History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 62

Author: Franklin Ellis and Eugene Arns Nash
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A Sunday-school was opened in the spring of 1843, which has since been successfully continued, having at present 100 members. The first superintendent was A. F. Payne; the present one is George Genador. Other superintendents have been Calvin Davenport, A. C. Merrill, Simon Dean, W. W. Woodworth, T. A. C. Everett, and Belah R. Johnson.

After the Free-Will Baptist church was built at East Randolph, Methodist meetings were there held until 1852.

In 1851 a good frame church edifice was begun for the use of the Methodist society, which was dedicated in the winter of 1852, by Calvin Kingsley, D.D., at that time a professor in Allegany College. This has since been the home of the church. It will seat 450 persons, and is worth $3000. The board of trustees controlling it is com- posed of A. C. Merrill, Samuel Foy, and M. F. Merrill.

A class of Methodists was formed in 1826, at the house of Jotham Metcalf, by the Rev. Job Wilson, of Canada. It was known as " The Elm Creek Class," and has as members Jotham Metcalf, John Huntington, Arnold Huntington, Silas Earle, Lyman Parmerly, Harvey Parmerly, and the wives of the above. Jotham Metcalf was chosen leader, and the meetings were held at his house and in a log school- house near by. Occasionally there was also preaching, and soon after the class was formed, a revival ensued, in the course of which 50 persons were converted. The class continued prosperous a number of years, but when churches were or- ganized in the adjoining towns, the membership was so much absorbed that it was allowed to go down.

The Methodist class at the Treat school-house was con- stituted in 1830, of the following: Nathan Burt, John Moran, John Towers, Orestus Seager, David Newcomb, and their wives. Orestus Seager was appointed class-leader, and served in that capacity more than twenty-five years. The present leader is Joseph Grey. Among the early ministers who preached to this class were Revs. Nelson Henry, Da- rius Smith, John Prosser. There are at present twelve members.

THE CLEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

was organized in 1830, with 12 members. Elders Brag- man and Hadley were among the first preachers. Feb. 8, 1840, a society was organized in connection with the church, having as trustees James Hammond, Elisha P. Mather, James Allen, John Hammond, Silas B. Stone, and Joshua Bentley. About this time a comfortable meeting-house was erected. In 1846, Elder Friall was the pastor of the church, which flourished for a period, when, owing to removals and other causes, it became so weak that its organization could not be preserved.

In 1868 the Rev. Mr. Cooke, a Free-Will Baptist, com-

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menced preaching in this house, and organized a church of that faith, which soon disbanded.

In 1876 the Rev. L. T. Mason commenced a series of meetings in the Clear Creek church, which resulted in a revival and the conversion of forty persons. Accordingly, in April that year,

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CLEAR CREEK

was organized with 36 members, and on the 21st of the same month the body was duly incorporated, with a board of trustees composed of David Durm, Osma Sheldon, and Charles Kierstead. The Baptist meeting-house was pur- chased, and repaired until it is one of the most attractive country churches in these parts. It will seat 400 persons. The present pastor is the Rev. Mr. Jewell; Osma Sheldon is a deacon, and Fernando Sheldon, clerk.

SECRET ORDERS.

ELM VALLEY LODGE, NO. 689, I. O. OF G. T., was organized at Elm Creek, May 12, 1874, by D. C. Hewett, County Deputy, with 40 charter members and the following principal officers : Wm. Buffington, P. W. C. T .; John Wiggins, W. C. T .; Ellen C. Hill, W. V. T .; S. C. Pierce, W. Chap. ; Marion Garden, W. Sec. ; George H. Buffington, W. F. S .; Rose D. Wiggins, W. T.

In the course of a few years the membership was in- creased by one hundred and forty initiations, and the lodge had a very flourishing existence. The meetings were first held in the school-house, but after six months a room was secured in Wiggins' cheese-factory, which was used until another hall could be provided. That winter a stock com- pany was formed to build a hall for the use of the Tem- plars, and with the aid of contributions from persons not members, it was erected the following spring. It is a plain but neat structure, well finished and conveniently furnished, the entire cost being $1000.

The meetings of the lodge were discontinued, January, 1877, but the charter is still held with the hope that they may soon be revived.

EAST RANDOLPH LODGE, NO. 623, I. O. OF G. T., was instituted May 30, 1868, with M. Van Benson, W. C. T .; Josie Woodworth, W. V. T .; W. W. Woodworth, Sec. ; Mary J. Marsh, Ass't Sec. ; John Mathews, F. Sec .; L. Benson, Treas .; Lyman L. Hall, M .; J. F. Stoker, Chap.

In October, 1878, the lodge had 90 members, and as principal officers A. A. Horton, W. C. T .; Belle Morgan, W. V. T .; Abbie Horton, Sec .; Mrs. L. Jeffords, Treas. ; Nellie McCollister, Chap.

CONNEWANGO LODGE, NO. 45, ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE,

was organized at Rutledge, April 17, 1878, and had for its first officers Fred. C. Beales, S. C .; G. S. Myers, V. C .; S. D. Crooker, P. C .; H. L. Chapman, Sec. ; Charles E. Carpenter, Treas. ; Frank E. Day, Chap .; Wells Myers, H .; Edward Ward, I. G .; Irvine Pool, O. G.

The lodge is in a flourishing condition.

THE ROLL OF HONOR.

When the life of the nation was imperiled by the war of the Rebellion, Connewango promptly filled her quota under every call for troops .. Previous to 1865 the town had voted six hundred dollars each to as many as would enlist ; but in February, 1865, the voters of the town in annual meeting determined to add another hundred dollars to the bounty already provided. A list of those who vol- unteered from Connewango is found in the military chapter of this book.

The historian here expresses his obligations to the Hon. William Buffington, from whose exhaustive collection of data the foregoing history has been compiled. It is be- lieved to be an honest, impartial record, and to Mr. Buffing- ton properly belongs the credit of having gathered up the threads of a history whose importance and value will in- crease in years to come, when the means he employed will have passed away and such an account of the people of Connewango be among the impossibilities.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

THOMAS JEFFERSON WHEELER.

The subject of this memoir was born in the town of Middlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y., on the 16th day of No- vember, 1803. He acquired a common-school education, and afterwards attended the Cherry Valley Academy, where he graduated with honors. He read medicine with the celebrated Delos White, of Cherry Valley, and, after finishing his medical studies, removed to Toronto, Canada, where he commenced the practice of his profession. Some six months later he removed to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., practicing about one year each in the towns of Mina and Ellington ; at the end of which time (about 1825) he removed to Rutledge, in the town of Connewango, and located perma- nently there. He soon gained an extensive practice, which he held up to the very date of his death.

As a physician he was regarded as among the foremost in skill and science. He was a man of decided talent, exten- sive reading and culture, and of refined feeling and manners.

He was appointed associate county judge of this county in 1833 or 1834, and held that position on the bench, often acting as first judge, until the State constitution abolished the office, and a single county judge was made elective as judge and surrogate. His. good common sense and scholarly attainments made him an ornament to the bench, and ren- dered his services always necessary in the absence of the first judge. He was elected State senator from this dis- trict (the 6th) in 1845, and held the position one term, rendering a true and faithful account of his stewardship to his constituents. He was also the Presidential elector from this district in 1836, and voted for Martin Van Buren for President and Richard M. Johnson for Vice-President.

In whatever position Judge Wheeler was placed, he filled that position with ability and to the satisfaction of those who sought his services.

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He was the faithful and upright man and the steadfast friend, -the faithful public officer.

At the time of his decease he left a wife and one daugh- ter, who are the last of the Wheeler family.

He was a Democrat of the old school, and maintained and upheld the principles of his party, upon all reasonable occasions, up to the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 8, 1875.

Judge Wheeler was one of the stockholders and the first to start the Randolph Bank, of which institution he was the first president, which position he held at the time of his death.

HON. WM. BUFFINGTON

was born in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., May 31, 1817. His father, Wm. Buffington, was born in Massa- chusetts, October, 1781. He removed to Marcellus, Onon-

Photo. by A. B. Wells, East Randolph, N. Y.

daga Co., N. Y., in 1818, and to the present town of New Albion, in this county, in June, 1826. The mother, Har- riet Churchill Buffington, was a native of Plympton, Mass., having been born March, 1785. They were members of the Baptist Church, highly respected and esteemed in society. They both died in New Albion; the father in March, 1858, the mother in March, 1874. The subject of this sketch, Wm. Jr., received his only education in the common schools of a very new country, except a few months at the high school at Lodi, now Gowanda, N. Y. But he improved those limited opportunities to the best advantage possible. The second winter that he paid any attention to mathematics, when fourteen years of age, he " went" through Daboll's arithmetic in eleven days, doing every

sum without aid from the teacher. When comparatively a young man he was elected inspector of schools, and then town superintendent of schools for five consecutive terms in the town of New Albion. He also represented his town several years upon the Board of Supervisors. In 1857 he was elected to the Assembly of the New York Legislature by a large majority ; his own town giving him all the votes but thirty-three, and a majority of two hundred. He was re-elected to the Assembly the following year, and was made chairman of the important committee on roads and bridges. There was a very large amount of business before the committee, yet every report from it passed the House. Mr. Buffington was sent from his Assembly district to the convention at Saratoga Springs, in August, 1854, for the forming of the Republican party in New York, as a trusted representative of the anti-slavery sentiment of the people. He was the only delegate in the convention from that dis- trict. He has remained one of its truest members to the present time. He was formerly a Whig of the Seward school, giving his first vote to Mr. Seward for Governor in 1838, and has voted at every election since. He never bolts, never trades, never splits tickets, unless there is a want of moral worth in the candidate. At all important elections, for thirty years, Mr. Buffington has taken the stump in advocacy of the principles of his party. He is an earnest, forcible speaker, and was claimed by his friends to be the best-posted politician in his dis- trict, although he denies this. After the seating of Mr. Lincoln's cabinet, in 1861, Mr. Buffington received the first appointment under that administration as mail agent on the route from Dunkirk to New York City, over the Erie Railroad. Having remained among the mail-bags for seven or eight years he resigned in favor of his son, H. C. Buffington, who still holds the position. Mr. Buf- fington has been actively identified with the temperance reform all his life, and never drank a glass of liquor. He has been united with all the various temperance organ- izations for forty-seven years, frequently being called on to give addresses upon that subject. He has always taken an active interest in maintaining village or neigh- borhood lyceums, taking a leading part himself. He is a firm believer in the Christian religion, holding to the faith of the regular Baptists, having been a mem- ber of that church many years. In February, 1850, Mr. Buffington was married to his present wife, Miss Eleanor

Ballard, daughter of Adam and Lorana Ballard. He has four sons and two daughters. Francis S. was born in New Albion, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1838 .. He is living in the village of Salamanca, and is a passenger-conductor on the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad. Henry C. was born in New Albion, N. Y., April 14, 1845. He resides in Dunkirk, N. Y., and is a postal clerk on the mail- route from Dunkirk to New York. Mary C. was born in New Albion, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1849, married to M. D. Patton, June 16, 1870, and now resides at Parker City, Pa. George H. was born in New Albion, Feb. 4, 1856. Ada V. was born in Hornellsville, N. Y., April 19, 1862. Morand D. P. was born in Connewango, Sept. 29, 1872. All reside at home. Mr. Buffington now owns and occupies a farm on Elm Creek, near East Randolph, N. Y.

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HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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M.V. Seuson

MARTIN V. BENSON

was born in Connewango, N. Y., June 28, 1839. His ances- tors were from Holland. His father, John Benson, was born in New Jersey, July 25, 1800. He was an early pioneer in Connewango, where he died, July 6, 1862. He was a valued citizen, much esteemed by all who knew him. Millie Benson, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born May 23, 1806, and is now living in Connewango.

Martin received in the common schools a good knowledge of the primary studies, and afterwards pursued the higher branches at the Randolph Academy. He taught eight terms, and then began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar, Feb. 18, 1871, and immediately commenced the prac- tice of his profession at East Randolph, N. Y., where, by strict application, he has acquired a lucrative business. For several years he served his native town as justice, and nine years as supervisor. He was elected chairman of the board, discharging the duties of the position with marked fairness and ability. He has always been a reliable Republican, being one of the most active and efficient supporters of the party. He is an earnest friend of education, and a faithful supporter and advocate of the cause of temperance.

Mr. Benson was married, June 18, 1868, to Miss Lucyette Merrill, of East Randolph, N. Y. Mrs. Benson died Oct. 17, 1878. We give the following obituary notice, written by Prof. J. T. Edwards, D.D., who preached the funeral discourse:

IN MEMORIAM.

MRS. LUCYETTE BENSON.

One of the pleasant lives that faded with the autumn leaves in October was that of Mrs. Lucyette Benson. She passed away on the evening of the 17th, like one who falls to sleep. Mrs. Benson was the daughter of Mr. Archibald C. and Mrs. Emily C. Merrill. She was born in Concord, Lake Co., Ohio, July 23, 1845. The pious example of godly parents and the sweet influences of a Christian home were not lost upon her childhood. She grew to womanhood with a singularly truthful, sincere, and attractive character. As a filial and dutiful daughter she gladdened with loving words and acts her early home, and left unfading memories in the hearts of those who knew her best. June 18, 1868, she became the wife of M. V. Benson, Esq., of East Ran- dolph. Bryant speaks tenderly in one of his poems, " The Flood of Years," of those wives departed, " who made their households happy." Surely those gracious words of praise might rest upon this one, for a happier home than hers could not be found. One little girl of seven summers pre- ceded her by two years to the better land, and one babe, all unconscious of its great misfortune, shares with the idol- izing husband this irreparable loss. Mrs. Benson had many friends. She was active and public-spirited ; always ready to do her part in bearing the burdens of society, and meet- ing cheerfully the social demands that were made upon her. She was converted and joined the church in youth. None

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would deny to her "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in the sight of God, of great price." At intervals of consciousness during her sickness she expressed a hope of immortality and trust in the exceeding great and precious promise of the Word. Thus

" To the past go more dead faces Every year ; As the loved leave vacant places Every year."

May those other words of the poet be true of us who tarry here a little longer :

"But the truer life draws nigher Every year. And its morning star climbs higher Every year. Earth's hold on us grows slighter, And the heavy burden lighter, And the dawn immortal brighter Every year."

CHESTER D. TUTTLE

was born in Connewango, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. Oct. 1, 1834. The family traces its lineal ancestry back to the Normans, and as having settled in the colonies as early as 1617. For generations they have held to the Quaker faith, and have therefore been opposed to wars and every species of oppression, and in religion and politics have been in sin- cere accord with the anti-slavery sentiment of the country. Chester Tuttle, grandfather of Chester D., was born in Hartford Co., Conn., July 8, 1783, and in 1801 settled in Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y., then called the far West. Here, on July 2, 1808, he married Miss Hannah Devotie, who died July 3, 1812. March 2, 1813, he married Mrs. Eliza- beth Enoe, by whom he had one son, William C., born Aug. 20, 1816, and now living in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Tut- tle came to Cattaraugus County in 1826, and was killed in Napoli, Dec. 30, 1827, by the falling of a tree. His widow died in Napoli, N. Y., in September, 1877.

Ichabod B. Tuttle, father of Chester D., was born in Ver- non, Oneida Co., N. Y., March 21, 1809. He came to Napoli a few months after the arrival of his father. He soon after commenced to learn and work at the carpenter and joiner business, and became master of the trade. He was married, Jan. 2, 1834, to Miss Sophronia Boardman, a lady of much worth, and a daughter of Joshua Boardman, an early pioneer into the wilds of Napoli. Mr. Tuttle set- tled on the farm now occupied by his son, a view of which may be seen upon another page of this work, where he died Oct. 18, 1873. He was a fine, tidy farmer, possessing much inventive genius. He was one of the most substantial bus- iness men of his town, and a powerful aid in developing its resources, and building up and advancing the best interests of society. His private worth was such as to secure the respect and admiration of all who knew him. His widow,

who was born in Otisco, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 18, 1816, resides upon the old homestead with her son, greatly esteemed by a large circle of loving friends. Her father, Joshua Boardman, was born in Connecticut in 1783, and died in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1848. Her mother, Roena Barnes, was born in Otisco, N. Y., in 1780, and died in Napoli in 1826.

Chester D. Tuttle was married, Sept. 26, 1854, to Miss Rebecca S. Benson, an estimable daughter of David Benson and Catherine Pier. She was born in Connewango, Sept. 19, 1835. They have had one child, Clarence D., born Oct. 13, 1857; died Oct. 17, 1862. David Benson was born in Essex Co., N. J., April 17, 1798, and died in Con- hewango, Nov. 3, 1870. His wife, Catherine Pier, was born in Bergen Co., N. J., Sept. 19, 1805, and is now living in Connewango. They were married Jan. 14, 1824.

Charles L. Tuttle, whose name was Frary, was adopted by Ichabod Tuttle when five years of age, and had his name changed in accordance with law. He was born in Conne- wango, Sept. 2, 1852. He is living on the homestead, in partnership with C. D. Tuttle. He is a young man of ex- cellent character and of very industrious habits. He was married, Nov. 23, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Huntington, a young lady of modesty and worth, who was born in Conne- wango, March 25, 1859. Harvey Frary, father of C. L. Tuttle, was born Nov. 11, 1821, and died in Connewango, 1858. His wife, Elizabeth Boardman, a daughter of Joshua Boardman, was born in Napoli, Sept. 16, 1825, and is now living in Randolph, N. Y.

Horace Huntington, father of Mrs. C. L. Tuttle, was born in Connewango, July 2, 1826. He is a farmer, living upon the same farm where he was born. His wife, Cor- delia S. Keene, was born in Mansfield, N. Y., Jan. 12, 1827. She is a daughter of A. R. Keene, an early pioneer into that town, now living in Randolph, N. Y.

Ermina and Orpha, daughters of Ichabod and Sophronia Tuttle, were born in Connewango. The former, born Jan. 10, 1836; died Feb. 16, 1843. The latter, born Nov. 15, 1842; died Aug. 23, 1861. Mr. Chester D. Tuttle was born on the farm where he now resides, it being one of the best in town. No farm in Western New York is kept in finer order or is more perfect in all of its appointments. He is one of that kind that " has a place for everything and everything in its place." He, in company with C. L. Tuttle, are large dealers in all the most popular varieties of high class poultry, sending eggs and chickens to all parts of the county. It is worth many miles' travel to view their poultry buildings and yards, so perfect in all their arrange- ments. Mr. Tuttle is one of the masters of music, having taught for more than twenty years. At all concerts, pio- nics, or other public gatherings, where it is necessary to have a competent, accomplished leader in music, Mr. Tuttle is sure to have a call. He is liberal in religion, always anti-slavery in his sentiments, strictly temperate in his habits, upright in all his dealings, being animated by an earnest principle and a benevolent and conscientious spirit.

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SUMMER MILKING SHED.

POULTRY HOUSE .

RESIDENCE.

BARNS AND COW STABLES.

MAIN BARN.

HORSE BARN .

RESIDENCE OF C. D. & C. L. TUTTLE, CONNEWANGO, CATTARAUGUS Cº N.Y.

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HISTORY OF CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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Photo. by A. B. Wells, East Randolph, N. Y.

& Holdridge

HON. ENOCH HOLDRIDGE

was born in the town of Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1818. He is the eldest son of Price Holdridge, who was born in the town of Queensburg, Washington Co., N. Y., July 4, 1793, and removed to Napoli, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in February, 1832, and has been engaged in the service of his divine Master, preaching the gospel for more than half a century. In his grand mission of love he has traveled hundreds of miles on foot through the forests and over the hills of Cattaraugus County, breasting the storms and suffer- ing the fatigues of his labors with no hope of reward, ex- cept that rich inheritance which he expects soon to "go up and possess." He has always stood steadfast in the doc- trines of the Methodist Church, and his name will ever be identified with its history and progress. His whole life has been characterized by untiring industry and the strictest integrity. He was married in the town of Nelson, Madi- son Co., N. Y., Feb. 18, 1816, to Miss Lydia Robinson, who was born in Edinburgh, Saratoga Co., N. Y., June 24, 1799. She was a lady of much worth, and the recol- lections of her benevolence and Christian virtues will ever shed a lustre upon her name. This aged couple now re- side upon the old homestead in Napoli, with their youngest daughter, Mrs. Seneca Morton, surrounded with all the comforts and blessings that filial duty and love can bestow.

Enoch, the subject of this sketch, was married Jan. 30, 1845, to Miss Sarah Maybee, an amiable and much respected daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Maybee, who were early pioneers to this county. Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Holdridge. Josie, the eldest, was born in Cold Spring, Feb. 22, 1846; was married in Connewango, June 17, 1869, to W. W. Woodworth, who is now a valued .

Methodist minister in Erie Conference, residing in Frews- burg. Gertrude was born in Commewango, April 26, 1849, and died in Connewango, Dec. 27, 1852, after a short ill- ness. Ernest D. was born in Connewango, May 20, 1856; married Miss Rosa Prosser, of Cold Spring, Nov. 27, 1877. He obtained a good education at Chamberlain Institute, and after being engaged in teaching, entered the office of Good- will & Stevens at East Randolph for the study of law, but owing to failing health was compelled to seek out-of-door exercise, and is now upon a farm near the village of East Randolph. He is a young man of good habits and exem- plary character.

Mr. Holdridge has filled many positions of honor and trust, and always with strict fidelity to principle. He has been a justice in Connewango, which office he has held for twenty-one years. He is the present supervisor of the town, having served upon the board for seven years as a leading member of that body. For several sessions he has been chairman of the equalizing committee, discharging the delicate duties of the position with such impartiality as to give general satisfaction. In 1872 he was a member of Assembly in the Legislature of New Nork. He was chair- man of the committee on Indian affairs, and a member of the committee on roads and bridges, also chairman of an important conference committee. He was a valued mem- ber of the Legislature, but what is far better, came home with a clean record. He was appointed postmaster at East Randolph in 1861, which he held until 1865, when he voluntarily resigned in favor of a returned soldier who lost a limb in the war of the Rebellion, and who is the present incumbent. He was trustee of the Randolph Academy, and at the first organization of Chamberlain Institute was

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History of Cattaraugus County, New York, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 62

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: