USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York > Part 77
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652
HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
in aiding the cause of education, and was active in securing the passage of a law making an annual appropriation of $125,000 to the academies of the state. He was prominent in founding Forestville Free Academy, that excel- lent early institution of learning, and was president of its board of trustees for 20 years. He takes interest in all things that do credit to his native county and has been a power in many spheres of activity. He was one of the originators of the Chautauqua Society of History and Natural Science, and his paper on " The Six Nations," read before that body, and largely embodied in our general history, is an able, exhaustive and authoritative historical sketch.
Judge Sherman married, April 28, 1852, Mary, daughter of William Col- vill, Jr., (a Scotchman who came to Forestville in 1820 and married Mary Love), and has made his home in Forestville. Their children were Daniel, Elizabeth, (dec)., Mary, (dec)., William and Julia D. Judge Sherman is dis- tinguished for courteous and gentlemanly bearing and unostentatious and unassuming manners. His strict integrity, frank courtesy and sterling worth have given him many and staunch friends.
WILLIAM WALLACE HUNTLEY.
The man who best represents the American idea, the man who is of the most value to the community and the state, is the one who gives support to numerous families by the employment which he furnishes them in construct- ing the machinery that his fertile brain has originated. We find this class of men leading and representative citizens in all of our industrial centers, and foremost in all matters of public interest. One who fittingly stands in the front rank of the men of this character in this county is William Wal- lace Huntley of Silver Creek, son of Charles and Polly (Davison) Huntley. The record of his life is worth preserving in connection with the history of the manufacturing works which his skill as inventor, ability as manufac- turer, and success in business has developed in this village. He was born February 5, 1831, in Hanover, only a mile from his present home. He des- cends from that best of all stocks-sturdy New England ancestry ; his pater- nal grandfather, Seth Huntley, being a native and long-time resident of New- Haven, Connecticut. Here, Seth Huntley's son, Charles Huntley, was born in 1808, and here he learned the shipbuilder's trade. He came to Silver Creek in 1829, followed shipbuilding in many of its departments, married Polly, daughter of Henry Davison, a farmer near Silver Creek, who came of patriotic stock. Her great-grandfather Colonel Daniel Davison was one of Ethan Allen's "Green Mountain Boys," a colonel of the Vermont Militia and a continental soldier of undaunted bravery .*
*A large pair of iron steelyard- captured by him at the time of Burgoyne's surrender is a valuable heir- loom now owned by Mr. Huntley.
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HANOVER.
Seth Huntley moved from New Haven to Michigan, and later to Iowa, where he died in 1860. Charles Huntley was a quiet, industrious man of mechanical skill, and possessed inventive ability, but had not the qualities to win fortune. He continued boat and ship building at Silver Creek until 1855, when he removed to Sheboygan, Wis. In 1865 his son Wil- liam W. purchased a farm in Michigan for his residence, which he made his home until his death in 1890.
W. W. Huntley acquired strong health in childhood on his grandfather's farm, and during youth in the rough labors incident to life on the lakes and in the ship yards ; this has been of good service to him in his mature life. He early developed mechanical tastes, and the evolution of some difficult problem in mechanics was a delight to him. It mattered little where this skill was exercised, in carriage building, in the erection of houses, bridges or mills, anywhere he was happy if he could create something with tools. And yet a sailor's life had a fascination for him. In 1853, with his brother Albert, he purchased a small vessel with the intention of permanently devoting him- self to the transportation of freight, but fortune did not favor this venture, and, losing nearly all his little capital in expenses over receipts, he returned to mechanics. It was fortunate for the world that he did. His talents have won him fame and emolument, and many have been given the means of livelihood through his achievements. In 1858 he began work for E. Mont- gomery & Co. who were making the first smint machines manufactured in Silver Creek, and he was also a pattern-maker for W. R. Greenleaf, a mailli- facturer of engines. Inventing the world-renowned Excelsior bran duster in 1861, Mr. Huntley granted Alphens Babcock a half-interest in the patent for defraying the cost of obtaining it-$80. Mr. Huntley gave his personal attention to manufacturing these machines, and until January 1, 1866, they were made by E. Montgomery & Co. This firm was succeeded at that date by Howes, Babcock & Co., Mr. Huntley's partner being one of the firm. In 1868 Mr. Huntley built the building now Heine's Excelsior works to accom- modate the demand for more room which the popularity of his machines called for. The next year Mr. Babcock sold his share of the business to Frank Swift who soon conveyed his interest to A. P. Holcomb.
Mr. Huntley had not suffered this profitable invention to monopolize his mental faculties, and about 1871 perfected a middlings purifier, which he at once placed on the market. This was the right thing produced at the right time. The manufacture of flour was in a transition state from the time-hon- ored methods of our ancestors to the new "process" system, and Mr. Hunt- ley's purifier was an important factor in bringing about new results. It is said that for the production of the best brands of flour ever produced from wheat " the world is indebted to Mr. Huntley as much, if not more, than to any other person."
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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
In 1872 Huntley & Holcomb sold one-third interest in the Excelsior works and patents to Aug. Heine, when the firm became Huntley, Holcomb & Heine, and continued until 1882, doing a large business in the manufac- ture of bran dusters, Excelsior middlings-purifier and the importation and selling of Excelsior bolting cloth. In 1882 Mr. Huntley sold his interest to Holcomb & Heine. Later Mr. Heine bought out Mr. Holcomb. In 1883 Mr. Heine sold Mr. Huntley the entire stock and business of importing the Excelsior bolting cloth and he associated C. G. Hammond with him under the name of Huntley & Hammond. They have a branch house in Minneap- olis, Minn., besides having stocks in St. Louis, Mo., Portland, Oregon, and in Canada, and do an annual business of over $100.000.
In 1861 and 1862 Mr. Huntley assisted Alpheus Babcock in improving his sunt-machine, and they brought out the best machine of the kind then on the market. In 1863 Mr. Huntley assisted E. Montgomery & Co. in remodeling their smut machine and this was largely improved. In 1864 Simeon Howes became associated with Alpheus Babcock in the manufacture of the Babcock smut-machine, forming the firm of Howes, Babcock & Co., with Norman Babcock, a brother of Alpheus, as a partner. This firm pur- chased the Montgomery shops, and took possession January 1, 1866. Alpheus and Norman Babcock with Mr. Huntley then combined the best elements of the Babcock " smutter " and the Montgomery " smutter " in one machine, called it the " Eureka smut-machine " and patented it. In 1886 Huntley & Hammond purchased a half interest in the Monitor Works, a plant manu- facturing buckwheat machines, from G. S. Cranson & Son, and, by the retire- ment of G. S. Cranson, they now own two-thirds of that immense factory, one of the largest of its kind in the world, the firm being Huntley, Cranson & Hannnond. In 1886 these works were only employing eight men, but under the new management orders began to increase, and they were com- pelled to enlarge their works, and add to the number of different kinds of special machinery which they manufactured, until now they employ 80 men, pay $60,000 annually in wages, and send out over 1,500 machines per year, with annual sales amounting to over $150,000. They now manufacture the fol- lowing patented machines, and many of them have been invented or improved by Mr. Huntley : Cranson's wheat-scouring, polishing and separating mach- ines ; Cranson's buckwheat-scouring, polishing and separating machines ; Cranson's corn-scouring, polishing and separating machines ; Cranson's roller buckwheat shucker : " Monitor" dustless receiving and elevator separator ; " Monitor " dustless milling separator ; " Monitor " dustless malt and barley separator ; "Monitor " malt and barley scourer ; "Monitor " oat scourer ; "Monitor " seed separator ; "Diamond " dustless corn sheller and separator ; "Diamond " corn sheller, and in 1893 they added a malt degenerator and separator. This is making a wonderful revolution in malting. These machines
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HANOVER.
are in active sale throughout the United States, and orders come from Europe, . Australia and New Zealand. The United States have granted Mr. Huntley . two patents on the Excelsior bran duster, four patents on the middlings purifier, one patent on a sieve, one patent on a machine for testing rotary parts or bodies, two patents for improvements on smut-machines, and one on a ship's rudder. This statement shows the originality of Mr. Huntley's inventive powers, and their versatility.
Mr. Huntley has been an active Republican from organization of the party, believes heartily in " Protection of American Industries," and has loy- ally given his support to the men who saved the country in the dark days from 1861 to 1865. A characteristic incident of this occurred May 5, 1893, when at a public meeting of the R. M. Starring Post, G. A. R., Rev. Chalon Burgess, in behalf of Mr. Huntley, presented the post with a "Grand Army Memorial Record." He has had no aspiration for political place, but in local matters has been frequently called to care for the weal of the commu- nity. He has been trustee of Silver Creek for six years, and two years con- secutively president of the village. During his presidency he organized one of the most efficient fire departments in the county, and the hose company is named in his honor. In many ways, private and public, he gives of his time and means to elevate the condition of the community. He has a model home presided over by his amiable wife, Mary (Chapman) Huntley, who has heartily seconded his labors and undertakings since their marriage November 24, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Huntley hold a high place in the regards of a large circle of friends and acquaintance.
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656
HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
ARKWRIGHT.
CHAPTER LX.
A RKWRIGHT is an elevated hilly town, six miles square, composing township 5, range 11, Ellicott's survey. It is surrounded by Sheri- dan and Hanover on the north, Villenova on the east, Charlotte on the south, Pomfret on the west. The hills in the central part assume quite a mountain altitude, the highest of the county, rising in places to 1,600 or- 1,700 feet above tidewater. Fine views of Lake Erie and a large portion of . the grape belt are presented at some points. The soil varies in localities from heavy clay to a light gravelly loam, and comprise all gradations from very good to very poor. It has always been an agricultural town, and in the past the raising of sheep and cattle were prominent industries. Walnut creek and some of the branches of the Canadaway, which flows northwest from near the southeast corner, have their rise in this town, and the springs and brooks of this elevated region give it ample supply of the purest of water. This affords the town advantages for the raising of stock of a superior kind .. Walnut creek has its head near Arkwright Summit ; it flows nearly due. north, leaving the town west of the northeast corner. The Canadaway is a larger stream with more and larger branches and quite a rapid descent, giv- ing a succession of glens along its course and a beautiful cascade of twenty- two feet direct fall not far from where it leaves the town on the west side: Mud lake, with an area of ten acres, lies on the eastern border of the central. part of the town and in Villenova.
The first settlement was in the northwest part by Abiram Orton on lot 55, Benjamin Perry, lot 64, and Augustus Burnham, lot 56, in 1807. These lots were not articled until 1809. Asahel Burnham came later. Mr. Orton came from Oneida county, was a man of ability, and for some years an associate judge of this county. He died in 1837. Benjamin Perry, with Mr. Orton, built the first sawmill in town in 1818, on a branch of the Canadaway. He had been a lieutenant in the war of 1812, was prominent in militia matters and rose to be colonel.
Aaron Wilcox, born in Connecticut, bought lot 56, in October, 1809 ;. made his home here in IS10, and here he died in 1833. Augustus Burnham, brother of Eliphalet who settled in Pomfret, settled in Arkwright in 1807, near Laona. He took up lot 7 in Pomfret in 1805. He died February 6, 1813,
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aged 30 years, the first death in Arkwright, and his tombstone is the oldest in the Laona cemetery. Asahel Burnham came later than his brother Augustus. He married Luana, daughter of Nathan Eaton, May 11, 1815, and their marriage is said to have been the first one in Arkwright. Asahel was a corporal in Captain Tubbs' company in the war of 1812. He died about 1864. He has many descendants in the county.
Russell W. Mattoon, from Cayuga county, about 1820 settled on the farm now owned by William Allen. He afterward removed to Cassadaga, and died there November 4, 1885. His daughter, Mrs. Ahira G. Webster, resides in Pomfret. The first settlers at Arkwright Center before the war of 1812 were Uriah L. Johnson, and Benjamin and Jonathan Sprague. Daniel Saunders also early settled on lot 56, lived there many years, and has numerous descendants. Nathan Eaton bought on lot 64 in 1809, and occupied it the next year. Robert Cowden, Alla and Zebina Wilson set- tled on lots 53 and 54 in 1811. Reuben Wilson, father of these Wilsons, settled near them in 1817. Moses Tucker bought lot 62 in 1814. His son Chauncey was a prominent lawyer in Fredonia and Buffalo. These people, forming the first civilized community of the town, came from Oneida and Madison counties, and many of them were doubtless previously acquainted.
Isaiah Martin, from Broome county, in 1821 bought lot 3 in the southeast part of the town, where he developed from the wilderness a fruitful farm, built a tavern, a store, and asheries, all of which he conducted for many years. James Black early purchased a part of lot 10, and he and William Scott built neighboring cabins, of which the doors were made from a board which Mr. Scott brought two miles on his back. They were lifelong resi- dents and good citizens. Horace Clough settled in the south part on lot 42, bought in 1810; Jesse Read, an early pioneer, located north of him on lot 43 ; David Abbey settled on lot 3 in 1823. Chauncey Abbey, president of the First National Bank of Fredonia, is his son, and was for many years the largest farmer of the town and one of the most extensive dealers in cattle of the county. He was supervisor eight years and held that office during the critical period of the civil war. Silas Matteson settled on lot S, purchased in 1818, in the northeast corner of the town. In 1822 Bela Kingsley settled on lot 13, and in 1825 opened a tavern in a small framed house and was a noted innkeeper for years. His son, Edward B., held many town offices with acceptability. Ellsworth Griswold settled on lot 25, purchased in 1825, near Charlotte line. In 1826 Aaron Town settled on lot 12. He later kept tav- ern at Arkwright Summit for many years ; his successor in the tavern was his son, Oliver M. Another son, Martin H., was justice many years and postmaster for about twenty years. Leonard Sessions settled on lot 4 in 1828. Benjamin Jones came in 1832 to lot 23, but later resided in the center of the town. He was justice for several years and town clerk twenty-one years.
658
HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
After the pioneer stage of settlement, the population increased rapidly, prosperity came with the development of the farmns, and a hardy yeomanry dotted the hills and vales with pleasant homes. Along the main roads country taverns gave good entertainment to the travelers who were numerous until the opening of the Erie railroad. The first of these hostelries was opened at the Center by Simeon Clinton in 1817. Mr. Clinton was born in Saratoga county in 1779, located on lot 37 in 1813. He was a man of great ability, made the first survey of Dunkirk village, was active in the formation of the town of Arkwright ; the first town meeting was held at his tavern. He was the first postmaster and continued in office twenty years. He was succeeded as innkeeper and postmaster by J. Bartholomew. Since 1851 these country inns have been closed for want of patronage. There has been little manu- facturing. A few pioneer sawmills, with up-and-down saws, served to cut the settler's logs into lumber for home use, and after lumber became valuable steam sawmills were introduced and have practically exhausted the original forests. The only gristmill built here was constructed early near the Pom- fret line on the Canadaway and went to ruin years ago. An oil mill was built at "the Abbey " sometime in the forties by William Mason and Leon- ard Love. It was soon bought by Andrus M. Huyck who conducted it suc- cessfully for some years. Mr. Huyck settled on lot 10 in 1827 in a primi- tive forest. Settlers came so rapidly that a log schoolhouse was built before the next winter. This school became of high repute, and, as " The Abbey School," enjoyed prosperity, and furnished many well equipped teachers for public schools. Mr. Huyck was a successful teacher, school commissioner and school inspector many years. He was a deeply religious man and did much good to the community. His sons were Shadrach, Oscar H., Elijah, and Avery, the latter a soldier in the civil war.
The town of Arkwright was formed from Pomfret and Villenova April 30, 1829. In 1830 a part of Pomfret was annexed. The first town meeting was held in the house of Simeon Clinton, May 2, 1830, and these officers were chosen : Supervisor, William Wilcox ; town clerk, Aaron Foster ; asses- sors, Andrus M. Huyck, Daniel Harrington, Lewis Tucker ; commissioners of highways, Isaac Thompson, Joel White, Aaron Van Vliet ; collector, Dan- iel Weaver; overseers of the poor, Silas May, Charles Crawford ; commis- sioners of schools, Isaac Bumpus, Ira White, Lewis E. Danforth ; inspectors of schools, Andrus M. Huyck, Timothy Cole, James Sprague ; constables, Edw. B. Kingsley, David Weaver ; justices of the peace, Isaac Bumpus, John G. Curtis, Lewis E. Danforth.
Arkwright had a population in 1845 of 1,295. From 1855 to 1880 its population varied little from 1,100 ; sometimes it was less, sometimes a hun- dred or so more. In 1890 it was 886. The state census of 1892 gives it as 928. 242 votes were cast at the general election of 1892 : 82 democratic,
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ARKWRIGHT.
140 republican, 15 prohibition, social-labor 1, populist 4. The number of acres is 22,083, with an assessed value in 1893 of real and personal property of $281,990, an average value of $11.17.
The first religious services were held at the house of Aaron Wilcox in 1810, by Rev. John Spencer. The first church (Baptist) was organized by Elder Thomas Grinnell in 1820.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- In June, 1830, Elder David Preston formed a class in the " Abbey." Its original members were Ira and Elizabeth Rich- ardson, John Franklin, Reuben and Fanny Howe, John Weaver, Jolin Laf- ferty and Isaac Bumpus. Andrus M. Houck, Wright and Hiram Lewis, William and R. McClanathan, Caleb Weaver joined later, and at the end of the first year there were sixty members. Mr. Huyck was class leader for many years.
A Christian Church was organized several years ago. The society still hold services. The United Brethren society was organized about 1858.
SUPERVISORS .- 1830-1-2-3-4-5-6, William Wilcox. 1837-8-9-40, Levi Baldwin. 1841, Lewis E. Danforth. 1842, Levi Baldwin. 1843, Lewis E. Danforth. 1844-5-6-7-8-9-50-1-2, William Wilcox. 1853-4, Levi Baldwin. 1855-6, Chauncey Abbey. 1857, Levi Baldwin. 1858-9, Chauncey Abbey. 1860-1, John C. Griswold. 1862-3-4-5, Chauncey Abbey. 1866, John C. Griswold. 1867, Delos J. Rider. 1868, Jolin C. Griswold. 1869, Oscar H. Houck. 1870, Levi C. Baldwin. 1871-2, Leander S. Phelps. 1873-4-5, George . W. Briggs. 1876, John C. Griswold. 1877-8, Edson I. Wilcox. 1879-80, Ezra Scott. 1881-2, Richmond Putnam. 1883, Eaton Burnham. 1884, John C. Griswold. 1885, Ezra Scott. 1886-7, Cassius M. Griswold. 1888, Richmond Putnam. 1889-90-1, Charles E. Cole. . 1892-3-4, Marvin Cardot.
Major William Wilcox, son of Aaron the early settler, was born in Con- necticut, May 1, 1790. He came with his father in 1809, later purchased a part of lot 48 adjoining Sheridan. He married in 1817, Esther S. Cole from Vermont. She died July 7, 1851. Their sons .were Marcus B., Edson I., Walter R., and William H. H. Mr. Wilcox cut the first tree in the clearing of his farin, and developed a fine home where he resided until 1865. He died in Fredonia, October 14, 1867. He was the first supervisor of Ark- wright, elected in 1830 and for six successive years, and again holding the office from 1844 to 1852 inclusive .. He was a major of militia and member of Assembly in 1867.
Levi Baldwin, born in Vermont in 1802, came to Sheridan with his par- ents in 1812. He married Eliza Ann Putnam his first wife, in 1831 and located on lot 55 in Arkwright, where he became locally prominent. He was justice for many years, town superintendent of schools, supervisor for
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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
eight years, and held various other positions of trust. His sons were Oliver T., L. Courtney, and Orville D.
John Cowles Griswold, son of Seth and Zerviah (Cowles) Griswold of Con- necticut, was born in Sangersfield, August 1, 1819, where his father died in 1821. After several years of hardship and privations Mrs. Griswold came to Arkwright with her 11 children and settled on lot 25. John C. Griswold married Susan Briggs January 11, 1844. Their children were Cassius M., and DeWitt C. who died aged 10. In 1862 Mr. Griswold helped raise what became Company: F of the 154th N. Y. Volunteers, and was promoted to cap- tain. This regiment saw severe service and in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2d, 1863, Capt. Griswold had his arm shattered by a bullet, was taken prisoner and transported to Libbey prison in Richmond. After he was exchanged he came home, but soon returned to service though with impaired health. He was honorably discharged at Chattanooga in 1864. For over forty years Capt. Griswold was justice of the peace in Arkwright, for several terms he was justice of sessions, and for six terms represented the town on the board of supervisors. In every position he was the same kindly, consci- entious and true man, and was highly esteemed in the town and county. He died July 24, 1892. Cassius Marcus Griswold was born in Arkwright December 7, 1845. He married S. Alice Terry daughter of Levi Terry of Gerry. Their children are Evangeline E., Ada L., John D. and Myron D. Mr. Griswold is a Republican and farmer, and has held the office of collector, commissioner of highways and supervisor two terms and is a justice of the peace.
The postoffice named Griswold for John C. Griswold was established in 1891, through the influence of Hon. Warren B. Hooker, John C. Griswold being the first postmaster. After his death James Turner was appointed, and held the office about one year, when E. B. Mathewson was appointed.
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ELLICOTT.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. (CHAUTAUQUA LAKE TOWNS.) Ellicott, Jamestown, Busti, Harmony, Chautauqua, Ellery.
ELLICOTT.
CHAPTER LXI.
E LLICOTT was formed from Pomfret June 1, 1812, received its name in compliment to Joseph Ellicott, so long connected with the Holland Land Company, comprised townships 1 and 2 of ranges 10 and II, and included Poland, Carroll, Kiantone and part of Busti making the town 12 miles square. April 16, 1823, the west half of township I, range II, was taken off to form Busti, and four of these lots were re-annexed to Ellicott, May 7, 1845. March 25, 1825, Carroll was formed and April 9, 1832, Poland was set off. Four lots were added from Carroll in 1845. Jamestown was carved out in 1886, leaving the town surrounding it on the northi, east, south and west sides, and containing 19,065 acres, with an assessed valuation, real and personal, in 1893, of $706,515, and a tax of $8,512.11. Chadakoin river, the outlet of Chautauqua lake, flowing northeast, unites with Cassa- daga creek, flowing southwest, on the east line of the town about equi-distant from its mouth and south boundaries. Ellicott is surrounded on the west by Busti and Ellery, north by Gerry, east by Poland and Carroll, south by Kiantone and Busti. The soil, rich and productive, is of alluvial formation . along the streams, changing to clayey and then sandy loam as it approaches the hills. A physical feature of interest is the artesian wells. There are several of these at Ross's Mills, and a greater number at Levant, from some of which the water-works of Jamestown are supplied. These are from 75 to 130 feet in depth, and produce an abundance of pure cold water of unvary- ing temperature. The water is invariably found in coarse sand and gravel under a layer of clay. The supply is apparently unlimited, and various theories concerning it have been advanced. The water is raised in these wells by its own force fully 25 feet above the surface of the ground.
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