History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 128

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

USA > New York > Cattaraugus County > History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers > Part 128

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

His father, Schuyler Philip Hubbell, was born Nov. 2, 1821, and on his marriage, in 1845, settled on a farm in Connewango, about half a mile west of Axeville, where he was born. He was reared on the farm, and engaged more or less in the duties attending it until he was nineteen years old. His education was acquired at the district school till he was thirteen years old, when he began to attend the Randolph Academy. He could not attend regularly, but only one or two terms of twelve to four- teen weeks during each year. During the spring and summer his help was required on the farm. His time in school was during the fall and winter. In all his attend- ance there were six terms. He usually took the lead in his classes, and by his teachers was pronounced a good student.

In December, 1861, he was awarded one of the H. H. Otis prizes for meritorious declamation. He began teaching district schools when seventeen years of age. He taught five terms with success. In the summer of 1865 he began reading medicine with Dr. G. J. Ackley, then located at Cattaraugus village, whose death, the following winter, resulted in his engaging, as his medical preceptor, Dr. Ly- man Twomley, of Little Valley, N. Y., with whom he afterwards prosecuted his medical studies till their close. His circumstances at that time demanded economy, and the tuition at a medical college was a matter for his con- sideration. The Eclectic Medical College, of Pennsylvania, offered the greatest inducements in that direction, together with thoroughness of instruction, and he resolved to pur- sue his studies at that institution. He attended medical lectures there during the two winters of 1867-68 and 1868 -69, receiving his diploma Jan. 4, 1869. The chairs were well filled, and the lectures full and thorough. On starting for his attendance on his first course of lectures, Dr. Twomley gave him a certificate of studentship, in which he made the following complimentary remark :

" Mr. Hubbell is a young man possessing more than ordinary industrious habits and integrity, with an unex- ceptionable moral character, and well worthy the confidence of the profession."

He began the practice of medicine and surgery at Leon, N. Y., Feb. 1, 1869 (at the age of twenty-two years); where he has since obtained a large and lucrative practice.

Being dissatisfied with the reputation of his Eclectic Alma Mater, he spent the winter of 1875-76 at the medi- cal department of the University of Buffalo, graduating there Feb. 23, 1876. His graduation thesis was on " Ob- servation and Fact, the Basis of Medical Progress." On this he received one of the Fillmore Cash Prizes.

His practice has been marked by a few noteworthy mat- ters, such as delicate operations upon the eye and ear, but the most important was that of laparotomy for intussus- ception of the bowels. He performed the operation April 18, 1877, which was, so far as he could ascertain, the fourth for that disease on record in the United States. (See Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal, February, 1878.)

He has contributed considerably to the medical periodi- cals of the day. In the past he has read a number of papers before the various societies with which he has been connected. He is an enthusiastic advocate of temperance, scientific and progressive thought, ever alive to questions which tend to advance or improve mankind physically or mentally. Perhaps he is identified with the more radical phase of thought, but in it he sees the promise of a better future.

June 26, 1872, he married Miss Evangeline Fancher, daughter of the late Capt. Wm. Fancher, by whom he has one daughter, born June 27, 1873.

Digitized by Google

494

HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

HON. EDGAR SHANNON*

was born in Leon, Feb. 23, 1842. He was adopted by and lived with his uncle, Lorenzo Shannon, a substantial farmer and an old resident of the town of Leon. During the time he lived with his uncle he obtained a good English education by attendance upon the common school in the district, and in the two terms spent at the Randolph Acad- emy.

From boyhood until the age of twenty-one he worked with his uncle on his farm, while not attending school, and engaged in teaching in the common schools in the vicinity a few terms during the latter part of the time.

In August, 1862, Mr. Shannon enlisted in Company B,

Soon after his discharge from the army Mr. Shannon became engaged in mercantile business in his native town, and soon merited the reputation of being " a successful country merchant."

In 1868 and 1869 he was elected supervisor of the town, serving two years in that capacity, to the general satisfaction of his townsmen. He was re-elected to and served in the same office in 1875.

In the fall of 1876 he received the Republican nomina- tion for Assemblyman from the .Second district of Catta- raugus County, and was elected by a large majority. He was renominated, and elected by an increased vote the following year. While in the Legislature, Mr. Shannon

Edgar Shannon

154th Regiment New York Volunteers, and served until the order for the general discharge of the volunteer forces.

On or about the 1st of March, 1864, having been for some time previous first sergeant, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and quartermaster of the 154th Regiment, in which capacity he served until the close of the war.

During his military service in the corps commanded by Generals Hooker and Sigel, he was in the battles of Chan- cellorsville, Lookout Valley, and Missionary Ridge; was in the army of General Sherman in his march through Georgia and the Carolinas, and at the siege of Savannah.

served on several important committees, and made a record pleasing and satisfactory to his constituents.

It is needless to say that Mr. Shannon has always been a staunch Republican ; his election as representative from the strong Republican Second district of Cattaraugus County sufficiently attests that fact.

Mr. Shannon is still engaged in the mercantile business, as the head of the firm of Shannon & Co., dry-goods merchants and general dealers. He was married April 15, 1866, to Miss Francelia Hunt, oldest daughter of Captain H. N. Hunt, of Leon, captain of Company K, 64th New York Volunteers.

His family at present consists of himself, wife, and one daughter.

* By E. C. Durfee.

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

495

CAPT. WILLIAM FANCHER

was born at German Flats, Herkimer Co., N. Y., June 1, 1823, and was the youngest of a family of nine children. His father, Enos Fancher, was a farmer and blacksmith in moderate circumstances. His mother's maiden name was Sally Roberts, of English and Welsh descent. His father died during William's infancy, but his mother managed to give him a fair common-school education.

At about the age of sixteen he went to work with his brother, George Fancher, of West Winfield, Herkimer Co., at the blacksmith business, but becoming dissatisfied with his occupation and desirous of change, he enlisted in the United States military service at Albany, on the 13th of July, 1841, and served for a period of five years, when he was honorably discharged at New York, in July, 1846, as

came to Leon, N. Y., and went to work with his brother, John Fancher (then a resident of Leon), at the blacksmith trade, at which he worked for about a year, when he and his brother purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-six acres in the east part of Leon.

In September, 1852, he was married to Lydia Mills, daughter of Thomas Mills, an old resident of Leon.

Mr. Fancher worked on his farm until the commence- ment of the civil war, frequently holding responsible posi- tions in the town. In the spring of 1861, Capt. Fancher was elected to the office of supervisor of Leon, but on the breaking out of the Rebellion his military talent was again called into requisiton ; a company of home guards was formed, of which he was elected captain. Sept. 13, 1861, he enlisted in the military service, and soon received a cap-

ALITTLE

CAPTAIN WILLIAM FANCHER.

first sergeant of Company F (Capt. H. Day commanding), Second Regiment United States Infantry.

During the period of his enlistment he was much of the time in active service, first in the Florida and afterwards in the Mexican war, during which his regiment was attached to Gen. Scott's command ; he was present at the taking and capitulation of the city of Mexico, as well as many other battles during the campaign. After the close of the Mexican war he was for some time employed as recruiting officer for the United States army.

Soon after his discharge he re-enlisted in the United States naval service, in which he served four years, and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.

During the period of his service. he was much of the time employed in the foreign service, accompanying the expedition to Japan, China, etc. He was discharged at San Francisco, in 1850, and was for a short time there em- ployed in the custom-house. In the spring of 1851 he

tain's commission in Co. K, 64th Regiment. He was in active service until the latter part of March, 1862, when he was stricken down by typhoid fever, and on the 1st of May following he received a furlough, and was allowed to return home. He reached the residence of his father-in- law, Thomas Mills, May 17, 1862, and died on the 24th following, the relentless hand of death cutting short what bade fair to be an honorable and useful career.

Capt. Fancher left two children-a daughter and son. The former, Evangeline, is now the wife of Dr. A. A. Hub- bell, of Leon ; and the son, Albert T., is in the mercantile business, in the firm of Shannon & Co., Leon. Capt. Fan- cher's widow is still living at Leon. The captain was a man of strict integrity and good business habits. He was highly respected as a citizen of his town, and his loss was severely felt by a large circle of friends. His remains re- pose in the cemetery at Leon Centre, but his memory is still cherished in the hearts of his friends and townsmen.

Digitized by Google

LYNDON.

THIS town lies on the eastern border of the county, north of the centre, and embraces township 4 in the third range, and two tiers of lots on the east side of township 4 in the fourth range. The town is joined on the north by Farmers- ville, and on the east by Allegany County, on the south by Ischua, and the west by Franklinville. The centre of the town, north and south, is a high ridge, rising to an elevation of about 500 feet above the valley. In the east and west the surface is broken and hilly. The head-waters of Oil Creek on the east, and one of the branches of the Ischua on the west, take their risc on this high land. The town con- tains 20,575 acres, of which 14,824 are improved, and has a population of 805, according to the census of 1875.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

In the "Pioncer History of the Holland Purchase" occurs this passage: "The traveler who passes over the road from Rushford to Cuba will have his attention arrested soon after he first strikes the head-waters of Oil Creek by a cluster of neat farm buildings in the centre of a highly-cultivated farm, the whole nestling in rural quiet amid the surround- ing hills. It is where the venerable pioneer of Lyndon first broke into the wilderness, and where he still [1850] lives to enjoy the rewards of his early toils and priva- tions."

In 1808, Solomon Rawson, the pioneer spoken of above, with his brother William, and their wives, emigrated from the south part of Pennsylvania, located on lots 4 and 5, range 3, and commenced to prepare the way for the tide of civilization that was in a few years to transform the bound- less wilderness into cultivated fields, dotted here and there with quiet homes and an occasional church-spire. These . brothers cut a road through from Cuba as they came, and a short time after to Rushford. They settled on what is now the Olean road, seven miles southwest from Rushford. Here they built their humble log cabin, and in August of the next year was born Natilla, a daughter of Solomon Rawson. The Rawsons were joined the next year by the Markhams, three brothers, Simon, David, and Seth, who, with their father and families, emigrated from Connecticut and settled on lot 7, range 3. These families, the Rawsons and Markhams, lived here for several years before any one settled near them. Their houses became stopping-places for emigrants passing through to the " Far West."

In 1810 the Rev. Robert Hubbard, a Presbyterian minis- ter, passed through this section on a missionary tour, and held the first religious meeting at the house of Seth Mark- ham. When the Free-Will Baptist Church was organized in 1816, Solomon Rawson became one of the first deacons. In 1817-18 there was much suffering for food among the early settlers. Flour was from $14 to $16 per barrel,

pork 25 cents per pound, and many of the poorer class of new settlers subsisted on milk, boiled greens, and leeks.

This little band of pioneers were socially and commer- cially connected with the settlements east of them, although in the east part of the county, Rushford and Cuba were the centre of trade to them, and the inhabitants along the east line of the town are now more connected with Allegany County than with their own.

In 1818, Ezra Brockway emigrated from Connecticut with his family, and settled on the north part of lot 7, range 3. His descendants lived there many years.

About 1827 came John Nottingham, and settled in the south part of the town, where his sons and grandsons still live. The Frarys came soon after. As early as 1823 one Hopkins settled at Lyndon Centre, and was employed by the Holland Land Company to manage their lands in that section. In 1826 he was appointed postmaster. Wm. Spencer and Orrin Upson had settled near there previously, Mr. Upson being one who took contract for land in 1806. Upon the organization of the town he was inspector of schools und assessor, afterwards justice of the peace and supervisor. Mr. Spencer succeeded Mr. Hopkins as post- master. His daughter, Thankful, was the first to teach school in that section. Hezekiah and John Lippitt, Peter C. Lane, Henry Morris, Chas. Gilman, Thomas Ashton, Augustus Hayden, Russel D. Jones, John Warren, William Braman, and Samuel Gleason were all residents of the town before 1829. William Little emigrated to the town in 1830, and settled where his widow still resides. He was postmaster at that place for several years. The old resi- dents of the town, who had lived there for fifty years, in 1876, were D. C. Stone, E. Stone, Asahel Taylor, John Stevenson, Geo. Clarke, John Strait, W. Fargo, Wm. Lit- tle, Jas. Melrose, E. Melrose, John Goss, Richard Little, M. Varnum, Stephen Graves, Geo. Hoag, Wm. Maxwell, Simeon Nottingham, Alexander Curry, Andrew Curry, A. Turnbull, James Little, and William Carter. There are many others who settled in the town still later, and who acted their part in clearing the hills and valleys and pre- paring the way for the crops that have brought so much wealth to the country. Among these were Deacon Aaron Bissell, who emigrated from Vermont to Steuben County in 1829, where he remained four years, and removed to Lyndon in 1833. In 1836 he was elected justice of the peace for four years, and in 1839, 1843, 1857, 1859, 1863, 1869, and 1872, holding the position for twenty-five years; and was prominent as a business man. His death occurred in the winter of 1878-79, at the age of seventy-four. His wife and several sons are living; one being a physician at Limestone, and two are engaged in the oil business in Pennsylvania.

Digitized by Google

496

HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

497

Thomas Case and his brothers came to this town not far from 1830. Thomas settled about three miles from the village of Franklinville, and for many years devoted his time and energies to farming and dairying, being connected with the cheese-factories in his section. He has been in- strumental in the organization of banks in Cuba, Franklin- ville, Ellicottville, in all of which institutions he is a director, and was at one time director in a bank at Olean. He is still living, hale and hearty. He has retired from the more active pursuits of farming, but continues the oversight of his property. One of his sons, Jason, is cashier of the bank at Franklinville, and Charles, another son, holds the same position in the bank at Ellicottville.

The first contract issued by the Holland Land Company, within the limits of this town, was to Robert Brooks, in 1806. Others, who contracted at about the same time, were Solomon Rawson, David and William Markham, and Orrin Upson.

Early in the history of the town, settlements were made on the east line of the town by the Rawsons, Markhams, and others. Here the first birth in the town occurred in the family of Solomon Rawson, in August, 1809, and was that of his daughter, Natilla. In 1811, James Markham, the father of Simon, David, and Seth, " passed over to the other side," and his was the first death in the town. The first marriage was that of William Markham and Rachel Phillips, March 1, 1815. In the summer of 1815, Miss Sally Osborne taught the first school in the east part of the town. The first physician was Dr. Hotchkiss. The first tavern was kept by William Rawson, in the east part of the town, in 1825. The first store was opened at Lyn- don Centre by Charles Gilmore, in 1827. The first saw- mill was built by Jason Sherman, on the creek near the residence of Thomas Case, in 1843.

ORGANIZATION OF TOWN.

The town of Lyndon was erected from Franklinville, Jan. 24, 1829, and the act provided that the first town- meeting should be held at the house of Samuel Gleason, on the first Tuesday of March, 1829. The name of the town was changed to Elgin, April 7, 1857, and again to Lyndon, April 16, 1858.

At the first annual town-meeting, held at the house of Samuel Gleason ou the 3d day of March, 1829, pursuant to act of the Legislature, the following gentlemen were elected to the several offices : Supervisor, Henry Morris ; Town Clerk, Hezekiah Lippitt; Assessors, Peter C. Lane, Orrin Upson, and Ezra Brockway; Collector, Charles Gil- man ; Overseers of the Poor, Solomon Rawson and John Warren ; Commissioners of Highways, John Lippitt, John Frary, and Thomas Ashton; Constables, Charles Gillman and James Clark ; Commissioners of Common Schools, Russel D. Jones, Augustus N. Hayden, and John Warren ; Inspectors of Common Schools, Hezekiah Lippitt, Henry Morris, and Orrin Upson.

The first election of justices of the peace was at a gen- eral election held in the town of Lyndon on the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of November, 1829. Hezekiah Lippitt, Ezra Brockway, Peter C. Lane, and Orrin Upson were chosen.

The following is an accurate list of the supervisors, town

clerks, and justices of the peace from the organization of the town to the present year :

SUPERVISORS.

1830. Solomon Rawson.

: 1851. Arba Morris.

1831-34. Ezra Brockway.

1852. Edmund Stone.

1835. Solomon Rawson. 1853. Henry Morris.

1836. Enos Brockway. 1854-58. Josiah Q. Perry.

1837-38. Henry Morris.

1859. Henry Morris.

1839. William Frary. 1860-61. Charles Thompson.

1840-41. Henry Morris.

1862-63. James R. Thompson.

1842. Henry Stringbam.

1864-66. Willard Gould.

1843-44. John Warren. 1867-71. Richard Little.

1845. Arba Morris. 1872. Josiah Q. Perry.

1846-48. Orrin Upson.

1873-74. Thomas Davis.

1849-50. Aaron Bissell.

. 1875-78. A. L. Turnbull.

TOWN CLERKS.

1830-31. Hezekiah Lippitt.

: 1859-60. W. R. Godfrey.

1832-34. Henry Morris.

1861. A. L. Turnbull.

1835-36. Augustin N. Hayden.

1862-63. D. R. Campbell.

1837-39. John Warren.

1864. Darius Patterson.

1840-45. Orrin Upson.

1865. Alexander Davidson.

1846-48. Aaron Bissell.

1866. A. L. Turnbull.

1867. Duncan R. Campbell.

1868-70. William Mitchell.

1851. Duncan R. Campbell.

1871-73. Aaron Bissell.

1852-53. John B. Sanders.

1874. Byron Bissell.

1875-78. James Scott.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1830. John Warren.

1852. Edmund Stone.

Elkanah Bates.

1853. Alexander Howden.

1831. Elkanah Bates.

1854. John Warren.

Jacob S. Nottingham .*

1855. Abijah Wheeler, Jr.

1832. Ezra Brockway.

1857. Aaron Bissell.

Justus Lockwood. Augustin N. Hayden.

1858. David H. Davis.

1859. Aaron Bissell.

1834. Ezra Brockway.

1860. John Warren.

Peter C. Lane.

E. Stone.

Thomas P. Green.

1861. Robert Frayer.

1835. Augustin N. Hayden.

1862. Ebenezer Melrose.

Henry Vaughan.

1836. William S. Frary. Aaron Bissell.

1864. E. Stone.

1837. Henry Stringham.

1865. Ebenezer Melrose.

1838. Ezra Brockway.

1866. John Warren.

1867. John Little.

1839. Solomon Rawson. Aaron Bissell.

1868. De Witt C. Stone. Thomas Hogg.

1841. Henry Stringham.

Silas A. Gere.

1842. John Warren.

1869. Aaron Bissell.

1843. Aaron Bissell.

Ebenezer Melrose.

1844. Edmund Stone.

1871. D. C. Stone.

1845. Alexander Howden.

1872. Aaron Bissell.

1873. Ebenezer Melrose.

1846. John Warren. Alexander Howden.

1874. John Strait.

1875. D. C. Stone.

1876. William McStay.

1848. Edmund Stone.

1849. Otis Lake.

1877. E. Melrose.

1850. William F. Smith. N. Ryther.

Thomas Case.

1878. E. McKenney.

1851. Richard Little.

S. A. Gere.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Associate Reformed Church had its origin in a union of the " Associate" and " Associate Reformed Pres-

* Not eligible.

Digitized by Google

Robert Frayer.

1833. Henry Morris. Hezekiah Lippitt.

J. R. Thompson.

Thomas P. Green. Henry Stringham.

1863. Aaron Bissell. John Warren.

1840. John Newton.

1847. Richard Little.

1849. Alexander Howden. 1850. Arba Morris.

1854-56. Nathan A. Bennett.

1857-58. Adam L. Turnbull.

498

HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

byterians," or " Covenanters," in 1732. The first preaching by ministers of the Associate Reformed Church in what is now Lyndon was held in the year 1835 by Rev. John White, of Seneca Co., N. Y., in an old log school-house, which then stood on the summit of the hill east of Lyndon Centre. The Rev. Mr. Irvin also preached the same year. The attendance at the services was not large, but the spirit manifested encouraged them to request the Associate Pres- bytery of Caledonia to send them a missionary, which was granted.

In 1836, the Rev. Wm. Howden was appointed " to labor in Lyndon and vicinity," embracing Ellicottville, Cuba, Franklinville, and Freedom. Mr. Howden's minis- try was so acceptable that he was retained as missionary in this field until 1848, preaching one year for the New- School Presbyterians of Franklinville. In 1838, a small frame building was erected for a house of worship a few rods south of the cross-roads, usually called Lyndon Centre, and where the Elgin post-office is located. By an order of the Presbytery, an organization was effected, under the Rev. Wm. Howden's ministry, Feb. 29, 1840, 30 persons being received into church fellowship; and during his ministry of twelve years with this congregation, 102 per- sons in all were received into church fellowship. In 1848, Mr. Howden signified his intention to leave this field. Mr. D. C. McVean, then a licentiate under the care of Caledonia Presbytery, was sent as a supply to this field, and preached the first Sabbath of July, 1849, in Lyndon, and the next Subbath in Franklinville. About the last of August or the first of September of the same year, a call from the congregation of Lyndon, of which Franklinville and Freedom were a part, was extended to Mr. McVean to become pastor of the congregation, at a meeting of the Presbytery, held Oct. 3, 1849, and was by him accepted. On the 29th day of January, 1850, he was ordained and installed pastor of the congregation then under the care of the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Caledonia. He remained pastor of the congregation until Sept. 6, 1865, when he was, at his own request, released by the Presby- tery ; 157 persons were received into church fellowship during his pastorate. In 1852, the present house of wor- ship was erected, at a cost of $1800, having a seating capacity of 300.

On May 25, 1858, the union between the " Associate" and Associate Reformed Churches was consummated in the city of Pittsburgh, and the united body was called the " United Presbyterian Church of North America." Since the time of this union the Lyndon congregation has been under the care of the United Presbytery of Caledonia, which came into the union at its consummation.

The members of the congregation living in and near Franklinville resolved on having a separate organization, and a petition was presented to the Caledonia Presbytery at its meeting in Geneva, N. Y., May 7, 1867.

The petition was granted, and the Presbytery ordered the organization of the United Presbyterian Church of Frank- linville. In obedience to that order the church was or- ganized by the Rev. Dr. McVean, June 25, 1867. The effect of this order was a division of this congregation, and 24 members were dismissed to form the new church, and

soon after 12 more to form connection with it. The church was left without a pastor for nearly five years ; the adminis- tration of divine ordinances was maintained with a good degree of regularity, and several preachers supplied the pulpit. Among these was the present pastor, Rev. R. G. Campbell, who preached during the months of February and March, 1870. June 6, 1870, a Congregational meeting was held, presided over by the Rev. W. J. Robinson, at which a call was made to R. G. Campbell, a licentiate, of the Monongahela Presbytery, but who was then under the care of the St. Louis Presbytery (now called the Presbytery of Southern Illinois). The call was sustained as regular by the Presbytery at a meeting held at Mumford, June 20, 1870, and was presented to the candidate Aug. 31 of that year at a meeting of the Presbytery at Franklinville, and was by him accepted. On the next day the Presbytery met at Lyndon, and Mr. Campbell was ordained to the ministry and installed pastor of the church, and the rela- tion then formed between pastor and people has been main- tained unbroken to this date. The church has at present 70 members, and a Sabbath-school in connection with an average attendance of about 100 members. James Scott is the present superintendent.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 128

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: