A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 51

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 51

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From the proceedings of the board of supervisors of Genesee county for 1807 it appears that Luke Goodspeed represented Angelica, although the act erecting the county of Allegany was passed more than a year and a half before. Doubtless this was agreeable with the provisions of some act of the legislature. From 1810 to 1820 Angelica remained unchanged in territorial extent, but soon after the progress of settlement was so rapid as to make

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

the dismemberment of this old mother of towns an imperative necessity, and Allen, Amity, Birdsall, Scio, and parts of Alfred, Andover, and Inde- pendence as then constituted, were set off, reducing it to the area of two standard-sized towns, and leaving it quite irregular in shape. The next decade, 1831-40, saw Angelica reduced to its present size and proportions. It now contains 22,740 acres and the asssessed value of real and personal property was $573,680 in 1894.

Angelica is drained by the Genesee river, which enters it about a mile and a half east of the southwest corner, and leaves it about two and one-half miles north of the same corner, Baker's creek from the north discharging into Angelica creek, which runs through the town from east to west nearly in the center, and their numerous small tributaries. These streams in some places break the surface into deep ravines, as at Joncey, one mile west of the village, where a high iron bridge spans a deep gorge, which presents rocky and precipituous banks. The soil on the uplands is generally a clayey loam. and a gravelly loam prevails in the valleys. The original timber pre- sented many varieties, pine and oak of superior quality being found in con- siderable quantities. The town is distinguished as "Township 4, Range 2, of the Morris Reserve " and was subdivided into lots by Major Moses Van Campen in 1810 or 11. In 1830 the population was 998; 1835, 1,502; 1840, 1,251; 1845, 1,329; 1850, 1,592; 1855, 1,832; 1860, 1,708; 1865, 1,663; 1870, 1,643; 1875, 1,547; 1880, 1,620; 1890, 1,749.

Settlement was commenced in 1801 by Philip Church, who that year with an exploring party, consisting of Evart VanWickle, John Gibson, Moses Van- Campen (who acted as guide), Stephen Price and John Lewis made a thor- ough reconnoissance of the Church tract of 100,000 acres. The site for the village being determined, active operations began. John Gibson, afterward the first sheriff of the county, Abram Post and Arad Rice were, next to Church, first to erect the rude log cabins. In 1802 Capt. Church erected a sawmill. A log land-office was also put up and a frame house by Evart Van- Wickle. A road was cut from Almond to Angelica by Silas Ferry and John Ayers. Joseph Taylor settled in 1802, and opened the first public house on the site so long occupied by the Exchange Hotel, and Capt. Church estab- lished a store* which was conducted by John Gibson. In a short time there was quite a village, most of the houses being built of logs. John Gibson this year bought 80 acres of land bounded north by Main street and west by Olean street, at one dollar an acre, and was bound by the contract "to put up within a year a frame building in ground size, at least 12x16 ft."

In 1803 Capt. Church put up a gristmill, the site being identical with the Joncey mill of to-day. The first death was of Ira Stephens, who, on the authority of Mr. Gibson, was killed in a quarrel over cards at Joseph Wilson's inn, and he was the first one buried in the Angelica village cemetery. The first birth in town was of Catharine Mullender, date not ascertained, and Moses Van Campen Chamberlain was the first white male child to make his

*The store stood where is now the Presbyterian church. So says John Gibson.

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appearance. The first school was taught in the winter of 1804-5 by " Widow " Smith. The nearest postoffice was at Bath, and the people hired Wm. Barney to make a monthly trip to carry and bring the letters, and do the little errands for the neighborhood. As early as 1804, Alvin Burr, an ances- tor of Moses Burr. a native of Connecticut, came to Angelica from Bingham- ton. He was a lawyer. James Mapes, the ancestor of many of the name in the county, came here about 1804, settling near Angelica. John Hooker came from Vermont in 1807, when it is said there were but 3 houses in the village, and his brother. Asel Hooker, according to family tradition, built the first frame house in the town. Vial Thomas, the worthy centenarian, a native of Rhode Island, came in February, 1810, and for three-quarters of a century lived a good life here (see sketch).

The first town-meeting was held at Joseph Taylor's on the "first Tues- day in April," 1805, where they elected Benjamin Riggs, supervisor; Joseph S. Hall, town clerk; Luke Goodspeed, Sylvanus Russell and Elijah Church, assessors; John T. Hyde. William Barney and Jacob S. Holt, commissioners of highways; John T. Hyde, collector; David Church, constable; William Barney and Evart VanWickle, overseers of the poor; Stephen Waterman, Thomas Call, John Bennett, Ezra Bacon and George Otto, overseers of high- ways; Joseph Taylor. Abisha Cole and William S. Heydon, fence viewers. At the election held there April 30, 1805, John Nicholas received 16 votes for senator, Nathaniel Lake 1. Alexander Rhea for member of assembly received 30 votes, Ezra Potter 25, Daniel W. Lewis 16 and Jeremiah Munson 12. The discrepancy of 66 votes in the number cast for the two offices and member of assembly was probably owing to the fact that different and higher property qualifications were required of those who voted for senator. When it is remembered that the town was then thirty-four miles in extent from north to south, and twelve miles east and west, its sparse population is vividly impressed upon the mind, and still more, when it is considered that Angelica village furnished a majority of the votes.

Roads were surveyed and recorded the first year, "from Angelica to Indian line, or Caneadea; from Angelica to the south line of Van Campen's farm; from Angelica to Philipsburg mills; to Philips creek; to Vandermark's creek; to Dike's settlement." In 1807 the vote on, governor stood "for Morgan Lewis, 37; for Daniel D. Tompkins, 28." Wolves were numerous, and a bounty of $2.50 was offered for each one killed in town and panthers were included. In 1809 89 votes were cast at the annual town meeting. In 1806-7 Angelica received a considerable and distinguished accession to its population by the setttlement here of a number of important French political exiles, the d'Autremonts, Du Ponts, etc.

Angelica freeholders in 1808: John Ayers, Ezra Bacon, Abraham Baker, Wm. Barney. Robert Barr, John Bennett, John Bunnell, Christian Burns. Abisha Cole, John Cole, Stephen Cole, Harry Davis, Philip Church, Alex D'Autremont, Augustus D'Autremont, Victor DuPont, Edward Dodd. David Downing, Isaac Dike, Philip Fox, Asahel Franklin, John Freeman, John

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

Gibson, Luke Goodspeed, Nathaniel Goodspeed, Arnold Hill, Timothy Hyde, John T. Hyde, Ebenezer Hyde, Wm. Heydon, Philo Ingraham, Ami Holt. Shubald Johnson, Joseph Knight, Jacob Manning, Hiram Munson, John Mullender, Samuel Neilson, Stephen B. Nichols, William Peas, Jonathan Rawson, Isaac Rawson, Erald Rice, George Renwick, James Renwick, Wm. Poole, Edward Rice, Philip Riggs, Benjamin Riggs, Stephen Rogers, Solo- mon Tracey, Sylvanus Russell, Moses Van Campen, Samuel Van Campen, Evert Van Wickle, Stephen Waterman, Corner Waterman, Horatio Water- house, William Higgins and Silas Knight.

Interesting, as throwing some light on the condition of affairs in Angel- ica, at this early time, this bill of sale is introduced:

" Bill of sale for Charlotte, to Augustus D' Autremont." " Know all men by these pres- ents, that I, Victor Du'Pont of the town of Angelica, county of Allegany and state of New York, for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars, in hand paid to me by Mr. D'Au- tremont, for my black wench named Charlotte, which I have bought from Mordicia Hale, Esq., with her boy, now four weeks old, said girl to serve Mr. D'Autremont for twenty years, faith- fully and honestly, after which time I warrant her free if she behaves herself properly during the time she has to serve. The boy to serve Mr. D'Autremont till he is 28 years old, as the law directs. And I do for myself, heirs, assigns, executors and administrators, quit and renounce all claims to said wench and boy.

Angelica, this 15th day of August, 1809. Signed and delivered in presence of

V. DU'PONT. AUGUSTUS D'AUTREMONT. ELLIS PEARCE."

" I Philip Church of the town of Angelica, Allegany county, state of New York, farmer, do hereby certify that a female child called Lucy, aged ten years and seven months, was born in the city of New York, of a female slave called Deane belong to John B. Church, Esq., and afterward to myself.

Recorded Sept. 12, 1815.

PHILIP CHURCH.

E. VAN WICKLE, Town Clerk."

"I Evart Van Wickle of the town of Angelica, Allegany county state of New York, citizen, do hereby certify that a male child called Perry, aged one month, was born in the town, county and state aforesaid in my family of a female slave called Elcey. Witness my hand this twenty- fifth day of August eighteen hundred and sixteen.

Recorded Sept. 2, 1816.

E. VAN WICKLE.

E. VAN WICKLE, Town Clerk."

In this connection the following certificates are also introduced, as the best kind of history:

" I Philip Church, of the town of Angelica, Allegany county, state of New York, farmer, do hereby certify, that a female child called Catharine, aged two months and nine days, was born in my family of a female slave, called Mary. Witness my hand this twelfth day of September, eighteen hundred and fifteen.

Recorded 12th Sept. 1815.

PHILIP CHURCH.

E. VAN WICKLE, Town Clerk."

" I Philip Church, of the town of Angelica, Allegany county, state of New York, farmer, do hereby certify that a male child called Henry, aged three years and ten months and eleven days, was born in my family of a female slave called Chloe. Witness my hand this twelfth day of September eighteen hundred and fifteen. PHILIP CHURCH.

Recorded Sept. 12, 1815,"

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ANGELICA.

But very few slaves were ever held in the county, and all it is believed in Angelica.

In 1805 Major Moses Van Campen removed from McHenry Valley in Almond, to Angelica, and in 1808 built the stately brick residence where he lived so long, a mile east of the park. Wm. Y. Little now owns the place.

November 10, 1807, a " court of general sessions of the peace " was or- ganized at the public house of Evart Van Wickle, now the residence of J. S. Rockwell, Esq., with Moses Van Campen and Evart Van Wickle, "Esqrs.," judges, and Joseph Taylor and William Higgins, Esqrs., "assistant justices." This was the first court held in the county. (See "Courts and Lawyers.") In 1809 the first bridge in the county, over the Genesee river, was erected at the "Transit," begun by William Redfield and finished by Jonathan Mil- lett. Jan. 9, 1808, a meeting was held at Evart Van Wickle's, and steps taken preliminary to the founding of a Masonic lodge. The first Masonic funeral in the county was that of Horatio Waterhouse held in Angelica Jan. 2, 1813. In 1811 a turnpike road from Angelica to Olean was constructed, it having previously been finished from Bath to Angelica. This was for years a main thoroughfare, and gave great impetus to the growth of Angel- ica, by putting it on one of the great routes to the great west.

The first meeting of the board of supervisors of which we have record was held in 1812, in the upper room of the jail, or goal as they then called it. Many sessions of the early boards were held at the residence of Major Van Campen. In 1804 the population was 555.

From 1812 for many years Angelica was the most important place in the county. The best lawyers of the country were attracted here by the pros- pect of good and increasing business, its enterprising business men sup- plied the people from the remote parts of the county with goods, and for years it was the best, and about the only market. The writer has been per- mitted to examine the journal kept by Mr. Augustus D'Autremont in his store at Angelica, from Oct. 29, 1817, to Aug. 13, 1819, and judging that a few excerpts from its pages will give a better idea of the times, prices, hab- its of living and condition of the people than whole pages of dissertation, will here introduce a few items:

July 23, 1818, Joseph H. Raymond is credited " by cash received in a bill of Northumber- land Union and Columbia Bank, No. 22, $5. Deducting 10 per cent. $4.50." Aug. 5th the same party is charged, " To remittance on one 5 dollar bill of same bank, which he had trusted me on discount, $4.50," from which it seems the bill was either not genuine, or the bank was not good. Postage was simply enormous in those days. Archibald Taylor is charged " To balance on 1/2 pound of tea 9 cents, and cash to pay for a letter in the postoffice, 20 cents." " My account " is found charged with " 4 pigeons from Oliver S. King, 16 cents, and a day's work, same party, 621/2 cents." English blister-steel is booked at 3 shillings per pound, cinna- mon, 121/2 cents per ounce, coffee 5614 cents. July 18, 1818, "My account " is charged with 26 pounds venison, 78 cents. Prices of venison fluctuated considerably, for we find instances where it is charged at one shilling per pound, and in barrel quantities at $10 per barrel. Tea is found charged, from $1.25 to $2.50 per pound. "Gunpowder " " Young Huyson" and " Huy- son Skin," were some of the kinds. July 11, 1818, this entry is made, " Sundry articles sold this

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

week $34.50," and this, " Expenses Dr., to John Ayers by the license for retailing liquors $5.75." This could not be considered " high license."

The charges for liquor of various kinds, but mostly whiskey, were numerous, sometimes as many as fifteen on a page, and it would seem that every body used it, the most honored names of pioneer days appearing in connection with charges for rum, brandy, whiskey and wine. " One-half pound sulfer " is charged at 1834 cents. Alvin Burr is charged with " 14 yards bear skin for padding (?) 621/2 cents." (He was a son-in-law of Major Moses Van Campen, a law- yer and surveyor.) At another time he is charged with "one-half pound raisins at 3 shillings per pound. Probably they " had company " at his house and half-a-pound would answer the immediate requirements. How does that compare with " 7 pounds for 25 cents " ? A paper of pins, the old-fashioned ones with twisted wire heads often slipping off, is charged at 371/2 cents, while a credit of " 8 quarts of black raspberries, 25 cents," is found near by. John Kinghorn built the first tannery in town sometime previous to 1818. Aug. 14, 1818, he is credited " By 9 sides of upper leather and 20 pairs of shoes $61.25," and March 15, 1819, he is charged with " 134 yards superfine B. cloth at $8, $14 ; 8 pounds of nails at one shilling sixpence, $1.50, and one spelling book 31 14 cents. Mr. K's name appears frequently. His tannery was back of the present school building. James Jennings is charged with "Sundries to pay in grindstones, $3.31 14," and "sundries to pay in good wheat $2.81 14." Aug. 22, 1818, John McIntosh is credited "by 7 grindstones, 8 cwt, I qr, 20 pounds, at 12 shillings, $12.65, and Sept. 2, is charged with " one cowbell at $2.25, one pair of cards $1.50, 2 hats $5."

Mr. D'Autremont evidently did quite a business in grindstones, finding a sale for them in Geneva, witness the following which also gives some idea of freight charges and expenses. Feb. 19, 1819, Seth Marvin is credited "By carrying and bringing load from Geneva, $43," and March 19, "By 2 days going to Arkport for wagon, $6." G. P. Ketchum is credited "By 3 days with team $4.50." P. Church is charged with "I pound Salt Peter $1," and " 2 pounds Muscovado sugar at 2 shillings sixpence," while Amos Peabody is charged with " 34 pounds of sugar, at three shillings sixpence, $1.42." Jacob Post is credited "By cutting 16 cords wood at two shillings sixpence, $5," and "one-half months wages at $10, $5," and is charged with " I pair taps 25 cents ; I hat $5 and I vest $3.50." The wood must have been three or four feet long, as they used fire places then. Goods for this store were bought in New York, Geneva, Canandaigua, Philadelphia and Bath. Here is an entry from which we get a glimpse of the commercial agent. "Aug. 24. 1818. Bought this day from Mr. Sidmon, their agent, $260 of goods of G. Washburn & Co."

Angelica people, some of them at least, indulged in pretty fine things, as appears from this, "John Galt Dr. To 1 14 yards superfine blue B. cloth at $10, $12.50." This was evidently for a pair of " pantaloons " (so called in those days). Now when Mr. Galt had bought his trimmings and paid his tailor's bill, he had a " pair of pantaloons " costing him from $16 to $19. How many men in Allegany county now wear trousers costing $12 even ? "John Moore, Cr. By 2 dressed deer skins $1.121/2." This would be called cheap in these days.

Wolves abounded, large bounties were paid for their destruction, and quite a business was done in " wolf certificates." It appears that Mr. D'Autremont had a " wolf scalp " account. We find this, "Wolf Scalps Dr, To wolf scalp certificates $185," and all along are found entries of transactions in wolf scalps and certificates, as June 4. 1819, "Wm. Foster Cr. by full grown wolf $20." "Cash Cr. By expenses to go and see Salt Petre mine," no amount appears against it. Where was the mine? "Calvin Mapes Dr. To 2 ounces indigo, three shillings-75 cents." Nutmegs are charged at one shilling each. As this was some ycars prior to the re- ported appearance of the wooden article, let us hope that these were real ones.

In early days a distillery stood where the schoolhouse now stands. Wm. B. Rochester, a son of the founder of the city of Rochester, settled in An- gelica about 1820. He was an eminent lawyer, afterward sent from here

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to congress, then promoted to the bench of the supreme court. "Old Squire Renwick " opened the first tailor shop, just how early we cannot say. John Gibson's public house was where Warren Hooker lives. He built the first bridge across the creek on Olean street. Martin Geiger was the first black- smith, making his advent quite early, about the time of the saw and grist- mill building. Dr. Charles afterward lived on the site of his shop. About 1820 Alex. D'Autremont kept a public house where Mr. Lightfoot's grocery and bakery is. In October, 1820, Franklin Cowdery started the first news- paper in the county, the Angelica Republican. Before that Bath and Dansville were the nearest places where printing was done.

In September, 1837, Laurens and Andrew C. Hull completed a woolen mill at Joncey, the construction of which had taken nearly two years. Seven looms were run, and 10 men and 7 or 8 girls employed. The same parties soon after erected a scythe and edge tool factory across the road from the woolen mill. A carding mill was also included in the enterprises conducted under the same cover, the power being a "20 foot " overshot water-wheel. The edge tool business thrived only a few years, and the building was con- verted into a pail factory. This building was burned in winter of 1855-6, and the last carding mill in town was run by Ormas Farr and F. Camahl, on the hill north of the gristmill, from 1860 to 65. In 1842 Alpha Morse bought an interest, and the firm became Hull & Morse, who soon constructed the gristmill now standing. About 1854 or 5 the late Albert Brown bought the old factory building and converted it into a paper mill, which was burned in 1855. Mr. Brown rebuilt it and continued the business until his death in 1873, which resulted from falling into a vat of liquid heated for use. The paper business was then conducted by a son of Mr. Brown and a Mr. Lock- hart, nephew of James Lockhart, under the firm name of Brown & Lock- hart. This building was burned in 1888 or 9, and has never been rebuilt. Hull & Morse sold the gristmill to Wm. J. Niles, who not long after sold it to Henry Brown. He sold it to Smith Davis and Hiram Huntley, who sold it to Blair & Franklin. The mill is now rented and run by Mr. Shultz. Joncey for fifty years was the center of considerable business activity. It furnished for a good part of the time the numerous lumber camps as far away as into Pennsylvania with feed, flour and meal.

A long time ago a foundry and machine shop was erected on the south side of Main street and run for a number of years. The building has disap- peared.

Dairying is the principal branch of agriculture, and, outside of the village, there are two cheese factories, one, the "Keystone," in the north part of the town, owned and run by John Lamonte, the other, the "Union," is over a mile east of the village. It is owned and operated by Charles F. Potter, and made 140,000 lbs. of cheese in 1894.

Presbyterian Church .- Probably the earliest religious services were con- ducted in 1811 by Rev. Robert Hubbard, a Presbyterian, though Rev. Sam'l Parker, a missionary, may have preached once or twice in 1810. A church

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

organized May 6, 1812, by Rev. John Niles, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Bath, with six members, David Chamberlain, Elizabeth Chamber- lain, Mrs. Prudence Johnson, Moses Van Campen, Margaret Van Campen, and James Renwick. Moses Van Campen was the first and for some time the only ruling elder. Three months after, Rev. Robert Hubbard was installed as pastor of this church and the one at Alfred, the ceremony taking place on the steps of the house of Evart Van Wickle. now the residence of J. S. Rockwell. The first services were held at the schoolhouse, courthouse or in private houses, as inclination and convenience suited. Mr. Hubbard continued his labors until 1825-6, when declining prosperity resulted in the dismissal of Mr. Hubbard and the suspension of services and the organiza- tion ceased, but in May, 1827, steps were taken toward a re-organization. Eight persons presented themselves as ready to unite in reviving the church. During the next two weeks three more joined them and the re-organization was perfected May 20, 1827.

In October, 1827, Rev. Moses Hunter was installed pastor, and Samuel S. Haight, Wm. Geiger, Vial Thomas and Moses Van Campen were elected elders and Daniel Lawrence deacon. Mr. Hunter was opposed to the pre- valent drinking habit of those days, and determined to make the church a distinctively temperance church. He succeeded after a stormy session in effecting the passage of a resolution requiring a pledge of total abstinence of all its members and candidates for membership. The church prospered, and during 1830 and 1831 erected the first church edifice, on ground a few rods east of the present one. It was a substantial plain old-fashioned affair, with elevated pulpit (which stood between the doors), a raised platform, afterward converted into a gallery, at the rear for the choir, and square pews. It was dedicated in September, 1831, and used as a place of public worship until the winter of 1856, when it was transferred to the trustees of the Angelica Academy and used for school purposes.

In August, 1833, Mr. Hunter resigned. Rev. Samuel Wells May suc ceeded him, serving until the spring of 1835. Rev. Leverett Hull was installed pastor Sept. 29, 1835, and for over two years proved a very success- ful one, there being large accessions during his ministry. From November, 1837, to September, 1850, no regular pastor was settled, and the church was served in 1838 by Abial Parmalee, 1839 by O. W. Norton, 1840 by Charles B. Smith, 1841 George M. Coon, 1842 James Smith, 1843-4 Laurens Hull, 1845-48 Horace Fraser, 1849 F. V. Warren, 1850 Samuel Center. Rev. Tyrrell Blair was installed as the fourth pastor Sept. 30, 1850, and served faithfully and acceptably until his death in 1855. Rev. Henry E. Niles was unanimously called and entered upon his work in May, 1856. It was during his pastorate that the present church edifice was erected. It was dedicated in January, 1857. A parsonage was purchased, much vigor was inspired in church work, and many new members received. About this time the Pres- bytery of Angelica was dissolved, and for convenience the church became Congregational in February, 1857.

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Early in 1859 the Genesee Valley Presbytery was formed at Olean, and this church was represented, and, Jan. 18, 1859, it was again re-organized with these officers: Elders, H. S. Beals, Alfred Lockhart, W. J. Niles, A. B. Palmer; deacons. Saxton Burr and Vial Thomas. Mr. Niles' pastorate was very successful. In May, 1860, Rev. Elijah W. "Stoddard was installed pastor, and served acceptably during the years of the Civil War. In Octo- ber, 1864, Rev. Elias L. Boing was called and in the three years of his ministry the church membership was largely increased, the church edifice remodelled and an organ purchased. Rev. John Reid was installed as the sixth pastor in June, 1868, and remained until April, 1874. Rev. F. S. Hayden was acting pastor from August, 1874, to May, 1877. In November, 1877, Rev. Robert Roy Kendall was called to the pastorate, and was acting pastor in 1879. The elders that year were: C. P. Arnold, James Bonham, Alfred Lockhart, A. B. Palmer and J. E. Robinson; superintendent of Sunday school, Frank S. Smith; trustees, C. P. Arnold, James Lockhart, Robert Lightfoot and S. G. Horner. Since 1879 the following ministers have been pastors: Rev. Daniel McLeod from 1883 to 1889, and Rev. James A. Miller, Ph. D., who settled in 1890, and is the present pastor. The church is in a prosperous condition.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 51

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