Gc

974.701

C29s 1462242

GENEALOGY COLLECTION

3 1833 01068 7108

	Digitized by	the Internet Archive
			in 2015

https://archive.org/details/historicalbiograOOshul_0

DAYTON

Historical and Biographical History ^-^

OF THE TOWNSHIP OF

DAYTON ,

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Comprising the Villages of Cottage^ JVesley^ Mark- ham^ Dayton^ South Dayton and Fair Plai?t.

A Complete History of the Town from its Origin, with Views of Business Places and Residences, together with Photos of Prominent Citizens of various Professions and Occupations, Past and Present.

Kdixed and Published by CLIAS. J, SHULTS.

" True History Mirrors the Past and Reflects the FiUurey " Biography is the most universally pleasant of all reading.''''

— Carlyle.

EMBELLISHED WITH OVER THREE HUNDRED PICTURES.

ARRI L, 1901,

Copyrighted, April, 1901,

BY

CHAS. J. SHULTS.

Tn[«U[RPR[55

CAXTON BLD'C.

BurrAiaN.Y

INTRODUCTIOR J-

r^jr^HE AUTHOR of this work takes pleasure in presenting I it to the public, believing that artistically, historically and

M biographically it is much the superior of anything heretofore

offered the public of the town of which it treats. The mechanical workmanship is so far beyond anything heretofore at- tempted in a work of this kind that no comparison is possible. We have paid particular attention to everything pertaining to the town and its people from the origin to the present. We have been pleasur- ably surprised by the prompt and liberal manner in which the citizens of the town have assisted us in obtaining the information it contains, and we trust that our work will meet with entire approval.

Our engravings, it will be noticed, are photographic reproductions made by the superior half-tone process, consequently the likenesses presented are accurate and correct. The residences portrayed are ele- gant specimens of Dayton^ s homes ; and many old-time pictures here shown would soon have been faded and gone and have remained to memory alone. While it is impossible to do justice to all and every- thing, yet we have, to the best of our ability, made a fair presen- tation of Dayton^ s historical associations, its industries, its churches, schools, business places, and business men, its representative citizens and their families. The old and well-thumbed histories we have pa- tiently sifted, and in many instances corrected, and herein assay to give the very cream of them all, adding much fresh and interesting in- formation gleaned from the early pioneers and their descendants. It gives us pleasure to acknowledge our personal obligations to such well- posted men as Hon. N. M. Allen and I. R. Leonard, Esq., and others, who have assisted cheerfully in our " labor of love.'' We believe that Mr. Allen's articles, His Recollections of Men He Has Known," will be perused with interest and greatly appreciated. Our biographies are in the main correct. We have exercised great care in securing names and dates, and have submitted almost all of the manuscript for correction. Doubtless some errors will appear for which we trust we will be pardoned by reason of the difficulties with which we have had to contend. Remember that nothing is perfect, that it is human to err, while to forgive is divine. Upon the whole we have received very hearty co-operation, and we feel a just pride in the results of our labors. Our only wish is that the book will give pleasure to the present generation, and to the generations to come ; that it may prove a nucleus and an incentive to future writers who will be better able to do full justice to the subject and leave our work to receive that favor which earnest endeavor ever wins from a discriminating public.

CHAS. J. SHULTS.

THE WORK OF AN EXTINCT PEOPLE.

" Time was when clothing sumptuous or for use, Save their own painted skins, our sires had none.''

J'

N DAYTON, as in nearly every other part of Western New York, there exists evidences of a very ancient occupation of the hills and valleys by a people other than the native Indians, who held possession at the time when the first white settler came. These evidences are found chiefly in curious excavations, mounds, and other forms of earthworks. The great age of these structures was proved not only by their general appearance of antiquity, but more decidedly by the fact that in many instances, trees of the largest size were found growing on the embankments. Besides these ancient earthworks other evi- dences have been found, in the form of weapons and implements of stone, amulets and other ornaments of copper and stone fireplaces or hearths, sunk in the earth (often found covered with charcoal) which may have been at some time enclosed with dwellings and council houses. The first settlers also found in the midst of the forests, open glades, which had at some day, been made clear by fire, which may have been done solely for purposes of cultivation, but it is more probable that these places were kept clear by annual burnings, in order to stimulate the growth of sweet and tender herbage, and thereby to entice the deer, the elk, and other game to come and feed upon the luxuriant pasturage, when they might, more easily, be made the prey of the hunter. These openings however, as well as the stone implements, so frequently found, may have been the work of the last native occupants. By the processes of agriculture, continued for many a century, and by various other means, many of the earthen mounds and parapets above mentioned, have been so far leveled that their outlines are now barely descernable, and many have become wholly obliterated, which, when the country was first open for settlement, stood out bold, massive, and clearly defined. In the thirteenth annual report of the Regents of the University of the State of New York is found an account of ancient monuments in Western New York, comprising the results of explorations by T. Napoleon Cheney, Civil Engineer, etc., 1859. This paper mentions, among numerous other works, certain curious excavations which we give in part verbatim:

'^In the township of Leon, Lot 49, occur three remarkable excavations,

7

SUPERVISOR OF DAYTON.

rectangular in form. One of them has a circumferance of 112 rods, and an elevation from the interior surface of some twenty feet. And nearly in the center there is a well or reservoir, in the form of a semi-circle, ten feet across by about six in depth. Similar depressions are elsewhere observed, and are believed to owe their peculiar formation to the drift. The principal fact which would indicate that these had been secondarily adopted by the Indians for security or defense is furnished by the numerous remains of ancient art and workmanship, traces of fire-places, and so forth, which have been discovered here. Traces of ancient cultivation also yet remained.'' Pits of from four to six feet in breadth and from three to five feet in depth have been observed in various places in the Conewango Swamp. In one place are the remains of a sepuchral mound in a circular form 120 ft. in circumference, with an elevation of ten feet. This tumulum when explored was found to contain several skeletons which were no doubt, those of some distinguished warriors, whose acts of heroism might have been connected with the decline and fall of that powerful race of men. About two miles south of the Village of Rutledge, on lot No. 45, near the residence of N. E. G. Cowen, there was discovered by the first pioneers of this section a sepuchral mound, nearly circular in form and having an entire circumferance of 170 ft. The height of the mound was about twelve feet. Mr. Cheney spoke of this work as "having some appearance of being constructed with the ditch or vallum outside of the mound, as in the Druid Barrows, but perhaps more accurately belongs to the class composed of several stages, as the Trocalli of the valley of Annhuac. ' ' At the time of its discovery the site was surrounded by the primitive forest, and upon the tumulus there were growing several large trees, among them being a hemlock, two feet in diameter, and a maple and a beech, each eighteen inches in diameter. Within the mound there were discovered nine human skeletons, which had been buried in a sitting posture, and at regular intervals of space, in the form of a circle, and facing towards a common center. There was some slight appearance that a frame work had enclosed the dead at the time of the interment. The skeletons were so far decayed as to crumble upon exposure to the atmosphere, but were all of a very large size. There were also found there several interesting relics of ancient art, among them being very perfect arrow and spear heads, a small triangular perforated stone, of which the surface was painted and glazed, chisels, amulets, and other articles of quite elaborate workmanship, which were thought by some to resemble the Mexican and Peruvian antiquities. In the neighborhood of this mound there have been noticed several ancient hearths. One of these, of considerable extent, was found in excavating for the foundations of Mr. Cowen' s house. Near Point Peter, on the Cattaraugus Creek, in the Town of Persia, is a plateau on which there was formerly visable the remains of an ancient earthwork, consisting of a ditch and parapet, enclosing (according to the best information and authority) about three fourths of an acre of land. An opening was observed in the wall opposite the stream, showing that, if the earthwork was intended for defense, that the attack was expected from the direction of the stream. Old residents recollect that the form of the enclosure was between a circle and a square, and that the shape could be easily traced

9

as the wall stood between three and four feet in liei^rlit, Imt Jit the j>resent time it is nearly obliterated and (;an hardly })e seen at all. The same writer (always enthusiastic and imaginative in his searches for relics) states that terra cotta specimens wen^ disclosed in one of th(! mounds near tin.* Cattaraugus Creek, and adds that among them were 8om(; specimens of pottery, composed of i)ounded (piartz mixed with clay and (|uite hard. These articles are (piaintly figured and hear some resemblance to those found on the (.'olorado Chicjuito.

In regard to the origin of these and the niultitudt; of similar relics which have been discovered in this section, many theories have been advanced, some ai)parently reasonable and others entirely absurd. As to the earthworks which have been discovered, some writers beheve them to have been built by the French, while others ascribe them to the Spaniards. But these theories of their European origin are satisfactorily rebutted by the number and extent of the remains; })y their evident antiquity. Many of them having, from every appearance, been erected long before the discovery of America. By their form, which is entirely different from any form of European fortification, ancient or modern, and by the great peculiarities of form and size of the skeletons found in the tumuli.

This nmch, and no more, may V)e set down as reasonably certain, that these earthworks were made by a people Avho preceded those found here by the first European visitors. But whether they were Axtec, Toltec, Phoenician, or Egyptian origin, or whether they were descendants of the lost tribes of Israel as some have supposed, is a question which will probably never be solved. The imagination, unrestrained by facts, may roam at will in the realm of ingenious speculation, but the subject is one of pure conjecture.

10

THE INDIANS.

J'

* ROM the veiled mystery of an extinct people we turn to the story of

"W^ the later aboriginal peoples whose occupancy preceded that of the / white settler through this section. The earliest mention which we find in written annals of the Indian tribes or nations inhabiting this section, occurs in a letter written under date of May 19, 1641, which describes the extent and domain of their territory. Concerning the Indian occupation of the country lying between the bend of the Genesee river and Chautau(|ua Lake, during the century and a quarter following the year 1650 very little can be told by any degree of certainty. At the time of the exploration of this region by the French in about 1780 there was found but one Indian Milage. This was on the Conewango, in the present town of Carrol, Chautau(iua County. Eighteen years later the Quaker missionaries found Indian Villages on the Allegany, in the present town of South Valley and in the town of Cold Spring. History says these Seneca hamlets, were but the southwestern outposts, the principal part of their population being in the valley of the Genesee. In 1779 General Sullivan swept through the valleys and over the rolling plateaus, applying the ax and torch, soon transforming the beautiful region, from the character of a garden to a scene of sickening desolation. Forty Indian towns, the largest containing 128 houses, were destroyed ; corn, gathered and ungathered, to the amount of 160,000 bushels shared the same fate. Fruit trees were cut down and the Indians were hunted like wild beasts, and neither house nor fruit tree remained in the country. The Indians fled before the invader. Their first place of refuge w^as in the vicinity of the fort at Niagara, but the ultimate results of the destruction of their villages along the Genesee was a considerable migration to the valleys of the Allegany river, the Cattaraugus and the Conewango creeks ; and from this time until that of the advent of white settlers was the period of the most numerous Seneca occupancy of the lands in this locality. But even during this period, the Indian population of these hills, valleys and forests was sparse and scattered, and was never composed of what might be termed the chivalry of the Seneca Nation. And here they made no history. On these hills and along these valleys they hunted and fished and prosecuted their rude agriculture. They projected no aggressive expeditions, made no memorable treaties, and displa3^ed none of the qualities which in the ancient days made Indian nations and individuals famous. Their numbers are now thinned and the few whose spirits have not gone to their happy hunting grounds, live in quiet upon the reservations assigned to them.

EARLY LAND TITLES.

N THE year 1663, Charles I, King of England, granted to the Duke of York and A^lbany the province of New York, then including what is now the state of New Jersey ; extending thence north to the French possessions in Canada and Westward indefinitely. The eastern boundary was not clearly defined. As this grant included a portion of the immense territory, which many years before had been granted by James I of England to the Plymouth Company, under the general designation of New England, there very naturally followed disagreements and disputes between the two colonies, each of which laid claim to the jurisdiction and the right of pre-emption over and in the same territory, embracing many millions of acres of the best portions of the present Empire State. This conflict of jurisdiction remained unsettled for more than a century, and resulted in frequent acts of violence, armed collisions, and bloodshed, which occurred principally during the third quarter of the 18th century. In the year 1781 the State of New York ceded to the United States all its jurisdictional and proprietary rights and claims to this territory. All similar rights and claims as to this territory were ceded by Massachusetts to the United States in 1785. By these acts the controversies were narrowed to the limits of the two states, and it was finally settled amicably by a commission of ten persons. The pre-emption right, that is to say, the right of fee and ownership (subject to the aboriginal title) to the entire tract west of the line running north from the 82nd milestone, comprehending seven millions of acres, was in April, 1788, sold by Massachusetts to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham for the sum of one million dollars. Less than three cents an acre was paid for all that fertile tract of land then known under the general appelation of the Genesee County, and comprising what is now Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Livingston, Monroe, Yates, Steuben, and the greater part of Wayne County, being largely made up of lands, unexcelled in quality by any on the globe. In the summer of 1788, Mr. Phelps made a treaty with the Indians, by which they sold for $5,250, and a promised annuity of $5,000, this tract. The territory to which the Indian claim was thus extinguished by Phelps and Gorham, was fully conveyed and forever quitclaimed to them by the state of Massachusetts, Nov. 21, 1788, and their title thus made perfect and complete. Owing to the adoption of the Federal constitution and the war of the Revolution, they were unable to meet their payments. Being driven to extremities, they negotiated with Robert Morris of Philadelphia, and on Nov. 8, 1 790, they conveyed to

13

him, for the consideration of eight pence an acre, 1,204,000 acres, being all the unsold portion except two townships which they reserved of the 2,2:2o,r)00 acres wliich they had purchased of the Iroc^uois. They had already sold ahout lifty townships to settlers and they hoped hy the avails of these, and of the sale to >rorris, to be able to make their immediate payment to >hissachusetts, and to save the remaining portion oi their original purchase. In this however, they were unsuccessful and were finally compelled to accede to a compromise, which they did Nov. 10, 1781, by the terms of which Massachusetts relinriiiished two-thirds of the contract price, in consideration

JOSEPH ELLICOTT,

"THE SURVEYOR=QENERAL."

that Phelps and Gorham should surrender all lands in the State of New York to which the aboriginal title then remained unextinguished. Thus ^lassachusetts resumed the right of pre-emption to the lands of Western Xew York. Two months after the surrender of their contract by Phelps and Gorham, all the lands Avhich they had relinquished to ^Massachusetts were sold by that state to Robert Morris and were conveyed to him ]\Iay 11, 1791, by live different deeds. The fourth tract, portions of which fell within this region was known as the Holland Purchase and was conveyed January 31^ 1799. The Holland Tand Company consisted of ^^l^nem Willink, Jan

Willink, Wilhem Willink, Jr., Jan Willink, Jr., Jacob Van Staphorst, Nicholas Hubbard, Christina Van Eeghen, Isaac Tenlate, Christina Coster, and Jan Stadnitiski. Their title was confirmed to them by deeds from Thomas L. Ogden, executed in February 1801, covering the four tracts of the purchase; these several releases from Ogden being for the purpose of reinstating the title from the effects of Sheriff's sales, made by virtue of Judgments against Robert Morris. It is saddening to know that actual want ever came to Robert Morris, a man to whom the government of the United States, owed its existence. At the time when his interest in the lands was sold by Mr. Morris to the agents of the Holland Land Co. , the aboriginal title to all of them was still existing and undisturbed. A treaty was had, Sept. 15, 1797, by which the Indians sold their title to the entire Holland Purchase, except small reservations, for the sum of $100,000 which was to be invested in the stock of the U. S. Bank, and held in the name of the President of the United States for the use and benefit of their nation. This release by the Indians perfected the Company's title, and removed the last obstacle to the occupation and settlement of the lands.

Theophilus Cazenove was chosen Agent General by the Holland proprietors, his headquarters being in Philadelphia. In July, 1797, he employed Joseph Ellicott, as the Company's chief surveyor, who lost no time in surveying and laying out the companies possessions. Fifteen surveyors worked under the supervision of Mr. Ellicott. The plan of the survey contemplated the division of the purchase into ranges, extending across its entire breadth from north to south and to be as nearly as possible of the uniform width of six miles, these ranges to be crossed as nearly as possible by paralells at right angles, the same distance apart, thus subdividing them into square townships, measuring six miles on each side. This plan was generally adhered to except in some few cases. The work of surveying and sub-dividing the tract into ranges and townships was completed in 1799, but the sub-divisions into lots were not all made until about 1808.

ERECTION OF THE TOWN OF DAYTON.

J'

ATTARAUGUS County was erected by an act of the Legislature. March 11, 1808. The same act erected its entire territory into a town to be called Olean. For a few years its limits remained undisturbed and Olean remained the only Town in the County. By an act of the Legislature passed June IG, 1812, the town was divided, and a new town erected which " was called Ischua. Another town was formed of the western portions of Ischua and Olean by an act passed April 18, 1814, and that town was called Perry. The location and extent of these three towns was as follows : The town of Olean included in addition to its present territory all that of the towns of Portville, Allegany, Hinsdale, Ischua, Humphrey, Great Valley, and Carrolton. Included in Ischua were the present towns of EUicottville, Franklinville, Lyndon, Farmersville, Machias, Yorkshire, Freedom, a small part of East Otto and a part of Ashford. The town of Perry embraced the remainder of the County. These three towns remained unchanged until after the organization of the County in 1818. The sub-division and changes pertaining to Dayton we copy verbatim from Legislative enactments:

Chapter 124, Laws of 1818. AX ACT to divide the town of Perry in the County of Cattaraugus.

Passed April 10, 1818. L Be it enacted by the people of the State of Xew York, represented in Senate and Assembly.

That from and after the first day of ^larch next, all that part of the Town of Perry in the County of Cattaraugus lying south of the east and west line running through said Town, between the fourth and fifth tier of Townships in the Holland Land Company's purchase, l)e and is hereby erected into a separate town by the name of Little Valley, and the first town meeting shall be held at the dwelling house of Jarred Benedict on the first Tuesday of March next.

II. AND BE IT FUTHER ENACTED, That all the remaining part of the town of Perry, shall remain a separate Town by the name of Perrysbiirg and the first Town meeting shall be held at the dwelling house of Simon Waterman on the first Tuesday of March next.

§ IIL AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That as soon as may be after the first Tuesday of April next, the Supervisors and overseers of the poor of the aforesaid Towns, shall by notice to be given for that purpose by the Supervisors thereof, meet together and apportion the poor maintained by said Town of Perry and the poor money belonging to the same previous to the division thereof, agreeable to the last tax list, and that each Town shall forever thereafter maintain its own poor.

16

Chapter 10, Laws of 1835.

AN ACT to divide the Town of Perrysburg in the County of Cattaraugus. Passed February 7, 1835.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows :

§ I. From and after the passage of this act, all that part of the Town of Perrysburg in the County of Cattaraugus lying in the fifth and sixth Townships of the eighth range of Townships according to the Holland Land Company's survey, shall be erected into a separate town by the name of Persia; and the first Town meeting shall be held at the house of Z. A. Macumber, lately occupied by H. A. Chase, on the first Tuesday of March next.

§ II. All that part of Perrysburg aforesaid, lying in the fifth Town and ninth range of Townships, according to the Holland Land Company's survey, shall be and remain a separate Town by the name of Dayton, the first Town meeting shall be held at the school house near Ralph Johnson's on the first Tuesday of March next.

§ III. All the remaining part of the said Town of Perrysburg being in the sixth Town and ninth range of Townships aforesaid, shall be and remain a separate Town by the name of Perrysburg ; the first Town meeting shall be held at the house of William Cooper on the first Tuesday of March next.

§ IV. The justices of the peace who may be residents of any of the aforesaid towns shall be justices of the peace thereof for the term for which they shall have been elected, and all vacancies in the office of justice of the peace in the aforesaid towns, shall be filled at the first town meeting therein respectively.

§ V. After the present year, the town meetings in the said several towns shall be held on the first Tuesday of March, unless the time for holding such town meetings shall be altered according to law.

§ VI. This act shall take effect immediately after its passage.

It will be observed there is nothing in the first act telling when it is to take effect; but presumably at that time all acts took effect immediately, unless some other time was specified in the act

17

DESCRIPTIVE.

OTHING in the history of the American people is more remarkable, or more indicative of their real character, than the lofty courage, stern endurance, unflagging industry and readiness for every re- quirement, shown by the pioneers, or early settlers, in all parts of our land. Nearly one hundred years ago they made their way into this trackless wilderness to build up homes and a profitable business for themselves and their children. Their energy and perseverance were joined to a far seeing good judgment, to wh(jse wisdom the results give testimony. No doubt they sometimes gave indulgence to their imaginations, but they could hardly have even dreamed, in those days of trials and discouragements of the prosperous condition of the town today and of its glorious prospect for the future. The territory comprising the present town of Dayton was set of? from the ToAvn of Perrysburg, Feb. 7, 1 835, and comprised then as now an area of 23, 1 37 acres. It is described in the survey of the Holland Land Company as township five, in range nine, and is bounded on the east by Persia, on the south by Leon, on the West by Villenova and on the north by Perrysourg. The surface is much less broken than that of some of the surrounding towns. The central, western and southern portions are generally level but the northern and north eastern are undulating. The southern part was formerly a swamp with the outlet through the Conewango Creek. This has been drained and improved until it now forms a fine farming country. The soil of the flats is largely clay and loam while that of the highlands is a light loam mixed with gravel. With the exception of an occasional opening, Avhich had been burned over, the whole town was foniierly covered with a dense growth of heavy forest. The flats were covered with choice pine, while on the highlands were to be found all the hard woods common to this climate, and some hemlock. Here and there a clump of the old forest remains, but the valuable pine has been almost entirely cut off. Lumbering has always been an important industry of the town. And today a large part of the postage and revenue stamps manufactured by the government are made out of paper wood cut from these swamp lands. Farming now forms the chief jiursuit with dairying as the leading industry. No better farms nor any more prosperous and up-to-date farmers can be found than those of Dayton. This region has long been famous for the excellent butter and cheese which are made here. Through the northeast corner of the town there is a water shed. From this the small streams on the north run down into the Cattaraugus Creek and thence to the St. Lawrence,

18

while on the south they find their way through the Conewango, through the Ohio and Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The eastern branch of the Conewango which drains this region to the south has recently been straightened and deepened by state and local authorities. The Erie and the Buffalo & ■Southwestern railroads afford excellent s hipping facilities to all points. To these roads is due to a great extent the manufacturing and merchantile life of the town. They give a market for the products, and vitality and shape to the industrial energies. But the expansion of her material interests did not outreach her social and intellectual progress. Her religious and educational institutions have grown as her needs have increased. They were established with wisdom and judgment. They have grown with her growth and have changed with her phases, always meeting her every requirement. Of her ten churches, and ten schools, each will be set forth in due proportion and in its proper place in these pages.

The history of Dayton is the story of a thrifty, progressive and an upright people. The departed ones have left records of endurance and perseverance, ivhich are fitting examples to the coming generations. Her sons have been brave and her daughters fair. Some of her public men have become famous and have held high positions of honor and trust. She has sent out many noble sons who have made their mark in the world. She has enjoyed prosperity with moderation and has borne disaster with fortitude. She has honored domestic and social virtue and has discharged with fidelity every domestic duty. In peace her record has been admirable and in war it has been glorious. Her people have ever exemplified those sterling and forceful attributes which mark the best American citi'zen. Their history can best be read in considering the villages which they have built, Wesley, Cottage, Markham, Dayton, South Dayton, and Fair Plain.

19

HISTORICAL.

HE PIONEER settlements were made in the northern and eastern parts of Dayton. A list of the lands owned in 1819 contains the following names :

r

Lot.

Lot.

Ralph Johnson Wm. Blaisdell Anson C. Merrill Timothy M. Shaw James M. Shaw

Heman ^lerrill 80 Hiram Howard 30 Jebediah Lee

80 Lvman Wood

81 Nathaniel Blaisdell 81 F. A. Redfield

81 Chauncev Hammond 39 81 Bela H. Redfield 39 32 Samuel Hammond 39 37 Samuel K. Strickland 40 37 Abraham Hale 32 37 Stephen Parsell 40

20

Lot. Lot. Lot.

John Parsell 40 Simeon Dryer 53 Arza Corbett 59

George Babcock 40 Luther Hubbard 53 A. Starkweather 59

Thos. Newcomb 46 Jeremiah Pratt 53 Ephraim Smith 60

Sylvanus Finch 47 Azariah Darbee 54 Ephaphras Smith 60

Ezra T. Winship 47 Peter Allen 23 Eldad Corht 61

Chester McDaniels 47 Chester Darbee 54 Moses Morgan 62

Ebenezer Roberts 48 Caleb Webb 55 William Reed 63

Aaron Nash 48 Josiah Webb 56 Silas Nash 64

Nathan Bumpus 52 Leman H. Pitcher 58 Simeon Bunce 64

Lyman Bumpus 52 James P. Pitcher 58 Don S. Downer 64

Some of these resided on their lands at this time, and nearly all became actual settlers in the course of ten years. A few of the first only we notice here in detail. In the fall of 1810, Simeon Bunce, and his brother in-law Silas Nash,* left Otsego County to find a home in the Western part of the

MRS. SIMEON BUNCE,

Wife of the First Settfer of the Town of Dayton.

^,JxyKHJmJlV**JlHr^vr^ff(^'f^^'f"^"' '"" "" "** "** **** **

state. They had heard of Chautauqua County, and determined to locate there; and when they took up their lands on lot 64, now known as Cottage, they believed that they were in that County. Each articled a hundred acres, at eighteen shillings per acre and at once made substantial improvements. Mr. Nash built a log house the same year, which was the first in the town of Dayton, and which his family occupied. In this humble

* We endeavored to secure a picture of Mr. Nash but after a diligent search became convinced that he never had one taken.

HEMAN MERRILL. MRS. HEMAN MERRILL.

See Cottage Section.

pioneer home occurred the first birth in the town, in June, 1811, — a son — who was named Aras. Here also, the following year in the month of February, the angel of death came to claim his first victim in the town, Dewitt, another son of Silas Xash ; and thus the house of rejoicing was turned into a house of mourning. Silas Xash put up the first saw mill in the town, in 1817, on the present site of the saw mill at Cottage owned by W. Wilcox. Mr. Nash was Supervisor of Perry sburg, and the first Supervisor of the Town of Dayton. He continued for many years the leader among the early settlers, holding many positions of honor and trust. His descendants also became energetic and acti\'e citizens, some of them attaining prominent positions in the affairs of the County.

Simeon Bunce was a native of Connecticut, having , been born at Hartford, June 8, 1788. To that state he returned in 1813 and brought his father's family to the home he had made, on lot 64. His father Rory Bunce was born in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 9, 1758, and died June 27, 1812. He served in the revolutionary war. His wife Elizabeth Olcutt, born in Connecticut January 14, 1763, she died at Cottage, July 24, 1843. Simeon, died at Cottage, Xov. 26, 1875. On December 28, 1814, he m.arried Esther, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Putney) Brownell, who died September 20, 1870. Their children were Harriet, Sanford, and Xelson. Xelson alone is living and occupies the old homestead at Cottage. Xelson Bunce was born in Dayton, Xov. 30, 1821, he married Katharine Wheeler Xov. 22, 1843. She died March 24, 1891. Their children w^ere Sanford C, Maria S., who married A. L. Roberts, and now resides at South Dayton; Francelia, who married

22

Geo. Hubbard in Jan. 1871, she died Jan. 6, 1886; Jay B , who now resides at Dayton; Simeon A,, and NeUie L., who married V. C. Reynolds, and now resides in Pennsylvania. Timothy M. Shaw came from Herkimer County, in 1814, and located a piece of land on lot 31. To this place he brought his family, consisting of a wife and one child, the following year he was accompanied by Heman and Anson C. Merrill from Onondaga County. (See pioneer residents. ) The former settled on the same lot as Mr. Shaw, and Anson C. . on lot 30. Both occupied these places until their death, leaving many descendants. Mr. Shaw died in 1872. Ralph Johnson from Connecticut, came in the later part of 1815 and settled on lot 30. He was a tanner and currier by trade and followed the business in town until 1865. He was also an early inn-keeper and the first postmaster of the Dayton postoffice. (See Pioneer residents. ) Joshua and Caleb Webb, from Madison County, came the same year, 1815, and settled on lots 55 and 56, being the first in that locality. At the house of the former was held the first rehgious meeting the following year. Ten years later they became inn -keepers at what is now Cottage. The Webb farm was sold in 1833 to John H. Rice, and is now owned by William B Smith.

At South Dayton, on lot 58, Leman H. and James P. Pitcher were the first settlers in the year 1816. They did not remain long but sold their interest to M. C. Nickerson, who afterwards became a Mormon. Nickerson sold to a Mr. Tweedy, he to Christopher Smith who transferred to his sons Daniel, George and David, they sold to Joseph and Homer Wheelock. The larger part of the farm is now owned by ^^Hum." Thompson.

In the spring of 1816, Azariah Darbee settled on lot 54, where he made

ANSON C. MERRILL. MRS. ANSON C. MERRILL.

See Article, ''Pioneer Residents." 23

prcpjinitions to l)rin^ his family, the followin;^ year From their home in Rutland County, N'ermont. The journey liere was made by ox team. On his place was the lirst orchard in the town. Ha brought the trees from Hamburg, N. Y. A part of this orchard still remains and is on the farm now owned by Nathan Searl. Azariah Darbee was born in 17<>2. His wife Susan IMielps was born in 17G1. He died Aug. 18, 1851, and she Jan. 28, 1840. Their cliildren were Chester, Susanna, Aurilla, Azariah, Olive. Clarissa, Celia and Ilcmy. His granson, Augustus occupied the farm at Cottage, until Dec. last when he died.

In March, 1817, Samuel K. Strickland came from Central New York and

COL. RALPH JOHNSON,

An Early Pioneer and Benefactor. See Article, "Pioneer Residents."

located on lot 40, bringing wdth him his wife and son, Robert 0. The streams on the way were crossed on the ice, and many hardships were endured.

The same year Thomas Newcomb settled on lot 46. He cleared a farm near Markham where he died at an advanced age. His son Edwin was born herein 1831, has been married three times and now resides on the old homestead. Another son, George, served in the 154th N. Y. Vols, and died a prisoner at Belle Island.

Wilham Blaisdell settled on lot 30 and Nathaniel Blaisdell on lot 37. The latter died at the age of 62. Of his seven children, David married Lucinda, daughter of Daniel Allen of Persia and had born to him, six children. His

24

^1

MRS. RALPH JOHNSON.

brother Daniel was born in Otto, Jan. 28, 1828, and married Elizabeth Shepard of Dayton. Of their chil- dren. Frank married Mary Merrill, and May became the wife of Mar- shall Merrill.

Peter and Luther Allen, the latter a minor, at the time he came, came from Onondago County in 1818, and after some removals settled on lot 23. Lnther Allen returned to Onondago County for a wife and brought her to Dayton on an ox sled. In 1834 he put up the first frame house in the town where the village of Dayton now is, a part of which house is still standing, and is used as a henhouse by L. 0. Hall. Mr. Allen removed to Gowanda and died there in Feb. 1847. In 1820, his brother Asahel came and located on the same lot, 23, settling on the place now occupied by Hon. N. M. Allen. Asahel Allen, a son of Peter, a native of Connecticut, was born as Fabius, Onondago County, Nov. 5, 1802, and came to Dayton in 1818, buying land of the Holland Land Company for $3.00 per acre. He finally moved to Cottage where he died Jan. 21, 1858. His wife, Sally A., daughter of Jonathan Benedict of his native County, died Oct. 22, 1847. Their children were Jonathan B., Peter R., Harlow, Lucy M., Laura J., Eliza L., Mary C, James M., George M., and Ellen M. By his second wife, Julia A., daughter of Timothy M. Shaw, he had three children, Annette, Newton and Julia A., Peter R. Allen married Betsey, daughter of Daniel and Lydia (Eddie) Johnson. He died July 29, 1880. Their son, Daniel E., was born Aug. 25,1862, and now resides at Perrysburg.

After this period there were so many new settlers came to the town that it is impossible to enumerate them all here. The Redfields, Par- sells, Smiths, Hubbard, Bacon. Parke, Austin, Hammond, Judd, and many other prominent fam- ilies came before 1830. In another

25

THOMAS W. JOHNSON,

An Early Innkeeper.

See Article, ' Pioneer Residents.'

place in this work under the title of 'M*ioneer Il^sidents" etc, we give more of a history of these early residents.

The condition of the buildings and lands in the town ean best !>e seen from a carefully compiled list of ihit actual residents and owners of the town of improved property in the year 1833. The valuation of the )>uildings may l)e less than their actual value but the relative measures of the improvements is the same in each case.

		Value			Value
Name.	Lot.	of Buildings.	Name.	Lot.	of Buildings.
TciMnc Wnit.e	1	$ 50.00	Jonathan I'alnier	31	25.00
David Milks	1	45 00	Ileman ^Merrill	31	1 10 00
Peter Kcllo«'-ff	2	35.00	1 f ale ^lattcson	32	45.00
TTlr^Virinm 1 )iitto]i AJJ IJXllXCAilll J'lUt' I' W 1 1	2	100.00	.lonnthan Alilks	38	90. 0()
	2	45. 00	R. E. Knight	38	50. 00
Dnvid C Bassett	s	40.00	Garrett Parsell	40	35.00
Elca/er Hillibert	3	GO. 00	S. K. Strickland	40	40.00
Norninn Ti TiMcon X 1 L 1 ItXi I J, J. A^CK\^ \JXX	4	40.00	John Parsell	40	50. 00
P (bllins	4	40.00	Thos. Xewcomb	46	30. 00
	6	35.00	Wm. B. Smith	47	50.00
Wvinan fTnlctt y lilt tlx -tx.\x xv^ \j 1/	7	35.00	Ebenezer R(jberts	48	50.00
Davnd (rnntel J V CL V 1 VX 1-* 1-/ L' V/ X	8	45.00	John Hammond	51	40.00
Chanel .Tndd VyixtXkyV'X tj \.k\A.\A.	9	30.00	Asa H. Ni(jhoIs	52	20. 00
rv X X v^v^xvxxxio	9	40.00	Alvah Cole ^XX \ CXiXX V/v/Xv^	52	80 00
XJV^Cl/XXvX v^X X-^CXVyV^/XX	11	40.00	L^tpnlipn ^^onlp	53	45 00
\_/Vy X lO IJCXjIX U Vy« 1_#CXV^V/XX	11	40.00	Sim P011 T) wpr 1.1 LLK^yj 1 L X^ X \ V^X	53	95.00
X • X^Ci'V>\_7XX	11	40.00	T iPTTi n p1 Wphftfpr X--iV.yXXX LXVvX TT V.-*^OL^X	54	35.00
Avery Parke	11	57.00	A yniMnV^ T^f^fl^pp Xi. AcXl LctlL XJ <Xi.	54	45.00
Abel M. Bacon	12	45.00	.Thttips r^nHwpll *J ctxxxv^o vycxvx >> V- Xl	54	45.00
Delos C. Burdick	14	55.00	Caleli Webb	r f DO	125.00
Horace C. Adams	15	40. 00	Wm B Smith y y 111, j.^ « kjiiiitxi	55	120.00
Artemus Coon	16	10 00	John H. Blish	56	100. 00
Sidney Parke	19	45 00	Good ale Wheeler	56	130.00
Russcl J. Burdick	20	40 00	Thos. Newcomb	56	35.00
John Watenpaugh	22	45 00	Isaac P Hubbard	56	35.00
Asahel Allen	23	35.00	M. C. Nickerson	58	130 00
Luther Allen	23	40.00	George Passmore	59	20.00
Ruben Robertson	23	90.00	Tilly Sanford	59	40.00
G. Wellls	24	35.00	Sylvester James	60	50.00
WiUiam Farnsworth 22	40.00	Isaac Holbrook	61	35 00
E Button	29	45.00	Nathan Bumpus	62	35.00
Ralph Johnson	30	250 00	Silas Nash	64	190.00
Anson C. Merrill	30	225.00	Sime(n:i Bunce	64	110.00
Gile Johnson	30	45.00	Daniel AA'helplby	64	80.00
Timothy M. Shaw	31	30.00

In addition to the above there were half a dozen tracts of improved land in the town owned by parties living in adjoining towns. In 1835 there were 4,313 acres of improved land in the town of Dayton three sawmills and one tannery. The population in 1850 was 1,448, in 1860, 1,294; in 1870, 1,267; in 1880, 1,705; in 1890, 1,735; in 1900, 1,694.

The first marriage in the town occurred in March 1818, when Benjamin Parsell and IMiss Mary Redfield became husband and wife. In 1833 the first store in the southeastern part of the town (Wesley) was opened by

26

Wm. H. Leland. When the town was set off from Perrysburg, in 1835, the act provided for an equal division of the unexpended pubhc moneys, and Dayton received as her share just one shiUing. The first school was taught by Mary Redfield in the Johnson School house, located near the present residence of Miner Hubbard. The first church was organizedtby the Baptists at Cottage, in March 1818.

AN OLD-TIME WEDDING.

A wedding in the olden times was an extremely lively affair. The guests were all invited at least three days before hand; guns were fired in the respective neighborhoods of bride and groom on the morning of the wedding day, and at the appointed hour the groom and his friends set out for the house. About half way to the bride's dwelUng they were met by her male friends, and each company chose one man to run for the bottle," to the house of the bride. The one who returned first with the bottle gave a toast, and drank to the bride's health, after which of course the beverage was passed around. The whole party proceeded firing their muskets as they went by the houses on the way. Arrived at the bride's house, the bride- groom's company were placed in a room by themselves, and it was con- sidered an act of impoliteness for any of the bride's friends to intrude. Just before the ceremony was to begin the best man entered the bride's apartments, led her into the room, and placed her at the right hand of the groom, took his station immediately behind, as did also the ^' best maid." After the ceremony all the men kissed the bride and all the women kissed the groom. Dinner followed, and then came dancing and other amusements.

MRS. MARIA JOLLS. MRS. SALLY FLOWERS.

27

AGRICULTURE.

' — ppHE earliest agriculture of this locality was in no respect different \ 4^ from that pursued by pioneer immigrants in (jther newly opened V regions. The first problem to be settled i)y the settlers was that of

. ?^ subsistances for their families, and so the first crops })1 anted or sowed in their small clearings were exclusively such as were required for this purpose, and chief among these was wheat. Potatoes and other esculents were provided for in a small way, but the article of prime necessity was wheat, and to it a great portion of the space of the clearings was devoted. Sugar making though perhaps less an agricultural than a manufacturing industry, may properly be mentioned as a resource of the farmers of the early days or at least of such of them as were fortunate enough to have good maple orchards on their farms. To such it was a souce of some revenue and was prized as one of the few means by which in the earlier years, cash or '-store goods" could be procured. From that time until the present sugar making has continued to be a very considerable industry in this section. Many of the early farmers, having come from a country of orchards hastened to plant fruit trees here and the fruit culture of today compares well with that of the most favored sections. It became apparent to the farmers at a very early day that their lands were peculiarly adapted for the purposes of grazing, and accordingly their attention was somewhat diverted to that kind of farming not as at the present time wdth a view of dairy production, but to the raising of cattle and sheep. Sheep raising has been carried on quite extensively in later years, and was in fact a leading industry until the farmers became fully

awake to their advantages for dairying and to the better profits to lie realized in that direction, so that at present time verv few sheep compar- atively are raised through this section. Dairying is spoken of as a recent industry, but by that is meant that it is only within the past twenty years that it has assumed any- thing of its present magnitude and importance. In our travels throughout the town

A PRIMITIVE CHEESE PRESS.

28

we find one man who will milk 100 cows during the following season. But butter and cheese making were carried on to some extent among the early settlers. In 1830 Peter White and Truman Edwards, of Perrysburg, of which Dayton was then a part, made cheese from dairys of from twenty to thirty cows, disposing of their product at about five cents a pound in Buffalo. It had frequently been the case that the early settlers exchanged, cheese for flour, pound for pound. We present herewith a picture of a primitive cheese press. It was made by squaring the top of a stump on which to set the loop, then cutting a notch at the right height in a tree that happened to stand close by the stump, and into this notch, placing the end of a lever which was then laid across the cheese and properly weighted at the other end. This is said to have been the first cheese press used in Cattaraugus County.

The prices realized for farm products including those of the dairy were so exceedingly low, before the opening of the Erie R. R. that it is difficult to see how any profit could have been made by the producer. A common price for butter in the villages was eight cents a pound, and even that payable in goods. Butter which took a premium at the agricultural fair of 1851 was sold at twelve cents, which was regarded as a very high price. Yet even at these prices dairying was found more profitable than any other branch of farming and by the opening of the Erie Railroad in 1851, the prosperity of the farmers was greatly increased and made permanent.

THE FROST OF 1859.

Gowanda Reporter^ Friday, June 10, 1859: The heavy frost which visited this region on Saturday night last cut and seared everything in the line of vegetation to a fearful extent. Fruit of all kinds and the crops generally have suffered alike in the destruction wrought by this unwelcome visitor, Jack Frost. From all parts of the country, far and near, we hear of the destruction it has done to grass, wheat, corn, potatoes, fruit, etc. — (This would show the frost to have been on Saturday, June 4, 1859.)

The local affairs of the Holland Land Company remained in charge of their first resident agent, Joseph Ellicott, until October, 1821, when he resigned on account of poor health. He committed suicide in the summer of 1826, at Bellevue Hospital in New York.

The first white child, it is a historic fact, who was born in America had a Norwegian mother. The child was the son of Thornfield, brother of Lief Ericson ; it was called Snorre and was born in the State of Massachusetts in 1003, and taken back to Iceland when three years old.

The ready wit of Cyrus Giles, a prominent and singular character, was well known to many of his time. He probably lived on two-thirds of the places from Cottage to South Dayton, being an inveterate trader. He was a man who could neither read nor write but a wit and a bickerer.

29

EARLY PRIVATIONS.

S A RULE the settlers Avho came to this locaUty were far from rich in this world's goods. They had very few sources which would command money, and some money was necessary even for those who occupied lands of the Holland Land Company. The only way to obtain this ^vas the production of black salts, though even this was not salable until after the first forests were felled. But at length asheries were built and these by purchasing the salts afforded the settlers a chance to realize a little money. All who could procure a five pail kettle or club with their neighbors, if they had neighbors, to purchase a cauldron, commenced the manufacture. This not only brought a little money into the country but it also promoted the clearing of the lands. Black salts was made as follows : Timber was cut into convenient lengths, piled and burned to ashes (although the process was by no means as short as the description). The ashes w^ere then gathered, placed in a sort of a hopper, and drenched with water, which percolating the alkaline mass, dripped out in the form of lye, which was then boiled in kettles or cauldrons, becoming more and more concentrated as the process was continued, until at last the liquid was crystalized into the substance known as black salts, each hundred pounds of Avhich represented a certain amount of money, and an amount too which the early pioneers regarded as very considerable. The best ashes came from the burning of oak, elm, beech and birch, and the other hard woods. Those made from pine and hemlock were "worthless for the purpose. An acre of heavy woods would produce perhaps four hundred pounds of salts, which could generally be sold for $2.50 per cwt. The results here given are fully as favorable as were obtained by the average settler, so when we compute the amount thus realized from the severe labor of falling and converting an acre of heavy timber into the commercial commodity, we realize how precious was money, and how cheap was the labor of sinew^ and bone among these early settlers. A source of far greater return than could be derived from the manufacture of the salts was to be found in the dense mass of pine timber which covered the low lands of the town. But these w^ere not developed until some years later, and then the manufacture and marketing of the lumber, thugh found very profitable by some required an amount of capital far beyond the reach of most of the pioneers who settled this locality.

The life of these early settlers was a hard one at the best, ^^^hen they entered upon their lands (in which the usual extent of their proprietorship, was the privilege of purchasing if they should ever become able). The first

30

work was to build a cabin of logs with stick chimney, and a window of oiled paper; then to clear and plant a small plot from the harvest of which, God willing, they might hope for a scanty subsistance for the family during the succeeding winter. When the crops were in still there was no rest from unremitting labor, for the work of clearing was never done, and fences must be built, while still more inexorable than all these was the demand for daily food, a demand not easily met in the time that must necessarily elapse before the maturity of the crops. If by any mishap of drought or depredation or of early frosts these crops were lost, then the prospect became dark indeed, and it sometimes occurred that, under such circumstances, families, being entirely without pecuniary resources were reduced to actual suffering from want of food. The abundance of game and fish furnished considerable assistance at certain seasons of the year, toward supplying the necessities of the family, and instances were not infrequent, in which supplies drawn from the forests and the streams have allayed the pangs of actual hunger. Deer were abundant in all the woods, and in times when the snow was smoothly crusted, these were taken with scarcely any difficulty ; although at these times their flesh was rather unpalatable from the flavor given by the hemlock on which they were compelled to feed when the snow covered every green thing. Yet it was food and as such was not unwelcome. Bears and wolves were also found here. Their presence was disliked by the settlers more l:>ecause of their depredation on sheep, hogs, and fouls, than because of any danger of fear from them. But if the early settlers saw much of danger and privation they had many reasons for abundant gratitude ; and the chief of these was their immunity from the danger of Indian inroads. In other settlements the pioneer never slept free from the danger of attack and massacre. He never left home without the thought that his cabin might be burned and his family carried off or massacred before his return, and he never worked in his clearing without his rifle within reach.

But the first comers to these wilds braved no such danger. The settler might build his cabin in the loneliest dell of any of our hills or valleys and sleep in peace at night, and work unarmed in the dark woods by day without fear of harm from the savages for the spirit of the Seneca was cowed, his ancient ferocity was gone and his promise to live in peace with the white man was faithfully kept.

TheLodi Pioneer and Messe7iger was established at Lodi, then a part of the town of Perrysburg, of which the town of Dayton was also a part, by Lewis B. Edwards, in 1827. In 1830, Horace Greeley was a journeyman printer on this paper, remaining six weeks and leaving, as he expresses it, "no richer than I came."

The total valuation of the property in the town of Dayton is as follows : Real estate, $435,577; personal, $38,400; railroads, $135,000; telegraph and telephones, $57,55. Total, $614,602.

It is said that the name ^'Cattaraugus" is derived from the Indian word *'Ga-ta ra-ke-ras," signifying a fetid shore or beach.

31

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

0A\'rXG to the limited water power in the town, Uttle nianufacturinjr was (tarried on so lon<^ as this was the only ])0wer. In IS] 7, Silas Xash, the ])ioneer manufacturer, put up a sawmill at Cottage, which he o])erated for a number of years. Al)out 1853, John Knowlton began to 0])erate a saw mill at Cottag^e, which has been improved and enlarged and is at present the property of M. W. AVilcox. At IMarkham, Col. Ralph Johnson began the tanning business soon after his settlement in 1815. His first vat was hollowed out of a large l(jg. His facilities were gradually increased until he had about a dozen vats in use. The tannery was carried on until about 18G5. About l-SSO, Ralph Johnson and Anson C. Merrill put up a sawmill at Markham. This was afterwards operated by Henry Markham, Avho added a shingle mill. Gorham Dart was an early shingle manufacturer, building three mills in the ''swamp". Some of these mills were afterwards moved to other parts of the town and operated by Moses Dart and C. L. A\^atkins. As a rule the mills were operated in one place until the timber supply was exhausted and then moved to a more favorable locality. In 1873, Watkins and Tarbell removed their mill fiom East Leon to the neighborhood of Dayton village. In 1877, William Wolfe moved his mill from the Jamestown Crossing to lot 22, a little below Dayton village, and it was operated there until June 12, 1878, when it was demolished by a boiler explosion. A full account of this disaster appears els where in these pages. A\^illiam ^^'olfe and Jacob Dersey each operated shingle mills for a time at what is now Fair Plain, In 1874, C. L. Watkins established a planing mill at Dayton and did a flourishing business for a number of years. In 1876, Fernando Smith established a stave and heading mill at Dayton, wihch was continued for some years. In 1852, Wallace and William Ranlett established a shingle mill at south Dayton which they operated for six years, and then sold to John AMckham and Charles Berwald. After a time Mr. Berwald sold his interest to Mr. ^^'ickham, who in turn sold to N. W. Burkhalder and B. A. AVhipple. In 1880, this mill was removed to the present site, the plant enlarged and new machinery for grinding, etc. was added, and it is now a very complete establishment. In 1878, Jesse Pyle erected a lumber mill at South Dayton and 0. Barrus and J. W. Sherman also o])erated a saw mill there for some time. In 1878 Babcock & Co. established a stave and heading factory at South Dayton, which they conducted for six years. A shingle and box factory was also established at the same place by Palmer and Hall. Rev. William Allen established a

32

barrel factory there in 1879, and soon after sold to T. G. Phillips. This mill was burned in 1883. Peter McCune and James Peters were engaged in the manufacture of brooms at South Dayton until about 1894. In 1875 Wm. A. Dexter established a mill at Wesley, which was moved to the present site in 1898, and today is one of the important industries of the town. Remington Bros, also operate a lumber mill near South Dayton, and are doing an extensive business. Lumbering is now carried on on a different basis than it was a few years ago. Then the work and the material was mostly paid for in orders which were honored at the stores for goods. These goods took the place of cash. But in these days of banks and railroads, the lumberman is expected to pay cash for every day's work and for all materials used in the business.

THE EARLIEST ROAD,

The earliest evidence of the existence or a suggestion of a road or traveled way other than the Indian trails, in all this locality is found on the state map of 1802, prepared by Simeon DeWitt, Surveyor- General of the State of New York. On this map there is a portage road starting at the north bank of the Cattaraugus Creek, and running thence across what is now Perrysburg and a part of Dayton to the headwaters of the Conewango's east branch. As this date was before the settlement of the town by white men, it seems evident that the road thus delineated must have been, merely a bridle path that had been cut through the forests by the surveyors of the Holland Land Company in 1798, for the passage of pack horses, which were employed in the transportation of supplies from boats or canoes on the Cattaraugus Creek across the highlands to the waterway of the Conewango. Probably the first road that was really laid out was the road running from South Dayton through Cottage to Perrysburg. On this there was travel as early as 1817. What is popularly known as the Jamestown road has been the principal road of the town, being to the eastern part what the other has been to the western. The roads at the present time are well ordered and mostly in good condition.

THE FIRST WILL.

The first will that appears of record in the Surrogate's office of Cattaraugus Co. , is that of David Brand of Perrysburg, of which town Dayton was then a part, registered Aug. 23, 1820, in which he bequeathed to his beloved wife, Abigail Brand, all the land 'and premises in his possession with all the appurtenances thereto, during her natural life and widowhood ; likewise one cow, one hog, one table, one chest, and all the household furniture, wearing apparel that she now wears or has hertofore owned, and all the ashes on the above mentioned premises and one years provisions after my decease such as the farm produces. The witnesses to the will are Timothy M. Shaw, Bela H. Redfield, Amos C. Merrill; before Jerney Wooster, Surrogate, Jan. 31, 1821. Letters testamentary in the above will were issued unto David Brand, executor, son of the deceased Jan. 31, 1821.

33

THE ERIE RAILWAY.

'riie one enterprise of internal improvement, tlx; proj(M:t whose eoinpletion Avas the dawn of prosperity to this sequestered region and whose benefits have been great, is the Erie Railway. At the very early time when this great enterprise was conceived and commenced the public mind, in general, regarded the project as altogether chimerical, and its authors as visionary schemers who had undertaken a work impracticable in itself if not altogether impossible. And that even if it were within the bounds of jjossibility to overcome the barriers which nature had placed in the way of its accomplishment, the expense incurred must be so vast, that no adequate return on the outlay could ever be reasonably expected. The incredulity and ridicule thus encountered, was no small obstacle to success; and in addition to this and to the natural obstructions which ba7Ted the way of the enterprise, it was from first to last, surrounded by more formidable financial embarrassments than have often been met work. The Company was organized in president, and an authorized capital of $10,000,000. The work was commenced 183G, completed to Hornellsville,

in the prosecution 1835, with .James

of

a similar King,

as

in

and then to a point near Cuba, dur- ing the year 1850; to Dunkirk early in April, 1851. The first engine was run over the Western Division, April 17, 1851, and the directors made their first excursion to Dunkirk April 22nd. The final completion was celebrated by a grand excursion over the entire line on May 15, 1851. This was participated in by the President of the United States, Millard Filmore, and his Cabinet, including Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, and also by the Governor of the State, Washington Hunt, and other State officers together with the president, directors and the other officers of the companj^ and a large number of the most influential men of the countr3\ As the opening train sped on the people everywhere greeted its progress with imbounded joy and exultation, as well they might, for its passage marked an event which lifted the ban of isolation and doubled the value of their domain.

The editor of the Cattaraugus ( Go- wanda) Chron icle in his issue of Fridav,

CHANGE OF TIME.

N ew-York & Erie Railroad.

J. 1 aiu

W i;Ot'TK TO NKW TOKK CITY, Via DOKIRK

id ilie Krie Railroad, couneciiii^, with first class steamers on Lake Erie, the Michigan. Cl«ve- laisd, Coliiinbn.- and Citicinuati, Clevelaud and rittsburiiii, Cjfiiidiisky mid Newark, Saiiduskv and Ciiiciiiimti Railioad:;!, and first class steam- ers on tile Chio and Mii?!is.-ippi rivprs, aud the Ohio, iiidiaiia and Fen nsylvauia canaU. • Trains leave Dunkirk as folIov»'s, Sundays ex- cepled :

1st. Morning Express Train at 6 1-2 A. M. , 2d. Morniiiij Mail Tram al 10 A. M. .3d. ccomiiiodaiion (2d class) at i 1-2 P. M. 4lli. E.Tpress train leaves at 5 p.m. 5ih Express C aii!e Freiglu, leaves at 3 a. m.' 9th. Way Freight, leaves al 4 .3 1 a. in. N. B. The 5 oVIork p. in. train will - ieave on Sundiiys and not on Saiurda\ s.

econd c lass jmssciigers taken on the accor\»- niodation train at 1 1-2 o'clock, p. m. Far© thronirh tVom Dunkirk lo ^'ew York. $5.00.

Particular attention p.;id lo the -hipine nt of live StocU, nt)d Freight oi" every descn[)lion. IMie guttije lieing G kut wi.ie i^ives this route ^reat ad- vantaue over i.arjow Koad.-, in ihe Iransporialion of .slock aud all oilier tieiflit.

Freight TaritVv di.-,lri!'Uled, giving fuM partic- ulars in regard to ilie jift'c^.^ of Freight.

Fieie^u ccirtfully sitipped n!. Dunkirk.and each of the t'ullori'iiig Froij,Hit Stations.:

Forre^iville, ^iitle Vnlley, Oleitn, Dayton, All-gany, ' Hinsdale,

C.iii.t;augus, Great V'uiley, Cuba. and!all other eastern btations : ■'

• _ C. MI NOT, SupX HERER SQUICR. Ag't. Dunkirk, Oct. 3. 185!. 4svln30tf

vV YO r.K

pi

'O

ai ce pu be H<

■*> ter

Reproduced from the Gowanda Reporter, Oct., 1851

34

April 25, 1851, in speaking of this great event actually found time to write the following brief account :

^'On Tuesday last the President and Directors of the N. Y. & Erie Railroad Company passed over the road. They left New York at 11 o'clock A M. on Monday, stopped over night at Elmira, arriving at Dayton Summit at 5 o'clock P. M. on Tuesday, where a large number of our citizens were assembled, provided with the cannon belonging to this village, with which they gave the Pioneer Train a salute. One of the Directors made a few remarks, thanking the assemblage for the reception which they had given them, after which they proceeded to Dunkirk. We are informed that the cars will not commence running through until the 15th of May, this is, we believe fully determined upon."

HORRIBLE CASUALTY.

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle Gowanda, VTay 15, 1851.

We have just returned from the Railroad gathering at Dayton Summit, to greet the passing of the train with President Fillmore, Mr. Webster and other officals of the Government. There was a joyous gathering of the citizens, and all went happy till the arrival of the first train, a dark cloud passed over us in a sad and mournful accident. As Franklin Peacock and Ebenezer Henry of this place, were engaged in tiring the cannon they were horribly mutilated by the premature discharge of the gun. Their arms were badly shattered and otherwise injured. Their lives are dispaired of. We hope the practice of burning gunpowder on such occasions will cease and if dire necessity requires it shall only be used in defense of liberty. -| 4.fJI^2A2

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle, May 22, 1851.

We are pained to announce that Mr. Franklin Peacock, one of the young men injured by the premature discharge of a cannon on the 15th inst, at Dayton Summit, died on Friday morning last. He was about 19 years of age.

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle, May 29, 1851.

Ebenezer Henry, one of the men who was hurt at Dayton on the 15th inst.

bids fair to recover. We un

Stages leave tbis House dailv for' Evans Uenira •Depot, and twice a day for Davton Depot. Guests con- veyed to any place desired, by Livery. Itf

GOWANDA and

DAYTON

Jiunning hetween Oowanda and Day ion Sia-

iion. N. r, c^: E, E. R. j. M. WHITCOMB Pjioprietor.

The aborc Express will leave Ilujck's Hotel, Gowanda, every . morning, Sunday? excepted, at 7 • o'clock, running in coanection with ibe'Mail Tram go\x\y cast; and in the afternoon al 3>< o'clock, c<mneclin<r wiih the Mail Train goin^ west ancTtbe Ex})rcss east. Fair 2.j ceuls each way,

^^All business entrusted to his car« 'wiVl receive ^ nrocnpt »iod careful atteotion,

Gow&oda Oot, 15,1858. lltf

Reproduced from the Gowanda Reporter, Oct., 1858.

35

h&c Bat

m lb

ot hi

derstand that a purse of some $300 was raised for the bene- fit of him and the deceased young Peacock, which was paid over to Mr Marsh, Treas- urer of the N. Y. & E. R. R.

From the Cattaraugfus Chronicle, October 9, 1851,

We are gratified to "Chron- icle' ' the fact that the Board of Directors of the New York and Erie Railroad, have gen- erously presented to Ebenezer At water (Henry), who lost both arms and an eye, by the premature discharge of the can- non, at the Summit, at the celebration of the opening of

the rojul, two luindred and lifty dollars as a testimony of their sympathy for his misfortune;.

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle, October 23, 1851 .

Elxmezer Atwater ( Henry) the unfortunat(; young man who was injured at Dayton last summer by the exi)losion of th(; eannon fired on the occasion of President Fillm<»re, and other government oflicers being present in the first regular train on the N. Y. & E. K. R., has re(;overed with the loss of hoih arms amputated about four inches from the shoulders, and likewise the loss of one eye. He is indeed an object of symi)athy and compassion, yet he walks about apparently cheerful and happy. As he is desirous of obtaining if possible artificial arms, we deeply sympathize with him and his friends, in his helpless condition, and as some benevolent efforts are being made in his behalf, we doubt not his misfortune will call forth the liberality of this community. We commend his case to the sympathies of the benevolent. Atwater is a young man about 20, and is a member of the Sons of Temperance, and we think his case of such a nature as to commend itself to the benevolence of the order everywhere.

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle, Gowanda, Thursday, Julj- 31, 1851.

Trains which stop at Dayton, bound East :

Freight 0:15 A. M.

Mail and Passenger . . . . . . 11:11 A. M.

Accommodation Passenger . . . . . 2 :27 P. M.

Trains which stop at Dayton, bound West :

Mail and Passenger 4 :45 P. M.

Express Passenger . . . . . . 11:11 A. M.

Accommodation Passenger . . . . . 10:00 P. M.

Way Freight 5 :55 A. M,

Carriage leaves M. H. Barker's Lodi House for Dayton Summit at 9:80 A. M. and returns on arrival of the 11 :11 A. M. train. Leaves Gowanda again at 2:30 P. M. and returns on arrival of the 4:45 P. M. train.

Carriages always in readiness to convey passengers to any desired point, from Gowanda at reasonable prices.

THE BUFFALO AND SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD.

The Buffalo and Jamestown Railroad Company was organized in 1872. The city of Buffalo contributed one million dollars and various towns along the line one million dollars in aid of its construction. Dayton for its share contributed liberally, $10,000, which was paid by tax all in one year following its completion. The work was commenced, pushed rapidly, and completed as far as Gowanda, October 20, 1874. It enters the town of Dayton at the northeastern corner and runs diagonally through the town a distance of about eleven miles, passing out in the southwestern corner. From Gowanda to Day- ton, a distance of 4 and 36 one-hundreths miles there is a grade of 132 ft. to the mile. At the village of Dayton the railroad passes under the Erie Tracks for a distance of 30 feet. The road was opened in sections of about five miles and w^as completed as far as Markham in July, 1875. The first passenger train was run over the track from Buffalo to Jamestown, Oct. 17, 1875. Eugene Haynes was engineer, and J. M. Richmond was conductor. The xoad was sold in Buffalo September 1877, by Geo. S. Wardwell, the referee

36

in the suit of the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company against the Buffalo and Jamestown Railroad Company, et al. , in pur- suance to a judgment of the Supreme Court, ren- dered Feb. 3. One bid of a million dollars was made by Abraham Alt- man, J. M. Eichmond, John F. Moulton, W. H. H. Newman and Wil- son S. Bissell, a commit- tee of the bond holders, and as no other bids were made the road was TUNNEL AT DAYTON VILLAGE,

struck off to them. In

1880 the name was changed under the management to the Buffalo and South Western Railroad. It is now under the new management of the Erie, and is one of the best paying branches on the whole Erie system.

DAYTON DEPOT BURNED-J853.

From the Independent Chronicle, Gowanda, September 1, 1853.

About 9 o'clock on Monday evening, we discovered that a conflagration was in progress, south of our village, and immediately started to discover its whereabouts — which proved to be at Dayton Depot. The fire originated in one of the wood-sheds attached to the Depot and was very soon beyond the control of human power. The Depot was soon in flames and so rapid the progress of the destroying element, that there was hardly time to save the freight, merchandise, flour salt, etc., in store; fortunately however, the amount was small, and resolute hands soon rescued the bulk and placed it at a safe distance from harm. The entire line of sheds, covering a large amount of wood were soon wrapt in flames, and a heat created so intense, that the piles east of the track soon became ignited and added still more to the already sea of fire. The scene was, truly, sad, yet magnificent in the extreme. The Eastern and Western Express trains, due about 12, were detained some tirne, until the fire had somewhat spent its fury — from want of materials — it being considered rash by the conductors, to pass such a barrier of flames. The iron on the main track was warped and bent very much out of shape, from the effect of the heat; the switch track, however, did not suffer materially. It is estimated that some 1,500 or 1,600 cords of wood were destroyed, about 100 cords of which had not been measured and accepted by the company, and consequently such loss must fall on individuals. The entire loss is estimated at about $6,000.

POST OFFICE CHANGED.

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle, June 12. 1851.

The site of the Dayton Post Office, has been changed to the Dayton Depot, and James Rice, appointed Post Master to take effect on the first day of July.

37

\\ v liope our fiicud .Ijiincs will sec that th(3 ('liroiiiclf has a ]>la(;e "in the affections'' of the good peoj)le to whom he is to disi>ense "the news."

Wm. R. Smith, formerly of this villa^^e, has been appointed i)(.'f>ot Agent for Dayton.

PLANK ROAD MEETING.

There is to be a meeting at Kent's mills on Saturday, to devise some method of establishing a Plank Road from Cherry Creek to Dayton Summit. Mr. Welch informs us that if the weather is favorable, he will have the road from this place to the Summit in a condition to be used after the la]jse of two or three weeks, and that he intends to "drive the road along" to its final completion as rapidly as practicable. Mr. W. has labored under many disadvantages since he began this work, and his indomitable perseverance is suflicient guaranty that the road has progressed as rapidly as could be expected.

DISTINGUISHING MARKS.

From records in the town clerk's office, dated. 1837, we find: Avery Park's mark for cattle, sheep and hogs; a sloping crop on the underside of the left ear.

Isaac Crandall* — A square crop off. the left ear and one slit in the right ear. Hosea Brown — A hole through the left ear.

Delorma Loomers — A half penny, the upper side of the right ear and a slit on the end of the left.

Silas Nash — A half crop the under side of the right ear. Andrew Keysor — A sloping crop on the under side of the right ear. Garret Parsell — A square notch on the upper side of the right ear. Orange Remington — A square slit in the right ear.

Ralph Johnson — Square crop in the left ear and a half penny on the under side of the right.

Azariah Darby — A square crop on the right ear and a half penny on the under side of the left.

Charles Neers — A swallow's tail in both ears.

Isaac King — A swallow's tail in the right ear.

Delos C. Burdick — A swallow's tail in the left ear.

Jonathan Milks, Jr. — A slit in both ears.

Gile Johnson — A square crop on the left ear.

Benjamin INIarkham — A half penny under side of the left ear.

Loyd Nicholls — A hole through the right ear.

Hail ]Matteson — A slit in the end of the right ear and a slanting slit the under side of the same ear.

Daniel D. English — A swallow's tail in the right ear and a half penny under the same.

David Brand — Two holes in the left ear. Henry C. Brand — Three holes in the right ear. Martin Waite — A hole tlirough the right ear. Calvin F. Yaw — A swallow's tail in the left ear. Norman L. Bacon — A square crop off the tip of each ear. Heman Merrill — A square crop off the right ear and a half crop under side of left ear.

Thomas Stafford — A square on the left ear and a long slit on the same. Richard Cole — A half crop on the underside of the riuht ear and a slit on the left.

* The mark in each instance i.s for cattle, sheep and hogs.

38

Anson C. Merrill— One hole in the right ear and a slit in the end of the same.

Darius Markham — One hole through each ear.

Nathan D. Pratt — A square crop in the rioht ear and a swallow's tail on the left.

David M. Church — A square crop from the end of each ear.

ROAD MEETING.

From the Cattaraugus Chronicle, Thursday June 26, 3 851.

At an adjourned meeting of inhabitants of the Towns of Dayton and Persia in the County of Cattaraugus, and the Towns of Cherry Creek and Villenova in the County of Chautauqua held at the inn of Joshua Markham in Dayton, on the 21st day of June 1851, Ralph Johnson, Supervisor of the town of Dayton, was called to the chair, and Caleb B. Crumb, Esq., of Villenova, Yvas appointed Secretary. The proceedings of the previous meeting w ere read, and the chairman stated the objects of the meeting and of the adjournment. Messrs. ^lerrill, Wheelock and Crumb, members of a Conunittee, appointed to examine and report as to the feasibility and probable expense of constructing a road from the Nickerson farm to the main road through Cherry Creek, with a view to make the shortest route to Cherry Creek Village, stated that it was only necessary to make two and a fourth miles of road to bring the Village of Cherry Creek within eleven miles of the Dayton Depot, and that the cost of construction would be about $1,200. After discussing the merits of different projects, it was unanimously

RESOLVED, That as residents of Dayton, Persia, Villenova and Cherry Creek, we approve of the location of the Depot, as estal)lished by the N. Y. & Erie Railroad Company at Dayton. That it is a point that can he approached by the most convenient and level roads from ever}^ town and neighborhood in its vicinity, and we believe that the location will accommodate the largest population and most extensive business.

RESOLVED, That the free road which the people of Gowanda are constructing to give that village and the north part of Erie County, more convenient access to the railroad, shall be continued in the same liberal spirit, from the Depot, through the town of Dayton and the southeast part of Villenova, by the way of the Nickerson farm to Cherry Creek, and that Dayton will join with Villenova and Cherry Creek in constructing the same.

RESOLVED, That by making only 2^ miles of new road a part of which has been opened and partly worked and the construction of which is estimated to cost $1,200 the Village of Cherry Creek will l)e within the distance of eleven miles, on a nearly level road from the Dayton Depot. That other towns in Chautauqua county, will be accommodated by the same road, and, connecting with the Gowanda road, it will be the most convenient and shortest route for the people of the Conewango Vallev to Buffalo.

RESOLVED, That Guile Johnson and Homer Wheelock of Dayton, Caleb B. Crumb, Esq., of Villenova and Joseph Kent of Cherry Creek, be an executive committee to procure subscriptions, assist in locating the road, superintend its construction, and call meetings of the subscribers from time to time, as may be deemed proper.

RESOLVED, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman aand Secretary, and published.

RALPH JOHNSON, Chairman. C. B CRUMB, Secretary.

What is public history but a register of the successes and disappointments, the vices, the follies and the quarrels of those who engage in contention for

39

DAYTON AND ITS POLITICAL HISTORY.

By Hon. N. M. ALLEN.

HE Town of Dayton was organized in the year 1835. Up to that time it was a part of the town of Perrysljurg, which includes Dayton, Perrysbiirg, and a considerable part of Persia. In 1835 the law was passed, forming Avhat are now the towns of Dayton and Persia into separate towns the same as they are now. The first townmeeting in the town of Dayton, Avas held at the schoolhouse, standing in the forks of the road near what was then the residence of Col. Ralph Johnson. I have distinct recollections of that town meeting. In order that the electors might be more fully advised of their powers and duties in the newly organized town, a volume of the Revised Statutes was borrowed from a lawyer, living at what is now Gowanda, (then Lodi ) and brought to the meeting. At or near the close of the meeting in the evening and after the canvass of the votes was had, it was found that the volume of Statutes had disappeared and was no doubt stolen. The first debt incurred by the new town was to replace the stolen volume. The name given to the town was selected by several of the early settlers who met at my father's house to consult about a name. Among those who thus assembled I remember Col. Ralph Johnson, Heman Merrill, Silas Nash and others whose names I cannot now recall. Various names for the new town were suggested, discussed and rejected. ^ly father finally suggested the name of Dayton and after some discussion it was unanimously agreed that the new town should be so christened, and my father Avas requested to write a letter to the representatives of this county in Albany and direct them to insert that name in the bill then pending for adoption. It soon became a law and the town has since been knoAvn by the name then given.

The Whig party was the dominant party Avhen the toAvn Avas first organized. The number of votes at that time as I recall it now Avas considerably less than tAvo hundred and these Avere Whigs in about the proportion of tAvo to one. That party had been lateh^ organized and had a rapid and substantial growth. The Democrats were followers of Jackson who was President in 1835, and afterAvards Martin Van Buren succeeded Jackson as President. Party spirit ran as high then as it has ever at any time since. The Whig party first succeeded in a National canvass in 1840, by the election of Harrison and Tyler. It was a memorable campaign. The Whigs were agressive and exceedingly active. The most preposterous stories Avere told of the extra A'agance of President Van Buren. He Avas charged with using silver forks and knives on his table at the White House. It was a hard cider campaign. DoAvn at Lodi there Avas a log cabin Avhich in outward appearance Avould frighten an Indian. On the inside Avas a barrel of hard cider and any Whig, or those proposing to become such, Avere entitled to enter and take a SAvig of hard cider from the tin cup kept there for that purpose. Coon skins Avere nailed up about the premises, one of AA^hich was on the door of the cabin. ^ly father Avas a Jackson Democrat and I, little boy though I Avas, Avas of the same persuasion. My father detested the Whigs

40

and of course I did too because he did. But they succeeded in spite of our combined opposition and Harrison was elected, took office and died within a month, and Tyler succeeded to the Presidency. The Whig party was greatly disappointed in Tyler's administration. He divided the party and it was believed by a majority of them that he basely betrayed his party.

The first Supervisor of Dayton was Silas Nash who held the office for the years 1835-1836-1841-1842-1843 and 1845. Luther Allen, my father, held it during 1837-1838-1844. Anson C. Merrill during 1839-1840. ' Heman Merrill 1846-1847. Calvin F. Yaw during 1848-1849-1850. Ralph Johnson 1851. John B. Read 1852-1853. Franklin Philbrick 1854-1856. Guile Johnson 1855-1857. Dewitt Nash 1858-1859. Norman M. Allen 1860 to 1895 inclusive and John J. Volk from 1896 to the present time. The office of Supervisor of the town of Dayton has. been filled by Democrats for only four years of the sixty-five that the town has been organized. Three years my father held the office and one year it was held by Colonel Ralph Johnson. As to all the minor offices, all the people of the town were invited to attend the caucuses to nominate town officers and these offices were fairly divided among Whigs, Democrats, and Republicans. This system of nominating the town officers resulted in giving to the town a class of officers whose faithful discharge of duty has never been surpassed by the officers of any other town. A different system now prevails. Parties were divided into Whigs and Democrats with a small sprinkling of Abolitionists until about 1854, when the Whig party having become hopelessly divided ceased to exist ,as a party and of its members joined the new Republican organization as did also a portion of the Democratic party, myself among the others. In this transition and reorganization of the political parties the American or Knownothing party must not be forgotten. Many Democrats who hesitated to go over to the Whig party found a halfway house or stopping place with the Knownothings, and in fact the organization of that party was almost entirely made up of members of the Whig and Democratic parties who were disgusted and dissatisfif d with the workings of their own parties. I was among the Democrats who was ready to leave my party and join other partisans in building up the new American or Knownothing party. In that party I remained in good standing for about two weeks, during which time election occurred, I declined to vote the ticket they had nominated as I thought the Whig or even the Democratic ticket preferable. I finally made up a ticket which I voted from the Democratic and Whig tickets. Shortly after the election of 1854 the State organization of the Knownothings promulgated an edict that all members of the party who had failed to vote the Knownothing ticket should be called to an account and unless they could give a satisfactory excuse for their action, they were to be expelled from the order and find their home with some other political organization. There were about one hundred members of the lodge in the town of Dayton. Most of them voted that ticket at that election but there were a few who did not. The vote of the town was almost unanimous for the Knownothing ticket. About thirty Whig votes were polled and about as many Democratic votes the rest being for the Knownothings. Many voting that ticket who^ were not members of the party organization. As one of the prime offenders in refusing to vote the ticket I was early called to an account in the lodge of which I was a member and the presiding officer as well. A member arose and preferred charges against me for my lack of party fealty but I refused to entertain the charges and confusion prevailed. Meetings were held night after night and discussions were had as to the duty of electors to vote as some one else told them to vote Avithout any regard as to their own feehng in the matter. In these discussions my adherents constantly mcreased from about half a dozen to a majority of about three of all the members of the lodge.

As the presidint; oHicer I was called u[)(>ii to enforce the rules which Jiad heen ])r()iiiul*rate(l hy the state organization f)y re(iuiring each ineiriher to state how he had voted at the last (dection and to se(* that such as could not give a satisfactory excuse for their lack of fealty were expelled. A meeting was called to enforce this order at which nearly every member was j)resent. I called upon one of the most prominent members to hold up his hand and swear to give true answers as to how he had voted at the last election. He done so and in answer to my enquiry he answered that he had voted the

straight Knownothing ticket, was d d sorry for it and that if the brethren

would forgive him he would promise never to do it again. A member at once made a motion that tlie statenuint and excuse of the member be accepted as satisfactory and that he be excused from ever voting that ticket again. The motion was adoi)ted by o majority. I then called upon one on the other side who said that he had voted the straight Knownothing ticket from top to bottom and was not ashamed of it either. A motion was made and carried that unless that member would promise never to vote that ticket again he should be expelled from the organization. He refused to make the required promise and was expelled. And so each member in turn was called upon to state how he had voted and all of those who would not promise that they would never vote the ticket again were expelled while those who promised not to vote the ticket again were retained in good standing. The transactions of that meeting will always remain with me. With considerable experience as a presiding officer I never had more trouble in maintaining order in a meeting. I remember that two of the most sedate of the members became so aroused that they came to blows in the course of their argument. This was the last Knownothing meeting ever held in the town of Dayton as those expelled and those who were retained w^ere soon after gathered into the Republican fold almost without exception. Since that time with a few exceptions the toAvn has b(H'n strongly Republican. I might add here that I was never expelled from that Knownothing organization which was right in one respect in being rightly named.

The men who lived in the town of Dayton when it was first organized were, without any regard to party, among the best men that I have ever known. They were strong, sturdy men of far more than ordinary intelligence and worth. They did what they thought right for their country and for their party. None of the earliest remain. All are gone to their last repose and have passed on into the company of the ever living. The impress that they have left behind them with their children and their children's children will ever remain for no more faithful and upright men ever lived in an}' town. In my earliest political life I well remember their fidelity to me on all occasions and whenever I have been a candidate at the general elections — I have always received without regard to party nearly every "'^ote in the town. And I am glad to have this opportunity to pay this poor tribute to the memory of those I knew and loved so well.

When the Avar of the rebellion began the whole town almost without exception was for preserving the Union and in favor of upholding the hands of the President in his efforts to suppress the rebellion. And when that war culminated in the destruction of human slavery Democrats as well as Republicans rejoiced in its destruction and that contention had ceased forever upon that subject and that peace had come, never more to be broken for that cause. There were no copperheads in the town. Hundreds and thousands of dollars were collected and paid to volunteers and their families without a murmur. And when taxes were imposed there was no complaining. Thousands of dollars were paid without any tax and what was done then so willingly and cheerfully would be done again today if the occasion demanded it. Dayton sent most of her young men and many that were middle aged

42

to this war and the record made by each of them was such as the people dehght to remember and to honor. If the history of these volunteers could be written as it should be it would present a record of faithful discharge of duties, of marvelous escapes, of hardships endured, and of triumphs achieved. Many of these men were my most intimate friends and many of them died on the battlefield or in the hospitals and their memories will be handed down by their children to their children's children as a priceless legacy.

THE GOOD NEIGHBOR.

There," said a citizen, pointing to another resident, there is a man who has done more good, I really beUeve, in this village than any other person who ever lived in it. He cannot talk very much in public, and he does not try. But a new family never moves into the village that he does not find it out and give them a neighborly welcome. He is always on the lookout for their welfare, and is always ready to watch with a sick neighbor. He and his wife keep house plants in winter, mainly that they may be able to send little boquets to friends and invalids. He has a genius for helping folks and it does one good to meet him on the streets."

Learn your business thoroughly. Keep at one thing ; in no wise change. Always be in haste but never in a hurry. Observe system in all you do or undertake. Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. One today is worth two tomorrows. Be self-reliant; do not take too much advice, but rather depend upon yourself. Never fail to keep your appointment or to be punctual to the minute. Never be idle but keep busy.

Nothing will make us so charitable and tender with regard to the faults of •others as thoroughly knowing our own.

MRS. WILLIAM B. SMITH. MRS. HARRY HOWARD.

43

TOWN OFFICERS.

f'^lJE following- is a list of the Supervisors, Town Clerks and Justices of the town of Dayton since its or<;anization. SUPERVIS()RS: 1S3G Silas Nash ; 1S37-3S Luther Allen, 1n:J'.)- 40 Anson C Merrill; 1S41-42-48 Silas Nash; 1844 Luther Allen; 1845 Silas Nash; 1846 47 Ileman Merrill; 1848-49-50 Calvin F. Yaw; 1851 Ralph Johnson; 1852-53 John B. Reed; 1854 Franklin Philbrick; 1855 Gile Johnson; 1856 Franklin Philbrick; 1857 Gile Johnson; 1858-59 De Witt C. Nash; 1860-95 inclusive Norman M. Allen; 1896-1901 John J. Yolk.

TOWN CLERKS: 1836-46 Ralph Johnson; 1846-47 Richard Johnson; 1848-49 Orsman Markham; 1850-51 T. W. Johnson; 1852 N. M. Allen; 1853-63 T. W. Johnson; 1863 G. P. Dart; 1864-65 A. M. DeLong; 1866 M. P. Roberts; 1867-71 Silas H. Merrill; 1871-72 N. A. ChafPee; 1873-77 Fernando Smith; 1877-78 A. M. Hall; 1879 M. N Johnson; 1880-1893 John J. Yolk 1893-98 A. R. Young; 1898-1901 Fred. D. Sharp.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE: 1835 Luther Allen; 1836 John H. Blish, Avery Parke and Luther Allen; 1837 John McMillan; 1838 John H. Blish; 1839 Lemuel Webster ; 1840 Avery Par^ 1841 Luther Allen; 1842 Lemuel Webster; 1843 no record; 1844 Avery Parke; 1845 Luther Allen; 1846 John B. Reed; 1847 Eleazer J. Hillebert; 1848 Averv Parbe, Franklin Philbrick; 1849 Asahel Allen; 1850 James S. Shaw; 1851 Averv Parke: 1852 John W. Badgero; 1853 Asahel Allen; 18^4 James S. Shaw; 1855 Avery Parke; 1856 N. M. Allen; 1857 J. B. Allen; 1858 James S. Shaw; 1859 I. H. Alden; 1860 H. W. Locke; 1861 J. B. Allen; 1862 James S. Shaw; 1863 I H. Alden; 1864 H. W. Locke; 1865 J. B. Allen; 1866 James S. Shaw; 1867 G. P. Dart; 1868 Charles Blair; 1869 J. B. Allen; 1870 W. S, Thrasher; 1871 L. 0. Hall; 1872 Charles Blair; 1873 J. B. Badgero; 1874 Harrison Judd; 1875 L. Ranlett; 1876 B. H. Lamb; 1877 Charles AV. Smith; 1878 Charles Blair, C. W. Smith, Harrison Judd, B. H. Lamb; 1879 ditto; 1880 ditto; 1881 Charles Blair, L. 0. Hall and B. H. Lamb; 1882 John Locke, L. O. Hall, B H. Lamb, John Newcomb; 1883 ditto; 1884 Elijah Cook, B. H. Lamb, John Locke, John Newcomb; 1885 Elijah Cook, B. H. Lamb, A. G. Parke, John Newcomb; 1886 ditto; 1887 B. H. Lamb, Elijah Cook, A. G. Parke, J S. Yan Slvke; 1888 B. H. Lamb, J. S. Yan Slyke, J. M. Parmelee, A. G. Parke; 1889 ditto; 1890 B. H. Lamb, E. K. Parke, J. M. Parmelee, John S. Yan Slyke; 1891 B. H. Lamb, J. M. Parmelee, E.K. Parke, G. N. Johnson; 1892 ditto; 1893 ditto; 1894 G. N. Johnson, B. H. Lamb, L. A. Parke; 1895 J. M. Parmelee: B. H. Lamb, L. A. Parke, G. N. Johnson; 1896 ditto; 1897 ditto; 1898 F. R. Johnson, J. M. Parmelee, B. H. Lamb, L. A. Parke; 1899 ditto; 1900 ditto; 1901 ditto.

In addition to the above the following are the present town officials: Assessors G. N. Johnson, Oscar English, D. T. Wood; Commissioner of Highways, Chas. Weigand; Collector, Chas. Shults; Overseer of Poor, Horace Howlett; Inspectors of Election, 1st Dist. J. E. Bixby, Ellis Brown;

44

2nd Dist. L. Ranlett and B. C. Wilson; Constables, C. E. Law, Rowland Hall, Chas. Drogmiller, Fred Peters; Game Constable, Glenn Remington.

In speaking of the long and honorable record of the Hon. N. M. Allen, upon the Board of Supervisors, the Cattaraugus Union in the fall of 1888 says: Hon Norman M. Allen last week commenced serving his thirtieth year on the Board of Supervisors, and his twenty-seventh year as chairman of the Board. Last week he was elected by acclamation In this connection it is worthy of note that Mr Allen has during these years sat on the Board with over three hundred supervisors. Over one-half of this number have passed to another world. Each year he is confronted on the Board by seme new faces. Under his watchful eye and wise direction the business of the Board goes on like clock work — no friction, wrangling or unnecessary delay Each member regardless of politics holds his presiding officer in the highest esteem, and exhibits a difference and regard for him that is admirable This fact is appreciated and reciprocated by Mr Allen. We might add that this state of things is in strange contrast to the scenes sometimes witnessed in our legislative halls at Albany. W^e can also add that there are, today, scores of voters in the town of Dayton — which Mr. Allen represents — who have never known any other supervisor from their town. In this capacity he represented their fathers before them. Although by no means an old man in years Mr. Allen has grown gray in the service of his town. We wonder how many people of this present generation know that Mr. Allen was originally a Democrat ? This is a fact. If we are not mistaken he voted for Franklin Pierce for President and for Reuben E. Fenton for Congress the first time, when the latter was elected to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon after the period Mr. Allen thought it his duty to change his tactics. We believe that Mr. Allen's father was also a Democrat. Like his son Norman M. he was a personal friend and associate of the late R. H. Shankland. Many years ago the elder Mr. Allen was coroner (they had coroners in those days) he was obliged to go up into the town of Humphrey to investigate a case, he called for his friend Mr. Shankland to accompany him. It took them two or three days to ''investi- gate" but they had a good visit, even if the official part of their duties was a little monotonous.

Thirty years as Supervisor and now presiding with cheerfulness and pa- tience. It is indeed a record worth pre- serving. If we have told anything that one of our readers did not know before we are content."

If the secret history of books could be written, and the author' s private thoughts and meanings noted down along side of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader. — Thackeray.

SENECA LeBARRON.

Born July 12, 1827. Died June 14, 1874.

45

MAJOR OSCAR R WINSHIP, A GALLANT SOLDIER AND HERO.

Adjutant^General of the United States Army. Born in Dayton, N, Y., September 11, 1817. First Cadet from Cattaraugus County to United States nilitary Academy. Died December 13, 1855.

WAR RECORD.

HIS BOOK would not be complete without the mention of the patriotism and loyalty shown by Dayton citizens during the war. It is with considerable pride that we present here the picture of Major Oscar F. Winship, who was born in Perry, of which Dayton was then a part, or in reality near where the village of Dayton now stands on Sept. 11, 1817. He was the first cadet from Cattaraugus County to the U. S. Military acadamy at West Point, entering that institution in 1836. He graduated and entered the service as 2nd Lieutenant of Dragoons July 1, 1840, and commenced his military career among the hammocks and pine barrens of Florida. From this period to the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he was stationed in the Indian Territory, where altough there w^as no opportunity for marked distinction, he displayed the rare qualities of head and heart which afterwards rendered him a conspicuous officer of the General staff of the Army. He was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in September, 1844, and was an officer of the gallant little band which marched into Texas and afterwards achieved the brilliant victories of the Rio Grande. The valuable services which he rendered as a reconnoitering officer, his courageous and gallant conduct on that glorious field, the impetuous bearing ^vhich he displayed in May's charge upon the Mexican battery, w^ere acknowledged by the Government and he was rew^arded with the brevet commission of Captain, in the words of the act of Congress "for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of battle." When Congress authorized the increase of the Adjutant Generals department, Major Winship was selected from the Dragoon army and was appointed Assistant Adjutant General, Avith the rank of Captain, in July 1846, and was afterwards promoted to the rank of General in December, 1847. He continued to serve in the capacity of a staff officer until the close of the war. Attached at different periods to the staff of various officers, he was present and conspicuous in all of the battles of General Taylor's line, and afterwards accompanied the army under General Scott from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. For his distinguished conduct he again received the reward of a brevet commission. He was for a time chief of the staff of Brig. General Pierce, afterwards President of the United States, and warmly defended his former commander. At the close of the war, with the assistance of Lieutenant McLean he translated and published ''Jominis Art of War." He remained at the headquarters of the Eastern Division until the summer of 1853, when

47

he was onlerod to re})()rt to Major (Ic^neral 'r\vi<rgs, coninianding the Department of the; West. While here he was ordered to make a thorough inspection of the posts in the I)ei)artment and accomplished the arduous duty with satisfaction to the Government and great credit to himself. He remained attached to the Staff of the Department until summoned to more active employment in the field as chief of the staff of Brig. General Harney in his campaign against the Sioux. He returned from the laborious duties of this campaign for a short visit to his family at Troy, N. Y. Worn out by fatigue and exposure, broken in health, after a brief illness attended with acute

HON. N. M. ALLEN,

As Paymaster of the Army in 1 863.

suffering he died Dec. 13, 1855. This gallant officer and hero was buried, with military honors at Troy, N. Y. The funeral was an imposing one, and testified that true merit and unsullied honor in life is never without its honor after death. In 1851 Major Winship married Mary B. Pierson, a daughter of Job Pierson, of the Rensselaer County Bar. Mrs. Winship is still living together with the only child, Sanmel C Winship, who was born .January 31, 1854, and now resides in New York City. Mr. S. C. Winship is connected with the Ignited States Trust Company of that City and has been for the last ten years. Howard Winship, located at 1(] White Building, Buffalo, X. Y., is a nephew of this distinguished soldier.

48

So far as we are able to learn, Dr. Samuel Redfield, who was the first physician of Dayton, and was the only resident who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. He enlisted from Old Guilford, Conn. ; came to Dayton in 1821, and died here in 1836.

The following residents of^Dayton were soldiers of the war of 1812-1815. William Hall served a few days in Capt. Moss' New York Company; Thomas Newcomb, Ebenezer Roberts served under Capts. Lilly and Campbell, he received bounty lands ; Alanson Wilcox.

Mexican War : Oscar F. Winship.

WAR OF THE REBELLION.

The real military history of the town of Dayton commenced in 1861. And it is a history of which her people may well be proud. From the time when the President's first call for men was made known until the death of the great Rebellion made further calls unnecessary the young men, the midle-aged men, the old men, the father and the son responded to each appeal with an ■alacrity and a patriotism not to be excelled. Dayton lost many sons during those years of the nation's peril and all love to honor their names and memory. The following is a complete record of officers, soldiers and seamen, composing the quota of the troops, furnished to the United States by the Town of Dayton.

ROSTER OF SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION FROM TOWN OF DAYTON.

Badgero, John W. ; private, 154 Inf. enlisted Aug. 30, 1862; promoted to 2nd lieutenant, died in the service June 4, 1863. Brown, Chas. F., Co. H. 44th Inf. Three years.

Bailey, George, Private 54th Inf, ; enlisted Sept. 1862; discharged in July 1865. Now a resident of Wesley.

Blair, William W., Corp. 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 6, 1862; discharged for disability. Now a resident of Illinois.

Bacon, Esek P., Private, 154th Inf. Enhsted July 21, 1862. Died as a prisoner of war at Andersonville, May 5, 1863.

Darbee, Augustus, Private, 64th Inf. Enlisted Dec. 16, 1861; discharged Oct. 1864. Resides at Cottage.

Darbee Henry, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. Killed at Malvern Hill.

Darbee, Horace, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 1862. Discharged Aug. 1865. Died in Michigan.

Gregg, Adgate T., Private 44th. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1861. Discharged in 1865. Resides at Dayton.

Hooker, Hull, Private 44th. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1861. Killed in Seven Days Battle.

Hull, Jason, C. K., 154th Inf. Enlisted in Sept. 1862; discharged .

Died in Pennsylvania.

Hull, Marvin, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1861. Died in Service,

Hull, Samuel, Private 112th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 1862. Killed at Petersburg, March 23, 1864.

Hullet, Marcus, Private 154th Inf. Enhsted Sept. 10, 1862. Discharged :in 1865.

49

Hall, Charles \V., Private l")lth [nf. Enlisted Au^^ 12, Promoted to Corporal. Discharged Sept. ISO."). Resides at Wesley.

Hunt Leonard, Private lo4th. Inf. E^nlisted Sept. 18n2. Discharged Septemher IcSC)."). Resides at Perrysburg.

Howlett, Horace, Private lo4th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 1802. Discharged Aug. 18()5. Resides at Cottage.

Hammond, David, l<S7th Inf. Enlisted Sept. ISfU. No record.

Haui)t, Cliarles, Co. K. ir)4th Inf Enlisted Sept. 1.18(;2. Three vears.

Hul)bard, Philander, Private ]r)4th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1802. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Discharged on account of disability June 1808. Hied in Michigan.

Hooker, Leroy, J. , Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1801; discharged for disability in 18()2. Resides at Washington, I). C.

Haggerdon, Henry, Private lo4th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1802. Resides at South Dnyton.

Inman, Burt, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1801. Promoted to Corporal. Discharged in LS04. Resides in Dayton.

Inman, Harvey, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1802. Died at Cottage.

Johnson, Erwin, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1801. Promoted to Corporal. Discharged at expiration of term.

Johnson, Calvin S , Private lo4th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1802. Died of disease June 17, 1804.

Jolls, Jerome, Private 04th Inf. Enlisted for three years. Served fourteen months. Resides at Dayton.

Johnson, Giles N., Private 154th Inf. Enlisted July 1802. Promoted to Sergeant. Discharged on account of Avounds May 1804. Resides at Cottage.

Le Barron, Sylvester, Private 111th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1804. Discharged Sept. 18()5. Resides at Meadville, Pa.

LeBarron, Hiram, Private 90th Inf. Enlisted Feb. 1, 18()4. Discharged in 1805. Died at Cherry Creek June 29, 1889.

Lafferty, Wiley, Private 64th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 11, 1801. Discharged Feb. 1863. Died at Cottage, July 2, 1900.

Luce, Israel, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1861. Discharged at expiration of term.

Markham, Sylvanus, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1801. Discharged and re-enlisted in sharpshooters. Resides at Balcom.

Markham, Philo A., Corp. 154th. Enlisted Sept. 1862. Discharged Oct. 1865. Resides at Davton.

Mayer, .lohn, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1861. Killed at Fredericksburg.

Markham, Aaron, Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Jan. 1862. Killed at Petersburg, June 19, 1864.

Merrill, Brazilla, Private Co. K., 154th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 30. 1862. Killed in Battle of Chancellorsville May 3, 18(^3. Father and son both killed in Battle of Chancellorsville.

Matteson, David, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862, Discharged in Feb. 1865. Resides at Davton.

Merrill, Alva C , Private Co. K. 154th Inf. Enlisted July 28, 1862. Killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.

Merrill, Wilbur, Sergeant 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept 6, 1861. Discharged at expiration of term. Resides at Perrvsburg.

Newcomb, George W., Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1862 Starved to death in Libby Prison.

Nash, Clinton D., Private 9th Cavalrv. Enlisted 1801. Died at Yorktown, April 1862.

Nash, Heart E., Private Co. A., 64th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Oct. 1862.

50

Nash, Clayton S , 13th Wisconsin Vols. Enlisted May 18(32. 10 months in Cawhawber (Ala. ) prison.

Oakes, William R , Private 90th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 18G4. Discharged in May 1865. Resides at Ellington. ^^n^igea m

Parkes, Anson N., Private Co. B, 154th. Enlisted Sept 24,1862. Died at Chattanooga.

Prosser, Emmett R., Private 64th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1861. Discharged in 1864. Died recently in .

Oakes John F., Private 112th Inf. Enlisted Aug 27, 1862. Wounded at Cold Harbor and Fort Fisher. Discharged June 1865. Resides at South Dayton.

Real, George, Private Co. B, 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1862. Discharged on account of wounds in 1863. Resides at WheeUng, Livingston County, Missouri. *

Randall, Henry, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted July 26, 1862 Discharo-ed in Aug. 1865. Died at Cottage.

Rice, Henry T., Private 44th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1861. Discharged on account of wounds 1862. Resides at South Dayton.

Robinson, Horace, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept 1862. Discharged at expiration of term. Died at Cottage.

Randall, Harvey, Private 154th Inf. EnUsted July 1862. Died in the service.

Stewart, Ira B., Private 64th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1861. Discharged in 1864. Resides at Ellis, Iowa.

Snyder, John, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1862. Died at Markham.

Strickland, Chester, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 1862. Discharged in Sept. 1863. Resides at Perry sburg.

Seeker, Wm. H., Private 154th Inf. EnHsted Sept. 1, 1862. Died in service Oct. 14, 1863.

Stone, John S., Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Killed in battle at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863

Shults, Edward, Co. K, 154th Inf. Enhsted Aug. 30, 1862. Died W^ashington, D. C, Feb. 21, 1864.

Schneider, John G., No record.

Ulmer, Jacob, Private 154th N. Y. Enlisted Sept. 1862. Discharged Oct. 1863.

Vosburg, Emory K., Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1862. Died of disease Jan. 26, 1863.

Wells, John L., Private 64th Inf. Enhsted Oct. 3, 1861. Died of wounds June 22, 1862.

Wiegand, Frederick, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1862. Discharged in 1863. Resides at Markham.

AVolf, William, Private 154th. Enhsted Sept. 1862. Discharged in 1865. Resides at Fair Plain.

Wheelock, Theodore, Private 154th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1862. Discharged in 1865. Died at Fredonia, Dec. 30, 1898.

Wickham, Cuhen J., Private 112th Inf. Enhsted Aug. 1862. Discharged in 1865. Resides at Foster Brook, Pa.

Wilson, Thomas, Private 115th Inf. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. Discharged in July 1865. Resides in Cahfornia.

PRESENT RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF DAYTON ENLISTED FROM OTHER TOWNS.

Shults, Charles, Privjito Co. 1, ;;7tli \iv<r. Knlistod May 1}, 1801. l)is(']iar<,^('(l June '2-'), l'S().'}. Resides at South Dayton.

Wood, DanielT., Serj^eant Co. K, Olth X. Y. Voh. Unlisted 8ei>t. 14, 1S()1. Wounded at Gettyslmrg, right arm shattered. Discliarged Sept. 21, 1(S()3. Resides at South Dayton.

Palmer, Jerome L., Private Co 1, l)tli Indiana Cal. Enlisted Oct. 15, 18()3. Discliarged March 15, 18()(). Resides at South Davton.

Persons, Levi, Private Co. F., 154th Jnf. Knlisted Aug. 20, 1802. Discharged 1863. Resides at South Dayton.

Mason, Henry C, Private promoted to Corporal Co. C, 04th. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1801. Discharged Sept. 3, 1802. Resides near South Davton.

Stafford, Frank J., Private 49th N. Y. Enlisted Aug. 11, ls(;2. Discharged May 10, 1805. Resides at South Dayton.

Hulett, Andrew J., Musician Co C, 112th. Enlisted 1802. Discharged July . Resides at South Dayton.

McCune, John, Private Co. F., 4th Heavy Artillery. Enlisted Dec. 28,

1804. Discharged Sept. 1805. Resides at South Dayton.

Remington, G. P., Private Co. C, 04th. Enlisted April 29, .

Discharged . Resides at Markham.

Whipple, B. A., Co K, 112th. P]nhsted May 11, 1802. Several times promoted. Discharged Oct. 20, 1805. Resides at South Dayton.

Essex, John, Private Co. C, 112th enlisted Aug. 11, 1802. Discharged Aug. 2, 1803. Resides at South Dayton.

Traber, Christopher, Private 90th N. Y. Enlisted in 1804. Discharged in

1805. Resides at Dayton.

Wood, Alonzo, Private 9th N. Y. Calv. Enhsted 1804. Discharged 1804. Resides at Dayton.

Crowell, Charles H., Private Co. H, 100th N. Y. Enlisted in 1801. Discharged in 1802. Resides at Dayton,

Howard, Dr. C , Co. E, 50th N. Y. Vols. Enhsted Aug. 13, 1864. Discharged July 1865. Resides at Dayton.

Parke, Porter A., Private Co. K, 25th Wisconsin Vols. Enlisted .

Discharged Feb. 16, 1865. Resides at Wesley.

Hall, Amos M., Private Co. A, 16th Vermont. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862. Discharged Aug. 1803. Resides at Dayton.

Ashdown, Jas , Private Co. B, 111th. Enlisted July 1802. Discharged June 1 805. Wounded, and served five months in Libby Prison. Resides at Davton.

Parke, Andrew G., Sergeant Co. B, 154th. Enhsted Aug. 11, 1862. Discharged June 17, 1865. Resides at Weslev.

Green, Abner D., Private 110th N. Y. Vols. Enhsted Aug. 1864. Discharged Sept. 2, 1865. Resides at Dayton.

George, Nicholas, Corporal 100th Regiment. Enlisted 1861. Discharged in 1866. Resides at Dayton.

R H. BAILEY.

Dayton is represented in the United States Navy in the person of Frank H. Bailey, Lieutenant Commander, U. S. N. Bureau of Steam Engineering, with headquarters at Washington, D. C. Lieutenant Bailey -was born at Elk Creek, Erie Couuty, Pennsylvania, in June 1851. Soon after he moved with his mother to Gowanda, where he resided until he was fifteen years of age. Since that time when off duty he has resided here and at Gowanda, owning an elegant home at the latter place. On December 28, 1881, he was married

52

to Miss Anna Markham, daughter of the late Henry J. Markham, of Markham. They have four children, two sons and two daughters, and all are now residing at Washington, D. C. He was educated in Scio College, Ohio, and in that institution showed remarkable proficiency in mathematics! Though the influence of a Senator from Ohio he received the appointment to the Annapolis Naval Academy from which institution he graduated with high honors. Four years were spent in Washington as Chief of the Bureau of Engineers, and it is a noteworthy fact that with one exception the engines designed under his supervison, proved perfect and have stood the test of war.

FRANK H. BAILEY,

Lieutenant=Coinniander United States Navy.

During Lieutenant Bailey's service in the navy he has spent considerable time abroad, and of course is familiar with many interesting phases of foreign life. Some time before the declaration of war he was assigned to duty on board the ship Newark which cruised about the Cuban coast in search of filibustering expeditions. He was assigned to duty on the Raleigh in time to participate in the great naval parade in New York in honor of the unveiling of the Grant Monument. He remained on the Raleigh and after an extended cruise, joined the Asiatic squadron. As a member of that squadron his ship was the first to fire a shot on the memorable morning in May when the fleet steamed into Manilla harbor in search of the Spanish ships.

53

44th N. Y. VOLUNTEERS.

On the dciith of the; <^alliint olliccr (aA. l^lnicr 1^. l']lls\vorth a few patriotic ])coj)lo of Albany, N. Y., conceived tlx; ))ian oF raising a rejrimont of select men in his lionor. (.'irculars were accordin,«^ sent into every town and ward in the State embodying the i)roi)osed plan. It was j^rovided that each ajiplicant for admissions into the regiment must be under thirty years of age, at least five feet eight inches tall, unmarried, temperate, of go(jd moral character, bring credentials that he represented some town or ward in the Stat(j of New York and pay into the regimental fund SIOO.OO. The circular also ]>i-(n'ided

— From Photo, 1864.

COL. E. A. NASH.

that applicants for admission should meet at Albany on the Sth day of August, 1861. A few days before that day a meeting was held in the hotel of Leonard Metzker at Markham, for the purpose of choosing a representative for the town of Dayton. It was the first war meeting held in the town and was largely attended. The Battle of Bull Run had been fought and lost. The patriotic sons of Dayton seized upon the first opportunity to put themselves on record in favor of the perpetuity of the government. They did not take any backward steps during the war. There were several competitors for the honor of being Dayton's representative. It ^vas a worthy ambition to aspire to represent

54

such a people in such a cause. The meeting was organized by making Hon. N. M. Allen, Chairman, and A. M. DeLong, Secretary. The choice of the candidate was by ballot. Eugene A. Nash, a recent graduate from the Albany Law School was chosen. Proper credentials were prepared and $100.00 were at once raised, to pay the entrance fee into the reghnent. Dayton's representative was admitted into the regiment and served something over three years. The regiment was called the 44th N. Y. Vols., or People's Ellsworth Regiment. Before leaving the barracks at Albany he was commissioned 2nd lieutenant. After the Battle at Hanover Court House he was appointed acting adjutant of the regiment. After the seven days fight he was promoted to the rank of Captain for gallant and meritorious conduct. During the winter of 1862-63 he was appointed assistant inspector General of the third brigade, 1st division and 5th corps. In the spring of 1864 he passed an exam- ination by Casey's Board and received the appointment of Lt. Colonel U.S.C T., and thereafter received an order from the war department to take command of the 23rd U. S. C T. Before receiving that order he was severely wounded and unable to enter that service. It is proper in this connection to state that the plan of the organization of the 44th N. Y. Vols, was so far changed before its completion that more than one representative might be received from the same town or ward, provided the other qualifications were adhered to. The following are the names of the additional members who joined the regiment, from the town of Dayton. Henry Darbee, John Meyer, Aaron Markham, Hull Hooker, Henry T. Rice, Charles H. Blair, H. Burt Inman, Adgate T. Gregg, Ervin E. Johnson, Wilbur H. Merrill, Sylvanus Markham, Charles Brown, Marvin Hull, Israel Luce. The first four of these were killed in battle. Henry T. Rice, Charles H. Blair and Burt Inman were seriously wounded. Luce lost his health and Hull died early in the service. The army contained no better or braver soldiers than these furnished by the town of Dayton. They all belonged to Company H. They honored the town of Dayton and rendered faithful and valiant service in defence of their country's honor and unity.

ECHOES OF THE CONFLICT.

As taken from the files of the Gowanda Reporter under dates given :

February 26, 1862. — Sergeant W. W. Roller, recruiting officer, advertises for a few able -bodied men for Col. T. J. Parker's 64th Regiment. Pay from. $13 to $21 per month and a bounty of $100 in gold.

June 11, '62.— Report of the battle of Fair Oaks says Col. Parker's horse was shot twice ; Harrison Clark and G. Palmer of Collins were killed.

August 13, '62. — Yesterday afternoon the Perrysburg, Dayton and Persia boys of this Company District left Perrysburg Depot for Jamestown to the number of 30. An appropriate celebration was held in honor of their departure, and a table spread near the depot so laden, as to present the most beautiful sight commonly allotted to the vision of a hungry man. It must have been a feast indeed to our two typos, who are now, or expect shortly to be, members of the glorious U. S. Army.

The names of the volunteers from Dayton and Perrysburg are reported to be, from Dayton: Giles Johnson, Emory Vosburg, Geo. E. Real, Andrew Parke, C. W. Hall, A. C. Merrill, Philo Markham, Henry , David

55

"Maltison, Leoiiiird W. Mct/kcir; From I'crrvsldir;: : .). iJynjii I'.rown. L. L. Hunt, Honrv Kandjili, Jonas Stafford, J nliii ( i row , I. Kdlcy, !'». 11. IhuvfiV, .las. Dallas, Thomas R. Aldrich, Silas \\\ liunce and 1). \V. Hincs.

The militia of the towns of Persia, Perrysburg, Dayton, Leon and New Albion are ordered to meet at Cattaraugus next Mrjnday armed and equipped.

Septemlx^r -'), '02. — The (juotas for the last two ealls for troops are as follows: Persia, 40; Perrysburg, .")."'); Dayton, 40; Otto, :\'>\ and Leon, 44. Dayton has sent her forty m(Mi, and three or four more; the whf^le town is awake, and money ])0urs forth freely. One man, w^ho leaves a large family, reeeives $48 per month while he is gone in addition to the bounty. Thomas Neweomb alone beeomes liable, if the men are re(juired in the service the three years, to pay Sl,')->:^, having promised two men he induced to volunteer $\'2 per month and a third $14.

October 1, '(3"2. — The Reporter learns from the .Jamestown Journal that the 154th Regiment is officered and ready to start. A. (i. Rice of Ellicottville is colonel Dr C. C. Rugg of Gowanda, assistant surgeon ; N. A. Chaffee of Dayton, quartermaster-sergeant: Orville Bishop of (jowanda, drum major, and Henry Hugal)oon of Perrysburg, captam of Company K.

October 'i'i, '62. — A draft has been ordered for November 10th. \\m. Woodl)ury is the commissioner to superintend the same in Cattaraugus County.

.Judge Woodbury gives notice that he will hear claims for exemptions from the towns of Perrysburg, Dayton, Leon, New Albion, Otto and Persia at tlie Barker House, Gowanda, November ord and 4th.

Town officers who give bonds are required to put a 50-cent stamp on their oaths of office.

-July 15, '68. — Contains a report of some of the casualties of the Battle of (Gettysburg to men from this vicinity. The report sa^-s: Of the 154th but forty remain; the majority of the rest are supposed to be prisoners.

Dr. C. C. Rugg is among the missing, Ralph Howe and .J. K. Palmer were taken prisoners, but Howe escaped. The 64th went into the battle with over :200 men and afterwards could account for only eighty-five. Capt. Fuller, Lieutenants Babcock and Lewis were killed, also Clayton A. Gardner.

E. T. ^McCutcheon, J. A. Darby, G. W. VanVlack, Benj. H. Smith, Peter I^)Oardway and Andrew Reggies were wounded; Corporals Henry H. Darby and p]mmet W. Prosser were reported missing.

Aug. 2, '6o — The Draft for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties commenced at Dunkirk Monday. The drawing was performed by Patrick ^lahon, a blind man and a resident of Dunkirk for the past ten years. Of course there has been no disturbance. Yesterday (Thursday) the drawings commenced for this county. The following were drawn for the town of 1 )ayton : 29 drawn : Wm. B. Smith, Peter Speier, .James E. Barker, J^eter lUirtley, Win. l^erry, Samuel B. Covey, L. Ranlett, E. C. Bartlett, Benj. Shears, William \V. Neweomb, .John I^^cke, .John Press, John Speier, .Joseph Kramer, .Jerome -Jolls, (4errit Remington, Oscar English, Mordicai Matteson, Ixefine Wood, Oliver Stafford, Chas. Wellman, Norman M. Allen, A^'ash- ington Milks, Michael Frank, William Near, Aaron Hulett, Charles Dressel, Henry T. Rice and Hijiley Bentley.

August 5, '68. — Capt. Albert Darby has tendered his resignation, which is accepted. The rebel ball which he received in his leg at Chancellorville, remains still unextracted, and will probably so continue, as in the case of the veteran Scott, a life-long legacy of the affection of his country's enemies. (Albert Darby was a grandson of .Vzariali Darby, late of Da3'ton. )

56

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.

By a. W. FERRIN.

Cattaraugus County was ablaze with the patriotic fire during the memorable struggle which opened with the firing upon Fort Sumpter in April, 1861, and closed with Lee's surrender at Appomattox in April, 1865. Every appeal made by President Lincoln met with prompt response from the yeomanry poured forth from our hills and valleys with the firm resolve to make every sacrifice required for the preservation of our Union. J^early 3,500 mem enlisted from the County and followed the flag faithfully through the long and terrible conflict. The County was represented in more than 180 different regiments and there was also a number of Cattaraugus boys in the navy.

r-

A. W. FERRIN.

There were one or more companies in eight different regiments and in two regiments a majority of the companies were raised in this county. The first organizations to leave the County Avere those afterward known as the Companies H and I of the 37th Regiment, N. Y. Infantry. They were recruited immediately after the firing upon Fort Sumpter under President Lincoln's first call for troops. One company was raised at Allegany by Capt. Luke G Harmon, and the other was raised at EUicottville by Capt. William T. Clark. The first was called the "Chamberlain Guards" and the other the "Cattaraugus Guards." These organizations left the County May 20, 1861, and at New York were made a part of the 37th regiment. The regiment was in the first battle of Bull Run and served in the Penninsular Campaign in the spring and summer of 1862, participating in the battles of Williamsburg,

57

Fiuv Oaks, Chiirles City, Cross Roiids, anrl Malvern Hill. It also had a ))art in the Second hatlle of HuW Run, Fredericksburg, and (Jliancellorsville. The 87th was a fighting regiment, and the Cattaraugus Companies always contributed their share to the work which made U[) its excellent record. The term of enlistment was for two years and the reirimeni was mustered out in .June, lH(h>. The (j4lh New ^'ork Regiment was the next organization to leave the County. This was a military organization which had been in existence for several years. AftiT the L'nion disaster at Bull Run, in July, 1861, it became evident that the war was to be of much greater magnitude and of longer duration than had been supposed and when a new call for troops was made, Colonel T. J. Parker promptly tendered the service of the 64th. The offer was accepted and six companies of this county, two from Allegany, and one each from Tioga and Tompkins were mustered into the United States service for three years in November, 1861.

The 64th served in the Penninsular Campaign and its first battle was that of Fair Oaks, where it lost forty men killed and l-l'I wounded a total of 172. In the Seven Days fight, when McClellan made his change of base from the Chickahominy to the James River, the 64th was engaged in the battles of Gaines llill. Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, (rlendale and Malvern Hill. It was in the battles of South ^Mountain and Antietam, of Maryland in August 1862, where it lost -lO men in killed and wounded. In Rurnsides ill-fated attack upon Fredericksburg, in December 1862, the 64th New York lost 72 men killed and wounded and at Chancellorsville its loss was 44. At (iettysburg the 64th played an important part on the second day of the battle. Its charge through the historic wheatfield, driving back the rebel line of battle for more than half a mile was one of the historical achievements of that day. Out of a fighting force of 187 men the regiment lost 97 a percentage of over The ()4th was actively engaged in the Wilderness campaign under Meade and Grant, participating in the engagements at Spotsylvania Court House, Po River, North Anna, Tolopotomy, and Cold Harbor. It was in the siege of Petersburg and in several of the battles which intervened between the capture of Petersburg and the collapse of the Confederacy at Appamattox. During its nearly four years of service lost in killed and those dying of wounds, 301 men. Its total casualties were 87-) out of a total enrollment of 1,400 men. Cattaraugus has a right to be proud of the record of the fighting 64th. Cattaraugus furnished two companies of the 9th N. Y. Cavalry which was mustered into the United States service in September 18()1. This was one of the crack cavalry regiments of the army of the Potomac, and its battle record is to long for reproduction here. It participated in more than thirty battles and skirmishes. At (lettvsl)urg, the 9th was in the first days of V)attle and the record on its ]:>attle monument, shows that it fought desperately to hold the Rebel army in check while Meade was bringing forward the I'nion forces, to brake the Confederate poAver in the final struggle on the following days. The monument stands well to the front on the first line of battle on Seminary Ridge, and is an enduring proof of the valor of the gallant 9th. The regiment lost ninety men in those killed or those dying from wounds and its total casualties during the time of its service were 22o.

There were also two Cattaraugus Companies in the •")th N. Y. Cavalry which was mustered into the service of the U. S. in the fall of 1861. It jmrticipated in the battles of the Penninsula, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and the Wilderness. Its total death loss was ')26 and 99 died in rebel prisons.

Cattaraugus furnished one Con^pany each for the loth and 14th Heavy Artillery. The loth was mustered into service in October, 1861, and participated in the battles of Cross Keyes, Waterloo Bridge, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Atlanta and

Cedar Creek. It lost in killed and by disease and death in rebel, prisons, 120 men. The 14th was mustered into service in December 1868, and participated in the battles of Spotsylvania Court House, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Cold Harbor, and Hatch's Run. Its loss is put at nine men.

Two companies of the 85th infantry were recruited from Cattaraugus County. The regiment participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Franklin, Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsborough. It had thirty-five men killed or wounded in battle and 222 met death in rebel prisons, the regiment having been captured at Plymouth, N C, in April 1864.

I am not familiar with the history and record of the 105th N. Y. to which Cattaraugus Comity furnished parts of two companies. It was mustered into service for three years in March, 1862, and served until the close of the war.

The 154th N. Y. was a distinctively, a Cattaraugus organization, as eight companies were recruited from this County. The 154th was raised after the battle of Antietam in August and September 1862. one of the darkest periods of the war. Enlistments at this time were made with the full knowledge of what the war meant and that the fight would be carried to the last ditch. The 154th reached Washington October 2, 1862, and was assigned to the 11th army corps comnianded by General Sigel. Its first battle was that at Chancellorsville in May, 1863. The 11th army corps suffered terribly from the attack of Stonewall Jackson from an unexpected quarter, and the 154th N. Y. in less than a half an hour lost 282 men in killed and wounded. Its next battle was that of Gettysburg. On the first day of the battle the 154th was sent to reinforce the right wing of the Union army, which was fighting with desperation to hold a position on Seminary Ridge. It was a desperate mission on which the 154th was sent but it never faltered. As the regiment marched through the streets of Gettysburg it was fianked by a Confederate division and the greater part of it was either killed, wounded or captured. Out of 350, only three officers and fifteen men escaped. But for the fact that Capt. Warner and Company C, were out on a recconoisance, the organization would have been practically wiped out. What remained of the 154th was transferred to the Tennessee Dept. in Sept. 1863, and thereafter served under Sherman. It was in the battles of Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, New Hope Church, Pine Knob, Peach Tree Creek, and the capture of Atlanta. It took part in Sherman's famous march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. Its total casualties were 78 of which 90 occurred in rebel prisons. None but a good regiment could have survived the experiences of the 154th at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. That it kept heart and courage in spite of these disasters (Avhich were no fault of the regiment) speaks volumes for the spirit and patriotism of the organization.

Cattaraugus was most creditable represented in the 44th N. Y. Infantry. "The People's Ellsworth Regiment" this regiment was composed of picked men from nearly every town in the state and was considered one of the best regiments in the service. It was mustered into service in September 1861 and participated in nearly every battle fought thereafter by the army of the Potomac. It was in the Penninsular Campaign and the battles of Bull Run (2nd), Antietam. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and was with Grant in the Wilderness Campaign. It made a briUiant record for fighting, having 182 killed and 603 wounded.

I have given but a brief sketch of the part taken by Cattaraugus County in the greatest war known in history. It would take volumes to record the individual heroism in battle, and the patient endurance of hardship, sickness and death, incident to armv service. The world has never seen better soldiers than those who fought' in the battles of the Union from 1861 to 1865 and there were none better than those who went forth from Cattaraugus County.

59

MEDICAL PROFESSION.

Dr.

W^.^ ITH DAYTON'S growth in other directions, it has not retro<j;raded as regards its medical profession, as some of its members have Ijeen rewarded witli much success in their work, and the general esteem in which they have been held. For most of the following information we are indebted to Dr. A. I). Lake of Gowanda.

Samuel Redfield, the first physician of the town of Dayton, located on lot 89, in 18'21, and followed his profession here until his death in 1836. He was an old style apothecary and did a large business for those days. Sill followed his profession here for a brief period before the war l)ut did not obtain much business. He also practiced for al^out three years in Perrysburg. He came from FrankUnville.

Corydon C. Johnson, was born at Dayton on July 7, 18:33. His parents Gile and Philena (Salisbury) Johnson, and were pioneer settlers, coming hence from Fairfield, Herkimer County. After attending Fairfield Academy and Chamberlin Institute he entered the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College, Philadelphia, January 28, 1864. He began his professional career the same year at Gowanda, continuing it until his death which occurred at Gowanda, June 6, 18!^>8. September 20, 1860, he married Grace Randall, a native of Brookfield, Madison County, and to them have been born four children : Burnell R. , January 11, 1863, a graduate of the ^ledical College at Buffalo and a practictioner at Gowanda until 1899. when he died ; Fred. E., April 18, 1865, since 1886 cashier of the Bank of Cattaraugus; Grace P., a graduate of the Gowanda Academy, and now a resident of Buffalo ; and Burt C, a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo, one 3^ear House Physician of the General Hospital of Buffalo, and now a practicing physician of that city. Dr. Johnson was a member of the Lake Erie ^ledical Society, the Northwestern Eclectic Medical Society of the State of New York and the New York State Eclectic Medical Society. For fifteen years he was President of the Board of P^ducation, and in other capacities interested himself in the betterment on his town and county. He was a representative citizen, a firm friend, and an excellent physician.

Harrison Canfield began his medical career here, coming from Sherman,

60

Chautauqua County. He went to Bradford, Pa., where he attained considerable reputation. He was here for about a year.

Moses P. Roberts was born in Tyre, Seneca County, August 28, 1820. He graduated from the Geneva Medical College June 1, 1852, and began the practice of medicine the same year in Dayton, continuing until his death August 2, 1886. August 22, 1852, Dr. Roberts married Electa A., daughter of Avery and Lodema (Nash) Parke, of Dayton, and they had born to them two children, Alice V., and Altheas A. His widow survives him. It will be seen that his birth, marriage and death all occurred in August. Dr. Roberts

THE LATE DR. C. C. JOHNSON.

owned and conducted a drug store from 1870 until near the time of his decease.

Dr. Shuey came from Sherman, Chautauqua County, and remained for about a year, going thence to Bradford, Pa. A German and well read he did not seem to succeed well here. He married a sister of Harrison Canfield.

James H. Fuller was born at Dayton June 15, 1841, was graduated in 1867 from the Medical Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and practiced here, at Franklin, Ind., and at Indianapolis. He has given up medicine and is now farming at Dayton.

61

CHESTER HOWARD, M.

An eminent physician of large practice in tiie town of Dayton and vicinity, was born in the town of Union, liroome County, X. June 2o, 1S47. Dr. Howard received a fair education in the district schools and at liinghamton. He graduated from Lowell's Connncrcial College after which he studied medicine with Dr. W'm. A\\ Ci-andall at Andover, X. Y. He entered the Buffalo Medical College in 1S77 and graduated therefrom February 25, 1879. On A})ril 24, 1S79, he began the practice of medicine at Dayton. He soon built up a large practice and became one of the leading physicians and

DR. CHESTER HOWARD.

surgeons of the county. The Doctor is a man of learning in his profession, courteous and agreeable in disposition and fully merits his success. August 13, 18()4, when he was seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Co. E, 50th X. Y. Vols., serving one year. He is now a member of Merrill Post Xo. 6o7, of w^hich he has been Commander for eight years. A member of the Maine Lodge F. A. ^f., Gowanda Chapter R. A. M., and Salamanca Commandery No. 62. He has been President of the Board of Education for four years and has held various other positions of honor and trust. His father w^as Ansel Howard, who was born in the tow^n of Union, Broome County, N. Y.,

62

November 4, 1814, died March 26, 1859. He married Sabrina Brown May 13, 1840, who was born in the state of Connecticut December 2(), 1820. She died at Lindley, N. Y , in 1880. To them were born five children. Albert D., born November 19, 1842. now resides near Union, N. Y. ; Chester, subject; Augustus L., born October 28, 1849, now resides near Lindley, N. Y. ; Wm. B. born May 10, 1852; Willie died in infancy; Myron E., born March 13, 1856, now a merchant at Dayton.

Charles S. Cleland, a-native of Sinclairville, Chautauqua County, and a graduate of the Baltimore University, practiced Medicine a year or so at South Dayton, went thence to ColHns and is now at Sinclairville.

William A. Putnam made a very brief stay at South Dayton. He was born at Cassadaga, Chautauqua County, and received his diploma from the University of Buffalo on February 26, 1884. He is now located at Smith Mills.

Raymond M. Evarts was at South Dayton for a year, beginning his career there, and removing to Irving, thence to Silver Creek, and is now in California. A native of Leon, he was graduated from Howard University, Washington, D. C, March 2, 1882, and was endorsed by the faculty of the University of Buffalo.

William Teft was born at South Dansville, Steuben County, March 19, 1858. He was graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo on March 25, 1890, and began to practice in 1891 at Versailles, removing however, to South Dayton, where he now is In 1892 Dr. Teft was elected Secretary of the Lake Erie Medical Society.

Luther W. Tarbox, born in iVrkwright, Chautauqua County, October 19, 1849. Was graduated from the University of Buffalo February 21, 1881, and followed the whole of his professional career at South Dayton, whither he had removed in 1879, his death occurring there October 23, 1891. He was the first Phy- sician to locate at that village. His wid- ow survives him and resides at Cattar- augus. He was an industrious, hard working man, and acquired his education by sheer force and perseverance, and died in the prime of life.

Dr. Kimball, for a short time a physician of the eclectic practice at Versailles, was likewise a brief time in this town at Cot- tage. He was here about 1850. Dr. Tibbet' s succeeded Dr. Brazil at, Howards Corners, but where either came from or whither they went cannot be determined.

Henry W. Dye, born in Madison County, secured a license August 12, 1874, from the Eclectic Medical Society, and practiced first at Dayton Village and

63

DR. LUTHER TARBOX.

later and lonj^er at Markham ^(oing finally to \\'<*st Salamanca, \\ li(.*re ho died. He is survived by several children.

William W. Daniels was graduated from the Anu'rican (College at St. Louis, January *2.'*>, IST.S, and ])racticed at South Dayton for a few months.

Among the busiest of Dayton's busy business men should ))e mentioned Dr. \V. W. Jones of Dayton Village. At present he is the only practicing physician in the northern part of the town and is kept busy early and late visiting his many patients. He was born at Cattaraugus, in 1S(;7, and is a son of Chauncey M. and Sophia I). Jones. His boyhood was spent at Cattaraugus and it Avas at the High School at that place that he oijtaine^l his early education, i^ater he entered the J>uffalo University and was gi-aduated from that institution in May 1892 After leaving the University he practiced for a short time at Salamanca, and then came to Dayton Village where he has since practiced. He married Alice L. Graves, on November 9, 1898, ancl they have one child Iva, born August 16, 1899. Socially the Doctor is a very pleasant, affable man and one who always has a pleasant greeting for all. As a physician he ranks with the best of the town and county.

THE BAR.

Among the prominent agencies which give shape and order in the development of the civil and social conditions of society, the bar is, perhaps, the most potential in moulding the institutions of a community. The Dayton Bar has from its inception, numbered among its members, able jurists, talented advocates and safe counselors, some of whom have occupied and are holding the highest and most important legal positions in the county. Prior to 1864 no regularly admitted attorney lived in the town until the Hon. N. M. Allen commenced the practice of law at Dayton, w^here he has since continued enjoying an extensive practice. In 1872 Hon. W. S. Thrasher began his practice there. On December 30, 1899, he was appointed County Judge of Cattaraugus County, and was elected in November, 1900, for a term of six years. Other graduates from Mr. Allen' s office are 1. R. Leonard, J- E. Bixby, E. A. Hayes, E. Cook, and O. D. Sprague. At South Dayton in 1880 W. D. Phelps opened an office He is still there and was the first to locate in that end of the town. V. C. Reynolds located there in 1882 and remained for about three years. E. A. Hayes practiced there for two or three years in 1881-82.

THE PRESS AT SOUTH DAYTON.

On August 26, 1880, E. F Beach and J W. Sherman started a newspaper at South Dayton called the Pi7ie Valley Clipper. It was a four column, eight page, patent outside sheet. The advertisers were Wilson Bros., R. F. Ewing: L. Ranlett; N. L. Rowe; Dr. L. W. Tarbox; A. L. Sherman; T. R.Simpson; JohnWickham; and B. Ricebeck. The subscription price was $1.00 per year. Of local matter beside the greeting there were twelve items. We reproduced this one. "Mrs. J. W. S. has our thanks for a beautiful bouquet. Enclose we find these Avords: presented to the editors of the

64

Clipper, with regards. May your wit and brain, like thunder from Heaven, make people reahze the force of its power." Mr. Sherman remained a member of the firm for about six weeks, disposing of his interest to Mr. Beach. Mr. Beach conducted the paper until April 6, 1882, when he sold to Frank J. Wheeler, a practical newspaper man of Buffalo. Mr. Wheeler successfully conducted it until September 21, 1883, when he sold to the writer. He changed the name to the Xews and published a very creditable newspaper. Both he and his estimable wife were exceptionally good writers, and the village had an eloquent mouthpiece under his administration. ]\Ir. Shults conducted the paper until November 28, 1885, when he purchased the Cherry Creek News, removed the plant to that place and consolidated the papers.

OIL AND GAS.

For many years, men skilled in oil matters have thought that there was oil in this region. The late Joseph Kent of Cherry Creek was a very public-spirited man. He was the first to see the possibilities of the great Conewango swamp, and it was he who spent his money to develop that tract and make it what it is today. Mr. Kent devoted most of his energies to a part of the swamp near the railroad, two miles south of South Dayton. He always thought that oil could be found there, and in about 1885 set drillers at work with the avowed intention of getting oil, gas, or an artesian well. Before the completion of the well Mr. Kent died and the work was stopped when the drill had reached the depth of about 300 ft. But even then gas was found in such quantities that it would burn a steady flame when confined to a quarter inch hole. From that time until last summer no further test had been made anywhere in this locality. The test made upon the farm of M. E. Smith seems, from all accounts, to have been little better than no test at all. From the time that the drill was started until it was lost there was a sort of a mystery surrounding every movement. Time was killed until the funds were exhausted, then the tools were lost, and the hole abandoned. Later a quantity of oil was taken from the hole and today there is said to be gas there in paying quantities. The well will no doubt be re-opened in time, and the contents utilized.

DERRICK ON THE FARM OF M. E. SMITH.

65

MR» AND MRS. WILLIAM R. EDICK.

RURAL FREE MAIL DELIVERY,

URAL Free Mail Delivery has passed beyond the stage of an experiment. It is now a regular accepted policy of the postal department. Its merits and demerits have been widely discussed, it has its friends and those who are opposed, however it has passed

the bounds of argument and must now be accepted, by everyone as a settled fact. The tirst service in the country was inaugurated at Charleston, W. Virginia, October 1, 1890. From that date until April 1, 1897, forty-four routes had been established. Early in the administration of President McKinley the subject was taken up by the post-office department and today the system is in operation in every state and territory save two. On December 1^ 1900, there had been 2,800 routes established, originating from 1,500 post-offices. The average mileage of each route is twenty-two miles, each serving 500 people. The First Assistant Postmaster General, recently said: "When once brought Avithin the intiuence of Rural Delivery their appreciation of its benefits is immediate and intense. Every route established brings a demand from adjacent communities for similar privileges. Nearly every service results in doubling or (quadrupling the ]~)Ostal receipts within a few months of its establishment. The question often asked is, does it pay ? Possibly not at this time in the matter of dollars and cents. As an educational feature it certainly does. It has also in many instances increased the value of farm lands. The influence in stimulating the work on good roads has been powerful. As an example of what it does for roads, it is stated in the detailed reports from ^lassachusetts. New Jersey and Xew York that

66

during the past year $83,000 was expended on road improvements on rural routes. The permanency of the system is assured." While not a partisan afiair, it was endorsed in a plank in the Republican platform at Philadelphia last year, and President McKinley in his message to Congress commends the service highly. In the town of Dayton there are three routes. One originating from the post-office at Dayton, and two from the South Dayton Post-office. The route from Dayton is 23 miles long and serves about 100 families, Merrill H. Rhodes is carrier with H. M. Mason substitute. One route from South Dayton extends to Cottage, thence to Markham, thence to Fair Plain, into a part of Leon, and thence to South Dayton, a distance of 24 miles. A. Seeber has the contract and Will Edick is the carrier. The other route supplies families residing in Leon, Cherry Creek, Villenova, and a part of Dayton. The distance traversed is 24 miles. "Week" Peavy has the contract and is also the carrier. The carriers on these routes are in fact traveling post-offices. They carry stamps, postal cards and stamped envelopes for sale. They take applications for money orders and registered letters. They are to be commended for the faithful performance of duty at all times. As a whole, so far as we are able to learn, the service in this locality is appreciated.

WILLIAM R, EDICK.

A popular and accommodating young man is William R. Edick, who was born in the town of Dayton, February 10, 1880. He is the travehng post-office acceptably serving a portion of the people of this town and a part of the town of Leon. He married November 14, 1900, Nettie Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Wilson of South Dayton.

WELCOME W. PEAVY.

Welcome W. Peavy was born in Boli- var, N. Y., August 8, 1872, and came to South Dayton in 1880. On Septem- ber 1, 1900, he secured the contract for carrying the mail on the Rural Free Delivery Route supplying families in parts of the towns of Leon, Cherry Creek, Villenova, and Dayton. He married March 8, 1890, Cora Waggoner of Cherry Creek. They have two chil- dren, Grace, born April 4, 1891, and Mabel, born December 23, 1898.

"I WANT it said of me by those who knew me best, that I have always plucked a thistle and planted a flower in its place, wherever a flower would groAV. — Lincoln.

67

BEARS KILLED IN 1900.

Years ago wIilmi this locality was mainly inliahitcd l>y tin; red man l^ears were common game. With the advcnit of the pioneer settler they rajjidly disappeared, it has he(;n years since they were seen in this locality, save only on the end of a chain led by a son of sunny Italy, until October, 1900, when an old bear and three cubs were killed in this section. This seems hardly crediiable to anyone not personally knowing the fact, but such is the truth and the occasion will go down to posterity as an historical event. A great bear hunt actually took place, participated in by forty-seven hunters, resulting as above stated. The mother bear weighed aijout oOO pounds and the cubs from 100 to 12o each. The animals were jet black and very handsome specimens. One of the quartette had undoubtedly had many narrow escapes as she showed bullet scars, and she had lost a toe in a bear trap. It is very probable that the bears wandered from the Pennsylvania woods in search of food. The bodies were mounted on a frame above a wagon and escorted by the hunters to Dayton Village, ^larkham, Cottage, Perrysburg and Gowanda. It was intended to serve them at a hunter's feast but Justice Warren B. Hooker of Fredonia, bought them for SlOo, and they were taken to his home. ^luch indignation was expressed at the time they Avere killed, as one man might have easily captured the three cubs alive, and they would have been a valuable acquisition to any Zoo. The picture here shown was taken in front of the store of Graves & Wood at Perrysburg, and was kindly loaned to us by B. II. Graves of that place.

BEARS KILLED IN THE TOWN OF DAYTON, FALL OF 1900.

68

DAYTON'S CHURCHES

HAT "Eighteousness exalteth a nation, while sin is a reproach to any people," has the sanction of Divine authority and of long centuries of human experience. If the number of its churches, and the size and zeal of their congregations be any guage of the religious spirit of a community then the town of Dayton gives abundant proof of the righteousness of her people. There are ten churches in the town and the sound of the church bell is ever in their ears. They fill the places of worship to hear the same sublime truths set fort in several forms for several sects by earnest and enthusiastic expounders of Divine Truth. The town is probably as well supplied with churches as any town of its size and population, and they represent enough shades of opinion to meet the wants of nearly all classes of believers. Their prosperity, the number and character of their services, and their active charities show that they are in the main well supported. The ministers in charge rank well as men of learning, zeal and devotion. The Sunday Schools are well attended and well conducted. Altogether the spiritual wants of the people are well and faithfully cared for.

M. E. CHURCH, COTTAGE.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Cottage had its origin through the instrumentality of a layman — a Mr. Whipple, who lived at Kent's Mills. The services Avere held in the house of Caleb Webb, in 1817, when a class was form- ed consisting of four members, Caleb Webb, Mrs. Webb, David and Clarinda Brand. Soon after there were added to the class members from the Webb, Darbee and Prosser families. There was never a Methodist Class organized in so remote a region that an itinerant preacher could not come and look after it. Accordingly close upon the tracks of Mr. Whipple were Curtis Goddard and Samuel R. Brockumir, who were then upon the Chautauqua circuit. At about this time a log meeting house was built on the land of Daniel Prosser which was used until 1845, when the Cottage Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. The incorporation was effected Ov.i-ober 31, 1845, with Gile Johnson, William Howlett, and John B. Reed, as trustees. At this time the membership was about sixty. The next year the church was built where it now stands. In 1872 it was repaired and enlarged making

69

iin attnictivc and c(jiimiodious place of worship with a seating capacity of about three hundred.

I

Cottage has l)een connected with the following circuits: 1817 to 1820, Chautauqua; 18'20 to IS.'U), Lake; 1880 to 1848, Forestville; 1848 to 184fJ, Villenova; 184r) to 1851, Forestville and Villenova; ISol to 1804, Villenova; 18()4 to 1871), Dayton; 1879 to the pres- ent time, Cottage. When the Dayton charge was formed a comfortable par- sonage and three acres of land were secured at Cottage for the use of the preacher of the charge where he has resided since 18b4. The following preachers have served at the Cottage appointment: Curtis Goddard and S. R. Brochunich 1817 to 1818; J.

M. E. CHURCH, COTTAGE. Summerville, 1818 to 1811); B. C. Hat- ters and B. P. Hill, 1811) to 1820; J. Summerville, 1820 to 1821; N. Ruder and J. Brunson, 182L to 1822; R. Wright and S. Carey, 1822 to 1823; P. Buel and R. Wright, 1828 to 1824; J. Keys, 1824 to 1825; H. Knapp and John Scott, 1825 to 1826; J. Wilson and J. B. Kent, 1826 to 1827; J. S. Barris and Z. Ragen, 1827 to 1828; J. S. Barris and S. Ayers, 1828 to 1829; J. Gilmore and A. Plimpton, 1H29 to 1880; D. Preston and S. E. Babcock, 1880 to 188L; D. Preston, J. Robinson and N. Henry, 1881 to 1882; J. K. Hallock and D. M. Stems, 1882 to 1888; J. K. Hallock and I. H. Tackett, 1888 to 1884; H. Luce and S. Gregg, 1884 to 1885; L. Rogers, D. Smith and L H. Tackett, 1885 to 1886; D. Smith and J. Deming, 1886 to 1837; T. Goodwin and M. Hill, 1837 to 1888; S. Gregg and H. J. Moore, 1838 to 1839; T. Stowe and E. J. L. Baker, 1839 to 1840; J. (). Rick and T. Stowe, 1840 to 1841; D. Smith and D. Pritchard, 1841 to 1842; H. J. Moore, 1842 to 1843; L H. Tackett and M. Elkins, 1843 to 1844; W. S. Warrello and J. B. Hammond, 1844 to 1845; W. S. Warrello and T. S. Cummings, 1845 to 1846; J. Uncles and S. Churchill, 184() to 1847; A. Burgess and J. Blackford, 1847 to 1848; J. E. Chapin and J. N Henry, 1848 to 1850; J. 0. Rich and S. A. Henderson, 1850 to 1852; I Scofield and J. Scott, 1852 to 1853; P. Boroughs, 1853 to 1855; S. N. Warner, 1855 to 1857; R. X. Bear, 1857 to 1858; J. Crum, 1858 tol8()0; J. Akers, 18(50 to 18()1; J. R Lyons, ]8(U to 1863; C. R. Chapman and C. ^\^ AVood worth, 186)3 to 1864; W. W. Warner and R. N. Stubbs, 18()4 to 18(55; G W. Patterson, 1865 to 1866; Z. W. Shaddock, 1866 to 18(>9; P. Borroughs 18(i9 to 1870; F. G. McCreary, 1870 to 1872; D. H. Snowden, 1872 to 1873; W. H. Hover, 1873 to 1874; J. H. Whallen, 1874 to 187(5; T. P. Warner, 1876 to 1877; L. A. Chapin, 1877 to 1878; A. H. Bowers, 1878 to 1880; Wm. Rice, 1880 to 1883; A. Bashline,

70

1883 to 1886; D. M. Carpenter, 1886 to 1888; D. N. Thompson, 1888 to 1889; J. Garnett, 1889 to 1893; W. 0. Calhoun, 1893 to 1896; J. F. Perry, 1896 to 1897; A. E. Ryan, 1897 to 1899; C. J. Baker, 1899 and the present pastor. One of the first members of the society was Daniel Prosser, who lived to be over 90 years. He was always active in the work of the IM aster. In the early days he used to walk to Erie, Pa., to attend the quarterlv meeting taking four days for the trip. He was a good singer and sang in the choir until age caused his voice to fail. Not wishing his usefulness and cease with his departure he bequeathed the sum of $1,000.00 to be used by the church for ten years. Another benefactor was Esther Hubbard, who left a bequest of $500.00 for the church. Among those who may be considered as being prominent in the work for the welfare of the church may be mentioned Giles N. Johnson, a son of Gile Johnson, one of the first trustees of the church, Floyd R. Johnson and family, Geo. Grantier and family, Ira Brown and family, John Safford and family, William Merrill and family, Clinton Jackett and family, Orlando Merrill and family, Burnell Grantier and family, Carlton Eno and family, Mariette Leonard, Ada Searls, Ellen Lafferty, Fred. Peters, M. W. Wilcox, Lillie Smithy besides many other who contribute liberally to the support of the gospel and encourage with their efficient help and sympathy the various religious services of the church. The people are greatly pleased to have Mrs. J. Garnett, whose husband filled the charge longer than any other, take up her permanent residence among them. The church at present is in a harmonious and prosperous condition. Besides the regular Sunday services there is a prosperous Sunday school, under the efficient management of Mrs. F. R. Johnson and a live Epworth League under the leadership of Miss Carrie Cookingham.

REV. CHAS. J. BAKER.

Rev. Chas J. Baker, pastor of the M. E. Church at Cottage and the one at Fair Plain, was born January 26, 1860, in Clarion County, Pa. He was educated at Carrier Seminary, Pa., and Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, 111. He began preaching in 1886 in North Dakota, where he remained until June 1899, when he came to Cottage. He married December 25, 1885, Cora Boyer of Monroe, Pa. They have two children, Cecil, born September 5, 1893, and Mary Josephine, born November 29, 1897.

Each century calls for its type of Chris- tian perfection. At one time it was mar- tyrdom ; at another it was the humility of the cloister. To-day we need the Christian gentleman, and the Christian citizen. — BishojJ Ireland,

71

THE FREE BAPTIST CHaRCH, DAYTON.

The Free Baptists held ni(.'otiiigs in tiie eastern and the nc^rthern parts of the town of Dayton soon after these sections were settled. The organization (jf a church followed these occasional services May 4, 1881. Seven persons constituted the origmal membershij) which covenanted itself according to the rites of the church of which it was now a j)art, and which was represented by the Rev. Amos C. Andrus, the organizer of the new body. John Seekins was chosen the first clei-k, and the following year Rev. Stacy Smith became the first regular pastor. His connection with the church only lasted a year, Rev. Hiram Whicher becoming the spiritual leader in 1833. The same year Wm. Bartlett was chosen clerk. From 1834 to 1837 Rev. F. B. Turner was the pastor. In 1837 the church granted a license to P]lder P'reeman Darte, who acted as pastor in the absence of other ministers. That situation existed vmtil May 30, 1842. From that time until vSeptember 1847, the church feeling was low and but few meetings were held. In the latter years Revs. Jenkins and Trumbell held a series of revival meetings, which restored the little church with a membership of six to a membership of forty-two. Rev. McKoon was the pastor at that time; John Seekins, deacon and Wm. Seekins, Clerk. In 1849, Rev. Horatio Plumb became pastor, remaining until 185 L. During this time the church became so prosperous that it was decided to build a meeting house, the services up to this time having been held at private houses and school houses, chiefly in District Xo. 8. Here the Society was duly incorporated, Feb. 16, 1852, with William Waldron, Jonathan Waite, Harrison Judd, Daniel Brown, Ezekiel Seekins and John Seekins, as trustees. The church edifice, a plain frame structure with a seating capacity of about 200 was not completed until 1854 and was dedicated that winter by the Rev. J. H. Ball of Buffalo. It is in the southeastern part of the town near the Leon line and is valued at about S800. When the church was built Rev. Geo. Donocker was the pastor and at about this time Daniel Brown was licensed to preach and subsequentl}^ became the pastor. In June^ 1859, Rev. J. H. Lovelace took the charge, he being succeeded by Rev. S. Crosby and he in turn by the Rev. J. C. Steele. In 1869 when the Rev. L D. Howe was the pastor, the church secured a letter from the Cattaraugus Quarterly Meeting and joined the Chautauqua ^Meeting of which it is now a part. The following pastors had charge from 187(^ to 1890; Rev. Don- ocker, Rev. Daniel Brown, Rev. J. L. Higbee, Rev. E. E. Cartwright. It was dur- ing the latter' s pastorate that the present house of worship was

erected at Dayton Village

REV. GEORGE B. DRAKE,

Pastor Free Baptist Church, Dayton.

72

in 1888-1889. This is a fine brick struc- ture with a seating capacity of 500 and was erected at a cost of $5,000. The first covenant meeting was held in the church parlor April 26, 1890. Revs. W. U. Edwards, J. D. Waldron, Rev. Buttery, A. P. Cook, and Joel Baker had the charge from 1890 to 1899. In 1900, Rev. G. B. Drake took the charge and is the present pastor. The officers are Mrs. Betsey Cole, clerk; A. S. Studley, treasurer; Philemon Studley, Collins Spencer, deacons; and for the Sunday School, Mrs. Alvira Studley, Supt. ; Lizzie Hintermire, Secretary ; and Mrs. Francis Studley, Treasurer. The average attendance is about twenty -two.

REV, GEORGE B, DRAKE.

Rev. George B. Drake was born at FREE BAPTIST CHURCH, DAYTON.

Eagle, N. Y., Augusts, 1870. He was

educated at Pike Seminary and Ridgeville College at Ridgeville, Indiana. In 1892 he began preaching as a supply at Ridgeville and at Portland, Ind. , May 7, 1893, he went to Wadsborough, Vt., where he remained two years. In 1895 he went to Vershire, Vt., and acceptably filled that charge until he was called to Dayton in April, 1900. Rev. Drake married, December 24, 1891, Ida H. Lawrence of Springfield, Vt., who died a few months afterward of consumption. He married a second time May 13, 1894, Nellie J. Rice of Wardsborough, Vt. To them have been born two children : George Bryant, December 8, 1895, and Ruth N., December 16, 1900. Mrs. Drake is also a speaker and has often acceptably filled the pulpit in the absence of her husband.

M. E. CHURCH, DAYTON.

The history of the Methodist Episcopal Class of Dayton dates back to the fiftys. At that time public worship was held in a small frame building which stood where the present residence of C. H. Inman stands. It was built by a man named Winegard for a manufactory of soft drinks. It afterwards became the property of Jacob Badgero, and was used as a school house. Here in 1859 and 1860 Rev. John Crum of the Mllenova Circuit held occasional services. Rev. Crum was followed by Rev. John Akers, and he by Rev. J. R. Lyon, who organized the class in 1861. In 1864, Revs. W. W. Warner and R. N. Stubbs were appointed to this charge. Rev. Stubbs was succeded the second year by Rev. G. W. Patterson. In 1 865 Rev. Warner held a revival at which about 100 people were converted. Rev. Shadduck was appointed to this charge in 1866 remaining to 1869, during which time

73

RE\^, J. K. WHIPPO»

Pastor M. E. Church, Dayton and Wesley.

tli(.' cliuicli waK erected at a cost of S'2 J )()(), T\ie church site was the gift of Hon. N. M. Allen, and he also con- tril)uted liberally to the l>iiilding of the church. The building was com- modious and was built in the prevailing style of that day. The bible, which is still in the church was the gift of the Key. Shadduck. When the church was completed the Rev. Shadduck had been transferred to the Leon charge, and the Rev. Burroughs had been appointed to this charge. Rev. Crouthers of the Fredonia District preached the sermon at the time of the dedication. In 1888 the Rev. A. Bash- line was appointed to this charge and while here accomplished the repairing of the church. The next pastor Rev. D. M. Carpenter remained for about two years, and while he was here about forty joined the church on probation. In 1893 Rev. W. 0. Calhoun was appointed to the charge and it was while he was here that the entire church was remodeled into the present structure which would be a credit to a much larger place than Dayton. The cost of this remodeling was about $2,800. In 1897 the Dayton and Wesley churches were made one charge and the first pastor was Rev. Samuel A. Smith, who only remained one year, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. K. Whippo, Avho is the present pastor. The Epworth League has done much good work for the church. Its present officers are G. Burt Perrin, President; Mrs. C. H. Inman. Edith Stocker, J. M. Parmelee, Mrs. Wm. Harmon, Vice- Presidents ; Leah Stocker , Secretary; David Blais- dell, Treasurer.

The officers of the Sun- day Schoorduring 1900 were: Supt. C. H. In- man; Ass't. Supt., Mrs. Wm. Harmon ; Secre- tary, Minnnie Softfeldt; Treasurer, Mildred Wood ; Librarian, EA^a Perham : Organist, ]Maude Per- ham. The class now con- tains 71 members and two probationers.

M. E. CHURCH, DAYTON.

74

REV. J. K. WHIPPO,

Rev. Whippo, was born near Riversburg, Clarion County, Pa., December 13, 1866. When he was about two years of age his parents moved to South Oil City and it was there that his early days were spent. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Charlotte M., daughter of Boyd and Mrs. C. J. Miller of West Monteray, Pa. They have two children, aged eleven and two years. He began preaching as a supply on the East Hickory charge in 1893, and two years later was admitted into the Conference. Since then he has had charge at Sherret, Pa., Bemus Point, N. Y., and is now serving his third year at Dayton on the Dayton and Wesley charge.

UNION CHURCH, COTTAGE.

The Free Union Church of Cottage was erected in the fall of 1878 by the efforts of twenty-five persons and was consecrated October 31st by the Rev. Dr. Hall of Buffalo, and the Rev. A. P. Cook of Cherry Creek, the latter becoming the first pastor. This church was built for the accomodation of any sect or persons who might choose to worship in it and in its ap- pearance and arrangement is a very creditable edifice. It has a seating capacity of about 200 The value of the property, in- cluding the lot, is about S 1,500. The society, which is now with- out a pastor, has a membership of about forty.

The Ladies Aid Society of the M. E. Church at South Dayton was organized in March, 1899, with Mrs. L. Ranlett, Pres. ; Mrs. Jesse Nash, Vice-Pres. ; Mrs. J. N. Palmer, Sec'y; Mrs. Leslie Palmer, Treas. The object of this society is to promote mutual acquaintance and fellowship and to raise funds for church purposes. The following are the present officers: Mrs. Jesse Nash, Pres.; Mrs. L. Ranlett, Mce-Pres, ; Mrs. Fannie Slawson, Sec'y; and Mrs. Leslie Palmer, Treas.

UNION CHURCH, COTTAGE.

WESLEYAN METHODIST.

In about 1857 about twenty-five dissenters of the Free Baptist Church at Dayton Village met and organized the Wesleyan Methodist Society of East Dayton under the pastorate of Rev. Frink. A house of worship was erected that year, near East Leon, at a cost of S500 and with a seating capacity of 300 persons. The present value of that property, inclading the lot, is about $700 and the membership is about fifteen.

M. E. CHURCH, FAIR PLAIN. LUTHERAN CHURCH, FAIR PLAIN.

M. E. CHURCH, FAIR PLAIN.

The Fair Plain Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1885, with twelve members, with Rev. W. W. Cushman as the first Pastor. Their church building, erected in 1889, will seat 150 persons and cost $1,500, the present value of the property. Jacob Dersey, Charles Keppel, and Charles Rider, were the first trustees, and it was largely through their influence that the funds for the building were raised. The present membership is twenty-five, and the pastor is the Rev. C. J. Baker. The Sunday School in connection has an average attendance of thirty, with five teachers. The officers are Charles Keppel, Supt. ; Lizzie Rider, Ass't. Supt. ; Charles Rider, Sec ; Henry Astry, Treas.

GERMAN LUTHERAN, FAIR PLAIN.

The German United Protestant Lutheran Church at Fair Plain was organized September 3, 1S64, by Charles Keppel, John Oscher, and William Borneman. A short time previous to this date a small wooden church building was erected at a cost of S500 and capable of seating lOO persons. The first Pastor was Rev. Shonstien, who was followed by Rev. Fagle, and others. The present membership is about twenty and the present pastor is Rev. J. Ulmer of Gowanda.

Channing said: *'God be thanked for books! they are the voices of the distant and the dead and make us heirs of the spiritual fife of past ages. Books are the true levelers. They give to all who will faithfully use them, the society, the spiritual presence, of the best and the greatest of our race.

76

REV. D. R. PALMER,

Organizer M. E. Church, South Dayton.

been: Rev. B. P. Linn, 1884; Rev. J. Garnett, 1885-86-87; Rev. W. W. Cushman, 1888- 89; Rev. D. R. Carpenter, 1890-91 ; Rev. L. W. Elkins, 1892-93; Rev. J. P. Dunicle, 1894-95; Rev. S. V. Torrey, 1896-97, and the Rev. J. J. Servoss, the present pastor. The present membership is fifty-two. The value of the church property is about $1,500. The Sunday School officers are Vern Oakes, Supt. ; Mrs. J. N. Palmer, Ass't. Supt. ; Mrs. Jesse Perry, Treas. ; Ruth Simpson, Sec'y. The average attendance is sixty-five, with seven teachers.

The churches of Dayton are conspicuous features of the town. The depth and quality of public character is very often indicated in the work done for the churches.

M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH DAYTON.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of South Dayton was organized in 1880, with twenty-five members by Rev. D. R. Palmer, who became the first pastor. The first move made toward organiza- tion was at a meeting held at the school-house September 22, 1879. C. W. Oakes was chairman of this meet- ing, and E. F. Beach, secretary. It was decided to build a church at a cost of about $1,500. The following officers were chosen: Trustees, Jesse Pyle, C. W. Oakes, George Young, Jr., E. A. Chase, Luther Pierce; J Pyle was chosen chairman, E. A. Chase, secretary, and C W. Oakes, treasurer. The lot, No. 79, was purchased of Mrs. Emily Peck. The church was built in 1880-81 at a cost of about $1,400, and with a seating capacity of 250. The pastors since Rev. Palmer have

M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH DAYTON.

77

REV. J. J. SERVOSS,

Pastor n. E. Church, South Dayton.

REV. J. J. SERVOSS.

IN'v. J. .J. ScrvoHs, paHtor of tlie M. E. Church jit South Dayton, was born in the town of Harmony, Chautaufiua County, June 2G, 1848. His father was a pioneer settler of that town. He was educated at the Jamestown High School and was licensed to preach in 1881^. On October 6, 1875, he married Maggie S. Cushing of Fredonia, and a grandaughter of Commander Cushing.

The choirs of the several churches are composed of Dayton's most devoted and enthusiastic singers, who not only furnish a high grade of music at the Sunday services hut are doing much to stimulate an interest in music.

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH, SOUTH DAYTON.

The Free Methodist Church of Pine Valley was established in the fall of 1879 with John Harmon of Leon, as its first pastor and with fourteen members. The church lot was purchased August 3, 1880, and the church building was erected that year. In the winter of 1880-81 Rev. Harmon held a series of meetings in the church although it was still incomplete. ^leetings had previously been held in the old school-house, which is now used as the wood shed for the new school building. It was in the summer of 1881 tha the church was completed, the carpenter work having been done by Mr. Wilcox and Son of Leon, assisted by the members and citizens of the vicinity who donated their labor. The stone work was done by James Selfridge of Clear Creek and tl^e other mason work by Hiram Swift of South Dayton. The first trustees were Franklin Day, who died in Minne- sota, October 11, 1889, S. A. Markham of Villenova, and Peter L. Decker of Cherry Creek. Rev. Har- mon was followed by Rev. Randolph Worthington, now of Jamestown, who remained the pastor for two years. It

was during his administra-

FREE METHODIST CHURCH, SOUTH DAYTON.

tion that the camp meeting was held in the Barnum woods. Rev. Worthington was followed by Rev. Slocam who assumed this as his first charge. He only remained for one year. The next pastor was Rev. I. C. White, who was followed by the Rev. John Robinson, who remained for two years when Rev White was returned. This time he remained for two years. He now lives at Forestville. Rev. Jones remained in the charge for two years leaving in 1892,

when Richard Mercer came for one year and he was in charge when the Leon charge was separated from the circuit and became a separate charge. The next was Rev. C. W. Thurber who was followed by A. H. Tidd, and he in turn by Thomas Simpson and he it was who was in charge when the charge was again united with the Leon charge the pastor residing at Leon. Rev. E. C. Bert of Fredonia, who next filled the pulpit began the work of raising money to repair the sheds, etc. and the work was finished by Rev. W. W. Warner the following year. Rev. D. L. Evans the present pastor, is a single man and a re- turned missionary from Hindoostan. The present membership is fifteen and the trustees are C. W. IngersoU, W. D. Phelps, and Henry Oscher.

REV. a L. EVANS.

Rev. David Lewis Evans, pastor of the Free Methodist Church of South Dayton, was born in Wales, April 20, 1874. He was educated in a theolog- ical seminary in his native country. When he was 19 years of age he went as a sailor's missionary to India, remaining there until a short time before he came to South Dayton in September, 1900. He is an accomplished young man.

AN ELOQUENT PASSAGE.

It cannot be that the earth is man's only abiding place. It cannot be that our life is a mere bubble cast up by eternity to float a moment on the waves and then sink into nothingness. Else why is it that the glorious aspirations, which leap like angels from the temple of our hearts are forever wandering unsatisfied ? Why is it that the stars that hold their festival around the mid- night throne are set above the grasp of our limited faculties, forever mocking us with their unapproachable glory ? And finally, Avhy is it that bright forms of human beauty presented to our view are taken from us, leaving the thousand streams of our affections to flow back in Alpine torrents upon our hearts ? There is a realm where the rainbow never fades ; where the stars will spread out before us like the islands that slumber in the ocean; and where the beautiful beings which pass before us like shadows will stay in our presence forever — G. D. Prentiss.

79

M. E. CHURCH, WESLEY.

The Second Methodist Episcopal Church in I)ayton was incf^rporated March 8, 1848, with Nelson Hillebert, Avery Parke, E. B. Nash, Aaron I'. Knowles,

Norman L. Bacon, Jonathan Prince, and I>onj. J. Allen, trustees. No church edifice was erected and after a few years the society disbanded. But those who continued the class met in the school house at Howard's Corners. On April 21, 1875, and under Rev. J. H. Whalen the society organized anew, the name being, the East Dayton Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. That summer a pretty edifice was built at Wesley at an expense of $2,000. It was dedi- cated in January, 1876, by Rev. J. T. Edwards of Randolph. M. E. CHURCH, WESLEY. This society is now supplied by

Rev. J. K. Whippo of Dayton, and is a part of the Dayton charge.

ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

was formed at Dayton as the result of missionary w^ork conducted there in 1862, by the Passionists from Dunkirk. The present society was organized in 1863 with fifty members. The first house of worship was erected in 1863 and w^ould seat 150 people. The land was purchased of Col. Ralph John- son. Michael McFarland was one of the first trustees. The congregation remained in charge of the Passionists until Dayton was made a parish when Father Chas. C. Geppert became the first resident priest. The present edifice was built in 1876 on a lot of about an acre. The structure is 40 x 70, will seat 400 persons, is supplied with a tower and a 600 pound bell. The cost was about S4,000. The present value of the property is about 86,000. The parsonage was built in 1888 at a cost of $2,800. The present priest is Father Enright who comes from Gowanda. The present membership is about eighty.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, DAYTON,

EDUCATIONAL.

UBLIC education is the anchor sheet on which the Ship of State rides \J with confidence and hope. The fathers of our Repul)Hc proclaimed G, it as a necessary constituent of a popular government. ^'Educate the People!" was Washington's last injunction before he retired to private Hfe. Hamilton said the same on every possible occassion and in every forceful form. Jefferson as the crowning act of a Hfe of pul)lic useful- ness founded the University of Virginia. And while they exhibited this soHci- tude for the higher branches of learning they still more strongly urged schools for the masses believing that the common sense [of the plain people might not be rehed on to make the best use of citizenship without some training for its duties. It is no longer an open question. Everyone realizes the immense value of the public schools and looks for them as the best features of every <iommunity. Whatever else a town may offer as an inducement for new com- mers this must not be overlooked. Let the shipping facilities be arranged and the site and tax questions favorably settled, the question will still arise as to what school facilities are to be had. Tried by this standard several of the villages in the town of Dayton are far above the average. Her public school system is progressive in movement, modern in method, and judicious in administration. It has school property valued at $13,445.00 and the actual number of pupils attending school is 441. There are ten school houses in the town, and two villages, Dayton and South Dayton, have exceptionally fine buildings and the best of modern appliances.

SOUTH DAYTON SCHOOL.

Like the average village. South Dayton had a struggle to secure its present liigh grade of school. Joint school district. No. 9, was organized in 1859, at the dwelling of John Wickham. There were sixteen voters in the new dis- trict and all of these took part in the first meeting. Only four of these now survive, viz. : John Wickham, John Olrogge, Joseph A\^heelock, and L. Ran- lett. At this meeting, Abraham A. Rugg was elected trustee ; E. 0. Beach, col- lector; L. Ranlett, clerk, and John Wickham, librarian. Soon after a school was started in what was then known as the Hemlock School House, near the present site. Celestia Livermore, now the wife of Geo. AV. Fancher, was the first teacher. In the fall of 1860 a new school building was erected, which was destroyed by fire in May, 1871. It was generally believed that this fire was of incendiary origin. In the fall of 1871 a new and more convenient building was erected and Hon. W. B. Hooker was engaged as teacher. In the forenoon of the same day of Mr. Hooker's contract to teach, Lester F. Stearns came and applied for the position as teacher. When informed that the school

81

was engaged by ]\Ir. Hooker, he quietly remarked that the forenoon was undoubtedly the best time to engage schools. In i ss i th(.' present structure was erected at a cost, including site, of aVjout $5, 000. This is a very neat and substantial building and has accomniodations for 200 pufjils. Among the princii)als have been W. B. Hooker, 8. \V. Burdick, K. A. Hayes, B. H. Graves, K. A. Reeves, E. D. Hall, J. C. Holmes, Jay Crissey, W. 8 Card, Glen l^hillips, W. H. Bigelow, B. F. 8immons, C V. Oakes, I. Adan;s, and Joseph N. Palmer the present incumbent. On .January 29, 1901, this school made another advancement, when it was voted to make it a Union Free

SOUTH DAYTON UNION FREE SCHOOL.

School. At a subsequent meeting the following school board was elected : B. A. Whipple, Charles Drogmiller, C. Ingersoll, E. A. Hale, A. G. Drum- mer, 8. L. Peterman.

THE FACULTY,

Joseph N. Palmer, principal of the 8outh Dayton Union Free School was born in Arkwright, Feb. 19, 1860. He was educated at the Fredonia Nor- mal, graduating from the classical course of that institution in 1894. Previous to this he had considerable experience as a teacher before and since

then he has successfully conducted schools at Arkwright,

Ellery, Charlotte,

SOUTH DAYTON UNION FREE SCHOOL FACULTY.

Irving, Evans, Laonn, and Sh(;ridan. He came to South Dayton, in ISOS^ and is now upon his third year. He married September 21 , 1^x5^ Anna Curren of C'herry Creek. They have tliree children: Sadie, born August 30, 1<S<SS; Olive, born February '22, IS'.K); Ralph, born .July 2.'), lSO:i.

Jessie (Simpson) Perry was born at South Dayton, September 20, 1878. Educated in the common s(;hools, and began teaching in IS94. She has taught at Dayton, Elkdale, Villenova and South J)ayton. She married August 6, 1900, Clayton W. Perry, the present station agent at South Dayton.

Katherine D. Barber was born in Ellington, November 12, 1880. She grad- uated from the Ellington Academy in l8i)S. She began teaching in the town of Ellington, and came to South Dayton in I'JOO. She has the Primary Department.

Susan A. Boys was born in the town of Cherry Creek, June 10, 1879. Finished the ninth year in the Cherry Creek School June, 1897. Taught one year on a third grade certificate in District No 3, town of Cherry Creek, commencing August 28, 1897. Attended teacher's Training Class at Elling- ton one year from which she graduated June, 1899. Commenced teaching in the South Dayton School, August 18, 1898.

Bessie F. Hale was born September 12, 1881. Miss Hale took a training class course at Chamberlin Institute, Randolph. She began her career as a teacher in the school at South Dayton in 1900. She has the Intermediate Department.

DAYTON UNION FREE SCHOOL,

The first school-house in the neighborhood of what is now Dayton Village was near the present school house site in District No. 3, the Jolls District, so-called. After the Erie road was built and a little settlement was gathered about Dayton Summit, as the little hamlet at the station was then popularly called, a desire was expressed that the school building should be moved nearer the village. District meetings were held and a proposition was made to move the school-house site to the junction of the "gravel road" and '-hill road'' to Gowanda, just below what has since been the home of Elijah Wells. This was defeated and a proposition to move it to the border of the woods, south of the present farm of Harvey Foster met a like fate. At this time the larger portion of the scholars were from the village but the property and a narrow majority of the voters were interested in the existing site and would not consent to its change. The schools were then under the control of a towm superintendent having similar powers as a school commis- sioner. When all efforts at compromise failed the leading spirits in the movement, Norman M. Allen, Jacob B. Badgero and James Rice, consulted together and determined to organize a separate dis- trict. Mr. Allen was town superintendent for Dayton but he had no jurisdiction to effect the change alone as the district extended over into the town of Perrysburg, of which town William L. Haven was the superintendent and it was quite probable that sufficient pressure would be brought to bear to secure his opposition to the change. But in the re-organi-

84

zation It was proposed to take in a portion of district number four which was partially m the town of Persia of which town Dr. Ellis was the superin- tendent; a man of excellent judgment and held in great esteem by all who knew him, and it was shrewdly guessed that his sense of fairness and justice would secure his approval to the proposed change. So the necessary steps were taken to bring the matter to a hearing and the result was as anticipated District number two was organized May 1, 1856, a building was rented

SCHOOL HOUSE AT DAYTON.

near where Albert Merrill's house was afterwards built and Miss Hattie A. Rice was employed to teach the first term of school. A school house was soon afterward built in the common style of country school-houses of those days near where the Southwestern Division of the Erie Railroad now crosses Main street in the village. This was used until 1879.

In the ' 70s the school had very much outgrown the old school house and agitation was had for some time for the purchase of a different site and the

erection of a larger huilding The site was finally purehased on a hill over- looking the village from the west and containing Jibout live acres of fine young maple trees. In 1871) a brick building was erected on this site and here the first term was taught by the present ])opular treasur(;r of ('hautau(pia (bounty — Kmmons J. Swift.

In 1892 the form of the district was changed to a Tnion Free School and three years afterward a regent's department was organized, in the inaugura- tion of which the then principal, Mr. Elmer J. Cobb, was very active and deserving of much credit. Since this step was taken many additions to the library and working apparatus of the school have been made until it is ecjualled by but few, considering the extent of school population and wealth of the district.

SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES.

The school trustees of the town outside of the villages of Dayton and South Dayton, are as follows: No. 1, F. R. Johnson, Nelson Searle, Henry Allen: No. 2, Dayton Board; No. 3, .John Dewey; No. 4, Glenn W, Hall; No. 5, Chas. Beaver; No. 6, .J. A. Hubbard; No. 7, C. .J. Luce; No. 8, W. S. Easton; No. 9, South Dayton Board; No. 10, Albert Peck.

The educational advantages of Dayton are not surpassed by any town of like population in the State.

MILDRED ABOUT TO FEED THE CHICKENS.

Daughter of Mr. and Airs. A. S. Judd.

86

LODGES AND SECRET SOCIETIES,

I; "HE FRATERNAL feeling of the people of Dayton is manifested by I ^ the many societies of which lodges have been located in different ^ parts of the town. These lodges are an excellent means of bringing people together with different ideas, and fostering that feeling of fellowship which is so essential to the well being of the community at large. There certainly can be no doubt as to the benefits they confer, and they provide a pleasant and acceptable form of recreation on meeting nights, and bind the people closer together. There are two Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic in town, named after worthy sons who lost their lives in the service of their country, viz. : Clinton D. Nash and Barzilla Merrill. These societies are composed entirely of men who served in the army or navy during the war of the rebellion — none being admitted unless they can show an honorable discharge. The object is mutual aid and protection and to keep alive that fraternal feeling which so strongly exists between men who as com- rades together, faced death on the battle field, in the prison pen, on the weary marches, and the exposure of sleeping on the damp cold ground. The Grand Army of the Republic is organized by law and has National, State, and local organizations. While it is a fact that most of the men are broken down in health and constitution, very few have any pecuniary assistance except those who have been given pensions for disability by reason of wounds or injury from service.

Clinton D. Nash Post No. 386, G. A. R., was organized July 13, 1883, by Col. E. A. Nash with 30 charter members. The following were its first officers: Charles Shults, Commander; H. B. Gilbert, S. V. Commander; M. Wells, J. V. Commander; J. C Shults, Adjutant; Frank Day, Officer of the Day; G N. Johnson, Quartermaster; H. C. Mason, Chaplin; A. J. Edict, Officer of Guards A. T. Gregg, Surgeon; B. Ricebeck, Ser. Major; H. T. Rice, Q. Serj. ; A. J. Hulett, Musician. The loss by death since the organization is as fol- lows, twelve in number: G. P. Williams, Frank Day, Harvey Inman, Balzer Ricebeck, Henry Randall, W. W. Lafferty, Eugene Wentworth, E. G. Her- rington, L. D. Johnson, John Barnes, Chas. O. AVarner, and Villeroy Davis. The Post is now in a good flourishing condition. Since its organization it has enrolled over sixty members. The present membership is thirty-four. Chas. Shults, the present commander, has served the post all but three years as its commander.

Barzilla Merrill Post, No. 637, G. A. R, , was organized September 18, 1888, with twenty charter members and headquarters at Markham. The fol- lowing were the first officers: H. C. Mason, Com ; H. T. Rice, Quarter- master; James Ashdown, Adjutant, and the following Comrades: C. H Blair,

87

Clias. \V. Ciowcll, A. .1 Ivlict. Cc). Francis, II 11. Ilowlett, A 'i\ (iregg, JIarvey Inman, Jkrt Ininan, I) W. LafTorty, P. A. Markhain, P. A. Parke, A. G. Parke, G. P. llcniington, Dr. C. Howard and (reo. Bailey. In the spring of 1890 headquarters were moved from Markham to I)ayton. The Post now has 46 members and is in a prosperous condition. The present ollicers are: Frank Campbell, Com.; P. A. Markham, S. X. Com.; James Ashdown, P. Com. January 1, 1901, headcjuarters were again changed to Perry sburg.

Summit Lodge No. 72, A. 0. U. W., was instituted February 24, 1877, by S Patterson, D. G. M. W., of Lockport, with sixteen charter members. The first officers were: Chas. W. Smith, P. :M. W. ; E. A. Hayes, M. W. ; S. 1). Bartlett, G. F. ; A. M. Hall, 0.; N. A. Chaft'ee, Pvec. K. ; Jnmes I). Pierce, Rec. ; Chas. H, Blair, F. ; J. M. Parmelee, G. ; C. AV. Smith, A. M. Hall, N. A. Chaffee, trustees. It now numbers 23 members, and the fol- lowino- are its officers; B. W. Wilcox, P. M. W. ; C. H. Blair, M. W ; I). A. Blaisdell, Pec; J. J. Volk, F. ; C. H. Crowell, 0.; A. M. Hall, Foreman; L. A. Erhart, Rec; P. A. Parke, G.R; Oscar Enolish, 1. G. ; D. S. Alden, 0. G.

South Dayton Lodge No. 310, A. 0. U. W., was organized August 5, 1884, by Jerome L. Higbee of Cattaraugus, with eighteen charter members. The first officers were Dr. L. W. Tarbox, P. M. W. ; D. J. White, M W. ; B. C. Wilson, F. ; C. G. Hurd, 0. ; H. W. Hurd, R. ; H. T. Wilson, Fin. ; H. T. Smith, R. ; Henry Allen, G. ;Webb Blanding, L W. ; B. K. Smith, O.W . ; S. E. Slawson, C. G. Hurd, and B. C. Wilson, trustees. The lodge is in good condition, having enrolled thirty-four new names since last May. The pres- ent membership is fifty-two. Meetings are held every Monday night in Ful- ler' s Hall. At present the officers are L. Ranlett, P. M. W. ; Henry Paplow, M. W. ; J. C. Dennison, F. ; Geo. Wilcox, 0. ; B. A. Whipple, R. ; B. C. Wilson, Fin. ; N. W. Burkhalder, R. ; Will Ranlett, G. ; Refine Hartman, 1. W. ; Emory Dutton, 0. W. ; Chas. Miller, Will Ranlett and P:verett Stewart, trustees.

Dayton Tent, No. 46, K. 0. T. M., was instituted 3Iay 17, 1887, by Dep- uty Commander Barnes, with seventeen charter members. M. N. Johnson was the first Commander. xAfter the first eighteen months of its existence the tent began adding to its membership, and at the close of 1900 had 180 names on its roll and it now stands at the head of all the town orders in numerical strength. J. J. Volk is the present commander and James Ashdown, the Financial Secretary.

Pine Valley Lodge No. 605, I. 0. 0. F., was organized March 20, 1891, by Dr. Richard D. Wilcox of Salamanca. The original five charter members w^ere F. J. Peacock, D. J. White, H. T. Wilson, A. F. Kelly, and B. A. AVhipple. The first officers were A. F. Kelly, N. G ; H. T. Wilson, V. G. ; N. W. Burkhalder, Secretary: F. J. Peacock, Treasurer. The present mem- bership is sixty. ^leetings are held every Wednesday evening in Fuller's Hall. The present officers are J. N. Palmer, P. G. : Clinton Jackett, N. G. ; Geo. Young, V. G ; Jesse Nash, Sec. ; N. W. Burkhalder, Treasurer: Theo.

88

English, Warden; C. W. Aldrich, Con.; Will Ranlett, I. G. ; A. Seeber, 0. G.; Howard Le Barron, R. S. N. G. ; Robt. Rabin, L. S. N. G. ; J. C. Den- nison, R. S. V. G. ; W. Moore, L. S. V. G. ; Chas. Palmer, R. S. S. ; James Ward, L. S. S.

Women's Christian Temperance Union. This noble band of Christian workers was organized January 20, 1888, at South Dayton by Miss Vandaha Varnam of Franklinville, with twelve members. Its first officers were Mrs. A. L. Roberts, Pres.; Mrs. H. S. Wilson, Sec; Mrs. Chas. Shults, Treas. Meetings are held every alternate Friday evening and the Society is doing much good. The present officers are Mrs. E. M. Beardsley, Pres. ; Mrs. C. Hubbard, Vice-Pres. ; Mrs. J. B. Gardner, Sec. ; Mrs. E. A. Hale, Corre- sponding Secretary and Treasurer.

The scope of woman's influence in organization is boundless when in true womanliaess she takes loyal hold and in the endeavor to benefit humanity, carries strength and blessings to those whose lives are in touch with hers. In fraternal work she has passed beyond the experimental period and now enjoys the same privileges in that respect as the men. The Ladies of the Macabees was organized in 1890 with 1,352 members and since that time has steadily advanced in numbers, friends and influence and we are now compelled to admit that in this field of work she has shown herself the equal of, the Lord of Creation, — Man.

South Dayton Hive No. 110, L. 0. T. M., was organized October, 1893, by Lady Barnett of Buffalo, with fifteen members. The first officers were Mrs. Theo. Enghsh, P. L C. ; Mrs. H. T. Wilson, L. C. ; Mrs. E. A. Hale, R. K. ; Mrs. Grace Beach, F. K. At present the meetings are held every Saturday evening in Phillips' Hall. The membership is thirty nine. The present officers are Mrs. T. R. Simpson^ P. L. C. ; Mrs. L. R. Fisher, L. C. ; Mrs. C. N. Aldrich, L. L. C. ; Mrs H. T. Wilson, R. K. ; Mrs. E. A. Eng- lish, F. K. ; Mrs. Emma Dutton, Chap. ; Cora V. Peavy, Sergt. ; Mrs. E. A. Hale, M. of A. ; Mrs. Mary Beardsley, S. ; Mrs. Carrie Seeber, P.

Englewood Hive No. 38, L. 0. T. M., was organized at Dayton, January 19, 1892, by Mrs. R. E. Moss of Gowanda, with fifteen charter members. The first officers were Mrs. J. J. Volk, L. C. ; Mrs NelHe Allen, L. L. C. ; Miss Emma W. Perham, F. K. ; Ida M. Badgero, R. K. ; Mrs. James Ashdown, S. ; Phoebe Badgero, M. of A. ; Eva Perham, S. Meetings are held in the A. 0. U. W. hall every alternate Thursday. At present the membership is forty-nine. The present officers are Mrs. Jane Eggleston, P. L. C. ; Mrs. J. J. Volk, L. C. ; May Averill, L. L. C. ; Rachel Averill, R. K. ; Catherine Warren, P. ; Maude Stewart, F. K. ; Libbie Jolls, Sergt. ; EvaUne Wilcox, M. of A. ; Jennie Wood, S. ; Sarah Howard, P.

Dayton Lodge No. 710, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was insti- tuted July 20, 1894, by D. D. G. M., M. N. Allen of Gowanda, with the assist- ance of the Salamanca Lodge who did all the degree work. At the time of the organization there were 22 charter members. The first officers elected were: Noble Grand, Henry Allen; Vice-Grand, W. 0. Calhoun; Secretary, E. Cook; Treasurer, D. C. Averill. The following are the Past Grands of this

89

Lo(l<i:o: ir(3nrv Allen, \V. (). Calhoun, I). ('. Avcrill, K. A. Stell(!y, Emmett Blair, J). Hail, C. U. Innian, F. ]). Sharpe, \V. M. Perliaiii, W. W. Jones,

C. E. Law, W. M. Writer, and Harvey Markhani. Since its organization, this Tiodge has only lost one of its members by death, James Shaw, who died at Dayton about 1896. Dayton Lodge has furnished members to organize several lodges in the adjoining villages and in spite of that fact still has a good mem])ership. Its members are somewhat scattered at present ljut regular meetings are held every Tuesday evening and the Lodge ranks as one of the best working lodges in the County or in this part of the State. It belongs to the Lockport Home Association which maintains a home at Lockport for the support of aged or infirm Odd Fellows and their widows. The members are all workers and always ready to relieve a brother in distress and to aid him through Friendship, Love and Truth. The present membership is 31 and the present officers are Noble Grand, Harve}^ ]Markham; Vice-Grand, W. M. Writer; Secretary, D. Hall; Treasurer, W. M. Perham.

South Dayton Tent No. 237, K. 0. T. M., was organized Sept. 8, 1893, by Wm. H. Barrett of Buffalo, with thirty charter members. Chas. E. Har- rington was the first commander, and E. F. Beach the first Record Keeper. The present membership is twenty-two and the principal officers are E. A. Hale, P. Com. ; Theo. English, Com. ; Chas. E. Herrington, R. K. ; and E. A. Hale, Treasurer. Meetings are not held regularly, but the benefits by the members are kept up.

Branch No. 30, C. M. B. A., was organized at Dayton, August 1, 1878, with thirteen charter members. The present membership is thirty. Its principal officers are Patsy McFarland, Pres ; M. Burns, Sec'y; W. E. Eggleston, Fin. Sec'y; Patsy McFarland, Treasurer.

Valley Lodge No. 704, K. of H., was organized at South Dayton August 1, 1877, with eleven members. The first principal officers were B. H. Lamb,

D. ; J. C. Shults, P. D.; T. R. Simpson, R. D. ; A. B. Charlesworth, V. D. ; Geo. Young, Jr., R. ; E. A. Chase, F. R. ; Chas. Berwald, T. ; D. Ranlett, S. The local branch of this order has been discontinued, but several of the members still keep up their benefits, paying directly.

South Dayton Chapter No. 5396, Ej) worth League, was organized April 25, 1891, by Rev. H. M. Burns with twelve members and the following officers: Vern Cakes, President; Miss Weltha Thompson, Mrs. E F. Beach, Mrs. Theo. English, Mrs. Jesse Nash, Vice-Presidents; ^Irs. Frank Kurd, Secre- tary, and E. F. Beach, Treasurer. The present membership is fifty-eight. Cabinet meetings are held every Thursday evening and devotional every Sun- day evening. The ofiicers are C. V. Oakes, Pres. ; Misses Nina Palmer. Net- tie Kelley, Alice Peek, Mrs. Nellie M. Dye, Mce- Presidents; Mrs. Nellie Edick, Secretary; Grover Ingersoll, Treasurer and Miss Winnie Hale, Organist.

There has also been other secret societies and temperance societies in the town, but they have l^een discontinued and their history in consequence can- not be given.

Dayton is peculiarly a fraternal center. One of the great advantages of a residence is thus the opportunity for fraternal privileges, intercourse and enjoyment.

90

COTTAGE.

J'

" * * * ai7cl each in his separate star,

Shatt draw the thing as he sees it for the God

of things as they are.'' — Kipling.

F THESE words were pharaphrased to lit the case of the writer of this book, they might read: "Shall write the things as he sees them for the people who know what they are." But this is not always true of men who have other vocations than we. Lawyers and grocerymen sometimes see the other sides This is illustrated by the story of the corner grocery man, who was asked if he did not think that Mrs. Blank had a lovely disposition. '^Yes," he said, '^Her's beats mine. She has told me at least forty times that she would pay her bill the next day, and she always says it with a winsome smile ' ' Cottage is the oldest hamlet in Dayton. This is probably on account of its location on one of the principal highways. This in the early times made it a place of much more importance than it is now, and even now it is entitled to a good position among the hamlets of Western New York. It contains a sawmill, store, shops, a Methodist Church, a Union Church, a thriving Grange, a cheese factory, and about twenty-five dwellings. The nearest railroad station is Markham, which is three miles distant. The postoffice was established in 1850 with John H. Blish, as postmaster. Hon. N. M. Allen was the next appointee, and the successors have been 1. H. Alden, L. W. Day, C. H. Blair, D. S. Alden, L. B. Johnson, Eugene Lafferty and Carlton E. Eno, the present incumbent. The first mail was supplied from Smiths Mills, afterwards from Perrysburg, then Markham, and at the present time from South Dayton. The first public house in the town was opened at Cottage in 1824, by Caleb Webb. It was here also that the first religious services were held at the house of Caleb Webb, in 1816. About 1830, Joshua Webb opened a tavern on the BHsh place. J. H. Blish, J. H. Rice, Daniel Whelpley and L. and G, Flowers all kept taverns. Mr. Flowers being the last to operate one. John H. Blish was the first to engage in trade in about 1845. Four or five years later John Knowlton opened a store. Other traders were S. W. Day, Barzilla Merrill, I. H. Alden, D. S. Alden, L. B. Johnson, C. E. Eno. The present merchant is Smith Douglas.

In writing the biographic sketches which appear in this book it is not our purpose to eulogize or exaggerate words of praise. We simply wish to set in plain language, brief sketches of those men and women who have risen to some prominence, and have done so much to make the town of Dayton what it is today.

91

COTTAGE GRANGE, No. 829, P. OF H.

TIh! fanners livinu in the vicinity of Cottage are a thrifty, industrious class of people and as a means of promoting sociability and of int(.'rchanging ideas and views upon matters pertaining to their occupation, they organized in 1S<)7, a (Irange, that has since made a record that has attracted the favorable attention of the order throughout the state and nation. During the year 1899 this Grange captured the plow, a prize for the largest increase of membership during that year. This event was duly celebrated Feb. 22, 1900. On February 21, 1897, this Grange was organized by Mrs. K V>. Lord of Sinclairville, and E. C. Ferguson of C'onewango, with fifty-one charter members. The first officers were : A. M. Hewlett, master; J. S. Van Slyke, overseer; Eri Hitchcock, lecturer; A. K Johnson, ass't. steward; Jennie Kester, secretary; Mrs. Chas. Hubbard, chaplain ; Wilson Hubbard, steward;

NELSON BUNCE.

See Historical.

Dell Van Slyke, treasurer; Wm Jolls, gate keeper: Lee Rice, Pomona; Lizzie Hooker, Flora; Rena Markham, Ceres; Cora Hubbard, lad}^ ass't. steward; M. E. Hubbard, Lee Rice. AW Johnson, trustees. The Grange has grown steadily since its organization, new members being added at nearly every meeting. The present membership is 280, it being the 11th in size in the state. In 1898 the Grange purchased a site and erected thereon a Grange building, a neat commodious two-story structure, a picture of which is shown here, at a cost of $1,205.00. The building committee who had this in charge and who did efficient work were A. M. Howlett, G. A. Newcomb, J. S. Van Slyke, Lee Rice, W. W. Johnson, H. H. Howlett, John ]\Iarkham, Eri Hitchcock, M. E. Hubbard, Addison Johnson, and Wilson Hubbard. The hall was dedicated October 7, 1898, and is the only Grange building in

92

Cattjiniiij^us county. Last year the (irange accomplished considerable. The co-operative trade amounts to quite a sum yearly. The articles on which they have effected the greatest saving are grass seed, fertilizer, ))inding twine, and plow points. They pooled and sold their buckwheat, realizing a profit of about $850. The present outlook for the Grange is brighter than at any other time since its organization, and this is due in a large measure to the harmonious and united efforts of both officers and members. The present officers are John Hall, M. ; Clarence Coon, 0. ; ^lary Howlett, L. ; Edith Putney, S. ; lUirt Hubbard, Ass't S. ; Rev. C. J. P>aker, C. ; W. AV. Johnson, S. ; John Putney, T. ; Edmund Xewcomb, G. K. ; Nellie Peters, Ceres; EdnaSearle, P.; Sadie Rhodes. Flora; Ethel Hubbard, L. A. S. ; M. E. Hubbard, Com. Sec'y; H. H. Howlett, Lee Rice, W. W. Johnson, trustees.

THE COTTAGE CEMETARY ASSOCIATION.

The Cottage Cemetary Association was organized in 1S50. At that time the cemetary consisted of two and a half acres of land, which plot has been added to from time to time until in now comprises about five acres. This is well laid out and very well kept up. On August 11, 189S, a new corporation was formed and the following officers were elected, and have held from then to the present time. D. S. Alden, Pres.; H. H. Howlett, Vice-Pres. ; A. M. Howlett, Sec'y and Treasurer; D. S. Alden, Irving Merrill, E. S. Lafferly, A. M. Howlett, G. A. Newcomb, H. H. Howlett, directors; E. S. Lafferty, Irving Merrill, Geo. A. Newcomb, Ex. Com. ; H. H. Howlett, Supt. Many costly monuments have been erected in memory of those who are buried in this cemetary, and many may also be found there which have stood for many years.

GILES JOHNSON.

The successful farmer as a rule is a pleasant, intelligent and thoughtful person. As an example of this ideal condition of the farmer is the gentleman whose name heads this article. He is a son of Giles John?on, a pioneer of the town. He was born October 2, 1840, and his life has been a busy and an influential one. He enlisted as a private in the 154th N. Y, Vols, in July, 1862. He was promoted first to sergeant and later to 2nd Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged on account of wounds in May, 1864. Reared as a farmer he has made this occupation the well-spring from which he has drawn a competence. He now^ owns and conducts the old homestead near Cottage. He was married July 30, 1862, to Ellen L. Cole, a daughter of another pioneer. Mrs. Johnson is a kind and entertaining woman, a fitting companion for her husband. Their children are Floyd R., born May 30, 1865, and Millie F. , born February 27, 1869; she w^as married October 25, 1893, to G. R. Graves and now resides at Perrysburg. Both ^Ir. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the M. E. Church and are indefatigable workers. Mr. Johnson is at present one of the town assessors, and has been a Justice of tne Peace besides holding various other positions in the church and to^^m. He is a hospitable