Craft Masonry in Cattaraugus County, New York - Onondaga and ...

Craft Masonry in Cattaraugus County, New York
Compiled by R.’.W.’. Gary L. Heinmiller
Director, Onondaga & Oswego Masonic Districts Historical Societies (OMDHS)
www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com
June 2010
Additions and corrections are Fraternally welcomed
Note: Lodges with a “c” following the Number were ‘Country Lodges.’ Lodges in Blue type are currently active.
Cattaraugus County
1789 - Ontario County was split from Montgomery County.
1802 - Genesee County was split from Ontario County.
1806 - Genesee County was made smaller, by the creation of Allegany
County.
1808 - Cattaraugus County was formed, split off from Genesee County.
However, at first there was no county government due to the sparse
population.
1812 to 1814 - Cattaraugus County was incorporated in Allegany County;
1814 to 1817 - records of the county were divided between Belmont (Allegany County) and Buffalo (then in Niagara County).
1817 - a county government was established for Cattaraugus County.
The first settlement in the county was in Olean and the original county seat was Ellicottville.
After 1860, the county seat was moved to Little Valley.
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No. Lodge Name Village Chartered Notes
239 Cattaraugus Salamanca /
Little Valley
12 Jun 1851 destroyed by fire 29 Feb 1888; reissued 7 Jun 1888;
of Little Valley, NY until 5 Jun 1874; consolidated with
Ellicottville No. 307 and Arion No. 812, to become
Great Valley No. 1178, ca 1997
252 Olean Olean 05 Jun 1852 prev. Hamilton No. 274, 22 Jun 1817; Forfeit 4 Jun
1835
252 Enchanted
Olean
Mountains
262 Phoenix Gowanda 16 Jun 1852 156
274 Hamilton Olean 22 Jun 1817 forfeit 4 Jun 1835; revived as Olean No. 252, 6 Jun
1863
307 Ellicottville Ellicottville 11 Jun 1853 successor of Constellation No. 435c, 1 Jun 1825;
surrendered 18 Feb 1831; consolidated with
Cattaraugus No. 239 and Arion No 812 to become
Great Valley No. 1178 ca 1997
359 Elm Creek /
East Randolph ca 1855
Randolph
359 Randolph Randolph ca 1855
393c Cattaraugus Franklinville 04 Jun 1824 30 ceased labor 1828; revived as Hanover No. 182,
Forestville, NY, 5 Jun 1874
435c Constellation Ellicottsville 01 Jun 1825 58 surrendered 18 Feb 1831; predecessor of Ellicottville
No. 307, 14 Jun 1853
441c Pulaski Perrysburgh 01 Jun 1825 * 59 surrendered 1831
579 Portville Portville 05 Jun 1866 285 fire 1875 when they met 'over Gaston's Wagon
Shop'; second fire which destroyed 'a good part of the
town,' date unknown.
620 Clinton F. Paige Otto ca 1867
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620 Clinton F. Paige- Otto see also Berean Lodge No. 811
Berean
626 Franklinville Franklinville ca 1867
626 Franklinville Urania Franklinville
780 Henry Renner Limestone ca 1878
780 Adoniram-Henry
Renner
810 Urania Machias ca 1894
811 Berean Cattaraugus ca 1894
812 Arion Little Valley Jun 1895 consolidated with Cattaraugus No. 239 & Ellicottville
No. 307 to become Great Valley No. 1178 ca 1997
1178 Great Valley Great Valley ca 1997 424 formed from the consolidation of Cattaraugus No.
239, Ellicottville No. 307 and Arion No. 812
Cattaraugus Lodge No. 239, Salamanca, New York
WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated 7 Jun 1888. The original warrant was dated 12 Jun 1851.
The name or number has never been changed.
MINUTES: Not intact. .
The early life of Cattaraugus Lodge is but a tradition, as all records, minutes and property of the Lodge were destroyed by fire on 28
Feb 1888.
A history of Cattaraugus County published in 1879 contains the following relating to the Lodge:
Little Valley Lodge, No. 377, I.O. of O.F., was instituted 15 Aug 1848, on the petition of C.S. Shepard, Abner Chase, Horace Howe,
D. H. Geron, and Luther Peabody. Abner Chase was installed the first N.G. In 1850 the number of the lodge was changed to 120,
by which it was recognized until its discontinuance. At that time and until 1852, the meetings were held in a hall which belonged to
Horace Howe, being the building now used by McGuire as a saloon. Howe withdrew from the order and subsequently forcibly
ejected the lodge, destroying its property and proceeding to other extreme acts, which created intense excitement and much bitter
feeling. C. S. Shepard immediately built a new hall on the opposite side of the creek, which has generally been known as “Masonic
Hall,” in which the lodge met until 1854, when owing to the demoralizing agencies at work among its members, it disbanded, and the
order has since been without a lodge in the place.
Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, F. and A.M., was instituted in Jan 1851, and found a home in the old Howe Hall. Later, the meetings
were held in the Shepard Hall, afterwards especially set aside for its use. For many years it flourished here, but was removed to
Salamanca in 1875.
"Cattaraugus Lodge. No. 239, F. and A. M., was instituted at Little Valley, NY, under a dispensation granted in 1850 to Benjamin
Chamberlain, Stanley N. Clark, Samuel Barrows, Solomon S. Childs, Gaines Wheaton, Luther Peabody, Israel Day, Moses
Beecher, Smith Finch and Ira Gaylord.
"The officers named in the warrant were:
IRA GAYLORD, Master.
BENJAMIN CHAMBERLAIN, Senior Warden.
LUTHER PEABODY, Junior Warden.
"The Lodge was organized and was located at Little Valley, NY, a village about nine miles west of Salamanca, and remained there
until June, 1874.
"On April 8, 1874, M.'. W.'. CHRISTOPHER G. FOX, who at the time was Grand Master, gave his consent to remove the Lodge from
Little Valley to Salamanca, and on 5 Jun 1874, the Grand Lodge approved of his action."
The first meeting place in Salamanca was on the second floor of the Erie Machine Shop, where it remained until 1879, when it
moved to the corner of Main and Atlantic streets. The next place of meeting was in the Opera House on River Street, where it
remained until February 29, 1888, when this building was destroyed by fire, the Lodge losing all of its property including its warrant.
It afterward secured quarters on the third floor of A. V. Newton's building on Main Street, remaining there until 1892, when it moved
to the corner of Main and Maple streets, remaining here until October 11, 1904, when it moved into its present quarters in the
Masonic Temple.
The corner-stone of this building was laid by M.'. W.'. FRANK H. ROBINSON. Grand Master, 11 Jun 1904, and was dedicated by R.'.
W.'. TOWNSEND SCUDDER, Deputy Grand Master, September 16, 1905. The Temple is owned jointly by Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239,
Salamanca Chapter, No. 206, and Salamanca Commandery, No. 62.
At a session of the Grand Lodge held 7 Jun 1888, the warrant now in possession of the Lodge was ordered issued, to take the place
of the one destroyed by fire.
The Lodge was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, NY, 21 May 1891. It also assisted in the
ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone of the First Baptist Church at Salamanca, 4Oct 1901.
MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Edward B. Vreeland, Congressman.
James S. Whipple, Assemblyman.
George W. Cole, District Attorney
Albert T. Fancher, State Senator.
Carey D. Davie, Surrogate.
2

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/salamanca.htm 1879
Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, was instituted at Little Valley under a dispensation granted in 1850 to Benjamin Chamberlain, Staley
N. Clark; Samuel Barrows, Solomon S. Childs, Gaius Wheaton, Luther Peabody, Israel Day, Moses Beecher, Smith Finch, and Ira
Gaylord. A. Chase was the first admitted as a Mark Mason. The principal officers were Ira Gaylord, M.; Benjamin Chamberlain, SW;
and Luther Peabody, J W. The lodge received its warrant in June 1851. Twenty years later it was incorporated, having had at the
time as principal officers Henry O. Robinson, M; Hudson Ansley, SW; and B. A. Chase, JW. The meetings were at Little Valley until
Dec 1873, when the lodge was removed to Salamanca, having 100 members. The trustees of the lodge were J. J. O'Donnell, A.
Hover, and B. Hevenor; and its officers H. Ansley, Master; F. B. Mills, SW; B. Hevenor, JW; H. O. Wait, Treas; and J. D. McDonell,
Sec. The meeting were held in a large and finely furnished hall in the Hevenor block.
Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, R. A.M , was organized under a dispensation granted 6 Mar 1872, to John B. Shaw, HP; B. H.
Space, K.; and Companions Chase, Whipple, Krieger, Brainard, Waterman, Griffin, Wait, Elliott, Hevenor, Henderson, O'Donnell,
and Farquharson. The chapter was duly chartered about a year later. The present number of members is 65, and the principal
officers are Trustees, H. Ansley, J. D. McDonell and J. B. Shaw; High Priest, John J. O'Donnell; King, H. O. Wait; Sec., J. D.
McDonell.
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1855 Masonic Register:
CATTARAUGUS LODGE, NO. 239. Little Valley, Cattaraugus County. Meets on the Wednesday, on or next preceding the full
moon, and two weeks thereafter. Date of Charter, September 12th,5851.
John Manley, Master,
John W. Hillabrant, SW,
Leonard Salsbury, JW,
Daniel Bucklin, Treasurer,
Samuel S. Wilcox, Secretary,
Whitney Jewell, SD,
Nathan C. Brown, JD,
Smith Finch, Steward
John Kinnicutt, Steward
Ira Gaylord. Tyler
PAST MASTERS.
H. C. Gaylord,
Ira Gaylord,
F. Duane Perry.
MEMBERS.
Hiram Aldrich,
Enos Austin,
Joshua Boynton,
C. M. G. Chase.
S. S. Childs,
Albert S. Cobb,
Ezra W. Cooper,
Abram R. Day,
Enos Dean,
Stephen C. Green,
Elijah Harvey,
Horace Howe,
Gaius Wheaton,
Geo. W. Orange,
Luther Peabody,
H. D. V. Pratt,
Hiram J. Stickney,
Clark Wheeler,
Albert T. Fancher, the son of Capt. William and Lydia (Mills) Fancher, was born 18 Jan 1859 n Leon, NY. He was educated in the
common schools and in the Chamberlain Institute, and at the age of eighteen formed a partnership with Edgar SHANNON, of Leon,
under the firm name of Edgar SHANNON & Co., which continued in trade with two branch stores in the oil regions of Pennsylvania
for seven years. A Republican, he represented his town on the Board of Supervisors three terms and in 1885 was elected clerk of
Cattaraugus County. He resided in Little Valley, owned a farm in Leon, and dealt, in real estate. He was instrumental in the
formation of Allegany State Park. They had one of the largest dairy farms in Cattaraugus County on Fancher Hill Road in Leon. His
father, William, was in the Civil War, 64th Regiment, NY State Volunteers; age 38 years. Enrolled September 14, 1861 at Leon to
serve three years; mustered in as Captain, Co. K on December 9, 1861; died May 24, 1862 at Leon, NY (from the effects of typhoid
fever contracted at the Peninsula Campaign).
http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=V000122
Edward Butterfield Vreeland was a Representative from New York, born 7 Dec 1856 in Cuba,
Allegany County, NY. He moved to Salamanca, Cattaraugus County, NY, in 1869 and was graduated
from Friendship Academy in 1877. Superintendent of the public schools at Salamanca, NY, 1877-1882,
he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1881, but did not engage in active practice. He engaged
in banking and in the oil and insurance business, becoming president of the Salamanca Trust Co. in
1891, served as postmaster of Salamanca 1889-1893; was elected as a Republican to the Fifty-sixth
Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Warren B. Hooker; reelected to the Fiftyseventh
and to the five succeeding Congresses and served from 7 Nov 1899, to 3 Mar 1913; chairman,
Committee on Banking and Currency (Sixty-first Congress); declined to be a candidate for renomination
in 1912; appointed a member of the National Monetary Commission, serving as vice chairman 1909-
1912; resumed former business pursuits in Salamanca, NY, until 1 Jan 1936, when he retired from
active business. He died 8 May 1936 in Salamanca, NY, and was interment in Wildwood Cemetery. He
was married 27 Feb 1881 to Myra S. Price, of Friendship, NY, b 14 Dec 1860, dau. of Jacob Orson and
Laura Cornelia (Bradley) Price.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
WILLIAM H. HAZARD, District Deputy Grand Master.
MASTERS.
1851. Ira Gaylord.
1852. Ira Gaylord.
1853. Henry C. Gaylord.
1854. F. Duane Perry.
1855. John Manley.
1856. John W. Hillibrant.
1857. Leonard Salisbury.
1858. Daniel Bucklin.
1859. Charles M. G. Chase.
1860. John Manley.
1861. Leonard Salisbury.
1862. Daniel Bucklin.
1863. Leonard Salisbury.
1864. Leonard Salisbury.
1865. D. M. Brooks.
1866. John B. Shaw.
1867. Dyer P. Henderson.
1865. Dyer P. Henderson.
1869. Stephen C. Green.
1870. Leonard Salisbury.
1871. Henry O. Robinson.
1872. Henry O. Robinson.
1873. Henry O. Robinson.
1874. Henry O. Robinson.
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1875. Hudson Ansley.
1876. Hudson Ansley.
1877. Frank Elliott.
1878. Hudson Ansley.
1879. Hudson Ansley.
1880. Frank B. Mills.
1881. Albert J. Reid.
1882. Hudson Ansley.
1883. John J. O'Donnell.
1884. Hudson Ansley.
1885. Hudson Ansley.
1886. Hudson Ansley.
1887. Park Stevens.
1888. Park Stevens.
1889. Wm. M. Farquharson.
1890. Charles M. Hamilton,
1891. Charles M. Hamilton.
1892. Charles M. Hamilton.
1893. George B. Abbott.
1894. George B. Abbott.
1895. Edward F. Norton.
1896. Edward F. Norton.
1897. Charles H. Towsey.
1898. Charles H. Towsey.
1899. Gilbert M. Hevenor.
1900. Gilbert M. Hevenor.
1901. Thomas A. Heller.
1902. William H. Hazard.
1903. William H. Hazard.
1904. Fred C. Beals.
1905. Fred C. Beals.
1906. John Hoag.
1907. John Hoag.
1908. Robert N. Forbes.
1909. Robert N. Forbes.
1910. Lyman J. Cheney.
1911. Lyman J. Cheney.
http://books.google.com/books?id=TccLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA217&dq=%22Cattaraugus+Lodge+No.+239%22&hl=en&ei=LdIgTO32MI
GC8gb6tO1S&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Cattaraugus%20Lodge%20N
o.%20239%22&f=false page 216.
Samuel Petty Beals, son of Samuel and Druscilla (Petty) Beals, was born in Rutland, Vermont,
1827, died in 1898. He was an iron moulder and worked at the iron works in East Randolph and in
other places where work at his trade could be obtained. He was a pattern maker also and worked
in Gowanda, Aurora and East Randolph. He was a good workman and was a man of high
character. He also owned a small farm. He was a Universalist in religion, and in politics a
Democrat. He married, in Westfield, New York, 1848, Sarah Eliza Holcomb, born 1828, died 1908,
daughter of Abel Holcomb. Children: Fred C, of further mention ; Kitty Odell, married Dr. M. C.
Hawley; children, Horace Reals and Lee Fred.
Dr. Fred C. Beals, son of Samuel Petty and Sarah Eliza (Holcomb) Beals, was born 18 Apr 1852,
at Gowanda, Cattaraugus, NY. He was educated in the public school and at Chamberlain Institute.
He chose the profession of medicine and began study with Dr. Tompkins, of East Randolph. He
then entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, whence he was graduated, M.
D., in 1875. He began practice in Conewango, NY, and in 1880 located in Salamanca, well known
and successful. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and is censor of Cattaraugus
County Medical Society. He is a member of the Railroad Surgeons' Association, composed of
medical men connected with the Erie Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburg, New York and New
England, and the Pennsylvania railroad systems. Dr. Beals is a public-spirited citizen, and devotes
much time to the welfare of his village. He has served as a member of the board of education and
health officer. He holds fraternal relation with the Masonic order and is Past Master of
Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, his term of office covering the period during which the Masonic Temple was erected; member of
Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, Royal Arch Masons, and a member of Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, Knights Templar Politically
he is a Democrat and in religious faith a Universalist. He married, 12 May 1875, Lucy Irene Beardsley, born 18 Sep 1852; son,
Clarence Samuel.
----
Robert Forbes, b. in Thurso, Scotland, 29 Dec 1829, died in Lisle, NY, 30 May 1903. He was educated in his native land, emigrating
to the United States at the age of nineteen years, in 1848. He remained here two years, then emigrated to Scotland. After some time
spent there he returned to the United States, settling at Fulton, NY, where he learned the trade of carpenter. In 1851 he joined a
party of "gold seekers" bound for California. Their route was by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. They suffered great hardships,
finally arriving in California with but few of the original party, many dying on the journey. He remained in California five years, then
returned to New York state, coming by vessel around Cape Horn. In 1858, two years after his return, he married and lived for four
years in the village of Centerlisle. He then removed to a farm he had purchased about three miles west of the village. Here he lived
for 35 years until the spring of 1898, when he retired and located in Lisle, NY, where he died in 1903. He was a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being one of the charter members of Centerlisle Lodge, No. 235, and was a past grand. He was
highly esteemed by his brethren, who attended his funeral in a body. He served the town of Lisle as justice of the peace, assessor,
commissioner of highways and supervisor, filling each office with unusual fidelity to his oath of office. He was an upright, manly
character, and had many warm friends.
Robert Forbes married, in Centerlisle, 12 May 1858, Permelia B. Lusk, who survives him and yet resides in Lisle (1911). Children,
all born in Centerlisle: 1. Pomeroy Hubbard, born 6 Jul 1850; m. Ada Ireland, removed to Topeka, KS. 2. Mary Permelia. 28 May
1861; m. Samuel Wells; living at Halstead, PA. 3. Sarah L., 6 Aug 1865; m. George W. Allen; living at Lestershire, NY. 4. Arthur
William. 26 Nov 1868; m. Laura Hayes; removed to Stanton, NB. 5. Harriet Anna, 20 Aug 1870; m. Arthur Woodford; living at
Candor, NY. 6. Clara R., 26 Jul 1872; m. Ellis Sparrow, of Lisle, NY. 7. Robert Norman, of further mention.
Robert Norman Forbes, youngest child and third son of Robert and Permelia B. (Lusk) Forbes, was born in Centerlisle, NY, 30 Nov
1874. He was educated in the public school, Lisle Academy and Chamberlain Institute. He received his professional education at
the University of Michigan, being graduated as valedictorian of class of 1898, with the degree of D. D. S. He at once opened his
practice in the office of Dr. J. N. Cowen, of Randolph, Cattaraugus, NY, remaining about one year. In 1899 he moved his practice to
Salamanca, NY, where he opened his offices 20 Mar of that year. He is an expert dentist and commands a good clientage, his
appointment book being dated weeks ahead. He is modern, progressive and active in business, public-spirited and most pleasing in
personality. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, and
Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, Knights Templar. He is greatly interested in the Order of the Eastern Star, of which he served as
patron for three years and past assistant grand lecturer, and is now District Deputy Grand Master of the 39th Masonic District;
also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, and is past grand of Salamanca Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1908 he was elected village trustee. He is a member of the Congregational church, which he served as trustee, and in politics a
4

Republican. He married, 28 Jun 1899, Maud Louise Fenton, born in Randolph, 1Jan 1875, d/o George W. and Loraine (Dockstader)
Fenton, of Randolph. Children: Robert Fenton, b. 13 Nov 1907, and Loraine Permelia. 17 Sep 1910.
----
Frederic Fredrikson, a farmer of Sweden, married Caroline Anderson. Children: 1. Wilhelmena, married Carl Carlson. 2. Matilda. 3.
Eric, of whom further. 4. Carl Frederic, married Emma Peterson; children: Levi, Stanley, Alvin.
Eric Fredrikson, son of Frederic and Caroline (Anderson) Fredrikson, was born at Smadgebaran, Sweden, 18 Apr 1863. He was
educated in the schools of his native town, and in early life worked at farming. On arriving at a suitable age he was apprenticed to
the carpenter's trade, which he later discarded for the finer trade of cabinet-maker. He was an expert workman and in 1887, with no
other capital than his mechanical ability, he sailed for the United States. He landed at Castle Garden, New York City, with little
money. He made his way to Jamestown, NY, where he knew many of his countrymen had settled. He arrived in Jamestown with but
fifty cents remaining in his pockets, having made the journey from Sweden entirely alone, with no knowledge of the English
language. After his arrival at Jamestown he worked at odd jobs for two weeks, then learning there was a furniture factory in
operation at Randolph, Cattaraugus county, he went to that village and secured employment at his trade. He worked there in the
cabinet-making department for five years, then was made foreman of the factory, holding that position from 1892 until 1900. In the
latter year he located in Salamanca, having entered the employ of the Salamanca Furniture Company as foreman of their works. In
course of time he became a stockholder and was elected a director of the company. In 1909 he sold his interests in the Salamanca
Furniture Company to Charles R. Gibson, and in association with John Walrath, William H. Hazard and others, organized the
Sterling Furniture Company, with works at Salamanca. The officers of the new company are: John Walrath, president; William H.
Hazard, vice president ; Eric Fredrikson, treasurer and general manager; Walter O. Fredrikson, secretary. The company is now
(1911) in successful operation, manufacturing a medium grade of dressers, chiffonniers and dining tables. They employ about one
hundred men and operate their factory continuously. Mr. Fredrikson is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Cattaraugus
Lodge, No. 239; Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, and Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, Knights Templar. He also belongs to the
Woodmen, the Home Circle and the Travelers. In 1892 he became a naturalized citizen of the United States, and is a supporter of
the Republican party.
He married, 12 Jan 1889, Helina Solderholm, born 30 Jul 1867, d/o John Soderholm, born in Sweden in 1839, died in Jamestown,
NY, 10 Oct 1898. He was a manufacturer in Sweden; came to Jamestown, where he first engaged in the hardware, later in the
grocery business. He was an active Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He married Christina Westerlund, of
Norrkspring, Sweden, born 1844, died in Oct 1896.
----
James Gibson (5), son of James (4) Gibson, was born in Leroy, NY, 29 Feb 1828, died at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, in 1901. His
father died when he was five years of age, and his mother, who was a Miss Williams prior to her marriage, moved with her parents
to Delaware county, Ohio, where her father had purchased a large tract of wild land in the western reserve. After attending the
district school for a few years, James Gibson engaged in the railroad contracting business, becoming in time one of the leading men
in that line of work. He built sections of the Delaware & Columbus, the Illinois Central, living at Cairo, Illinois, for a time, and later
moving to Michigan, where he contracted on the lines of the Detroit & Milwaukee, the Lansing & Saginaw, Grand Trunk, Michigan
Central, Michigan Southern and other railroad lines, contracting for the construction work. He came to Western New York with the
Buffalo & Jamestown railroad as superintendent of construction over part of the line. He was a member of the Baptist church, and
was a Republican in politics. He married Eliza Ann Morrison, born in Delaware county, Ohio. Children: 1. Charles Ralph, mentioned
below. 2. James Horace, who met a tragic death, having been murdered in 1874. 3. Barney A., a resident of Williamsport, PA. 4.
Willard M., who served as engineer in the United States navy and was on the United States steamer, "Roger," while on its search for
the "Jeanette" or the survivors of the "Jeanette," which was on an expedition under Captain De Long in search of the North Pole; the
vessel was burned off the north coast of Siberia and Engineer Gibson served gallantly in rescuing the crew. After his resignation
from the navy he accepted a position with the Westinghouse Company and while in their employ installed the lamps on the Brooklyn
Bridge. He married Eva Windurs. He was killed by his gun while hunting in Iowa, in Apr 1887. 5. George A., deceased. 6. Lucius O.,
a practicing physician of Laurium, Michigan. 7. Emma Eliza, deceased.
Charles Ralph Gibson, eldest son of James (5) and Eliza Ann (Morrison) Gibson, was born in Orange, Delaware, OH, 12 Aug
1849. He attended the public school, acquiring a practical education. He began his active career with his father in railroad
construction in the western part of the United States, and later engaged in business on his own account, being awarded the
contracts on the Buffalo and Jamestown construction work, also serving as superintendent of construction. In 1875 he opened a
wholesale liquor store in Jamestown, NY, and two years later established a branch at Salamanca, the latter becoming of such great
importance that in 1881 the Jamestown store was discontinued and the business centered in Salamanca. Mr. Gibson has been in
successful business operation there for 35 years, during the greater part of that period acting as sole proprietor. He admitted as
partner, Howard Edward O'Donnell. and later his son, Willard A. Gibson. A prominent feature of their business is an extensive mail
order department to dealers. In addition to this successful business enterprise Mr. Gibson is serving in the capacity of vice-president
and director of the Salamanca Trust Company, and director of the Salamanca Furniture Company and of the Veneer Panel
Company. He was one of the organizers of the first Universalist Society in Salamanca, and liberal in his support of erecting their
church edifice. He is an Independent in politics. He was actively interested in the organization of a fire department for Salamanca,
was chosen the first chief and filled that office five years. He holds membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery of the
Masonic order in Salamanca; Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Buffalo; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of
Salamanca, and the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Gibson is an energetic, capable man of business, upright and honorable in his dealings,
also public spirited and generous, always ready and willing to contribute to every worthy enterprise. This brief resume of Mr.
Gibson's many spheres of activity and usefulness proves the broadness of his mental vision, and whether considered as employer,
official business associate, churchman or clubman, he is found true to himself and true to his fellows.
Mr. Gibson married, 14 Nov 1877, Lillian (Wilson) Lyons. She was a charter member of Salamanca Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, also historian. She also organized the Salamanca Federation of Women's Clubs. She is progressive and
5

demonstrative in her views, always trying to promote the welfare of the community. Children:1. Willard Ansley Gibson, born 9 Nov
1884; educated in the grammar and high schools of Salamanca, graduating in class of 1903, then entered Williams College,
graduating with degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1909. He was connected with the staff of the Springfield Republican for three months,
then took a six months' post-graduate course at Columbia University, after which he became associated with his father in business.
In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, F&AM, and belongs to the Order of Moose. His
college fraternity is Phi Delta Theta. 2. Vesta Lillian Gibson, born 5 May 1886; graduated from Salamanca high school in 1904,
attended the LaSell Seminary at Boston, MA, and a year at the Bristol School at Washington, District of Columbia. She has been
active in the Woman Suffrage work, and is secretary of the Woman Suffrage Party in Cattaraugus county.
----
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/little_valley.htm
Hon. Stephen C. Green - One of the leading spirits of Western Cattaraugus, in the
embodiment of business ability, combined with genial qualities and sterling worth, is he whose
name stands at the head of this notice.
Mr. Green was born in Tompkins Co., NY, 1 Jan 1828. His father settled in Jamestown, NY, in
the year 1833, and our subject resided there until he was twenty-two years of age. At the age
of 16 he was apprenticed to the printing business, and followed it for five years. At the early
age of 21 (in 1849) he embarked in mercantile pursuits, as being more to his tastes than the
trade he had learned; and he has been engaged in merchandising, with but slight
intermissions. His record as a merchant in Little Valley covers most of the time since the spring
of 1850, commencing in this village the same season the construction of the Erie Railway was
begun. 5 Sep 1848, he was married to Miss Laura Ann Thompson, of Little Valley, who died 8
Jun 1867. 15 Dec 1868, he married Miss Minnie Courtney, of Rushford, NY.
In the earlier years of Mr. Green's residence in Little Valley he was elected a justice of the
peace, and several times served as town clerk. He officiated also as supervisor in the years of
1863 and 1865. In the last named year he was elected county superintendent of the poor, and
in 1868 was re-elected, filling the office for six years, making one of the most popular superintendents Cattaraugus County ever
had. He was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1869,
and received a re-nomination in the fall of 1870, by
acclamation. He served two terms in that body, sustaining an
honorable record. He was a faithful, indefatigable
representative, always in his seat, and voting upon all
questions from convictions of right and duty.
----
Mr. Green was the first president of the village of Little Valley
after its incorporation. He is a thorough patriot in every
particular. At the County Centennial Celebration - held at
Olean, 4 Jul 1876 - he was the reader of the Declaration of
Independence, and enunciated the "inspired revelation of
American liberty" with a clear, strong voice, fine emphasis, and
a magnetic sympathy with the subject.
Although not a member of any religious organization, he
contributed liberally towards the erection of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Little Valley, and more recently towards its
repair and in support of the ministry. Mr. Green is the owner of
the "Palace Hotel" at Little Valley (shown at left), and although
a "natural-born landlord," prefers to let others manage is
stead. Last spring he leased the hotel to Mr. F. K. Alvord, late
of Nunda, NY, who was its popular host.
Joseph Hazard, son of Richard Ward and Mary (Peckham) Hazard, was born 14 Sep 1814, died in Napoli, Cattaraugus, NY, 25 May
1875. Early in life he removed to New York state, settling in Cattaraugus county, where he followed agriculture. He married, 7 Jan
1847, Susan R. Congdon, born in 1826, died 1904, d/o Benjamin Congdon. Children: Mary Jane, born 15Apr 1848, died 11 Sep
1848; George Carder, 2 Sep 1849, died 12 Aug 1861; Charles Benjamin, 24 Jul 1852, died 11 Jul 1861; Joseph E., of further
mention; Daniel Arthur, of further mention; Theodore Lincoln, of further mention; William Henry, of further mention.
Joseph E., son of Joseph and Susan R. (Congdon) Hazard, was born 10 Sep 1855, in Napoli, Cattaraugus, NY. He worked on the
farm until aged sixteen years, then commenced teaching, earning the money to take a course at Chamberlain Institute, graduating
with honor, class of 1876. In 1880 he was admitted to the New York bar and in 1885 to the supreme court of the United States. In
1880 he was appointed acting Indian agent of New York state. For five years he was superintendent of the Indian schools of
Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, effecting needed and lasting improvements. For many years he was justice of the peace. In
1897 he was nominated and elected sheriff of Cattaraugus county, making a most excellent official. He was treasurer of the Fair
Association, and active in securing water works for the village of Randolph. He organized and was manager for six years of the Elko
Paint Company, severing this connection in 1897. He was supervisor of Randolph, 1892-97, and was largely instrumental in having
the wooden bridges of the town replaced by iron and steel structures. He is now a resident of Columbiana, Ohio. In politics he is a
Republican. He married Ada B. Snow, a graduate of Chamberlain Institute, class of 1875. Children: Mary Elizabeth and Marguerite
Minnie.
6

Daniel Arthur, son of Joseph and Susan R. (Congdon) Hazard, was born 15 Nov 1858, died 6 Mar 1906. He was a farmer of the
town of Napoli. He married, 8 Oct 1879, Ida E., d/o Eben Sibley; children: Leland Arthur, George Theodore, Mary Ida and Robert
Lincoln.
Theodore Lincoln, son of Joseph and Susan R. (Congdon) Hazard, was born at Napoli, NY. 9 Sep 1860. A graduate of Chamberlain
Institute, Randolph, NY, 1880; of Homoeopathic medical department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, 1883, and Chicago
Homoeopathic Medical College, 1895. He practiced in 1883-84 at Salamanca, NY, then for eight years at Anamosa, Iowa, since
which time he has been located at Iowa City, Iowa. In 1892 he was appointed assistant to the chair of materia medica in the College
of Homoeopathic Medicine, State University of Iowa, and in 1902 was appointed lecturer in pediatrics. He is a member of the
American Institute of Homoeopathy, of the Hahnemann Medical Association, Iowa, and of the Central Homoeopathic Medical
Association, of Iowa, and is president of the last named. He is an Independent Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and of the Masonic order, including the Commandery, Shrine and of the Order of the Eastern Star. He married
(first) 2 Jan 1883, Clara C., died 15 Jun 1906, d/o Archibald Merrill. He married (second) 20 Oct 1908, Mrs. Sara C. McCord.
Children by first marriage: Charles Merrill, born 21 Dec 1885, M. D., 1910; Archibald Merrill, born 10 Oct 1887, C. E., 1908; Philip
Lee, born 16 Dec 1890, student of civil engineering.
William Henry Hazard, son of Joseph and Susan R. (Congdon) Hazard, was born in Napoli, Cattaraugus, NY, 22 Aug 1866. He
attended the public schools of Napoli and Randolph, completing his education by a two years course at Chamberlain Institute. In Apr
1886, he entered the employ of the Salamanca National Bank as bookkeeper. He remained with the bank 21 years, holding all the
intermediate positions until he reached that of vice-president. When the bank was re-organized as the Salamanca Trust Company
he was in charge of the business details incidental thereto, and when the Trust Company was ready for business Mr. Hazard was
chosen cashier, continuing until 1 Aug 1907, when he resigned. In this long association with the officials of both bank and trust
company he had thoroughly established himself in their regard, and on leaving he was presented with a most appreciative set of
resolutions, expressing the sentiments of his associates. On leaving the bank he formed the firm of W. H. Hazard & Company,
which succeeded to the real estate and insurance business of Vreeland & Company, an agency founded in 1880 by Hon. Edward
B. Vreeland, and the second of the kind established in Cattaraugus county. Mr. Hazard has always taken an active interest in public
affairs, and has aided in all efforts to advance the interests of Salamanca. He served two years in the village council and nine years
on the board of education. He is a successful business man and deservedly popular. His business is not confined to local points, but
is state wide. He handles a great deal of outside farm and village property, and has built up an organization that transacts a large
business. He is a director of the Salamanca Trust Company, vice-president of the Sterling Furniture Company, director of the
Ashworth-Odell Worsted Mills, secretary of the Fancher Furniture Company, president of the board of trade, president of the park
commission and interested in other village activities. He is prominent in the Masonic order, being Past Master of Cattaraugus
Lodge, No. 239, F&AM; member of Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, Royal Arch Masons, Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, Knights
Templar; Ismailia Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine, of Buffalo, and past District Deputy Grand Master of the 39th Masonic
district. He is a member of the Congregational church, and for many years superintendent of the Sunday school. Politically he is a
Republican.
He married (first) 24 Jun 1890, Emma B. Brown, b. 22 Aug 1869, d. 17 Aug 1904, d/o Charles D. and Addie (Kennicott) Brown,
and granddaughter of James Brown. He married (second) 12 Jun 1906, Elizabeth Kennicott, d/o Robert Culver. Child of first
marriage: William Henry Jr., b. 1 Jun 1897. Child of second marriage: Robert Culver, b. 10 Sep 1908.
Elizabeth Kennicott (Culver) Hazard was born in Boulder, Colorado, 26 Oct 1867, great-granddaughter of Noah Culver, who settled
in the town of Little Valley, Cattaraugus, NY, in 1823, coming from Chautauqua county. He had sons Noah, Eliphalet and Lyman,
who were well known among the early settlers. Lyman Culver was born in Livingston, CT, married Emily Hull. Their son, Robert
Culver, was born in Little Valley, 6 Mar 1830, died 28 Nov 1906. He was educated in the public schools and Randolph Academy. He
was a farmer, and with his father was engaged in the lumber business, rafting their logs down the Allegheny river to Pittsburg. At the
age of 23 he engaged in mercantile business in Chicago, IL, and was also a member of the board of trade. In 1860 he went to
Colorado, settling at Boulder, where he was engaged in mining, erecting the first quartz mill in that district. He also was interested in
farming and stock raising. In 1890 he returned east and located in Baltimore, MD, where he engaged in the real estate business,
and later was in the same business in Savannah, GA. He was a Republican and a Unitarian. He married Annie Kennicott, of New
Albion, NY, born 31 Jan 1835, died 18 Jun 1896, d/o John Anson Kennicott, a native of Rensselaer county. NY, who settled in New
Albion, 12 Jan 1821. He was the first town clerk, holding that office seventeen years. He was elected to several important offices in
the old town of Little Valley, being justice of the peace for forty years. His wife was Sophronia Chapel. Children of Robert and Annie
(Kennicott) Culver: Robert Lyman, died aged eighteen years; Elizabeth Kennicott. married William H. Hazard; John Kennicott.
Edward Hull, died in infancy; Mary Emily.
----
John Hoag, youngest son of Alexander and Margaret (Brown) Hoag, was born at Sugartown, Cattaraugus, NY, 10 Sep 1853. He
was educated in the public schools, and until 1872 was engaged in farm labor. In 1878 he entered the employ of the Erie Railroad
Company as clerk, was promoted to cashier, then chief clerk of the freight department at Salamanca, resigning in 1910 after 32
years of continuous service. No better eulogy of the man could be written than is proclaimed by this fact—thirty-two years of
honorable, faithful service with one corporation. In 1883 he assisted in the organization of the Salamanca Building and Loan
Association, in company with E. B. Vreeland, O. S. Vreeland, Eugene Griggs and H. O. Waite. and he was chosen a member of the
board of directors, 1890. Later he was chosen president, an office he held for twelve years. He now (1911) holds the responsible
office of secretary of the association. This has been a very successful association and has been the means of hundreds of homes
being erected, a most potent factor in the development of Salamanca. Mr. Hoag has always taken the deepest interest in the
workings of the association plans, and to his wise official action much of its success is due. He has served also for eighteen years
on the Salamanca school board and was elected last spring for three years more; he displayed the same interest in educational
matters that he manifested in his other business affairs. For three years he served as trustee of the village. In politics he is a
Republican, and is a member of the Congregational church. He is Past Master of Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, F&AM, and past
commander of Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, Royal Arch Masons [sic].
7

-----
Andrews Lorraine, son of Judge Ira and Lucy (Perkins) Norton, was born 27 Apr 1818, in Great Valley, Cattaraugus, NY, died there
in 1893. He spent his life engaged in farming. He was well-to-do and prosperous, owning a well improved farm of 175 acres. In
political faith he was a Republican and in religion a Presbyterian. He bore a high character in the town and was greatly respected.
He married Polly Ann Bacon, born 3 Jun 1823. Children: 1. Miles A., b. 25 Sep 1845: m. 29 May 1867, Annie Congdon. 2. Hattie., b.
29 Aug 1849; m. 1 Jan 1873, Rosalvo C. Adams, b. 6 Oct 1841, d. 15 Nov 1887. 3. Llomer N., b. 29 Jan 1852; m. 8 Jan 1887, Ada
Butler, born 9 May 1852; 4. Edward F., of whom further. 5. Dell, b. 13 Apr 1863: m. 16 Mar 1881, Charles Hess, b. 5 Aug 1857; 6.
Ruth, b. 5 May 1865; m. 27 Apr 1892, Manley W. Frank, b. 16 Feb 1861.
Edward Frazier Norton, son of Andrews Lorraine and Polly Ann (Bacon) Norton, was born in the town of Great Valley,
Cattaraugus, NY, 4 Oct 1859. He was educated in the public schools and at ChamberIain Institute. After completing his studies he
learned the trade of jeweler and has been engaged in that business all his subsequent life. He was first with B. H. Wade, then until
1886 in Corry, PA, with his cousin, Herbert M. Norton. In the latter year he established in business in Salamanca, where he now has
a modern and prosperous jewelry store. He is a capable, energetic business man and is influential in public affairs. He is a
Republican and has served his village as school trustee, village trustee and treasurer. He is a director of the Salamanca Trust
Company and interested in other enterprises. He is a member and past master of Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239. F&AM; past high
priest of Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, Royal Arch Masons; generalissimo of Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, Knights Templar,
and a member of the uniform rank Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Congregational church, which he serves as trustee. He
married, 2 Jun 1886, Jennie A. Scobey, born in Great Valley, NY, 7 Sep 1863, d/o William and Anna B. (Carver) Scobey. Child: Zoe,
born 25 Aug 1895.
-----
Charles Alonzo Swan, brother of James Brown Swan and son of Alonzo Frink Swan, was born in East Randolph, NY, 24 Apr 1864.
He attended the public schools and Chamberlain Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1889. He taught school for a
time and became principal of the East Randolph school. He resigned on account of ill health and after traveling for some time and
regaining his health, engaged in the jewelry business at East Randolph. In 1901 he removed to Salamanca, where he established a
jewelry store and has achieved since then a notable success in mercantile life, having the largest jewelry store in the city. He is
popular socially as well as in business circles, and is considered one of the shrewdest business men and financiers of the town. In
politics he is an Independent, and in 1907-08-11 was a trustee of the incorporated village. He belongs to Cattaraugus Lodge, No.
239, F&AM. He married, 30 Jan 1901, Persis Barber Holbrook, born 28 Dec 1866, daughter of Elijah F. Holbrook.
http://books.google.com/books?id=exElAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-
PA126&dq=%22Cattaraugus+Lodge+No.+239%22&hl=en&ei=LdIgTO32MIGC8gb6tO1S&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum
=2&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Cattaraugus%20Lodge%20No.%20239%22&f=false page 126.
John J. Inman, a member of the Cattaraugus County bar, was born in the town of Dayton, 7 Jun 1858. He was educated in the
common schools and the Forestville Academy. He subsequently taught school in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. He
studied law at Ellicottville, and later at Ionia, Mich. He was admitted to the bar in Michigan in June, 1878. He located at Salamanca,
and was admitted to the bar in this State, 11 Jun, 1880. He was in partnership with Bro. William R. Pindar [Master of Ellicottville
Lodge - q.v.] from 1882 to 1884. He formed a partnership with George W. Cole in May 1886, but since 21 Dec 1891, he has
practiced alone. He was police justice of the village of Salamanca in 1881-82, was justice of the peace one term, and for six years
was a member of the Board of Education, being president of the board the last year of his term, of which board he is still a member.
He was married in Jun 1882, to Carrie D. Frank, of Little Valley. They have four children. In 1897 he was appointed Postmaster of
Salamanca by President McKinley. He is a member of Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, F&AM, Salamanca Chapter, No. 266, R. A.
M., Salamanca Commandery, No. 62, . ., and Salamanca Lodge, No. 501 I. O. O. F.
http://www.ausbcomp.com/~bbott/cowley/Oldnews/Flyers/BIOG.HTM
Col. Henry Champney Loomis was a citizen who devoted the major portion of his time and talents to the
welfare of others; and the material development of the community in which most of his unselfish life was spent
merits the perpetuation of his superb record in the archives of the state and county which comprised the field
of his activities.
Henry C. Loomis was born in a log house at Loomis Corners, in the town of Otto, Cattaraugus, NY, 16 Mar
1834. He was a son of Bliss and Betsey Loomis. His paternal grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary
War. Henry C. Loomis was reared upon the farm and obtained a common school education. From boyhood he
was interested in military affairs, and prior to the Civil War was a member of the New York state militia for
seven years. At the breaking out of the war, he was first sergeant of Company C, 64th Regt., NY State
Militia, which regiment entered the United States service intact as a military organization, retaining its old number. Henry C. Loomis
was elected first lieutenant of Company C. At the battle of Fair Oaks, the captain of Company C was absent on account of sickness,
and Lieut. Loomis commanded the company in that fierce conflict. While engaged in a charge upon the Confederate lines, Lieut.
Loomis was severely wounded in the arm and leg. His regiment lost, in killed and wounded, 115 men. Gen. O. O. Howard lost an
arm in this engagement, having been in command of the brigade which included the 64th New York Regiment. Lieut. Loomis'
wounds gave him a leave of absence for a time, and while nursing them at home he assisted in raising the 154th Regt., NY Vol.
Inf., and returned to the seat of war as its lieutenant-colonel.
8

Age did not cool his military ardor. Largely to his efforts are due the
organization and maintenance, at Winfield, of Company C, 2nd Reg.
Kansas National Guards, for years prior to the Spanish war.
Company F of the 21st Kansas Volunteers during that war was mainly
composed of the Winfield company. Col. Loomis was an active
member of Siverd Post, No. 85, G. A. R., Department of Kansas, at
Winfield, of which he was a commander; he was also a member of the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Kansas
Commandery.
In the year 1869, Col. Loomis moved to Kansas, and engaged in
railroad bridge building. He heard of the prospective opening of the
Osage Indian Reservation to settlement, and was attracted to the
valley of the Walnut River. On the last day of December, 1869, he
located a squatter's claim adjoining what had been selected as a
townsite, afterward known as Winfield, and when the land was opened
for settlement and purchase, he obtained title to his property direct
from the United States government. A part of the city of Winfield
occupies 100 acres of his 160 acre tract.
As a Mason, Col. Loomis' career was exceptional. He became a
Master Mason in Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 239, F&AM, at Little
Valley, NY, while on a leave of absence from the army, in 1862. In the
year 1872 he was a charter member of Winfield Lodge, No. 58,
AF&AM, and while Worshipful Master of that lodge raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason 54 candidates in one year. He was
High Priest of Winfield Chapter, No. 31, R. A. M., and Eminent
Commander of Winfield Commandery, No. 15, K. T., for six years; and
was also a prominent member of the Royal Order of Scotland; and a
life member of Isis Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He was a member of O.
E. S. Queen City Chapter, No. 138, of which he became Worthy
Patron. He was made a Royal and Select Master, in 1895, in Wichita
Council, No. 12; and was made Knight Templar in Winfield
Commandery, No. 15, of Winfield. He was made Knight Kadash in
1890 in the Wichita Consistory; and was made a Thirty-second
Degree Mason, the same year, by Wichita Consistory, No. 2, at Wichita, Kansas. He was coroneted Honorable Inspector General,
in October, 1893, by Philip Crosby Tucker, at St. Louis, Missouri. He was appointed Grand Junior Deacon of the Grand Lodge, A. F.
& A. M., of Kansas in 1895; advanced to be Grand Junior Warden in 1896; Grand Senior Warden in 1897; Deputy Grand Master in
1898; and Grand Master in 1899. During his stewardship as Grand Master, there was a net gain of 756 in the membership of the
Grand Lodge. The Colonel was instrumental in procuring for Winfield Commandery, No. 15, K. T., the finest Knight Templar banner
in the United States, which attracted great attention at the National Conclave of Knights Templar in Boston, Massachusetts, in
August 1895. He was Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of the state of Kansas, and also Grand
Scribe in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. Col. Loomis was a zealous member of Tohee Tribe, No. 8, Improved Order of
Red Men, of Winfield, Kansas; and also a member of Lodge No. 427, B. P. O. E., of Wichita. The establishing of the elegant
Masonic Home at Wichita, Kansas, was primarily due to the efforts of Hon. David B. Fuller, of Eureka, Kansas, president of the
Home; James H. McCall, publisher of the Kansas Free Mason, at Wichita; and Col. H. C. Loomis, of Winfield, all of them being Past
Grand Masters and Thirty-third Degree Masons. One of the finest rooms in the Masonic Home was the parlor, which was richly
furnished and ornamented by the Winfield brothers and the Eastern Star Chapter, $500 having been donated by Brother Loomis. Its
equipment cost over $1,000, and it was known as the Winfield Room.
In civil life, Col. Loomis contributed, to the extent of his means, toward the advancement of Winfield, in a most liberal manner. He
was the first county clerk of Cowley County. He helped to survey the town site of Winfield, and was one of the commissioners under
the law to apportion the town lots to their owners, schools, churches, etc. He was vice-president of the Winfield Chautauqua
Assembly and was industrious in promoting its useful work. As mayor, from 1896 to 1899, his administration of public affairs in
Winfield was efficient and popular. He died 14 Oct 1905.
Ref. also http://www.archive.org/details/colonelhenrycloo00coul or
http://openlibrary.org/books/OL13499852M/Colonel_Henry_C._Loomis.
HENRY C. LOOMIS
The Winfield Tribune, Oct. 20, 1905
Died: Oct. 14, 1905
COL HENRY C. LOOMIS.
______
One of the Founders of Winfield and Department Commander of G. A. R. Passes Away
Col. Henry C. Loomis died at St. Mary’s hospital last Saturday afternoon at two o’clock. The news of his death, though not
unexpected, cast a pall of gloom over the city and was received with universal sorrow.
Some weeks ago Colonel Loomis sustained a slight injury in his foot and as a result a peculiar gangrenous condition set in. His
physicians, realizing the dangerous indications, besought the colonel to have his foot amputated but he hesitated and the poison
penetrated his entire system. Last week he consented to the operation and it was performed, the patient rallying nicely from it and
9

for the time giving promise of improvement. But the gain was only temporary and the relapse came Friday, the patient slowly
sinking until the end came Saturday.
There was no more widely or popularly known man in the state than Colonel Loomis. In
Winfield he was known and respected as the father of the city, and in her his interest
centered as about an only child. He was one of the founders of the town site in 1871, and for
nearly thirty-six years he has been first and foremost in every enterprise that would build up
and improve the city. Lodge and club life was his great hobby and he is nationally known in
G. A. R. and Masonic circles.
Photo http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6898394
Henry C. Loomis was the son of Bliss and Betsy Loomis of the town of Otto,Cattaraugus,
New York, where he was born in a log house on March 16th 1834. His grand-father was an
officer in the revolutionary war, and from him he inherited a love for the military life. While still
a boy he became a member of a local military company and had served in it seven years
when the war broke out. The company, as a whole, went into the sixty-forth New York
infantry and with him as first lieutenant. He commanded the company at the battle of Fair
Oaks, and while leading a charge against the confederates he was shot twice, once through
the leg and once through the arm. That was the same time the place where Gen. O. O.
Howard lost his arm.
Colonel Loomis, while at home recuperating after the sickness consequent of his wounds
assisted in organizing the 154th New York infantry and became lieutenant colonel of it. He
served gallantry through the remainder of the war, a fact which has been recognized by different Grand Army organizations, while
serving as local post commander for some years, and as department commander of the state in 1903.
Colonel Loomis came to the valley of the Walnut in 1868 as a bridge builder. He saw the future of the country and in 1869 squatted
on a piece of Osage land and held it until the government came in possession of it. More than 100 acres of original quarter-section
is now included in the town site of Winfield. He helped organize the county and was the first county clerk. He was an active,
progressive and public-spirited citizen, and besides president of the Chautauqua assembly that has made Winfield famous, he
served two terms as mayor, beginning in 1896.
Colonel Loomis was made a Master Mason in 1862 and remained a
consistent member for forty-three years, during which time he advanced to
the thirty-third or highest degree. He was the first Worshipful Master of
Winfield Lodge. His honors did not cease there, for he has served as high
priest of the Winfield chapter of Royal Arch Masons, eminent commander
of the Knights Templars; worthy patron of Queen City chapter, Order of the
Eastern Star; a Royal and Select Master Star; a Royal and Select Master
in the Wichita Consistory; Inspector General of the Jurisdiction; Grand
Standard Bearer of the Grand Commandery of Kansas; Grand Master
Mason of the Blue Lodge Masons for Kansas, and honorary members of
life of Isis Temple, A. A. O. M. M. S. In 1890 he became a member of the
Scottish Rite bodies in this city, and he has been a consistent attendant at
their meeting ever since.
He was given a Scottish Rite funeral at the opera house Tuesday night at
midnight. To these services only Masons and their families, G. A. R. and
their families, and Red Men and their families were admitted.
The body layd in state Wednesday morning and at two o’clock Wednesday
afternoon the public services were held. The Masons, G. A. R.’s, Knight
Templar and escorts had charge of the services and the funeral oration
was delivered by Rev. T. W. Jeffries, of Carthage, Missouri. The Wichita
Consistory attended in a body and prominent Masonic and Grand Army
friends from all over the state were present. Interment was made in Union
cemetery.
Colonel Loomis’ wealth is estimated at between $12,000.00 and
$15,000.00. Ed F. Nelson was appointed executor of the estate. Three
thousand dollars of this has been reserved for a monument for himself;
$500.00 executor’s fees; $300.00 to the O. E. A.’s, and the remainder
given to J. H. McCall, of Wichita, and to J. C. Coulter, of the Western
Veteran. The two last named were dear friends of Col. Loomis and helped him in his campaign for G. A R. post commander. His
valuable watch, the one which he always carried him, he has left to Captain Charles Van Way. Many Masonic emblems, with papers
and other material is to be given to private persons here in the city.
------
10

http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/05/03/1038474/james-n-carr-allegany-state-park.html
Sept. 1, 1928—April 29, 2010
James Neal Carr, retired superintendent of Allegany State Park and a Navy veteran active in Randolph
organizations, died Thursday in Olean General Hospital. He was 81. Born in Salamanca, Mr. Carr grew
up on his parents’ farm in Redhouse. He was a 1945 graduate of Randolph Central School and was a
member of the school’s first football team. In 1952, he graduated from the University of Buffalo with a
degree in engineering. He was employed by Clark Brothers in Olean and the state Department of Public
Works before joining the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. He retired in 1990
as the general superintendent of Allegany State Park.
Mr. Carr served in the Navy as a fighter pilot from 1946 to 1950. He was an active member of East
Randolph United Methodist Church for more than 40 years and had been a member of Red House
Union Free Church. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol, working with the Allegany State Park
Patrol.
Mr. Carr was active in many Masonic organizations and was Past Master of Cattaraugus Lodge 239,
F&AM, and Great Valley Lodge 1178; high priest of Salamanca Chapter 266, Royal Arch Masons, and
Bolivar Chapter 280; and member and commander of Salamanca Commandery 52, Knights Templar,
and Dunkirk Commandery 40. He also held an honorary membership in Priory 46, Knights of the York Cross of Honor.
Mr. Carr served on the Randolph Central School Board for 11 years, representing Red House, and served one term as vice
president. He was a longtime board member of the Randolph Area Midget Football Association, serving as president for a number of
years, and was a member of the Cattaraugus County Fair Board; Allegany State Park Historical Society; Randolph Post 181,
American Legion; was a 20-year supporter of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre in Jamestown.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, the former Joyce Williams; three sons, Carey, Jay and Curtis; two daughters, Leslie Keyes
and Andrea; and a brother, David.
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/LittleValley1879Bios/LittleValley1879Hist.htm
JOHN MANLEY.
It has been our aim to give in the military chapter of this history, an
authentic and reasonably full account of the part taken by Cattaraugus
County and her soldiers in the suppression of the Southern rebellion. But
no such account can be anything like complete if omitting particular mention
of the part taken by John Manley, of Little Valley, who, though not a
member of the Union army, rendered constant, indefatigable, and
invaluable services to the cause, as is attested by a multitude of surviving
officers and soldiers who were in the service.
Having received an appointment as clerk in the Interior Department, at
Washington, he was present in that city when the fall of Fort Sumter was
announced. A company was that day organized in the Department, in
which he was one of the first volunteers; and he served for the defense of
the national capital during all the exigencies of 1861 and 1862. For nearly a
year he was the only representative of this county in Washington. He
witnessed the arrival of the first troops in that city; and as those from this
county arrived was called upon to aid them in various ways, which service
was always cheerfully rendered.
In the history of the 37th Regiment is mentioned the letter written by Mr.
(afterwards General) P.H. Jones, May 10, 1861, asking Mr. Manley, as the
only representative of Cattaraugus in Washington, for information and
assistance towards the raising of the first companies in the county. This
was among the first of the thousands of applications (written and personal)
which were made to him during the war, by officers and soldiers, for
assistance in a multitude of forms, pecuniary and otherwise. The best
testimony to these facts, and to the manner in which such applications were invariably responded to, is furnished by some of the
letters received by him upon those matters, and of which he has more than four thousand now in his possession. From among these
the following is given, as showing with what entire freedom – without fear of betrayal – he was made the medium of
communication. It is from the letter of a subaltern complaining of the foisting of a stranger as major upon his regiment.
“Furthermore, you must be the hearer of all our woes and regimental troubles. Under military regime, there is no one else to whom
we can relate the story of our wrongs as to you!” Hundreds of letters asking aid came from privates; numberless ones from line and
field officers; many from soldiers’ relatives at home. From the suggestions contained in these letters, many abuses were quietly
corrected; while the confidences of all were ever held sacred. A paymaster neglecting to pay soldiers (of a regiment to him
assigned) in hospitals for six months, on the complaint, in a soldier’s letter, to Mr. Manley, was ordered by Secretary Stanton to pay
them on the following day; and that paymaster did so pay them!
On the 26th of May, 1862, Hon. Eleazer Harmon, father of Captain L.G. Harmon, of the 37th, communicated the following kindly
notice of Mr. Manley to the Union and Freeman: “Upon a hasty visit to Washington, on the occasion of the recent severe illness of
my son, in the 37th New York, I received so much kind attention and real assistance from Mr. John Manley, of the Interior
11

Department, that I take great pleasure in making a public acknowledgement of my many obligations. Indeed, the soldiers from this
vicinity, and their friends, will never know how much they owe this gentleman. He is perfectly indefatigable in his efforts to search
out and relieve the sick and dying, and in gathering information to send to their friends…
“The whole community is under obligations to this gentleman; and I for one, am happy to bear testimony to his untiring efforts.”
The late Hon. James Parker, editor of the Chautauqua Democrat, on the 21st of May, 1862, mentioned him as follows: “John
Manley. – I cannot resist the temptation to give the name of this gentleman, a clerk in the Interior Department, a conspicuous notice
in these columns. His labors for the soldiers have been untiring and unremitting. He has spent a week at a time among the camps,
aiding in correspondence and assisting in the transmission home of their pay. He posted himself early in the intricacies of the War
Department, forming the acquaintance of the officers there. He holds the charm, somehow, that easily cuts the ‘red-tape’ that
puzzles others; by which means he has been enable to send many a sick soldier, waiting for his discharge and pay, speedily on his
way rejoicing, and blessing such a friend. For all these labors, so important to the soldier, he has refused all remuneration. Some
soldiers of the 9th New York Cavalry, however, presented him a beautiful Wesson rifle, a silver shield upon the stock bearing the
inscription; ‘To John Manley, by his friends,’ followed by the names of twenty-one soldiers who presented it.”
At Gettysburg a large number of the 154th were captured; the men were sent to Belle Isle, and the officers to Libby prison. From
that prison, 10th December, 1863, Captain B.G. Casler wrote Mr. Manley: “Your box of clothing and groceries to us was received,
and all in good order. It makes our condition much more comfortable. We are very much obliged to you, and we hope it will not be
long before we can meet you in Washington and repay your trouble. Our health is good.”
John A. Hall, Esq., now editor of the Jamestown Journal, writing form Washington to the Democrat, April 8, 1864: “In your paper of
the 1st inst., I noticed the mention of the presentation from the 64th New York Volunteers to John Manley and lady… There are
many of you readers who know and have reason to remember with gratitude the recipient of the valuable and appropriate
testimonial * of the gallant 64th. Mr. Manley (or the judge, as he is known here) went to Washington before the rebellion was fairly
inaugurated, and has been from that time one of the most constant, faithful, and efficient friends the Union soldiers have had
anywhere . . . A man of magnificent presence, it is generally understood that his countenance is as good as a pass from Secretary
Stanton. Every door opens, and every sentinel stands aside, at his approach.”
*The testimonial consisted of a gold watch and silver plate. Upon the tea service was the monogram of the 64th, and on each piece
was engraved the name of a battle in which it had fought, - “Fair Oaks,” “Glendale,” “Antietam,” etc. Speeches were made by Lieut.
Trevitt, Mr. Manley, Gov. Fenton, N.F. Strong, the distinguished Seneca chief, and others. Mr. Manley certainly was held in high
esteem in that regiment. Capt. Crowley, writing to Lieut. Trevitt on the occasion mentioned, said, “Inclosed I send you the original
subscription to the Manley testimonial. If I did not think it was now too late I would try and write something neat and complimentary
to the honorable John and his lady; but, as it is, the tribute which the inclosed brings from the best hearts of a brave regiment to him,
will be enough without the humble regards and great good-will of his and your friend, R. R. Crowley.”
The gallant and beloved Col. Bingham, of the 64th Regiment, died at Le Roy, NY, in Jul 1864, from disease induced by wounds and
hardships endured in the service. Mr. Manley exerted himself to procure a final settlement of this officer’s accounts at Washington,
and transmitted the amount due to the colonel’s sister, Miss Bingham, who on that occasion (4 Feb 1865) wrote Mr. Manley as
follows: “Yours with draft received. I feel under many obligations to you for all your trouble. I heard that you were in Ellicottville, but
not till after you were gone. I told my friends there that I would like to see you, and thank you for your many kindnesses to my
precious brother and myself. May God bless you and yours!”
In September, 1872, the Albany Evening Journal, in mentioning the nomination of Mr. Manley for member of Assembly, spoke of
him in these words:
“Mr. Manley will have the satisfaction of triumphing over the combined opposition. He is well known through the district, and is a
man of conceded ability and much popularity, especially among the ‘boys who wore the blue.’ His services in their behalf during the
Rebellion will never by forgotten. Never did a sick of wounded soldier apply in vain to him for aid, and he has a warm place in many
soldier’s heart.”
Seeing the foregoing, Major Storrow, who was surgeon at Fort Washington, Md., in 1861-62, with Companies H and I, of the 37th
Regiment, and U.S. Regulars, wrote as follows:
“Fort Ontario, Oswego, N.Y., Sept. 26, 1872.
“Dear Manley, - No one better than myself can testify to the justice and truth of the above sentences. I do not know who you are for
as President, or anything of that sort, but I join my cordial indorsement of this tribute to your services to our braves, and to your
qualities as a man and friend. Your old-time friend,
“S. A. Storrow, Surgeon U.S. Army.”
Mr. Manley early joined with other in organizing the “New York Soldiers’ Relief Association,” in Washington, which did a large
amount of work, and he was secretary and on its executive committee during the war. He also during the war continued a weekly
correspondence with the press of this county, giving full news of the Cattaraugus troops. These letters were deemed at the time of
general interest.
Hon. Wm. Samuel Johnson, in a friendly note to Mr. Manley, Aug. 20, 1861 said, “I thank you very much for even thinking of me,
busy as you must be in your position and in the care of the ‘Cattaraugus boys.’ At present we have much solicitude lest the rebels
make a violent onslaught upon you. I read with much interest your weekly communications to the Cattaraugus Freeman. That of last
week interested us particularly, as it informed us of the release of ‘Our Boys’ from their associates of the 37th. It was an awful
blunder which placed our boys in that regiment. My regards to Capts. Harmon and Clarke, and Lieuts. Baillet, Trevitt, and Jones. I
could name a quarter of Harmon’s company. I often think of Billy Bird, Sam Woodward, and By. Johnston in particular.”
In March, 1865, Mr. Manley was appointed military secretary, with rank of colonel, on the staff of Governor Fenton, and on the 1st
September was detailed as military State agent in New York City, where he remained until the closing of the soldiers’ depot in May
12

following, when he resigned, receiving the written thanks of the Governor for the ability and fidelity with which he had performed his
duties.
John Manley is of Puritan stock, his ancestors on both the paternal and maternal side having crossed the ocean in the colonial
days and settled in Plymouth County, MA. He was born in Norridgewock, ME, 26 May 1824. For some years he resided in Augusta,
ME, where he was married, 24 Jun 1847, to Elizabeth, daughter of Arno Bittues (a native of Bordeaux, France, who came to
America, and was adopted by Governor Gilman, of Exeter, NH). The children of this marriage are three: Annie Stevens and Laura
Bittues, both born in Augusta (the latter married to Samuel Dunham), and John, born at Little Valley, Aug 1866. In Oct 1851, soon
after the opening of the New York and Erie Railroad, Mr. Manley came to Little Valley.
He has taken an active part in the enterprises of the village and county. He was trustee of his school district three years, planned
and aided in building the village school-house, one of the best in the county. When he resigned the position of military secretary to
the Governor, in 1866, he bought the large “Howe farm,” laid out the village of Little Valley beyond its then small proportions, and
used his energies to the building up and beautifying of the village. Col. Robert H. Shankland, the veteran and accomplished editor of
the Ellicottville Union, though a personal friend for years, gravely charged Manley with the act of “stealing the old county-seat and
tugging it over Fish Hill in his carpet-bag.” In 1866 he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors (with L. S. Jenks and F. L.
Stowell) one of the commissioners, and by his associates was made superintendent, of the construction of the court-house and jail
at Little Valley, 1867-68. Toward the expenses of erecting those buildings he gave largely, and also gave the land (five acres) on
which they are located.
In July, 1864, he (being then a clerk in the Interior Department) was appointed by the secretary of the interior as special agent for
the New York Indians, and he visited all the tribes in this State, paid the annuities, addressed the Indians in regard to their Kansas
land difficulties, schools, and agricultural interests. He was complimented on his return by the Indian Bureau, and his addresses
and reports were published in full in the annual report. He resigned his position in the Interior Department 1st of April, 1865, having
served four eventful years with fidelity, and bearing the honorable testimonials of chiefs.
His appointment by President Grant as commissioner (with Messrs. Scattergood and Shanklin) to locate and lay out villages in the
Allegany Reservation, under the law of Congress of Feb. 19, 1875, has already been noticed in the history of that reservation.
Having lived in this county twenty-five years, and being fully conversant with the subject, he used his influence to make the villages
large to accommodate the growth of business and white population, and to open it to a proper taxation. In this direction his labors
were successful, and the citizens were very generally gratified with his efforts.
Mr. Manley was seven times elected supervisor of Little Valley, - 1860, 1867, 1870-1874, being commissioner and superintendent of
the construction of the court-house, resigned the office in 1867. In 1873 and 1874, he was a member of the Assembly of New York,
elected on the Republican ticket, serving on the committees on internal affairs, claims, printing, military, charitable and religious
societies. He served his constituents faithfully and honestly while in the Legislature, and left it with an unblemished record.
In 1856 to 1860 he was secretary, and in 1870 and 1871 president, of the Cattaraugus County Agricultural Society, and in 1873 was
a member of the executive committee of the New York State Agricultural Society.
------
http://www.davidansley.com/family/familygroup.php?familyID=F1690&tree=ourfamily
Hudson Ansley b. 15 Jan 1838 Collins, Erie, NY; d. 29 Mar 1926, Salamanca,
Cattaraugus, NY; bur. Wildwood Cemetery, Salamanca, Cattaraugus, NY; son of Hudson
Ansley and Maria Heaton; m. 4 Nov 1863, Gowanda, Cattaraugus, NY, Elzina Jane
Hanford, b. 30 Mar 1839 Gowanda, NY; d, 23 Aug 1919, Salamanca, NY. Removed from
Gowanda to Salamanca ca 1864; Occupation; Attorney; Town Supervisor, 1866 and
1868. Served as attorney for the Seneca Indian Nation. Postmaster 1893-97.
The Salamanca Telegraph & Telephone Co. built one of the first Independent telephone
exchanges in New York state. The company was organized by Hudson Ansley, who was
its first president. Charles Gibson, Dr. E. Bolard and other citizens of Salamanca, about
Sep 1899.
Child:
George Hanford Ansley, b. 14 Dec 1875, Salamanca, NY; d. there 20 Sep 1961; m.
Charlotte Estelle Fish 18 Oct 1906
------
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sponholz/obits1917.html
From the February, 1917 Issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
CHARLES W. EVERTS - On 23 Jan (1917), Charles W. Everts, a veteran passenger conductor of the
Meadville division, died at Salamanca, NY. Mr. Everts was probably the best-known conductor in
service on the Ohio division, his activity, even beyond the pale of daily duty, bringing him strongly into
the limelight. Deceased, happily, was possessed of a sunny nature and kindly disposition. His contact
with the traveling public was one continuous round of merry greetings and this made him extremely
popular along the line.
Mr. Everts was taken ill on January 15, while in charge of train No. 6 from Cleveland, being relieved at
Meadville; later he was taken to Salamanca, N.Y. and from a hotel sent to a hospital. His condition
became so grave that Mrs. Everts was sent for. It was apparent then that pneumonia had developed,
13

and its gravity was such that the sufferer gradually sank until death occurred.
Mr. Everts was born in Cuba, NY, 16 Dec 1848, and entered the service of the old A.&G.W. as freight conductor in November, 1872.
He was promoted to passenger conductor in December, 1878. At the time of his death he ran trains 5 and 6 between Cleveland and
Salamanca. He was an enthusiastic worker for the Erie Employees Relief Association, of which he had long been identified and was
its president and one of its founders.
Fraternally he was a member of Cattaraugus Lodge, 239, F&AM, Salamanca and Royal Arch Masons, Commandery and Shrine.
Funeral services were conducted at Masonic Temple, Salamanca. A widow, married daughter and two sisters survive.
-----
Ibid. from the July, 1912 Issue:
ALFRED RICHMIRE - Salamanca, NY, has lost another good citizen, in the death of Alfred Richmire, an old shop employee, who
had resided there for 43 years. He entered the shops of the Atlantic & Great Western at Randolph, NY, and came to Salamanca
when the shops were removed to that place in 1869. For 43 years he was foreman of these shops. He was a member of
Cattaraugus Lodge, 239, F&AM, Salamanca Chapter, 266 R.A.M., and Salamanca Commandery, 62, K.T.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/salamanca.htm
Henry O. Wait was born 19 Sep1841, in Owego, Tioga, NY. He is one of a family
of six; four girls, and the elder of two boys, a son of Christian Wait (of Quaker
descent), who was born, 4 Feb1801, in Schoharie Co., NY, from whence he
emigrated, when a boy, with his parents, and is one of the pioneers of Wait's
Settlement, where he now resides, south of the Susquehanna River.
Where Owego now stands was at that time a wilderness, and they were obliged to
cut a road six mile, through the forest to the place where the old homestead now
stands, and where in 1830, he married Miss Rachel Briggs. She died 16 Jan 1868.
Henry O. Wait was educated at a district school, and was by occupation a farmer
until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, 28 Apr 1861, and was
assigned to the 26th Regiment, New York State Volunteers, for two years. He
served with distinction in the Army of the Potomac, First Army Corp., under Major
General I. McDowell, and was engaged in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Second
Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam, where he was severely wounded, and, for
gallant conduct, was promoted to captain on the field. He was laid up with his
wounded limb for several months in Queen Street Hospital, Alexandria, VA. His
regiment was mustered out of the service at the expiration of two years. He again
enlisted for during the war, receiving a Major's commission from President Lincoln,
and was assigned to the Army of the Southwest, under Gen. Sherman, whom he
joined at Chattanooga, where he was engaged in the battle of Lookout Mountain,
24 Nov 1863; after which he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and was with
Sherman's army in their "march to the sea" and until the surrender of Gen. Lee; was again mustered out of the service by reason of
the closing of the war.
He then turned his attention to railroading. He came to Salamanca, NY, where he was for thirteen years employed in the ticket
department by the Erie and Atlantic and Great Western Railroads [as of 1879]; has always taken an active part in politics, and has
always been a Republican. He was elected supervisor of the town of Salamanca for three successive terms, 1873, 1874, 1875, by
complimentary vote. He was elected to the office of treasurer of Cattaraugus County, by an overwhelming majority, in 1878. He is a
member of all the orders of Free Masonry; Master Mason, Royal Arch, Council, Knight Templar, and all the degrees up to and
including the thirty-second, and has held many responsible positions in the several bodies. He was married, 6 May 1874, to Miss
Bell Kirkpatrick, only child of David and Josie Kirkpatrick, of Attica, NY.
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/TownSalBio.html
Col. Henry O. WAIT, son of Christian and Rachel (BRIGGS) WAIT, was born in Owego, NY, 19 Sep 1840. His father was an
extensive lumberman on the Susquehanna river and rafted his products of long shingles and staves to Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
Later he was a farmer. He was a native of Half Moon, NY, and went to Owego with his father and family, who located an extensive
tract of wild land and gave each of his five sons a farm in the neighborhood of WAIT's Settlement, a hamlet so named in their honor.
Mrs. WAIT died 16 Jan 1868. Mr. WAIT died 15 Jun 1883, aged 82. Henry O. WAIT enlisted 28 Apr 1861, in Co. K, 26th N. Y. Vols.,
and served with distinction to the close of his term of enlistment. He immediately re-entered the U. S. service and served until he
was again mustered out at the close of the war. He was promoted to colonel, was present at the first and second battles of Bull Run,
Antietam, Cedar Mountain, and several others, and was with General Sherman in his march to the sea. In the fall of 1865 he came
to Salamanca and was in the ticket department of the Erie and Atlantic & Great Western railroads about eighteen years. Colonel
WAIT was supervisor of Salamanca in 1873-75, and was elected treasurer of Cattaraugus county in the fall of 1878 and has since
continuously held that position. At the organization of the First National Bank of Salamanca, May 15, 1880, he was elected vicepresident
and in Jan 1881 was chosen president. Mr. WAIT is a member of the G. A. R. and of all the Masonic organizations to
Knight Templar, including the 32d degree. 6 May 1864, he married Belle, only child of David KIRKPATRICK, of Cuba, NY, a lady of
great executive ability and a talented musician.
14

Olean Lodge No. 252, Olean, New York
WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated 6 Jun 1863.
The name or number has never been changed.
MINUTES: Intact.
Olean Lodge was organized during the early part of 1852. On 24 Feb a petition was prepared asking for a dispensation and signed
by the following:
Frederick S. Martin.
Thomas Lockwood.
Waldo A. Blossom.
David McCormick.
Emory Wood.
R. L. Page.
John Barse.
James Brooks.
David Bockes.
David Bennie.
H. T. Leighton.
Willis M. Howe.
David Day.
E. B. Andrews.
John Conrad.
James L. Savage.
W. Wood.
The name first selected by the petitioners was "Olean Olive Branch." The petition was sent to the Grand Secretary on March 8,
1852, and it appears from the following letter that the Grand Master objected to the name selected.
"OLEAN, CATTARAUGUS Co., N. Y.
"March 15, 1852.
"DEAR SIR: Yours of the 11th inst. is at hand, and on conferring with the committee and a number of other petitioners for our Lodge I
am instructed to present for the consideration of the Grand Master the name Olean instead of Olean Olive Branch, as presented in
our petition. Should the name be acceptable to the Grand Master, you will please erase from our petition the words 'Olive Branch,'
thus leaving it Olean Lodge.
"I am, sir, fraternally,
"Your obedient servant,
"DAVID DAY,
"Chairman of Committee for Petitioners."
"J. W. POWELL, M.D.,
"Grand Secretary."
The petition names as officers:
ANDREW MEAD, Master,
DAVID BOCKES, Senior Warden.
JAMES BROOKS, Junior Warden,
and was recommended by Allegany Lodge, No. 225, of Friendship, NY.
The Lodge worked under the dispensation which was issued 20 Mar 1852, until the warrant was issued 5 Jun 1852, which named
the same officers as were named in the dispensation. The first meeting under the warrant was held 12 Aug 1852, when the Lodge
was publicly constituted and the officers installed in the Baptist Church by Wor.'. JEREMIAH HATCH, JR., Master of Allegany Lodge,
No. 225.
The officers installed were:
ANDREW MEAD, Master.
DAVID BOCKES, Senior Warden.
EDWIN B. ANDREWS, Junior Warden.
AARON I. ALLEN, Treasurer.
DAVID DAY, Secretary.
JAMES L. SAVAGE, Senior Deacon.
L. C. HATHAWAY, Junior Deacon.
JOHN BARSE, Steward
DAVID BENNIE, Steward
JULIUS R. SMITH, Tiler.
The Lodge thrived, but owing to the limited supply of material to be found in such a rural location did not rapidly increase in
membership, however this did not discourage these sturdy Masons. The first misfortune encountered by the Lodge was the loss of
most of its property by fire, including its warrant, on 21 Nov 1857. A dispensation was obtained on 28 Nov, from the Grand Master,
John L. Lewis, Jr., permitting the Lodge to continue working until the next session of the Grand Lodge, and on June 4, 1858, a new
warrant was ordered by the Grand Lodge. For some time after this fire the Lodge met in David Bennie's bedroom in the Merritt
warehouse, he taking his bed down on meeting nights to make room for the members. The Lodge afterward obtained quarters in a
building on the corner of Union and Laurens streets. In 1862 the Lodge for the second time met with loss by fire, which again
destroyed its warrant. On 21 Aug 1862, the Grand Master issued a dispensation permitting the Lodge to continue working until the
next session of the Grand Lodge, and on June 4, 1863, a third warrant was granted by the Grand Lodge; this warrant is the one
under which the Lodge is now working. The next place of meeting was in the upper part of the building occupied by C. V. B. Barse &
Co., where it remained until the completion of the Masonic Temple in 1893. The corner-stone of this building was laid by M.'. W.'.
JOHN W. VROOMAN, Past Grand Master, 27 Sep 1892, and was dedicated by M.'. W.'. FREDERICK A. BURNHAM, Grand Master, 10
Nov 1893. The Lodge participated in these ceremonies and also in the laying of the corner-stone of the Olean Public Library, which
was laid by M.'. W.'. S. NELSON SAWYER, Grand Master, 3 Jul 1909.
On 14 Oct 1902, the Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in a fitting manner; the principal feature being an address by R.'. W.'.
SLOANE. In closing be said:
15

"Loyalty and patriotism are crystallized in the principles of our Fraternity, 'and when the Mason puts them into use, especially if
his country calls him to duly, his name and fame rests on a more solid foundation. We never can forgot that the immortal
Washington was a Mason, and was held in high veneration by his Brethren because of his exalted character and noble manhood:
and yet, but for his duty to the cause of American independence, the name of Washington would have long since been forgotten.
Very few know that Joseph Warren was Grand Master of Massachusetts when he fell a martyr to freedom's cause at Bunker Hill;
and yet the name of General Warren has a prominent place in the temple of fame. Who remembers that Paul Revere was a Grand
Master of Massachusetts? and yet the midnight rider and patriot, the Philip Sheridan of the Revolution, will never he forgotten. And
so I might go on, and on, and on through the roll of honor of our country's bravest men down to the present time. When Brother
William McKinley fell a victim to the assassin's bullet, there died a man who was the embodiment of all the virtues which adorn and
beautify the human character, loyalty and patriotism were the foundation of his civic success. My Brethren, it is a good thing for us
on suitable occasions to recall the memories of the past, to recount the glorious deeds done by our Brethren and by recounting
them, to catch again the spirit of liberty and freedom, the spirit which will make us true Americans, true to ourselves and true to our
God.
"Let us, then, as Masons and citizens of this favored land, ever remember that the Great Creator has endowed us with a glorious
heritage, and that every thought, word and act of our lives should be in accordance with the sublime principles of our noble
Fraternity."
At the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple this Brother also delivered an address on the "Masonic History of Olean." In
introducing his subject, he said: "On 22 Jan 1817, thirteen years after the first white settler trod the primeval forests which abounded
in this region, Hamilton Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was duly chartered. From inquiries made I believe there is no member
of that Lodge alive today. The Lodge ceased to exist during the Anti-Masonic excitement; its lights were extinguished and the sacred
volume upon its altar was closed forever. The records, furniture and jewels were preserved and became the property of Olean
Lodge, but unfortunately were destroyed by fire some thirty years ago."
The Lodge referred to by the speaker was Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, warranted 22 Jun 1817. The petition for this Lodge, which is
on file in the office of the Grand Secretary, is without date, and is signed by the following:
Jonathan Griffin,
Norman Hooker.
Silas Knight.
Thomas Haskell.
Luke Goodspeed.
James Wright.
Alexander Adams.
Israel Curtis.
Charles S. Hunt.
The petition named as officers:
ISRAEL CURTIS, Master.
ALEXANDER ADAMS, Senior Warden.
SILAS WRIGHT, Junior Warden.
It was recommended by Angelica Lodge, No. 167 (now extinct).
The last returns of Hamilton Lodge on file are dated 27 Dec 1827. The officers at that time were:
AMOS R. ORTON, Master.
ANDREW MEAD, Senior Warden.
JAMES BROOKS, Junior Warden.
HENRY BRYAN, Treasurer.
NATHANIEL GOODSPEED, Secretary.
This return contains the names of thirty-seven members; among the members at that time were the following six who were
petitioners for Olean Lodge:
Thomas Lockwood. Henry T. Leighton. James Brooks.
David Bockes. Emory Wood. Wheelock Wood.
David Bockes was Master of the Lodge in 1825.
The warrant of the Lodge was declared forfeited by the Grand Lodge 4 Jun 1835, and no attempt appears to have been made to
revive it or organize its successor until the advent of Olean Lodge in 1852. The first meeting of the new Lodge under the
dispensation was held April 1, and the records of this meeting state that the By-Laws of the old Lodge were adopted as the By-Laws
of the new Lodge.
On 24 Apr 1889, the Lodge held "Jubilee" services in celebration of the payment of the Great Debt. On this occasion addresses
were delivered by Rev. Bro. W. W. Rafter and Rev. J. W. Ashton, D.D.
MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE.
Frank W. Higgins, Governor.
Frederick S. Martin, Congressman.
Frederick W. Kruse, Judge, Supreme
Court.
N. V. V. Franchot, Superintendent of Public Works.
Elisha M. Johnson, Assemblyman.
James H. Waring, Mayor.
G. H. Strong, Mayor.
Francis Wayland HIGGINS, the 38th Governor of New York, was born in Rushford, NY, on 18 Aug 1856. His
education was attained at Rushford Academy, and at the Riverview Military Academy, where he graduated in
1873. Before establishing his political career, he worked in the oil industry in Chicago and Denver, and
eventually became involved in the family's grocery business. Higgins first entered politics in 1894, serving as a
16

member of the New York State Senate, a position he held eight years. He also served as the lieutenant governor of New York from
1903 to 1905. Higgins next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on 8 Nov
1904. During his tenure, state election laws were improved; state expenditures were controlled; and insurance legislation was
revised. After completing his term, Higgins retired from political life. Governor Frank W. Higgins passed away on 15 Feb 1907, and
was buried in the Mt. View Cemetery in Olean, New York.
Published: November 13, 1904 - Copyright © The New York Times
17

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
L. F. More, District Deputy Grand Master. John Sloane. District Deputy Grand Master.
Edward M. Tothill. District Deputy Grand Master.
MASTERS.
1852. Andrew Mead.
1853. Russell Martin.
1854. David Day.
1855. Richard King.
1856. Hamilton D. Bennie.
1857. Chauncey H. Titus.
1858. Hamilton D. Bennie.
1859. Hamilton D. Bennie.
1860. Nathan P. Wilcox.
1861. George W. Norton.
1862. Nathan P. Wilcox.
1863. George W. Norton.
1864. George W. Norton.
1865. George W. Norton.
1866. George W. Norton.
1867. James T. Henry.
1868. Frank L. Stowell.
1869. John S. Shaw.
1870. Milton B. Fobes.
1871. Hugh Morton.
1872. Hugh Morton.
1873. Eugene A. Homer.
1874. Eugene A. Homer.
1875. Clarence H. Emerson.
1876. Clarence H. Emerson.
1877. L. F. More.
1878. L. F. More.
1879. Martin Southeron.
1880. Martin Southeron.
1881. John L. Eddy.
1882. John L. Eddy.
1883. Caleb S. Hanks.
1884. John A. Taylor.
1885. Calvin S. Stowell.
1886. John L. Eddy.
1887. William V. Smith.
1888. William L. Myrick.
1889. John Sloane.
1890. John Sloane.
1891. James A. Barhydt.
1892. Arthur J. Corwin.
1893. Eugene R. Russell.
1894. Loren H. Brooks.
1895. Irving E. Worden.
1896. Charles P. Burley, Jr.
1897. Fred M. Hills.
1898. John A. Brendell.
1899. John A. Brendell.
1900. John Sloane.
1901. Marvin M. Hamilton.
1902. Edward M. Tothill.
1903. Edmund H. Austin.
1904. Edmund H. Austin.
1905. William S. Sleele.
1906. Dana L. Jewell.
1907. Byron J. Both.
1908. Melvin P. Derby.
1909. Blanchard E. Hamilton.
1910. Lemuel A. Woodard.
1911. Willis Z. Georgia.
18

1855 Masonic Register
OLE AN LODGE, NO. 252. Olean, Cattaraugus Co. Meets every alternate Thursday in each month. Date of Charter, 5 Jun 1852.
Officers:
Richard King Master
Horatio Edson Treas
Noah K. Sikes Steward
Hamilton D. Bennie SW
Hiram N. Crandall SD
Julius R. Smith Tyler
William. A. Comstock JW
Levi S. Enos JD
Henry Johnson Secy
Fred. S. Crocker Steward
Members:
Charles Aldrich
Claudius V. B. Barse,
John Barse,
William Bedford
David Bennie
Oliver G. Bigelow,
Geost Blount,
David Bockes
Charles S. Carey,
John Clark
John K. Comstock,
John Conrad
David Day
Elkanah Day
Samuel Easty,
E. John Fobes,
A. J. Hart,
H. H. Hayden
Samuel R. Homer
Thomas H. John,
Milton Knight,
Marsena Landon
Thomas Lockwood
John Madden,
Franklin Manuel,
Frederick S. Martin
Russell Martin,
David McCormick
Andrew Mead
Levi N. Moore,
Joseph Morse
Calvin C. Moses.
A. A. Nelson
George W. Reed,
Paul Reed,
Robert H. Renwick,
Charles Ripley,
Joseph L. Savage
H. S. Shuler,
R. B. Stone,
William Thurber,
Chauncey H. Titus,
Thomas R. Wilcox,
C. W. Williams
Emery Wood
Olean Chapter, Royal Arch Mason, U. D., Olean, Cattaraugus Co. - Dispensation issued, 26 Feb; renewed, 11 Oct 1854.
Russell Martin, High Priest; David Day, King; Chester McClure, Scribe.
Members (Companions):
George J. Adams,
John J. Aikin.
Moses Beecher,
Hamilton D. Bennie,
David Bockes,
Staley N. Clarke,
William A. Comstock,
John Conrad,
Daniel Dickinson,
Horatio Edson,
E. John Fobes,
Anson Gibbs,
Stephen Hardy,
Levi E. Hathaway,
Samuel P. Homer,
Richard King,
Milton Knight,
Frederick S. Martin,
Eli B. Nichols,
John Palmer,
F. D. Perry,
Robert H. Renwick,
Joseph L. Savage,
Julius R. Smith,
Samuel S. Stiles,
Chauncey H. Titus,
Lewis Woodward,
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/Oleander.html
FRANK L. BARTLETT, Born December 25, 1858; Died December 6, 1922
IN MEMORIUM
Frank L. Bartlett, president of the Exchange National bank of Olean died Tuesday
morning, December 6, at 2:30 o'clock at the Hotel Biltmore, New York city. Death
was due to cholemia and uremia. With him at the time of his death were his wife
and daughter, Nancy, and M. M. Holmes, cashier of the bank. Mr. Bartlett had been
in ill health for the past four or five months, his illness becoming serious and later
critical only recently.
In his death Olean has lost one of its most powerful men, both as a citizen and as a
financier. His various activities during life indicated that he found happiness in
providing pleasure for others. As a banker he was know throughout the state,
principally on his reputation in banking circles.
His loss was a heavy blow to the community and undoubtedly will continue to be
felt for years to come. He had always been an optimistic advocate of the city's
advancement and believed implicitly in the future prosperity, aiding liberally with his
person al influence and resources, every worthy enterprise having for its object the
building up and stability of the community.
Frank Laverne Bartlett, youngest son of Ebenezer Bartlett was born 25 Dec 1858
near Belfast, NY. He was educated in the public schools and grew up on the farm.
In 1879 he took a position as clerk in the First National bank of Cuba and on 14 Jun
1880 came to Olean, where he held a similar position in the Exchange National bank. In five years he worked his way through
successful promotions to the position of cashier, being elected to that office, 21 Nov 1885. He had found his true vocation and had
so established his value as a financier upon his associates that on 9 Jan 1895 he was elected president of the bank and continued
in that position until the time of his death.
He was made an honorary member of the Veteran's Association, Buffalo Division, Pennsylvania Railroad system, at a meeting held
on 10 Sep 1921, at Rock City. That honor was conferred upon him in recognition of the great value of his services. Through his
deep interest in the local plant of the Pennsylvania Railroad company he was instrumental securing for that company additional
property in Olean which led later to enlarging the shops. He took a similar interest in the activities of the Vacuum Oil company, Clark
Brothers and many other industries in the city.
19

Two of Mr. Bartlett's economic hobbies were the development of the Hamilton Country club and the Higgins Memorial hospital.
Through his untiring efforts he brought about the existence and maintenance of the club and aided in making the hospital one of the
most modern. He was president of both the country club and the hospital. He also took a great interest in the Randolph Home at
Randolph, NY, and had been chairman of the endowment fund committee for a number of years. Mr. Bartlett was a director of the
old Olean Board of trade and since the formation of the Chamber of Commerce had been active in that organization. He was a
member of the Olean flood abatement commission and his efforts aided greatly in bringing the miles of dyking in Olean to
realization. Up until last year Mr. Bartlett was president of the Bankers' Association of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and was
instrumental in its organization. Last year he declined to accept the presidency.
As previously said Mr. Bartlett was well known in banking circles throughout the state, but he was prominently known in both New
York City and Buffalo. He was a member of the Bankers' Club in the metropolis, and on his frequent trips to New York dined with
prominent bankers of that city. Nearly every year Mr. Bartlett would leave in the spring with his family for Lakewood, NJ, where he
sojourned and realized his recreation in golf. He was also frequently seen on the links at the Hamilton County club.
At the bank Mr. Bartlett was infallible. He arrived at the office early and as a rule stayed long after the institution closed. He was
known as a man who was quick to make a decision and usually his interviews were brief as a result of this characteristic. He was
literally wrapped up in his life's work and although he often said that he would retire he kept on, until his recent illness compelled him
to spend many days in confinement.
He was prominently identified during the World War with the Liberty loan campaigns in Cattaraugus county and gave considerable
of his time to put them "over the top." In politics he was a Democrat, although he was not a politician and never allowed his name to
be presented for public office. He always made a study of the candidates, both state and national, also of the party platforms. At one
time he was asked to become a candidate for the office of mayor of Olean and although it seemed his election would be certain he
emphatically declined to enter the race. He loathed ostentatious publicity and as a result many of his benefactions were unknown
except in some instances to his most intimate friends. Needless to say many of these benefactions will continue unknown to the
general public of Olean.
Under Mr. Bartlett's alert and wise management, the Exchange National bank has had a most successful history. Now handsomely
located in one of Olean's most imposing and attractive buildings, with a capital of $1,500,000, it challenges comparison with any
bank in the United States or situated in a similar locality. Mr. Bartlett was instrumental in bringing the addition to the bank and the
adding of five stories to the building, together with the construction of the buildings now occupied by the Olean Electric Light &
Power Company and the Derby-McCarthy company. Mr. Bartlett was a director of the Olean Housing corporation and the Park
Improvement association.
He was a member of Olean Lodge, No. 252, F&AM, St. John's Commandery, No 24, Knights of Templar, Ishmailia Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, Buffalo; Olean Lodge No. 471 I.O.O.F., City Club. Mr. Bartlett was a member of the congregation of the First
Presbyterian church and contributed a large amount toward the erection of the new church edifice.
A SECOND MEMORIAL SERVICE
Further tributes to the memory of Frank L. Bartlett were paid at a second memorial service held in the Presbyterian Church on the
evening of Friday, 9 Jun 1923, at which every profession and walk of life was represented. The Rev. William Bishop Gates, pastor of
the church, presided and introduced the speakers. Dr. Boothe C. Davis, President of Alfred University, of which Mr. Bartlett was a
fellow trustee, read a memorial prepared by former Justice Edward W. Hatch of Friendship, NY, also a trustee of the University. This
memorial related that Mr. Bartlett was born on Christmas morning, 1858, at the home of his parents, Ebenezer and Corinthia
Bartlett, in the town of Belfast, Allegany county. The father descended from a family distinguished in the annals of New England,
some of the Bartlett ancestors having fought in the war of the Revolution. One of these, Josiah Bartlett, was one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. Like his son the father was born in the town of Belfast in 1824 and died in Nov 1910. He was a farmer
and quite a remarkable man. He conducted a successful business retiring about 1895. Mr. Bartlett's mother, who originated in
Steuben county, came with her family to Belfast in 1839 and was educated in the district schools of Belfast, finishing her education
at what was then the Seminary at Alfred, afterwards becoming part of that notable University. She still survives at the age of 93.
With this sturdy parentage, Mr. Bartlett derived some of the sterling qualities which characterized the days of his manhood.
He was educated in a district school of Allegany county, where he began his studies in 1876. After leaving school he obtained a
position as bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Cuba, serving a year or so without compensation. He early mastered the
elements of banking as applied to the then country bank system and was then appointed by C. V. B. Barse, President of the
Exchange National Bank of Olean, to the position of janitor in the institution.
Judge Hatch noted that to "the end Mr. Bartlett's story reads like a tale from the Arabian Nights," as
after successive promotions from various positions to that of cashier within five years, five years later
he was chosen President of the bank.
Among his other endowments and qualifications he quickly comprehended business propositions and
analyzed almost by intuition any proposal that came to him either in a matter of finance or relating to
general business. He was independent in political and commercial action and, "he walked a highway of
his own and kept the company of his self-respect." He declined political preferment and was content to
remain a private citizen, actuated only by a consuming desire to ameliorate the condition and make
happier the people of his locality and; to build the financial institution of which he was the head as a
bulwark for the needs of the people, in which work he experienced great satisfaction.
His private benefactions are numerous but seldom made public. He founded the Hamilton Country
Club which became his special care and was the scene of his occasional recreations. He was a true
patriot and during the great war did a remarkable service in organizing various forces in the county of
Cattaraugus for the general welfare of the republic and its share in the great conflict.
20

The progress of his life's work was one of upward growth and his courage was not daunted by any obstacles, growing stronger as
the years of his service advanced.
Dr. Davis followed with an earnest tribute of appreciation of Mr. Bartlett's various public activities, especially those incident to the
World War and the various Liberty Loan campaigns and remarking that he was convinced as head of the Alfred University that Mr.
Bartlett revealed in every respect the ideal qualifications for a University trustee and was induced, reluctantly , to accept the place
on the Board of the University. Thereafter he became a dynamic force in the conduct of its affairs and as an illustration, at the
second meeting of the Board he proposed one of the most important and far reaching measures ever put before it. The degree of
Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him in June, 1922.
Mr. Job E. Hedges of New York, who had been a friend of Mr. Bartlett for many years, paid his tribute in a brief address that was
marked by sound philosophy epigrammatically expressed.
FRANK LAVERNE BARTLETT - Born 25 Dec 1858 - Died 6 Dec 1922
The prime mover in the establishment of a hospital in Olean, and President of the Board of Directors of the institution from the time
of its incorporation until his death.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/olean.html
HON. C. V. B. BARSE. (Claudius Van Buren Barse)
Among the truly representative men of Cattaraugus County, few, if any, have
been more intimately associated with the material development of the county than
has Hon. C. V. B. Barse, and none occupy a more prominent position in
commercial circles, deservedly so, than he. His life offers a marvelous example of
what well-directed energy and personal integrity can accomplish, and as such is
worthy the emulation of others.
C. V. B. Barse was born in Manchester, Ontario, NY, 11 Dec 1817. He received
his education at the public schools of his native town, and at the Penn Yan
Academy. His first business occupation was as a clerk in the hardware store of
Morgan & Smith, of Penn Yan, in whose employ he remained about three years.
He subsequently filled a similar position in the store of Wood & Seymour, of
Geneva, and continued in the capacity of a clerk until he attained his majority. He
then left Newark, Wayne, NY, where he was last thus employed, and came to
Franklinville, this county, where he embarked in the general mercantile business
on his own account, remaining in that business venture uninterruptedly until 1851.
As showing the spirit of enterprise he always possessed, we mention the fact that,
while engaged in the hardware business, he thoroughly mastered the tinner's
trade, and became quite an expert mechanic. In 1848 he established a branch
store at Olean, and on the opening of the New York and Erie Railroad, in 1851,
he came himself to this village, and enlarged and otherwise extended his
business.
During his residence at Franklinville he became acquainted with, and, on 7 Sep
1841, married, Miss Mary H. Wade, daughter of Aaron Wade, a prominent and
respectable farmer of that town. This union has been blessed with three children:
Frances L., b. 20 Jun 1844, m. D. C. Lefevre. an extensive leather merchant of
Albany; Mills Wagner, b. 6 Dec 1846; William Claude, b. 11 Mar 1855; the latter of
whom is deceased. His son, Mills W. Barse, is now the cashier and one of the
directors of the Exchange National Bank, and is quite an active business man.
In 1864, Mr. Barse visited Bay City, Mich., and while there saw a favorable
opportunity to establish a hardware store, which he did in connection with H. S.
Morris, now vice-president of the Exchange National Bank, at Olean. They conducted this business with satisfactory success for five
years, during four of which Mills W. Barse represented his father's interest in the store.
In 1868 he received the Republican nomination and was elected to the State Legislature, and served in that position to his personal
credit and to the general satisfaction of his constituents. We quote the subjoined touching his political life, from an article written by
Colonel James T. Henry, who was, perhaps, the most impartial and best informed political writer of the county:
"We never regarded Mr. Barse as a successful politician. He had all the requisite ability to become a conspicuous leader, but,
whether from timidity or an aversion to the ways and modes of politicians, we never clearly understood. We always gave him credit
for an obstinate contempt for the tricks and devious manipulations of the active managers of his party in dealing out political
preferment. His first political office—that of the Loan Commissioner of the county—was conferred upon him by Governor John
Young, in 1847. He was subsequently re-appointed by Governor Hamilton Fish, and thus held this important position for four years.
He discharged his duties faithfully, honestly, and well. Mr. Barse was appointed the first Canal Collector at Olean, in 1857."
"As member of the Assembly, in 1869, he took high rank as an incorruptible legislator, free from every suspicion of jobbery or class
legislation. The two years he was in the Assembly—for he was re-elected—'The Tweed Ring' reigned supreme. All the measures for
robbing the city of New York were perfected and became laws; but Mr. Barse opposed them all. While hundreds of thousands of
21

dollars were prodigally paid to members of the House and Senate for their support given to these plundering enactments, Mr. Barse
voted steadily with the minority against them. He obtained prominence as a conscientious, upright law maker, absolutely free from
taint of corruption or the suspicion of it. During his service in the Legislature he was a member of the committee of ways and means,
and notwithstanding the fact that the House was the second year Democratic, he retained his position on that committee, a very
sure evidence of his fidelity to his duties thereon. After the close of his second term in the Assembly he retired to private life. In 1871
he was nominated by an irregularly-constituted senatorial convention for senator, and declined it; why, we have never been able to
ascertain. Judge Allen D. Scott was nominated by the same convention, and by the same vote given Mr. Barse, and was elected."
Another important enterprise which owes its establishment to Mr. Barse was the organization of the State Bank, in 1870. The bank
began business in the summer of 1870, with a paid-up cash capital of $100,000, of which six-tenths was owned by Mr. Barse and
his son, Mills W. Since that time the bank has been under his personal care and supervision, and has been so soundly and
conservatively managed as to secure the unlimited favor and liberal patronage of the best business element of the country. On the
1st of January, 1878, to accommodate its increasing business, and to conform to the popular desire for a uniform and national
banking system, the capital stock was increased, and the State Bank merged into the Exchange National Bank, of which Mr. Barse
is the president, and his son. Mills W. Barse, is the
cashier and one of the directors.
The general good fortune that has attended Mr. Barse
in most of his business transactions, while bearing on
their ever-successful issue the imprint of good luck,
was not in any way accidental. It was rather the
necessary consequence of untiring industry, good
management of his interests, and. above all, a firm,
uncompromising spirit of personal honor and integrity.
When he began trade, the speculative tendency which
has so conspicuously marked the conduct of
mercantile pursuits in this country of late years was
comparatively unknown. Capital was limited, business
principles few and simple, and the standard of
individual rectitude severer than we find them today.
Hard and persistent labor, diligence, punctuality in
fulfilling engagements, were the prime—we might
almost say the only—factors of success. These Mr.
Barse possesses in a marked degree. From his
embarkation in business to the present his name has
continued a synonym for excellent judgment and fine
business qualifications.
------
http://www.archive.org/stream/bronsonlineage1600sibl/bronsonlineage1600sibl_djvu.txt
Hamilton David Bennie
Alice Elizabeth Brooks Bronson, dau. of Amos and Caroline Peck Bronson, was b. at East Bloomfield, NY, 10 Apr 1837, m. at
Olean, NY, 15 Jun 1864 to Hamilton David Bennie, b. 1830, a retired Hardware and Crockery Merchant, res. Olean, NY. Mrs.
Bennie is a descendant of Rev. David Brooks, who served as a chaplain in the Revolutionary War.
Children:
i. Charles Bronson Bennie b. at Olean, NY. 06 Apr 1865, and was District Freight Solicitor for the Pa. R. R., Rochester, NY.
ii. Alice Hamilton Bennie b. at Olean, NY. 19 Jun 1875, m. to Marcus George Van Campen 8 May 1901, who is Credit man,
Office of Scoville, Brown. Co. Wellsville, NY.
STORIES by Alice Bronson Bennie
These stories, told me by my grandmother, show some of the privations and dangers of those early days, and the fortitude with
which they were endured.
For a long time, all their meal and flour were ground by hand. When my grandfather heard of a grist mill in Rochester, he and a
neighbor went there with a load of corn and wheat. Although Rochester is only twenty- two miles from East Bloomfield, it took them
six days to make the trip. They were obliged to cut their trail most of the way, and were tormented almost beyond endurance by
mosquitoes. When they returned safely with meal and flour, my grandmother felt as rich as a queen.
During the absence of my grandfather, my grandmother lived alone with her three little girls two miles from their nearest neighbors.
One evening, she had just nursed the baby, Huldah, and put her in her little homemade cradle, when the door of the log cabin
opened, and in walked an Indian so tall that he had to stoop to enter. He was followed by three others. They demanded food — the
best she had.
My grandmother, aware that the Indians were committing depredations among the white settlers, was much frightened, as were her
little girls, who clung to her in terror. Yet, as carefully as she could, she prepared a meal, baking a johney cake before the open fire.
Then having made ready for her guests the evening meal intended for her own family, she spread the table with her best table cloth,
and set it, with the china and silver that she had brought from her eastern home.
While my grandmother was making these preparations, the Indians went to the cradle, felt of the baby's hands and feet, and
muttered in their unintelligible language. After talking over the child for a time, the chief asked its name. When he heard that it was
"Huldah Maria" he said in broken English to the others, "It's a girl. We'll let her live."
My grandmother felt then, that God had answered her prayers and that the Indians would not molest her.
22

Having eaten everything that was set before them, the guests bade her "Good-night," and departed. As soon as the door closed
behind them, my grandmother knelt with her little ones, and thanked the Heavenly Father for his protecting care.
------
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/allegany/TownVillageReservation/TownAndover/LeviSEnons-
Inventor/Levi%20S%20Enos%20-%20Inventor.htm
LEVI S. ENOS, INVENTOR - ARTICLES TAKEN FROM ANDOVER NEWS
A PATENT DOOR 4 Apr 1888
Mr. Levi S. Enos of the Village of Andover has secured a patent on a door, which will doubtless cause a revolution to a large extent
in the manufacture of doors. The panels are made of corrugated iron or steel, and the rest of the door is of wood. Mr. Enos has been
at work on this patent for some time, and now has the satisfaction of knowing that he has a door with none of the objections that
have been made against wooden doors. The iron or steel panels do not shrink, swell nor crack. A complete door can be
manufactured considerably cheaper than a wooden door, and is much handsomer in appearance and more durable. The machine
for making panels is also an invention of Mr. Enos and cost a very small sum. The same machinery used in making other doors can
be used in making the woodwork of this door. Mr. Enos is to be congratulated, as he has no doubt struck a bonanza. He will dispose
of State rights or would sell the entire patent. The right party can make an arrangement with Mr. Eons for selling State rights . . ..
DEATH OF L. S. ENOS
Mr. Levis S. Enos died at his home in the Village of Andover on Friday afternoon 22 Mar 1889, at the age of 64 years. Heart disease
was the cause of his death, from which he has been a sufferer for many years. During the past ten weeks he has been confined to
the house. Mr. Enos was born in Jordan, NY, and has lived in the Olean and Almond area from most of his life and has lived in
Andover for the last eight years. He was possessed of great mechanical genius and has taken out no less than seventeen patents of
different inventions. Among those which came into general use were a machine for grinding bark, a locomotive oilcan, which are
both extensively used at the present time. He invented metallic roofing, on which he made a fortune. His latest invention was a door
with corrugated metal panels, which has been described in the News.
He leaves his wife Catherine and children to mourn. Burial was in the Valley Brook Cemetery.
[Four of his inventions are shown below]
23

------
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/OleanBiosA-K.html
Samuel R. Homer b. in Lowell, MA, 1 Feb 1817; d. in Olean, 20 Mar 1889. He came to Olean about the time of the construction of
the New York, Lake Erie & Western railroad in 1841, with which he was prominently connected, being the superintendent of
construction of the telegraph lines from Jersey City westward to Little Valley. Upon the completion of the road he took charge of the
dining-room at the Olean station, which he conducted for many years. Except for about two years he has been continuously a
resident of Olean since 1851. In 1859 he became associated with ex-Governor Horatio Seymour in the lumber business in this town,
and the two were jointly the owners for many years of a large tract of real estate north of the city. Their partnership relations were
dissolved about 1880, but their personal relations remained of the closest and intimate character until the death of the ex-governor.
Until the advancing years brought feeble health Mr. Homer was actively engaged in business enterprises, in which he was
successful in a marked degree. He had led an upright, honorable and useful life. He generously placed at the disposal of the Board
of Trade valuable and desirable tracts of land, was prominently connected with the Masonic bodies in the city, and was one of the
early members of St. John's Commandery, K.T. He married 14 Nov 1845 Sarah A. CLARK; children residing in Olean: George D.
Homer b. in Piermont, NH, 27 Jul 1849, and with his brothers is a farmer and stock breeder; James M. Homer, b. in Olean, 3 Apr
1852, m. 20 Sep 1883, Hattie D. ROOT, of Bolivar NY; Eugene A. HOMER is the Olean agent for the American Express Company.
------
Calvin C. Moses , b. 11 Feb 1816, Cuba, Alleghany, NY; Son of Reuben Moses and Lucinda Stevens; m. Emily Haight.
– 1 Oct 1861; 16 Mar 1865 mustered out. "40-year-old Calvin C. Moses enrolled on 1 Oct 1861 at Eldred, Pa. On 11 Dec 1861,
Capt. Dodge of the Regular Army mustered him as 1st Lieut., Co. D, 58th PA Vols., which subsequently became Co. H. Absent on
recruiting duty (G.O. 92, 1862) that began on 28 Jun 1862, he was listed as absent without leave from Nov 1862 to late Apr 1863,
but a War Dept. Record and Pension Division notation revoked that status on 24 Apr 1891. He was promoted to captain on 31 Aug
1862 upon the resignation of Asa H. Cory and was wounded “very slightly” and returned to duty on 22 May 1863 near Gum Swamp,
NC. He was captured 6 Jul 1863 while on duty as General Officer of the Day at Washington, NC, and brought to Petersburg, VA,
then confined at Richmond, VA, on 9 Jul 1863. He was sent to Macon, GA. on 7 May 1864, then confined at Camp Asylum,
Columbia, SC. Paroled at N.E. Ferry, MD, on 1 Mar 1865, he reported to Camp Parole, MD, five days later, then G.O. 121 granted
him a 30 day leave of absence. He was assigned to duty on 14 Apr 1865 and returned to the Regiment on 2 May 1865. G.O. 207
mustered him out and honorably discharged him on 5 May 1865, to date 16 Mar 1865."
Captain Calvin C. Moses - Promoted captain Aug 1862. Captured 6 Jul 1863, returned and was mustered out 16 Apr 1865. Died
1911, Oak Hill Cemetery, Eldred, PA.
24

http://books.google.com/books?id=BXktAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA183&lpg=PA183&dq=%2258th+PA%22+%22moses%22&source=bl&ot
s=vzvevDvG2S&sig=NcJTLIYWbH1xpP88j8-
9RjNnzOg&hl=en&ei=2O4jTNiMKcKB8gbGz82qBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage
&q=%2258th%20PA%22%20%22moses%22&f=false page 183.
CALVIN C. MOSES, son of Reuben . From a newspaper article in 1906, published on his 90th birthday, it appears that for 40 years
he engaged in lumbering and rafting. In 1847 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Eldred, PA, and after the war was continuously
re-elected, the present Commission expiring 1907. He was a Captain of the 58th Penn. Inf. In 1863 was made prisoner, and for 20
months suffered the horrors of southern prison pens. He was one of the comrades who dug the famous tunnel through which many
escaped from Libby prison [see further account of this at Appendix I below, though Calvin is not mentioned by name]. Let it be noted
that this patriot enlisted at the age of 45, and took his two eldest sons with him.
He m. at Richmond, PA, 30 Jan 1838, Emily A. Haight.
CHILDREN: William E.; Calvin J.; Harriet M.; Albert R.;
William E.. was a 1st Sgt. PA Regt. in 1863, and Lieutenant NC Colored Reg., 29 Apr 1864; buried at Soldiers' Home, Erie, Pa.
Calvin C., was a soldier PA Regt. from 1861 to 24 Jan 1866. lived at Shingle House, Pa.
Harriet M., resided at Port Allegany, PA.
Albert R., resided at Muncy, Ind.
Rose Elizabeth, b. May 24, 1862.
Myrtle E., b. 13 Apr 1866; d. Feb 1896; m. William Wirths, Findlay, Ohio.
Emily D., d. at Eldred;
Mary Lucinda.
------
http://home.comcast.net/~desilva/p37.htm#i1128
Horatio Edson, b. 2 May 1820, Bridgewater, Plymouth, MA; d. 27 May 1856, Olean, NY; son of Nathaniel and Betsey Edson; m.
Mary Louisa Brown, d/o Samuel Silsby Brown and Mary Louisa Capron, on 26 Oct 1846. Horatio appeared on the census of 1850 at
Milford, Worcester, MA.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/allegany.htm
James Henry Farquharson, youngest son of Francis and Margaret A. Farquharson, who were married 4 Oct1827, at Buel,
Montgomery, NY, removing to East Pike (then Allegany), now Wyoming Co., NY, about the year 1829, where they had born to them
four children, named, respectively, Sarah C., William M., James Henry, and Mary A., all of whom are still living [in 1879], except
Mary A., who died at the residence of her brother James, in Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., 27 Aug 1866, and was buried at East Pike,
Wyoming Co. Sarah C. married, 26 Jul 1855, to Stephen A. Howard, and is still residing on the old homestead at East Pike; William
M. married 22 Feb 1866, to Miss Virginia Desuey, and now lives at Salamanca, Cattaraugus Co. Francis Farquharson was born
10Nov 1799, and was by profession a clothier and cloth-dresser, and for some time previous to his marriage to Margaret A. Van
Deusen, 4 Oct 1827, worked in the manufacturing establishment of his father-in-law, Michael Van Deusen, in the town of Buel,
Montgomery, NY, and also did business on his own account near Toronto, Canada. His principal characteristics were an indomitable
will, an unfaltering faith, coupled with very clear conceptions of the developments of the future, which characteristics led him to
locate on a farm between Janesville and Beloit, in the State of Wisconsin, about the year 1845, upon which he spent the
accumulations of his past years of toil; but being unable to complete payment, lost farm and payments, which circumstance left him
a poor man the remainder of his life, which terminated 21 Dec 1858, at the home of his childhood, in the town of Cherry Valley,
Otsego, NY.
Margaret A. Van Deusen, eldest daughter of Michael and Christiana Van Deusen, was born 26 Sep 1808, at Buel, Montgomery,
NY, where she spent the early part of her life, and was married to Francis Farquharson, 4 Oct 1827, when she with him removed to
East Pike, and became sharer with him in the fortunes of life. She was remarried to David C. Winnie, of Cherry Valley, Otsego, 4
Jan 1869, at the residence of her son James, in Allegany, and now resides with her husband, at his residence in Cherry Valley,
NY. Her characteristics are untiring energy, frugality, perseverance, kindness to the oppressed and needy, ever ready to render
relief to the sick, thereby adorning the profession of Christianity which she has long made practical in the rearing of her family, all of
whom revere her name and love to call her mother.
James Henry Farquharson, the subject of this biography, was born at East Pike, Wyoming, NY, 23 Mar 1837, where he spent his
youth without note, attending to the ordinary duties of boys on the farm, and working a portion of the time at various kinds of
machine work in a carding-mill, a saw-, lath-, and shingle-mill, and for a portion of his time worked at the butchering business, which
was being carried on by his father. He attended the district school, and is indebted to that source for all the advantages of school
obtained, but being of a studious turn availed himself of every opportunity to acquire information, succeeded in picking up littles
which have fitted him for the active duties of life, in which he has played an important part. At the age of sixteen he secured a place
with Amos L. Swan, then engaged in the manufacture of melodeons at Cherry Valley, Otsego, NY, for learning to telegraph, a
business that his advanced thought had led him to adopt as a ground work of a useful life. After spending four weeks at Cherry
Valley, the telegraph operator, Mr. William Stearns, at Fort Plain, on the Central Railroad, requesting him to come with him, and
offering him superior advantages, he went to Fort Plain, where he completed his education as telegraph operator, embracing only
seven weeks in all spent in learning. A situation not presenting itself at this time, he returned to his home at East Pike, Wyoming
Co., where he spent the winter at school, and obtained a situation as telegraph operator, 4 Apr 1854, under L.G. Tillotson, as
superintendent of the New York and Erie Railroad telegraph at what is now Pine Grove, on the Delaware division of the Erie
Railway, from whence he went to Belmont, on the western division, from Belmont to Alfred, Hinsdale, Cube, and Olean, within the
year 1854, making Olean his principal office. He was used as supernumerary at Cattaraugus and other points, going to Hornellsville
in the fall of 1855, and worked there through the winter of 1855-56, receiving the appointment of agent at Allegany Station, 1 May
25

1856. Was married, 19 Aug 1856, to Marion J. Hale, of Hinsdale, NY. This marriage has been blessed with six children, - five sons
and one daughter, - named respectively:
Francis Hale, b. 19 Sep1857;
Fred Henry, b. 30 Jul 1859;
William Lincoln, b. 29 Aug 1861;
Millie Josephine, b. 14 Aug 1866;
Charles Byron, b. 15 Mar 1869;
Van Deusen, b. 02 Feb 1872,
all of whom have been spared to bless the hearts of their parents and adorn the social circle and home fireside,
James Henry Farquharson was drafted 1 Jul 1864, and discharged 8 Jul 1864, by reason of having furnished a substitute (in the
person of the notorious “Jumping Bob Way”) who was not liable to draft, for which he paid the sum of 700 dollars. He engaged in the
grocery business in company with William Spraker, Jr., under the firm-name of William Spraker, Jr., & Co., 25 Dec 1865, continuing
the business until the fall of 1874, with favorable results.
Note: Jumping Match. A jumping match for $1,000 a side is to take place in Olean on Monday, October 1st, between Bob
Way, of this village, and a gentleman from Detroit. “Tall jumping” can be expected on the occasion, as Way has never yet
been beaten, while the friends of the Detroit man are confident of success. [CTP, Vol. V, No. 10, 7 Sep 1866]
The “Great” Jumping Match. The great jumping match came off at Olean on Tuesday last, and proved to be a great
humbug. Bob Way, who has heretofore claimed to be the champion jumper of the United States was beaten by Norm Bartol,
of Canandagua. The farthest jump was only 12 feet 5 inches, and that was made on slightly descending ground. It would look
as though Bob “sold” his friends. At any rate, he can't get a man in this section to bet a picayune on his head hereafter.
[CTP, Vol. V, No. 14, October 5, 1866]
In the fall of 1870, he, long realizing the need of a grist-mill for the more complete accommodation of the town, resolved to supply
the much needed convenience, and accordingly set about providing himself with mill machinery, engine, boilers, etc., and after
forming a co-partnership with Mr. Hiram Wheaton, under the firm-name of H. Wheaton & Co., commenced to build what is now
known as the Allegany Steam Mills, on 1 Apr 1861. They combine the manufacture of lumber with that of milling, thus adding greatly
to the convenience and enterprise of the place, furnishing as they do employment to many who would otherwise be quite
unemployed. He bought the interest of Mr. Wheaton, 25 Jul 1874, since which time he has managed the property himself; and to the
able manner in which he has succeeded in the management of this property, the masterly determination manifested in the
establishing the same, he has well earned the reputation which he receives, that of being a man of no ordinary executive ability,
added to which are the characteristics of a true man and Christian, just in all his dealings; a true friend to the poor and oppressed,
with a heart that overflows for the good of his fellow-man, carrying ever with him the evidences of a life that is free from guile.
He united with the Presbyterian Church in Feb 1876, and is regarded a faithful member of that society, carrying his religion into all
his business transactions, thereby showing to the world that he practices what he professes. In politics he has ever been active, but
never an aspirant for office, serving faithfully in the Republican party (as many of the former office-holders can attest) until the fall of
1876, when he renounced the party, claiming their past, present, and future action as tending to oppress the producers of wealth,
and allied himself with the little band of so-called Greenback men, determined to lend his influence to the establishing of justice to all
men under the laws. He was nominated by the Greenback party and elected as supervisor of his town in Feb 1878, by 33 majority,
with a Democratic majority of 100 to 150 against him. He was also the unanimous choice of the Greenback convention held at
Salamanca, Sep 1878, for member of Assembly for the First District of Cattaraugus County, and was only defeated for that office by
W.F. Wheeler, the Republican candidate, by 257 majority, with a Republican majority of about 500 in the district, receiving in his
own town a majority of 443 out of a total vote of 548. As an employee of the New York, Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company
(the present name for the old chartered New York and Erie Railroad), which service now extends to nearly 23 years, he has been
most faithful, having served under about ten different managements, and three different names for the same road. He established at
Allegany Station many of the conveniences of a modern station, such as the telegraph office, the express office, etc. He rightfully
enjoys the esteem and confidence of not only the officers of the several companies whom he represents, but also of the community
in which he lives. In habits temperate, with a happy, jovial turn, loving a good joke or story, and enjoying the faculty of making all
happy about him. J. H. Farquharson is a member in good standing of Olean Lodge, No. 252, F&AM, and also a member of Olean
Chapter, No. 150, also a demitted member of Dunkirk Council.
Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Farquharson of Allegany
26

James Henry Farquharson Mill (with the Erie Depot), Allegany, NY
-----
http://northoleanhistory.com/page.html
Residence of the James Henry Farquharson family, Harmon Avenue, Allegany, NY
Frederick Stanley Martin, b. 25 Apr 1794, Rutland, VT; d. June 28, 1865, Olean, NY.
Frederick Stanley Martin was born in Rutland, VT on 25 Apr 1794, and came to Olean in 1818. He was one of the first men to raft
logs from the virgin forests of this section to Cincinnati, OH. Misfortune overtook him after he had achieved this first success, but he
refused to admit defeat and staged a comeback, which was even more striking than was his first success. His assets were in the
form of a stock of dry goods and groceries, which he bargained for lumber and then rafted down the Allegany and Ohio Rivers to
Cincinnati. After two years of lumber trading, Mr. Martin found himself on the way to a comfortable fortune when, in 1820, river
conditions caused his rafts to be delayed in reaching Cincinnati. The market was flooded when his rafts arrived and Mr. Martin was
forced to accept prices below the cost of delivery. The result was that when he had settled for the year, he was $2,000 in debt. Mr.
Martin asked no favors of his creditors other than that he be given time to meet his obligations.
An old Holland Land Company map of Olean and its environs showed that Mr. Martin owned six lots of Section 4, District 1 Olean.
The tract began at the Olean Creek and Allegany River, extending eastward a mile and three-quarters and northward a mile,
27

comprising a section and three-quarters, or considerably more than one thousand acres. Records in the office of the County Clerk at
Little Valley show that Frederick S. Martin sold twelve parcels of land between November 1819 and November 1843.
Another section of the map which showed the Eleventh Ward tract owned by Frederick S. Martin showed that four Holland Land
Company lots to the south of Olean, comprising about a section of 640 acres, owned by the Martin Brothers, apparently sons of
Frederick S. Martin, but records indicated that the original Martin homestead was on East State Street several hundred feet beyond
Front Street on the south side of the street. Another Residence in that vicinity was designated as the "Mrs. Martin Home". Two other
Martin homes are shown near the intersection of Front and East State Streets on the northeast corner.
Five years after Mr. Martin leased the Coffee House of Frederick A. Norton in 1821, he sold his farm, this transaction apparently was
one of the largest of his sales, for $26,000. For his day, Mr. Martin was then a rich man. He continued his mercantile career until
1851, building the Olean House in 1842.
In 1830, Mr. Martin became postmaster and entered the field of politics ten years later when Governor Seward appointed him Judge
of the County Court of Cattaraugus County. He was the only Whig to receive that appointment. He held that post five years. Seven
years later, Mr. Martin was nominated to the State Senate as a Whig. He was elected and became a prominent member of the
Canal Committee. He entered for a second term against his wishes; Mr. Martin was defeated by "political manipulation".
-----
Frederick Stanley Martin, born in the county of Rutland, Vermont, on 25 Apr 1794, lived with his mother, a widow, until he was ten
years of age, when he went to New Hartford, NY, to live with his uncle. At the age of sixteen, Mr. Martin left his uncle's home to work
in Whitehall. After an experience of six years as mercantile clerk, steward on a Lake Champlain steamer and sailor on a ship to
England, Mr. Martin in the fall of 1817 went to Canandaigua, which was then considered in "the far West." In the spring of 1818, he
settled in Olean where he made his permanent home. In time Mr. Martin became one of the wealthiest and most respected citizens
of his community, having large property interests and being known as a clear-headed, substantial merchant.
Mr. Martin was much interested in all public affairs of his time. He was the first president of the board of trustees of the Olean
Academy. From 1826 until 1833 he was prominently identified with the state militia, holding the rank of major and later that of
lieutenant colonel. In 1830 he received the unsolicited appointment of postmaster at Olean and held this position during the
succeeding nine years. In 1840, Governor Seward appointed him "a judge of the county courts of Cattaraugus county" and he held
this office for five years. In 1847 he was elected to the State Senate but was defeated in obtaining a renomination. His defeat was
due to a political combination against him and the people of his assembly district were so incensed over the matter that at the
assembly district convention held soon after, he was nominated by acclamation for the Assembly and later elected to that body. He
had worked energetically for the Genesee Valley canal and in both the Senate and Assembly, he was a member of the important
"canal" committee. In the fall of 1850, Mr Martin was elected to Congress and during his term supported the administration of
President Fillmore.
-----
In 1818, a young man, fresh from Yankee Land, and thoroughly imbibed with the Yankee spirit, came to the little settlement, which
Adam Hoops had planted near the mouth of Olean Creek. He was travel-stained and weary, yet vigorous and alert, with sharp blue
eyes that took note of everything worth seeing, and a nose like the beak of an eagle. He had come to stay. Every movement of his
slight but sinewy form betokened energy and enterprise. He had found in that little huddle of roughhouses what he was in search of,
a place in the world of honest labor, and thenceforth his life was bound up with that of the people he found there. He was twenty-five
years of age and through his training and his contact with men, had gained an experience and acquired business habits, which he
turned to good account in his new location, Olean, NY.
His advent was singularly fortunate, both for the budding village and for himself. He was just the man needed there, and the need
was ripe. The high hopes that had inspired Hoops to start the settlement, which was to grow quickly to the magnificent dimensions
of a city, had been quenched in his misfortune. Good men even there in growing numbers, but all were straitened in means and no
one of them stood at the lad. Mr. Martin, when he arrived, was as poor as the poorest. He had neither money nor its equivalent, but
he had something better. He possessed qualities of mind and will, which fitted him to take the lead and were sure to bring him
wealth in the not distant future.
It is rare indeed to find a man so conspicuously influential in a community and so completely identified with its life and movement, as
was the fact in this instance. From the time he set foot in the village until the day of his death, he became and remained a dominant
factor in its progress. Though he knew his own worth, he was neither arrogant, nor presuming. He made no effort to push himself
into prominence. He did not need to do so. It was the natural result of his force of character. Nor was his control, (if such it could be
called), due to any lack of character or independence on the part of his fellows. No place in the state could boast of a largest
proportion of spirited and self-respecting citizens. One would look in vain for sturdier men more self-reliant than Dr. Finn the
physician, Henry Bryan the lawyer, and Timothy H. Porter the soon to be made judge, who had settled there, or Reuben O. Smith,
Nelson S. Butler and C. V. Barse, who came long afterwards. Yet none of these envied Martin’s prominence or attempted to detract
form his well won and undeniable precedence. His position was in fact patriarchal, took on more of that character as the years went
on. The deference paid to his wishes and his opinions was the willing tribute rendered to his pre-eminent services and worth,
honorable to both. There shall never be a like tribute better deserved.
The business of the town at the time of Frederick S. Martin’s coming was inconsiderable and ran within narrow lines. There was a
store or two, a tavern; a small sawmill and a gristmill with one run of stones. At certain seasons of the year the place was made
lively by the accession of emigrants on the way to the further west, but they had little money, and the amount they left was much
less.
Mr. Martin was a man of quick and penetrating sagacity, and had a habit of reflection, which prefaced every important undertaking of
his life. What led him to settle in this isolated outpost? He had migrated from a region where marketable timber was scarce. He saw
28

at a glance that in the vast forests of beautiful white pine, that surrounded him her, were enormous possibilities of value. He grasped
the fact that the Allegany River was waiting to float the white pine to an unfailing market, and that the tributary streams were ready
to furnish the power to cut the timber into boards. His views took practical shape forthwith. He entered the sawmill as an employee,
and soon graduated as a master of the art of manufacture. He built and owned a mill of his own, then built another, naming them the
“Town Mills”, and ran them to their utmost capacity. He bought, improved and operated the gristmill, and when that burned down, he
put up enough for one man’s time and care, but they did not satisfy him. He added to them a stare, filled it with goods, and
maintained it for many years with extraordinary success. He bought the small tavern, standing on the site of the present Olean
House, enlarged and refurnished it, and managed it himself. In all these lines of business, he employed the best assistance he could
find, paying promptly and generously, and thus gaining willing and energetic service. In every direction, he was successful. He
bought the great tract of nearly a thousand acres, on a part of which East Olean now stands, and incidentally became a farmer.
There he built the house in which he spent the residue of his busy life.
Aye, busy indeed and surely here was enough to keep one man busy, but though energetic for himself, he was, during all the years
of his honored life, almost as active in the service of other. There was o public improvements suggested (and they owed their origin
to him) that he did not push, aiding with his means, giving to them time, which it was a sacrifice to spare. His interest in the schools
was such as befitted a man of his sagacity and intelligence.
“WE MUST GIVE OUR CHILDREN,” he said,
“THE BEST INSTRUCTORS OUR MEANS CAN COMMAND.
THIS IS NO PLACE TO BE NEGLIGENT”.
When he thought the time was ripe for an institution of a grade higher than the district or common had instituted at the time, (graded
schools had not been thought of yet), he started the project of an academy. Mr. Martin urged it, gave for its site, the spacious
enclosure on the hill, where now stands one of the city school buildings, contributed lumber and money for the necessary structures,
spent his time without stint, and gloried in its success. He was by no means alone in the great work. Nearly every businessman in
the village took hold with him and shared his pride in the result, but he was the leading spirit.
The construction of the first Episcopal Church building was largely due to his liberality and his labor of love and it is not doubted that
during his lifetime, he gave generously toward the erection of every church built.
He planned and labored for the project of the Genesee Valley Canal, years in advance of any legislative action, and when
completed, he regarded his struggle in its behalf as the crowning labor of his life. Every office that he held, except one, was a
sacrifice to him, because it imposed a tax upon his time, but he would not decline. As he said,
“FOR A RIGHT-MINDED MAN WILL ALWAYS, AND AS A DUTY,
ACCEPT, EVEN AT A SACRIFICE, ANY PUBLIC POST
THE PEOPLE DESIRE HIM TO FILL.”
Acting upon this principle, he served as supervisor many time, as postmaster nine years, as an officer in the state militia for four
years, as judge of the Court of Common Pleas five years, as member of assembly one term, and as state senator one term.
Gratified as he was by these tokens of confidence and approval, every one of them involved for him serous inconvenience.
Frederick S. Martin’s election to Congress in the fall of 1850 was the source of gratification from which there was nothing to detract.
It was pleasure without a drawback. He was nominated, amidst irrepressible excitement and against the most determined
opposition, in the last congressional convention of the Whig Party ever held in this district, and in spite of the growing rupture
between the two factions of the party, he was triumphantly elected! Never did a member of congress make a cleaner record. Though
name of his constituents were bitterly hostile to the policy he approved, no man of them questioned his immaculate integrity.
He was getting on in years, those years had been years of unmerited toil, and he had of late longed for a little rest. Now it came.
Though every day in Washington had its duties, his work there was a change and the change itself was rest. He enjoyed his life
there, as only a toil-worn man could, yet when his term ended, he was glad to get back to his old round of labor and his home,
Olean, NY.
A man’s home life mainly settles the question of his character. Certainly, never did a fireside’s cheerful light play upon a kindlier
spirit than his. For him, home signified something more than a place to feed. It meant rest for the wearied frame, balm for the
sorrowing soul, a refuge from gathering cares, a shelter from wintry storms, and a radiant center of affection at all times. There, he
loved to spend what hours he could spare from the exactions of his many-sided business and the requirements of his duty to others.
In his early life, he married Miss Cornelia Martin, who survived him, and raised a family of four sons and three daughters, on whom
he lavished a wealth of affection, that never failed. He spared no endeavor, shrank from no sacrifice that could minister to their wellbeing
or their happiness. When at the ripe age of seventy-one years, he became enfeeble, and saw that the end, which comes to
all, was drawing near to him, he called them around him and spoke to each, solemn and tender words that can never be forgotten.
There was another and a larger family, mourning outside, almost as deeply grief-stricken as they were. It was made up of those with
whom he had lived and prospered, had toiled, enjoyed and suffered, through many eventful years. Truly, he had been as a father to
the town, and it was their right to sorrow.
So died this good, strong man, as every Christian hopes he may be privileged to die, sense-possessed and conscious, with his
family gathered at his bedside, and his lips instinct with the breath of prayer and faith.
-----
D. H. B. -- Olean Herald, 26 Jan 1903
29

Andrew Mead
In his eight decades of life, Andrew Mead proved himself a remarkable individual -- saw-mill builder, doctor, jurist, town supervisor,
church leader, fraternal lodge founder, and storekeeper. The Hornelville Tribune of 24 Dec 1869 (as quoted by the New York Times
on Christmas Day, 1869) described him as "a resident of the county for the last fifty years, a very respectable and influential citizen."
About the year 1832, Dr. Andrew Mead built a saw-mill near the mouth of Four-Mile Creek. In 1838 it became the property of
Seymour Bouton.
In 1848, Dr. Mead donated a store building he had in Olean to that community's First Baptist Church for use as a place of worship.
He had been one of the congregation’s earliest members. The building continued to be used by Olean Baptists as their church until
1860. In 1852, he helped establish the Olean Lodge, No. 252, F&AM, serving as one of its first officers.
In 1854, Mead and the Rev. E. F. Crane presided at the founding meeting of "the First Baptist Society of Allegany." Mead served as
a trustee of the society that for many years held its worship services in the village school-house. But the society never did construct
its own church edifice and eventually ceased activity.
One of the early county judges, Dr. Mead was elected justice of the peace at various times through the years (1833, 1842, 1859)
and elected town supervisor in 1868. Even into his late years, he continued activity in Cattaraugus courts. Additionally, for many
years Mead had maintained a considerable practice as a physician.
A bachelor, Dr. Mead lived alone in a building on the west side of Main Street, Allegany, which also served as his place of business.
By 1869, he kept the front part of his building more as a grocery than a medical office since he had given up his medical practice a
few years earlier. After all, though quite muscular and still active, he was at that point in time pushing 80.
The evening of December 18 [1869], the retired doctor/jurist was by himself in his grocery when a young man named Theodore
Nicklas entered. The 19-year-old was in desperate need of cash, having been barred from his own home by his parents. Apparently
his ways of behaving were too much for them and for their German family tradition of personal self-discipline. Dr. Mead was well
aware of the teen's unruliness and the parents' disapproval. Theodore was his nephew.
Nicklas "asked" his uncle for $2, a "request" that may have sounded to the old man more like a demand. His refusal led to an
exchange of words that escalated into an altercation. With an iron stove implement that he had grabbed, Nicklas struck repeated
blows to Mead's head, rendering the doctor helpless. His assailant took $55 from Mead's pants' pocket and a watch from the
doctor's vest. Locking the store door behind him, Nicklas fled into the night, leaving his victim to die on the floor. The robber ran to
Olean where he hopped aboard a freight car headed to Buffalo via Hornelville.
A $1,000 reward -- a vastly huge sum in that era -- was offered by the community for capture of the killer. The youth's wild spending
of his ill-gotten gains and his sale of his victim's watch reportedly contributed to Nicklas' apprehension in January, 1870. A New York
Timez report of Jan. 28 quoted from a Buffalo Express account of an interview with Nicklas while the youth was detained in Buffalo.
Nicklas claimed he wanted to "borrow" $2 from Mead for passage to Dunkirk, N.Y., but when the doctor refused to loan him the
money, the youth determined to take it by force. However, Nicklas said that in the ensuing struggle,
"The doctor was too strong for me and got me down. . . The doctor got up and locked the door and locked me in. I thought he was
going to get a gun to guard me, for he keeps a gun and is an awful tempered man when he gets mad.
"I seized a small shovel by the stove and hit him over the head two or three times, the key fell from his hands and I don't know but I
struck him once or twice after that. I took the watch and the money, unlocked the door, went out, locked the door after me, and
started for Oleans.
Nicklas acknowledged he had one prior arrest, that being for allegedly stabbing a man.
"Now I that have no hope of escaping the gallows, I shall only strive to obtain the forgiveness of God."
After being detained in Buffalo for the murder of Dr. Mead, Nicklas was incarcerated in Little Valley where he was tried, convicted
and on March 18, 1870, hanged.
Five hundred dollars was allotted to the Sheriff's Office for the execution, just about half of which went to the construction of the
gallows. Some of the money may have been spent on closing off the execution area from public view so as to conform it to the 1835
New York law banning the public viewing of executions.
The New York Times account of March 19th, 1870, detailed the execution:
"The gallows was erected in the jail yard. The condemned left the jail in charge of Sheriff Cooper, leaning upon two deputies. He
was preceded by Father Sorg and Bloomer, and followed by some of the county officers.
"He ascended the platform with a firm step. The death warrant was read and the rites of the Catholic Church performed. He was
overwhelmed at the moment and wished Father Sorg to say for him that he was sorry for all the sins he had ever committed and that
he hoped for salvation and trusted that his fate would be a warning to all young people. He dropped eight feet and died without a
struggle. His body was delivered to his friends."
------
http://www.smethporthistory.org/crosby/sawmill.htm
Frederick C. Olds, son of John F. and Elizabeth Tubbs Olds, was born at Bradford, PA, 5 Jul 1848. He attended the public school
and the Smethport Academy. Then for three years he was clerk in the general store of Judge Brownell. After this he started his own
general store at Farmer's Valley, where he was also postmaster for fourteen years. In connection with this business he
manufactured and sold lumber, and finally became owner of several sawmills.
30

In 1899 he entered the chemical business at Crosby, Pennsylvania, being one of the organizers of
the Heinemann Chemical Company; for four years he was secretary, treasurer and manager. He
was a stockholder and one of the directors. Wood alcohol was the principal product. He was also a
director of the Crosby Gas Company, and of the Olean National Bank of Olean, Cattaraugus, NY; he
had financial interest also in other concerns. He was a member of Olean Lodge, No. 252, F&AM;
Olean Chapter, No. 150, Royal Arch Masons; St. John's Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar;
also of Ismalia Temple, of Buffalo. In Scottish Rite Masonry he was attained the thirty-second
degree. When he first came to Olean in 1901 he built a beautiful house on Winter Street, but he sold
this and purchased an attractive house next to the public library on Union Street. He was a trustee of
the First Methodist Church, and director and treasurer of the Young Men's Christian Association, in
which he was greatly interested. He was president of the commission which had charge of erecting
their new building. He married Miranda Arnold. Child, Ethel M., who never married.
------
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/OleanBiosL-Z.html
John Sloane was born in Pilltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland, 6 Aug 1852. Until nearly eighteen years of age he attended the
National school of his native village and after that was employed in the office of Malcomson Brothers, the great linen and cotton
manufacturers having mills at Belfast, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, and Portlaw. He remained with them about two years, when he
resigned and came to America, thus realizing the ambition of his boyhood to visit the New World. He arrived in New York City on 11
Jul 1872. From there he went to Buffalo, where he resided five and a half years, during which time he was employed at Dun & Co.’s
Mercantile Agency and later at the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern freight office. In Aug 1879, he came to Olean as assistant to
the agent of the Western New York & Pennsylvania railroad. In 1880 he was appointed agent at Port Allegany, Pa., but becoming
dissatisfied with railroad business and the position he then occupied he resigned and returned to Olean, where he has since
resided. His first employment was in the Acme Milling Company as book-keeper, where he remained six years. He then entered into
partnership with Nicholas Hotton, of Portville, and built the Empire Feed-Mills at North Clean, which he operated three years and
sold to the Acme Milling Company. Since then he has been engaged in the wholesale grain and mill-feed business. His industry has
been untiring and his ambition to make the most of his opportunities has placed him at the forefront of every enterprise in which he
has taken a hand. If he could not succeed in one undertaking he would not hesitate to accept the inevitable and to push on to
something better, until now he is a recognized representative of the progressive business interests of this city.
He has been active in many other departments. In St. Stephen’s church, of which for eight years he has been a warden, his services
as lay-reader, superintendent of the Sunday school, secretary of the Guild, and a member of many important committees of the
vestry have been invaluable. He is a member of various societies and orders, in all of which lie has held high positions; Master of
Olean Lodge No.252, F&AM; high priest of Olean Chapter No.150, Royal Arch Masons; prelate of St. John’s Commandery No.24,
KT; and deputy district grand master of the counties of Cattaraugus arid Chautauqua; in the A. O. U. W. and Knights of Honor his
voice is often heard upon important occasions when wit, wisdom, and eloquence are required to arouse the interest and enthusiasm
of an audience. After a recent visit to Ireland he delivered an instructive lecture upon the old country, and while in Ireland he
enlightened his countrymen by lecturing upon the institutions of America. He has sympathized with the struggles of the Home Rule
party in his native land, and on one occasion he had the honor to address the constituency of its late distinguished leader, Mr.
Parnell, in company with the latter. He is a Republican and chairman of the executive committee of the local organization.
------
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/OleanBiosL-Z.html
Calvin S. Stowell was born at Friendship, NY, 11 Apr 1844, where he received his education and lived until 1864, when he came to
Clean as clerk for the late N. S. Butler, and has since resided here with the exception of two years spent in the lower oil fields during
the oil excitement of ‘66. He was under sheriff and followed mercantile pursuits until he accepted the tellership of the Exchange
National Bank, which position he held six years. Mr. StowelI was supervisor of Olean in 1873-74 and for five years subsequent to
1881, resigning the position to accept the office of postmaster tendered him by President Cleveland. He served his town with fidelity
and was honored with the appointment as a member of the commission to purchase the armory site and to audit the accounts of the
county superintendent. He is a member and has at various times presided over all the Masonic bodies. Mr. Stowell is a Democrat
and a prominent member of the Board of Trade.
------
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/john-miller/a-twentieth-century-history-of-erie-county-pennsylvania--a-narrative-account-olli/page-48-a-twentieth-century-history-of-erie-county-pennsylvania--a-narrative-account-o-lli.shtml
Chauncey H. Titus b. 22 Oct 1823; d. 24 Sep 1874, son of Samuel and Sarah Titus, was reared and married in Connecticut. He
there learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he subsequently followed in Olean, for a little while, after which he was a hotel keeper
in that place for a short time. He subsequently engaged in the drug business at Olean, and still later took a contract to supply the
Erie Railroad Company with wood to burn in its engines. Removing from there to Corry, PA, 7 Dec 1862, he bought two acres of
land on East Main and Hill streets. Making a large addition to the frame house which stood upon that land, he opened it as a hotel,
naming it the Titus House, and managed it for upwards of twenty years, making an ideal host. Selling out at the end of that time, he
removed to Little Valley, Cattaraugus, NY, where he built a hotel, which he conducted for about five years, when he sold it. He went
from there to Iowa in search of a favorable location, but not satisfied with anything that he found soon returned to Corry, where, but
a short time later, his death occurred. He married Susan Maria Smith. She was born in Sherburne, Chenango, NY, a daughter of
Caleb Smith, and lived with her daughter in Binghamton, NY following Chauncey’s death. Two children, Lena, and George M.
31

------
http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA915&lpg=PA915&dq=%22Olean%20Lodge%20No.%20252%22&sig=1dBaGv-
PyaFRzXguI_RSMhYyi0w&ei=WKEiTLbcAcP48Aal5_2kBQ&ct=result&id=mMQLAAAAYAAJ&ots=3A00__YV0C&output=text page
915.
Irving Eugene Worden, son of John Patent Worden, was born in Ward, Allegany. NY, 17 Dec 1859. He attended the public
schools, and Friendship Academy, from which he was graduated in 1880. From 1882 to 1884 he was employed in the First National
Bank of Richburg, NY, and in the following year was teller of the State Bank at Bolivar, NY. He came to the Exchange National Bank
of Olean, NY, 1 Jun 1885, winning promotion by faithful service and being elected cashier in Jan 1907. He has been treasurer of the
board of education of Olean. He ranks high among the bankers of Western New York, having a natural aptitude for the business, as
well as the best of experience. He has also been occupied much with the settlement of large estates and the administration of
private trusts. He is a member of Olean Lodge, No. 252, F&AM; Olean Chapter, No. 150, Royal Arch Masons; of St. John’s
Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar; of Ismailia Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Buffalo. He is also a member of the City Club, and of
the Hamilton Country Club; a director in the Exchange National Bank, and member of the Chamber of Commerce. He has a
financial interest in various industrial companies of Olean. In religion he is an Episcopalian, and is a vestryman of St. Stephen’s
Protestant Episcopal Church of Olean.
He married, 22 Apr 1896, Bessie Sartwell, b. Jun 1873, d/o Henry Solomon and Kate B. (Coleman) Sartwell. She has one sister,
Ethel B. Sartwell, b. 19 Jan 1875, m. 28 May 1900, George B. Cowper, b. 25 May 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Worden have two children:
John Sartwell, b. Dec 1898, and Katherine, b. 8 Oct 1900.
Phoenix Lodge No. 262, Gowanda, New York
WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated June 16, 1852.
MINUTES: Intact.
Phoenix Lodge was organized during the autumn of 1851; on November 14th a petition was prepared asking for a dispensation
and signed by the following:
Elias Hall.
Josiah Cass.
E. McMillan. Samuel Aiken.
A. L. Chaffee. David D. Parker.
William S. Herrick. Dan Allen.
James Locke. George H. Hall.
The petition nominated as officers:
ELIAS HALL, Master,
WILLIAM S. HERRICK, Senior Warden,
DAVID D. PARKER, Junior Warden,
and was recommended by Hanover Lodge. No. 152.
On November 28. 1851, a dispensation was issued by NELSON RANDALL, Deputy Grand Master. The first meeting under the
dispensation was held December 8th. In selecting a meeting place and time of meeting the following was adopted:
"RESOLVED, That our regular meetings be held in Gowanda, and for the present in the Odd Fellows Hall on Tuesday of the full of
the moon or the first after, and also in two weeks from the meeting at or after the full of the moon at 2 o'clock P.M."
The Lodge continued to meet regularly until the warrant was issued in June.
The first meeting under the warrant was held August 3, 1852, when the Lodge was constituted and the following officers installed
by W.'. ALBERT H. CAMP, Past Master of Hanover Lodge, No. 152:
ELIAS HALL, Master.
WILLIAM S. HERRICK, Senior Warden.
DAVID D. PARKER, Junior Warden.
JAMES LOCKE, Treasurer.
Elias Hall.
Amasa L. Chaffee.
James Locke.
David D. Parker.
Ephraim McMillan.
William H. Herrick.
Samuel Aiken.
George H. Hall.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
AMASA L. CHAFFEE, Secretary.
SAMUEL AIKEN, Senior Deacon.
JOSIAH CASE, Junior Deacon.
GEORGE H. HALL, Tiler.
The first meeting place was in Odd Fellows Hall (now known as the Crawford Annex), where it remained until November, 1884,
when it moved into its present quarters, which were dedicated by M.'. W.'. WILLIAM A. BRODIE, Grand Master. In reporting this affair
the District Deputy Grand Master, LAURENS G. RIPLEY, spoke of it as a most notable event. "The four hundred guests who
assembled to witness the ceremonies, conducted by the Grand Master assisted by other members of the Grand Lodge, and who
afterward gathered around the bounteous table spread in the adjoining Opera House, will abundantly testify as to the liberal and
brotherly greeting extended to the visiting Brethren."
Elias Hall, the founder of the Lodge and its first Master, was made a Mason in 1802 in the State of New Hampshire. When
Phoenix Lodge was organized he was seventy-three years of age. He died, September 2, 1868.
The Lodge was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica. NY, May 21, 1891; the dedication of same,
October 5, 1892; the dedication of the Masonic Temple at Salamanca, NY, September 12, 1905, and the dedication of the Masonic
Temple at Dunkirk, N. Y.
32

William W. Welch, County Clerk.
Eugene A. Nash, Assemblyman.
William Cooper, Jr., Sheriff.
William W. Henry, Sheriff.
MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE.
James M. Congdon, Assemblyman.
John J. Volk, Assemblyman.
Henry F. Allen, Judge, State Board
of Claims.
Norman M. Allen, State Senator.
Winfield S. Thrasher, County Judge
William H. Stuart, Assemblyman.
Winfield Scott Thrasher, b. 5 May1847 in Cornish, NH; d. 1 Feb 1911 in Dayton, NY. was the son of Samuel P. and Anna
(Haven) Thrasher, of sturdy New England stock. Judge Thrasher received his education in the common schools of New Hampshire
and at Kimball Union academy at Meridian, in the same State. He taught district schools during the winters, beginning at eighteen
years of age and while a young man he came to Dayton in the spring of 1868, where he taught school for three years. Soon
afterwards he entered the law office of the Hon. Norman M. Allen and began the study of law.
He was admitted to the practice of law at Buffalo in June, 1872, and immediately formed a partnership with Mr. Allen under the
firm name of Allen & Thrasher. This firm continued until 1886, and for about four years James E. Bixby was a partner with the
others. After 1886 the firm of Thrasher & Bixby was continued until about 1890, when Mr. Thrasher formed a partnership with Irving
P. Leonard, under the firm name of Thrasher & Leonard, and that firm continued to the time of Judge Thrasher's death.
Judge Thrasher was appointed as county judge of Cattaraugus county following the resignation of Judge F. W. Kruse, of Olean,
to accept a place on the Supreme Court bench. Judge Thrasher has, by election, held the office continuously since that time. His
name has been frequently associated with the Supreme Court judgeship, and at various periods men of high prominence before the
Bar of the judicial district have urged his superior qualifications for that high honor.
Judge Thrasher and Family
http://members.localnet.com/~tarbox/WSTfamily.JPG
In 1869 Mr. Thrasher married Mary A. F. Allen, daughter of the late Hon. N. M. Allen. Eight children were born to them.
Mary Agatha Florette ALLEN was born 20 Apr 1849 in Dayton, Town of Dayton, Cattaraugus Co., NY. She died 2 Sep 1914 and
was buried in Cottage Cem., Town of Dayton, Cattaraugus Co., NY. In the 1880 census Winfield S. Thrasher is listed as age 33 and
his wife as age 31 and shows 4 of their children (thought to be 10 in total?), Norman S. 9, Alice M. 8, Flora G. 6, John Ward 3, and
Allen S. 1.
In the death of Judge Thrasher the Bar of western New York loses one of its able and trustworthy members. He was an honor to
his profession. Conscientious in the discharge of every obligation, diligent in behalf of his client, faithful to himself and those who
reposed a trust in him, he quickly rose to a commanding position in his chosen profession. Judge Thrasher was one of the few
attorneys who had to be convinced that his client was right, that law and equity were on his side, before he attempted the trial of a
case. When assured of these things, no man tried more earnestly to win a victory in court than he.
Byron L. Kimble, District Deputy Grand Master.
Ira W. Livermore, District Deputy Grand Master.
1852. Elias Hall.
1853. Elias Hall.
1854. William S. Herrick.
1755. William S. Herrick.
1856. David D. Parker.
1857. Augustus V. Lord.
1858. Augustus V. Lord.
1859. Harmon Kelly.
1860. Henry S. Stebbins.
1861. Joseph Savage.
1862. Henry S. Stebbins.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
Glenn M. Congdon, District Deputy Grand Master.
MASTERS.
1863. Harmon Kelly.
1864. Harmon Kelly.
1865. James J. Starr.
1866. Harmon Kelly.
1867. Harmon Kelly.
1868. John S. Starr.
1869. Harmon Kelly.
1870. William A. Fish.
1871. William A. Fish.
1872. William A. Fish.
1873. William A. Fish.
1874. William Peacock.
1875. William A. Fish.
1876. William A. Fish.
1877. J. William Dauber.
1878. J. William Dauber.
1879. Andrew J. Peck.
1880. Byron L. Kimble.
1881. Byron L. Kimble.
1882. Byron L. Kimble.
1883. Edward Etsler.
1884. Irving R. Leonard.
33

1885. Herbert F. Clark.
1886. William N. Wallace.
1887. William N. Wallace.
1888. Hansom E. Moss.
1889. Andrew C. Romer.
1890. Asher C. Stafford.
1891. Asher C. Stafford.
1892. Edward Etsler.
1893. Frank C. Vinton.
1855 Masonic Register:
1894. Irving R. Leonard.
1895. J. Peter Brueck.
1896. J. Peter Brueck.
1897. J. Peter Brueck.
1898. Palmer H. Horton.
1899. Glenn M. Congdon.
1900. Glenn M. Congdon.
1901. Jesse V. Crouch.
1902. Jesse V. Crouch.
1903. Fred E. Place.
1904. Fred E. Place.
1905. Robert E. Congdon.
1906. Robert E. Congdon.
1907. Ira W. Livermore.
1908. Ira W. Livermore.
1909. Fred E. Hawkins.
1910. Fred E. Hawkins.
1911. Clarence E. Potter.
PHENIX [sic] LODGE, NO. 262. - Gowanda, Cattaraugus Co.
Date of Charter, June 16th, 1852. Meets on Monday preceding the full moon.
Wm. S. Herrick,
David D. Parker,
WM
SW
Cornelius S. Wood, JW
Lemuel S. Jenks, Secy
James Locke,
Samuel Aiken,
Treas
SD
Elias Hall,
George Hall,
JD
Tiler.
PAST MASTER. Elias Hall.
MEMBERS.
Norman M. [sic] Allen.
Isaac Austin,
Amos [sic] L. Chaffe,
Augustus V. Lord,
Ephraim McMillen,
D. N. Parker,
Thomas J. Tuft,
Champion Wells,
Daniel T. Wood,
Lewis Woodworth,
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/persia.txt
Norman Hibbard Allen was born 22 Aug 1811, near what is known as Zoar. He was the second child of Ahaz and Sibyl (Hibbard)
Allen. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school in Cattaraugus and Erie counties, which he continued winters until
1835; the last school he taught in this vicinity was in the town of Perrysburg in the winter of 1834-35 and numbered 80 pupils. In Jun
1835, he removed to Michigan, where he became a carpenter and joiner, which business he continued until the spring of 1836,
when he was called back to this town by the sickness and death of his sister Caroline. In May 1837, he returned again to Michigan,
where he remained until about the close of 1839, when he settled on a farm in Persia on lot 56, later living on lot 8, town 6, range 8.
29 Nov 1846, he married Roanna Babcock, daughter of J. C. and Catharine R. Babcock, of Gowanda, who died 2 Mar 1863.
Children: Millard N.; Norman B.; and Harmony R., b. 29 Jul 1856, m. Edward M. Bartlett, a farmer of Fredonia, Chautauqua county.
Norman H. Allen was a Whig in politics until the formation of the Republican party, with which he has since been identified. His
second marriage (25 Oct 1864) was to Phebe Stafford, daughter of Lilly and Elizabeth (Russell) Stafford, a native of Collins, Erie
county, b. 5 Oct 1820; her parents were from Dartmouth, MA.
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/persia.txt
Amasa L. Chaffee, a native of Rutland, VT, was born 28 Nov 1797. 24 Aug 1819, he married Lydia Wade NICHOLS, b. 3 May
1802; d. 3 Jul 1879. In 1820, after a short residence in Attica, NY, he came to Gowanda and in company with his brother-in-law,
Alvin Bugby, erected a wool-carding and cloth-dressing-mill, which he conducted until 1831. He was also distinguished as the first
inhabitant of Gowanda who built a brick chimney in his house. He was elected justice of the peace of Perrysburg and held the
position in Perrysburg and Persia most of the time until 1843. He also conducted a book-store and sold flour, which in 1837 brought
$14 per barrel. In 1838 he began a general mercantile business, which he conducted to the close of his life. He was a fifer-soldier in
the War of 1812 and always interested in military affairs, being captain of militia. In 1849 and again in 1853 he represented Persia
on the Board of Supervisors. He was an active member of the Methodist church and in politics was first a Democrat, but joined the
Republican party at its organization. Mr. Chaffee died 5 Dec 1869. Children: Lydia A. (Mrs. Dr. David E. ELLIS), of Belvidere, IL;
Amasa W. W.; James H., of Jamestown; and Charles W., Newton A., and Mary H., of Gowanda.
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/l/i/v/William-Livingston/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-1151.html
see also: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=rwheald&id=I10926 and
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZkBSEwxTegwC&pg=PA110&dq=%22emily+lyon%22+%22Gregory%22&hl=en&ei=J_gkTOiIAo
L68Aa30Ly8Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22emily%20lyon%22%20%2
2Gregory%22&f=false page 110.
Elias Hall (son of Abijiah Hall and Mary Read) b. 22 May 1781; m. Sally Stow.
Children of Elias Hall and Sally Stow are:
i. George Hall. b. 1804; carpenter; m. Caroline Sparks; res. Persia, NY
ii. Lois Hall. b. 1807; d. 1830; m. Lemuel Webster; res. Persia, NY
iii. Silas Hall. b. 8 Aug 1809, Croyden, NY; d. 13 Jul 1874; m. Susan Storms; a carpenter in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
iv. Gregory Hall. b. 1812; m. Emily Lyons; carpenter; res. Venengo, PA
v. Lydia Hall. b. 1814; m. Lemuel Webster [apparently after the death of her sister, Lois]; res. Westfield, NY
vi. Judith Hall. b. 1817; m. Zimri Warren; res. Persia, NY
vii. Francelo Hall. b. 1820; m. ____ Palmer; a carpenter; res. Persia, NY
viii. Sarah Hall. b. 1824; res. Persia, NY
ix. Jane Hall. b. 1826; res. Persia, NY
34

List of American Patents which issued in the month of December, 1847, with Exemplifications, by CHARLES M. KELLER, late Chief
Examiner of Patents, in the U. S. Patent Office.
For Improvements in Self-acting Cheese Presses; Elias Hall, Persia, Cattaraugus county, New York, December 4.
Claim.—"What I claim as new, and desire to secure by letters patent, is the combination and arrangement of the vertical rack bars,
to which the cross-heads are connected, with the suspension and self-operating pinions on the axle, in the manner substantially as
set forth."
Abijiah Hall (son of Edward Hall and Lydia Taft) was born 7 Jun 1754 in Uxbridge, MA; d. 19 Aug 1812 in Croydon, NH [drowned];
m1. Sarah Reed; m2. Mary Read.
Children of Abijiah Hall and Mary Read:
i. +Elias Hall, b. 22 May 1781. vii. Sally Hall.
xiii. Abner Hall.
ii. Jason Hall.
viii. Mary Hall.
xiv. Clark Hall.
iii. Betsey Hall.
ix. Aehseh Hall.
xv. Knight Hall.
iv. Anna Hall.
x. Hannah Hall.
xvi. Hannah Hall.
v. Abijah Hall.
xi. Abigail Hall.
xvii. Lydia Hall.
vi. +Amasa Hall, b. Feb 1789.
xii. +Daniel Read Hall, b. 3 Jul 1802.
-----
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/persia.txt
Lemuel S. Jenks, born in Covington, NY, ca 1815, early became a teacher of common schools, and subsequently received the
appointment and served as a guard in the prison at Auburn. He became a partner with William Sunderland, of Auburn, and sold dry
goods and Yankee notions from his own conveyance on the road, which he continued until about the time of the completion of the
Erie railroad in 1851. In 1840 he married Marietta Waldron, of Scipio, and soon after settled in Gowanda. He was supervisor of
Persia, NY, from 1857 to 1868.
-----
http://books.google.com/books?id=0_mZRIglHhIC&pg=RA1-PA999-IA1&lpg=RA1-PA999-
IA1&dq=%22Henry+S.+Stebbins%22+%22gowanda%22&source=bl&ots=RckOSyVquQ&sig=Tp8B5B8YT5x9cC1InC3Ch3gTnBQ&
hl=en&ei=UwMlTObfBcP38Aaz1qndDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22He
nry%20S.%20Stebbins%22%20%22gowanda%22&f=false page 999.
Henry S. Stebbins b. 16 Nov 1835, Gowanda, NY, son of Daniel Stebbins and Asenath Henry, received his early education in the
schools and academy of Gowanda and graduated from the State Normal School at Albany, 12 Jul 1854, where he received a
degree of honor from his excellent attainments in mathematics. After leaving the Normal School he engage in teaching for several
terms in the Sherburne Union and the Owego Academies, later being associated as one of the School Commissioners of Erie
County, an office which he held for six years, when he began the publication of county maps. He lived in Toledo, Ohio for several
years, when he was the proprietor of a wholesale and retail bookstore, selling this business out to Brown & Faunce in 1872. In 1878
Mr. Stebbins removed to Chicago and engaged in the map publishing business for about thirteen years.
He married 20 Mar 1841 Mary L. Phillips. In 1891 he retired from active business and thereafter spent much time in traveling in the
US, Mexico and Europe, and many valuable articles on the scenes and incidents of his travels gained wide circulation. Among some
of his letters deserving special mention were those from various parts of Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land, many of them being
published in the “London Times,” “Chicago Inter-Ocean,: the European edition of the “New York Herald,” and other papers.
He died 22 Jun 1898 and was buried with his parents in Gowanda.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~janarmstrong/steg115.htm
Daniel STEBBINS (Joseph , Joseph , Joseph , Thomas , John , Rowland , Thomas Francis , William , William ) b. 4 Nov 1803 in
Vernon, VT; d. 11 Jul 1891 in Chicago, IL; m. Asenath HENRY d/o Jonathan HENRY on 21 Mar 1824 in Groton, NY. Asenath was
b. 8 Sep 1802 in Kortright, NY; d. 27 Jan 1861 in Collins, NY.
Children:
i Levi A STEBBINS
ii Sophronia STEBBINS b. 15 Jun 1828; d. 1 Jun 1874; m. Edward J FOSTER.
iii Henry Searls STEBBINS b. 16 Nov 1835 in Collins, NY; d. 22 Jun 1898 in Wauwatosa, WI; m. Mary L PHILLIPS d/o Elijah
PHILLIPS and Clarissa HOUGH on 20 Mar 1861 in Lowville, NY. Mary was b. 19 Oct 1837 in Middleton, CT; d. in Chicago, IL.
35

Two books published by Henry S. Stebbins
Ellicottville Lodge No. 307. Ellicottville, New York
WARRANT: 14 Jun 1853, which named as officers:
RENSSELAER LAMB, Master. b. Charlton, Worcester Co.. MA, 18 Oct 1805; d. 2 Nov 1871; Judge; son of Silas Lamb (son
of Samuel Lamb and Sara Dana) and Lucena (or Lucene) Pratt; 5th of 10 children; m. Mary Ann Howard, b. 7 Jul 1824,
Stockbridge, Oneida, NY. Parents are buried in Kingdom Cemetery Scriba, Oswego Co., NY.
Silas Lamb came from Massachusetts in 1812. He resided for a short period in Otsego County, but finding the prospect
there uninviting he concluded to push on further west. By means of the mode of travel of those days he made his way to
Stockbridge, Madison County, where he settled and engaged at farming until 1836. He was a pioneer in the town of
Stockbridge and was one of the foremost citizens in developing and aiding in the progress of his adopted town and county.
He was descended from English stock and his immediate ancestors had resided a sufficient time in New England to endow
him with traits of industry and frugality, and these coupled with good management contributed to his success in his chosen
field of work. In 1836 Mr. Lamb removed to Scriba, Oswego County, where he lived until his death in 1857.
He married Lucene Pratt, also a native of Massachusetts, who shared his hardships and devoted her energy to the bringing
forth a successful result. She died on the same day as did her husband, and they went to their final rest in the same grave.
GEORGE W. GILLETT, Senior Warden.
CLARK ROBINSON, Junior Warden.
The name or number has never been changed.
MINUTES: Not intact.
CHARTER MEMBERS
Job Bigelow.
George W. Gillett.
Rensselaer Lamb.
Clark Robinson.
Anson Gibbs.
There are no papers on file relating to the organization of Ellicottville Lodge. This Lodge was not the first Lodge located at
Ellicottville.
The Country Grand Lodge granted a warrant to Constellation Lodge, No. 435, on June 1, 1825, which named as officers:
GAINS [Gaius] WHEATON, Master.
JOHN VOSBURGH, Senior Warden.
JACOB SIMMONS; Junior Warden.
The petitioners were:
James Atkins.
Daniel Huntly.
James D. Arnold.
Joseph P. Wightman.
B. Chamberlain.
John Vosburgh.
John A. Bryan.
Lathrop Vinton.
Charles Chamberlain.
D. Gregory.
William Waring.
Gains [Gaius] Wheaton.
Jacob Simons.
J. Norton.
The petition was recommended by Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 393 (Country Grand Lodge - now extinct), 29 Mar 1825.
The Grand Lodge register contains the following, relating to this Lodge: "Never made returns, warrant surrendered;"
36

A paper on file in the Grand Secretary's office states that the warrant and other property of the Lodge was surrendered to
Frederick S. Martin, a Grand Visitor, 18 Feb 1831.
MASTERS
1853. Rensselaer Lamb.
1854. John J. Aiken.
1855. John J. Aiken.
1856. William Howland.
1857. S. William Johnson.
1858. S. William Johnson.
1859. David R. Bolles.
1860. William A. Meloy.
1861. No return.
1862. No return.
1863. S. William Johnson.
1864. S. William Johnson.
1865. David H. Bolles.
1866. J. King Skinner.
1867. Edwin D. Northrop.
1868. Edwin D. Northrop.
1869. Edwin D. Northrop.
1870. Oliver T. Drown.
1871. Edwin D. Northrop.
1872. Edwin D. Northrop.
1873. J. King Skinner.
1874. Edwin D. Northrop.
1875. William R. Pindar.
1876. William R. Pindar.
1877. Palmer K. Shankland.
1878. Palmer K. Shankland.
1879. Palmer K. Shankland.
1880. William R. Pindar.
1881. William R. Pindar.
1882. William R. Pindar.
1883. William R. Pindar.
1884. William R. Pindar.
1885. Herman B. Drown.
1886. Walter G. Scott.
1887. Theodore Lowe.
1888. Theodore Lowe.
1889. William R. Pindar.
1890. William R. Pindar.
1891. William R. Pindar.
1892. William R. Pindar.
1893. William R. Pindar.
1894. William R. Pindar.
1895. William R. Pindar.
1896. Theodore Lowe.
1897. William B. Johnson.
1898. William B. Johnson.
1899. John K. Ward.
1900. John K. Ward.
1901. E. E. Comstock.
1902. William B. Johnson.
1903. John K. Ward.
1904. George Dietter.
1905. George Dietter.
1906. George Dietter.
1907. Bernard Cohen.
1908. Bernard Cohen.
1909. George Dietter.
1910. Nirom T. Olin.
1911. Eben E. Comstock.
1912. John K. Ward.
1913. George Dietter
Note: No information relating to the doings of this Lodge was obtained from its officers, although frequent requests for data were
made by the Grand Historian.
1855 Masonic Register:
ELLICOTTYILLE LODGE, NO. 307. Ellicottville, Cattaraugus Co.
Meets on the Friday evening previous to the full moon. Date of Charter, June 11th, 1853.
John J. Aikin,
William Howland:
Pascal P. Kidder,
Master,
SW,
JW,
Samuel S. Huntley, Treas,
Constant S. Trevitt, Secy,
James T. Henry, SD,
James Blackmon, JD,
John F. Bevans, Steward,
William Manley, Steward,
Stephen Harrington, Tiler.
PAST MASTER.
Job Bigelow.
MEMBERS.
John J. Aikin.
Scott J. Anthony,
Benjamin Baldwin,
Charles Baker.
John F. Bevan,
Job Bigelow,
James Blackmon,
David H. Bolles,
Anson Gibbs,
Henry W. Harrington.
Stephen Harrington,
James T. Henry,
P. J. Huenerfeldt,
Samuel S. Huntley,
Samuel Wm. Johnson,
Pascal P. Kidder,
Rensselaer Lamb,
John H. Knowlton,
Edward Razey.
Horace F. Razey,
Clark Robertson,
William Rowland,
Robert. H. Shankland,
Samuel Snow,
Jonathan B. Staunton,
Constant S. Trevitt,
Warren W. Wilson,
William H. Wood.
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/TownAshBio.html
Job Bigelow came from Brookline, VT, to Ashford in 1825 and settled on the farm where he reared his ten children. His son,
Charles C. Bigelow, was born in Brookline, VT, 18 Dec 1807 and removed to Ashford in 1825. A few years later he began business
for himself and bought the farm. He never "sought place or position, but was often chosen to fill positions of responsibility and trust".
He was an Odd Fellow and a Mason and was buried with Masonic honors. He married Roxana, daughter of Peter Sampson, by
whom he had ten children to include William W., Caroline, Henry W., Maria, Adaline and Charles D. William W. resides in Chicago,
Charles D. in Buffalo and the others in Ashford.
------
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/ellicottville.txt
Oliver T. Drown, son of Peter and Sarepta (Thayer) Drown, b. Monroe county 1 Aug 1824, and about 1854 he removed to
Spartansburg, PA, where he engaged in mercantile business. In 1865 he came to Ellicottville and opened a general store, which he
conducted until his decease in 1870. 3 Sep 1849, he married Harriet, daughter of Jacob Huff, of East Otto, and they had four
children, the oldest, Herman B. DROWN. He was born in Ellicottville in 1850 and commenced his business life as a druggist in
Spartansburg, PA, in 1876. In 1878 he returned to his native town, where he conducted a drug store. In 1876 Mr. Drown married
Louise Huenerfeld of Ellicottville. They have one son.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/ellicottville.htm
GEN. DANIEL I. HUNTLEY (Jr.)
The father of our subject, Daniel Huntley, Sr., was a native of Connecticut, and married Catharine, daughter of Thomas Stillwell. Mr.
Huntley, in 1816, left Corltand Co., NY. for a trip to Ohio, intending to locate in Columbus or Cincinnati, but when he had got so far
37

on his way as Olean Point, he was induced to purchase of Levi Gregory three tracts of land in Franklinville, on which considerable
improvements had been made. He then returned East, and in the following spring removed with his family to his new home in this
county. Having brought with him from the East thirty cows, he immediately commenced a dairy, presumably the first in the county.
He shipped the produce of his farms to Olean, then looming up as a place of prospective importance. He carried on farming
operations quite largely for that early day. When the county-seat was removed to Ellicottville, he came hither and purchased an
eighty-acre tract of Spencer Pitcher, now occupied by his son, Daniel. I. He also bought another farm, one hundred and fifty acres,
located farther east, in the same town. These were subsequently increased to nine hundred acres. In 1920 he built and the following
year opened the "Mansion House" which he kept till the time of his death, 5 Jul 1846. The hotel was continued by his family until
about seven years since, when it was sold. Mrs. Catharine S. Huntley died 7 Dec 1864, at Ellicottville. Their marital relations were
blessed with eight children (of whom six still survive), namely, William, who died in 1827, and was the first person buried by the
Masonic fraternity in Ellicottville; Thomas S., a farmer in McHenry Co., Ill, located at Huntley Station, which was named in his honor;
Daniel I, the subject of this notice; Silas, a commission merchant, residing in Chicago; Samuel, a farmer, and Amy, unmarried, both
living in Ellicottville; Catharine, deceased (in 1827); and Jane M., wife of P. J. McGowen, a merchant, and residing in the State of
Oregon.
Daniel I. Huntley, son of Daniel and Catharine (Stillwell) Huntley, was born in the town of Cincinnatus, Cortland, NY, 5 Sep 1810.
He married, in 1840, Miss Eliza Hawkins, a native of Massachusetts. She died in Apr 1852. He took as his second wife, 2 Jan 1855,
Miss Cordelia V. Chamberlain, a native of Wooster, MA.
Mr. Huntley lived with his father, working on the farm and assisting in the management of the hotel, but since the sale of the latter he
has confined himself solely to agricultural pursuits. During his early life (from 1827, and for many years) he took a prominent part in
the military affairs of this State, commencing as second sergeant, and passing all the grades up to that of brigadier-general, and
performing the duties of all the several offices up to the command of a brigade. He also held several civil offices; besides some
minor positions, he was supervisor of the town of Mansfield for two years, and held the office of county treasurer from 1843 to 1846.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, having been confirmed by Bishop Coxe over forty years ago. His present wife is a
communicant of the same church. His family, by his first wife, numbered four children: Silas S., Henry, Charles A., and Eliza S., of
whom the first named only survives. Henry was shot at the battle of Williamsburg, and died of the effects of his wound; Charles went
West, and died in Montana; and Eliza died young. Silas S., the eldest son, is now, and has been for a number of years, engaged as
one of a company of United States mail contractors, being located at Washington. He was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion,
as a member of the 64th New York Volunteer Regiment, and sustained an honorable record. He held the rank of first lieutenant,
serving on the staff of Gen. Berry, as aide to Col. De Lancy, commanding brigade, and also in the office of the commissary
Department of Prisoners, at Washington, D. C.
By his second wife he has had four children, - William D., Sophia E., Walter H., and Arthur A., - all unmarried and living at home,
except William, who is engaged with Silas S. in the stock business in Montana.
Gen. Huntley has always been a hard-working, enthusiastic farmer. For the past twenty-five years he has made it his special
business to make his living out of the soil. He does not intend to be placed on the "retired" list while he has strength left to labor on
the farm, having entered upon it as a life-vocation. He is a self-made man, a good farmer, a kind neighbor, sympathetic friend, a
consistent Christian, in politics a Republican, and generally esteemed.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/ellicottville.htm
Edwin D(wight). Northrup
This gentleman's grandfather, John Northrup, was a native of New London, CT, and
served in the War of 1812; he removed subsequently to the town of Morris, Otsego, NY,
where his son, Nelson W. (father of Edwin), was born in the year 1816. Nelson died 3
Mar 1868, in Greene, Chenango, NY, age 53.
The mother of Nelson W. Northrup, was Mary Daniels, a daughter of Nehemiah Daniels,
of New London, CT, who was present at the burning of that place by the British, being
eighteen years old at the time; and who was one of the few survivors of the memorable
massacre of Fort Griswold. He drew a pension from the Government for that service
until the year 1849, the date of his death, at Morris, NY. He was of Irish descent, his
father and mother being natives of the "Emerald Isle," the former being a veteran sailor
in the English navy, who during the war with Spain was captured by the Spaniards, and
confined in the Moro Castle on the Island of Cuba, from which he made a daring
escape; subsequently he left the British service and joined the American navy, with
which he served through the war of the Revolution.
Lorana Fitch, wife of Nelson, and the mother of our subject, was the daughter of
Converse Fitch, son of Jeremiah Fitch and Abigail Converse. Jeremiah Fitch was a first
cousin of John Fitch, the celebrated steamboat inventor, who trace their lineage back to
Joseph Fitch, a native of Braintree, county of Essex, England, and who was one of the
earliest settlers of Windsor, CT. Joseph Fitch's father married Anna Pew, 6 Aug 1611, in
Bocking, Essex, England.
Edwin D. Northrup was born in Tolland, CT, 27 Apr 1839. He received a good common-school education, and graduated at the
Connecticut Literary Institution in the year 1862. The following year he removed to Cattaraugus Co., NY, and located in Ellicottville.
Mr. Northrup taught the union school of Ellicottville one winter, and in the following spring (18 May 1864) entered Johnson's land
office there. Following the requisite preliminary study, he was admitted to the bar 15 Nov 1865, at Buffalo, NY, and as an attorney in
38

the United States Supreme Court, 14 Oct 1876. He was elected supervisor of the town of Ellicottville in 1876. 12 Oct 1870, he
married Miss Lucy S. Skinner, of Ellicottville, d/o Bro. Joshua King Skinner. They had a son, Joshua King Northrup (14 Aug
1877 - 17 Mar 1937). The maiden name of his grandmother, Fitch, was Aruma Grant, a native of Tolland, CT.
-----
http://www.joycetice.com/clippings/tcobt385.htm
Col. Robert H. Shankland, editor of the Cattaraugus Union, who died a few days ago at Ellicottville, NY, began his journalistic
labors in 1835, when he was 24 years old. He worked at the case beside Horace Greeley, and they were firm friends till death
separated them, though Shankland was a stanch Democrat all his life. (Tuesday, November 19, 1889, The Wellsboro Agitator,
Wellsboro, Tioga Co, Pa.)
-----
Joseph King Skinner, b. 5 Dec 1817, Albany, NY; d. 16 Jun 1882, Ellicottville, NY; son of Daniel Skinner and Asenath Henry;
grandson of Elisha Webster Skinner and Ann Marie (Anna Maria) King, d/o of General Joshua King* (for whom Bro. Skinner is
named) and Anne Ingersoll; m1. 27 Nov 1844 Elizabeth Everett, b. 1821 Bridgeport, CT; d. 30 Sep 1859, Ellicottville; m2. 1 Oct
1851 Hannah Loomis Saxton, b. 13 Dec 1823; d. 27 May 1908. He served his village a Postmaster, Village Clerk and clerk of a land
office. In 1 Jan 1858 he opened a bank of deposit which operated until 1878.
Children:
Grace King Skinner b. 14 Sep 1845; m. 6 Oct 1870 Jonathan Ingersoll.
Alpha Carrier Skinner b. Sep 1849; d. at ten weeks of age.
Lucy Saxton Skinner b. 18 Aug 1852; m. 1852 Edwin Dwight Northrup (see above).
Anna Maria Skinner b. 03 Jul 1857; m. Bro. Albert Marenus Ellis **, who was a Freemason, lodge unknown.
* Gen. Joshua King is associated with the capture of Major Andre during the Revolutionary War.
-----
Constant S. Trevittt —Age, 38 years. Enrolled, May 9, 1861 [37th NY
Inf. Vols], at Ellicottsville, to serve two years; mustered in as second
lieutenant, Co. I, 7 Jun 1861; as first lieutenant, Co. D, 5 May 1862;
discharged, 11 Jul 1862; commissioned second lieutenant, 4 Jul 1861,
with rank from 13 May 1861, original; first lieutenant. 17 May1862. with
rank from 5 May 1862, vice P. H. Hayes, killed in action.
-------
Lathrop Vinton, son of Abiathar and Sarah Vinton of Chesterfield, b. 27
Jul 1794; m. in Le Roy, Genesee, NY, 11 Dec 1816, Achsah White, a
native of Chesterfield, perhaps a sister of Joel White. They resided a few
years in Le Roy; removed, about 1820, to Ellicottville, NY .
Their children, the eldest b. in Le Roy, the others in Ellicottville:
Washburn Warner, b. 22 Jul 1819; m. Phebe Griffin of Mansfield, NY.
Silas While, b. 12 Jul 1821; d. 12 Aug 1844, at his uncle
Nathaniel's in Michigan.
Julia Eliza, b. 19 Jul 1823; m. Stephen McCoy.
Edwin F., b. 05 Jun 1825; m. ca 1850, his cousin Helen Janet
Vinton,
Lorenzo Dow, b. 10 May 1827; d. at Ellicottville, 6 Mar 1849.
Delia Sophia, b. 02 Feb 1834; m. George Hicks.
Charles Beswick, b. 25 Apr 1837.
William Ferdinand, b. 03 Jun 1838.
All of the above who were living in 1853, then resided in Ellicottville.
Elm Creek [later Randolph] Lodge No. 359, East Randolph, New York
Warrant: 1855
Edwin McMannus, Worshipful Master; A. P. Parsons, SW; Isaac L. Ostrom, JW.
1870 – Freemasons Monthy
RANDOLPH, N. Y, Feb. 14th, 1870. Theo. Witherell, Esq.— Worthy Sir and Brother:
Your favor of the 10th inst. is received. In reply, I would say that [Mr. ____ ] was made a Mason in our lodge in the spring of 1865.
He paid dues for six months, and, at the end of a year thereafter, his name was struck from the roll for non-payment of dues. He has
never visited the lodge since he was raised, and. to all outward appearances, had entirely severed his connection with the order.
The first we have heard from him Masonic-ally was on the 5th inst. We received a telegram from Kalamazoo, Mich., stating that [Mr.
____ ] claiming to be a member of our lodge, was in distress, and asking if they should relieve him I telegraphed them to render
temporary relief: also told them his standing with our Lodge. I think he is traveling on Masonry, by his turning up so soon in your
39

place in distress. Elm Creek Lodge will not pay any bills he may contract knowing the man, and his intemperate habits for the past
three or four years. There is no excuse for a young man of his ability to be asking charity of an institution he wholly ignores where he
is best known.
Respectfully yours, HIRAM FOSDICK,
Master of Elm Creek Lodge, No. 359.
http://genforum.genealogy.com/cowing/messages/51.html
JOHN MATHEWSON COWEN (EDDIE6 COWING, JOHN5, JAMES4, JOHN3, JOHN2, JOHN1 COWEN) b. 11 Dec 1826 in
Tolland, CT; d. 21 Apr 1915 in Conewango, Cattaraugus, NY; m. RACHEL ANN SEAGER 3 Aug 1847; b. 2 Nov 1831 in
Conewango, NY; d. there 6 Nov 1912. When John was six years old he came to Conewango with his grandfather, John Cowen. He
grew up to farm labor, and on arriving at man's estate cleared a farm, which he cultivated all his active life. He yet resides in
Conewango (1911), aged eighty-five years.
Children:
i. ADELINE8 COWEN.
ii. SALLY A. COWEN.
iii. JOSEPHINE W. COWEN, b. 23 Aug 1851, Conewango, NY; d. there 14 Nov 1936.
iv. JOHN NORMAN COWEN, b. 23 Dec 1854, Conewango, NY; m. EMMA FENTON, 23 Oct 1881; b. ca 1845; d. 2 Jul 1886.
Dr. John Norman Cowen:
His early education was obtained in the public school, after which he pursued a course at Chamberlain Institute. He then attended
the State Normal School at Ypsilante, Michigan. He then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, pursuing a four year
course in the Dental Department. He was graduated D.D.S., class of 1878, and at once began the practice of his profession at East
Randolph, continuing until 1884, when he located in the village of Randolph, where he yet was in successful practice, and an
influential, highly respected and regarded citizen. He has served as village trustee and is a trustee of the Chamberlain Institute.
He was a Director of the Bank of Randolph and since 1894 has been president of that most excellent institution. He is a Past
Master of the Randolph Lodge, No. 359, F&AM, and a Republican in politics.
Whether considered as a professional man, financier or public official, Dr. Cowen measures up to the full standard expected and
rarely are all the qualities necessary to a successful career in all three so abundantly found. He is public-spirited and liberal-minded
and has many friends. He married, 23 Oct 1881, Mrs. Emma Fenton Crowley, daughter of John Fenton and a descendant of
Governor Reuben Fenton. She died 2 Jul 1886. (Apparently she left no children and he did not marry again.)
Children:
v. ESTHER COWEN.
vi. JANE "JENNIE" M. COWEN, m. WILLARD BABCOCK.
vii. ORASTUS S. COWEN.
viii. WILLIAM S. COWEN.
-----
From One of Our Oldest Subscribers.
Edwin McManus, of Randolph, N. Y., is an esteemed friend the AMERICAN DRUGGIST, having been a subscriber to the
journal for a period extending over many years. In renewing his subscription for the ensuing year he notes that the day
on which he writes is his eighty first birthday, and fears that he may not be able to take the paper for many more years,
an expression which prompts the hope on our part that he may long be spared to enjoy the AMERICAN DRUGGIST, along
with the few other good things which tend to gladden the otherwise trying life of a druggist.
Mr. McManus was first master of Randolph Lodge No. 359, F&AM, which celebrated its golden jubilee in Jun 1905,
and he attended the anniversary celebration.
------
< Joel H. Lyman b. 11 May 1845; d. 4 May 1922
Rank and organization: Quartermaster Sergeant, Company B, 9th New York
Cavalry. Place and date: At Winchester, Va., 19 September 1864. Entered service
at: East Randolph, N.Y. Birth: Cattaraugus, N.Y. Date of issue: 20 August 1894.
Citation: In an attempt to capture a Confederate flag he captured one of the
enemy's officers and brought him within the lines.
http://books.google.com/books?id=wk48AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA423&dq=%22Joel+H.
+Lyman%22&hl=en&ei=RI4mTKCJDcK88gb19bTuDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved
=0CCkQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=%22Joel%20H.%20Lyman%22&f=false page 423.
LYMAN, JOEL H.—Age, 18 years. Enlisted, 1 Oct 1861, at East Randolph;
mustered in as private, Co. E, 7 Oct 1861, to serve three years; appointed
quartermaster sergeant, 16 Feb 1864; transferred to Co. B, 18 Feb 1864; wounded
at Winchester, Va., 20 Sep 1864; mustered out, 31Oct 1864, with company; also borne as Layman, Joel H.
WILLIAM G. HILLS, Private. Co. E. Ninth New York Cavalry. b. Conewango, NY, 26 Jun1841. >
An illustration of true soldierly comradeship is presented in the story of Private William G. Hills, of Company E,
Ninth New York Cavalry, who saved the life of Sergeant Joel H. Lyman, of Company B, of the same regiment.
[and of the same village] How it was done the latter describes in these brief but pointed words:
40

"During our campaign in the Shenandoah Valley we reached Harrisburg, Va., on September 25, 1864, and on the day following we
met the enemy's cavalry and drove them to the North Fork of the Shenandoah. When we arrived at the brow of the hill overlooking
the river, which was quite narrow and fordable, we could see Early's Infantry drawn up in line on the opposite side. Supposing that
our object was to capture the enemy's train, I galloped down the slope, but had not gone twenty rods when I was knocked from my
horse by a musket ball from the rebel rifle pits, which were hidden from my view by the willow trees bordering the opposite bank.
"The regiment had been ordered back and I found myself alone and helpless, the enemy's bullets ploughing up the ground and
throwing dirt all over me. Seeing my dangerous position, William Hills drove the spurs into his horse and galloped to the spot where I
lay. Then coolly dismounting lie lifted me to my saddle, mounted his own horse and supported me from the field, amid a veritable
hail of bullets. It seemed as if the whole rebel army had concentrated its fire upon us.
"For genuine pluck and comradeship I never in my three years of active service saw anything to compare with this deed."
HILLS, WILLIAM G.— Age, 21 years. Enlisted, 1 Oct 1861, at East Randolph; mustered in as private, Co. E, 7 Oct 1861, to serve
three years; mustered out, 27 Oct 1864, with company.
Congressional Medal Award recipient: North Folk Virginia, 26 Sep 1864. Citation: “Voluntarily carried a severely wounded comrade
out of a heavy fire of the enemy.”
------
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/randolph.txt
Isaac L. Ostrom, born in Saratoga, NY, 15 Sep 1794, early learned the carpenter's trade, and at the age of 21 went to Forestville,
Chautauqua Co. where he married Dorcas FARNHAM, 13 Dec 1821. She was born in New Hampshire, 30 Oct 1799. In 1839 they
removed to Villanova and about 1848 settled in E. Randolph, where he died 4 Nov 1870. Mrs. OSTROM died 23 Feb 1864. Mr.
OSTROM was a competent mechanic and jobber and builder. Many buildings now standing in the locations where he resided are
examples of his skill and industry. He was one of the charter members of Elm Creek Lodge, F&AM, now Randolph Lodge No 359.
He was a member of the M.E. church and served as class-leader and steward. Children: Irvin F., b. 21 Dec 1822, d. in California;
Jane, b. 3 Sep 1824 (Mrs. T. H. SEARLE) of Villanova, NY; William, b. 15 Oct 1826, d. in California; Aurelia, b. 17 Apr 1830, widow
of Solomon D. NUTTING; Thomas L., b. 1 Feb 1837; and Rush H., b. 1 Aug 1839, 37th NY Vols; discharged for disability.
Thomas L. OSTROM was educated in Chamberlain Institute, began business as a clerk at the age of 18 with J. C. HURD, enlisted
in Co. D, 14th N. Y. Inf., 17 May 1861, was promoted 2Lt, and was discharged 22 May 1863, at Utica. In 1875 he and his nephew,
W. E. SEARLE, organized the firm of OSTROM and SEARLE in E. Randolph, for the sale of general merchandise, which continued
until 1887. 7 May 1861, he married Helen M., daughter of Dr. Aaron LOONG of Long's Corners, now Corfu, NY.
-----
Robert T. Searle, only son of William E. and Lelia E. (Woodford) Searle, b. East Randolph, Cattaraugus, NY, 10 Jan 1881. After
attending public school he entered Chamberlain Institute, graduating at the end of a commercial course. He then entered Cayuga
Military Academy at Aurora. NY. This school was discontinued in February which prevented Robert T. from graduating the following
June. He then entered the New York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, remaining, however, but a short time. He
finished with a post-graduate course at Chamberlain Institute. After completing his studies he was appointed assistant cashier of the
People's State Bank of East Randolph, a position he held continuously until Jan 1911. The first four years he was constantly
employed in the bank, since then as a supply to fill his father's place during sickness or absence from any cause. In 1903 Robert T.
purchased an interest in the Nansen Supply Company, at Nansen. PA, to which enterprise he gave personal attention until called
back for six months. He still retains his interest in the Nansen Company. In Aug 1904, he become interested in the "Original Bath
and Hotel Company," of Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and was for one year manager of the same. In Aug 1905, he returned to Randolph
and engaged with T. E. Adams, as clerk. 1 Feb 1906, the T. E. Adams Company was incorporated with Robert T. Searle as
secretary and treasurer. He is also a director in the People's State Bank, of East Randolph. He is a member of the Protestant
Episcopal church, and of Elm Creek Lodge, No. 359, F&AM. In politics he is a Republican. He married, 20 Jun 1904, Florence
Crowley Adams, b. 19 May 1881. Children: Roberta, b. 13 May 1905; William Adams, 10 Jun 1906; Mary Lenett, 7 Mar 1910.
------
http://books.google.com/books?id=ec4GAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA186&lpg=PA186&dq=%22Randolph+lodge+no.+359%22&source=bl&ot
s=rwxkNtYwPO&sig=uSmhgWqpJSxcMgc6Ajxx_XbAFpQ&hl=en&ei=aIQmTO2hE8H68AbFs6TGDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=res
ult&resnum=4&ved=0CCEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Randolph%20lodge%20no.%20359%22&f=false page 185.
James Calhoun Sheldon, Republican, who represents the Second Assembly district of Cattaraugus county in the Assembly, was
born in the town of Randolph, 10 Nov 1871. His father, Charles C. Sheldon, was one of the representative men of that section of the
State, and for over a quarter of a century was actively engaged in business enterprises in Randolph. He was an enthusiastic
Republican and was identified with that party throughout Cattaraugus county. He died five years ago leaving the heritage of a rich
intelligence and an unsullied name.
James C. Sheldon was educated in the Randolph Union School and at Chamberlain Institute, graduating from the latter institution in
1889. For four years he was associated with his father and afterward engaged alone in the mercantile and retail coal business. In
1893 he commenced the study of law in the offices of ex-Supreme Court Judge Wm. H. Henderson and Alex. Wentworth, Esq., at
Randolph, and three years later was admitted to the bar at Rochester.
Mr. Sheldon's political career may be said to have commenced when he attained his majority. In that year he was elected Justice of
the Peace and was continued in office until he resigned seven years afterward, and at the time of his first election he had the
distinction of being the youngest magistrate in the United States. He has been chairman of the Republican campaign committee of
Randolph for nine years and a member of his Assembly district committee since the death of his father, whom he succeeded in
office. He was assistant secretary of the Constitutional Convention in 1894, and in 1899 was made assistant chief of the Revision
41

Department of the Assembly. Mr. Sheldon was chief of the latter department, during the years 1900, 1901 and 1902, being selected
each year without opposition.
In connection with other work Mr. Sheldon has for several years contributed generously to the press throughout the State, and as a
writer of political editorials and on subjects of public interest he has come into prominence. At home he is aggressively active for the
best interests of his town and at all times generous in contributing toward its advancement. He has for several years been foreman
of Randolph Hose Company, No. 1; is one of the officers of Randolph Lodge No. 359, F&AM; a member of Salamanca Chapter,
No. 266, RAM; Salamanca Commandery, KT, No. 62; Fidelity Chapter of the Eastern Star; of Randolph Tent, No. 5 K. O. T. M., and
a charter member of the Order of Modern Woodmen of America, Lodge of Randolph.
Mr. Sheldon took his seat in the Assembly last year with the prestige of having been sent there by the largest majority ever accorded
a candidate for Member of Assembly in the Second Cattaraugus district. Mr. Sheldon received 4,350 votes to 2,013 votes cast for
Ivo J. McGinity, Democrat, his opponent. Mr. Sheldon in the year of 1903 was a member of the following Assembly Committees:
Insurance, Labor and Industries, and Indian Affairs. In the campaign of 1903, Mr. Sheldon was opposed by a candidate nominated
by both the Prohibition and Democratic parties, but notwithstanding the odds against him he was elected by a majority of 1,096
votes. In 1904 Mr. Sheldon was appointed a member of the following Assembly Committees: Insurance, Labor and Industries.
Indian Affairs, and Privileges and Elections.
-----
Isaac C. Stanley, b. 1820, came to Randolph with his father from Cortland county, NY, about 1831. His father, Joseph STANLEY,
settled where his grandson, Jefferson ABBEY, now lives. Mr. STANLEY was a prominent settler and gave each of his seven
children a farm. Isaac C. STANLEY married, first, Eleanor KIERSTEAD, who was the mother of his sons Luther and Joseph.She
died in Mar 1850. In May 1851, he married Julia MILLS, of Cherry Creek; children: Ellen S. (Mrs. L. J. DEWEY), and Addison C.,
born in 1854, a farmer on the homestead. Isaac C. STANLEY died in April, 1875. Addison C. Stanley is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, in which he is a W. M., and in Jun 1891, was a delegate to the Grand Lodge held in New York city.
Cattaraugus Lodge No. 393c, Franklinville, New York
Warrant: 04 Jun 1824
Ceased labor 1828; revived as Hanover No. 182, Forestville, NY, 5 Jun 1874
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/franklinville.html
The first duly authenticated body of this order organized within the limits of what is now the town of Franklinville was Cattaraugus
Lodge, No. 393, and the first notice or record that can be found would seem to indicate the formation of the lodge, and is as follows:
“Nov. 16, 1824, Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 393, convened at lodge-room at Franklinville. Present, Brother Jacob Wade, Past Master.
Proceeded to install Brother Joseph McClure as Junior Warden, agreeable to the order of the Right Worthy Grand Master, Joseph
Enos, of the date of Oct. 23, 1824. Petitions received and put on file of Samuel McClure, of Franklinville; Solomon Curtis, of
Franklinville; James L. Bishop, of Farmersville.
“Brothers Thomas Morris, Elwin Seward, and Levi Peet were appointed a committee of inquiry. Lodge adjourned until two weeks
from this day, at two of the clock p.m.
“Nov. 30, 1824. – Lodge opened at lodge room. Present, Joseph McClure, Thomas Morris, Ezekiel Flanders, Samuel Putnam,
Elam Seward, Levi Peet. They proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year, with the following result: Joseph McClure, Master;
Thomas Morris, SW; Levi Peet [q.v.], JW; Elam Seward, Treas.; Samuel Putnam, Sec.; Ezekiel Flanders, JD; Edward Sales, Tyler.”
Its meetings were held in the lodge-room, in the McClure tavern, and the lodge increased in numbers, and continued to flourish until
about 1831, when it ceased work, owing to the great tidal wave of anti-Masonry which swept over the country at that time. David
McClure was Master at that time, and refused to surrender the charter.
The festival of St. John the Baptist was held here from June 24, 1825, publicly. Rev. Elias Going was Orator; Augustin F. Hayden,
Marshal of the day.
The Past Masters of the Cattaraugus Lodge were
Joseph McClure,
Thomas Morris,
who was its last Worthy Master.
James L. Bishop,
Pardon T. Jewell, [q.v.]
Isaac Searl
David McClure,
A charter for the Royal Arch Chapter was petitioned for and granted 30 Dec 1825. Augustin F. Hayden was the first High-Priest.
In 1827, the first death occurred in the ranks of the Masonic fraternity, and all that was mortal of Edward Swales was borne to the
tomb with Masonic honors. He was buried on a knoll that is now on the highway to Farmerville Centre, between the residence of
William B. McGeorge and Evarts Russell.
http://tfred.tripod.com/1877-179-193.html
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, Published by L.H. Everts, Philadelphia, 1877, p. 189
James L. Bishop was born in Lisbon, CT, 17 Jan 1799. His parents were Samuel Bishop and Lucy Lord Bishop. His mother died
when he was ten years of age, leaving five children. When at the age of fifteen, his father removed to the Genesee country, and
settled at Attica, now Wyoming county, New York. In 1820 he went to Cattaraugus county, New York, which was then new, where
he taught school, cleared land, etc., till 1826, when he was married to Mary Carpenter, who was born in Massachusetts 5 Aug 1799.
He joined the Masonic fraternity about this time, to which he was a firm adherent during life. In 1829, at the age of thirty, he united
with the Presbyterian church, and soon after was chosen ruling elder. In 1836 he, with his family, removed to St. Joseph county,
Michigan, and settled in what is now the township of Burr Oak (then Sherman), and bought 167 of land, which he cleared up, and
upon which he lived till his death, 13 Dec 1859.
42

Soon after coming to Michigan he, with his wife, united with the Presbyterian church at Sturgis, which then consisted of nine
members, and was soon after chosen ruling-elder, clerk, and was also Sabbath-school superintendent. In 1856 he and his wife
helped to organize and became members of the First Presbyterian church in the village of Burr Oak, and both remained members till
death. Mr. Bishop was ever a strong advocate of religion, temperance, and education, always earnest in encouraging what he
believed to be right, and discouraging what he thought was wrong; was kind in his family, and a good neighbor. In politics in his
early manhood he was a Democrat, but upon the organization of the old Liberty party he was one of the first to join its ranks, always
believing in equal rights to "all men," and still later was an active member of the Republican party from its formation till his death.
He held the office of justice of the peace several years in New York before he removed to Michigan, and when the township of Burr
Oak was organized in 1838 he was elected township clerk, and kept the first records of the town. He afterwards held the offices of
school inspector, justice of the peace, and supervisor, the latter office for several years. They had a family of eight children; two died
young. Three sons died in the prime of early manhood in defense of their country. The widow survived her husband several years,
and died 4 Apr1875. Three children; J. C. Bishop, Mrs. Mary A. Johnson, of Burr Oak, and Mrs. Lucy L. Rowly, of Sturgis,--survived.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/franklinville.html contributed by Mr. Marvin Older [a wily old biographer
from Franklinville, with his magic pen and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of ink . . .]
Solomon Curtis, from Chenango Co., NY, located a claim upon lot 40, township 4, range 4. He subsequently sold his interest in the
east half to one Mallory, and it eventually passed into the hands of James Cravath. In 1808, Curtis erected his log house on the
extreme south bounds of the lot, on the site now occupied by the residence of N. B. Deibler, a few rods west of the centre stake in
the village of Franklinville.
Hunting and trapping were his primary, and agriculture his secondary, pursuits. The bounty for a wolf’s scalp was then $60, and he
was often known to take three in a day. The scalp was taken before some judicial officer, deposition was taken as to the time and
place of its captivity and death, the ears were cut off and ceremoniously burned, and forthwith the certificate for the legal bounty was
issued, which passed as current “upon Change” as the government bond of to-day. Wolves were a grievous pest to the early
settlers, as well as a terror to the brute creation; the hunter’s dog crouched tremblingly at his master’s heels; sheep and cattle left
the uncropped herbage, and fled in terror to their folds in close proximity to the abodes of man.
Large bounties were offered under the mistaken idea that the effect would be their total destruction, or at least a diminution of their
numbers, but the reverse proved to be the result of the experiment. Mr. Curtis sold his farm and removed to Erie County ca 1825.
-----
http://books.google.com/books?id=CxOyJ8AcCjAC&pg=PA514&lpg=PA514&dq=%22Ezekiel+Flanders%22+%22cattaraugus%22&
source=bl&ots=CpfSL8OG_k&sig=ZTnBn36pVJc6nl5yunIo4jvI_jI&hl=en&ei=yqInTILOOIT68Aak1oXMDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct
=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Ezekiel%20Flanders%22%20%22cattaraugus%22&f=false page 514.
Ezekiel Flanders [Jr. or IV]. This honored pioneer of 1844 arrived in this county [St. Joseph Co., Michigan] in the spring of the
year, after a tedious and somewhat dangerous journey, which was performed in the manner of those days, widely different from that
of the present, and during which was encountered one the several storms known to this section of country. His clothes in the
meantime were frozen, and himself almost in a perishing condition. This was about Nov 17. The storm lasted from Friday morning
until Sunday about 7 P. M., when they had to give up the trip for that time and returned to Buffalo. After it had abated the journey to
this county was resumed, and Mr. Flanders for a time made his home with friends.
Our subject in the spring of 1852 purchased 160 acres of wild land on Nottawa Prairie, where he commenced farming amid the
difficulties common to life in that region of country, taking care of his widowed mother and settling up the debts of his father's estate.
In the meantime, in order to augment the family income he chopped wood at thirty cents per cord and boarded himself, economizing
in every way possible. In due time his industry and perseverance brought their legitimate reward, and he found himself upon his
feet. He is now numbered among the well-to-do citizens of this county, owning 160 acres of good land in Nottawa Township,
besides a good home in the village of Mendon. He carried on agriculture continuously some years, but in 1883 took up his abode in
Mendon Village, where he now resides, surrounded by all the comforts of life.
Our subject was born in Farmersville, Cattaraugus, NY, 7 Jun 1823, and is the son of Ezekiel and Lydia (White) Flanders, who were
natives of New Hampshire, and the father a farmer by occupation. The latter was born 22 Oct 1782, and departed this life in New
York State, 8 Dec 1840, at the age of 58 years, one month and sixteen days. He had been a man of note in his neighborhood,
holding the various local offices and bearing the reputation of a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, a man prompt to meet his
obligations, and with his excellent wife a believer in the Christian religion. The mother was born 16 Jul 1818, and survived her
husband six years, her death taking place at the homestead in St. Joseph County, Mich., 30 Aug 1846, at the age of 51 years, eight
months and ten days.
Ezekiel Flanders, Sr., when about twenty-nine years of age entered upon a seafaring life, which he followed for about seven years,
being mate of a vessel. He was a man of good education and more than ordinary intelligence, and followed teaching after resuming
his residence on terra firma. He accumulated good property, and politically, affiliated with the Democratic party. The parental
household included eleven children, ten of whom lived to mature years. The eldest, Zoroaster S. B., was b. 11 Jun 1814; Sophia, 20
Jan 1816; David W., 16 Jul 1818; Elizabeth R., 20 Mar 1820; Ezekiel, Jr., 7 Jun 1823; Calvin H., 5 Aug 1825; Lydia L., 8 Aug 1828;
Lucinda W., 15 Aug 1830; Mary, 20 Aug 1832; Ann, 10 Jan 1838. This latter child died in infancy. The parents were married 15 Feb
1813.
Mr. Flanders, our subject, was reared at the home farm in Cattaraugus County, NY, where he was taught habits of industry and
economy, and obtained his book learning in the common school. He was content to follow farm pursuits, and when ready to
establish a fireside of his own was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Ransom, 20 Dec 1846, at the home of the bride in Janesville,
43

Mich. Mrs. Flanders was born 6 May 1829, in New York, and is the daughter of Hubble and Charlotte (Graves) Ransom, the former
of whom was born in 1777, and the latter 5 Dec 1779. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ransom consisted of the children, born as follows:
Charlotte, 25 Jan 1810; Justin H., 7 May 1812; Harry, 7 Jul 1814; Eliza A., 14 Dec 1816; Alonzo, 13 Feb 1819; Charlotte, 4 Jul
1821; Rebecca, 5 Mar 1823; Lyman G., 16 Apr 1827; Amelia, 26 May 1829; Martha, 12 Aug 1833.
Our subject and his estimable wife commenced their wedded life together in Nottawa Township, this county, and in due time the
household circle included five children. The eldest of these, Helen, was born 27 Sep 1847; Catherine, 1 Jan 1850; Frank P., 16 Sep
1852; Fannie E., 27 Jul 1855; Ferdinand F., 27 Dec 1860; Catherine died 14 Apr 1852, when a little over two years old. Frank P.
died 2 Mar 1860, before reaching the eighth year of his age; Helen became the wife of Almeron Estes, of Mendon, and died at her
home in Nottawa, 10 Nov 1872, leaving one child; Lydia L. died when an infant of a few months. Mr. Flanders is a stanch Democrat
politically, and has held the various local offices, the duties of which he discharged with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all
concerned. He was elected Overseer of the Poor in the spring of 1874, and has since been continued in the office, proving himself
duly adapted to the position, being a man of good kindness of heart and one to whom the sufferings of the poor never appeal in
vain. He is member of the City Council of Mendon, and socially a Royal Arch Mason. Mrs. Flanders belongs to the Episcopal
Church, and is lady who adorns her position as the wife of an honest man and good citizen.
------
Joseph McClure was born in Belchertown, Worcester, MA, 14 May 1775. Of his early history comparatively little is known, save
that he was educated to the medical profession, the practice of which soon became repugnant to him, and was consequently
abandoned for more congenial pursuits. About the period of his majority he married an estimable young lady by the name of Betsy
Grice, slightly his junior, from a neighboring town in his native county. Thus the pair set out upon the journey of life, and after various
fortunes not material to this brief sketch, at the age of twenty-nine, early in the year 1804, they found themselves with a family of
four small children, in the primitive hamlet of Angelica, in the neighboring county of Allegany. Among the studies of early life, Mr.
McClure had acquired a taste for mathematics and geometry, and through these agencies he soon became a adept in the art of
surveying.
His reputed skill and accuracy soon became known to [well known] Joseph Ellicott, the principal agent of the Holland Land
Company; negotiation culminated in an agreement, and Mr. McClure, with his compass and chain, was sent into the wilderness,
accompanied by Solomon Curtis and Ira Pratt as axemen, to survey the subdivisions of the Purchase.
Beginning at the eastern boundary of the Purchase, and progressing westward, they at length reached the broad and beautiful
valley of Ischua. Here Nature had lavished her beauties with a profuse liberality. A broad vale of unbroken symmetry, a soil of
almost exhaustless fertility, bearing a burden of succulent herbage, with a dense growth of forest-trees, tall, graceful, and majestic
as giant sentinels guarding fairy ground; the pure waters of the Ischua, lightly fringed with nodding alders and dipping willows,
washed its western boundaries, while Gates’ Creek, a considerable affluent from the east, swept in a general curve across the
southeastern corner, separating a romantic acclivity from the alluvial delta formed by the convergence of the two streams.
Contemplating this scene in the wild grandeur of its primitive loveliness, under the mellowing influences of a mild Indian summer, the
autumn leaves reflecting the many-tinted rays of a September sun, what wonder that a man of cultivated taste and refined
sensibilities like Joseph McClure should select lot 39, in the fourth township and fourth range, as his future home. Such was the man
and such the home to which he brought his family in March 1806, cutting and clearing the road as they came, a distance of thirty
miles, through an unbroken wilderness, camping at night amid the dissolving snows of early spring. Thus was formed the nucleus
around which clustered other homes, a radiating point from which have sprung the growing and diversified interests of the
Franklinville of today.
They erected their log cabin upon the ground now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Permilia Campbell. The barn, constructed of
the same material, occupied the more pretentious position, viz., the corner lot where now stands the brick store of Ely & Smith. The
trials and triumphs, the dangers and escapes, the grievous hardships and patient endurance incidental to a life of isolation, are more
easily contemplated by a lively imagination than described by the historian’s pen. Suffice it to say that, like Robinson Crusoe in his
involuntary seclusion, “by dint and by thrift they managed the shift,” until the dawn of an advancing civilization lent its charms to
dispel the gloom of solitude, and brought with it the comforts of social, civil, intellectual, and domestic life. After a long and varied
experience, he died of heart disease, 11 Sep 1833, aged fifty-eight years and four months. His wife survived him eleven years, and
was buried by his side in the family burying-ground, a few rods south of their first habitation. During the present summer, 1878, their
remains were transferred to Mount Prospect Cemetery, where a humble slab marks the final resting-place of the first pioneer of the
Ischua Valley.
The family of Joseph and Betsy McClure consisted of five sons and three daughters, of whom Samuel, Manly, and Joseph, Jr.,
settled upon the hill road leading from Franklinville to Ellicottville. Samuel married Lucy Carpenter; Manly married Emily
Wightman, and Joseph married Patty Long. Of these, all have paid the debt of nature, except the aged widow of Joseph, who
resided with her brother in the town of Sardinia, Erie, NY.
David McClure has always resided within a stone’s throw of the old primitive lob cabin; he has been a resident of this town nearly
seventy-three years, and as a child, boy, and man has numbered more pulsations within the limits of the county than any other
human being that ever trod its soil. He early learned to play the violin, at which he soon became an adept, playing sometimes for
amusement and sometimes for money. In 1817, when he was thirteen years of age, he drove a team to Ellicottville weekly, laden
with flour and other provisions to supply the wants of Baker Leonard, while erecting the first hotel built in that place. Notwithstanding
the limited facilities for study, he managed to acquire a fair English education; he chose the law as a profession, which he has
followed with varied success up to the present time. He has represented the town on the Board of Supervisors, and filled other
positions of honor and trust. In February, 1825, he married the daughter of Thomas Morris, a neighboring pioneer.
------
Samuel Putnam came [to Ischua] about 1815. His daughter Caroline was the first to teach school in the town.
44

------
Isaac Searl, the son of Gideon and Hannah Searl, was born in the town of Whitehall, Washington, NY, 23 Oct 1789. He was the
second son of a family of fifteen children, of whom six brothers and five sisters have been honorable and exemplary citizens of
Cattaraugus County. His early education was limited to the ordinary common schools of that period, yet what he lacked in the polish
and refinement of classical literature was amply supplied by an inbred love of truth, ever a faithful devotee at honor’s shrine in all the
social, civil, financial, and political relations of life.
In July 1811, at the age of twenty-two, he married Martha Hotchkiss, of Washington County. In 1816 he moved with his family to
Warsaw, Wyoming Co., where he remained only one year; and in the autumn of 1817 he removed to Franklinville, occupying a small
habitation on the ground now covered by the Globe Hotel. Here he remained until the following summer, when he selected as his
future home, the north part of lot 35, and the northwest corner of lot 27, township 4, range 4. Here he erected his log cabin and
moved his little family, and by the vigorous use of the axe, the handspike, and all-consuming fire, he waged a vigorous warfare with
the denizens of the forest until he had cleared many broad acres, and bountiful harvest repaid him for his weary labors. He was
prudent and economical, yet far from being parsimonious; he was a charitable giver and a prompt paymaster; the needy never went
empty-handed from his door, the latch-string of which was always out to the benighted wayfarer and the neighboring pioneer. He
had nine children, worthy representatives of a noble stock. The surviving sons were Orange, Lyman, and Isaac, who, by following in
the footsteps of their worthy predecessor, have not only kept the patrimonial estate intact, but have added largely thereto, and are
ranked among the best farmers in the Ischua valley, as well as models in all the social amenities that characterize the gentleman
and the Christian. Of the daughters, Arvilla and Hannah survived, and were respectively the wives of John Burlingame and
Marshall O. Bond, both of whom, in all their social and domestic relations, bear the impress of noble training and Christian example.
During the winter of 1837 he made profession of religion, and through the remainder of his life honored that profession both by
precept and example. Conscience was the tribunal before which every act was tried, the Word of God was the law and evidence,
and a resolute compliance with duty executed its decree. In April, 1837, he united with the Baptist Church of Franklinville, and until
the close of his life was an honorable, exemplary, and influential member of that organization. He died 11 Apr 1860, aged seventy
years, five months, and eighteen days, leaving to his heirs-at-law a goodly inheritance, and to the community at large a legacy richer
by far, -- that of a blameless life and a spotless reputation; and the passer by may pause at his grave and truthfully say, “Here lies all
that can die of the noblest work of God,--an honest man.”
Constellation Lodge, No. 435c, Ellicottville, New York
Organized at Ellicottville, it received its charter 1 Jun 1825. The first officers were Gaius Wheaton, Master; John Vosburg, Senior
Warden; and Jacob Simmons, Junior Warden. It was chartered by the "County Grand Lodge," there being from 1823 to 1827 two
Grand Lodges in the State. Their meetings were held in what was known as the Masonic Room in Mr. Huntley's tavern. The lodge
never made any returns to the Grand Lodge, and the warrant was surrendered in 18 Feb 1831. The Anti-Masonry excitement
occurred during its existence, and but little is known of its history.
http://books.google.com/books?id=TccLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA255&lpg=PA255&dq=%22Arion+Lodge%22+%22little+valley%22&sourc
e=bl&ots=fm7T_zpihj&sig=y0o8LFA9a5qoTTezCMW2FBIThmY&hl=en&ei=GF8rTPGsLYK78gbJ7czSCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct
=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Arion%20Lodge%22%20%22little%20valley%22&f=false page 254.
Gaius Wheaton b. 1789-90 in Worcester, MA; d. 17 Jan 1863; son of Christopher and Abigail Wheaton. About 1823 he settled in
Little Valley Center, Cattaraugus, NY, locating on a farm later owned by his son Norman, who in 1893 was the oldest living person
that was born within the limits of the town. Gaius (sometimes misspelled as ‘Gains’) was a blacksmith and the first of that trade to
settle in Little Valley town. He was an active member of the Masonic Order and Past Master of his Lodge. He married first Relief
‘Lefa’ Chase, d/o the pioneer David Chase. She was the mother of all their children, but died early in life. He was afterward twice
married. He served as Commissioner of Highways and Inspector of Schools. He was later a petitioner for Ellicottville Lodge No. 307.
He was a Lieutenant in a new battalion of the 173rd Regiment of Infantry.
Children by Lefa:
Hiram farmer; m1. Mary Gibson; m2. Olive Bryant.
Norman b. 09 Jan 1823; d. 15 Jun 1897; m. Harriet Carver, b. 12 Feb 1825; d. 28 Feb 1895. His daughter, Viola A., b. 24 May
1854, married Brother Francis M. Bailey of Arion Lodge No. 812 [q.v.].
Gaius b. 17 Aug 1826; farmer; m1. 9 Jul 1848 Sarah Kelly, b. 10 Nov 1820; d. 4 Mar 1878; m2. 6 Sep 1822 Mrs. Malinda
Green, b. 2 Apr 1844.
http://files.usgwarchives.org/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/perrysburg.txt
John Vosburg[h], son of Isaac and Mary [Nancy] (KELLOGG) VOSBURG, was born in Sheffield, MA, 28 Aug 1800; d. 26 Feb
1873. In 1823 he married Betsey B. FILLMORE, who died May 31, 1846. Children: Mary J., Charles, William F., Laura S., Franklin
B., Annette, George L., Caroline M., Norton N., Harry, and Sydna J. John moved from Sheffield, Mass. to Palmyra, NY in 1802
Cyrus FILLMORE, the father of Mrs. Betsey B. VOSBURG, served seven years in the Revolution, drew a pension [1833], b. 1758; d.
at Collins, NY, 14 Feb 1847 [another source gives 1760-1843]; bur. as East Aurora Cemetery, Erie Co. NY, where President
Fillmore parents are also buried. President Fillmore has a brother Cyrus, but this is not his brother, but perhaps an cousin?
This Cyrus was the husband of Jemima Kneeland [1749-1843; d/o Deacon John KNEELAND, b. ca 1710, Framingham, Middlesex,
MA, and Mehitable Lord]. They had five sons and three daughters. He was most likely a son of Henry and Thankful (Downer)
Fillmore.
Betsey was b. Manlius, NY, 8 Jun 1801; d. Collins, NY, 1 Jun 1849 [according to this source]; was cousin of President Millard
Fillmore.
45

http://www.e-familytree.net/F81/F81259.htm
John C. Vosburgh , b. 29 Aug 1799 at Town of Sheffield, MA; d. 28 Feb 1872 at Perrysville, NY; son of Lt. Isaac Vosburgh and
Nancy Kellogg; m. 1822 at Walworth, Wayne, NY, Betsey Fillmore, b. 8 Jun 1801 at Manlius, NY; d. 1 Jun 1849 at Collins, NY.
Moved from Sheffield, MA to Palmyra, NY with his parents. In 1814 he moved to Aurora, NY, and later to Walworth, in 1854 to
Perrysburgh then to Elliottville, NY. In 1825 he was in Lodi, NY.
Children:
Charles M. Vosburgh, b. 08 Jul 1824 in Ellicottville
William Fillmore Vosburgh b. 24 Oct 1825 in Ellicottville, NY; d. 30 Dec 1889; m. Cornelia M. Curtis
Laura Sophia Vosburgh b. 15 Feb 1827 in NY
Franklin Benjamin Vosburgh b. 10 Sep 1828 in NY; d. 22 Apr 1896 at Wisconsin; m. Maryette Copen
Jennett Vosburgh b. 04 Jan 1833 in NY; d. 22 Apr 1860
George Lord Vosburgh b. 01 May 1838 in Collins, NY; d. 10 Jul 1912 at Lockport, NY; m. Elizabetha Campbell
Caroline Melinda Vosburgh b. 10 Aug 1839 in NY; m. Frank M. Campbell
Harry Vosburgh
Gidney Vosburgh
-----
CYRUS FILLMORE (HENRY 3 , JOHN 2 , JOHN 1 ) b. 1756 Salisbury, CT; d. Collins, Cattaraugus, NY; m1 22 Sep 1781 in New
Canaan, CT, Jemima Kneeland, d/o John Kneeland and Mehitable Lord.
Children:
i. HENRY FILLMORE, b. ca 1782, Manlius, NY; m1. ANNA GATES; m2. ____ OTIS.
ii. WILLIAM FILLMORE, b. 03 Jun 1786, Manlius, Onondaga, NY; d. 16 Nov 1878.
iii. ICHABOD FILLMORE, m. LYDIA POTTER.
iv. LAVINIA FILLMORE, m. SAMUEL ALLEN.
v. BETSY FILLMORE, m. JOHN NOSBURG [sic – Vosburg].
vi. PHEBE FILLMORE, m. SAMUEL WOODFORD.
vii. CYRUS FILLMORE, JR., b. 1801, Manlius, Onondaga, NY; m. MARIA DAVIS.
viii. LUTHER FILLMORE, b. 1784, Manlius, Onondaga, NY; d. 1854.
Cyrus Fillmore’s gravestone at East Aurora Cemetery, Erie Co. NY>
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=43455036&PIpi=22827634
------
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/r/o/m/Danielle-A-Romine/GENE1-0003.html
HENRY FILLMORE (JOHN 2 , JOHN 1 ) b. 28 Jun 1733 in Norwich (Franklin) CT; d. aft. 1813 in probably NY; m1. THANKFUL
DOWNER 1Apr 1756 in Norwich (Franklin) CT, d/o JOSEPH DOWNER and MARY SAWYER; m2. MARY GILLETTE 30 Sep 1765
in Dutchess Co., NY.
Children of HENRY and THANKFUL:
i. HENRY FILLMORE, JR., b. 22 Jun 1760, Ashford, CT; d. 5 Aug 1837, Providence, Saratoga, NY; m. MARY 1783.
ii. LUCRETIA FILLMORE, b. ca 1761, Norwich (Franklin) CT; d. 17 May 1842, Isle La Motte, Grand Isle, VT.
iii. CYRUS FILLMORE, b. 1756, Salsbury, CT; d. Collins, Cattaraugus, NY.
iv. CYNTHIA FILLMORE, b. 1758; m. ICHABOD KNEELAND.
-----
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/r/o/m/Danielle-A-Romine/GENE1-0002.html
JOHN FILLMORE (JOHN 1 ) b. 18 Mar 1701/02 in Ipswich, MA; d. 22 Feb 1777 in Norwich (now Franklin), New London, CT; m1.
MARY SPILLER 28 Nov 1724 in Ipswitch, MA., d/o HENRY SPILLER and SARAH MOORE; m2. DORCAS DAY ca 1734 in Norwich
(now Franklin), New London, CT, d/o NATHANIEL DAY and RUTH ROWE; m3. MARY ROACH 1760.
Children of JOHN FILLMORE and MARY SPILLER are:
i. JOHN FILLMORE, b. 1726, NORWICH, CT; d. 1796, Jolicure, Westmorland, New Brunswick.
ii. ABIGAIL FILLMORE, b. 28 Mar 1728, Norwich, CT.
iii. MARY FILLMORE, b. 17 Aug 1731, Norwich (Franklin) CT; m. JOHN TAYLOR, 23 Oct 1768, Norwich, CT.
iv. HENRY FILLMORE, b. 28 Jun 1733, Norwich (Franklin) CT; d. aft. 1813, probably NY.
Children of JOHN FILLMORE and DORCAS DAY, all born in Norwich (now Franklin), New London Co., CT:
v. DORCAS FILLMORE, b. 13 Feb 1735/36; d. Haverhill, Essex, MA.
vi. JEMIMA FILLMORE, b. 01 Apr 1737; d. there 1 Dec 1741.
vii. MIRIAM FILLMORE, b. 22 Nov 1738; d. Ellisburg, NY.
viii. NATHANIEL FILLMORE, b. 20 Mar 1739/40; d. 7 Sep 1814, Bennington, VT. [this is the line that goes to President
Millard Fillmore, via Nathaniel’s son, Nathaniel].
ix. COMFORT FILLMORE, b. 25 Jan 1741/42; d. there 24 Jan 1814.
x. AMAZIAH FILLMORE, b. 23 Nov 1743; d. 1762, Cuba.
xi. MIMEE FILLMORE, b. 03 Jan 1745/46.
xii. LYDIA FILLMORE, b. 16 Nov 1747; d. there 28 Jul 1826.
xiii. LUTHER FILLMORE, b. 14 Jan 1749/50; d. 9 Feb 1809, Middletown, CT.
xiv. CALVIN FILLMORE, b. 24 Feb 1751/52; d. there 14 Mar 1758.
xv. DEBORAH FILLMORE, b. 21 Jun 1755; m. HAMPTON LOVEGROVE.
xvi. DELIVERANCE FILLMORE, b. 22 Jan 1757.
46

Pulaski Lodge No. 441c, Perrysburgh, New York
Petition: 25 Dec 1824
Signed by:
Bogardus, Peter
Butler, Abel M.
Corning, Y. W.
Hanford, John W.
Merithew, Hosea
Millen, Joseph M.
Monroe, William M.
Parkinson, Reuben
Pitcher, Leman
Spencer, P[hineas].
Taylor, Stephen
Townsend, Thomas
Vosburgh, Thomas
Watervale [?], Jacob
Petition says nearest Lodges were at Springville (Concord Township – Concord No. 346), and at Forestville (Hanover Lodge, U.D. –
Chautauqua, Co., NY).
First Officers: Stephen Taylor, WM; Leman H. Pitcher, SW; Kellogg Vosburgh, JW.
Recommended by: Concord Lodge No. 346, Concord, Erie Co., NY
Warrant: 01 Jun 1825 [8 Jun 1825]; photostat on file at GL.
Surrendered: 1831 to Grand Visitor (Frederick S. Martin of Olean)..
http://books.google.com/books?id=Pjv_DkWD83wC&pg=PA188&lpg=PA188&dq=%22Abel+M.+butler%22+%22cattaraugus%22&s
ource=bl&ots=5uudJYuZVt&sig=pDOoH2sGoYRAlorQb_GPQqj1aA&hl=en&ei=i6soTOLTCMGC8gb_koH9Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6
AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Abel%20M.%20butler%22%20%22cattaraugus%22&f=false page 188.
Abel Munn Butler, son of Ezekiel Butler (3), was born in 1790. He married Polly Morgan, born 1788, youngest of the eight children
of Abijah and a niece of Jedediah Morgan. Her father, Abijah Morgan, born 1749, son of Abijah Morgan, Sr., removed from New
London county, CT, ca 1800, to Hamilton, Madison, NY, and died at Scriba, Oswego, NY, Dec 1815. He married Anna Cone. Abijah
Morgan, Sr.., b. 6 Jul 1715, son of Samuel Morgan, b. 9 Sep 1669, who m. 30 Dec 1709, Hannah Alvery. Captain John Morgan,
father of Samuel, was b. 30 Mar 1645, son of the immigrant, James Morgan; m., 16 Nov 1665, Rachel Dymond. James Morgan was
from Glamorgan county, Wales; married Margery Hill.
Abel M. Butler moved from Herkimer county, NY, to the town of Otto, Cattaraugus county, at an early date. He volunteered and
served in the battle of Sacketts Harbor in the War of 1812. He sold his farm at Otto and settled finally at Harmony, Chautauqua, NY,
where he died Dec 1872, just after returning from a visit to the home of his son in Spartansburg, PA. He was 82 of age. Children of
Abel M. and Polly Butler: 1. Ezekiel, b. 1815; m. Betsy Brown, of Leon, Cattaraugus, NY. 2. Hannah, b. 17 Sep 1817, m. Nelson
Little, of Otto. 3. Betsey, b. 1819, m. Allan Campbell, of Otto. 4. Sallie, b. 1821, m. Lemuel Woolman, of Otto. 5. Newell, b. 1823, m.
Lucy Randall, of Persia, Cattaraugus county. 6. Oscar, mentioned below.
Oscar Butler, son of Abel Munn (4) and Polly (Morgan) Butler, was born at Otto, Cattaraugus, NY, 29 Mar 1827. He received his
education in the common schools of his native town, helping his father during his boyhood in the work of the farm. After coming of
age he continued with his father, and in 1848 he and his father bought a tract of land in Harmony, Chautauqua, NY, which they
made their home until Abel M. Butler's death in 1872. Oscar then became sole owner of the farm and conducted it until 1900, when
he exchanged it for property at Bear Lake, PA, a short distance from his former home, which he also owns. He recently moved to
Conneaut, Ohio, where he resides with his daughter, Mrs. Ray Lewis. He is a Democrat in politics and a veteran of the Civil war. He
enlisted 30 Aug 1862, in Company F, 112th NY Volunteer Infantry, and went into camp with his regiment at Jamestown, NY, starting
for the front September 12 following, landing at Norfolk, Virginia, and camped at Suffolk on an old Confederate campground. The
location was bad, being on the very edge of the Dismal Swamp, and much sickness prevailed. Mr. Butler was taken with typhoid,
followed with partial paralysis, and was not able to resume his duties until February. Their fortified camp was attacked by General
Longstreet in the spring, but was repulsed by General Dix. In July 1863, he went with his regiment to Charlestown, SC, landing on
Folly Island in the harbor. After the capture of Fort Wagner and Fort Green, Mr. Butler with many others received furloughs, and in
the fall of 1863 came home, returning to the camp at Folly Island for the winter. In Feb 1864, the regiment went to Florida, camping
at Jacksonville for two months, and then returned to Virginia. After a march to Hanover Junction and back to White House Landing,
the regiment marched all night to take part in the battle of Cold Harbor, 1 Jun 1864, and suffered heavy losses. From thence to
Petersburg they proceeded, losing men daily in skirmishes. After Fort Fisher was taken the regiment was sent to Wilmington, NC,
and there Mr. Butler was sent to the hospital as ward master. Four or five days later he was taken with a malignant type of typhoid.
After four weeks there he was taken to New York on a hospital ship and landed in the Davids' Island Hospital (now Fort Slocum) in
Long Island Sound, 10 Apr 1865. He was finally discharged 31 May 1865, with the rank of sergeant.
Oscar Butler married, 6 Sep 1847, Hannah Randall, b. 2 Nov 1829; d. Feb 1907, at Conneaut, OH, d/o Elisha and Amy (Brown)
Randall, of Brookfield, NY.
-----
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=deemc43515&id=I24175
Hosea Merithew, b. ca 1790 in Cranston, , RI; d. in Otto, Cattaraugus Co., NY; son of Samuel MERITHEW b. 1750 in Coventry,
Kent Co., RI, and Polly POTTER b. 28 May 1750 in Coventry, Kent Co., RI; m. 1818, Petersburgh, NY, Mary ARNOLD b. ca 1790 in
Kingston, Washington Co., RI
Children b. in Otto, Cattaraugus Co., NY:
1. Richard Arnold MERITHEW b. 1834
2. Stephen MERITHEW b. 1823
3. Hosea MERITHEW b. 1825 [13 JAN 1837 in Cattaraugus County, New York; d. 7 FEB 1880]
47

4. Mary A. MERITHEW b. 1826
5. William N. MERITHEW b. 1838
6. Harriet E. MERITHEW b. 1842
This family apparently most West. Another version of Hosea which shows the same wife, different parents and some of the same
children appears as follows:
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=selvage1&id=I75931
Arlana Hosea (Arley) MERITHEW, b. 1781 in Maine; d. bef. 1850 during a trip down the Ohio River
Lenna Gowdey 1973, Our Sires Monument, pp. 12-13.
Oldest son. Said to have adopted the name Hosea in adulthood. His marriage to an older woman was unhappy and he left her
before the War of 1812, leaving behind a two-year old daughter for whom he made provisions.
Apparently went to Providence, Rhode Island, where he is reputed to have been responsible for saving the crew of a ship that was
long on Long Island nearby.
Moved to Cattaraugus County, New York, after his second marriage. In May 1842, to Grandview, Indiana. Buried Calhoun, McLean
County, Kentucky.
Son of Roger MERITHEW (2) b: 1748 and Rhoda MALLORY b: BEF 1752 in Connecticut
First Married bef. 1809
Child: daughter MERITHEW b: BEF 1810 in Maine
Second married aft 1812 in Rhode Island Mary ARNOLD (3) b: in Rhode Island; d. Jun 1842 in Grandview, Spencer, Indiana
Children:
1. Adelia MERITHEW b: in Cattaraugus County, NY
2. Nelson MERITHEW b: in Cattaraugus County, NY
3. Stephen MERITHEW (3) b: in Cattaraugus County, NY
4. Thaddeus MERITHEW b: in Rhode Island
5. Zacheus W. MERITHEW b: ca 1814 in Cattaraugus County, NY
6. Almanza MERITHEW b: 07 Mar 1821 in Rhode Island
7. Alma MERITHEW (2) b: 12 Mar 1831 in Cattaraugus County, NY
8. Richard Arnold MERITHEW b: 25 Oct 1834 in Cattaraugus County, NY
9. Hosea MERITHEW b: 13 Jan 1837 in Cattaraugus County, NY
10. Hariett MERITHEW b: 10 Aug 1839 in Cattaraugus County, NY
Phineas Spencer, on lot 20, came in 1815. He was a large-hearted, generous, and enterprising man. At Perrysburg he served as
Town Clerk, 1818 to 1821, as Town Justice in 1822, and Town Supervisor in 1822-23. He removed to Gowanda, then called Lodi,
where he kept the first store, and became a prominent public man and had land in "Town 6, Range 8, Lot No. 8". He was
postmaster of ‘West Lodi’ in 1830 and died 31 Sep 1839.
Thomas Townsend b. ca 1777, Dutchess Co., NY [age 78 in 1855’; d. ca 1858]; farmer; res. Perrysburgh; 1818 Vernon Lodge No.
190, Ontario Co.; petitioned Pulaski Lodge No. 441c, 25 Dec 1824; joined 30 Apr 1855, Phoenix Lodge NO. 262, Gowanda,
Cattaraugus Co.; report ‘dead’ in 1858.
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/perrysburg.txt
Thomas Townsend was born in Dutchess county, lived for a time in Penn Yan, NY, and finally came to Perrysburg, where he died
17 Nov 1858. His wife was Polly Cross; children: Luther A., Sally, Abbie, Harriet C., and John R. The last named was born in Penn
Yan, 3 Mar 1823; m. 17 Jun 1852, S. Arvilla Johnson, d/o Ralph and Maria (Cole) Johnson, of Dayton, who survived him, residing
on the homestead. Ralph Johnson was born in Stafford, CT, 3 Apr 1797, came to Dayton in 1815, and died 11 Jan 1871. He was
the first postmaster in Dayton, for several years its town clerk and supervisor, and one of its earliest inn keepers.
Leman Harmon Pitcher
“Reunion of the Sons and Daughters of the Old Town of Pompey “
http://books.google.com/books?id=TkAtFiV7q9IC&pg=PA337&lpg=PA337&dq=%22Leman+H.+Pitcher%22&source=bl&ots=g-
pIFsqTqz&sig=7WSBnDCN09FTus6Fj0-KFCErUtA&hl=en&ei=-AcoTMqvFsOB8gbC-
Oj8Cg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Leman%20H.%20Pitcher%22&f=fals
e pages 337-341.
LEMAN HARMON PITCHER, compiled by Leman Baker Pitcher.
Leman H. Pitcher was born in Rutland, Vermont, 26 Nov 1781; he was the son of Reuben (and Adah Harmon), the son of Ebenezer,
the son of Samuel, Jr., the son of Samuel, Sr., the son of Andrew, who came of Somerset County, England in 1633;.and settled in
Dorcester, MA, where he died in 1660.
Leman H. Pitcher went to school about six months before he was eight years old, and about three more between the age of twelve
and thirteen. From eight to twelve he lived with his uncle Harmon, who was too poor to send him to school, yet rich enough to send
his own son of like age, summer and winter. At one time he asked his uncle if he might go to school, and the reply was "that it cost
money," and "that it was not expected that everybody would go." This caused him to cry, for which he was called a "booby," and
ordered off to bed. In later year&, he has often told his children, that this circumstance caused him to form' a resolution, "that he
would know something if he had to steal it." "While young Oliver, his cousin, played and slept, Leman H., as opportunities offered,
read his books, and at twelve he was the better scholar. The next year he lived with his mother, and the two succeeding years
worked out for $50 and $65 per year. In 1796, he and the family moved to Pompey, and settled where Adison H. Clapp now resides.
In the winter of 1797 or 1798, he and John Sprague studied arithmetic during the evenings with an old surveyor, who lived near
Watervale, to whom they gave a bushel of oats, then of the value of fifteen cents, for each evening.
48

In November 1798, his right foot was nearly severed just below the ankle joint. When climbing a well post to assist in adjusting the
well sweep, his step-father Starkweather, attempted to strike the axe in the post, to assist him in climbing, but his foot slipping just
as the axe fell, received the lull force of the blow, and his foot was held only by the skin of the heel. A council of Doctors was held,
and all advised amputation; one said, " it might possibly get well;" to this he replied, "I am without education, trade or money, and I
had rather go to the grave with my foot, than to live a poor cripple all my life;"do the best you can, I am resolved to live or die with
my foot." During the following year while the wound was healing, he studied hard to prepare himself for teaching school and for
business. In 1800 he taught his first school in a school house that stood near the corners about a mile north-westerly from the Hill
towards Janesville. In 1801 and afterwards he taught on the Hill as related by Mrs. Miller in her paper, June 29, 1871. He continued
to teach five or six years, winters, and sometimes summers. Between 1801 and 1808 he was constable and deputy sheriff, and
about this time he became a Freemason.* In the Spring of 1808 he married Hannah Baker, aunt of Dea. Samuel Baker, of
Pompey Hill, and moved to Camillus, NY.
* Leman is listed as having been Initiated in Military Lodge No. 93, Manlius, Onondaga, NY, 4 Sep 1803; Passed 29 Sep 1803,
and Raised 19 Apr 1804. He was a Petitioner for Farmers Lodge No. 166, Delphi, Onondaga, NY, on 21 Nov 1807, and served
as its first Senior Warden.
Leman B. Pitcher was in Camillus January 30th, 1809. Mr. Pitcher was engaged in the fall of 1810, and the winter and summer
following in preparing and rafting hewn timber for the Montreal market. Going down the Oswego river he ventured too near the falls
and was carried over with a broken raft with two other men one of whom was drowned. All he had (about $4,000) and something
more, was embarked in the business. After some loss of timbers and many delays he sailed from Oswego with his re-collected raft
and was again damaged in running the rapids of the St. Lawrence river, and finally when about fifty miles above Montreal the news
of the declaration of war reached him. This news was unexpected. Two days later his timber in ^Montreal was worth only half price,
and the next only a third and no cash at that, and to make bad worse he was notified to take the oath of allegiance or leave in three
days. If he left his timber, it would be confiscated. He therefore sold it for dry goods, being the best he could do, and as nonintercourse
was declared, his only chance was to smuggle the goods home. This he attempted, but when near Ogdensburgh, his
goods were seized and he arrested. His excuse was that the circumstances compelled him to do as he had done, and through the
influence of his Masonic brothers he was allowed or enabled to escape. He reached Oswego with sixteen cants and a roll of
coarse cloth. All else was gone. When he left home he expected to return in five or six weeks with $6,000 or |7,000. He was gone
from June to January, and came back with almost nothing. In the Spring of 1812, he took a farm on the ridge road two miles east of
Lewiston on the Niagara Frontier, where he raised vegetables which he sold to the soldiers stationed at Lewiston. He also bought of
others and sold. In this way he accumulated over $2,000, before the 19th of December, 1813. Then the British and Indians who had
crossed the river about three miles below the night previous, surrounded his house and took him and his family prisoners, plundered
them of every thing they thought worth carrying away, and burned the remainder with the buildings. Mr. Pitcher was taken by one
party who had charge of the men prisoners destined for Halifax. On the road half w7ay to the river, this party was attacked by the
Tuscarora friendly Indians, and while the skirmish was going on he escaped. The mother and her three children, Leman B., Sally
and Nancy were stripped of every garment that could tempt the cupidity of a savage. The last garment was an old red cloak. This an
Indian demanded and an officer told him he "must not have it," for which the Indian shot him. The snow was about six inches deep,
and Mrs. Pitcher with a babe in her arms, a sick boy on her back, and a little girl walking by her side, half naked with other prisoners
was driven on by a drunken and uncontrollable rabble of Indians and a few British soldiers. On the road they saw one child
tomahawked, another gun-clubbed, and still another impaled upon the stake of a fence. The number of women and children
prisoners from Mr. Pitcher's neighborhood, was nineteen. They had rations for three days, and after that they were turned adrift to
live and sleep in the woods near Queenstown, without fire, food or clothing. For nearly three weeks they lived on what the soldiers
and Indians threw away, and slept close together to keep warm in a rude cabin made of poles and brush. They were put over the
river and set at liberty at Lewiston, without food: the snow nearly 10 inches deep. They followed the ridge road east by the ruins of
their home, and coming to an old house, they covered the blood-stained floor with straw, and nestled down to rest. About 11 o'clock
at night, they were startled by the cry of "who comes there," and "I have a flag of truce.” It was Mr. Pitcher who had that day been to
Forts Niagara and George, and up to Queenstown, where he learned that his wife, children and others had been set at liberty. When
he found them he was returning to get horses to go to Buffalo that night. The sleigh he procured was soon filled with nineteen happy
souls, women and children, while he, his brother James and a friend ran by their side, thirteen miles, when they all found food and
rest. A few days after, in the early part of January 1814, Mr. Pitcher and his family arrived safely in Pompey. Thus twice was Mr.
Pitcher ruined by the war. In the following fall he commenced keeping a hotel five miles east of Buffalo, where in sixteen months he
cleared $1,800.00, with which in the Spring of 1816, he moved into Chautauqua county on a branch of the Allegany river.
[At South Dayton, Cattaraugus Co., on Lot 58, Leman H. and James P. PITCHER were the first settlers in 1816. They did not
remain in town very long but sold their interests to M.C. NICKERSON, who afterwards became a Mormon. Leman was here but did
not stay in Chautauqua Co , he went to Collins, in Erie Co., NY. He is found there in 1850 age 68 a gardener. Leman is also listed
as a settler of the Town of Collins, Erie Co. NY, where he is listed a Town Clerk, 1838-44. The distance from Perrysburg to Collins is
about 7 miles, depending on where Leman lived. Dayton, NY is about a mile or two south of Perrysburg]
The cold seasons of 1816,17 and 18, were unproductive, and in 1821 he moved poor and discouraged to the Cattaraugus creek,
and ever after only tried to “bring the year about." Here he acted as Justice of the Peace for thirty-six years, noted as a peacemaker,
and no judicial decision of his was ever reversed. In 1826, while traveling on a journey in Genesee county, a heavy shower
coming up he stopped and finally remained over night with a farmer, and there found "The old family Bible," which was taken in
1813, carried to Canada, retaken by the U.S. soldiers, brought back and sold at Black Rock for whiskey, and afterwards bought by
the farmer for half a bushel of potatoes. The last eight years of his life Mr. Pitcher spent with his son Leman B. Pitcher, and he died
14 Apr 1867. His brother James P. Pitcher will be remembered by the early residents of Pompey as a successful school teacher
from 1805 to 1810. He married Anna Brewer, and went with his brother to Buffalo and Chautauqua County, and about forty years
ago, to Oakland County, Michigan, where he and his wife died in 1868, respected by all who knew them.
49

Portville Lodge No. 579, Portville, New York
Warrant: 05 Jun 1866
Fire 1875 when they met 'over Gaston's Wagon Shop'; second fire which destroyed 'a good part of the town,' date unknown.
Organized in Jan 1865, and chartered 9 Jun 1866, with the following named officers: Wilson Collins, M; M. B. Bennie, SW; Massena
Langdon, JW; T.S. Jackson, Treas.; Henry C. Scofield, Secy.
The officers for 1878 were Ezra M. Bedford, M.; H. D. Smith, SW; C. W. Van Wart, JW; M. B. Bennie, Treas.; B. A. Packard, Secy;
John H. Warden, SD; Charles Parks, JD; H. M. Hopkins, Tyler.
The Past Masters are M. B. Bennie, Schuyler M. Gaston, John H. Warden, Lewis D. Warner, John Hendy, and Ezra Borst.
-----
Schuyler M(oses). Gaston, b. 14 Feb 1828 [twin of Luther S. Gaston]; d. 13 Apr 1906; son of Ebenezer Gaston and Hannah
Hammond; m. 29 Aug 1852 Adeline M. Call (1832-1906). He had a wagon shop on the north bank of the creek.
Children:
Highland B. Gaston b. 09 Dec 1853; d. 5 Jun 1907
Marmie Gaston b. ca 1855, NY
George Colwell Gaston b. 17 Sep 1868, NY; d. 11 May 1930
see also http://home.mindspring.com/~bgaston2/_images/D-Chart.pdf?q=david-morales-coln
----
http://www.portvillehistory.org/Holcomb_3.html
The first officers were Rev. Wilson Collins, Master, and supported by M. B. Bennie, S. M. Gaston, C. W. Van Wart, Marcena
Langdon and others. The late John H. Warden was the first man to be initiated after the lodge was organized and among the early
members was A. G. Packard, M. P. Keyes, B. A. Packard, C(harles). K(napp) Wright [q.v. - who married Mary M. Bennie], and E.
M. Bedford.
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/portville.txt
Ezra M. Bedford, son of Jacob and Marilla (Wright) Bedford, was born in Rushford, NY, 16 Jan 1837. The family is of English origin
and came to Portville in 1851, settling in the east part of the town. Ezra M. has been both a farmer and a lumber manufacturer. In
Jan 1876, he opened a grocery store in Portville, which he conducted until 1882. In 1886 he bought the site of his present building of
William F. Wheeler & Co. and placed his store on the foundation of the establishment formerly owned by J. E. Dusenbury, where he
is still engaged in general trade. Mr. Bedford has served as justice of the peace, assessor, and commissioner of highways. 24 Dec
1863, he married Ellen Deming, of Genesee, Allegany county, and has one son. Mr. Bedford enlisted in the 85th NY Volunteers,
served through the Peninsula campaign, and was discharged on account of disability in 1862.
BEDFORD, EZRA M.—Age, 24 years. Enlisted [85th Infantry], 8 Oct 1861, at Elmira. to serve three years; mustered in as private,
Co. D, 16 Oct 1861; promoted sergeant, 1 Jan 1862; deserted, 14 Sep 1862, at Newport News, Va.
------
Marcus Burdett Bennie, son of Dr. David Bennie and Dalia Bachus. Enlisted in Co. C, 76th NY State Volunteers; age 25 years., 3
Dec 1861, at Olean, to serve three years; mustered in as private,. Co. C, 4 Dec 1861; discharged for disability, 5 Oct 1862, at
Washington, DC. He was a hardware merchant in Portville and Olean. On Indian Creek, Mix Creek, and Haymaker, more than fifty
years ago, oil was discovered and I believe the first well on Indian Creek was drilled by a
company composed of B. A. Packard, now of Douglas, Arizona, M. B. Bennie, and Frank
Tyler. Mr. Bennie was a hardware merchant owning a store on the corner where Smith Parish
now has his store. He afterward sold out and went to Olean where he continued the hardware
business for some years. The Olean Weekly Democrat wrote on 26 Mar 1889 – “M.B. Bennie
and family left for Topeka, Kansas.” bur. N.W. Section, Harris Cemetery, Willow Springs,
Howell County, Missouri [alone, with no adjoining markers]. >
LDS Census, 1880 - Olean, Cattaraugus, New York
Marcus B. BENNIE Self M Male W 45 NY Hardware Mrcht NY NY
Caroline A. BENNIE Wife M Female W 42 NY Keeping House NY NY
Carrie B. BENNIE Dau S Female W 9 NY School NY NY
Kate I. BENNIE Niece S Female W 12 NY School NY NY
Eliza DONAVAN Other S Female W 20 NY Housework IRE IRE
Charles JOHNSON Other S Male B 45 NY Carriage Driver MD MD
Lewis S. SIMMONS Other S Male W 24 NY Clerk-Hdwe Store NY NY
------
Ezer [Ezra] Borst b. Middleburgh, NY, in 1832. In 1857 he came to Weston's Mills and engaged as a contractor in the manufacture
of staves and lath for Weston Brothers, where he employed from twenty to twenty-four men. He still continues the business with ten
or twelve hands. In the spring of 1888 he instituted the "Borst Wood Company" and began the manufacture of kindling wood, which
he still carries on. In 1854 he married Miss A. M. Kinney, of Nelson, PA. Children: Jabez W; James H. of Hawley, MN; Charles H.;
Morris (deceased); Kate married A. J. Crannell, of Weston's Mills; and Russel L. Jabez W. is superintendent of the Wood Company,
50

and C. H. and R. L. have each a position in this manufactory. Mr. Borst married his second wife in 1877; she died in 1874; and in
1885 he married Mrs. L. A. Kinney, who is the mother of his daughter Libbie.
-----
http://www.portvillehistory.org/bio_holcomb_harry.html
Henry "Harry" Cerell Holcomb – 23 Dec 1861 – 23 Feb 1951
In every community, however small or large, there are always to be found men and women who stand out
from their efforts in community welfare, church activities or fraternal life. Portville has many such, but one
in particular, who we all love and respect, and who seems to fill the requirements of an all around citizen
better, perhaps than most others, is Harry C. Holcomb.
Mr. Holcomb has lived in this community for over fifty years and during all that time has held the esteem of
his neighbors and townsmen to an extent seldom equaled. He has served as a public official, has been a
leader in church life, and has taken an active interest in fraternal affairs. He has been engaged in business
here and now serves the community as Post Master.
Harry Cerell Holcomb was born in Ceres township, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1861, and was the
oldest of fourteen children. For many years, he was engaged in the lumber industry in one capacity of
another and in 1880 came to Portville where he has since lived. In the early 90's, he was elected to public
office for the first time, taking the office of Justice of the Peace. Later, he served the town as Supervisor
and in 1903 he was appointed Post Master and held that position for twelve years. He was again
appointed in 1924 and has held the office continuously since that time.
He is a member and an elder in the Presbyterian church. For years, he has taught one of the classes in the Sunday School of the
church. He is vice president of the Chestnut Hill Cemetery Association and is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the
Portville Free Library.
Early in life, he united with the Masonic fraternity and, although never advancing beyond the Blue Lodge, has been prominent in that
order. He has held every office that is possible for a member of his rank to hold, including that of District Deputy Grand Master.
Shortly after becoming a Mason, he united with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also affiliated with the Knights of the
Macabees and the Order of the Eastern Star. For nearly half a century, he has been a Mason and an Odd Fellow, being active in
both fraternities.
On July 7, 1892, occurred the marriage of Mr. Holcomb to Miss Mattie McDowell of Eldred, Pa., at Rochester, NY.
(The above article appeared in the Portville Review, about the time that his book was published. He would live for another twenty
years to the grand old age of eighty-nine. His home was on Brooklyn Street next to Guenther's Funeral Home, now a parking lot.)
H. C. Holcomb, Former Postmaster, Dies
Harry C. Holcomb, a lifetime resident of Portville, passed away Friday afternoon (February 23, 1951) after a long illness. he was
born in the Township of Ceres, Pa., December 23, 1861. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Marion Holcomb Brundage of
Westons Mills, four grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Ella Wood of Port Allegany, and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Holcomb moved to Portville in 1879, when he came here to work for H. C. Crandall. He was in the undertaking business for
seven and one-half years, and postmaster for twenty-four years, serving six appointments of four years each without any opposition.
He was supervisor of the town for six years and Police Justice for two years. Mr. Holcomb served as elder in the First Presbyterian
Church of Portville for the past thirty-nine years. He was superintendent of the Sunday School for a good number of years and was
teacher of the Holcomb Class for more than twenty-five years.
Mr. Holcomb has been a member of the Portville Lodge No. 579 F&AM for 64 years, a member of Tyler Chapter No. 97, Order of
the Eastern Star, for 55 years. He served two terms as District Deputy Grand master of the Masonic Order and for two terms as
Assistant Grand Lecturer of Cattaraugus District of the Eastern Star. He was patron of Tyler Chapter for nine years, and Master of
Portville Masonic Lodge for four years, in 1894, 1895, 1905 and 1917. He was presented with the sixty year palm on 14 Feb
1947. He was a member of Portville Odd Fellow Lodge No. 779 for fifty years and was very active in their Lodge work. Burial was in
the Chestnut Hill Cemetery.
------
Charles W. Van Wart, son of William and Mercy (CARPENTER) VAN WART, was born in Johnstown, NY, 21 May 1832. His
parents removed to Black Creek when he was a small boy and thence they wells to Michigan in 1844, where his mother died in
1846. They soon after returned to Black Creek where his father married Polly Alexander. In Nov 1847, they settled in Portville. He
became an equal partner at the blacksmith's trade with the late Adam T. Warden, which partnership continued twenty years. When
Mr. Warden withdrew, Mr. Van Wart conducted the business alone. In politics a Republican he has served his town as constable,
collector and a member of the Board of Health. In religion a Methodist he has been a member of that church the past forty-five years
and has served as one of its stewards 25 years. He has also represented his church as a layman every fourth year since laymen
were admitted to the General Conference. In Jun 1850, he married Rachel Phillips, of Portville; their only living child, Kate, married
Herbert F. Keyes, a blacksmith with Mr. Van Wart.
-----
Ashley G. PACKARD was born in Naples, NY, 5 Nov 18574. His father [John Packard], a small farmer and tanner, removed to Tioga
county, PA, when Ashley G. was two years old, where he died about 1840. At the age of twenty the son came to Portville and has
since resided in the town or near vicinity. His paternal ancestor, Samuel Packard, emigrated from England and landed at Old
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Colony, Mass., 10 Aug 1638. His mother, Rebecca (Rose) Packard, was born in Litchfield, Norfolk Township, Litchfield Co., CT, 13
[11] Oct 1795. Her mother, a Webster, was a cousin of Daniel Webster and is still living in Tioga county, PA, where an annual
reunion of her descendants is attended by five generations. Both of Mr. Packard’s grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers and
four of his brothers did service in the Rebellion. Mr. Packard was a raftsman 36 consecutive years, for thirty of which he was a pilot.
Since then he has been a farmer. He has served as justice of the peace eight years and also as assessor. 31 Dec 1847, he married
Virtue V., daughter of Capt. Matthew M. Randall. She was born in Cortland county, 7 Oct 1824. Their only child, Berdett A.
PACKARD, born 1 Nov 1848, married Ella Lewis, and now resides in Tombstone, Arizona.
See also: http://www.joycetice.com/srgp/rebekahrose.pdf
http://genealogytrails.com/ariz/cochise/bios.html
Burdett Aden Packard, stock raiser, miner, was born 1 Nov 1848, in Portville, NY. Since l882 he has been engaged in mining,
banking and the cattle business in Arizona. He developed several mines at Tombstone. Ariz. He is the owner of three hundred
thousand acres of land and thirty thousand head of cattle. For two terms he was a member of the Arizona state legislature, He is
president of the First National Bank of Douglas, Arizona.
------
For many years Colonel Packard, as he was called, was one of the most prominent cattlemen and
bankers in Arizona. Born in Portville, NY, 1 Nov 1847, he came to the Territory in 1880 with his first
wife and settled in the booming Tombstone silver camp during its "man for breakfast" days. Two years
later, he started a cow outfit in the Dragoons, with head-quarters at the Cochise Stronghold. However,
he sold out in 1885 and bought a large ranch in Sonora, just below Douglas.
In the late 1880's Packard and Colonel Bill Greene, of Cananea fame, entered into partnership,
running cattle on both sides of the border in what was known as the Turkey Track brand.
At one time, Packard and Greene ran around 15,000 cattle and controlled 15,000 acres of range land
in addition to a large, cultivated ranch near Tempe. Part of the land on which the city of Douglas was
built once belonged to Packard. Packard and Greene dissolved their partnership in 1908, with Packard
retaining 5,000 cattle, the range near Douglas and the Tempe farms. In the same year, he acquired
control of the First National Bank of Douglas, and was its president until his death on March 12, 1935.
He also served in both the Senate and House of the state Legislature during this time.
As a lover of good horses, Colonel Packard — along with J. C. Adams and Tom Pollock — is said to have been responsible for the
first Fair in Phoenix and to have financed it for several years. Colonel Packard's first wife died in 1893 and in 1903 he married Mrs.
Carlotta Holbrook of Tucson.
A son, Ashley B. Packard and two daughters. Gertrude and Dorothy — all dead now — resulted from his marriages. Of the Packard
family, only Ashley's wife. Mrs. Rachel Packard, now lives in Douglas. After Colonel Packard's death, part of the old Turkey Track
range in Mexico was sold to D. V. and Kemper Marley. who still operate it.
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/jo-conners/whos-who-in-arizona--nno/page-19-whos-who-in-arizona--nno.shtml
Burdett Aden Packard, miner and cattleman, is one of the most prominent and interesting men of Arizona, with whose history he has
been actively associated since 1880. Mr. Packard was born in Portville, New York, November 1, 1847, and was educated principally
under private tutors, but later attended Alfred Academy, New York. His parents, Ashley G. and Virtue V. Crandall Packard, were of
English descent. Mr. Packard's business life began at the age of sixteen, when he went into the lumber business with his father; at
eighteen he became associated with the mercantile business, and after six years of service in this capacity, located in Bradford, PA,
where he operated in oil. His next move was to Arizona, where he took up mining and cattle business, and located at Tombstone,
and during his residence there owned, developed and sold several large mines at remunerative figures. Since 1884 his interests
have been largely in the cattle business, and he was formerly associated with William C. Greene in the ownership of the Turkey
Track Cattle Company, operating in Sonora, Mexico, and Arizona, whose holdings comprise about 700,000 acres of land and
40,000 head of cattle.
Politically, Mr. Packard has been actively interested in the affairs of the Democratic party, but the demands of business have
prevented his devoting but little time to official life. He has, however, represented the County of Cochise in the Council during the
18th and 19th sessions of the Legislature. In the former he gained much distinction as author of their districting bills and other
measures that have proven of great benefit to the state. In the latter he was member of the Committees on Mines and Mining; Ways
and Means; Enrolled and Engrossed Bills; Claims, and Territorial Affairs, and was a strong influence in the Council. He is president
of the First National Bank of Douglas, to which position he was chosen in 1907. He is a prominently known Mason of the 32nd
degree and member of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Packard has been twice married. His first wife, formerly Miss Ella Lewis, of New
York, to whom he was married in 1879, died in 1891, leaving three children. In May 1903, Mr. Packard was again married to Mrs.
Carlota W. Holbrook, of Tucson.
----
Adam T. Warden, born in Scotland in 1806, married there Elizabeth HENDERSON. He was a boiler maker by trade and removed to
England and thence to Germany during an agitation among the trade unionists. In 1841 he emigrated to America and engaged in
blacksmithing. About 1848 he came to Portville, where he died 19 Apr 1891.
His son, John H. Warden, was born in Hamburg, Germany, in Feb 1841. He came to Portville with his parents and learned of his
father the trade of blacksmith. He subsequently became a harness maker and started in that business about 1865. In Dec 1879,
besides his harness business, he had a half-interest with his father in a furniture store and undertaking establishment. In Dec.,
1886, he purchased his father's interest and has since conducted the business alone. He served as town clerk; eleven years and
52

was postmaster of Portville during Cleveland's first administration. Mr. Warden married Miss M. P. Smith, of Portville, children:
Grace E. married H. Watts; and Maggie A.
------
Dennis WARNER was born in Phelps, Ontario county, 13 Jul1799, and was descended from New England stock. His grandfather,
Deal Jesse WARNER, at a very early day emigrated from Connecticut to Phelps, where he bought a large tract of land at the
nominal price of eighteen cents per acre and subsequently gave to each of his boys a farm of fair dimensions. Deacon WARNER
died at the great age of 96 years. Dennis WARNER resided in Phelps until he was eighteen, when he went to Olean and entered the
store of Judge F. S. Martin as a clerk. 8 Feb 1820, he married Miss Clarissa ANDREWS, a niece of the pioneer, Luman RICE. She
was born in Homer, NY, 8 Oct 1801. Soon after their marriage they settled on the southern bank of the Allegany, opposite where the
village of Weston's Mills is situated. Mr. WARNER purchased a saw-mill and engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber. Allen
RICE owned a saw-mill across the river, and both mills were furnished power by
the same dam. Mr. WARNER died in Pittsburgh, PA, 21 Apr 1826, on one of his
trips to that place to market his lumber. He was an active and prominent young
man of pleasing address, and served the town of Olean efficiently in town
offices. After Mr. WARNER'S death Mrs. WARNER fought the battle of life for
herself and three children for many years until her children were of an age to
lend her a helping hand. She died in 1850 at the home of her daughter in
Gloversville, NY.
Col. Lewis D. WARNER, oldest son of Dennis WARNER, was born in the home
on the Allegany in 1822. He was early accustomed to labor and deprivations
and when old enough was bound out as an apprentice to learn the tanning and
currying business, in which he endured so hard a life of service that even now
he regrets he did not run away. At the close of his apprenticeship, and at the
age of 21, he received a decent suit of clothes, his first pair of boots, and $6 in
cash. In the fall of 1845, he returned to Portville, where he has since resided.
He was several years in the employ of Smith PARISH and made an annual trip
down the river. About 1854 he began business as a carpenter and joiner, which
trade, with rafting, he carried on until 1862.
His patriotism then impelled him to serve his country as a soldier. Accordingly
he recruited a company and went to the seat of war as captain of Co. C, 154th
NY Vols. This regiment was organized in Jamestown, NY, and transferred to
Virginia in October of that year. "From that time until the first of May," Colonel
WARNER says, "we did a large amount of marching and counter-marching, but were in no engagement. May 2d, at Chancellorsville,
we were a part of the Eleventh Corps, the record of which is well understood by readers of war history. The most unfortunate thing
about the 154th was that we had not learned to run when we ought to have done so. The regimental loss on that day was over 200
in killed and wounded. Our next engagement was at Gettysburg, where the losses were heavy. The remainder of the summer we
were with the Army of the Potomac. The following autumn the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps were transferred to the west. Our first
work was relieving the army shut up in Chattanooga. We took an active part in the battles of Chattanooga and Mission Ridge and
then marched to the relief of Knoxville. Returning to Lookout Valley we remained in winter quarters until the commencement of the
Atlanta campaign of 1864, and participated in nearly all the battles and skirmishes incident to that campaigns, which closed with the
occupation of Atlanta. In the organization of the march to Savannah our corps (the
Twentieth) formed a part of the left wing of the army. In that and the march northeast through the Carolinas and until the close of the
war we were ever present for duty. After Johnston's surrender we started home, marching all the way to Washington, where we
were mustered out and sent home, arriving there about the 1st of July, 1865." Colonel WARNER was commissioned captain in Aug,
1862; major in May 1863; lieutenant- colonel in Sep 1864; and colonel in Jan 1865. With the exception of two short periods, when
the regiment was in winter quarters, he was with his command continuously during its term of service; except sixteen months, during
which he held the rank of major, he was in command of and responsible for the regiment, and was never accused of cowardice. He
was always ready and present to lead his command, never flinched from any duty, and a truer, braver, soldier never drew a sword,
and it is the unanimous testimony of his comrades that he never knew fear.
Since his return he has followed his trade with the exception of a six years' clerkship in the office of Weston, Mersereau & Co. and a
year and a half in the county clerk's office. He has also had political honors. He has served as supervisor of Portville ten terms, has
filled the office of justice of the peace nearly twenty years, and has been inspector of elections about fifteen years. Colonel Warner
is modest and extremely unassuming, a true patriot devoted to his country, is one of Portville's most honored citizens, and a leading
representative war hero of Cattaraugus county. In Jul 1893, at the unveiling of the statue erected by the State of New York at
Gettysburg to the memory of the New York soldiers who participated in the battle, Colonel Warner was marshal of the Second
Division, Eleventh Army Corps. In Dec 1857, he married Miss Mary M. COSSITT, of Pompey NY, and their surviving children are
three sons and a daughter, all married.
http://www.portvillehistory.org/bio_Warner.html
Lewis Dennis Warner was born on June 26, 1822, to Dennis and Clarissa Andrews Warner. His father died when he was only four
years old. By the age of ten, he began an apprenticeship in tanning in Phelps, NY, Ontario County, the home of his father's family.
He married Mary M. Cossett on 31 Dec 1857, in her hometown of Pompey in Onondaga County, NY. Mary Cossett was born on 11
Apr 1831. Of French descent, her family left France for America during the Revolution of 1789.
Their children were Clarence L., b. 6 Dec 1858, Charles H., 24 Jan 1862, both born before the war, then Ralph C., b. 14 Mar 1866,
and Bertha A., b. 8 May 1868.
Lewis Warner was 40 when he first enlisted in the Union army. Besides the positions listed above, Col. Warner was a charter
53

member of the Portville Library Association, trustee of the Portville Union School, and a Master of the Masonic Lodge. He was a
member of the Republican party and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portville.
Col. Warner held several positions in the Grand Army of the Republic, including three terms of commander. Begun in 1879,
Portville’s H. W. Wessel Post No. 85 was the oldest continuous G. A. R. post in Cattaraugus County. A Sons of Veterans group was
also formed in Portville. Affiliated with Post 85, they named it “L. D. Warner Camp, No. 23” in his honor.
Col. Warner lived out the rest of his days at his home in Portville, at the corner of Brooklyn and South Main Streets, where the Sugar
Creek Gas Station is today. He died on 18 Nov 1898, of heart disease. He was laid to rest in the Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Portville,
NY. Unassuming in death as in life, his gravestone simply reads “Lewis D. Warner 1822 – 1898" and "Mary M. Warner 1831 –
1903.”
(The following is an obituary that appeared in the newspaper after his funeral service on
February 20, 1898).
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Touching Tributes Paid to the Memory of Col. L. D. Warner
The funeral of Col. Warner was held in the Presbyterian church at Portville yesterday
afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. S. J. Clark officiating. Mr. Clark, among other appropriate
remarks, said that Col. Warner was a man who, when he saw his duty to his God and fellow
men, was always ready to perform that duty no matter how much personal effort and self
sacrifice it required. Mr. Warner was one of the few men of whom too much could not be
said in his praise by one whose duty required him to officiate at the last service which could
be rendered the deceased.
The Wessel Post, No. 85 of Portville, attended the funeral in a body and accompanied the
remains to their last resting place in the pretty cemetery overlooking the valley in which Col.
Warner spent the 76 years of his life and in which his influence for good will be felt for many
years. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The bearers were Wm. Holden, E. M.
Bedford, H. J. Crandall, F. E. Tyler, J. H. Fairchild and A. McDougald.
In the evening, a memorial service was held in the church where Mr. Warner had spent
many happy hours and of which he was an active member. The friends and neighbors of the deceased, including the Grand Army
Post of Portville and 30 members of Bayard Post No. 222 of Olean, filled the church to overflowing. This service was entirely
informal and void of any ostentation, which was fitting, as Mr. Warner was a modest, unassuming man and one whose noble deeds
were done without display. At this service, his pastor, Mr. Clark, officiated, assisted by the Rev. Reed, pastor of the M. E. church of
Portville. Capt. Wm. Holden, in a few well-chosen words, spoke of Col. Warner’s enviable military record and of his association with
him as a member of the G.A.R. Although it was not Mr. Holden’s fortune to serve during the rebellion in the same regiment with the
deceased, he was familiar with the history of his bravery and had learned, from those who served with him, of the many kinds of
acts and of his ever ready willingness to assist those under his command when fatigue and sickness was their lot.
Supervisor W. B. Mersereau next spoke of Mr. Warner as a public servant and of the interest he always took in public affairs.
Among other important offices to which he always brought honor, was the supervisor of his town. He was given this office ten
consecutive terms, an honor which Portville has never conferred upon any other person. Mr. Mersereau stated that it was not only
years that made history but deeds and the history of Mr. Warner’s public service is full of good deeds. As a public officer, he was
always upright and ever worked for the best interests of those whom he served. Hon. W. E. Wheeler next spoke of Mr. Warner as
one whom he had known, honored and respected from early boyhood. In connection with Mr. Wheeler’s remarks, he read portions
of letters written by Col. Warner when he was at the front fighting to maintain his country’s honor and for the preservation of the flag.
These letters were written to the late Wm. F. Wheeler and to Mrs. Wheeler, who were warm friends of the deceased. It is hard to
realize that the letters, so scholarly, could have been written by one who in early life had so few educational advantages.
These communications portrayed the man as he was known by his associates, ever modest, true and faithful to his God, his country
and mankind. During his services as a soldier, he always gave the credit of his success to others and took no share of it to himself.
Mr. Clark, as these interesting services were about being brought to a close, briefly, yet eloquently, presented a few lessons from
this noble man’s life, which all could well remember and profit by.
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=deggler1849&id=I6511
Charles Knapp Wright, b. 7 Oct 1825 in Ceres Twp, McKean, PA; d. 16 May 1905 in Portville, Cattaraugus, NY; bur. Chestnut Hill
Cemetery, Portville, Cattaraugus, NY [Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams,
pub 1893, History of the Town of Portville, Chapter XLIII (43), p. 1025:]
Conspicuous among the early business men of Portville, an active force in all that goes to make up the better elements of
community, and a liberal, popular, yet unostentatious citizen, we find Charles K. Wright. He is of English ancestry, which has come
down through generations of New England representatives to New York State. His father, James Wright, a lumberman, located in
Delaware County, where by his first wife he had eight children. In 1814 he removed to Eldred, then Ceres, Allegany county, and by
his second wife, Urania Holiday, had children: Alfred, John H., George P., Eliza A. (Mrs. George Crandall), Hiram E., Caroline A.
(Mrs. Edward Percival), Charles K., and Albert J.
Charles K. was born 10 Jul 1825, and was six years old when his father died. Work on the farm and attendance at pioneer schools
occupied him until he was twelve years old. He then remained on the farm with his mother and brother William until he was
seventeen, then worked as a farm hand elsewhere nearly two years, and in 1843 came to Portville to learn the wagon maker's
trade, and worked two years, receiving $6 a month as wages. He then started in business on his own account, but in nine months'
time was seized with inflammatory rheumatism, which ultimately settled in his chest and has made him a life-long sufferer....He
expended his money in a vain attempt to recover his health by a residence on the Atlantic coast of New England. He returned to
54

Portville in 1848 in circumstances that would dishearten many men. In broken health and with only $5 as his entire capital the
outlook was not promising. He had, however, become known to the people as a reliable, temperate, and religious man, worthy of
trust and confidence, and Hon. Smith Parish, a leading lumberman, offered to stock a store if Mr. Wright would become his partner
and conduct it, his services to be equivalent to Mr. Parish’s capital. This offer was gladly accepted, the store was erected under Mr.
Wright's supervision, and was conducted successfully by him for five years, when his health again failed and compelled him to sell
his interest. Mr. Wright now became a pioneer tanner. Mark Comstock was running a small tannery in which he was tanning 500
hides annually. Foreseeing that a rapid increase of this industry could be made Mr. Wright bought one-half of the tannery. After two
years, becoming thoroughly conversant with the business, and Mr. Comstock not being sanguine enough to believe in its extension,
Mr. Wright bought the whole plant and enlarged it to a capacity of 10,000 hides a year. In 1857 B. F. Thompson & Co., of Boston,
became partners, and continued as such until 1861. For the next two years Mr. Wright ran the business alone, but in 1863 J. & H. H.
Clark, of Keokuk, Iowa, purchased an interest, and the tannery was enlarged to produce 30,000 hides annually. In 1870 the Clark’s
sold to William F. Wheeler & Co. and another enlargement was made, increasing the output to 52,000 hides annually. In 1887 Mr.
Wright sold his share of the tannery to his partners. The same year, in company with James E. and N. E. Clark, of Keokuk, Iowa, he
established and built the tannery at East Olean of a capacity of 32,000 hides yearly of " Union Crop Sole Leather." Here he was very
successful in business. 1 May1893, the firm was merged in the U. S. Leather Company.
Under the religious care of his mother Mr. Wright became a Sabbath school scholar at a very early age, and has, from that time,
interested himself in Sabbath school work, and since he has lived in Portville has been either teacher or superintendent. He has
been a member of the Presbyterian church for over thirty years and has been an "elder" for many years. He was a commissioner in
attendance at the General Assembly that met at Portland, Oregon, in 1892, and has frequently been a delegate to the Presbytery.
While living at Eldred, and at the age of ten or twelve, he joined the old Washingtonian Temperance Society, and from that time he
has been actively connected with some temperance organization. In politics he has been an unswerving Whig and Republican, but
never sought office, and has taken the Royal Arch degree in Free Masonry and the Encampment degree in Odd Fellowship. He
married, 26 May 1851, Mary M. Bennie.
In 1880 Charles K Knapp 55 b. PA, leather manufacturer, was living in Portville with wife Mary M 52 b. NY and children Frank H 20,
store clerk, and Nellie B 18.
Father: James Wright b: 27 Jul 1766 in Massachusetts; Mother: Urania Holiday b: 14 Apr 1789
Married 26 May 1851 Mary M Bennie b. 8 May 1827 in New York
Child:
1. Frank H Wright b. ca 1860 in Portville, Cattaraugus, NY
Clinton F. Paige Lodge No. 620, Otto, New York
Warrant: ca 1867
Merged with Berean Lodge No. 811, Cattaraugus, New
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/otto.txt
W.’. Ralph DEWEY [Charter Member] -- The name of Dewey was originally De Ewes. They went from French Flanders into England
in the reign of Henry VIII., when the name was Dewes and Simeon Dewew was erected a baronet of Stow Hall about 1629. The first
of the name to come to America was Thomas Dewey, who came from Sandwich, Kent, England, on the ship Lion's Whelp and
landed in Boston, MA, in May 1630. He settled in Dorchester, MA, in 1633, and removed to Windsor, CT, ca 1638. 22 Mar 1638 or
1639, he married widow Frances Clark. He held various positions, such as juror and deputy to the General Court. He died and was
buried at Windsor, CT, 27 Apr 1648, leaving five children. Thomas Dewey, of the fifth or sixth generation from Thomas, was born in
Tolland county, CT, 20 Aug 1747. His son, Elijah Dewey, born in Tolland county, 18 Feb 1782, m. Mehitable Buck, who was also
born in Tolland county, 2 Jul 1789, daughter of a Revolutionary soldier.
They removed to Madison county, NY, where their son, Ralph Dewey, was born 25 Jun 1820, and came with his parents to
Perrysburg in 1829. 29 Oct 1843, he married Caroline L. Blackney, d/o Charles Blackney, one of the earliest settlers in Perrysburg.
In 1860 they settled in Otto village, where he owned and operated an iron foundry forty years. Mr. Dewey is a prominent citizen of
his town and a man of high character, a member of the Methodist church, and a staunch Republican. He served his town as
supervisor five consecutive terms from 1870 to 1875, and will enter upon his seventh term as justice of the peace 1 Jan 1894.
Children: Eliza (Mrs. A. D. Lake), of Gowanda; Florence (Mrs. H. L. Goodrich), of Madison county; George C.Dewey [Lodge
Secretary], of Dunkirk; S. Clara (Mrs. C. D. Soule), of Otto; William C., of Concordia, KS; Luman R., of Chicago; C. Bertell of
Jamestown; Carrie F.
http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/554776.html
John W. Frank, 94, a retired auto mechanic for Frank's Garage, where he worked for 50 years, died Tuesday, 23 Mar 2010, at Sun
Terrace Health Care Center in Sun City Center, FL. He was born 4 Mar 1916, in the town of Ashford, NY, the son of Howard Frank
and Anna Metzler. He graduated from Cattaraugus High School Class of 1933. John was a member of St. John's United Church of
Christ, Past Master of Clinton F. Page Berean Lodge 620 F&AM, member of the Jamestown Consistory 32nd degree, Moose
Lodge in Gowanda, Order of the Eastern Star 513 of Otto and the Otto Fire Dept. Mr. Frank lived in Otto, N.Y. for six months each
year and in Florida for the remaining months.
He was survived by his wife Gloria M. (Polino) Frank of Ruskin, FL., three granddaughters: Cynthia Minner of Cattaraugus, NY, Amy
Tritt of Farmington Hill, Mich. and Lisa Coles of Cattaraugus, NY, a grandson, John C. Frank of Millersville, Md., six greatgrandchildren
and two great-great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne B. Frank, his
daughter, Nancy Coles, his son, John Frank Jr., four sisters: Joanne Barker, Doris Laing, Wilma Peters, Jeanette Peters and his two
brothers: H. Vernon Frank, and Lauren Frank. Internment was in the Liberty Park Cemetery in Cattaraugus.
55

-----
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/n/u/n/Raymond-J-Nunweiler/GENE5-0007.html
Torrance Bowen Brooks, b. 20 Nov 1918, East Otto, Cattaraugus, NY; d. 4 May 2000, Gowanda, Cattaraugus, NY.
Obit TORRANCE B. BROOKS, LAWYER, WWII PILOT: Buffalo News, Friday, May 5, 2000, page C6
Torrance B. Brooks, 81, a longtime lawyer, died Thursday (May 4, 2000) in Tri-County Memorial Hospital, Gowanda. Born in East
Otto, he graduated from Cattaraugus High School in 1936 and from Cornell University in 1943. He served in the Army Air Forces
from 1943 to 1945 during World War II and was a pilot on the Italian front. In 1947, he graduated from Cornell Law School. He
owned and operated his own law office for 53 years. He had been a member of the American Bar Association and a fellow of the
American College of Probate Counsel. He was a member of Cattaraugus United Methodist Church and Clinton F. Page-Berean
Lodge 620, F&AM, a charter member of the Southern Tier West Planning Board and member of the Cattaraugus County Planning
Board. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, the former Lenora A. Nunweiler; three sons, Terrald B., Teddar S. and Kameron K. of
Randolph; four daughters, Lynn B. LeFeber, Avion L. of Orchard Park, Sally J. Crocker of Falconer and Randy B. Kiehle of
Dansville; a brother, Philo of Ransonville; two sisters, Laura Jean Fleckenstein of East Otto and Lora Jane Wilms of Lorain, Ohio; 10
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Internment was in Liberty Park Cemetery.
Franklinville Lodge No. 626, Franklinville, New York
Warrant: 22 Jun 1867; naming David Phetteplace, Master; John Burlingame, SW; William A. Day, JW.
Charter Members [some first names added, where initials were]:
Allen Briggs,
John Burlingame,
William A. Day,
Joseph Deibler [Dibbler?],
Henry E. Green,
H. A. Harvey, [Alexander?]
Pardon Taylor Jewell,
J. D. Napier,
Wm. Napier,
David M. Phetteplace,
S. B. Robbins,
J. R. Salisbury,
H. Stillwell,
Lewis E. Stillwell.
Henry Van Aernam,
Perry Willard,
The Past Masters of Lodge No. 262 have been D.M. Phetteplace, P.T. Jewell, J. Burlingame, W.S. Hovey, and William M. Benson.
The officers of 1878 were N. F. Weed, WM; John Burlingame, SW; H. Stillwell, JW; D .J. Graves, Treas.; J. R. Salisbury, Secy.; W.
M. Benson, Chaplain; Edgar Cudeling, SD; Cyrus Case, JD; O. N. Latham, Tyler; O. A. Spoor, SMC; S. B. Robbins, JMC.
They had 70 members. Their meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, on West Street.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/franklinville.html
William Marcy Benson
William Marcy Benson was born in Mount Morris, Livingston, NY, 20 Apr 1839.
During the period of childhood and youth he resided with his parents at Nunda, NY,
where nothing of an extraordinary nature transpired save his intellectual
development, promoted by a love of study, diligent application, and a thorough
investigation of the relation between cause and effect. He received a preparatory
collegiate education at the Nunda Literary Institute, and in Aug 1858, at the age of
nineteen, entered Genesee College (now Syracuse University), where he graduated
with full honors in June, 1862.
Unaided by the advantages often given through the prestige of influential friends, he
bore off the first honors in the Sophomore Elocutionary Prize Contest in 1860. In the
autumn of the same year he engaged as principal of the union school at Castile, NY,
where he remained one year, and the succeeding year as principal of the Mount
Morris Academy and High School.
The last year of the war was spent in government employ in the quartermastergeneral’s
department at Washington, where his urbanity as a gentleman, his skill as
a clerk, and his accuracy as an accountant, won for him the commendations of all
with whom he became acquainted. At the close of the war Mr. Benson resumed the
business of teaching as principal of the academy at Arcade, Wyoming., NY, where
he remained three years, and the recorded success of that institution, during its
palmist days, forms a bright chapter in the history of him whose talent and genius
made it one of the best literary institutions in Western New York. In Jul 1867, he
married Genevieve E. Graves, daughter of Grove B. Graves, Esq., of Farmersville,
NY, and the same summer was elected to the principal-ship of the Ten Broeck Free
Academy, and entered upon the duties of that position in the following December,
and the past twelve years of his life are merged into the history of that institution.
-----
Henry Van Aernam was born in the town of Marcellus, Onondaga, NY, 11 Mar 1819. He was the sixth child and fifth son of Jacob
B. and Hannah (Wallace) Van Aernam. His paternal ancestors emigrated from Holland to the American colonies, and settled near
Albany prior to the Revolution, his grandfather taking an active part in the struggle for independence, and his son, Jacob B.,
imitating the worthy example of his patriotic sire, actively participated in the war of 1812. His maternal ancestors brought with them
from amid the Highlands of Scotland a love of liberty. Jacob B. Van Aernam, the father of Henry, removed with his family from
Marcellus to Little Valley (now Mansfield), in the spring of 1822, when Henry was three years of age. Surrounded by an unbroken
wilderness, hampered by poverty and the pressing necessities of a large family of dependent children, the parents could furnish but
limited facilities for an education.
56

In the fall of 1829 and the winter of 1830 he attended a common district school for the first time, and continued to attend during the
summer and winter terms until the autumn of 1831. In the winter of 1834, at the age of sixteen years, we find him at what is now
West Salamanca, rejoicing in the distinctive title of the “schoolmister.”
The school was a decided success; and he looks back with glowing pride upon the order
and decorum, the progress and proficiency, of the two dozen pupils in that school on the
Allegany Reservation. In the spring of 1834 he entered the store of William F. Elliott, in
the capacity of clerk, where he remained until Aug 1835, and then went to Virginia, in the
employ of William L. Perce & Co., contractors upon the James River and Kanawho
Canal, where he remained for two years. He was soon made their confidential clerk and
paymaster. He came home in the fall of 1837, and entered as a student of the Springville
Academy, where he remained until 1841, teaching school in the winter seasons. In
1841, he entered, as a medical student, the office of Levi Goldsborough, in the village of
Waverly, NY. He attended medical lectures at Geneva College during the session of
1842-43, and soon after entered Willoughby College, Ohio, from which institution he
graduated in 1845.
In the summer of 1845 he located at Burton (now Allegany), and commenced the
practice of medicine; and on 30 Nov 1845, he married Miss Amy M. Etheridget. He
continued in the practice of his profession at the latter place until Mar 1848 when he
removed to Franklinville. At the general election in the fall of 1857, he was elected to
represent the First Assembly District of Cattaraugus County in the State Legislature. At
the close of the Legislative session in the spring of 1858, he returned to his home and
again resumed the practice of medicine.
Under the call for troops in the summer of 1862, he was recommended to the Governor
as regimental surgeon, and in August he was ordered to report at Jamestown, where he
was commissioned Major, and assigned to the 154th Regiment of Infantry. On arriving
at the front, in the fall, he was soon made surgeon of brigade. In the fall of 1863 he was
made medical director of the 2d division, 11th Army Corps. In Mar 1864, by a
consolidation of the 11th and 12th Army Corps with a large detachment of Rousseau’s Kentucky troops, the 20th Army Corps was
formed, and placed under the command of Gen. Hooker.
He served upon the operating staff during the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Chattanooga, Ringgold, Rocky-
Faced Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-Tree Creek, and Atlanta. Here, entirely worn out with
fatigue, he resigned his commission, on surgeon’s certificate of disability, after an active service of more than two years, and left
Atlanta, GA., on the last hospital train, 8 Nov 1864. Late in the fall he reached home, feeble in health, to find himself member-elect
to the 39th Congress from the 33rd District of New York. He was re-elected in 1866. Soon after the inauguration of President Grant,
in 1869, Dr. Van Aernam was nominated and confirmed as Commissioner of Pensions. By his suggestion many reforms were
inaugurated, and among them was the passage of an act making pensions payable quarterly instead of semi-annually, and an order
guarding pensioners against numerous frauds perpetrated against them by unprincipled claim-agents.
At the election in the fall of 1878, he was again elected to the office of representative in our National Congress. Dr. Van Aernam and
his amiable lady are happy in companionship of their two children, a daughter, the wife of the Hon. James D. McVey, the younger, a
son, Charles D. Van Aernam, a lawyer.
-----
John Burlingame, b. 22 Jul 1820 in Oxford, Chenango, NY; d. 26 Feb 1887 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus, NY; m. Arvilla Searle 5
Nov 1846 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus, NY.
-----
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/towns/franklin/jewel.htm
Pardon Taylor Jewell - Franklinville, January 28, 1880
"In this place, January 23, 1880 of paralysis of the heart, died Pardon T. Jewell, aged 84 years, 7 months and 21 days.
As one of the pioneers and primitive inhabitants of the county, justice to his memory claims something more at our hands than a
passing notice of his departure from earth. Pardon Taylor Jewell was born in the town of Dudley, Worcester, MA, 2 Jun 1795.
Here the years of his childhood glided smoothly by until 1803 when his parents removed to the town of Pomfret, CT, upon the very
ground made memorable by the adventures of Gen. Israel Putnam and the wolf, an animal with which he was destined to become
more familiar during his subsequent experience as a pioneer of the then 'Far West'.
After a brief stay in Vermont, his parents removed to the town of Sherburne, Chenango, NY, where Pardon remained as a dutiful
son until he attained his majority in the ever memorable 'cold season' of 1816. We next find him as a student in the Middlebury
Academy, Wyoming County, NY, where he graduated with creditable honors in the autumn of 1818, and during the following winter,
taught school in the town of Perry, in the same county. In the spring of 1819 he came to this town (then Ischua) and obtained
employment as a farm laborer with Solomon Curtis, Esq., since which time, as a teacher, surveyor, husband and father, public
officer and private citizen, he has been intimately identified with the development, prosperity and well being of his adopted town up
to the very day of his death.
As a teacher of the olden time, he was equaled by few and surpassed by none, governing by the magic power of kindness, he won
the obedience, confidence and respect of all, and many a one, now bent with the experience of three score years, becomes young
57

again, as memory, by counter revolutions, turns backward the wheels of time, to where 'Uncle Pardon' was the presiding genius of
the old log school house where they first mastered their English conjugations and first saw the hitherto hidden mysteries of the cube
root.
In 1823, soon after the organization of the lodge in this town, Mr. Jewell became a member of the Masonic fraternity, maintaining a
full and honorable relationship until the time of his death.
During the winter of 1838 he made a public profession of religion, and on the 17th of February of that year, he united with the
Presbyterian church, and during a period of 42 years, was an active, zealous and worthy member, and died as he had lived, in full
faith of the sufficiency of the atonement wrought by a crucified Redeemer. He was ever a zealous worker in the cause of
temperance, social reform, religious and secular education. He was twice married, leaving an aged widow, besides two sons and
two daughters by his first marriage, to lament the departure of their counselor and friend. Mr. Jewell was honorably represented in
the army by a young and hopeful son, who laid down his young life at Petersburg, July 30th, 1864."
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=buchroeder&id=I519589447
Father: Jesse JEWELL b: 8 Mar 1749 Dudley, MA; Mother: Zurviah CORBIN
Married Harriet MCCLURE 3 Apr 1825
Children
1. Adaline JEWELL b. 21 Jan 1826
2. Caroline JEWELL b. 29 May 1827
3. Byron JEWELL b. 28 Mar 1829
4. Lucian JEWELL b. 27 Jul 1831 Franklinville
5. Lucian Buonaparte JEWELL b. 08 Mar 1833 Franklinville
6. Harriet Adaline JEWELL b. 28 Jul 1835 Franklinville
7. Clayton Galusha JEWELL b. 24 Feb 1837 Franklinville
8. Franklin JEWELL b. 03 Jun 1844 Franklinville
Henry Renner Lodge No. 780, Limestone, New York
Warrant: Jun 1878
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/1879history/carrollton.htm
Limestone Lodge, No. 780 - This flourishing lodge first held its meetings under a dispensation granted in 1877, and in June, 1878, it
was duly chartered with 9 members. The initiations and additions from other sources have increased the membership to 35, having
the following officers: Warren Dow, WM; H. V. Day, SW; F. H. Robinson, JW; James Nichols, Treasurer; E. R. Schoonmaker,
Secretary; John A. Todd, SD; Guy O. Irvine, JD; E. E. Herrick, J. H. Beardsley, MC; J. G. Drehmer, Tiler. The lodge meets in an
elegant hall in the Bell Block. [note: Guy O. Irvine may be the Guy C. Irvine noted below, b. 21 Mar 1850.]
-----
HENRY RENNER
Among the most prominent business men of Limestone, and those whose industry made
them successful in life, none deserve more credit than he whose name heads this brief
notice. He was a self-made man in every sense of the term, and one whose influence was
felt wherever he lived, particularly in the community in which be passed the last eleven
years of his active business life.
Henry Renner was born in Mense, Germany, 6 Jun 1826. He emigrated to America about
the year 1840, and, first settled near Glenwood, Susquehanna Co., PA, where he
remained nine years engaged in tanning, a trade which he learned in Germany. Among
other firms he worked eight years for Messrs. Schultz &; Eaton, of Susquehanna County,
and after coming to Limestone, in Oct 1869, he worked the years at his trade there. In
1873 he purchased the present site of the Limestone House, and two years afterwards he
erected the present hotel thereon, which stands to-day a monument to his enterprise and
a credit to the village.
On 24 Dec 1857, he was married to Mrs. Juliana Bell, widow of Worthy Bell, a native of
Susquehanna County. The result of this union was much mutual happiness and one
daughter, Maud, who was born 13 Jun 1860. After a useful and busy life Mr. Renner died,
19 Apr 1878, respected by all who knew him, and loved by a host of friends. He was a
good practical business man, honest and fair in all his dealings, and always sustaining a
reputation for integrity that was above reproach.
Mr. Renner held several offices in the town in which he lived, and in all of them his official conduct "was actuated by the same
principles of honor that characterized his private business life. Mr. Renner was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, being
in good standing at the time of his death as a member of Olean Lodge, No. 253, and also of St. John's Commandery. He was
interred with the beautiful ceremonies of the Masonic order. By her first husband Mrs. Renner had the children; two sons and one
daughter, of whom the latter is deceased. Her other sons, Edwin M., and Maurice J. Ben, are extensively engaged in the mercantile
and banking business at Limestone, under the firm-name of Bell Brothers.
-----
58

JAMES NICHOLS, M.D.
Cattaraugus County is noted for the number and excellence of its professional men. Nor
are these confined to any particular locality, but we find them in various parts of the
county; one or more in every village of any considerable size. The representative
physician and surgeon of Limestone and its surroundings is Dr. James Nichols, who has
practiced medicine in this county for about fifteen years with reasonable success.
James Nichols was born at Arcade, Wyoming, NY, 23 Jul 1825. He was the oldest son of
John and Sally Nichols, who came to Arcade in 1812, and was among its first as they
were among its most respectable settlers. He moved with his parents to Centreville,
Allegany, NY, in 1837. About that time his father met with financial misfortune, losing his
property, so that young Nichols was compelled to depend upon his own labor for support
and education. He went to Farmersville, Cattaraugus Co., in 1844, and there taught the
village school several terms. He subsequently chose medicine as a profession, and
engaged in its study with E. S. Stewart, M.D., of that place, now of Ellicottville, completing
his medical education at the Buffalo Medical College, from which institution he was
honorably graduated. On account of ill-health he did not immediately engage in active
practice, but moved to Carrolton in 1856, where he followed the lumber business, and,
through the arduous, muscular labor of that, greatly improved his physical condition. He
commenced the regular practice of medicine in 1864, and has since been uninterruptedly
engaged therein. He is a member of the Cattaraugus County Medical Society, of which he
has been president, and also elected delegate to the State Medical Society.
On 1 Mar 1852, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Wade, the eldest daughter of Henry Wade, Esq. They have had four
children, namely: Henry James, b. 26 Aug 1856, d. 19 Sep1857; Jennie M., b. 19 Jan 1858; H. James, b. 16 Sep 1859; John B., b. 1
Jan 1861. Dr. Nichols was twice elected a member of the board of supervisors for Farmersville, and nine times to the same position
in the town of Carrolton. He was a war Democrat, and was appointed upon the Senatorial Committee by Gov. Morgan, and assisted
in raising and organizing the 113th and 154th Regiments of New York Volunteers. His political record has been a peculiarly honest
one. Actuated always by the same principles of integrity that characterize his private business, he succeeded in fulfilling the duties
of the various offices to which he has been elevated with a remarkable fidelity.
He is at present a member of the firm of Nichols &; Paton, druggists, of Limestone, and besides attending to his extensive medical
practice, finds time to attend the requirements of his business. He has been almost a constant member of and at different times
president of the board of education of Limestone Union Free School, and was largely instrumental in procuring the organization of
that and also of the Limestone Academy. The doctor became a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, F&AM, Bradford, Pa., about
sixteen years ago. He withdrew from that lodge in Mar 1878, and was one of the charter members of Limestone Lodge, No. 780.
He is now a member of Olean Chapter, No. 150, and of St. John's Commandery, K. T., No. 24.
-----
http://books.google.com/books?id=dNYqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA51&dq=%22VIBBARD%22+%22thirty+seventh%22&hl=en&ei=s5gqTP
r9N8P38AaKnPTRCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAjgU#v=onepage&q=%22VIBBARD%22%20
%22thirty%20seventh%22&f=false page 49.
Mary A. Irvine, eldest child of Benjamin F. and Rebecca (Leonard) Irvine, was born at Irvine's Mills, Cattaraugus, NY, 5 May 1848.
She was educated at the Union School in Tonawanda, NY, and resided at home until her marriage, 4 May 1869, to Harper G.
Andrews, and lives at Bradford, PA, the family home. She is an attendant of the Universalist church and a member of the Ladies'
Auxiliary, No. 4, Union Veteran Legion. Children: Rebecca Irvine, born at Irvine's Mills, N, 27 Jan 1870; Robert Irvine, 10 May 1877;
Benjamin Franklin Irvine, 18 Sep 1879; all of whom died in infancy.
Harper G. Andrews was a son of Robert Harper Andrews, born in Plymouth, Connecticut, in 1800, moved to Windsor, NY, and
after his marriage was engaged in farming there until his death, 25 Sep 1872. He m. (first) Phiolelia Guernsey, died in Windsor, in
1842; (second) Julia Wilmoth, b. in Great Bend, PA, 1808, d. there, 1878. Children by first wife: 1. Ansel, b. 1826, d. 1898; m. Mary
Scott; child, Frank, a farmer of Hollywood, California. 2. Alma, b. 1828, d. in Windsor, NY, her birthplace, 1896; m. David Wilmoth, a
farmer, also deceased; children: William, lives in Great Bend, PA; Sarah, Kate and Daniel, the last three living in Harpersville, NY. 3.
Stella, b. 1830, lived in Susquehanna, PA ; m. John Tiffany, a retired engineer; child, Flora, m. Nathaniel Decker, and lived in
Susquehanna; children: John, Flora and Nathaniel. Children of
Harper G. Andrews by second wife: 4. Harper G., of whom further. 5. Robert A., b. Dec 1847; a real estate agent in Hollywood,
CA; m. Tillie Burt, of Bradford county, PA; children: Harper, Howard, Henry, Fred, Grace, Maude, Earl, Mildred. 6. Edna, b. 1851; m.
Bert Bell, of Windsor, NY, now a farmer at Hollywood, CA; children: Jesse, a professional educator, New York City; Mina, of
Windsor, NY; Lena, of Hollywood, CA; Bradley, of Windsor, NY.
Harper G. Andrew, son of Robert Harper Andrews and his second wife, Julia (Wilmoth) Andrews, was born in Windsor, NY, 14 Feb
1846; d. in Bradford, PA, 30 Aug 1904. He was educated in the public schools of Binghamton, NY, finishing with a course at a
commercial college. He began his active career as a farmer near Windsor, continuing until his enlistment, 25 Jul 1862, in Company
B, 137th Regiment NY Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted as a drummer, being only sixteen years old, and served until honorably
discharged with the rank of first lieutenant, 14 Apr 1865. He was a brave soldier and saw hard service with the armies of Grant,
Rosecrans and Thomas, marched with Sherman "from Atlanta to the Sea," and won his several promotions for bravery on the field
of battle. After the war and his marriage in 1869. he settled in Limestone, NY, where he was engaged in a mercantile business. He
later engaged in lumbering, and in 1896 moved to Bradford, PA, where he continued until his death. He was a member of the
Masonic order, affiliated with lodge, chapter, and St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar; and also of Tent No. 4, Knights of the
59

Maccabees, Limestone, NY. He always retained a great affection for his army comrades, and until his death was a member of the
Grand Army Post at Bradford, and the Union Veteran Legion. He attended the Universalist church. He was held in high esteem by
his business and social acquaintances, and was a true sympathizing friend, and in every walk of life a courteous gentleman.
-----
http://books.google.com/books?id=3IBLAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA219&dq=%22renner+lodge+no.+780%22&hl=en&ei=OpMqTLgCYH48Abw5cjVCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22renner%20lodge%20n
o.%20780%22&f=false page 218.
FRANK HURD ROBINSON, 33°.
"It is meet and right that we should pause in our busy workaday life to
reflect on the careers of those who have passed beyond the vale, and
gather a lesson from their lives that will be useful to us in the future." These
words were spoken at a recent memorial service in New York city, and they
seem fitting for publication in this volume in connection with the lives of
those whose memory is to be here recorded, and to none are they more
appropriate than to FRANK HURD ROBINSON, for his life was an example.
He was born at Cuba, NY, 23 May 1855. He graduated from the law
department of Union University in 1876 and began the practise of law in
Cattaraugus County. Later he removed to Canisteo, Steuben County, New
York, where he practised his profession for several years, thereafter
removing to the city of Hornellsville. He was twice elected to the office of
district attorney, and twice to that of county judge.
In Masonry he saw light in Henry Renner Lodge, No. 780, at Limestone,
New York, subsequently affiliating with Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, at
Canisteo, of which he became Master. He held respectively the office of
District Deputy Grand Master, Commissioner of Appeals, Junior Grand
Warden, Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master.
The latter distinguished office he held for two years, 1904 and 1905. The
last honor to reach him was that of Sovereign Grand Inspector-General of
the Thirty third degree, which he received in Indianapolis at the session in
September, 1905.
Brother ROBINSON departed from this life on the afternoon of October 11,
1906, at his home in Horner. His death came as an awful shock to the craft
of the state, following so soon after his retirement from his exalted office.
His career as a Mason marked a period of steady and accomplished activity, and of his service to the craft it is safe to say that
posterity will honor him to a degree even greater than that accorded him by the present generation. He died at a time when his
name and achi3vements were fresh in the hearts of his brethren, and his untimely passing away in the very prime of life imparts a
lustre that will shine for many years to come. Judge ROBINSON stood on no pedestal. His foothold was secure in the hearts of his
brethren because he was a man with a heart, and he was drawn to his brethren everywhere by his kindliness and the inherent
possession of those peculiar Masonic attributes, brotherly love and affection. Honors and distinction did not spoil him—he was the
brother always.
60

Of his career as a citizen his life as a Mason is but the other side. He gained distinction in civil life and was loved and honored in his
community, and in his home he was the ideal parent and husband.
A devoted friend has written of him, and it is proper that It should be quoted here: "In the ripeness of a varied experience and in the
fullness of earthly honors, with every duty performed and every obligation redeemed, our friend has entered into the joys of the
blessed. He has honorably filled his own place both in public and private life, and left behind him an imperishable name to illumine
the annals of his country and his state."
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E. M. Bell, merchant, East Smethport, was born in Susquehanna county, PA, in 1846, where he attended school until 1859, when
his parents, Worthy and Julianna Bell, removed to Cattaraugus county, NY, where he completed his education. He then accepted a
clerkship with a commercial house in Olean, NY, remaining there until the disastrous fire of 1865 threw him out of employment; then
he entered a wholesale dry goods house in New York City, remaining till Dec 1867, and then became one of the firm of Bell Bros, at
Limestone, NY. He, however, became associated as partner with Messrs. Stickney & Co., the firm now being Stickney, Bell & Co.,
of East Smethport, dealers in general merchandise, and they are now doing an immense business. He is a member of Henry
Renner Lodge, No. 780, F&AM. He affiliated with the Democratic party, and is a member of the Methodist Church. In 1869 he
married Nellie C. Beardsley, and they had two children: May and Carl.
-----
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/TownCarrBio.html
Jacob G. Drehmer was born in Dansville, NY, 2 Feb 1844; enlisted 1 Aug 1862 on Co. B, 1st NY Dragoons, and was honorably
discharged 10 Jun 1865. Mr. Drehmer participated in the battle of Cold Harbor, where he received an injury in his left leg and was
excused from duty in consequence for about a week, but did not leave his regiment. He was present also at the Wilderness,
Winchester, Cedar Creek, Yellow Tavern, Fisher’s Hill, the siege of Suffolk, and other battles and skirmishes. Since returning from
the army, he has pursued his trade as a manufacturer of boots and shoes. Mr. Drehmer married Julia L. Common, of Angelica, NY,
and they have one son. Mr. Drehmer is a Republican. Both are members of the Methodist church, of which he is one of the trustees,
having held the position the last fourteen years. He has also served as superintendent of the Sunday school.
Drehmer, Jacob G. Age. 18 years. Enlisted. 1 Aug 1862, at Dansville, NY; mustered in as private, Co. B, 9 Aug 1862 to serve three
years; mustered out 3 Jun 1865 at Washington. D. C; also borne as Drahmer, Jacob G. and Drehmar. First NY Dragoons (originally
the 130th N.Y. Vol. Infantry).
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http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/TownCarrBio.html
Guy Carrolton IRVINE, brother of Andrew and uncle of B. F., was born on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in
Pennsylvania, the youngest son of a family of twenty-six children. His father died when he was a boy, and young IRVINE was
apprenticed to a blacksmith, whom not being a congenial spirit he soundly thrashed and ran away. In very early manhood he
resided at Broken Straw, Warren county, Pa. and there began his active business life by jobbing in building roads and bridges. He
had dealt in lumber and soon after his marriage with Polly COTTON he bought 2000 acres of timberland on Conewango creek on
credit, built mills also on credit, manufactured lumber, built up a small village which took the name of Irvinesburg, and was very
successful. About 1837, in company with Judge CHAMBERLAIN and N. A. LOWREY, he purchased a tract of 25,000 acres of land
lying in and adjacent to Tuna valley in Carrolton, which was divided among the proprietors. Mr. IRVINE built the original IRVINE
Mills in 1840, about half a mile below the site of the mills erected by Stephen and Jesse Morrison in 1828 and on the opposite side
of the stream. He was succeeded in 1848 by his nephew, B. F. IRVINE, who had for several years been engaged in business with
him. He was an abrupt, fearless, able business man, possessed great energy, and was honest and true. The town named in honor
of him took his second name, Carrolton.
Benjamin F. IRVINE, son of Andrew, was born in Tonawanda, PA, 12 Aug 1819, and received a good business education. In the
winter of 1841-42 he came to IRVINE’s Mills in the employ of his uncle, Guy C. IRVINE, to haul logs. In drawing the logs to the
chute at the top of the hill, where they were slid down into the pond, one of his horses slipped and fell into the chute, dragging his
mate and the heavy load with him, and all went down together in a total wreck. This outfit was all Mr. IRVINE had to carry on
business. In 1843 he returned and got out square timber and pine shingles, which he rafted to Louisville, continuing until March
1848, when he assumed the management of his uncle’s large lumber business. In 1855, he bought his cousin’s interest in 6000
acres of land. In 1857, the firm of B. F. IRVINE and Nelson PARKER built the saw mill on lot 29 on the site of Morrison’s mill, where
they manufactured lumber which they rafted to the markets. In 1865 they sold their entire property to Job MOSES, but in 1869 Mr.
IRVINE bought back the mills and 600 acres surrounding them, and enlarged the mills to a daily capacity of 50,000 feet, added a
shingle mill, a planer, and a flooring mill, giving him a total capacity of 4,000,000 feet of lumber and 3,000,000 shingles annually. He
continued this vast business until his death 10 Sep 1878. 1 Jan 1847 he m. Rebecca, eldest d/o Levi LEONARD. Mr. IRVINE
possessed many of the characteristics of his uncle, G. C. He had great energy, more than ordinary business ability, was quick to
perceive, and bold and fearless to decide and act. While he did business on strict business principles he had a quick ear for the
voice of the needy and was not slow to relieve their wants. While he could drive a good bargain he was tender to those in distress
and dispensed charity unseen, but with an open hand. The children of Mr. and Mrs. IRVINE were: Mary A., b. 5 May 1848, wife of H.
G. ANDREWS; Guy C., b. 21 Mar 1850; Andrew L., b. 29 May 1854, d. 26 Nov 1855; Leonard C., b. 27 Mar 1856; Jerome N., b. 27
Oct 1857, d. 12 Apr 1859; Benjamin F., Jr., b. 30 Sep 1859, now agent for his mother and manager of the estate; and DeWitt C., b.
24 Feb 1866, d. 4 Feb 1867. 26 Jun 1872, Guy C. IRVINE m. Millie A. Beardsley, youngest d/o J. O. BEARDSLEY. Mr. IRVINE
learned his father’s business as a lumberman, and with his brother, Leonard C., succeeded him at his death in 1878, under the firm
name of IRVINE Brothers, who continued it until they sold the mills and fifty acres in 1882 to Plumer, Gilfillan, Steele & Co., the
present proprietors. Mr. IRVINE is now a farmer. Leonard C. IRVINE is now bookkeeper for Schoonmaker & Davis.
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------
http://www.paintedhills.org/CATTARAUGUS/TownCarrBio.html
Hon. Elijah R. Schoonmaker, was born in Woodburne, Sullivan, NY, 21 Jul 1839; d. at
Limestone, NY, 16 Apr 1909. Mr. Schoonmaker came to Cattaraugus County and located at
Limestone in the year 1868. He is descended from solid Dutch stock. His father, a farmer and
contractor, gave his son a common school education. At a very early age he was a clerk in a
store in his native county for seven years. He next filled a like position in Ulster county for
several years more. He was a traveling salesman the next three years (until 1868) for a
wholesale boot and shoe house at Kingston, and then settled in Limestone, where he has since
led a very busy life. When he located here he formed a partnership with A. E. and G. W. Palen
in mercantile business and was associated in trade with them for three years. The lumber firm
of Schoonmaker & Nichols was then formed. About this time he also conducted a lumber
business alone, and for many years was one of the owners of the "tannery store." From 1875 to
1885 he operated in oil, largely in real estate, and heavily in bark, supplied the tanneries of
Great Bend, Canisteo, Hornellsville, and Limestone, and pulled bark from the trees on 10,000
acres. In addition to this he bought and handled from 5,000 to 10,000 cords of bark per year.
He is now a member of the following firms: Northern Tier Hemlock Co. Ltd., of which he is
general manager; Bullis, Schoonmaker, and McNiel, real estate and lumber; Schoonmaker &
Sheldon, hardwood lumber; Schoonmaker & Davis, lumber; Hall, Schoonmaker & Co., lumber;
and Stickney, Bell & Co., merchants. He is also prominent in politics and decidedly popular with the people. He was postmaster of
Limestone four years, station agent ten years, seven years president of the Board of Education, and supervisor of Carrolton six
consecutive years, ending with 1890, and was reelected in 1893. In 1882-83 he represented the Second Assembly District of
Cattaraugus County in the State Legislature. He has served as a member of the Republican State Committee for Chatauqua,
Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties, has attended several times as a delegate the Republican State congressional and senatorial
conventions, and is always a delegate to the Republican county conventions. Mr. Schoonmaker is a man of comprehensive
business ability and has a ready knowledge of men. He is a bold speculator and apparently relies on his own judgment. He is affable
and gentlemanly, and a pleasant companion. He is a good talker, a good listener, and fond of a good joke. Emphatically, he is the
poor man’s friend, ready to aid the needy and help them to help themselves. 21 Feb 1867, he married Eliza PALEN, of Sullivan
county, who died 4 Aug 1870. She was the mother of his son Frederick Palen [a US Federal Judge], b. 11 Mar 1870; d. 5 Sep 1945.
2 Nov 1871, he married Sarah J., youngest d/o Levi Leonard. Their children are: Eliza W., b. 25 Jul 1872; Alice, b. 8 Dec 1873; and
Faith, b. 12 Oct 1881.
------
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/cattaraugus/bios/adams/carrolton.txt
Shep. L. Vibbard was born of English parentage in Ellicottville in 1838. His father, Chester Vibbard, came from Massachusetts at
an early day. Shep. learned the printing business of the late Robert Shankland, and at the first call for troops enlisted in Co. I, 37th
NY Vols., leaving the service as corporal two years later. Soon afterward, he settled in Limestone, where he has since been
prominent in local Democrat politics. He was elected justice of the peace in 1866, 1870, 1874, 1880, 1884, 1888, and 1892, and is
now serving his twentieth year as town clerk. In 1874 he served as supervisor. He is also clerk of the village of Limestone and of the
Board of Education. He is a member of Henry Renner Lodge, No. 780, F. & A. M., is its present Master [1886], is a member of St.
John's Commandery at Olean and of Olean Chapter, of Bradford Post, No. 141 G. A. R., of the A. O. U. W., being district deputy
grand master of the latter order in 1889, and of the K. O. T. M. and the E. A. U. In 1868, Mr. Vibbard married Cynthia R. Leonard,
daughter of Calvin Leonard, and they have three children.
VIBBARD, SHEPARD L. - Age, 22 years. Enlisted [37th NY Infantry Vols.], May 9, 1861, at Ellicottsville, to serve two years;
mustered in as private, Co. I, 7 Jun 1861; promoted corporal, 1 Sep 1861; discharged for disability, 26 Feb 1863, Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.thevibsite.com/John%20Vibert%20and%20Mary%20Neell.pdf
Shepard L. VIBBARD (Chester A.4, Timothy3, John2, John1), b. 2 Sep 1838, in Ellicottville, Cattaraugus, NY; d. 29 Apr 1920; m.
Cynthia R. LEONARD 1 Jan 1868, in Olean, Cattaraugus, NY, d/o Calvin LEONARD, b. 1848, in PA; d. 13 Dec 1924; both bur. in
Limestone Cemetery, Carrollton, Cattaraugus, NY.
Shep's death certificate gives his mother's name as Honor Bryant (born in MA). Shep, age 11, is in the 1850 census with Harmony
(Rust) Vibbard.
Children:
i. Fanny VIBBARD, b. 14 Dec 1868.
ii. Harry Leonard VIBBARD b. 14 Nov 1870, Limestone, Cattaraugus, NY; d. 14 Jan 1938, Syracuse, Onondaga, NY;
Occupation: 1 Jun 1900, Music Teacher; m. ca 1 Jul 1899 Cary YELTON, b. 27 Dec 1872, in Kentucky; d. 26 Mar 1951, in Glendale,
Maricopa, AZ; both buried in Morningside Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga, NY.
iii. Jennie VIBBARD, b. bef. 1879; d. 1879; bur. in Limestone Cemetery, Carrollton, Cattaraugus, NY.
iv. Paul Lawrence VIBBARD, b. 11 Oct 1886, in Limestone, NY; d. bef. 21 May 1967; Occupation: 15 Apr 1910, Physician.
v. Lura VIBBARD, b. bef. 1896; d. 1896; bur. in Limestone Cemetery, Carrollton, NY.
vi. Bennie Willis VIBBARD, b. bef. 1896; d. 1896; bur. in Limestone Cemetery, Carrollton, NY.
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Urania Lodge No. 810, Machias, New York
Warrant: ca 1894
http://books.google.com/books?id=mMQLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA951&lpg=PA951&dq=%22urania+lodge+no.+810%22&source=bl&ots
=3A003-TV0z&sig=MDPgeVysYEUMELaMc-
XcaXDF9YI&hl=en&ei=_FUqTOj8OcT68AaPp7HUCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepa
ge&q=%22urania%20lodge%20no.%20810%22&f=false page 951.
William A. Joslyn, son of James and Levina (Andrews) Joslyn, was born 14 Apr 1847, in Darien, NY, and in 1849 was brought by
his parents to Machias, Cattaraugus county. He was educated in the public schools and for two terms attended the academy at
Arcade, NY. After completing his studies he taught in the public schools for seven terms, then purchased a farm of 180 acres, where
until 1884 he made a specialty of dairy farming. In the latter year he removed to the village of Machias. After the death of his father
he succeeded him on the homestead, turning his dairy business over to his son. This business has now (1911) grown to such
proportions that he and his sons are all engaged in its management. For 24 years Mr. Joslyn has been justice of the peace in
Machias, where as "Squire Joslyn" he is known far and near. He was made a Mason in 1870, and has been a member forty years,
belonging now to Urania Lodge, No. 810, of which he was Master in 1894-96, 98-99 and 1904, and was Master of Franklinville
Lodge, F&AM, in 1867-68. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a man of high character and commands universal respect. He has
been president of the board of trustees of Ten Broeck Free Academy, which is situated in Franklinville, since 1894.
He married, 8 Mar 1871, Emma J. Parker, b. 1848, d/o Asa B. and Caroline (West) Parker. Children: 1. Essie A., b. 5 Apr 1872; m.
Henry Neff. 2. A. Jackson, 23 Dec 1873; m. 18 Jan 1909, Mary Goucher; child, Lucy, b. Oct 1910. 3. Viola, 20 Jul 1880. 4. James
Ray, 10 Dec 1882; m. Jun 1904, Calla Potter; child, William Otis, b. 10 Feb 1907. 5. Lila M., 31 May 1886.
Berean Lodge No. 811, Cattaraugus, New York
Warrant: ca 1894
Merged with Clinton F. Paige Lodge No. 620, Otto, New York
On the night of January 24th [1905] the building in which Berean Lodge. No. 811, was located was destroyed by fire, together with
the furniture, lights and jewels of said Lodge; their warrant was also destroyed. This was a severe blow to Berean Lodge, for they
were enjoying a beautifully furnished and well-equipped Lodge-room. But the Masonic blood in this district is not slow, and on the
morning following efforts were made to secure another meeting place.
http://books.google.com/books?id=mMQLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA969&lpg=PA969&dq=%22Berean+Lodge%22&source=bl&ots=3A004
XXT3H&sig=PsM39aucJGQBYbZYVSJfOSTNv5U&hl=en&ei=W08rTObXFsH78AbOdixCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Berean%20Lodge%22&f=false
page
969.
Wilbur Jesse Manley, second son of Nathaniel and Mary (Vosburgh) Manley, was born in the town of Mansfield, Cattaraugus, NY,
9 Mar 1847. He was educated in the public schools, Randolph Institute, Jamestown union free school and Bryant & Stratton's
Business College, Buffalo. After his school years were finished he worked with his father for one year, then took the management
upon the share plan, continuing two years. He then began his long connection with the cheese industry as manufacturer and dealer.
In 1870 he began buying and shipping butter and cheese. For two years he operated a cheese factory, and in the pursuit of his
business has traveled the whole cheese district, being intimately acquainted with every maker and farmer in his line. He is a wellknown
writer on "Cheese," "The Farmer" and "Reciprocity," taking the ground on the latter question that it is not wise. His articles
are lengthy, well written and his points well sustained. He was supervisor of the town of New Albion in 1878-79, president of the
village of Cattaraugus two terms, member of the school board three terms. In 1898 he was appointed deputy United States marshal
for his congressional district, serving eight years, and in all these positions proved a public official of especial value. He is a
successful man of business and holds a high place in the regard of his townsmen. His residence is on Seneca street, Salamanca.
New York. He was made a Mason on arriving at legal age, in 1868; was a charter member of Cattaraugus Lodge, now a
member of Berean Lodge No. 810 [sic – 811], F&AM, and of Gowanda Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is interested in the work
of the Patrons of Husbandry, and is a member of Elkdale Grange. He is a ready and forceful speaker, and is frequently called on for
public speaking. He is liberal in his ideas on all subjects, and a generous supporter of the churches. His political faith is Republican.
He married, 27 Apr 1871, Henrietta McDuffie, b. 30 Nov 1851. Children: 1. Robert Elwood, b. 3 May 1875; graduate of Harvard
University; now connected with the office of the district attorney of New York City. 2. Roscoe, b. 8 Jun 1879; m. 25 Apr 1906,
Elizabeth Reed, b. 28 Dec 1878, d/o Robert C. and Jane C. (Curts) Reed; child, Wilbur Jesse (2), b. 28 Jul 1907.
http://books.google.com/books?id=L3t5AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA980&lpg=PA980&dq=%22Berean+Lodge%22&source=bl&ots=7Crq4QY
DP4&sig=ifuQj_8zfk5ChqxjAQaBi8ecZjA&hl=en&ei=W08rTObXFsH78AbOdixCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCEQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22Berean%20Lodge%22&f=false
page
978.
William Krebs.—Numbered among the representative business men and progressive citizens of the city of Alpena, Michigan, Mr.
Krebs is third vice president of the C. Moench & Sons Company, which operates tanneries in Alpena and in Salamanca and
Gowanda, NY. He is general manager of the tannery in Alpena, is president of the Alpena Chamber of Commerce and has been an
influential factor in promoting the industrial and civic progress of the city in which he maintains his home and in which he has a
secure place in popular confidence and esteem.
William Krebs was born in Cincinnati, OH, 30 Sep 1868. a son of John J. Krebs and Mary Hahn, the former of whom was born in the
village of Obersophe, Hessen, Germany, on 20 May 1835, and the latter of whom was born in Alsfeld, in the same province, 7 Aug
1835. Both were residents of Cincinnati, OH, for many years and there the father died 12 Dec 1899, his cherished and devoted wife
having been summoned to eternal rest on 24 Oct 1897. Their marriage was solemnized in New York city on 3 May 1857, and they
63

ecame the parents of six sons and eight daughters, of whom three sons and five daughters are now living [1912], namely: Louis P.,
who is a resident of Gowanda, NY; John, who maintains his home in Alpena; Katherine, who is the wife of William Schmitt, of
Cincinnati; William, the subject of this review and who was the eighth in order of birth of the fourteen children; Anna, who is the wife
of John Greudelmeyer, a resident of Cincinnati; Emma, who is the wife of Henry Hoefle, of Cincinnati; Amelia, who is the wife of
Ernest Groeneweg, of Cincinnati, and Marie, who is the wife of Nicholas Seuss, of Cincinnati.
John J. Krebs was reared and educated in his native land and in 1853, when about
eighteen years of age, he sundered the ties that bound him to home and fatherland and
set forth to seek his fortunes in America. He made the voyage on a sailing vessel and
finally landed in the port of New York city. On shipboard he formed the acquaintance of
another young man, whom he befriended and provided with food on the voyage, as the
fellow was without money. His kindness met with more than ingratitude, as the man
whom he had thus aided stole his money soon after they landed, and he was thus left
penniless, a stranger in a strange land. He went without food for several days and then
found employment in a tannery in the national metropolis, where he learned the trade in
all its details. In his native land he had served an apprenticeship to the trade of wagon
making, though he had been reared on the farm of his father.
In the early '60s John J. Krebs removed with his family to Cincinnati, OH, where he soon
afterward engaged in the tanning business on his own responsibility. He erected and
equipped a tannery and eventually built up a large and prosperous business. He
continued to be identified with this line of enterprise until his death, and he gained and
retained the confidence and esteem of the community in which he so long maintained
his home. He was one of the organizers of the North Cincinnati Turn Verein and held
membership in other leading German societies. His political support was given to the
Republican party and both he and his wife held membership in the Lutheran church.
William Krebs gained his early educational training in the public schools of his native
city, where he also completed a course in Nelson's Business College, in which he was
graduated as a member of the class of 1884. He learned the tanner's trade in his father's
establishment and continued to be identified therewith until 1894, when he removed to
Cattaraugus county, NY, and assumed the position of bookkeeper for the Moench
tannery, the interested principals in which were John Christopher Moench and his son Henry L., which formed the Company of C.
Moench & Sons, which later was incorporated under the present title of the C. Moench & Sons Company. In 1896 the concern
completed the erection of its tannery in Alpena, Michigan, and Mr. Krebs was sent to this city as general manager of the business. In
1899 the company purchased the Gaensslen tanneries in Salamanca and Gowanda, NY, and the three tanneries have since been
operated by the company, which was incorporated in 1899. The corporation also has stores in the cities of Boston and Chicago, and
an office in the city of St. Louis. Mr. Krebs is a member of the directorate of the Alpena National Bank and in 1909 was elected
president of the Alpena Chamber of Commerce, an office of which he is the present efficient and valued incumbent. He has been
active in promoting the high civic ideals and practical work of this important organization, through the influence of which the
industrial progress of Alpena has been signally advanced, and he is ever ready to give his support to all measures projected for the
general good of the city in which his interests are centered.
Though never ambitious for public office, Mr. Krebs is found aligned as a stanch supporter of the cause of the Republican party, and
he holds membership in the Congregational church, as did also his wife, who is deceased. He was made a Mason in Berean
Lodge, F&AM, at Cattaraugus, NY, and from this body was dimitted to Hopper Lodge No. 386, in Alpena, with which he has
since continued in active affiliation. He is also identified with Thunder Bay Chapter, No. 74, RAM; Sagonahkato Council, No. 58,
R&SM; Alpena Commandery, No. 34, KT; and he has received the 32nd degree in Michigan Sovereign Consistory at Detroit, AASR.
In the city of Detroit he holds membership in Moslem Temple, AAONMS.
On 27 Mar 1895, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Krebs to Miss Amelia Louise Moench, who was born in Cattaraugus county,
NY, on 7 Apr 1868, and was summoned to the life eternal on 17 Dec 1902. She was the d/o John Christopher and Caroline
(Dietrich) Moench, the former of whom was born in Württemberg, Germany, on 22 Jun 1835, and the latter of whom was born at
Hamburg, Erie, NY, on 2 Jan 1847. They were married at Hamburg, NY, in 1865, and of their eight children three sons and three
daughters are living [1912]. Mr. Moench came to America in 1853, after having learned the tanner's trade in his native land. He
located in Buffalo, NY, whence he later removed to Gowanda, Cattaraugus county, where he was actively engaged in the tanning
business until his death. He was the founder of the C. Moench & Sons Company. He was a Republican in politics and both he and
his wife were zealous members of the Lutheran church. His death occurred 8 May 1904, and his wife passed away in Aug 1907. Mr.
and Mrs. Krebs became the parents of three children, all of whom remain at the paternal home, namely,—Carrie Marie, William H.,
and Adolph E.
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/state/historyofnewyorkstate/bio/pt48.html
Harry D. Lighty - Engaged in teaching ever since he has completed his own education in 1910, Mr. Lighty has spent his entire
professional life in New York State. A member of the teaching staff of the Dunkirk High School since 1915, he has been its principal
since 1918. In this position he has shown great ability as a teacher and executive and he is liked equally well by his associates and
by his pupils. He is active in several organizations devoted to the interests of the teaching profession and he also takes a very
effective part in civic affairs and in the fraternal and religious life of the community. Since coming to Dunkirk he has made many
friends among all classes of its population and in every way he must be considered as representative of the highest type of useful
and progressive citizenship.
Harry D. Lighty was born in Steelton, PA, 18 Jul 1883, a son of Daniel Lighty and Margaret Hoffman. He was educated in the public
schools and at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, PA, where he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1910 and from
64

which he received the degree of Master of Arts in 1923, after having done post-graduate work. He began his career as a teacher at
Cattaraugus in 1910, serving there for three years as assistant principal. Next he spent two years at the River view Military
Academy, where he taught science. In 1915 he came to Dunkirk as instructor in mathematics and science at the Dunkirk High
school, where his work proved so acceptable that he was promoted to the position of principal in 1918. He is a member of several
educational organizations, including the National Education Association; the New York State Teachers Association; the Association
of Academic Principals of New York State; the Schoolmasters Association of Western New York; and the Chautauqua County
Teachers Association. Of the last two he has served as president. Mr. Lighty, ever since coming to Dunkirk, has shown great
interest in civic affairs and has actively supported every movement tending to advance the welfare of the city, its people and its
institutions. He is the chairman of the Boy Scouts Council of Dunkirk, president of the Dunkirk City Civil Service Board, and local
examiner for the New York State Civil Service Commission. He is also a member of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce and the
Liberty Club, as well as of several fraternal organizations, including Berean Lodge, F&AM; Dunkirk Chapter, No 191, RAM; Dunkirk
Commandery, No. 40, KT; Dunkirk Council, No. 25, R&SM; Dunkirk Lodge, BPOE; and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. His religious
affiliations are with the Lutheran Church. Mr. Lighty was not married.
Arion Lodge No. 812, Little Valley, New York
Warrant: Jun 1895
Consolidated with Cattaraugus No. 239 & Ellicottville No. 307 to become Great Valley Lodge No. 1178 ca 1997
Francis M. Bailey
http://books.google.com/books?id=TccLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA255&lpg=PA255&dq=%22Arion+Lodge%22+%22little+valley%22&sourc
e=bl&ots=fm7T_zpihj&sig=y0o8LFA9a5qoTTezCMW2FBIThmY&hl=en&ei=GF8rTPGsLYK78gbJ7czSCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct
=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Arion%20Lodge%22%20%22little%20valley%22&f=false page 255.
Viola A. Wheaton, second child of Norman and Harriet (Carver) Wheaton, and granddaughter of W.’. Gaius Wheaton [Master of
Constellation Lodge No. 435c – q.v.], was born in Little Valley, Cattaraugus, NY, 24 May 1854, at the old Wheaton homestead of
240 acres that she now owns. She married, 24 Nov 1875, Francis M. Bailey, b. 17 Sep 1845, in the town of Yorkshire, Cattaraugus,
NY, d. in Little Valley, NY, 14 May 1898. He was a son of Thomas Bailey and ___ Curtis, of Yorkshire. He lost his mother at the age
of eleven years and went to an aunt in Great Valley, by whom he was reared. He received a public school education, and worked at
farming until Sep 1864, when he enlisted in the ninety-day call at the close of the war as private in Co. A, 8th Regt, NY Cavalry,
and while in the field did not see active service; he was attacked with a disease from which he never entirely recovered. He was
honorably discharged, 16 Jun 1865. After the war was ended he went to Iowa, settling on government land. He did not remain long,
and upon selling his interest returned to Little Valley. He formed a partnership with Hiram Thompson, under the firm name of
Thompson & Bailey. He was for two years in Allegany with Spraker & Mixer, and for a time with Havinor Brothers, at Salamanca. He
was deputy sheriff of Cattaraugus county, serving under Sheriffs Siegler and Hazard. Later he purchased a small farm of forty acres
in Little Valley. He served his town as assessor and was a most satisfactory official. He was a man of sunny, pleasing disposition,
always happy whether at home or abroad, scattering sunshine wherever he went. His friends were legion, for to know the man was
to love and admire him. He was one of the charter members of Fuller Post, Grand Army of the Republic, member of Arion Lodge,
F&AM, member of the fire department, the Knights of the Maccabees and in religious faith a Congregationalist. His death was very
sudden and was a great shock to the community. While waiting for the summons to the evening meal he received the summons
from the Grand Master of the Universe, and quietly slipping from his chair passed away without a struggle. His funeral services were
in charge of his Masonic brethren, numerous delegations attending from other lodges in the county. The district court was adjourned
in respect to his memory and the county offices closed. Rarely does a man in civil life have greater honor paid to his memory.
Child: Norman Wheaton, b. 9 Jan 1885; m. 12 Jun 1909, Vinda L.Stickle, b. 30 Sep 1885, second child of A. C. and Amy (Stuart)
Stickle. Viola A. survived her husband, a resident of Little Valley, where she is held in the highest esteem.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/towns/dayton/dayton_history.htm
Milan J. Brown was born in the town of Villanova, 31 Oct 1868. There he lived the life of the ordinary farm boy for several years,
when the family moved to Westfield. A year later they returned, and shortly after the Buffalo and Jamestown R. R. was built the
family moved to South Dayton where the home is still occupied by the widowed mother. When about fourteen years old, Mr. Brown
entered the office of the Pine Valley News as an apprentice and a year or two later, when Chas. J. Shults moved the office to Cherry
Creek and consolidated it with the Monitor of that place, he went with the paper. About two years later he went south, through Ohio,
Kentucky and Tennessee to satisfy the desire for travel, working at his trade in different places, and on his return a few months later
he went to Chicago, where he worked for two years in the office of the Prairie Farmer, the American Contractor and Druggists’
Gazette. He went back to the Cherry Creek News on his return and after a few months, went to Arcade to take the foremanship of
the Leader, then edited by Frank P. Hulette. After a year and a half with the Leader he returned to Cherry Creek, but being
possessed with that uneasy disposition contagious with printers, he went to Brookfield, NY, where he worked several months on the
Courier. Returning again to Cherry Creek, he shortly after went to East Randolph where he worked several months on the
Enterprise, from there to Niagara Falls, where he was foreman of the Press office, and from there he again returned to East
Randolph. In August 1898 he was married to Alma C. Covert of East Randolph, and the following fall he left the office and passed
the winter on the farm of his wife’s parents. In the spring of ’94 he went to Clay City, KY, to purchase the Chronicle, but the
roughness of Eastern Kentucky deterred him from the contemplated purchase, and after a brief trip in Tennessee he returned to
East Randolph and in July of ’94 he went to Little Valley and founded the Spy. Altho’ stared in the face of the financial panic of that
period and on the heels of two former newspaper failures in that place, yet the paper was a success from start. Having a natural
aptitude for politics he was soon associated with many of the leading politicians of the county and the Spy was soon considered one
of the factors in western New York politics, and his original expressions and peculiar style of writing won him much favorable
newspaper comment and many press quotations. 14 Jun 1898, just four years to a day from the time he went to Little Valley, he was
appointed postmaster of that place, which office he sill holds and which pays an annual salary of $1,700. In Feb 1899, finding the
work of the two offices too great, he sold the Spy to Arthur J. Salisbury and the name was changed to the Herald. Since this time he
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has given his personal attention to the duties of the post-office, yet in the meantime devoting considerable time in special writing for
the New York Journal, Buffalo Courier and Olean Times. He is a member of Arion Lodge, F&AM at Little Valley, and of Salamanca
Chapter266, R.A.M. He has one son, Hart, who was born in Little Valley 12 Jan 1895.
http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.whipple/387/mb.ashx
Clinton T. Whipple, 88, of 145 S. 26th St. died Saturday (8 Oct 1994) in the Olean General Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born 9 Jul 1906, in Little Valley, he was a son of Clyde and Bessie Champlin Whipple. On 2 Jun 1931, in Otto, he married the
former Edna Schrader, who died 22 Sep 1992. Mr. Whipple had been employed by Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. in Olean, retiring
as supervisor in 1962 after 45 years of service. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olean, St. Stephen's Club of
Olean and Arion Lodge 812 F&AM of Little Valley. Surviving are a niece, Mrs. Sigfried (Diane) Rieder of East Syracuse and Cuba;
two brothers, Ervin Whipple of Falconer and Jesse Whipple of Canandaigua; a sister, Dorothy Brown of Otto; and several other
nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Clayton Whipple and Everett Whipple. Burial was in Little Valley Rural
Cemetery.
http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.cattaraugus/7429/mb.ashx
Olean Times Herald - 11 Nov 1936
Marion Francis Higbee, hardware merchant, died at his home on the Little Valley road Tuesday morning. He had been in failing
health the past few years and seriously ill two weeks. Born 18 Feb 1850 in New Albion, Mr. Higbee began active business at the
age of 17, operating hardware stores in Ellicottville, Dansville, Limestone, Bliss, Little Valley and Salamanca. About 20 years ago he
sold out his Salamanca store to H. B. Dietrich and operated a general store and post office at Killbuck. At the time of his death Mr.
Higbee owned a hardware store at Little Valley, which is being operated by his daughter, Mrs. Francis Krampf, and himself
conducting a filling station and general store just outside Salamanca on the Little Valley road. On 5 May 1873 Mr. Higbee married
Grace Henry of Little Valley. Her death occurred 5 Oct 1911, and several years later on 6 Jan 1914 he married Nina Hilinda Whipple
(b. 24 Mar 1884) of Salamanca. Mr. Higbee was a member of the Arion Lodge of Little Valley and Knight Templar of Salamanca.
Surviving are his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Carrie L. Case and Mrs. Krampf, both of Little Valley. Burial was at Mosher Hollow
Cemetery, New Albion.
----
Archibald C. Merrick, was a Mason of much enthusiasm, and his loss in 1897 was felt throughout the District. He was highly
instrumental in obtaining a Charter for Arion Lodge.
Samuel Merrick , son of (Samuel3 , Isaac5, John*, John2, William2, William1) and Letitia (Weeks) Merrick, born , 1811, at Carmel,
NY. Married Sarah Campbell. Children:
i. ARCHIBALD, b. 15 July 1840; m. Minnie Marks; no children; d. 11 Jan 1897, Little Valley, NY.
ii. ELIZABETH LETITIA, m. Oliver Miller; had one daughter, Clara, who d. 1900, in South Africa, unmarried. Elizabeth, the mother, d.
1887, at Little Valley, NY. Oliver Miller survived and was a resident of South Africa.
Great Valley Lodge No. 1128, Great Valley, New York
Warrant: ca 1997.
The population of Great Valley was 2,145 at the 2000 census. The town is named after its local geographical setting, a relative
comparison of two tributaries of the Allegheny River (the other being the neighboring Little Valley).
This is a merger of three Lodges:
Cattaraugus Lodge No. 239, chartered Sep 1851 in Little Valley, who were originally members of Constellation Lodge No. 435c.
Cattaraugus Lodge moved to Salamanca in Jun 1874.
Ellicottville Lodge No. 305, chartered Jun 1853
Arion Lodge No. 812, chartered Jun 1895, which included seven Brothers who had raised in Ellicottville Lodge ,1892 to 1895
---------
Appendix I
http://richmondthenandnow.com/Tunnel-Escape-from-Libby-Prison.html
Tunnel Escape from Libby Prison
This article "Tunnel Escape from Libby Prison" was copied from a rare restored booklet that originally belonged to Mr. Charles
Millhiser (1846-1935), great grandfather of Millie Millhiser Heltzer, great, great niece of Moses J. Ezekiel, Sergeant of Company C,
Battalion of Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute who fought in the Battle of New Market.
Story of the Famous Tunnel Escape from Libby Prison
As Told by Major A. G. Hamilton, One of the Projectors.
Richmond, Va. 1864
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is probably no event in the whole history of the Civil War in which the patriotism, energy, courage and ingenuity of the Union
soldier is better displayed than in the celebrated tunnel escape from Libby Prison, Richmond, VA, on the night 9 Feb 1864. Escapes
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from southern prisons were frequent occurrences, but in the history of them there is not one that compares with this in the
conception of the project, the working of its details, and the number of men that gained their liberty. The entire plan was such a
remarkable one, and the results so successful, that the Confederate authorities were speechless with amazement when they
learned that 109 Union officers had gained their liberty directly under the eyes of their guards and that the escaping party included
many of the most prominent prisoners in Libby. Indeed, the only thing that surprised the Confederates was the fact that every man
confined in Libby did not get away in the same manner as the 109 that crawled through the tunnel, and they contented themselves
with the thought that the exodus was not as bad as it might have been. At the time of this event there were nearly 1,200 Union
officers confined in the building, and had the tunnel project been terminated with the care with which it was started there is no
reason why at least half this number should not have made their escape.
There have been many accounts written of this famous escape-some by the participants, others by their friends, and still others by
writers imbued with the idea that with the aid of a few meager facts and a literary dressing the story could be told in a satisfactory
manner. Col. Thomas E. Rose, late of the United States army, projector of the tunnel, could never be induced to give his story of the
affair except in a brief manner, and this was done only after hundreds of requests were made from all over the country. His story
appeared in the National Tribune in 1884. Col. Rose is known to be a particularly modest and unassuming gentleman, and to the
author of this pamphlet he once said: "I do not want to be distinguished, especially if distinction must come through so much pain
and sorrow as did the little I gained from the event in Libby."
Perhaps Col. Rose is right in taking this position. He was the acknowledged leader of the tunnel party, the acknowledged projector
of the tunnel, and it was through his good sense, energy and management, aided by the devotion and labor of his fourteen
comrades in the secret, that the escape was a success. The story coming from his pen would savor of ostentation or egotism to
many and for this reason it is, perhaps, better that it be told by someone else. There is only one man that can do this from a leader's
standpoint, and it could not be better done than by Maj. A.G. Hamilton, with whom Col. Rose discussed the project as a confidential
matter before it had been lisped to another soul. The result was that the project was conceived from the ideas of these two men, and
they were the organizers of the original party. Colonel Rose became its director and Major Hamilton was his first assistant;
consequently, it is safe to say that a story coming from Major Hamilton would naturally be correct so far as his memory would serve
him. Major Hamilton was a member of the 12th Kentucky Cavalry and was captured at Jonesborough, East Tennessee, with four
comrades. He was taken to Lynchburg, thence to Richmond, where he spent one night in Castle Thunder, and was then transferred
to Libby Prison and placed in what was called the Lower Chickamauga room-the center room on the second floor. This was on 29
Sep 1863. At about the same time Col. Thomas E. Rose, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, was captured and placed in the
same room. Major Hamilton's words will now better describe the conception of the project and the final results. He says:
"Colonel Rose and I were confined in the same room, but I did not form his acquaintance until we met in the Dock street basement
of the prison, where all of the cooking was being done at that time. Then the one thought that was preying upon the minds of the
1,200 men in the building was a means of escape. None, however, were in sight.
"The doors and windows were closely guarded and to make an exit from either of these sources meant instant death. In the great,
gloomy rooms nearly 1,200 men, robbed of liberty, watched the inexpressibly slow passage of time, the days going like scarcely
moving tears, the nights like black blots dying out of a dream of horror, seemingly eternal in its duration. Here in a single room-the
hospital-the angel of death kissed the starved lips of hundreds of men and they ceased forever to whisper of sweetheart and
mother, ceased to murmur of food and running water, ceased to pray for a sight of the blue sky and a breath of fresh air blowing
over well-remember fields. Hope was all that sustained many-to many it was a hope for liberty in any form. Even death was sought.
But among us were some strong-minded men with a courage of steel. Among these I found Colonel Rose to be in the front rank.
Our acquaintance ripened into a mutual friendship and we soon had the full confidence of each other. To me he proposed some
meager ideas relative to an escape. In the meantime the basement kitchen was closed and the middle room on the main floor was
used for this purpose.
Up to that time we had formed no definite plans, but had talked the matter over. We had both arrived at the conclusion that there
was only one way for us to get out of the prison, and that was to dig out. This conclusion was reached after the basement kitchen
had been closed. After considerable deliberation it became a settled fact that the tunnel would have to be dug from the east
basement, but how to get into the basement was the next serious question that stared us in the face. All access to it had been
closed and the stair and hatchways securely nailed. In the front of the kitchen we were then occupying there was a fire-place with
two cook stoves in front of it, with a large pile of kindling wood. A hole through the brick wall at this place would give us the access
that we desired. I borrowed a knife from Lieut.-Colonel Miles and one night when nearly all the prisoners were sleeping I carefully
moved one of the stoves aside, and with the aid of the knife dug the mortar from the bricks. Thus the bricks were loosened, carefully
taken out, and our access to the cellar was made. Then a board was ripped from the top of a bench and with its aid we went down
to the black basement, amid the hurrying, scurrying, squealing rats. In the meantime we had organized a secret party, including
Capt. J.F. Gallagher, Major Fitzsimmons, Lieut. F.F. Bennett, Capt. John Sterling, Capt. Lucas, Capt. I.N. Johnston, and possibly
one or two others that I cannot recall by name. The difficulties under which we labored can be imagined when you think of the fact
that we were working in the midst of 1,200 men, all eager for a breath of free air. It took us twelve nights to complete that entrance
to the basement, our work being a secret, as everything depended upon the care with which we guarded our operations. The next
room was the hospital and a thoughtless move would have betrayed us to the Confederate surgeons and doctors that were in the
room day and night. I will never forget the satisfaction and relief that our little party experienced when that entrance was completed.
It seemed as though half the battle had been won, although in reality our labors were barely commenced. After gaining access to
the cellar, we started a tunnel on the Dock street side, our objective point being a sewer that we believed to be empty enough to
allow an exit. To our disappointment we found the sewer to be flooded. Failure was never thought of. Undaunted by ill success, we
made another excavation in the east wall, about twenty feet from Dock street, and after digging a short distance our progress was
stopped by a number of logs that had been driven into the earth as a foundation. The simple tools that we had could not penetrate
those logs, and this tunnel also had to be abandoned.
"It was just thirty-eight days after the tunnel project had been conceived and suggested that we broke through the wall for the third
and last attempt. This opening was made by Major B.B. McDonald and Capt. Terrence Clark, with the aid of a chisel that had been
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stolen from the carpenter shop. The mortar was cut with this chisel and the bricks were pried out with sticks of hard wood that had
been furnished the prisoners for kindling. At just about that time we organized by the addition of a few fellow prisoners, making a
band of fifteen, sworn to secrecy regarding everything that pertained to the tunnel operations. Colonel Rose remained the leader
and director of the party. He divided the party into three reliefs-five in each. One relief would stay on duty a certain length of time,
and by hearing the Confederate guards call the hour and post over their heads, they always knew when it was time to quit. Then
they would quietly pass to their quarters above, awaken the next relief and go to sleep themselves. Capt. I.N. Johnston had the
honor of breaking the first dirt in the tunnel, and among the five that were on that first relief were Captains Fislar and Gallagher and
Major Fitzsimmons. When I say that the digging party was sworn to secrecy, I do not mean to infer that there was nobody else in the
prison that knew of the operations which we were conducting. While they did not take any active part in the tunnel, we had what we
called our "silent partners." These were Lieut.-Colonel Boyd, Gen. H.C. Hobart, Brig.-Gen. Neal Dow, Major Harry White and Capt.
John Sterling. The last-named officer had furnished the secret party with candles that were very beneficial in our work, and Lieut-
Colonel Boyd was taken into the confidence of Colonel Rose two days after the last tunnel had been started. The first two nights the
digging party went into the basement they made their access by means of the plank. It, however, was an unhandy way of getting
into the cellar and was of such a nature that it might have aroused the suspicions of the Confederate officers had they seen it. At
that time Lieut.-Colonel Boyd had been appointed a member of a committee to distribute several bales of blankets that had been
sent from the North for the unsheltered Union soldiers held as prisoners of war on Belle Island, in the James River, just below
Richmond. Col. Rose had seen those bales from the windows of Libby. He saw that they were tied with a good, strong rope, just
such as he needed to make into a ladder to be used in getting in and out of the cellar from the kitchen fire-place. He sought Boyd
and let him into the secret of the tunnel on the condition that he would secure the rope. Colonel Boyd got the rope that day and it
was made into a ladder and used by the digging party.
"The completion of this tunnel was carried out almost identically as originally planned by Colonel Rose. I did but little of the digging,
as I had charge of the kitchen fire-place entrance the greater part of the time, yet I made frequent trips into the cellar and knew just
exactly how matters were progressing. The only difficulties experienced in making this excavation resulted from a lack of tools and
the unpleasant feature of having to hear hundreds of rats squeal all the time, while they ran over the diggers almost without a sign of
fear. The earth was soft and easily removed. For this purpose the chisel was a fortunate possession, but hands and fingers were
constantly in use in loosening and removing the dirt. As a receptacle for removing the earth, the digging party used some wooden
cuspidors that had been taken from the rooms above. A rope was attached to each end of these and the man in the hole filled the
box, after which his companions at the entrance pulled it out with one rope, the digger drawing it back with the other. In the manner
three boxes were completely worn out. The dirt thus removed was carefully hidden under a pile of straw that had been stored in the
basement. It will be remembered that our plan in the break for liberty was to tunnel about fifty feet and come up behind a board
fence that would protect us from Libby and the guards, and then pass to the street through an unoccupied building that faced on
Dock street. On the ninth night after this tunnel had been commenced, after having dug a hole just large enough for an ordinary
sized man to squirm through, we supposed that we had gone far enough on the level. Then an upward shoot was made, with the
belief that the digger would find himself behind the protecting fence. Yet we were not sure of the location, so rather than to make a
misstep, the digger removed one of his shoes, shoved it through the little opening through which the stars were peering, and left it
there. The next morning at daylight we looked out the window and to our disappointment found that the shoe was on the wrong side
of the fence. Two nights more the men dug for liberty, and on the thirteenth night the tunnel was finished. On that night we could
have gone out had we so desired, but we believed a fresh and early start would be to our advantage, so we closed up the hole and
went up stairs for orders from Colonel Rose. It was decided that each of the fifteen in the digging party should choose a friend to go
out with him, and when the thirty had passed through the hole its entrance was to be closed by Gen. Hobart, who had been let into
the secret and given charge of the tunnel after we should have left, on condition that he would hold the secret one hour, thus giving
us a chance to make good our escape. On the fourteenth night after starting the third tunnel and the fifty-second night after the
entrance was commenced in the kitchen fire-place, our hopes and prayers were realized. Freedom was within our grasp and
thoughts of home and loved ones came thick and fast.
"At eight o'clock that night the kitchen fire-place was opened for the last time.
"All of our arrangements had been made and Colonel Rose, after bidding farewell to his comrades, dropped into the basement and
made his way through the tunnel. He was the first man out. I was at his heels, and we were followed by Capt. J.F. Gallagher, Major
Fitzsimmons, Capt. Johnston and Lieut. Fislar in the order named. This is as far as I can remember the names in order. Major
McDonald waited in the basement for Col. A.D. Streight, whom he had chosen as his picked friend, and, without malice or prejudice,
I would like to say right here that this is the only connection with the Libby Prison tunnel that Streight had, so far as my knowledge
extends. I never knew of an idea that he contributed and never heard his name connected with it as far as the digging party was
concerned. In emerging from the tunnel, thence through the unoccupied building to Dock street, we went in parties of two or three,
so that we would not particularly attract attention. As to the escape of others than Col. Rose and myself I have no definite
knowledge. Col. Rose waited for me to come out of the tunnel and we passed to Dock street unnoticed. We walked two squares
and then turned. Here we passed a hospital guard, who insisted upon knowing where Rose was from. Not receiving satisfactory
replies the Col. was taken to the chief officer of the guard, where he must have made some clever explanations, for he was away
again in half an hour. In the meantime I came to the conclusion that the quarters were too close for me in that vicinity, and I trudged
on alone. The first night I made eight miles in the half-frozen swamps, and traveled seven nights before reaching the Union lines at
Williamsburg. While traveling I was in ice and water to my knees the greater part of the time, and often it was up to my waist. I was
about the fifth man to reach our lines-two had come in the day before and two the night previous to that. It was a happy day for me
and I had the pleasure of meeting many more of my comrades within the next few days that had gone through that little hole.
"These are facts regarding the history of the tunnel from my recollections. I have been told that 109 officers got out that night before
the secret became an open one in the building, causing a wild stampede for liberty, which attracted the attention of the Confederate
guards and put a stop to operations. I know that General Hobart kept the tunnel a secret an hour by the watch, closing the kitchen
fire-place after the first thirty had departed. Had the prisoners kept cool and collected, I believe that the prison would have been
almost emptied before daylight next morning. At roll call on that day the escape was discovered, and before three days had passed
forty-eight of the escaping party were recaptured, including Col. Rose."
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[The above narrative is practically the same as that told by Capt. J. Diehl, Co. C. Seventy-first Pa. Volunteers (at the entrance of the
tunnel in Libby Prison War Museum). He was a prisoner at Libby at the time of the escape, and was personally acquainted with
many of his comrades that participated in it. He had read many accounts of the tunnel, and says that the above is the most accurate
narrative of the event ever placed in print.]
See also: http://www.mdgorman.com/Prisons/Libby/colonel_roses_tunnel.htm
Colonel Rose's Tunnel at Libby Prison; Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, March 1888, pp. 770-790; by Captain Frank E. Moran.
or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libby_Prison_Escape - Libby Prison Escape at Wikipedia.
Escape Diagram (may be enlarged to 200% for better viewing)
Cross-section diagram of the escape tunnel, from Century Magazine, March 1888, pp. 786-787.
http://www.mdgorman.com/Prisons/Libby/escape_diagram.htm
Photo of Libby Prison - 1865
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