I
Al
Cornell University Library
The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924100387392
In compliance with current
Copyright lawi Cornell University
Library produced this
replacement volume on paper
that meets the ANSI Standard
Z39 .48-1992 to replace the
irreparably deteriorated original.
2005
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
"^ 'V -s. ■
'^'^kf^tv
^ ^ *^^ ^
■m
GENERAL VIEW , NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.
AMERICAN FALLS, VIEW FROM GOAT ISLAND ,WITH NEW SUSPENSION BRIDGE
1821
HISTORY
OF
COUNTY, N.Y.,
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS DESCRIPTIVE OF ITS SCENERY
^[jf irate |
y
h
^$
PUBLIC BUILDINGS, FINE BLOCKS, AND IMPORTANT MANUFACTORIES,
orlijHii^ 4 ||W
NEW YORK:
SANFORD & CO.,
36 VESEY STREET.
ti 18V8
^
PRESS OF GEO. 1I.\CN\MAKA,
VESEY STREET, N. V.
|
v-'^ |
J^Ui, |
|
^ |
"% |
|
5 |
'■J |
|
,3 |
•ii^ . |
|
'■■% |
."'^ |
INTRODUCTORY.
To one whose own neighborhood has been the theater of events prominent in the nation's annals, the history of those events is the most interesting of all history. To the intrinsic fascination of stirring incidents is added the charm of their having occurred on familiar ground. ' The river has an interest independent of its grandeur and beauty to one who knows how it has affected the course of events along its banks for centuries, determining the location, first of the Indian's hamlet and then of the white man's village; the route, first of the red warrior's trail and again of a far-reaching traffic that the greatest powers of Europe fought to control; the site, now of the frontier fortress and anon of the farmer's clearing; the place where armies maneuvered and scalping parties crouched in ambuscade.
The road that has been traveled unthinkingly for years is invested with a new interest if found to have traversed an Indian trail. The field where one has harvested but grain or fruit for many a season, brings forth a crop of associations and ideas when it is understood that it was the scene of one of those sanguinary conflicts in which the land was redeemed from savagery and the character of its civilization determined. The people will look with a heightened and more intelligent interest upon ancient buildings in their midst, although venerated by them they hardly know why, when they read the authentic record of events with which these monuments of the past are associated. The annals of a region so famous in legend and record as that of which these pages treat give it a new and powerful element of interest for its inhabitants, and strengthen that miniature but admirable patriotism which consists in the love of one's own locality.
It has heretofore been possible for the scholar, with leisure and a comprehensive library, to trace out the written history of his county by patient research among voluminous government documents and many volumes, sometimes old and scarce ; but these sources of informa- tion and the time to study them are not at the command of most of those who are intelligently interested in local history, and there are many unpublished facts to be rescued from the failing memories of the oldest residents, who would soon have carried their information with them to the grave ; and others to be obtained from the citizens best informed in regard to the various interests and insti- tutions of the county which should be treated of in giv- ing its history.
This service of research and compilation, which very few could have undertaken for themselves, the publishers of this work have performed, and while a few unimport- ant mistakes may doubtless be found in such a multitude of details, in spite of the care exercised in the production of the work, — including typographical errors like the printing of 1768 for 1678 in the first column of page 56 — the publishers still confidently present this result of many months' labor as a true and orderly narrative of all the events in the history of the county which were of sufficient interest to merit such record.
Under the sway of cause and effect, historic events cannot stand alone — they form an unbroken chain. The history of so limited a territory as a county in New York
has its roots not only in remote times but in distant lands, and can not be justly written without going far beyond the county limits for some of its most essential facts. Nor can such a county history be imderstood in its due rela- tion without a historical review of at least the State in which the county is a part ; hence we feel that in giving such an outline we have been more faithful to the main purpose of the work, while we have added an element of independent interest and value.
It may be noticed that the present geographical names are often used in the following pages as though dating from the earliest times. One who reads of events as transpiring in the town of Cambria which occurred long before a town of Cambria was thought of, will readily understand that the present name is used to avoid the needless circumlocution involved in repeating " what is now the town of Cambria," etc.
In the preparation of this volume the standard works embracing the history of this frontier have been consulted, besides many original sources of information. We have drawn freely from that great historic fount, the Docu- ments Relating to the Colonial History of New York, often reproducing their quaint spelling and phraseology, the more perfectly to retain the flavor of the times in which they were written.
While we have in a few cases failed of the co-operation which it was reasonable to expect in the obtaining of needed facts from individuals, we have generally found the possessors of desirable knowledge ready and courteous in imparting it, and many have signally aided us, among whom may be named Hon. Sullivan Caverno, Marcus Moses, Rev. E. P. Marvin, L. J. McParlin, Dr. A. W. Tryon, Claudius L. Hoag, Luther Forsyth, Mrs. James Goodrich, Ezra Warren, Benoni Edwards, Dr. W. A. Town- send and Miss Adeliza Griswold, of the city and town of Lockport; Albert H. Porter, A. A. Porter, Judge T. G. Hu- lett, C. H. Piper, Hon. William Pool, Andrew Murray, S. F. Symonds, A. M. Chesbrough, J. J. Anthony, Peter H. Por- ter, jr., Samuel Tompkins, Colonel John Fisk, O. W. Cutler, Hon. Benjamin Flagler and F. R. Delano, of Ni- agara ; Captain James Van Cleve, Charles T. Hotchkiss, P. P. Barton, Thomas P. Scovell, Solomon Gillett, Dr. M. Robinson and Dr. Edward Smith, of Lewiston ; S. Park Baker, Ira Race, David Burge, Peter Tower, Samuel Chubbuck, B. D. Davis and Thomas Brighton, of Porter; Captain Luther Wilson, Mrs. Sally Holmes, Richard C. Holmes, Alexander Pettit, Mrs. Curtis Pettit and Rev. Ward B. Pickard, of Wilson; H. Frost, Peter Hess, G. C. Humphrey and A. N. Dutcher, of Somerset ; J. C. Glad- ding, Jay Rowe, Lorenzo Webster and Luther S. Hall, of Hartland ; J. P. Sawyer, A. Freeman, C. Schad, C. W. Laskey, P. P. Murphy, and Dr. Cole, of Royallon; Benja- min Stout H. Armstrong, James McClew, J. Arrowsmith and W. Shaw, of Newfane.
The material for the town histories of Cambria, Wheat- field and Pendleton was chiefly furnished by Mr. Chip- man P. Turner.
Our acknowledgments are also due to the editors of the county papers, from the files of which valuable informa- tion has been obtained.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
STATE HISTORY,
CHAPTER I.
The American Aborigines— DiseoverieR by European Explorers— The
Openin^of Colonization and Trade 9-11
CHAPTER II.
The Dutch Regime in New York- Rival Claims of the English— The
Latter Prevail H-l'
CHAPTER ni.
The Five Nations— Their Traditions of their Origin— Iroquois Customs
and Political Organization 13-16
CHAPTER IV.
French and Indian War—Dissensions in the Colonial Government- Capture and Execution of Leisler 16-18
CHAPTER V.
Count Frontennc's Campaigns— Prevalence of Piracy— Misgoverument
of New York— French Trading and Military Posts 18-20
CHAPTER YI.
The Alleged Plot to Bum New York— French and English Hostili- ties—The Contest for the Ohio Yalley 20-22
CHAPTER vn.
The Results of Four English Expeditions Against the French- Mont- calm's Successful Campaigns 22-24
CHAPTER VIII.
Extinction of French Power in America— The New York Judiciary- International Contentions 24-26
CHAPTER IX.
The Approach of the Revolution -Patriotic Attitude of New York —
The First Battle Fought in 1770 2&-29
CHAPTER X.
The Boston Tea Party— Meeting of the Continental Congress— The
Battle of Lexington— Canada Invaded 29-31
CHAPTER XI.
Hostilities Transferred to New York— The Battle of Long Island— Bur-
goyne'B Campaign 31-34
CHAPTER XII.
The Battle of Bennington— Failure of St. Leger's Movement— Bur-
goyne's Defeats and Surrender 34-37
CHAPTER XIII.
Clinton's Hudson River Campaign— France Recognizes the United
States- Wars with the Indians 37-39
CHAPTER XIV.
Arnold's Treason— Close of the Revolution— A.doption of tho Constitu- tion— Internal Improvements 39-42
CHAPTER XV.
Causes of the Last War with Great Britain— Expeditions Against
Canada— Border Hostilities 42-46
CHAPTER XVI.
The Erie Canal and Central Railroad— The State Administration- New York in the Civil War 46, 47
pcm COU[^TY.
CHAPTER I. The "Word Nia^ani- -Relics and Theories of the Earliest Population. . . 49-52
CHAPTER IE.
Father L'AUemant'a Account of the Neutral Nation— The Destruction
of the Eries 52-54
CHAPTER III.
The Traditional Ori^iQ of the Senecis— Niini83 and Locations of their
Villages 54-56
CHAPTER IV.
La Salle's Vangunrd Arrives in the Niagara— The Narrative of Father
Hennepin 56, 5
CHAPTER V.
The Career of Lu Salle— He Builds the First Sailing Vessel Above Niag- ara Falls 58-61
CHAPTER VI.
Niagara and the Indian Trade — The Rivalry of the Fr«nfh and
English 61-65
CHAPTER VII.
Denonville's Expedition Against the Senecas— The Building of the
Fir3t Fort Niagara 65-68
CHAPTER Vin.
The Joncftires, and the French Trading House Est-ihlished at Lewis- ton in 1720 68-/1
CHAPTER IX. The Rebailding of Fort Niagara— It is Besieged by the English and
Iroquois 7 1_74
CHAPTER X. Journal of the Siege of Forfc Niagara— Rout of a Relief Force- The
Surrender 74-77
CHAPTER XI. Sir William Johnson's Journal— Fort Schlosser Built— Traders Pro- hibited from Settling Thereabouts 77-79
CHAPTER XII. The Devil's Hole Massacre— The Senecas Cede the Niagara Border to
the English 79.81
CHAPTER XIII. Fort Niagara During the Revolution— Its Surrender by the British—
The Tuacftror'is 81-83
CHAPTER XIV. Indian Trails in Niagara County— The Portage, Military, Ridge and
Lake Roads 83-86
CHAPTER XV. The Title to the Soil of Western New York— Phelps and Gorham's
Purchase— Morris' Reserve 86-89
CHAPTER XVI. The Holland Purchase and Purchasers- Surveys, Sales and First Set- tlements Sy-92
CHAPTEtd XVII. Pioneer Experiences— Emigrating, Buildinfc ftnd Clearing— Frontier
Work and Play 92-96
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVXn.
Pioneer Farming— First Schools and Teachers, Meetings and Preach- ers—Tie PuhUc Health 96-100
CHAPTEE XIX.
Military Operations of 1812— Attitude of the Iroquois— Preparations
for Invading Canada 100, 101
CHAPTER XX.
The Capture of Queenston Heights— The Assailants Overpowered, Un- supported and Taken Prisoner.^ 101-103
CHAPTER XXI.
Capture and Recapture of Fort George— Fall of Fort Niagara— Rav- ages of Fire and Sword 103-105
CHAPTER XXII.
Successive Boundaries of Niagara County and its Subdivisions- Officers
and Representatives 10.^-107
CHAPTER XXm.
The Projection of the Erie Canal— Its Advocates and its Construction-
La Fayette's Tour 10;-111
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Case of William Morgan— Rise and Career of the Anti-Miisonic
Party lU-113
CHAPTER XXV.
Old-time Stage Lines on the Ridge Road— Railroad History of Niagara
County 11.1-116
CHAPTEE XXVI.
Incidents of the Patriot War— The Old Militia System in Niagara
County 116-118
CHAPTER XXVIL
Niagara Ship Canal Projects- The Shipping and the Commerce of
Niagara Cpunty 118-122
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Insurance, Medical, Religious, Pioneer and Agricultural Associations
—The County Farm— Statistics 122-127
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Rise and Development of the Great Fruit-Growing Interest of
Niagara County 127, 123
CHAPTER XXX.
Sketch of the Geology of Niagora County 128 -131
CHAPTER XXSI.
Niagara County in the Civil War— The 28th, 49th, 100th and 102nd In- fantry 131-136
CHAPTER XXXII.
The Record of the 2Sd Battery and Ist Regiment of Light Artillei y 136-HO
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The Cavalry Representation- Histories of the 8th, 3d and 15th, and the
2d Mounted Rifles lM-146
CHAPTER XXXIV. Services and Suilerings of the 151st Infantry 146-150
CHAPTER XXXV.
The Brilliant Career of the Gallant Eighth New York Heavy Artil- lery 160-155
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Records of the 78th, 96th, 105th, 132nd, 104th, 178th, 179th, lS7th and
194th Infantry 155-159
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Twelfth, Nineteenth, Seventeenth and Twenty-fifth Batteries- Four- teenth Artillery 1S9-1C3
CITY, TOWN jiW VILLAGE HISTOI^IES.
THE CITY OF LOCKPORT. Main street in lS23-The Early Taverns-Completion of the Canal-- The Rise of the Lower Town -Shaved by Lorenzo Dow-Early Mail Facilities— Municipal Organization — Business Establish- ments in 1835-The McLeod Excitement-Railroad Communica- tious-Qeneral Scott in Lockport-Heeent Events-Early Schools- The Water Power of Looltport-Flouriug Mills-The Stave Manu- facture—Saw-mills— Corporations and Manufactories-Hotels of the Present— The Hodge Opera Hoase-Banks-The Stone and Marble Interests— Hydraulic Cement— Niagara Nurseries- -Lock- port Home for the Friendless— Union School nf Lockport— The Fire Department-Sooietiea-The Niagara Light Guards-Churohes- Blographioal Sketches of Lockport's Leading Citizens 165-220
THE TOWN OF CAMBRIA. Early Residents of the Town— Warren's Corners-Molyneux's Corners- Cambria Center and Vicinity-Pekin and Southwestern Combria —Churches on the Eidge— Early Schools and School-Houses— Sin- gular Deposits— Brief Biographical Sketches 227-236
THE TOWN OF HARTLAND. First Town Meeting-Further Matters of Early Record-Principal Town Officers— Physical Features of the Town— Early Settlers- Pioneer Life in Hartland— Villages in Hartland— Industrial Be- irinnings— Educational— Roads and Bridges— Salt Springe- A Prof- Ttable Hurricane— An Ancient Karthwork—Taverns— Physicians- Burying Grounds- Early Preachers- Lodges— Churches -Agricul- tural-The Leading Citizens of To-day 237-248
THE TOWN OP LEWISTON. The French and English Occupations— Brant and the Mohawks— Tusca- rora Reservation- Indian Mound— Early White Settlement— Inci- dents Connected with the War— Settlement after the War— De- scription and Civil History— Supervisors— Sanborn and Dickerson- viUe— Seminary of Our Lady of Angels— The Village of Lewiston —Prominent Inhabitants of the Town 249-264
THE TOWN OF LOCKPORT. The Town Civil List— Outlines, Surface, Soil and Products— Ellicott Reserve and Salt Spring— Singular Antiquities— Early Settlers- Wright's Corners— The Long Causeway Turnpike— Rapids— War- ren's Comers— Early Schools and School Houses —Plank and Toll Bonds -Cemeteries— Churches of the Town— Biographical Notices of Lockport Citizens 205-274
THE TOWN OF NEWFANE. The Pioneers— Incidents of the War of 1812— From the Early Records —Building and Beginning Business— Physicians — Antiquities- Roads and Bridges— Burying Grounds— Villages and Post-offices Temperance Organizations — Religious History— Schools— New- fane in the Civil War- Sketches of Representative Citizens 275-28ti
THE TOWN OF NIAGARA. Niagara River and Falls— Fort Little Niagara— The Sttdman House and Farm— Porter, Barton & Go- Early Reminiscences— Early Set- tlements and Improvements— Niagara in the War of 1812- Early Events— Civil History— Niagara in the Rebellion— Cemeteries- Roads— Schools— The First Religious Services— Fruit-growing in Niagara— Drainage— Population— The Village of La Salle — Fletch- er's Corners 287-299
THE TILLAGE OF NIAGARA FALLS. The Village in 1810 -The Early Settlers— Samuel De Veaux, the First Merchant— Accessions fi'om 1821 to 1833— General Peter B. Porter —Colonel Peter A. Porter— Business and Improvements — The Car- rying Business— Further Business Progress- The Upa and Downs ot 1836- The Hydraulic Canal— Mails, Stages, Railroads and Ex- presses—'Ihe Press of Niagara Falls— Schools— The Fire Depart- ment — Incoi-poraiion and Civil History— Oakwood Cemetery- Churches of Niagara Falls— Business Corporations— Fraternities and Social Organizations — Improvements About the Falls— Acci- ' dents and Incidents— Well Known Residents of Niagara Falls, La Salle and Vicinity •- 300-318
THE VILLAGE OF SUSPENSION BRIDGE. Initial Events— The International Suspension Bridge Company— Busi- ness Growth and Improvements— A Great Railway Center-Tlie Custom-House and Other Buildings— Incorporation and Civil His- tory-Waterworks and Fire Companies-The Press of Suspension Bridge-Education-Societies-Prominent Inhabitants of Suspen- sion Bridge ™-'2s
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
THE TOWN OF PENDLETON.
Settlement— Extracts from the Town Records— The German Inhabi- tants—The Enlargement of the CuDnl — Pendleton Village — Churches- Lending Citizens of Pendleton 329-331
THE TOWN OF POETEU.
The Settlement of the Town— Pioneers and Burly Events— Incidenls During and Aftor the War of 1312— Facts and Statistics— Ran- som ville-Touogstown -Sketches of Proniineiit Residents and Pioneers 332-347
THb; lOVVN OF ROVALTON.
Settlement— Pioneer House-Building— Trails and Roads— Early Tav- erns—First Schools— Course of Trade and Manufacture— Profes- Hional Men— Post- offices— First Birth, Marriage and Death— Asso- ciations and Lodges— Wolcottsvilla— Royaltoo Center— Orangeport — Giisport- Reynale's Basin — Middleport- The Churches — Bio- graphical Sketches of Prominent Residents 348-361
THE TOWN OF SOMERSET.
Pioneer Experiences— After the War of 1.812— The First', of their Kind —The Political Record— Salt Spring— Lodges and Associations— The (.Government Light-houae— Statistics— Religious History— Brief Biographies 362-372
THE TOWN OF WHEATFIELD.
Pioneer Settlements— The Gerraiin Neighborhoods— Supervisors of WJieattield— North Tonav^anda — Brief Sketches of Wlieatfield Citizens 373-381
THE TOWN OF WILSON.
Organization— Supervisors -Statistical Facte— Pioneer Experiences- Sundry First Events— Roads—The Last Wolf and Bear— The Vil- lage of Wilson— Smaller Villages—Church History of the Town- Wilson's Leading Citizens 332-31)7
ILLUSTRATIONS.
.Academy, St. Joseph's, Lockport - following 208
Arnold, E E., Residbnce, Boiuersst fullowiDg 278
Barnea, S. M.. Residence, Lockport preceding 213
Harnea's Block, Store, Lime Works, etc., Lockport preceding 213
Barnura, H. A., Farm Residence, Wheatfield following 2114
Baleman, V. D., Residence, Somerset following 222
Beach, Cyrus, Farm Residence, Cambria following 234
Bickford, H. H., Farm Eesitlence, Hartlnnd following 242
Bishop, Dr. D. F., Residence, Lockport following 214
Bowen, Hon. L. F., Residence, Lockport following 204
Bradley, G. H., Residence, Somerset preceding 369
Brewer, S. A., Fruit Farm, Hartliind followiny 244
Brigham, P. W., Residence, Somerset following 3(38
Itrown, Thomas, Uartland following 238
Brown, William, llartland : following 233
Burge, David, Residence, Youiiystown following 338
Burteh, Lewis, Farm Resiil^'nce, Cambria following 232
Campbell, R. , Furm Residence, Cambi ia foUoiving 228
Caveruo, Hon. S., Residence, Lockport t'nllowiug 190
Childs, W. H., Residence, Niasfara Falls fallowing 312
Church, St.. Patrick's, Church Buildings, llartland fullt)«-ing 24fi
Coates, John, Residence, Somerset following ;!ii4
Creates. Samuel, Residt-nce, Somerset following 3fi4
Colt, H , & Sou, Farm Residences, Lewiatoii preceding 26;J
Coleman, Aaron, Residence, Somerset following 'Mi2
Corwin, P. H., Newfane preceding 283
Court-House, Lockport preceding 16J
Crapsey, M. C. & A. H., Residences, Lockport preceding 2l;J
Curtiss Bros., Hotel and Warehouse, RansoraviUe following 'MH
Davis, B. D., Residence, Youngstown following 340
Diez, John, Residence, Wilsun following 34(i
Eastman, Anson, Farm Residence, dmbria ^. following 230
Evans, E., Residence, Tonawanda following 201
Faling, Dr. P., Residence, Royalton following 356
Finn, A. S. & S. H., Boat Yard, Lockport following 218
Finn, S. H., Residence, Lockport following 218
Fitts, Hardy, Residence, Somerset following 362
Flagler, Hon. T. T., Residence, Lockport following 214
Flanders, Hiram, Farm Residence, Cambria following 228
Freeman, F. B., Royalton preceding 283
Gamble, Mrs. E. A., Residence, Newfane following 278
Gai-dner, Mrs, Judge H., Residence, Lockport following 21-2
Gardner, I. J., Somerset following 366
Haight. J. S., Residence, Somerset following 362
Halght, Mrs. L., Residence, Somerset following 362
Harmony, E., Farm Residence, Cambria ; following 340
Hayes, O. B , Farm RcBidence, Hartland following 236
Henning, John, Farm Residence, Newfane following 284
Hildreth, G. W., Residence, Lockport following 188
Hine, G. J., Residence, Mitldleport following 3ii0
Hnag, Thomas, Residence, Somerset following 364
Hodge Opera House preceding 211
Holmes, D,, Residence, Wilson following 394
Holmes, R. C, Residence, Wilson following 392
Hulett, Hon. T. G ., Niagara Falls preceding 315
Humphrey, Hon. G. C , Somerset .^.following SdG
Hyde, William H., Residence, Somerset following 368
Jackson, James, Jr., Residence, Lockport following 226
Jackson, James, Jr., & Son, Lumber Works, Lockport following 226
Jail and Court-House, Lockport preceding 165
Journal Building, Lockport foUnwing 174
Judd, G. L., Tonawanda following 38U
Keck, Andrew, Residence, Lockport following 2IS
Knapp, Dr. F. L., Residence, Gasport preceding 359
Knapp, Silas, Farm Residence, Royalton following 360
Kyte, Francis, Porter following 362
Labar, J. W., Residence, Lockport following 272
Lockport in 1836 pi-ecadmj 165
Loomis, G. W., Farm Residence, Wilson preceding 397
McArthur, J., Residence, Newfane following 280
McNeil, Hon. H. D,, Store, Lockport pi deeding 137
Mann, O- E., Residence and Fruit Farm, Somerset following 370
Mead, H. D., Residence, Somerset folio wiug 356
Mighells, N. T., Farm Residence, Warren's Oorncr.s foUowmg 274
Milliman, E. A., Farm Residence, Wheattield preceding 381
Morse, James M., Residence, Wilson preceding 395
Niagara County Court-House, Lockport preceding 165
Niagara Falls [Frontispiece.}
Packard, Mrs. G. M., Niagara.. following Z^-i
Palmer, R., Residence, Wilson following 396
Parsons, A. C, Residence, Niagara following 346
Partridge, C. H., Residence, Lockport folli)Wiug 'iltj
Payne, Col. L, S,, Residence, Tonawanda preceding 379
Pearson, William, Rosidwuce, Lockport precedmg 271
Pease, A. & William H , Residence, Somei'set prec^'ding 371
Pease, Wdliam B., Fruit Farm, Lockport following 274
Poole, J. A., Farm Residence, Cambrij, tuUowing 228
Rich, A. D., Hotel, MiilQleport following 351
Sanborn, liesidence and Village, Sanborn P. O toHowing 264
Seott, David, Residence, Cambria following 392
Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, Suspension Bridge preceding 259
6bafer, J. W., Residence and Fruit Farm, Royalton pieucding 359
Shaw, G. v.. Farm Residence, Haithind loilo .viug 248
Sherwood, Elon, Residence, N. Hartland fulio.ving 246
Shuler, Mrs. J. D., Residence, Lockport .i'uilowiug Oi^j
.Smith, Ammi, Residence, NewLiuc following i^^l
Smith, S. E., Residence, Soineisct iuilovMu^ S72
Snyder & Holly, Marble Woilcs, LockpoiL tollnuiiig IfeS
Swift, E. B., Farm Resideni^e, C^inbiia fullowiug 230
Timothy, H. B., RansomvillL' piecLditig 343
Tower, Peter, Sen., Farm Reaioeiice, I'urlci ful lotting 344
Tower, Luke & P. t!., Furiii Kusideuce=, I'uvter followit y 344
Treichler, S.; Farm Residence, LewisLon tollowuig 230
Union Schools, School Buildings, Lockport luiluwing 192
Van Hoi II, T. H., Diug Store, Lockport foUuwmg US
%'au Horn, W., Farm Residi:nce, Hartland , t'tiluwing 236
AValter, P. !>., Residiince, Lockiiort following 204
Ward, J. A., llesidenct', Loi.'kpoi-t lollowmg 174
Ward, N. C, Farm Resideiioe, Wilson pi eceding bvio
Watson, James G., Farm Residence, Hartland folJowmy 3iiO
AVoatworth, A. P., licsidence, Newfane following ISS
WcHLwortli. E. P., Residence, Lockport iolloMiug 224
Whitcorab, E., Farm Eesidenre, N. Hartland lulluwiug 2-tS
Wilcox, O. L., Residence, Gasport follo^YlU:,' idG
Williams, E. J,, Rcsideuce, AVilsuu fuUowitiy 3U2
Williams, J., Residence, Wilson loUowing 2bO
Wilson, S., Residence, Ncwfiine following •>*'R
Wiight, W. S., Residence, Lockport folly ^vi.l'J 222
Wright, W. S., Faim Residence, Olcott toUowin^ 22 J
Zimmerman, Nelson, Farm Residence, Wheattield ijrece.Jiiig bSl
PORTRMTS.
Albright, K. N., Barker's P. O., Somerset precdliug 327
Beach, Cyi-up, Cambria following 234
Beach, Mrs. Cyrus. Cambria tollowing i:;u
Beach, Master Cyrus W., Cambria following 234
Brewer, S. A., Hartland foliowiiif.- 214
Brewer, JIis. S. A., Hartland folio niuy 244
Surge, David, Youngstown following 334
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Bur^e, Mrs. Diivid, Toiin^rstown foUowiog 338
Caverno, Hon. S., Lockport following IDO
Ohilds, T\'. II., Ningara Falls foUowins^ 312
Clark, S. T„ A.M., JI.D., LockpnrI preeeding 327
Colt, H. , Lewistoii preceding 263
Colt, J. H. «., Lewiston preoedinfj 263
Deliiiio, Dr. B. L., Nia-jam Falls fu-llowing 308
Kly, Rev. lM)-,tti, D.D., Lockport following 21G
Gaidoer, Hon. PI., Loekiiort follow ing^ '212
Henning', A. \V. R., Btisponsion Dndge pieced ing 3J7
Hodge, Juliu. Loekpoi-L following 210
HolIllo^, D , Wilson following 3U4
Holmes, Mis. D., Wilson following 394
Hulett, Hon. T. (i , ^'it^ga^l Falls preceding 31S
Jndd, G. L., Tonawiindii following sau
Judd, :Mv.s. G. L., Tonawaaua follow uig 330
liiitiiv, J. W., I.ockpoi't following: 272
Labav, Mi-s. J. AV., Lockporb following' 272
SIcNeil, U. D., Lockport pieceding liS7
Morse. J. M., Wilson preceding 396
Moree, 3[rs. J. M., WiUtm preceding 395
Palmer, Reuben, WiLsou following 3ilfi
TalmLT, Mrs. r.neben, Wilson following 39G
P. timer, Dr G. N.. Lockport following 216
Palmer, Cul. AV. E., Lockport following 216
r.iyiie, Levvis S., Tonawanda procedintj 379
Piiyne, Lewis T , Tonaw.iiida preceding 379
I'ease, A , Somerset preceding 371
Pease, Mi-s. A., Somerat't preceding 371
Richardson, M. C, Lockport following 17-1
Sanborn, L, It-, Sanborn P. O following 20-1
Slierw'iod, Hhm, N. Ilartland following 246
Sherwood, Mrc Klon, N, Hariland folios ing 24li
Smith, S. E., Somerset following 372
."^mitli, Mrs. B. E., Souterset foUowini: 372
Stewart, Z. B., Haitland following 242
Timothy, H. B., Ransomville prei'eding 343
Timothy, Mrs. H. B., Ransomville preceding 343
TuWLr, Peter. Pinter following 844
Tower, Mrs. PcUt, Porter following 341
Ward, X C Wilson pieceding 393
Ward. lAIr.-^. N. O., No. 1 jueveding 393
Ward, Mrs. N. C, No. -^ piecodiug 393
Wentworth, K. P., Lockport f'dlowinsj 221
Wilson, S., Ne«f.im> following 2S(i
Wil3on, Mi-a. S , N'ewfaiie following 286
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
Alhi-ight, F. N., Somerset atiS
Ai-nold, E. E., Somerset SUB
B.irnea, S. M., Lockport 1^13
Bamnm, H. A., Whealfield 3H0
Batemaii, V. D., Somerset a03
Beach, Cyrus, Cambria 2o4
Bii'kford. H. H., Hartiand ^-i'l
Bishop, Dr. D. F., Lockport 213
Bo\veu, I Ion. L. F.. Lockport 114
Bnnlley, G. II., Somer.ieL gtiU
Bi'dwer, y. A., Hartland 04 j
Brigham, P. W., Somerset gmi
Ht'owu, Thomas, Hartlund 24.0
Brown, AViUiam, Hariland 24.5
Bulge, David, Youngstown ,-jj4
Burtch, Lewis, Cambria 234
Campbell, R., Cambria 234
Caverno, Hon. 3., Lockport.. _ 214
Childs, W. H., Niagara Falls" 3I;,
Clark, S. T., Lockport 307
Coates, John, Somerset ggi)
Coatfcs, Samuel, Somerset 3^0
Colt, H. it Son, Lewislon 2G3
Coleman, Aaron, Somerset 3g;j
Corwin, P. H,, Newfane 283
Crapsey, M. C, Lockport 272
Cnrtiss Bros., Eansomrill'^ ^^^^
Davi.s, B, D., Youiigstown 339
Delano, B. L., M.D , Niagara Falls 308
Diez, John, Wilson 393
Eastman, Anson, Cainbrin -^^
P,ly, Rev. Foster, D.D., Lockport 216
Faling, Dr. P., Royalton ^-'^
Finn, A. S., Lockporl 217
Finn, S H., Lo'-kporf ^17
Filts, Hardy, Somerset 370
Fiagler, Hon. T. T., Lockport 217
Flanders, Hiram, Cambria 23j
Gambit', Mrs. E. A., Newfanu' 2S4
G.udnpr, Hon H., Locitport 212
(i:iiJiier, I. J., Someiset 3'**
Haight, J. S., Sonlcrset 370
Haight, Mrs L., SoniPrstM 370
Hayes, O. B , Hartland 54()
Henning, A. AV. K., Snspension Eiidi;o 3'27
Hcnning, John, Newfiine 2S4
Hildreth, G. W., Lockport 218
nine. G. J., Middleptjrt 35«
Hodge, John, Lockpoit 211
Holmes, D., AVil on 394
Holmes, If. C. Wilson 391
Hulett, Hon. T. G.. Niatrara F.ilU 315
Humphrey, Hon. G. C , Someiset 371
Hunt, Hon. Wasliington. Lockport 107
Eydp, AVilliamH., Somerset 36S
Jndd, G. L-, Tonaw.inda 380
Keck, Andrew, Lockport 2 '3
Knapp, Dr. F L., Gasport 359
Knapp, Sihis, Royalton 359
Kyle, Francis, Portei' 345
Ijahiir, J. W., Lockport 273
Loumis, G. AA''., Wilson 395
McArtliur, J., Newfane 2S5
Mcl'arlin, L. J., Lockport 220
Mann, O. E., Somerset 371
J\Iead, H. D., Somerset 371
Migliells, N. T , AVairen's Corners 235
Millraan, E. A., AVheatfield 381
Muise, James ^f.. Wilson 391
Packaid, Mrs. G. M , Niagara , 317
Palmer, R,, Wilson ', 3y(i
PaiUiili^e, C. H., Lockport 973
I'aj-ne, Col. L. S., Tonawanda 379
I'ear-ion, Williiim, Lockport 373
Pease, Adam, Somerset 371
Peise, AV. ]!., Ijockport 273
Pool, J. A., Cambria , 235
Pool, Hon. AVilliara. Xiasara Fulls 317
Sanborn, Hon. L. If., Sanborn P. O '2CA
Shaw, G. v., Hartland ^ 047
Sherwood, Elon, N. Hurthiud 047
fihider, Mrs. J. D., Lockport 274
Smith, Ammi, Newfane oS")
Smith, S. E., Somerset 370
Stewart, 2. B., liariUnd 247
Timothy, H. B , Porter ;j.i3
Tower, Peter, Sen., I'orter 343
Treichler, ,=!., Lewiston 264
Van Cleve, Captain James. Lewiston 264
A'an Horn, AA""., Hariland 248
AValtev, Hon. P. D, Loekport 2''-I
AVavd, N. C, AAmIsou '.'.'.'.'.'.".'.'. Tsil
Walton, James G., Hartlund 248
AA^eutworlh, A. P., Newfane 236
AVent worth, E. P., Lockport ogg
\A'hiteonib, E , X. Hartland 248
\Vilcox, O, L , Royjilton : ., 35^
A\'"illiams, E. J., AVilson .397
AVidiamiS, J., AVilson •. 397
AA''ilst)n, a. Noivfane 28G
Wright, W. S., Ijockxjorl 226
Zimmerman, Nelson, Wheatlield 381
OUTLINE HISTORY
OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK
CHAPTER I.
THE AMERICAN ABORIGINES DISCOVERIES 1)Y EUROPEAN
EXPLORERS — THE OPENING OF COLONIZATION AND TRADE.
HE American continent, in its natural features, presents a striking and diversified display of resources and grandeurs. Bounded by oceans; indented with numerous gulfs and bays; intersected and drained by large rivers; embracing lakes equal in extent to seas, it affords every facility for commerce; while its fer- tile valleys and extensive plains are admirably adapted to agricultural pursuits, and its interior is stored with minerals of inestimable value. The magnificence of mountain scenery, the dashing flood and deafening roar of Niagara, the subterranean labyrinths of Mammoth Cave, are features of nature which fill the beholder with wonder and amazement. To what people were these re- sources offered and these grandeurs presented in the dim ages of the past ? With only the shadowy and un- certain light of tradition, little else than speculation can furnish anything like a beginning to the history of the aborigines of America. The ruins of cities and pyramids in Mexico and Central America, and the numerous mounds so common in the valley of the Mississippi, are monuments which point to a people more skilled in arts and farther advanced in civilization than the Indian, found in occupancy when the first Europeans landed. Some of these mounds appear to have been erected for burial places, and others for defense. The remains of fortifications present evidence of mechanical skill, and no little display of the knowledge of engineering. Metal- lic implements of ingenious design and superior finish, and finely wrought pottery, glazed and colored, equal to the best specimens of modern manufacture, have been found, showing a higher degree of mechanical skill than the Indian has ever been known to possess. Some of these remains have been found twenty feet or more below the surface, showing that they must have lain there many
centuries. All the investigations of the antiquarian to discover by what people these mounds were erected have ended in uncertainty. If these are the relics of a lost people, as many believe they are, it seems somewhat probable that they were from Egypt. Their jjyramids and skill in the arts, together with the fact that human bodies have been found preserved somewhat similar to Egyptian mummies, support this theory. At an early age the Egyptians, who were noted for their skill in navi- gation, sailed around Africa, and made many other voy- ages, in some of which they may have reached America. Aristotle, Plato and other ancient writers appear to have been aware of an extensive body of land in the West, speaking of it as an island, greater than Europe or Africa. It is also supposed that the Egyptians may have reached America through Asia. It is related that an Asiatic people emigrated to Egypt and conquered the Mizraim- ites, who were then in possession; and that they became distinguished for their arts, built cities and erected gigan- tic pyramids, which still remain as evidence of their skill and power. The Mizraimites, smarting under their tyranny, rose against them, and after a long struggle succeeded in driving them out of the land. They re- treated to the northeast, leaving mounds and walls as far as Siberia, as traces of their passage, and, it is thought, crossed Behring's strait, and eventually settled in the Mississippi valley and Mexico.
Leaving conjecture, in regard to the early inhabitants of this continent, it was found when first visited by the whites that the Indians had long been in possession. Their personal appearance, language and customs plainly indicated a distinct race. There were many points of difference among the various tribes, but in many respects they bore a resemblance to each other. The Aztecs of Mexico were found with a large and populous city, in which were temples and palaces and well cultivated grounds; while in the more northern regions a village of rude huts and a small field of corn were about the only marks of occupancy. The traditions of the Indians are so dim and conflicting as to shed little light on their origin. They obtained a subsistence chiefly by hunting and fishing, and were continually engaged in bloody wars
2
HISTORY OF NIAGARA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
with each other. They had no written language, no letters with which their words could be represented; but to some extent they communicated their thoughts to one an- other by hieroglyphics: certain symbols denoted certain ideas, and these were either drawn or painted on skins or birch bark, or chiseled on rocks. By comparing their languages they were grouped into great families, some of which contained many tribes. Of these families the Algonquin was the largest, occupying about half of that portion of the United States east of the Mississippi river, together with a part of Canada. The Huron-Iroquois was the next in importance, occupying the greater part of the State of New York and the Canadian peninsula, formed by lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. They have rapidly diminished in numbers from pestilence and wars with the advancing whites, until only fragments remain; and their aversion to civilization, and strong attachment to a wild mode of life make their extinction inevitable. The pioneer still advances; railroads are connecting ocean with ocean, and the war whoop is silenced by the screech of the locomotive as it sounds the death knell of the once proud lords of a continent.
The discovery of America was the most important event of modern times. For the honor of this discovery several claims have been presented. Welsh historians have awarded it to Modoc, a prince of Wales, who went to sea in the twelfth century and discovered land far to the west, to which he made several voyages, but who, with all his crew, was finally lost. This claim is founded on tradition, however, and unsubstantiated. The Nor- wegians claim discovery and settlement on stronger evidence: Eric emigrated from Iceland to Greenland in g86, and formed a settlement. Leif, a son of Eric, em- barked with a crew of men in the year looo on a voyage of discovery. He sailed to the southwest and discovered land, and voyaging along the coast he finally entered a bay, where he remained through the winter, calling the region Vineland. In 1007 Thorfinn sailed from Green- land to Vineland. An account of his voyage and history of the country is still extant. Other voyages were made, and the Antiquarian Society, after a careful examination of all the evidence, including the geography of the country described in these voyages, do not hesitate to locate this Vineland at the head of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. These discoveries, however, were so inef- fectual that nothing was known in Europe of land beyond the ocean until 1492, when Christopher Columbus, believ- ing that India might be reached by sailing westward, was at his urgent solicitation dispatched on a voyage of dis- covery by Ferdinand and Isabella, king and queen of Spain. He sailed from Palos, and after stopping at the Canaries, struck out upon the hitherto unknown, ocean, discovering first one of the Bahama islands; then pro- ceeding toward the south he discovered Cuba and Hayti, and returned to Spain, thus opening a highway over the trackless Atlantic. He made other voyages, and in 1498 discovered the continent near the mouth of the Orinoco river. The discovery of land in the west promised large profits,and excited maritime enterprise throughout Europe.
Henry VII. commissioned John Cabot, a Venetian, in 1497, to sail on ^ voyage of discovery, and take posses- sion of new lands in the name of England. Sailing west- ward, in company with his son Sebastian, he discovered Newfoundland, and while off the coast of Labrador saw the main-land of North America. The next year Sebas- tian set sail to discover a northwest passage to China. The frozen regions at the north compelled him to change his course, and sailing toward the south he visited vari- ous points along the coast as far as Albemarle sound, taking possession of the whole region for the crown of England. John Verazzani, a Florentine in the service of Francis I. of France, arrived on the coast of North Caro- lina in 1524, and sailed south as far as Georgia. Turn- ing north, he explored the coast to about 41" north lati- tude, and entered a harbor, which, from his description, is believed to have been New York Bay, where he remain- ed about fifteen days, and it is supposed that his crew were the first Europeans that landed on the soil of New York. He proceeded north as far as Labrador, giving to the whole country the name of New France, which was afterward confined to Canada.
Henry Hudson, an English navigator, having failed in two expeditions to discover a passage to the East Indies, for a company of London merchants, by sailing west- ward, offered his services in i6og to the Dutch East India Company of Holland, which was formed the pre- ceding year for traffic and colonization. He left Amster- dam on the 4th of April with a small ship and a crew of about twenty English and Dutch sailors, and arrived on the American coast near Portland, in Maine, whence he proceeded south along the shore to the entrance of Ches- apeake Bay. From this point he returned northward, discovered and entered Delaware Bay, and on the 3rd of September anchored at Sandy Hook. From here he proceeded up New York Bay, sending his boats to the Jersey shore and receiving on board the natives, who came in great numbers to traffic. On the 12th he en- tered the river which bears his name, and ascended it to a point a little above where the city of Hudson now stands, having been frequently visited on the way by the Indians, who came to traffic, bringing maize, tobacco and other products native to the country. To them he im- parted a knowledge of the effects of rum, to the drinking of which in later years they became greatly addicted. Not considering it safe to proceed farther with his ship, he sent a boat with a part of his crew to explore the river higher up. It is supposed that they went a little above Albany. On the 23d he commenced to descend the river. When a little below the Highlands, the Indians made several attempts to attack his crew, who, in repulsing their attacks, shot ten or twelve of their num- ber. Descending into the bay he immediately sailed for Europe. The following year he made a voyage for the discovery of a northwest passage to India, and