History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 73

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 73

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Rev. Donald Mann was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland. in 1783. Ile came to America in 1509, and in California married Margaret Cameron. Mr. Manu had qualified himself for the ministry in the well-known schort of the Hablanes, in Edinburgh, and now destined clerical duties. He traveled far and near at the call of duty. He preached without remuneration, and earned his support hy hard lubor upon a pioneer farm. He purchased a farm in Wheatland in 1815, and, moving thereon, made it his luntue for fifty-three years. For forty-three years he practiced the combined duties of preacher and farmer. He died in 1968, aged eighty-five. His wife survives, at the advanced age of ninety; she resides upon the old homestead, where she has lived for sixty-une years. There were nine

chi! Iren .- Alexander, a graduate, a lawyer in Rochester, and then editor of the Rochester American. Angus C. and Peter were residents of Wheatland, Duman C. lived in Rochester, aud Donald in New York.

Joseph Blackmer. a native of Kent, Connecticut, and a descendant of Peregrin .. White, the first white child born in New England, settled in Wheatland in 1sus He was connected with the construction of a road trom Onondaga to Oneida, an i . when the settlement of the Gellesce country began in 1788 and 1789, the early pioneers were hospitahly entertained in his log house, the sole white m.m's fost. dence between the house of Judge Dean, in Westmoreland, and Colonel Pantiuth. at Onundaga. Mr. Blackmer purchased a large farm at what is termel Belemla. and built a frame house, now occupied by P. Rulifson. He deeded free gratis from his farm sites for a meeting-house and school- house and ground for a Er ... yard. Ile was a good neighbor and a valuable citizen, and followed forming till his death, in 1818. at the age of eighty years. He had three sons, Jiral, Kpli- raim, and Oliver P., and two daughters, the wives of Jesse bimney, of Michigan, and of Jesse Merrill; all are dead. Jenny

Deacon Rawson Harmon, born in New Marlborough, M.osachusetts; moved to several localities, and finally, soon after 1811, became a resident of what is now Wheatland. He resided upon lot 21. and built the brick house now ucenpiel by C. Me Vean. Deacon Harmon had eleven children,-six sons and five daughter -. His descendants are numerous. A son, Sylvester, lives in Mumford, and another son is a resident of Clifton, in Chili. The deacon died, aged eighty-five years. it 1850.

Francis Albright became a settler in town about the close of the last cen- tory. Ile purchased a farm now the property of L. Hutchinson, and erected the my first will in town. It was a small frame, and stood on the north bank of the creek. "on lot 27. This mill, known as " Albright's mill," was a valuable acession tu the early settlers of the western bank of the Genesee. Hle removed within a few W years to Niagara county, where he died. After Albright gave up the mill his sunt Fowler took charge, and made ao enlargement. He sold to Clark Hdl, who nulled W for a time, and then disposed of it to Hiram Smith, who, in 1814, created a larger till, having five run of stone. This will was operated by Smith till 1875. when it burnel. At present the locality has a good water-power. not utilized. Mi Smith is an extensive miil-owner, and had at one time six large mills.

John McNaughten cause west, in 1790, with the Sentch colony of Caledonia. and located on lot 40, on the farin occupied by hi- youngest son, Daniel. On tili- farm he lived until his death a few years since, at a good old age. John Me- ¿ Naughten erected near his house the first distillery in the town, and the institu- tion was kept up and operated for many years by different parties. He was a pioneer wheat buyer, and sohl his flour in the Canadian amarkets previous to the war of 1812.

On leaving Scotland MeNaughten received from the kirk to which he ly- longed the following truthful certificate : " These do certify that the bearer, John McNaughton, and his spouse, Margaret MeDermid. are natives of this our pari-h of Killin, and lived therein mostly from their infancy, and always behaved. in their single and married state, virtuously, honestly, and inoffensively ; free from all publie scandal known to us. That, therefore, we know of no reason to himdet their reception into or residence in any congregation, society, or family. wher. God may cast their lut." Signed by Hugh MeDougal, minister, by J.tur- M. Nabh, elder, and by James MeNahh, parish clerk. Three witnesses youth the truth of the writing. His life in Wheathunt confirmns the estimate of worth. 11 sought those whom reverses had uvertaken and ministered to their own and their families' comfort. He was a generous man. His daughter, Mrs. Duncan Me Vcon lives in Scottsville. Mrs. M. Moore lives in Churchville, Riga, and an unmarri i daughter, Margaret, is a resident of Caledonia.

George Goodhue was settled at Canisteo as early as 1793, and was one w the pioneers at Braddock's Bay. In 1806 he removed to Wheatland, and & it] !! where his grandson, J. M. Goudhne, lives, He raised a large family, mostly daughters, une of whom. Mrs. Wells, yet re-idles in town. One daughter married F. X. Beckwith, who for some years has been sheriff of the county.

John Sage located in ISU7 north of Beleoda. and threw open his log cabin t. the accommodation of the traveling public. His hostelrie was the only one be tween Caledonia and Riga. The house had two rooms below, and a low cham!w r Many a weary, worn traveler, on his way to his Coanan in Riga, would set out le- own food, which he, as was the general custom, always carried with him, at Sige'- table, and, with a glass of cider or a good strong cup of coffee. provided hy Mr- Sage, satisfy his appetite, and then lie down upon a hed and enjoy a rest beneath a rouf. When the tide of immigration ceved to flow. Me. Sage gave attention . acht sively to his farm, upon which he remained till his death, aged seventy-two year- Two sons, Martin and Warren, sneereded to the property, and died in town. Men died wear Beulah, where he had a farm. Harlan, John, and Calvin movel wr -. and the family has few representatives in town.

Rev. Donald Man- One of my existiert remembrances is going to meeting, about 1/2 mile from my birth piece , with my mother, to Miami's Storebanne on Sundays . . 6 3. alivia Page 190 1912

*also Four Daughters- Margeret. : Kate - Jfarvet - game, none married, first three died , and frame is living in the old stone house built by the father.

Margeret and Kate I weil remember as schoolmates until I was nine years of age in 1832 - also Wexander and angus. 6.3. Gilight. 1912 ! .

Page 190

Where two of my little brother

are buriedi. 6. 7. Gilright. 1912 -7

page 190

Jenny of Highland, Garland toursty. 6. 7. Gilright

Page. 19% 1912

Francis albright remained in Wheatland until fall of 1832; when with his cores Joseph and inos F. ; and their families ; he with his wife , removed to Unin Iranship , Ross bo. . bivio . I his wife died in 1833 and in 1886 be removed to Miagia To, n. Y. Page 19%. 6.3. allright.

PLATE L.

RES. & STOCK FARM OF ISAAC BUDLONG, SCOTTSVILLE, N. Y.

PLATE LI.

RES or CZRA SCOFIELD,

191

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Eliah Goble settled north of Sage, upon a small farm on the town line. Ilis Non Nathaniel was for many years a resident of town, and finally moved to Michi- gun, where he died.

Rufus Cady and his son Marvin settled, in 1807. upon lots 34 and 39. Rufus erected a house where R. Smith lives, and reached an advanced age. Marviu located where W. 11. Harmon has his hotoe, and, after several years, went to Lockport, where he died. Two other sons, Parnis and Hiram, lived on the home- stead till 1820, when they sold to John Welch, and removed west. Seely Finch came from Oneida county, and located near the " Centre." An epidemic which prevailed in 1813 carried him off. His son Ephraim was a stirring business man. With farming he carried on distilling, aod held the office of supervisor. ITis death took place at Buffalu, to which he had moved. A brother, Seely Finch, Jr., Was a farmer in Caledonia. Calvin Arm-trong, of Connecticut. settled at the cross-roads south, of Beledda, where D. D. McCall owns a farm. He put up a double log house in 1812, and made his home here many years, finally removing to Bushville, where he died. A daughter, Mrs. Blackmer, lives near the old homestead; another, Mrs. Phelps, died at Chicago; a son lives at Bushville. Further history of the pioneer of Belcoda gives us the name of Deacon Smith, who moved to this vicinity in 1812, and set up a shoe-shop at the hamlet located in District No. 7, at the junction of several highways. The log habitation of the deacon stood upon the present site of N. Blackmer's dwelling. He lived many lyears in the town. He had a son, Elisha, a physician in New York city, where - he died. Jirah Blackmer. son of Joseph, settled on lot 39. now owned by his grand-daughters. He purchased one hundred and forty acres of land, and npon it erected a little log cabin. In a later stage of settler's life he built a comforta- ble frame, which is yet standing. He died here far advanced in years, and ", re- membered ay a deacon and clerk in the Baptist church fur over twoscore years. His early habit of teaching penmanship in school continued in his later life, aod his church records are plain and legible as when he wrote in early manhood. A son, John J, died on the homestead Benjamin Irish was a pioneer non Int 10, opposite B. Gray's, and inhabited a small log house in the midst of his clearing. He removed in 1816, and was succeeded by Abram Grant, who made much im- provement, and remained many years. Andrew Cone came on during the period of early settlement, and built a log house where W. D. Garbutt now resides. With him lived his parents. When he sold his farm in Wheatland he went to Riga, where, in later years, he married. Joseph Tucker and llenry Martin were early residents. The latter lived northeast of Belcoda, and the site of his former home is indicated by a few apple-trees. He sold in 18IT to the Sages. and left. John Welch went from New Milford, Connectient, to Madison county, in 1808. and in 1816 came to what is now Wheatland. His dwelling was upon the Arin- strong place, where he followed his trade of coopering. The manufacture of flour- barrela gave him considerable work, and supplied him with means whereby he was enabled to buy a small place. whereon he continued his former occupation. About 1820 he bonglit a farm of eighty acres of the Cady brothers. and this he occupied till bis decease in 1829. lli- son William resides in Scottsville, aged seventy- three. Front him has been obtained much of the preceding history of Belenda and vicinity. Another son, Samuel, lives in Minnesota, and a daughter. Abigail Wright, is a resident of Iowa. A man named Mansfield lived near the Blue pond, and followed farming, aud manifested a spirit of enterprise in the character and extent of his improvemente. D.miel and Martin Smith afterwards moved in, and a considerable settlement sprang up. A. early as 1816, a log school-house was s' anding on the site of the present house. Soon after the date given a brick house was built, and in it Rebecca Armstrong was the teacher for well-nigh half a dozen seasons. Another brick house has since been built. O. P. Blackmer, son of Joseph, and brother tu Jirah and Ephraim, remained in the old homestead till near the close of life, when he moved to Garbuttsville. A family was raised upon the farm. MIrs. William Welch and Mrs. John W. Garbutt and her son, William, are living at Muniford, survivors of his descendants. Ephraim had lo- cated on the south end of the homestead, and, prominent in town affairs, he was skilltul as a cultivator. One son. Newton, occupies the homestead; the rest are west. Samuel Bassett, resident north of Scottsville, removed to ('hili, where he engaged in lumbering, and passed his life. 11. Hutchinson came to town at an early date and engaged in milling and distilling at Mumford, using the MeKay mill. Afterwards he removed to Bloomfield, and his milling operations there have notice iu the history of Ontario county.

James Olmstead was a resident of town about 1818, and located north of Harris Rogers' place, where he carried on the ho-iness of making grain eradles in connection with fariniog. His reputation was widespread, and his business gave employment to three or four m. n. The " Amstrad cradle" was as much in demand in that day as is the Brockport " New Yorker" reaper to-day. One daughter married llyilea Cooper, and another became the wife of Harry Smith.

Thomas Lowry, of England. came out with the tiarbutts, and located in the

sonth part of the town, where HE. Eddy lives. He was of the early lemling townsmen, and raised quite a family, some of whom died in town ; grandchildren are citizens of' Wheatland. John Mudge, Jr., and his father, Elder Mudge, from Madison county, located near the Blue pond. Pleasant times the boys enjoyed sailing at night opun the waters of this beautiful deep pund, some forty adres in extent. Alfred Mudge became a prominent lawyer and a pension agent in Rock- ester. William is a resident of the city, and others of the family live in the eunoty. Ebenezer Skinner came from the battle-ground of Luudy's Line. where he had been a habitant, and took up a farm un lot 29, where his son Almon now lives, Skinner dealt rations to British suldiers ou the day preceding the battle. and afterwards aided the burial-parties in the interment of the dead. Near the farm of Skinner, Bela Armstrong, of Connecticut, lived. He was one of the early school-teachers. A son, Elon G., is a miller at Garbattsville. Francis Smith is remembered by early musicians of this town as a favorite. Ilis home was north of the present residence of D. D. S. Brown. A few years only were passed in this town. Near Smith lived a tory named Springsteen, whom the former bought out. Theodore, Theron. and Kinner Brown were sons of Krv. Solomon Brown, and settled the homestead known as lots 8 and 9. Theron wa- a soldier of 1812, and became a general of militia. He was prominent politically. und remained connected with the town until his death. ITis second wife sur- vives. A son, Volney P., is one of the leading agriculturi-ts of the county, and has twice been called by his townsmen to represent them in the legislature ; and has also served as supervisor and magistrate. Joel Phelps was an early resident near Belcoda-a pensioner of the Revolution, and died in town, while his son- went west. Robert Smith wax a farmer for many years upon land north of Scottsville, and reached an advanced age. E. T. Miller came first to Chili, and later to this town, where he farmed extensively. One son resides in Scott-ville. and another south of the ereck.

James Mallock became an early resident in the west part of town among his Scotch brethren. Later. he moved to Garhuttsville. A son. dames. rills the farm. David Fauvell, brother of Elisha, was about the first settler of Belrods. and the brothers were quite heavy land-holders. Later, he went to Michigan, and there died. Near the town line and Blue pund lived a man known as Hunter. He is named only as an early settler. and died at Lockport, to which he had re- moved. Stephen Boker, from Jay. Essex county, located near Mumford. north of Allen's creek. and, after some years, settled in Riva. William Shirts was the pioneer tanner of the town. Hle located at Beleoda about 1810, and carried on tanning many years, and finally went upon a farm. A son. William A. Shirts, and daughters, live in town.

William Peabody located on lot 41, where D. C. McPherson now resides. Here the pioneer lived many years, and when grown old took up his abode in Seufts- ville, where he dealt in real estate. An early settler on lot 26, where W. Rulif- son lives, was C'harles Killan, who was the first overseer of highways io District No. 12, as then constituted. Whiting Merry was a settler oear Mumford. where G. Guthrie lives. James Fraser was one of the early Scotch settlers on the farm of R. R. Garbutt. He removed to Caledonia village, where he died. Adjoining the farmu of Charles Kiflan was that of William Arin-trong, At his death. hur- son William became beir to the farm, and it is now owned by his children. Thomas Simpson located near Lowery, and after a few years went to Caledonia and engaged In distilling. Philip Warduer came in about 1820. atul settled at Hall's Cornery, on a thirty-acre tract purchased of Ely Stone. He continued farming with carpeuter work for many years, and finally moved to Allegheny. where he diedl. Moses Wells came in among the first. and married a daughter of George Goodhue, and farmed at Garbuttsville till his death. His widow surviv. .. William Reed, English, located on lot 53. where W. R. MeVean lives. 11 was one of the early custodians of the Farmers' library, and died here. Our &m. Henry, lives south of the homestead ; another, William, in Washington ; and fw .. Shelby and Edward, in Ohio. Elisha Fauvell, a pioneer at Belenda, sold to Joseph Blackmer in 1809. Thomas Stokes, a Quaker, came in about 1200. and located near Shadbolt, south of Allen's creek. He was a leading member of the society of Friends. The homestead is occupied by Thomas Stokes. a son.

THE SCOTTISH SETTLEMENT.

Coanty history relates the extended aod beneficial influence exerted ugain western settlement by Captain Williamson. His plans, tingrd deeply with aris- tocratie prejudice, were of magnificent proportions. He apportioned one hundred acres as a glebe lot for the maintenance of clergymen, and sixty aeres for schoni porquees . Provision was made for ten gentlemen, each of whom was to have

five hundred aeres, ten farmer-, one hundred aeres rach, and forty farmers. seventy . eight acres each. A village was to be laid on: having sixty lots of twelve actes euch." It was thought that Caledonia would become one of the most important

Joad two daughters, Miranda and Octavia- my adminates- moved to Jagland , bahland Bo, Mich. page 191: 1912. E. 7. Wiright. i

My first step mother, Marietta Blackmere, daughter of Jurah. 6.7. albright. 1912

Page 191

Therefore Father's oldest brother Graph albright married Mancy Mc Pherson. page 191

E. 7. allright. 1412

192

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

of the inland villages. The Seot is fond of home; the hills and valleys. banks and braes of the old country are dear to her children : and not without good reason did the emigrant leave her borders. Two causes conspired to withdraw the Highlander from erag and loch to this far-away land. The land-holdeis, turning their attention to sheep-raising. consolidated their small firms for feature grounds, and their ten- antry were thrown out of home and employment. Nere -ity required them to seek new homes, however remote. A second influence was the dread of impre-stent. England was at war with France. and strenuous effort was needful to replenish . the dejdeted rauks. The Highland regiments in the British service were recruited by ruthless impre-soient. and many a stalwart young man, avere to war, left home to shun its horrors. It is related by Dr. W. T. Mclaren that on one occasion a Highlander, returning from market, told his wife, with much courern, that he had seen a recruiting officer at the town. and did not doubt that next day he would be out in search of' men. The ohl coupde ealled their -on. gave him their blessing, and started him for America, from whenre he never returned. The first company of emigrants left Perthshire in the spring of 1799, and sailed from Greenock March 1. New York was reached about May 1. To Albany they went by boat, and thence to Joho-towo on foot. There old friends were found. Williamsun visited the party and made them a profer of land at thirty cents an acre, payable as they were able, in wheat, at seventy-five cents per bushel. He went still further, and loaned them money to enable them to reach the land, and gave them provisions for the journey. The Scot is " canny." and a delegation, consisting of James and Malcolmn MeLaren, Hugh MeDermid, Donald McPherson. and John MeVean. set out on foot to make a visit to this land, two hundred miles away, in a forest. Careful of appearance in all circumstances, the embassy stopped under a rude bridge, near Geneva, and shaved with pocket-knives, and so prepared to meet Mr. Williamson. About a score of persons came. in March, 1799, to the west, in sleighs. Another season went by, and the remainder of the colony had arrived. Among the first arrivals were Peter Campbell. M. and J. MeLaren. John Me- Naughton, and their wives. and Donald Me Vean, single.

Malcohn's was the first death in the colony.

Captain Williamson did not forget them, and furnished -upplies from his store at Williamsburg. Mindful of religious obligation, the settlers, on November 15. 1802, organized the Caledonia Presbyterian society at the house of Peter Comp- bell. The trustees chosen were Peter Anderson. John Christy. Poter Campbell. Thomas Irvine, and Duncan MePherson. In July, 1803. the emigrants from Inverness-shire left their homes, and in a week had reached Greenock. Five weeks they waited the sailing of the ship. Their vessel, the " Trapper." Captain Win. Taylor, was six weeks upon her voyage to New York. A sloup was chartered to take the party to Alhany, aud a brief halt was made at Johnstown, and then they proceeded to their permanent homes.

A saw-mill was put up by John MeKay in 1804. and better habitations was the immediate result. Education had an early patronage among these thoughtful people, and a meeting was held by them. in 1803. to build a school-house one- fourth mile from John A. Mr. Veau's corner. on the Creek road. and about the centre of the settlement. This was the first school building erected west of the Genesce, and the pioneer teacher within its walls was Alexander MeDonald. In this house the settlers met for worship every Sabbath. Selections were generally read by Peter Farquhar on, aml at intervals the services of a minister were had. In 1805 the three eller- were Donald Me-Kenzie, Punean MePherson, and Donald Anderson. Rev. Liml-ley. of Big Tree, and Rev. Jedediah Chapman gave per- simmal visits; and bestowed their ministertions.

SETTLERS OF WEST SIDE OF WHEATLAND.

Coming up the erecek from Mumford. the first settler wa- . John Me Vean, resident of a log cabin, a shepherd of the Scottish hills, and ever carrying the " crank" till his death. at the lengthend span of one hundred and four years. He was buried in Caledonia, and left no children. Then next above was James Meharen. the owner of a gond farm. which he sold. and then went to Canada. His neighbor, Anderson, died, and the family likewise removed to Canada. John McPherson was on the next place, now owned by his son Peter. the only member of the family is the town. Mr. MePherson was a man remarkable for piety, and a pillar in the I reshyterian church. Along the road we yers the house of John Chester. Alex- ander Thomp-on, and stop briefly with Donald MePherson, who died aged and respected, leaving, now living, two sons,-Malcolm her to the farm, and Ales- ander. Donald's brother lived next west, and his son. John F, is the present owner of the property. Anderson was the next one of this chain of settlement. Ile left the form to his sun Daniel, who, after some years' sojomin. soll to Tubu McNaughton, and the latter again sold it to Thomas Faulkner. A brief outline uf Faulkner's life is not devoid of interest He was born in Perry Ireland, in 1799. and. three years of age, was moved to Sentland, where he lived till his seventeenth year. He then enlisted in the First Regiment of Royal Seate, went to the West

Indies, and, on June 24. 1812, sailed for Canada, and arrived at Quebec on August ti. 'Faken prisoner at Fort Erie. August 15, 1814, he was blown up with the fort. He was taken to Batavia hospital, whence he came, uneschanged and nut discharged, to Wheatland. Here on his farm he raised & family to take reputable part in society. Seth is a physician, in Missouri; Thomas, a machinist in Wisconsin ; Simcon is dead; Sarah is the wife of Dr. C. C. Tyrrell. iu Evan -- ville, Indiana; Elizabeth married A. B. Lawrence, of Warsaw ; John and Emily are at home. The first wife of Faulkner was daughter to Simeon. and grand-daughter to Gideon King, one of the twelve original proprietors of the town of Greece.

Dencon John Christie, from Scotland, in 1795, remained the greater part of' a year at Johnstown. New York, and thence came to lot I, on Allen's ereck, having bought of Phelps aud Gorham one hundred and forty-three acres, at three dollars per acre, with extended time of payment. Ohs his arrival his first care was to build a small loy house to shelter his family. then a clearing w.is mole arontel it. and a plat seeded in corn, which he had brought with him in a blanket Hugh Christie was then two years old. and has lived on that old homestead to see his eighty-third year, and has been the longest to reside in the town since white settle- ment began. Christia, a daughter, widow of Duncan Menzie, and resident of Caledonia, was born here. John was born 1797, at the house of' Deacon Me- Vean, then owned by Hugh MeDermid. Jeanette Fraser. sister of Hegh Christie. is a resident of the town, at the age of ninety-three. John. the father, died July 3. 1843, in his ninety-ninth year. His wife died July 10, 1-52. at the age of ninety-five. There were nine children in the family : four are living.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 73

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