USA > New York > Wyoming County > Perry > History of the town of Perry, New York > Part 22
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
November: Rev. C. H. Dibble, Mrs. Sophie Matteson, Miss Augusta Palmer, Fred W. Johntgen, C. Frank Eaton and Wm. D. Page.
Mr. Austin completed his work in a thorough and conscien- tious manner, the building being not only a credit to his skill, but an ornament to the town as well. Supervisor Page, who
355
PERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY
gave a large part of his time to personal supervision of the work and in looking after the many details that are incident to building, shares credit for the excellent manner in which the work was performed, as well as in the preliminaries that made its realization possible.
The property was formally given over to the people of Perry on Tuesday evening, Oct. 13th, 1914, by Supervisor W. D. Page on behalf of the Town Board, at a well attended gath- ering in the beautiful new building. It was accepted by Rev. C. H. Dibble, president of the Board of Library Trustees, on be- half of the people. The Library opened for the drawing of books on Wednesday, Oct. 14th, and at the opening had over 2,400 well-selected volumes, that number being increased within the year to over 3,400.
Mrs. Jenny L. Nobles, whose long residence in the commun- ity and whose extended association with the student bodies of Perry High School, together with her other qualifications was believed to be best fitted for the work, was chosen Librarian, and her splendid record has demonstrated the wisdom of the selection.
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MRS. JENNIE L. NOBLES
CHAPTER XXVII
Statistical Data Showing Growth in Population and Other Import-
ant Features-Residents Who Achieved Eminence in the Country-List of Public Officials.
The following figures taken from Government census re- ports, beginning with the first of such reports in 1830, show the development of the town and village. It will be noted that in 1840 the population outside of the village was considerably greater than at any period since that time.
Year
Town
Vil.
Year
Town 2342
Vil.
1830
2792
. . . .
1875
2416
1838
870
1880
2510
1115
1840
3087
739
1892
2990
.
1845
2952
1898
2240
1850
2832
1900
3862
2763
1855
2560
1902
3346
1858
2550
.
1905
4909
3749
1860
2485
935
1910
5360
4388
1865
2366
872
1915
. 5861
5009
.
·
. .
. . . .
. . . .
It is interesting to note by a study of the above census figures that from 1840 there was a steady decrease in the pop- ulation of the town until the time of the construction of the Silver Lake Railway in 1872, from which time a steady increase is shown in the succeeding census figures.
The following is a list of residents of Perry who have at- tained prominence in elective positions, so far as we have been able to learn them ;
Chester A. Arthur, 21st President of the United States, son of Rev. Wmn. Arthur, pastor of the Baptist Church from 1834 to 1837.
1870
867
1835
2984
1890
2928
1520
1844
358
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Rounsevelle Wildman, son of Prof. Edwin Wildman, be- came U. S. Consul at Bremen, Germany, Singapore, M. P., and Hong Kong, China. While stationed at Hong Kong, Mr. Wild- man delivered to Commodore George Dewey the dispatches from Washington containing the Commodore's final orders be- fore sailing his squadron to attack the Spanish fleet in the fam- ous battle of Manilla Bay. In that respect Perry is in a measure identified with that notable engagement, which is one of the most important in our naval history.
Monroe Bingham, afterwards Lieutenant-Governor of Wis- consin, was a resident of Perry until after his graduation from the Perry Center Institute during the early '40's.
State Senator-Thomas HI. Bussey, 1911-1914.
Members of Assembly-Calvin P. Bailey, 1829-30. Peter Patterson, 1833-4 .* Truman Benedict, 1843-44. Samuel W. Tewksbury, 1874-5. Henry N. Page, 1882. Milo H. Olin, 1892-3. Byron A. Nevins, 1906-7.
* After the organization of Wyoming County in 1841, Mr. Patterson was appointed one of the Associate Judges.
County Judge and Surrogate-Wm. Mitehell, 1843. Prior to the organization of Wyoming County, Mr. Mitchell held the office of County Judge for Genesee County, 1836.
County Treasurer-L. A. Hayward, 1856-9.
County Clerk-John H. Bailey, 1855. Charles W. Bailey, 1861. Sheriff-Jairus Moffett, 1852-55. Wm. D. Miner, 1861-64. George A. Sweet, 1870-73. Wm. S. Sanford, 1900-1903.
359
STATISTICAL DATA
District Attorney-La Vergne A. Walker, 1915.
Coroners-Dr. G. R. Traver, John H. Watson, Dr. Phillip S. Goodwin.
Dr. James E. Crichton, who went West when a young man, became Mayor of Seattle, Wash., and afterward Health Com- missioner, in which last official position he won nation-wide fame for the splendidly efficient manner in which he improved the sanitary conditions of that thriving western city. He is recognized as an authority upon such matters and has been sought by other cities in various parts of the country to give them the benefit of his knowledge and experience.
Judge Arthur Sutherland, who spent a portion of his school days in Perry, became Supreme Court Justice for the Seventh Judicial District of New York State.
Mrs. Carrie Moss Hawley, who has achieved prominence in the literary world, was born in Perry, where she received her early education. She removed to Iowa and became president of the Iowa Authors' Club.
The prominent people referred to above are in addition to those mentioned in previous chapters of the History of Perry.
The town and village records were destroyed by fire in 1866. Some portions of the town records prior to that time have been found in the county records, but the village records previous to that date are unobtainable.
Supervisors : 1814-Jairus Cruttenden. 1815-16-Levi Benton. 1817-John Bowers. 1818-20-Levi Benton.
1821-22-Oren Sheldon.
1823-26-Rufus H. Smith 1
360
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
1827-29-Robert Moore.
i
1830-James Symonds. 1831-33-Phicol M. Ward. 1834-James Symonds. 1835-43-Truman Benedict.
1844-47-Samuel Benedict.
1848-Levi H. Parsons.
1849-50-Jason Lathrop.
1851-55-John Coleman.
1856-65-Dennis R. Taylor.
1866-70-Samuel W. Tewksbury.
1871-72-Randall W. Brigham.
1873-Samuel W. Tewksbury.
1874-75-Wm. Crichton. 1876-79-Henry N. Page.
1880-82-George Tomlinson.
1883-87-Byron A. Nevins.
1888-89-Robert R. Dow.
1890-91-Charles H. Toan. 1892-1900-Edward G. Matthews.
1901-1902-William W. Grieve.
1903-1906-Byron A. Nevins.
1907-1910-Thomas H. Bussey. 1911-1915-Wm. D. Page.
Town Clerk-the first clerk was Warren Buckland, elected in 1814. There is no existing record of the length of time he served, the next one of whom we have knowledge was Henry Cleveland, serving in 1844. From Mr. Cleveland there is another lapse of record until 1857, when B. B. Higgins was clerk. The record since that time is complete, showing the fol- lowing named :
E. H. Wygant, 1858-65; R. C. Mordoff, 1866-68; W. J.
HON. THOMAS H. BUSSEY State Senator from the 44th District.
362
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Chapin, 1869-79; H. A. Cole, 1880-1902: C. G. Clarke, 1903-1912; C. N. Read, 1913-1915.
Village Officers
Presidents
1866
1867
Mortimer Sharpsteen
1868
John S. Thompson
Samuel L. Chapin
1869 1870
Samuel L. Chapin
1871
Lyman G. Morgan
Geo. A. Sanders Geo. A. Sanders Robert A, Patchin
1872 1873
Jerome Allen
1874
Jerome Allen
Robert A. Patchin
1875 Henry N. Page
1876 R. C. Smith
R. D. Higgins R. D. Higgins
1877
R. C. Smith
Morris A. Lovejoy
1879
H. C. Loomis
Morris A. Lovejoy
1881
M. C. Williams
1882
M. C. Williams
Wm. D. Page
1883
Geo. W. Grieve
Wm. D. Page
1884
Geo. W. Grieve
1885
Geo. W. Grieve
Morris A. Lovejoy
1886
R. H. Stedman
1887
R. H. Stedman
Morris A. Lovejoy Wm. D. Page C .M. Smith
C. M. Smith
1890
A. H. Lowing
C. M. Smith
1892
W. H. Matteson
C. M. Smith
1893
Geo. W. Grieve
C. M. Smith
1894
John H. Watson
C. M. Smith
1895 1896 Wm. D. Page
C. M. Smith C. M. Smith
1897
Wm. D. Page
C. M. Smith
1898 Wm. D. Page
C. M. Smith
1899 Wm. D. Page
C. M. Smith
Oscar N. Bolton
1900 John Harding
Clerks
R. D. Higgins Geo. A. Sanders Geo. A. Sanders Geo. A. Sanders Geo. A. Sanders
R. W. Benedict
1878 H. C. Loomis
Morris A. Lovejoy
1880 Dr. G. R. Traver
Wm. D. Page
Morris A. Lovejoy
1888 R. H. Stedman
1889
R. H. Stedman
C. M. Smith
1891
W. H. Matteson
Thomas H. Bussey
Russell C. Mordoff
363
STATISTICAL DATA
1901
Thomas H. Bussey
Oscar N. Bolton
1902 Thomas H. Bussey
Oscar N. Bolton
1903 Charles H. Toan
Oscar N. Bolton
1904 Charles H. Toan
Oscar N. Bolton
1905 Robert R. Dow
Oscar N. Bolton
1906 Earl V. Jenks
Oscar N. Bolton
1907
Earl V. Jenks
Oscar N. Bolton
1908
Patrick J. O'Leary
Oscar N. Bolton
1909
Patrick J. O'Leary
Oscar N. Bolton
1910 Patrick J. O'Leary
Oscar N. Bolton
1911 Chester A. Carmichael
Oscar N. Bolton
1912 Charles H. Toan
Oscar N. Bolton
1913 Fred D. Fanning
Oscar N. Bolton
1914 James E. Cooper
Oscar N. Bolton
1915
James E. Cooper
Oscar N. Bolton
The following is a list of those who have served as Post-
DR. HUGH M. SCRANTON Postmaster of Perry for a quarter of a century.
364
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
master: James C. Edgerly, Thomas Edgerly, Benjamin Gard- ner. Wm. Turner, Willard J. Chapin, Sr., Rufus H. Smith, An- son D. Smith. Abram Lent, H. K. Whelpley, JJason Lathrop, George A. Sanders, Hugh M. Scranton, George W. Grieve, Joseph E. Cole.
WM. H. HAWLEY
Postmaster at Perry Center for many years; Index Clerk of the State Assembly and prominent in Republican State politics.
Postmasters at Perry Center
Talcott Howard. Jason Lathrop, Henry Cleveland, Charles MeEntee. Daniel Ball. I. G. Bishop, W. H. Hawley, Jr., Miss Millie Hawley. Frank D. Hodges.
This office was discontinued in 1912, being abolished be- cause of the service by the rural free delivery routes. At one time in its history the office paid an annual revenue of $600.
365
STATISTICAL DATA
Roster of Professional and Business Men of Perry
This list does not include all of the different branches, as the writers have found it to be an almost endless task to secure all' of them in all of the lines. We have had to be content with those who have been most prominent in the business and pro- fessional life of the town.
Physicians-Jabez Ward, Jacob Nevins, Ezra Child, Otis Higgins, Mason G. Smith, George L. Keeney, Jonas Huntington, Z. W. Joslyn, Jonathan Howard, R. A. Patchin, C. A. Dake, T. M. Harvey, J. Post, Wm. H. Hull, M. G. Davis, C. R. Barber, Charles R. Pierce, W. Green, T. R. Huntington, Samuel Ellis, Gilbert R. Traver, Wm. Crichton, L. L. Rockafellow, J. H. Wheeldon, L. W. Hunt, Hannon, James Crichton, D. W. Rudgers, Henry King, Myron King, John Harding, Phillip S. Goodwin, C. L. Parker, Miss S. E. Ullyette, George Westfall, Mrs. Annie H. Pierce, W. J. Austin, Albert C. Way, A. B. Straight, Clifford R. Hervey, George H. Peddle, James S. Daw- son, J. S. Wright, J. R. Brownell, C. R. Brown.
Dentists-Silas Smith, J. Naramore, C. G. Bartlett, H. M. Scranton, E. M. Scranton, Charles R. Calkins, F. H. Cole, F. M. Washburn, E. M. Read, Frank M. Crocker, Robert W. Cal- kins.
Attorneys-Robert Moore, Calvin Pepper, M. C. Hough, Linus W. Thayer, I. M. Stoddard, Levi Gibbs, J. J. Pettit, Wm. Pettit, L. A. Hayward,. Wm. Mitchell, J. E. Lee, George Hast- ings, - - Blennerhassett, N. E. Thomas, A. A. Hendee, D. L. Gilman, A. Lent, Rollin Rice, E. B. Fisk, G. L. Walker, Morris A. Lovejoy, Owen Harris, Barna C. Roup, W. Dennison Olm- sted, Lavergne A. Walker, Charles W. Johnson, George M. C. Parker, Carlos J. Toan.
General Merchants-James C. Edgerly, Bailey & Hatch, Thomas Edgerly, Benjamin Gardner, Richard Bagley, DeZang, Wm. Wiles, M. Stratton, Rufus H. Smith, Hoag & Bailey, Bailey & Sherman, Orris Gardner, Phoenix & Brother, Cleveland & Clark, Armitage & Faulkner, Thomas Humphrey, L. B. Parsons & Son, E. L. H. Gardner & Co., Parsons & Clark, Clark & Mitchell, P. Cady, Smith & Graves, D. Graves. Cleve- land & Graves, Aplin & Huntington, C. P. Bailey & Son, Cory-
366
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
don & Weed, S. W. Merrill & Son, I. Macomber, S. W. & C. Merrill, George L. Davis, Cook & Morse, C. & A. D. Merrill, An- son D. Smith, Henry N. Page, S. P. Clark, Henry W. Barton, John H. Bailey, J. H. & C. W. Bailey, Robert Grisewood, F. O. Bullard & Co., Mordoff & Higgins, R. C. Mordoff & G. B. Olin, Eugene Andrus, Russell C. Mordoff, A. H. Sleeper, Robert Stainton, G. M. Davis, W. H. Hawley, Hawley & Son, E. & L. Bullen, C. F. Eaton.
Grocers-Elijah Hammond, Walter Little, H. W. Barton. Jivah Higgins, R. T. Hill, Hicks &. Bailey. B. B. Hicks, Burt & Hosford, R. Stratton, Enos W. Frost, Williams & Stedman. George Pritchard, Geo. Pritchard & Co., Columbus P. Andrus, Charles Parker, Andrus & Cole, J. B. Higgins, J. B. Higgins & J. W. Olin, Higgins & Hatch, Wheeler & Garrison, W. Wallace, Smith & Garrison, Billings & King. C. Westbrook, F. O. Bul- lard, Bullard &. Stainton, Marens D. Smith. Rufus H. Stedman, S. Bayne, JJohn S. Garrison. Hatch & Cole, Stedman & Hart, W. H. Herron. H. J. Ellsworth, Hatch & Co., Williams & Mace, Locke, Williams & Stedman, Phillip JJ. Cooper, Cooper &. Newman, S. S. Caswell. Paul Armstrong & Co., B. F. Rollah. Casterline & Hollister, Ben JJ. Tyler, Hatch, Cole & Roche. Hatch & Roche, C. R. Sutton. S. C. Allen, Watkins Bros., Wat- kins &. MeKurth, C. N. Read, B. F. Eberstein, Garrison & Ma- comber. Macomber & Grieve, Straight & VanGilder, M. A. Ma- comber, O 'Brien & Kennedy. Charles Kennedy, Wernham Bros., F. D. Hodges & Co., Albert Ames. M. F. Streeter, Hovey Bros., A. H. Hovey. M. F. Commiskey & Co., W. G. Roche, Chas. Balis- trere, Francis Ballistrere, Marshall & Sons, F. B. Smith, Irving H. Eaton, F. L. Stewart, Schaumberg & Son, A. L. Colburn, Frank Rychlick, Rae Jones.
Hardware-E. P. Clark, Huntington, Wyckoff & Tuttle, Wyckoff. Tuttle & Olin. R. J. Clemons, F. C. & D. S. Walker, D. S. Walker, F. O. Bullard & Co., F. H. Alburty, Al- burty & Soper, E. Cooper. Smith & Lowing, Smith & Martin, Tallman & Son. A. W. Tallman, M. HI. Olin, M. H. Olin & Son, T. V. Moore, Eaton & Mepham. Olin & Peek, Olin, Peek & Grieve. Olin & Grieve. C. Frank Eaton, Walter T. Olin, Harry H. Chaddock, Ireland & Cone, Joseph Ireland.
367
STATISTICAL DATA
Druggists-Joseph Lamberson, Hubbard & Wakelee. Cal- vin L. Hubbard, Clark & Mitchell, David Mitchell, S. & B. B. Higgins, Wright & Allen, John H. Terry, Willard J. Chapin, Chapin & Olin, Milo H. Olin, James H. Owen, George J. Wat- son, Watson & Son, John Harry Watson, C. Newton Read, Fred H. Mason, Mason & Baker, Baker & Roberts.
Dry Goods-Cook & Currier, N. P. Currier, R. C. Mordoff, Mordoff & Currier, Mordoff & Torrey, E. II. Andrus & Co., Yale & Williams, Robert Stainton, Bullard & Stainton, M. C. Wil- liams, Williams & Whelpley, M. C. Williams & Co., Gillett &
N. P. CURRIER
Prominent business man of the early days and active in local affairs.
Tomlinson, Gillett & Co., W. A. Gillett, Charles Wise, J. Clar- ence Lillibridge, Nast & Fitch, T. B. R. Fitch, George A. White, Royce & Wright, C. L. Coburn, Wise & VanEtten Co .. S. H. Weithorn.
368
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Booksellers, Stationers, Etc .- E. M. Tompkins, A. D. Smith & Co., Henry N. Page, R. D. Higgins, Byron Nevins, Wygant & Nevins, E. H. Wygant, Spencer F. Lang, Stewart & JJenekes, Sidney J. JJenekes, Ray Severns.
Jewelers-J. B. Flower, Seymour Sherman, E. M. Kimball, James Huntington, Chapin & Olin, John H. Watson, Robert Kershaw, L. G. Abbott, Kershaw & Son, M. J. Kershaw, F. A. Allen.
Photographers-M. N. Crocker,- - Heath, Ah- bott, W. C. Duryea, W. C. Davis, Andrew Lynd, James Thayer. J. W. Olin, C. W. Tallman, W. A. Bassett.
M. N. CROCKER
Leader in musical circles in the middle of the century. Photographer who had an enviable reputation as an artist.
.
369
STATISTICAL DATA
Clothiers-Daniel Richards, J. S. Westlake, J. S. Brayton, S. N. May, H. K. Whelpley, Alexander Morton, R. C. Mordoff. S. Goldwater & Bro., Fred Seegar, S. Goldwater, Tallman Bros. & Co., Tallman & Noonen, Mortimer Duryee, Fred C. Bliss, Jenks & Bliss, Johantgen Bros., Fred W. Johantgen, Nesmith &. Phillips, Salmon & Ettingshaus, D. W. Watson, Smith & Schouten, C. A. King Co.
Musical Instruments-German Sweet. L. B. Sweet, E. D. Sweet, J. W. Martin & Bro., Wm. E. Copeland, Albert R. Wat- rous, Watrous & Rumsey.
Shoe Dealers-J. King, Slocum & TenEyck, John TenEyck, E. Higgins & Son, Peter Alburty, W. J. Chapin & Co., W. & J. Ridsdale, Levi D. Warren, Besancon & Lawrence, George C. Chapin & Co., Moffett & Brown, Smith & Butler, A. C. Barras. R. C. Smith, J. B. Shearman, A. H. Sleeper, Alexander Cole, Abram White, C. S. Smith & Co., A. Cole & Son, Charles S. Smith, A. White Estate, H. A. Cole & Son, George A. White, W. J. Gregg, George L. Peck, Lester Shoe Store, P. J. Cooper, Sal- mon & Ettingshaus.
Furniture Dealers-David A. Shirley, J. S. Horton, Hooper & Buttre, Nelson Edgerly, W. T. Buttre, Lewis & Stout, C. E. Lewis, Gilbert H. Westlake, Martin Post, Howell & Jenkins, F. L. Howell, W. O. Davis, Caleb Tarplee, B. A. Nevins & Son, Hart & Grieve, Tarplee & Stowell Co.
Markets-J. N. Bolton, Homan & Sweet, C. H. Homan, Ho- man & Prindle, M. S. Sweet, Donlon & Gibney, Donlon, Gibney & VanDresser, C. W. VanDresser, T. H. Commiskey, Lew Kim- ball, Homan & Austin, J. N. Austin, I. J. Elling, M. A. Macom- ber, Hamilton & Smith, Charles Hoyt, Edward VanArsdale, M. F. Commiskey, B. F. Hodges.
370
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
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WM. D. PAGE President of First National Bank
JAMES NEWTON WYCKOFF President of Tempest Knitting Co.
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PROMINENT MEN IN PERRY'S HISTORY
371
CLARENCE M. SMITH Cashier of The Citizens' Bank.
WALTER T. OLIN Vice-President of The Citizens' Bank.
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:72
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
CHESTER A. CARMICHAEL Prominent in Village and Educa tional affairs.
CHARLES H. TOAN Prominent in Village and Town Affairs.
PROMINENT MEN IN PERRY'S HISTORY
373
HON. BYRON A. NEVINS Active in local matters; Supervisor Member of Assembly.
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HON. SAMUEL W. TEWKSBURY Prominent in Early Life at Perry Center; Supervisor and Mem- ber of State Assembly.
374
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
ADDENDA
Since the publication of the chapters dealing with the earlier hist- ory a few additional facts have been gathered and are inserted here in order to make it as complete as possible. Also, a few corrections are here made:
In Chapter I., page 9, third paragraph, it states that "Mary Jemi- son and her descendants continued to reside upon this tract until 1816, when she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute and removed to the Cattaraugus Reser- vation." It should read: "Ma : Jemisou and her descendants con- tinued to reside upon this tract until 1816, when she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute. The remaining part she sold in 1831 to Henry B. Gibson and Jellis Clute and removed to the Cattaraugus Reservation."
Amos Smith, who came to Perry in 1808, joined the United States Navy in the War of 1812 and won the rank of ensign.
Jonathan Child, who is mentioned in Chapter II, page 31, as a partner of Benjamin Gardner, removed to Rochester and later became that city's first mayor.
James Edgerly and his son-in-law, Thomas Bachelder, with their families came to Perry from Vermont in 1811. They settled near the present site of LaGrange at what later became known as "Edgerly's Corners." Mr. Edgerly remained there but a year and removed to the Village, as mentioned in Chapter II. In the Methodist Episcopal Church history, page 155, it will be noted that the name of Mr. Bachelder is mis-spelled, appearing as Batchelden.
David Nevins, brother of Dr. Jacob Nevins referred to in Chapter III, came to Perry in 1815. He returned to his former home in Danville, Vt., and with his brother Jacob he came in 1816 to Perry to reside.
Robert Watson came to Perry in 1817 and took up land now owned by Wilbur Watson. This tract has been in the possession of the Watson family continuously for 99 years. Mr. Robert Watson is buried in the cemetery at West Perry.
In the list of Members of Assembly, published on page 358, it will be noted that Henry N. Page is credited with one year (1882) ir. the 'Assembly. He was re-elected in 1883 and served two terms in the State Legislature.
275
ADDENDA
POLISH CATHOLIC CHURCH
REV. JOSEPH RUDZINSKI Rector of Polish Catholic Church.
376
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
"Putting the town on the map" is somewhat of a slang expression that has come into quite general use. Until about the year 1914 the Town of Perry did not appear on any of the Government maps, and to an interested Perry citizen, Mr. E. D. Bloom, belongs the credit for dis- covery of the neglect. He called attention of Government authorities to the oversight and made urgent request that it be remedied, with the result that he was responsible for literally "putting the town on the map."
John S. Westlake, who was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1811, came to Perry in 1847 and followed the trade of tailor, later engaged in the ready-made clothing business. His store was de- stroyed by fire in 1856, and in 1858 he erected the brick block known as the "Goldwater block," on Main street, in which he conducted a successful business for a period of 30 years, when he sold to the Goldwater Brothers. The building was seriously damaged in the fire of 1891. Mr. Westlake was prominently identified with the First Baptist Church of Perry, of which he was a deacon. He died on April 23d, 1892, and his remains were laid at rest in Hope Cemetery.
377
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The value and importance of having the history of Perry compiled and published at the period in which the work was undertaken may perhaps be better appreciated when the reader's attention is called to the people to whom the writers are under great obligation for facts secured, statements verified and letters or documents kindly loaned, who have since passed to the Great Beyond. Without the infor- mation gained from them it would be impossible now to present the facts as completely and authentically as they appear in this history. Those referred to are Harwood A. Dudley, Jerome Edgerly, Thomas R. Buell, Aaron Axtell and Charles A. Chapin.
To Mrs. Sarah Clark Austin, for many years an instructor in Perry Union School, we acknowledge with appreciation our indebt- edness for much of the matter pertaining to Perry Academy and the Union and High School, as well as other educational institutions.
To Mr. M. N. Crocker for many of the photographs made by him, from which we were able to reproduce the engravings; also for facts in regard to musical organizations.
To Albert Richards, Benjamin Hollister, Amos Austin, James L. Wade of Perry, and Ansel Keeney of Gainesville for Civil War data.
To Mrs. F. O. Bullard for the use of scrap books containing much valuable information relating to local history.
To Rev. C. H. Dibble, Rev. Clara Morgan, Mrs. Abbie Andrews, Mrs. Charlotte Sutherland, Henry B. Stainton, J. D. Handley, Mrs. F. I. Cross and Rev. H. A. Waite for ecclesiastical history.
To the following named for securing facts or verification of them in many lines of the work: Hon. B. A. Nevins, Garrett D. Roche, Ros- well Brown, George W. Silver, James Newton Wyckoff, Prof. W. H. McClelland, Oscar N. Bolton, Mrs. Harriet Read McMaster, W. L. Chapin, George Nevins, W. R. Bathrick, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Wood, Eu- gene Webster, Mrs. Maria Bailey Andrews, Miss Augusta Palmer, B. B. Tewksbury, Miss Mary A. Westlake, T. Alton Pierce, Dr. F. M. Crocker, Guy Comfort, Hon. Thomas H. Bussey, Samuel Cole, T. H. Donnelly, C. M. Smith, W. D. Page, G. K. Page, W. T. Olin, P. A. Oliver, K. P. Smith, W. W. Grieve, Miss Lizzie Crake, Miss Lily Peck, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Garrison, C. A. Safford, S. A. Hatch, C. S. Ball, Mrs. Jennie Bills Watkins, Mrs. J. Clevenger, Mrs. Mary Twitchell, Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Smith, Fred D. Fanning, Joseph E. Cole, Dr. P. S. Goodwin, Ham-
FRANK D. ROBERTS
CARL G. CLARKE
380
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ilton Waldo, Arthur C. Stowell, Peter Schenck, W. S. Benedict, R. S. Baker, E. R. Kershaw, Raymond Taylor, C. W. Torrey and W. W. Aikin.
To any others who have directly or indirectly given us assistance and who may have been inadvertently overlooked, we acknowledge our appreciation for favors shown.
The preparation, compilation and publication of this history has covered a period of nearly four years, taking such time as could be spared from active duties in business lines, and while the task has been an arduous one it has nevertheless been a labor of love. We realize that it has many imperfections, as neither of the writers makes any claim to being a historian. The purpose has simply been to prepare and present a history of the town for its first century period in chro- nological narrative form, giving as far as possible such intimate details of what news writers call "local color" as will make it of permanent value not only to descendants of the pioneers, but to all others as well who have an attachment for the town by reason of its being their birth- place, the scene of their school days, or for other sentimental reasons.
With the earnest hope that it may not prove to be "Love's labor lost," we dedicate it to Perry and the splendid people who have helped to give the community the character and standing that have won for the town such a favorable reputation, not only throughout Western New York, but beyond the confines of the Empire State.
We wish to acknowledge our obligations to Photographer W. A. Bassett for pictures from which half-tone reproductions have been made to provide illustrations for this book.
We present this history with a full realization of its imperfec- tions as a product of the printer's art, but as the work has had to be done at such intervals as our regular newspaper work would per- mit, and often in haste that prevented such painstaking care as we desired to give it, we trust that readers will appreciate the handi- caps we have had and take it for what it is designed to be-a his- tory of Perry for its first century, prepared as accurately as possi- ble and published in a readable and neat form to insure its perma- nence.
FRANK D. ROBERTS. CARL G. CLARKE.
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I . 0
Early History of Wyoming County-How Formed-First Settlers-Mary Jemison-Indian Allen.
CHAPTER II 18
Various Names of the Town-How Formed-Acreage- Early Settlers and Where They Came From.
CHAPTER III 37
Anecdotes of Calvin P. Bailey-Pioneer Physicians-Early History of Perry Center, West Perry and Castile.
CHAPTER IV 50
Perry of 1840-45-Manufacturing and Business Places of that Period.
CHAPTER V 59 Early Industrial Development-Distilleries, Asheries and Foundry.
CHAPTER VI 80
Manufactories that had an Important Part in the Growth of the Town.
CHAPTER VII 96
Educational Institutions of the Early Days-Private and Public Schools.
CHAPTER VIII 112
The Old Perry Academy-Perry High School-Roster of Graduates.
CHAPTER IX 139
Churches of Perry-Ecclesiastical History.
CHAPTER X
178
Gold Excitement of 1849-Perry Men Who Caught the Fever.
CHAPTER XI 184
Silver Lake Sea Serpent-Affidavits of People Who Saw the Monster-The Exposure.
CHAPTER XII 204 Political Divisions-The Anti-Slavery Crusade-Campaign of 1840.
CHAPTER XIII 214
Perry's Part in the Civil War-Organization of the 24th New York Battery-Battle of Plymouth, N. C.
CHAPTER XIV 224
Sketch of the Surrender of the 24th New York Battery- Horrors of Andersonville-Roster of Volunteers from Perry, 1861-65.
CHAPTER XV 236 The Press of Perry-Cemeteries-Banking Institutions and Their Founders.
CHAPTER XVI 251 Highways, Bridges, Etc .- Maps Showing Growth of the Vil- lage Since the Early Days.
CHAPTER XVII 258
Early Transportation by Stage Coach and Canal-Long and Bitter Struggle to Obtain Railroad Connections-The Men Who Made It a Reality.
CHAPTER XVIII 273 Theaters and Amusement Places-Conception and Realiza- tion of Town Hall and Auditorium-Hotels.
CHAPTER XIX 286
The Most Costly Fires-Organization of the Volunteer Fire Department-Department Building-Motor Fire Truck.
CHAPTER XX 302
Agitation for and Installation of Water Works System- Intimate History of the Campaign.
CHAPTER XXI. 318
Successful Campaign for a Sewerage System-Legal Con- test Won by Village.
CHAPTER XXII 325
Street Lighting-Local Telephone and Natural Gas Sys- tems-Rapid Development.
CHAPTER XXIII 331
Musical Organizations-Singing Societies, Bands and
Orchestras.
CHAPTER XXIV 338
Secret Organizations-Early Institution of Lodges of
Masons and Odd Fellows.
CHAPTER XXV 344 Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association-Wy- oming Historical Pioneer Association.
352
CHAPTER XXVI
Public Library, the Realization of a Long Cherished Dream -The Site and Building.
CHAPTER XXVII 357
Statistical Data, Showing Growth in Population and Other Important Features-Residents Who Achieved Emi- nence-List of Public Officials -- Roste of Business and Professional Men.
ADDENDA 374
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS
Andrews, Josiah 210
Andrus, David .. 63
Andrus' Mill Pond, 1870. 76
Atkins, Prof. M. R. 118
Bailey, Calvin P ..
206
Bridge, (old wooden)
on
Gardeau street.
64
Brigham, R. W ..
345
Brooks, Rev. W. R .. 152
Bussey, Hon. T. H.
361
Carmichael, C. A.
372
Catton, T. B ..
175
Chapin, Willard J., Sr 68
Churches and School 160
Citizens Bank.
248
Clarke, Carl G .. 379
Columbia Village, Map. 254
Congregational Church 140
Crocker, M. N
368
Currier, N. P .. 367
Dann, Prof. Charles H.
114
Davis Grist Mill.
74
Dibble, Rev. C. H. 164
Fire of 1856. 287
Fire of 1891. 294
First Baptist Church. 146
First National Bank 247 First Train on Silver Lake R. R .. 268
First B., R. & P. Train into Perry 269
Garrison Block Fire
296
Gillespie, walter 246
Green, Miss Mary 120
Hawley, W. H. Jr. 364
Huntington, Prof. Charles .. 103
Hollister, B. H.
225
Jemison, Mary (Statue of)
Frontispiece
4
Jemison, Mary.
10
Keeney, Dr. George L ..
49
Lacy, Alanson. 81 Log Cabin of First Settler ... 20
Macomber, Lewis A. 249
Main Street, 1865. 222
Main Street (section) 1867. 71
Main Street, 1895.
292
Masonic Temple. 340
Matthews, E. G. 267
Merrill, Cyrus. . 115
Methodist Episcopal Church 154
Military-Naval School
138
Moffett, Jairus ... 69
Morgan, Rev. Clara 167
Motor Fire Truck 298
Nevins, Hon. B. A.
373
Nevins, Dr. Jacob.
48
Nobles, Mrs. Jenny 356
Old Perry Academy
112
Olin, Hon. Milo H.
84
Olin, Walter T. 371
Page, Hon. H. N. 245
Page, Rev. Joseph R.
163
Page, Wm. D. 370
Perry Academy. . 122
Perry High School 125
Perry Knitting Mill. 86
Perry, Map, 1853 255
Perry, Map, 1915. 256
View, Perry Village, South 1840 51
Pierce, Mark A. 179
Polish Catholic Church. 375
Presyterian Church. 161
Public Library. 354
Pumping Station, 1895. 303
Read, E. M. 119
Record Office. . 240
Richards, Albert. 228
Richmond Mill.
67
Roberts, Frank D.
378
Robeson Cutlery Factory .. 90
Robeson, Millard F. 88
Rudzinski, Rev. Jos. 375
Safford, Pembroke.
234
St. Joseph's Church 170
Sea Serpent Cartoon 184
Sea Serpent Cartoon 201
Scranton, Dr. H. M. 363
Simmons, A. S .. 347
Village Hall. 300
Smith, Clarence M .. 371
Smith, Judge Rufus H. 33
Wade, J. L. (1864) 336
Walker, A. B. 283
Walker House 282
Ward, "Bill" 259
Ward, Phicol M 143
Tempest Knitting Mill. 92
Tewksbury, Hon. S. W 373
Wyckoff, J. N
370
Toan, Chas. H. 372
Tomlinson, Geo 75
Tomlinson's Mill. 78
Town Hall. . 280
Traber, Geo. M. 249
Traver, Dr. G. R ..
289
Tuttle, Richard T.
62
Tuttle, Willis H.
246
Universalist Church
167
Steamer Nellie Palmer 350
Stowell, David P
159
Tavern, The.
284
Wyckoff, James 263
Wylie, James
65
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