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 6
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There were also two Cattaraugus Companies in the 5th N. Y. Cavalry which was mustered into the service of the U. S. in the fall of 1861. It participated in the battles of the Penninsula, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and the Wilderness. Its total death loss was 326 and 99 died in rebel prisons.
Cattaraugus furnished one Company each for the 13th and 14th Heavy Artillery. The 13th was mustered into service in October, 1861, and participated in the battles of Cross Keyes, Waterloo Bridge, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Atlanta and
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Cedar Creek. It lost in killed and by disease and death in rebel, prisons, 120 men. The 14th was mustered into service in December 1863, and participated in the battles of Spotsylvania Court House, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Cold Harbor, and Hatch's Run. Its loss is put at nine men.
Two companies of the 85th infantry were recruited from Cattaraugus County. The regiment participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Franklin, Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsborough. It had thirty-five men killed or wounded in battle and 222 met death in rebel prisons, the regiment having been captured at Plymouth, N C., in April 1864.
I am not familiar with the history and record of the 105th N. Y. to which Cattaraugus County furnished parts of two companies. It was mustered into service for three years in March, 1862, and served until the close of the war.
The 154th N. Y. was a distinctively, a Cattaraugus organization, as eight companies were recruited from this County. The 154th was raised after the battle of Antietam in August and September 1862. one of the darkest periods of the war. Enlistments at this time were made with the full knowledge of what the war meant and that the fight would be carried to the last ditch. The 154th reached Washington October 2, 1862, and was assigned to the 11th army corps commanded by General Sigel. Its first battle was that at Chancellorsville in May, 1863. The 11th army corps suffered terribly from the attack of Stonewall Jackson from an unexpected quarter, and the 154th N. Y. in less than a half an hour lost 282 men in killed and wounded. Its next battle was that of Gettysburg. On the first day of the battle the 154th was sent to reinforce the right wing of the Union army, which was fighting with desperation to hold a position on Seminary Ridge. It was a desperate mission on which the 154th was sent but it never faltered. As the regiment marched through the streets of Gettysburg it was flanked by a Confederate division and the greater part of it was either killed, wounded or captured. Out of 350, only three officers and fifteen men escaped. But for the fact that Capt. Warner and Company C, were out on a recconoisance, the organization would have been practically wiped out. What remained of the 154th was transferred to the Tennessee Dept. in Sept. 1863, and thereafter served under Sherman. It was in the battles of Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, New Hope Church, Pine Knob, Peach Tree Creek, and the capture of Atlanta. It took part in Sherman's famous march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. Its total casualties were 78 of which 90 occurred in rebel prisons. None but a good regiment could have survived the experiences of the 154th at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. That it kept heart and courage in spite of these disasters (which were no fault of the regiment) speaks volumes for the spirit and patriotism of the organization.
Cattaraugus was most creditable represented in the 44th N. Y. Infantry. "The People's Ellsworth Regiment"' this regiment was composed of picked men from nearly every town in the state and was considered one of the best regiments in the service. It was mustered into service in September 1861 and participated in nearly every battle fought thereafter by the army of the Potomac. It was in the Penninsular Campaign and the battles of Bull Run (2nd), Antietam. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and was with Grant in the Wilderness Campaign. It made a brilliant record for fighting, having 182 killed and 603 wounded.
I have given but a brief sketch of the part taken by Cattaraugus County in the greatest war known in history. It would take volumes to record the individual heroism in battle, and the patient endurance of hardship, sickness and death, incident to army service. The world has never seen better soldiers than those who fought in the battles of the Union from 1861 to 1865 and there were none better than those who went forth from Cattaraugus County.
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MEDICAL PROFESSION.
W
ITH DAYTON'S growth in other directions, it has not retrograded as regards its medical profession, as some of its members have been rewarded with much success in their work, and the general esteem in which they have been held. For most of the following information we are indebted to Dr. A. D. Lake of Gowanda. Samuel Redfield, the first physician of the town of Dayton, located on lot 39, in 1821, and followed his profession here until his death in 1836. He was an old style apothecary and did a large business for those days.
Dr. Sill followed his profession here for a brief period before the war but did not obtain much business. He also practiced for about three years in Perrysburg. He came from Franklinville.
Corydon C. Johnson, was born at Dayton on July 7, 1833. His parents Gile and Philena (Salisbury ) Johnson, and were pioneer settlers, coming hence from Fairfield, Herkimer County. After attending Fairfield Academy and Chamberlin Institute he entered the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College, Philadelphia, January 28, 1864. He began his professional career the same year at Gowanda, continuing it until his death which occurred at Gowanda, June 6, 1898. September 20, 1860, he married Grace Randall, a native of Brookfield, Madison County, and to them have been born four children: Burnell R., January 11, 1863, a graduate of the Medical College at Buffalo and a practictioner at Gowanda until 1899, when he died; Fred. E., April 18, 1865, since 1886 cashier of the Bank of Cattaraugus; Grace P., a graduate of the Gowanda Academy, and now a resident of Buffalo; and Burt C., a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo, one year House Physician of the General Hospital of Buffalo, and now a practicing physician of that city. Dr. Johnson was a member of the Lake Erie Medical Society, the Northwestern Eclectic Medical Society of the State of New York and the New York State Eclectic Medical Society. For fifteen years he was President of the Board of Education, and in other capacities interested himself in the betterment on his town and county. He was a representative citizen, a firm friend, and an excellent physician.
Harrison Canfield began his medical career here, coming from Sherman,
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Chautauqua County. He went to Bradford, Pa., where he attained considerable reputation. He was here for about a year.
Moses P. Roberts was born in Tyre, Seneca County, August 28, 1820. He graduated from the Geneva Medical College June 1, 1852, and began the practice of medicine the same year in Dayton, continuing until his death August 2, 1886. August 22, 1852, Dr. Roberts married Electa A., daughter of Avery and Lodema (Nash) Parke, of Dayton, and they had born to them two children, Alice V., and Altheus A. His widow survives him. It will be seen that his birth, marriage and death all occurred in August. Dr. Roberts
THE LATE DR. C. C. JOHNSON.
owned and conducted a drug store from 1870 until near the time of his decease.
Dr. Shuey came from Sherman, Chautauqua County, and remained for about a year, going thence to Bradford, Pa. A German and well read he did not seem to succeed well here. He married a sister of Harrison Canfield.
James H. Fuller was born at Dayton June 15, 1841, was graduated in 1867 from the Medical Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and practiced here, at Franklin, Ind., and at Indianapolis. He has given up medicine and is now farming at Dayton.
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CHESTER HOWARD, M. D.
An eminent physician of large practice in the town of Dayton and vicinity, was born in the town of Union, Broome County, N. Y., June 25, 1847. Dr. Howard received a fair education in the district schools and at Binghamton. He graduated from Lowell's Commercial College after which he studied medicine with Dr. Wm. W. Crandall at Andover, N. Y. He entered the Buffalo Medical College in 1877 and graduated therefrom February 25, 1879. On April 24, 1879, he began the practice of medicine at Dayton. He soon built up a large practice and became one of the leading physicians and
DR. CHESTER HOWARD.
surgeons of the county. The Doctor is a man of learning in his profession, courteous and agreeable in disposition and fully merits his success. August 13, 1864, when he was seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Co. E, 50th N. Y. Vols., serving one year. He is now a member of Merrill Post No. 637, of which he has been Commander for eight years. A member of the Maine Lodge F. & A. M., Gowanda Chapter R. A. M., and Salamanca Commandery No. 62. He has been President of the Board of Education for four years and has held various other positions of honor and trust. His father was Ansel Howard, who was born in the town of Union, Broome County, N. Y.,
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November 4, 1814, died March 26, 1859. He married Sabrina Brown May 13, 1840, who was born in the state of Connecticut December 26, 1820. She died at Lindley, N. Y, in 1880. To them were born five children. Albert D., born November 19, 1842. now resides near Union, N. Y .; Chester, subject; Augustus L., born October 28, 1849, now resides near Lindley, N. Y .; Wm. B. born May 10, 1852; Willie died in infancy; Myron E., born March 13, 1856, now a merchant at Dayton.
Charles S. Cleland, a native of Sinclairville, Chautauqua County, and a graduate of the Baltimore University, practiced Medicine a year or so at South Dayton, went thence to Collins and is now at Sinclairville.
William A. Putnam made a very brief stay at South Dayton. He was born at Cassadaga, Chautauqua County, and received his diploma from the University of Buffalo on February 26, 1884. He is now located at Smith Mills.
Raymond M. Evarts was at South Dayton for a year, beginning his career there, and removing to Irving, thence to Silver Creek, and is now in California. A native of Leon, he was graduated from Howard University, Washington, D. C., March 2, 1882, and was endorsed by the faculty of the University of Buffalo.
William Teft was born at South Dansville, Steuben County, March 19, 1858. He was graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo on March 25, 1890, and began to practice in 1891 at Versailles, removing however, to South Dayton, where he now is. In 1892 Dr. Teft was elected Secretary of the Lake Erie Medical Society.
Luther W. Tarbox, born in Arkwright, Chautauqua County, October 19, 1849. Was graduated from the University of Buffalo February 21, 1881, and followed the whole of his professional career at South Dayton, whither he had removed in 1879, his death occurring there October 23, 1891. He was the first Phy- sician to locate at that village. His wid- ow survives him and resides at Cattar- augus. He was an industrious, hard working man, and acquired his education by sheer force and perseverance, and died in the prime of life.
Dr. Kimball, for a short time a physician of the eclectic practice at Versailles, was likewise a brief time in this town at Cot- tage. He was here about 1850. Dr. Tibbetts succeeded Dr. Brazil at Howards Corners, but where either came from or whither they went cannot be determined.
Henry W. Dye, born in Madison County, secured a license August 12, 1874, from the Eclectic Medical Society, and practiced first at Dayton Village and
DR. LUTHER W. TARBOX.
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later and longer at Markham going finally to West Salamanca, where he died. He is survived by several children.
William W. Daniels was graduated from the American College at St. Louis, January 23, 1878, and practiced at South Dayton for a few months.
Among the busiest of Dayton's busy business men should be mentioned Dr. W. W. Jones of Dayton Village. At present he is the only practicing physician in the northern part of the town and is kept busy early and late visiting his many patients. He was born at Cattaraugus, in 1867, and is a son of Chauncey M. and Sophia B. Jones. His boyhood was spent at Cattaraugus and it was at the High School at that place that he obtained his early education. Later he entered the Buffalo University and was graduated from that institution in May 1892 After leaving the University he practiced for a short time at Salamanca, and then came to Dayton Village where he has since practiced. He married Alice L. Graves, on November 9, 1893, and they have one child Iva, born August 16, 1899. Socially the Doctor is a very pleasant, affable man and one who always has a pleasant greeting for all. As a physician he ranks with the best of the town and county.
THE BAR.
Among the prominent agencies which give shape and order in the development of the civil and social conditions of society, the bar is, perhaps, the most potential in moulding the institutions of a community. The Dayton Bar has from its inception, numbered among its members, able jurists, talented advocates and safe counselors, some of whom have occupied and are holding the highest and most important legal positions in the county. Prior to 1864 no regularly admitted attorney lived in the town until the Hon. N. M. Allen commenced the practice of law at Dayton, where he has since continued enjoying an extensive practice. In 1872 Hon. W. S. Thrasher began his practice there. On December 30, 1899, he was appointed County Judge of Cattaraugus County, and was elected in November, 1900, for a term of six years. Other graduates from Mr. Allen's office are I. R. Leonard, J. E. Bixby, E. A. Hayes, E. Cook, and O. D. Sprague. At South Dayton in 1880 W. D. Phelps opened an office He is still there and was the first to locate in that end of the town. V. C. Reynolds located there in 1882 and remained for about three years. E. A. Hayes practiced there for two or three years in 1881-82.
THE PRESS AT SOUTH DAYTON.
On August 26, 1880, E. F Beach and J W. Sherman started a newspaper at South Dayton called the Pine Valley Clipper. It was a four column, eight page, patent outside sheet. The advertisers were Wilson Bros., R. F. Ewing: L. Ranlett; N. L. Rowe; Dr. L. W. Tarbox; A. L. Sherman; T. R. Simpson; John Wickham; and B. Ricebeck. The subscription price was $1.00 per year. Of local matter beside the greeting there were twelve items. We reproduced this one. "Mrs. J. W. S. has our thanks for a beautiful bouquet. Enclose we find these words: presented to the editors of the
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.
Clipper, with regards. May your wit and brain, like thunder from Heaven, make people realize the force of its power." Mr. Sherman remained a member of the firm for about six weeks, disposing of his interest to Mr. Beach. Mr. Beach conducted the paper until April 6, 1882, when he sold to Frank J. Wheeler, a practical newspaper man of Buffalo. Mr. Wheeler successfully conducted it until September 21, 1883, when he sold to the writer. He changed the name to the News and published a very creditable newspaper. Both he and his estimable wife were exceptionally good writers, and the village had an eloquent mouthpiece under his administration. Mr. Shults conducted the paper until November 28, 1885, when he purchased the Cherry Creek News, removed the plant to that place and consolidated the papers.
OIL AND GAS.
For many years, men skilled in oil matters have thought that there was oil in this region. The late Joseph Kent of Cherry Creek was a very public-spirited man. He was the first to see the possibilities of the great Conewango swamp, and it was he who spent his money to develop that tract and make it what it is today. Mr. Kent devoted most of his energies to a part of the swamp near the railroad, two miles south of South Dayton. He always thought that oil could be found there, and in about 1885 set drillers at work with the avowed intention of getting oil, gas, or an artesian well. Before the completion of the well Mr. Kent died and the work was stopped when the drill had reached the depth of about 300 ft. But even then gas was found in such quantities that it would burn a steady flame when confined to a quarter inch hole. From that time until last summer no further test had been made anywhere in this locality. The test made upon the farm of M. E. Smith seems, from all accounts, to have been little better than no test at all. From the time that the drill was started until it was lost there was a sort of a mystery surrounding every movement. Time was killed until the funds were exhausted, then the tools were lost, and the hole abandoned. Later a quantity of oil was taken from the hole and today there is said to be gas there in paying quantities. The well will no doubt be re-opened in time, and the contents utilized.
DERRICK ON THE FARM OF M. E. SMITH.
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MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM R. EDICK.
RURAL FREE MAIL DELIVERY.
URAL Free Mail Delivery has passed beyond the stage of an experiment. It is now a regular accepted policy of the postal department. Its merits and demerits have been widely discussed, it has its friends and those who are opposed, however it has passed the bounds of argument and must now be accepted, by everyone as a settled fact. The first service in the country was inaugurated at Charleston, W. Virginia, October 1, 1896. From that date until April 1, 1897, forty-four routes had been established. Early in the administration of President Mckinley the subject was taken up by the post-office department and today the system is in operation in every state and territory save two. On December 1, 1900, there had been 2,800 routes established, originating from 1,500 post-offices. The average mileage of each route is twenty-two miles, each serving 500 people. The First Assistant Postmaster General, recently said: "When once brought within the influence of Rural Delivery their appreciation of its benefits is immediate and intense. Every route established brings a demand from adjacent communities for similar privileges. Nearly every service results in doubling or quadrupling the postal receipts within a few months of its establishment. The question often asked is, does it pay ? Possibly not at this time in the matter of dollars and cents. As an educational feature it certainly does. It has also in many instances increased the value of farm lands. The influence in stimulating the work on good roads has been powerful. As an example of what it does for roads, it is stated in the detailed reports from Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York that
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- during the past year $33,000 was expended on road improvements on rural routes. The permanency of the system is assured." While not a partisan affair, it was endorsed in a plank in the Republican platform at Philadelphia last year, and President Mckinley in his message to Congress commends the service highly. In the town of Dayton there are three routes. One originating from the post-office at Dayton, and two from the South Dayton Post-office. The route from Dayton is 23 miles long and serves about 100 families. Merrill H. Rhodes is carrier with H. M. Mason substitute. One route from South Dayton extends to Cottage, thence to Markham, thence to Fair Plain, into a part of Leon, and thence to South Dayton, a distance of 24 miles. A. Seeber has the contract and Will Edick is the carrier. The other route supplies families residing in Leon, Cherry Creek, Villenova, and a part of Dayton. The distance traversed is 24 miles. "Weck" Peavy has the contract and is also the carrier. The carriers on these routes are in fact traveling post-offices. They carry stamps, postal cards and stamped envelopes for sale. They take applications for money orders and registered letters. They are to be commended for the faithful performance of duty at all times. As a whole, so far as we are able to learn, the service in this locality is appreciated.
WILLIAM R. EDICK.
A popular and accommodating young man is William R. Edick, who was born in the town of Dayton, February 10, 1880. He is the traveling post-office acceptably serving a portion of the people of this town and a part of the town of Leon. He married November 14, 1900, Nettie Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Wilson of South Dayton.
WELCOME W. PEAVY.
Welcome W. Peavy was born in Boli- var, N. Y., August 8, 1872, and came to South Dayton in 1880. On Septem- ber 1, 1900, he secured the contract for carrying the mail on the Rural Free Delivery Route supplying families in parts of the towns of Leon, Cherry Creek, Villenova, and Dayton. He married March 8, 1890, Cora Waggoner of Cherry Creek. They have two chil- dren, Grace, born April 4, 1891, and Mabel, born December 23, 1898.
"I WANT it said of me by those who knew me best, that I have always plucked a thistle and planted a flower in its place, wherever a flower would grow. -Lincoln.
WELCOME W. PEAVY.
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BEARS KILLED IN 1900.
Years ago when this locality was mainly inhabited by the red man bears were common game. With the advent of the pioneer settler they rapidly disappeared. It has been years since they were seen in this locality, save only on the end of a chain led by a son of sunny Italy, until October, 1900, when an old bear and three cubs were killed in this section. This seems hardly creditable to anyone not personally knowing the fact, but such is the truth and the occasion will go down to posterity as an historical event. A great bear hunt actually took place, participated in by forty-seven hunters, resulting as above stated. The mother bear weighed about 300 pounds and the cubs from 100 to 125 each. The animals were jet black and very handsome specimens. One of the quartette had undoubtedly had many narrow escapes as she showed bullet scars, and she had lost a toe in a bear trap. It is very probable that the bears wandered from the Pennsylvania woods in search of food. The bodies were mounted on a frame above a wagon and escorted by the hunters to Dayton Village, Markham, Cottage, Perrysburg and Gowanda. It was intended to serve them at a hunter's feast but Justice Warren B. Hooker of Fredonia, bought them for $105, and they were taken to his home. Much indignation was expressed at the time they were killed, as one man might have easily captured the three cubs alive, and they would have been a valuable acquisition to any Zoo. The picture here shown was taken in front of the store of Graves & Wood at Perrysburg, and was kindly loaned to us by B. H. Graves of that place.
povr OFFICE
PERRYS-UM TOWN
CLERKS
BEARS KILLED IN THE TOWN OF DAYTON, FALL OF 1900.
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DAYTON'S CHURCHES.
C HAT "Righteousness exalteth a nation, while sin is a reproach to any people," has the sanction of Divine authority and of long centuries of human experience. If the number of its churches, and the size and zeal of their congregations be any guage of the religious spirit of a community then the town of Dayton gives abundant proof of the righteousness of her people. There are ten churches in the town and the sound of the church bell is ever in their ears. They fill the places of worship to hear the same sublime truths set fort in several forms for several sects by earnest and enthusiastic expounders of Divine Truth. The town is probably as well supplied with churches as any town of its size and population, and they represent enough shades of opinion to meet the wants of nearly all classes of believers. Their prosperity, the number and character of their services, and their active charities show that they are in the main well supported. The ministers in charge rank well as men of learning, zeal and devotion. The Sunday Schools are well attended and well conducted. Altogether the spiritual wants of the people are well and faithfully cared for.
M. E. CHURCH, COTTAGE.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Cottage had its origin through the instrumentality of a layman-a Mr. Whipple, who lived at Kent's Mills. The services were held in the house of Caleb Webb, in 1817, when a class was form- ed consisting of four members, Caleb Webb, Mrs. Webb, David and Clarinda Brand. Soon after there were added to the class members from the Webb, Darbee and Prosser families. There was never a Methodist Class organized in so remote a region that an itinerant preacher could not come and look after it. Accordingly close upon the tracks of Mr. Whipple were Curtis Goddard and Samuel R. Brockumir, who were then upon the Chautauqua circuit. At about this time a log meeting house was built on the land of Daniel Prosser which was used until 1845, when the Cottage Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. The incorporation was effected O. tober 31, 1845, with Gile Johnson, William Howlett, and John B. Reed, as trustees. At this time the membership was about sixty. The next year the church was built where it now stands. In 1872 it was repaired and enlarged making
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