History of Chautauqua County, New York : from its first settlement to the present time : with numerous biographical and family sketches, Part 27

Author: Young, Andrew W. (Andrew White), 1802-1877; Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation. fmo; Huntington Free Library. fmo
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Buffalo, N.Y. : Printing House of Matthews & Warren
Number of Pages: 948

USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York : from its first settlement to the present time : with numerous biographical and family sketches > Part 27

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"Though the early settlers labored hard, and suffered many privations, it would be an error to say that they were not happy-husbands, wives and children. Ask any of the aged survivors, and they will say, with probably a few exceptions, that they were happy. Happiness does not so much depend upon what we have, as upon what we expect to have. They were satisfied, contented, not impatient. They mingled amusement with profit. Most of them took with them into the wilderness a rifle, and they knew how to use it, and the boys all learned the art. Game was plenty, and the good house- wife knew how to make a savory pottage fit for a king. Why say king? Much better to have said her husband, herself, her children, and a neigh- bor who should happen in, at the right time. The streams were alive with the speckled trout, the same for which the epicures of the present day pay a dollar a pound, (though their creditors, sonietimes, go unpaid.) The boys knew how to angle for, and take these spry, shy inhabitants of the rapid brooks, though I will venture the opinion that not one of them had ever read or seen, or heard of the book of the celebrated philosopher, Sir Izaak Walton, upon the piscatory art.

"In this county there was, and is, a large and beautiful lake, and several smaller lakes, all peopled with fish of the most delicious species. The early settlers resorted to them for recreation and for food. We might make a long catalogue of the pleasures and amusements of the men and boys ; but the

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women must not be neglected. They participated in all the happiness resulting from the success and prosperity of their husbands, and they knew all that their husbands knew, and they were constantly consulted. No good husband in those days ever thought of concealing anything from his better- half. It would, I fancy, have hardly been safe for him to attempt conceal- ment, and if he had he would have failed. She was his companion, counselor, help-meet. The women had their visitings, their tea parties, in a neighborhood of ample extent, say a dozen or more miles. They gossiped, told each other the news as they do now, and ever have, and ever will, and woe be to the scurvy cynic who ever has attempted or shall attempt to deny or abridge this happy privilege. The young folks had their pleasures, and as the settlements thickened up, they had their balls, as they were then called, though I believe there are half a dozen names for the same thing now-a- days. And I will hazard the opinion that the net results of these gatherings, and convivial feasts, were quite as great as those of the present day, to wit, a certain number of weddings.

" The early settlers confided in each other. There were probably not a dozen padlocks in the county when the population was ten thousand. The doors of the houses, barns and granaries were left unfastened at night. Their natures were not poisoned by the evil passions which now produce so much unhappiness ; envy was unknown. All rejoiced in the success and prosperity of their neighbors. All were ready to lend a helping hand to all. If a family was burned out, the neighbors met, and in two or three days a new house made its appearance. It was soon furnished, largely by contribu- tions, and the family were soon again comfortably settled.

"Some of the boys, whose fathers were in better circumstances than their neighbors, being owners of the only horse in the neighborhood, spent a large portion of their time in taking to the mill, a distance of many miles, all the grists of all the neighborhood, and the rule was that the owner of the grist should labor for the owner of the horse and the father of the boy during the absence of the horse, and this was generally about two days, as the boy spent one night at the mill, the kind miller furnishing for him a bed com- posed of the grists at the mill, and the boy took with him his own lunch. The load for the horse was two bushels, surmounted by the boy. One of these boys is now a wealthy citizen of Jamestown.

" But to conclude this address already too much extended. The first set- tlers entered this county then a wilderness, without roads, without anything which labor and civilization produce. By their labor and enterprise, and the labor and enterprise of those who came after them, the county has become a land flowing with milk, if not with honey, and its butter and cheese are certainly more valuable than the honey of the Land of Canaan. If those in middle life and younger, now in the county, shall acquit themselves and perform all their duties, and with the like integrity, as faithfully as the early settlers have, then the reputation of the county will be maintained, otherwise not."

At the close of the exercises in Institute Hall at noon, the Old Settlers in attendance formed themselves in an immense procession, and, headed by the band, marched to the Opera House, where everything was in readiness to receive them. Since morning, matrons of the tables, with their busy assist- ants, had been at work furnishing and decorating their tables, and, when completed, they presented a sight such as never was seen in Jamestown

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before, and probably never will be again. Twelve tables, 40 feet long, ex- tended the entire width of the building, and groaned under their weight of crockery, provisions and beautiful flowers, which the skillful hands of the ladies had artistically arranged. Around each table stood ten young ladies ready to attend to the wants of all who should be so fortunate as to obtain seats at their tables. Each set of waiters had some distinguishing feature in her dress ; some wearing jaunty little caps, and others with different colored ribbons arranged upon their persons. The ante-rooms, where the food was stored, and the rooms in which tea, coffee and chocolate were made, pre- sented sights that were wonderful. Bread, cakes, pie, etc., were stored, layer upon layer, and heap upon heap. Never did our people see as much food as this together at one time. Tea and coffee were prepared in huge caldrons, and its quality was of the best, causing many an old lady's eye to sparkle with delight, as she put in their cups the favorite beverage, prepared, as she expressed it, "jest right."

Dinner time came; and the old settlers poured into the house, and were quickly seated at the tables. Hundreds of old men and women were there with gray heads ; many of them white as snow. Though stooping under the weight of years, a merry, pleasant expression was upon every face. When the seats at the tables were all filled, Rev. Mr. Robinson, at the request of the president, invoked the Throne of Grace. Then six hundred mouths were opened, and the old people, with a will, fell to dispatching the good things set before them by the nimble waiters. How many times the seats at the table were filled can not be told, as the people were constantly coming and going ; but it is believed that more than three thousand were fed.

The oldest settlers' table was indeed a curiosity. It was reserved for the most aged people present, set with old fashioned dishes, with old fashioned food cooked in an old fashioned manner, and waited upon by young people dressed in the costumes of the olden time, and direct descendants of the first settlers of Chautauqua county. This table was under the supervision of Mrs. O. E. Jones. One noteworthy feature of the food was a cake made by an old lady one hundred years old.

Dinner over, the old people adjourned to Institute Hall, to speak to their former comrades, and relate reminiscences of early times. They were briefly addressed by Mr. Cleland, of Charlotte, and Mr. Fay, of Portland.

The rostrum was then cleared, and Miss Calista Jones introduced her old fashioned school. Old fashioned desks were placed upon the stage, and at the raps of the long, wicked looking ruler in the hands of Miss Jones, who was dressed in ancient costume; a troop of ragged, mischievous children trooped up on the stage, and took their seats in that manner so peculiar to the district school of years ago. Classes in "readin,' spellin' and 'rithmetic " were called up to recite, and stood there in a row; the great over-grown "booby," the sore toed one, the smart girl and dull one, all were there and in a manner that recalled vividly to the minds of many their own school days in the little red house, where the rudiments were instilled into their

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minds, and where the happiest days of their existence were passed. Miss Jones has been a teacher for over thirty consecutive years; and there is scarcely a man or woman whose childhood was passed in this place, who has not, at one time or another, been under her tuition. She is now a teacher in the Jamestown Union School and Collegiate Institute.

Rev. Mr. Frink was called for, and responded with a fife in his hand, which his father had played on through the Revolutionary war ; and though advanced in years, with fingers stiff, breath short, and lips that sometimes failed to do their office, he played one or two airs that he learned when a boy. They were received with applause.

After remarks by Rev. Mr. Stillman, old "New Jerusalem " was sung by the choir, the audience standing and joining with the choir.

The singing was followed by brief speeches from Dr. Ellsworth, of Corry ; Hon. Alvin Plumb, and a Mr. Taylor, a school teacher in Jamestown forty- five years ago. And after singing "Coronation," in response to a call from Judge Foote, further speaking was done by Oliver Pier, the " Leather Stock- ing " of Chautauqua county, Judge Edson, and Rev. Mr. Kent. The re- marks of all were interesting ; but the want of room forbids their insertion.

One fact, however, stated by Mr. Plumb, should not be omitted. In the account of the receptions of Gen. La Fayette in this county, given in pre- ceding pages, no mention was made of the fact, that Congress voted him, for his services in the Revolutionary war, $200,000, and a township of land.

Mr. Pier, it may be added, in relating his early hunting feats, said he had killed 1,322 deer with one gun, which had required, during its use, three new stocks and hammers.

On motion, it was resolved, that thanks be tendered to the officers of the meeting ; also to the people who had so generally contributed to the success of the enterprise, especially to the ladies, for the excellent preparations they had made. The audience then joined in singing " America," and then the meeting adjourned to meet at the Opera House in the evening. The adjournment gave all opportunity to witness the grand parade of the fire department, at six o'clock, when the entire department, with bands of music, formed into order on East Fourth street, and took up the line of march pre- viously laid out. Of this we can only say, that it was an elegant display ; and that Jamestown may be justly proud of her fire department.

The evening exercises at the Opera House were well attended. By eight o'clock the house was well filled. A large number of the older people present, took their seats on the stage. A great part of the evening exercises was the reading of letters from persons invited who were unable to be pres- ent. After a song, Mr. Cleland, one of the four brothers, took the stand, and related many pleasing reminiscences of early life in the county. In response to repeated calls, Rev. Hiram Eddy, formerly of Jamestown, took the stand, and delivered an interesting address. Jamestown had given him a start in the world ; and he would ever regard his mother town with love and reverence. Mr. Eddy said he and an older brother cut the first tree that

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was ever felled on "English Hill," and built a cabin. Among the reminis- cences of his early life in that town, was his having worked in the old woolen factory, with the now Hon. T. R. Hazard, for twenty-five cents a day. After some well chosen remarks by Judge Marvin, Davis H. Waite, editor of the Journal, read a valuable paper, giving a history of James Prendergast. Deacon Higby Danforth recounted some incidents in the early history of Busti. Judge Marvin then arose, and said that, by request, the audience would sing "Auld Lang Syne," when the meeting would be adjourned. At the close of the singing, Corydon Hitchcock called for three hearty cheers. With these, the second reunion of the old settlers of Chautauqua county was ended.

A large collection of relics was placed for exhibition in the Union School building, which attracted the attention of a great portion of the people present. A few only of the relics can be mentioned :

Portrait of Deacon Samuel Foote, father of E. T. Foote. Born in New Haven, Conn., 1770. Settled in Sherburne, N. Y., 1798. Came to Ellicott in 1826, and died January 25th, 1848, aged 78 years. Portrait of Anna Cheney, first wife of E. T. Foote, and one of the founders of the Methodist church of Jamestown. Born in Dover, Vt. Came to Ellicott in 1812. Married in Jamestown, 1817, and died in Jamestown, 1840, aged 40 years. Portrait of first wife of Hon. E. T. Foote, painted in 1836. Exhibited by Mrs. Palmiter. A portrait of Ruby, wife of Wm. Sears, and daughter of Ebenezer Cheney, born in Dover, Vt., 1787, removed to Pomfret in 1811. On the death of Mr. Sears, she was married to Charles Arnold ; died in Hartfield, 1858, aged 71 years.

From Mrs. C. Jones-Pocket handkerchief over one hundred years old. From Mrs. Job Davis-Snuff handkerchief over fifty years old ; muslin cap over one hundred years old ; also mits over one hundred years old, and vest over fifty years old. From Miss Belle Marvin-A quilt designed and quilted by Mrs. David Newland in 1821. Also a quilt pieced by Miss McHarg in 1812, the calico costing from seventy-five cents to one dollar per yard ; also baby dress sixty years old. One muslin and one cambric dress, handsomely embroidered, made in 1810. D. H. Marvin's baby cloak ; landscape and a fruit piece done in fancy work sixty years ago.

From Gideon Sherman-Corset over one hundred years old; also a sword picked up in Rhode Island after the British were driven out. From Hon. R. P. Marvin-Laws of England, published in 1642, and a law book in 1746. From Mrs. H. P. Buck-Sugar bowl two hundred years old. From L. L. Mason-Original warrant for hanging witches in Massachusetts, 1692. From Levant Mason-Shoe buckle, hour glass and spectacles over one hundred and fifty years old. From Vernon Morley-Bake kettle used in 1800 for johnny cakes ; horn spoon.

From Mrs. A. F. Allen-A chest which was filled with valuables and hidden in the woods for three months to prevent its being confiscated by tories. From Hiram Thayer-Plow brought into this county fifty-two years

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ago by Isaac Eames ; has been used on Mr. Thayer's farm every year since. From R. P. Marvin-Tea-table one hundred years old; silver, china and glass ware used by Mrs. Newland, of Albany, sixty years ago. From Miss Belle Marvin-Horn spoon and ladle, over one hundred years old.

From C. L. Bishop-An account book of John Bishop, one hundred and sixteen years old ; a singing book over one hundred years old; several school books over fifty years old; a piece of shew bread from the Jewish Synagogue of Poughkeepsie ; a piece of a gun barrel used in the Revolu- tion ; a poisoned dagger brought from Borneo, in 1816, by the American consul ; several relics of the Boston and Chicago fires; two pictures of Jamestown before the fire in 1861 ; a ring and staple from Libby prison, used during the war ; a tooth of a mastodon found over thirty feet under the ground ; three specimens of Continental currency; a collection of old coins, all of them used six hundred years B. C. ; the only remaining pieces of an American flag, the first one captured by the rebels at Fort Sumter ; a smok- ing pouch, pipe, two arrows of Wahassett, chief of the Sioux tribe of Texas ; a copy of the Ulster County Gazette in mourning for General Washington, January 4, 1800.

From Ezekiel Gould-A pewter basin brought from England one hundred and twenty years ago. From Chas. Mitchel, of Auburn prison-Three pic- ture frames, two containing 5,000 and one 2,456 pieces ; a work-box contain- ing 13,287 pieces.

From Mr. and Mrs. Alex. T. Prendergast-Case of coins in circulation in Jamestown from 1812 to 1835; cane with carved horn handle made and presented to Judge James Prendergast by an Indian chief 60 years ago ; early settler's cane ; a pair of tongs been in use over a century ; first dinner kettle brought to Jamestown ; pocketbooks brought from Scotland over 125 years ago ; a very old mahogany table imported from France by Captain Norton ; cane made from a deck plank of Perry's flag ship Lawrence; sun dial from Scotland over 125 years old ; an almanac of 1794 ; an old watch brought to Jamestown in 1810; a cravat, diamond pin and brooch and cue worn by Judge James Prendergast at one of Washington's receptions in New York city ; cherry stand, the first article of furniture manufactured in Jamestown, made for Judge Prendergast by Captain Phineas Palmeter ; portraits of Judge Martin Prendergast, Judge Matthew Prendergast, Judge James Prendergast, Hon. Jediah Prendergast and Hon. John J. Prendergast ; infant dress of Alex. T. Prendergast, 65 years old ; wedding bonnet 27 years old ; old style cap ; old fashioned pocket ; old style bonnets; Spanish lace veil worn by Mrs. Judge Prendergast ; log cabin campaign handkerchief and badge.

From Martin Prendergast-Shawl worn by Mrs. Dr. Wm. Prendergast in 1815; dress waist worn by Mrs. E. Prendergast before 1805 ; Mrs. Dr. Wm. Prendergast's dress waist made in 1817; sword and uniform worn by Col. Wm. Prendergast in the war of 1812.

From Mrs. A. Hazeltine-A plate imported for a marriage outfit in 1760 by Caleb Hayward, Mrs. Hazeltine's grandfather. From Col. A. F. Allen-

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Hand sword taken from the hand of a dead rebel after the battle of Cairo, evidently very old, sent to Col. Allen as a tooth-pick. From unknown par- ties-First seat of the old Pine street school house, where Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Allen first met. From Mrs. Seymour-Tea-cups and saucers of three generations, 1773, 1804 and 1823. Leaf from the cypress tree under which Lord Packenham died, 1830. Punch bowl used at a Congregational church raising in Jaffrey, N. H., on the day of the battle at Bunker Hill.

THE GREAT ECLIPSE.

THIS remarkable phenomenon occurred in 1806, when there were but few settlers in this county. And of the large number who witnessed it before coming, there are few now living who can give a minute and correct descrip- tion of it. Nor will its like again occur in the United States, during the life-time of the youngest person now living.

The eclipse was calculated to be total in such parts of New York, New England, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, as were situated between 41 deg. 35 min., and 43 deg. 5 min. north latitude. Gen. Simeon De Witt, of Albany, in giving an account of the eclipse, observed : " Fortunately, on the morning of that day, [June 16th,] the atmosphere was very clear. The eclipse began at 9 h. 5 min. 12 sec., a. m .; the beginning of total obscuration was 11 h. 8 m. 6 s .; the end of total darkness, 11 h. 12 m. 6 s .; and of the eclipse, 12 h. 33 min. 8 s .; end of total eclipse, 4 m. 5 s."

At Cooperstown, N. Y., the following description of this sublime phe- nomenon was given :

"The atmosphere at this place, on Monday last, was serene and pure. The sun was majestically bright, until 50 minutes past 9 o'clock, a. m., when a little dark spot was visible about forty-five degrees to the right of the zenith. The shade increased until 15 minutes past 10, when stars began to appear, and the atmosphere exhibited a gloomy shade. At 12 minutes past II o'clock, the sun was wholly obscured, exhibiting the appearance of a black globe, or screen, with light behind it, the rays only of which were visible, and which were too feeble to occasion sufficient light to form a shade. Many stars now appeared, although less numerous than are usually seen in clear evenings. There was now " darkness visible "-a sort of blackish, unnatural twilight. The fowls retired to their roosts, and the "doves to their windows." The birds were mute, except the whip-poor-will, whose notes partially cheered the gloom. The dew descended, and nature seemed clad in a sad, somber, and something like a sable livery.

" At 14 minutes past Ir, a little bright point appeared to the left of the sun's nadir, similar to the focus of a glass when refracting the rays of the sun. Suddenly a segment of the circle of that glorious orb emerged, and seemed to say, 'sit lux,' and was instantly obeyed, 'lux fuit,' as quick as thought. A small pin' could be discovered on the ground. A more wonderful and pleasing phenomenon can hardly be conceived. The doves left their

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retirement ; the whip-poor-will's melody ceased ; and the face of nature again smiled. But some stars were still visible, and Venus displayed her beauty until 12 o'clock. At 40 minutes past 12, the sun shone in full splendor, and in turn eclipsed the moon and all other heavenly luminaries by its glorious effulgence."

Rev. Dr. Nott, President of Union College, in his account of the eclipse, says :

"At the instant the last ray was intercepted, and the obscuration became total, a tremulous, undulating shadow, a kind of indescribable, alternate prevalence and intermixture of light and shade, struck the earth, and played on its surface, which gave to the most stable objects the semblance of agita- tion. It appeared as though the moon rode unsteadily in her orbit ; and the earth seemed to tremble on its axis. The deception was so complete, that I felt instinctively, and in spite of the instincts of my reason to the contrary, a tottering motion. Some who were present, I observed, took hold of what- ever was near them for support, while others leaned forward, and insensibly flung themselves into an attitude which indicated that they found it difficult to stand.

"The scenes described at the commencement of the total obscuration reappeared when the first rays of the sun were reappearing ; the same ap- parent agitation of the surface of the earth ; the same apparent struggle between light and darkness; the same separation between light and shade into distinct and alternate arches, and the same motion reversed ; for now the arches of light seemed to crowd those of shade inward ; and the whole movement was from the horizon towards the center, which continued about the same time, and disappeared in the same manner, as above described."

In the city of New York, a sudden and dismal gloom overspread the face of nature; the thermometer indicated a fall of the quicksilver 18 degrees, and the atmosphere was sensibly cooler. Not a cloud was to be seen.

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TOWN HISTORIES.

For convenience of reference and for other purposes, separate historical sketches of the several towns are given, alphabetically arranged.

In collecting the materials for this history, it was found that many of the present settlers were desirous to know the dates of settlement of their ances- tors and certain other old settlers. But on inquiry it was found, that the oldest remaining settlers differed much in their recollections ; and that their statements were not reliable. It was then concluded to refer to the books of the Holland Land Company, in which is found the precise date of the article of every original purchaser who bought his land on credit. The record of original purchasers by deed prior to the destruction of the land-office at May- ville in 1836, is not to be found, the books having been destroyed.

But it is to be observed, that the date of contract does not in all cases determine the date of settlement. Some settled on their lands by permission of the agent of the Land Company, a year or two years before their articles were executed, or before the townships were surveyed into lots. And there were others who took their articles a year or two years before they settled on their lands. Hence, the time of settlement of a considerable portion of those whose names are found in the lists, must remain in doubt. A majority of them, however, it is presumed, entered upon their lands as soon as they could erect their cabins and bring on their families.

ARKWRIGHT.

ARKWRIGHT was formed from Pomfret and Villenova, April 30, 1829. A part of Pomfret was annexed in 1830. It comprises the territory of township 5, range 11, according to Ellicott's survey of the Holland Purchase. Its sur- face has been described as an elevated upland, broken and hilly in the south - west, and rolling in the north-east. Its highest summit-near the center-is said to be 1,000 to 1,200 feet above Lake Erie, and is probably the highest land in the county. It is watered chiefly by the tributaries or head waters of the Canadaway creek, which crosses the west line of the town into Pom- fret nearly three miles north from its south-west corner, and the head waters or branches of the Walnut creek, which leaves the town about one mile west of its north-east corner. On its east border is Mud lake, which covers about 10 acres. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. On Canadaway creek, in the south-west part, is a cascade with a perpendicular fall of 22 feet.

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