History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 52

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 52


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131


Dr. Bartlett has been a member of the Cattaraugus County Medical Society since its reorganization, and has twice been


called to its presidential chair. He now occupies a seat in its board of censors. He was chosen a delegate to the State Medical Association, and was also honored with a like posi- tion in the National Association. As a recognition of his general worth in the profession, he was chosen one of the curators of the Buffalo Medical College, which office he still retains.


In delicate cases, where there is a difficulty in establishing a correct diagnosis, and where a malady assumes a dangerous or obstinate aspect, and in difficult surgical operations, Dr. Bartlett's counsel is frequently sought. In the constant competition which characterizes professional as well as busi- ness pursuits, the doctor always retains a gentlemanly de- portment and a conscientious courtesy that is one of the most admirable traits of a scholarly and exalted profession.


While in Summerhill, Dr. Bartlett became acquainted with Miss Sylphia Bennie, daughter of David Bennie, M.D., whom he married at Portville, this county, on the 26th of June, 1850. They have three children,-two daughters and one son,-the latter now reading medicine with his father, with favorable prospects of a successful professional career.


RANDOLPH.


This town lies on the western border of the county, and is the second town from the south. When erected from Connewango, Feb. 1, 1826, it embraced all the territory south to the Pennsylvania line, but by the formation of South Valley, April 2, 1847, the town was reduced to its present limits, which are described by the Ilolland Survey as township 2, in the ninth range, containing 23,040 acres. The name of the town was bestowed by some of the early settlers in honor of their native place,-Randolph, Vt. The southern three-fourths of the town have a hilly and undulating surface, with some uplands several hundred feet above the valleys. The northern part is more level, and partakes of the characteristics of the Connewango flats. Here were evidences of pre-historic occupation in the shape of the usual fortifications and mounds, which have been more fully mentioned in the general history of the county.


The principal stream of the town is the Little Connewango Creek, which flows through the northeastern part of the town. The chief affluents are Mill Creek, Dry and Rodgers' Brooks. Considering their limited volume, these streams afford good power. Nearly all of them are subject to the influence of freshets, which sometimes cause great damage. The one in 1865 was especially disastrous in its effects, destroying much property, and causing the loss of several lives. The brooks in the southern part of the town drain into South Valley. The soil is variable, and is of a clayey 24


nature, or a gravelly loam, with a limited quantity of sandy loam. It is usually fertile, and especially adapted for grass.


PIONEER SETTLERS.


The books of the Holland Company furnish a list of land- owners in 1821, containing the names of Howard Fuller, Edmund Fuller, James Powell, Samuel J. York, William Eames, Howard Chapman, and Thomas Harvey.


Edmund Fuller made the first settlement in 1820, on lot 31, building a log house, which stood near where the cem- etery now is. He came from Oneida County, and was accompanied by Howard Fuller. They had " booked" to them all the land along that road west to the Chautauqua line Both removed soon after, Edmund Fuller selling his interests in 1822 to Thomas Harvey, who also came from Oneida. Fuller moved to the West, but returned to Little Valley in the course of a dozen years.


The year after Fuller's settlement came Samuel J. York, and located on lot 55; and his brother Jeremiah came in 1823, settling in the same locality. Both moved to the West.


Jacob Vandamaker came in 1821, and settled near Ful- ler's. The following year his son, John J., was born, and this was probably the first birth in town. The latter remained a citizen of Randolph many years.


In 1822, II. S. Latham, from Long Island, located on


Digitized by Google


.


186


HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.


lot 31, where he purchased five acres for the purpose of establishing a tannery. He built the first frame house in town, and commenced work on his tannery, but sold out to Thomas Harvey before he got it fully in operation. C. H. Latham, a brother, made a visit to the town the same year, but did not settle there, but since 1840 has been a perma- nent resident of the town.


In April, 1822, Thomas Harvey located on the Fuller property. He had a family of six daughters and several sons. The former came with their husbands,-named James Orton and William Miner,-but all removed to the West. Harvey was an enterprising man, and did much to encourage the settlement of the town. Two of his daugh- ters married David Salisbury and Clement Russell, also early settlers, in 1824, and these were the first marriages in town.


In 1823, Benjamin Clark settled on lot 23, where he soon after built the second frame house in town, in which he opened a tavern and a store. In 1830 he sold to Joel Scudder, and removed to Pennsylvania. A daughter mar- ried Jonathan Hodge, an early settler on lot 15.


The same year, Otis Hitchcock and a family of ten children settled on lot 46. The oldest son, George, was killed by being thrown from a horse. Truman Hitchcock, another son, lives on the old Clark place. Mr. Ilitchcock died in June, 1873, and the homestead is now occupied by another son, Milo.


Solomon Nichols came from Monroe County in 1823, in the month of January. In 1822 he had visited the town and articled 120 acres on lot 48, which he paid twelve years later. An adjoining tract of land, taken by David Hodge, who came with Nichols, was the first paid up in town. Hodge returned to Monroe in four or five years, and after 1830, Solomon Nichols also moved back for six years. In his absence, Abram Kierstead lived on his farm, and kept a public-house, which was continued by Nichols after his return, and was kept until the railroad was built. In the days of militia training, Mr. Nichols rose from the command of a company to the rank of colonel, by which title he is still addressed. Although eighty-two years old, he presents a hale appearance and preserves his military bearing. He is one of the oldest residents of the town.


Elisha R. and Josiah Cook came in March, 1823, from Monroe County, and settled on lot 62, where the former still resides. The latter removed in 1817. Both served in the war of 1812. In this locality lived as early settlers the Arnolds, Smiths, and Alex. McNull.


James Powell settled on lot 32 in 1823, and there built a house, which is still standing. A brother, Dennis, lived on lot 40. Both moved to Pennsylvania. In this locality settled the McCapes family about the same time. Silas moved to the West, James died in town, and Alfred and Major still reside in Randolph.


In 1823, Timothy Torrance, from Monroe County, settled on lot 46, where he lived until his death in 1871. The homestead is now occupied by a son, G. M. Torrance. Another son removed to Michigan.


The Sample family, composed of Frederick, John, Samuel, Jackson, and Jacob C., came from Monroe in 1823, and settled on lots 61, 62, and 63, owning large


tracts of land, from which circumstance the locality has been called "Sample Hill." In a few years, Frederick sold his land to Harry Marsh, and moved south of the present Academy lot, where he opened a pioncer tavern.


Uriah D. Wood lived on lot 60 as early as 1824, and about the same time the Gilette family settled on " Sample Hill." Zebedee Woodworth located in the same locality about the same time; and a few years later his brother, Benjamin, settled on lot 52.


In 1825, Sylvester Caswell and Darius Bowen came from Monroe County. The former settled on the east side of lot 54; the latter on lot 44. He died here a few years ago, and the homestead is now occupied by his sons, William and Orrin.


Esau Case settled early on " Sample Hill," and afterwards bought out David Hodge, on lot 48; from here he moved to Ohio. On this lot also lived David and Benson Archer, about 1827.


In 1825, Abraham G. Bush, from Ontario County, settled in town, and made improvements on lots 23 and 24. Here he inaugurated and successfully carried on several important businesses, and was, in his time, the most promi- nent man in town, and always interested himself in its welfare. He died in 1863.


The Helmes family settled at East Randolph, and were the pioneers in that locality. In March, 1825, Chauncey C. Ilelmes came from Monroe County, and began the im- provement of his land, on lot 8. He was a very active business man, and lived at East Randolph until his death, in November, 1866. Members of his family still reside in town. His brother, Albert, came in January, 1826, and settled on the northeast part of lot 16, where he yet resides, at an advanced age, one of the few early settlers left in town.


On lot 15, Josiah Ames was an early settler ; and on lot 7, near by, Jerial Smith. William Thatcher lived on the same lot. Jonathan Wood lived on lot S, coming from Monroe County in 1826, and then put up a fulling-mill soon after. He died near Pittsburgh, in 1832, while en- gaged in rafting lumber down the Allegany. A year later came Daniel Dixon, from Genesee County, with a small stock of goods, which he sold out in Helmes' store. He is still a resident of East Randolph. To this point also came, about 1827, Elnathan Lewis and Dr. Benjamin Blodgett.


On lot 5 settled John N. Angle, about 1830, and is still living there with his son Nicholas. He is a native of On- tario County. Samuel Ewing came from the same county in 1831, and took up his residence at Randolph village. HIe now resides with Mr. Angle, on lot 5. His sons, Samuel and Robert F., are well-known citizens and sur- veyors.


Ezekiel Scudder, a Revolutionary soldier, came from Victor, Ontario Co., in 1827, and located on lot 14. He died in town. Joel Scudder, a son of the above, bought out the Ben Clark place in 1830. One of his sons, Samuel, is now a resident of lot 32. Marvin Scudder came in 1828, and settled in that part of the village now occupied by the business houses. He moved to Illinois. To the same State moved Freeman Scudder, who came, a single man with his father, in 1827, and afterwards married a Miss Sample.


Digitized by Google


1


187


HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.


Another of Ezekiel's sons, Enos, settled in Cold Spring at an early day, and moved from there to Kentucky. The family is one of the oldest and best known in town.


The Draper family came before 1830, and Gilbert Gors- line about the same period. In 1829, Daniel Thurston came from Oneida County, and located on lot 46, where he is still a resident. His brother, Marcus, was also an early settler.


Sanford Holbrook, from Chemung County, came in 1829, and settled on lot 64, which had been taken up first by Samuel Foote. He had two sons, -Sanford F., now resid- ing in the West, and Freeman, living on lot 55. Mr. Holbrook is now a resident of Randolph village. Here also reside Asahel and Addison Crowley, natives of Rutland Co., Vt .; the former coming in 1831, the latter in 1835. They engaged in merchandising and in the lumber business, doing much to promote the welfare of Randolph. Since 1843, Marcus H. Johnson has been a resident of the village. He was born at Olean, Oct. 21, 1809, and is probably the second native of the county. Here, also, died, Dec. 30, 1876, one of the oldest persons in the county, Nancy G. Van Rensselaer, who was born Oct. 21; 1775. She was the mother of Dr. D. S. Van Rensselaer, and the widow of Gen. Henry K. Van Rensselaer, of Revolutionary re- nown. She was married in 1793, and, as her husband died in 1816, she lived a widowed life more than sixty years. She was remarkably vigorous for her age, and did not appear to bear the weight of more than seventy-five years. On her one-hundredth birthday five generations honored her by their presence. She is interred in the Randolph Cemetery.


The population increased rapidly after 1827. In 1832 the condition of the settlements and improvements was shown by the following list :


Land-Owners.


No. of Lot.


Acres Value of improved. Buildings.


Arnold, Gilbert ..


54


4


...


Arnold, William


63


4


Archer, David


56


10


...


Archer, Benson.


48


16


Abbey, Frederick


21


2


...


1


Ames, Isaiah.


15


10


$30


Angle, John N.


5


10


30


Bennett, Erastus.


45


1


...


Sample, Frederick


16


23


100


Bowen, Darius.


44


11


Bliss, Zenos


58


3


Barbour, Hiram.


59


1


...


Bruce, Charles


40


5


...


7


...


Buckland, Warren.


47


12


...


Barnes, Russell.


22


20


30


Thatcher. William 7


1


10


Barnes, Lewis R


30


10


...


...


2


40


Bush, Abram G.


23


2


25


Timmerman. John. 16


8


...


Willard, Walker.


60


3


Woodworth, Benjamin


52


5


25


Woodworth. Zebedee. 52


35


50


Wood, Uriah D


60


4


120 91


Cook, John, Jr. 31


7


Chase, James ..


44


5


Caswell, Joseph 62


5


Caswell, Sylvester.


54


18


...


Caswell, Philip .... 38


18


...


Crandle, Horace P 23


2


...


Cross, Abigail


7


2


Davis, Sears & Co. 59


150


Davis, William. 40


12


...


Darling, Richard 39


24


65


Draper, Oliver. 39


26


10


2


Dudley, Gilbert


24


4


100


20


47


No. of Lot.


Acres


improved.


Buildings.


Field, Albert


51


4


...


Foot, Samuel.


.64


5


...


Follett, Jonathan


29


3


...


Gallop, Chester.


47


16


$30


Gorsline, Gilbert 23


3


80


Gillette, Joseph


60


14


30


Gillette, Comfort. 53


31


60


Gillette. Joseph, Jr. 59


1


...


Guernsey, Oliver.


31


4


15


Holbrook, Sanford


64


1


30


Hitchcock, Bathel.


47


12


46


26


Hamilton, Joseph A.


36


4


40


Hall, Samuel ..


.52


6


Horton. Gervis


25


3


Holzes, David.


13


3


...


Harvey, John W


31


4


74


Harvey, Thomas


31


35


105


Hatfield, A


21


2


15


8


10


Helmes, Chauncey C.


8


35


550


10


11


300


Helmes. Albert. 16


60


King, Gideon.


55


24


...


King, Gideon, Jr.


55


8


...


Kierstead, Cornelius Kierstend, Abram.


30


30


60


Lewis, Elnathan


8


1


12


Marsh, Harry.


53


60


35


MeCapes, James W


39


20


McNull, Alexander.


40


MeCapes, Silas A ..


32


MeCapes, Major.


32


MeCapes. Alfred.


.23


1


Mack, Orlando. 45


9


Miner, William. 31


5


Miller, Walter. 24


2


... 100


Nichols, Rufus. .. 30


8


Niles, Jchial ...


14


5


Norton, Abram 15


1


Olmstead, Moses 58


8


Peters, Stephen. 54


40


Phelps, Samuel. 62


6


Pier, Jacob. 22


14


... 155


Powell, James 32


35


Rawson. William 63


8


...


Reed, Alvin. 21


...


Sample, Jacob C .. 62


8


Sample, Samuel. 61


52


120 ...


Sample, John. 63


16


...


Scekins. Ebenezer. 58


2


30


Slocum, Amos. 63


16 34


80


Scudder, Joel. 23


12


145 70


Stephenson, Supply


31


10


10


Smith, Jerial. 7


4


Scudder, Ezekiel.


14


23


75


Scudder, Freeman


14


9


...


Thurston, Marcus.


39


8


...


Torrance, Seymour. 41


4


... 70


Torrance, Timothy


16


60


Torrance, Samnel. 44


6


Blackman, Robert R 23


2


Tousley, Lucian


24


Blodget, Benjamin


8


Case, Esau ..


40


7


Caswell, William


39


18


30


Cook, Elisha R


62


30


...


Wood, Jonathan 8


4


Williams, Elisha.


56


3


...


Williams, Hiram


56


1


...


Wright, Lyman.


45


5


...


York, Samuel J


23


3


...


The average under cultivation and the valuation of the fifty odd buildings must be considered in a comparative sense only. The real value may have been greater, yet the list shows, nevertheless, how meagre were the improvements and how small the population compared with the present. In 1860 there were in town 1954 inhabitants, and in 1875, 2433.


Digitized by Google


... 80


Nichols, Solomon 48


40


... ...


... 30 ... ...


Powell. Dennis. 40


Sample. Jackson 61


9


...


Stanley, Joseph. 55


Scudder, Enos 16


13


Abbey, Orange


21


Salisbury, Michael. 24


3


Barmore, Adney


40


8


95


$


65


30


Cook, Josiah. 62


5


10 30 20


Daniels, James .. 61


12 9


...


Draper, Elmer. 23


...


Ewer, Elijah. 62


Land-Owners.


Value of


...


50 ...


Kelley, Warren.


22


18


30


30 30 ... ...


14 10 10


...


30


Hitchcock, Otis.


Hodges, Jonathan F


Troop, William .... 14


5


24


188


HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.


CIVIL GOVERNMENT.


In conformity with the provisions of the act of the Legislature of Feb. 1, 1826, the voters assembled on the 7th of March, of that year, to hold their first annual meeting. Thomas Harvey was chosen Moderator, and the following officers were elected : Supervisor, Jeremiah York ; Town Clerk, Andrew D. Smith ; Assessors, Zebedee Wood- worth, Benjamin Clark, Solomon Nichols; Collector, A. G. Bush ; Constable, Comfort Gillette; Commissioners of Highways, Frederick Sample, Abraham Kierstead, Alfred Smith ; Poormasters, James Powell, Timothy Torrance; Commissioners of Common Schools, Jerial Smith, H. S. Latham, Otis Hitchcock ; Inspectors of Common Schools, Andrew D. Smith, Henry Booth, Albert Helms.


Since 1826, the principal officers have been-


Supervisors.


Town Clerks. 1827. Andrew D. Smith. Thomas Harvey. 1828 = 1829.


Zebedee Woodworth. Abraham G. Bush.


1830


Benjamin Clark.


1831.


=


1832


Samuel Ewing.


1834.


. Chauncy C. Helmes. "


1835


1836 Abraham G. Bush.


1837


Zebedee Woodworth.


1838


Samuel Ewing.


1839


John Sample.


1840 Samuel Ewing.


T. S. Sheldon. Dwight Durkee.


1842


T. S. Sheldon.


1843


Zebedee Woodworth. Robert Owen, Jr.


1844


Horace II. Holt.


Simeon Fisher.


1845


Addison Crowley.


1846.


1847


Marcus H. Johnson.


1848


Enfield Leach.


1849


1850 A. G. Dow.


.6


1851


1852. Spencer Seudder.


1853


A. G. Dow.


1854


Addison Crowley.


1855 Wm. K. Miller. 1856. A. G. Dow.


1857.


1858


16


Austin Woodruff.


1861


1862


A. G. Dow.


1863


Amos Dow.


1864 Samuel Scudder.


C. M. Chase.


1865


L. H. Carter.


1866


1867


A. G. Dow.


1868


Rodney R. Crowley.


1869


..


W. L. Carter.


1870.


James G. Johnson.


1871


Samuel Scudder.


1872


1873.


John E. Lench.


1874


1875


David T. Smith.


1876.


E. S. Ingersoll.


E. J. Boyle.


1877.


C. W. Morgan.


1878


JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.


1827. Benj. Woodworth.


Thomas Harvey.


Chauncy C. Helmes.


1837. Resolved Scars.


1838. John Sample.


1830. Jerial Smith.


1831. John Sample.


1832. Benj. Woodworth.


1833. Abraham G. Bush.


1834. Horce D. Swan.


1835. Horace King.


1842. Spencer Scudder.


1843. Marinus Van Vlack. 1844. Abraham G. Bush.


1845. Henry L. Berry. 1846. Spencer Scudder. 1847. Marinus Van Vlack. 1848. Albert G. Dow. 1849. Wm. K. Miller.


1850. Spencer Scudder. 1851. Alvin Lyman. 1852. A. G. Dow.


1853. Wm. K. Miller.


1870. John Archer.


1854. Spencer Scudder.


1871. E. L. Matteson.


1855. Norman Brown.


J. V. Goodwill.


1856. Rufus Crowley. Amos Dow.


1872. Rodney R. Crowley. Wm. K. Miller.


IS57. Win. K. Miller. J. C. Knapp.


1874. C. W. Terry.


1858. Spencer Scudder.


1875. J. C. Knapp.


1859. James C. Knapp. 1876. E. L. Matteson.


1860. Edwin McManus.


1877. Wm. Armstrong.


1861. Rodney R. Crowley.


1878. W. K. Miller.


THE HIGHWAYS.


The records relating to the early roads are obscure. Then, as now, the principal highways were in the northern part of the town, leading to Jamestown and western points. Considerable labor was required to keep them in repair, and much money has been expended to bring them to their present condition.


In 1826 the town was districted and provided with over- seers, as follows : No. 1, Jeremiah Bundy ; No. 2, Major Mapes ; No. 3, Lyman Hitchcock ; No. 4, Benson Archer ; No. 5, Zebedee Woodworth ; No. 6, John Cook ; No. 7, Zephemiah Yates ; No. 8, Jerial Smith. These pathmasters were also appointed fence-viewers.


The appropriations in 1828 for the improvement of the roads amounted to $250.


In 1878, $700 were voted for highway purposes, and the number of districts was reported as 42.


The Atlantic and Great Western Railroad enters the town a little south of the centre of the eastern line, and passes into the town of Connewango on the north, east of the centre of that line ; and, following the Connewango, again enters Randolph at the northwestern corner. It has a station at the village of Randolph, and formerly maintained a small repair-shop at that point. The road has been a great benefit to the town, affording good shipping facilities to the principal cities of the South and the East.


The failure of the New York City and Erie Railroad to build its road through the town, as had been proposed, was the cause of much vexation, and occasioned a bit of legis- lation which may be mentioned in this connection. The people of Randolph instructed the representative of the Western District to use every means that would hasten the completion of the road. At that time, Chester Howe was in the Assembly, and there actually secured the passage of a bill compelling the company to build its railway through the town. The news of this event reached the village of Randolph, and caused many demonstrations of joy. Unfor- tunately for this state of feeling, the bill was defeated in the Senate, and the company concluded not to build the road through Randolph. There was much delay, too, and inability on the part of contractors to pay the men that had


1862. Joseph E. Weeden.


1863. James C. Knapp. 1864. Edwin MeManus.


1865. H. K. Van Rensselaer. 1866. Rodney R. Crowley. Charles R. Dean.


1867. Erastus S. Ingersoll.


1868. Edwin McManus. Elias L. Matteson.


1869. Enos L. Southwick. Q. L. Guernsey.


1873. Benj. F. Congdon.


Chauncey C. Helmes. Jerial Smith. Joel Scudder.


Abraham G. Bush.


Samuel Ewing. H. D. Swan.


Horace H. Holt.


1841 Horace HI. Holt.


=


W. Boardman. Porter Sheldon. H. K. Van Rensselaer. John C. Pierce. " B. F. Morris.


1859.


1860 Benj. McClean.


Daniel W. Guernsey. H. K. Van Rensselaer.


John E. Rogers. HI. K. Van Rensselaer.


Charles P. Ingersoll. 4 =


John White.


James C. Knapp. A. P. Knapp. Edgar O. Wright.


John Sample.


1839. Horace D. Swan. Abraham G. Bush.


Cornelius N. Ballou.


1840. Benj. Woodworth. 1841. Simeon Fisher. John Sample.


Digitized by Google


1836. Benj. Woodworth. Hillis Marsh.


16


1833


189


HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.


been engaged in the construction of the present road, caus- ing, in consequence, want and actual distress in some of the families in town.


RANDOLPH CEMETERIES.


Aside from the places of burial used by the early settlers in different parts of the town, with no purpose of having them remain permanent cemeteries,


THE EAST RANDOLPH CEMETERY


is one of the oldest in the town. It was established by an association that was organized Feb. 15, 1853, and which had as corporators Samuel Barrows, Benjamin Chamber- lain, A. G. Otis, H. Helmes, C. C. Helmes, A. Helmes, Zibee Hovey, A. J. Hovey, A. Lyman, A. C. Merrill, H. Hall, C. Davenport, E. Holdridge, S. G. Frisbie, Wm. Lock wood, J. L. Ostrum, A. S. Payne, Wm. Foy, S. De- land, W. K. Miller.


These chose as the first board of trustees Benjamin Chamberlain, A. C. Merrill, Samuel Barrows, Enoch Hold- ridge, Chauncey C. Helmes, and Enoch Jenkins.


Two acres of ground in the western part of the village of East Randolph were secured as a place for interment, and substantially improved the same year, 1853; and an addi- tion of 12 acres was made in 1865. The whole has been neatly inclosed with a picket-fence, supported by stone posts. To this place many of the remains in the old bury- ing-ground near by were transferred ; and here are also the graves of Judge Benjamin Chamberlain and other pioneers, some of them marked by very fine monuments.


The present trustees of the association are John H. Graves, J. C. Hurd, A. D. Holt, M. V. Benson, Amos Dow, and C. McAllister.


The presidents have been Samuel Barrows, Wm. K. Miller, Merrick Nutting, M. V. Benson, and Amos Dow. The vice-presidents : A. D. Burlingame, C. C. Helmes, E. Holdridge, M. V. Benson, and A. W. Gray. The secreta- ries : A. C. Merrill, Horace H. Holt, E. M. Nutting, Amos Dow, M. V. Benson, and C. McAllister. And the treasur- ers : E. Holdridge, Calvin Davenport, W. H. Miller, H. H. Holt, and A. D. Holt.


THE RANDOLPH CEMETERY


is controlled by an association formed under the Rural Cemetery laws of the State, October 13, 1874.


The associating members were Addison Crowley, Enfield Leach, Porter Sheldon, James C. Knapp, Melzor R. Pin- grey, Sylvester C. May, Alexander Sheldon, A. G. Dow, Spencer Scudder, Alexander Wentworth, Rufus Crowley, Marvin Bennett, William P. Loomer, John L. Douglas ; and the first board of trustees was composed of Spencer C. Scudder, Joseph E. Weeden, Abram V. Doxtater, Benson Archer, Alexander Wentworth, Fred. Larkin, Albert G. Dow, Addison Crowley, and Enfield Leach.


The old cemetery west of Dry Brook was enlarged by the association to embrace several acres, and has been attractively improved. The organization of the association has not been strictly kept up. Its affairs are at present managed by an executive committee, composed of Alex- ander Wentworth, President; Austin Woodruff, Secretary ; and Josiah Wiggins, Treasurer.


MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.


The first manufacturing enterprise of any nature in the present town of Randolph was a saw-mill, put up by Thomas Harvey in 1823. It stood on Dry Brook, in the western part of the village, and was operated about a dozen years ; then abandoned, as the stream was too feeble at this point to be profitably employed. After 1830, Cornelius Kier- stead had a saw-mill on the Perry lot, getting his power from Rodgers' brook. This site, too, has long since been abandoned. Uriah D. Wood had another pioneer mill on lot 60, which was driven by a flutter-wheel, but did a good deal of work in its time.




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.