History of Steuben county, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 99

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Lewis, Peck & co.
Number of Pages: 826

USA > New York > Steuben County > History of Steuben county, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 99

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).

The town of Howard, during the Rebellion, raised the following sums of money as a town, by the issuing of town bonds, and private subscriptions, as soldier bounties :

Amount raised in 1861. $10.00

1862 1674.00

1863 369.86

1864

650.00

1865 318.86

Total amount raised by the town. $3022.72

In addition to what was raised by the town, there was raised upon the credit of the town, in Steuben County bonds, the sum of $42,450 :

Amount raised for the year 1$64 .. $13,800

1865 28,650

Total amount raised by county bonds $42,450

The interest raised on account of the indebtedness for the Steuben County bouds was,

For the year 1865. $1127

= 1866. 3505

Total interest up to 1866. $4632

There was interest paid subsequent to 1866, amounting to about $1000.

During the struggle to maintain the honor and integrity of the nation, the town of Howard very early in the con- test took a loyal attitude, and maintained it through the great struggle, and she will ever be ready to make any sacrifice that may be required of her to maintain the nation's honor.

1868 Alkali Bennett.

1869 Aaron MeConnell.

John Briscoe.

Byron Bennett.

John Briscoe.

Philip P. Bennett.

1877

JASPER.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

THE town of Jasper was erected from that part of Can- isteo comprised in township number two, in the fifth range of the Phelps and Gorham purchase, and a part of Troups- burgh, ineluded in the same township, Jan. 24, 1827. The name was given in honor of Sergeant Jasper, the hero of Fort Moultrie and Savannah Spring. A half a mile was annexed to Greenwood from the west side, in 1848. It has Canisteo and Cameron on the north, Rathbone on the east, Woodhull and Troupsburgh on the south, and Green- wood on the west. The surface is very hilly and broken, the highest summits being over 2000 feet above tide. The streams are small, and for the most part run through deep and narrow valleys. Col. Bill's Creek rises near the resi- denee of P. Ostrander, and runs north to the Canisteo ; the head-waters of Tuscarora Creek rise near the residence of J. S. Whiteman, and run south into Woodhull. The soil of this town is chiefly a slaty, gravelly, and elayey loam.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

In the fall of 1807 a person standing upon the high- land in the northern part of Jasper, and looking to the south and east, would have been greeted with a sight which, onee seen, is never to be forgotton. Far off down the val- ley, the bright green tops of the tall pines floated lazily in the light breeze, their giant trunks revealed in the lowlands nearer by, then blending in the distance like the green of growing grain, covered the entire valley, extending in groups part way up the hill-sides where the yellow of the beech and maple fringed the higher land, while dark-blue strips of hemlock extended up the narrow valleys on either side and became finally lost in the golden glow of autumn, far out over the hills. Away off to the south, beyond a fringe of pines higher than the rest, rises a thin blue smoke, perhaps the eamp-fire of some roving hunter.

Let us descend into the valley in our course towards it. On either side of the narrow ridge the ground, covered with a soft brown carpet of pine leaves, deseends into the swampy level of the higher lands where the waters from numerous hill-side springs gather to form the little brook which flows down through the valley. The woods are alive with birds and squirrels. A breaking twig startles a herd of deer, and, with a snort of alarm, they rapidly dis- appear among the tall pines, their clattering hoofs breaking the stillness of the forest with a startling sound. Follow- ing the course of the little brook the sound of the wood- man's axe breaks the stillness, and leads us over a slight hill to the south. As we reach the ascent, light shines through the open trees and reveals a short distance ahead a small elearing in which a man is busily trimming the

limbs from a tall pine upon whose fallen trunk he stands. A few rods beyond is the little cabin. The smoke which led us here rises in lazy wreaths from a burning log, beside which stands the large old-fashioned bake-kettle perched high upon its iron legs and its lid covered with smouldering ashes. Near by stands a pail with one long stave extend- ing upward for a handle, and over the fire swings a black- ened copper kettle. As we enter the opening the chopper, a large muscular man with bare arms and open collar thrown away from his breast, descends from his high perch, and, bidding us welcome with a strong German aceent, leads the way to his cabin. This man is Nicholas Prutsman,* and the little blackened aere, half filled with stumps and surrounded with a rude fence of logs and poles, is the first eleared land in the town of Jasper.

Nicholas Prutsman, Sr., a native of Germany, left the Tioga Valley, with his family and household effects in a wagon, in the spring of 1807, and moving down the valley and up the Canisteo to Addison, followed the course of the Tuscarora Creek, up past the Caleb Smith settlement of the year before, in Woodhull, still farther up the north branch of that stream, clearing a road with his axe as he progressed. At a distance of nine miles above the last settlement he turned to the west, and following a small tributary a mile towards its source, unhitched his team, turned them loose in the woods, and made his camp for the night under a giant oak, seven miles from the nearest habitation. Here, accompanied by his wife and children, he camped while building the little cabin which in after-years was replaced by the old homestead near Marlatt's Corners, the publie highway passing under the old " camp oak," directly in front of the house. Mr. Prutsman built the first saw-mill near the Toogood place. His daughter, Sally Prutsman, who was the wife of the late Orrin Kittle, was the first white child born in Jasper, her birth occurring April 28, 1808. Adam Brotzman, his brother, came the next year and located at the " five corners," his place being a mile distant, towards the east.

Andrew Craig, Sr., one of the most prominent men in the town during his life, left Ireland during the great rebellion, at the age of eighteen, and in 1810 left his home near Philadelphia for the new Western country, and was ap- pointed a sub-land-agent for the proprietors in that eity. The first night after his arrival was spent by Mr. Craig in an Indian wigwam, near the present village. His farm joined Andrew Simpson's, south, these two farms occupying what is now a beautiful village. Mr. Craig made the first butter for market, his wife going with him to Philadelphia

# Nicholas spells his name Prutsman, while his brothers Abram and Philip spell theirs Brotzman, their children following their exam- ple.

342

A & Woodbury

Lavia Wisalary

AMOS F. WOODBURY.

Amos F. Woodbury was born in the town of Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1803. His father, John Woodbury, was a native of Massachusetts, born about 1779, went to Otsego County when a young man, and mar- ried Sophia Densmore, of that county ; settled there ou a farm in the town of Richfield, where he lived the remain- der of his life. He was among the pioneers of that county, and lived on the farm where he first settled until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife died, leaving four children,-Amos F., Mrs. Moses Wheeler, Johu, and Mrs. Moore. He was subsequently married three times : first to Rebecca Blake, of which union were born two children,- George and William ; second, to Rhoda Hawkes, of which union were born four children,-Mrs. Northrop, Lydia and Laura, twins, and Daniel, on the old homestead ; third, to Mrs. Clark, who survived him some twelve years.

Mr. Amos F. Woodbury was mostly at home during his minority, and like many of the boys of his day had limited opportunities for any education from books, but the neces- sary economy, and in many instances hardships endured by both parents and children, often laid the foundation for sue- cessful business lives.

Nov. 16, 1823, he married Lura, daughter of Elijah and Mary (Balcom) Martin, of Richfield. For seventeen years following his marriage he resided in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and followed farming and stock dealing, and in the latter business he was quite successful. He bought his stock mostly in this State, and marketed in New York and other easteru markets.

In 1840 he removed with his family, and settled in the town of Jasper, Steuben Co., purchasing some two hundred aeres of land, where he still resides, although many years ago he passed the active duties of life. To his first pur- chase he afterwards added some one hundred and eighty aeres, and of all his land he has caused to be cleared about one hundred and fifty acres. On his farm he erected com- modious farm buildings, which now show the handiwork of a thoroughgoing agriculturist and business man. Their children are Amanda, died at the age of eighteen ; Joseph B., of Greenwood; Mrs. Philip Moore, of Jasper ; James G., died in Illinois, born in Herkimer County ; and Mrs. George Dennis, born in Jasper, and now resident on and the owner of the old homestead.

In polities Mr. Woodbury was formerly a Democrat, but now is a Republican, having left the old ranks to vote for Henry Clay for President of the United States. IFe has been called upon by the citizens of his town to hold several positions of trust and responsibility, and for some nine years in succession has officiated as assessor, and for three years represented his town in the Board of Supervisors. IIe belongs to that class of men who, by self-reliance, reso- lution, and industry, carve out a fortune for themselves, and through their exertions the local improvements of town and county are brought to successful completion, law and order established, and the country prepared for the enjoyment of the rising generations. Ilis wife died Jan. 23, 1868, a woman of great kindness of heart, generous, of unsullied character, and respected by all who knew her.

Allen Braine

Lucinda Drake

ALLEN DRAKE.

Peter Drake was a native of New Jersey ; married Rhuhama Russell, also born in that State. Soon after their marriage, in the year 1813, they removed and settled in the town of Benton, Yates Co., where they remained for sixteen years and carried on farming ; and in the year 1829 came to the town of Jasper, where they purchased one hundred and fifty acres of timbered land in the west part of the town, where they lived the remainder of their days. He died in 1852, aged sixty-five. She died in 1851, aged sixty. Their children are Allen, born in New Jersey, Sidney, Mrs. David Dennis, Mrs. Hiel Savage, Ayres, Mrs. Leler Moors, and Charles Peter. The last two were born in Steuben County ; the others, cxeept Allen, were born in Yates County.

Mr. Allen Drake received no pecuniary assistance in starting out for himself in life. His education from books was confined to the common school, but the lessons learned while at home, during his minority, of industry, necessary economy, and judicious management laid the foundation for a successful business career.

At the age of twenty-four he married Priscilla Benaway, of Jasper. The children of this marriage are Sidney, Mrs. William H. Wheeler, Mrs. Andrew Murphy, and Mrs. Harrison Purdy.

Mr. Drake began life in the log house and on fifty acres of wild land ; soon after he added fifty acres more ; after six years, in 1840, he settled on one hundred acres, where he now resides, to which he has made additions of some five hundred and sixty acres; some two hundred acres he cleared of the original forest, and all of which he has put in a good state of cultivation, having built on the same some four dwelling-houses now occupied by his children, together with some thirteen framed barns and as many framed sheds. Ilis farm is the largest cultivated farm in town, and possibly in Steuben County, and shows the work

of a life-interest and care of a careful husbandman and agriculturist. Mr. Drake has given his attentiou mostly to dairying, sheep and stock raising, and is ranked among the most successful farmers of the county.

He has ever been interested in all matters of local im- provement in town and county; was a member of the Democratic party until the election of Buchanan, when he united with the Republican party. While a young man he officiated as assessor for several years ; since which time he has never consented to accept official honors, although often solicited to hold high places in the gift of the people. His life has been given strictly to business, yet not so closely to his own affairs as to neglect what duty required in his neighborhood and town.

Mr. Drake is known as a thrifty, enterprising, candid man, possessed of strong resolution, quick perception, and force of character to complete whatever he undertakes. A man of correct habits and genial disposition, and among his associates sociable, and especially in his family is this characteristic particularly exemplified. He is a liberal sup- porter of church and kindred interests, a staunch supporter of morality and good society. His wife died May 29, 1847.

For his second wife he married, in 1847, Olive Savage, of Jasper. She died Aug. 24, 1848, leaving a daughter who lived to the age of seventeen.

He married for his present wife, Nov. 19, 1848, Lucinda, danghter of Abel Andrew, of Orange, formerly in this county. The children of this marriage are Luzerne, Mrs. Harmon IIuntington, Fannie, and Bertha.

Mr. Drake is now in the sixty-ninth year of his age, having been born Nov. 3, 1810. For some two years past failing health has compelled him to relinquish largely the active duties of life, but he sees around him the fruits of his labor, and devoted children comfortably enjoying places prepared for them by him.

343

TOWN OF JASPER.

to work it over into rolls. Andrew Murphy, Sr., brother- in-law of Mr. Craig, father of Andrew Murphy, of Jasper, and John and Robert Murphy, of' Canisteo, came soon after and located a short distance north.

Occasional settlements were made during the next de- cade, including Andrew Moore, who came in 1816, and his brother, John Moore, now one of the most prosperous and respected farmers of the town, who is still living on the place he selected south of Marlatt's Corners. When he came there, a young man, with nothing but his vigorous manhood to rely upon, his neighbors suggested placing him under bonds that he should not become a public charge. Many of those neighbors lived to see him achieve that suc- cess which commands respect and adds to the reputation of his surroundings.

A few months after the arrival of Mr. Brotzman, Andrew Simpson, father of Alexander, John, and Herman Simpson, came from Scipio, Cayuga Co., and built his cabin where the Drake Hotel now stands, in the village of Jasper. Mr. Simpson's eldest daughter, Polly, was married to Samnel Gregg, of Elmira, soon after, that being the first marriage ceremony performed in the town. Two other sisters, Mi- nerva and Jane, were subsequently married to Col. Jeffrey and Ira Smith, pioneer settlers of Woodhull. Ebenezer Spencer came in 1808, and located a mile and a half north of Mr. Simpson, applying himself so vigorously to the task of clearing that in 1823 he had the largest improvement in the town.

In 1811, John G. Marlatt settled on the hill between Mr. Simpson's and Nicholas Prutsman's, and afterwards the place became known as Marlatt's Corners. His brothers, Abram, Gideon, and Matthias, came afterwards, and with their father, Gideon Marlatt, Sr., who died in August, 1823, and two brothers-in-law, Uzal McMinds and Thomas Fen- ton. John G. Marlatt occupied the same farm, from his purchase in 181I to his death in 1873, at the age of eighty- seven years.

Oliver Pease made the first settlement in 1816, where Wyckoff's tavern became a favorite resort, in the west part of the town, near the deep, dark ravine known as the "Gully." The old tavern has long since disappeared, and near its place rises the tall spire of the Wesleyan church.

In 1823, Robert Sharp, a soldier of 1812, moved on to the farm where he still lives, at the ripe age of ninety-four years. At the loggings and rail-splittings of fifty years ago, he was known as " the man who could out-chop any man in the county." Mrs. Sharp, who is ninety-three years old, is also living where, for nearly three-quarters of a een- tury, this aged couple have seen the progress, in rapid strides, from the unbroken wilderness to the highest civiliza- tion.

The first settlement in the northwestern part of the town was made by Guy Wardwell, in 1822. William F. Gard- ner, Henry Whiteman, and Richard Winship came in 1821, and with him his brother Sylvester, father of Dr. D. C. Winship, a prominent physician of Jasper, located in the southern part of the town. Sylvester Winship, grandfather of the doctor, accompanied his sons.

Here, among the pines, were the favorite hunting-grounds of a quiet race of Indians, who remained in small numbers

some years after the white men had begun to clear the val- leys. Stone hatchets, arrow-heads, and eriously-wronght stones, whose use was unknown, were picked up in great numbers by the early settlers. "Nicholas," an old Indian, who used to frequent the Craig settlement long after the rest were gone, playing for hours with the children, is said to have brought lead and run it into bullets and fanciful forms for their amusetuent. It was believed he obtained it about the N. Prutsman farm, but he would only say, in an- swer to questions, " Plenty ; not far off !"

The settlements were few, and far apart. The first school, taught by Amanda Smith, was attended by children whose long walk consumed nearly the entire day; the barefooted, tow-clad boys starting early that they might complete their tasks and return before nightfall; their homes were seat- tered over a distance farther than the bounds of the present town.

Mills were searee and distant at first, and the ingeniously constructed " dandy rarer " eracked the corn and wheat of the early settler, in a hollowed stump. A spring-pole made fast at the roots of a neighboring tree, swung from a fork set securely in the ground, from the end of which hung the huge pestle, with a pin run through crosswise for handles. The operator, pouring in his grain, stood upon the stump, and grasping the pin with both hands, brought down the pounder with the force of his weight. The unskilled oper- ator, who caught the pin under his chin, or in his clothing, as it recoiled from the blow, and was hurled from the stump in astonishment, still remembers how it worked.

School moneys were voted each year " to the full extent of what the law allowed," and $250 a year voted for high- ways and bridges from 1827 to 1839. In the year 1846 a special town-meeting held for that purpose voted 108 to 113 against license to sell liquors. The war of 1861-65 called for special town-meetings in rapid succession towards its close. Feb. 26, 1864, a special call voted a tax of $300 for each recruit, to fill quota, 159 votes being east for tax, and 15 against. Aug. 6, 1864, a vote of 102 to 84 increased the amount to 8500 each. Aug. 26, 1864, a unanimous vote of 64 added another hundred dollars. September 23, the same year, the fifth special town-meeting, by a vote of 144 to 84, again declared in favor of a $600 bounty to re- cruits for the army.

The first settlement in that part of Jasper comprising most of the northern part of the town, and known as the " Hampshire Settlement," was made by Samuel Dennis, a surveyor from New Hampshire, in the spring of 1824, three miles northeast of the village, on the divide between the Tuscarora and Col. Bill's Creek. Here he remained alone for nearly two years, clearing four acres of land, raising a erop of wheat, and building a house, with, to nse his own words, " the howling of the wolves for company." In 1826 he brought his family, and was soon followed by his brother, Moses Dennis, several other families coming the next season.

Ephraim Woodward made a settlement in the town two miles farther west than Mr. Dennis the same fall. He was a man of great minscular power, and an almost con- stant hunter, whose recklessness led him into many fierce encounters. On one occasion he narrowly escaped death

344

HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK.

in a fierce encounter with a black bear, which he succeeded in killing, after being lacerated in a horrible manner. His son, Alden Woodward, occupies with him the old home- stead.

Deacon Joshua Sargent, Thomas Whiting, Enoch Ordway, David and Putnam Woodward, Jonathan R. and William Prentice, and his father, Henry Prentice, were among the earliest settlers from New Hampshire.

Deacon Thomas Whiting came to Jasper in 1827, bought a farm, and after a year and a half returned to New Hampshire, where he married Sarah Cram, and re- turned accompanied by Lewis Cram, who settled near him. Deacon Whiting, whose Christian worth endeared him to the community in which he lived, died in 1878, leaving one son, Oliver M. Whiting.

Numerous other familios from the same State joined them during the next ten years. The descendants of these hardy New Englanders are prosperous and energetic farm- ers. Their settlement includes the best-watered body of land in the county, and though somewhat broken, is highly productive. The first church in the town was built by them, and they have always done their full share in promoting the moral welfare of the town. The first five ballots cast in the town of Jasper for the abolition of slavery were written and voted by New Hampshire men of this community, among whom were Alfred Hadley, Thomas Whiting, I. K. Robinson, and Jonathan Whiting. A cheese-factory established by Samuel Dennis, son of the old surveyor, in 1874, is doing a successful business, and adds to the prosperity of the settlement. In 1877 the Hampshire post-office was established at the cheese-factory, with Mr. Dennis, postmaster. Mails are received by the Jasper and Canisteo stage, Wednesdays and Fridays.

ORGANIZATION.

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Andrew Simpson, the first Tuesday in March, 1827. Stephen Towsley was chosen " moderator" of the meeting, and the following officers were elected : Andrew Craig, Supervisor ; William Hunter, Town Clerk ; Uzal McMinds, Oliver Peas, Sr., Samuel Dennis, Assessors ; Jonathan Schanck, Collector ; John G. Marlatt, Elijah Peak, and Benjamin Hilliker, Commissioners of Highways ; Stephen Towsley and Ira Smith, Overseers of the Poor; Henry Phoenix, Enoch Ordway, and Joseph Dutton, Commissioners of Schools ; Ira Simpson, Jonathan R. Prentice, and William Hunter, Inspectors of Schools; Lewis Fenton, Philip Brotzman, and Jonathan Schanck were chosen Constables, by the uplifted hand; Pathmasters, J. G. Marlatt, Ira Smith, Barnabas Kinney, Joseph Dutton, Isaac Wardwell, Israel S. Osgood, Alvah June, Benjamin IFilliker, Jehial Wood, Ebenezer Spencer, Jedediah Talbot, Benjamin Woodward ; Fence-Viewers, John G. Marlatt, Stephen Towsley, and Philip Failing. Two hundred and fifty dol- lars were voted for roads and bridges. In the general election held in November, 1827, there were 67 votes cast, and Oliver Peas, Stephen Towsley, Ira Smith, and Samuel Dennis were elected Justices of the Peace. Samuel Den- nis, William ITunter, Andrew Craig, Uzal MeMinds, and Oliver Pease were Inspectors of Election.

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.

Supervisors.

Town Clerks.

Collectors.

1827. Andrew Craig.

William Hunter. Jonathan Schanck. 66

1828.

IS29.

Hinckley Spencer.

1830. 66

1831.

Darius Simpson.

1832.

H. Spencer (v.).

1833. Stephen Towsley.

IS34.

1835.

€6

1836.

Charles Hunter.

1837. William Hunter.

1838.

Arnold Phelps.

1839.

J. D. Mandeville.

1846. J. R. Prentice.

John McMinds.

1841. John G. Marlatt.

Joseph Fenton.

1842. J. R. Prentice.

1843. William Ilunter.

Robert Boyd.

1844. Andrew Craig.

1845. 1846. William Ilunter.

Peter S. S. McNeal. Il. C. Simpson.

1847. Alvah June.

1848.

1849.

Asa B. Mudge.

1850.

Jedediah Stephens.

1851. 66

1852. Darius Simpson.

1853. J. R. Prentice.

1854. Jesse L. Bartow.

Elias Whittemore.

1855. J. R. Prentice. 16

1856. Jonathan Schanck. 66

1857. 66

John MeMinds.

1858. Ira D. Ilotchkiss.

Ira D. Ilotchkiss. Nich. B. Ililbone.

1859. «

Milton Timerman.

Wm. T. Woodward.

1860. Ifenry C. Prentice.

James Outman.

IIenry Van Orsdale. Amos R. llilbourD.

1862.

W. E. Craig.

Josiah S. Craig.

1863. Amos T. Woodbury. James S. Outman.

Burnham Sargeant.

1864.

1865.

1866. Willis E. Craig.

J. S. Outman.

C. G. Hutchinson. Orrin Swan.

1867. Samuel F. Dennis.

Andrew Murphy.

1868.

1869.

1876. Geo. D. Woodward.

M. E. Timerman.

1871. «

II. C. Mulhollen.

IS72. Samuel Dennis, Jr.

M. E. Timerman.

J. B. Sargent.

1874. James S. Outman.

Henry B. Andrews. Charles Whiting.

1875. W. E. Craig.

Charles B. Hilhourn.

1876. =

Hosea P. Barnard.

1877. Asa Speneer.

Willard J. Guinipp.

1878. "

Andrew Hardy.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1827. Oliver Peas.

Stephen Towsley.

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History of Steuben county, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 99

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia, Lewis, Peck & co. Number of Pages: 826

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Lewis, Peck & co.
Number of Pages: 826