USA > New York > Yates County > History of Yates County, N.Y. : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 46
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484
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
Leonard White, in 1820; Michael Maxfield, the tailor, in 1819; Abra- ham Maxfield, the merchant and miller, in 1821 ; Ichabod Randall, clothier ; Reuben Durkee, clothier ; Asa Butler, harness and saddle- maker ; Bradley Woodworth, tailor ; Amos Peabody, tailor; Weldon, Gallup, settler on lot 60, northeast tract, in 1822; Simon P. Cooking- ham on lot 31, North Survey, in 1830; Joseph De Wick on lot 16, same tract ; Benjamin Dumbolton, in Italy Hollow in 1823; Alfred Pelton, who lived with Adolphus Howard ; Cornelius Bassett on lot I, of the Brothers Survey, in 1835; Martin Flowers on lot 12, in 1838; Henry Crank on lot 9, in 1836; William Bassett on lot 4; Abram I. Van Ordstrand on lot 5, in 1832; Russell Burnett on lot 4, in 1832 ; James G. Williamson on lot 3 ; Luther B. Blood, settler on Italy Hill in 1832.
These who have been named on foregoing pages were the pioneers of the town of Italy, and upon them fell the burden of clearing the vast forest growths and making the land fit for cultivation. That they were a determined, sturdy set of men is evinced by their works. Italy offered no inducements as a place of settlement and abode, or even of speculation, but the labors of the pioneer brought good results in the the course of time, and the town soon ranked favorably with others of the region in agricutural products. In 1800 the town had a population of 259, or about forty or fifty families. Forty- five years later the cen- sus enumeration showed the maximum population of 1,698. From that until the present time there has been a general decrease, so that at this time the number of inhabitants cannot much exceed 1,300.
Early History .- Originally, the lands and territory of Italy were in- cluded within the town of Middlesex, as one of the divisions of On- tario County, and so organized in 1789. The name was changed to Naples in 1808, and so remained until 1815, when the district was di- vided and Italy set off as a separate town. The name is plain, but why applied to the town is a matter on which there appears to be no reliable authority extant. The town was taken into Yates County upon the extension and organization of the latter in 1823. The succession of supervisors who have represented Italy in the county legislature has been as follows : Asahel Stone, jr., 1815, '16; Jabez Metcalf, 1817-20, '24, '27 ; Randall Graves, 1821-23 ; Elisha Doubleday, 1825, '28, '42 ; Harvey Roff, 1826; Abraham Maxfield, 1829, '30; Elisha Barker,
485
TOWN OF ITALY.
1831, '32, '35, '40; David Burk, 1833, '34, '36, '37, '46; Nathaniel Squire, 1838, '39, '50, '51 ; Spencer Clark, 1841 ; Lewis B. Graham, 1843, 1853-55 ; Stephen Mumford, 1844,'45 ; Henry Hutchinson, 1847, '48 ; David Smith, 1852, '56; William Scott, 1857, '58 ; Alden D. Fox, 1859-62, 1864-67 ; William S. Green, 1863 ; Bradford S Wixsom, 1868 -70; Joel M. Clark, 1871-74 ; Francis M. Kennedy, 1875-77 ; Ithamar Clark, 1878, '79 ; Absalom C. Law, 1880, '81 ; David Kennedy, 1882, '84; Joseph W. Robson, 1883; A. F Robson, 1885, '86; James S. Paddock, 1887, '88 ; Harvey M. Clark, 1889, '90; Alden D. Fox, 1891.
Justices of the Peace .- Prior to the election of justices of the peace that office in the town was held by appointment by Jabez Metcalf, Asahel Stone, jr., Henderson Cole, Henry Roff, jr., and James Fox. Subsequent elections have been as follows : James Fox, 1830, '31, '35, and '39; Orison Graham, 1830; Elisha Doubleday, 1831 and consecu- tively forth to the time of his death, in 1863; Jabez Metcalf, 1830; Valentine Graham, 1834; Edward Low, 1834, '38, '42 ; Holden T. Wing, 1838, '42; Henry A. Metcalf, 1843; Lewis B. Graham, 1844, '48; Martin N. Flowers, 1846; George W. Barker, 1848; William Scott, 1849, '53, '60, '64, '69; Philip Paddock, 1851; Edward H. Beals, 1852 ; Israel Chissom, 1852; Gilbert Graham, 1855 ; Erastus G. Clark, 1855, '59, '63 ; Charles G. Maxfield, 1857 ; Lucien Annable, 1858, '62, '66, '72; Guy L. Doubleday, 1864, '68 ; John W. Mower, 1864; Joel M. Clark, 1868 ; William C. Williams, 1868 ; William Scott, 1871, '78 ; Ezra Squires, 1871, '77 ; Frank H. Smith, 1873; Joel M. Clark, 1874, '82, '86 ; Chester Stoddard, 1874, '77; Bradford S Wix- som, 1875, '79, '83, '87, '91 ; Elnathan Mead, 1876; Guy D. Wixsom, 1879; David Wolvin, 1880, '84, '88; James Shaw, 1881, '85, '89 ; James S. Paddo k, 1890.
Ecclesiastical .- As has been said of many other towns in Western New York, may also be said of Italy, that the first denomination to obtain a prominent foothold therein was the Methodist. In this town, conceded to be one of the latest in settlement in the county, a class was formed in Italy Hollow as early as 1813. Robert Graham, Caleb Crouch, Henry Roff, sen., Philena Edson, Bazaleel Edson, Amos Arnold, Adolphus Eaton, Orison Graham, Worcester Burk, Benjamin Bartlett, James Scofield, nearly all of them heads of families, together with mem-
486
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
bers of their families, and others as well, were prominently associated with the class at that time and in years following, prior to 1823. The church edifice was erected in 1856, and in its steeple was placed the bell of the older church at the county seat.
The Italy Hill Methodist class was formed and organized at Jerusa- lem in 1828, and in 1842 was moved to the Hill. Three years later, and at an expense of more than $2,000, the church was built. The first trustees of the Hill society were Joel Ansley, James Haire, Stephen Mumford, Albert R. Cowing, Dr. Elisha Doubleday, Benjamin Stodard, Rowland Champlin, jr., Bazaleel Edson, and Nathan Benedict.
In 1816, under the ministrations of Elder Jehial Wisner, the Baptist Church of Italy Hollow was organized. The early meetings were held in school- houses, but about the year 1825 a church home was provided. In May, 1841, a Baptist society, a branch or offshoot of the organiza- tion last named, was formed by the Baptist brethren on Italy Hill. Early in 1842 steps were taken toward the erection of a house of wor- ship, the trustees to accomplish that work being Hiram T. Stanton, Levi Wolvin, Edward Squier, Joseph Sturtevant, Asa B. Miner, Abel Gur- ney, Christopher Corey, Thomas B. Smith, and Luther B. Blood. In 1844 the church was built, and dedicated during the fall of that year.
A Free Will Baptist society was formed in the town in 1826, by Elder Samuel Weare. Among its more prominent members were the Arnolds, the Marshes, the Howards, the Fishers, the Douglasses, the Crouches and others. The society never became prosperous; never built a church, and gradually passed out of existence after about seven or eight years.
487
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHAPTER XXIX.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
M ERRITT, LA FAYETTE .- John Merritt was a worthy man, and one of the earliest settlers in the wilderness which skirted Crooked Lake. He came with his family, La Fayette then being less than a year old, in 1825, from Dutchess County, and purchased a large tract of land, which in a few years he converted into a splendid farm. Here in the town of Jerusalem the child grew to manhood and occupied a part of the homestead while he lived. As a boy he was bright, in- dustrious, temperate and trustworthy, and grew to be a man of integrity, sound judgment and excellent habits. He had a relish for farming, and consequently became skillful in handling soils, stock, fruit trees and vines, and not only made a good living but accumulated a comfortable property. He had an eye to beauty as well as profit and surrounded and decorated his home with many attractive features. His moral sense early led him to enter upon a Christian life and to espouse what- ever reforms engaged public attention. When only eleven years of age he united with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, composed of radical abolitionists and temperance people, and thenceforth allowed no occasion to pass without giving his testimony against both slavery and intein- perance. He remained a member of this, church until slavery was abolished and the church was disbanded, when he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Penn Yan, of which he remained a con- sistent member until his death.
When thirty-four years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Bennett, of Milo, who, with one son, survives him, occupying the homestead he did much to beautify, and enrich with comforts.
Mr. Merritt was instinctively honest, honorable and kind, and frowned upon all injustice, oppression and coarseness in speech, or conduct. Vulgarity and rudeness he loathed and sharply rebuked. His word was as good as his bond and his honor above reproach. He had a lively taste for the beautiful and orderly, and impressed his ideas and
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
feelings upon his farm, vineyards and residence. Whatever promised good to society, especially to the young, was sure of his warm support. When it was proposed to found a college on the shore of Lake Keuka, near his home, where the youth of both sexes should be educated at a cost within the reach of those in moderate circumstances, he entered into the scheme with enthusiasm, devoting both time and money to give it success. Every thing said or done by his neighbors to promote the enterprise gave him pleasure, and whatever occurred which tended to obstruct or hinder the work distressed him. Indeed he was so sensitive to all social or political events as to render them largely personal to himself. Whatever was calculated to benefit humanity delighted him and all harmful things caused him pain, down to the close of life, which came on the 22d day of April, 1891.
S HELDON, ELI, was born in Suffield, Hartford County, Conn., on the 6th day of November, 1799. He was the son and eldest of ten children born to Eli and Cynthia Sheldon. The parents were poor and had not the means to provide for their children either a suitable education or to establish them in any business. Eli, our subject, was early put to work at whatever he could find to do, and so passed the years prior to his majority. When a young man he came to New York State, living for a time in Cayuga County, but afterward and in 1819 coming to the little village of Penn Yan. Here he found employment in the store of William Babcock, then the leading merchant of the locality.
Young Eli Sheldon proved himself to be an honest, industrious and capable employee, whose service was devoted to his employer's inter- ests, while he at the same time was learning by absorption and obser- vation the rules and principles which were the foundation of his subse- quent success and fortune. Mr. Babcock had the greatest faith in Eli's integrity and straightforward honesty, and placed him for a time in charge of a branch store at or near the village of Bath. On returning to Penn Yan, we find him the partner of his former employer, under the firm name of Babcock & Sheldon. By this time our subject had saved a sum sufficient to purchase a partnership interest in the business, and during the continuance of their relations, while Mr. Babcock was the ostensible head of the firm, his young partner was the active business
*
Eli Sheldon.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 489
man of the house. At a little later period we find Mr. Sheldon the senior member of the firm of Sheldon & Co., doing a general merchan- dise trade at the northeast corner of what is now Main and Head streets, and whose advertisement in the old Yates Republican informed the public at large that the stock of the firm included a general assortment of domestic, English, and East and West India goods. This was in 1824, and although Eli Sheldon was then but twenty-five years of age, he was nevertheless the leading proprietor of the largest and best stocked stores of the county.
Just how long Mr. Sheldon remained in active business life as mer- chant is now quite difficult to determine, but as his means increased he gradually drifted into other channels, dealing in grain, buying lands, notes, mortgages, and other securities; in fact, any investment that promised a just and substantial return found in him a ready operator. His perceptive faculties were keen and incisive, and his judgment accu- rate. Therefore he was successful and built up for himself and his fam- ily a substantial fortune. But he was not niggardly, nor did he ever ex- act from the debtor one penny beyond his just due. And in this even he was temperate, often extending the time for payment beyond the day in order to accommodate his friends and neighbors.
Eli Sheldon was himself a frugal liver, but he was also a generous provider for his family and relations. He gave his aged mother a com- fortable support through her declining years, and likewise gave to his sisters and other members of his family and relatives large sums of money to provide for their maintenance or to establish them in busi- ness. He was a public-spirited man, interested in every measure hav- ing for its end the welfare of the village or county, and while possibly not a leader in such enterprises, his contributions were always generous and given ungrudgingly. He was not a church member, but always gave liberally to the several church and religious societies of the village. In politics Mr. Sheldon was an old time Whig, and afterward became identified with the Republican party upon its organization. He had no political ambition, his interest being that of the citizen and tax pay- payer and not of the office seeker. Still he was presidential elector in 1848.
Eli Sheldon was twice married; first to Sophia H., the daughter of
62
490
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
James Smith, of Benton, by whom he had one child, William Babcock Sheldon, now a resident of Penn Yan. Sophia Smith Sheldon died March 5, 1842. His second wife, whom he married September 14, 1843, was Sarah S., daughter of Morris F. Sheppard. She died Octo- ber 5, 1849, leaving no children. Eli Sheldon died June 3, 1865. Will- iam B. Sheldon, the only child of Eli and Sophia Sheldon, was born July 27, 1839. On the 20th of October, 1864, he married Caroline W. Long, daughter of Nathaniel R. and Caroline S. Long, of Penn Yan, formerly of New York, and by whom he has two children: Ida B., born June 3, 1870, and Eli, born August 3, 1873.
B ITLEY, PETER H., of Jerusaleum, N. Y., was born at Moreau, Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1801, and was the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Bitley. His ancestors on the paternal side were from Germany, and on the maternal they were of Irish and Holland extraction. His parents were natives of Moreau, N. Y. Mr. Bitley came to Yates County in 1833, being in the employ of Paddock & Nichols, who were lumber merchants of Yonkers, N. Y. He com- menced furnishing square timber and spars by contract and delivering same at his employer's dock at Yonkers. In 1843 he commenced oper- ations for himself, buying timber in Yates and Steuben Counties and other localities and shipping to eastern markets by the way of the Erie Canal. His shipments amounted to as high as 300,000 cubic feet in a single year, and averaged, till 1867, when he retired from the lumber- ing business, 250,000 cubic feet. After 1867 he devoted himself largely to the management of his farming lands. He became a resident of Branchport soon after that place was founded and where he accumulated a large fortune, and was one of its most valued and worthy citizens. Mr. Bitley was a man of large and generous heart, and was noted for his benevolence. He was for many years closely identified with the interests of the Universalist denomination, and mainly through his ef- forts a church was erected and sustained in the village of Branchport. He gave largely of his means for general religious purposes, and was always a steadfast friend to the poor and needy.
Mr. Bitley married, in 1839, Mary J., daughter of Benjamin Laird. They had one daughter, Mary E., who married, in 1868, Rev. Henry B.
H.J.O. ENG CO
John Southerland
491
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Howell. Mrs. Howell's death occurred in 1876. There comes a time when all useful and well-regulated lives must close their earthly career. Mr. Bitley passed away August 12, 1888. His widow still resides at Branchport, lending a helping hand to all those in need of assistance, and enjoying the love and respect of all who know her.
S OUTHERLAND, HON. JOHN, son of Alexander and Mariah (Van Duser) Southerland, was born June 11, 1813, in Potter, N. Y. He was educated at the common schools and has been a dealer in agri- cultural implements for the last twenty-five years. In politics a Demo- crat, Mr. Southerland has always taken an active interest in the affairs of this town and county. He has held the office of assessor two years, supervisor one year, justice of the peace four terms, and was elected member of the General Assembly of this State in 1876. He is a mem- ber of Milo Lodge, of Penn Yan, F. and A. M. He is also director and stockholder in the First National Bank of Penn Yan. He married first, Elmira, daughter of Oren Bates, of Potter, February 18, 1836, and they had three children, Jane, who married Warner P. Cole; Eliza S., who married John N. Clark ; and Oren B. (deceased). His wife died February 27, 1850, and Mr. Southerland married second, Martha, daughter of Peter Furguson of Seneca, N. Y. She died in April, 1890.
1 INDERWOOD, OLIVER, son of John S. and Abigail (Herrington) Underwood, and grandson of Samuel C. Underwood, was born in Kingston, R. I., July 1, 1820. In March, 1821, the family emigrated to the town of Potter, N. Y., settling on the tract of land known as the Potter farm, having previously leased this of Judge Potter. Within a few miles of this place he spent his entire life, with the exception of a few years' residence in the town of Jerusalem. Being one of a family of fourteen children, his early advantages were necessarily limited, and his success was chiefly due to self-acquirement, prompted by an indom- itable perseverance. Strictly temperate in all his habits, he possessed both mental and physical strength, which were the secret of much of his success as a farmer, which occupation he followed during his whole life. Though not aspiring to public office, he creditably served the peo- ple as justice of the peace and commissioner of highways for a number
492
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
of years. He was an ardent and active supporter of the Republican party. Being physically disabled to serve his country he demonstrated his hostility to slavery by furnishing a substitute. He married in 1852 Emily R., daughter of William W. and Mary (Perrine) Hankinson, of this town, who died in 1878. He was never a member of any church, but having a common interest in the good of his fellow men, he gave alike to all who sought his aid. He died after an illness of eleven days, of py@mia in 1889, leaving an only daughter, Mrs. Mary A. Goodrich, and two grandchildren, Emily M. and Oliver D.
C ORNWELL, GEORGE RATHBUN, was born in the village of Penn Yan, on the same premises on which he now resides, on the 24th day of February, in the year 1836. He was the son of Dr. William and Sarah (Chidsey) Cornwell, and the eighth of their nine children. His father was born in Delaware County in 1787, and settled in Yates as early as 1809. He taught school for a time, but soon became a medical practitioner, and was in the service as "surgeon's mate " during the War of 1812-15. After his return the hardships of extensive riding that fell to the lot of every early physician induced failing health, and obliged him to leave the practice of his chosen pro- fession. Thereafter he was admitted to the bar and took to the prac- tice of the law. In 1822 Dr. Cornwell represented Ontario County in the Assembly, and was one of the important factors in bringing about the erection of Yates County in 1823. He was considered a man of ability and learning, and was honored and esteemed by his fellow-men.
Sarah (Chidsey) Cornwell was the daughter of Maj. Augustus Chid- sey, a former resident of Cayuga County, but later a highly respected citizen of the town of Milo. Her mother's maiden name was Anna Rathbun, a relative of the late Hon. George Rathbun of Cayuga county. She was a woman of uncommon endurance and industry; kind and considerate in her intercourse with others, and faithful to her family to the last degree. She was also one of the thirty-six persons who formed the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan, organized in 1822, and was the last surviving original member at the time of her death in 1888.
When our subject was not quite ten years old his father died, leaving to the mother the care and education of a large family of children.
493
BIOGRAPHICAL.
George attended the public schools of the village, a part of the time at the select academic institution conducted by Professor Murray. At the age of seventeen George commenced work as a clerk in the book- store of Burns & Miller, of Penn Yan, and continued at that employ- ment, though through several changes in partnership, from 1853 to 1858, when, in October of the year last mentioned, he purchased the stock of L. & S. Denton, booksellers and stationers doing business on Main street, next south of the present First National Bank.
In 1864 Mr. Cornwell moved to his present location on the east side of Main street, where he has without intermission conducted business to the present time. In October, 1872, he purchased the block of three stores since known as " Cornwell's Opera House Block."
At the time of starting out to make his own way in business life Mr. Cornwell had little or no capital except his own determination and en- ergy. But what to him was of equal value, he possessed the confidence and respect of the best men of the village.
George R. Cornwell has been known in business circles in Penn Yan for a period of more than thirty years, and in that time he has made an acquaintance throughout the whole of Yates County, and even beyond it, and he has ever been known as a straightforward, reliable and success- ful business man. Not only is he a man of undoubted worth and integ- rity of character, but as well a man of rare business ability, tact and judg- ment. He is what has been aptly termed a " detail man," and would have made a success in any business calling, but his constant familiarity with books, coupled with his naturally studious mind, has peculiarly fitted him for his present occupation, and as well stamped him as a man of superior culture. Naturally enough such a man, with so extended an acquaintance, and having at heart every interest that might tend to promote the welfare of the county or of his village, could not well avoid being drawn somewhat into the field of politics. He is a Republican, and one of the leaders of his party in the county and the congressional district. While he has not made oratory a study, and lays no claim to ability as a public speaker, his services upon the stump have been re- quired by his fellow- workers in every important campaign during the last twenty or more years. In presenting the issues in any canvass Mr. Cornwell speaks with force and directly to the point. He addresses
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
himself to the understanding of his hearers rather than appealing to their passions, and approaches the subject in hand with dignity, self- possession, and in the light of reason and common sense. Since attain- ing his majority he has taken an interest in politics, but as a factor therein he has been specially prominent for the last score of years. Still, however much he may have indulged in this direction, the end sought to be accomplished has been more for the benefit of his friends than himself.
In matters pertaining to education Mr. Cornwell has felt a deep in- terest. Especially is this true respecting the public schools of Penn Yan. In 1872 he was elected a member of the Board of Education for the village of Penn Yan Union School district, a position he has held from that until the present time. On January 1, 1891, he was elected president of the board, and was re-elected for 1892. That Mr. Cornwell is familiar with the schools, academies and other institutions of learning in this county is fully evidenced in the fact that the chap- ter on education in this work is from his pen.
George R. Cornwell represented Yates County in the Assembly dur- ing the legislative sessions of 1887 and 1888. He was there honored by positions on the Ways and Means, Internal Affairs, Claims, Public Education, and Manufacture of Salt Committees, four of them the most important committees of the House. In 1882, '83 and '84 Mr. Cornwell was chairman of the Yates County Republican Committee. In 1884 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention that placed in nomination James G. Blaine for the presidency of the United States. The same fall, and again in 1888, he received the delegates from Yates for the nomination of representative in Congress from this district.
For many years Mr. Cornwell has been a member of the Pres- byterian Church of Penn Yan, and for the last twelve years has been one of its trustees. For eight years also he was treasurer of the society ; was one of the building committee, comprising seventeen members, to superintend the erection of the new church edifice.
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