History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 60

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976

USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 60

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At a special meeting, called for the purpose December 8, ISO7, the town of Northampton was divided into four separate towns, viz.,-Pulteney, to consist of East and West Pulteney ; Bayard, to consist uf the Triangle tract and the country west ; Fairfield, to consist of Fairfield and Braddock's Bay townships ( now Ogden and Parina); and Northampton, to embrace the two river townships lying between Fairfield and the river, and now known as Greece and Gates. The committee appointed to carry this action into effect were Joseph Tucker, Richard Abbey, Gibbons Jewett, and Zaccheus Colby. The name of Fairfield was immediately after changed for that of Parma. Colonel Josiah Fish, first supervisor of North- ampton, officiated six years, from its organization to March 1, 1803; Simon King, two years, to March 6, 1805; and Gibbons Jewett until the division of the town, and of Parma, to April 7, 1812; in all, seven years.

SWEDEN.

THE "Triangle tract" is a body of land triangular in shape. lying between the " Mill-seat tract," originally owned by Phelps and Gorham on the east, and the " Holland purchase" on the west. It is twenty-eight miles in length, about nine and one-half miles wide on Lake Ontario, aul terminates to a point on the line between the towns of Le Roy and Pavilion. in Genesee county, and embraces over one hundred and thirty thousand acres of land. Its enstern houndInry is a line parallel with the general course of the Gene-ee river, and its western is a transit or meridian line. It was originally owned by Robert Morris, from whom it was pur- chased early in 1801 by Le Roy, Bayard, and Everts, of New York city, who had it surveyed the same year by Richard Studdard. and offered for sale. It was divided into five townships, numbered from south to north. and each township iuto sections, generally one and one-half miles square, which were subdivided into twelve farm lots of one hundred and twenty acres cach. In 1802, a road was opened four rods wide through the centre of the tract, leading to Lake Ontario, which has since been known as the Lake road. This road was given by the company, and was not included in the lots lying alongside of it. Settlements were commenced at Le Roy, and a grist-mill built there in 1901, but no sales beyond that town. In 1802 lands were offered for two dollars, and two dollars and fifty cents, per acre. At that time, this tract, with all the country west of the Genesee, belonged to the town of Northampton and the county of Ontario, with the county seat at Canan- daigua. On December 8, 1807, up to which date a few sales had been made, and a less number of settlements had crept north wardly along the Lake road, the town of Northampton was divided, and the " Triangle truet," with the wild, unbroken country lying west, of indefinite extent. were combined under one town organization. It was designated at the time of division as Bayard. but itume- diately after changed to Murray. In 1814. when the town of Sweden wa, incor- porated, this tract was divided into four towns. Le Roy, Bergen, Sweden, and Murray,-Sweden then embracing its present limits and Clarendon, in Orleans county, and Murray the two towns of Clarkson and flumlin, and the town of Murray, in Orleans county.

On the fifth day of April, 1814, the first town meeting of the town of Sweden was held at the house of Reuben Stickney, and its organization etfected by the election of the following officers :

Supervisor, John Reed ; Town Clerk, Elisha Stewart; Assessors, Joshua B. Adams, Henry Hill, John Marshal; Road Commissioners, Alanson Dudley, Zenas Case, Calvin Gibbs; Poor-masters, Benajah Warilen. Record W. Vining; School Commissioners, John Reed, William James, Calvin Gibbs; School Inspectors, David Glidden, William Sheldon, Lyman Humphreys, Elisha Stewart, Amos Frink, Peleg Sandery ; Collector and Con-table. William James; Constable, William Lnther; Pound-master. Reuben Stickney; and twenty-seven overseers of highways.

According to census report made November 25, 1813. there were. within the limits of the present towns of Sweden and Clarendon. one hundred and forty families, and one other person, comprising eight hundred and nineteen souls, di- vided as follows, viz. : twenty-two males and twenty-two females forty-five years of age and over; one hundred and fifty-four males and one hundred and thirty-four females between eighteen and furty-five, and two hundred and sixty-five males and two hundred and twenty-one females under eighteen. The number of elect- ors with frecholds who rented tenements of the yearly value of forty shillings was one hundred and forty-two ; of the value of twenty to one hundred pounds, bone ; and of the value of one hundred pounds and over, five.

The town of Sweden, with its present gevgraphical limits, comprises the third township of the Triangle tract. It extends north and south six miles, and has an average width of five and three-quarter miles, embracing twenty thousand nine hundred and forty-two acres, or about thirty-two and three-fourths square miles. The surface is generally level, though quite undulating in some parts, and the soil very rich and fertile. It is mostly a sandy Inam, gravelly, or mixed with clay in somo places. Iu no part of western New York has a tiner quality or greater field of the cereal crops been produced. Of late yrars, in common with all this belt of country, much attention has been paid to fruit culture, especially apples, which are now a staple crop, and of superior quality and yieldl. Every year the area of orchards is increased, which in a few years will absorb a large

proportion of the surface. Streams flow in every direction from the centre of the town, which is more elevated. The Salmon rises west and southwest of the centre. and flows east, then northeast into Ogelen. The west branch also rise, south of Brockport, flowing northeast. In the west part of the town a considerable stream rises and flows southward into Riga. Other smaller brooks and tributaries rise from springs, supplying abundant water and good drainage. The Erie canal and Niagara Falls branch of the New York Central Railroad extend east and west across the northern part of the town.

We of the present day, who have witnessed the rapid settlement of our western States during the past quarter of a century, can have but a faint idea of the slow and tedious process of settlement sixty and seventy years ago, nor appreciate the difficulties and discouragements by which it was attended. Our western States have been opened by railroads and water communication before the emigrant bas been invited thither to take possession of the open prairie lands, which were ready to receive the plow and the reaper, and which are gratuitously offered to all who have the courage to possess them. Western New York had no railroad. no water communication, and but few and poor wagon-roads. These must be traveled over some ove hundred miles to arrive from New Euglad, whence most of the settlers came. Then to purchase land at high prices, which were covered with a dense and heavy growth of timber that must be chopped and cleared away before he could plant, sow, or reap, was no ordinary undertaking. Many who came made the journey on foot, carrying all their possessions on their backs. Those who came with families had a lumber-wagon with a large bos, over which was a covering of canvas or cotton cloth spread on hoops, into which were packed all the household goods, beds, clothing, provisions for the journey, wife. children, and other necessaries for furnishing a log cabin, which he had in prospect of erection in the woods. In this pleasure-car the family would be on the way two or three weeks coming from New England. No wonder that, under such circum- stances, settlements were slow. Those who settled early on this tract were poor, for here lands could be bought on credit, being only required to pay interest and make improvements. But little capital was brought into this country by the emigrant, hence the wealth of to-day has been drawn from a productive soil through the labors of an industrious people. The earliest settlementa made in this town, before recorded, were in 1807, by Nathaniel Poole and Walter Palmer, on the Lake road between Brockport and Sweden Centre, and later in the same season by Samuel Bishop, Isaac White, Stephen Johnson, and Joseph Iloskins; though the records of the land sales at Le Roy show that several lots were located in 1803, and that previous to 1807 some thirty lots had been sold within the three towns. yet it is not evident that they were settled on. But as no record of date was ever taken from those arly settlers until they had removed or died, those given by the later settlers render the dates of the first somewhat uncertain. In 1808, John Reed settled in the south part of the town, and located about nine hundred acres of land, the same that his son John B. Reed and Asa Rowe and family now occupy. Timothy Tyler located south of the centre of the town ; Edward Parks, south of Brockport ; and Deacon Rice, at the place since known as Wilkie's Corners, the same year ; also James Stickney and Amos Stickney. from Oneida county, and Reuben St'ekney, Jr., Israel Stickney, and Lewis Gardner. These settlements were all made along the Lake road, which was the only road then opened in the town. Reuben Moore, Zenas Case, aud Elder Zenas Case, Jr., settled in the east part of the town a little later, and about the same timo settle- ments were commenced on the road known as the Fourth Scetion, by Elijah Steward, Walter Steward, I'riah L. James. William James, Simeon Palmer, and Joshua B. Adams. Benjamin S. Sheldon settled in the same neighborhood a year or two later ; and in the same year William Warden, Aaron Hill, and Moses J. Hill, on the town line road lealing west from Wilkie's Corners to Holley. In 1810 and 1811 settlements were made in the east and south parts of the town by Joseph Hutchinson, Joseph Luce, and Aramel Butler; also Roland Saunders and Edward H. Raleigh on the Lake road south of the centre. In ISIt or 1412. Levi Page and Eara Brown settled at West Sweden, and Abyjah Capen nne mile west of the Lake road.

A few others, Got here mentioned, had settled in the towa prior to the war of

154

PLATE XXIX .

RES. OF L. T. UNDERHILL , BROCKPORT, N. Y.

RES OF FRANK F. CAFEN, SWEDEN, MONROE CO , NY.

THE JOHNSTON HARVES

€ 4

ETS

BROCKPORT, N. Y.

PLATE XXX I.

RES. OF SANFORD GOFF , BROCKPORT, N. Y.

RES OF W/M H. SEYMOUR, BROCKPORT, NY.

155

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

1812, yet but a small portion of it was occupied up to this date. and during the war settlements were greatly retarded or almost discontinued, though some came in as others who came before were frightened away. Requisitions were frequently made on the settlers to go to the frontier to keep back the invadiog army, when many rendered patriotic service to their country. Some fell in defense of sailors' rights, und others returned to renew the battle with the forest, which was now just beginning to be cleared away. During the war some settlements were deserted, and but very few were advanced.

The prices of grain and provisions were extremely high, and those who had raised something to sell reaped a fine harvest. Oats were sold for two dollars per bushel, wheat at three dollars or four dollars, and other products in proportion. These extreme prices made it very hard for the coming settlers who were to rush in at the approach of pence. After the war, and as soon as men could devote theniselves to the pursuits of civil life, settlements were renewed with more vigor than before. At the first election of town officers, in 1814. there were but five men living in the town, which then included Clarendon. who were entitled by law to hold office; consequently, much difficulty was experienced for several years in obtaining the number of officers necessary. The organic law of the State required solid qualifications for office,-n freehold estate to the value of one hundred ponnds; and an elector, to vote, must possess or reot a freehold to the value of forty shillings. To obviate this difficulty it was not uncommon for men to get a small amount deeded to enable them to hold office. Since those days the country has evidently progressed, as men now often get elected to office with no qualifica- tions whatever, either solid or substantial.

During succeeding years the settlement of the town rapidly advanced, and a more thrifty and enterprising population succeeded many of the early settlers, who sold their claims and removed farther west to pioneer other new countries, as is usually the case in new settlements. The year 1816 was remarkably cool and un- productive, and barely enough was raised to support the population and keep the new comers from want and hunger; and for two or three years following, zo little land was brought under cultivation, and so great the demand to supply immigration, that food was very dear and difficult to obtain. A few years later, as lands were improved and a surplus raised, prices fell to almost nothing. there being no market *where transportation could be found without great expense. The only outlet to an eastern market was at the mouth of the Genesee river, whereby the lake and the St. Lawrence tide-water could be reached. The best quality of white wheat bronght only thirty-one to thirty-scren and a half cents per bushel, and, when drawn over bad new-country roads, made the condition of the farmer extremely discouraging ; especially so, as nearly every one was in debt for his fart, and must raise money to pay interest or lose the property, with improvements his labor had made. Of the settlers who came into town during the five years succeeding the war, when most of the land was Decupied, it can be truly said they were of the best and noblest character. They were the most enterprising sons of New Eng- Innd, descendants of the Pilgrim fathers,-young men who were reared upon the granite hills, inured to labor, and taught that industry, economy, and virtue were elements in a moral and religious character.

During the first decade most of the land was cleared, neat and comfortable buildings were erected, lands fenced, orchards planted, ronds made, and societies organized. Never did a people labor more diligently, or accomplish greater results under like circumstances. Lands were productive, and had largely increased in walne, so the farmer who had only cleared and improved his land found himself po sessed of a valuable property, though the original purchase money had re- mained unpaid; which was the condition of many of the landholders up to 1825, when a new era dawned upon the country by the opening of transportation through the Erie canal. The names of those early settlers who were most active in the formation of society, in directing and arranging the municipal affairs of the town, establishing schools, and building churches, as well as reclaiming the fores's and beautifying a land unsurpassed in wealth and excellence of soil and climate, and in social and intellectual advantages, by any other rural district of our country, may well be recorded in the annals of its history. Among the number were Jos. Staples. Robert Staples, Peter Stutphin, Oliver Spencer, Edmond Spencer, Chauncey Staples, John White, Jas. Stickney, Amos Stickney, Sam'l H. Davis, Abel Root, Jos. Randall, Chester Roberts, Elvis Lec, Sam'l Morgan, David Morgan, Dr. David Avery, Dr. E. B. Elliot, Levi Pond, Humphrey Palmer, Thaddeus Stone, Oratuel Butler, Daniel Butler, Nathaniel Bangs. Dudley Root, William Root, Julius Comstock, Eli Gallup, Aaron Root, Samuel V. Way, Timo- thy Tyler, Jos. Hutchinson, Sisson Taylor, Reuben Allen,, John House, Job Whipple, John Clarke, Mr. Bronson. Thos. Cooley, Lieutenant Crippen. Deacon Niles, Zurloc Hurd, Elisha Locke and sons, Samuel C. Bentley, C. J. Whiteher, I'riah L. James, Wm. King, Alanson Thomas, Elder Brackett, Royal Barlow, Eller Bigalow, James Jackson, Walter Phelps, Artemus Lyman. James Hart, Peleg Thomas, Seth L. King, E. Il. Raleigh, Asa Babcock, Wm. Ward, James

White, Silas Parker, Ahijah Capon, Ezra Brown, Rowland Sanders, Simeno Palmer, Benj. J. Sheldon, Aaron Hill, Moses Hill, Daniel Freeman, Jos Preston, Benj. Remington, Elisha Brace, Lyons Udell. Samuel Chadsey, Win. Selon, Eras- tus Lawrence, Samuel Bishop, Silas Judson, John Reed, John Beadle. Elisha Steward, Chauncey Robinson, Elisha Huntley, Eldridge Farewell, Jacob Cooley, Harmon Cooley, and many others. The carly social, moral, and religious char- acter of the people may well receive a passing notice. Notwithstanding the severe toil and privations of pioncer life, it is not without its enjoyments. No peuple were more cheerful than the toilers in clearing away the forests, and none have been more kind or ready to aid their fellow-men. It was common, when one had a hard job of work, to make a "bee," at which his neighbors would join and help him out. " Raising-bees" were quite frequent, which would generally close with a ball-play or other sport. Logging-hees, husking-bees, apple-paring bees, were common occurrences, always attended with some amusement, but always work before pleasure. Society was open to all who conducted themselves with pro- priety ; there was no class society, no aristocracy, for all were equally respected who were equally worthy. Crime was rare, for it was more creditable to work than steal or cheat. Men expected to labor. and the smartest workers were the noted persous. There were few politicians, but honest men held office. Religiously. meo were more zealous, more emotional, more tenacious, and more sectarian, but whether more Christlike we will not attempt to say.

Great changes have taken place within the past half-century in society, moral- ity, religious views, and, we trust, for the sake of civilization, towards a better condition. In all that pertains to the arts of civilized life their progress has been marked. In the general intelligence of the people, in agricultural knowledge and practice, in the right direction and use of labor, in the knowledge of mechanical principles, and the application of those principles to useful ends, and in all that enables man to accomplish more with less physical force, in substituting mind for muscle, they have advanced, and are not behind the progress of the age. Joha P. Elliot was the Srst physician settled in town. He located on Beach ridge. one and a half miles south of Brockport, at an early day, and afterward remored to Brockport, and opened a drug store. Dr. Ralph A. Gillet settled at the Centre in 1830 or 1831, in the practice of medicine. In the early settlement of the town, sickness of a malarial character prevailed. Fever and ague was the common lot of all, and physicians were much needed. After a few years Dr. Gillett opened a store in dry goods and groceries at the Centre, still practicing his pro- fession. Daniel J. Avery and D. N. Glazier also opened stores at that place a few years later, and considerable trade was directed here for several years, hut on account of the proximity of Brockport, mercantile business was closed up here about 1950.

Dr. S. M. Olden succeeded Dr. Gillett as town physician in 1839 or 1840. After about ten years' practice be removed to Brockport. Dr. Huntley also located, and practiced there until about 1835, when he too moved to Brockport, where he still resides, since which time there has been no physician located in the rural districts, and Sweden has been notably a healthy section.

Nathan Poole built the first log house on the north side of Beach ridge, where be settled. It was constructed of logs covered with bark, the floors of hewo plank. and the chimney of sticks and mud, and without nails, spikes, or screws. James Beadle built the first frame house, and kept the first tavern. It was located about one-half mile south of Sweden Centre. Jchiel Davis built the first grist-mill in town in 1813 or 1914, in the eastero part. on Salmon creek ; and Roswell Bur- roughs the first saw-mill, on the same creck, in 1815. William and James Hol- lister erected the first distillery, in 1816. In 1826 and 1827 there were three distilleries in town to supply the home demand for whisky, and one grist-brill to supply the same with bread. The first corn was raised in 1807, and the first wheat in 1808; and the first orchard planted was by Samuel Johnson. in 1809 or 1810.

The population of the town, by the census of 1975, was 5259, and the number of dwellings 1030. The assessed value of real and personal estate in the same year was 83,389,861. The average value of real estate per acre was 3145.11. The valuation of real estate was 83,054.356; personal property, $112.060. The amount of taxation, exclusive of local school taxes, was 822,778.38 The value of real estate exempt from taxation was $136.300. The number of churches, 11 ; chorch organizations, 13: and the value of church property, $31,500.

The interests of education were not overlooked in the busy life of the carly settler, but due attention was given to the maintenance of good common seltools ; beyand these few advantages were offered to the young. The common schools were perhaps behind those of the present day, but were conducted much the satne, though parents then owned and edneated their own children, interestinz themselves personally in their progress and discipline. Now, since children have become the property of the State, and the State assumes the right and authority to educate them, it may be that parental care and responsibility have been too much withdrawn, and that a little of that old-fashioned discipline banded dewu

156

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

from our New England parents, nod eujoyed hy the children of the early settlers, would improve the manners and conduct of those of the present day. All this part of the State was settled by a class to whom subools for their children, and church organizations as the central pillar of society, were uf the highest impor- tance. Consequently, as soon as their homes were made and sowie of their indis- pensable comforts secured, we find thein looking about for some means of instruc- tion far their children ; and, if regular schools and school-houses were impracti- cable, the children met at private bouses, and received the first rudituents from some of the older members. The first schools taught in the town were ou the Lake road near the Ceotre, and extended in other parts of the town as rapidly as the settlements required. In these days. ou account of the sparse settlements, many children were obliged to travel long distances through the woods, and in the winter season over bad, uubroken romis, which we, with our conveniences, can Dever appreciate. But may not these drawbacks have taught our fathers the value of what few opportunities they posseved ?- for they were more diligently improved in those days than at present. We have now in Sweden eleveu good school-bouses and districts, with efficient teachers trained in an institution witbin her own borders.

Below are given the names of the supervisors of the town from its organization down to and including 1876, with the date sud time ut' service of each, together with the town officers of 1876. viz .: John Reed. 1814 to 1820, both joclusive; Silas Judson, 1821 to 1823; James Seymour. 1824 to 1825; Joseph Randall, 1826 to 1820 ; Robert Staples, 1830 to 1835: Samuel H. Davis, 1836 to 1833; Joseph Randall, 1830 to 1840; Nathaniel Palmer. 1841 to 1842; Robert & ples, 1843 to 1847; Humphrey Palmer, ISIS; Robert Staples, 1849; Asa Kowe, 1850; Samuel H. Davis, IS51 to 1853; Frederick P. Root, IS54 to 1953; Chauncey S. White, 1859 to ISCO; Henry Root. ISCI ; Thomas Cornes, 18d2; Samuel H. Davis, 1863 w 1864; Thomas Cornes, 1565 to 180G; Waiter C. Fairbanks, 1867; Luther Gordon, 1SGS to 1809; F. F. Capen, 1370 to 1871; E. W. Young, 1872 to 1873; Ira Crawford, 1874 to 1375; and Lucius T. Underbill for IST6.

Other officers are-Town Clerk, Henry C. Hammond; Collector, Charles W. Root ; Justices of the Pence. Lucius P. Beadle. Daniel Holmes, John Allen, Ran- um Chickering ; Assessor, Ezra H. Graves. Charles P. White; Commissioner of Highways, James W. Spencer ; Over eers of the Poor, Hemian Barlow : Escise Commissioner, George Burrows; Auditors, Francis Haight, W. C. Fairbanks, Wiliam H. Roberts; Constables, Elgar B. Fellows. Amos Coats, James S. Pol- lock, L. E. Andrews, Jaumis Mufford, Inspectors of Elections, tirst district, Asa Rowe, H. L. While, F. F Capen ; second district, William J. Edwards, T. K. Burch, Ransom Chickering.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SWEDEN

was organized at Sweden Centre on September 3. 1816, by a council couvened for that purpose, and consisting of the following persons: Res. Comfort Williamus, of Rochester; Rev. Alanson Darwin, of Riga ; Rev. Ilcory Swith, frow the Female Missionary Society of Utis: Rev. Elan Clark. from the Youth a Missionary Society of Oncida; Deacon W.wd. of Bergen : Dencon Davis, of Parma; Justus Brown and Asahel Finch, also of Parma. The first members were Theda Clark, Abigail Swith, Lydia Lee. Sally Hollister. Lucretia Bennett, Abigail Bordle, Daniel Avery, Elisha Smith, Snunel Blir, J.roph Langion, Rebecca Cone, Auna Brown, Artemus Lyman, Sarah Stickney, Rosauna Avery, and Silas Judson. Daniel Avcry was chosen clerk of the society. The first minister was Josiah Pierson. On January 4, 1819. when the church numbered thirty-ti.nve mela- bers, Silas Judson was chosen delegate to the Ontario pre-bytery, and on June 23, 1833, it was received into the presbytery of lanchester, and became a regular I'res- byterian church, haring bien organizsi as a Congregational church. The first dencon of the church was David Fancher, who was chosen October 6, 1819. The first church building, a wwwden structure, was erveted in 1321, and dedicated by Rev. Abraham Foreman, previous to which & rvices were held in the school house at the Centre. The present church edifice was built of brick, completed and cou- serrated in 1836. The officers of the church are ( Isiti, Joseph Staples, Joseph Sutphen, Samuel V. Way, Chauncey S. White, Horare Chapman, and We-ley Nelson, and the membership eighty-three. The Sabbath- - chool was organized in the school-house, in 1818 or ISID, of which Dr. Daniel Avery and Calvin Gibby were superintendents. It now includes one hundred and twenty-tor pupils and mine teachers, with Wesley Silva superintendent. Connected with the schund is . library in charge of Charh. Ellis, librarian, which was purchased in 1826.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 60

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts Number of Pages: 976

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976