USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York > Part 36
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work of baking to perfection." This oven was not popular with the family as it encumbered the hearth and obstructed the cheering effect of the fireside. The windows of the log house were usually made of single sash of six or nine lights of 7x9 glass. The hinges and latches of the doors were of wood. The door opened from the outside by a string passing through a gimlet hole and attached to the latch on the inside. A person not of the household wish- ing to enter would rap with his knuckles on the door when he would hear from within the universal custom of the day-" Come in." He would pull at the latch-string and enter. The dining room, sitting room and parlor were all in one. If the family were partaking of a meal the stranger was always made welconie to a place at the table.
Nearly all the clothing and linen of the family were manufactured at home. Every farm would contain from a fourth to a half an acre of flax from which was made the summer clothing. Flax-seed would bring in trade about $1 per bushel, hence it was always premitted to ripen before harvesting. It was then pulled up and bound in bundles so small they could be encircled by the thumbs and fingers of both hands. When dry it was taken to the barn and the seed whipped out by taking the bundle in the hands near the roots and striking the heads on an iron kettle turned bottom-side upwards. The next step was to convey the straw to a clean piece of meadow land where the grass had been harvested and spread it in thin swaths for rotting, which required about four weeks. It was then raked, bound into bundles and reconveyed to the barn. In the early winter it was the business of the farmer to prepare the flax for the spinning-wheel operated by the women. To do this he made use of a simple machine called a brake, which was fol- lowed by the hetchel and swingle, producing a soft and pliable mass twisted into a head of flax ready to be spun and woven. In nearly all the log cabins of 50 years ago the big and little wheels were in active operation by the mother and girls. The mother would be seated at the little wheel, distaff in hand, one foot upon the treadle, the other jogging the cradle containing a little rose-bud of humanity, at the same time singing a low soothing lullaby more charming than the music of the spheres. One of the girls would be seated beside a basket of tow, carding into bolts one foot long and two inches wide with a pair of hand cards, while the sister would be moving backward and forward with nimble step beside the big wheel full twelve feet in cir- cumference, and spinning these bolts into yarn. 30 knots was a day's work of flax or tow. Each knot contained 40 threads six feet two inches long, or about 250 feet. The wheel in common use was the "kniddy-knoddy," con- sisting of a single standard with two transverse heads made of sufficient size to give the desired length to the thread. It was quite a knack to operate one of these and give it the proper flop and swing, it being held in the left hand, but it was quickly made and occupied much less room than the long-
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armed fourheaded clock reel. During the winter and early spring the women manufactured sufficient tow and linen cloth for the summer clothing of the family and to replenish the bedding. The male portion were obliged to be satisfied with cloth made of linen warp and tow filling. This cloth was full of shives and for the first few weeks was extremely aggravating, especially the shirts, rasping and scratching the body as if with a thousand needles. The mother and girls claimed the clear linen, and for dresses they would make a piece checked or striped with copperas, and when starched or ironed who will say the girls were not as attractive and winsome as those of the present day ? Besides the universal sun-bonnet, the ladies wore for many years the calash, made by covering willow hoops with gingham or some fancy chintz. These bonnets would open and shut like a buggy cover, allowing the wearer to show to advantage her bewitching smiles and flowing ringlets. She usually contrived to own a pair of French morocco shoes, only worn on special occasions and expected to last for several years. During six months of the year she, as well as the men and boys, went abont at home with bare feet. Straw hats for the men and boys were braided and sewed at home, and for winter the boys wore fulled cloth caps, with alternate strips of black and grey or blue, brought to a point at the top, usually tipped with a red tassel. Pocket handkerchiefs were also manufactured at home, several women clubbing together for a piece of their finest linen with checks of cop- peras and blue and borders of fantastic design. If there was any lack in delicacy and beauty, strength and durability still remained, and constant use was sure to improve the quality.
Weaving was always performed by women, one or more skilled in the work being found in every neighborhood. The price for weaving plain tow, linen or flannel cloth, was about six cents a yard, and from six to ten yards was a good day's work, the quills being wound by the aid of the swifts and quill wheel by one of the children. We have a vivid recollection of winding the quills for a strong healthy woman who wove twenty yards of flannel in one day, but such cases were exceptional, and were only possible where there was great strength and activity, and little breaking in the warp and filling. These tow and linen cloths being manufactured into pants, shirts and frocks for the men and boys, and dresses for the women and girls, sheets, pillow cases and towels for all, they were soon engaged in the manufacture of flan- nel for winter garments. Every farmer owned a flock of sheep and they were carefully yarded nightly to protect them from the wolves until the great wolf hunts of 1824 and 1826 in which the greater part of the county concentrated its able-bodied men, equipped in the habiliments of war, in the Cassadaga swamp in Stockton, resulting in the extermination of this scourge. The wool taken from the sheep was hurried off to the carding machine where it was made into rolls. Soon the girls are all busy again at the spimming
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wheel. A day's work was 30 knots of wrap or 40 knots of filling. Some of the most active would spin twice this amount .* A piece of flannel sufficient for the outer clothing of the male portion of the family was sent to the full- ing mill to be dressed and returned for winter wear, the remainder being made into skirts and sheets. For the women a piece of faney check of black and red was also wove and sent to the mill to be pressed, and when made into elothing was tidy, tasty and comfortable. The main part of this was of home- made manufacture, but most of the young women could boast of one calico dress the most popular styles being figures of blue. These were seldom worn except on extra occasions, Independence or New Years' balls and were expected to last for years. This frugality will not appear surprising when we learn that a young lady could obtain only five shillings a week at the spinning wheel, and that this sum would scarcely purchase a yard of calico. During the period of the log cabin feather beds were considered indispensable. The rough boarding of the gables would warp, and it was no unfrequent occurrence to find the snow several inches deep, covering the floor and bed- ding of the chambers, a condition demanding extra bed clothing. Hence every well ordered family kept a flock of geese, and every young lady on her marriage expected one or two feather beds, besides the linen and flannel which she had laid aside for that most important occasion of her life. Geese feathers were also a medium of exchange at the stores and with the wagon peddlers, but the equivalent value was always claimed by the women of the household. At an early day Perez Dewey, for many years a successful mer- chant at Sinclairville, made his annual circuit of the county with his great bay horse and covered wagon filled with Yankee notions, which he sold largely to the women in exchange for geese feathers, receiving a pound for a yard of calico. In order to obtain enough for a dress it was necessary for the young ladies to run in debt for one year's crop, which was always granted by this kindhearted old bachelor. It so happened that one year he failed to make his accustomed visit, and, as nothing could be heard of him, his cus- tomers began to congratulate themselves on the escape of payment. But soon the old familiar brown-top covered wagon hove in sight, causing no little flutter among his patrons, as well as a great hubbub and racket among . the geese.
The furniture was always plain, consisting of square-legged bedsteads with rope or bark cordage, and an awning overhead, called a "tester," around which was a drooping fringe of net work tipped with tasty little tas- sels. Sometimes near the window would be seen a chest of drawers, and near it a square-legged stand over which was the looking glass with orna- mental frame of jigger work brought by the mother from her eastern home.
*40 threads, each 6 feet 2 inches in length the circumference of the reel) make a knot, 10 knots a skein, and 2 skeins a run. It is stated in the Censor of July 9, 1920, that four married women of Portland, in one day, spun and reeled 20 runs of woolen yarn, and each took care of an infant .- Edson.
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Near by stood the unvarnished cherry or pine cross-legged table and in the spare nooks and corners, when not in use, a number of splint-bottom chairs. On shelves against the wall, or in the tall cupboard, are displayed rows of bright pewter plates standing edgewise, headed by the great pewter platter, always in use at " boiled dinners " piled with cabbage, turnips, beets, potatoes and other vegetables, and near its side lies the bag of pudding stuffed with some kind of wild berries, a tempting slice of which is given to each one at the table, covered with sweetened cream. During the war of 1812 and the consequent suppression of trade, wooden plates, or trenchers, and even tea cups and saucers made of the same material were common. This ware was manufactured quite extensively by Allen Manley of Ellery, and sold in exchange for maple sugar and other truck. On the beech and maple lands every farmer expected to make their sugar or somehow get along without it. Coarse brown earthenware, such as jars, crocks, mugs and milk pans, were manufactured by Whittemore & Fenton of Fluvanna and Caleb Matthews of Gerry, finding a ready market among the inhabitants. Ox teams and " wooden shod " sleds were the principal means of conveyance in taking black salts and other produce to market, as well as in making social visits. It was 110 violation of the rules of etiquette for young men to club together and convey their girls to and from the places of merriment in this manner during the winter months, all snugly wrapped in quilts and blankets, seated on a good supply of straw. As horses became more plenty, riding double was the practice, the lady mounted behind her partner with her loving arm around his waist. Then no carpets were seen upon the floors; but as long as this was the general rule contentment reigned, and merriment and cheerful song were the heritage of the household. Spinning bees were common, especially when one of the neighboring women, by sickness or want of help, chanced to fall behind in preparing her web of tow and linen cloth for summer use. Some one of the family with a team loaded with flax and tow would visit every house within two or three miles, leaving enough for a day's work at each place, at the same time giving an invitation to supper at home a few days in advance. . No one was ever known to refuse her share of the work, and, at the appointed time, each, with her skeins of yarn under her arm, the roses of health on her cheeks and a throb of joy in her heart, would enter this neighbor's house where she was sure to be received with tokens of friendship and love. Hunting for deer was not the general practice during the summer months, or while the leaves were on the trees, and the supply of fresh meats was principally drawn from the sheep fold. Whenever a sheep or lamb was slaughtered the neighbors were always remembered, and a por- tion sent to each, even when a return of the compliment was known to be impossible.
Religious societies were few and far between, but whenever a . wandering
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missionary made his appearance and left an appointment to preach at the log school house or private dwelling everybody would turn out to hear him. The general practice on Sunday was to call, with words of welcome and good cheer, on some new neighbor, who had located in the woods, if only a few miles away. The road to one of these primitive homes was made by cutting out the underbrush and fallen timber sufficiently wide for the passage of ox teams and sleds, passing over roots and cradle knolls and winding around trees. Let us visit one of these new homes in June. The Creator, from his store-house, has clothed the woodland in lovely green of various tints and with bright flowers. Soon we come to an opening in the woods embracing a few acres. Up to the very door of the log cabin is seen the vigorous young corn and potatoes, and whatever else may have been committed to the · virgin soil, all cheering and hopeful to the husbandman. Dwelling, field, · fences, plants, all are new, lending a charm only experienced on the frontier.
Having prepared a shelter for the family the next thing in order for the settler was to add a few acres each year to his improvements. Much of the chopping and clearing would be done during the winter months. Many were compelled to do so in order that the cattle might subsist upon the browse. In the spring the timber would be burned and the ground planted to corn and potatoes. Necessity would often compel children of tender age to pick up the bits of brush and light chunks of rotten wood that would impede cultivation. After the timber had been removed, before planting the erop, it was customary to pass over the ground with a nine tooth drag. This was made of strong timber, often from the crotch of a tree, and the teeth from bars of iron one-inch-and-a-half square. This business was trying on the team as the drag would go hopping and jumping over the roots. One of our neighbors had a sprightly little boy known as Jimmy. When lie was but five years of age he drove his father's ox team to drag a field of several acres of new land. He was prepared with a handspike of suitable size so that whenever the drag caught among the roots he could lift it out' and relieve the team. It was amusing to see the great honest oxen with their mild eyes watch and obey the words and signals of this little boy. A few years later this little fellow was taught to yoke the oxen in this manner : The yoke would be left on the top of a stump and near it was placed a block of wood about eighteen inches thick. Jimmy would draw out the bows of the yoke, drive up the off ox, draw the yoke along while he stood upon the block, holding up the end while it rested on a prop. The ox would care- fully take his place, and stand for the bow to be adjusted, then, getting upon the stup, he would lift the other end and say to the other ox " Come under." These brutes seemed to admire their little master and would cheerfully obey his commands. Boys from seven to ten years of age were required to go to mill, often six to eight miles distant. The father would fill the bag about
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two-thirds full, divide it in the middle, throw it over the saddle, strap it on with the stirrup-straps and mount the boy on top of the grist, telling him to look out for the mud-puddles and hang on to the mane. After the grist was ground the miller always went through the same strapping and mounting process.
Flour was seldom kept at the stores and a sack of flour could not be bought ; if for sale, few had the money to make the purchase, so everybody went to mill. In times of drouth the Rapids, Dexterville or Kennedyville, were the main dependence of a large section of the county. At such times a wagon would be loaded by the neighbors with a few bushels for each, and with two or three boys for company and a yoke of oxen for a team, would creep away to mill at the rate of about two miles an hour, never returning until the next day. The miller would usually keep us over night. On the road the boys . would watch for the vacancies in the corn field where would be found the melon patch, always free for all to help themselves, as they often grew by the wagon load from the new and virgin soil and no market but home con- sumption.
Logging " bees " were common whenever a man fell behind in preparing his chopping fallow for the spring crop or winter wheat in the fall. Then for several miles away the neighbors were invited with their ox teams to assemble on a certain day. Often as many as 50 men in their tow frocks reaching to their knees, handspikes in hand, would assemble at the lowest edge of the field, where operations were always begun, the logs being drawn and rolled into heaps on a down grade more easily. The chopping was pre- pared in courses for logging, requiring a team and set of hands to each. When the men got to work there was always a strife to see who would first reach the opposite side of the field, and the encouraging shouts of the team- sters could be heard for miles. The oxen seemed to partake of the excite- ment, and it was marvelous to see the great logs they were able to move.
Having accomplished the logging, the next thing was to try the activity and strength of the teams by turning them "tail to," with several feet of slack chain, and dropping the hooks together and starting at the word " go." The best in three was declared winner, and usually fell upon the team the first to start. This finale of the logging bee created much merriment. The whiskey jug was an important factor in all these gatherings to give strength and activity to the men, and in no case must the supply be exhausted. Few ever became intoxicated, but every man seemed gay and joyous. 60 years ago nearly every town had its whiskey distillery, some two or three. Every man was expected to keep a good quantity of the stuff in his house, and, if a neighbor happened to drop in, the bottle was always presented, and he must drink before leaving. Indeed whiskey was so popular it was thought a gallon would go further in the family than a bushel of corn. The last
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scene in a logging bee was a good substantial supper, when the men would disperse to their homes, happy in the thought that each had bestowed his might to foster good will and encourage his neighbor in the battle of life. These were days of rugged toil in the school of science to develop muscle and brain power in removing obstructions in the pathway of civilization. It there was a lack of refinement we must remember it was the offspring of the peculiar surrounding conditions.
When the day was closed the men would spend the evenings in talking of the events of the day, and relating stories and anecdotes of their eastern homes around the cheerful open fireplaces. In the fall would always be seen long rows of pumpkins, cut in circular strips a half inch in thickness, sus- pended on poles attached to beams overhead to dry. This was the main dependence for pies and desert for the family until the apple tree came to bearing and added a welcome variety to the comforts of the table.
The first roads were made by cutting out the fallen timber, underbrush and staddles, sufficiently wide for the passage of sleds and winding around the larger trees. The wet and swampy places were made passable by corduroy or log bridges, usually called cross-ways. A wagon would go jumping and bounding over these logs, trying the patience of a Job, and the women would universally prefer to walk. Deep and almost impassable mud holes were frequent along the main highways, and during half the year teams were often "stuck " in the mud. The long lever would lift them out, and, long before night, the men would find themselves besmeared with dirt from head to foot. Along the roads in the newer settlements woodlands prevailed, and the occasional log cabin was always a source of pleasure, " a thing of beauty and a joy forever " to the weary traveler. Men of to-day may be disposed to condole the pioneer as they read of the hardships he endured, but the old man whoever he may be when questioned will say that he often sighs for the return of those days of simplicity and brotherly kindness. Then there was 10 favored aristocracy of wealth and so-called refinement that marks the present day, no " upper tens," no sharp lines to sunder the great heart of humanity. Very few felt themselves independent of their neighbors, " to breast alone the tide of life," and so, cherishing the type of the good Samari- tan, they proclaimed good will to the world.
The lands being cleared of the timber they were enclosed on three sides by the Virginia zigzag rail fence, first placing a row of bottom logs along the line and on top of these five or six rails to each length, closing up the rear of the field with a slash or tree fence. These bottom log fences would begin to reel and slide about in five or six years by the rotting away of the founda- tion. The same was noted in the log house whose foundation was subject to the same species of decay and soon had the appearance of an ill used cocked-up hat and a cant as if desirous of running away. Its durability
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would hardly exceed 20 years, when it would be vacated for the frame house. The old one would remain a few years longer as a reminder of the hard but cheerful days of their pioneer home in the woods where all agree were passed the most cheering and happy days of their life.
The grain harvest was done with the sickle and the hay crop cut with the hand scythe and gathered into windrows with the hand rake. When the grain was not lodged a good hand would cut, bind and put into shocks one acre in a day. Two acres was a day's work in cutting grass with the scythe, for which the laborer would receive 50 cents. The day would begin at stin- rise and often continue till an hour or two after sunset. When several were engaged in cutting grass on the same piece, there was usually a strife with the leader to cut the corners of the men in the rear. Jesse Walker of Gerry informed the writer that in July, 1821, he took his scythe on his back, and went a mile to the residence of Dexter Barnes of Stockton, cut four acres of heavy grass and with his dollar in his pocket went whistling home, where he arrived before nine o'clock in the evening. A plentiful supply of whiskey was always given the laborer with his rations. In those days speculations in stocks were unknown and men were content to earn their bread by lion- est toil. Occasionally would be seen the log barn, but the frame ones were generally adopted. So far as I have been able to learn, my father, Jonathan Bugbee, built the first barn in Stockton in June 1814. The sills and plates were 16 inches square, the beams 12x14, the ridge pole made of cherry one foot in diameter, the braces of hard wood and pinned at each end, and all else of the same massive proportions. The plates and outside beams pro- jected two inches with an inch grove to admit the upper ends of the siding. Wrought nails were only used hammered into shape by blacksmiths and sold at Mayville for 75 cents a pound ready cash, or four pounds of nails for 100 pounds of black salts. At the " raising" the county was so sparsely settled men were invited from Mayville, the center of Charlotte, and along the east side of Chautauqua lake, many of whom were nine miles distant. Every man invited came to the "raising," and not a few brought their wives on their ox sleds. It was lucky that they had a full moon, as it was midnight before the frame was completed. Of course they were provided with all they required for food and drink. It was customary on the com- pletion of a " raising " for all the men to assemble in rows upon the plates and name the building, then, at a concerted signal, all would hurrah, at the close of which, one of the men selected for the purpose would hurl a junk bottle, filled with whiskey, as far as possible from the building to the ground. There the activity of the men was put to the test to see who would first be able to arrive on the spot and announce its condition. Being tightly corked it was seldom broken unless it chanced to fall upon a stone or other hard substance. As a specimen of the naming of buildings, we give that of this
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