History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 78

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

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and cared for by the family of D. C. Martin, of this town. and has repaid the kindness by growing up an industrious, faithful farmer boy. Many other fugitives from slavery found bere a helping hand in their flight to Canada : but few episodes occurred so purely local as the escape and harboring of the woman who was known here by the name of Mrs. Jones."

WARSAW IN THE. WAR OF THE REBELLION.

The promptness with which the people of Wyoming county responded to the first call for troops has been spoken of. It has been shown that in the first company that went to the field Warsaw was fully represented.

In the summer of 1862 another call was made for troops, under which the quota for this town was ninety-three men. In addition to the county, state, and national bounties, the citizens of Warsaw raised by subscription a sum sufficient to offer a bounty of $60 for each recruit. Meetings were held to promote enlistments, and the quota of the town was soon filled.

In their sphere the women labored with an enthusiasm fully equal to the men's; and the hospital stores and com- forts for the sick and wounded in the field, which they pre- pared and sent to the seat of war, solaced and assuaged the sufferings of many a poor soldier. During the entire period of the war the ladies of Warsaw were active in this good work.

Early in 1864 the ladies and gentlemen, by a festival in aid of the Sanitary Commission, held in the carriage sales- rooms of the Messrs. Buxton, opposite the Presbyterian church, raised $150.

During the summer of 1863 a call was issued for 300,000 more men, and a draft was ordered. Warsaw's quota, how- ever, was made up by volunteers.

At a special town meeting held June 21st, 1864, the town voted a bounty of from $300 to $500 per man, as might be found necessary, to secure recruits; the amount to be raised by a tax. This action was repeated July 12th, and similar action taken August 17th, by which a draft was avoided.

By reason of the large proportion of men from Warsaw who enlisted for three years, the town was not required to furnish any under the last call for 300,000.

The aggregate of taxes to which the town was subjected by reason of the war was $60,810, besides voluntary con- tributions. All this was paid within a short time after the close of the war and the town left free from debt. Few towns in the state have a more honorable record than this.

WARSAW VILLAGE.

Previous to 1816 Warsaw had very little the appearance of a village. Of framed buildings there were the tavern built by Judge Webster, on the corner of Buffalo and Main streets; a school-house on the site of the present Baptist church; a small house near it-the residence of Nehemiah Fargo-on the opposite side of the street, at the corner of Main and Livingston; Almon Stevens's residence, where the Congre- gational church now stands; the house of Dr. Sheldon, just north of it; a small house a few feet north from where the Bartlett block now is; the tavern of Russell Noble, on the corner of Main and Genesee streets. Just north from where the Presbyterian church stands was a small building in

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THE GROWTH OF WARSAW VILLAGE-EARLY MERCHANTS.

which Almon Stevens kept a store, and another, used for the same purpose by C. L. Sheldon & Co. On the north side of Buffalo street, just west from the creek, Calvin Rum- sey had a tannery and shoe shop, in a part of which he lived.

Warsaw began to assume more the appearance of a vil- lage in 1816. In 1815 Simeon Cummings, of Batavia, bought of Judge Webster forty acres of land lying in nearly a square body, north from Buffalo street and west from Main. The primary object of this purchase was the erection of a grist- mill, which was put in operation in 1816. An oil-mill was also built, near where the race crosses Water street, a year or two later. The construction of the race and the building of these mills gave to the growth of the place an impetus which it had not before had. Water street and Court street were laid out, and the land contiguous to them and to Main and Buffalo streets was divided into village lots. The first lots sold were on Buffalo street, and among the first build- ings erected was the dwelling on the north side of Buffalo street, Dearest Main.

Among the first buildings erected on Main street were a dwelling on the west side, by Dr. Augustus Frank, about a quarter of the way from Buffalo to Court street, and two or three others near the corner of Court and Main.

It is not possible within reasonable limits to designate the location, time of erection, and builders of the early buildings here, or to follow their history.

From 1816 to 1836 the village continued gradually to im- prove without any period of rapid growth. In all this time there were but two houses on Buffalo street west from the bridge. One of these was on the north side of the street near the bridge, and the other was the residence of Judge Webster, near the foot of the hill, at the corner of Buffalo and Wyoming streets. Mr. Webster was the owner of the land on both sides of the street, and by refusing to sell it in small parcels he prevented the growth of the village in that direction. In 1836 F. C. D. Mckay became the owner of this land, and he pursued a different policy. He laid out streets, and subdivided the land into village lots, which he offered for sale. For five years subsequent to that the vil- lage gradually increased, and many of these lots were sold, but usually to laboring men, who were only able to build small houses. In 1841, however, the county seat was located here. This gave such an impetus to the growth of the vil- lage as it had never before received, and business and popu- lation have more than quadrupled.

About ten years since several acres of ground east from the lots on Main street, and north from those on Genesee street, were purchased by George W. Frank.and E. E. Far- man, and subdivided into village lots with streets running among them. Some fine residences have been erected there, and within two years the area south and east from the Pres- byterian church has been similarly improved.

When it is remembered that in 1841 there were but two brick buildings in the village, and the present number of elegant structures of that material is considered, and when the fact is recognized that in all respects the change from then to now is equally great, the progress which the village has made will be more fully appreciated than it is by those who have only noted these changes from year to year.

The population of Warsaw (town) in 1865 was 2,824; in 1870, 3,143; in 1875, 3,437. Of the village in 1865, 1,305; 1870, 1,631; 1875, 2,017.

DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE, MANUFACTURING AND PROFESSIONS.

MERCHANTS.

Mr. Young in his history of Warsaw, from which this is mainly taken, industriously and carefully worked up the sub- ject of mercantile establishments at Warsaw, and furnished the following facts:

The first regular storekeeper was Almon Stevens, who in 1813 opened a store of goods as agent for John Dixon, in the bar-room of the old Webster tavern. The goods were soon removed to a small building on or near the site of the Presbyterian church. Almon and Henry Stevens purchased the stock and continued the business till 1817 or 1818. As a matter of history it may be stated that in the building named, Mr. Young, so distinguished afterward as an author, published the first edition of his "Science of Government " in 1836. The book was printed and bound in this building. Mr. Young in his history of Warsaw says: "The building was removed a few years ago to Liberty street, and now it stands opposite the fair grounds, where it is used for a dwell- ing. The original printing of the sign, 'John Dixon,' can still be seen on the clapboards."

In 1815 Simeon Cummings, Mr. Brigham and Dr. Shel- don established a store under the firm name of C. L. Shel- don & Co. The business was discontinued in 1816.

In 1816 Erastus Beach, of Mt. Morris, commenced selling goods on the west side of Main street, nearly opposite Genesee street. The business continued less than a year.

Elisha Parmelee commenced trade in 1817, and closed in 1824.

About 1818 Drs. C. L. Sheldon and Augustus Frank com- menced on a small scale in a small building on the east side of Main, where E. Buffalo street now runs. A larger store was afterward erected on the same side of the street farther north, and occupied by that firm, by Dr. Sheldon, and by Sheldon & Bascom.

Homer and Ebenezer C. Kimberly commenced in the old Stevens store in 1818, afterward on the corner of Main and Buffalo streets. They dissolved in 1822, and E. C. Kimberly continued the business till 1828.

In 1822 Dr. Augustus Frank commenced on the west side of Main street, and continued in the same place nearly thirty years.

Elias R. Bascom became the partner of Dr. Sheldon, and after the latter's death in 1828 continued the business in a new store till his death, in 1847 or 1848. About 1825 John McWhorter began trade, and continued a year or two.

In 1828 A. W. Young removed goods from Wethersfield and commenced business here. In 1830 J. H. Darling became his partner; then Mr. Young withdrew, then Young & Webster succeeded, then Mr. Darling succeeded them.

In 1831 Isaac C. Bronson became Dr. Frank's partner, retired in 1836, and went into business in 1837 with Chaun- cey C. Gates, who in 1843 sold his interest to Andrew G. Hammond. Mr. Hammond came as agent of John Dixon in 1833 or 1834, left with goods in about a year, and in 1843 returned and became the partner of Isaac C. Bronson. In 1836 Judd & Masley established themselves in trade here; about 1837 Alanson Holly and James L. Darling; in 1838 Raymond Patterson & Co .; in 1839 W. Raymond & Co., for two years; in 1839 Darling & Patterson (J. H. Darling and

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HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.

John D. Patterson), for two years; about 1842 Morrison & Faulkner, a year; then John H. Morrison alone for two years.

Roswell Gould, who had traded at South Warsaw fifteen years, came to Warsaw village in 1843, and remained till 1851. He afterward engaged largely in the produce busi- ness. In 1845 the firm of R. O. Comstock & Co. was estab- lished; then followed in 1848 Comstock, Andrews & Co .; in 1851, Watson Murray & Co .; in 1856, S. A. Murray; 1857, Albert Purdy, burned out in 1867; in 1859, Abel Webster.

In 1845 Alonzo Choate succeeded Roswell Gould at South Warsaw; came to Warsaw in 1854, and continued one year.

From 1847 Augustus Frank, jr., was a merchant here until 1855; afterward A. & G. W. Frank, until 1869.

J. M. Darling, A. Y. Breck, Seth M. Gates, Chester Hurd & Son, under different firm names, were in business some years. From 1848 to 1857 Benjamin F. Francis, jr., John M. David and Allen Fargo were in trade under different 'firms. Erastus D. Day and Ransom A. Crippen were also engaged in trade about this time. In 1862 George L. Foote, R. O. Holden and Thomas S. Glover, as the firm of G. L. Foote & Co., commenced business. In 1864 Mr. Glover succeeded the firm. The business is continued by Thomas S. Glover & Co. In 1865 George L. Foote established a dry goods store, and continued two years. In 1867 A. Miner opened a store. It was discontinued in about a year. In 1868 Green & Co. commenced, and continued about a year. From 1874 Eugene H. Andrews was in trade two years.

The first shoe merchant was J. W. Montgomery, who commenced about the year 1852. Previous to that time merchants had kept, among other articles, ready made boots and shoes, much to the disgust of shoemakers. As time has gone on stores for the sale of boots and shoes exclu- sively have come into existence. The names of the many shoe dealers who have done business here cannot now be ascertained.

In like manner the sale of ready made clothing has come to be a distinct branch of trade. The names of prominent clothing merchants who have done business here are Fun- chenstein & Strauss, Elias Weisenbeck, L. Israel, A. Open- heimer, Oettinger & Levi.

As has elsewhere been stated, a merchant in early times kept everything which the people required, as is now done to some extent in country stores. Of course the pioneer storekeepers were the pioneer grocers. druggists, booksel- lers, stationers, etc., etc.

Of hardware merchants the following are remembered: John Windsor, Joshua H. and J. Madison Darling, Seth M. Gates, Henry Garretsee, Chauncey E. Gates, Miles H. Mor- ris, Perry and Israel Hodge, Noble Morris, Otis S. Buxton, C. & T. Buxton, Simeon D. Lewis, N. R. Stedman and Charles R. Williams.

The pioneer drug store was that of Dr. Chauncey L. Sheldon, about 1817; afterward Sheldon & Frank. It was a building no more than twelve by sixteen feet. This build- ing, in which also was kept the post-office, has been twice removed, and it is now the wing of a house on the west side of Water street. The word post-office may still be seen on the frieze, partially covered by an old coat of white paint. From that time the principal stock of drugs and medicines was Kept by Dr. Augustus Frank, in connection with his stock of general merchandise, until about 1850, when Edwin

H. Lansing commenced the first separate drug business- The druggists since have been Charles J. Judd, James C. Ferris, George Reed, Artemas Blake, George Duryee, Josiah S. and John B. Matthews, Dr. Merrick Baker, E. D. Day, Alanson Holly, James O. McClure, Chauncey C. Buxton, Frank Lewis, Frank Wilson, Jacob K. Smith, James A. Bishop.

Charles J. Judd and E. L. Fuller are believed to have been the earliest booksellers. They were succeeded in 1851 by Nehemiah Park, and he in 1854 by Lewis E. Walker, who still continues. Dr. John L. Clark was, about 1852, a bookseller for a few years.

MANUFACTORIES.

The pioneer saw-mill of the town and village was that of Judge Webster, completed in 1805 or 1806. Another was built near the site of this, and it is still running. On the west branch of the Oatka creek four saw-mills were built, and some of them several times rebuilt, but they are all among the things that were. One or more stood on Mill brook, and one on lot No. 7 in the northeast part of the town. The one near South Warsaw and one in Warsaw vil- lage are all that are in existence in the town now.

The pioneer grist-mill was the one near South Warsaw. Mills were subsequently built at the head of the gulf, by Cyrus Webster, in 1814 or 1815 (afterward burned), and in the village by Simeon Cummings, as before stated, in 1816. This mill is still running, and is owned by John W. Sprague. One was built near South Warsaw in 1826 by Abiel Lathrop. A few years later one was built on the west branch .of the Oatka by Dr. Augustus Frank. In the south part of the village a woolen factory was converted into a grist-mill some years since.

The saw mills in this town furnished only coarse lumber. Pine lumber, which was brought from the pine region south and exchanged for goods and produce, constituted quite a branch of trade. It was dressed and worked up by hand until at a comparatively recent period. In 1833 the first planing-mill was erected by Hurd & Son, in the rear of the Baptist church, on the west side of Main street, opposite Livingston. This was burned in 1859, rebuilt, and again burned in 1865.

.The Patterson Manufacturing Company was established in 1866, and its name was changed to the Warsaw Manufac- turing Company. Its mill and shops were located on Center street, just south from Buffalo. They were burned in 1871 and immediately rebuilt. The manufacture of sash, blinds, and all kinds. of dressed lumber is carried on here, and the company engages largely in building.

The first clothiery, or wool-carding and cloth-dressing- mill was built at South Warsaw, by Seymour Ensign, and another soon afterward by S. R. Glazier. In 1816 one was established near Cummings's grist-mill, by Samuel Hough and Elijah Norton. It was removed to the south part of the village, and afterward converted, first into a tannery, then into a foundry and machine shop. One of the clothieries at South Warsaw was in 1825 enlarged to a woolen factory. A few years later the manufacture of cloth was curtailed and a machine shop added. It was soon afterward burned. In 1841 a woolen-mill was established in the south part of the village, and afterward, as before stated, converted into a grist-mill.

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MANUFACTURING AT WARSAW-PHYSICIANS AND LAWYERS.

Previous to 1824 Ephraim Beebe conducted the business of repairing wagons and making sleighs. In that year Horace Hollister established a carriage and sleigh shop on Water street. In 1836 the Buxton brothers purchased this establishment, and commenced the business, which they en- larged and prosecuted very successfully, with some slight changes in the firm, during about thirty years. They were succeeded by Crippen & Williams, who discontinued the business in 1874 Fullington, Dibble & Co. commenced in 1870. The firm became Fullington & Brown, and dis- continued in 1878. At present there are three or four shops in operation.

It is believed that Deacon John Munger built the first tannery in town, probably soon after he came here, in 1806. He prosecuted the business during twenty years. In 1814 Calvin Rumsey established a tannery on the north side of Buffalo street, just west from the creek. Mr. Frank Miller carried on this tannery for many years. A small one was built in the east part of the town by Abraham W. Brown, and one in the south part by Solomon Truesdell. Trues- dell & Clark commenced one at South Warsaw about 1830. A tannery was established in the west part of the village by H. B. Jenks and H. A. Metcalf, and it has since been con- ducted by different firms.

A map roller factory was established in 1853 by Weaver Martin & Brother, just south of the village, on the Oatka. The business has become a large one, and their rollers are sent to all parts of the United States. The present firm is Martin & Co.

The pioneer foundry was that of Dr. Augustus Frank and Benjamin L. Watkins, established about 1824, on the north side of Buffalo street, between the bridge and the corner of Water street. Mr. Watkins soon retired, and the business was continued by Dr. Augustus Frank, either alone or with partners, till 1837. About that time the business was re- moved by Gates & Garretsee, into whose hands it came, to its present location in the south part of the village. An ex- tensive business has been done at this foundry, especially in the manufacture of stoves. Business is continued in this establishment by Mavor Martin & Co.

From 1837 to 1846 a foundry was carried on north from the north grist-mill by A. A. Wilder, and afterward by Hodge & Co. It was discontinued.

A brick furnace was erected on Genesee street in 1860 by William Robinson, jr., and the business prosecuted by dif- ferent parties about three years and discontinued.

The pioneer cabinet shop was established in 1817, by Fitch & Bosworth, on Buffalo street. George D. Farnham, P. Penelleton, Alanson Bartlett, Moses Osgood, L. Stedman, J. Spencer Bartlett and E. E. Shattuck have at different times carried on shops here.

The Warsaw Furniture Company was organized in 1869. It erected an extensive manufactory in the town of Gaines- ville, and built the block on the corner of Main and Buffalo streets for a warehouse and salesroom. The company is still in existence, but it ceased business in 1875.

PHYSICIANS.

The following list of the medical practitioners of Warsaw, with the years of practice, is believed to be nearly correct:

Chauncey L. Sheldon, from 1808 until his last illness. He died in 1828.

Augustus Frank commenced in 1817. He was engaged regularly in practice during a few years, but afterward, by reason of mercantile and other extensive business, he only practiced occasionally. He resided in Warsaw until his death in 1851.

Daniel Rumsey practiced about two years from 18:7, then removed to Alexander. He returned about the year 1823, and after several years' practice removed to Silver Creek and engaged in trade.

Cyrus Rumsey, a brother of Daniel, commenced in 1822, and after six years removed to Medina, Orleans county, thence to Ohio, where be died.

Peter Caner practiced from 1827 until his last sickness. He died in 1854.

Thomas P. Baldwin commenced soon after Dr. Caner, continued about two years, removed to Ogden, returned and practiced during two intervals.

Seth S. Ransom came in 1831, and after practicing about eight years removed to Burlington, Iowa.

· Ethan E. Bartlett practiced here three years from 1831, resumed in 1848, practiced regularly during a number of years, and occasionally afterward.

Jonathan Hurlburt commenced in 1834 and continued about two years; Lindorf Potter about two years from 1842; N. D. Stebbins from 1842 a year or more, and removed to Detroit. From 1849 or 1850 Dr. House practiced about a year. John G. Meachem practiced from about 1860 until 1862, and removed to Racine, Wis. From about 1850 to 1855 Charles W. Belden, who had previously been here, practiced in Warsaw. Charles A. Dake practiced most of the time from 1850 until 1867. Dr. Blanchard was here about six months in 1852 or 1853. Dr. Day practiced a few months in 1853. Dr. Gardner commenced in 1854, and practiced about two years. In 1854 Dr. Wells was with C. A. Dake a few months. Dr. West practiced in C. A. Dake's office one year (1854). In 1859 C. M. Dake'suc. ceeded his brother, and continued in town about six years. In 1862 Milan Baker succeeded John G. Meachem, and he continues. Dr. E. W. Jenks was here one year (1862). In 1863 Dr. R. B. Roberts came and he continues in practice. Dr. F. C. Pitts came in 1866 and stayed about two years. Dr. Phelan remained one year (1867). In 1868 Dr. Miller & Son discontinued after a practice of one or two years. In 1868 Dr. Maynard commenced, and continued about two years. In 1871 Dr. O. B. Adams located here; he con- tinues in practice. Dr. J. R. Smith, who came in 1872, con- tinued until his death, in 1879. Dr. Evarts was here one year (1876) and left. In 1878 Dr. Wheeler practiced six months and left. In 1879 Drs. Denton and Lusk opened offices here and are still in practice. Dr. Tibbets has been here many years and continues in practice.

LAWYERS.

The following is a list of the attorneys who have practiced in Warsaw, with the years in which they commenced practice :

Robert Moore, 1817; Mabew Safford, 1817 ; Warren Loomis, 1817 or 1818: Theophilus Capen, 1818 or 1819 : James Crocker, 1821 or 1822 : Ferdinand C. D. Mckay, 1828; Thomas J. Sutherland, 1884 or 1836: James R. Doolittle and Linus W. Thayer, 1841; W. Riley Smith. 1847; William 8. Crozier, 1847; Leonard W. Smith, 1848 ; Charles W. Bailey, 1860 ; Harlow L. Comstock, 1860; Charles Henshaw, 1858; Alonso W. Wood, 1858: Lloyd A. Hayward, 1864 ; Byron Healy, 1857 ; Henry C. Page, 1858 ; Elbert E. Farman, 1868 ; Myron E. Bartlett, 1800; I. Samuel Johnson, 1801 ; Augustus Harrington, 1834; Beriah

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HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.

N. Pierce, L. Lockwood Thayer, 1807; Robert Snow, 1809; C. T. Bartlett, 1870 : 8. B. Bartlett, 1878; E. E. Farman, 2nd, 1875 ; E. M. Bartlett, 1879; Jobn 8. Rook well, 1879.

POST-OFFICES IN WARSAW.

Only three post-offices have been established in this town-one at South Warsaw in 1850, with Alonzo Choate postmaster; another, named East Warsaw, in the southeast part of the town, - Evans postmaster. Both were dis- continued after a few years.

The office in Warsaw village was established in 1811. The postmasters, with the dates of their appointments, have been Chauncey L. Sheldon, April 12th, 1811, January 24th, 1826; Elias R. Bascom, March 3d, 1828; Isaac C. Bronson, August 20th, 1841; William K. Crooks, March 10th, 1843; Edwin L. Fuller, July 5th, 1845; Charles W. Bailey, May 3d, 1849; Jacob W. Knapp, February 28th, 1853; Seth M. Gates, May 28th, 1861, June 3d, 1865; W. H. Merril, July 9th, 1870, June 7th, 1874; William D. Miner, July 21st, 1874, December 14th, 1874.

Previous to 1811 the mail matter for the people here was received and sent at the office in Batavia. Shortly after the establishment of an office here a post route'was established from Geneseo to Lake Erie, connecting with a route already established between Geneseo and Canandaigua. Over this route Levi Street, of Sheldon, was the mail carrier during many years; and as late as 1816 he carried it in saddle- bags on horseback when the roads were in a bad condition.

Before the adoption of the three-cent letter rate a letter written on one piece of paper was charged-for 30 miles or less, 674 cents; from 30 to 80, 10 cents; from 80 to 150, 127% cents; from 150 to 400, 1834 cents; and for more than 400, 25 cents.

NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper published within the territory com- prised in the county of Wyoming was established in War- saw, in 1828. It was called the Genesee Register, and was published by Levi and Warham Walker. For three months it was neutral in politics, after which time it espoused the cause of anti-masonry, which caused the withdrawal of patronage to such an extent as to compel the publishers to relinquish its publication at the end of six months.

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History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 78

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

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