USA > New York > Chautauqua County > Portland > Historical sketches of the town of Portland : comprising also the pioneer history of Chautauqua County, with biographical sketches of the early settlers > Part 13
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Burr's Saw- Mill-Was built on lot 2, T. 5, by Daniel Vail, in 1821. Mr. Vail settled on this lot in 1816. The mill was located on the west branch of Slippery Rock creek and on the site of the mill now owned by Lloyd Burr. Mr. Burr purchased the property in 1834 and still owns it. The mill was burned in 1839 and again in 1844 but at once rebuilt. It is still in operation.
Taylor's Saw-Mill-Was built by Reuben and Erastus Taylor in 1824 on Correll's creek, on part of lot 35, T. 5. It was located twenty rods north of the track of the L. S R. R. on land now owned by E. B. Taylor. It was in operation eighteen to twenty years. Some remains of it are yet to be seen.
Nathaniel Fay's Saw-Mill -- Was built on the farm of Mr. Fay on the west branch of Slippery Rock creek, in 1824. Its location was a few rods south of the present residence of Franklin Fay. It was in operation sixteen to eighteen years. It is now entirely removed.
Evert's Saw-Mill-Was built in 1826 or '27 on the farm since owned for some years by Isaac Marsh, by Jesse Everts. Cephas Brainard and Luther Crosby. It was located on the head waters of Correll's creek. It was run but a few years. In 1841 the frame was removed to a site on lot 40. T. 4. known as Elliot's Mill.
Bacon's Saw-Mill-Was built on Slippery Rock creek sixty rods above the Brocton grist mill. on lot 13. T. 5, by Dr. Daniel Ingalls, in 1827 or '28. It was sold to Harvey Williams in
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THE TOWN OF PORTLAND.
1837, rebuilt in 1847, in 1848 sold to Russel Furman and .J. Deland and some years later to John Furman. It is now owned by Earl Bacon, who some years since introduced machinery for the manufacture of horse rakes which is still in operation.
Goodsell's Saw-Mill-Was built by Robert Leavitt on Fay's creek, southwest part of lot 39, T. 5, in 1829. It was for some years owned by Franklin Goodsell, who introduced a lathe for turning broom handles. . It is now owned by Homer J. Skinner.
Dalee's Saw Mill-Was built by Field for Waterman Dalec on Slippery Rock creek, on east part of lot 13. T. 5. above the mill of E. Bacon, in 1829. It was an entire failure. The heavy snows of the winter of 1829-30 broke in the roof and it was never repaired. The entire cost was $400.
Elliott's Saw-Mill-Was built by Oliver Elliott in 1819 or '20 on the head waters of Fay 'screek. on lot 40. T. 4. It was rebuilt in 1851 by Henry Mosher. who sold it in 1842 to Hiram Arnold. Mr. Arnold removed it to south part lot 33, T. 5.
Dalee's Saw-Mill. No. 2-Was built in 1832 by JJohn and Waterman Dalee on southeast part of lot 13, T. 5. on land now owned by John Knickerbocker. It was built on the east branch of Slippery Rock creek but run by water from the west branch. It was afterward owned by various parties and among them Samnel, James and H. B. Crandall. It is now entirely removed.
Fletcher's Saw-Mill-Was built in 1832 by Robert Leavitt on Dunham's creek. on lot 26. T. 5. It has since been owned by various parties and now by C. A. Fletcher. It is still in use.
Coney's Saw Mill-Was built at the. upper falls on Slippery Rock creek, north of Brocton. in 1835. by Solomon Coney. In 1847 it was sold to J. C., M. W. and G. H. Richardson : in 1851 to J. C. Richardson, by whom a steam power was intro duced in 1854. In 1857 the steam power was removed and the
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IHISTORICAL SKETCHES OF
property sold to John Dudley. The mill at this date (1873) is entirely removed.
Jewett's Saw-Mill-Was built one-fourth of a mile from the mouth of Correll's creek by George R. Jewett in 1836. It was run from twelve to fifteen years. Some years later it was occupied by Thomas Judd as a manufactory for horse power wood mills and afterward by Earl Bacon in the manufacture of horse rakes. It is now in ruins.
Bigelow's Saw-Mill-Was built by Lawson T. Bigelow on the east branch of Chautauqua creek. on lot 52, T. 4, in 1837. A flax machine, a planing machine and a box factory were added in 1843. It is not now in operation.
Hall'& Saw Mill-Was built in 1840 by Perry, Delos and Ferdinand Hall on the east branch of ('hautanqua creek, on lot 52, T. 4. It was afterward owned by Delos, then by Levi. then by Henry L. Hall, and now by John Clark.
Richardson's Saw-Mill-Was built near the mouth of Little Canadaway creek in the northeast part of the town, on lot 8, T. 5. by J. C. Richardson in the winter of 1840-41. It was run to 1847 when it was sold to Samuel Johnson. It is now entirely removed.
Arnold's Saw-Mill-Was the Elliott sau-mall removed from lot 40, T. 4. to south part lot 33. T. 5, in 1842. It was burned in 1844 but rebuilt the same year. It was run to 1853 when it was discontinued.
Robbins' Steam Saw Mill-Was built by Daniel Robbins on lot 8, T. 5, in 1848. It was burned August 30, 1851, but rebuilt in 1854 by Willard Robbins. It was afterward owned by various parties and about 1857 the steam power was removed to some point in Pennsylvania and the mill discon- tinned.
Jewett's Steam Saw Mill-Was built by George R. Jewett in 1849. on the northwest part of lot 25. T. 5. at Portland ('enter. in connection with a steam grist mill and run by the same power. It was discontinued in 1852.
Fay & Goodrich & Steam Saw Mill-Was built by George
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THE TOWN OF PORTLAND.
R. Jewett on lands of J. B. Fay and D. G. Goodrich, part of lot 14, T. 5, in 1852. The motive power was a steam engine removed from the steam grist and saw-mill at Portland Center. The mill was burned a few months later and never rebuilt.
Wheeler's Steam Saw-Mill-Was built by Elijah Wheeler in 1868, on lot 26, T. 5, near Portland Center. It was run but a few months. The boiler is still in place.
Crandall's Steam Saw-Mill-Was built and put in operation on North Division street, Brocton, by Samuel Crandall in 1871. It is still running and doing a good business.
Whitcher's Saw-Mill-Was built in quite an early day on the east branch of Chautauqua creek, on lot 60, T. 4, but by whom built or when the writer has not been informed. It is now in ruins.
Burton's Grist-Mill-Was built by Simon Burton, sr., in 1817, at the mouth of Slippery Rock creek. The water in the lake at that date was from three to four feet lower than at the present and the beach could be traversed from the mouth of the creek to Van Buren point. Mr. B. set his mill on the beach below the falls on ground now covered by water, too near for safety, and although a breakwater was built for its protec- tion it was soon destroyed. While it was in operation it was a great convenience to the settlers. It was the first of its class in town.
Coney's Grist-Mill-Was built by Solomon Coney a few rods below the falls on Slippery Rock creek, on northeast part of lot 21, T. 4, in 1823. It was not a large mill but did good business for the settlers for several years, how many is not now remembered. Some of the remains of the building are still to be seen, and near by the "native burr stones."
Godfrey's Grist-Mall-Was built on Correll's creek, on south- west part of lot 31, T. 5, by Alanson and Stafford Godfrey, in 1829. The mill proved a failure from lack of water and other causes and was sold in 1840 or '41 to George Stoning. who converted it into a mill for the manufacture of course paper and book board. Some years later the building was removed
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by E. B. Taylor to its present position near the line of the L. S. R R. and the manufacture of, book board continued. A. few years since a flax machine was placed in the building by David Bacon and used for two or three years only.
Vanloven's Mill-Was originally built by Dr. S. Pomeroy and - Lowell on lot 39. T. 5, in 1829 or '30. It was a small mill for grinding corn and feed. It was sold to Martin Everett and repaired in 1845. G. M. Taylor bought it in 1848 but sold to Mr. Vanloven in 1849. It is still in operation.
Brocton Grist-Mill-The original mill was built by John C. Haight and Harvey Williams in 1836, at a cost, including the tannery attached, of $4,000. It was owned by various parties until about 1853 when it was purchased by R. S. Morrison and in 1855 the building of the steam mill at Portland Center was removed by him and placed as an addition and the whole put in good order at a cost of $8, 000. It is now owned by Wm. Whaland.
Portland Center Steam Mill-Was built in 1848 by Geo. R. Jewett, on northwest part of lot . 25, T. 5. near the present residence of R. D. Fuller. It was discontinued in 1852 and the steam power removed to a saw-mill of Fay & Goodrich's. The building was sold to R. S. Morrison in 1855 and removed by him and attached to the Brocton mill where it now stands.
" Brotherhood" Steam Mill-Was first set in operation at Salem-on-Erie (Brocton station) in the winter of 1872-3 by the "Brotherhood," principally for grinding feed. which is furnished in large quantities. It seems a fair investment.
TANNERIES.
Parker's Tannery .- The first tannery in town was built by James Parker on the farm of David Eaton, northeast part of lot 37, T. 5, in 1807. It was but a small and rude affair : the vats were dug from the trunks of trees and placed in a ravine southeast of the residence of Mr. Eaton and the beam house was a log shanty. It was occupied less than two years, Mr. P. removing to the crossroads. Some remains of this tannery with remnants of hides are still to be seen.
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Tower's Tannery .- Mr. John Tower " started a tannery" on the southwest corner of lot 34, T. 5, next west of the farm of J. McFadden, about 1820. This also was a small affair but was continued for several years.
Kinne's Tannery-Was built probably in 1826 on lot now owned by J. H. Haight and Linus Burton, in Brocton. He sold to .Joshua Jackson in 1830 or '31. Remains of the vats may yet be seen.
Brocton Tannery-Was built by J. C. Haight and Harvey Williams in 1836, on part of lot 13, T. 5, in connection with the south portion of the grist-mill. It was occupied by them but a few years, Mr. Williams selling his interest to Mr. Haight. It has since been owned by various parties and at present by J. N. Porter and J. H. Haight.
Carding Machine .- The first and only carding machine of this town was put in operation at Portland Center, in 1825, by Orrin Ford, the first proprietor of the Laona Woolen Factory, since converted into a Paper Mill. The building stood a few feet north of the residence of R. D. Fuller, on lot 25. T. 5. and is now occupied by George Couchman as a barn. The first roll was carded by Jared Risley that year. The establishment was afterward owned by G. R. Jewett and occupied by Vincent Dunn. The motive power was a spring of water now to be seen on the prem- ises of S. S. Jones, a few rods north of his house. It was conveyed a portion of the way in pump logs.
Cheese Factory-Was established by Dea. A. L. Blowers. in West Portland, on lot 38, T. 5. in 1866. at a cost of $2,000. [See Table of Agricultural Products. ]
Cider Mills .- The first mill of this class was built by Calvin Barnes in 1824. on a rise of ground southeast of the residence of J. S. West, on lot 33. T. 5. The building is now occupied by Mr. West as a horse barn.
The second of this class was built by Dea. Elijah Far in Brocton. in 1830. It is still standing. -
Potteries .- [See Biog. Sketches No. 220.]
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Millwrights .- The first of this class settling in town was Solomon Coney in 1815, the second Simon Burton in 1816.
Book Bindery .- A Bindery was established at Centerville, by Vashni Millet in 1844, in the building now occupied by G. W. Munger as a blacksmith shop, and for some years by D. Tallman as a tavern and dwelling. It was removed to Fre- donia, this county, in 1848. Mr. Millet now lives in Wis consin.
Blacksmiths .- The first mechanic of this class settling in town, it is believed, was Luther Crosby, in 1816. He was a gunsmith, but worked at blacksmithing for the accommo- dation of settlers. [See Biog. Sketches No. 69.] As far as known the second doing business in town was Simon Burton, jun., also in 1816. His shop stood near the mouth of Slippery Rock Creek. Wm. Cotton settled on lot 47, T. 4, in 1817, and was a blacksmith. [See Biog. Sketches.]
Wagon Maker .- It is conceded that Cotton Nash, the first settler of of Centerville, was also the first wagon maker settling in town. [See Biog. Sketches.]
Shoemaker .- The first of this class in town was David Eaton, though it was not engaged in as a business, being made subservient to the great business of every settler, clearing land. . Many of the settlers kept a few tools and did their own cobbling. The first doing a regular business is not known.
ASHIERIES.
1. Coney's Ashery .- Most of the settlers had their leaches and kettles for the manufacture of Black Salts from the ashes made in their fallows, but as far as now remembered but three establishments for the manufacture of pot or pearl ashes were ever put in operation in town. The first was by John R. Coney in 1818. This establishment stood on the north side of the main Erie road in the hollow between Brocton and Portland Center, very near the line of the B. C. & P. R. R. on southeast part of lot 26.
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T. 5. A pearling oven was attached, and Coney's Ashery was the great center for the trade in ashes, until about 1828 or '29, when the business was given up by him. A large quantity of ashes is still to be seen there.
The products of this establishment were sold for the most part to Walter Smith, at first of Fredonia, but afterward of Dunkirk.
2. Abial Silver established an ashery for the manufacture of potash only, on the south part of lot 34, T. 5, land now owned by Henry S. Munson, in 1830, which he run for two years. It was continued by Wm. Curtis for two years, when it was allowed to "run down."
3. Morrison's Ashery-was established by R. S. & (). Morrison, on S. Div. St. Brocton, on the site of the present residence of D. L. Brown, in 1843, and was run for about ten years. A pearling oven was attached, and during the last two years an effort was made to manufacture saleratus (Bi Carb. Pot.) but with imperfect success.
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1
CHAPTER XXXI.
Distilleries.
In the early days of the country whisky seemed to be a necessity. It entered into the economy of nearly every household arrangement. Until 1817, most of it was brought from Pennsylvania, and "Pittsburg forty rod whisky" was a cognomen in common use. The first distillery built in the town, was by Ethan A. Owen, in 1817, on part of lot 53, T. 4. The track of the B. C. & P. R. R. passes over the spot, a few rods south of Prospect Station. on the farm now owned by Wm. Arnold.' It was but a small affair, but answered the purpose: was run but a few years. Elisha Arnold who afterward owned the farm was a distiller, but his place of business was in Westfield. The second distillery built in town was by Simeon Whitcomb and Orris Perkins in 1819, on a farm now owned by David Granger on lot 41. T. 5, in the orchard north of the West Baptist church. This also was a small affair, running but from three to five bushels per day. It was in operation probably but two years. The third of this class was built in 1824 or '25 by Silas Houghton near the falls in Slippery Rock Creek, on lot 21, 'T. 5, which he run for two or three years. and sold to Solomon Coney in 1827, who continued the manufacture for a few years later, how long is not remembered. No other
(1) This spot was the scene of that fearful railroad accident, or "Prospect Hor- ror" of December 24th, 1872, where twenty persons, possibly more, lost their lives and others were seriously injured.
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THE TOWN OF PORTLAND.
manufactory of this class was ever put in operation in town, with the exception of a small one for the distilling of brandy by Ryckman, Day & Co .. in Brocton. This is not at present in operation.
After the first few years of the settlement of the town grain was plenty and cheap; rye selling for from fifteen to seventeen cents per bushel, and corn in proportion. Whisky sold for from twenty to twenty-five cents per gallon, a strong contrast to the price for which it is now sold, $2.90. But a small proportion of the grain raised was distilled or used here: large quantities were conveyed to various localities and exchanged for liquor or store-pay, very little money entering into the arrangement.
.
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CHAPTER XXXII.
Taverns.
In the "good old days of honesty and singleness of heart," so often the subject of reference in these later years, spirituous liquors were largely used by the whole population. Whisky was the rule and abstinence the exception. Notwithstanding this freedom of use, it was thought as necessary to restrict or regulate its sale then as now. The license law in force at the first settlement of Portland, and for many years after, was enacted in April 1801. Its provisions were nearer the provisions of the present law, with reference to the granting of licenses, than any since enacted. All licenses were granted by a board in each town called Commissioners of Excise, com- posed of the Supervisor and two justices of the peace. The Supervisor could in no case be excused from signing a license if one had been granted by the board, other- wise it would be of no validity. The idea of a tavern always carried with it the idea of a place for the The requirements of the law sale of strong drink.
with reference to moral character, accommodations &c. were the same. nearly, then as now, and if a man propos- ing to keep a tavern could satisfy the board with refer- ence to these particulars, he was granted a license to sell spirituous liquors under five gallons, and for which he must pay from five to thirty dollars at the discretion of the board. In some of the larger cities from five to
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THE TOWN OF PORTLAND.
fifty dollars was charged. The applicant was obliged to pay seventy-five cents to each of the commissioners for granting the license. Safeguards were thrown about the system and penalties attached to violations, but in most cases they were practically disregarded.
1. James Dunn's Tavern: 1808 .- The first tavern opened in town was by Capt. James Dunn, on the ground now occupied by the house of John Dudley, on the Dunn farm, part of lot 30, T. 5, in 1808. The road then passed on the south side of the house. Mr. Dun was from Pennsylvania and arranged his buildings in true Pennsylvania style of those days, and in fact the present to some extent, a separate building for each department, dining, cooking, lodging and storeroom. In 1811 he added a large log building for a bar room. His first license was granted by Arthur Bell, as Supervisor, and John McMahan and Perry G. Ellsworth as justices. Mr. Dunn was well fitted for an inn-keeper and provided substantial if not luxurious fare for those favoring him with a call. Mrs. Dunn was well skilled in the culinary art of the times, and acceptably catered to the appetitès of her guests. To the weary traveler "Dunn's Tavern" was in fact an acceptable "lodge in some vast wilderness." It was continued for many years, but the time of its dis- continuance is not remembered. It was a rallying point for some years.
2. Ingersoll's Tavern: 1809 .- Peter Ingersoll opened a tavern in a large double log house on the Mckenzie farm on part of lot 41, T. 5, in 1809. His first license was granted by Thomas Prendergast as Supervisor, and John McMahan and Perry G. Ellsworth as justices. This house was a rally ing point for that region. Mr. Ingersoll kept this tavern until 1816, when he sold to Joseph Cass. Mr. Cass con- tinned until 1818 when he removed to the house now on the farm and continued it as a tavern until 1821. Afterward it was occupied by various parties, and amongst them
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HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF
Leman Averill. J. Boardwell, -Blood, T. Klumph, and others. When it was discontinued is not remembered.
3. Barnes' Tavern : 1811 .- Daniel Barnes opened a tavern in 1811. in a log house a few feet east of the house now owned and occupied by A. B. Post, on central part of lot 4. T. 5. It was kept open for several years after the close of the war of 1812. The first license was granted by Matthew Prendergast as Supervisor. The tavern was kept by no other person.
4. Williams' Tavern : 1811 .- Wm. Berry purchased of the administrator of the estate of Nathan Fay, the farm now owned in part by Lincoln Fay, part of lot 25, T. 5, and opened a tavern the same year in a log house nearly on the ground occupied by the house of Mr. Fay. His first license was signed by Matthew Prendergast as Supervisor. In 1812 Mr. Berry rented his house to David Joy. Two months later it took fire and burned down. By direction of Mr. Berry. Mr. Joy built a frame house the same season, the first frame house occupied as a tavern in town. This frame is still standing on the farm of Jonas H. Martin half a mile south of its original site. Henry Abell purchased the property in 1814. and sold it to Richard Williams in 1815, who kept it as a tavern until 1822, the time of his death; renting it however a portion of the time to R. Goldsmith, - Nims, and possibly one other. The family of Mr. W. continned the tavern until 1825, when it was sold to widow Abigail Fellows. who kept it for a year in connection with her brother Jacob Light, and for five years by the aid of her sons, or to 1831, when it was discon- tinned.
5. Joy's Tavern : 1814 .- David Joy erected a two-story frame house on the ground now occupied by the house of W. W. Pettit on southwest part of lot 19, T. 5, in 1814, and occupied it as a tavern the same season. He sold to Wm. Harris. sen .. in 1817, who kept the house until 1826, when it was purchased by Jared Risley, and occupied for one year. It
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THE TOWN OF PORTLAND.
was afterward occupied by Reuben Snow. Thomas Ensign. Andrew Matthewson and others.
6. Smith's Tavern : 1815 .- Martin Smith opened a tavern in the frame house built by Jeremiah Potter in 1812. probably in 1815. (See Biog. Sketches.) How long it was continued is not definitely known, but probably to 1819 or '20.
7. Joy's Log Tavern : 1817 .- Early this year David Joy and his son Moses occupied a log house as a tavern, on the ground where now stands the house of H. A. S. Thompson. north part of lot 19, T. 5. There was very little travel on this route, but as an old settler said with reference to it. "such a place was necessary, although in the woods, on account of the many loggings and log house raisings through the country, as a depot for whisky." How long it was kept is not known. [See Biog. Sketches, David Joy. ]
8. Coney's Tavern: 1822 .- John R. Coney opened a tavern in the house now standing on the "Coney farm." northwest part lot 19. T. 5, in 1822. which he kept until 1835. In 1834 he built the tavern house at Centerville, and occupied it the next year. In 1849 he sold to Curtis Wilbur. It was after ward occupied by Caleb Griswold. S. C. Riley, and M. G. Barber. Town meetings have been held in this house since it was opened. It was discontinued in 1863.
9. Sage's Tavern : 1824 .- Moses Sage opened a tavern in the house now owned and occupied by J. N. Porter. on north part lot 13. T. 5, east of Brocton, in 1824. which he continued until 1830. The town meeting of 1827 was held here. and an exciting discussion and a closely contested vote with reference to the place of holding the next meeting was had which resulted in the resolution "to hold it at the house of Henry Abell" at the Cross Roads. At the meet ing in 1828 the old and vexed question was again discussed and a vote obtained to hold it at a point where the house of (). J. Greene now stands. on south part of lot 34. T. 5. (See page 25). The exasperation occasioned by this vote was
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HISTORICAL SKETCHIES OF
the occasion of the erection of the town of Westfield.
10. Martin Coney's Tavern: 1828 .- The house now owned by O. J. Greene, on south part lot 34, T. 5, was built in 1828 by Martin Coney, opened as a tavern the following winter or spring, and which he kept until 1832. It was occu- pied in 1833 by R. K. Barnes and by Wm. Curtis in 1834. It was discontinued in the spring of 1835. The first town meeting of the present town was held here in April 1829.
11. Williams' Tavern: 1830 .- Harvey Williams opened a tavern in a building standing on the ground now occupied by the dwelling of W. C. Warner, east of Brocton, which he continued until 1835. It was afterward occupied by S. S. Hawkins, C. D. Hadden, and lastly by O. D. Hadden.
12. Brown's Tavern: 1830 .- The house upon the farm of E. P. Wilson, on lot 38, T. 5, was built in 1830 by Robert Leavitt, and opened as a tavern by him. In 1832 it was sold to Rodolphus Brown, who continued it to 1836 or '37 when it was discontinued.
13. Tallman's Tavern : 1832 .-- The building now occupied as a blacksmith shop at Portland Center by G. W. Munger, was built in 1832 by Robert Leavitt and at once opened as a tavern. Mr. L. sold in 1834. It was occupied by Oliver Coney about 1836 : and some years later by Darius Tallman who kept it until 1855 when it was discontinued.
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