USA > New York > Livingston County > History of Livingston County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 46
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The Supervisors and Town Clerks from and including the year in which town was organized, are as follows : --
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
1817. Oliver Jennings,
Hugh Wilson.
1818. Alvah Southworth,
1819-21. ..
1822. 66
John W. Barnes. Isaac C. Howe.
1823.
Martin Hopkins.
1824-26.
66 Joel Hudson.
1827.
Zennos Ashley,
1828. Alvah Southworth, 66
219
SPRINGWATER-TOWN OFFICERS, MILITIA.
1829-30. John Culver,
Martin D. Hopkins.
1831. Salmon G. Grover,
1832-33. 66
Thomas C. Grover.
1834-35. Thos. C. Grover,
Horatio Dyer.
1836. Andrew Spafford, 66
1837-38.
66
1839.
18.40.
Horatio Dyer, Stephen Robinson, 66
18.42.
18.43. Thomas C. Grover,
1844-45. Andrew Spafford, 66
1846. John Ray,
66
18.47. Stephen Robinson, 66
1 848-49. Horatio Dyer,
1850. George C. Marvin,
1851-52.
Wm. A. Robinson.
1853. H. H. Foskett, Jerome B. Patterson.
1854.
Stephen Robinson, N. Byron Hopkins. Moses A. Commins, 66 66
1856-57. Arnold Gray,
1858-59. John S. Wiley, 66 66
66 6.
1860.
Marcus (). Austin. 66 66
1861. Orson Walbridge, 66
1862.
James G. Morris.
1863. Thos. M. Fowler, Marcus O. Austin.
1 864. 66 Orson Walbridge,
George A. Pierce. 66
1865.
1866-67. A. M. Withington, 1868-69. Robert H. Wiley. .€
1870.
1871. Robert H. Wiley,
1872.
1873-74. Harvey H. Marvin,
1875. E. A. Robinson, Rufus G. Clark.
66
1876. John S. Wiley,
1877. De Witt C. Snyder,
66
1 878-80. 66 George M. Wells.
The other town officers for 1880 were :- As- sessors, John Wilheim, Nelson Willis, Jonathan Howe; Highway Commissioner, N. T. Wibbing- ton; Justices, R. H. Wiley, L. R. Hopkins, Orson Walbridge, E. J. Page; Poormaster, Charles Lawrence ; Constable and Collector, E. C. Grover.
After the town of Springwater was organized in 1817, and the civil offices filled by election or ap- pointment by the Governor, it became necessary to organize a militia, and for that purpose the town was divided by the road and line of lots running east and west from the old Goff mill into two mili- tary departments, called the north and south de- partments. It has been the custom of the inhab- itants for a number of years to hold reunions of the survivors of these military companies, the last re- union occurring on the 6th of September, 1880. Captain Ebenezer Smith, now seventy-three years old, commanded the parade, and had prepared a brief history of the militia, which, on account of his
weakness, was read by Mr. R. H. Wiley, as follows :-
" It must be understood that this little history is almost from recollection down to a boy of ten years old. There has been no record kept that is available, and all the old rolls are lost or de- stroyed.
" The first company of infantry in the south de- partment-being the one with which I am the most acquainted, and of which I shall have the most to say-was organized and had a parade and drill in 1818. Captain Daniel Herrick was in com- mand of the company, but at what time his com- mission was dated I am unable to say, or how long he commanded the company. He died March 22, 1821, and as he was in feeble health for a year or more before his death it is presumable that he re- signed in 1820. Captain Daniel Herrick was a man of commanding aspect ; his height about five feet eleven inches, and in health would weigh 180 pounds. The next in command of the company was Captain William Roberts. He probably served under his commission three or four years. His successor was Captain Abijah Barnes. He died August 31, 1824. Captain Joab Grover succeeded Barnes, and, I think, had command of the com- pany about three years. Captain Ethan Grover was the next in command, and I think served a full term of four years. Captain George Farnsworth was next; David Parshall, First Lieutenant ; and Solomon Grover, Jr., Second Lieutenant. They served a full term, and, without doubt, were hon- orably discharged. Captain William Grover took command of the company about 1836, and resigned his command in 1839. About 1836, the 260th Regiment was organized and the two companies consolidated, so that the whole town came under one command. My commission is dated April 24, 1839, and the first parade I took charge of was held on the first Monday in September, 1839. Sylvanus Young was First Lieutenant and John Frazer Second Lieutenant under my command, and Harvey Farley First Sergeant. From that time till 1 resigned 1 fulfilled the duties of my office to the best of my ability. I trained the company four years, and never had a word of difficulty with any man in or out of the ranks; everything at all times was peaceable and orderly. Rufus G. Clark was my successor ; Alonzo Snyder, First Lientenant, and D. C. Snyder, Second Lieutenant. He held the office till the old law was repealed, and by that means he was discharged from the duties of the office.'
Mr. Smith then produced his Captain's commis- sion, which Mr. Wiley read. It was made and signed in the handwriting of William H. Seward, then Governor of New York State, at Albany, May 8th, 1839. His resignation and its acceptance was also read, which was dated May 30, 1843.
Captain Ebenezer Smith was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., in the year 1808. He
1841.
Salmon Waterbury. Thomas C. Grover. Rufus G. Clark.
66
66
64
Salmon G. Grover.
1855.
Salmon G. Grover.
66
.‹ 66
Edward S. Coats. N. Byron Hopkins. A. M. Brown. Frank S. Grover.
220
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
moved to the town of Springwater on the 24th day of March, 1816. Mr. Smith is respected as a man above the average in intelligence, and as an honest and industrious citizen.
The next reunion was appointed for the first Monday in September, 1881.
On the first day of June, 1880, the population of Springwater was-
White population 2,276
Colored population.
1
Number of voters at date
663
Number of actual resident voters. 650
The ages of the population range as follows :-
Over go and less than 100.
1
80
90.
13
70
66
80.
63
66
60
70.
131
50
60. 204
66
40
50. 254
66
30
66
40 289
20
30 402
66
10
20 .440
I
IO. 442
Born within census year 38
Making a total of 2,277
Of the oldest of these, Jerusha Foster was ninety years okl and upwards, and Joel Hudson was eighty-six. The above number of inhabitants are the members of 552 families, who reside in this town, in 514 dwellings. The town contains 378 farms, 4 churches, 18 school houses, 7 stores, 1 meat market, 8 saw mills, 3 grist-mills, 9 black- smith shops, 2 wagon shops. 3 cider mills, 2 cheese factories, one manufactory of agricultural imple- ments, three cooper shops, and two evaporating dry-houses for drying hops and fruits.
The town has 18 school districts in which school houses are located, and 4 joint districts. In these districts there are 792 children over 5 and under 2 t years of age. During the year 1880, school was taught 537 3-5 weeks, employing 19 teachers, and with an average attendance of 357. The number of children of school age attending some portion of the year was 641. The amount paid in wages to teachers was $2,801.59. The number of children of school age living out of the town, but attending school in the town was 24. Of this number there was an average attendance of 1 I.
The total value of the district libraries is $105, and the once valuable libraries of the town are rap- idly deteriorating. During the year no expendi- tures were made for either libraries or school ap- paratus. The total amount expended for school houses, sites, fences, repairs, and furniture was
$138.28. Total incidental expenses for the year, $286.55. The school houses and sites-the latter containing an area of seven acres-have a total valuation of $7,600. The total valuation of the distriets is $9,915.33. The houses are all frame buildings, a number of them being quite superior to the usual run of common school houses.
For these statistics relating to the schools of Springwater, we are indebted to Mr. Ezra N. Cur- tice. Commissioner of the Second District of the county,* who has held that position six years, and who has proven to be a most efficient officer. Mr. Curtice has taken a deep interest, not only in the schools within his jurisdiction, but in all matters pertaining to the education of the young. He has introduced into the schools in his charge improve- ments in the methods of teaching ; and besides the originality of his views, and his intelligent per- ception of educational requirements, is possessed of an additional quality valuable in public instruc- tors-practical common sense. The residence of Mr. Curtice is in Springwater village.
It would be an instructive lesson to notice care- fully the gradual elevation of these schools from the rude log-cabins of 1817, and the succeeding years, with their lack of educational facilities, and the primitive methods of instruction, to the present comfortable buildings with their efficient corps of teachers, and all the facilities for a thorough edu- cation which exist to-day.
The schools of those early days were the rudi- mentary departments in which were drawn the plans for the better system of education prevailing now, and the progress of those schools marked, surely and definitely, the progress of the town. The result of this growth and improvement in educa- tional methods and facilities is seen in the intelli- gent prosperity of the farming community, in the thoroughness, aptitude, and culture of the mechanics and business men, and in the air of refinement and comfort which pervades all localities thus favored with the facilities for learning.
In the last census of the State, the town con- tained 22,343 acres of improved lands, 5,814 acres of woodland, and of other land, 4, 422 acres. The cash value of these lands was $1,332,725 ; of farm buildings, aside from dwellings, $166,525 ; of tools andimplements, $51,042 ; of stock, $183,688. The amount of gross sales from farms was $123,414. The area plowed was 8,561 acres. 5,131 acres were mown, producing 6,154 tons of hay ; and
* Which comprises the towns of Mt. Morris, North Dansville, Nunda, Ossian, Portage, Sparta, Springwater and West Sparta, for which he furnished the statistics relating to Schools.
221
WEBSTER'S CROSSING -SPRINGWATER.
6,795 aeres were devoted to pasture lands. It is noticeable that for fertilizers but $1,116 were ex- pended, which should speak well for the natural richness of the soil.
WEBSTER'S CROSSING.
Webster's Crossing lies in the northwestern part of the town on the line of the Buffalo, New York and Erie Railroad. At this point there was no settlement of any kind until within the past ten years. The place derives its name from Elisha Webster, who had built there a saw-mill. It con- sists of one store kept by John Foster, a black- smith shop, stave factory, E. Webster, proprietor, a barrel factory by Alonzo Webster, a cheese-fac- tory, and twenty or twenty-five houses.
The post-office is kept by Harvey Humphrey.
SPRINGWATER.
On the line of the Erie road, and less than two miles west of the center of the town, is situated the beautiful village of Springwater. Nestling in the fertile Springwater Valley, with well cultivated farms crowning the slopes of the hills on either side and adding beauty to the pleasant low lands, and with an air of quiet comfort surrounding it, a more charming rural scene it would be difficult to find.
The valley is five miles long from north to south, and at this point is half a mile wide. In the ear- lier history of the town this valley was known as Hemlock Valley. It was here, or in the immedi- ate vicinity, that the early settlers located, and the pioneer history of the village is naturally included in the history of the town. This place in 1880 had a population of 344, and is the chief business center of the town. It consists of several stores, mechanics' shops, one hotel, the post-office, and three churches.
The post-master is George A. Pierce, who was appointed under Grant's administration in 1873.
The hotel is a well conducted publie house kept by George Smith.
The village has also a well printed newspaper, The Springwater Enterprise, established in 1879, in connection with which is a suitably appointed job printing office. The editor and proprietor is H. J. Niles.
MERCHANTS .- Allen & Whitlock, dealers in dry goods, groceries, and clothing, began business here eight years ago, and have a large trade. This firm is also interested in the hardware trade, under the
name of Allen, Whitlock & Humphrey, in which they have been engaged one year. This branch of their business was previously conducted for some two years under the firm name of Allen, Whitlock & Miller.
Morris & Grover began business in dry goods, clothing, and general merchandise under this firm name six years ago. The firm was originally Grover & Morris, and then Morris & Withing- ton. James G. Morris has been engaged in busi- ness in Springwater twenty-two years.
G. M. Willis, dealer in groceries and provisions, has been in business here five years.
H. H. Densmore, dealer in drugs, books, sta- tionery and jewelry, began business here in March, I 866.
D. H. Grover & Son, dealers in groceries and boots and shoes, have been in business in Spring- water since 1858.
MANUFACTORIES .- A considerable trade in man- nfactured goods is established here, consisting of agricultural implements from the manufactory of N. A. Kellogg ; sash, doors and blinds from the mill of S. Tyler ; pails and planed lumber from the factory of Frank Pursel; and Wiard chilled plows, and cultivators from the foundry of H. M. Rogers. Besides these are the carriage factory of H. E. Wilson, who has been engaged in that business here twelve years, and that of J. D. Hendershott, whose business has been established eight years. There is also a paint shop conducted by Hiram Conderman, a meat market by T. S. Wemoth, a bar- ber shop by F. E. DeLang, and a millinery estab- lishment by Mrs. J. D. Hendershott. Residing with Mrs. Hendershott is her mother, the widow of Hon. Salmon G. Grover, the first citizen of this town elected to the Legislature of the State. In 1822 Mrs. Grover saved the life of Hon. William H. Seward. He had driven into Owaseo creek to wash his carriage, and turning his horse's head up instead of down the stream, which was then very high and running with a strong current, he was swept from the carriage and born onward with the water. Mr. Seward, being unable to swim, would have drowned had it not been for the presence of mind of Mrs. Grover, whose attention was called to the scene by a crowd of persons assembled on the banks of the creek, none of whom attempted to save the drowning man. Mrs. Grover ran out, seized a plank which was standing against a house near by, and running out on a log she extended it toward him as the current was sweeping him past, which he managed to reach and was rescued. As
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
a token of his gratitude for her noble service, Mr. Seward afterward presented Mrs. Grover with a set of silver spoons, now in the possession of her family, bearing on one side of each the name of the brave lady, and on the other the initials of the afterwards American statesman, "W. H. S."
PHYSICIANS .- The present physicians in the town and village are Dr. T. D. Cannor, who has been in practice here twenty years.
Dr. Irwin Woodin, two years in the town.
Dr. Mrs. Woodin, in practice here two years.
Dr. H. A. Whitfield, in practice three years in the town.
Dr. Boone, a graduate of Buffalo University, who began his medical practice ten years ago, and who has been a resident practitioner in the village four years.
CHURCHES. - If in the early days of the town's his- tory one had been passing over the Canadice hills, he might have met a tall, stout man with a bag of grain on his shoulder. This man was Elder John Cole, the first minister who resided in Springwater. It is said that he often carried grain from Rich- mond, a distance of twelve miles, over a hilly road. He presided over the Baptist church, which was organized in 1816 or'17, laboring through the week and preaching the gospel on the Sabbath, usually holding two services, and regaling himself during intermission on a piece of johnnycake which he carried from home.
Elder Cole was a strong man physically, preached strong doctrine. and, according to the custom of those times, did not eschew what was then called a reasonable use of strong drink. The church over which he presided has long since ceased to exist, and there are no records extant whereby we can definitely trace its origin or dissolution.
At that time the Methodists had a society, of which Phineas Gilbert, who came to Springwater in ISro, was the first-class leader. The organiza- tion of this society was mostly due to the exertions of Jonathan Lawrence, who may justly be called the father of the Methodist Episcopal church of Spring- water. At that early date the society consisted of a half dozen persons. The Methodist circuit then embraced Bloomfield and Springwater, and was supplied by Rev. Elisha Ilouse and an assistant.
The first quarterly meeting was hekl by Rev. Abner Chase in 1820 or '21. in the barn of Jona- than Lawrence, who was then class leader.
The present church was dedicated April 3, 1834.
The pastor for 1880 was Rev. E. M. Buck. The church has a membership of fifty.
Presbyterian Church .- The Presbyterian church was organized February roth, 1821. It was at first formed as a Congregational church, and was com- posed of twelve members, as follows : Alpheus Phelps, Jotham Dyer, Alfred Phelps, Daniel Ward, Nathaniel Adams, Lucinda Ford, Esther Flanders, Mercy Adams, Clarissa Phelps, Nancy Brown, Melinda Gott, Mary Whalen.
Previous to this organization, and while the popu- lation was sparse. Rev. Lyman Barrett, pastor of the church of Naples, Ontario county, at times visited the place and preached. Under his minis- tration the church was organized, and on the 16th of January. 1827, was received under the care of the Presbytery of Ontario. In 1843 the church consisted of forty-six members, the greatest number ever belonging to it at one time. In 1846 the membership was thirty-six.
For about five years after the organization of the church Mr. Barrett occasionally preached, admin- istered the sacrament, and acted as moderator in the sessions. After his departure Rev. James Cahoon performed similar services for three years. Rev. Seymour Thompson was stated supply nearly three years. Rev. Daniel B. Woods was ordained and installed as pastor September 19. 1839, and was dismissed from his pastoral charge August 25, 1841. ITe was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Hunter in October of the same year, who was ordained and installed as pastor of the church. September 25, 1844.
The most distinguished season of revival ever enjoyed by the church was in 1843, as the fruits of which twenty members were added to the church by profession.
The church was dedicated December 31, 1840. In 1872 it was repaired at a cost of $1,600, and re-dedicated, the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Rev. Dr. Shaw of Rochester, N. Y.
The church edifice is fifty feet in length by thirty- six broad, is conveniently located on the Main street, and has connected with it a pleasant parson- age. The present membership is forty, presided over by Rev. William Hunter, in the fortieth year of his pastorate.
The First Advent Christian Church of Spring- water was organized in 1871, in which year the society erected a neat and substantial church. It has a membership of between fifty and sixty pre- sided over by Rev. Warren J. Hobbs.
The Christian Church is located a mile or two from the village. The church building was erected in 1839. The society numbers about forty.
The pastor in 1880 was Rev. George Hibbard.
223
JOHN B. NORTON-DR. ARNOLD GRAY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN B. NORTON.
Photo. by Betts, Dansville. (JOHN B. NORTON.)
Among the pioneers of Springwater none have left a more honored memory than he whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
Dr. John Boardman Norton was born April 2 1st, 1793, at Greenville, Greene county, N. Y. His father resided next at Aurelius, in Cayuga county, and John B. attended the seminary at Auburn some two years. In the war of 1812 he acted a con- spicuous part as First Sergeant under Capt. Daniel Eldridge, at Sachem's Head Harbor, on Long Island Sound, in preventing the British stealing our shipping.
Afterwards, Major Umstead ordered his com- pany to Buffalo, under General Peter B. Porter, but it arrived too late to take a part in the military proceedings of that place, Fort Erie or Lundy's Lane. At the age of twenty-two he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Clary at Troups- ville, where he stayed one year, when he went in with Dr. Joseph T. Pitney at Auburn, where he com- menced to ride and visit patients, and after a stay of two years, left the pleasant little village of Au- burn, and on the 18th day of February, 1820, started for Springwater, where he arrived on the 20th.
At that time Springwater was almost wholly un- known, consisting only of a few log houses, and the embryotic M. D. was just the man for the position. Young, energetic, willing and anxious to assist in building up, and to be built up by the then active little hamlet where he had cast his lot. He first
pitched his tent above the orchard on the present premises of Webster Tyler, where Hosea Grover started the first store ever kept in town. In 1821 John B. associated himself with Harvey S. Tyler, in the mercantile business, but his health being rather delicate, dissolved partnership, or rather sold out to Tyler, July 25, 1825, and then en- tered wholly into medicine. In the same month Dr. Arnold Gray came into town, and in Angust following they entered into partnership, which lasted one year. On the 8th day of June, 1823, he mar- ried Jane C. Marvin, by whom he had eight children. One daughter, Mrs. Lovinia Andrus, of Livonia Station, and four sons, viz : John and Oscar M., of Allegany county, Asher B., of Ontario county, and Wm. H., now the owner of the farm on which his father died, survived him, all of whom are successful farmers and business men.
S. G. Grover, John B. Norton and others, under the firm name of Grover, Norton & Co., bought of Timothy Ryder the land on which stands the present store of Allen & Whitlock, and built the old part of the said building in 1826. They dis- solved soon afterwards, and Norton took thirty- five acres of land where the hotel and other build- ings stand as his share of the gains and losses.
At different times in life he has filled the offices of Commissioner or Inspector of Schools, Road Commissioner, and others, all of which were never sought for by him, but which were always filled in a. satisfactory manner. A few years since he sold out, retired from practice, and purchased the farm on which he died.
In his old age he retained his memory remark- ably well, his step was firm and elastic, and as he was a noted Nimrod in his youth, he still clung con- siderably to some of his boyish proclivities-fishing being a pastime in which he, during the last season of his life, spent many a pleasant day on the bosom of Hemlock Lake. He was a liberal Christian ; was a firm friend to the system of popu- lar education, in the belief that general education, by lessening crime and imparting skill to effort, is an ample return for the burdens of taxation. Abroad he was social; at home, cheerful and pleasant. He contemplated the past in general with satisfaction, and the future he awaited with a tranquil mind. Ever honorable, benevolent and kind, he won and retained the esteem of all, and passed away on the 29th of August, 1878, mourned by a large circle of friends and kindred.
DR. ARNOLD GRAY.
Dr. Arnold Gray was born in Lower Canada, March 20, 1798. He moved with his parents to Washington county, N. Y., when twelve years old. His mother, a strong-minded Christian woman, took great care in the moral and religious training of her large family.
224
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
LITTLA
Photo. by Betts, Dansville. (DR. ARNOLD GRAY.)
Dr. Gray received his medical education at Fair- field, Herkimer county, where he graduated in 1824, and the same year moved to Springwater. He worked at home on the farm until he was twenty-two years old, and then prepared himself for teaching school. During a few years of teach- ing he earned sufficient money to defray the ex- penses of his medical education.
In 1828, he married Frances Ackley, of Gran- ville, Washington county, who died in 1860. He was again married in 1862 to Fanny Armstrong, of Penn Yan, N. Y. Nature had endowed the Dr. with a remarkable constitution which endured the hardships of a new, rough and hilly country sparsely settled. He loved the practice of medicine, and his marked individuality together with a long prac- tice, gave him a wide-spread notoriety. His aim was conservative, and though taking an active part in political life and serving as Supervisor in the town for several years, he was never an office-seek- er. Not readily receiving new ideas, he was more disposed to inquire for the old ways and walk in old paths. With a strong will, positive opinions and likes and dislikes which were lasting, his na- ture still possessed a great deal of sunshine, and his ready joke and hearty laugh were frequently a benediction to the sick. The Doctor for more than thirty years was a liberal supporter, and fot half that time a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. In response to a call of the late Mr. Barber on December 8, he became so exhausted with the hardships of the trip as to cause his death January 5, 1879. He was buried in "Evergreen Cemetery." Dr. Gray stood high in his profession, and his practice was extensive not only in Spring- water but in several of the adjoining towns. He was a true friend to the poor, often rendering them professional services without charge.
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