'/^,^S , o^^//A^ , HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF THE TOWN OF PORTLAND COMPRISING ALSO THE PIONEER HIST OK Y CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE EAELY SETTLEES. BY d TAY H!d TAYLOR, M. D. ' In the silent greenwood glade, In the dim old forest shade, By the gliding river, Axe historic voices ringing, Music in the soft breeze flinging, And they haunt me ever. I love them well, for they to me Are as some pleasant memory." FREDONIA, N. Y. : W. McKINSTRY & SON, PRINTERS. 1873. H. C. TAYLOK. iu the Oerk's Office of the District Court of the Uuited States for the Northern District of New York. 7 PREFACE. The following pages are. not the result of hasty researcli or careless investigation, but for three years have occupied the earnest attention of the author during the hours that could be spared fi'om the demands of a most laborious profession. The comi>ilation was not imdertaken for the want of employment, but to rescue from the wasting influence of time the facts and incidents connected with the settlement and early liistory of the town. It has been a labor of love, and in one sense the author regrets the close of the volume. It was not expected that more than from two to three hundred pages could be written, but such was tjie accirmnlation of material that it would have been far easier to have written two volumes than condense it within the present limits. It was said by a fiiend that he who could write a good town history is fitted to write a book on any other subject. However this may be, it \h certain he would be capable of almost any amoimt of hard labor, and for his patience well deserving a niche close by the one occupied by that rigid old moralist, the man of Uz. Amid the discoui'agements consequent upon the prosecution of the work, it becomes a pleasant 3uty to mention the names of a few of the numerous friends whose kind symi)athies and intelligent aid have cheered the author in his difficult labors. But for them the work might have been abandoned long since. VI PREFACE. To Hon. E. T. Foote of New Haven, Conn., he is indebted for i many suggestions of importance and many facts in regard to \ the early history of the county ; to David Eaton, an early settler of the town who died the past season, for a large amount of local history that it would have been impossible to liave reached from any other source ; to Hon. Abner Hazel- ! tine of .Tamestovvn, this county, E. B. Taylor, Alfred Eaton, J. S. West, and many others of this town, and over two ' hundred correspondents in twelve states of the Union- In ; addition, a vast number of books, manuscripts and records have been consulted and the utmost effort made to render the whole truthful and a reliable book of reference. Errors may be discovered by careful antiquarians, but it is believed that it will be found as free from defects as it is possible for intense solicitude and liard labor to make it. It is hoped that none by a hasty glance will pronounce this or that statement incor- rect, but on the contrary subject them first to serious conside- ration or investigation. To the good people of Portland, firstly, and to fiiends in every locality, this book is dedicated, with the best wishes of the author, H. C. TAYLOE. CONTENTS. Act forming town of Chautauqua . Acres in town, assessed and real. . Acres in each lot Animals — native Arkwright, first settlement of . . . Academy, Salem . Aid furnished soldiers Asheries. .■ Anti-slavery Society — Agricultural products Assessors, first .,... Ayers, Samuel, Super Arnold, Ehsha, Super Andrews, Asa, Suiier Association, Library . B Batavia, town of Bata via, town of, divided Boundaries of Chautauqua county Boundaries of Portland, original Boundaries of Portland, present Busti, first settlement of Burgettsto^vn P. office Barnes, Calvin, first P. M. in Portland. Bird, Col. Nath Baptist church, Portland " society, when formed " ch)irch of W. Portland " society of W. Portland Battle of Queenstown " of Black Kock Bounty to the 112th reg't, war of 1861.. " " " 154th " "' " " .. •' to those re-enlisting, & others. Barn, first frame Bookbindery 16 29 29 41 70 122 280 182 196 230 242 236 237 237 133 15 16 18 24 26 70 95 98 101 153 156 159 162 248 254 289 270 277 313 182 Blacksmiths, early — 1'2 Bible Society 195 Bonding town • • • 220 BeU, Arthur, Super 235 Blood, Asa, Sui)er 237 Brocton Cemetery 300 County of Genesee erected 15 (Jhautauqua, original town of 16 Clerk of first election 17 Chautauqua county erected 18 County buildings, site of IB County officers, first 19 Center of town 28 Climate of town 33 Cascades 39 .. 69 .. 70" . 70 .. 71 .. 71 Chautauqua, first settlement of Carroll, " " "... Charlotte, " " " . . . . Cherry Creek, " " ".. Clymer, " " " . ... Centers of population 78 Chautauqua postofflce 93 Canadaway " 94 Churches 134 Church, Congregational, formed 134 " reformed. . . . 136 " soc'y formed. 136 " " reformed 138 Methodist Episcopal 148 " society formed 150 " at Brocton 150 " first ijreacher 162 Baptist, when formed 153 " society formed 156 West Baptist 159 " " soc'y, when formed 162 CONTENTS. Church, Protestant Methodist 167 " Freewill Baptist 168 " Uuiversalist 164 " Roman Catholic 167 Community, Harris 169 Company, first for war of 1812 247 Cavalry, 9th New York - . 285 Carding machine .. . 181 Cheese factory 181 CidermiUs 181 Circle, Social 194 Clerks, town 240 Commissioners of schools 244 " of highways 243 Collectors of taxes 243 Constables, first 244 Campbell, T. B., Super 231 Coney, J. R., Super 237 Cemetery, first iu county 97 " Evergreen 299 " Brocton 300 " W.&P.Union ... 300 " North Portland 300 " Union Lawn sOl " On lot 16, T. 5 301 " Private 301 Cow, David Joy's 320 D David Eaton, clerk of election IT Division of i)oor fund 26 Description of roads 84 Dunkirk, settlement of 68 Dunkirk postoftice 98 District school, first 112 Draft of 1S63— war of IStil . 273 Distilleries 1*'4 Dwellings in town . . 2 9 Deed, first executed in town 306 David Joy's cow 3-20 K Elections at Batavia. 16 Election, first in Chautauqua .... . 17 << " clerk of 17 Erection of each town in county 21 EUicott, first settlement of ')9 EUery, " " " ^9 EUiugton, " " " "i^ Erie road • ■ *>"- EUicott road ^'^ Express mail 95 Early Library Association 133 Early military company Appendix Efifect of war of 1861 297 Empire vineyards 215 Early newspapers 196 Election, time of holding first 17 Elections, special. 234 Elections, inspectors of 243 Eaion, David, Super 236 Eaton, Alfred, Super 239 Evergreen Cemetery 299 Extent of grant of King James 51 First town meeting iu Chautauqua " justices api^ointed '• formation of Chautauqua connty . " county officer.'i " town meeting of Portland Forest trees ^ . . . Fortifications, old First settlement of Westfield " " " Pomfret •' " " Ripley " ' " Chautauqua " •' " Poland " " " EUicott " " " EUery Families in town First postolflce . . . First mail contractor ' Harmony ... . ■ Arkwright • Carroll ' Kiantone ' Charlotte ' Stockton ' Busti ' Villenova .... ' Geri-y ' Cherry Creek. . ' French Creek • EUiugtou ' Mina ' Clymer . . . ' Sherman. . . ' Hanover ' Sheridan ' Portland ' Dunkii'k ... ul812 16 17 18 19 27 37 44 66 68 69 69 69 69 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 72 68 246 93 94 CONTENTS. First mail carrier 94 First P. M. in county 93 First P. M. in town 98 Fredonia named 95 First mail stage 102 Fellows, Odd 196 Fay, Nathaniel, Super 237 Fuller, K. D., Super 238 Fay, J. B., Super 239 First deed executed in town 306 First frame barn 313 First widow 310 First frame house 321 Fund, public school 124 First school teachers 128 First church formed 135 " " names of members 135 First company— war of 1812 247 Forty-ninth regiment — war of 1861 264 Forty-fourth regiment — war of 1861 264 Fruit growing jj208 O (Jenesee, county of, erected 15 " " " divided 18 Geological features of town 34 Gas springs 35 Gerry, first settlement of 70 General training, first Appendix Good Templars 194 Governor, vote for 224 Goodrich, D. G., Super 238 Grant of King James.-. 49 H Harbors 36 Highlands, view from 39 Harmony, first settlement of 59 Hanover, " " " 71 Harris Community 169 Hatter, first in town 397 Highways, Commissioners of 243 Haywood, A., Super 239 Harris, Ebenezer, Super 237 Harris, J. E., Super 239 House, first frame 321 Holland Company 59 I Inspectors of elections 243 Inspectors of schools 244 J Justices, first appointed 17 Justices, elected 240 Judson, Timothy, Super. 23 7 K. Kiantone, first settlement of 70 L. Land office established . 20 Location of town of Portland 28 Lots, acres in each 29 Lakes in town 32 Lake shore, view from 40 Library Association 133 LaHatt, Rev. Charles 156 Lake Shore Wine Company. 213 London Company j 49 .U Miua, first settlement of... ... 71 Mail routes 93 May vUle postofflce 96 Methodist church, classes, &c 148 " society formed 150 Military companies, early Appendix Men furnished in war of 1861 278 Masonic order 195 Meetings, town, where held. 231 McMahan, John, Super 236 Marsh, C. A., Super 2.3« Moss, T. S., Super .. 239 MUls, Dunhams 175 " Sage's 176 •' Burton's 176 " Fay's, Hollis 176 " Ogden's 176 " Burr's 176 " Taylor's 176 " Fay's, Nath _ 176 " Everts' 176 " Bacon's 176 " Dalee's, 1st and 2d 177 " Goodsell's 177 " Elliott's - 177 " Fletcher's 177 " Coney's 177 " Jewett's..- 178 " Bigelow's 178 " Hall's 178 " Richardson's... 178 CONTENTS. Pig. Mills, Arnold's 178 " Eobbins', steam 178 " Jewett's , steam 178 ' Fay & Goodrich, steam 178 '' Wheeler's, steam 179 •' Craudall's 179 " Whitcher's 179 " Burton's grist 179 " Coney's grist 179 •' God<'rey's grist _. 179 " Vanleuven's . 180 " Broctou grist _ . 180 " Center^dUe grist 180 • Brotherhood 180 Millwrights 182 Merchants, first and others 205 Morris' purchase 56 N Native animals .._ 41 North Portland postoffice '.'9 Normal schools 127 Number of men furnished war of 1801 . 278 North Portland Cemetery 300 O Original town of Chautauqua 16 Office, land established 20 Old fortifications 44 Old roadways _ 47 One hundredth regiment — war of 186! . 264 One hundred and eleventh regiment , 296 One hundred and twelfth regiment 268 One hundred and fifty-fourth regiment 270 Officers, town, first elected 240 Overseers of poor 245 Orchards, Dunn's andotherri.. 208 OddFeUows 195 H Pomfret erected 19 Portland, south line 25 ' • first town meeting 27 boundaries of . 28 " location of 28 Poor fund divided . 20 Pomfret, settlement of 68 Poland ' •■ 69 Portland " •' 72 Population, center of 79 Paine'sroad 81 p.j. Postoffices S3 Pomfret postoffice 94 Portland postoffice , 98 " North, postoffice 99 Protestant Methodist church 167 Pioneer schools 106 " schoolhouses 107 Present school districts 116 Public school fund 124 Preachers, Cong, church . 137 " Baptist church 156 " " West church 161 " Methodist church 151 " Universalist church 164 Parsonage, Baptist 167 Methodist 151 Potteries 181 Papers, early, taken. 196 Political status of town 225 Presidential vote 225 Population of town 229 Population, sex. places of birth, &c 229 Products, agricultural 230 Peace, justices of 240 Poor, overseers of... 245 Prendergast, Thomas, Super. 235 Prendergast, Matthew, Super J36 Prescott, Gen. , captured .. . 340 Physicians 197 Squire White 197 Lawton Richmond 19S " Fenn Deming 199 Silas Spencer. 199 '■ Marcius Simons.. 199 Carlton Jones 200 Daniel Ingalls 200 •' SUasPomeroy 200 " Aaron Wilbur... 200 •' James Ball 200 •' Saunders. 200 " Swartwood 201 " Barnes .201 ' ' Marcum 201 " Daniel Henn 201 " W.G.Wolcott 201 " Austin 202 " James A. Hall 202 •' Lemuel Clark 202 •• Rose 202 Thomas Gushing . 203 " H.C.Taylor-. 203 CONTEXTS. Physiciaus, Mclntyre 203 " Wm. Skinner 203 H. J. Dean. 204 N. H. Barnes 204 T.C.Wilson 204 Plymouth Company 49 Phelps & Gorliam's purchase 53 Purchase of Holland Company TjO a Queenstown, battle of.. 248 Quigley's wine house... 216 R Real estate in town .... . 29 Rocks _ 34 Roadways, old 47 Road. Paiue's. . .-. 81 " Erie Sa " Eliieott. 82 " Turnpike 91 Roads do -cribed _ 84 Road, portage 402 Ripley, settlement of 69 Rev. John Spencer ... 142 Rev. Charles LaHatt 155 Roman Catholics 167 Re-enlistment — war of 1861 278 Railroads, B. & Erie 217 '• Mayville & Portland. 217 " Fredonia & VauBuren 218 " Dunkirk & State Line 218 L. S. & M. Southern 218 " B., C. & Pittsburg . 220 Ileal estate of railroads 30 Religious meetings, first. 134 S Site of county buildings 19 Soil and surface of ti)\\Ti. 30 Streams, siiriugs, &c 30 Springs, gas. 35 Settlement of town of Portland 72 Stockton, settlement of . 70 Sherman, settlement of 71 Sheridan, " " 72 Surveys by Holland Company. 62 Settlers, and lots settled 72 Settlement, rati' of 78 Stages. 102 Salem X Hnads P. office .. 100 P.60 Salem X Roads name changed 101 Stage route 93 Schools, pioneer 106 Schoolhouses, first 107 School districts, first... 112 " " present 116 Schools, Union 127 Salem Academy 122 School teachers, early 128 School fund 124 Statistical history, war of 1861 283 Shoemakers, early :.. 182 Sons of Temperance 193 Social Circle 194 Slavery 223 Special elections 234 Special town meetings 233 Schools, Normal. 127 School commissioners 244 School inspectors 244 Superintendent of schools ._ 244 Supervisors, Biog. Sketches 235 T Town of Bata\ia. 15 Town of Chautauqua, original Ig Town meeting, first in county 16 To\vn of Pomfret, erection of 19 Time of erection of each town in Co.. . 21 Trees, forest 37 Town, view of before settlement 42 Turnpike company 91 Teachers, early 128 Teachers' institutes 127 Taverns, Dunn's and others 186 Training, general, first Appendix Temperance Society 192 Temperance, Sons of 193 Temiilars, Good 194 Town, bonding of 220 Taxes from 1829. 228 Town meetings, where held 231 Tanneries, Parker's and others 180 Title..... 49 Town officers 240 Taylor, H. C, Super 238 Taylor, G. M., Super 238 V Universalist Society 164 " church 165 CONTENTS. Uui versalist preachers 166 " names of first members. . 165 tlnion Lawn cemetery 301 Union schools ]27 View from higlilands, ZQ " " lake shore 40 View of town before settlement. 42 Villeno va, first settlement of 70 Vineyard's, i'ay'sand others 212 Vote for Governor to 1S72 224 Vote for President to 1 S72. 225 Valuation of real estate 226 " '■ " " comiiared 227 Westfield, settlement of Appendix Williams, B., contractor Williams, Mrs. Sophia Westfield postoffice Warof 1812_ War of 1861, call for troops " " statistical history " " men drafted ... " " men furnished Wagon makers, early Wine house R., F. & Haywood Wine Company, Lake Shore.... Wine house, Ryckman, Day tfCo Wine house, Fuller's. Wine house, Quigley 's Widow, first in town 96 96 98 246 263 283 275 278 182 213 213 215 215 216 310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES .4 bell, Heniy 332 Andrews, Erastus 363 Andrews, Wilson 375 Andrews, James '. 376 .Andrews, Asa 376 Anderson, Samuel 389 Andrews, Sylvester. 396 Andrews, Amos C 406 A verill. Lemon 409 Arnold, C. F 423 Arnold, Elisha 43.5 Barnes, Daniel... 318 Barnes, Calvin... _ 321 Berry, William 322 Burch, Jonathan .329 Bushnall, Chester 331 Brainard, Cephas 333 Brooks, Asa 337 Barker, Barzilla. 442 Burton, Simon 3.52 Bennett, James 354 Bacon, Gillett 336 Baldwin, Jesse 3^53 Berrage, Richard 37 4 Barnes, James 377 Bail, Frederick ziS Bradley, Collins 379 Bowhall, John 379 Beach, Roswell 390 Brown, Mansur 390 Humi), As.i ;^97 Bumi5, Jacob 397 Beebe, Abner B sgg Bassell, Samuel 400 Burdick, Ezra 407 Bigelow, Thomas 417 Baker, Warren 424 Crosby, Nathan 313 Carpenter, David . . 315 Churchill, Sylvester 334 Churchill, John 335 Coney, John 337 Correll, William 343 Crosby, Luther 354 Cass, Joseph 355 Cotton, William _ _ _ 3g3 Crane, Lemuel 353 Conner John 355 Colt, Wolcott 380 Cook, Samuel ^88 Charter, James 391 Crosby, Erastus 395 Corning, John and brothers 396 Clough, Hoi-ace 399 Case, William 400 Crosby, Joshua 40c Carley, T. G 407 Carley, L. P ^^fg Carpenter, Timothy 410 Clements, H. C 415 Dunn, James 3Q3 Dodge, Daniel. 321 CONTENTS. xm Harris, William, jun 339 Hill, Zimri 345 Hall, Ahira 347 Hill, Lewis ;55Y Hubbell, Brewer , 363 Harris, Ebenezer Qpo Doolittle,Ljinan 399 Hefron, William J Daiee,JamesW 411 Hutchius, Calvin.' ■::.' : 3™ Deuton,Isaac 41S Howe, William 1 l^''^' ^'^^^'^ 424 Hubbard, Isaac '.■.; Vpo Dr.ggs, Alison 4., Howard, Henry Eaton, David ,, g^- Dusenbury, J 34^ Diusmore, Silas Appendix & 337 Dunbani, William 3Jjg Druse, John 35- Duraud, Jeremiah 330 Doty, Elijah. 399 Emerson, Wilder 323 Ely, Heman 335 Ensign, Otis 3(jfj Eastwood, CorneUiis 394 Ensign, Thomas 4qt, Everts, Jesse 4jq Everden, Samuel 4J2 Everden, John 4j., EUiot, Oliver ]] 433 Fay, Nathan 30 -, Fay, Nathaniel 3]j Kay, Elisha 3Qg Farlin, David 3j4 ^'^y.Hollis 323 Fay, EUjah 324 Fish, Hiram 33- Fuller, Asa ijl .3^ Flint, Abial 3gg Ford, Almon 3g- Kreeman, George 3^7 Freeman, Robert 4Qg Fellows, Abigail 4H Granger, David B 315 Goldsmith, Roe 340 Guyle, Joseph. , 344 Geer, Samuel 335 Gator, Richard 357 Goodwin, Tyrus 397 Gill, Amos 407 Gittord, David 432 Gibbs, Joseph V 331 Hutchins, Benjamin,.,, ; .305 Hart, Josiah 313 Harris, Absalom 31;5 Hodge, Alfred 315 Hall,Perry 317 Hutchins, William- 3s-8 Haines, anford 33I .".09 399 401 420 419 390 Holenbeck, John 391 Hitchcock, G. A 391 Hall, Aaron 390 Houghton, Silas 393 Hedgeline, John .... 395 Harris, Joseph 39,5 Harris, Samuel Hibbard, Eleazer. Howe, Isaac Hall, Samuel Hunt, Obadiah Hulburt, David, Rev 401 Ingersoll. Peter 3^ 3 Ingalls, Daniel... _^q^ Joy, David. ....*.. 3^^ Jordan, Benajah 3^,^ J udson, Timothy 40- Jackson Joshua Kane, Peter Klumph, Thomas 314 Kelsey, Andrew vj- Klumph, Augustine 3]^ Klumph, Jeremiah 3^11 Klumph, Jacob W 3^2 Kinney, Erastus. 4,3 Kinney, Rufus... 4^3 Lee, James 3go Light, John 3^,, Lilly, Leonard 395 Logan, Cyrus _ 393 Lake, Nicholas 394 Lewis, Pardon ■19,. Lewis, Walker 40- Logan, John .... ,,.. Leech, Robert 4],; Leavitt, Robert 4.^.^ Martin, Zadoc 350 Mumford, Walter. ■■«., 310 Millet, Samuel. ■I'is, William 339 Mclntvrf CONTENTS. MeiTitt, Felix 375 McManus, C. and brothers 377 McAllister, Andrew .-. 381 McGregor, David 382 Muusou, Samuel 383 Miiinford, Heni-y 390 Miller, William - 395 Mills, Deforest 395 Moore, Kufus _ — 407 MattheT\sou, Andrew 433 Nichols, Benjamin 418 Nash, Cotton 433 Owen, Ethan A 359 Owen, Frederick 393 Odell, Kobert 415 OdeU, John 415 Onthank, Lovel. 415 Orton, Thomas 432 Price, John 311 Parker, James 312 Perrj, Eufns 313 Potter, Jeremiah 321 Palmer, Abel 346 Perkins, Orris 366 Pierce, Aaron. 367 Prime, Jewett — ^ 371 Pratt, James 395 Pullman, Nathaniel. ..- 432 Pomeroy, Plynn ._ 40.S Peters, Joseph P. . 413 Powell, Lorenzo 414 Patch, Reuben B 418 Price, Charles. 419 Pomeroy, Silas 424 Peck, Asahel 429 Palmer, Nathaniel 406 Pease, Solomon and Asa 4-">- PuUman, Lems 433 Quigley, John 320 Quigley, Martin . 369 Rice, Lester 374 Reeder, Nathaniel 394 Reeder, James 394 Risley, Jared. 413 Ray, James 426 Smith, Martin 314 Sage, Moses 341 Shiiff, Henry 359 Saflford, Jonas 359 Smalley, Stephen 366 Simmons, Zuriel 372 Spafford, Oliver - 373 Simpson, Obadiah . . . 379 Spencer, Henry 386 Skinner, David 387 Skinner, Chester 386 Skinner, Alfred 386 Skinner, Albert 388 Smith, Joel 397 Shattuck Samuel 402 Shattuck, Seth 405 Shum way, Ebenezer 410 Shaver, Joseph 425 Stilson, Jaeob . 4:J2 Stetson, William A 435 Taylor, Erastus 31 3 Taylor, Parsons 315 Taylor, Reuben . . 34s Thornton, Asa 34ii' Thayer, Jedediah :i6ii Tit comb, Moses . . 37'i Tower, John 3S-! Thayer, Lemuel . . 392 Thayer, Elijah . :;9:'. Tucker, Samuel 429 Tillotsou, Cyrus 432 Tibbals, John 433 Utter, Eleazer 377 Uuderhill, John 40>; tJhl, Nicholas . 426 Vangaasbeek, M. P ... 360 Vangaasbeek, Peter 372 Vibbard, Leonard 395 Wilder, James 331 Williams, Richard .... 351 Whitcomb, Simeon . . . 361 Williams, Ebenezer 362 Wooden, Cahan 395 West, Joshua S 409 Winslow, Nathaniel 41() Wilbur, .John 41 s Williams, Harvey 42ii Wilbur, Aaron 424 Wilbur, Browneil 425 CHAPTER I. To make the following pages the more intelligible, as well as more acee])table to the reader it is proposed in the outset to devote a brief space to civil divisions, not only of the county of Cliautauqua, of which Portland forms a i)art, but more or Less detinitely of the whole western part of the State. Few, comparatively, have any very definite knoAvledge with reference to the various divisions of that vast tract of country in western New York commonly known as the Holland Purchase; when tliey were made, or who were the actors in those early scenes — a knowledge at once interesting, useful and often neces- sary. It is ])roposed to place a record of this character, as far as suits our j)urpose, within the reach of every former and pres- ent citizen of the town of Portland, and as many of their de- scendants as it is possible to reach. I^y an act of the Legislature of the State, dated March :30, 1 8i)2, the original county of Genesee was erected, embracing substantially all tlmt ))ai'f of the State west of Steuben county and the (xeuesee river, and trom which originated the present counties of Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Erie, Wyoming, Alle- gany, Cattaraugus. Cliautau(|iui and parts of Monroe and Liv- ingston. Batavia was the county seat. By the same act the county was divided into four towns, Northam))ton, Southampton, Leicester and Batavia. The town of Batavia embraced nearly all the territory within tlie ])i-esent counties of Niagara, Catta- raugus*and Chautau<[ua. Emigration pressing westward with a rapidity almost beyond precedent, considering the difficulties to be overcome and the hardships to be endured, soon created a demand for a still furtlier division: ani)ointment was made of the officers chosen by the people, by Benj. Elliott, David McCracken and Asa Ransom, then Justices of the Peace and TIIK T(>\V\ OF PORTLAND. 17 all living east of Buffalo ; with the exception of Zattu Gushing, in whose place Orsamus Holmes was appointed as Overseer of the Poor. [See List of Town Officers.] The office of Justice of the Peace was not then elective, but appointments were made by the council of ap})ointment at Al- bany, and the first selected to till that office for the new town of Chautauqua were: Perry G. Ellsworth, David Kinkade and Peter Kane in March 18)5. Perry G. Ellsworth, John McMahan and David Eason were appointeed in March 1806. [See List of Town Officers.] The meetings of the Board of Supervisors for 1 806-7-8 were held at the village of Batavia. No general elec tion was held in the town until 1807; when the vote of the town was 69 ; Daniel D. Tompkins receiving 41 and Morgan Lewis 28. Elections were then held on the last Tuesday in April and the two following days, instead of the first Tuesday in November as at present; the Board having the i)Ower to adjourn to such places as should seem most for the convenience of the settlers. At tliis first election the |)olls were opened on th^^ first day at tlie house of Wm. Bemus on the east side of Chautauqua Lake at Bemus Point ; the second at the house of Mrs. Per'-y, form- ly Mi-s. McHenry, at the ancient Cross Roads, now Westfield, and the tliird day in the forenoon at the house of Hezekiah Bar- ker at Caiiadawjxy, now Fredonia, :md in the afternoon at the house of Orsamus Holmes in the present town of Sheridan, at a ])oint familiarly known as the "Roberts Stand." The expense of that election to the town was 68 dollars, each vote costing within a fraction of one dollar. The only means of travel then w;is by horseback and through an almost interminable wilder- ness, with roads little better than a trail, in fact with almost no roa(is at all. The Board ])acked their ballot boxes, into their ]»ockets, and proceeded on their "devious winding way" in single file from one j^oint to the others designated. David Eaton, Esq.. of the present town of Portland, Avas clerk of that board. An effort was made in 1806 to divide the town of Chautau- (pia. and a vote taken :it the town meeting in April of that year 18 HISTORIC Al, SKETCHES OF at the house of Mrs. McHenry with reference to the propriety of such a division, was nearly unanimous in its favor. The proposition was to divide by a line commencing on Lake Erie at the N. E. corner of the ])resent town of Sheridan, thence south to the S. E. corner of Charlotte, or the S. E. corner of T. 4. R. 11, thence west along- the line between T. 4 and 5 to the S. W. corner of T. 4 and lot 58 in the present town of Stockton, and thence north along the line between Ranges 12 and 13 to Lake Erie, comprising territory embraced within the present towns of Sheridan, Arkwright, Charlotte, Dunkirk, Pomfret an]>(»int lliree oommissi oners to hx-ate a site for tlie county buildings in tlie three counties, within one year from the date of tlie act. Tlie commissioners ai)])ointed were. Jonas Williams, Isaac Suth- erland and Asa Kansoni, who discharged the duties assigned tliem within the time specified, or some time during that year. Kew Amsterdam, now Buffalo, was fixed upon as the county seat for the county of Niagara: Ellicottville for Cattaraugus, and ]\ray ville for ClKuitauijua. In their rei)ort of the manner in wliich they liad discharged their duties, the commissioneis art of J^iisti. The balance of the town retained its original name of Chautau<[ua. At the meeting of the board of Su|>ervisors of Niagara county in the fall of 1810. it was found on the examination of the as- sessment rolls that the county of Chautauqua contained the re(iuisite number of taxable inhabi'ants to entitle it to become organized in accordance with the jn'ovisimis of the statute, and a statement of the fact was drawn up and certified to \mder seal by tlie board to (Tovenior Tompkins, and at a m'.'eting of the Governor and council of api)ointment, held on the 9th day of February 1811, the requisite county officers were appointed and commiss'oned. The officers then a))]ioinfed Avere Zattu 20 IllSl'OKlCAl, SKKTCUKS OK Cusliing, first judge, Matthew Prendergast, Philo Ortoii, Jon- athan Thompson and William Alexander, assistant judges. Da vid Eason was appointed sheriff, and John C. ]\rarshall. county clerk. The first court of Common Pleas was lield at ^[ayville June2r;th, 1811. The Land Office was established at Mayville in 1810. and Wm. Peacock appointed agent. The census was taken in 1810, under the authority of the United States, and the population of the county found to lie 2.88]. "But little more than eight years had elapsed since the fii'st white inhabitant had located within the limits of the county. The change that had marked the features of the county during that period was probably as striking at that time as at any sub- sequent period of equal duration. The sense of solitude which liad pressed upon the minds of the pioneers had in a great mea- sure been removed, and the evidences of industry and cultivation were on all liands obliterating the traces of savage life and lift- ing the gloom which had hung .over it since creation.'" — AVar REN.] THK Town ok i'oi;ti.\ni>. 21 CIFAI'TKIJ IT. John MoMahan as First Supervisor of ("liautauqua, meets with the Board at Batavia— Arthur Bell First Supervisor of the uew Towu of Chautauqua, and meets with the Niagara County Board at Buffalo— James Montgomery First Town Clerk- Development of the Couuty— Erection of the various Towns in the County, and their First Supervisors. John McMahan served as supervisor of the old town of Chau- tauqua for the years 1805, 6 and 7, and met with the board at Ba- tavia, Genesee county. In April 1808, Arthiu- Bell -was elected the first supervisor of the new town of Chautauqua, and served with the Niagara county board which met at Buffalo. James ]\[ontgomery was the first town clerk, and was elected at the same time with Mc^fahan. [See list of town officers.] From this time onward the county Avas ra})idly developed, exce])t for the period during the war of 1812, and towns were divided and subdivided and new ones erected in rapid succes- sion to accomniodate the wants of the settlers and facilitate mu- ni('i]»al regulations. In June 1812, the towns of Ellicott, Gerry, and llan()\er were erected. Ellicott then included within its limits the ))resent towns of Ellicott, C-arroll, Kiantone, Poland and a ]>art of Busti. (rerry incluiled the present towns of (ierry. F211iiigton. Charlotte and Cherry Creek, was of the same size of Ellicott and lay immediately north of it. Hanover included within its limits the ])resent town of that name, Avith Villenova and a part of Arkwriglit and a part of Sheridan. All tlie above towns were formed from the old town of Fomfret. Portland was erected the next year, 181.3, Ai)ril 9th, and was taken from the town of Chautauqua, and included the present towns of Portland, Westfield and Kipley ; the form reminding one somewhat of tlie (4eriymandering of partizan State legisla- tures in districting States for representation in Congress. The 22 IIISTOIUCM- ivKTfllES OK first supenisor awis Tliomas I'reudergast. [See l)iograi)hieal sketches of supervisors.] ITarmoiiy was erected from the town of Chautauqua, February 1-ith, 1810, and included tlie ])resent town of tliat name and a l»ait of r>usti. Palmer Phillips was the first supervisor. Ivijdey was erected ]M arch 1st, ] 810, and was taken from Portland. It included all that ])art of Portland west of Chan- tau<[ua creek. The first supervisor was Amos Atwater, elected in A\m\ 1810. [See biographical sketches.] Clymer was erected February 9th, 1821, and was taken from C1iautau(jua. It embraced the present towns of Clymer, Sher- man, French Creek and Mina, being townships one and two of ranges fourteen and fifteen. The fii'st supervisor was Ande Nobles. Stockton was erected imder the same act as Clymer and was also taken from Chautaucjua, and embraced nearly its present territory. The first supervisor Avas C^alvin Warren, elected in tlie si)ring of that yeai'. Ellery was erected twenty days after Stockton and Clymer, February 2nth, 1821. and was taken from Chautau(pia. It has retained its original boun(huies. The first supervisor was Almon Ives. Kusti was erect ehieal sketches of supervisors.] Cliarlotte was erected Ai)ril INth, 1829,' and was taken from Gerry. Tlie first suj)ei'visor was Nathan Lake. Arkwright was erected iVpril :30th, 1829, and was taken from Pomfret and Villenova. Tlie first supervisor was William Wilcox. Cherry Creek was erected May 4th, 1829, and was taken fron\ Ellington. First sujiervisor, James Carr. French Creek was erected April 2od, 1 829, and was taken Clymei". First supervisor, Alexander Wilson, jun. Ellington was erected April 1st, 1824, and was taken from Gerry. The first supervisor was James Thatcher. Mina was erected March 23, 1824, and was taken from Clymer. Nathan Throop was the fii-st supervisor. Poland Avas erected April 9th, 1832, and was taken from Ellicoit. Nathan Fenton was the first supervisor. ^ Sherman was erected April ITtli, 1832, and was taken from Mina. B. H. Kipp was the first supervisor. Kiantone was erected Nov. IGth, 1853, and Avas taken from Carroll. The act erecting the town was jjassed by the board of supervisors at their adjourned meeting at the village of Mayville on the above named day. The power to legislate with reference to the division of towns had been delegated to the board by the state legislature, by an act bearing date April 3d, 1 849. The first supeiwisor was Ezbai Kidder. Dunkirk was instituted by act of the board of supervisors, dated Nov. 17th, 1859, and was taken from Pomfret. Geo. M. Abell was the first supervisor. 24 IITSTOUTCAT. SKKTCIIF.S OF CHAPTER III. Act erecting tlic origiual town of Portland — Act eree'iing the town of Ripley — Place of holding town meeting changed — Agitation for another division of the town of Port- land — -Act relating to the same — jTii'st OUicers chosen — Close of Civil Divisions. Tlie act erecting the original town of Portland as lias been said was passed April 9th, 1813, and defines its boundaries as follows : "That after tlie passing of this act, all that part of the town of Chautau(|na beginning at the northwest corner of township No. 3 in the 15tli range of the land belonging to the Holland Company, thence south on the line of the state of Pennsylvania to the south corner of township No. 3 in the 15th range aforesaid, thence east between the second and third tier of townships eis ; a part of Portland being in the 4th and a jiart in the 5th township, of the 18tli i-ange. ^ Acres. 1 mJ "x E^ Acres. i 3 X I r. ;-^r>7.7S IS 5 331) 00 \ \ 35 .-, '• 2 5 3S« 95 1» 5 .f,3S 00 i 3(; 5 1 .3 h 4 IS. .83 20 5 170.00 37 ^ \ 4 5 421.72 21 :■> 342 04 38 5 a -) 1()S.87 22 5 308 80 39 .5 c .", ?A?,.r^r-^ 23 5 17.>.38 40 5 7 5 332.90 24 .P) 370.00 41 r, 8 •* ;^;^o ;?{) 2.5 r. ,500 00 42 5 !l 5 354 00 26 ;> .34.^. (52 i 8 4 10 U .3n0 43 27 5 4!l'l r>3 b; 4 11 ;") 1 8.-) 03 2S n ISO 52 2j> 4 I'J r> ,S7I.0() 29 .T 312.00 24 4 i:5 ;") r.4!> 00 30 r> 413(10 30 4 u ;-, 3ace between the toji of the ridge of higli- lands in the south part of the town and Lake Kric on tlit- noi-tti is THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 31 SO narrow that the acciuuiTlation of water is necessarily small and the streams dwindle to mere rivulets in the liot and dry weather of summer, and some of them entirely disappear. There are, however, exceptions to this general rule and occa- sionally a season when water -flows through the whole year sufficient for the propelling of machinery &c. Little Canadmoay Creek rises in the town of Ponifret, runs a northwesterly coarse, enters Portland on lot eight in the northeast j)art of the town, and after a brief career empties into lake Erie on lot 9, T. 5. Slippery Rock GreeJc. — This is the principal stream in town, and rises in the highlands in the south of the town and the town of Pomfret ; runs first a north and then a northwesterly course and falls into the lake on lot twenty-seven, T. 5. It has an east and a west branch uniting four miles from its mouth on the east part of lot thirteen, T. 5. Dunhams Creek. — This stream rises in the central and south part of the town, receiving in its com'se many smaller streams mostly originating in springs, and running a general north- westerly direction falls into the lake on lot thirty-two, T. 5. CorniVs Creek. — This stream rises also among the high- lands in the south of the town, runs a general northwesterly direction and enters the lake on lot thirty six, T. 5. Fay's Creek. — This is the most westerly stream in town, of note, north of the highlands, rises as all the others — in the- highlands — and after absorbing the waters of the numerous tributaries from springs empties into the lake on lot forty-two, T. 5. A number of streams of less note also empty into the lake, and some of them have been used more or less for the purpose of propelling machinery. The East Branch of Chautauqua Creek rises in the town of C/hautauqua, enters the town of Portland on lot fifty-three, T. 4, and after a circuitous coiu'se enters the town of Chautauqua again on lot 59, T. 4, near the southwest corner of Portland, 32 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF and falls into the lake at Barcelona after uniting with the west branch a little south of the village of Westfield. Although the streams of water are few and small and scarcely subseiTe the purposes of necessary manufacture, large springs are numerous and furnish an abundance of pure water, enough for all the purposes and conveniences of life. Some of these burst with considerable energy fi'om the gravelly belt before spoken of, and furnisli water in large quanties during the whole year. Springs are also found in almost endless profusion upon the side hills or northern slope of the great water-shed, emanating fi'om nearly every depression and from the crevices of the out-cropping rocks. Water is also obtained by digging to a moderate depth. Lakes. — Portland is washed the entire extent of its northern border by the waters of lake Erie. Most of the beach is gravelly, but a portion of the distance is }»erpendicular rock which occasionally rises fi'om the surface of the lake to the hight of fi'om forty to fifty feet. Against this iron-bound shore in boisterous weather the waters of the lake dash with great violence, at times casting their spray far above the tops of the rocks. The water of the lake at this time is fi-om three to four feet higher than at the first settlement of the town. It was possible at that time to pass with facility and most of the way upon dry land, along the beach fi'om the west line of the town to Van- Bui'en Point near the northeast corner, a distance of more than eight miles. It is said that a difference of seven feet has been known to exist in the hight of the water, but of the particular cause of this rise and fall nothing is definitely known ; conjec- ture says "probably prevailing winds, unequal amounts of rain, and evaiDoration." There are no small lakes or ponds within the borders of the town. Climate. — The chmate of the town of Portland in common Avith that of the whole southern lake border is mild and salu- brious, the greatest range of the thermometer being from ninety five to ninety eight degrees to from three to five degrees THE TOWN Or PORTLAND. 33 above the cipher <>f Farenheit, or zero. Occasionally, however, the mercury rises to one liiindi'ed and two degrees and falls as low as from three to five degi"ees below. The gentle breezes from the lake in the summer cool the atmosphere and render it delightful. Being' on the border of so large a body of water the climate is subject to sudden changes, and strong winds, mostly from the west and south, in certain seasons of the year are frequent. Frosts seldom come so early in the fall as to prove a damage to vegetation or to maturing crojjs, and the grass remains green until the falliug of the snows of winter. The tails of snow during winter are seldom heavy, but usually coming in connection with the strong w^esterly winds it is thrown into huge drifts and often to an extent interfering with travel. 84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHAPTEK V. Natural Geography continued — Geological Features — Rocks — The Portage Group — Gas Springs— Sulphur -priugs — Harbors — Forest Trees. Of the geological features and formations in the town we purpose to say but little. The rocks that underlie the whole town and that crop out here and there, belong to what is termed the " Portage Group of the New York System." Tliis group is composed of the Coshacjua Shales, Gardeau Flag Stones and Portage Sand Stones. The order of their arrange- ment is from below upward, the whole formation dipping slightly towards the south. The upper strata, or Portage sand stone, lies below the coal fields of Pennsylvania ; in fact tlie highest series of rocks in this state form the floors of the coal measures of that state, rendering the idea of the existence of coal at any point within the bounds of this state as visionary. The sand stone of this Portage group is the stone mostly used for building purposes, and is quarried in various places ; and of this stone is formed most of the cellars in town and the original bridges and culverts of the Lake Shore railroad. The veins are of various thickness, from' a few inches to three or four feet. The strata in this town, however, are of uneven surface, not unifornti in thickness and not as well adapted for building purposes as those from the quarries of the town of Pomfret and of some other localities. The flagging is obtained in very limited quantities and occupies but a small space between the other strata. The lower strata, or Portage Shale, crops out largely in various localities but principally along the border of the lake, and in some places forms the bed of the lake for a considerable THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 35 distance. This stone is worthless for building purposes, crumbling into fragments after a short exposure to tlie atraos phere. Of the thickness of these strata little can be told, and it can only be determined accnrately by drilling. An occasional limestone boulder is found upon the surfaci' or imbedded in the soil, but not in sufficient quantities to be made practically available. Drift, including loose deposits of boulders, gravel, sand and clay, is found in most parts of the town, and in some parts the rocks are covered with it to the depth of many feet. The peculiar chai'acter of this drift, the forms in which it is found, and the j30sition it occupies, all give evidence of some great general moving power which existed after the stratified rocks were lifted from their original beds, ages before the present order of things was instituted. It is evident that in this town and also along the whole southern shore of lake Eiie the whole lake country, as it is termed, at some remote period formed a part of the bed of the lake or some vast inland sea. and that the action of the waters of this lake had much to do in the formation of the various drifts now fomid ; but in many places, evidently, they have been formed more recently by the agency of streams, atmosjDhere and frost. Oas Springs. — A 'very peculiar geological feature of the town is the springs of carburetted hydrogen gas found in several places along the border of the lake. This, however, is not a feature at all confined to this town, but the springs are found over the whole lake region from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Cattaraugus creek on the east. These springs have their origin in the strata of shale of the Portage group of rocks, tlie gas being evolved through the fissiu-es. In various places along the beach it bubbles up through the water re dominated, while many other varieties usually found growing in connection with the above were in ^eat abundance. The 38 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF first three varieties often grew to a very great size. Walnut maple, chestnut, birch, cherry, oak and elm were also found in some localities. The indigenous plum tree was found in pro fusion, that yielded a fruit of very agreeable flavor riiiening late in the fall. No pine timber grew within the limits of the town. Upon the side hill or uj^on the ridge very little of cypress was found, but the whole was covered with a heavy growth, similar to that of the lake belt, yet somewhat lighter with a thick underarrowth. THK TOWN or PORTLAND. 39 CHAPTER VI. Natural Geography continued — Natural Curiosities and Scenery — The Oa-sca den— View from the Highlands — View from the I;ake, South — Natural Scenery. There are very few attractions in this town that would appropriately range under this head- There are no yawning caverns or fi'iglitful gulfs, precipices steep or silver lakes to attract the attention oi' charm the sight. Two cascades, how- ever, are found in Slippery Rock creek that present a beautiful appearance during high water. One is half a mile noith of Brocton. on tlie northwest ])art of lot twenty-one, T. 5, on lands of T. L. Harris. The water falls over rough and craggy rocks a distance of twenty feet, forming a perfect sheet of snowy foam. The other is at the mouth of the creek, the water falling a distance of fifteen to twenty feet over a steep, nigged rock, then rushing with great force in a sheet of foam down a rock}- declivity to the lake, a distance of eighty feet. The high overhanging bank on the west side of the fall and below is overgrown with evergreens and a thick growth of small shrubs, while on the east side a tree of rugged growth stands upon the brink with outstretched and ujolifted branches as if to catch with grateful emotions the health-giving mists that j'ise from the stream below. It is a beautiful retreat, and the traveler looks out as well upon the lake vtdth its sailing craft and towering steamers dotting the crystal waters. Fair stream, thou call'st me from the busy cares With which I am surrounded, and bid'st me For the time forget this fleeting life is J Full of evU. Thou makest me forget That all is not as bright and beautiful A.8 thine oyra fairy form, whilst thou in haste Art passing on to join old ErieS- tide. 40 HiSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF View from the lllghlands. — From the summit of the hills oji the south the view of the lake and the intermediate counti-y is exceedingly beautiful. I^rom this elevation in the west part of the town may be seen tlie borough of Westfield, the village of Barcelona, the two villages, Brocton and Centerville, in the town of Portland ; and from a point farther east the boroughs of Fredonia anio, six miles, another one mile, and anothei- about half a mile from that village. Between tbe Seneca and Cayuga lakes there art- several — three within a few miles of each other. Near the village of Canandaigua theie are three. Ill a word, they ai'e scattered all over that country. These forts were, generally speaking, erected on the most commanding fj-roiinds- The walls or breastworks were earthen and the ditches were on the exterior of the works On some of the parapeirs oak trees were to be seen, which from the number of concentric circles must have been standing from one hundred and fifty to three hundred years ; and there were evident indications not only that they had sprung up since the creation of these works, but that they were at least a second growth. Thejienches were in some cases deep and wide, and in others shallow and narrow, and the breastworks ot various alti- tude from three to eight feet. They sometimes had one and sonietuaes two entrances, as was to be inferred by there being THK TOWN OF POltTl.AND. 4") no ditches at those plaees. When the works were protectevn of Portland, we propose to go back for a brief space and trace the title to the lands of the Holland Purchase, and of course of the town of Portland it being a part of that purchase, its origin and changes, and under which we as citizens claim and hold the homes we and our ancestors have reclaimed from the wilderness. James the first, King of England, claiming by right of discov- ery and otherwise a large proportion of the North American continent, granted letters patent in the year 1606 to the London Company, composed of " noblemen, gentlemen and merchants," and mostly lesidents in London ;' and to the Plymouth Com- pany, composed of " knights, gentlemen and merchants," and residing mostly in the west of England, all that portion of the (continent extending on the south from the mouth of Cape Fear river, in North Carolina, to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, embracing eleven degrees of latitude, fi"om the thirty-fourth to the forty-fifth, inclusive, and from the Atlantic to tlie Pacific ocean. The operations proper of the London company were to be confined within the first four- degrees of latitude, fiom the thirty-foTU'th to the thirty eighth ; and the Plymouth com])any to the last four named degrees, or from the forty-first to the forty-fifth : nnd the intermediate territoiy was to be occupied 50 HISTOiaCAL SKETCHES OF by both compauies, but each was prohibited from forming settlements or building forts within one hundi'ed miles of each other. This was an immense transaction, sinking into insigni- ficance the land grants by congress for railroad purposes of which so much has been heard. It is not at all probable that King James or any member of either company had the remotest idea of its extent. The area was but little less than two milUons six hundi-ed and fifty-six thousand and five hundi-ed square miles, or one billion seven hundi'ed millions and one hundred and sixty thousand acres ; including extensive plains, vast mountains, mighty livers, nearly the whole of our great inland seas, and the homes of himdreds of thousands of human beings. The two portions of this grant were named respectively North and South Virginia, but the northern portion was subsequently named Xew England by Captain John Smith of early Virginia notoriety, who sailed along the coast in 1G14 and penetrated some distance into the interior. For fomleen years after the date of the grant by King James in April, 1006, very little and in fact nothing was done toward settling the territory ceded to the Plymouth Company. Several attempts were made by the company and by others acting by their permission to establish a colony, each resiilting in failure, until the company became disheartened and refused to pursue ftirther tlie tlms far fruitless enterprise. Vast siuns of money had been advanced and lost, and the company, as such, abandoned the scheme of colonizing the new world. But notwithstanding all this, and that the affairs of the company liad come to a standstill, by the almost sui>erhuman exertions of the indefatigable John Smith their attention was again excited and turned toward their western possessions, and on Nov. 13th, 162U, a new charter was obtained for tlie piu'pose of settling the cormtry. "The original Plymouth Comjjany was superceded by the Council of Plymouth, to which was conveyed in absolute property all the territory lying between the fortieth and forty-eighth degrees of north latitude, extending from the THE TOWN l)F PORTLANI>. 51 Atlantic to the Pacific ocean and comprising more than one milHon of square miles." That the extent of this grant may the better be understood by the reader, let him spread the map of ^the United States before him and examine carefully the various states and territories lying between the parallels named. It will be found to contain within its limits a large portion of Canada, New Brunswick, all of the New England states, New York, three-fourths of New -lersey, nearly the whole of Penn sylvania, one-half of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, all o{ Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin, one-eighth of Missouri, seven-eighths of Minnesota, and then sweeping onward over vast plains and mountains to the Pacific, including one-fourth of California, three-fourths of Washington Territory and all of Oregon. This was the first absolute transfer of title in the new world north of the parallel of forty degrees, and the land titles within the state of New York and that jtortion known as the Holland Purchase, which includes the county of Chautauqua and of course the town of Portland, in a certain sense may l>e said to be derived from this patent. The exclusiveness granted to this company or council occa sioned many disputes, strong contentions and of coiu'se delays, until it seemed that this comjiany also was doomed to be a faihu'c and their acquired territories to remain as a sealed bosed conflicting claims, the Puritan Fathers, moving no doubt under the guidance of an allwise Providence, after various delays and being refused permission to emigrate to South Virginia, obtained the tacit consent of King .lames and some sort of privileges under the council, pecuniarily severe and exacting but liberal with respect to tolerance of opinion and rights and liberties of conscience. l)lanted the colony of Xew PlyuKjuth and the germ, of an emjjire. The Puritans having obtained a fii-m footing in the new world, an impetias was at once given to emigiation. and in due 52 HISTOJIICAI. SKKTCHES OF timt' other colonies, from or on account of it were foiined in various parts of New England and were rapidly pushed west ward until they reached the Hudson river, where they were intercepted by the Dutch operating from New Netherlands, now New York. Here the English settlements were perraa nently inteiTui>ted and stayed by the Dutch, who claimed the territory in opi)osition to the Plymouth Council until the year 1664, when they ceded their territory to the English crown. Chai'les II., who was then king, granted the same to his brother, the Duke of York, and it thereafter took the name of New York. This grant included also New Jersey. We will not stop to define the boundaries of this grant ; suffice it to say that they were sufficiently indefinite bnt inchided the territory known as the Holland Purchase. Here then were two con- flicting claims to the same territory : Massachusetts, by virtue of the grant to the Plymouth Council, still claimed title as against New York, and the result was a proh^nged controversy respecting the rival claims which was not finally compromised until after the revolution. In 1781 the state of New York, and in 1785 the state of Massachusetts, granted to the United States certain lands in this state, — a part of the lands in dispute, — but these grants, though they diminished the extent, did not cover the whole territory in dispute as between these states ; there still remained about nineteen thousand square miles. The dispute was settled, however, very soon after the revolutionary war by a convention of commissioners appointed by the parties and held in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, December 16. 1786. " According to the stipulations entered into by the conven- tion, Massachusetts ceded to the state of Ncav York all her claims to the government, sovereignty and jiTrisdiction of all the territory lying west of the present east line of the state of New York : and New York ceded to Massachusetts the pre emption right or fee of the land, subject to the title of the natives, of all that part of New York lying west of a line begin ning at a point on the north line of Pennsylvania eighty-two THK TOWN OF POHTLAND. 53 miles west of the northeast corner of said state, and running from thence due nortli through Seneca lake to lake Ontario ; excepting and reserving to the state of New York a strip of land east ot and adjoining the eastern bank of the Niagara river one mile wide and extending its whole length. " The land the preemption light of which was thus ceded, amounted to about six millions of acres." Tracing the origin, history and final settlement of the various differences and claims with reference to these earlier land titles, it appears that the title of nearly the whole of western New York never vested in this state, but in the state of Massachu- setts, and dating back to 1620. Early in 1 788 a comj^auy was fonned of several gentlemen of wealth and eminence, for the pui chase of these lands fi'om the state of Massachusetts. Nathaniel Gorham of Charlestown, Middlesex county, and Oliver Phelps of Granville, Hampshire county, of that state, were members of that company and authorized to 'act as agents. In April of that year a contract was entered into by these agents, acting, however, in their own names, and a committee appointed by the general comt or legislature of Massachusetts, by which that state conveyed it? preemption right to all lands in western New York, amounting to over six milli(jns of acres, for one million of dollars. It should be borne in mind that the Indian title had not as yet been extinguished, but every conveyance up to this time con tained a proviso looking to the extinguishment of the aborig inal interests. « , After this purchase the pnjprietois j)roceeded at once to the fulfillment of this portion of their contract; and in .Inly of that same year (1788), within three months Irom the date of their contract, they obtained by treaty with the Indians their title to two millions six hundred thousand acres of the eastern portion of the purchase from Massachusetts. This ctmvention was held in Buffalo, then an inconsidei-able town of two or three log houses. It was then called Buffalo Creek. Mr. Phelps, accompanied by Mr. Hugh Maxwell as survoyoi-. had o4 HIST()l;i(!.\l. SKKTCHKS OF made an attempt at iieyxjtiatioii with tho Indians on the 12t]i of May previous at KaiiadasaL^a, now Geneva, but as the Indians were not fully and in fact Imt in part represented, an adjourn- ment was agreed ujxm and tlu- council above named was held in pursuance of such adjouinTnent. TIIK TOU'N 01' POKTI.ANO. 55 CHAPTER X. Title coutiuued— Indians refuse to sell all their title— Purchase of Mill-site Tract— Rochester built on that Tract — Indian Name of Mr. Phelps— Description of the Tract — Failure to meet Engagements by Phelps and Gorham — Eeconveyance to Massachusetts — Purchase of the same by Robert Morris. Mr. Phelps proposed the purchase of all the lands of the Indians, conveyed by Massachusetts, but they were unwilling to sell their interest west of the Genesee liiver, giving as a reason that the Great Spirit had indicated to them that that river was forever to be a boundary line between them and the whites. Mr. Phelps resorted to every form of argument to induce them to withdi-aw their objections, but finding them immovable he pro posed that as he could not jDrevail on them to part with their lands west of the river as a whole; they should sell him a small tract on that side, at the great fall, large enongh for a mill seat and the conveniences of such an estabhshraent ; rej^resenting that it would not only be convenient to the whites coming into the country, but to the Indians themselves. "The Indians then asked him how much land he wanted for his mill seat. He replied that he thought a piece about twelve miles wide, extending from Canawagus village on the west side of the river to its mouth (about twenty-eight miles) would answer his purpose. To this the Indians replied that it seemed to be a good deal of land for a mill seat, but as they supposed the Yankees knew best what was required, they j would let him have it. After the treaty was concluded the Indians told Mr. Phelps that it being customary for them to give the man with whom they dealt, a name, they 56 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF woiild give liim one. They also said they should expect from him a "treat," and a walking staff, (meaning spirits) to hel}) them home. The name they gave ^Ir. Phelps on this occasion was that by which he was afterward known among them, viz., 8caw-gun-se-ga, which translated is, the 'Great Fall.' Upon this piu'chase is situated the city of Rochester." [Judge Porter. The western boiuidary of this territory ^ to which the Indian claim was thus extinguished, was the Genesee River from the mouth to the mouth of the Cannaseraga Creek, thence by a line running due south to the Pennsylvania line. To this was to be added the mill seat tract. In consequence of a failure on the part of ]Mr. Phelps and Mr. Gorham in 1789 and 1790 to fulfill the terms of their contract with the state of Massachusetts, for causes not necessary to mention here, that state com- menced a prosecution of the company of which Phelps and Gorham were agents, and their securities, which resulted in a compromise and a reconveyance March 10th 1791, by them to the state of Massachusetts of all the territories conveyed to them except that of which they had extin- guished the Indian title, which conveyance amoimted to about two-thirds of the original j^iu-chase. In the winter of 1791, Robert Morris, of the city of Philadelphia, bemg desirous of piu'chasing the interest of the state of Massachusetts in the lands in the state of New York that had been reconveyed to that state by Phelps and Gorham, engaged the services of Samuel Ogden as his agent in the matter of such a purchase, Mr. Ogden held a conference with a committee of the legislatui-e of the state of Massachusetts, specially appointed for the purpose of such negotiation, and on the 12th day of March of the year 1791, the committee contracted to convey to the agent of Mr. ]Morris all their lands in the state of New York except the tract of about two millions six hundi-ed thousand acres ceded by ]Massa- i THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 57 chiisetts to Phelps and Gorbam, and the mill seat tract before spoken of. This was simply a contract, and in conformity with its stipulations the state of Massachu- setts by its committee conveyed to Mr. Morris on the 11th day of ^Nlay 1791, the whole of said tract of land, and the acts of the committee were, ratified by the Leg- islature on their assembling in the following June. The conveyance of this land was by five separate deeds and it will be well to give a descrij^tion of each tract, that a more definite idea may be obtained of the real extent of the original Holland Purchase in the state, and that a better understanding may be had of the trans- actions that followed. The first of these deeds included all the land on the said tract east of a line running due north from the north line of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, commencing twelve miles west of the southwest corner of ' the Phelps & Gorham tract. This tract contained* or Avas supposed to contam about five hundi'ed thousand acres. The second deed included a strij) of land from the north line of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, and west of the last named tract, sixteen miles wide. The third deed included a strip of land fi'om the north hne of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, sixteen miles wide, and lying west of that included m deed number two. The fourth deed included also a strip of land fi-om the north line of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, sixteen miles wide, and lying next west of that included in deed number three. The fifth and last deed included all the land west of that described in deed number four, in the state of New York and owned by ^lassachusetts. The number of acres included in the last four deeds was about three millions three hundi-ed thousand. ^Massachusetts reserved of these one luidivided sixteenth part, to satisfy a demand of Mr. John Butler, who had contracted for the whole tract i^re- 58 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF vions to the reconveyance by Phelps & Gorham to Massa- chusetts. Mr. Butler however assigned his right to Mr. Morris before the execution of the deeds, thus making the pui'chase of jVIr. Morris complete. In the subsequent trans- sactions of SIi'. Morris with the Holland Company he reserved all the lands embraced in the fii'st of the five deeds before spoken of, as executed by Massachusetts to him, and it thereafter took the name of Morris' Reserve. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 59 CHAPTER XI. Title coutiuiied — Title iu Mr. Morris — Lauds conveyed by Mr. Morris to the Hol- land Company — Various clianges referred to — Another conveyance of the whole Tract — Title again in the Original Company — Four seiiarate Interests — The Extinguishment of the Indian Title — Beservatious — Last transfer of Lauds in Chautauqua County. We have now come to a point where the preemption title of what is familiarly known as the Holland Company's lands in New York vested in Robert Morris. These lands were within the next two years conveyed by Mr. Morris and wife by four separate deeds to five distinct companies. The names of those named in the first conveyance were Heiman Le Roy and John Linklaeii; second, Herman Le Roy, John Linklaen and Gerrit Boon ; third, Herman Le Roy, John Linklaen and Gerrit Boon ; fourth, Herman Le Roy, William Bayard and Matthew Clarkson. These persons however were but trustees of the interests of certain cap- italists in Holland, Europe, who furnished the funds for the several purchases made. This was made a necessary proceeding, as they were aliens, and according to the laws of the state could not hold real estate in their OAvn names. After various changes of trustees and several transfers of portions of land of more or less magnitude, which it is not necessaiy to repeat, and all of which from time to time received thie sanction of the legislatm-e of the state ; another conveyance of the whole tract was made by the trustees by three separate and distinct deeds, to three comj^anies or individuals who represented the three branches of the Holland Company. Again several conveyances, trans 60 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OK fers and assignments followed, until tlie title settled in Dec. 1798 into the five original Dutch trustees, by assignment of Paul Busti, who had acted for some time as general agent of the company. These gentlemen were ever afterward kno^ii as the Holland Comi)any. Their names were as fol- lows : Wilhem Willink, Xicholaas Van Staphorst, Pieter Van Eeghen, Hendriek Vollenlioven, Kutger Jan Schimmel- penninck. The interests of the three separate divisions of proprie. tors before spoken of, were so intimately united or blended that their affairs were placed under the control of one general agent, as though there existed no separate interests ; in fact none did exist, practically, as far as the purchaser was concerned, the books of the company being the only means of distinguishing the amounts of the separate interests. At the time of the sale of these lands by Kobert Morris to the Holland Company in 1792-3, the Indian title had not been extinguished. The transaction, how- ever, was accompanied by an agreement on the part of Mr. Morris to extinguish that title ; the company exerting its influence and lending its aid to bring about the result. After due notice and agreement, a council of the Seneca nation was held at Genesee on the Genesee River, in September 1797, at which the aboriginal title to the lands in question was transferred to the com})any except eleven reservations specially desig-nated and described, amounting in tlie aggregate to three luindred and thirty- eight square miles; and amongst which were the Catta- raugus and Alleghany Peservations, each containing forty- two square miles. These two are mentioned as being of more interest to the local reader. One other transfer of a part of the company's lands we will refer to before leaving the matter of title. Forty-one years from the time the title fully vested in the Holland Company, in the year 1838, the company by their agent, John THE TOWN OK rOKTI. AND. 61 J. Van Derkemp acting under a power of attorney, conveyed all their imsold lands in the county of Chautauqua to John Duer, Morris Robinson and Wni. H. Seward, in wlioni the title remained till recently, exce^tting sucli parts and parcels since sold and conveyed. At this ui-iting there are less than eight hundred acres raisold in the county, and none iii the town of Portland. It is not the design of the compiler to pursue farther the investigation with reference to title; the only object of thus far pursuing it being to make plain the prominent facts with reference to the general changes that have taken place fi'om the time of tlie grant by James I. King of England, in 1606, to the vesting of title of lands in wes- tern New York in the Holland Company ; that the reader may have a knowledge of what is not very generally imderstood with reference to these titles, and wherein rests the title and security of the many happy homes in the town of Portland and of all western New York. 62 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OK CHAPTER XII. Surveys— Joseph EUicott Surveyor— His fitness for the work— Augustus Porter Surveyor for Eobert Morris — Lines run around the whole tract — Eastern boundary determined in 1798 — Eauges and Townships, Lots and Kesorvations Surveyed — Size of each — Chautauqua Surveyed into Townships and Lots — Laud Olfice located at Mayville— No. of Ranges and Townships in this county. We shall not enter into a description of the ' surveys of the lands of the company which followed immediately upon the extinguishment of the Indian title, excej^t so far as it may seem necessary, and to a fair understand- ing of the same in our own county and town. We will however notice some of the more prominent facts with reference to them, and as fast as is consistent with the original design narrow downi our investigations. In 1797, Theopholus Cazenove was the general agent of the Holland Company, and resided in the city of Phil- adelphia. In July of that year, and preceding the exting-uishment of the Indian title, he engaged the ser- vices of Mr. Joseph Ellicott as chief surveyor of the company's lands. Mr. Ellicott had been engaged more or less in the service of the U. S. Government, and had under the direction of the Secretary of War in 1791 run the line between Georgia and the Creek Indians, and was a man eminently fitted for the position he was des^ fined to occupy v^dth reference to the company and its affairs for the remainder of his life, or until disease com pelled him to relinquish the active duties of life and seek in retirement to recuperate the worn out energies of his active mind and body. As soon as the result of the treaty held at Geneseo THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. G3 was known, Mr. Ellicott in compjuiy witli Augiistus Porter as suiweyoi- on the part of ^Ir. ^lorris, commenced a survey to ascertain the amount of land, in tlie whole tract secured to the comj^any, beginning at the northwest corner of the mill seat tract, twelve miles west of the mouth of the Genesee lliver, and following the shore of Lake Ontario to the mouth of the Niagara River, thence along the east bank of that river to Lake Erie, thence along the soutli shore of Lake Erie through the now towns of Hanover, Sheridan, Dunkirk, Pomfret, Portland, Westfield and Rip- ley in the coimty of Chautauqua to the line between the state of Xew York and Pennsylvania ; this being a meridian 79^ 50^ west from Greenwich and numing diie south from the west end of Lake Ontario. The survey was successfidly accomplished thus far by the loth of November following. In the sum- mer of 1798 the eastern boundary line of the tract was determined by Mr. Ellicott. Owing to various difficulties and the necessity of accuracy in establishing this line, but eighty-one and a half miles were surveyed and established on the 22d day of November, at the close of operations for the season. There are no known data by whicli to determine the time when this line was completed. AVlien this line Avas being run and afterward, other parties oi surveyors were engaged under the direction of Mr. Ellicott in siirveying the tract into ranges, townsliips and lots, and determining the boundaries of the various Indian res- ervations, necessarily but very imperfectly defined at the execution of the treaty in September 1797. This work was accomjdished or nearly so at the close of the season in 1800. The ranges of townships were run fi'om south to north, and nimiber fifteen ; the townships run from east to west. Tliey were six miles square or as nearly so as it was possible to make them considering the various offsets, and streams that were encountered, and each was divided into sixty-four lots each of which was intended to contain three hundred and sixty acres though varying often 64 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF for the same causes given for varying the size and form of some of the toAvnships. There is a large diiference in the size of the lots 'in the town of Portland, as may be seen by referring to the table on page 29. The territory now con- tained in the present county of Chautauqua was surveyed into townships in the year 1800, and between that date and 1810 the various townships were surveyed mostly into lots by \\'illiam Peacock, who at the latter date received the appointment of local agent and established an office in Mayville. Within the county of Chautauqua there are six ranges of townships containing twenty-seven full and six parts of townships, the last formed by the irregularities of the bomidaries on the northern border. The first office for the sale of lands by the comjjany was opened at liatavia in the year 1801, and those' locating within the county previous to 1810 were obliged to make their application there. TIIK TOWTs' 01' POUTLANl). 65 CHAPTER XIII. 8ettlemeuts — First Settlenieuts in the County — Settlement of each town in the County in their order. Before proceeding to notice the first and eai'ly settle- ments of the town of Portland specially, it will be neces- sary in order to a full and fair understanding- of their progress, or at least interesting, to consider in brief the progress of settlements in ihe various portions of the county. The settlement of the coiuity was rapid, almost unprecedented, from the first attempt to the outbreak of the war of 1812 and for many years after its close. The western part of the Purchase had gained a reputa- tion for richness of soil and salubrity of climate, long before it was placed in market or even surveyed, second to no region of equal extent. This was the earliest per- sonal recollection of the writer, and on his removal to the comity in 1827 he found his early impressions and expec- tations more than realized. Strong ai'ms and earnest hopes exercised for long years ; jtrivations and sufieiings of which their descendants have faint conce})tions however, were necessary before the full fruition of their hopes could be realized by the hardy pioneers. Many of them with whom he has since become acquainted removed with their own teams from some of the New England states, and the slow plodding ox-team at that, driving a cow or two, a few sheep, and possibly other stock, grown upon the old homesteads where their fathers aud perhaps theii* grand- fathers lived and died: and the childi'en, sous and daugh- <)6 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF ters, and possibl}' tlu'ir wives relievini^ tlie uver-?'o??eers" list, and shall attempt to give a historical and biographical sketch of each, with his famih'. near the close of the work. Many incidents of interest vriih reference to early life in tovm by the settlers are given, which will be embodied in those sketches to which the reader is referred. At the close of the war the center of population seemed to point to no particular locality, though it seemed quite probable that a point would be made at the location of Richard Williams, where Lincoln Fay now hves, or one and one-half miles further west, at the forks of the roads near the residence of J. S. West ; in fact, for years this point was called Portland Center. There were no mills yet THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. T'J erected, aroiuid wliicli a population is apt to center, and the settlers located njiou lots as their fancy or judgment dictated. AVe have given the names of those locatmg previous to the close of the year 1817, though a few of them never become settlers. Efforts were made by the settlers along the Erie road and that next surveyed, known as the Sout/i road to induce settlers to locate in that part of the town and nearer the foot of the highlands, with a view to some permanent point for a center of population ; but it was soon evident that the drift of settlements was fiuther north and that the facilities for the manufactiu-e and sale of lumber were greater than at points further from the more direct communications through the town east and west, and that the center, wherever it might be, would be at least north of the then traveled route. In addition to this the indefatigable pei severance of Elijah Fay and a ftw others of like stamj^ in causing the location and cutting out of roads, had its influence no doubt in determming attention to the more northern portion of the town. Then, as now, local interests determined the actions of men. On the 11th of May, 1811, Elijah Fay located all of lot 20. T. 5, which included all of the west poition of the village of Brocton, with the groiuid on winch the residence of Chester Skinner stands, and erected Ins log cabin. HoUis Fay located IGO acres of the northwest part of lot 13, T. 5. including the east part of Brocton, Dec. 11, 18l;5: cleared three or four acres and erected a rude log house. No road was then laid out nearer than the one called the So>ith road: nothing but a trail served the piupose of tlie settlei'. A " dismal swamp " of l)lack asli occupied the site of the now ^ center of the village. James Dunn located all of lots i^') and 'Ah T. 5, in ls04. Calvin Barnes tlie southeast part of lot 32. T. 5. in 181(i. and Abner B. Beebe the nortliwest part of lot 25. T. 5, in 1822, these three purchases ct)veriug the whole plot of tlie 80 MISTOUIOAI. SKKTCHES OF village of Centerville. No road was laid out tlnotigli the village mitil 1815. At this date, says an old 'settler, •"the houses were scattered all through the woods and we foiuid our way by marked trees, and there was but one framed house within three miles of me. Where Centerville is now was the thickest woods I ever saw. It was a dismal looking place." After making these statements it is proposed to combine the further consideration of settlements with that of roads. This is done that the readers at this day may get a better understanding of the various locations. rilK TOWN or rOKTI>ANl). 81 CHAPTER Xy. Roads — Paiiie's Koad — Roatl Described — Ouly oue Used by Settlers. The first road or trail used as a road in or tliroiigli the town of Portland was made in 1802 by Gen. Edward Paine, the founder of Painesville, Ohio. The state of Connecticut OAmed a large tract of land within the state of Ohio, usually known as the " Western Bestrve," but in earlier times the " Connecticut Fne Lands," or "New Connecticut." The state was anxious to settle this territory and offered inducements to actual settlers, and employed Gen. Paine, of that state, with a small party of men to open a road through the almost impenetrable "wilderness from Buffalo as far west as was necessary, to enable the colony of emigrants that accompanied him to reach theii' destination. Little else was done than remove obstructions too large to be sru-moiuited or " get round " by a loaded team and cutting a narrow strip of underbrush. This road was cut out to Chautauqua creek, at some point not far fi'om the village of Westfield, and it is said that the settlers afterward continued it to the state line of Pennsylvania. It has ever since been known as " Paine s road." Gen. Paine was a brother of Timothy Paine, one of the early settlers of Aurora in this state. This road or trail passed near the foot of the hills, that bemg the best place to cross the streams. It was never surveyed but cut out at random, looking only for the best ground. According to the testimony of old settlers it intersected the east line of the town near the northeast corner of lot 4, T. 5, but two or three rods south of the S2 mSTOKICAL SKETCIIKS OK })i't'seiit South road, and on land now occupied by the barns of David P. Benjamin, ])assing a little south of the soutli road across the famis of E. B. ^Yalden, A. B. Post and others and to the rear of the house of A. E. Thompson on the south-west j^art of lot 4, T. .5, and intersecting the road running east from the residence of Franklin Vxy on northeast part of lot 13, T. 5, near the bridge east of Mr. Fay's house ; thence westerly following the course of the present road to a point a few rods Avest of the railroad crossing of that road; thence to the right of the road, keeping on the level land on the farm of the heirs of Timothy Judson, south part of lot 10, T. 5, thence south-westerly to the level plot of groiuid a few rods north of the present residence of Erastus Denison, (m north part of lot 24, T. 5, thence to the track of the road as now located near the corner east of the farm until recently owned by S. V. R. Wells, on northwest part of lot 24, T. 5, and fi'om this following nearly the route of that road with but slight variations to the town line, west, where the main Erie road is now located, near the residence of Mrs. Mary Arnold, southwest part of lot 41, T. 5. This Avas the only road in use by the settlers coming into town fi'om the east, for two or three years. Nothing like a bridge was to be found ui)on the whole route, and travelers were obliged to ford the streams however much swollen. The Erie Road. — The towTi was siuweyed into lots in 1804 by Wm. Peacock, and a road six rods Avide was left by order of "the company," to be improved and used by the settlers as a public highAvay. This road is called on the Land Office Maps the Erie Road, but the people always called it the Ellicott Road. It is the road that conunences on the east line of the tOAvn betAveen lots 3 and 4 near the residence of Simon Biu"- lon and continues in a Avesterly course until it unites Avith the south road in fi"ont of the residence of J. S. TIIK TOAVN Ol' I'OUTLAXl). 88 West on lot -VS, T. o, and follows tluit road to the town line of Westfield. It forms the boundary between lots 3 and 4, 12 and 18, 18 and 11), 24 anil 25. 29 and 80, 33 and :U, 37 and 38 and crosses lot 41, T. 5, leaving the town at the south west corner of that lot and the soutli- west corner of T. 5, R. 18, running a distance within the town of seven miles, nearly, it bein^- three sixteenths of a mile longer than the south line of the town. 84 iiist<)K1(;al sketches of (CHAPTER XVI. Itoiids Coutiuiied — The '"South Road'" when aud by whom surveyed — Its course described — Comniissiouers laying it — "North Road" when and where laid, and by whom — Its course described — Work done — The first team di-iven over the road — The tirst stage team driven over it. James McMahaii siuveyed a road through the "town of Chautauqua and coiuity of Genesee," m August 1805; the to^Yn then comprising the whole coiuity by that name, except the eastern tier of toAvnships or Range lo. The survey commenced at the northeast corner of T. (>, R. 11. on the east line of the jiresent town of Sheridan, and has in its course to the Pennsylvania State line 122 angles— sufficiently crooked to satisfy the caprices of the most devoted disciple of Bacchus. Its termination at the Ime was a few rods west and north of the railroad station. The length of the road was thirty-three and one-eighth miles. It was the first road surveyed through or in the county, and is the first on record. The commissioners ordering the siu'vey, and laying the road, were Thomas McClin- tock of Canadaway, now Fredonia, and James Dunn the first settler of Portland. The third commissioner was Artluu' Bell, li\dng west of the Cross Roads now West- field, but did not take part in this enterprise, though it must be supposed he had an interest in it equal with the others. This road intersected the now east line of I'ortland on the northern portion of lot 4, T. 5, on lands of David P. Benjamin, and followed the general course of the road usually known as the "south road."' crossino- lots 4, 13, 19. 25. 3u, 33, 34, 38 and 41, to the THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 85 west line of tlie town Avhere the jn-esent ]\Iain or Erie road intersects the east line of the town of Westtield. ^lauj changes have been made and many of the "crooked places made sti-aight" since. It substantially followed the present road from the east line of tlie town to a point on the western portion of lot 19, T. 5, near the present residence of Richard Reynolds ; at one point however beai-mg a little to the soiith over land now owned by (^rrin Brainard, crossing the ravine in the reai- of his lionse by a log bridge the remains of which were to be seen a few years since. P'rom Mr. Reynolds' it passed to the north, nearly over the ground where the corn Imm of Charles Fay stands ; in front and near the stone house of Geo. Smith, intersecting the i)iesent road near Lincoln Fay's dwelling on lot 25, T. 5 ; bearing to the south of the present road at the angle south of the churches at Portland ('enter, and passing a few feet south of the house of John Dudley, on tlie "old Dunn farm" south i)art of lot ;50, T. 5, crossing the creek west of the house, fifty feet south of the present bridge. The remains of the old roadway are still to be seen at this point and on the bank on the east side of the creek. After rising the hill near the cemetery it passed to the north of the present road near the residence of Matthew Seeley, and through the grove west of the house of ]Mr. Seeley, and reaching a point near the forks of the roads nearly in fi'ont of the residence of J. 8. West, on the line between lots 33 and 34, it passed to the soutli on lot 33, in the rear of the dwellings of Henry S. ]\Iims(Ui and Jerome Burhans and crossing the i>resent road a few rods west of the residence of J. McFadden, cm the south-west corner of lot 34: ; thence bearing to the north of the present or old "'Erie Road, " across the south part of lots 38 and •41, until it reached a point in the present road near the parsonage of the West Bajitist church, passing over the ground upon which stands the schoolhouse in district 80 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF No. 3 aucl tliti ground where stands the church editicc on the south part of lot 4J, thence westerly along the line of the present road to the town Ime of Westfield, near the southwest corner of lot 41 and the southwest corner of T. 5, R. 13. 2. The '■'•JSrorth Road' — or road leadmg west from the town hne of Pomfi-et near Lemi Barber's, northeast coiner of lot 5, T. 5, through Brocton and Portland Center to the forks of the road near the brick church in West Portland on south part of lot 41, T. 5, was laid by the Judges of the county, Philo Orton, Matthew Prendergast and Wm. Alexander, Jiuie 29, 1815. The commissioners of Pomfret had laid a road from the forks of the road, half a mile east of the town line of Portland, near the northeast corner of lot 5 in Portland, but the commis- sioners of Portland refused to lay the i^ortion asked for in that town, and an appeal was had to the Judges who laid the road on the day above named. Mucli spirit was manifested by the few settlers along the line of the proposed road, with reference to the matter, and a spuit of rivalry sprang up between them and those living along the then main road or road surveyed by McMahan in 1805. Those living along that road proposed to make it the principal thoroughfare through the town, and those living along the line of the proj)osed road, or now north road, claimed that a large population of the settlers would be better accommodated by this route and that it was necessary for the development of the towai. ^Vmong those who manifested the greatest energy and sj^irit in the matter were Elijah Fay and Barzilla Barker. Tlie roa01JTL.\ND. 80 Ifi. Tlie road south from the former residence of Elisha Fay (stone liouse) to the foot of Chautaiiqiia hill lay across tlie swamp nearly in front of the residence of Mr. Fay to the Erie road, and thence south betweerf the houses of Harvey Hulburt anrtland was substantially the south road. or the one surveyed b^^ James McMahan in 1805. At this tiine. 1812. Richard Williams, afterward a citizen of the t(jwn of Portland, and who died here, was a siib-contractor in conveying the mail over this route. It was carried on horseback by his son Abner Williams, until late in the season of 1813. when he joined as a volunteer the crew of the Lawrence, one of the vessels of the fleet of C^ommodore Perry, on Lake Eiie, and was killed in the action of the lOth of September of that year. The service was afterward performed by a yoimger brother for the greater part of the time, Mrs. Williams some times making a trip as it seemed to be necessaiy. 96 JIISTOKIOAI, SKETCHES OF Mrs. Williams in many respects was a i-emarkable woman. Few women of the early settlers possessed a more robust and hardy constitution or so energetic and iinpelding a disposition. She was peculiarly fitted in all respects for the duties of a pioneer woman. On various occasions she performed, by her imyielding energy, what seemed almost impossibilities. On one occasion during an excessive snow storm when the male members of the family dared not venture tliemselves up(jn tlie road with the mail, Mrs. WilHams insisted that it must go through if she had to carry it herself: and to make lier threat good, liad her horse saddled, and taking the mail in a small bag tied to her saddle, actually made her way through the heavy fall of snow to Fredonia and Buffalo, and returned in good order. On another occasion she swam her horse aroimd a point of rocks in Lake Erie to reach her destination rather than turn back. Many other facts are mentioned of her, that show a hardihood and a determination of character possessed b}' few women even at that day. She was sister of Tliomas Morton. Esq., an early settler of Fredonia. [See Biog. Sketches. R Williams.] In 1814, Mr. Williams became a (contractor for carrymg the mails from Buffalo to Erie by way of Mayville, on horseback, once a week for $650 a year ; commencing January 1st, 1815, and continuing the service to January 1st, 1818. In 1816 a post route was established from Meadville, Pennsylvania, by way of Warren to Mayville. X. Y. The contractors were Brawley and Johnson. Their contract terminated November 1 st, 1 819. This was the first and only route established south of the ridge in Chautauqua coimty for several years. Soon after the establishment of this route it was extended to the cross roads, now Westfield. Dunkirk Posto(fice — was established as a pri^■ate office in February 1818. though not opened for several montlis. THE TOWN OF POIITLAND. M7 Klias Doty was the tirst postmaster and icceived the einohmients of the office for his services. Dunkirk was then hardly a point in the wihlerness. Tlie old Cliautauqua office, the first established, was near the old cross roads west of Westfield. Tlie old I*orta|(e road crossed the IJuffalo and Erie road at tliat place. fbnnini>- the cross roads. It was th(i intention of Mr. Mc^lahan to bnild np a villag'e at that point, which he wished to call Northumberland, aftei- the name of the county of his nativity in Pennsyh ania. It was h\ this old Poitage road that the vast quantities of salt were drawn iTi earlier «lays from Lake Erie at llarcehma to Cliautauqua I.ake. to be sent by boats to the Ohio Iviver. Some years after, a new route was surveyed on the east side of the creek through the present village of Westfield. crossing tlie ci'eek on a high log bridge very iiearh' where the road now jiasses ; ami from this the old cross roads gradually declined. The first cemetery for whites in the county was established a little north of this old center in 1802. The location is now known to hut few. In the coming years possibly the b(mes of these the first to pay the debt of nature in the wilds of Chautau<]ua. b}' some casual circumstance may become exhumed and become the stud}' of some savan in regard to the race to which their owners belonged. The postoffice here was kept in a small store near one of the corners. Eliphalet L. Tinker and Jona:han Cass were deputies under Mr. McMahan. 98 lllSTOillCAl. SKK'IVIIKS Ol' CHAPTER XVIIT. Westtiekl Postoffice — Portliud Poftoffice — Calviu Barues Postmaster — North Portland Postoffice aiid changes — Salem X Roads Postoffice aud chauges ju the village ol the "corners." — Name of Salem X Roads originated — Col. Nat. Bird as mail contractor aud stage proprietor — Route through Portland — First mail stage — Improvements in 1824-26 — Post coaches from Buffalo to Erie — Route through Portland — Withdrawal of coaches. West field Postoffice — was establisbod iii the })resent village of Westfield, June 15, 1818, superceding the okl Cha^itauqua office. Dr. Fenn Deming was the lirst post- master. Those following in order were Orris Nichols. Calvin Rumsey, Wm. Sexton, Orris Nichols again, Win. Sexton again, Rev. Hiram W. Beers, Dr. I>. M. Kenyon, David Mann, Byron Hall, Arc. Szc. Portland Postoffice — was established December 7th, 1814. (■alvin Barnes was the first postmaster occupying that 2)osition until September 2d, 1829 when the office was discontinued. The commission of ^Ir. Barnes is in the possession of the writer and is signed by Reuben J. Meigs, jim., '•Postmaster (reneral of tlie U. S. of America." and bears date December 13, 1814, registered by Samuel Iloit December 2!), 1814. This office was on the old Erie road, called by the settlers the Ellicott road, on the north part of lot 33, T. 5. The farm of Mr. Barnes is now owned in pai't by J. S. West Esq. wlio also occupies tlie liouse for some years occupied l)y ^Ir. Barnes. At the time of the establishment of this office Portland included all east of Chautaiupia creek to the Till': •i()\\'N OK I'oirri.AM). 99 Pomfret line on the east. Westlield office was in the town of Portland, but Portland office was the first established within the bounds of the present town of that name. This office was the only one between Westtield and Fredonia, or the Pomfret office as then called, and was a ])oint of considerable importance to the settlers. Mr. Barnes was an ardent and outspoken abolitionist, and of course never fully in harmony with the administration for the time being', but was never disturbed in tlie administration of the office during tlie fifteen years of its continuance. JVorth Portland Postoffiee — was established September 3d, 1828. Moses Sage was the first postmaster. It was kej)t in the tavern house of Mr. Sage east of Brocton on north part of lot 13. T. o, in the house now owned and occupied by J. X. Porter. ilr. Sage removed to Fredonia in 1830, but removed the office in the spring of that year to the tavern liouse of John R. Coney on the Coney farm west of Brocton. on north\\est part of lot 19, T. 5. and recommended Mr. Cone}- for postmaster, and that the name of the postoffice be changed fi'om Xortli Portland to Portland. .Air. Coney became post^ master and ke])t the office at his liouse until the si:>ring of 1835, when he removed it to a tavern house he had built at Portland Center; now owned and occupied by R. D. Fuller as a wine house. The name had been changed to Portland in accordance with the mshes of Mr Sage. ]\Ir. Coney held the office until 1849, when he sold his property to Curtis AVilbur. who was api^ointed postmaster. Those holding the office after Mr. Wilbur were, Philip Mericle, Amos Barton, Isaac Shaft uck. Thomas S. Uolpli. Dr. T. V. Wilson: and it was kept at the places of business of the various occupants. The builchng in which the office w-as kept has been twice biu'ned : once imder the administration of T. S. llolph. and once under that of the present occupant. Dr. T. C\ Wilson. 100 lllSTOinCAL SKETCHES OF Salem A" Roads Postoffice — was established Febniary 16th. 1835. At that time the territory where now stands the village of Broeton w:is little else than a swamp. The store building now occuj)ied by C O. Fiu'man on the southeast corner was then occuj)ied by B. F. Post as a store. Dr. Lagalls lived on the east side of south Div. St. : two small dwelhngs stood on the southwest corner noM' occuijied. by the hotel of T). Morey, one of them now occupied as a dwelling l)y Mrs. Louisa Bowdish on east Main St., and the other forming a part of the dwelling of L. W. Skinner, one-half mile east of Broeton ; a black- smith shop stood on the north side of Maiti St. west ot the corner ; the main ])-Avi of the house of C. S. Ogden on the northeast comer, occuijied its present j)osition; two small buildings graced the west side of North Div. St., and iive or six small building;-^ occupied positions on East Main St. and amongst them a log houso^ where now stands the house of the waiter ; and a frame house where uow stands tlie house of T. S. Moss. This house is now occupied b}^ M. P. Barber. It was built in 1817 by Solomon Coney. Elijah Fay lived a little west of the Corners, where the family still reside. For a description of the village of (^enterville see Biog. Sketches Xo. 179. There was little about the Corner h to invite settlers or make it a center of population, yet through the TUijdelding £'nergy and persevei'ance of those particularly interested it was soon made a j)oint of interest and the business center of the town. The Portland post office it was expected would be removed to the Center, and it seemed important that another should be established at the Corners. To inaugiu'ate the enter- prise a name for the village and postottice was necessary, and a meeting of the citizens was called at the shop of Mr. Landais Lathrop. a little south of the Corners. Some 8 or 10 were present. To settle the all important (piestion each one present wrote a favorite name on a ])iece THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. ID I of itJiper and c;ist it into :i luit, mticI a son of Mi\ Latbrop was directed to di"a\v a single slip. The name apj)eariiig was Salem, which for tlie reason that another oitice of that name existed in the state, was changed to Salem X Roads and adopted. This was in the fall of 1 834. The village and office retained that name until September 7. I85(, when at a meeting of citizens it was changed to Brocton. D. Howell was the first P. M. at Salem X Roads and the office was kept in the building now owned and occupied by C. S. Ogden on the northeast corner of Main and North Division streets. Those occupying the office thereaftei- were Samuel Hall, Wm. L. Clinton, Milton Clements, Wm. L. Minton agjun, Di\ A. Mclntyre, R. S. Morriscm. Stephen May, Edwin Elmore, Charles O. Funnan. Qo\. Nathaniel Bird, wIkj avIII be remembered by some of the older citizens of Portland, was a veteran mail conti'actor and the pioiu'cr stage proprietor of Chautauqua county. He emigrated to Westfiehl in 1 Si.") and settled on a farm one and onedialf miles east of that \illage (now owned by Thomas Prendergast). In 1820 he contracted with the P. O. Department to transport the mails from Buffalo to Eri(^ on horseback once a week, to connnence January 1. 1821. It will be remembered that in the contract with Richard Williams and others the route inciludtid the Mayville office, but in the contract with Mr. Bird that office was left out, nnich to the dissatisfaction of the people there, who at (jnce petitioned for a restoration. This seems t(^ have been proper, for more than half the mail matter was taken from the Itag at that offici. The reader must not suppose that the hoy used then was in hardl}- any sense like those used now in the mail service : it was a hand bag no larger than a small hand satc^hel. Aftfsr the route fi'om Meadville was e.vtended to Westlield Mayville \\^as agam dropped from thi' Buffalo & Erie roTite. The route throu<>-h Portland (continued to be the South 102 HISTOKICAI. SKETCHES OF road, or the one surveyed b_y Mr. McMalian. and tlie stopn were at tlie McKenzie ]>]a(*e, the postoifice and the Old Joy Tavern on the o-round where stands the house of Wni. AV. Pettit. Mr. Bhd originated the tirst mail stage Hne in tlie coiuity and transported the mail in a stage wagon, with one sjjan of horses, fi-om Buffalo to Erie, and carrying besides passengers, such things as were sent hy him from Buffalo. This was a great acconunodation to tlie iiublic, though at this day a trip to Buffalo in such a vehicle and over such roads would l)e considered anything but agreeable. The road was anytliing but good except in the winter when the ground M'as frozen, and the people along the route and esjoecially the inn lvee2:)ers donated largely by Avay of labor to improve it and aid the enterprise. Tlie writer has been informed that a large amount of labor was done in the town of Portland by the citizens from time to time, to facilitate the passage of the stage, in addition to their regular rates. The stage was an ordinary two horse wagon with can- vas covering and with seats on wooden springs. There were no bridges over Huftalo, CattaraiigiTs or Eighteen Mile Creeks. The road through Portland Avas comjiara- tively good ; that from CattaraugTis Ci'eek to Buffalo at times almost impassable. "No one unacquainted with these I'oads can api>reciate the difficulties of staging over them, especially in the spring and fall, or of the mud holes through which they had to pass. The only lireathing j^lace was while rising out of tme mud hole to plunge into another." The writer can rememl^er when passengers traveled much of the distance from Cattaraugus Creek to Buffalo on foot for the jiri-vilege of ha^dng a trunk carried. Any man with ordinary powers of loco- motion could pass over the road from Westfield to Buffalo more rajadly than the stage team in some seasons of the year. We refer to all this to show the difficulties of locomotion in those days, because Portland i rilK lOWN OK rOKTI.ANI). 103 was ill a maiinei- intevested. the route passing through the town; in fact Col. Biixl was himself a citizen of tlu- town of Portland. The "four mile woods" was the dread of all travelers, by stage or otherwise. Tliis Syrtis of the west the reader will find often referred to in the i)iog-. Sketches of the early settlei-s. It was in the height of its popularity at the commencement of 1823. At this date Col. Bird associated with him Mr. Marvin of Bufialo in the stage business, and they commenced transporting the mail twice a week fi'om Piuft'alo to Erie for a compensation of $750 per year; previously it had been but $550 a year. They were granted thiity eight hoius time between Butialo and Erie, ninety miles. The same year a better class of stages was put on the route between Erie and Cattaraugus Creek; but the old lum- bering covered wagon was used the 1)alanee of the way. Most men would have failed in tliis enterprise. The difficulties to be overcome and the smallness of the com- pensation would have driven them from the undertaking -. but Mr. Bird seems to have been bom to this destiny: at all events he seemed to have had a monomania for stagmg, and he followed his particular "bias " until age compelled liim to leave the active duties of life. Early in 18:^1 lie associated with him Ira E. Bird, his son, and two years later, in 1826, he associated with him T. G. Abell of Fredonia, B. 1>. Coe and others of Buffalo, and commenced running a daily line of stages over the route. This was an epoch in the lustory of staging in Chautauqua county, and an epoch -ftdth the inhabitants along the route. The first opposition line was put on the route this year, 1826, but after a few months it withdrew. Thomas Quigley of l*ortland was the first to drive a post coach through Salem X Roads and over the north road in Portland, in the fall of 1827. Post coaches were not run over the entire length of the route from [juffalo to l^^rie until 182!>. wlien Kufus S. 104 HI8TORU;Ar. SKK'nilKS (>1 Reed, Thomas G. Abell and Bela 1). Coe placed thera upon the route and I'un a daily line between these points and delivered daily mails. This year, at the age of 76 years, Col. Bird retired from business. He removed to Hamburg, Erie county this state, and died thei-e Januar}- 8th, 1847, aged 84. Previous to 1827 the route through Poi-tland was on the south road substantially as now located, leaving the north road half a mile east of the Pomfret town line on the farm of Edwin Hall, and reaching the .south road a few rods east of the towTi line on lot 62, T. 5, R. 12, on the farm of D. P. Benjamin; coaches stopping at the taverns liefore named, and the post-office of Calvin Barnes. In the fall of 1827 the route was changed in part, to the noi-th road, tln-ough Salem X Roads or the Corners as then called, to Portland center as afterwai'd located, then crossing to the south road. The next year, 1828, the north road became the permanent route fifom the east to the Center, and fi-om there to the south road imtil the discontinuance of the Portland office in Septembei- 1829, when it was divided according to the state of the roads. This line of stages was continued rmtil 1852 ; and for the most part of the time a single coach each way was sufficient to transport the traveling ]»ublic, about five thou- sand a year. What would staging do now towarrise. Too much praise cannot be awarded the citizens of the town along the principal thoroughfai-e east and Avest. f CHAPTEK XIX. Schools — The Pioneer Schools — Schoolhoiisus and tirst DistrictK. Scarcely had the first pioneer of the wilds of Portland, C-apt. James Dnnn, become fairly settled npon his purchase ere he began to cast about him for the means of" ediicating his children, lie liad left older and more fiivored regions for tliis home in the forest, where he had learned to prize the benefits of knowledge and the blessings that flow from its dissemination amongst tlie i:»eople, and although now shut out from iurmediate intercourse wdth these more favored localities, he did not propose to allow his oflspring to grow up in ignorance. They must be tauglit the rudiments of an education at least. In 1808 or '9 he had erected a small log buihling near his dwelling on lot 30, T. 5, very near tlie present dwelling of Mr. John Dudley, for what definite pui-pose is not now known; but in the spring of 1810 it Avas dedicated to the interest of science, a teacher hired and a school oj^ened consisting of some six or seven scholars, all th(! cliildi'en of the foundei-, proj^rietor and i'of a time the sole patron and sui)porter. Soon a few others wei"e allo\\'ed to send their cluldren by paymg a proi)orti()n of tlie teacher's wages. This school (rontinued for a teim of three ov four months and was tlie first taught witliin tlie limits of the town. Whether it was I'evived and (;oiitinued "huing the next summei- is not known to the widter, l>\it it is qtrite }irol)able that it was not. for a school- THE TOAVN OF PORTLAND. 107 house was built tlie same siimmei- ov fall — the first one built in town. This first schoolhouse was built by vol- untary eiFort on the pai-t of the settlers and stood opposite the site of the "old stone schoolhouse" in District No. 8, nearly in the I'oad now running south at that })omt. on lot 41. T. .5. It was quite a small, low, log building witli a small door in one end and a window of tour lights in the side. It had a dutch tireplace and a hole through the i-oof of shakes for the smoke. A tew years since some of the logs deeply imbedded in tlie soil yet remained. IVIiss Anna Eaton taught the first school in town, at Captain Diums ; and ^h: Augustine Klumph taught the first and only school in the new schoolliouse in tlie winter of 1810-11. The locatiim of this house did not prove convenient for the settlers and it was abandoned and one built in 1811. of logs of course, near a spring on land now occupied bj' the orchard of Cvdleu l)Urr, a little west of his dwelling on lot 34, T. 5, and in front of the residence of J. S. West. In this house a school was legulaily kept, le. a summer and a winter term, until the winter of 1817-18. During the summer of 1817 a fi-ame school- house was erecte, on the northeast coiner where tlie i-oad leads south fi'om the old P^rie roa!),Ol>0 a year. In order that any town in the state i-eceive a pi'oportion of s;iid sum. it was necessary 110 IMSTOiacAL SKKTCllES OF tliat a like sum or any sum equal and not more tlian t^^ice the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the town in like manner as other taxes were levied and collected; in Avluch case they were entitled to a sum from the public school fund i»roportioned to the number of inhabitants in said town, which was to be divided amongst the several districts according to the niunber of childien in each district from live to fifteen years of age, inclusive. Ilie inhabit- ants of each and every town proposing to comply with the provisions of the law, were to elect at their annual town meeting on the first 'Tuesday in April of each and every year, thi-ee School Commissioners ''to superintend and manage the concerns of the schools within said town, and to perform such service relative to schools as they shall be directed to perform.'" And to receive for their services "so much as the inhabitants shall direct." Their powers extended to the division of the town into districts and the alteration of the same, oi- the formation of new ones as the interests of the town seemed to demand ; and they were to api^ortion and distribute all school moneys of the town. The inhabitants were in like manner to choose three and not exceeding six persons, who with the school commis sioners were to be inspectors of schools of tlie town, which inspectors were to examine teachers, visit the schools quarterly or oftener as they should deem it necessary. Two or more were to form a quorum. No i^erson was to be allowed to teach a school in any district "without being in possession of a valid certificate of qualifications, and of good moral character." They were to examine schools with reference to the proficiency of the scholars, good order and the regularity of attendance : and ad\'ise with the trustees with reference to government Sec. Three trustees were to be chosen in each district, who were to select a teacher and manage the immediate concerns of the district ; make an annual report to the commis- THK I'OWX OF I'OETI.AM). Ill siouei's, who were to report to the county clerk, who in turn was to report to the state Superinteiuleut. The provisions of the law did. not extend to the city and coiuitj^ of New York until March l2th. 1813, when an act was ])assed bringing them also under the same regulations and directions with reference to the disbiu'sement of the school fund : the children however were tt) he numbered from four to fifteen years, instead of from live to fifteen as throughout the rest of the state. Such are the main features of the law of 1812. It has since been largely altered fi-om time to time as was thought to l)e for the interests of the cause of a general education of the masses: principally with reference to school officers, and making property the basis for a fund foi- the education of the people. The office of county Superintendent of Common Schools was created by act of May 2()th. 1841. and c(mtinired itntil the act of Nov. 13th 1847. 'vhen it was abolished. In 1843 the Board of Town School Insjiectors and School Commissioners was abolished and tlie office of Town Superintendent substituted, which in turn was abolished l)}^ act of the Le,'{islatiu"e dated April ]2th. 186(). Bv the same act tlie office of Commissioner of Common Schools was created: one to be elected for each assembly district and holding for three years. His dirties are nearly the samt^ as the 'i'oM'u Superintendent of Common Schools, with the exceptiim of the disbursement of the school funds, which is niade the duty of the Super ^'isor oi each town. "^Fliis was su1)stantially returning to a coiuity siTperintendency. The ancient town of Tortland. including the i)resent town, Westfield and IJipley. was erected l)y act of Legis latiu'e dated ^Vpril 9th, 1813, and the first to^ii meeting- was held at the house of Jonathan Cass in the now village of Westfield on the first Tuesday hi April 1S14. A jiortion of the record of that town meeting reads as follows: "'N^oted to comply ^vith tiie common school act. 112 mSTOKICAL SKKTCHKS OK :md ordered the Su})ervisor to cause tlie inhabitants oi the town to be assessed in that way wliich may raise double the sum for the support of common schools which the town may receive from the state." "Chose Jabez Ilul- burt, Robert Dickson and David Eaton, Commissioners (-)f Common Schools. Voted that Elijali Hayden, Amos Atwater and James l^arker be Insj^ectors of Common schools. ' Tlio sum authorized to be raised by the above A'ote was a little shoi't of thirty dollars, and of course the sum appropriated by the state could have been but about fit- teen dollars. A wnall begiuning (-onsiderina; the extent of the territory. On the 7th of May tollowmg, the school commissioners met at the house of Jonathan Cass and resolved that the town of Portland be divided into seven school districts. The first five of these were entirely Avithin the ])resent towns of Rij^ley and Westfield. except a small portion of No. 5 ; and the description so miintelligible to all Imt those whose memories run back to those early yeai's. that I pass them by without a notice and describe the last tu^o only. No. (i jjegan oiU3 fourth of a mile east of the town line road between Portland and Westfield. "passing easterly, ended at the east line of .lames Dunn's farm," ncnv the east line of John Dudley's tann, on lot 80, T. 5. No. 7 extended from the east line of No. 6 to the line of the town of PomtVet : thus dividing the town ft-om south to north into twc^ districts. Most of the settlers Avere then living along what are now termed the main roads east and west: but those living north and s, T. 5. In 18!5. May 27th, another district was fornied from the east part of NVestfield an of -the tu'st division. No. 4, beginning at the east line of No. o and extending to the P<^>mfret town line, inclutling all inhabitants south of a line draw] I from the dwelling of John R. Coney on the northwest part of lot 19, T. T), to Moses Sages house, north pai-t of lot 13, T. "). noAv owned and occupied by J. N. Porter. No. 5 included all inhabitants south of No. 2, including Jared Taylor on southwest ]>art of lot 63, T. 4. R. 14. ;, No. 6 included all inhabitants fi'om the line of Pomfi-et to J. R, Coney's west line, or line; between lots 19 and 2(5. T. 5. and all north of district No. 3 to the lake shore. The houses in districts No. 3 and 4 were the same as those occupied after the tirst division in 1814. Nothing detinite can 114 Illi?T<.)i;U;AL SKKTCIIES OF now be determined with reference to the place of holding schools in districts No. 5 and 6. On March 2."). 1817, a new district was fcn-med (No. 7) from all that i^art of district No. 3 north of James Dmms north line. The present school district No. 7 is a part of the distiict then formed. At the same date all territory south of lots 40, 48 and 55, T. 4, R. 14, was annexed to No. 5, as above defined. [See second division.] Nov. 19. 1817, No. 8 was fonned entirely witliin the town of Westfield. May 22, 1818, the entire toAvn was again districted by commissioners Parsons, "J^iylor and Jabez Hnlbnrt, adding two new districts: No. !> on the lake shore in Westtield and No. 1 including all the sonth part of No. 1 in Westfield to the town line south. This, however, Avas reannexed to No. 1 Nov. SO, 1818. The other changes were not so material that we will note them here. On May 21, 181!), the. town was again districted and llie bounds of each district made definite by town lines and lots, a rhing that had not ))efore been done. Twelve tlistricts were formed but as Ihey wer(3 some of them diAdded within a few months and the boundaries of others very materially changed if mil serve no good purpose to define them here. No. 13 was formed March 15, 1820, by a division of No. 1 in Westfield, nearest to Mayyille. No. 14 was formed May 10, 1820. fi-om territory' about Prospect station on the B. C. & P. R. R. and lots or parts of lots 55, 54,* G2 and 03. T. 4, R. 13. The school house stood about sixty rods east of the station on the north side of the road but was afterward moved to the south side. No. 15 was erected March 25, 1823. and was very nearly the same as the present No. 2. It included lots 24. 32 and 40 and that part of lots 23 and 31 in Pt)rtraTiurpose. though the i-ecords of the doings of the school officers are numerous and extensive enough to till a small volume. il<) H J. STOIUCAL SKETCHES OF (HAl'lKR XX. Si-boul Districts, coutiuiu-d. Changes havt' been contmiially taking plaet' horn the tirst division of tin- tt)wn into districts, but less fivqiiently since about 18:K). The numbers Avere\ also changed from time to time until about 1S88. since which time they have remained tlu- same with but slight alterations. No, 10 having been changed in 1843 from 18. its first number in 1S38. and No. 12 to that of No. 5 in l8Gi). When the major jjait of the districts as they now exist were numbered, or wlien tlie many clianges in boundaries tlun must have taken place between I8'ir) and 1838 were made, it is now impossible to detennine. as there does not exist a trace of th(.' records of the acts of s(;hool officers betAveen and including t\\v years named. Incidentally and from other lecofds a few facts haxf l)een gleaned and are made to suffice. Since January 1. 183(1. a book ot records has l)een kept separate from tlie other town records by the school officers, and full caiougli for practical jDUiposes. The present numl)er of school districts is eleven, as follows : No. 1 is substantially the N(j. 1 1 of the division made May 2, 1819, and the No. 1(5 of the division made May 17, 1823, with some changes on the west, and occupies the northeast corner of the town, it was organized May (!. 1880. and on May 13th Roe Goldsmith. Samuel Kvertlen and John Odell were chosen trustees. At this meetiui^- it was THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 1 1 7 " voted to build a school house, which was uccomplished thi' same j'ear at a cost of $12*>.")0. 'I'liis liousc stood on the northeast corner of the cross-roads iieai- tlie lesidence of Win. .Martin in that district, on tlie west |tart of lot 7, T. 5. It was used until 1.S52, when the present liouse was built which stands on the northwest part of lot 7. Xo. 2. This is the old Xo. 15 chanoed soniewliat in boundaries and occupies the side hill along the line between T's 4 and o. It was forme. 1 .March 2o. 1 S2.3. Tlie first house was a log- house built hi IS2o or "24 and stood on the northuest cornei- of lot 32, T. 4, ver^- nearly upon the site of the present one. In 1887 a Irauie house Ava.s built neai-ly cm the site ot the old (me at a cost of $181. including- the expense of the lot. The ju-esen^ house was built in 18(51 on tlie site of the old one at a cost of about $250. No. 8 is a joint district. \V(>stfield and Portland, occupying the west part of Portland and the east part of ^^'^estfield, mainly along the Main road, and is commonly known as the •• st(me school-lumse district." It Avas formed on -May 9, I81f>, though since it lias been lai'gely changeurposes until 18(59 when the present bnc^k house was V>uilt on a site purchased of II. A. iJlowers a few rods farther west, at a cost of s52.()()(). IJotii these houses were ci'ccted (m the s(mtheast(!rly ]iart of lot 41. T. 5. R. 18. Xo. 4. This district is the remains of Xo. 7 of tlie tirsi divisi(m in 1S14 and the Xo. \ of the di\ision of .May U. LSKL though like No. 8 it has suffered largely in regard to bomida. ries. Tlie tirst school Iiouse in this district was a small log- one built in 1S(|4 ;nid stood on ground lu-arly opposite the house of \\\i\. IJecker. south ])art of lot 1*.>. 'I\ 5. It was burned in two or three years, probably iu 181(;. and a sc1h)o1 11(S iiisTOi;i(Ai, sKi;i( ni;s or was kept for a lenu in the back room of a ta^•c'nl liouse vstanding wlicre the house of Win. W. ]*ettit now stands, on south part lot ID, T. 5. .\ \o. Another loLf house was at once bnilt iijion the same site, which was occupied until 1827. when the present one was erected. In 1850 it was remo\ed a little liirther south, enlarged and otherwise improved. It is still occupied. No. 5 was erected t)n April 17. 1823. and is a part of No. (^ of the diAdsion of INtay^T, 1814. and ihe northern part of No. 3 of the division of May 1>, 181 G. Its No. was 12 imtil 1860. when it was changed to No. 5. It occupies the northwest coiner of the town and along the lake road as far east as the east line of lands of John Springstead oi" a line a few rods west of tlu* line between lots 32 and 3G. The first school house built in this district was upon lands of Hollis Fay in 1827 and stood upon tlie north side of the road at the south edge of a grove of young trees east of the house so long occupied by Mr. Fay on lot 42, T. 5. The next house Avas built in 1 833 : was a frame, planked and shingled on the sides as well as on the ■•oof, and stood a few rods east of the present residence of Samuel Caldwell on north pait lot 40. T. .'). The present house was built in 1855 on a site one-eighth of a mile east of the site of the house of 1833. No. G was erected substantially with its present boundaries May 21, 1810. But slight alterations have been made. It is the Brocton district and occupies territory immediately around that village, including Brocton station and all Ij'ing south of the main track of the Lake Shore R. E. as far east as the west line of Jolm Flanders' land : east on the Main roai roirn^AXi). Hi) rough boards with a board chimney, standing on the east side of the Slippery Rock creok, ou the north side of the Main road and on a knoll l)ut a hundi'ed feet east of tlie bridge. It was bnilt foi' a d\\elling- but hired for a school for the sunimer of 181!). On the first day of school it took tire and l>unied down. A log house was at once put up by the district on the same sjiot, the school continued and a school taught in it dining the winter of 1819-20 by Jewett Prime. Miss Mary Ann Drake, now Mrs. Edmiuid Day, of the town of Dunkirk, taught school in this house in the summer of 1 823. It was used luitil the tall of 1823 when a frame house was built a few rods further east on the corner of a lot immediately m fi-ont of the present residence of Mrs. Caroline Hall, north part lot 13, T. 5, and used in winter of 1823-4. It was burned in 1824 and on December 4th following the district resolved to rebuild the house but on a new site, one now occupied as a yard immediately east of the present dwelling of James li. Haight in Brocton. It was completed the first of Decembei' the next year but was used for a school during the summer of' 1825. This house is still standing and is the back part of the store of R. A. Hall, hardware merchant in Brocton. The present house was built nearly op[iosite the old (me in 1844 by Josiali Hall at a cost of $349 ; $7.5 Avere raised to pay for the site. An addition was built in 18-55 at a cost of $400. No. 7 was erected May 21, 1819. It was first erected in 1 817. It suffered largely at the hands of the school officers of the tovni but it maintained its identity and number through the whole. It lies immediately north of Portland Center and is commonly called tlu; •' Harris District." The first school house was built in l81i) or "20 and stood about ten to twenty rods north of the present residence of J. E. Harris on the northern ])art of lot 32, T. ."). It was used but a short time. It was of coiu'se built of logs. A frame house was built by voluntar}^ laboi- on the same site but was never finished. It was used 120 HlbTOinCAT. SKJETCHES OF until 1838 wlien another frame was biiilt on a site adjoining the site of the present house on the nortli, which was used' until 1855 \\-hen the i^resent one was built on a site adjoining on the south, on the easterly part of lot 32, T. 5. Tlie site was pm-chased of B. F. Pecor for $50. No. 8 was elected Apiil 28, 1827, and is usually known ;is the •' old biick school hoiise district," and occupies territory south and west of No. 10, north of No. 2, east of No. •"! and soutli (^f No. 5. It includes territory tirst settled in town and the second school house built in town (in 1811) was in this district. Like the rest its proportions have been largely changed. The first school house built in No. 8 proper was a brick one in 1827. Cephas Bi-ainard. Klisha Fay and Wm. Dnnn were the first trustees. It was situated on the western part of lot 80, T. 5. The present house was built in 1 853 : $50 wMs raised to enlarge the site. In 1832 a district was ibnned from a part of No. 8 and tcn-ritory along the Main I'oad and the west portion of Centtaville and extending north ( tlie district. Immediatelv after the formation of THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 121 the district a house was built on land of Willard Burton, now- owned by T. L. HaiTis, the central portion of lot 22, T. 5, which was occupied until the present one was buih on thf northeast corner of lot 21, T. 5, in 1853. No. 10. This district was formed in 1838 and was then called No. 13, bnt was changed in 1848 to No. 10. It is the Oenterville district and has No. 7 on the north, No. (5 on the east and No. 8 on the south and west. The first school house erected in this district was in 1838 at a cost of $225 including site. It stood on the site of the house of G. W. Mimger on the northwest part of lot 25, T. 5. It was removed to the site of the present house in 1 843, and is still standing near the I'oad on the farm of Mrs. Mericle south of Centerville. The present one was built in 1854 upon the site of the old one. No. 11, commonly called the ''Howe district," was fonned on the 21st of February, 1 832, and was piincipally taken from the No. 4 of May 9, 181(>. It occupied territory un the south- easterly section of the towTi east of No. 2 and south of No. 4 The first hoiise was built in 1832 at a cost of $125, and occupied a site a few rods west of "Howes corner" on the north side of the road uvav the center of the faim then owned by Loren Shattuck but now by H. Parmetei'. It was removed to its present site on the "corner" near the residence of Isaac Howe a little south of the center of lot 10. T. 5, and re])aired, in 1 800. Joi7it School Districts. — No. 3, a joint district with West field, has been described as district 3. No. 5, joint with Westfield, occupies territory south of No. 3. The house stands in Westfield on northeast corner of lot 31. T. 4, R. 14, No. 8, joint with Chautauqua, occupies territory on the •'Chautauqua hill," the house standing in Chautauqua near the "church on the hill," on the northeasterly part of lot ^-O. T. 4, R. 13. No. 20. j(,)int with Chautauqua, commonly called the "Elm 122 IiryTORTCAL SKKTCIIi:^ OF Flats district. The house stands in Chautaiiqita near the church of the ''United Brethren," a little west of the center of lot 45. T. 4. K. 13. No. 19, joint with Pomfret and usually known as ''Harmon Hill district." The house stands in Pomfret on the south line .»f lot 61, T. 5. R. 12. Salem Academy. — In 1832 Jacolj Whitman purchased of Closes Joy the farm now occupied by J. L. Hatch and II. A. S . Thompson, north pari of lot ID, T. 5. Having a son at college at Clmton, N. Y., whom he wished to establish as a teacher, he eoncieved the idea oi the establislnnent of a liigh school to be located u])(ni his own ))remises and placed under the care of his son when he should return home.- This plan was successfully cariiod out and in 1884 a building was erected and completed at his o^\^l expense upon a site a few rods west of the wine house of Ryckman, Day ct Co.. where for some years stood the residence of ^SEilton Clements, noAv i-emoved and owned hy iVIi's. I). A. Baker. The Vmilding was occupied the following winter by Mr. Whitman and afterward by Charles H. Lallatt. son ot Rev. Chajles Lallatt, pastor of the Uaptist church at Salem X Ivcnids. now Brocton, anortion of the same t'avin, and is now the main portion of the dwelling of" Jose] ill L. Hatch. This mnch for school districts and school houses. The system of education by means of common schools has been ap})reciated by the peojDle of the town fi-om the first introduc- tion in 1814, and a good degree of pride and good judgment manifested in the erection of suitable houses for the use of the districts. This was as manifest in the earlier days of the settlements before the introduction of the school system as at the present; considering the few facilities then at command schools have been maintained with great promptness and I'egularity and a standard of education attained second to no town m the county away from the larger educational institutions, and the town may well congratulate itself upon the position it (occupies in this respect. In proportion to the population and the facilities for education no town in the county has iiiniislied a larger number of first-class school teachers or those tliat have obtained a better reputatit)n in their calling. In searching the records of the various school districts in town, a large amoimt of shi'ewdness is seen to have existed and shai-p practice resorted to in detei'mining the site for their houses, that might have been no discredit, as far as ability was concerned, to the titled representatives of the same rural constituency. 15ut it is agreeable to know that the right and the liest interests of the on the taxable property of towns. It will be at least interesting to note some of the earliei' appropriations by the State for the formation and increase of the School Fund : In 17!M). seven-eighths, of foiu- lotteries of $100,00 $87,o00.00 1801, one-half of lotteries of $100,000. aggregate 50.000.(»<) 1805, Proceeds of land sold, 5o0,000 acres. 1805, Stock in Bank, and increased in 1 807 an05,041.3:-? 7 i)er cent, issued in pursuance of chapter 325 laws of 1805, and chapter 20i) laws of 18(56 redeemable Apr. 7, 1877, 80,000.00 ( dmptroller Bonds. 6 per cent. I'edeemable at pleasure, 36,000.00 Uank Stock. lOOO shares in Manhattan Ccmipany, 5().000.0{t 7 per sent. Oswego city bonds, issued in piu'suance of chapter 500 laws of 1867. and chapter 21 laws of 1 868, redeemable from Jan. 1, 1871. to Jan. 1, 1870, 51,4:00.0(( Bonds for laud. 2 14,820. IK Bonds for Loaus, 2 1 5.43 1 .69 ^lortgages for loans luider the act of 1840, in cliarge of the connnissioners of the V. S. deposit fund 49,326.00 Money in the Treasury. 1,277,547.36 Total, $8,004,513.55 The revenue arising from this fiimU together with nearly two aneing of minor consideration, as the onlv mten ion is to give a general view of the maimer Jf distribution. In the school law of 18U the s^-stem adopted for the raisin.- of any deficiency for teachers' wages was bv Jiate Bill which system was continued m.der every change of the code for 5S years. It was the occasion of more disputes and bickerin..-s in comiection with the affairs of schools, than all other thino. combined. By the 2(;th section of chapter 40(1, laws of 186^7 his feature was abolished, and all defic-iences ordered collected by tax upon the taxable property within the district This was an important change and one that ought to have 'been Tin: TOWN OF poKri.ANo. 127 Ijrouglit about inanj^ yeiirs earlier. Tiiiis the principle.' was faiily acknowledged that as the education of the gi'eat body of the people by means of common schcwls is the only security of oui" free institutions and the rights to property, that the property should be made to pay the expenses of its own security and enjoyment. Union Schools were allowed to be established under certain conditions, hy act of April 13th, 1853. N'ormal and Tralnirty Schools, have been establislied at vaiToiis points in the State for the education of teachei's ; the first at the city of Albany, May 7th, 1844, and the first session was opened December 1 8th. of that year. The others are situated at ( )swego, Pt^tsdam. Brockport, Geiieseo. Fredoiiia. Cortland and lUiftalo. TeavJiers Institutes were legally established in 1847, although held as voluntary associations for some years previous, "^riie first was held at Tthaca, Toui])kins county. April 4, 1843, and lii other counties soon after. They were not recognized liy the State until they had become a fixed fact." The town of Portland accepted the provisions of the school law in April 1814, and claimed a portion of the public IHuid. and or is not stated, but for 181G and 1817 i: Avas thii-ty dollars each year, and in I8P> sixt}' dollars. The tax upon tiie town for school purposes in 1829, the year the to\\ai assumed its present proportions, was $84.76, and in 18G7 it was $448.21. The amoruits raised each year by tax will be found in tiie table of taxes, under the head of "Schools." For the past thirty-eight j'^eai'S the town has liail a small but permanent school fund, in addition to the above, tlie interest of which is yearly drawn and applied as other funds are applied. This fund was created in 18:^3 from the poor fluids in the hands of the overseers of the poor in town, by a vote at 128 HlSn/KK Al, SKKTr'HKS OF a special town tiieetiiig- lielil at the house of llobeit K. liavnes. inn-keeper, iioav owned and occui>ied !>> ( ) Jennev Greene, on January 29. 1H83. The meetino- had heeii called for the express ]Hirpose. The act of the Legislature} of April 21), l'^29. din^ctiiig that every to\«i abolishing the distinction between town and county poor, should by vote designate how and for what purposes they would apply the poor funds of the town if any in the hands of the overseers. At this meeting it \va^ deter- mined by a large majority to apply it for the support of eonnnon schools, and at the annua! town meeting following, it was resolved that the --poor fmid. amounting to $-460.54 be a ptMinanent fund, the inttn'est only applicable for the support of schools." The amount w;i.s immediately loaned by the commissioners of schools and the payment secured by mort- gage upon real estate. The interest is apportioned as oth(^r funds are apportioned for the districts of the town, yet separately. The amount of pn1)lic funds apportioned to the tc^wn from all sources for school purposes in 1871 was $1,886.13. Edvli/ School, Ti'iii'lu-rn. The first school taught in t()\Mi was by Miss Anna l'>atneida county, tliis State, and died therein December. l.S;U. AiKU'sriM: Ki.rvrpii : Mr. K. tnught the tii'st and only school in the small log s("hool-hons'^ built in 1810. th(> Hrst built in the town, ariil i-efcrjcd to as stauthng nearly o])posite the ••old Tim TOWN OF POUTLAND. 12'.> stone school -house" ill tiic winter of 1 SI 0-11. (See bioyraph- ical sketches). Poi.r.v Price : Tanijfht oiu- termina small log lmildin<;, stand- ing- in the field nearly in front of the residence of the late David Eaton, in the suniniei- of 1811. She also taught in Salem X Koads, (Brocton) one term and in District No. 4 one t(?rm. She Avas the daughter of John Price, the first settler of the farm now owned and occupied by Edward McGaiTall. She is supposed to he. still livdng in Iowa. D.vvii) Eaton: Taught in the log school house referred to as standing in the orchard o1" Cullen Uurr. on lot 34, 'V. 5 in part o1 the house of J. S. We.-;t. in the ^raiter of 1813-14. He (Himmenced his school in Dcccjmber, tanglit one month, then volunteered for a campaign on the (Janatlian frontier iii the war of 1S12: w^as absent two uionths, retui-niiig in March, when he resumed his place in the school and kept through the term. He kept a second term in this house. He was a successful teacher. Eru A\ A. Fav: Came from White Hall. N'ermont, in 181 I. and taught school in the log house on the Cullen J>uiT farm, in the winter of 1814-1.^. He returned to Verjuont in 1817 oi- '18. Sn.As DiNSMoin;: Taught schoool in the log house that b^aton taught in. in the winter of 18li)-'l(i. He was nineteen \ears of age, a \v(^ll educated, shrewd and more than commonly intelligt'iil young man. and a litth; eccentric withal. The next wintei- he taught in Cauadaway, now Fredonia ; and was afterward emploj^ed by the United States (xovernment as a surveyor of public lands in Alabama and sent to that state with a l>arty equipped lor the work to be accomplished, and for a long sojourn in those inhos pitable wilds. He was a young man miyieldingly strict with reference to his language, both in sp(;aking and Avriling. ami indisposed to tolerate in any one no mattei- what 130 HisToracAL sketches of his position, the least departure from the rules of syn- tax, oi- a strict construction of iiwt. While enga^-ed in the discharge of his duties, he received a letter from the head of one of the departments at Washington, under whose direction the survey was l:)eing conducted, asking for information with reference to th.e progress of his work, and some facts with reference to the country, its soil, surface, streams etc, and amongst other things the secre- tary saiil: •■In yoiir reply to this please be kind enough to inft)rm me with reference to some of the larger streams of that portion of the comitry, and in particular how far the ''r<)mbigl)tH' runs u}t into the state.' In the reply of jVIi-. Dinsmore he said : "I have the honor to acknowledge the receijit of j'ouis of the — iilt, and to inform you thjit the Tombigbee does not )'t(n up at all."' For this considered to be tlisrespectfril reply, though dictated with no such si)irit. he lost his place as surveyor for the government. The secretary wrote him by return mail as follows : "I have the honoi' to infonn you that the L'^nited States Government has no further need of yoiu' services." The above incinrton ami Oliver Spattbrd in the years IS 17-' IS and "i!>. Miss Ktmi'.ai.i. : Taught the first school at Salem X Roads, no\v Brocton in the summiT of IS 19. [See Description of .School Districts. No. (>.] She was the daughter (»f Jviinball. a slioemaker. living in u small house not fai' from the ])resent house on the "Coney Fai-m." on northwest part of lot 1!>. T. 5. The family movetl west soon after. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 131 LrivK DiiiR'^' : (./lime from Eastern New York, taught school ill the frame school house, the first built in towi^ oil the "Ijowdish P'arui," iu the winter of 1817-'IH. [See l>iog. Sketclies, P. Kane.] lie was the first teacher oecu])ying that house. GiLi.KTi' Uacon : [See Biog. Sketches.] Mr. Jiacon taught school in the frame house on the "Bowdish Farm" in the winter of 1818-'19: the third teacher occupying the house. Jkwhtt I'liniE: Taught school in tlie log school house on the east side of the creek at Brocton in the winter of 1810 "20. [See i)escrii)tion of District No. fi, also Biog. Sketches.] John Nevins : Taught school in the frame house on tlie "Bowdish Farm" on lot 3o, T. o, in the winter of ISlO'.iO. He came from Forestville in this county. Hrciii Low If v: Taught in the schoolhouse near E. Saunders' house standing on the northwest part of lot 55, T. 4, nearly in front of the hoiise of Mr. Saunders, in the winter of 1 822-'2:i. Mm'h.da Ilii.iiiKr: Taught in the log schoolhouse on lot 55. T. 4. (See No. 13) in the summer of 1822. ]Mai;v Ann Dkaki. : Tauglit in the log liouse on the east side of the creek at Brocton in the summer of 182o Slie was the daughter lt)f Eli Drake, w4io lived in one of the very few log houses between Fredonia and Dunkii-k on Central Avenue, on the east side and nearly in fi-ont of tlie hotel of A. M. Hunt. She is now tlie wife of Kdimmd Day, of the town of Dunkirk. John Bk i:: Taught in the log house (m lot 55. T. 5, (See No. 13) also in District No. 4, in Judsoii District. The date is not remembered. He came from WestHeld. where his father lived. 132 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF Nathanikl Lowrv : Taught iii District No. 4, "Judsous," but the year is not remembered. He was the son of Wm. Lowry; came from Peinisylvania and lived in Westiield. Betsey Thayi:k : Tauglit for a term in town quite early, but the date and the district are not remembered. She was a sister of Mrs. Reuben B. Patcli. Austin Stone : Taught in the " old frame house " on the "Bowdish farm,"' but the date has passed fi'om memory. He was a son of Deacon Stone and a brother of Lester Stone of Westiield. Julia Ann Towek : Daughter of John Towei'. taught in the •'old frame house"' on the "Bowdish farm" in the summer of 1 824 or 1 825. Watekm.^n Dalee : Son of .1 . AV. Dalee. taught m No. 4. Judson's district, })rol)ably in 1820 or "27. or both. He was a brother of INIrs. T. Judson. Alexandek Montgomery : Timght half of a temi m the log- house on lot 55, T. 4, [see No. 13] and half a term in the "old frame house"' on the Bowdish farm, the last school tauglit in that house, in the winter of 1827-28. He was a sou of Deacon James Montgomery of AVestlield. H<' became a clergyman and died some years later. l^ELEG Whittekidge : Tauglit in district No. 4 in tlie wintei of 1820-21. Most of the teachers above noted did not belong to tlie town of Portland, but came liere for the piupose of teaching and when relieved left town. There were several others who taught within the time included in the above but very little is remembered of them. The late Dr. S{[uire \\ lute ol" Predonia. is said )iy hi.s biograjihei' to havi- taught the tirsl school in the comity of Chautauqua in the Aviuter of 1808-9. Tliis is i undoubtedly a mistake. A school was taught tor two or three months at the micieiit crossroads in the summer oi" 1800 by a young lady whose name it is to be regretted cannot now be called to THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 138 mind, and one also in tlie summer of 1807 at the same place l)y Anna Eaton, a sister of the late David Haton, Esq.. of Portland. Eiirli/ Library Assocudfon. — After due notice a meeting of the inhabitants of the to\vn of Portland was held at the school house in south district No. 3, standing on lands now owned by Daniel Uritcher, Nov. 1), 1824, to consider the propriety of forming a Libraiy Association. Da\ad Eaton was called to the chair, when the following resolutions were presented, dulj- (hscussereaclung at the cross roads, preached once in three or foiu' weeks. Rev. iVIr. Oaks some years later preached at Westfield and divided his time witli the Poi-tland church as Mr. Camp had done. There were several additions to the church during the first }'ears of its existence, the number being thirty-eight in 1823, and fifty-two at a later period; but from causes not easy to define or express, it was not a prosperous church, but after eight or ten }'ears and after experi- encing many trials and passing through troubles of 136 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OT various chai-actei', to all intents and jtuiposes as a chiircli it ceased to exist; some of the iiiembers uniting Avith the Westlield eliurch. and otiiers losing tlieir standing entirely as membei's of any clnncli. A society was formed in connection with tliis church at the house of Jolm Churchill, and tlie act of incoipo- ration bears date June 211h. 1S22, and is ivcorded in the county clerk's office aiul attested by John Dexter, clerk, two days after its exetnition. The act is signed and sealefl by \N'm. Couch and Wm. A. Stetson, :ind witnessed l)y David Kalon and Krastus I'rice. Tlu! iicknowledgment was taken by Hon. Jolm C^riuu! of l<'i-edonia. The society was known as "The first Ccmgregatifnial society of the town of Portland." The first trustees "vere Frederick Couch. Wilson ^Indrews any liuttalo I'leshytery. for the purp(»se of such oiganizati(Ui. whicli was to be (tlecteil u])()n t]u- ••accomuiod.ifiou plan — a (Jongregatiomd <-iiurch under rare of P|■esb^ tery- liev. '1'. Stilhnan was appptnuted modei-ator and Clark (touUI (derk of the present meeting. After a sermon l)y the niodei-ator trom Philemon, first clause of the tweidietli \erse. the following persons presented themseh es t'oi' mem- bei'ship and were duly organized into a churcdi by the usual ceremonies, under the name of --The tii'st Congre i:-ati(mal chui'cli of I'orthuiii. Tiuiotliv Judsou. Samue i THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 137 Hall, Abigail Thompson and Pliebe Mathewson with letters from the Presbyterian cliuivh at Fredonia ; (^lark (ionld, Klisha Cook, C'larinda ('ook, Alvin Cook, Catharine Cook, Kliza Cook and Aiisoii Driygs witli letters from the Pres- byterian church at Westtield: Nathan G. Jones and Mary Eaton, members of the church tbrmed by Mr. Spencer in 1818; and Samuel Walker, Dana Chiirchill and Minerva Churcliill. formerly members of clnux-hes at a distance, who imited on jjrofession. Dana Cluirchill and Alvin C'ook were chosen deacons and ^vere set apart to that otHce. Clark Gould w IS cliosen clerk. Maria Chiuchill was received on profession, and was the first accession. A resolution was then jjassed placing the church under the care of the Buffalo Presbytery. Of the sixteen original members but two remain : 'Mrs. Eliza Cook of Girard, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. ^linerva Churchill, still living in Portland. Some have emigrated, but most liave gone to Iheir I'est. It would be interesting to trace the membershii^ from the organization to the jsresent. but such a research would rfnjuire more time than we have at command. The whole membership the iirst of" November 1869, was eighty — 'uales twenty eight, females fifty-two. The greatest mem- iiership at any one time was eighty-eight. For some years after its organization the church was feeble and the members few. Meetings were held with occasional j)reaching in tlie brick schoolhouse, some years since removed, in school district Xo. 8, sometimes in the schdolhouse standing on the coiner of John Fleming's bind on lot 30. opposite the present resilience of Thomas (Viiigley. now removed and occupied by Mrs. Delia (rator as a dwelling ; and for S(tme time in a store building on the southeast corner at tlie Center, opposite the tavern building of E. D. Fuller, and nov\' occui^ied by the family of Mr. Asahel Peck as a dwelling : and for a time in the M. E. Church by permission. The following clergy men labored with the church for the terms s[)ecitied: Rev. 138 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF A. W. Gray half the time for one year, from October 1833 to October 1834 ; Calvin Gray from February to June 1838; W. J. Wilcox from June 1838 to February 1839; A. W. Gray from spring of 1841 to July 1, 1845; X. H. Barnes one year, or to July 1 84G ; L. F. Laiue from July 5th, 1846. to June 1800; I. I. St. John for three years, or to spring of 1864; Courtney Smith fi-om May 1st, 1865, to May 1st, 1869. The labors of these pastors were in the main acceptable. The society formed in connection with the churcli \vas reorganized on the 30th day of April 1833, about six weeks after the organization of the churcli, under the name of "The fii-st Congregational society in the town of Port land," agreeably to the act for the incorporation of religiou>< societies, passed .Vpril 5th, 1813. The act of incorpora- tion bears date as above, and was recorded in tlie county clerk's office on the 31st of December following, in Liber 2 of Miscellaneous Records, at page 259. It was organized at the schoolliouse in distiict No. — in the west ])''>rtion of Centerville, the deacons of the church, .\lvin Cook and Dana Churchill, presiding. The first trustees were Samuel Hall, Asa Andrews, Timothy Judson, Wm. Curtis, Clark Gould and Anson Driggs. The act was witnessed by David Eaton, and the a<;knowledgment taken by Hon. Thomas B. Campbell. Up to 1840 the churcli and society had held meetings at various places as before stated, and mnch to their dis- advantage. During that year the pi'oject of the erection of a house of worslii}) was agitated and a subscription was circulate SKETCHES OF infirmities of age overtook him at last, and he was forced to resign. He settled for a time over a church in the present town of l^iisti, where he died, Aiigiist 24th, 1826. His remains were brought to Sheridan for burial, and the tombstone mai-king the spot stands near the road in a • •emetery two miles west of the 'Center.' "Many are the anecdotes which are told of him in his missionary days, but reference will be made to but lew. He was not only a good horseman, but an excellent judge of horses. Except his first engagement in this comity, which he 2)erformed on foot, he always traveled on horseback. His daughter Lydia, his (jnly sui-viving chihh thus writes respecting his labors: 'His only, or liis chief chance for study was wlien he was riding along in the woods. That he used his Bible and hymn l)ook much in all weathers, their soiled appearance will, attest. He always earned them in his coat pocket, and they are badly stained tlu'ough more than half the depth of their leaves. I have heard him say that beside all his other reading, he had read the Hible through by course eight times, while riding alone.' "For uiany years he rode a very large, poweifiil liorse which he obtained fi-om Mr. Goorominent and inHuential citizens of town. The number ot: members now in the original ehm-ch at Portland Center is males. 28 : females. 41 : total. 69. In 1853 a portion of this chru'ch imiting vrith a class ot: '•Hannon Hill" foimed a chtirch at Salem X Eoads now Brocton. Eev. T. D. Blinn being then in charge, which at tliis date. April. 1873. nimibers males. 25: females. 50; total. 7." The fii"st society/ foimed in connection ^vith this chiu'ch wa- in 1822 at the house of James Bennett, on the farm now owned by J. 8. "Weld, on lot 31. T. 5. under the direction of Eev. Nathaniel Header, a local preacher. li\'ing on part of lot 83. T. 5. land now owned by INIrs. Bush. This society was foimed for the pmi^ose of seeming and holding real estate gi-anted by the Holland Company to religions associations in 1820. The act of incorporation was probably recorded bnt the ■niiter has not been able to find it. It seems to have had an existence at least as late as 1828. as the deed of the land spoken of was dated December 12. that year, and given to James Bemiett and others, tiiistees. This society, however, was reorganized Febmaiy 3. 1834. imder the name of the "Fust M. E. Society in Portland." the former having lost its identity and its acts become illegal fi-om some infoimality in the choice of officers. The meeting for such reorganization was held at the schoolhouse in district Xo. 10. Darius "Williams and Asahel Peck presiding and Josepli Morley being clerk. The fii'st trustees were John A. Showeiman. Hiram Banett and Nicholas Lake. The act was acknowledged before Hon. T. B. Camj^bell on the 17th of the same month and recorded the 21st. The fiist church edifice was built at Portland Center in 1835. The lot was pmx-hased of A. B. Bebee by David Showennau ajid Joseph Lockwood and donated to the society. The house is still standing and is the dwelling of William Clark, which with the lot was sold to ' THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 151 him in 1 868 for ^600. It was used as a place of worship rnitil the present house was dedieated. wliich was built in 18G8 at a cost of s"-' >'*•>• The lot upon which it stands was jjiu-chased of Ledyaid Douglass for 8300. the deed bearing date May 12. 18(58. The parsonage at Poiiland Center was built by subscription in 1^4:3. The chiuch at J5rocton. a i>art of the original cluux-h. was organized in 1853. Theii- house of worship, standing in the eastern poilion of the village, was built in 1 853 by ^Ir. Samuel Crandall at a cost to the society of S2,5()0. The lot was pru'chased of OKver B. Elmore, the deed beaiing date May 18. 1854. The sheds in the re:u- of the house were built ia 1871 at i^rivate expense. The chiuch and society have been hu-gely prospered and have enjoyed the labors of a class of preachers that would do no discredit to any section. Their names are given here very nearly in the order in which they came to the circuit, though possibly not strictly so. One or two names also may be omitted, but the hst is sufficiently accurate for the purpose intended. — Godard. 1817-18 : J. Siunmeiwille. 1818-1!>: E Ilatton, 1819; J. Hill, 1820: — Bronson. 182u : Xath. Keeder. 1821: R. Hattou, 1821: — Keyes. 1822: — Kent, 1825: — Knapp. 1826; — Wright. 1827: A. Plimpton. 1828 : J. Filmore. l82i> : W. B. Mack. 1829 ; J. iJanis. 1830 : —Preston. 1830: — Babcock, 1831: — HaUeck. 1S32 : — St owe. 1833: D. Williams, 1834: —Luce. 1835: — Kinney. 1836: L. Eogers. 1837: J. Flowers, 1838-30: I. II. Tackett. 1838-31): — Himter, 1841; J. E. Chapin, 1843-44-: J. S. Baker, 1845-46: — Browning. 1847 : J. Uncles, 1848: J. O. Kick 18-49: T. D. Bhnn, 1850-51; J. Peet. 1852-53: — Burgess. 1854-55: — Wrigglesworth. 1856-57 ; P. Burroxighs. 1858; T. D. Blinn, 1859-60: A. Tibbitts, 1861-62: J. LesHe, 1863-64; G. \V. Gray. 1865-66-67 ; E. B. Ciunmings, 1868-6!i : J. Hill. 1870: J. C. SulHvan. 1871-72. The preachers usually came on to the gTOund in July of the years named. Probaby no other order in tovvn has a more efficient system, or one 20 152 HISTORICAL SKETCHKS (iF better adapted tn the work it has in hand, ov for reaching the great mass of the people. The lionor of having first pubhcly introduced Methodism to Chatxtaiiqua coimtj^ was without doubt due to Dr. Lawtoii Richmond, for some yeaxs a practicing physician at the (Jross Hoods, he having preached the first sermon of any clergy man of tliat oi'der as early as 1809 or If). Where this sermon was preached the writer is not able to say. but Dr. Rich- mond was living at the time near the head of Chautauqua Lake, having settled there in the summer of the former year. 1809. rnK TOWN (»!' i'oki'i.anh. 15o CHAPTEK XXV. fJhurcUeii Coutinued — First Baptist Church — Its t'orinatiou — First members — The Council — Articles of Faith — Deacons — Members — Places of worship — Westiield members withdraw — Colony of 1842 — Settlement of Eld. LaHatt &c.— His Sermon — The Parsonage &c. The fii'st Baptist cliurcli in Portland was organized un September •20th, 1819, and was composed of eleven members, as follows : Wm. Harris, John Light, Sylvestei' Andi-ews. Krastiis i^ndrews, Charles Morse, Rachel Ilanis, Deborah Light. Anna Taylor. Phebe Fay, Sally Sage and Sarah Mixm- ford. The meeting was held at the school house standing on the southwest corner of the Cross Roads in school dist. Xo. 4, where the school house now stands, near the resi dence of the late Bela BuiToughs. The council called to set them apart as a church was composed of Revs. Joy Handy, Pearson Crosby and Jonathan Wilson. Elder Joy Handy was chosen moderator, and Elder Wilson, clerk. The usual forms and ceremonies of the order on such occa.sions were observed, and the charge to the church and the light hand < f fellowship given by the moderator-. The ni-ticles of the ■•Dansville Association" so called were adopted. These however were re%d8ed in 1836 by a committee of the church app(nuted for the purpose, consisting of Elder (.". LaHatt. J. Whitman, Elijah Fay. A. Gill and Isaac Sage. There Avere added to the chiu'ch the first year of its exist euce. fifty-two members : forty-three by baptism and nme by letters ivoia other churches. Polly Andi'ews was the Hrst accession, uniting on the day of the formation of the cluirch. i54 jiiSTORiCAr. siacTciiKS or During the first month, eight imited, o.nd amongst them Elijah and ^Irs. Lucy Fay. Sylvester Andrews was the first clnuch clerk. Th(^ tirst deacons were, Elijah Fay and Sjdrester Andrcnvs, elected April 8th. 1820, and ordained t u the following day. Elder Jonathan Wilson was the first pastoi'. Of the sixty -three members comprising the chui'ch at the close of the first year of its existence, but tliree are li-sTing, as fai" as is now known : Orrin X. Sage, living in Cincinnati, Ohio; James .Vndiews, living at or near Waverly. Iowa, and Philip -Kane, liAdug at Littleton, Iowa. Having no stated jjlace of worship, meetings were held for rriost of the time at the house of Dea. E. Fay, until September 2()th. 1820, when it was "voted that we hold meetings half of the lime at the house of Dea E. I"ay. and lialf of the time at the house of Bro. John Price," on the Dr. \Vill>ur farm northeast corner of lot 38, T. 5. In January, 1822. it was :'voted to lu)]d meetings half the time at the house of Dea. E. Fay. and half the --time at the school house near I). Eaton's." This was the frame school liouse on the coiner east of Mr. Eaton's, on lot 3:3, T. ~y. For some time meetings were held in a house belonging to John H. Coney, :md as there is no farther record with refer- ence to the matter, we rely upon the memory of the "oldest inhabitant, " Avhich is to the effect that meetings were held at vaiious points as convenience or necessity dictated, until about 1830 to '32, when they came to be held pretty reg- ularly at the school house at Salem X Roads, now Brocton. Previous to this date, March, 1831, there being no Baptist chiu'ch at Westfield, those of that faith there had united with the Portland church ; but the inconvenience of attendance at so great a distance induced them to ask a coimcil for the purpose of -forming an independent body," and place them in position to assume the duties and responsibilities of a chiu-ch. -Ifter due consideration the petition was granted. Those thus leaving the church, were. Elias Mallory. Joshua Tinker. rilK vows Ol" I'ORTI.ANI). 15o Joshua 'J'inker, jim.. \Vni. N'lixndeibiirg, Sarah ^^rantlerbul■g, .Mavy^ Tiice, KiiUi Wilcox, Sally Sexton, Sally Ludlow and Sarah Ovorton. In 18-1:2 another cctlony left the church to assist in forming a church of tlie order at West l*ortland ; (See notice of that church,) since Avhich time the course of the church has been marked by ''lights and shadows," and they have come up to their present strong and influential position through much of difficulty and trial; often necessary in order that a church be the better fitted for the work it has to do. The membership at this date, March, 1873, is IV) : males <)<), females, 89. They enjoyed the ministerial labors of Elders .1 onathan Wilson and Pearson Crosby up to October, 1822. when it was "voted to emjDloy Elder Charles LaHatt, to preach for one year upon the following terms:" to "find him a liouse and garden and firewood ; move his family and pay him $15i) ; 1^ in produce at the country price, proportioned to wheat at 75 ct;nts per bushel ; the remaining ^ in cash." This will indicate pretty clearly the poverty of the church, the low price of })roduce and the scarcity of the circulating medium of the comitry. Perhaps, however, the Elder preferred produce to the "rags" circulating as money ; for the writer very distinctly remembers hearing liim discourse on a Sabbath in 18o(), very vehemently against all banks and banking institu- tions, as so many means in the liands of the devil to lure men to destruction ; and the United States government and the State government cliartering ;uid ujtholding them woidd be lield responsible for the e%dl done ; that this curse was but marking the downfall of the "model reimblic." "Father La Hatt" remained with the churcli as pastor imtil 1838, when he Avas dismissed, but i»reached more or less mi til the time of liis death, which oc^curred August 3d, 1850. He was a German, born in the city of St. Goar, and was educated at the University of l>onn, and emigrated to this country before (he Revolution. He was a man ardent in temperament, and outspoken with reference to his impres- 15G IllsroHK' \1. .SbLKTCHKS OK sions. and unyielding in all his conAdctions of duty ; a good man, no doubt a christian, but better fitted to command than to lead. Elder CorAvin preached to the chuich alxnit 1838 ; Eli Dodge in 1839. Elder Sanderson was emjiloyed in October, _ 1839, ordained in .September, 1840, and dismissed in 1841 ; since that time they haA'e had the serA'ices of Elders Chas. La Hatt, Howard, Wilson, Marble, Keyes. Eathbun, Roberts, Alden. Mace, Smith, Dickinson, Connellv, J. H. Miller and G. W. Divoll, the present pastor. Others were employed for short periods, but it is impossible to determine the precise time o1 each, or the term of their services. •• The Eu'st Baptist Society of I'oitland." formed anie house was that of .Tosejih B. Fay and Maiiah M. Sa'je, October 8, 1887. The lot on which the liouse was located was donated b}' Dea. Iv Fay and conveyed to the society by deed bearing date Octobei' :^6, 1838. This honse was occupied liy the (church and society nntil ISfn when it Avas sokl to G. E. Rycknian for $250. It is now owned by Josiah Hall as a joiner and machine shop in Brocton. It was intended to introduce the (jiiginal subscription list obtained to defray the expense of building, but it is now nowhere to be found. Tha^ it was not adequate to defray the expense incurred is shown by the records of an occasional assessment upon the jjroperty of the male members of the church to pay a balance for a specified object. I'he 231'esent tasteful and commodious brick ediiice was erected the same year (18(i7) and is at ^d with a success that determined at once the action of the society, anil they proceeded in the latter month to elect a building committee and make arrangements for the commencement of the house early in the following spring, which arrangement was caiTicd out and the house was completed in December of the year 1867, "for the people had a mind to work." The architect was Atron Hall of Jamestown, N. Y. Thomas Walker of Westfield, had charge of the mason work. The fi'escoing was m immediate happiness and for the declarative glory of (iod that we live sober, lighteous and godly lives, and for which \ve have oiu* full reward in this world, but to be saved fi'om sin is the work of God and not man. in whom we have the strongest faith, and confidence in his promises, that in the dispensation of the fulness of time he will gather together in one all things in C'hnst. both they which are in heaven and they which are on the eai-th, even in Him : and as we feel desirox;s for the pro- motion of brotherly love and fi-iendship among men. and wishing to increase the upbuilding of the Redeemers kingdom: and as we believe the preaching of the (Gospel, which is glad tidings of gi-eat joy which the angels declared should be to all iieople, is both necessary and salutaiy: do for these pxu-poses nnite and associate om- selves together bv the name and title of the Fii-st Univer- THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 165 salist Society in Portland, and pledge ourselves to adopt, support and abide by the following ai'ticles, viz : Art. 1. The first meeting of the soeie'y shall be on tlie 24th of tSei)tember 1821, and annually on the same day h'ereafter at such places as siiall be agreed upon at a previous meeting. The business, when met, shall be to elect one or more trustees, who are to take charge of the concerns of the society : and a clerk who shall record the proceedings in a book provided for that purpose. ' Art 3. The said trustees shall have power to i-all a special meeting of the society at such time and place as they shall think pi-opei' hj giving six days previous notice. Poimland, September 21st, 1821." (Signed) Simon Burton. Willard liiirttm, ( )liver Spaftbrd. Hii'am Burton, Harry Miimford, Moses Joy. David Joy, Walter Mumford, Ahira Hall, Zimri Hill. Samuel Beach, 2d. Slapp Hovey, Lyman Doolittle, James Charter. In accordance vnth the pro\dsions of the above, a meeting was held on the 24t]i of the same month, and a board of tnistees and a clerk cliosen. Meetings for the next year were occasionally held at the house of Simon Burton or the house of some other member. Not far from one year fi'om the date of the first formation of the society, a church was formed with thirty live niemliers mostly from the families of those first uniting in the compact, and baptism, the adniinisti'ation of the Euchaiist, and other rites and ceremonies, and ordei' of worship of a church of the order, were practiced foi- a nnmher of years. The society did not own a ]>lace of \vorshi]», but held their meetings at first as stated above, in ])i-ivate hoiises, ansl). 1G7 CHAPTER XXVIII. Protestant Methodist Church. Ill the spring of 1858, a chuicli of the Protestant Meth- odist order was organized at the school house in Dist. Xo. 11. near the residence of Isaac Howe, by Kev. O. C. Payne of Fredonia. This movement was for the coiiA-e- nience of members Hving in the vicinity, and at an incon- venient distance fi'om any place of worship of the order. The names of the original members were as follows : Wolcott Colt, Chandler Colt. Mrs. Merab Colt. Joel S. Famham, Mrs. Lydia Famham, Piatt A. Lathrop. Lucy Lathi'op, Collins Haight, Sarah Colt, Mrs. Xancy Porter. Cynthia Kelley and Mrs. Cornelia Howe. The preachers sent to the charge were Eev. O. C. Payne, Rev. William A. Sharj). Rev. A. S. Ostrand. Piatt A. Lathrop was elected leader of the class. All the members are still li\-ing with the exception of Joel S. Famham and Lucy Lathi-op. Xo society was incoi-porated, and the church organization, after two or tlu'ee years, was discontinued : not a single member at this wiituig remains upon the field. Roman Catholic. — The Roman Catholic chiux-h has a representation in town of about tliiiiy members, mostly Iiish, but vrith what particular chmch organization they are connected is not known. They have no chuix-h organiza- tion ia town. It is m. contemplation however to erect a church edifice near Brocton Station, the present season. 1873. 22 168 . HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF Freewill Baptists. — A church of this order was formed on the south border of the town many years smce, and a house of worshijD built on "(.^hautauqua Hill," within the town of Chautauqxia; but the writei" has learned very little definitely with reference to it. It ceased to exist pr()V)al)ly twenty fiA e to thirty years, since. THE TOWN OK I'OKTl.AND. 16*,» CHAPTER XXIX. Brotherhood of the New Life. Rev. Thomas Lake Harris, of Arnenia, Dutchess county. N. Y., purchased, prmcipalty in 1867, nearly two thousand acres of farm lands in Portland, mainly on the lake bordei', for tlie purpose of establishing a branch of the order of the '•lii'otherhood of the New Life," an order to some extent known in Europe, but less in America. In this enterprise Mr. Harris associated with himself a few chosen fiiends, who. like their leader were enthusiasts in their belief. The asso- ciation at present numbers above one hundi'ed, but sixty- five or seventy however are no^v engaged upon their pur- chase ; the balance finding their use in various sections of this country and in Europe. They live by themselves as far as })ossible, and are exceedingly reticent witli reference to the association and its inner workings when approached by those outside, and will hold no converse with the simply curious. They are usually known as the "Harris Community," though they repudiate the idea of be'ing a "community" as such. The fact of their being difficult of access excites curiosity, and is the occasion of much impertinent inquiry The air and charm of mystery hangs over and about them : and what the world has learned of them is very little, and that in such conflicting statements that it has been impos- sible to form a correct opinion Avith reference to them or their mode of life. The association has gained considerable noto- riety and prominence from the fact of its numbering among its members those "widely known in Theological. Literary 170 JIISTORICAL SKETCHES OF and Political circles ;" and among these "Lady Olipliant and lier son Hon. Lawrence Olipliant. Both are well known in the literary ^vorld ; and Mr. Oliphant when he left England gave np his seat in Parliameiit, where he was a prominent and active member." "Mr. Harris is well known by his wi'itings and otherwise. Fonnerly he was a successful and ]>oi>ular ITniversalist preacher in New York city; afterward a thorough investigator of Spiritualism ;"' and for some time a Swedenborgian. Some years since he visited England where he became weW known as a preacher and writer ; but eventually returned to America and established the "Broth- erhood." Fearing that he miglit make statements entirely inconsistent with facts in speaking of the order, the Avriter addressed a letter to Mr. Harris, asking such infoiTnation with reference to the association as he was willing to furnish for historical purjjoses. and very j^romptly received the fol- lowing in leply. Salem-on-Ej!ie, N. Y., April 13, 1873. Di;. II. C. Tayi.ok: — P^steemed Friend: — In response to your recent favor permit me to reply as follows : 1. The piu'chase made by myself and friends ifi the town of Portland consists of something less than tAvo thousand acres ; }»rincipall}' of farm and vineyard lands, but inclusive of the ))lat at the jimction of the Lake Shore and ^Vlleghany \'alley Railroad, where Ave are layuig out a A-illage which we have named Salem-on-Erie designing to make it an indus- trial and business cente]'. These properties were secured mainly in the month of ( )ctober 18G7 : about one half as a personal investment, and the moiet}' in behalf of the gentlemen interested witli me in the enterprise. These lands, in part, compiise what is known on tlie old town maps as "the Diamond," and extend in length two miles on the shoi'eof Lake P'rie, being neaiiy contiguous to each other.' (1) These lauds were purchased maiuly of T. S. Moss, Mark Haight, H. A. Biirtou, Hiram Burton, .Johu Dudley, Owen Powell, Ogden Bradley, Reuben Ogden, John Har- denburg. Simon Burton, Joseph Shaver, Henry Churchill, A. E. Lament, W. M. Hen- derson, J. B. Fav, Chester Skinner. H. C. Taylor, Worthv Rolph, and Mrs. Caroline Hall. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 171 Besides the iisual operations in agricultiu'e and vinecul- tnre, we are engaged, 1st in the wholesale pressing and ship- ping of hay ;' 2d in the general nnrsery business f in the manufacture and sale of pure native wines, more espe- (dally for medicinal use. Our product of wines is from fifteen thousand to twenty-three thousand gallons annually. Om' principal cellar is of stone, arched and fireproof, one lumdi-ed and ten feet in length, and affording with the one adjoinmg. storage for about sixty-five thousand gallons of wine.^ At the village we also carry on a hotel and restaurant, and have just enlarged our operations by erecting a steam grist mill and opening an exchange for transactions in produce and gen- eral merchandize. We are at present laying out and planting a public park and gardens, and di'aining and improving as well as fiom time to time adding to the fi'eehold estate. Thus far in brief of the mere material question. 2. As the religious principles held by myself and asso- ciates, and which form the grounds of our business relations and social co-operations afford a subject of very natm-al inquiry in the county, the more so, as we make no efforts to indoc- trinate or i»roselyte, — a few words in reference to them may perhaps be not wholly devoid of interest. We are connected by sjanpathy and general xmity of pui'pose with a society, better known in Europe than in America, whose members have adopted the name of the "Brotherhood of the New Life," and Avhose one object is therealization of the noble christian ideal in social service. It is simply an effort to demonstrate that the ethical creed of the Gospel is sus- eptible of service as a working system, adapted to the com- plex and cidtured nineteenth century, and contaming the prac" <]) They cut and securecl iu 1872 about oue thousand tons of hay from their own premises, aud purchased from outside parties about two hundred and fifty tons. Of this amount eight hundred and lifty tons were pressed and sent to market ; the balance used by them and sold to parties near home. (2) The " Chautauqua County Green Houses aud Nurseries " situated at their village at the " junction " are quite extensive, and being yearly enlarged. The grounds are beautifully laid OTit, and the whole admirably conducted. (3) This part of their Vmsiness is under the name of the " Lake Erie and Missouri River Wine (.^ompany.'" The grapes manufactured are in part raised by them, aud in part obtained by iiurchase, 172 HISTOHICAI, SKKTCIIKS OF tical solution of the social prol)lems of the age. In one sense the Brotherhood are Si:)iritualists ;' in the fervid and intense conA-ietion that the individual man has no real life in himself : that all life, and with it the virtues and energies of life are the result of a divine inflowing. Considering, first, that all real life is the continuous^ outgift of God, and second, that our Lord is that one true and living God; (whether right or wrong in their opinion) there is amongst them a practical faith in him as the sole Rulei', Actuator and Dii'ector. They are monarcliists w^lio I'ecognize the Di-vine Man for their Sovereign. In another sense the Brotlierhood are Socialists. They con- sider that the practical fulfilment of the Gospel is in what may be termed "Divine-natural Society." From the ])resent civilization, the aggregation of self-interests, they would evolve a noble form, "one piu'e and perfect chrysolite," — the associa- tion of noble and cultured souls in every industrial and human service. They hold most fully, most vitally that "the worship of God is the service of humanity." If they revere in Cbrist. the Lord, they also accept in Him the Artisan. Marriage, the Family and Property, that triad of institutions most menaced by the revolutionary and distinctive spirit of the age, are held by them of infinite authority and universal value. Of the first they belie^'e that man and woman, t^^'o in one, made in the image of tlie Divine Spirit, perfect in eternity that holy relation that finds here its fit and beautiful exj^res- sion in Avedded love. Of the seccmd tliey hold that restored to its divine purity and unselfishness, it builds the Home as the microcosm and nursery of the lieavens. Of the third they consider that while communism has its transient use in crisis of reaction against a prevalent worldliness, yet that individual possessions, to men who hold all things in God and for His service in the neighbor, are indispensable, both as aids to (1) But they reject the system of general mediumship aud constant intercourse with the spirit world, as iwolitless, dangerous, and even profane. They accept Mr. Harris a& their center, and believe that the will of Heaven is transmitted to them through him. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 173 individual growth and means of public usefulness. In a word, the time-honored viiliies, Faith, Loyalty, Honor, Piuity and Obedience are believed by them to be of infinite present and real moment. ^Miile they do not )"eject the sacred observ- ance of accustomed Religion, they believe in uplifting every avocation of life into a permanent ReUgioiis Ministration. Cherishing the faiiii of Scriptiu-e in individiial regeneration, they hold that it is the function of regenerate man to regen erate society ; that this work must be initiated and earned out by the entrance of the cultured, the prosperous, the gifted, as well as those of humbler state, into those employ- ments which have been counted menial ; and that those labors should be done from the inspiration of the Divine Love which have heretofore been performed fi'om selfish greed or at the mere spiu- of material necessity. "See," said the ancient pagans, "how these christians love one another." It is the aim of the Brotherhood in all its many fields of action to reinstate that antique and eternal principle, not in demonstrative jDreachment but in a most unobtrusive yet demonstrated social fact. AVith kind regards, believe me respectfully yours, Thomas Lake ILvkkis. The members have no permanent homes but remove from one place to another on their premises, as is best for their usex or their employment for the time, each being placed in a position for which he is best fitted. IVIi-. Harris lias fitted up a fine residence near the lake which lie has named "Vine Cliff." It is being tastefully surrounded by laAvnis, groves, gardens and an almost endless variety of flowering shi-ubs, ^^nes and plants that render a stroll about the grounds delightful. It is beautifully situated and commands a lengthened view of the lake on the north, the C'hautauqua hills rismg in partially wooded slopes on the south, and seems to finely illustrate the sentiment concealed in the name ch(jsen for their toAvn. Sabbath service by Mr. Harris is usually held during tlie waim season, but at other times or when he is absent they have no public service, "but those who desire it observe Sam day with 174 IlISTOIUCAi. .sKKK MKS <»!• singing- and prayer, those U'lio do not care to meet with tlie others, work if they feel disposed, for, as they say, since they neither work for themselves or for gain there can be no harm in it." They j^rofess the "highest state of Christianity in which each one will take more pleasnre in doing some nseliil service for another. f7-om the love of it, than in serving himself." * It is but just to say of the Brotherhood in Portland that in all respects they seem to be living out the principles of their order in their every day life and regard their religion as something to be ])ut on and worn as a garment. Their dejDortment is most discreet and gentlemanly, and although their interests seem to center to a large extent in their associa tion, they are excellent citizens. THE TOWN OK VORTI.ANI). 175 CHAPTER XXX. Mills, Tanneries, Asheries and other Industries. Du7ihams Saw-Mill. — Wm. Dunham is claimed to have biiilt the first mill in the town of Portland, in the fall of ISIG- Considerable discussion has been had whether this was the first mill, or the one built at Brocton by Moses Sage. Both parties seem to be sanguine in regard to priority of construc- tion ; but there is little doubt that the mill of JMr. Dunliam was commenced first, and as little that the one built by Mr. Sage was the first put in running order and the first doing business. Mr. Dunham's mill was built on Dmiham's creek on lot 32, T. 5. It was biu-ned in 1818, 1833 and 1861, and each time rebuilt by the respective owners of the site. In 1850 it was rebuilt uj)on a site a few rods north of tlie original site by J. E. Harris. It is not now in operation. Sages Saw-Mill— Was built by Moses Sage on Slippery Rock creek at Brocton, near the west end of the dam of the grist mill in tliat place, in the simimer and fall of 1816. It was the first mill in town doing business. [See Dunham's Mill.] Some years later it was sold to Dr. Daniel Ingalls, and in 1 834 to J. C. Haight, who, with Harvey Williams, nui it ibr two years, when it was discontinued. Burton's Saw- Mill — Was built by Simon Burton, sr., in 1817 at the falls at the mouth of Slippery Rock creek. It was twice rebuilt by his son Hiram. The last is now standing but going to decay. 23 176 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Fays Saw-Mill — Was biiilt on Fay's creek, on lot 42, T. 5. in 1817 by HoUis and Elijah Fay. The mud sill is said to be still in place. In 181 !i it was removed to a point near the lake by Ilollis Fay where it was run for a number of years. Some remains of it are still to be seen. Ogdens Sa^o-3Iill — Was built by Oliver SpaiFord about 1820 on SliiDj)ery Eock creek about half a mile from its mouth and rebuilt by Willard Biu'ton and Samuel IMillett some years later. It is now entirely remove^. Burr'.s Saiv-Mill — Was built on lot 2, T. 5, by Daniel Vail, in 1821. Mr. Vail settled on this lot in 1816. The mill was located on the west branch of Slippery Rock creek and on the site of the mill now owned by Lloyd Biu-r. Mi-. Biut purchased the property in 1834 and still owns it. The mill was biu-ned in 1830 and again in 1844 but at once rebuilt. It is still in operation. Taylors Saw-Mill — Was built by Heuben and ErastuB Taylor in 1824 on Correll's creek, on part of lot 35, T. 5. It was located twenty rods north of the track of the L. S K. K. i»n land now owned by E. B. Taylor. It was in operation eighteen to twenty years. Some remains of it are yet to be seen. Nathaniel Fays Saw-Mill — Was built on the farm of Mr. Fay on the west branch of Slippery Rock creek, in 1 824. Its location was a few rods south of the present residence of Franklin Fay. It was in opeiation sixteen to eighteen years. It is now entirely removed. Evert' s S^aw-Mlll—S^'a^ built in 1826 or '27 on the farm since owned for some years by Isaac Marsh, by Jesse Everts. Cephas Brainard and Luther Crosby. It was located on the head waters of Correll's creek. It was run but a few years. In 1841 the frame was removed to a site on lot 40, T. 4, known as Elhot's Mill. Bacons Saw-3Iill — Was built on Slippery Rock creek sixty rods above the Brocton grist mill, on lot 13. T. 5, by Dr. Daniel Ingalls, in 1827 or '28. It was sold to Harvev Williams in THE TO^VN OF PORTLAND. 177 1837, rebuilt in 1847, in 1848 sold to Russe] Furman and J. Deland and some years latei- to John Furman. It is now- owned by Earl Bacon, who some years sinee inlrodiu-ed machinery for the maniifacture of hoi'se rakes which is still in operation. GoodseUs Saw-Mill — Was Ijuilt by Robert I.eavitt on Fay's creek, southwest part of lot 30, T. 5, in 1S29. It was for some years owned by Franklin Goodsell, who introduced a lathe for turning broom handles. , It is now owned by Homer J. Skinner. Dalee's Saw Mill- — Was built by Field for Waterman Dalee on Slippery Rock creek, on east part of lot 13. T. 5, above the mill of E. Bacon, in 1829. It was an entire failure. The heavy snows of the winter of 1829-30 broke in the roof and it was never repaired. The entire cost was $400. Elliott's Saw-3Till — Was built by Oliver Elliott in is]!) or "20 on the head waters of Fay 'screek, on lot 40, T. 4. It was rebuilt in 1851 by Henry Mosher. who sold it in 1S42 to Hiram Arnold. Mr. Arnold removed it to south |)art lot 33? T. 5. Dalee s Saw-Mill i\^o. 2 — Was built in 1832 by Jolm and Waterman Dalee on southeast part of lot 13, T. 5. on land now owned by John Knickerbocker. It was built on the east branch of Slip])ery Rock creek but run by water from the west branch. It was afterward owned by various ]iarties and among them Samuel, James and H. B. Crandall. It is now entirely removed. Fletchers Saw- Mill — Was built in 1832 by Robert Leavitt ower was removed to some point m Pennsylvania and the mill discon- tinued. ■Fewett's Steam Saw -Mill — -Was built by George R. Jewett in 1849. on the northwest part of lot 25, T. 5. at Portland ( "enter, in connection with a steam grist mill and run by the same power. It was discontinued in 1852. I'ai/ S Goodrich s Steam Saw Mill — AVas built by George THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 179 R. Jewett on lands of J. B. Fay and D. G. Goodi'icli, part of lot 14, T. 5, in 1852. The motive power was a steam engine removed from the steam grist and saw-mill at Portland Center- The mill was burned a few months later and never rebnilt. Wheeler's Steam Saw-Mill — Was bnilt by Elijah Wheeler in 18()8, on lot 26, T. 5, near I*ortland Center. It was run but a few months. The boiler is still in place. CrandaUs Steam Saw-Mill — Was built and pnt in operation on North Division street, Brocton, by Samuel Crandall in 1871. It is still running and doing a good business. Whitchers SaiD-Mill — Was built in quite an early day on the east branch of Chautauqua creek, on lot 60, T. 4, but by whom built or when the writer has not been informed. It is now in ruins. Burtons Gi'ist-Mill — Was built by Simon Burton, sr., m 1817, at the mouth of Slippery Rock creek. The water in the lake at that date was from three to four leet lower than at the present and the beach could be traversed fr-oni the mouth of the creek to Van Ihu-en point. Mr. B. set his mill on the beach below the fiills on ground now covered by water, too near for safety, and although a breakwater was built for its protec- tion it was soon destroyed. While it was in operation it was a great convenience to the settlers. It was the first of its class in town. Coney s Ch-ist-Mill — Was built by Solomon Coney a few lods below the falls on Slip])er}' Rock creek, on northeast part of lot 21, T. 4, in 1823. It was not a large mill but did good business for the settlers for several years, how many is not now remembered. Some of the remains of the building are still to be seen, and near by the "native buiT stones." Godfrey s Grist-Mill — Was built on Correll's creek, mi south- west part of lot 31, T. 5, by .Manson and Stafford (Godfrey, in 1829. The mill proved a failure from lack of water and other causes and was sold in 1 840 or '41 to George Stoning, who converted it into a mill for the manufacture of coarse paper and hook board. Some vears later the buildino- was removed 180 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OK by E. B. Taylor to its present position near the line of the L. S. R R. and the manufacture of. book hoard continued. A. few years since a flax machine Avas placed in the building by David Bacon and used for two or three j^ears only. Vanlovens 31111 — Was originally built by Dr. S. Pomeroy and — Lowell on lot 39, T. o, in 1829 or '30. It was a small mill for grinding corn and feed. It was sold to Martin Everett and rej)aired in 1845. G. M. Taylor bought it in 1848 but sold to Mr. Vanloven in 1849. It is still in operation. Broclon Grist-MUl — -The original mill was built by John C. Haight and Harvey Williams in 1836, at a cost, including the tannery attached, of $4,000. It was owned by various parties until about 1853 when it was purchased hj R. S. Morrison and in 1855 the building of the steam mill at Portland Center was removed by him and placed as an addition and the whole put in good order at a cost of $8, 000. It is now owned by Wm. Whaland. Portland Center Steam 3fW — Was built in 1848 by Geo. R. Jewett, on northwest part of lot • 25, T. 5, near the present residence of R. D. Fuller. It was discontinued in 1852 and the steam power removed to a saw-mill of Fay & Goodiich's- The building was sold to R. S. Morrison in 1855 and removed by him and attached to the Brocton mill where it now stands. ^^Brotherhood'' Steam Mill — Was first set in operation at Salem-on-Erie (Brocton station) in the winter of 1872-3 by the ■' Brotherhood," principally for grinding feed, which is furnished in large quantities. It seems a fair investment. TAHNEKIES. Parker s Tannery. — The first tannery in town was built by James Parker on the farm of David Eaton, northeast |)art of lot 37, T. 5, in 1 807. It was but a small and rude afiaii" : the vats were dug from the trimks of trees and placed in a ravine southeast of the residence of Mr. Eaton and the beam hovse was a log shanty. It was occupied less than two years, Mr. P. remo^dng to the crossroads. Some remains of this tannery with remnants of hides are still to be seen. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 181 Tower s Tannery. — Mr. John Tower '■ started a tannery " on The southwest corner of lot ■^•4, T. 5, next west of the farm of J. McFadden, about 1820. This also was a small affair but was continued for several yeais. Kinnes Tanneiy — Was built probably in 182G on lot now owned by J. H. Ilaight and Linus Brnton, in Brocton. lie sold to Joshua Jackson in 1830 or '31. Remains of the vats may yet be seen. Brocton Tannery — Was built by J. C. Haight and Harvey Williams in 1836, on part of lot 13, T. 5, in connection with the south portion of the grist-mill. It w^as occupied by them but a few years, Mr. Williams selling his interest to Mr. Haight. It has since been owned by various parties and at present by J. N. Porter and J. H. Haight. Carding Machine. — The first and only carding machine of this town was put in operation at Portland Center, in 182'), liy Orrin Ford, the first proprietor of the Laona Woolen Factory, since converted into a Paper Mill. The building stood a few feet north of the residence of R. D. Fuller, on lot 2o. T. 5, and is now occupied by George Couchman as a barn. • The first roll was carded by Jared Kisley that year. The establishment was afterward owned by G. R. Jewett and occupied by Vincent Dunn. The motive power was a sprmg of water now to be seen on the prem- ises of S. S. Jones, a few rods north of his house. It was conveyed a portion of the way in pump logs. Cheese Factory — Was established by Dea. A. L. Blowers, in West Portland, on lot 38, T. 5. in 1866, at a cost ot 12,000. [See Table of Agricultural Products.] Cider Mills. — -The first mill of this class was built by Calvin Barnes in 1824. on a rise of gromul southeast of the residence of J. S. West, on lot 33. T. .5. The building is now occupied by Mr. West as a horse barn. The second of this class was built by Dea. Elijah Fay in Brocton. in 1830. It is still standing. Potteries. — [See Biog. Sketches No. 220.] 182 HISTORICAI. SKETCHES OK Milliorights. — The first of this class settling in town was Solomon Coney in 1815, the second Simon Burton in 1816. Book Bindery. — A l^indery was established at Centerville, by Vashni Millet in 1844, in the building now occuined by G. W. Hunger as a blacksmith shop, and for some years by D. Tallman as a tavern and dwelling. It was removed to Fre- donia, tliis county, in 1848. Mr. Millet now lives in Wis consin. Blacksmiths. — The first mechanic of this class settling in town, it is believed, was Luther Crosby, in 1816. He was a gunsmith, but worked at blacksmithing for the accommo- dation of settlers. [See Biog. Sketches No. 69.] As far as known the second doing business in town was Simon Burton, jun., also in 1816. His shop stood near the mouth of Slippery Kock Creek. Wm. Cotton settled on lot 47, T. 4, in 1817, and was a blacksmith. [See Biog. Sketches.] Wagon Maker. — It is conceded that Cotton Nash, the first settler of of Centerville, was also the first wagon maker settling in town. [See Biog. Sketches.] Shoemaker. — The first of this class in town was David Eaton, though it was not engaged in as a business, being made subservient to the great business of every settler, clearing land. Many of the settlers kept a few tools and did their own cobbling. The first doing a regular business is not known. ASHERIES. 1. Coney s Ashery. — Most of the settlers had their leaches and kettles for the manufacture of Black Salts ft-om the ashes made in their fallows, but as far as now remembered but three establishments for the manufacture of pot or pearl ashes were ever put in operation in town. The first was by John R. Coney in 1818. This establishment stood on the north side of the main Erie road in the hollow betw^een Brocton and Portland Center, very near the line of the B. C. & P. R. R. on southeast part of lot 26. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 188 T. 5. A pearling oven was attached, and Coney's Asliery was the great center for the trade in ashes, until about 1828 or '29, when the business was given up by him. A large quantity of ashes is still to be seen there. The products of this establishment were sold for the most part to Walter Smith, at first of Fredonia, but afterward of Dunkirk. 2. Abial Silver established an asherj^ for the manufactui"e of potash only, on the south part of lot 34, T. 5, land now owned by Henry S. Mimson, in 1830, which -he run for two years. It was continued by Wm. Curtis for two years, when it was allowed to "run down." 3. Morrisons Ashery — was es.tablished by R. S. &> O. Morrison, on S. Div. St. Brocton, on the site of the present residence of D. L. Brown, in 1843, and was run for about ten years. A pearling oven was attached, and during the last two years an eflbrt was made to manufacture saleratus (Bi Carb. Pot.) but with imperfect success. 184 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHAPTER XXXI. Distilleries. In the early days of the comitry whisky seemed to be a necessity. It entered into the economy of nearly evev\- household arrangement, lentil 1817, most of it was brought from Pennsylvania, and "Pittsbiu'g forty rod whisky" was a cognomen in common use. The first distillery built in the town, was by Ethan A. Owen, in 1817, on part of lot 53, T. 4. The track of the B. C. & P. If. E. passes over the spot, a few rods south of Prospect Station, on the farm now owned by Wm. Arnold.' It was but a small afi'air, i but answered the piupose: was run but a few years. Elisha 1 Arnold who afterward owned the farm was a distiller, but his place of business was in Westfielrl. The second distillery built in town was by Simeon Whitcomb and Orris I*erkins in 1 S19, on a farm now owned by David Granger on lot 4l, 1 T. 5, in the orchard north of the West Baptist church. This also was a small affair, running but from three to five bushels per day. It was in operation probabh' l^ut two yeai'S- The third of this class was built in 1824 or "25 by Silas Houghton near the falls in Slippeiy Rock Creek, on lot 21, T. 5, which he run for two or three years, and sold to Solomon ('Oney in 1827, who continued the manufacture for a few years later, how long is not remembered. No other (1) This spot was the scene of that fearfnl railroad accident, or "Prospect Hor- ror'' of December 24th, 1872, where twenty perso.-is, possibly more, lost their lives and others were seriously injured. THK TOWN OF PORTI-AXD. 185 manufactory of this class was ever put in operation in town, with the exception of a small one for the distilling of brandy by Ryckmau, Day & Co.. in Brocton. This is not at present in operation. After the first few years of the settlement of the town grain was plenty and cheap ; rye selling for fi-om fifteen to seventeen cents per bushel, and com in proportion. Wliisky sold for from twenty to twenty-five cents per gallon, a strong contrast to the price for which it is now sold, $2.90. But a small proportion of the grain raised was distilled or Tised here; large quantities were conveyed to various localities and exchanged for liquor or store-pay, very little money entering into the arrangement. 186 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF CHAPTER XXXn. Taverns. In the "good old days of honesty and singleness of heart," so often the subject of reference in these later years, spirituous liquors were largely used by the whole population. "Whisky was the rule and abstinence the exception. Notwithstanding this freedom of use, it was thought as necessary to restrict or regulate its sale then as now. The license law in force at the first settlement of Portland, and for many years after, was enacted in April 1801. Its provisions were nearer the provisions of the joresent law, with reference to the granting of licenses, than any since enacted. AW licenses were granted by a board in each to^\ni called Commissioners of Excise, com- posed of the Supervisor and two justices of the peace. The Supervisor could in no case be excused fi'om signing a license if one had been granted by the board, other- vfise it would be of no validity. The idea of a tavern always carried with it the idea of a place for the sale of strong diink. The requirements of the law with reference to moral character, accommodations t&c. were the same, nearly, then as now, and if a man propos- ing to keep a tavern could satisfy the board with refer- ence to these particulars, he was granted a license to sell spirituous liquors under five gallons, and for which he must pay fi'om five to thirty dollars at the discretion of the board. In some of the larger cities from five to THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 187 fifty dollars was cliarged. Tlie applicant was obliged to pay seventy-five cents to each of the commissioners for granting the license. Safeguards Avere thrown about the system and penalties attached to violations, but in most cases they were practically disregarded. 1. James Dunns Tavern: 1808. — The first tavern opened in town was by Capt. James Dimn, on the ground now occupied by the house of John Dudley, on the Dunn farm, part of lot 30, T. 5, in 1808. The road then passed on the south side of the house. Mr. Dunn was fi-om Pennsylvania and arranged his buildings in true Pennsylvania style of those days, and in fact the present to some extent, a separate building for each department, dining, cooking, lodging and storeroom. In 1811 he added a large log building for a bar room. His first license was granted by Arthur Bell, as Supervisor, and John McMahan and Perry G. Ellsworth as justices. IVIi-. Dium was well fitted for an inn-keeper and provided substantial if not luxiu'ious fare for those favoring him with a call. Mrs. Dunn was well skilled in the culinary art of the times, and acceptably catered to the appetites of her guests. To the weary traveler "Dunn's Tavern" was in fact an acceptable "lodge in some vast wilderness." It was continued for many years, but the time of its dis- continuance is not remembered. It was a rallymg point for some years. 2. IngersolVs Tuverii: 1809. — Peter Ingersoll opened a tavern in a large double log hoiTse on the McKenzie farm on part of lot 41, T. 5, in 1800. His first license was granted by Thomas Prendergast as Super-sdsor, and John MclMahan and Perry G. Ellsworth as justices. This house was a rally ing i^oint for that region. Mr. Ingersoll kept this tavern until 1816, when he sold to Joseph Cass. Mr. Cass con- tinued until 1818 when he removed to the house now on the farm and continued it as a tavern until 1821. Afterward it was occupied by various parties, and amongst them 18odsell in April 18G5. The proprie- tors following were, U. S. Ladue, Darius James, Wm. Ken ouard, M. Francis, J. I). Love and D. Morey the present owner. The house has been kept as a tavern thirty-six years. ■ 16. Jones Temperance House: 1839. — The buildmg now occu})ied by C. W. Haiglit as a store in Brocton, and the one occupied by A. J. Mericle, also as a store, were converted into a tavern from private dwellings, by E. L. Jackson and Milton Jones in 1839. It was occupied by them for two years, when it was discontinued until 1845, when it was kept by D. Tallman for one year, after which it was closed. 192 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHAPTER XXXIII. Temperance and other Societies No public expression upon the subject of temperance in the county, in the foi'ni of a society, was had until the summer of 1829, when a county society was formed. In the fall of the same year the first society formed in the territorj* of the old town of Portland, and a correspondent thinks the first local society in the county, was formed at Westfield. Lincoln Fay, Isaac Durand and Robert K. Barnes fi-om this toAvn were present and became members. This movement aroused strong opposition and many honest minded persons held the whole movement to be an encroachment upon the liberties of the people and a step toward the union of the church and state. Societies soon formed in other sections and a town society for Portland in the winter of 1830-31, Lincoln Fay president, R. W. M. Dalee vice president, R. K. Barnes secretary, J. W. Morgan, Isaac Durand and others executive committee. Meetings were frequently held dui'ing the ^\dnter and spiing and addi-esses delivered by H. L. Richmond of Westfield, now of Meadville, Pa., and member of congress fi'om that district, Sylvester Randall of Fredonia, late Judge Randall of Illinois. Austin Smith of AVestfield, David Eaton and others of Portland. The societj^ was made auxiliaiy t(j the countj' society. A remarkable revival of religion in 1831 gave a fi-esli impulse to the temperance movement and a large amoitnt of work was done. The society continued with varied success and one or two reorganizations until the inauguration of the Washinotonian movement. In this effort the kev note to THE TOVrS OF PORTL.iXD. 19;^> success seems to have been struck. Throiigliout the coimtj- a gradual change in an incredibly short space of time came ovei- the peoi)le and the masses not only adopted the practice of total abxthtence but "publicty arrayed themselves on the side of temperance, integrity and virtue." In 1832 while the excite- ment occasioned by the eflbits against the ruling spirit of the countr}- was greatest Mr. E. K. Barnes attempted a temperance raising of a large barn at the then center of Portland, the barn now owned by (). Jerome Greene. Predictions were rife that not a stick conld be moved without firstly a moving of the spirit. Such an eftbrt was an encroachment ujjon old established customs and was met b}- strong opposition. "But the day of raising came, refreshments were ample, friends rallied in large numbers, and luider the management of Martin Quigley the work was done and the company went home with steady steps." — \_Mrs. M. B.^ This was the second temperance raising in the county, the first taking place in' Sheridan a few days previously. That or the next year a Iburtli of July cele- bration on temperance principles was had in the grove near the school house in district Xo. 8. David Eaton was president of the day and Grant Goodrich of WestfiekL now Judge Goodiich of Chicago, orator. By these and othei' means a healthy public sentiment was established \\'ith reference to the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage. Of the pioneers of the temperance reform in town a correspondent writes : " There is one feature very marked in regard to them — they were true to the pdeclge. Many of them have passed away but they have left a record untarnished. Those Avho remain are nearly all true to the caitse they espoused." Temi)erance efibrts have taken varied shape fi'om time to time from causes hard to define. One of the most efficient agents for good in this direction was a secret organization instituted in the hall of the house of O. J. (rreene, on lot 34. T. .5, on the 2d of April. 1849. It was known as Portland Division Sons of Temperance N'o. 510 of the State of JV^eiv Ybi'k: Theii' jDlace of meeting was changed in the following June to an upper room now o^^oied b.\- Mrs. Traverse 194 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF in Brocton, and soon after to a hall in the building opposite the school house in Brocton, furnished by Mr. Linus Burton, which they occuj)ied until the discontmuance of the Division in 1853. The charter members were Darwin G. Goodrich, M. P. Vanleuven, A. J. Abrams, Thomas Gushing. G. H. To^Tisend, O. X. Fay, Oscar Eaton, O. J. Coats, L. Clark, A. Bowdish, (xeo. Wells. The first W. P. was O. N. Fay. The membership reached 1 20. Some of the best temperance work in town was done by this order. Social Circle. — For the purpose of admitting females to a full participation in the duties and privileges of an organization of this class a new secret temperance order was instituted at Albany, this state, in July, 1850, called the "Order of Social Circles." A subordinate was instituted at Salem X Roads in Temperance Hall May 5, 1853. The first C. G., or presiding officer, was H. C. Taylor. The Circle was niunbered ten. The following were charter members : J. B. Haywood, L. L. Lathrop, L. W. Richardson, C'. W. D. Lathi-op. C. W. Bm-ton. A. E. Ogden, S. Burton, E. Elmore, O. L. Ogdeu, Alf. Bui-ton, M. L. Ogden, James Thompson, J. W. Bowdish. John OHara, H. C. Taylor, Julia Haywood, M. R. Lathroi^, Maiy Haywood, C. 0. Thompson, Harriet Bowdish, EHzabeth Elmore. Frances Taylor. Its membersliip reached sixty. It was a working order, but existed less than two years. Good Templars. — A lodge of this order (another seci'et temperance organization) was instituted at Portland Center in the fall of 1854, but was discontinued after a few months' existence. J. E. Harris was the first W. C. T. Their place of meeting was the hoiise opposite the tavern occupied by Asahel Peck. A second lodge of the order was instituted at the same place in the fall of 1868 wliich remained in working order until the spring of 1872. Their places of meeting were at the M. E. church, the hall of (). J. Greene, the hall of L. Douglass and lastly in the hall of j\Ii\ Wm. Clark in the old .M. E. church e'D. 195 1871. These lodges munbered among their members some of the best mateiial in town, and they were efficient agents : the great work of temperancere form and are entitled to a large share of credit in shaping pubhc opinion with reference to it. but they failed eTentnally from the effect of those -trong revulsions that invaiiably come over all associated effoii; in moral enterprises. At the present wiiting there is not a temperance organization in town other than so far as the • aiions chnrches may be considered as such. 3Iost of the members of the orders named, now liTing. as far as known, remain tme to their obligations, and the town will compare favorably with other towns in regard to the status of the people on this question. Masonic Order. — There are in town tliirty-six members of this order belonging to lodges in other towns according to location, a j^rt to "Forest" lodge. Fredonia. a part to "Snmmit" lodge. Westfield. a part to "Peacock" lodge, ilay- ville. and a few to lodges more remote. Xo lodge has as yet been instituted in town, the neai* proximity to the lodges named seeming to render it impractical. Odd FeUoxcs. — ^A lodge of this order was instituted at Salem X Roads, now Brocton. in the summer of 1S49. Thomas Gushing was the first X. G. Its meetings were held in the hall of the Sons of Temperance. Its members numbered 66. Its charter was surrendered in 1852. It is not known that there is now a member of the order in town. Bible Stxieties. — ^A society of this class has been formed in town on four occasions for the purpose of furnishing the Scriptures to everv family in town not in possession of a copy. The fiist society it is said was foimed in 1833. which as far as emembered, as also the next two formed, accomplished The object for which they were create^! The last was formed in the summer of 1867. which, nominally at least, is stiU in exist- nee. It was made auxiUary to the cotmty society. What has eeu accomphshed by or through it the writer has been unable •1 leani. The importance of such an organization it would 196 ursTOuiOAL sketches of seem ought to jirompt the best mterests and energies of the whole moral and christian element in its behalf. Anti-Slavery and other Benevolent Societies have existed in town at various times. No records were kept and nothing- definite can be written with reference to them. Without doubt they had their influence on the piiblic mind and the first to some extent aided in establishing the great principles of human liberty and civil and political equality that have since so revolutionized the sentiment of the whole country and wiped out the darkest stain upon om- national escutcheon and the foulest blight upon the moral and christian sentiment of Christendom. Early JSFeiospapers. — Very man}- of the settlers on leaving their early homes made arrangements with friends for the family paper after its perusal there. Occasionally one received it direct fi'om the office of publication. It was always a welcome visitor. Until 1814 these papers were received through the office at Canadaway or at the crossroads. The fiist regular paper laiown to have been takeii in town and sent from the office of publication, other than as above indicated, was the l>uffalo Gazette, afterward called the Buffalo Patriot, by David Eaton and three or four others in 1811. The first county paper taken was the Chantaiique Gazette, first published in Fredonia in 1817. In 1821, the year of its first publication, the Fredonia Censor was taken by a few, more largely the next year and afterward, until at the present (1873) the circulation is about one hundred. Of the religious papers the following only are remembered: The Gospel Advocate, a universalist publication which was commenced in Buffalo in 1822 by Rev. Thomas Gross, circulated largely in town, one of the proprietors, Mr. Simon Burtcm. an early settler, gi\dng it his influence and earnest support. The Methodist Ma(jazine. published in New York, was taken by Simon Burton, jr., and Elisha Fay as early as 1820 or '21, and possibly by others. From time to time other papers were taken but the names are forg-otten. TIIK TOWN OK I'OUri.ANl). 19'i CHAPTEE XXXIV. Physicians. From 1805 to 1808 it is probable that no physician was called by the few settlers witliin the present tovni of Portland, in fact none were within reach, and fi-om 1808 to 1812 they were obli^-ed to rely npon Canadaway, and from the latter date to 1824 upon Canadaway and the Crossroads for medical aid. Dr. Sqnire White came to Canadaway in the fall of 1808. He was a brother of Dr. Asa White, of Sherbnrn, Chenango comity, this state, in whose office he commenced the study of his profession in the year 1800. He afterward went to Cherry Valley, Otsego county, and for a year was a partner with the celebrated Dr. "NMiite of that place, whose skill as a suigeon extended throughout the state. Duiing his coru'se of study he attended medical lectui'es three winters in New York city and was licensed to practice by the Chenango Co. Medical Soci- ety May 2, 1808. He taught school during the winter of 1808-9 in what is now the west part of Sheridan, this count}-. [See Early Teachers.] From this time forward he practiced his pro fession to the close of his life. The fact of his having practiced for many years over our sjDai'sely settled region is well remembered by the older settlers of Portland. He was a man of excellent abilities and sliared largely the confidence of the people. At this day he is ofteii referred to by those who remember his eccentricities and his ability to divine tlie peculiarities of human character. He commanded the respect- ful consideration of the citizens of the to-wn. as elsewhere. 198 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF as a man and a i^liysician to the day of his death. He was the first regnlarly licensed physician settling in the county and was siu-geou of the first regiment of militia organized in the count}'. Dr. Laioton Richmond — AVas the second physician doing business in and the first residing in the old town of Portland. He was the second licensed physician settling in the county. He was bom in Kent county. K. I., August 17, 1784, and removed with his father and family to Herkimer coimty, X. Y., about 1704. By untiring energy he acquired a good EngHsh education and mainly through his own unaided efforts, and at his majority commenced the study of medicine and in due time was licensed by the proper authorities. He married Sally Townsend, May 23, 1809, and that summer removed to Chautauqua coujity near the head of Chautauqua lake, in the IDresent to^\Ti of that name. In 1812 he removed to the ancient crossroads, now Westfield, and continued the practice of medicine, and for five years traversed the entire region fi'om the east line of Portland to the line of the state on the west. In 1817 he was induced to "sell out" and remove to southern Indiana, but owing to a series of hindiances and severe misfortunes he did not arrive at his destination imtil the fall of 1818. He eventually settled in the little \dllage of ^yiensville, Switzerland county, then consisting of but a dozen log houses. The climate proving uncongenial and his health failing liim he was obliged to seek again a location m the vicinit}' of the lakes and in 1828 removed to Kock Hun, a short distance fi'om Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1829 he returned to Westfield. There he practiced his profession until 1831 when he purchased a fai-m near MeadviUe, Pa., to whicli he removed. He died here in Nov. 1843. — [Hon. H. L. Richmond M. (7., MeadviUe, Pa.'\ Dr. Silas Spencer, who was for some time a partner -srith Dr. R., says : "As a man, a christian and honest practitioner of medicine looking to the welfare of his patients rather than to then- purses, he stood high above the reach of reproach." Dr. K. was a local preacher of the M. E. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 191> order, an easy speaker and of deep religious convictions. He had the credit of ha\'ing preached tlie first Methodist sei-mon ever preaclied in the county of Chaiitauqua. [See 31. E Church. '\ Dr fenn Deming — Was the second physician settling- within the old town of Portland and doing business witliin the present town. Dr. D. was fi'oni Connecticut formerly; came fi'om Oneida county, this state, to the crossroads about 1814. He practiced but a few years, leaving the profession for the less laborious business of selling drugs, opening the first drug stove 2A ih.e crossroads some time previous to 1818. He was for some time surgeon in the IT. S. army in the war of 1812. He was the first postmaster of the Westfield }>ostoffice, estab lished in 1818 He lived in Westfield but a few years, removing to Illinois where he died. Dr Silas Sj^encer — W^as a native of Connecticut but came to the crossroads fi-om St. Lawrence county. X. Y.. in the fall of 1817. He was a man of ability and very soon obtained a good re})utation as a practitioner, and after the removal of Dr. Simons in 1820 was the only pliysician in the old town of Portland for three years and did an extensive practice. Many of tlie older citizens of the present town of Portland often refer to T)r. Si)encer a d his arduous, self-sacrificing labors among the comparatively few settlers in town. He is still liA-ing at Westfield in the enjoyment of a green old age. (ilay. 1873.) Dr. Marchis Simons. — Dr. Simons was a native of Massachu- setts, but in early life emigrated to Chenango coTinty. N. Y. He studied medicine firstly in Norwich, tliat connty, afterward with Dr. Valentine Mott in New Yx^rk city and a. tended lectures there. He came to this coimty and settled in Westfield in 1816. In 1820 he removed to Forestville. in 1 82- to Lodi, now Gowanda, but returned the same year to Forestville. In 1S36 he removed to Buftalo. in 1838 to Fredonia. in 1845 to Silver Creek and in February, 1849. ti- Droctrm. While li-^dng at Westfield he built the first bricl^ house built in the county. He was one of the eai'ly pi'actitioners :^00 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF ill tlie present town of Portland. A coteraporary says of him : •'He was a man of good talents and acquirements and a good practitioner of medicine." He was an esteemed citizen. He died at Brocton April 6, 1 865. Dr. Carlton Jones. — Dr. Jones came to Westfield abont 1823. He did less business in the present town of Port- land than Dr Spencer, but was a man of skill, particularly in surgical practice : and became eminent in the treatment of inflamed eyes. He died in that place a few years since. His widow and one son still live in Westfield. Dr. Daniel Ingalls — Came to Portland fi'om Springville. Erie county. N. Y., in 1824. lie was the first physician set- tling in the present town He had a large practice and became wealthy, but eventually failed, a victim of the specu- latioii mania of 1836 and '37. He was a man of good skill in his profession. [See Biog. Sketches.] Dr. Silas Pomeroy. — Dr. Pomeroy came to Portland in 1S28, and settled on a part of lot 40, T. 5. He was what was teixned a Botanic Physician, and was successful in the treat- ment of chronic diseases. [See Biog. Sketches.] Dr. Aaron Wilhtir.-^Y)Y. Wilbur came to Poitland fi-om Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1828 ; and for many years occupied the Price farm, now o^vned and occupied by Edward McGari-all. Although a practitioner for many years in othei' parts of the state, he never entered iipon the duties of a profession in Portland. [See Biog. Sketches.] Dr. James Ball. — Dr. Ball came to Portland fi'om xAlle- gany county, N. Y., in the spring of 1S32. He at first occupied a house standing on the j)remises now owned by \Vm. H. Bell on lot 33, T. .5, afterward a house now owned and occupied by Mrs. Salome Martin at Centerville ; moving to Salem X Roads about 1835. In 1841 or '42 he removed to Michigan, where he died a lew years later. He was a man of average skill in his profession, and is often referred to by the early settlers. Dr. Saxnders. — ^D)-. Saunders came to Portland about THE TOWK Ol' PORTI,A_NI). 201 1887, and for some time occupied the house on Main Ht. Brocton, now owned by J. H. Haight. He remained in town but a tew years. removiniTj eventually to some point in Massachusetts. Although capable, he did not suc- ceed well in his piofession. Very little, definitely, seems to be remembered of him. Dr. Swartwood. — Dr. S. came to Portland hi 1839, and set tied at Centerville. He taught a select school in that village in the winter of 183i)-'40. Not receiving patronage as he expected, he left town within a year. "Whence he came or whither he went" is not now remembered. Dr. Barnes — Came to Portland about 1842 or '43 ; and for a few months occui)ied a house standing where the store of R A. Hall now stands in Brocton. He stayed less than a year, leaving for "parts unknown.' Dr. — Marcum — Came to Portland about 1841. He was a practitioner of the Botanic system of medicine as then understood, and was particularly successful in the treatment of chronic diseases. He was a man of good ablHty. bul unsteady habits. He removed to the south part of the coimty about 1847, where three or four years later. foi- causes not understood, he committed suicide. Dr. Daniel Henn. — Dr. Henii came to Portland from Cherry Valley, this state, in 1838. He was a young man, and com menced here the practice of I lis profession. He boarder! at the hotel of J. E. Coney. Early in 183!> he removed to Westfield, where he continued tiie duties of his profession until death, some years since. He was aii ambitious, energetic man and a good physician. Dr. Wm. G. Wolcott. — Dr. Wolcott came to Portland from Whitehall, Washington county, this state, in 1838. He lived after his marriage in the house now owned and oc^uipied by Mr. E. Kandall in Brocton. In 1845 he sold his property to Dr. James A. Hall and removed to Westfield. this county: but after one or two years returned to Wliitehall where he died of constmiption a few years latei-. He was Allopathic 202 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF in medical sentiment, but while living here adopted Homeo- pathy. He was an excellent man. Dr. Austin — Came to Portland in 1843 or'4. He was a yomig man and commenced here the practice of medi- cine. He had no family but boarded at the liotel of R. Fitch. He stayed but a few months. For causes not known he committed suicide at some point in the vicinity of James- town in this comity. Dr. tTaines A. Hall. — Dr. Hall was a son of Ahira Hall, an early settler of the town of Portland. He studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Albina Hall, in the state of Maine ; attended medical lectures at Bowdoin College at Bninswick, that state, and after practicing in Maine for six years removed to Salem X Roads in 1844 and continued his profession. In 1845 he ]nu'chased of Dr. W. G. Wolcott the house and lot in tliat village now owned by E. Randall, but sold some years later and purchased the house and lot on Main street now owned by J. H. Haight, and still later the house now occupied by the family. Dr. Hall was an active, energetic business man, a good practitioner and an excellent citizen. He died at Brocton April 8, 1866. [See war of 1861.] Dr. Lemuel Clarh. — Dr. Clark was born in Harbor Creek, Erie comity, Pa. He studied the botanic practice of medicine and commenced the duties of the profession in Salem X Roads, now Brocton, in the spring of 1845, occupying the house and store now owned by J. E. White on the corner of Main and South Division streets. He attended medical lectures in the winter of 1849-50 at the E. M. Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. He afterward practiced at P'redonia, ]May\ille and Summerville, in this covmty, and is now living on his farm in the town ot Chautauqua. He was a successful practitioner and a good citizen. Dr. 7?ose.— -Dr. Rose was an eminent practitioner of tlie botanic school, and came to Portland from Harbor Creek, Pa., with Dr. L. Clark in 1845. Being advanced in years, he did not engage in the active duties of the profession, doing TIIK TOWN OK PORTI-AND. 203 but an office business. One or two years later he returned to Harbor Creek. Few men of any school were endowed with a better faculty for the successful practice of medicine than Dr. Rose. He was a man of excellent qualities. He died many years since. Dr Tlio^nas Ciishing. — Dr. Cashing came to Portland from Cazenovia, this state, in the winter of 1848-9. He attended medical lectui'es at the Albany Medical College. He was a good practitioner and succeeded well in his profession. He bought and occuj)ied the hoiise in Brocton now ow^ied by D. T. Taylor. Dr. Cushing removed to North East, Pa., in 185- and after a few years to Orleans county, N. Y., where he still resides. Dr. Horace C. Taylor. — Dr. T. is a native of Franklin county, Massachusetts. He commenced the study of medicine at Fredonia, N. Y., in 1845: afterward studied at Salem X Roads, now Brocton, and attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, classes of 1848 and '49. He commenced the practice of the profession at Salem X Roads in July, 1849. He has ever shared in a reasonable degree the confidence of the people and is still engaged in the duties of the profession. He occupies the property on East Main street, Brocton, located by Hollis Fay in 1813. Dr. ■ Mclntyre. — Dr. Mclntyre came into Portland in 185- firom . He pui-chased the house on South Division street built by T. S. Moss some years since and now owned by Mrs. 11. Kelley. He remained, however, but two or three years, removing to Wisconsin in 18 5-. Dr. 'William, Skinner. — Dr. Skinner was originally from Chenango county, this state; came from Shennan, in this county, to Portland in 1861. He was a cousin of Capt. Chester .Skinner of Brocton. He was educated at Columbia College, New York city, and was engaged in the practice of medicine many years before coming to Western New York. He was a man of fair talents lint infirm health. He died of eonsumi:)tion in 1866. 204 lUSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF Dr. Herman J. Dean. — Dr. D. is a native of Lockport. New York, and completed his medical education at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. He commenced the pi-actice of the profession in INIichigan but removed to Centerville, in this town, in May, 1857. He is a man of good abilities and succeeds vrell as a physician. He married Eda, a daughtei- of Mr. Lincoln Fay, and now owns and occupies the premises in Brocton so long owned and occupied by Capt. James Budlong. Dr- Nathaniel H. Barnes — Came to Portland fi-om Michigan in 186^ and for one year practiced in town, afterward removing to Jamestown, this county. He is a member of the Homeopathic school of practitioners. Dr. Barnes is also a clergyman and some years since relinquished medical practice for the pulpit. Dr Thomafi C Wilson. — Dr. W. is a native of New York city. He commenced the study of medicine at Stockton, in this county, in 1866. He attended lectui-es at Bellevixe medical college in New York city and commenced the practice of the profession at Centerville. this town, in 1869. Dr. W. was foui- vears in the U. S. army, war of 1861. He is a young man but by perseverance cannot fail of success. Note. — It was the iutention of tlie wTiter to give a short sketch of each clergymau that at auy time marie Portland a home, in a manner similar to that of physicians, but it has been found impossible to obtain the information necessary except in comparatively few cases, and the effort is reluctantly abandoned. They have been named however, as far as possible in connection with the churches to whicli they belonged. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 205 CHAPTER XXXV. Merchants. The first store opened within the bounds of the present town of Portland was by Thomas Khimph, a son of Aiignstus Klumph, in 1817, on the farm now owned by Chester Mimson, north part of lot 37, T. 5. It was kept in a small room in one i'orner of his father's log house. Very few goods were kept and these were mostly of the Yankee notion class. A corres- pondent says that " a few yards of cloth, a handful of groceries, tobacco and pipes comprised the stock mostly." A perambu- lating German peddler might have carried away the whole concern upon his back. Mrs. Samuel Munson says that the first looking glass she ever owned she bought at this store. A glass was a luxury in those days. This store was but a small affair but was the first attempt at selling goods in town and was often a convenience to the settlers. It was discontinued after about two years. The second store in town was opened in 1830 by Abial and Frank Silver, in the west room of the house now owned and occupied by Cullen Burr as a dwelling, south part of lot 34. T. 5. The stock consisted of such goods as were usually found in pioneer stores. A good trade was established here. In 1832 they sold to VVm. (Hirtis and K. Tinker. The Silvers lemoved to Michigan. The store was kept by the new proprietors until 1 834 when it was discontinued. The first store opened in Brocton was by Dr. Daniel Ingalls and Joseph Loekwood in 1830. The building is still standing 206 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF on the southeast corner and owned by J. E. Wliite and occupied by C. O. Furman. In 1832 or '33 the property was sold to B. F. Post, who also bought the goods belonging to Dr. Ingalls and continued the trade for a few years later. Mr. Lockwood removed liis portion of the goods to Centerville. Various parties have since sold goods in the building- and among them Chauncey Hulbnrt, H. A. S. Thompson, Thompson & ^Vhite, Thompson & Wells and C. S. Ogden. A store was also opened here in 1836 or '37 by a firm fi-om Rochester, but failing, the goods were sold to Harmon Smith and the trade continued for about one year later. The north part of the hotel of D. Morey at Bro cton was built in 1 835 for a store and dwelling. The east room was used for the sale of goods by Samuel Hall and E. R. Southwick. the owners of the building, for about one year, when the building was sold and converted into a tavern. \^iSee Taverns.'] The building now owned and occupied by J. B. Haywood as a store, on the northwest corner at Brocton, was built by E. E Southwick in 1836 and occupied by him as a store. In 1837 it was sold and occupied by A. S. Moss and J. B. Fay as a store. In 1839 it was purchased by Ransom S. Morrison and occupied by him for the sale of goods to 1 840 ; by R. S. & O. Morrison to 1845 ; by R. S. Morrison to 1846 : by Morrison & Moss to 1858, and by R. S. Morrison to 1860. Various parties have sold goods in this building since and among them Rufus Haywood & James A. Hunt ; J. A. Hunt, C. O. & G. Furman ; G. Furman & J. B. Haywood ; J. A. H. Skinner, and by the ]U'esent owner in 1866 to tlie present. In 1844 H. A. S. Thompson opened a store in the room so long occupied as a bar room in Ogden's building at Brocton. but removed to the southeast, corner m 1848. J. H. & W. L. Minton opened a store in Brocton in 1847 in a buildmg standing west of the hardware store of R. A. Hall and now occupied by G. W. Thompson, on the north side of the street, as a market. They removed to the store now occupied by C. S. Ogden in 1849. After 1852 it was continued THE TO\\TSf OF POETl-ANI). 207 by W. L. IVIinton, by Minton & Richardson and by W. L. IVIinton to 1863, when it was discontinued. T. S. Moss & Mark Haight opened a store in Broeton in 1858 ; C. S. Ogden & J. A. Hnntiii 1866 : C. S. Ogden in 1867 : D. Baker in 1867 : Baker & Furman in 1868 ; C. 0. Fm-man in 1870; A. J. Mericle in 1867 ; Mark Haight in 1870; Moss & Haight in 1871: E. Elmore, hardware, in 1864; Ehnore & Thompson in 1866; Hall & Thompson in 1870; R. A. Hall & E. C. Ball in 1870, and R. A. Hall in 1873. Thomas Klumph was the pioneer merchant of Centerville as he was of the town, opening a store in 1832 in the west room of the house on Main street owned by R. D. Fuller and nearl}- opposite the M. E. church. He continued the business until the fall of 1837 when he removed west. This house was built by two brothers by the name of Goodwin m 1831 and '32. Joseph Lockwood opened a store at Centerville in a building a few feet east of the tavern house now owned by R. D. Fuller, in 1833. This building was afterward removed to the hollow east of Centerville and some portions of it eventually foimd a place in the house of George Couchman. In 1835 Joseph Lockwood and David Somerman built the store building on the southeast corner at Centerville now occuiDied by the family of Asahel Peck, deceased, and occupied it as a store for about one year, when the goods were bought by Horace Lockwood and the trade continued for a year later. Lockwood sold to Hannon Smith, who sold to A. Abrams. S. C. Riley opened a store in 1 845 ; S. C. Riley & Amos Barton in 1846 ; Amos Barton & Brother in 1850 ; Amos Barton in 1851 ; Curtis Wilbur in 1849; R. D. Fuller in 1850 ; P. Mericle & S. C. Riley in 1855, followed by A. Andrews and others, as — Griswold, F. Tower, P. Barber, Fuller & Townsend, Fuller & Barnhart, Fuller, Mericle & Barnhart, A. J. Mericle, J. Diinliam, T. Rolpli & Dodge. T. Rolph, I. Shattuck, Dr. T. C. Wilson, di-ugs, E. T. Harris and some others. Various small grocery establishments have existed at various times but are hardly worthy of note. 208 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHAPTEE XXXVI. Fruit — Fruit-Growing aud Wiue-making. Portland occupies the center of one of the most impoi"t- ant fruit-growing regions of the state. Its whole extent is well fitted for the growth of the apple, pear and peach ; and all but a narrow strij) on the south and a section in the southwest corner, admirably adajDted to the cultivation of tlie grape and a large variety of the smaller fruits. It stands prominent in the front rank of towns, when considered with reference to the amount, variety and quality of the fi'uit grown. Capt James Dunns Orchard. — This was the first orchard of any kind set in town. Early in the spring of 1807 Mi'. Dunu visited his former home in Pennsylvania, and on his return brought a small bundle of young apple trees from two to three feet in length. To save them he wat- ered them in the small streams by the way as often as he watered his horse. Mrs. Dunn with her own hands set the first of these young trees in the place where it now stands, on the well known Dunn farm, and tradition has it that in after years she gathered the first fiaiit grown upon it, and the first of its kind matured in town. The balance of the orchard, very nearly as now standing, was set from those sprouts, and from trees grown from seeds then planted by Mi*. Dunn. David Batons Orchard. — In 1807 Mr. Eaton planted a nui'sery from seeds brought fi'om his eai'ly home in Mas- THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 209 saehusetts. In 1809 he puvcliased one dozen young apple trees and commenced an orchard around his dwelHng on lot 37, T. 5. A few of these are still standing: but the larger portion of the orchard as now seen was set from trees grown from the seeds planted in 1807. That year he planted pear seeds fi-ora which were grown trees that thirteen years after produced their first fruit, the hrst of the kind grown, not only in the present town, but in the county. "David Eaton's Pears " were both a novelty and a luxury. Four of these trees are still standing and producing fruit. These pears were of three kinds, the Harvest Bell, Harvest Pear and Madeline. Elisha Fay's Orchard. — This orchard was set in part Irom a nui'sery planted by Mr. Fay from seeds brought by him fi-om Massachusetts in 1807, and in part from one planted in 1813. Pear trees were also set, but few ot them matured. This orchard is now owned by Geo. Smith, and stands on lands first settled by IVIi-. Fay, part of lot 25, T. 5. Ml'. Fay claims the honor of introducing to Portland those standard varieties of apples, since become so famous, the Iloxbury Russet, the R. I. Greening, and Spitzenburg; also the Baldwin and Sopsovine a little later, all fi'om Massachusetts. In 1820, Inman & Timiey, two men out of town, and largely interested in fruit growing, planted sev eral nurseries on shares with landholders. Some of these were well cared for, while others grew up a mass of worthless sprouts. The one planted on the farm of John Quigley a- as one of the latter. One planted on the farm of Nathaniel Fay was one of the former, and fiunislied trees for some of the best orchaixls in the countiy. In 1824 and '25. fruit trees of various kinds were largely introduced from the nurseries of Wm. R. Prince of Long- Island, tlu-ough his agent, Rev. Charles LaHatt. The enthusiasm for nursery and fi'uit cultui'e. since so })rominent in the life of Mr. Lincoln Fay. began to be 210 nrsTOKiCAL sketches op manifest at this date. In liis communication Mr. Fay says : "I read much on the subject, and introduced all the val- uable varieties until I had tested one hundred and fifty varieties of aj^ples, one hundi-ed of peaches, besides all the other varieties adapted to a northern latitude. Most of them were a total loss, not more than one in ten of all tested have been propagated for sale." Mr. Fay has been a life-long market fmiit-grower, has raised and sold trees on a small scale for forty years, "twenty five thousand trees being as many as he had growing at any one time." Of the variety and quality of fruit grown by Mr. Fay and also by all the principal fruit growers in town an estimate may be formed fi'om the following extract fi'om the letter of Mr. Fay: "I swept all the first premiums on fi'uit at the first U. S. Pomological Fair at Buifalo. Twelve states were represented. I really had, so said the judges, the best selected varieties found in any lot fi-om any of the states, and they Were obliged to award me the first premiums." Mr. Fay is still engaged in fiaiit growing, and although his nurseiy is on a limited scale, it is in fact, one of the finest in western New York. Elijah Fays Orchard — Was set from seeds planted in 1813. It was set in part in 1815 and in part in 1817. The orchard was in bearing condition in 1821 ; seven- teen and one-half bushels of apples being sold that year to thirteen of the settlers, no one ventimng to purchase more than two and a half bushels. A large proportion of the trees in this orchard are still standing and in bearing condition, in all about ten acres. Pears were planted at the same time. Nathaniel Fays Orchard. — The nursery of Mr. Fay was planted fi'om seeds in 1815, on the farm located by him, part of lot 12, T. 5, and largely increased in 1820. (See EHsha Fay's orchard). He fiu'nished trees to settlers for many years. The orchard upon the farm, nearly as now seen, was set in 1820 or '21. A few trees were set before. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 211 Pear trees were set at the same time, some of which are still hving. The orchard about the residence of the writer was set by Moses Sage in 1816. A few trees of the orchard of A. B. Post, by Daniel Barnes in 1814. A part of the orchard of Corington Barker in 1816. A few trees on the farm of H. A. Blowers, by Thomas Khimph as early as 1812; and a part of the orchard of Edward ' IVtcGarrall, by John Price in 1812 or 13. Orchards rapidly increased, and new varieties of fniit were introduced, so that at the present the town in this par- ticular stands second to none in Western New York. A congenial soil and climate with proper manipulation have made the apple crop one of the most important raised in town, and large quantities are yearly sent to market, mostly to New York, Boston or other cities. The variety is large, but those relied upon for market are those already named. Cherries and Plums were introduced very soon after the apple and pear, and are still grown extensively, and in their season are largely sent to the oil territory of Pennsylvania. Since 1855 Strawberries have been largely cultivated, and have proved a soui'ce of large profit. Wilson's Seedling is the variety principally cultivated and upon which reliance is chiefly placed. Other varieties are largely cultivated, but less extensively. The oil territory of Pennsylvania, Buffalo and other eastern localities furnish a ready market. Raspberries have been largely cultivated since about 1 860, and find a ready sale in various localities, principally in the oil territory of Pennsylvania. Peaches were first cultivated fi-om the pits, planted in 1807 by Captain Dunn and others. Veiy little effort was necessaiy, the trees growing almost spontaneously and yielding prolifically. The fiiiit was at first small and inferior in quality, hwi was soon improved. It was usually the first fiiiit raised, and the crop was seldom a faihire The writer 212 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF well remembers that as late as 1827 the yield was so extensive that there was not even a nominal value in the market and hogs were turned into the orchards to fatten. Some of the earlier varieties were the Heath, Sergeant's Yel- low, Early York, Kensington, Prince's Rareripe. These have mostly given place to improved varieties, as Hale's Early. Crawford's Early, and Hill's Chili. The Early York is still a leading variety. For some years the peach has been a very uncertain crop, from a disease of the trees, called the Yellows. Of its nature nothing is known. Its aiDproach is insidious, and as yet no certain remedy has been found. It is, however, less preva lent than formerly. Other causes doubtless have theii- influence in rendering the crop uncertain, as the change in the climate and the blasting winds of early spring. Not- withstanding, there is seldom a year but some part of a crop of this luscious fiTiit is gathered. Fays Vineyard. — Dea. Elijah Fay has the honoi- of introducing to our climate and town that incomparable fruit, the grape. In 1818 he made an effort to introduce the native Fox grape from Massachusetts, but was not suc- cessful, the soil ])roducing large vines but little fruit. In 1822 he obtained a few roots of Miller's Borgimda, Sweetwater and Hamburg varieties then ]»opular, but with no better sue cess. In 1824 he introduced the Isabella and Catawba, which proved to be well adapted to the soil and climate. The vines of these two varieties, covering a plat of ground no more than two by eight rods, were the only ones in town for many years, with perhaps an exception of a few on two or three farms or gardens. They were largely productive. The first wine made by Dea. Fay, was from grapes grown in 1830. from five to eight gallons, and was the first made from the cultivated grape in western or even central New York. Each year an addition was made until 1859. when the wine house of Fay. Ryckman & Haywood was built and put in operation. Until the winter of 1872-3 the old stocks of THE TOWN OV I'OKXr.ANI). 213 these pioneer vines were strong and healthy, and each year sent forth a vigorous growth and have tailed but twice of a crop of fruit since their first one in 1825. One of them had been trained a distance »>f one hundred and ten feet, and in 1871 yielded one hundred and sixty pounds of fruit. The severity of tlie jjast winter, l872-'3, materially injiu'ed them and they are in ])art removed. The tamily have still a fcAV gallons of the vintage of 1 847. Probably three hundi'ed gallons per year were made by Mi\ Fay for the last foui* years of his life. His cellars contained one thousand five hun- dred gallons at the time of his death. Wine House of Foi/, Rychman & Haywood — Was built in 1859 by Joseph B. Fay, Garrett E. Kyckman and llufus Haywood on gromid obtained of Dea. E. Fay at Broctou, consisting of a wooden structure one and one-half stories high, 80x50 feet on the ground, and with a double cellar, one beneath the other, of ten feet each in height. Facilities for the successful manufacture of wine were at once introduced and 2,000 gallons made the same fall. The success of Dea. Fay in the manufacture of wine had given an imj^etus to the cultxu"e of the grape, and at that date twenty acres would be a fair estimate of the area set and in bearing condition. Not imtil a few years later was it supposed that the heavy clay soil of the lake country or the shaley soil of the '■ side hill " was at all adapted to the culture of the grape and thus fai' it had been confined to the gravelly belt. The increase of fruit enabled the company to increase their manufacture from year to year and in 18G5 the amount was 16,000 gallons. Tlieir wines found a ready sale and from their excellent quality laid the foundation of the popularity of the present wine house of Kyckman, Day Sz Co. Mr. Fay retired from the firm in June, 1862, Ryckman & Hayw^ood continumg the business itntil I860. Their cellars had a storage capacity of 3O.o,k. For the towai of Portland this is douV)le the amoiuit heretoj'ore assessed. Brocton Station is at the terminus of the B. C. & P. E. R. Nearly 36,000 passengers were carried fi-om this station by the L. S. K. R. diu'ing the year 1872: ov^er 33,000 going eastward. The fare col- lected for this traffic was about $38,500. Freight received, forwarded or delivered dm'ing the same period was in round numbers 190.000,000 pounds: and the revenue for this service was nearly $3o,000. Buffalo, Carry ct Pittsburgh Railroad. — This road was chartered under the name of the Buffalo ik Oil Creek Cross Cut Mailroad. The articles of association were tiled July 19, 1865. At a later date the name was changed to the B., C. & P. R. R. It is 43.20 miles in length and connects the city of Corry. Peimsylvania, with Brocton, in the town of Poitland, where it forms a jimetion with the L. S- & M. S. R. R. That portion of the road in the state of New York is 37.20 miles in length and terminates at the state line in the town of Clymer, on lot 49. The company ]:)iiilding from this point to Corr}- was chartered by the legislature of Pennsylvania aiid the two were consolidated Apiil 24, 1867. A route was sui'veyed and located in 1865 passing fi-om Brocton station across lots 21. 20, 26. 25, 10. 13. 12. 18, 24, 23, 28. T. 5. and 40, 48. 47. 54. 53, 61. 52. T. 4, R. 13. The capital stock of the company was $1,000,000. to which the citizens of Brocton and vicinity subscribed $25,000 on condition that the road terminate in Portland. The average cost of the road through toAvn was $33,000 per mile. To facilitate the building of the road those interested within the comity procured the enactment of a \vL\y April 7. 1866. authorizing the bonding of towTis along the roiite under certain restrictions, and directing the super-sisov THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 221 to disp(^se of such bonds or any part of them, when obtained, on such terms as he shall deem most advantageous to the town but not less than par, and invest the proceeds in stock of the B. & O. C. C. C. R. R. Co. for the construction of the road and for necessary outiit, and receive a certificate of stock for the same. Under the provisions of the statute a vote of the town of Portland was obtained authorizing the bonding of the town for $20,000. lionds were issued for the amount by the supei-visor, J. B. Fay, bearing date July 24, 1866, with a tenure of 30 years at 7 per cent. They were at once sold to the following parties :- T. S. Moss and Moss & Haight, $10,000 ; U. S. Ladue, $5,000; E. Elmore. $5,000, and the proceeds invested as directed by the statute. This transaction was one wherein the town loaned its credit to the company for a specified object, receiving stock as seciuity. By agreement the interest on the bonds was paid by the company for three years, but on the fourtli year was refimded by the town. \_jSee Session Lims 1866, Chajx 430, P. 957.] The right of way through the town was guaranteed by 44 citizens of Brocton and vicinity, but on the issuing of the town bonds that guaranty was relinquished, the company assuming the responsibility, which gradually rose from $4,000 to $11,000. A respectable portion of the citizens were opposed to bonding the town for the purpose named, raised the question of legality and threatened an appeal to the courts. The legislature was again appealed to and an act was passed April 2, 1867, declaring the bonds legal and binding upon the towns issuing them. The load was placed in nmning order in 1866 and the feasibility of the enterprise at once made manifest l)y the amount of business transacted. The number of passengers passing over the road in 1871, which year is a fair, average, was 89,344. The I'evenue for this service was $82,754.52. The amount of fi-eight for the same term was 96 659 tons, and the amount of revenue for this service was $159,635.68. The receipts for mail and express service M^ere $6,577.23, and for miscellaneous service $474.78, making a total of $249,442.21 for the year. Prospect Station 222 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF is the only one located on this road in town. It is situated on lot 53, T. 4, at a point familiarly known as "Fish & Banies'." A postoffice was established here soon after the road was opened with Alpha Barnes as postmaster. For various reasons, and especially the large debt incurred in building the road which they were compelled to carry, some time in 1872 the company failed to meet their obligations to the Dondholders and the employes, and on apjilication of some of the former it was placed in bankruptcy. After due course of law the road was sold to the bondholders and by them to the Allegheny Valley R. R. Co., by whom it is now owned and run. THE TOWX OF PORTLAND. 228 CHAPTER XXXVIII. Slavery- — Political Status of the Town — Tables of Valuation, Taxes, Productious, Poijulation, &c. Slavery. — It is i)robably known to but few. comparatively, that the state of New York was formerly a slave state. Such, however, was the fact, but the e\'il existed in but a mild foim. Before the K evolution there was a slave market in Wall street, New York city, where the "bulls" and "•bears'" now congregate to speculate in gold and stocks instead of human flesh and blood. It was forty years after the Revolution before the last slave was free. The soil of the present town of Portland was never cursed by the toil of the bondman, but like other portions of the state it was no asylum for the slave. The law of March 31. 1817, passed by the legislatiu-e of the state, declared a gradual abolition of slavery and its, final extinction by limita- tion. At tlie time of the enactment of that law there were eight slaves within the county of Chautauqua, belonging to masters who resided here. But this stain has long since been obliterated and not a vestige remains within the state. The following is on record in the tow7i book of the old town of Chautauqua, the only word tlie writer has foimd wherein property seems to have been recognized in human beings : Certificate of Slave Born in Chautaiique County: — I, IMatthew Prendergast, one of the judges in and for the coimty of (.>hauta\ique, do certify that on the sixteenth day of February last past was born unto me a black boy slave by the name of Jonas. John Dexter, This 22d September, 1816. Town Clerk. 224 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF Certificate of Freedom : — Chatjtauque, Api-il 14, 1814. To Whom it May Concern : — This may certify that William Harris, of the county and town above mentioned, aged forty- seven years, about five feet seven inches high, of black complexion, born in the State of Ehode Island, town of Scituate, of fi'ee parents, hath made before me such proof of his freedom as to the pretence of any person to the contrary notwithstanding. Given under my hand, Matthew Pkendekgast, One of the judges of the court of common pleas in said county. John I^extee, Town Clerk. Political Status of the town of Portland. — The political complexion of the to\vn has been pretty unifomily Clintonian, whig and republican respectively, since 181(). Cu-cumstances have occasionally changed this, but the following statement of the vote for governor of the state and president of the United States "vill indicate the sentiment of the to"wn since that date. The old town of Portland was erected in 1813. but did not vote for governor before the erection of Ripley. The reader is referred to these statements as furnishing all that is practicable. Vote of the Town of Portland for Governor — 1816 to 1872. Tbe * indicates Clintonian, whig and republican; t, bucktail and democrat; %. abolitionist ; g, freesoil ; II, knownothing ; U.. Union ; A. M., Anti-Mason. 1816.— Daniel D. Tompkins, 46 ; Rufus King, 32. 1 817.— DeW^itt Clint(m,* 29 : scattering, 1. 1820.— De Witt Clinton,* 26 : Daniel D. Tompkins,! 20. 1822.— Joseph C. Yates,t 195 ; scattering, 3. 1824.— De Witt Clinton,* 162 ; Samuel Young,t 68. 1826.— De Witt Clinton,* 185; Wm. B, Rochester,! 112. 1 828.— Martin Van Buren,! 108 : Smith Thompson,! 65 : Solo- mon South wick, a. m., 174. 1830.— Francis Grange]-,* 178; Enos T. Throop,! 85. 1832. — Francis Granger,* 2l4 : Wm. L. Marcy,! 84. 1834.— Wm. H. Seward,* 226 ; Wm. L. Marcy,! 109. 1836.— Jesse Buell,! 189 : Wm. L. Marcy,! 124. 1838.— Wm. H. Seward,* 263 : Wm, L. Marcy,! 107. rilK TOWT^ Ol'" I'OIITLANI). 225 1840.— Wm. H. Seward,* 290 ; Wm. C. Bouck,t 98 ; Gemtt Sniith4 1. 1842.— Luther BradisL,* 248: Wm. C. Bouck,t 84; Alvan Stewart, :j: 7. 184 k— Millard Fillmore,* 2(JU ; 8ilas Wright,! 101; Alvau Stewart,! 51. 1846.— John Young.* 1!)5; Silas Wright,! 7- 1868.— John A. Griswold,* 292 ; John T. Hoffman,! 165. 1870.— John T. Hoffman,! 134 ; Stewart L. Woodford,* 2^1. 1872.— John A. Dix,* 252 ; Francis Kernan,! 177. Vote of the 2)resent Town of Portland for Presidents of the U. S. 1832. — Henry Clay,* 205 ; Andi-ew Jackson,! 84. 1836.— Henry Clay,* 187; Martin VanBuren,! 126. 1 840. — Wm. H. Harrison,* 309 ; Martin VanBiu-en,! 92 ; James G. Birney,! 1. 1844. —Henry Clay.* 264; James K. Polk,! 102; James G. Birney,! "^^- 226 HISTOKKML SKETCHES OF 1 848.— Zachary Taylor,* 209 ; Lewis Cass,t 87; Martin Van Buren,§ 52. 1852.— Winfield 8cott,* 273; Franklin Pierce,! 104; John P. Hale,! 28. 1856. — John C. Fremont,* 1G5 : James Buchanan,! 145: Millard Fillmore, Cr 40. 1860. — Abraham Lincoln,* 22(5 ; Stephen A. Douglass,! — : John C. Breckenridge,! 170 ; John Bell, U —. 1864.— Abraham Lincoln,* 259 ; Geo. B. McC'lellan,! 172. 1868.— Ulysses S. Grant,* 290 ; Horatio Seymour,! 167. 1 872.— Ulysses S. Grant,* 243 ; Horace Greeley,! 181. Table showing the assessed valuation, the equalized valuation and the equalized valuation per acre in town each jear from 1829 to 1871 inclusive. The number of assessed acres in town is 20,510. g esessed aluation. o-'S 1 "tf • ce ssessed aluation, a* c3 qualized Br Acre. ;S <> a> H P. 0) 1 <> «> « a 1829 ^ 99,485 97,022 $ i 485 4.73 1851 $ 464,909 584,026 $ 627,126!$ 30.58 672,126! 32.77 1830 97,023 1852 1831 1853 527,122 554,046 684,053 679,053 33.34 1832 139,601 104,'934 '5.' 1*2 1854 33.10 1833 126,387 123,859 6.04 18.55 507,318 669,228 32.62 1834 130,509 150,390 7.33 1856 510,951 526,439 25.66 1835 139,400 157.903 7.70 1857 490.627 530,515 25.87 1836 172,422 272,423 13.28 1858 507,222 498,157 24.29 1837 207,460 19.5,911 9.55 18.59 503,301 497,252 24.24 1838 239,124 214,211 10.44 1860 506,338 492,9,55 24.04 1839 267,422 216,767 10.57 1861 50.'»,361 483,262 23.56 1840 259.701 220,746 10.76 1862 518,316 479,899 23.40 1841 259,691 225,344 10.99 1863 .527,136 478,679 23.34 1842 240,340 244,265 11.91 1864 525,197 490,165 23.90 1843 269,970 223,479 10.90 1865 549,583 .501,429 24.45 1844 263,849 220,516 10.75 1866 ■ .575,195 497,164 24.24 1845 255,930! 224.221! 10.93 1867 674,539 576,445 28. 1 1 1846 227,5781 224,2211 10.93 1868 : 691,011 576,445 28.11 1847 229,709 226,88li 11.06 1869 ; 682,603 612.816 29.88 1848 229,960; 227,881 i 11. n 1870 ! 703,794 597.329 29.12 1749 230,7771 241,113: 11.76 1871 i 703,815 602,248 29.36 1850 233,948 268,430! 13.09 It is not possible to carry the table back of 1 829, as previous t, to that date the town included a part of the present town of " Till-: TOWN OF P0KT1>ANI). 227 Westfield, and previous to 1816 the whole of the present towns of l*ortland, Westfield and Ripley after the organization as a town in 1813. In earlier years, however, the board of supervisors fixed the price per acre to be assessed on farm l)roperty. In 1816 the to"wn was assessed as per resolution of tlie board, for unimproved road lots, $2.75 per acre ; back lots, $2.00 per acre: improved road lots, $8.00 per acre; back improved lots, $5.75 per acre. This valuation was gradually increased from year to year until it reached the sum of $99,48.5 in the aggregate for the year 1 829. In 1 821 the board raised the assessment 2 per cent.: in 1822, 1 per cent.; in 1824, $5,000: in 1826, 15 per cent.; in 1827, 3 per cent. The personal property returned for taxation in town gradu ally increased from $1,800 in 1820 to $70,027 in 1869. This sum, however, fell off to $34,(526 in 1871. The following statement will be of interest as showing the difference between the assessed valuation on substantially the same property in 1817 and 1871, with tax upon the same : Owner iu 1817. John R. Coney David Eaton,.... Elijah Fay Nathaniel Fay,. Moses Joy, Peter Kane, A. Klutnph, Zadoc Martin,.. Moses Sage, James Wilder,. Ahira Hall ■^ ;-( i -00 Owners in 1871. o <^ 100 117 169 200 137 100 56 65 155 90 66 « a $943 1,161 1,583 1,280: 974 1 ^ : H $3.71 4.57 6.22 5.03 3.831 jT. L. Harris, Alfred Eaton, The Family, Franklin Fay H. A.S.Thompson IJ. L. Hatch and I jChester Skinner, 799 5.11[Mrs. M.D. Leach, 362' 2.32 Chester Munson.. 385 4.51 H.W. Thompson, 1,217 7.79 T.L.Harris, H.C. Taylor and others 625 2.46N. pt. J.idsou Fa. 260 1.66Santord Martin,... a 4,500 1,830 8,695 5,300 7,500 4,200 1,950 1,600 6,900 1,400 1,300 H 65.32 26.13 126.20 76.93 94.35 60.97 28.30 23.22 94.64 20.32 18.87 The above is not strictly correct owing to small pieces of land being bought or sold, but it approximates the facts sufficiently to show what was intended by it. 228 IIISTORICAX SKETCHES OF The following table \\dll exhibit the amount of tax assessed and paid by the town fi-om 1829 to 1 871, inclusive. It includes all town expenses except collectors' fees : IB t< "S & 1 >< X X ^ _H « ^.E- ^H h- ^ |« a i/ n '^ s. !3 c >- $ 210.68 no M QQ pa H 1H29 f 84.76 $ 26.37 $ 267.78 $ 592.49 18H0 194.27 84.76 96.79 875.35 750. 17 183] 265.61 169.51 21.05 526. 8h 983.06 l«.^2 175. 4U 193.77 84.71 563.82 1 007.7(1 1833 330 04 194.25 33.21 525.03 1,082.5:; 1834 148.8t. 194.25 197.37 697 06 1,237. 5-i 1835 219.04 190.25 61.85 769.8H 1,241.02 1836 213.39 190.25 128.86 729.79 1.262.2!! 1-37 126.94 231.98 26.32 835.17 1,220.41 1838 174.10 290.47 110,52 735.32 1,. 310.41 1839 271.9i 290.47 91,98 706.37 1,360.74 1840 299.88 301.00 66.31 733.27 1,400.46 1841 204.(19 2.= 4. 55 52.63 715.73 1,227 00 1842 177.9R 254.55 83.15 714.11 i,259'.i2 1.488.91 1843 109.40 249 45 849.02 1,23 3.31 1.441.18 1844 162.01 249 30 ""46.'93 8(i9. 66 254.31 1,622.20 1845 186.96 241.83 26.31 758.18 I 36.99 1,349 47 1846 186 69 207.53 49.40 676.40 l.ll9.i)'J 184. 168 27 207,53 89.20 670 18 '""23'4"i6 1.369.34 1848 368.91 222.73 103.97 617.34 117.28 1.430.-^3 18A« 155.17 215.13 51.00 9S9.57 120.25 1,531.12 1850 168.25 215.13 123.51 892.89 137.12 1.536.90 1H51 202.34 .S42.41 126.99 879.91 326.32 1,877.90 1852 207.05 442.93 80.00 1,007.79 172 74 1.910,51 1853 210.81 453.52 150.00 975.91 713 86 2.661,09 1854 218 96 471.26 40.00 967.20 529. 3(, 2,226.iS 1855 ?12.I3 447 71 1,249.67 876.41 2,786.97 1856 228.54 418.95 840 13 i 568 60 2,046.22 1857 229.15 439.12 901 52 i 1,293.3(1 2,855.16 185- 705.94 407.74 '""'50.60 1,071.74 1 951.38 3 l!i6,80 1859 496.27 390.71 70.00 1,026,87 1 911.16 2,895.51 18H0 287,98 360.99 150.00 896.44 i 1.607.39 3,331.80 18til 496.22 385.46 110.00 970.40 i 1.606. 1 ( 3.568.1^ 186-2 244.42 390.05 220.00 940.58 2,080.24 *4',2'oo".0( 8,075.29 1863 214.67 395.22 100.00 990.08 1 2,239.60 3,9.39.57 18H4 328.25 384.61 200.00 1,152.81 2,307.51 2'9*,2V8.'"'8 33,591.36 18K5 417. 6( 396.66 200.00 1.676.13 2,068.74 4,759.09 1866 315,24 399.80 200,00 1,706.70 •2.665.38 5.146,12 1867 380,71 748.21 250.00 2,894.09 3,920.06 i « i "ti 8,193.67 18(i8 l^oa- 1.X69 *6,433!96 "847.66 25b" 6< 3.132.96 2,'96(';!8(" l--«^ 13,631.38 1870 *2,016.20 782. in 900.00 2.757.92 3,762.53 1' - _ t^ 10,218.65 1»71 *2,084.24 XolA'l 1 2,050.01 2,692.46 3, 00 2 69 J OJ P 10.680.81 Rejected and returned taxes, a small item, are not included in the above. * Includes interest or railroad bonds. THE TOWN OF POKTLA>rD. 229 The Population of the town at (liffei'ent periods since the organization of the present town has been: In l8-'!0, 1,771 ; 1835, 2,181; 1840, 2,I8«): 1845, 1,966- 1850, 5,905: 1855. 1,936; I860, 1,984: 1865, 1,816; 1870, 1,887. Population of Centerville in 1 872 was 233 ; ot Brocton, 308. Sex., Civil Condition, <&c., of the population are shown by the census of 1865 as follows : Population, 1,887 (census 1870). Males, 8!)6; females. 991. Single, 946 ; married, 783 ; widowers, 2-'5 ; widows, 64 ; others not known. Voters, 462 ; natives, 424 ; natiualized, 38. Foreign population, 182. No. of famihes, 409 (census 1870). Owners of land, J 05. Over '1 1 years of age and not able to read and wiite, 41 (census 1870). Age and Sex of jjopulation Vjy census of 1 865 is shown as follows : Under 10 — males, 184; females, 195. 10 and under 20 — males, 2V1 -, females, 20 1 . 20 and under 30 — males, 117: females, 143. 30 and under 4(J — males, 112; females, 116. 40 and under 50 — males, 1 06 ; females, 1 08. 50 and under 60 — males, 78 ; females, 76. 60 and under 70 — males, 56 ; females, 49. 70 and under 80 — males, 24 ; females, 20. 80 and under ;»0 — males, 10 ; females. 9 Balance of population, ages not kntjwn. Places of Birth of the population of Portland according to census of 1865 : Chautauqua county, 948 ; other counties of this state, 436 : Comiecticut, 36 ; Illinois, 3 ; Indiana, 3 ; Massachusetts, 44 : Michigan, 5; Minnesota, 3; Maine, 1; New Hampshire, 19: New Jersey, 2 ; Ohio, 15 ; Pennsylvania, 74 ; Rhode Island, S ; Vermont, 50 ; Virginia, 2 : Wisconsin, 15 : Canada, 1 9 : Kng- land, 45; France, 1 ; German states, 5; Ireland, 49; Scot- land, 3 ; Sweden, 24 : balance unknown. Dwellings in Town. — Census of 1865 shows that there were 4 stone dwellings, valued at JS^3,50() : 5 brick dwellings, valued at $4,300: 362 frame dwellings, valued at *234,:^15; 2 log houses, valued at $ 1 75 : 9 other dwellings valued at $f)60. 230 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Total number given, 882 ; total value given, $242,950. There are 32 dwellings the value of which is not given. Agricultural and other Proch(cts-oi the town for the year ending June 1, 1870, were valued and estimated as follows : Assessed value of real estate, $703,798 ; cash, or real value of real estate in tow^n, $2, 111, 394 ; personal property assessed, $34,345; No. of horses, 460: No. of covins, 1,270; working oxen, 44; young cattle, 689: No. of sheep, 1,789: No. of swine, 467 ; value of all live stock in town, $157,325. Bushels of wheat raised, 9,703: bushels of corn raised, 13,020; bushels of oats raised, 25,328 ; bushels of barley raised. 4,196; bushels of buckwheat raised, 130: bushels of peas raised, 15 ; bushels of potatoes raised, 14,051 : pounds of wool clipped, 12,215. Orchard products, in dollars, $23,695; wine made in gallons, 25,270 ; products of market garden, in dollars, $4,695 ; pounds of butler made, 142,630: pounds of cheese made in families, H,370 ; pounds of factory-made cheese, 22,001); gallons of milk used in cheese factory, 27,500; ca}>itai invested in cheese factory in dollars, $2,000 : value of clieese made in fac- tory, $3,300. Tons of hay raised, 5,289 ; clover and hay seed raised, in bushels, 58 ; pounds of maple sugar made, 2,500 ; value of animals slaughtered or sold to be slaughtered, in dollars, $27,227 ; total value of all farm products, including betterments and additions to stock, in dollars, $234,545. Till-: TOWN OK POliTI.AND. 231 CHAPTER XXXIX. Towu Mtetiugs aud Special Electious. Town Meetings of the Toum of Chautauqua were held, in 1 805, At the house of widow McHeury. at tht; ancient ei'DSsroads, nov\' one mile west of the center of the i)resent village of Westfield. 1806, Same as 1805. 1807, At Mrs. Perry's (Mrs. McHenry), same as 1806. 1808, At the house of Hezekiah Barker at " Caiiadaway settlement," now Fredonia. 1809, At tlie house of John Scott, mn-keeper in the now \'illage of Mayville. 1810, Same as 1809. 181 1, At the hoiise of Matthew B. Lawrie. 1812, House of John Scott. Same as 1809. 1813, Same as 1812. On the erection of the towu of Portland town meetings were held, in I'^l^ At the house of Jonathan Cass in the now village of Westtield, the house standing a little in the rear of the store of H. J. iVIinton. 18^5, At the house of Mrs. Sarah Perry. Same as 1807. 181G. At the house of Martin Smith, house standing where the house of Milton J. ^Muiison now stands, on lot 33, T. 5. E. 13; house built by Jeremiah Potter in 1812. the first frame house built in the present town of Portland. 1817, At the house of Martin Smith. Same as 1816. 232 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 1818, At the house of Joseph Cass on the McKenzie farm, part of lot 41 , T. 5. This year the present fi-ame dwelling was built, but it is not known whether the town meeting was held in this or in the old double log house aciross the way, in which Mr. Cass lived two years. 1819, At the house of Joseph Cass. Same as 18 1 8. 1820, At the house of Joseph Cass. Same as 1 819. 1821, At the house of Perry (t. Ellsworth. Same as Joseph Cass. 1822, At the house of Jonathan Boardwell. same as Joseph ( 'ass. on the McKenzie farm. 1823 and '24. Same as 1822. 1825, House of Lemon Averill. Same as Joseph Cass. [See 1 818.] 1826, House of Lemon Averill. Same as 1825. 1827, House of Moses Sage : house now owned and occupied by J. N. Porter, east of Brocton. on part ot lot 1 3, T. 5. 1828, House of Henry Abell in the village of Westlield '• house standing where the Brewer block now stands. 1829, At the house of Martin Coney in the present town of Portland ; house now owned and occupied by (). Jerome ril 10. 1851, at tlie house of C ileb Griswold, for the election of town officers failing to qualify. 10th, March 8, 1804, at the house of S. C. Riley, wiih refer- ence to tax for boiuity for veteran soldiers reenlisting — war of 1861. ISee Tfar o/" 1861.] 1 1 th, July 30. 1 864. at the office of Isaac Shattuck. with reference to tax as bomity for those enlisting imder the call of the president of July 18. 1804— war of 1861. \_See War of 1861.] 12th. January 7. 1865, at the house of S. C. Hiley, witli reference to tax as bounty for vohxnteers under the call for 2'd-i HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF men made December 10, 1864 — war of 1861. \_'See War of 1861.] Special General J^lectiontt have been held as follows : 1. A})ril 30, 1816, and two following days, for election of member of the 1 4th congress. Y(jte cast as follows : Archibald S. Clark, 44 : Daniel W. Lewis, 33. •2. Jnne 19, 20. 21, 1821, for members of constitutional convention, in accordance with act of March 13, 1821. Vote cast as follows: Augustus Porter, 73; Samuel Riissell, 76: Joseph AV. Moiilton. 21 : Philo Orton, 20 : Matthew Prender- gast, I. 3. Held on the third Tuesday in January, 1822, and two following ^16 and 1817. He was also a member from the present town for 1838. '34, '35.— [See Biog. Sketches.] 9. Thomas B. Campbell — Is of Scotch descent. His grandfather. Thomas, was born in Ai-jillshire, Scotland ; his father in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and his mother ill Bedford, same state. Judge Campbell was bom in Alexandra, Grafton county, of that state. May 19th, 1788. He came to the ancient crOvSS roads in March. '817, was elected super\'isor in 1818. and for nine years in succession. He was chairman of the board in 1820. "23. '24 and '25. THE TOWN OF POBTI-AJND. 237 In his letter he says : ''I have been a resident of the same homestead I now occupy fifty-five years, and there .•ire but few of my former associates now remaining — some have removed but many have died. I have lived to wit- ness the contrast between the appearance and condition of the county fifty five years ago, then almost a wilderness, and now, one of the most prosperous and promising counties of the Empire State." 10. Elis/ia Arnold — Was supervisor of the second town of Portland foi' 1827 and 1828, and for the present town for i8Jt), '31 and '32. Me was an active, efficient member. — [See Biog. Sketches No. 2G1.] I 1 . Nathaniel Fay — Was siipervisor for the year 1 83U. He served his constituents well, and filled various posi- tions in town tor many years. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 12. David Eaton. — [See No. 8, also Biog. Sketches.] 13. Asa Andrews — Was supervisor for 1836 and 1840. He was an etticient officer. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 14. Timothy Judson — Was elected to nearly every position in town, and to that of supervisor for the years 1837, '38, 39. '41, 42, '43, '4G, '47, '49. .52. '53, and 'o4. He was chaii-man of the board in 1839, 1 852, 1853 aiid 1854. [See Biog. Sketches.] 15. John R. Coney — Was elected supervisor of the town for 1844, '45 and '51. He was a capable business man. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 1(1 Rbenezer Harris — Was supervisor for the year 184s. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 17. Asa Blood — Was supervisor of the town for 1 fS50. He was the son of Comfort and Mary Morey Blood, and was born in Vermont, April 8tli. 1808. He emigrated to Mayville. in this county, in 1829, and to Portland in 1831. and for thirty-five years lived on a farm near Portland Center, part of lot 26. T. 5. He was an active business man and large dealer in cattle. He now lives at WestHeM. this oountv- 238 HISTOltlCAI, SKETCHES OK 18. Charles A. Marsh — Was suj)ervisor for the yeai' 1855, and was an efficient officer. He was the son of Isaac and Polly Roby Marsh, and was born at Nashua, N. H., and came with his family from Michigan io Portland in June, 1836 ; settling with his father on northwest part of lot 24, T. 5. By an accident some years since Mr. Marsh became disabled, the motor nerves of his lower extremi- ties became paralyzed, and he has since been unable to walk. He now lives on his farm at Portland Center. 19. Darwin G. Goodrich — Was elected supervisor foi' the years 1856 and 1858, and was an active, capable officer- He was the son of Charles and Rebecca Brownell Goodrich, and was born at Sinclairville, this county, December 25, 1824, and came with the family to Portland in 1835. He was a dealer in wood and lumber. He now lives at Clermont, Iowa, and is editor and publisher of a spirited weekly paper at that place. 20. Halph D. Fuller — Was elected supervisor of the town for the year 1857. He was the son of Ebenezer and Hannah House Fuller, and was born in Cazenovia, this state, Febmary 26, 1 820. He came to Portland in 1845. Mr. Fuller is a merchant, and proprietor of the Empire Vineyards at Portland Center. 21. Horace C. Taylor — Son of Bernice and Caroline Esta brook Taylor, was born in Montague, Franklin county, Massa- chusetts, November 26th, 1813. He came with his family t(> Fredonia, this county, in the spring of 1827, and settled in Portland in October, 1847. He was elected siipervisor of the town for the years 1859, '61 and 62. He is a physician. and has been in the practice of his i^rofession at I^rocton since 1849. He was supervist)r during the first two years of the war of 1861, and shared largely in the perplexing duties of the position, with reference to raising men and means to answer the calls of the government. 22. Gurdon M. Taylor — Was the son of Erastus and Elizabeth Mathewson Taylor, and was born in Portland. THK TOWN 01' r()RT[,ANI>. 239 May 10th, 1821. He was elected supei-visor in 18G0. He was a man of sterling integrity and an esteemed citizen. He was a farmer, and died March 4tli, 1861, on the farm settled by his father in 1809. 23. Albert Hnywood — Son of Benjamin and Polly Sawyer Haywood, was born in Jaffrey, Cheshire coimty, N. H., August 10th, 1825, and came to Portland from there in May, 1855. He was elected supervisor for 1863 and '64, the last two years of the war of 1861, when the duties of the office with reference to raising men to till the quota of the town, and money by taxation and otherwise, were jierplexing and arduous, yet were acceptably discharged. Mr. Haywood is a dealer in horses and cattle and resides in Fredonia. 24. Joseph B. Fay. — Mr. Fay for many years shared the confidence of the people, and was often elected to office : and for the years 1866 and '67 was a member of Assembly from the first district of this comity. He was the son of Elijah and Lucy Belknap Fay, and was born in Portland, May 17th, 1817. He was elected supervisor for the years 1865 and 1866. Mr. Fay is a farmer and fi-uit grower, but a year since sold his interest in town, and is now living at Toj^eka, Kansas. 25. Alfred Eaton — Tlie son of David and Mercy Eaton, was born in Portland, March 4th, 1815. He was elected supervisor of the town for the years 1867 and '68, and dis- charged the duties of the office acceptably. He is a farmer and occupies the farm settled by his father in 1806. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1869. 26. Joseph E. Harris — The son of Joshua and Clarissa Scott Harris ; was born in the county of Windliani. Vermont, oTuly 15th, 1809. He came to Portland in 1831. In some capacity he served the town many years. He was elected supervisor for the yaar 1869. Mr. Harris is a farmer and occupies a portion of the land settled by Wm. Dunham in 1816. 27. Theodore S. Moss — Was elected supervisor for the 31 MO ■ HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF years 1870, '71, "72 and '73. He was the son of Edward and Sally Sherwood Moss, and was born in Washington county, this state, October 16th, 1822. He came from there to Portland in 1839. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1 849. Mr. Moss was for many years a merchant, and now is a member of the firm of Moss, Haight & Dmiham, bankers at Brocton. Town Clerks. — Town clerks of the town of Chautauqua, county of Genesee: 1805, James Montgomery: 1806, James Montgomery ; 1 807, John S. Bellows. Of the town of Chautauqua and county of Chautauqua : 1808, John Scott: 1809, John Scott: 1810, Lazarus Caiy: 1811, Lazarus Cary ; 1812, John F. Cary: 1813, George McG. Ogle. Of the ancient town of Portland: 1814, Asa Hall; 1815. Amos Atwater. Of the second town of Portland : 1816, Jabez Hulburt : 1x17, Fenn Deming ; 1818, Fenn Deming ; 1819 to 1828. David Eaton. Of the present town of Portland : 1829-32, David Eaton, 1833-34, Timothy Judson ; 1835-43, John II. Coney ; 1844-45, Asa Andrews; 1846-48. John R. Coney; 1849, Asa Audi'ews : 1850, Orlando Daily; 1851, Caleb Griswold : 1852, Asa Andi-ews; 1853-56, Ralph D. Fuller; 1857, Wm. L. Minton ; 1858, H. J. Dean ; 1850, Isaac Shattuck ; 1860, R. D. Fuller: 1861, Isaac Shattuck; 1862-63, J. A. H. Skinner; 1864-65. Isaac Shattuck; 1866, Thomas Rolph ; 1867, T. K. Bambrick. 1868, G. W. Marsh ; 1869, H. S. Woods ; 1870-73, T. C. Wilson. 'Justices of the Peace — Were appointed by the governoi- and council of appointments until 1823, after which they were appointed by the board of supeiwisors and judges of the county until 1826, when they were made elective by the people at the annual elections. The time of their election was changed in 1829 to the time of holding town meetings, the first Tuesday in April. In 1839 the time of holding the town meetings was changed to the first THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 241 Tuesday in March; and again to the third Tuesday in February in 1852. Those appointed for the old town of Chautauqua county of Genesee, were, in 180.5, Perry G. Ellsworth, David Kinkade and Peter Kane; 1806, Perry G. Ellsworth, David Eason, and •John McMahan : 1807 no appointments. For the town of Chautauqua, county of Niag'ara : 1808. John McMahan and Matthew Preudergast. For the town of Portland from 1813 to 1823: 1813, Jabez Hulbiwt; 1814, Guy Webster; 1815, Calvin Barnes; 181G, Calvin Barnes; 1818, Fenn Deming, T. B. Campbell; 1821, Fenn Deming, John House, Parsons Taylor, Lemon Averill, Henry Mumford, Ahira Hall. The whole number ap[)ointed for the territory of the county up to 1823 was fifty-fom". The writer searched diligently for a record of those appointed by the judge and board of supervisors from 1823 to 1826 for the town of Portland, but was able to iind but two, Henry Mumford and Fenn Demmg, whose appointment bears date February 19th, 1823. There are doubtless others, but then- appointments are not now to be foxmd. The first election of justices by the people was on the 5th of November, 1827; election at the house of Moses Sage. This feature in elections was a novelty, and the vote is given as a matter of curiosity. Thirteen candidates were voted for. Elisha Ai'nold received 345 votes; Ahira Hall. 198; Wm. Dunn, 185; Harvey Newcomb, 179; David Mann. 172; Walter Mumford, 137; Samuel Hall, 119; G. W. Fowle. 39 ; David Eaton 1 ; Oliver Lee, 1 ; Parsons Taylor, 1 : Lyman Redington. 1 ; John Mc\Vhorter, 1 . The first foiu- named were declared elected, and classified as follows : Elisha Aiuold held for 4 years : Harvey New- comb for 3 years ; Wm. Dunn for 2 years, and Ahira Hall for 1 year. In 1828 Ahira Hall was I'eelected by a vote of 242, against G. W. Fowle, 45 votes. The first election of justices for the present town of Poii- 242 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF land was held on the second of November, 1829 and the two following days. Foui- candidates were voted for although ))ut two were to be elected. David Eaton received 166 votes : Ebenezer Harris 1 43 ; Parsons Taylor 83, and Walter Mumford 57 votes. David Eaton and Ebenezer Harris were declared elected, and classified as follows : David Eaton to hold for fom- years, and E. Harris for one year. The fol- lowing is a list of those since elected. : 1830, Ebenezer Harris ; 1831, Elisha Arnold ; 1832, James Aldrich ; 1833, Asa Andi-ews; 1834, Ebenezer Harris ; Timothy Jiidson, vac. ; 1835, Samuel Hall; 1836, T. Judson; 1837, Z. L. Goodsell ; 1838, Ebenezer Harris ; 1 839, Landais Lathrop : 184U, Z. L. Goodsell; 1841, Wm. Clark; 1842, Ebenezer Har- ris; 1843, James Thompson ; 1844, Asa Andrews; 1845, T. Judson ; 1846, Z. L. Goodsell ; 1 847, George Wells ; 1848, Ebenezer Harris; 1849, T. S. Moss; 1850, J. S. West, Amos Barton, vac.; 1851, T. Judson, and vac; 1852, Thomas Judd; 1853, T. S. Moss ; 1854, Amos Barton ; 1855, T. Judson; 1856, J. S. West, and vac; 1857, T. S. Moss; 1858, Isaac Shattuck ; 1859, V. S. Ladue: 1860, J. L. Hatch; 1861, Rufus Haywood; 1862, Isaac Shattuck; 1863, U. S. Ladue; 1864, Edwin Elmore; 1865, Thomas Flanders; 1866, J. G.Weld, and vac; 1867, Amos Barton; 1868, Edwin Elmore, U. S. Ladue, vac; 1869, Alfi-ed Eaton; 1870, H. S. Woods; 1871, J. A. H. Skin- ner ; 1872, Edwin Elmore ; 1 873, U. S. Ladue. Assessors. — Assessors have always been elective by the people, and for one year . 249 familiar to the student of history. Had the whole American army conducted themselves as heroically as those who crossed the river the result might have been different : as it was, those engaged 'covered themselves with glory,' while 1,200 men under arms on the American side refused to cross and remained idle spectators of the scene. Their ardor had become suddenly cooled from witnessing the scenes on the other side. Every officer who crossed the river, it is said, distinguished himself, and all did their duty nobly. The Americans lost 60 killed and 700 prisoners. The greater part of the prisoners were taken to Montreal, except the militia who were [)aroled the next day. Previous to the attack the question of the power of the government to send state troops beyond the bounds of the state was largely discussed and the ojiinion seemed to prevail that such power did not exist, and a few planted themselves upon this as a constitutional jJiivHege and intimated a refusal to cross the river if an attack shoidd be decided upon. Recog- nizing this construction as correct, or at least acting upon it as such, in preparing for carrying out the attack uj)on Queens- toAvn the officers relied solely on voluntary aid on the part of the militia. Volunteers were called for and the 18th New York detached militia, to which the Chautauqua company belonged, was paraded by Major Morrison (Col. JJobbin being absent), who proceeded to make a flaming, patriotic addi'ess, in which he sought to inspire them with enthusiasm and zeal and expressed the hope that the whole regiment would volunteer foi' the enterprise and show their devotion to their country and theii' willingness to defend its honor ; that they would not falter in the hoiu" of danger but be true to the princij^les of patriotism t hat should and did inspire every loyal heart. He did not ask them to jeopard their lives unnecessarily, but hoped they would be willing to go as far as he would go and he would ask them to go no further. "All those willing to volunteer in the enterprise against the enemy on the opposite side of the river were requested to advance eight paces, and with the exception of 50 to 60 the whole regiment advanced and formed a new 250 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF line. Those who refused to advance were formed into a company under a lieiitenant, one of their number, and called the " coward company." The Chautauqua company, as far as is now known, all volmiteered and were among the first troops embarked and the first to land on the other side of the river. The five from Portland in that company, it is but just to say, did their duty nobly and acquitted themselves like men as they were. It is not beheved the others did less. On landing upon the Canadian shore and while halting for a moment under the bank, the enquiry went quickly aroiuid, "Where is Major Morrison f " Who has seen Major Moi-rison ?" The redoubt- able major was not to be found and was not seen on the west side of the river that day. His patriotism very suddenly ran out at the moment of embarkation, and he kept at a safe distance. But the cowardly lieutenant who had been left in command of the " coward company" seeing the peril of his countrymen upon the other side, seized a musket, passed over and fought like a hero through the fight to its close." [Eaton] The company of Capt. jMoore were noted for their bravery and daring and in common Avith all engaged did all that men could do under the circumstances, and only yielded to superior numbers. Lieut. Eaton was wounded by a ball through his Aviist about ten in the forenoon and was ordered from the field by Capt. Moore ; the wound proving severe, he was not able to retiuii. Erastus Taylor 'vas woimded in the last effort of the Americans before the surrender, by a ball striking his leg below the knee, breaking and shattering the bone in a shocking manner. He was taken prisoner and placed in an old building for two or three days, after which, with other wounded prisoners, he was conveyed to the hospital at Lewiston. He remained here until some time the next winter when his father conveyed him to his home in Chenango county, a distance of two hmidred miles, in an open sleigh. He was not able to walk upon the fractured limb for three years, but finally recovered and returned to Portland in 1816. THE TOVVTSf OF PORTLAND. 251 Jared Taylor, brother of Erastiis, and John Ingersoll were not wounded but taken , prisoners and paroled the next day. Nothing is now known with reference to Hiram Burch, but the presuraj)tion is that he was taken prisoner and paroled Soon after the declaration of war the people of the county were greatly exercised with reference to their exposed and defenseless condition and a want of arms by the militia for self defense. After a good deal of discussion and a full consid- eration of the matter in a public meeting held for the piu'pose, Robert Dixon of the now town of Ripley, was sent by the people to Albany to procure anus. Mr. Dixon was successfid in his eiFort, and in September of that year two hundred stands of arms were forwarded from the state arsenal at Canandaigua to this county Directly after the battle of QueenstoNvn a second requisition was made tor a company fi'om this county, which was promptly met, but it does not appear that any from Portland were members of it. Tliis was for the purpose of filling up the ranks of the army upon the Niagara fi-ontier, prej)aratory to another attempt at an invasion of Canada under Brig. Gen. Smyth of the regular army, who had been placed in command after the resignation of Gen. VanRensselaer on account of his wo\mds. "Gen. Smyth had issued, on taking command, a flaming addi'ess to the ' men of New York,' appealing to their patriotism, calHng on them to retrieve the late disaster and at the same time by this step secirre their wives and children from tlie predatory and murderous inciu'sions of the savages. This address was backed by an animated proclamation from General Porter of the New York militia, and a force was collected at Buffalo, organized, armed and equipped and deemed sufficient for the enterprise." But after two or three ineffectual attempts (in November) to carry out the plan, Gen. Smyth ordered the abandonment of the effort for the season, and the troops made arrangements to go into -winter quarters. There seemed no good reason wliy this last attempt, on the 30th of November, should not have succeeded. "The wliole body of 252 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OE tlie troops, with the exception of two hundred men, were embarked at four o'clock, the men conducting themselves witli great order and obedience and affording every hope of success. Nothing seemed Manting but the word to move when the order came for debarkation." " One universal expression of indig- nation burst forth : the greater i)art of the militia threw down their arms and retuiTied to their homes, and those who remained continually threatened the life of the general. Some recrimination passed between General Smyth and General Porter, the latter charging the former with cowardice and unoificerlike conduct." Nothing further was done toward the invasion of Canada during the fall and winter or until the latter portion of the next year, at least little in which the Chautauqua troops were interested. The contest seemed to be one for posts. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 253 CHAPTER XLIII. War of 1812 continued — Oi)erations on the Niagara Frontier from the taking of Ft. George to the burning of Buffalo. On the 27tli of May 1813, Ft. George on the Canadian side of the Niagara, one mile above its mouth, was taken by the Americans, but they were not allowed to remain in possession many months, the fortunes of war placing not only Ft. George but Ft. Niagara in the possession of the British. Gen. McClirre had been placed in command of Ft. George, and in December following, for no good reason set lire to the village of Newark, situated at the entrance of Niagara river, and reduced it to ashes. Two days after, liearing of the approach of British troops, he abandoned the fort and retired to the American side of the river. The act of burning the village of Newark was promptly disavowed and regretted by the government, but not sat- isfied with this the enemy commenced a system of burning and destruction of property and life disgraceful in the extreme. On the 19th of the same month, December, Ft. Niagara was surprised and taken, and the garrison nearly tliree hundred, and mostly invalids, put to the sword. This was quickly followed by the biu-ning of the villages of ^^")ungstown. Lewiston, Manchester, and the Indian village of Tuscarora. Very many of the inhabitants of these pla(tes were inhumanly butchered Tlie enemy continued the march up the river until they reached a point opposite Black Rock on the ;iOth. Theii' force consisted of one 254 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF tlioiisand five hundred regulars and four liimdred Indians. In anticipation of some such movement on the part of the Britisli a call had been made early in December for the militia to tui'n out to repel any attack that might be made. "The Chautauqua militia were called out en masse to rendezvous at the cross roads, now Westfield, and march to Buffalo under the command of Col. John McMahan." The call was promptly obeyed even at that inclement season of the year, "without being provided with blankets, knapsacks, tents, rations, camp equipage or transportation to render them comfortable. The families of many of these soldiers were left at home without a male adult, or any one but females and childi'en to cut tlie firewood or browse the cattle. It should be borne in mind that the comity was then almost an entire wilderness, witliout any surplus of provisions, and very little forage for the cattle, except browse. The men on their march to Buffalo, and while there, suffered much from cold and hunger." The Chautauqua regiment was the I62d, "and numbered about four hundred effective men, about two hundred of whom responded to the call of the commander-in-chief. There were four companies raider the command of Col. John INIcMahaii and Majors Wm. Prendergast and Isaac Barnes." On arriving at Buffalo "they were quartered in log huts a little to the eastward of the village. The militia force assembled at that point including those from this county, amounted to about two thousand men, under the command of Gen. Hall." Those in the regiment of Col. McMahan fi"om the present town of Portland were David Eaton, Elisha Fay, Nathaniel Fay, Ezra Joy, Moses Joy, Calvin Barnes, Wm. Dunn, Andrew Kelsey, Hollis Fay, Sanford Haines, Huram Haines ; the last as a substitute foi Elijah Fay. On the night of the 30th of December, between 1 1 and 12 o'clock the American camj) was alarmed by the receipt of intelligence that the enemy were crossing Niagara river THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 255 at Black Eock. A portion of the militia from the comities of Niagara, Genesee and Ontario, was immediately marched down to oppose their landing. The main body of the British had effected a landing at the mouth of Conjockity Creek, a mile or more below the ferry. Efforts were made to prevent their progress, though with but partial success. The militia who had proceeded to the ground, not in a body but in detached parties, wei-e easily routed by the disci])lined troops of the enemy and driven back as fast as they arrived at the scene of action. The skirmishing between the hostile forces continued during the greater part of the night, the firing of which was distinctly heard at Buffalo where the Chautauqua regiment had remained under arms, paraded in ft-ont of Pomeroy's tavern, as a reserve. About fom- o'clock on the morning of the 31st, Col. McMahan's regiment was marched to Black Rock, posted opposite the ferry, in the rear of the battery that had been erected at that point." A good degree of enthusiasm existed amongst the Chau- tauqua troops, but a slight incident occurring w^hile on the march from Buffalo to Black Rock seemed to very mate- rially dampen theii" ardor. Gen. Hall had been to the Mock through the early morning directing the movements of the troops as far as he was able, but was retui'ning with his staff to Buffalo as the Chautauqua regiment was on its way to the scene of action. The regiment was halted and the General and Col. McMahan in an undertone held a hm-ried consultation, which of course was not imderstood by the men ; but on leaving the General said, sufficiently loud to be heard by the whole regiment, "Colonel, do youi- duty, but if you must retreat, the rendezvous is at Miller's." This was said in a tone that evidenced to the men that the contest was hopeless. Their enthusiasm went out at once, and they moved on mechanically rather than with zeal and ardor. "Soon after daylight, six or seven boats, containing each 33 256 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF fifty or sixty men, were seen to pnt off from the Canadian shore with the evident intention of landing. A firing was kept up by the batteries at the ferry, and was retiu-ned from the opposite shore. One of the enemy's boats was struck by a cannon shot from the American side, and sunk witli its hostile freight. About the break of day the Chau- tauqua regiment was ordered to advance in the direction of the enemy. They proceeded do^vn the river, nearly half a mile, and met them in force, near the residence of Gen. Por- ter. A sharp, though unequal contest ensued, when the militia broke and fled, as those who had preceded tliem had done. During the engagement, a part of the British force had passed up under the bank of the river, and taken post in the road leading from Buffalo to the ferry, with a view of cutting off the militia in their retreat. Escape tlirough the avenue by which they had arrived, being thus prevented, and pressed as they were by the advance of the enemy, they ATere compelled to take to the woods in the rear of tlie terry for safety, through which many of the American force, inc]uding a portion of the Chautauqua regiment, fled precipitately ; and such of them as escaped the rifle and tomahawk of the savages, who innnediately filled the woods in pursuit, reached the main road at Buffalo, and at various points for several miles to the eastward in the direction of Batavia. The largest portion of the whole force returned to their homes, among whom were the principal part of the Chautauqua militia. The remainder who had sui'vived, were afterwards quartered for several weeks at Miller's tavern, about two miles east of Buffalo. Toward noon of the 31st the British set fire to Buffalo and finally recrossed the river to Canada, the second or third day after that event." "The loss to this county was severe in proportion to the numbers engaged. James Brackett, a lawyer fi'om the village of Mayville, was killed and scalped by the Indians, during the retreat from Black Rock. Joseph Frank, from Busti, TIIK TOWN OK PORTLAND. 257 Win. Smiley from Ellery, • Pease and Lewis from Fomfi-et, Nash Bover, aud Hubbard shared the same fate. Maj. Prendergast had several balls shot through his hat and clothes, and narrowly escaped with liis life. Capt. Silsby was severely woimded, and Lieut. Forbes had one killed and five woiuided, of the twenty-one men under his command. Of the killed, the bodies of those which were found were buried in a common grave, near the road leading from Bufialo to Black Rock, into which eighty-nine were promiscuously tin-own. They were afterward disin- terred and many of them claimed by their relatives and taken away to be buried near the homes they had laid down their lives to protect ; that their afflicted families might weep over their prematiire graves, and protect them fr-ou) desecration." "The bodies of several others, who had been killed on their retreat through the woods, and scalped ))y the Indians, were found during the winter and sj^ring and committed to the earth. The only buildings remaining in Bufialo, were the jail, which was built of stone, a small frame uouse, and an armorer's shop. All the houses and almost every building between Bufialo and Niagara Falls were destroyed, as were also many of those on the Batavia road, for several miles beyond Bufialo." "At this period the fr-ontier presented a scene of des- olation rarely witnessed. The inhabitants who had escaj)ed the tomahaAvk, fled into the interior, in the depth of winter ■vA-ithout shelter oi- means of support, and subsisted on the charity of friends. The panic was general, and per- vaded this county, though in, a degree somewhat less than in the section of country in the immediate vicinity of the point of attack." — [Wakren.] Poiiland was no exception to the general rule in this respect. The reports reaching the settlements were of course greatty exaggerated, and the imagination lent new terrors, until the whole town was one 258 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF continued scene of excitement. The horror of Indian mas- sacre, so vividly painted to the mind and impressed by the events of the last two or three days, was the worst of all. Mr. O. W. Burch, then a youth, li\dng with his father on the town line road between Portland and Westfield, thus writes of it, and this will serve as a sample of the distress in town : "I recollect an incident in January 1814, a day or two after Buffalo was burned. Our militia and some from our neigh- borhood had gone to Black Rock to face the enemy, when we were very much frightened by the report of a messenger that Buffalo was burnt, and our militia were all shot or taken prisoners, and that the British and Indians were marching west and destroying people and property, all that came in their way. As may well be supposed, in our thinly settled country, there was a sensation. Old Mr. Haynes and his son Huram were in the war, and the remamder of the Ha}Ties family left their home and joined our family, and there we all were, laying plans how to do in case of neces- sity. Some said 'go to the mountains' as the hills were called, but where were the teams to go with? Reports were con- flicting, and there was but little sleep or rest for two days- On the third day about nine o'clock at night we were all up and wide awake as usual, old Mr. Haynes came to our door and called for admittance, and he was welcomed as he never had been before. After the salutations the inquiry was hur- riedly made for Huram. The panic was ({uieted. The pres- ence of the old man was like oil iipon the troubled waters. As it proved, but comparatively few of the Chautauqua men were hm-t. There was a tremendous letting down of the feverish excitement of the last few days." The volunteers fi'om Portland were in the company of Capt. Ozias Hart. Calvin l^arnes was woiuided by a ball through the knee joint, the ball entering tlu'ough the patella, or laiee- pan, and emerging posteriorly, rendering him a cripple for life. The rest escaped unhurt. In June, 1814, a company from this county volunteered under i THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 259 the command of Capt. John Silsby for one month's service and served in Canada. Da\dd B. Granger, as titer, was the only member of the company from the present town of Portland. This company participated in the taking of fort Erie, nearly opposite Black Rock, by the Americans nnder generals Scott and Ripley, on the 3d of July ; the battle of Chippeway on the morning of the 5th of July, and the battle of Lundy's Lane on the evening of the 2oth. After the battle of Lundy's Lane the Americans fell back to fort Erie, which, on the fourth of the next month, (August) was besieged by the British 5,000 strong under General Drummond. In July two full comjoanies of the 164th, or Chautauqua regiment, had been called for to assist in defending the fi'ontier, as it was feared that another descent would be made by the enemy fi'om Canada. The call was promptly answered and the troops were marched to Black Rock under command of Col. John McMahan. Those fi'om Portland who served in this campaign were David Eaton, regimental paymaster, and Wm. Ingersoll, ensign. These troops were in no engagement diuing the whole campaign, although cannonading fi"om Black Rock and fi'om the Canadian shore of the liver was continually engaged in. Very little damage was done. Occasionally, however, between the 4th of August and the 1 7th of September a company was conveyed across to fort Erie to assist in the preparations for the defense of that point, but none of the Chautauqua troops were present at the attempt of the enemy to storm the fort on the 1 5th day of August, or at the sortie from the fort on the 17th of September. The 385 prisoners taken at this sortie by the Americans were placed under the care of Col. John jMcMahan of the Chautauqua regiment and marched to some point in the vicinity of Albany. There being no military necessity for fui'ther holding the fort, in November it was abandoned and destroyed and the American trooj)s crossed the river and went into winter quarters at Black Rock, Buffalo and Batavia- During the whole season, from the arrival of the ChaTitauqua troops on the Niagara fiontier to the November following. 260 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF when they i-eturned, they were subject to much suffering from sickness, being stationed a few miles below Black Kock in a low malarious district well calculated to engender ague and fever, from which many of the men suffered and many others after their return home. The duties of camp life, surrounded by imknown and unseen dangers, were performed with as much of cheerfulness as could be expected under the circumstances, and they with patience kept " watch and ward '' over the great avenue by which the British and their "northern hordes" in an luiguarded hour might rush with fire and sword and the barbarities of frontier warfare upon their defenseless families and firesides, until the danger had passed away. " Several incursions were made by the British at different points in this county, doing, however, but little else than alarm the inhabitants, lose their men by desertion and meet with a warm reception by the settlers. Chadwick's Bay, now Diuikirk, was visited by a British armed vessel of ten or twelve guns for the purpose of landing some property that had been plundered from Lay's tavern, long known as a house of entertainment near the lake shore between (^attaraugus creek and Buffalo. A boat manned for the purpose and carrying a flag of truce was sent ashore to effect the object of their visit. Directly upon landing, twelve of the boat's crew, relishing Britisli gold with the restraints and dangers of a warfare against freedom less than their prospects of success m a country which offered them in exchange the novelties of a fertile soil and salubrious climate with a degree of personal liberty to which they were wholly unaccustomed, bade their commander adieu and " quit the service." The officer in charge of the expedition was left with a single sailor (a Frenchman) to aid his retuin to his vessel. While they were parleying with the citizens resident at the place the neighboring militia, whom a notice of the arrival had attracted to the • spot, not observing the flag of truce but having their attention principally directed tTER XLIV. War of 1861— First call for Troops — Second call — The response in Portland— Men enlisted in town during the year 1861 — 9th N. Y. Cavalry— Their Services — Services of the 72d, 49th and 100th Regiments. It is not designed to enter into a detail of the causes of the war of 1861 or particularize with reference to its conduct or results; all these are yet fresh in the minds of the people, and are passing into history : but the inves- tigation will be confined to the part the town ot Portland enacted in this carnival of blood. Whatever else may be said of the town its patriotism cannot be called in ques- tion. In this fearful conflict it poui'ed out its blood like water, and handed forth its treasui'e with a lavish hand. The first call for troops was issued by President Lincoln, April 15th, 1861, the next day after the suiTender of Fort Sumpter. This first call was for seventy-five thousand men for three months for the immediate defense of the seat of government, and to aid in subduing insun-ectionary com- binations. Few at first responded. The people had lived so long under the conditions of peace, that the call to the conditions of war was answered but hesitatingly. The public mind had yet to be educated to such a state of things. On the third of May, twenty days after the first, a second call was made, for forty-two thousand for three j'ears, and besides this ten regiments to be enlisted for the regular anny. In response to these two calls Portland fmnished eighty men. Henry B. Taylor, son of the writer, was the first in town to respond. He at once joined the 68th 264 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF regiment at Fredonia, which proposed to move en masse, but being im])atient of delay, soon left for Jamestown, and enlisted in Co. B. 3d Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, Capt. James M. Brown, May 28th, 1861. Chautauqua county furnished for this regiment, afterward called the 7 2d N. Y., five companies ; the to\vn of Portland furnishing thirteen men, though not all for the same company, as follows: For Co. B., H. B. Taylor, Edmund Barbei- ; For Co. G., (Capt. Harmon C. Bhss), Melvin Himt, Frank Lilly, Daniel E. Arnold, Walter Bowdish, Thomas B. Culver, Peter Kinnish ; For Co. D., (Capt. Wm. O. Stevens), Redmund Riley, .ilphonso Taylor, Theron D. Walden ; for Co. E. (Capt. P. Bar- rett,) John Barry, Ovette Biut. Newell G. Burr enlisted in Co. D., 21st Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, May 8th, 1861, for two years. Charles Grannis enUsted in the 44th Regiment, N. Y. Infantry, or ''EllsAvorth Zouaves ;" a regiment designed to be enlisted from the whole state, each town fur" nishing one mau luitil the regiment was full. Warren Couch enlisted in the Otli Regiment, U. S. Cavalry, Co. G., August 13th. In the fall of 1861 the 49th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, was enlisted, the county furnishing four companies, and the town of Portland three men as follows : Jaraes A. Hall, Regimental Surgeon ; Walter Burch, John Linburgli. In the fall of the same year and early winter, the 100th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers was enlisted; this county fui'- nishing one company, and Portland nine men as follows: Jack Davis, Dan Jonas, Frank Peterson, Gilbert Potter, George Shaver, Andrew Winters, William Whitney, Andrew Anderson and Wm. Bradley. The command of this Regi ment was given to Capt. James M. Brown of Co. B., 72d Regiment N. Y Volunteers ; lie finally fell at the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31st 1862, deeply lamented. In August and September of the same year, a volunteer ravah'v company was enlisted in this and adjoining towns. Very little effort was made to this end, but in an incredibly TlIK TOWN OK l'Oin'l,ANI>. 265 short space of time, or by the 25th of the latter month, forty-six men were enHsted from this town alone, and the balance from other towns. It seemed to be a spontaneous movement on the part of the young men and the youngerly married men. Those enlisting fi'om this town were, W. A. A.dams, Elisha V. Arnold, Edwui Blinn, John Batchelder, Walter Bowman, Alvah L. Billings, Chester Bradley, Frank C. Bullock, M. G. Barber, Lewis IT. Bailey, John W. Bullock, Frank C'. Brown, Charles K. Crosby, Wolcott Colt, Henry Colt, W. H. Daniels, Wm. A. Douglass, ^^ares G. Farnham, Albert A. Fay. Jehial M. Grant, Halsey ¥. Hakes, Mark Hamlin, Oriin I). Iladden, Biruey Hull, J. C. HijDwell, John Johnson, H. Wm. Mason, M. W. Bailey, Samuel Mills, John C. Martin. Frank C. Nichols, James Z. Ogden, Lewis M. Ogden, David H. liandall, W. H. Kolph, II. C. Rolph, M. M. Hansom, Geo. W. Rolph, Thomas K. Titus, Charles B. W^illiams, Nelson H. Whitney, Joseph G. Weld, Silas S. Williams, Charles H. WU liams, Edwin W^right, John Y. Yoxmg. The company elected Josej^h G. Weld captain and W. A. Adams 1st lieutenant. It was made a part of the 9th N. Y. Vol. cavalry, and with the regiment went into camp at West- field. The regiment was mustered into the United States service on the 2d of October and left for active duty the fore part of November. A dinner and reception was given the members of the company from town by the ladies and citizens the day before they left camp for the seat of war. This part of the company was composed m the main of the better material in town, and large expectations were entertained with reference to the service it woidd be able to perform in the field in aid of the cause of human lights, and these expectations were realized. They were in constant sei-vice fi-om the time they were equipped until they were finally mustered out. They participated in the second Bull Rim conflict, in August. 1 862 ; the disastrous battle of Chancellorsville, Va., the first of May. 1863 ; the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., the first three days of July, 1863 ; the battles of the Wilderness under Gen. Grant, 266 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF in May, 1864 ; the stirring scenes of the Shenandoah Valley, under Phihp H. Sheridan, in October of the same year ; in fact most of the conflicts in which the Ai-my of the Potomac was engaged up to the surrender of Gen. Lee on the 9th of April, 1865, except the battle of Antietam. The 3d Excelsior, or 72d, and the 49th did no less efi&cient sei-vice. They were with McClellan on the peninsula during the seven days' fight and never faltered in the discharge of duty and fully sustained their reputation to the moment of discharge. Few, however, of the original members were left at that period. The 21st and 44th N. Y. and the 11 1th Pa., in which some fi'om town had enlisted, were as devoted to their country's cause and as fearless in the discharge of duty. The lOOth N. Y. did efficient service in many a conflict and nobly sustained itself in that fearful battle of Fair Oaks, or Seven Piues, May 31, 1862, in which fell its gallant commander. Col. James M. Bro^vu, and many of the best and most intrepid of its members. Of the regiment of regular cavalry to which a single member from our town, Warren Couch, belonged, the writer knows nothing definitely, or of the service performed. All the men thus far named enlisted for three years or during the war except those of the 21st and 100th regiments, whose term of seiwice was but two years. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 267 CHAPTEK XLV. War of 1861, continued — 1862 — The Gloomy OiJeuiug of the Campaign — The Call for 300,000 Men in July— The Call for a like number in August— Military Committee — Enlistments for the 112th Regiment — Enrollment for a Draft — The Second Call Filled by Volunteering — Names of both Given — Capt. J. B. Fay and ComiDany — Services of the 112th Regiment — Also the 154th " The summer of 1862 was a gloomy period in the history of the war for the suppression of the rebelHon. The disastrous issue of McClellan's advance towards Richmond, the wretched failure of Pope, the invasion of Maryland by the rebels under Lee, and the mistake of McClellan in not pressing the advan tage gained at Antietam so as effectually to cripple the insurgents, all had their depressing effect upon the public mind. But they had the effect also to reveal the desperate earnestness of the rebellion and the necessity of putting forth more gigantic efforts to crush it. The call of the president, for 300,000 vohuiteers for three years, soon followed by a call for a draft of 300,000 militia to serve nine months, electrified the whole land. It was now evident that the government was thoroughly awake to the magnitude of the crisis. Would the ])eople respond to this call ? The answer from every state was cheering. Chautauqua county had honored every previous call and fmmished ten full companies besides nearly the entire i-egiment of the 9th cavaliy. Now she was called upon for 003 men, soon followed by a second call for an equal number, or one out of every sixty-four of her entire population." A military committee was formed of some of the best men of the county, to whom was delegated the general supervision of the 268 HISTORICAI, SKETCHES OF county with reference to the raising of recruits. This committee consisted of A. F. Allen, G. W. Patterson, J. G. Hinckley, Milton Smith, John F. Phelps and Chas. Kennedy. At a meeting of this committee on the 12th of July it was resolved to raise six full companies fi'om this county for a new regiment, the four remaining companies to be raised b}' Cattaraugus county. This was accomi:)lished by the 22d of August and each company tilled. At a meeting of the committee August 14 it was resolved to raise four more companies to answer the call of that month for drafted men, and the quota assigned to Portland under the two calls was sixty-one. The quota under the call of July was 39, but the town ha^dng furnished already seventeen beyond its full quota but twenty- two were required to answer the call. The work of recruiting was entered upon with vigor, and by the 31st of August the requisite number for the town was obtained — twenty for the 112th or Chautauqua regiment and two as recniits for the 9th N. Y. cavaliy. Fifteen of the enlistments for the 112th regiment were by Capt. Phineas Stevens, as follows : Wm. A. Judson. Alfi-ed O. Ellis, Thomas S. Rolph, John M. Wood, AugustiTS Blood, Frank C. Birllock, Daniel L. Cumniings, Wm. R. Laine, Charles Pecor, Hai-vey Potter, John R. Rolph, John O. Warner, Daniel L. BuiToughs, Eleazar Swetland and John E. White. Three were enlisted by Capt Frank Waters of Westfield, viz.: Peter Lawson, Wm. F. Only, Douglass Only. Two w^ere enlisted by Capt. W. H. Chaddock of Fredonia. viz.: Wm. Chamberlain and John King Post. Capt. Stevens company was mustered in as Co. "G" ; Capt. Waters' company as Co. "E"; Capt. Chaddock's as Co. "B", ll2th regiment N. Y. voluntee]" infantry. Of the above men John E. AMiite was enlisted under the call for drafted men made in August. Eleazar Swetland and Daniel L. Biuroughs were transferred in September to the 154th regiment, the former to Co. "E " and the latter to Co. "B. " Before the close of August these men with their companies were in camj) at Jamestown, this county The camp had been named Camp Broion, in honor of the THE TOWN OF PORTLA^^^D. 269 lamented Col. James M. BroAvii of the lOOth N. Y. regiment, who had been killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., on the 31st of the preceding May. The 112tli left camp for the seat of wai* on the 11th of September. The record of the 112th is a fearful yet honorable one. It participated in the battle of Blackwater, Va., Nov. 17, 1862, and in the defense of Suffolk, Va., when besieged by Longstreet. They were sent to Folly Island, outside the harbor of Charleston, S. C, the 3d of August. 1863 ; fi'om there to Jacksonville, Florida, in February, 1864, and returned to Virginia in the following spring. They were engaged in the battle of Proctor's Creek, the battle of Cold Harbor, the storming of New Market Heights, the assault on fort Gilmore, the battle of DarbytoAvn road, the taking of fort Fisher, the siege of Richmond, Va., and a large inimber of engagements of minor importance. No regiment fought more heroically to sustain the identity of the Union and the honor of the old flag. No bounties were paid those enlisting from town the first year of the war, or up to July 1, 1862, but under this call the men were paid a bounty of $35 each, raised by subscription in part as follows : Wm. Barnhart, $20 •. R. D. Fuller, $20 ; Clark Walker, $5 ; Lucy Correll, $1 ; Samuel Arnold, $5 : M. P. Vanleuven, $3 ; Samuel Caldwell, $5 ; George Freeman, $5 ; Samuel Gracy, $1 ; David Granger, $2 ; Careorge T. Brown, $3 ; Hay Bentley, $1 ; Wm. S. Wood, $2 : G. B. Cattell, $5 ; Addison Barringer, $5 : Geo. Churchill, $2 : C. W. GuHck: $2 ; M. S. Cook, $1 ; John S. Hill, $10 ; Asa Blood, $10 ; Alfred B. Mosher, $3 ; Minerva Chiu-chill,.$l : Eleazar Swetland, $1 ; Sanford Swetland, $1 ; Fred. Nichols, $1 : Oscar Taylor, $2 : S. M. Noxon, $5 ; J. S. Coon, $15 ; Mrs. M. Leach, $3 ; W. T. Nichols, $5 ; G. M. Taylor, $5 ;: Samuel Brown, $2 ; Isaac Shattuck, $20 ; J. J. Barber, $5 ; R. C. Blood, $5 ; Martin Taylor, $2 : D. H. Randall, $2 ; John Spi-ingsted, $2 ; J. E. Harris, $5 ; J. H. Webster, $5 ; David McGregor, $5 : M. Francis, $5 : J. C. Haight, $5 ; Chandler Colt, $5 : Charles LaBarr, $5; Isaac Howe, $3: Oliver Whitney, $1 ; Franklin 270 HISTORICAI. SKETCHES OF Fay, $50 ; Lincoln Fay, $25 ; Charles Taylor, $10 ; Timothy Judson, $10 ; J. H. Minton, $10 ; Wm. Haight, $1 ; V. G. Farnham, $5 ; Milton Kelley, $2 : Loyd Burr, $5 ; Waldo Brown, $5 ; Wm. Thayer, $5 ; Erwin Kelley, $3 ; W. Pi-att. $5 : Kufus Haywood, $50 ; H. C. Taylor, $10 ; Stephen May. $5 ; Asahel Peck, $10 ; J. B. Fay, $10 ; P. Bigler, $2 ; Hiram Bui-ton, $5 ; C. Barker, $5 : Linns Bm-ton, $5 ; J. N. Porter, $5 ; Lemi Barber, $5. $669 was raised, bnt the 7>aper contain- ing the balance was lost. This was in response to a resolntion passed by a meeting of citizens held early in July. The committee having the matter in charge were Rufvis Haywood, T. Jndson, J. H. Minton, R. D. Fuller, Heniy Barnhart, Warren Conch, Alfred Eaton, J. B. Fay. Voluntary enlistment was bnt a slow process to fill the ranks of the army, and as before stated a draft for 300,000 men for nine months was ordered. The idea of conscription was one particularly disagreeable to American fi'eemen and it was resolved to fill this call also by voluntary enlistment. Thirty nine men were needed. At a meeting of citizens it was resolved to pay a boimty of $100 to each volunteer, the money to be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the town, to be collected when other taxes were collected and trust to the legislature to legalize the act at its meeting in the following January. Such an act was j)assed on the 21st of February, 1864. To procure the money for immediate use a note was drawn, payable at the West field hank, for $4,200, which at this and a subsequent meeting was signed by 81 citizens and the money obtained. By the 31st of August the quota was filled, the last two being credited fi'om the to"mi of Stockton. Thirty- five of these men became members of Co. "E," 154th regiment N. Y. volunteer infantry — Capt. J. B. Fay. The balance of the company was enlisted fi'om the towns of Westfield and Ripley. Energetic measures were resorted to. The people were desperately in earnest and many of the best citizens of the town enlisted for three years or duiing the war rather than THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 271 tuidure the odium supposed to attach to a drafted freoman. That portion of tlie company enlisted in town numbered 33 men, as follows : Joseph B. J^^ay, John Wilson, Clinton L Barnhart, Charles O. Fnvman. Hiram L. Skinner, Andiew Hollister, Earl Z. Bacon, Geo. S wetland, Newell Biirch, -Jameg: B. Haywood, Justus Cross, David T. Taylor, W. J. Osterhaut. Mervin P. Barber. Wm. H. Reynolds. Stephen E. Greene, Elias B. Skone, Charles Anderson, Theodore F. Hall. Blackman B. Fitch, Geo. H. Richardson. Oscar M. Taylor. Wm. P. llaight. Elial W. Skinner. Reuben R. Oy-den. I. Milton Slawson. Elisha . . . * B. Walden, Thomas K. Bambrick. A. A. Williams, Perry Chapman, DaAdd S. Connally, Ira F. Burroughs, Robert Page. The two from Stockton credited to Portland were F. W. Denison and Christian A. Fandt. John E. White was enlisted under this call but was attached to Co. "G," 112tli regiment. •Josepli Cook enlisted in the navy at Erie, Pa. Myron F. Hamlm and Wm. H. Tallman were enlisted but were attached to Co. " D," Dtli N. Y. cavalry, volunteers. Eleazar Swetland was transferred from Co. " G, ' 112th regiment, t<> Co. "'E," (Capt. J. B. Viij) 154th regiment, and Daniel Burroughs to Co. •B," same regiment. This company was mustered in as Co. • E " early in September, 1H62. and proceeded to the seat of war on the 2r)th of the same month. It participated in many bloody conflicts, and among them ChancellorsAdlle. \'a., and (Tcttysbm-g, Pa. It was afterward sent south, and was a portion of the army of Gen. Sherman in his memorable march from Tennessee to the sea coast. It participated in the battle of Lookout Valley, Tennessee, October 29, 1803 ; of Lookout Moimtain and Mission Ridge, Tenn., November 23, 24 and 25. 1863 ; of Rocky-faced Ridge, Georgia, May 8, 1-64: ; of Resaca. Georgia, May 15, 1864 ; Dallas, Georgia, May 25, 26, 27, 28 and 20, lJ-64 : Pine Knob, Georgia. June 15, 1864 ; Kenesaw, Georgia, June 28, 1864 ; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia. July 20, 1864 ; the investment of Atlanta, Georgia, from July '2'2 to September 2, 1864. They retmned from Savannah to Virginia through Georgia and the Carolinas witli the army of Sherman 272 insTORiCAL sketches of on its victorious march north from the 15th of January. 1865, to the 30th of the following Mai-ch. The record of the 154th is no less brilliant than that of the 112th. THE TOVrS OK PORTLAND. 273 CHAPTER XLVI. War of 1861 continued— Draft of 1863— The Enrollmeut— Names of those drafted- Names of those commuting — Names of those furnishing substitutes — Names of those otherwise excused — Money raised — Re-enlistments, &c. The operations of the aniiy for the year 1862 were not encouraging. To recruit the army which had become feai- fuUy depleted the thii-ty-seventh Congress, on the 3d of March 1863, passed an act "for the enrollment of the national forces." This act provided for the enrollment b}^ Federal Provost Marshals and enrolling officers, of all able-bodied male citizens, (not white only) including aliens who had declared their intentions to become natui'alized, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five — those between twenty and thirty-live to cqjistitute the first class ; all others the second class — from which the President was authorized, fi'om and after July 1, to make drafts at his discretion of persons to sei-ve in the national armies, for not more than three years ; any one drafted and not leporting for sei"vice to be considered and treated as a deserter. A commutation of $300 was to be received in lieu of such service ; and there were exemptions provided of heads of executive departments ; Federal Judges ; Governors of States ; the only son of a widow, or of an aged and infirm father, dependent on that son's labor for support; tlie father of dependent motherless children under twelve years of age, or the only adult brother of such children being orphans; or the residue of a family which has ah'eadv two members 274 HISTOBICAL SKETCHES OF in the sendee, &c., <&c." As before stated, it had been claimed by the government that vohinteering furnished material for the army too slowly, that the ranks mnst be tilled at a more rapid rate if the rebellion was ever to be crushed, and a conscription was the only means by which the object sought could be <3btained. But in a certain sense it was a failure. Commutation money flowed into the coffers of tlie government, but men were not forthcoming. The idea of conscription was an odiinis one. The draft, however, was not in any way interfered with, very little attention was paid to it, — it was allowed to '"go through" with little concern, nearly every man finding in some feature of the act a way of escape if he slioiild be so imfortunate as to diaw a prize in this lotter}- for flesh and blood. The di-aft failed largely of tilling the quota, and further drafts were ordered, until the number of men, with commutations should reach the number required, but was delayed from time to time to allow towns to till the requirements by vol- vmtary enlistments if they chose, or could do so. Between that time and the fifth of January following, mostly in December iS63, the quota of Portland was filled by sub- stitutes obtained outside its limits, and the citizens relieved from immediate apprehension. All subsequent calls by the government for recriiits were tilled by enlistments outside the town, with biit two exceptions, imder a sys- tem ol bounties ofl:ered and paid by toAvn. Under the call in August, 1862, an enrollment of those supposed to be liable to draft, was made by the supervisor, H. V. Taylor, and O. W. Burch, T. S. Moss and Rufus Hay- wood, eonmaissioners appointed by the governor for the pui-pose, and the number foiind to be two hunth-<«i and fifty-six. From this enrollment, revised, the draft of 1863' was made. August 25th. The (h-awing took place at Dun- kirk, Isaac Shattuek Esq. amd A. J. Liyons attending in behalt of the town. The call was for three hundred thou- sand men. and the (piota for this toAvn was thii-ty-three. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 'J75 Forty-seven names were ordered drawn, and if from that number the quota conld not be tilled, another drawing was to take place. The examinations were to take place in the order of drawing, and if the quota was tilled short of the forty-seven ordered drawn, those remaining were to be discharged. The following is a list of those drawn, with the age of each : Geo. W. Marsh, 22 ; J. A. H. Skinner, 29 ; Andrew J. Mericle, ;34 ; Henry Martin, 30 : Allison N. Munson, 29 ; James Wood, 2() ; George Couchman, 36 ; Chnrles H. Warner, 21 ; Henry E. Hill, 33 ; Thomas W. Baker, 23 ; Wm. A. Douglass — : Harmon Bashee, 29 ; Andrew P. Huster — ; Dennis Quinland — ; Thomas Cooper, 23 ; Geo. W. Stebbins, 35 ; Abel Skidmore, 21; Will. Correll, 21 ; John Lawson, 35; Salmon Burton, 28 : Hemy Dobbins — ; Levi Hall, 33 ; Frank G. Arnold, 28 : Carlton O. Wilcox, 33 ; Edward Clements, 27 ; Wm. Breen, 25 : Richard Spicer, 33 ; C^hester W. Burton, 26 ; Walter Bui-ch, 25; James Sturgis, 30; Leroy F. Churchill, 21 ; Gideon Low, 23 ; Geo. R. Weaver, 29 ; Andrew J. Skinner, 33 ; Charles R. Crosby, 23 ; James L. F. Andrews, 2-i ; Geo. Fitch, 26 ; Wm. W. Billings, 35 ; Heury C. Rolph, 24 ; Wm. Dogan, 34 ; James H. Burroughs, 31 ; Alfred J. Bmton, 29 : (^eo. W. Goldsmith. 43; Geo. M. Arnold, 29: Wm. Dederick, 22 : John Quayle, 31 : Marvin G. Tenant, 27. Of the above number, Wm. VV. Billings was the only oue that rejjorted for duty. The balance were reheved, and for causes specified, as follows : Chester W. Burton and Andrew J. Skinner, furnished stibsti- tutes : the former, James Kelley, and the latter John Casey. Geo. W. Mai'sh. James Wood, Charles H. Warren, Abel Skid- more, Levi Hall, P^'rank G. Arnold, Ricliard Spicer, Walter Burch, (jreo. R. Weaver. Alfred J. Burton and Wm. Dederick commuted by the payment of ii^300 each. Geo. Couchman and John Lawson, from over ag'e. Heni'v Martin and Wm. Breen. from being the only sons of widows. 276 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Edward Clements and James H. Burroughs, from being the only sons ot aged and dependent parents. Salmon Burton, J. L. F. Andrews, Geo. Fitch and Geo. M. Arnold, on election by parent, or parents. Marvin G. Tenant, from diseased lungs. Geo. W. Goldsmith, father of motherless children under twelve years of age. Allison J. Munson and John Quayle, from tubercles in the lungs. Andrew J. Mericle, from bronchitis. Wm. Dogan and Thomas Cooper, aliens. J. A. H. Skinner, from anchylosis of left ankle joint. Henry E. Hill, loss of index finger of right hand. Thomas W. Baker, hernia. Wm. Correll, deficiency in height. Leroy F. Churchill, from deficiency of amplitude of tin- chest. Harmon Bashee, scrofula. Geo. W. Stebbins, loss of sight of one eye. Wm. Dobbin, fi'ostbitten feet. Carlton O. Wilcox, prolapsus ani. Wm. A. Douglass and James Stuigis, in service before March, 1863. Gideon Low, error in enrollment. Charles R. Crosby, chronic inflammation of kidneys. Henry C. Rolph, physical disability. Andrew P. Huster and Dennis Qiiinland, never reported and could not be found. Thus it will be seen that the government obtained but fourteen out of the forty-seven drawn, viz: three men and $3,300 fi'om eleven that commuted. As before stated the quota was eventually filled outside of town. — (See war expenses.) October 17th of this year, 1863, the fifth call of the presi- dent was made. Under this there were due from Port- land twenty -fom' men. xit a public meeting held Decembei- THE TOWN OF PORTI.AJfD. 277 14th following, a "resolution was ofifered that the town raise $7,200 by tax to pay $300 to each of twenty-four volun- teers apportioned to the town under the last call of the president." An amendment was offered to exempt from tax those that had commuted by the payment of $300 under the di-aft of August 25th last, which was accepted. At a subsequent meeting on the 1 6th, the resolution as amended was adopted, ayes ninety-eight, noes sixty-five. In December 1863 and January 1864, fomteen veteran soldiers fi'om town whose tenn of service would expire in the following spring or summer, reenlisted under the assui-ance that $300 bounty would be paid each. They were credited on the next call, which was made Febniary 1st 1864. In answer to a resolution by a meeting of citizens, a special town meeting was called, and held March 8, 1864, to decide by vote whether $4,200 should be raised by tax on the town to pay such soldiers reenlisting. The vote was as follows : tax, one hundred and forty-five ; opposed, eighty. No men seem to have been furnished under the call of March 14th, 1864, but the effort was merged in that of the next call, which was made July 18th, 1864, for five hundi'ed thousand men. Under this call there were due from the town twenty one men. A special town meeting was called, and held July 30th, at the office of I. Shattuck, Esq., to decide by vote whether the town would raise by tax suffi cient to relieve the citizens from the operations of a draft. The vote was as follows: tax, one huudied and forty-four, opposed sixty-five. December l9th the same year another call for men was made. The quota for Portland was seventeen. The question was again submitted to the citizens at a special town meeting at the house of S. C. Riley Januaiy 7th, 1865, whether a tax should be assessed upon the town sufficient to relieve the citizens fi'om the effects of a draft. The vote cast was two hundred and seventy-six. For tax, one hundi'ed and eighty-two, opposed, ninety-four; and the men obtained outside of town. 278 HISTORIC A I. SKETCHES OF The men reenli sting, as stated above, were all from the 9th cavaliy, as follows : Chester Bradley, John P. Martin, Willard H. Daniels, Vares G. Farnham, Albert A. Fay, Wm. H. Rolph. Marcus M. Ransom, Nelson H. Whitney, Charles H. Williams, Edwin Wright, John M. \Yood, John W. Yonng, John Johnson, John ^Y. Bullock. CyiTis Benjamin enlisted January 4th, 1864, in the 15tli Reg- iment, N. Y. Infantry, and John D. Buell on February 24tli. 1864, in Co. B., 112th Regiment. Abrahara and Charles Williams enlisted early in the war, but the writer has been unable to ascertain their company or regiment. Seven enlisted from Portland that were credited to other localities, as follows : Lysander B. Vanleuven, in the 6th Regi- ment, Wisconsin Infantry ; Levant M. Hakes, in the 104th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry ; Alfred G- Vanleuven, W^m. Correll, John D. Bentley and Ephraim K. Fellows, in the 111th Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers : Walter Quigiey in a Michigan regiment. Recap ihilation of Men tunmhed. — Portland fui'nished for the army and navy that were credited to the town 137 men, as follows : To the 3d Excelsior, or 72d regiment N. Y. volun teers, 13 ; to the 49th regiment, 3 ; to the 2 1st regiment, 1 : to the 44th regiment, 1 : to the regular aivmyj 1 ; to the lUOth regiment, 9: to the 9th cavalry, 49; to the 112th regiment. 23; to the 154th regiment, 33; to the 15 thregiment, 1; to regiments not laiown, 2 ; to the navy, 1 man. Foiu- substi- tutes were fui'nished, fifty-seven enlisted from outside of town ; 14 reenlisted, and 11 commuted imder the di'afV act of March 3, 1863, making an equivalent in the aggregate of 223 men, which with those fr'om towTi enlisting outside of the state, will make a total of 230. It was found difficult under the calls of .July 18 and Decem- ber 1 9, 1864, to fill the quota at the price fixed by the people on the morning of the special town meeting, January 7. 1865. viz.: $300 for one year's men, $400 for two years' men and TllK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 279 $500 for three years' men, and a number of citizens advanced the extra sums necessary (on an average $300) for tlu-ee years' men, and were relieved from the effect of any subsequent draft by having a substitute in the field. The number as now remembered was i 8, and the sum advanced was $5,400. Those remembered were as follows : Franklin Fay, W. Tui'k, Wm. Martin, A. W. Baker, Jonas H. Martin, David McGregor, G. L. Townsend, Norman Goodsell, Elisha Fay, J N. Plill, J. N. Porter, H. A. Burton, Salmon Burton 280 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHAPTER XL VII. War of 1861 coutinued — Aid furuished Soldiers direct and through Hospitals, Sanitary and Christian Commissions. The most kindly feeling followed the citizen soldiery of Portland, and their wants in their perilous wanderings were carefully studied and often anticipated and supplied by private contributions, but more liberally through organizations adapted for such a mission. So intense the excitement and so great the interest pervading every heart with reference to the issue of the struggle and those engaged in it that every effort possible was put forth through the various associations and se^ving circles to furnish such aid and comforts for the sick, the wounded and dying as the exigencies of the case demanded. Nearly all the aid thus fui'nished to hospitals, sanitary or other commissions was through associations of ladie^ of which there were tliree in town : 1, the " Baptist Sewing Circle," Brocton, jVIrs. Norman Mason president. Miss Sarah Skinner secretary; 2, "'Soldiers' Aid Society of Portland." Mrs. Jason Webster jji-esident, Miss Vally M. Greene secretary ; 3, "Universalist Social," Mrs. J. B. Fay president, Mi's. Chester W. Burton secretary. Aid furnished by these societies and through them amounted on the first of July, 1863, to $4 14, principally as follows : To the Sanitary Commission, St, Louis, Mo., $100 ; to the Sanitary Commission, Buffalo, N. Y., $185 ; to the hospital department of the 9th cavalry, $59 ; to the hospital department of the T54th regiment, $60; to the hospital department 49th regiment, $10. After July 1, 1863, THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 281 to the close of the war still fui'ther contributions were made, in the aggregate amountmg to $250. Aid was furnished direct to the 9th cavalry, the 112th regiment, the lo4th regiment, the 49th and 7 2d, by fi-iends, to the amount of probably $200, making a total of $864. Most of the aid furnished by friends outside the organized channels \\^as for the comfort of soldiers during the severity of winter. The families of soldiers were not forgotten. At a meeting of citizens held at the Congregational chui'ch in September, 1861, a •' Soldiers' Aid Society " was fonned by subscriptions to a joint stock arrangement, the stock to be taxed from time to time as should be necessary and the proceeds applied for the benefit of such soldiers' families as were in need. Ninety- five citizens subscribed to the capital stock in sums ranging from $5 to $oO, in the aggregate $1,632. But little aid was called for through this society, most of the families of soldiers being cared for by friends. It was a cumbersome arrangement and soon abandoned. The officers were Albert Haywood, president ; T. Judson, vice-president ; T. S. Moss, secretary ; I. Shattuck, treasurer. Expenditure'^ for the War. — The following very nearly approximates the facts with reference to the amount of money used by the town and by individuals for war purposes diu'ing the war of 1861 : Bounty to 112th volunteers and for other piu'poses, $669 (raised by subscription); to assist several of those drafted August 25, 1863, m paying their commuta- tions, probably $500 (raised by subscription) ; by the town in 1862, $4,200 ; by the town in 1864, including the operations of 1863, $29,188.66 ; by the town in 1865, $r.\900; interest paid on town bonds, $724.23 ; by town to families of soldiers, $198 ; amount paid by private enterprise to promote enlistments, $1,229 ; paid by individuals for substitutes and commutations, $12,300; aid fui-nished by societies of ladies, $864; aid furnished by '' Soldiers' Aid Society," $120; making a total of $62,892.89. The amount for 1864 was assessed ujjon the town and collected, but that for 1865 was. not assessed. To realize 282 HISTORICAL sketches of the amounts necessary in advance of collections, the board of supervisors under the act of February 9, 1864, authorized the issuing of town bonds. For 1864 bonds were issued to the amount of $28,417,71, on interest at 7 per cent., payable January 1, 1865, the first issue bearing date August 27, 1864, and the last issue September 28, 1864. For 1865 the amount issued was $12,370.10, on interest at 7 per cent., payable January 1, 1866, the first issue bearing date January 13, 1865, and the last February 6, 1865. The state, by act of the legislatm-e dated February 24, 1865, assumed a certain propor- tion of the war debt of towns, and the bonds of Portland were exchanged for state bonds to the amount of $17,000 and $700 in cash. At the close of the war a small amount of funds remained in the hands of the supervisor, which was appropriated for town purposes by the town board under special act of the legislatm-e dated March 30, 1866. THE TO\VK OF PORTLAND. 283 CHAPTER XLVIII. « War of 1861 contimiecl — Statistical History of Volunteers from Portland. Qth Regiment TJ. S. Army, Cavalry. — Warren Couch enlisted August 12, 1861, in Co. G; constantly on duty through his term of enlistment ; discharged August 12, 1864. 3f? Regiment Excelsior Brigade, or 72f? Regiment N. Y. YoVs. — Henry B. Taylor enlisted May 25, 1861 ; discharged from Beaufort, S. C, in fall of 1863; enlisted in Co. B, 112th regiment N. Y. vol's, in March, 1864; August 17th following discharged to accept promotion as hospital steward in U. S. army ; discharged fi'om service in 1867. Edmund Barber euhsted August 3, 1861. No report. Melvin Hunt enlisted in Co. G, 72d regiment N. Y. vol's — Capt Bliss ; died at home of fever after being discharged. Frank Lilly. Nothing known of him. Redmond Riley enhsted May 25, 1861, in Co. D— Capt. W. O. Stevens ; sick of fever at camp Good Hope, Maryland, in summer of 1861 ; discharged from Clifton hospital, D. C, December 17, 1862. Alphonzo Taylor enlisted May 25, 1861, in Co. D— Capt. W O. Stevens ; sick at Yorktown, Va.; sent to Portsmouth Grove, R. I., in July, 1862, and discharged from there in the fall of that year. Theron D. Walden enlisted May 25, 1861, in Co. D— Capt. W. O. Stevens ; discharged from accidental wound in spring of 1862. Daniel E. Arnold enlisted June 20, 1861, in Co. G, 72d 284 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF regiment N. Y. vol's ; wounded in arm at battle of Williams- burg May 5, 1862; taken to Mill Creek hospital. Fortress Monroe ; from there to David's Island, N. Y.; discharged fi'om there June 16, 1862. Walter Bowdish enlisted in Co. G — Capt. Bliss — in May, 1861 ; severely wounded at battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1802 ; has not since been heard from ; supposed dead. John Barry enlisted in Co. E — Capt. l^arrett — in May, 1861 ; killed by cannon ball at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July 1. 1862. Ovette BuiT enlisted May 16, 1861, in Qp. E, 72d regiment vol. infantry ; woimded August 27, 1862, at Bristo Station, Va.; returned to company in November following ; mustered out June 23, 1864. Thomas B. Culver enlisted in Co. G, 72d regiment N. Y. vol's — Capt. Bliss — August 3, 1861 ; wounded in ankle at battle of Williamsbufg May 5, 1862 ; discharged December 29, 1862, for disability ; enlisted in Co. C, N. Y. N. guards 68th regiment— Capt. Erie Hall— June 5, 1863, for 3(t days ; discharged at Elmira, N. Y., at close of term ; enlisted in Co. K, 17th regiment Illinois cavalry, vol. — Capt. E. P. Grosvenor — Dec. 12, 1863 ; discharged at Fort LeavenwortL, Kansas, December 22, 1 865, under general orders. Peter Kinnish enlisted in May, 1861, in Co. G, 72d regiment — Capt. Bliss ; promoted to corporal ; died in hospital. 4:9th Ji^ginient JV. Y. Vol's. — James A. Hall enlisted in September, 1861, and was ajipointed regimental surgeon; soon after was promoted to brigade sm'geon, and eventually to surgeon-in-chief of the 6th corps. He served with distinc- tion through his term of enlistment. After the close of the war he was appointed New York state agent at Washington for the adjustment of soldiers' claims. He died at home, of fever contracted while in the service, April 8, 1 866. Walter Burch. — No report. John Linburgh — Enlisted Sej^tember, 1861. Sick and dis- charged before the close of his/term of enlistment. THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 285 21st N". Y. Vol. Infantry. — Newell G. Burr — ^Enlisted in Co. D. for two years, May, Sth, 186 1 ; mustered out May 18th, 1863. In spring of 1 864 enlisted in 22d regiment, N. Y. Cav- alry ; wounded at W Lite Oak, Virginia, March 31st, 1865 ; did not return to the regiment. 44th iV". Y. Infantry. — Charles Grannis enlisted as a mem- ber from Portland; was promoted to Lieutenant, and on duty through the term of his enlistment. 100th Regiment N. Y. Vols. — William Bradley enlisted at the formation of the regiment ; died from wounds received at battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, at Mill Creek Hospital July Sth, 1862. Jack Davis, Dan Jonas, Frank Peterson, Gilbert S. Potter, George Shaver, Andrew Winters, Wm. Whitney and Andrew Anderson, the remaining members from this town, the compiler knows so little of, with any certainty, that they are very reluct- antly passed by. 9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry. — Joseph G. Weld enlisted in Co. D. September 20th, 1861; commissioned Captain, October 3d, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Brandy Station, Virginia, confined in Libby Prison seven months : paroled and exchanged ; did not return to Co.; discharged October 3d, 1864. W. A. Adams enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; commissioned 1st Lieutenant, October 3d, 1861; resigned July 6th, 1862. Elisha V. Arnold enlisted November 9th, 1861, in Co. D ; promoted to 4th Sergeant, December 1st, 1861 ; sick at Regi- mental Hospital, Washington ; discharged under general orders in spring of 1862. Edwin Blinn enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted to Corporal ; detailed the last of his term, as clerk in the war department at Washington ; discharged Mai'ch 31st, 1865. John Batchelder enlisted Sej^tember 20th, 1861; discharged for disability, from rheumatic affections, November Sth, 1862. Walter Bowman enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted to Q. M. Sergeant in spring of 1862; discharged for disability in fall of 1862. 286 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Alvah L. Billings enlisted September 20tli, 1861 ; absent from company from spring of 1862 ; discharged in fall of 1862. Chester Bradley enlisted September 20th, 1861; reenlisted January 1st, 1864; June 1st, 1864 was appointed bugler for company ; discharged at Buffalo, July loth, 1865. Frank C. Bullock enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged in April 1862 for disabihty ; enlisted in Co. G II 2th regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, August 1 862 ; promoted Corporal November 5th, 1862 ; sick of fever, on Folly Island, and died there August 31st, 1863 ; buried on the island. Mahlon G. Barber enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged at Washington, D. C, June 9tli, 1862, for disability. Lewis H. Bailey enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; sick at Reg- imental Hospital, and discharged at Washington, on general orders, in June, 1862. John W. Bullock enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; reenlisted in 1863; constantly on duty ; discharged July 28th, 1865. Frank C. Brown enlisted September 20th, 1861; promoted Sergearrt in 1862 ; promoted 2d Lieutenant in spring of 1864; during the season was promoted to 1st Lieutenant; in winter of 1864 was made Captain and served as such until near the close of the war when he was breveted Major. He was a gallant officer. M. W. Bailey enlisted September 20th, 1861, and discharged July 1 862, on account of unsound limb. Charles R. Crosby enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted Corporal, November 6th, 1861; promoted Sergeant June 24th, 1862 ; discharged August 2d, 1862, fi'om disease of the kidneys. Wolcott Colt enlisted September 7th, 1861; in ranks but short time ; ward master in hospital at Washington, D. C; discharged tor disability, June 25th, 1862. Henry Colt enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; detached to do hospital duty ; sick three out of nine months ; discharged on accoruit of hemia, June 6th, 1862. Willard H. Daniels enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; reenlisted THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 287 January, 1864; constantly on duty; dischai'ged July 28th, 1865. Wm. A. Douglass enlisted September 20tli, 1861 ; discharged for disability, February 9th, 1864. Vares G. Famham enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; wounded at battle of Hanover Crossing, May 27th, 864 ; promoted Corporal, May 26th, 1864 ; promoted to Sergeant, December 6th, 1864 ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant, May 16th, 1865 ; reen- listed December 26th, 1863; discharged July I7th, 1865. Albei-t A. Fay enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; woimded at battle of Deep Bottom, July 24th, 1864; reenlisted January 2d, 1864; promoted Corporal in July 1864; discharged June 7th, 1865. Jehial M. Grant enlisted September 20tli, 1861 ; appointed regimental saddler in 1 862 ; discharged for disability Novem- ber 1863. Halsey F. Hakes enlisted October 3d, 1861 ; died at Alex andria, D. C. July 10th, 1862, of tetanus, fi*om wounds fi'om the kick of a horse ; was buried in soldiers' bmial groimds, but after eight months was removed to Westlield and Portland Union Cemetery. Mark H. Hamlin, Bugler, enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged in spiiug of 1862, on general orders by General McClellan. Orrin D. Hadden enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; was acting- Brigade Veterinary Surgeon ; discharged on general orders in 1862. Bimey Hull enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged on account of fever, December 5th, 1862. Jacob C. Hipwell enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; sick with rheumatism and chronic diarrhea at Clifton Hospital, Wash ington, D. C. ; discharged September 12th, 1863. John Johnson enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; reenlisted December 27th, 1863; discharged July 28th, 1:?6 5 ; not long in the ranks ; appointed wagoner. H. Wm. Mason enlisted September 13th, 1861 ; jDromoted 37 28S HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF Sergeant, November 9th, 1861 ; promoted 1st Sergeant, Decem- ber 10th, 1861 ; sick in hospital June 1862 ; promoted 2d Lieu tenant in June 1862 ; detailed 3d officer in corps of obsei'va- tion in front of Gen. Sigel's army ; served as aid to Gen. Sigel in the battle of Raccoon Ford ; after battle of 2d Bull Run, detailed as acting Regimental Quartermaster and Commissaiy; promoted to 1st Lieutenant, November 10th, 1862, and assigned to Co. G ; in the spring of 1863 detailed as aid to Gen. Buford and served dm-ing the spring campaign ; in company again imtil December ^Oth, 1863, when he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Co. I ; in Febniary 1865 commissioned Major for gallantry on the field of battle. Samuel Mills enlisted October 1st, 1861 ; sick in hospital at '<^^ ashington, D. C, fi'om injury to knee before enlisting ; discharged September 12th, 1863. John P. Martin enlisted September 20th, 1861; promoted to Sergeant; wounded near Wliite Post, Clark Co., Virginia, August llth, 1864, and died the next day, aged 25; buried there. Frank C. Nichols enlisted September 20th, 1861; discharged in the spring of 1862, for disability. James Z. Ogden enlisted October 1st, 1861 ; absent fi'om company and regiment after June 20th, 1 862. Lewis M. Ogden enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted sergt. Dec. 1, 1861 ; sick of fever July 18th, 1862 and sent to Mansion House Hospital; discharged October 31 st, 1862. David H. Randall enlisted September 20, 1861 ; sick in hospital at Washington, D. C, and discharged on general orders in Jmie, 1862. Wm. H. Rolph enlisted in the 4th Pa. infantry for three months, under first call of the president ; served the term and on September 11 following enlisted in the 9th N. Y. cavalry ; promoted to sergeant, then to orderly sergeant, and in 1 864 to 2d lieutenant and placed in command of Co. D ; soon after promoted to 1st lieutenant and so continued in command of THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 289 the company to the close of the service ; reenlisted in Decern ber, 1863 ; mustered out Jrdy 28, 1865. Henry C. Rolph enlisted September 11, 1861; sick in Chesapeake hospital, near Foi'tress Monroe ; discharged June 10, 1862. George W. Rolph enlisted September 1 1 , 1 861 ; sick in hospital at Washington ; discharged in April, 1862, under general orders. Miles M. Ranson enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to sergeant November 6, 1861; reenlisted December 31, ]863; wounded in head in battle of the Wilderness, Va., occasioning loss of right eye ; transferred to veteran reserve corps August 1, 1S64 ; discharged July 20, 1865. Thomas K. Titus enlisted October 1, 1861 ; absent from company and regiment after July 1, 1862. Charles B. Williams enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to corporal ; was constantly on duty and discharged in September, i 864. Nelson H. \Vhitney enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to corporal January 2, 1 865 ; reenlisted in January, 1 864 ; discharged July 17, 1865. Silas S. Williams enlisted September 20, 1861 ; discharged on general orders June 10, 1862, Charles H. Williams enlisted September 20, 1861 ; reenlisted in January, 1864; wounded at « 1865; sent to Carver hospital, D. C; died there fi'om his woimds July 5, 1865. Edwin Wright enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to corporal October 2, 1861 ; promoted to sergeant June 25, 1862 ; reenlisted January 2, 1864 ; appointed sergeant same date ; promoted to sergeant major December 18, 1!S64 ; promoted to 2d lieutenant May 28, 1865, and assigned to Co. H ; mustered out July 17, 1865. John Y. Young enlisted September 20, 1861 ; reenlisted in January, 1864 ; constantly on duty ; discharged July 2s, 1865. 290 HISTORICAX SKETCHES OF Wm. H. Tallman enlisted August 25, 1 862 ; dischai-ged March 24, 1864, for disabHity. Myron F. Hamlin (bugler) enlisted July 22, 1862 ; discharged in 1863. 112th Regiment N. Y. Vols. — (Much of the statistical histoiy of this regiment is taken from the history of the regiment by ChapHn W. L. Hyde.) Augustus Blood enlisted August 9, 1862 ; promoted to corporal March 5, 1 863 ; in ranks from November 23, 1 864 ; clerk at judge advocate's office from March 29, 1864, to May 1, 1864; at brigade headquarters fi'om May 1, 1864, to October 18, 1864 ; in ambulance corps from last date to muster out June 13, 1 865. Daniel L. Burroughs enlisted August 22, 1862 ; transferred to Co. B, 154th regiment N. Y. vols, at camp Brown, James- town, in September, 1862. Frank C. Bullock (refer to 9th cavahy) enlisted in 11 2th in August, 1 862 ; sick on Folly Island ; died there Aiigust 31, 1863. Daniel L. Cummings enlisted August 9, 1862 ; sick and absent from company fi'om July 30, 1863, to June, 1864 ; promoted to corporal October 12, 1864, and to sergeant March 5, 1865. Alfred O. Ellis enlisted August 12, 1862 ; promoted sergeant March 18, 1863 ; promoted to color sergeant Nov. 1, 1863 ; to 1st lieutenant of Co. D January 4, 1865 ; in com- mand of Co B fi'om Febniary 28, 1 865 ; constantly on duty. Wm. A. Judson enlisted August 6, 1 862, as sergeant ; promoted to commissary sergeant January 31, 1864; constantly on duty. Wm. R Laine, son of Rev. L. F. Laine, enlisted August 9, 1862; killed in action at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864; buried there. Charles Pecor enlisted Aiigust 9, 1862 ; taken piisouer at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864; confined in Andersonville THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 291 prison, Georgia; released in March, 1865; discharged June 24, 1865. Harvey Potter enlisted August 12, 1862; sick at camp Suffolk, Va., of fever ; died November 4, 1862 ; buried there. John R. Rolph enhsted August 12, 1862, from the company on fm-lough fi'om June 21, 1863, to July 29, 1863 ; in pioneer corps 2d division, 10th army corps, fi-om January 1 3, 1865, to close of war. Thomas S. Rolph enlisted August 12, 1862; promoted to corporal in 1862 ; wounded in hip at battle Cold Harbor, Va., June 1 , 1864 ; did not return to company ; discharged June 18, 1865. Eleazar Swetland enlisted August 12, 1862 ; transferred to Co. E, 1 54th regiment N Y. vol's, at camp Brown, Jamestown, in September, 1862 ; sick and died at Lookout Valley, Tenn., and buried in cemetery at Chattanooga. John M. Wood enlisted August ll, 1862 ; promoted to corporal ; mail carrier from December 28, 1862 ; in ranks fi'om December, 1 862 ; fui'lough fi-om October 18 to November 1 7, 1864; reenlisted in January, 1864; discharged July 1, 1865. John O. Warner enlisted August 12, 1862 ; promoted to corporal September 20, 1863 ; sick and absent fi'om company fi'om May 3 to September 8, 1864 ; promoted to color corporal ; killed in battle September 29, 1864, at New Market Heights, Va.; bm-ied on the field. John E. White enlisted August, 22, 1 862 ; promoted to lieutenant November 1, 1864 ; absent on recruiting service from August 12,1 863 ; did not retiu'n to company ; discharged March 12, 1865. Peter Lawson enlisted August 11, 1862; sick at Folly Island and died in hospital October 8, 1863; buried on the island. Douglass Only enlisted August 12, 18h2 ; hospital nurse from January 7 to June 1, 1863 ; in ambulance corps from June 1 to November 11, 1863; sick in hospital from last date tor 292 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF several months ; transferred to veteran resei-ve corps August 29, 1864. Wm. F. Only enlisted August 11, 1862 ; with 7th Massachu setts battery from October 25, 1862, to Febniary, 1863; in quartermaster's department from September 20, 1863 ; died of fever in hospital at VVilmington, N. C, April 19, 1865. John K. Post enhsted July 25, 1862 ; absent sick from July 30 to September, 1863 ; wounded in leg at Cold Harbor, Va., Jime 1, 1864 — leg amputated; died at Carver hospital, Wash- ington, D. C, June 21, I8G4 ; buiied there. Wm. C. Chamberlain enlisted August 9, 1862 ; promoted to corporal September 11, 1862; died of fever in regimental hospital, Suffolk, Va., November 23, 1862 ; buried in soldiers' burial ground there, but afterward removed to Portland. John D. Buell enhsted February 24, 1864, in Co. B, 112th regiment ; when the regiment was discharged was transferred to 3dN. Y. vol's ; discharged August 28, 1865, at Raleigh, N. C. 154o THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 307 has lived upon this purchase 67 years, though for some years as a boarder with his sons. His article bears date July 30, 1806. In 1807 he returned to Mass. and in Sept. m. Sophia Nichols, who also was b. in Framingham, in 1785. He came to F. a second time in company with James Parker, arriving in Nov. Mi's. F. walked long distances during the tedious trip, and all the way from Buifalo. A new log house was at once built and occupied until 1 828 when the stone house was built. Ml'. Fay was in the war of 1812 at Black Rock and Biiffalo. He is the oldest actual settler in town now living (1873). Mr. and Mrs. F. became converts to the christian faith in 1817, and became members of the M. E. church and after- ward of that division known as Wesleyan, and were zealous and influential members. Mrs. Fay d. in Oct., !850, and was bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Fay. — (1.) Lincoln: b. Aug. 15, 1808 ; m. Sophronia Peck Dec. 31, 1835, and now lives upon the farm located by Nathan Fay in 1806, p't lot 25, T. 5. (2.) Eddie : b. April 9, 1811 ; d. March 11, 1834. (3.) Charles: b. Mai'ch 24, 1813 ; m. Laura A. Hall ; lives on a part of the old homestead. (4.) Otis N.: b. Feb. 5, 1820 ; m. Emeline Van- tassel ; lives in P., S. W. p't of lot 19, T. 5. 5. DAVID EATON— Was the son of Benjamin and Mary Eaton, the oldest son and the fifth of a family of ten ch. He was b. in Framingham, Mass., Feb. 2, 1782. His father was poor, a shoemaker, and David was put upon the bench at nine years of age, and at fourteen made shoes for the market. When eighteen years of age his father d., but he continued the business and supported the family until he was twenty-two. Although troubled with the care and suj)port of a large family, he found time to store his mind with the essentials of a good education. Early in 1 805 he visited the " purchase " in company with Nathan Fay and explored the whole lake region from Buifalo to N. East, Pa., retm-ning in August. April 20, 1806, he m. Elizabeth Home, and the next month, accompanied by his wife, mother and yoitngest sister, Nathan Fay and family, 308 HISTOEICAIi SKETCHES OF Elisba and Nathaniel Fay, started for the west, " some pomt on the shore of lake Erie." His conveyance was a span of horses and covered wagon. Mrs. Eaton was in feeble health but hoping for a favorable change ; but before reaching Utica, this state, showed signs of a decline, and on arriving at New Hartford was obliged to stop for rest. But that insidious disease whose stealthy approach no hand may stay had marked its victim, and she d. June 10 and was buiied there. Mr. Eaton left his mother and sister and proceeded to Canadaway and from there to P., and located at once p't of lot 37, T. 5, the fann upon which he lived until his death — nearly sixty seven years. He returned to Batavia, procured his article, which bears date July 9, 1806, and paid the required ten per cent. The article was filled out by Wm. Peacock, then a clerk in the office, and Mr. E. remembered being asked if he could write his name. He returned to P., built a log house, cleared two acres of land and in October removed his family from New Hartford. The following winter was very severe ; there was a heaxy fall of snow, the mills at Westfield were fi'ozen and he was obliged to resort to the mortar and pestle to prepare his corn for food. His mother kept house for him until 1 811, when he m. Mrs. Mei'cy Fay, widow of Nathan Fay. \_See No. 3.] The sister of Mr. E. taught the first school in town in 1810 and followed teaching until 1815, when she m. and moved to Whitestown, this state. [^See Schools.'] The mother of Mr. E d. Oet. 14, 1848, aged 95 years and six months. His wife d- May 12 1862. Mr. Eaton d. Oct. 7, 1872, aged 90 years and 8 months. They were all bruied in Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Eaton was a man of considerable prominence; was in office of some kind many years, and was an honest, faithful and competent officer ; in fact he was well fitted by nature, educa tion and habit to become a leading spirit, as he did, in those early years of the settlement of the county. He was clerk of the election in 1^'07, the first in the county; was elected assessor of the town of Chautauqua for 1 809 ; was clerk of the board of supervisors from ^820 to '27 and for the years 1831 THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 309 and '32 ; was supervisor of the town for six years [See Town Officers] and was chairman of the board in 1815 wlien a new member ; was a justice of the peace for several years ; was apjjointed superintendent of the poor in 1844 and served in that capacity six years — the last term b}^ election ; was town clerk for fourteen years, and in fact filled some official position until 1 850. In common with most men of that day he was an aspirant for military honors. After serving in inferior positions he was commissioned lieutenant of militia by Gov. Tompkins in 181 or '11, and served in that capacity until 1814 when he was appointed regimental paymaster, which position he held to the close of the war. Wliile lieut. of Capt. Moore's company of Chautauqua militia he was present at the battle of Queens- town, Oct. 3, 1812 ; was in the battle of Black Rock and Btiffalo Dec. 30, 1813. and was with his company on the Niagara fi'ontier in Aug. and Sept., 1814. At the close of the war he resigned the position of regimental paymaster and as he says, "bade adieu to all military affairs." \_See Warofl^Vi.'] He was appointed brigade inspector May 14, 1816, but declined serving. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton were members of the first Congrega- tional church formed in P. in 1818. Mrs. E. became a member of the church after its reorganization in 1 833, but Mr. Eaton never again became a member of any chiu'ch. Of his religious belief he says in his letter, " My present belief is that every person will receive according to the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be evil, without any reference to professions or want of professions, or sectarian names or creeds." Of his political sentiments he writes : "I was a federalist up to the war of 1 812, but becoming dissatisfied with the course taken by the party with reference to the war I left it. I afterward became a Clintonian, and voted for J. Q. Adams for president, for Harrison, Taylor, Fremont, Lincoln and Grant. Thus you have my politics in a nut shell." He was a JVestor among the early settlers and little was done and no enterprise prosecuted for the benefit of the town or its citizens 310 fflSTOKICAI. SKETCHES OF but that lie was a guiding spirit. He lived a conscientious, upright life, and died as he lived. \^See various divisions of this icork.'\ Family of Mr. ydia Barnes, dau. of Calvin Barnes, of P. Mrs. Fay was b. in Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y., Jan. 17th, 1798. They took possession of their first log house Dec. 23d, 1816. The house now on the farm was built in 1841. Mr. Fay was a man of sterling integrity ; was much in town oflice, and was once elected. supervisor. He was in the war of 1812, and at the battle of Black Rock and Bufialo. He was a farmer. In religion Mr. Fay was a Universalist ; in politics a Republican, though in earlier years a Democrat. He d. May 1 5th, 1 853. Mrs. Fay d. Sept. 4. 1872. Family of Mr. and Mrs. tax/. — (1) Mary Ann, b. Mar. 2 3d, 40 312 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 1818 ; m. Orrin Brainard, Mar. 1st, 1841 ; first settled in Ark- wright, afterward in Pomfret, where she d. Dec. 17th, 1854. (2) Franklin, b. June 4th, 1820 ; m. Catharine Bowdish, Jan. 22d, 1845, now lives on the homestead. (3) Nathaniel b. July 14th, 1822; m. Nancy Bowdish Dec. l7th, J 845; settled in Stockton, this county ; is now a clergyman of the M. E. church and stationed at Emlentou, Pa. (4) Lucy, b. Oct. 23d, 1830; d. Mar. Gth, 1847; bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. 9. JAMES PARKER— Was a son of Dr. — Parker, and was b. in the town of Southbury, Mass. in 1782. Hem. Charlotte, a sister of David Eaton, in 1807. Mrs. P. was b. in South bury, Aug. 5th, 1 786. They came to P. in the fall of the year in which they were m. in company with Elisha Fay and wife. Mr. P. was a tanner, and established the first tannery in the to^Ti of P. [See Tanneries.] He lived in P. but one year, removing to the cross roads and engaging in business there. He removed to Carroll in 1821, where he d. in 1838. Mrs. P. d. there in 1 843. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Parker. — (1)Ann.\ Maria, was b. in P. July 27tli, 1808 ; m Josiah Wheeler of Frewsburgh, Sept. 22d, 1831 ; d. Aug. I7th, 1846. (2) Louisa, b. June 16th, 1814, at Westfield; m. Geo. Bartlett, Sept. 22d, 1835; d. May 30th, 1838. (3) James, Jim., b. at Westfield, Dec. 1 7th, 1818; m. Sabra A. Howard, Sept. 28th, 1 838 ; d. in Carroll, Sept. 2 1 st 18G3. The prominence to which he attained makes it but just that farther note should be made of him. He was a man of warm and generous impulses, active and vigorous in all his conceptions, and fearless in vindicating what his judg- ment approved. In 1849 he was elected a justice of the peace in the town of Carroll, which oftice he held imtil his death. He was twice elected supervisor of liis town, and the second year was chairman of the board. In 1 859 he was appointed a commissioner with W^ard Hunt of Utica and Isaac Dayton of N. Y. city, to settle some claims against the state, and discharged the trust with honor. In 1860 he was presidential elector for this district ; and in 1861 was THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 313 appointed assistant clerk of the \J. S. House of Represen- tatives, which place he held at the time of his death. In 1855 he became editor of the Chautauqua Democrat, and was its principal editor at the time of his death. But he was cut down in early manhood in the midst of his use- fulness. 10. NATHAN CROSBY— Came to P. fi-om Pennsylvania in 1807, locating what is now known as the Boicdish Farm, N. pt. lot 33, T. 5. His article was dated May 15th that year. He sold to Rufus Perry in June 1809 and returned to Pa. Nothing definite is remembered of him. 11. ERASTUS TAYLOR.— See No. 64. 12. JOSIAH HART— Settled on pt. of lot 41, T. 5, in 1808. But little is known of him. He left town after a few years. 13. PETER INGERSOLL— Came to P. in 1809. Of his nativity nothing is remembered. He was the first settler upon the McKenzie Farm, pt. of lot 41, T. 5. His article was dated July 14th, 1809. Fe built a large double log- house on the opposite side of the road fi'om the house now on the farm, in which he kept a tavern until 1816. In this house on the Sabbath religious services were held for some years. [See Cong, chui-ch.] In 1811 he built a fi'ame barn, the first frame building of any description built in town. It is still standing on the farm, but newly silled and cov- ered. He sold in 1816, to Joseph Cass, and left town. He had two sons in the war of 1812, John and William. 14. RUFUS PERRY— C^ame to P. fiom Pennsylvania in 1808 or ( 809, and settled on a farm known as the Bowdish Farm, N. W. pt. lot 33, T. 5, buying a claim of Nathan Crosby. His article is dated Jirne 2 2d, 1809. He lived u^ion this claim imtil 1821, when he sold to Wm. Burnham, and removed to Ohio in 1 822. Family of Mr. atid Mrs. Perry. — The children's names as far as known were, (1) Makii.la, (2) Ruth, (3) Nemton, (4) Paulina, (5) Eliakim, (6) Seth, (V) Daaid, (8) Eliza (9) James. 314 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 15. DAVID FAKLIN— Came to P. from eastern N. Y., bought of James Parker ten acres of land adjoining- the farm of D. Eaton, pt. lot 37, T. 5, in 1809. He sold in 1827 and bought part of lot 14, T. 5, near the farm of Wm. Case, north of Brocton. His aged father committed suicide in the woods near his home. 16. ^lARTIN SMITH—Came to P. fi-om Schoharie county, N. Y. in 1809, and settled on the farm now owned by J. Mc- Fadden, commonly known as the Goodsell Farm, buying of Capt. James Dunn. This purchase included the Nilcholas Uhl Farm, now occupied by M. S. Noxon, pt. lot 34, T. 5. He kept a tavern for a few years in the frarue house built by J. Potter in 1812. [See Taverns.] He left town a few years later, probably in 1820, and for several years kept a tavern at Tonewanda N. Y. He d. in the Insane Asylum at Buffalo, Some of the family m. in P. as will be seen elsewhere 17. THOMAS KLUMPH— Brother of Augustine, Jacob and Jeremiah came to P. from Springfield, Otsego county, N. Y., in 1808, and located 200 acres of land, pt. of lot 41, T. 5, now owned in part by H. A. Blowers. Mr. Klumph was b. in 1778 ; m Sally Rice in 1808, who was b. in Otsego county in 1791. In 1810 they removed to their purchase in P. His log- house was located near a spring east of the house now on the farm. Two years later his house was burned and he occupied the log school house elsewhere sj^oken of as the first built in town. He sold to Asa Thornton in 1815, and located pt. of lot 32, T. 4, where he lived for about fifteen years, then removing to Conneaut, Ohio, where he d. in 1 858. Mrs. K. is still living. Mr. K. was a Methodist ; politically ^ Federalist. Family of 3Ir. and Mrs. Klumph. — (I)Alexis, \2) Lester, (3) Jacob, (4) Joun, (5) Lafayette, (6) Alma, (7) Charity, (8) Charlot'te, (9) Cornelius. Most if not all of them live neai' Conneautville, Pa., except the youngest, who was wrecked on Lake Erie, 1861, but succeeded in getting ashore only to perish THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 315 from C0I4 IB the woods near the month of Cattaraugus creek. 18. PAESONS TAYLOR.— See No. 64. 19. DAVID CARPENTER— Was a brother of the first wife of Parsons Taylor, and came to P. with him from Chenango county, N. Y., in 1809. He bought fifty acres of land of James Dunn, now owned by David Sldnner, central p't of lot 34, T. 5. He m. Julia Crane, and d. June 24, 1833. 20. ABSALOM HARRIS— Came to P. about 1808. He articled the E. p't of lot 33, T. 5, Feb. 5, 1810. He m. Polly Kane, dau. of Peter Kane, in 1810, but soon d., leaving lier a \yid., the first becoming so in the present town of P. He was V)u. in Evergreen Cemetery. 21. ALFRED HODGE— Settled on the central p't of lot 41, T. 5, in 1809. Nothing definite is known of him. He remained in town but a few years. 22. DAVID B. GRANGER— Was a native of Vermont, and b. March 7, 1787. He m. Martha Muuson, dau. of Samuel Munson, at New Hartford, Qneida coiuity, N. Y. Mrs. G. was b. in Oneida county March 11, 1792. They removed to P. in 1810 and occupied a log house on the McKenzie farm, on lot 41, T. 5, but so'in purchased a claim to p't of lot 63, T. 4, farm now o^vned by James Kelsey. He remained on this claim but a short time, next buying a claim to p't of lot 37, T. 5, where he lived mitil his death. He occupied a log house until 1831 Avhen the house on the farm was built by him. He was a farmer and brick maker. He d. in Bufl^alo June 26, 1849, and bu. there, but was subsequently removed to P. Evergreen Cemetery. His widow occupied the homestead until her d., which occurred Oct. 4, 1802. She was bu. by her husband. Ml'. G. was in the war of 1812 ; was a '■ Jackson democrat and a Harrison whig." Mr. and Mrs. G. were true to the command, '' Be fruitful and multiply," and had a family of sixteen ch. JBamily of Mr and Mrs. Granger. — (1.) Morgan L.: b. Dec. 2, 1812: m. Asenath Wright Sept. 8, 1S36 ; lives in P. (2.) Martha C: b. Dec. 12, 1813; m. Daniel P. Bowdish ; settled 316 HISTOBICAl SKETCHES OF in p.; Mr. B. d. in 1861 ; Mrs. B. now lives in Mayville, this comity. (3.) Jane E.: b. Nov. 5, 1815; m. Thomas Hill: settled in town of Chautauqua ; d. April 25, 18fi8. (4.) Samuel M.: b. Dec. 20, 1816 ; m. Orpha A. Wight ; lives in P. (5.) David : b. March 22, 1818 ; m. Juline Webster ; now Hves in Westfield, this county. (6.) Lauea: b. June 27, 1819; m. Joseph Odell in June, 1846 ; settled in Carroll, this county. (7.) Henky a.: b. Nov. 7, 1820; d. in the U. S. army at Jalapa, Mexico, Jan. 19, 1848. (8.) Louisa: b. March 3, 1822; m. Thomas Thompson; settled in P.; d. Aug. 31, 1852. (9.) Lucy: b. July ]0, 1823; m. Abram Correll ; settled in P.; d in 1872 ; (10.) Haeriet : b. Feb. 24, 1825 ; m. Darwin Holen- beck in 1871 ; settled in Oneida county, N. Y.; now lives on the Granger homestead in P. (11.) Lovisa: b. July 18, 1826 : m. Leonard Tisdale ; settled in Iowa. (12.) Juliette M.: b. Aug. 30, 1827 ; m. S. W. Davis ; settled in Chautauqua, this county. (13.) Maky Ann : b. July 29, 1829 ; d. Aug. 21, 1864. (14.) M.\bgaeet M.: b. Dec 20, 1830; m. Charles M Fellows; settled in Buffalo, N. Y. (15.) Alice W.: b. July 29, 1832; m. Oscar Hall ; settled and lives in P. (16.) Pamelia : b. Oct. 30, 1835 ; m. Norman Goodsell ; settled in P.; now li^'es in Mayville, this county. 23. DANIEL BARNES— Was b. in Connecticut Dec. 4. 1763. The last three years of the Revolution he served in the Continental army. At the close of the war he m. Lucina King and removed to Vermont, where he lived until 1809. when he lost his farm from defective title He came to P. in the spring of 1810 and located all of lots 4 and 5 and part of lot 3, T. 5, land now owned by A B. Post, Sanford Martin and others. His article bears date March 29, 1810. His first house stood a few feet east of the house of Mr. Post In 1811 he opened a tavern which he kept until some time after the war of 1^12. In 18o0 he built a new frame house, which, newly covered, was burned in Dec , 1864, and upon the ruins of which the house of Mr. Post now stands, on the central part of lot 4, T. 5. He sold his land to settlers and about 1832 or '33 THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 817 sold his homestead He lived in town most of the time until his d., which occurred about 1854 Duiing the last years of his life he was entirely dependent upon public charity Mrs. Barnes d. some years earlier than her husband. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. — (1.) Fanny: b. in Vt. ; m. Samuel Perry, father of Oliver H. Perry ; Mr. P. d in 1815, and his wife Feb. 14, 1822; Mrs. B. and Mrs Perry were bu. at Evergreen Cemetery ; Mr. B at Brocton. Mr. B. was a Methodist for many years, but in later life a Christian. 24. PERRY HALL— Was the the son of Aaron, b. in Mass., and in early life emigrated to Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Irom whence he came to P. in !810. He located pt. of lot 62, T. 4, upon which he built a log house. For reasons not known to the waiter he returned with his family to Otsego county ; but in 1816 or '17 he again came to P. and settled on pt. of lot o2, T. 4. He again changed to lot 52, T. 4. He removed with a team of horses, and exjjerienced the usual vicissitudes of those making a home in the wilderness. It is stated "that often on the journey they were obliged to lay their two youngest childi'en down at the foot of a tree while with poles they pried their wagon out of the mud." Mr. Hall m. a dan. of Thomas Klumph, a native of Germany. He was a carpenter, millwright and farmer. He d. in P. Sept. 4th, 1852, aged 67. .V|rs. H. d. Mar. 6th, 1864, aged t36. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hall. — 1)Dei,os, b. April 26th, 1 807 ; m. Eimice Ely ; settled and now lives in P. on the Ely homestead. (2) Louisa, m. Brewer Hubbell. (3) Makt, m. Lawson T. Bigelow ; now lives in Minnesota. (4) Ferdinand, m. Louisa Ely ; settled in town of Chautauqua, where he d. (5) Perry, jun, m. Janette Sikes ; 2d Arvilla Armstrong ; d. June 29th, I860. (6) Henry, b. in P.; m. Sarah Newcomb. (7) Fanny, b. in P.; d. May 30th, 1825. (8) Hamilton, b. in P.; m. Louisa Shuff; settled in S. W. P. (D) Harriet, b. in P.; m. Stephen Vanscoy ; 2d Bennett Swetland. 25. ANDREW KELSEY— Was the son of James and Catharine Brown Kelsey, and b. in Tyringham, Mass., May 318 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 17th, 1789. In 181 1 he came to P., performing thfe joiirhey in eleven days on foot. Like most emigrants he was Under the necessity of exercising the strictest economy, and hiid in a supply of provisions to last him the entire journey. His capa- cious knapsack, strapped upon his shoulders, was lite the load that Pilgrim carried in his flight from the city of Destruction. His outlay in cash for the eleven days was sixty-eight cents. He returned the same season, but in 1812 removed his family to P. and settled on pt. of lot 63, T. 4. He m. Elizabeth House, dau. of Dea. John House. Mr. and Mrs. K. lived on this and an adjoining farm until 1832, when he removed to Elm Flats where he lived until 1 8S1 ; after- ward living in the town of Westfield until his d.. May, 2 2d, 1858. Mrs. K. d. Jan. 1 2th, 1864. Mr. K. was a man of strict honesty, and of great energy of character. JFamilt/ of Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey. — (1) John H., b. July 27th. 1821 in P.; m. Philinda Vanguilder, Apr. 8th, 1847; lives in P. (2) Cathauink, b. July 21st, 1823; m. Emery L. Titus, July 1st, 1847 ; lives in P. (3) James, b. Oct 7th, 1825. (4) Rhoda A., b. Sept. 23d, 1827. (5) Andreav, b. July 18th, 1829. (6) Mary E. b. June 16th, 1831 ; m. W. A. Crossgrove, Nov. 14th, 1850; Mr. C. d. Oct. 18th, 1861 ; Mrs. C. lives in Westfield. (7) Malvina P.; b. Dec. 30th, 1833; m. H. B Crandall, Sept. 2d, 1858 : lives in Brocton. (8) Abby N., b Jan. 24th, 1836. James, Andrew, Rhoda A. and Abby N. live upon the farm first settled by Mr. K. in P. 26. AUGUSTINE KLUMPH— Was the son of Thomas K. and .Vlargaret Davis his wife, and was b. in the town and county of Otsego, N. Y., Jime 1.5th, 1768. He m. Sarah Simpson, Jan. 31st, 1795 Mrs K wash. Jan. ] 7th, 1778. They came to P. fi'om Springfield, Otsego county, in 1810, and settled on the piece of land now owned by Chester Muuson, N. j)t of lot 37, T. 5. His log house stood nearly on the ground now occupied by the dwelling of Mr. M^^n- son He lived upon this land luitil the death of Mrs. K. Apr. 5tli, iy28: after which he lived with his ch. until his THE TOWN OF POUTLAND. . 319 own death, Jan. 16th, 1837. Mr. K. taught the first winter school in town, in winter of 1810-11. Jtaniily of Mr. and Mrs. Klumph. — (1) Thomas, b.in Otsego Co., Oct. 3d, 1796. He kept the first store in P. in 1817. He aftei-ward kept a tavern at various places in the county, and amongst them at the old McKenzie place in P. where his father d. He m. Polly Couch, dau. of Dea. Wm. Couch. Jan. 14th, 1821. Mrs. K. d. Apr. 28th, 1823. He m. 2d Eliza Eby in P. He removed to Illinois in 1837, where he opened a store and tavern, was elected a justice of the peace, and appointed postmaster. In 1848 he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he d. Dec. 15th, 1856. Mrs. K. d. Dec. 1855. (2) Hakkiet : b. Oct. 8th, 1800; m. Asa Andi-ews Oct. 20tli, 1821 ; settled on the homestead ; now lives in Pom- fret, this county. 27. DAVID JOY.— "Old Capt. Joy" came to P. fi'om Ver mont in 1810. He built a log shanty in the woods near where the house of M. J. Munson now stands, on pt. of lot 33, T. 5. He left this claim the next year, and returned to Ver- mont. Early in 1812, having removed his family to P. he rented the log tavern house of Wm. Berry, standing near where the house of Lincoln Fay now stands, on lot 25, T. 5, and continued the tavern. Within the next two or three months the house was burned, but a frame house was at once built and a public house continued. Early in 1814, Mr. Joy and his son Moses erected a large fi'ame build- ing, on pt. of lot 1 9, T. 5, where the house of W- W. Pettit now stands, and opened it as a tavern. It was sold to Wm. Harris, sen., m 1817, and a double log house built on the N. pt. of the lot, where the house of H. A. S. Thomp- son now stands, and opened as a tavern. [See Taverns.] Sometime previous to 1831 the house now on the farm was built. In 1831 the farm was sold, and the farm now o wired by Linus Burton, S. of Brocton, S. pt. lot 13, T. 5, purchased. In 1837 Mr J removed to Michigan, where he d, many years since. Mrs. Joy d. in P. June 1 st, 1831, aged 69. Mr. Joy's 320 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF aged father d. in P about 1816. As before hinted, Mr. Joy left his family in their home in Vt. until he could prepare for them a place in the wilderness, After building his shanty on lot 83, as stated, he fiu-nished it Avith a bed of straw in one comer on the bare earth, a brown earthen pan or two, a bowl of the same material, and one wooden spoon. Chairs or stools were of no account, and were not used, a block of wood answeiing every pvu'pose. A fire- place was built of two or three bowlders, in one comer, and an old blanket was hung np at the doorway. The inven- tory of cooking utensils was not large, including but one iron kettle. He purchased a small cow and turned her into the woods to browse ; a half bushel of corn meal and a pound or two of salt. After the labors of the day he would di'ive home his cow, secui'e her milk, and cook mush sufficient for his supper and two meals the next day. The mush and milk thus jj^'^P^-i'^d and eaten from his brown bowl with his wooden spoon he described as deUcious. On a certain occasion while at his work, his faithful cow came about the cabin, and finding the door easy of removal, pushed it aside and made her way into the best apartment the cabin afforded. A slight explorati9 ; 2d Betsey Godfiey m 1841. He had but one ch., Bethia, b. Oct. loth, 1841. He was a clothier by trade. The house now on the farm was built by him in 1826. He sold to Ivichard Reynolds and removed to C'enterville, where he d. Mar. 8th, 1869. (2) Erastus: b. Nov. 15th, 178S , came to P. in the winter of 1808 ; settled on pt. of lot o4, T. 5 ; built a log house, in which he lived alone for one year, when lie sold to his brother Parsons and bought on the N. pt. of the same lot, on which he lived until his death. He was a v(4unteer in the war of 1 fE, b. Jan. 18, 1815, in Pomfret ; m. Orlando I^ngham ; settled first in Pomfret, afterward in Minnesota, where she d. in April, 1869. (3) Juliette, b. Jan. 16, 1817 ; d. young. (4) Feank, b. Jan. 9, 1818. in P.; m. Welthy Ann Hanchett ; lives in Marengo, 111. (5) John J., b. Feb. 18, 1820, in P.; d. young. (6) Martha, b. May 11, 1822, in P.; m. Curtis Wilbur ; now lives in Sheridan, this county. (7) Freeivian J., b. Jan. 14, 1825; m. Myra Kellogg in Iowa; now lives m Chicago, 111. (8) Jonas J., b. Mar. 22, 1827, in P.; m. Maria Walkup in Ellery ; lives in Minnesota. (9) Henry C.,b. Sept. 25, 1829, inPomfi-et; m. Delia P. Risley of that town ; lives in Brooklyn, this state. (10) Nor-^ian S., b. Sejjt. 22, 1832 ; m. Sicilia Denton; settled at Marengo, 111.; d. there in Dec, 1859. (11) Charles, b. in P. Nov. 14, 1837; d. April 30, 1848. 80. JEDEDIAH THAYER— Was b. at Mendon, Mass., Mar. 29, 1764, and m. Rachael Adams in that state. Mrs. T. was b. at Brookfield, Mass., March 1, 17(57. They came from Mass. to P. in 1816, and settled on the N. W. p't of lot 61, T. 4, land now owned and occupied by Oscar Hall. His article bears date Feb. 1, 1817. He was a farmer and shoemaker, and like most of the early settlers had a large family, who were m. before Mr. T. came to P., but all eventually settled here and are now dead with but one exception Mr. T. was a Protestant ; poht- ically a whig. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer. — (1) Perez, settled on S. E. p't of lot '62, T. 4. (2) Permelia, ra. Reuben B. Patch ; settled on lot 4, T. 5 ; d. May 18, 1863. (3) Rhoda, (4) Royal O., settled on p't lot 60, T. 4 ; d. at Brocton. (5) Betsey, (6) Jedediah, (7) Hiram, now lives in Carroll, this county. (8) Lois, (9) Jonathan. 81. MATTHEW P. VANGAASBfiEK— Came to P. from J THE TO'W'N OF POKTLAND. 361 Woodstock, Ulster county, N. Y., in June, 1816, bringing all his worldly effects in a knapsack. He was the son of Abram and Elizabeth Hasbroek Vangaasbeek. He bought a claim to fifty acres of land of William Dunham, W. p't lot 27, T. 5. He m. Lucy, dau. of Wm. Dunham, July 10, 1816. Mrs. V. was b. in Colchester, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1797. She refers with charac- teristic earnestness to the "nonsense" of modern weddings and the primitive simplicity and " common-sense" of her own. " At that time there was no road but a trail from the lake to other points, so we started on foot through the woods, early in the morning, for the tavern of IJichard Williams, vv^here we had horses engaged. We mounted and rode to Canadaway, following tlie road then in use ; called on Henry Abell, Esq., had the knot tied and returned in good order the way we went. We sought only to please ourselves — there were few others to please. The wedding was a matter of our own and not a show for foolish people to look at and talk about." Thej- occupied a log house until 1849 when Mr. Y. built the house now on the farm and still occupied by the family. Mr. V. was in the war of 1812 from Ulster. He was a Universalist, and in early life a whig ; afterward a democrat. He d. May 16, 1862, and was bu. in North Portland cemetery Mrs. V. is still living. Family of 3Ir. and Mrs. Vangaasbeek. — (1) William, b. Oct. 1, 1817 ; d. Dec. 20, 1840, in P. (2) liARHiEx, b. Sept 23, 1819; m. John Springstead May 15, 1845 ; lives in P. (^3) Charles D., b. July 5, 1823 ; lives on the homestead ; not m. (4) Helen, b. April 20, 1828 ; m. ■ Jackson, Jan., 1872. (5) Mineeva, b. Sept. 17, 1833 ; m. John Tiff. (6) Elizabeth, b. Dec. 26, 1835 ; m. J. H. Shaver ; lives in Ripley, this county. (7) Salome, b. Jan. 23, 1838; m. 1st Richard Waters, who d in 1861 ; 2d Wallace Wilbur ; lives in Pa. 82.. SIMEON WHITCOMB— Came to P. fi'om Vt. in 1816. His wife was Perkins, a sister of Orris Perkins. He settled on p't of lot 41, T. 5, farm now owned by David Gran- ger. His article bears date July 2, 1819. Three or four years 362 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF later he sold and pin-chased a p't of lot 30, T. 5, of Capt. James Dunn, at Portland Center, farm now owned by Owen W. Powell. He removed to Illinois in 1855. Mr. W. was a farmer. \^See Distilleries.^ Family of Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb. — (I) Martin, living in Michigan. (2) Lyman, living at Washington, Iowa. (3) Betsey, m. Hiram Haight of Westfield, this county. 83. EBENEZER WILLIAMS— Was the son of Joseph, and came to P. from Sangerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., about 1816. He settled and "cleared up' the faitn now owned by W. C, Warner, S. E. p't lot 14, T. 5. His log house stood on the ground now occujoied by the house of Mr. Warner. He m. in P. a sister of R. C. Weeks, some years since living at Portland Center. Mrs. W. d. in 1822 ; was found d. in her house near the fire where she had probably fallen in a fit. She was the first buried in Brocton cemetery. Mr. W- m. for a second wife Mrs. Polly Ingersoll, widow of John Ingersoll. In 1827 or '28 Mr. W. sold to his bro. Harvey and returned to Sangerfield, and some years later removed to Wisconsin where he d. Mr. and Mrs. W. had but one ch., Morris, of whose fortimes the writer knows nothing. 84. WALTER MUMFORD— Was the son of Henry, and came to P. about 1816. Like many of the early settlers he had a restless spirit and seldom remained long on any given piece of property. In 1819 he purchased the land comprising the S. E. p't of Brocton, which he sold in p't to Dr. D. Ingalls in 1824, and purchased the farm S. of Brocton now owned by Linus Burton, p't lot 13, T. 5 ; in 1831 or '32 sold to Moses .Toy and purchased the farm now owned by Wm. Becker, p't lot 19, T. 5; sold in 1848 and built the house at Brocton owned by Mrs. Morris Burr. In 1856 he removed to Wisconsin where he d. in 1859. Mrs- M. d. there also. Mr. M. was a man of some prominence, and much in town office. He was a cai-penter by trade. [^See Biog. Sketches, Fred. Owen.'] Family of Mr. and Mrs. Mumford. — (1) Maky, (2) Nancy', (3) Sarah Ann, (4) Jane. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 363 85. BREWEE HUBBELL— (Janie to P. from the eastern part of this state and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Absalom Woleben, N. p't lot 40, T. 4. His article bears date Nov. 10, 1817. His second wife was a dau. of Perry Hall (No. 24). He sold in 1832 to Woleben and went to Illinois. 86. ERASTLTS ANDREWS— Bro. of James and Wilson, lived on p't of lot 40, T. 4, farm now owned and occupied by (4. W. Stebbins. He lived in town but a short time. His article bears date Oct. 22, 1817. 87. JAMES LEE— Located part of lot 47, T. 4. He had no family but lived witli Martin Smith. His article bears date May 26, 1817. 88. WILLIAM COTTON— Was a blacksmith— one of the first in town. He located p't of lot 47, T. 4. His article bears date April 11, 1817. 89. LEMUEL CRANE— Came to P. about 1817. He m. for second wife the wid. of William Howe. \^See Biog. Sketch W. Howe,'] and lived for a few ^ars on a farm formerly owned by Silas Houghton, now by Richard Reynolds, p't lot 1 9, T. 5 ; afterward on the central p't lot 33, T. 5, land now owned by Daniel Britcher. From here he removed to North East, Pa., where he d. His sons, John and Jason, by a first m., who for some time lived in town, also went to Pa. Mrs. C. returned to P. 90. JESSE E. BALDWIN— Son of Isaac and Parthena Bald- win, grandson of Isaac and great-grandson of Jacob Baldwin, was b. in Halifax, Windham county, Vt., Oct. 24, 1796. He was carried by his parents to Pawlet, Vt , in Feb., 1797, and from there came to Sheridan, in this county, in Feb., 1812. In 1816 the father of Mr. B. articled p't of lot 36, T. 5, upon which a " slashing " was made the next year and a log house built. In March, 1818, most of the family removed to P., and " although the ground was covered with snow, in three days we had a snug log house built and were comfortably domiciled. * * * During- the season we cleared twenty-eight acres of 364 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF land and fenced it into lots and sowed one to wheat by the twentieth of August- The fall being warm, by the middle of October the wheat was so large that we drove the cows from Sheridan to feed it down. The extra supply of milk was so great that a temporary press was made and several good-sized cheeses were manufactured, probably the only cheese made in P. on a farm where there was not an acre of grass growing. In 1819 our yield of wheat was bountiful and we harvested eight hundred bushels, which at that time was quick sale at $2.50 per bushel, but in Sept. had fallen to $1 00 and by the next March to fifty cents. In 1820, being of age, I took pos- session of my farm. Being then alone I needed a helpmeet and went to a merchant in Fredouia, not to buy a wife but to buy four pounds of iron to shoe my horse to assist my locomo= tion to find the article I needed. For the four pounds of iron I offered the man of goods two bushels of corn : but cash only would buy so precious a commodity and cash I did not possess. I next went to a blacksmith whc) agreed to do the job for five bushels of corn, making the shoes from old ones. The horse was shod, the wife found and we were married the twentieth of Feb., 1822. by Rev. Joy Handy. Mrs. B.'s maiden name was Martha Skiff. She v\^as b in Cambridge, Washington coimty, but then living in Sheridan. * * « jj^ April following we removed to P. and occupied the log house first built." Mr. B. lived in P, until 1833 when he removed to Sheridan where he has since resided. In his letter he gives a graphic description of a fearful tempest that passed over the town in Dec, 1824, while he was a teacher of a school in the present district No. 7, and of the narrow escape of the scholars on their return to their homes through the forest, and of the immi- nent peril of his own family from the stoi'm, and the rescue of theii^ little child from the fire, into which it had been thrown by the force of the wind through an open door. None, how- ever, were killed or fatally injured, but immense damage was done to timber through the entire town. So fearful was the storm that it was a reckoning point for the settlers for many THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 365 years. Mrs. B. d. in P. Aug. 24, 1833, and was bu. at Brocton. In religion Mr. B. is a Universalist ; in politics a republican. Fmnily of Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin — (1) (Joknelia : b. Feb. 4, 1S23 ; m. VV. R. Me rrell A|)ril 6, 1843; settled in Sheridan. (2) Philenia S.: b. Aug. 1, 1824; m. Jolm Miller Sept. 7, 1842; settled in Sheridan. (3) William H.: b. March 22, 1826 ; m. Minerva Edwards March 28, 1857 ; settled in Sheridan (4) Susan O.: b. Dec. 20, 1827; m. A. A Rich Oct. 12, 1856. (5) Benjamin F.: b. Dec. 7, 1820; ni. Caroline Edwards April 28, 1852. 91. JOHN CONNER— Came from Ulster county, N. Y., to P. in May, 1817. He settled, on p't of lot 26, T. 5, near Portland Station, land now owned by William Duggan. His article bears date May 29, 1817. His first house was a shanty covered with bark. Flis wife's maiden name was Helen Bogar- dus. Mi\ C. was a carjoenter and joiner. He d. on the farm he settled March 6, 1848. Mrs. C d. April 22, 1837. They were bu. in N. Portland cemetery. The family, like those of most of the early settlers, often refer to the privations of the fii'st few years of their pioneer life. An incident is related : In the fall of 1819 Mr. C. made a trip to Fredonia to purchase salt to cure his pork fattened in the forest and for family use. But salt was on a par with specie and could not be obtained without it, and this was an article Mr. C. could not command He offered wheat or corn at prices barely nominal, but to no purpose Somewhat disheartened he turned his horse's head homeward, feeling that his possessions were of little value as they were not sufficient to purchase a half barrel of salt. On arriving at Elijah Fay's he related to Mr. F. his experience of the day and expressed himself as discouraged at the prospect before him. With a charrcteristic look and expression of his, Mr Fay said : " Mr. Conner, call down here next Tuesday and I 'most guess I will have the salt for you." Mr. C. called at the time specified and received his half barrel of salt with a thankful heart Fafunily of Mv. and Mrs. Conner. — (1) JIahy, m. Alvin 366 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Vancuren ; settled in Canada. (2) Peggy, b. in Ulster county ; m. Philip Rix. (3) John F., m. 1st Lucinda Ferris ; 2d Susan Palmer. (4) James, m. Nancy Correll. (5) Elizabeth, m. Geo. Freeman. (6) Nancy, m. Willard Burton. (7) Ezra ; m. Maria Correll. (8) Henky, m. Caroline Goodwin. (9) Sally, m. Aaron Eby. (10) Daniel, m. Eliza Rix. (11) David, m. Caroline Moorhouse. 92. ORRIS PERKINS— Came from Vt. to P. in 1817. He m. Amelia Palmer, sister to Mrs. Zimri Hill. He bought the farm now owned and occupied by B. F. Pecor, pt. of lot 32, T. 5, in 1824, where he lived in a log house on the west side of the road until 1831, when he sold to Mr. Pecor. Mr. P. and family removed to Crawford county. Pa., in 1 832, and after a few years to some of the western states. Mr. P. d. in the west, and IVIi's- P. returned to P. where she d. For some years IMr. P. owned the saw mill near the mouth of Dunham's Creek. [See Mills.] Family of Mr. and Mrs. Perhins. — (1) Palmer, (2) Eliza, (3) Hiram, (4) Laura, (5) Maria. 93. OTIS ENSIGN— Came to P. from Sheridan, this county, and settled on iDt. of lot 32, T. 5, in 1817. He sold to — Cook, who in turn sold to Jacob Barringer, in 1835. For some years Mr. Ensign kept a tavern in Drmkirk. 94. STEPHEN SM ALLEY— Came to P. fi-om Norway, Herki- mer county this state, in 1817. He located pt. of lot 48, T. 4, but returned to Norway within the next few years. He was a cousin of Mrs. J. S. West. 95. ABIAL FLINT— Was the son of Ai-kalis and Betsey Elmer Flint, and was b. at East Windsor, Conn., Sept 5th, 1768. He m. Mary Brown in Rome, Oneida county, this state, Sept. 26th, 1802. Mrs. F. was b. in Coventry, Conn. Nov. 30th, 1780. About 1812 they emigrated to Forestville, this county, and from there to P. in 1817, and settled on pt. of lot 36, T. 5, the farm now owned by his son Henry. He occupied a log house until 1833, when he built the frame house now upon the farm. Mr. Flint was a tanner and currier THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 367 and shoemaker, but the great business of life as with every settler was clearing the land of its excessive growtli of timber. It is siu-prising with what cheerfulness the settlers labored. The prospect of the blessings of a home wrought out by their own hands from the wilderness was an inspiration that softened every toil. The family speak of hardship and privations but they were the inevitable lot of every early emigrant. Mi'. F. occupied his farm forty-three years, dying Jan. loth, IHdO, at the age of 91 years. Mrs. F. preceded him, dying M;ty 5th, 1849, aged 68. They were bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. F. were Methodists, and members of the first class formed in town. Politically Mr. F. was a whig. bamily of Mr. and Mrs. Flint. — (1) Daniel, E., b. Aug. 22d, 1805 ; m. Eliza Goddard, and settled in Shipman, 111., in 1863. (2) Mary B., b. Apr. 23d, 1807 ; m. John Wilbur in P.; settled at Elgin, 111. (3) Jonathan T. b. Nov. 30th, 1809; m. Harriet Shiunway in Genesee county ; settled in Buffalo in 1840. (4) Abial jun., b. May 25th, 1813 ; m. Jane Cook in P.; settled in Missom-i, in 1857. (5) Henry, b. Jan. 18th, 1815; m. Nancy A. Hall in P. ; lives on the old homestead. (6) Hakeiet, b. Oct. 6th, 1816; m. James Wilson of Hanover; is living there. (7) John W. b. Aug. 26th, 1819; m. Lovina McGaffan, of Youngsto^vn, this state ; settled in Brant, Erie county. (8) Caroline, b. Dec. 3d, 1823; m. Ephraira Ballard of VV estfield, this county ; settled in Silver Creek. 96 AAEON PIERCE— Came to P. fi'om Southbury, Mass., in 1 8 1 6 or ' 1 7, and settled on p't of lot 34, T. 5, farm now owned by J. MuFadden. In 1820 he sold his claim and went west 97. ALMON FOED— Came fi-om Southbmy, Mass., in I817 or '18 ; lived with A. Pierce (No 96) on lot 34, T. 5, and went west with him in 1820. 98. GEOEGE FEEEMAN— Was the son of Jonathan and Nellie Bazley Freeman, and b. in Delaware county, this state, Oct. 20, 1 795. He m. Elizabeth Conner, dau. of John Conner, who was b in Ulster county. They came to P. from Ulster in 47 368 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF Feb., i821, with an ox team and sled, and were a month on the road. He settled on the McCabe farm, S. p t lot 27, T. 5, and in 1832 upon the farm he now owns, p't lot 42, T. 5. Mr. F. was in the war ol 1812, fi'om Ulster county. He is a member of the West Baptist church in P.; politically a republican. Fainily of Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. — (I) Mary Ann: b. in Ulster county ; m. John Caldwell. (2) Jajs^e : b. in P.; not m.; lives with her parents, (o) Emily : b. in P.; m. James Cald- well (4)Eobert: b. in P.; m. Eliza House; d. in P. in 1862. (5) Helen: b. in I'.; m. Erastus Ellis ; lives in P. (6) Lucy: b. in P. ; m. Lysander Vanleuven ; lives in P. 99. EBENEZER HARKIS— The son of Joshua and Clarissa Scott Harris, and was b. in Halifax, Windham coimty, Vt., April 4, 1799. He emigrated to Chautauqua county in 1817, stopping first in Hanover, then in Sheridan, and the same year came to P. and located in connection with Isaac Baldwin p't of lot 40, T. 5, owned now in p't by Wm Renouard. In 1818 he occupied his land and in the fall of the same year built a fi'ame house, supposed to be the first of its class, upon the lake road, in town. The fi-ame is still standing and occupied by Mr. Renouard. He harvested the next year two hundred and fifty bushels of wheat from ten acres. Wheat was worth $2.50 per bushel, but a rapid decline in prices took place and the next March it was worth but 50 cents per bushel. The decline in prices extended to real estate, so that in 1825 land with improvements would not sell at the office price in 1817 and interest. He sold his claim and bought of Jesse Dunham p't of lot 32, T. 5, land now owned in part by J. E. Harris. Upon this farm he lived twenty-five years. He m. Rachael Baldwin, dau. of Isaac Baldwin, Oct. 22, 1S20. Mrs. H. was b. in Yt. in 1800 and emigrated to this county with her father and family in 1812. In early life Mr. H was a Baptist, but became identified Math the Universalist element in P. in 1823. Polit- ically he was a "Clintonian, anti-Mason, whig and republican." He was a man of considerable prominence, and always in town office. \_See Town Officers ] He removed to Sheridan, this county, in 1850. where he and Mrs. H. still reside THK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 3651 Family of Mr. and 3Irs Harris. — (1) Clarissa: b. in V. Sept. 3, 1821 ; m. James Quigley Feb 28, 1848; settled in F. Mr. Q. d. May 31, 1852. Mrs. Quigley n\. 2d Wm. Wait Aug. 1869. (2) Filey: b. June 3, 1823; ra. John F. Arnold Oct. 30, 1844; now lives in Nebraska. (3) Oi.ive C: b. May 4, 1824; m. Epbraim Jones Aug. 13, 1842; settled in P. Mr. Jones d. at Dunkirk Feb. 10, 1862, and Mrs. Jones three days later. The death of Mrs. Jones was occasioned by injmies received by being thrown from a wagon by a passing locomo- tive. Both lower limbs were horribly mangled and were amputated the next day. The death of Mr. Jones was occa- sioned by the ruptui-e of a blood vessel on first witnessing the awful condition of his wife. They were bu. in Sheridan. (4) FiDELU. R.: b. in P. April 19, 1826; m. Hiram A Keid in Fredonia, this county, July 1, 1860. Mrs. R. is a graduate in medicine, having attended lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is now practicing- in Nebraska. (5) Lydia : b. Oct. 17, 1827 ; ni. Lasell Bryant Nov. 2, 1 850, at Binghampton, N. Y. Mr. B. d. Oct. 10, 1853 ; Mrs. B. m. Martin Carey in 1855. (6) Joseph Addison: b. April 29, 1831 ; m. Delia A. Skinner; settled in Minnesota; d. in Sheridan. (7) Emily: b. Nov. 29, 1829; m. Geo. S. Robinson; settled in Minnesota. (8) Mary L.: b. June 27, 1835; m. Wm. K. Bush April, V?>. 1854; 2d David Convi« March 10, 1860. ^9) Manly S.: b. June 11, 1837; m. Lodoiska Gary Jan. i, 1866 ; lives in Dunkirk, this county. 100 MARTIN QUIGLEY.— Mr. Quigley was b. in Queens county, Ireland, Nov. 28, 1 757, and emigrated to America early in life. He m. Mary Harrie in Schoharie county, N. Y., from whence they removed to P. in 1817 and settled on p't of lot 48 T 4, farm now owned by Abram Woleben. Mrs Q. was b. in Germany Jan. 12, 1779. His log house stood where the house now stands on the farm. He d. here June 4, 1852, at the age of 95 years. Mrs. Q. d. Jan. 12, 1842, aged 63. They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Q. were Catho- lics. In politics Mr. Q. was a democrat. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Quigley. — (1) Thomas : b. Nov. 28, 370 fflSTORICAI, SKETCHES OF 1803; m. 1st, Auatharis Southworth ; 2d, Emma Matthewson June 2J:, 1(S58 ; lives on p't of lot 30, T. 5, in W. p't of Center- ville. (2) John: b. in 1805; d. in infancy. (3) Cathaeine : b, Apiil 3, 1800 ; m. John Ward; settled in Canada. (4) Michael: b. in 1807 ; with another yoimg man was carried over Niagara Falls March 15, 1824 (5) Lysander : b. March 9, 1809; m. Jane Harris ; settled in Canada. (6) Maetin : b. in I8l0; d. in infancy (7) Rosena: b. May 3, 1812; m. Joseph Johnson; settled in Canada. (8) Elizabeth : b. Oct. 29, 1815 ; m. Martin P. Vanleuven ; settled in P. (9) Maktin : b. Feb 7, 1817 ; d. Dec 12, 1834, in P. (10 & li) John and Robeet : b. in 1819 ; d. young. (12) Geoege: b. May 3, 1821 ; m. Polly Moss; settled in Canada (13) Fanny E.: b. Dec. 29, 1823 ; d. Nov. 29, 1844. 101. SAjMUEL millet— Was the son of Ebenezer and Katharine Millet, and b. in Woodstock, Vt. He came to P. from Rochester, N. Y., in 1817. His wife was Margaret, dan. of Simon Burton; b. July 2o, 1787, in Vt. They settled on lot 22, T. 5, on the lake shore, occupying a log house for many years. A frame house built by him some years later and a new one built by O. W. Powell on the premises a few years since were bui'ned about 1869. .Vlr. M. was a farmer. He was in the war of 1812 fTom St. Lawi'ence county, this state, and was wounded in the wrist. In religion he was a Universalist, and in politics a republican. Mr. M. d. in .Time, 1863. and Mrs. M. d. in Dec , 1859. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Millet — (1) Vashni : m. Betsey Winter ; lives in Wisconsin. (2) Almira : d. at 1 2 years of age. (3) Lyman : d. at 4 years of age, (4) Alvah : m. Nancy Rich- ardson ; for many years lived in P. on p't lot 22, T. 5 ; now lives in Corry, Pa. (5) Susan : m. John Conner ; lives in Crawford county. Pa. (6) Ebenezar : d. young. (7) Ebenezae : d. young (8) Lucy Ann : m. Amos Barton ; now lives in Ohio. (9) Kathaeine : m. Philo Cutler ; lives in Ohio. (10) Samuel : d. young. (11) Simon : d. at 26 years of age. (12) Maey Jane : THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 871 m. Owen W. Powell ; lives at Portland Center. ('.3) Martha M.: drowned at 12 years oi age below the falls in Slij^peiy Rock creek north of Brocton. (14) Samuel : d. young. 102. JEWETT PRIME— Was b. at Keene, N. H., Dec. 4, 1796. He was a nephew of Nathaniel Prime, the "head of the then eminent banking house of Prime, Ward & King, of New York." He was a printer by trade, and for some time was in the employ of Farnsworth & Spafford, book publishers at Windsor, Vt. He m. Fanny Smith of Hartford, Conn., a pupil in the school of Mrs. Emma Willard at Windsor, June 15, 1817, much against the wishes of his friends. Too independent in spirit to ask favors of his friends, he made his way west, intending to reach Cincinnati, Ohio, but while visiting for a few days with Mr. Spafford, who had removed to P., he was induced to purchase a tract of land, N. W. p't of lot 16, T. 5, now owned in part by Linus Burton, and make for himself a home in the ^vilderness. A log hut some twelve feet square was put uj) and iu due time Mr. and Mrs. Prime, both of them constitutionally trail and used only to the refinements of life, were " keeping house "' and enjoying all the sweets and what- ever of romance there might be of " love in a cottage " in the midst of a dense wilderness. This was in 1818 Mr. P. struggled on manfully for two or three years, when he was sought out by Hon. H. C. Frisbee, of the Fredonia Censor, and induced for a time at least to return to " types and the press." He worked for Mr F. for several months, and instead of returning to his ' homestead " he sold his claim and removed to Buffalo and worked in the printing office of H. A. Salsbury. In the fall of 1820 he removed to Cleveland and purchased the Cleveland 'Herald, which he i aiblished until his death, Jan. 1 1, 1828. Mrs. P. d. there June 20, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. P. united -with the Baptist church in P. Aug. 10, 1820. Mr. P. was a man more than commonly intelligent and one of the most genial of companions. He used to recall the scenes of his early life and adventures in the wilds of P. with a great deal of animation, and laugh over the whole as if it were all a 372 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF pleasing dream. Mrs. F. never liked and seldom referred to them. lamily of Mr. and Mrs. Prime. — (1) Fanny A : b. Feb. l'\ 1819 ; m. Dr. C G. Gillet at Buffalo Nov. 6, 1836; d. July 15 1837. (2) Emaline A.: b in P. April 22, 1821 ; came to Westfield, this county, from Cleveland in July, 1 834, and lived with Asa Farnsworth ; m. Henry C. Smith June 14, 1838. Mr. Smith d at Auburn, N. Y-, Aug. 12, 1850 ; Mrs. S. is now living at Smiths Mills, in this county. (3) Olive A.: b. in Buffalo, N. y., Jan 6, 182.5 ; d Aug. 18, 1826. 103. ZURIEL SIMMONS— Was b. in Conn. He m. Sally Hunt, who was also b. in that state. They settled in Wash- ington county, N. Y., but some years later removed to Onondaga county. They came to P. from there in the fall of 1817 and settled p't of lot 31, T. 4, now the south line of the town, land located by their sons Philander and Hiram earlier in the season. The task of reaching their purchase was a tedious one, as there was no road thi'ough the woods from the residence of Ehsha Fay on lot 25, T. 5 The winter following was unusually severe and nearly all of their provisions were " backed " from Fredonia. Their one cow was kept mostly on browse ; what hay they had was brought on the back for one and a half miles ; no team could get through. In 1820 three log houses were built and the old shanty abandoned. In these they lived until 1830 when a frame house was built, which in part is now standing and is occupied by Joseph Farrar. Mr^ S. d. upon this farm Jan. 19, 1846. Mrs. S. d. here Sept. 4, 1850 The farm was sold in 1856 by Philander, the second son, who removed to Jamestown, this county. Mr. S. was a Baptist, and politically a democrat. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Simmoris. — (1) Hiram, (2) Phieaxdek. (3) Ebenezer, (4) Elvira, (5) Sally, (6) Ziba, (7) Tryphena, (8) Calista. 104. PETER VANGAASBEEK— Was the son of Abram and Elizabeth Hasbroek Vangaasbeek, and was b, at Kingston, N. Y., July 10, 1793. He m. Phebe, dau. of Wm. and Lucy THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 373 Penoyei' Dunham, aucl came to P. in 1817 from Hector, Seneca comity, this state. He settled on a p't of lot 27, T. 5, farm recently occupied by Joseph Shaver. His log house is still standing on the farm. He was a bro. of Mr. P. Vangaasbeek. He removed t(j Ohio in 1834 and to Wisconsin some years later, where he d in 1861. Mrs V. d. about the same time. Mr. V. was in the war of 1812 three years. He was a Univer- salist ; politically a whig. larnily of Mr. and Mrs. Vangaasbeek. — (1) Lucy, (2) Elizabeth, (3) Geouge, (4) Salome, (5) Petkr, ( 6) Elmira, (7) Lkwis, (S) Catharine. (!) & 10, twins,) VlAL^aNA & Lovina, (11) Fkank. 105. OLIVER SPAFFORD— Was the son of John and Betsey Kendd Spafford, and was b. at Windsor, Vt., Jan. 27, 1793. He came to P. fi'om there in the spring of 1817 He m. Lucinda, dau. of Simon Burton, who was b. in N. H. March 15, 1793. He settled on p't lot '22, T 5, land now owned by T. L. Harris, and on which is situated "Vine C>lifi',' the resi- dence of Mr. Harris. He was a bookbinder by trade and soon learned that clearing land was not congenial to his tastes, and in 1825 removed to Fredonia and occupied the building next west of the old di'ug store of Charles Barritt. Three years later he removed to Erie, Pa. He was for some years a member of the firm of Farnsworth & xSpafford, book publishers, Windsor, Vt. Mr. S. is still living at Erie ; Mrs. S. d. there Jan. 6, 1855. Politically Mr. S. is republican, and for his religious sentiments refers the reader to the Acts of the Apostles, 3d chapter and 1 9th verse to the end of the chapter ; also Eph. i, 9th and 10th verses. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Spafford. — (I) Oliver D.: b. Sept. 15, 1817; m. Margaret Dickson in Erie in Sept., 1842. (2) Makgaket Ann: b. Nov. 20, 1819. (3) Elizabeth K.: b. Mar. 22, 182] ; m. G. W. Riblett in March, 1845. (4) Charles W.: b. Nov 15, 18^2 ; d. in Fredonia in 1825. (5) Lucinda A.: b. May 12, 1825 ; d. in 1827. (6) Charlotte A.: b. Sept. 12, 182r. ; m. Jonas Guiniison of Erie, in 1848. (7) Mary Jane: b. Dec. 374 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES 01 18, 1828 ; m. S. H. Kelsey Oct. 9, 1848. (8) Elleanok L.: b. May 23, 1830 ; in. John B. Gunnison of Erie, Feb. 5, 1851. (9) Sabah M.: b. Sept. 16, 1833 ; m. James Hammond in 1855. (10) Chaeles R: b. Sept. 16, 1835 ; m. Carrie V. Culver. (U) Curtis J.: b. Aug. 23, 1837 ; was a member of Co. " I," 83d Reg. Pa. Vol's, and was killed at battle of Gaines Mills in June. 1862. 106. LEISTER RICE— Came to P. from Otsego coimty, N. Y., about 1817. He settled on p't of lot ^4, T. 4. He m. Betsey Minegar, and a few years later removed to some of the western states, where he d. 107. JOHN T. MclNTYRE— Was the son of Amos and Lena Mclntyre, and b. in Charlton, Mass., in 1790. He m. Nancy Anderson, dau. of Samuel Anderson, who was also b. in Mass. He came to P. fi'om Cherry Valley, N. Y., in Feb., 1817. He settled on W. p't of lot 55, T. 4, farm so long owned by Warren Couch and now by Silas Aldrich. His first house was a log one, but he built a frame one he says " the year the Thayers were hung." A part of this house is still standing He sold to Warren Couch in 1835. Mr. McI. was in the war of 1812 and at the battle of Queenstown. In religion he is a " Free- thinker." Mi'S. McI. is a Presbyterian. Politically he says : " The good old republican doctrines I endorse, and long may they wave. " " I built my log house and moved into it inside of a week. I was first in this county in 1810, and was at tht first frame barn raising in the town of Ripley. A frame barn was a wonder in those days. It belonged to a Mr. Cochran. It took all day, and the most notable feature of the whole affair was the large provision of whisky. Times were hard, but whisky was meat and drink." Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Mclntyre. — (1) Mokgan L : b. in 1 820 ; lives at Marengo, IlHnois. (2) Henky : b. in 1823 ; m. Mrs. Bascomb at Marengo, 111., in 1860 ; now lives at Steam boat Rock, Iowa. (3) Maria : b. in 1827 ; lives at Marengo. 108. RICHARD BERRAGE— Came to P. about 1820 and settled on p't of * lot 30, T. 5, a piece of lan)t 53, T. 4, living in a log house until 1836 when he built the house now on the farm and occupied by the family- He was a man of untiring energy and cleared up a large farm. Prospect station is located on the Barnes estate. In pohtics he 378 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF was a whig and republican respectively. He d. Jan. 19, 1854. Mrs. B. is still living. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes — (1 ) Alpha : b. June 8, 1823 ; m. Sarah L. Bigelow Dec. 22, 1847 ; occupies the old homestead. (2) Calista : b. March 28, 1826; d. May 3, 1846. (3) Koxy: b. March 9, 1829; m. Thomas Ai-nold June 16, 1847 ; now living in Minnesota. (4) Delos : b. Jan. 28, 1831 : m. Caroline Wilson in Jan., 1858 ; removed to Leavenworth, Kansas. 117. FREDERICK BAIL— Was the son of Hendrick Con- radt and Sarah Hotchkiss Bail, and was b. at Norfolk, Conn , Dec. 12, 1785 He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Isaac Baldwin, in Sheridan, this county, Jan. 13, 1814. Mrs. B. was b. in Halifax, Vt., Jan. 13, 1795. They removed to P. in Aug., 1818, and settled on p't of lot 36, T. 5, farm now owned by Henry Rey- nolds. He lived in a shanty for some months, but soon built a log house in which he lived to 1829 'when he removed to lot 42, T. 5, where he lived until 1835. He then removed to Pa., where he d. in 1872. Mrs. B. d. there Dec. 17, 1839. Mr. B. Was a blacksmith by trade. He was in the war of 1812 for several months. In politics he was a whig ; and for several years was a member of the first Congregational chui'ch formed in P. The father of Mr. Bail was a " Hessian," and with others was attached to the British army in the revolutionary war. He was taken prisoner by the Colonists, and after being exchanged, deserted and for many years lived in Connecticut, where he m. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Bail. — (1) Parthena: b. Feb. 23, 1815 ; m. Hiram Smith Jan. 8, 1835 ; settled in Pomfret. (2) Sar.ah: b. May 17, 1816 ; m. in Pa. (3) Clarissa H.: b. June 6; 1818 ; d. Oct. 18, 1845. (4) Elizabeth: b. March 11. 1820, m. in Pa. (5) Willl^^i C: b. Nov. 4, 1821 : m in Pa. (6) Maria: b. Sept. 11, 1823; m. in Pa. (7) Isaac S.: b. June 30, 1825 ; m. in Pa. 118. WILLIAM HEFRON— Came to P. in 1818 and was in the employ of Zadoc Martin until the following spiing. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 379 Nothing is known of his early life. In 1819 he m. Olive Hill, dan. of Lewis and Polly Hill, and two years later he pui'chased a claim to 50 acres of land, S. E. p't of lot 3, T. 5, now owned and occupied by Landais Lathrop. About 1829 he sold his claim to Albina Hall and removed to Michigan. He was Infidel in his religious views. Family of Mi . and Mrs. Hefron. — (1) Mykon, (2) Lkwis, (3) Almeda. 119. COLLINS BRADLEY— Came to P. fi'om Coos county, N. H., in 1818 and purchased a claim to 60 acres of land, part of lot 54, T. 4. He m. Louisa Hutchins, dau. of Calvin Hutch- ins, in P. Some years later he sold his claim and removed to Dunkirk, this county, where he d. His wife is still living, with a dau., in Summit county, Ohio. Politically Mr. B. was a whig. 120. CALVIN HUTCHINS— Came to P. in 1818 and settled on p't of lot 46, T. 4. Little has been learned definitely in regard to him His eldest dau. m. Collins Bradley (No. 119) and is now living in Summit county, Ohio, a widow. 121. OBADIAH SIMPSON— Came to P. from Canada in 1821 and bought a claim to p't of lot 54, T. 4, land now owned by Louisa Kessler. He occupied a log house at first but in a few years built a frame one, which a few years since was removed to Westfield. In 1832 or '33 he removed to Ohio, where he d. a few years later. 122. JOHN BOWHALL— Was the son of Casper and Margaret Countryman Bowhall, and was b. in Schoharie county, N. Y., March 29, 1798. He came to P. in March, 1818, his mother .a widow) coming soon after. He settled on p't of lot 39, T 4, then supposed to be the highest point of land in town, now owned by J. Kelsey and others. Oct. 11 of that year he m, Margaret Klumph, dau. of Jeremiah Klumph. They lived upon this fann eleven years, then removing to Fredonia, this coimty, and after eight years to Springfield, Pa., afterward to Detroit, Michigan, and in 1851 to Painesville, Ohio, where Mr. B still lives. Mrs. B. d. there May 8, 1868. A dau. of 380 HISTORICAT. SKETCHES OF Mr. B. gives a graphic description of the privations and hard- ships of many of the early settlers: "It was almost impossible to get work of any kind. Father worked one month for a Mr. Ellsworth for thirteen dollars and board. Money was scarce and hard to get. One year his taxes were seventy-five cents, and he worked tlu-ee days splitting rails for the money to pay them. At that time he had wheat and com to sell, and paid three bushels of wheat for ^fumping his ax to split rails with. * * * Salt was six cents per i^oimd, and not always to be had at that ; other things in proportion. Every one wanted to buy, but few had anything to sell, but in a few years eveiy one had a plenty of produce to sell, but few wanted to buy. A bushel of corn was worth just two pounds of salt, and five bushels of wheat a pound of tea. Pork was plenty for it could be fattened in the woods, and maple sugar was made in abun- dance. Sugar parties in their season were a great institution. They would go miles through the woods with ox teams to such gatherings, and eat their sugar with wooden spoons made for the occasion." Mr. B. is a cabinet maker. In politics he is a republican. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Bowhalh — (])nii;AM, (2) Margaret, (3) Cordelia, (4) John, (5) Etta, (6) Nellie, (7) Emma, (8) Myra, (9) Henry, (10) Amanda. All but the last three m. 123. WOLCOTT COLT— Was b. in Sandisfield, Mass., July 28, 1 800. He came to P. in 1 822, and in March, that year, he jtrticled p't of lot I'JjT. 5, farm now owned by his son ('handler. He m. Betsey, dau. of Samuel Munson, in 1824 Mrs. (.-. was b. in Oneida county. N. Y., in April, 1800. They lived upon their farm until 1856 when they removed to the Baptist parsonage, on p't of lot 26, T. 5, place now owned by Hiram Burton, where Mrs. C. d. Oct. 7, that year. Mr. C. is still living, near North East, Pa. He was a bro. of Mrs. Nath. Beeder (No. 158). Mr. C. is an earnest member of the Protestant Methodist church : politically a republican. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Colt. — (1) Franklin : m. Angelina Simmons. (2) Milton: m. Mary Spencer. (3) Mehcelia : m. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 381 Jehial H. Grant. (4) Chandler : m. Merab A. Onthank. (5) Maryktte : d. in Oct. 1 856. (G) Sarah Ann : m. Collins Haight. 124. BENAJAH JORDAN— Was a native of Coos conuty, N. H., and came to P. in April, 1818- His wife's maiden name wa's Brainard. • lie settled on p't of lot 61, T. 4, after a few years residence in town, buying a claim of xYndrew McAllister- Some years later he built the house now standing on the farm owned and occupied by Walter Buss Mr. J. was a Protestant in his religious faith, though not a professor ; and in politics a democrat. He d. July 19, 1865, aged 88. Mrs. J. d. Jan. 10, 1857, aged 70. 125. ANDREW McALLISTER— Came from Coos county, N. H., to P. in April, 1818, and settled on p't of lot 61, T. 4, occupying a small log house. He lived in town but a few years. He sold his claim to Benajah Jordan 126. JEREMIAH KLUMPH— Was the son of John Thomas Kliunph, a German and a soldier in the English army in the French and Indian war, and Margaret Davis, his wife, and b. at Albany, N. Y., about 1763. He came to P from Otsego county, this state, in June, 1818, and settled on p't of lot 47, T. 4, land now owned by Wm. Finley and others. He first located (m 1809) all of lot 19, T. 5, and in 1812 all of Jot 37, T. 5, but never occupied them. His w. was Amanda Norton. Mrs. K. d. in Otsego in 1817. Mr. K. while a youth was in some capacity attached to the army of Washington, then occu- pying a position above New York city on the Hudson. He was a Methodist ; politically a whig. In 1 83(5 the family removed to Detroit, Midi., where Mr. K. d. in Oct. 1855. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Klumph. — (1) Margaret: m. John Bowhall ; d. in Painesville, Ohio, in 1868. (2) Philip: d. in P. in 1819 ; bu. on the farm. (3) Ei.on : d. in P. in 1827 ; bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. (4) Nelson : m. ■ Stevens ; d. in Michigan in 1863. (5) Louisa : m. Wilson ; lives in Mich. (6) Mary : m. Wilson ; lives in Mich. (7) Ekastus : also lives in Mich. (8) Amanda : m. Vansickle ; d. in VanBuren county, Mich., in 1839. 382 HISTOEICAX SKETCHES OF 127. JACOB W. KLUMPH— Was the bro. of Jeremiah (No. 126) and was b. in Albany or Otsego county, this state, about 1765. He m Catharine Bowhall, who was b. in Herkimer county in 1786. They came to P. in 1816 and settled on p't of lot 39, T. 4, laud now owned by T. McWhir and others. Mr. K. d. in P. in 1823, and by his du-ections was bu. on his farm a short distance from his house between two large rocks, where he still rests. The family remained upon the farm until 1834 or '35, when they sold and removed to Michigan. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Klumph. — (1) Benson, (2) Jeeey, (3) Augustine, (4) Elizabeth, (5) Alfeed, (6) Amelia, (7) Joseph. Jerry d. in P. in 1833. 128. NEHEMIAH DUEAND— Was the son of Fisk and Polly E. Pratt Durand, and was b. in Milford, Conn,, March 21, 179G. In 1819, in company with his brother Fisk, he emigrated to Westfield, this county. He m. Philena Dean, dau. of Gilbert and Abigail Ballard Dean, in 1825. Mrs. B. was b. in Mass. in 1806. In 1826 he removed to P. and settled p't of lot 63, T. 4, farm now owned and occujDied by Elisha Tower. Mr. D. built the house now occupied by Mr. Tower. He lived in town about 26 years, removing again to Westfield. and some years later to Waupun, Fond du Lac county. Wis., where he still resides. Mr. D. was a carpenter and joiner by trade ; a member of the Congregational church in P., and politically a rejDublican. Family of Mr. and Mi^s. Durand. — (1) Daniel : b. in West field. (2) Edwin, (3) William, (4) Hoeace, (5) Hoeace, (6) Mason, (7) Francis: b. in P. (8) Sarah, (9) Polly, (10) Platt, (11) Gilbert, (12) Philena : b. in Westfield after a removal there fi'om P. DAVID McGregor— Was the son of Robert, and was b. at Mansfield, Mass., in 1744. His wife was Elizabeth Holland. He was educated at Dartmouth college, N. H., and followed teaching school for most of his life. He was a soldier of the revolution and was promoted to caj^tain and served diu-mg the war. He removed to P. fi-om Watertown, N. Y., in the spring I THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 383 of 1818, and occupied a house on the farm of Lemuel Munson. The remains of the stone chimney are still to be seen. He taught school in P , Mayville andlliijley. For a few years he lived in Fredonia in a house a Httle west of the store of Todd & Douglass, now the bank of H. J. Miner, lie returned to P. and lived with his son Stephen on the Ptck fcam, p't of lot 29, T. 5. He d. in Mayville July 4, 1828, aged 84, and was bu. with Masonic honors. Mrs. McG. d. the same year. They were bu. at Niayville. Mr. McG. was a member of the Presby- terian church. Family of Mr. and Mrs. McGregor. — (1) Stephen: b. in Mansfield, Mays.; ni. Huldah Jones in 1819; settled on p't of lot 29, T. 5, in P.; d. at Dewitt^dlle, this coimty, Feb. 20, 1841 ; wid. m. Ehjah Thayer, and d. Aug., 1860, in Tompkins county, this state: bu. there. (2) David: b. in Mass.; m. Clarissa Muuson iu Utica, N. Y., in I8l3 ; settled in P. in 1818, on p't of lot 48, T. 4, farm now owned by S. A Hatch ; d. in P. May 26, 1842 ; wife d. in Pomfret in April, 1868 ; both bu. in Evergreen cemetery. (3) Mauy : b. in Mass.; m. Wm. Yan- dreser ; removed to Genesee county, this state, and d. there. 130. SAMUEL MUNSON— Was b. in Conn. July 9, 1762 ; He m. Martha Barnes, who was b. July 6, 1761. They removed to P. from New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y., in the winter of 1818-19. They were a month on the road and a full week from Buffalo to P Owing to the severity of the weather the family suflered severely'. At one point the wagon became fi'ozen into the slush and sand on the beach of the lake and he was obliged to unload it and chop it out with axes. He settled on p't of lot 41, T. 5, occupying a log house until 1828 when the frame house now on the farm was built. It is now occupied by his son Samuel. Mr. M. was a farmer, but from the neces- sities of the times occasionally engaged in mechanical pursuits. " He was a believer in the christian faith : m politics a '76 whig." He d. in P. Feb. 27, 1841. Mrs. M. d. Dec. 5, 1845. They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. All the ch. were b. in 49 •^84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Oneida county and came to P. at different times, four only coming with their parents. Family of Mr. and Mrs. 3Tun.H0h. — (1) Lucy: m. John ToAver ; settled in P Oct. 1818; d. in P. in Sept., 1838. (2) David: came to P. in 1830 ; never m., bought and lived on p't of lot 8, T. 4. where he d. in I860. (;',) Lemuel: came to P. in 1814 : m. Clarissa Thomas ; settled on p't of lot 48, T. 4, in 1819, where he d. in 1870. (4) MAitiHA ; m. David B. Granger; settled in P. in 1810 ; d. there Oct. 4, 18tt2. (5) Clakissa : b. Feb. 22, 1795; m. David McGregor [No. 129] Jan. 11 1818 ; settled in P.; d. April, 1828. (6) Betsey: b April, 1800 ; m Wolcott Colt in 1824; d. in P. Oct. 7, 1856. (7) Samuel C: b. March 14, 1803; came to P. with his father in 1818; m. Mis. Polly Shuff March 16. 1823; settled on pt of lot 41, T. ;';, the old homestead, where the}^ still reside. (8) Chester : b. July, 18.04; came to P. with his father in 1818: m. Lovisa Hulburt in 183(5 and settled on the farm on which he now resides, p't lot 37, T. 5, in i849. 131. JOHN TOWER— Was the son of — Tower, a seafaring man, who for many years lived in Vt. He m Lucy, a dan of Samuel Munson, and came to P. from New Hartford, Oneida county, this state, in Oct., i8l8. In common with most settlers who came into town from the east, the family refer to the horrors of the Cattaraugus woods. There had been a heavy fall of snow, which was fast disappearing before the warm rays of an October sun, and the whole swamp was covered with water and slush from two to three feet deep. In passing through it one of the horses lost his footing and went down and out of sight, and was only rescued by the plunging in of Mr. T. and his assistant and unloosening it from its fastenings. He lived in the town of Chautauqua for a year, but returned and bought of John Price a piece of land where Price built his first cabin, on S. E. comer of his farm, p't of lot 38, T. 5 ; also five acres of Richard Birge, adjoining, with a log house. He afterward built a frame house and barn and a tannery. ISee Tanneries.'] He d. June 29, 1855. Mrs. T. d Sept. 2, THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 385 1838. Mr. T. made no profession of religious faith ; in politics he was a democrat. The family of Mr. and Mrs. T. were all b. in Oneida connty, Vmt all living were m. in P. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Toioer. — (1) R W. Towkr: b. Oct. 29, IS'U; m. Sophia Grain of P., Jan. 12. 1834. (2) Julia A.: b. March 11, 1807 ; m. Russel Stone of Westfield, Oct. 12, 182(3 ; now lives at Fairwater, Fond dii Lac county, Wis. (3) Mahy S : b. Sept. 29, !808 ; ra. Oliver W. Bnrch Mar. 8, 1827 ; d. March 2, 1851 ; bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. Mr. B. lives in Westfield, this county (4j Frederic A.: b. April 24, 1810 ; m. Aimira Taylor Sept. 5, 1837 ; now. lives in North East, Pa. (5) Martha A : b. Feb. 12, 18i2; d. July 14, 1813; bu. in Oneida county. (6) Sally A.: b. Sept. 30, 1813; m. Isaac Durand April 29, 1884 ; lives in Lancaster, Grant county, Wisconsin. 132. WILLIAM HOWE— Was the son of Samuel and Sarah Rose Howe, and was b. in Brantford, Conn He came ot P. fiom Oneida county, N. Y , in 1818, and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by E. Denison, K. p't lot 24, T. 5, but in 1821 sold to Jacob Bump 2d, and bought a claim to p't of lot 1 7, T. 5, land now owned by J. W. Scott and Nath. Titus. In 1822 he sold the east half of this claim to Jacob Bump, 1st. who sold to Ithuel rhurchill in 1833 or "34. In ! 825 he sold the west half to .1 ohn Potter, .who sold to Dana Churchill in 1^33. Soon after Mr H. removed to Buffalo, Erie county, but soon d. Mrs. H. returned to P. and m. Lemuel Crane, and lived for a few years on p't of lot 19, T. 5, farm formerly owned by Silas Houghton and now by Richard Rey- nolds ; afterward on central p"t of lot 33, T. 5, farm now owned by Daniel Britcher. From there he removed to North East, Pa., where he d. Mrs. C. returned to P. and lived with Wolcott Colt, a nephew. A few years since she was living in Buffalo Mr. and Mrs. H. had no family but an adopted dau. 133. STEPHEN WHITCHER— Settled on p't of lot 60, T. 4, about 828, farm originally settled by Aaron Hall. Nothing further has been learned of him. 386 msTORicAi, sketches of 134. HENRY SPENCER— Came to P. from Warsaw, Wyo- ming county, N. Y., in 1818 or '19. He bought a claim to p't of lot 16, T. 5, of Alfi-ed Skinner in 1823, land on which Alfred and Chester Skinner first settled in 18! 9. He sold his claim in 1835 and lemoved to Ohio. 135. CHESTER SKINNER— Is a bro. of David (No. 135) and was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1799. His ancestors were from Conn. He came to P. in March, 1819, but returned the next winter and in Jan., 1820, m. Betsey Goodrich, who was b. in Newbury, Mass., Dec. 27, 1796. They removed to P. the next month and settled on p't of lot 1 6, T. 5, land now owned by his son Horace, near an orchard now standing and set by Mr. S. in 1821. In 1823 they removed to their present residence at Brocton, purchasing p't of lot ! 9, T. 5, of Moses Joy. He lived three years in a shanty standing between the present house and barn, but in 1826 built the frame house now on the farm. The stories of privations and hardships given by Mr. and Mrs. S. are the same given by others and need not now be repeated. Such was the lot of all the early settlers and can hardly be appreciated by those now occiipying the farms reclaimed by them from a state of nature to pleasant and in many cases elegant homes. Mr. and Mi's. S. are still living JBamily of Mr., and Mrs. Skinner. — (1) Jane: b July 16, 1821 ; m. Josiah Hall; lives in Brocton. (2) Daniee : b- Oct 3, 1^23; m. 1st, Laura Hadden ; 2d, .Fane Burr; lives in P. (3) Horace: b. Mar. 18. 1825; m. Harriet Moss; lives in P. (4) Julia Ann : b. Mar. 15, 1828 ; m. J. B. Haywood ; lives in Brocton. (5) Andrew J.: b. July 3, 1830, m. Ellen Killer; lives in Brocton. (6) Sarah E.: b. Feb. 10, 1S36; m. Cornelius Maloney ; lives in Brocton. Mr M. was killed by an accident on the B., C & P. R. R. Dec. 24, 1872. 136. ALFRED SKINNER— Was a bro. of Chester and David (Nos. 135 and 136) and was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, N Y., March 26, 1800. He came to P. in 1819 and bought a claim to p't of lot 16, T. 5, with his bro. Chester. Three yeai'S THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 387 later he purchased the interest of his bro. but soon sold to Henry Spencer and bought the farm now owned by Ijuther Harmon in Pomfret, p't of lot 59, T. 5, R. 12. He lived on this farm until 1849. He m. Huldah White, dau. of Benj. Wliite, in May, 1824. Mrs. S. was b. in Chester county, N. Y , July 27, 1803. Mr. S. d. in Sherman, this county, Jan. 20, 1872. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner. — (1) Iantiia : b. Mar. 23, 1827; m. James Renne in 1847; d. in Fredonia Nov. 8, 1861. (2) Lyman W.: b. April 25, 1829 ; m. 1st, Belinda Hadden, who d. Aug. 27, 1868; 2d, Helen Gibbs in Sherman, this county: lives in P. (3) Delia Ann: b. July 25, l83i ; m. Addison Harris ; lives in Sheridan. (4) James A. H.: b. March 26, 1834 ; m. Eliza S. Simons ; lives in Brocton. (5) Benjamin F.: b. July 23, 1836 ; m. Sarah Guild ; lives in Fredonia, N. Y. (6) Cathakine M.: b. Oct. 31, 1839; m. John Page ; lives in Sher- man. (7) Theodore W.: b Feb. 28, 1842 ; m. Jane McDoyle ; lives in Sherman. (8) Janette: b. Oct. 6, 1844; not m. (9) HuLDAH E.: b. Feb. 19, 1847; m, Amos C. Loomis ; lives in the town of Chautauqua. 1 37. DAVID SKINNER— Was the son of Daniel and Harriet Skinner, and was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, N. Y., Aug. 12, 1803. He and his bro. Alfred came to P. m Oct., 1819. He purchased a p't of lot 16, T. 5, but soon sold and in 1824 bought a claim of .Toel Smith, farm now owned by Franklin Griswold, M. p't lot 18, T. 5. Upon the side hill back of the house of Mr. Griswold he built a small frame house, now occupied by .1. II. Burroughs on the same lot. He sold to Samuel Hull in 1835 and in 1 838 bought the farm of Almon Taylor where he now resides, S. p't lot 35, T. 5. He purchased the Taylor farm, N. p't lot 34, T. 5, of Richard Reynolds in 1855. Mr. S. m. Betsey Hill, dau. of Lewis Hill, Dec. 25, 1825. Mrs. S. was b. Aug. 14, 1803, and d. Dec. 22, 1836. His second m. was with Mary Williams, dau. of Elial Williams of P., Oct. 9, 1837. Mr. S. is a man of great energy and formerly of great endu- rance, and when clearing land was first in order with the settlers ; he chopped, and without aid, over 500 acres, and says 388 HiSTORicAi: sketches of tliat he '-never was beat with an ax." He is at present, how- ever, greatly disabled from rheumatism, induced by excessive toil. Mr. S. is democratic in political sentiment. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner. — -By the first m-, ( 1) Joseph: b. March 13, 1827; m. Antoinette Morley ; lives in „ Michigan. (2) Homek : b. June 6, 1829 ; m. Martha P^uller ; lives in P. (3) Lkstkr: b. May 12, 1831 ; m. ■; wife lives in Boston, Mass. (4) Roxy Ann: b. Feb. 12, 1833 : m. Mortimer Francis; lives in Pomfret. (5) Franklin: b. April 16, 1835; m. Catharine O'Neil ; lives in P. By the second m., (1 ) Elial W.: b. Sept. 30, 1838; m. Betsey Haight ; lives in P. (2) George W.: b. Sept. 30, 1840; m. Susan Jane Taylor; lives in I'\ (3) Maky Jane : b. May 2, ; 842 ; m. John Gordon ; lives in P. 138. ALBERT SKINNER— Is a bro. of Chester, and came to P. with him when but a child and lived with him until he was 19 years of age with the exception of two or three years. He was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, Dec. 25, 1817. He m. Matilda Mills in P. Jan. 1, 1842. For 28 years he has occupied the same house on N. Div. St., Brocton, previously for two years occupying the fann on which is situated "'Vine Clilf," the residence of T. L. Harris. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner. — (1) Helen Mark : b. April 29, 1844 : m. Amariah C. Russ ; lives near Mayville, thi>? county. (2) Af.BERT L.: b. Jan. 16, 1846; m. Julia Evans in Chenango county ; lives there. (3) Alfred : b. June i4, I84ii : d. Jan. 6, 1852. (4) Harriet M.: b. Aug. 7, 1856. (5) Lester: b. April 8, 1 869. 139. SAMUEL COOK— Was b. in Pawlet, Vt., June, 1795. He emigrated to Sheridan, this county, and from there to P. in Sept., 1810. He m. a dau. of Daniel Baldwin, who was b. June 19, 1795. Mr C. bought a claim to the land now oMTied 1>t Clark Walker, central p't lot 3 '3, T. 5. A frame house built by him was removed by Mr. Walker a few years since His article bears date March 30, 1829 Mrs. Cook d. in P. in 1856. Mr. THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 389 C d. in Crawford county, Pa., in 1862. He was a .Universalist ; politically a wliig and republican. 140. SAMUEL ANDERSON— Was the son of James and Percy Lyons Anderson. His father was fi'om Ireland and his mother from England. He m. Jerusha Lyons and came to P. from Scipio, Cayuga county, N. Y., in Jan., 1819. He purchased a claim to p't of lot 55, T. 4, farm immediately south of that formerly owned by Warren Couch. Mi\ A. was a revolutionary soldier. He had no religious creed ; in politics he was a democrat. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. — (1) Polly : m. Holdeu Sisson ; d. within a few months. (2) Jane : m. Wm. A. Stetson. (3) Sally : never m. (4) Nancy : m. John T. Mclntyre ; still living, in Iowa. (5) Sophia : m. Philip Kane ; living at Little- ton, Iowa. (15) Samuel : m. Betsey Taylor ; d. in California. (7) Betsey: m. John Wentworth, who for some years kept a tavern in Westfield this county ; was left a wid. in 111. but m. again. 141. JOHN LIGHT— Was formerly from Stillwater, Sara- toga county, but came from Butternuts, Otsego county, to P. in 1818 He settled on the farm now owned by Ed. Underbill, S. p't lot 27, T. 5, where he d. about 1S27 — was found dead in the field. Mrs. L. d. the next day. Mr. L. was seven years in the Continental army. All of his sons were in the army in the war of 1812- Mr. and Mrs. L. and most of their family were members of the Baptist church in P. Fatnily of Mr. and Mrs. Light. — (1) Abigail : m. Ezra Eellows in Saratoga county, where Mr. F. d. in 1 820. Mrs. F. came to P. in 1825 and pui'chased the Nathan Fay farm, p't of lot. 25, T, 5. (-) Jacob : m. Rachael ; lived for sometime i)u the farm now owned and occupied by D. L\ Benjamin. He d. in Michigan. (3) John : m. Prudence ; d. at Butter nuts, N. Y. (4) William : m. Ruth Allen ; was afterward twice m.; lived on the farm now owned by A. A. Moon, in Pomfi-et ; d. in Westfield, this county. (5) Elizabeth : m. 1st, Samuel Ketclium ; '2d. Calvin Wooden : lived on p't of 390 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF McCabe farm. (6) Israel : m. Polly Price, dau. of John Price. Mrs L. is living in Hanover, this county, and Mr. L near Flint, Michigan. 142 HENRY MUMFORD— Came to P. fiom Jefferson county, N. Y., about 1819 and for a short time occupied the place now owned and occupied by the writer in Brocton. He bought the Pitt Crandall farm, p't of lot 15, T. 5, where he lived for some years, but becoming interested in the Mormon faith, with the larger portion of his fi^mily went to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1836. He d. soon after. A son m. Hannah Crosby, a dau. of Joshua Crosby, and joined the hegira for the promised inheritance, and as far as now known is living in Utah. 143. ROSWELL BEACH— Settled on farm now owned by Wm. Becker, central p't of lot 19, T. 5, in 1819. He d. here after a few years. He had two sons, Maple and Roswell, and one dan.. Flora, who m Joseph Harris, son of Wm. Harris (No. 53). 144. ISAAC HUBBARD— Came to P. from Genesee county, N. Y. , in 1 8 1 9. He m. Orpha, sister of Wm. Thayer. [See 152.] For some time he owned the Pratt farm, p't of lot 28, T. 5. " He was a restless character," and seldom remained long in the same locality. He d. in Indiana but a few years since. His w. d. in Iowa. 145. HENRY HOWARD— Came to P. as early as I8l!i and for several years lived with Richard Williams. Hem. a dau. of Oliver Barnes, many years since living near Fredonia. this county. In 1 821 he settled on p't of lot 4, T. 5, R. 13, and p't of lot 62, T. 5, R. 12, farms now owned by D. P. Benjamin and E. B. Walden. About 1830 he sold to Eli Graves and went to the south part of the county. 146. MANSUR BROWN— Was b. in Canterbuiy, Conn., in 1794. In 1813 he m. Chloe Martin, who was b. in Thomj^son, Conn., in 1797. He came to the "j)urchase" in 1818 and bought a claim to p't of lot 18, T. 5, farm since owned by Dea. Henry Reynolds and others. In 1819 he removed with his THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 391 family, a one horse wagon containing the family and their etfeets. He occupied a log house until 1 830 when he built a frame house, now standing on the north side of the road oppo- site the farm. About 1 835 Mr. Brown sold to Henry Reynolds and removed to Haytield, Crawford county. Fa., and subse- quently to Grandville, Michigan, where he d. March 17, IS (3 7 Mr. B. was a wagon maker, and built and occupied for some years the shop now owned and occupied by O. N. Fay, on S. W. p't of lot 19, T. 5. He was a man of great physical endu. ranee and untiring energy. He was a free-will Baptist ; politically a republican Family of Mr. and Mrs. Broion. — (1) JohnM.: b. Oct. 7, 1815 ; m. Maria Churchill, dau. of Dea. Dana Churchill, Oct 19, 1836 ; lived in P. mitil 1818 ; since then lived in Va. and Pa. and now in Jamostown, Michigan. (2) Louisa: b. in • 1818 ; m. Squire L. Gitchel in P. in 1833 ; now lives in James town, Michigan. (3) Lucius B.; b Jan. 23, 1821 ; m Caroline E. Hamlin in 1842 ; also lives in Jamestown, Michigan. (4) James : b. Sept.; 1828; m. Diantha Ball in 1851 ; now li-ttes in BjTon, Michigan. 147. JAMES CHARTER— Came to P. from Warsaw, Wyo- ming county, N. Y., in 1819, and settled on p't of lot 16, T. 5, land now owned and occupied by Wm. Martin. Me was originally from Ticonderoga. He sold in 1835 and removed to Ohio. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Charter. — (]) Lemon, (2) Daniel, (3) Pekmelia. 148. JOHN HOLENBECK— Originally from Ticonderoga. N. Y., came to P. from Warsaw, Wyoming countj', with James Chartei- in 1819, He settled on p't of lot 16, T. o, land now owned by Wm. Martin. His house stood on the opposite side of the road from the present residence of Mr. Martin. He removed to Ohio in 1835. 149. G. A. HITCHCOCK— Came to P. from Warsaw, Wyo- ming county, N. Y., in 1819 and settled on p't of lot 16, T. 5, land now owned by Horace Skinner, near the lake. He was a 392 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF preacher of the Methodist order and was known over the country as the barefooted preacher, from the fact that he attended his appointments during the warm weather barefooted. He left P. for Ohio in 1835. 150. LEONARD LILLY— Came to P. from Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1819. He m. Vesta, a dau. of Lemuel Thayer, before coming to P., and settled on p't of lot 23, T. 5, north p't of the Michael Fuller farm. After a few years he sold and moved to Ohio. Mrs. L. d. there and about 1867 Mr. L. returned to P. in indigent circumstances, and d. at the house of Wm. Thayer in 1870. Family of Mi . and Mrs. Lilly. — (1) Leonard, (2) Orkin, (3) William ,(4) Eliza, (5) Mary. 151. AAEON HALL— Came to P. from Mass. in 1819 and settled on p"t of lot 60, T. 4. His wife, Rebecca, was from New Jersey. He was the father of Josiah Hall of Brocton He d at Brocton, then Salem X Roads, in 1840. His wife d. in 1852. 152. LEMUEL THAYER— Was a native of Salsbury, Conn. He m Charity Manly in Conn. Mrs T. d. in Salsbury and the family soon after removed to Onondaga county, N. Y. Mr. T. m. for a second wife Clarinda Davis. After several changes he came to P. from Genesee county in 1819. He settled on N. pt of lot 32, T. 4, farm now owned by Matthew Fuller The last years of his life he lived with his son ^^ iiliam. He d. in 1833. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer. — {1) Manly : b. in Conn, and d. there. { 2) Vesta : m. Leonard Lilly : d. in Ohio many years since. (3) Leiviuel : settled in P. and d. on the farm now owned by Cullen Biut, p't of lot 34, T. 5. (4) Patienck : d. in Onondaga county. (5) Orpha: m. Isaac Hubbard : d. in Iowa. (6) Charity:- d. young. (7) Richmond : m. Mrs. — Churchill '■> lives in Ellington, this county. (8) Willlvm: b. June 10, 1801 ; m. Sally Simmons in P ; settled on N. E. p't lot 32, T. 4, where he still lives. The above were all b. in Conn. Those by his second m. were : (1) Eleanor : rn. Brainard Belding ; THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 393 settled in P. (2) Axicia : m. Lewis Barnham ; went to Iowa. (3) Margaret : m. Orrin Hunt ; settled on E. p't lot 32, T. 4. (4) Maria : m. John Bostwick ; settled in Ohio, where Mr. B. d Mrs. B. d. in P. in June, 1865. (5) Dolly : m. Henry Miller ; lives in Stockton, this comity. (6) Jane : m. Abner Billings ; lives in the town of Chautauqua, this county. (7) Elizabeth : m. Ebenezer Simmons; went to Michigan, where Mr. S. d. All the family were b. before coming to P 153. SILAS HOUGHTON. -^Came to P. from Erie county, N. Y., in 1820. He was the father of Mrs. Nicholas Lake. He purchased a claim to 53 acres of land, p't of lot 19, T. 5, oppo- site the present residence of Richard Reynolds, in 1821. He built a distillery near the falls in SlipjDery Rock creek, N. of Brocton, in 1824 or '25. He sold his claim to Lemuel Crane and in 1836 left town. 154. CYPiUS LOGAN— Came to P. from Warsaw, then in Genesee coimty, now Wyoming, about 1820. He settled on a small place now owned and occupied by ' latthew Seely, S. W. p't of lot 30, T. 5, where he lived ten or twelve years when he removed to Union, Pa. He was a carpenter by trade, and built the house now standing on t- e Marsh farm. Mrs. L. d. before the family removed to P. Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Logan. — (1) Jeremiah, (2) Horace. Both sons removed to Pa with their father. 155. ELIJAH THAYER— Was the first settler between Solomon Coney's mill, N. E. p't lot 21, T. 5, and the lake. When he settled here is not k[lo^vn, but some time })revious to 1819. The farm was afterward owned by Fred Owen, Seth Richardson, Anson Driggs, Hir^m Burton, and now by T. L. Harris. He m. the widow of Stephen McGregor, and as late as 1840 lived on the Mc Cabe farm, p't lot 26, T. 5. Mrs. T\ d. in Tompkins county, this state, in 1860. 156. FREDEKICK OWEN.— It is not known from whence Mr. O. emigrated to P. or in what year. He purchased a claim to E. Pt. of lot 22, T. 5. [See No. 155.] He left P. about 1830 and settled *near Beloit, ^Visconsin. Nothing fui'ther was 394: HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF known^ of him until 1857 wlien he was found to be the " minis- tering spirit " that watched over and cared for the family of Walter Mumford (a former citizen of this town and an early settler) in their afflictions and necessities after the death of Mr. M. in Wisconsin. 157. NICHOLAS LAKE— Was the son of Henry and Jemima Waldo Lake, and was b. in Plainfield, N. Y. He m. Eunice Houghton, dan of Silas and Sarah Wyman Houghton, who was b. in Lisbon, Vt. He came to * P. in 1 820 from Clarence, Erie county, N. Y. He settled on p't of lot 19, T. 5, land now owned and occupied by Richard Reynolds, purchasing a claim of John Hedgline. Mrs. L. d. here in 1830 and was bu. in Evergreen cemetery. He m. for his second wife Mrs. — Barmore of Pen Yan, this state. • He built a frame house, the one now standing back of the house of Richard Reynolds, about 1 846. Mr. L. made several changes of location in town, but eventually removed to Albion, Orleans county, this state, where he d. ilrs. L. d. and was bu there. Mr. L. was an ardent Metho dist ; a whig and rej)ublican. Family of Mr. and 3Irs Lake. — (1) Sidney S : m. Betsey Fellows ; d. in California. (2) Waldo W.: m. Ad die Herriman ; now lives in California. (3) Lucia : d. in P. (4) Sakah W.: m. James H Minton ; now lives at Westfield, this county. (5) Rose A.: m. Jared Brocket ; now lives in Milwaukee, Wis. 158. NATHANIEL REEDER— Came to P. in 1820 and purchased a claim of Calvin Barnes, jr., to p't of lot 33, T. 5, farm now owned by Mrs. Bush. In 1831 or '32 he sold to Ithamer Crouch and moved to the town of Chautauqua Mrs. R. was a sister of Wolcott Colfe. He was a Methodist preacher. [See M. E. Cliurch.] James Reeder, abro., lived on the same farm. 159. CORNELIUS EASTWOOD— Came to P. in 1820. After living in town two or three years he settled on N p't of lot 33, T. 5, land now owned by M. J. Mimson ; afterward on p't of lot 63, T. 4, where he lived for a few years and went west. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 895 160. WILLIAM MILLER.— It is uot kuown when oi^from where Mr. M. came to P. ile m. Polly, a dau. of David Joy, and for some years lived in a log bouse on S. p"t of lot 19, T. 5, nearly opposite the present residence of Wm. Becker. Abont 1839 he removed to Indiana. 161. JAMES PRATT— Came to P. fi-om the eastern part of this state and bought a claim to p't of lot 23, T. 5, in Nov., 1820, farm now occupied by Seth Every, and previously by Jacob Bump. He sold to Wm. Thayer and removed to Michig-m in 1867. Family of Mr. and Jlrs. Pratt. — (1) Lafayette: m Mabel Williams ; lives in Michigan. (2) George W.: m. Charlotte Tui-k; lives in Michigan. (3) Sarah: m. 1st, Charles H, Williams, who d. in the U. S. service in the war of 1861 ; 2d, William Thistlewood. (4) MARy : m. Wm. Tunniugly ; lives in Michigan. (5) Walker : m. ; also lives in Michigan. 162. DEFOEEST MILLS— Settled on the central p't of lot 16, T. 5, land now owned by Harvey Fitch, about 1820. He v/as a turner of wooden ware, of use to settlers when crockery ami brown wares were hard to get and hard to pay for. What became of him is not known. 163. CALVIN WOODEN— Came to P. as early as 1820- He m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Light, and for a few years lived on p't of lot 26, T. 5, a little east of Portland station, L. S. R. R. 164. JOHN HEDGLINE— Some time previous to 1820 came to P. and purchased a claim to p't of lot 19, T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by Richard Reynolds. He sold to Nicholas Lake in 1820 and left town. 165. LEONARD VIBBARD— Came to P. in 1820 from Otsego county, N. Y., with his own conveyance, as was usual in those times. He m. Betsey, a sister of Jeremiah, Jacob and Thomas Klumph. He settled on p't of lot 39, T. 4, land now owned by David Whipple, purchasing a claim of Light Mr. V. d. in 1 833 or '84 and his family soon removed to Tona wand^, this state. 396 HISTOKICAI. SKETCHES OF Family of Mr. and Mrs. Vihbard. — (]) Orville, (2) Louisa,, (3) Mary, (4) Thoimas. The names of tbe youngest tliree are not remembered. 166. SYLVESTER ANDREWS— Settled on the N. E. p't of lot 18, T. 5. His article bears date Oct. 26, 1821, though he lived in town three or four years previous to that date. lie m. a dau. of Wm. Hanis and. lived in a log house on the N. E. corner of the farm, where now stands a small frame house. The land is now owned by Ed. Underhill. He was one of the two first deacons of the Baptist church at Brocton. He sold to T. Judson in 1829 and removed to Silver Creek, this county, where he d. two or three years since. His family are living there still. 167. JOSEPH HARRIS— Son of Wm. Harris, (No. .53,) lived on p't of lot 18, T 5, land now owoied by Ed. Underhill. His article bears date Oct. 26, 1821. About 1828 or '29 he sold to T. Judson and removed to Buflalo, this state. He m. Flora, dau. of Roswell Beach. 168. ERASTUS CROSBY— Settled on S. E. p't of lot 21, T. 5, land now owned and occupied by Linus Burton and others, east of Brocton station. He bought a claim of Christo pher McManus Feb. 28, 1821. INIr. McManus was killed on this place the next year — 1822. What became of Mr. Crosby is not known. 169. JOHN, WILLIAM and THOMAS CORNING— Came to P. from Nova Scotia in 1821. Wm. settled on p't of lot 21, T. 5, near Brocton station L. S. R. R. Thomas, passing under the name of Thomas Walker for reasons not known, settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Luke Haight, north of Brocton, p't of lot 15, T. 5, and sold to William Case in 1824. What became of them is not known. 170. PARDON T. LEWIS— Came from Chenango county, N. Y., to Sheridan, this county, in 18 17. He lived with Jeremiah Baldwin for several years ; m. his dau. Esther, and moved to P. in the spring of 1821 and purchased a claim to p't of lot 32, T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by B. F. Pecor. THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 397 He sold this in 1824 to Orris Perkins and removed to the now town of Dunkirk and afterward to Sheridan, where he d. in 1850. 171. ASA BUMP— Originally from Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., came to P. fr-om Saegertown, Crawford Co., Pa., in 1821. He settled on the 8. W. p't of lot 34, T. 5, land now owned by .J. McFadden. His article bears date Oct. —,1821. In 1834 he sold his land to Zalmon C. Goodsell and removed with his whole family to Kirtland, Ohio, having become interested in the Mormon faith. Those of the family now living are with the faithfril at Salt Lake City, as far as known. Fcmiily of Mr. and Mrs. Bmnp. — (1) Jacob: for some years owned and occupied the farm now owned and occupied by Erastus Denison, N. p't lot 24, T. 5. (2) Guyle, (3) John, (4) .Jamks, (5) Jerome, (6) Benjamin. 172. JACOB BUMP— Was from Butternuts, Otsego Co., originally, but fr'om Saegertown, Pa., to P. in 1821, removing with his bro Asa (No. 171). He bought the farm now owned and occupied by J. W. Scott of Wm. Howe, jj't of lot 17, T. 5, that or the next year. He sold in 1834 or '35 to Ithuel Churchill and removed to Illinois. He was an esemj^lary man and an excellent citizen. 173. JOEL SMITH— Came to P. some time previous to 1820, and in 1821 or '22 bought a claim to p't of N. p't of lot 18, T. 5, land now owned by Franklin Griswold. In 1825 he sold to David Skinner and soon after removed to Buffalo. He m. Lovetta, dau. of Wm. Harris. Mrs. S. d. in Buffalo in the winter of 1871-2. 174. TYRUS GOODWIN— Was b. in Hartford, Conn., May e: ni. Charles Cole; lives at Spring Corners,. Pa. (12) Amos: m Maria Burroughs; lives in Charlotte, this county. 228. SAMUEL HALL— Came to P from North East, Pa., as early as 1827. He bought a small farm in part of Jacob Light, east of Brocton, farm now owned by D 'P. Benjamin, ji't of lot 4, T. 5 In 1835 he sold to Sela M Benjamin and removed to Salem X Roads, now Brocton, and for a year was engaged in mercantile pursuits with E. R. South wick. ^See 3Iercha7its.'] Early in 1837 he pui'chased the house now owned and occupied by D. T. Taylor in Brocton, then standing near the house of H. A. S. Tliompson west of Brocton, which he occupied until 1849 when he sold to Di-. T. Cushing and removed to the central part of the state. He was for many years postmaster at Salem X Roads- Mr. and Mrs. Hall were members of the Congregational chiu'ch in P. They had no family, 229. HARVEY WILLIAMS— Was the son of Joseph, and came to P. from Sangerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1827. He was b. March 5, 1V99, and m. Mrs. Katharine Harrison soon after coming to P. He settled on the farm now owned by W. C. Warner, S. E. p't of lot 14, T. 5, buying of his bro. Ebenezer, and occupied a log house until 1830 when he built THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. • 421 a frame lionse recently removed by Mr. Warner, in whicli he kept a tavern until 1835 when he sold to S. S. Hawkins. He built the house now owned by A. J. Mericle on E. Main street, Brocton, which he occupied in 1837. In 184:7 he sold this to Austin Haines and occupied the house now owned by John Capwell in Brocton. He removed to Milwaukee in 1849. Mrs. W. d. April 9, 1828, and Mr. W. m. Sarah Ann Drake, a half sister of Mrs. H. A. S. Thompson, in 1830. Mrs. W. d. in Milwaukee. Mr. W. was an active business man and did much toward developing the town of liis adoption. \^See 3fills.'] He went to California in 1851, but now lives in Laclede, Linn Co-, Missouri. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. — (1) Jane: m. Lafayette Lake ; d. in Milwaukee. (2) Thomas : went to California with his father in 1851, and was shot in an encounter with despera- does and d. of his wounds. 230. DAVID HULBIJRT.— Rev. David Hulbuit was the sou of David and Dorcas Mallory Hulburt, and was b. in Vt. May 29, 1770. He m. Elizabeth Barnes at Orwell. Vt., Nov. 14, 1792. He was jDrdained a minister of the Baptist order at Orwell in 1795. He labored in the ministry at various places in Vt., Genesee county, N. Y., and Crawford county, Pa. He removed to P. trom Crawford county in 1822 and settled on p"t of lot 1 8, T. 5, on the old Erie road, occupying a log house until 1 834 when he built a frame house, which is still standing on the farm. After coming to P. he preached only as a supply, not having again the care of a church, preaching in Mayville, Westfield, Stockton and some other places. He was a man of an ii-on constitution and retained his natural vigor in a good degree to his 90th year. Often at the age of 80, and for some years later, he would walk four miles, preach a discourse and return, and after his 90th year he would walk two miles and return, and once after his 93d year. During the latter portion of his life he could read and write without the aid of glasses as well as in younger years. As a minister he baptized nearly eleven hundred persons, m. two hundred couples, and preached 422 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF two hundi'ed and fifty funeral sermons. In politics he was a whig and republican. He d. April 18, 1864, aged 93 years and 10 months. Mrs. H. d. April 7, 1852. They were bu. in Brocton cemetery. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hulhurt. — (I) Cephas: b. April 11, 1 794 ; m. Sarah Ellsworth in Vt.; settled in Genesee county, this state ; d. a soldier in the Mexican war in 1848. (2) David : b. Feb. 11, 1798; m. Betsey Arnold in Yates county, this state ; settled there. (3) Elizabeth : b. April 1 6, 1 800 ; m. Lemuel Logan of Crawford county. Pa.; settled there. (4) James H.: b. July 8, 1802; m. Lydia Peters of Genesee Co.; settled in P. in 1824. Mr. H. first came to P. in 1820. (5) Hknky: b. June 18, 1804 ; m. Ruby VVebb in Yates county ; settled in Mich.; d. there March 26, 1837 (6 & 7) Fanny and Phila, twins: b. Nov. 26, 1806; m. at the same time and place, the former Jason Wilton and settled in Ohio ; the latter Wm. Tucker and settled in Ohio, but afterward removing to P. (8) Jauvis : b. Dec. 1, 1808: m. Abigail Chamberlain and settled in Pa. (9 & 10) 1'iiiletus and Clemania, twins : b. Jan. 8, ^811 ; the former m. Esther Scriptur and.settled in Wis.; the latter m. Joel Burch and settled in Rtishville, this state ; d. Nov. 15, 1849 (11) Chauncey: b. Aug. 14,1813; m. Lucy Whipple; settled in Albany, N. Y. (12) Pkkry: b. June 25, 1816; d. in 1854. 231. ROBERT LEAVITT— W^as the son of Robert, and was b. near Portland, Me., Jan. 31, 1775. He m. Sally Brown in Vt. Sept. 2, 1801. Mis. L. was b. in Me. Sept. 21, 1784- After several changes he settled in Ellery, in this county, in 1824, and came to P. fi'om there in 1827. He purchased a claim to p't of lot 38, T. 5, of Sylvester Churchill, and occupied a log house on the old Erie road. In 1829 he built a saw-mill, now known as the Goodsell mill, and in 1 830 the fi-ame house now standing on the farm, and opened a tavern. In 1831 or early in 1832 he sold to Rodolphus Brown and removed to Portland Center and built the house now occupied by G. W. Munger as a blacksmith shop, in which he kept tavern about THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 423 two years. In 1834 he removed to Wattsbui'g, Pa., where he d. April 25, 1846. Mrs. L. d. in P. April 29, 1830. Mr. L. m. for a second wife Mrs. Hannali Morey, a sister of Asa Blood, now of Westfield. He was a farmer, blacksmith and general mechanic, and in religious sentiment a Methodist. Family of Mr. and Mis. Leavitt. — (1) Guy: b. Oct. 8, 1805; now living at Vernon, Ind. (2) George : b. Jan. 15, 1808 ; d. at Bloomington, 111. (3) Hepsibah : b. in Canada Sept. 20. 1809 ; is a wid.; lives at Richfield, Ohio. (4) Rai,ph : b. Dec. 19, 1811 : lives at Pittsford, Mich. (5) Chaeles: b. in Seneca county, this state, Aug. 8, 1815 ; lives in Cleveland, Ohio ; is a real estate broker. (6) Eli : living at Jayuesville, Wis. (7) Robert : b. in Pembroke, this state, Nov. 17, 1822 ; lives at Vernon, Ind. By the 2d m., (1) Sarah : b. May 19, 1831 ; now living at Vernon, Ind. (2) Ward: b. Oct. 13, 1833 ; living at Vernon, Ind Mrs. L. had a dau. by her first m., Diadama, of whom nothing has been learned. 232. CHARLES F. ARNOLD— The son of John F. and Eimice Ball Arnold, was b. in Westchester county, N. Y., in 1781. He m. Slocum, dau. of Samuel and Ruth Hall Slocum, who was b. at Newport, R I., in 1783. They lived many years in Vt., but came to P. from Wayne county, this state, in 1828. He bought the farm now owned by Samuel Caldwell, N. W. p't of lot 40, T. 5, where he lived five years. In 1833 he sold to Mr. Caldwell and removed to Michigan in May, but returned in Aug. of the same year and bought the farm now owned by his son Samuel, N. E. p't of lot 40, T. 5, where he still resides. This farm was first settled by Jesse Baldwin. Mr. A. is a fanner ; in religion Unitarian, and in politics a republican. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold. — (1) Mary : m. Alanson G. Jones in 1833 ; lives in P. (2) Jane: m. Gayles Jones in 1837 ; lives in Michigan. (3) John F.: m. Filey Harris in 1844 ; lives in Nebraska. (4) Charles : lives in Nebraska : never m. (5) Julius M.: m. Melissa Clark in 1841 ; lives in Nebraska, (ti) Calvin: never m.; d. in 1859, (7) Amv : d. 54 424 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF young. (8) Samuei, : m. Vashti M. Barton in 1852 ; lives on the homestead. 233. DAVID DEAN— Came from Ohio in Sept., 1828, and settled on p't of lot 2, T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by Waldo Brown. He sold and returned to Ohio in 1835. Mrs. Dean was a sister of Mr. Samuel Millet. 234. SILAS POMEKOY.— Dr. Pomeroy came to P. in 1828 and settled on 8. p't of lot 40, T. 5, adjoining the farm owned by the heirs of M. P. Vanleuven. He built the house now occupied by the family of Mr. Vanleuven. He was a Methodist preacher and botanic doctor. Some years later he removed to Michigan. 235. WAREEN BAKER— Came to P. in 1828 and settled on the N. p't of lot 40, T- 5, farm now owned in part by Wm. Renouard and others. He d. here and was bu. in Evergreen cemetery. Mrs. B. d. at Coldwater, Michigan. lamily of Mr. mid Mrs. Baker. — (1) Rowland : m. Mary Wilcox; settled on the farm and d. there. (2) Willis: m. Deborah A. Congden ; settled on the farm and d. there Oct. 8, 1854. (3) Silas : m. the wid. of Rowland, but soon d. (4) Lydia : m. • • Gould ; d. at Coldwater, Mich. (5) Enfield : m. Gould ; also d. at Coldwater. (d) Edwin : never m.; d. at Coldwater while on a visit. 236. AARON WILBUR— Was the son of Brownell and Eimice Wilbur, and was b. m the town of Washington, Dutchess county, N. Y. , Nov. 22, 1788. He m. Betsey Reynolds, dau. of Jacob and Martha Reynolds, in Albany county, this state, Sept. 27, 1812. Mrs. W. was b. in Reusselaerville, same Co., Aug. 4, 1789. They came to P. from Dutchess county in June, 1828, and jourchased a farm of Norman Kibbie of Westfield, the N. E. p't of lot 38, T. 5, now owned by Edward McGarrall. They occupied a log house built by John Price in 1 815 until 1839, when they built the fi'ame liouse now standing on the farm. They lived upon this farm until 1857 when they removed to Portland Center. Dr. Wilbui' was for many years a physician and surgeon, but after his removal to P. a farmer. THE TOyrtJ OF PORTLAND. 425 [See Physicians.] Dr. W. d. Jime 23, 1871, and was bu. in W. & V. U. cemetery. Mrs W. d in 1872 and was bu. by the side of her husband. Dr. W. was a Quaker in sentiment ; politically a democrat. Family of Br. and Mrs Wilbur. — i^l) Morgan : b. in Albany county in 1 816 ; m. Sally Clements and settled in McHenry county. 111. (2) Jake tte : b. in Albany county in 1817; m. Edward B. Taylor and settled in P. (3) Darwin : b. in Dutchess county in 1819 ; m. MaryF. Shuflfin P. and settled at Harvard, McHenry county, HI. (4) Maktha A.: b. in Dutchess county in 18"22 ; m. Samuel Caldwell in P. and settled there. (5) James B.: b. in Dutchess county in 1824; d. in P. Oct. 18, 1829. (6) Emeline J.: b in Dutchess county in 1827; m. Henry Burchard ; settled in P.; d. in Pomfret in 1872 (7) James B.: b in P. in 1830 ; m. Louisa Smart ; lives in West- field, this county. (8) Hakeison : b. in P. in 1833 ; m Orvilla Price ; lives in Dunkirk. 287. BROWNELL WILBUR— Was bro. of Dr. Aaron Wilbur (No. 236), and came to P. with him in 1 828. He purchased of Norman Kibbie a part of the Price farm, p't of lot 38. T. 5, land now owned in part by the heirs of Jacob Roosa and Henry Churchill. He occujDied a log house near David Eaton's on the old Erie road. He sold in 1 837 and removed to Faiiport, Monroe county, this state, where he still lives. 238. JOSEPH SHAVER— Was the son of George and Charity Becker Shaver, and was b- in Greene county, N. Y., Sept. ] 6, 1 790. (The family name was originally written Shaffer.) He ra. Lucinda E. Mallory in Blenheim, Schoharie county, in 1814, and removed fi'om the town of Hunter, in Greene county, to Oil Creek, Pa., in 182G and to P. in 1828. He settled on p't of lot 27, T. 5, buying a claim of Simon Burton. Upon this he lived until 1855 when he sold to Luther Blood and bought of L. J. Peet the N, p't of the same lot, where he lived until 1 867 when he sold to T. L. Harris. He is still living, in Ripley, this county- Mrs. S- d. in Ripley 426 HISTORICAI, SKETCHES OF March 28, 1871. Mr. S. is a Universalist ; politically a democrat. Family of Mr. and 3frs. Shaver.— (1) Harriet E.: b. July 6, 1815, in Schoharie county; m. Ervin Crosby in P.; now lives at Middlebury, Summit county, Ohio. (2) Amy Ann : b. in Schoharie county in 1817; m. C. H. Lee; d. in Ohio in 186(i. (8) Charlotte M.: b. in Chenango county in 1822 ; m. G. Clements in Ohio, and lives there. (4) George : b. in Greene county April 27, 1827 ; supposed to be still living — a wanderer. (5) Julia Ann : b. in Oil Creek township, Pa., March 22, 1828 ; d. in P. July 31, 1848. (6) Joseph H.: b. in 1^ April 16, 1834; m. Elizabeth Vangaasbeek in P.; lives in Ripley, this county 239. NICHOLAS UHL— Was the son of Daniel and Mary Uhl, and was b. in Union Vale, Dutchess county, N. Y. He ra. Eliza Hillar, dau. of Jonathan and Joanna Briggs Hillar, who was b. in Dover, same county, March 23, 1796. They came to P. in lS'28 and settled on p't of lot 34, T, 5, buying a claim of James Ray, the farm now occupied by M. S. Noxon. He occuj)ied a small frame house, which, enlarged and improved, is still standing and occupied by Mr. Noxon. He sold in 1868 to Isaac Shattuck and removed to the west part of town and purchased a house and lot of N. Sacket, where he d. in Oct. the same year. He was bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. Mrs. U. is still living, with her bro., A. B. Hillar, in a helpless condition. Mr. and Mrs. U. had no family. They were both of them noted for their energy and perseverance and their powers of physical endurance. Mr. U. belonged to no religious sect but favored in his views the Society of Friends. Politically he was a whig and republican. 240. JAMES RAY — Lived in P. but two or three years, and for one year (1827) kept a tavern on the McKenzie place. He removed to Westfield in 1 828 and for several years kept public house there. Some years later he removed to Ashtabula, Ohio, and d. soon after. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 427 241. ANSON DRIGGS— Was the son of Martin and Joanna Bradley Driggs, and b at Hartford, Conn., June 18, 1789. He in. Sylvia Barbour, dau. of Roswell and Betsey Barbour, at Sheldon, N. Y., in 1817. Mrs. D. was b. in Otis, Mass., Sept. 1, 1797. They came to P, from Sheldon in 1829 and pm'chased of Wm. Dunn the N. W. p't of lot 30, T. 5, farm now owned by John Fleming, where they lived about twelve yeare. He changed his location several times, and about 1855 purchased the Seth Richardson farm, ji't of lot 22, T. 5, where he d. Oct. 15, 1858. He was h\\. in Evergreen cemeteiy. His w. is still living. Mr. and Mrs. D. were raembei's of the Cong, church in F. Mr. D. was in the U. S. service in the war of 1812 to its close. Politically he was a whig and republican. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Driggs. — (1) Andeew B.: 'b. Aug. 12, 1818, in Sheldon, N. Y.; m. E. Fuller Nov. 6, 1845, in P.; lives in Westfield, this comity. (2) J. E. Driggs : b. May 18, 1820, at Leicester, N. Y.; d. March 22, 1825, at Sheldon. (3) MiLo A.: b. Aug. 27, 1821, at Leicester; m. Lovina Palmer April 13, ]841 ; lives in Westfield. (4) Sophkonia S.: b. Jan. 21, 1823, in Leicester; m. Lexington Taylor March 5, 1855; lives in Harmonsburg, Pa. (5) LovrNA : b. Aug. 28, 1824, in Sheldon ; m. M. H. HamHn Nov. 9, 1842 ; lives in HI. (6) Julia E.: b. Ajuil 24, 1825, at Sheldon ; m. Stephen Druse Feb. 22, 1843 ; lives in HI. (7) Martin: b. Oct- 15, 1828, at Sheldon ; m. Caroline Thayer of P., Sept. 8, 1851 ; lives in Erie, Pa. (8) M. T. Driggs: b. Aug. 21, 1829, at P.; d. there July 2, 1851. (9) Emily A.: b. in 1831 at P.; m. Wm. Hamlin June 19, 1850 ; lives at Harvard, 111. (10> Laura C; b. May 5, 1833, in P.; m. George Martin Oct. 14, 1855 ; lives in HI. (11) Mary A.: b. July 29, 1838, at P.; m A. R Veer Jan. 5, 1859; lives in Jamestown, Pa. (12) Harrison H.: b. June 30, 1841 ; killed on Erie & Pittsburg railroad Sept. 12, 1863. 242. TIMOTHY JUDSON.— The ancestors of Mr, J. were fi'om Yorkshire, England, and emigrated to Concord, Mass., in 1634. In 1 G72 a portion of the family were members of the first colony settling in Woodbury, Conn. Noadiah and Clarinda 428 HISTOHICAL SKETCHES OF Kirtland Judson emigrated from Woodbury to Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., about 1798, where the subject of this sketch was b. Nov. 2, 1801. He and his father came to P. in 1827 and purchased a claim of Lyman Doolittle to the S. E. p't of lot 19, T. 5, and returned. In March, 1828, Mr. J. came again to P. with a team and the necessary implements for farming. He purchased that year and the next p'ts of lot 18, T. 5, land now owned by F. Griswold and others. Sept 15 the same year he m. Nancy Dalee, dau of Waterman and Austis Dalee, who was b. in Cambridge, N. Y., June 27, 1807. They occupied a log house on lot 18 for two or three years, then building a small frame house on lot 19, which is now standing, enlarged and improved. Mr. J. was a farmer, sur- veyor and conveyancer, and for nearly the whole period of his residence in P. shared largely and deservedly the confidence of the people. In 1839 he represented this county, with Water- man Ellsworth and Abner Lewis, in the lower branch of the state legislature. He was supervisor of the town twelve years, and for four years chairman of the board. He was a justice of the peace for twenty years and notary public for six years, and at various times filled most of the offices in town in the gift of the people. He was always a faithful and efficient officer. Mr. and Mrs. J. were members of the Presbyterian church in P. In politics Mr. J. was a republican. He d. March 10, 1872, and was bu. in Brocton cemetery. Mrs. J. is still living, in Fredonia, with her dau., Mrs. L. L. Riggs. taniily of Mr. and 3frs. Jadson. — (1) Chakles K.: b. in June, 1829 , m. Lucy Ingersoll May 3, 1853. He was educated at Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1851, and followed the profession of an editor for fifteen years, publishing in connection with C. W. McClure the Freeport (HI.) Journal for ten of the fifteen years. Now lives in Fredonia, this Co. (2) Maeyette : b. Nov 2, 1831 ; m. Luther L. Riggs Sept 20, 1853 ; resides in Fredonia. (3) Justus D.: b. May 4, 1834 ; m. Mary Daily Aug. 2, 1853 ; d. Nov. 20, 1860, in Fredonia, and bu. in Brocton cemetery. (4) Ann Eeiza : b. Sept. 26, 1836 ; ^^^ 4>-2 *^>^ THE TOWN OF POHTLAMD. 429 d Dec. same year. (5) Albert H.: b. Sept. 21, 1838 ; m. Sarah Fairman of Elmira, N. Y., June 1 2, 1867 ; lives in Cali- fornia ; is a lawyer by profession. (6) William A.: b. Feb. 17, 1842 ; lives in Freclonia. 243. SAMUEL TUCKEE.— Captain Tucker was b. in Wor- cester county, Mass., May 10, 1760. His w. , Anna Logan, was b. in Conn. Nov. 2, 1770. Oapt. T. was a soldier of the revolutiou entering the army at the age of fifteen and serving six years and sis months, when he was honorably discharged. With some Vermont soldiers he foimd his way to the town of Rupert, Bennington county, where he m. He was in many hard fought battles, and was present and stood in line at the hanging of Major Andre. He was personally and intimately acquainted with that eccentric character and daring leader, Col. Ethan Allen, both in the army and afterward in Vt. In 1791 he removed to Herkimer county, this state ; in 1810 to Silver Creek, this county, and some years later to Ripley, now West- field, where he lived on a farm at some time occupied by Lyman Redington, near the old cross-roads. Li 1829 he removed to P. and purchased p't of lot 24, T. 5, adjoining land of J. H. Hulbm-t on the east. The house is still standing. His article bears date Oct. 27, 1829. Capt. T. d. in P. Oct. 24, 1832. Mrs. T. d. in Westfield March 14, 1852. Family of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker. — (1) Samuel, jr., (2) Susanna, (3) Anna, (4) Obpha : ra. Charles Burritt of Fredonia ; now living with her dau., IVIi's. E. W. Meacham. (5) David, (6) Laura, (7) Olive : m. Robert Riddle of Westfield. (8) Hiram : m Mary Ann, an adopted dau. of Capt. James Dunn. (9) William : m. Phila Hulburt, dau. of Rev. David Hulburt, in P. (10) Haeriei" : m. John Wood of Porafret; 2d, John Catlin. (11) George W.: m. Mary Ann Gould ; lives in Westfield. 244. ASAHEL PECK— Son of Joseph and Mary Castle Peck, was b. in Newtown. Fairfield county. Conn., May 27, 1789. His father d. in 1796, and his mother with a family of nine ch. removed to New Diu'ham, Greene county, N. Y., in 1802, and afterward to Chenango, as it was then called, in the 4:30 mSTOEICAL SKETCHES OF Bame county. Previous to 1812 bis mother and several of the family d. Eai-ly in March of that year (1812) Mr. P. came to Canadaway, in this county, and for a year worked for Judge Zattu Gushing, and the next season for a Mr. Cass of Westfield, then the cross-roads- To sliow the facility with wliich buildings were put up in those days, Mr. P. stated that Mi-. Cass on a cer- tain day raised a blacksmith shop before breakfast, a house before dinner and a barn before supper. " In those days provisions were scarce, they could not be had for love or money. Duiiag the summer of 1815 I worked on a mill at Dexterville, this county. There were thirteen in the family where I boarded, and we had little to eat for three mouths but Johnny-cake and milk, (occasionally having a fish for change, however), and for' tea had hemlock leaves." In Feb., 1816, he m. Celestia Tin- comb, dau. of Samuel and Mary Williams Tincomb, at IVIayville, this county. Mrs. P. was b. in Saratoga county in 1798. In April they removed to Ripley, this county, where they lived thirteen years. In 1828 he removed to P. and bovig'ht of Horace Clough the N p't of lot 29, T. 5, which he occupied until the fall of 1868 when he sold to John Clark and removed to P. Center, where his widow still resides. Mr. P. d. Oct. 4, 1 872 He was republican in sentiment biit refused to vote for many years previous to his d. He was in the war of l8l2 from May ville, this county, and was among the panic stricken heroes who fled after the battle of Black Eock and Buffalo, and who in part came together again at Cattaraugus creek. Reports were rife that the Indians, let loose by theii' British aillies, were sweeping over the country like the " northern hordes," killing and scalping the inhabitants and destroying whatever came in their way. " After staying there some time the colonel selected six men from the regiment, one of whom was myself, called us apart and gave us our charge. He told us to look out well for Indians lying in wait for us on either side of the road, but go to Buffalo, take a sui"vey ot the situa- tion and bring back a faithful accoimt, saying at the same time, 'You are in great danger.' We went to Buffalo and THK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 431 found everything in ashes but one blacksmith shop and old mother St John's house. No liritish or Indians were in .sight. When we returned om- frightened fellow coiuitrymen in arms were immensely relieved, and we were .soon discliarged. Mr. p. was a man remarkable for the strength of his i-eligious sympathies He became the subject of renewing grace in the year 18] 9, after, as he said, repeated calls by God through a series of years. "• My first religious impressions were at a meeting near the foot of the Catskill mountains when I was but fifteen or sixteen years old, but, altiiough God repeatedly called me by Mis providence in the form of disease, the loss of ifiy motherland several members of the family, and by hair* breadth escapes, I never came to the final suiTender of my whole lieart to Him until the year above stated." Mr. P. soon united with the M. E. church and at once began a t30urse of usefulness as a christian man. He was for many years a class leader and exhorter, and 'in Juh^ 1843. was licensed as a preacher at the conference sitting that ^-ear at Fredonia, this comity. Hundreds now living well remember the camp meet- ings of Father jReck on Kipley Hill, and many no doubt will date their religious experience from some of those meetings Mr. P. w^as of the opinion that God's dealings wdth him were peculiar, and he traced the finger of Providence in many a turning point in his life. A month before his death he said to the writer, " My work is done. I am waiting upon the banks of the river, whose waters are not dark or turbid but clear as crystal, until God shall call me." Family of Ml .and 3Irs. JPeck. — (I) Sophronia : b. in Ripley in 1817 ; m. Lincoln Fay in 1836 ; settled in P. (2) John : b. t in Ripley in 1819; m. Ijona Crouch in IBIS ; settled in Ind. (3) Mauy : b. in llipley in 1824 ; m. Robert J. Peag in 185] : settled in P. (4) C'elestia : b. in P. in 1833 ; m. Charles Collmrn in 1862; settled in P. (5) Asahel \.: b. in P. in !83o : m. Ann Crouch in 1855 ; lives in P. Center. (G) Frances v.: b. in P. in 1840 : m. W. U. Rolf in 1864 ; now living at P. Center. They were all m. on the homestead and in the same room. 432 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 245. DAVID GIFFORD— Came from Warsaw, Wyoming- county, this state to P. some time previous to 1 830, Jan. 5, 1 831, he articled p't of lot 2, T. 5, farm now owned by V. G.- Farnham. The article was assigned to Patty Farnham Dec. i>, 18'^6, and Mr. (4- went west soon after. He has relatives of the same name now living in Mayville, this county. 246. NATHANIEL FULLMi^N— Game to P. fi-om Auburn, N. Y., about ! 829 and for several years lived on the S. p't of lot 13, T. 5, farm now owned by Linus Burton. His house stood east of the house now on the farm, and m the lot some distance north of the road. He was a bro. of Lewis Pullman, and was a joiner by trade. He afterward renfoved to West- tield, in this county, and some years later to Michigan. •/AT. THOMy\S OETON— Son of Judge Philo Orton of Pomfi-et, m. Hannah Potter, dau. of Jeremiah Potter. Feb. 4, 1827. After living in Pomfi'et two years they removed to P. and occupied the farm since known as the Blood farm, p't of lot 26, T. 5, living in a log house where the honse now on the farm is standing. He mysteriously left his family and the town in 1831 and never returned. He is supposed to be dead. Mrs. O. afterward m. Wm. Ensign of Sheridan, this county. She is still living. 248. JACOB STILSON— Settled on N. p't of lot 16, T. 5, near the lake, land articled by G. A. Hitchcock and afterward owned by James Goldsmith, and now by Horace Skinner. The assignment of his article bears date Jan. 7, 1830. Nothing is definitely kno\vn of him. 249. CYRUS TILLOTSON— Lived for several years on the N. p't of lot 54, T. 4, land now owned by T. McWhir. He sold and went west, but where is not known. His article bears date Sept. 1, 1830 250. SOLOMON and ASA PEASE— Came to P. as early as 1830 and settled at Portland Center. They were wagon makers and manufacturers of most kinds of bent woodenware. Their shop stood where the house of Mrs. Peck now stands, oj^posite the wine honse of R. D. Fuller. They went west in 1834 or '35. THK TOWN OF POKTLAND. 433 251. COTTON NASH— Was the first settler ol the village of Centerville. He came into town in 1830, built and occupied a shanty where the tavern honse of R. D. Fuller row stands. He was a wagon maker. He sold to J. E. Coney in 183'2 or '33 and removed to Pa. 252. JOHN TIBBALS— Was a wagon maker at Centerville about 1830. He went west. 253. ANDREW MATTHEWSON— Came to P. from Nor- wich, Chenango county, N. Y., about 1827 He lived for one or two years on the farm of Erastus Taylor, and from 1829 to 1831 kept a tavern in the "old Joy House," on lot 19, T. 5. on the South road. He subsequently removed to Canada. 254. OLIVER ELLIOT— Came to P. from Vt. probal^ly in 1818, and settled on p't of lot 28, T. 5, house standing a few rods N. of the schoolhouse in district No. 2. This house, with the one afterward built, has been entirely removed. He was twice m. [See Mills.] Mr. E. d. Dec. 7, 1 852. Mrs. E d. Sept. 10, 1 845. They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. Family of Mr. (i('nv, now ( 'luirlnl I r, in lliis (•i silr of llio pirscnl lTHid( of flu- Wlllrl. nil |.| ..r lot i;», T. :.. Ill Is !(» Il(< pnr.'llMSrd lll(> N. K. I'l'inci .il lli(> conii'i's, now Uioilon livi ;ici'(>h of land njioii w Incli was a lainici v ;ind ;i siuiill dwclliiii;'. llt^ was <'Ulj^a.,'<<'d in hnniin,"; iind sliormMKin;'; for scvcimI ndiis, willi »'liiin;^('s of r«"4idrn(t' fowidnn a tew v«"aiHof liis d(>aMi. Mr. .1, was no|. a rclif^^ionisl Ho was an ardont dcinocial. Ilt<\vas an t'vcrllcid cili/rn and nni\ ci .',a!I\ ri's|u'cl('d, lie d. in Uroclon in Apiil, ISn;. Mrs. .1 d in i'.ioclon willnii a \vct>lv >>f tlu' dt'alli of lici" liiisliand. I'licv wnc lui in Uroclon (•tf«>ri'<elon,",' lo I'. Hirictlv. Almnt IS 1 S, direct l\ afler m\ I a I liei .11 riv cd in ( 'liatlol Ic, in this coniilv, lie pnn-liased a small cow which was e\pcclcd lo s'.ivi' ns aniple lalioiis {i\' iiTdk. l''eed hciii;-'' Hh(>it. a l>e!l was suspended to the cow s iieclv an*l she waHNi'iil out as Noah n do\ e, and like it did not retninanil could nol he tonnd 'riiet(> was wce|iin:.;' anion;; the juveniles o\' om faiiuh, >>( whom I wa^i the _vonn,i;"es(., tor the millv of (hat cow with the iohnn_\ caUe einmhcd in was the statl" of lite wilh ns, and we were soielv atUicted .AftiT three davs, the H«vu'eh Immii}^' j^iven over, the twi> hoys of the family w s<>nt inio the woods to >,;alher hean poles, !ind whih' wt-yonn-.;' hope fills, not h.'ivine' \\\v toree of wli(>les(inie disi'iplint> l)«>foie om i>yes or in (>Mr hearts, were playinj^' upon a l;ir}><' syi-amoie that ii.id lalleu to tlie ;; iiMind, st i anu'<> and almost iincarthlv sounds. !is we thought, seemed lo issue from tht> tree iiiimedi.-itelN heiieath lis. ih.al so fright tailed us that l>(-an poles and all thines else w<>rt< forf^otteii hut personal sal'ely, and w c niadt> tracks lot till- honst< at a speed that was mar\elons. ('ojil tails would 'I'lIK TOWN (tK I'dU'l'I.ANll. ■VM liiivc Ikcii 11.1 IL iiiil if we liiid li.'id luiy, Wclold uiiihI.oiv iiH Hooii iiH \v>'' "i*^ <^|<lv('li, hr lii'lirhl Willi ilciij'iil liin loIlLf lonl cow She IhkI (•i'n,wl(«l iiilu I lie IkiIIovv ho I'iu lluii hIic coiiM iiol f.n'1 linck. SIk' liiul |)roli;ilil_v Mr<'|»|)< 'ol leii, Mild it. \vii.H lepcMied until ii. hiul h(^coine inileli impi'oved, .•ilid il: Wli-H HclioiiHly livened \}y miuiy iJiid; I he cow |tii-HHed up \.\\t' li'cc Hi\i>y I'ecl,, Mii'iimI Ikm' heiid llii-()ii^'li a kiiol hole and ciiJIed for help. The I'im-Im, however, were ilH I hii.ve Hral,((d them," W. II. .). The incideiil loiind il,M w.'iy into piililie pi'ini,, and waH tn)M<-ed in a hisl.oiiciil hu^inre al. Kredoiiiii iiomc \ earn Hin<"<\ l''iiiiiili/ (if Mr.iiitil Mr.<. .hicli'Hoii. (I) Lrwiit: I), in (loiin. in IHOli; d. ill (lerry, IImh coiiiily , in IS|'J. (') h',iiiviiiNi) L.: I». Ill I'lioolilield, ('oiin, ill All;;', I HOS ; never m ; lives iiciir Noiili MiihI,, I'lrie cDiinl.y, I 'a. (;() V\\.\v.,\: |i. in (loiiii. in .Ijui. IHIO; III. iMiltoii .loiicH 111 i H.").", ; H,\i;\ii: l». in .iiim\ I HI I ; m. lioicn ShaMiKtJv in March, lh::(); scMlcd in I',; ari(trward in Kipley, where Mr. S. d. M in. S now livcH in I'Vedoiiia, I. hid c iiiily. (T)) William : li in April, IMj I : u\. ('larindii, r.enncM oT NilcH, \1ichi{,fan, .Inly, i M.', I ; now li viii;' al. I. hid. plii.c<'. ((») ilaavis: l». in < iei ry, I hin coiinl.y, idioiil. i;<'J(»; d. in I H22. (7) Amanha .1.: I». Ill (Jc'iy ill IH'.;) ; d. ill l'>rocloii in IMfiM. (H) Maiiia .1.: I), in IH'//( ill (Iciry ; d. in lirotrtoii in |H.')|. APPENDIX The incident I'elated on page i 29 in connection with the name of Silas Dinsmore came to the writer thi'ough parties supposed to be Avell informed with reference to the facts of the case, and had reference to no other than that person ; but from evidence since furnished it is found that reference is made to an imcle of IVIi-. Dinsmore by the same given name, who foi' many years was a citizen of Alabama and in some way connected ■svith the customs department at the city of Mobile. Perhaps the fact of his li\ing in Alabama was one reason why young- Silas found liis way there and eventually became a citizen oi that state. Another feature seems to need correction : Although Mr. Dinamore was reprimanded by the department for his indiscretion, he neveitheless was allowed to retain his place. The remaining facts with reference to the " Portland pedagogue " are correct. The honor of having taught school in the town of Portland still remains, and is i»erhaps a greater lionor than a little " thrust and parry " with Secretary Craw- ford. Mr. Dinsmore, after teaching school at Canadaway for one or two terms, lived for some time with his brother, John B. Dinsmore, in what is now Ripley, this comity, and while there formed the project of visiting his uncle in Alabama, under a partial promise from him of employment in a survey in that sta.te partly undei' liis direction. He built a small boat or skiff, light but strong enough to Vonvey him and such effects as he wished to carry, and launched it u])on Chautauqua lake, intending to reach New Orleans with it and Mobile from there as circumstances should then dictate His lading was soon taken m and in due time he passed through the lake, the outlet, the Conev/ango, the Alleghany and the Ohio, and found him- self floating on the bosom of the " father of waters." Each night, aftei- reaching the Ohio at Pittsburg, he would make all fast, lay himself down in the bottom of his boat and sleep until morning, trusting his craft to the current of the river and find- ing himself in the morning many miles advanced on his journey. APPENDIX. 4:39 At some point on the INIississippi, in the dead of night, his boat encountered a "• sawj'er " — a tree anchored at the ))ottoni of the river with the top broken off" and the body inclined down tiie stream. The bow, from the momentum and force of the ctirrent, was pushed up its smooth surface, tlie stern became correspondingly depressed and in a moment of time the frail craft, ending completely over, fell into the water bottom upward. His pleasing dreams were rudely interrupted and the cool bath suddenly revealed to him the tact that he was alone upon the surface of the water and that his boat with all his effects, and t?ven his boots, had departed for imknown shores. Being a good swimmer, he soon reached tlie bank of the river, and in no very enviable iilight, by other means of conveyance proceeded to Ids destination. [See p. 129, and Biog. Sketches.] EAELY MILITAEY MATTERS: To ascertain the facts with referince to the foimati(m of the Urst military company within the comity of Chautauqua, the writer labored at intervals for three years and resorted to every conceivable source of information. So little system obtained in military matters at that date that few records were made and fewer kept, and the memory of the lelics of those early days has been found to be not always reliable. Such facts, however, as have been brought to light will be presented in brief. Previoiis to 1814 the acts of the legisla ture organizing the militia within the state were deemed but provisional or temi)orary in character. All military organiza- tions previous to that date w^ere formed under tlie provisions of these several acts, and under them the first company Within ^the comity. For six years after the first settlement of the county those liable to military duty were enrolled and attended drills at points now outside of the county, and there exists no evidence that any military parad(^ took place within the limits of the territory now forming the county until 1808. Some of the settlers, however, had been electe/?-6 of the f'ortnation ther«f secMns to Ix* litth; douJ)t. David Katon, so lon^>- a citiz(;n of l-*ortland and who was (^le(;tcd as one of the (ii'st officers of the company, was of the opinion that it was formed at the time named. Ho was (jnito sanguino from various facts he called to mind, and amonjjf tliem his own ])romoti(mH, which W(!re by rcoiilar i^rade to that of liinitenant in the fall of IBDi) oi- spring- of ISlO. Mrs. VVatej-inan TincUom of Mayville, who is still livinii;, stat(ul to the writer that wIumi h7 in the Niagara militia, and lieut.-(^olonel about the time .huncss MciMiilian was made ;i captain. He was made a colonel in the tall of 1812 or some time in the spring of I8!3. Me was a lieut.-colonel command- ing iis late as Sept-, I ■'^12 .lames was made a colonel and .lohn a brigadier-g(Mieral soon after the close of the war of 1812. Those thr(ie officers were through the war, John as colonc^l in (command of a regiment. James a captain and I'iatoii as li(>u- tenant and icgimental papnast(>r. The late Col. \Vm Bell of VVestlield, was of tlu^ o])ini(m that the first lieutenant of the company was James Atkins, who had early in the spring of that year ojiened a store at i\u'. rroasfO'/d.'i. This may or may not have been true — there is nothing to confirm of o])pose the APPENDIX. HI opinion: Tim Ciiptain may liiivo been and pi'ol)al)ly was \\'ni. PvendciguBt. already a captain, who waH made a iiiajoi- wluui John MeiMalian was made a lioul. -colonel The naincH of the niuyicians of tliis tiist com)»any are not on itH'ord, and but one, •losepii Thayer, a titer, reiiiemlxacid ; but some of thoHe nerving ivom two to four ycais later wer(! David B. (iianocu" and .labez I liilburt as lifiis and Geoige Hall as a drummer A few years sin(H' a monumental ston(i waw placed upon tlie giound where tliiH (•om])any was fornuid, tlirongli the influence of Hon. V]. T. Foote, wiio waH for many yearH a rewident of tlie county and one of the most indefatigable anticpiariims of our country Th(! nanu^s of the otlicerH of the battallions e.xiKting in Niagara county, of wliich this coiuity was then a part, on jNTaich 10, I MOH, are here given, but it has n(;t l)een p(>ssil)le to assign them to their proper companies. They were fuiiiished by Maj. Alfred II. Taylor, of tlie adjutant-general's olFicos, to whom the author is iiidelited for valuable services in searching early r(icords : Major, John Nh-Midian of the cronHvoads, now Wcst- tield ; Adjutant, Jo(>l Lee of Sheridan; Quartermaster, Abner Holmes; Captains, William T'rendergast of Chautaucpia, John 1^]. Howard of Silvei' (!reek, Abiram Orion of Avkwiight, Samuel Taylor, Silas Hopkins, Dauiel lleise, John Moiiisori : Lieuteixiuts. Jehial Mflore of Foi-estvilh, Alanson We(ul of Dewittville, Isaac ]5arnes, Asa ]>ald\vin, John Dunn 2d, Ste})lu'n Perkins. ' illiam Hohnes : JCii.^'u/iis.^wWuxn (vass of Hanover, Philo Orten of I'ouifret, Janies JMonlgcmuoy. of Westfield, SpariD.v Suge, William Chambers, Stephen l>ugbee I'here uiiist have been others to nudce the nmnber of each grade est in securing ggme, or |»erha])s with 442 APPENDIX. none at all. Notwithstanding the singular display, there was a kind of martial spirit among the people tliat long since ceased to exist A large degree of pride existed among the officers — a desire tor promotion and to exQel, each in his partic- ular position. A settler elected to some military position by the votes of his neighbors and friends was a subject of envy, in a sense, and actually enjoyed a degree ot note and confidence in advance, in most cases, of civil position within the same territor}^ In 1810, for the convenience of settlers, drills were ordered to be held in "• squads," which were of more real benefit to the soklier than company or battallion drills. They were held at various points, and in the present town of Port land at Ingersoll's tavern. At the breaking out of the war of 181 "2 they were discontinued. So scattered were the settlers at first that a regimental drill or general training was deemed im]U'acticable, and parades by hattallions were ordered for the first two years and were held at the crossroads, Bemus Point and Canada way in 1809; one at Mayville in 1810, and one or tvvo other points not remembered. In 1811 John McMahan, then lieut.-colonel commanding the regiment, after consulting with the officers of the regiment, issued an order foi a regi- mental muster, to be held within the present town of Portland on the fjirm of Gapt. James Dunn, on^)'t of lot 30, T. 5. The parade ground was the large field east of the house of Mr. Dunn and east of the barns of Mr John Dudley, the present owner of tl\p farm. The field extended from the present south road to the old Erie road, nearly. The regiment was composed of between tour hundred and five hundi-ed men, one I'egiment only existing in the county. Thus Portland has the honor (^f being the place of the first regimental i)arade in the county. The pai'ade was accompanied by all the insignia and trappings of war capable of being collected together ; the usual accompaniment also of peddlers' carts and stalls, gingerbread venders, retailers of cherry brandy and that "forty rod whisky" so forcibly alluded to by correspondents, and a large sprinkling of " young America." It was an epoch in the military afiairs of the coimty. Lieut. Eaton in his letter spoke in high praise of the efticiency of the officers during the drill and the good discipline of the men in forming and displaying columns, but thought there was a great failure in the manunl exercise, characterizing it as "rather rough." The next year (1812) war was declared with Great Britain, and from the security of home jjarade the settlers were introduced to the scenes, dangers and horrors of actual military strife. After the war foi- some years nearly all (tompany parades for the towp of Portland were held at West- APPENDIX. 443 •field, no full companies existing in the town as now organized- After the organization of the present town of Portland, in 1829, very little of interest, comparatively, occurred in military affairs. Those liable to do -iiilitary duty belonged to organiza- tions centering a' Fredoiiia or VVestfield. An occasional company parade was ordered in towu, however, but it was an exce])tion to the general rule. The martial spiiit of the country, with a love of military display, died out. and so utterly inefficient were the exercises and so little pi'oductive of good in preparing men for the duties of actual service that a law was passed a few years since discontinuing the old military regime and for reorganizing the forces of the state, which is still nominally in force. EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. That part of the " Note ' on page 68 referring to Amos Sottle and the first settlement of tliis county may not have been written with due caution, as some errors seem to have foimd a place there which need correction, and the note should be read in connection with the statements here made. Hon. E. T. Foote is there given as a reference, Viut the writer, it now seems, misapprehended^some of the facts given by him and the correction is most willingly made. Since the publication of the note considerable discussion has been had with reference to the question of '" ^Vllo was the fii'st settler of the count}''?" H. H. Hawkins. Esq., of Silver Creek, endeavoring to maintain the priority of settlement on the ]»art of Sottle, as against ■fames McMahan at the ancient crossroads in 1802, which was leplied to by Judge Foote at considerable length. It is" not denied that Sottle might have been a resident of the county earlier than McMahan's settlement, but it is claimed that his associations, habits of lif(.' and living were such that in no sense could he be called a aettler until some years later. Upon I'eading the arguments and facts adduced, and bearing in miiid the definition of the word settler, the unprejudiced mind at once reaches that conclusicm. Sol tie was a native of Ver- mont and emigrated to Chenango county, this state, in early life, where he became disajipointed in some " afi'air of the heart," left his home and fiiends and found his way to Biifialo. then an inconsiderable village of but a few log houses. His first introduction to the Cattaraugus bottoms he claimed to have been in the fall of 1 T'.Hi in charge of a small herd of cattle belonging to scjme party in Buftalo. sent there to winter npon the rushes and browse along the rich alluvial lands on 444 APPENDIX. the west side of the creek. He hved in a small hut biiilt of poles, in eomjjany with a " ven- dark sqnaw " whom lie bad induced to share his cot, until the next season or perhaps longer. On the organization of the siuveying parties by Mr. Ellicott he enlisted as an axman and assisted in running the range lines of this part of the Piirchase. He continued in this caj)acity during 1798-'99, and in all his intercourse with the party claimed to be a citizen of Chenango county. [tSee JVote.'} In 1800 he went west, Mr. Hawkins says as far as Sandusky, Ohio, but to other parties lie claimed to haye -sisited Cincin- nati and traveled largely in the northwest territory and along the Mississipj)i river. When he returned it is not definitely known — Mr. Hawkins says in 1801, but Sottle on one or two occasions at least placed it somewhat later. The statement that lot No. (51 of the \-illage plot was booked to bim on the field notes by th(! surveyors "on the spot '" is probably errone- ous, as it was owned up to 1835 by various parties, Sottle not pnrchasing it until that date. In 1800 lots 55 and 59 of Cattaraugus village were booked to him, and about this time he may be considered as becoming a settler, but not before. Some time after his return from the west he became acquainted in Buffalo with a negress and it is said mai-ried her. but those best acquainted witli the cii'cunistances doubt the statement with reference to the marriage, though they lived as man and wife to the time of her death. "Old Chloe," as she was called, although an excellent housekeeper, like Sottle was not above reproach in a moial sense, and the progeny were considered of a mixed parentage. Thus it seems that although Sottle may have come to this county as early as I79ii, or at any earlier ])eriod. such were the conditions of his surroundings that in no rational sense can he be considered as becoming a settler until about the time named — 1 806. From the discussion that has taken place, the conviction of the correctness of the })osition of Judge Foote has come to be settled in the }»ublic mind, and the board of supervisors of the county at their sessicm in October of the present year (1873). after having the matter brought to their official notice, and after reference and duo consideration, passed the following- resolution by ayes and nays, twenty-four oi the twentj^-six members voting in the affirmative, two being excused for sufficient reasons given : Whereas, There have been many co?iflicting views as to who was the first settler of Chautauqua county : therefore, jResolved. That we. the board of stqiervisors of Chautauqua county, are of the o])iriion that the early history and records APPENDIX. 445 of the county establish the fact that James McMahaii was the first resident settler of CliaiitaiKpia county. Altliough some may hold to au opposite A-iew, the question may be considered by this act of the board as officially settled. This action is placed on record. As Turner's History of the Holland Purchase is reterred to in the note on page 68, it is but just to say that the im}>ression then given that the authoi; of that work was mistaken in his statement, is incorrect, and was an (aior from the pencilings of tlie writer of this, unintentionally allowed to go to press. Mr Turner expret^.sly says on page 511 that James McMahan was the ^'pioneer settler of C-hautauqiia ;" and t^n pag-e 51:^ that Amos Sottle was the "first white resident of Chautauqua," thus verj' properly distinguishing between resident and settler. It will be seen that the note, the publication of which was the occasion of so full and free a discussion of the question, with the exception of the ])articulars named, is substantially correct. 446 xoTKs. NOTES AND CORRECTIONS. A few errors have been detected in the course of the work that need correction, and s few others that the reader will readily correct without their being specially noticed : 1. On page 20, for ' John C. Marshall " read Joliii E. Marahall. 2. On page 31. for " Connell's Creek" read Covrdl'!! Creek. 3. On page 31, bottom line, for • lot 60 " read lot 59. 4. On page 34, line .ith from top. for '■ Tashagna " read Coshaqiia. it. On i^age 36, Une 14th from toji, for " Charles O. Warner " read Charles It, 0. On i)age 47, line li)th from top, for " lot 42 "' read lot 41. 7. On page 60, line loth from bottom, for " Genesee " read Genrseo. 5. On i»age 68 the " Note " should be read in connection vriih the thii'd article of the Appendix. 9. On xiage 60, line 11th from bottom, for ' at Jamestown " read /»!/)• mf'/t's- behn.- Jamestown. 10. On page 75 for " Wm. Dogan " read Dm. Duggan. 11. On page 75, line 3d from bottom, for "lot 3(' "' read lol 40; also on page 76, line ■Jtli from top. 12. On page 98, line 10th from bottom, for '■ Reuben J. Meigs, juu.," read ff'/w,/- •/. Meign, jxin. 13. On page 129, line I2th from toji for ' part of house " le&A front of luins.<-. 14. On page 129, the notice of " Silas Dinsmore '' should be read in connection with the first article of the Appendix. 15. On page 210, line 8th from bottom, for •' ten acres " read three acre.)s. 16. On page 221, for " T. S. Moss and Moss & Haight •' read .Wo,s.< rf Haight. ^b 92 b* I