History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 67

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 67

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In the latter part of 1798, Michael leach settled ou lot 7, range 1, Silas

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Leonard, on lot 2, mange 7; and George Goodhue one-half mile east of the former; also one Laban, adjoining, who moved soon after to Wheatland. About the same time, Timotby Madden settled one-half mile south west of Parma Centre, on the old Canawaugus road. In 1800 er 1801, Moses Schofield, southwest of the Atchison settlement, near Chase & Tierney's mills, on the east bank ; and Asa, Jacob, and Dr. Sylvester Atchinson, brothers of Bezaleel, the latter of whom set & broken arm for the danghter of George Goodhne,-the first serious accident in the town. At this time a settlement had been made on lot 7. range 2, by Samuel Hicks, with a wife and nine children, from Berkshire. Massachusetts. He was a trapper aod bunter, which occupation he followed exclusively on the lake shore, near Braddock's bay, at a place known to this day as flicks' point. The exact date of this settlement is not known positively, though, according to the family tradition, they must have crossed the Genesee as carly ns 1791 ; while according to the memory of the first settlers still living, they came by way of Braddock's bay about 1800 or 1801. They did not concern themselves with agriculture beyond the bare necessaries of life, und living exclusively among themselves, and in manner and pursuit so different from the other settlers. their early history seems to have been but little known. Yet the weight of evidence leaves but little doubt that their settlement dates at least four years subsequent to the Atchinsons In IS02-3 came Gibbons Jewett, George Huntley, Abner Brockway, Jr., Daniel Arnold, and John Leonard; in 1805, Jonathan Underwood settled ve lot 1, range 4; Hope and Elisha Davis at Parma Corners, James Egbert and Jonathan Ogden. In 1807, Cor- nelius Beneett, at Barritt's Corners, en let 2, range 4. In 1808. Lewis Davis, a lad, brother of Hope, and still living on the old place at Parma Corners. In 1809. Levi Talmage and Kennicone Roberts. In 1810. Augustus Mather, and four brothers, Samuel, Isaac, Abraham, Jr., and Jehial Castle, en lots 3, 4, and 5, mange 7; R. Fulton, Markham, Lindell Curtis, E. Fulton, on lots 7 and S, range 5; Zelved and James Stevens, Peter Hiller, and in the north section, its first settlers, John Cheuey, at Burtient's Cornery : on the southwest corner, Jesse Stowel, one-half mile west, Jonathan Cory, adjoining, east; R. Winchel. Juel Bagley, and the four brothers, Jerc., Gad., Barber, and Nathan Wright, at the triangle line, and known as the Wright settlement; and in 1811, Elisha C'ross, at Bartlett's Corners; Baldwin, Jason, and Ezra Tyler, at Unionville; J. Thompson, at Parion Corners ; Warham Warner, Joshua Whitney, and others, followed in rapid succession. During these years many others made settlements at unkuown dates, among whom were E. W. Thayer, Daniel Schofield. Philander Curtis, Sr., Shelton Beach. Jonathan Henry, E. Bancroft. Johnson Gilmore, Peck, and others ; also Abraham Castle, Sr., futher of Judge Castle, who came in 1811.

Where the Atchinson brothers lecated was known for many years as the Atch- inson settlement, and until the opening of the inn at the Corners was the objective point of all new-comers prior to settheaient. at which centered all highways and business northwest of the falls. Bezaleel Atchinson had five children born to him io his new home, the eldest of whom, Mrs. Betsey Wyman, still living coe mile west of Parma Corners, was the second white child born in the towe, which event occurred January 22, 1799, only one day after the birth of the first. a daughter of George Goodhuc. Of the four coming with him, two. Roswell and Austin, are still living in Spencerport, at the advanced ages of eighty-eight and eighty-six. The father died at his home at a good old age, after living to see the consumima- tien of a glorious work begun in hardship and privation. Gibbons Jewett, one of he most prominent men of his day, was supervisor twelve years, and for a long tin : justice of the peace. If legal formis are now more varied and complicated than formerly, the reckless contempt for all form and grammar. as shown by the subjoined copy of a veritable contract upon which Mr. Jewett passed judgment, rendered the duties of the justice none the less difficult; and though it might stagger the wit of a modern counsel, it dul not dismay the primitive pettifogger :

" Due Shelton Beach fifteen Shillings in Potatoes, which Erastus Robinson prom- isca to pay to Jacob Hayden in pine boards ; Said work is to be done in hand Irbor when called for, with the exception of two Shillings in cash to Michael Beach."

Abraham Castle, Sr .. died August 27. 1812, and his wife. Joanna. September 14, 1817, and were buried on the land owned by his son Jehial. The former was the first person interred in the old grave-yard one half inile east of Hunt's Corners. Samuel Castle lived sixty-five years on the boturstead farm. Int 7. range 4, where he died March 16. 1874. Ilis whole life was identified with the settlement and growth of that part of Monroe County, its public measures and improvements, and he was for many years one of its nant prominent men. He was supervisor three years ; town clerk, six years : justice of the peace, sixteen years , and ap- pointed judge in April, 1829. Timothy Mulden died 1529, on the place now owned by Russel Bates ; his wife, Polly, is yet living with her daughter. Mrs. Randall, one mile west of U'uionville, at the great age of ninety-six. Her son, Silas Madden, also living, was born 1802. and, excepting Mrs. Wyman, is the oldest living person born in the town. Mrs. Elanor Johnson, daughter of Beza-

leel Atchinson, died 1803, and was the first denth in the town. The first porn married was Captain John Leonard to Miss Hencher, of Braddock's bay, where the marriage took place. In 1805, John Atchinson married Chrinda Hiet -. For many years private burying-grounds were the only ones in use, each family burying their dead on their own farm, which are now mostly destroyed. The first regular burying-ground laid out way one mile north and one-balf muile west of the Centre, several years before the war of 1812.

Among the trades and professions, Jacob Atchinson was the first blacksmith, in a leg shop on the farm of John Atchinson. R. Fulton, the first mechanic : Sylvester Atchieson, physician and surveyor ; J. Thompson, tradesman; %. Stevens, distiller ; Daniel Arnold and .Alpheus Madlen, teachers; and E. W. Thayer, Joshua Whitney, and Atchinson, tillers. The first frame house was built by Bezaleel Atchinson, and the first frame barn by Hope Davis, at Parma Corners, in 1800. The first road laid out in this town was on June 6. 1599. by Cyrus Douglass and Reuben Heth, and was the original Canawaugus road. It was surveyed by Alex. Rea, from the Atchinson settlement to the southeast, and long since vacated, except about one mile of the north end, which is still open. The first apple-trees were raised by Bezaleel Atchinson, and set into orchards hy himself and Michael Beach about the same time; though it is claimed by the descendants of Samocl Ilicks that an old orchard, the remains of which, with ittuense trunka, were a few years ago dug up on his old homestead, was the oldest orchard in all that seetinn of country.

The first mill erected in the town was a saw-mill, about the year 1806 or 1807. It was built by E. W. Thayer on the Long Poud creek, in the east part of the town, and about one mile south of the flicks settlement. The second was a grist- mill, purchased by Bezaleel Atchinson of one King, near Rochester, in 1800 or 1810, taken down, removed to the settlement, and rebuilt on Salmon ereck. near where Chase & Tierney's mills are now located. A few years later a saw mill was attached to it. About 1811 er 1912, another saw-mill was erected by Whitney & Markham, where the same stream crusses the Ridge road, near Fowler's mills. Following these, three other saw-mills were successively built on Long Pund creek, and long since discontinued. First, by A. Mather, south of the Ridge ; Hiram Handy, one mile north ; and, about 1825, J. Fuller, ecar the ca-t town line. In 1820, the first saw-mill in the north section was erected by R. Winchel un West creek, east of the Centre road; a second by Philander Curtis, west of the road; and still later, a third by Joseph and George Buel, east of Winchel's: all of which were long ago destroyed. \hont 1849, Markham constructed the Sperry nulls, and about the same time a carding-mill was erected en the Button- wood by Mr. Trimmer, and did business several years. The Atchinsons erectedl a second mill on the Salmon, below Cnionville, about sixty years ago, which was never operated. It was built too far above the water to work, and was taken down and rebuilt near the settlement, where it stood several years. In 1874, Clark & Crary huilt a large steam saw-mill, stave and barrel factory at I'nionville. which is doing a large business, and a few years previous a steam-mill had been erected at the Triangle line, near the lake, and is still in operation. D. M. Mar- tin's furnace is doing a large business in the manufacture of farm implements ef every description. It was built in 1867, near the Greece town line, and widway the south section.

MAIL, STAGE, AND RAILROAD LINES.

As soon as the Ridge road was opened in 1816, Samuel Hildreth & Co. estab- lished a daily line of stages between Rochester aud Lewiston. The post-office of Parma was then opened, with a daily mail each way, and J. Thompson postluisfer. Until the opening of the Erie canal, it was the distributing office for Oglen Centre, Adams' Basin, aud, later, for Spencerport. Levi Talmadge bought ilu line, and soon after sold it to Adams & Blynn, who held it until the completion of the canal, when it was discontinued. Two years previous, in consequence of the immense business, at times requiring three daily stages, an opposition line, known as the Anti-Sunday line, was established by Aristarchus Champion, which was also stopped. A weekly mail, carried on horseback, was then established between Scottsville and l'arma. In 1>31, Parma Centre post-office, with ... ... Patterson postmaster, was created; a few years later a semi-weekly minil w.is delivered. In 1815, Salton Creek post-office, at I'ninville, was established, and in 1847 North Parma post-office, at Bartlett's Corners, with J. M.Kurhund [a~t- master. Two years later, Sahuon Creek was discontinued; and saberquently William Burridge, postmaster of North l'arma. moved up to Cuionville with that office, at which place North Parma postoffice has since been located. In 1Still. a daily stage line was established between Spencerport and I'ninville, and with it a daily mail, previons to which a tri-weekly mail was distributed. In lars. the Oglensburg, Watertown and Oswego Railroad was constructed through the north part of the town, and the station of l'arma located at I'nionville. On Thuralny. August 10, 1876, it began carrying the mail, -an event memorable as the dato of the first mail delivered in town hy mail.

PLATE XL.

"MAPLE GROVE HOME" RES. OF PROF. @w, Clarke 1

PARMA, N. Y.

RES. OF C. J. VANDERBECK , PARMA, N. Y.

PLATE XLI.

MRS. ISAAC CHASE.

RET OF ISAAC CHASE, PARMA, MINNAI I.0, N Y

. ISAAC CHASE.

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

PARMA CORNERS

was first settled in the year 1805 by Hope aad Elisha Davis, who in 1909 built the first tavero in the town. It was constructed of logs, with a large frame barn adjoining, and was located on the southwest corner, near where the vid Parma Institute building now stands. In I-11. Levi Tahnadge purchased the whole property, and the T.dmadge tavern soon became celebrated, from Rochester to Lewiston, as the only public-house within a radius of many miles. Ia 1812, J. Thompson built the first store in town, on the north corner, in which was also the first pust-office. After a few years he was succeeded by Thomas HI Rochester and Montgomery, and they in turn by William MeKnight, who kept it many years. Nut far from 1816 the second tavern was built by one Bently on the site of the one now kept by D. Trimmer. The original structure constitutes a part of the main building now standing. At the same time, the Tillot-on House was erected west of the Corners, on the north side, but closed up in two years. In IS18, Davis Goodel purchased Bently's tavern, and gave it the name of Goodell House. It is noted as the last place where Morgan was seen on that memorable jouroey fruin which he never returned. In 1820. Levi Talmadge erected a larger hotel on the northwest corner, anti what was long known as the old log tavern waa dis- continued. About 1816, Zolved Stevens erected a distillery Dearly opposite the tannery now owned by Gorsline & Co. After conducting it a long time. he sold it to A. H. Owens, who moved it east of the Corners, operated it a few years, and rebuilt it into a barn, which is still standing. Mr. Stevens also erected a tavern near his distillery, which he kept several years. At this time all indulged in great anticipations regarding the future of Parma. Business was brisk and increasing, several hotels, a distillery, and two stage lines in full blast. ~ d every- where the indications of rapid and permanent growth. The construction of a large race-course was in preparation, in which the prominent horsemen of Roch- ester and the surrounding country were interested. In anticipation of this, War- ham Warner erected and opened a large hotel in its vicinity, west of the distillery. va the place now owned by J. MI. Webster. It was closed very soon, however, on account of the failure of the original project. In 1830 or 1831. Henry Stevens built a hotel between the two latter, and conducted it several years. In 1825. . Randall Curtis built a tanvery opposite the distillery. The original structure was a small building, still standing in front of Gorsline & Co.'s tannery, which was erected later, as the business increased. A Universalist church was built on the northwest corner at the same time. and in opposition to the Congregational (then Presbyterian) church at West Greece. After a few years, regular services ceased, when it was used as a public hall, until finally, after becoming a ruin, it was burned in May, 1853.

UNIONVILLE, OR NORTH PARMA POST-OFFICE,

is the most important and flourishing place in the town. It is situated on Salmon creek, on the line between the two sections, and on the Ogdensburg, Watertown and Oswego Railroad. It was settled in 1805 hy Jonathan Underwood. and 1810 by Jason Tyler, who built the first house in ISII, and the first blacksmith-shop in 1815,-the former near the present Baptist church building, and the latter south of the Corners, on the cast side. In 1820. Samuel Smith opened a tavern un the size of the drug-store now owned by Charles Spring. Five years after, Jason Tyler purchased it, and kept it a few years. after which it was discontinued. Seremal years later a large, cumbersome structure was erected ai the southwest wirner by Charles Darling, and opened for a hotel. It was better known as the Arcade. It was closed five years after, and permitted to sink into decay. In 1836. William Fossmire built the first store a few rods farther west, on the north- rast corner. It is now owned by George Ingham, and has an extensive trade. I'ntil 1870, it was the only store north of the Centre. In 1376, the first and mily drug-store in the town was opened by Charles Spring. from Brockport. Enionville has a population of about three hundred, four stores, wagon-shop, harmes-shop, saw-mill, stave and barrel factory.

PARMA CENTRE,

situated in the centre of the second section. was first settled by Roswell and Austin Atchinem. The first house was built by the latter. on the northeast corner. now the ri-ilence of R. P. Odell, Jr. In 1829. Asa Peck built the first blacksmith- and wagon-shop a few yards west of the Corners, and sold it four years after to Charles Vesey. It is now owned by W. J. Dunn, who purchased it in 1835. I'mler his management it has been greatly extended. and a large stock of excel- Intly-finished carriages are yearly manufactured and sold. In 1830, Chauney A. Km. from Madison county, in company with M. L. Ross, created the first store n .nh of Parma Corners, on the southwest corner. In 183G bis store was burned.

and rebuilt the following year. It is now owned by Wal H. Denniston. Mr Knox was tw. Ive years postinaster, and nineteen years town clerk, and has always been one of the most prominent, public-spirited, and popular men in the town. He is still living, and resides with his son-in-law, Rodney P. Odell, present super- visor and clerk. In 1862 a second store was opened, but closed seven years later. In 1868 the store now occupied by Sela Burritt was built.

SCHOOL8.

The one general characteristic of all American pioneer settlements is the carly attention which is always paid to schools. Almost as soon as the first aure is cleared and planted, and protection against starvation secured. measures are set un foot to secure the means of instruction for their children. The first school-house erected in the town was located near the Atchinson settlement. Its first teacher way Alphen- Madden, in 1804, eight years subsequent to the date of settlement. Prior to this. however, Daniel Arnold, a surveyor, taught school in a log house built and owurd by Bezaleel Atchinson, that stood a few rods north of his first residence. Schools were also taught in one end of the dwelling-house of Michael Beach, at Hunt's Corners, which became the second district. In 1810 the first frame school-house in town was erected at Parma Corners, on the site of the present one. En 1815 the first school-house in the fourth district, at Unionville, south of the Corners and west of the road, and a little later in the Cross district. at Hartlett's Corners. and the Wright district, near the Triangle. These constituted the original districts of the town, which have since been divided and subdivided as its growth and increase required. In 1841 the location of Atchinson school-house was transferred to Parma Centre. There are at present sixteen good, substantial school-houses, pleasantly located, with extensive grounds, within the towa limits, affording in- struction, according to the report of the last year, to one thousand and eighty- nine pupils.

THE PARMA INSTITUTE

was organized September 11, 1858, in the Baptist church at Parma Corners. Fourteen trustees were chosen, of whom J. Tripp was made president, James Gorsline secretary, and J. M. Webster treasurer. The school was at first coo- dncted in the old tavern stand on the northwest corner, which was purchased, October 15, fur fourteen hundred dollars. and soon after moved across the street, and repaired at a cost of five hundred dollars. A new edifice was immediately erected for the Institute, to which was attached the old structure, as a boarding- hall. Its erection cost five thousand dollars. half being raised by subscription, and a mortgage on the property given for the remainder. The school continued, with indifferent success, under the charge first of Prof. Robinson, followed by Prof. Blennerhasett, F. B. Palmer, and others, until 1863, when the property was sold at sheriff's sale, and hought in by seven of the trustees. They in turn leased it to Prof. Williams for one year, after which, as failure seemed inevitable. it was decided to sell it to the Catholic church. At this juncture Prof. S. W. Clark arrived, and it was agreed that he should take the property by paying the twenty- five hundred dollars' indebtedness, and under a new charter conduct the Institute for five years at least, and longer if self-supporting. A new charter was obtained, Miss Cora C. Clark installed as principal, and the Institute entered upon its most prosperous carcer. The officers were Rev. E. Sawyer, president; O. A. Royce. vice-president; J. Gorsline, secretary; and J. M. Webster, treasurer. The assist- ant teachers at different times were Miss Button. Miss Thompson. Miss Platt. and Miss Staunton, and the aunber of pupils ranged from sixty-five to one hundred. The classical and scientific branches were taught, embracing ancient and modern languages, higher mathematics. natural sciences, etc., with regular lectures from Prof. S. W. Clark. At the close of the five years, in 1870, it was deemed expe- dient to terminate its existence. Adverse circumstances, the want of proper sup- port and local interest, together with the proximity of the Brockport Institute, combined to make a longer effort unadvisable, although situated in one of the most desirable and healthy localities in the State. The building was subsequently sold to the third school district of Parma.

During the war of 1812 the early settlers were not wanting in patriotism, as exemplificd by the readiness with which they rushed to the defense of their set- tlement at the first appearance of invasion. As soon as it was known that the British contemplated an attack at the mouth of the river, all not in the service elsewhere hastened to its defense, the result of which has become historical. That the same spirit animated the women is shown by the following incident. For mutual protection all had gathered at the house of Stephen Atchinson. Among the many startling rumors was the report that fifteen hundred hostile Ilians were appronching, and were then at Souly Creek. They arranged for defense, and two of the more resolite. Jerusha Wilkinson and Lucy Hicks, secured -trong clubs, and, as night approached. stationed themselves on guard. Observing a tall. dark form approaching, which. in the gloom of night and their fearful excitement, aquined the perfect natline of an Indian, they nerved themselves for attack, and

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Dot an instant too soon the stranger spoke, by whose roive they recognized Captain Jubo Leonard, whose illness had kept him at home.

The great disadvantage to the early settlement was the uluiost absolute want of market facilities, there being no meaus of transportation, except by stuall vessels penetrating the inlets along the lake, and connected with the interior by new and carly impassable roads. Thayer's landing, on Salen creek, was for many years the main shipping point. The war opened a channel at extreme prices, which soon after fell back to the lowest point. and wo remained'until the Frie canal gave permaneut relief. From that period dates the rapid growth and development of all this section, which in a few years transformed a wilderness into a garden, with all the accompaniments of wealth and luxury.

So anxious had the original proprietors been to develop the new country, that they never besituated to article farms to any one with sufficient means to pay for the execution of the contract, and to grant aluost uulimited credit. As a result it was settled quite extensively by a shiftless class. who threw up tolerable log huuses, clcored and tilled just enough laod to raise their owo bread, and devoted themselves alternately to indolence and hunting. Consequently they made no payments on their farms, which were destined to relapse back to the former owuers.

Io 1825, wben laod bad attained the value of about ten dollars per acre, a pressure was brought to bear upon this class for a first payment, some of whom had held their farms ten, fifteen, and even twenty years, but being unable to meet le, they sold their improvements for what they could get, the more readily as Michigan had just opened to settlement, and a feverish restlessness prompted them to emigrate. This gave place to a better class, generally from New Eng. land, who brought with them the sterling traits of that thrifty people. Again, a few years later, when land had doubled in value, a similar movement was a second time inaugurated, and the west received another quota, to the advantage of west- eru New York. In a few years a marked change was perceptible, and in a social and religious aspect the new element made a decided impress.

Tho present population are alorost wholly the descendants of the early settlers of New England, and possess a high order of refinement and intellectual and re- ligious culture. The advantages of their geographical position preserved them in a great measure from the evil clements so prevalent in many communities, and favored the dissemination of those high principles that culminated in the excellent schools, flourishing churches, a broad and liberal public spirit, and the hospitable homes for which they are so widely and justly esteemed. The town is especially adapted to agriculture, which bas always been the pursuit of its people. Blessed with a soil of unsurpassed fertility and a favorable and bealthy climate, every variety of production has yielded the largest returns, and, with the proverbial industry of its people, developed a rich and prosperous community. For many years the cereals were the chief production, but latterly they have been much less cultivated. It is now more nuted for the immense quantity of fruit yearly slupped to market. Already many hundred acres are covered with orchards of the chivicest apples, with large yearly additions, which must, it' continued. in a few years em- brace the greater part of the surface. Since the outbreak of the late rebellion, beans havo been very extensively cultivated, sod are still one of the staple pro- ductious.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 67

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