History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 106

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1068

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Gerry village is not incorporated, but is a prosperous little village con- taining about 250 inhabitants. Its principal manufacturing establishment is the prominent one owned by the Strong veneering company. Large amounts of timber adapted to the manufacture of veneers once grew in locali- ties in this county near Charlotte and Gerry, and at an early period many engaged in this manufacture. Philip Edgerton of Sinclairville, Greenlief & Cole, Leffingwell, Colton, Lewis and Jonah Cutting, and John Strong at Gerry. T. D. Copp made voyages to London, as also did Win. S. Fish later, to sell veneers. John Strong and his son Burdette commenced business Jan- 1, 1893, in a new mill at Gerry, which had two cutting vencer mills with a capacity of 20,000 feet per day. August 28, 1893, this mill was destroyed by fire. The value of the property was $25,000, insured for $5,000. They immediately erected a new iron-clad mill at Gerry, 40 by So feet, three stories high, with a cutting machine that weighs 18 tons and will cut an eight-foot løg. 20 men are employed, and over $25,000 worth of veneers manufactured annually. The timber comes from New York, Michigan, Ten- nessee and Pennsylvania. Curly walnut, birch, maple, ash, sycamore and mahogany are used. A. J. Peterson's steam sawmill at Gerry village has all modern improvements, employs 15 men, and manufactures 25,000 feet of lumber per day. William and Addison Murch own the sawmill at the east side of the village. The basket factory of E. P. Stearns is also an important indus- try. It was formerly owned by George Noble, who for several years extensively manufactured grape baskets. One season, besides his factory at Gerry, he had others at Brocton, Portland and Ashville, at which he manufactured 1,000,000 grape baskets. The Gerry creamery, owned by E. P. Stearns, and the Starr factory, owned by Marcus Pelton, are butter and cheese factories of Gerry village. Jarvis K. Wilson, R. D. Mehan and S. E. Palmer are mer- chants, and M. W. Cowden the physician of the village. The town in IS90 had a population of 1,088, a decrease of 87 in ten years.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Gerry was the first religious associa-

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tion, and was formed in or about 1819 by Elder Jonathan Wilson. The society was subsequently legally organized, and December 12, 182S, a deed was executed by the Holland Land Company of 100 acres on lot 53 of land appropriated to religious purposes, to James Schofield, William Alverson and Stoddard Cannon, Methodist members, as trustees. In or soon after 1829, with the proceeds of the sale of a portion of it, a meetinghouse was built. It stood upon the west side of the highway, about two miles south; of Sinclair- ville. It was the first church built in Gerry and in the Cassadaga valley, and was one of the first Methodist meetinghouses in the county. For years it was the only church in Gerry. It was a center of Methodismn and was fondly regarded by the early Methodists. Often was it a scene of religious revivals and its vicinity the place of holding many a camp meeting. Adjacent to it a public burying place was set apart from this tract of land. The old church has long since passed away, as have the 'earnest and faithful fathers of the little society that built it. They sleep in the burial place near the spot where the church so dear to them was reared. Of the builders of this church and early members of this society, whose influence was long felt in Gerry, are buried James R. Alverson, his wife, Damaris, his brother, William, James Heath and Gilbert Strong, aged 92. Here are buried other pioneers of Gerry : Jolin Mccullough, James Langworthy, Robert Lenox, David Strong, David Cowden and Susannah Woods, died June 15, 1873, aged 100 years, 8 months and 22 days. The church was merged in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Sinclairville. The meetinghouse went into disuse and was accidentally destroyed by fire.

The First Baptist Church of Gerry was formed by Rev. Jonathan Wilson about 1820. It was composed chiefly of members from the Stockton church. They held meetings in Jerry Abbey's log house at "The Huddle," a small cluster of log houses near the old Cutting stand. This church organization has ceased to exist.

Methodist Protestant Church .- The first society of this church was organ- ized at the schoolhouse in district No. 4 in Poland in May, 1839, by Rev. James Covell. The second one was organized in district No. 11, (Millers settlement), in Poland in 1840 by Rev. O. C. Payne. The third society was organized by Rev. James Covell at Bucklin's Corners April 15, 1840. The fourth society was organized by Rev. Joseph Parkyn in district No. 2 in Gerry, December 28, 1840, and included the country around the early Meth- odist Episcopal meetinghouse. The first regularly appointed preachers to the Chantauqna circuit sent by the Genesee conference, held at Elba, October 7, 1840, was Rev. Joseph Parkyn, superintendent, and Rev. E. A. Wheat, assistant. Their successors have been William Emmons, Elisha Brownson, Alanson Kingsley, Randolph Pennell, Lewis Sweetland, O. C. Payne, John W. Davis, Win. H. Farnham, Isaac Fister, S. M. Short, A. O. Hutchinson,

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

C. K. Akley, H. L. Bowen, Charles Hundson, in 1882 when the Free Meth- odist class had been organized at Gerry by withdrawing members. The Kennedy class of Methodist Protestants was about this time separated from Gerry, making Gerry a station to which Rev. F. N. Foster was appointed and served six years, supplying Kennedy also for three years. He was succeeded by Rev. C. C. Reynolds, A. L. Stinard, S. E. Matthews. In September, 1862, Rev. D. S. Skillman was appointed and continues pastor:

The Free Methodist Church of Gerry was organized in ISSO. In 1883 an excellent church building was erected on a lot donated by N. J. Wilson at Gerry village. Among those who contributed largely were N. J. Wilson, John Strong. L. R. Barmore, Walter A. Sellew, Jarvis K. Wilson, Joseph Trusler, H. N. Sealy and others. Of the ministers who have served this church are those who stand high in the councils of the church at large, among whom are : J. H. Harmon, Walter A. Sellew, B. R. Jones, editor of the denominational paper, Prof. D. S. Warner, principal of Spring Arbor Semi- nary, Mich., J. S. McGeary, a prominent member of the Genesee conference, and others. An excellent parsonage is connected with the church. A fine toned bell from the McShane bell foundry of Baltimore, a gift from N. J. Wilson, hangs in the belfry. To the Free Methodist church and the public spirit of the citizens of Gerry the county is indebted for a valuable benevo- lent institution. Gerry Seminary was founded by Walter A. Sellew. The grounds were donated and purchased by the citizens and others in 1884. The buildings were put up and owned by Rev. W. A. Sellew. For four years it was used as a school under the control of the owner. 80 pupils were in attendance in one year and five teachers employed. It was maintained by the income and the subscription of friends. The seminary property in 1888 con- sisted of about eight acres of land, a frame two-story building with stone basement 40%50 feet, and ont-buildings, the cost of which was $7,200. This property was purchased that year for the " orphanage and home for the maintenance of indigent persons and orphan children," without distinction as to religion or nationality, to be under the control of the Free Methodists. Walter A. Sellew made a generous donation of $5,700 in the purchase. The institution was placed under the charge of Rev. and Mrs. O. O. Bacon. The first immate was received June 3, 1889. September 1, 1893, there were 33 inmates supported by the institution, of whom 17 were children, nine aged persons, five workers and two boarders. In 1890, at a cost of $1,500, ten acres of land was added to the property.

SUPERVISORS .- Samuel Sinclear, 6 years ; Amos Atkins, 1814; Selah Pickett, 1817 ; Joel Burnell, 2 years ; Hugh B. Patterson, 11 years; Nathan Jake, 1829 ; James Scofield, 1831 ; Samuel Fargo, 1836; Willard Bucklin, S years ; Win. M. Waggoner, 2 years ; William Bliss, 2 years ; Win. R. Wilson, 2 years ; Sidney E. Palmer, 5 years ; Win. Mellen, : $56 ; James Bucklin, 6 years ; Lyman Eaton, 1853 ; Sammel Griffith, 2 years ; Robert Lenox, 1860; Galusha Beardsly, 6 years ; George A. Aldrich, 2 years ; B. F. Dennison, 2 years ; William H. Scott, 3 years ; Jar- vis K. Wilson, 3 years ; John F. Phelps, 1979 ; Charles A. Tracy, 9 years ; Henry Starr, 5 years.

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STOCKTON. CHAPTER LXXV.

A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

BY DELOSS PUTNAM.

D URING the winter of 1809 young Jonathan Bugbee left the paternal fireside in Madison county, and with a light axe and trusty fowling piece, made a tour of inspection, alone and on foot, to the wilderness of central Chautauqua. After a careful inspection of the country, in which he was finally aided by the advice and guidance of a friendly member of a surveying party, he selected a claim at what is now known as Centralia, in the south part of Stockton. Remaining a few days to begin a clearing and gather material for a log house, he returned to Batavia on his way home, and received an "article " which would entitle him to a deed of 205 acres of land at $2.50 per acre, if that price should be paid within a specified time. In the winter of 1811 young Bugbee returned to his little clearing, accom- banied by his parents and two brothers, Wyman and Simeon. In the mean- time, (1810,) John West, Bela Todd and Joseph Green from Herkimer county, had started clearings a half mile west of Bugbee's, while two miles still further west, David Waterbury, Shadrick Scofield and Henry Walker from Saratoga county, had formed a settlement. These were soon followed by several others, and in 1814 a log schoolhouse was built near the present structure at Denton's Corners, that bears the inscription : " Stockton School District No. I." Dexter Barnes built a log blacksmith shop in that vicinity, and supplied with axes the various settlers for several miles around. Henry Walker, (who finally located midway between the two neighborhoods), became a justice of the peace by appointment of the governor, and on court occasions appeared in the dignity of official robes, consisting of a dark mantle and treble capes. At the former settlement, to accommodate the many seekers after land, Bela Todd started a log tavern in 1814, Dr. E. P. Stead- man attended to calls in his profession, and Lewis Bump (plate unknown) opened a small store, receiving supplies by way of Tinkertown, (now Dewitt- ville). John West and Martha Barnhart were united in marriage at the house of Samuel Waterbury, December 31, 1812, being the first white couple married in Stockton. Mr. West finally opened a log tavern, and subsequently

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

a frame hotel, which he conducted about 25 years. In 1815 a Baptist church was organized at the log schoolhouse with Rev. Asa Turner pastor. Rev. Joseph Bailey organized a "Christian " church a little later, in the neighbor- hood further east. Two miles southeast of Bugbee's, (now South Stockton,). Abel Brunson from Chenango county, settled in April, 1811, and Resolved WV. Fenner moved from Madison county to that vicinity soon after.

In the spring of 1811 Benjamin Miller journeyed from Oneida county and entered a claim two miles south of Bear lake, a little east of the creek. Before dark on the day of arrival a temporary abode was completed for the safety and comfort of his family. Abel Thompson, also from Oneida county, erected the first dwelling at what was early known as Bear-creek corners. Among those that soon followed were Eaton Ford, Samuel Crissey, Gould Crissey, Christopher Smith, John Mitchell, Levi C. Miller and Truman Todd ; including also Hiram Lazell, shoemaker, Carlton Jones, physician, and a Mr. Hines, carpenter. A store was opened by James Haywood in 1817. A Bap- tist church was organized there in 1817 by Revs. Joy Handy and Asa Turner .. In 1818 Hiram Lazell and Elijah Nelson added to the place a much needed sawmill, and a year later a gristmill. Calvin Warren secured land contigu- ous to Bear lake outlet in the spring of 1816, and in its improvements was assisted by two sons, Chauncey and Marcius, who also enjoyed its benefits. Much of this property is now owned by L. C. Warren, a grandson of Calvin. Othello Church settled at the outlet of Cassadaga lake early in 1812, followed soon after by Ichabod Fisher, Elmer Wood, Nehemiah Woodcock, Nathaniel Smith, Abner Putnam, Philip Phillips and others, all from eastern counties in this state, except one or two families said to have come from New England. A few of them settled west of Cassadaga creek, on lands extending upon the- hills. In 1816 the business places of Cassadaga included Ichabod Fisher, tavern keeper, Henry L. Walker, store keeper, Grove Page, physician, and Ammi Richard, shoemaker. James Beebe was the first postmaster, (date unknown). The Baptist church was the first religious society there, and was organized December 1, 1833. Thus is found previous to 1817 busi- ness centers in various parts of the present town, and many log cabins, each cozy dwelling insuring a temporary home for the welcome friends that fol- lowed. In 1816 Capt. Andrew Putnam and wife made a visit to their daughter, the wife of Jonathan Bugbee, and were so well pleased with the coun- try that their possessions in Madison county were disposed of, and in Febru- ary, 1817, they moved upon lands half-a-mile east of the present Centralia. When, in 1821, Stockton was organized into a town, he alone of its citizens enjoyed the happy ownership of a deed.

The first postoffice in town was established in 1820, with Ebenezer Tyler postmaster. It was christened Oregon (now Centralia), and Sampson Crooker carried the mail each way once a week between Ellicottville and.

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Mayville. From the difficulty experienced in crossing the largest streams, he at first made the journey on foot, but soon managed to get through on horseback.

During the war of of 1812-14, about one dozen of the young men of these settlements were called to assist in the defense of Buffalo. After the burning of that town they all happily returned, Comfort Morgan with a bul- let in his leg, while the hat of Wyman Bugbee was punctured by the missile intended for its wearer.

The wedding tours of our first settlers were enjoyed on plain sleds pro- pelled by ox teams. If elegance and luxury were lacking, beauty and hope and intelligence were not, and the worthy bride in the homespun gown may have been just as happy as the jeweled brides are now. The log cabins were generally 16x20 feet, with a great open fire at one end of the only room, that room serving as a kitchen, pantry, parlor and bedroom, with space allotted for loom, spinning-wheel, distaff, and, finally, the cradle. At dusk the little flocks of sheep were driven where the wolves would not get them. (See page 281). If the stock of venison got low, the careful marksman placed a fresh deer where the panthers would not find it. Then, when the great fire illuminated the apartment, if a few neighbors called, the fiddle was put in tune, and the merry dancers enjoyed the space that somehow was provided. The energies of the hardy woodsmen were chiefly required in preparing habi- tations, clearing lands, fitting patches of ground for crops of grain, and pro- tecting the fields and sheep from destructive wild beasts. Little time could at first be spared for making roads, and directions were indicated between points by means of " blazed trees." But in ISII, to facilitate business and travel, the Holland Land Company began the opening of a primitive higli- way from Mayville eastward to the Genesee river, and its course was through the south part of Stockton. This soon resulted in considerable travel along the line, and afforded business for many taverns. Among those who early entertained sojourners within the present boundaries of the town, were Abel Brunson, Jonathan Bugbee, Bela Todd, John West, James Colby, James Dyer, and Henry K. Gravit. Some of the log taverns were in a few years replaced by commodious frame buildings that afforded excellent hotel accommodations to those going west, until the tide of travel was diverted elsewhere by the introduction of railways.

In 1824 Dr. Waterman Ellsworth located at Delanti. He was the first postmaster at that place, and for many years enjoyed a wide range of prac- tice. At that central point had rapidly developed a thriving village with various designations by which it was known, none of which were acceptable to the residents. To arrive at a fair conclusion the village citizens united in a meeting early in January, 1833, and, with Amon Crane chairman and Milton Smith secretary, after considerable discussion, unanimously voted to

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

accept the name " Delanti," suggested by Miss Loraine Danforth, a popular teacher of the village school. But as the postoffice continued under the name applied to the town, the beautiful choice arrived at by the founders of that village may soon be unknown, save in local history. In the brief details presented, little mention is made where the most credit belongs. The faith- ful help-meets who shared the privations, concealed their tears, and ever weary with toil, gave aid to the sick and hope to the desponding, let them in the mind of the reader be associated as ready co-workers in bringing about the improvements now enjoyed. And now, turning over the years that have brought fame to many sons of the honored pioneers, we find essentially a dairy town with fertile fields, beautiful homes, thriving villages and chiarin- ing summer resorts. A railway crossing the town affords two excellent sta- tions, with a third almost touching the line. Six postoffices, viz. : Stock- ton, Cassadaga, South Stockton, Centralia, Burnham and Moons, each sup- plied with twelve mails per week, afford evidence of intelligence that is in line with the enterprise that preceded the present inhabitants.

Stockton was set off from Chautauqua, February 9, 1821. It has an area of 29,037 acres. The first townmeeting was held April 3, 1821. The officers elected were : Calvin Warren, supervisor ; John Curtis, town clerk ; John Tyler, Hiram Lazell and Ebenezer Smith, Jr., assessors ; Joseph Sacket, and John Newbre, overseers of poor ; Levi C. Miller, Salmon Tyler and David Sacket, highway commissioners ; Hiram Lazell, collector ; Lewis C. Todd, Calvin Tyler and Ebenezer Smith, Jr., school commissioners ; Newell Put- nam and Hiram Lazell, constables. This town has many butter and cheese factories, and is a leading dairy town of the county. A factory is located at Centralia, one at Moon's, one at Cassadaga and one near Delanti. A leading factory is about two miles west of Delanti, which for 12 years has been con- ducted by Silas W. Lewis. He is son of Jacob Lewis, who was born in Mar- cellus, Onondaga county, August 16, 1798. He came to this county in 1830.

Lumbering on the Cassadaga was an early industry. E. A. Ross says that " The mill on the Cassadaga at South Stockton was built by R. W. Fenner in 1824; it was later owned by Forbes Jolinson. In 1827 a gristmill was built by Jolinson & Fenner, which is still owned by members of the Johnson family. I think that this is the only instance of a grist or sawmill owned or operated at the present time by descendants of the pioneer owner. The next and last mill on the Cassadaga from which lumber was run to southern mar- kets was built by Bela Todd about 1829, and sold to Charles D. Cooper, who built a carding and cloth-dressing establishment. A sawmill is still there. A gristinill and sawmill were built at the foot of Bear lake

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(Delanti) by John Hines, Hiram Lazelle and Elijah Nelson about IS18. * Any who have seen the upper Cassadaga creek about and above South Stock- ton would wonder how a lumber raft could ever be run down that small stream. When I give for the benefit of the uninitiated the size of a raft they may be still more surprised. The usual size of a five-platform piece was 16 feet wide, and the length of five 16-foot boards, from 70 to So feet. These rafts were from 15 to 20 courses deep, and were rigged with an oar or sweep on each end to guide the raft. This was a pretty large raft to run out of so small a stream. They were run in single rafts to the mouth of the Cassadaga where two were coupled together lengthwise, in which shape they were run into the Allegany fleet."

A large and rich deposit of shell marl underlies the bed of the ancient Cassadaga lake, embracing the Cassadaga lakes and surrounding swamps and marshes. Analysis shows it nearly pure carbonate of lime, almost identical with the English chalk cliffs from which the celebrated Portland cement is made. From this marl was made a dark colored lime which furnished the pioneer cabins with their plastering, and the church in Cassadaga was plas- tered with it. The Chautauqua Cement company was organized about 1890, a large acreage was purchased, and a manufactory, embracing a large mill, compounding rooms, laboratory, and kiln, has been built adjoining the D. A. V. & P. R. R., near Cassadaga station.

Bear lake, on the north border of the town, is one of the sources of Cas- sadaga creek, and is noted for the number and quality of its fish, as well as the beauty of surrounding scenery. Its outlet flows southeasterly through the town, passing through Delanti and South Stockton. The section of Cas- sadaga lakes has been widely known and visited as a place of incomparable beauty, differing much from many of the other noted resorts, but with a witching charm peculiar to itself.

Cassadaga village possesses a splendid graded school, good churches, sev- eral business houses, and is a beautiful restful summer resort. It lies on the borders of Cassadaga lake, near Cassadaga station, on the D. A. V. & P. R. R. One of the most extensive industries is the basket factory of C. V. Beebe & Co., where 1,000,000 grape baskets can be made annually. Asa Burnham, who claims to have made the first factory cheese produced in western New York and was once a noted " King of the turf," is a resident here. Knott & Hill have a steam mill where they make sash, doors, veranda posts, etc., and do custom turning. E. Woods & Son have a feed mill on Jamestown street, and deal in flour, meal, grain, etc. Mr. Woods is postmaster at Burnham postoffice, Cassadaga station. L. M. Smith and A. P. Cushman conduct merchandising, E. P. Straight owns and operates the Cassadaga creamery, also one at South Pomfret, and one at Laona. H. Burnham has a saw and planing mill and a cheese box factory at the station, the Todd Sanitarium is

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

near Lily Dale on the edge of the town, and other industries might be classed as belonging to Cassadaga. (See page 313).

CHURCHES .- The Baptists were early here. Many belonged to a church near Chautauqua lake formed in 1808. The first services were held by Rev. Joy Handy in March, 1814, at Jonathan Bugbee's house. The church above mentioned was formed into two in 1817, one of which in April, 1821, became the Baptist Church of Stockton, and in October, 1821, the First Baptist Con- gregational Society was incorporated, and received the grant of 50 acres of land offered to each of the first two churches by the Holland Land Company. The settlers in Bear Creek valley held meetings in 1815, and March 12, 1817, organized at Delanti the " Third Baptist Church of Chautauqua." Cassadaga Baptist church was organized May 8, 1834. These societies have done good work in the Master's cause. A Congregational church was organized as early as 1815. The Methodists had foothold here about 1825 and have held meet- ings continuously since. The church at Oregon was organized in 1839 or 1840. The Christian church at Delanti was formed in 1825. There are representatives of other denominations residing here. The Universalists and United Brethren have had societies here since 1850.

CASSADAGA LAKE FREE ASSOCIATION .- " Lily Dale " is the name of the grounds of this association. These grounds are in Stockton and beautifully situated on a tract of land called " The Island," and which was once actually an island. The waters which surrounded it have now diminished to four beautiful lakes, connected by narrow channels, usually called the Lower, Middle, Upper and Mud lakes. Lily Dale is, perhaps, the most important assembling place in the United States of those who believe in the possibility of intercourse with the invisible world. The large summer gathering here of people from distant parts of the country, the pleasant scenery and fine grounds, the singular and unique program of entertainments, each year improving in its intellectual quality, all contribute to make Lily Dale a place of unusual interest. Some of the many spiritualist camping grounds have had longer existence than Lily Dale, but none have more legitimate claim to hold the leading place, for, in its immediate vicinity, in the little village of Laona, occurred nearly the earliest movement in the history of Spiritualisin. To this movement Lily Dale owes its origin. Before the " Rochester knock- ings," and as early as the winter of 1844-5, Dr. Moran lectured to the people of Laona upon mesmerism and animal magnetism, and a number of the citi- zens had given their attention to these and kindred subjects, until their minds had become ripe to receive Spiritualism. Among those were William John- son and Jeremiah F. Carter. Mr. Carter and Miss C. A. Ramsdell became well- known mesmeric " subjects," and the latter a " medium," before spiritualism was known. In 1850, two years after " spirit rappings " began in the Fox fam- ily, Miss Harriet M. Doolittle of Laona produced spirit raps, was controlled

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History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 106

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1068