History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 28

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Publication date: 1880
Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co.
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On the whole there is no reason to doubt that much good has been accomplished, especially by the influence which has from time to time been thrown around the young to prevent them from the formation of those habits that would lead them to inevitable ruin. It is, however,thought by many that had the efforts of the advocates of temperance never been misdirected a much larger amount of good might have been accomplished.

The first of these great temperance waves swept over the country about the year 1840. It had its beginning in the city of Baltimore, where a few confirmed drunkards had suddenly resolved to reform and at once carried their reso- lution into effect. They were encouraged in this, and others soon joined them. They at first took the name of reformed drunkards, and a few men of ability among them assembled some of their old associates, and lectured to them effective- ly. Thus commenced the mission work which spread over the entire country. Drunkards took the pledge, abandoned their habits of inebriety, and the more able among them be- came lecturers. They soon took the distinguishing title of Washingtonians, and the societies which they established were called Washingtonian societies.

For a time hardly any other lecturers than these reformed men were in the field, and their success was great. Thou- sands of drunkards were temporarily reclaimed; many were permanently reformed; many moderate drinkers were ar- rested in their downward course, and many young people who had been surrounded by influences that would have led them to destruction were saved from ruin, and came to be worthy members of society.

Every undue excitement is certain to be succeeded by a corresponding reaction. In this case the remarkable success of the movement induced many unfit persons to engage in it, and soon or late they brought discredit on it. They were regarded with great popular favor, and their extravagancies were for a time accepted. In the language of an excellent writer, " often was the pulpit surrendered on the Sabbath to men whose vulgar, laughter-provoking stories were wholly unbecoming the place and the occasion." Such exhibitions soon disgusted the more intelligent, and after a time ceased to attract the populace.

In many of the towns in Wyoming county-and notably in the town of Warsaw-the reaction from this excitement was not as disastrous as in many places. Such was the prevalent moral sentiment that there were elected during some years supervisors and magistrates (who then constituted the boards of excise) that refused to grant licenses for the

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HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.

sale of liquor by the dram; and, although to some extent it was sold in violation of the law, drunkenness was greatly diminished, and many who had become occasional tipplers abandoned the habit, and became sober, exemplary men.

It is thought by many that, had the friends of temperance continued to put forth their efforts as at first, the result might have been better than it is. They were not satisfied with the good results which they had wrought, and they sought the accomplishment of the desired end mainly by the aid of restrictive and prohibitory statutes. Their mis- take is thought to have consisted not so much in seeking such aid as in relaxing their efforts to educate the public sentiment to the point of sustaining such laws, and thus al- lowing the good work which they had accomplished to be in part undone.

The first restrictive law went into effect in 1846. It was termed the " License or No License law," and sometimes, from one of its provisions, "the Five-Gallon law." It was a sort of local option law. It was for many reasons not successful in its operation throughout the State, but seemed to be eminently so in Wyoming county.

Eight years later, or in 1855, what was known as the Maine prohibitory law was enacted in this State, and strong hopes were entertained of good results from its operation. It was by the Court of Appeals decided to be unconstitu- tional. It was followed by a law providing for commission- ers of excise for the counties, to be appointed by the county judge. Commissioners were appointed in Wyoming county, who gave licenses in nearly all the towns, and in several, in- cluding Warsaw, that had been without any sales of liquor as a beverage for many years.

The temperance workers labored on, hoping to create such a public sentiment that when opportunity again occurred to make their votes effective in opposition to the license of the sale of intoxicating drinks they would be prepared to act. The present local option law gave the opportunity, allowing, as it does. each town to elect excise commissioners, in whose hands rests the whole question of license or no license. Un- der the operation of this law for several years past many of the towns have been entirely free from the legalized sale of liquor. At the election of excise commissioners in the spring of 1879, but five of the sixteen towns chose commis- sioners favorable to the granting of licenses. The people of the towns that have been the longest time without license seem to think well of the workings of the law. They claim that it greatly diminishes the sale and use of liquor; that it reduces their taxes, causes their young men to grow up tem- perate and industrious, and in every way proves beneficial to their interests. Various temperance organizations exist in the county, and it is thought they are efficient in the work they seek to accomplish.

WYOMING COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Of the early history of the Wyoming County Medical Society very little is known. The records have been lost or destroyed, and for many years no attempt was made to keep the organization in running order. In August, 1870, a call was issued and an invitation was extended to all medical men in the county to meet at Warsaw, for the purpose of re- organizing the society. The following physicians were present: Drs. T. D. Powell, Milan Baker, J. T. McArthur, S. Chester Smith, G. B. Gilbert, Julius A. Post, C. W. Howe,

F. E. Bliss, O. B. Adams, George M. Palmer, W. D. Hunt, Jacob K. Smith, H. P. Merville.

The meeting was a very pleasant one, but for some reason the society continued to languish up to 1874, when new life seemed to be infused into it. It is now prospering finely.

The officers of the society for 1879 were as follows: Z. J. Lusk, president; William N. Martin, vice-president; Julius A. Post, secretary; S. Chester Smith, treasurer; Julius A. Post, William N. Martin, E. G. Harding, S. Chester Smith and Milan Baker, censors; Dr. George M. Palmer, delegate to State Medical Society; Dr. Milan Baker, delegate to American Medical Association; Robert Rae, Julius A. Post, George M. Palmer, O. B. Adams, Milan Baker, William N. Martin, delegates to Medical Association of Central New York.

TONAWANDA HARMONIC ASSOCIATION.

About the year 1860 a musical association was formed at Varysburg, composed of singers from Attica, Bennington, Orangeville, Java and Sheldon. This organization has maintained its existence until the present time. Its object is improvement in church music. Hon. W. J. Humphrey was its first president, succeeded by David Lewis, F. D. Powell, M. D., A. Lyford, J. W. Ives and W. Cheney, who is now acting as president.

David Wilder, the pioneer singing teacher of western New York, was conductor for several years. and is now honorary conductor; Matthew Eastman is conductor, and W. W. Blakely assistant. Three regular meetings of two days each have been held in each year in the different churches with which the members are connected, more frequently in Attica, Varysburg. Johnsonburg, Strykersville, North Java and Java.

Sessions of four days each have been held at different times, conducted by such men as George F. Root, Perkins, Loomis and others.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE LETCHWORTH RIFLES-ACTION DURING THE RAILROAD RIOTS-VICTORIES IN SHOOTING MATCHES.

HIS organization was the outgrowth of the vete- ran element of the county, represented in the membership of Gibbs Post G. A. R., at War- saw, and was organized on application to the governor of the State of New York by a majority of its subsequent members, who elected both commis- sioned officers and non-commissioned, mainly from the veterans of the war of 1861-65.

It was organized under orders from general headquarters July 17th, 1876. The commissions of the captain and lieu- tenant bore date May 18th, 1876. It was inspected and mustered in the presence of the brigade commander and staff July 29th, 1876, from which time the five years enroll- ment of the company dates; and on the 24th of August the membership numbered 3 commissioned officers and 100 non- commissioned officers and privates, that being the full num- ber allowed under the State authority.

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THE LETCHWORTH RIFLES.

Of the men who compose this organization it is not too much to say that the best elements of society are represented among them, and that as a whole they will compare favora- bly with any similar organization in the State.

The company was designated the fourth separate company of infantry, 31st brigade, 8th division, N. G. S. N. Y., which name it bore until, in the reorganization of the State forces, December 8th, 1877, the designation was changed to the 19th separate company of infantry, 14th brigade, 8th divis- ion, N. G. S. N. Y. The company adopted its local name in honor of the distinguished philanthropist Hon. William P. Letchworth, of Genesee Falls. The part taken by him in the effort to make Warsaw a place of deposit for military stores and a rendezvous and point of training for the infantry of the national guard of the State, as also the interest shown by him in the , various public enterprises of the county, rendered the adoption of this name quite appropriate.

This command was among the first organized under the provision of the statute distributing the military equipment of the State in the rural districts, by the organization in counties of separate companies, to be attached to the various brigades and divisions, the boundaries of which are those of the judicial districts; thus locating the reserve force of the government among the intelligent citizens, who must, in a country like this, always be relied on for the maintenance of order and the repression of lawless outbreaks among the class of social parasites who have come to be known as tramps and communists. The history of the efficient services of this command in the suppression of the labor strikes of 1877 illustrates the wisdom of this policy.

When this command was organized the social features which the organization presented were strong attractions, and rendered the work of recruiting the company easy. A year of holiday soldiering followed, during which soldierly education and discipline and thorough tactical drilling were not neglected.

June 30th, 1877, a call was made on this portion of the reserve arm of the government for a guard at Portage. The prompt response to this call, and the valuable services of the company in the discharge of this duty, were recognized in official communication from general headquarters. These prompt and efficient services not only demonstrated the util ity and economy of maintaining such an organization, which in this case probably saved the county an outlay far in excess of the expense incurred, but materially changed the views of the members of the command concerning the character and value of their services, and the utility and necessity of exact military discipline. It also demonstrated to lookers on. who admire the beauty and precision of military evolu- tions, that the drill and discipline by which this precision is acquired have a purpose beyond the display which they admire.

The brief experiences at Portage were more emphatically repeated soon afterward. On the 22nd of July, 1877, or- ders were received for the entire command to be in readiness for emergent duty on the occasion of that outburst of law- lessness which has passed into history as the great strike. At noon of the next day, in response to orders of not more than three hours, nearly the whole of the command reported from their scattered homes, armed and equipped for duty, and at 5 P. M. the command took train for Buffalo, leaving a guard at Warsaw. At Attica twenty-two men, under or- ders from Major-General Howard, relieved about four times

their number of Buffalo troops in charge of and guarding public property, effectually suppressing riotous demonstra- tions at that point until July 27th, under command at first of Lieutenant C. T. Watkins, and subsequently of Lieuten- ant J. M. Smith.

The balance, fifty in number, under command of Captain A. B. Lawrence, proceeded to Buffalo, arriving at about 9 P. M., passed through the blockade of rioters, which a few hours later attacked and destroyed the car containing the Westfield company, similarly en route; remained constantly on duty till the 27th, when, the riotous demonstrations hav- ing ceased, the command returned, having received the com- pliments, congratulations and thanks of the citizens of Buffalo.

They took up the detail at Attica, and were welcomed at Warsaw by the citizens and ladies with a beautiful collation, which had been spread in the armory, in anticipation of their return.

For this service the command was again officially and specially commended from general headquarters. The re- sult of this and similar service confirmed the policy of the distribution of the companies in the rural districts of the State. In his report for that year the adjutant- general said:

" The success which has attended the organization of separate companies of infantry has been greater than was anticipated when authority of law was obtained for that purpose, some three years since. All of those companies were on active duty during the recent campaign, and be- haved well; and no difficulty was experienced in uniting several of them and forming a battalion under the command of the senior officer, although the companies came from different counties. . · * There should be at least one of these companies in every county in which there are no regiments or battalions, and then every sheriff in the State would have at his call an organized force to aid him in pre- serving the peace, which could be almost as readily sum- moned as the police in the cities. As an evidence of what can be done in this way, and how advantageously the national guard can be thus used, reference is made to the report of Captain A. B. Lawrence, of the action of his com- mand-the fourth separate company of the thirty-first brigade-in aiding the sheriff in quelling a riotous disturb- ance which occurred in Wyoming county recently."

The services referred to in this report were the suppres- sion of a riot on the State Line railroad in Gainesville, October 18th, 1877, on the requisition of the sheriff of Wyoming county, who, with the county, had been made responsible for the results of that riot by the demands of the railroad anthorities upon him officially. The prompt and efficient action of the command ended the riot with a brief campaign, relieving the county from a heavy bill of damages.

Attached to and a part of this company is a band of more than average musical ability, under the leadership of H. D. Hurlburt, whose value as a citizen has been enhanced by his enlistment as a soldier and his ability as a leader, and to whose efficiency the more than local reputation of this band is largely due.

A principal feature in this command has been, and it still is, its record in military rifle practice. It is largely com- posed of men who have developed taste and skill in this important branch of military service. The first year of the

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HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.

company's existence three State badges were awarded to its members; the second, seventeen; and the third, fifty-two- the largest number awarded to any similar organization in the State.

The following extract is from the report of the general inspector of rifle practice, in the adjutant- general's report, 1878:

" I enclose also copies of the scores made by the several teams who contested for the State prize September 4th, at which time the prize was won by the team from the 4th sep- arate company of infantry, 31st brigade, at Warsaw. The prize was presented to the company at Warsaw in the pres- ence of a large number of citizens, on Wednesday, September 26th."

This prize was won in a competition with eleven teams. It is a massive silver water cooler, three feet in height, of elegant design, on which is engraved: " Presented by the State of New York as the first prize in the 8th division rifle match, shot at Buffalo September 3d, 1877; won by the team from Warsaw, N. Y."

The career of this company is a source of just pride to the county, whose reputation it so creditably maintains. Its efficiency and its excellent reputation are due not only to the excellent material of which the rank and file is composed, but to the veteran experience of its officers.

Captain A. B. Lawrence was a member of the 130th regi- ment of infantry-afterward the first dragoons. The quali- ties of a good officer-ability, ambition and strict discipline -are prominent in him.

First Lieutenant Jacob M. Smith was a most efficient mem- ber of the 9th N. Y. cavalry. He resigned, and was honor- ably discharged April 18th, 1878.

Second Lieutenant Charles T. Watkins was first sergeant of the first company that left Wyoming county-Company K, 17th N. Y. infantry. He was elected to the position of first lieutenant, made vacant by the resignation of Lieutenant Smith.

The position made vacant by the promotion of Lieutenant Watkins was filled by Jacob R. Smith, who was elected and commissioned with rank from May 30th, 1878. Lieutenant Smith was a veteran of the 3d Connecticut infantry. He met a tragic death on the 10th of April, 1879, while in the discharge of his professional duty, universally respected and lamented.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE WYOMING HISTORICAL PIONEER ASSOCIATION AND ITS LOG CABIN MUSEUM.

HE idea of a gathering at Silver lake of the pioneers of Wyoming county was suggested by Jonathan Sleeper, and notice of such a gather- ing in the summer of 1872 was circulated by him. The result was a pleasant social gathering and picnic at the lake, far larger than was an- ticipated.

At this meeting arrangements were made for a similar gathering the next summer. The meeting in 1873 was

a still larger one. An address was delivered by General L. W. Thayer, a paper by Amos Otis was read, several impromptu speeches were made, and a good time was had.

At this meeting it was resolved to hold annual gatherings, and a chairman and secretary for the next meeting were ap- pointed. In May, 1874, the secretary, George Tomlinson, of Perry, issued a call, and a meeting was held, at which an executive committee was appointed, also a committee in each town to report statistics of deaths, etc. Mr. W. P. Letch- worth, of Portage, was invited to deliver an address, and more thorough preparations were made for the gathering than in previous years. A notable feature of the meeting in that year was the attendance with Mr. Letchworth of Shongo, a descendant of Mary Jemison, and a young Indian girl in the costume worn by her people at the time of Mary Jemison's captivity. The statistical reports of the town committees proved to be a feature of great interest. Simi- lar meetings were held in each succeeding summer, with a constantly increasing interest. Addresses were delivered in 1875 by Hugh T. Brooks, of Covington; in 1876 by Hon. Augustus Frank, of Warsaw, and in 1877 by Norman Sey- mour, of Mount Morris. At the meeting in 1877 steps were taken toward the formation of a legal association. A reso- lution was adopted that the association organize under the laws of the State, and be known as "The Wyoming His- torical Pioneer Association." The corporators were Jona- than Sleeper, R. W. Brigham, Mason Lock, R. E. Moredoff and George Tomlinson. In the certificate of association the objects were stated to be, "to collect historical facts in re- lation to the early settlement of this county, gather tools, machinery, manufactured articles and such other things as relate to the pioneers of western New York; also to form 1 museum of curiosities, and to hold reunions of pioneers, as- sociations and conventions."

William P. Letchworth, H. A. Dudley, F. W. Capwell, Joseph Clark, Augustus Frank, R. B. Moredoff, Jonathan Sleeper, Myron Lock, Robert T. Shearman, O.V. Whitcomb, George Tomlinson, H. N. Page, H. M. Scranton, Robert Grisewood and Ezra Kelsey were named as trustees for the first year for the management of the affairs of the society.

A. S. Simmons was authorized by this board of trustees to contract with Samuel Sharp for one acre of land at $350. This duty was discharged, and a deed was executed Decem- ber 5th, 1877. Myron Lock, A. S. Simmons, O. V. Whit- comb, Robert Grisewood and Ezra Kelsey were appointed executive committee, " to grade and fence the grounds, build all buildings and take the general management of the prop- erty of the society."

During the spring and summer of 1878 the pioneer cabin was erected, seats and tables were arranged on the grounds of the society and made ready for the annual meeting, which was held August Ist of that year. At that meeting a his- torical address was delivered by A. N. Cole, of Wellsville, and an oration by Dr. Mills, of Mt. Morris. An address dedicating the cabin was made by the secretary.

This cabin is erected in a pleasant grove of chestnut, maple, oak and hickory trees on the grounds of the society, in the town of Castile, near what was formerly known as "Chapin's Landing," a few rods east from Silver lake. It was built under the superintendence of the executive com- mittee before named, and the expense was defrayed wholly by voluntary contribution. The logs of which this cabin

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THE LOG CABIN OF THE PIONEER ASSOCIATION.

is constructed were contributed by the pioneers of the county, or their descendants in cases of deceased pioneers, and the name of each contributor of a log is recorded on a bulletin board that hangs on the front of the cabin. They are as follows:

8. Armstrong, J. Allen, David Andrus, J. Abbott, I. Allen, H. F. Austin, R. W. Brigham, D. Ball, T. Benedict, A. Bradt, C. F. Benedict, H. Barnes, J. E. Beebe, B. Bradt, J. N. Bolton, G. Benedict, R. Buell, J. P. Buckland, K. Bacon, E. Bathriuk, 8. Burt, C. P. Bailey, T. Bscbeldor. Truman Benedict, L. Bsobeldor, J. H. Bolton, George Colburn, F. Cone. J. Cronkhite. George W. Clark. C. A. Chapin. O. Chapman, J. W. Campbell, Dow T. Clute, Wil- Ham Dolbeer, Bilas Rawson, E. Edgerly, J. and R. Edgeriy, T. Fiske, E. Fitch, W. Grove, T. F. Gray, R. Grisewood, W. Granger. D. W. Hough, S. A. Higgins, M. Hull, M. Hathaway, J. Hollister, 8. Howard, D. Higgins, H. K. Higgins, George Johnson, J. Jones, H. Karringer, William A. Lacy, J. R. Lowing. E. Lacy, W. P. Letchworth, M. Locke, T. MoBatee, J. Miner, J. Metcalf. Dr. J. Nevens, D. Nevens. A. Otis, J. Olin, P. Olin, W. A. Phillips, H. K. Page, C. Phillips, J. R. Potter, L. Phillips, A. Bapalee, J. Richards, L. Russell, E. Robinson, W. A. Sanger. R. H. Smith, N. Saxton, 8. Safford, J. Sayles, G. N. Sberman, C. L. Schenck, N. Seymour, J. Sleeper. P. F. Schenck, I. H. True, E. Tallman, I. True, G. Tabor, Z. Toan, George Tomlinson, J. D. Turrell, D. R. Taylor. 8. Utter. F. Williams, D. A. Wallace, J. Walker, Dr. J. Ward. W. Willey, G. H. Wright, R. Watrous, D. Wygant, P. M. Ward, Dr. G. L. Keeney, 8. Hatch, R. Harrison, E. A. Kelsey, 8. Waldo, C. R. Bradt, M. T. Bristol. J. C. Karringer, J. W. Kingsley, Augustus Frank, A. 8. Simmons, Lyman Taylor, Paul Stowell, Thomas Buell, Benjamin Johnson, J. W. Cap- well, Samuel Benedict, Walter Gillispie, William Agate, Alanson Lacey, Jehial Glasgow, Esra Olin, Eleaser Sheldon, Estes M. Nutter, M. Andrews, John Halstead, Daniel W. Mattison, W. J. Chapin and B. Gardner.

The house is twenty-four by forty feet, and the roof has a projection on each side of six feet. It is built exactly in the style of the houses that the pioneers erected when they first came into this region. The doors are hung on wooden hinges, and fastened with wooden latches, which are raised by latch strings as of old. The fire-place has no jambs, has a stone back, and a stick chimney that is plastered inside. In this chimney is a lug pole from which to suspend cooking utensils. It has also the more modern crane, which was used for the same purpose. In the corner, on one side of the fire-place, wooden pins are inserted in the logs, and on these are placed boards. These shelves represent the pio- neer pantry. On the other side of the fire-place is the rustic ladder for ascending to the loft. Between the braces which sustain the chimney runs a piece of split timber, the pioneer mantel shelf. In front hooks cut from the limbs of trees are fastened to the rough joists above, and on these are placed poles-young trees cut from the forest; across these are laid pieces of smaller saplings on which to suspend any article. Some strips of dried pumpkins are clinging to one of these-exact representatives of old time domestic econo- my. Hooks and pegs appear on the logs at the sides of the one room that the house comprises. In some instances these are the antlers of deer. In one corner is a pioneer bedstead, made by inserting the ends of large poles in auger holes, and supporting the corner by a post. In place of a cord strips of elm bark cross each other. Near the head of this bed is the rough shelf for toilet articles, and in the logs over it are driven nails on which to hang the comb case, etc. A larger nail in a higher log is for suspending the looking glass. The shelf for the old fashioned clock has not been forgotten. The loft is exactly what lofts formerly were, except that the larger size of the building makes it more spacious.

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History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 28

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co. Number of Pages:

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: