USA > New York > Cattaraugus County > Dayton > Historical and biographical history of the township of Dayton, Cattaraugus County, New York : comprising the villages of Cottage, Wesley, Markham, Dayton, South Dayton, and Fair Plain > Part 10
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THY friend has a friend, and thy friend's friend has a friend, be discreet.
E.K.PARKE & SON.
STORE OF E. K. PARKE & SON.
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LINCOLN A. PARKE.
One remarkable fact in the mercantile life of the town is the number of young men at the head of leading business houses and the success with which they are conducting them. One such is Lincoln A. Parke, whose general store at Wesley has become popular under his efficient management, and is one of the most prosperous and enterprising in the town, building up and expanding in a very gratifying manner. He carries in stock everything usually found in an up-to-date country store. He is a son of Esek K. and Emeline (Wade) Parke and was born in the town of Dayton, September 11, 1867, and comes from two old American families. He was educated in the public schools and at Chamberlain Institute, graduating in the commercial course Class of '86. In February, 1894, he was elected Justice of the Peace and still holds that position being the third generation of the family to hold it. He is a young man of excellent business tact and ability, always enterprising, active and leading in anything that is for the welfare of the community, and he is a representative citizen of the town of Dayton.
THERE is no character however great and good but may be spoiled by ridicule, however poor and useless .- Mark Twain.
IT is idleness that creates impossibilities; and where men cannot do a thing, they shelter themselves under the persuasion that it cannot be done. The shortest and surest way to prove a work possible, is to strenuously set about it; and no wonder if that poves it possible that for the most part makes it so.
BARN OF ESEK K. PARKE. Said to be the best in Cattaraugus County.
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MARKHAM.
" There is a land, of every land the pride, That land-thy country, and that spot-thy home."
M
ARKHAM, formerly known as Markham's Corners, is a station about halfway between Dayton village and South Dayton on the B. & S. W. R. R. The name was given in honor of Joshua Mrakham, who settled there in 1834, and shortly afterwards opened a public house, which he conducted for nearly thirty years. Near the same place Col. Ralph Johnson conducted another inn, in the building now owned by L. W. Metzker, and used by him as a dwelling house. At this place there was formerly a postoffice which was removed to Dayton village. In 1876, a new office was established with John R. Wallace as Postmaster. When the rural free delivery was instituted the office was discontinued. The place contains a school house, a cheese factory and about fifteen dwellings.
JOSHUA MARKHAM.
There is not a family in the town of Dayton more thoroughly representative of the best element of pioneer American stock than the descendants of Joshua Markham. Nathaniel Markham died at Charlestown, Mass., September 26, 1673. Daniel Markham was made a Freeman in 1674. Benjamin was born in 1746; his children were: John, Benjamin, Joshua (subject ), Orange, Balinda. Joshua Markham was born about the beginning of the 18th century in Tryingham, Berkshire County, Mass. He moved into the town of Winsor, Broome County, this state, and there engaged in the lumbering business with Henry Dusenbery. He afterwards moved to Binghamton, still continuing lumbering. Before going to Binghamton he married Anna Dowd of Hochaman Creek, Broome County, N. Y. In 1831 or '32 he moved to Conkling where he hired a large farm and did a $6,000 lumbering job. The next fall he came to Cattaraugus County, riding 210 miles on horseback in four days. Inside of five days more he had contracted for and bought 800 acres of land. He then returned home in four days. In March, 1833, Henry and Orsman drove an ox cart through to Cattaraugus County, to the then
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known lands of Persia. Joshua, his wife and the two daughters, Julia and Emeline, arrived April 3, 1833. His children were Calvin, Caroline, who both died in infancy, Henry (see following pages), Orsman (married to Mercy Merrill), John, Julia (married to Leonard J. Metzker ) (see following pages), and Emeline, who married Gorham Dart. John, Sr., born July 18, 1819, began teaching school when fifteen years of age and taught for twenty years, working on the farm summers. When he was twenty-four he married Orissa A. Parker of South Dayton, and lived there for four years when he moved to Mud Creek, residing there for fourteen years, from there to Frewsburg where
JOSHUA MARKHAM. After whom Markham was named.
he resided twenty-nine years, and from there to Jamestown where he has made his home for the past ten years at 305 Warren street. His second wife was Sophia A. Holt. His children are Urson P., Anna (deceased), Jay (deceased), Clayton, Mary, Emeline, Cecil H.,Sidney L., and Grace E.
HENRY J. MARKHAM.
Henry J. Markham came to Dayton Township, which was then known as Perrysburg, in 1834, and during the 62 years which followed his residence here, he was one of its enterprising and worthy citizens. In early life he was
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largely engaged in lumbering, and also as a contractor. He was the one who secured the contract to clear the land for grading the Erie Railroad from the point where the Erie yards are now located in Dunkirk for some miles east. He was very successful in this undertaking, and the profits very materially aided in laying the foundation for a large property which he afterwards accumu- lated. Mr. Markham was one of the first permanent settlers of the community which bears his name. For many years he was a farmer on a large scale, and as a manufacturer of lumber and shingles gave employment to a large number of men. This fact when considered with another, that not one of these men was ever defrauded of his rightful wages. MRS. JOSHUA MARKHAM. gives an idea of the important part that he played in the development of Dayton Township. In his business life he was not only strictly honest but very generous as well, and many an instance shows how deserving individuals always received substantial aid at his hands. In 1841 he married Clarenda, eldest daughter
....
THE OLD HOMESTEAD-MARKHAM FAMILY.
"I remember, I remember,
The house where I was born."
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HENRY J. MARKHAM.
MRS. HENRY J. MARKHAM.
of Johanthan and Philenda Gregg, who was born in Bethany, Genesee County, N. Y., August 5, 1821. While young she attended the Rochester Seminary, after which she taught school. She came to Markham in 1833, and died there July 5, 1898. Mr. Markham was born January 1, 1815, in Broome County, N. Y., and died at his home in Markham, Sept. 18, 1896. Three children were born to them: John H., now residing at Markham, Philenda, C., wife of J. R. Wallace, and Anna L., wife of Frank H. Bailey, now Lieutenant Commander U. S. Navy, now residing at Washington, D. C.
"WHAT can be more foolish than to think that all this rare fabric of heaven and earth could come by chance when all the skill of art is not able to make an oyster."
"WHENEVER you are in doubt which of two things to do, let your decision be for what is right. Do not waver; but square up to the mark and do the right thing."
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O
MR. AND MRS. JOHN H. MARKHAM.
CYRENE (MARKHAM) TURNER.
ANNA I. MARKHAM.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN H. MARKHAM.
JOHN H. MARKHAM.
John H. Markham is the lineal descendant of an Englsih family of the same name who were early settlers of Massachusetts. Benjamin, great-grandfather of John H., was seven years in the Revolution and finally moved to Broome
BARN OF JOHN H. MARKHAM.
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County, where he died. His grandfather Joshua Markham, was an early settler and it was after him that the settlement of Markham was named. His father Henry J., was also an early settler and did much for Dayton. John H., has lost none of the good traits and enterprise of his accestors. He owns 500 acres of good land, on which are good bulidings and he farms it to make money and succeeds. In 1898-99 he was postmaster of Markham. He was born in Dayton in 1843; married August 11, 1870, to Harriet J., daughter of Eli and Sirena (Chase) Day, who was born in New Albion, December 7, 1844. Her father was born May 10, 1814, and died March 16, 1846. Her mother was born in Massachusetts November 27, 1816, and now resides with her. To Mr. and Mrs. Markham have been born three children: Victor E., Dec. 16, 1872, who died December 10, 1874; Cyrene, born July 30, 1876, married I. S. Turner, a traveling salesman, July 2, 1900, resides at home; and Anna I., born September 26, 1880.
HAVE the courage to cut the most agreeable acquaintance you have when you are convinced that he lacks principle. A friend should bear with a friend's infirmities but not with his vices.
THE years back of us are full of voices -- voices eloquent and pathetic. You who have lived long, have stood over the grave of many an earthly dream. Success when it came was not what you thought it would be and even success has often been denied to you. You have watched by the couch of many a hope and have seen it fade and die. You have buried many a bright expectation and laid the memorial wreath over many a joy. Withered garlands are there and broken rings and once fragrant with flowers and the white faces of those that sleep.
DEPOT AT MARKHAM.
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3
MRS. JOHN R. WALLACE. JOHN R. WALLACE.
JOHN R. WALLACE.
John R. Wallace was born in New Albion, Cattaraugus County, N. Y. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and in the district school. By teaching winters he was able to continue his education at the Chamberlain Institute. He was one of the successful educators of his time and completed his pedagogical career at West Salamanca at a salary of $600. In the fall of 1874 while the Buffalo & Jamestown R. R. was being constructed westward, he moved with his family to Markham. It was his ambition to become one of the agents of that company and having learned telegraphy and the duties of the position, he was duly appointed on August 1, 1875, to the position at Markham, and although more than quarter of a century has since elapsed he still holds the position and has the record of having been the longest in the service of all the agents on that division of the Erie. In 1875, he started a general store and during the same year was instrumental in the establishment of the Markham postoffice, and was appointed the first postmaster. For twenty-three years Mr. Wallace carried on a flourishing business until the postoffice went from his hands in 1897. During the early part of this period many thousand ties and much wood were cut in the adjoining swamps and exchanged for goods at his store. No doubt this arrangement lent an impetus to the clearing of the swamp lands. Of late years he has given much attention to farming and now owns, jointly with his wife, nearly a square mile of land in the vicinity of the Markham station. His characteristic steadfastness and
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persistency have made him a successful farmer and he now owns one of the best paying farms in Western New York.
Phylinda C. Wallace, wife of John R. Wallace and elder daughter of Henry J. and Clarenda Markham, was born at Markham, March 17,1847. Her grandfather was the pioneer settler of Central Dayton, and located there in 1823, giving the place its name. Her early days were not unlike those of many a country girl. She was actuated by high ambition and high ideals and made the best of her early opportunities, teaching and going to school alternately. Her later education was obtained at Gowanda, Jamestown, and at Chamberlain Institute. She taught for five years and ranked as a first grade teacher. The first five terms of her school she conducted in the present school house in Markham and there are many of the younger of our present citizens who remember her as an especially efficient and competent teacher.
URSON R. JAMES M. WALLACE BROS.
HENRY J.
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were married November 3, 1867, and have had born to them three sons and one daughter. The eldest son Henry J. Wallace, was born in New Albion and his earliest recollection is the occasion of their removing to Markham. It was at Markham that he began his studies, helping his father, out of school hours and through the summers. Later he attended the Gowanda Academy and when he was seventeen earned a teacher's certificate. Thoroughly resolved to become a teacher he entered the Fredonia Normal School and successfully completed both the English and the Classical courses in that institution. A thorough student, he stood high in his training work. He always took great interest in literary work and at one time was elected as President of the Zetesian Society. On the advice of his friends he entered Syracuse University and after completing most of the work required there he took his degree of A. B. from Mount Hope College. He was principal of the Knapp's Creek School for two years entering upon his duties there in the fall
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of 1897. In 1899 he assumed the principalship of the Great Valley Union School. Under his able management this school was remarkably prosperous, doing the work of a year and a half in one year. The present year he is employed at Clymer, Chautauqua County, as principal of that school. In 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Richards of Great Valley. She is now a member of the senior class in her husband's school and expects to complete her work in June, 1901.
The only daughter, Leva, was born in the town of New Albion, March 24, 1872. She attended the Gowanda Academy and the Fredonia Normal School, devoting most of her time to the study of music and showing talent in that direction. In 1894 she was married to Norman S. Thrasher and at the present time they reside in Cleveland, Ohio.
James M. Wallace was born at Markham, June 22, 1880. At an early age, he was sent to the Avon High School, at Avon, N. Y. At this school he was graduated, on the day that he was seventeen years old. After his graduation, he continued to attend the school, pursuing a postgraduate course. Always interested in literary work, he often took an active part in local the- atricals and was at one time President of the Philomathean Society. For a short time he attended the Fredonia Normal School and while there, had charge of that department of the Grape Belt. He has done much reporting for various papers of Western New York, and was representative of the Livingston County Dispatch at the Pan-American association of the press which met at Buffalo in 1900. In 1898 he entered the law office of W. S. Thrasher of Dayton, where he pursued his studies until he entered the Fredonia Normal School at Fredonia in 1899. He studied for a time in the office of W. M. Carter at Avon, N. Y., and finally located at Rochester, N. Y.,
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STORE OF JOHN R. WALLACE.
2
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where he is now the managing clerk in the law offices of Peck & Plumb. He expects to be a candidate for admission to the bar in June, 1901.
The youngest son, Urson R., was born at Markham, August 15, 1884. With his school work, he has carried on his musical studies and has made exceptional progress in that line. He is at the present a member of the senior class at the Gowanda High School, where he expects to complete his work in June, 1901.
MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR V. PERRIN.
ARTHUR V. PERRIN.
Arthur V. Perrin belongs to that class of intelligent and progressive citizens who by their personality and inherent force of character have made a lasting impression upon those whom they have come in contact. He is a son of Sheldon and Sarah (Heath) Perrin, and was born February 21, 1867. He owns a farm of 328 acres at Markham in a high state of cultivation and productiveness. In his moral, social and business life he enjoys the esteemed and condence of his friends and fellow citizens. He is eminently deserving of the name of genial and social. He married August 10, 1898, Clarinda Gregg, daughter of A. T. Gregg (See Dayton Section).
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SHELDON F. PERRIN.
MRS. SHELDON F. PERRIN.
SHELDON F. PERRIN.
One who occupied a high pedestal in the love, esteem, and respect of all who had knowledge of him, who fought his way from boyhood to successful manhood has obeyed the summons "come up higher." Sheldon F. Perrin was born February 20, 1834, in the town of Collins. His father, Martin Perrin took title of a farm in Collins from the Holland Land Company in 1827, and here Sheldon F. remained until 1871, when he moved to Markham, where he died January 18, 1895. He married February 18, 1863, Sarah Heath who died within a week after her husband. They left two sons G., Burt, born July 19, 1864, now resides at Dayton village, and Arthur V., born February 21, 1867, who resides on the homestead at Markham. Mr. Perrin was greatly honored for his integrity and no one occupied a higher place in the affections of those who knew him. He made many warm friends by the admirable qualities which he possesed, being singularly generous, faithful and unselfish, reliable, steadfast, and kind hearted in his social intercourse with his fellowmen.
WHATEVER our place alloted to us by Providence, that, for us, is the post of honor and duty. God estimates us not by the position we are in but by the way which we fill it .- Edwards.
TAKE time boys; don't be in a hurry. Are you learning a trade ? Determine to be a good workman. Never slight your work. Deserve success, and it will come. As you prove worthy so will your success be.
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MR. AND MRS. LEONARD W. METZKER.
LEONARD W. METZKER.
Leonard W. Metzker was born in Hamburg, N. Y., October 28, 1842. He came to Markham in 1852 and found employment in the tannery operated by Col. Ralph Johnson. He worked there until he went into the hotel conducted by T. W. Johnson. In 1870 he purchased the Dayton House, located at Markham, and changed the name to the Markham House. This he successfully conducted for twenty years. In 1875 he established a general store in connetcion with his hotel. In 1896 he rented this to Louis W. Wiegand who conducted it till 1900. Mr. Metzker is now a progressive farmer and owns several farms, besides some property in Gowanda. He was married February 28, 1868, to Julia Markham, a daughter of Joshua Markham. To them has been born one child, a daughter, Emma M. She was married Ooctober 30, 1895 to I. A. Tarbox and now resides at Hemlock, N. Y. They have one child Julia A., born July 28, 1897.
EMMA M. (METZKER) TARBOX.
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LOUIS H. WIEGAND.
The little Postoffice at Markham has the unique distinction of being presided over by the smallest postmaster in the United States, if not in the world. He is 46 years old, forty-two inches high and weighs 68 pounds. In addition to the postoffice he conducts a general store. Prince Louie as he is called among the Little Folks tells the story of his career as follows: "I was born May 28, 1855, near Buffalo. When I was two years of age, my parents moved to Markham and it was there that I first attended 6 Ft school. When I was thirteen I went to the Gowanda Aca- demy where I attended five 5 Ft years. After leaving there I started to learn the jeweler's trade with M. N. Johnson, at Dayton. During this time the first Lilliputian Opera Co. was 4 Ft organized in Milwaukee, Wis., 42 inches by Harry Deakin. In 1875 they played through the Western states, arriving at 3 Ft Buffalo the following March. Being very anxious to meet the little folks I went to Buffalo and met them all, I being the 2 Ft smallest among them. I was then 20 years old, 33 inches high and weighed 33 pounds. I was introduced to the mana- I FT ger, and before I left Buffalo I was engaged to join the Company and the following week I met them at Phila- delphia. I remained on the road for about twelve years off and on and during this time we traveled all over the United States and Canada. We played the first time in administration and we little
LOUIS H. WIEGAND. Smallest Postmaster in the World. Age 46 years, Height 42 inches, Weight 68 pounds.
Washington during President Hayes' folks all called on him in a body and all shook hands with him and had a jolly good time. We were there again during President Harrison's ad- ministration and again called in a body at the White House. Mrs. Harrison received us as the President was busy. She was a very kind lady and kissed each one of us and then entertained us until the President was at liberty to see us. We sat in the President's room, and I sat in the President's chair,
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and from it had a lovely view of the scenery outside. During our visit to Washington we visited the Patent office, Smithsonian Institute, Washington Monument, Treasury Department and all the other places of interest. In 1890 I started to learn the tailor's trade at Gowanda and worked at that for three years. I then again went on the road. In 1896 I started in the cigar, tobacco and confectionary business at Gowanda, and after remaining there for a year, I moved my stock to Markham and added to it groceries and provisions. I was appointed postmaster January 1, 1898."
"Little Louie" is a very agreeable and pleasant person to meet. He always has a good story, and is well posted. . On December 1, 1900, the rural free delivery was established, and the post-office at Markham was discontinued.
"Were I so tall to reach the pole, Or meet the ocean with my span, I must be measured by my soul ; The minds the stature of the man."
From a photo, Badgero Farm near Dayton Village.
WHO CAN PAINT LIKE NATURE?
"The sheep-fed pasture,
And the hillside gay."
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HON. N. M. ALLEN.
Supervisor of Dayton for 36 years and Chairman of the Board for 29 years.
DAYTON VILLAGE.
How lofty, sweet Dayton, thy neighboring hills.
P ERCHED on the top of the watershed which throws off its waters into the Cattaraugus and into the Allegany we find the pleasant village of Dayton nestled among the hills. Formerly the larger part of the village was located about a mile and a half west of the present location and was known throughout this part of the country as Dayton Summit. The main road through the town then passed through the village and as a natural result the settle- ment was made near that road. When the railroad was put through in 1851, the center of activity and settlement changed from the summit to the present location on the railroad. The putting through of the railroad did much for the town. The farmers who were the ones to be benefitted not only bonded themselves but gave time and labor to aid the road. The government had promised a bonus to the road if the work should be completed so that trains could be run from New York to Dunkirk by a certain time. The work of making the fill where the Buffalo and South- western crosses the Erie was the part which was delaying the work. The time drew near when the work was to be completed and that the road might not lose the bonus, the farmers around the village of Dayton took their teams and drew logs with which they built a trestle where the fill now is and the rails were laid on that. In this way the work was completed on time and the dirt was put there afterwards. The first frame building was put up by Luther
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A GLIMPSE OF MAIN STREET, DAYTON VILLAGE.
Allen near the present residence of L. O. Hall. A part of this is still to be seen. Since the advent of the railroad the growth of the village has been steady and rapid. From a small collection of log huts it has grown to its present proportions. It is the center for a large farming country and the shipping facilities with the two divisions of the Erie adds materially to the value of farm property in the vicinity. In 1889 a large part of the business portion of the town was destroyed by fire but that portion is now entirely restored. Two large hotels do a prosperous business. Three different establishments carry a large line of groceries and dry goods. A hardware, a meat market, a wagon and carriage shop, and a grist mill all do an extensive business in their respective lines. The creamery which is operated at the village by Stoddard, Rich & Isabell furnishes employment for anumber of men and gives to the farmer a chance to dispose of his milk at greatly advanced prices to those furnished by the old cheese factory system. Then there is the further advantage that the pay is forthcoming every month while under the old system the farmer was compelled to wait until the cheese was sold for his pay. This creamery runs from February until some time the following. December, and even while not in operation the work of putting up ice for the
ANOTHER GLIMPSE OF MAIN STREET, DAYTON VILLAGE.
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summer season gives the farmers chance to work at a season when there is little else that they can do. The output from this creamery is shipped to Buffalo during the warm season as cream, and supplies a large number of the ice-cream-soda establishments and also some of the large boats on the lakes. The surplus is made into butter which is sold in the vicinity or shipped to the city markets. The skimmed milk is made into cheeses which are sent to New York city to be made into celleloid for collars, etc. For the last year or two A. R. Young has conducted an apple evaporator where he purchases the apples of the farmers and makes them into a fine grade of dried fruit. This output is sold in bulk and shipped to various places. Tests are being made in various places near the village for oil and gas and should they prove successful it will add greatly to the impetus of the growth of the village. Dayton village has every inducement to offer to the outsider. A healthy location, good shipping facilities, a pleasant and sociable community and a school which ranks high among the schools of the surrounding country.
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