitcr and appease our hun*rer Avitli the haeon and hard tack
that had been issued to us a eonpK' of days before. That Avas
the last of hard bread that i ever saw in the (Confederacy, and
here Avas my first introduction to Ciiptain Wirz, commander of
the Confedei-ate ])i'ison. ('amp ['ires iiad Ixmmi started al)out tbe;
ji'uai-d line, and suddenly, as if it had Ixm ii the Devil himself,,
this I'iend made his appearance through oi- near one of the fires.
Slnu't in statui'c. stoopinj^ fitjure, ill->;liaped liea«l. awkard lindjs
and movement, a deep-set, ugly eye, and a toiiiiue i-etdving Avith
profanity — such Avas ('ai)tain Wirz. A irlan<'e p^assed from com-
i-ade to comrade, telling better thaii the tongue of the fate Ave
feared Avas in store for us. After 'mucIi sAvearing and many
tin-eats to punish or kill, he succeeded in properly organizing
us into (leta(dimeids. and Ave Avei-e then infoi iikmI that our l)ar-
I'acks for the night Avould be the ground. Had Ave knoAvn tben
Avhat Avas to be oiu' future camping place, Iioav quickly Avould
our com}daints luiA'e clianged to Avords of thanks aiul thougbts
of thanks — a jn-actical example of the little Ave knoAV in tins
Avorld of tbe good or tbe bad that may be in store for us. While
in our ignorance, Ave are merry Avben Ave should be sad, and are
full of complaints Avhen aa'c should be happy. Fatigue makes
a soft Avarm bed of the cold earth aujl changes a stick of Avood
into a doAvny pilloA\\ We slept soundly ; and Avhat a blessing, it
Avould seem, it Avould haA'C been had the great majorit^^ of our
f(MloAvs ncA'cr Avaked from that sleep. Still, Providence — Avise
and good — saAv fit for them to Avake and to enter a trial of life
that they had never anticipated. From observations in constant
and intiuuite relations AA'ith many of them, I believe the long
suffering and continual thought of the past and future did
prepare them for a peaceful death, and, I hope, for a blessed
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 227
future. On the folloAving morning we were ordered into line
and marched into the prison stockade."
The horrors of Andersonville have been so generally des-
cribed that a repetition is unnecessary here. Clara Barton has
said :
''After this, whenever any man who has lain a prisoner
within the stockade at Andersonville, would tell you of his
sufferings — how he fainted, scorched, drenched, hungered,
sickened; was scoffed, scourged, hunted and persecuted — though
the tale be long and twice told, as you would have your own
wrongs appreciated, your own woes pitied, your OAvn cries for
mercy heard, I charge you to listen and believe him. However
definitely he may have spoken, know that he has not told you
all. However strongly he may have outlined or deeply he may
have colored his picture, know that the reality calls for a better
light and a nearer view than your clouded, distant gaze will
ever get. And your sympathies need not be confined to Ander-
sonville while similar horrors glared in the sunny light and
spotted the flower girt garden fields of that whole desperate,
misguided and bewildered people. Wherever stretched the
form of a Union prisoner, there rose the signal for cruelty and
the cry of agony; and there, day by day grew the skeleton
grav,es of.the nameless dead."
Of the men who enlisted in the Battery in Perry, a few had
been discharged from the service through disability, etc. At the
time of the battle of Plymouth, a few others Avere at their
homes on furlough. Fifty-nine were captured, and of these,
46 died in Southern prisons. Those who survived came home
broken in health from their experiences.
It was a cold dreary winter day when the remnant of the
Battery returned to Perry. Familiar faces crowded about
them scarcely able to recognize in those emaciated forms the
healthy, robust young men they used to know. Anxious in-
quiries concerning the missing ones overpowered the warm
welcome, and they felt that to be the bearers of such tidings
228
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
^\■ls iiidrcd ;in iiiiriivijihlc lot. Of iIm- survivors, only two arc
now it'sidintr in the town, vi/: J^riijamiii 11. llollistt*r and Al-
1 crt Kicliaids.
1915
1863
ALBERT RICHARDS
Upon the expiration of tlie term of sei'viee, tlie original
nienibers — except veterans — were inustei<'d out and the vet-
erans and recruits were transferred to tlu' Third Regiment,
Xt^w York Artillery, on ^March 8th, ISG.'). These were mustered
out on July 7th of that year.
It has not ])een the intention of the writer to convey the
impression tluit the 24t]i Battery comprised all or nearly all of
tin- volunteers from Perry in the Civil War. SiJecial mention
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 229
has been given it becanse, in reality, it Avas a local organization.
As nearly as can be mentioned at this time about one hundred
others enlisted in the Federal Army from Perrj^ and vicinity
in other organizations than the Battery, making a grand total
of more than 180 from this, the little Perry of 1861-65. No
reader of these lines can deny that on the part of these men
there was a brave sacrifice to loyalty. Are we as patriotic to-
day? Have we no gratitude for the services of the living and
dead who volunteered from our town in the great conflict ? Is
there less of generosity? Let a practical answer to these ques-
tions be a strong endeavor to purchase and erect a suitable mon-
ument in some sightly position that w411 be a treasured and elo-
quent addition to the beaut}^ of our town and an impressionable
sign to all generations of our people of high duty faithfully per-
formed and loyally and lovingl}^ remembered.
Roster of Volunteers from Perry, 1861-1865
(This is probabl}^ not complete. It may include a few that
were not actual residents of the tovrn of Perry, but of this im-
mediate locality. Names preceded by * are of those who died
in the service.)
Name Regiment
Abrams, Wm. 27th N.Y. Infantrv
Alburtv, Francis :SL 24th N. Y. Battery
*Alburty, Wm. 24th N. Y. Battery
Alton, Sheldon 17th N. Y. Infantry
Andrews, Mark 24th N. Y. Battery
Andrews, Robert F. Western Lt. Artillery
*Andrus, Lemuel 24th N. Y. Battery
Andrus, Merritt 4th U. S. Artillery
Arnold, M. 9th N. Y. Cavalry
*Atwood, George S. 24th N. Y. Battery
Austin, Amos W. 1st N. Y. Dragoons
*Austin, Charles 1st N. Y. Dragoons
Austin, Frank S. 17th N. Y. Infantr^^
Austin, Frederick 9th N. Y. Cavalry
230
HISTORY OF THE TOWN PERFRV
*Axtoll, Al)iier
Avers, ^)scar
liabeock, Orso
r>ak»'i'. Thomas
Uarln'i-. -loliii
lianics. I'laiik
'•iJariK's, Koswcll
*Bai'tlett, llartwoll
*Rateliel(ler, B. Frank
Boardslev, Alton
Bcardsley, E. H.
lu'iitlcy, David
liirdsall. Iliraiii
Bishop, I. G.
Boies, E.
J^olton, Parris
Booth, Ilari'ison
l^orchMi, Adclbert
IJordcn, Alhei-t
BoupfUton, Arthur
*Bouirht()n, ^Myron
^Brayton, Rut'us
*Briggs, George
*Briggs, Wm.
*'Brooks, John
lironghtoii. Floyd
Buck, Robert
Bullard. R. F.
Burden, xVdelbert
Burden, Albert
^'Button, James
r>uttre, C. AV.
Cady, George E.
Calkins, Francis A.
''^Calkins, James
Calkins, ]\Ielatiah
*Calteaux. Paul
Calvin, Andrew
Camp, E. B.
Camp, AVm. S.
r)tli IN'iiiia. Cavalry
17tli X. V. Inlaiiti-y
1st X. Y. Dragoons
Slltli X.V. \'ols.
IMIi \. V. Cavalry
9tli N. V. ("avalrV
24tli X. V. Battery
LMtli X. v. Battery
24th X. Y. Battery
17th X. Y. Infantry
17th X. Y. Infantry
l:;i;th X. ^'. infantry
1st X. \'. Di-agoons
1st X. Y. Mounted Rifles
24th X. Y. Battery
147tli X. Y. Infantry
Regt. UnknoAvn
l()4th X. Y. Infantry
l()4th X. V. Infanti-y
89th X. Y. Volunteers
27th Wisconsin Volunteers
24th X. Y. Batterv
104th X. Y. Infantry
104th N. Y. Infantrv
24th X. Y. Battery
l:Uli X. Y. Infantrv
24th X. Y. Battery
136th X. Y. Infantrv
2nd X. Y. ^Mounted Rifles
2nd X. Y. Mounted Rifles
24th N. Y. Battery
1st X^. Y. Dragoons
27th X. Y. Volunteers
2nd X. Y. :\Itd. Rifles
24th X. Y. Batterv
136th X. Y. Volunteers
24th X. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
1st X. Y. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Batterv
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR
231
*Caruahan, Charles
Carnahan, Wm.
Ciiapin, Abner B.
Chapin, Willard J.
Chapman, John
Childs, Lucius
^Childs, Reuben
Clark, C. A.
Cofiekl, Thomas
Cole, Parker
=*Comstock, A. ^V.
Crocker, Chas. H.
Crocker, Emorv F.
Crooker, Wni. W. (Capt.)
Cronkhite, Joel
Curtis, Lorenzo
Dolbeer, Charles H.
Dunn, John
Duryea, George
Duryea, Joseph
Fanning, Edwin
I-'ardin, Francis
Ferguson, Daniel
Ferguson, A. T.
Ferrin, J. T.
^^Filbin, John
^^Fitch, Charles W.
Fitch, Wm.
*Fitzgerald, Thomas
Flint, J. Nelson
Foskett, Milton
Foskett, Wesley
Foskett, Winslow
Francis, J. P.
Frayer, Andrew
^French, Mj^ron
Frost, Enos B.
*Galusha, Jonas E.
Gardner, Albert
Gardner, Avery
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
Quartermaster's Dept.
Surgeon
Regt. Unknown
Rgt. Unknown
33rd N. Y. Volunteers
24th N. Y. Battery
8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery
89th N.Y. Infantry
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
1st N. Y. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
Regiment unknown.
24th N. Y. Battery
89th N. Y. Volunteers
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
8th N. Y. Heavy Art.
1st N. Y. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
Regt, Unknown
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
136th N. Y. Vols.
9th N. Y. Cavalry
9th N. Y. Cavalry
1st N. Y. Dragoons
8th N. Y. Heavv Art.
136th N. Y. Infantry
11th Regt. Heavv Art.
24th N. Y. Batterv
9th N. Y. Cavalrv
89th N. Y. Infantry
232
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
( iai'diHT, SiiinM)ii !Mli
*(;raiit, :Miirray 24tli
(In'prj?, Wni. 4tli
•(JrifVitli. All.ert LMtli
•(irifTitli, Cliarles R. 24tli
•(h-iffitli, Willis 27tli
Cii-ipj^s, Win. Jr. Stii
(irisowood. Thomas 24tli
ilalc, X.
Ilaniia, Nicholas l()4tli
Ilardons. 4tli
*IIaiv. .lohii 1st
ilaskiiis, II»Mir\- S^itli
Hastings, Goo. S. (Lieut.) 24th
•Hathaway, Charles 24tli
*IIorshey, Andrew II.
Ili^^ins, Frank 1st
Ilildnm, James -^^th
Hill, Wm. 8flth
Hollcnht'ck, Ilciii-y 1st
Hollenbeek, Wallace 9th
TTollister, Beni. II. 24th
Iloman, Charles II. 24th
*Horsford, Wm. F. 24t]i
Ilumphrev, E. D. 1st
♦Hunt, Charles H. 27th
*Hunt, Georpre S.
♦Hunt, IMerritt
Ilurlburt, E. T. M. 24t]i
Jeifres, C. (Capt.) 36th
♦Johnson, George B. 24th
Jones, Samuel »*^9th
Keener, Anson 89th
♦Keeney, George W. 24th
Keeton, John 1st
•Lacy, James 1st
Lapham, Daniel 9th
Lapham, Horace 24th
♦Lapham, L. H. 24th
Law, Charles O. 1st
X.
X.
X.
X.
X.
X.
V.
V.
V.
V.
V.
V.
\. V. Cavah-y
X. V. Uattrry
. Artillery
l»attcry
Uattcry
liil"anti-\'
Vols.
Battery
Keirinirnt unknown
X. V. \'.)Is.
Artillery
X. \. Dratrnnns
X. V. \'ol.
X. V. P»attery
X. V. P.attery
Asst. Surpeoii, Xavv
N. Y. :Mtd. Rifles *
X. Y. Heavy Art.
Infantry
)?-a^()()ns
Cavalry
Battery
Battery
Battery
Draproons
Infantry
Regt. Unknown
Regt. Unknown
\. Y. Battery
X. Y. Vols.
N. Y. Battery
X. Y. Vols.
N. Y. Vols.
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Mtd. Rifles
N. Y. Mtd. Rifles
N. Y. Cavalry
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
X. Y. Dragoons
X. ^
X. V.
X. ^
X.
N.
X.
X
X.
Y.
Y.
Y.
^'
Y.
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR
233
*Lee, Abram
Lee, Jay E. (Capt.)
*Lent, Abram
'*Mahannay, Barton
!Mahaniiay, Wm.
Marvin, Connor
^Marvin, Patrick
==*:\rarean, C. A.
^lateson, Wm. H.
^Matteson, Henry
*Meade, G.
^^IcCrink, James
*McCrink, John
jleGuire, John
**^Ic'Xineh,
:\Ierrill, J. W.
?^Ietzger, ^Michael
'•^rvliuer, J. Gile
IMcrgan, Elias
Newcomb, L.
*Ne\vton, R. J.
Noonen, Wm.
Page, Harry C.
^Parkins, John
^Perkins, J. W.
Pinnev, Frank H.
Pettes, Fred W. (Capt.)
'^Pettibone, Levi ^
*Piper, A.
'^Piper, George W.
Post, J. Mort. (Capt.)
Post, Lucius H. (Lieut.)
Post, Thomas E.
*Pratt, Philander
Quinn, John
Rath bone, Sydney S.
^RaAvson, Porter D.
Reynolds, Theodore
Reynolds, Wm.
Richards, Albert
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Vols.
N. Y. Vols.
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
Artillery
N. Y. Heavy Art.
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Dragoons
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Infantry
N. Y. Battery
N. Y. Vols.
24th
24th
24th
31st
31st
24th
24th
24th
4th
8th
24th
24th
24th
1st
24th
24th
17th
24th
186th
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
136th N. Y. Vols.
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
1st N. Y. Cavalry
89th N. Y. Vols.
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
3rd N. Y. Cavalry
17th N. Y. Infantry
3rd N. Y. Artillery
24th N. Y. Battery
Regt. LTnknown
24th N. Y. Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
1st N. Y. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
234
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
I\it'har(ls, Elias
'■^Kichardsoii, Orlaiulo
Iv()l)iiis<)ii, Adolpluis
l^obinson, .lolin P. (Col.)
l\(»])iiis()ii, Zcl) C.
"J\()()cl, James
*Rood, LeOraiide D.
L'4tli X. Y. Battery
•24\U X. V. l^attery
1st X. Y. I)ra^n)()iis
1st X. V. Di-a^ooiis
Mrd X. \. Cavali-y
iii'f^t. riiknowii
24th X. V. Battery
*Saft'ord, Pembroke J,
24th X. Y. Battery
Sialisbury. M. S.
^Seiiter, Lucius
SeeU'y. \Vm.
St'vmour, Jared
Sliermau, Seymour
*Shirley, Pliares
Simmons, A. S. (2nd Lieut.)
21st X. Y. A'ols.
89tli X. Y. Vols.
Regiment unknown
1st X". Y. Dragoons
3()tli X. Y. Vols.
24th X. Y. Battery
S9th X. Y. A^ols
PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR
23;
* Simmons, James B. B.
^Simmons, Phineas A.
*Smith, ^Nlason C. Jr.
Smith, Edward
Smith, James
Smith, Jay
Smith, Nicholas
Sterling, Charles H.
Stoddard, Samnel
Stover, George
Strong, Lorenzo
Summy, David
Sullivan, Patrick
Summy, ]\Iort
Sweet, Charles
Tadder, David
Tallman, Benj. H.
Taylor, Martin
Thompson, Benj.
*Tilton, Henry
^AYelch, Edward
Welch, Peter
^Teller, J. H.
Westbrook, George
Westbrook, John
AYestbrook, Nehemiah
\Yestlake, Charles G.
^AYilliams, Oliver
Williamson, James
Wilson, John A.
Witter, Volney
Wolcott, Orson
*Wood, Emmett
Young, Harry, (colored)
1st X. Y. Dragoons
1st N. Y". Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
1st N. Y. Dragoons
1st N. Y". Dragoons
IT.th N. Y. Infantry
1st N. Y. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
9th N. Y". Cavalry
9th N. Y^ Cavalry
27th N. Y". Infantry
136th N. Y. Vols.
Musician
^Musician
104th N. Y. Infantry
27th N. Y^. Infantry
9th N. Y. Cavalry
27th N. Y". Infantry
24th N. Y\ Battery
24th N. Y. Battery
1st N. Y^. Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
104th N. Y. Infantry
104th N. Y. Infantry
27th N. Y^. Infantry
1st N. Y". Dragoons
24th N. Y. Battery
8th N. Y"". Heavy Artillery
1st N. Y. Dragoons
9th X. Y. Cavalry
104th N. Y. Infantry
24th X. Y". Battery
31st X. Y. YoR
CHAPTER XV
The Press of Perry, Representing Religious and Anti-Slavery aa
Well as Local Interests— Cemeteries — Banking Institutions and
Their Founders.
The ''Genesee Recorder" was cstablislicd in 1834 and was
continued for two years. Geor§:e M. Schipper was the i)ub-
lisher. As this was the first newspaper to !)e pul)lislied in the
Town of Perry, Ave feel that a ])rief deseri[)tioii wouhl l)e ap-
propriate.
A copy of tile ''Genesee Recorder," dated August 8th,
1834, shows a sheet which is a little more than half the size of
the present local i)apers and contains five colniuns to the page.
This copy is the first nnniber of the first volnme, and the first
line under the head says: "Devoted to News, Politics, Agricult-
nre, Arts, Manufactures, Science, Literature, Morality and
AniusenuMit, by G. ^I. Sehipj)er. " Really, a very extensive
field of labor for a sheet of its size. The price of the paper was
$2.00 a year in advance; $'2.50 if not paid within six months;
or $3.00 if delaj'ed until the expiration of the year. The first
page of this sheet is filled with miscellaneous reading; the
fourth page has three columns of political matter, mainly se-
lected articles pitching into Gen. Jackson, and tw^o columns of
agricultural reading. The second page is filled with political
articles from the Albany Journal and foreign news. The third
page contains the prospectus of the "Genesee Recorder" and
an article of about a column explaining its political purposes.
The only matter in the paper than can be regarded as "locals"
is a notice of the marriage of Mr. Luther A. Conklin and Miss
Mary Ann Howard of Castile, and the death of Miss Mary
Smith of this village. There is about half a column of village
advertisements, from which one learned that Armitage &
THE PRESS OF PERRY 237
Faulkner were keeping a general store and dealt in dry goods,
groceries, hardware, wines and liquors, maple sj^rup, and a lit-
tle of everything handy to have in the house. Sherman & Skid-
more conducted the Perry Hotel ; J. King kept a boot and shoe
store ; and A. Bunnell shod horses — a very sorry show of busi-
ness ads when compared with those of the present day.
The "American Citizen" was established in Warsaw in
1836 by J. A. Hadley. After one year it was purchased by Jo-
siah Andrews and m_oved to Perry, where it Avas published by
Messrs. Mitchell and Lewis. This paper was the official organ
of the Genesee County Anti-Slavery Society. Its subscription
rate was $2.50 a year in advance. Mr. LcAvis soon dropped out
of the firm and was succeeded by Ansel Warren. In January,
1841, the publication was removed to Rochester.
The ''Register," a campaign paper, was published in Perry
for one or two years, beginning Jan. 1st, 1840. Isaac N. Stod-
dard and John H. Bailey were the proprietors.
The *^ Perry Democrat," published by Peter Lawrence,
began its existence on Jan. 1st, 1841. Mr. Lawrence conducted
the paper until 1848, at which time it was sold to C. C. Britt.
who continued it until 1853.
The ''Watch Tower," a Baptist publication, was printed at
the office of The American Citizen during 1839 ; Ansel Warren,
editor.
The "Ariel," another religi-ous paper, noted for its sar-
casm and caustic comment on local affairs, was published in
Perry by "An Association of Nice Young Men, semi-occasion-
ally," during the year 1841.
The "Western New Yorker" was established in Perry in
January, 1841, by J. H. Bailey. A few months later it Avas sold
to Messrs. Barlow & Woodward, who moved it to Warsaw.
where it is still being published.
238 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The "Coimtryinan," a Liberal Party ])ii])licatioii, was es-
tablished in Perry in 1843 hy N. S. Woodward. Soon afterward
it was pureliased by Daniel S. Cnrtis, who changed its name to
''The Impartial Countryman" and continued it until August,
1846, when it passed into the hands of Ansel Warren, wlio again
changed its nanu' to "The Free Citizen" and issued the paper
until August, 1847.
The ''Sunday School Visitor" was published monthly at
the office of Tlie Countryman by D. S. Curtis. It was begun in
I\Iay, 1844.
The "Christian Investigator" Avas published at the office
of The Free Citizen for one year and was edited by Wm. Good-
ell.
The "Wyoming Advertiser" was published in Perry dur-
ing one year by Horace Wilcox, beginning Dec. 22d, 1853.
The "Wyoming Times" Avas begun in Perry in May, 1855,
by T. S. Gillett. The office was destroyed by fire in 1856, but
the paper's publication was resumed soon afterward. It was
discontinued, however, in 1863. During the last two years of
its existence it was juiblished by Benjamin F. Page.
The "Silver Lake Sun" was established in Perry on Dec.
1st, 1865, by George A. Sanders. As the town had been without
a paper for more than two years, it was received with great
favor by the citizens. The Sun was published by Mr. Sanders
until 1872, at which time it passed into the hands of J. S. Van-
Alstyne, who had control of it for a short time, after which it
reverted to Mr, Sanders, who continued it until 1877.
The "Peny Star" was published here for a short time, be-
ginning in March, 1874, by George A. Sanders.
The "Wyoming County Herald" was established in June,
1877, by Lewis E. Chapin, who came to Perry from Livonia.
He purchased the business and printing material of Mr. Sand-
THE PRESS OF PERRY 239
c-rs. In 1878 Mr. Chapin changed the name of the paper to The
llerakl. George C. King purchased the business on July 1st,
1881. On :\Iay 1st, 1892, Frank B. Smith bought out Mr. King,
and the following 3^ear purchased the Perry Weekly News of
Asa Countryman, consolidating the two papers under the name
of the Perry Herald and News. Mr. Smith later changed the
name to The Perry Herald and continued its publication until
Sept. 1st, 1912, when he sold the business to ]\Ir. Guy Comfort,
its present OAvner and publisher. During the last year of Mr.
Smith's ownership the paper was issued semi-weekly as the
Perry Semi-Weekly Herald.
During the proprietorship of The Herald b}^ Lewis E.
Chapin a daily edition was printed for a few weeks each Sum-
mer, Avhile the Silver Lake Temperance Assembly was in session.
At tlmt time Mead & Stearns were in charge of the temperance
assembly, which drew large crowds to the lake. It Avas first con-
ducted on the then Saxton grounds in a large enclosure resembl-
ing a cheese box in appearance. After a few seasons that proved
too small to accommodate the crowds and they removed to the
present Pioneer grounds, where a covered auditorium was
erected, surrounded during the season by many campers in
tents and cottages. A daily was also published one year by the
Perry Press, but neither was a financial success.
Two years, during the summer season of Silver Lake
Chautauqua Assembly, when that institution was in its most
flourishing condition, Frank B. Smith, then editor of the Perry
Herald and News, published a daily newspaper with a measure
of success.
The ''Perry Press," published by E. D. Deming of the At-
tica News, was established here in 1883, the paper being issued
for some time from the Attica News office. Later, Mr. Deming
brought printing machinery here and opened a local office in
THE PRESS OF PERRY 241
charge of E. C. Tanger. It was not a financial success and was
discontinued after publication less than two years.
The "Perry Weekly News" was established on Sept. 9th,
1885, by John F. Gates, a retired Universalist minister, who
purcliased the material of the defunct Nunda Herald and re-
moved it to tliis place. In 1888 he took his foreman, C. G.
Clarke, into partnership, under the firm name of Gates &
Clarke, which continued until ]\Iay, 1889, Avhen Mr. Clarke re-
tired and removed to Akron, N. Y. Mr. Gates continued the
business until failing health compelled his retirement and it
was sold in 1892 to Rev. Asa Countryman, who sold it the fol-
lowing year to Frank B. Smith, who consolidated it Avith the
Perry Herald.
The ''Perry Record" was established on Jan. 24th, 1891,
by C. G. Clarke, who returned from Akron, N. Y., to his old
home. That was the year generalh' known as the "Cleveland
panic" time, when free soup houses were opened in many cities
to feed thousands who were in destitute circumstances, when
wheat was selling for 50 cents a bushel, and when "Coxey's
Army" was organized by hundreds of unemployed men who
marched to Washington to demand that the Government should
take action to provide them with work. Twenty years, later.
Carl Read Clarke, eldest son of the proprietor, became associ-
ated in the management of the business under the firm name of
C. G. Clarke & Son, the present publishers.
242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PKRRY
CEMETERIES
Altoiil the year lsl!>, l^hciic/.n-. SrMcii and 1 )i.( )tislliy:^iiis
piilcliastMl a poi'tioii ol* i.ot Xo, 21) IVoiii lu'V. Win. Wiles, wliiell
iiicliukMl tln' old ccnietc'ry IVoiii wliieh a W'W bodies wore re-
cently rem()\'ed in excavatini; lor the new INdilie Lihi'ai'y, and
|>resente(l it 1o ilie villa«:e to lie iisetl as a eemetei-y. At tlie
lime of its |»resentat ion tliei-e were several jrraves thei-e, it or-
i,L',inally extended across Main street and included a stiMj) of
«;'round on the oj)jK)site side. Itetwceii the l*i-esliyt ei-ian and I^a])-
tist (diundies. A nuinher ot" the pioneel'S (d" Pen-y wei-e huried
in tills plot. In 18:!.'} the ground had become neai'ly filled with
fji-aves, and in that yeai' a voluntary association was foi-med
an<l |)lans weic made for a new ceiiietei .w < )ii October '-Ul of
that year, tin- organi/ation. tlii-or.jrh its ti-ustees — Elnatlian
Lacy. Will, holbeer an<l Willard ('hapin — pur<diased one and
three-fourths acics of land from ('ahin W l)ailey and Samuel
Hatch. There Avas one «:iave in this plot |»rior to its sale
to the associatioji, Elisha Karnes having l)een buried there <ui
July 28th, IS'-Vo. In 18r)7 atblitional land was piircbaseil thi'ougb
the association's re})]'esentative, Wrii. Dolbeer. A later associa-
tion, which took over tlie eenietei-y property, was formed in
187G with David Andrus, (;. 1>. Olin, ^Mrs. Ann Keeney,Mrs.R.T.
Tuttle. ^Irs. C V. Andi-us and E. (i. MattbeAvs as incorporators.
This was known as "The no})e Cemetery Association." Tn
1877 anotlier addition was made, and the whole includes abont
fi\-e acres. In l)ec<Miiber. 1908, the lots in IIoi)e Cemetery being
nearly all sold, the Association purchased fi'oni Lewis Crane
and II. I). Tinkham some 23 acres of laud lying on the east bank
of Silver Lake outlet, some little distance below the Perry Knit-
ting ^lills and extending back to the lower end of Handley
street. The services of a landscape gardner Avere secured and
the grounds Avere made attractiA'e by foUoAving his suggestions
so far as possible. This plot is knoAA'u as "Hope Cemetery An-
THE CEMETERIES OF PERRY 243
nex." The first burial in the new plot was the body of John
Strickland, a former business num of the village. The addition
"was purchased by the Association's representatives, W. P. And-
rus and W. L. Chapin.
About the year 1824 tlie cemetery at West Perry was laid
out by a voluntary association, of vrhich Dan Dickerson, Arad
Stiliwell and Nathaniel Otis were elected trustees. One acre
of land was purchased from Charles Jewett, which was enclosed
and divided into lots. For many years it was neglected and un-
kempt, but in 1914 a spirit of pride prompted a new organization
by residents of West Perry and under the leadership of A. C.
Stowell, the grounds were improved and beautified, and the
sightly location on an eminence overlooking Silver Lake is well
kept and a credit to those who took the matter in charge.
The first burial in the cemetery at Perry Center was the
body of Charles, son of Peter and Abigail Atwood, who died
on Nov. 29th, 1813. A few other burials were made in this cem-
etery prior to the organization of an association. The original
association at. the Center was organized in 1818 with Samuel
Howard, Orrin Sheldon and Phicol M. Ward as trustees. These
men purchased half an acre of Lemuel Blaekmer for $10, and
the plot has since been enlarged considerably. The original
lots were one square rod in dimension and sold for 50 cents
each. Improvements were made from time to time by volun-
tary contributions. A later association was formed in October,
1885, with B. A. Nevins, F. C. Benedict, C. C. Watrous, Mrs.
Andrew Sheldon, ^Mrs. C. W. Butler and Mrs. Sarah Alton as
trustees. This was known as ''The Prospect Hill Cemetery As-
sociation. ? Soon after the reorganization was effected, the As-
sociation, through its trustees, purchased adjoining land from
Mrs. Alton. This is known as ' ' The Phillips Addition. ' '
In the Fall of 1885, two and one-half acres of land were
purchased by St. Joseph's (Catholic) Chm^ch Society of the
244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
late J. W. ('hjmilx'i-lniii, on tlic Mfst side of tlic i-oad loading'
to SilvcT Lake iVoiii .Maconibcr's eonici's, about tlircc-qiiarters
of a niilo from tlie villaji;!'. Tlie ecmctt'ry o(M'nj)i('s an enclosure
on a hill a short distance north of the lake.
BANKING INSTITUTIONS
Durin}^' many years aftt'i' the srttli'iiicnl of Ihf town, what
little bankint? business was necessary was done at Canandaio^ua,
and later at Geneseo and Batavia, especially at the P>aid< of
(Jenesee at Hatavia. The fii'st hankin*; institution in Pcri-y, of
which the writei* has any record, was the Silvei- Lake P)ank of
(Jenesee, and we cannot state positively whctiici- the husincss
ever opened foi- the transaction of husiiH*ss. or fiot. The only
documents that we liave heeu ahle to find witli refei-eiice to the
matter is a certifi<'d cojiy of the ai-ticles of association of the
Silver La kt' Bank of (Jenesee, whi(di api)eai-s to have been filed
on Dec. 31st, LS:>S, by Archibald ('amj)l)ell, [)eputy Seci-etai-y
of State. The artiides of association were execut^'d by Kufus
IL Smith, :\Iosely Stoddard, Calvin \\ Bailey, Samuel Hatch and
Josiah Andrews, all of them residents of Perry, Genesee
County, who snbscnbed for 200 shares each. Tfie shares had H
par value of $100. If the institution ever o{)ened for business,
it was out of existence before the organization of the Bankinti'
Department, which was first organized by statute in the year
1851.
The First National Bank, formerly known as "Snrith's'
Bank,'' was organized in 1855 as a State Bank, with a capital of
.1^50,000, by Rufus H. Smith, president ; and Anson D. Smith,
his son, cashier. Upon the death of R. H. Smith in 1858, A. D,
Smith became president, and Charles W. Hendee, cashier. Ins
1862 Henry N. Page became cashier. A. D. Smith died in 1866,-
and his widow became- sole proprietor of the bank. ]\Ir. Henry
X. Page then assumed entire eharge of its business affairs. Jm
-Born 1823
HENRY N. PAGE
Died 1894
246
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
iSli.'), nftcr llic i)assat^(' of tlic \;iti,)nal IJaiildiig- Act, which
phiccd a tax ol" 10 per cciil. on the currency of all state l)anks,
the State charle!' was snn'endei-cd and the husiness was con-
tinned under the sanu' tith- as a |U'i\ate l)ank until Alai'ch 'Jd,
1SJ)1, at winch time it was i-eor«riinixed, a cliartei- taken out, and
it hecaiiie The l^'ifst Xatioiial Hank of Pci-ry, with the followinjj:
ujinied olVicei's; rifsidcnt, Ilcni'v X. l*a«rc: \'ice-Pi"csi(lciit,
Kiank 11. Wycd^on'; Cashiei-, W. I). I'a^e; Assistant ('ashiei'.
(icorjjc K. Patife. The IJoard of Dii-cctors included, in addition
to tlu' above named «,^entleineii, Willis II. Tuttle of C'anan-
daijrua.
Boyhood portrait of Willis H. Tuttle of Perry, with his favorite horse
and a friend of his youth, Walter Gillespie of Perry.
The original bank building was erected by Judge Smith,
and the old vault was then considered burglar proof, no inside
safe being used. Later on, a Herring safe was added, which
was afterward wrecked by a gang of professional burglars^
BANKING INSTITUTIONS
247
under the leadership of the notorious Ned Lyon, although no
funds were secured by theni. Tavo other attempts had been
made, but in neither was access gained to the vault. In the
great fire of 1891, part of the cornice was burned from the old
building, and in the following year the store now occupied by
248
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
linker v.^' Holx'i-ts" I'liiii-inacy uhs built, and a second story was
added to the baidc Idiildinir, malvinj]^ the present block as it now
stands.
(hviii^- to tile increase in business and the (b'niand for l)et-
tei- laeilities, the baid< has iiistalii'd a llerring-lIall-Marvin
vault and safe (b-posit box e(|ui|)inent. 'I'his is of the hltest im-
proved rii-e-and-bur^lar-pi-oot' const niet ion. Installing the
\ault neeessilat rd the biiildiu}^'- oi" a new directors" I'ooui at the
icar. The |)iesent otVieers ai"e: W. I). Ta^M-, l*i-esident; (ieoi'«re
K. Pau'e, \'iced*i-esi(b'nt and Cashiei-.
THE CITIZENS BANK OF PERRY, N. Y.
This institution was o?«::ainzed and incoi-porated under tiie
laws of the State (d' New V(U-k on .March Sth, 1888, with a capi-
THE CITIZENS BANK OF PERRY, N. Y.
BANKING INSTITUTIONS
249
tal of .^35,000 aiid the following named citizens as stockholders :
Milo H. Olin, George Toiiilinson, Clarence M. Smith, Lewis A.
.Macomber, Wm. H. liawley, Sr., Robert R. Dow, P. E. Bolton.
Parris Olin, George W. Grieve, Mary J. Olin, M. S. Nobles, By
ron A. Nevins, George L. C^oue, S. A. Hatch, John S. Garrison.
The organization of the iustitntion by local residents was
prompted by the news learned of the proposed location of a
new bank in Perry by ontsiders who believed that the town of-
fered a field for two banking institntions. Clarence M. Smith
LEWIS A. MACOMBER
GEORGE M. TRABER
and the late Milo H. Olin were prim-e movers in the organiza-
tion, Avliich was effected promptly after the news above re-
ferred to was learned, and the partieswho contemplated opening
a bank here organized a banking ijistitution in the Village of
250 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
A /oil. Livingston ('oujit\. Tlu' store in the Oliii Hloek, on the
rornci- of Lake and Main sti'ccts, was sccui'od as a place of l)us-
incss and \\as nscd as such until H)()!), whi-n their present splen-
did ({uai"t('i-s were coiiiph'tt'd and ready for oeeiipancy. The new
haidv i)uihlin«r is one of the finest of its kind in the State, out-
si(h' (d' the hi!*j::e cities, and cost M'ith its e(ini|>inent, about
A shoi't time aftei- its ineorpoi'ation as a State Bank, the
capital sto(d< was increased to -t ')().( )()(). In its 27 years of exist-
ence, the l)ank had hut 1.') direetors, viz: M. li. Olin, L. A. JMa-
cond)er, ({e()i'*re L. Cone. (Jeoi-tre Toiidinson, B. A. Nevins, R. R.
Dow, .1. ('. \Vinds(>r. .1. S. (lai-rison. Win. \V. (irieve, George W.
(irieve. (leor^re M. Trah.'r. Will W." <irieve, Walter T. Olin, C.
M. Siiiitli and .1. .\. Wyckoft'. M. 11. Olin sei-ved as i)resi(lent of
til.' haid< until his death in 1f>()7. when he was succeeded by
Lewis A. Macondx'i-. Tpon llie death of .Mr. Macond)er in 1915,
(Jeortje y\. Traher was elected president. In its hi.story the
hank has had hut one cashiei-. Clarence M. Sniitli. who contin-
ues to serve in that capacity, and to whom a considerable meas-
iii-e of credit is due for the ^rrowth of the bank's business. Lloyd
P. i>enedict lias sei'ved the hank as assistant cashier for a
])eriod of '20 years. The pr<'sent stockliolders are: Clara ^I.
Bolton, .M. 11. Baker, R. IL Cone, J. S. Garrison, J. F. Grieve,
Will W. Grieve, Wni. W. Grieve, George W. Grieve, Carrie D.
Green, estate of Win. IL Hawley, Jr., S. A. Hatch, Celia A.
Lewis, estate of L. A. .Maconiber, Byron A. Nevins, Mary J.
Olin. Walter T. Olin. estate of H. X. Parker, J. M. Rood, Emma
W. Slack, Abram Reese, C. M. Sudth. L. P. Benedict, Tomlinson
& Son, George :\I. Traber, :\rary E. Wyckoff, James N. Wyckoff.
CHAPTER XVI
Highways, Bridges, Etc.— Maps Showing Growth of Village Since
Early Days — Expenditures for Macadamizing Village Streets
and Highways*
One of the first— if not the first^roads opened through
the present Town of Perry was the Geneseo, or ''Big Tree
Boad," which led from Geneseo to Buffalo and crossed this
town near the middle. This road became the main avenue
West. The Allegan^y^ Road, which intersected the Geneseo Road
near Moscow and led to Olean, crossed the southeast end of
the town.
The Allegany Road was laid out in 1806, was six rods wide
and became the main road south. The original Allegany Road
Veered several rods west beginning at a point about a mile
south of the village and evidently connected with the present
Leicester street, known in early days as the "Leicester Road."
*rhe road was altered to its present position about the year
1816 by Ziba Hurd and two others, who were the road commis-
sioners of Perry at that time.
The old *' Buffalo Road," as it was called, was the first east
and west road. This was opened across the north part of the
tow^n at an early period, but w^as not worked and never became
a thoroughfare, owing to the impractical ravines which it
crossed*
A road was laid out in 1812 or 1813 from Perry Village
north to the villages of Perry Center,LaGrange, Coviligton
Center and Pavilion, to LeRoy. It was over these four roads
that the first settlers came into the town and tlie regions in
their vicinity were first settled-.
252 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Tlie writer has found it iin[)ossil)l(' to nseertain the exact
(Ij'tcs when the early villaj^e streets were laid out. However,
Leicester, AVater, Short, Center, Lake and Main streets are
probably the oldest of the village streets. ?^Iain street was laid
out in 1813 and, at the time of its formation, intersected on
the south end a road wliieli at that period ran from the upper
chilli southeast.
^lain street, occupies its oi-i^inal position, or iieai-ly so,
hut its grading has been inatrrially eliangrd. In tlic early days,
fioiii the Presbyterian Church down toward the outlet, it was
quite steep, but niueh filling was done fi-oin time to time to re-
duce tlie grade. Tn the rear of the First National Bank block
was a [)()nd of water, sonorous witli tlie music of frogs in
the evenings of the early days. At that tiii:e. beginning at the
present junction of ]Main and (Jardeau streets, Main street
veered a few fret further to the east until at St. Ileb'iia street
it was about two rods east of its present loeation. The follow-
ing exeerpts are taken from an article wi-it t<'n for the Silver
Lake Sun by the late John Stainton in 1S70. Among other in-
teresting faets concerning the Town of Perry of the period of
1818-20, he said:
**The primitive village consiste<] of two stores in framed
buildings — Bailey & Hatch's, corner of :\Liiii and Covington
streets, and Benjamin Gardner's at his residence, above the
mill pond (near the present depot). The latter might perhaps
be called the principal store; but, yon ask, "Why up there
out of the way?" We answer, there was no "way" in reality.
The roads were laid out, but not worlied ; nor were village lots
fenced in. Y^ou might go from the outlet on ]Main street to the
Academy site on an air line and find no obstacle, except an
army of stumps ; so the Gardner store was not so inaccessible as
might appear. Mr. Gardner was postmaster at that time, and
his store was a general center of operations."
HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, ETC. 253
From the above description of methods of laying out streets
tlie reader can gain an understanding of the reason for the hit-
and-miss arrangement of the older streets of the village, many
of them apparently created from coAvpaths or the most used
paths of early days, the same as is said of the streets of Boston,
Mass., and because the original owners of the tracts in which
this locality was situated did not believe that it would be de-
veloped, giving their attention to other and more promising sec-
tir.ns, leaving this small settlement to work out its own destiny.
The culvert on Main street over the outlet was constructed
under the supervision of Xoah Bacon at an early date, presum-
ably about 1830; prior to that a wooden bridge crossed the
stream. When the culvert was built it was quite narrow and
the sidewalks on either side were constructed as ordinary
bridges. In 1857, Judge Rufus H. Smith widened the culvert to
its present dimension, filling in with dirt excavated from the
cellar for the Smith block, which was under construction at
that time.
The culvert on Gardeau street was constructed in 1883 by
B. A. Xevins, Supervisor, and Warren A. Phillips, Highway
Commissioner. John Bernard was the contractor. In making
the necessary fill, 7,000 cubic yards of dirt was used the first
year and 3,000 the second year. A wooden bridge erected at
an early date was in use up to this time.
A wooden bridge was erected across the outlet ravine on
Center street, near Tomlinson & Son's mill, in 1813. A culvert
took its place in about the year 1832 and was constructed by
Highway Commisisoner Noah Bacon. This first culvert was
narrow, being only eight feet wide. It was extended some-
what in 1865 and in 1903 it was rebuilt and greatly enlarged
under the direction of B. A. Nevins, Supervisor, and Lewis H.
Crane, Highway Commissioner.
Farming land on the east side of the outlet, belonging to
254
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The above map was kindly furnished by Hon. B. A. Nevins and shows
a portion of the Village of Perry (called Columbia at that time) as it was
in 1816, and will give the reader a fair idea of the village streets as origin-
ally laid out. Main street was then known as the AUegany roadi Leicester
HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, ETC.
255
street as Leicester road; Short street as Center street. The unnamed streets
in the center and at the lower left of the map represent what are now
known as Covington and Lake streets. It will be noticed that what is now
Short street was originally laid out to intersect Lake and Church streets,
but the portion of Short Street from Covington street to Church street was
not worked and never became a thoroughfare. Leicester street in 1816 at
its western extremity intersected the West Perry road at or near the pres-
ent corner of Federal and Lake streets, instead of the present intersection at
the Five Comers. The roadway designated as Short street, which is
shown connecting Leicester road and the present Lake street was closed
about 1835. The narrow roadway connecting Lake and Covington streets
was closed many years ago.
The above map is published to show the reader by dotted lines the ap-
proximate location of the old abandoned roads of the village and the streets
256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
which were laid out up to 1853, which is about midway from the tinie of
the settlement of the village to the present. The dot and dash lines show
the corporation line of the period. The street designated as Piospect street
was laid out at this time but was not worked. Some years later. Watkins
avenue was laid out a little north of its location. Water street was known
at that time as Mill street.
the late .Jolm and Kobert UriseAvood was cut into l)uil(lini»' lots,
and in 1892 Kordrn Avenue was laid out from Watrous street
to the outlet opposite Main street, and dedii'ated to tlie village,
Aug. 1st. 1892. The section built up raj)idly and, in 1894, an
iron bridge was erected across the outlet to connect the pro})-
crty with j\Iain street, by the Oswego Bridge Co., under the
direction of E. G. Matthews, Supervisor, and Edward Purcell,
Highway Coninussioner.
Owing to the expansion of the plant of the Perry Knitting
Co., and the growth of the popidation in the vicinity of their
mills, the late Alonzo Crane cut his farm land on the east bank
of the outlet into building lots in the year 1900 and laid out
AValnut street and dedicated it to the village. That section
was soon occupied by a number of houses and, in 1902, an iron
l)ridge spanning the outlet and connecting Walnut and Water
streets, was erected by the Oswego Bridge Co., nnder the direc-
tion of W. W. Grieve, Supervisor, and Lewis II. Crane, Iligh-
woy Commissioner.
For a period of many years, work was done on the streets
of Perry to keep them in condition, but in the Spring and Fall
of each year many of them were almost impassable, notwith-
standing, for the reason that there was no systematic or scien-
tific plan in nse. In particular. Main, Lake, Center and Water
streets, where traffic was heavy, were at times simply highways
of mud to the depth of from one to two feet, a severe handicap
to users of the streets and especially to teamsters and our in-
dustries that had much hauling of unfinished and finished pro-
ducts. The urgent need of improving conditions became gener-
256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
which were laid out up to 1853, which is about midway from the time of
the settlement of the village to the present. The dot and dash lines show
the corporation line of the period. The street designated as Prospect street
was laid out at this time but was not worked. Som.e years later, Watkins
avenue was laid out a little north of its location. Water street was known
at that time as Mill street.
the late John and Kobert Grisewood was cut into building: lots.
and in 1892 Borden Avenue was laid out from AVatrous street
to the outlet opposite Main street, and dedicated to the village,
Aug. 1st, 1892. The section built up rapidly and, in 1894, an
iron bridge was erected across the outlet to connect the prop-
erty with Main street, by tlie Oswego Bridge Co., under tlie
direction of E. G. Matthews, Supervisor, and Edward Purcell,
Highway Commissioner.
Owing to the expansion of the plant of the Perry Knitting
Co., and the growth of the population in the vicinity of their
mills, the late Alonzo Crane cut Ins farm land on the east bank
of the outlet into building lots in the year 1900 and laid out
AValnut street and dedicated it to the village. That section
was soon occupied by a number of houses and, in 1902, an iron
bridge spanning the outlet and connecting AValnut and Water
streets, was erected by the Oswego Bridge Co., under the direc-
tion of W. W. Grieve, Supervisor, and Lewis H. Crane, High-
way Commissioner.
For a period of many years, work was done on the streets
of Perry to keep them in condition, but in the Spring and Fall
of each year many of them were almost impassable, notwith-
standing, for the reason that there was no systematic or scien-
tific plan in use. In particular, Main, Lake, Center and Water
streets, where traffic was heavy, Avere at times simply highways
of mud to the depth of from one to two feet, a severe handicap
to users of the streets and especially to teamsters and our in-
dustries that had much hauling of unfinished and finished pro-
ducts. The urgent need of improving conditions became gener-
Map drawn by G. D. Roclie, engineer, showing the corporation of Perry in :
HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, ETC. 257
ally admitted, and it was decided to send to the State Depart-
ment of Highways for an expert to come and look over the sit-
uation and give the authorities his advice as to the best plan to
pursue. The Department sent Frank Lyon in response to the
request, and the whole subject was gone over carefully with
him, with the result that in 1903 the village voted to bond itself
in the sum of $15,000 for the construction of Macadam streets
to the extent that the sum would pay for. George C. Diehl,
Highway Engineer of Erie County, was secured to plan and
supervise the work, which was done by Street Superintendent
P. A. McArthur and his force of assistants. For that sum.
Main street was paved from Hope to Mill street ; Mill street and
Water street to Main. The width of the improved road was
20 feet on the average, but was widened to 40 feet through the
business section. Since that time, other streets have been simi-
larly improved, viz : Center street from the junction at Main
street to Lake street ; Lake to Short street ; Short street to
Covington street ; Covington street to Center street ; Lake street
to Federal street. Approximately, $30,000 has been invested
in such improvement by the Corporation of Perry, Avhich in-
cludes slag on the Lake and Main street hills and other minor
improvements that have made our streets in usable condition
with convenience and the ability to haul heavy loads over them
at any period of the year.
CHAPTER XVII
Early Transportation by Stage Coach ard Canal — Long nnd Bitter
Struggle to Secure Railroad Connections — The Men Who
Made It a Reality.
Up to the yviiv 1S71, the only means of ])ul)li(' conveyance
in Perry was tlie tinic-lionortHl stage coach. Although every-
thing conceivable was done for tlic accommodation of the trav-
eler, transportation by stage was exceedingly slow and tedious.
Taverns abounded tlirougliout tlie country, averaging tlirougli
this section one to abont evei-y mile of highway.
In the early days of the stage })usiness Perry was one of
tlie largest and most important villages in Western New York.
The nuiin stage route east and west from Canandaigua to Elli-
cottville ran through here on the old Allegany road. After the
opening of the old (ienesee Valley Canal, stages ran twice
daily between Perry and Cuylerville.
A certain p]dwin Root, a notorious wag, ran a popular
stage line between Perry and Geneseo for a num])er of years.
It is said that he was a wide-mouthed, loud talking driver, who
could guide four horses and hold his whip in one hand while
with the other he could press his tin horn to his big mouth and
blow blasts loiul and long. The turn that he took in coming up
to the hotel w^ould have done credit to the Fifth Avenue nabobs
with their English drags and outriders. He was a firm believer
in advertising, and the writer was fortunate enough to secure
one of his widely-distributed handbills bearing date of Jan.
1st, 1844, from which the following excerpts are taken :
"Male and Female Stages from Perry to Geneseo and
back in a flash. Baggage, persons and eyesight at the risk of
the owners and no questions answered. Having bought the
RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION
259
valuable rights of j^oung Master James Howard in this line,
the subscriber will streak it daily from Perry to Geneseo for
the conveyance of Uncle Sam's mail and family, leaving Perry
before the crows wake up in the morning and arriving at the
first house this side of Geneseo about the same time. Return-
WILLIAM WARD
ing, leave Geneseo after the crows have gone to roost and reach
Perry in time to join them. Passengers will please keep their
mouths shut, for fear they will lose their teeth. Fare to suit
passengers.
* ' The Public 's Much Obliged Servant, Edwin Root . ' '
A stage route from Perry to Batavia was a popular thor-
oughfare for many yeai^, A.B.Walker ran stages between Perry
260 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
and Pike, and Pcrrx- and Attica. Tlio ])uildinj^ of the Erie Rail-
road seriously att'eeted the stage l)Usinoss, and for many years
tlie main line was the formerly well-known "Bill" Ward's P]x-
press between Perry and Castile. A stage to Mt. Morris was also
continued until al'tei- the opening of the Silver Lake Railroad.
The last of the onee flourishing traffic was a one-horse wagon
which came up from Pavilion carrying the way mail to Coving-
ton, LaGrange and Perry Center. The crack ofthe long Avhip and
the toot of the driver's horn is no longer heard, and the old
thorough-brace vehicles have gone to decay. The locomotive
and tlu' automobile have found their way throughout the entire
countiy, giving facilities for transportation and business, and
affording conveniences and speed in travel in wide contrast to
the difficulties and tedious joui-neys encountered by the early
settlers in reaching the spot which their toil converted from a
wilderness to a modern Garden of p]den.
]\Iost of the jiroduce raised in this section between 1840
and 1852 was hauled overland to Cuylerville and shii)ped over
the Genesee Valley Canal to Rochester, Albany, Troy and all
points east. After the Erie Railroad Company completed their
line through Castile in the Summer of 1852, more or less was
shii")ped over that route.
The citizens of Perry, feeling the need of railroad commun-
ication, began to agitate the proposition as early as 1866. The
first railroad article, in which the project of securing an iron
connection with the outside world was discussed, appeared in
the Silver Lake Sun of March 2d, 1867. In this article a road
was contemplated from Rochester by way of LeRoy and Perry,
up the Genesee Valley to Olean and thence into Pennsylvania.
Til is was the origin of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Rail-
road (State Line Railroad) and it was probably regarded at
the time by the majority of Perry's citizens as ncAvspaper talk
that would amount to nothing. Several prominent citizens thq^
RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 261
asserted that the time had gone by when a railroad could be
built that would reach Perry. It was argued that all cross lines
in the state ran northwest and southeast, and ''the lay of the
country" would prevent any line from reaching us.
Finding this too large a project to begin with, the local
press came out in favor of a railroad from Perry to Silver
Springs (then called East Gainesville), and had a preliminary
survey and report made by Col. James 0. McClure, C. E.
Probably the most enthusiastic agitator in favor of provid-
ing Perry with a railroad connection with the outside world
was the late James Wyckoff, who was among the first to recog-
nize the advantages that would accrue in developing the town
and stimulating its growth. Mr. Wyckoff took an aggressive
part in the preliminary work, so much so that he .aroused bit-
ter antagonism on the part of some residents of the north part
of the town, who believed that he was attempting to saddle upon
them a debt that could never be lifted. One of the most bitter
ones remarked: ''I feel that I would be justified in taking a
crowbar and breaking open your safe." Others bitterly op-
posed the proposition for a railroad, one teamster agreeing to
haul with two teams all of the freight that would ever come
into or go out of Perry.
How ridiculous those matters appear now, in the light of
the present situation. But there is no doubt that the misguided
ones were sincere in their opinions, and we can think of their
attitude with amused tolerance. On the other hand, what an
obligation we owe to Mr. Wyckoff, Mr. Page, Mr. Sanders and
those other men to whose vision and the courage to figTit for
their convictions made possible the realization of a railroad
and lifted Perry out of the class of ''little inland towns."
At the time of the death of Mr, James Wyckoff on July
19th, 1890, George C. King (then editor of the Perry Herald),
262 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
in an ohituary notice of Mr. Wyckoff made the following refer-
ence to his connection with the Silver Lake Railway :
"He was one of the original and most active and determ-
ined promoters of the Silver Lake Railway enterprise; was
president of the road for a number of years and a director from
the beginning until now. After the sale of the road, he held for
several years the office of Railroad Commissioner of the Town
of Perry. ' '
The late George Toudinson, who was a contemporary of
Mr. Wyckoff and associated with him in local affairs, i)aid the
following tribute to his memory in an obituary notice which
appeared in the Perry Weekly News on July 24th, 1890:
*'The death of Mr. James Wyckoff calls to mind the criti-
cal days of the Perry railroad. While others bore an important
part and rendered vahuible assistance, it was his unyielding
perserverance that held all in line, llis far-sighted sagacity
took in the future of the enterprise, and he was willing to stand
in the breach and take the responsibility from which more
timid men shrank in dismay. AVhen all others w^ere despond-
ent and gave 'way before the accumulated discouragements,
his faith grew stronger and his active efforts were redoubled
until a gleam of hope revived the courage of others and the
project was a success.
''It is to Mr. James Wyckoff that the Town of Perry is in-
debted more than to any other man for the great public im-
provement which connected this village wdth the outside world.
He was as confident in the most gloomy period of the undertak-
ing as when he saw the first locomotive run over the rails.
Other pens will do him justice and record his worth, but it is
befitting his memory to note an achievement of so much public
benefit.'^
The movement in Perry attracted the attention of enter-
prising men north and south of us, and the through road prop-
osition again began to be discussed. The first State Line Rail-
road meeting took place at Wiscoy, March 5th, 1869, and was
attended by prominent citizens of Rochester and the towns
JAMES WYCKOFF
264 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
[
•d\ou^ till' route proposed. IMessrs. George A. Sanders of Pi rry
^nd L. R. Iliteheock were ai)poiiited a eoiiiinittee to visit the
P:ne Creek region of Pennsylvania and rei)ort in regard to it.s
I'esources, ])i-oduetions, and the feasihility of reaching it by
lail. Tlieii- I'l'port was presented at a largely attended meeting
held at Castile on ]\Iareh ITtli, and it added greatly to tli<' i)re-
yailing entluisiasm all along the line. Another meeting in aid
l)f the project was held in Caledonia on March 31st, and at
Rocliester on April 8th, 18t]9, the State Line Railway Com])any
was organized. It was not until after this preliminai-y woi-k
had been completed, and an organization effected, that a
counter move was started at Warsaw. Mliicii finally resulted ^n
the abandonment of the above mentioned route. It was event-
uj\lly located uixui what is known as the "Warsaw and Sala-
manca route," at a meeting held in Rochester on danuaiy 7th.
1870.
At the largest and most enthusiastic railroad meeting ever
h«'ld in the county, convened at Snnth's Hall in Perry on Jan.
!l2th, 1870, the Rochester & Pine Creek Railway Company was
brganized. Its purpose Avas to build a road from Castile to
Caledonia, and had every town on the line adhered to the plan
with the firmness and determination of Perry, the trains would
have long since been running over the route from Rochester to
the Pennsylvania Railroad. It soon became apparent that the
et^'orts of the Warsaw people who were quietly working in op-
position to the plan had alienated the managers at Rochester
from this route, and in some of the towns it began to be looked
upon as too large a job to undertake without Rochester's aid.
Perr}' was soon bonded for $100,000 in aid of the road, and
on the 20th of August, 1870, R. C. Mordoff, R. W. Brigham and
L. G. Morgan were appointed commissioners. An opposition
developed in Castile, which prevented the bonding of that
town. A disposition was manifested in York to ''go slow," and
RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 265
the project seemed to be in a fair way to get another setback.
At this time the proposition was revived in favor of Perry tak-
ing hold of the matter alone and going to Silver Springs, the
nearest point on the Erie Railroad. A majority of the people
heartily endorsed the proposal and the directors were urged to
begin work.
On the 5th of December, 1870, the contract for the grading
and masonry from Perry to Silver Springs was let to A. Mar-
cellus, to be completed August 1st, 1871. Robert Bell had pre-
viously been engaged as civil engineer, and the work was begun
on Dec. 8th, 1870, near the culvert across the outlet, just above
the present site of the Tempest Knitting Company's plant. The
road was completed and a long blast from the locomotive an-
nounced its first arrival in Perry, on Oct. 20th, 1871. Some
delay was experienced in procuring rolling stock and making
the necessary arrangements for the operation of the road ; but
everything was eventually secured, and on the 14th day of
February, 1872, the first regular passenger train left Perry for
Silver Springs.
The $100,000 raised by bonding the town was used in the
construction of the road; the balance needed for procuring the
necessary equipment (some $23,000) was generously furnished
by a number of the local citizens.
For a period of a few years the road was operated with
varying degrees of success. In 1877 the time came, however,
when the operating expenses were greater than the receipts,
and conditions did not look favorable for the maintenance of
the line. To make things worse, there came a heavy snow
storm during the Winter of that year and the track was covered
with an unknown depth of snow. All traffic was suspended;
there was no money in the treasury. A meeting of the directors
was called and all answered to their names, as follows : Samuel
Chapin, Henry N. Page, Rufus H. Stedman, M. C. Williams,
266 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
James VVyckoff, Gennaii Oliii, E. (J. Matthews, Austin 'i'oaii,
I. ('. I^mlgers, R. W. Brigliam, Luther Chapin, George Toinlin-
soii, J. C. Lowing. Deep anxiety was visible upon every faee,
and the grave question was: ''What shall be done in this enier-
^^viwyV Two questions were up foi- consideration. It was
understood that parties would give .l"5(),000 for the road, fran-
chise and rolling stock.
George A. Sanders, at tliat time a resilient of Perry, sent
in a proposition to lease the road for a term of years, agreeing
to i)ay the town $1,000 per yeai- as rental, the town to pay the
expense of clearing the snow from the track. There was ap-
l>arent an unwillingness to offer the road for sale, so the only
question left was the proposition of Mv. Sanders. A resolution
was offered in these words:
"Resolved, That the i)roposition of Geoi-ge A. Sanders he
accepted, and the president of the road is hereby instructed to
close the contract and execute a lease."
While this resolution was under discussion, Mr. Mark
S:;iith called one of the members of the Board aside and asked
th.at he be permittee- to make a bid. This was reported to the
nu^eting and the motion was carried to postpone for one week
the question of leasing the road. The desperation of the situation
was such that much feeling was manifested, and the question of
postponement was carried by only one majority. This was on
a Saturday. The following ^Monday morning, Mr. E. G. Mat-
tliews provided himself with an Alpenstock and walked the
entire distance to Silver Springs, taking measurements of the
depth of the snow on the track. At a meeting of the Board,
convened on the next Wednesday, Mr. Matthews in giving his
report, exclaimed: "Gentlemen, I will stake my reputation that
1 can make that road pay!'' As a result, the Board gave him
the opportunity to make good his boast and an agreement was
made by which Mr. ^latthews was to advance $1,000 and was
RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION
267
autlicrized to superintend the removal of the snow from tlie
track. This was accomplished, but at something more than the
estimate, and this crisis was passed. In assuming charge of the
a^'airs of the railroad, Mr. Matthew^s arranged his desk in one
of the cars and transacted all of the business pertaining to the
EDWARD a MATTHEWS,
?)peration of the line in that little portable office. Few people
now living can measure the depth of anxiety that w^as so op-
pressive to the management of the Silver Lake Railway in its
■early days,
R. D. Higgins became personally known to every taxpayer
in Perry, for he was untiring in the work of bonding the town
■each of the three times that it was bonded.
268
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
When disaster overtook tlie road and financial collapse
seemed to be imminent, Mr. E. G. IMatthews became the Atlas
who took the burden upon his shoulders and placed it upon the
rock of success. It was not long before his honesty and busi-
ness integrity began to show itself in the good results at-
First Train over the Silver Lake Railway.
w
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o
o
a*
n
CO
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CO
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H
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270 HISTORY Of THE TOWN OF PERRY
taincd. In 1S77 the ^ross cai'iiings of tin' railroad aiiiountt'd to
$7,000; ill tlic year lcS88 they were $18,000 and steadily in-
creased I'roiii tliat time on. ^Mr. ^Mattliews was succeeded for
a time ])y the hite C. W. G. Nobles.
The Silver Lake road had connection with Rochester at a
station on tlie Rutfalo, Rochester & Pittshiirfr road at East
GainesviUe, in ehargje of an aj^ent named Hitchcock. Passen-
g:ers had to take a stage from East Gainesville on the Erie (now
Silver Springs') to reach the one above referred to. At that
time a ti-ain ran from Rochester to Gainesville Creek, where
it laid ovei', returning to Rochester in the morning, and that
was Perry's best connection to and fi'om Rochester.
Early in tlie year 1SS2, a corpoi-ation was formed by sto(d<-
holders of the Butfalo, Rochester & I^ittsbui-g road and others,
for the purpose of building a sjMir from that road to Silver
Springs and permitting its trains to run direct to Perry, where
the business conditions were such as indicated its advantage as
a lay-over point, instead of Gainesville Creek, and a spur was
constructed from what is now called Silver Lake Junction to
Silver Springs. Tt was completed in midsummer, and the first
train direct from Rochester to Perry came over the spur and
the Silver Lake road on July 2, 1882, in charge of Conductor
A. J. Wood. There was great rejoicing on the part of the citi-
zens of the town at this accomplishment, and it took the form
of a demonstration of public approval.
In the Spring of 1886 the Silver Lake Railway was sold to
Mr. A. G. Y'ates of Rochester for $128,000, which was an ad-
vance over the original amount for which it was bonded, prob-
ably the only case in the L'^nited States where such a happy
outcome was realized. It remained under the control of Mr.
Yates and his estate nntil October, 1910, when the property was
sold to the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad Co., who
RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 271
have made maii}^ improvements to bring it up to the standard
of the main line and are giving Perry excellent service.
Perry's real growth began with the advent of the railroad.
When it was first proposed to secure a railroad to or through
Perry, numerous predictions were made bj^ the friends of the
project, relative to what it would do for our town and village.
At that time many of the advantages which were asserted
would follow were regarded as greatly exaggerated, if not
wholly absurd ; but, nevertheless, with the coming of the rail-
road, things took on a new look. There was a better market for
produce and buyers paid a higher price for it than they could
afford in the years past,- when the cost of transportation over-
land to the Genesee Valley Canal and outside railroad points
was so high.
Two years after the construction of the railroad. Perry
had grown more than it had in the 20 years previous. A score
of new dwellings had been erected and numerous improve-
ments had been made on old buildings. New business places
had been erected, and the stores, shops and manufactories were
all occupied and were doing a profitable business.
Perry became a market for the sale of grain, fruit and
other produce and it attracted the attention of farmers for
miles around. The amount of merchandise sold here was said
to have increased in equal ratio through the growth and pro-
gress of the toAvn. Millers and manufacturers largely increased
their facilities and secr"»^ed business that formerly they were
unable to reach. The plausibilities within the reach of Perry
were made apparent by the construction of the railroad. With
good water power and good transportation facilities it was in a
position to invite and secure other and larger manufactories.
The energy and loyalty manifested in the efforts to im-
prove home conditions, so earnestly displayed by the men of
272 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Tel TV w lio assistod in securing? the railroad deserve the highest
coiiiiiicndation, for those same men unquestionably paved the
Avay t'oi- the industrial development and tlu' tr^'ucral material
prospeiity which the town mjoys today.
CHAPTER XVIII
Theatres and Amusement Places — The Roller Skating Craze — Con-
ception of a Town Hall and Auditorium and Its Realization
as an Important Public Building.
The earliest theatre, or public hall, of which we have been
able to obtain any information was located in the old National
Hotel which was doing business in Perry in 1841. Home talent
plays and traveling troupes were accommodated in the large
dance hall of this popular hostelry. The elite of Perry also
'' tripped the light f autistic" there on many social occasions.
Smith's Hall was erected in 1857 and was located in the
third story of the Smith Block (now the Olin Block) on Main
street. This hall was in continuous use as a theatre and public
hall until its destruction in the big fire of 1891. Previous to
that time, the block had been purchased by the late M. H. Olin,
Avho entirely remodeled, enlarged and beautified Smith's Hall
and renamed it "Olin Opera House," where many high class
entertainers appeared in concert, the drama, opera, etc., as well
as many local residents in amateur theatricals.
In the days of Smith's Hall and Olin Opera House, such
noted people as the late Horace Greely, Mary A. Livermore,
John B. Gough, Bayard Taylor, John A. Logan and numerous
others appeared there on the lecture platform and gave the
intellectual stimulus that developed to a marked degree the
culture that was a general characteristic of the people of Perry
25 years and more ago.
White's Hall (later Bucknam's Hall) was built on South
Main street by the late Daniel C. White in the Fall of 1886.
The lumber of wiiich it was constructed came from what had
been a large roller skating rink located on Leicester street, in
the hollow just below the Crocker property, on the north side
274 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
of tin- stict't. It was ri'cctcd hy a i'inii of outsiders, Sliddoii »Vc
Kobinson, and \\as a l)uil(Iing about 125 feet long and 60 feet
wide. Mr. Slu'ldoii purebased tlie interest of bis partner after
a few niontbs and continued its nuina<:eni('nt during tbe life
of tlie roller skating ei'aze, wbieb was about tbree years, wben
it suddenly began to wane. During tbat time tbe Rink was
tbe scene of numerous l)?-illiant skating eariiivals, raees and ex-
citing pob) ecnti'sts. I'lKb'rtlie management of. I. Lewis Wycl:-
oil", Peny (b'Veb^ped a pob) t<'am that won an extende(l i'ej)U-
tation and defeated the ci-a(dv teams of this section. It was
composed (f .1. A. (Mement. cai)tain: .Michael Wbelan, Ed. Tall-
madgi', Clill'ord Hills, Charles Hudd of Perry, Aai-on Jones of
Castile, and one other member whose name is not recalled.
Their contests liei-e and in siiii-onnding towns with opposing
teiMiis di-ew lai-ge ci'owds. and tli" intei'est and enthusiasm
manifested was as great as ever disnlaye*! in support of local
base ball teams. Frank E. Wade, a local resident, developed
considei-able skill as a racer and won a nmnber of contests and
nu'dals. The Kiidv was a great place of annisement and entei--
tainment while the "skating fever" raged, hut the time came
when interest abated and the decline of business was steady
until the building was sold to ^Mr. White. lie demolished tbe
structure and witb tbe lumber erected tbe building tbat at pres-
ent stands on the west side of South Main street, owned and
occupied by AVm. Buckn.am, used as a livery stable oii the
ground floor.
For several years. Wbite's Hall was tbe scene of social
gatberings, dramatic entertainments, concerts, lectures, etc.,
until tbe time came as a result of the growtb of tbe town tbat
it was not large enougb to accommodate tbe number of people
Avho desired to attend some of the attractions, and its location
on the second floor of a frame building was considered by
many as an unsafe gathering place for a crowd of people.
THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 275
After the sale of the Silver Lake Railway, previously re-
ferred to, the profit was being used in yearly rebates of a com-
paratively small Slim to the taxpayers. In 1896 the report of
I lie Railroad Commissioners showed that there was in their
hands a total of $16,630.87 over and above bonds outstanding,
and the plan was conceived by C. M. Smith to use $10,000 of
that sum for the purpose of erecting a suitable town hall for
public gatherings, and the suggestion was presented to a num-
ber of townspeople for their consideration. The suggestion met
with the approval of the majority to whom it was made, the mat-
ter was presented to the people in articles in the local papers,
and after the proposition had been given publicity and the gen-
eral reponse appeared to be favorable, a bill was introduced in
the State Legislature by Assemblyman M. N. Cole of Castile on
Jan. 18th, 1897, providing that the Town Board of the Town of
Perry submit a proposition to the taxpayers of the town to con-
struct a Town Hall at an expense of $10,000, including site, and
to appropriate for such purpose from funds held by the Rail-
road Commissioners. The bill also provided for the appoint-
ment of three commissioners to have charge of the construction
of such building, should the proposition be carried. The bill was
read twice after its introduction, passed unanimously, and on
Jan. 25th, 1897, it was signed by Governor Frank S. Black and
became a law.
The question was submitted to a vote of the people at the
town election held on the 23d of February, 1897, and was car-
ried, the vote being 428 yes, 209 no, a majority of 219 in favor
of the proposition. A series of suggestive plans had been on
exhibition previous to the election, but the plans finally
adopted were much more complete and comprehensive, to meet
the probable requirements as they developed from the discus-
sion of the matter.
The proposition having been carried, Town Clerk H. A.
276 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Cole received on March 2d, 1897, the certificate of appointnic.it
of Clarence M. Smith, Byron A. Nevins and Wm. D. Page as
Town Hall Commissioners, in accordance with the provisions
of the special law passed by the Lep:islaturo and signed by tlie
Governor for the ai)i)ointment of three coiniiiissioners. The
commissioners secnred nine sets of plans from different archi-
tects and after careful consideration of the matter for a period
of several weeks, they combined the most desirable features
and looked about for the most satisfactory site for the buildincr.
There were two that appeared to be the most feasible. The
then Horace Alburty property on tlie north side of Covingtrn
street, a short distance from Main, and the site on the corner
of Main and St. Helena streets, now occupied by the Episcopal
Church. In order to get an expression of choice from as great
a number of people as possible, a public meeting was called for
Friday evening, June 11th, at tlie fire department building.
There was a small attendance, only about 50 persons being
present. After a brief discussion of the matter, a resolution
was offered requesting the Commissioners to at once institute
condemnation proceedings against the property owned by T.
H. Bussey on Main street, adjoining the Hotel Perry, now occu-
pied by the Bussey block. The resolution was carried, a large
majority of those present voting in favor of it. After explana-
tions and further discussion, considerable sentiment was devel-
oped against instituting condemnation proceedings which
might involve expensive litigation. Remarks were made by
Messrs. James Wylie, B. C. Roup, H. M. Scranton, Wm. Rudd,
T. R. Buell, C. W. Rudd, Robert Stainton and Mrs. C. A. Cleve-
land, and the meeting adjourned without any further action be-
ing taken.
The matter rested for about two weeks without apparent
crystallization of sentiment in favor of any particular site and
the Commissioners concluded to purchase the site on the corner
THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 277
of Main and St. Helena streets at $800, whieli was the lowest in
price, $1600 being asked for the Albnrty property. The an-
nouncement of intention to purchase the corner site created
quite a stir and aroused a strong feeling of dissatisfaction
among a large number of people. Learning that there was an
earnest desire on the part of many of the taxpayers in favor of
a site more centrally located than either of those that had been
under consideration, the Commissioners on the 30th of June,
1897, purchased the Bills property for $3,500, in what is practi-
cally the business center of the village. A lot was purchased on
Dolbeer place, the former Bills dwelling house Avas removed to
that location and remodeled into a double house for dwelling
purposes.
The property was sold at a profit a few years afterward
and the receipts from rental and sale w^ere placed to the credit
of the Town Hall fund.
The contract for the Town Hall building was let to W. L.
Smith of Perry, who was the lowest bidder (with the exception
of a Franklinville man, whose bid was only a few dollars less.)
Mr. Smith's bid was $6,966.00 for the exterior and $2,600 for
the interior, making a total of $9,566.00 No purchaser having
been found at this time for the Bills house on its Dolbeer place
site, and the building site having cost considerable more than
expected, together with the fact that changes and enlargements
had been made in the original plan, in accordance with ac-
cepted suggestions from several of the older business men who
believed in providing for the future as well as present needs, the
Commisisoners asked for an appropriation of $7,000 to com-
plete the building. A special town meeting was called to be
held at White's Opera House on Tuesday, Sept. 13th, 1898, to
vote upon the proposition. There were only 170 votes cast, the
result being as follows : Yes, 136 ; no, 33 ; blank, 1.
278 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Tlu* i)laiis (k'eicli'cl upon ijruvidud for a large auditoriinii
on the ground floor, for local or traveling entertainments, lect-
ures, etc.; a large hall on the second floor, for caucuses, elec-
tions, dancing parties, receptions, i)u])lie meetings, etc.; a din-
ing room on the ground floor and a kitchen in the basement.
That left a large room on the ground floor, at the right of tlic
entrance and lobby, for renting purposes.
At that time the late (Jeorge W. Grieve was postmaster and
occupied the north half of tiu' Caswell block (now occui)ied by
G. L. Peck's siioe store), where the quarters were more or less
crowded, particularly at mail times. The ich'a suggested itself
to the Commissioners that tlie towns l)uilding would make an
ideal site for the [)ostoffiee, giving it a central location and at
the same time giving the town "Uncle Sam" as a probable per-
manent and unquestionably responsible tenant who would pay
a good rate of rental. Wliile they had no authority to act upon
the suggestion and incur the adtlitional expense that it would
involve, in submitting the matter to other business men the sug-
gestion nu't with such approval as a good business move that
the Commissioners fitted the room for postoffice purposes and
purchased an equipment of lock and call boxes, etc., at a cost
of $1498.25.
On March 31st, 1899, J. E. Cole received his commission as
postmaster of Perry, succeeding Geo. W. Grieve, and on April
1st he removed the office to the To\^^l Hall building, which has
been its location continuously ever since.
Acting also upon their own initiative, they purchased an
equipment of seats for the auditorium of the Grand Rapids
School Furniture Co. at an expense of $1,117.80 and scenery
from Sosman & Landis of Chicago at an expense of $775.97.
They also expended $728.61 for interior decorating and other
smaller sums for lighting and ventilating equipment, to make
the property complete in its appointments. In taking unauth-
THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 279
orized action they incurred the severe censure and condem-
nation of a considerable number of citizens, but with the pass-
ing of time and the extent to which the building has been used,
some of the critics have admitted the wisdom and foresight of
the action of the Commissioners, and even the more bitter ones
have modified their opinions.
Although not entirely completed, the building was opened
to the public on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Dec.
30th and 31st, 1898, when the comedy entitled "The Henrietta"
was presented by the following cast, composed entirely of local
talent, viz : W. D. Olmsted as Nicholas VanAlystyne ; Rev. C.
Palmatier as Dr. Parke Wainwright ; N. Guy Watrous as Nich-
olas VanAlstyne, Jr. ; C. G. Clarke as Bertie YanAlstyne ; A.
F. Davis as Lord Arthur Trelawney ; L. P. Benedict as Rev.
Murray Hilton ; Cleveland K. Nobles as Watson Flint ; W. D.
Hollister as Musgrave ; Miss Mary Brick as Mrs. Cornelia Op-
dyke ; Mrs. A. W. Tallman as Rose VanAlstyne ; Miss Ada
Thomas as Agnes Lockwood; Miss Marie Wildman as Lady
Mary TrelaAvney. Music was furnished by the Casino Orches-
tra of Perry. The seat prices were from 35 to 75 cents and the
house was well filled on both nights, notwithstanding the un-
favorable weather and the drifted condition of the roads. On
the opening night, boxes were occupied bj^ Mr. George Tomlin-
son, W. D. Page, C. M. Smith and T. H. Bussey, each with a
party of friends. Quite a number of former residents, in Perry
to spend the holidays, were present on the opening night. The
receipts amounted to $287.50, which was turned over to the
Commissioners for the benefit of the scenery fund, those who
took part in the production having willingly given their ser-
vices for that purpose.
The Commissioners made an itemized report of their re-
ceipts and expenditures in a detailed statement to the Town
Board, under date of May 27th, 1897, with vouchers, showing
280
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
rxpciiditiuvs of .1^'J4,7ir).59, receipts a.iiouiitiiig to $1S,()97.71),
leaving unpaid bills amounting to $0,017.82. The property
passed from their control into the hands of the Town P>oard,
iiiid i)ayment of the last indebtedness w"S made s.veial years
ago.
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THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 281
One of the criticisms frequently heard at the time of the
construction of the buikling Avas that it woukl prove to be an
elephant on the hands of the town ; another that it would never
see the time that the house would be filled for an entertain-
ment. In view of the fact that at school comn.encements as
well as on numerous other occasions it has been filled to over-
flowing, the criticism now heard is that the building is not
large enough. Whatever the criticisms may be at this time, if
the misfortune should occur that the building became des-
troyed, it is doubtful if there would be much opposition to tin
effort to replace it with even a larger and better cue, as its use-
fulness to the town is generally acknowledged.
Among the hotels that have previously been mentioned, we
make special reference to the property now occupied by The
Tavern for the reason that from early in the historj^ of Perry,
the property had been used for hotel purposes. Sherman & Skid-
more were among the earliest of its proprietors. Mr. Skidmore
soon became the sole proprietor, and after his death in about
the year 1838, his widow married Mosely Stoddard, who con-
ducted the hotel for a brief period. Tn the late 40 's, the
late Mr. A. B. Walker, who had been conducting the National
Hotel across the street, purchased the property and managed
the hotel until its destruction by fire in 1857, when he removed
to Canada. It was while in charge of this hotel that Mr. Walker
conceived the scheme of bringing the Silver Lake sea serpent
into existence.
Eleven years later, Mr. Walker returned to Perry and
erected the Walker House (now The Tavern,) using as part of
it a private residence which stood near the property of Charles
Bow on the Center road, previously occupied by a Mr. Butler,
and removed to the site on the east side of ]\Iain street. The
282
HISTORY OF THE TOWN O:- PRRRY
The Walker House, which stood on- the present site of The Tavern. It
was the birthplace of Mrs. A. J. Wood (Carrie Walker) and was destroyed
by fire in 1857. Engraving reproduction from an old daguerrotype.
Walker House opened for the transaction of business in Sep-
tember, 1869. After a few years. ^Ir. Walker sold the property
to Benjamin H. Harford and moved to the old National Hotel
across the street. This buildino: was afterward purchased by
Charles Wise, who removed it to its present site on Covington
street, remodeled it and named it Hotel Covington, and used
its Main street site for the location of the present Wise Block.
Mr. Walker died in 1889, before its removal to Covington
THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC.
283
street, passing away in the same building in which he began
his career as a hotel proprietor.
After the opening of the Silver Lake Railway, Mr. Walker
purchased property at Silver Lake and erected the present
Walker House, which he conducted for a period of 15 years.
The property has since been conducted by his son-in-law, Mr. A.
J. Wood.
"v^
A. B. WALKER
After the death of Mr. Walker, the hotel was leased to C.
]\L Edgerly, Charles McKay and Edward Hamilton, until it
was purchased as above noted by Charles Wise and removed
to Covington street and renamed the Hotel Covington. Since
that time the house has been conducted by a Mr. Sackett, the
late Amos Bauer and his widow.
2S4
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Alxuit liO yoiiis aj^'o, T. 11. liiisscy imrchased the Ilai-t'oi-d
lionsi' of the lati' H. 11. Ilarfonl and renamed it Hotel Perry.
It was conducted for a time by the late :\Ierritt Andrus, suc-
ceeded in turn bv Mr. Bussey and J. A. Clement. After Mr.
THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 235
Clement's removal, the house was conducted for about six
months by Mr. Bussey, wlio leased it to G. H. Sanford. Mr. San-
ford conducted it for a period of 12 years, until the Summer of
1914, when Mr. Bussey again took the management. The house
was remodeled and renamed The Tavern.
CHAPTER XIX
The Most Costly Fires Suffered by Perry — Organization of the Vol-
unteer Fire Department and Company Divisions — Department
Buildings — Motor Fire Truck, Etc.
Prior to the organization of th'i' Fire Dciiai'tiiit'iit in 1S87,
Pt*rry had no systematic iiictliod of fire i)rotection. Up to that
time tlie only means of fighting fires was hy the use of the tinH»-
lionored "hn(d\et bi-igade." The rapid tolling of a eliurcli })ell
or the blowing of a neai'hy faetory wliistle was tlie signal for
the male citizens of the village to seize all of the available ])nck-
ets an(i pails of the household and i-ally at the scene of tlie fire.
Then it was that the bucdvct brigade would form in line, one
end at the fire and the other <'xti-emity at tlw neai-est cistern,
pump or creek, and by passing the pails the length of the line,
a certain amount of water found its way to the fire. Although
some effectiveness was aecomi)lished by this method, especially
when the fire had not gained much headway, it was not equal
to the handling of extensive fires an! the rt'sidt was that Perry
suffered several conflagrations before the organization of the
regularly equii)ped fii'e department in Juiu', 1887.
On Saturday, Sept. lM)th, 1S56, the first of the great fires
in PeiTy occurred. The buildings burned at that time were
occupied by Alexander Cole's shoe store, Seymour Sherman's
jewelry store, M. N. Crocker's photograph car and S. & B. B.
Higgins' drug store. These buildings occupied the property
from the corner of Borden avenue north, including the present
site of the Caswell block and the M. S. Sweet building adjoin-
ing. Soon after the fire, Mr. Crocker erected a building on
Covington street, now occupied by his son. Dr. F. ^I. Crocker,
and conducted a photogi'aph studio there for many years.
2^8 HISTORY OP THE TOWN OF PERRY
Five days later, another large fire visited Perry's business
section, this time consuming a row of buildings standing on the
west side of Main street, from the Traver residence to Lake
street, also burning some buildings on Lake street. The steeple
on the old Methodist church caught fire, but with heroic work
on the part of the citizens, the church was sav( d. Tlu' buildings
destroyed were occupied (beginning at tlic s(Mith c^nd of Main
street) by R. H. Smith, general store ; Smitli *s Hank ; M. C. Wil-
liams and Rufus Stedman's grocery; Rufus Brayton's dry
goods store; J. B. Shearnuurs slioe store; R. C. Mordoff's liat
store ; Perry Times printing office ; Postoff'ice ; I. O. 0. F. and
F. & A. M. lodge rooms; David Lacy's meat market; S. & F.
Bullard's harness shop, which stood on the corner of Main and
Lake streets. On Lake street, Wm. Wheeler's blacksmith shop;
and the residences of Deacon John Westlake and Mr. Thayer
were destroyed. The loss of buiUling:s Avas maiidy with Rufus
H. Smith, who carried no insurance. It was generally supposed
that these two fires were the work of incendiaries. Several
young men who had recently begun business, lost their all by
these fires.
In November, 1857, the stores from the Bailey block on the
corner of Covington and ^lain streets, north, were burned.
These were occupied, in the order named, by R. D. Higgins'
crockery store; George Chapin, leather dealer; Bullard Bros.'
hardware; and Buttre's furniture store, which was the last in
the block.
Gn December 19th, 1857, the Walker House and barns
were burned, together with other smaller buildings. The Wal-
ker House then stood on the present sit^ of The Tavern.
On February 1st, 1866, the block between the old National
Hotel and Covington street was burned. The stores destroyed
were occupied by E. H. Wygant's book store (once Henry Bar-
ton's dry goods store, now the J. H. Owen block) ; also Cyrus
PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT
289
MerriU's dry goods store, on the Covington street corner.
James Thayer's photograph studio was over Wygant's store.
^Ir. Wj^gant was clerk at the time, and the town and village
DR. GILBERT R. TRAVER
290 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
records were destroyed in this fire. In 1867, the late Alexander
Cole erected the brick block on the corner of Main and Coving-
ton streets, and E. H. Wygant erected the present J. H. Owen
block during the same year.
On August 7th, 1880, the Perry Woolen Mills, operated by
James Wylie & Son, were destroyed by fire with a loss of
$20,000.
In the Spring of 1887, the trustees of the village recogniz-
ing the need of modern fire protection, decided to organize a
fire department consisting of an engine company, hook and lad-
der company and a hose company. Volunteers were called for
and the citizens of the village responded nobly in the worthy
cause. Within a short time, 75 men had called at Smith's Bank
and signed the roll.
Apparatus consiting of an engine (20-man brake), a hook
and ladder truck, a hose cart with 600 feet of hose and acces-
sories, were purchased of Rumsey & Co. of Seneca Falls, N. Y.,
by the Village Trustees at a total cost of $1250. The regular
organization of the Fire Department were effected on June 7th
of that year, and the following named were chosen as officers:
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
Chief— Dr. Gilbert R. Traver
First Assistant — John Stockwell
Second Assistant — E. M. Wyckoff
Secretary — G. K. Page.
COMPANY OFFICERS
Engine Co. No. 1 — Foreman, A. D. Taylor; Assistant, F.
H. Stryker.
Hose Co. (afterward Traver Hose Co.) — Foreman, Michael
Whelan ; Assistant, G. K. Smith.
Hook and Ladder Co. (afterward M. H. Olin H. & L. Co.)—
PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT 291
Foreman, Benjamin Prindle; First Assistant, Wm. V. Nye;
Second Assistant, J. Harry Watson.
The Citizens Chemical Company was organized on June
5th, 1890, with the following named as officers : Foreman,
Michael Whelan ; Assistant, Wallace A. Hunt ; Secretary-Treas-
urer, John T. Riley; Engineers, Albert Richards and J. Harry
Watson.
The Active Hose Company (now I. S. Robeson Hose Co.)
was organized on Oct. 10th, 1890, and the following named
were elected off'icers : Foreman, Walter T. Olin ; Assistant, Earl
V. Jenks ; Secretary-Treasurer, John Washburn.
With the establishment of the municipal water works sys-
tem in 1896 the Engine Company became obsolete and the mem-
bers formed themselves into the T. H. Busse}^ Protective Co. on
August 29th, 1902.
The C. A. Toan Hose Company of Silver Lake was admitted
to membership in the Department in May, 1907.
The first rooms used by the Department as a meeting
place and also as a place in which to store the apparatus were
secured in the basement of White's Hall, now used by Buck-
nam's Livery. These were the quarters until the erection of the
Department building near the culvert on the east side of Main
street. This building was the headquarters of the Perry Fire
Department for a quarter of a century, or until 1913, at which
time the Department moved into their present beautiful and
complete quarters in the new Village building.
The first alarm of fire following the organization was
sounded on August 16th, 1887, at 4 o'clock p. m. The fire was
only a slight one, however, and was extinguished before the
companies arrived. The first fire at which water was turned
on occurred on Jan. 26th, 1888, at the Reaper Works. Since
the organization in 1887, the Department has responded to
292
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
about 200 alarms. The total loss by fire during that period is
approximately $260,000. h
Photograph taken in winter of 1895. showing old Department Building
The following named gentlement have held the office of
Chief of the Perry Fire Department : Dr. Gilbert R. Traver,
who was one of the principal organizers, held the office from
the date of organization until his death on July 7th, 1896. He
was succeeded, in the order named, by J. Harry Watson, J.
W. Dennison Olmsted, Patrick J. O'Leary, Elmer Lee, Fred
Blanck, Frank A. Coleman, Adelbert D. Campbell and Myron
J. Kershaw.
PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT 293
PERRY'S GREATEST CONFLAGRATION
broke out on the afternoon of May IStli, 1891, and consumed all
of the buildings between the present site of the First National
Bank and the Olin block, which Avas seriously damaged. It
seemed that a small quantity of paper had been ignited in the
rear of the clothing store of S. Goldwater & Brother and that
an oil barrel had sprung a leak in the rear of W. H. Herron's
grocery store, adjoining. Supposing that the fire was out, the
clerk went back into the store without any apprehension of
danger, but it proved that the fire remained and was driven
against the oil by a gust of wind. In a moment, flames leaped
up and passed into Herron's store, setting fire to the oil tanks
in the rear room. An explosion was the result, and the win-
dows in the front of the store were blown out. The extreme
heat from the blazing oil almost instantly burned off the wires
of the Bell Telephone Co., thus cutting off telephone communi-
cation with the surrounding towns. The Fire Department was
promptly on the ground and the Engine Company dropped
their suction pipe into the mill pond and the Active Ho^e Com-
pany made quick connection. The Traver Hose Co. attached to
the old foundry hydrant, and in a short time two streams w.^re
playing upon the flames, but with no preceptible effect. The
Chemicals found their way to the rear of the buildings, but
were almost instantly driven out by the explosion of the oil.
Most of their attention was given to the protection of property
and contributed in a large measure to saving the storehouse of
M. H. Olin & Son.
When the flames had made such progress as to render it
impossible with the means at hand for the local firemen to ar-
rest the conflagration and the indications seemed to be the
complete destruction of the business section, telegrams were
sent to different points for assistance. Wallace Hose Co. of
Castile was the first to reach the scene and soon its hose was at-
1
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PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT " "0
tached to the hydrant at the Andrus saw mill. McNair Hose
Co. of AYarsaw came next and coupled at the same place. These
two companies did splendid work and were largely instrumen-
tal in bringing the fire under control. They were followed by
the Hornell Steamer Company, who with their engine, rendered
valuable service in the latter part of the fight.
The buildings destroyed in this conflagration were occu-
pied by S. Goldwater & Brother, clothiers; W. H. Herron,
grocer; W. A. Gillet & Co., dry goods; Fred Seeger, clothier;
C. S. Smith & Co., shoe dealers; M. H. Olin & Son, hardware;
M. A. Lovejoy, law office ; H. M. Scranton, dentist ; C. C. Lewis,
picture framing; Gates & Handyside, dressmakers; Olin Opera
House. The approximate fire loss was $100,000, with insurance
of about $56,000.
Three years later, on Oct. 10th, 1894, Perry firemen recip-
rocated Warsaw's kindness by responding to call for help from
that place, where the business section was threatened with des-
truction by fire. Perry's chemical, both hose carts and the
hand engine were loaded on the train and made the run to
AYarsaw in 45 minutes. The Perry boys did good work and
were credited with great assistance in subduing the fire.
Other important fires in and near the village were : March
22, 1894, Dow's warehouse, loss $4,500; June 15, 1900, at Caleb
Tarplee's furniture store; Aug. 27, 1901, Andrus' saw mill;
Dec. 14th, 1901, Jacob Schmidt's bakery; Aug. 4th, 1902, Perry
Knitting Co.; May 13, 1904, Silver Lake Assembly, $15,000
loss; April 2d, 1905, Hatch property; April 27th, 1906, Silver
Lake Assembly, $3,000 loss ; Sept. 23d, 1906, Silver Lake Assem-
bly, $5,000 loss; March 7th, 1910, Garrison block, containing
Hovey's Grocery, Natural Gas Supply House, Lovejoy 's law
olTice, Supervisor Bussey's office, E. J. Webster's real estate
office, loss about $14,000; July 15th, 1911, grand stand at the
fair grounds, loss $3,000 ; June 4th, 1912, plant of Perry electric
PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT 297
Light Co., loss $20,000; EAvart & Lake, loss $11,000; W. H.
llawley, Jr., loss $1200; June 15, 1913, Farina & Co., Polish
Club and Rosinski's residence, total loss $5,000; May 10, 1914,
Silver Lake Assembly, total loss about $5,000.
THE MOTOR TRUCK
On Nov. 23d, 1914, at a special election the taxpayers
voted to raise $4,500 by taxation for the purpose of buying a
triple combination motor fire truck. To this sum was added
about $3,000 raised in private subscriptions by the Citizen's
Chemical Co. At the election there were 332 votes cast, 254
for the proposition and 77 against ; one void. A larger vote was
polled at this election involving an expenditure of $4,500 than
when the proposition to raise $30,000 for a new Fire Depart-
ment building and village hall was voted upon.
The Citizens' Chemical Co. worked zealously in promoting
the motor truck proposition, and the special committee, of
w^hich Ralph S. Baker was chairman, accomplished a splendid
work in securing private pledges of $3,000. Of this amount,
the Citizens' Chemical Co. guaranteed $500.
The contract for the truck was aw^arded to the American
LaFrance Fire Engine Co. of Elmira, N. Y., on Feb. 15th, 1915,
and the truck was officially accepted by the Village Trustees at
a public test made on July 24th of the same year.
During the year 1910, agitation began for a suitable new
building for Fire Department headquarters. The old frame
building near the culvert on the east side of Main street, which
housed the apparatus on the ground floor, with a tool room and
lock-up in the basement, and two rooms on the second floor,
was considered by the firemen as inadequate quarters for the
five companies of the village, and they advocated a new build-
PERPY FIRE DEPARTMENT 299
ing that would be more acceptable for their requirements and
convenience. This agitation was continued for several months
when, on June 21st, 1910, a special election was held to vote
upon a proposition to expend not to exceed $30,000 for a new
Fire Department building. There were 226 votes cast, of which
155 were in the affirmative, 62 in the negative, and 9 blank.
Several sites were under discussion, the existing location near
the culvert and the Hildum property on Main street, a short
distance south of Gardeau street, being the most favored. As
the matter was discussed and plans were outlined, the Village
Board of Trustees took into consideration the various demands
for better facilities for village organizations.
The State Department had condemned the existing lock-up
and had notified the village officials of their obligation to pro-
vide proper and safe quarters for prisoners. The village clerk's
office and trustees' room were in rented quarters, and as the
matter was considered by them in all of its bearings upon
future as well as present needs, they reached the unanimous
conclusion that in the long run it would be wisdom and econ-
omy to provide a building that would accommodate all of the
departments of the village under one roof. The reason for their
conclusion was that in addition to the /act that the clerk's
office and trustees' room were in rented quarters, the building
of a new lock-up was imperative, and to purchase a site and
erect a lock-up as a separate building would require a separate
heating system and involve other expense in maintenance. To
combine all departments in one building therefore seemed to
them to be the wisest and most economical purpose.
Plans were prepared by F. W. Kirkland, architect, of
Rome, N. Y., and on May 17th, 1912, contract was let to Jones
& Dennison of Hornell for the construction of a brick and tile
fire-proof building at their bid of $25,843.00. Changes and
additions were made to the original plan to meet the desires of
300
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
tlic fin'iiicn jumI to increase tlie facilities, which finally pro-
vided a I'ooni foi' eacli of the five fire conij)anies on the ground
floor, in the rear of the large room for the a})i)arat\KS, also office
for the village clej-k, with large fire-proof vault for the village
records; room for the Village Trustees, toilet rooms, etc. In the
basement a large tool I'oom for the Street Department, an office
for tile Police Department, an olfico for the Street Superintend-
ent, a -lustice Court room, vagrant room, detention room for
women prisoners, and lock-up with steel cells in the rear. On
the second floor a large assembly room for meetings of the Fire
Departnu'ut, coat rooms and toilet rooms for men and women,
large room for banquets or parties, kitchen with full equip-
ment, dishes, silverAvare, etc.
Bonds were issued for $25,000 and the old frame building
was sold for $1500. The several changes made in the original
plan involved an additional expense, and on July 7th, 1913, a
proposition was submitted for the raising of an additional
$11,000 to complete the building. There were 204 votes cast,
PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT 301
of which 126 were in the affirmative, 67 in the negative, and 11
blank. The cost of the building, including the jail equipment,
heating and plumbing plant, etc., totaled $41,000.
The building is complete in all of its appointments, com-
mands the admiration of all who see it, and contractors and
others who have examined it have stated that it represents
100 cents on every dollar expended upon it.
CHAPTER XX
Agitation for and Installation of Municipal Water Works System —
Difficulties Encountered and Overcome It's Success Beyond
Expectations of the Most Sanguine Advocates.
The costly fire of 1S})1, r«'f('r»<'(l to in the last chapter, in-
spired eoiisiilera])le tliscussioii of tlie necessity for an adequate
system of fii'c protection, but the temporary ao:itation of the
matter ended in discussion. Tlie fire at Warsaw three years
later revived the interest, but no definite stej)s were taken. On
March 27th, 1895, the Village of Canaseraga suffered a fire loss
of $125,000 because of lack of proper protection and its busi-
ness section was practically wiped out. In an editorial com-
nuMit in the Pcri'y Record of April 3d, 1895, the writer said:
"Perry can take a lesson from Canaseraga 's misfortune.
While this place is favored in numy r«'spects and we have an
ample supply of water for fire protection in portions of the
village, there are other portions where there is practically no
fire protection whatever. And while we regret to say it, we
uuist admit that had a fire occurred during the recent severe
weather, when the water supply from the lake was cut off, the
firemen would have been powerless to fight it and a conflagra-
tion Avould have been a certain result. We do not wish to be
classed as a 'calamity howler' by any means, but it is a fact
that Perry needs better fire protection, such as would be af-
forded by a good system of water works. This is a subject for
thoughtful consideration and one that should be acted upon
before we have such another costly lesson as Canaseraga has
just experienced. Let the matter be investigated, that Perry
may take its place among the towns that are up-to-date in the
way of proper fire protection."
Canaseraga 's misfortune brought fresh to the mind the ex-
perience of Perry in 1891, and the necessity of some action was
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM
303
impressed upon the minds of public spirited citizens. The Vil-
lage Board of Trustees Avas composed at that time of the fol-
lowing named : T. H. Busse}^ president ; W. D. Page, S. A.
Hatch, C. H. Toan and C. A. Carmichael. C. M. Smith was
clerk. Mr. Smith took the initiative in urging the Board to
304 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FERRY
take prcliniiiiary steps to K*ani wluit was best to do, and tin*
su^j^t'stioii met witli a ready response on the pai't of tlie mem-
bers of the Board.
On May liitii, 1^95, E. Delevan Siiialley cd' Syracuse came
to Perry at their request, and as an eni^ineer made an investi-
gation of springs hereabouts and the lake as a source of sui)ply
for a Avater system. A meeting of tlie Board of Trustees was
held on the evening of the same day to Ijear his I'cport and
suggestions. It was deeided tliat the Board act as a committee
to take active measures to learn the sentiment of the majorit\-
of citizens; to subunt blank contracts for supplying watei* to
citizens; to learn tlie prol)a])le ainount of revenue that would
be derived. If enough I'cvenue was assured to pay intei"est on
the cost of a water system and the expense of its operation, it
was decided to submit to voters the question of bonding the
village in a sutficient sum to furnish a ]>lant to be owend by the
village.
In the local lu'wspapers of May 22^1, ISO'), the Tiustees
published a statement of nearly one column in length, giving
their conclusions in brief, followed by the names of those who
had signed contracts for yearly use of water for a term of
years, viz: Perry Knitting Co., $25; M. II. Olin, $25; \V. D.
Page, $18 ; G. K. Page, $18 ; J. C. Lillibridge, $12 ; G. M. Traber,
$10; Charles Wise, $10; Dr. C. R. Calkins, $10; W.T. Olin, $10:
C. D. Barber, $10; J. H. Owen, $10; Jacob Schmidt, $10; B. F.
Rollah, $10; J. AV. Olin, $10; S. Goldwater, $10; C. G. Clarke,
$10; J. E. Cole, $7; Jenks & Bliss, $5; W. H. Herron, $5; Citi-
zens Bank, $5 ; C. M. Smith, $5 ; M. H. Olin & Son, $5 ; First
National Bank, $5; Albert Richards, $5. Total, $250. Those
contracts had been easily secured during the time intervening
between the visit of Engineer Smalley and the publication of
their statement, and further revealed the strength of the senti-
ment in favor of the movement.
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 305
On ^londay, June 3d, 1895, the voters of Warsaw (which
was supplied with water by an inadequate private system) de-
cided at a special election by a vote of 216 to 35 in favcr of a
municipal water works system. On Sunday, June 9th, Wm.
Sullivan and Henry Newton, employees at the salt plant, dis-
covered a fire about 2 p. m. in some shavings at the plant, and
by their quick and timely action prevented a fire that would
have seriously damaged if not destroyed the buildings. These
experiences further strengthened the sentiment in favor of ade-
quate pro.ection.
Naturally, there was considerable diversity of opinion re-
garding the best method to be taken. The volunteer firemen
had done splendidly effective work with the existing facilities
and there were people who felt that what we had was good
enough for a ii^ng time to come, ignoring the danger to prop-
erty situated outside of the reach of the ponds. Others said
that they were opposed to bonding the village, which amounted
to the same as placing mortgages upon homes as a result of an
affirmative vote. They were in accord with several of Perry's
most substantial and conservative business men of advanced
years whose opinions were held in high respect, who favored
the construction of a system. by jjrivate capital, thus avoiding
the necessity of bonding the village and taking the risk of
making the project a financial success. They looked upon the
plan of a municipal system as a visionary scheme on the part
of a group of young men who were over enthusiastic and whose
judgment and experience were not sufficiently matured to be
wise or safe to trust. As the agitation of the matter grew in
strength, naturally a feeling of bitterness developed between
two factions. The sincerity of the opponents was not doubted.
nor was that of those who favored the project. However, in
the heat of the arguments there were a few who questioned the
motives of some of those on either side. Exaggerations were
336 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
made pro and con, upon llu'ory instead oi" knowled^i'. Storit'S
were circnlatcd that wells and cisterns Avoiild be condemned
lo i'oi'ce people to use the eity water; that a system would cost
twice as nnieh or more than Avas estimated. It caused a line-uj)
of the middle-a}^'ed men of the vilhit^e a«j:aijist the younger ele-
ment, the late M. II. Olin l)ein«r practically the only prominent
one oi' the nnddle-a«red class of ou?' citi/ens who separated him-
self fi-om his close associates and alijrned himself with tlie
youn«i- men who wei-e fi«:htin«^ foi* a munici[)all\' owned
watei' systi-m. While o[>tinnsm i)ossil)ly in an extreme influ-
ence(l the younj^ci' men, yet they wefe silieei'e in the'l' belled'
in tile heiud'its tliat would accrue and in the certainty of its fin-
ancial success as well. There was in fact a time when they were
tempted to ^ive uj) the fi^ht foi* what they helieved to he tiie
l)est interest of the villatre and siiow. tlieii- own faith in tin- ])r()-
ject by orjranizin^ a stock company for t iie purposeof construct-
in«j: a privately owihmI water system for supplying watei* for fire
pi'otection and domestic pur[)oses. Tlie> learne(l that su(di
companies secureil from villages for fire protection, contracts
iOi- a peiiod of years for .+2.') to ^^)() \u'V iiydrant per year, which
at the lowest figure would yitdd them j|^2, ()()() per year for fire
protection alone for SO hydrants, as proposed. Hut pn-ofiting
by the experience of the neighboring village of Warsaw, as
well as otiu'rs that weic either advocating or changing from
private to municipal ownership, they made their fight to win
on that issue, for the larger purpose of the public good. This
is not an idle statement, for the writer has personal and inti-
nuite knowledge of the fact stated.
Enginneer J. F. Witmer, of the firm of Voorhees & Witmer
of Buffalo, was engaged to make a preliminary survey of the sit-
uation, and he recommended Silver Lake as the proper source
of an unfailing supply for fire protection and domestic pur-
poses, tlie water being in his opinion best adapted for all uses,
and estimated the cost of a complete system at $'40,000.
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 307
Strong objection was raised to using the water from Silver
Lake, as being detrimental to existing water powers, which
would have to be indemnified for any injury, inviting extended
legal complications and probably involving heavy expense, also
because it was believed by some that it Avould be undesirable
for domestic services, etc.
A special election to vote upon the proposition was called
for July 5th, 1895, at the Fire Department building, from 11
o'clock a. m. to 4 p. m.
In its issue of June 26th, under the heading "Wluit Shall
AYe do?" the Perry Record said editorially:
"The question of water works for the village having been
agitated for some time past, the Board of Trustees have de-
cided to put the question to the taxpayers in order to get an
expression of the people. While each member of the Board is
in favor of such a project, and while under the law the Board
would have a right to grant a franchise for the construction of
a system for fire protection, they decided that the people's
voice should be heard in the matter. It is their opinion that
none of the people's money should be spent until the people
decide that they are in favor of the project. . . .The Trustees
have decided to submit the question to the people as to whether
there shall be a municipal ownership — profiting by the exper-
iences of other villages, notably Warsaw and Canandaigua. . . .
If it will pay a company of men to construct and operate a sys-
tem of water works it will also pay a municipality. . . .If a com-
pany can operate at a profit, so can a municipality."
To be certain as to the quality of Silver Lake water the
Trustees submitted samples to S. A. Lattimore, Professor of
Chemistry at the Re^oiolds Laboratory, University of Roches-
ter. He made a careful and extended analysis and under date
of July 27, 1895, submitted a detailed report, accompanied by
notes stating his opinions, the closing paragraj^h of which said:
308 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
"Till' i)rc'scnt I'rci'dom of this Avatcr from drainage i)ollu-
tioM, as (U'liiciistrated at every point in tlie analysis, is most
satisfactory, and if efficient measures are instituted and main-
tained to protect the hike from future contamination, tlie Vil-
lage of Peri'y may be justly and sincerely congratulated upon
possessing one n[ tlie purest supi)lies in the country."
The Trustees also suhiiiitted from \V. li. Wilson of Buffalo,
a contractor, a proposition to construct a complete system, ac-
cording to designs prepared hy Voorhees & Witmer, for the
sum of -1^89, hT'). 00, and to furnish lioiid foi* faithful [x-rformance
of the work.
The statement having been made that such a system as
ju-oposed Avoukl cost $75,000 or more, the Trustees gave their
pledge that if it could not be constructed for $40,000 they
would not undertake the work.
One of the deternuned opponents of the [H'oposition had
carefully prepai'ed a circular letter to the voters, setting forth
arguments against the question, and took it to another opj)on-
ent to read and offer suggestions. The reading was heard by
anotlier in the same off'ice, who was supposed to be in opposi-
tion, but who Avas in favor of it, and as soon as possible he told
one of the village ott'icials that a strong anti-water works cir-
cular woidd be mailed to every voter so that he would receive
it in the morning of the day of the special election. The official
immediately took steps to learn where the circular letter w^as to
be printed and through a traveling printer who was at that
time working in the place, secured a proof copy of the circular.
He then called the Village Trustees together, and with the mat-
ter before them they prepared a complete answer in detail to
each of the arguments set forth by the opponents. They arrang-
ed for having it put in type and printed that night, and while
that Avas being done, they busied themselves during the night
in directing envelopes to cA'ery A'oter, so that AA'hen he received
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 309
the anti circular in the morning mail he would also receive at
the same time their reply in detail. That proved to be a splend-
id coup and probably saved the day, for the reason that the
anti circular was unsigned and its authorship was not known,
while the repl}^ was signed by each member of the Board of
Trustees and its clerk, creating consternation in the camp of the
opponents who had so carefully planned their work in expecta-
tion of complete ignorance of it on the part of those in favor of
the project.
At the election there were three boxes provided for the
ballots, one for taxpayers, one for non-taxpayers, and one for
the husbands of women taxpayers. The result showed : Tax-
payers for, 124; against, 73. Non-taxpayers for, 42; against, 4.
Husbands of women taxpayers for, 19; against, 5. The favor-
able majority was 103.
There was a rousing celebration of the victory on the even-
ing of the 5th, when firecrackers were set off in large quanti-
ties, the Band was brought out, and with music, parade, Roman
candles and salutes by the gun sqnad, the victors gave vent to
their enthusiasm and joy.
In its issue of July 10th the Perry Record made the
following prophecy in its editorial comment upon the victory :
"We predict that the water works system will prove to be
a profitable investment, and when it has been completed and
given a fair test our citizens would not be without it for double
tlie cost."
How well that prophecy has been fulfilled, beyond the
most sanguine expectations of even its promoters, Perry people
know.
The satisfaction with the victory achieved was short-lived,
however, as it was soon learned that there was a question of the
legality of the election, for the reason that a new election law
had taken effect on May 29th, 1895.
310 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Previous to calling the election, the Board of Tnisteos lind
consulted attorneys in Warsaw as to the proper method of pro-
cedure and were advised to conduct it under the existing law,
apparently unaware of the change eflVctive on May 'JOth. AVar-
saw, Painted Post, Dundee and Williaiiisville had voted tlie
same as Perry and were in the same predicament.
Realizing tluit if the election lirld wjis not h'gal,they woidd
be unable to fb)at any bonds, tlir Trustees considted Theo-
dore Bacon, Esq., of Rochester, an attorney of extended exper-
ience on all such matters, and they were advised by him that the
only safe way was to submit the proposition at another election,
according to the provisions of the new law.
Acting upon the advice of Attorney Theodore Bacon, the
Board of Trustees called another election to vote upon the
proposition, on Friday, Aug. 2d, 1895, without any super-
stitious fear of Friday as a day of defeat. Strong arguments in
opposition were printed and circulated by those who were
against the plan, setting forth figures to show the probable
failure of a water works system as a sufficient revenue pro-
ducer. Nothwithsaudiug the persistent antagonism, advocates
of the proposition w^ere active in their efforts to maintain the
favorable sentinu^nt as shown by the original vote, but as it
seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the decision would be
ratified, not the same degree of vigor was put forth by those
favorable as in the first campaign, nor was there as much effort
to get out the vote. Only those voters whose names appeared
upon the last assessment roll of the village were permitted to
cast their ballots at the Aug. 2d, election, at which there were
189 votes cast, showing 114 affirmative and 70 negative, a ma-
jority of 4:4 in favor of the proposition. There was a quiet ac-
ceptance of the decision and the Village Trustees planned to
act upon it as rapidly as possible.
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 311
Attornev Bacon gave his opinion that there was no ques-
tion of the legality of the second election and advised the Board
of Trustees to proceed with their plans in accordance with the
authority given to them by the favorable majority vote. Act-
ing upon the advice, the Board went ahead with their prepara-
tions and soon advertised for sealed proposals for construction
of the system, to be submitted on Sept. 10th, 1895, not later
than 7 o'clock p. m. Bids were asked for the supply of pipe
for water mains, as follows : 408 feet 12 inch ; 7,180 feet 10
inch; 1,800 feet 8 inch; 24,984 feet 6 inch; 10,176 feet 4 inch;
also for 80 hydrants; 93 gate valves and boxes; brick pumping
station ; 2 boilers ; 2 pumps, each of one million gallon capacity ;
one steel stand-pipe 75 feet high and 15 feet in diameter.
In response to the calls for proposals, about 30 representa-
tives were present to submit their bids for material. The orig-
inal plans called for 7 1-4 miles of water mains, which it was de-
cided at this time to increase to 9 miles, in order to give fire
protection to a greater territory. After considering the several
bids and the merit of the material offered, the Board decided to
accept the bids of the Chattanooga Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry
Co. for water mains, and to install Ross valves and Ludlow
hydrants, and an order was placed for the water mains, that
pipe might be shipped to allow prompt beginning of the work.
The bond issue of $40,000 authorized w^as awarded to AV.
E. R. Smith of New York City at a premium of $1212.00 and
with his acceptance came instructions to have the bonds
printed. His registered letter of aciceptance was received in a
morning mail, but satisfaction was soon changed to consterna-
tion when shortly after noon of the same day the Village
Trustees received a telegram from the bond buyer, as follows:
''Taxpayers will contest legality of election. Bonds not
acceptable at any price. Letter follows."
The letter of explanation which followed and was received
:il2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
flic next day, eoiituiiu'cl an eiielosiiro of a lottei- writtnii to the
hoiul hiiycr l»y active opponents of tlic proi)osition and siiriu' I
hy two of llu'in. It stated that tr.xpayei's woidd content the
h'tj^ality of tile election and tlie threat aeeoiiiited for the eaiieel-
latieii hy the hoiid hiiyci", wlio natuially did not cai'e to iiialce
the invest MK'iit with thi' prospect of becinuini; a defendant in
.1 hiw suit in consequence.
It made the onth)ok <^h)Oiiiy foi* the Tnistees and the
friends of tlie proposition. After two elections had hccn lidd.
in each of which there was a pood iiiar<:in in favor of the mat-
ter, it looked as thoutrh it was tlm i)uri»ose of the o])ponents to
override the decision of the voters, if possible. The Trustees
imnK'diately held a conference, at which a few of their friends
were present to discuss the situation and exchang:e opinions.
With the expectation that the matter had been settled hy the
votes of the peoi)le and there would be no furthei* (Mubarrass-
mg opposition, the Trustees had ordered pipe foi- the mains to
the amount of J|^15,000 woi-th, whicii was probably on the way,
A few gleams of humor lighted the gloom of the gathei'ingwhen
it Avas suggested that if the worst came the pipe miglit be used
by Trustees Toan and Carmichael for draining tlieir farms, as
it appeared that the Trustees were individually as well as col-
lectively liable for the amount, and those two could thus help
the others out of the predicament, as the others had no way to
use the pipe. It was better to smile than to weep, notwithstand-
ing the seriousness of the situation.
After discussion and general agreement it was decided to
send the Village President T. H. Bussey to New Y'ork to con-
fer Avith ]\Ir. Smith, the bond buyer, and see if he could not get
a reconsideration of the cancellation after fully explaining the
two elections and the assurances given to the Trustees by i^ttor-
ney Bacon. If not, he was authorized to sell the bonds else-
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 313
where, if possible, as the Trustees decided not to be seared out
of the fight.
On the second day after his departure, during which time
it can be understood that the Trustees were on the anxious seat,
a telegram was received from ]Mr. Bussey, asking: '^ Shall I
sell bonds at par, buyer to take all chances? Answer quick."
The Trustees immediately called another conference, to which
a few friends and workers were asked, for an exchange of
opinions and decision. After discussing the matter in all of its
bearings, the clerk asked each one present, separately, ''What
do 3^ou advise?" Each one replied: "Sell." Before they had
adjourned, Mr. Bussey became so anxious in waiting for a re-
ply that he called by telephone from New York to learn wdiat
was the decision. He was told to go ahead and sell, which he
succeeded in doing to the firm of Benwell & Everett at par.
Through the late Mr. Joseph Wyckoff of Kalamazoo, Mich.,
the Trustees had learned of the consolidation of the Kalamazoo
Electric Light Co. and the Street Railway Co., Avhich gave them
an opportunity to buy two boilers in first-class condition for
the pumping plant at a saving of $800, but by the time they got
their difficulties untangled the boilers had been sold. With
the loss of over $1200 premium on the bonds and the $800 above
referred to, and with the legal and other expenses they were
obliged to incur in overcoming the opposition the total amount-
ed to about $3,000.
The contract for construction of the system was let to W.
B. Wilson of Buffalo, who began work with a good sized force
of men, a few over 50, on Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 1895. Land
had been purchased of Mrs. Laura Saxton on the shore of the
lake, for the pumping station, and a site above on the hill, of
Samuel Sharp, for the stand-pipe. The pumping j^lant called
for a brick building 38x44 feet, to accommodate two 80-horse
boilers and two Worthington pumps, each of one million gal-
314 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
loii capacity cacli li4 hoiii-s, thus making a duplicate system.
Mr. Wilson cn^a^cd local i)t'Opl(' to do teaniiufy, furiiisli mater-
ial and >,uj)|)lics auvl do otlier work, to tlic ext<Mit that was pos-
sible, and for the t'oreij^n laboi-ers tiiat were engaged to do the
tienching he secured tlie Heath i)lacksmith sliop (standing on
the piesent site ol' the Episcopal C'liurcln for their Jiving cpmr-
ters. At tile i)eginning of the second week he added 2S men to
his forci' of trench diggers and made rai)id progress with tlie
work. On Oct. )JOth, just -1 days after the work was begun, lie
had a consi(K'ral)le part of the trenching done. i)ipe laid and the
back-filling coni})leted on several of the streets, and nearly all
of the brick work was completed at that time on the pump
staticni.
The rumor had gained circulation that it was the intention
of opponents of the water system to ser\e an injunction upon
the X'illage Trustees when they attempted to lay the l)ipe from
the i)umping station into the lake and thus [)revent operation
of the system. Tin- Trustees a[)i)areutly i>aid no attention to the
story, keei)ing their plans to themselves, and when they were
ready to i)i"oceed with that part of the work tiiey laid the "in-
take" pii)e on Sunday, Nov. 3d, 1895, and thus prevented ser-
vice of any injunction, which could not be done on that day. All
of their arrangements had been so carefully guarded tiiat the
work was carried out without a hitch.
A submai'ine diver had been engaged to assist in the work,
and he made an examination of the best location for the source
of sui>ply. The specifications called for the location of the in-
take pipe 26 feet below the surface of the lake, and in examin-
ing the conditions the diver reported three springs not far
apart, bubbling from the bottom of the lake. To reach them he
found that measurements showed that it Avould require 60 feet
more of pipe than specified, but it was decided advisable to
provide for it. By doing so the mouth of the intake pipe came
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 315
about fou/feet to the left of the largest spring and near to the
other two.
A locomotive belonging to the B.R. & P. Railroad furnished
power by cable attachment for the operation of a plow with
which the diver dug a trench two feet deep in the bottom of
the lake in two hours' time. When completed, the 12-inch pipe
was ready, jointed in two lengths, and carried out on barrel
floats and lowered to place. In this manner 312 feet of pipe
was laid in the lake and connection from the end to the pump
station made afterward, the total distance being over 400 feet.
At the mouth of the pipe was attached a 900 pound casting cov-
ered with a strainer. The lake at that time was five feet below
high water mark.
On Nov. 13th all the pipe laying and back-filling was com-
pleted, except on I\Iain and Water streets and from the pump
station to the Assembly grounds. Rock on Water street required
so much blasting that Supt. McKay was delayed in connect-
ing the line on Water and ]\Iain streets beyond the time he ex-
pected to have it completed.
On many of the streets, people had connections made with
their residences in order to have use of the water as soon as it
was turned into the mains, and the early indications showed
popular interest and gave promise of success.
At 1:50 o'clock p. m. on Jan. 1st, 1896, blasts from the
steam whistle at the pump station gave the signal that water
was being pumped into the mains and at the end of two hours
it was decided to make a test of the system. Hose connections
were made with the hydrant at the corner of Main street and
Borden avenue and a pressure of 40 pounds was shown. Sev-
eral leaks developed, as was expected might be the case, and
attention was given to repairing them during the following
week.
316 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Till' st;iiiil|>i|M- liaxiiiy ai-i'ixcd, work on its erection began
on -Ian. e^lii. On tlie same day another test was made of the
system, the pressure hein«r raised to 80 pounds. Under this
pressuic' only six leaks wt-re discovered, \\liieli was considered
a remarkable showing. These were soon repaii'ed and the sys-
tem was in operation, with i)umping direct into the mains until
the erection of tlie standpi[)e was comi)leted, which was within
a slioit time afterward.
A statement issued and i)ublis!jed ])y the J>oard ot* Water
Commissioners, dated Xov. 16, 1890, less than a year after in-
stallation, showed that 136 connections had been made with the
system, gi\ing an annual income (d" -i^l .^ll^.l ."). Tin* state?iient
showed a bond issue at the first sale of $40,000, as liad been
pletlged, but a second sale of $3,000 in ])onds to cover the loss
that had been incurred by reason of the opposition previously
referred to. An itenuzed statement was nuide of all receipts
and expenditures aiul in conn«'ction \\ith the statement the
Connnissioners called attention to the fact while otlier Boards
of Water Commissioners connnonly paid their clerk from $800
to $1500 per year for services, their work had been done with-
out comi)ensation by their clerk. C. ^I. Smith. The statement
was signed by the existing board, viz: C. II. Toan, President;
W. D. Page. Ceo. B. Talhnan, Frederick H. Cole and S. Albert
Hatch, Commissioners.
The growth of the business was rapid from the beginning,
as the value of the system was soon demonstrated, both as a
means of adequate fire protection and of its convenience to
householders.
The income met the interest on the bonds and provided a
surplus, from which in 1910 an addition was made to the pump
station, a new pump and condenser were installed at a total
cost of over $10,000. Beside this, in 1915 it provided for the
retirement of $13,000 of the original water bonds.
THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 317
As far back as April 13, 1875, there had been some agita-
tion in favor of fire protection, and during that period it was
propo^sed to lay water mains on Main street, but nothing defin-
ite materialized until tlie time referred to in the opening of this
chapter.
CHAPTER XXI
Successful Campaign for Sewer System Gave Village City Conven-
iences and Largely Increased Revenues from Municipal Water
Works — Legal Contest Won by Village.
p]arly in 1900, sentiment in favoi- of a sewer system for tlir
village having developed to some extent, a bill was introdneed
in the State l^egislatnre in res])onse to a petition fi-om the Vil-
lage Board of Trustees, putting the streets and highways of the
village under their supervision and providing that the village
might bond itself for a sewer system under the General Law.
Engineer W. J. White of Buffalo visited Perry on April
12th in response to a request from the Trustees and looked over
the situation for the purpose of giving them information in re-
gard to the matter. He met with them in the evening and after
discussion of tlie matter it was decided to get out dodgers invit-
ing the people to have an informal election at the Fire Depart-
ment building on Tuesday, April 17th, from 10 o'clock a. m. to
3 p. m., to learn the sentiment regarding the question. Among
other information, the dodgers specifically stated that
''This election Avill be entirely informal and merely that
we may learn how the taxpayers feel in regard to the question
of a sewer system. If the vote should be favorable, the Trus-
tees will then proceed according to the provisions of the law
and follow the expressed wishes of the taxpayers. Plans will
be prepared, and if approved by the State Board of Health,
the exact cost of a system will be ascertained and the question
be submitted for a decisive vote."
This action started animated discussion and aroused oppo-
sition, statements being made that a system would cost any-
where from $75,000 to $200,000. The move was made by the
VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM 319
Trustees because the village had doubled in population within
ten years, during which time cess pools had been put in by
some residents, while others had been permitted to connect
with the surface sewers by the Boards of Health. Those condi-
tions, together with the growth of the village made the sanitary
situation unfavorable and in the minds of many required cor-
rective measures.
Notwithstanding the plain and specific language of the
dodger referred to, it was misinterpreted by some people, who
apparentlj' did not understand that the election was entirely
informal and thought that their vote was to make a decision.
The vote resulted in 77 affirmative and 102 negative.
As the matter became better understood, sentiment in fa-
vor of the proposition grew as a result of discussion, and En-
gineer Charles C. Hopkins of the firm of Knight & Hopkins of
Rome, N. Y., came to Perry on June 1st at the request of the
Trustees. After looking over the situation carefully he was
engaged by the Trustees to make a survey of the corporation
and a map for a proposed system, to be submitted to the State
Board of Health for its approval.
On June 27th, Dr. S. Case Jones, a State Commissioner of
Health, visited Perry and accompanied by the local Board of
Health he made an inspection of the conditions. The fact that
householders had been permitted to connect with the surface
sewers and that the outlet running through the village was
used to a considerable extent he declared to be a menace to
public health ; that the proper method would be to provide a
sanitary sewer system, otherwise it would be necessary for the
State Board of Health to take action in the matter. He reported
such findings to the Health Department as a result of his visit.
The map and plans made by Knight & Hopkins were com-
pleted in the Fall of 1900 and on Nov. 15th were sent to the
State Board of Health for approval.
320 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The matter then rested until tlie Spring of 1 !)()!. Tlie plans
foi- tlu' s(^wer system having been aj)|>r()v<'(l hy tlic State in
the meantime, a petition was signed l)y the rccpiired lunnber of
taxpayers and presented to the Village Hoard of Trustees, re-
questing submission of the proposition to a vote.
In response to this petition a eall dated April .'M was i)ub-
lished for a special election to be held on Api-il 19th, to vote
upon a proposition for a sewer system to cover the cori)oration
(excepting the lake district) at a udniunim expense of $40,000
and a maximum expense of $54,000. The Ti-ustees we]-<' : T.
II. Bussey, President; J. C. Lillibridge, A. L. Aime, C. li. Toan
and C. W. Kudd. The clerk was 0. N. Bolton.
In a statenu'ut published at the time of the eall for the elec-
tion, the Trustees pledged themselves not to construct the sys-
tem unless it could be done inside of the estimated maximum
cost, and to give people an apportunity to get any further infor-
nuition and enlightment upon the question they had P^ngineer
Hopkins present at a public meeting on the evening of the 18tb,
to answer any questions that nnght be asked and to have the
nuitter fully explained.
At the election held on the following day there were 250
votes cast, resulting as follows; Yes, 146; no, 103; blank, 1 ; a
majority of 43 in favor of the proposition.
A notice to contractors was published in the next issue of
the local papers, calling for bids to be submitted up to noon of
May 6th, for construction of the system. At a special meeting
of the Trustees on that day, sealed bids were received, as fol-
lows :
Miller & Franklin, Buffalo, $56,900.00.
Thomas Holahan, Rochester, $43,433.82.
Coryell Construction Co., Williamsport, Pa., $51,481.11.
Trov Public Works Co., Utica, $49,000.00.
VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM - 321
W. n. Cookman, Niagara Falls, $46,657.07.
D. M. Rosser, Kingston, Pa., $51,140.00.
After considering the matter for a few days and investi-
gating the merits of the bidders, the Trustees let the contract
to Richard W. Sherman of Utica, N. Y., who represented the
Troy Public Works Co. Mr. Sherman was at that time ]\[ayor
of the city of Utica, brother of Vice-President James Sherman.
As Mr. Sherman was not the lowest bidder, there was nat-
urally criticism of their award, but time developed the wisdom
of their choice. Mr. Holahan asked questions regarding the
specifications which showed that he was not familiar with such
work and it was learned that he had never constructed a sewer
system complete, his experience at that time being limited to
small contract work in Rochester. While Mr. Cookman was
found to be experienced and reliable, his financial position at
that time was found to be insufficient to stand losses that might
be incurred by extraordinary or unforseen conditions that some-
times arise in the prosecution of such work. ]\Ir. Sherman was
found to be experienced and with ample financial standing to
meet any losses without abandoning the work. For those reasons
the Trustees made the award to Mr. Sherman and left the jus-
tice and wisdom of their action to be determined by the out-
come.
Work on the system began on May 31st, with the expecta-
tion of its completion by November 1st. There was a good sized
force of laborers at the outset, which soon was increased to
200 men.
Bids for the sale of bonds for the construction of the sys-
tem were advertised to be received not later than June 6th,
'when ten firms were represented and there was spirited bid-
ding for the issue. They were sold to M. A. Stein of New York
at his bid of 101.24 for 3^/^% bonds, the premium amounting to
322 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
•tHHO.OO. Tlu' sale at that price was considered unprecedented,
notliin^ having ever been known to approach thiit figure in the
State outside of the cities, and it was a testinionialof the stand-
in^^ of this coiuiiiunit y. In tliis connection it may he worthy of
note tluit the Trustees at no time had an\' superstition, as i\w
vote on tlie sewer proposition was hchi on a Friday, the con-
tract loi* consti'uction was sijjjned on Fri(hiy. woi'k was Ix'fjfun
on Fri(la.\-. and tfic bonds were sobi on FT-i<biy.
On the Mth of .lunc a stri!<e was instituted aiiion.i^ tlic
woi'kinen. s;',i(l to have been cause({ by agitators in the irroup of
ai)out 40 Italians wlu) came from Mt. Morris to work in trencli-
in^. They were en<ra^M'd for a ten hour- day at $l.r)0 and struck
for an eight-houi- day at the same waj^e. oi- $1.75 for a ten-hour
day. Operations wei'e susi)ended and Sherilf Sanford was siun-
moned to |)i('Vent any violence. Tlie insti^'"atoi's of the strikr
were diseharired and left town, as did also a ^'•roup who came
fi-om Albany to woi-k on the job, leavinsf only about 100 men
to contiinie the woi'k. The sti'ike lasted only about a day, ])ut
it was some time before the contractor was able to secure tlie
full force desi]-»'(l, and he was obliged to increase the wages in
order to hold the men.
Work on the sewer outlet began the last wet'k of Octobei',
anil all of the trenching on the several streets iiad been com-
pleted by Xovember 1st. An inspection was made during the
first week of Deceiid)er. when a few leaks were discovered and
repairs were nuide.
The Board of Trustees prepared a set of sewer regulations
•And the system was ready for use before Jan. 1st, 1902, a con-
siderable nund)er of property-owners having had conneetioni
made with their residences to furnish bath room conveniences,
and from that time on, every bouse constructed in tiie village
has had the connections made.
VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM 323
When the time came for final settlement with Contractor
Sherman he presented a bill for extras amounting to nearly
5f^lO,000, his principal claim being that he had not been allowed
a sufficient sum for rock excavation. Engineer Hopkins dis-
puted his claim, advising the Trustees that he had made gener-
ous allowance for extra rock excavation. He checked up the
contractor's list of extras and pointed out to the Trustees the
items for which Mr. Sherman was entitled to compensation,
but as that showed the amount due in final settlement to be sev-
eral tllou^■and dollars less than Mr. Sherman claimed, the con-
tractor threatened to sue unless tlie Trustees accep'ted his
figures.
It was understood that Mr. Sherman lost money on the
contract, and the Trustees felt that he might be endeavoring
to recoup his loss by presenting his bill for extras. They offered
to settle with him at the figures given by their engineer, Mr.
Hopkins, but as he was unwilling to do so, there was a dead-
lock. A few months later, Mr. Sherman brought suit against
the Village Trustees in his home county of Oneida. The Trus-
tees applied for a change of venue to Wyoming County, which
was afterward granted. Before the case came to trial, how-
ever, Mr. Sherman requested the Trustees to meet him in Roch-
ester for a conference, with a view to an amicable settlement
without an extended legal contest. They complied with his re-
quest and he made several propositions, which the Trustees
refused to act upon at that time. They had retained Hon. W. F.
Cogswell for their attorney, and he had told them that Mr.
Sherman had no case against them. Mr. Cogswell said that Mr.
Sherman "didn't have a leg to stand upon" and advised the
Trustees not to p^y anything more than Engineer Hopkins had
recommended. In answer to the question whether it would
itot be better to settle rather than defend a suit, Mr. Cogsw^ell
told the Trustees that if they felt it would be cheaper in thr
324 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
end to pay >Mr. SlK'nuaii .i>500 in addition to Engineer Hopkins'
allowance and tlius clean u[) tlie matter with a receipt in full
for all claims, it was a matter for the Trustees to decide. They
notified Mr. Slici-man that they would hold a meeting after
their return home and would advise him promptly of their de-
cision after it had been reached. A meeting was held the same
evening and it was voted to offer Va\ Sherman $500 above the
Engineer's figures, in full settlement of all claims. After nuich
protest, Mr. Sherman agreed to accept the offer and tlie matter
was closed.
The maximum estimate for the system, as i)revi()usly noted,
was $54,000. Prior to the suit instituted by Contractor Sher-
man the Trustees had nuide three semi-annual interest pay-
ments on the sewer bonds, a total of $2,385.00. With other cx-
l)enses incurred the anu)unt reached about $8, 000. Deducting
that sum from the original estimate of $54,000, the actual cost
of the sewer system proiJei" was $51,000, or $3,000 less than the
maximum estiuuite. The work was well performed and the
installation of the system accomplished what was expected, a
material increase in the amount of water rentals and the pro-
vision of city conveniences for the residents of the village, Avith
vastly improved sanitary conditions for the conservation of
public health.
CHAPTER XXII
Street Lighting, Local Telephone and Natural Gas Systems— Their
Rapid Development from Small Beginnings Had Important
Part in Promoting Growth of the Village.
Prior to 1877, no action had been taken by the municipal-
ity for providing lights for the streets of Perry. Before the
time mentioned, however, a few of the more enterprising citi-
;^ens had installed lamp posts and lights in front of their resi-
dences, but these were few and far between, and at night the
streets in general presented avenues dark and gloomy.
At a meeting of the Village Board held on Feb. 5th, 1877,
Lyman D. Loomis moved that the clerk, R. D. Higgins, draw
up a petition asking the Legislature to pass an act granting
power to the Board of Trustees of the village to raise money
by tax to light the streets and maintain the expense. The motion
was carried, and at the Board meeting held on March 5th, the
petition was presented and accepted. It was made a law by
action of the Legislature, and in October, 1877, an order was
given for 26 street lights, to cost $128.21, and these were placed
in the most important locations throughout the village. James
L. Wade was engaged as lamp-lighter at $7.50 per month, but
as the number of lamps were gradually increased, the wages
were increased to $30 per month. Mr. Wade was succeeded as
lamp-lighter by C. Minot Griffith, Oscar D. Chase and William
McKinley. The adoption of this method of lighting the streets
a.dded somewhat to the general appearance of the village and
was a great convenience to the citizens, although for some time
the old-fashioned lantern did not entirely disappear.
326 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
PERRY ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY
Tlie Perry Electric Liglit Company was primaiily organ-
ized in the early part of 1892, and a franchise was granted to
the company by the Village Board of Trnstees on -Inly 23d of
that year. On Nov. 21st, 1892, the Electric Light C'o., opened
its plant and tnrned the current through the wires, l^efore the
close of the year, they were furnishing current for 22 street
lights and 400 incandescents. At the present time they are fur-
nishing 93 street lights and approximately 10,000 incandes-
cents, beside power for several of the smallci- industries. Vcvvy
consumes nearly twice as much electricity as any otlier town in
Wyoming County.
The formal organization of the Company was effected on
:\rarch lltli, 1893, at which time the following named officers
were chosen: President, ]\Iilo II. Olin ; Vice-President, Henry
X. Page; Secretary, Clarence M. Smith; Treasurer, Wm. D.
Page; IManager, G. K. Page. None of the persons named is at
present identified with the organization, having disposed of
their stock at a private sale to Mr. E. L. Phillips of New York
and Mr. G. W. Olmsted, of Ludlow, Pa., who hold a majority of
all of the stock.
Mr. C. W. Smith was engaged as Manager in 1901, and
served in that capacity until June, 1911, when he was suc-
ceeded by E. D. Handin, who was in charge for a period of a
little more than one year. Mr. C. W. Torrey, the present effic-
ient Manager, has served continuously since that time.
On June 4th, 1912, the plant was practically destroyed by
a fire which caused a loss of more than $20,000. The plant was
rebuilt as soon as possible, the current in the meantime being
supplied by the Tempest Knitting Company.
The Company having acquired franchises in Warsaw,
LOCAL ENTERPRISES 327
Gainesville, Castile and Perry, it is the intention in the near
future to construct and equip a central power plant and supply
all of the towns named from one point, thereby reducing the
excessive cost of operating individual plants. A line is under
construction from Perry to Silver Springs as a beginning of the
project.
The following named are the officers of the Company at
the present time : President, G. W. Olmstead ; Vice-President, L.
P. Benedict, of Perrj^ ; Secretary, Henry R. Frost of New York ;
Treasurer, C. W. Torrey of Perry. These gentlemen also con
trol tlie Warsaw office.
TELEPHONE SYSTEM
The Perry Electric Light Company gave Perry its first tel-
ei)hone system, and for a period of ten years the two were oper
ated under one management. Early in 1894, the directors can
vassed the citizens to ascertain the number of people who
would become subscribers to a local independent system. By
the last of May, 50 persons had agreed to install telephones at
a cost of $1.50 per month. As this was considered a fair num-
ber to begin operations with, the Company ordered a Strowger
automatic switchboard, 50 telephone instruments, 22 miles of
covered wire, poles and accessories, and on July 18th, 1894,
these telephones were placed in service. The Perry Telephone
Company was the first independent telephone company in New
York State to install the automatic service, which Avas similar
to the type now used by the Federal Company in Buffalo. The
system was somewhat experimental at the time and did not
^ive generally satisfactory service. Following is the original
list of subscribers :
M. H. Clin & Son, hardware; Perry Knitting Co.; Citizens
Bank; First National Bank ; Hotel Perry; Silver Lake Railway
depot ; Walker House, Silver Lake ; Silver Lake Assembly ; A.
328 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRV
W. Talliiiaii, liardware; M. A. Wilcox, livery; Ed^erly House;
W. 0. Davis, fui'iiitiire ; Hatch & Cole, grocers ; W. H. Hcrron,
grocer; S. S. Caswell, grocer; C. G. Martin, coal office; Buffalo
Tee Co. ; L<»wis Hongh, milk depot ; R. R. Dow, warehouse ; J. H.
Watson, drug store; Smith, Kennedy & Co., builders; C. Suth-
erland & Co., monuments; F. L. Howell, furniture; Smith &
Ineson, livery; Record office; Hei-aid and News office; Dr. C
R. Traver, Dr. P. S. Goodwin, Dr. A. B. Straight, Dr. Annie H.
Pierce, Dr. ]\I. A. King, ])hysicians ; Dr. F. H. Cole, dentist; JM.
H. Olin, C. ^r. Smith, W. D. Page, :\rrs. H. N. Page, Mrs. A. D.
Keeney, Mrs. C. T. Wyckoff, ]\rrs. :\r. J. Olin, Mrs. C. A. Cleve-
land, M. A. AVilcox, F. L. Howell, W. B. Tallman, Walter T.
Olin, Charles A. Toan, F. B. Smith, G. M. Traber, J. E. Cole, R.
T. Tuttle, A. J. Wood, residences.
In 189') the Strowger switchboard was r»'j)hHMMl by a 100-
line Hunnings board and instruments. As the business of the
company increased, several changes in the switchboard had
been made necessary.
For several years previous to the organization of the local
system the Bell Company had maintained a long distance sta-
tion in Perry, for the greater part of the time located in the
i-ear of the shoe store of C. S. Smith & Co. In :May, 1901, Mr.
E. Stinson and ]\Ir. R. S. Baker were sent to Perry by the Bell
Company and a 100-line board was placed in the store ; two
booths were installed for the central office calls, and the Perry
Knitting Go's office was directly connected. The last named
was the only subscriber that the Bell Company ever had in the
Village of Perry. Mr. Smith relinquished charge of the toll
station after several years and a pay station was later installed
in Hotel Perrj^
In 1903 a connection between the Perry Telephone Co. and
the Bell Company was established, giving the local subscribers
LOCAL ENTERPRISES 329
facilities for out-of-town service. At that time a "central
vnergy'' cr common battery switchboard was installed with
two operators. By the end of 1904 the subscribers numbered
over 300, and the farmers were being given the service as rap-
idly as possible. In 1915, lines had been extended in every
direction from the local office and 86% of those living in the
i^erritory were connected with the service. The total number of
subscribers at the time referred to Avas 1240.
The late Charles W. Smith was local manager from Oct.
23d, 1901, until his death in July, 1912. He was succeeded by
Ralph S. Baker, the present manager. The Perry Exchange
has a State-wide reputation for being one of the best equipped
and best managed independent systems in existence. Its offi-
cers are: President, C. M. Smith; Vice-President, C. A. Toan;
Secretary, L. P. Benedict ; Manager, R. S. Baker.
PAVILION NATURAL GAS COMPANY
During the year 1906, people in the vicinity of the neigh-
boring town of Pavilion became possessed with the belief that
natural gas could be found in that town, their conclusions be-
ing based on indications that seemed to be favorable. After
some agitation, a test well was su3ik and their expectations
were fully realized. The success of the experimental well at-
tracted outside capital, and some time later the Pavilion Nat-
ural Gas Company was organized, composed of Pittsburg and
other capitalists. A number of other wells were sunk, and suc-
cess continued to attend the eft'orts to secure an abundant
supply.
The Pavilion Natural Gas Company was granted a fran-
chise by the Village Trustees of Perry on Sept. 23d, 1908, and
in the following Summer the gas mains were laid throughout
the village, connection w^ith the gas field being made on Dec.
15th, 1909. The Company began operation here with 345 con-
330 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
nections, and in the six yeai-s siiceeeding of their local history
their business increased remarkably. In 1915 there were 1186
consumers of gas i]i the Perry district, a larger number than
in any other town in the Company's field of operations. A num-
ber of the smaller industi'ies are using the gas for power pur-
poses.
The supply comes from wells in the towns of Pavilion and
York, the average pressure bein gabout 5001bs. The supply is
furnished to Perry at a pressure of about 60 lbs.
Mr. W. R. Buell Avas resident manai!:er from October, 1909
to 1910, wlien he was succeeded by Mr. \V. ^I. Aiken, the pres-
ent manager.
The Perry district end)racos Silver Lake, Perry Center,
LaGrange, and as far east as the Pine Tavern.
CHAPTER XXIII
Musical Organizations— Singing Societies, Philharmonics, Bands and
Orchestras That Were Features of the Social Life of Perry and
Won More Than Local Reputation.
Perry has differed very little from other towns of its size
in the matter of music and musicians. In vocal work the town
has had the usual quota of singers who were willing to give
their time and talent in return for the pleasure that they might
derive from that kind of service. "Singing Schools" of the
earlier days, and Singing Societies of the later period have
been numerous, but were usually short-lived, organizing in the
Fall and disappearing after a "grand concert" held in the lat-
ter part of the Winter. While Perry has had many good sing-
ers, there have been only a few who possessed exceptional
voices. Augustus Barton, who sang in the Universalist Church
in the early 70 's, was considered to possess the best baritone
voice in this section of the country, and later, Mrs. B. M. Clarke
located in Perry. She possessed a splendid contralto voice and
brought with her a reputation won in Brooklyn, New York and
Rochester churches. She was a solist of some note and soon
won a distinctive position in the community. Mrs. Jenny L.
Nobles has been Perry's best known soprano. Her exceptional
ability, her position as teacher of music in our High School, and
as director of the Presbyterian Church choir for several years,
gave her particular opportunities for service and she has prob-
ably done more than any other one person to develop local
talent along musical lines.
Among the "Singing Societies" may be mentioned the
Philharmonics who gave concerts back in the '70 's, with M. N.
Crocker as director; and a Choral Society with German Sweet
as the leading spirit and director. The Perry Choral
332 HISTORY OF THK TOWN OF PFRRV
8ociet\- iiii'lci- tlic Icadt'i-shij) of Trof. N'mil/icliidi (tf IJiiiralo.
and the W'vvy Oi-aloi'io Society, orpmi/.iMl in IIM-"! and con-
ducted by y\v. .1. W. Royce. Tin' h'st named soccty sanjr n
better an<! Jinn-e difficult class of music than was attempted by
its predecessors, and anionjr otber noted conii)Ositions Inis rend-
ered "Tbe Ci'ncifixion*' twice, "Tin* Messiah" and Tlie Trodi-
«,^al Son." Out-of-town soloists assisted in the fii'st two men-
tioned, the choruses of ovei- ei<;hty \<»ices in eacdi of the oratoi--
ios under the direction of Mr. l\o\-ce haiidh'*! tliei!* difficult
f)arts exceptionally well. In !!>! 1. the Soeiet\- in coiijiiin't ion
with several other similai- organizations from othei* towns in
this section of the State, san^,' witli the community chorus in
a o:reat music festival j:jiven in Exi)osition Pai'lc, Rochester.
There were about 'JOOO voices under the direction of Pi'of.
Harry Barnbart and the festival i-eeeived the hi«rhest conniien-
dation from the i>!"ess and the lar^n- numbei- of |)eoj)le who
heard the rendition of the splendid nmnbei-s j^nven.
Tbe vocal music in our cburcbes bas been mostly furnished
by cborus choirs. However, the distinctive ortjanization that,
is best remembered by our townspeople as havino: presented
for tbe greatest lengftb of time the bigrbest grrade of inusic is
the former Presbyterian Qimrtet, composed of ]\Irs. .lenny L.
Nobles, soprano; Mfs. E. M. Clarke, contralto; Mr. W. D. Page,
tenor; Mr. G. K. Page, basso: Mrs. AV. D. Page, organist. Mr.
C. S. Smith succeeded Mr. G. K. Page as basso for several years,
several 3'ears.
ORCHESTRAS
No records have been found giving any information re-
garding the orchestras of Perry's earlier days. The first or-
ganization of which much is known was the "Chapin Orches-
tra." Organized in 1853, it began its career with the following
named members: Earl Chapin, first violin and leader; M. N.
Crocker, second violin; H. A. Barton, flute; Robert Crake.
MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 333
'cello; John Clark, bass; Miss Addie Walker, piano. The organ-
ization seems to have been better than the ordinary, and the
class of music played was more or less pretentions for those
days and required considerable ability. The overture, "Caliph
of Bagdad,'' was their favorite, although "Gen. Boulanger's
^larch"' was a close second. The leader composed a number of
their selections, some of which are in existence today. These
and other numbers were rehearsed at meetings held in Walk-
er's Hotel. Beside furnishing music for local functions, they
nppt-arcd at Warsaw and other nearby towns. Earl Cliapin
left Perry and followed violin making as a business for many
years. His instruments became well known and some of them
sold for over .^500 each. He served through the Civil War and
died in the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee about the year 1910.
Mr. Chapin was the ruling spirit of the Chapin Orchestra,
which disbanded at the time he left Perry.
The Silver Lake Oi'chestra was organized in 1866 by James
L. AVade as manager and first violin; Oscar Edgerly, second
violin; Clark Edgerly, 'cello; Frank Pritchard, bass. Mrs.
Clark Edgerly afterward became pianist, and her husband cor-
netist of the orchestra, which had an existence of about 20
years, during which period it played engagaments at Saxon's
Hall at the lake for many seasons and also during the Fall
and Winter in many of the surroiniding villages.
The most widely known of all orchestra organizations is
the little group who began their career in 1893 as a High
School orchestra. With a membership of seven, including
Mrs. Jenny Nobles as pianist, F. M. Washburn, E. M. Read and
L. G. Stainton, violins; L. P. Benedict and C. N. Read, cornets;
and Lee H. Cotton, clarinet, the organization began playing for
rhetoricals, chapel exercises, etc. This line of work, while en-
joyed immensely, served to increase the desire of the ambitious
youngsters for something better, and they began taking small
334 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
engagements at lectures, etc. Their success in this line led to
tlie fonnation in 1894 of the Casino Orchestra, with the follow-
ing named as members: E. M. Read, first violin and leader; F.
M. Crocker, flute and manager; Lee II. Cotton, clarinet; Cleve-
land K. Nobles, pianist; C. N. Read, cornet. Mr. Nobles was
succeeded as pianist for several years by Seward Edgerly, and
there have been nmny changes in the personnel, but the Casino
Orchestra as an organization has been playing for over 20 years
and is still in existence. During this period they have played
in nearly all of the nearby towns and for four years served as
the orchestra at Walker's dance pavilion at Silver Lake. When
The Auditorium was opened as a theatre, the Casinos became
and remained its orchestra for a period of 14 years, and during
the winters of 1898-99-1900, the nuMiibers played in Buffalo for
tlie University of Buffalo's dances, receptions, etc., under the
name of the University of Buffalo Orchestra.
Dr. E. M. Read and Dr. F. M. Crocker are the only members
of the original Casino Orchestra who have retained their mem-
bership since the beginning, and in the 20 years of their orches-
tra life they have played together in over 1600 engagements.
For several years previous to this writing, the orchestra
has consisted of the following members: Dr. E. ]\I. Read, first
violin and leader; Dr. F. M. Crocker, flute and manager; C.
Read Clarke, slide trombone: ^Irs. E. M. Read, 'cello; Miss
Isabelle Cole, piano; F. A. Allen, drums and traps.
BANDS
The first local brass band of which we have any informa-
tion was known as. ''Maxon's Band," organized by Charles
Maxon in the year 1857. This band was in existence until the
beginning of the Civil War, when it was forced to disband,
owing to the greater number of its members withdrawing to
join the army.
MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 335
The ''Perry Center Cornet Band" was organized in 1886
by Amos W. Austin upon his return from the Civil War, in
which he was a member of the First New York Dragoons Regi-
mental Band. There were 18 members in the local organiza-
tion, which disbanded in 1869.
In the late '70 's an organization was formed among stud-
ents of Perry Academy and styled itself the ''College Band."
James E. Crichton was leader and it existed for about two
years, but never acquired much proficiency.
The Perry Helicon Band ' Avas organized in 1879 by A. W.
Austin, who was also leader. Their instruments and uniforms
were purchased from the Saranac, Mich., band that had bought
the equipment for use in an engagement at the Centennial cele-
bration in Philadelphia in 1876. Disbanding a few years after-
ward, the local musicians heard of the opportunity to make the
purchase at a bargain and secured the firm of Hatch & Cole
as financiers for the enterprise. They bought the complete set
of instruments, uniforms and band wagon, making an outfit
unequalled in any country town in the State. This band drew
from the College Band, James E. Crichton, Charles W. Rudd
and others of its most capable musicians and materially
strengthened its organization. With frequent rehearsals it
soon became unusually proficient, developed several solists
among its members and gained a wide reputation. For several
years it accompanied Erie Railroad excursions annually to
various points, participated in several band tournaments,
played in many of the surrounding towns during Presidential
campaigns, and at the height of the roller skating craze played
a season at the Armory Rink in Buffalo. Mr. Austin was suc-
ceeded as director by the late Clark Edgerly and after a suc-
cessful career of a number of years the organization passed
into history and the town was without a band for a time.
:36
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Tlic iiiciiilxi's of the Hclicini P>an(l rcinaiiiiii^ in town
formed tlu' iiiicltMis foi- a new organization calling itself ''The
Citizens" liaiid of Peri'v/' It Avas first nnder the h^atlership of
(Mark M. Kdiierly, tlien of Wm. (iin)ertson and hiter of C. W.
Kudd. Ii was re-organized in 1902 with John A. Wright as
JAMES L. WADE
(From a War-Time Picture)
director, a nund)er of skillfnl musicians having- moved into
town as a result of our industrial growth. .Mr. Wright brought
extended experience and soon developed the organization into
MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 337
a fine concert band with a membership of twenty or more. He
won for it a reputation comparable with that of the old Helicon
Band in the surrounding section. Later, it again reorganized
and its name vras changed to the "Perry Military Band," by
wliich title it is known at the present time. :\rr. Wright con-
tinues to serve as director and his long and faithful service are
generally appreciated by the townspeople, who turn out in
large numbers during the Summer season to hear the Saturday
evening concerts.
Mr. James L. Wade is the only known survivor of Max-
on's Band, and with the exception of the College Band, has
played continuously in each of the village bands mentioned.
:\h\ Wade was bugler of Company A, First New York Dra-
goons, and was also a member of the regimental band, in which
he served until the close of the Civil War. He has probably
had the largest part in the development of band musicians in
this community, and as a snare drummer has a reputation that
extends over Western New York.
The Citizens Band of Perry Center was organized in 1911
with a membership of twenty-nine and under the instruction of
Prof. Lloyd of Warsaw gained a considerable degree of profi-
ciency. Citizens at the Center erected a band stand in the
square and the organization gave a number of concerts, but as
its membership decreased the interest lagged and the organiza-
tion disbanded after an existence of about two and one-half
years.
The Polish "White Eagle"' Band was organized about the
year 1910 among employees of the Perry Knitting Co. and has
been an important factor in the social life of the Polish resi-
dents of the community. It is attractively uniformed and well
equipped otherwise and is a capable musical organization.
CHAPTER XXIV
Secret Organizations — Early Institution of Lodges of Masons and
Odd Fellows in Perry — Their Lapses and Reorganization — Pres-
ent Conditions Flourishing.
Free Masonry is uiuloubtedly the most ancient institution
tuiiong secret orders, embracing among its members iiien of
every rank and condition, of every nation and clime, and
stands among the first of those institutions establislied for tlie
improvement of mankind. Its origin ma}^ be said to have been
lost in remote antiquity. Some writers date its origin furtlier
l)ack tlian the Druidical mysteries; others go back to 1950 B.
V. The orders of architecture and their origin and uses, wliicli
subject is treated quite extensively in Masonry, had its origin
about 1000 B. C. Many writers claim that the mysteries w^ere
handed down from Ceres, who introduced them into Athens
about 1356 B. C. The popular faith of its deciples ascribes its
foundations to circumstances connected with the erection of
the first Jewish temple bj^ King Soloman. Written records of
meetings extend back only to A. D. 926.
The first provincial Grand Lodge of the United States was
established in Boston in 1733. In 1781 the Grand Lodge of
New York was instituted, and on March 6th, 1819, granted a
charter to Constellation Lodge No. 320, located at Perry, Gene-
see County, N. Y., authorizing them to confer the first three
degrees in Ancient Craft Masonry.
The petitioners were : John Gibb, Levi Benton, Warren
Buckland, George Mordoff, James Waterhouse, Thomas Edg-
erly, Hiram Wright, Charles Tripp, Sajnuel D. Bishop, James
Ilammersley, Jared Whitney, John Bowers, and Ebenezer Hig-
gins, Jr. The first officers were: Ebenezer Higgins, W. M..;
George Mordoff, S. W. ; Charles Leou*ard, J. W. The first re-
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 339
turns to 1820 showed the following additional ott'icers: Thomas
Edgerlv, secretary : Horace Bingham, treasurer ; Hiram Wright
and Ruins Brayley, P. W. M/s. At that time it showed the fol-
lowing named additional members: Charles Burlingham, Peter
dark, Nathan Chichester, Edward Camp, Smith Finch, Otis
Higgins, Selden Higgins,' John D. Langdon, Peter Sedam, Jona-
than Woodbury, John Bowen, Allen Miller and Samuel E.
Phoenix.
The first meetings of the local branch of the order were
held on the second floor of the old log school building which
was erected in 1816 on the corner of Lake and Short streets.
The original charter was forfeited in 1835, probably because of
the strong anti-Masonic feeling that arose because of the mys-
terious disappearance of Wm. Morgan of Batavia, author of a
book purporting to disclose the secrets of Free Masonry. The
agitation Avhich followed his disappearance in 1829 caused
many desertions by those affiliated with the order, and many
charters in this section were surrendered.
On July 5th, 1856, the Grand Lodge granted a charter to
Charles W. Hendee and Henry E. Daniels, and other petition-
ers, who adopted the name previously used by Perry Masons,
and Constellation Lodge No. 404 came into existence. 1862,
this charter was also surrendered, and during ten years the
sound of the gavel was not heard in Perry. In 1872 the charter
was restored, and since that there has been no interruption of
its existence.
Since 1856, the following named have presided as Masters
over its deliberations: Charles W. Hendee, Edwin M. Read,
Horace M. Daniells, Milo H. Olin, Marshall S. Nobles, John J.
Martin, Gilbert R. Traver, Albert H. Lowing, John F. Gates,
Robert R. Dow, Philip S. Goodwin, Elmer J. Abbott, Thomas H.
Donnelly, W. Dennison Olmstead, Sidney J. Jenckes, J. Robert
Brownell, Fred M. Washburn, A. W. Hotaling. Kendall P.
Smith is the Master-elect.
340
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
In the <rvvi\t fin* which occurred in May, 1891, the lodj^e
room was totally clcstro\ed, togctiicr with all paraphernalia
and many valuable documents, causing a severe loss over and
above the insui-anee; but they arose from the ashes and at the
annual session of the (Ji'and Lodtrc, the following June, they
obtained a duplicate of their charter.
For a long time there was agitation for a i)ermanent home
of their own, l)ut the matter did not take definite shape until
MASONIC TEMPLE
the latter part of 1907. On Jan. 18th, 1909, the organization
purchased the building and site on Main street that had for
many years been known as the Colund)us P. Andrus residence
property for a consideration of .^5,000. It is a significant fact
that Ebenezer Higgins, who was probably the prime mover in
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 341
instituting Free Masonry in Perry and was the first Master
of the first lodge, coming here in 1818, for many years made
his home on the site now occupied by the temple.
Following the purchase of the site, the members became
active in raising funds to secure their cherished plan of a suit-
able temple for a permanent home and met with such success
that the corner stone of the building was laid on October 9th,
1914. Delegations were present from surrounding towns, the
city of Buffalo being represented by 25, some of them members
of the Grand Lodge. Practically the entire membership of
Constellation Lodge was present at their rooms at 2 o'clock in
the afternoon of that day, and in company with the visiting
brethren they marched in a line of twos to the site of the tem-
ple, where exercises were conducted as follows: Selection by
a male quartet composed of J. C. Herzberger, Walter Morse,
Dr. F. M. Crocker and B. L. Mayhew ; proclamation by Grand
Marshal W. H. Ellis of Buffalo ; opening of the Grand Lodge by
Deputy Grand Master Thomas Penny of Buffalo; prayer by
Grand Chaplain Rev. George E. Price of LeRoy ; singing of the
hymn "America," by the assemblage; presentation of silver
trowel to Grand Master Penny by Worshipful Master Dr. F. M.
Washburn, on behalf of Constellation Lodge. The order of ser-
vice was : Presentation of box containing memorials, by Grand
Treasurer J. R. Brownell ; reading of contents of box by Grand
Secretary W. D. Olmstead ; depositing the box by Grand Treas-
urer; presentation of Avorking tools by Master Architect
George C. Fox; laying the stone by Grand Master Penny; test-
ing the stone by Deputy Grand Master P. S. Goodwin, Senior
Grand Warden John G. Wallenmeier, Jr., and Junior Grand
AVarden S. L. Strivings. Consecration : Scattering the corn by
Deputy Grand Master ; pouring the wine by Senior Grand War-
den ; sprinkling the oil by Junior Grand Warden ; invocation by
Grand Master ; oration by Rev. George E. Price ; proclamation
342 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
l)y (Ji-aii(l Mai'shal ; music by (luartct and Lodjjfc; benediction
l>y the (irand Cliaplain.
Tlic j)i'oi)crty represents a tv)tal iii\-estinent of al)out
^30,()()(), which includes furnishings.
Tlie first reg^ular nieetiuir in the new T<'ni|>le was h<'ld on
the ni^dit of Sept. ir)th, IfM."). when the iiifinbrrs met in tlieir
lodge rooms in the ()li?i bb)ck, adjourned and nuirched in a
])od\' to tlieir i)eautif\d new home.
Sih'er- Lake Lodge Xo. 1()(). of the ln(^e|)endent Order of
Odd Kell(u\s was grantetl a charter on .Ian. 2r)th, 1844, the i)e-
titioners thei'efoi- being: Isaac X. Stoddard, JIai'i-y Brown, Jos-
iah N. Iliggins, .Iar<Ml T). Turrell and Anson T). Smith. The lodge
was instituted on K.'b. f)t!i. 1S44. by \V. L. (J. Smith, D. I), (i.
M. In the yeai- iSli'J the chai-tc?- was snrrrn(h'i't'd. and those of
its memlx'rs who desired to retain their mciMbership in th(»
Order were o])Iiged to atfiliate Avitli l()dg<'s in other towns. In
August, 1891, a few of the Od(i Fellows who were residents of
Perry procured a special dispensation and began the work of
securing new members. These brothers were John Stockwell,
Leonard Tuthill, Frank Richards, Myron Wilcox and Warren
IVeston. John Stockwell was chosen Noble Grand and held the
office until .Ian. 4th, 1892, when he was succeeded by Leonard
Tutliill. On Aug. 18th, 1891 a charter was granted and on
Sept. 24th of that year the lodge was duly instituted by J. O.
Williams, D. D. G. M. Crystal Salt Lodge No. 505, of Warsaw,
w^as present in a body, and performed the first installation of
officers. The ceremonies were held in the third story of the old
Bailey block on the corner of ^lain and Covington streets. Later,
lodge rooms were secured over Robert Stainton's dry goods
store, in the brick block between the Oavcu and Cole blocks.
In June, 1892, the hall owned by C. P. Andrus in the third
story of the Andrus brick block and on the 16th it was ded-
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 343
icated to the uses of the organization. This was the regular
meeting place of the lodge during a period of 18 years, at the
end of which time they purchased the J. W. Olin brick block on
the corner of Covington and Short streets and fitted their pres-
ent attractive and commodious quarters for their temple. The
new quarters were dedicated on Nov. 20th, 1910.
The following named are those who held the office of Noble
Grand of Silver Lake Lodge No. 614, since the second charter
was granted in 1891 : John Stockwell, L. C. Tuthill, J. H. Terry.
A. C. Bryant, E. U. Wilcox, T. H. Donnelly, J. C. Lillibridge, S.
N. Buttles, S. E. Stow, Frank Dresher, B. F. Rollah, A. F.
Davis, 0. B. Finch, V. H. Badger, A. W. Waufle, C. G. Clarke,
T. R. Douglas, J. B. Townsend, H. 11. Kittle, J .H. Wilcox, M.
A. Russell, M. F. Streeter, A. W. Hotaling, B. C. Shaw, J. T.
Smith, A. C. Way, James Mclntyre, Leonard Fish, L. S. Chap-
man, S. L. Pike, James E. Wade, R. II. Cone, John Stapleton,
D. G. Bush, Luke Warner, John Scott, Wm. A. Noble, Charles
Freeman, Fred Mason, Edw^n R. Kershaw, Roy F. Hewitt, Ray-
mond Taylor, Leslie Handley, A. J. Noble, Paul Hoeppner, Gus-
taf Peterson.
Various other fraternal organizations have come into exist-
ence during the later years of the town's existence, some of
which have passed into history, while others are in a flourish-
ing condition at the present time, but there number is so many
that it is possible to mention particularly only the two referred
to, which are the oldest and the best known.
CHAPTER XXV
Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association — Wyoming
Historical and Pioneer Association, Originator of Annual
Pioneer Picnic at Silver Lake.
This organization caiii«' into existence at a iiiectinij^ liekl
on the 25th of October, 1879, and t]n» followinjr named g<'ntle-
inen subscribed as charter iiieiiibcrs : .lolm S. Wcsthike, Rufus
H. Stedman, ]\Ioses C. Williams, Ilntrh M. Scranton, Geori^e
Tomlinson, Lewis E. Chai)in, Marsliall S. Xobles, Willard J.
Chapin, Georjre IL AVrijifht and Samuel A. Hatch. The objects
of the Association were the j)romoti()n and advancement of
agriculture, liorticulture, me(dianical arts and household indus-
try. In less than a year from the date of the meeting a stock
company had been formed witli a capital of $7,000, of which
$5,000 had been subscribed, !20 acres of land liad been |)urch-
ased from George II. Wright and David Andrus. and encdoseiL
A first-class half-mile ti-ack was constructed at a cost of more
than $1100, judges' stand, pens, stables and a secretary's office
had been built. The track was surveyed by Henry Bates of
Ilornell and was constnicted by ^Messrs. Wright and Shepard
of Perry. R. W. Brigham was the first president of the organi-
zation and Lewis E. Chapin its first secretary. The first fair
was held on Thursday and Friday, October 7t}i and 8th, 1880.
There were 6000 people in attendance, and 916 entries in the
several departments. The best racing time 2 :33i/4 for the mile,
which was considered fast for that time. The grand stand and
exhibition hall were constructed during the following year. In
1912 the grand stand was destroj^ed by fire, and a new and
more commodious one was soon afterward erected.
Situated as we are, in the center of a fine agricultural com-
munity, where industries are not lacking, the institution of the
Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association met with
SILVER LAKE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION
345
the instant approval of the residents and acquired tlie hearty
co-operation of all of those people who could properly come
within its jurisdiction. During the 36 years of its existence
RANDALL W. BRIGHAM
the management has kept pace with the wonderful growth of
ilu' town, and its annual exhibitions attract thousands of people
to Perry.
WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION
In the early Fall of 1872, the late Jonathan Sleeper of
Perry and the late Myron Locke of Castile met at Silver Lake.
In the course of their conversation, Mr. Sleepr said: ''Myron,
how^ would it do to have some handbills printed, advertising an
346 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
old folks' picnic to be held at tlie lake some time this Fall?"'
]\rr. Locke replied that he thought it a good suggestion, and to-
gether the two men arranged the preliminary details for a good
old-fashioned outing. The supposition was that there might he
about 50 people present on the day appointed, but when the
time came there were nearly 300 in attendance. During the
course of the exercises, it was proposed to hold another meeting
the following year. The attendance at this second gathering
was so lai'ge that it was decided to institute a permanent organ-
ization. During the first few years the meetings were held in
Saxton's grove. Logs with planks across them served for seats.
As the gatherings increased in size and the interest deepened, it
was proposed to buy a lot and erect a building thereon for the
purpose of establishing a home for the organization. An appli-
cation signed by six constituent members of the association
was presented to the State for a charter, which was granted in
1874, under the name of the ** Wyoming Historical and Pioneer
Association."
Two acres of land in the grove owned by the late Samuel
Sharp were purchased in 1877 and plans were drawn for a pio-
neer log cabin, 25x40 feet, one and one-half stories high. The
work of building the cabin was done voluntarily, the logs being
contributed and hauled to the ground. Many turned in and
gave a helping hand, and a society in Perry gave an entertain-
ment, the proceeds of which were used to purchase the shingles
for the roof. The cabin was completed in time for the annual
gathering in 1878. At the time of its transfer to the Associa-
tion by the building committee, there was an incumbrance of
$162.00 on the building. Some one present suggested that a
life membership ticket be issued, giving the holder all of the
privileges of the Association upon payment of one dollar each,
with the result that the dollars were handed to the secretary
faster than he could write the receipts. In this way enough
WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION
347
money was raised iu a few minutes' time to pay the entire in-
debtedness. The present auditorium was erected by the Assoc-
iation in 1896.
For nearly half a centurj^ the festival gatherings have been
held, and the multitudes that assemble there annually is posi-
tive proof of its popularity.
Mr. Robert Grisewood, Avho was one of the early settlers
of Perry, spent much time in collecting ancient relics and cur-
ALPHEUS S. SIMMONS
Trustee of Pioneer Association, and for many years Custodian of the Log
Cabin, he was a familiar figure to visitors at the Lake.
ios to be placed on exhibition in the pioneer cabin. He met
with much success in his search, which extended throughout
348 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
tiic cDinity, and to the collrction tlius started, additions have
l)(.'i'ii iiiadf Irom time to time l)y voluntary contributions. As
one enters llie cabin, it has the appearance of a i)ioneer's hom*'.
i he o[)en fireplace, Nvilh all l<inds of cooking utensils in their
proper places, is on oin- side. On shelves adjoining the chim-
ney IS tlu' household ci-ockery. In the oi)posit(' coi-ncf is the
oid-fasiii( lied staiiway by which the second floor may l)e
reached. At the othe!' end of the room, in one corner, is the
priiiiiti\e bedstead, which was made by boring holes into the
logs at the mid and side of the building, and driving in two
poles, which proj(M't far enough for the length and width of tlie
bed. The i)oles are supported at the ends by one i)ost. Long
stri{)s ol' barks are woxcn b«'twcen tlir poles and logs, on whicli
the bed is made. The canoi)y is si)read six feet from the floor,
as in the olden time, to i)i'ot«'c1 the bedclotliing from the dirt
that may come from abo\i'. rnderneatii is a ti'undle-])ed for
the childi'cn.
In the center of the room are placed several large show-
cases, where the smaller curiosities are kept under lock and
key. Hanging from the walls in every conceivable place are
seen hundreds of valuable relics, which, if lost or destroyed,
could never be duplicated. At the top of the stairway at the
south of the cabin, is a well lighted attic filled with interesting
mementoes of pioneer days. Among these is the famous old
wooden mold-board plow, made for four yoke of oxen; the
mail bag used in the long ago to carry the mail from Geneseo
to Angelica; old grain fans, harness, etc. In one corner of the
room is a high bedstead made of black walnut, which was for-
merly the property of a Missouri slave-holder. Hanging from
the rafters are frames filled with photographs of prominent
pioneers. On the main floor is the desk that was used by the
late Grover Cleveland at the time that he was mayor of the
City of Buffalo, and many other equally valuable relics associ-
WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION 349
ated with the history of Western New York as well as with this
iiiiiiiediate locality.
The great accumulation of these priceless relics and the
fact that they are in a building that might be destroyed by fire
prompted the trustees of the Association to ask that the people
of this county vote an appropriation of $5,000 for a suitable
museum building that would be at least measurably fire-proof
and light and attractive for the care and display of these relics,
permitting the pioneer cabin to be solely what it was designed
to be, a typical home of the people of the early days. It is
hoped that the value and importance of such a building will
impress itself upon our people. When given an opportunity to
vote upon the proposition it was defeated, but it is hoped that
if it shall be presented again a faA^orable vote will result, per-
mitting the county to have a museuui and histoi'ical representa-
tion of the things that are of inestimable educational value to
the coming generations.
Nearly every one in this locality has seen the section of the
big tree which stands upoji platform just outside of the log
cabin referred to, but few have learned of its early history.
For centuries this tree stood as a landmark in this section; first
for the native American, and then for the pioneer. It grew in
a part of the Tow^n of Pavilion, on the farm formerly owned by
Calvin Dutton, and was known far and near as ''the Giant Tree
of Western New York." It measured 50 feet in circumference
at the base, and about the year 1834, at the raising of a house
on the farm, 40 men and boys gathered together at one time in
the hollow of this tree. There was a sort of doorway or en-
trance into it, supposed to have been cut by Indians, who found
in its capacious hollow, both shelter and rest. That it was
known and honored by them the earlier history of the country
show^s, and the Batavia and Leicester road, which ran near the
tree, w^as called by them "The Big Tree Road." A large part
350
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
of its top had fallen as long ago as ISIT), yet the vitality of the
ti-niik was pi-csiM-ved until the last. Two of the lower liiuhs of
the tree wcii' ln'olicn olV ahout tlu' year IS")?, and one of them
iiit'asiii-cd rj IVfl ill circniiircrcnct'. ( 'onjeclurc as to its age
Steamer "Nellie Palmer,"' built in 1864 by public subscription. She was
the first large steamer on Silver Lake and was the pride of the people for
a number of years. She was about 50 feet long by 20 feet wide, with two
decks and a carrying capacity of 150 passengers. She was of the side wheel
pattern and could navigate in shallower water than her successors. She
burned at her dock several years after the launching of her interesting car-
eer. She was named after Miss Nellie Palmer of this place, whose grandfa-
ther was the largest contributor to the fund for the boat's construction.
WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION 351
and height is vain. Many j^eople believe it to have been at
least 2,000 years old. Its resistance to decaj^ even after being
bruised and broken, indicate remarkable longevity. The giant
tree fell about the 3^ear 1875, during a severe electrical storm,
and the portion of its base now at the pioneer grounds was
l)laced there about the year 1880.
CHAPTER XXVI
Perry Public Library, the Realization of a Long-Cherished Dream —
Beautiful Building Situated on an Ideal Site — Its Steady De-
velopment.
The dream of a public library iu Perry had been cherished
by many of its people for a number of years, as a particularly
desirable institution demanded by the growth of the place. A
circulating library was in existence for ten years or more, made
j)Ossible by the enterprise of some of the women and men who
were interested in the better class of historical and educational
works as well as of fiction. A library was maintained in con-
nection with the High School, and tlic friends of each hoped
that they would some day form the nucleus of a public lil)rary
that would better meet the growing needs of the community,
to be housed in a suitable building tliat would be a home for
such an institution and at the same time an ornament to the
public buildings in the town. Tlie first definite stei) in the agi-
tation for a public library was made a few years ago, when
Mrs. L. A. Macomber gave the sum of $25 to tlie Mutual
Friends Club to be used as a "nest egg" for the library fund,
that organization being perhaps the most active in the agita-
tion of the project.
Aji ideal site for the location of the proposed building was
the practically abandoned old cemetery on North Main street,
on the east side, a short distance above the corner of Main and
Church streets. There were difficulties in the way, which re-
quired special legislation to overcome, and the aid of Thomas
H. Bussey of Perr}^ then State Senator from the 44th District,
was enlisted to secure such legislation as would give to the
tow^n the permanent use of the site for the purpose proposed.
He therefore introduced and secured the passage of a bill which
PERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 353
gi-anted such rights to the tOAvn at the legislative session of
1912, becoming a law on May 7th of that year.
After considerable study of the matter and of the best
method to secure a realization of tlie project, ^Mrs. L. A. Ma-
oomber, Mrs. W. H. McClelland and Miss Anna Dibble, a com-
mittee representing the ^Mutual Friends Club, the oldest
literary organization in tlie town, called upon Supervisor W. D.
Page on March 1st, 1911, and requested him to communicate
with Mr. Andrew Carnegie, to see if that philanthropist could
not be induced to bestow his favor upon Perry, as he had done
upon many other towns and cities of the country. Mr. Page
at once took up the matter, and after a correspondence cover-
ing a period of about a year, secured as a result of the solic-
itation, an agreement from the Carnegie Corporation to give
the sum of $12,000 for a library building, providing the people
of the Town of Perry would furnish an acceptable site and
vote to assure an annual aijpropriation of ten per cent, for
its maintenance. The site was provided, as above referred to,
in furnishing the old cemetery property, and a special town
election was held on Tuesday, Oct. 8th, 1912, to vote upon the
proposition to raise annually the sum of $1200 for the main-
tenance of a public library. There was 336 ballots cast, of
which 286 w^ere affirmative and 14 negative, four void and two
blank.
Plans for the proposed Library building were submitted
by a number of architects, but those of Mr. Beverly S. King of
New York meeting with the most favor and the fact being
learned that he had furnished plans for many similar buildings,
it was deemed advisable by the Town Board, under whose sup-
ervision the work must be performed, to have them drawn by
an architect especially qualified in such matters by experience
gained of requirements in places of this size, and of buildings
to meet the special needs. It was decided, therefore, to employ
354
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Mr. King, his ])laiis niocting tlie ai-'proval of tin- ('iH'iictjjie Cor-
poration as well as tlie Perry people.
The plans were finally accepted during the week of May
7th, 1913, and the contract was let to ^Ir. Win. A. Austin of
Perry on the 6th day of June, for the sum of $11,400, exclusive
of the lighting fixtures. Ground was broken for the building
on the 6th day of July, following, and it was completed in the
Spring of 1914. On the 27th of May, at a special meeting of
the Town Board, the following named were apjiointed as
Library Trustees to serve until the l)iennial town clretioii in
PUBLIC LIBRARY
November: Rev. C. H. Dibble, Mrs. Sophie Matteson, Miss
Augusta Palmer, Fred W. Johntgen, C. Frank Eaton and
Wm. D. Page.
Mr. Austin completed his work in a thorough and conscien-
tious manner, the building being not only a credit to his skill,
but an ornament to the tow^n as well. Supervisor Page, wiio
PERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 355
gave a large part of his time to personal supervision of the
work and in looking after the many details that are incident to
building, shares credit for the excellent manner in which the
w^ork was performed, as well as in the preliminaries that made
its realization possible.
The property was formally given over to the people of
Perry on Tuesday evening, Oct. 13th, 1914, by Supervisor W.
D. Page on behalf of the Tow^n Board, at a well attended gath-
ering in the beautiful new building. It was accepted by Rev.
C. II. Dibble, president of the Board of Library Trustees, on be-
half of the people. The Library opened for the drawing of
books on Wednesday, Oct. 14th, and at the opening had over
2,400 well-selected volumes, that number being increased
within the year to over 3,400.
Mrs. Jenny L. Nobles, whose long residence in the commun-
ity and whose extended association with the student bodies of
Perry High School, together with her other qualifications was
believed to be best fitted for the work, was chosen Librarian,
and her splendid record has demonstrated the wisdom of the
selection.
MRS. JENNIE L. NOBLES
CHAPTER XXVII
Statistical Data Showing Growth in Population and Other Import-
ant Features — Residents Who Achieved Eminence in the
Country — List of Public Officials.
The following figures taken from Government census re-
ports, beginning with the first of such reports in 1830, show the
development of the town and village. It will be noted that in
1840 the population outside of the village was considerably
greater than at any period since that time.
Year Town Yil. Year Town Yil.
1830 .. 2792 .... 1870 2342 867
1835 2984 .... 1875 2416
1838 870 1880 2510 1115
1840 3087 .... 1890 2928 1520
1844 739 1892 2990
1845 2952 .... 1898 2240
1850 2832 .... 1900 3862 2763
1855 2560 .... 1902 3346
1858 2550 .... 1905 4909 3749
1860 2485 935 1910 5360 4388
1865 2366 872 1915 5861 5009
It is interesting to note by a study of the above census
figures that from 1840 there was a steady decrease in the pop-
ulation of the town until the time of the construction of the
Silver Lake Railway in 1872, from vrhich time a steady increase
is shown in the succeeding census figures.
The following is a list of residents of Perry who have at-
tained prominence in elective positions, so far as we have been
able to learn them ;
Chester A. Arthur, 21st President of the United States, son
of Rev. Wm. Arthur, pastor of the Baptist Church from 1834
to 1837.
358 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Rouiisovellt' Wildniau, son of Prof. Edwin Wild man, bc-
caine U. S. Consnl at I^i-einen, Germany, 8inp:apore, ]\I. P., and
Hong Kong, China. Wliile stationctl at llong Kong, Mr. Wild-
man delivered to Commodore (Jeorge Dewey tlie dis|)atches
from Washington containing tlie Commodore's final orders be-
fore sailing his squadron to attack the Spanisli fleet in the fam-
ous battle of Manilla Bay. In that respect Perry is in a
measure identified with that notable engagement, which is one
of the nu)st impoi'tant in our naval iiistoi-y.
.Monroe ]^i?igham. aft(^i'wards Lieutenant-Ciov<'rnor of Wis-
consin, was a i-esident of Perry until after his gi-aduaiion from
the Perry Center Institute during the eai'ly '40's.
State Senator— Thomas 11. Bussey, 1911-P)14.
:\rembersof Ass.'nd)ly— (^alvin P. Bailey, 1829-:U).
Peter Patterson, l.s8:i-4.*
Truman Benedict, 1843-44.
Samuel \V. Tewksbury, 1874-5.
Henry X. Page, 1882.
Milo II. Olin, 1892-3.
Byron A. Nevins, 1906-7.
* After the organization of Wyoming County in 1841, Mr.
Patterson was appointed one of the Associate Judges.
County Judge and Surrogate — Wm. Mitchell, 1843. Prior
to the organization of Wyoming County, ^Ir. ^litchell held the
office of County Judge for Genesee County, 1836.
County Treasurer — L. A. Hayward, 1856-9.
County Clerk— John H. Bailey, 1855.
Charles W. Bailey, 1861.
Sheriff— Jairus Moffett, 1852-55.
Wm. D. Miner, 1861-64.
George A. Sweet, 1870-73.
AVm. S. Sanford, 1900-1903.
STATISTICAL DATA 359
District Attorney — LaVergne A. Walker, 1915.
Coroners— Dr. G. R. Traver, John II. Watson, Dr. Phillip
S. Goodwin.
• Dr. James E. Crichton, who went West when a yonng man,
became Mayor of Seattle, Wash., and afterward Health Com-
missioner, in which last official position he w^on nation-wide
fame for the splendidly efficient manner in which he im. proved
the sanitary conditions of that thriving western city. He is
recognized as an authority upon such matters and has been
sought by other cities in various parts of the country to give
them the benefit of his knowledge and experience. ^
Judge Arthur Sutherland, who spent a portion of his
school days in Perry, became Supreme Court Justice for the
Seventh Judicial District of New York State.
Mrs. Carrie Moss Ilawley, who has achieved prominence in
the literary world, was born in Perry, where she received her
early education. She removed to Iowa and became president of
the Iowa Authors' Club.
The prominent people referred to above are in addition to
those mentioned in previous chapters of the History of Perry.
The town and village records were destroyed by fire in
1866. Some portions of the town records prior to that time
have been found in the county records, but the village records
previous to that date are unobtainable.
Supervisors :
1814 — Jairus Cruttenden.
1815-16— Levi Benton.
1817 — John Bowers.
1818-20— Levi Benton.
1821-22— Oren Sheldon.
- - 1823-26— Rufus H. Smith
360 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
1827-29— Robert Moore.
1830 — James Syiiionds.
1831-33— Phicol M. Ward.
"^ 1834 — James Symonds.
1835-43— Truman Benedict.
1844-47 — Samuel Benedict.
1848— Levi H. Parsons.
1849-50— Jason Lathrop.
1851-55 — John Coleman.
185G-G5— Dennis R. Taylor.
i 1866-70— Samuel W. Tewksbury.
1871-72— Randall W. Bri^ham.
1873— Samuel AV. T(*\vks])ury.
1874-75— AVm. Cricbton.
1876-79— Henry N. Page.
1880-82— Georcre Tomlinson.
1883-87— Byron A. Nevins.
1888-89— Robert R. Dow.
1890-91— Charles H. Toan.
1892-1900— Edward G. Matthews.
1901-1902— William W. Grieve.
1903-1906— Byron A. Nevins.
1907-1910— Thomas H. Bussey.
1911-1915— Wm. D. Page.
Tow^n Clerk — the first clerk was Warren Buckland, elected
in 1814. There is no existing record of the length of time he
served, the next one of whom we have knowledge was Henry
Cleveland, serving in 1844. From Mr. Cleveland there
is another lapse of record until 1857, when B. B. Iliggins was
clerk. The record since that time is complete, showing the fol-
lowing named :
E. H. Wygant, 1858-65; R. C. Mordoff, 1866-68; W. J.
HON. THOMAS H. BUSSEY
State Senator from the 44th District.
362
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Chapin, 1869-79; H. A. Cole
C. N. Read, 1913-1915.
lSS()-li)()L':('. (1. Clarke, 1903-1912;
Village Oiricci-s
ISGG
KS(i7
1868
1S69
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
Presidents
^lortinier Sliai'pstccii
John S. Thompson
Samuel L. Chapin
Samuel L. Chai)iii
Lvnuin G. ^lor^^au
Russell C. :\Ior(i()ff
Jerome Allen
Jerome Allen
Henry N. Page
R. C. Smith
R. C. Smith
II. C. Looniis
H. C. Looniis
Dr. G. R. Traver
M. C. AVilliams
M. C. Williams
Geo. W. Grieve
Geo. W. Grieve
Geo. W. Grieve
R. H. Stedman
R. H. Stedman
R. H. Stedman
R. H. Stedman
A. H. Lowing
W. H. Matteson
W. H. Matteson
Geo. W. Grieve
John H. Watson
Thomas H. Bussey
Wm. D. Page
Wm. D. Page
Wm. D. Page
Wm. D. Page
John Harding
Clerks
R. D. Iliggins
(reo. A. Sanders
Geo. A. Sanders
(}eo, A. Sanders
Geo. A. Sanders
Geo. A. Sanders
(leo. A. Sanders
Kohert A, Patehin
Robert A. Patehin
R. W. Benedict
R. I). Iliggins
R. D. Iliggins
Morris A. Lovejoy
Moi-ris A. Lovejoy
Morris A. Lovejoy
Wm. D. Page
Wm. D. Page
Wm. D. Page
]\Iorris A. Lovejoy
Morris A. Lovejoy
]\Iorris A. Ijovejoy
Wm. D. Page
C .M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. :M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
C. M. Smith
Oscar N. Bolton
STATISTICAL DATA
363
1901 Thomas H. Bussev
1902 Thomas H. Bnssey
1903 Charles H. Toau
1904 Charles H. Toan
1905 Robert R. Dow
1906 Earl V. Jenks
1907 Earl V. Jenks
1908 Patrick J. O'Learv
1909 Patrick J. O'Leary
1910 Patrick J. O'Leary
1911 Chester A. Carmichael
1912 Charles H. Toan
1913 Fred D. Fanning
1914 James E. Cooi)er
1915 James E. Coojoer
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Oscar N.
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
The following is a list of those who have served as Post-
DR. HUGH M. SCRANTON
Postmaster of Perry for a quarter of a century.
AM
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
master: .lames C. Edgerly, Thomas Edgerly, Benjamin Gard-
ner. Will. Turner. Willanf J. Cliapin. Sr., Rufiis l\. Smith, An-
son I). Smith. Ahram Lent, II. K. Wlielpley, .lason Latliro]),
(i(<>i«:c A. Sandt'i-s, Ilufj^h M. Scranton, George W. Grieve,
Joseph K. ( 'ole.
WM. H. HAWLEY
Postmaster at Perry Center for many years; Index Clerk of the
State Assembly and prominent in Republican State politics.
Postmasters at Perry Center
Tah'ott II( ward, Jason T^athrop, IIeni-\- C'h'veland, Cliarles
MeEntce. Daniel Ball. T. O. Bishop, AV. 11. llawley, Jr., Miss
Millie IIa\\ley. Frank T). Hodges.
This office was discontinued in 1912, being abolished be-
cause of the sei-vice by the rural free delivery routes. At one
time in its hist(^i'y the ott'ice paid an annual revenue of $600.
STATISTICAL DATA 365
Roster of Professional and Business Men of Perry
This list does not include all of the different branches, as
the writers have found it to be an almost endless task to secure
air of them in all of the lines. We have had to be content with
those who have been most prominent in the business and pro-
fessional life of the town.
Physicians — Jabez Ward, Jacob Nevins, Ezra Child, Otis
Higgins, ]\Iason G. Smith. George L. Keeney, Jonas Huntington,
Z. W. Joslyn, Jonathan Howard, R. A. Patchin, C. A. Dake, T.
M. Harvey, J. Post, Wm. H. Hull, M. G. Davis, C. R. Barber,
Charles R. Pierce, W. Green, T. R. Huntington, Samuel Ellis,
Gilbert R. Traver, Wm. Crichton, L. L. Rockafellow, J. H.
Wheeldon, L. W. Hunt, Hannon, James Crichton, D. W.
Rudgers, Henrv King, IMvron King, John Harding, Phillip S.
Goodwin, C. h. Parker, Miss S. E.^ Ullyette, George Westf aU,
Mrs. Annie H. Pierce, W. J. Austin, Albert C. Way, A. B.
Straight, Clifford R. Hervey, George H. Peddle, James S. Daw-
son, J. S. Wright, J. R. Brownell, C. R. Brown.
Dentists— Silas Smith, J. Naramore, C. G. Bartlett, H. M.
Scranton, E. M. Scranton, Charles R. Calkins, F. H. Cole, F.
M. Washburn, E. M. Read, Frank M. Crocker, Robert W. Cal-
kins.
Attorneys — Robert ^Moore, Calvin Pepper, M. C. Hough,'
Linus W. Thayer, I. M. Stoddard, Levi Gibbs, J. J. Pettit, Wm.
Pettit, L. A. Hayward, Wm. Mitchell, J. E. Lee, George Hast-
ings, Blennerhassett, N. E. Thomas, A. A. Hendee, D. L.
Gilman, A. Lent, Rollin Rice, E. B. Fisk, G. L. Walker, Morris
A. Love joy, Owen Harris, Barna C. Roup, W. Dennison Olm-
sted, Lavergne A. Walker, Charles W. Johnson, George M. C.
Parker, Carlos J. Toan.
General Merchants — James C. Edgerly, Bailey & Hatch,
Thomas Edgerly, Benjamin Gardner, Richard Bagley,
DeZang, Wm. Wiles, M. Stratton, Rufus H. Smith, Hoag &
Bailey, Bailey & Sherman, Orris Gardner, Phoenix & Brother,
Cleveland & Clark, Armitage & Faulkner, Thomas Humphrej^,
L. B. Parsons & Son, E. L. H. Gardner & Co., Parsons & Clark,
Clark & Mitchell, P. Cady, Smith & Graves, D. Graves. Cleve-
land & Graves, Aplin & Huntington, C. P. Bailey & Son, Cory-
366 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
(Ion & Weed, S. \V. Merrill & Son, T. Macomber, 8. W. & C.
Mcn-ilL George L. Davis, Cook & Morse, C. & A. D. Merrill, An-
son i). Smith, llenrv N. Page, S. P. Clark, Ilenrv W. Barton,
.lolm II. Bailey, J. II. & C. W. Bailey, Robert Grise^vood, F. 0.
Bnllanl & Co., Mordoff & Iliggins, R. C. Mordolf & 0. B. Olin,
Kugcnc Andrus, Kusscll C, Mordoff, A. II. SIcepci-, Robert
Stainton. (1. M. Davis, W. H. Hawlev, llawlev & Son, E. & L.
Bulb'n. ('. F. Eaton.
(iiocers — ^-Elijali Haiiiniond, Waltci- Little, II. \V. Kartoii,
.livah Iliggins, R. T. Hill, llieks &. Bailey, 1'.. W. liieks, Burt c^c
Ilost'oi'd, R. Stratton. Enos \V. Frost, Williams & Stednian,
(Jeorge Priteiiard, (Jeo. Priteliai'd «fc Co., Columbus P. Andrus,
Charles Parker, Andrus & Cole, .1. 15. Iliggins, ,1. B. llisrgins &
.]. W. Olin, Iliggins .v.- Ilateh, Wheeler & (iarrison, W. Wallace,
Smith c^ (Jai-rison, Billings tJc King. C. Westhrook, F. O. Bul-
lard, Hullard iVc. Stainton. Mareus I). Smith. Rui'us II. Stedmaii,
S. IJaxiie. -lohn S. (Jai'rison, llateli & Cole, Stedman & Hart,
W. H." Ilerron, II. .J. Ellsworth, Ilateh & Co., Williams .^ Maee,
Loeke. Williams <t Stediiuui, Philli]) .1. Cooper, (.'ooper
t^. Xewman. S. S. Caswell. Paid Armstrong & Co., B. F. Rollah,
Casterline t^ I lol lister, Ben .1. Tylei-. Ilateh. Cole & Roche.
Ilateh & Hoehe, (\ K. Sutton. S. c" Allen, Watkins Bros., Wat-
kins «i. MeKurth, C. X. Ki-ad, B. F. Eberstein, (iarrison & ^Ma-
eond)er. Maeond)er & (iriexe. Straight 6c VanGilder, M. A. Ma-
eond)ei", O'Brien c^ K»'nne(ly, Chai'h's Kennedy, Wernham Bros.,
F. D. Hodges & Co., Albert Ames. M. F. Streeter, Hovey Bros.,
A. II. Hovey, M. F. Commiskey & Co., W. G. Roche, Chas. Balis-
trere, Francis Ballistrere, Marshall tic Sons, F. B. Smith, Irving
H. Eaton, F. L. Stewart, Sehaumberg & Son, A. L. Colburu,
Frank Rychlick, Rae Jones.
Hardware — E. P. Clark, Huntington, Wvckoff &
Tuttle, Wvekoff, Tuttle & Olin. R. .]. demons, F. C." & D. S.
Walker, D. S. W^alker, F. 0. Bullard & Co., F. H. Alburty, Al-
burtv & Soper, E. Cooper, Smith & Lowing, Smith & Martin,
Tallman & Son, A. W. Tallman. M. II. Olin, M. H. Olin & Son,
T. V. :\roore, Eaton & Mepham. Olin & Peek, Olin, Peek &
Grieve, Olin & Grieve, (\ Frank Eaton/Walter T.Olin, Harry IT.
Chaddock, Ireland & Coiie, Joseph Ireland.
STATISTICAL DATA
367
Druggists — Joseph Lamberson, Hubbard & Wakelee, Cal-
vin L. Hubbard, Clark & Mitchell, David Mitchell, S. & B. B.
Higgins, Wright & Allen, John H. Terry, Willard J. Cbapin,
Chapin & Olin, Milo H. Olin, James H. Owen, George J. Wat-
son, Watson & Son, John Harry Watson, C. Newton Head. Fred
H. Mason, Mason & Baker, Baker & Roberts.
Dry Goods— Cook & Currier, N. P. Currier, R. C. Mordoff,
Mordoff & Currier, Mordoff & Torrey, E. H. Andrus & Co., Yale
& Williams, Robert Stainton, Bullard & Stainton, M. C. Wil-
liams, Williams & Whelpley, M. C. Williams &' Co., Gillett &
N. P. CUPvRIEPv
Prominent business man of the early days and active in local affairs.
Tomlinson, Gillett & Co., W. A. Gillett, Charles Wise, J. Clar-
ence Lillibridge, Nast & Fitch, T. B. R. Fitch, George A. White.
Royce & Wright, C. L. Coburn, Wise & VanEtten Co.. S. H.
Weithorn.
368
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Booksellers, Stationers, Etc. — E. M. Tompkins. A. 1). Smitli
& Co., Henry N. Page, R. D. Iliggins, Hyron Xevins, \V\ gaiii
& Nevins, E. 11. Wygant, Spencer F. Lang, Stewart ^S: .lenckes,
Sidney J. .lenckes, Hay Severns.
Jewelers — J. B. Flower, Seymour Sherman, E. M. Kimball,
James lliintiiigton, Cliapin & Olin, John II. Watson. Robert
Kershaw, L. G. Abbott, Kershaw & Son, M. .1. Kershaw, F. A.
Allen.
Photograi)]iers — :\I. X. Crocker,-
lleath.
Ab-
bott, W. C. Duryea, W. C. Davis, Andrew Lvnd, James Tliaver,
J. W. Olin, C. W. Tallman, W. A. Bassett.
M. N. CROCKER
Leader in musical circles in the middle of the century. Photographer
who had an enviable reputation as an artist.
' STATISTICAL DATA 3G9
Clothiers— Daniel Richards. J. S. Westlake, J. S. Brayton,
5. N. May, H. K. Whelpley, Alexander :\Iorton, R. C. Mordoff.
8. GoldAvater & Bro., Fred Seegar, S. Goldwater, Tallman Bros.
& Co., Talhnan & Noonen, Mortimer Diiryee, Fred C. Bliss,
Jenks & Bliss, Johantgen Bros., Fred W. Johantgen, Nesmith
6. Phillips, Salmon & Ettingshaus, D. W. Watson, Smith &
Schouten, C. A. King Co.
Musical Instruments — German Sweet, L. B. Sweet, E. D.
Sweet, J. W. Martin & Bro., Wm. E. Copeland, Albert R. Mat-
rons, AVatrous & Rumsey.
Shoe Dealers— J. King, Slocum & TenEyck, John TenEyck,
E. Higgins & Son, Peter Alburty, W. J. Chapin & Co., AV. & J.
Ridsdale, Levi D. Warren, Besancon & Lawrence, George C.
Chapin & Co., Moifett & Brown, Smith & Butler, A. C. Barras,
R. C. Smith, J. B. Shearman, A. H. Sleeper, Alexander Cole,
Abram White, C. S. Smith & Co., A. Cole & Son, aiarles S.
Smith, A. Wliite Estate, H. A. Cole & Son, George A. White, W.
J. Gregg, George L. Peck, Lester Shoe Store, P. J. Cooper, Sal-
mon & Ettingshaus.
Furniture Dealers — David A. Shirley, J. S. Horton, Hooper
& Buttre, Nelson Edgerly, W. T. Buttre, Lewis & Stout, C. E.
Lewis, Gilbert H. AVestlake, Martin Post, Howell & Jenkins, F.
L. Howell, W\ 0. Davis, Caleb Tarplee, B. A. Nevins & Son,
Hart & Grieve, Tarplee & Stowell Co.
Markets — J. N. Bolton, Homan & Sweet, C. H. Homan, Ho-
man & Prindle, M. S. Sweet, Donlon & Gibney, Donlon, Gibney
& VanDresser, C. W. VanDresser, T. H. Commiskey, Lew Kim-
ball, Homan & Austin, J. N. Austin, I. J. Elling, M. A. Macom-
ber, Hamilton & Smith, Charles Hoyt, Edward YanArsdale, M.
F. Commiskey, B. F. Hodges.
370
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
WM. D. PAGE
President of First National Bank
JAMES NEWTON WYCKOFF
President of Tempest Knitting Co.
PROMINENT MEN IN PERRY'S HISTORY
371
CLARENCE M. SMITH
Cashier of The Citizens' Bank.
WALTER T. OLIN
Vice-President of The Citizens'
Bank.
'7*>
HISTORY OP^ THE TOWN OF PERRY
CHESTER A. CARMICHAEL
Proniinont in Village and Educa
tional affairs.
CHARLES H. TOAN
Prominent in Village and Town
Affairs.
PROMINENT MEN IN PERRY'S HISTORY
373
HON. BYRON A. NEVINS
Active in local matters; Supervisor
Member of Assembly.
HON. SAMUEL W. TEWKSBURY
Prominent in Early Life at Perry
Center; Supervisor and Mem-
ber of State Assembly.
374 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
ADDENDA
Since the publication of the chapters dealing with the earlier hist-
ory a few additional facts have been gathered and are inserted here in
order to make it as complete as possible. Also, a few corrections are
here made:
In Chapter I., page 9, third paragraph, it states that " Mary* Jem i-
son and her descendants continued to reside upon this tra(?t until 1816,
when she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river to
Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute and removed to the Cattaraugus Reser-
vation." It should read: "Ma^ . JemisoTi and her descendants con-
tinued to reside upon this trad r.ntil 1816, when she sold all but two
square miles on ilie west side ol the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis
Clute. The remaining part she sold in 1881 to Henry B. Gibson and
Jellis Clute and removed to the Cattaraugus Reservation."
Amos Smith, who came to Perry in 1808, joined the United States
Navy in the War of 1812 and won the rank of ensign.
Jonathan Child, who is mentioned in Chapter II, page 31, as a
partner of Benjamin Gardner, removed to Rochester and later became
that city's first mayor.
James Edgerly and his son-in-law, Thomas Bachelder, with their
families came to Perry from Vermont in 1811. They settled near the
present site of LaGrange at what later became known as "Edgerly's
Corners." Mr. Edgerly remained there but a year and removed to the
Village, as mentioned in Chapter II. In the, Methodist Episcopal Church
history, page 155, it will be noted that the name of Mr. Bachelder is
mis-spelled, appearing as Batchelden.
David Nevins, brother of Dr. Jacob Nevins referred to in Chapter
III, came to Perry in 1815. He returned to his former home in Danville,
Vt., and with his brother Jacob he came in 1S16 to Perry to reside.
Robert Watson came to Perry in 1817 and took up land now
owned by Wilbur Watson. This tract has been in the possession of the
Watson family continuously for 99 years. Mr. Robert Watson is buried
in tlie cemetery at West Perry.
In the list of Members of Assembly, published on page 358, it
will be noted that Henry N. Pag-e is credited with one year (1882) in
the 'Assembly. He was re-elected in 1883 and served two terms in
the State Legislature.
ADDENDA
POLISH CATHOLIC CHURCH
REV. JOSEPH RUDZINSKI
Hector of Polish Catholic Church.
376 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
"Putting the town on the map" is soniewiiat of a slang expression
tliat has come into quite general use. Tntil about the year 1914 the
Town of Perry did not appear on any of the Government maps, and to
an interested Perry citizen, Mr. E. D. liloom. belongs the credit for dis-
covery of the neglect. He called attention of Government authorities
to the oversight and made urgent request that it be remedied, with the
result that he was responsible for literally "putting the town on the
map."
John S. Westlake, who was born ir. Somersetshire, England, in
1811, came to Perry in 1847 and followed the trade of tailor, later
engaged m the ready-made clothing business. H'S ^J:ore was de-
stroyed by fire in 1856, and in 1858 he erected the brick^ock known
as the "Goldwater block," on Main street, in which he conducted a
successful business for a period of 30 years, when he sold to the
Goldwater Brothers. The building was seriously damaged in the fire
of 1891. Mr. Westlake was prominently identified with the First
Baptist Church of Perry, of which he was a deacon. He died on
April 23d, 181)2, and his remains were laid at rest in Hope Cemetery.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 377
The value and importance of having the history of Perry compiled
and published at the period in which the w^ork was undertaken may
perhaps be better appreciated when the reader's attention is called to
the people to whom the writers are under great obligation for facts
secured, statements verified and letters or documents kindly loaned,
who have since passed to the Great Beyond. Without the infor-
mation gained from them it would be impossible now to present the
facts as completely and authentically as they appear in this history.
Those referred to are Harwood A. Dudley, Jerome Edgerly, Thomas R.
Buell, Aaron Axtell and Charles A. Chapin.
To Mrs. Sarah Clark Austin, for many years an instructor in
Perry Union School, we acknowledge with appreciation our indebt-
edness for much of the matter pertaining to Perry Academy and the
Union and High School, as well as other educational institutions.
To Mr. M. N. Crocker for many of the photographs made by him,
from which we were able to reproduce the engravings; also for facts
in regard to musical organizations.
To Albert Richards, Benjamin Hollister, Amos Austin, James L.
Wade of Perry, and Ansel Keeney of Gainesville for Civil War data.
To Mrs. F. O. Bullard for the use of scrap books containing much
valuable information relating to local history.
To Rev. C. H. Dibble, Rev. Clara Morgan, Mrs. Abbie Andrews,
Mrs. Charlotte Sutherland, Henry B. Stainton, J. D. Handley, Mrs. F. I.
Cross and Rev. H. A. Waite for ecclesiastical history.
To the following named for securing facts or verification of them
in many lines of the work: Hon. B. A. Nevins, Garrett D. Roche, Ros-
well Brown, George W. Silver, James Newton Wyckoff, Prof. W. H.
McClelland, Oscar N. Bolton, Mrs. Harriet Read McMaster, W. L.
Chapin, George Nevins, W. R. Bathrick, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Wood, Eu-
gene Webster, Mrs. Maria Bailey Andrews, Miss Augusta Palmer, E.
B. Tewksbury, Miss Mary A. Westlake, T. Alton Pierce, Dr. F. M.
Crocker, Guy Comfort, Hon. Thomas H. Bussey, Samuel Cole, T. H.
Donnelly, C. M. Smith, W. D. Page, G. K. Page, W. T. Olin, P. A. Oliver.
K. P. Smith, W. W. Grieve, Miss Lizzie Crake, Miss Lily Peck, Mr. and
Mrs. J. S. Garrison, C. A. Safford, S. A. Hatch, C. S. Ball, Mrs. Jennie
Bills Watkins, Mrs. J. Clevenger, Mrs. Mary Twitchell, Mr. and Mrs.
F. B. Smith, Fred D. Fanning, Joseph E. Cole, Dr. P. S. Goodwin, Ham-
FRANK D. ROBERTS
CARL G. CLARKE
:i80 ACKNOWLEDC.EMKNTS
ilton Waldo. Artliur C. Stowell, Peter Schenck. \V. S. Benedict, R. R.
Baker, E. R. Kershaw, Raymond Taylor, C. \V. Torrey and W, W. Aikin.
To any others who liave directly or indirectly piven us assistance
and who may have heen inadvertently overlooked, we acknowledge our
appreciation for favors shown.
The preparation, compilation and publication of this history has
covered a period of nearly four years, taking such time as could be
spared from active duties in business lines, and while the task has been
an arduous one it has nevertlieless been a labor of love. We realize
that it has many imperfections, as neither of the writers makes any
claim to being a historian. The purpose has simply been to prepare
and present a history of the town for its first century period in chro-
nological narrative form, giving as far as possible such intimate details
of what news writers call "local color" as will make it of permanent
value not only to descendants of the pioneers, but to all others as well
who have an attachment for the town by reason of its being their birth-
place, the scene of their school days, or for other sentimental reasons.
With the earnest hope that it may not prove to be "Love's labor
lost," we dedicate it to Perry and the splendid people who have helped
to give the community the character and standing that have won for
the town such a favorable reputation, not only throughout W^estem
New York, but beyond the confines of the Empire State.
We wish to acknowledge our oblig'ations to Photographer W. A.
Bassett for pictures from which half-tone reproductions have been
made to provide illustrations for this book.
We present this history with a full realization of its imperfec-
tions as a product of the printer's art, but as the work has had t<;
be done at such intervals as our regular newspaper work would per-
mit, and often in haste that prevented such painstaking care as we
desired to give it, we trust that readers will appreciate the handi-
caps we have had and take it for what it is designed to be — a his-
tory of Perry for its first century, prepared as accurately as possi-
ble and published in a readable and neat form to insure its perma-
nence.
FRANK D. ROBERTS.
CARL G. CLARKE.
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I ,')
Early History of Wyoming County — How Formed — First
Settlers — Mary Jemison — Indian Allen.
CHAPTER II 18
Various Names of the To\\ti — How Formed — Acreage —
Early Settlers and Where They Came From.
CHAPTER III 37
Anecdotes of Calvin P. Bailey — Pioneer Physicians — Early
History of Perry Center, West Perry and'Castile.
CHAPTER IV 50
Perry of 1840-45 — Manufacturing and Business Places of
that Period.
CHAPTER V 59
Early Industrial Development — D'stilleries, Asheries and
Foundry.
CHAPTER VI 80
Manufactories that had an Important Part in the Growth of
the Town.
CHAPTER VII 96
Educational Institutions of the Early Days — Private and
Public Schools.
CHAPTER VIII 112
The Old Perry Academy — Perry High School — Roster of
Graduates.
CHAPTER IX 139
Churches of Perry — Ecclesiastical History.
CHAPTER X 178
Gold Excitement of 1849— Perry Men Who Caught the
Fever.
CHAPTER Xr 184
Silver Lake Sea Serpent — Affidavits of People Who Saw the
Monster — The Exposure.
CHAPTER XII 204
Political Divisions — ^The Anti-Slavery Crusade — Campaign
of 1840.
CHAPTKR XIII 214
Perry's Part in the Civil War — Organization of the 24th
New York Battery— Battle of Plymouth, N. C.
CHAPTER XIV 224
Sketch of the Surrender of the 24th New York Battery —
Horrors of Andersonville — Roster of Volunteers from
Perry, 1861-65.
CHAPTER XV 236
The Press of Perry — Cemeteries — Banking Institutions and
Their Founders.
CHAPTER XVI 251
Highways, Bridges, Etc. — Maps Showing Growth of the Vil-
lage Since the Early Days.
CHAPTER XVII 25S
Early Transportation by Stage Coach and Canal — Long and
Bitter Struggle to Obtain Railroad Connections — The
Men Who Made It a Reality.
CHAPTER XVIII 273
Theaters and Anuisenient Places -Conception and Realiza-
tion of Town Hall and .Auditorium — Hotels.
CHAPTER XIX . 286
The Most Costly Fires — Organization of the Volunteer Fire
Department — Department Building — Motor Fire Truck.
CHAPTER XX 302
Agitation for and Installation of Water Works System —
Intimate History of the Campaign.
CHAPTER XXI 318
Successful Campaign for a Sewerage System — Legal Con-
test Won by Village.
CHAPTER XXII 325
Street Lighting — Local Telephone and Natural Gas Sys-
tems — Rapid Development.
CHAPTER XXni 331
Musical Organizations — Singing Societies, Bands and
Orchestras.
CHAPTER XXIV 338
Secret Organizations — Early Institution of Lodges of
Masons and Odd Fellows.
CHAPTER XXV 344
Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association — Wy-
oming Historical Pioneer Association.
CHAPTER XXVI 352
Public Library, the Realization of a Long Cherished Dream
— The Site and Building.
CHAPTER XXVn 357
Statistical Data, Showing Growth 'n Population and Other
Important Features — Residents Who Achieved Emi-
nence — ^^List of Public Officials — Roste of Business and
Professional Men.
ADDENDA 374
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS
Andrews, Josiah 210
Andrus. I)avi<l fi.'i
Andrus' Mill Pond, 1870 76
Atkins, Prof. M. R 118
P.ailey, Calvin P 206
llridge, (old wooden) on
(lardeau street 64
Hri^'hain. R. W 34.')
Brooks. Rev. \V. R 152
Bussey, Hon. T. H 361
Carniichael, C. A 372
Catton, T. H 175
Chapin, Willard J.. Sr 68
Churihes and School !()()
Citizens Bank 248
Clarke, Carl G 371)
Columbia Villapre, Map 254
Congregational Church 140
Crocker. I\L X 368
Currier. \. P 367
Dann. Prof. Charles H 114
Davis Grist Mill 74
Dibble, Rev. C. H 164
Fire of 1856 287
Fire of 18!H 2il4
First Baptist Church 146
First National Bank 247
First Train on Silver Lake
R. R 268
First B., R. & P. Train into
Perry 269
Garrison Block Fire 296
Gillespie, w'alter 246
Green, Miss Marv 120
Hawley, W. H. jr 364
Huntingrton. Prof. Charles. . . 103
Hollister. B. H 225
Jeniison, Mary (Statue of)
Frontispiece 4
Jemison, Mary 10
Keeney, Dr. George L 49
Lacv, Alanson 81
Log Cabin of First Settler.. . 20
Maconiber, Lewis A 249
Main Street, 1865 222
Main Street (section) 1867.. '71
Main Street, 1895 292
Masonic Temple 340
Matthews, E. G 267
M. Trill, Cyrus 115
.M<'tlu)(iist Kpi.scopal Church 154
Military-Naval School 138
Molfett. Jairus 6!)
Morgan, Rev. Clara 167
.Motor Fire Truck 298
Nevins, Hon. B. A 373
Nevins, Dr. Jacob 48
Nobles, Mrs. Jenny 356
Old Perrv Academv 112
Olin. Hon. Milo H..' 84
Olin, Walter T 371
Page. Hon. H. N 245
Page, Rev. Joseph R 163
Page, Wm. D 370
Perrv Academv 122
Perrv High School 125
Perrv Knitting Mill 86
PeiTv. Map, 1853 255
Perry, Map, 1915 256
Perrv Village, South View,
1840 51
Pierce, Mark A 179
Polish Catholic Church 375
Presyterian Church 161
Public Librarv 354
Pumping Station, 1895 303
Read, E. M 119
Record Office 240
Richards. Albert 228
Richmond Mill 67
Roberts, Frank D 378
Robeson Cutlery Factory. ... '90
Robeson, Millard F 88
Rudzinski, Rev. Jos 375
Safford, Pembroke 234
St. Joseph's Church 170
Sea Serpent Cartoon 184
Sea Serpent Cartoon 201
Scranton, Dr. H. M 363
Simmons, A. S 347
Smith, Clarence M 371
Smith, Judge Rufus H 33
Steamer Nellie Palmer 350
Stowell, David P 159
Tavern, The 284
Tempest Knitting Mill 92
Tewksbury, Hon. S. W 373
Toan, Chas. H 372
Tomlinson, Geo 75
Tomlinson's Mill 78
Town Hall 280
Traber, Geo. M 249
Traver, Dr. G. R 289
Tuttle, Richard T 62
Tuttle, Willis H 246
Universalist Church 167
Village Hall 300
Wade, J. L. (1864) 336
Walker, A. B 283
Walker House 282
W^ard, "Bill" 259
Ward, Phicol M 143
Wyckoff , James 263
Wyckoff , J. N 370
Wylie, James 65
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