Historical Wyoming County October 1958 - Old Fulton History

i, 

Page 2 October 1958 

HISTORICAL WYOMING 

Published quarterly at Arcade, New York, under sponsorship of the 

Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, by Harry S. Douglass, County 

Historian; Robert W. McGowan, Associate Editor, and Students of 

the Arcade Central School Commercial Department. 

THE LETCHWORTH RIFLES 

Enlistment was for five years. By August the company had 

attained a strength of three commissioned officers and 72 noncommissioned 

officers and privates. The membership represented the best 

elements of society and compared favorably with any similar company 

in the state. A large majority were Civil War veterans from Warsaw. 

The commissioned officers were Abram B. Lawrence, captain; Jacob M. 

Smith, first lieutenant; and Charles. T. Watkins, second lieutenant. 

The noncommissioned officers were Sergeants Jacob K. Smith, William 

Spicknell, Charles C. Klein, E. D. Gardiner and S. Wilson Wade; Corporals, 

John H. Barry, John W. Buxton, W. W.. Sherwin, F. W. Truesdell, 

Lewis A. Martin, John Christ,. Fred McElwain, and E. E. Farman 

'2nd, while the civil officers were president, M. R. Quackenbush; 

vice-president, C. G. Buckland; recording secretary, William W. 

Moody; financial secretary, George W. Warren; treasurer, John H. 

Matthews; collector, W. H. Cornell; and executive committee, J. F„ 

McElwain, S. B.. Whitlock and A.. A. Andrews. 

The company was named in honor of William P. Letchworth for his 

help in making Warsaw a depository for military stores and in organizing 

the company, as well as for the interest he took in various 

public enterprises in the county. This command was among the first 

organized under the state law distributing military, equipment to 

rural districts by forming of separate military companies. The companies 

were attached to brigades and the brigades to divisions. 

Each judicial -district had a division. This provided reserved 

forces to maintain order and repress lawless outbreaks of tramps and 

communists. When the company was formed, the social features were 

strong attractions and rendered the work of recruiting easy. A year 

of holiday soldiering followed. However military education and 

thorough tactical drilling were not neglected. 

The company's headquarters was the. armory on the south side of 

Buffalo Street near the bridge. The building, which was the first 

Methodist meeting house in Warsaw, was erected in 1821). at the corner 

of North Main and Minor Streets. In 1835* it waa moved to the corner 

of North Main Street and Mill Avenue (West Court Street) and in 1853 

to Buffalo Street when the Methodists built a larger frame church* 

The armory eventually was used as a laundry and burned February 21, 

1923. Drilling was done at the Fair Grounds on Liberty Street. 

The rifley range, which was located on the south side of the 

Warsaw fall ravine some distance below the falls, was opened July i|, 

1877. The report of the adjutant general of the state for 1878 

states that the range was located in a valley 300 yards wide and 

about 500 yards long, and that it had one stone target and one second 

class iron target. The rifle used was the rolling block Remington 

57. 

(continued on page 3)

October 1958 Page 2 5 

THE LETCHWORTH RIFLES (cont.) 

Cornet Band 

An excellent cornet band led by Iierschel Hurlburt was also a 

part of the company. In 1876, the members besides Mr. Hurlburt were 

W. S• Carpenter, L. Jo Lyman, E. P. Bassett, F. B. Smith, Elbert 

Clough, George i v i0 Bassett, J. Duggan, F. C„ Wilson, C. P. Pettengill, 

J. To Donahue, and F. A. Merritt. It led the company in various 

visits out of town including Buffalo and Ellicottville, in practice 

parades about town and in observance of Memorial Day and the Fourth 

of July. The band was in demand for political rallies, firemen's 

conventions, pioneer picnic and elsewhere, It played at a picnic in 

Wolcott's grove in Orangeville which was attended by 2,000 people. 

During the summer and fall of 1879 there were practice parades every 

two weeks. The bandstand stood in the middle of Main Street opposite 

Genesee Street. It was called "the pagoda" from its style of architecture. 

About 1890, it was no longer wanted as a bandstand and was 

moved to the Warsaw sanitation grounds above the Fair Grounds near 

the edge of the Warsaw Falls ravine., 

Called For Guard Duty 

Three times during 1877 the company was called out for guard 

duty. June 30th it was sent to Portageville to guard government 

property. Just what was the excitement which occasioned the call 

has not been learned. At any rate it was over in two days. The 

value of its services was recognized at general headquarters. It 

probably saved the county a. lot of expense. It also materially 

changed the view of the command concerning the value and character 

of their services and the necessity of exact military discipline. 

Likewise, it demonstrated to onlookers that drill and discipline had 

a purpose beyond display which so many admired. 

During the terrible railroad riots of July 1877, which paralyzed 

nearly all the railroads east of the Mississippi River and 

caused millions of dollars in property damage, the companies of the 

New York National Guard rendered valuable service in putting down 

the disturbances of the state. The second call to duty on the 

Letchworth Rifles, or I|th Separate Company as it was officially 

known, came at this time. On July 22s the company received orders 

to be ready for guard service. At noon on the 23rd nearly the whole 

company reported fully armed and equipped, Leaving a guard at the 

Erie station, the rest boarded the Buffalo train,, At Attica twentytwo 

men, under orders from Major General Howard, left the train to 

protect railroad property in that village,relieving four times their 

number of troops from Buffalo. There they effectively suppressed 

the demonstrationso Lieutenant C„ T. Watkins was in charge until 

relieved by Lieutenant J. M. Smith The rest, fifty in number, under 

command of Captain Lawrence, continued on to Buffalo which they 

reached about nine o ; clock in the evening. They passed through a 

blockade of rioters who a few hou^s later attacked and destroyed the 

car containing the Westfield company. The Letchworth Rifles remained 

constantly on duty until July 27, when, the riots having 

ceased, it returned home, having received the compliments and thanks 

of the citizens of Buffalo,, 

(continued on page k)



The third call for its services was on October 18, 1877, to 

suppress a riot on the Rochester & State Line Railroad at Gainesville. 

The trouble arose when Messrs Wood and VanDuzen completed 

their contract of construction of the railway from Le Roy to Gainesvill 

e. They discharged their hands without paying them in full* 

The workmen took possession of a train and spiked a switch near the 

Gainesville gravel bank and threatened to hold this until they were 

paid. Sheriff Albert Gage called on the Letchworth Rifles to protect 

the property until a settlement could be made. This was done 

by paying the men in fullo The prompt response of the company saved 

the county the payment of large damage claims0 The adjutant general 

in his report for 1877 cited the incident as a good example of how 

advantageously a company of the national guard could be used in 

quelling riotious distrubances. The designation of the unit was 

changed from the l+th Separate Company to the 13th Separate Company 

of Infantry, New York National Guard, December 18, 1877. 

Military Experience of Officers 

The military experience of the commissioned officers of the 

company is given briefly below. In the Civil Mar, Capt. A. B. Lawrence 

was a member of the 130th Regiment of Infantry, afterwards the 

First New York Dragoons, According to the chapter on the Rifles in 

the county history, Mr. Lawrence possessed the qualities of a good 

officer, ability, ambition and strict discipline. It is apparent 

that Mr. Lawrence was author of the chapter. 

Lt. Jacob M. Smith was an efficient member of the 9th New York 

Cavalry in the war. He resigned from the Letchworth Rifles and was 

honorably discharged April 18, 1878. Second Lieutenant Charles T. 

Watkins was a first sergeant of Company K, 17th N. Y. Infantry, the 

first company that left Wyoming County for the war, and served four 

years. He was promoted to first lieutenant of the Rifles following 

the resignation of Jacob Mc Smith. 

Sergeant Jacob K. Smith was a veteran of the 3rd Connecticut 

Infantry. He was promoted from sergeant to second lieutenant in the 

Rifles upon the promotion of Lt. Watkins, receiving his commission, 

May 30, 1878. He was a physician and was drowned April 10, 1879, 

while crossing the Old Buffalo Road when the Oatka Creek was at 

flood stage. He had gone to visit a patient from whom he did not 

expect to receive any pay. He was universally respected and lamented. 

Sgt. Elbert E0 Farman 2nd, was promoted to second lieutenant 

June 12, 1879, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Lieutenant 

Smith. 

Marksmanship Record 

A principal feature of the company was its record in marksmanship. 

In 1876, state marksmanship badges were awarded three members 

of the company. They were to be worn one year and then turned in. 

In 1877, seventeen members of the company won badges. They competed 

(continued on page



with 27 other companies. One hundred two badges in all were awarded. 

The third years 1878, they won first prize in competition with eleven 

other companieso Fifty-two men of the unit received badges out 

of 219 awarded in all. This was the largest number given any company. 

Their score was 6J+.60 out of a possible 100. The 74 th - regiment 

team of Buffalo with J4.0 winners of badges was second. 

The first prize was a massive water cooler, three feet high of 

elegant design, on which was engraved, "Presented by the State of 

New York as the first prize in the 8th division rifle match, shot at 

Buffalo, September 3rd, 1878s won by team from Warsaw, N. Y." The 

prize was presented the company before a large number of citizens, 

September 26„ The general inspector in his report for 1878 says, 

"The career of this company is a source of pride to the county 

whose reputation is so creditably maintained. Its efficiency and 

its reputation are due not only to the excellent material of which 

the rank and file Is composed, but to the veteran experience of its 

officers." 

The rifle team of the company won the first match of a contest 

for the Eighth Division of the National Guard at Bay View, Oct. 16, 

l879o The prize was an equestrian statuette of Francois of Lorraine, 

Lieutenant-General, Lord High Constable of France, 1519-15*4-3. The 

members of the team were Sergeant Wallace Sherwin; Team Captain Lt. 

Charles T.Watkins; Lt. Elbert E0 Farman, 2nd; Orderly William Spicknell; 

Corporal Theodore S. Bicklandj Corporal Wallace Graves, and 

Private Charles G. Bucklando The surviving members of the team, 

Feb0 22, 1908, gave the statuette to the Warsaw Public Library, to 

remain the property of the Town of Warsaw forever. It is on display 

in the library. In this contests Lt. Farman won the third match. 

His prize was a Jewett stove. The officer presenting it hoped the 

stove would keep him as hot as he had made it for his opponents. 

The company, or rifle team of the company, engaged in other 

lesser contests. The first such match was on July 1877, when the 

range was opened. Twenty-one members took part. The total score 

was 189. As part of the Fourth of July celebration in 1878, Capt. 

Lawrence offered a cash prize for the best shot. Five shots each 

were given for each of six distances, 100 and 150 yards, 300 and 1+00 

yards, and 200 and 500 yards. Sergeant W. W. Sherwin captured the 

cash prize. The gate receipts were divided among the next five best 

shots as follows: second prize was 1+0 percent of the receipts; 

third prize was 30%; fourth prize was 1$%; fifth prize, 10%, and 

sixth prize, 55. 

To celebrate the second anniversary of the mustering of the 

company, the Letchworth Rifles entertained the military companies of 

Batavia and Ellicottville and their bands. They visited the rifle 

range where Warsaw defeated a team from Buffalo. Dinner was served 

in the Court House park at three o'clock, after which there were 

speeches. Review exercises followed on the Fair Grounds. Rain however 

shortened the day's festivities. 



Mr. Letchworth in l8?9 gave a set of silver goblets to be awarded 

to the members of the company most deserving. One of them 

was awarded to Charles T. Watkins. His score was i^. Miss Adah 

Kidder, his stepdaughter, gave it to the Warsaw Historical Society 

and it is now on display In the military room of the museum. The 

company was invited to a veterans' reunion at Ellicottville, Sept. 

12, 1879, and furnished ail the military demonstrations. 

Organize Rifle Association 

The company was responsible for the organization in September 

1879 of a Joint Military and Civilian Association "to encourage 

effective rifle practice in Wyoming County for the benefit of the 

citizen soldiery and citizens participating." H. A. Metcalf, Z. J. 

Lusk, S. D. Lewis, M. D. Chase, and C. P. Williams were elected 

civilian members of the board of trustees. A. B. Lawrence was 

chosen president; M. R. Quackenbush, secretary, and S. B. Witlock, 

treasurer. A month after its formation the association had a "shoot" 

for the civilian members. Lawrence gave a cup to the winner. S. D. 

Lewis won with a score of 70; Z. G. Lusk was second with 68; and 0. 

B. Adams, third with 58. The Gillard rifle 3 8 a n d 32-ij.O were 

used. 

Inspection Reports 

The report of Lieutenant Briggs, assistant inspector general, 

of his inspection of the company, August 28, 1878, follows: Discipline 

very good, instruction fair, military appearance fair, marred 

by uniforms in the wearing of equipment, dirty brasses and some without 

gloves; arms in very good condition, accouterments in good 

condition, belts clean, clothing in good order. On the whole this 

was a gratifying report and if the suggestions of the reviewing 

officers are heeded, the company may be still further improved in 

some matters of importance. 

The adjutant general in his report for 1879 had the following 

to say: "This company has been practising very carefully in the 

various descriptions of firing, particularly in practice firing at 

different distances at a man or 'tramp target'. They have been 

skirmishing. In this important respect they are more advanced than 

any organization in the National Guard of which I have any information. 

" 

The 1880 report of the adjutant general was more detailed: 

"Members present: Officers 3> sergeants 6, corporals 8, musicians 2, 

privates 67, or total of 88. Absent, 8 privates. Mustered at 

Warsaw, October 7, 1879. Gains in enrollment 6, losses physical disability 

1, removal from district 12, died 1, making a net loss of 8. 

"Uniforms and equipment - Officers: regulation coat, dark blue 

trousers, gold lace on stripe; gold epaulettes, regulation belt and 

sword; black shako (cap with plume), gold trimming, white heron 


October 1958 Pag e 2 5 


OFFICERS OF LETCHWORTH RIFLES 

L to R 5 2nd Lt. Charles T. Watkins, Capt. Abram 

B. Lawrence; 1st Lt. Jacob M. Smith 

(Photo courtesy Warsaw Historical Society) 

plume. Rank and file - blue dress coat, light blue and gold trimming; 

sky blue trousers, light blue stripe; white worsted epaulettes; 

white web cross and waist belts; black shako, white and blue pompon. 

'"Deficiencies - Fourteen men with gold braid on breast of coat, 

and gold stripe on trousers (band uniform). 

"Note - Company reported for muster in front of armory promptly 

at 3 P. M.j ceremony of review not well rendered for want of space. 

Uniforms, equipments and arms in fine condition; belts and brasses 

clean and properly adjusted. Military appearance and discipline excellent. 

Marked improvement in drill shown over previous inspection0. 

Upon conclusion of the muster, paraded " in service uniform, heavy 

marching order, making a very handsome appearance. The command Is 

supplied with blue blouses, fatigue caps, blankets, State overcoats 

knapsacks, haversacks, canteens and black leather equipments. Has 

full set of company books; letter book not used; order book incomplete; 

enlistment roll and descriptive book neatly and correctly 

kept; files of orders incomplete. Loss in present at this muster 3-, 

and in aggregate 8; percentage of attendance 91-^8.



Year 1880 

From the few times the Letchworth Rifles are mentioned in the 

Western New-Yorker in 1880 it is apparent the company was becoming 

less active. In January, the "Cora Van Tassel Dramatic Troupe" was 

brought to Warsaw for two benefit performances for the company andin 

March Captain Lawrence served warm sugar, hard tack and crackers 

after one of the drills„ 

Firemen's inspection in that year was a whole afternoon affair 

with the Attica Fire Department and Jefferson Band as guests. There 

was a banquet, parade and a demonstration of fire equipment. The 

Letchworth Rifles and their cornet band were invited and asked to 

meet the visitors at the Erie station. The committee of arrangements 

was late in extending the invitation to the Rifles and changed the 

hour of the parade several times to accommodate the visitors. Capt. 

Lawrence was consulted and the plans apparently met his approval. 

When the day came, he said he did not have time to call the company 

out but also refused to open the armory where it was planned to hold 

the reception, and would not allow the band to have their uniforms. 

The band, however, met the visitors from Attica at the station and 

escorted them to the fire hall. Dinner followed at the United 

States Hotel. At the dinner resolutions were passed condeming Captain 

Lawrence's refusal to open the armory or permit the band to 

have its uniforms as an outrage, but excusing him from calling the 

company out on such short notice. The Western New-Yorker in its 

next issue commented on the affair as an exhibition of one man power 

which had been experienced before. 

In July the marksmen of the company were practicing at the 

range under the direction of the official inspectors, Lt. Col. E. A. 

Rockwood and Major P. P. Beals, Buffalo. Lawrence offered a silver 

cup to the man with the best score. Wallace Sherwin was the winner 

with a score of l|l|. out of a possible 50. 

The company in September organized a drum corps. Edward G. 

Gardiner was chosen drum major; John Duggan and Frank Marting, trumpeters; 

Millard C. Fullington, George B„ Bancroft, Frank Crippen, 

Frank S. Burbee, George M. Lawrence and Samuel Kelly, Drummers; and 

William Arthur Brady and Charles H. Knight, other members whose instruments 

were not given. They were to be exempt from all military 

duty except annual inspection and rifle practice. 

Year l88l 

In January it was announced that regular weekly drills would 

commence which by arrangement would be conducted on a social basis. 

At the celebration of Washington's birthday, marksmen's badges were 

presented on behalf of the state authorities that had been won in 

1880. Captain Lawrence provided a generous repast. There were 

speeches and the drum corps furnished music 


October 1958 

LETCHWORTH RIFLES (cont.) 

In the last May issue of the Western New-Yorker, the schedule 

of events was announced, including parade and rifle practice, May 

26, June 9, June 23; marksmenship day, July 13, with inspection in 

the evening at eight o'clock by the brigade commander, and July 21+, 

the 5th anniversary of the mustering of the company at 7 P. M., with 

parade, reception and reunion. 

The celebration terminating the five year enlistment was one of 

hilarity. There was a fine parade, an exhibition showing great proficiency 

in tactics, and a history of the company by Captain Lawrence. 

Following are excerpts from the history: "In the winter of 

1875-76, General Rogers proposed to some delegates from Gibbs Post, 

GAR, attending Camp Fire in Buffalo, that Warsaw have a company of 

militia. The suggestion met with approval and the company was 

formed. It was 75 strong when mustered. Additions were made at 

various times so that 127 men in all have been on the rolls. Only 

three have died, Dr. J. K. Smith, Eugene Vision and Dr. L. L. Rockafellow. 

Seven have been discharged for physical disability, one 

has been expelled, and 1+6 have been dropped upon removal from town. 

At present there are 76 on the roll. Of the original 75, fortyseven 

were bachelors. There have been 21 weddings; twenty-eight are 

now unmarried." 

Lawrence made arrangements to secure discharges for the original 

1+7 members. However, until discharged, a member would still 

continue to belong to the company beyond his enlistment period and 

hold the same rank. A portrait of Lt. J. K. Smith was painted at 

the expense of the company and presented to his daughter Anna. Her 

uncle, Edwin Miller, came to express his thanks for the portrait but 

could not speak, being overcome with emotion. Several spoke in 

favor of the company continuing. 

After the meeting, the fun began. A cannon was fired again and 

again. Fireworks left over from the Fourth of July were set off. 

There were songs, cheering and the utmost hilarity which told of the 

joy the veterans felt upon the end of their enlistment. The cornet 

band headed the jolly group in serenading several prominent citii-exiJ. 

The company broke up about one in the morning. 

Company Is Disbanded 

No further mention of the company is made in the Western New- 

Yorker until December of that year when it was stated the membership 

had dwindles to less than 1+6. Captain Abram Lawrence who had had 

much to do with the success of the company, was nevertheless at 

times arbitrary, unreasonable and overbearing, and had no doubt much 

to do with the rapid loss in company membership when the enlistment 

period was over. 

Inasmuch as a military company had to have at least lj.6 members 

to qualify for state and county aid, the Board of Supervisors in 

December petitioned Governor Alonzo Cornell to disband the company. 

He granted the petitioned and the company was disbanded January 1, 

1882. 

(cont. on page 10)


THE LETCHWORTH RIFLES (cont„) 

On March 16, 1882, the Letchworth Rifles, officially known as 

13th Separate Company of the 8th Brigade of the l^th Division of the 

New York National Guard, held its last military reception and parade 

at the armory. The general public was invited and military officers 

from out of town were present,, The affair was a fitting finale to 

this remarkable company. 

The state furnished the equipment for the company and reimbursed 

the county for the expense of maintaining It. From the 

records of the Board of Supervisors, the cost of maintaining the 

company during the years of its existence was $6,0l;2.38. All except 

the sum of $123.91 came from government appropriations. 

Mementoes of Company 

Aside from the equestrian statuette at the Warsaw Library and 

the silver cup won by Lieutenant WatkinSj the Warsaw Historical 

Society Museum has photographs of nine of the officers of the company, 

another photograph of Captain Lawrence and his two lieutenants, 

some epaulettes and three swords worn by commissioned officers, 

a box ^for carrying records perhaps) owned by Lt. Watkins, a 

photograph of six of the seven members of the team winning the statuette 

in uniform with their prize and rifles (illustration with this 

account), a dress uniform and discharge belonging to George Goodale, 

The uniform and discharge were presented by his son, Horace Goodale. 

Until about 192£, boys continued to pick up bullets from the 

rifle range and Ernest Sweetheimer vho had a collection of them gave 

the museum three. Crystal Brook in recent years has changed its 

course and washed away nearly all of the soil where the rifle range 

used to be. Captain Lawrence kept all of the rifles after the company 

was disbanded. After his death they were sold at public auction. 

On May 8, l855» the snow was knee-deep, the trees in bloom and 

the cattle and horses turned out several days before. No permanent 

harm came from the storm as the snow melted in two days. In the 

minds of some pioneers snow was considered a "poor man's fertilizer." 

From the Old Town of Sheldon, 1810 Election returns gave 196 

votes to Daniel D. Tompkins for governor; and 202 votes to Peter B, 

Porter for member of Congress; and 203 votes to Chauncey Loomis, 

Bennington, for member of the Assembly,,


... ... 

State Marker at Fort Hill 

On Lot 107, Town of Genesee Falls, in southeastern Wyoming 

County, east of the state highway running south from Portageville to 

Fillmore, lies a natural formation known locally as "Fort Hill." 

From the days of original settlement, it was noted that man-made 

earthworks had been erected on the crown of the hill, which overlooks 

the Genesee River. These prehistoric remains were searched 

and some artifacts carried away in the days before a scientific 

investigation could have been made. 

Perhaps one of the earliest reliable estimates of the site is 

found in the 1891 Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary 

of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Accompanying the 

description was a drawing showing the contour of the hill and the 

location of the earthworks, pits, and a large oak tree. Following 

is the account: 

" Inclosure on the Dunn Farm 

On the farm of John Dunn, on the west bank of the Genesee 

River, h^ miles above Portage, is a large embankment on the summit 

of a large mound-like hill 125 feet high. The embankment, shown in 

figure 335* follows the brow of the hill except on the west, where 

the hill forms a narrow spur, extending 57 feet beyond the enclosure 

on the same level, and at the northeast, where a point of the hill 

is cut off by the embankment0 At these places the bank is higher 

and the ditch deeper than at other points, the former being feet 

on the outside, 3 on the insides and wide. The ditch -averages 3 

feet deep and runs from the western side, around the northern to the 

northeast "corner. On the north side the hill is less steep than on 

the other sides. 

On the east it is quite steep and there is no doubt that the 

Genesee once washed its base; Its present channel is nearly 100 rods 



FORT HILL EARTHWORK (cont.) 

away. The wall terminates near the northwest corner, there being no 

necessity for it along the east side. The south side being less 

precipitious has the wall extending along its edge. A passage-way 6 

feet wide leads through the western end to the level spur, whence 

the descent is easy to the land below. There is a similar opening 

on the northeast corner facing the easier slope at that point. The 

length of the work is 272 feet. 

Northeast of the center is a circular pit 7 feet in diameter 

and 3 feet deep; it was originally much deeper and lined with 

cobblestones, but has been partially filled up. This was partly 

excavated some years ago, but without any further results than the 

finding of a few grains of corn, which suggest its use as a cache. 

No relics have been discovered in the inclosure except a couple of 

large stone net-sinkers. 

It is stated by Mr. Dunn that a mound once stood in the low 

flat meadow, 25 rods north of this hill. A pestle, a "spoon-like m 

stone implement and some fragmentary human bones were found in it." 

This spot has been marked by a New York State Highway marker 

over a period of many years. The property is privately owned and a 

visit yields little more than a trek through second-growth and upon 

arrival at the top of the hill little evidence of human occupation 

can be seen. 

NECROLOGY 

Ray M. Lanckton, 73, retired Perry merchant, died June 13, 1958, and 

was buried at Perry Center. A native of Sandusky, N. Y., he is remembered 

as a shoe store owner and was active In church, civic and 

fraternal affairs. 

Norman J. Hovey, 57 » Geneva, N. Y., a former associate with his 

brother,the late Harry E. Hovey, a founder of the Market Basket Corporation, 

died in that city, May 11+, 1958, at the age of "57 years. 

Born in Warsaw, Mr. Hovey was prominent in the Red Cross, community 

chest, the Presbyterian Church, and numerous civic enterprises. 

Death in Warsaw, March 15, 1958, ended the career of Francis P. Murphy, 

8ij., of Pike. A son of the late Capt. Francis Murphy, he was 

born at Pike, became a teacher, studied law and served in the New 

York City courts and in the New York State Department of Correction. 

Upon his retirement from public service, Mr. Murphy was a leader in 

Democratic Party politics and Justice of the Peace, Town of Pike. 

Burial vas in Portageville.


Decades at 

"THE MAPLES" 

in Pike 

-Robert M. French- 

In the year l8l5» Caleb Spencer and his second son Abel came to 

Pike, selected and m took up the land for their future home and 

erected a log cabin. It stood a few rods north of the present Spencer 

Homestead, now called '"The Maples,'* and about miles south of 

Pike Village on Spencer Street. Having done this, the father and 

son returned to their old home in Clarendon, Vt., where the family 

awaited them. 

Caleb Spencer, Sr0 was born in Massachusetts near the Rhode 

Island border in 17&9, and at the age of twelve, immediately after 

the close of the Revolutionary War, his father's family migrated to 

Vermont. After attaining his majority, in 1791, he married Sarah 

Peck of Rhode Island. To them were born in Clarendon, Vt., six sons 

and two daughters. Caleb, Sr. was lj.7 years old when his family 

decided to '"go West," the youngest of which was a granddaughter 

Adaline, less than a year old, The sons were William, Abel, Caleb 

Jr., John, Warren, and Ambrose, and the girls Sally and Polly. Sally 

died previous to the migration while giving birth to Adaline, who 

then came with Grandma. 

They started from Vermont, probably about the middle of January 

1816, with two teams of horses and sleds loaded with "all they had" 

which was necessary to begin life in a beech and maple forest;"Something 

to eat, something to wear and tools to work with." 1 The women 

and children of the family rode on the loads. Some of the older 

boys walked most of the way0 As was the custom in those days, they 

stopped at the taverns and cooked their own meals, using provisions 

they carried with them® By the time they reached Canandaigua, N.Y., 

they found the ground bare, so they could no longer use their sleds. 

Grandfather Caleb bought some ox-cart wheels, and being handy with 

tools, made some heavy and strong axletrees, loaded on the sleds and 

all came on again0 They were some six weeks on the road, arriving 

in Pike about the first of March. On arrival, Grandfather had only 

seventy-five cents left® 

Inasmuch as the cabin in the woods was not ready for occupancy, 

the family found shelter with a Mr. Olin, "whose house was situated 

near the little brook at . the foot of the hill just as a person 

enters Pike from Spencer Street®" All slept on the floor in the 

Olin house of two rooms. (This seems to fit the description of the 

north wing of Harry Stroud's residence, so imagine, if you can, 

twelve guests of all ages, to say nothing of the resident couple, in 

an area not over 16 feet by 20 for the next six weeks I) 

No wonder the children were happy to move into their barkroofed 

home. They thought it the '"nicest home in the world'" according to 

Polly Spencer, the last of the family. At that time, except for a 

(continued on page II4.)

Page 14 

DECADES AT THE MAPLES (contj 

small clearing where Walter Ackerman lives (1 mile from village), 

all else in the Spencer Street section was an unbroken wilderness,, 

Later Abel helped cut the trees for a road to Cold Creek (Hume)0 

Previous to this time, those having business at the county court 

house in Angelica had to follow the dean Trail to Rushford before 

heading for the river road. 

"With robust health and iron constitutions and a determination 

to overcome all obstacles they went to work.," '^hey cut down trees 

and burned what they could and planted corn, potatoes, apple seeds 

and garden truck. The year 1816 was called the "'cold season" 1 or 

"Eighteen hundred and Starve to Death." With frosts every month of 

the year but little was raised and it was difficult at times to get 

plenty for a large family to eat for a year or two- The next spring 

found the Spencers, father and sons, sustained. mainly by the milk of 

their one cow and the maple sugar, they were able to make, sturdily 

attacking the mighty trees around their home. 

They hewed out basswood and pine troughs, to catch maple sap in, 

and hung all kettles they could muster on a-pole out doors and 

boiled down the sap and made large quantities of. sugar which was a 

great help for them during- these "hard years." As maple trees were 

plenty, the early settlers tapped them with gouges and axes and 

sometimes used long wooden spiles. 

Menace of Wild Animals 

Wolves were quite troublesome. Settlers sometimes made a pen 

next to the house to keep their sheep in nights so the wolves would 

not get them, but the animals would come "howling around." The town 

gave a bounty on wolves 1 heads to encourage their exterminations 

Even by day, the wolves were bold as evidenced by family lore which 

related the following: In the winter one of the Spencers had to go 

down stream two or three miles to a neighbor to help him butcher. 

This accomplished, Spencer was given a hunk of meat in lieu of nonexistant 

cash for his labors. The meat he placed on a sled. Hasten 

as he might over the trail, the wolves scented the meat and gave 

chase, nipping at every opportunity, so that on arriving home the 

luckless Spencer had little meat to show for the afternoon's work. 

Indians were almost daily seen as they came bv from their 

reservation homes on the river near Caneadea. They brought 

baskets and beadwork, etc0 to sell and were friendly. Sometimes several 

would come along and want to stay all night* The kitchen with 

its broad fireplace would be given them. They would sleep on the 

flooi and before the "proprietor" was up perhaps, they would all be 

gone. They were strong, dusky fellows and the younger and feebler 

portion of the community were somewhat afraid of them, but they 

never did any harm. Occasionally deer came into the pasture to 

graze with the cattle and the early settler frequently had venison 

on his table. \ 

Continued on Page 15


DECADES AT THE MAPLES (cont.) 

Bedsteads were made of poles and bark at first. Caleb Spencer 

Sr., being a handy man with tools, made buckets, barrels, churns, 

chopping bowls, bedsteads and many other useful articles. Sylvester 

Spencer, present tenant, has a pantry table he thinks may have been 

built by the Pioneer. It is nrobable a portion of the Spencer homestead 

was erected as early as 1820, for the "planked frame" house Is 

In evidence in the kitchen. 

People today can hardly appreciate the quietness and solitude 

surrounding these clearings. "Vet" Spencer's grandmother; Martha 

Putnam Spencer, used to relate that as an eight-year old girl she 

went out doors and heard the cannon booming when Black Rock and 

Buffalo were burned by the British and Indians, Dec. 30, 18131 A 

very remarkable statement for that place is 50 air miles from Black 

Rock. Martha Putnam was a daughter of Anthony and Rebecca Putnam 

who were among the first settlers of Pike. Their clearing was about 

a mile away on the "Rose Hill" road„ 

Caleb Sr. was a deacon in the Baptist Church in Clarendon, Vt., 

and he did not neglect his duties-., in this community. He and hisfamily 

and sons-in-law were charter members of the Calvinistic 

Baptist Church of Pike, Grandchildren too are listed as members. 

One has only to read the interpolations in the family genealogy to 

realize that if a grandchild . or neice needed a new home, some aunt 

or uncle was ready to help out. By that I do not mean that they 

were clannish, for they were not, for they all had community interests 

at heart. That is not surprising, fs»r at one time the 

members at the homestead were related in .-some degree to every 

household along the street called Spencer. That was the time in the 

schoolhouse close by when nearly all the forty odd scholars called 

Caleb "Grandpa" and the teacher "Uncle Carlos"' (Carlos Stebbins). 

The sons of Caleb were good singers. Caleb Jr0 played the fife, 

and Ambrose, the fife and drum. John F. Spencer, a grandson, also 

played the fife. Ambrose served in the Patriot's War and Abel 

served in the War of 1812, including the battle of Plattsburg. 

Caleb Jr. moved to Ohio where he died; he had a son Almond, the 

Argonaut from Pike who endured the rigors of the Klondike after he 

was 63 years old. William went to Niagara County..; Ambrose lost two 

sons in the Civil War. He and the rest of the brothers and sisters 

lived fairly close by. Their descendants live far and wide across 

the nation. 

In his eighty-fourth year (195>7), Octogenarians Sylvester 

Stebbins Spencer and his-, wife May still maintain the homestead, 

milking a cow or two to eke out. their living as did Caleb one 

hundred forty-one years ago. Cars and semi-trailers whizz by where 

ox teams once trod, but "Vet"' will out-pace any man walking to Pike. 

This spring he went to the sugar bush to hang the sap buckets for 

the 15th decade of sugaring at "The Maples."'


Civil War Roll of Honor - - Town of Java 

Compiled by 

Raymond Barber, Java Village 

Barber, Charles (1826-1898), Java Village. Pvt. Co. A, lOl+th N.Y. 

Vol. Infantry, Oct. 8, l86l—Oct. 31,1864.. Wounded by Spottsylvania, 

Va., May 8, 186J+. 

Barber, Elon (I8I4.O- 191J+), Java Village. Pvt. 15th Illinois Regt.Vol. 

Infantry; Pvt. 93rd N. Y. Vol. Infantry. 

Barber. James R. (1839-1862), Java Village. Pvt. Co. D, 15th Regt. 

Illinois VoTT Infantry, May 2I4., 1861—Sept. 17, l86l. Died of 

disease, Rolla, Missouri. 

Eddy, John Jr. (1837-May 30, 1862). Java Village. Pvt. Co. G, 100th 

Regt., N. Y. Vol. Infantry, Dec. l86l-May 1862. Killed at the Battle 

of Pair Oaks, Va. 

rancher, Andrew (183^.-1908), Java Village. Pvt. Co. A, lOl^th Regt. 

N. Y. Vol. Infantry, Nov. ll;, l86l—Dec. 31, 1862. Discharged for 

disability. 

Freeman, Loyal S. (I8I4.8-I892), Java Village. Pvt. Co.D, 15^-th Regt., 

N. Y. Vol. Infantry, Aug. 6, 1862—Jan. 15, 1863. Discharged for 

disability. 

Hogan, Charles (Died Dec. 5, 1879, 39y), Java Village. 

Hogan, Eugene M. (181^2-1931)» Java Village. 

Hogan, Henry B. (I8I4I4.--April II4., 1912), Java Village. Pvt. Co. H, 

I4.l4.th N. Y. Vol. Infantry, Sept. 15, l86l--Sept. 20, 1861; reenlisted 

in Co. G, 187th N. Y. Vol. Infantry, one year. 

Martin, Hamilton (1831-18614.), Java Village. Pvt. Co. B, 8th N. Y. 

Heavy Artillery, Dec. 28, 1863—July 6, 18614-. Died of Disease at 

New York City. 

Nichols, George H. (1837-1912), Java Village. A wagoner,and wounded. 

Orton, Albert, Java Village. 

Steele, Samuel (I836-I862), Java Village. Pvt. Co. H^th N. Y. Vol. 

Infantry, Sept. 20, 1861—Aug. 1862. Wounded and captured at Gaines 

Mills, Va., June 27, 1862. Died, Richmond, Va., August 1862. 

Steele, Walter (July 17, l8lj.6--Feb. 3, I89I4.), Java Village. Pvt. Co. 

A, l'Ol+th R egt. N. Y. Vol. xnfantry. Wounded at Battle of Antietam, 

Md., Sept. 17, 1862; captured at Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, I863, 

and returned Feb. 17, I86I4.. 

Nichols, Harrison (1831-July 17, 1896), Curriers. Pvt. Co. H, 114.7th 

Regt. N. Y. Vol. Infantry, July 3, 1863—March 22, 1865. 



CIVIL WAR ROLL OP HONOR -- TOWN OF JAVA (corlt) 

Smith, Stevens S. (1831^-1903), Curriers. Pvt. Co. K, 1+1;th Regt. N.Y. 

Vol. Infantry, Sept. 15, l86l--Dec. 2i|, 1862. Reenlisted 187th Regt. 

N. Y. Vol. Infantry. 

Bush, Horace (181^0-1918), Curriers. 

Haggerty, William M. (I81i4-19l5), Curriers. U. S. Navy. 

Meyer, Philip (I838-I907),North Java. Co. H,3i|th N.Y. Vol. Infantry. 

Powell, Thomas P., M. D. (l830-0ct. 2, 1878), North Java. 

Rogers, John S. (d. July 2, 1887, 69y 3m 3d), North Java. 

Walker, Benjamin (1832—Oct. 1, 1905),North Java. Co. G,187th Regt., 

in n vol. Infantry. 

Merville, Euphrates (I839-I89D, North Java. Co. G, 187th Regt.,N.Y. 

Vol. Infantry. 

Warren, Seabury (July I8I4.I—April 1910), North Java. 

Warren, Henry D. (May l8^3--May 191^), North Java. 

Joy, Lewis C. (Mar. 8, 1836--Nov. 12, 1865), North Java. 

Joy, Walter S. (Nov. 1832--March 6, 1889), North Java. 

Proper, James W. (d. Feb. 23, 1887, ^th yr.), North Java. Co. G 

9th N.Y. Cavalry for three years. 

Connolly, Michael, Java Center. 137th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. 

McMullin, Morris (1843--1908), Java Center. Pvt. Co. H, 10th Regt. 

N. Y. Vol. Infantry, June l865--June 30, 1865; Pvt. Co. L, 8th 

N. Y. Heavy Artillery, Jan. 5, l86[^--June 5, 1865. 

Murphy, David (18^3-18914-), Java Center. 

Fitzmauri.ee, Garret (1835-1900), Java Center. 

Brady, Michael (l839-l8.61i), Java Center. Co. G, lOl^th N. Y. Vols. 

Martin, Thomas, Java Village.. Died at Andersonville Prison. 

Paige, Wesley (l839--Aug. 10, 1862), Union Corners, Pvt. Co. G, 9th 

Kegt., to, Y. Vol. Cavalry, Oct. 1, l86l--March 9, 1862. Discharged 

for disability at Camp Fenton, Washington., D. C. Died at home. 

Morton, Truman (d. Dec. 10, 1903, 77y 5m)., Union Corners. Pvt., Co. 

E. 16th Regt., N. Y. Vol. Cavalry, June„30, l863--Jan. 17, 18614.. 

Discharged for disability at New York City. 

Morway, John (d. Jan. 6, 1902, 79y W), Union Corners. C0. D, 9th 

Regt., U. S. Infantry. , 

(continued on page lo)


CIVIL WAR OP HONOR — TOWN OP JAVA (cont.) 

Walker, Oscar (d. Nov. 17, 1868, 2i>y), Union Corners. Co. K, 9th 

Ttegr., N. Y. Vol. Cavalry. 

Ward, Lewis (d. Dec. 1908, 80y), Union Corners. Pvt., Co. M, 8th 

N. Y. Heavy Artillery, Jan. 18, 186^—June 19, 1865. 

Johnson, Daniel B. (d. March 25, 1863, 22y 2m), Union Corners. Co. 

G, 136th Regt., N. Y. Vol. Infantry. 

Reeves, James W. (l8i+7-l865), Union Corners. Co, G, 9th Regt. N. Y. * 

Vol. Cavalry. 

Skinner, Levi (d. July 10, 1882, l+8y 7m), Union Corners. 

Thomas, William, lOi+th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. 

Thomas, George, 10l;th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. 

Romlalr, Joseph, 1st N. Y. Dragoons, Pvt., Co. C 

Reed, Warren M., Co. C, 1st N. Y. Dragoons 

Welch, Peter, (Java Center), Co. D. 1st N. Y. Dragoons 

Jackson, Artemas H., Corporal, Co. C., 1st N. Y. Dragoons 

Harden, James W., Corporal, Co. C, 1st N. Y. Dragoons 

Randall,James W., Pvt.,Co.C,1st N.Y. Dragoons,wounded Sept. 19,1863. 

Wolf,Charles, 10th N.Y. Dragoons,killed at Manassa Junction, . 

Oct. 17, 1863. 

Grobois, Christopher, 2nd Mounted Rifles, died of disease. 

Prentice, Herbert, 2nd Mounted Rifles. 

Proper, James, 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry 

Reeves, Maurice, 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry; died of wounds. 

Trask, William, 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry 

Wilcox, Albert, 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry 

Carpenter, Hiram, 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry 

Algo, Alfred, 8th N. Y. Artillery 

Austin, Henry, 8th N. Y. Artillery 

Kibler, Michael, 8th N. Y. Artillery 

Lindon,. William, 8th N. Y. Artillery 

Martin, Hamilton, 8th N. Y. Artillery, died of disease 

Weber, Lewis, 8th N. Y. Artillery 

Winter, Peter, 8th N. Y. Artillery 

Benjamin, Elliot, lOi+th N. Y. Vol. Infantry


A FORTY-NINER REPORTS — 

The following communication, addressed to Oliver Allen, Esq., 

Mumford, N. Y., from San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush 

days, reveals such exceptionally vivid impressions of those historic 

days that it is being presented here in order to preserve the information. 

A large number of Wyoming County men, largely from the 

Perry area, were among those who answered the call of Gold and 

migrated West. Certainly their experiences coincided, in part, with 

those of Mr. Hutchinson, whose identity we have not been able to 

establish. The original letter is in the possession of Mr. Edwin L. 

Anderson, Sardinia, N. Y., and through his kindness it is offered to 

our readers: 

San Francisco Jan. 6tb 1850 

Friend Oliver 

I was much disappointed on my arrival in this place from the 

mines day before yesterday to find no answer to a letter I wrote you 

from Stockton, previous to my first departure for the mines. My 

first move was of course to the Post Office, where after spending 

the livelong day in forcing a passage to the office window, I received 

the gratifying reply to my inquiries, of "nothing for you 

Sir." My reflections were rendered still more pleasing as you can 

imagine, by seeing numerous acquaintances bearing off bulky packages 

of letters, or frantically tearing open wrappers, too impatient to 

brook the delay necessary to reach their lodgings, before communing 

with their friends. In the disappointment of the moment, I almost 

vowed to write home no more, but I find that the tie that binds me 

to his place of nativity and to olden friends is not so easily severed 

. 

We have (my father, brother & myself) been at work in the 

Tuolomne' river, at the mouth of Woods creek, a distance of seventy 

miles from Stockton. We have not yet unearthed any of those monstrous 

shining masses, whose "golden rays" shone with such brillance 

through the columns of newspapers at home, but our labor has met 

with a fair reward. We have left the mines to engage in farming and 

are now here to purchase seeds, farming tools, supplies, etc. The 

location we have fixed upon, is in the midst of an extensive and 

fertile plain, twenty miles from Stockton and on the road to the 

principal "diggings" where we intend marketing our produce. Upon 

this tract there is just timber sufficient for firewood and fencing 

purposes, and the soil for richness and facility of cultivation surpasses 

any you ever saw. To enable you to judge somewhat the probable 

profits of farming operations, I will cite the prices of a few 

articles at the mines during the past summer. Potatoes $1 per pound, 

Onions from $1 to $1.50, flour 50 cts and Barley 50 cts per pound. 

These prices are much inhanced at the present time by the bad state 

of roads, nothing in the shape of provisions, being sold for less 

than from $1.00 to #1.50 per pound. In San Francisco, vegetables 

command any price, and eggs sell at six dollars per dozen. This 



A FORTY-NINER REPORTS (cont.) 

place has grown so astonishingly from the time of my departure for 

the mines until now, that at my return, I could hardly recognize it. 

In place of canvass tents, I found large and elegant structures of 

every variety of materials, and one is almost deafened by the click 

of hammers and the crash of materials, which are being rapidly converted 

into new buildings. The mud sloughs called streets are ever 

filled with bespattered bipeds in long boots (for which by the by 

they are compelled to pay only $f>0 per pair) and altogether the city 

presents a scene of bustle, rattle, crash and confusion, which is 

quite novel and amusing to a stranger. 

I have met with the greater part of my fellow voyagers round 

"the Horn," and as a general thing they are but ill-satisfied with 

gold diggings. Some have returned, many more are making preparations 

to depart and a still greater number are compelled to remain against 

their will for want of means. Death has stricken several and indeed 

the greater portion who went northward have returned here with poor 

health. California will prove the grave of many ardent hopes, but 

to those careless of comfort and strong of constitution and of purpose, 

it presents opportunities for accumulating wealth, such as no 

other country affords. Should my efforts be crowned with success I 

shall probably return to the States, but otherwise, California or 

some of the balmy isles of the Pacific will henceforth be my abiding 

place. If you wish me to believe that I still hold a place in your 

memory, write me immediately and direct to Stockton. Give my best 

respects to Mrs. A. and to your mother and Elizabeth. 

Yours sincerely 

Myron Hutchinson 

P. S. Chase I have not seen since he went to the mines, but have 

heard from him repeatedly. He has been at work on the Tuolomne' 16 

miles below us. His health has been very poor, so much so that he 

has not been able to work until quite recently. I am told, however, 

that his courage is still good and his determination firm, not to 

le ave California, until he has acquired a competency. With patience 

and resolution such as he possesses, he is certain of success. 

Oliver Allen Esq. 

Mumford 

Yours ec » 

M. H.


18o5 Farm Produce Prices 

The following selected items are taken from an original account 

of "Returns of Produce Raised on the Farm, season of l855> n on the 

farm of Riley E0 Mason, Town of Sheldon, Through the courtesy of 

the late Howard B0 Bennion, Arcade, they were obtained. 

1855 Expenses 

Bought one yoke yearling steers $33*50 

Hired six steers pastured six weeks 12*/ 

apiece a week 1+.50 

Spring wheat 2 bushels $2012* a bushel for seed 1+.25 

Carrot seeds ^ of a pound .25 

1 ounce black onion seeds 

2 qts0 top onion seeds 12/ a quart .25 

5 pounds 10 penny nails 6/ a pound .30 

One peck seed corn 37*/ a peck .37* 

bushels potatoes 75/ a bushel 3.00 

2 balls twine to put around corn .16 

1 bushel grass seed $350 a bushel 3«50 

1 barrel of salt 2.00 

6 lbs. tobacco 12*/ a pound to wash lambs .75 

1 pound sulphur 12s/ to feed sheep 

School tax for fixing house and other expenses .1+5 

Work on Road 6* days 62*/ a day 1+.06 

Land tax 5.1+6 

Snuff to put on cattle .38 

Sulphur to feed sheep .37 

Done team work on farm 16 days 16.00 

Sales & Inventory 

Sold 30 sheep for 21 shillings a head ' 78.75 

Sold 170 lbso 13 ozo wool for 31+/ a pound 58.08 

Sold 12 lambs $1,371 a piece 16.50 

Sold one sheep for $1.75 1*75 

Sold 25 sheep 27.00 

Sold 33 lambs and 2 sheep for $1.12* a head 39.37* 

Sold 3 lambs $2.00 a head 6.00 

Pastured one yearling 1+ weeks for 10/ a week .1+0 

Wintered 2 yearlings for George McElwain 16.00 

Finished wintering Reuben's calves for nine dollars 9.00 

Threshed peas and oats and wheat mixt 28* bushels 

1+0/ a bushel 11.1+0 

Six and one half bushels of onions 50/ a bushel 3.25 

673 pumpkins $1„00 a hundred 6.73 

21+ bushels carrots 25/ a bushel 6.00^ 

31* bushels ears of corn good and poor 25/ 7.872 

18 bushels potatoes 37*^ a bushel 6.75 

31* buo winter apples 18 pence a bushel 5.90 

1+2 bu0 fall apples 12*/ a bushel 5.25 

Apples to make 10* barrels cider 75/ ' 7.87 

Threshed oats 91 3/1+ bu„ took out to feed stock 

21 bu0, leaves 70 3/1+ bu„ @ 31/ 28.1+5 

Barley and oats 11* bu0 37*/ 1+.12 

Barley 27 3/1+ bu0 l/l+ oats 50/ a bu. 13.87* 

Spring wheat 23* bu. $1»50 bu0 

35.25 

12 tons of hay at $6o00 per ton (considered price 

Deco 22, 1855) 72.00

Page 2 2 October 1958 

HOLLAND PURCHASE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

Harry S. Douglass, Historian 

County of Wyoming 

Arcade, New York 

Dear Mr. Douglass: 

August 1, 1958 

Genesee, "Mother of Counties," sends congratulations and best 

wishes to Wyoming County and to you, its Historian, on the several 

celebrations which are currently marking the 150th anniversaries of 

so many of Its towns, in this, the year of 1958* 

Though Wyoming County, as a whole, remained a part of the 

original Genesee until I8J4.I, that need for a government nearer home 

which resulted in the early setting-up of Townships throughout the 

vast area which was the Holland Purchase, has made it possible for 

the towns of Wyoming to celebrate their individual birthdays even 

before their County does '. 

This in itself is unique, but no more unique, in reality, than 

was the motivation that led to the settling of the Holland Purchase, 

or that eventually led to the settling of the whole vast wilderness 

to the West of the Purchase. 

Men and women, our forefathers, driven by a force greater than 

themselves, strove to build a new country where the ideals of peace 

and democracy might prevail for themselves and for their children 

and for their children's children,, That they builded well is 

evident as the stories of these many celebrations unfold, each one a 

tribute to the past that has become the present, the forerunner of a 

good future. 

And, symbolic of the original Genesee's part in that great 

Western movement, is the Land Office itself, the Holland Land Office 

in Batavia, once the proud headquarters of the Holland Purchase. 

For here it was that, on foot and on horseback,or in covered wagons, 

came those eager pioneers to buy their lands, or to make payments on 

land already bought. 

And today, even as then, this historic building, once the news 

and political center of the "far West," belongs to the several 

counties which were a part of Genesee. It bids a cordial welcome to 

visit it and it sends special greetings to Wyoming, the last of 

those "daughter counties" to leave the fold. 

Best wishes to each and every town, and to the present County 

of Wyoming which will, in 1991, celebrate its own Sesquicentennial. 

Till then, 

Most sincerely, 

CHARLOTTE MARCY READr Historian 

of Genesee


Historically Speaking 

The annual election of officers of the Warsaw Historical Society 

took Place, June 9? at their Gates House museum headquarters0 Lewis 

H0 Bishop was elected president; Mrsa Florence Karstaedt,vice-president; 

Mrs. Helen Bush^, secretary; Miss Nola Uttley, treasurer; and 

directors chosen were Judge Be B0 Conable, Sr., Mrs. Bernice Seitz 

and Harry Martin0 Members and guests heard two papers on "What Europeans 

Thought of the Colonists" and "The Bradley, Warsaw's Village 

Which Disappeared." For three.Sundays during July and August, the 

Gates House was opened for inspection and recent acquisitions were 

prominently displayed0 

Harold Altoft, La Grange, was selected as president of the Covington 

Historical Society at its annual meeting, also June 9. He 

replaced Charles Brooks0 Other officers are Mrs. John Cromwell, 

vice-president; Mrsc Clyde Klugh, secretary and treasurer; and Mrs. 

Kendall Graham, a director. Other directors, previously elected, 

are Mrs. L„ 0o Boyer and Alton Rudgers0 Mrs. Lawrence Jeffries, 

Town Historian, displayed colored photographs of spots in the South, 

West and Canada, and views of old Covington homes and costumed persons 

at last year's Open House in the Town Hall. 

Following a tradition established by the society, the Middlebury 

Historical Society invited all Middlebury Academy alumni and 

former students to be guests at a tea held in the old Academy, Aug. 

2. This was substituted for the usual supper and program held in 

previous summers. The society continues to add to its collection of 

heirlooms and documents and held Sunday visiting hours throughout 

July and August. There is presently about $1,000 in the society's 

fund for the rebuilding of the back wall of the 1817 academy, a 

project which will have a total cost of $10,000 to renovate and to 

establish museum space on the second floor. Friends of the society 

are invited to add to this fund In order that mueh-needed room can 

become available for historical relics. Present officers of the 

group are Malvina H. Shanklin, president; Lester Schoenthal, vicepresident; 

Mary D0 Wilson, secretary; Elizabeth MacDowell, assistant 

secretary, and J. Gilbert Wilson, treasurer. A survey of older 

houses in the town is under way by Mark Chamberlain, Town Historian. 

The community of Strykersville played host to upwards of 15,000 

visitors during its three-day sesquicentennial, July 11-13. A Veteran's 

parade, a beard judging contest and the selection of a queen 

featured the opening day, while on Saturday evening about 50 units 

marched in a gigantic firemen's parade, while the Sunday afternoon 

old timer's parade brought forth a large number of floats and marching 

units. A Civil War type of skermish between the Blue and the 

Gray, a band concerts folk dances and old-timers baseball game 

followed. The Strykersville Fire Department, sponsorers of the 

celebration, recently acquired a site for a community park and it 

was partially developed as a setting for a carnival and several 

events of the weeko A history of the community was published as a 

permanent memento of the anniversary,, 

(continued on page 21+)


HISTORICALLY SPEAKING (cont.) 

Following the Strykersville celebration, the Town of Castile 

celebrated its 150th birthday, July 18-20, when large crowds 

thronged the village to observe and participate in various activities. 

Friday evening's Old Timer's parade was generally conceded to 

have been one of the outstanding parades of its type throughout this 

area. A guest of honor was Mrs. Abrams Byrd, great-great-granddaughter 

of Mary Jemison, a resident of Washington, D. C., who made 

her first visit to the land where her distinguished ancestor resided 

through a long and useful career. She rode with other distinguished 

guests before an estimated 10,000 persons who lined the streets to 

witness the hour-long parade. 

Events of the celebration included a fish fry for over 700, and 

a chicken barbecue enjoyed by 998 persons, with the usual beardjudging, 

sports events, dances, band concerts, and children's day 

features. Saturday evening a pageant from an outdoor stage in the 

village park presented in ten scenes the highlights of Castile's 

history. It was a finished and professional production and a fitting 

addition to the annual Mary Jemison pageant which has been 

given for some years in Letchworth Park by the Castile Historical 

Society. The churches of the community noted the observance in 

special services Sunday morning, and at 3 P» M. the Castile Historical 

House was dedicated, a gift from Mrs. John E. Eddy in memory of 

her husband. A plaque in front of the house identifies the museum 

and research center where a large collection of heirlooms has been 

gathered by the society during its six years of energetic activity. 

A souvenir booklet, well illustrated, is available through the 

society. 

Throughout the summer, the Museum of the Attica Historical 

Society was opened to the public and a series of special exhibitions 

shown. Events scheduled for the autumn months included the annual 

meeting, September 22, and an afternoon gathering, October 5th, at 

which Lloyd Graham, Buffalo, Historian and author, was the guest 

speaker. 

Mrs. Robert Lunge, Warsaw, Rc D., has been named historian for 

the Town of Orangeville, replacing the late Mrs. Ethel A. M. Tozier. 

At the 1818 annual meeting of the freeholders of the Town of 

Sheldon, it was "Voted that any man who owns a farm in this town and 

Shall be Shown a.Canada thistle or burdock and Shall not cut it off 

to the ground Shall pay fifty cents and that he Shall go when Notified 

or pay the like sum." 

Public finances have often traveled a rough road as witness a 

decision of those gathered at the annual Town of Sheldon Town Meeting, 

March 1, I83I, when it was "Voted the Town loose one Dollar bad 

money that failed in the hands of the Commissioners."


P I O N E E R FLAX 

The pioneer usually had a small patch in the garden or elsewhere, 

and when ripe in the fall, it was pulled and placed upon the 

ground where it remained for some time to rot. If the season were 

damp, the woody portion rotted and the fiber became pliable in a few 

weeks. If the farmer wished to save seed, he pulled it carefully by 

the roots and tied it into small bundles which he left on the ground 

a day or two to dry. It was then set up in small shocks, and after 

drying a fortnight or more,and dry,the seeds were threshed out. The 

stocks were placed in water a week or more, then spread out upon the 

grass to be rotted, just as was the custom when the seed was not 

used. 

After the woody portion was rotted, the flax was gathered up, 

and packed away for the winter unless the family was in need of a 

fresh supply of linen. During the winter or early spring the flax 

was dressed. The first operation In this process was braking, which 

was done by means of a homemade implement called a flax brake, used 

to bruise the woody part in order to separate it from the fiber. 

After separation, the fiber was swingled, which was done by beating 

it with a wooden paddle called a swingling-knife. In this operation 

all the woody part was removed, after which it was ready to be 

turned over to the women, as all the work up to the carding or 

hatcheling process was usually done by the men and boys. 

The hatchel (an instrument made of nail rods with pointed teeth 

about 6 inches in length, seven rows with 12 in a row, all homemade 

and in various patterns) was brought and fastened to a chair with a 

string or stick, and the mother, with a handkerchief tied about her 

neck and head to keep off dust, sat in another chair. Winding one 

end of the flax tightly around the fingers of the right hand to hold 

it, she drew the flax through the hatchel or comb, till it was 

thoroughly combed; changing,she combed in a similar manner the other 

end. Hatcheling took out the short and broken portions called tow, 

which was used for making coarser cloth, twine and rope. When the 

flax had been combed sufficiently, which was often many times, since 

the fineness of the fibers determined the quality of the cloth, it 

was put upon the distaff and spun upon the little wheel, an instrument 

about 20 inches in diameter and operated by the foot resting 

upon a treadle. It usually had two grooves in the circumference, 

one to receive the band to drive the flier, the other to drive the 

spool with quicker motion to receive the thread. 

Bleaching linen reouired considerable work. For the finer 

shirts 3O-I1O bleachings were necessary besides that originally done 

to the skeins of thread. Warm water was used for 3—II days to soak 

the skeins, frequently changed, and the skeins being rung out, were 

then washed in clear water. Next, they were treated with ashes and 

hot water over and over again, and finally placed in clear water for 

a week or so. On being taken out of this they were seethed,rinsed, 

beaten, washed, dried, and finally wound on bobbins for the loom. 

Bleaching was sometimes done with slaked lime and buttermilk instead 

of ashes. The skeins were spun, and then the cloth spread in the 

sun, being frequently sprinkled with water. Sometimes this took 

weeks. 

--Adapted from R.M.Tryon, Household Manufactures 

in the United States, lfeii0-1860.


Effective, Sunday, August 3, all telephone numbers In Varysburg were 

changed to the central office number of KEystone 5. 

Mrs. Catherine Cobr^ Gunn, Bliss, observed her 100th birthday on 

July li, 1958. A native of Centerville, N. Y., she removed to Arcade 

98 years ago, was married in 1876 to Francis J. Gunn, and the couple 

resided in Arcade and Buffalo. Since his death in 1912, she has 

lived in Arcade, and in the village of Bliss since 19ii9. She and 

Mrs. Lora Bryson, Attica, who observed her centenary Nov. 15, 1 Q 57, 

are thought to be the oldest residents of the County. 

The Eastman Antique House, on Lee Highway 11, Bristol, Virginia, 

owned by Irving M. and Ruth Eastman, has rounded out 35 years as one 

of the outstanding -firms dealing in genuine antiques and accessories 

in the South. Mr. Eastman, a native of Attica, is brother to Mrs. 

Edith Bullard, Attica Town Historian, and of the late Miss Catherine 

Eastman, also of Attica. 

During the early summer, Dr„ John A. O'Keefe, head of research and 

analysis for the Army Map Service, Washington, D.C „ , was in the Pike 

and Lamont area searching for possible fragments of a natural satellite 

which plunged into the atmosphere in this region, Feb. 9, 1913. 

Eye-witnesses of the "procession of meteors" on that night reported 

a blinding flash more brilliant than lightning and sounds resembling 

thunder. Gainesville residents reported the phenomena and there 

¥ ersists a tradition that a crater was formed in the Lamont area, 

his search, which to date has yielded no fragments of the celestial 

visitor, was instituted by Dr. Alexander Mebane» therL a member of 

the staff of the Institute of Meteorites, University of New Mexico, 

back in 195k-« At that time, mention was found in the newspapers 

that the procession was seen at Bliss, Castile, Gainesville, Lamont, 

and North Java. Similar reports came form a wide area to the East 

and south to Elmira. Readers having any recollection of this event 

are urged to make It known since a single fragment might will provide 

the key to important data needed in space-travele 

Fredric Flader, formerly of Castile, who founded an engineering firm 

bearing his name in 191+3, has retired form his North Tonawanda research 

company, and the laboratory, a division of the Eaton Manufacturing 

Company of Cleveland, has ceased operations. Much of Flader's 

work was in the field of aviation and it played a vital part in the 

development of the Nlao-pm Frontier's aircraft industry. Mr. Flader 

is entering the teaching field. 

A revision of the 19i4j- edition of Professor Clayton Mau's book, The 

Development of Central and Western New York, priced at $>5«75> has 

come from the press during August. It is a valuable and fascinating 

compilation of original descriptions of the area of the state west 

from the headwaters of the Mohawk River, and is chronologically arranged 

from the Indian days to the end of the Civil War. The author, 

resident of Geneseo, and retired from the faculty of the State University 

Teachers' College there, has long been an authority on the 

history of the state. This revision brings a volume enclosed in a 



MILESTONES (oont0) 

colorful jacket with end papers showing the western portion of th« 

state in 1809 and about 1850. Several references are made to Wyoming 

County. For those who want the contemporary atmosphere of our 

political, social and economic development from carefully selected 

documents, will welcome the re-issue of this source book. 

Construction began in August on a new 29i mile pipeline for the New 

York State Natural Gas Corporation of Pittsburgh, a wholesale gas. 

distributor, to extend its transmission lines from Silver Springs to 

the Iroquois Gas Corporation's Porterville compressor station near 

Elma, Erie County. The estimated cost of the 20-inch pipeline .and 

two metering and regulation stations was put at $1,6^9,000 by executives 

of the firm. 

St. Michael's R. C. Church, Warsaw, observed the centenary of" Its 

founding during a week of special religious services, beginning 

Sept. 2oth. The parish began as a missionary station under the -Rev, 

Father McConnell who erected a church, which was enlarged a few; 

years later to accommodate a growing congregation. Participants in 

the celebratiorj included Bishop Joseph A. Burke; the Very Rev. .lames 

Marshall Campbell, formerly of Warsaw and dean of the College of 

Arts and Sciences, Catholic University, Washington, D. C.j the Most 

Rev. Leo R. Smith; and the present pastor, Rev. Michael Sekelsky. A 

brochure, containing a parish history and photographs, was prepared. 

From Cleveland, Ohio, comes a request for data on the origins of the 

Ainger family of Ashtabula, Ohio, and at one time residents of Perry 

township.' Jesse Ainger Jr., born in 1789, is supposed to have left 

Sutton, Vermont, either to serve in the War of 1812, or to have gone 

into the conflict from New York. After the war, he came to Perry 

where he met and married Anna K. Mann, born in Landisfield, Mass., 

in 1789, and while they left this county about I83O-3I, one child is 

known to have been born there,named Charles DeLos Ainger. ^he birth 

places of two other children, Maryette Pc, and William W;, are not 

known although both lived and died in Ohio. This branch of the 

Ainger family has been traced back to Robert "of Carlisle" Ainger, 

born in 1733, who died in the Battle of Ticonderoga. 

A Flint, Michigan, descendant desires data on the wife of Ebenezer 

Humphrey, who was Sally Levins, possibly a widow, who married Mr. 

humphrey in Sheldon township, about 1821+. They subsequently removed 

to Michigan. Ebenezer's name appears on the 1810 census for the town 

and they are thought to have left shortly before 183,0. 

Descendants of Dan and Alanson Lisk, residents of Java as early as 

I83O, are sought by a Florida resident. Alanson Lisk (1806-1895) is 

buried in Union Corners Cemetery, east of North Java. Are either of 

these men related to Laura Lisk, who married John Madison, and 

settled in or near Erie, Pa.? Upon the death of Laura F. Madison, 

John Madison came back to New York State and married a sister of his 

first wife, Anna Lisk, who was born in Java, April 10,. 1828. Her 

marriage to Mr. Madison occurred June 1, l81|l|. John Madison died 

August 25, 1861, at Wolf Lake, Indiana., while his widow, who married 

George Bonar in 1866, died at Lowell, Michigan, April 25* 1910.


PIONEER ASSOCIATION MEETS 

Continuing a tradition that goes back to 1872, the Wyoming Historical 

Pioneer Association convened in annual session for the 8ij.th 

time at Silver Lake, Thursday, August 7th. Dr. Clayton Mau, retired 

professor of history, Geneseo State University College for Teachers, 

was the speaker, and brought a fascinating account of the construction 

and history of the Genesee Valley Canal, noting its economic 

effects upon the eastern towns of the county. 

Mrs. Edith Durfee, 90, of Warsaw, and Albert L. Cain, 9U, Pike, 

were winners of the chairs annually awarded to the oldest man and 

woman present. President D. Samuel Gayton, Warsaw, presided before 

a group of more than seventy in attendance. The usual reports of 

the treasurer and secretary were given. Claude Collier, Perry, 

headed a fife and drum corps which entertained with old-time tunes. 

Officers re-elected were Mr. Gayton, president; Mead A. Ewell, 

Warsaw, first vice-president; Lester Schoenthal, Wyoming, second 

vice-president; Henry N„ Page, Perry, treasurer for the 32nd year; 

and Harry S. Douglass, Arcade, secretary. 

Declining interest in a county-wide historical group has been 

evident in recent years as community societies have been organized 

and museums opened. Informal discussions have been held among the 

officers and members of the association as to the desirability of 

disbanding. The Log Cabin and property at Silver Lake, together 

with priceless heirlooms in temporary custody of the museum at 

Letchworth Park, and the distinguished history of the association 

combine to confound the easy liquidation of one of the county's most 

unique traditions and institutions. Unless it can assume a more 

vital role of usefulness, it is the thinking of many that the Pioneer 

Association should be liquidated and its resources placed at the 

disposal of those who can best carry forward and conserve its landmarks 

. 

Acknowledgment 

From Mrs. Albert Mengs, Attica, and members of the family, has come 

a copy of Nevingers in America, a genealogical history of the descendants 

of George Newinger [Tater changed in spelling), native of 

Alsace-Lorraine in present day France. Born in 1777» he and three 

children migrated to the Attica, Warsaw and Lancaster areas, and 

from them has come a numerous family, many of whom have lived and 

continue to live in Wyoming County. Compiled by Mrs. Iva Waite Nevinger 

(Mrs. Chester B.), Warsaw, the volume was first published in 

195^» and supplements have been issued since. It is an immensely 

valuable contribution to the genealogical history of the region, its 

200 pages delightfully narrating the story of an American family.


WYOMING VILLAGE CEMETERY 

The following tombston® records were compiled in July 1953, and 

rechecked two years later, and are found in the Wyoming Village 

Cemetery, Town of Middlebury0 In the custody of Frank S. Hayden,the 

cemetery association records are not complete and do not contain a 

record of the earlier burials. Lots are not charted to show individual 

intermentso Remains were brought here from older cemeteries 

and family plots in the township, and within the grounds were placed 

the bodies of the pioneers of the village. It is known that there 

are unmarked graves, and in instances, older stones have been destroyed. 

ABEL Anson F0,son Russel & Thankful Abel, d.Oct. 10, l8l5, 3y 2 m 

ADAIR Stephen Adair, d„ June 22, 1953, 1+y 2m 25d 

ADAMS ' John Quincy Adams, 1838-1926 

F0 Maria Cox, his wife, 1828-1923 

AGAR William Agar, 1826-1908 

Almeda, wife William A., 181+6-1922 

Arthur Wc Adair, 1867- 

Flora A„, wife Arthur W., 1862- 

ALLEN George Forbes Alien, 1877-1939 

Susan Allen, wife John W. Paddock, d. July 18, 1839, 29y 

John, son Jêvi B0 & Addia All en, d. Oct. 10, 181+5,11m Id 

Silas Allen, d„ AUg0 3, 1831+, 56y 

Esther, wife Silas, d. Feb. 8, 1868, 86y (Mother of Selden 

Ail eft j, lived 50 years on same farm.) 

Prudency Allen, dau. Silas & Esther, d. July ll+, 1821, 9y 

George P0 Allen, Nov. 1, l8l+2-May 2i+, 1896 

Lillian Forbes, wife Georges April 27, 1857-Mar. 6, 1916 

Selden Allen, son Silas & Esther, d. Oct. 6, 1871, 63y 

Eunice C„, wife Selden, d0 Aug. 3, 1909, 90y 

John M0, youngest son Selden & Eunice, d. Sept, 17, 1875, 

25 y 7m 

Julia M0 AHen, Feb. 22, l850-June 6, 1898 

Jenjaette, AUg, 27, 181+5-May 30, 1917 

ANDRUS Isaac Andrus, d0 March 28, 1835, 7l+y 

When age Is gathered to the tomb 

The tear of sorrow we may wipe 

No tender flowret ript in bloom 

A shock of corn mature and ripec 

Clara Andrus, wife Isaac, do Feb. 19, 1829, 66y 

Tho ripe in years yet rich in faith 

She's gone to worlds unknown 

And left her friends to mourn her death 

A nd trace the steps she's gone alone. 

ARNOLD 0o L0 C. Arnold, 181+5-1903 

Emma K3ith Arnold, 181+8-1920 

Sophia Mo j, wife Jonathan Arnold, dc Aug» 15, 181+0, 31st yr. 



ASCHBACH 

ASKEW 

ATKINS 

BABCOCK 

BAKER 

BARBER 

BARNES 

BARRETT 

BARTHOLOMEW 

BARTLES 

WYOMING VILLAGE CEMETERY (cont.) 

Hart man s born near Lerzburg CoOS) Uaryan, Switzerland, 

Oct. 2, 18363 X March 2, 1899 

James Dean Askew, 1865 - 1931o (I. O0 0o P.) Nephew of 

John and Elizabeth Dean 

Polly, wife-- —--Atkins, (rest of stone broken) 

Gilbert Babcock, 1873 - 1938 

Mary Babcock, 1872 - 1914-1 

Dr0 Merrick Bc Baker, d. Aug. 18, 1862, 52y 

Hannah M., wife Dr0 Merrick, dc Sept, 1, 1837, 35y 

Gertrude E., dau0 Dr, Merrick & Eliza A, Baker, 

3, 181*2, ly l5d 

Merrick Baker, (no dates) 

Feb, 

Russel Barber, do June 29, 1890, 79y 

Pamela Fisher, wife Russel, d. March 13, 1881*, 68y 

Sarah Barber, wife ênry Eastman, i85l - 1915 

Delight Sherman, dau0 Seymour & Esther,wife Russel Barber 

do April 8, 181*8, 33y 

Cora Barnes, wife Harvey W0 Durfee, 1859 - 1921* 

Woodruff L0 Barnes, 0cto 17, l8lb - Dec, 3, Jl88l. (îed 

In Brooklyn, N.Y.; brother-in-law John B„ Skinner; 

father Mrs. D0 Cc Barnard, Warsaw.) 

Jennette Sylvia talker, dauB Henry Gc & Sarah Steele, wife 

Woodruff L. Barnes, d0 Sept. 8, l8i*6, 23y 8m 23d 

Dyer Barrett, b.Thedf ord, Vt. ,Dec0ll*,l8ll*J d0Feb026, 

C. L0 Clark, wife Dyer Barrett, b„ O'onneaut, Ohio, 1891 

May 6, 1826; d. Jan. 29, 

Ella E0 B dauo Dyer & C„ L» 1907 

d0 July 11, 1868, 13y 

James Oimstead Bartholomew, son Erasmus D. & Mary S.p 

b0 Denmark, N0Y0, Feb0 .10, 1827; de -Pomfret, Conn0, 

Sept0 15, 1905 

Mary S. Bartholomew, March 27, 1803 - May 1*, 1880 

Zenas Morse, husband of Mary S., July 11*, 1795 - 

Novo 21, 188O0 l n er first husband was Erasmus D. S„ 

Bartholomew; ±801*=i836o) 

Erasmus Darwin Bartholomew, b. Watervllle, N.Y. 

Mar, 29, l80i*; d0 Angelica, Feb. 19, 1836 

Erasmus Sherman Bartholomew, son E. D. & M. S,, 2nd Lt. 

3rd Regt0, R. I. V. Born Denmark, N.Y., July 30, 1830, 

Mortally wounded in the battle of James -Lsiand, S. C. 

June l6th0 Died June 17, 18620 

Christopher Barties, d0 ârch 3, 1888, 85y0 (Resident 

for 65yrs0, only undertaker, who buried most of those 

in the cemetery.) 

Elizabeth, wife Christopher, d. «ay 7, 1856, 51*y 

Jane M0,dau0 Christopher & Elizabeth, d. Aug. 19,181*3, 19y 

George Watting, son C. & E0, dc Aug. 25, 1837, 9wks l*ds 

Henry Martin, son C. & Ec, d0 Oct. 26, l835» 3m 17d 



BEEBE 

WYOMING VILLAGE CEMETERY (cont) 

BARTLES Margaret Bartles, d0 Septs. 20, 1842, 72y 

Margaret Delia, dau. Timothy & E. Barties, 

do July 13, 1836, 5y 28d 

BEACH Abigail Beach, dc Sept. 10, 1838, 83y (Burial on 

Seymour Sherman plot.) 

BEARDSLEY Franklin R. Beardsley, b„ Wyoming, Feb. 12, i860; 

do Webb Uity, Missouri, Oct. 9, 1910 

Obadiah Beardsley, d0 March 4, 1831, 42y 

Polly, wife Obadiah, d» Oct. 11, 1876, 62y 

Philena, dau. 0. & P., dD May 31, 1831,—y 

Amenzo W0 Beardsley, d0 Apr, 20, 1887, JOj 

Nancy P., wife Ac W., Augo 2l, 1822 - Nov. 9, 1874 

Romaine, son A„ W. & N. P., June ^8, 18J+2 - Oct. 9, 1842 

Betsey, wife Hezeklah Beebe, d. June 11, I8l8, 537 

John Beebe, d. «ov„ 17, 1845, 5ly 

Aurilla, wife John, Feb. 23, 1801 - Oct. 11, 1889 

Charles H., son John & Aurilla, d. Aug. llj., 1841, 21y 

BELDING Lucy Belding, March 8, 17#1 - Jan. 22, 1868 

BILLINGS Daphna L. Billings, 2nd wife William B. Taylor, 1835 - 

1911 

BILLS Jonathan Bills, d. July 14, 1864, 65y 

Almira, wife Jonathan, d. Jan. 17, 1871, 7ly 

Qnma, dau. J« & A., D0 July 22, 1857, l8th yr. 

Charles W0, son J„ & A., a member of the 17th Regt,, N.Y. 

Volso, fell mortally wounded in the 2nd Bull Run Battle 

Augo 29th, and died Oct. 4, 1862, 20y 

James Bills, AUgo 3, 1832-July 16, 1897 

Mary G0, wife James E„, (no dates) 

Jared M„ Bills, d. Dec. 20, 1873, 38y0 (1st N.Y. Dragoons 

Studied law and mar. -tîly Darling, Warsaw.) 

BISBEY Sally Bisbey,consort Joseph Bisbey, d. ây 31, 1813, 40y 

Who ever walks this gloomy ground 

A tear for virtue shed around 

Her charms in friendship was refined 

Gentle in life, in death resigned. 

BISBY Adda, dau, H. & A. Bisby, d. March 18, 1864, 11m 7ds 

BISHOP Edwin H. Bishop, 1889 - 1951 

Mattie B0 Bishop, 1889 - 

Dayton L0 Bishop, 1861 - 1923 

Helene Phinney, wife âyton L„, 1865 - 1931. (Dau. of 

Lewis M0 & Eliza Dc Phinney,) 

BLATCHFORD Leo C. Blatchfora, 1922 - 1923 

Hattie 0. Blatchford„ 1864 - 


Page 3 2 October 1958 

BLODGETT 

BOARDMAN 

BOND 

BOWERS 

BRACKETT 

BRADLEY 

BRAIN 

BREWSTER 

WYOMING VILLAGE CEMETERY cont. 

Elizabeth Ferris Blodgett, only dau. J. R. & Alida F. 

Blodgett, d„ Aug. 15, 1868, ly 2?d. (Called Lizzie 

on her stone; died at Warsaw, buried on James C. 

Ferris lot.) 

Olive, consort Isaac Boardman, d. Sept, 13, I8l5» 21y 

Emma Bond, wife Strong Haven, 1859 - 1898 

John Bowers, d. Jan. 25, 1836, 70y lm 19d 

Amelia C. Brackett, d. Sept. 15, 1891+, 80y. (Buried on 1 

lot with Horace R. Choate & Maxa Choate families; was 

sister Mrs. Hc Choate, Dale, formerly lived in Orleans 

Co., N.Y.) 

Artemas Blake Bradley, 181+8 - 191+0 

Wilhemina McKensie Bradley, 18 52- 1930 

Story J. Bradley, d0 July 2, 1868, 39y 

Martha E., d. Feb. 15, 191+9, 96y 

Henry B. Bradley, d„ Feb. 25, 1888, 75y 

Martha C., wife Henry, d. Sept. 7, 1895, 76y (daughter of 

Joseph & Sophia Kellogg, pioneers of Middlebury. She 

was the oldest of nine children. - W. N.-Yorker) 

Harriet, dau. Joshua & Leah Bradley, d. July 9, 1822, 12y 

(Her father was principal of Middlebury Academy.) 

Lucinda E„ Bradley, dau. Joshua, and wife Dr. William B. 

Collar, d. Dec. 21, 1877, 75y 

Albro A. Bradley, d. July 30, 1831, _y 

Alfred A. Bradley, twin brother, d. Sept. 6, I83I, aged 

37y, at Sophiasburg, Upper Canada. 

Abijah Bradley, d. May 26, 1869, 88y 10m 

Catharine, wife Abijah, d. Aug. 23, 1885, 93y 7m. (They 

came to Middlebury in 1812.) 

Spencer H., son Abijah & Catharine, d. Aug. 21+, 1891, 72y 

Sally P., wife Spencer, d. May 29, 1905, 80y 

Lyman P„ Bradley, de Oct. 1+, 1875, 60y 8m 

Delia P., wife Lyman, d„ July 26, 1869, 1+tty 5m 

Julia C., dau. Lyman & Delia, d. Dec. 6, 1861+, 20y 6m 

Lewis B. Bradley, 1817 - I863 (May 21+) 

Mary C., wife Lewis B., 1821+ - 1903 

Levi D., 1851 - 1921 

Orenda, I8i+^ - 181+8 (Oct. 19) 

Adaline M. Bradley, wife William J. Chapin, 1819 - 1890 

Deacon Daniel Bradley, d. Oct. 22, 1862, 79y 

Eunice, wife Daniel, d. May 1+, 1821, 36y 11m 

Electa, wife Daniel d. Nov. 20, I831, 36y 10m 

Washington I., son Daniel & Eunice, d. West, May 18, I838 

21+y 5m 

Mary L. Brain, I870 - 1931+ 

William Brewster., 1835 - 1901+ 

Kate Brewster, 1837 - 

William Brewster Jr., 1859 - 1906 

Fred Brewster, I876 - 

(to be continued)

I 

Vol. XII 

No. 2 

By Horry S. Douglass 

FIRST YEAR ON THE HOLLAND PURCHASE 

January 1959 

Ar cade, Ne w York 

eared amid the most rugged scenes of Pioneer life upon the 

Holland Purchase, with little of early opportunities for education, 

beyond those afforded in the primitive log school house, he can 

prefer no claim to any considerable attainments in scholarship." 

wrote the author of the Pioneer History of the Holland Purchase of 

Western New York, Orsamus Turner, m the first edition of his noteworthy 

volume, published in Buffalo in I8I4.9. Within a generation, 

(continued on page 31+) 

O

Page 34 January 1959 

HISTORICAL WYOMING 

Published quarterly at Arcade, New York, under sponsorship of the 

Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, by Harry S. Douglass, County 

Historian; Robert W. McGowan, Associate Editor, and Students of 

the Arcade Central School Commercial Department. 

ORSAMUS BURNER, PIONEER HISTORIAN (c«nt0) 

the literary productions of this one-time resident of Sheldon became 

renowned, and a century later are among the most coveted and highly 

sought volumes in western New Yorke 

According to the preface of his Holland Purchase history, a 

portion of the volume he urged his readers to peruse, Turner had no 

"literary leisure" so essential to the faultless execution of the 

task, but he likened the volume to a door which he held open to his 

guests, his readerso Nearly half of the 666-page volume is given 

over to a general history of the country, to the close of the Revolution, 

but the remainder extends through the extinguishing of the 

Indian title to our region, the War of 1812, and the construction of 

the Erie Canal. He relied, insofar as possible, upon original records 

of the political subdivisions of the area and the archives of 

the Holland Land Company0 Most valuable, perhaps, are the reminiscenses 

of the remaining pioneers,, Turner realized the errors and 

discrepancies inherent in the memories of the aged and infirm, omitting 

interesting accounts which he could not reconcile with conflicting 

statements. While compiling the material, and a portion 

was already in press, Turner continued his labors as a newspaperman,. 

His health was impaired and his family was afflicted with illness, 

but he persevered in his self-appointed task to leave for posterity 

the most inclusive primary source relating to our formative years. 

In spite of its faults of organization and imperfections, certainly 

not intentionally made, the Holland Purchase history remains a literary 

milestone, a comprehensive history of the region prepared long 

in advance of other similar works. 

Orsamus Turner, a son of Roswell and Catherine Allen Turner, 

was native to Ontario County, N. Y., his date of birth having been 

July 23, 1801. Two years later, Oliver Phelps and Dr. Lemuel Chipman 

of Ontario County purchased the present township of Sheldon from 

the Holland Land Company, and that summer, Elijah Warner, a surveyor, 

was employed to survey the land into farm lots. His assistants 

were Roswell Turner, father of the author, Joseph Sears and 

Tabor Earl. "While out/' wrote Or stilus, " a supply of provisioas 

failed to reach them, and the party was five days without food, except 

the fish that they caught, wild berries and roots. Attempting 

to make their way out of the woods, when nearly exhausted --some of 

them in fact unable to proceed any further--they were met by Judge 

Chipman with a plentiful supply of provisions." 

"Roswell Turner, having been appointed the agent of Phelps and 

Chipman, moved upon their land in the month of March, l80l+; thus becoming 

the pioneer settler in all the region now constituting the

Historical Wyoming County October 1958 - Old Fulton History

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