USA > New York > Genesee County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Genesee County, New York, v. 2 > Part 10
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The government rested lightly upon the people, who really were governed but little. An individual independence, that the Senecas knew well how to prize, was created; and then, as at the present time. the self.governing people were the happiest.
Their limited wants, the absence of property and infrequency of crime, dispensed with the legislation incident to civilized society. But little can be said of their progress in art of science; still, their integ- rity, unbounded hospitality, unbroken fidelity, inborn sentiments so conspicuous in their character, form ornaments that no art of education can bestow. The character of our Indian predecessors in the " Realm of the Seneeas" will stand the search-light of investigation and chal- lenge the admiration of the investigator.
Red Jacket, whose war-whoop rang along the banks of the Ta-na- wunda Ga-hun-da (Tonawanda Creek) was an orator of whom any nation might well be proud, and, as if by common consent, the Sen- ecas were allowed the head war chief. He was also at the head of that most powerful Indian federation known as the Iroquois.
It may be well to quote names, furnished by Lewis H. Morgan, that were applied to the different towns in Genesee county :
Nun-da-wa-o-no-ga, or Seneca Territory-
Ti-na-wun-da Ga hun da, or Tonawanda Creek, meaning "swift water."
Deo on-go-wii-Batavia-(great hearing place).
Ya go-o geh- Stafford -- (place of hearing).
Te-ear-di na duk -- Oakfield -- (place of many trenches).
Ga-swi-dak-Alabama- (by the cedar swamp).
Gan-dak-Careyville-(by the plains).
Te-eli so.a a-Pine Hill -- (Elba)-" pine lying up," so-called by the early settlers.
Da ó sa ho-geh --- Alexander- (place without a name).
Te car-na wun-na-di-ne, or Le Roy-(many rapids).
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GAZETTEER OF TOWNS-ALABAMA.
O-só-ont-geh-Darien-(place of turkeys). O-a-geh-Pembroke.
Da ge-a-no-ga-nuit Ga-hun-da -- Oak Orchard Creek.
CHAPTER XXIV.
GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.
TOWN OF ALABAMA.
The town of Alabama is the most northeasterly of Genesee county. It is bounded on the north by the town of Shelby, Orleans county; on the east by Oakfield and Batavia; on the south by Pembroke; and on the west by Newstead, Erie county, and Royalton, Niagara county. It contains 21,904 acres. The surface of the town is mostly level. Tonawanda creek flows sluggishly through the southwestern part of the town from southeast to northwest. A feeder for the Erie canal extends in a northerly direction in the northwestern section, from the Tonawanda creek. The northwestern section is largely covered by the Tonawanda swamp. Oak Orchard creek runs through the northeastern portion of the town. In the western section is a part of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. In the southern section is a vein of limestone of the same character as that which runs through the adjoining town of Oakfield, forming a terrace extending in an easterly and westerly direction.
The Oak Orchard Acid Springs, also known as " Alabama Sour Springs," are situated near the centre of the northern part of the town, a few rods from the banks of Oak Orchard creek. They are nine in number, and all lie within a circle of fifty rods. They issue from mounds, evidently formed by the action of the water, two and a half to four feet above the surrounding surface. No two of these springs are alike, and in one instance three springs issue from a single mound within ten feet of one another, and the waters are essentially dissimilar. Analysis of the waters of the three principal springs is as follows:
Spring No 1, analyzed by Profs. Silliman and Norton-
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Grains.
Sulphuric aerdì
134.732
Proto-sulphate of iron
28.623
Sulphate of alumina 21.690
Sulphate of lime
74.891
Sulphate of magnesia
35.596
Sulphate of potash
5.519
Sulphate of soda
6,343
Chloride of sodium
2.434
Chloride of silica
4 592
Total grains per gallon 314 420
Spring No. 2, analyized by Prof. E. Emmons-
Grains
Sulphate of lime
1.552
Sulphate of magnesia
0,023
Sulphate of iron
4.904
Free sulphuric acid
16.132
Free organic matter
1.360
Free silica
0.230
Total grains in a pint. 24 801
Spring No. 3, Analyzed by Prof. E. Emmons-
Grains.
Free sulphuric acid 12.414
Sulphate of lime 0.736
Sulphate of iron
3 920
Sulphate of magnesia
1 236
Organic matter
0.100
Silica
a trace
Total grains in a pint 18.406
A writer in the New York Journal of Commerce in July, 1849, gives the following " description of the Alabama Sour Springs:"
During my stay in Batavia I have visited the Oak Orchard Acid Spring. situated in the town of Alabama about 14 miles from the village, 18 from Lockport, and S miles from Medina The spring is in Tonawanda Swamp, on a little elevation, on which and in the immediate vicinity eight springs have been discovered, three of which are acid, one sulphur, one magnesia, one iron, and one gas spring sufficient to light 50 gas burners. The principal one is called " sour spring." from which the celebrated Acid Water is taken, which is carried in great quantities to the Eastern cites, and many boxe- sent to the Western States. About 25,000 bottles have been sold this past year at 25 cents per bottle. These springs are very highly recom - mended by Professor Emmons of Albany, Dr. Chilton of New York, and Professor R. Silhman, jr . of Vale College. Dr. Chilton says they contain of.
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GAZETTEER OF TOWNS-ALABAMA.
Grains.
Free sulphuric acid
45.96
Sulphate of lime
99.60
Proto-sulphate of iron 14 32
Sulphate of alumina
9 6%
Sulphate of magnesia
8.29
Silica
1.04
3 35
Organic extractive matter
From one gallon 160.62
Prof. Emmons remarks that " the peculiar character of these waters renders them useful in many chronic diseases especially those of the digestive organs and those of weakness and debility." Dr. James McNaughton of Albany says. " The internal and external use of these waters I have no doubt will prove valuable in the treatment of several chronic cutaneous diseases." Dr. Robert Campbell of Pittsfield, Mas -. says: " As medical agents they must be highly benencial for all chronic diseases of the stomach and bowels : There are numerous other testimonials trom eminent physicians A gool axel has been elected by Mesers. J. C. Colton of Lockport and Thomas W. Oleott of Albany, which is kept in a very handsome manner by Messrs. Everett & Harrington, two in lustrious young men, who deserve and have received a very liberal patronage
The hotel is distant from the springs about half a mile, to which there is a good plank road. Oak Orchard creek runs within a short distance of the house, affording good fishing, as an instance of which pickerel have been taken weighing from 4 to * lbs. There is also good fieldl sporting in the vicinity. I am confident if these springs possess all the virtue represented by intelligent and scientific men, they will be re- sorted to, not only by the invalid, bat as a relief from the toils of business. At pres- ent about 200 visit the spring- daily.
The first permanent settlement made on the territory now comprised within the limits of Alabama was made in 1806, by James Walsworth, who conducted the first tavern in the town. Among the other early inhabitants were John Richardson, James Richardson, jr., Hannah Carr and Samuel Sheldon, who came in 1814; William Daniels, 1-15; Jonas Kinne, Benjamin Gamaer and Henry Howard, 1817. The latter opened the first school-house in the town. The first sawmill was erected in 1824 by Elder Samuel Whitcomb, and the first store of which there is any record was opened in Ises by Nahum Loring. The first church was organized in 1824 by the Freewill Baptists.
Alabama was formed from Shelby, Orleans county, April 12, 1526, and was originally called Gerrysville, after Elbridge Gerry, vice-presi- dent of the United States .April 21, 1828, the name was changed to Alabama, meaning " Here we rest." In 1832 a portion of the town of Wales, Erie county, was annexed. The first town meeting was held April 12, 1826, when the following officers were elected :
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Supervisor, Benjamin Gumaer; town elerk, Chester Wolcott; asses- sors, David Goodrich, Charles P. Brown, Elijah Craig. At this meeting the inhabitants appropriated twenty- five dollars for road improvement and fifty dollars for the maintenance of schools. Seven road districts were established, and John S. Woleott, Joseph Holmes and Ephraim Divinny were chosen commissioners of highways, Seventy-three per- sons were assessed at this meeting. The supervisors of the town since its organization have been as follows:
1826-1828, Benjamin Gumaer; 1529-1830, Charles P. Brown; 1831-1832, George F. Dinsmoor; 1833-1435, Guy B. Shepard, 1-36-1537, Thomas B. Wolcott; 1838-1839. Abraham Bolton: 1840-1841, Orrin Densmore: 1842, Charles P. Brown; 1843-1844, John Crombie; 1945-1846, William Macomber; 1817, Charles P. Brown, 1848, Jacob Winslow: 1849-1450. Chester Cabot: 1851 -1852, Jacob Winslow, 1553, Charles P. Brown, 1:54, Reuben B. Warren, 1955-1856, Jacob Winslow; 1856-1859. Chauncey Willams; 1960, Edward Halsey: 1501-1861, Chauncey Williams; 1865-1867, Aden G. Gage: 1868-1450, Volney G. Knapp: 1571-1874, Joseph W. Holmes; 1$75-1976. Volney G Knapp; 1917, Sabert H. Basom: 1878, Robert W. Nichol; 1879. 1881. Sabert H. Basoni: 1882-1983, Charles W. Roberts; 1881-1888, Sabert H. Basom ; 1889-1690. A. F. G. Zurhorst: 1991-1897. Medad S. Morton: 1898, Harmon C. Ingalsbe.
Following is a complete list of the town clerks from the date of the organization of the town to the present time:
1826-1827, Chester Wolcott, 1-25, Matthew Bement; 1829, Levi Eggleston; 1430, Thomas R. Wolcott: 1931. G S. Knowlton: 1832, Levi Lee, 1893-1834, Elisha Rus- sell; 1835, George P. Densmore: 1:36, Lee Parish; 1437-1539, Asa Cutler, 1-40-1541. Charles P. Brown; 1812-1843, John R. Geer, jr. : 1841-1847, James Ingalsbe: 1848. Reuben B. Warren: 1949, James Ingalsbe; 1850-1853, Reuben B. Warren; 1954. Hiram Frary: 1555. S. Clark Bateman; 1956, George H. Potter. 1:57-1458, R. B. Warren: 1859. Hiram Frary, 1560-1462, Alfred Losee; 1863-1864, Jonah Vail; 1865- 196-, Augde P. Gilbert: 1869, Warren Burlingame; 1870-1874, Harry E. Seeley : 1875-1876. J M. Bickford. 1-77, Charles A. Young. 1878-1879, F. A. Pixley: 1880- 1491, Dexter Pratt: 1949-1-45 Gilmore Royce; 1886, Jay Pixley: 1987-1859, Gilmore Royce: 1590, Frank Vail; 1-91. Gilmore Royce, 1892-1893, John Tumalty; 1>94- 1897, George Ingalsbe: 1596, Frank Gregory.
The justices of the peace elected in 1827 were Benjamin Gumaer, Sylvester Sweet, Charles P. Brown and Matthew Bement. Since then the following have been elected to the office:
1828, Charles P. Brown: 1929, Nathan Baker, jr. : 1830, George F. Dinsmore, 1:31, Charles Macumber; 1832. C. P. Brown, 1833, Amasa Johnson, 1834, N. Baker, jr. ; 1435, Fleury Thomas. 1-36. C P. Brown; 1837. John Crombry: 1838, Anson Dewolf; 1839, Thomas R. Wolcott. 1-10 Gny B. Shephard; 1841, Parley V Ingalsbe; 1442, Anson Dewolf; 1813. Orin Densmore (1. t.), Charles Macumber (s. t.), 1-14, Guy B.
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GAZETTEER OF TOWNS-ALABAMA.
Shephard (1. t.), Lancaster Gorton (s. t ); 1845, Parley V. Ingalsbe (I. t.), Stanton Kenyon (s. t.): 1846, Thomas Wolcott; 1447, Lancaster Gorton: 1848, Moses Hos- kins: 1549, Isaac P. Deuel: 1850, L. A. Olcott; 1851, Lancaster Gorton: 1-52. Moses Hoskins (1. t.) Jesse E. Combs (s. t.): 1953, Isaac P. Deuel: 1854, John E Combs. 1-55, E. Ward Godey: 1556, Edward Diver: 1857. Isaac P. Deuel; 185-, James F. Beckwith: 1859, Charles Brown: 1960, Sabert Basom (I. t.), William G. Sherwood (s. t.): 1901, Isaac P. Deuel (I. t.), Anson Dewolf (s. t.): 1862, Anson Dewolf; 1863, William G. Sherwood; 1964. Sabert Basom (1. t.), Wilham Halley (s. t.). 1865, Isaac P. Deuel (I. t. ), Joseph Holmes (s. t. ); 156. James Chamberlain ; 1867. Joseph Holmes (1. t ). Lorenzo Olcott (s t.): 1963, Daniel Norton (I. t.). S. Dow Dewey (s. t.): 1969, S. Dow Dewey: 1970, Loronzo Olcott: 1871, Joseph Holmes (l. t.), Isaac P. Denel (s. t.); 1972. Daniel Norton: 1873, Isaac P. Deuel; 1974, Daniel R. Taylor: 1875, Joseph Holmes: 1-76, Daniel Norton; 1577, Isaac P. Deuel; 1928, Joseph Holmes; 189, George Aberdeen : 1550, Damiel Norton (1. t.), William Daniels is. t.). 1881. Daniel Norton, 19:2, Abbott Wight (l. t.). William Amsden (). t.); 183, Harmon Norton ; 1544, Daniel Norton (l. t., C. W. Roberts (s t.): 1955, Frank Vosburg; 1996. Abbott Wight: 1987, C. W. Roberts, 1848, A F. G. Zurhorst; 1889, Alpha Bement : 1590, Frank Vosburg: 1991. Alvin A. Barrett: 1593, Harmon Norton: 1893, Alpha Bement (1. t.), Charles Dye (s.t.). Marion Filkins (s. t.), 1894, Marion Filkins (I t.). Moses Hitchcock (s. t.); 1595, Edwin Goodwin: 1596, C. D Roberts, 1997, George Hotchkiss: 1899, Marion Filkins.
The villages and hamlets in Alabama are Alabama Centre, Wheat- ville, Smithville and Basom.
Alabama Centre is situated a short distance north of the centre of the town, on the road from Batavia to Lewiston. It contains two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Baptist, a school, a saw mill, a cheese factory, blacksmith shop, wagon shop and one or two other small industries. Excelsior Lodge No. 638, I O. G. T., was organized in March, 18st, and the W. C. T. U. was organized in 1886.
Wheatville is a hamlet about two and a half miles east of Alabama Centre. Here the first saw mill in town was erected by Samuel Whit- comb, prior to 1820. Levi Lee and Mr. Parrish were pioneer mer- chants. Dr. Shepard was the first physician. John Wolcott conducted the first tavern. There are two churches at this point-the Freewill Baptist, the oldest in the town, and the Roman Catholic.
Smithville, or South Alabama, is on the West Shore railroad. The Baptist church of Oakfield and Alabama, founded in 1839, is located here. A hotel was built here in 1884 by Henry Ceder. Odd Fellows Lodge No. 496 was founded here several years ago.
Basom post-office was opened October 25, 1889, with Julius Ingalsbe as the first postmaster. It is located on the West Shore railroad, and has a lumber yard, blacksmith shop, two stores and a hotel.
460
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
The Tonawanda Indian Reservation is located partly in Alabama, partly in Pembroke and partly in Erie county. It originally had an area of forty-five thousand acres; but from time to time its territory has been reduced until it now embraces but a little more than seven thousand five hundred acres. This land has been occupied by the In- dians, originally by a remnant of the Seneca nation, for more than a cen- tury.' The Indians receive an annuity of several thousand dollars from the general government. While there are many Christians among the inhabitants of the Reservation the pagans are in the majority. The law provides for the election of a president for the tribe, who must also be the chief, and a clerk, marshal and peacemakers. William Parker, for many years a chief, who served in the war of 1812, died in 1864. His wife was a niece of the famous Red Jacket, and his son, Gen. Ely S. Parker, for many years chief of the nation, was an aid on the staff of Gen. U. S. Grant. He was a native of the Reservation.
A mission church was organized on the Reservation in 1823 by the Baptists, who built a log chapel. The Rev. Mr. Brigham was first in charge of the mission. In recent years a brick church has been erected. The Presbyterians, under Asher Wright, organized a mission in 1820.
TOWN OF ALEXANDER.
Alexander is one of the four towns in the southern tier. It is bounded on the north by Batavia, on the east by Bethany, on the south by Wyoming county, and on the west by Darien. The town is per- feetly square in form. The surface of the town is hilly in the centre and south, and rolling or level in the north. The Tonawanda creek, which rises in Wyoming county, enters the town at the western part of the southern boundary, flows in a northeasterly direction through the town, leaving it near its northeast corner. Its course through Alexan- der is exceedingly tortuous. Bowen creek, a branch of the Tonawanda, rises west of the centre and flows in a northeasterly direction. Little Tonawanda creek flows northerly through the extreme eastern part. The Attica branch of the New York Central and Hudson River Rail- road and a branch of the Erie Railroad run parallel through the town along the course of the Tonawanda creek, and the main line of the Erie from Buffalo eastward traverses the southwestern and southeastern parts of the town.
I See Chapter V1.
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GAZETTEER OF TOWNS-ALEXANDER.
Settlements were made in Alexander at a very early day in the history of Genesee county. The productive lands along the Tonawanda at- tracted numerous settlers, and early in the century the outlook was that it would become one of the most populous towns in the county. Over one hundred families are believed to have taken up lands in that town between 1802 and 1815, most of whom came before the War of 1812.
Alexander Rea, who had been a surveyor for the Ilolland Land Com- pany, under direction of Joseph Ellicott, made the first purchase of land in the town in 1802. He founded the village of Alexander, which was named in his honor, and there erected a sawmill in 1804, the first in the town. William Blackman located in the town at a very early date, and may have become an actual settler before Mr. Rea built a home there. Mr. Rea was a brigadier-general in the militia, and served as State senator for several years. Elijah Root, John Olney, George Darrow and William Johnson came from 1803 to 1805. Lillie Fisher, Caleb Blodgett, Lewis Disbrow, Joseph Fellows, Elias Lee, John Lee, Sam- uel Russell, Elijah Kowe, Solomon Blodgett, Elisha Carver and Ben- ham Preston also located in town, or purchased land there, during or prior to 1804 Among the other pioneers were Captain Marcellus Fel lows, William Adams, Wolcott Marsh, Lyman Riddle, John Riddle, E. C. Moulton, Luther Chaddock, Dennis Chaddock, Colonel Seba Brain- ard, Timothy Ilaskins, Captain Royal Moulton and Benjamin Moulton.
The first grist mill in town was erected in 1808 by William Adams. John and Samuel Latham erected the first frame dwelling. Harvey Hawkins conducted the first tavern, and Hon. Abel Ensign the first store. The first physician was Dr. Charles Chaffee Alden Richards conducted the first tannery in town. In 1811 the Alexandrian Library was formed with Alexander Rea, Ilenry Hawkins, Colonel Seba Brainard, Samuel Latham, Jr., Harvey Hawkins, Noah North and Ezra W. Osborn as trustees. In 1s28 a literary society was formed, and in 1831 the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary was organized as its out growth. The building is still standing, and is used by the Alexander High School. The Alexander Cemetery was surveyed in 1813 by Nathan Holmes, whose body was the first to be interred therein.
The first religious meeting was held in 1805, Elder Burton presiding. A Presbyterian church organized in 180; by llarvey Hawkins and Cy. renus Wilbor was the first established in town. There are now in town also a Methodist, a Universalist and a free Methodist church.
The town of Alexander was organized June 8, 1812, and the first town
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
meeting was held four days later. The town clerk's office was burned in 1868, and it is therefore impossible to secure a complete eivil list of the town. The following is a list of the principal officers of the town as shown by the existing records.
Supervisors-1831, Ziba S. Beards'ey; 1832. Jonathan Hall: 1833-1835, Samuel Benedict, jr. ; 1936, Royal Moulton : 1536, Samuel Benedict, jr. ; 1538-1939. Jesse Haw- kins; 1840, Elbridge G. Moalton; 1841 Jesse Hawkin's; 1842, George W. King, 1543 Jesse Hawkins : 1914. Benajah Benedict ; 1945, Ammi R. R. Butler : 1946, Earl Kilder; 1517-1848 Elbridge G. Moulton. 1849-1850, Heman Blodgett; 1851-1-53, Earl Kul- der: 1851, David Halsted. 1-55-1956, Anson Lewis; 1857-1959, Byram Moulton. 1500-1865. Van Rensselaer Hawkins, 1966-1867, William I. Parish , 1968-1869, Henry CHapple. 1870-1971. Dayton Sprague. 1972-1873. Cortland Crosman; 1974-14;>. Frank G. Moulton ; 1-79-1:50, Van Rensselaer Hawkins: 1891-183, Jasper B. Lewis. 1$$4. Frank G. Moulton. 1>>5. Snel Chaddock 1546-1887, Oel S Kidder, 1998-1>>9. Charles F. Low.s. 1990-1-91, Jesse A. Hawkins, 1502-1993, Joseph O. Greene . 1:01- 1-95, Clark Shan 1596-1-98. R. Tracy Miller.
Town Clerks-Levi M Button. 1909-1520; Wilham L. Dickinson, 1870-1971, Jacob Zivetseb, 1971-1856. Sextt Rowe. 1ST6 1877, Alonzo T. Movers. 1577-1875. Scott Rowe, 1575-1579 J. W jerome. 1.29-1881. 1. T Mullen, 1981-1984. W. 11. Movers. 1>>4-1857. G E. Smith 1997-1989. F. M. Richards, 1889-1890, John F. Whiteside. 1-00-1891. Charles Zwetsch. 1991-1594; Norman Bentley, 1894-1995. George W. Zwetsch, 189%.
Justices of the Peace-C. W. Van de Bogart, 1969-18\0; Phillip Zwetsch, 1860-1-79. Drayton Sprague, 1800-157>. Cortland Crosman, 1869 1873, Joseph E. Van de Bo- gart. 1871-1:05. Delos L. Dodson. 1875-1853. Eliridge G. Moulton, 1878-1594 R. C. Curtiss. 1978-1886. Charles F Lewis, 1880-1888; J. O. Greene, 1883-1>98, Will- iam G. Pollard, 18-6-1-90 Charles R. Eglestone, 18SS (resigned); R. C. Curtis- 1969-1-92. Charies F. Lewis, 1890 1597, Phillip Zwetsch. 1892-1896: David W. Bart, 1893-1897 M. F. Lincoln, 1826-1494; Phillip Zwetsch, 1897 -1998; Albert II. Moulton. 199%; Edwin Shadbolt, 1:97-1-98.
The village of Alexander, located south of the centre of the town, was incorporated in 1834. It is situated principally west of the tracks of the Erie and New York Central and Hudson River railroads. It contains a roller mill, a creamery, blacksmith shop, three stores, one hotel, three churches, and an excellent union school. The Tonawanda creek furnishes excellent water power for the flour mill. The village was founded by Alexander Rea, who took up the first land sold in that township by the Holland Land Company. Brookville is a small ham - let northeast of Alexander. West Bethany lies at the eastern bounds of the town, partly in Bethany.
In former years a bank known as the Exchange Bank of Genesee flourished at the village of Alexander. This institution was founded
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GAZETTEER OF TOWNS-BATAVIA.
in 1842. Later, Daniel W. Tomlinson became interested in it, and in 1850, after buying up all the stock, removed it to Batavia, where it ultimately discontinued business.
TOWN OF BATAVIA.
Batavia is the largest town in Genesee county, both in point of terri- tory and population. It is located in about the centre of the county, and is bounded on the north by Oakfield and Elba, on the east by Staf- ford, on the south by Bethany and Alexander, and on the west by Pem- broke and Alabama. The surface of the town is undulating, being nearly level in some portions. Tonawanda creek enters the town on the southern border, flows in a northerly direction to the village of Batavia, where it turns and takes a westerly course, passing out of the town at the centre of the western boundary. Its course through the town is exceedingly sluggish for most of the way. Bowen's creek, which has its source in Alexander, flows northwesterly through Bata. via until it reaches Tonawanda creek, near the western limits of the town. The soil of this town is a deep, fertile, sandy loam, adapted to many kinds of agricultural pursuits, but especially to fruit raising. Batavia village, the county seat of Gencsee county, is situated in the east half of the town.
Several railroads pass through Batavia. The main line of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad extends in a general south- westerly and northeasterly direction through the central part of the town. The Tonawanda branch of the same road extends from east to west through the centre; the Canandaigua branch extends in a southeasterly direction from the village of Batavia; the Batavia and Attica branch extends in a southwesterly direction from Batavia. The Erie Railroad enters the town near the centre of the southern bound- ary, runs parallel with the Attica branch of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad to Batavia, and there turns and runs east - ward.
The first settlements in the town were made by Isaae Sutherland, Colonel William Rumsey and General Worthy L. Churchill. Mr. Suth. erland erected a substantial log house on his farm about two miles west of the village. The pioneer homes of Colonel Rumsey and Gen- eral Churchill stood about three miles east of the village. Others who came into the town, either to reside or to take up land, prior to the
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
founding of the village, were Joseph Ellicott, Benjamin Ellicott, James Brisbane, in 1198; James W. Stevens, John Branan, in 1800; Thomas Ashley, Gideon Dunham, Garrett Davis, Samuel F. Geer, Dr. David MeCracken, R. Noble, Stephen Russell, Abel Rowe, Aaron White, in 1801; John Lamberton, Benjamin Morgan.' Batavia village was founded by Joseph Ellicott, agent of the Holland Land Company, in 1802. The first building in the village was erected in March, 1801, by Abel Rowe.
The original town of Batavia included practically the entire Holland Purchase. The town was formed by act of the Legislature, March 30, 1802. Alexander, Bergen, Bethany and Pembroke were set off in 1812, and Elba and a part of Stafford in 1820. The first town meeting was held at the tavern of Peter Vandeventer (now Newstead, Erie county) March 1, 1893. On that occasion the following officers were elected :
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