Early Settlers of Chautauqua County
Return to Chautauqua County Gen Web page.
Formed from Pomfret and Villenova, April 30, 1829. A part of Pomfret was annexed in 1830. It comprises the territory of township 5, range 11, according to Ell icott's survey of the Holland Purchase.
Original Purchases in Township 5, range 11 (Arkwright)
Those not mentioned above who were early settlers are:
Jonathan SPRAGUE-1811; Daniel SAUNDERS on lot 56 (had 6 daus. Lois Ann wife of Marshall PARSONS; Mariett, wife of Silas MATTESON; Clarissa,unmarried; Jane, wife of Morgan RICE; Amarett, wife of L. Courtney BALDWIN;and Hope, unma married.). Alla and Zebina WILLSON, and Rbt. COWDEN, who married their sister 1811 lots 53 and 54. Their father Reuben WILLSON- 1817 - he had 13 children.: James BLACK, lot 10. ;
Supervisor-William WILCOX;Justice of Peace- Isaac BUMPUS, John G. CURTIS, Lewis E. DANFORTH
Town Clerk-Aaron FOSTER;
Assessors- Adrus Huyck, Daniel HARRINGTON, Lewis TUCKER.
Commissioners of Highways- Isaac THOMPSON, Joel WHITE, Aaron V VAN VLIET.
Collector- Daniel WEAVER.
Overseers of Poor- Silas MAY, Charles CRAWFORD.
Comms of Schools- Isaac BUMPUS, Ira WHITE, Lewis E. DANFORTH.
Inspectors of schools Andrus HHUYCK, Timothy COLE, James SPRAGUE.
Constables- Edw. B. KINGSLEY, David WEAVER
ARKWRIGHT EARMARKS
In the Chautauqua Genealogist, CCGS newsletter, Feb. 1992 Vol 15 No. 1 is an article entitled Arkwright Earmarks by Karen E. Livsey. A list of individuals whose earmarks were recorded in 1830 in the record book of Aaron Foster- then Town Clerk of Arkwright, appears in the article along with a description of the earmarks of each individual and the date the earmark was recorded.
Earmarks were used to identify
a persons cattle, sheep and swine. Ms. Livsey also gives a
list of recommended readings for those wanting to
know more about earmarks and related records and
their genealogical value.
The original book with drawings of the earmarks is kept
at the Fenton Historical Center in Jamestown, NY. This small
book also contains minutes of early town meetings (Arkwrigt),
his justice of peace entries, his accounts from a
later period and other town information; as well as
the earmrks which appear on pages 200-206.
A reprint of the article can be obtained from the CCGS or you can contact
the FHC for further.
Alphabetical List of those registering earmarks in 1830:
Bliss, Zenas G.; Burnham, Stephen; Chase, Stephen; Chase, S.
Nelson; Clinton, James; Clinton, Simeon; Cook, Hosea B.; Cook,
Lyman; Dibble, John; Cranston, Samuel; Griggs, Solomon; Foster,
Aaron; Fuller, Alvah; Hoisington, Daniel; Johnson, Uriah
L.; Kingsley, Bela; Kingsley, Edward B;. Kinsley,
Stephen P;. Luce, Moses; Marsh, Thomas; May, Silas; Stebbins,
Simeon; Stodard, Simeon A.; Tucker, Lewis; Wallar, Lory; Wilbler,
Jerry W.; Willson, Edwin.
Busti, Named for Paul Busti, general agent of the Holland Land Company. Formed from Ellicott and Harmony, April 16,1823. Comprises the west half of township 1, range 11. Excepting the four north lots which were annexed to Ellicott in 1845, and six teirs of lots from tp. 1, range 12.
Original Purchases in Township 1, range 12
OTHER Early Settlers:
Lawrence Frank,lot 62; Heman Bush,lot 60 (1811); John Frank (1811) Russell Dyer; James Slade; Laban Case; John Frank Jr; Nicholas Frank; Stephen Frank (left Busti 1817- died TN.); Wm Stearns; JAmes Davidson; Timothy Tuttle; Wm Northrop and sons Joseph,John and William (from England).; Gideon Gifford; Uriah Bentley; Daniel Shearmn; George Stoneman; JEremiah Gifford (cousin of Gideon); Abraham Sherman; A. Phelps; Thompson Cowan; Samuel S miley; Zadoc Root; Ephriam Wilcox; Solomon Hastings; and others.
Carroll- formed from Ellicott in 1825. Named in honor of Charles Carroll- signe r of Dec. of INdependence. Kiatone was taken off in 1853- (see Kiatone)
Carroll comprises township 1 range 10.
Original Purchases in Township 1, range 10.
Other Early Settlers:
Otis Moore;Luther Howard; Edmund White; Otis Alvord, Luther Forbish, Dorastus Jo hnson, Jacob Adams, Moses TAft, Hiram Thayer, Veron Eaton, Dutee Herrington, John Townsend, Christopher Whitman.
The first town meeting was held on March 6, 1826. Supervisor- James HAll. Town Clerk- John Frew. Assessors- James Parker, Levi Davis, James Frew. Comm of Highways- E. Kidder, Geo. W. Fenton, Simeon C. Davis. Overseers of Poor- E. Kidder, Geo W. Jones- Collector- Asa Moore. Constables- Asa Moore, Hiram Dickerson. Comm of Schools- John Frew, James Hall, James Parker. Inspetoors of schools- Wm Sears, Simeon Covell, Levi Davis. Pound Keepers- Geo. W. Fenton, Wm Sears.
NO info on any firsts.
Charlotte was formed from Gerry, April 18, 1829, and comprises the 4th township in the 11th range. Named from a town having that name on Lake Champlin, in Vermont- was suggested by Mrs. David Randall an early settler.
Original Purchases in Township 4, Range 11.
Other Early Settlers. Nathan and Oliver Cleland (brothers of John) Samuel Cleland and his father John Sr. 1811. Freeman Ellis, Jacob Hall, JAmes Cross, David Ames, Eliakim BArnum, Caleb Clark, Edward Dalyrymple, Robert Seaver, BArna Edson, John Edmonds,Daniel JAckson, Aaron Seaver, Oliver Gilmour, Wm. Berry, Chauncy Andrus,CAlvin Abbey, Henry Smith, Wm. Luce, Peter Odell, Nelson MAnsfield, Samuel Hurley, John Thorn, Thomas Pearson, Wm. Wright, Thomas Dickenson, William Hilton,
Chautauqua was formed from the town of Batavia, April 11, 1804 and included all of the territory now embraced in the limits of the county, excepting the 10t h range of townships, which was added in the formation of the county, Pomfret was taken off in 1808, Portland in 1813, Harmony in 1816 and Clymer,Elle ry and Stockton in 1821. It comprises all of the land in town 3 and the whole of town 4 in range 13, and more than half of town 3 and a small portion of town 4 in range 14.
Original Purchases township 3 Range 13- West side of the Lake.
Township 3, Range 14 -West of the LAke.
Township 4, Range 13- North Part of the Town.
Township 3, range 13- East of the Lake.
Other Early Settlers:
Richard Whitney; Ichabod Wing; William Hunt; Robert P. Hewes; David Morris; Alfred Paddock; Daniel Adam; Robert Donaldson; Ava HArt; Jacob Putnam & sons Jacob Jr., Ranson, Amos, John & GEorge W.; Joseph Davis; Peter Barnhart & sons Jonathan, Peter Jr., Henry (all by first wife) by 2nd wife had MAry, Jackson, Royal, MAria, Warren, Eliza, Arthur and Alson; NAthan C heney & brother Daniel Cheney; Darius Scofield- sons- Seeley, Darius, Glenni, Be nj., Timothy; Jahn MAson; John Milkes- sons- Rand, Orrin, Corey, Daniel; Ammi Arnon; Philo Hopson- Sons- Lyman, Linus, Stephen, HArry, Philo Jr.; William BAteman; Dexter BArnes;The brothers of Darius Dexter- all of whom came t o Chaut. Co in 1809- John , Wm, Daniel, Winsor, Otis, Samuel, George and Stephe n.; Jonathan Thompson and others....
First Town Meeting held at the Cross Roads (now Westfield), April 2, 1805. Officers elected were: Supervisor- John McMahan Town Clerk- James Montgomery Assessors- James McMahan, Benj. Barrett, Wm. Alexander. Com'rs of Highways- Thomas McClintock, James Dunn, Arthur Bell.
Constable- John Lyon Fence Viewer- James Perry Overseers of Poor- Zattu Cushing, Abraham Frederick. Poundmaster- David Kincaid Overseers of Highways- Orsamus Holmes, Peter Kane, Samuel Harrison.
The proceedings of the town meeting were rendered of no effect by a mistake in t he name of the town. The mistake was in the spelling of the town "Chataughque
As a result- 3 justice of the peace appointed officers and chose all of those elected except for Zattu Cushing, in whose place was appointed Orsamus Holmes and Mr. Cushing was Appointed as an additional fence viewer.
A justice who resided beyond Buffalo came and administered the oaths of office t o the first town officers.
In 1806, the town meeting was held at Canadaway (now Fredonia) elected were;
Supervisor- John MCMahan Town Clerk- James Montgomery Assessors- Wm Alexander, John S. Bellows, Thomas Prendergast. Com'rs of Highways- James Dunn, Abraham Frederick, Thomas McClintock. Collector- John Lyon Constable- Abner Holmes & Andrew Spear Pound Masters- Thomas McClintock, Abraham Frederick Fence Viewers- David Eason, George Whitehill, Basil Burgess.
Cherry Creek was formed from Ellington, May 4, 1829. Comprises township 4, range 10. Cherry Creek village is a little south-east of the center of the town, has a post office, the only one in the town. The censter of the township was found, in the survey, to be on a little island in the stream, where was growing a smal l red cherry tree. Mr. Bentley, the axe-man, cut it down, drove down a stake and named the stream "cherry creek", which afterwards also gave name to the town .
Original Purchases in Township 4 Range 10.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS
James Bates (1815); Wyman Bugbee (1815); Samuel McConnell (1812); Benj. Follett (1816); G. Redington (1816); Daniel Hadley- 1817 with 6 or 7 full grown children- 3 of his sons were- Niles, Alvah and John P.; Daniel Waggoner; Moses E lls; Clark Losee; Isaac Brown; Wm, S. Bullock; George W. Hitchcock; Ira Tanner; Elkanah Steward; Anson Newton; Alvah BAnnister; Ora PArker; John Essex; J. Richardson; Ora Parks; Eben Abbey; Putnam Farrington; Enos Bronson- with sons William,Horace,Allen Lee, and Munson M.; Wanton King; Joseph Crumb; Enos Matteson; Aury Cronk; Thomas Wilcox; Isaac Curtis (1816); Stephen Curtis- brother of Isaac; JAmes Carr; Wm Carr- brother of JAmes (1829); Daniel B. Parsons and son Reuben; Jairus Nash; Gardner Crandall- he md twice and had 21 children; Jared Ingalls; wm. Weaver; Thomas Mount- had 8 sons-6 daus.- in town were- Ezekiel, john, Hezekiah, Furman, Samuel,and Rebecca.; Robert JAmes; Hudson Smith; Niles and Alva Hadley; John Howard; NAthaniel Dunham; Arthur Hines; John Mulkin and others.
Clymer was formed from Chautauqua, Feb 9, 1821, and now comprises the single township 1, of range 14. Mina having been taken off in 1821; French Creek in 1829; and Sherman, in 1832. In 1875 about one-half of the population of the town was Hollanders and their descendents.
Original Purchases in Township 1, Range 14.
Other Early Settlers:
Silas Freeman-from Cayuga Co- 1828- had 13 children of whom 3 were Darius, Walter and Leonard.; Peter Jaquins,1820; Ralph Pettit, had children- Justus, Clarissa, Lovena, Ralph, Charlotte, Polly, James, and Burrows.; Samuel Wickwire,1828- had 4 sons- Samuel, Nathan, Ira G.
Alfred Y. and 2 daughters- Mary, wife of William Rice and Cornelia, wife of William Wells.; Charles Brightman, had no sons but a large number of daughters- moved to Mason City, Iowa.; Alexander Maxwell, sons - Charles, Samuel, Edwin and William, a daughter md William Cleveland.; Dr. Peck- he was an early physician in Clymer.; David Phinney- had 3 sons- Daniel P., Harvey A. and David.; Artemas Ross, son of Charles Ross, md Mary Jones- daughter of Thomas Jones.
First Town Meeting- was held on April 3, 1821- and the following named officers were elected:
Supervisor- Ande Nobles Town Clerk- David Waldo Assessors- Wm. Rice, Roger Haskell, John M. Fitch Com'rs of Highways- Roswell Coe, John Cleveland, Alexander Findley School Inspectors- Ephriam Dean, Ande Nobles, John Lynde School Com'rs- John Heath, Roger Haskell Overseers of Poor- Alexander Findley, Roswell Coe. Fence Viewers and Damage Appraisers- Wm Thompson, Amon Beebe Jr. Roger Haskell
Constable and Collector- Eli Belknap
1st birth- Patience Russell in 1823.
1st Marriage- Walter Freeman and Abigail Ross in 1823.
Wm. Rice was the first Blacksmith and Maria Stow, sister of John Stow- taught the first school. 1st physicisn was Roswell F. VanBuren-1826.
Dunkirk was formed from Pomfret, Nov 17,1859, the division line being the north line of lots 2, 9, 15, 21, 26, 31, 35, 38. Dunkirk comprises township 5 in the 12th range- except for the two southern tiers of lots which remained in Pomfret.
Original Purchases of Lots and parts of Lots within the present Town of Dunkirk.
Other Early Settlers:
Timothy Goulding-1808;Daniel Pier; Abraham Pier; Elisha Jenkins; Walter Smith; Mosely Wells Abell- son of Thomas and Eunice (Griswold) Abell; John S. Beggs; John Bond; James Barnaby; Levi Persons; James Hale; and others.
no information available on first town meeting or officers. also no firsts in births, deaths and marriages- perhaps beacuse this was a later formed town.
Ellery was formed from Chautauqua, February 29,1821 and named in honor of William Ellery, a signer of declaration of independence. A part of Stockton was taken off in 1850. It now comprises all of township 2, of range 12, lying east and north of Chautauqua Lake, together with township 3 of range 12 and an addition of about 9 lots from the narrow strip of township 3 range 13, lying east of the lake.
Original Purchases Township 2, Range 12- Town of Ellery
TOWNSHIP 3, RANGE 12:
Part of TOWNSHIP 3- RANGE 13.
Other Early Settlers:
Filer Sackett; Enos Warner; John Love- had sons Frederick, John , Henry and Christopher and daus- Sally, Milla and Ellis.; Josiah Hovey; Lawrence Stom; Wm. Atherly; Henry Strunk; Henry MArtin; Thomas Arnold; Joseph Loucks and sons John, Daniel, and Hiram and daus- Margaret md Jeremiah Griffith and Polly wife of Wm. Youker later came his older sons- Joseph, Henry, Peter and David and dau Charity, wife of John Rice.; Elijah Hale; Wm Youker; Peter Pickard; Isaac N. Baldwin; John Miller; Jacob Johnson; Truman Hills; John Tompkins; Abraham Becker; Samuel Young; Ezra Fuller; Harvey Hale; and others.....
The first town meeting was held in 1821 but namesd of those elected are not known.
The earliset Supervisor knwon was Almon Ives.
no info on first birth, death or marriage.
ELLICOTT was formed from Pomfret, June 1, 1812. THe town comprised townships 1 and 2, in ranges 10 and 11. Busti was taken off in 1823, Carroll in 1825 and Poland in 1832.
To allow for expansion of the city of Jamestown and for the city to remain in one town, a tier of 8 lots from township 1 was annexed on the south- the western 4 lots being taken from Busti in 1845; and the eastern 4 lots being taken about the same time from Carroll. [See Maps]
Original Purchases in Township 2, Range 11.
The first town meeting was held in April of 1813. The following were elected as officers:
Supervisor- James Prendergast. Town Clerk- Ebenezer Davis. Assessors- Solomon Jones, Benj. Covell, Wm. Deland. Com'rs of Highways- Wm. Sears, Michael Frank, Labon Case. Overseers of Poor- Joseph Akin, Stephen Frank. Constables- James Hall, Labon Case. Collector- James Hall. Fence Viewers- Ebenezer Cheney, Aaron Martin.
There were no Comissioners or Inspectors of Schools until 1814.
The first settler within the present bounds of Ellicott was William Wilson who came from PA.
EARLY SETTLERS:
James Culbertson-from Meadville, PA in 1806. Eli Eames- from Dover, VT. in 1816. Benjamin Ross- from PA, md Margret- dau. of John Armstrong and sister of Mrs. John Frew. Ross was born 1793 in N.J. and died 1824 in Cincinatti, Ohio and near which several of his brothers resided. Robert Falconer- from Scotland to NYC- was in cotton trade- 1819 to Sugargrove, PA- his son Patrick came to Ellicott in 1832. Oliver Sherman- came to Ellicott a widower and never remarried- had son Philip and several daus. Wm. H. Strunk- came at age 11 with his parents Jacob and Elizabeth Strunk. Samuel Whittemore; Edward Work; Dr. Shaw; Jonas Simmons; Lawrence Frank; Theron Plumb; Phineas Palmeter Sr. and son Phineas Jr. ; Levi Leonard; Lemuel Smith; Ebenezer Davis;
FIRST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION:
July 4, 1816- a celebration was held at the house of Stephen Frank. (now in Busti). There was a general turnout but most especially of the democrats, who had in the proceeding April elected their whole ticket for the first time since the town was organized. There was a firing of an anvil- dancing to the fiddle music of Ebenezer Davis- Food was provided at a cost of 25 cents per person. Speeches and toasts were given. There were present the following named Revolutionery Soldiers: Jacob Fenton; ______ Wellman; John Owens; John Jasper Marsh; Stephen Wilcox; Joseph Loucks; Eliphalet Steward and perhaps others. This was the year of "no summer" and the grass was frozen stiff and the ground quite hard. [ an article on The Year of No Summer will soon appear on this page].
GO TO JAMESTOWN
Ellington was formed from Gerry, April 1, 1824. It comprises township 3, of range 10. Cherry Creek was taken off in 1829. It borders on Cattaraugus county on the east. No information on how it was named.
Original Purchases in Township 3- range 10.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Andrew Mather; Elizur Bagg; Leach brothers- James, Amos, John and Joseph; John Woodward Jr. and brother David Woodward; George Shulters; Wm. Risley; James Fisk- brother of Friend Fisk; Corydon and Vinal- sons of Abner BAtes; Adna Kinsman; John Shaw; Salmon T. Case; Israel Carpenter; Allen Bagg and brother Hiram Bagg; David Ransom; Isaiah Nessle and brother Joseph Nessle came from Onondaga county in 1832.; John Conet; and others...
First town meeting was held March 1, 1825. Following are names of officers elected:
Supervisor- James Thacher Town Clerk- Cornelius H. Nicholson Assessors- Robert James Jr., John LEach, Charles Thacher. Overseers of Poor- Almanzo Hadley, Reuben Penhollow, Ward King. Com'rs of Highways- Robert JAmes, Ira Gates, Henry McConnell. Constables- Geo Spear, Cornelius Nicholson, Parley Eaton. Inspectors of Schools- C.H. Nicholson, David Spear, Parley Eaton. Sealer- John P. Hadley. Pound Keepers- Benj. Ellsworth, Montgomery Evans, Nathan Brown. Fence Viewers- Daniel Green, Nathan Brown, Reuben Penhollow.
FRENCH CREEK was formed from Clymer, April 23,1829. It is the south-west corner town in the county. It is comprised of Township 1 range 15.
Original Purchases in Township 1, Range 15.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Parley Bloss- 10 children: Aden, PArley, William, Reuben, Calvin, Richard, Benjamin, Hannah, Caroline, Sarah, Marietta.; Samuel French and 5 sons- Healy, Russell, Hiram, Prescott and Franklin.; Ira Gleason; Nehemiah Royce; Rensslaer W. Kennedy; Alfred White; and others....
The first town meeting was held in March, 1830. Following are names of elected officers.
Supervisor- Alexander Wilson Town Clerk- Isaiah Golding Assessors- John Gotham, Nathaniel Thompson, Silas W. Hatfield. Collector- William Thompson Overseers of Poor- Paul Colburn, Augustus Bolles. Com'rs of Highways- Parley Bloss, John Gotham, Royal Herrick. Com'rs of Schools- Wm. Hooker, S.O. Colburn, Eli Belknap. Inspectors of Schools- D.H. Peck, A. Noble, Ephraim Dean. Constables- Wm. Thompson, George Adams. Justice- Ephraim Dean.
1st school taught by Polly Forbes in 1817.
1st death- a child of J. Inglesby, in 1818. 2nd death- Joseph Forbes, 1818. 3rd death- William son of Nathaniel thompson, aged 3 yrs.
Church members:
Baptist- 1821: John Jones; Roswell Coe; William Adams; Nathaniel Thompson; A.M. Higgins; Wm Thompson; Amon Beebe
M.E.- 1830: Rev. J.K. Hallock and Rev. J. Chandler; Isaiah and Betsey Golding; William and Amy Adams; Moses Olds and wife; and Mrs. Bowles.
GERRY was formed from Pomfret, June 1, 1812, and comprised townships 3 and 4, of the 10th and 11th ranges. Ellington, including Cherry Creek was taken from Gerry in 1824, and Charlotte in 1829. Gerry now comprises the 3d township in the 11th range.
The first settlement was made in 1810.
Early settlers included:
Amos Atkins- his brother-in-law Stephen Jones- both of Vermont came in 1810.; William and James Gilmore- 1810 lot 56.; Melzer Sylvester, brother-in-law of the Gilmores and father of Fordyce and Henry Sylvester.; Hugh B. Patterson, also a brother-in-law of Melzer and the Gilmores, came to Fredonia in 1808 and moved to Gerry in 1811. In 1811 the old Chautauqua road from Mayville to Ellicott was cut through and on this road over the next few years settled: Elijah Haswell, Cornelius DeLong, Jesse Dexter, Zaccheus Norton, David Cobb, John Love, Ichabod Russell, Abner Comstock and Seth Grover. Another Early settler was Abner Dingley. Wm Alverson came in 1812- with him were- Hezekiah Myers and Hezekiah Catlin. Also in 1812 came Porter Phelps, Dexter and Nathaniel Hatch, a little later Solomon and Reuben Fessenden came.
Most of the above came from Vermont and the settlement in Gerry was called Vermont.
In 1816 Wm Olney; James Bucklin (1817)-he kept the first tavern- his sons Willard,James and Lovel came with him, His daughter Betsey md Paul Stom- who also came in 1817.; Sylvanus Eaton father of Walter,Lyman, Pearl and Harry Eaton came 1817 as did John McCullough,Calvin Cutting, and Robert Lenox, (of Ireland) father of Robert, John and William Lenox.
1818- John Hines, Wm. Newton, Gardner Salisbury (the first Miller), Elder Jonathan Wilson and his son William R. Wilson; Gilbert Strong and sons Horace, Gilbert, David, Jason, and Onan Strong., During this year Alvah Eaton was killed by the felling of a tree.
1819- Wm M. Waggoner, John McAlister, Isaac Cobb and sons Freeman, Isaac, John and Roland Cobb.
Other Settlers before 1840 were:
Howard B. Blodgett, Levi Cowden, Henry Warner, Elisha Baker, Stoddard Cannon, James Alverson, Benj. Matthews, Cobb MAtthews, Stephen Pratt, Skelton Palmeter, Sidney E. Palmer, Nehemiah Horton, Henry Kirk, Jesse Walker, Wm Mellen, Joel Ward, Jeptha Heminger, David Ostrander, Benj. and Joseph Wheat, Mr. Rugg, Dr. Fargo, Ammi and James Chipman, Abiel Robbins, Benj. Wait, Paul Starr, Capt. Dingley, Wm. Shapardson, Mr. Stearns, Pliny Shepardson, Jerry Abbey, Stoddard Cameron and others....
The first town meeting was held on May 2, 1830. Officers elected were:
Supervisor- Hugh B. Paterson. Town Clerk- Howard B. Blodgett. Assessors- Wm. Mellen, Wm. Waggoner, Calvin Smith Com'rs of roads- Wm Mellon Jr., Willard Bucklin, Horace Strong. Com'rs of Schools- Benj. Tuttle Jr., James Scofield, Nathan Hatch. Inspectors of schools- Wm. Mellen Jr., James Bucklin Jr., And Samuel Goodrich. Overseers of Poor- Wm. Gilmore, Gilbert Strong. Collector- Wm. Gilmore. Justices- Leander Mellen, Hugh Paterson Sealer- Nehemiah Horton. Poundmaster- David Cobb.
1st birth was in family of Stephen Jones in 1812. 1st death that of Clarinda Atkins- wife of Amos in 1815.
HANOVER was formed from Pomfret, June 1, 1812. Villenova was taken off in 1823 and part of Sheridan in 1827. It comprises township 6, Range 10. A part of the Cattaraugus Indian reservation lies in the north-east part of the town.
Original Purchases in Town of Hanover
Other EARLY SETTLERS:
Ephraim Hall - had sons; Solon,Rev. Wm, and Benj. F.; Lyman Howard; Philo Newton & sons- Philo, Isaac, Samuel, Lyman, Charles George, and Henry; Rufus L. Bonney; Charles A.H. McGregor; Reuben E. Moore; William Cole; Rufus Reed; Asa Gage; Albert G, Adsit; Henry Wilcox; Abraham, Joseph, Ralph and Alvin (brothers) Plumb; John I. Thorn, a Quaker; Niram Sackett; Ezikiel Gurnsey; John J. Gurnsey, brother of Ezikiel; Cephas R. Leland; Thomas B. Stoddard; Abiathar Gates; Sylvester Andrews; David Woodbury; Jacob Burgess; Alpheus Coon; Ethan Angell; and others.....
No record of first town meeting has been found. Although it is said that Joseph Brownell was chosen as Supervisor.
At the 1814 town meeting the following were elected:
Supervisor- DanielRussell. Town Clerk- Elisha Skinner. Assessors- Nedabiah Angell, Martin Tubbs, Ezra Puffer. Collector- William Jones. Overseers of Poor- Joseph Brown, Daniel BArber. Com'rs of Highways- Thomas White, Dennis Barnes, Reuben Edmonds. Constable- William JOnes. Com'rs of Schools- Seth Snow, Daniel Russell, John E. Howard. Inspectors of Schools- James BAll, Elisha Skinner, Artemus Clothier.
Early Businessmen at Silver Creek
Abel Cleveland; David Dickinson; John E. Howard; Thomas Kidder; Nehemiah Heaton; Norman Spink; Artemus Clothier; Joseph and Wilson Andrews; Hollam and John Vail; James Howard; Stephen Clark; Manning Case; John M. Cumings; Oliver Lee; Clark Smith; Ephraim Ballard; Henry H. Hawkins; Ezra Convis; Oliver L. Swift; H.N. Farnham; Charles Lockwood; George Farnham; Uriah Spencer; Albert D. Dow; Larned Gale; Jonathan Keith; Wm. Keith; Alfred H. Rann; N. Wattles; Jacob Burgess; Dr. Calvin Wood; Dr. Daniel Ramsey; Dr. Aurtin A. Ackley; Dr. Jeremiah Ellsworth; Mr. Rathbun; Peyton Cook; Elisha Ward; Wm. D. Talcott; Bushnell Andrews; Edmund Clark; Samuel Scoville; Ezekiel Montgomery; Jacob Morrison; Luther Briggs; Haven Brigham; Simeon Howes; and others.....
Early Businessmen and Settlers at Forestville
Jehiel Moore; Jonathan L. Bartoo; Samuel Swan; Daniel Barber; John Hurlbut; Albert H. Camp; Wm. Colvill; Benj. Eastwood; Robert Morrison- had sons- John, Adolphus,Robert,Ransom, Wilson and Orrin; John McClanathan; Rev. James Bennett; Rev. Benj. P. Hill; Harvey Holbrook; and others.....
Early Churches in Hanover
First Baptist formed 1811. Founding members were: Dea. Joseph Brownell and wife Rebecca; Dea. Salmon Munger and wife Charlotte; Uriah Nash and wife Ada; John Huntley and Polly, his wife; James R. Knapp; Darius Sayles and Anna Morehouse.
Second Baptist Church formed 1817. Founding members were: Christopher McManus,Prudence McManus, Clement and Abigail Strang; Asher and Polly Cooley; Samuel S. and Dorothy Burdick; Martin B. and Laura Tubbs; Betsey Waterhouse; Anna Holbrook; Abigail Snow; Daniel Farnham; Wm. Heaton; Loana Russell; JAmes Bennett; Hannah Ellis; Tabitha Alden; Joseph Devine; Lucinda Pierce; Samson Trask; Lorena Morrison; Hannah Danley; Loana Griswold; Barbara Lewis; Elijah Devine; Nathan and Rhoda Mixer; and Elnathan Ellis.
Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at Silver Creek in 1819. Founding members were: Liscom Mixer, Norman Spink and their wives.; and Artemas Clothier.
Presbyterian Church at Silver Creek was formed 1831. The trustees elected were: James Brace, Ephraim Hall, John Reid, David Anderson, Daniel Rumset and Wm. HAll.
No info on first town meeting or any 1st birth, death ,marriage.
This synopsis incompasses both Harmony and North Harmony.
HARMONY was taken off from Chautauqua, Feb 14, 1816. A part of Busti was taken off in 1823. It comprised townships 1 and 2 in range 13, together with two tiers of lots in townships 1 and 2 in range 12, from PA line to Chautauqua Lake, and two additional lots in township 2, 12th range, south of the lake, which included the village of Ashville. Making it the largest town in the county.
NORTH HARMONY was taken off from Harmony on Jan 1, 1919. Due to this late date. The pioneer information of these two towns remains combined for this synopsis.
Original Purchases in Harmony- Township 1, Range 13.
Original Purchases Township 2, Range 13.
Original Purchases Township 1, Range 12.
Original Purchases Township 2, Range 12.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Thomas Bemus was the first settler in the town, built a log cabin near the lake- was a bachelor at the time. Myron Bly- came 1809 from Otsego Co.- his father Asa Bly.
SLAYTON family- Reuben Jr. came from Springfield, Otsego Co. with his father and brother Thomas- his father returned to Otsego with plans to bring the rest of his family but soon after died and no more came.
MATTESON family- Wm. Jr. and Estys, brothers, came in 1810- their father Wm. Sr. in 1811,(died 1858 in his 99th year), with son Victor- dau Mehetable md to Isaac Carpenter.
CARPENTER family- Josiah came from Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., NY in 1808 and bought 1,000 acres. His son James settled on part of this land in 1808- James and young wife stayed first in Thomas Bemus cabin, where son was born that year- first birth in town. In 1811, Josiah returned with 4 sons- Daniel B., Isaac, Josiah Jr, and Timothy- his 7 daus md respectively: Israel Carpenter, Orange Phelps, Gilbert Ward, Oliver Pier, Samuel Green and Henry Hosier- Mary was unmarried.
HURLBUT family- Zaccheus bought in 1816 and his brother Samuel soon after, and on lot 7 was Nathaniel, son of Zaccheus. Nathaiel had son Elias who md and had 2 daus. Samuels sons were- Chauncey, Hosea and Edson.
Daniel Loomis, a Methodist local preacher- had sons Eli, Francis, Levi, David and George- his dau Rhoda md Wm. Farrard and another dau md Orrin Salisbury. Wm. Scofield, a brother of Mrs. Daniel Loomis settled on an adjoining lot.
Wanton Morey, from VT; Levi Rexford and brother Isaiah; Joseph Ticknor from Thompkins Co. -had sons Joseph N., Hiram and Luther B.
HOAG family- Charles and Isaac Hoag came from Onondaga Co. , sons of Amos Hoag. Charles had sons John and Sanford.
John Morton from Onondaga Co., in 1818- had son Ransom. Edmund Wells, of Wasington Co.- 1826- sons John, George. Charles Saxton, 1826 had several sons- who all left this area. Edwin Gleason from Mass.- deacon of Baptist church- son Edwin. Orton Marcy from Alleghany Co about 1822- sons Hiram, J. Madison. Peleg Gifford from Washington Co.- 1844- sons Holder, George, Edward and Henry. Homer Pringle from Otsego Co.- 1826- sons Henry and Homer Jr. Elijah Burt- 1824- sons Ethan and Everett and dau md Leander Deming.
WELLMAN family- William D., Philander, and Murray- all sons of Ford Wellman of Busti- settled here.
Emanuel Smith settled first in Busti,1822- and removed to Harmony in 1830- near his son Cyrus. John Badgley, had sons Asa and Nathan. Obidiah Morley- 1810. Samuel P. Durham-1822. James Peter Ploss-1830. Orson Whitford from Saratoga Co.- to Bradford,PA then to Harmony in 1817- sons LeRoy and Solomon.
SOME SETTLERS IN VICINITY OF PANAMA:
Eleazer Daniels, 1821,-had sons Lyman, Wm., Warren, Jarvis, George. Samuel L. Paddock from Herkimer Co.- son Samuel Jr. Thomas Wiltse and brother David on lands adjoining- the same year Eleazer Wiltse and John settled in the village. Reuben F. Randolph from Orange Co.- 1842- had sons James, Thaddeus, R.F. Jr. and daus Caroline md Edward Southland, Ellen md John R. Ransom and Louisa. Amos Tanner- 1822.
BUTTON family- Rufus and brother Elijah about 1827. Another brother Joseph- had sons Alvin, Lucius, Joseph and Osmand, The children of Alvin were; Francis, Franklin, Henry, Emily, Aurelia and Maria. Sons of Lucius were Levi and Joseph.
COOK family- Stephen and his brothers William G. and Elisha came from Onondaga Co. 1827. Stephen had son Orlando. Wm. G.- had but one arm- the right one lost in a threshing machine. He preformed the various kinds of labor- chopping, splitting rails, logging and farming with the same ease and expediency as his neighbors and even hired out to chop by the acre for others- his son was Lyman. Ebenezer G. Cook, a cousin of the above Cooks from Oneida Co. 1823. Had 11 children: Philander, DeForest, Edwin, Henry, Mary md Harrison King, Cornelia md Ira Beecher, Eliza, MArgaret and 3 d.y. Elihu G. Cook, brother of Ebenezer also settled here early- he was a graduate of a medical college in Cleveland and practiced at Fredonia Randolph and Buffalo.
KNAPP family- Jehu and his son Noah came in 1821- of Jehu's six sons 5 came to the county- Noah, Darius, Levi, Orrin and Cyrus.
Robert Lytle and Elihu Wing both settled in 181. George Hawkins, from Oneida Co.-1822 or 23.- had 5 sons- George, James, Francis, Orrin and Albert B. and daus Emeline md James Harter, Adelia md DeForest Cook. Nathan Hawkins, brother of George and Marvin Pardee- settled near George a few years later. Joshua Rich- Methodist local preacher- son Reuben. Cyrus Ransom in 1825- sons Cyrus, Samuel, Willard, Asa and Thomas.
The first town meeting for election of officers was held in 1816- No record of those elected is available. Although Palmer Phillips is recorded as representing town at suprvisors meetings.
On April 1, 1817 the following were elected officers:
Supervisor- Palmer Phillips Town Clerk- Orange Phelps Assessors- Wm. Matteson, Daniel B. Carpenter, Joseph S. Pember. Com'rs of Highways- Palmer Phillips, Wm. Matteson, D.B. Carpenter. Com'rs of Schools- Palmer Phillips, Joseph Pember, Orange Phelps. Collector- Wm. Matteson Jr. Canstables- Noah Chapman, Wm. Matteson Jr. Overseers of Poor- Obadiah Morely, Israel Carpenter. Pound Masters- Wm. Matteson, Israel Carpenter, Josiah Palmeter. Fence Viewers- Thomas Bemus, Nicholas Webber, Timothy Jenner. Sealer- Jonas Lamphear.
The first saw-mill was built by Reuben Slayton Jr. in Ashville, in 1811- to which a grist-mill was soon added. Israel Carpenter, with Oliver Pier and Stephen Groom built about 1820 a saw-mill and grist-mill at Blockville. A saw-mill was built around 1825 by Francis W. Mather- 3 miles south of Panama. Isaac Carpenter built a mill in 1828 a mile below Blockville. A saw-mill was also built by Harvey and Theron Bly in 1847 on Goose Creek.
The first store was kept as early as 1818- name of proprietor is unknown. Titus Kellogg, Alvin Williams and Adolpheus Fletcher had stores at Ashville in 1821. Mr. Fletcher built an ashery and soon after Ephriam Beery built an ashery and distillery - There was at one time four asheries in the place- hence the name ASHVILLE. Probably no other place in the county ever had a greater number at one time.
The first tavern was built in Ashville in 1824, by James McClellen.
A tannery was built in 1826 by Daniel and Joseph Williams (brothers), the first in town. In 1829 a tannery was built in Panama by Orrin Matthews.
Dr. Vine Elderkin, from Madison Co., was the first physician at Ashville- had ch.- Harriet, Mary, Henry, and Jan md Wichham Hatfield. Later physicians were: Hiram Alden, Stephen Eaton, Simeon Buzzell, Dr. Dorr, John S. King, Charles Parker, Edson E. Boyd, Irvin J. Bowen, Aaron Skinner and others.....
MORE EARLY SETTLERS IN HARMONY
Palmer Cross, b VT, came from Jefferson Co.,NY in 1827. died 1810 age 83. was second pastor of Baptist church at Panama. md 3 times. 1st- in Jefferson to Naomi Blackmer- 2nd in Harmony to Julia Hurlbut and 3rd Mrs. Sarah Leach. 5ch by 1st wife- Palmer, Eber, Harriet md Daniel Powers, Julia md Humphrey Richardson, and Polly md 1) Alonzo Manley and 2) Clark Robinson.
Joseph Hoyt from Mass- had mercatile at Ashville 1836 then moved to Panama 1844. ch: Arvilla md Thaddeus Randolph, Charles md Emeline Polley, Herbert, and Ella md Wm. Rolf.
Henry B. Lammers, from Holland, in Europe- came 1852 to Buffalo and in 1858 to Panama- was a house builder. In 1867 built the schoolhouse.
John Lewis, b CT, came from Onondaga Co- was Methodist local preacher- 6 ch- of whom 4 were; Alvah, died age 19; Almon went to Wisc.; Abner md Sallt Sweet- had 5ch.- to Winona Minn.; and Levi md Lucy Steward and had 5ch.
Calvin Manley from Marcellus, Onondaga Co.-1821. died Jan 1869 age 80. md in Onondaga Sally Berry. 12 CH- Hiram to Wisc.; Alonzo; Nancy md Henry Cross; Nelson; Solomon; Simeon; Adoniram; Emily md Marvin Hooker to Corry, PA; Elon G. to Erie,PA; JAmes H. to Winona, Minn; Sylvia md Thomas Paige; Henry to Corry, PA.
Simeon Powers from West Cornwall, VT to Bradfors,PA 1807 and to Harmony 1816. died 1842 age 73. Ordained Baptist minnister in PA. Was first pastor in town and conducted the first religious services in town. md Polly Goodyear in VT. had 9 children; Fanny md Ebenezer Pratt; Joel md Polly Hurlbut had 8 ch.; Jeremiah; Caroline md Isaiah Rexfors; Luther md Polly Rundle; Polly md Silas Terry; Rhoda md George Hawkins; Daniel md HArriet Cross; Reuben died age 17.
John H. Pray b Wells, VT came from Essex Co to Panama 1832. Ran a mercantile and studied law. Commence practice 1836. Was J.P. for 20 yrs- member of assembly 1848. 9 ch of whom 6 died young others were- John md Laura Clark of VT; Esther md Ezra Scofield; and Sylvester md Louisa Hibbard and went to Wyandotte, Mich.
Isaiah Rexford- from Bradford,PA 1816. died 1848. md Caroline Powers- 12 ch. of whom 3 sons and 3 daus reached majority: Everett; Lyman; Myron; Polly md Eber Cross; Laura md Francis Bowen; Lois md John Cutler.
SMITH families- Jesse Smith b N.H. to Westfield 1814 then to Jamestown and to Panama in 1823. Built saw ans grist mills there the first in that village. Ch Gilbert; Emily md Geo. Parker; Clement; Henry; Helen md James Winsor; S. Jennis; Alice E. Benjamin Smith, b N.H. cousin of Jesse to Kiatone 1817- md Eunice Dix. to Panama 1825- with Jesse owned land where village now stands. He built first framed house in Panama. Ch- Emeline;Eaton; Nathaniel; and Franklin.
STEWARD families- Eliphalet Steward b. CT 1759, md Mercy Coates, to Frankfort, Herkimer Co- then to Busti, 1811 where he died 1837. His wife died 1813. 4 ch Lucy md Stepehn Wilcox, John (see below), Anna md Walter Crouch, Betsey md Michael Frank.
John Steward Sr., son of Eliphalet- b 1786- md Eunice Wilcox- came with father from Herkimer Co., settled same lot- in 1821 removed his family to Harmony, lot 24. d 1826. Ch. John*, Sardius*, Lucy md Levi Lewis, Stephen W.*, Eliphalet md Clarissa Polley, Almira md Daniel Glidden, Cornelia md Gustavus A. Bentley, Rhoda md Horace Gifford, Alfred W. md 3 times- 1) Minerva Bentley, 2) Julia Hawkins, 3) Cordelia Robinson, Betsey md Henry O. Lakin.
John Steward Jr. b Frankfort 1806- came with father to Busti then to Harmony- md 1831 Joanna Glidden. Was early merchat at Panama- Supervisor twon clerk and member of assembly.- 5 ch. The first two twin sons, the last two twin daughters: Francis C. md Melissa Smith had son John Franklin G. md Eunice Knowles- 2 dau Isabella and Orie., Henry C. md Mary Knapp- served Civil War., Mary E. md Oliver Dalrymple to St. Paul, Minn.- had sons Wm. and John, Martha A.- unmarried.
Sardius Steward- second son of John Sr.- b Frankfort 1808- md 1832 Rhoda Ward. Both Sardius and his wife were less than average height and it was thought by some they would not be able to care for themselves when they married. They belied these thoughts- Sardius became one of the most prosperous farmers in the area and dealt highly in real estate. His children were: Almira md James H. Polley, William md Helen Barker, Sylvia md Henry B. Loomis, Levantia md James A. Abbott, Andrew md Emma Wemple.
Stephen W.- third son of John Sr.- born Busti 1812. His occupation during greater portion of his life was as a farmer. In 1850, he removed to Clymer and opened a mercantile. He removed to Corry, PA where he was president of First National Bank and president of the Oil Creek Railroad. He died Dec. 18, 1867; being one of those killed at the memorable railroad accident near Angola in Erie Co., NY. He md 1) Olive Dexter- had dau. Olive M. md J. Bunday Murray He md 2) Caroline Stevens and William md Emeline S. Murray, Dorlisca md F.E. Mulkie, Dudley d 1868, and Richard P.
WILLIAM(S) families- Daniel William b. Norwich, Mass 1806- his father Daniel Williams, b CT- removed to Mass where he had 7 sons and 9 daus. of whom 4 died as infants. 5 sons, 7 daus. reached majority- Those who came to Chautauqa Co. were: Alvin; Joseph; Earl P.; Danile; Mrs. Gideon Brockway of Clymer; Mrs. John Dawley of French Creek; Mrs. Nathaniel Thompson of French Creek. Danniel Williams (Jr.) came to Westfield in 1820 and in 1824 to Ashville- md 1829 Alemeda E. Comstock of Pine Grove,PA. He was an early tanner and pursued several occupations of manufacturing- pot and pearl ashes, tannery, shoemaking, merchandising and farming. He was supervisor, justice, assessor and 2 terms coroner. Had 5 ch. Addis E. md Ella Brown; Adalaide md Henry B. Clark; Earl P. md Celesta Ellsworth; Alton L. md Kate H. Cullum to Vallejo, CA.
Jamestown is located in the Town of Ellery. Village lots were first survyed and laid out in 1815 for James Prendergast by his nephew Thomas Bemus.
The original purchase of the land was by Martin Prendergast who later deeded it to his brother JAmes. It consisted of about 1,000 acres.
In 1814, Jacob Fenton commenced a pottery business.
Eleazer Daniels and Basset Nicols- blacksmiths
John Burge- had a tanning and shoemaking business.
James Berry- deer skin dresser.
John Blowers- opened a tavern.
The first school was built and taught by Rev. Amasa West.
In 1814 the whole of the land was assessed to James Prendergast. Although much of it was deeded to others.
1815 and on;
Dr. Labon Hazeltine came in Oct 1815- he was the 2nd physician while Dr. Elial T. Foote was the first, by a few months.
EARLY SETTLERS in JAMESTOWN:
Silas Tiffany; Walte Simmons; Horace Blanchard; Solomon Jones; Nathan Cass; David Boyd; Elijah Bishop; Nicilas Dolloff; Abner HAzeltine;Wellford Barker; Phineas Stevens; Rufus Pier; Elmer Freeman; S.E> Colton; Royal Keyes; Wm. Breed; John Breed; Almon Partridge; Wm. Knight; Elisha Allen; Day Knight; Samuel Knight; Silas Shearman; David Dinnin; Frederic Bond; j. Saxton; James MArshall; John P. Shearman; Charles Kennedy; Vernon Morley; Alfred MAson; Alexander Peters; Daneil Hazeltine; Harmis Willard; Tabor Wood; Sedgewick Benham; Smith Seymour; and others....
All were early businessmen in the city of Jamestown.
CITY OF JAMESTOWN:
The first survey of village lots was made for James Prendergast, by his nephew Thomas Prendergast, in 1815.
The city was incorperated March 6, 1827.
EARLY SETTLERS and BUSINESSMEN in JAMESTOWN:
Samuel Green; Thomas Disher; Jediah Prendergast; Martin Prendergast; Samuel A. Brown; A.F. Kent; Eleazer Daniels; Jacob Fenton; Busset Nichils; Patrick Campbell; Wm. Pier; John Burge (or Burgess); James Berry; John Blowers; Nathan Meads; Rev. Amasa West- taught first school.; Dr. Wm. P. Proudfit; brothers- James M. and Thomas J. Winslow; Lorenzo Johnson; Rufus Landon; Henry Morgan; Jonathan Spencer; Sanford Holman; Samuel H. Woodward;
MANUFACTURERS:
The first manufacturer of scythe snaths in Jamestown was Samuel Grafield; a second shop was built by Edward Reynolds and a third by A.B. Cobb and Wm. Broadhead. Others were opened by Nathan and Ezra Breed and W.R. Denslow. Some made a variety of farm implements, as well as the snaths. Most of the products produced were shipped out of Chautauqua county.
The first sash factory was established in 1827 by Sedgwick Benham and Smith Seymour. Others in this business were: John Scott; Albert Smith; H.S. Fox; R.J. and H. Barrows; Mr. Peterson, Johnson and Goodwin.
First tannery was built in 1814 by John Burge. Followed by Wellford BArker; Samuel BArret; James Clark; Phineas Stephens; Salmon Grant; Titus Kellogg; Elias Havens; N.K. Ransom; Orlando Havens; and others.
Rufus Pier and Elmer Freeman commenced the Hatting business in 1816. Hatters in those days furnished merchants about the country with hats to sell, or exchanged them for goods. Their prices for hats were: Wool bodies and muskrat nap, from $4.50 to $8. Castor hats, fur, wool bodies or course fur bodies $8 to $10. Felt hats (wool) according to fineness of the wool sold for $1.50 to $3.00. Fur hats were made from Beaver; Muskrat; Rabbit; Fox and other small animal furs.
The first cabinet maker was S.E. Colton- others in this trade were: Wm and John Breed- brothers; Almon Partridge; Albert Partridge; DeWitt Breed (son of Wm.) and others....
Wm. Knight opened a saddle and harness shop in 1821. Solomon Jones was his partner for about three years. Others who had this kind of shop were: Day Knight; Silas Shearman; John P. Shearman; James Dimmer; Frederic Bond; J. Saxton; James Marshall; Vernon Morely; Alfred Mason; Alexander Peters and others....
Daniel Hazeltine had a cloth-dressing shop and a fulling mill.
Horace Blanchar and Harmis Willard ran carding machines, Custom wool carding and dressing was at its height from 1829- 1833.
Thomas W. Harvey was a gifted machinist and an inventor of many useful items to numerous to mention here. His brother Charles R. Harvey was a blacksmith.
OTHER EARLY BUSINESSMEN:
Augustus F. Allen and sons Augustus & Dascum; Horace Allen; Henry Baker- md 1st to Anna Keyes, sister of Royal Keyes- was a shoemaker and in lumber business- md 2d Maria Fish, dau of Cyrus Fish- 7ch. ; Judiah E. Budlong- mercantile; Charles Butler; Elijah Bishop- a millwright -had 12 ch.; Samuel Brown- a lawyer; Madison Burnett- son of Joel- a lawyer; Woodley W. Chandler- lumber and cloth dressing; Orsell Cook- lawyer and county judge; Reuben E. Fenton- politician; William H. Fenton- son of Jacob- pottery, sheriff, J.P.; Jacob Fenton- public house and pottery; Adolphus Fletcher- established the Jamestown Journal.; Alpheus Hawley- mercantile and lumbering; Luther Lakin- mercantile; Richard Pratt Martin- lawyer, judge and politician; Fitch Shepard- bank cashier; Wm. Tew- md in R.I., Pricilla Fish- 4 sons, 5 daus.- Bank President.; John I. Willson- Lake boat Captain; Elial Todd Foote- Docter, judge- about 1820 he started to gather materials for the early history of the county and amassed a huge collection- which he left to the county- now housed at the McClurg House- Chautauqua County Historical Society. We owe a great debt to Elias Foote- as probably much of this early history would have been lost if not for his efforts.
KIANTONE was formed from Carroll, Nov. 16, 1853. It consists of the east half of township 1, range 11, except the north tier of four lots, which is part of Ellicott. It also includes that portion of township 1, range 10 which lies between its west line and Connewango creek.
Original Purchases in Kiatone- Township 1, Range 11.
Other Early Settlers;
Laben Case; Elick Jones, son of Solomon; Joel Taylor; George Sloan; Samuel Anderson; Charles Boyles; Isaac Walton; Henry Abell; George W. Fenton; Benj. Covel ; Seth Covel ; Simeon Covel ; Jasper MArsh; Benj. Jones, had sons- Austin, Orville, Loren and Henry and dau. Cynthia md Seth Cheney; Ebenezer Chapin; Nathan Alexander;
First town meeting was held Feb. 21, 1854. The following were elected as officers:
Supervisor- Ezbai Kidder. Town Clerk- Levant B. Brown. Justices of the Peace- Levant B. Brown, Martin C. Grant, Charles Russell, Aaron J. Phillips.
Town Superintendent of schools- Francis M. Alvord. Assessors- Joel Scudder Jr., Nathan Alexander, Com'rs of Highways- Simeon Davis, Smith Spencer, Stephen Rhinehart. Collector- Stephen Norton. Inspectors of Election- Milo Van Namee, George Dorn, Stephen Norton. Overseers of Poor- Eddy Weatherly, Joshua Norton. Constables- Stephen Norton, Joseph Davis, Abram Martin, James Griffin.
MINA was formed from Clymer, March 23, 1824. Sherman was taken off Mina in 1832. (see maps). It comprises township 2 in range 15.
Original Purchases in Township 2, Range 15.
Other Early Settlers:
Peter R. Montague at age 15 came with his stepfather- Ezra Bisby; Archelaus Hunt; Aaron Whitney had sons- Isaac, Aaron, Benjamin, Zebulon, James, Hiram, Samuel, and daus.- Phebe md Lorenzo Flowers, Electa md Morgan Tanner, Miranda md Jared Chittenden.; Robert Corbett had sons- Ithiel, Newell, David, Robert, Otis, and daus- Lucretis md James Robertson and Lydia d.y.; Cullen Barnes,; Ichabod Thayer; Charles Ross; George Ross, son of Chas.; David DeClow; Alexander D. Holdridge; Randall Holdridge; Aaron Grimes; William Relf, from England- had sons William, who returned to England with his wife, John, George, Joseph, and Isaac.; George Relf, brother of William; Edward Chambers, of England; Edward BArden of England; Thomas Coveney of England; E. Buss; Ora B. Pelton; Nicolas Combs; Lysias Tucker; and others....
the 1st Pysician was Dr. Bowen
Early Businessmen:
Alexander Findley; Horace Brockway; James Robertson; Wm. Greenman; H.W. Parsons; Cullin BArnes; Dr. John W. Gray; Dr. Henry Wilson; Dr. Charles J. Daniels; Archibald Nixon; Frank Lewis; Henry MAnuel; George Hubbard; Jesse Willard; Clark BArnes; Charles Irish and others.
The first town meeting of Mina was held in 1824 and the following were chosen as officers:
Supervisor- Nathaniel Throop Town Clerk- Roger HAskell. Assessors- Aaron Whitney, Zina Rickard, and Otis Skinner. Collector- Isaac Hazen. Overseers of Poor- Alexander Findley, Orlando Durkee. Com'rs of Highways- Benj. Hazen, Jeremiah Knowles, Potter Sullivan. Constables- Isaac Hazen, Thomas Downey. Com'rs. of Schools- Zina Rickard, Jeremiah Knowles, Alexander Findley. Insptrs of Schools- Daniel Waldo Jr., Isaac Hazen, Samuel Dickerson.
POLAND was taken fron Ellicott, April 9, 1832, amd comprises township 2, range 10.
Original Purchases in Townsip 2, Range 10.
Other Early Settlers:
Dr. Thomas R. Kennedy; Edward Shillito; Edward Work; Ezra Smith; Luther Lydle; Joshua Woodward came 1816 with sons- Reuben, Royal, Lewis, Pierce, and Hiram; Horace Hatson; Amos Fuller; Elihu Gifford; Eliab Wheelock; Charles T. Wolcott; Addison Phillips; Henry Hunt; Obadiah Jenks; Joseph Clark; John Miller; Elihu BArber; Jabez Waite- sons- Ansel, Walter, Galusha, and John ; Samuel Foote; Daniel Wheeler; Josiah Miles; John Merrill; Alonzo Adams; and others.
The first town meeting was on March 5, 1833. The following were elected as officers:
Supervisor- Nathan Fenton. Town Clerk- Nelson Rowe. Justices- Emory F. Warren, Henry McConnell, Samuel Hitchcock and Melancthon W. Smith. Assessors- Melancthon W. Smith, Elmore Terry, Samuel Hitchcock. Overseers of Poor- David Tucker, Cyrus Coe. Com'rs of Highways- Abner Barlow, Isaac Stanbro, Amasa Ives. Collector- Seth M. Avery. Com'rs of Schools- Henry MCConnell, Norton Bill, Linus Mott. Inspectors of Schools- Elmore Terry, Nelson Rowe,Emory Warren. Constables- Seth Avery, John Andrews, Elias Tracy JR., Joshua Phillips and John Simpson.
Dr. Samuel Foote was first Physician and Dr. Nelson Rowe ame next.
POMFRET was formed from Chautauqua, MArch 11, 1808. It comprised the 10th and 11th ranges of townships with the present towns of Pomfret and Dunkirk in range 12. From, 1830, Pomfret comprised 5 and 6 in the 12th range- until 1859 when Dunkirk was taken off. (see maps).
Original Purchases in Township 5, Range 12.
Original Purchases in Township 6, now in Pomfret.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Walter, Milton, Zattu Jr., Lydia and Lucinda- children of Zattu Cushing; Dr. Squire White; Wm. Barker; Hezekiah Barker; Richard Williams; Samuel Geer, Hezekiah Turner; Leverett Barker; and others.....
The first town meeting was in 1808. Following are officers elected.
Supervisor- Philo Orton. Town Clerk- John S. Bellows. Assessors- Richard Williams, Justin Hinman, John E. Howard. Com'rs of Highways- Samuel Berry, Abiram Orton, John MAck. Overseers of Poor- Zattu Cushing, Orsamus Holmes. Constable and Collector- George W. Pierce.
MORE EARLY SETTLERS:
Joel Harrington; Thomas Kepple; Luther Frank;Ephraim Wilson Sr.; Orrin Ford; Harvey Durkee; Abel Beebe; Otis Goulding Sr.; Benjamin Randall; Varnum Bacheller; Willard Blodgett; John Guest; Jacob Guest; Ellsworth Webster; Henry Mumford; Lucius Tuttle; J.H. Mulford; Rosamond Randall; Bela Kelly; Robert King; John and Rufus Martin; Peleg Redfield; Earl Bell Thompson; Alfred Skinner; John Cross; Benj. White; Jonathan Dow; Nathaniel Wood; Levi Warner; Jonathan and Horace Hubbard; A. Freeman; George Steele; Daniel Gould; J. Baldwin; A.S. Moss; and others.....
Early Settlers At LAONA
David Cooley; John Van Tassell; Eliphalet Burnham; Thomas and Hezekiah Bull; Ebenezer Eaton; Joel Harrington; Henry Wilson; Robert Newton; Horace White; H.H. Bumpus; Lyvenus Ellis; Alanson Straight; Samuel BArlett; Jackson Brainard: and others...
1st death was that a female child of Oliver Woodcock- she was age 4 and killed by the felling of a tree. She was buried in what became the Pioneer Burial Grounds.
PORTLAND was formed from Chautauqua, April 9, 1813. The bounds, as described in the act, are precisely those which include the present Towns of Portland, Westfield and Ripley. Ripley was taken off in 1816 and comprised all of the territory west of Chautauqua Creek. Westfield was taken off in 1829.
Original Land Purchases in Portland, Township 5
Original Land Purchases in Township 4.
James DUNN, with his wife and six children, was the first settler in 1804. It is believed no other person settled in the town until 1806.
The first town meeting, then comprising Portland, Westfield and Ripley, was held in April 1814. The following were elected as officers.
Supervisor- Thomas Prendergast. Town Clerk- Asa Hall. Assessors- Jonathan Cass, Oliver Stetson, David Eaton. Com'rs of Highways- John Post, Wm. Bell, James Parker. Collector- Samuel Dickson. Com'rs of Schools- Robert Dickson, Jabez Hurbut, David Eaton. Inspectors of Schools- Elijah Hayden, Amos Atwater, James Parker. Constables-Samuel Dickson, Asa Hall. Over Seers of Poor- James Montgomery, John Brewer.
First Blacksmith- Luther Crosby.
First Wagon-Maker- Cotton NAsh.
A book bindery was formed by Vashni Millet in 1844.
First store opened 1817- kept by Thomas Klumph, son of Augustine Klumph. A second store was opened in 1830 by Abiel and Frank Silver.
First tavern was kept by James Dunn in 1808.
Anna Eaton taught the first school in summer of 1810 and the following winter Augustine Klumph taught in the school house.
A town library was established in 1824.
The grape was introduced by Dea. Elijah Fay as early as 1818 and grew to be the areas number one crop.
There is a "History of Portland" published 1875 which is an excellent reference book for persons researching this area. Many biographies containing places of birth, deaths, and family members are included.
RIPLEY was formed from Portland, March, 1817. It is the north-western most town in the county. Bounded on the north by Lake Erie and on the west by the state of Pennsylvania.
Original Purchases of Land in Ripley.
Most of the early settlers in Ripley located on the tract of James McMahan, and bought their lands from him. The following are the names of ealry settlers on this tract- for which there are no dates of purchase or settlement.
Charles Forsyth, William Alexander-from PA. as early as 1806., Wm Dickson- brother of Robert Sr.- about 1815, Elihu Marvin, John Post- who kept a tavern, Lemon Averill, Thomas Prendergast, Oliver Loomis, Wm. Hunt, Burban Brockway and probably others.
West of the McMahan tract, on the Erie road, the following persons settled: Perry G. Ellsworth- native of New England-1804 or 1805., Orrin Willis, Anson Willis- brother of Orrin.
Other Early Settlers:
Layton Bentley, Reuben Downs, Lawton Johnson, Alpheus Burgess, Wm. Abbey, John and Robert Abbey, Richard BAker, Thomas J. Claxton, Joshua Tinker, Thomas Clemens, Henry Alton, Ansel Edwards, Daniel Deck, Adelbert and John Newbury. Abner Bruce, Seneca Pierce, John Gage, Peter Combs, Zebulon Sinden, Daniel Clark, John M. Healy, Suel Dewey, David Sheldon, Milo C. Hopkins, Benjamin Colton, Joseph Miller, Stephen Eastman, James Burrows, and others.....
The first town meeting was held in spring of 1816. A few of the first pages of the town records having been torn out, a complete list of officers is not available. The following are known to have served.
Supervisor- Amos Atwater Town Clerk- Moses Adams. Com'rs of Highways- Alexander Cochran, Burban Brockway, Wm. Bell. Com'rs of Schools- Elijah Hayden, Stephen Prendergast.
In 1817, the following,a full list, were elected:
Supervisor- Thomas Prendergast. Town Clerk- Moses Adams. Assessors- Alexander Cochran, Stephen Prendergast, Amos Atwater. Overseers of Poor- Burban Brockway, Alexander Cochran. Com'rs of Highways- James McMAhan, Francis Dorchester, Charles Forsyth. Constable and Collector- Moses E. Stetson. Com'rs of Schools- Moses Adams, Amos Atwater, Wm. B. Dickson. Inspectors of Schools- Gideon Goodrich, James Montgomery, Wm. Bell.
First Physician- Alvin Ryan at Quincy, about 1820.
First tavern kept by Samuel Truesdale about 1807. Other early inn keepers were- Elihu Murray, Perry Ellsworth, Oliver Loomis, Asa Spear, John Post, David Royce and E.M. Boswell.
MORE EARLY SETTLERS:
Silas Baird- b Vermont to Ripley, 1811., Benjamin Baird- son of Silas, Azariah Bennett, 1825, Horace Hale- from Schoharie Co. 1811, Hervey Hall- from Washington Co., Jeremiah Mann- from Saratoga Co. to Ripley, 1825., Dudley Marvin, Rev. Samuel Orton- b Ct., David Royce of Ct. , Willis Royce- son of David, John Smallwood, b. England-bio in Youngs H of C., Andrew W. Young, Elizur Webster. and many others....
SHERIDAN was formed from Pomfret and Hanover, April 16, 1827. It comprises township 6 of the 11th range, excepting lots 1,2,3 and 4, which are attached to Hanover.
Original Purchases in Township 6, Range 11.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Buel Tolles- his step father was Stephen Thompson, Newell Gould- had sons- Milton, Frank, Edward and Julius; Samuel Newell- sons were Samuel, Oliver,and Warren.; Thomas Newell- brother of Samuel Sr.- Had sons- Jefferson, Chauncey, Nevins and Corydon.; Griffin Sweet early Methodist minister- had sons- Jonathan, Newman, Caleb and Griffin Jr.; Wm. Doty came from Deleware Co. in 1819- had sons- Asa, Daniel, Peter, Seth, and Joseph, his daughters Susan, md Edmund Mead, and another was wife of Daniel Alden.; Stephen Bush; Otis Ensign- had sons- Wm, Seth ans Seymour.; and others.....
The first town meeting was held in MAy, 1827 and the following were elected as officers.
Supervisor- Lyscom Mixer. Town Clerk- Enoch Haskins. Assessors- Haven Brigham, Otis Ensign, Sheldon Stanley. Collector- Rudolphus Simons. Com'rs of Highways- Nathaniel Loomis, William Ensign, John N. Gregg. Overseers of Poor- Otis Ensign, Jonathan S. Pattison. Constables- Rodolphus Simons, Orlow Hart. Com'rs of Schools- Benjamin Brownell, Royal Teft, Lyscom Mixer. Inspectors of Schools- Elihu Mason, Nathaniel Gray, Samuel Davis.
SHERMAN was formed from Mina, April 7, 1832. It comprises township 2, range 14. Sherman was settled with unusual rapidity, although later than most towns.
Original Purchases in Township 2, Range 14.
The first marriage was that of Lester R. Dewey and Fanny Patterson, with Otis Skinner, the first justice in town officiating.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Benjamin Boorman- from England, 1825.; William MAyborn; John Thorp- from England; Richard Bliss, also from England, 1826; Joel Hill; Bela L. Butler; Charles and Benjamin Ross- from Chenango Co.; Miles Mark; George Williams; Wilbur Palmer; and Dennis Heath; Aretas Skinner, from Chenango Co.; and others.....
The first town meeting was held in 1833. The early town records having been lost, the offiers elected are unknown, except for the supervisor who was Otis Skinner.
MORE EARLY SETTLERS; Richard Buss, from England- had sons William, Edward, John, Richard, and George- and daus. Mary md Ora Pelton, and Anna md Stephen Hewitt.; Hiram N. Gleason & wife Sarah (Root) of Farmington, Ct.; Benjamin Kip; and Ruel Pelton.
STOCKTON was formed from Chautauqua, Feb 9, 1821. Named in honor of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1850 one tier and a half of lots were annexed from Ellery in 1850. It also includes one tier of lots taken from township 4, range 13.
Original Purchases in Township 4, Range 12.
Original Purchases in Township 3, Range 12.
Original Purchases in Township 4, Range 13.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
John Silsby; John West; Dexter Barnes-a blacksmith; John Aker- from Herkimer Co.; John Ecker- the first fiddler in town; Comfort and Elisha Morgan- 1811; Hiram Lazell; Samuel Shepard- first justus in this town;Ira Jennings; Aaron Lyon- brother of Mary Lyon, founder of the Holyoke Female Seminary in Mass. also brother of first wife of Dr. Waterman Ellsworth.; Resolved W. Fenner- from MAdison Co., a cooper- his wife Prudence (Crandall); Washington Winsor; -baptist minister; Bugbee Family- brothers- Jonathan Jr., Simeon- md Naomi Searls, Wyman - md Milla Love 1813- perhaps first marriage in town- Nathan md Sally DeMotte 1817.; Abel Brunson md Sally Love 1809- dau of John Love and all came to Chautauqua Co. including two children of Abel and Sally- eight more were born in this town.; John West- who was bound at age 5 to Philo Hopson, came with his foster father in 1810.; Stephen Messenger, of Onondaga Co. - a blacksmith; Abel Beebe; Othello Church; and others.....
The first birth was of Wm. Walker on Aug. 25, 1811.
The first tavern was kept by Ichabod Fisher.
The first store was kept by James Haywood.
The first Physician was Carlton Jones, in 1818. next Dr. Elkanah Stedman, 1819 and Waterman Ellsworth in 1821 or 1822.
The first town meeting was held April 3, 1821. The following were elected as officers:
Supervisor- Calvin Warren. Town Clerk- John Curtis. Assessors- Ebenezer Smith Jr., Hiram Lazell, John Tyler. Overseers of Poor- John Newbre, Joseph Sackett. Com'rs of Highways- David Sackett, Salmon Tyler, Levi G. Miller. Collector- Hiram Lazell. Constables- Hiram Lazell, Newell Putnam. Com'rs of Schools- Ebenezer Smith Jr., Calvin Tyler, Lewis Todd.
The Town of Stockton in 1996
celebrated the 175th anniversary of its founding. An historical calendar
and a booklet were published to commemorate the event. The
booklet contains family histories; early history of the town- photos
and other items. Can be obtained through the town historian: Helen
Piersons P.O. Box 69 Stockton, NY 14784-0069 Ph- 716-595-3504
VILLENOVA was formed from Hanover on Jan. 24, 1823. A part of Arkwright was taken off in 1829. Leaving Villenova with township 5 in range 10.
Original Purchases in Township 5, Range 10.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
Eli Arnold; Wm. and Benj. Barrows- 1811.; Roderick Wells- 1811.; Nathaniel Bowen; Ezra Corbet- son of Eldad and brother-in-law of Daniel Wright- 1815.; David Arnold and sons Eli and John.; William Pierce- son-in-law of Eli Arnold- wife Rachel Arnold Pierce- sons Luther,John David Pierce and daus. Martha, Elsie md John Weed and Delia md Wm. Moon.; Wright families- 5 brothers came from Herkimer Co., NY- Augustin, Daniel, Sylvanus, Charles and Lewis.; Asahel Hills,; John Spencer; Henry Sessions; Hiram Cornell- whose wife was Polly Pomeroy; Allen Lee Brunson; George Wilson- whose 1st wife was Sophia JAckson and 2nd wife was Laura A. Ewing.; Jesse Goldthwait; John Fluker; Wm. Newcomb; Gamaliel Collins; John Stilwell; John Ferry; Isaac Corey- from Long Island with his 4 sons- Hoel, Medad, Henry and George.; James Hamlin; Orren S. Harmon; Daniel Ball and George Ball- brothers.; John Eastman; Wm. Burk; David Crowell and his brothers David and Abraham.; Isaac Cummings; Benj. Vincent; Mark Markham; John Dennison; Nathan Stoddard; George Aldrich; Daniel Ruttenbur; James Cook; Paul Cushman; Isaac Phillips; and others.....
The first town meeting was held in 1823 and the following were elected as officers.
Supervisor- Ezra Puffer. Town Clerk- Milton Foot. Assessors- Daniel Wright, Isaiah Martin, Villeroy Balcom. Collector- Charles Wright. Overseers of Poor- Alvah Simons, Nathaniel Warner. Com'rs of Highways- Nathaniel Smith, Stephen Kinsley. Constables- Auren G. Smith and Charles Wright. Com'rs of Schools- Daniel Wright, Alvah Simons, John Weaaver. Inspectors of Schools- Hiram Kinsley, Ezra Puffer, Milton Foot.
MORE SETTLERS:
John C. Allison; Arnold Blackmar; John Dye; Austin Pierce; Elisha Searle; Washington Shepard; Obadiah Warner- son of NAthaniel Sr.- came in 1822.
Methodist Episcopal Church
was formed at Hamlet in 1823. Members were: Elder Daniel Prosser;
Polly Smith; Obadiah Warner and his wife Rebecca (Nun).; Taylor Judd;
Polly Judd; Lewis Barmor and his sister MAria.; Diadema Warner;
Lura Nun; Polly Baker; Hiram Kinsley; Milton Foot and his wife, Lois.;
Brinty Congdon and perhaps others.....
WESTFIELD was formed from Portland and Ripley, March 29, 1829. It comprises Townships 3 and 4 in Range 14. A large portion of this land was bought in 1801 by John McMahan.
Purchases from John McMahan, of the lands in the tract bought by him from the Holland Land Company.
Original Purchases in Township 3, Range 14.
Original Purchases In Township 4, Range 14.
James and John McMahan, brothers, were the first to settle in this town, in 1801. They were followed closely in the same year by Edward Henry, who kept a house of entertainment for emigrants going westward to "New Connecticut" in Ohio.
The first birth was that of John, son of Edward McHenry- soon after the McHenry's arrived in the county. The next year The First Death occurred- that of Edward McHenry- who drowned in Lake Erie when his boat capsized- his two companions were saved. Edwards body was never recovered. This birth and death were also the First in the county of Chautauqua.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS:
David L. Cochran, b PA- came from Cayuga Co., NY with his father; David Knight, b N.H.- came in 1815 -had sons David, Thomas, and Elbridge; Benajah Rexford- b Ct., came from VT-1823- by his first wife Zeruiah Squier had 6 children:- Norman, Stephen, Isabel, Heber, Elsie and one deceased- by 2nd wife, Roxanna Ayer had 6- Wilder, Betsey, Olive, Louisa, Sophrona, and Thomas.; Allen Parker- from Broome Co., 1825- had only one child, a dau. who md Ethan Titus,; Timothy Parker- had 4 sons- John Charles, Levi, Hiram and dau. Caroline.; Luther Harmon; Wm. Benson, from Steuben- 4sons, 1 dau.- he served in War of 1812.; Calvin Rice- from St. LAwrence Co. about 1832.- his son Martin C. Rice established the Westfield Republican newspaper in April 1855- still being published.; Walter Strong- whose wife was a sister of Tichenor and Franklin Sheldon, who came from Pawlet VT.; George Putnam- from Pawlet, VT. and others.....
The first town meeting in Westfield, after its formation was held April 7, 1829 at the Westfield House, kept by Asa Farnsworth. The following were elected officers:
Supervisor- Amos Atwater. Town Clerk- Daniel Rockwell. Assessors- Hiram Couch, Robert Cochran 2d, Jonathan Cass. Collector- Lyman Redington. Overseers of Poor- Low Miniger, Wm. Bell. Com'rs of Highways- James Montgomery, Wm. Sexton, Seth G. Root. Com'rs of Schools- Wm. BEll, Warren Couch, Robert Dickson. Inspectors of Schools- Abram Dixon, Austin Stone, Russell Mallory. Constables- Lyman Redington, Robert P. Stetson Fence Viewers- Isaac Mallory, Low Miniger, Gervis Foot. Pound Master- James McClurg.
First store kept by James McMahan and next by James McClurg- in 1810. other early merchants were: Jonathan Cass; Joshua Babcock (1819) and Alvin William (1821 or 22).
First Tavern was kept by Jonathan Cass. First Inn by Edward McHenry in 1802-3.
Early Physicians were: First Lawton Richmond- followed by Fenn Deming, Marcius Simonds, Silas Spencer (1817), Carleton Jones, Daniel Lee, Frederick Bradley, Dr. Kimball, Daniel Henn, William Severyn Stockton(1840), Oscar F. Jones, John Spencer, Dr. Kenyon, Thomas D. Strong, George A. Hall and John M. Brown.
EARLY BUSINESSMEN:
Oliver Lee and John McWhorter (Lee & McWorter) - merchants; Aaron Rumsey- tanner and currier. Daniel Rockwell, hatter. Augustin Baldwin, merchant. Larned Gale- Keeper of Westfield House. All of the above were from Warsaw in Gennesee Co. and came to be known as the "Warsaw Club " After these came- James Carlisle, Calvin Rumsey and Lorenzo Phelps- also of Warsaw but were not considered part of the club.
It should be noted that Mrs. Hough was the mother of John McWhorter, Mrs. Calvin Rumsey, Mrs. Augustin Baldwin, Mrs. Daniel Rockwell, Mrs. Edwin Buck, Mrs. Wm. R. Morse and Mrs. Zera Colburn and the grandmother of Mrs. Joseph H. Plumb.- all early settlers in Westfield.
Barcelona a village in the town of Westfield was originally surveyed into village lots by the Holland land Company. It was for many years called Portland, after the name of that town, but when it became part of Westfield it was called Barcelona. It was made by the general government- a port of entry. A lighthouse was erected (still stands). Natural gas was discoverd 3/4 of a mile below Barcelona and the light house was illuminated with it.
MORE EARLY SETTLERS:
Amos Atwater- b. CT.,1787, son of Joshua & Betsey (Goodyear) Atwater/ Moved to Homer, NY (1797) with parents and thus to Westfield (1813)- brother-in-law of Eber Stone- Amos was soldier in War of 1812. First Supervisor of Ripley (1816)- Justice of Peace- 1818. Removed with family to Beardstown, Ill (1836) and died there in 1850.
Elam C. Bliss- came from Onondaga Co. in 1819. Francis P. Brewer- son of Ebenezer b. Keene, N.H.- 1820. Thomas Campbell- b. 1788- N.H.