History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 88

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 88

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PLATE LXXXVII.

RES. or MILTON BUDLONG, PERMINTON. MONROE CO, N. Y.

PLATE LXXXVIII.

RESIDENCE FROM THE ROAD

Gauvr FARM, RES OF NORMAN GOURLAY, TOWN DE PPARINTON, MONROE CO, NY

V ....

PLATE LAMATA.

اليـ

IVERY

"OSBURN HOUSE, R. CON ANT, PROP !.

RESIDENCE OF A. B. POTTER .

FAIRPORT, NY

PLATE XC

JAMES HANNAN.

MAS JAMES HANNAN.

RES. OF JESSE B. HANNAN, TOWN OF PERMINTON MONROE CO, NY

229

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

FAIRPORT LODGE, NO. 476, F. AND A. M.

The original charter for this lodge was obtained by the following-named Masona, who petitioned the tirand Lodge for same, to wit: Joshua C. Eaton, Thomas B. V. Durund, J. K. Burlingame, Henry Van Buren. Ous B. Fullam, Seymour Palmer, John Palmer, O. C. Eaton, Elisha Marlett, Willard K. Goodrich, William Wil- cox, S. Prentiss Noyes, Jacob Chase, Roswell B. Hewes, and Fayette Luphatu.

The above were the original charter memleN

First meeting of the lodge was held April 16. 1859. The first officers were- Joshua C. Eaton, W. M .; Thomas B. V. Durund, S. W .; James K. Burlingame, J. W .; Omar Wilcox, Sec'y pro tem. ; Remson Vanderhoof, Treas .; Otis B. Fullam, S. D .; Seymour Palmier, J. D .; O. C. Eaton, S. M. C .; John Palmer, J. M. C .; Elisha Marlett, Tyler.

The present officers are-H. W. Couch, W. M. , L. J. De Land. S. W .; L. M. Powers, J. W .; H. H. Howell, Treas .; J. S. Rum Jell, Fee'y; D. Tallman, Jr., S. D ; L. M. Shaw, J. D .; M. E. Hazeo, Tyler; C. C. Moore, S. M. C .; George W. Bowerman, J. M. C.

Situated on the two great thoroughdures vi travel and counmerce, the direct line of the New York Central Railroad, and the Erie canal, the manufacturers and business nico of Fairport, and the adjacent farming community, have the advan- tage of cheap and rapid shipments. Although competition in freight between mil and water is usually productive of cheap rates, yet in late years, when time is re- garded as so essential in business pursuits, the railroad absorbs the bulk of its commerce ; still, many heavy shipments are made half the year hy the canal. During the last three years of financial stagnation. a monthly average of three thousand passenger tickets have been sold at the depot, while the shipments from the freight depot approach fifteen million pounds annually, with receipts repre- senting a yearly business to the New York Central company of about forty thousand dollars.

Other powerful auxiliaries to the continued growth of Fairport have been the public spirit and judicious action of her moneyed men, owners of real estate, who Lave aided her mechanics and workingmen in securing permanent homes for their families. Most prominent among these has been George R. Sanford, who, during the past twenty-three years, has handled over fifteen hundred acres, selling in lots or farms to suit purchasers. He has erected a large number of' comfortable houses, and sold to workmen on the plan of saving-banks. to be paid in small sums when convenient, and on long time, thus enabling many to secure a home for the money usually paid for rent. Several others have followed his example, though ou a less extended scalc.

BUSHNELL'S BASIN.

Eleven miles southeast from Rochester is the great embank ment over the Iron- dequoit creek. This embankment is the greatest work on the canal. It is oearly a mile in length, and from forty to seventy-six feet in height. It is partly natural, partly artificial, and extends in a winding direction across the valley. The following is extracted from the journal of De Witt Clinton while on his explor- ing tour with the canal commissioners in 1810: "We arrived at the tavern at Perrin's in the town of Boyle (now Perrinton), twenty-one miles from Canan- daigua, four and a half from Gerundegut or Frondequoit landing, and fourteen from Charlottsburg. A vessel of thirty tons can go to the head of this landing from Lake Ontario, but the sand-bar at the mouth of the bay no. prevents all in- tercourse of that sort." About 1820 a Mr. Pardee, not liking the idea of the canal'a running through his farm or of living near it, sold to Mr. Oliver Hartwell, and the place went by the name of Hartwell's Basin for a number of years. Mr. Oliver Hartwell opened and kept a grocery, a warehouse, and built boats, doing gaite a business. In a few years, Bushnell, Lyman Wilmarth & Co. bought him out, and carried on the mercantile and forwarding business, employing many clerks and doing a large business for many seasons during the canal navigation. About

one load of flour was shipped daily from this place, being brought in from the various mills of the surrounding country.

In 1825, Mr. Cougswell kept tavern there. Gould Richardson kept tavern and grocery from 1828 to 1831. Charles Dickinson commenced the mercantile trado by himself, in which he was so successful in after-years. A school-house was built in 1825. Que had been built a little farther cast previously, probably about [~4) (district No. 1). Messrs. Lyman Wilmarth and Charles Dickinsoo, feeling the importance of observing the Sabbath, took it upon themselves to lead in meeting, though non-professors, which they did, alternately, by convening together those they could. One of them would read a portion of' Scripture, and a sermon which they would procure, and engage in sioging. Rev. Mr. Caulking, from Vietor. would come and preach to them occasionally. Thus the first religious effort started in this place. Io 1831, by the aid of Charles Dickenson and Cyrus Leonard to a large extent, a house of worship was built, and dedicated as the Congregational church by Rev. Daniel Johnson, who continued with them for nearly two years. This organization was kept up a few years, when they united with the organiza- tion at Fairport. Mr. Whittlesey was one of its deacons. The house was occu- pied for many years as a mission by different denominations at different times, when, in ISG3, the property was deeded to the Independent Methodist, and from them to the Episcopal Methodist society, who now occupy it. Trustees are Sey- maur Ketchum and Hinam Crosman.

Much forwarding business was done in this place until within twenty years. There are at present a grocery and shoe shop, by Mr. Roe; a tavern, hy Mr. De- witt ; post-office, kept by Mr. Lawrence; and a powder-mill, a short distance south, owoed and managed by Rand & Co. They are doing a good business. J. K. Buell and Benjamin are peach-growers, and do quite a business, Mr. Buell having some thirty or forty acres in peach-trees.

This village is pleasantly situated in the southwest corner of the towo, east of the great embankment on the Erie canal.

EGYPT.

About 1806 or 1807 the trees were cleared away, and a road opened and improved through this town, which soon after became a part of the Palmyra and Rochester stage road. Deacon Ramsdell and Cyrus Packard had purchased and settled in this rich and beautiful valley, cleared considerable land, and, more fortunate than many of their neighbors, had succeeded in raising a large amount of corn and other graios. In consequence their fame spread abroad, and many came from the vicioity and a distance to purchase corn of them, whence it became koown as Egypt. When the stage and mail route was established, its central location be- tween the two places, and its advanced settlement, made it a stage depot, where borses were kept and changed. A village immediately sprang up,-the first in the towo,-which grew rapidly aod became an important business point. Within a circuit of one mile three taverna were soon erected and opened, and for several years were in full blast, all doing a lucrative business. They were kept respect- ively by Olney Staples, Oliver Loud, and Cyrus Packard. Here, as before stated. the first store was kept by Gregory & Co., in 1815, and the secood hy Packard & Watson. The latter firm also built and ran a grist-mill. About 1820, Roswell Everett erected a tannery here, which he carried on for many years. In 1826 the Methodist Episcopal meeting-honse was erected, the Egypt church having been organized the year previous. In 1817, Daniel Whitman built a blacksmith- shop, the first in Egypt. It became a good business point, and especially during the digging of the canal, when the courts of justice, which were held here by Eleazer Bateman, magistrate, were in constant session and exciting. The com- pletion of the canal, however, soon diverted the main business to Fairport, and the discontinuance of the stage line destroyed ity advance, while the still later construction of the railroad reminded it to a quiet rural hamlet. At present there remain a wagon-shop, blacksmith-shop, and a store with the post-office, the latter conducted by Cullen Loud, who was born here in 1809.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

GEORGE WILLIAM DOWNER.

George G. Downer, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Con- Dectient in 1760. When quite young his parents moved to Lebanon, Grafton county, New Hampshire, where be engaged in farming. There were three sons- William, Joseph, and George G., the latter the youngest-and two daughters. At an early age George G. manifested a deep interest in reading and study and the education of the young. Although he worked on the farm a large part of the year, he obtained a fair education, and subsequently taught school seven winters Ia 1797 he married Susannah Bullock, the eldest daughter of a well-to-do farmer in Lebanon, a man of strong, robust frame. hale and hearty at uinety. His daughter inherited his vigorous constitution, with a gentle disposition and well-balanced mind. After marriage Mr. Downer settled down to business as a tiller of the soil. Or. February 19, 1798, the subject of this sketch, Gieo. Wm. Downer, was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, near Partmouth college. He was the oldest of twelve children, of whom eleven were boys, viz .. Geo. W., Cyrus, Alvah H., Oramill, Alonzo, Loran. Sawyer, Clark. Wesley, A-a, who died in childhood, and one other in infancy. Ormacinda, the second child and only daughter. married Timothy Robinson, nephew of Dr. G. Robinson, who. as physician and surgeon, stood at the head of the medical profession in western New York. When George was but a small boy his parents removed to Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont. Shortly after his father becatue greatly embarrassedl in his bu: ines-, through the instrumentality of others, which resulted in his financial ruin. George was then eight years old, and, being the oldest -un, and active and intelligent. he was called opott to render what assistance he could to obtain a livelihood. His first impor- tant mission for a boy of eight years showed that he possessed " staying" qualities. The family being out of flour, a bay was filled with grain. placed on a horse, and he on top, was sent to mill. several miles distant, to have it ground. On the way the bag fell off. and, bring too small to replace it. he waited a long time for some one to pass and help him. lle finally succreded, but did nut return with the flour until long after nightfall. Shortly after this the family re- turned to Lebanon, New Hampshire, but remained only a short time, when they moved to Schuyler, Herkimer county. New York. and bought a large farin, which they worked about six years. During this time George worked very hard, with but little time for school. The country being new. churches were few, and his mother being a devout Methodist. her house was used for divine services by ministers traveling on their circuits. It was at these meetings, and through the pious instructions of his mother, that he received these deep religions convictions which remain with him to this day. A short time before the close of the war of 1812 it was decided to make another removal : consequently, the father, with his brother-in-law, Asa Bullock, made a prospecting tour through western New York; but so nuinviting was the appearance of the country at that time that it was a

considerable time before he decided to locate in Perrinton, Monroe County. On February 19, 1816, the eighteenth birthday of their son George, they started fi.r their new home. A large farm was bought. and the work of tilling and .l-arme: commenced. George hired to a farmuer for six months. at twelve dull.ir- 1-r month ; but, as that was the celebrateil cold season. crops were poor and money scarce, and George, in settling with his employer, touk a pair of stress in p.irt payment, which did good service on his father's farmu. In a few year- a tratar house was built, the first in this section, with other buildings. In this huy- religious services were held by Methodist circuit preachers. During the con- struction of the Erie canal he and his father worked on it as day-laborers, and also on contract.

On April 17, 1823, George W. Downer married Matilda Whitehorne, daughter of Stephen Whitehorne, a farmer of Perrinton. and left his parental house to bezin life on his own account. He purchased the possession to the firm on which hr now resides, agreeing to pay five hundred dollars for it, the land not bring fir sale, as the title was iu di-pute. A log house was the only building on it Although beginning life without a dollar, yet. being blessed with an iron costi. tution, strength, and energy, and with a loving and prudent wife. he has seeurl to his old age his present tine farm, with its pleasant house and Imautiful surronml- ings. One year after his marriage his father died. lamented by a wide circle of friends. About this time the old log house was burned. and another was speedlih built. Rochester, twelve miles distant. was the principal market. and the hauling was done with oxen. In one season Mr. Downer hauled nearly five hundred bushels of wheat, at seventy-five cents per bushel. starting before daylight in order to make the round trip before midnight. By his first wife Mr. Downer had ten children, six sons and four daughters. half of each dying in infancy. The -ur- viving children were Carlistia S., Avery HI .. James C .. Byron G .. and Celestia M. His wife died April 3. 1844. at the age of thirty-nine,-a devoted wife and a fond and affectionate mother. On September 9, 1851. he married his second and present wife. Maria Benedict. daughter of John Benedict. Esq., a successful farmer in Perrinton ; by her one son was born, John B. Downer.

In politics Mr. Downer belonged to the old Democratie school until the slavery agitation, when, believing in the inalienable rights of all men, he allied himself with the Free Soil element of the country, and quietly but emphatically sup- ported that position, both in his intercourse with men and at the ballot-box .- a patriot to his country, a friend to humanity. and a devotee to constitutional liberty. \ consistent member of the Free- Will Baptist church, he has con- tributed largely to religious and educational enterprises. Ile is a life member of the Whitestown Seminary Society. near Utica, New York, and has been a -ub- seriber for nearly half a century, without intermission, to the Morning Star. a religions paper published by the Free-Will Baptist printing establishment. While his owa educational advantages have been limited. he feels a deep interest in the cause of liberal education, believing that on the intelligence and virtue of the people the safety and welfare of the republic rest.

LUCRETIA PACKARD.

This lady was a daughter of Cyrus Packard, one of the very early settlers of Perrinton, who kept the early tavern at Egypt in 1810. She was born in I'llje. Ontario county, September 10, 1789, and began her long. active, aml eventinl hfr in the pioneer settlements of Perrinton. As a girl she Was remarkable among the very smart girls of that period for her aptitude and ready application to any business. She was an accomplished spinner, weaver, and cook, all of which work was executed with care and expedition. Her education was excellent for the times, and no modern speller could stand before her at the spelling-school. the of her first teachers is still living in the town of Mendon. She attended church meetings in Egypt, where she was connected with the choir. Prior to her mar- riage to James Hannan in 1812, she taught school in Perrinton Coutre. Zera Burr, now living near Fairport, was woe of her pupils. She was a erlelaned horseback-rider in her day, frequently. in company with other girls, riding to church, out of Egypt to other points, following the trail, and guided by blazed trees. She once broke a colt to ride which had thrown its male rider. one of the Ramsdells. She was also familiar with the Indians of that time, who were accustomed to gather together by dozens at her father's fireside in Marelan. fler father was justice of the prace when Egypt was the principal place in town. and was also the first supervisor of Perrinton.

270

JESSE WHITNEY.

HARRIET WHITNEY.

RESIDENCE OF THE LATE JESSE WHITNEY, FAIRPORT, MONROE CO, N. Y

PLATE XCII.

GREEN & MCAULIFFE , LUMBER DEALERS , FAIRPORT , NEW YORK

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

231

MYRON H. BOSWORTH.

Myron H. Bosworth was born March 7, 1820, on the farm of his grandfather, John Kelley, about one and a half miles northeast of Egypt. When two years old his father, Lother Bosworth, moved with his family to Ohio, where in a few years the mother died, when the three children were brought back to Perrinton. Myron, the eldest, then six years old, with his sister Naney, lived with their grandfather. He married Maria Walts, April 30, IS43, and managed his grandfather's farm and cared for him twenty-five years. His barn, with stock and grain, was burned in September, 1862. He soon after purchased the farm two miles east of Fair- port, of fra Smith, where he lived until his death, May 31, 1876. He leaves only surviving him his widow. The two children born to him died,-one in in- finey, and the other at twelve years of age. The latter, with his father, fell through a canal bridge in 1867, and received injuries from which they never recovered, and which, undoubtedly, were the ultimate cause of their death. His father, Luther Bosworth, still lives near Lansing, Michigan, with one brother and seven half-brothers and sisters.

Mr. Bosworth was a member of the Baptist church of Macedon until 1842, when he united with others iu founding the First Baptist church in Fairport. Fur forty years he was a faithful attendant, a Christian, and a publie-spirited citizen. By industry he acquired a handsonie estate; two thousand dollars of which was given for a new church, one thousand five hundred to his sister, and -

the remainder to his widow.

WILLIAM A. LOCKWOOD.

Mr. Daniel Lockwood was born in Stamford, Connecticut, January 25, 1709, and was married to Miss Sally Jessup May 19, 1802, and unto them were born eleven children,-six sons and five daughters. Mr. Lockwood was a New Eng- land farmer, living oo the farm which his father had occupied before him, and remained until his death. The farm is still owned and occupied by one of the children.

William A. Lockwood (the subject of our sketch, and the third child in this family) was born May 6, 1806, remaining with his parents on the farm and re- ceiving but a common-school education ; was married to Miss Pully Hubbard, by Rev. Pratt Buffett, April 27, 1831.

In the fall of 1832 he came to this town prospecting ; soon purchased a farmi of Mr. David Rowland, containing eighty aeres, situated about one mile west of Egypt, on the Palmyra and Rochester road. The next year (1833) he, with his companion, eanie and settled on this farm, where they toiled together. improv- ing and adding to their homestead eighty-five acres, making it a desirable one.

They had five children, of whom there were but two living at his death, which occurred October, 1864. The widow now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Bruce Hamilton, in Fairport. His son, George W., lived on the huttestead until his death, August, 1873, leaving a widow and two children, who still remain there. Mr. Lock wood had resided in town thirty-two years, highly esteemed and re- spected as a neighbor and as a towosman. Possessed of that modesty that always commands respect, he never forced himself upon the people as a claimant for publie honors, though he served the town as supervisor for one term. He was ever governed by a conscientious regard for his word and his obligations ; powers- ing such a love for his family and regard for his friends that he ever labored for their enjoyment and their welfare.

232

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

MILTON BUDLONG.

Milton Badlong was born io Schuyler, Herkimer county, June 19, 1807. He was the fourth son in a family of eight children ; only one sister and himself now living. His father, Joha Budlong, was a descendant of Nathan Budlong, the only one saved in the King Philip war in Warwick, and was born in Rhode Island, and settled in Herkimer county about 1784. where he remained until his denth, 1842. Milton, the subject of this sketch, whose educational facilities were very limited, left his home when seventeen years old. and came to this town, where he worked by the month cutting wood for his uncle, Samuel Ladd, until 1819, when he returned to his father's, where he remained one year. In 1820 he came back to his uncle, and in October of the same year married Clarissa Shumway. He soon after settled on twenty-five acres, a little north of his present home. In 1823 he bought eighty acres of his pre-ent farm, moved on to it, and commenced the cattle trade abont 1830. Ralph Lister, noticing his energy and economy, supplied means to engage extensively in it until his own property en- abled him to conduct it alone. In 1833 he took his first druve to Albany. In 1840 he sold six hundred head, and rented of the Wadsworth estate about one thousand five hundred acres ; since which he has sold from twenty thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars in stock annually. Ile has increased his homestead to six hundred and seventy acres, with about four hundred and fifteen more in Rush, Mr. Budlong has had eight children .- three sons and five daughters,-of whom six are still living: Mrs. Alvira Hunt, Schuyler, Isaac, Rena, Louisa J., and Levi; all married and well settled. Mrs. Bulllong was one of the constitu- ent members of the Free- Will Baptist church of Fairport; forined in 1818, and has always been a prominent member and citizen, and now, at the age of seventy- five, is ntill active in business.

MULFORD BUTTS,

i a pioneer of this town. and son of Rev. Muses Butts and Susinoah Elliot. was born at Dover Plains. Dutchess county, New York, May 24, 1726. He Fesidol at that place until the 10th of April. 1519, when he married Polly Mulliner. ... the town of Washington, the same county, and immediately removed to the Me- called Genesee country, and settled in the town of Perrinton. They resided there fifty-two years, until his death, which weurred June 2, 1871. His wife and son morvive him. He was a man of correct habits, unblemished character, and a regular attendant at the Congregational church at Fairport, and was universally esteemed by his neighbors.

JAMES HANNAN.

James Hannan was born in Florida, Montgomery county, New York, June 1. 1785, and in 1810 he emigrated to western New York in company with Lovejoy Cady, a year or two older than himself, and son of one of his father's neighbors. They located one hundred and sixty acres of land in the town of Perrinton, eighty acres of which have been in possession of the Honnan family down to the present time. With the exception of a few scattering Inz houses surrounded by small pieces of cleared land. the whole town was a drie wilderness. Mr. Hannan soon berrie an accomplished back woodsman, and could swing the axe skillfully and effectually. He cleared his farm, and afterwards pur- chased one hundred ueres more, which he also cleared. He was a Minute-Man in the war of 1812 and '14. and was called out to defend the lines on many oera sions. Ile was oot one month under General Swift, at another time with the forces in sight of Bufido. and assisted one night in capturing twelve word-cinq- pers near Fort Erie, and was also at the mouth of Genesee river when Sir Jann . Yeo bombarded the wilderness at that point. Of wedium height and iron const- tution, be acknowledged no superior in work or sports. When but fourteen years of age, at his carly home, he once housed. on a bet, all the wheat a erk - hrated cradler could lay down, as fast as he could cut it. He never allowed a man to outwork him and in raking and finding he never was beaten. Hle mar- ried Miss Lucretia Packard, in Egypt. April 9, 1812, with whom he lived on the faren he first located, until his death. April 2. ISTO, a period of' fifty-eight year- Of his children, Nel-on, Sally M .. Noah R .. Cyrus P., Mary E .. Eunice L., Ros- mond J., Susan A., J. B. and Julia E .. the three latter only are living.

JESSE WHITNEY.

Jesse Whitney was born April 29, 1596. His wife, Evaline, was born March 8, 1801. Nine children were the result of this union, of whom three muss and one daughter are now living. Mrs. Evaline Whitney died October 22, 1-1. aged forty seven years. Mr. Whitney again married in May, 1899, Harriet Me - Kinstry. There has been no issue by this marriage. Mr. Whitney died in An gust, 1876, at the age of eighty years A view of the late residence of de- Whitney way be seen on plate svi. of this work.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 88

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