A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 37

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 37

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

Happy the house-wife at her spinning wheel ! Time hath no happier lot to man revealed : The mystic fates no happier lot conceal. Ah, sweet content, the blessing of the blest, Upon thy cheerful table, east or west, Corncakes and baked potatoes make a feast. Stout hearts were theirs and brown and brawny arms

That from the wilderness hewed fields and farms.

The patriot sons of these brave pioneers Marched at their country's call in after years, And mid the thunderstorm of shot and shell, In the forefront of freedom's battle fell.

Ye sons and grandsons of the pioneers, Say, is your lot a happier lot than theirs ? We chase the jack o'lantern of wealth or fame ; We patch the cloak of truth with many a lie ; We hunt our fellow men, alas, as game ; We toil and moil and delve and drudge and die.

We mount the steed of steel and ride amain ; We grasp the fiery thunderbolt for gain ; We scan the ocean depths ; we signal Mars, And read the reeling universe of stars. Alas, the more we learn the less we know ; Contentment is the wisdom of the wise : Tested by this our knowledge is but woe,

And pride and pomp and wealth but gilded lies.

Before one solemn truth I stand in awe, The highest law to man is Nature's law.

Ah, in the toil and moil of modern days Is there no higher aim than cent per cent ? Are all our nobler aspirations spent ? Even in God's holy house of prayer and praise We ask ourselves, in secret, if it pays, We pluck our wealthy brother by the coat ; We clutch our needy brother by the throat. And can it be in mother Nature's plan, As we rise up above the beasts of prey Into the brilliant sunlight of to-day, Alas, that man's worst enemy is man ?

And shall we praise the laws and call them good, That enrich the few and beggar the multitude ! Ah, long and strong is the robber arm of greed, But longer, stronger, is the arm of need. Where the mad mob rules Liberty runs mad, And Justice dies. Heaven help the unhappy land Where the red monster lifts his bloody hand And hydra heads, defying man and God.

O, was the blood of patriot fathers shed To found an empire governed by the mob- Where Freedom falls and Anarchy instead Teaches her hungry wolves to rape and rob? Say, was the blood of patriot brothers slain Under our starry flag in Freedom's cause To save the nation and maintain the laws, Shed on a hundred battlefields in vain ? No ! For God rules the destinies of men, Even as he ruled the fate of battle then ; And out of toil and sweat since time began,

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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

Aye ; out of darkness, storm and stress and mire,

Yea, out of rape and rapine, blood and fire,

Higher and holier hath God lifted man.

Yes, sons and grandsons of the pioneers,

Your lot is still a better lot than theirs,

The teeth of time have harrowed up the soil ;

Earth yields her goodlier fruits to lesser toil. Where lumbering wain and wagon toiled amain

(Even when yon listening bald-head was a boy)

Through marsh and mire and rut and rugged way-

Over the stumps and stones and corduroy- Behold, by sunny slope and grassy plain,

Hauling his precious freight in gilded train,

The iron horse flies like the wind to-day.

Science hath bridled nature's wildest steeds,

And bid them labor for our daily needs.

The very thunderbolts are harnessed now

To humming mills and swiftly flying cars ;

And we may sit and thank our happy stars, While fire and water drudge and delve and plow.

Say, sons and grandsons of the pioneers, Is not your lot a better lot than theirs ?

Capt. R. H. Pratt, the head of the Indian School at Carlisle, Pa., of great renown as an educator of Indians, and withal a former Alleganian. then de- livered the Centennial oration. It was an able effort, occupying nearly an hour. After some music, he was followed by Hon. E. W. Hatch of Buffalo, an Allegany boy. His theme was "Allegany in the late Rebellion." The Judge came fully up to the requirements of the occasion, and satisfied the most extravagant expectations of his auditors. During the exercises a song, "Allegany Hills," written by an unknown Alleganian, and set to music by Joseph Gorton and arranged by Glenn Jones, was beautifully rendered:

The following sonnet, composed by Prof. G. W. F. Buck, one of the first principals of Rushford Academy was sent by mail to President Minard, but not received in time to be read.

SONNET.

Land worthy fame, and yet to fame unknown !

No fairer glades Italian seas enfold, Not lovelier glens brave Tyrolese behold. Far-looking uplands, where are nobler shown ? Wood-crowned, rill-cleft, fondling in close embrace,

Thy dear, one river, holiest of streams To him who views thee in an exile's dreams,

Once gazing daily on thy radiant grace. Proudly, O Allegan, as now obscure, Remain always, untrod by tourist throng ; Thy charms, inviolate by alien eyes,

Reserved for those who shall have loved thee long,

And cherish thee with love that will endure, Whether the sunshine gleams or tempests pour.

Letters of regret from Sidney A. Foster, of Des Moines, Iowa, Rev. F. W. Beecher, Hon. H. M. Teller, of Denver, Col., and others were then read. The weather was quite threatening in the morning of the second day and no

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doubt kept some people at home, yet, by the time set for the pageant, there were 15,000 people in town, some estimates placing the number at 20,000.

THE GRAND PARADE .- Promptly at one o'clock the grand parade formed near the tannery, in charge of Capt George H. Blackman, with assistants Wm. Opp, Russell Tremaine, Wm. Bruce, G. H. Witter, M. D. Palmer and A. M. Boyd, and Willie Duke the marshal's aid. It was the most magnificent pageant ever witnessed in Allegany county. Gorton's Band of 14 pieces, Jas. Gorton, Jr., leader, headed the procession, followed by carriages con- taining the mayor and trustees, speakers, and guests of honor. The 47th Regiment Band, Geo. W. Sutton leader, preceded the 47th Separate Com- pany of Hornellsville, with 60 men in line, in charge of Capt. Avery Mc- Dougal. The " boys in blue " made a fine appearance and attracted much attention.

The second division was in charge of Wm. Bruce, who led a squad of well-costumed Indians. Then came a float representing " An Indian deer hunt," with three aborigines, a canoe and a deer among the trees. Another float portrayed a settler's camp in the woods with preparations for a meal in progress; another float showed an Indian massacre, a vivid reminder of the troubles in the border settlements in time of war. A beautiful contrast to this was "Going to church in 1795 and in 1895," the first an old horse and Indian sled, the second, John McEwen's elegant coupe and horse. Then came an Indian scout on horseback followed by a "prairie schooner" and two seedy-looking settlers on foot. Ten old men in a wagon labelled "old timers " were followed by another lot of old timers, a wagon full of clocks of ancient days. An old one-horse plow and a new sulky plow, with two horses were next in line. An immense old-style loom and a spinning wheel with Mrs. Wm. Mason at work spinning while a little girl rocked the old wooden cradle was shown on another float. The " First mill in Allegany county," was exhibited by two boys with boxing gloves in a rope ring, while the "Limited mail in 1795" was shown by Rufus Murray on horse- back in costume of " ye olden times," with saddle-bags and accoutrements. Threshing machines in all styles, old, older, oldest, were represented with an " old thresher," a boy and a flail, and a woman spanking a refractory child.

The third division, A. M. Boyd in charge, was composed of nearly 300 veteran soldiers of the G. A. R., and two fife and drum corps, and was an impressive sight. The "Short Tract military band," headed by J. S. Pitt, won many praises.

The fourth division was led by G. H. Witter, and the trades display which followed was finely designed and truly representative. The first float was arranged by the attaches of the dry goods store of S. F. Fisher. It showed a fine display of carpets in the form of a tent with a little "occu- pant " sitting in one end. Bullard & Co., grocers, made a handsome display of tea chests and other articles with pretty decorations. A very fine effect was made by Stillman & Co's display of plants and flowers. The Johnston

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Harvester Co., made a fine display with one of their complete machines, a "bonnie binder." Lake's monumental works, represented by artistic spec- imens of their work on a heavy truck drawn by four horses, made a good display. Alger & Son had a miniature modern boot and shoe store on wheels with clerks and customers. There was also in contrast the old shop with John Frey "pegging away like all possessed," while Lon Ross told him "yarns." The Buckeye mowers and binders displayed fine machines. The carriagepole manufactory of Freeland and Bradley of Wellsville made a good showing, and the Empire Novelty Company had a young printing press on

wheels and amused the people and delighted the small boys by the distribu- tion of fans with advertisements which were profusely scattered and eagerly sought. Mrs. G. Olivey's millinery and dry goods house had a pretty and handsomely decorated wagon conveying several lively girls, which attracted much attention. Ostrander & Co., had the " old woman who lived in a shoe " on exhibition, with children and shoe. The idea was happily conceived and well carried out. Rockwell Bros., crapets and dry goods, made a display fully in accord with their " up to date " business. Otis; Day & Co., exhibited a complete bath room in excellent style, with Miss Mary Bruce in matronly attire superintending the bath of two little girls. The Coats Manufacturing Co., showed a mill full of machinery with employees at work. The Osborne mower, an old-time McCormick mower, and the Empire graindrill had prom- inent places. Levi Frank the clothier, had an advertising wagon and so did the Wellsville Tobacco Co.

M. D. Palmer commanded the last division with the Wellsville Fire Department led by the Excelsior Band of Andover with 14 pieces. Chief J. J. O'Connor, and First Assistant Thos. H. Sweney, headed by the Emerald Hook and Ladder Co., in charge of Assistant Foreman Patrick Moran. Twenty men were in line and the Scotch bag-pipe furnished music. The Baldwin Hose followed with 24 men in new uniforms, Drum Major Smith attracting much attention. The Duke Hose with 20 men in "natty " blue uniforms made a fine appearance. The Genesee Hose Co., with a very hand- some parade cart and 20 of the best-looking boys in the state, were in charge of Foreman Percy Green. They also had a drum major in uniform. The display was highly creditable to all concerned, and will long be a pleasant memory to all who witnessed it.

Immediately after the parade fully 10,000 people filled the grand stand and the race track to witness the races. The 47th Separate Company of Hornellsville gave a drill exhibition which was greatly enjoyed. This was followed by foot, bicycle and other races, in which the "greased pig " was not forgotten.

NOTES .- Richard Church, the only surviving son of Judge Philip Church, was present during the afternoon exercises of the first day and very properly occupied a seat on the platform. John Barker Church of Geneva, a grandson of Judge Church, was also present with his uncle Richard.

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John B. "wore" a beautiful hickory cane, which the celebrated Indian chief Governor Blacksnake (the nephew) made and presented to Judge Church.

Among the numerous bodies adding to the success of the occasion Gor- ton's Band and the music it dispensed was one of the most enjoyable and conspicuous.

The Grand Army men of the county held their annual " campfire " at Wellsville on the second day of the celebration. Their headquarters in the Beever block was a busy place, 600 of the veterans there enjoyed a compli- mentary dinner.

Hon. Frank B. Church. F. H. Furman and L. H. Thornton, respectively chairman, treasurer and secretary of the Wellsville executive committee, had the most onerous and continuous tasks of the many hard worked citizens in connection with making a success of the celebration. Their arduous labors were highly appreciated. Mr. Church, as chairman of the committee, presided over the public meetings, except when relieved by Gen. Diven, Hon. I. W. Near and Judge Norton, and made an admirable presiding officer.

A special "Centennial Edition " of the Wellsville Reporter was issued, which did great credit to the enterprising publishers.

No drunkenness was seen upon the streets, nor were any arrests made, there being no occasion. The immense throng of people was good-natured, orderly and happy, every one on his best behavior to the lasting credit of Wellsville in particular, and Grand Old Allegany in general.

The ladies in charge of the museum had the biggest job of all, and they did it as none but women can do when they set out to accomplish a great and glorious achievement. The museum was a leading element in the celebra- tion's ultimate success. Under the auspices of the ladies three styles of centennial spoons were gotten up as souvenirs. In the bowl of each spoon was a very appropriate design, the old Seneca council house of Caneadea.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM .- We are indebted to the Wellsville Reporter for the following interesting description of some of the more than 10,000 antique and historical articles on exhibition in this attractive department. The commodious new City Hall was mostly taken up by this great exhibit and was constantly thronged with visitors.

Angelica .- The Angelica collection was one of the most interesting. It . contained the antiquities belonging to Major Moses Van Campen, the Indian fighter. The Major's rifle, full set of surveying instruments, the tomahawk with which he killed several Indians, powder horn and other accoutrements all loaned by his grandson, Moses Burr, and a well executed oil painting of the pioneer loaned by the Wilson Academy, also the writing desk made and used by Van Campen, loaned by L. J. Palmer. Among the other interest- ing relics from Angelica were: portraits of Hon. Martin Grover, Mr. and Mrs. Alex. d'Autremont who came to Angelica in 1806, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hor-

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ton, editor of the Angelica Reporter in 1841, portrait of Hon. John Collins and military coat worn in War of 1812, curtains brought from England and pair of embroidered pictures made a century ago by Mrs. Collins, a sword used at Waterloo, a summons issued by Moses Van Campen J. P., in 1822, endorsed by John Moore, constable, the father of the Moore brothers living at Riverside. Mrs. Herdman sent bone soup spoons, knitting sticks and dishes, all over the century mark. A beautiful embroidered skirt made by Mrs. Alex. d'Autremont when 80 years old; innumerable old dishes, brass candle sticks, pewter plates, the old sign of the " A. Richardson Inn 1824," the Slocum family Bible, printed in 1715 in excellent condition, latin book printed in 1669 and bound in raw hide, and numerous other old books, an evening dress and mantel (R. S. Charles) used in 1850, portrait of Ransom Lloyd. Mrs. Frank S. Smith, Mrs. John S. Rockwell, Miss E. A. Whitmore and Mrs. Herdman contributed a case of old and foreign silverware, partic- ularly attractive. Miss Whitmore sent a large number of antiquities, dishes, embroidered clothing the work of Mrs. E. M. Grover and others. Cake doylies embroidered by a lady 83 years old were remarkable for the fine workmanship; a pair of silk slippers worn at the first dance in Angelica and over 100 years old. Not the least attractive were the shoes taken from a German tramp by Sheriff Garwood, and replaced by new ones. The old fel- low cried when parting with the mammoth coverings, each one big enough for an elephant to wear. They are now the property of John Gibson, Jr. An ancient neck yoke was labeled "Washington and his celebrities have ridden after this," and 80 years old bear traps were loaned by L. J. Palmer.

Amity .- From Belmont came the private collection of George and R. J. Tucker, an interesting lot of geological specimens found near Belmont and many fine Indian and war relics; punch bowl and cut glass decanters from the Church mansion. A suit of clothes made for and worn in 1790 at 4 years of age by Stephen Rogers, who came to Amity in 1804 and lived to the age of 102, exhibited by his son, C. D. Rogers; Queen Anne musket and Springfield pistol, flag and veil worn by Polly L. Gorton, now Hyde, at the Harrison election 1840; painting of the old council house by Mrs. M. G. Davis, Belfast, frame made from wood from the old chief house at Ah-Wis-Koy, the oldest and last of the Indian habitations on the Genesee; compass used by John T. Hyde in 1799, and later by David How, the first man hung in Alle- gany; pine shingle four feet long from log house, Cronk Hill, Caneadea, erected in 1831; pair mitts knitted by Percis Phebe Hyde, daughter of Na- thanael Dike, for her granddaughter, Mrs. Ella Crandall; Masonic apron 80 years old; tureen cover owned by Gen. Stewart, the grandfather of Maj. Church and used to serve George Washington many times; wooden water cask 100 years old; corded cloth hat used by James O. Jordan of Cuba, 80 years ago; rocking chair used by Wilkes Angel when a child; wooden chop- ping bowl carved by John T. Hyde in 1802 from a maple knot. His wife who used this bowl was Phebe Percis Dike, daughter of Nathanael Dike, married in 1798, and settled at Belvidere in 1802; a fine case of Indian arrow heads

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from C. H. Whitcomb, Belvidere, found in Allegany county; leather fire bucket, owned by George Tucker, used by the old Bowery Fire Co., in New York City; bottle jack and brass candelabra used at Villa Belvidere.

Alfred .- The collection sent by Alfred University was large and varied and deserves special mention, but space forbids extended notice. There was fine work from the Terra Cotta Works; views of the University and portraits of its faculty; first map of Alfred, 1821; old time portraits; flax brake and wheel; wedding dress Martha Mina Allen 1812; needles for weav- ing harness, etc., and many things of rare excellence and great value.

Alma .- The Alma collection included Indian skull and other relics. An old collar and harness straps from first harness used in this county; rock- ing chair used by Daniel Cole, the first male white child born in Allegany county and first male born in the town of Wellsville, also his por- trait; rolling pin, 130 years old, brought from Vermont by Prosper Adams; iron plate; cow bell 110 years old; saw used during the Revolution- ary War by Samuel Merriman, a carpenter and bridge builder.

Almond .- Looking glass loaned by Elizabeth Major, once the property of Mrs. Nathanael Dike; confederate uniform and haversack captured at Macon, Ga., in 1865; confederate artillery flag taken from Andersonville, in 1865, by S. S. Karr, 86th N. Y. Vol. The first deed and bond ever drawn in the county, Sept. 27, 1796, between Chas. Williamson of Bath and Joseph A. Rathbun, one of the first settlers of the town of Almond. First jury list drawn in Allegany county, 1808, which we copy:

JURY LIST .- State of New York Allegany county to Jacob Holt, Esq., Clerk of said county. This sixth day of May, A. D., 1808. We hereby transmit to you a list of the names of Freeholders and Inhabitants resid- ing in the town of Alfred in said County Viz.

Freeholders-Tarball Whitney, Joseph A. Rathbun, Matthew McHenry, Joseph Karr, William Gray, Walter Karr, Rosswell Haskins.

Inhabitants-Alpheus Baker, Asa Clark, Ardon Cobb, Benaijah Hays, Benaijah I. Hays, Benjamin Van Campen, Clark Crandall, Charles W. Clark, David Haskin, Elihu Knight, Enos Seaward, Harvey McHenry, Jeremiah Oakley, Joseph Green, James Ayers, Joel Whiteg, John McIntosh, Joseph Coleman, John Van Campen, Milo Stephens, Miles Oakley Jr., Micah Haskin, Nathan Green, Oliver Miller, Orrin Hays, Peter Pottman, Philip Doddever, Reuben Jones, Rufus Lawrence Jun, Seth Baker, Solomon David, Samuel Karr, Silas Ferry, Stephen Major, Thaddeus Baker, Thomas Granger, Thos. Miles, Wheeler Hinman.

J. K., Sup.

J. A. R., T. Clk.

Andover .- A shot gun owned by Wm. B. Clarke, made in 1761, used by the Clarke ancestors; flint lock rifle and flint lock musket from Newell Baker; punch bowl used by George Washington, and old dishes from Mrs. Levi Rogers; server made by Benjamin Palmer, Sr., in 1810, also a boot jack made from a deer's horn; candle holder used in husking time; wooden canteen carried by Nathaniel Perkins in the Revolution; old books and dishes; first official guide received at Andover post office in 1822, used by Andover's first post-master, C. R. Spicer, (only three post offices in Allegany county at that time); homemade linens and embroideries in great variety and all ages; an arithmetic, entirely written with pen and ink by Thaddeus Baker in 1824. The following old school certificate was particularly interesting:

SCHOOL CERTIFICATE .- We, the Subscribers, Inspectors of common schools for the Town of Scio, County of Allegany, do certify that, at a meeting called for that purpose, we have examined Miss Louisa Jones

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and do believe that she is well qualified in respect to moral character, learning and ability to teach a common school in this town for one year from date, given under our hands at Scio, N. Y.

Scio, December 21st, 1839.

GEO. B. JONES, W. H. COATS, WELCOME H. BROWNING, Inspectors.

SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT .- First report of Genesee Sabbath School Union held at the court house in the village of Rochester, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1827. The executive committee's report says of Allegany: This county includes 22 towns and contains 18,000 inhabitants. Our agent visited all the towns except one, found 15 Sabbath Schools in operation, and succeeded in establishing a County Union under encouraging circum- stances. There was a desire expressed by the people generally upon whom he called to have schools established in their respective neighborhoods, and it is confidently expected that a considerable number will be commenced next spring in places hitherto not favored with these institutions. Officers for Allegany County Union were elected as follows: Hon. Philip Church, president ; Hon. James McCall, Vial Thomas, Esq., Rev. Moses Hunter, Al. Wm. Wilcox, Josiah Whitman, Al. Samuel King, Asa S. Allen, Esq., John C. McKeen, Esq., vice presidents ; John Collins, Esq., treasurer ; Ranson Lloyd, Esq., Rec. secretary ; Gen. Samuel S. Haight, Cor. secretary.

Bolivar .- A splint bottom rocking chair made in Richburg 74 years ago; an old plate and a gown 90 years old worn by Mercil Cowles were the only exhibits.

Cuba .- A small collection of Indian relics, gun used at Bunker Hill, powder horn made in 1777, and another used in 1759, in French and Indian war and carved with pictures of the old forts; iron spoon used by Seneca Indians at the oil spring in Cuba; wedding slippers, Campbell family, 4 gen- erations old.

Friendship .- In Mrs. W. A. Hart's private collection a greater part of which she has obtained in the town of Friendship and kindly exhibited, we find interesting curios: A map of the county made Aug. 1, 1804; case of Continental money well preserved; military hat worn at annual training which met in Angelica in 1836; cannon ball found on farm of Samuel Hess, Belvidere; ancient chandelier for oil and rag, this hung from ceiling in olden times by the light of which six young ladies spun every evening; first whale oil lamps, 1827; large iron shell picked up at Ogdensburg when her Majesty Queen Victoria's subjects made an attempt to cross the river and gain a foot- hold on the border of our Empire State, but were driven back; a handsome brass lamp from Rome, saved from the ruins of convents after their destruc- tion by the French, which they assured Prof. W. H. Pitt was many centuries old; blue sugar bowl decorated with landing of Lafayette at Castle Garden, Aug. 16, 1824; punch bowl; plates; pewter plates; pewter porringer; the flow- ing blue ware of our grandmothers, the mulberry and pale blue of which Mrs. Hart has sets; china; glass decanters of 1763 and 1827; almanacs of 1804 and later dates; Bible nearly four hundred years old; Indian moccasins; Mexican shoe; gold epauletts of War of 1812; grain fan: foot stove; mortar 135 years old; Indian stone pestle; book of hymns, 1766; book of letters, 1712; pitcher from England used for beer at hunting dinners. The sightseers were much interested in the old fashioned tall bedstead of maple with blue and white linen curtains made in 1800 falling from teester frame, linen tick, sheets and cases made in 1817; a handsome carpet coverlet spun by Mrs. Hart's mother, wove by Mrs. Pearse in Cuba in 1839; knapsack of linen worn

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in Revolutionary War, also in the War of 1812; iron pipe made in 1810; tinder box in use previous to the invention of matches; bronze pitchers which brightened the shelves; with many pieces fancy china; a peculiar linen wheel and other articles too numerous to mention. We noticed a finely carved cane made of a piece of the stockade prison pen at Andersonville, done and owned by J. T. Burdick; a fine handstitched dress made by Miss Phebe Colburn 54 years ago for Mrs. Geo. Wells, Eutopia; other fine work done in Rhode Island some time in the 18th century; fancy rug sent by Mrs. G. W. Fries; a cherry table used by Major Moses Van Campen, when making plots or maps of the farms he surveyed from Transit Bridge to Geneseo.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 37

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102