Yale University Library in in 39002007025407 PERRY, N. Y FRANK D. ROBERTS YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY [946 STATUE OF MARY JEMISON, "THE WHITE WOMAN OF THE GENESEE," LOCATED IN LETCHWORTH STATE PARK AT PORTAGE HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY NEW YORK Commodore Oliver Hazako Perry THE HERO OF THB BATTLE i'F LAKE BRIE IN WHOSE HONOR THE] TOWN WAS NAMED Compiled and Written by FRANK D. ROBERTS m - ATION "WITH IN COLLAHOf CARL G. CLABEE Rbprinted from the Pehrt Hboobd, fuhlishbd by O. G. CLARKE & SON 1 9 1 5 PERRY, NEW YORK C. G. CLARKE & SON, PUBLISHERS 19 15 INTRODUCTION About one hundred and seven years ago, several, of the energetic and enterprising settlers from Massachusetts, Ver mont, Maine and. other States, emigrated from their, native homes and established themselves within the bounds of the present Town of Perry. The wilds rapidly gave way to civili zation ; the forests fell as the dwellings arose ; soon the unob structed streams were arrested, their currents made subser vient to the will and comfort of man, and the conquering power of industry aud science, with the profuse bounties of Nature, combined to render this one of the most beautiful and prosperous abodes of man. With what delight would these same pioneers gaze upon the Perry of today! Their retrospective view would begin at the time when they felled the first tree, turned the first fur row, raised the first log cabin, and then the modern frame house. They would remember the first few houses which formed the nucleus of our present village ; they would con template with deep satisfaction the fruit of their labor, toil and early sacrifices, which now have resolved themselves into a common heritage to us of the Perry of today. On this One Hundredth Anniversary of the incorporation of our Town, I take pleasure in submitting facts concerning its early and general history. It has been my aim to seek out the facts from every available source, recognizing as I do the his torical importance of the subject. However, errors may prob- ably be found ; many things of real importance may be miss ing ; but not until one undertakes a work of this kind can the amount of labor and the difficulty of obtaining substantiated facts be realized. This is not given with the idea that it is even considered a complete history, but rather a collection of arti cles dealing with past local events. These have been gleaned from reliable sources of information : old letters, files of the Peny Herald, Perry Record, miscellaneous copies of The Countryman, Silver Lake Sun, Wyoming Times and other newspapers. Beer's History of Wyoming County, published in 1880, has been consulted extensively. The Life of Mary Jemison by Seaver, and J. W. Merrill's History of the Twenty- Fourth New York Battery, have also furnished much material. The writer presents the work with the belief that it is as correct as it is humanly possible to produce it at this late period. Moreover, the present has seemed to be the opportune time for preparing a history, as the sources of trustworthy in formation are rapidly disappearing. FRANK D. ROBERTS Perrv, New York, 1914. At the request of the author, the editor of the Record will add such facts of local history as are of his intimate knowledge during the past quarter century. CHAPTER I Early History of Wyoming County— How It was Formed — Mary Jemison, the "White Woman of the Genesee" — First Settlers in the Several Towns. The land now embraced in Wyoming County was a part of Albany County from 1683 to 1772 ; Tryon County from 1772 to 1784; Montgomery County from 1784 to 1789; and Ontario County from 1789 to 1802. Genesee County was formed from Ontario County on March 30th, 1802. It comprised all that part of the State lying west of the Genesee River and a line extending due south from the point of the junction of that river and Canaseraga Creek; to the south line of the State. Allegany County was taken from Genesee in 1806; Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara in 1808 ; parts of Livingston and Monroe in 1821 ; Orleans in 1824, and Wyoming on May 14th, 1841. Wyoming County is an interior county and contains 590 square miles. The eastern tier of towns, with the exception of a portion of Castile, belonged to the Ogden, Silver Lake and Cotringer tracts of the Morris Reservation, and the remaining part of the county to the Holland Purchase. The Gardeau Tract, contain ing 17,927 acres on both sides of the Genesee River, was re served for Mary Jemison by the Seneca Indians in their treaty with Robert Morris in 1797. About one-half of this tract lies in the present Town of Castile. Mary Jemison and her de scendants continued to reside upon this tract until 1816, when she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute, and removed to the Cattar augus Reservation. 10 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PEKRY From a Painting by the late Carlos Stebbins of Pike Mary Jemison, known as "The White Woman of the Genesee," was the first white woman to reside in this region. She was of Irish parentage, born in 1743, during the voyage across the ocean. The family settled upon the western frontier of Pennsylvania, where they remained in peace until the break ing out of the French War in 1754. In the summer of 1755 their home was surrounded by a band of Indians and French men, who plundered all that was valuable and carried away the whole family as captives, except two brothers who were work ing in the barn, and who,- knowing that their aid could accomp lish no purpose, made good their escape. The captives were taken into the forests, and in a day or two all were murdered and scalped, except Mary and a small boy, who were carried to Fort DuQuesne. She was soon afterwards adopted by two EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 11 Indian sisters and taken to an Indian settlement on the Ohio River to supply the place of a brother who had been slain in battle. She was given the name of "De-he-wa-mis," meaning "A beautiful girl." The sorrow consequent upon being torn from her friends gradually wore away and she became quite reconciled to her new condition. After arriving at a suitable age she was married to a young Delaware Indian named "Shenenjee." In 1759 she changed her residence, traveling on foot to the Genesee, and locating at Little Beard's Town, near the present site of Cuyler- ville. During this long journey she carried her little son on her back the entire distance of 600 miles. Her husband did not accompany her on the trip, having previously joined a war party traveling in another direction, the understanding being that at the close of the campaign he was to join his family at their new home on the Genesee. Shortly after her arrival she received word that her husband had been taken sick and had died soon after her departure. Two or three years later she married an Indian named Hi-ok-a-too. Four children were born of this union. When General Sullivan invaded the country, her house and fields shared the fate of the rest. Seeing them all des troyed, she set about preparing for the coming winter. Tak ing her two younger children on her back and bidding the three others to follow, she sought employment, where, by husking, she paid for 25 bushels of shelled corn, enough to supply her family through the winter. At the close of the French war she had the privilege ex tended to her of returning to the English, but she chose to remain with the Indians, as she knew that her half-breed child ren would not be welcomed among her English friends. After the close of the Revolution she received a grant of 12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY the Gardeau Reservation, which was about six miles in length and five miles in width. Although she adopted the customs and habits of the Indians, she retained her knowledge of the English language and remembered the early instructions of her mother. Toward the close of her life she embraced the Christian religion, and died on September 19th, 1833, aged 90 years. She was buried in the old Mission burial ground near Buffalo, but in March, 1874, her remains were taken up and re-interred on the Letchworth Estate. What was left of the old headstone was also taken up and erected near the head of the grave. Near this, at the present time stands a marble monument — a square block — some six feet in height. Upon one face of this is carved the inscription which original^ appeared on her tombstone. It also bears other historical facts. Sur mounting this is a magnificent bronze statute of Mary Jemison in her Indian costume, bearing on her back a babe, just as she came to the Genesee Valley. Here, on the banks of the Genesee River, to the murmur of which she listened during seventy-two years of her eventful life, lie her honored remains. She passed through such trials as fall to the lot of but feAv people in this life. The first white man who lived in this county was Eben- ezer Allen, a notorious Tory, commonly known as "Indian Allen." He was a native of New Jersey and joined the ma rauders who, under the leadership of Brandt, scourged with fire and sword the Susquehanna Valley, and toward the close of the Revolutionary War settled upon the Genesee, cultivating for a time the fertile river flats belonging to Mary Jemison. He afterward erected mills at Rochester, and later lived for a time on the Oatka Creek, until his removal to Delwarton, West Canada, where he died in 1814. Few characters mentioned in either history or fiction have approached so nearly the idea of total depravity as this blood-thirsty monster. He was an EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 13 open polygainist, murdered several persons Avhile professing the greatest friendship for them, and while upon the war trail he amused himself by dashing out the brains of infants. The greater part of Wyoming County is embraced in the tract known as the "Holland Purchase," some of the eastern towns being included in the Morris Reserve. The territory known as Western New York was originally claimed by the. State of Massachusetts by virtue of a charter granted by the King of England to the Plymouth Colony. The same territory was subsequently granted to the Duke of York and Albany. Without giving a history of the disputes which arose between the States of Massachuestetts and New York, we will say that the question was settled by a convention of Commissioners who met at Hartford, Conn., on December 16th, 1786. According to the stipulations entered into, Massachusetts ceded to New York all her claim to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the territory lying west of the east boundary of New York, and the State of New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of pre-emption to the soil of all that part of New York lying west of the meridian passing through a point in the south boundary of the State, 82 miles west of the northeast corner of the State of Pennsylvania, excepting a strip one mile wide, extending along the east bank of the Niagara River, from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. In April, 1788, Massachusetts contracted to sell this ter ritory to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps for 300,000 pounds in the consolidated securities of that State, which were at a discount of more than 50 per cent at that time. The rapid advance in the value of these securities rendered Phelps and Gorham unable to fulfill their contract and a large part of the purchase reverted to the State. The part retained and subsequently known as the "Phelps and Gorham Purchase" was bounded east by the pre-emption line already described, 14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY and west by a meridian passing through the point al; the junc tion of the Canaseraga Creek and the Genesee River, south by the south line of the State .and north from this point along the Genesee River to a point two miles north of the Village of Canawagus (Avon,) theuce west 12 miles, thence northerly to Lake Ontario at a distance of 12 miles from the Genesee River. On March 11th, 1791, the State of Massachusetts sold the ter ritory west of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase to Robert Morris, the assignee of Samuel Ogden. Mr. Morris sold to the Holland Company all the tract lying west of a meridian pass ing through a point 12 miles west of the southwest corner of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The territory lying between the Holland Purchase and Phelps and Gorham purchase was called "Morris Reserve" and was sold to various parties in large tracts. The sale was made to the Holland Compauy before the Indian title was ab rogated, but with an agreement on the part of Morris that it should be annulled as soon as practicable. This was effected by a treaty made at Big Tree (near the present site of Geneseo) in September, 1797. The meeting of the Com missioners and the Indians was exceedingly interesting. Full accounts of its proceedings have been published and form an important part of the history of the Genesee Country. A sec tion of the original Big Tree, at which this council took place, may be seen at Portage, near the grave of Mary Jemison, where it was placed by the late Hon. Wm. Pryor Letchworth. In this treaty the Indians retained certain reservations in different parts of the purchase, some of which they continue to occupy. Preparations were soon made to survey this tract, and a line run with a transit instrument, between Morris' Reserve and the Holland Purchase, was called the "Transit Line." This line ran near the present Transit Road on the west boundary of the Town of Perry. Theophilus Cazenove, of Philadelphia, EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 15 Pa., was the general agent of the company, and Joseph Elli- cott was the principal surveyor. It was surveyed into ranges numbered from east to west and into townships about six miles square, numbered from south to north. The townships were sub divided into lots three-fourths of a mile square and numbered from south to north, beginning on the east tier. The survey was begun early in the Spring of 1798. Among the surveyors were: Joseph and Benjamin Ellicott, John Thompson, R. M. Stoddard, George Burgess, James Dewey, David Ellicott, Aaron Oakford, Jr., Augustus Porter, Seth Pease, James Smedley, George Eggleston and William Shepard. Previous to the sale of the tract to the Holland Company, Mr. Morris had sold the triangle tract of 87,000 acres to LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers, and 100,000 acres directly west of this to the State of Connecticut and Sir William Pulteney. Upon ar riving at the south line of the Connecticut tract, Mr. Ellicott found that the east side of the Holland Purchase would inter sect that tract, to avoid which he moved west about two miles and then ran the line due north to Lake Ontario. In 1799 Theophilus Cazenove was succeeded by Paul Busti as general agent of the Holland Land Company. He remained in charge of the affairs of the company until 1824, when he was succeeded by John J. VanDer Kemp, who continued in charge until 1837, when the business of the company was closed up. The first land office in this section was located at Pine Grove at the home of Mr. Asa Ransom. In 1802, Genesee County was formed and the land office was moved to Batavia. The building which the Holland Land Company then erected is standing on its original location on Main street, Batavia, a memorial to the pioneer land-owner of Western New York. Joseph Ellicott received the appointment as Local Agent 16 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY and continued as such until 1821. During that year he was succeeded by Jacob S. Otto, who held office until his death in 1827. David E. Evans was local agent during the remainder of the company's business career. In the year 1811, Ebenezer Mix entered the service of the company as clerk and had control of the sales and sub-divisions of the land. It was through these men that the pioneers of Wyoming County, west of the Transit Line, made their original land purchases. Those de siring land on the east side of the line were obliged to go to Canandaigua to secure their proper titles. The opening of this new region to settlement, under the auspices of a rich and liberal company, instituted a new order of things in the general history of the county and was of great benefit to the settlers. Roads were constructed, bridges erect ed, and everything done to promote settlement and to remove difficulties in the paths of the settlers. The affairs of the com pany were always conducted in a most honorable way. Lands were sold at moderate prices with a small cash payment and liberal terms were given for the balance. In consequence of the richness of the land and the moderate prices asked by the company, settlers came rapidly, and soon the entire region was well filled with an enterprising and industrious population. On March 19th, 1808, Warsaw was formed from Batavia and then comprised the present towns of Middlebury, Warsaw and Gainesville. Middlebury was set off from Warsaw in 1812 ; Gainesville in 1814. Sheldon was also formed from Batavia on March 19th, 1808. In 1811, Attica was formed from Sheldon and embraced the present towns of Attica, Orangeville and Wethersfield. Orangeville was formed in 1816 from Attica, and Wethersfield from Orangeville on April 12th, 1823. Ben nington was formed from Sheldon on March 6th, 1818, and China on March 6th, 1818. On April 20th, 1832, Java was formed from China, and in 1866 the name of China was EARLY HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY 17 changed to Arcade. Eagle, Pike and Genesee Falls were an nexed to Wyoming County from Allegany in 1846. Perry was set off from Leicester in 1814, and Castile from Perry in 1821. Covington was formed in 1817 from Perry and LeRoy. First Settlers in Each of the Towns of Wyoming County: Town Date By Whom Settled Arcade 1809 Silas Meech Attica 1802 Zerah Phelps Bennington 1802 ... .John Towles, Jacob Wright, Wm. Barber Castile 1808 Daniel McKay Covington 1807 Jairus Cruttenden, and three others Eagle 1808 William Hodges Gainesville 1805 Charles Bristol, William Richards Genesee Falls 1804 John, Seth and Saml. Fields Java 1808 William Richardson, T. Kirby Middlebury 1802 Jabez Warren Orangeville. 1805 John Duncan Perry 1807 Joseph Woodward Pike 1806 Peter Granger, Ely Griffith, A. Newcomb, P. Harvey, Caleb Powers came at the same time Sheldon 1804 Roswell Turner Warsaw 1803 Eleazur Webster Wethersfield 1810 Lewis Hancock, Guy Morgan, Calvin Clifford CHAPTER II Various Names by Which the Town was Known — How Formed — Its Acreage— Early Settlers and Where They Came From — Rivalry Between the Inhabitants — Anecdotes. Perry was named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie. This was not tie first name given the place. It was originally called "Slab- town," which was soon changed to Shacksburg, and after wards to Beeehville. At the time of the incorporation of the Town of Perry the village was known as Columbia. Later, this was changed to Ninevah, but gradually the village assumed the name of Perry. An anecdote of the days when the place was called Nine vah may be of interest. At that time Perry Center and Perry were about of equal size and there was a great deal of rivalry between the inhabitants of the two hamlets. The story goes that one year there was a serious drought, when all of the wells at the Center became dry, with the exception of one on the place owned by Deacon Howard. Residents of Ninevah went to the Center, cut a log, and with it plugged the Deacon's wll Some one wrote a poem about the incident, which ¦¦ been unable to secure, but these last few lines have us as illustrative of the thought of the poem: And those Ninevites came As sure as Hell And dropped a log In Dea. Howard's well. Perry was set off from Leicester anrl ir,„ ten „» Marell lltll, UU. «», „£ £ TS"^^ been given to EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 19 included Castile and a part of Covington. At this time, and until the formation of Wyoming County on May 14th, 1841, Perry was a part of Genesee County. Castile was set off from Perry in the year 1821. The portion of Covington was taken off in 1817. The Village of Perry was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature on May 17th, 1830. The charter then adopted was given up and a new one was granted by a special act of the Legislature in 1864, to meet the requirements due to changed circumstances. The village was governed under that charter until 1901. Its provisions were somewhat indefin ite, and as the Legislature had adopted a General Village Law which greatly simplified matters and made the duties of the governing powers explicit, by vote of the residents of the vil lage, taken on February 19th, 1901, the decision was in favor of adopting the General Village Law and it became effective in March, 1901, since which time the village has been governed by its provisions. There are 21,120 acres of land in the Town of Perry. This is included in a tract of 50,000 which was sold by Robert Mor ris to Samuel Ogden and which has always been known as the "Ogden Tract." The northern part of this tract, which in cludes about one-third of the town, was divided by Mr. Ogden and sold to several different parties. The entire western por tion of the northern part was sold to Mr. Guernsey, who divid ed the land into small parcels and sold it to many of the in coming settlers. The eastern part was sold to Jacob Ely and others. Between them, on account of a discrepancy in the sur vey, was created what became known as "The Gore." The southern portion, which includes more than one-half of the Town of Perry, was called the "South Ogden Tract," and some times the "Lake Tract. In 1807 the latter portion was surveyed by William Shep- ard of Canandaigua and soon afterward was placed upon the 20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY market. John Greig, who had established a land agency at Canandaigua, had charge of the sales and sold most of the land in small lots to the settlers. Immigration to Western New York did not become rapid until after the Revolutionary War and for several years was principally confined to the regions nearest Lakes Erie and Ontario. In the year 1800, Buffalo was still a small town and there was not a house on the present site of the City of Roch ester. It was not until about this time that the sturdy pioneers began moving up the fertile Valley of the Genesee. In the early Spring of 1807, a certain Joseph Woodward arrived from the eastern part of the State, made a small clear ing in the virgin timber and erected thereon the first log cabin to be constructed in the Town of Perry. This was one of the usual block style and stood on the land now owned by Mr. Thomas Wright, about one-half mile east of Perry Center. In One of the few remaining Log Cabins built by the Pioneer of this section ; situated about three miles east of Perry, and the only one in this locality that is occupied at the present time. EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 21 1809, evidently dissatisfied with his location, Mr. Woodward moved to Mount Morris. Deacon Butler, who arrived in Perry in 1S10, purchased the land and occupied the house. The first permanent settler of the town, however, was Mr. Samuel Gates. Mr. Gates was born in Colchester, Conn. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War he had promptly enlisted in a militia regiment which was soon attached to General Gates' Army. He participated in a number of engagements and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. About a year after the close of the war, he started on foot for the far west. Arriving at Canajoharie in the Mohawk Valley, he found em ployment and remained there for four years. In 1787 he mar ried a young lady of 16 years and took up the occupation of boatman, transporting goods as far west as Seneca Lake, when there were none but Indian traders to supply. Being favorably impressed with the country lying at the head of Seneca Lake, he erected a cabin and moved his family there. Although there were no whites residing in that vicinity, Mr. Gates -and his fam ily continued to live there during eight years. The. next six years Mr. Gates and his family spent at Caneadea. In the Spring of 1807 he learned that the country around what is now Perry was being surveyed, and hearing that the land in this vicinity was excellent, he journeyed here to see it. Finding that it was all that had been claimed for it, he erected his cabin on the hill overlooking the northwest end of Silver Lake, near the pres ent residence of Parris Andrews, and returned to Caneadea for his family. Mr. Gates raised the first crop of "wheat and set out the first orchard in the Town of Perry. His daughter Nancy was the first white child born in the town. As might be expected, hired help was not to be procured at this period of the town 's history, and the settlers had to de pend upon their wives to assist them in their work. In August, 1812, while Mrs. Gates was assisting her husband in piling up 22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY some logs, she ruptured a blood vessel and died very suddenly; Her remains were buried near the center of the old cemetery where the Perry Public Library now stands. In January of the following year, the infant town was visited by an epidemic which carried away a number of the settlers, and Mr. Gates fell as one of its victims. He was buried beside the remains of his wife. While journeying through the woods to attend the funeral of Mr. Gates, Mr. Amos Otis pulled up a small sapling, using it as a cane. After the grave had been filled, Mr. Otis noticing a few roots on the sapling, pressed them gently into the soft earth. Two or three years afterward he visited the cemetery and was surprised to see that the little tree was growing nicely. He took out his pocket knife, trimmed the branches, and during several years carefully watched its growth. The tree thrived and grew into the large and stately oak which was cut down in 1914 to make way for the new library building. As will be noted, Mr. Gates was one of those indomitable pioneers who preferred the hardships incident to pioneer life to the comforts of living in settled communities. A good share of his life was spent on the extreme frontier. As the regions in which he had lived began to fill up with settlers, he seemed to have an uncontrollable desire to penetrate even further into the western wilderness. A few weeks after the arrival of Mr. Gates, Deacon Sam uel Salisbury, who was a resident of Leicester, passed through the Town of Perry on his way to visit his brother, who had set tled near the present Village of Warsaw. While near the pres ent site of Perry Center, he was startled by hearing the sound of an axe, and hestitated whether to venture up to the party wielding it, fearing that it might be a party of Indians ; but not being sure of his way, he took the risk and found the stranger — EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 23 a white man named Peter Beebe — clearing a spot large enough and getting out timber for a cabin. During the year 1808, Josiah Williams, Amos Smith and Elisha M. Smith and their families settled within the limits of the present Town of Peny. Mr. Williams came from Vermont, bringing his family and household goods in an ox cart and he erected the first log tavern. This was built on the extreme of North Main street, on the corner of the Simmons Road, on the site now occupied by the residence of the late E. G. Matthews, and it was a popular hostelry for a number of years. Nancy Williams, a daughter, died in 1811, and her's was the first death that occurred among the settlers of this town. Mr. Wil liams died on January 26th, 1832, aged 68 years. Elizabeth, his wife, died on October 19th, 1829, aged 72 years. Both were buried in the old cemetery where the Library now stands. Amos Smith came from Sherburne, Chenango County, in March and settled three-fourths of a mile east of Perry Center. Elisha M. Smith settled near Sucker Brook and built a log cabin there. In 1810 he erected a frame barn, which was the first frame building erected in the town. It was 30 feet wide by 40 feet long and required the aid of women to raise it, as there were only nine men whose services could be secured. A daughter of Amos Smith, in speaking of the early times, said that it was the custom then, when a building was to be raised, to have plenty of liquor furnished, otherwise it was thought impossible for the work to go on ; but when their house was raised in June, 1827, a new order was introduced. No liquor ever having been used in their family, save in case of sickness, it could not on that occasion be brought on the premises. The carpenter urged that a bottle of liquor be procured and laid aside to be used in case the work should not proceed. But, no ; as it was to be a test case, no compromise should be allowed. As a result, temperance prevailed, and it was said to be the 24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY first building raised in that vicinity on the cold water plan. When the work was done, a nice supper awaited the workmen, who seemed to be well satisfied with the change inaugurated. Again, in speaking of those early times, she said that soon after her father came to Perry, one of his neighbors employed a man to help him with his work. One day, toward night, this man concluded to return to his home, which was a few miles rvway. Her father and neighbors opposed his going at that time of day, fearing that he might be molested by some of the wild p.nimals, which were then quite plentiful. He still persisted, and finally started out, with the understanding that he was to use his voice in case he needed help. He had not been gone long, however, before he was heard making a loud outcry for assistance. Upon hearing the rather expected signal, the men caught up their guns, and hurrying on, found the man up a ninall tree, just out of reach of an old be^r, with her five cubs. The old one was soon dispatched, when the cubs took to a tree; two of them were killed, the others were captured and carried back in triumph. During the year 1809, the writer fails to find that any addi tions were made to the population of this community, but in the early part of 1810, Mr. Amos Otis settled on the west side of Silver Lake inlet, near West Perry, just below Parris Andrews* orchard. Mr. Otis was born in Colchester, Conn., in the year 1787 ; came to Perry at the age of 23 and spent nearly his whole life in this immediate vicinity. During the last few years of his life he resided in Warsaw, at which place he died in the year 1883, and was buried at West Perry. He passed through all of the phases of pioneer life and lived to see the wilderness in this section changed to the thriving towns and prosperous rural community of today. His wife, Louisa Davison, was the first white child born in Genesee County. EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 25 Other arrivals of 1810 were Cornelius Anable, Justin Lyon and Joshua Clark. Let us digress and consider the circumstances which sur rounded the lives of these early settlers as compared to those cf the age in which we live. At the beginning of the twentieth century there is, strictly speaking, no frontier to the United States. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the larger portion of the country was frontier. In any portion of the country today, in the remotest villages and hamlets, one is certain to find some, if net many of the modern appliances of civilization such as were not dreamed of one hundred years ago. Aladdin himself could not have commanded the glowing terms necessary to write the prospectus of the closing years of the nineteenth century. So, too, it requires an extraordinary effort of the imagination to conceive of the condition of things in the opening years of that century ; or at the time of the early settlement of Perry. If we were to go back to the period mentioned, we can tell with sufficient accuracy what were the circumstances of the early settlers' lives. We cannct tell exactly what he had, but we can name many things that he did not have, for the simple reason that they had not then been invented or discovered. In the first place, we must bear in mind that he lived in the woods. His children could not attend school, for the very good reason that there were no schools in this vicinity. The region was wild, in the sense that, excepting for the Indians, it was almost unin habited and unfilled. This portion of the country was covered with heavy timber, practically unbroken. Bears, wolves, deer, panthers, bobcats, rattlesnakes, wild pigeon and wild geese abounded throughout the section. There were few roads, and certainly none that could be called good. There were a few horses owned, but at this period the oxen predominated. Carts were usually home made and very crude and awkward. No 26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY locomotives, no bicycles, no motor cycles, no automobiles. The only pen was a goose quill and the ink was home made. Paper was scarce and expensive. Newspapers and books were few and far between. There were scythes and sickles, but of a grade that would be unsalable today at any price. There were no self-binding harvesters, no mowing machines. The flail was used until succeeded by the threshing machine. The plows, drags and cultivators were constructed of wood, and very poor apologies for the kinds now in use by our prosperous farmers. Tinder boxes were used until the manufacture of the friction match. For light, the settler depended upon the open fireplace, although the tallow dip was used to some extent at that time. Candles, oil, gas and electricity came later. There was no tele graph, no telephone, comparatively no mail service. Practically all of the cloth used by the early settler and his family was made by means of the hand loom, and the common fabric was made of a mixture of linen and woolen. As for food, wild game was abundant. There were no oranges, lemons, bananas, no canned jroods, and but few importations of any kind. Coffee and tea were a luxury usually not obtainable. We might go on and on reciting the privations of the pion eer, but it is unnecessary. It is not easy for us, .living in the midst of the necessities, comforts and luxuries of a later civili zation, to realize the conditions under which the early settlers of this vicinity lived and died. It required pluck, energy, health, strength and an indomit able will to come into a new country and make it a home. A few of the pioneers gave it up and returned to the east, but the great majority held fast and were rewarded for their labors. Those Avho had families usually left them behind in coming to the new country, and after providing a new home, returned for them. Others, unmarried, returned for "the girls they left behind them." EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 27 One of the greatest inconveniences under which the early settlers labored was caused by the scarcity of mills, and the difficulty of reaching them on account of the lack of roads. Up to this period in the history of the town, the nearest accessible mills were at LeRoy and Conesus; trips which at this time re quired two or even three days. At this time LeRoy was called "Buttermilk Falls." During the year 1811, several more families settled in Perry, among whom were Seth Canfield, Julius Curtiss and John Hammersley. Messrs. Canfield and Curtiss formed a part nership and erected the first saw mill built in the town. Mr. Hammersley constructed the first dam on the outlet, now known as the Whipple dam, and in 1813, erected thereon a saw mill. A short time after the completion of this mill, he con structed a flouring mill. This was of small capacity, but suffic ient for the needs of the few settlers. Another arrival in 1811 was Henry Bush. Special men tion is made of the fact, because he brought into Perry the on'y slave ever known to have been brought into the town. This slave went under the name of Jack Bush, was about 20 years of age, and noted chiefly for his enormous size and strength. Under the laws governing slavery at that time, he became a free man when he attained the age of 28. After gaining his liberty he moved to the Town of Attica, dying there many years afterward. It is said that Jack 's feet were so large that none of the Attica shoe makers possessed a last large enough to make his shoes, and that he was required to journey to Daniel Ball's shoe shop at Perry Center to get the necessary size. Mr. Ball, it seems, kept a last of enormous proportions, solely on Jack's account. Orrin Sheldon came here in 1811 from New Marlborough, Mass. He was accompanied by his wife, Sally, aged 17 years, 28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY and their child six montlis old. They made the trip in an ox cart in which two chairs served as seats, coming by the way of Canandaigua, and were three weeks making the journey. When her husband was obliged to be away from home on business, Sally and the baby were left in care of the Indians, who fre quently came and staid at the Sheldon home, and friendly rela tions existed between them. Other pioneers who took up land in Perry in 1811 were Aaron Pond, Peter, Elijah and Jonathan Atwood. The first log house built in the village was erected in the year 1810 by a certain Mr. Palmer, who was supposed to have come from LeRoy. This cabin was erected on the present site of Mr. A. J. Wood's residence (the former Dolbeer property,) near the corner of Dolbeer place and Main street. For some reason, Mr. Palmer never occupied this house, but sold it to Julius Curtiss in the summer of 1811. The first frame- house in the town was erected about the year 1812 by James Eclgerly, grandfather of our fellow towns man, Jerome Edgerly. This was a two-story building, situated just south of the " Universalist Hill," near the boundary line of Castile and Perry. Mr. Edgerly was born in Danville, Vt. When 18 years of age, he enlisted in Gen. Sullivan's army, par ticipated in the famous Wyoming Valley Campaign and assisted in driving the Indians over the Genesee River High Banks. He was much impressed with the richness of the land in the Gene see Valley and in 1812 moved his family to Perry. An orchard was set out by Mr. Edgerly and his son Edmund, on the top of the hill, and after a series of grafting experiments, they produced the famous Edgerly "Bailey Sweet" apples. The trees set out in this orchard were pur chased in the east and brought into town on horseback. Some of them are still standing on property adjoining Bradford street, owned by Mr. C. W. Rudd. EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 29 The first frame hotel or tavern was erected by another son of Mr. Edgerly, James C. It was located just about where the bend in Bradford street is today, on a road which at that per iod ran directly south and intersected one that ran from the upper dam, southeast. The second story of this tavern was fin ished off as a ball room, arched over in the center under the ridge. This was the first dance hall constructed in the town, and there the elite of Perry's early days tripped the "light fantastic" on numerous occasions. Mr. Edgerly kept a few dry goods and groceries in the same building and was Perry's first merchant. Benoni Butler walked the entire distance from Utica to Perry to clerk for Mr. Edgerly. He received the munificent salary of $6.00 per month and board for his services. While conducting his mercantile business, the first local post office was established, with Mr. Edgerly as postmaster, the mail coming from Leicester on horseback once a week. About this time there arrived a man by the name of Hugh Iliggins, who used ancient stone age methods in dwelling house construction. Near the railroad curve opposite Whipple 's boat livery, he burrowed into the hill and made an excavation large enough for himself and his wife to live in. The front of this unique home was built up with flat stones and contained one door and one window. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins raised a family of seven or eight daughters while residing in this dugout. During 1812, settlers came in rapidly. The second war with England was then in progress, and many chose to stop here, rather than go nearer the seat of war. During the war, the inhabitants of Perry were frequently alarmed by rumors of Indians coming to lay waste the country. They had burned Buffalo and devasted several places in the vicinity, and naturally, the people lived in a state of apprehension through out the entire struggle. As far as the writer has been able to learn, Perry had but one volunteer in this war. This was Elias, 30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY a son of Josiah Williams, the proprietor of the tavern. He was killed at the defeat of the American General Winchester, at the battle of River Raisin, which took place near Detroit, Mich., in January, 1813. This engagement is sometimes designated as the Battle of Frenchtown. A brief sketch of the battle follows: In the beginning of 1813, the American army had been organ ized into three divisions — the Army of the North, commanded by Gen. Hampton, to operate in the vicinity of Lake Cham- plain ; the Army of the Center, under direction of the comman der-in-chief, to resume offensive movements on the Niagara frontier and Lake Ontario; and the Army of the West, under command of Gen. Winchester, who was soon superseded by Gen. Harrison. Early in January, the last mentioned division, made up of A'arious detachments of militia from the Western States, moved toward the head of Lake Erie to regain the ground lost by Gen. Hull in the previous summer. On the 10th of the month, the American advance, composed of 800 men-un- der Winchester, reached the rapids of the Maumee River. A body of British and Indians Avas posted at Frenchtown, on the River Raisin, 30 miles from Winchester's camp. A detachment of Americans pressed forward, attacked the enemy on the 18th, captured the town, encamped there, and on the 20th of the month Avere joined by Winchester and the main division. Two days afterAvard, the Americans were suddenly assault ed by a force of 1500 British and Indians, under the command of Gen. Proctor. A severe battle was fought, each side losing nearly 300 men. The British were checked, and for a time the issue was doubtful, but Gen. Winchester having been taken by the enemy, advised his forces to capitulate under a pledge of protection given by Proctor and his subordinate. As soon as the surrender was made, the British general set off at a rapid rate to return to his headquarters at Maiden, The American Avounded Avere left to the mercy of the savages, Avho at once EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 31 began their Avork with tomahaAvks, scalping knives and torch es. The tAvo houses into Avhich most of the wounded had been crowded were fired^ while the painted barbarians stood around and hurled back into the flames, whoever attempted to escape. The rest of the prisoners were dragged aAvay through untold sufferings, to Detroit, Avhere they Avere ransomed at an enormous price. In the course of 1812, a certain Wm. Gould erected a shoe shop and David Stannard built a tavern. These establish ments were erected in the vicinity of our present depot. An other tavern was erected during the same year on the site of the old Alanson Lacy house. It was a log house, and almost as large as the building now standing. The oAvner was Matthew Lemon, and the day the house was raised, people came from Mt. Morris, Geneseo and other toAvns to assist in the work. In 1817, Samuel Lacy and his son Elnathan purchased the place, paying $1600 for the house and 100 acres of land. Mr. Lemon Avent to Olean and afterAvard to Ohio, Avhere he became a Meth odist minister. Mr. Lacy tore down the log house in 1834 and erected the present frame building. He conducted the new house as a temperance tavern for several years, and eventually gave up the hotel business, thereafter the house being used as a private residence. Soon after the arrival of Julius Curtiss and Seth Canfield, these gentlemen purchased a tract of land which embraced the greater part of the Village of Perry. The epidemic Avhich prevailed throughout Western New York in 1813 caused the death of both of these men. Their mills and lands were then sold to Mr. Levi Benton. In 1817 this property passed into the hands of William Wiles. During the same year, John Ham mersley sold his flouring and saw mills to Benjamin Gardner and Jonathan Child, who afterward removed to Rochester. In 1828, Mr. Gardner erected a large grist mill and began the bus- 32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY iness of making flour for the eastern markets. This mill Avas put up by David Edgerly, an early contractor. Mr. Gardner's boss -millwright was a Mr. Dazell, who came to Perry from Rochester. Mr. Gardner Avas an aristocratic young gentleman and pos sessed considerable means. His advent into Perry was destined to mean much to the early industrial development of the com munity. Beside the flouring mill, he also owned and operated a cooper shop, an ashery, one or tAvo other mills or shops, and a general store. He died on Dec. 27th, 1834, aged 45 years, after a short illness, and Perry lost one of the greatest of her earlier citizens. His remains were buried in the old cemetery. A few years ago, they were taken up and re-interred in Hope Cemetery. Mr. Gardner's residence is still standing in a good state of preservation on its original site, just to the rear of our present depot, and is owned at the present time by Mr. C. M. Smith. In its early days it must have been regarded as a beau tiful home. A portion of it was his first store. In 1823, Wm. Wiles sold his mills and lands to Rufus H. Smith, who Avas an early settler of Perry and subsequently one of the Judges of Genesee County. In the summer of 1816, John Thompson, Avho had been in Perry but a short timet was drowned in Silver Lake. He had been across the lake to the home of Aaron Pond, seeking em ployment. On his return trip, it is supposed that the large dog that he had with him, upset the canoe. Mr. Thompson is sup posed to have been the first white person drowned in Silver Lake. Thomas Edgerly came to Perry from New Hampshire in 1814 and took up a large farm. In 1818 he helped in the erec tion of a hotel in the village, and kept it for a period of four years. Mr. Edgerly also established himself in business, pur- JUDGE RUFUS H. SMITH 34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY chasing his goods in Utica and bringing them to Perry with four-horse teams. While engaged in conducting his store, he succeeded James Edgerly as local postmaster. He died in 1837. A partial list of other pioneers Avho were early settlers in Perry, follows : Philip Sparling, Almona Hart, Elkanah Bates, Thomas Toan, Campbell, Charles Leonard, Gamaliel Leonard, Ralph Ward, Jabez Ward, Lemuel Blackmer, Abram Avery, Richard Buell, Noah D. Sanger, John Squires, Graham Benedict, William True, Norman Blakeslee, Warren Buekland, Jabez Brigham, Capt. Pat. McEntee, Cassander Watrous, Mark Andrews, Samuel Waldo, Septimuss Smith, D. Richards, Caleb Phillips, John Mclntyre, Salmon Preston, Ensign, David Moss, Jesse Moss, G. Waldo, M. Burt, Gideon Tabor, Pardon Tabor, E. Sheldon, Horace Sheldon, Nath'l Howard, Samuel Howard, Jacob Reed. Daniel Calkins, J. H. Hollister, J. D. Taylor, Levi Silver, Abram Hamsley, Bills, Foskett, John Olin, Freeman Gates, Greenlief Clark, Noah Bacon, Daniel Dickerson, Trueman Alverson, S. Hosford. Isaac Rudgers, A. Hosford, Robert Moore, Arwin Olin. Jacob Nevins, Moses Wooley, H. Kingsley, Richard Aherson, Samuel Benedict, Hugh Glasgow, G. Glasgow, Jonathan Handley, Ebenezer, Selden, and Otis Higgins, Nahum Phillips, Samuel Saft'ord, Allen Buekland. During the early settlement of the toAA'n the deer were plentiful, and bears and wolves Avere a great pest. It was almost impossible to keep sheep and hogs. Of five large hogs OAvned by Mr. Amos Otis, the bears killed four ; but Mr. Otis had the satisfaction of killing as many bears as he had had hogs killed. EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 35 Game and fish from Silver Lake greatly helped the settlers in the early years in the way of food, especially in the cold years of 1816 and 1817. Frost occurred every month of the year 1816. Ice formed to the thickness of an inch in May. Snow fell to a depth of three inches in New York on the 5th of July. Corn was frozen to such an extent that .the greater part was cut in August and dried for fodder, and the farmers supplied themselves from the corn produced in 1815 for the seeding of the Spring of 1817. In the issue of the Wyoming Times, an early local publica tion, of the date of Feb. 13th, 1856, Mr. Otis related the story of a bear hunt which took place in the vicinity of Perry about the year 1815. It follows : "I had some sport in seeing a couple of Indian hunters kill a bear. During the fall of a light snow they had struck on the trail of a bear, which was followed about a mile, when they found that he had ascended a large chestnut tree and gone into a hole about 25 feet from the ground, where he had evidently designed to take up his winter quarters; but he was foiled in his expectations, for the following morning the Indians gave me and another neighbor an invitation to go with them and see them kill the bear. Arriving at the tree, the first business was to build a fire. They then proceeded to make an Indian ladder. This Avas done by cutting a sapling about 7 or 8 inches in dia meter and trimming off the limbs, leaving them about a foot long. Then, with our help, they raised it up against the tree. They cut a small pole about 15 feet long, and having procured some elm bark which was torn into strips, everything was ready. One of them climbed the ladder and the other drew from the fire some blazing brands, which he tied up with strips of bark and attached them to the small pole. He handed them to the other Indian, who put them into the hole and they fell to the bottom of the tree, Avhere Bruin lay in sound sleep. This was a warm reception for poor Bruin, who, after receiving two or three more bunches of firebrand, began to ascend the tree. The Indian on the ladder immediately came down, and taking their rifles, they placed themselves one on each side of the 36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY tree, a few rods distant and waited for the bear to make his appearance. This he did in a short space of time. Putting his head out of the hole, he looked about with a great deal of indig nation to see who had been so abusive as to disturb him in his slumbers. After looking for a short time, he crawled put on a limb of the tree, immediately over the hole, Where he became a fine target for the Indians' rifles. At a given signal they both fired at him, when he instantly fell to the ground and ex pired." Another incident of the early days is well worth repeating nt this time. In the year 1808, Mr. Benjamin Parker, who had located in the Town of Warsaw, made a trip through this sec tion on foot. Upon his return through the forest that covered nearly the Avhole region between the Transit and Perry Center, he met seven bears — three old ones and four cubs. Having no other weapon than a large club, he struck one of the bears, breaking his club. ''Vjth no alternative he was obliged to retreat and took refug. in a small tree. His cry for help was heard by Elisha Smith, though nearly a mile distant, and forthwith he went to the rescue, armed Avith an axe and gun, accompanied by his d i g. The four cubs and two of the bears were soon treed, and as it was quite dark, fires were kindled to prevent their escape. In the morning, the two bears were shot and the cubs were taken alive. ' During the early years, rattlesnakes were very numerous and many persons were bitten by them. The cases were suc cessfully treated by Tall Chief, an Indian doctor who resided at Squawkie Hill, in the Town of Leicester. The settlers hunt ed and attacked the snakes in their dens and soon thinned them out. CHAPTER III Anecdotes of Calvin P. Bailey, one of the Most Prominent Early Settlers — Perry's First Tavern— Early Settlers of Castile — Perry's Pioneer Physicians — Town Meetings at Perry Center. Mr. Calvin P. Bailey arrived in Perry in 1816, bringing his family and a stock of merchandise. He formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Samuel Hatch (father of our towns man, S. A. Hatch) and opened a store on the site of the present Hatch block on the corner of Main and Covington streets, now occupied by Roche's grocery, and the firm became Perry's first permanent merchants, although, as stated previously, James C. Edgerly had brought in a few goods. Mr. Bailey was a son of Charles and Martha Bailey and was born in Newbury, Vt., in 1792. In 1814 he married Sybil, daughter of John and Waitsell Hatch, of Hardwick, Vt. Eight children were born of the union. Mr. Bailey continued in the mercantile and gen eral business until his retirement from active pursuits. In the year 1828 he was elected to represent his district in the State Assembly, and in 1840 he was chosen as delegate to the National Convention which placed the name of William Henry Harrison in nomination for the Presidency, on which occasion Mr. Bailey proposed the name of Henry Clay for the nomina tion, but he was defeated. Mr. Bailey was also the delegate representing Wyoming and Genesee counties at the National Convention of the Whigs, held in Baltimore in 1844. A story is told of Mr. Bailey 's first speech in the Assembly. Notwithstanding the fact that it was a good address, a member of the opposite party desiring to ridicule him, arose following the address and remarked: "Gentlemen, I have often heard of the Genesee Flats, but this is the first time I was ever privi leged to see and hear one." 38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Mr. Bailey was a man of force and positive nature. He never brooked interference and resented opposition. A story is told that at one time he was having a small bridge built across the outlet, near the old tannery site, probably at the time that he was road commissioner. He Avas assisting a man in laying plank and was standing near the end of a plank about to be spiked to the stringer. He told the man to go and bring a certain tool, and when the man said, "If I do, you'll— — " Mr. Bailey commanded him to ' ' Get that tool ! " The man obeyed stepping off the other end of the plank, and Mr. Bailey plumped into the outlet with a great splash. He came up spluttering and was assisted to the bridge by his helper, but Mr. Bailey realized that the man had simply obeyed orders and he said nothing in condemnation and took his medicine philoso phically. But the storjr has lived to this day. Mr. Bailey was a man of generous and philanthropic nature, especially in contributing funds for local institutions. He paid nearly one-half of the expense of building the old Presbyterian Church, although he was not affiliated with the church society. His sons — John H. and Charles W. — were among the first college graduates of the town. In 1824, Bailey & Hatch erected an oil mill, and in 1827 a grist mill. In 1836, Mr. Bailey and one other erected the block now occupied by Roche's grocery and Chaddock's hard ware. All of the stone used in the construction of this building was hauled overland from Brockport, N. Y. The block was an advance over any building that had been erected in the town. At the time of the big fire of 1856, which will be described in an other chapter, Mr. Bailey kept the roof from taking fire at great risk to himself. It is about the oldest building in the bus iness section, as nearly all of the rest have been burned at some time or other. Mr. Bailey died at his residence on North Main street on Sept. 8th, 1860. His wife died in 1872. His home oc- EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 39 cupied the site of the present residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Wyckoff (the former M. H. Olin property,) and the original building Avas moved to Water street, where it is now used as a Polish grocery. Following the opening of the general store by Bailey & Hatch, other mercantile firms came in rapidly, and soon stores covered a good share of the northern part of our present busi ness district. Warsaw, Batavia, LeRoy and Perry were the four towns in this section favored as centers of trade in the early days. Few goods were sold for cash ; almost the whole trade was on credit or barter basis. Notes were made payable in grain, lumber, cattle, etc. Maple sugar formed an important article of trade for many years, constituting the principal source of sweetening. Ashes from burnt timber formed another of the most important articles of trade, and after being converted into black salts, was one of the most valuable commodities at the command of the inhabitants. Containing much value in small bulk, they could be easily transported, and commanded a ready market. In reading old newspaper adArertisements of Perry's early business men, it is a noteworthy feature that all classes of deal ers advertised to take furs, lumber, dairy products, in fact any thing raised by the settlers in exchange for furniture, groceries, hardware, or anything else held by them for sale. Even the editor of one of Perry's earliest newspapers offered to take "wheat, corn, hay, wood, pork or lard" from those who were indebted to him. That cash Avas scarce is evident, and most business was conducted, as before stated, on the swap plan. As previously stated, the Town of Perry was incorporated in 1814. In that year the first town meeting was held at the tavern kept by Peter Beebe at Perry Center, and the following named officers were chosen: Supervisor, Jairus Cruttenden 40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY (who had settled in that portion of Perry which was afterAvard taken off in forming the Town of Covington.) ToAvn Clerk, Warren Buekland. Collector and Constable, Salmon Preston. Justices of the Peace, Robert Moore, Pardon Tabor, Levi Ben ton and James Symonds. For several years after the formation of the town, the people were obliged to go to Batavia for the most of their public business, that town being the county seat, embracing most of the toAvns now included in Wyoming County. Town meetings were held at Perry Center regularly until about 40 years ago. As the Village of Perry grew in population, there was more or less agitation about changing the meeting place to the village, but because of the small attendance of the villagers at these meetings, the Perry Center people managed to defeat the proposition as regularly as it came to vote. On one occasion, however, prominent citizens of the village succeeded in getting together a sufficient number and carried the meas ure. After the proposition had been voted upon a number of the villagers arose in the ir glee and started for Perry, without waiting for the adjournment of the meeting. One of the sly Perry Center politicians, who had been quietly taking in the situation, arose and made a motion that they rescind the pre vious action. The motion was promptly seconded and carried, much to the chagrin of the remaining Perryites, who were thus forced to journey to the Center for their next annual meeting. The first tavern at Perry Center was built by Peter Beebe in about the year 1809. It was constructed of logs and stood on the ground now occupied by the residence of Chas. Ball. Mr. Beebe conducted the log tavern a few years, then had it torn down and erected in its place a framed building which he used for many years as a hotel. It was eventually closed, sold and EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 41 removed to land OAvned by Mr. W. 0. Newcomb, and by him converted into a dwelling house. On the northwest of the four corners, a framed hotel Avas erected by a certain Mr. Atwood. This was conducted by various parties as a hotel until 1858. It Avas subsequently purchased by Mr: Wm. H. Hawley, Sr., and used by him as a dAvelling house. The first store at Perry Center was established by Mr. Pierce of Avon, Avith John D. Langdon as his clerk. The building stood on the southwest of the four corners. Among the early settlers of that vicinity was Samuel Safford, born in Connecticut on Nov. 24th, 1788. In 1810, at the age of 21 years, he Avent as an American seaman to the Island of Cuba, and served four years before the mast. In 1818 he started for New York and came to Buffalo Corners by Avay of Bethany, walking a distance of 400 miles, carrying a pack on his back. After securing a place at Buffalo Corners, he returned to Connecticut with his brother-in-law, Sidney Morse, and shortly afterAvard starl ed again for Perry, Avith an ox team and a horse ahead, drawing a covered wagon. His family consisted of his wife and two sons — Amos and Harding, aged 4 and 2 years, respectively. They arrived at Buffalo Cor ners on October 14th, 1818. He afterAvard erected a small store at the Corners and mail matter Avas left there in his care. Many a homeseeker was made welcome at his humble abode, and he was urged to build a tavern. He died on October 23d, 1880, aged 92 years, and was buried with his family in Prospect Hill Cemetery at the Center. Buffalo Corners derived its name from the fact that it was in early days a prominent point on the main traveled road between Buffalo and Albany. LeAd Silver, Sr., was born in NeAv England and spent his early married life at Lempster, N. H. After a feAv years he moved to Sutton, Vt., from whence he came in 1815 to Perry. His brother-in-law, Captain Peter Atwood, whose wife was Abi gail Silver, had previously settled near what is now Perry Vil- 42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY lage and about a mile from a beautiful little lake called "Silver Lake," named, no doubt, partly from these settlers as well as because of the clearness of its waters. Captain Atwood drove to Vermont to bring the family, which consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Silver and nine children. Levi Silver moved in 1820 to the farm in the west part of the town, now owned and occupied by George Humphrey. Here, in 1821, he built the house as it now stands (with the exeception of the porches and slight changes inside,) which was used as a tavern for many years. His wife, Susan Nichols Silver, was noted for her famous warmed potatoes, and many a traveler made it a point to reach the Silver Tavern on account of this attraction. At that time, Samuel Perkins of Warsaw drove the stage from Warsaw to Geneseo and put up at this tavern. Mrs. Silver lived to the ripe old age of 99 years. Many of the early settlers of the Town of Perry, including the Otis, Kings! ey, Blanch ard, Bacon, Stowell, Dickerson and Wiles families, located in the vicinity of West Perry. Soon a thriving and prosperous community was established. In the late 30 's the little hamlet at the corners boasted a school, a gen eral store, a tavern, a shoe shop, a distillery, and a blacksmith and wagon-making establishment. It was also the birthplace of a man who became famous as an artist, whose son has achieved even greater fame than his father. Lemuel M. Wiles was born in West Perry on October 21st, 1826. In 1847 he was graduated from the New York State Normal School, and later he was for ten years director of the College of Fine Arts, Ing ham University, LeRoy, N. Y. After leaving that institution he was director of the Art Department of Nashville University, Nashville, Tenn. He was a splendid instructor and was noted as a landscape painter. Prof. Wiles erected a large building on the west side of Silver Lake, which he conducted for several years as a Summer Art School, where instruction was given to EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PERRY 43 many pupils from a distance as well as from this section of the State. His son, Prof. Irving R. Wiles, is one of the most noted portrait painters in the country, and a prominent artist of New York City. As Castile Avas a part of Perry until Feb. 27th, 1821, the f olloAving early history of that place is given : The first settle ment was begun about 1808 or 1809, by Daniel McKay of Cale donia, who erected a saw mill on Wolf Creek, in the southeast ern part of the town. About the same time, Robert Whaley removed from Caledonia and settled on the Allegany Road, a short distance from the center of the present Town of Castile. Mr. Whaley had charge of the saw mill, which was about one- half mile from the mouth of the creek, on the Cotringer tract. This mill was stocked with the fine logs purchased from Mary Jemison, and the lumber was transported to the river's high bank, where there was a slide by Avhich it was conveyed to the rh'er, thence floated down to the older settlements. Mr. Whaley opened a tavern at his place of residence, and for many years the "Whaley Stand" was widely known and patronized by the settlers of this and other parts of the country farther west. In 1816 a severe calamity occurred at this pioneer tavern. Mr. Whaley had removed to his mill and rented the house to a Mr. Eldredge. Several men from LeRoy put up there for the night, when the house took fire and tAvo of the men perished in the flames. The house was rebuilt, and in 1817 Mr. Whaley* occu pied it, passing away there soon afterward. His widow con tinued the business for a number of years. The first settlers at the village were Ziba Hurd and Jona than Gilbert, who came from Vermont in 1816. Among other early settlers were Clark Sanford, Jacob Kellogg and his two brothers, A. Pond, James Thompson, William Tripp, Dow I. Clute, Charles Tallman, Freeman Sanford, Ebenezer Seymour and Sylvester Derby. A settlement was begun at an early day 44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY in the Avestern part of the toAvn, near Silver Lake, called the "Tallman Settlement." The first birth in the toAvn was that of Jane McRay in 1813; the first death Avas that of Laura Wilcox in 1815 ; the first school Avas taught by Anna Bennett, Avho came from Vermont in 1816. The first grist mill was built by John Card and Sylvester Lathrop on Lot No. 40 in 1820. The first store was kept by Lemuel Eldridge and M. E. Frost in 1815. In 1821 a postoffice was established, and Mr. Hurd Avas appointed postmaster. During the same year he was also elected as Castile's first supervisor. The first religious services Avere held near the south end of Silver Lake in4816 by Rev. Benjamin Luther of the Baptist denomination. A Christian Society Avas organized in 1819 ; a Presbyterian Society in 1824; also a Methodist Society in the same year. The Bap tist Society Avas organized in 1835. The Avater poAver furnished by Wolf Creek, and the abund ance of fine timber in the Adcinity gave great activity to the lumber business for many years. At one period, not less than 14 saAV mills Avere located on this creek. When Mr. Clark San ford settled in the toAvn in 1816, Mary Jemison Avas living near the Genesee River, a mile beloAV St. Helena. Castile Village at that time contained about half a dozen framed houses and a feAV log ones. Dr. Child kept a small store in the village at that period. In 1817 a landslide occurred and about 25 acres of the present town of Castile slid into the Genesee River, damming it and causing a permanent change in its course. Before the village took the name of Castile it was known first as Rickettsville, then as Freemansburg, and later as Oak- dale. PERRY'S PIONEER PHYSICIANS 45 To the late Amos Otis, Avho settled in Perry in 1810, and who kept a diary containing particular record of early events, numerous extracts from which Avere published in the Wyoming Times of 1856, we are indebted for many of the facts which ap pear in this history. Dr. Jabez Ward was the first physician to settle within the ToAA-n of Perry. He was a sou of Ralph and Lorain Ward and was born on Feb. 3d, 1788. He came here and located just east of Perry Center in 1813. Dr. Ward received his education in the east, being licensed to practice by the Connecticut Medi cal Society. A pleasant picture of good old Dr. Ward is given by one of the old Perry Center boys — Edward A. Sheldon, Ph. D., founder of the State Normal School at Oswego, N. Y. — in a reminiscence of the old home church and community, written on June 25th, 1889. He said : "Among those who made a strong impression upon my young life Avas Dr. Jabez Ward, one of the original organizers of the (Perry Center) church. He was our family physician, as he was of nearly all of the families of the town. He was a man of marked and rare traits of charac ter. He may be justly termed a unique man. His duplicate would be hard to find. He was a cheerful, and we might al most say, a jolly man. His best remedies for the sick were not to be foundjn his saddlebags. I cannot say that I ever enjoyed the latter, -with its unswallowable pills and picra, but I was ever willing to endure them for the sake of a visit from one whose presence was such pleasant and Avholesome medicine for both the body and soul. He cut an odd figure on his old horse as he threw his arms up and down and his heels out and in, as if in frantic effort to Avaken an animal that appeared to be in a jogging slumber. I am sure that both horse and rider took many of their naps on the road. So thoroughly was the horse habituated to a certain gait that any ordinary nap would not in the least interfere with his measured step. The rider often 46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY fell from his horse in his sleep, but he Avas too much of a phil osopher ever to be hurt by such falls. He knew too well the danger of saddle-girths and efforts to save oneself from the ef fects of a fall, to expose himself by the presence of the former, or by yielding to the natural impulses to rely on the latter for protection. He always Avent to the ground like a bag of sand, and his saddle with him, with no harm to Avind or limb. The only harm that ever folloAved Ava,-" the trouble of throwing on the saddle and leading the horse to a fence and remounting. His happy repartee and stories made him an agreeable com panion alike to old and young. He Avas a man of strong affec tions and deep religious feelings, and his influence for good was felt in every home he visited, as Avell as in the church in Avhich he presided as an officer." The story that is told in connection with the last illness of Dr. Ward portrays the character of his whole life of service and self-sacrifice. In July, 1843, he Avas seized Avith pneumonia, a result, perhaps, of exposure on some errand of mercy. The disease progressed, and he laid on his bed in a serious condi tion. Tavo young friends were sitting up Avith him, giving him the needed medicine from time to time. As the hours passed slowly by, the watchers became drowsy and slept in their chairs. A knock came at the door, unheard by the young men, but the ready ear of the sick man heard, and he arose and an swered the summons. It Avas a messenger Avith an urgent call from one of his patients a mile or so aAvay. Perhaps the Doctor did not realize the seriousness of his own condition. At all events, he left the house, his OAA-n Avatchers still sleeping, and at tended the case with his customary success. Whenhe returned to his own bed, he Avas careful not to disturb the slumbers of the tired young friends. In the morning the doctor was worse, undoubtedly due to his midnight ride, and a day or two later, PERRY'S PIONEER PHYSICIANS 4T ®n the 16th of the month, he passed away. His remains were buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery at Perry Center. Dr. Ward's old account books reveal a life of hard Avork AA-ith very small return. The people whom he served were nearly all poor, hard working citizens. When the difference between the time of his arrival in Perry and the present date is considered, it will not be imagined that the Doctor led an easier life than did the pioneer who leA'eled the forest and cleared the land. The population at that time; Avas scattered over wide extent of territory. There Avere a few roads which at the present time would be called miserable, but which at that period were considered good. Sometimes, the Doctor in making his calls was forced to follow a path which had been cut through the woods, and in which the stumps had been left standing ; or, perhaps, the way Avas only marked with an ax cut or a brand upon the trees. At other times he Avould follow the lighted torch of a settler Avho had come in the night to guide him to the afflicted household. The task of procuring medicines was a serious one for the early practitioner. The supply had to be purchased six months or a year in advance, as the pioneer merchant made but one or two trips east in the course of a year. When the supply was exhausted, the Doctor was forced to rely upon the roots, barks, herbs, etc., which grew in the forest. The patient of today has a much easier time in his illness than did his forefathers. Antiseptics were unknown, and a severe surgical operation meant practically certain death. Nor was there ether, choloroform or other anesthetics for the relief of pain. Bleeding was resorted to for numerous afflictions, such as headaches, fevers, inflammations, etc. We of this later period may congratulate ourselves that the practice of medicine and surgery has been raised to a much higher standard than 48 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Avas thought possible, due to research and discovery on broader and more scientific educational lines. Dr. Jacob Nevins was born in Danville, Vt, January 28, 1788. He re ceived his medical education at St. Johnsbury, Vt., coming to Perry later and locating on the farm now owned by his son, Hon. B. A. Nevins. He died on September 28th, 1860. Dr. Jacob Nevins was the second physician to settle in the toAvn, coming in the year 1816. Dr. Ezra Child was the first physician to locate in the village. He resided here a short time and then emigrated to the State of Indiana. Doctors Otis Hig- gins and Mason G. Smith were also early practitioners in Perry. Dr. Higgins came in 1818 and practiced his profession in this immediate vicinity until his death in 1844. PERRY'S PIONEER PHYSICIANS 49 Geo. L. Keeney, M. D., was a son of Josiah and Phoebe Keeney. He was born in 1809 and died on Dec. 31st, 1869. His parents were natives of Conneticut and located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, in the latter part of the 18th century. The doctor graduated from Yale College in 1832, and during that year entered upon the practice of his profession in Perry, where, in 1835, he married Ann, daughter of William and Hannah Dolbeer. CHAPTER IV Perry Three-quarters of a Century Ago — Days of the Mail Coach — Manufacturing Concerns and Business Places — Early Educa tional Institutions — Musical Organizations. Between the years of 1810 and 1820, the population of the toAvn increased rapidly, particularly after the Avar Avith Eng land had closed. The next decade, from 1820 to 1830, dioAved still more rapid progress in all respects. The Avhole of Western NeAV York Avas iioav Avell filled, comparatively speaking. It was during this period that the Erie Canal Avas completed. The rich and fertile "Genesee Country" had become Avell knoAvn. The extreme hardships of the pioneer had entirely passed. The facilities for travel by the completion of the canal Avere greatly improA'ed, and a more ready sale of the products of the soil re sulted in bringing from Ncav England and the eastern and mid dle sections of NeAv York a larger number- of people than at any pre\rious time. During the next ten years, from 1830 to 1S40, the largest population in Perry's rural districts Avas shoAvn, and it has never since been exceeded. Although, since that period the rural population has diminished, Ave have since 1840 constantly improved our farms and buildings, beautified :>ur homes, increased our religious and educational privileges and facilities, added to the comforts of life and gained in posi tion, influence and general prosperity. Noav let us take a glance at the Village of Perry and see it as it Avas about three-quarters of a century ago, betAveen the years of 1840 and 1845. At that time Perry possessed neither a bank, a railroad, a telegraph nor a telephone line; but people listened daily for the toot of the horn of the mail coach, as draAvn by four horses it dashed through the streets and finally PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 51 South view in Perry village. The above picture is a reproduction from an old gazeteer of the State of New York, published in the early 40's, and is a view from the south, looking north. It shows Lake street at the extreme left, also the M. E. Church and District Union School. The church at that time faced a road connecting Lake and Covington streets. The "National Hotel" shown is the building removed for the Wise block and remodeled into the Hotel Covington. The building at the left of the hotel is the present Record office, removed and remodeled, from the site of the Garrison (now Austin) block. These two buildings are among the oldest frame business buildings in the village. As may be noted, there were at that time no buildings between the hotel and the Bailey block, now occupied by Roche's grocery. The Presbyterian and Baptist churches are shown in the distance. At the extreme right may be seen the porch of the hotel conducted by A. B. Walker. It was destroyed by fire in 1857 and its site is now occupied by The Tavern. came to a stop in front of the old National Hotel, kept by Thomas Livingston, near the corner of Main and Lake streets. By the mail coach people found a means to visit other tOAvns or receive and send money, goods, etc. J. A. McElwain Avas the proprietor of the line Avhich ran from Perry to Can andaigua, eastward, passing through Moscow, Geneseo, Li vonia, Richmond and Bristol, at that time all of them being 52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY places of considerable size. A line also ran from Perry to Buf falo, by Avay of Buffalo Corners, wast, via Orangeville, Sheldon, Wales, Aurora and Hamburg; one from Perry to JamestOAvn, via Pike and Ellicottville. The WarsaAv and Batavia line pass ed through Wyoming and Bethany and connected at BataAda with the NeAV York Central Railroad. There Avas also a mail line to Sardinia via Gainesville, Orangeville, and Java. Those Avere the days that made the hearts of the taA^ern-keepers re joice, for business Avas business, and there was plenty of it. BetAveen Castile and Geneseo Avere 11 taverns, all well patron ized, and "full every night" was a common expression. As one travels the highways today in almost any direction, he may observe the buildings Avhose peculiar appearance marks them as being taA'erns of the early days, noAv remodeled to make them as nearly as possible into the modern residence. FolloAA'ing is a list of the business places conducted at the time of Avhich Ave write. Of groceries there were five, con ducted respectively by H. A. Barton, R. Stratton, B. B. Hicks, Jivah Higgins, and Hicks & Bailey. The dry goods firms also numbered five, being two more than at the present time, viz: Parsons & Clark, John H. Bailey, G. L. Davis, Rufus H. Smith and S. W. Merrill & Sons. Aplin & OAven and F. J. & N. Bullard manufactured har ness and saddlery. Mr. Bullard conducted his business for over 30 years from this time. Tailors Ave re plenty, and prices for fashionable goods were much loAver than at the present time. The list of tailors com prised J. L. Wilson, Charles Wing, Hutchinson & RockAvell, and J. B. Farmer. The boot and shoe dealers Avere John Ten Eyek, E. Hig gins & Son, W. J. Chapin & Co., and Peter Alberty. PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 53 C. 0. Buddington manufactured hats and caps. One of the hats made by him is on exhibition at the Log Cabin near the Walker grounds at Silver Lake, and bears only a slight re semblance to the modern styles. The milliners were in full force, and had representatiA'es in the persons of Mrs. Catherine Bayne, Mrs. Polly Higgins, Miss Martha Shearman, and Z. & S. Bullard. Miss Shearman continued her business in the same building, on the site of the present Sage garage, until about the year 1880. The physicians were : Z. W. Joslyn, Mason G. Smith (who also occupied the position of Justice of the Peace and issued prescriptions and subpoenas at the same time;) G. L. Keeney and Otis Higgins. The cabinet makers and furniture dealers Avere : David A. Shirley, Hooper & Bnttre, and A. S. Horton. Mr. Buttre re mained in business until about 1885. John Carr and W. and Wm. Dolbeer carried on the busi ness of carriage and Avagon making. Hicks & Bailey and A. Otis & Son managed the tAVO foundries and did a vast amount of custom work. Of lawyers, Perry had a large number, the legal business of that period being of greater proportion than at present. We find the names of I. N. Stoddard, J. J. Pettit, Wm. Mitchell (who was also Surrogate;) L. A. Hayward and Levi Gibbs. E. C. Pease Avas a barber who adA'ertised as follows : "Those gents who would be shaved in a trice, And have their hair cut and combed very nice ; Who would have all done with most perfect ease, Will not go amiss to call on E. C. Pease." Wm. Taylor and Henry E. Homan attended to the butcher business and had first-class markets on Main street. 54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY E. M. Kimball and James Huntington sold Avatches, clocks, jeAvehy and accordeons. Stephen Sherman attended to house and sign painting. Jos- iah AndreAvs had a land office. David Mitchell sold drugs and medicines. A. B. Wall er conducted a livery stable. A. D. Smith attended to Uncle Sam's affairs at the postoffice, with Henry N. Page as deputy. Marcus D. Smith attended to car riage painting and trimming, and Avas considered the "boss trimmer" in this section. Perry had four flouring mills, viz : The one knoAvn as "The LoAver Mill," because of its location on the outlet, Avas operated by Hatch & Bailey; the second mill, operated by N. Severence & Co. ; the third mill by Rufus H. Smith ; and Avhere Tomlin- son's mill now is, E. B. Sacket Avith George L. Davis in charge as agent, conducted the business. Perry had a curious genius in those days in the person of Levi S. Mitchell, who Avas better and more familiarly known as "Corporal" Mitchell, and who conducted a small restaurant on Avhat Avas called "The SAveeney plan." His capital was so limited that he Avas compelled to borroAV funds of his younger patrons A\menever the traveling oyster vendor came on his monthly trip. Now, Judge Rufus H. Smith, AA7ho was his land lord, would early discover that the "Corporal" had made a raise among the boys and laid in his stock of biA'alves. and quietly giving the Avord to his friends to assemble, the Judge Avould Avalk in and call for oysters. After disposing of all that the "Corporal" had in stock, the Judge would tell him to "Chalk it doAvn on rent," thus demolishing the latter 's bank account and business at one fell sAvoop, Avhile the young men Avho had furnished "the needful" Avere < ompelled to take buckAvheat cakes or boiled eggs for their ] ay, instead of the choice oysters at "one-and-six" per plate, for which their mouths had Avatered. PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 55 T. PraAvl and Philander Simmons conducted tAvo extensive blacksmith shops and had a thriving business. -One of the largest tanneries in the Avestern part of the State Avas the one at Perry, operated by W. J. Chapin, Jairus Moffett and Brown. Elisha Briggs managed the patent picket fence factory doAA-n the "Creek Road," as it Avas called. Rufus H. Smith owned the carding mill, and George Col- burn acted as manager, Avith 15 hands in their employ. Perry boasted of three saw mills, one owned by R. H. Smith and operated by Charles Hope and Aaron Axtell, Sr., one by James Shearman, at the upper dam; and one by Ash all Shaw at the middle dam. Ed. Root conducted a livery stable and toy store, and daily created more fun than all of the clowns in the circus business could manufacture in a AA'hole season. Bailey & Hatch managed quite an extensive flaxseed oil mill, using for that purpose a three-story building and employ ing seven men. Davis & Sacket had a large distillery and ash- ery at the middle dam. Tavo cooper shops were doing busi ness here, one operated by Beriah Brown and the other by Luther Bacheldor, each having a large business. Perry had a select school kept by Mrs. Harriet Massette, also an academic school on Covington street, with J. C. Vander- cook as principal, and Miss R. GriscAvood as assistant. Their terms of tuition were very moderate, as may be noted by one of their advertisements, from which we quote : ' ' Tuition per term of 11 weeks : In the First Department, for Spelling, Read ing and Rudiments of Geography, Avith varied oral exercises in 56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY various other branches. . .$1.50. The above, with Rudiments of Grammar, Arithmetic, Orthography, etc. . .$2.00. The above, with advanced classes in Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, Composition and Penmanship . . . $2.50. In the Higher Depart ment : For all common English Branches, Avith Composition, Declamation, Natural Philosophy, History, Rhetoric, Logic and Book-Keeping. . .$3.00. The above, Avith Intellectual Philo sophy, Moral Science, Chemistry, Astronomy, Algebra, Survey ing, Geometry, Rudiments of Latin and French Languages, etc . . . $4.00. Lessons Avill also be given in Sketching, Land scape, Oriental and Mezzotinto DraAving and Painting on terms to suit the convenience of those Avishing to take the lessons. Mr. Vandercook Avill also organize classes at the request of mechanics, clerks, apprentices, and any others, to give them in struction at any time they may choose, aside from the regular hours for school, as his principal AA'ish is to make himself truly useful in his calling and benefit all Avith Avhom he may asso ciate." There was also a select school kept by Miss Harriet Ham mond ; and a district school Avith T. S. Loomis, principal, who had four assistants. This school had an enrollment of 350 pupils. A very popular society, knoAvn as "The Perry Musical As sociation," Avas in existence at this time, with the following named officers : President, James McEntee ; First Vice-Presi dent, Alauson Lapham; Second Vice-President, Gilbert Mit chell; Secretary, E. G. Billings. In May, 1844 a terrible hail storm occurred here, which practically ruined all of the crops. Stones weighing one ounce each Avere picked up on Main street. PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO 57 The Countryman Avas being published in Perry at this per iod. A perusal of a copy of this paper reveals an almost entire absence of local items, the greater part of the paper being made up of advertisements and foreign news. The Country man was a six column sheet and contained but nine columns of reading matter, being in marked contrast to the local papers of the present, with their many columns of live community news and interesting miscellany. And yet the patrons of The Countryman were glad to pay $3.00 per year for even such a paper as that. The editor, Mr. D. S. Curtis, called on his pat rons to either "pay postage on communications or get them franked, as we cannot stand the expense." The joke will be seen when it is understood that persons could send all the mail they chose and were not compelled to prepay postage, the fol lowing being the rates of postage charged at the time : Under 30 miles, 6c ; over 30 miles and under 80, 10c ; over 80 miles and under 150, 12%c; over 150 and under 400, 18%c; over 400 miles, 25c; with double rates for every additional sheet of paper, without regard to the weight. As a consequence, no envelopes were used, the letter being folded, and sealed with a wafer, and directed on the back. Horse racing Avas one of the most popular sports of the early 40 's. At this period and until the construction of the race track at the fair grounds, races were held on South Main street, the course being from the top of the " Universalist Hill" to Needham's woods. That horse racing was considered a man's sport by the local editor, at least, is the conclusion nec essarily reached from the following which we copy in its en tirety from the issue of the American Citizen, published in Perry by Mitchell & Lewis, dated Sept. 27th, 1837. "We perceive by handbills in circulation that our Gaines ville (Silver Springs) neighbors are to be treated by one of 53 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY those schools of public morals, with something a little extra, at least in our region. "After describing certain regulations, the handbill informs us that 'Convenient seats will be arranged for the LADIES.' Ladies at a horse race! ! ! Astonishing! ! Who could have thought that we had arrived at such a pitch of refinement? But we forgot — they had a dancing school in that vicinity last winter. ' ' The folloAving statistics of Perry Village for the year 1845 were compiled at the close of that year by the late Col. Wm. Dolbeer : Population within the Corporation. . . .Male, 522 Female, 549 Value of Manufactured Products — Four Grist Mills $65,880.00 Three SaAv Mills 1,992.00 Oil Mill 2,400.00 Tannery 14,500.00 Ashery 1,300.00 Two Foundries 10,115.00 Fulling Mill 1,175.00 Carding Mill 4,000.00 Total $101,362.00 General Stores 8 Boot and Shoe Stores 1 Drugs and Book Store 1 Groceries 5 Taverns 2 Churches 4 Buildings 150 CHAPTER V Early Industrial Development — Distilleries and Asheries Important Features — Foundry, Flax Mill and "Clothiery" Were Other Industries. When the pioneers first came to Perry, the land Avas cov ered Avith a fine growth of timber, which, owing to the scarcity of mills and roads, was practically A^alueless in its natural state ; but by gathering the ashes that remained after burning the timber and putting them through a certain process, the settlers manufactured black salts, Avhich found a ready market at the nearest settlement. The manufacture of potash, at that time aommonly called "black salts," was the principal source of rev enue for the settlers until they could prepare their land and harA7est their crops. At an early date in the town's history, David Thorp, Sam uel Howard, Jason Lathrop, and Langon, Leonard & Sanger started asheries at Perry Center, and from that time most of the farmers discontinued making potash and sold their ashes tn these concerns. Mr. Lathrop 's ashery, which was erected on Lot No. 5, was in existence for many years. During the first Isw years, the settlers raised only a suf ficient amount of grain for their own needs, as there was no market nearby, and the cost of transportation was too great to convey it any long distance. About the year 1820, Samuel How ard erected a distillery on Lot No. 17 at Perry Center, and this acted as an incentive to the farmers to raise more grain, as the spirit into which the distillery converted it could be trans ported at much less expense. Benjamin Gardner built a distillery in the village in about 1822. Still another was erect ed at West Perry about the year 1825. The completion of the 60 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Erie Canal opened the Eastern markets to farm products and rendered distilling unprofitable, and the industry struggled for a time against the inevitable, but finalljr yielded to necessity and succumbed. As stated elseAvhere, John Hammersley constructed what is now known as the Whipple dam, in 1811. In the year 1813 he erected a grist mill and a saw mill. The grist mill was sit uated on the south side of the dam, just below the present lo cation of Wm. Whipple's shop. In 1817 Mr. Hammersley sold the grist mill to Childs & Gardner, Mr. Childs subsequently sell ing his interest to Mr. Gardner, who continued to operate the mill until 1828. Later it Avas converted into a Avooden dish mill and pails, tubs, bowls, etc., were made there for a number of years. It finally fell into disuse and was torn down. The saw mill which had been built on the north side of the dam, Avas also sold to Mr. Gardner and was operated by him un til his death in 1834, when it passed into the hands of James N. Sherman, Avho erected a new saw mill on the same site. A few years later, Mr. Sherman sold the mill to Hon. Rufus H. Smith. After a period of use it was converted into a wooden pump factory, operated by Brazilla Howe, who was familiarly known among the citizens at "Pump" Howe. This establish ment was in operation until about the year 1860. In 1818, Wm. Wiles built a grist mill near the present site of Mark Phelps' residence on Gardeau street, on the east bank of the outlet. The machinery, or gearing, used in this mill was made entirely of wood. This mill changed hands several times and was used for a number of years. It finally went into dis use, and in 1860 was destroyed by fire. Although a considerable quantity of the products manu factured by these early promoters of industry was sold to the numerous immigrants who were taking up land in the Genesee EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 71 Country, as Avell as to those avIio were striking out for a more distant Western home, the greater portion Avas sold in the east. It was impracticable for each manufacturer to deliver his products to Albany, and at length an extensive system of trans portation Avas established. Experience demonstrated that one teamster could manage six horses as well as tAvo, and thus re duce the cost. Six horse teams, with harness to match, were no trifling affairs in those days. The horses were furnished mostly by the Dutch settlers of the MohaAvk Valley, and were noted for their solidity and strength. Most of the wagons Avere covered arid sufficiently strong to carry eight to ten tons. The driver rode the "off" Avheel horse and used one guiding rein only. Thus equipped, the "Dutch ship," as it was called, struck out for Albany with its cargo of flour, potash and Avhis- key as freight, to be loaded on the return trip with all sorts of machinery and merchandise. Thirty days were allowed for a round trip, although in good going the time was shortened a few days, Avhile in the Spring and Fall it Avas not uncommon to be out forty days. About the year 1822, a foundry was erected by Harvey Prichard on Water street, on the west bank of the outlet, a short distance south of Walnut street, and was used for the manufacture of iron castings, principally plow points and sleigh shoes. Mr. Prichard had a potash kettle lined with clay, and melted his iron with charcoal. It has been said that his ploAV points were so hard that they would outlast any two that are on the market today. Prior to his venture into the foundry business, he had been a flax spinner and a rope maker, but had found that there was not enough demand for such commodities among the residents to make their manufacture profitable. Although considered a genius at Avhatever work he undertook, he was inclined to neglect his business, preferring his dog and gun to his work, consequently he was not as successful in his rt2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY various enterprises as his talents would have permitted. In 1842 the foundry Avas sold to A. Otis & Son, who continued the business for several years, after Avhich it Avas remodeled into a flax mill and operated under the management of Wm. T. Ham> lm. Toav, Avhich Avas used extensively in upholstering, was manufactured here for several years. A part of the old foundry Avas used for a time as a cooper shop. RICHARD T. TUTTLE Born on September 30th, 1830. on April 27th, 1896. Died A cloth factory, or "clothiery" as it Avas called, and a saw mill Avere built in the village about 1822. The saw mill was afterAvard enlarged and is still in operation, under the manage- Born Oct. 10, 1825 DAVID ANDRUS Died luly 9. 1909 64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The above picture shows in the foreground the old wooden bridge on Gardeau street, which was replaced in 1883 by the present culvert. The view is taken from the north, looking south, and shows the Wylie woolen mill in the distance. The mill stood at the rear of The Tavern, a short dis tance north of Andrus' planing mill. The man on the bridge is James Hildum. EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT C5 ment of the Andrus Estate. This is the oldect established in dustry in the toAvn, the lumber business having been carried on there continuously for a period of 92 years. Among those avIio have operated this mill Ave find the names of Hon. Rufus H. Smith, Edmund M. Bills, E. M. Read & Co., (Jerome Allen,) E. M. Read & Co., (R. T. Tuttle and James Wyckoff,) Read & Andrus, and David Andrus. The "clothiery" was converted into a woolen mill about the year 1856 by John Post. He was succeeded by Henry N. JAMES WYLIE Born at Elderslie, Scotland, in 1826. Died on June 29th, 1906. Page, a Mr. Green, who later operated the Green woolen mill at Pike, then by Wylie & Morton, and later by James Wylie. 66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY While conducted by Mr. Wylie, the Perry Woolen Factory, as it was knoAA^n, employed a capital of $20,000, contained 216 spindles, five looms, and manufactured annually about 16,000 yards of cloth. The mill was operated continuously until its destruction by fire on August 7th, 1880. In 1824, Bailey & Hatch erected an oil mill, a short dis tance beloAV the Prichard foundry. Linseed oil was manu factured here until 1848. This firm also OAvned a grist mill which they had purchased in 1827. Another clothiery was established about the year 1827 by Wheeler & Buddington. It was located on Water street, a short distance from Gardeau street. Mr. Buddington also carried on an extensive hat business in connection Avith the clothiery. The factory Avas afteiAvard converted into a grist mill and was operated successively by N. Severance, Palmer & Atwood, John Richmond, and then by his son-in-laAv, Wm. Hutton. The building was torn doAvn in 1898. The old roadAvay Avhich led to this mill may still be seen, leading off from Water street. A short distance beloAV the buildings of the Perry Knitting Cc, another grist mill Avas erected about the year 1819 by a certain Mr. Bailey, a former resident of LeRoy. Before falling into disuse, this mill changed ownership no less than 18 differ ent times, as follows: Bailey, (LeRoy;) C. P. Bailey & Samuel Hatch ; Calvin P. Bailey ; Brown & Grisewood ; Bailey, Brown & Co. ; Robert Grisewood ; Calvin P. Bailey ; Brown & Frost ; G. Taylor; Anson D. Smith; Robert Grisewood; GriseAvood & Bradf ield ; Bradfield & Bolton ; Bradfield & Loomis ; White & Harrington ; Cornish & Chase ; L. P. Cornish ; J. B. Hutton. The first tannery to be erected in the town was established near Simmons' Corners by John Olin about the year 1817, and a good business Avas carried on until 1841, when the tannery was closed. The second tannery to be erected was built about 1820 EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 67 by Samuel and Henry Phoenix on the present site of Herry 's blacksmith shop on Covington street in the rear of the former Bailey (now Hatch) block. At this time a. plank road was laid over the creek (which floAvs under Main street through a cul- The above picture shows the former Richmond Mill referred to. The old sluice-way leading to Hamlin's Flax Mill is shown in the foreground The view is taken from the north, looking toward the south. 68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY vert,) for the convenience of farmers in unloadingtheir tanbark, which Avas used in the process of manufacturing leather. Some tAvo or three years later another tannery was constructed by Willard J. Chapin. This Avas situated on the Crocker property on Leicester street. In 1832 the two firms consolidated under the name of Phoenix, Chapin & Co., and used the Phoenix property as their main factory. The folloAving year they removed into a building in the ravine of the outlet, near the present lo- WILLARD J. CHAPIN -Born on March bth, 1791; died on July 28th, 1852. He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and Postmaster of Perry in the year 1838. Mr. Chapin was interested in lake property and owned what was known as "Chapin's Landing." He also laid out the present road that runs from the Allegany road to the lake, past the water works standpipe. Mr. Chapin was a prominent member of the Baptist Church, of which he was clerk for a number of years. — (From an old pencil drawing.) EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 69 cation of the electric power plant belonging to the Perry Knit ting Co. FolloAving the dissolution of this firm in 1837, the Phoenix brothers removed to Wisconsin, where they founded the toAvn of Delevan. Then a new firm was organized in Perry Avith Willard J. Chapin, Jairus Moffett and a certain Mr. Brown as members. A son of Mr. Chapin (G. C.) succeeded this firm and continued the business until about the year 1872. The building was then converted into a spoke factory and con ducted as such a few years by David Chase. JAIRUS MOFFETT— Prominent in the early days of Perry ; was elected Sheriff of Wyoming County in November, 1852, and served three years. About the year 1828, John Gregg, erected a foundry on the site occupied by the stone building that is now a part of the Robeson cutlery factory. On November 24th, 1837, he sold the 70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY property to EUery Hicks. Within one year or two following the sale, a severe electrical storm visited this section and the building was struck by lightning and burned. It was a serious financial loss to Mr. Hicks, Avho did not possess sufficient capi tal to erect and equip another plant to take its place. With the double purpose in view of expressing their sympathy for Mr. Hicks in his misfortune and of saving the industry to the town, a public meeting was called. It resulted in a day being set for the farmers to come with their teams and Avagons, a gen eral agreement having been made to draw all of the cobble stones necessary to construct a much larger and better build ing than the one that had been destroyed. Stone masons, car penters, and men from the various Avalks of life contributed their services, some for a day, others for a longer period and in a comparatively short time, the stone building that is noAv a part of the Robeson cutlery factory had been completed, practi cally without cost to Mr. Hicks. Such was the public spirit of the citizens of the ToAvn of Perry in the late 30 's, which we are pleased to state is characteristic of the present day, as has been frequently manifested and is evidenced by many public and private improvements. Common castings had been produced in the old foundry, but after beginning; operations in the neAV building, Mr. Hicks greatly increased his output and extended the business by add ing several different lines to his list of manufactured products. Among the articles made by him were grist, saw and fanning mill castings, hollowware stoves, plows, threshing machines, scales, etc. The business was then knoAvn as the "Perry Steam Furnace." In 1844, Mr. Hicks took Walter S. Bailey (son of Calvin P. Bailey) into partnership. Mr. Bailey was succeeded in 1848 by Rufus H. Smith. In 1851, Hicks & Smith sold the business to Messrs. Swift & Bacheldor, Mr. Hicks and family removing to Battle Creek, Mich. In 1859, Swift & Bacheldor EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 71 . As .*____—«-, $k£§m- ^j:: :¦¦¦.¦¦¦¦.¦..-. . . 1 ^^' - ""- ¦ -. - ~ ¦" | ._ V : i '¦¦¦¦¦¦ ¦ :> :K:^.;;';;:;i;;V^i5l^£,;;r:^'- ~-f?%: ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦¦¦.¦¦ ¦ ¦¦.. ..¦¦¦.¦ *tJwt* ^!%i-il\ , - -- « • "¦ •' jt* s5m"* .„ - ~: -7 / •*** :;i ': - ¦' * ..-,." =*•-.. - p» ;*'":J-. ' „ . - . ^ *" '' ' ."*». - ^'' *:**;^:/; ;. '- ;, " : ^^.^-^fcK-'.w 2 *- ' .'..''. ** - ;; "- ~'4'-&& *- *^ -: >: '^' - *¦*• . ' ;' .-' *£. - _ - ¦¦ . - . /r - _ ¦ ;>**.*\ ;'¦ * The above picture shows the former Watson (now Commiskey) block on the corner of Main street and Borden avenue. The small frame build ings at the right were the Postoffice occupied by Jason Lathrop, Postmaster, and the late Dr. Traver. The open space at the left is now occupied by the Caswell block. Next is the Cole Hotel, conducted by Tyler Cole ; next is "Jack" Bolton's meat market with a Democratic "liberty pole" in front ; Buttre's cabinet shop and the old Foundry that is now a part of the Robeson Cutlery factory. The small frame buildings stood on what is now the en trance to Borden avenue. 72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Avere in turn succeeded by Beardsley & Ensign, who changed tlie name of the concern to the "Perry Iron Won.s, " and in addition to the above mentioned products, manufactured wheel cultivators, land rollers, harrows and other agricultural imple ments, hi 1865 Mr. Ensign retired, and Jerome Edgerly took his place in the firm. These gentlemen purchased the dam sit uated at the rear of the building and constructed a water pit at a cost of $2000. In the Spring of 1867 Mr. Beardsley sold his share to Elnathan Millspaugh, and the ucav firm was Liioavu as Edgerly, Millspaugh & Co. In November, 1867, M. E. Benedict purchased the interest of Jerome Edgerly and they Avere suc ceeded by Millspaugh & Wheeler in 1868, this firm in turn be ing succeeded by R. W. Benedict & Co., Avho continued the busi ness until 1874, Avhen it was sold to M. H. Olin & Co. The mem bers of this company, in addition to M. H. Olin, were : R. W. Benedict and Robert Stainton. In 1875 Messrs. Benedict and Stainton retired and were succeeded by R. T. Tuttle, Truman Olin and James Wyckoff, Mr. M. H. Olin retaining his interest and the firm being known as Wyckoff, Tuttle & Olin. This concern manufactured the Royce reapers and mowers, and em ployed, about 70 men, producing about 1200 machines annually and the business amounting to about $200,000 per year. In 1882, Truman and M. H. Olin sold their interest in the reaper works and took over the hardware business that had been con ducted by Wyckoff, Tuttle & Olin. Wyckoff & Tuttle contin ued the manufacture of reapers and mowers, Mr. Tuttle in 1885 selling a part of his interest to three sons of Mr. Wyckoff, the firm being knoAvn as Wyckoff, Tuttle & Co. In 1889 'Mr. Tuttle retired, selling his interest to Wyckoff & Co., consisting of Mr. James Wyckoff and his sons Frank H., Edwin M., and James N. The manufacture of a self-binder was begun in 1884, to fill the demand for a machine that Avould meet the re quirements of progress. Mr. James Wyckoff died in 1890. The Wyckoff Harvester Company Avas formed in 1893, Avhen J. N. EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 73 Wyckoff purchased the interest of his brothers Frank H. and EdAvin M., and in the Fall of 1S94 the plant Avas removed to JamestoAvn, where it was conducted for about three years. The second dam on the outlet, which is iioav knoAvn as the "Tomlinson dam," was constructed by Benjamin Gardner in 1826. Prior to this, he had erected a distillery, an ashery and a cooper shop in the immediate vicinity. Mr. Monroe Lambert managed the distillery for a number of years. In 1828 the grist mill uoav OAvned by Tomlinson & Son Avas erected by Mr. Gard ner, and the one Avhich he had purchased in 1817 from John Hammersley was comrerted into the wooden dish mill pre viously mentioned. After Mr. Gardner's death in 1834, J. H. Bennett took charge of the mill and continued the business un til 1844, Avhen this, the ashery, distillery and other property for merly OAvned by Mr. Gardner, Avere sold to E. B. Sackett. Regarding the activities of distilleries and the conditions prevailing during the early period, the folioAving excerpts from an article Avritten by Rev. John Stainton and published in the Siher Lake Sun in 1870, may be of interest as compared Avith conditions at the present time. He said : "Of the whiskey manufactories there Avere tAvo in the Aril- lage and one at West Perry. Then, indeed, did King Alcohol reign without a rival. Whiskey was a staple article of trade. Every merchant and grocer sold it, and nearly eArery customer bought and used it ; and it was, like potash, a prime article of export. Such was the fashion of the day, the public custom of the times. Perhaps it may be inferred from our description of the primitive state of society that Ave all loved the liquor and were a settlement of drunkards. Not exactly so; still, nearly everybody drank. No temperance organizations then existed, such as we now have. Drunkards lived and died as such, and the marvel is that there Avere not many more, for tippling was the general rule. Drinking was no disparagement of character unless marked by excess. This frequently occurred from those Avho came up from Gardeau and Smoky HoIIoav. They gener- 74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ally had a fight when they came up to town, and made the night hideous by their screaming and baAvling AArhen they started for home." "The Countryman," published in Perry by Daniel Curtis, in its issue of July 25th, 1844, contained the above picture and following explanation : "Above is an engraving (by a young man in this office) of a view from the southwest angle, of a large and superior Flouring Mill just completed in this village. It is 60x50 feet, three stories high, with lofty attic, and contain ing four runs of stones. The first mill on this site was built by Benjamin Gardner, and the present one by George L. Davis. We shall be glad to have other persons owning manufactories, mills and other property, get drawings and engravings of their premises, that we may insert them. The expense is but trifling, and will be accurately done by the young artist in this office." Mr. Sackett did not take actiAre management of these indus tries, but continued them through his agent, George L. Davis. During 1844 the grist mill Avas considerably enlarged and much new machinery was installed. All of the neAV castings were manufactured at the local foundry operated by Hicks & Bailey. The grist mill has since been OAvned successively by: Rufus EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 75 Smith, George Taylor, Taylor & Nobles, James and Charles Nobles, Nobles & Tomlinson. In 1878, Mr. George Tomlinson purchased the interest of C. W. G. Nobles, since Avhich time the property has been OAvned aud operated by the Tomlinson family. GEORGE TOMLINSON Born, August 15th, 1822. Died, May 11th, 1908. 76 HISTOXY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The above view is taken from a point south of the Andrus planing mill looking west, and shows the "Andrus pond," the culvert across Main street and the Dolbeer blacksmith shop occupied by the late John Copeland, on the left. The white building is the former Wm. T. Hamlin residence, now occu pied by Joseph Ireland's Farmers' Supply House. In the distance is the Tomlinson mill and the sheds which covered the ground now occupied by the Tomlinson and Gillett residences on Center street. This picture was taken some time in the early '70's. EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 77 In 1865, while this mill was being conducted by Nobles & Tomlinson, the same firm erected a building on the present site of the salt Avorks, and used it as a cider mill. In 1868, generat ors Avere introduced and the manufacture of pure cider vinegar was begun by them and carried on prosperously until the Spring of 1878, Avhen, in dividing their property and interests preparatcrj- to dissolving partnership, the flouring mill was taken by Mr. Tomlinson and the vinegar works by Mr. Nobles, Avho associated Avith himself, his son Marshall S. Nobles, under the firm name of C. W. G. Nobles & Son. The neAV manage ment made a number of important improvements and an exten sive business Avas carried on until about the year 1885. The mill, Avhen operating to its full capacity, consumed 1500 bushels of apples per day, producing thirty barrels of vinegar. The barrels Avere made by the firm of Loomis & Fanning, Avho con ducted an extensive cooper shop at this time. At the time Mr. Tomlinson was associated with Mr. Nobles the firm also conducted a hame factory at the vinegar works. In 1886 the Perry Salt Company Avas organized, with a cap ital stock of $80,000, most of Avhich was subscribed by local res idents. C. W. G. Nobles was the principal organizer and stock holder. The building that he had preA'iously used as a vinegar Avorks was remodeled to conform with the requirements of the new industry and other and larger buildings were soon erected and equipped Avith the proper machinery. A group of large vats were erected on the ridge near the present Tempest knit ting mills, and Avere used for evaporating the salt. The cost of manufacture by this process Was considerably greater than the mined salt, consequently the management found it difficult to compete with the concerns that mined the product. The result was that the local plant failed and went into the hands of a re ceiver, and later, through foreclosure proceedings, passed into the hands of the First National Bank of Perry, the business be- 78 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ing conducted for four years by George K. Page, when it was purchased in 1899 by the National Salt Company. This so-call ed "trust" closed the local plant, together with several others which had come under their control, thus eliminating their coin- petition. The following year the plant was again sold, this a.a S o H EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 79 time to the Iroquois Salt Company, of which Mr. Harry Yates of Rochester Avas the principal stockholder. This company con tinued business until about 1909, when a portion of the build ings Avere refitted and used one year as a cider mill. The busi ness Avas apparently unprofitable, and after an idleness of a feAv years the plant was dismantled and the buildings were taken doAA-n. CHAPTER VI Mauufactories That Had an Important Part in the Growth of the Town — Rise and Fall of Salt Manufacturing — Knitting Com pany's Development. A brick yard was established about the year 1828 near West Perry, just south of the road, near the inlet, a Mr. Moses being the proprietor and manufacturer. The brick used m the construction of the old Presbyterian Church, the old Perry Academy and the block erected by Rufus H. Smith, (a part of the present Olin block) Avere manufactured at this yard. The Perry carriage factory was established in the year 1832 by Wm. K. Dolbeer. The building occupied by this concern was located on the corner of Main and St. Helena streets. Mr. Dolbeer afterAvard took his son Kimball into partnership under the firm name of Dolbeer & Son. In 1865 the property Avas sold to Moses Dolbeer, and in 1867, W. H. Botsford was taken into partneship under the firm name of Dolbeer & Botsford. Buggies, phaetons, lumber wagons, sleighs, cutters, etc., were manufactured by the firm until 1872, Avhen the property passed into the hands of G. B. Olin & Co., who used it for several years for the manufacture of the celebrated spring-tooth har rows that found a wide sale. The industry Avas later removed to Canandaigua. Calvin Fanning came to Perry from Avon in about 1846 and erected a cooper shop near the site of the district school building standing on the "flatiron" corners about one mile east of Perry Village, just beyond the Alanson Lacy place. Later, he moAred the business to a building on Water street and continued it there for a number of years. About the year 1870, his son Charles A., together Avith Henry and Lyman Loo- mis, rented the property on the corner of Main and St. Helena EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 81 streets, the firm being known as Loomis, Fanning & Co. About tAvo years later they purchased property on Center street, near the depot, for greater convenience and enlarged facilities. In 1S77 Henry Loomis retired, and in 1882 Lyman Loomis Avith- ALANSON LACY Born, 1810. Died, 1909. drew from the business, which was thereafter conducted by Mr. Fanning. In 1884 he added a coal business to his line of coop erage. In 1894, owing to failing health, he relinquished the actiA'e care of the business to his son, Fred D. Fanning, who took charge and complete management of it. After the death of C. A. Fanning in 1899, the business was conducted under the firm name of F. D. Fanning & Co., who added the local ice busi ness, purchased of C. G. Martin. Mrs. Fanning died in 1909, 82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY and since her death F. D. Fanning has been the sole owner and manager of the business. He has added another industry, an apple evaporator works, which has met with success. C. W. G. Nobles & Son conducted a coal business for sev eral years after Mr. Nobles dissolved partnership with Geo. Tomlinson, and after Mr. Nobles' death it was sold to Charles Dolbeer, who sold it to C. A. Carmichael and C. A. Toan, Car- michael & Toan adding a local ice business. In 1894, Carmi chael & Toan sold their business to C. G. Martin, who sold the local ice business to F. D. Fanning. John Dickerson, a son of Daniel Dickerson, who came to Perry in 1814, conducted the first marble or monumental works in the town. About the year 1820 he opened a quarry on his father's farm near West Perry. Here he manufactured many of the rude monuments erected in the old cemeteries where sleep the remains of so many of Perry's pioneers. The native stone which he chiseled may be seen in other towns than Perry, as far east as Lima. When the means of tranportation and the wealth of the people would allow, he journeyed to Rutland, Vt., his native town, for marble which he sent on to Perry and finished as desired. About 1865 Mr. Dickerson removed to Kansas, Avhere he died on Sept. 8, 1878. Deacon Moses McKee Avas another early monument maker. His establishment was located on Center street, near the culvert Avhere the Edgerly creek crosses the highway, about one- quarter of a mile from the junction Avith Covington street. He specialized in white marble slabs which came from Vermont. Many of these may be seen in Hope Cemetery. About the year 1850 a certain Mr. Buttre established a monument works in Perry, but for some cause he discontinued business within a few years. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 83 The Sutherland monument works Avere established in Perry in 1880 by Charles Sutherland. Although beginning in a small way and employing only one man, by efficient work manship and good management the business has grown until its capacity has been enlarged several times, numerous hands are employed, and its product has found an extensive sale throughout this section. The Perry Knitting Company was organized in 1881 by local residents, the enterprise being promoted by Mr. A. A. Moore of Greenwich, N. Y. The original investment of capital stock was $40,000,- which was increased to $71,300 the third year. In 1892 it was again increased to $100,000. The first building, noAV knoAvn as Mill No. 1, was erected in 1882. Mr. Moore's connection Avith the industry continued for only one year, he being succeeded by Mr. T. H. Bussey, Avho was in charge two years. He was followed by Patrick Kane as super intendent, who remained in that capacity for six years and in creased its working force to about 70 operatives. Until this time the industry had not been profitable, but it began paying expenses under Mr. Kane's management, although no divi dends Avere realized by the stockholders. Mr. Kane was suc ceeded in 1891 by Mr. George M. Traber, who came here from Little Falls, N. Y. Within the period since 1891 the growth of the industry, in the size of the plant, number of operatives, and the amount of business done, has been remarkable. The Perry Knitting Company began with 35,000 square feet of floor space devoted to its business. At the close of 1914 the company had 246,269 feet of floor space, or nearly five acres, the plant con sisting of the following briefly described buildings : Mill No. 1 — 54x98, six stories, brick. Mill No. 2—36x89, four stories, brick. Box factory — 60x133%, three stories and basement, brick. Yarn mill — 109x268, three stories, brick. Born, Dec. 3, 1842 HON. MILO H. OLIN, Died May 20, 1907 Mr. Olin was the prime mover in the project of establishing a knitting mill in Perry in 1882 and was originally its largest stockholder. The busi ness had a number of serious setbacks, but he never lost faith in the possi bilities of the enterprise, and not only backed it with every dollar he pcssessed, but borrowed money on his credit to insure the success of the business and tide it over its difficulties. In the Fall of 1885 he was elected President and General Manager of the company and devoted every energy to make the business a success, an ambition that was fully realized after overcoming serious difficulties. In 1888 Mr. Olin was active in the organization of the Citizens (State) Bank of Perry, which is a solid financial institution. He was made Presi dent at the organization and was continued in office until he died. Mr. Olin was one of the promoters and a large stockholder in the Silver Lake Agricultural Association. He was also the leader in the movement to induce the Robeson Cutlery Company to locate in Perry and gave $500 toward the purchase price of the idle reaper works building, spending his time and effort to get other citizens to give, and accomplishing his object. Later, he took stock in the company to aid in its greater development. When a Creamery was proposed for Perry, as a benefit to the farming community as well as to the village interests, Mr. Olin took stock in the enterprise, and when its failure seemed probable because of inability to raise the necessary amount of money, he made up the deficiency to insure its establishment In every movement for the betterment and progress of the town he took a leading and active part, giving generously of his time and money. He was one of the Railroad Commissioners of the town and an earnest advocate of that enterprise which gave Perry rail communication with the outside world. Whatever enterprise might benefit Perry found an active champion in Mr. Olin, whether it was civic, educational or philanthropic, and none could truthfully say that he failed to do his part ; and he did not stop to consider whether or not he was to be directly benefited. Mr. Olin was not only prominent in his town, but also in the county and State. In the Fall of 1891 he was nominated by the Republican County Con vention for Member of Assembly from this county, and served two terms. He was a Presidential Elector in 1897, the first term of President McKinley. For a period of six years he was one of the State Fair Commissioners, a position he held until the time of his death. He was also a director of the State Experiment Station at Geneva. C. G. c. 86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Office — 33x50, two stories, brick; the second story being occupied by a restaurant for the convenience of employees. Engine and dynamo house — 35x40. Mill No. 5 — 139x160, three stories and basement, brick. Two engine houses, each 26x34. Two boiler houses — one 26x38 and one 26x50. Four large frame storehouses. Three concrete storehouses. Dimensions over all of the seven storehouses, 336x105. Concrete picker house — 97x109. Concrete Wash House — 79x75. Concrete Dry House — 51x40. With its water, steam and electric power, the plant uses 1500 horse-power. Of this amount, about 100 horse-power is elec tric, generated by waste av iter carried through a huge trunk con duit to a site 1800 feet below the plant, Avhere it has a fall of 85 feet. An immense electric generator which is operated by steam produces 800 horse-power. The entire plant is lighted by electricity developed by its own machines, with a capacity of 1000 incandescent lamps. It is heated throughout by steam, be ing equipped with the exhaust system. It has a complete tele phone system, with twenty-two stations, giving instant com munication with the foreman of every department. In addition to the fire protection given by the municipal ity, the company has its oavii independent pumping system, Avith a capacity of 750 gallons per minute, and an automatic sprinkling system in every department. At the present time the company has about 1000 employees. Of this number about 100 belong to the night force, the factory having for several years been obliged to run night and day to keep up with its orders. The factory has 18,824 cotton spin dles, about 400 sewing machines, and 225 knitting machines besides the large amount of other machinery necessary for In the above picture, taken from the east bank of the outlet, in the center is shown Mill No. 1; at the right of it is Mill No, 2; at the extreme right is showa a portion, of the Yarn Mill. At the left is shown a portion of the Box Factory. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 87 Operating such an important industry. On the average, every working day, 28,000 complete garments are made. To pro duce these the company uses 135 bales of cotton each week; (500 pounds or more to the bale) or 34 tons per week of cotton that is spun into yarn. The company manufactures a large variety of light and heavy weight underAvear in two-piece and union suits and their product is sold to the largest jobbers in nearly every State of the Union, and the goods are retailed in every part of the United States. They are also getting an export business well established. In addition to their home office in Perry, in Avhich seven people are employed, the company maintains an office on Broadway, New York City. The late Hon. M. H. Olin was president of the company from 1885 until his death in 1907. It is due to his faith in the enterprise, his tenacity of purpose and his loyalty to Perry that the institution has passed through the trying times it has been obliged to meet and overcome, particularly during its first few years, when to keep it in operation, he assumed financial obli gations that would have caused great personal loss had his faith not been justified. To G. M. Traber, the manager during the continuous period since he took charge, a great measure of credit is also due for the success that the company enjoys. The faith and courage of Mr. Olin, combined with the practical ex perience and executive ability of Mr. Traber were the factors that turned the tide in the favorable direction since folloAved and enjoyed. The Robeson Cutlery Company The business of this company was founded in 1879 by the late Millard F. Robeson. At that time Mr. Robeson was a traveling salesman for a New York concern and took up the MILLARD F. ROBESON Born, April 8th, 1847 Died, Dec. 30th, 1903 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 89 selling of cutlery as a "side line," buying knives from jobbing houses. He kept his first stock in a bureau draAver. As his trade greAv he increased his stock and kept it in a clothes press in his home. It outgrew the storage facilities of his clothes press and the overflow occupied the floor space underneath his bed. Next he built an addition to his house, a room spec ially fitted with shelves to contain his stock. Mr. Robeson felt quite proud when that proved to be too small and he erected a brick building on the rear of his residence lot in Elmira. In 1894 he purchased an interest in the Rochester Stamping Works and removed to that city, continuing his cutlery busi ness by buying of jobbers as before. In 1895, Mr. Robeson rented a factory building at Camillus, N.'Y., and began the manufacture of his own product, employing 30 to 35 men. Three years later — in the Spring of 1898 — the industry was removed to Perry. Mr. Robeson having visited this place on several occasions, selling his goods to the hardware trade, he was im pressed with the town and its advantages. At that time the buildings now occupied were idle. They had been vacated by the Wyckoff Harvester Co., which had removed to Jamestown, N. Y. Business men had talked the matter over with him and made the proposition which they believed could be fulfilled : If Mr. Robeson would remoAre the industry to Perry, the plant would be rented to him for a reasonable figure until such time as his payroll amounted to $36,000 per year, an annual sworn, statement to be rendered to a trustee. When the pay roll reached the sum named, the plant would be deeded to the Robe son Cutlery Co., upon consideration of $1.00, the company to agree to continue the industry in operation here for a period of ten years, when the property would become theirs absolutely, without reservation. If the company suspended business or removed from Perry before the expiration of ten years the property was to be deeded back to the trustee upon considera tion of $1.00. Mr. Robeson agreed to the proposition, and the EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 91 late Hon. M. H. Olin, heading the list Avith $500, took an active part in securing subscriptions from other public spirited citi zens, who gave all the way from $500 down to $25 toAvard the $8,000 necessary to purchase the property and secure the in dustry for Perry. The effort Avas successful within a compara tively short time, and the late George Tomlinson was made trustee for the citizens who subscribed. The aboAre stipulations were fulfilled and the land and buildings were accordingly deeded to the company. Since the industry came to Perry the business has increased rapidly, necessitating the erection in 1906 of a 90x40 brick addition containing three stories and basement. The buildings are heated throughout by the exhaust and live steam systems, and are protected from fire by auto matic sprinklers, also by chemical tanks distributed through the entire plant. A dynamo with a capacity of 600 lights gives ample light for all apartments. The company uses approxi mately 250 horse-poAver in the operation of its machinery. This is distributed from three units — gas, steam and water — AA'hich produce the necessary poAver, with plenty of reserve. The company's pay roll at the end of 1914 amounted to more than $200,000 per year. Beginning with a force of about 35 men, the company now has about 400 employees, manufacturing more than 1,500,000 knives. Its factory is one of the three largest cutlery plants in the United States in the amount of pro duction. The company has 52 traveling salesmen who sell the product in every State in the Union. The Tempest Knitting Company This company was organized in 1907, with a capital of $75,000 and with the following named gentlemen as stock holders: D. M. Tempest, George J. Grieve, James N. Wyckoff, Joseph E. Cole, Dr. John Harding, Charles H. Toan and Ches ter F. Holcombe. A brick building three stories high, was 92 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY erected on property purchased of Wm. Rudd and Lloyd Mcln- tyre, off Federal street, above the railroad tracks, from which a switch runs directly to the mill. The company began manu facturing cotton underwear, Nov. 25th, 1907, Avith a force of 28 employees. A 70-foot addition was built on the east end in INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 93 1912. and an addition 50x96 was built on the west end later in ctie year, doubling the original capacity. A 300 horse-power Corliss engine is connected with a 100 horse-power dynamo, Avhich furnishes power to the individual electric motors attach ed to the different machines, thus doing away with all overhead shafting and fixtures. The factory is heated throughout by the exhaust and live steam systems, lighted by electricity of its own manufacture, and is equipped with an automatic sprinkling system for fire protection. The pressure tank used in this sys tem Avas installed in the Fall of 1913 and has a capacity of 30,000 gallons. In addition to this protection, there is a hydrant at each end of the building connected with the six- inch supply main of the municipal system. The number of em ployees has been steadily increased sincethebeginning, there be ing nearly 200 at the present time. Mr. Tempest, in whose honor the industry Avas named, closed his connection with the con cern in October, 1908, disposing of his stock a short time after ward to local residents. The Lander & Watson Hosiery Co. This manufacturing concern was organized in 1908 by D.W. Watson and James Lander. Mr. Watson had previously made an extensive study of the matter and materials and had in stalled a hosiery knitting machine in his home on Elm street. Then he purchased material and experimented until he pro duced the satisfactory article. He tested it thoroughly by actual wear and induced a number of his friends to give his product a severe trial. Finding that he had succeeded in making a grade of hosiery that by practical demonstration was superior to a majority of such goods sold, he decided to extend the man ufacture of his product and place it upon the market. Mr. Lander became interested and the two gentlemen decided to embark in the business under the firm name mentioned. 94 HISTORY OP THE TOWN OF PERRY Land was leased on the Matthews property and a tAVo-story building, 20x30 feet in size Avas erected. Machinery and the other necessary equipment Avere installed, and operations began in August, 1908. A small addition Avas made to the original building in the following year. About two years after the be ginning of operations, the company Avas reorganized and a stock company was formed, a number of the local citizens as sisting in financing the enterprise. About a year after the re organization, Mr. Watson retired to go into business for him self. The annual production has been about 175,000 pairs of hose. In March, 1893, Messrs. William L. Smith, James Kennedy and Benjamin H. Hollister formed a co-partnership under the firm name of Smith, Kennedy & Co., and erected a saw and planing mill on Center street, a short distance south of the dc pot. In 1895, Messrs. Kennedy and Hollister sold their interest to Mr. Smith, who continued the business a few years. The most prominent building erected by Mr. Smith Avas the Town Hall, which Avas constructed in 1896. He lost money on the contract and became financially embarrassed in consequence. Messrs. Kennedy and Hollister held a mortgage against the mill property, and folloAving foreclosure, sold it in 1900 to John J. Martin, avIio remodeled and converted it into the grist mill Avhich has since been conducted by him. In 1907, Mr. Martin sold the building and land to his son, William K. Martin. The Roberts Lumber Company was formed in 1908 by Mr. W. J. Roberts. A building, 54x100, was erected on the east bank of the outlet near Gardeau street. An addition, 20x110, Avas constructed the folloAving year. All of the machinery used iu the plant is operated by electric power furnished by the Perry Electric Light Co. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 95 The Perry Glove and Mitten Manufacturing Company was organized by George A. Clark and was successfully managed by him until the time of his death on Jan. 16, 1911. Its product Avas canvass gloves and mittens, for which he found an exten sive sale. In the Winter of 1914, Perry citizens subscribed for $20,000 stock in the Kaustine Company, Incroporated, manufacturers of sanitary closets, and secured the location of that industry in Perry. They removed their factory equipment from Bradford, Pa., and early in 1915, began manufacturing here on a small scale. A factory site Avas secured on the Carmichael (formerly Needham) farm, adjoining the line of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad, and the work of erecting a plant at a cost of about $10,000 was begun in April, 1915. Perry capital also Avas invested in the construction of an 1800-foot switch from the road leading north from the lake, through the property to the site of the Kaustine Company's plant, providing a number of other desirable factory sites for future development. The land for these additional sites, consisting of about ten acres, was given by W. H. McClelland and Lucius Atwater, who had pur chased the farm for development into residence property, nam ing the tract "Lake View Heights." The Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad Company contributed a portion of the expense for the 1800-foot switch above referred to, and the new industry began operations here with favorable indications of steady growth, its first month 's sales amounting to double Avhat they Avere in the same period the previous year. CHAPTER VII Educational Institutions of the Early Days — Encouragement Always Given by Townspeople to Such Factors in Its Development — Private and Public Institutions. The great bulwark of the Pilgrims was their faith in God and universal education. The pioneers brought these traits of character to Western New York, and AAdierever a settlement was made, the church and the school house were the immediate successors of the log cabins of the settlers. Whatever else might be neglected, religious worship and the education of their children were not forgotten. In the winter of 1812-13, two school houses were built in the Town of Perry, one at West Perry and the other in the vil lage. The exact location of the first mentioned is unknown. Miss Ann Cutting, a resident of WarsaAv, taught the school and Avas the first teacher to conduct a school in the town. The vil lage school house was a small log building and stood on the flat iron piece of ground at the junction of the Richmond mill road way and Water street, a short distance northeast from Gardeau street. Miss Catey Ward, who came from NeAV Marlboro, Mass., and who Avas a sister of the pioneer physician, Jabez Ward, was engaged as the first village school teacher. Miss Ward was born in Massachusetts, Jan. 1st, 1792, and came to Perry with her parents, Ralph and Lorian Ward, in 1813. She was one of the original members of the Congregational Church at Perry Center. After finishing her career as an instructor, she mar ried John Russell, an early settler in Perry. She died on Feb. 20th, 1865, and is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery at Perry Center. In the Pioneer Log Cabin at Silver Lake is exhibited a large wooden ball which Avas used in this village school as a globe map, the first to be used in the toAvn. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 97 In 1813, another log school building was erected at Perry Center by the early settlers of that portion of the town and was opened in the Fall of that year with Miss Ann Mann of Massa chusetts, as teacher. This Avas used as a school building but one year, and was subsequently sold to one of the incoming set tlers and converted into a dwelling. In 1869, the late A. W. Young of Warsaw wrote a good des cription of the early school house, together with personal rem iniscences of the period. He said : "The first school houses were built of logs, and with fireplaces and chimneys like those of the log dwelling houses. They were sometimes roofed or shingled with 'shakes,' a material resembling staves for barrels. The writing desks were made by boring large holes in the side of the house, slanting downward from the wall, and driving into them large pins upon which the boards were fastened, so that the pupils, when writing, faced the wall. Seats were made of slabs, flat side up, resting on four legs. Many of our citizens remember those school -houses in which they received their lim ited education — the ill chinked walls, the large, open fireplace filled with a" huge 'pile of logs in a vain attempt to make a comfortable place to study. They remember that most com mon of all questions coming from the remote parts of the room, 'Master, may I go to the fire?' and how often the 'Master,' annoyed by the continued reiteration of this question would respond the emphatic 'No!' Nor have they forgotten their pe culiar feelings when, their whole bodies trembling with cold, they were compelled to keep their seats until relieved by the arrival of 12 or 4 o'clock, with the thrice welcome wordt 'Dismissed.' Not only were school houses uncomfortable, the course of instruction and the qualification of teachers were very defective. The entire course in most of the schools em braced only spelling, reading, writing and common arithmetic. In this last branch, Daboll's arithmetic was used, and the mathe- 98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY matical ambition of many pupils Avas satisfied when they could 'cipher' to the end of the 'Single rule of three,' which in that popular work, came before fractions. Few teachers having a knowledge of grammar, this was not insisted upon by the in spectors. Geography, now one of the studies in every primary school, could hardly be found in a country school. The man ner of teaching and conducting a school is also Avorthy of note. Writing, in many schools Avas not done at any fixed hour, nor by all at the same time. None but goose quill pens Avere used ; a metal pen would have been considered a great curiosity. To make and mend the pens and 'set copies 'for ten, twelve or thirty pupils took no small portion of the teacher's time and Avas often done • during the reading and other exercises, in which the worst mistakes often escaped the observation of the teacher. To avoid this, some teachers did this work before or after school hours. The introduction of metallic pens and the printed copy book is an inA'aluable improvement, saving much time and labor and furnishing the pupils with good and uniform copies. Nor had the blackboard been invented; or, if it .had, it was not known in the rural districts. Nor were pupils in arithmetic, taught in classes. They got the attention and assistance of the teacher as they could. Voices were heard from different parts of the room: 'Master, I can't do this sum,' or 'Master, please sIicav me Iioav to do this sum.' These, with questions asking liberty to 'go and drink,' etc., which, on the floor of some schools were ahvays in order, the teacher going from one part of the room to another to help the scholars or do their work for them, and scholars running to the~ teacher to ask him how to pro nounce the hard Avords in the spelling and reading lessons — all these and other things'that might be, mentioned, keptthe school in a .constant bustle. There Avere, however, some good teachers then; and there are many nOAv who ansAver too nearly to the foregoing description, yet a comparison of the schools of the EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS" 99 present time with those of that period shoAv a vast improve ment. ' ' In the year 1819 the Toavii of Perry Avas divided into school districts, and the districts then established have been altered from time to time, as the changing circumstances have required. The writer has made an effort to trace the various districts from the time of their original formation up to the present, but has found that very few of the old school records were available and without them the Avork could not be accomplished. The first district school house in the town Avas built near Perry Center in about the year 1819, some distance west of the four corners, and was taught by Samuel Waldo. This Avas probably the first frame school building in the town. Another frame school building Avas erected soon afterward on the Center road, just above Watkins avenue. Silas Ellis, from Vermont, was engaged as the first teacher. Of the district schools which had been established in the town, special mention is made of old District No. 5 at West Perry. This was one of the most important of the early schools, both as to scholarship and numbers, generally ranking first after the Union School in the village and the Institute at Perry Cen ter. Among those who taught this school in its early days we find the names of Rev. David Nutton, Miss Emeline D. Howard, G. B. Matthews, Sarah E. Fitch, J. N. Flint, Sarah Howard, Samuel W. Tewksbury, Deacon Wygant, and James N. Bing ham. In 1869, districts numbered 7, 9 and 14, embracing the Cen ter neighborhood, were consolidated, forming District No. 8. Land was purchased on the southwest of the four corners, and the present school building (costing approximately $3,000) was erected; The lumber used in its construction was hauled over land from Piffard. The first teachers employed were E. W. Hoyt 100 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY of Pavilion and Miss Libbie Judd, who had charge of the pri mary department. At one time in the school's history, 125 students were enrolled. In 1816 the Water street school house Avas found to be too small to accommodate the constantly increasing number of pu pils and another building was constructed on the corner of Lake and Short streets. This Avas a two-story building, the school occupying the lower floor, the second floor being devoted to public use for meetings, lodge purposes, religious gatherings, etc. On March 6, 1819, Constellation Lodge No. 320, F .& A. M., was instituted in this small upper room. As near as we can learn, Ebenezer Higgins, a brother of Dr. Otis Higgins, was the first Worshipful Master. The building was used principally as a school for a period of 16 years. Asthe population ofthevillage continued to increase, a still larger school building was needed, and in 1832 a portion of the building that is now known as "The Beehive," was erected and was used for the advanced scholars, the Water street building being used as a primary school from 1832 to 1845. In 1902, the late Harwood A. Dudley of Warsaw, who came with his parents to Perry in 1831, wrote reminiscences of his early school days at The Beehive, excerpts from which are here given : "It had its departments, perhaps not graded just as now, but sufficiently so to be marked and distinct. The boys' depart ment had for its head Wm. Skidmore. We children used to called him ' Bill. ' The girls ' school had Miss Charlotte Ayers for teacher, and, as I remember, she was much more capable and popular than Bill Skidmore. 'Skid' was severe and erratic in his discipline, while Miss Ayers Avas patient and considerate in the management of her department. I remember an incident in Skidmore 's discipline that reveals his mode of punishment. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 101 Two boys got into a scrap one day at recess and came into the school room in a dilapidated condition that attracted the teach er's attention and led to the inquiry as to what had occurred outside. A scrimmage was reported, and the teacher adopted a novel mode of punishment. I remember the details distinctly, as I was one of the boys. Three good and strong branches from a neighboring tree were brought in and the offenders were called into the center of the room ; and each was given an ' olive branch,' while the teacher retained the stoutest stick for his own use. The culprits were then ordered to finish their fight then and there. The spirit of the contest had by this time died out from both parties, but when we did not put in all the energy the teacher thought proper, he would add force to the conflict by whaling the laggard and he closed the entertainment by giv ing each of us a separate and distinct punishment on his own ac count. The two boys were ever afterAvard good friends, but they will ever remember William Skidmore 's vigorous ways of administering punishment to fighting school boys. ' ' In 1845, District No. 16 (Water street school) and No. 6 (The Beehive) were consolidated and the last named school building was remodeled, greatly enlarged, and re-dedicated on November 18th of that year, Rev. Joseph R. Page, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, delivering the oration. This building served as a publicsehool until after the purchase of the Academy property by the district in 1872, at which time it was sold and converted into a dAvelling house. After the coalition the school Avas known as the District Union School. Under the new regime Mr. T. S. Loomis was engaged as principal. His sister, Miss Loomis, was the head of the young ladies ' department, and Miss Eliza Dolbeer (afterward Mrs. Henry N. Page) was in charge of the primary department. All pupils were charged for tuition as was the custom with all schools of the period. In 102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY 1846 Mr. Locmis resigned and was succeeded by Mr. J. B. Chase. The following named are remembered as having taught nchcol in The Beehive.: Solomon Hull, Charles J. Hull, Linus W. lhayer, Komott, Charles Holt, Charles Mix, J. H. Alet- caif, Lydia Risdon, Elisha'Risdon, Elizabeth Fox, Mentor How ard, Lydia Huntington, Airs. J. S. Brown, Esther Goodell, Aliss Howard, Harriet Bachelder, Thomas Ccpeland, J. C. Bradt, Gardner, A. J. Mallory, Miss Parsons, Miranda Millspaugh (Mrs. Marvin S.nith,) Amy Newland, Sophronia Broughton, Mark Pierce, Delia Jeffers (Mrs. T. B. Catton,) EdAvin Al. R?ad, Alary Palmer (Airs. Mark Pierce,) Ellen Rood, John P- Robin- sen, Kate Garrison, Alartha Garrison, Grace Grieve, Marion Grieve, Jessie Grieve, Elmina Taylor, J. Wheat Merrill, Wm. Turner, Kate R. Keeney, E. H. Wygant, Marietta Scranton, Ab- bie Bathiiek (Mrs. Martin P. Andrews,) Libbie Westla'.e (Washburn,) Priscilla Westlake (Fiske,) E. Hoyt, Manville Cheeney, George Lucas, Ella S. Calligan, Lida Calligan. Vic toria M. Herring,. and George B. Fern. The most important of the early educational institutions in the Town of Perry was established on the northeast of the four corners at Perry Center in the year 1839 by Prof. Charles A. Huntington, a graduate of Burlington College in Vermont, and was known as the Perry Center Institute. The school be came Avidely and favorably I.iioavii, students being enrolled from all parts of Western NeAv York. During its most prosper ous years — or between 1841 and 1844 — the enrollment averaged about 140. The Avriter has been shoAvn by Hon. B. A. Nevins, one of the first catalogs issued by the Institute, dated January 20, 1841. The catalog Avas printed by J. B. Wood at Perry Village, and contains the names of the folloAving instructors : Charles A. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 103 Huntington, Principal of the male department; Henry E. Sel- den, Assistant; Lucy Huntington, Principal of the female de partment. The young men occupied the first floor of the build ing, and the young ladies used the second floor. The following named gentlemen were the "Examining Committee," a com mittee which was appointed annually and whose duty it was . ,-¦¦ PROF. CHARLES A. HUNTINGTON B'prn Aprji 26, 1812. Died in Portland, Ore., Sept. 24, 1904 to, visit, the school from time to time and inform themselves respecting its instruction , and internal regulations : Rev. John Scott, Rev. Jesse Elliott, Rev. Jenks Phillips, Hon. Peter Pat terson, Phicol M. Ward, Esq., Dr. Jabez Ward, Samuel Howard, Esq,, Truman Benedict, and Norman Blakeslee. This commit- tee_also gave out reports of the_ standings and conditions of the 104 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY school at the close of alternate terms. FolloAving is a list of the names of students who were attending the school in 1841 : Male Department — Frederic Austin, Charles G. Benedict, Charles J. Benedict, Wm. Benedict, James H. Bingham, Homer Bingham, Albert M. Bingham, Jasper N. Bolton, Wm. E. Brad ley, Alerritt E. Bradley, Philander Bronson, John M. Butler, Henry C. Butler, Calvin Butler, Morgan Calkins, Norman W. Cal„ins, Volney G. Call.ins, Albert L. Camp, James H. Camp, Joseph E. Chapman, Timothy G. Clark, Wm. Clute, Squire A. Cox, German Cossitt, George W. M. Dana, Amos J. Gardner, Wm. H. Harrison, Galen Higgins, Alason A. Hollister, Samuel Al. He ward, Wm. Howard, Charles Howard, Franklin M. Pix- ley, Amasa Porter, Carlos R. SnoAv, Charles E. Salter, Royal T. Howard, James B. Kniffin, George Lapham, Alva Lacy, J. Mat- tison, Henry L. AfcCann, Wm. H. AlcEntee, James S. McEntee, Stephen McEntee, John C. McEntee, Cyrenus McKee, Johnson A. Moss, Lambert A. Moss, John Nevins, Thomas Patterson, Peter Patterson, 2d, Wm. C. Patterson, L. D. Pettibone, Samuel D. Purdy, Silas M. Rawson, John Scott, Edward A. Sheldon, George K. Sheldon, Stewart Sheldon, Andrew Sheldon, Wm. H. Walker, Alva H. Waldo, EdAvin P. Waldo, Jabez R. Ward, Har rison G. White, Daniel C. White, Edmund H. Wygant, A. A. Bainbridge, M. A. Gibson, Henry Robinson. Female Department — Charlotte W. Austin, Phebe A. Ball, Alary J. Ball, Mary F. Banks, Mary Benedict, Betsey Benedict, Martha A. Benedict, Mary A. Bingham, Phebe Bingham, Julia A. Bortles, Ann Briggs, Mary Briggs, Lucinda Z. Bradley, Fan ny M. Burr, Mary W. Buell, Sarah Y. Butler, Phebe C. Calkins, Emeline C. Calkins, Sarah C. Coleman, Mary W. Coleman, Vel- ona Cossitt, Caroline Cox, Fanny L. Cox, Larenza M. Hollister, Lydia Hollister, Sarah J. Hollister, Caroline Howard, Emeline Howard, Amelia M. Lathrop, Helen A. Lathrop, Marie A. Mc Entee, Mary Ann McEntee, Jane E. Mills, Caroline Miner, Es- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 105 ther M. AIoss, Lucy J. Olin, Loeza , Olin, Eliza A. Patridge, Susan S. Paterson, Elizabeth Patterson, Lovica Palmer, Sarah A. Purdy, Susan Phillips, Cynthia Phillips, Laura A. Rawson, Olive W. RaAVson, Esther Rudgers, Alary Scott, Hannah J. Scott, Dorliska E. Sheldon, Caroline W. Sheldon, Mary A. SteAvart, Lucy B. Tallmage, Jane E. Voohees, Phebe Ward, Sarah Ward, Clarinda White, Caroline A. Witter, Harriet Wor- den, Melvina A. Bolton, Amanda M. Bolton, Lucy E. Bradley, Eliza A. Calkins, Phebe HoAvard, Mercy A. HoAvard, Henrietta Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Louisa A. LoekAVood, Caroline Cole man. Sarah Ward, Avhose name appears in the above list, was the mother of Rev. Charles Sheldon, the noted author of "In His Steps." Amasa Porter, Avhose name is in the list, was a local preacher, and although 45 years of age, he was a student in this school. Others Avho received their education at the Perry Cen ter Institute and later became prominent in the affairs of the Avcrld, Avere : Rev. Herman N. Barnum. Avho for many years was a noted missionary in Turkey; Jabez R. Ward and his brother Sidney, both became eminent jurists of the early 70 's; Henry C. Butler Avas afterward a prominent judge in Minnesota; Al bert Bingham became a noted lawyer of Livingston county; his brother, Alonroe, after finishing his course at the Institute, removed to the West and subsequently became Lieutenant- Governor of the State of Wisconsin; Edward A. Sheldon be came one of the leading educators of New York State, the founder of the State Normal School at Oswego. Today, in the Capitol at Albany may be seen a bronze statue of Mr. Sheldon, the cost of Avhich Avas defrayed by the voluntary contributions of children throughout the State. Another person Avho attained National prominence (the Avriter is not certain that he was a student of the Institute) was Joseph Ward, a deeendant of Gen. Artemus Ward, the first 106 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Commander-in-Chief of the Massachusetts forces in the Revolu tionary War. Mr. Ward was born in Perry Center on May 5th, 1838. He received his early education in the school at the Center and those in the village. Later in life, he removed to Yankton, S. D., where he founded Yankton College and became its first president. He Avas also one of the most prominent lead ers in South Dakota's struggle for statehood. He died in De cember, 1889. In 1913, George Harrison Durand completed a book entitled "Joseph Ward of Dakota," a copy of which was kindly loaned to the writer. It is a splendid and powerful trib ute to the life and achievements of the former Perry Center boy. The school year at the Institute was divided into four terms of eleven weeks each. Tuition for common English studies was $3.00 per term. For the higher branches of English Science, and for Latin, Greek and French languages, $4.00. Under the item of "incidentals," the catalog states that "the expense of fuel, sweeping, etc., will be defrayed by an assessment upon the school." It also states that "the price of board, which can be procured in good families residing near, varies from $1.25 to $1.75 per week." A very fine set of instruments for the purpose of illustra tion in astronomy, electricity, optics, etc., were installed with the ordinary school apparatus. The text books used at the Institute were : Town 's Spelling Book, Town 's Analysis, Kirk- ham 's and Brown's Grammar, Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Mit chell's Geographical Reader, Mitchell's Geography, Colburn's and Adam's Arithmetic, Bridge's Algebra, Davies' Legendre's Geometry, Flint's Survey, Abbott's Abercrombie, Parker's Ex ercises, Watts on the Mind, Comstock's Philosophy, Turner's Chemistry, Gray's Astronomy, Burritt's Geography of the Heavens, Gray 's and Mrs. Lincoln 's Botany, Emerson 's History EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 107 of the United States, Whelpley 's Compound, Young 's Science of Government. BeloW is given the program rendered at an examination and exhibition of the Perry Center Institute held on Wednes day, Feb. 15th, 1843. Judging from the number of selections on the program, it is evident that a full day Avas put in ; and it is something of a wonder when the people found time for their meals. In the program published below we have omitted the "singing selections," "music" appearing no less than eighteen times : FORENOON Reading in the Bible by the School ; Prayer ; Monitor 's Re port ; Arithmetic ; Sallust ; Compositions by James R. Dales, James B. Kniffin and Wm. C. Patterson; English Grammar; Compositions by Mary W. Coleman, Sally M. Calkins and Phebe C. Calkins ; the First Elementary Class ; Algebra ; Geometry. AFTERNOON Compositions by Phebe Ward, and Sarah Ward; Second Elementary Class ; Astronomy ; Composition by Theodosia Par ish; Compositions by Clarinda M. White, Lucinda Z. Bradley, Helen M. Purely, Mercy A. Howard; Miscellaneous Arithmetic; Compositions Manercy L. Munson, Ann M. Banks, Velona Cos sitt and Amanda M. Bolton ; Exercises in Georgraphy ; Composi tions by Elizabeth Kay, Betsey Benedict, Lucy E.Bradley, Mary W. Patterson and Sarah B. Dales; Declamation by Melvin H. Dales; Report of Examining Committee; Address by Rev. E. M. Toof. EVENING French Prologue by S. W. Hitchcock ; Select Declamations by James R. Dales, James B. Kniffin, Leander Fitch ; Original Declamation by Herman N. Barnum; Latin Extract (Cicero) by John D. Higgins ; Original Declamation by James S. McEntee ; 108 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Select Declamations by H. M. Thorp, Edwin Waldo, Wm. Bene dict, Albert M. Bingham ; Original Declamation by C. J. Bene dict ; Latin Extract by Jabez R. Ward ; Original Orations by H. C. Butler, Peter Patterson, 2d, S. M. Howard ; Select Decla mation by Wm. C. Patterson, Edmund Wygant and Daniel White ; Original Orations by Thomas S. Price, SteAvart Sheldon and EdAvard A. Sheldon ; Dialogue by James S. McEntee and Stephen McEntee ; Original Orations by S. W. Hitchcock, J. D. Higgins, J. R. Ward and Amasa Porter; Music; Prayer; Bene diction. After continuing the institution for a few j'ears, Prof. Huntington became financially embarrased and secured funds by mortgaging the property. Being unable to meet the pay ments upon this indebtedness, the mortgage was foreclosed in 1845 and the property passed into other hands. Mr. Hunting ton removed to the West, where he became a missionary to the Indians. The new owners attempted to continue the school, but through lack of proper management, the attendance grad ually dAvindled and the Perry Center Institute soon passed into history. The building was sold to Daniel Ball, who moved it across the street and converted it into a shoe store. It is still standing, in a good state of preservation, on the southeast cor ner, a memorial to Perry Center's palmy days. "SEMINARY HILL" In the year 1829, the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Church, which met in Perry, appointed a committee to consider the advisability of founding an institution of learning in this district. Several towns, including Perry, Lima, Cazenovia, Le Roy and Brockport, desirous of securing the school, offered inducements to the committee. A meeting of local citizens was called and an option on the block now bounded by Cherry, Fed eral, Pine and Center streets, Avas secured to offer as a site for the school. In 1830, the committee gave its report, and after EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 109 much debating it Avas decided to build the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. The property above referred to Avas known for years as ' ' Seminary Hill. ' ' PRIVATE SCHOOLS Several private schools were established in Perry between the years 1820 and 1870. One of the first of these institutions Avas the "Perry English and Classical School," which began in about 1829. Harriet Massett was preceptress of this school, and F. Lethbridge her assistant. The school was continued un til about the year 1845. The "Perry Classical School," as it was called, was opened in Perry in 1838 by Prof, and Mrs. B. W. Carey Massett in the third story of the Bailey block. This was one of the most popu lar of the schools of this class, an average of 60 students being maintained during the terms of 1839. As it may be of interest to the student of today, the courses of instruction and the cost of each are given as advertised by the faculty : Introductory Class — The Elements of KnoAvledge — Read ing, Spelling, Writing and Arithmetic ; per term of 12 weeks, $3.00. Junior Class — The Elements of Natural Science, English, Grammar, History, Astronomy, and Practical Book-Keeping ; per quarter, $4.00. Senior Class — The Greek, Latin and French Languages, Algebra and Euclid 's Elements ; per quarter, $5.00. Industrial — Airs. Massett giAres lessons in making worsted and wax flowers, and in painting by theorem; each, extra, per quarter, $3.00. In 1845 this school passed into the control of Peres Brown, who continued it until 1847. A school Avas opened by Mr. Josiah Andrews in the base ment of the Baptist Church, which he equipped with many of the articles now used in Kindergarten Avork, at that time feat- 110 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ures that had never been heard of. His wife 's sister, Miss Har riet Frazer, was installed as teacher. A niece of Miss Frazer (Mrs. Maria Andrews Bailey) called the writer's attention to the fact that a black band was painted on the floor, on which the little folks marched to music. A certain Miss Squires conducted a school similar to the above mentioned during the years 1835-7. A "Select School for Young Ladies" Was started in the village on April 12th, 1841, under the management of Miss Sarah Prentiss. Instruction was given for a few years in Eng lish, French and Spanish languages, drawing and painting. An "Academical School" was opened in the village on May 6th, 1844, with J. C. Vandercook as Principal and Miss R\ Griswold as Assistant. The courses of instruction have been given in a preceding chapter. "The Perry Female Seminary" was established in May, 1843, and continued one year. The course of instruction em braced English, Mathematics, Languages, Vocal and Instru mental Music. The expenses incidental to conducting the school Avere defrayed by pro rata assessments upon the pupils. Miss Abigail C. Rogers was Principal ; Miss Mary Parton, Assistant ; and Mr. S. W. Hitchcock, French teacher. A "select and Classical School for Boys" opened for the reception of students on November 28th, 1844, and continued until about 1849. N. G. Allen was Prinicpal. The school util ized a part of the old National Hotel as a school building. Miss Harriet Hammond conducted a select school in Perry for a few years, beginning about 1849. A portion of the house now occupied by Al. S. Sweet, corner of Lake and Short streets, Avas used by this institution. Among its students were Miss Helen Edgerly and Mrs. Albert Richards, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 111 The little building now occupied by Charles Jenks as a second-hand store, on Covington street, was used in the early '50 's as a private school. A certain Airs. Skidmore taught the school during 1851 and 1852. Miss Sophronia Broughton taught here two or three years, and Miss Harriet Clark one year. A Miss Sanborn established a private school on the corner of Watkins avenue and North Center street (the Perry Center road) in the late 30 's. Jerome Edgerly was one of her students. A Miss Clisbee opened a school on the corner of Lake and Leicester streets in 1862 or 1863. Among other students were W. H. Tuttle, Henry Nobles, Clara Macomber and Sarah Clark. Misses Bullard and Andrews opened a select school on Sept. 30th, 1867, in the lecture room of the Presbyterian Church, teaching primary and common branches, higher Eng lish, modern languages, instrumental and vocal music, oil paint ing, gymnastics, etc. Among other private schools was one opened in December, 1846, by the late Mark A. Pierce. Mr. Pierce used the old Meth odist chapel as a school building and closed it in 1848. E. DeCost McKay and Lucinda Bradley taught select schools at Perry Center during 1855-6. CHAPTER VIII The Old Perry Academy, A Prominent Educational Institution That Was Built by Public Subscription and a Landmark for Many Years — Succeeded by Perry High School. The erection of the old Perry Academy AVas begun during the summer of 1853. The corner-stone was laid with appro priate exercises on July 4th of that year, and the building was completed and dedicated to the purposes of education on the 4th of October, 1854, a great throng of people participating and many prominent men taking part in the exercises. The brick used in its construction Avas made in Mr. Moses' brick yard at West Perry. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 113 At the dedication services the address was made by Prof. West, Principal of the Buffalo Female Seminary. FolloAving is the program of the exercises of the day: Reading of Scripture by Mr. Scott ; reading of Dedication Hymn by Rev. Eben Francis, Universalist minister ; singing of the same by the choir; prayer by Rev. Joseph R. Page, Presby terian clergyman ; music ; address by Prof. West ; presentation of keys to Prof. Dann by Mr. David Mitchell ; remarks by Air. Dann ; presentation of a large bible by Mr. Mitchell on behalf of Aliss Sherman and Miss Waterbury; presentation by Mr. Dann of a copy of Webster 's Unabridged Dictionary ; music ; reading of the secretary's report of the affairs of the institution; bene diction. In the evening the Philharmonic Society gave a grand concert. All of the exercises of the day passed off Avell and left universal good feeling among the people. The scholars made a splendid appearance. The Academy was located on the site just to the rear of the present school building, and cost—including lot and equip ment — $16,750, which was raised by popular subscription. It was 87 feet Avide, 58 feet deep, and three stories above the base ment, which the Methodists afterward converted into a board ing hall for the accomodation of its non-resident students. Be sides a large chapel in the third story, it contained about thirty recitation rooms. A Library was installed in the building for the convenience of the students. Additions were made thereto from time to time, and when it was removed to the new school building it contained about 1500 well-selected volumes. The Academy also contained a Avell-equipped Laboratory, the appar atus costing approximately $600. In receiving the keys of the building on Dedication Day, Prof. Dann said : "I thank you for the distinguished honor you have con ferred upon me .... Of your own free will you have called me ; 114 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY as freely I accept the trust ; and may God grant that whenever, and under whatever circumstances I may restore these keys, the insignia of my office, to their proper owners, they may be found as bright and untarnished as today. . . .1 am neither ignorant nor unmindful of the responsibilities I thus assume. You make me at once the steward of your property investedhere, the guard- PROF. CHARLES H. DANN ian of your children, the depository of your dearest hopes, your most invaluable possession. . I deem it unnecessary on this occa sion to advance my vieAvs of education, to argue its importance, or to ask the sympathy and co-operation of this people in build ing up an institution here which shall be the pride of Perry the glory of Wyoming, and the light of the land. . . .You open to me a building unsurpassed for beauty of plan, symmetry of construction and convenience of arrangement by any school edifice in the State. The structure as you see it today speaks EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 115 the praise of all whose time or means have contributed to its erection, more emphatically than any words of mine. .If the furniture, library, apparatus, grounds, and teachers are made to correspond with the building itself, the world will be no longer left to inquire where Perry is. . . .My friends, this insti tution is your foster-child ; cherish it as such, remembering that your property invested here is still your ovra. It is a deposit in trust for your children's benefit. Let it be understood that this is the people's, and the whole people's school, and every honest individual of whatever creed, party or calling, feel that he has an interest here; that the success of this enterprise is identical with his OAvn. ' ' CYRUS MERRILL Photo by Crocker Among the men who were prominent in the efforts to se cure the institution were : Hon. Rufus H. Smith, Dr. Mason G. Smith, Enos W. Frost, Hon. Wm. Mitchell, David Mitchell, 116 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY James S. Boughton, Austin Toan, Capt. Wm. Dolbeer, Erastus Bradley, Edward P. Clark, John Olin, Parris Olin, Edmund C. Bills, Robert GriscAvood, Hon, Calvin P. Bailey, Shepard P. Bullard, Cyrus Alerrill and others. A complete and competent corps of instructors having been secured, the institution Avas opened for the reception of stud ents on October 2d, 1854. The records show that on October 24th there were 211 pupils registered ; on October 31st, 225 ; and on February 24th, 1855, there Avere 270 registered. The first fac ulty was composed of the following named :Chas. H.Dann, Prin cipal ; AndreAv J. Rodman, Professor of Ancient Languages and Alathematics ; Alexander Loos, Professor of Alusic and Modern Languages ; Miss Jerusha Waterbury, Preceptress ; Aliss So phronia Broughton, Drawing and Primary Department ; Miss Amanda L. Mills, English; Miss Jessie Grieve and Miss Delia Curtice, assistant teachers. In connection Avith this institution there Avere three literary societies, to one of which each student was assigned. Their ob ject Avas "to promote the knowledge of the English language and to secure its proper use in reading, Avriting and speech." These societies were known as the Catonian, NeAvtonian and Beta Phi. There was also a society for the primary students knoAvn as the Sophronian. On January 3d, 1855, the three literary societies held a prize contest. A fine audience Avas in attendance, and at the conclusion of the exercises Air. Charles H. Dann and Miss Jer usha Waterbury entered the chapel, passed upon the platform, and Avere there, in the presence of nearly a thousand witnesses, joined in marriage, Rev. Joseph Page officiating. The newly married couple AvithdreAv to the parlor of the institution to re ceive congratulations of their friends of Avhom nearly 300 Avere students. A Avedding at the home of the bride Avas abandoned EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 117 for the purpose of giving a pleasing surprise to the Academy's pupils. The Academy Avas organized upon a non-sectarian basis, but in 1856 it passed into the control of the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining under super vision of the Conference until 1872. A Board of Visitors was appointed annually by the Conference to manage the interests of the school. Among the prominent members of the Confer ence who were especially active in furthering the interests of the school were : Rev. Gilbert DeLaMatyr, Dr. John B. Went- Avorth, and Rev. Sanford Hunt. Prof Dann did not complete his school year, which was finished by Andrew J. Rodman, who was succeeded in 1855 by Prof. Gardner. In 1856-7, Rollin C. Welch was Principal, fol lowed in 1858 by Prof. Martin R. Atkins, who was in charge until 1866. Prof. Atkins is tenderly remembered by his pupils. His wife and daughters Florence and Octavia (the late Mrs. John B. Smallwood) taught during the same period. He was much beloved by his associate teachers as well as by the pupils. Miss Alary Green who was Preceptress for many years, paid the fol lowing tribute to Prof. Atkins : ' ' To speak as an associate teacher, it seems to me fitting to recall some of the qualities that went to make up his successful career. The gift of teaching was his in a large measure ; he had the ability to impart knowledge and was always mindful of the apostolic injunction to 'do good.' He had abundant sympathy for all students, but especially for those to whom the way to knoAvledge was a way of self-denial. He kneAV by personal ex perience the hard places, and his words were always of encour agement. His was a rare comradship, too. How he entered into the spirit of our fun. No voice rang out in heartier laughter than his, on the playground or in the assembly, over healthy sport. While he held firm the reins, there was an absence of 1 MARTIN ROCKWELL ATKINS Died 1884 Born 1816 Monument erected in Hope Cemetery in 1897 by former pupils and friends. — Photo by Crocker HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY 119 forbidding formality. Though lion-like in appearance, Ave soon learned how accessible he was. Sincere, he did not pose for ef fect : and he enjoyed greatly the gifts that came to him without ceremony and parade The croAvn of all Avas the Christian faith that inspired and directed their lives, manifest in inter course Avith pupil and friend, the light within illuminating tlu-ir teaching, making them workmen that need not be ash amed." EDWIN M. READ , Born July 11, 1831 Died June 6, 1909 Prof. Edwin Al. Read, who Avas Principal of the District Union School on Lake street, Avas engaged as instructor in mathematics by Prof. Atkins and became a member of the fac ulty of the Academy in 1859, a position Avhich he filled with marked ability for several years. 120 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Aliss Alary Green was Preceptress for several years, associ ated Avith Prof. Atkins and Prof. Welch. She Was extremely popular Avith the students and her personality is inseparably connected with the institution in the minds of those who came under her beneficent influence. MISS MARY GREEN (From an old, faded photograph.) In addition to the Principals of the Academy as above re ferred to, other Principals Avere : Jason N. Fradenburgh, 1866 ; John D. Hammond, Sept. 1867; Al. H. Paddock, October to De cember, 1867 ; Lowell L. Rogers, December, 1867 to 1870; EdAvin Wildman, 1870 to 1872. In consequence of the enlarged powers and liberal financial aid conferred by the State upon Union and district schools in the late '60 's and early '70 's, and the great advance made by such schools in their courses of study and methods of instruc- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 121 tion it became very difficult to maintain denominational schools operated like the Perry Academy on a tuition basis. In 1872, the District Union School building, now known as "The Beehive," had become unfit for school purposes, and at a meeting of the citizens, held on April 12th, 1872, it was voted to appropriate $5,500" for the purchase of a site and the erection of a neAv building. During the following week the project of purchasing the Perry Academy of the Methodists, instead of constructing a new building, was discussed, and at a special meeting called for the 23d of April, a committee consisting of H. A. Brigham, J. W. Chamberlain and George Tomlinson was appointed to confer with the trustees of the Academy. The re sult of their conference was the transfer of the Academy prop erty to the district for $4,500. A new name, the "Perry Free Academy," Avas giA-en to the institution, and later it was called the "Perry Free Academy and Union School," and Perry Acad emy passed into history. Prof. Edwin Wildman was the first Principal and continued until June, 1873, in the Fall of that year being succeeded by Miss Ella S. Calligan, who was his Preceptress. The reorganization in 1872 gave neAv impetus to the school. From that time on the work and efficiency steadily advanced, the growth in attendance at the school keeping pace with the rapid increase in the population of the town. The advance in academic Avork was duly recognized by the University of the State of New York when, in 1897, the school was designated by that body as the "Perry High School." Referring to the "school exhibitions" of the old Academy days, which were the event of the year, the following reminis cences have been secured from various sources. Charades, tableaux, playlets, orations, essays, declamations, etc., were even more prominent than at the present time. The exhibitions were 122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY inaugurated by Prof. Atkins and Miss Green. One cf the first included a colloquy prepared by Miss Green, which she called "The Court of Fashion, " in which Nellie Keeney, Alice Smith, Libbie Merrill and others took part, costumed in the gowns of their mothers and grandmothers and Aunt Olivia Sherman. The "May Queen" was a Summer success with its flowers and music ; thirty girls took part and set the hearts of the young men all aquiver as they came up the stairs from the dressing Perry Academy, later Perry High School, replaced by present building. room in their dainty, fetching goAA-ns. Our informant said: "I can see these young men now— Milo Olin, Romaine Moffett, Henry Cleveland,' Wheat 'Merrill, John Small wood, Will Grieve, Charlie Dolbeer, Wesley and Robert Stainton, and even sly Prof. Read followed them with admiring glances. And there was Robert Doav;I remember him singing in the quartet,' A Bea con Light to Glory,' and breaking the hearts of certain young EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 123 women Avhen it Avas knoAvn that he would not return to school the next year." From another source we learn that the grounds were quite different from the present time. On the east and south and partly on the west of the old Academy building was a fence; on the Avest and north, a hawthorne hedge. The front approach from the street was by a Avinding board walk ; on the west side of the front grounds there was a well and pump. There were no trees on the front grounds, except tAvo or three old apple trees west of the porch. An apple orchard occupied the west half of the rear grounds. What is noAV Hawthorne street Avas a road way or lane, on the west side of which were pastures or other fields. "Ornamental branches" were taught by the late Mrs. R. T. Tuttle, Althea Rowley, Mrs. L. M. Wiles, Miss Mary Mor ton, Mrs. Mary (Brigham) Bemus, Anna Sutherland and Miss Flora Bradley. On one occasion the first prize for drawing was won by Willie D. Page, the prize consisting of a crayon head of a shaggy dog, entitled "Who Said Rats?" executed by the drawing teacher. The upper floor of the old building was oc cupied chiefly as the "chapel" or general assembly room, in which the whole student body gathered for morning religious service and a short homily by one of the professors or some vis iting dignatary. In the chapel the regular Friday afternoon rhetoricals were held (also the closing and winter exhibitions) which were the crowning events of the year. The older pupils can vividly remember the drilling for these occasions and scent the odor of the frequent hemlock festoons -which encircled the gallery and hung above the doorways. Some of the boys and girls were remarkably good in recitations. Ella Smallwood (Mrs. Robert Stainton) excelled in that line, and later, Jennie Smallwood (Mrs. V. H. Badger,) won the honors. Ida Cha pin (Mrs. G. K. Smith) was particularly happy in her rendition of "An Order for a Picture;" Frank Wyckoff was thunder- 124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ously impressive, whether celebrating "The Ride of the Noble Six Hundred" or a Cataline hurling his "defi" at the, Roman Senate. Doane Davis made Sheridan 's Ride thrillingly real to boyish ears. Albert Brigham, grave and self-possessedinhisprose selections, gave a hint of the substantial qualities that afterward gave eminence to his scholarship. Newton Wyckoff won rhe torical laurels on at least one occasion, when he received first prize at a public exhibition for the best declamation, and it is sad that such fame should have been diminished by the subse quent throwing of pebbles into the Principal's rain water tub. Charles King essayed to speak "The Indian Chief's Lament," and only got as far as the line "I will go to my tent and lie down in despair" when his memory failed him completely and he was obliged to follow the action of the chief and lament his own failure. Principals who followed Miss Calligan were : Irving P. Bishop, 1878 to 1885 ; Jesse P. Worden, 1885 to 1888 ; Mary E. Catton, 1888 to 1897 ; Wm. H. Adams, 1897 to 1899 ; Herbert C. Jeff ers, 1899 to 1902 ; M. J. Multer, 1902 to 1905 ; Clarence A. Fetterley, 1905 to 1906 ; Wm. H. McClelland, 1906. The steady and rapid growth of the town naturally had its effect upon the public school. Within the eight years from 1894 to 1902 the village alone had more than doubled its popula tion- — from 1526 to 3346 — and Avhile the High School depart ment Avas not seriously handicapped, the various grades became overcroAvded, necessitating frequent alterations in the building to provide the required accommodations. These alterations for the enlargement of the rooms changed the original plan of the building and unavoidably weakened its supports. The State Department of Education became insistent that greater facilities be provided, as the law Avas being violated by failure to furnish the required amount of floor space and air EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 125 space for the number of pupils in attendance. The Board of Education, composed of C. G. Clarke, president; G. M. Traber, J. N. Wyckoff, C. W. Rudd, Mrs. W. H. Herron, Mrs. J. W. Olin and Airs. G. H. Peddle, trustees, had deferred action as long as possible, until in January, 1905, they Avere obliged by the crowded condition of the institution to make an extended state ment in detail, showing the imperative necessity of providing additional school facilities, a problem that had vexed them for about three years and which they had met as far as possible by alterations as aboAre referred to. NEW PERRY HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING People who had been students in the institution 20 to 25 years previous to this time could not understand or appreciate the necessity confronting the Board, the building at that period being partly occupied by living rooms and having ample accom- 126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY modaticns. They could not realize the changed conditions, and it Avas natural that many believed the Board 's statements to be exaggerated. In consequence, strong opposition developed and even bitterness of feeling Avas engendered. They proposed to meet the condition by renting rooms outside, and various other expedients Avere suggested, all of which had already been care fully considered and found unsatisfactory by the Board. The most inexpensive proposition the Board was able to submit Avas a new High School building and necessary repairs and im- proArements upon the existing building to properly care for the grade pupils. On January 31st, 1905, a special school meeting was held at the school building to discuss the proposition for the expendi ture of $33,000, as above outlined. There Avere about 500 people in attendance and the State was represented by W. C. Halliday of the Department of Education. Architect F. W. Kirkland of Rome, N. Y., who had been selected by the Board, was also pres ent to answer questions and give information. W. D. Page Avas chairman of the meeting, and remarks Avere made by a number of people. After considerable discussion the meeting was ad journed to Saturday, February 4th„ at the Town Hall, to vote upon the proposition, the polls to be open from 1 to 6 o'clock. At the -time set, the plans for the proposed new building were on exhibition. There were 419 votes cast, of which 318 were in the negative and 101 in the affirmative, the majority against the proposition being 217. Of the number who voted, 119 were women. Following the defeat of the proposition, Air. D. H. Buck- land in conversation Avith Trustee J. N. Wyckoff stated that the only feasible proposition Avas an entirely new building that would accommodate all of the pupils and also provide for future groAvth. Mr. Wyckoff suggested that Mr. Buekland circulate a petition and learn Iioav many of the taxpayers held the same EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 127 A'ieAV. Air. Buekland accepted the suggestion and soon secured 99 signatures, representing business and professional people as Weil as other taxpayers. Although there was no knowledge of it at the time, the vitw of Mr. Buekland appears to have been the same as that of Ilcn. Frank H. Wood, Chief of the Inspections Division of the State Department of Education, who wrote to the Board, under date of February 28th, 1905, and in his letter said that he had received reports from his inspectors stating that the building was unfit for the needs of the district, and he instructed the Board to call a special meeting on March 28th, to vote upon a proposition "to expend a sufficient sum of money to construct a nt-Av school building adequate in size for the accommodation of all of the children of school age residing in the district to meet the present needs and to provide also for reasonable groAvth for years to come. ' ' In accordance with the requirement of Chief Wood, a call Avas published for a special school meeting to be held at The Auditorium on Alarch 28th, 1905, at 7:30 o'clock p. m., for the purpose of voting upon a proposition to expend $50,000 for a iicav building. There Avas a small attendance at the meeting, of which Dr. P. S. Goodwin was chosen chairman. Mr. A. E. Hall of the Inspections Division of the State Department of Educa tion was present to answer questions. Much antagonism was manifested, and after considerable discussion a motion was carried to adjourn to Saturday, April 1st, at the Town Hall, the polls to be open from 1 to 6 o'clock p. m. Notwithstanding the fact that a circular letter signed by 30 of the business people of Perry, giving the qualifications of voters and urging them to turn out and vote in favor of the proposition, there were only 368 votes cast, 51 less than the number upon the first proposition submitted. There were 192 128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY negative votes and 176 affirmative, a majority of 16 against the proposition. By direction of A. E. Hall of the Inspections Division, an other special meeting was called for Alay 12th, 1905, at The Auditorium, at 7 :30 p. m., to vote again upon the proposition to expend $50,000 for a new building, and the matter Avas ex plained in detail in the Perry Record, giving complete particu lars of what had been done, what was demanded by the State Department and Avhat must be done. In spite of all this, the op position was persistent and bitter, and less than 200 people — a majority of them opponents — gathered at the meeting on May 12th. Hon. B. A. Nevins was chairman and introduced Mr. A. E. Hall, by Avhose authority the meeting had been called. Mr. Hall revieAved the requirements of the State Department and advised faA^orable action in the matter, concluding by saying that if it were otherwise he should recommend that the building be con demned. The hostile feeling manifested itself when a motion Avas made to adjourn to the second Tuesday after the annual meeting in August. An amendment was offered to adjourn to Saturday, May 13th, at the Town Hall, from 1 to 5 o'clock. When the questions were put the responses in each instance Avere so loud that it was impossible to decide which had carried. Iu order to be certain, the audience was requested to remain and vote again by rising. Three tellers Avere appointed — one for each section of the house — and the original motion to ad- joiim until the second Tuesday after the annual meeting in August was carried by a vote of 99 to 65. Politics had been injected into the fight, considerable of the opposition being directed against the president of the Board by those AArho were antagonistic toward him personally, and by some the proposed building was sneeringly referred to as "Clarke's monument," the other members of the Board coming in for a share of the unjust "'¦'' ' " -—.--¦- --.-->.--- • EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 129 to fulfill their responsibilities to the district and meet the re quirements of the State Department. In keeping up a fight, the opposition were merely adding to the expense, figuratively "cutting off their nose to spite their face, ' ' for the reason that if the people refused to provide the proper facilities the State money would be with-held, the building would be condemned and a new one Avould therefore be compulsory. About 125 people attended the annual meeting held on August 1st, 1905, at which time Will W. Grieve was chosen chairman. The trustees' report showed that they had held 22 regular and special meetings and six informal meetings dur ing the school year. In vieAv of the criticism of the Board, among which was one that they had employed a "boy archi tect" in the person of Mr. Kirkland, a motion was made by Trustee G. M. Traber that a committee of five, composed of per sons outside of the Board of Education, be appointed and em powered to engage a competent engineer or architect to make a thorough inspection of the school building and report whether it could be made to comply Avith the State law, and whether it would be advisable to try to enlarge the building; the report to be submitted before August 15th and the expense to be borne by the district. The motion was carried and the following named were nominated and elected as such committee: M. H. Olin, C. A. Carmichael, C. H. Toan, Charles Wise and J. E. Cole. Nominations of nine different persons were made for the office of trustee to succeed Mr. C. G. Clarke and Mrs. W. H. Herron, who were also nominated to succeed themselves. Mr. Clarke declined a renomination. At the annual election on the following day, Charles Wise and George A. White were chosen as trustees, 386 votes being cast. 130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The committee elected to engage an architect to inspect the old building and make a report took no one into their con fidence. They chose J. Foster Warner of Rochester, the archi tect of the Powers Hotel in that city and of many of the city 's school buildings. He was a man of extended experience and one Avhose ability was widely known. Under date of August 7th, 1905, Mr. Warner made his report, from which the follow ing excerpts are taken : "I find the building in a very bad condition as regards the construction. The outside Avails are badly bulged and cracked, and have been anchored together with tie rods ; also, Avhere the interior walls have been taken out, the supports at present are inadequate. As to whether the building could be made to com ply with the State laAv, I should say that the expense of so do ing would be entirely unwarranted, as it would amount al most to the entire reconstruction of the building; and I should advise against the enlarging of the same, as the pres ent structure is not of sufficient value to warrant the ex penditure of the amount of money necessary to provide the additional school facilities. If sufficient money was expended on the structure to bring it up to the requirements of the law, it would then accommodate a much smaller number of pupils than the present structure provides for. I enclose a copy of the instructions to school officers, which is sent out from the Commissioner of Education at Albany. You will observe that with the requirements necessary it Avill be practically impos sible to alter the building to comply Avith the present law." The special committee published the report and notified the public of a special meeting on August 14th, at 7 :30 p. m., at the school building, at Avhich time Air. Warner Avas present in per son to make his report and answer fully any questions that might be asked. C. H. Toan called the meeting to order, about 100 people being present. W. P. Andrus was chosen chairman and Mr. Warner was introduced. He answered numerous ques tions and the subject was thoroughly discussed for about two hours, Mr. Warner's statements substantiating fully those that EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 131 had been made by the Board of Education and proving the merit of their contention, the result of over a year of careful study of the matter. On August 15th the question of expending $50,000 for a new building Avas again submitted and carriages were used by those for and against it in getting out the vote. There were 483 ballots cast, of which 269 were in the affirmative and 214 in the negative, a majority of 55 in favor of the proposition. Some of the opposition Avere hard losers, claiming that illegal votes had been cast, but the only illegal voter discovered was a man who had made the loudest complaint and who had been one of the most active opponents. Architect Warner highly commended the plans that had been prepared by Architect Kirkland. Eleven bids were re ceived for the work, and early in May, 1906, the contract for construction was let to the Mt. Morris Lumber Co., of Mt. Alor- ris, N. Y., at their bid of $44,130.28, exclusive of heating, and plumbing. The corner-stone was laid on August 31st, 1906, the cere monies opening with a selection by the Casino Orchestra and prayer by Rev. C. H. Dibble of Perry. Addresses were made by John B. Smallwood of Warsaw and M. A. Lovejoy, Esq., of Perry, former pupils of Perry Academy. Mr. Lovejoy gave a brief historical sketch and he Avas followed by Rev. Mr. Dibble, Avho made congratulatory remarks. The new principal, Prof. W. H. McClelland, was then introduced, and among other things he said : " I have come to Perry with heart and soul in my work. Whatever is of interest to Perry is of interest to me. I am a servant of the best interests of the people and village .... I want to commend you for this great undertaking of erect ing this splendid monument to the educational interests of this community. Too much praise cannot be given to the members 132 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY of the Board of Education Avho have so willingly given their time and thought to plan for the interest of this and future generations. We shall be proud of the magnificent new build ing, its commodious rooms, spacious halls, heating and ventil ating systems, its large and well-equipped laboratories. These things, with an efficient corps of teachers and the harmonious Avorking of teachers, parents and the Board of Education, will insure us a school system second to none in the State." Notwithstanding it was thought that the new building Avould be large enough for present and future needs, four years after its completion it was found necessary to finish off four rooms in the attic on the third floor, and other enlarged facili ties were also made in the basement of the building. The words of Prof. AlcClelland Avere prophetic, as the present position of the institution testifies. The new building was erected in front of the old one, per mitting the use of the old structure until the new one was com pleted, thus avoiding interruption of the school work and sav ing the expense of using outside quarters. It Avas with mis givings that the Board of Education decided to erect the new school in front of the old one and thus shorten the beautiful, long approach, with its attractive grove on the north and its spacious laAvn on the south, to which they were endeared by sen timent, but utility and economy were practical considerations that they could not afford to ignore. With the community spirit that is characteristic, when the new edifice began to take shape and its beauty and complete ness began to be realized, the bitterness and antagonism disap peared and loyalty to Perry and its institutions again became manifest, and the wisdom of those who fought for the project was admitted, even by their opponents. The school today has the united support of citizens and stands as a monument of Perry's enterprise and progressiveness. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 133 The folloAAdng named are graduates of Perry High School, belonging to the Alumni Association, Avhich Avas formed in 1885. These marked by an * are deceased. 1877— Sarah Clark (Mrs. F. H. Austiu.) 1878— Nellie Wheeler (Mrs. Fred B. Godfrey,) Augusta Palmer, Lillie Palmer (Mrs. W. L. Chapin,) James Newton Wyckoff. 1879— Reta Butler (Airs. Wm- Hoyt,) *Alyra Jenks (Airs. W. Eugene Hamlin.) 1880— No class. 1881— Cyrus Fitch, Nannie Allen (Airs. Wm. Thorpe,) Net tie Handley, Nellie Starks. 1S82— C. Minot Griffith, Celia E. Chamberlain (Mrs. J. T. Cooley,) Stella C. Wylie (Mrs. C. H. Toan,) *Eva J. Cole. 1883— *Edward P. Pureed, Garrett D. Roche, Charles L. Shepard, Elva R. Kniffin (Mrs. C. Alinot Griffith,) Clara B. Lacy (Airs. Herman Lewis.) 1884— Addie E. Burns (Mrs. M. H. Jackson,) * Julia F. Westlake (Airs. D. W. Babcock.) 1885— Martha A. Catton (Mrs. Daniel Rich,) Etta A. Cham berlain, Dora L. Homan (Mrs. R. G. Stainton,) Lida M. Lucas (Airs. J. Stewart,) *Mary L.Read (Mrs. Arthur Pitkin,) Maud E. Fisk, Mary Wylie, Flora S. Sheldon (Mrs. G. C. Fox.) 1886 — John Barry, Charles E. Benedict, Charles A. Bul lard, Wm. G. Roche, Kate C. Griffith (Airs. Fred W. Smith,) Carrie D. Read (Mrs. C. G. Clarke,) Jennie M. Wheeler (Mrs. EdAvard Gray.) 1887— *Hiram Howden, Albert Hull, Eugene Karn, Charles A. Owen, Clara A. Benedict, Stella M. Heath (Mrs. Allen Hath- awav,) Georgia Rutherford, *Clara C. Surdam, Grace Utter (Airs. W. F. Pettes.) 1888 — Charles S. Benedict, Luther C. Crippen, Wm. Little- dyke, Wm. F. Pettes, Jessie Gates. 134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY 1889— Wm. W. Grieve, Allen Hathaway, Mark A. Macom- ber, Wm. C. Parker, Jennie M. Bills (Mrs. Fred Watkins,) Kate B. Gates (Airs. D. H. Gates,) *Alary B. Rudgers (Mrs. M. C. Hutton,) ^Caroline E. Sanford (Mrs. D. E. Foskett,) Hattie B. Tabor (Mrs. A. Armour,) Edna A. Tallman, Jessie Tucker (Airs. W. T. Olin,) Addie Al. Whalen (Mrs. T. T. Mangan.) 1890— Alary C. Kane, James B. Griffith, Mary E. Smith, A. Gould White, *May Wilcox, *Alyron H. Luce. 1891— John L. Washburn. Marion E. Dow, (Mrs. A. E. Alenzie,) *Nora E. Stainton, Ida E. Watrous, Glenn Martin, Grace G. Willey (Airs. G H. Bemis,) Minnie Buttre (Mrs. Le land Pixley,) Richard G. Benedict, *Lua M. Green (Mrs. L. A. Paschke,) Guy C. Shaw, Maggie Lacey (Mrs. Clarence Wid- ener,) Edith M. Alclntyre (Mrs. Guy Watrous,) Marcella Al. Roche, Aland E. Jenks. Olean S. Green (Mrs. G. H. Peddle,) Altrn A. Richardson, *Cora A. Chapin, *Nellie J. Burns, Fred C. Kimball. 1892— Julia E. Rude (Mrs. Ed. Clark,) Roy B. Dow, Nellie P>. Jenks (Airs. R. M. Olin,) #Herbert A. Ensign, George J. Grieve, Nellie A. Heath (Mrs. M. A. Macomber,) Anna M. Sand erson (Mrs. Frank Coleman.) 1893— Isabelle S. Lowing (Mrs. R. W. How,) Fred M. Wa-.hburn, Frances M. Bernard, Kittie Al. Smith (Airs. R. S. Cor.ver.) *Ida M. Handyside (Mrs. Charles C. Chase,) Flora A. Hodge, Lulu A. Ward (Mrs. Arthur Windsor,) Fannie C. Fisher (Mrs. Walter Jones,) Alfred S. Wilcox, Emma E. Hack (Mrs. W. C. Sahrle,) Mary Vanllouten (Mrs. S. W. Hart.) 1894 — Lloyd P. Benedict, Carl Stainton, Harry Robinson, Romaine Wallace, Flora Kimball, Madge Dow, Luie Sweet CAlrs. Charles E. Rockwood,) Elizabeth Willey (Mrs. George Dra^e,) Florence AndreAvs (Mrs. Harvey Webber,) Edith Mc- Withey (Mrs. David J. McMaster,) Bessie E. Thurston. 1895 — Harriet Hamilton (Mrs. Herbert Slaight,) Gertrude Armstrong (Mrs. E. J. Webster,) Eva Lewis, Maude Knowlton, Kathryn Bernard (Mrs. L. P. Benedict,) George S. Macomber, Lloyd G. Stainton, Flora M. Cronkhite (Mrs. Lewis Allen,) Mar cus H. Butler, George H. Russell, Fannie S. Alverson (Mrs. Wm. McAIahon,) Charles M. Benedict, Griffith Gardner, Edwin Al. Read, Elizabeth Halligan, John E. Stainton. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 135 1896— Holland E. Benedict, Marie A. Wildman (Airs. John AlcKeoAvn,) Karl Y. Sharpsteen, Flora A. Wellman (Airs. Fred Smith,) Gertrude E. Stainton (Airs. D. H. Allen,) Dora E. Cross (Airs. Benjamin White,) Alice J. Hough, Al. Louise O'Brien, Jessie M. Russell, Edith Smith. 1897— Anna M. Dibble, *Charles R. Gregg, Wm. E. Smith, C. Leslie Robinson, Charles E. Duffy, Stacey B. Belden. 1898— No class. 1899 — Roscoe C. Parker, A. Stanley Copeland, Isabel'e Cole, L. May Aleter, Frank G. Clifford, W. Carlton Buekland, Alary A. Hough (Airs. Charles Heist,) Carrie L. Howell (Airs. Clarence Hull,) Alark J. Nevins, Floyd M. Mclntyre, Lloyd Al. Mclntvre, Benson F. Tallman, Albert R. Watrous, Clarence J. Whalen, Arthur W. Whalen, *Ella Smith. 1900— Hope Benedict (Airs. R. E. Dildine,) Myrtle Clark, Minnie Kennedy. 1901 — Warren Badger, Georgia Beardsley (Mrs. Lloyd Burlingham,) Cora Clifford, Al. Agnes Cole (Mrs. H. C. White- nack,) Laura Cole (Mrs. Carl Buekland,) Harry B. Nevins, *Lena C. Rudgers," Blanche A. Smith (Mrs. Leslie Robinson,) Daisy Stowell (Mrs. W. W. Laine,) Evelyn Sutherland (Mrs. C. A. Alclntyre,) Florence M. Tallman (Mrs. Lucien Crandall.) 1902— Julia May Butler (Mrs. Floyd Reeves,) Teresa Culli- nan, Bessie Dalrymple (Mrs. L. G. Stainton,) Jessie Howlett (Airs. Roy Calkins,) Roy A. Spellicy, M. Frances Tallman (Mrs. Robert Dunlop,) Daisy R. Toal (Mrs. E. D. Olin,) Gladys Van- Dresser, Patrick Whalen, Isabelle White, Elizabeth Wildman, Bessie Macomber (Mrs. A. R. Watrous,) Ella Parker, *Grace Sowerby (Airs. C. F. Holeombe.) 1903 — Mary Chace, Alice Doav, Irvin Badger, Andrew Boyd, Blanche Lillibridge, Lewis Toan, George Parker, Bessie Higgins (Mrs. A. C. Stowell,) Irene Tomlinson (Airs. Theron Jackson,) Clara Ellsworth, Ada Smith (Mrs. Harry Foskett,) Laura Sharpsteen, Harry Hubbard, Jennie Sullivan (Mrs. John Boyd,) Mabel Knowlton. 1904 — Genevieve Watson (Mrs. F. D. Roberts,) Clarence White, Agnes Tomlinson, James Herron, Grace CornAvell (Mrs. Charles Coleman,) Claude Tempest, Agnes Butler, George 136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Gregg, Maude Croal (Mrs. German Olin,) Louis Brigham, Es ther Macomber (Mrs. Llovd Mclntyre,) Carlos J. Toan, Robert W. Calkins, *Marleah Waldo. 1905 — Calla Brown (Mrs. Cale Herry,) May Brown, Agnes Carey, R. Ethel Clark, Clara A. Edgerly (Airs. George M. C. Parker,) Lucy Silver, Bessie Traber, Madge VanDresser (Mrs. L. B. Swift,) Harold Axtell, Cale Herry, John Macomber, Wm. Martin, Cecil Thompson. 1906— M. Edna Hutton (Mrs. John Butler,) Bessie Had- sell, Edna Tuttle, Sadie Spellicy (Mrs. Archie Brink,) Louis Stryker, Willard Nevins, Stella Copeland. 1907— Thomas Toan, Alice Edgerly, Hilda PoAvnall (Mrs. Carroll,) Burr Cornwell, George Ernest White. 1908 — Marcella Craven, Lyle BroAvn, Florence Slack, Eliz abeth KershaAv (Mrs. J. D. Gilmore,) Marion Palmer (Mrs. Ralph Traber,) Benjamin Smith. Ear] Watson, Ethel Waldo (Mrs. M. E. Laird.) 1909 — Harry Tallman, GertrudeDean (Mrs. Walter Weeks,) Welles Ward, Alice Toole, Irene Allen, Ina Bennett (Mrs. Har old Littledyke,) Archie Butler, Elva Cornwell (Mrs. Carl Make- ley,) Aladge Croal, Mary Macomber (Airs. Wm. Martin,) Edith Silvernail (Mrs. Irving Eaton,) Hugh Axtell, Caroline Brian, Carl Read Clarke, Mildred Cornwell (Airs. Leigh Clark,) Mary Mitchell, Dolbeer Smith, Roy Whipple. 1910 — Florence Eckert, Aierle Butler, Elizabeth Wise, Rus sell Fish, Wm. Wusthof, Doris Dysinger (Mrs. Harry Coker,) Leola Shaw, Dell Clark, Howard Wellman, Lillian Clark (Mrs. Frank Toal,) Carl Digel, Ruth Chapin, Clara Kelly (Mrs. John Adrian,) Josephine Watson (Mrs. C. S. Southwick,) Margaret Campbell (Mrs. Burr Cronwell,) Blanche VanValkenburg (Mrs. Harry Snyder,) Pratt Badger, Olive Littledyke (Mrs. Clifford Rice,) Mabel Walton. 1911 — Edna Brian, Ruth Bennett, Hazel Badgero, Fanny Cone (Airs. Walter Scott,) Mary Clarke, Winnifred Graves, Albert Herry, Alyron Ogden, Florence Parker, Roy Richardson, Maynard Rudd, Lucile Smith, Ethobur Snyder, Mary Toan, Sprague Tomlinson. 1912— Fred Farr, Edith Wilcox, Mary McClurg, Harold EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 137 Davis, Elsie Peck, Mae Porter (Mrs. 0. Thomas,) Ethel Cas- Avell. George Bauer, Mildred Cole, Ruth Cook, Francisca Mar tinet, Buell Tallman, Helen Sweet, Nellie Bush, Helen Hager, Marry Nye, Lenna Royce, Genevieve Rodgers, Edna Sullivan, Mae Ward, Ethel Wright. 1913 — Helen Allen, Marguerite Barber (Mrs. Harlow Beck- with, Foster Brown, H. Louise Clark, Miriam Daniells, Reba Ganoung, Frances Hamlin, Winnifred Hutton, Gladys Kelly, Florence Miller, Carrie Morris, Keyes Page, Isabelle Scheer, Mina Slocum, Harold Slocum, Francis Terry, Marian Watrous (Mrs. Gordon Draper,) Lois Watson. Leon Wellman, Ruby Wickings, Edith Wright, James Wyckoff. 1914 — Fleta Badgero, Madge Buttles, Agnes Campbell, Teresa Carey, Nellie Carpenter, Laura Cronin, Ethel Morris, Blanche Otis, Jane Post, Isabelle Slack, Lucy Smith, Sarah Sweet, Ruby Watson. On February 16th, 1915, the buildings occupied by the Chamberlain Military Institute at Randolph, N. Y., were practi cally destroyed by fire. Messrs. Templeton & Davidson of the Silver Lake Hotel Co., who had been conducting the Recreation Inn at Silver Lake, just south of the Assembly grounds, con ceived the idea that the property would make an ideal location for the school, advantageous to them as a year- 'round institu tion for their property, one that would bring Silver Lake and Perry into greater prominence, and a place Avhere the school could inaugurate and conduct a naval branch as well as its mil itary institution, and develop into a school of magnitude and importance. Accordingly, they got in touch with the superin tendent, Col. James E. Dunn, who came and looked over the property, and arrangements were made between him, the Silver Lake Hotel Co. and the Chamber of Commerce of Perry where by he brought his faculty and student body, numbering about 40 in all, to the lake, and opened the school on April 5th, 1915, following the Easter vacation. The name of the organization 138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Avas changed to the "Silver Lake Militaiy and Naval School of Perry, N. Y., " by permission of the State Board of Regents, and application Avas made to the Federal Government for a naval equipment as authorized by Act of Congress. The school began Avith bright prospects for substantial groAvth and indica tions that it Avould prove to be a valuable educational factor as Avell as an attractive advertisement of this locality. CHAPTER IX Pioneer Struggles to Establish Church Organizations Representing their Religious Affiliations — Their Development, Growth and Accomplishments. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PERRY CENTER The first religious service in the toAvn Avas held in 1813 at Perry Center by the Rev. Mr. Herrick of the Baptist denom ination, while on his retreat from Buffalo, following its destruc tion by the Indians during the Avar then in progress. In 1814 the little hamlet was visited by Rev. Oliver Ayer and Rev. Silas Hubbard, missionaries sent out by the Home Missionary Society of Connecticut. These men gathered a few parishioners to gether and, on the 28th of June, 1814, in a log house, the resi dence of one of the members, they formally organized the first ¦ church society in the town of Perry, composed of eight mem bers. These were : Samuel Howard, Ralph Ward, Mrs. Lorian Ward, Jabez Ward, Miss Catey Ward, Hervey Butler, Mrs. Sally Butler and a Miss Roxa Carpenter, all of them natives of Massachusetts or Connecticut. Samuel Howard died on April 2d, 1819, aged 66 years, this being the first death among the original members. Ralph Ward died on October 4th, 1822, at the age of 60 years. His wife, Lorian Ward, survived him about ten years, dying in 1832. Ja bez Ward, the beloved physician, was elected a deacon at the organization of the church and held the office until his death in 1843. Miss Catey Ward lived to be 73 years of age, dying in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hervey Butler enjoyed the fellowship of the church but two years, removing from the town in 1816. He was associated with Dr. Ward as a deacon of the church. Miss Roxa Carpenter, the eighth and last of the original mem- 140 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY bers, accompanied the family of Samuel Howard from Connecti cut to Perry and afterAvard became the Avife of Samuel HoAvard, Jr., who in 1843 Avas elected deacon, in Avhich office he Avas par ticularly useful to the church until his death in 1863. Airs. Roxa Carpenter Howard was the last but one of the orig inal members of the church when she died in 1862, aged 75 years. The church was organized as a Congregational church, but tAvo years later — in 1816 — the members voted that " it is exped ient for this church to be united Avith the Geneva Presbytery, but to retain the Congregational form of government." The same year, therefore, the church became united on the "accom modation plan" Avith the Presbytery of Geneva. It remained under that supervision until September, 1831, when the church, after a thorough inquiry into the feelings and judgment of the officers and members, unanimously resolved "that it is exped ient that the connection betAveen this church and the Presbytery ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 141 be dissolved." Accordingly, it Avas regularly dismissed from the Presbytery on the 22d of September of that year. Since that time it has remained Congregational in all of its relationships. Services Avere first held in the log homes of the settlers ; then, as the congregation grew, they were held in Deacon How ard 's barn ; and after that, for a time in the Taylor school house on the first corner Avest of the Center. This had been built with a view to the needs of the church society, with ascending floor and high backed seats arranged in ' ' slip ' ' form, with two aisles extending to the back seat, reserved for the choir, which led the congregational singing. This was a great improvement up on the barn in which they had previously worshiped. Aliss D. E. Sheldon, in a reminiscence Avritten many years ago to the home church and community, said : ' ' The almost uni versal mode of conveyance for those who could not walk to the services, was the lumber wagon, without spring of box or seat, drawn by oxen, that were chained in long rows to the corners of the rail fence in front of the school house. A board placed across the top of the wagon box sufficed for the more sturdy members of the household, while the feeble and delicate ones were supplied with the old-fashioned straight-backed, splint- seated chairs. These were removed within the school house and arranged in rows around the ample fireplace, and in the cloak room on the north side of it, for the accommodation of the mothers with their little ones, while the fathers took the older ones with them into the hard uncushioned seats, Suspended from the chair pommels were always to be found spacious reti cules containing the family lunch for the noonday intermission between the two services. In winter the lumber wagon was ex changed for the log sled, with bundles of straw for seats for the wee ones, who were snugly wrapped in the warm homespun garments of their mothers' manufacture. Once, though at a later date AAmen the traveling was impassible for either wagon 142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY or sleigh, I knew a stoneboat to be substituted to convey to a Thanksgiving service a large family, whom neither the inclem ency of the weather nor the horrible condition of the roads could deter from the anticipated reunion feast. When the fam ily possessions became sufficiently ample to Avarrant the pur chase of a horse, the mother, with one child behind and cling ing to her, and another in her lap, would ride on horseback with the indispensable reticule hanging upon the horn of the saddle, while the father walked by the side of the little group. When the second horse was secured, making a span, our highest ambitions were fully realized; but oh, the joltings which the long-coveted accelerated speed gave to them in those same springless wagons. I sometimes question, Do the worshipers of the present generation, enjoying as they do, the stated min istration of the Word in their spacious house of worship, with its easy cushioned seats and comfortable modes of conveyance to and from the Sabbath and week day services, measure their efforts and sacrifices by their increased privileges and oppor tunities?" Sarah Ward, daughter of Dr. Jabez Ward, has written an n ccount of the theology of the Perry Center community, and tells also of hoAv carefully the customs of their former New Eng land homes were maintained. "Some of these customs were the strict 'keeping' of Saturday night as the beginning of holy time ; the nightly ringing of the curfew, the tolling of the bell upon the death of anyone in the parish — all of these Avere punc tiliously observed. ' ' Deacon Sheldon, Jabez Ward, and Phicol M. Ward would often read sermons in the days when the church had no supply pastor. Rev. Edmund Ingals, Jr., came in 1816 and was the first regular appointed pastor of the church. He was succeed ed by Rev. Elihu Mason, who was pastor during 1817, and after ward in 1820. Rev. Edward Andrews was pastor for six months ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 143 during 1819, but there was no pastor during the period outside of that time. Then folloAved Rev. Samuel T. Mills, May 1821, '- December 1824; Rev. Eli S, Hunter, July 1825-6; Rev. Jona than Sheldon, 1826-7 ; Rev. Lot B. Sullivan, 1827-8; Rev. Dexter PHICOL MUNRO WARD He was the son of Ralph and Lorian Butler Ward, and was born at New Marlboro, Mass., May 14, 1799, and died at Perry Center, December 5th, 1873. He served as Supervisor from this town during the years 1831-32-33, and was for many years a Justice of the Peace. Clary 1828 and six months in 1829. During the brief ministry of Mr. Clary, a great revival attended his labors and many peo ple were added to the church. It was during his ministry, in the Spring of 1828, a movement was made toward building a church edifice. A subscription paper bearing date of April 144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY 20th of that year Avas circulated ; 100 names were signed to the paper and the total amount subscribed was $2,656.00. Work on the building was begun at once, and when the foundation walls had been laid and the frame was ready for "the raising" and the workmen were on hand, it is an incident worthy of re cord that all of the childrenfromthesurroundingcountry assem bled at the invitation of Rev. Mr. Clary, and being arranged in regular order on the sills of the building about to be erected, Mr. Clary standing in their midst, after a few words addressed to those assembled, prayed for God's blessing upon the enter ^ prise on which they had entered, and especially for the child ren there assembled. The house was completed and dedicated on March 4th, 1830, Rev. Julius Steele of WarsaAv preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1856 the building was quite extensively repaired and a lecture room was added. The re-dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. E. Nassau, also of Warsaw. Minor repairs Avere made from time to time until in 1900 the building was re juvenated. The service of re-opening and re-dedication was held on Jan. 13th, 1901; the sermon was given by Rev. H. E. Gurney of Warsaw. For a number of years the church owned no parsonage. In 1863, the place known as the "Moss place," now owned and occupied by D. J. Powell, was purchased, and for 13 years was used as the manse. In 1876 this property was sold, a portion of the lot being retained, and a new parsonage and barn were built, which have since served the purpose. The growth of the church seems to have been steady. To the eight persons Avho were the charter members, 732 have been added. In 1825, the membership numbered 35; in 1834, about 125; in 1868, there were 96; in 1889, at the 75th anniversary, they numbered about 100, and at the present time 189. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 145 The Sabbath School numbers about 150, has a live Home Department and several organized classes. In 1914, four for eign students were being supported by these classes and several other worthy objects were being helped by its gifts. A Bible class Avas formed by Deacon H. Sheldon in about the year 1829. The Ladies' Benevolent Society, which is believed to be the oldest organization of its kind in the State, was formed in 1824, and has had a continuous existence ever since. When the Wo man's Home Missionary Union of the State was organized, this society became an auxiliary without changing its constitu tion under which it had worked for so many years. In 1822, a number of the members of this church withdrew and organized the Presbyterian Church of Perry, but after a few years, little progress having been made, they returned to the mother church. In 1834, however, a second effort was made, which soon developed into a strong church society. The others who have been pastors of the Congregational Church since Rev. Mr. Clary are : Revs. Wm. P. Jackson, three months in 1829; Samuel H. Gridley, D. D., 1830-6; Orrin Brown, 1836 ; Caleb Burge, M. D., 1837-8 ; George W. Newcomb, 1838- 40 ; John Scott, 1840-1 ; George W. Gridley, 1842 ; Wales Tiles- ton, 1843-4; Philo Canfield, 1845-8; Mason Mear Smith', three months in 1848; Thomas M. Hodgman, 1848-58; George J. Aleans, 1859-63 ; Isaac N. Ely, July to December, 1863 ; Claudius B. Lord, 1864-66 ; James P. Root, 1866-76 ; W. C. Sexton, 1876- 78; Edgar Perkins, 1878-80; E. H. Martin, 1880-85; J. W. Grush, 1885-93; J. C. Bergmann, 1893-4; J. J. Shingler, 1895-7; D. A. Blcse, 1897-99; F. E. Dark, 1899-1902; F. A. Kimberly, Nov. 1902, and since that time. 146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Among the early settlers of the Town of Perry were a number of families and individuals known as belonging to the Baptist denomination, but not in sufficient numbers, in their estimation, to Avarrant their assuming the responsibilities of a ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 147 distinct church. A feAv of them united with the Middlebury church at Wyoming, Avhich, at this period, was the nearest church of the Baptist denomination. Others worshiped with the Presbyterian society at Perry Center. Thus they continued to worship until September, 1816, when the Baptists of the com munity united in a Conference to be knoAvn as ' ' The First Bap tist Society of Perry," in Avhich organization they continued until November 5th, 1818, Avhen they were publicly recognized as a Church of Christ. During the existence of the Conference — from September, 1816, to November 5th, 1818 — the members met regularly for Avorship on the Sabbath and for Conference on the last Satur day of each month. They had occasional preaching by elders Hartwell, Kelsey, BroAvn and Wisner, through whose efforts five were added to the little number by baptism, the first of Avhom Avas DaAdd Carlisle by Elder Kelsey. A few were also received by letter from other churches. On the 25th of October, 1818, the following named people met according to previous notice and adopted articles of faith and practice, also a church covenant, and proceeded to organize themselves into a regular Baptist Church: Solomon Squires, John Bowen, Beriah Bowers, David Carlisle, Thomas E. Par- merly, Peter Clark, Samuel Waldo, Martha Bartlett, Hannah Finch, Betsey Leonard, Anna Squires, Sarah Parmerly, Clar- inda Bowers and Nancy Bowers. Out of the 14 original mem bers, Mr. Waldo remained active in the work of this church un til the formation of the Leicester Street Baptist Society in 1879, at which time he withdrew and joined that organization, re maining an active member until his death in July, 1883. Mr. Waldo and his wife arrived in Perry on May 3d, 1816, after a three weeks journey from their former home in Vermont, and it is said, upon his arrival his possessions comprised a wife, a horse, an axe, and $9 in money. Prior to leaving Vermont, Mr. 148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY and-Mrs. Waldo had affiliated with the Baptist society there. They brought their church letters with them, and soon after their arrival, joined the Middlebury church at Wyoming, re maining members of that society until the formation of the local organization. On the 5th of November, 1818, the following named mem bers of the churches of Leicester, Warsaw and Gainesville, viz : Rev. Daniel McBride, Deacons Wm. Wiseman and Joseph Por ter, Enoch Weller, Josiah Waite, John Reddish and Charles Tallman met in council at the home of John Bowers and pub licly recognized the church by extending to it the hand of fel lowship by Rev. Mr. McBride. Samuel Waldo was appointed Clerk of the church at this meeting, and during the next year, John Bowers was appoined the firstdeacon.Rev.Mr.Wisner, the first pastor of the church, continued his labors about one year, receiving for his services such donations as his parishioners in their poverty were able to bestoAv. He was succeeded by Rev. Jesse Brown on June 3d, 1820, who also labored with the church one year, after which it was supplied occasionally by Rev. Joshua Bradley and others, until August 25th, 1822, when it be came a branch of the First Baptist Church of Middlebury. During the first five years of the church history, there Avere seven additions by baptism, the first of whom was Sarah Bentley, who was baptized by Rev. Mr. Wisner on August 8th, 1819. Five were received by letter and one was excluded. The connection with the Middlebury church as a branch continued from August 25th, 1822, to October 1st, 1825. The members, however, continued to hold their meetings and had occasional preaching by the pastor of the Middlebury church, Rev. Mr. Tuttle, and others. On the 1st of October, 1825, the church Avas reorganized and recognized as an independent Baptist Church at a council ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 149 convened at Perry, at Avhich the churches at Middlebury, Cov ington, WarsaAv, Gainesville and Nunda were represented. Rev David Bernard preached the sermon. The following named were the members of the church under the reorganization; Joshua Calkins, Silas RaAVSon, Philip Sparling, John Hollen- beck, Beriah Bowers, Daniel Calkins, Joshua Calkins, Jr., Sam uel Waldo, Willard J. Chapin, Abram Wiles, Alva Stockwell, Orlan Griffis, Elizabeth Calkins, Bethena Rawson, Sparling, Jemima Hollenbeck, Maria Olin, Amanda Edgerly. Virtue Kelsey, Sarah Phoenix, Martha Bartlett, Tabitha Cal kins, Selina White, Sally Wiles, Cynthia Sanford, Mercy Cal kins, Susan Stillwell, Catherine Sparling, Sally Hall, Anna Bowers, Samantha Stockwell, Dorcas Calkins, Abigail Irish, a total of 33. Upon the reorganization, Willard J. Chapin was appointed clerk and held the office until his death in 1852. In 1826, Rev. Richard H. Benedict became pastor, and the real growth of the church began. During the two years of his pastorate, 84 members were added to the church. In February, 1828, he was succeeded by Rev. Noah Barrell. In the early part of his pastorate the subject of Free Masonry caused consider- able_agitation in the church, it being ascertained that several of the members were also members of the Masonic fraternity. In order to allay all -excitement and satisfy the ones who were not members of the order, the following renunciation was drawn up at the convenant meeting on March 1st, 1828, and signed by the members Avho had formed a connection with the Masonic order: "We, the undersigned members of the Baptist Church in Perry, having been members of the Masonic institu tion, and having some time since voluntarily withdrawn from the same, do hereby renounce our connection with the Masonic institution and fraternity, and are determined never to uphold or support Free Masonry." Signed by John Calkins, Matthew Burroughs, Samuel F. Phoenix, Willard J. Chapin, Wm. A. 150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Bartlett, Joshua Calkins, Jr., Samuel Waldo, Daniel Calkins and Thomas Parkinson. A resolution was soon adopted, refus ing fellowship to Masons. In July, 1844, this measure was broadened, and it was voted to have no fellowship with mem bers of any secret society. In 1879, after a controArersy of over a year's standing, it was voted not to require further tests as to society fellowship. This action dissatisfied a portion of the members, who withdreAv and formed what became known as "The Leicester Street Baptist Society of Perry, N. Y." On September 6th, 1828, the church formed itself into a Alissionary Society, auxiliary to the New York Baptist State Convention, and voted to contribute for the object of the convention what would amount to 18% cents for each of its members. The church has been a missionary body since that time, contributing according to its ability for the various ob jects of benevolence. Rev. Mr. Barrell closed his labors as pastor of the church on the 16th of December, 1829. From that time until the August following, the church was Avithout a pastor, but was supplied by Revs. Mr. Justin, Freeman and others. At the co venant meeting held in August, 1830, the church invited Rev. Daniel Eldridge to become its pastor. The invitation was ac cepted and he entered immediately upon his duties. The church had just completed its meeting house, the first Baptist meeting house in the town, erected at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated at the time Rev. Mr. Eldridge became pastor and added much to their comfort and convenience. In those days, after the com pletion of a house of Avorship, it was the custom to auction off the seats or pews to the highest bidders. The purchaser, or his heirs or assigns, was supposed to be privileged to retain owner ship forever. The Avriter was permitted to examine one of the deeds giA'en by the Baptist Society to Edmund C. Bills, dated Jan. 31st, 1831, at Avhich time Air. Bills purchased seat No. 36 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY , 151 for the sum of $74. The deed was signed by Rufus H. Smith, Willard J. Chapin, E. Lacy, Samuel Phoenix and Samuel Waldo, who constituted the Board of Trustees of the Society at that time. In 1849, the church building was enlarged to double its original capacity, and in 1900 it Avas moved to the side and rear of the present church edifice, Avhere it is still used as a Sunday School room and annex. When the Baptist Society was first organized, the services Avere held at the homes of the members. As the membership grew, the meeting place was changed to the village school house, Avhich served them as a place of worship until the church erected in 1830 Avas com pleted. During the term of Rev. Mr. Eldridge as pastor of the church a great reAdval was held and 112 people were added to the church by baptism. In January, 1833, he was succeeded as pastor by Rev. Absolom Miner, but owing to ill health, Mr. Miner served the' church only about six months and resigned on the 24th of August following. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Arthur, father of the late President, Chester A. Arthur, who at that time was a boy of about four years of age. In the April following the arrival of Rev. Mr. Arthur, the church purchased a parsonage on North Main street at a cost of $800. This house was afterward removed to what is now Elm street, to furnish the site for the residence of W. T. Olin, and now stands in the rear of Mr. Olin's home, having undergone some alterations after its removal to its new site- Having sold the property, the church society purchased a house and lot on Leicester street for its parsonage, the place owned by Mrs. J. M. Boughton. This was used until 1882. Rev. Mr. Arthur resigned in September, 1837, and was fol lowed by Rev. Elon Galusha. It was during the ministry of Mr. Galusha that the church took positive ground with refer ence to American slavery. Her influence had long before been 152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY exerted in opposition to the great sin, through the early labors of Samuel Phoenix, the tanner, and afterward by Josiah And rews and others; but as the iniquity steadily worked its way into every avenue of the Christian church, the members resolved that as a Church of Christ, they could not fellowship slave holders or their apologists, a position from which the church never receded. REV. WALTER R. BROOKS Afterwards President of Hamilton College Photo by Crocker Other pastors who followed Rev. Air. Galusha were: Daniel Eldridge, second term, 1841-3 ; J. W. Spoor, 1843-6 ; F. Glan- ville, 1846-9 ; Walter R. Brooks, 1849-57 ; Chauncey W. Ward- ener, 1857-9 ; Roswell Cheney, 1859-75 ; Charles Ayer, 1875-77 ; J. W. Harris, 1877-81 ; B. S. Terry, 1881-83 ; J. W. Duffy, 1884- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 153 5 ; G. E. Farr, 1885-87 ; V. A. Sage, 1887-89 ; Joseph Sullivan, 1889-90 ; M. B. Comfort, 1890-93 ; J. H. Hollingsworth, 1893-99 ; H. A. Pease, 1899-1904; T. G. EisAvald, 1904-08; H. A. Waite, began in March, 1909. In 1886 the present parsonage was constructed adjoining the church, at a eost of $1900, and in 1887 — -during the pastor ate of V. A. Sage- — the pipe organ noAV in use was purchased at a cost of $1250. The present church edifice was begun in the Summer of 1900, during the pastorate of Rev. H. A. Pease. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on Sept. 25th of that year, Rev. John Mason of Batavia delivering the address of-the day. It was completed at a cost of $15,000, and was dedicated on July 23d, 1901, Rev. C. A. Barbour, D. D., of Rochester, preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1914 the con gregation witnessed the burning of the last mortgage on the property and is uoav free from any indebtedness, being in a flourishing condition. The present membership is about 650; that of the Sunday School, 375. Mr. George Morse has served the Sunday School as its superintendent for a consecutive period of 20 years. In 1913, expensive repairs Avere made upon the church edi fice, hardwood floors being laid in the auditorium, the walls were re-decorated and the pipe organ was rebuilt. The expense of these improvements amounted to about $2,000. The society is creating a fund for the re-building of the original structure in the rear, now used as Sunday School rooms. 154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PER'RY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH In 1912, the late Robert Stainton wrote an historical sketch of the Alethodist Episcopal Church Society. Having been affil iated with the organization for a period of nearly 50 years, he Avas able to give an exceedingly interesting and accurate revieAV of the past achievements of the society. Air. Stainton 's work is reproduced here, together with such other material as the writer has been able to secure. The first Methodist inhabitant of Perry of whom we have any knowledge was Henry Wallace, who came in June, 1816. He went on foot to the quarterly meeting of the Caledonia Cir cuit held near Batavia, and while there requested that a preacher be sent to Perry. Complying Avith this request, Rev. Robert Minchell was sent and held the first preaching service the same year in Mr. Wallace's home, Avhich stood on Gardeau street, just on the edge of the toAvn of Castile. A class of six members was formed: Henry Wallace, leader; Sabra Wallace (his wife,) Hannah Wallace (his daugh- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 155 ter-in-law,) Aliles Rhoades and AAufe, and a Airs. Doav, avIio had located a mile or so farther south about the same time that Mr. Wallace came. Of this first class, Hannah Wallace died in 1831; Henry Wallace in 1840, aged 82; and Sabra Wallace in 1844, aged 80. Associated with this first preacher were Rev. Wm. Jones and Thomas McGee. In February of the next year, Rev. Wm. Wiles, a local preacher and ordained Deacon, came to Perry with his two sons and their families, a son-in-laAv and two daughters. This was a great addition to the infant society. as Air. Wiles was a man of means. He owned the greater part of Alain street and the most valuable water power on the outlet. Thomas Batchelden, an exhorter, settled near Perry about the same time, and in 1818 Thomas Grisewood came. Mr. Wallace, upon becoming deaf, was succeeded as class leader by Storey Wiles, and he by Thomas Grisewood in 1819. After the arrival of Rev. Mr. Wiles, the preaching place Avas remoA^ed to the Wiles home, AA'hich stood just south of the Traver place, about opposite the present Record office. As the congregation grew, the village school house Avas used for the Sunday services. Under the labors of Rev. Benajah Williams, preacher in charge of the circuit, a great revival occurred in 1818-9 which was probably the first in the town. Among the converts were Wm. Dolbeer and wife, who proved loyal and true throughout a long life as residents of Perry. The society had now increased to 36 members, and they proceeded to organize according to law, and laid plans for a church building of their own. This meeting was held on Nov. 25th, 1822, at the home of Wm. Wiles. The following named Avere elected as a Board of Trustees: Samuel Gilman, Thomas Grisewood, Wm. Dolbeer, Samuel Wiles, Thomas Batchelden and Rev. Wm. Wiles. The new church was erected and ready for dedication in the spring of 1824, and the presiding Elder — Rev. Goodwin Stoddard — preached the sermon. The church 156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY stood on the northerly side of Short street, about half way be tween La1_e and Covington streets, and «ost $800. It was the first M. E. Church within the present county. In 1829, the Genesee Conference held its sessions in this church, and Bishop Roberts presided. At this session, action was taken which re sulted in the founding of the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. In 1831, Perry Avas made a station. A larger edifice was needed and was erected in 1832. The old building was sold, re moved and used for several years by the Universalist Society. It was subsequently converted into a boarding house for the accommodation of students of the old Perry Academy. The new church was much larger, with ample galleries, and was built on the Lake street property noAv owned by T. B. Masten. The church faced east, on a road wdiich at that period connect ed La e and Covington streets. It eost $4,000, and was dedi cated by Samuel Luckey, D. D." The Genesee Conference held its annual session in this church in 1837, Bishop Hedding pre siding. The edifice was destroyed by fire in 1838 with a total loss, as it was uninsured. The society then purchased the re mainder of the lot through to Covington street and built a session house in which they worshiped until the new church was completed in 1840. This was erected on the Lake street end of the lot and was continuously occupied until the comple tion of the present beautiful brick and stone church edifice on the corner of CoA'ington and Short streets. The pastor in charge during the building of the third edi fice Avas Rev. J. T. Arnold, noted for that line of Avork. It was dedicated by Rev. Schuyler Seager, D. D., Principal of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. The church cost $3,000, and the session room $400 additional. In the great fire of 1856, when Main street, south of Lake street, on the west side, was all destroyed the steeple caught fire and Avas completely wrecked, the church itself being saA'ed only by the most heroic efforts of citizens. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 157 The late Seymour Sanford and Rev. T. B. Catton were the di recting minds Avho saved the church. A still more fiery trial awaited the church in the Fall of the same year, when the Genesee Conference held its annual session, lasting 17 days. A time of trouble and bitter dissen sion, the effects of which are not yet entirely obliterated and forgotten, was the outcome. At this session, Rev. B. T. Roberts and Joseph McCreary Avere tried and expelled from the Con ference and the M. E. Church. Bishops Janes and Baker were both present at this Conference and presided, although Bishop Janes was president by assignment. The Perry church had its full share of the strife and bitterness of separation and lost some of its most earnest and trusted members, who later formed the Free Methodist Church Society of Perry. The church building was occupied from 1840 to 1883, dur ing which period minor improvements were made. In the lat ter year the society became dissatisfied with the edifice and de cided upon a thorough change and remodeling to conform more adequately to modern usages. After considerable discussion it was decided to turn the building half way around, facing Lake street, elevate it and put a basement beneath, with every thing new inside, modern pews and cushions, stained glass windows, carpets, furnace, etc. The work was begun in the Summer of 1883 and completed in the Spring of 1884. The church was re-dedicated on March 11th, 1884, by Chancellor C. N. Sims of Syracuse University. A new pipe organ was in stalled in 1893 at a cost of $800. At the beginning of the twentieth century a spirit of rest lessness and dissatisfaction manifested itself among the mem bership, who felt that the church should keep pace with the onward march of progress, and after two or three years of con sideration and agitation, under the pastorate of Rev. F. M. 158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Cole, the present church building was started in the Summer of 1906 and completed in the Fall of 1907 at a total cost of $39,540.95. It was dedicated on Sept. 1st, 1907, Rev. John Krantz, D. D., preaching the sermon and conducting the appeal for financial aid to meet the debt. A splendid pipe organ was installed in 1909 at an expense of $2,500. This sum was outside and independent of the church building fund, and was secured through the quiet and tactful methods of the pastor, Rev. J. Ed ward Martin. The society has owned tAvo parsonages. The first was a house bought in 1836, which stood on the corner of Leicester and HaAvthorne streets. It was destroyed by fire on April 19th, 1877, during the pastorate of Rev. A. Sutherland. Quite an agitation followed as to where the new parsonage should be lo cated, and through the generosity of the late Martin P. AndreAvs and wife, who pledged $700 each conditional upon its erection on the triangle at Lake, Leicester and Center streets, it was built there in 1877. Regarding the pastors who have had charge of the church the writer has found it extremely difficult to locate them in chronological order, but the list is fairly authentic up to 1850. Since that date they are accurately recorded. While Perry Avas a circuit beginning in 1816, the organization under Robert Alinchell held the first preaching service, as before stated. Then came Wm. Jones, Thomas McGee, Benajah Williams, James Bronson, Cyrus Storey, John Cosart, Chester V. Adgate, Reeder Smith and Wilbur Hoag. The others, previous to its being made a station in 1831, are not definitely known. Since becoming a station, the following named had charge : John B. Alverson, Seth Matteson, F. G. Hibbard, D. D.; J. T. Arnold, 1839-41; John Parker, 1841-3 ; I. H. Kellogg, 1843-5 ; Philo Woodworth, 1845-7 ; DeForest Parsons, 1847-9 ; Charles D. Burlingam, 1849- 51; Allen P. Ripley, 1851-53; J. B. Wentworth, 1853-4; Milo ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 159 Scott, 1854-55 ; H. Ryan Smith, 1855-57 ; W. S. Tuttle, 1857-59 ; J. B. Wentworth, 1859-61; Sanford Hunt, 1861-63; E. A. Rice, 1863-65; J. H. Bayliss, 1865-66; James E. Bills, 1866-7; E. L. NeAvman, 1867-70 ; L. A. Stevens, 1870-73 ; J. H. Rogers, 1873-6 ; Andrew Sutherland, 1876-9 ; John W. Sanborn, 1879-82 ; Henry Vosburg, 1882-4; Henry Clay Woods, 1884-87 ; Carlos G. Lowell, 1887-93; John T. Canfield, 1893-95; Benjamin Copeland, 1895- 99 ; Sylvester W. Lloyd, 1899-1901 ; Frank M. Cole, 1901-7 ; J. EdAvard Martin, 1907-12 ; Wm. W. Robinson, 1912. From an early period a Sabbath School has been main tained Among the first superintendents were Rev. John Stain- DAVID PAGE STOWELL Born, June 15, 1818, at Lebanon, N. Y. Died December 28, 1901 ton, Gilbert Mitchell, Prof. M. R. Atkins, A. B. Cooley and David P. Stowell. 160 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY During the nine years from 1906-15 the society raised the remarkably large sum of $75,719.51. Of this amount, $45,023.51 represented expenditures for building, interest, pipe organ, etc., and the balance for current expenses and benevolences. The final payment on the church property Avas made on Jan. 15th, 1915, at Avhich time the mortgages were burned at a praise ser vice, at Avhich Revs. F. M. Cole and J. E. Alartin were present to rejoice with the pastor and people. The present membership of the church society is about 450. This picture shows a portion of the "Yarn Mill on the left; the office on the right of it, behind the tree. Beyond the office, from which the cov ered bridge leads to another building, is shown small sections of Mills Nos. 1 and 2. This view is taken on Hope street, looking east. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 161 The early history of the Congregational. Church of Perry Center is also the early history of the Presbyterian Society of Perry, as the two organizations were affiliated from the time of the establishment of the first named up to the year 1834, AA'ith the exception of the period from 1822 to 1831. On July 22d, 1822, five of the members of the Congrega tional Church withdreAV and established a Presbyterian Society in the village. Rev. Samuel T. Mills of Moscow and Rev. Nor- ris Bull of Geneseo were present at the organization. This first society did not make much progress, never numbered more than 27, and while they had occasional preaching, they did not have a settled pastor. On August 30th, 1831, the little society disbanded and its members returned to the mother church shortly after the erection of the Congregational house of wor ship. 162 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Rev. Samuel Gridley, pastor of the Perry Center church, Avas active in the second church organization, which consisted of 23 members, and which was organized on Sept. 13th, 1831, Avith the following named as trustees: Merrick Hough, Dr. Otis Higgins, James R. Webster, Harvey Homan, Edmund Birdsall, and Orris Gardner. The congregation used the little building on Covington street, noAV occupied as a second-hand store, as a place of worship. A reorganization took place at a meeting held on the 14th of July, 1835,Avhen the present Presbyterian Society Avas constituted by the Presbytery of Genesee. Messrs. On is Gardner, Ebenezer Higgins and Joseph E. Lambright Avere elected Ruling Elders, and Dr. Otis Higgins and Edmund Birds- all were chosen Deacons. Rev. Samuel Gridley supplied the congregation Avith preaching during the first two years. In 1837 he was succeeded by Rev. Selden Haynes, Avho served as supply for 18 months, during which time it was decided to erect a new house of wor ship. On Jan 1st, 1839, the building Avas completed and dedi cated with appropriate ceremonies, Revs. Erastus Gillett of Ba tavia, Joseph Ladd and W. Stratton assisting Rev. Mr. Haynes in the dedicatory services. The brick used in the construction of the building was manufactured at West Perry. Temporary repairs Avere made on the edifice from time to time. In 1852 a chapel was added at a cost of $1,300. During the same year, Air. E. P. Clark, a local hardware dealer, presented the society with the bell which is now in use. In 1856 the pulpit was remodeled and re-decorated through the generosity of Mr. and Airs. Robert Durkee. Repairs Avere made in 1860 at an expend iture of about $700. In 1875, extensive improvements Avere made through a building committee composed of German B. Olin, Henry N. Page, R. T. Tuttle and Mrs. C. A. Cleveland. The auditorium Avas enlarged by removing the gallery in front and enclosing the porch. The'AvindoAvs Avere narroAved and re- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 163 placed with stained glass ; the walls Avere frescoed, the audience room was re-seated, and the present pipe organ Avas purchased at that time. The expense incurred by these improvements amounted to about $6,700. The church was re-dedicated on Dec. 28th, 1875, Rev. Joseph R. Page, a former pastor of the society, preaching a sermon on "The Influences of the Sanctuary." REV. JOSEPH R. PAGE —Photograph by Crocker. Rev. Joseph R. Page, D. D., began his ministry with the church in February 1840, and continued until October, 1841, when he returned to Auburn Theological Seminary to complete his studies. Dr. Page came back to Perry and was installed as pastor on Oct. 4th, 1843, and continued until December, 1856, when he became pastor of the Congregational Church at Strat- REV. C^.SSIUS H. DIBBLE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 165 ford, Conn. Three years later he was recalled to this church and continued to preach here until the close of 1867. During the absences of Dr. Page, already referred to, Rev. J. W. Ray, Rev. Air. Tileston and Rev. Mr. Pattengill supplied the church. In 1868, Dr. Page was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Hazeltine, who served as stated supply for a period of about two years. On Oct. 27th, 1870, Rev. H. B. Gardner became pastor and con tinued his ministry for two years. Rev. Cassius H. Dibble be gan his labors in this church in December, 1872, as stated supply, and was installed on Sept. 26th, 1876, as its regular pastor. During the continuous period from 1872 to 1902, a span of 30 years, he Avas the faithful spiritual guide and be loved pastor of the congregation, being prominently identified with every movement for civic betterment and maintaining cordial and harmonious relations with the clergy and people of other denominations. During his term as pastor there were nearly 500 accessions to the church membership, of Avhom about 150 are still identified with the society. Upon Mr. Dibble's retirement from active ministry the congregation voted to him a life lease of the old manse which had been his home for many years, and erected a new manse at a cost of about $5,000 for the use of succeeding pastors. Rev. Joseph Addison Jones, Avho Avas a student at Auburn Theological Seminary, became pastor in 1903, leaving in No vember, 1905, to become pastor of the Madison Avenue Reform ed Church in Albany, Avhich he continues to ably serve at the present time. The present pastor, Rev. Wm. V. TeWinkel, came to Perry on March 1st, 1906, and has been the faithful pastor of the church since that time. The project of erecting a new house of worship was pre sented to the congregation by the pastor at the request of the church officials, in a sermon delivered on Sept. 13th, 1908, a date that marked the 74th anniversary of the organization of 166 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ' ' The Brick Church Society. ' ' Ten days later a congregational meeting Avas held to consider the matter, and committees were appointed to canvass the members. At another meeting held in February, 1909, the report showed such a gratifying re sponse that it was decided to proceed with the erection of a new church without unnecessary delay. In due time the prepara tions for building Avere completed and the last services held in the old edifice occurred on July 18th, 1909. The corner stone of the neAv building was laid on Sunday, Nov. 14th, of that year. For tAvo years the congregation worshiped pleasantly and harmoniously Avith the First Baptist Society until Sept. 3d, 1911, Avhen the neAv church was ready for occupancy. The dedication, which had been deferred until all indebtedness up on the building had been provided for, took place on Sunday, Oct. 11th, 1914. The dedication sermon was delivered by Rev. C. H. Dibble, Pastor Emeritus, from the text "Receivers of the Fullness of Christ." Rev. W. V. TeWinkel, the pastor, gave the prayer of consecration. The cost of the building was about $43,000. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 167 ipCLAPA Morgan, Many of the early settlers of Perry, including the families of Josiah Williams, Amos Otis, Dan Dickerson and the At- woods, were folloAvers of the UniArersalist faith, and service;-! were frequently held at the homes of these pioneers, although it appears that no effort was then made to establish a society. As the town grew, many of the new comers Avere found to be of the Universalist denomination, and at a meeting called on Oct. 8th, 1831, a constitution and profession of faith Avere adopt ed, to which the following named subscribed as constituent members : Dan Dickerson, Titus Howe, Robert Mattison, Hiram Austin, Arvin Olin, Talmon T. Carver, Moses Wooley, Eliakim Botsford, Noah Bacon, Josiah Williams, J. H. Bolton, Amos Otis, John Griffith, Isaiah T. Gore, Jonas Wood, William Tripp, Homer Bingham, Nathan Chichester, Oliver Goodspeed, Samuel Marsh, Joseph Wilson, James Calkins, Jacob Ashdin, Rodney Atwood, Stephen B. Tabor, Mary Collins, Nancy Wood, Ann 168 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Dickerson, Betsey Ayers, Betsey Olin, Dolly Botsford, Densa Burnham, Margaret Bacon, Lovina Otis, Deborah Waterman, Mary Patchin, Sally Tripp, Polly Bingham, Laura Goodspeed, Harriet Collins, and Lucy Ann Collins. J. H. Bolton, Josiah Williams and Dan Dickerson were elected trustees at this meeting. The regular church organiza tion was effected on the 18th of June, 1843. Up to the year 1833, the society had no regular place in Avhich to hold their meetings, services being held at the homes of the parishioners. During that year, hoAveA'er, it Avas voted to purchase the old Methodist Church, and the trustees were ac cordingly instructed. This was used as a house of worship until the erection of the present building. It was then sold and converted into a dwelling house and was subsequently destroy ed by fire. The present church edifice was completed in the Summer of 1852 at a cost of approximately $4,000 and was dedicated on Feb. 9th, of the following year, Rev. A. Skinner of Utica preaching the dedicatory sermon. Extensive repairs Avere made on the building in 1886, and it Avas rededicated on April 7th of that year, Rev. W. E. Gibbs delivering the address of the day. The pipe organ was installed a number of years ago at a cost of $800. The church records do not give the names of the pastors previous to the church organization. The f olloAving named are known, however, to have preached before that time: Sampson Skeele, W. T. Reese, Alfred Peck, Aloreton, John Flagler, Benjamin Luther, L. L. Saddler, T. P. Abell, Seth Barnes, Jacob Chase, Orrin Roberts, Alanson Kelsey, B. G. Bennett. The pas tors since the organization was effected were : Daniel Ackley, Stephen Miles, J. S. Brown, Eben Francis, A. B. Grosh, D. C. Tomlinson ; Stephen Crane, 1866-73 ; W. B. Randolph, 1873-77 ; George Adams, 1877-78; W. Sisson, 1878-80; John Clarence ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 169 Lee, 1880-83 ; John F. Gates, 1883-86 ; J. E. June, 1886-89 ; S. A. Whitcomb, 1889-90 ; J. F. Gates, 1890-91 ; H. C. Munson, 1891- 92; Asa Countryman, 1892-94; Charles Palmatier, 1894-1903; John Evans, 1903- '06; Clara E. Morgan came April 1st, 1906. A lot on Center street Avas given to the society by the late Geo. Tomlinson, and in 1888 the present parsonage was built, Rev. J. E. June being the first to occupy it. During the '70 's, and in some of the years before and after, the annual harvest festival of the Universalist society was the social event of the season and always was looked for with pleas urable anticipation. A bountiful supper was an important feature, together with a dramatic performance, followed by games and dancing, making an evening of particular pleasure for the young folks. In those days, dancing was frowned upon if not forbidden by a number of church organizations, and the occasion was one of the few opportunities afforded to enjoy the pastime under proper surroundings. 170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ST. JOSEPH'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH K>§ '.. ' , - V '2 l' %• ¦¦¦¦ /" . " .""*" 1 ¦frMrr IV i^SSuMi p^w^j™^iui^ 0|^KMjl J, *wtvvf The Rev. Thomas McEvoy Avas the first priest to visit the feAV Catholics living in Perry. He came in the year 1848 to the home of Dennis Kennedy on Watrous street, and there cele brated mass for the first time in the history of the toAA'ii. After- Avards, mass Avas celebrated at irregular intervals by Fathers ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 171 LaAvton, Ryan and AlcEvoy in the homes of James McKrink, John Whalen, James O'Connor and Mr. Kennedy. Other early Catholic families Avere those of Bernard Smith, James Malone and Thomas Farrell. About the year 1859, a few Catholics of the toAvn purchas ed a building on Covington street, which had been used as a private school and for the session room of the Presbyterian society, from E. P. Clark for $300. This served them as a meet ing place until 1873, when it was abandoned for the building erected in that year and dedicated on June 17th, under the direction of Rev. John Fitzpatrick. The building cost approxi mately $5,000. The society was conducted as a Mission until 1879, and was attended by Fathers AlcConnell, Purcell, McGuiness, Gregg, Cook, FitzPatrick and O'Duyer. In March, 1879, Perry and Silver Springs (then called East Gainesville) were formed into an independent parish Avith the Rev. Peter Berkery as resi dent pastor. There was no parochial residence for him, and he boarded with members of the congregation until the rectory was built. Father Berkery Avas succeeded in April, 1882, by Father Herrick, who remained until January, 1884. Avhen he Avas succeeded by Rev. Francis Sullivan; Avho built the present attractive rectory and for 13 years labored successfully among the people. Upon his promotion to Albion, N. Y., Rev. Wm. T. Wilber was appointed to take charge, and was pastor from 1897 to 1904. On June 4th, 1904, the Rt. Rev. Chas. H. Colton, Bishop of Buffalo, appointed Rev. Thomas J. Caraher pastor at Perry and instructed him to build a needed neAv church. Some things had to be done before the work could be begun, viz: The renovation of the old property, and the re moval of the old church with vestry and barn to other location-* to make room on the Leicester street site for the new edifice. The old church Avas removed to a site north of the rectory and 172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY refitted for use as an amusement and dining hall. During the Fall of the year 1905, after the Bishop had per sonally inspected the grounds and given instructions as to the requirements, the excavation work was begun for the new church, and during the month of October the foundation Avas built, but on account of the unfavorable Aveather which set in, Avork was discontinued for the winter. It was resumed in the folloAving spring, and on Oct. 14th, 1906, the corner-stone was laid by Bishop Colton, assisted by Rev. Thomas Walsh and many priests of the Diocese. Father McKenna, 0. P., of NeAv York City, preached the sermon on that occasion. The building was completed in November, 1908, and has been occupied since Dec. 6th of that year. On Sunday, Aug. 1st, 1909, it Avas dedicated by Bishop Col ton, assisted by Rev. Dean Vandepoel of LeRoy, Rev. Francis Sullivan of Albion, Rev. J. McGrath, Rev. Charles Duffy, D. D., Rev. Al. J. Kean, and Rev. Thomas Walsh, D. D., D. C. L. of Buffalo. Rev. John H. O 'Rourke, S. J., of New York City, de livered the sermon of the day. The church is a beautiful mar ble edifice and cost approximately $50,000, including furnish ings. It commands the admiration of all who see it and their Avonderment how it could have been constructed for the sum ex pended. It is a lasting and substantial memorial of the care, foresight and executive ability of Father Caraher, who gave his personal attention to every detail and secured complete re turn for every dollar expended. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 173 HOLY APOSTLES EPISCOPAL CHURCH Episcopal services Avere held in Perry in Prof. Allen's pri vate school rooms as early as 1845. At this time the Rt. Rev. Bishop DeLancey acted as supply. About the year 1875, the small body of Episcopalians living in Perry held services in the little chapel that stood upon a site on Alain street, now the en trance to Borden avenue. Revs. SAveetland and Battin were the only regular pastors of whom the writer has any information. Services Avere finally abandoned in this little church, and the few adherents of the faith affiliated with other religious bodies of the town. The avails of the sale of the church prop erty formed a nucleus for a larger fund, and as the toAvn rapidly increased in poulation, it was found that a considerable number of the new comers were Episcopalians, who Avere desirous of seeing a church of that denomination in the place. This fact gave courage to the old members and their interest was re- neAved. About the year 1897, Aveekly meetings were held by the Episcopalians in the Universalist Church, and earnest efforts were made to realize their ambition to have a church of their OAvn. The fund for the purpose grew, and in 1899 the present edifice was constructed at a cost of $3500, the corner stone be ing laid by Bishop Walker of the Diocese of Western New York. During the period since the building of the church there have been seven rectors appointed, viz: W. A. Atkinson, who was the first, labored here for two and one-half years, the others in order being as follows : Revs. Stoddard, Willey, Har vey, Murch, and the present rector, Percy Isherwood. Mr. F. E. Eustace supplied vacancies as lay reader. The present mem bership comprises about 60 families. 174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY FREE METHODIST CHURCH The first mtetings of this society were held in Smith's Hall, located on the corner of Main and Lake streets, in the third story of the brick block erected by Rufus H. Smith. The or ganization as a church society was established at a meeting held on Nov. 5th, 1860, with the following named persons as members in full connection : John Grisewood, Hannah Grise wood, Jonathan Handley, Mary Handley, James R. Johnson, Rhoda Al. Johnson, Alark Johnson, Wm. Rudd, Sarah Rudd, Thomas B. Catton, Sarah H. Catton, James Purdy, Sarah Purdy, Wright Mason, Mary Clark Sanford, Hannah Sanford, Lydia GriseAvood, Ann Smith, Elizabeth Hare. The following Summer they erected a church building on a lot presented to them by Anson D. Smith, on the corner of Main and Gardeau streets. This church was dedicated on July 20th, 186.1, by Revs. Asa Abell and Loren Stiles. The parsonage was built on Gar deau street, adjoining the church. In the Fall of 1862, a class of 25 from Burke Hill united with the Free Methodists and the organization was then knoAvn as "The Perry and Burke Hill Circuit." A Sunday School was organized Avith Thomas B. Catton as its first superintendent Only one of the charter members is now living — Mr. Wm. Rudd, Avho is still active in the Avork of the church. In May, 1915, the society purchased of E. J. Soper, his neAv residence property and vacant lot on Church street. The residence Avill be used as a parsonage, and it is the intention of the society to erect a new church building in the near future. The pastors Avho have served the church are : A. A. Pholps, Wm. Alanning, Asa Abell, G. W. Humphrey, George Slack, C. Hudson, S. II. Lowe, J. W. Reddy, Henry Hornsby, T. J. Ewell, Al. C. Burritt, George W. Marcellus, G. W. Coleman, C. B. Essex, J. A. Green, D. S. Warner, W. C. Chamberlain, C. W. Bacon, THOMAS B. CATTON 176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY D. G. Mark, J, Robinson, J. H. Wheeler, J. H. Harmon, W. T. Wees, L. Barmore, R. Carne, L. A. Southworth, M. A. Parker, H. J. Wood. ________ LEICESTER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH During the Summer of 1879, owing to a controversy of over a year's duration, concerning secret societies, a portion of the congregation of the First Baptist Church withdrew from that organization and formed Avhat later became known as "The Leicester Street Baptist Society of Perry." For a period of about three years they held their regular church services in the Academy building. Rev. Jesse Ellicott preached to the con- gregati m until his death in March, 1880, when Rev. J. D. Tucker Avas engaged as pastor. A council of the Genesee Baptist Association was called and convened at Perry on Feb. 15th, 1881, at which time argu ments were heard for and against the recognition of the organi zation as an independent church. Not being able to agree upon the subject, an adjournment was taken until Nov. 15th, at which time the organization succeeded in obtaining the desired recognition. The society purchased a lot on Leicester street and the erection of a church edifice was begun in the Summer of 1881. On Jan. 26, 1882,, it was formally dedicated by Rev. H. D. EAvell. The cost of the building was $4,300. Regular services were held in this church until February, 1909, when the organization disbanded and the members re united with the mother church, under the name of the "Baptist Church of Perry." Other pastors of the church were : Revs. Brown, D. C. Her- rell, and James Blanden. About the year 1909, the church property was sold to the late W. P. Andrus, who converted the building into an apart ment house. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 177 ST. STANISLAUS CHURCH The growth of Perry's largest knitting industry from a Avorking force of 100 or more to over one thousand created a labor problem that induced many Polish people to come here and seek employment in the mills. When the number reached about 300, a Catholic priest of their oaato. nationality was se cured in the person of Rev. Joseph Rudzinski, and the parish of "St. Stanislaus Kosta" was instituted on Nov.- 14, 1910, by Bishop Colton. At that time the congregation numbered over 300, representing over 40 families. The congregation now num bers nearly one thousand and the society has a church building, a rectory and other property, including a cemetery, totaling. in value about $10,000. Father Rudzinski is a loyal citizen of his adopted country and has done much for the uplift of his people, encouraging them in learning American customs and inspiring in them a devotion to American ideals. CHAPTER X Excitement Over Discoveries of Gold in California — Perry Men Were Among Those Who Were Lured by the Fortunes Quickly Made. In the late '40 's, gold discoveries in California created great excitement and drew many people to the Pacific Coast in search of their fortune. A large number of men went alone while many others took their families across the country in "prairie schooners" and braved the perils that beset them nearly all of the Avay west of the Missouri River. From Ridpath's history of the United States we quote: "A f eAv days after the signing of the treaty of peace with Mexico, an event occurred in California which spread excitement through the civilized world. A laborer, employed by Captain Sutter, to cut a mill race on the American fork of the Sacramento River, discovered some pieces of gold in the sand in which he was dig ging. With further search, other particles were found. The neAvs spread as if borne on the wind. From all quarters, adventurers came flocking. Other explorations led to further revelations of the precious metal. For a while there seemed to be no end to the discoveries. Straggling gold hunters sometimes picked up in a few hours the value of $500. The intelligence went fly ing through the states to the Atlantic, and then the ends of the world. Men thousands of miles aAvay were crazed with excitement. Workshops were shut up, business houses aband oned, fertile farms left tenantless, offices deserted. Though the overland routes to California were scarcely yet discovered, thousands of our eager adventurers started on the long, long journey." The "gold fever" manifested itself in Perry and infected Riley Senter, Charles H. Erickson, Samuel P. Pierce and Mark A P;pT-f e. AA-ho left here on Alay 11th. 1849, and started for Call- MARK A. PIERCE 180 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY met others Avho Avere bound for the ' ' Golden State, ' ' and at that place the "Avagon train" Avas formed. The long journey across the plains Avas begun about June 1st, 1849, and after several un expected delays, the party reached Salt Lake City in November. It Avas deemed inadvisable to take the shortest route from Salt Lake to California on account of the heavy snoAvs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, hence they left Salt Lake City in December, taking a trail running a southerly course. At Laramie, Wyoming, before reaching Salt Lake City, the. party Avas obliged to stop for a time and make repairs to their wagons and outfit. In a letter Avritten from Laramie on Aug. 25th, 1849, Riley Senter told of some of their experiences. It was published in the Perry Democrat, from which we make the folloAving excerpts : "The land about here is far from being fit to cultivate. There is an immense region of country betAveen the States and the Rocky Mountains that is fit only for buffalo and other wild animals to range upon. From where we crossed the Missouri it continues to groAV more barren as Ave journey AvestAvard. The country is almost entirely destitute of timber. There is gener ally some along the river and creek banks, just a few scattering trees. Great quantities of material have been throAvn out here. 'On all of the abandoned camping places are to be found boxes, barrels, trunks, a great quantity of iron in all shapes — wagon tires, horse shoes, blacksmith tools, etc. Wagons have been burned Avith their provisions by some, because they could not get any offers for the property. The North American Fur Com pany have a station here to trade Avith the Indians, and I can readily see hoAv large profits are made. These traders pay a mere trifle for buffalo robes. A cup of coffee and one of flour is about the usual price. I Avas told that one cup of molasses is sufficient to purchase a buffalo robe. Moccasins are bought for a feAv cents. The buffalo is the only dependence of the In dians ; for hats they cut the hair from the hides and sew it. The Indians are looking with a great deal of anxiety upon the emi gration of the whites through their territory, fearing that all "THE FORTY-NINERS" 181 of the buffalo Avill be killed and that they Avill have to starve. Officials at the forts endeavor to pacify the Indians by telling them that the United. States will supply them Avi|h food when the proper time arrives. Indians are experts in ghopting the buffalo, and I have frequently been told that they can drive an arroAv through an animal. I really believe it from the appear ance of their arroAvs, Avhich are pointed Avith a sharp iron, shaped something like the old flint arroAv heads found in Wyo ming County. From the time we started until Avithin ten miles of Laramie Ave did not see an Indian, and then discovered about 25 lodges on the opposite side of the river. Although having frequently been told to be very cautious about going into dan ger, some half a dozen of us started immediately for their camp. Before getting over the river Ave saAv them go for their horses and rush across between us and the Avagon train, which Avas moving on. We hardly knew what to make of their move ment, but thinking it best to start directly for them, Ave did so and found that their great anxiety was to get to our train for the purpose of trading and getting presents. They had plenty of ponies, some buffalo robes and moccasins, and were anxious to trade their ponies for our horses. Anything that an Indian takes a fancy to aauII buy one of their best ponies. An old military coat Avill buy a pony at any time, such as the traders ask from $75 to $100 for. These Indians are the Sioux. They have suffered terribly from the cholera, Avhich began its rav ages among them last spring, but noAV has nearly ceased. The;*' do not bury their dead, but hang the bodies up, either in trees or upon long poles, belieA'ing that if buried the dead one could not see. In folloAving one creek, some of us found several bodies in trees ; one Avas that of a child carefully placed on a uetAvork of sticks woven together. By its side lay a pretty red blanket folded up along with several deer and elk skins of the softest kind, together Avith several small trinkets. * * * We intend to start tomorroAV by the river route. There is no doubt that gold is there or near there in abundance; so Ave are told by the Mormons on the road, and if there is as much as is said to be we shall go in for a share. I hope to send some of the dust home by next spring. I like the company I am Avith; they are a set of men who knoAV how and are ready to work ; some me chanics, others farmers when at home. My health is excellent and I have never regretted starting from Perry." 182 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Charles Erickson died on the trip, particulars of his death being written to the home folks by Mark Pierce in a letter from Avhich we make the following excerpts : "Our course after we left Salt Lake City lay through a dreary and desolate region inhabited only by Indians who sub sist mostly by robbery. We followed the route marked on the map as 'Fremont's trail of 1844.' Before we crossed the divid ing ridge of the Great Basin we encountered severe weather; the mercury registered 22 degrees below zero and the snow was nearly two feet in depth. Although we were much exposed to the inclement weather, Ave endured it better than one would expect. After crossing the diA-iding ridge and traveling down the Santa Clara River a day or tAvo, we emerged into spring-like climate Avhich continued until we reached our destination. We had occasion to stop during the first few days of January on a small stream called ' Muddy, ' which is the only watercourse between the 'RioVirgin' and 'Vegas,' in order to recruit our cattle. A desert 60 miles in length lies between the Muddy and Vegas, and it is destitute of water nearly the whole season. After leaving the Muddy Ave pushed our way along as fast as possible and camped near a patch of grass, Avhich was only enough to meet the needs for one night. Charles complained of illness and we gave him a simple remedy, which soon quieted his pain and he fell asleep. Early the next morning Ave were under way and had the good fortune to find some grass and water in the afternoon. Charles rode all daj^ upon a bed made in the Avagon. At night he was ap parently better, but the dampness of the wagon cover from the frequent showers of the day was not conducive to his comfort. On Sunday, Jan. 4th (1850) Ave arrived at the 'Vegas' (a fer tile spot in the desert,) pitched our tent and collected a quan tity of dry canes to spread upon the ground. We immediately made a bed for Charles and covered him snugly. He Avas suf fering from a seArere form of erysipelas and we gave him reme dies that Ave hoped would ease his pain and quiet his nerves. On Alonday morning he Avas someAvhat better and when the sun rose he Avrapped himself in his blanket and walked about con siderably. A physician connected with our train gave him some remedies Avhich alleviated his suffering and the next day he appeared better, but early in the evening he became sud- "THE FORTY-NINERS" 183 denly worse and Ave became much alarmed about him. We call ed another physician, Avho was connected with Pomeroy 's train, encamped nearby, to counsel with ours. I was pained to hear their decision that his symptoms were very unfavorable. They did all in their power to alleviate his trouble, but he became partly deranged and continued in that state until a few mom ents before he died at 5 o'clock in the morning of Jan. 9th, 1850." The party entered the Mountain Meadow pass and reached the old Santa Fe and California trail 200 miles south of Salt Lake City. Progress along the trail was slow, San Bernardino Alission in Southern California being reached on Jan. 30th, and SanFrancisco about Feb. 15th. At SanFraneisco they met four other men from Perry who had gone by the Isthmus of Panama route, viz: Lee Higgins, Harvey Nobles, Alonzo Robbins and Frimate Jenks, a brother of the late Joshua Jenks. From them they received the first news from home since their departure. Charles H. Homan and the late David Andrus were other Perry men who were numbered among the '49 'ers, but none of them succeeded in making their fortune in the Golden State. Their experiences, however, were among the most exciting and interesting of their lives. CHAPTER XI The Silver Lake Sea Serpent, a Cleverly Conceived Hoax That Was Successfully Employed for Some Time and Brought Silver Lake Into Prominence. In 1855, the villages of Perry and Castile were fearfully excited OA'er the reported discovery of a Avonderful and hideous monster that had been discovered in the liquid depths of beau tiful Silver Lake. In time this excitement extended all over the State, -and eA'tntually to many parts of the entire United States. People came on foot, by carriage, on horseback, and, in fact, by any means of locomotion obtainable, to see if even a glimpse of the monster could be obtained, and the hotels found that they had "struck a bonanza." The Perry paper, edited by Truman S. Gillett. made hay while the sun shone and issued extras illustrated with cuts of the lake and the monster suppos ed to live in its depths, and these papers had a large sale. Dr. Sheldon Higgins, who was the proprietor of the Perry Drug Store, and who was also an adept in the engravers' art, furnished the cuts for the paper. X ^ ^ Old wood engraving made to illustrate the Sea Ssrpent. THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 185 An old whaleman by the name of Daniel Smith was im ported, bringing his boat, harpoon and lances, and proved to be quite an object of curiosity to the people avIio congregated at the lake. The Avriter is indebted to the Wyoming Times and .an article published at the Castilian office in 1880 by Gaines & Terry for our narrative, and will begin the strange tale Avith the folloAV- ing article from the Times, dated Perry, July 18th, 1855 : APPEARANCE OF A SEA SERPENT IN SILVER LAKE The Testimony of Five Credible Witnesses— Great Excitement, Narrow Escapes, Etc. "The beauties of Silver Lake, half a mile from this village have been recorded in prose and verse time and again. It is a splendid sheet of Avater, about four miles long and from one- half to three-quarters of a mile wide. Its outlet, after coursing through a deep gorge, flows into the Genesee River. It con tains sites for 16 or 18 milling privileges, about half of which are improved. The lake is a great resort for fishing parties, muscallonge, pickerel and bass being caught here with live bait during the summer, and speared through the ice during the winter. Catfish or bullheads are as thick as grasshoppers in a Avheat field It is the resort of pleasure parties from the A'illage and abroad, and seldom has anything occurred by which the fair fame of Silver Lake has been tarnished ; nor has it acquired any other than an honest reputation as being one of the most beautiful, safe and desirable places of resort in the State, either for fishing or — in its season — hunting. But to our story : "Friday evening last, as a party of which we formed one Avas disembarking from a trip up the lake, with a hundred [iounds or less of dressed catfish, Messrs. Charles Hall, Joseph R. AlcKnight, Charles and Alonzo Seribner, accompanied by 1a\o boys named George Hall and John Seribner, Avere just leaving the landing on an evening's fishing excursion. The story of their voyage and its incident is theirs as related to us 186 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY in all sincerity, and Ave give it with the remark that the party had no liquor in their boat, nor Avas there any in or about the party. "They left the landing near Mr. Howe's pump factory about 7 p. m. on Friday, and roAved up the narrows of the out let, where two of the party got out and dragged the boat through. As the channel became wider they took seats in the boat and rowed steadily up the lake. They anchored in about the center, near the northeast end, and began fish ing. The evening was not dark; both shores Avere in vieAV, and the stars and clouds appeared alternately. About 9 o'clock, as the entire party Avere fishing, McKnight — Avho sat in the stern of the boat — called attention to Avhat had the sem blance, though much larger, of a long tree trimmed off, lying on the surface of the Avater, north oftheirboatandadozen yards off. All looked at it, and various suggestions Avere made re garding it. It appeared to be 80 or 100 feet long. ' However, the party continued fishing. The thing they saAV, be it tree, log, or whatnot, remained in the same position for tAventy minutes or half an hour. At about 9 :30 it had disappeared, when or how the party had not observed. In about ten minutes Mc Knight called attention to the same object between the boat they occupied and the old sailboat 'Frolic,' which lies aground, disabled on the east shore. The center of the log, tree, or what- eA'er it Avas, Avas in a direct line from the stern of the boat and not more than four rods aAvay. After watching it a few min utes, AlcKuight, who was nearest it, exclaimed: 'Boys, that thing is moving ! ' All looked at it, but having concluded that it Avas a log, when first seen, continued pulling up the catfish. A few minutes more passed, and Hail noticing that it had and Avas changing its position, exclaimed: 'See, itisboAvingaround !' And true enough, so it was. All looked and saw the same movement. Its head — it could no longer be called a log — Avas noAV Avithin three rods of the boat, and, as it approached, the Avaves parted on either side as if a boat were leisurely ap proaching. "Seribner, in an attempt to cut the rope attached to the anchor and boat, lost his knife and pulled up the anchor. Hall grasped tin oars and began pulling vigorously for the west THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 187 shore, AIcKnight steering the boat. Seribner took seat with Hall and assisted in roAving. All this Avas the Avork of an in stant, and their mysterious and unwelcome guest disappeared Avhile it AA'as going fonvard, to the great joy of the party. But they Avere not clear of their visitor. The boat had not been propelled more than forty rods when the strange visitor Avas again visible on the surface for the third time, to the northeast of them, and betAveen the boat and the outlet. This time the A'isitor Avas within one rod of the boat, and the party Avere mak ing rapid progress toAvard the inlet. All in the boat saw the creature. It again disappeared. "For the fourth time, Avhen the party was within 35 or 40 reds from their proposed and now nearest landing point, the couth side of the inlet, the Serpent — for noAV there was no mis taking its character — darted from1 the water, about 4 feet from the stern of the boat, close by the rudder paddle, the head and forward parts of the monster rising above the surface of the water 8 or 12 feet in an oblique direction from the boat. All in the boat had a fair vieAv of the creature and concur in repre senting it as a most horrid and repulsive looking monster. Mc- Knight has no doubt that the portion of the body above the Avater was as large in circumference as a flour barrel, while Hall — one of the oarsmen — thinks that it was the size of a but ter firkin in circumference. Both agree as to the length ex posed to view. On the, opposite side of the boat, about a rod and a half to the northeast, the other extremity of the serpent Avas in full vieAv, lashing the Avater with its tail. When the for Avard part descended upon the Avater it created Avaves that nearly capsized the boat and suspended regular operations at the oars. "The party reached shore in safety, but frightened most out of their senses. They left the boat on the side of the lake farthest from home, and footed it home, some two miles, rather than venture doAvn the -outlet, not more than, half a mile in length. It is almost needless to say that they slept little that night or the next. We will add, for the benefit of the incredu lous, that these men are persons of character; they would be believed in this community in any ordinary matter betAveen man and man. We admit that it is a large story, but it is about a 188 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY large serpent. He Avould be a monster at half the size. But here is the affidavit of two of the party : ' ' Joseph R. McKnight and Charles Hall, both being duly sworn, say that they have heard and read the article published in the Wyoming Times in relation to the serpent in Silver Lake, and that the statements there made are true of their own knoAvledge. Signed, Joseph R. McKnight, Charles Hall Subscribed and sworn to this 16th day of July, 1855, be fore me. Enos W. Frost, Justice of the Peace The publication of the preceding article set the ball in motion. The excitement ran high and Avas intensified the next Aveek by the issue of the Times, which contained the folloAving article under date of July 25th : "Last Aveek ive gave as full and graphic an account of the monster seen in Silver Lake by Charles Hall and Joseph Mc Knight as Ave Avere able to procure. We now present to our readers such other information regarding the stranger as has come to hand. At the same time Ave assure our readers that Ave pay no regard to the many rumors afloat containing 'sights' seen at the lake, unless traced to the author, and his statement given AA'ithout coloring. "Saturday evening, the 14th inst., one day after McKnight and Hall with their party were fishing, and saw Avhat they re garded and still regard as a monster serpent, Franklin Morgan, Abner Glazier, Eli Bishop and George Kingsley,youngmen from 16 to 23 years of age, residing on the west side of the lake, went doAArn to bathe. They had heard the story that a monster had been seen in the lake, but as they had been acquainted with its waters for years and never seen anything unusual in or about them, laughed at the credulity of some persons and ridiculed the idea of there being anything there of unusual dimensions. They landed near the month of the inlet, had a good swim and dressed themselves, nothing occurring to especially at tract thei1* attention. They again took their boat, pushed THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 189 off to roAv up the lake, their landing place being on the same side, but some distance above. When 15 or 20 rods from the inlet, Alorgan — Avho Avas steering the boat — heard a noise that sounded like a toAV-line being raised from the Avater. Upon looking around he discovered the form of a bow upon the water, its center projecting a trifle above the water line, but both ends concealed from view. It formed a span of 10 to 12 feet long and appeared to be at least a foot in diameter and of a dark color. Glazier was paddling the boat on the north side and also saAV it. It Avas then sinking and gradually disappeared. This occurred betAveen 8 and 9 o'clock in the eArening. Both shores of the lake and objects on them were in full vieAv. "These four men Avork on farms two or three miles from the village, and have no object in presenting a large story. Af ter this straightforward recital by Air. Morgan, we asked him if he would go bathing in the lake in the evening noAV? He promptly replied that he would not, unless very near the shore ; nor in the daytime in the middle of the lake ; that what he saw had the appearance of being a very large serpent. "A reArereud gentleman Avell knoAvn in this community and formerly a resident of this village, called upon us yesterday morning and stated that he had an interview on Monday with an Indian named John John, some 50 years of age, and in the course of conversation asked him if there Avas any truth in the rumor that the Indians on SquaAvkie Hill would not fish in Silver Lake? John John replied that it was true, and added that once upon a time two of the tribe encamped upon the shores of the lake one night and Avere frightened by the appear ance of a serpent or monster. He inquired of the Indian what size the monster Avas. John John replied: 'As big as a flour barrel.' He asked John if it Avas in consequence of this that they would not bathe or fish there, and John replied in the af firmative. "Since this occurrence several parties have visited thelake, but mostly during the day. It is noAV proposed, and we cer tainly hope that it Avill be carried out, to man one or tAvo boats each evening and watch for the appearance of the monster. The various statements in regard to it, coming from persons 190 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Avell knoAvn in this community, and persons, too, having no de sire or object in misrepresenting such an occurrence, cannot be denied until after full and careful investigation. They are told with that sincerity that carries conAdction Avith the recital ; that the persons have seen something of an unusual character in the lake — something" that frightened them exceedingly — and in one instance, at least, caused four men to row for shore, and that, too, distant one mile, rather than return down the short outlet but half a mile in length. Besides this, at intervals for several years, persons Avho have been called to the lake on busi ness or for diversion, make somewhat similar representations, though on such occasions, extending through a period of 20 years, the monster has been curtailed of half its dimensions. "After a thorough search had been made, and not till then, can the testimony of competent Avitnesses be disregarded and set aside because others have not been fortunate or unfortunate enough to have obtained a sight." In the meantime a Vigilance Society had been organized and the result of its labors may be found in the subjoined ar ticle from the Times, dated August 1st : "We detest snake stories. There is no subject we approach Avith more disgust than a 'yarn' having one of those creeping, craAvling, cursed reptiles for its foundation. But as faithful chroniclers of events in this quarter, as the publisher of a pub lic journal, truthful in its character, and with a desire to its continuance in the same honest, but not heavily beaten track, Ave feel constrained to follow up the narrative of what has not only caused excessive frights in some parties recently — Avhich has Indian tradition to back it, more recent evidence to sustain it — and has set the neAvspaper world in a blaze. "As some of our exchanges doubt the assertion that the party with Hall and AlcKnight, whose narrative was first given, had no liquor Avith them, Ave will barely remark that both are honest, temperate and industrious mechanics, coopers by trade. One has been employed by Air. BroAvn, the miller, for five years, and Mr. Brown regards him as a most truthful and honest man. The other has not resided in the village for so long a period, but bears upon his face the appearance of an THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 191 honest, truthful man. They do not fish as sporting, amateur fishermen often do, with the brandy bottle at their side and with more desire for that than for the fish. They fish Avhen they do go upon such an excursion after a day's labor, and to procure them as food for their families, as well as affording pastime. So much for the men Avhose affidavits were appended to the first statement. ' ' Tuesday eArening, the 24th, was dark and rain fell in tor rents. The A igilance Committee did not go out in search, and Ave have not learned that any party ventured upon the lake. Wednesday evening, the 25th, two or three boats well manned Avere upon the lake. One remained until 10 p. m. A heavy mist set in, completely enveloping the sky, hills and lake. Not an object Avas visible five rods from the boat, yet the men visited various parts of the lake and returned at the hour above indi cated, Avithout anything of an extraordinary character occur ring. "Thursday evening, the 26th, another party went out. The evening Avas beautiful; about every portion of the lake Avas in vieAv under the pale rays of the full moon. They returned be tAveen 10 and 11 p. m. Nothing strange occurred. Friday af ternoon, the 27th, as two farmers well knoAvn and highly re spected, were Avorking in the field near the lake, they saAV some thing that appeared like a log, but three or four rods long, ly ing betAveen the inlet and outlet. They noticed it some time, but soon after it had disappeared. They only say, if there is a serpent there they saw it, and that it is as long as has been represented. "Friday evening another party visited the lake and return ed betAveen 10 and 11 p. m. without encountering anything of an unusual character. Saturday morning, the 28th, Mr. Hall — the gentleman Avho Avith Mr. McKnight and the Scribners saAV what they regarded as a very large serpent — accompanied by his wife, daughter and one or two of the boys visited the lake. The wife and daughter had never been upon its waters, and although the father was much frightened some tAvoor three weeks since at what had occurred while there, as hundreds had been upon and around the lake since that occurrence and noth- 192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ing unusual had taken place, took his family Avith him for the sail and at the same time to fish. The whole family saAV the serpent, and Ave give the statement as related to us by the daughter, an intelligent girl of 15 or 16 years. " 'We started betAveen 8 and 9 p. m. Father roAved up the outlet, my brother sitting in the bow of the boat to inform him as to the course of the channel up the narroAv and crooked pass age. We entered the lake ; the Avind was quite high and the waves rocked the boat so much that mother requested father to row over to the other side, where the water appeared more still. Father rowed toAvard the inlet. When approaching it he sus pended roAAdng and looked around to ascertain if he Avas in the right course, as no one was steering, and called attention to an object on the right hand side of the inlet, partly concealed by the rushes. My brother looked at it and began screeching and crying that it Avas the snake they had before seen. We all sat quietly in the boat and looked at it. It appeared to be of a dark color at first, but as it moved off going into the Avater, it Avas of a lighter color, of a copper color. At mother's request father turned the boat around and rowed for the outlet, mother standing up and looking back. She saAV the same thing appar ently following the boat some rods on, and told father to row for his life. I stood up and also saw it. Its head and for- Avard part was above water at least a yard, and upon its back it appeared to have a fin as wide as father's hand. I was fright ened and C0Arered my face with my hands and resumed my seat. Its head was as much as 15 or 16 inches around and its back was much larger. (We here asked her if its head was as large as a dog's head and she replied that it was larger. Since then she has stated to others that it was as large as a calf's head.)' " The above statement has been read to me and is true of my 0A\m knoAvledge. Alary M. Hall. I also subscribe fully to the facts set forth in the above statement. Alerilda C. Hall. Subscribed and SAVorn to before me this 31st day of July, 1855. Cyrus Merrill, Justice of the Peace. THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 193 "The party landed near Mr. Howe's pump factory, and as a cloud of rain Avas about breaking, Avent in for shelter. Mr. HoAve Avas there and Ave have had an interview with him. Mr. HoAve, avIio is a straightforAvard man, says that Mr. Hall did not appear much frightened Avhen the party came into the factory. He told the story in a straightforAvard manner. Mrs. Hall was much agitated, remarked that she did not want to go sailing, but was over-persuaded by her husband; that she had rather have washed steadily three days than have been so much fright ened. Mr. Hall came down to the village, related the circum stance, and a number of men, well armed, repaired to the lake. They remained on or about it the remainder of the day, but saw nothing unusual. "Saturday evening, two citizens who have been most skep tical in regard to the monster — and there are others of that character — Dr. Smith and Counselor Stoddard visited Air. Hall and family. Mr. Hall and his Avife related the occurrence very nearly as it is above stated by the daughter. The child ren Avere present and all corroborated the statement. These gentlemen made the visit purposely to probe the story to its foundation and cannot think that any family could unite in manufacturing such an absurd and monstrous 'yarn' out of Avhole cloth. Mr. Hall describes the appearance of the head of the reptile with much precision, and even the little boy about Eve years of age said he 'saw a big snake; saw him squirm,' etc." From the Wyoming Times, Aug. 1st, 1855.) "On Monday, July 30th, 1855, quite a croAvd of visitors Avere at the lake, endeavoring to get a sight of his majesty, the sea serpent. The Avell-authenticated statement of Hall, ATc- Knight, John John, Alorgan and others, has attracted to this village many of the citizens of the adjoining toAvns and vil lages, and quite a number of visitors from cities have taken quarters Avith their friends or are located at Walker's well- kept hotel. "To our surprise, on going to the lake on Monday Ave found seven boats Avell manned, upon its quiet waters, one being the center of attraction. We approached it and found 194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY that it contained four young men from an adjoining toAvn. One, Daniel Smith, had but recently returned from a four -.years' Avhaling voyage. They were at the lake on Tuesday last, hav ing previously heard of the Silver Lake sea serpent, saw about 40 feet of the monster, moved towards it, and as they neared it, his majesty, not fancying their appearance, glided off into deeper water and did not again appear on the surface. They returned home that evening. Under Smith's directions a har poon lance and other instruments for capturing whales were manufactured, and on Monday the same party, with coils of rope and arms for capturing the serpent, Avas patiently in wait ing for his appearance. "This was a new and novel feature in the Silver Lake fishery, but no doubt one that the exigencies of the case de manded. While young men of our oavii village have watched for him almost nightly, as well as in the day time — while a joint stock company is being formed for the purpose of having proper instruments constructed to capture the monster alive, and while this suspense and doubt exists as to his snakeship's identity, his immense proportions, and the selection of his food. We are glad that parties in neighboring villages are not be hind hand in desiring his capture, and that sufficient enterprise exists to lend our OAvn energetic citizens a helping hand toward the accomplishment of that object. "Of course, the public will belieATe, credit or reject as much of the story as they please. We have our own im pressions regarding it, and as several correspondents have made the inquiry, we Avill say that we have no doubt that there is a reptile of unusual dimensions, that is harmless, or else half of the village — men and boys — would have mysteriously disappeared during the last quarter of a century, for it is a favorite bathing place and there are no families residing near enough to be in the least annoyed by their exhibitions Avhile SAvimming. The search will be continued, and it is hoped that Avhatever there is at the lake of enormous size, beside pickerel, bass, etc., may be captured, and its full length and size be made knoAvn to the public. Unless captured soon, Ave shall have to publish a daily edition to keep our friends at a distance as Avell as here, f'dly posted." THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 1S5 August 8th, the enterprising publisher of the Times came "to the front" with the "clincher" which gave a substantiated account cf the "monster" and caused old maids' teeth to chatter Avorse than ever, while the tide of emigration to the lake became much increased and the excitement correspond ingly so. "Wednesday, the 1st inst., the existence of a monster fish or serpent species in the quiet waters of Silver Lake was estab lished beyond reasonable doubt, if indeed there has been room for doubt for a week past. At about noon on that day the monster Avas seen by at least half a dozen persons from differ ent points of view, from the upland adjoining the lake. There Avere no boats out. Workmen on the farm of Mr. A. Alacomber, not half a mile distant; two young men visiting at Mr. Ma- comber's, on another part of the farm; a young man named Alerrill, from this village, from another point ; a part of Mr. Alacomber 's family, from the upper window facing the lake, all saw the monster, apparently sunning himself on the surface of the water. "A description is impossible, except of his movements. He moved and floundered about for 10 or 15 minutes. The par ties were from one-quarter to one-half a mile distant. The water elsewhere on the lake was as smooth as glass, and there could be no deception or optical delusion in the vision of the parties. The parties saw it unknown to each other. Some of them have no personal acquaintance, and one or tAvo are yet most ready to disbelieve their senses rather than to run counter to well- established theory in regard to snakeology. "For ourselves we are forced to admit the fact of the ex istence of a monster of the serpent species, of immense propor tions, in Silver Lake, unless Ave disbelieve merely because Ave have not seen. We hope, hoAvever, to announce before long that he has been captured. Every effort is being made to accomplish that object. We assert Avithout fear of contradiction, that there is not a log floating on the water of Silver Lake ; that nothing has been placed there to create the serpent story, and that what is above stated, and what has appeared in the Wyoming Times regarding a serpent in Silver Lake has been related to us by candid, honest and truthful men and women — persons AA'ho 196 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY have not flinched in testifying to the facts as given to the public. "The aboA'e appeared in an extra from this office on Wed nesday. We forwarded it to our city exchanges, that they might keep their thousands of readers posted as to the actual existence in Silver Lake of a monster Avhich has been repeat edly seen during the past 30 years, whose species is unknown, and whose haunting place is uncertain. It truly seems incred ible. In many quarters it is so treated, yet Avhen we aver that some of those Avho have seen it are the persons Avho are spend ing days and nights at the lake to effect its capture, that they are endeaA'oring to bring about the result by means of live bait in the shape of ducks or chickens attached to large hooks Avith buoys in the distance ; that one sailor avIio has been for four years upon the Pacific, engaged in the capture of whales, havnng seen it in company with three other persons, has had constructed instruments which he believes necessary to its capture; that they have seen it, too, with the full glare of day upon it, Ave cannot resist the conviction that there is in that little lake a fish or reptile of extraordinary dimensions. The men avIio haAre been favored with a sight and Avhose story was at first hooted at, as well as those Avho have seen it since, con firm their belief by their acts. They knoAv that such a creature exists there and they are determined to capture it if that be possible. "Tavo men of this A'illage, Avho were there on Friday in a brat, both responsible and candid men, were favored Avith a vieAv cf the monster. They went and are uoav there, having en gaged a boat for one month, to convince themselves as Avell as satisfy the public." Edwin Fanning, long a resident of Perry, relates his won derful experience in an affidavit published in the Times of Aug. 16th, as folloAvs : "The following statement made by Edwin Fanning of this village, duly attested, accompanied by the endorsement of several prominent citizens as to Fanning 's character for truth and veracity, cannot but confirm and strengthen the very general belief that there is a monster in Silver Lake. In fact, THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 197 the evidence in regard to it is undisputed in any quarter, and the candor and sincerity of witnesses is unquestioned. "When falsehood is so apparent as in a letter purporting to emanate from this village, published in the Buffalo Republic of Tuesday, it is almost unnecessary to refute or contradict it. Edwin Fanning's Statement "I went up to Chapin 's Landing, Silver Lake, about 6 o'clock Wednesday evening, the 15th inst., remained there about 15 minutes and then Avalked down the shore of the lake, past the old sailboat 'Frolic' to the point of the jutting pro montory. I remained there and looked at the birds flying around the foot of the lake. On giancing my eye across the lake to the westward, in the range of the mouth of the inlet and about 15 rods from Avhere I was standing, a monster of a ser pent rose out of the water, exhibiting at least eight feet of the forward portion of its body above the water. In a few seconds he disappeared; in about three minutes afterward he again came to the surface, about the same length being exposed to A'ieAv as before. He remained on the surface of the Avater at least three minutes, making evolutions similar to those of a snake. He turned his head and the forward portion of his body, and appeared to be looking around him. The third time he came up he apparently sported on the Avater, dreAv up his body as a snake does on the ground, dove doAvn his head por tion, and projected portions of his body out of the water, as though full of joints. These movements were continued nearly half an hour. His body was as large as a large barrel ; his head about a foot in diameter at the largest point. He spouted water from his mouth at least four feet high and it Avould fall back upon him like the play of waters from a fountain. His length I should think Avas at least 100 feet. I called to Mr. Sharp steen 's men who were working in a field, but they did not come. I related the circumstances to them as I returned. When I called to Mr. Sharpsteen 's men, the serpent was playing upon the water. My calling did not disturb him. I remained there until he disappeared and did not again come up. The sun was shining at the time. I was on the east side of tbe lake and saw the serpent as distinctly as I ever saw anything in my life. He 198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Avas about 15 or 16 rods from me, was of a beautiful dark green color, and appeared to be perfectly smooth. I will be 21 years of age next April. "I do solemnly SAvear and certify that the above state ment, Avhich I have related and which has been read to me, is true of my own knoAvledge." (Signed) Edwin Fanning. Subscribed and sAvorn before me this 15th day of August, 1855. Cyrus Merrill, Justice of the Peace. "We, the undersigned, have knoAAm EdAvin Fanning, whose. statement is above recorded, for several years. He is a resi dent of this Arillage ; he has ahvays maintained a good character, and is a young man of intelligence, truth and veracity." Signed by Cyrus Merrill, H. N. Page, S. Higgins, S. P. Bul lard, C. W. Bailey, B. B. Higgins, C. P. Bailey and C. L. Hatch. Perry, August 15th, 1855. "The above was issued from this office on Thursday last and sent to the daily papers with Avhich we exchange. We have nothing more to add to it. The young man who makes the statement and testifies to it has resided here for several years and is well known by many of our citizens." On the 22d the Times satiated the eagerness of its readers Avith the following : "Daniel Smith, to Avhom allusion Avas made a week or tAvo ago as being a returned whaler, after a four-years' cruise, was in town again on Saturday. He brought with him his harpoon and lance and proposes to remain during the week. He has visited the lake each day since his return, but has not been fortunate enough to get even a glimpse of the serpent which he is satisfied from actual observation exists in Silver Lake." The writer of this history will not attempt to give all of the corroborative evidence. To prove the serpent's existence anything but a myth, the grim monster appeared to many who THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 199 have not been mentioned, probably aggregating at least 100 different people, many of whom hurried at once to the Justice 's office to make their affidavits. Visitors came by the hundreds from all parts of the State, completely swamping the hotels and necessitating the opening of private residences to accom modate the throngs. Crowds lined the lake every clear night during August and September. Skepticism had been over come, and nearly everyone believed that the monster really existed. Plans were continuously brought forward to effect its capture. A tower Avas erected at the north end of the lake and a sentinel equipped with a spy-glass was on duty each day, keeping a strict watch on the movements of the serpent. Hunters lined the shores, "armed to the teeth," and two or three Avere fortunate enough to get distant shots at the mon ster. The Times of Sept. 5th relates that Mr. Joshua Jenks, a local resident Avas one of those so favored. Mr. Jenks was prepared to shoot the serpent, Avas but three rods from it, but being thrown off his guard by its sudden appearance, and somewhat alarmed, did not get correct aim before the reptile disappeared. Some of the citizens put out set-lines made by using clothes-lines and an enormous hook turned out by the vil lage blacksmith, baited Avith ducks, fresh pork, etc., the whole being supported by a small buoy. The Last of the Matter. From the Times of Sept. 5th, 1855. "Two weeks ago a company was organized with a capital stock of $1,000, with ten per cent, paid in, Avith the following named officers : Hon. R. H. Smith, president ; R. C. Mordoff, treasurer; H. N. Page, secretary. Said company to be knoAvn as 'The Experiment Company,' organized to devise ways and means to capture the snake. During the present week, very little of Avhat the committee are doing has transpired. Last Aveek, several members Adsited Buffalo, conversed with several of the oldest fishermen there and availed themselves of the suggestions and experience. It has been suggested to the com- 200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY mittee that Air. Green, a submarine diver noAV engaged in rais ing the treasure of the 'Atlantic' in Lake Erie, might prove of service in the capture of the monster. Whether the suggestion will be acted upon by the committee is yet a matter of doubt. Another suggestion, and one that could be easily tested, is to place live bait in and around the marsh where the serpent has been most frequently seen, elevated sufficiently to give those Avatching a fair shot at his majesty, should he appear. Various other suggestions are before the committee, but they seem to keep their affairs to themselves, at least for the present." The Cause of All the Excitement, or the Real Snake. Business had been very quiet in the hotel line in Perry for several seasons. Various schemes for improving conditions had been considered, and to the late A. B.Walker is credited the plan of creating the Silver Lake sea serpent. Confiding the prop osition to a few of his intimate and trustworthy friends, he found that it met with their instant approval. Of various plans discussed, the following was deemed the most practical and sur est of ultimate success. The serpent Avas to be constructed of a body about 60 feet long, covered Avith a Avaterproof canvas sup ported on the inside by coiled, wire. A trench was to be dug and gas pipe laid from the basement of a shanty situated on the Avest side of the lake, to the lake shore. A large pair of bel lows such as were used in a blacksmith shop, secreted in the basement of the shanty connected to that end of the pipe, and a small light rubber hose from the lake end to the serpent. The body was to be painted a deep green color, with bright yellow spots added to give it a more hideous appearance. Eyes and mouth were to be colored a bright red. The plan of manipulat ing the serpent was simple. It was to be taken out and sunk in the lake, and then when everything was ready, the belloAArs Avere to be operated and air forced into the serpent, Avhich naturally would cause it to rise to the surface. Weights were to be attached to different portions of the body to insure its THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 201 sinking as the air was allowed to escape. Three ropes Avere to be attached to the forward portion of the body, one extending to the shore where the ice house now stands; one across the lake, and the other to the marsh at the north end; the serpent to be propelled in any direction by the aid of these ropes. 202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Alany nights were spent by these friends in its construc tion. It is said that the serpent Avas made in the old Chapin tannery, which it will be remembered, AA'as situated in the out let ravine. At last it was completed and taken at night to the lake and sunk in about 20 feet of water. One of the men Avent across to the shanty to operate the belloAvs, the others reina n- ing near the spot where the serpent Avas sunk, to note the re sult of their labors. They did not haA'e long to wait, for sud denly the head of the serpent appeared and rose gracefully to a height of about eight feet above the Avater. Other portions of the monster became visible and the entire construction Avar, so lifelike that it sent the shivers coursing through the bodies of the builders. It Avas toAved about by the men for a time to be certain that it Avould remain upright and work Avell gener ally. Then the signal was given, the belloAvs stopped forcing the air, and the monster which Avas to place Perry and Silver Lake ' ' on the map ' ' forever sank rapidly and soon disappeared from view. Its tryout proved a great success, eATen more so than its builders had anticipated. The thing to do noAV was for them to Avait for a favorable time to "spring it" upon the people. On Friday evening, July 13th, 1855, one of the men reported a boatload of men engaged in fishing not far from where the serpent Avas secreted. Other conditions being favorable, it was decided that the proper time to open the show had arrived. It Avas destined to be a larger and more nerve-racking entertainr^nt 'ban any of them had dreamed. After a period of several weeks of genuine excitement, pleasure, and a greatly increased business at the hotel, it began to dawn upon the men that things Avould be mighty hot for them in this section of the country if their mischief Avere found out. On tAvo or three occasions only a miracle seemed to have prevented discovery, and finally, after one of these narroAV THE SILVER LAKE SEA SERPENT 203 escapes, it Avas decided that the sea serpent had done its full duty, had accomplished the purpose for AAdiich it was construct ed, and noAV must disappear forever. Accordingly, it was taken from the lake and stored in the attic of the hotel. When the Walker House was destroyed by fire in this Adllage in 1857 the remains of the great hoax Avere discovered in getting out some of the contents of the building. FolloAving its removal from the lake to its place of hiding there Avas patient waiting on the part of people for its reap pearance at its frequent haunts, but no indications of a solu tion of the great mystery becoming apparent, the excitement gradually abated, visitors departed to their homes, and the old time routine of village affairs succeeded, and the Silver Lake Sea Serpent passed into history. CHAPTER XII Political Divisions Existing in the Early Days — Anti-Masonic Feeling Entered Into Politics but Soon Died Out. Beginning of Anti- Slavery Crusade. Political opinion in the early days of the settlement of Perry Avas divided into tAvo principal parties, viz : the Federal and the Republican. Prior to the War of 1812 the Federals Avere exceedingly popular, but their opposition to the carrying on of that war caused many desertions from their ranks and eventually the party dropped their name and its members became affiliated Avith other organizations. The Re publicans had been termed by their opponents, by Avay of ridicule and reproach, "Democrats," a name Avhich they came gradually to adopt. About the year 1815 this party was also known as "The Bucktails." After the disappearance of the Federal party their main opponents Avere "The Clintonians." They Avere afterwards known as "National Republicans," Avhich name distinguished them from the "Democrat-Republi cans" or Democrats, as the old Republican party Avas after- Avards called. The Anti-AIasonic party had its origin in the excitement folloAving the publication of a book purporting to disclose the secrets of Free Alasonry and the subsequent disappearance of its author, Wm. Morgan, a resident of Batavia. The party be came fully organized in 1828 and at once became exceedingly strong in this section of the State. In 1832 the Anti-Alasouic party consolidated Avith the National Republicans for the pur pose of carrying the State for their ticket and electing the National Republican candidate (Henry Clay) for President. The objects of this coalition were not attained, hoAvever, and POLITICAL DIVISIONS 205 the Anti-Masonic party ceased to exist soon after the campaign ended. The Whig party, which later became one of the chief con tenders for honors at the polls, grew out of the combination of the tAvo above mentioned parties, and that name was retained by them until the formation of the Republican party in 1855. Local residents who were prominent Whigs of the period of 1840-50 were : Robert and Peter Patterson, Calvin P. Bailey and I. N. Stoddard. Prominent Democrats of that time were : Rufus H. Smith, Wm. Mitchell, Moseley Stoddard, Linus W. Thayer and James Sherman. A local history of the campaign of 1840, Avhich ended in a notable victory for the Whigs, was kindly furnished the writer by the Hon. Harwood A. Dudley of Warsaw, a short time be fore his death in May, 1914. Mr. Dudley became a resident of Perry in 1831. The article was originally written for the Perry Record and published in that paper in 1898. The Campaign of 1840. The political campaign of 1840 is still remembered by people who are old enough to remember the stirring scenes Avhich occurred 58 (now 75) years ago. It differed from the rough-and-ready campaign of 1844, when Henry Clay was de feated. The campaign of 1840, which resulted in the election of Gen. Wra. Henry Harrison, is often referred to as "the sing ing campaign." The Whigs were certainly in a musical frame of mind and the campaign songs of the period are yet retained in the memory of many people. The refrain of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too And with them we'll beat Little Van. Van, Van, Van, is a used up man, And with them we'll beat Little Van," fixed itself deep in the mind of a boy Avho was then 16 years of age, and often comes up for review, with all of the attendant circumstances of its original rendering. The song was printed on slips of paper and distributed at a meeting held in a log CALVIN P. BAILEY. Member of Assembly, 1829-1830. Full of energy as a pioneer business man; fearless, enthusiastic and ready for any emergency. With entire confidence in the future of Perry, he was ready to embark in any enterprise that needed push and pluck to make it a success. A man of great native talent; a strong Whig partisan (H. A. Dudley.) POLITICAL DIVISIONS 207 cabin erected for political purposes ; or, rather, to be the center of the gatherings, for the cabin would not generally hold the crowds that gathered to hear the speeches and sing the songs that helped to keep up "the enthusiasm of the campaign. The log cabin in the Village of Perry stood on the corner of Main and Covington streets, so that the crowd of people could find standing room on the ground immediately surround ing the cabin, as well as on two broad streets of the village. The logs for the cabin had been contributed by the Whig farm ers of the region, and the slabs for the roof had been draAvn from the upper saw mill by Mrs. James Sherman, Avhose hus band Avas a mild and subdued Democrat. She drove her oavii team, standing up man-fashion on the load, and Avas received Avith the hearty cheers of the enthusiastic Whigs, Avho took the team from the wagon and unloaded the slabs, when Mrs. Sherman was drawn by hand to the front of the hotel, where a Whig orator thanked her for her contribution toward the election of Harrison. The old song was never sung more en thusiastically than on that occasion. This event Avoke up the dazed Democrats, who thought to annoy the Whigs by taking advantage of the cover of night to bore holes in the flag-staff so that, when a strong wind should blow, the Aveakened pole would break off at the peak of the roof. The mischief was dis covered at daylight and the pole was braced up and strength ened. A Avatch was maintained all through the campaign to prevent another attempt to injure the property or the cause. A man and boy were always on duty after that occurrence to thwart the jealous Democrats, either to take aAvay the braces from the pole, steal the coon skins tacked up by the side of the door, or carry off the cider barrel that was kept on tap near the entrance. My turn at watching came with Walter Scott Bailey, one of the most enthusiastic young Whigs of the town. The service was cheerfully rendered by both of us. Alfred S. Patterson, a venerable resident of Westfield, per formed a feat of horsemanship during that campaign Avhich probably has never been excelled. Mr. Patterson then bwed in Perry. He drove from the village to Rochester, a distance of over 40 miles, a 40-horse team attached to a tAvo-story log cabin on wheels. The structure contained over 100 persons who made 208 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY the trip in this novel fashion to attend a monster Whig demon stration. It took all one day to accomplish the feat, but Mr. Patterson landed his load on time. A remarkable feature of the trip Avas the successful turning of Buffalo and Exchange streets in that city. Thousands of people Avitnessed and ap plauded the act. There was a combination of patriotic feeling and pioneer enthusiasm in the campaign of 1840 that Avas unique and telling in its effects. It Avas the first break of the people from a long line of Democratic successes, which may be said to have de rived its strength from the vigor of the Jackson regime. The campaign touched the hearts of "the common people," or as Lincoln called them, "the plain people," and they determined to throAV off the yoke of Avhat they believed to be a Democratic aristocracy, which seems to be a paradox. The line of Presi dents had all been from the South ; the North had a strong Act ing power, but not much influence at Democratic coirventions, and this good-natured campaign seemed to have been a turn ing point in our political history, Avhich is still felt and recog nized. Systematic agitation of the slavery question began in 1833, during which year "The American Anti-Slavery Society" Avas formed. From then on until the close of the Civil War, slav ery became the main issue of contention. From time to time the Legislature had enacted laAvs concerning slavery, extending up to the year 1819. In 1799 a law Avas passed providing for the gradual extinction of slavery in NeAv York State. In 1817 a further act was passed decreeing that there should be no slavery in the State after the 4th of July, 1827. Ten thousand slaves Avere set free by this act. County organizations of The American Anti-Slavery Society were formed throughout the State. Such a society was formed in this county (then Gene see) about the year 1836 at Batavia. The pro-slavery agitators Avere quite numerous in the Northern States at this time, and several meetings of the local society, and other abolition rallies FOLITICAL DIVISIONS 2C9 were broken up through their efforts. In explanation of this it should be understood that at this time there Avas a general feeling all through the North that slavery Avas alloAved and upheld by the Constitution of the United States, and as a con sequence, many people opposed the abolition movement. The Genesee County Anti-Slavery Society, at a meeting convened at WarsaAv on Alarch 23d, 1836, decided to establish a paper for the purpose of expressing the abolition sentiment. One thousand dollars was subscribed for its support the first year. This paper, The American Citizen, Avas accordingly established at WarsaAv, but at the end of a year its finances Avere in such condition that its abandonment appeared neces sary. At this juncture, Mr. Josiah AndreAvs of Perry, an ardent supporter of the anti-slavery cause, purchased the newspaper and outfit and removed it to Perry, furnishing the capital for its continuance. DaAud Mitchell and LeAvis were its publishers, Mr. Lewis soon retiring and being succeeded by Ansel Warren. In January, 1841, the publication Avas remoAred to Rochester. This Avas not the only philanthropy of Mr. AndreAvs, Avho AA'as perhaps the best read and educated man in the town at that time. He Avas born in Buckfield, Maine, in 1799, and came to Perry in 1817, his brother Mark having made his home here the year previous.- With the exception of six years spent in Cincinnati, 0., he resided in Perry until his death in 1847. Air. Andrews was known as the village orator and poet. In the earliest days of the anti-slavery crusade Mr. AndreAvs Avas an earnest foe of the evil and for a time Avas connected with the "underground railroad" and assisted slaves in escaping pursuit under the fugitive slave law. He Avas liberal in giving to all good causes in which he Avas interested, and was prob ably Perry's greatest temperance advocate, going so far as to purchase the old National Hotel for the sole purpose of hav- 21(1 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ing it conducted as a temperance tavern, in opposition to the other hotels Avhich Avere licensed. The Liberal Party, formed from the American Anti-Slav ery Society, Avas organized in 1839. Although it had many sup- JOSIAH ANDREWS porters in this section of the State, a great majority of the Abolitionists refused to join the new party, preferring to re main Avith the old parties and voting for candidates Avho Avere opposed to the extension of slavery and in favor of its gradual extinction. For a feAV years previous to 1848, the Democrats had been divided into tAvo factions, namely: "Hunkers" and "Barn POLITICAL DIVISIONS 211 Burners," the last named being opposed to slaA-ery extension. The Liberty Party and the Barn Burners joined forces and or ganized the "Free Soil Party" in 184S. At the ensuing elec tion many of the Whigs voted Avith the neAv party, and together they made a formidable combination. Among the Perry men who Avere active supporters of this movement Avere D. L. Gilman and L. A. Haywood, both prom inent laAA-yers of the village. In 1850 the Barn Burners and Hunkers settled their differences, reunited and nominated Hor atio Seymour for Governor. Alany of the Hunkers Avere opposed to this union. These Avere known as "hard shells "and those who favored the proposition were termed "soft shells." At this time the Whig party became affiliated with factions knoAvn as "conservatives" or supporters of the administration, and the "radicals," Avho were under the leadership of Wm. H. SeAvard. In Perry and vicinity the radicals of the Whigs and the soft shells of the Democrats were largely in the majority in their respective parties. In 1852 the Whigs Avere overwhelmingly defeated at the polls and from the ruins of the organization Avas formed the present Republican party. This party included many who had belonged to the Barn Burner faction of the Democrats. The Republican party Avas established for the purpose of fighting the extension of slavery. At that time the feeling regarding the slavery question ran high, and the Republican success of 1860 precipitated the great Civil War and the final extinction of slavery. The Prohibition Party and other political organizations that have came into existence since the Civil War have had some adherents in Perry, but the great majority of the citizens of the town were affiliated with either of the dominant parties — Republican and Democratic — until the formation in 1912 of 212 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY the National Progressive party, Avhich caused some defection from the ranks of both of the great parties, principally from the Republican. In local government, party lines have been largely obliterated and voters have acted independently on many occasions. As far as spectacular features are concerned, Presidential campaign rallies — especially of the earlier days — have always been red letter occasions in the toAvn's local history. March ing clubs from neighboring towns. Avith their gay uniforms*, torches, red fire, drum corps, bands, etc., were always on hand to make and stimulate enthusiasm. Alain street Avas usually gaily attired for such occasions and presented an avenue of color. The business places, Avith feAV exceptions, participated in the general effort to make Perry as brilliant and attractive as possible. The store Avindows and those of private residences along the line of march of the various par ading clubs shoAved grandly in their array of designs, from colored paper, lanterns, flags, bunting, and the ornamented pictures of the party candiates. The men and Avomen Avho Avere deeply interested in the success of the party in Avhose honor the decorations Avere made exhibited great enthusiasm, and the children Avere delighted by the display, which Avas only to be Avitnessed in the larger of the country toAvns. Pole-rais ings Avith speeches Avere frequent features of Presidential cam paigns. Each of the local political organizations had its res- peetive marching club and A'ied Avith those of other towns in making the best appearance, also in producing the unique in attractions, such as the 40-horse team hauling the log cabin to Rochester, as previously mentioned. During the campaign of 1SX8 the Castile Republican Club came to Perry dravATi by tAvo traction engines. The uniforms and insignia of the marching clubs usually brought out some characteristic of the party's candidates, as in the Lincoln campaign of I860 the marchers POLITICAL DIVISIONS 213 carried large tin beetles, AA^edges and rails, symbolical of the Great Rail-Splitter ; and again the Roosevelt campaign of 1904, at Avhich time the last political marching club was formed in Perry, Avhen their constume consisted of the uniform adopted by the Roosevelt Rough Riders. The little cannon uoav adorning the pinnacle of the Robeson Cutlery Co's stone building has spoken in sonorous tones at many of the early campaign rallies. CHAPTER XIII Perry's Part in the Civil War — Organization of the 24th New York Battery, in which Many Local Residents Enlisted — Town's Loy alty and Patriotism Abundantly Evidenced. A history of the 24th New York Battery Avas written by J. "Wheat" Alerrill and published in 1870. It is hardly neces sary to state that this Avork has been used extensively in the preparation of the following paragraphs. Systematic agitation of the slavery question Avhich Avas destined to result in the greatest of civil wars, began in about 1833. People in general throughout this section were ardently opposed to legislation Avhich would permit the extension of slavery into our new states or territories. Anti-slaArery socie ties Avere formed and many meetings Avere held advocating the restriction of slavery to certain bounds, and leading to its gradual extinction. Among the residents of Perry who were active in the abolition movement Avere : Josiah Andrews, David Mitchell, Ansel Warren, Samuel Phoenix, Willard J. Chapin and a Mr. Lewis. The movement inaugurated by these societies throughout the country never lost its momentum, but gained folloAvers as the years advanced. Local churches took decided stands against slavery, a position from which they never re ceded. The local press continually denounced the pro-slavery leaders of the country. Noted orates visited the town from time to time and did their full share in arousing anti-slaA'ery sentiment. Citizens of the country throughout the North did not be lieve that the differences of opinion held betAveen the North and the South Avould result in armed conflict, and not until like a thunderclap came the news of the firing upon Fort Sum- PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 215 ter did they appreciate to Avhat extreme measures the South Avould go in defense of its convictions. But Avhen war came it found Perry ready. No toAvn in the United States Avas more loyal, none more generous, none more enthusiastic. The first citizeu of Perry to volunteer his services in defense of the Union Avas Air. Al. S. Salisbury, who enlisted on April 25th, 1861, in Company C, 74th New York State Militia. On account of no more militia regiments being accepted by the Govern ment, he promptly re-enlisted in Company C, 21st New York Volunteers, on Alay 7th, 1861. A feAV others folloAved Mr. Sal isbury's lead and enlisted in regiments of their choice during the Summer months. In the Fall of that year, Mr. Jay E. Lee, a young and successful lawyer of Perry, convinced that more men Avere needed for the army, determined to offer his services. Upon investigating the tactics of the different branches of the service, he selected the artillery as that most needed and desir able. Together with Mr. James Wyckoff and Harry C. Page, he set forth interesting the young men of the place in organiz ing a company which Avould represent the town and vicinity in the Federal Army. In the local columns of the Wyoming Times, under date of September 27th, 1861, Ave find the following paragraph : ' ' Aleetings and speeches in favor of the war, we had sup posed 'played out.' Action, action is now the word. All are enlightened on the subject of war, or ought to be. Monday eA'ening, hoAvever, another meeting Avas held, called by Messrs. Wyckoff, Lee and Page, with a view of obtaining recruits for a company of artillery. Prof. Atkins Avas called to the chair, whereupon J. E. Lee, Esq., stated that it was their purpose to organize an artillery company to be attached to G. D. Bailey's regiment, and enlarged at some length upon the advantage of this branch of the service over all others. He was followed by Harry C. Page, Prof. Atkins, Rev. Mr. Tomlinson, Rev. Joseph R. Page, Judge Gilman, N. P. Currier and Philander Simmons, after Avhich an opportunity Avas given to enlist." 216 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The result of this meeting Avas a response from about 50 men to the call, avIio pledged themselves to the organization proposed. For some reason or other, Avhich Ave are unable to explain, Avhen the actual time came for going to Buffalo for muster, only 20 of the number kept the faith. These consoli dated with other squads from other toAvns and formed a com pany of which Air. Lee was elected captain. Soon after he received his commission, the people of Perry, appreciating his efforts and ability, presented him with a purse of $65, contrib uted by them for the purpose of purchasing side arms for his use in the service of his country. HaAdng completed the organization, the company remained at recruiting headquarters (Fort Porter, Buffalo) until about the middle of November. Then they left for Albany Avith 56 men. While at this post, Major Thomas W. Lion, inventor of a fire rocket, introduced himself to their notice. A description of this rocket is found in an editorial of The Times, Dec. 20th, 1861: "Various statements have appeared in the papers relatiA-e to the 'rocket gun,' and none precisely alike, yet all represent ing this arm of the serA'ice as a most terrible one. It has neA'er been used on this continent, and experienced artillerists have never seen it. The papers and Government are only in the secret. Its principal purpose appears to be to throAv a flame of fire sufficiently large to frighten horses and thus throw the enemy's cavalry into confusion. Of course, the battalion must have the right of the advancing army and take their chances of having their rockets silenced by the picked riflemen of the opposing forces. The rocket gun is represented as having a breech-loading field piece capable of discharging bombs, balls and percussion shots as Avell as rockets. The rockets are to be used for firing buildings behind Avhich the enemy may seek shelter, or for removing by fire any obstacle throAvn out to re tard the advancement of the troops. The expansive properties of the rocket are wonderful, creating a ball of fire 15 feet in di ameter, Avhich can be throAvn by this breach-loading projectile PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 217 5300 yards, or over three miles. It is stated that the Government has purchased the exclusive right of manufacturing this terri7 ble instrument of destruction and will soon introduce it to the rebels." As Major Lion desired to form a battalion to use this rocket in the field, a consolidation of several squads of recruits occupying the barracks at Albany then formed "The Rocket Battalion," consisting of companies A and B, 80 men each. Captain Lee's company formed company B. In December the battalion received orders to report in Washington, where, after a delay of nearly four months, the long-looked-for rocket guns Avere turned over to them. After several weeks of experiment ing the ' ' guns ' ' were proven an inglorious failure, owing prin cipally to the fact that they could not be used with any great degree of accuracy. Air. Alerrill relates : "Upon one occasion, while at target practice, we were shooting at a blanket, and some miserable scamp stole the blan ket Avhile we were still shooting at it. ' ' At other times it would take a circle similar to the boomer ang and return quite near the gun which started it upon its mission ; and so it was concluded, as Gen. Burnside was in need of artillery, to giAre the men some guns and send them on. The quaint rocket carriages were exchanged for the more substan tial six-pounder carriage and the sheet iron tubes were turned into rifle cannon. Battery B then consisted of four three-inch rifled pieces and just enough men and horses to man them. From various causes, each of the tAvo batteries in the battalion had diminshed in numbers. As a whole they would have no more than could properly man one six-gun battery. About the last of June, 1862, Company B Avas placed in the third division and Com pany A in the second division as independent four-gun bat teries, named respectively, Captain Lee's battery and Captain 218 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Ransom's battery. On the 3d of July, 1862, Captain Lee's bat tery Avas ordered to outpost duty at NeAvport Barracks and their duties began to be like those of a soldier. For the present Ave leave the nucleus of the 24th New York Battery and return to Perry to speak of those Avho Avere enlisting to go to NeAvport Barracks and fill up their ranks. On the 22d of August, 1862, Air. George S. Hastings, junior member of the laAV firm of Lee & Hastings, received authority to raise recruits to join Captain Lee's battery. In one week 50 men had A-olunteered ; another Aveek had increased the number to 60. Air. Alerrill says: "The Union Army Avas meeting Avith defeat and loss of men. The President made a call for 300,000 more. The smothered fire of patriotism that AA'as burning in the hearts of the young men of Perry burst forth, and father's commands, mother's Avarnings, nor sweetheart's pleadings and caresses could avail aught in trying to subdue the flame. 'Twas contagious and spread Avith such uncontrollable rapidity that in a short time about 60 more of the bravest and best young men of Perry and A'icinity had come forward and enlisted in the cause. Full of the ambition and pride of youth, full of patriotic fervor and eager for the strife, belieA'ing that Ave could help to redeem Avhat others had lost, Ave did not stop to think or realize Iioav true might be our parents' predictions, or the fears and presentiments of our friends. What a blessing to man is ignorauce of the future ! The men, Avith but feAV exceptions were young, and the galaxy of the town in Avhich they lived. Their enlistment seemed a spontaneous outburst of the single thought that had dwelt in many minds Avith equal poAver: 'Young men for Avar, old men for counsel.' Resolution, courage and determination Avere stamped in the faces of all. Like the clans of the feudal times of old, they meant to shoAv that the floAver and the pride of the country Avould Avin the cvoAvn of victory or death, and like those stories of old, the PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 219 long, long days passed sloAvly by; the Aveary home Avatchers AA-aited, hoped and feared till finally a remnant feAV returned in a pitiful plight to bear the sad tidings of defeat, of suffering and death." The citizens of the town encouraged recruiting in many Avays. A great deal of enthusiasm Avas exhibited throughout the A'icinity. Generous bounties Avere offered and paid. At this time it must be remembered that the Government did not pay bounties to recruits. The toAvn bounty fund raised by the citizens of Perry amounted to about $6,000. In their sphere the Avomen of Perry labored Avith an enthusiasm fully equal to that of the men, and the hospital stores^and comforts for the sick and Avounded in the field, which they prepared and sent to the seat of Avar, solaced the sufferings of many a poor soldier. During the entire period of the war the women of the toAA'ii Avere active in their good work. The men recruited by Air. Hastings took their departure for the seat of war on Sept, 10th, 1862.* The citizens turned out early in the morning to bid a last good-bye to the bojrs and about 6 o'clock they were on their Avay to Castile Station, where they boarded the cars for Buffalo. After a feAV days' Stay in Buffalo, during Avhich time they Avere mustered into the service, the recruits were sent to NeAvport Barracks by way of Albany, New York and Newberne,N.C, where there were warm ly greeted by .their old friends and acquaintances, who Avere glad to have their companionship and assistance. On the 19th of October, orders Avere received designating the company as "The 24th Independent Battery of Light Artillery, Ncav York State Volunteers." After the names of the neAvcomers had been added to the muster roll, it contained the names of five officers and 126 men. The battery remained at NeAvport Bar racks about five months, during which time the boys Avere called out on one scouting expedition and one trip to Ncav- 220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY berne. On the 11th of December, tAvo detachments of the bat tery went with Gen. Foster and participated in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsboro. Soon after the return of the troops from the expedition to Goldsboro, the battery re ceived six very handsome ne.AV six-pounder Napoleon guns, an additional supply of horses, neAv harness, and new equipment throughout. They remained at Newberne until about the middle of Alarch, 1863, when a feint was made on that place by the rebels, and soon afterwards they advanced upon Plymouth, N. C. About the first of April the battery was sent to Plymouth, where it remained about a year. Early in 1863, Captain Lee suffered a severe hemorrhage of the lungs, the result of expos ure and over-exertion, which unfortunate e\rent compelled him to resign his commission on June 13th, 1863, Lieut. L. E, Cady succeeding him in command of the battery. The Winter of that year passed pleasantly with the men of the battery, but the Spring brought the Battle of Plymouth, which ended in bringing them all together as prisoners of war. One of them in an account of this battle has said: "Up to this time the his tory of the battery had been a pleasant one. We had our petty quarrels and animosities; we had suffered from jealousies and disappointments; we had accused and been accused; but these things were trifles after all, and it needed but a day of gen uine trouble in common to bring us all to a united sympathy and an interchange of kindly Avords and kindly feeling. So far, I say, our army experience had been unusually free from hard ships. At Newport Barracks we had comfortable log houses for our quarters, plenty of food, plenty of clothing, and only enough drill for good gymnastic exercise. At Newberne we had been furnished new tents and new barracks, and there, too, our quarters, food and raiment were excellent, and our duties comparatively light. At Plymouth we used unoccupied POLITICAL DIVISIONS 221 houses for quarters. Our scouting duty had been but a pleas ant excitement. The only affliction Ave experienced Avas the monotony arising from garrison duty. An inactive soldier's life is a lazy life at the best, and ignorant and thoughtless of AA-hat the result might be, Ave welcomed the attack Avhich Avas to end so disastrously for us." On the 17th of April, 1864, the caA'alry of the rebels at tacked the pickets of the garrison, and it soon became eAddent that something more than a feint or raid Avas intended. The garrison consisted of 1900 effective men under Gen. Wessells. Non-combatants Avere removed during the following night and preparations were made to resist the attack. Desultory firing Avas kept up during the night and the next day it Avas steadily maintained until about 5 o'clock p. m., Avhen an advance was made and earnest fighting began. The rebel artillery, consisting of about forty pieces, opened fire upon the works, and the artil lery of the defenders replied with such terrible precision that it was believed that half of the artillerymen of the enemy Avere put out of the fight. Of course, a detailed account of this bat tle cannot be given here. It may be briefly stated that during the night of the 18th, the rebel ram Albermarle succeeded in driving away the naval supports of the garrison, and took a position where her guns could be used Avith effect. During the day and night of the 19th, the forces of the enemy assumed more advantageous positions, and on the 20th made a simul taneous assault upon the entire Union line; and at the same time sent a column into the town. The guns of the 24th battery Avere served double-shotted with canister, "hurling death and disaster into the ranks of the enemy, and not until the rebels seized the muzzles of their guns did the cannoneers fail in their work." For nearly two hours did the fight go on in the streets of Plymouth, the force surrendering only under stern necessity ~1 MAIN STREET, PERRY, DURING CIVIL WAR TIMES PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 223 aud in small detachments. The Union loss, notwithsanding their strong breastAvorks, Avas about 180. That of the rebels Avas stated in the Raleigh papers as 2200. When it is remem bered that the garrison of 1900 men defended the town against a force of 12,000 rebels during four days, no suspicion of a lack of bravery AA'ill be entertained. CHAPTER XIV Sketch of the Battle of Plymouth and Surrender of the 24th N. Y. Battery— Horrors of the Prison at Andersonville, Ga., in which Perry Men were Sufferers. Iii a sketch of the surrender of the 24th NeAv York Battery at Plymouth, N. C, Air. Alerrill says : "All loyal citizens of the United States haA'e a pride in our beautiful National banner, and ever is it a pleasure to their hearts to see it fluttering in the breeze. As children we learn to loA'e it, honor and cherish it. "Tavo epochs in my life have been strongly marked by the sight of this ' emblem of the free. ' First AAThen it Avas slowly low ered from the color staff of Fort Williams at Plymouth and the Confederate colors replaced it. Second, when for the first time in seven months I saAV it Avaving from the masts of the vessels that had come to take us from our horrid prison pens. In exper iencing the first it Avas a sad sight to see our pride, our boasted ' Stars and Stripes, ' falling. We had fought for them, many of our comrades had died for them ; but all Avas lost ! FeAV of the many Union soldiers Avho stood around me had dry eyes as those colors fell. "Stripped of our arms, mortified aud sick at heart, Ave Avere penned by rebel guards and allowed to take a night's rest on the green SAvard. As the sun loAvered Ave took a view of our once pleasant and happy camp. Hoav desolate and dreary it Avas noAV ! Proud in our own strength, Ave had been conquered. Hoav much of hate, passion and reArenge rankled in the bosoms of even those Avho Avould be Christians. Our comrades killed the battle lost to us, our friends at home frightened, anxious and full of soitoav ; our prospects for freedom from this de grading imprisonment, far in the dim, dim future. Cruel taunts Avere throAvn in our faces, cruel acts Avere committed on eA-ery side of us. We tried to brave it out; Ave tried to comfort our selves Avith the knoAvledge that Ave had fought a good fight ¦ PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 225 Ave endeavored to believe' that an immediate exchange of pris oners Avould take place ; Ave consoled ourselves AA'ith the thought that none but coAvards Avould taunt a fallen foe ; yet heavy hearts and sad minds dAvelt with us through that long night.'' A feAV of the men of the Battery were made prisoners dur- in the early part of the battle and were taken to the prisons at Florence and Charleston, from Avhich some never returned. 1915 1860 BENJAMIN H. HOLLISTER On the morning following the battle, those Avho had sur rendered Avere ordered into line and marched 17 miles. The next morning they arrived at Hamilton. On the 25th of April they reached Tarboro. At this place the officers Avho Avere prisoners Avere separated from the soldiers and Avere taken to Richmond. The remaining prisoners were loaded on platform cars and sent 226 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY south through Charleston, Savannah and Alacon to Anderson- ville, Ga. One of them has said: "It Avas quite dark before Ave Avere allowed to disembark from the cars. The stockade Avas about half a mile from the depot. AVe Avere told that before entering the prison Ave Avould be organized into detachments. We Avere marched to a leA'el plot of ground through AAdiich ran the stream that furnished the prison stockade Avith water, and after a guard had been placed about us Ave Avere permitted to furnish ourselves AA'ith Av-iter and appease our hunger Avith the bacon and hard tack that had been issued to us a couple of days before. That Avas the last of hard bread that I ever saw in the Confederacy, and here Avas my first introduction to Captain Wirz, commander of the Confederate prison. Camp fires had been started about the guard line, and suddenly, as if it had been the Devil himself, this fiend made his appearance through or near one of the fires. Short in stature, stooping figure, ill-shaped head, aAvkard limbs and movement, a deep-set, ugly eye, and a tongue reeking with profanity — such Avas Captain Wirz. A glance passed from com rade to comrade, telling better than the tongue of the fate Ave feared Avas in store for us. After much SAvearing and many threats to punish or kill, he succeeded in properly organizing us into detachments, and Ave Avere then informed that our bar racks for the night Avould be the ground. Had Ave knoAvn then what Avas to be our future camping place, Iioav quickly would our complaints haAre changed to Avords of thanks and thoughts of thanks — a practical example of the little Ave knoAV in this world of the good or the bad that may be in store for us. While in our ignorance, Ave are merry Avhen Ave should be sad, and are full of complaints Avhen Ave should be happy. Fatigue makes a soft Avarm bed of the cold earth and changes a stick of Avood into a doAvny pilloAv. We slept soundly ; and Avhat a blessing, it Avould seem, it Avould have been had the great majority of our felloAvs never Avaked from that sleep. Still, Providence — Avise and good — saAV fit for them to Avake and to enter a trial of life that they had never anticipated. From observations in constant and intimate relations Avith many of them, I believe the long suffering and continual thought of the past and future did prepare them for a peaceful death, and, I hope, for a blessed PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 227 future. On the folloAving morning Ave Avere ordered into line and marched into the prison stockade." The horrors of Andersonville have been so generally des cribed that a repetition is unnecessary here. Clara Barton has said :"After this, whenever any man who has lain a prisoner Avithin the stockade at Andersonville, Avould tell you of his sufferings — hoAv he fainted, scorched, drenched, hungered. sickened; Avas scoffed, scourged, hunted and persecuted — though the tale be long and twice told, as you would haA^e your OAvn AATongs appreciated, your OAvn Avoes pitied, your OAvn cries for mercy heard, I charge you to listen and believe him. HoAvever definitely he may have spoken, knoAv that he has not told you all. However strongly he may have outlined or deeply he may have colored his picture, knoAv that the reality calls for a better light and a nearer view than your clouded, distant gaze will eA'er get. And your sympathies need not be confined to Ander sonville Avhile similar horrors glared in the sunny light and spotted the flower girt garden fields of that Avhole desperate, misguided and bewildered people. Wherever stretched the form of a Union prisoner, there rose the signal for cruelty and the cry of agony; and there, day by day greAv the skeleton graves of the nameless dead." Of the men who enlisted in the Battery in Perry, a feAV had been discharged from the service through disability, etc. At the time of the battle of Plymouth, a feAV others Avere at their homes on furlough. Fifty-nine were captured, and of these, 46 died in Southern prisons. Those Avho survived came home broken in health from their experiences. It was a cold dreary Avinter day AA'hen the remnant of the Battery returned to Perry. Familiar faces croAvded about them scarcely able to recognize in those emaciated forms the healthy, robust young men they used to know. Anxious in quiries concerning the missing ones overpowered the warm Avelcome, and they felt that to be the bearers of such tidings 228 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY avis indeed an unenviable lot. Of the survivors, only tAvo are hoav residing in the toAvn, A'iz : Benjamin II. Hollister and Al bert Richards. 1915 1863 ALBERT RICHARDS Upon the expiration of the term of service, the original members — except veterans — Avere mustered out and the vet erans and recruits Avere transferred to the Third Regiment, Xew York Artillery, on Alarch 8th, 1865. These Avere mustered out on July 7th of that year. It has not been the intention of the Avriter to convey the impression that the 24th Battery comprised all or nearly all of the volunteer.s from Perry in the Civil War. Special mention PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 229 has been given it because, in reality, it Avas a local organization. As nearly as can be mentioned at this time about one hundred others enlisted in the Federal Army from Perry and vicinity in other organizations than the Battery, making a grand total of more than 180 from this, the little Perry of 1861-65. No reader of these lines can deny that on the part of these men there Avas a braAre sacrifice to loyalty. Are Ave as patriotic to day? Have Ave no gratitude for the services of the hying and dead Avho volunteered from our town in the great conflict ? Is there less of generosity? Let a practical ansAver to these ques tions be a strong endeavor to purchase and erect a suitable mon ument in some sightly position that will be a treasured and elo quent addition to the beauty of our toAvn and an impressionable sign to all generations of our people of high duty faithfully per formed and loyally and lovingly remembered. Roster of Volunteers from Perry, 1861-1865 (This is probably not complete. It may include a feAV that Avere not actual residents of the town of Perry, but of this im mediate locality. Names preceded by * are of those Avho died in the service.) Name Regiment Abrams, Wm. 27th N.Y. Infantry Alburty, Francis M. 24th N. Y. Battery *Alburty, Wm. 24th N. Y. Battery Alton, Sheldon 17th N. Y. Infantry Andrews, Mark 24th N. Y. Battery Andrews, Robert F. Western Lt. Artillery * Andrus, Lemuel 24th N. Y. Battery Andrus, Merritt 4th U. S. Artillery Arnold, M. 9th N. Y. Cavalry *Atwood, George S. 24th N. Y. Battery Austin, Amos W. 1st N. Y. Dragoons *Austin, Charles 1st N. Y. Dragoons Austin, Frank S. 17th N. Y. Infantry Austin, Frederick 9th N. Y. Cavalry 230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN PERFRY * Axtell, Abner Ayers, Oscar Babcock, Orso Baker, Thomas Barber, John Barnes, Frank *Barnes, RosAvell *Bartlett, Hartwell *Batchelder, B. Frank Beardsley, Alton Beardsley, E. H. Bentley, David Birdsall, Hiram Bishop, I. G. Boies, E. Bolton, Parris Booth, Harrison Borden, Adelbert Borden, Albert Boughton, Arthur *Boughton, Myron *Brayton, Rufus *Briggs, George *Briggs, Wm. *Brooks, John Broughton, Floyd Buck, Robert Bullard, R. F. Burden, Adelbert Burden, Albert ^Button, James Buttre, C. W. Cady, George E. Calkins, Francis A. *Calkins, James Calkins, Alelatiah *Calteaux, Paul Calvin, AndreAV Camp, E. B. Camp, Wm. S. 5th Penna. Cavalry 17th N. Y. Infantry 1st N. Y. Dragoons 89th N.Y. Vols. 9th N. Y. Cavalrv 9th N. Y. Cavalrv 24th -N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 17th N. Y. Infantry 17th N. Y. Infantry 136th N. Y. Infantry 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Mounted Rifles 24th N. Y. Battery 147th N. Y. Infantry Regt. Unknown 104th N. Y. Infantry 104th N. Y. Infantry 89th N. Y. Volunteers 27th Wisconsin Volunteers 24th N. Y. Battery 104th N. Y. Infantry 104th N. Y. Infantry 24th N. Y. Battery 13th N. Y. Infantrv 24th N. Y. Battery 136th N. Y. Infantry 2nd N. Y. Alounted Rifles 2nd N. Y. Mounted Rifles 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 27th N. Y. Volunteers 2nd N. Y. Mtd. Rifles 24th N. Y. Battery 136th N. Y. Volunteers 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 231 *Carnahan, Charles Carnahan, Wm. Chapin, Abner B. Chapin, Willard J. Chapman, John Childs, Lucius ^Childs, Reuben Clark, C. A. Cofield, Thomas Cole, Parker *Comstoek, A. W . Crocker, Chas. H. ( 'rocker, Emory F. Crooker, Wm. W. (Capt.) Cronkhite, Joel Curtis, Lorenzo Dolbeer, Charles H. Dunn, John Duryea, George Duryea, Joseph Fanning, EdAvin Fardin, Francis Ferguson, Daniel Ferguson, A. T. Ferrin, J. T. *Filbin, John •Fitch, Charles W. Fitch, Wm. '"Fitzgerald, Thomas Flint, J. Nelson Foskett, Milton Foskett, Wesley Foskett, Winslow Francis, J. P. Frayer, Andrew *French, Myron Frost, Enos B. *Galusha, Jonas E. Gardner, Albert Gardner, Avery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery Quartermaster's Dept. Surgeon Regt. Unknown Rgt. Unknown 33rd N. Y. Volunteers 24th N. Y. Battery 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillerv 89th N. Y. Infantry 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons Regiment unknoAvn 24th N. Y. Battery 89th N. Y. Volunteers 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 8th N. Y. Heavy Art. 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery Regt. Unknown 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 136th N. Y. Vols. 9th N. Y. Cavalry 9th N. Y. Cavalry 1st N. Y. Dragoons 8th N. Y. Heavy Art. 136th N. Y. Infantry 11th Regt. Heavy Art. 24th N. Y. Battery 9th N. Y. Cavalry 89th N. Y. Infantry 232 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Gardner, Simeon •Grant, Murray Gregg, Wm. •Griffith, Albert •Griffith, Charles R. •Griffith, Willis Griggs, Wm. Jr. GriseAvood, Thomas Hale, N. Hanna, Nicholas Hardens, *Hare, John Haskins, Henry Hastings, Geo. S. (Lieut.) •Hathaway, Charles •Hershey, Andrew H. Higgins, Frank Hildum, James Hill, Wm. Hollenbeck, Henry Hollenbeck, Wallace Hollister, Benj. H. Homan, Charles H. •Horsford, Wm. F. Humphrey, E. D. •Hunt, Charles H. •Hunt, George S. •Hunt, Merritt Hurlburt, E. T. M. Jeffres, C. (Capt.) •Johnson, George B. Jones, Samuel Keeney, Anson •Keeney, George W. Keeton, John •Lacy, James Lapham, Daniel Lapham, Horace •Lapham, L. H. Law, Charles O. 9th N.Y. Cavalrv 24th N. Y. Battery 4th N. Y. Artillery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 27th N. Y. Infantry 8th N. Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery Regiment unknoAvn 104th N. Y. Vols. 4th Artillery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 86th N. Y. Vol. 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery Asst. Surgeon, Navy 1st N. Y. Mtd. Rifles ' 8th N. Y. Heavy Art. 89th N. Y. Infantry 1st N. Y. Dragoons 9th N. Y. Cavalry 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 27th N. Y. Infantry Regt. Unknown Regt. Unknown 24th N. Y. Battery 36th N. Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery 89th N. Y. Vols. 89th N. Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Mtd. Rifles 1st N. Y. Mtd. Rifles 9th N. Y. Cavalry 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 233 •Lee, Abram Lee, Jay E. (Capt.) •Lent, Abram •Alahannay, Barton Alahannay, AVm. Alarvin, Connor Alarvin, Patrick "Alarean, C. A. Alateson, Wm. H. Alatteson, Henry •Aleade, G. •AlcCrink, James •AlcCrink, John AIcGuire, John 'AIcNinch, Alerrill, J. W. Aletzger, Alichael -Aliner, J. Gile Alorgan, Elias XeAvcomb, L. •NeAA-ton, R. J. Noonen, Wm. Page, Harry C. ''Parkins, John •Perkins, J. W. Pinney, Frank H. Pettes, Fred W. (Capt.) •Pettibone, Levi •Piper, A. •Piper, George W. Post, J. Mort. (Capt.) Post, Lucius H. (Lieut.) Post, Thomas E. •Pratt, Philander Quinn, John Rath bone, Sydney S. •RaAvson, Porter D. Reynolds, Theodore Reynolds, Wm. Richards, Albert 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 31st N. Y. Vols. 31st N. Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 4th Artillery 8th N. Y. Heavy Art. 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 17th N. Y. Infantry 24th N. Y. Battery 136th N.Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 136th N. Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Cavalry 89th N. Y. Vols. 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 3rd N. Y. Cavalry 17th N. Y. Infantry 3rd N. Y. Artillery 24th N. Y. Battery Regt. UnknoAvn 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 234 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Richards, Elias *Richardson, Orlando Robinson, Adolphus Robinson, John P. (Col.) Robinson, Zeb C. •Rood, James •Rood, LeGrande D. 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 3rd N. Y. Cavalry Regt. UnknoAvn 24th N. Y. Battery sSafford, Pembroke J. 24th N. Y. Battery Salisbury, Al. S. •Senter, Lucius Seeley, Wm. Seymour, Jared Sherman, Seymour •Shirley, Phares Simmons, A. S. (2nd Lieut.) 21st N. Y. Vols. 89th N. Y. Vols. Regiment unknown 1st N. Y. Dragoons 30th N. Y. Yols. 24th X. Y. Battery 89th N. Y. Vols PERRY'S PART IN THE CIVIL WAR 235 •Simmons, James B. B. •Simmons, Phineas A. •Smith, Alason C. Jr. Smith, EdAvard Smith, James Smith, Jay Smith, Nicholas Sterling, Charles H. Stoddard, Samuel Stover, George Strong, Lorenzo Summy, DaAdd SulliATan, Patrick Summy, Mort SAveet, Charles Tadder, David Tallman, Benj. H. Taylor, Martin Thompson, Benj. •Tilton, Henry •Welch, EdAvard Welch, Peter Weller, J. H. Westbrook, George Westbrook, John Westbrook,' Nehemiah Westlake, Charles G. •Williams, Oliver Williamson, James Wilson, John A. Witter, Volney Wolcott, Orson •Wood, Emmett Young, Harry, (colored) 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 1st N. Y. Dragoons 17th N. Y. Infantry 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 9th N. Y. Cavalry 9th N. Y. Cavalrv 27th N. Y. Infantry 136th N. Y. Vols. Musician Musician 104th N. Y. Infantry 27th N.'Y. Infantry 9th N. Y. Cavalry 27th N. Y. Infantry 24th N. Y. Battery 24th N. Y. Battery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 104th N. Y. Infantry 104th N. Y. Infantry 27th N. Y. Infantry 1st N. Y. Dragoons 24th N. Y. Battery 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 1st N. Y. Dragoons 9th N. Y. Cavalry 104th N. Y. Infantry 24th N. Y. Battery 31st N. Y. Vols. CHAPTER XV The Press of Perry, Representing Religious and Anti-Slavery as Well as Local Interests— Cemeteries — Banking Institutions and Their Founders. The "Genesee Recorder" Avas established in 1834 and Avas continued for two years. George M. Schipper Avas the pub lisher. As this Avas the first newspaper to be published in the ToAA'n of Perry, we feel that a brief description Avould be ap propriate. A copy of the "Genesee Recorder," dated August 8th, 1834, shows a sheet Avhich is a little more than half the size of the present local papers and contains five columns to the page. This copy is the first number of the first volume, and the first line under the head says : ' ' Devoted to NeAvs, Politics, Agricult ure, Arts, Alanufactures, Science, Literature, Morality and Amusement, by G. Al. Schipper." Really, a very extensive field of labor for a sheet of its size. The price of the paper Avas $2.00 a year in advance; $2.50 if not paid within six months; or $3.00 if delayed until the expiration of the year. The first page of this sheet is filled with miscellaneous reading; the fourth page has three columns of political matter, mainly se lected articles pitching into Gen. Jackson, and two columns of agricultural reading. The second page is filled with political articles from the Albany Journal and foreign news. The third page contains the prospectus of the "Genesee Recorder" and an article of about a column explaining its political purposes. The only matter in the paper than can be regarded as "locals" is a notice of the marriage of Mr. Luther A. Conklin and Miss Alary Ann Howard of Castile, and the death of Miss Mary Smith of this village. There is about half a column of village advertisements, from which one learned that Armitage & THE PRESS OF PERRY 237 Faulkner Avere keeping a general store and dealt in dry goods, groceries, hardAvare, wines and liquors, maple syrup, and a lit tle of eA'erything handy to have in the house. Sherman & Skid more conducted the Perry Hotel; J. King kept a boot and shoe store ; and A. Bunnell shod horses — a very sorry sIioav of busi ness ads Avhen compared with those of the present day. The "American Citizen" Avas established, in WarsaAv in 1836 by J. A. Hadley. After one year it Avas purchased by Jo siah AndreAvs and moved to Perry, Avhere it Avas published by Alessrs. Alitchell and Lewis. This paper Avas the official organ of the Genesee County Anti-Slavery Society. Its subscription rate was $2.50 a year in advance. Mr. LeAAns soon dropped out of the firm and Avas succeeded by Ansel Warren. In January, 1S41, the publication Avas removed to Rochester. The "Register," a campaign paper, Avas published in Perry for one or two years, beginning Jan. 1st, 1840. Isaac N. Stod dard and John H. Bailey were the proprietors. The "Perry Democrat," published by Peter LaAA'rence, began its existence on Jan. 1st, 1841. Air. LaAvrenee conducted the paper until 1848, at Avhich time it Avas sold to C. C. Britt, Avho continued it until 1853. The "Watch ToAver, " a Baptist publication, was printed at the office of The American Citizen during 1839; Ansel Warren, editor. The "Ariel," another religious paper,- noted for its sar casm and caustic comment on local affairs, Avas published in Perry by "An Association of Nice Young Alen, semi-oceasion- ally," during the year 1841. The "Western New Yorker" was established in Perry in January, 1841, by J. H. Bailey. A few months later it Avas sold to Messrs. Barlow & Woodward, who moved it to Warsaw, where it is still being published. 238 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The "Countryman," a Liberal Party publication, was es tablished in Perry in 1843 by N. S. Woodward. Soon afterAvard it was purchased by Daniel S. Curtis, Avho changed its name to "The Impartial Countryman" and continued it until August, 1846, Avhen it passed into the hands of Ansel Warren, who again changed its name to "The Free Citizen" and issued the paper until August, 1847. The "Sunday School Visitor" was published monthly at the office of The Countryman by D. S. Curtis. It Avas begun in Alay, 1844. The "Christian Investigator" Avas published at the office of The Free Citizen for one year and Avas edited by Wm. Good ell. The "Wyoming Advertiser" Avas published in Perry dur ing one year by Horace Wilcox, beginning Dee. 22d, 1853. The "Wyoming Times" was begun in Perry in May, 1855, by T. S. Gillett. The office Avas destroyed by fire in 1856, but the paper's publication Avas resumed soon afterward. It was discontinued, however, in 1863. During the last two years of its existence it Avas published by Benjamin F. Page. The "Silver Lake Sun" was established in Perry on Dee. 1st, 1865, by George A. Sanders. As the town had been without a paper for more than two years, it was received with great favor by the citizens. The Sun was published by Air. Sanders until 1872, at Avhich time it passed into the hands of J. S. Van- - Alstyne, Avho had control of it for a short time, after which it reverted to Air. Sanders, who continued it until 1877. The ' ' Perry Star ' ' was published here for a short time, be ginning in Alarch, 1874, by George A. Sanders. The "Wyoming County Herald" Avas established in June, 1877, by LeAA-is E. Chapin, Avho came to Perry from Livonia. Pie purchased the business and printing material of Mr. Sand- THE PRESS OF PERRY 239 c-rs. In 1878 Air. Chapin changed the name of the paper to The Herald. George C. King purchased the business on July 1st, 1881. On Alay 1st, 1892, Frank B. Smith bought out Mr. King, and the following year purchased the Perry Weekly News of Asa Countryman, consolidating the two papers under the name of the Perry Herald and News. Mr. Smith later changed the name to The Perry Herald and continued its publication until Sept. 1st, 1912, Avhen he sold the business to Air. Guy Comfort, its present OAvner and publisher. During the last year of Air. Smith's ownership the paper was issued semi-Aveekly as the Perry Semi-Weekly Herald. During the proprietorship of The Herald by LeAvis E. Chapin a daily edition was printed for a feAV Aveeks each Sum mer, AA'hile the Silver Lake Temperance Assembly Avas in session. At that time Alead & Stearns were in charge of the temperance assembly, AA-hich drew large crowds to the lake. It was first con ducted on the then Saxton grounds in a large enclosure resembl ing a cheese box in appearance. After a feAV seasons that proved too small to accommodate the croAvds and they removed to the present Pioneer grounds, where a covered auditorium was erected, surrounded during the season by many campers in tents and cottages. A daily was also published one year by the Perry Press, but neither Avas a financial success. Tavo years, during the summer season of Silver Lake Chautauqua Assembly, Avhen that institution Avas in its most flourishing condition, Frank B. Smith, then editor of the Perry Herald and News, published a daily neAvspaper with a measure of success. The "Perry Press," published by E. D. Deming of the At tica News, Avas established here in 1883, the paper being issued for some time from the Attica NeAvs office. Later, Mr. Deming brought printing machinery here and opened a local office in PERRY RECORD OFFICE BUILDING. One of the oldest buildings in the Village of Perry. Erected some time between 1820 and 1830. Slccd for many years on the corner of Main and Lake streets. Removed to its present location on the east side of Main street and remodeled in May, 1902. Its foundations are still in perfect condition. THE PRESS OF PERRY 241 charge of E. C. Tanger. It was not a financial success and was discontinued after publication less than two years. The "Perry Weekly NeAvs" was established on Sept. 9th, 1885, by John F. Gates, a retired Universalist minister, who purchased the material of the defunct Nunda Herald and re moved it to this place. In 1888 he took his foreman, C. G. Clarke, into partnership, under the firm name of Gates & Clarke, Avhich continued until May, 1889, when Air. Clarke re tired and removed to Akron, N. Y. Air. Gates continued the business until failing health compelled his retirement and it was sold in 1892 to Rev. Asa Countryman, who sold it the fol- loAving year to Frank B. Smith, who consolidated it Avith the Perry Herald. The "Perry Record" Avas established on Jan. 24th, 1894, by C. G. Clarke, who returned from Akron, N. Y., to his old home. That was the year generally known as the "Cleveland panic" time, when free soup houses were opened in many cities to feed thousands who AArere in destitute circumstances, when Avheat Avas selling for 50 cents a bushel, and Avhen "Coxey's Army" Avas organized by hundreds of unemployed men who marched to Washington to demand that the Government should take action to proAude them Avith work. TAventy years, later, Carl Read Clarke, eldest son of the proprietor, became associ ated in the management of the business under the firm name of C. G. Clarke & Son, the present publishers. 242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY CEMETERIES About the year 1819, Ebenezer, Selden and Dr. Otis Higgins purchased a portion of Lot No. 29 from Rev. Wm. Wiles, AA'hich included the old cemetery from AA'hich a feAV bodies were re cently removed in excaA'ating for the neAv Public Library, and presented it to the village to be used as a cemetery. At the time of its presentation there Avere seA'eral graA'es there. It or iginally extended across Alain street and included a strip of ground on the opposite side, between the Presbyterian and Bap tist churches. A number of the pioneers of Perry Avere buried in this plot. In 1833 the ground had become nearly filled Avith graves, and in that year a A'oluntary association Avas formed and plans Avere made for a new cemetery. On October 3d of that year, the organization, through its trustees — Elnathan Lacy, Wm. Dolbeer and Willard Chapin — purchased one and three-fourths acres of land from Calvin P. Bailey and Samuel Hatch. There Avas one graA'e in this plot prior to its sale to the association, Elisha Barnes having been buried there on July 28th, 1833. In 1857 additional land Avas purchased through the association's representative, Wm. Dolbeer. A later associa tion, Avhich took over the cemetery property, Avas formed in 1876 Avith David Andrus, G. B. Olin, Mrs. Ann Keeney, Mrs. R.T. Tuttle, Airs. C. P. Andrus and E. G. MattheAvs as incorporators. This Avas knoAvn as "The Hope Cemetery Association." In 1877 another addition Avas made, and the AA'hole includes about five acres. In December, 1908, the lots in Hope Cemetery being nearly all sold, the Association purchased from Lewis Crane and H. D. Tinkham some 23 acres of land lying on the east bank of Silver Lake outlet, some little distance beloAV the Perry Knit ting Alills and extending back to the loAver end of Handley street. The services of a landscape gardner Avere secured and the grounds Avere made attractive by folloAving his suggestions so far as possible. This plot is knoAvn as "Hope Cemetery An- THE CEMETERIES OF PERRY 243 nex." The first burial in the iicav plot Avas the body of John- Strickland, a former business man of the A'illage. The addition was purchased by the Association's representatives, W. P. And rus and W. L. Chapin. About the year 1824 the cemetery at West Perry Avas laid out by a voluntary association, of AA'hich Dan Dickerson, Arad Stilhvell and Nathaniel Otis Avere elected trustees. One acre of land Avas purchased from Charles Jewett, which Avas enclosed and divided into lots. For many years it Avas neglected and un kempt, but in 1914 a spirit of pride prompted aneAv organization by residents of West Perry and under the leadership of A. C. StOAvell, the grounds Avere improA'ed and beautified, and the sightly location on an eminence overlooking SilA'er Lake is well kept and a credit to those who took the matter in charge. The first burial in the cemetery at Perry Center Avas the body of Charles, son of Peter and Abigail Atwood, Avho died on Nov. 29th, 1813. A feAV other burials Avere made in this cem etery prior to the organization of an association. The original association at the Center Avas organized in 1818 with Samuel HoAvard, Orrin Sheldon and Phicol M. Ward as trustees. These men purchased half an acre of Lemuel Blackmer for $40, and the plot has since been enlarged considerably. The original lots were one square rod in dimension and sold for 50 cents each. Improvements Avere made from time to time by volun tary contributions. A later association Avas formed in October, 1885, with B. A. Nevins, F. C. Benedict, C. C. Watrous, Mrs. AndreAV Sheldon, Mrs. C. W. Butler and Mrs. Sarah Alton as trustees. This AA'as known as "The Prospect Hill Cemetery As sociation." Soon after the reorganization was effected, the As sociation, through its trustees, purchased adjoining land from Airs. Alton. This is known as ' ' The Phillips Ad dition. ' ' In the Fall of 1885, two and one-half acres of land were purchased by St. Joseph's (Catholic) Church Society of the 244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY late J. W. Chamberlain, on the Avest side of the road leading to Silver Lake from Macomber 's corners, about three-quarters of a mile from the village. The cemetery occupies an enclosure on a hill a short distance north of the lake. BANKING INSTITUTIONS During many years after the settlement of the toAvn, Avhat little banking business was necessary was done at Canandaigua, and later at Geneseo and Batavia, especially at the Bank of Genesee at BataAia. The first banking institution in Perry, of AA'hich the Avriter has any record, Avas the Silver Lake Bank of Genesee, and we cannot state positively whether the business ever opened for the transaction of business, or not. The only documents that we have been able to find with reference to the matter is a certified copy of the articles of association of the Silver Lake Bank of Genesee, which appears to have been filed on Dec. 31st, 1838, by Archibald Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State. The articles of association were executed by Rufus II. Smith, Alosely Stoddard, Calvin P. Bailey, Samuel Hatch and Josiah Andrews, all of them residents of Perry, Genesee County, Avho subscribed for 200 shares each. The shares had a par value of $100. If the institution ever opened for business, it was out of existence before the organization of the Banking Department, which was first organized by statute in the year 1851. The First National Bank, formerly known as "Smith's Bank," was organized in 1855 as a State Bank, with a capital of $50,000, by Rufus H. Smith, president ; and Anson D. Smith, his son, cashier. Upon the death of R. H. Smith in 1858, A. D. Smith became president, and Charles W. Hendee1, cashier. In 1862 Henry N. Page became cashier. A. D. Smith died in 1866, and his widoAV became sole- proprietor of the bank. Mr. Henry N. Page then assumed entire charge of its business affairs. Im Bom 1823 HENRY N, PAGE Died 1894 246 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY 1865, after the passage of the National Banking Act, AA'hich placed a tax of 10 per cent, on the currency of all state banks, the State charter Avas surrendered and the business Avas con tinued under the same title as a priA'ate bank until March 2d, 1891, at Avhich time it Avas reorganized, a charter taken out, and it became The First National Bank of Perr.A', AAdth the following named officers; President, Henry N. Page; Vice-President, Frank H. Wyckoff ; Cashier, W. D. Page ; Assistant Cashier, George K. Page. The Board of Directors included, in addition to the above named gentlemen, Willis H. Tuttle of Canan daigua. / ' Boyhood portrait of Willis H. Tuttle of Perry, with his favorite horse and a friend of his youth, Walter Gillespie of Perry. The original bank building Avas erected by Judge Smith, and the old vault was then considered burglar proof, no inside safe being used. Later on, a Herring safe was added, Avhich Avas afterAvard AA'recked by a gang of professional burglars, BANKING INSTITUTIONS 247 under the leadership of the notorious Ned Lyon, although no funds Avere secured by them. Tavo other attempts had been made, but in neither Avas access gained to the vault. In the great fire of 1891, part of the cornice was burned from the old building, and in the following year the store noAV occupied by 248 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Baker & Roberts' Pharmacy Avas built, and a second story was added to the bank building, making the present block as it now stands. OAving to the increase in business and the demand for bet ter facilities, the bank has installed a Herring-Hall-Marvin vault and safe deposit box equipment. This is of the latest im proved fire-and-burglar-proof construction. Installing the vault necessitated the building of a hcav directors' room at the rear. The present officers are: W. D. Page, President; George K. Page, Vice-President and Cashier. THE CITIZENS BANK OF PERRY, N. Y. This institution Avas organized and incorporated under the laAvs of the State of Ncav York on March 8th, 1888, with a capi- THE CITIZENS BANK OF PERRY, N. Y. ¦ BANKING INSTITUTIONS 249 tal of $35,000 and the folloAving named citizens as stockholders : Alilo Ii. Olin, George Tomlmson, Clarence AL Smith, LeAvis A. Alacomber, Wm. H. HaAvley, Sr., Robert R. Doav, P. E. Bolton, Parris Olin, George W. Grieve, Alary J. Olin, M. S. Nobles, By ron A. Nevins, George L. Cone, S. A. Hatch, John S. Garrison. The organization of the institution by local residents was prompted by the neAvs learned of the proposed location of a neAv bank in Perry by outsiders Avho believed that the toAvn of fered a field for tAvo banking institutions. Clarence M. Smith LEWIS A MACOMBER GEORGE M. TRABER and the late Alilo II. Olin were prime movers in the organiza tion, Avhich Avas effected promptly after the news above re ferred to was learned, and thepartieswho contemplated opening & bank here organized a banking institution in the Village of 250 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY A /on, Livingston County. The store in the Olin Block, on the cornel' of Lake and Alain streets, Avas secured as a place of bus iness and Avas used as such until 1909, Avhen their present splen did quarters Avere completed and ready for occupancy. The neAV bank building is one of the finest of its kind in the State, out side of the large cities, and cost Avith its equipment, about $36,000. A short time after its incorporation as a State Bank, the capital stock Avas increased to $50,000. In its 27 years of exist ence, the bank had but 15 directors, viz : Al. Ii. Olin, L. A. Ma comber, George L. Cone, George Tomlinson, B. A. Nevins, R. R. Doav, -I. C. Windsor, J. S. Garrison, Wm. W. Grieve, George W. Grieve, George AL Traber, Will W. Grieve, Walter T. Olin, C. AL Smith and J. N. Wyckoff. AL H. Olin served as president of the. bank until his deatli in 1907, Avhen he Avas succeeded by LcAvis A. Alacomber. Upon the death of Air. Alacomber in 1915, George AL Traber Avas elected president. In its history the bank has had but one cashier, Clarence At. Smith, avIio contin ues to serve in that capacity, and to Avhom a considerable meas ure of credit is due for the groAvth of the bank's business. Lloyd P. Benedict has served the bank as assistant cashier for a period of 20 years. The present stockholders are: Clara Al. Bolton, AL H. Baker, R. H. Cone, J. S. Garrison, J. F. GrieAre, Will AVr GrieAre, Wm. W. Grieve, George W. Grieve, Carrie D. Green, estate of Wm. II. Hawley, Jr., S. A. Hatch, Celia A. LeAvis, estate of L. A. Alacomber, Byron A. Nevins, Alary J. Olin, Walter T. Olin, estate of H. N. Parker, J. Al. Rood, Emma AY. Slack, Abram Reese, C. AL Smith, L. P. Benedict, Tomlinson & Sou, George AL Traber, Alary E. Wyckoff, James N. Wyckoff. CHAPTER XVI Highways, Bridges, Etc. — Maps Showing Growth of Village Since Early Days — Expenditures for Macadamizing Village Streets and Highways. One of the first— if not the first— roads opened through the present Toavu of Perry Avas the Geneseo, or "Big Tree Road," which led from Geneseo to Buffalo and crossed this town near the middle. This road became the main avenue Avest. The Allegany Road, Avhich intersected the Geneseo Road near Moscow and led to Olean, crossed the southeast end of the town. The Allegany Road Avas laid out in 1806, Avas six rods Avide and became the main road south. The original Allegany Road yeered several rods west beginning at a point about a mile south of the village and evidently connected Avith the present Leicester street, known in early days as the "Leicester Road." The road Was altered to its present position about the year 1816 by Ziba Hurd and two others, who were the road commis sioners of Perry at that time. The old "Buffalo Road," as it was called, was the first east and west road. This was opened across the north part of the toAvn at an early period, but was not worked and neA^er became a thoroughfare, owing to the impractical ravines Avhich it crossed, A road was laid out in 1812 or 1813 from Perry Village north to the villages of Perry Center,LaGrange, Covington Center and Pavilion, to LeRoy. It was over these four roads that the first settlers came into the toAvn and the regions in their vicinity were first settled. 252 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The Avriter has found it impossible to ascertain the exact dates Avhen the early village streets Avere laid out. HoAvever, Leicester, Water, Short, Center, Lake and Alain streets are probabl}^ the oldest of the village streets. Alain street Avas laid out in 1813 and, at the time of its formation, intersected on the south end a road Avhich at that period ran from the upper dam southeast. Alain street, occupies its original position, or nearly so, but its grading has been materially changed. In the early days, fiom the Presbyterian Church down toward the outlet, it Avas quite steep, but much filling was done from time to time to re duce the grade. In the rear of the First National Bank block Avas a pond of water, sonorous with the music of frogs in the evenings of the early days. At that time, beginning at the present junction of Main and Gardeau streets, Alain street veered a feAV feet further to the east until at St. Helena street it Avas about tAvo rods east of its present location. The folloAV- ing excerpts are taken from an article Avritten for the Silver Lake Sun by the late John Stainton in 1870. Among other in teresting facts concerning the ToAvn of Perry of the period of 1818-20, he said : "The primitive village consisted of tAvo stores in framed buildings — Bailey & Hatch's, corner of Alain and Covington streets, and Benjamin Gardner's at his residence, above the mill pond (near the present depot). The latter might perhaps be called the principal store; but, you ask, "Why up there oid of the way?" We answer, there Avas no "Avay" in reality. The roads Avere laid out, but not Avorked ; nor Avere village lots fenced in. You might go from the outlet on Alain street to the Academy site on an air line and find no obstacle, except an army of stumps ; so the Gardner store Avas not so inaccessible as might appear. Air. Gardner Avas postmaster at that time, and his store was a general center of operations." HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, ETC. 253 From the above description of methods of laying outstreets the reader can gain an understanding of the reason for the hit- and-miss arrangement of the older streets of the Adllage,. many of them apparently created from cowpaths or the most used paths of early days, the same as is said of the streets of Boston, Alass., and because the original owners of the tracts in which this locality Avas situated did not believe that it would be de veloped, giving their attention to other and more promising sec tions, leaAdng this small settlement to work out its OAvn destiny. The culvert on Main street over the outlet Avas constructed under the supervision of Noah Bacon at an early date, presum ably about 1830; prior to that a wooden bridge crossed the stream. When the culvert Avas built it was quite narrow and the sideAvalks on either side Avere constructed as ordinary bridges. In 1857, Judge Rufus H. Smith widened the culvert to its present dimension, filling in Avith dirt excavated from the cellar for the Smith block, AA'hich was under construction at that time. The cuh'ert on Gardeau street was constructed in 1883 by B. A. Nevins, Supervisor, aud Warren A. Phillips, Highway Commissioner. John Bernard Avas the contractor. In making the necessary fill, 7,000 cubic yards of dirt was used the first year and 3,000 the second year. A wooden bridge erected at an early date Avas in use up to this time. A wooden bridge Avas erected across the outlet ravine on Center street, near Tomlinson & Son's mill, in 1813. A culvert took its place in about the year 1832 and Avas constructed by HigliAvay Commisisoner Noah Bacon. This first culvert was narroAV, being only eight feet wide. It Avas extended some what in 1865 and in 1903 it was rebuilt and greatly enlarged under the direction of B. A. Nevins, Supervisor, and Lewis H. Crane, HighAvay Commissioner. Farming land on the east side of the outlet, belonging to 254 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The above map was kindly furnished by Hon. B. A. Nevins and shows a portion of the Village off Perry (called Columbia at that time) as it was in 1816, and will give the reader a fair idea of the village streets as origin ally laid out. Main street was then known as the Allegany road; Leicester HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, ETC. 255 street as Leicester road; Short street as Center street. The unnamed streets in the center and at the lower left of the map represent what are now known as Covington and Lake streets. It will be noticed that what is now Short street was originally laid out to intersect Lake and Church streets, but the portion of Short Street from Covington street to Church street was not worked and never became a thoroughfare. Leicester street in 1816 at its western extremity intersected the West Perry road at or near the pres ent corner of Federal and Lake streets, instead of the present intersection at the Five Corners. The roadway designated as Short street, which is shown connecting Leicester road and the present Lake street was closed about 1835. The narrow roadway connecting Lake and Covington streets was closed many years ago. The above map is published to show the reader by dotted lines the ap proximate location of the old abandoned roads of the village and the streets 256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY which were laid out up to 1853, which is^about midway from the time of the settlement of the village to the present. The dot and dash lines show the corporation line of the period. The street designated as Prospect street was laid out at this time but was not worked. Some years later, Watkins avenue was laid out a little north of its location. Water street was known at that time as Mill street. the late John and Robert Grisewood Avas cut into building lots. and in 1892 Borden Avenue Avas laid out from Watrous street to the outlet opposite Alain street, and dedicated to the village, Aug. 1st, 1892. The section built up rapidly and, in 1894, an iron bridge was erected across the outlet to connect the prop erty Avith Main street, by the Oswego Bridge Co., under the direction of E. G. Matthews, Supervisor, and Edward Pureed, Highway Commissioner. Owing to the expansion of the plant of the Perry Knitting Co., and the growth of the population in the vicinity of their mills, the late Alonzo Crane cut his farm land on the east bank of the outlet into building lots in the year 1900 and laid out Walnut street and dedicated it to the village. That section Avas soon occupied by a number of houses and, in 1902, an iron bridge spanning the outlet and connecting Walnut and Water streets, was erected by the Oswego Bridge Co., under the direc tion of W. W. Grieve, Supervisor, and LeAvis H. Crane, High- Avay Commissioner. For a period of many years, Avork was done on the streets of Perry to keep them in condition, but in the Spring and Fall of each year many of them Avere almost impassable, notAA'ith- standing, for the reason that there Avas no systematic or scien tific plan in use. In particular, Main, Lake, Center and Water streets, where traffic Avas heavy, were at times simply highways of mud to the depth of from one to two feet, a severe handicap to users of the streets and especially to teamsters and our in dustries that had much hauling of unfinished and finished pro ducts. The urgent need of improving conditions became gener- c ¦a •o m HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, ETC. 257 ally admitted, ancl.it Avas. decided. to. send to the State Depart ment of HighAvays for an expert to come and look over the sit uation and give the authoritres-lriVadvice as to the best plan to pursue. The Department sent Frank Lyon in response to the request, and the whole L subject was gone over carefully with him, AAdth the result that in 1903 the'village voted to bond itself in the sum of $15,000 for the construction of Macadam streets to the extent that the sum Avould pay for. George C. Diehl, Highway Engineer of Erie County, was. secured to plan and supervise the work, Avhich was done by Street Superintendent P. A. AlcArthur and his force of assistants. For that suni, Alain street was paved from Hope to Mill street ; Mill street and Water street to Main. The width of the improved road Avas 20 feet on the average, but Avas widened to 40 feet through the business section. Since that time, other streets have been simi larly improved, viz : Center street from the junction at Main street to Lake street; Lake to Short street; Short street to Covington street ; Covington street to Center street ; Lake street to Federal street. Approximately, $30,000 has been invested in such improvement by the Corporation of Perry, which in cludes slag on the Lake and Main street hills and other minor improvements that have made our streets in usable condition with convenience and the ability to haul heavy loads over them at any period of the year. CHAPTER XVII Early Transportation by Stage Coach and Canal — Long nnd Bitter Struggle to Secure Railroad Connections — The Men Who Made It a Reality. Up to the year 1871, the only means of public conveyance in Perry was the time-honored stage coach. Although every thing conceivable was done for the accommodation of the trav eler, transportation by stage was exceedingly slow and tedious. Taverns abounded throughout the country, averaging through this section one to about every mile of highway. In the early days of the stage business Perry was one of the largest and most important villages In Western New York. The main stage route east and west from Canandaigua to Elli- cottville ran through here on the old Allegany road. After the opening of the old Genesee Valley Canal, stages ran twice daily between Perry and Cuylerville. A certain Edwin Root, a notorious wag, ran a popular stage line between Perry and Geneseo for a number of years. It is said that he Avas a Avide-mouthed, loud talking driver, who could guide four horses and hold his Avhip in one hand while with the other he could press his tin horn to his big mouth and blow blasts loud and long. The turn that he took in coming up to the hotel would have done credit to the Fifth Avenue nabobs with their English drags and outriders. He was a firm believer in advertising, and the writer was fortunate enough to secure one of his widely-distributed handbills bearing date of Jan. 1st, 1844, from which the following excerpts are taken: "Male and Female Stages from Perry to Geneseo and back in a flash. Baggage, persons and eyesight at the risk of the OAvners and no questions ansAvered. Having bought the RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 259 valuable rights of young Master James Howard in this line, the subscriber will streak it daily from Perry to Geneseo for the conveyance of Uncle Sam's mail and family, leaving Perry before the crows wake up in the morning and arriving at the first house this side of Geneseo about the same time. Return- WILLIAM WARD ing, leave Geneseo after the crows have gone to roost and reach Perry in time to join them. Passengers will please keep their mouths shut, for fear they will lose their teeth. Fare to suit passengers. ' ' The Public 's Much Obliged Servant, Edwin Root. ' ' A stage route from Perry to Batavia was a popular thor oughfare for many years. A.B.Walker ran stagesbetweenPerry 260 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY and Pike, and Perry and Attica. The building of the Erie Rail road seriously affected the stage business, and for many years the main-Une. was., the formerly well-known '.'Bill" Ward's Ex press betAveen, Perry and Castile. A stage to Mt. Morris was also continued until after the opening of the Silver Lake Railroad. The last of the. once flourishing traffic Avas a one-horse wagon AA'hich came up from Pavilion carrying the way mail to Coving ton, LaGrange and Perry Center. The crackofthelongwhipand the toot of the driver's horn is no longer heard, and the old thorough-brace vehicles have gone to decay. The locomotiye and the automobile have found their Avay throughout the entire country, giving facilities for transportation and business, and affording conveniences and speed in travel in Avide contrast to the difficulties and tedious journeys encountered by the early settlers in reaching the spot which their toil converted from a Avilderness to a 'modern Garden of Eden. Most of the produce raised in this section betAveen 1840 and 1852 Avas hauled overland to Cuylerville and shipped over the Genesee Valley Canal to Rochester, Albany, Troy and all points east. After the Erie Railroad Company completed their line through Castile in the Summer of 1852, more or less was shipped over that route. The citizens of Perry, feeling the need of railroad commun ication, began to agitate the" proposition as early as 1866. The first railroad article, in Avhich the project of securing an iron connection Avith the outside world was discussed, appeared in the Silver Lake Sun of Alarch 2d, 1867. In this article a road Avas contemplated from Rochester. by way of LeRoy and Perry, up the Genesee Valley to Olean and thence into Pennsylvania. This Avas the origin of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Rail road (State Line Railroad) and it was probably regarded at the time by the majority of Perry's citizens as newspaper talk that Avould amount to nothing. /Several prominent citizens tlieoa RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 261 "asserted that the time had gone -by when a railroad could be built that Avould reach Perry. It was argued that all cross lines in the state ran northwest and southeast, and "the lay.,. of the country*' would prevent any line from reaching us. Finding this too large a project to begin with, the local press came- out in favor of a railroad from Perry to Silver Springs (then called East Gainesville), and had a preliminary survey and report made by Col. James 0. McClure, C. E. Probably the most enthusiastic agitator in favor of provid ing Perry with a railroad connection with the outside world wi.is the late James Wyckoff, who Avas among the first to recog nize the advantages that Avould accrue in developing the town and stimulating its growth. Mr. Wyckoff - took an aggressive part, in the preliminary work, so much so that he aroused bit ter antagonism on the part of some residents of the north part of the town,Avho believed that he was attempting to saddle hpon them a debt that could never be lifted. One of the most bitter ones remarked: "I feel that I Avould be justified in taking a crcAvbar and breaking open your safe." Others bitterly op posed the proposition for a railroad, one teamster agreeing to haul Avith two teams all of the freight that would ever come into or go out of Perry. How ridiculous those matters appear noAV, in the light of the present situation. But there is no doubt that the misguided ones were sincere in their opinions, and we can think of their attitude Avith amused tolerance. On the other hand, what an obligation Ave owe to Air. Wyckoff, Mr. Page, Mr. Sanders and those other men to whose vision and -the courage to fight for their convictions made possible the realization of . a railroad and lifted Perry out of the class of "little inland towns." _/,,' Atjthe tijne" of the death of Mr. James "Wyckoff on July 19th, 1890, "Geprge C. King (then editor of the Perry Herald), 262 HISTORY OF THE TOWN QF PERRY in an obituary notice of Mr. Wyckoff made the following refer ence to his connection with the Silver Lake Railway : "He was one of the original and most active and determ ined promoters of the Silver Lake Railway enterprise; was president of the road for a number of years and a director from the beginning until now. After the sale of the road, he held for several years the office of Railroad Commissioner of the Town of Perry. ' ' The late George Tomlinson, who was a contemporary of Mr. Wyckoff and associated with him in local affairs, paid the following tribute to his memory in an obituary notice which appeared in the Perry Weekly News on July 24th, 1890 : "The death of Mr. James Wyckoff calls to mind the criti cal days of the Perry railroad. While others bore an important part and rendered valuable assistance, it was his unyielding perserverance that held all in line. His far-sighted sagacity took in the future of the enterprise, and he Avas willing to stand in the breach and take the responsibility from which more timid men shrank in dismay. When all others were despond ent and gave 'way before the accumulated discouragements, his faith grew stronger and his active efforts were redoubled until a gleam of hope revived the courage of others and the project was a success. " It is to Mr. James Wyckoff that the Town of Perry is in debted more than to any other man for the great public im provement which connected this village with the outside world. He was as confident in the most gloomy period of the undertak ing as when he saw the first locomotive run over the rails. Other pens will do him justice and record his worth, but it is befitting his memory to note an achievement of so much public benefit." The movement in Perry attracted the attention of enter prising men north and south of us, and the through road prop osition again began to be discussed. The first State Line Rail road meeting took place at Wiscoy, March 5th, 1869, and was attended by prominent citizens of Rochester and the towns JAMES WYCKOFF 264 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY r"" " " ' "" "' i along the route proposed. Alessrs. George A. Sanders of Perry and L. R. Hitchcock were appointed a committee to visit the Pine Creek region of Pennsylvania and report in regard to its resources, productions, and the feasibility of reaching it by rail. Their report was presented at a largely attended meeting held at Castile on March 17th, and it added greatly to the pre vailing enthusiasm all along the line. Another meeting in aid of the project Avas held in Caledonia on Alarch 31st, and at Rochester on April 8th, 1869, the State Line RailAA'ay Company Avas organized. It was not until after this preliminary work had been completed, and an organization effected, that a counter move was started at Warsaw, which finally resulted in the abandonment of the above mentioned route. It Avas event ually located upon Avhat is knoAvn as the "Warsaw and Sala manca route," at a meeting held in Rochester on January 7th, 1870. At the largest and most enthusiastic railroad meeting ever h'>ld in the county, convened at Smith's Hall in Perry on Jan. 12th, 1870, the Rochester & Pine Creek Railway Company was organized. Its purpose Avas to build a road from Castile to Caledonia, and had every toAvn on the line adhered to the plan Avith the firmness and determination of Perry, the trains Avould have long since been running over the route from Rochester to the Pennsylvania Railroad. It soon became apparent that the efforts of the WarsaAv people who were quietly Avorking in op position to the plan had alienated the managers at Rochester from this route, and in some of the toAvns it began to be looked upon as too large a job to undertake Avithout Rochester's aid. Perry Avas soon bonded for $100,000 in aid of the road, and on the 20th of August, 1870, R. C. Mordoff, R. W. Brigham and L. G. Morgan were appointed commissioners. An opposition developed in Castile, Avhich prevented the bonding of that toAvn. A disposition was manifested in York to "go slow, ' ' and RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 265 the project seemed to be in a fair way to get another setback. At this time the proposition was revived in favor of Perry tak ing hold of the matter alone and going to Silver Springs, the nearest point on the Erie Railroad. A majority of the people heartily endorsed the proposal and the directors were urged to begin work. On the 5th of December, 1870, the contract for the grading and masonry from Perry to Silver Springs was let to A. Mar- cellus, to be completed August 1st, 1871. Robert Bell had pre viously been engaged as civil engineer, and the work was begun on Dec. 8th, 1870, near the culvert across the outlet, just above the present site of the Tempest Knitting Company's plant. The road was completed and a long blast from the locomotive an nounced its first arrival in Perry, on Oct. 20th, 1871. Some delay was experienced in procuring rolling stock and making the necessary arrangements for the operation of the road ; but everything was eventually secured, and on the 14th day of February, 1872, the first regular passenger train left Perry for Silver Springs. The $100,000 raised by bonding the town was used in the construction of the road; the balance needed for procuring the necessary equipment (some $23,000) was generously furnished by a number of the local citizens. For a period of a few years the road was operated with varying degrees of success. In 1877 the time came, however, when the operating expenses were greater than the receipts, aud conditions did not look favorable for the maintenance of the line. To make things worse, there came a heavy snow storm during the Winter of that year and the track was covered with an unknown depth of snow. All traffic was suspended; there was no money in the treasury. A meeting of the directors was called and all answered to their names, as follows : Samuel Chapin, Henry N. Page, Rufus H. Stedman, M. C. Williams, 266 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY James Wyckoff, German Olin, E. G. Alatthews, Austin Toan, I. C. Rudgers, R. W. Brigham, Luther Chapin, George Tomlin son, J. C. Lowing. Deep anxiety was visible upon every face, and the grave question Avas : "What shall be done in this emer gency?" Tavo questions were up for consideration. It was understood that parties would give $50,000 for the road, fran chise and rolling stock. George A. Sanders, at that time a resident of Perry, sent in a proposition to lease the road for a term of years, agreeing to pay the toAvn $1,000 per year as rental, the town to pay the expense of clearing the snow from the track. There was ap parent an unwillingness to offer the road for sale, so the only question left Avas the proposition of Air. Sanders. A resolution was offered in these Avords : "Resolved, That the proposition of George A. Sanders be accepted, and the president of the road is hereby instructed to close the contract and execute a lease." While this resolution Avas under discussion, Mr. Mark Smith called one of the members of the Board aside and asked that he be permittee, to make a bid. This was reported to the meeting and the motion Avas carried to postpone for one week the question of leasing the road. The desperation of the situation Avas such that much feeling Avas manifested, and the question of postponement Avas carried by only one majority. This Avas on a Saturday. The folloAving Alonday morning, Mr. E. G. Mat thews provided himself Avith an Alpenstock and walked the entire distance to Silver Springs, taking measurements of the depth of the snoAV on the track. At a meeting of the Board convened on the next Wednesday, Mr. AlattheAvs in givfno- his report, exclaimed : "Gentlemen, I vAdll stake my reputation that I can make that road pay!" As a result, the Board gave him the opportunity to make good his boast and an agreement Avas made by which Air. AlattheAvs Avas to advance $1,000 and Avas RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 267 authorized to superintend the removal of the snoAV from the track. This Avas accomplished, but at something more than the estimate, and this crisis was passed. In assuming charge of the affairs of the railroad, Mr. Matthews arranged his desk in one of the cars and transacted all of the business pertaining to the EDWARD G. MATTHEWS. operation of the line in that little portable office. Few people noAV living can measure the depth of anxiety that was so op pressive to the management of the Silver Lake Railway in its early days. R. D. Higgins became personally known to every taxpayer in Perry, for he was untiring in the work of bonding the town each of the three times that it was bonded. 268 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY When disaster overtook the road and financial collapse seemed to be imminent, Mr. E. G. Matthews became the Atlas who took the burden upon his shoulders and placed it upon the rock of success. It was not long before his honesty and busi ness integrity began to show itself in the good results at- "- -''- -¦¦¦ - .'.' ¦ ".-.^-gfeg First Train over the Silver Lake Railway. First Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Train into Perry 270 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY tained. In 1877 the gross earnings of the railroad amounted to $7,000; in the year 1883 they were $18,000 and steadily in creased from that time on. Mr. AlattheAvs Avas succeeded for a time by the late C. W. G. Nobles. The Silver Lake road had connection with Rochester at a station on the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg road at East Gainesville, in charge of an agent named Hitchcock. Passen gers had to take a stage from East Gainesville on the Erie (noAV Silver Springs) to reach the one above referred to. At that time a train ran from Rochester to Gainesville Creek, AA'here it laid over, returning to Rochester in the morning, and that Avas Perry's best connection to and from Rochester. Early in the year 1882, a corporation was formed by stock holders of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg road and others, for the purpose of building a spur from that road to Silver Springs and permitting its trains to run direct to Perry, where the business conditions were such as indicated its advantage as a lay-over point, instead of Gainesville Creek, and a spur was constructed from what is now called Silver Lake Junction to Silver Springs. It was completed in midsummer, and the first train direct from Rochester to Perry came over the spur and the Silver Lake road on July 2, 1882, in charge of Conductor A. J. Wood. There was great rejoicing on the part of the citi zens of the town' at this accomplishment, and it took the form of a demonstration of public approval. In the Spring of 1886 the Silver Lake Railway was sold to Air. A. G. Yates of Rochester for $128,000, which was an adr vance over the original amount for which it was bonded, prob ably the only case in the United States where such a happy outcome was realized. It remained under the control of Air. Yates and his estate until October, 1910, when the property was sold to the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad Co., who RAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION 271 have made many improvements to bring it up to the standard of the main line and are giving Perry excellent service. Perry's real growth began with the advent of the railroad. When it Avas first proposed to secure a railroad to or through Perry, numerous predictions were made by the friends of the project, relative to what it would do for our town and village. At that time many of the advantages Avhich were asserted Avould follow were regarded as greatly exaggerated, if not wholly absurd; but, nevertheless, with the coming of the rail road, things took on a new look. There was a better market for produce and buyers paid a higher price for it than they could afford in the years past, when the cost of transportation over land to the Genesee Valley Canal and outside railroad points Avas so high. Tavo years after the construction of the railroad, Perry had grown more than it had in the 20 years previous. A score of new dwellings had been erected and numerous improve ments had been made on old buildings. New business places had been erected, and the stores, shops and manufactories were all occupied and were doing a profitable business. Perry became a market for the sale of grain, fruit and other produce and it attracted the attention of farmers for miles around. The amount of merchandise sold here was said to have increased in equal ratio through the growth and pro gress of the town. Millers and manufacturers largely increased their facilities and secured business that formerly they were unable to reach. The possibilities within the reach of Perry Avere made apparent by the construction of the railroad. With good water power and good transportation facilities it was in a position to invite and secure other and larger manufactories. The energy and loyalty manifested in the efforts to im prove home conditions, so earnestly displayed by the men of 272 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Perry avIio assisted in securing the railroad, deserve the highest commendation, for those same men unquestionably paved the Avay for the industrial development and the general material prosperity AA'hich the toAvn enjoys today. CHAPTER XVIII Theatres and Amusement Places — The Roller Skating Craze — Con ception of a Town Hall and Auditorium and Its Realization as an Important Public Building. The earliest theatre, or public hall, of which Ave have been able to obtain any information was located in the old National Hotel which was doing business in Perry in 1841. Home talent plays and traveling troupes were accommodated in the large dance hall of this popular hostelry. The elite of Perry also "tripped the light fantistic" there on many social occasions. Smith's Hall was erected in 1857 and was located in the third story of the Smith Block (now the Olin Block) on Main street. This hall was in continuous use as a theatre and public hall until its destruction in the big fire of 1891. Previous to that time, the block had been purchased by the late M. H. Olin, who entirely remodeled, enlarged and beautified Smith's Hall and renamed it "Olin Opera House," where many high class entertainers appeared in concert, the drama, opera, etc., as well as many local residents in amateur theatricals. In the days of Smith's Hall and Olin Opera House, such noted people as the late Horace Greely, Mary A. Livermore, John B. Gough, Bayard Taylor, John A. Logan and numerous others appeared there on the lecture platform and gave the intellectual stimulus that developed to a marked degree the culture that was a general characteristic of the people of Perry 25 years and more ago. White's Hall (later Bucknam's Hall) was built on South Main street by the late Daniel C. White in the Fall of 1886. The lumber of which it was constructed came from what had been a large roller skating rink located on Leicester street, in the hollow just below the Crocker property, on the north side 274 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY of the street. It Avas erected by a firm of outsiders, Sheldon & Robinson, and was a building about 125 feet long and 60 feet wide. Mr. Sheldon purchased the interest of his partner after a feAV months and continued its management during the life of the roller skating craze, which was about three years, Avhen it suddenly began to Avane. During that time the Rink was the scene of numerous brilliant skating carnivals, races and ex citing polo contests. Under the management of J. LeAAds Wyck off, Perry developed a polo team that Avon an extended repu tation and defeated the crack teams of this section. It Avas composed of J. A. Clement, captain ; Alichael Whelan, Ed. Tall- madge, Clifford Bills, Charles Rudd, of Perry, Aaron Jones of Castile, and one other member whose name is not recalled. Their contests here and in surrounding towns Avith opposing teams drew large croAvds, and the interest and enthusiasm manifested was as great as ever displayed in support of local base ball teams. Frank E. Wade, a local resident, developed considerable skill as a racer and won a number of contests and medals. The Rink was a great place of amusement and enter tainment AA'hile the "skating fever" raged, but the time came Avhen interest abated and the decline of business Avas steady until the building was sold to Mr. White. He demolished the structure and with the lumber erected the building that at pres ent stands on the Avest side of South Main street, owned and occupied by Wm. Bucknam, used as a liA'ery stable on the ground floor. For several years, White's Hall Avas the scene of social gatherings, dramatic entertainments, concerts, lectures, etc., until the time came as a result of the groAvth of the town that it Avas not large enough to accommodate the number of people avIio desired to attend some of the attractions, and its location on the second floor of a frame building was considered by many as an unsafe gathering place for a crowd of people. THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 275 After the sale of the Silver Lake Railway, previously re ferred to, the profit was being used in yearly rebates of a com paratively small sum to the taxpayers. In 1896 the report of the Railroad Commissioners shoAved that there was in their hands a total of $16,630.87 over and above bonds outstanding, and the plan was conceived by C. Al. Smith to use $10,000 of that sum for the purpose of erecting a suitable town hall for public gatherings, and the suggestion Avas presented to a num ber of townspeople for their consideration. The suggestion met Avith the approval of the majority to whom it was made, the mat ter was presented to the people in articles in the local papers, and after the proposition had been given publicity and the gen eral reponse appeared to be favorable, a bill was introduced in the State Legislature by Assemblyman M. N. Cole of Castile on Jan. 18th,- 1897, providing that the Town Board of the ToAvn of Perry submit a proposition to the taxpayers of the town to con struct a Town Hall at an expense of $10,000, including site, and to appropriate for such purpose from funds held by the Rail road Commissioners. The bill also provided for the appoint ment of three commissioners to have charge of the construction of such building, should the proposition be carried. The bill was read twice after its introduction, passed unanimously, and on Jan. 25th, 1897, it was signed by Governor Frank S. Black and became a law. The question was submitted to a vote of the people at the town election held on the 23d of February, 1897, and Avas car ried, the vote being 428 yes, 209 no, a majority of 219 in favor of the proposition. A series of suggestive plans had been on exhibition previous to the election, but the plans finally adopted were much more complete and comprehensive, to meet the probable requirements as they developed from the discus sion of the matter. The proposition having been carried, Town Clerk H. A. 276 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Cole received on March 2d, 1897, the certificate of appointment of Clarence M. Smith, Byron A. Nevins and Wm. D. Page as Town Hall Commissioners, in accordance Avith the provisions of the special law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor for the appointment of three commissioners. The commissioners secured nine sets of plans from different archi tects and after careful consideration of the matter for a period of several weeks, they combined the most desirable features and looked about for the most satisfactory site for the building. There were two that appeared to be the most feasible. The then Horace Alburty property on the north side of Covington street, a short distance from Main, and the site on the corner of Main and St. Helena streets, now occupied by the Episcopal Church. In order to get an expression of choice from as great a number of people as possible, a public meeting was called for Friday evening, June 11th, at the fire department building. There was a small attendance, only about 50 persons being present. After a brief discussion of the matter, a resolution was offered requesting the Commissioners to at once institute condemnation proceedings against the property owned by T. H. Bussey on Main street, adjoining the Hotel Perry, now occu pied by the Bussey block. The resolution was carried, a large majority of those present voting in favor of it. After explana tions and further discussion, considerable sentiment was devel oped against instituting condemnation proceedings which might involve expensive litigation. Remarks were made by Messrs. James Wylie, B. C. Roup, H. M. Seranton, Wm. Rudd, T. R. Buell, C. W. Rudd, Robert Stainton and Mrs. C. A. Cleve land, and the meeting adjourned without any further action be ing taken. The matter rested for about two weeks without apparent crystallization of sentiment in favor of any particular site and the Commissioners concluded to purchase the site on the corner THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 277 of Main and St. Helena streets at $800, Avhich was the lowest in price, $1600 being asked for the Alburty property. The an nouncement of intention to purchase the corner site created quite a stir and aroused a strong feeling of dissatisfaction among a large number of people. Learning that there was an earnest desire on the part of many of the taxpayers in favor of a site more centrally located than either of those that had been under consideration, the Commissioners on the 30th of June, 1897, purchased the Bills property for $3,500, in what is practi cally the business center of the village. A lot was purchased on Dolbeer place, the former Bills dwelling house was removed to that location and remodeled into a double house for dwelling purposes. The property was sold at a profit a few years afterAvard and the receipts from rental and sale were placed to the credit of the Town Hall fund. The contract for the Town Hall building Avas let to W. L. Smith of Perry, who was the lowest bidder (with the exception of a Franklinville man, whose bid was only a few dollars less.) Mr. Smith's bid Avas $6,966.00 for the exterior and $2,600 for the interior, making a total of $9,566.00 No purchaser having been found at this time for the Bills house on its Dolbeer place site, and the building site having cost considerable more than expected, together with the fact that changes and enlargements had been made in the original plan, in accordance with ac cepted suggestions from several of the older business men who believed in providing for the future as well as present needs, the Commisisoners asked for an appropriation of $7,000 to com plete the building. A special town meeting was called to be held at White's Opera House on Tuesday, Sept. 13th, 1898, to vote upon the proposition. There were only 170 votes cast, the result being as follows : Yes, 136 ; no, 33 ; blank, 1. 278 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The plans decided upon provided for a large auditorium on the ground floor, for local or traveling entertainments, lect ures, etc.; a large hall on the second floor, for caucuses, elec tions, dancing parties, receptions, public meetings, etc.; a din ing room on the ground floor and a kitchen in the basement. That left a large room on the ground floor, at the right of the entrance and lobby, for renting purposes. At that time the late George W. Grieve was postmaster and occupied the north half of the Caswell block (now occupied by G. L. Peck's shoe store), where the quarters were more or less crowded, particularly at mail times. The idea suggested itself to the Commissioners that the town's building Avould make an ideal site for the postoffice, giving it a central location and at the same time giving the town "Uncle Sam" as a probable per manent and unquestionably responsible tenant who would pay a good rate of rental. While they had no authority to act upon the suggestion and incur the additional expense that it Avould involve, in submitting the matter to other business men the sug gestion met with such approval as a good business move that the Commissioners fitted the room for postoffice purposes and purchased an equipment of lock and call boxes, etc., at a cost of $1498.25. On Alarch 31st, 1899, J. E. Cole received his commission as postmaster of Perry, succeeding Geo. W. Grieve, and on April 1st he removed the office to the Town Hall building, which has been its location continuously ever since. Acting also upon their own initiative, they purchased an equipment of seats for the auditorium of the Grand Rapids School Furniture Co. at an expense of $1,117.80 and scenery from Sosman & Landis of Chicago at an expense of $775.97; They also expended $728.61 for interior decorating and other smaller sums for lighting and ventilating equipment, to make' the property complete in its appointments. In taking unauth- THEATRES, PUBLIC HALLS, HOTELS, ETC. 279 orized action they incurred the severe censure and condem nation of a considerable number of citizens, but with the pass ing of time and the extent to which the building has been used, some of the critics have admitted the wisdom and foresight of the action of the Commissioners, and even the more bitter ones have modified their opinions. Although not entirely completed, the building was opened to the public on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Dee. 30th and 31st, 1898, when the comedy entitled "The Henrietta" Avas presented by the following cast, composed entirely of local talent, viz: W. D. Olmsted as Nicholas VanAlystyne; Rev. C. Palmatier as Dr. Parke Wainwright ; N. Guy Watrous as Nich olas VanAlstyne, Jr. ; C. G. Clarke as Bertie VanAlstyne ; A. F. Davis as Lord Arthur Trelawney ; L. P. Benedict as Rev. Murray Hilton; Cleveland K. Nobles as Watson Flint; W. D. Hollister as Musgrave; Aliss Mary Brick as Mrs. Cornelia Op- dyke; Mrs. A. W. Tallman as Rose VanAlstyne; Miss Ada Thomas as Agnes Lockwood; Miss Marie Wildman as Lady Mary Trelawney. Music was furnished by the Casino Orches tra of Perry. The seat prices were from 35 to 75 cents and the house was well filled on both nights, notwithstanding the un favorable weather and the drifted condition of the roads. On the opening night, boxes were occupied by Mr. George Tomlin son, W. D. Page, C. M. Smith and T. H. Bussey, each with a party of friends. Quite a number of former residents, in Perry to spend the holidays, Avere present on the opening night. The receipts amounted to $287.50, which was turned over to the Commissioners for the benefit of the scenery fund, those who took part in the production having willingly given their ser vices for that purpose. The Commissioners made an itemized report of their re ceipts and expenditures in a detailed statement to the ToAvn Board, under date of May 27th, 1897, with vouchers, showing 280 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY expenditures of $24,715.59, receipts amounting to $18,697.79, leaving unpaid bills amounting to $6,017.82. The property passed from their control into the hands of the Town Board, and payment of the last indebtedness wr.s made several years ago. wu 111to O Henoa, Q THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 305 On Monday, June 3d, 1895, the voters of WarsaAv (AA'hich was supplied AA'ith Avater by an inadequate private system) de cided at a special election by a vote of 216 to 35 in favor of a municipal Avater Avorks system. On Sunday, June 9th, Wm. Sullivan and Henry NeAvton, employees at the salt plant, dis- coA'ered a fire about 2 p. m. in some shavings at the plant, and by their quick and timely action prevented a fire that would have seriously damaged if not destroyed the buildings. These experiences further strengthened the sentiment in favor of ade quate projection. Naturally, there was considerable diversity of opinion re garding the best method to be taken. The volunteer firemen bad done splendidly effective Avork with the existing facilities and there were people who felt that Avhat Ave had Avas good enough for a long time to come, ignoring the danger to prop erty situated outside of the reach of the ponds. Others said that they Avere opposed, to bonding the A'illage, which amounted to the same as placing mortgages upon homes as a result of an affirmative vote. They Avere in accord Avith seA-eral of Perry's most substantial and conservative business men of advanced years whose opinions were held in high respect, Avho favored the construction of a system by private capital, thus avoiding the necessity of bonding the village and taking the risk of making the project a financial success. They looked upon the plan of a municipal system as a visionary scheme on the part of a group of young men who were OA'er enthusiastic and Avhose judgment and experience Avere not sufficiently matured to be Avise or safe to trust. As the agitation of the matter greAv in strength, naturally a feeling of bitterness developed betAveen tAvo factions. The sincerity of the opponents Avas not doubted, nor Avas that of those who favored the project. HoAvever, in the heat of the arguments there were a few who questioned the motives of some of those on either side. Exaggerations were 306 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY made pro and con, upon theory instead of knoAvledge. Stories Avere circulated that Avells and cisterns Avould be condemned to force people to use the city Avater; that a system would cost tAvice as much or more than Avas estimated. It caused a line-up of the middle-aged men of the Aallage against the younger ele ment, the late Al. H. Olin being practically the only prominent one of the middle-aged class of our citizens Avho separated him self from his close associates and aligned himself Avith the young men Avho Avere fighting for a municipally owned Avater system. While optimism possibly in an extreme influ enced the younger men, yet they Avere sincere in their belief in the benefits that Avould accrue and in the certainty of its fin ancial success as Avell. There was in fact a time when they were tempted to give up the fight for what they believed to be the best interest of the village and shoAv their own faith in the pro ject by organizing a stock company for the purpose of construct ing a privately owned Avater system for supplying water for fire protection and domestic purposes. They learned that such companies secured from villages for fire protection, contracts for a period of years for $25 to $50 per hydrant per year, which at the loAvest figure would yield them $2,000 per year for fire protection alone for 80 hydrants, as proposed. But profiting by the experience of the neighboring village of WarsaAv, as Avell as others that Avere either advocating or changing from private to municipal OAvnership, they made their fight to AA'in on that issue, for the larger purpose of the public good. This is not an idle statement, for the Avriter has personal and inti mate knoAvledge of the fact stated. Enginneer J. F. Witmer, of the firm of Voorhees & Witmer of Buffalo, Avas engaged to make a preliminary survey of the sit uation, and he recommended Silver Lake as the proper source of an unfailing supply for fire protection and domestic pur poses, the Avater being in his opinion best adapted for all uses, and estimated the cost of a complete system at $40,000. THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 307 Strong objection was raised to using the water from Silver Lake, as being detrimental to existing water powers, Avhich would haA'e to be indemnified for any injury, inviting extended legal complications and probably involving heavy expense, also because it was believed by some that it would be undesirable for domestic services, etc. A special election to vote upon the proposition was called for July 5th, 1895, at the Fire Department building, from 11 o'clock a. m. to 4 p. m. In its issue of June 26th, under the heading "What Shall We do?" the Perry Record said editorially: "The question of water works for the village having been agitated for some time past, the Board of Trustees have de cided to put the question to the taxpayers in order to get an expression of the people. While each member of the Board is in favor of such a project, and while under the laAV the Board would have a right to grant a franchise for the construction of a system for fire protection, they decided that the people's voice should be heard in the matter. It is their opinion that none of the people's money should be spent until the people decide that they are in favor of the project. . . .The Trustees have decided to submit the question to the people as to Avhether there shall be a municipal ownership — profiting by the exper iences of other villages, notably AVarsaAV and Canandaigua. . . . If it will pay a company of men to construct and operate a sys tem of water works it will also pay a municipality ... If a com pany can operate at a profit, so can a municipality." To be certain as to the quality of Silver Lake water the Trustees submitted samples to S. A. Lattimore, Professor of Chemistry at the Reynolds Laboratory, University of Roches ter. He made a careful and extended analysis and under date of July 27, 1895, submitted a detailed report, accompanied by notes stating his opinions, the closing paragraph of Avhich said : 308 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY "The present freedom of this Avater from drainage pollu- tiou, as demonstrated at every point in the analysis, is most satisfactory, and if efficient measures are instituted and main tained to protect the lake from future contamination, the Vil lage of Perry may be justly and sincerely congratulated upon possessing one of the purest supplies in the country. ' ' The Trustees also submitted from W. B. Wilson of Buffalo, a contractor, a proposition to construct a complete system, ac cording to designs prepared by Voorhees & Witmer, for the sum of $39,675.00, and to furnish bond for faithful performance of the work. The statement haA'ing been made that such a system as proposed Avould cost $75,000 or more, the Trustees gave their pledge that if it could not be constructed for $40,000 they Avould not undertake the Avork. One of the determined opponents of the proposition had carefully prepared a circular letter to the voters, setting forth arguments against the question, and took it to another oppon ent to read and offer suggestions. The reading Avas heard by another iu the same office, Avho Avas supposed to be in opposi tion, but Avho Avas in favor of it, and as soon as possible he told one of the village officials that a strong anti-Avater works cir cular Avould be mailed to eA'ery A'oter so that he Avould receiAre it iu the morning of the day of the special election. The official immediately took steps to learn where the circular letter was to be printed and through a traveling printer avIio was at that time Avorking in the place, secured a proof copy of the circular. He then called the Village Trustees together, and AA'ith the mat ter before them they prepared a complete answer in detail to each of the arguments set forth by the opponents. They arrang ed for having it put in type and printed that night, and Avhile that Avas being done, they busied themseh'es during the night in directing envelopes to every voter, so that AA'hen he received THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 309 the anti circular in the morning mail he Avould also receive at the same time their reply in detail. That proved to be a splend id coup and probably saved the day, for the reason that the anti circular was unsigned and its authorship was not known, Avhile the reply Avas signed by each member of the Board of Trustees and its clerk, creating consternation in the camp of the opponents who had so carefully planned their Avork in expecta tion of complete ignorance of it on the part of those in favor of the project. At the election there were three boxes proA'ided for the ballots, one for taxpayers, one for non-taxpayers, and one for the husbands of women taxpayers. The result shoAved: Tax payers for, 124; against, 73. Non-taxpayers for, 42; against, 4. Husbands of women taxpayers for, 19 ; against, 5. The favor able majority was 103. There was a rousing celebration of the victory on the even ing of the 5th, when firecrackers were set off in large quanti ties, the Band was brought out, and Avith music, parade, Roman candles and salutes by the gun squad, the victors gave vent to their enthusiasm and joy. In its issue of July 10th the Perry Record made the folloAving prophecy in its editorial comment upon the victory : ' ' We predict that the water works system will prove to be a profitable investment, and Avhen it has been completed and given a fair test our citizens Avould not be without it for double the cost." Hoav Avell that prophecy has been fulfilled, beyond the most sanguine expectations of even its promoters, Perry people knoAv. The satisfaction with the victory achieved Avas short-lived, hoAvever, as it was soon learned that there was a question of the legality of the election, for the reason that a new election law had taken effect on May 29th, 1895. 310 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Previous to calling the election, the Board of Trustees had consulted attorneys in Warsaw as to the proper method of pro cedure and Avere advised to conduct it under the existing law, apparently unaAvare of the change effective on Alay 29th. AVar- saAV, Painted Post, Dundee and WiiliamsA'iUe had A'oted the same as Perry and were in the same predicament. Realizing that if the election held Avas not legal, they would be unable to float any bonds, the Trustees consulted Theo dore Bacon, Esq., of Rochester, an attorney of extended exper ience on all such matters, and they were advisedby himthat the only safe Avay was to submit the proposition at another election, according to the provisions of the new law. Acting upon the advice of Attorney Theodore Bacon, the Board of Trustees called another election to vote upon the proposition, on Friday, Aug. 2d, 1895, without any super stitious fear of Friday as a day of defeat. Strong arguments in opposition Avere printed and circulated by those Avho Avere against the plan, setting forth figures to shoAv the probable failure of a Avater works system as a sufficient revenue pro ducer. NothAvithsanding the persistent antagonism, adArocates of the proposition were active in their efforts to maintain the favorable sentiment as shown by the original vote, but as it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the decision would be ratified, not the same degree of vigor was put forth by those favorable as in the first campaign, nor Avas there as much effort to get out the vote. Only those voters whose names appeared upon the last assessment roll of the village Avere permitted to cast their ballots at the Aug. 2d, election, at Avhich there Avere 189 votes cast, showing 114 affirmative and 70 negative, a ma jority of 44 in faAror of the proposition. There Avas a quiet ac ceptance of the decision and the Adllage Trustees planned to act upon it as rapidly as possible. THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 311 Attorney Bacon gave his opinion that there Avas no ques tion of the legality of the second election and advised the Board of Trustees to proceed with their plans in accordance Avith the authority given to them by the favorable majority \'ote. Act ing upon the advice, the Board went ahead Avith their prepara tions and soon advertised for sealed proposals for construction of the system, to be submitted on Sept. 10th, 1895, not later than 7 o'clock p. m. Bids Avere asked for the supply of pipe for water mains, as f qIIoavs : 408 feet 12 inch ; 7,180 feet 10 inch; 1,800 feet 8 inch; 24,984 feet 6 inch; 10,176 feet 4 inch; also for 80 hydrants; 93 gate valves and boxes; brick pumping station ; 2 boilers ; 2 pumps, each of one million gallon capacity ; one steel stand-pipe 75 feet high and 15 feet in diameter. In response to the calls for proposals, about 30 representa tives Avere present to submit their bids for material. The orig inal plans called for 7 1-4 miles of Avater mains, which it Avas de cided at this time to increase to 9 miles, in order to give fire protection to a greater territory. After considering the several bids and the merit of the material offered, the Board decided to accept the bids oP the Chattanooga Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Co. for water mains, and to install Ross A'alves and LudloAv hydrants, and an order Avas placed for the water mains, that pipe might be shipped to allow prompt beginning of the work. The bond issue of $40,000 authorized Avas aAvarded to W. E. R. Smith of New York City at a premium of $1212.00 and with his acceptance came instructions to have the bonds printed. His registered letter of acceptance was received in a morning mail, but satisfaction Avas soon changed to consterna tion AA'hen shortly after noon of the same day the A'illage Trustees received a telegram from the bond buyer, as follows: "Taxpayers Avill contest legality of election. Bonds not acceptable at any price. Letter follows." The letter of explanation which followed and Avas received 312 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY the next day, contained an enclosure of a letter written to the bond buyer by active opponents of the proposition and signed by two of them. It stated that taxpayers would contest the legality of the election and the threat accounted for the cancel lation by the bond buyer, Avho naturally did not care to make the investment Avith the prospect of becoming a defendant in a law suit in consequence. It made the outlook gloomy for the Trustees and the friends of the proposition. After two elections had been held, in each of which there was a good margin in favor of the mat ter, it looked as though it Avas the purpose of the opponents to override the decision of the voters, if possible. The Trustees immediately held a conference, at which a few of their friends Avere present to discuss the situation and exchange opinions. With the expectation that the matter had been settled by the A-otes of the people and there Avould be no further embarrass ing opposition, the Trustees had ordered pipe for the mains to the amount of $15,000 worth, AA'hich Avas probably on the Avay. A feAV gleams of humor lighted the gloom of the gathering when it Avas suggested that if the worst came the pipe might be used by Trustees Toan and Carmichael for draining their farms, as it appeared that the Trustees Avere indiAddually as well as col- lectiArely liable for the amount, and those two could thus help the others out of the predicament, as the others had no way to use the pipe. It was better to smile than to weep, notwithstand ing the seriousness of the situation. After discussion and general agreement it Avas decided to send the Village President T. H. Bussey to Ncav York to con fer Avith Air. Smith, the bond buyer, and see if he could not get a reconsideration of the cancellation after fully explaining the tAvo elections and the assurances given to the Trustees by Attor ney Bacon. If not, he was authorized to sell the bonds else- THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 313 where, if possible, as the Trustees decided not to be scared out of the fight. On the second day after his departure, during AA'hich time it can be understood that the Trustees were on the anxious seat, a telegram was receiA-ed from Mr. Bussey, asking: "Shall I sell bonds at par, buyer to take all chances? Answer quick." The Trustees immediately called another conference, to AAdiich a feAV friends and Avorkers were asked, for an exchange of opinions and decision. After discussing the matter in all of its bearings, the clerk asked each one present, separately, "What do you advise?" Each one replied: "Sell." Before they had adjourned, Mr. Bussey became so anxious in AA'aiting for a re ply that he called by telephone from New York to learn Avhat Avas the decision. He was told to go ahead and sell, which he succeeded in doing to the firm of BenAvell & Everett at par. Through the late Mr. Joseph Wyckoff of Kalamazoo, Alich., the Trustees had learned of the consolidation of the Kalamazoo Electric Light Co. and the Street Railway Co., AA'hich gave them an opportunity to buy two boilers in first-class condition for the pumping plant at a saving of $800, but by the time they got their difficulties untangled the boilers had been sold. With the loss of over $1200 premium on the bonds and the $800 above referred to, and with the legal and other expenses they were obliged to incur in overcoming the opposition the total amount ed to about $3,000. The contract for construction of the system Avas let to W. B. Wilson of Buffalo, who began work with a good sized force of men, a few over 50, on Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 1895. Land had been purchased of Mrs. Laura Saxton on the shore of the lake, for the pumping station, and a site above on the hill, of Samuel Sharp, for the stand-pipe. The pumping plant called for a brick building 38x44 feet, to accommodate tAvo 80-horse boilers and two Worthington pumps, each of one million gal- 314 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Ion capacity each 24 hours, thus making a duplicate system. Air. Wilson engaged local people to do teaming, furnish mater ial and supplies and do other Avork, to the extent that was pos sible, and for the foreign laborers that Avere engaged to do the trenching he secured the Heath blacksmith shop (standing on the present site of the Episcopal Church) for their living quar ters. At the beginning of the second Aveek he added 28 men to his force of trench diggers and made rapid progress with the work. On Oct. 30th, just 21 days after the Avork was begun, he had a considerable part of the trenching done, pipe laid and the back-filling completed on several of the streets, and nearly all of the brick Avork Avas completed at that time on the pump station. The rumor had gained circulation that it was the intention of opponents of the Avater system to serve an injunction upon the Village Trustees Avhen they atiempted to lay the pipe from the pumping station into the lake and thus -prevent operation of the system. The Trustees apparently paid no attention to the story, keeping their plans to themseh'es, and when they were ready to proceed Avith that part of the work they laid the "in take" pipe on Sunday, Nov. 3d, 1895, and thus prevented ser- A-ice of any injunction, Avhich could not be done on that day. All of their arrangements had been so carefully guarded that the Avork Avas carried out Avithout a hitch. A submarine diver had been engaged to assist in the Avork, and he made an examination of the best location for the source of supply. The specifications called for the location of the in take pipe 26 feet beloAV the surface of the lake, and in examin ing the conditions the diver reported three springs not far apart, bubbling from the bottom of the lake. To reach them he found that measurements shoAved that it would require 60 feet more of pipe than specified, but it was decided advisable to provide for it. By doing so the mouth of the intake pipe came THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 315 about four feet to the left of the largest spring and near to the other two. A locomotive belonging to the B.R. & P. Railroad furnished poAver by cable attachment for the operation of a ploAV with Avhich the diver dug a trench tAvo feet deep in the bottom of the lake in two hours' time. When completed, the 12-inch pipe Avas ready, jointed in two lengths, and carried out on barrel floats and lowered to place. In this manner 312 feet of pipe was laid in the lake and connection from the end to the pump station made afterward, the total distance being over 400 feet. At the mouth of the pipe Avas attached a 900 pound casting cov- ered with a strainer. The lake at that time Avas five feet beloAV high water mark. On Nov. 13th all the pipe laying and back-filling Avas com pleted, except on Alain and »Water streets and from the pump station to theAssembly grounds. Rock on Water street required so much blasting that Supt. McKay Avas delayed in connect ing the line on Water and Alain streets beyond the time he ex pected to have it completed. On many of the streets, people had connections made with their residences in order to have use of the water as soon as it Avas turned into the mains, and the early indications showed popular interest and gave promise of success. At 1:50 o'clock p. m. on Jan. 1st, 1896, blasts from the steam whistle at the pump station gave the signal that Avater Avas being pumped into the mains and at the end of two hours it was decided to make a test of the system. Hose connections were made with the hydrant at the corner of Main street aud Borden avenue and a pressure of 40 pounds was shown. Scat- eral leaks developed, as was expected might be the case, and attention was given to repairing them during the following week. 316 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The standpipe having arrived, Avork on its erection began on Jan. 8th. On the same day another test was made of the system, the pressure being raised to 80 pounds. Under this pressure only six leaks Avere discovered, AAdiich was considered a remarkable showing. These were soon repaired and the sys tem Avas in operation, with pumping direct into the mains until the erection of the standpipe Avas completed, which was within a short time afterAvard. A statement issued and published by the Board of Water Commissioners, dated Nov. 16, 1896, less than a year after in stallation, shoAved that 136 connections had been made with the system, giving an annual income of $1,312.15. The statement showed a bond issue at the first sale of $40,000, as had been pledged, but a second sale of $3,000 in bonds to cover the loss that had been incurred by reason of the opposition preAdously referred to. An itemized statement Avas made of all receipts and expenditures and in connection Avith the statement the Commissioners called attention to the fact Avhile other Boards of Water Commissioners commonly paid their clerk from $800 to $1500 per year for services, their work had been done with out compensation by their clerk, C. AL Smith. The statement was signed by the existing board, Adz: C. IT. Toan, President; AV. D. Page, Geo. B. Tallman, Frederick H. Cole and S. Albert Hatch, Commissioners. The groAvth of the business Avas rapid from the beginning, as the value of the system Avas soon demonstrated, both as a means of adequate fire protection and of its convenience to householders. The income met the interest on the bonds and provided a surplus, from Avhich in 1910 an addition Avas made to the pump station, a neAv pump and condenser Avere installed at a total cost of over $10,000. Beside this,. in 1915 it provided for the retirement of $13,000 of the original Avater bonds. THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM 317 As far back as April 13, 1875, there had been some agita tion in favor of fire protection, and during that period it was proposed to lay water mains on Main street, but nothing defin ite materialized until the time referred to in the opening of this chapter. CHAPTER XXI Successful Campaign for Sewer System Gave Village City Conven iences and Largely Increased Revenues from Municipal Water Works — Legal Contest Won by Village. Early in 1900, sentiment in favor of a sewer system for the village having developed to some extent, a bill Avas introduced in the State Legislature in response to a petition from the Vil lage Board of Trustees, putting the streets and highways of the A'illage under their supervision and providing that the village might bond itself for a sewer system under the General LaAV. Engineer W. J. White of Buffalo visited Perry on April 12th in response to a request from the Trustees and looked over the situation for the purpose of giving them information in re gard to the matter. He met Avith them in the evening and after discussion of the matter it Avas decided to get out dodgers invit ing the people to have an informal election at the Fire Depart ment building on Tuesday, April 17th, from 10 o'clock a. m. to 3 p. m., to learn the sentiment regarding the question. Among other information, the dodgers specifically stated that "This election will be entirely informal and merely that Ave may learn how the taxpayers feel in regard to the question of a sewer system. If the vote should be favorable, the Trus tees will then proceed according to the proA'isions of the laAV and folloAv the expressed Avishes of the taxpayers. Plans will be prepared, and if approved by the State Board of Health, the exact costof a system will be ascertained and the question be submitted for a decisive vote." This action started animated discussion and aroused oppo sition, statements being made that a system would cost any- Avhere from $75,000 to $200,000. The move was made by the VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM 319 Trustees because the village had doubled in population within ten years, during which time cess pools had been put in by some residents, Avhile others had been permitted to connect AA'ith the surface sewers by the Boards of Health. Those condi tions, together AA'ith the groAvth of the village made the sanitary situation unfaA'orable and in the minds of many required cor rective measures. Notwithstanding the plain and specific language of the dodger referred to, it Avas misinterpreted by some people, who apparently did not understand that the election Avas entirely informal and thought that their vote was to make a decision. The vote resulted in 77 affirmative and 102 negative. As the matter became better understood, sentiment in fa vor of the proposition greAv as a result of discussion, and En gineer Charles C. Hopkins of the firm of Knight & Hopkins of Rome, N. Y., came to Perry on June 1st at the request of the Trustees. After looking OA'er the situation carefully he was engaged by the Trustees to make a survey of the corporation and a map for a proposed system, to be submitted to the State Board of Health for its approA'al. On June 27th, Dr. S. Case Jones, a State Commissioner of Health, visited Perry and accompanied by the local Board of Health he made an inspection of the conditions. The fact that householders had been permitted to connect with the surface scAvers and that the outlet running through the village was used to a considerable extent he declared to be a menace to public health; that the proper method would be to proAdde a sanitary sewer system, otherwise it would be necessary for the State Board of Health to take action in the matter. He reported such findings to the Health Department as a result of his visit. The map and plans made by Knight & Hopkins were com pleted in the Fall of 1900 and on Nov. 15th Avere sent to the State Board of Health for approA'al. 320 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The matter then rested until the Spring of 1901. The plans for the seAver system having been approved by the State in the meantime, a petition was signed by the required number of taxpayers and presented to the Village Board of Trustees, re questing submission of the proposition to a vote. In response to this petition a call dated April 3d Avas pub lished for a special election to be held on April 19th, to vote upon a proposition for a sewer system to cover the corporation (excepting the lake district) at a minimum expense of $40,000 and a maximum expense of $54,000. The Trustees were : T. H. Bussey, President ; J. C. Lillibridge, A. L. Aime, C. H. Toan and C. W. Rudd. The clerk Avas O. N. Bolton. In a statement published at the time of the call for the elec tion, the Trustees pledged themselves not to construct the sys tem unless it could be done inside of the estimated maximum cost, and to give people an apportunity to get any further infor mation and enlightment upon the question they had Engineer Hopkins present at a public meeting on the evening of the 18th, to answer any questions that might be asked and to have the matter fully explained. At the election held on the folloAving day there were 250 votes cast, resulting as follows ; Yes, 146 ; no, 103 ; blank,l ; a majority of 43 in favor of the proposition. A notice to contractors was published in the next issue of the local papers, calling for bids to be submitted up to noon of Alay 6th, for construction of the system. At a special meeting of the Trustees on that day, sealed bids were received, as fol- Ioavs : Miller & Franklin, Buffalo, $56,900.00. Thomas Holahan, Rochester, $43,433.82. Coryell Construction Co., Williamsport, Pa., $51,481.11. Troy Public' Works Co., Utica, $49,000.00^ VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM 321 W. H. Cookman, Niagara Falls, $46,657.07. D. M. Rosser, Kingston, Pa., $51,140.00. After considering the matter for a feAV days and investi gating the merits of the bidders, the Trustees let the contract to Richard W. Sherman of Utica, N. Y., who represented the Troy Public Works Co. Mr. Sherman Avas at that time Mayor of the city of Utica, brother of Vice-President James Sherman. As Mr. Sherman was not the lowest bidder, there Avas nat urally criticism of their award, but time developed the Avisdom of their choice. Mr. Holahan asked questions regarding the specifications which showed that he was not familiar with such work and it was learned that he had never constructed a sewer system complete, his experience at that time being limited to small contract work in Rochester. While Mr. Cookman was found to be experienced and reliable, his financial position at that time Avas found to be insufficient to stand losses that might be incurred by extraordinary or unforseen conditions that some times arise in the prosecution of such work. Mr. Sherman was found to be experienced and with ample financial standing to meet any losseswithout abandoning theAvork. For those reasons the Trustees made the award to Mr. Sherman and left the jus tice and Avisdom.of their action to be determined by the out come. Work on the system began on May 31st, Avith the expecta tion of its completion by November 1st. There Avas a good sized force of laborers at the outset, which soon was increased to 200 men. Bids for the sale of bonds for the construction of the sys tem were advertised to be received not later than June 6th, when ten firms were represented and there Avas spirited bid ding for the issue. They were sold to M. A. Stein of New York at his bid of 101.24 for 3%% bonds, the premium amounting to 322 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY $669.00. The sale at that price Avas considered unprecedented, nothing having eA'er been known to approach that figure in the State outside of the cities, and it was a testimonialof the stand ing of this community. In this connection it may be Avorthy of note that the Trustees at no time had any superstition, as the vote on the sewer proposition was held on a Friday, the con tract for construction Avas signed on Friday, Avork was begun on Friday, and the bonds Avere sold on Friday. On the 14th of June a strike Avas instituted among the workmen, said to haA'e been caused by agitators in the group of about 40 Italians AAdio came from Mt. Alorris to work in trench ing. They Avere engaged for a ten-hour day at $1.50 and struck for an eight-hour day at the same Avage, or $1.75 for a ten-hour day. Operations Avere suspended and Sheriff Sanford was sum moned to prevent any violence. The instigators of the strike Avere discharged and left toAvn, as did also a group who came from Albany to work on the job, leaving only about 100 men to continue the Avork. The strike lasted only about a day, but • it was some time before the contractor was able to secure the full force desired, and he was obliged to increase the Avages in order to hold the men. Work on the seAver outlet began the last Aveek of October, and all of the trenching on the several streets had been com pleted by November 1st. An inspection was made during the first Aveek of December, Avhen a feAv leaks Avere discovered and repairs Avere made. The Board of -Trustees prepared a set of seAver regulations and the system was ready for use before Jan. 1st, 1902, a con siderable number of property-owners haA'ing had connections made with their residences to furnish bath room conveniences, and from that time on, eA-ery house constructed in the village has had the connections made. VILLAGE SEWER SYSTEM 323 When the time came for final settlement with Contractor Sherman he presented a bill for extras amounting to nearly $10,000, his principal claim being that he had not been alloAved a sufficient sum for rock excavation. Engineer Hopkins dis puted his claim, advising the Trustees that he had made gener ous alloAvance for extra rock excavation. He checked up the contractor's list of extras and pointed out to the Trustees the items for Avhich Mr. Sherman was entitled to compensation, but as that shoAved the amount due in final settlement to be sev eral thousand dollars less than Air. Sherman claimed, the con tractor threatened to sue unless the Trustees accepted his figures. It was understood that Mr. Sherman lost money on the contract, and the Trustees felt that he might be endeavoring to recoup his loss by presenting his bill for extras. They offered to settle with him at the figures given by their engineer, Air. Hopkins, but as he was unAvilling to do so, there was a dead lock. A feAV months later, Mr. Sherman brought suit against the Village Trustees in his home county of Oneida. The Trus tees applied for a change of venue' to Wyoming County, which Avas afterAvard granted. Before the case came to trial, how ever, Mr. Sherman requested the Trustees to meet him in Roch ester for a conference, with a view to an amicable settlement without an extended legal contest. They complied with his re quest and he made several propositions, which the Trustees refused to act upon at that time. They had retained Hon. W. F. Cogswell for their attorney, and he had told them that Mr. Sherman had no case against them. Mr. Cogswell said that Air. Sherman "didn't have a leg to stand upon" and advised the Trustees not to pay anything more than Engineer Hopkins had recommended. In ansAver to the question whether it would not be better to settle rather than defend a suit, Mr. Cogswell told the Trustees that if they felt it would be cheaper in the 324 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY end to pay Air. Sherman $500 in addition to Engineer Hopkins' alloAvance and thus clean up the matter with a receipt in full for all claims, it Avas a matter for the Trustees to decide. They notified Air. Sherman that they would hold a meeting after their return home and Avould advise him promptly of their de cision after it had been reached. A meeting Avas held the same evening and it Avas voted to offer Mr. Sherman $500 above the Engineer's figures, in full settlement of all claims. After much protest, Air. Sherman agreed to accept the offer and the matter Avas closed. The maximum estimate for the system, as previously noted, Avas $54,000. Prior to the suit instituted by Contractor Sher man the Trustees had made three semi-annual interest pay ments on the sewer bonds, a total of $2,385.00. With other ex penses incurred the amount reached about $3,000. Deducting that sum from the original estimate of $54,000, the actual cost of the seAver system proper Avas $51,000, or $3,000 less than the maximum estimate. The Avork Avas Avell performed and the installation of the system accomplished Avhat Avas expected, a material increase in the amount of Avater rentals and the pro vision of city conveniences for the residents of the village, AA'ith vastly improved sanitary conditions for the conservation of public health. CHAPTER XXII Street Lighting, Local Telephone and Natural Gas Systems — Their Rapid Development from Small Beginnings Had Important Part in Promoting Growth of the Village. Prior to 1877, no action had been taken by the municipal ity for providing lights for the streets of Perry. Before the time mentioned, however, a feAV of the more enterprising citi zens had installed lamp posts and lights in front of their resi dences, but these Avere feAV and far between, and at night the streets in general presented avenues dark and gloomy. At a meeting of the Village Board held on Feb. 5th, 1877, Lyman D. Loomis moved that the clerk, R. D. Higgins, draw up a petition asking the Legislature to pass an act granting poAver to the Board of Trustees of the village to raise money by tax to light the streets and maintain the expense. The motion Avas carried, and at the Board meeting held on Alarch 5th, the petition Avas presented and accepted. It was made a law by action of the Legislature, and iu October, 1877, an order was given for 26 street lights, to cost $128.21, and these were placed in the most important locations throughout the village. James L. Wade was engaged as lamp-lighter at $7.50 per month, but as the number of lamps Avere gradually increased, the wages Avere increased to $30 per month. Mr. Wade Avas succeeded as lamp-lighter by C. Minot Griffith, Oscar D. Chase and William McKinley. The adoption of this method of lighting the streets added someAvhat to the general appearance of the village and was a great convenience to the citizens, although for some time the old-fashioned lantern did not entirely disappear. 326 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY PERRY ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY The Perry Electric Light Company was primarily organ ized in the early part of 1892, and a franchise was granted to the company by the Village Board of Trustees on July 23d of that year. On Nov. 21st, 1892, the Electric Light Co., opened its plant and turned the current through the wires. Before the close of the year, they Avere furnishing current for 22 street lights and 400 incandescents. At the present time they are fur nishing 93 street lights and approximately 10,000 incandes cents, beside power for several of the smaller industries. Perry consumes nearly tAvice as much electricity as any other toAvn in Wyoming County. The formal organization of the Company Avas effected on Alarch 11th, 1893, at which time the following named officers Avere chosen : President, Alilo H. Olin ; A-dce-President, Henry N. Page ; Secretary, Clarence M. Smith ; Treasurer, Wm. D. Page; Manager, G. K. Page. None of the persons named is at present identified Avith the organization, having disposed of their stock at a private sale to Mr. E. L. Phillips of New York and Mr. G. W. Olmsted, of Ludlow, Pa., who hold a majority of all of the stock. Mr. C. W. Smith was engaged as Manager in 1901, and served in that capacity until June, 1911, Avhen he was suc ceeded by E. D. Hamlin, who was in charge for a period of a little more than one year. Air. C. W. Torrey, the present effic ient Manager, has served continuously since that time. On June 4th, 1912, the plant was practically destroyed by a fire which caused a loss of more than $20,000. The plant was rebuilt as soon as possible, the current in the meantime being supplied by the Tempest Knitting Company. The Company having acquired franchises in WarsaAv. LOCAL ENTERPRISES 327 Gainesville, Castile and Perry, it is the intention in the near future to construct and equip a central power plant and supply all of the toAvns named from one point, thereby reducing the excessive cost of operating individual plants. A line is under construction from Perry to Silver Springs as a beginning of the project. The folloAving named are the officers of the Company at the present time : President, G. W. Olmstead; Arice-President, L. P. Benedict, of Perry ; Secretary, Henry R. Frost of New York ; Treasurer, C. W. Torrey of Perry. These gentlemen also con trol the AVarsaAr office. TELEPHONE SYSTEM The Perry Electric Light Company gave Perry its first tel ephone system, and for a period of ten years the two Avere oper ated under one management. Early in 1894, the directors can vassed the citizens to ascertain the number of people who would become subscribers to a local independent system. By the last of Alay, 50 persons had agreed to install telephones at a cost of $1.50 per month. As this was considered a fair num ber to begin operations with, the Company ordered a StroAvger automatic switchboard, 50 telephone instruments, 22 miles of covered Avire, poles and accessories, and on July 18th, 1894, these telephones Avere placed in service. The Perry Telephone Company was the first independent telephone company in New York State to install the automatic service, which was similar to the type noAV used by the Federal Company in Buffalo. The system was somewhat experimental at the time and did not give generally satisfactory service. FolloAving is the original list of subscribers : M. H. Olin & Son, hardware ; Perry Knitting Co. ; Citizens Bank ; First National Bank ; Hotel Perry ; Silver Lake Railway depot; Walker House, Silver Lake; Silver Lake Assembly; A. 328 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY W. Tallman, hardware; Al. A. Wilcox, livery; Edgerly House; W. 0. Davis, furniture; Hatch & Cole, grocers; W. H. Herron, grocer; S. S. CasAvell, grocer; C. G. Alartin, coal office; Buffalo Ice Co. ; LeAvis Hough, milk depot ; R. R. Doav, Avarehouse ; J. H. Watson, drug store ; Smith, Kennedy & Co., builders ; C. Suth erland & Co., monuments; F. L. HoAvell, furniture; Smith & Ineson, lhery ; Record office ; Herald and NeAvs office ; Dr. G. R. Traver, Dr. P. S. Goodwin, Dr. A. B. Straight, Dr. Annie II. Pierce, Dr. Al. A. King, physicians; Dr. F. H. Cole, dentist; Al. H. Olin, C. AL Smith, W. D. Page, Mrs. H. N. Page, Airs. A. D. Keeney, Airs. C. T. Wyckoff, Mrs. Al. J. Olin, Mrs. C. A. Cleve land, M. A. Wilcox, F. L. Howell, W. B. Tallman, Walter T. Olin, Charles A. Toan, F. B. Smith, G. Al. Traber, J. E. Cole, R. T. Tuttle, A. J. Wood, residences. In 1895 the Strowger switchboard AAras replaced by a 100- line Hunnings board and instruments. As the business of the company increased, several changes in the SAvitchboard had been made necessary. For several years previous to the organization of the local system the Bell Company had maintained a long distance sta tion in Perry, for the greater part of the time located in the rear of the shoe store of C. S. Smith & Co. In May, 1901, Air. E. Stinson and Air. R. S. Baker Avere sent to Perry by the Bell Company and a 100-line board Avas placed in the store ; two booths were installed for the central office calls, and the Perry Knitting Co's office Avas directly connected. The last named Avas the only subscriber that the Bell Company ever had in the Village of Perry. Mr. Smith relinquished charge of the toll station after several years and a pay station AA'as later installed in Hotel Perry. In 1903 a connection betAveen the Perry Telephone Co. and the Bell Company was established, giAdng the local subscribers LOCAL ENTERPRISES 329 facilities for out-of-town service. At that time a "central energy" or common battery switchboard Avas installed with two operators. By the end of 1904 the subscribers numbered over 300, and the farmers were being" given the service as rap idly as possible. In 1915, lines had been extended in every direction from the local office and 86% of those living in the territory Avere connected with the service. The total number of subscribers at the time referred to was 1240. The late Charles W Smith was local manager from Oct. 23d, 1901, until his death in July, 1912. He Avas succeeded by Ralph S. Baker, the present manager. The Perry Exchange has a State-wide reputation for being one of the best equipped and best managed independent systems in existence. Its offi cers are : President, C. M. Smith ; Vice-President, C. A. Toan ; Secretary, L. P. Benedict; Alanager. R. S. Baker. PAVILION NATURAL GAS COMPANY During the year 1906, people in the vicinity of the neigh boring town of Pavilion became possessed with the belief that natural gas could be found in that town, their conclusions be ing based on indications that seemed to be favorable. After some agitation, a test well Avas sunk and their expectations were fully realized. The success of the experimental well at tracted outside capital, and some time later the Pavilion Nat ural Gas Company was organized, composed of Pittsburg and other capitalists. A number of other wells were sunk, and suc cess continued to attend the efforts to secure an abundant supply. The Pavilion Natural Gas Company was granted a fran chise by the Village Trustees of Perry on Sept. 23d, 1908, and in the following Summer the gas mains were laid throughout the village, connection with the gas field being made on Dec. 15th, 1909. The Company began operation here with 345 con- 330 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY nections, and in the six years succeeding of their local history their business increased remarkably. In 1915 there were 1186 consumers of gas in the Perry district, a larger number than in any other toAvn in the Company's field of operations. A num ber of the smaller industries are using the gas for power pur poses. The supply comes from Avells in the towns of PaAdlion and York, the average pressure bein gabout 500tbs. The supply is furnished to Perry at a pressure of" about 60 lbs. Mr. W. R. Buell Avas resident manager from October, 1909 to 1910, AArhen he Avas succeeded by Mr. W. M. Aiken, the pres ent manager. The Perry district embraces. Silver Lake, Perry Center, LaGrange, and as far east as the Pine Tavern. CHAPTER XXIII Musical Organizations — Singing Societies, Philharmonics, Bands and Orchestras That Were Features of the Social Life of Perry and Won More Than Local Reputation. Perry has differed very little from other tovras of its size in the matter of music and musicians. In A'ocal Avork the town has had the usual quota of singers who were Avilling to give their time and talent in return for the pleasure that they might derive from that kind of service. "Singing Schools" of the earlier days, and Singing Societies of the later period have been numerous, but were usually short-lived, organizing in the Fall and disappearing after a "grand concert" held in the lat ter part of the Winter. While Perry has had many good sing ers, there have been only a few who possessed exceptional voices. Augustus Barton, who sang in the Universalist Church in the early '70 's, was considered to possess the best baritone voice in this section of the country, and later, Mrs. E. M. Clarke located in Perry. She possessed a splendid contralto voice and brought with her a reputation Avon in Brooklyn, New York and Rochester churches. She Avas a solist of some note and soon won a distinctive position in the community. Mrs. Jenny L. Nobles has been Perry's best known soprano. Her exceptional ability, her position as teacher of music in our High School, and as director of the Presbyterian Church choir for several years, gave her particular opportunities for service and she has prob ably done more than any other one person to develop local talent along musical lines. Among the "Singing Societies" may be mentioned the Philharmonics who gave concerts back in the '70 's, with Al. N. Crocker as director ; and a Choral Society with German Sweet as the leading spirit and director. The Perry Choral 332 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Society under the leadership of Prof. VonLiebich of Buffalo, and the Perry Oratorio Society, organized in 1913 and con ducted by Mr. J. W. Royce. The last named society sang a better and more difficult class of music than was attempted by its predecessors, and among other noted compositions has rend ered "The Crucifixion" tAvice, "The Alessiah" and The Prodi gal Son." Out-of-town soloists assisted in the first tAvo men tioned, the choruses of over eighty voices in each of the orator ios under the direction of Mr. Royce handled their difficult parts exceptionally well. In 1914, the Society in conjunction with several other similar organizations from other toAvns in this section of the State, sang with the community chorus in a great music festival given in Exposition Park. Rochester. There Avere about 2000 voices under the direction of Prof. Harry Barnhart and the festival received the highest commen dation from the press aud the large number of people Avho heard the rendition of the splendid numbers given. The Aroeal music in our churches has been mostly furnished by chorus choirs. HoAvever, the distinctive organization that is best remembered by our townspeople as having presented for the greatest length of time the highest grade of music is the former Presbyterian Quartet, composed of Mrs. Jenny L. Nobles, soprano; Mrs. E. M. Clarke, contralto; Mr. W. D. Page, tenor; Air. G. K. Page, basso; Airs. W D. Page, organist. Mr. C. S. Smith succeeded Mr. G. K. Page as basso for several years. several years. ORCHESTRAS No records have been found giving any information re garding the orchestras of Perry's earlier days. The first or ganization of which much is knoAAm was the "Chapin Orches tra. ' ' Organized in 1853, it began its career with the following named members : Earl Chapin, first A'iolin and leader ; M. N. Crocker, second violin; H. A. Barton, flute; Robert Crake, MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 333 'cello ; John Clark, bass ; Miss Addie Walker, piano. The organ ization seems to have been better than the ordinary, aud the class of music played was more or less pretentious for those days and required considerable ability. The overture, "Caliph of Bagdad," Avas their faA'orite, although "Gen. Boul anger's Alarch" Avas a close second. The leader composed a number of their selections, some of Avhich are in existence today. These and other numbers Avere rehearsed at meetings held in Walk er's Hotel. Beside furnishing music for local functions, they appeared at WarsaAv and other nearby tOAAms. Earl Chapin left Perry and folloAved A'iolin making as a business for many years. His instruments became Avell knoAvn and some of them sold for over $500 each. He served through the Civil War and died in the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee about the year 1910. Air. Chapin Avas the ruling spirit of the Chapin Orchestra, Avhich disbanded at the time he left Perry. The Silver Lake Orchestra Avas organized in 1866 by James L. Wade as manager and first Adolin; Oscar Edgerly, second A'iolin ; Clark Edgerly, 'cello ; Frank Pritchard, bass. Mrs. Clark Edgerly afterAvard became pianist, and her husband cor- netist of the orchestra, which had an existence of about 20 years, during Avhich period it played engagaments at Saxon's Hall at the lake for many seasons and also during the Fall and Winter in many of the surrounding villages. The most widely known of all orchestra organizations is the little group who began their career in 1893 as a High School orchestra. With a membership of seven, including Mrs. Jenny Nobles as pianist, F. Al. Washburn, E. M. Read and L. G. Stainton, violins ; L. P. Benedict and C. N. Read, cornets ; and Lee H. Cotton, clarinet, the organization began playing for rhetoricals, chapel exercises, etc. This line of work, while en joyed immensely, served to increase the desire of the ambitious youngsters for something better, and they began taking small 334 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY engagements at lectures, etc. Their success in this line led to the formation in 1894 of the Casino Orchestra, with the follow ing named as members : E. M. Read, first violin and leader ; F. M. Crocker, flute and manager ; Lee H. Cotton, clarinet ; Cleve land K. Nobles, pianist; C. N. Read, cornet. Mr. Nobles was succeeded as pianist for several years by Seward Edgerly, and there have been many changes in the personnel, but the Casino Orchestra as an organization has been playing for over 20 years and is still in existence. During this period they have played in nearly all of the nearby towns and for four years served as the orchestra at Walker's dance pavilion at Silver Lake. When The Auditorium was opened as a theatre, the Casinos became and remained its orchestra for a period of 14 years, and during the winters of 1898-99-1900, the members played in Buffalo for the University of Buffalo's dances, receptions, etc., under the name of the University of Buffalo Orchestra. Dr. E. M. Read and Dr. F. M. Crocker are the only members of the original Casino Orchestra who have retained their mem bership since the beginning, and in the 20 years of their orches tra life they have played together in over 1600 engagements. For several years previous to this writing, the orchestra has consisted of the following members : Dr. E. M. Read, first violin and leader; Dr. F. M. Crocker, flute and manager; C. Read Clarke, slide trombone; Mrs. E. M. Read, 'cello; Miss Isabelle Cole, piano ; F. A. Allen, drums and traps. BANDS The first local brass band of which we have any informa tion Avas known as "Maxon's Band," organized by Charles Alaxon in the year 1857. This band was in existence until the beginning of the Civil War, Avhen it was forced to disband, OAving to the greater number of its members withdrawing to join the army. MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 335 The "Perry Center Cornet Band" was organized in 1836 by Amos W. Austin upon his return from the Civil War, in Avhich he Avas a member of the First New York Dragoons Regi mental Band. There were 18 members in the local organiza tion, which disbanded in 1869. In the late '70 's an organization was formed among stud ents of Perry Academy and styled itself the "College Band." James E. Crichton was leader and it existed for about two years, but never acquired much proficiency. The Perry Helicon Band ' was organized in 1879 by A. W. Austin, who was also leader. Their instruments and uniforms were purchased from the Saranac, Alich., band that had bought the equipment for use in an engagement at the Centennial cele bration in Philadelphia in 1876. Disbanding a few years after ward, the local musicians heard of the opportunity to make the purchase at a bargain and secured the firm of Hatch & Cole as financiers for the enterprise. They bought the complete set of instruments, uniforms and band wagon, making an outfit unequalled in any country town in the State. This band drew from the College Band, James E. Crichton, Charles W. Rudd and others of its most capable musicians and materially strengthened its organization. With frequent rehearsals it soon became unusually proficient, developed several solists among its members and gained a wide reputation. For several years it accompanied Erie Railroad excursions annually to various points, participated in several band tournaments, played in many of the surrounding towns during Presidential campaigns, and at the height of the roller skating craze played a season at the Armory Rink in Buffalo. Mr. Austin was suc ceeded as director by the late Clark Edgerly and after a suc cessful career of a number of years the organization passed into history and the town Avas without a band for a time. / ;36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY The members of the Helicon Band remaining in toAvn formed the nucleus for a new organization calling itself "The Citizens' Band of Perry." It Avas first under the leadership of Clark M. Edgerly, then of Wm. Gilbertson and later of C. W. Rudd. It Avas re-organized in 1902 with John A. Wright as JAMES L. WADE (From a War-Time Picture) director, a number of skillful musicians liaA'ing moved into toAvn as a result of our industrial growth. Air. Wright brought extended experience and soon developed the organization into MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 337 a fine concert band Avith a membership of twenty or more. He avoii for it a reputation comparable Avith that of the old Helicon Band in the surrounding section. Later, it again reorganized and its name Avas changed to the "Perry Alilitary Band," by Avhich title it is knoAvn at the present time. Air. Wright con tinues to serve as director and his long and faithful service are generally appreciated by the townspeople, Avho turn out in large numbers during the Summer season to hear the Saturday evening concerts. Air. James L. Wade is the only known survivor of Max- on's Band, and with the exception of the College Band, has played continuously in each of the village bands mentioned. Air. Wade Avas bugler of Company A, First NeAv York Dra goons, and Avas also a member of the regimental band, in which he served until the close of the Civil War. He has probably had the largest part in the development of band musicians in this community, and as a snare drummer has a reputation that extends over Western New York. The Citizens Band of Perry Center was organized in 1911 with a membership of tAventy-nine and under the instruction of Prof. Lloyd of WarsaAv gained a considerable degree of profi ciency. Citizens at the Center erected a band stand in the square and the organization gave a number of concerts, but as its membership decreased the interest lagged and the organiza tion disbanded after an existence of about tAvo and one-half years. The Polish "White Eagle" Band was organized about the year 1910 among employees of the Perry Knitting Co. and has been an important factor in the social life of the Polish resi dents of the community. It is attractively uniformed and well equipped otherwise and is a capable musical organization. CHAPTER XXIV Secret Organizations — Early Institution of Lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows in Perry — Their Lapses and Reorganization— Pres ent Conditions Flourishing. Free Masonry is undoubtedly the most ancient institution among secret orders, embracing among its members men of every rank and condition, of eArery nation and clime, and stands among the first of those institutions established for the improvement of mankind. Its origin may be said to have been lost in remote antiquity. Some writers date its origin further back than the Druidical mysteries; others go back to 1950 B. C. The orders of architecture and their origin and uses, AA'hich subject is treated quite extensively in Masonry, had its origin about 1000 B. C. Many writers claim that the mysteries were handed down from Ceres, who introduced them into Athens about 1356 B. C. The popular faith of its deciples ascribes its foundations to circumstances connected with the erection of the first Jewish temple by King Soioman. Written records of meetings extend back only to A. D. 926. The first proAdncial Grand Lodge of the United States Avas established in Boston in 1733. In 1781 the Grand Lodge of New York was instituted, and on March 6th, 1819, granted a charter to Constellation Lodge No. 320, located at Perry, Gene see County, N. Y., authorizing them to confer the first three degrees in Ancient Craft Alasonry. The petitioners were: John Gibb, Levi Benton, Warren Buekland, George Mordoff, James Waterhouse, Thomas Edg erly, Hiram Wright, Charles Tripp, Samuel D. Bishop, James Hammersley, Jared Whitney, John Bowers, and Ebenezer Hig gins, Jr. The first officers were : Ebenezer Higgins, W. M.. ; George Alordoff, S. W.; Charles Leonard, J. W. The first re- FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 339 turns to 1820 shoAved the following additional officers : Thomas Edgerly, secretary ; Horace Bingham, treasurer ; Hiram Wright and Rufus Brayley, P. W. Al's. At that time it showed the fol loAving named additional members : Charles Burlingham, Peter Clark, Nathan Chichester, Edward Camp, Smith Finch, Otis Higgins, Selden Higgins, John D. Langdon, Peter Sedam, Jona than Woodbury, John Bowen, Allen Aliller and Samuel E. Phoenix. The first meetings of the local branch of the order were held on the second floor of the old log school building which Avas erected in 1816 on the corner of Lake and Short streets. The original charter was forfeited in 1835, probably because of the strong anti-Masonic feeling "that arose because of the mys terious disappearance of Wm. Morgan of Batavia, author of a book purporting to disclose the secrets of Free Masonry. The agitation Avhich followed his disappearance in 1829 caused many desertions by those affiliated with the order, and many charters in this section were surrendered. On July 5th, 1856, the Grand Lodge granted a charter to Charles W. Hendee and Henry E. Daniels, and other petition ers, who adopted the name previously used by Perry Masons, and Constellation Lodge No. 404 came into existence. 1862, this charter Avas also surrendered, and during ten years the sound of the gavel was not heard in Perry. In 1872 the charter was restored, and since that there has been no interruption of its existence. Since 1856, the following named have presided as Masters over its deliberations: Charles W. Plendee, Edwin M. Read, Horace M. Daniells, Milo H. Olin, Alarshall S. Nobles, John J. Martin, Gilbert R. Traver, Albert H. Lowing, John F. Gates, Robert R. Dow, Philip S. Goodwin, Elmer J. Abbott, Thomas H. Donnelly, W. Dennison Olmstead, Sidney J. Jenckes, J. Robert Browned, Fred M. Washburn, A. W. Hotaling. Kendall P. Smith is the Master-elect. 340 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY In the great fire which occurred in Alay, 1891, the lodge room was totally destroyed, together AA'ith all paraphernalia and many valuable documents, causing a severe loss OArer and above the insurance; but they arose from the ashes and at the annual session of the Grand Lodge, the following June, they obtained a duplicate of their charter. For a long time there was agitation for a permanent home of their oavii, but the matter did not take definite shape until MASONIC TEMPLE the latter part of 1907. On Jan. 18th, 1909, the organization purchased the building and site on Alain street that had for many years been knoAvn as the Columbus P. Andrus residence property for a consideration of $5,000. It is a significant fact that Ebenezer Higgins, AAdio Avas probably the prime moArer in FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 341 instituting Free Masonry in Perry and was the first Master of the first lodge, coming here in 1818, for many years made his home on the site noAV occupied by the temple. FolloAving the purchase of the site, the members became active in raising funds to secure their cherished plan of a suit able temple for a permanent home and met with such success that the corner stone of the building was laid on October 9th, 1914. Delegations were present from surrounding toAvns, the city of Buffalo being represented by 25, some of them members of the Grand Lodge. Practically the entire membership of Constellation Lodge was present at their rooms at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of that day, and in company with the visiting brethren they marched in a line of twos to the site of the tem ple, where exercises were conducted as follows: Selection by a male quartet composed of J. C. Herzberger, Walter Alorse, Dr. F. M. Crocker and B. L. MayheAV; proclamation by Grand Alarshal W. H. Ellis of Buffalo ; opening of the Grand Lodge by Deputy Grand Alaster Thomas Penny of Buffalo; prayer by Grand Chaplain Rev. George E. Price of LeRoy ; singing of the hymn "America," by the assemblage; presentation of silver troAvel to Grand Master Penny by Worshipful Master Dr. F. Al. Washburn, on behalf of Constellation Lodge. The order of ser vice was : Presentation of box containing memorials, by Grand Treasurer J. R. BroAATiell ; reading of contents of box by Grand Secretary W. D. Olmstead; depositing the box by Grand Treas urer; presentation of working tools by Master Architect George C. Fox ; laying the stone by Grand Master Penny ; test ing the stone by Deputy Grand Master P. S. Goodwin, Senior Grand Warden John G. Wallenmeier, Jr., and Junior Grand Warden S. L. Strivings. Consecration : Scattering the corn by Deputy Grand Master ; pouring the wine by Senior Grand War den ; sprinkling the oil by Junior Grand Warden ; invocation by Grand Master ; oration by Rev. George E. Price ; proclamation 342 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY by Grand Marshal; music by quartet and Lodge; benediction by the Grand Chaplain. The property represents a total investment of about $30,000, Avhich includes furnishings. The first regular meeting in the neAv Temple was held on the night of Sept. 15th, 1915, when the members met in their lodge rooms in the Olin block, adjourned and marched in a body to their beautiful new home. Sih-er Lake Lodge No. 106, of the Independent Order of Odd FelloAvs was granted a charter on Jan. 25th, 1844, the pe titioners therefor being: Isaac N. Stoddard, Harry BroAA-n, Jos iah N. Higgins, Jared D. Turrell and Anson D. Smith. The lodge was instituted on Feb. 9th, 1844, by W. L. G. Smith, D. D. G. Al. In the year 1862 the charter was surrendered, and those of its members Avho desired to retain their membership in the Order Avere obliged to affiliate Avith lodges in other towns. In August, 1891, a feAV of the Odd Fellows Avho were residents of Perry procured a special dispensation and began the work of securing neAv members. These brothers were John Stockwell, Leonard Tuthill, Frank Richards, Alyron Wilcox and Warren Preston. John StockAvell was chosen Noble Grand and held the office until Jan. 4th, 1892, when he was succeeded by Leonard Tuthill. On Aug. 18th, 1891 a charter was granted and on Sept. 24th of that year the lodge was duly instituted by J. O. Williams, D. D. G. M. Crystal Salt Lodge No. 505, of Warsaw, Avas present in a body, and performed the first installation of officers. The ceremonies Avere held in the third story of the old Bailey block on the corner of Alain and Covington streets. Later, lodge rooms Avere secured over Robert Stainton s dry goods store, in the brick block between the Owen and Cole blocks. In June, 1892, the hall OAvned by C. P. Andrus in the third storv of the Andrus brick block and on the 16th it was ded- FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 343 icated to the uses of the organization. This Avas the regular meeting place of the lodge during a period of 18 years,, at the end of Avhich time they purchased the J. W. Olin brick block on 1 he corner of Covington and Short streets and fitted their pres ent attractive and commodious quarters for their temple. The neAv quarters were dedicated on Nov. 20th, 1910. The following named are those Avho held the office of Noble Grand of Silver Lake Lodge No. 614, since the second charter was granted in 1891 : John Stockwell, L. C. Tuthill, J. H. Terry, A. C. Bryant, E. U. Wilcox, T. H. Donnelly, J. C. Lillibridge, S. X. Buttles, S. E. Stow, Frank Dresher, B. F. Rollah, A. F. Davis, 0. B. Finch, V. H. Badger, A. W. Waufle, C. G. Clarke, T. R. Douglas, J. B. Townsend, H. H. Kittle, J .H. Wilcox, Al. A. Russell, M. F. Streeter, A. W. Hotaling, B. C. ShaAv, J. T. Smith, A. C. Way, James Mclntyre, Leonard Fish, L. S. Chap man, S. L. Pike, James E. AVade, R. II. Cone, John Stapleton, D. G. Bush, Luke Warner, John Scott, Wm. A. Noble, Charles Freeman, Fred Mason, Edwin R. Kershaw, Roy F. HeAvitt, Ray mond Taylor, Leslie Handley, A. J. Noble, Paul Hoeppner, Gus- taf Peterson. Various other fraternal organizations have come into exist ence during the later years of the town's existence, some of which have passed into history, while others are in a flourish ing condition at the present time, but there number is so many that it is possible to mention particularly only the two referred to, which are the oldest and the best known. CHAPTER XXV Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association — Wyoming Historical and Pioneer Association, Originator of Annual Pioneer Picnic at Silver Lake. This organization came into existence at a meeting held on the 25th of October, 1879, and the following named gentle men subscribed as charter members : John S. Westlake, Rufus H. Stedman, Moses C. Williams, Hugh M. Scranton, George Tomlinson, Lewis E. Chapin, Marshall S. Nobles, Willard J. Chapin, George H. Wright and Samuel A. Hatch. The objects of the Association were the promotion and advancement of agriculture, horticulture, mechanical arts and household indus try. In less than a year from the date of the meeting a stock company had been formed with a capital of $7,000, of Avhich $5,000 had been subscribed, 20 acres of land had been purch ased from George H. Wright and David Andrus, and enclosed. A first-class half-mile track was constructed at a cost of more than $1100, judges' stand, pens, stables and a secretary's office had been built. The track was surveyed by Henry Bates of Hornell and was constructed by Alessrs. Wright and Shepard of Perry. R. W. Brigham was the first president of the organi zation and Lewis E. Chapin its first secretary. The first fair Avas held on Thursday and Friday, October 7th and 8th, 1880. There were 6000 people in attendance, and 916 entries in the several departments. The best racing time 2 :33!4 for the mile, Avhich was considered fast for that time. The grand stand and exhibition hall were constructed during the following year. In 1912 the grand stand was destroyed by fire, and a new and more commodious one was soon afterward erected. Situated as we are, in the center of a fine agricultural com munity, where industries are not lacking, the institution of the Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association met with SILVER LAKE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION 345 the instant approval of the residents and acquired the hearty co-operation of all of those people avIio could properly come Avithin its jurisdiction. During the 36 years of its existence RANDALL W. BRIGHAM the management has kept pace with the wonderful growth of llie toAvn, and its annual exhibitions attract thousands of people to Perry. WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION In the early Fall of 1872, the late Jonathan Sleeper of Perry and the late Myron Locke of Castile met at Silver Lake. In the course of their conversation, Air. Sleepr said: "Alyron. Iioav would it do to have some handbills printed, advertising an 346 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY old folks' picnic to be held at the lake some time this Fall?" Air. Locke replied that he thought it a good suggestion, and to gether the two men arranged the preliminary details for a good old-fashioned outing. The supposition was that there might be about 50 people present on the day appointed, but when the time came there were nearly 300 in attendance. During the course of the exercises, it was proposed to hold another meeting the following year. The attendance at this second gathering AA'as so large that it Avas decided to institute a permanent organ ization. During the first feAV years the meetings Avere held in Saxton 's grove. Logs with planks across them served for seats. As the gatherings increased in size and the interest deepened, it Avas proposed to buy a lot and erect a building thereon for the purpose of establishing a home for the organization. An appli cation signed by six constituent members of the association Avas presented to the State for a charter, which was granted in 1874, under the name of the "Wyoming Historical and Pioneer Association." Two acres of land in the grove OAvned by the late Samuel Sharp were purchased in 1877 and plans were draAvn for a pio neer log cabin, 25x40 feet, one and one-half stories high. The Avork of building the cabin was done voluntarily, the logs being contributed and hauled to the ground. Many turned in and gave a helping hand, and a society in Perry gave an entertain ment, the proceeds of which Avere used to purchase the shingles for the roof. The cabin Avas completed in time for the annual gathering in 1878. At the time of its transfer to the Associa tion by the building committee, there was an incumbrance of $162.00 on the building. Some one present suggested that a life membership ticket be issued, giving the holder all of the privileges of the Association upon payment of one dollar each, Avith the result that the dollars were handed to the secretary faster than he could Avrite the receipts. In this way enough WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION 347 money was raised in a few minutes' time to pay the entire in debtedness. The present auditorium was erected by the Assoc iation in 1896. For nearly half a century the festival gatherings have been held, and the multitudes that assemble there annually is posi tive proof of its popularity. Mr. Robert Grisewood, who Avas one of the early settlers of Perry, spent much time in collecting ancient relics and cur- ALPHEUS S. SIMMONS Trustee of Pioneer Association, and for many years Custodian of the Log Cabin, he was a familiar figure to visitors at the Lake. ios to be placed on exhibition in the pioneer cabin. He met with much success in his search, which extended throughout 348 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY the county, and to the collection thus started, additions have been made from time to time by voluntary contributions. As one enters the cabin, it has the appearance of a pioneer's home. 'ilic open fireplace, with all kinds of cooking utensils in their proper places, is on one side. On shehes adjoining the chim ney is the household crockery. In the opposite corner is the old-fashioned stairway by Avhich the second floor may be leached. At the other end of the room, in one corner, is the primitive bedstead, which was made by boring holes into the • logs at the end and side of the building, and driving in tAvo poles, Avhich project far enough for the length and width of the bed. The poles are supported at the ends by one post. Long strips of barks are woven betAveen the poles and logs, on which the bed is made. The canopy is spread six feet from the floor, as in the olden time, to protect the bedclothing from the dirt tli at may come from above. Underneath is a trundle-bed for the children. In the center of the room are placed several large show cases, where the smaller curiosities are kept under lock and key. Hanging from the Avails in every conceivable place are seen hundreds of valuable relics, which, if lost or destroyed, could never be duplicated. At the top of the stairway at the south of the cabin, is a well lighted attic filled with interesting mementoes of pioneer daj'S. Among these is the famous old wooden mold-board ploAV, made for four yoke of oxen; the mail bag used in the long ago to carry the mail from Geneseo to Angelica ; old grain fans, harness, etc. In one corner of the room is a high bedstead made of black walnut, which was for merly the property of a Alissouri slave-holder. Hanging from the rafters are frames filled with photographs of prominent pioneers. On the main floor is the desk that was used by the late Grover Cleveland at the time that he was mayor of the City of Buffalo, and many other equally valuable relics associ- WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION 349 ated with the history of Western New York as Avell as with this immediate locality. The great accumulation of these priceless relics and the fact that they are in a building that might be destroyed by fire prompted the trustees of the Association to ask that the people of this county vote an appropriation of $5,000 for a suitable museum building that would be at least measurably fire-proof and light and attractive for the care and display of these relics, permitting the pioneer cabin to be solely what it was designed to be, a typical home of the people of the early days. It is hoped that the value and importance of such a building will impress itself upon our people. When given an opportunity to vote upon the proposition it Avas defeated, but it is hoped that if it shall be presented again a faArorable vote will result, per mitting the county to have a museum and historical representa tion of the things that are of inestimable educational value to the coming generations. Nearly eA'ery one in this locality has seen the section of the big tree which stands upon platform just outside of the log cabin referred to, but few have learned of its early history. For centuries this tree stood as a landmark in this section; first for the native American, and then for the pioneer. It grew in a part of the Town of Pavilion, on the farm formerly owned by Calvin Dutton, and was known far and near as ' ' the Giant Tree of Western New York. ' ' It measured 50 feet in circumference at the base, and about the year 1834, at the raising of a house on the farm, 40 men and boys gathered together at one time in the hollow of this tree. There was a sort of doorway or en trance into it, supposed to have been cut by Indians, who found in its capacious hollow, both shelter and rest. That it was knoAvn and honored by them the earlier history of the country shows, and the Batavia and Leicester road, which ran near the tree, was called by them "The Big Tree Road." A large part 350 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY of its top had fallen as long ago as 1815, yet the vitality of the trunk was preserved until the last. Tavo of the lower limbs of the tree Avere broken off about the year 1857, and one of them measured 12 feet in circumference. Conjecture as to its age Steamer "Nellie Palmer," built in 1864 by public subscription. She was the first large steamer on Silver Lake and was the pride of the people for a number of years. She was about 50 feet long by 20 feet wide, with two decKs and a carrying capacity of 150 passengers. She was of the side wheel pattern and could navigate in shallower water than her successors. She burned at her dock several years after the launching of her interesting car eer. She was named after Miss Nellie Palmer of this place, whose grandfa ther was the largest contributor to the fund for the boat's construction. WYOMING HISTORICAL AND PIONEER ASSOCIATION 351 and height is A'ain. Many people believe it to haA'e been at least 2,000 years old. Its resistance to decay, even after being bruised and broken, indicate remarkable longevity. The giant tree fell about the year 1875, during a severe electrical storm, and the portion of its base iioav at the pioneer grounds Avas placed there about the year 1880. CHAPTER XXVI Perry Public Library, the Realization of a Long-Cherished Dream — Beautiful Building Situated on an Ideal Site — Its Steady De velopment. The dream of a public library in Perry had been cherished by many of its people for a number of years, as a particularly desirable institution demanded by the growth of the place. A circulating library was in existence for ten years or more, made possible by the enterprise of some of the women and men who Avere interested in the better class of historical and educational Avorks as well as of fiction. A library was maintained in con nection with the High School, and the friends of each hoped that they would some day form the nucleus of a public library that would better meet the growing needs of the community, to be housed in a suitable building that would be a home for such an institution and at the same time an ornament to the public buildings in the town. The first definite step in the agi tation for a public library was made a feAv years ago, Avhen Airs. L. A. Macomber gave the sum of $25 to the Alutual Friends Club to be used as a "nest egg" for the library fund, that organization being perhaps the most active in the agita tion of the project. An ideal site for the location of the proposed building was the practically abandoned old cemetery on North Main street, on the east side, a short distance above the corner of Alain and Church streets. There were difficulties in the way, which re quired special legislation to overcome, and the aid of Thomas H. Bussey of Perry, then State Senator from the 44th District, was enlisted to secure such legislation as Avould give to the town the permanent use of the site for the purpose proposed. He therefore introduced and secured the passage of a bill which PERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 353 granted such rights to the toAvn at the legislative session of 1912, becoming a laAV on May 7th of that year. After considerable study of the matter and of the best aiethod to secure a realization of the project, Mrs. L, A. Ma- oomber, Mrs. W. H. AlcClelland and Miss Anna Dibble, a com mittee representing the Alutual Friends Club, the oldest literary organization in the town, called upon Supervisor W D Page on March 1st, 1911, and requested him to communicate with Air. AndreAV Carnegie, to see if that philanthropist could not be induced to bestow his favor upon Perry, as he had done upon many other towns and cities of the country. Air. Page at once took up the matter, and after a correspondence coA'er- ing a period of about a year, secured as a result of the solic itation, an agreement from the Carnegie Corporation to give the sum of $12,000 for a library building, providing the people of the Town of Perry would furnish an acceptable site and vote to assure an annual appropriation of ten per cent, for its maintenance. The site was provided, as above referred to, in furnishing the old cemetery property, and a special toAA'ii election was held on Tuesday, Oct. 8th, 1912, to vote upon the proposition to raise annually the sum of $1200 for the main tenance of a public library. There was 336 ballots cast, of which 286 were affirmative and 44 negathe, four A'oid and two blank. Plans for the proposed Library building were submitted by a number of architects, but those of Mr. Beverly S. King of New York meeting with the most favor and the fact being learned that he had furnished plans for many similar buildings, it was deemed advisable by the Town Board, under whose sup ervision the work must be performed, to have them draAvn by an architect especially qualified in such matters by experience gained of requirements in places of this size, and of buildings to meet the special needs. It Avas decided, therefore, to employ 354 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Air. King, his plans meeting the approval of the Carnegie Cor poration as well as the Perry people. The plans were finally accepted during the week of May 7th, 1913, and the contract was let to Mr. Wm. A. Austin of Perry on the 6th day of June, for the sum of $11,400, exclusive of the lighting fixtures. Ground was broken for the building on the 6th day of July, following, and it was completed in the Spring of 1914. On the 27th of May, at a special meeting of the Town Board, the following named were appointed as Library Trustees to serve until the biennial toAvn election in PUBLIC LIBRARY November: Rev. C. H. Dibble, Mrs. Sophie Matteson, Miss Augusta Palmer, Fred W. Johntgen, C. Frank Eaton and Wm. D. Page. Mr. Austin completed his work in a thorough and conscien tious manner, the building being not only a credit to his skill, but an ornament to the town as Avell. Supervisor Page, who PERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 355 gave a large part of his time to personal supervision of the work and in looking after the many details that are incident to building, shares credit for the excellent manner in which the Avork Avas performed, as Avell as in the preliminaries that made its realization possible. The property was formally given over to the people of Perry on Tuesday evening, Oct. 13th, 1914, by Supervisor W. D. Page on behalf of the Town Board, at a well attended gath ering in the beautiful new building. It was accepted by Rev. C. H. Dibble, president of the Board of Library Trustees, on be half of the people. The Library opened for the draAving of books on Wednesday, Oct. 14th, and at the opening had over 2,400 well-selected volumes, that number being increased Avithin the year to over 3,400. Mrs. Jenny L. Nobles, whose long residence in the commun ity and whose extended association with the student bodies of Perry High School, together with her other qualifications was believed to be best fitted for the work, was chosen Librarian, and her splendid record has demonstrated the Avisdom of the selection. MRS. JENNIE L. NOBLES CHAPTER XXVII Statistical Data Showing Growth in Population and Other Import ant Features— Residents Who Achieved Eminence in the Country — List of Public Officials. The following figures taken from Government census re ports, beginning with the first of such reports in 1830, show the development of the town and village. It will be noted that in 1840 the population outside of the village Avas considerably greater than at any period since that time. Year Town Vil. Year Town Vil. 1830 .... 2792 1870 2342 867 1835 .... 2984 .... 1875 .... 2416 1838 .... 870 1880 .... 2510 1115 1840 3087 • • • - 1890 .... 2928 1520 1844 .... 739 1892 ..:..2990 1845 .... 2952 1898 2240 1850 .... 2832 1900 .... 3862 2763 1855 2560 1902 3346 1858 2550 1905 .... 4909 3749 1860 .... 2485 935 1910 .... 5360 4388 1865 . . . . 2366 872 1915 . . . . 5861 5009 It is interesting to note by a study of the above census figures that from 1840 there was a steady decrease in the pop ulation of the town until the time of the construction of the Silver Lake Railway in 1872, from Avhich time a steady increase is shown in the succeeding census figures. The following is a list of residents of Perry who have at tained prominence in elective positions, so far as we have been able to learn them ; Chester A. Arthur, 21st President of the United States, son of Rev. Wm. Arthur, pastor of the Baptist Church from 1834 to 1837. 358 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Rounsevelle Wildman, son of Prof. Edwin Wildman, be came U. S. Consul at Bremen, Germany, Singapore, M. P., and Hong Kong, China. While stationed at Hong Kong, Mr. Wild- man delivered to Commodore George DeAvey the dispatches from Washington containing the Commodore's final orders be fore sailing his squadron to attack the Spanish fleet in the fam ous battle of Alanilla Bay. In that respect Perry is in a measure identified with that notable engagement, Avhich is one. of the most important in our naval history. Alonroe Bingham, afterwards Lieutenant-Governor of Wis consin, Avas a resident of Perry until after his graduation from the Perry Center Institute during the early '40 's. State Senator — Thomas H. Bussey, 1911-1914. Members of Assembly— Calvin P. Bailey, 1829-30. Peter Patterson, 1833-4.* Truman Benedict, 1843-44. Samuel W. TeAvksbury, 1874-5. Henry N. Page, 1882. Milo H. Olin, 1892-3. Byron A. Nevins, 1906-7. * After the organization of Wyoming County in 1841, Air. Patterson Avas appointed one of the Associate Judges. County Judge and Surrogate — Wm. Alitchell, 1843. Prior to the organization of Wyoming County, Mr. Mitchell held the office of County Judge for Genesee County, 1836. County Treasurer — L. A. Hayward, 1856-9. County Clerk— John H. Bailey, 1855. Charles W. Bailey, 1861. Sheriff— Jairus Moffett, 1852-55. Wm. D. Miner, 1861-64. George A. Sweet, 1870-73. AVm. S. Sanford, 1900-1903. STATISTICAL DATA 359 District Attorney — LaVergne A. Walker, 1915. Coroners — Dr. G. R. Traver, John II. Watson, Dr. Phillip S. Goodwin. Dr. James E. Crichton, Avho Avent West A\dien a young man, became Mayor of Seattle, Wash., and afterward Health Com missioner, in which last official position he Avon nation-Avide fame for the splendidly efficient manner in which he improved the sanitary conditions of that thriving western city. He is recognized as an authority upon such matters and has been sought by other cities in various parts of the country to give them the benefit of his knowledge and experience. Judge Arthur Sutherland, who spent a portion of his school days in Perry, became Supreme Court Justice for the SeA'enth Judicial District of NeAv York State. Airs. Carrie AIoss Hawley, Avho has achieved prominence in the literary Avorld, was born in Perry, Avhere she received her early education. She removed to IoAva and became president of the Iowa Authors' Club. The prominent people referred to above are in addition to those mentioned in previous chapters of the History of Perry. The town and village records were destroyed by fire in 1866. Some portions of the toAvn records prior to that time have been found in the county records, but the village records .previous to that date are unobtainable. Supervisors : 1814 — Jairus Cruttenden. 1815-16— Levi Benton. 1817 — John Bowers. 1818-20— Levi Benton. 1821-22— Oren Sheldon. 1823-26— Rufus H. Smith 360 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY 1827-29— Robert Aloore. 1830 — James Symonds. 1831-33— Phicol M. Ward. 1834 — James Symonds. 1835-43— Truman Benedict. 1844-47 — Samuel Benedict. 1848 — Levi H. Parsons. 1849-50 — Jason Lathrop. 1851-55 — John Coleman. 1856-65— Dennis R. Taylor. 1866-70— Samuel W. Tewksbury. 1871-72— Randall W. Brigham. 1873— Samuel W. Tewksbury. 1874-75— Wm. Crichton. 1876-79— Henry N. Page. 1880-82— George Tomlinson. 1883-87— Byron A. Nevins. 1888-89— Robert R. Dow. 1890-91— Charles H. Toan. 1892-1900— Edward G. Matthews. 1901-1902— William W. Grieve. 1903-1906— Byron A. Nevins. 1907-1910— Thomas H. Bussey. 1911-1915— Wm. D. Page. Town Clerk — the first clerk was Warren Buekland, elected in 1814. There is no existing record of the length of time lie served, the next one of whom Ave have knowledge Avas Henry Cleveland, serving in 1844. From Mr. Cleveland there is another lapse of record until 1857, when B. B. Higgins was clerk. The record since that time is complete, shoAAdng the fol lowing named : E. H. Wygant, 1858-65; R. C. Mordoff, 1866-68; W. J. HON. THOMAS H. BUSSEY State Senator from the 44th District. 362 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Chapin, 1869-79; H. A. Cole, 1880-1902 ;C. G. Clarke, 1903-1912; C. N. Read, 1913-1915. Village Officers Presidents Clerks 1866 R. D. Higgins 1867 Mortimer Sharpsteen Geo. A. Sanders 1868 John S. Thompson Geo. A. Sanders 1869 Samuel L. Chapin Geo. A. Sanders 1870 Samuel L. Chapin Geo. A. Sanders 1871 Lyman G. Alorgan Geo. A. Sanders 1872 Russell C. Mordoff Geo. A. Sanders 1873 Jerome Allen Robert A, Patchin 1874 Jerome Allen Robert A. Patchin 1875 Henry N. Page R. W. Benedict 1876 R. C. Smith R. D. Higgins 1877 R. C. Smith R. D. Higgins 1878 H. C. Loomis Alorris A. Lovejoy 1879 H. C. Loomis Alorris A. Lovejoy 1880 Dr. G. R. Traver Morris A. Lovejoy 1881 M. C. Williams Wm. D. Page 1882 M. C: Williams Wm. D. Page 1883 Geo. W. Grieve Wm. D. Page 1884 Geo. W. Grieve Alorris A. Lovejoy 1885 Geo. W. Grieve Morris A. Lovejoy 1886 R. H. Stedman Alorris A. Lovejoy 1887 R. H. Stedman Wm. D. Page 1888 R. H. Stedman C .Al. Smith 1889 R. H. Stedman C. Al. Smith 1890 A. H. Lowing C, Al. Smith 1891 W. H. Matteson C. M. Smith 1892 W. H. Matteson C. Al. Smith 1893 Geo. W. Grieve C. Al. Smith 1894 John H. Watson C. M. Smith 1895 Thomas H. Bussey C. M. Smith 1896 Wm. D. Page C. M. Smith 1897 Wm. D. Page C. M. Smith 1898 Wm. D. Page C. Al. Smith 1899 Wm. D. Page C. Al. Smith 1900 John Harding Oscar N. Bolton STATISTICAL DATA 363 1901 Thomas H. Bussey 1902 Thomas H. Bussey 1903 Charles H. Toan 1904 Charles H. Toan 1905 Robert R. Doav 1906 Earl V. Jenks 1907 Earl V. Jenks 1908 Patrick J. O'Learv 1909 Patrick J. O'Leary 1910 Patrick J. O'Leary 1911 Chester A. Carmichael 1912 Charles II. Toan 1913 Fred D. Fanning 1914 James E. Cooper 1915 James E. Cooper Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. Oscar N. BoltonBoltonBolton BoltonBoltonBoltonBoltonBoltonBoltonBolton Bolton BoltonBoltonBoltonBolton The following is a list of those who have served as Post- DR. HUGH M. SCRANTON Postmaster of Perry for a quarter of a century. 364 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY master: James C. Edgerly, Thomas Edgerly, Benjamin Gard ner, Wm. Turner, Willard J. Chapin, Sr., Rufus H. Smith, An son D. Smith, Abram Lent, H. K. Whelpley, Jason Lathrop, George A. Sanders, Hugh Al. Scranton, George W. Grieve, Joseph E. Cole. pr- jmm WM. H. HAWLEY Postmaster at Perry Center for many years; Index Clerk of the State Assembly and prominent in Republican State politics. Postmasters at Perry Center Tab-.ott HoAvard. Jason Lathrop, Henrv Cleveland, Charles AIcEntee, Daniel Ball, I. G. Bishop, W. H. HaAvley, Jr., Aliss Alillie HaAvley, Frank I). Hodges. This office Avas discontinued in 1912, being abolished be cause of the service by the rural free delivery routes. At one time in its history the office paid an annual revenue of $600. STATISTICAL DATA 365 Roster of Professional and Business Men of Perry This list does not include all of the different branches, as the writers have found it to be an almost endless task to secure all of them in all of the lines. We have had to be' content with those who have been most prominent in the business and pro fessional life of the town. Physicians — Jabez Ward, Jacob Nevins, Ezra Child, Otis Higgins, Alason G. Smith, George L. Keeney, Jonas Huntington, Z. W. Joslyn, Jonathan Howard, R. A. Patchin, C. A. Dake, T. M. Harvey, J. Post, Wm. H. Hull, At. G. Davis, C. R. Barber, Charles R. Pierce, W. Green, T. R. Huntington, Samuel Ellis, Gilbert R. Traver, Wm. Crichton, L. L. Rockafellow, J. H. Wheeldon, L. W. Hunt, — Hannon, James Crichton, D. W. Rudgers, Henry King, Mvron King, John Harding, Phillip S. Goodwin, C. L. Parker, Miss S. E. Ullyette, George Westfall, Mrs. Annie H. Pierce, W. J. Austin, Albert C. Way, A. B. Straight, Clifford R. Hervey, George H. Peddle, James S. DaAV- son, J. S. Wright, J. R. BroAvnell, C. R. Brown. Dentists — Silas Smith, J. Naramore, C. G. Bartlett, H. M. Scranton, E. M. Scranton, Charles R. Calkins, F. H. Cole, F. M. Washburn, E. M. Read, Frank M. Crocker, Robert W. Cal kins. Attorneys — Robert Aloore, Calvin Pepper, M. C. Hough, Linus W. Thayer, I. M. Stoddard, Levi Gibbs, J. J. Pettit, Wm. Pettit, L. A. Hayward, Wm. Mitchell, J. E. Lee, George Hast ings, Blennerhassett, N. E. Thomas, A. A. Hendee, D. L. Gilman, A. Lent,.Rollin Rice, E. B. Fisk, G. L. Walker, Morris A. Lovejoy, Owen Harris, Barna C. Roup, W. Dennison Olm sted, Lavergne A. Walker, Charles W. Johnson, George M. C. Parker, Carlos J. Toan. General Merchants — James C. Edgerly, Bailey & Hatch, Thomas Edgerly, Benjamin Gardner, Richard Bagley, DeZang, Wm. Wiles, M. Stratton, Rufus H. Smith, Hoag & Bailey, Bailey & Sherman, Orris Gardner, Phoenix & Brother, Cleveland & Clark, Armitage & Faulkner, Thomas Humphrey, L. B. Parsons & Son, E. L. H. Gardner & Co., Parsons & Clark, Clark & Mitchell, P. Cady, Smith & Graves, D. Graves. Cleve land & Graves, Aplin & Huntington, C. P. Bailey & Son, Cory- 366 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY don & Weed, S. W. Merrill & Son, I. Macomber, S. W. & C. Merrill, George L. Davis, Cook & Morse, C. & A. D. Alerrill, An son D. Smith, Henry N. Page, S. P. Clark, Henry W. Barton, John H. Bailey, J. H. & C. W. Bailey, Robert Grisewood, F. 0. Bullard & Co., Mordoff & Higgins, R. C. Alordoff & G. B. Olin, Eugene Andrus, Russell C. Alordoff, A. II. Sleeper, Robert Stainton, G. M. Davis, W. H. Hawley, Hawley & Son, E. & L. Bullen, C. F. Eaton. Grocers — Elijah Hammond, Walter Little, H. W. Barton, Jivah Higgins, R. T. Hill, Hicks &. Bailey, B. B. Hicks, Burt & Hosford, R. Stratton, Enos W. Frost, Williams & Stedman, George Pritchard, Geo. Pritchard & Co., Columbus P. Andrus, Charles Parker, Andrus & Cole, J. B. Higgins, J. B. Higgins & J. W. Olin, Higgins & Hatch, Wheele'r & Garrison, AV. Wallace. Smith & Garrison, Billings & King, C. Westbrook, F. 0. Bul lard, Bullard &. Stainton, Marcus D. Smith, Rufus H. Stedman, S. Bavne, John S. Garrison, Hatch & Cole, Stedman & Hart, W. H." Herron, H. J. Ellsworth, Hatch & Co., Williams & Mace, Locke, Williams & Stedman, Phillip J. Cooper, Cooper &. Newman, S. S. Caswell, Paul Armstrong & Co., B. F. Rollah, Casterline & Hollister, Ben J. Tyler, Hatch, Cole & Roche, Hatch & Roche, C. R. Sutton, S. C. Allen, Watkins Bros., Wat- kins &. AtcKurth, C. N. Read, B. F. Eberstein, Garrison & Ma comber, Alacomber & Grieve, Straight & ATanGilder, M. A. Ma comber, O'Brien & Kennedy, Charles Kennedy, Wernham Bros., F. D. Hodges & Co., Albert Ames, Al. F. Streeter, Hovey Bros., A. II. Hovey, Al. F. Commiskey & Co., W. G. Roche, Chas. Balis- trere, Francis Ballistrere, Alarshall & Sons, F. B. Smith, Irving H. Eaton, F. L. Stewart, Schaumberg & Son, A. L. Colburn, Frank Rychlick, Rae Jones. HardAvare — E. P. Clark, Huntington. Wvckoff & Tuttle, Wvckoff, Tuttle & Olin, R. J. demons, F. C." & D. S. Walker, D. S. Walker, F. 0. Bullard & Co., F. H. Alburty, Al- burtv & Soper, E. Cooper, Smith & Lowing, Smith & Martin, Tallman & Son, A. AV. Tallman, AL H. Olin, Al. H. Olin & Son, T. Y Aloore, Eaton & Alepham, Olin & Peek, Olin, Peek & Grieve. Olin & Grieve, C. Frank Eaton, Walter T.Olin, Harry II. Chaddock, Ireland & Cone, Joseph Ireland. STATISTICAL DATA ::rt; Druggists — Joseph Lamberson, Hubbard & Wakelee, Cal vin L. Hubbard, Clark & Mitchell, David Alitchell, S. & B. B. Higgins, Wright & Allen, John H. Terry, Willard J. Chapin, Chapin & Olin, Alilo H. Olin, James H. OAven, George J. AVat- son, Watson & Son, John Harry Watson, C. Newton Read, Fred H. Mason, Mason & Baker, Baker & Roberts. Dry Goods — Cook & Currier, N. P. Currier, R. C. Alordoff, Alordoff & Currier, Mordoff & Torrey, E. II. Andrus & Co., Yale & Williams, Robert Stainton, Bullard & Stainton, M. C. Wil liams, AVilliams & Whelpley, M. C. Williams & Co., Gillett & N. P. CURRIER Prominent business man of the early days and active in local affairs. Tomlinson, Gillett & Co., W. A. Gillett, Charles Wise, -I. Clar ence Lillibridge, Nast & Fitch, T. B. R. Fitch, George A. White, Royce & Wright, C. L. Coburn, Wise & YanEtteii Co., S. H. Weithorn. 368 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY Booksellers, Stationers, Etc. — E. M. Tompkins, A. D. Smith & Co., Henry N. Page, R. D. Higgins, Byron Nevins, Wygant & NeA'ins, E. H. Wygant, Spencer F. Lang, Stewart & Jeiickes, Sidney J. Jenckes, Ray Severns. Jewelers — J. B. Flower, Seymour Sherman, E. Al. Kimball, James Huntington, Chapin & Olin, John H. A\ratson, Robert KershaAv, L. G. Abbott, KershaAv & Son, Al. J. KershaAv, F. A Allen. Photographers — Al. N. Croeker,- Heath, Ab bott, W. C. Duryea, W. C. DaA'is, Andrew Lynd, James Thayer, J. W. Olin, C. W. Tallman, W. A. Bassett. M. N. CROCKER Leader in musical circles in the middle of the century. Photographer Avho had an enviable reputation as an artist. STATISTICAL DATA yCs) Clothiers — Daniel Richards, J. S. Westlake, J. S. Bravton, S. N. May, H. K. AVhelpley, Alexander Morton, R. C. Alordoff, S. GoldAvater & Bro., Fred Seegar, S. Gokhvater, Tallman Bros. & Co., Tallman & Noonen, Mortimer Duryee, Fred C. Bliss, Jenks & Bliss, Johantgen Bros., Fred AV. Johantgen, Nesinith &. Phillips, Salmon & Ettingshaus, D. W. Watson, Smith & Schouten, C. A. King Co. Musical Instruments — German Sweet, L. B. SAveet, E. D. Sweet. J. W. Martin & Bro., Wm. E. Copeland, Albert R, AVat- rous, Watrous & Rumsey. Shoe Dealers — J. King, Slocum & TenEyck, John TenEvck, E. Higgins & Son, Peter Alburty, AV. J. Chapin & Co., AV. '& J. Ridsdale, Levi D. Warren, Besancon & Lawrence, George C. Chapin & Co., Moffett & Brown, Smith & Butler, A. C. Barras, R. C. Smith, J. B. Shearman, A. H. Sleeper, Alexander Cole, Abram White, C. S. Smith & Co., A. Cole & Son, Charles S. Smith, A. White Estate, H. A. Cole & Son, George A. White, AV. J. Gregg, George L. Peck, Lester Shoe Store, P. J. Cooper, Sal mon & Ettingshaus. Furniture Dealers — David A. Shirley, J. S. Horton, Hooper & Buttre, Nelson Edgerly, W. T. Buttre, LeAyis & Stout, 0. E. Lewis, Gilbert H. Westlake, Martin Post, Howell & Jenkins, F. L. HoAvell, W. 0. Davis, Caleb Tarplee, B. A. Nevins & Son, Hart & Grieve, Tarplee & Stowell Co. Markets — J. N. Bolton, Homan & SAveet, C. H. Homan, Ho man & Prindle, Al. S. Sweet, Donlon & Gibney, Donlon, Gibney & VanDresser, C. W. VanDresser, T. H. Commiskey, LeAv Kim ball, Homan & Austin, J. N. Austin, I. J. Elling, Al. A. Alacom ber, Hamilton & Smith, Charles Hoyt, EdAvard AranArsdale, M. F. Commiskey, B. F. Hodges. 370 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY WM. D. PAGE President of First National Bank JAMES NEWTON WYCKOFF President of Tempest Knitting Co. PROMINENT MEN IN PERRY'S HISTORY 371 CLARENCE M. SMITH Cashier of The Citizens' Bank. WALTER T. OLIN Vice-President of The Citizens' Bank. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY -.*s* i 3*v iffflfiiiHiilt**- P r"'. .' s CHESTER A. CARMICHAEL Prominent in Village and Educa tional affairs. CHARLES H. TOAN Prominent in Village and ToAvn Affairs. PROMINENT MEN IN PERRY'S HISTORY 373 HON. BYRON A. NEVINS Active in local matters; Supervisor Member of Assembly. HON. SAMUEL W. TEWKSBURY Prominent in Early Life at Perry Center; Supervisor and Mem ber of State Assembly. 374 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY ADDENDA Since the publication of the chapters dealing with the earlier hist ory a few additional facts haAre been gathered and are Inserted here in order to make it as complete as possible. Also, a few corrections are here made: In Chapter I., page 9, third paragraph, it states that "Mary Jemi son and her descendants continued to reside upon this tract until 1816, when she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute and removed to the Cattaraugus Reser vation." It should read: "Mary Jemison and her descendants con tinued to reside upon this tract until 1816, when she sold all but two square miles on the west side of the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute. The remaining part she sold in 1831 to Henry B. Gibson and Jellis Clute and removed to the Cattaraugus Reservation." Amos Smith, who came to Perry in 1808, joined the United States Navy in the War of 1812 and won the rank of ensign. Jonathan Child, who is mentioned in Chapter II, page 31, as a partner of Benjamin Gardner, removed to Rochester and later became that city's first mayor. James Edgerly and his son-in-law, Thomas Bachelder, with their families came to Perry from Vermont in 1811. They settled near the present site of LaGrange at what later became known as "Edgerly's Corners." Mr. Edgerly remained there but a year and removed to the Village, as mentioned in Chapter II. In the Methodist Episcopal Church history, page 155, it will be noted that the name of Mr. Bachelder is mis-spelled, appearing as Batchelden. David Nevins, brother of Dr. Jacob Nevins referred to in Chapter III, came to Perry in 1815. He returned to his former home in Danville, Vt., and with his brother Jacob he came in 1816 to Perry to reside. Robert Watson came to Perry in 1817 and took up land now owned by Wilbur Watson. This tract has been in the possession of the Watson family continuously for 99 years. Mr. Robert Watson is buried in the cemetery at West Perry. In the list of Members of Assembly, published on page 358, it will be noted that Henry N. Page is credited with one year (1882) ir. the Assembly. He was re-elected in 1883 and served two terms in the State Legislature. ADDENDA 375 REV. JOSEPH RUDZINSKI Rector of Polish Catholic Church. 376 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY "Putting the town on the map" is somewhat of a slang expression that has come into quite general use. Until about the year 1914 the Town of Perry did not appear on any of the Government maps, and to an interested Perry citizen, Mr. E. D. Bloom, belongs the credit for dis covery of the neglect. He called attention of Government authorities to the oversight and made urgent request that it be remedied, with the result that he was responsible for literally "putting the town on the map." John S. Westlake, who Avas born m Somersetshire, England, in 1811, came to Perry in 1847 and followed the trade of tailor, later engaged in the ready-made clothing business. His store Avas de stroyed by fire in 1856, and in 1858 he erected the brick block known as the "Goldwater block," on Main street, in Avhich he conducted a successful business for a period of 30 years, when he sold to the Goldwater Brothers. The building was seriously damaged in the fire of 1891. Mr. Westlake was prominently identified with the First Baptist Church of Perry, of which he was a deacon. He died on April 23d, 1892, and his remains Avere laid at rest in Hope Cemetery. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 377 The value and importance of having the history of Perry compiled and published at the period in which the work was undertaken may perhaps be better appreciated when the reader's attention is called to the people to whom the writers are under great obligation for facts secured, statements verified and letters or documents kindly loaned, who have since passed to the Great Beyond. Without the infor mation gained from them it would be impossible now to present the facts as completely and authentically as they appear in this history. Those referred to are Harwood A. Dudley, Jerome Edgerly, Thomas R. Buell, Aaron Axtell and Charles A. Chapin. To Mrs. Sarah Clark Austin, for many years an instructor in Perry Union School, we acknowledge with appreciation our indebt edness for much of the matter pertaining to Perry Academy and the Union and High School, as well as other educational institutions. To Mr. M. N. Crocker for many of the photographs made by him, from which we were able to reproduce the engravings; also for facts in regard to musical organizations. To Albert Richards, Benjamin Hollister, Amos Austin, James L. Wade of Perry, and Ansel Keeney of Gainesville for Civil War data. To Mrs. F. O. Bullard for the use of scrap books containing much valuable information relating to local history. To Rev. C. H. Dibble, Rev. Clara Morgan, Mrs. Abbie Andrews, Mrs. Charlotte Sutherland, Henry B. Stainton, J. D. Handley, Mrs. F. I. Cross and Rev. H. A. Waite for ecclesiastical history. To the following named for securing facts or verification of them in many lines of the work: Hon. B. A. Nevins, Garrett D. Roche, Ros- well Brown, George W. Silver, James Newton Wyckoff, Prof. W. H. McClelland, Oscar N. Bolton, Mrs. Harriet Read McMaster, W. L. Chapin, George Nevins, W. R. Bathrick, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Wood, Eu gene Webster, Mrs. Maria Bailey Andrews, Miss Augusta Palmer, B. B. Tewksbury, Miss Mary A. Westlake, T. Alton Pierce, Dr. F. M. Crocker, Guy Comfort, Hon. Thomas H. Bussey, Samuel Cole, T. H. Donnelly, C. M. Smith, W. D. Page, G. K. Page, W. T. Olin, P. A. Oliver, K. P. Smith, W. W. Grieve, Miss Lizzie Crake, Miss Lily Peck, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Garrison, C. A. Safford, S. A. Hatch, C. S. Ball, Mrs. Jennie Bills Watkins, Mrs. J. Clevenger, Mrs. Mary Twitchell, Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Smith, Fred D. Fanning, Joseph E. Cole, Dr. P. S. Goodwin, Ham- FRANK D. ROBERTS CARL G. CLARKE 380 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ilton Waldo, Arthur C. Stowell, Peter Schenck, W. S. Benedict, R. S. Baker, E. R. Kershaw, Raymond Taylor, C. W. Torrey and W. W. Aikin. To any others who have directly or indirectly given us assistance and who may have been inadvertently overlooked, we acknowledge our appreciation for favors shown. The preparation, compilation and publication of this history has covered a period of nearly four years, taking such time as could be spared from active duties in husiness lines, and while the task has been an arduous one it has nevertheless been a labor of love. We realize that it has many imperfections, as neither of the writers makes any claim to being a historian. The purpose has simply been to prepare and present a history of the town for its first century period in chro nological narrative form, giving as far as possible such intimate details of what news writers call "local color" as will make it of permanent value not only to descendants of the pioneers, but to all others as well who have an attachment for the town by reason of its being their birth place, the scene of their school days, or for other sentimental reasons. With the earnest hope that it may not prove to be "Love's -labor lost," we dedicate it to Perry and the splendid people who have helped to give the community the character and standing that have won for the town such a favorable reputation, not only throughout Wester* New York, but beyond the confines of the Empire State. We wish to acknowledge our obligations to Photographer W. A. Bassett for pictures from which half-tone reproductions have been made to provide illustrations for this book. We present this history with a full realization of its imperfec tions as a product of the printer's art, but as the work has had to be done at such intervals as our regular newspaper work would per mit, and often in haste that prevented such painstaking care as we desired to give it, we trust that readers will appreciate the handi caps we have had and take it for what it is designed to be — a his tory of Perry for its first century, prepared as accurately as possi ble and published in a readable and neat form to insure its perma nence. FRANK D. ROBERTS. CARL G. CLARKE. INDEX INTRODUCTION 7 CHAPTER I 9 Early History of Wyoming County — How Formed — First Settlers — Mary Jemison — Indian Allen. CHAPTER II ¦ 18 Various Names of the Town — How Formed — Acreage — ¦ Early Settlers and Where They Came From. CHAPTER III 37 Anecdotes of Calvin P. Bailey — Pioneer Physicians — Early History of Perry Center, West Perry and Castile. CHAPTER IV 5© Perry of 1840-45 — Manufacturing and Business Places of that Period. CHAPTER V 59 Early Industrial Development — Distilleries, Asheries and Foundry. CHAPTER VI 89 Manufactories that had an Important Part in the Growth of the Town. CHAPTER VII 96 Educational Institutions of the Early Days — Private and Public Schools. CHAPTER VIII 112 The Old Perry Academy — Perry High School — Roster of Graduates. CHAPTER IX 139 Churches of Perry — Ecclesiastical History. CHAPTER X 178 Gold Excitement of 1849— Perry Men Who Caught the Fever. CHAPTER XI 184 Silver Lake Sea Serpent; — Affidavits of People Who Saw the Monster — The Exposure. CHAPTER XII 204 Political Divisions — The Anti-Slavery Crusade — Campaign of 1840. CHAPTER XIII 214 Perry's Part in the Civil War — Organization of the 24th New York Battery— Battle of Plymouth, N. C. CHAPTER XIV 224 Sketch of the Surrender of the 24th New York Battery — Horrors of Andersonville — Roster of Volunteers from Perry, 1861-65. CHAPTER XV 236 The Press of Perry — Cemeteries — Banking Institutions and Their Founders. CHAPTER XVI _• ¦ 251 Highways, Bridges, Etc. — Maps Showing Growth of the Vil lage Since the Early Days. CHAPTER XVII 25S Early Transportation by Stage Coach and Canal — Long and Bitter Struggle to Obtain Railroad Connections — The Men Who Made It a Reality. CHAPTER XVIII 273 Theaters and Amusement Places — Conception and Realiza tion of Town Hall and Auditorium — Hotels. CHAPTER XIX . 286 The Most Costly Fires — Organization of the Volunteer Fire Department — Department Building — Motor Fire Truck. CHAPTER XX 302 Agitation for and Installation of Water Works System — Intimate History of the Campaign. CHAPTER XXI 318 Successful Campaign for a Sewerage System — Legal Con test Won by Village. CHAPTER XXII , 325 Street Lighting — Local Telephone and Natural Gas Sys tems — Rapid Development. CHAPTER XXIII 331 Musical Organizations — Singing Societies, Bands and Orchestras. CHAPTER XXIV 338 Secret Organizations — Early Institution of Lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows. CHAPTER XXV 344 Silver Lake Agricultural and Mechanical Association — Wy oming Historical Pioneer Association. CHAPTER XXVI 352 Public Library, the Realization of a Long Cherished Dream —The Site and Building. CHAPTER XXVII 357 Statistical Data, Showing Growth ;n Population and Other Important Features — Residents Who Achieved Emi nence — List of Public Officials— Roster of Business and Professional Men. ADDENDA 374 INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS Andrews, Josiah 210 Andrus, David 63 Andrus' Mill Pond; 1870 76 Atkins, Prof. M. R 118 Bailey, Calvin P 206 Bridge, (old wooden) on Gardeau street 64 Brigham, R. W 345 Brooks, Rev. W. R 152 Bussey, Hon. T. H 361 Carmichael, C. A 372 Catton, T. B 175 Chapin, Willard J., Sr 68 Churches and School 160 Citizens Bank 248 Clarke, Carl G 379 Columbia Village, Map 254 Congregational Church 140 Crocker, M. N 368 Currier, N. P 367 Dann, Prof. Charles H 114 Davis Grist Mill 74 Dibble, Rev. C. H 164 Fire of 1856 287 Fire of 1891 294 First Baptist Church 146 First National Bank 247 First Train on Silver Lake R. R 268 First B., R. & P. Train into Perry 269 Garrison Block Fire 296 Gillespie, v^alter 246 Green, Miss Mary 120 Hawley, W. H. Jr 364 Huntington, Prof. Charles . . . 103 Hollister, B. H 225 Jemison, Mary (Statue of) Frontispiece 4 Jemison, Mary 10 Keeney, Dr. George L 49 Lacy, Alanson 81 Log Cabin of First Settler. . . 20 Macomber, Lewis A 249 Main Street, 1865 222 Main Street (section) 1867.. 71 Main Street, 1895 292 Masonic Temple 340 Matthews, E. G 267 Merrill, Cyrus 115 Methodist Episcopal Church 154 Military-Naval School 138 Moffett, Jairus ' 69 Morgan, Rev. Clara 167 Motor Fire Truck 298 Nevins, Hon. B. A 373 Nevins, Dr. Jacob 48 Nobles, Mrs. Jenny 356 Old Perry Academy 112 Olin, Hon. Milo H 84 Olin, Walter T 371 Page, Hon. H. N 245 Page, Rev. Joseph R 163 Page, Wm. D 370 Perry Academy 122 Perry High School 125 Perry Knitting Mill 86 Perry, Map, 1853 255 Perry, Map, 1915 256 Perry Village, South View, 1840 51 Pierce, Mark A 179 Polish Catholic Church 375 Presyterian Church [ iqi Public Library ' 354 Pumping Station, 1895. . . . . . 303 Read, E. M U9 Record Office .>40 Richards, Albert 990 Richmond Mill ' ' ~g7 Roberts, Frank D / ' :^„ Robeson Cutlery Factory. ... 90 Robeson, Millard F 88 Rudzinski, Rev. Jos 375 Safford, Pembroke 234 St. Joseph's Church 170 Sea Serpent Cartoon 184 Sea Serpent Cartoon 201 Scranton, Dr. H. M 363 Simmons, A. S 347 Smith, Clarence M 371 Smith, Judge Rufus H 33 Steamer Nellie Palmer 350 Stowell, David P 159 Tavern, The 284 Tempest Knitting Mill 92 Tewksbury, Hon. S. W 373 " Toan, Chas. H 372 Tomlinson, Geo 75 Tomlinson 's Mill 78 Town Hall 280 Traber, Geo. M 249 Traver, Dr. G. R 289 Tuttle, Richard T 62 Tuttle, Willis H 246 Universalist Church 167 Village Hall 300 Wade, J. L. (1864) 336 Walker, A. B 283 Walker House 282 Ward, "Bill" 259 Ward, Phicol M 143 Wyckoff, James 263 Wyckoff, J. N 370 Wylie, James 65 |V> iffi!