USA > New York > Ontario County > History of Ontario county, New York : with illustrations and family sketches of some of the prominent men and families > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100
320
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
The Patent Cereals Company of Geneva was incorporated in 1888 with a capital of $350,000, for the manufacture of goods from wheat and corn, producing food and brewery products. The officers of the com- pany are : George W. Pier, president ; Fred. Licht, vice-president ; Jno. T. Munn, secretary and treasurer.
The Geneva Carriage Company was incorporated on April 7, 1891, as a local manufacturing concern, though its principal practical men were formerly in business at Seneca Falls, from whence the works moved to Geneva and became known as above noted. In this village the com- pany first occupied a building near the railroad on Exchange street, but in March, 1893, moved to the large and more suitable building on Middle street, formerly occupied by Pierce, Butler & Pierce. The Ge- neva Carriage Company manufactures a large variety of vehicles, chief among which is that known as Morrell & Eddy's patent cut-under wagon, which is fast gaining popularity throughout the country. In fact Morrell and Eddy, jointly and severally, are the inventors of many valuable appliances relating to wagons and carriages, and are now justly reaping the deserved harvest of the fruits of their genius. The capital of the company is $50,000, and the officers are : O. J. C. Rose, presi- dent ; Millard F. Blaine, secretary, treasurer, and general manager ; directors, O. J. C. Rose, E. N. Squires, M. F. Blaine, Wm. N. Morrell, Chas. A. Eddy.
In the same manner there may be briefly mentioned the other busi- ness and manufacturing interests of the village and vicinity, among which are the Border City Manufacturing Company and the Superior Land Roller Company, both of which are in the suburb known as "Border City " and " East Geneva." In the village also we may make mention of the brewery and malt-house of James Thwates on the Pre- emption road ; the church organ factory of John J. Pole, at 52 Castle street ; the extensive cooper shops of J. H. Fellows, on Exchange street; the sash, door and blind factories of Wm. K. Butler and Daniel E. Moore ; the machine shop of W. K. Bennett, and the metallic packing works of F. B. Smith & Co.
The Nurseries .- Incidental to the business and producing interests of Geneva and locality we may with propriety refer to the great and leading industry of the region, that which in importance and volume
321
TOWN OF GENEVA.
has far outstripped all others, and that for which the village and town of Geneva have gained a wide reputation. The Seneca Indians knew of the fruit producing tendencies of the climate and soil of this region, for they had extensive orchards of various fruits, which were in full growth when Sullivan's avenging army came and destroyed villages, trees and all crops. However, it remained for a later generation of occupants to develop the valuable resources of the soil and produce nursery stock, and as each generation has observed the success achieved by its predecessor, we find the entire outlying region, extending throughout the town of Geneva, and into the towns of Seneca and Phelps, and elsewhere, almost one vast nursery, while general agri- cultural pursuits have been discarded as comparatively unprofitable, and now the vineyard, the orchard and the nursery command the chief attention of the pioneer husbandman. As to who was the pioneer of the nursery business in this region would indeed be difficult to deter- mine, and while nearly all the pioneer farmers grew their own orchard stock, there were nurserymen within the proper meaning of the term, and although the growing of young trees has been a feature of trade in this locality for more than half a century, the business did not reach its maximum in volume until a much more recent date.
The first nursery that the editor has any knowledge of was located on the Waterloo road, a little east of the limits of Geneva. The fol- lowing advertisement copied from the Geneva Palladium of December 31, 1817, is an account of the same :
GRAFTED FRUIT TREES .- The subscribers having on hand and will constantly keep for sale, a large assortment of Grafted Fruit Trees, at their nursery, two miles east of Geneva, on the Turnpike to Albany, among which are-Newtown Pippins, Yellow Sweetins, Fall Pippins, Hog Island Sweetins, Long Harvest Apple, black and yellow Gilliflower, Jersey Sweetins, Newark Crabs, for Cider, Pound Sweetins, Golden Pippins, White Cider Apples, Queen Apple, Royal Crown, Spitzenburgs, Seek- nofurthers, Vandeveer, black, Ox, Swaar and Bough Apples, Pearmains, King Apple, Tallman Sweetins, English Russetins, Farmer's Profit, Queen Ann Apple, Bellflour. Together with a variety of other kinds ; all of which they will warrent to be of the genuine kinds, and Grafted
41
322
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
under the ground. They flatter themselves that, as they have taken unwearied pains to select their Fruit from the best Orchards in several of the states, and as there is no establishment of the kind equal to it in the country, it will meet the patronage of the public.
BOARDMAN & WHEELER.
Junius [Waterloo] Seneca C. Oct 1, 1817.
In 1846 Thomas, William and Edward Smith established a nursery west of the village, occupying at first not more than a few acres, but gradually enlarging to meet a rapidly increasing demand for stock. In 1863 Edward Smith retired from the firm and made a beginning on what is now a vast fruit growing business. Thomas and William there- after continued the nursery business, and now, under the name of the "W. and T. Smith Co." (incorporated March 1, 1892), are the owners of 900 acres of land, of which 400 acres are in fruit and ornamental nursery trees and stock.
In 1848 Thompson C. Maxwell purchased the ten acre nursery formerly owned by Isaac Hildreth, and soon afterward associated in the business with his brothers Henry E. and Joshua I. Maxwell, thus form- ing the well-known firm of T. C. Maxwell & Bros., a name known to the trade for more than forty years. Henry E. Maxwell died January 24, 1889, but the firm name remains unchanged. During the last five years the firm have practically withdrawn from the nursery business, and become fruit growers. They have about 900 acres, 300 acres of which are in orchard.
E. A. Bronson began business in 1867, and the late firm of Bronson & Hopkins was the outgrowth of it. The firm of Hammond & Willard originated in the older concern known as Graves, Selover, Willard & Co., the latter being formed about 1867. Selover & Attwood are the actual successors to the old firm and still known to the business, and are extensive growers and dealers. Attwood, Root & Co. began in 1870, while Richardson & Nicholas were older in business; and were also large growers. R. G. Chase & Co., and Hammond & Willard are also old firms in the nursery business. Referring to a directory of the nurserymen in business in Geneva town and village in 1867 these names are found quite prominent, viz : Anderson, Sears & Henry, Jacob W. Baker, Bronson, Graves & Selover, Cyrus Churchill, George
323
TOWN OF GENEVA.
W. D. Churchill, C. S. De Witt, John B. Dixon, Seabury S. Graves, Herendeen & Jones, T. C. Maxwell & Bros., Nicholas & Newson, A. D. Pratt, W. & T. Smith, Abram Y. and Franklin E. Van Epps.
Comparing the foregoing list of proprietors with that now represent- ing the nursery trade in Geneva town and village, it will be noticed that the above numbers but few whose names are now familiar in nursery circles. An examination also shows that the number then in the trade was very small when placed beside those now representing the great industry. A directory of the nursery stock growers and dealers at the present time shows these firms and proprietors to be engaged in the business having nurseries or places of business in Geneva village. Attwood & Co., F. S. Bronson & Co., Bronson & Hopkins, H. W. Foster & Co., W. & T. Cass, R. G. Chase & Co., John Hammond, The Guarantee Nursery Co., W. D. Chase & Co., James Hallahan, Ham- mond & Williard, H. E. Merrell & Co., John Jordon, James W. Love, A. McGraw & Co., Wm. L. McKay, Victor Pavalock, John D. Scott, E. B. Richardson & Co., D. H. Patty, William Sessen, Sears, Henry & Co., S. C. Selover & Co., Selover & Attwood, Chauncey Sheffield, W. & T. Smith Co., E. Smith & Sons, T. C. Maxwell & Bros., C. L. Van Dusen Nursery Co., George W. Trautman, John N. Twomey, William Wilson & Co , Wyatt Bros.
The Geneva Permanent Loan and Savings Association was incorpor- ated and organized in 1885, according to the provisions of the act of April 10, 1851, authorizing the formation of building, mutual, loan and accumulating fund associations. The business done by this associa- tion has been in every way legitimate and successful, and justly it en- joys a full share of public confidence. The officers are ; M. F. Blaine, president ; M. S. Sandford, vice-president ; W. G. Hemiup, secretary ; W. O'Hanlon, treasurer ; Meyer Jacobs, F. C. Hofmann, James R. Vance, W. L. Young and W. G. Dennison, trustees.
The Peoples' Building, Loan and Savings Association was incorpor- ated and organized December 22, 1887, through the efforts of D. F. Attwood, E. A. Walton, S. F. Gascoigne, M. S. Sandford, Dr. N. B. Covert and D. W. Hallenbeck. The association began business in 1888, and has grown to proportions which are enviable indeed. The present officers are as follows: Dr. N. B. Covert, president ; D. W.
324
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
Hallenbeck, vice-president ; D. F. Attwood, secretary ; E. A. Walton, treasurer; S. F. Gascoigne, manager ; T. F. Costello, N. B. Covert, S. F. Gascoigne, D. W. Hallenbeck, E. J. Rogers, D. F. Attwood, P. N. Nicholas, E. A. Walton, and O. N. Whitney, directors.
The Universal Savings and Loan Company was incorporated in March, 1891, having authority for a capital of $5,000,000. Its object is to encourage industry and frugality, and to promote thrift and economy among its members by providing a medium through which their sav- ings may be invested. The present officers are as follows : M. C. Haight, president ; Grove R. Watson, vice-president; D W. Hallenbeck, treas- urer ; Wm. Wilson, secretary ; E. H. Fleming, general manager ; Fred. A. Malette and Thos. H. Sweeney, trustees.
The Manufacturers' Accident Indemnity Company was incorporated December 10, 1886, chiefly through the efforts of Wm. D. Chase and D. J. Van Auken. Its business increased rapidly until a total of 18,000 members were obtained. In April, 1893, the company left Geneva and located in New York city. The officers, while Geneva was the seat of operations, were : Thos. Smith, president ; Wm. D. Chase, secretary and general manager; D. J. Van Auken, vice-president; R. G. Chase treasurer.
Folger Corps, Thirty-fourth Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y., was organized in February, 1880, and has, therefore, been one of the recog nized organizations of Geneva for more than thirteen years. As is well known, the company was named in honor of that distinguished states- man, legist and jurist, Charles J. Folger. In 1891, through the efforts of Captain Wilson, Lieuts. Schell and Malette, the State gave Geneva a fine armory building, in every way an ornament to the village, the cost of the same being about $45,000. The first captain of the corps was Charles W. Folger, who was succeeded by Geo. S. Prince. The com- mission of Capt. Wm. Wilson bears the date of October 4, 1884. C. C. Schell is first lieutenant, Fred. A. Malette, second lieutenant
The Young Men's Christian Association of Geneva was organized in 1886, and incorporated in 1888. In 1891 a lot of land on Castle street was acquired through the generosity of the Maxwell family, and other splendid gifts have enabled the association to erect on this lot a beauti- ful building. The entire property is valued at $50,000. The officers
325
TOWN OF GENEVA.
of the association are : H. A. Wheat, president; W. I. Bonnett, vice- president ; Geo. F. Ditmars, recording secretary ; A. E. Robinson, treas- urer ; A. P. Gillett, general secretary.
The Church Home of Geneva on the Foster Swift Foundation, incor- porated April 27, 1878. By two splendid gifts from James T. Swift, in honor of the memory of his brother Foster Swift, added to which were other donations, the Church Home was founded. Upon the organiza- tion the corporation purchased the property at the corner of Pulteney and High streets, which was remodeled and arranged for the purposes of the Home. It is supported mainly as one of the dependencies of the Episcopal churches of Geneva. The hospital department was added in 1886, the fund therefor being given by Admiral Craven in memory of his wife. The interior management of the Home is in charge of a board of lady managers. The officers of the corporation are : Rev. Dr. Henry W. Nelson, president ; James P. Mellen, treasurer ; A. P. Rose, secre- tary ; and F. W. Wilson, James Rankine, A. L. Chew, James P. Mellen, Henry L. Slosson, trustees.
The Geneva Civil Service Association was organized in 1883, and has about forty members. The officers are F. O. Mason, president ; A. P. Rose, secretary ; A. L. Sweet, treasurer.
The Medical and Surgical Hospital of Geneva was incorporated March 27, 1892, its purpose being to erect and maintain a general hos- pital in the village. The plan had its origin in a munificent gift by the late John V. Ditmars of $12,000. The association has a lot on North street, on which the hospital building is to be erected. The officers are as follows : F. O. Mason, president ; Geo. F. Ditmars, vice- president ; M. S. Sandford, treasurer ; A. L Sweet, secretary.
The Kanadesaga Club, the most prominent social club organization in Geneva, was incorporated in August, 1892, and has seventy-five members. The club-house is on Main street in the new Music Hall building, the latter one of the most artistic in design of the many at- tractive structures of the village. The club officers are : Walter A. Clark, president ; Louis D. Collins, secretary ; Jno. W. Mellen, treas- urer.
Ark Lodge, No. 33, F. and A. M., was chartered by the Grand Lodge, September 2, 1807, and was, therefore, one of the oldest Masonic or-
326
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
ganizations of Western New York The present lodge membership numbers about one hundred persons
Geneva Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., was organized November 1, 1813, the original members being Jacob Dox, Garrit L. Dox, Ellis Doty, Walter Dean, Philetus Swift, Arthur Lewis, William Burnett, Nathaniel Allen, Orson Bartlett, and Samuel Lawrence. Present membership, about sixty.
Ontario Council, No. 23, R. and S. M., was chartered February 5, 1860, and Corydon Wheat was chosen first master.
Geneva Commandery, No 29, Knights Templar, was instituted Sep- tember 13, 1860, and has at present about one hundred members.
Old Castle Lodge, No. 299, I O. O. F., was instituted December 20, 1871, with eight charter members.
Having referred to a number of the charitable, benevolent, social and secret societies and organizations of Geneva, that are of more than pass- ing importance, we may with propriety mention the names of others which also have a seat of operations in this village, though histories of secret societies, regardless of their general usefulness, are not fairly within the scope of this work. The Algonquin Club was organized in 1889. The Independent Battery was organized in 1879 Among other societies, clubs and orders we may mention the existence of the Ladies Auxiliary Y. M. C. A .; the Delphian Historical Society ; the Delta Sigma Club; the Equitable Aid Union ; the Geneva Club, organized 1875 ; Geneva Lodge 231, K. of P .; Geneva Lodge, No. 40, E. O.M.A .; Hastings Commandery, No. 174; the Swift Relief Corps, organized May 14, 1891 ; Swift Post, No. 94, G A. R. ; the Royal Templars of Temperance; the Seneca Club, incorporated 1886; White Springs Lodge, A. O. U. W .; the Woman's Employment Society ; and the Ge- neva Republican Club. All of these have a certain usefulness in local history, but a history of each is not deemed advisable.
The Seneca Lake Navigation Company was incorporated in June, 1893, to succeed and enlarge upon the business conducted by the Seneca Lake Steam Navigation Company. The latter was incorporated in November, 1882, and succeeded a still older company of the same name, the latter having its origin about 1853, and a capital stock of $200,000.
J. S. Lewis.
327
TOWN OF GENEVA.
To Captain Charles Williamson attaches the distinction of having built and put on Seneca Lake the first vessel of any considerable size, being the famous sloop, which was built at Geneva and launched with great ceremony during the year 1796. In 1814 the schooner Robert Troop was built, and navigated the waters of the lake. The first steam craft was the Sencca Chief, built by the Rumney Brothers. In 1832 she was bought by John R. Jolinston and Richard Stevens, and the next year was lengthened and improved at Big Stream and named Geneva. Capt. "Joe " Lewis " run " the Geneva in 1835 and '36, at which time the name had been changed to the Geneva. In 1835 the Richard Stevens was built, followed later on by the Chemung, Canadesaga, Chemung, Seneca, and Ben Loder, the last mentioned boat being built in 1848 or '49.
The Seneca Lake Steam Navigation Company (limited) was incorp- orated in November, 1882, as the successor to the older company of the same name. The company is the owner of the four boats called re- spectively Onondaga, Schuyler, W. B. Dunning, and Otetiani. The principal officers are : Samuel K Nester, president ; and Wm. B. Dun- ning, general manager, secretary and treasurer. The Seneca Lake Nav- igation Company, recently incorporated (but not yet organized), suc- ceeds the company above mentioned, and is brought into existence for the purpose of increased local traffic.
The New York Agricultural Experiment Station .- This almost won- derful institution (though never fully appreciated by those most active in bringing it into existence), was established under authority of the State in the year 1882, in pursuance of an act passed by the Legislature in 1880. The leading farmers of the State, the State Grange, and the State Agricultural Society, for many years urged upon the executive and legislative branchies of State government the desirability of estab- · lishing a station to promote agricultural interests through scientific in- vestigations and experiments, and in response to this demand the Board of Control was appointed by the governor. In February, 1882, the State purchased the Denton farm (west of Geneva) of 125 acres, to which four and one- half acres were subsequently added, and here the station with all its useful appliances and appurtenances was established.
328
HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
Its first director was Dr. E. Lewis Sturtevant, succeeded December 1. 1887, by Dr. Peter Collier. The full " Station Staff" is as follows :
Dr. Peter Collier,
Director.
Wm. P. Wheeler,
First Assistant.
L. L. Van Slyke, Ph. D.,
Chemist.
S. A. Beach, M. S.,
Horticulturist.
C. G. Jenter, Ph. C.,
Assistant Chemist.
A. L. Knisely, B. S.,
Assistant Chemist.
W. B. Cady, Ph. C.,
Assistant Chemist.
B: L. Murray, Ph. C.,1
Assistant Chemist.
A. D. Cook, Ph. C.,1
Assistant Chemist.
J. T. Sheedy, Ph. C.,1
Assistant Chemist.
C. E. Hunn,
Assistant Horticulturist.
Geo. W. Churchill,
Agriculturist.
Frank E. Newton,
Clerk and Stenographer.
CHAPTER XVII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MANCHESTER.
T HE township of Manchester, Number II in the second range, al- though one of the most important interior towns of the county, and one across which many pioneers were impelled to pass to reach their western lands, was not settled until the year 1793, and was not organized as one of the civil divisions of the county until 1821. In this township, also, was laid out, and at least partially worked, the second principal highway across the county. But, notwithstanding the fact that Manchester was not settled comparatively early, its subsequent growth and development was very rapid, and at the first enumeration of its in- habitants after organization (1830) it contained 2,811 population, stand- ing sixth in this respect among the towns of the county. From that until the present time the population has constantly increased, and now
1 Connected with Fertilizer Control.
329
TOWN OF MANCHESTER.
its population (census 1890) 4,439, the towns of Canandaigua, Geneva and Phelps only having a greater number of inhabitants.
Under its original civil organization this town formed a part of Farm- ington (created 1789) and in connection therewith its early settlement was made, and when organized separately this town was called " Burt," the name being changed to Manchester April 16, 1822. The pioneers of Number II, range 2, were Stephen Jared, Joel Phelps and Joab Gillett, all Yankees, who located about on the site of the village of Clifton Springs in 1793, and here made the first improvement. In 1795 Nathan Pierce and John McLouth came from Berkshire, Mass., and also settled in the town, the former building a strong log house. The other pio- neers were John Van Fleet, Sharon . Booth, Jedediah Dewey, Benjamin Barney, William Mitchell, Israel Thomas and Nathaniel Harrington, all of whom were in the town as early as 1798. Mr. Booth located in the town in 1794, and soon afterward married Ruth, daughter of pioneer Joab (or Joel as some authorities state) Gillett, which was the first event of its kind in the town. The child of these parents, Dorris Booth, born 1795, also connected the family with another first event. John McLouth built a cider mill, so it is said, in the town. Later on, 1804, Theophilus Short built the first mill on the outlet where Shortsville now stands. From him this thriving little village took its name. About a mile above Shortsville, and on the outlet at a place called Littleville, Oliver Phelps built one of the first mills in the county. This mill stood not far from the present Shortsville Wheel Company's works, and was built in 1791. Further mention of this mill will be found in the chapter on Hopewell. The first school in the town was opened in 1800, and was taught by Elam Crane. On March 12, 1796, Thomas Sawyer died, the first death in the town, and his remains were buried in the cemetery in Hopewell. Thomas Sawyer was a settler in 1795, and his brother, Hooker Saw- yer, and Jacob Rice came about the same time. Luke Phelps and Bezaleel Gleason were pioneers of 1796.
Benjamin Barney and family came from New Jersey and settled in the town in 1797. Jedediah Dewey and Isaac Lapham came in 1798. Sylvester Davis located and built a blacksmith shop on the site now of Manchester village in 1798, the first shop of the kind in the town. In the same year Abram Spoor located on the site of Gypsum village and was
42
330
IHISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY.
soon afterward followed by Jacob and John, sons of Garret Van Derhoof. The year 1799 was notable for the number and prominence of its pio- neer settlers in the town, there then coming Peleg Redfield, Nathan Jones, Joseph Hart, Jacob White, Asa Reed, Daniel Macomber and others whose names have perhaps been forgotten. In the same con- nection we may further mention pioneer heads of families, among whom were Gilbert Howland and his large family, John Shekell, Samuel Rush, Zuriel Fish, Philip La Mueuix, Benjamin Throop, Abram Spoor, Gehazi Granger, Hezekiahı Baggerly and Timothy Bigelow.
However, it is not deemed necessary to here refer at length to the lives and history of the pioneers of Manchester, for, in a subsequent de. partment of this work will be found full and complete family and per- sonal sketches, collected with much care by personal application to present representatives of early and pioneer settlers. Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, resided in this town with his father; and Mormon Hill, the place where the gold bible was found, is situated a little north- west of the center of the town
In 1797 the two townships which then formed Farmington (Man- chester being one of them) were found to contain a population sufficient to warrant an organization and the election of officers. The first meet- ing was therefore held on April 4, and among the officers chosen were several from the Manchester side of the town. Nathan Pierce was elected road commissioner; John McLouth, assessor; Sharon Booth, collector; Joshua Van Fleet, school commissioner ; and Joel Gillett, pound master.
In 1799 the town (Farmington) was divided into road districts, three of which were in what is now Manchester. In 1804 the town meeting was held in Manchester for the first time, the session being at Ebenezer Pratt's house. Later town gatherings in the town prior to its separate organization were those held in 1815 and 1818. About this time (1818 and 1819) the people became anxious for a division of Farmington and the organization of a separate town, but it was not until March 31, 1821, that the Legislature passed the enabling act, and authorized the organization of the town of "Burt." However, this name seemed to be unsatisfactory to the townspeople, consequently on April 16, 1822, the name was changed to Manchester.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.