I i MWi m i l I [twwiwnwM it ir T i irOTCTJWBJiaM i tiiwi New. York State College of Agriculture At Cornell University Ithaca, N. Y. The Professor Dtvight Sanderson Rural Sociology Library Cornell University Library F 129.R5B15 Richfield Springs and vicinity.Historica 3 1924 014 021 632 Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014021632 Pip. \rW 1 't, SKR'"' • * ' RICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITY. HISTORICAL, BIOGRAPHICAL, AND DESCRIPTIVE. BY W. T. BAILEY. A. S. BARISrES & COMPANY. N-E-W YORK AJSnO OHIC-A.G-0. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by W. T. BAILEY, In the OfHce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. INTRODUCTION. AUTHENTIC annals are always desirable. The con- spicuous circumstances connected with the early- settlement of any town, are no doubt interesting to thoso who become identified with its growth and prosperity, and especially, if by some fortuitous circumstance, unusual celebrity attaches to the particular locality. Situated just outside the line of territory distinguished in the annals of American history, we find our only resource of information without prestige ; and confined exclusively to the oral statements of aged citizens of this region. These forms are fast fading away, and with them a knowl- edge of many of the early events will pass into irretriev- able oblivion. Deeply impressed with the great import- ance of securing at least a share of this information before it shall be forever too late, we have attempted, at no small sacrifice of time and labor, to collect these reminiscences, and give a brief history of Richfield Springs, its first settle- ment, growth, and present condition; and have noticed some of the leading features of the adjoining towns, that may prove of interest to some. We have also given short biographical sketches of a few of the leading men, who have been identified with this place and immediate vicinity; and have noticed briefly some of those now living far beyond the allotted age of man. We have been particu- larly careful to admit nothing into these pages but facts from the most reliable sources. The constantly growing VI INTEODtJCTIOW. importance of this village, annually attracts many strangers to the place during the summer months, fdr the use of its " Mineral Waters," as well as for pleasure and recreation. This consideration, in connection with the pleasure it may afford those who regard it with especial love as the place of their nativity, first induced the attempt to prepare this volume. Around the place of our birth, there is always thrown a veil of the most delightful illusion, that time can never entirely obliterate. This love is no doubt strength- ened by familiarity with past events, and, as time advances, reverence and recollection -add their influence to the na- tural affections. If in the effort to prepare this work, we shall be so fortunate as to meet the reasonable expectation of the people of this place and vicinity, we shall have achieved all that our ambition can crave, or our most sanguine hopes have ever anticipated. "We have also designed the work as a guide to the invalid, for the convenience of those who seek information in the use of these invaluable " waters ; " and we acknowl- edge especial obligation to Drs. W. B. Grain, and N, Get- man of this place, for their elaborate articles on this important subject. And our acknowledgments are also due to Mr. O. C Brown of this place, for his assistance in the arrangement of the work. Trusting that our labors have not been in vain, we now submit the work to the public. W. T. B. Richfield Springs, March 24th, 1874. INDEX. American Hotel 59 Andrustown settlers 181 Around the Lake 184 Bates, John 118 Bennett's Hill 160 Bloomfield, Jonathan 115 Bramau, Elias 133 Business Houses 65 Canadakago Valley 80 Canadarago House 60 Canadarago Hill 158 Gary, Darius H 133 Cemetery 74 Central Hotel 61 Chamberlin, Hon. O. C 119 Chamberlin, Hon. Alfred 119 Cheeseman, Edward.,... .. . 121 Cherry Valley