History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 66

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

USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York > Part 66

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The village of Brocton was incorporated in 1894, its citizens voting in favor thereof March 20, 1894. The first village election was held April 17, when these officers were elected : Garrett E. Ryckman, president ; William Ogilvie, Stewart Dean, Jonas Martin, trustees ; E. C. Edmunds, treasurer ; Hiram Haight, collector. The village has an area of 1, 11472 acres, a popu- lation of 900, and an assessed valuation of nearly $400,000. The villages of Brocton and Portland have nearly doubled their population within ten years, and fine residences over the entire town are rapidly taking the places of those occupied a dozen years ago, and evidences of material prosperity are to be seen on every hand. One of the most tangible of these is the existence of a bank, organized at Brocton in May 1886, as a private bank by Dean & Hall, reorganized as a state bank in February, 1892, with a capital stock of $30,000, and these officers : Ralph A. Hall, president ; Herman J. Dean, vice-presi- dent ; L. D. Sullivan, cashier ; B. D. Phillips, assistant cashier.

An important industry is the nursery of the C. S. Curtis Company. This was inaugurated in 1880 by C. S. Curtis of Portland Center. In I891 a stock company was formed and incorporated under the present name. Buildings, cellars and other appliances, were built the same season. About 100 acres of land are used for propagating purposes, and from 25 to 50 inen are employed. The directors are C. S. Curtis, E. H. Fay, G. E. Ryckman, Jonas Martin, R. A. Hall.

Portland lias also a summer resort of considerable note in Van Buren point, a bold promontory of rock 50 to 60 feet high extending into the lake several hundred feet. It is an exceedingly beautiful plat of ground, with a boarding house and cottages, with lawns and flowers in great profusion.

No military organization ever existed in the present Portland until the civil war. The first military company of the county was formed at the

558

HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

Cross roads in May ISOS. Win. Prendergast of the Cross roads was chosen captain, in fact was then captain of Niagara county militia, and David Eaton was made sergeant. 11 from this town were enrolled, all the population liable to duty. A regimental drill was held in 1811 at James Dunn's tavern. In after years companies at Westfield and Fredonia covered this territory. Joshua S. West commanded an independent company from 1830 to 1835. Portland sent brave men to suffer from wounds and imprisonment in the war of 1812, and two men to the Mexican war, one to die. In the civil war of 1861, Portland furnished for the army and navy that were credited to the town 137 men, 4 furnished substitutes, 11 commuted, 14 reinlisted, 7 enlisted outside the state, 57 were enlisted outside of town, making an aggregate of 230 men. Of the 137 men, 11 died in the army or while prisoners of war, 5 were killed in battte, 6 died of wounds in hospital, 4 of starvation, 2 from sickness soon after returning home, 2 were missing, 30 were discharged for disability and 76 only returned home nominally well, yet broken in health in a majority of instances. More than a meed of honor is due the Portland soldiers. With grateful hearts we remember their sacrifices and "deeds of valor done," and will not fail to do them reverence so long as one lingers among us.

CHURCHES .- The first public religious meeting was held at the tavern of James Dunn in 1810, by Rev. John Spencer .* But a dozen were present. No regular services were held mitil 1814, when Amasa West, a teacher at the Cross roads, conducted services at the tavern of Peter Ingersoll near the west line of the town. These meetings continued until 1818, when the Con- gregational church was formed at the log dwelling of John Churchill, Rev. John Spencer officiating. The first 18 members were John House, William Couch, Augustine Klumph, Jabez Hurlbut, David Eaton, John Churchill, Sylvester Churchill, Z. M. Price, Joana House, Abigail Couch, Wilson Andrews, Andrew Kelsey, Frederick Couch, Mary Eaton, Louisa Hurlbut, Mercy Eaton, Keziah Andrews, Nancy McClintock. No stated preaching was had, but the church was under the care of Mr. Spencer for a few years ; afterwards of Rev. Phineas Camp and later Rev. Mr. Oakes of Westfield. In 1525 there were 52 members, interest declined, and in 152s it ceased to exist. A society was formed in connection with this church, June 24, 1822. The first trustees were Frederick Couch, Wilson Andrews and Wilber Emer- Son. March 16, 1833, the church was reorganized with these members : Timothy Judson, Samuel Hall, Abigail Thompson, Phebe Mathewson, Clark

*Rev. John Spencer was born at Spencertown, N. Y., in 1755. He was the pioneer missionary to the Hol- land Purchase, He was licensed by the Northern Associated Presbytery, October 29, 1800, and ordained a year later. Although uniting with the Presbytery, he was a Congregationalist. He accepted a commision from the Missionary Association of Connecticut, and, in roz, removed to Sheridan. He continued his missionary labors until dig, having founded is churches, among them one in Sheridan in isto, one in Ellicott in 1516, one in Portland in 1918, and otte in Fredonia and one in Sherman. He was settled over a church in Busti where he died in 1526. He was unwavering in his faith and indefatigable in sowing the seed of the kingdom.

559

PORTLAND.

Gould, Elisha, Clarinda, Alvin, Catherine and Eliza Cook, Anson Driggs, Nathan G. Jones, Mary Eaton, Samuel Walker, Dana and Minerva Churchill. Dana Churchill and Alvin Cook were chosen deacons. The officiating clergymen were Revs. D. D. Gregory of Fredonia and Timothy Stillman of Dunkirk. A reorganization of the society was effected April 30, 1833, as the " First Congregational Society in the town of Portland." The first trustees were Samuel Hall, Asa Andrews, Timothy Judson, Win. Curtis, Clark Gould, Anson Driggs. This house of worship was built in 1842, and repaired and parlors added in 1889. Pastors : Revs A. W. Gray, Calvin Gray, W. J. Wil- cox, N. H. Barnes, L. F. Laine, I. I. St. John, Courtney Smith and others. The present pastor is Rev. H. M. Higley. The superintendent of the Sab- bath school is Irving A. Wilcox. This church is a land mark in the religious life of Portland.

Methodist Episcopal Church .- William Dunham was the father of Meth- odism in Portland. He came from Dutchess county in 1816 and settled lots 27 and 32, T. 5, his loghouse standing on lot 32. The first class was formed at his home in 1817. The members were : William and Lucy Dunham, Isaac and Parthena Baldwin, William and Barbara Cowell, Abial and Mary Flint and Simon Burton. The first additions to the class were Elisha and Mrs. Sophia Fay, Parsons and Mrs. Phebe Taylor and Mrs. Thompson early in 1818. Large additions were made in this year, and another class was formed on the south road. The first class-leaders in town were William Dunham, Isaac Baldwin, Elisha Fay. There is no record of a foundation of a church and the oldest members have no knowledge of such an event. It is said that sometime late in 1818, or early in 1819, the two classes united in one class. Their meetings were held mostly in schoolhouses until 1835 when their first house of worship was built at Portland Center, the site being donated by David Showerman and Joseph Lockwood. In 1868 their present church edifice was built at a cost of $7,000. In 1853 a portion of this church uniting with a class on " Harmon hill " formed a church at Salem X Roads. This church has come to be strong and prosperous and is under the same charge as the Portland church. The first parsonage at Portland Center was built in 1843, and the one now occupied in 1887-8. The society in connection with the Portland church was formed in 1822, and reorgan- ized February 3, 1834. The church edifice at Brocton was built in 1853 at a cost of $2,500. These churches and societies have been greatly prospered, and have been the means of great good in their localities. The names of the preachers sent to this charge are here given :

- Goddard, 1817-18; J. Summerville, 1818-19; R. Hutton, 1819-20 ; J. Hill, 1820; - Bronson, 1820; Nath. Reeder, 1821 ; R. Hutton, 1821- 2; - Keyes, 1822-3 ; - Kent, 1825 ; - Knapp, 1826 ; - Wright, 1827 ; A. Plimpton, 1828; J. Filmore, 1829; W. B. Mack, 1829;

560

HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

J. Barris, 1830; - Preston, 1830; - Babcock, 1831 ; - Halleck, 1832 ; - Stowe, 1833 ; D. Williams, 1834 ; - Luce, 1835 ; - Kin- ney, 1836; I. Rogers, 1837; J. Flowers, 1838-9 ; I. H. Tackett, 1838-9; Hunter, 1841 ; J. E. Chapin, 1843-4; J. S. Baker, 1845-6; Browning, 1847 ; J. Uncles, 1848 ; J. O. Rich, 1849 ; T. D. Blinn, 1850-1 ; John Peet, 1852-3 ; - Burgess, 1854-5 ; - Wrigglesworth, I856-7 ; P. Burroughs, 1858; T. D. Blinn, 1859-60 ; A. C. Tibbetts, 1861-2 ; J. Les- lie, 1863-4 ; G. N. Gray, 1865-6-7 ; E. B. Cummings, 1868-9 ; J. Hill, 1870; J. C. Sullivan, 1871-2 ; H. W. Leslie, 1873; R. W. Scott, 1874; A. C. Tib- bitts, 1875 ; A. G. Wilson, 1876 ; J. N. Clover, 1877-8-9 ; W. W. Woodworth, 1880 ; G. J. Squier, 1881-2-3; B. F. Wade, 1884-5-6; J. M. Barker, 1887-8 ; S. M. Nickle, 1889-90-1; R. N. Stubbs, 1892.

The First Baptist Church was organized September 20, 1819, with these members : William Harris, Joli Light, Sylvester Andrews, Erastus Andrews, Charles Morse, Rachael Harris, Deborah Light, Anna Taylor, Phebe Fay, Sally Sage and Sarah Mumford. The council setting them apart was com- posed of Revs. Joy Handy, Pearson Crosby, Jonathan Wilson. Fifty-two were added the first year, eight united the first month, among them Elijah and Lucy Fay. The first deacons were Elijah Fay and Sylvester Andrews, elected April 8, 1820, and ordained April 9. Of the 63 members at the close of the first year none remain. Their first house of worship was commenced in 1834 and completed in 1837. The first meeting there was October 7, 1837, and the first marriage in the house was that of Joseph B. Fay and Maria M. Sage, October 8, 1837. The lot was donated by deacon Elijah Fay. The present house of worship was built in 1867 upon the same site, and dedicated December 18, 1867. The society was formed April 6, 1822. The first trustees were Isaac Sage, Charles Morse and Elijah Fay. A par- sonage was built one-half mile west of Broeton in 1824 and occupied by Rev. Charles La Hatt, their pastor, until his death in 1850. The next winter this was exchanged for a house and lot in Brocton, still used as a parsonage. Some of the pastors were Jonathan Wilson, Pearson Crosby, Charles La Hatt, Corwin, Eli Dodge, Charles Sanderson, Howard, Marble, Charles Keyes, Levant Rathburn, Malcom Roberts, Alden, B. F. Mace, Z. Smith, A. Dickenson, W. R. Connelly, J. H. Miller, G. W. Divoll, Daniels, Cogswell, A. Knight, J. M. Bates, W. C. Wiltse and others. In 1831 ten members left this church to aid in forming a church at Westfield. In 1842 another colony left to assist in forming West Portland church. Notwithstanding these withdrawals the church maintained its vigor, and has always been an agent for good.

W'est Baptist Church .- A large number of the members of the Portland or Brocton church in the west part of town, petitioned to be allowed to hold meetings in their own locality as a branch of the "mother church."

561

PORTLAND.

This was acceeded to March 12, 1842. In June following the branch petitioned the " mother church " to be allowed to become a " separate church." This was consented to, and June 22 a council convened and the branch was declared a church in "Gospel order," under the name of "West Baptist Church in Portland." Lemi Bartholomew and James Andrews were elected deacons. This first number was 23, and within the year this number increased to 87. This house of worship was built on lot 41, T. 5, in 18.12, and is still occupied. The church was never strong, and today it numbers no more than half the membership at the close of 1842. A parsonage was built in 1867. A society was formed September 12, 1842, and the first trustees were Lemi Bartholomew, D. M. Farrington and Edwin Farrington. Among the pastors were Jonathan Wilson, Charles La Hatt, Levant Rath- burn, Malcom Roberts, C. B. Reed, John Halladay, O. L. Crittenden, W. R. Connally, Alonzo Frink, M. A. Wixon, D. E. Burt, J. W. Davis, C. B. Keyes, A. Knight and others.

Universalist Church .- An agreement by a number of this faith was made and signed at the house of Simon Burton September 21, 1821, creating informally the " First Universalist Society of Portland." The compact was signed by Simon, Willard and Hiram Burton, Oliver Spafford, Harry and Walter Mumford, David and Moses Joy, Ahira Hall, Samuel Beach, 2d, Lyman Doo- little, Zimri Hill, Slapp Hovey, James Chester. A board of trustees were chosen September 24. About one year after a church was formed with 35 members. March 4, 1824, a society was formed, but after a few years the society and church ceased to exist. Some years since an effort was made to reorganize but it was ineffectual. The pastors were Caleb Todd, Lewis C. Todd, Mr. Man- ley, T. C. Eaton, Joseph Eaton ; later, Stephen Rorapaugh, C. C. Richard- son, Isaac George, and L. E. Rexford.

Protestant Methodist Church .- This church was organized at the school- house in District No. 11, by Rev. O. C. Payne, of Fredonia, of members liv- ing in the vicinity. Those uniting in the formation were Wolcott, Chand- ler, Sarah and Merab Colt, Joel S. and Lydia Farnham, Platt A. and Lucy Lathrop, Collins Haight, Nancy Porter, Cynthia Kelley, Cornelia Howe. The organization lasted but two years.

A Freewill Baptist Church was formed on the southern border of the town many years since, and a house of worship was built on "Chautauqua hill," in the town of Chautauqua. After a few years it ceased to exist, and the property was sold to the M. E. church.

The Roman Catholic Church has a representation in town of about thirty members, mostly Irish. They have a church edifice at Brocton station, built in 1873.

Swede Evangelical Lutheran Church .- Portland has a Swede population of about 300. They are excellent citizens, are fast making themselves

562

HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

homes, and readily adopt themselves to the status of American citizenship. Their religions creed is Evangelical Lutheran. In 1872 a church organiza- tion was formed at the schoolhouse in district 9, by Rev. J. W. Chambers. This was their place of meeting for It years. In 1883 a neat church edifice was erected and dedicated at Brocton at a cost of $2,500. The membership at this writing is ro, and the church is prosperous. The punctuality of the members in attendance on divine worship is decidedly commendable, and an example worthy of imitation. The present pastor is G. A. Rodel.

The Brotherhood of New Life was formed by Rev. Thomas Lake Harris. In 1867 Mr. Harris came to Portland from Dutchess county and purchased nearly 2,000 acres to establish here a branch of this unique order. The membership came from other localities, and, about 1871, numbered 100; one-third of them found their " use" in various sections of this country and Europe under the direction of their leader rather than on their planta- tion. As far as possible they lived by themselves, and were reticent with reference to their association and its inner workings. They are known as the " Harris Community." The fact of their being difficult of access excited curiosity and was the occasion of much impertinent inquiry. The Associa- tion gained considerable notoriety and prominence from the fact of its intim- bering among its members those " widely known in theological, literary and political circles, among them Lady Oliphant and her son Laurence Oliphant, both well-known in the literary world. Mr. Oliphant when he left England gave up his seat in parliament where he was a prominent and active mem- ber. Mr. Harris had been a successful and popular Universalist minister in New York city ; afterward an investigator of spiritualism, and for sometime a Swedenborgian. Before coming to Portland he visited England, where he became famous as a preacher and writer ; returning to America he estab- lished the "Brotherhood." The members in Portland had no permanent homes but removed from one place to another on their premises as seemed best for their " nse" or employment for the time, each being placed in a position for which he or she seemed best fitted. Their business was agricul- ture, viniculture and merchandizing. In a sense they were Spiritualists, but they rejected the system of general mediumship and constant intercourse with the spirit world as profane and profitless. In a sense they were Socia- lists and considered that the practical fulfillment of the gospel was in "divine natural society." They held that the institution of marriage and the family were of infinite authority and universal value. The observance of the Sab- bath they did not regard as obligatory, each acting up to his own inclinations. This they claimed to be right, as they neither worked for themselves or for gain there was no harm it it. They professed the highest christianity, in which each was to take more pleasure in doing some useful service for another " from the love of it " than in serving himself. The "Brotherhood " in

563

PORTLAND.

Portland made an effort to live out their principles, and, though their inter- ests centered very largely in their association, they were excellent citizens. Their grand structure fell to pieces however, the property was sold in par- cels, and but a single member remains in town.

David Eaton, born in Farmingham, Mass., Feb. 2, 1872, was son of Ben- jamin and Mary Eaton. His father was a shoemaker, and died when David was I8 ; but David continued the business and supported the family. In 1805, with Nathan Fay, he visited the "Purchase," and explored the lake region from Buffalo to North East. April 20, 1806, he married Elizabeth Horne, and in May, accompanied by his wife, mother and youngest sister, Nathan Fay and family, Elisha and Nathaniel Fay, young men, started for the West with a span of horses and a covered wagon. At New Hartford Mrs. Eaton died. Leaving his mother and sister he came to Portland and located part of lot 37, T. 5, on which he afterwards settled and where he lived until his death, nearly 67 years. He went to, Batavia to article his land, built a log house, cleared two acres of land and in October removed his family from New Hartford. The following winter was a very severe one. The mills at Westfield being frozen fast, he had to prepare his corn for food with a mortar and pestle. In ISII he married Mrs. Mercy Fay, widow of Nathan Fay. His mother died in October, 1848, aged 95 years and 6 months. His wife died May 12, 1862. Mr. Eaton died October 7, 1872, aged 90 years and S months. Mr. Eaton rendered his town and county valuable service. He was in 1807 clerk of the first election held in the county, was assessor of Chautauqua in 1809, and clerk of the board of supervisors from 1820 to 1827, and for 1831-2. He was supervisor of the town for 6 years, and chairman of the board in 1815, and was several years a justice. He was superintendent of the poor 6 years, town clerk 14 years, and held some office until 1850. He was commissioned lieutenant in 1810 or 1811, in 1814 was made regi- mental paymaster and served during the war. He was the first in town to volunteer in the war, was present at the battle of Queenstown, October 3, 1812, and in the battle of Black Rock, Buffalo, December 30, 1813, and served with his company on the Niagara frontier in 1814. He was one of the members of the Congregational church in 1818. He was a Nestor among the early settlers and a moving and guiding spirit. His children were Edwin, Emily, Alfred, Oscar, Darwin G.

Nathan Fay, son of Nathan, a native of Massachusetts, married Betsey Clemens of the same state. He passed through Portland with Daniel Eaton on foot, in 1805, and in May, 1806, brought his wife and six children and settled on lot 25, T. 5. His family suffered severely during the winter in the small shanty that was their home, but in 1807 he built a log house on land purchased of James Dunn. The deed was the first executed in the town bearing date June 6, 1806. Mrs. Fay died in 1807 ; this was the first death

564

HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

in town and the first burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Fay died in June 1810. He was an excellent specimen of a pioneer settler. His children were Hattie, John, Nathan, Willard, Esther and Betsey.

Elisha Fay, son of Nathaniel and Ruth (Rice) Fay, was born in Framing- ham, Mass., June 2, 1783, came to Portland with his brother Nathaniel, and Nathan Fay and family. He located on part of lot 25, T. 5, and built his log cabin near where the stone house now stands. His article bears date July 30, 1806. In 1807 he returned to Massachusetts, and in September married Sophia Nichols and came here with his wife and James Parker's family. Mrs. Fay walked long distances during the tedious trip, and all the way from Buffalo. A new log cabin was built and occupied until 1828, when the stone house was built. Mr. Fay served in the war of 1812 at Black Rock and Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Fay were zealous and influential members of the M. E. church. Mr. Fay died in 1881. Mrs. Fay in 1850. Their children were Lincoln, Eddie, Charles, Otis N.

Lincoln Fay, born August 15, 1808, married Sophronia Peck, December 31, 1835, and settled upon the farm located by Nathan Fay in 1806, and in . . after years was the proprietor of the famed "Chautanqua Nurseries." Mr. Fay died in 1881. His son, Elisha H. Fay, is a farmer on the old home- stead, is also engaged in fruit and grape culture, and has a large acreage devoted to that business. He is Republican in politics, has served as super- visor and assessor. Charles Fay lives on a part of the farm. Otis N. resides in Portland, southwest part, lot 19, T. 5.

Elijah Fay, a son of Nathaniel and Ruth (Rice) Fay, was born in South- boro, Mass., September 9, 1781. He married Lucy Belknap of Westboro, January 20, 1807. They came to Portland in the fall of 1811, with a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen and one horse, and were 41 days on the road. They settled on lot 20, T. 5, on the west border of Brocton. He located the whole of the lot, 179 acres, which cost him $547.97. Mr. Fay reached his place by a trail through the woods. His first log house was occupied in January 1812. It was a primitive affair without door, window or chimney. The doorway was closed at night by a blanket against which a barrel was set, and the chimney was a hole in the roof. Three years later another house was built in which the family lived until 1831, when the brick house, owned and occupied by a grandson, G. E. Ryckman, was built. Mr. Fay was a farmer and planted the first vineyard on his farm. He furnished a substitute named Huram Haines in the war of 1812, paying him $30. Mr. and Mrs. Fay were members of the Baptist church. For many years Mr. Fay was a deacon. It is not possible for any man to be more strict and methodical in all the events of life than Mr. Fay. He was universally respected, and especially by the better class of settlers. He died August 23, 1860, and was buried in the grounds at Brocton donated by him for burial purposes in 1820.

565

PORTLAND.

Mrs. Fay died January 17, 1872. His children were Clinton S., Lydia E., (married Lawrence F. Ryckman), Joseph B., all deceased.

Barzillia Barker settled on lots 5 and 6, T. 5, in 1815. He built a small frame house in 1817, and with Elijah Fay opened the " north road " through town in 1815. He died in 1859. His son George lives on a part of the old homestead. Ahira Hall, born in 1781, in Croydon, N. H., married Laura Palmer, of Charlotte, Vt. ; they emigrated to Massena in ISHI ; Mr. Hall was drafted in 1812. In 1816 he moved to this county and resided here until his death in 1858. Mr. Hall was for many years a leading spirit in town, and in civil and political trusts had the confidence of the people. Mrs. Hall died in 1863. Their son, James A., rose to distinction in the Civil War, became sur- geon-in-chief of the 6th corps, and later was appointed, N. Y. State agent at Washington for the adjustment of soldier's claims. He died April 8, 1865, of fever contracted in service. The surviving children are Mrs. Richard Reynolds, Samuel P., Mrs. John T. Green of Sherman, Mrs. Frank Ellis of Forestville, Mrs. Jolin D. Merritt of Silver Creek, and Ralph H. Hall, of Fre- donia. Eleven of Ahira Hall's children were school teachers. Richard Williams came here from Canadaway in 1815. He kept tavern, was also a mail contractor. He died in 1822. William Dunham settled in town in 1816 and was the father of Methodism here. His sons were William, Jesse, Charles, Samuel. Solomon Coney came in 1815, Simon Burton in 1816. Both mill wrights they built mills, Coney at the falls on Slippery Rock creek, Burton at its mouth. Luther Crosby and Simon Burton, blacksmiths, came in 1816 ; William Cotton, another blacksmith, settled in 1817. Peter Ingersoll, the first settler on the Mckenzie farm, came in 1809. He built a double log house in which he kept tavern until 1816. Religious exercises were held

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 66

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