Craft Masonry in Ontario - Seneca - Yates
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Craft Masonry in Ontario, Seneca and Yates Counties, New York Compiled by R.’.W.’. Gary L. Heinmiller Director, Onondaga & Oswego Masonic Districts Historical Societies (OMDHS) www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com February 2010 Seneca County - 1876 Onondaga County was formed in 1794 by the splitting of Herkimer County. Cayuga County was formed in 1799 by the splitting of Onondaga County. This county was, however, much larger than the present Cayuga County. It then included the present Seneca and Tompkins Counties and part of Wayne County. In 1804, Seneca County was formed by the splitting of Cayuga County. In 1817, Seneca County was reduced in size by combining portions of Seneca and the remainder of Cayuga County to form Tompkins County. Part of this territory, the current towns of Covert and Lodi, were returned to Seneca County in 1819. In 1823, Seneca County was reduced in size by combining portions of Seneca and Ontario Counties to form Wayne County. 1 Ontario County http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_County,_New_York In 1789, Ontario County was split off from Montgomery. The actual area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the present county, also including the present Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, Wyoming, and Yates Counties, and part of Schuyler and Wayne Counties. In 1796, Ontario County was reduced in size by the splitting off of Steuben County. In 1802, Ontario County was reduced in size by the splitting off of Genesee County. The actual area split off from Ontario County was much larger than the present county, also including the present Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties and parts of Livingston and Monroe Counties. In 1821, portions of Genesee County were combined with portions of Ontario County to create Livingston and Monroe Counties. In 1823, a portion of Seneca County was combined with a portion of Ontario County to create Wayne County. The same year, a portion of Steuben County was combined with a portion of Ontario County to create Yates County. 2 Yates County On March 30, 1802, Ontario County lost 6,540 square miles of land through the partition of Genesee County,including the present Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties and parts of Livingston and Monroe Counties. In 1821, Ontario County was reduced in size by combining portions of Genesee and Ontario Counties to create Livingston and Monroe Counties. On 5 Feb 1823 Yates County was formed from 310 square miles of Ontario County, including the area that included Vine Valley, Middlesex, Penn Yan, and Dresden, New York. On 1 Jan 1826, 60 square miles of Steuben County was partitioned and added to Yates, which included Starkey, Dundee, and Lakemont, New York. On 5 Apr 1828, 10 square miles was partitioned from Yates, and passed to Seneca and Tompkins Counties, mostly in the forest. On 17 Mar 1860 Ontario County was authorized to gain land from Yates, but it was never put into effect. On 18 Apr 1946 Yates gained 10 square miles from Schuyler and Seneca Counties, which produced the current borders of Yates County. Lodges of the Ontario-Seneca-Yates Masonic District Ontario County No. 23 33 112 119 130 133 Lodge Name Ontario Ark Mount Moriah Ontario Genesee Naples Village Canandaigua Geneva Palmyra Sackett's Harbor Avon Naples Chartered 12 Oct1792 2 Sep 1807 09 Jul 1804 27 Mar 1805 13 Feb 1806 10 Jun 1848 138 139 Genesee Milnor Richmond Victor 14 Jun 1806 19 Jun 1848 160 172 190 Ark Zion Vernon Geneva Bloomfield Benton 02 Sep 1807 07 Sep 1808 07 Mar 1810 200 Sincerity Phelps 07 Dec 1811 200 Phelps 1999 261 269 GarogaSincerity Union Manchester Lima Farmington 11 Jun 1816 20 Nov 1816 283 Humanity Lyons 05 Jun 1817 Notes Forfeit 8 Jun 1832; see also Canandaigua No. 294, 11 Jun 1853 Prev. No. 160; renumbered No. 33 in 1839 Forfeit 4 Jun 1835; revived as Palmyra No. 248, 8 Mar 1852 Ceased to work forfeit 1835; succeeded by Avon Springs No. 570, 30 Jun 1865 forfeit 9 Jun 1881; preceded by Naples No. 447c, Jun 1825, surrendered 1830; forfeit 9 Jun 1881; succeeded by John Hodge Lodge No. 815, instituted 3 Sep 1885 Prev. No. 303, 5 Mar 1818; forfeit 1835; fire 1893 . . . All records except charter were lost Restored 1836; renumbered No. 33 in 1839 [q.v.] Extinct Last recorded meeting, 27 Dec 1830; warrant destroyed by fire; no GL record that a new warrant was issued. A 'considerable number of members' became Charter Members of Milo Lodge No. 108 in 1846. [GL Proc 1906] Forfeit Dec 1829; revived 19 Jun 1858 as No. 443; No. 200 restored 9 Jun 1859; merged with Garoga No. 300 in 1999 formed from merger of Garoga No. 300 and Sincerity No. 200 renumbered No. 45 in 1839 In 1815, a Masonic lodge was founded at the tavern of Reuben Buck with 14 members; soon increased to over a 100. Dr. Philip N. Draper was the last member to be buried by Masonic honors, in 1827. The last meeting was held on 17 Dec 1828. surrendered in 1832; revived as No. 406, 8 Jul 1856 3 293 294 Harmony Canandaigua Gorham Canadaigua 05 Jun1817 11 Jun 1853 300 Garoga Clifton Springs / Rookwood 11 Jun 1853 303 Milnor Victor 05 Mar1818 321 328 Rising Virtue Comet Ontario Geneseo 08 Mar 1819 19 Feb 1820 335 406 447c Penfield Union Humanity Naples Penfield Lyons Naples 05 Apr 1821 08 Jul 1856 01 Jun 1825 480 570 619 815 Hopewell Avon Springs Eagle John Hodge Hopewell Avon Honeoye Naples 09 Jun 1826 30 Jun 1865 04 Jun 1867 03 Sep 1895 965 Geneva Geneva No. 113 Lodge Seneca Village Waterloo 114 Union Ovid 183 Interlaken 183 FarmervilleUnion Farmerville 184 211 291 Prev. Lodge at Canandaigua was Ontario No. 23, 12 Oct 1792; forfeit 8 Jun 1832 a successor to Abiff No. 373c of Palatine and Ephratah (Fulton Co.), 10 Jun 1823; forfeit, 5 Jun 1834 Organized at Garoga, Fulton Co., NY, where it met until Jan 1906; then at Ephratah, Fulton Co., moving to Clifton Springs on 3 Nov 1911. Note: Brothers of Clifton Springs, being desirous of a Lodge, visited & joined Garoga Lodge in Fulton Co. Having attained a majority they cleverly spirited Garoga Lodge away (145 miles due west!) to Clifton Springs, Ontario Co., NY. Merged with Sincerity No. 200 to become Garoga-Sincerity No. 200 in 1999. Forfeit, 1835; 'quietly existed' with charter intact thru 1836/37; revived No. 139, 19 Jun 1848 last return, Jun 1831; revived as Walworth No. 254, 8 Jun 1852 went into darkness' ca 1830; revived as Geneseo No. 214, May 1851 [Livingston County]. Orlando Hastings built the attic for the use of Comet Lodge and Billings Chapter. surrendered in 1828; revived as No. 154, 7 Dec 1849 [q.v.] Previously No. 283 Surrendered 1830; revived as No. 133, 10 Jun 1848; forfeit 9 Jun 1881; succeeded by John Hodge Lodge No. 815, instituted 3 Sep 1885 surrendered 1830 successor of Genesee No. 130, 10 Feb 1804, forfeit 1835 successor Genesee No. 138, 14 Jun 1806 instituted date; Preceded by Naples Lodge No. 447, Jun 1825; surrendered 1830; revived as no. 133 , 10 Jun 1848; forfeit 9 Jun 1881; fire 1961 1920 Seneca County 345 357 367c 539 Chartered 12 Jul 1846 13 Jun 1846 Note Previously Junius No. 291; Met until Dec 1826; Officers elected 27 Dec 1839; last recorded meeting, 16 Apr 1840; Forfeit, Jun 1843; revived as Seneca No. 113. Destroyed by fire 5 Apr 1850; reissued 6 Jun 1850; scorched by fire 12 Oct 1874 & reissued; destroyed by fire Feb 1885; reissued 3 Jun 1885; Prev. Lodge in Ovid, Meriden [sic] No. 184, 6 Sep 1809; surrendered 1832 03 Dec 1850 Prev. No. 357 Meridian Interlaken / Farmerville Ovid 06 Sep 1809 Surrendered 1832; revived as Union No. 114, 13 Jan 1846 Pocahontas Junius Seneca Falls Junius 04 Mar 1851 05 Jun 1817 fire 16-17 Jan 1869 met until Dec 1826; Officers elected 27 Dec 1839; last recorded meeting, 16 Apr 1840; Forfeit, Jun 1843 Lodi Farmerville Galen Fayette Lodi Farmer Galen Fayette Jul 1854 07 Mar 1823 06 Jun 1823 1864 forfeit 5 Jun 1834; see Farmerville No. 183, 3 Dec 1850 Yates County No. Lodge Village 108 Milo Penn Yan 08 Jun 1846 123 Reading Dundee 03 Jun 1847 Dundee Seneca Lake Reading Dundee West Dresden Reading 04 Jun 1585 11 Jun 1853 06 Jun 1823 Rushville Rushville 23 Feb 1855 123 308 366c 377 Chartered Notes Preceded by Vernon No. 190 [Ontario County]; last meeting 27 Dec 1830 First named Reading; changed to name Dundee, 4 Jun 1858; see Reading No. 366c, of Reading, NY, 6 Jun 1823 destroyed by fire; reissued 8 May 1902 Steuben County; First named Reading; changed to name Dundee, 4 Jun 1858 Dispensation date 4 Ontario County Lodges Ontario Lodge No. 23, Canandaigua, New York History of Ontario Co., NY, Published 1878, Organizations, Chapter XXVI, pages 63-64 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/Ont%20Organizations.htm ONTARIO LODGE, No. 23, the pioneer lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Ontario County, had its origin in a petition made for a charter by nine brethren of Canandaigua to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Application was made 31 Oct 1791, by Timothy HOSMER, Samuel MELLISH, Judah COLT, Otho J. TAYLOR, John CHAPIN, Jr., Benjamin WELLS, Seth MEED, William ADAMS, and Thomas MORRIS. The petition was recommended by Wooster Lodge, No. 15, Colchester, New London, CT. The prayer of the petition was granted, and Timothy HOSMER was made Master of Ontario Lodge, No. 23, whose warrant was received 12 Oct 1792. In June, 1800, the Grand Lodge, desiring to amend the constitution, sent copies of the changes proposed to every lodge, desiring its assent by resolution of the lodge. If ratified by two-thirds of the several lodges, the rules and regulations "should be considered as the constitution of the Grand Lodge." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judah_Colt Judah Colt was born on 1 Jul 1761 in Lyme, CT. He left Connecticut in 1795 and moved to Erie County. He soon decided that the lake shore was inhospitable, so he looked to join earlier pioneers in the hill country south of Erie. In 1796, he attempted to buy thousands of acres of land from the Pennsylvania Population Company, but they declined, hiring him instead to replace Thomas Rees, Jr. as their agent, a job he held until his death in 1832. Colt established Colt's Station in 1797 in present-day Greenfield. That same year he built the "earliest road after the American occupation" in Erie County (after Old French Road) as a supply route from Lake Erie. Soon goods that were traveling by ship from Buffalo to Erie were being transported overland to his settlement. He extended the road in early 1798 to French Creek, where he established a boat landing. He continued the road to the forks of the creek at Wattsburg later that same year. Colt's wife joined him at Colt's Station in May 1798. In the absence of a minister, Colt conducted the first Protestant service in the county on 2 Jul 1797. Colt realized that prosperity would be found near the lake, so he left Colt's Station for Erie in 1804. He joined the Presbyterian church in Erie that formed in September 1815, attending worship services in the old court house and soon becoming an elder. He built a frame building on Sassafras Street, known locally as the "yellow meeting house", which became the first regular place of worship in Erie. He served three terms as Burgess in Erie (1813, 1820-1821). Colt died in Erie on 11 Oct 1832 and is buried in the Erie Cemetery An article on his Day Book from Greenfield, Erie, PA, appears at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~paerie/townships/Greenfield/JudahColtArticle.html . For the Journal of Judah Colt see: http://www.archive.org/stream/publicationsbuf07socigoog/publicationsbuf07socigoog_djvu.txt also at http://books.google.com/books?id=DBs8AAAAIAAJ&pg=RA4PA838&dq=%22John+Ely+and+Doct.+Eliott%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22John%20Ely%20and%20Doct.%20Eliott%22&f= false a copy of which has been transcribed for the archives of OMDHS. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/o-orsamus-turner/history-of-the-pioneer-settlement-of-phelps--gorhams-purchaseand-morris-res-nru/page-40-history-of-the-pioneer-settlement-of-phelps--gorhams-purchase-and-morris-res-nru.shtml Dr. Timothy Hosmer was a native of West Hartford, CT. With a little more than an ordinary academical education, he became a student of medicine with Dr. Dickinson, of Middleton. But recently settled in practice in Farmington, at the breaking out of the Revolution, he entered the service of the colonies, as a surgeon, in the Connecticut line. Serving in that capacity through the eventful crisis, he retired, happy in the recollection of its glorious result, but like most of those who had achieved it, poor and penniless, a growing family dependent on his professional services for support. In the army he had acquired a high reputation in his profession; especially for his successful treatment .of the small pox, at Danbury, where an army hospital had been established for patients. The discovery of Jenner, having been but recently promulgated in Europe, its efficacy was a mooted question; with a professional boldness which was characteristic of the man, he espoused the new discovery, and used it with great success. His mate, in the army, was Dr. Eustis, afterwards Secretary of War. Personally acquainted with Mr. Phelps, and hearing of his purchase in the Genesee country, partly from a love of adventure and new enterprise, and partly to escape from a large practice that was requiring too much of constant toil, in 1790, he visited this region in company with Major Thompson, with whom, for themselves and associates, he made the purchase of a township. Spending the summer of '90 in Avon; in '91 he brought on his two sons, Frederick and Sydney; erecting a log house, the first dwelling on the present site of Avon, where Mr. Merrill's house now stands. His whole family joined him in 1792. Coming into the wilderness, with other objects in view, he was forced by necessity — by the absence of others of his profession, to engage in practice, which he continued until relieved by others- Among the old pioneers who in those primitive days, were in detached settlements throughout a wide range, you will hear him spoken of; and especially do they remember his disregard of fatigue, his long, night, wood's rides, prompted more by a spirit of benevolence than professional 5 gain ; his good humor, and the kind words he always had to cheer the desponding settler, who was wrestling with disease, or the hardships of pioneer life. The Indians early learned to appreciate his professional skill, and personal good offices. They named him "At-tta-gus," the healer of disease. In a period of doubt as to their relations with the new settlers, he helped to reconcile them and avert a threatened danger. When Ontario was organized he became one of its Judges, and succeeded Mr. Phelps as first Judge, which office he held until he was sixty years of age, the constitutional limitation. He possessed naturally a fine literary taste; and his well selected library was an anomaly in the backwoods. In his correspondence with Messrs. Wadsworth and Williamson, which the author has perused, there are indications of the scholar, the poet,* and always, of ardent, enlightened patriotism. He died in November, 1815, aged 70 years. His surviving sons, most of" whom came to the country as junior pioneers, are William T., of Meadville, Pa.; George, of Avon, who in early years occupied a conspicuous position at the bar of W. N. York, the father of Wm. H. C. Hosmer, the author of "Yonnondio," "Themes of Song," and other poems; Who is justly entitled to the position that has been awarded him in the front rank of American scholars and poets. Geo. Hosmer pursued his early studies under the tuition of the Rev. Ebenezer Johnson of Lima; in 1799 entered the law office of the Hon. Nathaniel W. Howell, as a student; and in 1802 was admitted to practice, opening his office in Avon, then the only lawyer west of Canandaigua. In the war of 1812 he was upon the frontier as the aid of Gen. Hall. He is now 69 years of age. Timothy, the early and widely known landlord at Avon, resides at the Four Mile creek, near Fort Niagara; Sylvester, in Caledonia; Albert in Hartland, Niagara co. An only daughter of Judge Hosmer is the wife of the Rev. Flavel F. Bliss, of Churchville. Frederick Hosmer, deceased, was a son of Judge Hosmer; he was the first merchant at Avon; another son, A. Sydney Hosmer, was long known as a tavern keeper at Le Roy ; he emigrated to Wisconsin, where he died in 1835. -----Benjamin Wells, b. 12 Jul 1756 Hatfield, MA; d. 4 Jun 1828 Hopewell, Ontario, NY, m: Anna Chapin 23 Jun 1785 Hatfield, NY, d/o Col Israel Chapin; enlisted, 1775, under Capt. Israel Chapin. He was appointed ensign, 1777, lieutenant, 1780, and served to the close of the war in the Massachusetts Continental Line. Ontario Lodge, No. 23, under date of 15 Nov 1800, returned reply "that the adoption of the proposed new constitution would be inexpedient and unadvisable." The lodge recommended Albany as an eligible place for session of the Grand Lodge, and opposed the formation of two Grand Lodges within the State. The response was signed by John CLARK, WM; Wm. SHEPARD, SW; Ezra PLATT, JW; and by Dudley SALTONSTALL and Peter B. PORTER, brethren. The new constitution was rejected. On 5 Nov 1804, the Grand Lodge was informed that Ontario Lodge had been frequently called upon, especially by travelers, for aid, and during a period of twelve years had bestowed in charitable donations two hundred and fifty dollars. The members of the lodge were often transient residents, and the moneys loaned, from their places of removal being unknown, were often lost, so that the losses were set down as two hundred dollars. The lodge procured its furniture at heavy expense on account of its distance from the supply, and its place of meeting proved expensive, so that it had become poor, and its treasury account reduced to two hundred dollars. In consideration of the circumstances, it was asked that the customary fees be remitted, and thirty dollars sent be received in lieu thereof. Financial troubles of the present in the erection of new Masonic halls were the same fifty years ago. [Note: Peter B. Porter is recorded as having visited Zion Lodge in Detroit on 7 Dec 1807 as a visitor from Ontario Lodge (owner of Niagara Falls) in the Transactions of the American Lodge of Research, Vol. VIII, No. 2, 1961. This is ‘assumedly’ General Peter Buell Porter of Black Rock and Niagara Falls.] In the spring of 1819 the lodge found it unpleasant and inconvenient to continue in former rooms, and, having accumulated some means, thought best to build a Masonic hall. The work was commenced and progressed considerably. A loan of one thousand dollars was secured on the property, and five hundred dollars was asked of the Grand Lodge to enable the lodge to finish the structure. The request was denied, from inability, and the lodge, struggling on, accomplished its purpose. The first return, from 19 Nov 1804, to 2 Jan 1809, gives the names of twenty-seven members. From 1809 to 1811 no return was made. In the return from 26 Dec 1811, to Dec 1815, there were thirty new members and twenty-one old, a total of fifty-one. The return of 1817-18 gives 22 old and twelve new members; total, 34. In 1819 there were six new members, and Millard FLINT died. In this year H. SEYMOUR was WM; Wm. GOODWIN, SW; P.B. UNDERHILL, JW; Manning GOODWIN, Secretary; and Jasper PARRISH, Treasurer. In 1820 Richard WELLS was Master; in 1823 John GREIG, and in 1824-25 Nicholas G. CHESEBRO, were Masters. The last return was made in 1825, and the warrant of the lodge was declared forfeited in 1832, and, not having been surrendered previous to June, 1840, could not be revived. The papers from which the above has been gathered were copied by the Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and are on file at the Canandaigua Lodge. The petition for remission of dues-and for loan to complete building, present the lodge in the light of a self-sacrificing and benevolent association,- a fit example for the present searches after wisdom and instruction. A statement made by the lodges of Ontario County, which forms part of the Twenty-first Masonic District, to Thomas H. BENNETT, D. D. G. M., presents the following summary or members: No. 33 133 139 200 294 619 Lodge Ark. Naples Milnor Sincerity Canandaigua Eagle Location Geneva Naples Victor Phelps Canandaigua Honeoye 1875 123 80 100 134 151 48 1876 126 72 91 132 173 46 Master Wm. P. Durrant Simeon C. Lyon Bolivar Ellis F. D. Vanderhoof H. B. Ferguson L. F. Wilbur Secretary S. N. Anthony George Peck S. P. Crocker Edw. C. Corbin J. J. Stebbins M. P. Worthy 6 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Sr. Joseph Smith Senior (12 Jul 1771 – 14 Sep 1840) was the father of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saints. Joseph Sr., was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In addition, Joseph Sr. was the first Presiding Patriarch of the Latter Day Saint church, a member of the First Presidency of the church, and a member of Ontario Lodge No. 23, F&AM, of Canandaigua, NY. Joseph Smith, Sr. was born on July 12, 1771 in Topsfield, MA, to Asael Smith and Mary Duty. He married Lucy Mack in Tunbridge, VT, on 26 Jan 1795, and they had 11 children. Smith tried his hands at several professions, including farmer, teacher, shop-keeper, none of which proved very successful. He moved his family to Palmyra, NY, in 1816 and began to make payments on a farm located on the edge of neighboring Manchester Township. He was raised to the degree of Master Mason on May 7, 1818 in Ontario Lodge No. 23 of Canandaigua, New York. Work on a frame house at the farm was halted by the unexpected death of Smith's eldest son, Alvin, in 1823. Smith subsequently failed to make payments on the farm. Lemuel Durfee purchased it as a favor to the family and allowed the Smiths to continue there as renters through 1830. In 1824, rumors began circulating that the body of Smith's son Alvin had been exhumed from his grave and dissected. To dispel the rumors, from September to November 1824, he published a notice in a local newspaper that he and his neighbors had themselves exhumed the grave, and found Alvin's body undisturbed. (Wayne Sentinel, September 25, 1824). Though a spiritual man, Smith showed little interest in organized religion and was content to allow his wife control over the religious upbringing of their children. This indifference bothered Lucy very much. After much prayer, she said she had received a divine witness that her husband would some day accept "the pure and undefiled Gospel of the Son of God." (Smith, 56) Smith professed that he had visionary dreams with highly symbolic content, obviously related to his ambivalence about religious faith and sometimes presaging events to come. These dreams continued after the family's move to Palmyra, New York, until he had had seven in all; Lucy remembered five well enough to quote in detail. (Smith) In the late 1820s, Smith's son, Joseph Jr., began to tell the family about Golden Plates, which he said contained a record of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. In September 1827, Joseph Jr. said he obtained the plates, which Joseph Sr. testified he felt and lifted while wrapped in cloth. In the following years, Joseph Jr. claimed to translate the plates into English through the use of the Urim and Thummim, a sacred device given to him by an angel of God. When the work was near completion, at the end of June 1829, Joseph Sr., and seven other men signed a joint statement, testifying that they had both lifted the plates and seen the engravings on the plates. Known as the "Testimony of the Eight Witnesses", this statement was published with the first edition of the Book of Mormon and has been a part of nearly all subsequent editions. Joseph Smith Sr. was baptised as one of six founding members, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (called the Church of Christ until 1838) was organized on April 6, 1830. When Joseph Jr. saw Joseph Sr. come up out of the water, he is reported to have cried, "Oh! My God I have lived to see my own father baptized into the true church of Jesus Christ!" In January 1831, Joseph Smith, Sr. and his family moved to the church's new headquarters in Kirtland, OH. He was ordained to be the church's first Presiding Patriarch on 18 Dec 1833. Smith moved with his family to Far West Missouri in 1838 and from there to the church's new headquarters at Nauvoo, IL, in 1839. Old age and illnesses had taken their toll and by the end of summer 1840, Smith realized he was dying. He called his family around him to administer patriarchal blessings. Joseph Smith, Sr. died on September 14, 1840. January 8, 1893 - Copyright © The New York Times Ark Lodge No. 33, Geneva, New York Ark Lodge No. 160, chartered 2 Sep 1807; renumber No. 33, 1839. 1807: The first secret society organization was formed, Ark lodge. No. 33 of Free and Accepted Masons, the lodge finding its first home in the splendid old Colonial building on Exchange (then Water) street, erected in 1804 by Colonel Pearly Phillips, which some years later, 1813, became the home of the Tillman family and the scene of many brilliant social affairs During the Morgan excitement Ark Lodge No. 33 was kept together by seven members who, at times, were required to meet secretly. 7 http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html The first petition for a Masonic Lodge in Ontario Country came in October of 1791. The Charter was granted to Ontario Lodge # 23 on October 12, 1792. This sparked Freemasonry in the new settlements. The birthplace is today known as Canandaigua. In June of 1807 there went out a petition for a Lodge in the Village of Geneva. The Mother Lodge, Mount Moriah made the recommendation. DeWitt Clinton was the presiding Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York, as well as the Governor of New York. In September of that same year, Ark Lodge No. 160 was chartered, with Philetus Swift named as the Master. The group met at the home of Brother Pearly Phillips on Exchange Street, and numbered 21 Brothers. In 1839 Grand Lodge issued Ark Lodge the number 33. From 1857 until 1907 Ark Lodge went through a transitional period. Corydon Wheat was five times Master, three times District Deputy Grand Master. He was a great administrator, ritualistic and was known as "Master Builder." From 1874 to1899 the Lodge saw a period of great prosperity, harmony and peace. In 1903 the Masonic Temple Corporation came into being, and in 1907 the Lodge celebrated its 100-year anniversary. In 1919 Ark Lodge recommended a Charter for Geneva Lodge No. 965, which then became a daughter Lodge. In 1921 the new President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges affiliated to Ark Lodge, and was coroneted honorary 33rd Degree Scottish Rite. In 1932 Lodge membership reached an all-time high with 668 members. ----Ref: “The three patriarchs: Philetus Swift, Polydore B. Wisner, Wells Whitmore.” Geneva, NY: Ark Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., 1918. 16 pages. Contains a portrait of Philetus Swift and a picture of his home near Phelps, N.Y. Copy located in the Library of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Ref: Ark Lodge No. 33, F&AM – 175th Anniversary – 1807 to 1982, booklet. 68 pages. Compiled by Dr. John H. Stelter, Lodge Historian. Past Masters Starting with the 95th Master, when there were 486 members of Ark Lodge: 1957 Randall, George 1958 Arquitt, Elihu E. 1959 Randall, Charles R. 1960 Goebert, Bernard E. 1961 Reifsteck, Robert E. 1962 Case, Francis M. 1963 Vogt, James E. Sons Lumber. 1964 Abraham, Mitchell J. 1965 Colegrove, Howard C. 1966 Crosier, Raymond W. 1967 Meeks, Robert L. 1968 George, Harry 1969 Khoury, Anthony J. 1970 Drennen, Allen M. 1971 Merrill, Reginald G. 1972 Fuller, Ervin R. 1973 Crane, Walter H. Optical Co. 1974 Galleher, David C. 1975 Perry, Kenneth M. 1976 Rouse, Charles A. Sr. 1977 Marsh, Jerard M. 1978 Goebert, Stephen S. 1979 Haich, Roger D. 1980 Smith, Erwin W. Jr. 1981 Abraham, Thomas C. 1982 Todd, Keith W. b. 1900, Marcellus, NY; d. 28 Aug 1979; Raised 2 Jun 1937; occ. Trucking. b. 1 Jan 1910, Louisville, NY; d. 25 Nov 1969; Raised 1952; VA Hospital Nursing Assistant. b. 5 Sep 1925, Geneva, NY; Raised 4 Jun 1947; Watch Repairman. b. 13 Aug 1918, Lyons, NY; Raised 1952; President, Goebert Auto Supply Corp. b. 4 Jun 1918, Gorham, NY; d. 3 Apr 1981; Raised 21 Apr 1954; Red & White Grocery b. 23 Sep 1919, Phelps, NY; Raised 21 Apr 1954; VP William Ports Son, Inc. (scrap metal) b. 30 Sep 1933, Geneva, NY; d. 5 Oct 1979; Raised 16 Feb 1955; Manager, William L. Vogt & b. 15 Oct 1916, Geneva, NY; Raised 21 Feb 1945; Syracuse Herald Newspaper distributor. b. 3 Feb 1932, MacDougall, NY; Raised 5 Mar 1958; NY State Electric & Gas. b. 7 Jul 1899, Hall, NY; d. 11 Jan 1976; Raised 18 Apr 1923; R. W. Crosier Heating Oil Service b. 2 Dec 1930, Greenwood, MS; Raised 19 Nov 1958. Bank Teller. b. 1 Apr 1938, Wilkes Barre, PA; Raised 7 Mar 1951; Supervisor, Seneca Army Depot. b. 28 Jun 1928, Geneva, NY; Raised 20 May 1953; Teacher, Geneva Middle School. b. 23 Jul 1932, Grove City, PA; Raised 20 May 1964; Owner, Drennen Memorials. b. 30 Jan 1918, Watertown, NY; Raised 23 Feb 1945; Dentist. b. 21 Mar 1917, Titusville, PA; Raised 21 Feb 1948; Auto Mechanic.. b. 18 Mar 1918, Hornell, NY; d. 29 Oct 1973; Raised 18 May 1966; Machine Operator, Sharon b. 25 Dec 1944, Norwalk, CT; Raised 15 Apr 1972; X-Ray Technician, Geneva General Hospital. b. 28 Jan 1940, Ozone Park, L.L, NY; Raised 20 Apr 1971; Science Teacher, Geneva High School. b. 16 Mar 1908, Lancaster, NY; d. 16 Feb 1981; Raised 16 Jun 1943; Maintenance, Hobart College b. 24 May 1948, Oswego, NY; Raised 17 Nov 1971; Pharmacist, Carl’s Drug Co. b. 2 Dec 1949, Geneva, NY; Raised 17 May 1972; VP, Goebert Auto Supply Co. b. 31 May 1932; Raised 3 Mar 1975; RF Communications. b. 19 Feb 1937, Geneva, NY; Raised 15 May 1974; b. 22 Nov 1944, Geneva, NY; Raised 19 May 1976; Teacher, Penn Yan Academy. b. 28 Aug 1941; Raised 7 Jun 1978; Cahier, Geneva Federal Savings and Loan. At which time W.’. Todd was the 118th Master and there were 227 members. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ba-bl.html Philip Becker, Geneva, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 19 Jan 1835, where he was educated. He came to the United States in 1854, first locating in Brooklyn, NY, for one year, then came to Geneva, and has been in the hotel business 25 years. He has been in his present location 21 years in the "Kirkwood." Through polite attention to commercial men and the general public, together with efficient management it has become one of the leading hotels of the place. 11 Feb 1861, he married Mary FINCK of Geneva, formerly of Rochester, and they have had five children: John H. (deceased), Fannie L., Henry H., Edward (deceased), and Louis (deceased). Fannie L. married James C. BEEBE, of Syracuse, and they have one daughter, Inez B. Henry H. is in company with his father under the firm name of Philip Becker & Son. He married Mary E. STEELE of Romulus, NY, and they had a son, Eldreth J., who died in infancy. Philip BECKER is a member of Ark Lodge No. 33 F&AM. 8 Kirkwood Hotel - Corner Exchange and Castle Streets - Geneva, New York Early 1900s -----Charles Danford, only child of Charles and Cloa Maria (DANFORD) BEAN, were born in Marion, Wayne, NY, 1861. His early years were spent in New York City, where he was a pupil at St. John's Trinity Parish School and North Moore Grammar School; he also attended the Franklin Academy, of Prattsburg; and he received his preparatory education for college at the Union School, of Geneva. He then matriculated at Hobart College, from which he was graduated in a class of eighteen. He was one of the three chosen by the faculty to speak twice at commencement. While attending college he was a member of the choir and several of the societies, and then accompanied his father on a pleasure trip to Europe. Upon his return to this country he took a post-graduate course at Hobart, and about the same time commenced the study of law under the preceptorship of his uncle Major BEAN, and of Judge FOLGER. He became a member of the Hobart Cadets and commenced the study of military tactics under the auspices of a United States officer. He has been honored by a number of institutes of learning in recognition of his articles in various legal publications and his writings on the laws of fraternities and societies. Syracuse University conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy; Allegheny College, that of Master of Arts; and the Southern Normal University College of Law has honored him with the degree of Doctor of Laws. In 1887 he was elected justice of the peace for four years; in 1889 he was elected justice of sessions, and was reelected in 1890. For many years he has been known as "Judge." He has served as a delegate to several county conventions and is chairman of the general executive committee of his law class. He is president of the Endymion Military Preparatory School Corporation, the object of which is to establish and permanently endow a military academy and boarding school which shall have especial advantages and facilities for the instruction of young men. His business, social, fraternal and club connections are varied and numerous. Among them may be mentioned: Membership in the Geneva Chamber of Commerce; the Geneva Bar Association; the Geneva Equality Club; the Masonic Temple Club; the New York State Historical Association; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Geneva Lodge, No. 1054, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Umarken Grotto, V. P. E. R. For three years he served as secretary of the board of trustees of the New York Delta Chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, of Geneva; is now an active member of the Phi Kappa Psi Syracuse Alumni Association; also of the Phi Kappa Psi Homestead Association and the Society of Wayne, of New York; he is ex-president of the Delphian Historical Society; was an active member of the Trinity Chapter of St. Andrew's Brotherhood, which was afterward consolidated with the Trinity Boys' Club; vice-president and president of the Young Men's Christian Association Outing Club. For six years he served as a member of the reception committee of the Young Men's Christian Association, during a part of this time was also a member of the athletic committee, and for five years was one of the judges at the annual field day. At the present time (1910) he is historian of the Delphian Historical Society, and treasurer of the Delta Sigma Fraternity. In 1893 he was elected to the office of junior warden of Ark Lodge, No. 33, F&AM, and was reelected to the office in the following year; he was elected master of Ark Lodge in 1895, and reelected in 1896; he is a member of Geneva Chapter, No. 36, RAM, and of Geneva Commandery, No. 29, KT. Mr. BEAN is unmarried and devotes all his time that is not occupied with business matters to his societies and to literary work. He is a frequent contributor to the "Legal Gazette" and other legal publications; is the author of a history of Geneva and valuable papers on college fraternity matters. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/f.html Charles Washington FAIRFAX, son of George Henry ( 2 ) FAIRFAX, was born in Geneva, 2 Dec 1862. His education was received in the public schools of his native place, graduating from the Geneva Union and Classical School. While in school he worked mornings and evenings in his father's store, and like many other Geneva boys worked in the nurseries in the spring and autumn. After leaving school he worked as clerk in his father's store. In 1880 he formed a partnership with his brother, George S. FAIRFAX, who at that time returned from the west, and the firm took over the father's business, thus giving him an opportunity to retire from active life. For a number of years the business was conducted under the firm name of George S. & Charles W. Fairfax. The business grew and expanded with the growth of the city and in 1893 a third brother, Frank E. FAIRFAX, was taken into the firm. At this time Frank E., had just returned from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, suffering from typhoid fever, and he abandoned the navy to engage in business. One of the first things done by the new firm was to purchase the site on the west corner of Castle and Linden streets and to erect thereon the four-story building at a cost of $21,000. In the division of work, Charles W. took 9 charge of the large interior decorating work, in which the firm was very successful, such as the decoration of churches and theatres. The firm had the contract for the Smith Opera House in Geneva. Such was the success of the firm in this line and in designing decorative schemes that the brothers were led to manufacture wall paper for their own use, taking for this department of the business the top floor of the building. This branch of the business was established in 1898 at a time when the wall paper trade was largely controlled by the Continental Wall Paper Company, which administered the affairs of some fifty-two plants. Notwithstanding the opposition of such a competitor, the firm found a market for its designs and its trade grew rapidly and it soon became necessary to erect a plant for the manufacture of wall paper. A site was secured on South Exchange street and without the assistance of outside capital, the firm erected a building one hundred by two hundred and ninety feet and equipped it with a plant having a capacity of three million rolls of wall paper a year. After four years in this building, the business was incorporated as the Geneva Wall Paper Company, of which George S. FAIRFAX was president; Charles W. FAIRFAX, vice-president and general manager, and Frank E. FAIRFAX, secretary and treasurer. The corporation has continued without change in officers to the present time. The capital stock is $70,000. From early life Charles W. FAIRFAX has been keenly interested in public affairs. In 1880 he joined the Hydrant Hose Company of the Geneva Fire Department and he has been successively secretary and foreman, and is still an active member. In the first election under the city charter of Geneva, in 1897, he was chosen an alderman on the Republican ticket to represent the fourth ward and from that time to the present (1911) he has been a member of the common council. No man has had a longer period of office under the city government and few have been as efficient and faithful. As he was slated for president of the common council early in 1907 he declined the nomination for alderman and W.L. YOUNG was nominated and elected. By the shift of political fortunes, however, he failed to receive the nomination for president of the common council. But before January 1, 1908, Mr. YOUNG decided to decline the office of alderman to accept the appointment of the board of assessors, and Mr. FAIRFAX was elected by the board to succeed himself. Thus his services in the council have been continuous. In the council he has been prominent as a member of the railroad committee, of which he has been chairman since 1902. Largely through his efforts the railroads have added more gates and flagmen for the protection of pedestrians at the various grade crossings. He has been chairman of the printing committee since 1907. For more than ten years he has been a member of the electric light committee and he is also a member of the committee on public improvements, finance and contingent expenses. He has also been appointed to practically all of the important special committees. He was the Republican nominee for mayor in 1909, and at the election in November was defeated. He has been prominent also in military affairs. He was a charter member of the Independent Battery of Geneva, and was lieutenant and captain. At the time of the Spanish-American war (1898), when the 34th Separate Company was called into active service, he was a leader in the movement to recruit a new company to take its place in the National Guard and he was commissioned first lieutenant of the new company by Governor BLACK, and continued with this rank until the organization was mustered out early in 1899. His military experience made him of great value to the various campaign marching clubs in many political campaigns. He was major of the Blaine and Logan Battalion of the Plumed Knights and colonel of the famous McKinley Regiment, which numbered an even thousand. In similar capacities he has been active in the management of other large parades in the city for many years. At the time of the firemen's convention in 1903, he was grand marshal of the parade and organized a telephone system for the handling of the precession during the line of march. In connection with the centennial celebration in 1906, besides serving on the general committee of arrangements and the finance committee, he was one of the marshals of the big industrial parade and grand marshal of the education day parade. When a large labor day parade was held in Geneva in 1908 he assisted the Federation of Labor in organizing the parade and was chairman of the committee which awarded the prizes for the best equipped and best drilled union in the line, and in 1909 he was one of the marshals of the firemen's convention, assisting William WILSON, grand marshal of the day, in organizing the parade. Earlier in life Mr. FAIRFAX took an active interest in athletics, especially in the track and in-door sports. He was the first physical director of the Young Men's Christian Association, when it was located in the Old Dutch Church. While the athletic department of the institution was under his direction a series of gymnastic exhibitions were given, and with the proceeds of these events the first equipment of gymnasium apparatus was purchased for the association. He was also the first physical director of Hobart College, when the first gymnasium was opened in Alumni Hall, on the south side of the campus. He filled this position for ten years. Students were required to spend two hours on three afternoons a week in gymnasium work, with optional work on the other three days. In later years he has enjoyed the automobile and he is one of the charter members of the Automobile Club, organized, May 17, 1904, and has been its secretary from the first. He took an active part in organizing and managing the annual runs of the organization. He is also a member of the Kandasaga Club; Ark Lodge, No. 33, F&AM; Geneva Chapter, No. 36, Royal Arch Masons; Geneva Commandery, No. 29, Knights Templar, of which he was eminent commander; Geneva Lodge, No. 1054, Benevolent and protective order of Elks. His home is at 423 Main Street. He married, August 8, 1900, Gertrude, daughter of Joel PAGE, of Seneca Castle. She was a graduate of the State Normal School. ------A genealogical account of the descendants of John Kelly of Newbury,” by Giles Merrill Kelly. Page 110. http://books.google.com/books?id=OxpWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA151&dq=%22yellowstone+kelly%22+%22geneva%22&cd=10#v=onep age&q=%22yellowstone%20kelly%22%20%22geneva%22&f=false 585. Luther Kelly [John1, John2, Jonathan3, Jonathan4, Jonathan5, Ebenezer6], born 13 Oct 1803: married, first. C harry M. Hall, in 1825; she was born September 23, 1806, and died September 8, (23 ?) 1841. without children. Mr. Kelly married, second, in 1842, Jeannette E. Sage, who was born 6 Feb 1816. He died 14 Feb 1857 in Geneva. NY, the place of his residence for many years. "He was a man of enterprise and strong determination/' He gained a very considerable fortune in the drug business, in which he engaged before reaching his majority. He was prominently active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, also, in the order of Free Masons. Ibid. page 150. CHILDREN OF 585 LUTHER AND SECOND WIFE JEANNETTE (SAGE) KELLY. 1000. i Sarah Elizabeth, b. 03 Mar 1843; d. 04 Apr 1853. 1001. ii. Mary A., b. 27 Dec 1844; d. 14 Jun 1860. 1002. iii. Luther Mortimer, b. 07 Apr 1846; d. 26 Jan 1849. 10 1003. iv Clinton, b. 11 Oct 1847; d. 19 Jun1849. 1004. v. Luther Sage, b. 27 Jul 1849. He entered Geneva College, Lima, NY; passed through his freshman year in that institution, and then, in the sixteenth year of his age, 1865, "being of a roving disposition, and desiring to see the West, and to experience something of the life on the plains, he traveled to Dakota, and thence to Montana. He spent nearly a dozen years in these Western wilds with his rifle, and from his quickness in shooting, and his solitary habits, was known among the Indians by names signifying, 'The man who never lays down his gun,' and 'The lone wolf.' "He was at length employed by Gen. Miles as his principal scout in his warfare with the Indians of that remote region. The Bismarck Tri-Weekly Tribune of November 21, 1877, contains an extended notice of this remarkable man, from which are taken the following extracts: "Accompanying Gen. Miles on his victorious return is a strange, brave man, known as "Yellowstone Kelly," * * * * Gen. Miles recognizes him as the best, the truest, and the most resolute scout in the army. * * * * Although a good talker under rare influences and circumstances, he is to the crowd and to the curious the most reticent man known to the service." "He is a gentleman all over, extremely polite and choice in his language." He is said to be a great reader, and to possess scholarly tastes. From Fort Keough, Montana Territory, Mr. Kelly made, in 1878, a visit to his friends in the State of New York. Mr. Jarvis of Elmira. NY, who met this gentleman during his stay in that city, says that everything in his aspect, his manner, his personal appearance in all points, bear testimony to the truth of the representation given above. He is reserved, but not unsocial; observant, but assiduously polite. The piercing look of his dark eye is said to possess a strange, indescribable potency, to betoken a character at once strongly marked and inscrutable. 1005. vi William Dunham, b. 14 Jun 1852; married Charlotte L. Cook, at Waterloo, NY, 9 Oct 1877; secretary of the Maclntyre Coal Co., Elmira, NY; "a good churchman." 1006. vii. Anna J., b. 24 Dec 1855; Elmira N. Y. 1007. viii. Albert F., b. 29 Oct 1857; Elmira, N. Y. Luther Sage ‘Yellowstone’ Kelly The Life of Yellowstone Kelly, by Jerry Keenan. http://books.google.com/books?id=3Vi2PD74FJsC&pg=PA10&dq=%22luther+kelly%22+%22geneva%22&cd=2#v=onepage&q=%2 2luther%20kelly%22%20%22geneva%22&f=false Born in Geneva, NY, Yellowstone Kelly--Luther S. Kelly (1849-1928)--had a wanderlust and desire for adventure that carried him to the Philippines and Alaska. But he made his reputation mostly from his scouting work in the northern part of the Great Plains when this region was first being settled. Kelly was involved as a scout in the U. S. Cavalry campaigns against the Sioux and other tribes in the 1870s; during which Custer and his men were wiped out in one engagement. Besides being depended on by Generals Miles and Sheridan for his knowledge of the area, Kelly later became acquainted with Buffalo Bill and Theodore Roosevelt in their activities in the upper Plains. The author of other books on this era of American history, Keenan writes a colorful, engaging biography of the life of the prominent, though not well-known, scout whose life and adventures coincide with the opening of the upper Great Plains after the Civil War and the waning of the old West. Kelly spent his last years tending an orchard in Paradise, CA. http://searches2.rootsweb.com/th/read/GenMassachusetts/2002-05/1021503547 From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893; Elbridge Dakin, Geneva, was born in Concord MA, 19 Oct 1802, and came to this State when a young man. He located first in Buffalo, and soon after in Geneva where he resided and conducted business. He married first Mary Ann Brizee of Geneva, by whom he had one son, George Brizee, who died in 1859; and second Mrs. Nancy Stearns Spalding of Gorham, Ontario county. They had two daughters and a son: Sarah P., wife of Elisha C. Deane of Buffalo, by whom she had two children: Isabella and Elbridge G.; William O., who married Eveline Shepard of Toledo OH; and Mary O., who lives in Geneva. Mrs. Dakin died 12 Apr 1881, and Mr. Dakin Mar 1893, in his 91st year. He was the oldest Mason in this part of the State, being a member of Ark Lodge No. 33 of Geneva F&AM, and its treasurer over thirty years. He was a man of integrity in all his dealings with his fellow men. He conducted a coal and wood, Portland and Akron cement business for more than thirty years on Castle street. His great-grandfather, Colonel Barrett, on his mother's side, commanded at the battle of Concord Mass. ----Phebe Bowman BARRETT b. 25 May 1776 Concord, Middlesex, MA; d. 12 Mar 1847 Concord, Middlesex, MA; m. 26 Feb 1801 Concord, Middlesex, MA, Amos DAKIN b. 20 Aug 1770 Lincoln, Middlesex, MA; d. 3 Dec 1844 Concord, Middlesex, MA 1 Elbridge DAKIN b. 19 Oct 1802 Concord, Middlesex, MA; m1. Mary Ann BRIDGE m. 26 Dec 1832, d. 1833 1 George B DAKIN b. 11 Nov 1833 Geneva, NY, d. 27 Dec 1859 m2. Nancy SPAULDING m. 6 Nov 1838, d. 1881 1 Sarah Phebe DAKIN b. 16 Sep 1840 Geneva, NY; m. Elisha C DEANE m. 21 Feb 1866 1 Isabella Spalding DEANE b. 16 Nov 1869 Buffalo, NY 2 Elbridge Gerry DEANE b. 07 Aug 1879 Buffalo, NY 2 William Oliver DAKIN b. 23 Nov 1842 Geneva, NY; m1. 17 Oct 1862 Hattie WIGGINS , d. 1874; m2. 27 Jun 1876 Evelyn A SHEPPARD. 3 Mary Olivia DAKIN b. 04 Jun 1846 Geneva, NY 11 http://history.rays-place.com/ny/phelps-ny.htm Dr. Joel Prescott, b, 20 Jun 1759; d. 5 Oct 1841, settled in the town of Phelps at an early day and was one of the prominent physicians of the county. He came to this region as early as May 1788, and, probably, for a while resided at Kanadesaga, as during that and the succeeding year his name is found as a witness on several papers dated at that place. At the first town meeting in Phelps, 1796, Dr. Prescott was elected school commissioner and assessor, was appointed justice of peace, January, 1798, was supervisor of the town from 1797 to 1809 inclusive, except 1805, and for several years chairman of the board; was school commissioner of the town for several years. He located on a farm one mile west of Oaks' Corners, and was the first physician of Phelps, his practice being very extensive and laborious with the old time saddle bags strapped to his saddle. He was married in Phelps to Lucy Reed, 8 Sep 1793, and had seven children, two of whom died in infancy, the rest living to mature years. His home was among the earliest of frame houses in the town. With an active interest and efficient in rendering them he was repeatedly placed in positions of trust by his fellow citizens, and so great was the esteem for him that his counsels were called for in all departments of life. His funeral took place on the afternoon of Sunday, 6 Oct 1841, and was attended by the largest number of people that had ever before been gathered together on such an occasion, from 1,000 to 1,200 being present, among whom were the principal and prominent men of Geneva and the surrounding country. http://searches2.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/GenMassachusetts/1999-06/0930095504 David Prescott and his wife, Abigail Wright lived at Groton, MA near Westford, MA. Their 4th child was Joel Prescott, a physician b. 1759 and m. 1793 Lucy Reed d/o Josiah Reed of Geneva, NY. Dr. Joel Prescott and his wife, Lucy Reed had issue: 1. Imley Prescott b. at Phelps, NY 1794; m1 1816 Maria Cross b. 1796 d. 1838. He m2 1839 Anna Butterfield b. at Whitestown, Oneida, NY 1817. He served as quartermaster in the War of 1812 and was engaged at the battle of Fort Erie and other battles on the northern frontier. He d. 1850 aged 56 yrs. 2. Zachariah Wright Prescott b. 1796 m. 22 Apr 1834 Panthy Merry. He, with his brother Philander, went West in 1819 and penetrated into the Indian country. After tarrying awhile at Prairie du Chien, went to Fort Snelling, an important US fort and trading post. Here they made a stand and engaged with the Northwest Fur Company as traders with the Indians; they went every winter to the Indian settlements trading. He d. 1851 aged 56 yrs. His widow m. 1851 Owen Edmonston whose 1st wife was Phidelia Prescott, a sister to Zachariah W. Prescott. 3. John Reed Prescott b. 1798 d. 1817. 4. A child b. 1800 d. same day. 5. Philander Prescott b. 1801. In 1819 he left home in the company of his brother, Zachariah, and went west among the Sioux, or Decotah Indians, for the purpose of trade. 6. Phidelia Prescott b. 1803 m. 1829 Owen Edmonton. She d. 1843 and he m2 Panthy (Mary) Prescott the widow of Zachariah W. Prescott 1851. 7. Sophia Prescott b. 1806; m1 Porter Hawks; m2 James R. Darrow. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philetus_Swift Philetus Swift b. 26 Jun 1763, Kent, Litchfield, CT; d. 24 Jul 1828 Phelps, Ontario, NY, was a politician. He was the son of Elisha Swift (b. 1731) and Mary Ransom (b. 1738). On 4 Apr 1786, he married his first wife Electra Goodrich in Sharon, CT. On 22 May 1793, he married his second wife Sally Deane (1774-1820?) in Phelps, NY; their son was Deane Swift (1794-1818). On 26 Nov 1823, he married his third wife Fanny (or Fauna, Fawnia, Faunia) Cole (ca. 1792-1880); their daughter was Electra Jane Swift (1825-1904). He fought in the War of 1812, and became a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of the NY State Assemble from Genesee, Ontario and Allegany Counties in 1807 and 1808, and from Ontario County in 1823. He was a member from the Western District of the NY State Senate from 1810 to 1815 and from 1816 to 1818. In February 1817, Swift was elected President pro tempore of the State Senate. He was Acting Lieutenant Governor of New York until July 1, 1817. Swift was originally buried at the Pioneer Cemetery at Phelps, NY. However, in the early 1900s, his granddaughter had his remains reinterred in the Webster Rural Cemetery in Webster, NY. http://www.sprague-database.org/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I39599&tree=SpragueProject Corydon Wheat [9c3r], b. 4 Jun 1824, Orleans, Ontario, NY; d. 24 Dec 1890, Geneva, Ontario, NY, son of Benjamin Wheat, Jr. and Luana Sprague; m. 1 Sep 1852, Emiline A. Lacy. Note; Benjamin and Luana were distance cousins through John Sprague; b. ca 1690 in Duxbury MA, and Mary Babcock (thru John Sprgue’s sons: he through Jonathan and she through Ebenezer, Sr.) Children: 1. Henry Axtell Wheat, b. 28 May 1859, Geneva, Ontario, NY, 2. Walton Corydon Wheat, b. 16 Sep 1859; d. 6 Oct 1859 3. Grace Walton Wheat, b. 26 Mar 1862; d. 26 Jan 1872 4. Corydon Wheat, b. 16 Feb 1867; d. 1 Jun 1867 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/wh-z.html WHEAT History of Ontario Co, NY, Conover & Aldrich, pub 1893, pg 475 - 479 Among the pioneers of the town of Phelps in Ontario county, was Benjamin WHEAT, who came from Conway, CT, in 1795, and purchased from Phelps and Gorham a farm which embraced 160 acres of land just north of the site of the village of Orleans, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. He had a son, also named Benjamin, who followed in the footsteps of his father, as far as his life work was concerned, remaining on the farm. He was born 1 Apr 1781, and on 30 Jan 1805, was married to Luany SPRAGUE. Their son, Corydon WHEAT, the subject of this sketch, was born 4 Jun 1824, at the homestead, Orleans, Ontario county. His ancestry on his mother's side was distinguished in the early history of the country, and is traced back to the SPRAGUE who came over in the Mayflower. His grandfather was Ebenezer SPRAGUE, who lived in Connecticut at the time of the Revolutionary War, and 12 after twice having his dwellings burned by the British, he started westward in 1780. He had on 17 Jan 1775, taken for his wife Mary CHAMBERLIN. In about the year 1790 he aided in building on the site of the city of Rochester the first grist-mill in this part of the State; but that location was then considered unhealthy, and in 1793 he sold out his mill interest and removed to Chapinville in this county. He received $100 in the sale of his property and for that he was offered 80 acres of land lying in what is now the heart of the city of Rochester. His daughter, Luany SPRAGUE, who married Benjamin WHEAT, was born 24 Feb 1784. When Benjamin WHEAT came into Ontario county, the land was a wilderness of forest, but under the zealous labors of the pioneers it soon took a different aspect and sufficient of it was cleared to produce under cultivation the grain and vegetables for the growing families. Corydon WHEAT's father built in 1814 the first brick house in that part of the country, and the old homestead is still standing. Though a well to-do farmer, Benjamin WHEAT was not able to give his son the best of educational advantages, though they were better than were enjoyed by the majority of young men at that time. After attending the common schools he was sent to the Lima Seminary in 1840, and studied there two or three years until the institution was burned. He then went to Michigan and entered a store of his brother-in-law as a clerk. It had been his intention to adopt the legal profession, and after the seminary was rebuilt, he returned to it with a view of completing his course, and then taking up the study of law. But his brief experience in mercantile business in the West had developed his taste and adaptability for that vocation. Coming to Geneva in 1845, just as he reached his majority, he thereafter was an important factor in the business life of the place until his death, and in many other respects occupied a prominent position in the community. His first occupation in Geneva was as a clerk in the dry goods store of Platt & Sons, after which he was employed in a similar capacity with C. C. SEELEY. He then organized the dry goods firm of Wheat & Simms (Enoch SIMMS), which was succeeded by Mr. WHEAT alone. For a number of years he successfully conducted the business alone; but finally sold it out and soon afterward purchased the crockery business of Lauren W. LACY, his father-in-law. This he continued to about the year 1870, when he sold it to Charles KIPP and retired from active business, except at his time and attention were demanded by the various positions which he held. As a citizen of Geneva, Mr. WHEAT took a deep and active interest in all public matters that seemed likely to promote the growth and prosperity of the community. He was a director in both the Geneva and Southwestern and the Geneva and Ithaca Railroad companies, and was conspicuous in the movement, which led to establishing the first named road. He was at first a director in the Geneva Optical Company, and for a number of years previous to its being merged in the Standard Optical Company he held the office of president of the company. He was a director in the Geneva Gas Company and in the First National Bank. He was conspicuously instrumental in establishing the beautiful Glenwood Cemetery and aided in laying it out. His associates in every one of these positions ever found him the same energetic and genial co-worker, whose reliable judgment and willingness to bear more than his share of the burdens were unfailing, while his courtesy and geniality, and his staunch integrity, commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him. In the educational affairs of the place Mr. WHEAT was one of the most active and interested workers, and was a member of the Board of Education for about 30 years, giving freely of his time and energies for the advancement of the cause and the improvement of the local schools. He was not a politician in any sense, though he entertained strong convictions upon all important public questions. In the days of the Know-nothing movement he became actively interested in that party, who made him their nominee for member of assembly, but he afterwards identified himself with the republican organization. He was in this field, as in all other respects, a self-reliant and independent thinker; had read extensively on scientific, literary and historical subjects, and maintained his ideas and conclusions on such and kindred topics with forcible speech and courteous persistence on all proper occasions. Mr. WHEAT was active in religious affairs, and was at different times connected with the Methodist, the Presbyterian, and finally with Trinity Episcopal Church. In the Sunday-school work in these churches he was especially interested, and accomplished much for their welfare. Mr. WHEAT was a prominent Free Mason, uniting with the order some time before 1860, and progressed step by step. In 1857 he was master of Ark Lodge and one of its best presiding officers. He subsequently advanced to high standing in the order. Mr. WHEAT accumulated a fortune in Geneva, much of which was invested in real estate, which greatly appreciated in value. His life was one of great activity and usefulness, and when the time came for him to cast aside its burdens, he did it with calm faith in his future and in the enjoyment of the deepest respect of the community. This is shown to some extent in the various memorials and resolutions that were adopted by the different bodies with which he was connected. In a memorial placed upon the records of the Board of Education, it was said of him: "The recent death of Mr. Corydon WHEAT closed a term of service on the Board of Education of more than thirty years. During all that long period it is the testimony of those who were associated with him that he was a faithful public servant, and he retained to the last his interest in the public schools. In all of the growth of the schools in Geneva Mr. WHEAT has been thoroughly identified. He was quick to appreciate any improvement in the methods of teaching and ready to adopt it, and he had during his administration the satisfaction of seeing most of those changes which have made our schools the pride and glory of our country. In addition to this ability as an officer, Mr. WHEAT lent to school occasions a peculiar grace by his rare eloquence. He had the ability which very few possess of charming into quiet and attention the restive schoolboy and making him listen as long as he desired. In his death this Board has suffered a profound loss, and we desire as a body to place upon record this simple tribute to his memory." The directors of the First National Bank of Geneva also testified to their respect and admiration for Mr. WHEAT, saying among other things: "While we bow with humble submission to his behests, we sorrow that we have lost the genial presence, the wise and conservative counsels, and sound judgment of our co director for the past many years. His name is indissolubly connected with the organization of the First National Bank now nearly a quarter of a century ago, and he has been one of its directors since that time. We accord to him a generous measure of praise for our success in the management of our institution." On 1 Sep 1852, Mr. WHEAT was married to Emilie A., daughter of Lauren Walton LACY. They had four children, only one of whom, Henry Axtell WHEAT, of Geneva, is now living. Corydon WHEAT died 24 Dec 1890. Lauren Walton LACY was born at Galway, Saratoga, NY, 2 Jul 1811. His father was Edward LACY, who was formerly from Reading, CT. The family name was originally DE LACY. They were of Huguenot origin. His mother was Huldah HEATH, whose home was in Sharon, CT. She, too, was a descendant of the SPRAGUE who came over in the Mayflower. [n.b. - Francis Sprague came in the good ship, "Anne" which sailed from London, England, and arrived at Plymouth, July, 1623. – glh] They were parents of 8 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the seventh. Lauren W. LACY started in mercantile business in Schenectady, NY, in 1838, and removed to Geneva in 1846, where he started the first crockery store in the place. This business he successfully conducted until 1862, when he sold out to his son-in-law, Corydon WHEAT, as before stated. Mr. LACY has been a member of the 13 Dutch Reformed Church of Geneva for many years, and throughout his life in this place has held the esteem of his fellow citizens. He was married on 7 Jan 1832, to Eliza COOK, who was the youngest daughter of Joseph COOK, of Galway, Saratoga county, NY. She died in Apr 1878. Their children were Orville Brayton, died at age 3 years; and Emilie A., who married Corydon WHEAT. ----Wells Whitmore was a long-time resident of Phelps, Ontario Co. New York. He established an iron business, creating ornamental gates, fences and such. http://www.jenforum.com/lathrop/messages/881.html NANCY (DEANE) DOANE, b. 2 May 1777, New Marlsboro, MA; d. 9 May 1858, Phelps, Ontario, NY; d/o Seth Dean (Doane) and Sarah Barnett; m. WELLS WHITMORE, 7 Jun 1797, Phelps, Ontario, NY; b. 1768, Conway, MA; d. 25 Nov 1838, Phelps, NY. ----Polydore B. Wisner was a member of Assembly from Genesee and Ontario counties in 1803. He was District Attorney for the 10th District in March 12, 1813. The 10th District consisted of Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Ontario and Seneca counties. POLYDORE B. WISNER of Geneva was the son of HENRY Wisner of Revolutionary fame, he had 2 sons who died in Penn Yan. From the Geneva Gazette 20 July 1814 [b. ca 1768 or 70; Warwick, Orange Co, New York] On the 14th inst., at the house of Spencer Coleman, Esq. in East Bloomfield, Polydore B. Wisner, Esquire, of Geneva, in the 45th year of his age. He was seized with a typhus fever at ,Chautauqua where he had been attending the Court of General Sessions of the peace, and endeavored to return from thence to his family. With much pain and difficulty he got to Mr. Coleman's when his strength entirely failed him. Every aid which kindness and genuine hospitality could afford was given by Mr. Coleman and his family; medical assistance was called in, but to no purpose. On Wednesday, at seven o'clock P. M., he expired and on Thursday evening his remains were interred in this village. A widow and three children are left to lament the loss of an affectionate husband and tender father. Mr. Wisner was born in Orange county, pursued his professional studies with Richard Varick, esq., formerly the mayor of the city of New York. He had resided about 16 years in Geneva; had been several times elected a Member of our Legislature, and at the time of his death was District Attorney for the four western counties of the state. Possessed of peculiar talents for public business, he was one of the most useful members of society, devoting much of his time to promote objects of a general nature; and in the establishment and support of schools and religious institutions, he was active, liberal and persevering. In sickness he was kind and gentle and always attentive. The citizens of Geneva know his worth, and most sincerely deplore his loss. http://books.google.com/books?id=TNlfAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA96&lpg=PA96&dq=%22polydore+Wisner%22&source=bl&ots=f67ODGe nmH&sig=CniltnKPeDISoVxohbDdghR9Qrc&hl=en&ei=ht5xS7G3D4PM8QbAxMmCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22polydore%20Wisner%22&f=false page 96. Polydore Barnet Wisner was the son of Henry Wisner, Jr., the son of Congressman Henry Wisner. His father gave him excellent educational advantages in his early youth and he selected the law as a profession. From the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record of 1911, we learn that Polydore Wisner married Mary Blydenburg. May 15, 1791, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Joshua Hart. Polydore Wisner was among the first of the New York families to have an armorial book-plate, as evidenced by the following extract from "Early New England and New York Heraldic Book-Plates," by Richard C. Liclitenstein, of Boston: "The following list comprises, as far as has come under the observation of the compiler, the names of those persons and families in New England and New York who used armorial engraved book-plates prior to 1830." * * * Included in the list, headed by John Quincy Adams, is Polydore Wisner, of New York. It states his book-plate was made by Maverick and adds: "Most of Maverick's work is well done; the shield in most cases being decorated with light sprays of leaves and flowers falling around in graceful profusion." Polydore Wisner rose rapidly in his profession and soon became a leader at the Bar of Genesee county. He represented Genesee and Ontario counties, in the New York General Assembly, in 1803, when that body was engaged on the revision of the charter of New York City. Mr. Wisner's part in framing that document is explained in the following extracts, taken from the Burghers and Freemen collection, published in 1885, by the New York Historical Society: "On March 1.1803, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole House, on the bill entitled 'An act for the better regulation of the election of charter officers of the City of New York, and designating the qualifications of electors,' and after some time spent thereon, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Wisner, from the said committee, reported that in proceedings on said bill, and after the same had been read in the committee, the first enacting clause thereof was again read and in the words following: "Be it enacted by the people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That every free male person of the age of 21 years, being a citizen of the State and who shall have resided in said city 6 months next preced ing such election, and paid taxes within the same and shall have rented a tenement of the yearly value dollars for the term of one year within the same, or shall be a leaseholder of any land or tenement, of the value dollars and who has been years in possession of the same, shall be entitled to vote for charter officers in the said City of New York. "That debates were had thereon, and the question having been put, whether the committee did agree to the said clause, it was carried in the affirmative (yeas 70, nays 19). "Mr. Wisner further reported progress and asked for, and obtained leave to sit again." Later in the account of the proceedings it is stated: "Mr. Wisner further reported that the committee had gone through the bill, made amendments therein, filled up the blanks, and agreed to the same, which he was directed to report to the House, and he read the 14 report in his place, and delivered the same in at the table where it was again read, and agreed to by the House. Ordered that the bill be engrossed." On March 1, 1804, the House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for the election of charter officers, and after some time spent thereon, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair and Mr. Looker, from said committee reported that in further proceedings on the said bill Mr. Wisner made a motion that the committee should agree to a certain clause. Polydore Wisner was elected District Attorney for the Tenth New York District, consisting of Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Ontario and Seneca counties, on March 12, 1813. He died the following year, in the prime of life, and was buried at Geneva, New York. http://ontario.nygenweb.net/JtoJiobituaries.htm From Geneva Gazette 22 March 1889 MICHAEL JENKINSON - A gloom spread like a pall over our community last Saturday as the words passed from mouth to mouth "Michael Jenkinson is dead !" It was a sudden taking off of one of our most useful, exemplary, honored citizens. A week before he had moved among us in the full vigor of a man in the prime of life. He fell a victim of typhoid pneumonia which ran its fatal course in six days. He was stricken down while on a visit to Rochester, and hastened home. He received unremitting medical treatment and affectionate care, but all efforts to save life proved unavailing. The domestic hearth, a trusting and dependent employer, honored fraternities, the Church of which he was a member, and our whole community are all deeply afflicted by this dispensation. Mr. Jenkinson was a native of Scotland, born Aug. 19, 1844. He emigrated to this country in 1869, settling at once in Geneva. In the following year he married Elizabeth Beattie, also a native of Scotland. Their married life was one of unalloyed happiness. Of four children which blessed their union three were removed by death. For 16 years past Mr. J. had occupied the position of confidential clerk and book-keeper with S. K. Nester, and ever enjoyed the unlimited confidence and trust of his employer. He was initiated a member of Ark Lodge No. 33, Geneva, F&AM, and such was his zeal in the affairs of the order and such the esteem in which he was held by his Masonic brethren that he was advanced step by step until he occupied the Chair in the East. He also received the several degrees in the Royal Arch Chapter and in Geneva Commandery KT. Later on he connected himself with the Scottish society "Clan McPherson" with headquarters at Rochester, and last year was elected Chief, which position he held when death suddenly severed his connection with all earthly associations. The funeral of Mr. Jenkinson took place Tuesday afternoon last, with a brief service at the house and a further service in the North Presbyterian Church (of which he was a member) conducted by the pastor Rev. Paul Van Dyke and Rev. H. B. Stevenson of the First Church. The bearers were selected equally from Geneva Commandery, KT and Clan McPherson. The casket, covered with black cloth, bore the dead chief's tartan, cap and plume. A delegation of Knights in regalia acted as escort. Then followed the Clansmen and members of the Scottish societies, members of Ark Lodge and visiting Masons clad with white aprons and gloves, the officers displaying the insignia of their respective stations. The employees of Nester's malt house also appeared in the mourning column, fifty-two strong. The church will filled beyond its seating capacity. After the service, the long cortege took up its long and solemn march to Glenwood Cemetery, arrived at which his brethren performed the last sad ceremonies over the form of their beloved Past Master, in accordance with the impressive Masonic ritual. John Shethar http://www.archive.org/stream/genealogyofsheth00lcwill/genealogyofsheth00lcwill_djvu.txt John Shethar, b. 14 Dec 1752; d. 19 Jun 1835, in his 84th year; m1. 27 Jan 1773, Sarah Smith, b. 4 May 1749; d. 17 Feb 1796; m2. Nancy (Nelson) Drake, (widow of Maj. Joshua Drake, 6 Mar 1800); b. 23 Apr 1760; d. 12 Jun 1815, at Troy, NY. Sarah Smithwas a daughter of Joshua Smith who married Mary Stoddard 25 Jan 1732; d. 30 Apr 1787. He was a son of Nathaniel Smith of Scituate, MA, whose estate was administered 11 May 1725, at Litchfield, CT. She was the youngest of eight children. Capt. John was married to his second wife, Joan, commonly called Nancy Drake, at the Highlands, NY, March 6, 1800. She was a daughter of Joshua Nelson and his wife Sarah Mandeville, who was a daughter of Jacob Mandeville, born 1709, d. 27 Aug 1784, aged 75 years, and his wife Sarah, who died 18 May 1782. They lived at Garrisons, NY, on the Hudson River. Capt. John Shethar, when he enlisted, lived at Litchfield, CT. He was made a Sergeant in Capt. Seymour's Company, 20 Nov 1776, of a regiment of Connecticut Light Horse Cavalry, and was on the march through New Jersey with Washington in 1776. He was made Lieutenant 2d Continental Dragoons, 31 Dec 1776, and Captain 11 Oct 1777. This was the 2d Regiment raised agreeable to a resolve of Congress of 12 Dec 1776, but by another resolve of 14 Jun 1777, takes rank from 25 Nov 1776. Thus it seems "he served from the beginning of the war and obtained promotion for his gallant bravery.” By his active efficiency at the battle of Brandywine, he greatly distinguished himself, and this coming under the personal observation of Gen. Washington, he immediately after the battle, presented Capt. Shethar with a sword and highly commended him for his judicious acts. This sword, with his chapeau and a portion of his military dress and many mementoes of the War of the Revolution, have always been treasured in the family and are now in the possession of Edwin H. Shetliar of New York City. Towards the close of the war, 6 Mar 1780, being so badly wounded as to preclude further active service for a long time, Capt. Shethar felt constrained to resign his commission. His dress sword he presented to Ark Lodge, No. 33, F&AM, Geneva, N, Y., and is yet in possession of these Masonic brethren. In an encounter with the Indians, he came near being captured by the Mohawk Chief, Capt. Joseph Brandt. Statement written by Mary Osborn Hogarth, 27 Nov 1864, living in 1904 at 550 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY: "My mother, Mary Jane (Shethar) Hogarth, was born in the village of Hammondsport, Steuben, NY, Sept. 3, 1805. Her father, Capt. John Shethar, died June 19, 1835, aged 84. Her mother Johanna Nelson was born in Phillipstown, Dutchess, NY, died at Troy, NY, 1815, aged 50. My grandfather Shethar owned a very large and valuable farm in the valley in which Hanimondsport is situated. He became security for a Mr. William Root of Albany, and lost all his property. With a wagon load of household goods, fifty dollars in money and two little girls, one of them my Aunt Betsey, then four, and her sister, my mother, two years old, Grandfather and Grandmother Shethar, started for my grandfather Nelson's in Phillipstown. There Grandfather Shethar was laid up with rheumatism for six months, could walk only with crutches. As soon as he was able he went to Albany, rented a house and took boarders; there 15 my mother's first recollections of herself begin. When she was six years old. Grandfather Shethar moved to Troy, NY. After about four years' residence in that city, her mother died and was buried there, where also her Aunt Martha Haight died in April, and in the September following Grandfather Shethar moved to Alexandria, VA, to reside with his son, my mother's half brother, James Smith Shethar, who was very much my mother's senior. His son James Shethar (son of James S.) was two years older than my mother and they were always more like brother and sister than cousins. When my grandfather and mother went to Alexandria, Aunt Betsey went to Bath to live with Aunt Faulkner, the daughter of my grandmother Shethar by a former marriage with Major Joshua Drake. They stayed in Alexandria four years, when my half-uncle left them to reside in Charleston, SC. They came 'across the country to Bath, NY, in a one horse wagon.' My mother speaks of this as a very interesting journey. She took her first horseback ride, five miles, behind her father. They remained in Bath, NY, six months and then went to Geneva, NY. Mrs. James Shethar after her husband's death also removed to Geneva. My mother spent a part of the time with Aunt Faulkner at the hotel and part with Mrs. James Shethar. For a short time before her marriage, she kept house for her father." Narrated by Miss Elizabeth Hogarth now living in 1904, at 560 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., who had the facts direct from Captain Shethar, her grandfather: “During the Revolutionary War, Capt. John Shethar was arrested as a spy, taken to New York at a time when the English held only NY. He was examined before Admiral Digby who a short time previous had arrived with Prince William, Duke of Clarence, then 17 years of age, who was afterwards William IV, the King, who preceded Queen Victoria. Prince William was present at the examination before Admiral Digby. Capt. Shethar when committed for trial said, 'As a soldier I have no favors to ask, but as a gentleman. Sir, I have one!' Well, what is it? 'That my guardsmen be British officers, Sir, not American refugees who have fled from their country's altar.' Then the young Prince said, 'Well, young man, when this disgraceful affair is settled, I intend to make a tour of this continent and would like to have you for a travelling companion,' to which Capt. Shethar replied, 'Well, Sir, if our circumference was no larger than yours, (referring to occupation of New York), we could soon make a tour of it.' Then Admiral Digby said, 'I guess your Highness has got it now,' to which Capt. Shethar replied, 'We do not now in our country pay that deference to royalty that you do in yours.' " "Capt. Shethar once had for a prisoner a Capt. Williamson, of the British Army, who after he was released, returned to New York and told his wife of the good treatment he had received at the hands of Capt. Shethar. So pleased was she, that while Capt. Shethar was a prisoner, she arranged matters and gave him a grand dinner, and ever afterwards, he was, through this influence, treated well. He was visited every day by the young Prince William who admired his sturdy manhood. When released Capt. Shethar called on the Prince." Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. John, lived in Geneva, NY, and kept house for him. She never married; before this she lived with her brother James, who lived in Alexandria, District of Columbia, then went to Seneca and Geneva, N. Y. Capt. Shethar was a member of St. Paul Lodge, F. & A. M. of Litchfield, CT, and afterwards of Ark Lodge of Geneva, NY. Demit and Apron of Capt. Shethar were sent to Ark Lodge, by Miss Elizabeth Hogarth, some years ago. Capt. John Shethar was a pensioner in 1818 and was living at that time in Alexandria, Va. Shethar Street in Hammondsport, NY. was named for him, he having been granted about one-tenth of the original township. Their children were: By first wife: 23. Sarah S., 24. James, 25. JAMES, 26. Sarah S., b. 20 Apr 1774, d. 16 Apr 1776. b. 08 Aug 1775, d. 30 Sep 1776. b. 26 Mar 1777. b. 26 Apr 1781, d. 22 Jan 1791. By second wife: 27. A daughter, 28. Elizabeth C, 29. MARY JANE, b. 12 May 1801, d. same day. b. 05 Aug 1803, d. 25 Oct 1873, unmarried, in Sheffield, MA. b. 03 Sep 1805, m. John S. Hogarth 21 Aug 1823. Note: The historic village of Hammondsport, NY, is tucked between rolling wooded hillsides at the southern end of Y-shaped Keuka Lake. The village was part of a tract of land purchased by Captain John Shethar in 1796. It eventually passed into the hands of Lazarus Hammond and came to be known as Hammond’s Port – later changed to Hammondsport. Ref. 1961 Transactions of the American Lodge of Research, Captain John Shethar, American Pioneer and Freemason. Ref. also: Captain John Shethar - American pioneer and freemason, by John H. Stelter, 1962, J.H. Stelter. Geneva, NY. 22 pgs. Dr. (Capt.) John H. Stelter, also wrote: History, Royal Arch Masonry, Geneva, N.Y.: 1809-1964 : Geneva Mark Lodge no ..., John H. Stelter, 1964. 48 pages History of Ark Lodge no. 33 F.& A.M. 1807-1957, John H. Stelter, 103 pages Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 112, Palmyra, Ontario, New York. Warrant: 9 Jul 1804 Forfeit: 4 Jun 1835 Revived as Palmyra Lodge No. 248, 8 Mar 1852, Palmyra, Wayne County. [On 11 Apr 1823, Wayne County was formed by combining portions of Seneca and Ontario Counties. 16 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_County,_New_York In 1789, Montgomery County was reduced in size by the splitting off of Ontario County. The actual area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the present county, also including the present Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, Wyoming, Yates, and part of Schuyler and Wayne Counties. Herkimer County was one of three counties split off from Montgomery County (others being Otsego and Tioga Counties) in 1791. Onondaga County was formed in 1794 by the splitting of Herkimer County. Cayuga County was formed in 1799 by the splitting of Onondaga County. This county was, however, much larger than the present Cayuga County. It then included the present Seneca and Tompkins Counties and part of Wayne County. In 1804, Seneca County was formed by the splitting of Cayuga County. In 1817, Seneca County was reduced in size by combining portions of Seneca and the remainder of Cayuga County to form Tompkins County. Part of this territory, the current towns of Covert and Lodi, were returned to Seneca County in 1819. In 1823, Seneca County was reduced in size by combining portions of Seneca and Ontario Counties to form Wayne County.] Of the charter members of Palmyra Lodge, Charles Hudson, Samuel D. Huntington, Samuel Sawyer and Frederick U. Sheffield were members of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 112, and Truman Hemingway and Pomeroy Tucker, also members of this Lodge, affiliated with Palmyra Lodge shortly after it was organized, thus constituting a connecting link between these Lodges. At a session of the Grand Lodge, held 1 Jun 1803, a petition was presented asking for a warrant for Mount Moriah Lodge. This petition was signed by the following: Pearley Phillips. Azel Ensworth. Asa Lilly. Timothy Smith. John Swift. Gain Robinson. Joel Pressed. Seth Deane. Philetus Swift. William Burnet. Dr. Azel Ensworth, who was a brother-in-law of William Rodgers, and had come into Ontario country in 1792, and first settled in his immediate neighborhood. After keeping a public house in early years, in Palmyra, in the early start of Rochester, he was the founder of the Eagle Tavern, and for a long period he and his son were its landlords. He was later a resident of Buffalo, with his son-in-law, Benjamin Campbell. In 1818 Dr. Azel Ensworth purchased the old Scrantom cabin at the Four Corners [in Rochester] and moved it back to serve as a stable for a more commodious two-story tavern at that central location. Dr. Ensworth added a high attic to his tavern two years later to provide a public hall and concert room, and this facility prompted the formation of a band of musicians who led a parade through the village on the Fourth of July in 1820 to a community banquet in the Ensworth tavern. http://books.google.com/books?id=Zi4VAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=%22Azel+Ensworth%22+%22buffalo%22&sour ce=bl&ots=yI9pKTJJJ9&sig=IZNgRniQcWQWOyzLR4b29QJa9RU&hl=en&ei=y0l7S6HnLs74lQe1wIijDw&sa=X&oi=book_resul t&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CB4Q6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22Azel%20Ensworth%22%20%22buffalo%22&f=false page 88. DR. ENSWORTH resides with his daughter, Mrs. Campbell, at Buffalo. He is the oldest member of the Pioneer Society, being now in his ninety-fourth year [in 1854]. He was born in Canterbury, CT [ca 1760], and settled in Rochester in the year 1816. The medal which appears in his likeness, is worn by the Doctor as the oldest surviving member of the Pioneer Association. The first courts of the county of Monroe were held at the house of Dr. Ensworth. He resided at that time in a very comfortable framed dwelling, which he disposed of, and in connection with his son Russell, since dead, built up the Eagle Block, which proved a ruinous speculation. Hamlet Scrantom had previously owned the lot on which that block now stands, and had built upon it a small log house. It was transferred by him to Henry Skinner, who built about the year 1815, in addition, a two story framed building, the frame standing unfinished. In this condition the property was purchased by Dr. Ensworth for a sum not exceeding $2500. Skinner was bound to finish off the frame and to put it in good inhabitable condition as a public inn. The present Eagle Hotel succeeded to these improvements, and involving the Doctor beyond his means to pay, he has since remained comparatively poor. His character has ever been that of a candid, upright man, and an exemplary member of society and of the church. His other daughters, besides Mrs. Campbell, were Mrs. (Sarah) John Shethar and Mrs. Rufus Meech. It is believed also, that he has one son still living, and who resides in New York. -----Dr. Gain Robinson, b. Jan 1771, Clark’s Island, MA, as early as 1800 was from Cummington, MA, having removed to Palmyra, NY. He married Chloe Bredish, daughter of Col. John Bradish, the father of (Lt.) Gov. (Luther) Bradish, who was one of the early settlers of Palmyra. He continued in practice until his death, in 1830, enjoying a large share of professional eminence, and highly esteemed in the wide circle of his practice. There have gone out from under his instruction a large number who hare conferred credit upon their early mentor. His son, Rollin, assisted in the printing of the first edition of the Book of Mormon, being a neighbor of Joseph Smith. The petitioners set forth that " they were inhabitants of the towns of Palmyra and of Phelps, residing at a distance of fifteen to twenty miles from any Masonic Lodge, and humbly pray your worships to grant us a charter by the name and style of Mount Moriah Lodge, with all the powers and privileges which other Lodges in this State have and enjoy, with this particular privilege, to wit, the right of convening the Lodge alternately at the Town of Palmyra and the Town of Phelps, or if the same be by your worships deemed improper then your petitioners pray a charter appointing their Lodge to be held at the Town of Palmyra only." The petition nominated as officers: PEARLEY PHILLIPS. Master. AZEL ENSWORTH, Senior Warden. TIMOTHY SMITH, Junior Warden. 17 The petition was recommended by Ontario Lodge, No. 23, of Canandaigua at a meeting held 25 Dec 1802. The petition met with favor, and on June 9. 1804, a warrant was issued with the special privilege asked for, and it continued to meet alternately at Palmyra and Phelps until 1807. On March 6, a petition was prepared asking permission to meet at Palmyra only and endorsed upon it is the following: "The prayer of the above petitioners appears to be reasonable, and I recommend the granting of it. Dewitt Clinton, 2 June, 1807." The petition was granted by the Grand Lodge 2 Sep 1807, and the Lodge met thereafter at Palmyra only. Among the old papers relating to this Lodge on file is the following bill: R.'. W.'. GRAND LODGE, STATE OF N. YORK. To Asa Stanley, Dr. For attendance at the Annual Communication as proxy for Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 112. 6 days at $1.50 $9.00 358/716 miles travel 17 days 26.25 $35.25 New York 11 June 1821. Rec'd Pay't. ASA STANLEY. A mutilated copy of the minutes of this Lodge was rescued from a second-hand book store by R.'. W.'. GEORGE MCGOWN and presented to the Lodge. These old records contain the proceedings of the Lodge from 9 Jul 1804, to 6 Dec 1824. On 4 Mar 1811, the Lodge adopted the following: "RESOLVED, That in the future every candidate for Freemasonry be presented with the sacred writings at his initiation into the first degree of Freemasonry." This custom prompted the adoption of a similar custom by Palmyra Lodge, the only difference being that in the old Lodge the presentation was made at initiation, while in Palmyra Lodge it is done when the candidate receives his third degree. The last recorded meeting of Mount Moriah Lodge was held 6 Dec 1824, but subsequent meetings must have been held as among the returns of the Lodge on file in the office of the Grand Secretary is one dated June 1, 1831. It may be assumed that, owing to the intense and bitter persecutions occasioned by the Morgan Episode, the Lodge met occasionally, but made no record of its proceedings. The warrant was declared forfeited by the Grand Lodge, 4 Jun 1835. The Mormon leader, Joseph Smith, Jr., was raised to the degree of Master Mason on 7 May 1818 in Ontario Lodge No. 23 of Canandaigua, New York. His brother, Hyrum Smith, was a member of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 112, Palmyra New York http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyrum_Smith Hyrum Smith (9 Feb 1800 – 27 Jun 1844) was the older brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. and a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. Hyrum was born in Tunbridge, VT, the second son of Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. Hyrum received a limited education, and established himself as a farmer. Hyrum attended Dartmouth College in his teens. During the translation of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of the Church, Hyrum was Joseph Smith, Jr.’s close advisor and confidant. In June, 1829, Hyrum was baptized in Seneca Lake, NY. He was one of the Eight Witnesses examining and testifying of the reality of the Golden Plates, the original source of the Book of Mormon. When the Church was organized on 16 Apr 1830, six men signed their names as charter members; at the age of thirty, Hyrum was the oldest of the six. Hyrum served as presiding officer of a church branch in Colesville, NY, and was one of the first Latter Day Saint preachers in the surrounding area. As the church headquarters and membership moved west, Hyrum and his family relocated. In 1831, he established a home in Kirtland, OH. During his residence there, he served as foreman of the quarry providing stone for the Kirtland Temple. Between 1831 and 1833, he served proselying missions to Missouri and Ohio. In 1834, under the direction of Joseph Smith, he recruited members for a militia, Zion’s Camp, and traveled with the group to the aid of the Latter Day Saints in Missouri. He was appointed Second Counselor in the church's First Presidency in November 1837. In 1838 and 1839, Hyrum, Joseph and three other church leaders shared a jail cell in Liberty, Missouri while awaiting trial. After relocating to Nauvoo, IL, Hyrum was ordained as Presiding Patriarch of the Church, a position formerly held by his deceased father, Joseph Smith, Sr. He also was ordained by Joseph to the priesthood office of Apostle and replaced Oliver Cowdery as Assistant President of the Church; in this capacity, Hyrum acted as President of the Church in Joseph's absence and was designated to be Joseph's successor if he were killed or incapacitated. When warned of possible danger, Joseph urged Hyrum and his family to flee to Cincinnati, OH. Hyrum refused and, in 1844, traveled with Joseph to Carthage, IL, where both were charged with riot and treason. Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor and Willard Richards were held awaiting trial in a jail in Carthage. On 27 Jun 1844, the building was attacked by a mob of between sixty to two hundred men. While attempting to barricade the door to prevent the mob from entering, Hyrum was shot in the face and killed instantly. Taylor was struck by several bullets but survived with the help of Richards. Joseph was killed by at least two shots, and fell through a second story window to the ground where he was shot again. 18 Wives and Children On 2 Nov 1826, in Manchester, NY, he married Jerusha Barden (1805-1837). They had six children together. Lovina Smith 16 Sep 1827- 08 Oct 1876 Mary Smith 27 Jun 1829 - 29 May 1832 John Smith 22 Sep 1832 - 06 Nov 1911 Hyrum Smith 27 Apr 1834 - 21 Sep 1841 Jerusha Smith 13 Jan 1836 - 27 Jun 1912 Sarah Smith 02 Oct 1837 - 06 Nov 1876 On 24 Dec 1837, in Kirtland, OH, he married Mary Fielding Smith (1801-1852). They had two children. Joseph F. Smith 13 Nov 1838 - 19 Nov 1918) Martha Ann Smith 14 May 1841 - 19 Oct 1923) In August 1843 he married Mercy Fielding Thompson, widow of Robert B. Thompson and sister to Hyrum's wife Mary, and Catherine Phillips Genesee Lodge No. 130, Avon, New York Warrant: 13 Feb 1806 Forfeit 1835; succeeded by Avon Springs No. 570, 30 Jun 1865 1818 R. W. Jehial Kelsey, W. James Lawrence, W. Warren Ladd, WM SW JW (b. 1790; m. Ada/Alda/ Aleida Wimple) Dr. Charles Little – Master; practiced medicine at Avon for 44 years; d. 1840; Children: Norman, b. 1806; Adeline (Mrs. Hiram L. Miller). b. 30 Nov 1810; Col. William L. P., b. 26 Nov 1814 [initiated with his brother Norman in Saginaw Lodge No. 77, Jul 1855]; and Charles David, b. 5 Mar 1822; who all removed to Saginaw, Michigan. The earliest landed proprietor of Saginaw was Dr. Charles Little of New York, who had examined the region repeatedly, discovered its remarkable value and resources, and secured in the years 1823 and 1824 a prior right to buy the lands when they should be put into the market. He did not, however, occupy the ground, and more than ten years passed before his son, Mr. Norman Little, the real pioneer of the valley, fixed his home there. http://books.google.com/books?id=eYkAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA186&dq=%22dr.+Charles+Little%22+%22avon%22&cd=5#v=onepage&q=%22dr.%20Charles%20Little%22%20 %22avon%22&f=false page 186. After the Indian title to the land in the vicinity of Saginaw had been extinguished, and before it was offered for sale by the U. S. government, the locality was visited, in the summers of 1822 and 1823, by Dr. Charles Little of Avon, NY. He was greatly pleased with the country and had great faith in the future of the Saginaw Valley. Dr. Little made some choice selections of land in the vicinity of the fort, at Saginaw, and on his return to Detroit left money at the land office to purchase land when it should be offered for sale. The purchase was made by Dr. Little with a view of setting his family on the land when the proper time should arrive. When the great tide of emigration was setting in from the cast, in 1836, Dr. Little's eldest son, Norman, with others, purchased the site of the village of Saginaw, with a view of expending large sums for the improvement of the town. With the contemplated improvements it was thought that in the near future Saginaw would be a pleasant place to reside in. Rev. H. L. Miller, who married a daughter of Dr. Little's, came with his family in 1836, to reside permanently at Saginaw. There was a great accession to the population during that season, and in the fall a Presbyterian church was organized, which was presided over for the next two years by Mr. Miller as pastor, during which time a marked improvement was made in the religious and social status of the people. James Ganson (1774-1858) Morgan trial defendant. b. in Salem, MA. He settled in Avon, NY, with his father and brother about 1789. He achieved notoriety in 1826 as one of the defendants in the Masonic trials for the abduction of William Morgan, q.v. He was acquitted. He was probably initiated in Genesee Lodge No. 130 at Avon, N.Y. as he is listed in the returns of 1806-12 in both the "initiation" and "quarterages" columns. He is also listed as a member on the returns of the same lodge, 1812-14. In 1816 he is listed as the charter senior warden of LeRoy Lodge No. 260, LeRoy, Genesee, NY. His attic once served as a lodge room. Rob Morris states that he was secretary of Western Star Chapter No. 35, R.A.M. of LeRoy when William Morgan was exalted to the Royal Arch degree. He moved to Jackson, Mich. in 1827 or 1828 and died there on 4 May 1858. Genesee Lodge No. 138, Richmond, New York Warrant: 14 Jun 1806 1818 R. W. James Harkness, WM W. Benjamin Boyd, SW W. Abial Hathaway, JW Simon DeWitt Drown, 1816. In 1818 he signed a petition to forma Lodge in Bath, NY; withdrew in 1819 and removed to Ohio, where he was Master of Chester (now Union) Lodge No. 71, in Ripley, OH, in 1824. http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:_2f4kDBGXYoJ:wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgibin/igm.cgi%3Fop%3DGET%26db%3Dpopsdrown%26id%3DI1660+%22Simon+DeWitt+Drown%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us 19 Simon DeWitt Drowne (aka S. DeWitt Down), b. 21 Nov 1791 in W. Stockbridge, Berkshire, MA; chr. 12 Apr 1835 Angelica, Allegany, NY; d. 25 Jun 1857 in Peoria, IL; Bur. Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, IL. Veteran of the War of 1812; Was a surveyor and Peoria Historian From springdalecemetery.com: Peoria's first historian, town surveyor, street commissioner, printer, publisher, and had completed enumeration for the first book printed and bound in Peoria, entitled "The Peoria City Directory for 1844". Soldier in War of 1812. Interred in 1873. His picture was included. Copy of a letter from Simeon Dewitt Drown to his brother William H.H. Drown: Peoria, March 20, 56 (1856) Dear brother and family: Yours of the 13th and mailed the 16th came to hand on the 27th inst. so that it is about 10 days in coming from that out of the way place "away up Red River." Received one from Daniel P. (Pickering) Drown on the next day, the 28th, which was dated "away down East" March 22, mailed at Portsmouth, N.H. and a paper "The Portsmouth Journal" of the 15th, which I send to you, in which you well see the doctrine I hold to marked in the first page of the paper . I send this to you because you say "It won't do for you to express yourself to me, for you suppose I am a Know Nothing, anti Nebraska, Free Soil, Abolition, etc. Now I have non e of those visions. As you say, you are a National Democrat; this is, to say a Frank Pierce Administration man. I am not, but I am a Democrat of the Old School, such as was known as Democrats and heroes of their country in the War of 1812, when your namesake Wm. H.H. fought, bled and suffered for his country. "Know Nothing" I am not. I was a native American in 1828 in New York and in 1841 when I came here, I was received by the Native American Society in St. Louis. Now you know my political standing and I hold and act upon to this day, but enough of this. I thank you for the register of your family., You wish to know about your sisters an d brothers. Cynthia's address as(?) her husband, Willard Griswold, is P.O. Kozta, State of Iowa. Gilbert is at Cochrinton P.O. Marion County, Ohio not far from where he had lived these last 30 years. Polly is still in this city, and lives with Henry Hulse, about 3/4 mile below h ere. We are now about the center of the city of Peoria, as many houses below us as there is above. We now have a population of 13,000 at least, and increasing fast. You say you thin k I am wrong in my genealogy of our family. I had this from one of the Bentons, who married a Drown. Our grandfather never was in France, but you have heard father say that he had bee n many times for he followed the sea for about 10 years before he was married, as I have hear d him say. I will now give you a genealogy of the family, in part as I received it from Daniel P. Drown of Portsmouth, who is a little older than I am, as he was born on the 15th of Jun e 1784, seven years, five months and six days older. (Then follows a genealogy substantially the same as I now have it: Leonard, Elizabeth Abbott Solomon 1681 Samuel 1677 Simeon 1686 Shem 1683 Susana Mary Some info he provided: The gravestone of Samuel at Kittery shows he as eldest, but it was i n error. Solomon and Ester were married in Bristol in the Colony of Rhode Island George Osborn Drown - initials compose the sacred name of him before whom we should most hum bly bow.) Thus you have a part of 3 1/2 pages letter sheet of his letter to me. He (Daniel P. Drown) ha s now three living children; those underscored are dead. You may think this a useless letter but I think very useful for our children and therefore copy it for them. I have nothing m ore of importance to write more than to say we are all well, and so are all the connection s I have heard from last. Should like to know where Andrus is and what his P.O. address is . Say to L.L.D. (Andrus had son Lothalio) to write and let me know. Brother in L.F.T. S. DeWitt Drown Newspaper clippings, Peoria, IL Public Library: On May 21, 1844, Mr. Drown deposited a copy of his directory and a statement in a wall of hi s new house at Bridge and Adams streets, giving a history of his family membership. On May 28 , 1891, Charles E. Anderson, 107 Bestor ST. tore down the old Drown house. He recovered the directory and only a few weeks ago presented it to the Peoria Historical Society. From the written statement, we learn that Drown in 1844 was past 53 years, Sarah his wife was 52, Charles W.W. their son 22 and their daughters Cynthia E. H. and Rachel P. 16 and 10 respectively. Some time in 1844 Charles W.W. Drown was murdered. Information is furnished by a n item appearing in the Peoria Democrat Press, of Dec. 11. In this it was stated that John D . Smith held on the charge of having "murdered" Young Mr. Drown in "Peoria last summer" had escaped from jail at Lacon, IL. Other details lacking. Public records indicate that before July 7, 1852, Cynthia Drown was married to Mark L. Easton and Rachel Drown to Richard Cliffe. In 1851, Mr. Drown issued a second (?) booklet, which he titled "Drown's Record and Historical View of Peoria". It included an almanac and a business directory. Individual inhabitants we re not enumerated as in 1844. E.O. Woodstock was the printer; beginning in 1846 and ending i n 1857 the pioneer historian issued an annual publication which he called "Peoria City Record and Drown's Statistics" - They were four to six pages of small newspaper size. Although his emigrant ancestor spelled the family name "Drowne", Simon DeWitt appears to have dropped the final "e" other members of the family continue to use the original spelling. The writer is indebted to Henry R. Drowne, Atlantic Highlands, NJ for 20 considerable family history. Simon DeWitt of Peoria was much interested in family history and in a letter dated at Peoria , March 30, 1856 to his brother William H. Drown, he copied a three and one half page letter , received from a relative on Drown genealogy. The life story of the pioneer historian closed when he as 66 years old. The Peoria Weekly Republican of Friday morning, June 26, 1857, says "Our community received a deep and painful shock yesterday morning in the intelligence of the death of an old and valuable Citizen of Peoria - Simon DeWitt Drown." Father: Levi Drown b: 10 Jul 1765 in Bristol, Rhode Island; Mother: Catrina Glasby Married ca 1813 Sarah Frye b: 3 Nov 1792 in Coxsackie, Greene, New York c: 12 Apr 1835 in Angelica, Allegany, NY. Children 1. Russell Gilbert Drown b. 1814 in ,,New York 2. Almina Knox Drown b. 1817 in New York cr: 7 Mar 1835 in Angelica, Allegany, New York 3. Lydia Myde Drown b. 1819 in New York 4. Mary Mook Drown b. 1820 in New York 5. Charles Wm. Wallace Drown b. 1822 cr: 19 Apr 1835 in Angelica, Allegany, New York 6. Anna VanAredalea Drown b. 1826 in New York 7. Cynthia Eliza Hoyt Drown b. 1829 in Peoria, IL; cr: 19 Apr 1835 in Angelica, Allegany, New York 8. Rachel Patricia Drown b. 1834 in Peoria, IL; cr: 19 Apr 1835 in Angelica, Allegany, New York http://newsarch.rootsweb.com/th/read/ILMACOUP/2003-12/1071676409 Samuel Drury, Sr. . . . Records may be available from the local Lodge as well as the state Lodge. They really help track people when no other records are at hand. New York has paid "town historians", and the Richmond, Ontario Co., NY historian located several Masonic records for me from the disbanded (1829) Genesee Lodge No. 138 in Richmond, Ontario Co., NY. One showed that Samuel Drury, Sr. (c. 1768 - 1824) was "b(orn) Albany, NY, r(emoved to) Rich(mond), a(bout) 14 Aug '06, I(nitiated) North Star Lodge". This one page gave me everything. First, there was only one Drury family in the Albany area in the 1760s, Nicholas and Catharina (Schmidt) Drury, so I got Samuel's birth place and parents. Second, it gave his residence, Richmond, Ontario Co., NY since August 1806. Third, it gave the lodge where he was initiated (I), North Star Lodge. Further research showed this disbanded North Star Lodge No. 2 had been in Manchester, Bennington, VT. The records of that lodge (found at the national Masonic Headquarters: Scottish Rite Masonic Museum of our National Heritage, PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02173) showed Samuel joined that lodge in 1792 and remained a member until about February of 1798. I would never have looked EAST of Albany, NY for Samuel and wife Hannah (Brownson) Drury. This area of VT was crawling with Brownsons, and Hannah was the daughter of Col. Timothy Brownson, Jr., explaining the name of one of Sam and Hannah's sons: Timothy Brownson Drury. Everything fit. http://books.google.com/books?id=wGIEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA292&dq=%22ontario+lodge+no.+23%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22lod ge%22&f=false page 462 Masonic lodges were established at an early date. The first lodge was called Genesee Lodge, No. 32 [sic – No. 138], F&AM. It was organized about 1806, with Judge Lemuel Chipman as Master. Meetings were held in Dennison's tavern, at Dennison's Corners. The lodge was large and prosperous, till the time of the Morgan episode, following which, owing to the strong opposition engendered, it gave up its charter and disbanded. http://books.google.com/books?id=TUX698v8KGkC&pg=PA201&lpg=PA201&dq=%22Lemuel+Chipman%22&source=bl&ots=LeHS kslRYx&sig=5Lqau8LQFdAVWKiG9mgWIeBvpCA&hl=en&ei=A_F7S6GFc68lAecvJ3JBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CBsQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22Lemuel%20Chipman%2 2&f=false page 201. Lemuel Chipman, b. 25 Jul 1754, Salisbury, Litchfield, CT; d. 28 Apr 1831, Sheldon Center, Wyoming, NY. He was the brother of Nathaniel and Daniel Chipman. He had been a surgeon in the army of the Revolution. He was one of a numerous family of that name in Vermont, a brother of the well known lawyer, and law professor in Middlebury College. In all early years he was a prominent, public spirited and useful helper in the new settlements; one of the best specimens of that strong minded, energetic race of men that were the founders of settlement and civil institutions in the Genesee country. He was an early member of the Legislature (1796-97; 1800-01), and a judge of the courts of Ontario county; was twice elector of President and Vice President; and was a State Senator (1801-05). Soon after 1800, he purchased, in connection with Oliver Phelps, the town of Sheldon, in Wyoming county, and the town was settled pretty much under his. auspices. He removed to that town in 1828, where he died at an advanced age. His sons were Lemuel Chipman of Sheldon, deceased, father of Mrs. Guy H. Salisbury of Buffalo; Fitch Chipman of Sheldon; and Samuel Chipman of Rochester, the well known pioneer in the temperance movement—now the editor of the Star of Temperance. A daughter became the wife of Dr. Cyrus Wells of Oakland county, Michigan, and another the wife of Dr. E. W. Cheney, of Canandaigua. Dr. Cyrus Chipman emigrated at an early period to Pontiac, Michigan, where he was a Pioneer, and where his descendants principally reside. The town of Sheldon, Townships 9, Ranges 3 and 4, was purchased of Holland Company, in 1803, by Oliver Phelps and Lemuel Chipman. Judge Chipman, with his brother Silas, were settlers in Pittstown, Ontario county, as early as 1794. They were both physicians from Vermont; brothers of the Hon. Nathaniel Chipman of Middlebury. ----Lemuel Chipman, M. D., third son of Samuel Chipman, was b. in Salisbury, CT, 25 Jul 1754; d. 28 Apr 1831. Having studied medicine and surgery, he was assistant surgeon in the Continental Army at the battle of Bennington and then successfully practiced his profession in Pawlet, VT. He and his brother Cyrus moved to Pittstown, NY, in 1795 and in 1803 he in company with Oliver Phelps purchased that part of the "Holland Purchase," which became the town of Sheldon, NY. In Vermont he was a Member of the 21 Legislature, 1788-93, an Assistant Judge of Rutland County Court, 1788-93, a member of the convention by which the Constitution of Vermont was adopted in 1793. In New York he was a Member of the House of Representatives, a Member of the Senate, Judge of Ontario County Court many years and an elector of President. He married, about 1780, Assenath, daughter of William and Alethia Fitch of Pawlet, Vt. Children: i. Lemuel, b. 1782 ii. Fitch, b. 1785 iii. Samuel, b. 05 May 1786 iv. Miranda, b. 26 Jun 1789 v. Reeve, b. 09 Apr 1791 vi. Alpheus, b. 05 Sep 1793 vii. Asenath Fitch, b. 01 Sep 1796; m. 1817, Dr. Cyrus Wells. viii. David, b. 20 Jun 1798 ix. Alethia Wheeler, b. 1800; m. 1817, Dr. Ephraim Warren Cheney. Milnor Lodge No. 139, Victor, New York Milnor Lodge No. 303. Warrant: 5 Mar 1818 Forfeit: 1835; 'quietly existed' with charter intact thru 1836/37; Revived as No. 139, 19 Jun 1848 Four Brothers were involved with the removal of William Morgan in 1826 from the Canandaigua jail Organizational plans for a Masonic Lodge were made about 181 6 at the Inn on Boughton Hill just south of the present village of Victor. On December 1, 1817, Ontario Lodge No. 23 in Canandaigua and Zion Lodge No. 172 in East Bloomfield recommended the petition to establish a Lodge in Victor. One Zion Lodge member who signed the recommendation was Brother Claudius Victor Boughton, for whom the Town of Victor was named in honor of his gallant service on the Niagara Frontier during the War of 1812. He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1820-2 1 and 1825-26. Grand Lodge granted the petition on March 4, 18 18, and issued a Warrant the next day to Milnor Lodge No. 303. The Lodge was named in honor of James Milnor, D.D., a lawyer who served at various times as a member of Congress, Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania and Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New York. The Lodge prospered for a time, but anti-Masonic activity resulting from the Morgan Affair, led to its being unofficially closed from 1826 to 1848, though meetings may have been held in private homes. Grand Lodge forfeited its Charter in 1835. In 1847, permission was requested to resume labor, and as a result, Grand Lodge granted a new Charter to Milnor Lodge No. 139, dated June 19, 1848. In its first year under its new Charter the Lodge met in W.C. Dryer's Hotel and the upper floor of James Walling's Building, located on the south side of Main Street. Moves were subsequently made to Seavey's Hall (1851), the Victor Hotel (1869), Seavey's Hall (1870), the Moore Block (1873), the Walling Block (1882), and the Gallup Block (1886). In 1893, fire destroyed much of Victor's business district, including the Gallup Block. All records of Milnor Lodge except the Charter were lost. Meetings were held in the office of Dr. James F. Draper until February 1893, when rooms in the Moore Block were rented again. After a period of locating and relocating for 110 years, the Lodge purchased its present home, the former Universalist Church on Maple Avenue for $2250. Bro. Heber C. Kimble was one of the 12 apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a member of Milnor Lodge. Four Brothers were involved in the removal of William Morgan in 1826 from the Canandaigua jail. Milnor Lodge has been honored over the years by having eight Past Masters appointed to Grand Lodge Staff positions. Proceeds from the Annual Turkey Dinner have provided major financial support to this Lodge for 48 years. WARRANT: The warrant under which the Lodge is working is dated June 19, 1848. The first warrant granted to the Lodge is dated March 5, 1818. Both warrants are in possession of the Lodge. The name has never been changed. The first number was 303; it received its present number when revived in 1848. MINUTES: Not intact. Milnor Lodge, No. 303, was organized in 1816. In the month of September a number of freemasons residing at Victor organized a meeting and adopted the following: "Resolved, That they would obtain a charter for a Masonic Lodge in said Town." A petition was prepared and the requisite fee subscribed for the purpose and after securing the recommendation of Zion Lodge, No. 172, and Ontario Lodge. No. 23 (both extinct), the papers and money were duly forwarded to the Grand Lodge, but unfortunately all were lost in transmission. While this loss was discouraging, these zealous and energetic masons were undaunted and in a short time resolved to make another effort to secure the necessary authority to form a Lodge; a petition was again prepared, funds were provided, recommendations again obtained and on March 4, 1818, were presented to the Grand Lodge then in session, the petition was granted and the next day a warrant was issued. The first meeting after the warrant had been received was held in the house of BRO. JAMES GILLIS, when they "Resolved. To meet on the 15th day of April at the Meeting House for the purpose of installing the officers." Accordingly on the day designated the Lodge convened at the house of Bro. JAMES GILLIS, from whence it repaired to the village church, where the Lodge was duly constituted and the following officers installed by Brо. CLAUDIUS VICTOR BOUGHTON: JACOB LORDELL. Master. JOSEPH W. SEYMOUR, Senior Warden. ASAHEL, MOORE, Junior Warden. JOHN GRINOLD, Treasurer. PETER PERRY, Secretary. SAMUEL GILLIS, Senior Deacon. 22 LOTON LAWSON, Junior Deacon. SOLOMON GRISWOLD, Steward. WILLIAM GUYANT, Steward. ISAAC SIMMONS, Tiler. The Town of Victor was named in honor of BRO. BOUGHTON, who was held in high esteem in that community; he was presented with a sword by the Legislature of the State of New York for gallantry in defending the "Niagara Frontier" during the war of 1812. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/vicvillhist.html “History of Ontario Co, NY,” 1878, page 204. Masonry came to Victor with the first settlers, and was no ordinary bond of early friendly relations. Upon the scroll may be found the names of Jacob LOBDELL, Eleazer BOUGHTON, Ezra WILMARTH, Solomon GRISWALD, Rufus DRYER and many another, respected and honored. A lodge was found desirable and Mr. LOBDELL was the originator of the project. Meetings were held at various houses until September 1817, when, at a meeting at the house of Ezra WILMARTH, a charter was resolved upon. A petition to the Grand Lodge of the State was drawn, signed, sent and afterwards received the approval of Lodge No. 173, at East Bloomfield and Ontario Master's Lodge No. 23, at Canandaigua. The petition with $35 was sent to New York city, and lost on the way. Again the lodges gave consent, the money was raised and intrusted to C(laudius). V(ictor). BOUGHTON, who was going to the city for merchandise. Delivery was made and at a meeting of the Grand Lodge, held 5 Mar 1818, a warrant was granted to hold a lodge at Victor, by the name of "Milnor Lodge, No. 303." The charter was brought by Peter PERRY from Vienna, where he received it. On the evening of March 15, a preliminary meeting was held at the house of James GILLIS. The ceremony of instituting the lodge and installed its officers took place April 15, at he "Proprietor's church." Claudius V. BOUGHTON officiated as "Grand Installing Officer and Brother Rev. A. C. COLLINS as Grand Chaplain." Lodge delegations and many people were present. The officers installed were Jacob LOBDELL, W.M.; Joseph W. SEYMOUR, S.W., Asahel MOORE, J.W.; John GRINNELL, Treasurer; Peter PERRY, Secretary; Samuel GILLIS, S.D., Loton LAWSON, J.D.; Solomon GRISWALD and William GUYANT, Steward; Isaac SIMMONS, Tiler. The lodge embraced the names of 13 members with as many associates. The lodge held its first meeting 18 Apr 1818, at James GILLIS'S hotel, which stood upon the present site of W. C. DRYER's residence. A fifth meeting was held June 15, at the hotel of Jabez FELT, now the residence of Thomas B. BRACE. Numbers increased and 23 prominent citizens became members; among them Heber KIMBALL, later known as a Mormon leader. The MORGAN excitement struck a heavy blow, and Masonry quivered at the shock. From 80 members, the number was reduce to a dozen or less. The warrant was retained by a member till 1848, when it was given to the Grand Lodge. On 28 Jan 1848, the following named members of "Milnor Lodge, No. 303" met at W. C. DRYER'S hotel and organized the present lodge, viz: Asahel MOORE, W.M.; Asahel BOUGHTON, S.W.; Jabez FELT, J.W.; Zacheus P. GILLETT, treasurer; Samuel H. LEE, Secretary; Arnold PERKINS, S.D.; Hiram BROOKS, J.D. and Samuel H. LEE, Ryler, embracing all present. The old warrant was used. On 18 Jun 1848, the Grand Lodge granted a warrant to the three first named to hold a lodge to be known as "Milnor Lodge, No. 139." On September 7, the lodge was instituted and officers installed. On 7 Dec 1848, the place of assembly was changed to the upper room of the old building now owned by James WALLING. A committee for room reported, 30 Nov 1850, that they had secured quarters with the Odd Fellows, in Seavey's Hall, and Jan 1851, the lodge met at that place. In the latter part of 1869, the lodge vacated and took a small room at Victor Hotel until 8 Dec 1870, when they returned to Seavey's Hall. During the years 1872-73, the question of rooms in the 3rd floor of the Moore block was mooted, and 27 Feb 1873, an executive committee was named, and a fine room elegantly furnished at an expense of nearly $1,500. On the evening of June 12, the lodge convened in their new quarters. Of the charter members of No. 303, James Lyle GILLIS alone survives; of No. 139, Samuel H. LEE is living. The lodge numbers nearly 100 members, officered as follows: Bolivar ELLIS, W.M.; Milton STAFFORD, S.W.; Edward J. SIZER, J.W.; George P. MAYO, treasurer; and Stephen B. CROCKER, Secretary http://ontario.nygenweb.net/tvictor.htm Claudius Victor Boughton, child of Hezekiah, jr., became a prominent man in the town, after him the town was named. CLADIUS VICTOR BOUGHTON (son of Hezekiah and Huldah Willson Boughton), b. West Stockbridge, Mass., August 15, 1784, m. Victor, NY, May 17, 1802, first, Elizabeth (or Betsey) Boardman, b. Dec. 30, 1782, and settled in Pittsford, NY, where she died Nov. 7, 1815; m. second, March 24, 1817, Clarissa Beecher Hotchkiss, b. Feb. 2, 1784, and settled in Canandaigua, NY. It is said the town of Victor was named for Claudius Victor Boughton, and that subsequently the state of New York presented him with a sword, for valuable services rendered in the war on the Niagara frontier, 1813. He died at Phelps, NY, Nov. 10, 1831. http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/k/a/y/Barbara-J-Kaye/BOOK-0001/0003-0024.html ASAHEL BOUGHTON (ELEAZER6, ELEAZER5 BOUTON, JR., ELEAZER4, JOHN3, JOHN2, JOHN1) b. 19 Apr 1786 in New Canaan, CT; d. 4 Sep 1861 in Victor, NY; m. HARRIET HART in Victor, NY, d/o JOB HART and RACHEL BALL. She was b. ca 1804; d. 12 Aug 1849 in Victor, NY. Residence 1: 1795, One of founders of Victor, NY; Residence 2: 1837, Moved to Marengo Twp., Michigan Children, born in Victor, Ontario, NY: i. MARION b. 15 Sep 1817; m. HIRAM SEYMOUR. ii. TROWBRIDGE B. b. 12 Aug 1821; d. 1889, Buffalo, NY. iii. ELIZA b. 26 Sep 1824; d. 17 May 1856, Syracuse, NY; m. DANIEL (SLOSSEN) DELANO; b. 4 Jun 1824; d. Feb 1892, Middletown, NY. iv. GEORGE b. 16 Apr 1827; d. 13 Jan 1905, Marshall, MI. v. JULIET b. ca 29 Jan 1833; d. 27 Aug 1860, Marshall, MI. vi. HARRIET H. b. 02 May 1837; d. 23 Aug 1905; m. JOHN E. CHISHOLM, Marshall, MI. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/f.html Charles Fisher, Victor, was born in Stockbridge, MA, 30 Nov 1796, and came with his parents to Woodstock, Madison county, when he was 2 months old, and afterwards, in the year 1811, to Henrietta, Monroe county. In the year of 1814 he located 23 permanently at Fisher's, in the town of Victor. He was among the earliest settlers here, and the place was named after him. He was justice of the peace for a term of years, postmaster, and entertained travelers until there was a hotel started in the place. He married twice, first 29 Jul 1821, Rebeckah GASKELL, of Victor. They had two sons and three daughters: Harriet, Charles, now of Newton, Kansas, Almira, Robert, an attorney of Victor village, and Mary R. Mrs. FISHER died 7 Sep 1848, and he married second Helen J. PARDEE, on 21 Oct 1850. They had two sons: Henry P., born 27 Dec 1851, died 25 Jun 1893, who married Lucy E. BUSHMAN, 9 Nov 1875; two children: Clara and Charles. William F. born 09 Mar 1854; 6 Sep 1882, he married Addie C., daughter of Almon and Emily PRESTON, of Battle Creek, Mich. They had two sons, Almon P. and Henry S. Mr. FISHER was a produce dealer with his brother for some time, but is now faming on the old homestead. He is a member of Milnor Lodge, No. 139, F&AM, Victor, and Excelsior Chapter, No. 164, RAM, Canandaigua. (Charles died 1872) -----Jacob Lobdell, who was about 18 years old when he first came, became the owner of a 100-acre farm by purchase from the Boughtons; he married the daughter of Levi Boughton, and sired a large family. He was the first supervisor elected for Victor, and was otherwise prominent in town affairs. He died in 1847. The old Lodge prospered for a time but was finally forced to suspend operations by the intense bitterness against everything Masonic aroused in that vicinity during the Morgan period. It succeeded in regularly electing officers until December 31, 1831. The officers elected at that time were: JACOB LOBDELL, Master. PETER PERRY, Senior Deacon. ASAHEL BOUGHTON, Senior Warden. JOHN POWELL, Junior Deacon. ASAHEL MOORE. Junior Warden. JABEZ FELT, Steward ZACCHEUS P. GILLET. Treasurer. MOSES W ATKINS, Steward SHELDON WALLING, Secretary. From the date of this meeting there are no records to show when or how often meetings were held. Dues to the Grand Lodge were paid up to 1833. Shortly after this the warrant was declared forfeited and an officer was directed to demand the warrant. For years the sound of the gavel was seldom heard and the altar was rarely lighted, but the spirit of freemasonry in the breasts of these faithful masons was unsubdued and as conditions began to change, when the violence of persecution had spent its force, their spirits soon revived and they resolved to again resume their labors. While they were aware that the warrant had been declared forfeited and that an officer had been directed to take it from them, but who had been induced to leave it in their possession, they determined to continue the organization, feeling sure that in the end the Lodge would weather the storm and all would be well. In order to show the wisdom of their action and how fully their hopes were-realized, as well as to explain the difficulties of their position, an excerpt from the minutes of the Grand Lodge is given. On June 8, 1848, the Committee on Forfeited Warrants reported as follows: ''That Milnor Lodge, No. 303, paid their dues regularly to the Grand Lodge from the time their charter was granted in 1818 up to and including the year 1833; the building in which the Lodge was held was rented by the Owner thereof to an individual known to be inimical as it appears to the interests of Freemasonry and as your Committee also believe, from the information they have derived, that the opposition to the Order of Freemasonry, raging as it did, in its utmost fury, the members of Milnor Lodge were compelled, even at the point of the bayonet to relinquish their meetings and no election of officers was held afterward. In 1836 or 1837 W.'. Bro. LUTHER KELLY visited Milnor as Grand Visitor for the purpose of formally demanding the surrender of their charter, but that on becoming acquainted with all the circumstances and learning the violent opposition they had met with, the threats that had been made against them, but more especially the strong solicitude manifested by the members to resume Masonic labors should circumstances transpire which would enable them to do so, the Grand Visitor waived the formal demand of their charter which he would not then take from them, advising them to remain quietly, watch the progress of events and if a more favorable state of things presented, to then recommence their labors. In 1845 and 1846 a correspondence was entered into between the members of Milnor Lodge and the officers of lodges and distinguished brothers of the Order in various parts of the State, all of which gave them encouragement to believe that the Grand Lodge under the circumstances would commiserate their unhappy condition and extend to them favorable regards notwithstanding their constitutional irregularity. In February, 1847, Milnor Lodge drew up a memorial to the Grand Master, in a letter to BRO. HUGHES giving him a statement of their grievances and difficulties. That memorial or letter was forwarded to WOR. BRO. JOHN M. HUGHES, past Master of Milnor Lodge, but who was then a resident of Albany, who stated the substance of the memorial or letter to the Most Worshipful Grand Master for advice and counsel. The reply of past Master HUGHES embraced the advice of the Grand Master, which was, that there was a constitutional objection to lodges working under forfeited charters and advising further that the members of the Lodge present to him or to the Grand Lodge a statement of the facts and application in writing, when it would be seen what might properly be done, and whether the warrant could be constitutionally revived. The advice of past Master HUGHES was that the members again commence their Masonic labors under that charter. Your Committee are also assured that a memorial to the Grand Lodge of the State was drawn up the latter part of May 1847, giving a full statement of the difficulties of Milnor Lodge and asking advice of that Body, that the committee to whom the memorial was entrusted and whose duty it was to forward it to that Body neglected to put it into the hands of the representative of the Grand Lodge who then resided in Rochester and whom they had designated to present it to that Body at the then approaching Annual Communication. In view of all the facts and after deliberate consideration the members of Milnor Lodge concluded to recommence their Masonic labors and in the fall of 1847 held an election of officers and did so recommence work. In view then of all the facts in the case and considering that the members of Milnor Lodge from all the counsel and advice which they seemed solicitous to obtain and avail themselves of, as your Committee believe in good faith, and taking into consideration also the favorable location of Milnor Lodge, being from ten to fifteen miles from other Lodges and from the Masonic character and standing of the petitioners your Committee beg leave to offer the following resolution, viz.: 24 Resolved. That a new warrant be granted to Milnor Lodge, No. 303. on payment of the constitutional fee. That ASAHEL MOORE be named therein as Master; ASAHEL BOUGHTON, Senior Warden ; and JABEZ FELT, Junior Warden. Resolved. That the doings of said Lodge since the forfeiture of its charter are hereby healed. Resolved. That Bro. Richard W. WELLS, the present delegate from said Lodge to this June Communication be allowed the same pay as a Representative. ENOS BARNES. ALANSON SKINNER." The report was accepted and adopted. On June 19, 1848, a new warrant was issued naming as officers: ASAHEL MOORE, Master. ASAHEL BOUGHTON, Senior Warden. JABEZ FELT, Junior Warden. The first meeting under the new warrant was held September 7, 1848, when the following officers were installed by M.'. W.'. JOSEPH ENOS, past Grand Master: ASAHEL MOORE, Master. ASAHEL BOUGHTON, Senior Warden. JABEZ FELT, Junior Warden. ZACCHEUS P. GILLET, Treasurer. SAMUEL H. LEE, Secretary. ANSELL PERKINS, Senior Deacon. HIRAM BROOKS. Junior Deacon. RICHARD N. WELLS, Steward. WALTER D. HUBBARD, Steward. AMBROSE C. FORD, Tiler. Since the revival of the Lodge its affairs have been prosperous and it has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. Bolivar Ellis was District Deputy Grand Master in 1871. He is one of the oldest active members of the Lodge, having been a member since June 28, 1860. He was elected Secretary December 26, 1861, served one year and was Master fourteen years. MASTERS OF No. 303. 1818. Jacob Lobdell. 1819. Jacob Lobdell. 1820. Jacob Lobdell. 1821. Asahel Moore. 1822. Asahel Moore. 1823. Asahel Moore. 1824. Asahel Moore. 1825. Samuel Gillis. 1826. Asahel Moore. 1827. Asahel Moore. 1828. Jacob Lobdell. 1829. Jacob Lobdell. 1830. Zaccheus P. Gillet. 1831. Zaccheus P. Gillet. 1832. Jacob Lobdell. http://history.rays-place.com/ny/victor-ny.htm All authorities concede to Jared Boughton the honor of being the first pioneer settler in what is now Victor. Enos Boughton, brother to Jared, was a clerk - for William Walker, ths principal agent for the surveys and sales of the Phelps and Gorham Co. Enos purchased township No. 11, fourth range, from the proprietors, paying twenty cents per acre for the land, the money being furnished by his father, Hezekiah Boughton, and other members of the family. In the spring of 1789 Enos and Jared Boughton came to Canandaigua, and soon afterward visited the recently purchased township, in their journey following the old Indian trail. In the extreme south part of No. 11, they built a small cabin and made other preparations for a permanent residence in the then wilderness region. In June following, Hezekiah Boughton, jr., and Jacob Lobdell arrived at the cabin, bringing with them cattle and implements for household and farm use. After making improvements and clearings, and harvesting the season’s crop, all these pioneers, except Lobdell, returned to the east for the winter. In February, 1790, Jared Boughton and his family set out upon the journey to their future home, and after many noteworthy incidents, and some hardships, they safely arrived at their destination on the 7th of March, and gained the distinction of being the pioneer family of Victor. The Boughtons were a prolific as well as adventurous family, and after their surname the historic Boughton Hill itself was named. Hezekiah Boughton, the father, with his son Seymour and daughter Theodoria, came to the town in the fall of 1790, and settled in the “hill” neighborhood in a locality afterward called “Turner’s Hill.” Jacob Lobdell, who was about eighteen years old when he first came to this locality, became the owner of a hundred acre farm by purchase from the Boughtons, and he married Hannah, the daughter of Levi Boughton, and was also the sire of a large family. He was the first supervisor elected for Victor, and was otherwise prominent in town affairs. He died in 1847. Hezekiah Boughton in 1792 built the first framed house in the town, which he put to use as a tavern, in which occupation he was the pioneer. He died in 1798, and was succeeded as landlord by one Dickinson. Jared Boughton left the town in 1799, but two years later returned, and remained until his death. Frederick, son of Jared, was the first child born in the town, the date being June 1, 1791. Claudius Victor Boughton, child of Hezekiah, jr., became a prominent man in the town, and after him the town was named. The first recorded road was surveyed by Jacob LOBDELL in the town of Victor on May 30, 1796. ----- 25 Asahel MOORE was a pioneer from Stockbridge, MA, at an early date. He located upon a road, now vacated, back in the woods in the rear of RILEY. His business was that of tanning deer-skins and making mittens. He married Mary, the daughter of Abijah Williams. MASTERS OF No. 139. 1848. Asahel Moore. 1840. Asahel Moore. 1850. Asahel Moore. 1851. Asahel Moore. 1852. Asahel Boughton. 1853. Samuel Titus. 1854. George N. West. 1855. George N. West. 1856. George N. West. 1857. Walter D. Hubbard. 1858. Walter D. Hubbard. 1859. Walter D. Hubbard. 1860. Lindley W. Smith. 1861. Lindley W. Smith. 1862. Levi B. Lobdell. 1863. Levi B. Lobdell. 1864. Bolivar Ellis. 1865. Bolivar Ellis. 1866. Bolivar Ellis. 1867. Bolivar Ellis. 1868. lambert Gillis. 1869. lambert Gillis. 1870. lambert Gillis. 1871. lambert Gillis. 1872. lambert Gillis. 1873. lambert Gillis. 1874. lambert Gillis. 1875. Bolivar Ellis. 1876. Bolivar Ellis. 1877. Bolivar Ellis. 1878. Curtis A. Kellog. 1879. lambert Gillis. 1880. lambert Gillis. 1881. lambert Gillis. 1882. lambert Gillis. 1883. Stephen B. Crocker. 1884. Milton Stafford. 1885. Milton Stafford. 1886. Bolivar Ellis. 1887. Bolivar Ellis. 1888. Bolivar Ellis. 1889. Bolivar Ellis. 1890. Bolivar Ellis. 1891. Bolivar Ellis. 1892. Bolivar Ellis. 1893. Stafford S. Lusk. 1894. Stafford S. Lusk. 1895. Stafford S. Lusk. 1896. Stafford S. Lusk. 1897. James F. Draper. 1898. Henry C. Parmelee. 1899. Charles E. Padelford. 1900. Charles E. Padelford. 1901. Eugene S. Berry. 1902. Eugene S. Berry. 1903. Frank R. Appleton. 1904. F. E. Cobb. 1905. Edgar B. Case. 1906. Edgar B. Case. 1907. Eugene S. Berry. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ba-bl.html Orrin Stebbins Bacon, Canandaigua, was born at Academy (town of Canandaigua), 29 Mar 1837, a son of Hiram BACON, a Free Will Baptist minister, and a native of Pennsylvania born in 1809. He had 5 children all now living: Rev. John S. BACON, of Corning; Roxina L., widow of John BEARDSLEY, of Schuyler county; Eliza D., wife of Spencer HORTON, of Penn Yan; Daniel R., a farmer of Pulteney, Steuben county; and Orrin S. Hiram BACON came to this section in 1828 and followed his profession until his death 13 Nov 1886. Mrs. BACON died in Gorham aged 88 years. When Orrin S. was very young his parents moved to Potter, Yates county, where he lived about 11 years and then went to Gorham. Orrin S. was educated in the common schools and spent three winters at Dundee Academy. From there, at the age of 17 he taught school one winter in Jerusalem, Yates county. In 1855 he went to Victor where he followed farming one year, and then worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade one year. For 23 years he conducted a meat market, also dealt in real estate, etc. During the most of this time he held many of the minor town offices, and in 1879 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for sheriff and elected by a majority of 866 over Milton STAFFORD, of Victor. At the expiration of his term in 1883 he was appointed deputy revenue collector under Henry S. PIERCE, and held this office four years. April, 1887, he was employed by McKechnie & Co. as financial manager, in their bank in Canandaigua, an office which he has ever since held. He is one of the directors for the Canandaigua Lake Steamboat Co., and a member of Victor Lodge [No. ?], F&AM. He married, 14 Sep 1850, Harriet E. SIMMONS, of Victor, and they have had five children: Lillian M., wife of George M. DUNLOP, a silk manufacturer of Spring Valley, Rockland county; Orrin S. BACON, Jr., connected in business with his father; Albert S., a Presbyterian minister of Niagara Falls; Lizzie, wife of Edward W. SIMMONS, of Canandaigua; and Jennie O. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ca-cl.html Dr. William B. CLAPPER b. in Bristol, NY, 13 Dec 1864. His mother was of English descent and his father, German. He attended the public schools and Starkey Seminary and after a year in Syracuse University, entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, MD, from which he was graduated, 19 Apr 1894. He began to practice his profession, 5 Jul 1894 at Farmington, NY and continued there until 1901. Since was located at Victor, NY. He made a specialty of the diseases of women and children. Dr. CLAPPER was a member of the Ontario County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and was an honorary member of the Canandaigua Village Medical Society. He was on the board of directors of the County Tuberculosis Hospital. Although he was a Democrat in politics in a republican town and county, he was elected trustee of the incorporated village and for two terms as supervisor of the town, holding office for four years and taking a prominent part in the board of supervisors of the county. He was a member of Victor [Milnor] Lodge No. 139, and consistory of Rochester. He married 1 May 1895, Minnie A. HAUSNER, born at Cayugaville, NY, 25 Mar 1864, d/o Irvin and Ruth HAUSNER. Her father died in 1872 and her mother, 5 Dec 1894. Children: Ruth E., born 11 Apr 1896; Mildred L., 16 Jul 1897. http://ontario.nygenweb.net/Esurnamefamilysketch.htm From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893: < Bolivar Ellis, Victor, was born in Victory 25 Feb 1833. He was educated in the public schools, and in early life was a farmer, surveyor, and conveyancer many years. Has been supervisor of his town three years, and justice of the peace twenty-four years. In the fall of 1882 he was elected county clerk and served three years. Was also loan commissioner three years. Mr. Ellis (and his brother Daniel) is a member of Milnor Lodge No. 139, F&AM, and has been its Master for 15 years. He is a member of the Excelsior Chapter No 164, RAM, of Canandaigua, and of Munroe Commandery KT, No. 12 of Rochester. 30 Jun 1874, he married Frances M., d/o Jacob L. and Joannah (Farr) Lobdell, of Victor, and they have one daughter, Isabel. 26 Mr. Ellis's father, Henry, was born in the town of Florida, Montgomery county, 10 Dec 1798, and was a farmer. 29 Dec 1823, he married Isabel Bennett of Duanesburg, Schenectady county, and came to Victor 5 Apr 1824. They had six children, four survive: Nancy M., who married Thomas C. Turner; Jane E., who married James B. North; Bolivar, and Daniel. Mr. Ellis's father, Samuel, was a Mason and soldier in the Revolutionary War. The ancestry of the family is Welsh and Scotch. Mr. Ellis is one of the deacons in the Universalist Church. http://auburnhistoricproperties.org/upload/pdf/Titus%20Samuel.pdf SAMUEL TITUS (SAMUEL 3, JAMES 2, BENJAMIN 1) b. 4 Jul 1818 in Ballston, Saratoga , NY; d. 26 May 1905 in Auburn, Cayuga, NY; m. MARY M. HOLLISTER 31 Dec 1840 in Burnt Hills, Saratoga, NY, d/o SOLOMON HOLLISTER and ZILPHA CADY, b. 18 May 1820 in Burnt Hills, Saratoga. NY; d. 19 Dec 1895 in Auburn, Cayuga, NY. Samuel built the Erie Canal expansion aqueduct at the Schenectady Mohawk River location. Superintendant of the building of the Bradley Memorial Chapel at Fort Hill Cemetery. Master mason. 1879, Dealer in flagstone sidewalks, cement, drain & sewer pipes across from prison on State St. Children: i. MARY M. TITUS, b. 1846, NY; d. 14 Mar 1913, Auburn, Cayuga, NY. ii. HENRY D. TITUS, b. Jun 1849, Victor, Ontario, NY; d. 12 Jul 1933, Auburn, Cayuga, NY. iii. SAMUEL CADY TITUS, b. 1856, Auburn, Cayuga, NY; d. 15 Jun 1933, Auburn, Cayuga, NY; bur. Fort Hill Cemetery iv. JENNIE S. TITUS, b. 1859, Auburn, Cayuga, NY; d. 19 Sep 1925, Auburn, Cayuga, NY. http://books.google.com/books?id=dNYqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA221&lpg=PA221&dq=%22james+lyle+gillis%22+%22victor%22&source =bl&ots=fEN42jUq5D&sig=En7-8bZESUg__SzJWvoH9xxuLk&hl=en&ei=HRB9S4XqIoSXlAe_ysW2BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage& q=%22james%20lyle%20gillis%22%20%22victor%22&f=false page 220. James Lyle Gillis and Samuel Gillis The ancestors of the GILLIS family were members of the Gillis clan, who moved from Scotland to the north of Ireland at the time of the persecutions. (I) Robert Gillis, the first member of this family about whom we have definite information, was born in Boston, MA, in 1740, three days after the landing of his parents, and died at Hebron, Washington, NY, in 1836. His young manhood was spent as a sailor on coasting vessels running between Boston and New Orleans and other American ports. He m1. Jerusha Clark, of New Hampshire; m2. Sarah Stewart. Of the five children by the first wife all lived to at least 80 years of age, and one, John, died at the age of 93. Children of second wife: 1. Enos, died at Ridgway, Elk county, PA, aged 67; a tanner. 2. Samuel, died at Wasseon, Ohio, aged 84; a tanner. 3. James Lyle, of whom further. 4. Thomas, born 10 Jun 1794, died at Warren, PA; a tailor; married, had at least one child. 5. Elizabeth, died at the age of 55; married Elisha Ingersoll. 6. Hugh, deceased. (II) James Lyle Gillis, son of Robert and Sarah (Stewart) Gillis, was b. at Hebron, 2 Oct 1792; d. at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 18 Jul 1881. He received a good education, attending the common school three months in the year. Although his educational opportunities were meager compared to those offered in our time, he made the most of them. In 1808 his parents went to Argyle, NY, and here he served an apprenticeship of three years at the tanner's trade. In 1812, immediately after the declaration of war between Great Britain and the US, he enlisted in the mounted dragoons, commanded by Captain C. V. Boughton. This was an independent company, and served as the escort of General Hull. When the regiment went into winter quarters, James Lyle Gillis enlisted again, this time under the command of Colonel Stone. During the year he was at Fort George with General McClure; after the abandonment of this fort he was sick and was sent to Batavia, NY. In the meanwhile Buffalo, Lewiston, Youngstown, Black Rock, and Manchester were captured and burned, and in the winter of 1813-14 Captain Boughton's company was discharged. In the following spring Mr. Gillis again enlisted for one year, and he was in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. He was wounded at Lundy's Lane and his horse was shot from under him. On 7 Aug he was in charge of sixteen men sent on a foraging expedition; they were surprised and four were killed; nine, including Mr. Gillis, were captured, and they were confined at Toronto, Kingston, Prescott and .Montreal. Mr. Gillis with twenty-five others was put on board the transport "Stately," 14 Nov 1814, which was about to sail for England, but he and five others escaped in a boat and landed near Quebec. After wandering in the woods three days they met a Frenchman, who agreed to conduct them to a place of safety, but they were again taken by the British and kept at Halifax until peace was made in the spring of 1815. For some time after the war Mr. Gillis lived at Victor, NY, and worked with his brothers, Enos and Samuel, at tanning. In 1822 he came to Jefferson, now in Elk county, PA, and settled in the wilderness, seventy miles from the nearest post office, and with no neighbor nearer than sixteen miles. Here he cleared what is now the Montmorenci farm, and built a saw mill and grist mill three miles west of Montmorenci. He was the first to manufacture lumber on a large scale in this district. In the new community he became a leader. Being appointed associate judge of Jefferson and Franklin counties, he held this office for two terms. In 1840 he was first elected to the state legislature, in which he served three terms in the house and three terms in the senate. Then in 1856 he was elected to membership in the US House of Representatives. In the same year he was a delegate to the convention which nominated James Buchanan for president of the US; President Buchanan and James Lyle Gillis were intimate friends. The last office which he held was that of agent for the Pawnee Indians, to which he was appointed in 1859. Three years later he went to Iowa and there lived with his son, Charles B. Gillis, until the latter's death. James Lyle Gillis was thus a leading figure in the affairs of his time and in the pioneer activities of Elk county. He was a Democrat. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his second wife was a member. 27 He married (first) in 1816, Mary Ridgway, of Philadelphia, who died in 1826, (second) Cecilia Ann, b. in Walton, Cattaraugus, NY, 1806; d. at Ridgway, Elk, PA, 25 Apr 1855, d/o Henry Berray, who was a farmer in Cattaraugus county, NY, died there when over 80 years old. Children of first wife: 1. Ridgway B., b. 15 Feb 1818, Victor, NY; d. at Mount Pleasant, Iowa; he was with his father in the lumbering business; moved to Mount Pleasant in 1848; the next year he went to California as a prospector; returned to Mount Pleasant and lived on his farm; he was accidentally shot; married Margaret Bain, from Elk county; 6 children. 2. Jeannette Caroline, b. 02 May 1820, Victor; d. 22 Feb 1892, at Ridgway; m. Jacob V. Houk, from Beaver county, PA; he was a lumberman and merchant ; child, Son, died young. 3. Charles B., b. 01 Apr 1823, Victor; d. 23 Feb 1881, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; he was a farmer at Mount Pleasant, and was murdered by a tramp, as he was standing in his own doorway; the murderer confessed in 1911, explaining that he mistook Mr. Gillis for the marshal; m. Emma J. Howard, from McKean county, PA; child, Emma, died young. Children of second wife: 4. Mary B., b. 23 Aug 1829, Montmorenci, PA; d. 8 Feb 1895, Brockton, NY; m. Samuel Porter, from Chautauqua county, NY; he was a carpenter; children: Anna, James, Augustus, Claude, another daughter. 5. James H., b. 14 May 1831, Montmorenci; d. at Melbourne Beach, FL; a commodore of the US navy; m1. Lydia Alexander; m2. Ursula Z. Canfield who resided in Syracuse, NY, in the summer and at Melbourne Beach in the winter. 6. Bosanquet W., b. 08 Aug 1835, Ridgway; resided in Brooklyn, NY; was a proof reader for the New York Times; m. Martha Radcliffe; children: Frank, Martha, Cecilia, Roberta, Arnold. 7. Emma Augusta, b. 07 Mar 1837, Ridgway; resided at Portland, NY; m. James Noxon, a farmer from Chautauqua Co., NY. 8. Robert S., b. 01 May 1840, Ridgway; d. 13 Sep 1907, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; president of a bank and had a large farm; m. Sophia Whiting, from Mount Pleasant; children: James, Sarah, Henry, Hugh, Ansel. 9. Claudius Victor Boughton Goodrich, b. 14 Sep 1841, Ridgeway; Past Master of Kane Lodge, No. 566, in Pennsylvania. 10. Cecilia A., b. 03 Apr 1844, Ridgway; m. Henry Whiting; a retired mechanical engineer; he became blind; they spend the winters in Florida; no children. For an account of the alleged indictment of James L. Gillis in the Morgan excitement, see Appendix II at the end of this present compilation. ------- Sincerity Lodge No. 200. Phelps, New York WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated Jane 19. 1858. The name has never been changed. The first number was 443. On June 9, 1859, at a session of the Grand Lodge, a petition from the Lodge was presented praying for a change in the number to 200, that being the number of an extinct Lodge bearing the same name which had preceded the present Lodge. The next day the Committee on Warrants reported adversely and the petition was denied, but on the following day, June 11th, on motion of William M. Crosby, Master of the Lodge, the action was reconsidered, and, "on motion the petition of the Lodge was granted and the number of said Lodge changed to 200." MINUTES: Intact. The Lodge also has in its possession the records of its predecessor from May 7, 1811, to December 22, 1822. During the year 1857 a successful effort was made to revive an interest in Freemasonry and organize a Lodge in the town of Phelps. Informal meetings were held by a number of Masons residing in that vicinity, and finally a petition was prepared asking for a dispensation. The petition was signed by the following: William M. Crosby. Calvin H. Carpenter. Thadeus A. Lawrence. Jerome B. Jackson. David B. Sweet. Justus H. Dawley. Joseph June. Charles Scott. Benjamin F. Salisbury. The petition was recommended by Canandaigua Lodge, No. 294, and Newark Lodge, No. 83. On March 15, 1858, a dispensation was issued by John L. Lewis, Jr., Grand Master, which named as officers: WILLIAM M. CROSBY, Master. CALVIN H. CARPENTER, Senior Warden. THADEUS A. LAWRENCE, Junior Warden. The dispensation was presented to the Lodge in person by the Grand Master at a meeting held in Odd Fellows Hall on the evening of March Hi, 1858. At this meeting the following additional officers were selected. DAVID B. SWEET, Treasurer. JEROME B. JACKSON, Senior Deacon. JOSEPH JUNE, Tiler. JUSTUS H. DAWLEY, Secretary. BENJAMIN F. SALISBURY, Junior Deacon. The Lodge continued to work under the dispensation until the warrant was granted June 19, 1858. The officers named in the dispensation were also named in the warrant. The first officers elected after the warrant had been granted were publicly installed on December 28, 1858, and as this ceremony was received with such favor by the community the officers have frequently been installed in public, the most recent being the installation of the- officers who served in 1901. When first organized the Lodge met in Odd Fellows Hall. In July 1858 it secured quarters in what was known as "Old Masonic Hall,” this property being at that time owned by the first Master, WILLIAM M.. CROSBY. It remained in these quarters until 1870, when it moved into" a new hall which it had built over the Gibson Block, and here it still has well furnished and commodious quarters owned by the Lodge. 28 The Lodge has participated in numerous public ceremonials, among them being the laying of the corner-stone of the Public Library at Newark, NY; the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple at Seneca Falls, the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple at Geneva, NY, the laying of the corner-stone of the Town Hall at Victor, NY, and the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, NY. The predecessor of Sincerity Lodge, No. 200, was a Lodge by the same name and number organized in 1811 (at Vienna). The first recorded meeting of this Lodge was held May 7, 1811. The officers selected at this meeting were: WELLS W HITMORE, Master. MICHAEL MUSSELMAN, Senior Deacon. WILLIAM BURNETT, Senior Warden. DAVID SANDERSON, Junior Deacon. ALFRED WITTER, Junior Warden. RUSSELL B'LINT. Steward. LUTHER ROOT, Treasurer. JOSEPH DANIELS, Steward. JOHN S. McCAY, Secretary. E. CRAKY, Tiler. The officers were installed by Philetus Swift. In addition to those before mentioned there were present at this meeting: Elias Cost, Roland Dewey, John Warner, George Hickey, Isaac Dean, James Fisk, Chauncey Dean and Nathaniel Stern. The date of the dispensation under which the Lodge must have been working at this time is unknown, but shortly after this a petition was prepared praying for a warrant, which was read at a session of the Grand Lodge held September 4, 1811, and referred to the Grand Officers. On December 7, 1811. a warrant was issued, and on the 24th of the same month the Lodge was duly constituted and the officers installed by PHILETUS SWIFT, as Deputy Grand Master. POLYDORE B. WERNER, as Junior Grand Warden. PARLEY PHILLIPS, as Senior Grand Warden. DAVENPORT PHELPS, as Grand Chaplain. JACOB DOXE, as Grand Secretary. Bro. Philetus Swift, one of the area's most prominent settlers, came to Phelps from Vermont in 1789 and established very successful flour and saw mills (later known as Barlow's) on his large farm northwest of Oaks Corners. The old brick building at Unionville across from York Inn was his center of trade as a wholesale dealer in grains and other produce; a large painted sign announced "Swift's --Cash for Wheat". His teamsters with their 4 and 6 horse teams made regular trips to Albany with wheat, bringing back wagon loads of provisions unobtainable here. In 1816, he built the fine cutstone house, today the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lansing Hoskins, Phelps Road. His rank of General was received during War of 1812, when he commanded a regiment on the Niagara frontier. He was a judge of the County Court and later a member of New York State Senate. The officers installed were: WILLIAM BURNETT, Master. MICHAEL MUSSELMAN, Senior Warden. LUTHER ROOT. Junior Warden. NATHANIEL W ILSON, Treasurer. ELIAS COST, Secretary. DAVID SANDERSON, Senior Deacon. THEODORE BAN(N)ISTER, Junior Deacon. JOHN WARNER. Steward. JOHN H. HAWKS, Steward. STEPHEN DUNWELL, Tiler. http://burrcook.com/history/Ontario/oaks3.htm Colonel Elias Cost, who appeared on the Phelps scene from Maryland about 1800, was a most interesting and important man. He had his fingers in every business and political pie in the area. At first, he owned the Kirtland farm; when he married his second wife, Fanny, widow of Thaddeus Oaks, he built for her the stately white-pillared brick house, now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Canton Oaks. His military ranks are of interest, too. He was Captain Cost on the night he was at Sodus, during the War of 1812, when the British attacked the Point to capture stores hidden there; Asher Warner was killed in that engagement. He was Major Cost when appointed chairman of a committee to complete our meeting-house in 1814. As Colonel Cost, he served as first postmaster of Oaks Corners, when Andrew Jackson was President, and later as a Whig Member of Assembly at Albany. After his death, the Loomis family purchased the property. Mrs. Loomis, mentally confused in her later life, delighted in an attic swing, built especially for her, and spent hours there reliving her childhood. The swing has remained in the attic all these years; it is said if you steal very quietly up the attic stairs, you may see the empty swing moving gently back and forth as though she had just left it. Few have tiptoed silently enough to see it swaying. ---------At this meeting by-laws were adopted and two candidates initiated. There are but few papers relating to this Lodge on file in the Grand Secretary's office. The returns for the year 1818 show a membership of fifty and that seven candidates had been initiated during the year. The returns for 1819 show a membership of fortythree; this appears to have been the last returns made by the Lodge. In 1820-21 and 22 it was reported in arrears for dues. At a session of the Grand Lodge held June 13, 1823, the Grand Secretary reported that the Lodge had been summoned to pay its dues. The following paper, the original of which is on file, shows what action was taken by the Lodge upon receiving the summons: "At a regular meeting of Sincerity Lodge at the Lodge room, August 19. 5823. On motion, Resolved that the Secretary be directed to write to the Grand Lodge and inform them the balance due them (from the Lodge) is now collected and will be forwarded at their communication in September next if a safe and convenient opportunity offers. If not, we will forward it in the month of October by one of the brethren of our Lodge appointed for that purpose. "R. W. E. Hicks. G. Secretary. I forward you for the Grand Lodge a copy of our resolutions, which will be punctually attended to. "Yours, etc., "THEODORE PARTRIDGE, Shortly after this the Morgan anti-Masonic crusade burst upon the community, and the town of Phelps became a seething hot bed of excitement and persecution, so much so that the Lodge ceased to meet at its regular quarters, but held infrequent meetings at the homes of the brethren. The intense bitterness of those who, through ignorance of the purposes of the Fraternity and blinded by prejudice, assailed them finally forced the Lodge out of existence, and in December, 1829, its warrant was declared forfeited. 29 One only of the members of the old Lodge, Frederick Vaudermark, became a member of the present Lodge. He was made a Mason in 1814. joined the present Lodge in 1858, remaining a member until his death in 18C2. James P. Bartle, who was Master in 182122, was the first Master of Newark Lodge, No. 83, in 1824. The records of the old Lodge contain some curious and interesting items. The following are excerpts: "October 29. 1811, ' Voted that L. Hoot procure a pair of candle snuffers for the Lodge.' April 13. 1813. 'Resolved that Brother L. Root shall he a committee to furnish one quire of paper and one ink stand for the use of the Lodge.' December 27, 1813. 'Voted that the Lodge loan W. D. Sanderson Ten Dollars for six months and give him Ten Dollars out of the funds thereof as a compensation for the loss which he has sustained by fire.' " The Lodge appears to have been generous in its donations to the distressed and needy, which is to its credit, but its financial methods proved unfortunate. It appears that the funds wore loaned by the Treasurer to individuals to such an extent that in 1818 its cash assets consisted mostly in bills payable. This practice led to the appointment of a "Committee of Investigation," which made the following curious report: "The object of the original institution your Committee believes to have been to alleviate the miseries and calamities of their fellowmen, to embellish their minds with Science, to develop a liberal charity in the hearts of men and inculcate the fundamental principles of benevolence and brotherly love. "If such then were the principles on which Masonry was anciently founded, it should be the imperious duty of each individual association anchored on that same pure basis to support those God-like virtues, lest the superb edifice should crumble into dust and bury beneath its ruins every trace of its celestial origin. "That our charity may be extensively useful, our personal services and our sympathy in the distress of a weary brother are grateful, but personal services and sympathy though they always convey cannot effectually redeem the claims upon our benevolence. With such opinions your Committee believe our ancient brethren were guided and directed to create a firm and lasting pecuniary source to which the weary and distressed brother might with confidence approach, be comforted, and depart, having no other reward than the tributes of a gratitude, sincere and ardent, as were his necessities, severe and unresisting. "Stimulated by their principles and emulating their examples the brethren of Sincerity Lodge have a charitable fund to be appropriated to every suffering friend by a beneficent generosity controlled by no bound except the due regard to the claims of all. Without any disrespectful restriction to the brethren of the Lodge, your Committee feel it their duty to ask if too great liberality may not have been exercised in dispossessing the Lodge of those means of relief for the call of a worthy brother which the anticipation of future applications would have prevented. If such be the fact. then ought not the Treasurer as soon as the present impoverishing and distressed situation of our common Country permit, collect the moneys which are now due to the Lodge." GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. Charles H. Burt, District Deputy Grand Master Frederick D. Vanderhoof, District Deputy Grand Master. William A. Judd, Grand Sword Bearer. MASTERS OF SINCERITY LODGE, No. 200. Warranted December 7, 1811. 1811. Wells Whitmore. 1812. William Burnett. 1813. Michael Musselman. 1814. Michael Musselman. No further records of elections. 1815. Michael Musselman. 1816. Michael Musselman. 1817. Michael Musselman. 1818. Michael Musselman. 1819. Thomas Smith. 1820. Thomas Smith. 1821. James P. Bartte. 1822. James P. Bartte. 1823. Michael Musselman. Wells Whitmore (b. ca 1867; d. ca 24 Mar 1838, age 70) married, Nancy Dean (d. 5 May 1858, age 81) d/o Seth Dean(e); her sister was the wife of Bro. Philetus Swift. http://burrcook.com/history/Ontario/oaks3.htm Wells Whitmore came into the district with Jonathan Oaks in 1789, from Conway, Mass. He was a skillful carpenter and iron worker; most of the elaborate Iron railings and fences around the early lawns, gardens and cemeteries of this area were his work, He helped build Oaks Tavern and our old church, you remember-- also the mills of Phelps and Geneva Hotel. He was made constable at the original meeting of the Town of Seneca 1793. A brother-in-law of Bro. Philetus Swift, the two men were associated in many activities. In Masonic circles, he was Senior Warden at the installation of Sincerity Lodge in Vienna. His home at Oaks Corners was close by the south edge of the old Simmons burying ground (Oaklawn cemetery) the cellar hole is still visible http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/cems/phelps/oldpio/phelpspiopics5.htm Michael Musselman (b. ca 1779; d. 8 Jan 1852, age 73). US patent X4,301 Application of steam to machinery was issued to Michael Musselman of Phelps, NY. It was granted on 29 Dec 1825. He was also a brother-in-law of Bro. Philetus Swift. He settled ‘at and early date’ (before 1813) east of Oak Corners. 30 MASTERS OF SINCERITY LODGE, No. 200. Warranted June 19, 1858. 1858. William M. Crosby. 1859. William M. Crosby. 1859. Calvin H. Carpenter (after Aug. 9th). 1860. Calvin H. Carpenter. 1861. Calvin H. Carpenter. 1862. Calvin H. Carpenter. 1863. Philip S. Rogers. 1864. Ezra J. Peck. 1865. Ezra J. Peck. 1866. Ezra J. Peck. 1867. Philip S. Rogers. 1868. Philip S. Rogers. 1869. Philip S. Rogers. 1870. Philip S. Rogers. 1871. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1872. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1873. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1874. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1875. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1876. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1877. Philip S. Rogers. 1878. Philip S. Rogers. 1879. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1880. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1881. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1882. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1883. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1884. John Wolven 1885. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1886. Frederick D. Vanderhoof. 1887. Russell B. Cobb. 1888. Russell B. Cobb. 1889. Russell B. Cobb. 1890. Russell B. Cobb. 1891. Russell B. Cobb. 1892. Russell B. Cobb. 1893. Russell B. Cobb. 1894. William M. Crothers. 1895. William M. Crothers. 1896. William M. Crothers. 1897. William A. Judd. 1898. William A. Judd. 1899. Charles H. Burt. 1900. Charles H. Burt. 1901. Charles H. Burt. 1902. Seymour Fridley. (1866-1933) 1903. Seymour Fridley. 1904. Russell B. Cobb. 1905. Ulysses G. Burnett. 1906. Ulysses G. Burnett. 1907. Albert Bosshart, Jr. 1908. Albert Bosshart. Jr. 1909. Elmer G. Miller. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ba-bl.html Burt BALDWIN, cashier of the Ontario National Bank of Clifton Springs, NY, while young in years, has gained an amount and diversity of experience in his business career, which is frequently not attained in a life time by others. He is energetic, versatile and has a remarkable amount of executive ability, which has enabled him to think and act quickly as occasion demanded. His family has been settled in America many generations, his grandfather having been a farmer in the state of Pennsylvania. Vincent, son of George BALDWIN, was born in the town of Chemung, Pennsylvania, 3 Aug 1836, died in 1905. He was successfully engaged in the hotel business for many years. He married Mary KENNEDY, who was born in Troy, PA. Burt, son of Vincent and Mary (KENNEDY) BALDWIN, was born in Bradford county, PA, 9 Oct 1873. His elementary education was acquired in the public schools of his native township, and he then attended in succession the Mansfield Military School and the Genesee Western Seminary, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1893. In 1905 he came to Clifton Springs, Ontario, NY, where he was engaged in the coal business and occupied with agricultural matters. Three years later he sold these interests in order to accept the position of cashier of the Ontario National Bank, as above mentioned. He has been prominently identified with the public interests of the community in which he lives, and served as president of the village of Clifton Springs for a term of three years. His fraternal affiliations are with Sincerity Lodge, No. 200, F&AM, Newark Chapter No. 117, Royal Arch Masons. Mr. BALDWIN is a man of a frank and winning manner, quick in arriving at a decision, and modest and unassuming in his demeanor. Mr. BALDWIN married 27 Dec 1904, Eunice May, d/o Truman B FOX., of Clifton Springs, and they have one son, Truman Vincent. 31 Albert Bosshart, Jr. http://www.comtrader.com/archives/012605/history/history.html Several decades ago, when downtown Clifton Springs had a thriving business district, the proud firm of Bosshart & Morphy, Jewelers was an active local business firm. The senior partner was Albert Bosshart, Jr. the son of Alfred Bosshart Sr. who had been head chef at the Clifton Springs Sanitarium. In the summer of 1897, Mr. Bosshart Jr. then a youth just out of high school, left his home here to take a course of training at the Huchinson School of Watchmakers and Engravers at Laporte, Ind. After being graduated in July of 1889, he entered the employment of E. S. Ettenheim & Co., in Rochester, NY where he remained for two and a half years. R. H. Gulvin, a Geneva watchmaker, having offered him a position, he moved to that city remaining there until he opened up his jewelry store in the Walsh Block on Crane Street in Clifton Springs on 4 Nov 1904. Albert was busy with both the local traffic and the large influx of summer visitors to Dr. Foster's Sanitarium. The store carried fine jewelry, watches as well as some china and silverware. The main source of revenue was the jewelry and watch sales and the repair hereof. Mr. Edwin Morphy was born in Clifton Springs on 20 Feb 1900. While a senior in high school he took a part-time job at what was then Albert Bosshart's Jewelry Store. The year was 1915. He attended New York University for a time and returned to Clifton Springs to work and learn from Mr. Bosshart. In March of 1925 he was admitted to partnership and the firm became known as Bosshart & Morphy. By this time the jewelry store was located in the Foster Block just east of the Devereaux Book Store. This is where we "oldsters" remember the two at work. Here most of the local population went to obtain their wedding rings, watches and plate ware. The walls were hung with clocks and the cases filled with a fine selection of gold, diamonds and silverware. We often wondered how the two put up with the constant ticking of the clocks but to them it was probably like the "background music" of any vocation. The firm both before and after the forming of the partnership, was successful in attracting an important patronage for many miles around, as well as guests to the Sanitariuim. There was no great secret as to how this was done. Both members seemed to have the qualification, which stood them well. Mr. Bosshart retired in 1951 and died in 1963. Following his demise, Ed Morphy took over sole ownership of the business. From Geneva Daily Times 11 February 1909: Clifton Springs, N. Y. - On Wednesday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, occurred the marriage of Miss Zana F. Rector, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Rector, to Albert Bosshart, Jr., both of Clifton Springs. The ceremony was performed in the presence of only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom at the home of the bride's parents, about two miles north of this village. Dr. Charles H. Burt http://books.google.com/books?id=bzYuAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA56&dq=%22Charles+H.+Burt%22+%22phelps%22#PPA56,M1 pg. 56. Charles H. Burt, married 1886 Ina T. Vanderhoof, b. Phelps, NY, 1867: d/o Bro. Frederick D. Vanderhoof and Armeda R. Hyde; one daughter, Mae A. Burt; He was educated at Phelps Union and Classical School and the Hahn Seminary of Clifton Springs; graduated 1895, from Woman's Medical College of the NY Infirmary for Women and Children; degree 1895 M.D.; post-graduate clinic and hospital work; Health Officer of the Town of Phelps one term and of the Village of Phelps two terms; Ontario Co. Chairman of the A. M. A. Public Health Education Committee; member, Monroe Medical Society, Blackwell Medical Society of Rochester, Woman's Medical Soc. NY State; Regular. Residence and office: E. Main St., Phelps, NY. http://www.burrcook.com/history/Ontario/mabel%20oaks.htm Dr. Calvin H. Carpenter, (b. 27 Jul 1829 Little Falls, Herkimer, NY; d. 1 Dec 1878 Geneva, , NY ), W. Main St., Phelps, served as surgeon [Major] with the 148th Infantry Regiment in the Civil War [from Aug. 29, 1863 to June 22, 1865. Was assistant surgeon from Sept. 9, 1862 to Aug]. After the war he lived on Lester Road in the house once the home of Dr. Joel Prescott 1st. Later he practiced in Geneva where both he and his eleven year old son died from diptheria during the dreadful epidemic of 1878. He was the son of Elder Calvin Carpenter. In Groton, Tompkins Co., on the 18th of January 1855, by the Rev. A. Pomeroy, Dr. Calvin H. Carpenter of Phelps, (married) to Miss Jennette K. DeLano of the former place. http://ontario.nygenweb.net/CHtoCOLfamilysketch.htm Cobb, Russell B., Phelps, only child of Nahum and Emeline (Bennett) Cobb, was born in Phelps, 10 Sep 1841. Nahum, the father, was born in Massachusetts. His father, George, moving to this State when his son was a boy. The great-grandfather of Russell B. was also named George Cobb. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and his ancestors were Cape Cod people. Russell B. married, in Jan 1862, Mary Gerow, daughter of Oliver and Lucy (Howard) Gerow, of Phelps, and they had two children: George Gerow and Lula. Mr. Cobb is one of the representative citizens of the town. He has served as road commissioner for nine years. He died in 1925. He is shown on the Civil War draft for Phelps (in the Geneva Gazette, 31 Jul 1863), but further record is shown. 32 Report of the Education Department - Page 382 http://books.google.com/books?id=WkA_AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA382&dq=%22Ezra+J.+Peck%22#PPA382,M1 page 382 30 years old. Enlisted on 19 Sep 1861 at Phelps, NY as a 1st Lieutenant. On 9 Oct 1861 he was commissioned into "D" Co. NY 8th Cavalry; resigned on 19 Aug 1862 IN MEMORY OF INSPECTOR EZRA J. PECK LL.D. After a service of nearly a half century, Ezra J. Peck quietly dropped from the ranks on 9 Sep 1911 at the age of eighty. Of New England ancestry, dating back to William Peck, one of the founders of New Haven, Conn., he was born in Seneca Castle, NY, 19 Dec 1830. He was prepared for college in a private school in Auburn and was graduated from Williams College with the degree of B.A. in the class of 1851. In 1854 he received the degree of M.A. from Williams and in 1898 the honorary degree of LL.D. from Hobart. In 1884 he took at Cornell University a graduate course in the classical languages, a department of knowledge in which he took special delight as a student and in which he excelled as an instructor. His career as an educator began with his appointment as principal of the Union and Classical School at Phelps in 1861. Soon thereafter he enlisted in the 8th New York Cavalry and served as first lieutenant until the close of the war. He then resumed his position at Phelps where he remained until 1868, after which he served one term as school commissioner in Ontario county. He then became assistant principal of Canandaigua Academy and two years later, principal of Homer Academy. In the latter position he served until 1884 when he began his sixteen-year term as principal of Oswego Free Academy. This service was terminated by his appointment as State inspector of schools in 1900, in which capacity he rendered faithful service until his death. Doctor Peck not only excelled as an instructor in the classics but he also excelled as a teacher. He possessed to an unusual degree those qualities of mind and heart that admitted of no barriers between himself and his pupils, and he was therefore able to exert the full force of his uplifting and beneficent influence on their lives. He was quick to discern worth in a pupil and adept in developing it. He possessed the rare ability to inspire his pupils to make the most of themselves and this trait accounts in large measure for the extraordinarily large proportion of his pupils whom he sent to college. Doctor Peck was prominent in fraternity and in church affiliations. He was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity, a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar, a member of the University Club of Albany, a member of the G.A.R., one of the synodical commissioners of Elmira College, and an active member and elder of the Presbyterian Church. Doctor Peck was a pronounced optimist, always cheerful, kind- hearted, looking for the best in everything. His genial ways, pleasing personality and lovable character endeared him alike to young and old. His uplifting, kindly influence will always be a pleasant and helpful memory to all who knew him. Philip S. Rogers married 26 Feb 1862 Emily Mills of Newark, NY From the Geneva Gazette 27 May 1898: Philip S. Rogers, a prominent farmer of Phelps, died last Monday after a brief illness of rheumatism of the heart. He was highly esteemed as a citizen and Mason. From Geneva Gazette 15 January 1897: Phelps, NY - Mrs. Phillip Rogers died at her home at three o'clock Tuesday afternoon of pneumonia, after an illness of only four days. Mrs. Rogers was formerly Miss Mills, and leaves a husband, two brothers living in Newark, two brothers in Lyons, and one sister, Mrs. E. H. Snyder of Batavia. http://ontario.nygenweb.net/UVsurnamefamilysketch.htm Dr. Frederick D. Vanderhoof, Phelps, was born in Manchester April 28, 1843, one of six children (four now living) of Peter and Margaret (Doxtater) Vanderhoof. Jacob, the grandfather, was born in New Jersey, coming to Manchester and settling in early life. Frederick D. married in 3 May 1864 Armeda R. Hyde [1845-1825], daughter of John R. and Hannah C. Hyde of Newark, N. Y. They have four children: Ina H., Fred, Neva W. and Bertrand G. Mr. Vanderhoof was educated at the schools at Clifton, read medicine with Dr. Pomeroy, of Newark, graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city in 10 March 1864. He entered the service as assistant surgeon until the close of the war (51st , NY Infantry Vols., resigned 9 Jun 1865). In February, 1867, he came to Phelps and engaged in the practice of his profession, where he has since remained. He served as Secretary, of the Ontario County Medical Society, 1882-1890 and as President in 1871 and 1891. He died in 29 Jul 1921. http://ontario.nygenweb.net/Wsurnamefamilysketchpart2.htm John Wolven (aka Wolvin), Phelps, was born in Seneca, 21 Nov 1841, one of two children, the other being Harriet, widow of J. C. Jackson, of Alexander and Eliza (Townsend) Wolven. Alexander, the father, was born near Saugerties, the mother being a native of Seneca. The grandfather was Levi Wolven. John married, 22 Nov 1865, Eloise Snyder of Lyons, one of eight children of Philip and Ann Snyder. They had one son, Elmer E., and an adopted daughter, Alice Harmon Wolven. After 1846 Mr. Wolven lived on his fine farm of 320 acres which was used for general farming, fruit and mint. He also had a flock of 140 sheep. He died in 1929. 33 http://ontario.nygenweb.net/phelpsmasons.htm PHELPS, NY MASONS 1895 - 1910 - 1911 Roster of the Officers and Members of Sincerity Lodge No. 200, F. & A.M. of Phelps, N.Y. for January 1895 MEMBERS L. D. Allen H. G. Balthrop T. W. Barker L. M. Bement Alvin Bishop Andrew Bogart Albert Bosshart S. K. Bowker A. W. Brown L. O. Brown Ewin F. Bussey Henry C. Bussey Clayton Bradley N. B. Briggs J. V. Bryant J. M. Burgdorf Charles H. Burt H. K. Carpenter R. B. Cobb M. E. Connolly Edwin S. Corwin Irving Corwin David Cosad E. J. Crandall D. S. Crittenden W. L. Crothers W. H. Dillon W. C. Edmonston J. H. Elliott H. C. Everard John Farnsworth T. V. Fox Charles H. Garlock George C. Gates B. H. Harmon Robert Harris E. A. Hibbard T. O. Hotchkiss William A. Howe W. A. Judd Henry Kellogg H. C. Kirk Epenetus Lamb W. R. Laughlin E. H. Leggett George F. Lewis William A. Lewis Wm. Llewellyn William H. Llewellyn L. R. Lombard F. W. Mailler C. R. Marshall Daniel McIntyre Augustus McLeod R. A. McMullen J. J. Miller Jonathan J. Monks George W. Moore Frank S. Mosher George Mussleman T. F. Musselman J. D. Newkirk W. D. Norton Wm. A. Oaks Charles W. Odell Frank S. Odell Malcolm Odell J. Q. Palmer Grover Partridge S. S. Patridge C. D. Phillips Sylvester Porter B. F. Prichard Milton Pruyn S. F. Rice G. C. Prichard Harvey Rice P. S. Rogers John H. Roy John J. Salisbury Wallace Salisbury A. H. Sandford A. D. Schutt Minor J. Sebring McKendree Shaw S. E. Shear Henry Sheckell George B. Shepperd J. H. Sheriff H. E. Sherman A. J. Short A. S. Smith Alden R. Smith Ed. W. Smith John Smith John R. Smith William Snyder J. H. Stephens E. H. Tallmadge W. C. Tout H. M. Vandemark Henry Vandemark F. D. Vanderhoof Levi Vanderhoof Lee Vosburg David White W. A. White W. A. Willing James Wilson F. H. Wisewell John Wolven J. K. Young OFFICERS W. L. Crothers, W.M. W. A. Judd, S.W. Lee Voxburg, J.W. S. K. Bowker, Treas. W. D. Norton, Sec'y W. A. White, S.D. W. A. Willing, J.D. Chas. Garlock, S.M.C. George Lewis, J.M.C. McKendree Shaw, Chaplain Ezra Hibbard, Marshall George C. Gates, Organist J. K. Young, Tyler W. C. Tout, E. S. Corwin, Trustee N. B. Brigg, Trustee PAST MASTERS F. D. Vanderhoof Philip Rogers John Wolvin R. B. Cobb Regular Communications First and Third Tuesdays of each month. [Source: original membership roster] SINCERITY LODGE NO. 200 Phelps, New York Incorporated 1811 and 1858 MEMBERSHIP 1910 Avery, W. P. Avery, F. A. Briggs, N. B. Burt, C. H. Brown, A. W. Bosshart, A., Sr. Bryant, J. V. Bement, S. M. Bussey, E. G. Bussey, H. C. Bradley, C. T. Burgdorf, J. M. Bryant, Chas. N. S. Burnett, U. G. Briglin, J. E. Brown, A. Bosshart, A., Jr. Bill, E. J. Bill, S. D. Bartholomew, Geo. Bussey, A. F. Broadt, F. S. Barry, Geo. S. Briggs, R. E. Baldwin, Burt Benton, Frank E. Bridger, L. G. Briggs, C. C. Crittenden, W. W. Crittenden, DeL. S. Corwin, I. Cobb, R. B. Corwin, E. S. Crothers, W. L. Conine, Geo. Crosier, M. D. Caves, Joel Clark, Geo. R. Cook, Geo. F. Combs, F. C. Chase, L. Vernon Cost, I. T. Case, Geo. G. Clements, E. G. Dear, T. J. Dean, E. D. Donnelly, J. W. Durkee, J. A. Edmonston, W. C. Eacker, F. G. Esty, A. B. Evered, H. C. Fox, Jno. J. Fox, T. V. Fridley, Seymour Fridley, W. P. Folsom, Rev. Milo G. French, Edgar L. Foster, L. S. Garlock, Chas. H. Giles, F. M. Groat, A. D. Howe, W. A. Holmes, Wm. Hicks, Adelbert Hunt, W. H. Holbrook, F. L. Hulse, W. Y. Hibbard, H. B. Hayes, T. C. 34 Hutchens, J. Fred Hoppel, Geo. A. Hydon, W. J. Howell, G. H. Helmer, J. F. Harvey, Rev. G. A. Hildreth, A. S. Hughes, W. H. Hicks, W. H., Jr. Ingalls, W. A. Imboden, H. M. King, J. A. Kitson, C. W. Lamb, E. Llewellyn, W. H. Leggett, E. H. Lewis, Geo. F. Lewis, Wm. A. Lighty, Jno. A. Lewis, Jas. R. Lathrop, H. P. Lovell, C. B. Lake, G. U. Lewis, H. B. Miller, J. J. Musselman, T. F. Marshall, C. R. Mosher, F. S. Monks, J. J. Miller, W. H. Muskett, Geo. Myers, Frank R. Miller, E. G. Mott, Geo. Middaugh, J. E. Main, Lewis McMullen, R. A. McBurney, H. A. Miller, Aug. J. Main, C. H. Norton, W. D. Newkirk, J. D. Newland, F. S. Newell, F. U. Oaks, Wm. A. Odell, C. W. Oaks, Nathan Oaks, E. P. Partridge, S. S. Porter, Sylvester Palmer, J. Q. Prichard, B. F. Phillips, P. D. Podger, Jas. Partridge, E. B. Peachy, C. E. Partridge, S. S., Jr. Partridge, L. S. Post, F. A. Parrish, L. W. Roy, J. H. Rice, S. F. Ridley, C. E. Robinson, W. A. Ridley, E. L. Rodenbush, W. C. Roberts, O. A. Rulison, G. H. Rector, F. H. Raymond, F. A. Rose, A. H. Snyder, W. H. Stevens, J. H. Shear, S. E. Shekell, H . C. Schring, M. J. Sheriff, J. A. Sherman, H. E. Short, A. J. Shepperd, Geo. B. Smith, A. R. Smith, J. C. Schwing, W. E. Sebring, Dell Sabin, Wm. Stevens, C. W. Skuse, John Severn, Jesse E. Salisbury, W. H. Shekell, R. H. Salisbury, G. W. Sutherland, J. A. Sanders, J. A. Sabin, A. W. Steele, E. B. Sabin, Fred L. Smith, E. E. Stevenson, F. A. Seigwald, H. H. Stewart, H. P. Tout, W. C. Taylor, Daniel Vosburg, Lee Vanderhoof, F. C. Vanderhoof, W. H. Van Deusen, L. W. Van Derhoof, Fred C. White, David Woolf, James Wolvin, John Whitbeck, J. F. Wisewell, F. H. White, W. A. Wilson, Jas. Woolson, B. H. Walker, F. G. Weaver, Joseph Wheat, W. I. West, Chas. Warner, Dudley Wills, F. P. Warner, E. S. Wisewell, F. H., Jr. Woodbury, M. S. White, C. D. Warner, M. E. Young, C. C. Zimmerman, M. S. Awaiting the 3d Degree Gaines, C. H. Corwin, F. M. OFFICERS 1910 E. G. Miller, W.M. G. W. Salisbury, S.W. E. S. Warner, J.W. C. H. Garlock, Treasurer L. S. Partridge, Secretary H. B. Hibbard, S.D. W. P. Avery, J.D. G. H. Howell, S.M.C. Geo. Muskett, J.M.C. Rev. G. A. Harvey, Chaplain U. G. Burnette, Marshal J. J. Fox, Organist Geo. Bartholomew, Tiler R. B. Cobb, Trustee U. G. Burnette, Trustee David White, Trustee PAST MASTERS John Wolvin R. B. Cobb C. H. Burt, Past D.D.G.M. W. L. Crothers Seymour Fridley U. G. Burnette A. Bosshart Jr. [Source: original membership roster] SINCERITY LODGE No. 200 F. & A.M. Phelps, New York 1811-1911 Sincerity Lodge No. 200, F. & A.M. invites you to the celebration in commemoration of the Centennial Anniversary of the establishment of Masonry in Phelps Wednesday, September the twenty-seventh nineteen hundred and eleven. Sessions at 1:30 and 7:30 P.M. COMMITTEES PROGRAM AND INVITATION DECORATION FINANCE RECEPTION REFRESHMENT SOUVENIR MUSIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE R. B. Cobb, U. G. Burnette, Geo. W. Salisbury A. Boshart, Jr., C. E. Ridley, Geo. B. Shepperd, E. F. Bussey E. G. Miller, Geo. E. Barry, E. S. Warner W. L. Crothers, John Wolvin, Seymour Fridley, W. A. White, David White, W. D. Norton A. Boshart Sr., C. T. Bradley, C. T. Hayes, L. G. Bridger J. Q. Palmer, E. F. Bussey, G. H. Howell C.H. Burt, J. J. Fox, H. B. Hibbard Officers of the Lodge [Source: original invitation booklet] 35 http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html Garoga - Sincerity Lodge No. 200, Phelps, New York Formed from merger of Garoga No. 300 and Sincerity No. 200 in 1999. The early Masons in the Town of Phelps jointly formed Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 112 in 1803 with their Brethren in Palmyra. Difficulty in traveling during those early days caused the Phelps Brothers to petition Grand Lodge, which granted a Charter in 1811. Meetings were held regularly until the Lodge surrendered its Charter in 1835. Application was made to Grand Lodge in 1857, and a Charter was granted on June 19, 1858. Sincerity Lodge was assigned the No. 443 at that time, but the original No. 200 was restored exactly a year later. In 1869, Sincerity Lodge contracted with a builder reconstructing a business block in the center of the village. The third floor was built exclusively for the Lodge as a Masonic Hall. Sincerity Lodge No. 200 first met in these rooms in 1870 and held meetings there until 1978. Maintenance of the roof and top two floors (the second floor was purchased in 1930 for a dining room) became excessive, and the Lodge decided to build a new Masonic Hall. The new Lodge building was dedicated in the fall of 1979 with Grand Master William R. Punt present at the laying of the cornerstone. Garoga Lodge No. 300 was chartered in 1853 in Garoga, Fulton County. A disastrous fire in Garoga led to a decline in the local economy and the atrophy of the Lodge. During a District Deputy visit in 1910, the Deputy was told that Brothers had decided to move the Lodge to a more "productive field" or to surrender their Charter. Some interested Masons from Clifton Springs, who often traveled to Garoga Lodge, affiliated and on November 1, 1911, voted to move the Lodge meeting place to Clifton Springs. The new location was an immediate success and membership grew to 93 in two months. Garoga Lodge No. 300 prospered nearly another 90 years. In 1990, Garoga No. 300 lost its meeting room and rented one from Sincerity No. 200 until both Lodges unanimously agreed to merge in 1999, were granted a Charter and first met as Garoga-Sincerity Lodge No. 200 on November 2, 1999. Organized at Garoga, Fulton, NY, where it met until Jan 1906; then at Ephratah, Fulton Co., moving to Clifton Springs on 3 Nov 1911. Note: Brothers of Clifton Springs, being desirous of a Lodge, visited & joined Garoga Lodge in Fulton Co. Having attained a majority they cleverly spirited Garoga Lodge away (145 miles due west!) to Clifton Springs, Ontario Co., NY. Merged with Sincerity No. 200 to become Garoga-Sincerity No. 200 in 1999 http://books.google.com/books?id=wGIEAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22ontario+lodge+no.+23%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s page 292. One of the prominent organizations of the early days was the Masonic lodge, organized May 7, 1811. It was doubtless organized by General Philetus Swift, the first district deputy in this section. The first worshipful master was Wells Whitmore: the senior warden, William Burnett; junior warden, Alfred Witter; treasurer, Luther Root; secretary, John McCay. According to the ancient records, the lodge always observed St. John's day and made it a practice to march to some church on that day, usually accompanied by a brass band and led by a marshal mounted on a horse. In 1822 the lodge acquired title to a room in the second story of the stone school building on Church street, which later was converted into a rectory for St. Francis church. In 1870 the Masons, for a substantial consideration, were granted the right to build an additional story on the Gibson block, which has since served as their lodge rooms. For several years past they have been shared by Royal chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. http://books.google.com/books?id=8CoEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=%22Garoga+Lodge+No.+300%22&source=bl&ots= Mt07Ju3YK6&sig=aKI4DxTHTGlxWIc82zT7SQ-0qBw&hl=en&ei=JTZ9SeeJ4bSlAeWmbWdBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Garoga%20Lodge %20No.%20300%22&f=false page 50. Oliver Getman, son of Benjamin and Mary (Van Antwerp) Getman, was born 4 Feb 1829, and notwithstanding a life of unusual activity, and the burden of voluminous commercial affairs for many years, he is within one year of attaining the age at which his father died, and is expected to surpass his father's record in years substantially; in fact, longevity is a noteworthy possession of the Getman family in general. Oliver Getman was born on the old Getman homestead in the town of Ephratah, Fulton county, New York, and through his mother is a descendant of one of the oldest pioneer families of New York State, the progenitor of the Van Antwerp family having been Daniel Janse Van Antwerp (or Antwerpen, as it was commonly written), who emigrated from Antwerp, Belgium, and settled in New York State, at Beverwych, between the years 1656 and 1661, shortly thereafter purchasing the "Third Flatt" on the south side of the Mohawk, about eight miles above Schenectady. Oliver Getman attended the district school of Ephratah, and entered upon his long life of business and public activities which have brought to him such credit. For some time he farmed with his father, and being a man of forceful character he became a power in the public affairs of the county, and his public service has been long and meritorious. All his many public offices have in his hands been carried out conscientiously and efficiently; he has been enumerator; was deputy sheriff during the years 186274; was supervisor 1890-91 at Johnstown; and for four years was supervisor in Oswego county. He served his country during the Civil War as special deputy to United States provost marshal, holding the office until the close of the war. In 1871 he was elected sheriff of Fulton county, and after that term of public service he returned to the farm, remaining there and assisting his father until the latter's death in 1879. Then, in association with his brother, Crawford, he embarked in the manufacture of window glass. Their factory was situated at Cleveland, Oswego, NY, and consequently it became necessary for Oliver Getman to remove to that town. There he remained in official residence until 1889, although for the greater part of the period he was traveling extensively in the interest of the company, his brother attending to the manufacturing end of the enterprise, while Oliver organized the sales force and traveled the New England States personally. In 1890 he again took up residence in Fulton county, at Johnstown, where in 1890 he was elected supervisor, and the following year reelected. In 1892 he organized the Getman Glass Manufacturing Company, becoming its president and assuming direction of the company's substantial business, which was enhanced by the erection of a plant at Avonmore, PA. Mr. Getman had to remove temporarily to that State to superintend the erection of the plant at Avonmore, and he remained there in the management until 1895, when he returned to Johnstown. Although arrived at an age when most people seek release from strenuous business, Mr. Getman's energetic spirit would not afford him contentment in retirement, so in that year he entered into real estate operations at Johnstown and to the judicious placing on mortgage of his surplus wealth. He also conducted a general office business, which various activities kept his time well occupied for many years, and in addition he worked the Getman farm; in fact, throughout his life he continued the operation of the ancestral property, which he inherited from his father, Benjamin 36 Getman. In commercial and banking circles of Johnstown he became a strong figure and was identified with many business interests ; was a member of the first board of directors of the First National Bank ; of the People's Bank, and of the Fulton County Savings Bank; and was president of the Fulton County Agricultural Society. Fraternally he was a member of Garoga Lodge, No. 300, F&AM; Johnstown Chapter, No. 78, Royal Arch Masons; and Holy Cross Commandery, No. 51, Knights Templar. In politics he gives allegiance and valued support to the Republican party, and by religious persuasion he is a Presbyterian. His wife, Levina (Wood) Getman, whom he married on 31 Oct 1855, and who died on 3 Feb 1911, was the daughter of Dr. Henry and Polly (Smith) Wood, and bore him children as follows: 1. Leander, married Catherine Empe; children: Henry and Catherine. 2. Levina, married Oliver Getman. 3. Levi, married Myra Keith; children: Levina, married Everett Stephenson, and has a son Everett; Charles, who married Grace Sarah Yanney, and has a son Harold; Grace, married John F. Rickard, and has three children; Margaret, Florence, and John W. Summing up the life story of Oliver Getman by a comparison with the records of his many responsible ancestors, it can safely be stated that his life has been as creditable, if not more creditable, than that of any of his forebears, taking into consideration the many and varied activities of his long life. Manchester Lodge No. 269, Farmington, New York Warrant: 20 Nov 1816 http://books.google.com/books?id=wGIEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA292&dq=%22ontario+lodge+no.+23%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22lod ge%22&f=false page 414. In 1815, a Masonic lodge was founded at the tavern of Reuben Buck. The records show that there were only fourteen members. The membership soon increased to over a hundred. It was known as Manchester lodge. No. 269. Dr. Philip N. Draper was the last member of this lodge to be buried by Masonic orders, in the year 1827. The Anti-Masonic excitement was the cause of the disbanding of the lodge and the last annual meeting was held on December 17th, 1828. Ontario Repository, Canandaigua: THAT valuable Stand tor a TAVERN, in the village of Manchester, heretofore occupied by Reuben Buck. The House is large and well finished, with convenient Stables, Sheds, &c. attached to the premises, together with about one acre of Land; situated on the great road leading from Cayuga lake to Rochester, and also on the road leading from Canandaigua to Palmyra, and lake Ontario. Few Stands for a Public House combine as many advantages, or present greater inducements to an able purchaser. For further particulars, apply to the subscriber near the premises. NATHAN BARLOW. Manchester. Jan. 13, 1817 http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html Canandaigua Lodge No. 294, Canandaigua, New York Warrant: 11 Jun 1853 The original lodge in Canandaigua, Ontario Lodge No. 23 F&AM, fell victim to the Morgan Affair in the 1830's; shortly thereafter, the Lodge turned in its Charter. In the early 1850s, some Masonic Brethren applied for a Charter, and in spring, 1853, they received it. They became Canandaigua Lodge No. 294. The Brothers met at various places around Canandaigua until 1920, when Canandaigua Lodge No. 294 F&AM and Excelsior Chapter No. 164 RAM purchased a building at 5 Court Street in Canandaigua. This property known as the Temple Building housed these groups until 1995, when Ontario County purchased the building. The Lodge met in numerous places until it purchased a building at 12 Canandaigua Street in Shortsville in 1998. The building has been remodeled to include a Lodge room and other appropriate rooms. The jail cell door and a lock from the jail where William Morgan had been held remains in the Lodge's possession. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/cananvillhist.htm CANANDAIGUA LODGE, No. 294, was granted a dispensation January 8, 1853. This expired May 25, 1853, and on June 11 following a charter was received from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York instituting this lodge, with the following-named first officers: Samuel W. SALISBURY, WM; Jacob J. MATTESON, SW; J. R. PRATT, JW; M. BEEMAN, Treasurer; James STEVENSON, SD; Benjamin H. ACKLEY, JD; and Joseph PONCETT, Tyler. William BRYANT and Richard P. PETHORIE complete the original roll of nine members. J. J. MATTESON, William BRYANT, and J. R. PRATT are the present survivors. The lodge first met in the hall of the I. O. O. F. They removed to the upper story of the Atwater block, and finally secured rooms in the third story of the McKechnie block, located on the east side of Main street. These rooms have been permanently occupied since January, 1872. The assembly-room is spacious, and handsomely furnished. A narrow dais extends along the sides of the room and widens at the ends, where rich canopies extend over the officers' chairs. In the centre of the room is a costly altar, of skillful workmanship and fine material, while the floor is covered by heavy carpeting. The lodge is remarkably prosperous and stable. It is influential and central. The nine members of 1853 have increased in 1876 to 173. The present officers are: Harrison B. FERGUSON, WM; Edward PARSONS, SW; William S. McKECHNIE, JW; Solomon JONES, Treasurer; J. J. STOBBINS, Secretary; Charles F. ROBERTSON, S. D.; E. R. HYATT, JD; James McENELLY, Chaplain; John RAINES, Jr., Marshal; E. B. LEWIS, Organist; C. T. MITCHELL, SMC; F. W. BEAL, JMC; and E. K. SMITH, Tyler. The ONTARIO MARK MASTER's LODGE of Canandaigua was installed at the house of Richard WELLS, on 13 Apr 1809, at 10 am. An invitation had previously been extended to brethren of the degree to be present. Jared WILLSON was Master in 1817. The lodge met prior to 1819 within a hall in the upper story of the brick house then the property of James SIBLEY, now owned by Mrs. PAUL. In 1819 they purchased of William KIBBE a lot on West Main street, now partly covered by a house built by Thomas BEALS, 37 and recently rented to Dwight MUNGER. They purchased right of way north of their lot. Upon their land they erected, in 1819-20, a large three-story brick building, the north wall windowless. The front was on line with the street. The first story was occupied by Henry HOWARD as a store, the second story was used as his dwelling, while the third story contained the hall for “The Freemasons.” The building was destroyed by fire in 1831 or 1832. The Morgan difficulty, in 1826, resulted in the dissolution of the lodge, none of whose original members are known to be living. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/a.html Cornelius J. Andrews, D. D. S., Canandaigua, was born in Canadice, 7 Oct 1845, a son of George, a farmer of that town. The school days of our subject were spent in his native town, and when he was 16 years of age he began teaching school, following this until 1864, when he entered Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, spending two years; after a year's teaching he entered the State Normal School at Oswego, from which he graduated in 1867. After receiving his diploma he began teaching in Canandaigua, and after a year owing to failing health he went west, and accepted a position as assistant civil engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad. He was there about a year and a half, when, his father dying suddenly, he was called home. This same year, 1870, he began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. A. G. COLEMAN, of Canandaigua. He was with him as a student for one year, and then as a partner for four years. At the end of this time he went for one year to the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he graduated March 1, 1877. He resumed his partnership with Dr. COLEMAN for two years, and May 1, 1879, he opened a business for himself, which has proven very successful. Dr. ANDREWS is a member of the Seventh District Dental Society, and of Canandaigua Lodge, No. 294 F&AM. He married, 12 Nov 1872, Maria M. BAILEY of Spencerport, and they have had three daughters: Bertha G., Jessie M., and Maud E. Dr. ANDREWS is a prominent member of the M. E. Church, and for the last 11 years has been a trustee of Canandaigua church. Dr. ANDREWS also conducts a farm on the lake shore of 100 acres, half of which is vineyard. The office is at 232 Main street. Residence 92 Gibson street. -----Cornelius Jay Andruss, eldest child of George and Sarah (TERBUSH) ANDRUSS, was born in Canadice, Ontario, NY, 7 Oct 1845. His preparatory education was acquired at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, and he then attended Cornell University, subsequently studying dentistry at the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1877. Commencing in 1861 he taught for the larger portion of seven years in the district schools of Ontario and Livingston counties, New York, and for two years was deputy county surveyor of Lee county, Illinois. He commenced the practice of dentistry in association with Dr. A.G. COLEMAN, 1 Nov 1870, and 1 May 1879, opened an office in the same location he has occupied since that date. His political opinions are those of the Republican party, and he served about three years as trustee of the first ward, and as president of the village of Canandaigua in 1903-04. He is a member of Canandaigua Lodge, F&AM, and an attendant at the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Canandaigua, New York, of which he has been president of the board of trustees continuously since about 1890. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ba-bl.html Charles H. Baldwin, Canandaigua, was born in Sanford, Dutchess county, 2 Oct 1853, and was educated in the common schools and Pelham Institute at Poughkeepsie, and has since been engaged in farming. In 1885 he came to Ontario county, where he remained but a short time, when he moved into Yates county and bought a farm, engaging in the cultivation of grapes, from which he has raised for over two years over fifteen tons per year. He also leased a farm adjoining, from which he raised about the same quantity. Mr. BALDWIN has been for the last four years a dealer in coal, and in 1892 opened a yard and office in Canandaigua, where he is prepared to furnish any quantity the trade demands. Mr. BALDWIN married in 1874 Frances, daughter of Merritt MALLORY, a farmer grocery man of this town, and they have four children: Charles I., George E., Willis H., and Franklin S. Mr. and Mrs. BALDWIN are members of the Vine Valley M. E. church, of which he is trustee. He is also a member of Canandaigua Lodge, No. 294, F&AM. ------Henry C. BEEMAN, who has for many years been connected with the detective and police departments, and is at present chief of police for the village of Canandaigua, Ontario, NY, is a son of Reuben BEEMAN, who was a farmer throughout the active years of his life in the town of Canandaigua, on the east shore of the lake. Henry C. BEEMAN was born in Canandaigua, 8 Oct 1847. His school education was received in Canandaigua Academy. For many years of his life he took a personal interest in farming, and for a few years was engaged in the brokerage business. He entered upon his career as a detective in 1872, when he filled the office of deputy sheriff and a few months later went to New York, where he was in the employ of the Pinkerton agency until 1874. He then returned to Canandaigua and for some years was engaged in special detective work, again becoming deputy sheriff in 1877, an office he held until 1884. He became manager of the Canandaigua Steam Boat Company in 1889, retaining this position for a period of six years. In 1896 he was appointed chief of police for the village of Canandaigua, an office he has filled since that time to the satisfaction of all concerned. His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party. 23 Jun 1863, Mr. BEEMAN enlisted in Company C, 15th New York Cavalry, and was honorably discharged, 23 Aug 1865. He was in the Custer division of Sheridan's army for the greater part of this time, participating in all the notable engagements in the Shenandoah valley, and was the youngest enlisted man who served in the ranks from Ontario county. He is a member of Canandaigua Lodge, F&AM; the K. O. T. M.; and the Herendeen Post, GAR, of Shortsville. Mr. BEEMAN married, 24 Dec 1874, Lucia, d/o George CRANE, a farmer of South Bristol, NY. Children: Seth T., born 25 Dec 1875; Roscoe, born 7 Aug 1877; Grace O., born 29 May 1883. BEEMAN, HENRY C.— Age, 18 years. Enlisted, 23 Jun1863, at Canandaigua; mustered in as private, Co. C, 15th NY Cavalry, 1 Aug1863, to serve three years; transferred, 17 Jun 1865, to Co. C, this regiment [2nd Provisional Cavalry]; mustered out with company, 9 Aug 1865, at Louisville, KY. [Left the State in detachments: Sep 1863 to Jan 1864; Consolidated with 6th Regiment of Cavalry and designated 2nd Provisional Regiment of Cavalry, 17 Jun 1865.] [Note: Bro. Michael Auer of Syracuse was Captain of Company A, 15th NY Cavalry. Bro. Beeman served in Co. C with Bro. C. H. Johnson, member of Rushville Lodge No. 377 F&AM.] 38 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/f.html John B. Francis, b. Wethersfield, CT, 29 Jan 1813, of Huguenot ancestry. He was educated there in the common schools, and at the age of 16, went with Daniel DEWEY, of Hartford, CT, to learn the trade of cabinet worker. He went to Bristol, CT in 1832 and worked for Seneca C. HEMENWAY and George MITCHELL, the manufacturers of clock cases, where he was engaged for five years. In 1837 he came to Waterloo, where he was with Hart Gillam & Co., in the furniture business, for about two years, and then spent about eighteen months conducting a furniture store, and in April, 1841, came to Canandaigua, where he worked for Mr. KELLOGG one year, and then established a store for himself. About 1850 he added undertaking to his furniture business, and has ever since conducted it, making over 40 years in the business in this town. He is now retired from active life, and is living in Waterloo. He is a Mason, and was until he moved from town the oldest Mason there; a member of Canandaigua Lodge No. 294, and Excelsior Chapter No. 164. He has also held a membership in the Monroe Commandery No. 12 KT. Mr. FRANCIS married, 22 Apr 1838, Harriet IVES, of Bristol, CT, d/o Orrin HART, of Canandaigua; no children. She died 12 Mar 1892, at 73 years of age. Comet Lodge No. 328, Geneseo, New York http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:3171088&id=I618858158 Orlando Hastings, s/o Dr. Seth and Eunice Parmele Hastings, b. in Washington, CT, 7 Mar 1789; d. in Rochester, NY, 19 Mar 1861, aged 72 years. He early left home to pursue his studies at the Academy in Cherry Valley, and he afterward studied law in Clinton, and in 1818 he began the practice of his profession in Geneseo, NY. After some years spent there he removed to Rochester in 1830, and for many years was one of the leading lawyers of western New York. The striking characteristic of his mind was clearness and quickness of perception and soundness of judgment. He readily received and marshaled the facts of the case before him, and applied with just discrimination the principles of law applicable to them. Hence he was a safe counselor. He was also an able advocate. He possessed the faculty of presenting the arguments which had convinced himself of the truth and justice of his cause, so clearly and simply, and yet so forcibly to the court and jury, as generally to convince them. He was always heard with pleasure, for his address was characterized by strong, good sense. He never undertook the management of a case if he thought the person who sought to engage him was not actuated by proper motives, and he never refused to undertake a case because the person who sought his assistance was poor and unable to pay him. He went about everywhere with an open heart and open hand, and displayed the same liberality in his calling at the law as he showed to the poor in his daily walks. Hundreds and thousands, who had nothing to pay, have gone to him and found advice and help in every species of difficulty. For tenderness of sympathy Mr. Hastings was one of a thousand, and I have never known a heart more susceptible to kindness or more easily moved with sympathy for the wants and woes of others. His was a life rendered beautiful and holy by the daily observance of every Christian virtue, and he loved the interests of the church as his own life. Orlando Hastings married, first, 12 Nov 1812, Elizabeth Clark, daughter of John and Ann Emmons Clark, of Clinton, and sister of Huldah Clark, who married Dr. Seth Hastings, Jr. She was b. in Colchester, CT, 29 Jun 1789; d. in Geneseo, NY, 15 Nov 1818. Children: 1. PARSONS CLARK HASTINGS, born November 22, 1813; died in Brooklyn, December 16, 1892. 2. FREDERICK WILLIAM HASTINGS, born September 22, 1815; died in Detroit, October 31, 1836, aged 21 years. 3. THOMAS EMMONS HASTINGS, born March 4, 1818; died in Northampton, MA, March 30, 1875. He married, secondly, August 31, 1823, his cousin, Mrs. Lydia Frary Hastings Hamilton, daughter of Elijah and Jerusha Billings Hastings, of Amherst, MA. She was born in 1786, and was baptized October 14, 1798. She had married, first, May 14, 1810, Chauncey Hamilton, by whom she had one son, Edwin Chauncey Hamilton. She died in Rochester, N. Y., 1872, aged 86 years Penfield Union Lodge No. 335, Penfield, New York. Warrant: 5 Apr 1821 Charter surrendered 1828; revived as No. 154, 7 Dec 1849: consolidated with Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054 to become WakanHubbard No. 154 in 1990 (Monroe County - Monroe County was formed from parts of Genesee and Ontario Counties in 1821). http://www.wakanhubbard.org/html/penfield_union_lodge.html Our present charter, dated 26 Dec 1849, is the functional authority, granted by the Grand Jurisdiction-of the State of New York, permitting us to operate as a recognized Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Previously, on 5 Apr1821, a charter was issued to a Lodge designated Penfield Union Lodge No. 335 F.&A.M., which charter was signed by M.’.W.’. Daniel P. Tompkins., then Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York and also Vice-President of The United States. The Principle officers were: Nathan Worden, Master Jonathan Baker, Senior Warden and Michael Dunning, Junior Warden. This Lodge dissolved and surrendered its charter during the "Morgan Episode" shortly after 1826. Jonathan Baker was a keeper of an early public house in Penfield; was an early auctioneer in Rochester; deputy sheriff of Ontario; was at one period the keeper of the Eagle Tavern in Palmyra. He had a brother David who arrived with him to Penfield in 1804. Dispensation for the organization of Penfield Union Lodge was granted 1 Aug 1849 and our first meeting was held under authority of Charter 26 Dec1849. The meeting was held in Peter Shoecraft's Hall in Penfield, NY. At that meeting the following officers were elected, appointed and installed: Joseph F. Beach Worshipful Master Jonathan Baker Senior Warden Joshua C. Eaton Junior Warden David Bakery Treasurer Samuel Strowger Secretary Montgomery Vosburg Sr. Deacon Benjamin Whithead Jr. Deacon John Pickett and Henry Lockwood Stewards Elisha Marlett Tiler 39 We find the following recorded in the minutes of 3 Mar1852: Lodge opened at 1:00 o'clock afternoon and a Master Mason Degree was conferred on one brother. The Fellowcraft Degree was conferred on three brothers and a candidate was initiated as Entered Apprentice. To complete the day's labor another brother was then made a Master Mason. The length of time involved is not recorded. On 2 Jan1856 a previously instructed committee reported the purchase of a house and lot previously owned by Joseph C. Rich, and for some time there after Lodge met at that place. On 20 May 1857 a vote carried to move the Lodge to the village of Fairport, but that action was rescinded under date of 9 Dec 1857. Shortly there-after, Fairport Lodge No. 476 was constituted in lieu of transfer and those members of Penfield Union Lodge who had found the new location advantageous to active participation were among the charter members of the new Lodge. Also, under date of 1 Feb 1857 permission was granted to brethren in Pittsford to form a Lodge- which was to become the present Northfield Lodge No. 426. On 12 Apr 1863 similar permission was granted to brethren in Webster to form a Lodge, which subsequently became the present Webster Lodge No. 538. On 20 Dec 1922 our youngest was born; East Rochester Lodge No. 1020. Throughout 1898-1903 the matter of building a new Temple was constantly before the Lodge. The site of our present Temple was purchased 17 Mar 1903 from the Methodist Church. Construction was started immediately and the present Temple was dedicated 4 Oct 1904. We have occupied this Temple ever since, of course constantly modernizing and improving. Humanity Lodge No. 406, Lyons, New York The Ninth New York heavy artillery: A history of its organization,” by Alfred Seelye Roe. page 447. http://books.google.com/books?id=ehFCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA448&lpg=PA448&dq=%22humanity+Lodge%22+%22lyons%22&source =bl&ots=F3FODVVZqn&sig=1Zrv05BfOGTF2gAkUrm7H8lgBnQ&hl=en&ei=61FzSGfFY3YNbPHpfEJ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CBsQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=%22humanity%20Lodge %22%20%22lyons%22&f=false Joseph Welling.—The first colonel of the [9th NY Heavy Artillery] regiment was a resident of Lyons at the time of organization, actively engaged in the practice of law. It is extremely unfortunate that more specific data are not at hand concerning his early life, but diligent search in several directions has been absolutely fruitless. Seemingly, those who might were unwilling to impart information, and those whose dispositions were good had nothing to give. In an obituary notice appearing in a Lyons paper near the date of his death, it is stated that he came to Lyons from Clyde in the early fifties, and immediately became prominent in his profession. He was one of the prime movers in the resuscitation of Humanity Lodge of Free Masons, and was its first secretary. Later for eight terms he was the Master. As stated in the earlier pages of this volume, he had a very prominent part in the formation of the 138th, and was always a popular officer with the men. His age and long experience with men gave him an excellent presence, and it would seem that the active campaign of his regiment ought to have resulted in fame for the colonel. As we know he accompanied the regiment only to Belle Plain, and some recall seeing him and the lieutenant colonel going down to the boat which bore them to Washington. It was our last view of the graceful, pleasing officer, at least in regimentals. He returned to Lyons and to the practice of his profession, and very likely his leadership of the Wayne county bar was never seriously disputed. Later he went to Rochester, or at any rate opened an office there, and for a number of years was as successful as he had been in his Lyons practice. As age crept upon him he felt its weight, and giving up his practice both in Rochester and Lyons, he retired completely from his old associations, spending the later years of his life in Delaware, dying finally March 19, 1897, in a Philadelphia hospital. His age was given as seventy-six years, which would practically agree with that stated in the muster-in roll of 1862, where he was down as forty years old. Colonel Welling was an exceedingly well read man, and possessed a large and carefully studied library. As a member of the social circle, few men were more popular. He had a boundless source of wit and anecdote, making him the life of the place in which he might find himself. His wife and daughter who accompanied him to the camp near Fort Simmons won the thorough respect of all. The latter, now Mrs. Lane, resides with her widowed mother in Lyons. WELLING, JOSEPH.—Age, 40 years. Enrolled, 27 Aug 1862, at Auburn; mustered in as colonel, 138th Infantry, 27 Aug 1862 (which became the Ninth Artillery, 19 Dec 1863), to serve three years; discharged for disability, 21 May 1864; commissioned colonel, 10 Sep 1862, with rank from 27 Aug 1862. [resigned at City Point] http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/artillery/9thHeavyArty/9thHeavyArtyMain.htm The organization of this regiment was determined August 8, 1862, and Col. Joseph Welling received, August 12, 1862, authority to recruit the regiment in the, then, 25th Senatorial district of the State. September 29, 1862, this regiment was designated the 138th Regiment of Infantry. It was organized at Auburn, and there mustered in the service of the United States for three years, September 8 and 9, 1862. It was converted into an artillery regiment December 9, 1862, and designated, December 19th, the 9th Regiment of Artillery. 40 Eagle Lodge No. 619, Honeoye, New York Warrant: 4 Jun 1867 Eagle Lodge, No. 619, was located in the village of Honeoye. Its first meeting was held 4 Aug 1866. The following have filled the office of master: A. W. Stevens, Aiken Stark. J. L. Green, George W. St. John, James R. Tubbs, Leonidas F. Wilbur. T. R. Reed, R. H. Knapp, D. S. Stacey, T. Murray, Fred Francis, W. Stevens, William Lightfoot, F. Ingraham, S. W. Abbey, L. A. Mitchell, C. W. Sleight T. S. Stevens. The officers of 1911 are: Truman S. Stevens, WM; John Burns, S. W.; Henry Killips, JW; Charles W. Howcroft, Jr., Secy.; Samuel Drain, SD: James Morrow, JD; Raymond Francis, SMC; Clarence Hicks, JMC; George Affalter, Chaplain; Carlton Sleight, Tiler. The lodge has recently purchased the Franklin block and now has a permanent home. Leonidas F. WILBUR, born Windham county, VT; diploma 4 Mar 1854, from Harvard University, Boston, MA. Adelia S. Cornell, b. 26 Feb 1814; m. Daniel or Dennis Martin of Swansea, 29 May 1832. He was b. 12 Dec 1800; d. 25 Oct1859 at Honeoye Falls, NY; had Caroline F., 30 Sep 1832, at Swansea; m. Leonidas F. Wilbur of Richmond, NY., son of Leonidas Wilbur and Abigail Cornell http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/richmondhist.html History of Ontario Co, NY, 1878, pages 225 - 231 EAGLE LODGE, No. 619, F&AM, is located at the village of Honeoye, in the town of Richmond. The first meeting, under dispensation, was held at their lodge room, in Honeoye, 4 Aug 1866. The original members were Ami W. STEVENS, WM, of Union Lodge, No. 45; A. R. HILBORN, SW, Ovid, No. 127; G. P. MARBLE, JW, Canandaigua, No. 294; A. G. WILSON, Treasurer, Naples, No. 133; R. W. McCROSSEN, Secretary, Naples, No. 133; George W. PENNELL, SD, Union, No. 45; E. K. STEVENS, JD, William STEVENS, SMC, and G. D. MORGAN, JMC, of the same lodge as Pennell; H. P. ABBEY, J. B. WEST, and L. W. WEST, of Canandaigua, No. 294; Cyrus PEMBERTON and Aiken STARK, of Union, No. 45; J. L. GREEN, of Rushville, No. 377; C. L. GILBERT, Rochester, No. 57; and James B. TUBBS, Ovid, Michigan, 127. The first meeting under regular charter was held 15 Jul 1867. The charter bears date 14 Jun 1867. The first officers were A. W. STEVENS, Master, with Aiken STARK, SW, and Daniel W. BROWN, JW. Aiken STARK was Master 17 Dec 1869, and J. L. GREEN, SW. J. L. GREEN was Master in 1871, George W. ST. JOHN, SW; and George W. SHEPARD, JW. Mr. ST. JOHN was Master in 1872, James R. TUBBS in 1873, Leonidas F. WILBUR in 1874 and 1875. The present officers are: L. F. WILBUR, WM; T. R. REED, SW; J. H. WILSON, JW; P. L. STOUT, Treasurer; M. P. WORTHY, Jr., Secretary; Frederick FRANCIS, S. D.; Thomas MURRAY, JD; D. W. CASE, SMC; George W. SHARPSTEEN, JMC; and J. W. ROTH, Tyler. Meetings are held semi-monthly, and the number of active members is about 50. http://www.eaglelodge619.org/lodge-history In 1866, a group of area Masons signed a petition to organize a Lodge in the Village of Honeoye. The petition was recommended by Naples Lodge No. 133 and Union Lodge No. 45 on April 7, 1866. A Dispensation was granted on July 30, 1866 by Robert Holmes, GM. The first Officers of Eagle Lodge U.D. were: Ami Stevens, Master; Amos Hilborn, SW; Gardner Marble, JW; John Wilson, Treasurer and Ransom McCrossen, Secretary. The first meeting of Eagle Lodge was held U.D. on August 4, 1866 in the rooms over E.W. Gilbert's Store, which stood in a block of frame buildings. This cluster of buildings was destroyed by fire on April 30, 1930. On June 4, 1867, a Charter was granted to Eagle Lodge No. 619 by Stephen H. Johnson, GM. The first meeting held under the new Charter was on July 15, 1867. Over the years, many fundraising events were held which, in 1966, allowed the Lodge to purchase land on West Lake Road. Many more fundraising events and sacrifices by all of the Brothers resulted in the erection and dedication of our present building in 1981. Masters 1867-69 1870-71 1872 1873 1874 1875-76 1877 1878-79 1880-81 1882-83 1884-86 1887-88 1889-90 1891 1892-93 AMI W. STEVENS A. STARK J. S. GREEN GEORGE St. JOHN JAMES B. TUBBS L. F. WILBUR R. H. KNAPP T. R. REED THOMAS MURRAY W. LIGHTFOOT FRED FRANCIS L. F. WILBUR WILLIAM STEVENS J. J. WHITE THOMAS MURRAY 1894-95 1896-02 1903 1904 1905-11 1912-13 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918-19 1920 1921 1922 1923 F. H. INGRAHAM S. W. ABBEY LEROY A. MITCHILL C. W. SLEIGHT T. S. STEVENS JOHN BURNS HENRY W. KILLIPS SAMUEL DRAIN THOMAS KENNEDY HARRY BRIGGS P. L. GREEN CLARENCE HICKS MILTON PHILLIPS JAMES MORROW FRED HANNANT 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 M. E. CLEMENTS RAYMOND H. FRANCIS WILLIAM MORROW HERMAN WOOD A. E. TREBLE RAYMOND H. FRANCIS MAURICE ANDREWS JAMES MORROW ROY REDMAN BENJAMIN F. CASE M. E. CLEMENT HAROLD LARNED CLAYTON G. HARVEY CHARLES PAILLE JOHN BOYD 41 1939 1940 1941-42 1943-44 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 CLINTON SEARS ELMER ACE ANDREW HAWTHORNE RAYMOND H. FRANCIS HARRY M. LACEY BURTON H. DEUEL EDWARD W. FOWLER DONALD HAMILTON C. S. WELLS PHILIP J. ROWLEY HAROLD MASTIN ALEX. CAMPBELL Sr. HAROLD BACON JOSEPH WATSON WOODROW W. ACE RICHARD E. WAITE DONALD WEST JAMES COURTNEY HOWARD BARNARD VINCENT A. ROWLEY JOHN H. BADGER BRUCE CAMPBELL THOMAS BADGER 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 MARION PRESTON HARRY McKEE HERBERT E. TREBLE CLAUDE S. DRAGT IRVIN MALCHO EDWARD HOAG CLARENCE WOODLEY HOWARD SAUERTEIG JAMES BRIGLIN GARY FITZGERALD ELLIS ALGER RICHARD BOHNER ROBERT D. HELLING H. EDWARD STRUBLE HOWARD SAUERTEIG EARL T. GOODMAN WESLEY HALSTEAD DONALD J. SCHNEIDER FRANK G. SMITH EARL T. GOODMAN DONALD J. SCHNEIDER ROBERT D. HELLING JACK R. HENSLER 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 HERBERT L. TREBLE ROBERT F. ZOLLWEG ELLIS M. ALGER EVERETT H. VAIL GEORGE D. HORNUNG JOHN HUNT TERRY M. LEONARD STEVEN B. THAYER ROGER R. ROOME ROBERT T. UDERITZ JOHN F. HUNT GEORGE D. HORNUNG HUGH A. WARD GORDON E. OSBURN THOMAS C. GOOD KENNETH R. MILNER LEE E. PACKER KENNETH R. MILNER JAMES G. BOYER GARY R. WARREN THOMAS L. SHAFER GEO. N. ROMANYSHYN GARY R. WARREN http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/m.html Thomas Murray, Canadice, was born in Killeighy, County Down, Ireland, 3 May 1834, and came with his grandmother to Ontario county in 1844, on the sailing ship Gerrick, landing in New York after 24 days. They came to South Bristol, where he lived until the age of 17, then went to Bristol and married in 1853 Sarah, daughter of Samuel GRACEY, also a native of County Down. They had six children: Robert of Dakota; Edward, who married and lives in Bristol; Susan, wife of Dennis RIORDAN of Bristol; William, married and lives in Bristol; Frank, married and lives in Canadice Corners; and Eliza, wife of John SAVAGE of Richmond. In Sep 1862, Mr. MURRAY enlisted in Co. K, 148th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged in Aug 1865. He was in several engagements, the principal of which was at Cold Harbor, where he was wounded. After his recovery he was in detached service in Washington as ward-master and hospital steward in Finlay General Hospital. He was also detailed to take the census of the colored population in three counties in Virginia, and later in the engineer department as overseer under a civil engineer in the building of fortifications, part of the time having 380 contrabands under him. He was a member of the G. A. R., Hazen Post, No. 518, of Springwater. After the war he returned to Bristol and engaged in farming, coming to Canadice in 1882 and lived at the Corners, where he had a farm of sixteen acres, three of which are in hops. He was a Mason, and for five years had been master of Eagle Lodge No. 619, F&AM, of Honeoye. He was assessor eight years, and justice of the peace. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ca-cl.html History of Ontario Co, NY, Conover & Aldrich, pub 1893, pg 53 - 54 Jerome J., Case Bristol, son of Isaiah, son of Jonathan J., was born in Bristol, 27 Nov 1828. Isaiah was born in Dighton, MA, 5 Dec 1794, and came with his parents in early life. Later he married Rachel REED, who was born in Hartford, CT, 18 Nov 1797, d/o George and Nancy (BUSHNELL) REED. Isaiah and wife had 6 sons and 4 daughters. He owned a farm in Bristol of 225 acres. They died in the same town, he on 17 Jan 1877, and she 7 Jul 1882. Jerome J. was educated in the common schools and engaged in the pursuit of farming, purchasing, in 1867, a farm of 103 acres for the sum of $5,300, upon which he has made additional improvements to the amount of $3,000. On 10 Mar 1853, he married Lucina DUNHAM, born in Saratoga county 27 Dec 1832. Her parents, Ephraim and Mary (WOOD) DUNHAM, removed from that county to Bristol in the year 1834, and to them were born eleven children. Jerome J. and wife have two sons and one daughter: Horace H., Annis L., and Sidney J. < Horace “Hod” Case was born in Bristol, 7 Jul 1855. He has devoted considerable time to instrumental music, but his chief occupation is farming, hops being one of his principal crops. On 7 Oct 1876, he married Julia REARDON, born in Bristol, 18 Aug 1852, d/o Dennis and Catharine (GORDON) REARDON, natives of Ireland. Horace H. was a member of the People's party, and was justice of the peace for four years. He was a member of Eagle Lodge, No. 619, F&AM, of Honeoye, and the Farmers' Alliance of Bristol. He had one son and two daughters: Don A., born 29 Oct 1878; Edna, born 11 Jan 1887; and Lovisa, born 6 Jan 1889. Annis L., wife of Wm. McLEMALE, was born November 8, 1861, and resides in Canandaigua. They have one daughter, Grace, born April 14, 1890. Sidney J. was born December 18, 1864, and lives at home, being a farmer and also a violinist. Jerome J. is a member of the People's party. He and his family attend the Universalist Church. http://www.accessgenealogy.com/scripts/data/database.cgi?Data_ArticlePage=4&ArticleID=43780&report=SingleArticle&file=Data Illustrated History of the State of Idaho George H. North Among the worthy citizens that New York has furnished to the state of Idaho is George H. North, the well known clothing merchant of Pocatello, whose enterprising, progressive methods give character to the business life of the city, and whose reputation in commercial circles is unassailable. He was born in Springwater, Livingston, NY, 14 Jul 1858, a son of C. S. and Elvira Thankful (Wetmore) North, who likewise were natives of the same county. The father successfully carried on farming there until his death, which occurred in the 58th year of his age, while his wife survived him. They were the parents of five children. 42 George H. North, having obtained his preliminary education in the common school, supplemented it by a course in the Geneseo Western Seminary, in Syracuse, NY, where he was graduated with the class of 1876. He then worked on his father's farm for a time, after which he started westward and accepted a clerkship with his uncle, Orland North, in Evanston Spring, Wyoming. He spent two years in that place and then began business on his own account in Shoshone, Idaho. Subsequently he came to Pocatello and, as a member of the firm of North & Church, established his present business in 1890. That partnership was continued until 1 Jan 1895, after which Mr. North carried on operations alone until 1 Oct 1898, when he sold a half interest in the store to Richard Douglass and the firm of North & Douglass was formed. They had one of the finest stores in the town, splendidly equipped with everything in their line. They occupied a modern brick building 25 by 80 feet, their salesroom being on the first floor, while the basement was used as a storeroom. They carried a large and well selected stock of clothing and men's furnishing goods and shoes, and from the beginning the enterprise was a successful one, its patronage steadily increasing in volume and importance. On 1 Jul 1886, Mr. North was united in marriage to Miss Peronne Church, a native of Mankato, Minnesota, and they had one child, Carlie, who was born in Shoshone. Mr. North became a member of Eagle Lodge, No. 619, A. F&AM, in New York, in 1879, and later took the Royal Arch degrees. In his political views he is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but was never an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he met with creditable and gratifying success. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature, and his diligence, systematic methods and reliability secured to him prosperity. -----Anson Van Deusen, b 28 Jan 1847; d 12 Feb 1878, in Wisconsin; m 9 Nov 1871, Maria Paul of East Bloomfield, NY, who d. 12 Feb 1873, at Canandaigua, NY, near where she is buried. He was a member of Eagle Lodge No. 619, F&AM, Honeoye, Ontario, NY. He was buried in a cemetery at Wyoming Valley, Iowa, Wisconsin, and in 1908 his brothers, Addison and Absalom, erected a tombstone over his grave. No children. http://www.clarioncall.com/obits/obits040804.html Donald J. Hamilton, 88, of Orange City, FL, formerly of Honeoye, died 4 Apr 2004 at the Orange City Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Orange City, FL. He was born the son of Walter and Mary Potter Hamilton on 12 Aug 1915 in Richmond, NY. He was a member of Eagle Lodge No. 619 in Honeoye for over 64 years and a member of the Honeoye United Church of Christ. He was predeceased by his son Hugh Hamilton in 1942 and by his granddaughter Wendy Hamilton. Don worked at the Canandaigua Veterans Administration. He is survived by his wife Freida Drain Hamilton of Orange City, FL; son Gary (Lena) Hamilton of Florida; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; brother Leonard Hamilton of Honeoye; sister Mary Jeanette of Honeoye; several nieces and nephews. http://www.clarioncall.com/obits/obits011101.html Clarence G. Woodley, 92, of Honeoye, died 8 Jan 2001, at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua. He was born the son of William and Augusta G. Gendenry Woodley on 18 Mar 1908 in Rochester. He was a retiree of Farrell Brothers in Rochester. Clarence belonged to the Eagle Lodge No. 619, F&AM, in Honeoye where he served as Master in 1970 and also served as secretary and the Eastern Star No. 350 where he served as Patron many times. He also was master and dual member of Penfield Union Lodge No. 1542, F&AM, of Penfield in 1976 which is now called Wakan Hubbard Lodge No. 154. He served as District Lecturer of Ontario, Seneca and Yates District in 1976. He was also a member of the Damascus Temple (Rochester) where he was on the Director Staff and a member of the Patrol Division, also the Valley of Rochester Scottish Rite. He was a longtime member of the Richmond Fire Department and Ambulance crew where in 1988 he received the firefighter award of the year. In his younger days Clarence owned and piloted his own Piper Cub aircraft in the years 1947-1954. His greatest hobby was bee keeping where he shared many jars of honey with his friends and family. He was predeceased by his wife Minnie in 1993. He is survived by his son Paul C. (Joy) Woodley of Webster and daughter Diane Turney of Florida; six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; sister Betty Watson of Victor. John Hodge Lodge No. 815, Naples, New York “To be Indian: the life of Iroquois-Seneca Arthur Caswell Parker, “ by Joy Porter http://books.google.com/books?id=TvY3D4dSxq8C&pg=PT183&dq=%22John+Hodge+lodge+no.+815%22&cd=5#v=onepage&q=% 22John%20Hodge%20lodge%20no.%20815%22&f=false http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_C._Parker Arthur Caswell Parker (April 5, 1881 – January 1, 1955) was an archaeologist, historian, folklorist, museologist and noted authority on American Indian culture. He was director of the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences from 1924 to 1945, and an honorary trustee of the NY State Historical Association. Arthur C. Parker was born on the Cattaraugus Reservation in western New York, the son of Frederick Ely Parker, a Seneca Iroquois, and Geneva Griswold, a woman of Scottish and English descent, who taught school on the reservation. Arthur's Iroquois name was Gawaso Wanneh (meaning "Big Snowsnake"). His grandfather, Nicholas H. Parker, was an influential Seneca leader, whose brother, Ely S. Parker, was a Brigadier General and secretary to Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, and later the first Indian Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Arthur lived on Nicholas Parker’s farm and was strongly influenced by him. He was also influenced by both the Seneca culture and the Christian missionary culture of his mother’s family. Although his family was Christian, he was also exposed to followers of Seneca prophet Handsome Lake, who was resurrecting traditional Seneca religion. He started his formal education on the reservation, but in 1892, his family moved to White Plains, NY, where he entered public school at around age 11 and graduated from high school in 1897. Before going on to college, he spent considerable time at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and befriended Frederick W. Putnam, its temporary curator of anthropology and a professor of anthropology at Harvard, who along with other anthropologists encouraged Arthur to study anthropology. 43 However, Parker followed the wishes of his grandfather, and attended Dickinson Seminary in Williamsport, PA, from 1900 to 1903. But left before graduating and became a reporter for the New York Sun. He was also an apprentice to archaeologist Mark Harrington (1882-1971), digging at sites in New York State, and volunteered at the Museum of Natural History in his spare time. In 1904, Parker was given a two-year position as collector cultural data on the New York Iroquois. Then in 1906, he took a position as the first archaeologist at the New York State Museum. In 1911 he, along with Charles A. Eastman and others founded the Society of American Indians to help educate the public about Native Americans. From 1915 to 1920, he was the editor of the society’s American Indian Magazine. In 1925 he became director of the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences where he developed the museum holdings and its research in anthropology, natural history, geology, biology, history and industry of the Genesee Region, and the WPA funded Indian Arts Project. In 1935, he was elected the first President of the Society for American Archaeology. Since 1998, the Society for American Archaeology has annually awarded the Arthur C. Parker Scholarship, which provides funds to Native Americans for training in archaeological methods. In 1944, Parker helped found the National Congress of American Indians, and became very active in Indian affairs after his retirement from the Rochester museum in 1946. After his retirement he moved to Nunda-wah-oh, where he felt his ancestors had lived, overlooking Canandaigue Lake in Naples, NY. He died there on New Years Day, 1955, aged 73. ----He was a member of John Hodge Lodge No. 815 and Masters’ Lodge No. 5, Albany, where he was also the historian of Temple Chapter No. 5, RAM. On 13 Sep 1918 he was made on Honorary Member, 33o, of the AASR, NMJ. See also one of many of his books, “The life of General Ely S. Parker: last grand sachem of the Iroquois,” by Arthur C. Parker, 1919. 346 pages, at: http://books.google.com/books?id=Do8MAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22Arthur+Caswell+Parker%22&lr=&source=gbs_navlinks_s See also: “Rochester History,” Vol. XVII, No. 3, July 1955, for their interesting20 page monograph on Bro. Parker, at http://www.rochester.lib.ny.us/~rochhist/v17_1955/v17i3.pdf ----George H. Stempel http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/family/stempelfam.htm EX-Steamboat Head has 89th Birthday (printed in 1951) Naples, NY- George H. STEMPEL who resides at Stemples Landing, West shore of Canandaigua Lake, quietly observed his 89th birthday Feb 23. He was born Feb. 24,1862, in Germany and came to the United States at an early age. For many years he was a steamboat Captain on Canandaigua Lake. He also devoted many years to fruit growing. He is the oldest member of John Hodge Lodge, F&AM in Naples. CANANDAIGUA, NY, Thursday, February 21,1952 GEORGE H STEMPEL, 90 on Saturday; No One Knows the Lake Better Party Planned in his honor Saturday Night in Naples Naples, NY- George STEMPEL, who has known Canandaigua lake intimately for 70 years, will be 90 Saturday, February 24 and some of his Naples friends are giving him a party in the evening at the Naples Hotel. Richard HAWKES of the Hiram Maxfield Bank is planning the party and about 45 will be on hand. Festivities will get underway at 6:30 PM. There will be some brief speeches, some special music and greetings from friends from all parts of the area. It's hard to believe that Captain STEMPEL captained the old Ogarita and Onnalinda on the Lake-is 90. He's vigorous, wiry and exceptionally keen of mind. The other day he slipped on an icy walk and took what he termed a "nasty fall" but there were no ill effects. This is the first winter in years that the STEMPLES have not spent the winter at "home"... Stemple's Landing, below Cook's Point on the West shore. Captain STEMPEL with his two sisters, Miss Julia STEMPEL and Mrs. Mary GRIESA, moved to Naples in November for the winter months but they plan to go back as soon as the weather breaks a little. The STEMPLES came to the Lake in the late 1860's. John STEMPLE, Captain STEMPEL's father, brought his family from Wachenheim in Bavaria. Like so many of the German families who came into Ontario County in those years immediately after the Civil War. John STEMPLE was interested in grapes and had much to do with the rich development of the grape industry in the Naples area. The side-wheeler Ogarita, built in 1889 for the Canandaigua Lake Steam Navigation Company and equipped with the engine from the Canandaidua, was Captain STEMPEL's first vessel. Like most of the area lake boats of that period it was designed by Alonzo SPRINGSTEAD, Marine architect, of Geneva, NY. "It had the best whistle of any boat on the Lake," the Captain recalls. "My engineer, Bill COUSE, swiped it off the pump house up at Canandaigua." His first year on the Orgarita he served as both pilot and captain, but after that the line hired special pilots. "There were 70 stops along the lake", he says," and some of them, like Pine Bank, were tricky. We started trips as soon as the ice was out of the lake. We'd leave Woodville at 7 in the morning, get to Canandaigua at 9:30, get back to Woodville for dinner, leave there at 1 and leave Canandaigua at 5 again." In addition to the regular schedule there were special picnic excursions on Sundays and special moonlight cruises on summer evenings. At Christmas time each year Canandaigua's merchants made up a subscription fund to provide shoppers free transportation from down the Lake for the week before the holiday. . . The Oragrita survived a period of ruinous competition with the People's Line's of Genundewah, known as the 'GEE WIZ', which burned at the Woodville dock in 1894. But in 1917 the Oragrita suffered a similar fate. George STEMPEL remembers the night well. 44 "I was staying up at the Hotel, and the rest of the boys were spending the night in the cottages at Woodville, First thing I knew I heard Fred Shay yelling and ran out. The fire had a good start and we cut her loose. She drifted all the way over to Sunnyside, went aground and burnt out." After that Captain STEMPEL served regularly on the Onnalinda, largest of all the Canandaigua Lake Steamers, which had been launched in 1888. She was 142 feet long and carried about 600 passengers safely. Once she is said to have carried a thousand. During the grape harvest, Captain STEMPEL recalls, she'd carry "70 odd tons" of grapes to be loaded directly onto cars on the Pennsylvania Spur at the Canandaigua dock. The coming of the automobile tolled the death knell of the old steamers. The days of the boat commuters ended. Special Excursions were not enough to keep the line going. The Onnalinda was docked for the last time, later to be dismantled, scrapped and her hull hauled out into the lake and sunk. George STEMPEL had started out with his father working for the family of Dr. George COOK, who founded the noted sanitarium in Canandaigua, Brigham Hall. His daughter, Antionette, married Thomas HAWKES, Rochester banker, who was one of the early steamboat commuters. His son, George H HAWKES , also a Rochester banker, continued to keep the family summer place at Cook's Point, and George STEMPEL became full overseer, caretaker and general factotum. A steamboat side-wheeler of the era The above boat plied Cayuga Lake from around 1869 until she burned in 1907. ------ Seneca County Lodges Seneca Lodge No. 113, Waterloo, New York WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated July 12, 1846. MINUTES: Intact from 1846. The original name was Junius, and was numbered 291; it received its present name and number upon its revival in 1845. Junius Lodge was organized in 1817; the warrant is dated June 1, 1817, and is signed by DEWITT CLINTON, Grand Master; MARTIN HOFFMAN, Deputy Grand Master; CAPWALLADER D. COLDEN, Senior Grand Warden; ELISHIA GILBERT, Junior Grand Warden, and ELIAS HICKS. Grand Secretary. The officers named in the warrant are: Isaac Rosa, Master; Luther F. Stevens, Senior Warden; Joseph Pixley, Junior Warden. As the minutes of the Lodge are not intact, it is impossible to give a complete record of its doings; it is known that it met regularly until December 1826, after that time but little is known concerning its affairs; in all probability it ceased to meet owing to the excited conditions which at that time existed. It was not until the later part of the year 1839 that an attempt was made to revive the Lodge. On December 27, 1839, a meeting was held at the house of one DANIEL KERN, when an election for officers occurred. At this time O. R. FARNSWOBTH was elected Master, JULIUS C. STRONG, Senior Warden, and HARVEY S. LISK, Junior Warden. The Grand Lodge register contains the following concerning this event: "Reorganized by L. KELLY, Grand Visitor, December 27, 1839, by order of the Grand Lodge." The register also contains the following statement: "Made no returns after revival, consequently the warrant was declared forfeited and recalled in June, 1843, and after considerable difficulty obtained by BRO. LUTHER KELLY in August, 1844, and delivered by him to the Grand Secretary. No books, papers or other property." Occasional meetings were held for several months after its revival; the last recorded meeting was April 16, 1840. From this date Masonry as an organized body ceased to exist in Waterloo. But the old members were restless without a Masonic home; they felt disheartened, but still had courage enough to hope for better times. Informal discussions took place, until finally they determined to apply for a dispensation and once more resume their labors. On July 31, 1845, a dispensation was obtained, and once more these veterans gathered about the altar, when the great light was opened never to be again closed. The officers named in the dispensation and warrant were: Caleb Fairchild, Master; Julius C. Strong, Senior Warden; Horace F. Gustin, Junior Warden. 45 The first meetings were held in the same room formerly used by the old Lodge. In April, 1847, it moved to the rooms of the Sons of Temperance, where it remained until 1855, when it moved to Odd Fellows Hall in the Hunt Block; here it remained until July, 1867. On the 9th of that month it dedicated its new rooms in Columbian Block, which had been fitted up for its special use. A report of this event says: "The day was wet and lowery, but the ardor of the Craft was not dampened thereby, large delegations arrived on every train and by private conveyances. They were escorted to Towsley Hall where a fine collation had been spread by the fair daughters of Waterloo; after all had been beautifully refreshed the Grand Lodge was convened at the Eagle Hotel (where now stands the Towsley Block) with M.'. W.'. STEPHEN H. JOHNSON presiding. Accompanied by the other Grand Officers they marched to the rooms where they were received by the Master, JAMES McLEAN, and the Brethren of the Lodge. "After the dedicating services the several Masonic Bodies marched to the Presbyterian Church where an eloquent oration was delivered by R.' W.'. CHARLES H. PLATT, Grand Chaplain. At the conclusion of the services at the church the procession was reformed and marched to the Franklin House where a dinner was served." The Lodge remained in the Columbian Block until 1896, when it moved to its present quarters in the Dempsey Block. On June 12th it celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with appropriate ceremonies, and on October 15, 1896, the formal dedication of the new quarters occurred. The occasion attracted a large gathering from the surrounding country. The ceremonies were conducted by M.'.W.'. WILLIAM A. SUTHERLAND, who at the time was Deputy Grand Master. A memorable meeting was held July 30, 1867. Its purpose was to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge and have a reunion of the members of Junius Lodge who were still living. The Lodge was opened as Junius Lodge, and the minutes of the meeting held December 27, 1826, were read for information. An address was delivered by W.'. CALER FAIRCHILD. Remarks were made by most of the veteran brethren, who related many incidents of interest which had occurred almost half a century ago. Extracts from the old minutes were also read, which revived the memories of the times when men's souls were tried in the fire of hatred and persecution. The Lodge held Jubilee services April 24, 1889. On this occasion the Grand Master's address was read, and addresses were made by Rev. W. S. CARTER and Rev. R. D. MUNGER. It was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica and also at the dedication of the same. It was also present at the laying of the corner-stones of the Masonic Temple at Rochester and the Masonic Temple at Seneca Falls. MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE. James McLean, Assemblyman. D. S. Kcndig, Assemblyman. Samuel R. Welles, Assemblyman. S. G. Hadley, Assemblyman, County Judge. John E. Richardson, County Judge. Sanford R. Ten Eyck, Assemblyman. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. James E. Batsford, District Deputy Grand Master. William S. Carter, Grand Chaplain. MASTERS. 1846. Caleb Fairchild. 1847. Julius C. Strong 1848. William Yost 1849. William Yost 1850. Henry S. Lisk 1851. Caleb Fairchild 1852. Julius C. Strong 1853. Samuel R. Wells 1854. Samuel R. Wells 1855. James McLean 1856. James McLean 1857. Albert Stebbins 1858. Albert Stebbins 1859. Richard P. Kendig 1860. Samuel R. Welles 1861. Albert Stebbins 1862. James McLean 1863. Tom Fillingham 1864. Tom Fillingham 1865. Samuel R. Welles 1866. Albert Stebbins 1867. James McLean 1868. Samuel R. Welles 1869. Benjamin Hendricks 1870. Benjamin Hendricks 1871. Charles D. Morgan 1872. Charles D. Morgan 1873. J. Scott Boughton 1874. George W. Smith 1875. Edwin Clark 1876. Edwin Clark 1877. Edwin Clark 1878. Benjamin Hendricks 1879. Edwin Clark 1880. John E. Richardson 1881. John E. Richardson 1882. Uriel D. Belles 1883. Uriel D. Belles 1884. William S. Yule 1885. William S. Yule 1886. John E. Richardson 1887. John E. Richardson 1888. John E. Richardson 1889. James E. Batsford 1890. James E. Batsford 1891. James E. Batsford 1892. Benajah B. Knight 1893. Edward B. Force 1894. Edward B. Force 1895. Edward B. Force 1896. Edward B. Force 1897. Charles A. Genung 1898. Whitney C. Davis 1899. Whitney C. Davis 1900. James H. Haslett 1901. Judson C. Hulbert 1902. Judson C. Hulbert 1903. James H. Gibson 1904. John F. Toombs 1905. Harry W. Le Clear 1906. Charles H. Ross http://www.holcombegenealogy.com/data/p519.htm#i25946 Caleb Fairchild, silversmith and jeweler, was born in 1795 at Watertown, NJ; son of Joseph Fairchild and Phoebe Lewis Bayles; m. Aurelia Maltby, d/o Isaac Maltby and Lucinda Murray, on 5 Sep 1821 at Waterloo, Seneca, NY. Caleb Fairchild died 18 Apr 1877 at Waterloo, Seneca, NY. Children: i. Isaac b. ca 1823, d. 4 Apr 1902 ii. Mary b. ca 1827 iii. Joseph Lewis b. Apr 1829, d. 1903 iv. Julia b. ca 1832 v. Francis Aurelia b. ca 1837 46 http://books.google.com/books?id=GWJmAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA1520&lpg=RA1PA1520&dq=%22Julius+C.+Strong%22+%22waterloo%22&source=bl&ots=DWV2jYQceN&sig=jri_xk5Ubvq76CBRVmOXCRHSlHY &hl=en&ei=Izh_S8QN9TllAfP5IT_AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CAsQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Julius%20C.%20Strong %22%20%22waterloo%22&f=false page 1520. JULIUS C. STRONG b. 12 Jul1802: a clothing merchant at Waterloo, NY; m. 2 Oct 1825, Amanda Cynthia Woodworth of Aurelius, Cayuga, NY, b. 6 Jan 1805 (d/o Gershom Woodworth and Phebe Тraver). He d. at Waterloo, 17 Jun 1858, aged 56: she resided in Joliet, IL (1870). Children: i. SARAH Eliza Strong b. 12 Aug 1826, m. William Strong Brooks of Schenectady, NY. ii. WILLIAM Augustus Strong b. 03 Oct 1828. iii. ELWYN Traver Strong b. 04 Jun 1831, m. 12 Jun 1853, Sarah Delphine Mewhon : a coppersmith in Waterloo, NY. She d. Jan 1860. He d. 4 Feb 1858. 2 children. iv. JANE Electa Strong b. July 25,1833, resided unmarried in Joliet, IL. v. LLEWELLYN Walworth Strong b. 21 Dec 1835, a hardware merchant in Joliet, IL. vi. HELEN A. Strong b. 20 Jan1838, d. 14 Oct1840. vii. LAVINIA Sigourney Strong b. 26 Mar1840. http://www.archive.org/stream/papersreadbefore01sene/papersreadbefore01sene_djvu.txt Dr. Samuel R. Well(e)s of Waterloo was a son of Dr Gardner Well(e)s and Paulina Fuller and practiced in his native village, Waterloo, for more than thirty years, He, like his father, was respected and honored by his friends and fellow townsmen. His services in the army were cut short by his being taken prisoner and incarcerated for many months in Libby Prison. His health was so broken by the privation he experienced during his imprisonment that on his release he was not able to return to his regiment. The fact that he was elected supervisor from his town, member of assembly by the county and appointed postmaster by the United States government, indicates the esteem in which he was held by the community. http://books.google.com/books?id=T7AsAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA384&lpg=PA384&dq=%22samuel+r.+welles%22+%22waterloo%22&sou rce=bl&ots=Uq6KWTXw_H&sig=xHuFrJOoInrrE2GB4A21lxdYZkc&hl=en&ei=vW9_S6nGCdWilAe024D_AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result &ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAgQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22samuel%20r.%20welles%22%20%22waterloo%22&f=false page 384. SAMUEL R. WELLES. THAT branch of the WELLES family from which the member from Seneca descended, removed from Hebron, CT, to this State about the year 1800. His father, the venerable Doctor GARDNER WELLES, located in Seneca county in the year 1810, where he still resides, in the active practice of his profession. He was a Surgeon in one of the New York Volunteer Regiments, during the war of 1812, and a member of the Legislature from Seneca county, for the year 1839. Mr. Samuel R. WELLES was born in Junius (now Waterloo), 23 Feb 1825. He entered Geneva College, in 1841, and graduated in 1845. Adopting the profession of Medicine, he attended lectures at Geneva Medical College and Buffalo Medical College, receiving the degree of M. D., at the latter institution, in 1848. He also attended a course of lectures in the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, in the winter of 1849, '50. In the spring of 1850, Doctor WELLES commenced the practice of his profession in Waterloo, where he now resides. He has always acted with the Democratic party, and has been elected by them to the various offices of Town Superintendent of Common Schools, Trustee of the Village, Coroner, and Supervisor in '59 and '60. In January, 1862, he entered the military service as acting Assistant Surgeon, in the 61st Regiment NY State Volunteers, and upon the resignation of the Surgeon, on account of continued ill health, Doctor WELLES received the commission for that position, early in March of that year. He was with the regiment during its stay in Camp California; attended it on the reconnaissance to the Rappahannock under General HOWARD; participated in the siege of Yorktown, followed the rebels in their retreat from the latter place, but too late to take part in the battle of Williamsburgh. The regiment was actively engaged in the battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines, and suffered severely; but it won for itself a noble reputation, under the leadership of Colonel FRANCIS C. BARLOW, (afterwards Major-General, and now Secretary of State.) During and after this engagement, as well as in the actions at Allen's Farm, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp and Charles City Cross Roads, in all of which the regiment participated and suffered numerous casualties, the entire care of the wounded devolved upon Doctor WELLES who was the only Medical officer with the regiment. The wounded of the 61st Regiment at the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, which took, place at dusk, June 30th, were conveyed to different temporary hospitals. Doctor WELLES having attended to the immediate wants of those who were at the one established nearest the field, repaired, about ten o'clock in the evening, to a hospital about a mile distant, where he remained in the performance of his duties, until after midnight, when starting to return, he was misdirected into a road which led him directly within the rebel lines. He was suddenly confronted by three of the picket guard, caused to dismount, taken to General LONGSTREET'S quarters, and, in the morning, sent with some sixty others to Richmond, and assigned a place in the officers' quarters, in the famous Libby prison. The second day after his arrival, he was, upon his request, allowed to take charge of a ward of our sick and wounded. In the discharge of that duty, as well as the scanty convenience and limited allowance of medical supplies would permit, he was occupied for three weeks, at the expiration of which time he was permitted to leave Richmond, in company with a detachment of wounded men, destined for northern hospitals. After assisting in the embarkation of the wounded at City Point, he rejoined his regiment at Harrison's Landing. Of the acceptability of the service rendered by our Surgeons to the wounded and suffering of Richmond, there can be no doubt; and that Doctor WELLES was no whit behind his professional brethren, in his attention to those needing his care, we have the testimony of the Rev. Dr. MARKS who was a Chaplain in the 63d Pennsylvania Regiment, and a prisoner in Richmond. In his book entitled "The Peninsular Campaign," after speaking of some kindness done to a Pennsylvania soldier he says: “I have not met Doctor WELLES since those memorable days, and know not where he now may be; but I rejoice to say that he is one of the most humane and self sacrificing of Surgeons." 47 Soon after his return to his regiment, Doctor WELLES tendered his resignation, on account of illness which prevented his further continuance in the service, and received an honorable discharge. The uncertainty which prevailed during, and for a short time after the "Seven days' fight," as to the condition of the army, the positive absence of any reliable information, and the conflicting rumors which agitated every community, made the reception of news which gave assurance of the safety of the army, an occasion of general rejoicing. The return of Doctor WELLES to his home, who had been reported dead, was made the occasion of many pleasing manifestations of respect and esteem from his fellow citizens. During his connection with the regiment, he had formed many strong and pleasant attachments, he had striven faithfully to do his whole duty toward those placed under his charge, and he left the service with regret. As an evidence that these kind feelings were reciprocated, we may state that a short time after reaching home he was the recipient of a heavy silver goblet, the inscription upon which showed that it was the gift of the officers and men of the 61st Regiment, to their Surgeon, as a testimonial of their respect and esteem. During the fall of 1862, he occupied himself actively in promoting enlistments, and addressed several public meetings in different parts of the county, for that object. In the spring of 1863, he was elected Supervisor and made Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; he was reelected in 1864, '65, '66. The duties of this office during the war were onerous and responsible; that they were faithfully and satisfactorily discharged, his repeated election is a sufficient evidence. Mr. W ELLES believed that the profession of the Democratic faith was not inconsistent with loyalty to the government and to the country, and, in that faith, from the commencement to the close of the war, he worked earnestly to meet the demands made upon his town by the government, and gave a cordial and sincere support to the country in its efforts to suppress the rebellion. In the fall of 1866, he was made the candidate of the Democratic party for the office of Member of Assembly, and was elected by a majority of 532, being about 200 over the average majority on the State ticket. -----William Yost http://books.google.com/books?id=D0VAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA490&dq=%22William+Yost%22+%22waterloo%22&cd=2#v=onepage&q=%22William%20Yost%22%20%22 waterloo%22&f=false page 490. HON CHESTER L. YOST is the proprietor of one of the finest livery stables in the State and also serves in the capacity of auctioneer. He was, for a term, Mayor of the city of Ypsilanti and now enjoys the record of having made one of the best Mayors that ever served this municipality. In connection with his livery business he deals largely in horses, also in wagons and buggies. Mr. Yost was born in Waterloo, Seneca, NY, 16 Mar 1838. He is the son of William Yost, a native of the same place, who was born in 1804. Our subject's paternal grandparents were Casper and Rachel (Edington) Yost. the former a native of Pennsylvania and born near Harrisburg. The latter was born in Hunterdon Co., NJ. The grandfather was a carpenter and builder and an early settler in Seneca County, where lie improved a farm that was of large proportions. He spent the latter years of his life in Fayette and there died at the age of 81 years. His father was born in Wurtemberg. Germany, and on emigrating to America settled in Pennsylvania, being one of three brothers to come to this country ,one of them settling in Virginia, and one in New York at a place which took his name and was called Yost Station. William Yost was reared in New York and was a prominent man much interested in military life. He was engaged while in Waterloo in contracting and building and also in the mercantile business. In 1854 he came to Michigan and located in this city, where he resided for one year and was Superintendent of the Washtenaw County Alms House for twelve years. Then he retired to his farm in Pittsfield Township, which comprised one hundred and twenty acres of well-improved land. He resided there until his death which occurred in 1881, being then 77 years of age. A Democrat in politics, our subject's father was connected with the Lutheran Church as an official, and was also Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He superintended the building of a bridge for the Government at St. Augustine, FL. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Malinda Rathfon, who was born in Waterloo. NY. She was a daughter of Frederic Rathfon. a native of Pennsylvania though of German descent. She died in 1881 at the age of 71 years. Chester L. Yost was one of six children, four of whom lived to be grown. They were Enoch R., Chester L. of whom we write, Eleanor L., who is now Mrs. Dr. Murdock of this place and Eliza L., who is a Mrs. Booth of Ann Arbor. Chester Yost was reared and educated at Waterloo, pursuing his studies in the Waterloo Academy until sixteen years of age. He was then apprenticed to E. Romig and remained with him until past eighteen years of age. In 1855 he came to Michigan, having been here once before while still a boy of ten years of age. Chester L. worked at his trade on first coming here for Isaac Crane and then engaged as a clerk in a hardware store with H. G. Sheldon, remaining three years in that position. He then started into the harness business and later became a dealer in horses and carriages. It is said that he has handled more horses than any man in the county. During the war he was commissioned to purchase horses for the cavalry and later was drafted into active service, but sent a substitute. He continued in the harness business until the spring of 1891, engaging also in the milling business for two or three years at Flat Rock, Wayne County. In 1862-63 he ran two mills on the Huron. He also built six or seven houses in this city and sold them very advantageously. In 1881 Mr. Yost started in the livery business and has been thus engaged ever since. He keeps on hand the finest rigs that can be found in any similar establishment, having: carriages that have cost him as much as $2,800. He kept twenty head of horses constantly on hand and shipped a great many horses to Detroit and other cities. As before said, Mr. Yost was one of the most popular auctioneers in this portion of the country, selling stock especially and he had a very large knowledge regarding them. He owned a large amount of real estate and had a very pleasant home in the city. Mr. Yost was married to Miss Anna Vreeland, who was born in Flat Rock, Wayne County. She was a daughter of D. C. Vreeland, who was a farmer and miller and also the most prominent merchant of Flat Rock, where he was an early settler, coming there while the Indians were still in possession of the land. His father owned three thousand acres of land and valuable mill property. From 1884 to 1886 our subject served as Mayor of Ypsilanti, and being again nominated to the position he declined it, thinking that he could not give sufficient time to his own business. It was gratifying to him, however, inasmuch as the nomination came 48 unsolicited. Our subject belonged socially, to the Free and Accepted Masons, and was also a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Royal Arcanum. Mrs. Yost was a prominent worker in the Presbyterian Church and was associated in all benevolent work which was carried on by the Ladies' Society. Mr. Yost was a representative of the Democratic party, and was sent, as delegate to city, county and State conventions and frequently served as Chairman of city conventions. Union Lodge No. 114, Ovid, New York WARRANT: The original warrant, dated 13 Jun 1846, was signed by JOHN D. WILLARD, Grand Master: ISAAC PHILLIPS, Deputy Grand Master; RICHARD CARBIOUE, Senior Grand Warden; EZRA. S. BARNUM, Junior Grand Warden, and RICHARD S. BOYD, Grand Secretary. The name or number of the Lodge has never been changed. The original warrant was destroyed by fire on April 5, 1850, together with all property belonging to the Lodge. On June 6, 1850. a second warrant was issued, which was partially destroyed by fire October 12, 1874; this scorched but highly prized document is framed and hangs on the wall of the room occupied by the Lodge. Another warrant was issued, but in a fire which occurred in February, 1885, which destroyed a large portion of the village it shared the fate of the original warrant and went up in smoke and flame. A fourth warrant was issued June 3, 1885, which is now in possession of the Lodge. MINUTES: Not intact. All records prior to July, 1849, were destroyed by fire. The officers named in the warrant were JOHN KINNE, Master; WILLIAM C. BISHOP, Senior Warden; JOHN VAN HORN, Junior Warden. The loss of the old records and papers belonging to the Lodge shrouds its early history in doubt and uncertainty. There are, however, many statements made and claims put forth by some of the older residents, all of which are fairly well substantiated by facts gleaned from sources other than Masonic, which tend to throw considerable light upon Masonic affairs in the vicinity of Ovid. There is no doubt that a Lodge existed in Ovid prior to the advent of Union Lodge; it was called " Meriden (Meridian) Lodge (No. 184)," but there are no records or papers relating to its affairs to be found in the vicinity, and a careful search among the old papers in possession of the Grand Secretary failed to throw any light upon the doings of the old Lodge, therefore little save tradition is known about it . That its home was in Ovid is pretty certain, as one of its meeting places is still in existence. On or about the year 1804 Captain ELIJAH KINNE, a resident of the village and an ardent Freemason, erected for himself a farm-house just west of the village, and it is claimed that he had the upper part fitted and furnished for the use of the Lodge. This is substantiated by the fact that until very recently, when the property was sold, the desks, platforms and fittings were there; when the property was sold they were removed. It is known that the members of the old Lodge contemplated the erection of a building for a permanent home, as there is on record a deed of a plot of land in the village in their name. An old resident whose father was a Mason makes the statement that while the Lodge held its meetings in the "Kinne " house the erection of a building on the plot purchased was commenced, but when it was nearly completed the Morgan furor swept over that section of the State and further operations ceased. The building was afterward completed and is still in existence; it is known as the "Manning house." The only reference to be found relating to the old Lodge in the records of "Union Lodge" is found in the minutes of a meeting held in 1801. On this occasion the Lodge was visited by FINLEY M. KING, Grand Master. The minutes state that "Among other speakers of the evening BRO. ALMY gave a short history of the organization of Union Lodge and related the circumstances attending the surrender of the Charter of Meriden (Meridian) Lodge in 1832." As BRO. ALMY was a member of the old Lodge, it is presumed he knew whereof he spoke. In all probability Meriden (Meridian) Lodge shared the fate of many that were swept out of existence, while others were compelled to cease work for several years owing to the fearful storm of hatred and persecution occasioned by the Morgan episode. As nearly all of the organizers of Union Lodge were former members of the old Lodge a reasonable conclusion is that Union Lodge is the natural outcome and the legitimate successor of Meriden (Meridian) Lodge. The movement toward organizing Union Lodge was begun in the winter of 1845-46. A dispensation was issued on March 24, 1846, which continued in force until the following June, when a charter was granted. The petition asking for a dispensation is lost, and it is not known who the applicants were. Among the old papers still preserved are the returns of the Lodge from June, 1848, to June, 1849. This paper gives the first thirteen names of members us follows: John Kinne. William C. Bishop. John Van Home. Peter A. Harris. Solomon Doolittle. Nelson Cole. F. Cortez Williams. Hugh Chapman. Ira Almy. Stephen H. Hayt. (Hoyt or Hyatt?) John Simpson. John H. Kinne. Cornelius Smith. JOHN KINNE, who heads the list as No. 1, was the first Master; his Grand Lodge number is 2746, and the returns state that he was raised in Meriden (Meridian) Lodge 26 Sep 1822. The others were all raised in Meriden (Meridian) Lodge, the dates ranging from 1822 to 1828; the date of their joining Union Lodge is given as April 14. 1846. In lieu of positive evidence it appears safe to conclude that at least a part if not all of them were charter members of Union Lodge. The first recorded meeting that is in existence is dated July 3, 1849. The first item on the minutes is, "The Lodge was by motion opened on the first degree." The first business appears to have been the reception of a petition for initiation signed by Rev. C. S. COATS. He was elected and received the first degree; the Lodge was then closed and immediately opened again on the second degree; the candidate was again balloted for, and he received the second degree. When first organized the Lodge met twice each month: the first meeting in each month it met in Ovid, while the second meeting in each month was in Farmerville (now Interlaken). This custom continued until Farmerville Lodge, No. 183, was organized, when for a short time the second meeting in each month was held at Lodi. Among the items found in the minutes is the following: "At a meeting held at Farmerville September 11, 1849, it was 'Resolved, that this Lodge hold an extra meeting at this place (Farmerville) to confer honorary degrees upon our beloved wives and daughters and 49 that the Secretary write SALEM TOWN to deliver a lecture upon that occasion.' " There is nothing in evidence to indicate that this meeting was held. From the following it would appear that the members took an active interest in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, as under date of November 27, 1849, is the following: "Resolved that this Lodge fully concurs in the course pursued by their representative at the last June Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. "Resolved that in the opinion of this Lodge the course manifested in a communication received from St. John's Lodge, No. 1, in the City of New York is calculated to destroy the peace and harmony of the Masonic Fraternity and the destruction of every social, moral and religious organization. "Resolved that this Lodge will endeavor to obey the laws, rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York of which the Hon. JOHN WILLARD is the Most Worshipful Grand Master. "Resolved that the Secretary of this Lodge transmit a copy of the above resolutions to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and to the other Lodges in the State." The California gold fever in 1849-50 appears to have induced some of the members to try their fortune on the Pacific slope, and the Lodge was in sympathy with them, as at a meeting in February, 1850, the following was adopted: "Resolved that all brethren who are about to leave for California be released from the payment of dues until their return." When first organized the Lodge met at Ovid on the upper floor of a building on the west side of Main Street in the northern part of the business section of the village. Here it remained until the fire which destroyed this part of the village April 5, 1850; the first meeting after the fire was held April 9, 1850, in Odd Fellows' Hall. In May following it secured quarters in a building on the east side of Main Street in the centre of the village. This building was destroyed by fire October 12, 1874, but a new building was immediately erected on the same site, in which the Lodge has since found quarters. In 1905 the Lodge purchased this property, and now have a permanent home. While this building was being erected meetings were held at Lodi in the rooms of Lodi Lodge. No. 345, which had kindly invited Union Lodge to occupy its quarters until the new building was completed. The Lodge became incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. May 10, 1870. While it has been unfortunate and met with severe losses by fire, it has "Phoenix "-like, arisen from the ashes with sufficient vigor to overcome all difficulties, and maintained its position in a commendable and praiseworthy manner. It was among the first to pay its quota of the "great debt," has held public installations, participated in a number of public ceremonials and was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica. Among its possessions is a gavel made from a piece of wood taken from the ill-fated U. S. battleship Maine; the metal plate attached to the gavel was made from a piece of metal taken from the Spanish warship Vizcaya. It also has a set of gavels made from wood cut in California, ornamented with specimens of quartz presented to the Lodge by an old member now a resident of California. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. Charles K. Sanborn, District Deputy Grand Master. MASTERS. 1846. John Kinne 1847. John Kinne 1848. John Kinne 1849. John Kinne 1850. Fernando C. Williams 1851. Fernando C. Williams 1852. Halsey Sandford 1853. John Van Horne 1854. John Van Horne 1855. Fernando C. Williams 1856. Fernando C. Williams 1857. Fernando C. Williams 1858. Joseph F. Harris 1859. Joseph F. Harris 1860. Joseph F. Harris 1861. Joseph F. Harris 1862. Franklin Whiting 1863. Joseph F. Harris 1864. Joseph F. Harris 1865. Joseph F. Harris 1866. John L. Morris 1867. Joseph F. Harris 1868. Henry S. Dennis 1869. Benjamin N. Eastman 1870. Noise [sic] S. Burlew 1871. Noise S. Burlew 1872. Noise S. Burlew 1873. Benjamin N. Eastman 1874. William H. Kinne 1875. William H. Kinne 1876. William H. Kinne. 1877. William L. Foster. 1878. William L. Foster. 1879. Charles H. Swarthout. 1880. William L. Foster. 1881. William L. Foster. 1882. William L. Foster. 1883. Charles H. Swarthout. 1884. Charles H. Swarthout. 1885. William L. Foster. 1886. Darwin C[overt] Kinne. 1887. Darwin C. Kinne. 1888. Myron D. Blaine. 1889. Myron D. Blaine. 1890. Horace T. Jones. 1891. Horace T. Jones. 1892. Frank C. Avery. 1893. Alden Horton. 1894. Horace G. Hopkins. 1895. Benjamin Franklin. 1896. Charles H. Swarthout. 1897. Frederick E. Bowlby. 1898. Frederick E. Bowlby. 1899. Charles F. Sanborn. 1900. William T. Bowlby. 1901. William T. Bowlby. 1902. Earnest F. Gilgen. 1903. Thomas J. Currie. 1904. Edgar Cassidy. 1905. Edgar Cassidy. 1906. Bert E. Smalley. http://newsarch.rootsweb.com/th/read/WV-FOOTSTEPS/1999-09/0937957053 “History of Charleston and Kanawha County, West Virginia and Representative Citizens,” by W. S. Laidley. 1911. page 372 NOYES S. BURLEW, a leading business man at Charleston, W. Va., conducting a general hardware store, was born at Sheldrake, Seneca, NY, and is a son of James A. and Sophia (Wood) Burlew. The parents of Mr. Burlew were natives of New Jersey and came of French stock. They moved to Seneca County, NY, and there the father died at the age of seventy-five years. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and liberal supporters of the same. The father even went to the extent of erecting a church edifice in his own neighborhood at his own expense. Ten children were born to James A. Burlew and wife, six of whom survive and two sons are residents of Charleston, Noyes S. and Abraham, the latter of whom is a well known attorney here. Noyes S. Burlew remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He was educated in the local schools and at Cazenovia College and afterward practiced dentistry for seven years at Ovid and other points in New York state. In 1872 he came to 50 Charleston and engaged in the lumber business for two years and then was appointed a revenue collector, an office he resigned in 1876 in order to engage in business. He established himself in the hardware line, first on Capitol Street, and in 1877 came to his present location, No. 712 Kanawha Street. He has made many property investments since he became a resident of Charleston, and some twenty-one years since erected the Burlew Opera House, of which he has been owner and manager ever since. In politics he has been quite active, early identifying himself with the Republican party. In his first administration, former Governor Dawson appointed Mr. Burlew adjutant-general of the state, and he was reappointed later by Governor Glass-cock, and continued in office until 1910, when he resigned and has accepted no public office since. Mr. Burlew was married at Charleston to Miss Lizzie Rand, who was born and reared here, and is a daughter of William J. and Ella (Noyes) Rand, who spent their long lives at Charleston. They were members of the Presbyterian church, to which religious body Mr. and Mrs. Burlew also belong. Mr. Burlew is very prominent in Masonry and for the past ten years has been high priest and prophet of Beni-Kedem Shrine, at Charleston, of which he is also Past Potentate. 126th Infantry - BURLEW, NOYES S.—Age, 20 years. Enlisted, 5 Aug 1862, at Ovid, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. C, 22 Aug 1862; surrendered, 5 Sep 1862, and paroled, 6 Sep 1862, at Harper's Ferry, Va.; discharged for disability, 6 Oct 1863, at Convalescent Camp, Alexandria, VA. [note: On 15 Sep 1862, the regiment was surrendered and paroled with the garrison at Harper's Ferry, in all a force of 11,000 men, including the 39th, the 111th, and the 125th New York Infantry.] The Burlew Opera House was like hundreds of others across the country when Vaudeville was in its heyday. Once Vaudeville was no longer in fashion, many houses like this were torn down or converted into movie theaters. This photo however is not actually about the Burlew. It's an Ad for the Edgewood Spring Water Company. Many people think that commercial spring water is something new, but it's been around a long time. -----William Halsey Kinne (Democrat), member from Seneca county, was born at Romulus, NY, 22 Apr 1846. He was married and was a coal and lumber dealer, residing at Ovid, NY. His education was obtained at the Ovid Academy. He was a staunch Democrat and was elected to the Assembly In 1891 by 1,011 plurality over William Pallord, Republican, and the Prohibition nominee. -----http://books.google.com/books?id=YlExGEpXFUQC&dq=%22Halsey+Sandford%22+%22ovid%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s page 68. DOCTOR JARED SANDFORD, late of Ovid, Seneca County, New York, was born in Southampton. Long Island, 19 Feb 1774. He went to Ovid, Seneca County, New York, from Southampton, in the year 1796; taught school a few years and practiced medicine. He studied medicine with his brother James, at Huntington, Long Island; was married to Sally Radley Halsey early in 1801, and died August'18, 1817, leaving the following surviving children: Halsey, Hannah Howell, Lewis Halsey, Edward, Helen, Emily, James, Sarah. His wife was daughter of the late Hon. Silas Halsey, who emigrated to Ovid, from Southampton, Long Island, in 1792. In 1805 he (Doctor Sandford) built the house, about one mile north of Lodi Village, GEN. HALSEY SANDFORD (eldest of Doctor Jared Sandford's children) was born 26 Oct 1801, in a log house little west of the present village of Lodi, then Ovid Township, in this (Seneca) County; his education being such as the common schools of the country at that day furnished; was reared on the farm in Lodi, until about 19 years of age; then taught school a short time, and served as clerk in store, first for General D. Jackson at Trumansburg, afterwards for the late General John DeMott at Lodi (then town of Ovid). In fall of 1821 he located in that part of the town of Reading, Steuben County, now Starkey, Yates County, entering the mercantile business, conducting the same successfully, in connection with an ashery and distillery, until the fall of 1830 ; the latter was burned in 1828, and not rebuilt. In fall of 1830 he sold out his mercantile business to Adna Treat. He was the first Town Clerk of Starkey after organization of Yates County; also Postmaster in said town until spring of 1831, when he resigned. In the old military days he was Colonel of the 10th Regiment of Cavalry of NY, later Brigadier-General of the 5th Brigade, and finally Major-General of the 3rd 51 Division of same Corps. In spring of 1831 he removed to Lodi, place of his nativity, entered into partnership with the late General John De Mott in mercantile and produce business, which they conducted on a large scale until fall of 1838, when he (Sandford) retired from business. Was Supervisor of the town of Lodi in 1836, 1837, and 1838. In fall of 1838 he was elected Clerk of Seneca County, and held the office one term (three years). In fall of 1848 he moved to the beautifully located village of Ovid (where he now resides), and pursued his old business of merchandise, connected with produce, doing an extensive business until spring of 1861. Since residing in Ovid Village he has held the office of Postmaster ten years, Commissioner of Excise four years, and Superintendent of Poor three years. On 1 May 1822, he married Fanny Maria Howell, of Warwick, Orange, NY, d/o Roger and Elizabeth Howell, who were natives of Southampton, Long Island. She (Fanny M.) was born 16 Jan 1801. They were married at her father's residence, and for their wedding tour, they came in a one-horse chaise, over the hills of the "Beech Woods," to their home at now Starkey, Yates County; the trip occupied six days. They celebrated their Golden Wedding on 1 May 1872. Their children were Howell, Sarah, Helen, Emma, Jared, Lewis, Montgomery. Howell emigrated to Emmett, Calhoun, Michigan, in 1845,—his occupation a farmer, and died there, 12 Sep 1865. Sarah resides near this village with her second husband, Josiah B. Chapman. Helen married the late Rev. H. R. Dunham ; resided at Cortland, NY, where she died, 29 Jan 1853. Emma married Rev. A. L. Benton; they resided at Fredonia, NY. Jared resided at Mount Vernon, NY, and practiced law in the city of New York. Lewis died in infancy in Aug 1836. Montgomery resided at Geneva, NY, and was cashier of the Geneva National Bank. http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html Pocahontas Lodge No. 211, Seneca Falls, New York At 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon of April 8, 1851 Masons from neighboring Lodges met in Seneca Falls to participate in the first installation of officers in the newly chartered Pocahontas Lodge. The Masons in Seneca Falls had been trying for years to have a new Charter granted, and this was the culmination of their efforts. Heretofore, men of that village were obliged to travel to other communities to join a Masonic Lodge. In fact, six of the 19 original members of the new Lodge were members of Seneca No. 113 in Waterloo, and six were members of St. Paul's No. 124 in Auburn. John Morse, of St. Paul's, was installed Master and Jacob H. Corl, of Seneca, Secretary. History is sparse for the first 18 years, due to a disastrous fire on the night of January 16- 17, 1869, that totally destroyed the meeting rooms and all of the records and furnishings of the Lodge. Pocahontas met for the next 32 years in various rental halls until it was decided that they should have a home of their own. On June 15, 1901 the cornerstone was laid, and on December 10 of that year, the first communication was held in the brand new Temple. The brick building was located on Cayuga Street near the business district, and was an excellent example of classic Masonic Temple design, with all of the proper columns and fenestrations in place. The Lodge prospered and grew until 1930, when a membership of 377 was reported, its zenith. Membership then started a decline, and only for a seven-year period during and after World War I1 were increases reported. After 80 years the State of New York bought the Temple, tore it down and covered over the spot with a new roadway. Again many records were lost. In 1983 Pocahontas Lodge built a new Temple, of basic, unadorned wood frame construction. On Mount Road (S.R. 414) between the villages of Seneca Falls and Waterloo, it has also become the home of the Seneca Lodge, Salem Town Chapter No. 173 RAM, and two associated OES Chapters. For 150 years of its life the Pocahontas members ledger shows 1,234 members, I04 of whom served as Master, some for as long as four terms. Many locally prominent men have been members of the Lodge, but the most Masonically recognized is Harry G. Meacham, who was the DDGM for the 0-S-Y District for 1924-26. In 1926 he became the Grand Lecturer Emeritus. In May 1955 he was appointed to the Board of Custodians. He "Ceased Earthly Labor" on October 15, 1955. His writings on Masonic procedures and etiquette are well known in the Craft. Hermon Abram Carmer http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bowers/lane/lane6.txt Children of SARAH GRISWOLD and ABRAM CARMER were: i. MYRON ERNESTCARMER, b. 17 Sep 1854, Dryden; d. 6 Nov 1945. ii. WILLIS GRISWOLD CARMER, b. 06 Nov 1856. iii. HERMON ABRAM CARMER, b. 14 Apr 1858, Dryden; d. 9 Sep 1941; m. ELLA ROSA, 10 Oct 1886. Mr. Carmer spent his early life in Dryden studying in the local schools, and later taking a preparatory course at Munro Institute at Elbridge. After teaching for three years, he entered the University of Michigan, graduating in 1883, and being admitted to the bar in that state the same year and the following year in New York state. He began his legal work in the law office of Duell and Benedict in 52 Cortland, and during Cleveland's administration obtained a position in Washington. Coming here in 189, he started the practice of his chosen profession, and for twenty-four years was in partnership with the late Charles A. Hawley. For twelve years served as referee in bankruptcy for Seneca, Yates, and Wayne counties. For two years before his retirement in 1938, after forty six years of practice, Victor G. Mount was associated with Mr. Carmer, and took over his practice. Mr. Carmer received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the University of Michigan and Master of Laws from the University of Washington, D.C. Active in community affairs, he was the president of the board of education when the new Mynderse Academy was constructed. He served faithfully and well for many years as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church. One of the oldest members of Pocahontas Lodge, No. 211, he affiliated here in 1892, and had been a Mason for nearly half a century. He studied Law in the Albany and Ann Arbor Law Schools; 1886-1891, Govt. clerk in the Treasury Dept, Washington D.C.; 1891, member of Law firm of Hawley and Carmer, Seneca Falls; 1904, trustee of Elmira College; Master of Laws, Washington, DC; buried in Restvale cemetery. iv. ADELINE CARMER, b. 18 Apr 1860; d. ca 1937. v. JENNIE CARMER, b. 15 Jul 1863; d. 3 Nov 1919, Wellsville, NY. vi. BERTHA C. CARMER, b. 03 Sep 1868; d. 3 Dec 1942, Lyons, NY. vii. EDNA CARMER, b. 29 Sep 1870, Dryden Lake, NY; d. 9 Sep 1960, Gloversville NY. http://www.bklyn-genealogy-info.com/Directory/1927.Bios.html Clarence A. MacDonald, senior member of the firm of MacDonald Brothers, was born in Seneca Falls, 3 Apr 1856, a son of James H. and Ulyssa P. (Baker) MacDonald. He was educated at Rochester Free Academy and at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, from which latter he graduated with the class of 1880 and the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then began to read law with Charles A. Hawley, of Seneca Falls, and having been admitted to the bar in January, 1884, established himself in the practice of his profession in his native town, in which he has continued since then with great success, being associated for many years with his younger brother, William S. MacDonald, under the name of MacDonald Brothers. He is a trustee and the attorney for the Seneca Falls Savings Bank and a member and Past Master of Pocahontas Lodge, No. 211, F&AM. Clarence married, 21 Nov 1889, Agnes J. Davis, of Seneca Falls, d/o James and Jane (Poole)Davis, Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald are the parents of four children: 1) Stuart C., a graduate of the US Military Academy, West Point, New York class of 1915, stationed in 1926 in the Panama Canal Zone and holding the rank of major. 2 and 3. Lucy D. and Agnes, twins. 4) James H., in the US Marine Corps. The family residence is located at No. 167 Fall Street, Seneca Falls. William S. MacDonald was born in Seneca Falls, Seneca, NY, 14 Nov 1861 a son of James H. and Ulyssa P. (Baker) MacDonald. He was educated at the Seneca Falls Academy and at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, from which latter he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1882. He then took up the study of law in the offices of Judge P.H. Van Auken, of Seneca Falls, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1885. Since then he has been engaged in general law practice in Seneca Falls in association with his brother and has met with great success. He is a director of and the attorney for the Seneca Falls Trust Company, and at one time served a Deputy Attorney General of the State of New York during the administration of this office by Attorney-General Edward Richard O'Malley. Fraternal affairs have claimed much of his attention for many years and he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Pocahontas Lodge, No. 211, F&AM, of which latter he is a Past Master. Mr. MacDonald is unmarried and makes his home with his brother and the latter's family at No. 167 Fall Street, Seneca Falls. William Hudson Savage was born in Seneca Falls 17 Mar 1872, a son of Stephen H. and Elizabeth (Story) Savage. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, but came to Central New York as a young man and settled at Romulus, and later moved to the township of Seneca Falls, Seneca County, where he engaged in farming until the time of his death, 15 Sep 1915, at the age of 78. His mother was living at the homestead, aged 84 years. William H. Savage was educated in the public schools of Seneca Falls, and then learned the trade of machinist with the Goulds Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls, where he remained for four years. He then entered the employ of the Seneca Falls Manufacturing Company, with which concern he continued for the next twenty-seven years. Thirteen of these were spent as foreman, two as general foreman, and eventually the last year as superintendent. In 1922 he retired from his work in the shops of this company and on August 22, 1923, he was appointed acting postmaster of Seneca Falls, a position which he occupied until January 8, 1924, at which time he received his appointment as full-fledged postmaster from President Coolidge. He is also a member of Pocahontas Lodge, No. 211, F&AM; Salem Town Chapter, No. 173, Royal Arch Masons; and the Seneca Falls Citizens' Club. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Savage married, 26 Nov 1906 Lina Metcalf, of Seneca Falls, a d/o Augustus and Arvilla (Hood) Metcalf. The family residence is located at No. 36 Troy Street, Seneca Falls. http://books.google.com/books?id=88LTAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA263&dq=%22Pocahontas+Lodge+211%22&lr=&cd=12#v=onepage&q= &f=false page 262. RENSSELAER SCHUYLER is the owner of one of the finest fruit farms in Seneca County. It is beautifully located on the Lake Road, town of Seneca Falls, and is well cultivated in every particular. Mr. Schuyler was born in New York City, 4 Mar 1821, and is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Ware) Schuyler. The father was born in Belleville, NJ, and early in life began following the sea. He was also trained in military tactics, but, being in love with life on the water, he did not follow up his studies in that line. He entered the service as a sailor, and was promoted through the various stages until he became captain of a vessel, and when the British blockaded the port of Sandy Hook he ran the blockade and succeeded in reaching port. While on land Captain Schuyler organized a company known in history as the Jersey Blues, and afterwards ran the blockade under cover of a severe thunderstorm in the night. Upon reaching the sea they entered the service of the Government as privateers in the War of 1812. The motto of the vessel was "United we stand, divided we fall." The father was an expert in the management of his vessel, and on one occasion, when running the blockade, he called to the captain of another vessel telling him that if he wanted to get through safely he had better shorten his sail. 53 That gentleman, thinking his knowledge of vessels was about as extensive as Captain Schuyler's, replied that he would run under first. Our hero did as he had instructed the other to do, and in consequence reached port in safety, while his comrade was never seen again. Captain Schuyler made his home in New York City while following the sea. He traded for a time in the East Indies, and was also captain on a packet running to Liverpool. Previous to this time he had allowed his salary to accumulate, and instead of drawing it each month let it remain with his employers. They became bankrupted, however, and he lost all his savings. His last voyage was a trip to China, where he contracted yellow fever, which left him in a very feeble state. He returned home as soon as he was able, but it was not long before his death occurred, the result of pneumonia. This sad event took place when our subject was about six years of age. The parental family included eight children, of whom Rensselaer, of this history, was the youngest but one. "Of this household only two are now living, the brother of our subject being James, who makes his home in Hollister, CA. Mrs. Schuyler departed this life the year before her husband. On being doubly orphaned, our subject was adopted by a brother of his father, Aaron Schuyler, with whom he made his home for many years. He attended school in New York City and acquired a very fair education. In 1833, when he was in his twelfth year, his uncle came to Seneca County, and, purchasing land, gave his attention to farming. This industry was somewhat new to him, as all his life he had been a sea-coaster. Here Rensselaer also went to school winters and aided in the work on the farm during the summer months. He became a very fine penman, and when in school he was often petitioned by the teacher to give instruction in this study to the other pupils. At the age of seventeen our subject apprenticed himself to Mr. Maurice to learn the trade of a carpenter and joiner. On this occasion he refused to be bound by any contract, as he told that gentleman if he did not use him well papers would not hold him, and if he did, he would stay with him even to the last hour. He remained in his employ two months over four years, the time which had been agreed upon, during which time he became an expert in the use of tools. He commenced working for others when nineteen years old, and very soon was placed in charge of over forty-two men. This was during the building of the bridge across Cayuga Lake for the New York Central Road. In 1847 Mr. Schuyler and Miss Judith Norris, of the town of Seneca Falls, were united in marriage. She was born in England and was brought to America when a child by her parents. Two years after his marriage our subject went to California, the journey being undertaken in the brig "Mexican," which had once been captured by pirates. He was eight and a-half months making the journey around Cape Horn, and upon arriving in the Golden State began working in the mines. He was thus employed for a year and a-half, when he returned home by way of the Isthmus, being en route at this time only one mouth. After his return to Seneca Falls, Mr. Schuyler established a grocery business in Seneca Falls, and for four years commanded a good trade. In 1856 he was appointed State Inspector of Government Works, holding that position during the enlargement of the Seneca & Erie Canal. He was the incumbent of this position about a year, after which he purchased his present home. Ever since boyhood he had been greatly interested in fruit-raising, and when he had property of his own determined to engage in this delightful business. In 1892 our subject was elected to the office of Superintendent of the Poor, to serve for a term of three years. He had previously served as Overseer of the Poor in the town of Seneca Falls for the same length of time. While in the village of Seneca Falls he was a member of the Board of Trustees, and was also the successful candidate for the office of Excise Commissioner. Mr. Schuyler cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay. He, however, changed his views about the time the war opened and ever since has been a stanch Democrat. He now has in his possession an old cane used by General Jackson, which was sent to him by his cousin, Schuyler Underbill, whose home was near the "Hermitage," the old Jackson residence. He also has a cane made from a part of the frigate "Constitution," with the name of all the Presidents down to Garfield carved upon it. To Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler there were born three children. Robert A., who was born 3 Nov 1849, attended the academy at Seneca Falls, and upon completing his literary education took a business course in the Commercial College of Auburn. He is now Cashier for the New York Central, Lake Shore and two other corporations, with headquarters at Suspension Bridge. He has a daughter, Mary. Our subject's second child, Mary E., is now deceased. Judith Gertrude also attended the academy at Seneca Falls, and for a number of years followed teaching. Our subject is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, with which denomination his ancestors were identified for many generations. In 1852 Mr. Schuyler became a Mason, joining Pocahontas Lodge No. 211, in the village of Seneca Falls, and being one of the first to be initiated after the lodge was organized. He has filled nearly all the chairs in that particular lodge and bears the distinction of being its oldest member. Junius Lodge No. 291, Junius / Waterloo, New York Junius Lodge No. 291 of Waterloo, NY, received its set of jewels in 1819 from silversmith Caleb Fairchild (ca 1795-1870; Master of Seneca Lodge No. 113, 1846-51 ). http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/7504.htm Caleb Fairchild, b,: 31 Jan 1795, Morristown, NJ; d. 18 Apr 1877, Waterloo NY; m. 5 Sep 1821 in Waterloo. NY. Aurelia Maltby, b. 4 Jul 1801 in Hatfield, MA; d. 10 Dec 1898 in Waterloo, NY. He worked from 1820 to 1870 as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker in Waterloo. http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/EAD/htmldocs/RMM06051.html Isaac Rosa came from the Town of Greene with the first settlers around 1817 as a master mechanic, and built the first house in Waterloo and built the Waterloo Flouring and Grist Mill for Reuben Swift & Co. and was employed to run them. He was also the first Master of the Masonic lodge the same year the missionary society was founded. 54 From the History of Chenango County by James H. Smith (1880) and http://www.elight126.com/History.html : In 1796, Isaac ROSA settled on the east of the river, on the farm later owned by David BAIRD, about two miles above Greene. He subsequently kept a public house, at Genegantslet, where most of the public business of the vicinity was done (and in which village the Masons met until 1816; they then moved their meeting place to Greene). He was elected the second Supervisor of the town, in 1799, and was re-elected for five years. He was a man of marked character in the early settlement of the town. He was also the first Master under Dispensation, 1 Oct 1811, of Eastern Light Lodge No. 208 (chartered .2 Sep 1812; revived as No. 126 on 3 Jun 1857). http://books.google.com/books?id=YlExGEpXFUQC&pg=PA34&lpg=PA34&dq=%22orrin+r.+FARNSWORTH%22&source=bl&ots=r k_5hYGvtE&sig=bsELdr9388cZKvaZCglhB7MO3hM&hl=en&ei=iod1S_vKEYTIlAfpxqCVDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnu m=1&ved=0CAcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22orrin%20r.%20FARNSWORTH%22&f=false page 34. Deacon Isaac Rosa, wife, and seven children came in 1817 to Waterloo. Old, he was yet active and enterprising. Having superintended the building of the mills, he was employed to run them. The door in the front of the mill was in two parts. The pigs, attracted by feed, would crowd into the front door, which the deacon would close; then opening a back door, some fifteen feet above the water, he ran them out, and they shot, much surprised, into the water below. Deacon Rosa was employed to put up the frame of the old Presbyterian meeting-house. Messrs. Fairchild, Bacon, and Maltby went to see the frame, and found the plates on and supports placed in the basement for the heavy beams. The roof-timbers were being hauled up with a gin-pole and tackle by a score of men, and the studs beneath bent with the pressure. Suddenly, with a crash, the whole frame fell, and seven or eight men lay under and among the ruins. Deacon Rosa was badly hurt and rendered a cripple for life. . . Orrin R. Farnsworth got off with a fractured skull, was trepanned, and lived several years. ----The third mill was built by County Judge Luther F. Stevens, sometime about 1823 http://books.google.com/books?id=24hLAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA198&dq=%22junius+lodge+291%22&cd=2#v=onepage&q=&f=false page 198. Junius Lodge was organized in 1817: the warrant is dated June 5, 1817, and is signed by DEWITT CLINTON, Grand Master; MARTIN HOFFMAN, Deputy Grand Master; CADWALLADER D. COLDEN, Senior Grand Warden ; ELISHIA GILBERT, Junior Grand Warden, and ELIAS HICKS, Grand Secretary. The officers named in the warrant are: Isaac Rosa, Master: Luther F. Stevens, Senior Warden; Joseph Pixley, Junior Warden. As the minutes of the Lodge are not intact, it is impossible to give a complete record of its doings; it is known that it met regularly until December 1826, after that time but little is known concerning its affairs; in all probability it ceased to meet owing to the (Morgan) excited conditions which at that time existed. It was not until the later part of the year 1839 that an attempt was made to revive the Lodge. On 27 Dec 1839, a meeting was held at the house of DANIEL KERN, when an election for officers occurred. At this time O(rrin). R. FARNSWORTH was elected Master, JULIUS C. STRONG, Senior Warden, and HARVEY S. LISK, Junior Warden. Julius C. Strong, b. 12 Jul 1802, d, 17 Jun 1858, Waterloo, NY; son of Bela Strong, Jr. and Sarah Parsons; m. 2 Oct 1825, Amanda Cynthia Woodworth, of Aurelius, Cayuga, NY, b. 1805, d/o Gershom Woodworth and Phebe Traver. Resided Waterloo, NY and Joliet, IL. http://books.google.com/books?id=YBxWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA1513&dq=%22JULIUS+C.+STRONG%22&cd=1#v=onepage& q=%22JULIUS%20C.%20STRONG%22&f=false page 1520. JULIUS C. STRONG b. 12 Jul1802: d. at Waterloo, 17 Jun 1858, aged 56; a clothing merchant at Waterloo, NY. He m. 2 Oct 2 1825, Amanda Cynthia Woodworth of Aurelius, Cayuga Co., NY, b. 6 Jan 1805 (d/o Gershom Woodworth and Phebe Traver). She resided in Joliet, IL (1870). Children: i. SARAH Eliza Strong b. 12 Aug 1826, m. William Strong Brooks of Schenectady, NY. ii. WILLIAM Augustus Strong b. 03 Oct 1828. iii. ELWYN Traver Strong b. 04 Jun 1831; d. 14 Feb 1858; a coppersmith in Waterloo, NY; m. 12 Jun 1853, Sarah Delpbine Mewhon, d. Jan 1860. 2 children. iv. JANE Electa Strong b. 25 Jul 1833, resided unmarried in Joliet, IL. v. LLEWELLYN Walworth Strong b. 21 Dec 1835, a hardware merchant in Joliet, IL. vi. HELEN A. Strong b. 20 Jan 1818 [1838?], d. 14 Oct 1840. vii. LAVINIA Sigourney Strong b. 26 Mar1840, m. 19 Dec 1867, George H. Johnson of Waterloo, NY, son of Ira Johnson and Sarah Ann Inslee: a Railroad Conductor: lived at Joliet, IL. The Grand Lodge register contains the following concerning this event: "Reorganized by L. KELLY, Grand Visitor, 27 Dec 1839, by order of the Grand Lodge." The register also contains the following statement: "Made no returns after revival, consequently the warrant was declared forfeited and recalled in Jun 1843, and after considerable difficulty obtained by BRO. LUTHER KELLY in Aug 1844, and delivered by him to the Grand Secretary. No books, papers or other property." Occasional meetings were held for several months after its revival; the last recorded meeting was April 16, 1840. From this date Masonry as an organized body ceased to exist in Waterloo. But the old members were restless without a Masonic home; they felt disheartened, but still had courage enough to hope for better times. Informal discussions took place, until finally they 55 determined to apply for a dispensation and once more resume their labors. On 31 Jul 1845, a dispensation was obtained, and once more these veterans gathered about the altar, when the great light was opened never to be again closed. The officers named in the dispensation and warrant were: Caleb Fairchild, Master; Julius C. Strong, Senior Warden; Horace F. Gustin, Junior Warden. The first meetings of Seneca Lodge No. 113, chartered 12 Jul 1846, were held in the same room formerly used by the old Lodge. http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924028826696/cu31924028826696_djvu.txt The Waterloo House, which stood on Main street, the northeast corner, facing court house square, was erected in 1817. It was built by Ab. Failing, the first landlord. This was a three-story building with the main entrance in the center of the west side overlooking the square. A ball room and Masonic lodge room occupied the upper floor. It was the Waterloo House until a man named Madison took it and gave it his name. ------ Yates County Lodges Milo Lodge No. 108, Penn Yan, New York http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html Freemasonry in the Penn Yan area dates back to 1810. The first Lodge was Vernon Lodge No. 190, named after Mount Vernon or after the Town of Vernon. The town in Ontario County was set off from the Town of Jerusalem by an act of legislature in 1803, and included the later Towns of Benton, Milo and Torrey. The Town of Vernon later became Town of Snell, after Senator Snell. In 1810 the name was changed to Benton, and has remained as such. The Town of Milo was set off from Benton in 1818, and the Town of Torrey from Milo in 1851. It should be noted that Vernon Lodge was constituted 13 years prior to the time when Yates County was set off from Ontario, and 23 years before the incorporation of the village of Penn Yan. From 1810 to 1830 the Masons met in several places, such as Lee's Tavern, on the Pre- Emption Rd., the home of Asa Cole, Morris Sheppard's "upper room," and the Court House. The last recorded meeting of Vernon Lodge was held December 27, 1830. Masonry remained dormant throughout the "Morgan period" in Yates County until 1845, when on August 12 Penn Yan Lodge (Under Dispensation) held its first meeting. Penn Yan Lodge held 10 meetings and raised 15 Masons. For some reason, never clearly understood, this Dispensation was withdrawn, and in 1846 a new one was issued to Milo Lodge No. 108. The first meeting of Milo Lodge was held on April 15, 1846, and on June 6 a Charter was granted. John L. Lewis was the first Mason raised in Milo Lodge, and under his leadership Milo Lodge took an active part in the 1848 amendment of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. He served as Grand Master for four years. By his efforts the two Grand Lodges in the State of New York were brought together, and Masonry was strengthened. Grand Master Lewis furnished many of the plans for the construction of the beautiful Masonic Temple in New York City. He served as the head of all the Grand Lodge bodies of Masonry. He received his 33rd Degree in both the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions, and was elected Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of 33rd Degree Masons of America. Later, Lewis was nominated by the Grand Lodge of England, Scotland and Wales to represent them in the U.S. WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated June 8: intact. Name or number has never been changed. It was organized in the early part of 1846; a dispensation was granted April 9, 1846, and on April 15th, the first meeting was held. The officers named in the dispensation and warrant were: Samuel L. Bigelow, Master. Hiram Depew, Senior Warden. Elisha H. Huntington, Junior Warden. Previous to the advent of Milo Lodge, another Lodge named Penn Yan had been working under a dispensation granted July 16. 1845. For reasons not clearly understood the dispensation was revoked by M.'.W.'. JOHN D. WILLARD, January 11, 1846. This dispensation named as officers: Samuel L. Bigelow, Master. Elijah Higley, Senior Warden. Elisha H. Huntington, Junior Warden. Immediately after this action was taken by the Grand Master, another petition was presented, asking for another dispensation under the name of Milo, which was issued, and on June 4, 1846, the Committee on Warrants made a report to the Grand Lodge, then in session, in which the committee recommended favorable action on the application for a warrant. The following extract from this report throws some light upon the existing situation so far as it relates to Penn Yan Lodge: "On the application of the brethren of Penn Yan, now working under dispensation, it appears before your committee that on a former day the M.'. W.'. Grand Master did grant a dispensation empowering certain brethren of Penn Yan to organize themselves into a Masonic body and proceed to labor: that after such organization certain facts were presented to the consideration of the Grand Master, exhibiting a state of things entirely at war with the harmony which should exist in a well-regulated Lodge; that with the facts before him, the M.'.W.'. Grand Master saw fit to revoke and annul the dispensation granted by him and, instead thereof, to issue a dispensation to a portion of the body working under the former authority, which present body are known and distinguished as Milo Lodge, No. ——. This Lodge now asks that a charter may be granted to them and that the jewels, funds and other property which may have belonged to the other body, working under the former dispensation, be quietly put in their possession. Your committee recommend that the charter be filled with the names of such officers us they may select and that their petition be granted." 56 The recommendation was adopted, and two days after, the warrant was issued. The Lodge has enjoyed an uninterrupted existence ever since. The first initiate in the Lodge was JOHN L. LEWIS, JR., who received the first degree May 1, 1846, and was raised on the 22d of the same month. No sketch of Milo Lodge would he complete without extended reference to this distinguished man and illustrious Mason. He was born in Yates County, NY, July 17, 1813: he studied law and was admitted to the bar when but twenty-two years of age; two years later he was appointed District Attorney, holding this office eleven years, when he was elected County Judge. He became active in Masonic work immediately after receiving his degrees; serving first as Secretary of his Lodge. He was elected Senior Warden in 1848; served as Master in 1850-51-52. In 1850 he was Junior Grand Deacon; in 1854 he was elected Deputy Grand Master, re-elected in 1855, and was Grand Master in 1836-57-58-59. For over thirty-five years he was an earnest and wise counselor in the deliberations of the Grand Lodge. He died at Penn Yan, NY, June 11, 1889. M.'.W.'. JOHN W. VROOMAN, in his address to the Grand Lodge, June 3, 1890, said concerning his Masonic career: "I Fraternally call your attention to a published history of the Masonic labor and service of JOHN L. LEWIS. You will find it in the printed transactions of this Grand Body from the year 1850 to the year 1888. Would you see his Masonic Memorial? Look at our present Constitution, Statutes, Code of Procedure and Rules of Order. "Would you read one of the Master Masonic orations of this or any other age? Turn to the one he delivered at the dedication of this building. "Would you possess a fund of general Masonic information? Study his addresses and his arguments. "His work was well done. It was all done. Let his own language conclude this brief tribute: ' When my labors are over I seek no higher praise than the simple, but expressive eulogy inscribed upon the tomb of one of earth's lowly but faithful ones, 'He hath done what he could." A granite shaft, erected by his brethren, marks his resting place in the cemetery at Penn Yan. It was dedicated by the Grand Master October 25, 1902. As a considerable number of the charter members of Milo Lodge had been members of Vernon Lodge, No. 190 (now extinct), which was organized in 1810, it is proper that some mention should be made of the old Lodge. The first recorded meeting was held May 8, 1810; its last recorded meeting was held December 27, 1830. This Lodge led an active career from its organization, and undoubtedly it shared the fate of so many that were forced to succumb to the effect of the antiMasonic crusade. In this case, added to the trouble, was the loss of its entire property by fire. It was warranted March 7, 1810. The minutes of the Lodge from May 8, 1810, to May 16, 1826, are still in existence and are intact. The old warrant was destroyed in the fire. At a session of the Grand Lodge in June, 1827, the Committee on Warrants reported: "That the doings of the M.'.W.'. Grand Master in granting a dispensation to Vernon Lodge, No. 190, for the continuation of their labors (their original warrant having been burned), ought to be confirmed, and that a new warrant be granted in the names of the present officers free of expense, and that they retain their former rank." There is no record to show that a new warrant was issued. The original petition, asking for a warrant, is dated Snell, January 27, 1810, and is signed by the following: Benjamin Shaw. Reuben Weed. James Schofield. Joshua Lee. Harry Smith. John Hobart. It recommended as officers: Joshua Lee, Benjamin Shaw, Thomas Lee, Jr., Robert Patterson. Thomas Lee, Jr. Joseph Havens. Stephen Havens. Samuel Lawrence. Master. Senior Warden. Junior Warden. The by-laws adopted by the Lodge March 24, 1812, contain some interesting features. The following are excerpts: "Art. 6. Any member wishing to loan from the treasury a sum of money, not exceeding the sum of twenty-five dollars, must apply in open Lodge, and, if said application be granted, must give a good respectable member as security and pay the same in three months with lawful interest. "Art. 8. No spirituous liquors are allowed to be taken into the Lodge room unless by unanimous consent of the Lodge. "Art. 10. It shall be the duty of each member should he see or hear any brother that is a member of this Lodge conducting himself improperly or out of character, to reprimand him, and should that not have the desired effect, to report him to the Lodge, there to be dealt with as they shall direct." MASTERS OF VERNON LODGE, No. 190. 1810. Joshua Lee. 1811. Benjamin Shaw. 1812. Thomas Lee, Jr. 1813. Benjamin Shaw. 1814. Joshua Lee. 1815. Joshua Lee. 1810. Benjamin Shaw. 1817. Benjamin Shaw. 1818. Joshua Lee. 1819. Benjamin Shaw. 1820. Joshua Lee. 1821. John Powell. 1822. John Powell. 1823. Joshua Lee. 1824. Benjamin Shaw. 1825. Joshua Lee. 1826. Andrew F. Oliver. 1827. Andrew F. Oliver. 1828. Cornelius Masten. 1829. Samuel Lawrence. 1830. Samuel Lawrence. 57 At last meeting, December 27, 1830, ERENEZER BROWN was elected Master. The old Lodge had upon its rolls the names of many who wore prominent as: MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE. Dr. Joshua Lee, Surgeon US Army, 1812. Assemblyman, Congressman. Ebenezer Brown, Sheriff, Yates County. Avery Smith, Col. U. S. A., 1812, Assemblyman. Thomas Lee, Jr., Col. U. S. A., 1812. Aaron Remer, Capt. US Army, 1812, Assemblyman. John Powell, Clerk Board of Supervisors. Abner Woodworth, Capt. US Army, 1812, County Clerk. Andrew F. Oliver, Surrogate, Yates County. William M. Oliver, Judge. Court of Common Pleas. Cornelius Masten, Judge, Court of Common Pleas. Dr. William Cornwell, Surgeon US Army, 1812. Samuel Lawrence, Assemblyman. Milo Lodge has participated in a number of public ceremonials. It was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, May 21,1891, and at the dedication of the same, October 5, 1892. Ebenezer Brown http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=browniv&id=I5563 b. 1 May 1797 in Norwich, Windsor, VT; d. 7 Dec 1852 in Goshen, IN; son of Martin BROWN b. 5 Oct 1761 in Bolton, Tolland, CT, and Sarah HAMMOND b. 21 Apr 1765; m. ca 1820 Hannah SHAY b: in Italy, Yates, NY. Sheriff of Yates County and Post Master of Penn Yan for six years. Children 1. George H. N. BROWN b. 1 Oct 1822 in Benton, Yates, NY 2. Henrietta Elizabeth BROWN b. 3 Dec 1826 in Benton, Yates, NY 3. Sarah Jane BROWN 4. Emma Pamelia BROWN b. 25 Sep 1820, Penn Yan, Yates, NY; d. 6 Jul 1911, Goshen, Elkhart, IN; m. 14 Jul 1842 in Goshen, Chauncey Smith Hascall, b. 15 Jan 1812, LeRoy, Genesee, NY; d. 1894, East Chicago, Lake, IN. 5. Henrietta BROWN 6. Janette BROWN In an article written for the Goshen Democrat in 1895, Mrs. Chauncey S. Hascall told many interesting things about Goshen and vicinity in the years of her early residence in this county. When her father, Ebenezer Brown came here in 1834, the town was only three years old. They located a mile and a half northeast of Goshen, on what was for many years known as the Yeoman farm. Their nearest neighbors were the residents of Goshen. The Brown family came from Yates county, NY, traveling by wagon to Buffalo, from Buffalo to Detroit by water and from Detroit to Goshen by wagon. They were two weeks on their way. A part of her article is so interesting that it seems a pity to abbreviate it, so that part is reproduced here. “The Methodists had a strong foothold here as in most new countries and the barn like structure they used many years for their church services witnessed many stirring, old fashioned revivals. There was no underpinning to the house and the meetings were often disturbed by animals which made their sleeping quarters there. The men sat on one side of the house and the women on the other. “The first time I saw Mrs. Robinson, sister of Mrs. John Irwin, she was riding to church on the horse behind her husband who was the circuit preacher at that time. I think they came in from the Jackson homestead. “Socially there were no dividing lines. Every man was as good as his neighbor, if not a little better. Log rollings, barn raisings and quilting bees were the chief entertainments. All the women in the neighborhood, an area of two or three square miles, assisted in getting up the big dinners for the men’s gatherings, thus combining pleasure with business in a way peculiar to new countries. John Hull’s dancing parties divided the social interests with the churches for some years. The late William Thomas, L. G. Harris, Abijah Hubbell, the Hascall’s, E. M. Chamberlain and wife and Mrs. J. P. Hawks are all that are left of the band that once tripped the light fantastic toe to the music of Hull’s violin in the old dancing room a Cook’s tavern. I remember seeing Mrs. J. P. Hawks (sister of Mrs. Hascall) starting for one of these parties on a horse behind her escort. That primitive fashion went out of date, as the new comers brought in buggies and other light vehicles which took the place of ‘prairie schooners’ and ‘riding double’ for pleasure excursions. “The first wedding of note was that of I. M. Chamberlain to Miss Phoebe Hascall in 1838. All the ‘youth and beauty’ of Goshen graced the occasion. A Rev. Mr. Brown preformed the wedding ceremony. “The first ‘society event’ of the town was Mr. Barnes large house warming party, some time near 1850. A number of South Bend people were there, among them Schuyler Colfax. “As the town increased in population and wealth, large residences were built and society began to ‘put on airs’ dividend itself into ‘circles’, issued its mandates and with its city charter, put on metropolitan customs.” http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/jerusalembiosa-l.htm Hon. Everett Brown, son of J. Warren and Rosalia BROWN, was born in Italy, NY, on 19 Oct 1850, but came to Jerusalem with his parents when a child, where he attended school in his early years, going afterward to Penn Yan to attend the academy. His occupation has been that of a farmer and a fruit grower. In politics he is Republican, having been very prominent in his town, county and State. Mr. BROWN was presidential elector at Albany, NY, in 1888 and was elected representative to the Assembly of New 58 York in 1890, and again in 1891. He is a member of Milo Lodge, F&AM, and Minnesetah Lodge, No. 234, L. of P., of Penn Yan. 25 Dec 1870, he married Mary E. CAIRNES, of Jerusalem, NY, and their children are Nellie May and Rosalia. ----John J. Comstock, son of Israel and Jane (SUTTON) COMSTOCK, was born 30 Jul 1826 in Jerusalem, NY and was educated in Penn Yan Academy, and has been a farmer in this town ever since. He has been a Republican ever since the party was organized, and has been commissioner of highways for three terms and in 1887 was elected justice of the peace and still holds that office. His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the oldest members of the Milo Lodge, F&AM, at Penn Yan, NY. He married Mary Elizabeth, d/o Robert and Susan (WAGNER) MILLER of Pultney, NY. Their children are: Robert I., b. 15 Mar 1855; John A. b. 28 Mar 1858; George B., b. 26 Mar 1862; and Wilber F., b. 21 Nov 1863. Dr. William Cornwell, Jr. http://pyhistory.org/People/per_wmc.htm A few families always seem to have an influence on an area far out of proportion to their numbers, and the Cornwells were definitely one of this select group. All the Yates County Cornwells were descended from William Cornwell Sr., a native of Dublin who emigrated to America with his widowed mother in 1765. His father was a Captain in the British Army, who fell at Fort Ticonderoga in the war with France. William was 15 years old when he arrived in New York; he and his mother supported themselves making and selling lace. In 1774 William married Hannah Finch in Connecticut, and soon afterward moved to Delaware County. The war of the Revolution drove most of the settlers back east to avoid trouble with the Indians. He was captured with some of his neighbors by the Indians, managed to free himself and killed all the sleeping band of captors with their own weapons. Cornwell and his family fled to Schoharie and withstood the long seige there; then he joined the army and was again captured and again escaped. William and Hannah managed to raise a large family during all this excitement, returned to Delaware County at the end of the war and bought a farm; and then in 1816 followed their son William Jr. to the Genesee Country, where they settled in the town of Jerusalem a couple of miles west of Penn Yan. William Jr. was his parents' third son and sixth child, born in 1787. Four daughters were younger. All of the family spent at least some time in Yates County. Young William was, however, the first; he came west in 1809 to practice medicine, married Sarah Chidsey in 1817 and lived successively in the two houses he built on the east side of Main Street. Though always called "Dr. Cornwell," he doesn't seem to have practiced medicine for very long. He entered politics, serving as deputy sheriff of Ontario County for some years; and was elected Colonel of the "Penn Yan Regiment" of Militia, the old 103rd infantry regiment. He represented Ontario County in the Assembly in 1820-21, and in December of the year 1820 began a clerkship with his neighbor William M. Oliver, an attorney licensed to practice before the state Supreme Court. At this time there were seven lawyers in what would become Yates County, six of them in Penn Yan: Oliver, Cornelius Masten, A.P. Vosburgh, Benjamin Dey, John Willey and William Shattuck. Cornwell read law with Oliver, and then with Evert VanBuren, and was licensed as an attorney in 1829. He was a successful lawyer in Penn Yan for many years, until his death in 1846 at the age of 60. Sarah Cornwell lived in the house he had built for her until her death in 1866. William Jr. and Sarah Chidsey Cornwell's children were: i. Achsa Ann, m. Justus S. Glover, a lawyer who was his father-in-law's partner for some time. The two practiced law in a small building at what is now 309 Main Street. Glover and his wife moved to Michigan in 1864, where he died two years later. His body was brought back to Penn Yan for burial. ii. Emily S., m. George Allen of Michigan, and died there. iii. William A., m. Oriana Bailey, the daughter of a San Francisco judge, which is where the couple lived. He was another lawyer, a writer, and secretary to the Governor and later to the California Senate. iv. Henry B. a member of Scott's army in Mexico and was mortally wounded at the battle for Chapultepec. v. Elizabeth never married, and continued to live in her parents' and later her brother's home. vi. Samuel C. died in 1841, at the age of 11. vii. Caroline m. John D. Wolcott, Penn Yan lawyer and newspaper editor. viii. George R. m. Catharine, d/o Dr. James Heermans. He remained in his father's house and became a successful merchant. The Cornwell Building and Cornwell's Opera House in downtown Penn Yan were named for him. ix. Frances H. d. 1856, age 19. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/potterbioa-l.htm Melville W. Hobart, son of Joseph L. and Eleanor (BOULUNGA) Hobart, was born 11 Jun 1834. He received his education at Starkey Seminary and Penn Yan Academy and was been a farmer all his life. In politics he was a Republican. Mr. HOBART was a member of Milo Lodge, No. 108 of Penn Yan, NY. He married Helen M., daughter of John H. GLEASON, of this town, by whom he had seven daughters: Harriet, who married Seward ROBINSON of this town; Lulu (deceased) who married Daniel SUTTON; May, Eleanor M., Maud, Clara Louise (deceased) and Bessie HOBART. 59 http://pyhistory.org/People/per_law.htm Samuel Lawrence, son of John Lawrence and Anna Hathaway, was much involved in local politics, being an early Supervisor of Milo, and was elected to the Assembly in 1818. Governor Dewitt Clinton appointed him Sheriff of Ontario County in 1821, an office he held when Yates County was set off in 1823. He was twice married, first to Anna Clanford, a niece of David Wagener's, and second to the widow Polly Kidder. He lived at least part of the time in Penn Yan, building a house on Cherry Street in 1802 which stood for 150 years and was the oldest house in the village when it was destroyed by fire. The couple also lived in a house on Main Street, in which both died. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Lee_(New_York_politician) Joshua Lee (4 May 1783 – 29 Dec 1842) was a US Representative from New York. Born in Hudson in 1783, he studied medicine and was licensed to practice in 1804. He was commissioned in 1811 by Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins as surgeon of Colonel Avery Smith’s regiment of Infantry and served in that capacity during the War of 1812. He was supervisor of the town of Benton in 1815 and was a member of the NY State Assembly in 1817 and again in 1833. Lee was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1835 – March 3, 1837), after which he resumed the practice of his profession. He was unsuccessful for election to the U.S. Senate in 1839. He died in Penn Yan, NY, in 1842 and was interred in Lake View Cemetery. http://books.google.com/books?id=KEtkAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA234&lpg=PA234&dq=%22joshua+lee%22+%22penn+yan%22&source= bl&ots=u4T3D0zMes&sig=lbyBYfwSRdXqo1sgSCqG2SDICgs&hl=en&ei=3pJ2S6KFC4fClAfI8_2hDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=res ult&resnum=8&ved=0CBgQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=%22joshua%20lee%22%20%22penn%20yan%22&f=false page 234. See also: http://books.google.com/books?id=hDUWAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1PR8&dq=%22Abner+Woodworth%22+%22penn+yan%22&cd=2#v=onepage&q=%22Abner%20Woodworth%22%20%22penn%20y an%22&f=false page 644. [portrait and biography] DR. JOSHUA LEE, b. at Hudson, NY, 4 May 1783, was a physician and surgeon, was licensed to practice at the age of 21, by Jared Coffin, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Columbia co., NY. He took a high rank and was especially eminent as a skillful surgeon (m. 2 Mar 1809, Sophia Phillips, eldest daughter of Col. Perley Phillips of Geneva. She was b. 29 Nov 1790. Dr. Joshua Lee was one of the most popular men of his day in Yates co., NY, and had a wide and extended practice there. In 1811 he was commissioned by Gov. Tompkins surgeon of Col. Avery Smith's 103d regiment of infantry, and served in that capacity in the war of 1812, being present at the battle of Queenstown, and one of the first to cross the river in the discharge of his duty. In 1817 he was elected to the Legislature, defeating his brother, Col. Thomas Lee, Jr., who was an opposing candidate. During that session he voted for the act abolishing slavery in the State of New York, in the passage of which act he was especially zealous and materially aided in securing its passage, which was effected by only two majority. In 1833 he was again elected to the Assembly without opposition and .was chairman of the Medical committee. In 1834 he was elected to the 23d Congress of the U. S., from the district embracing Yates and Steuben counties. In 1839 he was the Democratic candidate for senator in the old 8th district and received a flattering vote. He was the first Master of Vernon Lodge of Masons, organized in 1809, and continued as its Master about ten years. He died Dec. 29, 1842, in his 60th year, and his wife died in 1853, aged 62. Their children were: i. Mary Jane, b. 17 Nov 1810; m. Dr. Lewis A. Birdsail i. Charles, b. 02 Aug 1813; m. Mary M., dau. of Ambrose Hall of Palmyra, N. Y., in 1835. He was supervisor of Milo in 1847, sergeant-at-arms of the State Senate 1852-3 and one of the original trustees of the People's College. iii. Pearly Phillips, b. 08 Mar 1819, d. 25 Mar1819. iv. Ann Jeannette, b. 15 Aug 1821 v. George, b. 10 Feb 1830. ----COL. THOMAS LEE, Jr., b. 20 Dec 1774; m. Asenath, daughter of Jacob Winants. Jacob Winants' wife was Rebecca Tallmadge, who was the aunt of Nathaniel P. Tallmadge, US senator from NY 1833 to 1844, and governor of Wisconsin. Col. Thomas Lee, Jr., was a prominent citizen, large land-owner and had a largely extended business, he was supervisor of the town of Milo, NY, in 1792. In 1816 he was member of Assembly, representing Ontario co., removed to Michigan in 1822, and was a member of the first Constitutional Convention of Michigan. He was a colonel commanding a regiment in the war of 1812. He and his wife d. in Michigan, well advanced in years. They had seven children ----http://pyhistory.org/People/per_cm.htm Cornelius Masten was born at Kingston, Ulster, NY, in August 1787. He fought in the War of 1812, achieving the rank of Major, and acted in 1814 as aide-de-camp of Governor Tompkins. His wife, Maria, was the daughter of Gen. Peter I. Vosburg, and he was a 60 contemporary and friend of Martin Van Buren. In the year 1817 he came to Penn Yan, one of a group of lawyers who came about that time and later from Kinderhook, where he had studied law under Aaron Vanderpool. Masten was the law partner of his brotherin-law A.P. Vosburgh until the latter's premature death. He was a contractor on the Erie Canal, introduced and engaged in the manufacture of a cast iron plow (known as the "Masten plow") that was one of the first used in this area. Cornelius at one time was the owner of valuable tracts of timber lands in Warren county, PA, which have since become valuable as oil producing territory. In 1835 he became First Judge of Yates County (a title, not an indication of chronology) and served a single five-year term. He was known ever afterward as "Judge Masten." Interestingly, he is the only County Judge whose portrait could not be found to hang in the Court House a century and a half later. Masten speculated rather heavily in wild lands in Warren County, PA; later, when oil was discovered there, a great many men became rich and no doubt an equal number went broke. All his lands in Penn Yan were sold in 1843 to pay his debts, but he evidently recovered enough of his fortune to continue to live in some of the best houses in Penn Yan. He died in 1850, age 63. Children: i. Henry b. 1813, Kinderhook; d. 1864; m. Rebecca Marten of Troy in 1845. They settled in Penn Yan and he began the practice of law but died only a few months after their marriage, without issue. His wife remarried and with her second husband went to what is now West Virginia. The husband, David Newton, was a newspaper editor in Charles Town and strongly advocated abolition there. Rebecca survived him. They had one son, Masten Newton. ii. Peter, b. 1815, Kinderhook; m. Jane Bentley, a judge's daughter from Chautauqua County. They went to live in Woodhull, Steuben County. Two of their sons were soldiers during the Civil War, as was Peter Masten himself. iii. Elizabeth A b. Aug 1818; m. Adna Sawyer, settled in Rock Stream and then in Dundee; two children who survived infancy. iv. Abraham V., b. 1820; m. Calista Beard of Milo; settled in Penn Yan where he was a saddler and harness-maker. 6 children. v. Cornelius C., b. 1823; m. Ursula Schofield of Penn Yan, and lived there. He was a gas-fitter and plumber. vi. John B., b. 1825; never married, volunteering for the Mexican War and was killed at Chihuahua in 1848. vii. James, b. 1827; m. Nancy Manning of White's Corners, Potter, PA; studied medicine with Andrew F. Oliver of Penn Yan, and practiced at Medfield in Tioga Co., Pa. They had four children. http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bbunce77/fam/fam02063.html Aaron Remer, b. ca 1781, Somerset Co., NJ; d. 26 Feb 1841, Benton, Yates, NY; son of John Remer and Leah Anten; m. 1804 Phoebe Townsend, ca 1784, Schoharie Co., NY; d. Dec 1867, Benton, NY, d/o Capt.Lawrence Townsend and Phoebe Green. Aaron served in War of 1812, and also represented Yates County in the New York state legislature. He also was Supervisor of the Town of Benton in 1830. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/benton/bentonbios2.htm Aaron REMER, born in Somerset county, New Jersey, married Phoebe, daughter of Lawrence TOWNSEND in 1804. They located, for a time, at the Lawrence Mills, on the outlet, then embracing a distillery, carding machine and cloth dressing, in which he was interested. Subsequently they settled on a farm now owned by Thomas GRISTOCK, on the Penn Yan and Dresden road and adjoining what became and is still known as his homestead farm, where he died, and his son, William T. REMER, now resides. He was also interested in building the Mosher Mills. In accordance with the custom of his German ancestors, and indeed with many of the present families of New Jersey, Aaron learned a tread, and served his apprenticeship as a shoemaker in the city of New York. After coming to this country he directed his mind and energies to other pursuits, soon attained the ownership of land and pursued the avocation of a farmer. He was early inclined to politics and being an active and energetic, soon made his influence felt. Associating with such men as Elijah SPENCER, the LAWRENCES and others of that day, then young men, he became conspicuous as a leader. His first associations were with the Federal party like most of his family. But the War of 1812 aroused his patriotic spirit, and he proceeded to the front as Captain of a Company of Calvary, organized in Benton. This company did three months of stirring service near the close of the war. From that time he was identified with the Democratic party, and adhered to it till 1840, when he espoused the cause of Gen. HARRISON, the Whig candidate for President. He was one of the five members of Assembly that represented Ontario county, in the session of 1822, and one of the six, of the following year, when Richard HOGARTH of Seneca, and Philetus SWIFT of Phelps, were also members. During that session he succeeded in procuring the organization of Yates county. He was also honored with the first election to the Assembly from the new county. Again in 1831 and 1832, he filled the same position, making five terms that he served as Member of Assembly. In obtaining the construction of the Crooked Lake Canal, and the Charter of the Yates County Bank, he was largely instrumental. In 1832 (March 2), a special committee of the Assembly was appointed to examine and put before the Committee of the whole House, such bills as in their judgment should receive the consideration of the House, as of the greatest public importance. This committee consisted of nine of the leading members and Aaron REMER was its Chairman. With public men and leading citizens he held an extensive correspondence, and was for a long time, sole agent of Henry TREMPER, a wealthy citizen of Philadelphia, owning extensive tracts of land in Ontario county. Mr. TREMPER had an early interest in the operations of the Lessee Company. In 1831, “Peter GANSEVORT, James STEVENSON and John WEBB, of Albany, Charles L. LIVINGSTON, Mordecai MYERS and James MONROE, of the city of New York, and Aaron REMER of Yates county,” were associated in the purchase and sale of the village plot of Little Falls, Herkimer county. Mr. REMER was largely interested and furnished the principal means for the purchase of the Wagener Mill and the village property in Penn Yan. Among his personal correspondents were such men as Mordecai M. NOAH and William M. OLVER. In all his business relations he was prompt, active, generous and reliable, and he accumulated a fine estate. He was regarded as a man of tried fidelity, social and politically, was affable and kind, made friends easily and kept them. It followed that he was a popular and influential citizen. He died in 1841 of consumption, at the age of 61years, and his decease was regarded as a public calamity. His wife died in Dec 1867, at the age of 83 years. Both were buried at City Hill. Their children were Lawrence T., Ann, Phebe, Mary, Jane, William T. and Sarah. 61 Lawrence T. married Sarah SEARS, of Penn Yan, and was for some time a merchant at Dresden. Subsequently he occupied a farm near the homestead, and finally moved to St. Clair, Michigan, where he resides, a farmer. His wife died leaving one child, Phebe J., and he married a second wife, Sarah J. GAGE of St. Clair. They had two daughters, Frances E. and Anna F. Ann was unmarried and resided on the homestead. Phebe married Ray G. WALT, a lawyer, who settled on a place in Milo, know as the VOSBINDER farm where both died leaving three children: Aaron B., Mary E. and Francis E. Aaron B was accidental drowned in Keuka Lake in 1854. Mary E. married John FISH of Kentucky, and resided at Moorsville, Missouri. Francis E. was unmarried. Mary married Bradley SHEARMAN. They lived on a farm in Benton, where she died. Mary, their only surviving child, was the wife of Charles H. REMER, a merchant of Dresden. Jane and Sarah died single. William T., born in 1822, married Mary H., daughter of Anthony TRIMMER Jr., of Benton. They reside on and own a portion of the homestead, on lot 46. He has erected a fine mansion of greatly improved the premises, making his home one of the most desirable country residences in the county. He is an intelligent and progressive farmer, and his wife is a genial and efficient helpmate. In all public affairs he has been active and prominent and has held various public stations: was Sheriff one term, having been elected in 1858, and Provost Marshal of the 25th Congressional District from April 1863 till the close of the war, and is now (1870) Member of Assembly. They have three sons: Melville W., William A. and George A. ----http://books.google.com/books?id=ATnaYsTHIvsC&pg=PA538&lpg=PA538&dq=%22avery+smith%22+%22penn+yan%22&source= bl&ots=TtKsZQZwCT&sig=5djZBjnfpqN3w2jZMJqpyAr8wQ&hl=en&ei=7Jl2S6vHBMKzlAegu4GiDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage &q=%22avery%20smith%22%20%22penn%20yan%22&f=false page 538. Col. Avery Smith, and his father (Richard), were natives of Connecticut, the latter a follower of Jemima Wilkinson, the Quakeress, and with others accompanied her to Yates County, NY, settling in New Jerusalem. He took up a tract of land and resided there until his death, carrying on farming. He put up the first gristmill in that county. Avery was reared in his native State, whence he removed to Yates County, NY, where he lived many years. He spent his last days with a daughter near Geneva, but his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Penn Yan. He obtained his military title as leader of a regiment in the War of 1812, and at home was a man prominent in local affairs, and at one time a member of the State Legislature. His wife was Lament Wagner, whose people removed from Pennsylvania at an early day, and were among the earliest pioneers of Yates County, NY. http://books.google.com/books?id=hDUWAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1PA759&dq=%22avery+smith%22&cd=7#v=onepage&q=%22avery%20smith%22&f=false page 126. When about fourteen years of age, Avery suddenly left the homestead in Connecticut, and unknown to the family, found his way to the home of his father, who, on his application for work, hired him without knowing him to be his own son. He soon influenced the other members of the family to join the father, and after ten years of separation, they were thenceforward residents here. A fine property, consisting of mills, tannery and real estate, inherited from wealthy ancestors, was disposed of when they came here. Avery married Lament Wagener, the daughter of David Wagener, some years his junior. He settled at the mill, and from that time had chief charge of the property, consisting of the mills and about two hundred acres of land adjoining. The father lived in. the same log house he first built, nearly forty years. Both parents resided with the son at the time of their decease, his house being on the hill just above and south of the mills. Richard Smith died in 1836, at the age of ninety, and his wife died in 1838, at the ago of 84. In 1818 Avery Smith sold the mill property to James Lee, and took up his residence on the opposite farm, known as the Griffin B. Hazard place. Avery Smith held the rank of Colonel in the War of 1812, and served with the 103d Regiment, under General Hugh Brady, through the war. Joshua Lee was Surgeon of this regiment, and Jeremiah B. Andrews an attendant. In 1826, Avery Smith represented Yates county in the Assembly, and he was always a prominent and influential citizen. He had twelve children. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/benton/bentonbios3.htm Benjamin Shaw married Margaret Powell, sister of John POWELL of Dutchess county, at Sheshequin, and came to this county in 1805. They located first on the farm now owned by Caleb HAZEN where he worked as a blacksmith, and subsequently purchased the place known as the GRISWOLD farm, between the South Centre road and Flat street, where he died in 1827, leaving three children and his widow, who died in 1866. Their children were Orrin, Eliza M. and Stephen P. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/jerusalembiosm-w.htm Henry Rose Sill, son of Samuel and Susan (ROSE) SILL, was born in Geneva, NY. His mother died when he was four years of age, and his uncle, Henry ROSE, of this town, adopted and educated him at Geneva, NY. Mr. SILL then returned and remained on the farm with his uncle until Mr. ROSE died. Mr. SILL now owns the old homestead, which is one of the finest farms in Jerusalem and is stocked with fine graded horses and cattle. He is a Republican, was elected supervisor two terms, 1889 & 1890, and has always taken an active part in the affairs of the town. He is a member of Milo Lodge F&AM, of Penn Yan, NY. 5 May 1880, he married Mary Ida, daughter of Charles STEBBINS, of Branchport, NY, and their children are Henry Rose, Elizabeth Nelson and Mary Cornelia. Mr. SILL and his family are members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Branchport, NY. 62 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/friendbios.htm < General Abner WOODWORTH - One of the most noted families among the earlier residents of Benton, was that of the WOODWORTHS. They were from Connecticut, and people of sterling worth. Abner WOODWORTH, the grandfather of the late General Abner WOODWORTH, and two of his sons and two of his daughters, became citizens of Benton. The prominent place they filled in their days is alluded to in its proper place. Molly was the wife of Levi BENTON Sr., and Hannah, of Gideon WOLCOTT Sr. Dyer WOODWORTH was a very useful man in the Barden neighborhood, and Elisha WOODWORTH’s family cleared the farm of John MERRIFIELD, on Flat street. They were widely connected with the leading families of Benton. Polly, the oldest daughter, was the wife of Dr. Calvin FARGO, whom she outlived over half a century. She died in 1878, upwards of ninety-six years old, the last of her father’s family. General Abner WOODWORTH reached the age of eighty-three, though during a few of his last years was confined to his him by paralysis on one side of his body. He was long a prominent and popular citizen, and genial in his manners and a man of genuine kindness of heart. In the later period of his life he resided in Penn Yan. His military title was derived from an organization of 1812, kept up to secure the claims of that class of the public defenders form the State. In that work General WOODWORTH devoted several of the later years of his active life. As a representative of the country he is well chosen. Few men in his day were equally well known of all the people of the county, and there were very few toward whom there was such universal good will and kindly feeling. His portrait will recall very vividly to many citizens an epoch that is receding into the past. It is by the liberality of our fellow citizens, Samuel S. ELLSWORTH, that General WOODWORTH’S portrait is numbered among the illustrations of this book. He was the last of his name, and the last of the male line of his family in the county. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/potterbiom-w.htm George G. Wyman, son of Samuel and Betsey R. (WALTERMAN) WYMAN, a descendant of the eighth generation from Roger WILLIAMS of Rhode Island, was born in Potter, 9 Aug 1806. He was educated at the common schools of the day, and he still owns the farm upon which he was born. In politics he has always been Republican, and has taken a active interest in the affairs of his native town. He has been supervisor four years and assessor twelve years. He is a member of Milo Lodge at Penn Yan, F&AM, and he and his family are members of the M. E. Church. 20 Oct 1831, Mr. WYMAN married Caroline, daughter of Samuel ROSS, of Mansfield, CT, and they had twelve children: Adelia S., who married Edwin J. HERMANS, of Potter, NY; Benjamin W., who married Rachel CRAWFORD of Penn Yan, NY; Benjamin W., who married Rachel CRAWFORD of Penn Yan, NY; Harriet R. (deceased), married F. C. HOBART of Potter, NY; Elizabeth R., married Frank TILFORD, of Ontario Co., NY; Sarah G. (deceased); Emily L., an artist who teaches at Wilbraham, Mass; Alice A. (deceased); Ella E., married J. B. TRACY, of Schuyler County, NY; Edward S. (deceased) who married Lizzie BORDWELL, of Potter, NY; Susan C., who married John VOORHEES, of Potter, NY; Flora A., who married Martin FOSTER, of this town; and Henry B., who married Mary ANDERSON, of Milo, NY and resides on the homestead. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. John N. Macomb, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master. Edson Potter, District Deputy Grand Master. George H. Sheppard, District Deputy Grand Master. Edward H. Hopkins, Grand Steward. Note: see appendix for a short history of Jerusalem Encampment, KT, written by John N. Macomb, Jr. GRAND OFFICERS IN AFFILIATED BODIES. Darius A. Ogden was Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter. R. A. M. John N. Macomb, Jr., was Grand Master of the Grand Council, R. and S. M. Charles G. Judd was Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, K. T. MASTERS. 1846. Samuel L. Bigelow. 1847. Samuel L. Bigelow. 1848. Andrew F. Oliver. 1849. Charles G. Judd. 1850. John L. Lewis, Jr. 1851. John L. Lewis, Jr. 1852. John L. Lewis, Jr. 1853. Alfred Reed. 1854. Niram Bigelow. 1855. Niram Bigelow. 1856. Niram Bigelow. 1857. Niram Bigelow. 1858. James Burns. 1859. James Burns. 1860. James Burns. 1861. Darius Baker. 1862. Darius Baker. 1863. Darius Baker. 1864- John L. Lewis. 1865. Darius Baker. 1866. Charles S. Eastman. 1867. Charles S. Eastman. 1868. Charles S. Eastman. 1869. Enoch W. Ross. 1870. Darius Baker. 1871. Wm. A. Mclntyre. 1872. George Beebe. 1873. George Beebe. 1874. Franklin E. Smith. 1875. Wilson W. Quackenhush. 1876. Wilson W. Quackenbush. 1877. Wilson W. Quackenbush. 1878. Franklin E. Smith. 1879. John N. Macomb Jr. 1880. John N. Macomb Jr. 1881. J. Henry Smith. 1882. J. Henry Smith. 1883. James Cairns. 1884. James Cairns. 1885. Andrew B. Horton. 1886. Andrew B. Horton. 1887. Edward H. Hopkins. 1888. Edward H. Hopkins. 1889. Milton M. Rose. 1890. John T. Knox. 1891. John T. Knox. 1892. Silas Kinne. 1893. Horatio W. Perkins. 1894. William M. Beebe. 1895. William M. Beebe. 1896. George S. Sheppard. 63 1897. George S. Sheppard. 1898. Clarence H. Knapp. 1899. Bert S. Hopkins. 1900. Bert S. Hopkins. 1901. Edward D. Rose. 1902. Orville F. Randolph. 1903. Edson Potter. 1904. Jerry M. Thompson. 1905. Oliver J. Townsend. 1906. Sam Fybush. http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bbunce77/fam/fam07244.html Darius Baker, b. 1818, Milo, Yates, NY; d. 22 May 1872, Torrey, Yates, NY; son of Gilbert Baker and Margaret Comer; m. Waity Eldred, d/o of Beriah Eldred and Sarah Mathews. http://books.google.com/books?id=lcEKiggzDaEC&pg=PA392&lpg=PA392&dq=%22Niram+Bigelow%22+%22Penn+yan%22&sourc e=bl&ots=1iVOjPFFpc&sig=eLwiLFPSzxGm6zomsNPJwCLqwE&hl=en&ei=AmN3S5rFC8zS8AaU3uDzCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ6AEwAA#v=onepa ge&q=%22Niram%20Bigelow%22%20%22Penn%20yan%22&f=false page 392. NIRAM BIGELOW, son of Samuel Liscomb and Catherine (Van Gorden) Bigelow (see next biography), was born in Reading, NY, 16 Sep 1814; d. 11 Jun 1907; m. 19 Jan1837, Corrinne Stanford; b. in Oriskany, NY, 22 Oct 1819; d. in Milo, NY, 25 Dec1880. Res. at Penn Yan, NY. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifteenth Masonic District. Children (b. in Milo, NY): SAMEL, b. 25 Oct 1887 in Jerusalem, NY; d. 2 Jun 1856. MARY, b. Oct. 22, 1889; d. 15Jul 1848. STANFORD, b. 23 Dec 1841; killed at Petersburg, Va., 25 Dec 1865. FRANCIS HARRIS, b. 05 Apr 1844; d.23 Jul 1887in San Francisco, CA; m. 6 Jun 1869, Mary Duane. CORRINNA, b. 11 Jun 1846; m. 19 Jun 1866, Alpha O. Dunning; res. Torrey, Yates, NY. JOHN WINFIELD, b. 30 Apr 1849; res. Milo. CLINTON STANFORD, b. 17 Apr 1852; m. 5 Dec 1872, Flora E. May; res. San Francisco, CA. ROSE STANFORD, b. 18 Jul 1855; res. Milo. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios1.htm Note: see also Reading Lode No. 123 of which Samuel was a member. Samuel L(iscomb). Bigelow, born in Whitehall, NY, in 1797, was a carpenter. His wife was Catharine VAN GORDEN, born in 1795, in New Paltz, NY. They were married in Bennett’s Settlement in 1814. Her father was a pioneer in Bennett’s Settlement, residing on the MC KNIGHT’S location. Samuel L. BIGELOW and wife commenced their married life in Eddytown. He built and lived in all the houses from the store, now occupied by Mr. MILLSPAUGH, around to and including the Isaac P. SEYMOUR residence. He moved in 1832 to the hollow where the Friend’s Mill was originally erected and lived there nearly 20 years. He built ten locks in that vicinity on the Crooked Lake Canal (which ran between Dresden and Penn Yan). He also owned and operated the mill property there. About 1848 he moved to Michigan where his wife died in 1865 at aged 70 years, and he in 1867 at the same age. He was a man of no small degree of enterprise. Their children were Niram (see preceding biography), Levi, Decatur, Eliza, James, Samuel L., Abraham and Julia. Niram born in 1814, married Corinne, daughter of John R. STANFORD in 1837. They reside near the old mill, where his father resided many years. Their children have been Samuel L., Stanford, Francis, Corinne, John W., Clinton and Rose S. Samuel L. died in 1856 at aged 19 years. Stanford born in 1841, was a Union soldier of the 14th NY Heavy Artillery, and was killed before Petersburg, in 1865. Francis, born in 1844, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1863, was on the blockading ship, Brittania off Wilmington, NC, for 13 months. He is now a clerk in the U.S. Express office in San Francisco. Corinne married Alpha O. DUNNING, and lives in Torrey. Their children are Frank, Lillie V, and Rose F. The others are with their parents. Levi, son of Samuel L. BIGELOW Sr., married Lucy, daughter of Ira FISHER. They live in Chicago and have four children. The remaining children of Samuel L. BIGELOW Sr. reside in Michigan. Samuel L. BIGELOW Jr., is a Methodist clergyman at Sumner, Michigan. John L. Lewis, Jr. http://pyhistory.org/People/per_jll.htm It's difficult now to go back in time and understand how a really outstanding teacher can influence an entire community for generations, but it must be admitted that this was true in the case of the remarkable John L. Lewis [Sr.], known almost universally as "Master Lewis." He was born in 1779 in Wethersfield near New Haven in Connecticut. He graduated from Yale in 1796, his father having been a tutor there. John Lewis died just as his son was about to enter the college, in 1792. Almost immediately after graduation the younger Lewis set out for the Genesee Country in pursuit of his guardian, who had disappeared with the avails of his father's estate. Young John failed in his immediate purpose, and when he finally reached the disreputable settlement on the site of Geneva, he sold his horse and took a position there as clerk to Richard M. Williams, who kept an Indian trading store. Lewis learned the language of the Seneca people and remained on friendly terms with them as long as they frequented the frontier settlements where he spent the rest of his life. He returned in 1798 to New Haven and took up the study of medicine, which he had prepared for in his undergraduate course at Yale. At just that time the United States was engaged in an undeclared war with France, and Lewis quit school to enlist in the army at the age of 19. His friends apparently brought some influence to bear, and he was appointed paymaster. Stationed at Scotch Plains, New Jersey, he met and became friends with Samuel Harpending, whom he met again 40 years later at Dundee. The men became very close friends and maintained their friendship as long as they both lived. 64 When the war was over in 1799, Lewis decided that he didn't want to be a doctor after all, and returned to Geneva. He began his teaching career there in that year. In 1802 he taught a school at Benton Center, his first in what is now Yates County. He came to Penn Yan in 1815 and taught there two years in the decrepit old school house that stood on the west side of Main Street near where the Academy was later built. He taught all over the neighborhood, in Benton, Penn Yan, Hopeton, town of Seneca, in the Gore. In 1822 he was offered a job as tutor in Geneva College at the unheard-of salary of $600 a year; he was promised a Professorship of Languages as soon as the College was well-established, as he knew Latin and Greek. He turned down this offer, however, taking a district school in what is now Starkey. He went from there to Lodi on the east side of Seneca Lake, then returned to Benton and remained there about ten years, in and near the village of Dresden. He went to Dundee in 1836, served as Justice of the Peace and taught there about five years, then returned to Benton and taught at Bellona. He stayed there until the death of his wife in 1859, and then yielded to the wishes of his family and retired. He served as Postmaster there, however, and taught some more classes, and finally spent his last years with his sons in Penn Yan and Watkins. He died at the latter place in 1863, at the age of 84. He began to keep a meteorological journal in 1805 and kept it up daily until about 1860, recording not only the weather and atmospheric events but of his general life and times. Richard H. Williams, the son of his old trading-post partner, said this was "perhaps the most full and perfect of the kind ever kept by any individual in this part of the country." He also, interestingly, praised Lewis's small and beautiful handwriting, a talent inherited by his son John L. Lewis Jr. Williams, writing in 1869, went on, "This journal expanded into voluminous proportions until it embraced some twelve or fifteen quarto ledger-sized volumes and covers not only atmospheric and general history, but is filled with observations and notes on the vegetable and animal kingdom; embellished with drawings and colored representations of many curious, new and interesting subjects, and indeed contains a representation in life, colors and size, of much of the floral and forest production and life of the age and action, embracing even foliage and trunk in miniature." He was called on by many local families to inscribe their families in the section between the testaments of their old (and huge) Bibles. He was a good enough surveyor to practice this art in a small way, and was familiar with the sciences, arts and literature. Lewis and his wife, born Laura Brown at Norwich, Vermont, had seven children: i. Amelia H., b. 1806; m. Samuel F. Curtis at Penn Yan in 1829 and died within just a few months. ii. Edwin W., b. 1809; m. Relief, the daughter of Penn Yan cabinet-maker Amasa Holden. She died and he remarried and moved to Watkins, where he practiced medicine for many years. iii. Caroline S., b. 1811; m. George F. Livermore of Dresden and removed to Michigan, where he practiced law. iv. John L. Jr., b. 1813; m. Jane P. Oliver, the daughter of Dr. Andrew F. Oliver of Penn Yan (see next biography). The young man was a lawyer, and became a Surrogate and County Judge. Their elder son died in hospital at the age of 19, returning home after being wounded at Shiloh during the Civil War. v. Mary D., b. 1816; m. David Fraser of Dundee. She died without bearing children. vi. Martin B., b. 1820; m. Emma H., granddaughter of Richard M. Williams; later moved to Minnesota. vii. Sarah E. http://pyhistory.org/People/per_afo.htm Dr. Andrew F. Oliver Local sources repeatedly state that the two Oliver brothers who came to Penn Yan were the only children of their parents. On the contrary, the Rev. Andrew Oliver and his wife Elizabeth Ormiston had at least eight children, and long and eventful lives which can only be summarized here. Both Andrew and Elizabeth were born in Scotland and emigrated from there to the United States. It was said that Andrew was descended from the Oliver family who produced an Attorney General and a Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts at the beginning of the Revolution. I have seen no actual evidence of this connection. Apparently the young couple eloped (either before or after their arrival in the New World). Their eldest child was Mary Given Oliver, who was born in Saco, Maine (then still part of Massachusetts) in 1786. Their second daughter was born at Londonderry, NH, where Andrew had gone to study for the ministry, in 1788. Her name was Jane Freeman Oliver and she died single at her parents' home. Twin sons were born to the couple at Londonderry in 1791: William Morrison Oliver and Andrew Freeman Oliver; then a daughter Elizabeth Ormiston Oliver in 1793. Nancy Agnes Oliver was born in 1794 at Pelham, Mass., and another son in 1802 named Robert Ormiston Oliver. Of these, only the twins, Andrew F. and William M., came to Penn Yan. They were born at Londonderry, and young Andrew in 1814 married Margaret Sutphin at Springfield in Otsego County, where the family now lived and where in 1828 his father died. Young Andrew studied medicine at Springfield under Dr. Little when he was just a boy. He was licensed by the Otsego County Medical Society in 1813 and in March 1814 he was appointed by the governor as surgeon of the 9th Regiment, with which he briefly served in the war against Great Britain. About as soon as he returned, in 1815, Andrew and Margaret went to Spencer in (then) Tioga County, and finally in 1818 to Penn Yan. On August 3o of that year he put a notice in the Penn-Yan Herald that he had opened an office for the practice of medicine at Giles Kinney's tavern at the crossroads now called Kinney's Corners, just west of Penn Yan in the town of Jerusalem. 65 At nearly the same time he bought an acre of land in Penn Yan, and presumably built his house at 204 Main Street soon afterward. He was appointed Surrogate of the County of Yates in 1827 by Governor Dewitt Clinton, and served in that capacity until 1840. In 1829 his wife died, and he remarried in 1832 to a widow, Almira (Marsh) Gilbert. He received (unexpectedly) the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of the State of New York, in 1845, and was unanimously elected a permanent member of the State Medical Society in 1857, the year of his death. He had helped form the local Medical Society in 1823, was subsequently its president and for some years its delegate to the state body. Children with his first wife: i. Peter S. Oliver 1818-1878; he married in 1864 Ann Maria (Clark) Brown, widow of James Brown Jr. of the Society of Universal Friends. The Brown daughters were raised in their house, now 158 Main Street. One of them, Elizabeth Friend Brown, married Edson Potter and built the house next door at 160 Main Street. It was through this latter couple that items belonging to the Universal Friend came eventually to the village of Penn Yan. Their son Rexford Potter was the first husband of Mary Leah Post, who owned 215 Main Street: this couple's daughter Mary Leah Potter was an heiress of her uncle Arnold J. Potter and contested his bequest of the Friend's portrait to the village. ii. William W. Oliver 1824-1902; he married Harriet Jones and followed his father's profession. They married in 1852 and built 200 Main Street, now known as the Oliver House Museum. They had three children, none of whom had children of their own: Jennie, born in 1853, who briefly married Smith M. Longwell in 1875, was divorced in 1878 and died in 1933; William A. Oliver 1857-1915, who was another physician and practiced out of his home; and Carrie, 1868-1942, who when she died gave the building to the village of Penn Yan to house the local Historical Society. iii. Margaret Oliver, 1829-1830. iv. Jane P. Oliver, 1816-1876; she married John L. Lewis Jr. and resided in the home of her father at 204 Main Street. Child with his second wife: v. Elizabeth Oliver, born in 1837 and married yet another physician, Dr. Samuel Robbins. They moved to Glendale, Ohio, where her mother Almira Gilbert Oliver died in 1869. http://pyhistory.org/People/per_wmo.htm William Morrison Oliver was an identical twin to his brother Dr. Andrew Oliver, so perhaps one picture will do for both. See the portrait of Andrew above. They were born in 1791 in Londonderry, NH, and William came directly to Penn Yan from the family home in Springfield, Otsego County, where their father had gone to accept a job as pastor of the Associate Reform Church there. William's arrival is said to have been in 1818, at the same time as Dr. John Hatmaker of Milo; this is the year the first deed to his property at 158 Main Street was made. Though apparently he only bought the land to become eligible as a freeholder for public office, he probably built the house soon afterwards. It is known to have been there after about 1825. He began the study of law in Springfield, under the direction of Judge Morse in Cherry Valley and was admitted to the bar about 1812. He arrived in Penn Yan a year after his brother and gained a solid reputation. He was Yates County's first Judge, appointed in 1823. He served until 1828 and then from 1838 until 1844, presiding over the Court of Common Pleas, at first in Asa Cole's tavern at the Main and Head Street crossroads, and later in both the first Court House (built in 1824 and burned in 1834) and the second one (built in 1835 and still standing today). He also served 4 years in the State Senate, beginning in 1836, and was chosen President of the Senate (Lieutenant Governor) in 1838, and then served two years in Congress, 1841-1843. In 1833 he helped start the Yates County Bank, (the first time local citizens could bank in their own town; in those days all paper money was printed by local banks), and he was cashier when the bank failed in 1857 at the height of the Panic of that year. No one ever held him responsible for the bank's failure, but he felt it quite keenly and made a new residence outside Penn Yan, on a farm on what is now called Oliver Road in the town of Torrey. William Oliver married first to Eleanor Young (back in Otsego County, in 1811) and had three children: i. Andrew Oliver, 1816-1889, a prominent lawyer; he married Catharine Hazard. Andrew Oliver was admitted to the bar in 1838, became Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1843 and served until 1847; he was elected to Congress twice, serving from 1853-1857, and then again served as County Judge and Surrogate from 1872-1877. He wrote out his own papers, and had very nearly illegible handwriting; but he was apparently a very well-respected judge. ii. James Oliver, 1818-1820. iii. John Morrison Oliver, 1828-1872; he married Joanna Wagener (who after his death married William S. Briggs as his third wife) and became a Major General during the Civil War. He died in Washington, D.C., where the President had summoned him to serve as an associate justice of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Eleanor Young Oliver died in 1834 and William remarried, to Harriet Maria Seelye. They had four children: iv. James Morse Oliver, 1839-1863; he became a physician and served as a surgeon in the Civil War, dying suddenly at Fort Richmond on Staten Island. v. William Seelye Oliver, vi. Harriet Oliver, vii. Henry Oliver, b. 1842. b..1845; she married Charles P. Boswell. b..1847. All members of the family who died in Penn Yan, and a number of those who did not, are buried in Lake View Cemetery in the village. 66 http://books.google.com/books?id=zJ1MAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA137&dq=%22Vernon+lodge+no.+190%22&cd=4#v=onepage&q=%22V ernon%20lodge%20no.%20190%22&f=false page 137. PETER SUTPHEN OLIVER, 3Зo. PETER SUTPHEN OLIVER, the son of Andrew F. Oliver, M. D., and Margaret Ten Eyck (Sutphen) Oliver, his wife was born at Spencer, then the county town of Tioga County, New York, on 29 Jun I817, but his early childhood was spent in the family of his grandfather, Peter Sutphen, a respectable farmer, of Springfield, Otsego, NY. In 1818, Dr. Oliver removed with his family to Penn Yan, in the County of Ontario, afterwards the county seat of Yates County, when it was erected in 1823. At Spencer, the Doctor entered the Masonic Fraternity, and became a zealous Craftsman, which he continued to be, till his death in 1857; having been Master of Vernon Lodge, No. 190, (old registry), at Penn Yan, and of the present Milo Lodge, No. 108, which was the continuation rather than the successor of Vernon. He was also repeatedly High Priest of Penn Yan Chapter, No. 100, both before and after its cessation of work during the AntiMasonic excitement. Brought up under such influence, it is not surprising that young Oliver early formed an attachment to Masonry, amounting almost, to reverence; and this feeling animated him during life. He received the customary academic education at Utica High School, and Yates County Academy, and went through the usual preparatory studies to fit him for entering college; when an opportunity presented of a clerkship in the bank, of which his uncle, Hon. William M. Oliver, was then President, a situation, congenial to his tastes and inclinations. The alternative was presented to him of a college education or of entering at once upon the active duties of life, and he chose the latter, reasoning thus: "The business career now proposed, or something of a kindred character is what I design to be my life pursuit; and is one for which a college course would be of little advantage in fitting me," and having thus determined, with his usual decision of character, he at once acted upon it, and accepted the coveted clerkship. In this situation, or rather with the usual promotions to Bookkeeper and Teller, he remained until the Yates County Bank closed its affaire in 1857. In this position he acquired a high character for industry, accuracy and integrity, and such was his reputation as a financier that after he had left it, he continued during his life to be a reliable authority upon all financial matters, in every enterprise requiring sagacity, forethought and skill. So devoted was he to business affairs that he sought no other relaxation, except such as books and reading, and Masonry afforded him, remaining single till the year 1864, when he married Mrs. Anna M. Brown. And here a new trait of character developed itself; an attachment to that domestic life, which he seemed by his example to have shunned, and he was a devoted husband and father. Having no children of his own, be became a most faithful and affectionate father to three orphan daughters of his wife, and having assumed that relation when they were in their early childhood, the affection was mutual, and neither seemed to feel that he was any other than their natural parent. His domestic happiness, however, was of short continuance, Mrs. Oliver having died suddenly in 1867, and as his attachments were always very strong and marked, her death was a severe blow to him, occurring soon after he had acquired a residence which he designed to be his home for life, and hence had supplied with all that made life desirable. His amiable adopted daughters (the two younger, the eldest having married and gone to her own home), took the place of their mother in his household, and endeavored by their attention and devotion to supply her place, and when the second daughter, Caroline, married, he made it a condition of his consent, that she should continue to reside with him. Soon after the death of Mrs. Oliver, he began to show the symptoms of the disease which terminated his life, and it needs scarcely be said that his daughters most affectionately and devotedly ministered to ill his wants and ailments, and when at different periods his disease confined him to his bed, their gentle hands and watchful tenderness soothed the pains of disease and alleviated his sufferings, nor was there wanting the kind ministration of a loving and devoted sister who did not forget that relation, while fulfilling all the duties of a true and faithful Christian, wife and mother. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Oliver went to Florida, where he spent the winter, taking his youngest daughter Elizabeth with him, returning at the commencement of the following summer, so much improved in health and vigor, that high hopes were entertained that his disease was conquered, but it was also to find that the place of his beloved sister was vacant, her home desolate, and its household altar overthrown forever. After some months of comparative health and comfort, his old complaint (disease of the liver), resumed its irresistible sway, and terminated his life at Penn Yan, October 18, 1878, in the midst of his family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Hanford (Caroline), and their children, and his daughter, Elizabeth, who had, however, married six months before. A younger sister, to whom he was warmly attached, had married many years before, and had ceased to be a resident of the State, and was therefore absent. Of course it would be expected that one so warmly attached to Masonry and its actions and observances would be buried with more than usual Masonic honors. Not so; he was strongly opposed to it, and never took part in a Masonic funeral, and requested that the customary Masonic ceremonies should be omitted at his funeral, and so it was. For like reason they were not used at the burial of his father, though the latter had desired it. Mr. (Peter Sutphen) Oliver was initiated in Milo Lodge No. 108, at Penn Yan, 3 Sep 1846, and raised as a Master Mason 30 Oct 1846. He received the degree of Mark Master in Penn Yan Chapter No. 140, 1 Dec 1846, and was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree 10 Feb 1847. Previous to being made a Mason, he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was a zealous and active member. He was initiated in Tevronto Lodge No. 69, at Rochester, 3 Mar 1845, and was one of live petitioners for Kenka Lodge No. 139, of Penn Yan, opened 2 May 1845, and became Noble Grand of that Lodge the same year. He became a Patriarch in Mount Hope Encampment No. 11, I.O.O.F., at Rochester, 4 Mar 1846, and was one of the petitioners for Eden Encampment No. 40, at Penn Yan, opened 20 Jul 1846, and of which he became Chief Patriarch in January following. On the opening of Jerusalem Encampment (Commandery) No. 17, of Knights Templar at Penn Yan, 12 Mar 1850, he became a petitioner for the Orders of Masonic Knighthood, and was dubbed and created a Knight Templar by the writer of this sketch, 15 Mar 1850. In the Masonic Bodies he held none but subordinate offices (excepting perhaps the Commandery), because he steadily declined to hold them, alleging his business engagements as the excuse. Reference has been made to his offices in Odd Fellowship for the very purpose of illustrating this point. There he proved that he was a good and impressive workman, and that he was a prompt, accurate and dignified presiding officer. He would not hold like offices in any of the Masonic Bodies, because, as he stated, he had not time to qualify himself for the discharge of their duties satisfactorily; and with him it was a point of honor and conscience, that if he could not work "as good as the best," he would not work at all. Thus he repeatedly held the office of Treasurer in Lodge and 67 Chapter, but refused all others; and though deeply impressed with the beautiful ritual of the Commandery, he at times held the offices of both Wardens, and of Generalissimo, he always declined that of Commander. Few men, we imagine, have the same conscientious regard for duty in this respect as had Mr. Oliver; he would not enjoy honors he had not fairly won by his own merit and skill. To the A.’. and A.’. Rite his attention was early called, and he eagerly sought all information attainable on that subject, at a period when the sources of such information was rare and scarce. When in 1851 the project of establishing subordinate Bodies of the Rite at some part of Western New York, probably Rochester, was set in motion by the late Ill.’. Jarvis M. Hatch, he eagerly engaged in the movement. But his zeal and earnestness was not destined to be rewarded till some twelve or thirteen years later, when subordinate Bodies U. D. were established in Penn Yan, but which a little experience soon induced the movers to abandon. All the funds required for the experiment were furnished by him, and perhaps a principal cause of the failure was the occurrence of his own severe and dangerous illness. In 1870 he was a successful applicant for the honorary grade of 33o, but in consequence of the state of his health was unable to attend then or in the following year 1871, at the Annual Session of which the time was extended for one year, and by order of the Supreme Council and by virtue of a Commission of the Sov.’. Gr.’. Commander it was directed to be conferred on him and other candidates, under the auspices of Ill.’. Bro. (Orrin) Welch, and the active members of the Supreme Council for New York, at the time of the meeting of the next Council of Deliberation, to be held at Albany, and then it was conferred on him and others 7 Feb 1872. It is a pardonable digression to say that such a departure from its customary usages by the Supreme Council has been in future forbidden by that illustrious Body. An incident which subsequently took place is too strongly illustrative of the character of Mr. Oliver to be omitted. The Session of the Supreme Council for 1874 was held at Boston, August 18th. In the meantime Mr. Oliver had been so severely and dangerously ill that his decease was at one time daily expected, and at the time the Council met had not left his room for weeks. To the utter astonishment of his family and friends he announced his attention of accompanying the writer to Boston, alleging as a reason his wish to take a seat in that exalted Body once at least, and thus show his appreciation of the honor which had been conferred upon him. The writer, in consideration of the intimate brotherly relations existing between them, accepted the responsible charge thus devolved upon him and that devoted sister, already spoken of, who was all that was pure and exalted and devoted in womanhood, and possessed of all those qualities of mind and heart which win respect and affection, consented to accompany them, fearing tremblingly, that he would never return to his home. But his indomitable will triumphed, the journey seemed to revive him, and she was content to stay with a relative when half the journey's end was reached. Though unable to leave his room for two days after his arrival at Boston, again his strength of will sustained him and he entered the Council and remained during an afternoon's Session, and visiting Bunker Hill Monument on his way back to his hotel, reached there exultingly to find two great objects accomplished, but only to sink down utterly exhausted. It is unnecessary to pursue the incident further, but the annals of the fraternity, abounding in deeds of bravery and endurance, may be searched in vain to find a more striking instance of zeal and courage, except upon the battlefield. In analyzing his character, perhaps, this trait of firmness was most prominent. Nor was it mere stubbornness as many hastily judged. He carefully considered a matter before engaging in it, and always sought earnestly and listened attentively to the advice ol those whose counsels he respected, but having determined upon his course, he pursued it unfalteringly to the end. It will readily be gathered from this, that fidelity was a distinguishable trait, and so it was—he was faithful in all things—to his friends—to his engagements—to his convictions—to every trust. And so strongly marked was this feature, that it required evidence strong as sunlight to shake his fidelity, though it might make him temporarily the prey of the designing, and yet so strong was it that if led for a little while astray, he signified his repentance by renewed acts of confidence. And of course, with the characteristics we have mentioned and with both physical and moral courage to bear them out, his integrity was unspotted, No one who knew him intimately would challenge it. Having amassed a fortune by his own industry and energy, no trait of dishonesty clung to him in its acquisition. And this integrity was abundantly proved in the faithful and conscientious discharge of important fiduciary trusts involving large sums of money. His moral character was unblemished, no citizen stood higher in this respect in the community in which he lived, and though not without little fault, they were overlooked in consideration of the higher qualities of the man, and he emphatically deserved as he bore, the character of a good citizen and honest, honorable-man. Generosity and hospitality were essential features in his character, and those who knew him best could bear witness to his generous liberality, and his courtesy and attention to his guests and visitors in his own home. Such a man can hardly fail of discharging well the duties of domestic life, and being faithful to those sacred trusts which rest upon the husband and father. We have said enough to show that he was deserving of the distinctive wreaths placed upon the brow of a Sovereign InspectorGeneral of the Thirty third Degree, and that upon him that distinction was well and properly bestowed. He was of that innumerable company who deserve well of their fellow men without having done any remarkable deed to command the world's applause, yet, still by the tenor of a well-spent life, are well worthy of holding a place in the memory, after they have departed. Was he without fault Î We make no assertion—but we may assert that they were faults of temper and address—faults unnoted by those who knew and loved him—which did not affect the character, and some of them as we know were deeply lamented and repented of by him and always atoned for. Of him it may be said in this respect, as of a fault of one of the mighty men of the earth, by a like sorrowing friend: "If it were so, it was a grievous fault; And grievously hath Caesar answered it." Brief and imperfect of this sketch, and cheerfully as is the duty performed of speaking of the sterling worth and virtues of the departed, it has been no light task to accomplish it faithfully and justly, and yet truthfully, and to avoid the spirit of indiscriminate praise and eulogy, which an unbroken and brotherly friendship of more than forty years causes involuntarily to swell in the heart, and to mount to the lips for utterance. And no such apology is made, for none is needed, for the heart’s tribute to the gentle sister he loved so well, who was for nearly the period last-named, the beloved and almost idolized wife of the writer. Both are now alike 68 insensible to the world's praise or censure, for it falls unheeded upon "the dull cold ear of death "—and this is the last mournful duty—the last melancholy tribute which can be rendered by the living to the dead, and in speaking of her, the writer feels that he only speaks as he, to whom this testimonial is rendered, would have spoken, if the utterance had been his. JOHN L. LEWIS, 33°. http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html Dundee Lodge No. 123, Dundee, New York Previously Reading Lodge No. 366, chartered 7 Jun 1823; renamed Ionic (Reading-Ionic) in 1828; surrendered 1831; revived as Reading-Dundee No. 308, 3 Jun 1847; became Dundee No. 123, 4 Jun 1858; fire 20 Jun 1900; charter reissued 2 May 1900 Masons living in the Town of Reading first held meetings in Eddytown, now Lakemont, after receiving a Charter from Grand Lodge on June 7, 1823, under the name of Reading Lodge No. 366, a ‘Country Lodge.’ Following much confusion in the delivery of mail, Grand Lodge approved in 1828 a change in the Lodge name to Ionic Lodge (sometimes called Reading-Ionic) No. 366. Following the Morgan incident, Ionic Lodge No. 366 membership declined, and the Lodge was forced to surrender its Charter in 1831. On June 3, 1847, Grand Lodge issued a new Charter for Reading-Dundee Lodge No. 308. Grand Lodge appointed Hosea Palmer as Master, Samuel Kress, Jr. and John T. Andrews. With the consent of Grand Lodge on June 4, 1858, Reading-Dundee Lodge officially became Dundee Lodge No. 123. A fire on January 20, 1900, destroyed all Lodge records prior to December 30, 1881. Also lost in the fire was the original Charter, which Grand Lodge duplicated on May 2, 1900. Masons from the Dundee area have met in a variety of locations. Prior to 1860, they met in the Hamlin Block at 44 Seneca Street; from 1860 to 1888 Lodge met in the Wall and Wilkins Block; and from 1 888 to 1900, they met in the T. D. Beekman Block, until it was destroyed by fire. Following the fire, the Masons returned to the Wilkins block from 1900 to 1956. From 1956 to 1990, Masons met at the Masonic Hall at 20 Water Street. The Masons then met for several years at a local church and now hold their meetings in the Bath National Bank building. Dundee Lodge has had five Brothers serve as District Deputies, two as Grand Steward, and one as AGL. Dundee's most noted Mason was Isaac Andrews, a surveyor by trade, who served as George Washington's Private Secretary. Whether Andrews helped Washington survey this area or served with Washington during the Revolutionary War remains a mystery. We do know that Reading Lodge members buried Andrews with Masonic Honors. Andrews and his wife Mabel are buried in the old cemetery site on Seneca Street, which now serves as a Village park and entrance to the historical society. WARRANT: The warrant is dated June 3, 1847. The first name was Reading, which it retained until June 4, 1858, when it was changed to Dundee. MINUTES: Not intact. In 1860 all records were destroyed by fire, and again on January 29, 1900, all records and property were for the second time destroyed by fire. The Lodge was organized in 1823. It was located at Starkey (now Lakemont) about two and one-half miles from Dundee. The first Master was HOSEA PALMER It continued to work until 1830, when, in common with so many Lodges in Western New York, it succumbed to the ill-effects of the Morgan excitement. Upon its revival in 1847, Dr. HOSEA PALMER was again selected as Master; SAMUEL KRESS, Senior Warden, and JOHN T. ANDREWS, Junior Warden. Its first meeting place was in the Hamlin Block, where it remained until the fire which destroyed its quarters in 1860; the next meeting place was in the Harpending Block, where it remained until 1869, when it moved to the Kingsley Block; here it remained until 1900, when for the second time its property was consumed by fire. After the fire it secured quarters in the building where it is still located. These rooms were dedicated by M.'.W.'. CHARLES W. MEAD, Grand Master, January 3, 1901. The occasion attracted a large gathering. Addresses were made by the Grand Master; R.'.W.'. GEORGE S. STUBBS. District Deputy Grand Master; R.'.W.'. WALLACE BUTTRICK, Grand Chaplain; R.'.W.'. FRANK H. ROBINSON, Senior Grand Warden, and R.'.W.'. S. NELSON SAWYER, Junior Grand Warden. The Lodge was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the People's College at Havana, in 1853; at the laying of the cornerstone of the Home at Utica, May 21, 1891, and at the laying of the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple at Geneva, June 2, 1898. On April 24, 1889, the Lodge held Jubilee services. The Grand Master's address was read by the Master, THEODORE M. HORTON, and an oration was delivered by R.'.W.'. REV. D. T. VAN DOREN. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeysettlers.htm Among the early members (of Reading Lodge) were: Dr. Anson ANDREWS, Amherst ANDREWS, Ichabod ANDREWS*, John T. ANDREWS*, Sherlock ANDREWS, Daniel ARNOLD, Sylvenus ARNOLD. Jonathan BAILEY, Dr. Enos BARNES*, Samuel L. BIGELOW, Patrick BRODERICK, Elder John B. CHASE, John and David CULVER, John DOW*, Samuel HARPENDING*, Philo HURD Richard HURD, Timothy HURD, Nathaniel HUSON, William HUTCHINSON, Samuel KRESS, Jr.*, Jesse S. LAYTON, Harry C. LEONARD*, Joseph C. LEWIS, James NORTON, Dr. Hosea PALMER*, Patrick QUIN(N) George REEDER, John J. SMITH, Dr. Henry SPENCE, John SPICER, John S. SUTPHEN, James TAYLOR*, Elisha WARD, Rev. Samuel WHITE, Jacob WOOD, * Early Masters of Reading Lodge [in bold type]. 69 http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bbunce77/fam/fam12578.html Dr. Anson Andrews, b. 1797, Wallingford, New Haven, CT; son of Ichabod Andrews and Lola Tuttle; d. 1846, North Reading, Schuyler, NY; m. Sally Streeter. A skillful physician, he first practiced at Sodus, Wayne, NY, and then returned to North Reading, Schuyler, NY, in 1833, where he died in 1846, much lamented. http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bbunce77/fam/fam12217.html Ichabod Andrews, b. 1767, Wallingford, New Haven, CT; d. 1840, Starkey, Yates, NY; son of Laban Andrews and Prudence Stanley; m. 1793 Lola Tuttle, b. 1771 of Wallingford; d. 1884, Starkey, NY, d/o of John Tuttle. In 1813, they settled near the New Pre-emption Line in Reading, now the Town of Starkey, Yates Co., NY. Children, b. in Wallingford, CT: i. Lola Andrews, b. 1805; m. Obed S. Thomas ii. Sherlock Andrews, b. 1796; d. 18 Dec 1873, Starkey, NY; m. 1821 Pamela ‘Millie’ Thomas; He was a supervisor of Reading, Steuben, NY [from which area Starkey, Yates, NY was formed], and was a reputable citizen." Sherlock Andrews aged 77 yrs. Sherlock Andrews was the oldest brother of Edwin C. Andrews of Reading, and came to this county form Greene Co. with his father, Ichabod, in 1812. At the age of 25 he married Millie Thomas, taking place on 7 Feb 1821. They settled on a farm now owned by Barney Webb, in the town of Reading, about a half-mile east of the old homestead now occupied by Edwin. They remained there 35 yrs. Removing 17 yrs ago to his late residence overlooking the lake and hardly one mile north of the Schuyler county line. Died of pneumonia. iii. [Dr.] Philo Andrews, b. 1795; d. 1847 in Indiana; m. Clarissa Pelton; was a physician of good repute, and practiced in Pultney, and Kanona, Steuben Co., New York and then moved to the state of Indiana, where he died in 1847. iv. [Dr.] Anson Andrews (see above) v. John T. Andrews, b. 1803; d, ca 1894, Yates Co. NY; m. Ann Eliza Andrews; d/o of Amherst Andrews* and Phebe [sic] Cady; Prior to January, 1826, while living in Reading, Steuben Co., New York, which later became the Town of Starkey, Yates Co., New York. John T. Andrews served one term as Sheriff of Steuben County, having been elected in 1834. Immediately after his term of Sheriff ended, he was elected to the United States 25th Congress, representing the 27th district, comprised of Yates and Steuben counties, serving one term. By 1869-73, he had resided in Dundee, Yates Co., New York for about 20 years, a member of the mercantile firm of Martin, Vosburgh & Co. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=A000246 John Tuttle Andrews was a Representative from New York; born near Schoharie Creek, Greene, NY, 29 May 1803; moved with his parents in 1813 to Reading, near Dundee, Yates County; attended the district school and also was privately tutored; taught school for several years; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Irelandville and Watkins; justice of the peace and sheriff of Steuben County in 1836 and 1837; elected as a Democrat to the 25th Congress (4 Mar 1837- 3 Mar 1839); was not a candidate for renomination in 1838; after his term in Congress retired from active business and settled in Dundee, NY; again engaged in mercantile pursuits, from 1866 until 1877, when he again retired from business pursuits to care for his personal estate; died in Dundee, NY, 11 Jun 1894; bur. Hillside Cemetery, Dundee, NY. vi. Edwin C. Andrews, b. 1808; m. 1836 Rosetta Ward and 1855 Mary Starkey. * Bro. Amherst Andrews, b. ca 1770, Wallingford, CT; d. 1857, Starkey, Yates, NY’ m. Phebe Cady of Columbia Co., NY. He was a younger brother of Ichabod Andrews. http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bbunce77/nti/nti17501.html Dr. Enos Barnes, b. 1786 Litchfield, CT; d. ca 9 Jul 1862, Geneva, Ontario, NY; m. Rebecca Wickes, b. ca 1793, of Hyde Park, Dutchess, NY; d. 1832, Starkey, Yates, NY; d/o of Silas Wickes and Elizabeth Ruscoe. He m2. Aft 1832 Eliza Kilpatrick. Children by Rebecca: Dr. Harry R., Woodruff L., Delia M., Morris T., Charles W., Emma H., Harriet N., and Edmund F. Enos Whittlesey Barnes, b. 4 Mar 1836; m. Sarah Hurd. Dr. Barnes studied medicine in Virginia with his uncle, Dr. Barnes, and was licensed in 1812. In the War of 1812, he entered the army as a substitute and was soon promoted to the position of Regimental Surgeon. He spent several years in Virginia. In 1815, he came to Rock Stream, Yates, NY with his wife and one child, accompanied by his wife's parents, her sister Maria, afterwards the wife of James Taylor and also Jonas Wickes, his wife and children, and David S. and Charles Wickes, sons of Silas. "In the same company were Phebe, widow of James Wickes, brother of Silas Wickes and sister of the wife of Silas (Elizabeth Ruscoe), with her children, James H., Eliza, who married Benjamin Cheever, and Harriet, who married John Noyes." In 1819, Dr. Barnes owned 553 acres of land and with one exception was the largest land holder and tax payer in that part of Reading (now Starkey). The land was originally bought by Silas Wickes who was a captain in the War of 1812. Dr. Barnes was a farmer and early fruit grower, as well as a physician in good standing. He practiced at Rock Stream about 25 years, moved to Geneva in either Steuben or Ontario Co., where he died in 1862. Dr. Barnes was a member of the Reading Masonic Lodge, established in 1824 at Dundee, and reorganized as the Dundee Lodge in 1848, and he had served as Master of the Lodge before 1848. September 7, 5848. "A communication was received from Ark Lodge, No 33, of Geneva, NY, recommending R. W. [?] Bro. Enos Barnes, as the representative of Columbian Lodge [Boston, MA] to that Lodge, and asking the nomination of some one as a suitable person to represent that Lodge in Columbian Lodge; whereupon, R.’.W.’. Bro. Enos Barnes was appointed as the representative of Columbian to Ark Lodge, and R. W. Bro. G. M. Thacher, was recommended to Ark Lodge, as the representative from that Lodge to Columbian." 70 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios1.htm Samuel L. Bigelow, son of Rev. Samuel Bigelow, born in Whitehall, NY, in 1797, was a carpenter. His wife was Catharine VAN GORDEN, born in 1795, in New Paltz, NY. They were married in Bennett’s Settlement in 1814. Her father was a pioneer in Bennett’s Settlement, residing on the MC KNIGHT’S location. Samuel L. BIGELOW and wife commenced their married life in Eddytown. He built and lived in all the houses from the store, now occupied by Mr. MILLSPAUGH, around to and including the Isaac P. SEYMOUR residence. He moved in 1832 to the hollow where the Friend’s Mill was originally erected and lived there nearly 20 years. He built ten locks in that vicinity on the Crooked Lake Canal. He also owned and operated the mill property there. About 1848 he moved to Michigan where his wife died in 1865 at aged 70 years, and he in 1867 at the same age. He was a man of no small degree of enterprise. Their children were Niram, Levi, Decatur, Eliza, James, Samuel L., Abraham and Julia. Niram born in 1814, married Corinne, daughter of John R. STANFORD in 1837. They reside near the old mill, where his father resided many years. Their children have been Samuel L., Stanford, Francis, Corinne, John W., Clinton and Rose S. Samuel L. died in 1856 at aged 19 years. Stanford born in 1841, was a Union soldier of the 14th NY Heavy Artillery, and was killed before Petersburg, in 1865. Francis, born in 1844, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1863, was on the blockading ship, Brittania off Wilmington, NC, for 13 months. He was later a clerk in the U.S. Express office in San Francisco. Corinne married Alpha O. DUNNING, and lived in Torrey. Their children were Frank, Lillie V, and Rose F. Levi, son of Samuel L. BIGELOW Sr., married Lucy, daughter of Ira FISHER. They lived in Chicago and had four children. The remaining children of Samuel L. BIGELOW Sr. resided in Michigan. Samuel L. BIGELOW Jr., was a Methodist clergyman at Sumner, Michigan. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios2.htm Samuel HARPENDING was born at Perth Amboy, NJ in 1778 and was a son of Peter HAREPNDING and Anna COMPTON, his wife. The family was descend from Dutch ancestors, who emigrated from Newenhuys in Holland, landing at New Amsterdam in 1663. Peter HARPENDING spent the last years of his life with his son in Dundee and died there in 1840 at 96 years. He was a soldier of the Revolution and had a son, Peter, who lived and died in Tyrone. The mother of Samuel and Peter died while they were young, and the father had two subsequent wives. Samuel at the age of thirteen, was apprenticed to a hatter. His master in the trade was Godfrey BARTLES, a son of Frederic BARTLES, who was the original settler and builder of the mill at the outlet of Mud Lake. After four years service at his trade, he worked some with his father, and tramped from place to place following his vocation, coming as far west as Cayuga Bridge and Aurora, where Walter WOOD offered him an acre of land for every hat he would make. He worked his way back to New Jersey, where in 1806, he married Hannah COSAD. She was born in 1782 in Somerset Co., NJ and was next to the youngest of a family of nine, of whom Samuel COSAD became a wealthy resident of Junius, Seneca county. Early in 1806, Samuel HARPENDING and wife moved to Genoa, Cayuga Co., where he conducted the hatting business five years with David OGDEN. In May 1811, with three children they moved to Reading, crossing Cayuga Lake in a ferry boat and Seneca Lake in company with Joshua WYCKOFF. They landed at GOODWIN’S and stayed there all night. The next morning they started for Stark’s Mill (a saw mill), located on Big Stream, directly south of Dundee, where they took possession of a very poor log house. The east road was not then cut through, and the route was a pathway thickly impeded by underbrush. He conducted his business there a number of years, first buying one acre of land on which he erected a house where he kept a tavern as well as a hat shop, the family residing in the same building. This was directly opposite the log tannery of Hiram BELL. In 1817 he sold this place to Clayton SEMANS, who that year erected thereon what has since been known as the Raplee Red Mill. Mr. HARPENDING then built a frame house on the well know tavern stand which still belongs to his descendants, and on 25 acres of land which had previously been articled to him. That was the home of his family thereafter, and there he kept a public house widely and favorably known, as it still is in the hands of his son, Andrew. He was a prosperous man, and accumulated a good estate. Mirthful and jolly, he loved all active sports, was fond of hunting and the turf, and owned among his horses, “Old Rock,” a noted racer, who won many fields and is still well remembered by many of the older citizens of Starkey. He took an active interest in all public concerns. In politics he was an inflexible adherent of the Whig party. The place was long known as Harpending’s Corners, and the proprietor of Harpending’s tavern was justly regarded as no ordinary character. He died in 1852 and his wife is still living with remarkably well preserved bodily powers and mental faculties. She has always been held in high esteem for the excellencies of her character. Their children were: Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Anthony C., (Asbury), Abraham V., Andrew and Samuel. Mary Ann was the first wife of Samuel HUSON. Elizabeth is the wife of Jesse G. ANDREWS of Dundee. Anthony C., born in Genoa, in 1811, married in 1838, Mary Rebecca, daughter of Richard SUTPHIN Jr., She was born in 1821. He was a mercantile clerk in his early years in Dundee, Eddytown and Himrods. In 1837 he commenced as a merchant on his own account in Dundee, and continued in business many years, conducting a profitable trade. The Harpending block in Dundee was built by him. He was appointed Postmaster under Gen. HARRISON, and was Supervisor of Starkey two years. Their children were Emmett, born in 1842, died in 1845, Spencer, born in 1846, and Andrew A. born in 1851. Spencer is single, residing at Rochelle, Ill. Andrew A. married Tavia, daughter of Richmond GRISWOLD and lives in Dundee. Asbury, born in 1814, married Mary, daughter of Henry SAYRE. He died in 1853, leaving three children, Hannah, William H.H. and Henry Clay (twins). Hannah E. is the wife of Charles S. BAKER, a lawyer of ability and prominence, resident in Dundee. He is a son of Elijah BAKER, long noted as a businessman of great prominence in Hector. They have a son, Asbury H. William H.H. is single, residing in Dundee and Henry Clay is a student at law in Dundee. Abraham V. HARPENDING, born July 19, 1816, died in the city of Albany, April 23, 1871. His early opportunities of education were imperfect, but he became a sound an able lawyer, winning prominence and distinction at the Yates county bar. His study of law was begun under James L. SEELY at Dundee, and completed under Evert VAN BUREN at Penn Yan. Fore some years he was a partner of William S. BRIGGS, and afterwards practiced with much success on his own account. In 1853 he was elected District Attorney, and held the office one term, discharging his official duties with ability and fidelity. In 1857 he was elected Member of Assembly and made an influential and useful representative. In the autumn of 1869, Charles J. FOLGER resigned the office of State Senator immediately after his election. Mr. HARPENDING had been supported in the convention of his party for the office and was 71 nominated and elected to fill the position. He served till near the close of the second Legislative session, when he was very suddenly taken ill and died, much lamented by a large circle of friends. He was a man of fine social qualities and generous feelings. His mind was well poised and discriminating, with a sound judgment of men. He was buried at Dundee with other deceased members of his family. Andrew, born in 1819, is single, residing on the old homestead, and keeping up well the name and fame of the old public house first established by his father. He is a man of wealth and probity of character. Samuel C., born in 1822, died in 1859. He was a partner of Andrew in keeping the public house and was a worthy man. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeysettlers.htm Gen. Timothy HURD was a captain of militia in the War of 1812, and with his company (or with as many as he could persuade to go over), crossed the Niagara River into Canada. He was later elected brigadier-general of militia. He settled in Eddytown, built himself a large dwelling and became one the leading men in the Methodist Episcopal Church and in the town. He built a sawmill in 1809 on Big Stream south of Eddytown, and later a grist mill. It is claimed that his was the first sawmill on the stream. Isaac STARK’s was senior by one year. His family occupied a very high social position. Leveret GABRIEL, a boy, came from Vermont with General HURD, and afterward settled south of Eddytown. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios2.htm In the year 1800, Abner HURD and Simeon, Matthew and Reuben ROYCE formed a prospecting party that came to view the Genesee country. The next year together with a little colony of relatives, they settled in Frederickstown, at the place now know as Eddytown. In this pioneer company were Abner HURD and five sons, with his son in law, Simeon ROYCE and two children, Reuben HENDERSON with his wife and two children and Reuben ROYCE. Abner HURD was born in Woodbury, Conn., in 1747 and moved thence to Sandgate, VT, and from there to what is now Starkey. He was an excellent New England character and he was distinguished as a moral, religious, civil and industrious man. He bought a considerable amount of land on the Lawrence Tract, (lot 12 of Watson’s Purchase.) He built the first saw mill at Big Stream. In religious meetings he was a leader of the singing. He kept a public house, and at his house, the first town meeting in Reading was held. His farm was half a mile south of Eddytown where Thomas LAMOUREAUX now resides. He died suddenly, sitting in his chair. His children were Timothy and Sarah by his first marriage, and Roswell, Sherman, Ransom, Samuel and Aaron, by his second. Timothy HURD, born in 1775, married in 1793 Mabel, daughter of Andrew BOOTH. She was born in 1778. They settled at Eddytown in 1802, their farm embracing the site of that village. They had a house at first near the present site of the Presbyterian church. In 1806 he erected a large house which he occupied several years as a tavern. The same edifice is now the residence of Egbert GULICK. In Sept 1804, an infant son of Timothy and Mabel HURD, named John Kirby, died and was buried in a cemetery on the farm of Simeon ROYCE, now owned by James C. HENDERSON. In 1806 Timothy HURD sold ten acres from his farm on the road that ran east from Isaac LANNING’S blacksmith shop to the Lake, to John SEARS, who built the first grist mill in the town on a small stream, running through his place. He also built a house there. Some years later he sold his mill and premises back to Mr. HURD, who subsequently sold the mill and four acres of land to the father of Jephtha EARL of Benton, a distiller, for 1,300 gallons of whisky. On his way home with a sleigh load of the whiskey, while descending the hill at the Friend’s Mill, the fore-board of his sleigh went out followed by two barrels of the whisky, which thus escaped beyond recovery. Timothy HURD was a captain in the War of 1812, and afterwards Colonel of the 81st Regiment of infantry. Still later, he was General of the 1st Brigade, consisting of Steuben and Allegany counties. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1821, and was a supervisor of Reading when the town was divided. He had held the office six years consecutively at that time. Of the Methodist Church, he was a prominent and consistent member. The first grist mill on Big Stream was built by him, on the road leading to the head of the Lake, in 1811. This mill was burned in 1827 and he built another on the same site which was also burned in 1847.His wife died in 1842, at the age of 64 years, and he subsequently married the widow of Sherman HURD. He died in 1848, and she now resides at Rock Stream. He was a man of strong will, a good neighbor and valuable citizen. The children of his first marriage were Harry, Rochester, John K., Mary, Abner, Rebecca, Caroline, Electa, Janet and Seymour. Harry born in 1799, married in 1821, Fanny, daughter of Joshua TUTHILL. They were married by Elder Abner CHASE. As early as 1820 he was cornet of a company in the 10th Regiment of Calvary. Subsequently as Captain of the same company he was a popular and accomplished officer. A devoted Christian and a good man, he died in 1844. His widow still survives. Rochester, born in 1801 in Vermont, married at Geneva in 1823, Abigail B., daughter of Matthew LUM. She was born in 1803. He owned a farm in Reading and resided there many years. He died in 1865. Their children were: Harry S., Eliza O., Mary J. and Caroline. Harry and Mary died young. Eliza O., born in 1824, married Henry ROBERTS in 1845. Their children were, Helen E. Horace G., and Henry Hurd. Caroline married David CULVER a son of Elisha CULVER in 1848. She died in 1852. They had a daughter, Delia C. Mary HURD born in 1805 was the wife of Gilbert HATHAWAY. Abner HURD, born in 1807, married Sarah, daughter of Josiah REEDER. He was Captain of the same Company previously commanded by Harry, and was an excellent officer held in high esteem by the troop. Their children were: Horatio G., Martha, Mary, Janet, George, Mabel and Fanny. Horatio G. married Catharine, daughter of Joseph BELLIS of Eddlytown. He and his sister Mabel, residing with their uncle, George S. REEDER, are the only descendants of General Timothy HURD, now living in Eddytown. Martha married Andrew ROBERTS, son of James ROBERTS of Reading. Mary married John W. MORRIS, a successful business man at Big Stream Point. Janet married Jared SLEEPER of Schulyer Co. George married Clarissa WILMOTT, and Fanny married Newton WILMOTT and both reside in Starkey. 72 Rebecca born in 1810, married John BOGERT, many years a merchant at Dresden, and a prominent and influential citizen of that place. He moved to Iowa and died there. Their children were, Jane, Caroline M., Nettie, Isaac and William. Caroline was the second wife of George W. SIMMONS. Caroline HURD born in 1813, married John R. MC LEAN of Dresden. They live near Elgin, Ill. Their children are Jane, Mary and John. Electa born in 1816, married Caleb GOUNDRY, a former merchant at Dresden, now residing at Marshall, Mich. Janet born in 1818, married Henry SHERMAN. They reside at Elgin, Ill. Their children are George, Caroline, Martin and Nettie. Seymour HURD born in 1821, married Rebecca, daughter of Hiram BELL of Dundee. They had a daughter Mary. He has a second wife, Charlotte BUNDY, and resides at Lima, NY. Ransom HURD settled on a farm near his father, and built a house where Thomas LAMOUREAUX now resides. He married Rebecca STILSON, who died in 1822, aged 22 years. He subsequently moved out of the county. Sherman HURD first settled on the farm now owned by William E. GAVRIET. He married in 1808, Sarah HURD, his cousin. They lived many years in Gorham, where he died a highly respected citizen. Roswell and Samuel HURD settled in Steuben County. Aaron HURD married Lucy, daughter of Reuben THOMAS. Their children were, Roswell T., Abner, Pamelia, Ferris P., Rosetta J., and William T. Abner and Rosetta J. died young, and Pamelia at aged 23 years. Roswell T. married Maria, daughter of Israel DAVIDSON of Reading. Their children are, Rosetta J., Olive A., Henry w. and Byron L. They reside at Watkins. Ferris P. HURD born in 1823, married Amanda, daughter of Amasa A. FRENCH of Wheeler. Her mother was Sally, daughter of John SEARS, whose wife was Deborah ROYCE, a cousin of Mrs. Rhoda COWING. Mr. HURD has been many years a prominent resident of Jerusalem, to which town he has recently returned, after a residence of a few years in Watkins. He had been three times supervisor of the town, and two years clerk of the Board. William T. born in 1834, married Phebe A., daughter of William P. HIBBARD of Jerusalem. Aaron HURD first resided a little south of Rock Stream, then in the Andrews settlement in Reading till 1840, after which he lived at Altay (Schuyler Co., NY) and died there in 1859. His wife died in 1863. -----Richard HURD, a relative of the preceding family was a native of Litchfield, Conn., born in 1751. He married Mary LACY of the same place, and moved to Sandgate, VT., where he was a farmer, miller, and merchant and 19 years a member of the Vermont Legislature. In 1808 he settled in Reading at Rock Stream, where he was a farmer, miller, merchant and had a distillery and ashery. The mercantile firm at one time consisted of himself, his sons Philo and Richard and Joseph S. JACKSON, did as much business as any similar concern ever did in the old town of Reading. Richard HURD died in 1827. His children were Rhoda, Thadeus, Rebecca, Simeon, Philo, Mary and Richard. Rhoda was the wife of Joseph S. JACKSON, and is still living in Michigan. Thadeus married Ruth Em. HURD, and moved to Springfield, PA, where both died. Rebecca married Eliphalet CLARK and moved to Oho. Simeon married Rebecca JONES. He as an active and popular young man. He was Adjutant of the old 81st Regiment many years. He died at Rock Stream. Philo married Helen LORD. He was a man of military tastes and was captain of the first artillery company in that town, which was organized by himself. He as also Colonel of the 81st Regiment. Among his children are Gen. Gilbert HURD of Springfield, PA, and Thomas L. HURD, Homeophatic physician at Rock Stream. The former was made General of the First Brigade about 1840. Hiland G. WOILCOTT was a member of his staff, and Harvey G. STAFFORD was then Colonel of the old 206th Regiment of Infantry. Col. Philo HURD died in 1850, and his wife eight years later. Mary HURD was the wife of Gilbert HATHAWAY Sr. Richard HURD Jr., married Deborah, daughter of Caleb FULKERSON. Among their children are Byrant R., and Richard, ministers of the Christian Church. Richard HURD, their father, was a man of social and genial qualities, a general favorite with children. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios2.htm Nathaniel HUSON was born in Fredericksburg, NY in 1767 and married Anna SPINK born in 1770. She died in 1798. He had a second wife, Betsey WARREN She was born in 1764 and they were married in 1799 at Hillsdale, NY. She died in 1836. His third wife was Phebe BOYD, widow of Jacob CRAWFORD. She was born in 1786. They were married in 1836. He died in 1847. He came to Starkey, then Reading, in 1818, settled on the first farm north of the corporation of Dundee and resided there through life. His children by the first marriage were, Ruth, Elijah, Calvin, Betsey and Richard; by the second marriage, Samuel, Nathaniel, Anna and Sally. Ruth born in 1790, married Judson MILLARD. They came to Starkey quite early and lived on Millard St. Dundee, which took its name from him, where he was a prosperous farmer and a good citizen. Their children were Anna, Lewis M., Jane and Squier. Anna married Robert, brother of Eli TOWNSEND. Lewis M. married Harriet, daughter of Richard HENDERSON Sr. Jane married Franklin HOLDEN. They have a daughter , Hattie. Squier married Emily PHILLIPS. Elijah born in 1792, married Alzada TYLER in Columbia Co. He settled in “Beartown” in 1818, on the farm afterwards long occupied by Charles HAUSE. He moved west many years ago and died in Illinois. His children were Nelson, Richard, Judson, Louisa, Semantha, and Burgess. Nelson born in 1816, married in 1836, Alzada, daughter of Charles TRUSEDELL. He died in 1838 leaving 73 a daughter, Janett, born in 1837. Janett married John J. HUMPHRIES in Starkey in 1861. They live in Elgin, Ill and their children are Alice, Arthur and John. Alzada married a second husband, William E. GABRIEL. Richard HUSON married Saray TYLER and lives in Illinois. Judson married Ann, sister of Harvey G. STAFFORD. Louisa married Martial H. BOOTH. Semantha married Gabriel TORRANCE. Burgess married and lives in Illinois. Calvin born in 1794, came to Starkey in 1818, living sometimes on the next east and west road south of “Beartown.” He then moved to the town of Seneca, and resided there till after the death of his father, whose place he then bought, and lived thereon till near his death in 1869. His wife whom he married in Columbia county in 1817, was Betsey CREGO, who survives him living in Starkey. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and a Democrat of the strictest sect. Their children were Jane, Susan, David C., Calvin, William H., Eli T., Emeline, Elizabeth, George E., Lewis M., Clark, Samuel, Charles, Mary Ann and James K.P. Jane married James BEATTIE. They live in the town of Seneca and have two children, John and Lizzie. Susan married Haines CLARK and their children are Mary and Rosalie. David C. married Margaret ROBSON of Seneca.Their children are John R., Calvin J. and Mary Jane. David C. died in California and his widow with her children resides in Penn Yan. Calvin HUSON Jr., was a lawyer of good reputation, resided at Rochester and in 1856 was elected District Attorney of Monroe county. He died at Richmond, VA, a rebel prisoner, in November 1861. He was captured by the rebels at the battle of Bull Run (Manassas), where he was present as a spectator. His wife was Catharine MILLER and their children were De Lancey, Clara, Hattie, Hobart and Katy. William H. married (Mary) Emma REED. He kept a public house at Washington during the war of the Rebellion and is now the keeper of a public house at Starkey Station. Their children are Josephine, Cass, Martha and Mary (twins). Josephine married John MALONEY and has a daughter, Emma. Eli T. died in California. Emeline married Uriah HAIR. Elizabeth married David CLARK. George E. married Lucy EASTON in Illinois. Lewis M. married Jane, niece of Gov. MACOMBER of Washington territory. Clark married Anna SHIMPF, a German girl. They live in Starkey and have two children, Frank and John. Samuel was a Union soldier and was killed at the battle of Shilo in 1862. Charles married Mary TERRY. They live in Starkey and their children are Charles T. and John B. Mary Ann married John GRAY of Groveland, NY. Their children are Samuel, John and Harry. James K.P. was a Union soldier and was killed in battle at Gettysburg. Betsey born in 1795 is the wife of Eli TOWNSEND. Richard born in 1798, married Rebeca, daughter of Samuel KRESS Sr., They reside in Dundee where he was a Homeopathic physician. They moved to Kansas about 1856, where they still reside. Their children were Eliza Ann, Catharine and Samuel K. Eliza Ann was the wife of Edward HOOGLAND for some years well known in Yates County as the editor of the Dundee Record. He died in Kansas, leaving a daughter, Mary. Catharine was the first wife of James SPICER and died leaving one daughter. Samuel K. married Polly Ann, daughter of John SPICER. He was a Homeopathic physician and moved to Kansas. Samuel HUSON born in 1801, married first, Mary Ann, daughter of Samuel HARPENDING. He had a second wife, Rachel COSAD, cousin of his first wife. He was long a merchant in Dundee and prosperous in business. George W. SIMMONS and Augusts MALTBY at different times were his partners. He died in 1870 and his wife survives him. Their children were Larissa and Mary. Nathaniel, born in 1804, married Ann, daughter of Tewalt SWARTS 2nd. He was a farmer living near Dundee, where he died recently. Their children were Eliza M., Sally A., Emeline, Matilda, Nancy J., and Susan A. Eliza M. married Joshua, son of Daniel RAPLEE. They had a son Nathaniel. She married a second husband, Alonzo EATON. Sally A. married James SWARTHOUT and they have two children. Emeline married David SWARTHOUT and they have one child. Matilda married Oliver, son of Joshua RAPLEE. Nancy J. married Thomas ROBSON. Susan A. married William WORTMAN. Anna born in 1808, married Alonzo SIMMONS. Sally born in 1811, married in 1834, Charles E. TRUESDELL who was also born in 1811. They reside in Eddytown and have a son, Warren HUSON, born in 1836, who married in 1867, Minnie ROBINSON, and resides in Syracuse. Charles E. TRUESDELL was a son of Charles TRUESDELL and Semantha TYLER, his wife. Burgess TRUESDELL who was a son of Josiah TRUESDELL, and a cousin of Charles E., was for many ears a merchant at Dundee and Starkey Corners, and a leading citizen. He built the public house which was burned down where the ELLIS house now stands. ----William HUTCHINSON came to Starkey in 1818. His wife was Polly CREGO, sister of Mrs. Calvin HUSON. They settled on the farm now occupied by Ezra MC ALPINE, which he bought of Henry CLARK, next adjoining that first settled on by Calvin HUSON. After some 20 years residence there, they moved to the town of Seneca. They had a son, Hamilton, who resides in Seneca. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios3.htm Samuel KRESS [Sr.] was a native of Orange county, born in 1763. He there married Catharine SLAUGHTER, and they moved at an early period to Newtown, where he worked at his trade as a miller. In 1804 they took up their residence in what is now Starkey, buying 50 acres of the Potter Location of Philo INGRAHAM, in 1806, and remaining thereon while they lived. He was a zealous Methodist and one of the earliest class leaders in his vicinity. He was in all respects a good citizen and accumulated a good estate. His wife died at 72 years, in 1837, and he in 1845, at 82 years. Their children were John J., Samuel, Mary, Leah, William, Rebecca, Sarah, James and Isaac. Samuel KRESS Sr., married in 1840, a second wife, Mehetabel, widow of Deacon LA FEVER, who is still living. John J. KRESS, born in 1787, married Margaret MURDOUGH in 1810. She was born in 1789. They resided in Starkey and she died in 1867 and he in 1869. Their children were Maria, Catharine, Eliza Ann. Semantha, Jane, Margaret H., John S., William, Mary 74 B., Andrew J., Susan A. S. Minerva, Halsey S. and George W. Maria married Isaac WILKIN and their children were John and Catharine. Catharine married Elisha REED and their children were George, John, Mary and Wallace. Eliza married Shannon MC LOUD, and their children were Huldah, Montgomery, Emery and Bell. Semantha married Joshua NORRIS and their children were Nelson, John, Mary, James and Susan. Nelson died at the South of wounds received while in the service of the Union, during the Rebellion, and Susan died at the age of 17 years. Jane married John O’BRIEN and their children were Myron, Ann, Horace, Mary and Ida. Margaret H. married William KETCHUM and they had a son, James L. John S. married Rachel, daughter of Anthony B. RYAL and they had a son, Charles. William married Lucy, daughter of Anthony B. RYAL, and their children were Zeruah, Elizabeth, Jane, Anthony, Margaret and William C. Mary B. married Peter BUNCE and their children were Spencer, John, Alida, Charles, George and Melvin. Andrew J. married Adaline SHANNON and their children were John, George and Melissa. Susan A. married J. Wesley SLAUGTHER, and their children were Maggie and Ida. S. Minerva died young. Halsey S. married Martha AYRES and their children were Ida and Arthur. George W. married Sarah RAPLEE and they have one child, Lee ELLSWORTH. Thirteen of this family grew up to adult age and had families of their own. The parents reared also tow of their grandchildren, and lived to see them all married and well settled. Samuel KRESS Jr., b. 1789, m. first, Betsey, sister of John STARKEY and had a second wife, Asenath KEYES. He had two children, Catharine and Andrew P. T., by the first marriage and four, Charles, Mary E., Emily and Harriet by the second marriage. He had a third wife, Sarah HUTCHINS. He lived in Starkey and died there at the age of 63 years. Mary b. 1791, m. Levi WALLING of Starkey and had five daughters, Rebecca, Alvira, Mary, Susan and Elizabeth. They moved to Rockford, Ill., where Mrs. WALLING lives, a widow. Leah b. 1795, m. Jacob WALLING. Their children were Hannah, Catharine, Sarah A., Clinton, Amanda and Samuel. Samuel WALLYING was Captain of a Company of the 161st NYV in the war of the Rebellion, and died in the service. The mother of this family resides at Nunda, NY. William b. 1798, m. Eliza, daughter of Peter GABRIEL. Their children were Charles W., Susan, Adelaid, Isaac, Grandison, Scott, Genette and Olivette. Grandison lives at Addison, NY, a mechanic. Schott is City Marshall at Elmira. Charles is a joiner and a local Methodist preacher at Hornellsville, NY. Isaac is a carpenter at Hornellsville. Rebecca b. 1800, m. Dr. Richard HUSON. She now resides at Lawrence, Kansas. Sarah b. 1802, m. Orison SEAMAN. They lived and died at Watkins, and their children were James, Clinton, Catharine, Samuel, Eliza and DeZeng. James b. 1806 m. Mary HULSE. They reside in Michigan and have six children, Thompson, Mary, Garwood, Theodore, Richard and Rachel A. Thompson was a soldier in the Mexican war. Isaac KRESS b. 1809, is still a resident of Starkey . He m. Joanna, daughter of Wilson AYERS. They formerly occupied the homestead of Samuel KRESS Sr. He was supervisor of Starkey in 1870. Their surviving children are Elizabeth, Melissa and Samuel H. Elizabeth married James MOORE, Melissa married Jephtha F. RANDOLPH, youngest son of Daniel F. RANDOLPH. They have a son, Orville Y. Samuel H. is a classical student. George KRESS, a brother of Samuel KRESS Sr., was a very early resident, living on the Judson MILLARD place, near Dundee, where he was the original settler. He was some years a Justice of the Peace. John KRESS, another brother, was an early resident of Barrington. Moses DEAN resided on the place now owned and occupied by Isaac KRESS. ---Patrick QUIN [or QUINN] came to America from Ireland in 1794. With him were his wife, Tomason CAFFERY and two children, Patrick and Jane. From New York the moved the same year to Bath, where he, entered into the service of Charles WILLIAMSON, and remained till 1800, when he moved to Hopeton. There he died in 1803. In 1807 his widow married William REED with whom she and her younger children lived till her death in 1810. Dominic, Daniel and Edward, were three sons of Edward QUIN, born after his emigration to this country. Patrick QUIN, born in 1789 in Dulick, Westmayth county, Ireland was at 18 years, apprenticed to Morris F. SHEPPARD to learn the trade of tanner and currier. After learning his trade he worked one year in Canandaigua. Returning to Penn Yan he married in 1811, Betsey, a sister of Dr. Walter WOILCOTT. In 1813 he bought a farm and tannery at Eddytown and remained there till 1834. In that year he purchased a tannery at Millport (Chemung Co) and lived there till 1865. He then moved to Hinsdale, Cattaraugus Co., where he still lives. His wife who is seven years younger, keeps house without assistance and takes care of her husband, a victim of paralysis, and a feeble daughter. Patrick QUIN in the vigor of his life was a man of uncommon talent, and though a workingman was a lawyer of no trifling ability in Justices’ Courts. He was also a prominent Democratic politician, and a man of integrity and honor. He was a Deputy Sheriff under John MAGEE and for a long period, a magistrate in Chemung county. Their children are Alexander H., Hannah W., Erastus W, George E., Olive W., Daniel, Betsey and Harriet. Alexandra H., born in 1812, married in 1831, Philena A. THOMPSON. They live at Hinsdale and have a daughter, Theresa, and wife of Christopher WILLOVER, a wealthy lumber dealer at that place. Hannah W. born in 1814, lives single with her parents. Erastus W. was born in 1817, died at 27 years. George E., born in 1818 studied and practiced law at Watkins with his uncle, Edward. He married Winifred, daughter of Gen. William KERNAN. In 1858 he moved to Utica, and was in practice with Francis KERNAN, till his death in 1863. He was an accomplished lawyer and a man of genial character. Their children were seven sons. Olive W., born in 1810, married Augustus H. PHELPS. They live at Hinsdale, and their children are Hamilton and Betsey. Daniel born in 1823, died in 1847. Betsey born in 1825 married in 1852, Edwin J. SHAUT. Harriet died young. 75 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios4.htm John J. Smith John J. Smith, son of Jacob Smith and Jane Sears, married Nancy, daughter of Thomas CLARK, whose wife, Elizabeth, was a sister of Rachel and Margaret MALIN. He was a solider in the War of 1812, afterwards became a Colonel of cavalry and was always known as Col. SMITH. He became a resident of Yates county as early as 1813, living first at Hopeton and afterwards in Starkey. They lived for a time a little east of Dundee, on the place long afterward the home of his son, David SMITH. Afterwards he built the brick tavern directly east of Dundee, were for some years the Masons held their Lodge, until the Morgan excitement. Still later he bought the Jacob HACKET farm in Dundee. At a later period he kept the tavern at the Ellis stand in Dundee. His wife receiving a farm in Jerusalem form Rachel MALIN, her aunt, on lot 22 of Guernsey’s Survey; they erected a new house there, where she died about 1840. He afterwards moved to Illinois and died there about 1860. He had a second wife, Percis, sister of Miles and William MARINER, who survived him. The children by his first marriage were David, Thomas, C., Jacob, Lewis, John J. and Dennis. All these are West, except David, whose line is mentioned with the PLUMMERS and John J., who is a merchant at Watkins. ------Dr. Henry Spence http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios4.htm The father of Dr. Henry SPENCE was John SPENCE, a native of Ireland, his mother, Rachel ROBERTS, and they were married in Pennsylvania in 1794. She was a native of Philadelphia. They had six children born in Pennsylvania, William W., Amy, John R., Henry, Isabella and Mary. In 1800 they settled in what is now Lodi, directly opposite the present residence of Dr. Byron SPENCE in Starkey. Henry, born in 1800 was the only member of the family that became a resident of Yates county. In early life he was a teacher in Lodi. He studied the medical profession with Dr. Claudius C. COAN, and received his diploma in 1823, from the college of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He came soon after to Yates county and boarded in the family of Russell A. HUNT of Milo, where he commenced his practice. In 1824 he married Patty, daughter of Allen BOARDMAN and Phebe, his wife, of Covert, Seneca county. The same year he bought of Samuel LOOMER 100 acres of land on lot 10 of the Potter location, for $1750, which was thereafter their homestead. He added to this farm in after years 263 acres, forty of which he bought of Samuel BAYLES, 94 of Esther BRIGGS and the rest was the Jacob SMITH farm. Dr. SPENCE was a physician of eminence and widely extended practice, being often called for consultation in difficult cases far from his home. He was also an enterprising farmer and a skillful fruit culturist of large experience. He was a man of superior intelligence and liberal views, and a citizen of much worth and influence. In politics he always took an active interest, and was elected to the Assembly in 1841. In 1860 he was presented by the delegates of this county for the Republican Congressional nomination. He was a man of genial and kindly spirit and in social life was highly respected. He died in 1866. His first wife died in 1843 and he had a second wife, Elizabeth SHOEMAKER (widow DONLEY), who survived him. The children of Dr. SPENCE were all by the first marriage and their names are Byron, Flora and Riley. Byron, born 19 Mar 1825, was one of the first students of Starkey Seminary and was educated a physician. He graduated at the New York University in 1850. He was a Union officer in one of the New York Regiments during the war of the Rebellion following which he was a farmer and fruit grower on the old homestead, occupying the elegant cobble stone mansion, erected by his father in 1848. He married in 1863, Susan, daughter of Nathaniel K. BEASRSLEE. Their children were Henry, Thomas B. and Theodore. Flora, born in 1826, was the wife of Jeremiah S. JILLETT. Riley, born in 1835, resided with his brother, Byron. The second wife of Dr. Henry SPENCE had two daughters by her previous marriage, Augusta and Elizabeth (DONLEY). They were a few years members of the family of Dr. SPENCE. Augusta married William MERCER, moved to Minnesota and died in 1863, leaving three sons, William, Benjamin and Charles. Elizabeth married Henry HARROWER, resided in Wilkes-Barre, PA and their children are Levi, Carrie and Charles. Allen BOARDMAN, the father of the first wife of Dr. SPENCE, was an early setter in Covert, and had a family of 10 children, Russel, Maria, Delia, Harry, Patty, Truman, Emily, Gertrude, Lucy and Douglass. Russel was a citizen of Barrington from whence he moved West. Delia was the wife of Gilbert HATHAWAY Jr., and resided many years in Barrington. The family is now West. Truman was elected to the State Senate form the 26th district, including Yates, Ontario and Seneca counties and held the office one term. Douglass is Justice of the Supreme Court in the 6th judicial district, residing in Ithaca. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios4.htm John S. SUTPHEN was born in 1793 in New Jersey. He was a son of Richard SUTPHEN and Mary VAN MATER, his wife, whose children were Peter, John S., Richard, Polly, Nelly, Elizabeth and Jane. This family were early residents of Starkey, and included Arthur, a son of Richard SUTPHEN Sr., by his first marriage. Peter married Elizabeth MATHEWS, and was a resident of Hector. John S., married in 1814, Ann, daughter of Andrew RAPLEE. They lived in Bennett’s Settlement till 1849 and thereafter in Dundee where he died in 1868. His wife died the following year at 72 years. They were a thrifty pair and had a goodly estate. Richard Jr., born in 1791, married in 1816, Ellen Ann MATTHEWS. She was born in 1800. They resided many years in Barrington on lot 34. She died in 1846 and he in 1866. Their children were Peter M, and Mary Rebecca. Peter M., born in 1820, married first, Marian, daughter of Orange HOLLISTER and has a second wife, Maggie WAITE, of Oregon, Ill. He and his brother in law, Ashbel HOLLISTER, were for some time merchants at Eddytown, succeeding George W. SIMMONS. The children of Peter were by his first marriage, Emmet O., Charles, Alida, Truman and John S.; by the second, one child, Lenora. Mary Rebecca born in 1822 is the wife of Anthony C. HARPENDING. 76 Polly married Laban CRANDALL and lived in Milo. Nelly married and moved West. Elizabeth was the wife of James HYATT, of Benton. Jane married David HYATT brother of James and a soldier of the War of 1812. -----James Taylor A name held in kindly remembrance by the older citizens of Yates county is that of James TAYLOR. His father, Simon TAYLOR was an English soldier of the army of Burgoyne and his mother, Ruth CHAPPELL, a native of Connecticut. He was the fourth son of a large family and at 19 years, his father gave him his time, that he might earn for himself the means to gratify his love for books and enlarge his studies. He went to Canada, where the destruction of a timber raft on the Lachire rapids ended a disastrous lumber enterprise in which he was engaged with others, and he took charge of a winter school. His efforts to keep in advance of his pupils made his teaching a valuable experience. The War of 1812 induced him to leave Canada, and he next taught a school at Trumansburg. About the same time he began the study of law. In 1816 he was licensed to practice in the Court of Common Please of Seneca county; in 1823, in the Supreme Court; and in 1831 the Court of Chancery. In 1816 he commenced his residence at Eddytown and in 1819, married Maria, daughter of Capt. Silas WICKES. They observed their 50th anniversary of their wedding at the residence of their daughter, Mrs. C. B. BRACE, in Leavenworth, Kansas, on 19 Jan 1869. Afther16 years residence in Eddytonw they moved to Penn Yan where they lived till 1856. They then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota and a year later to Leavenworth, where he died on 30 Dec 1869, in his 80th year. He was a lawyer of superior acquirements and more than average ability and a candid and forcible advocate. From 1823 to 1836 he was District Attorney of Yates county. Upon the adoption of the constitution of 1846, he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for Justice of Supreme Court, and received much more than a party vote. In early life he was a great admirer of DeWitt CLINTON. Upon the unjust removal of that able statesman from the office of Canal Commissioner by a hostile Legislature in 1824, a committee of citizens in Reading consisted of John STARKEY, James TAYLOR and Stephen REEDER, presented a brief address of confidence to Mr. CLINTON, who was much gratified by their action and made a reply in which the following passage occurs: “As I feel no resentments I shall express none. In the wise and benevolent dispensations of Providence, the aberrations of man are frequently rendered subservient to his best interests; and cases often occur when we may unite with Joseph in his pathetic address to his penitent brethren, and exclaim, “Ye wrought evil against me but God meant it for good.” From early manhood, Mr. TAYLOR was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was a woman of rare social worth. Their children were: James W., Henry C., Eliza, Charles C and Harriet, all of whom were born at Eddytown. James W. was a lawyer of ability, a man of great energy of character, and liberal and comprehensive views. He was long a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota. A scheme put forth by him for the preservation and civilization of the Indians, by putting them on a territory to be exclusive theirs, is the most feasible and humane of any proposition made for that purpose. He married Chloe LANGFORD of Utica, and their children were Mary, Alice, Eliza and Harriet. Mary married Charles L. ALDEN, a lawyer of Troy, NY. Henry Chappell was drowned at the age of 11 years, in Lake Keuka. Eliza married Semptimus WATKINS of Waterloo. They resided in Leavenworth, Kansas, and their children were Kitty, Harriet, and a third daughter. Charles C., then a resident of Madison, Indiana, died in Penn Yan in 1856 Harriet born in 1831, married in 1851, Claudius B. BRACE for some years a hardware merchant in Penn Yan, and later a prosperous resident of Leavenworth, Kansas. Their children were: Maria P., Kate S., Charles, Walter and James F. Maria P. and Kate S. were students of the Vassar Female College at Poughkeepsie. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeybios4.htm Elisha WARD was a native of Vermont, born in 1780. He married there in 1804, Zeruah DENSLOW, born in 1788. They settled in Reading in 1806, near the New Pre-emption line, at the south extremity of the town of Starkey, where they resided many years. He was a military character of distinction, rising to the grade of Colonel of the 81st Regiment of Infantry. Their children were Maria, Eliza, Charles, Clark K., Zelima, Publius G. C., Rosetta, John W. and C. Denslow. Maria b. 1805, m. Anthony THOMPSON. They lived in Irwin, Steuben Co. Their children were Helen, Elizabeth, Anna, James W., and Robert. Eliza b. 1807, m. Caleb TOWNSEND, son of Richard TOWNSESND. She had a second husband, Jira ROOT. Charles b. 1809, m. Jane JOHNSON. Clark K. b. 1812, m. Alice, daughter of Robert SELFRIDGE, of Milo. He was a merchant at Himrods and Shannontown. He was a partner at the latter place, of Ira FOWLER. He was later at Bucyrus, Ohio, and was two years a member of the Legislature of that State. He was a stock dealer. By a second marriage in Ohio, he had a daughter, Sarah, wife of George W. GORMLY, banker at Bucyrus. Zelima b. 1814, m. in 1850, Frederick S. SMITH of Ohio. Publius G. C. b. 1816, was a teacher of ability, a bachelor and wanderer. Rosetta b. 1818, m. in 1836, Edwin C. ANDREWS. John Warner WARD kept a public house at Bellfonte, Ohio. C. Denslow m. Mary Jane HARPER and lived at Bucyrus, Ohio. Their children were Harper and Blanche. -----Rev. Samuel WHITE was a son of Solomon and Rhoda (Braman) WHITE and was born in Randolph, MA, in 1791. To his pious and excellent mother, early left a widow, his early education was due. Thomas WHITE of Weymouth, a representative in the Colonial Legislature of Plymouth in 1636, was the ancestor of this family. 77 Samuel WHITE graduated at Dartmouth Collage in 1812 and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1815. He soon after came to Western New York, and 14 Feb 1818, was ordained by the Presbytery of Geneva, pastor of the Church at Williamson, where he remained three years, preaching also at Sodus. He was then engaged in teaching at Ovid and Trumansburg. In 1824 he came to Starkey church at Eddytown. During the next 7 years by his untiring labors, Presbyterian Churches were organized in Barrington, Dundee and Rock Stream. He was an able organizer; visited from house to house, set others at work, and preached in nearly every schoolhouse, traveling often over rough and devious roads. Winds or weather seldom detained him with his light sulky and fleet horse, “Old Sorrel.” With this faithful animal he traversed the whole of Starkey, Reading and Tyrone and times without number “fetched a compass” around the southern extremity of Seneca Lake and also around the whole circuit of Keuka Lake, as well as the lesser lakes of Tyrone and Tobehannah. In the great extent of territory, which at different times comprised his field of labor, are now many flourishing churches, which are much indebted to him for their organization and prosperity. In 1831, Mr. WHITE removed to Pultney, where he remained nearly two years. During his ministry her e there was an extensive revival, and soon after, 58 were added to the church. A like success attended his labors in Havana, where he lived in 1833, preaching also at Watkins. In 1835 his home was in Tyrone where he is remembered by many of the present members of the church. His last charge was the Pultney church, which he held during his second abode there, nine and a half years. Under his care the church received large accessions and here he closed his ministry, the congregation of which had more than doubled in numbers, rebuilt their house of worship. Many of them had received baptism form his hands and as he left them, they parted from him unwillingly, as a child parts from his dying parent. From 1839 Mr. WHITE was for 2 ½ years Principal of Ovid Academy; and in 1842-3 he was Classical Teacher in Starkey Seminary. Many of his students prepared for college and many entered the ministry. Intense activity as well as an earnest devotion to the good of all whom his influence might reach, characterized his life as a minister. Accurate scholarship and an impulsive rousing of the student’s ambition, and a decided antipathy to all idleness, were the principal features of his teachings. He married in 1826, Henrietta, daughter of John TAYLOR. Their children were Samuel Braman, Charles Taylor, William Peregrine, George, Rhoda and Martha. Samuel B., born in 1827, married in 1847, Amanda TOMER of Pultney. They had two children, Flora born in 1848 and Fanny Emily born in 1859. Flora married Harrison DIXON and they had two children, Alice and a son. Charles Taylor WHITE, D.D., born in 1829, married Ann Marie CHILD of Derby, VT in 1856. He graduated at Wabash College in 1851 and at Lane Theological Seminary in 1855. He was principal of the Dundee Academy in 1851-52. Soon after their marriage they sailed for India as missionaries where they arrived after a voyage of 100 days. Their home a greater part of the time was in Pultney, Madura District, 300 miles southwest of Madras. They were absent 13 years, and in their labors among the Tamil people met with much success. On their return, after a voyage of 123 days, one night of which was spent on the Island of St. Helena, they arrived at London. Soon after they took a steamer from Liverpool for New York and arrived home August 20, 1869. Mr. WHITE later preached at Branchport, a highly esteemed pastor. On leaving India, he was a recipient of an affectionate address, prepared by a native Christina and read in the Tamil language. William Peregrine WHITE born in 1831, died at home in 1859 of consumption. George WHITE born at Rock stream in 1836, married Maria WALTERS in 1860. They reside in Ovid, Mich., and have one child, Rubie, born in 1862. Rhoda, born at Rock Stream, April 5, 1843. Martha, born in Pultney in 1847. William P., another son, died of consumption. The mother of Rev. Samuel WHITE, left a widow with two sons, Samuel and Charles, subsequently married Rev. Asa BURTON, D.D. of Thetford, VT, celebrated in his day as a Theological Teacher and as an author of what is called the Taste Scheme in Theology. The younger son, Charles WHITE, D.D., was 20 years, President of Wabash College and died in 1861 at Crawfordsville, Indiana, at the age of 64 years. Rev. Samuel WHITE was 40 years a member of the Presbytery of Steuben, and was spoken of very justly as Father WHITE. His talents were of a high order and his character elevated and highly social. He died at 72 years in 1864. His later years were passed on a farm near Rock Stream, where his society was much prized by friends from far and near. His son, Rev. Charles T. WHITE, was in all respects a worthy descendant of his venerated father. -----In 1848 Reading Lodge was organized as Dundee Lodge, and now [1873] consists of about 200 members. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. Theodore M. Horton, District Deputy Grand Master. Edward M. Sawyer, District Deputy Grand Master. MASTERS. 1847. Dr. Hosea Palmer. 1848. Samuel Kress. 1849. John T. Andrews, Sr. 1850. Stephen Toby. 1851. Edward Hoogland. 1852. Peter McKey. 1853. Richard Huson. 1854. Samuel K. Huson. 1855. John T. Andrews. 1856. Samuel K. Huson. 1857. Richard Huson. 1858. E. W. Rogers. 1859. E. W. Rogers. 1800. E. W. Rogers. 1861. E. W. Rogers. 1862. Dr.James A. Chapman. 1863. Dr. John H. Shaw. 1864. Dr.Emerson W.Rogers. 1865. E. W. Rogers. 1866. James Spicer. 1867. James Spicer. 1868. James Spicer. 1869. Uriah Hair. 1870. E. W. Rogers. 78 1871. Darius R. Perry. 1872. Darius R. Perry. 1873. Marcus M. Roleson. 1874. Marcus M. Roleson. 1875. Marcus M. Roleson. 1876. Myers T. Webb. 1877. Myers T. Webb. 1878. Joseph F. Gibbs. 1879. Darius R. Perry. 1880. G. Anson Beam. 1881. G. Anson Beam. 1882. G. Anson Beam. 1883. G. Anson Beam. 1884. Luther M. Hair. 1885. Luther M. Hair. 1886. Henry V. L. Jones. 1887. Henry V. L. Jones. 1888. Theodore M. Horton. 1889. Theodore M. Horton. 1890. Charles Goble. 1891. Edward M. Sawyer. 1892. Edward M. Sawyer. 1893. Edward M. Sawyer. 1894. Edward M. Sawyer. 1895. Edwin Jessop. 1896. Edwin Jessop. 1897. John S. Thompson. 1898. John S. Thompson. 1899. John S. Thompson. 1900. James E. Ruddick. 1901. James E. Ruddick. 1902. Edwin Jessop. 1903. Edward M. Sawyer. 1904. James E. Ruddick. 1905. Albert T. Beardslee. 1906. Albert T. Beardslee. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/starkey/starkeysettlers.htm John DOW, first Town of Reading supervisor in 1806 was re-elected Supervisor and held the office during the first 13 years after the organization of the town. Sold to Edward HOOGLAND, in 1848 the Dundee Record was conducted with much spirit till 1854, when he sold to John J. DIEFENDORF. Under the management of HOOGLAND, who was a vivacious editor, the paper attained a circulation of upwards of 1,000. Among his enterprises was the publication of biographical sketches of leading citizens with portraits. Among those noticed in this way were Samuel HARPENDING, Abraham WAGENER, William M. OLIVER, John DOW, and HOOGLAND himself. http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html Canandaigua Lodge No. 294 The original lodge in Canandaigua, Ontario Lodge No. 23 F&AM, fell victim to the Morgan Affair in the 1830's; shortly thereafter, the Lodge turned in its Charter. In the early 1850s, some Masonic Brethren applied for a Charter, and in spring, 1853, they received it. They became Canandaigua Lodge No. 294. The Brothers met at various places around Canandaigua until 1920, when Canandaigua Lodge No. 294 F&AM and Excelsior Chapter No. 164 RAM purchased a building at 5 Court Street in Canandaigua. This property known as the Temple Building housed these groups until 1995, when Ontario County purchased the building. The Lodge met in numerous places until it purchased a building at 12 Canandaigua Street in Shortsville in 1998. The building has been remodeled to include a Lodge room and other appropriate rooms. The jail cell door and a lock from the jail where William Morgan had been held remains in the Lodge's possession. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/cananvillhist.htm History of Ontario Co, NY. 1878. CANANDAIGUA LODGE, No. 294, was granted a dispensation 8 Jan 1853. This expired 25 May 1853, and on June 11 following a charter was received from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York instituting this lodge, with the following-named first officers: Samuel W. SALISBURY, Master; Jacob J. MATTESON [aka Mattison], SW; J. R. PRATT, JW; M. BEEMAN, Treasurer; James STEVENSON, SD; Benjamin H. ACKLEY, JD; and Joseph PONCETT, Tyler. William BRYANT and Richard P. PETHORIE complete the original roll of nine members. J. J. MATTESON, William BRYANT, and J. R. PRATT are the present survivors. The lodge first met in the hall of the I. O. O. F. They removed to the upper story of the Atwater block, and finally secured rooms in the third story of the McKechnie block, located on the east side of Main street. These rooms have been permanently occupied since January, 1872. The assembly-room is spacious, and handsomely furnished. A narrow dais extends along the sides of the room and widens at the ends, where rich canopies extend over the officers' chairs. In the centre of the room is a costly altar, of skillful workmanship and fine material, while the floor is covered by heavy carpeting. The lodge is remarkably prosperous and stable. It is influential and central. The nine members of 1853 have increased in 1876 to 173. The present officers are: Harrison B. FERGUSON, Master; Edward PARSONS, SW; William S. McKECHNIE, JW; Solomon JONES, Treasurer; J. J. STOBBINS, Secretary; Charles F. ROBERTSON, SD; E. R. HYATT, JD; James McENELLY, Chaplain; John RAINES, Jr., Marshal; E. B. LEWIS, Organist; C. T. MITCHELL, SMC; F. W. BEAL, JMC; and E. K. SMITH, Tyler. -----BENJAMIN H. ACKLEY was born at Canandaigua, NY; by occupation was a machinist; he enlisted 4 Aug 1862, aged 44 years, and was appointed Sergeant upon the organization of the Company; he was in action at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, 13 Sep, 14th and 15th, 1862, and was discharged for disability, at Washington, District of Columbia, 31 Jan 1863. Co. K, 126th Regiment Infantry New York, Disaster, struggle, triumph. Dedicated to the 126th Regiment of New York State Volunteers, 1870. CANANDAIGUA LODGE, NO. 294. Canandaigua, Ontario Co. Meets on Monday evenings, on or before the full moon. and two weeks thereafter. Date of Charter, June 11th, 1853. 1855 Register J. Richmond Pratt, Worshipful Master, James Stephenson, Senior Warden, J. Harvey Mason, Junior Warden, Samuel W. Salisbury, Treasurer, Isaac R. Parcell, Secretary, Thomas H. Stringham, Senior Deacon, Eli N. Green, Junior Deacon, Thomas D. Herbert. Steward Lyman 0. Lampmau, Stewards Saml. W. Salisbury, Master of Ceremonies, Archibald C. Bowles, Chaplain, Charles H. Brous, Tiler. 79 PAST MASTER. Samuel W. Salisbury. MEMBERS. Jet Abbey, Silas Anson, Benjamin H. Achley, Hilem F. Bennett, John L. Boyer, William Bryant, Archibald C. Bowles, Charles H. Bronson, Nicholas G. Chesebro, * George Ewins, Josiah D. Felton, John B. Francis, Eli N. Green, W. Porter Gunn, Luther Hammond, Thomas D. Herbert, Marvin Herman, Lyman P. Judson, Alexander F. Kelsey, Lyman O. Lampman, J. Harvey Mason, Jacob J. Mattison, James McBeath, Jr., James McEnally, James B. Murray, Isaac R. Parcell, Thomas O. Perkins, Richard P. Pethoric, Richard S. Pierson, Joseph Poncett, George Pratt, J. Richmond Pratt, Moses Reim. George T. Rider, Charles H. Saxton, George Segog, Stephen L. Sterling, Thomas Stringham, Jeffrey Sweet, Samuel W. Salisbury, James Sanderson, W. Barclay Smith, William Smith. James A. Spear, James Stephenson, Stephen K. Stinard, Thomas H. Stringham, William T. Swart, Henry Underbill, A. Spencer Wolcott, Joseph B. Wyckoff, * See Appendix III for more on Bro. Cheseboro and others of Canandaigua regarding the ‘Morgan incident.’ Rushville Lodge No. 377, Rushville, New York Harmony Lodge No. 293 http://books.google.com/books?id=wGIEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA292&dq=%22ontario+lodge+no.+23%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22lod ge%22&f=false page 392. The [Town of] Gorham Lodge of F&AM [Harmony Lodge No. 293] received its first charter from the Grand Lodge in 1813 [sic – chartered 5 Jun 1817] and held regular meetings until 1828, when it was compelled to forego its meetings on account- of the popular feeling aroused by the Morgan abduction incident. The lodge resumed work again in 1840 and continued under the old dispensation until 1855, when a new charter was granted to it as No. 377. F. & A. M. The present membership of the lodge is one hundred and ten. It owns its building, which is located on the east side of Main street in the village of Rushville. “A system of speculative masonry: in its origin, patronage, dissemination ...,” by Salem Town, page 265. http://books.google.com/books?id=CSsiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA265&dq=%22harmony+lodge+no.+293%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22 harmony%20lodge%20no.%20293%22&f=false 1822 Officers of Harmony Lodge No. 293, Gorham, NY: R. W. Chester Loomis, James P. Robinson, Ira Merrill, Oliver Harwood, David Sprague. http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html On December 11th, 1854, Canandaigua Lodge No. 294 recommended the petition for Rushville Lodge. Grand Lodge granted a Dispensation February 23rd, 1855, with Ambrose S. Thomas as its first Master. One of its first members was Chester Loomis, who had been Master of Harmony No. 273, the first Lodge in the Rushville area before surrendering its Charter during the Morgan Affair. In 1855, the first meetings took place in Watkins Hall. The building had been a Methodist Church and at the time served as the Old Fellows Hall. Fire devastated the building and several others in 1882. The fire destroyed all records except the Lodge Register, the signature book and the ledger, which resided in the Secretary's home. The Lodge then purchased a low, one and one-half story building on the corner of Green and Main Streets and moved across the street. In 1887, the Lodge voted to raise the roof and add another floor. Due to its indebtedness, the Lodge lost the building. The Lodge then paid rent to H. Collins Mapes and sublet the rooms to the Maccabees. In 1890, Rushville No. 377 repurchased the building. As the Lodge prospered, this building became too small. With the aid of field days and other money-raising events, the sale of the old building and generous contributions from the member- ship, the Lodge erected the present building 1922-23 on the corner of Main and Gilbert Streets. Grand Master S. Nelson Sawyer laid the cornerstone in December 1922. Fewer than 10 years later, a fire damaged the north side of the building. In 1937, the Trustees voted to purchase the lot on the north side of the Temple, moved the Temple to this lot and built a gasoline station on the vacated corner lot. In 1943, a flash flood destroyed the north wall, tipping the building to the creek. After raising or lifting the building and rebuilding the wall, the work of the Lodge continues to this day. and the Lodge turned in its Charter in 1829 during the Morgan Affair. The hunger for fellowship and Brotherhood, which grew in the armies during the Civil War led to a resurgence of Masonry during the 1860's. Many soldiers joined Military Lodges during their time of service and, upon war's end desired to continue their Masonic ties. Such was the case in Honeoye when, in 1866 a group of area Masons signed a petition to organize a Lodge in the Village. The petition was recommended by Naples Lodge No. 133 and Union Lodge No. 45 on April 7, 1866. A Dispensation was granted on July 80 30, 1866 by Robert Holmes, GM. The first Officers of Eagle Lodge U.D. were: Ami Stevens, Master; Amos Hilborn, SW; Gardner Marble, JW; John Wilson, Treasurer and Ransom McCrossen, Secretary. The first meeting of Eagle Lodge was held U.D. on August 4, 1866 in the rooms over E.W. Gilbert's Store, which stood in a block of frame buildings. This cluster of buildings was destroyed by fire on April 30, 1930. On June 4, 1867, a Charter was granted to Eagle Lodge No. 619 by Stephen H. Johnson, GM. The first meeting held under the new Charter was on July 15, 1867. Over the years, many fundraising events were held which, in 1966, allowed the Lodge to purchase land on West Lake Road. Many more fundraising events and sacrifices by all of the Brothers resulted in the erection and dedication of our present building in 1981. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/potterbioa-l.htm W. A. Carson, MD, of Rushville, NY, son of William A. and Margaret (DISBRO) CARSON, was born at Seneca, Ontario, NY, 11 Nov 1841. He was educated at Canandaigua Academy (1858), Genesee Seminary and College (1859-61) and Albany Medical College (1862-63). He was formerly a farmer, and is now practicing physician and druggist. He was resident physician of the Albany Hospital in 1864, chairman of the Board of Education of Rushville Union School for nine years, and president of the Yates County Medical Society in 1888. Dr. CARSON cast his first vote for President LINCOLN in 1864, and has since been a steadfast Republican. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors from the town of Potter two terms, being chairman one year, president of the village of Rushville three terms and was elected to the Assembly of New York State by a plurality of 1,033, his opponents being Henry M. HUNTINGTON (Democrat) and John KLINE (Prohibitionist). The Republican plurality in 1887 was 370. In the towns of Potter and Middlesex, Mr. CARSON received the largest vote ever given to any candidate for member of Assembly since the formation of the towns. He is a member of Rushville Lodge, F&AM. He married 1 Feb 1865, Elizabeth A., d/o C. W. NEWMAN of Gorham, NY and they had two children, Harriet N. and William A. CARSON Jr. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/potterbiom-w.htm David M. McMasters, son of David J. and Laura MC MASTERS, was born 27 Aug 1839 in Potter, NY. He was educated at the common schools and has always lived upon the farm. In politics a Republican, Mr. MC MASTERS has taken an active interest in the affairs of this town. He has been supervisor for two terms and is a member of Lodge of F&AM of Rushville. 16 Nov 1865, he married Emma, daughter of Charles BORDWELL, of this town, by whom he had three children, Nellie F., who married Charles SILVERNAIL; Carrie L. and Charles S. Seneca Lake Lodge No. 308, West Dresden, Yates, New York Warrant: 11 Jun 1853; destroyed by fire; reissued 8 May 1902 See also: Reading Dundee Lodge No. 308; preceded by Reading No. 366c, 7 Jun 1823; renamed Ionic (Reading-Ionic) in 1828; surrendered 1831; revived as Reading-Dundee No. 308, 3 Jun 1847; became Dundee No. 123, 4 Jun 1858; fire 20 Jun 1900; reissued 2 May 1900. http://books.google.com/books?id=rkUZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA220&dq=%22seneca+lake+lodge+No.+308%22&cd=5#v=onepage&q= %22seneca%20lake%20lodge%20No.%20308%22&f=false page 221. 1855 Lodge List: SENECA LAKE LODGE, NO. 308 West Dresden, Yates Co. Meets on Saturdays, on or next preceding the full moon. Date of Carter, June11th, 5853. Ambrose H. Condit, .Worshipful Master John Bogert, , Senior Warden Aaron R. McLean, Junior Warden, Geo. W. Simmons, Treasurer Jas. D. Condit, Secretary Geo. W. Pettingill, Senior Deacon Jesse Havens, Junior Deacon Charles Havens, Steward Thomas Veazie, Jr., Steward Israel Graves, Master of Ceremonies Geo. W. Brundage, Chaplain John Veazie, Tiler. PAST MASTER Ambrose H. Condit. MEMBERS. John Agar, David K. Allington, Wm. E. Benny, Wright Brown, John B. Buckley, Silas J. Buckley Robert Downey, Henry Dubois, Dewit C. Frink, Caleb Goundry, Geo. W. Graves, Luther Harris, Caleb J. Legg, Henry Milton, David Prosser, Chas. J. Townsend, Thomas Veazie, Sen. David S. Wagener, Chas. P. Willis, James (or William) Brown http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/torreybioa-l.htm James Brown, a native of Scotland, emigrated to America with his parents in his boyhood. The family first settled in Livingston County. In 1803 or 1804, James purchased a farm in the town of Benton, built him a log cabin, and soon after married Mary BARNES, of Benton. He died on the place in 1818. The widow survived until 1845. They reared five sons and two daughters. 81 Alexander, the youngest, succeeded his father on the homestead, married Elizabeth WILKIE, and died in 1859. His widow now resides in Geneva. John W. BROWN, born 13 Oct 1809, remained with his parents until he attained his majority. He was a natural mechanic and commenced his business life as a carpenter and builder. Many of the fine residences in Benton and Torrey are specimens of his skill. He married Eliza A. MEEKER, of Benton, and resided near Bellona until 1878, when he removed to Michigan, where he died in 1888. His wife died 1 Jan 1858. They had nine children, four daughters and five sons. Only one of the five sons resides in Yates, William, born 16 Aug 1833. 4 Jul 1855, he married Elizabeth MITTOWER, and in Jan 1859, removed to the homestead of his wife’s father. Mr. BROWN is a Democrat and a worthy and reliable citizen. He is a member of Seneca Lodge No. 308, F&AM, and is now serving his eleventh year as Worthy Master. Amos A. Norman http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/torreybiom-y.htm Solomon Norman, born 8 Feb 1761 in Cleveland, Yorkshire, England, came to America in early manhood. He located first at Geneva, where he was engaged as overseer of a gang of slaves. In 1803 he purchased of William SPRING of Northumberland County, Pa., the Norman homestead at three dollars per acre, now owned by his grandson, Amos A. NORMAN. 7 Dec 1806, he married Susannah CHARLES, of Geneva. He was a gentleman of the old school, well educated, held town offices and the invention of the first grain drill is attributed to him. He remained on their farm until about 1840 when he went to Illinois, where he died 1 May 1846. Mrs. NORMAN died 18 Jul 1826. They were the parents of twelve children. His youngest child, Harvey W. NORMAN was born 18 Feb 1825 and succeeded his father on this homestead. He was prominent in the Presbyterian Church and an F. and A.M. He was a Republican holding the office of supervisor and other town offices. 12 Nov 1846, he married Nancy A. VAN DEVENTER, who was born 9 Sep 1825. He died 21 Jul 1879. Their children were: Minard A., b. 3 Sep 1848, married Hattie M. HAZARD, of Torrey in 1867, was a farmer and mason and died 9 May 1883; Amos A., b. 1 Jul 1850; d. Apr 1912. Amos A. NORMAN was a farmer and fruit grower on the homestead. He is a prominent Republican and has been honored with several town offices, including supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has been many years worshipful Master of Seneca Lodge No. 308 (and a 40 year member). He has been twice married: 18 Mar 1875, he married Olive A. BROWN, who died 13 Jan 1876. They had one child, deceased. 6 Feb 1878 he married Mary E. MARLOW, to whom four children have been born: Harry W., b. 11 Apr 1880; Maud A. b. 28 Sep 1881; William A., b. 31 Dec 1882; Stephen D., b. 02 Sep, 1884. Appendix I http://books.google.com/books?id=GciAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA828&lpg=PA828&dq=%22John+N.+Macomb,+Jr.%22&source=bl&ots=UnpHyp80v6&sig=DKzUeZWx1SQn DYoI2RBpDCdaq3g&hl=en&ei=Cm55S7bLMNub8AbuteGVCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBAQ6AEwBA# v=onepage&q=%22John%20N.%20Macomb%2C%20Jr.%22&f=false page 828. JERUSALEM COMMANDERY, No. 17, PENN YAN. (Contributed by Sir John N. Macomb, Jr.) In the year 1848 the first effort was made to establish an Encampment at Penn Yan, in the then unoccupied territory extending from Utica to Rochester, and from Lake Ontario to Pennsylvania. On the 17th of May. with this end in view, John L. Lewis. Jr.. and Davison Mosher went to Rochester, where they received the Orders of Masonic Knighthood at the hands of that veteran Mason, William E. Lathrop. Associating with themselves several other Knights of the Order, in Feb 1840. they applied to M. E. Robert R. Boyd, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the State of NY, for a dispensation to organize an Encampment at Penn Yan. Owing to some informality this petition was not received: it was, however, renewed in the following June, in proper form, and was presented to Grand Master Boyd, accompanied by the required fee in the form of a draft for $00. which was placed by the Grand Master (who was at that time also Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge) in the tin box which contained the Grand Lodge funds. In the scramble for the spoils, which formed an important event in that unfortunate and unhappy communication of the Grand Lodge, the victors bore off, among other treasures, this particular draft, payment of which was stopped at the bank, and it was not until the 25th of February, 1850, that the dispensation was placed in the hands of the petitioners. It. however, bears this endorsement: "Granted on payment of fees, June 7th, 1849, J. M. Hatch, G. R. p. C On the 9th of June, 1850. a charter was issued, signed by James Hegeman, Grand Master; William E. Lathrop, D. G. M.; George L. Thatcher. Gr. Generalissimo; and John L. Lewis, Jr., Gr. Capt. Gen., authorizing Davison Mosher as Grand Commander; John L. Lewis, Jr., as Gen.; Cornelius Masten as Capt. Gen., to confer the Orders of Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Templar, Knights of Malta, Knights of the Christian Mark, and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The petitioners for the dispensation were as follows: Davison Mosher, John L. Lewis, Jr., Cornelius Masten, William M. Oliver, of Monroe Encampment, No. 12, of Monroe Encampment, No. 12, of Morton Encampment, No. 4, of Columbian Encampment, No. 1, Rochester, NY. Rochester, NY. New York. NY. New York, NY. 82 John Daggett, Clement W. Bennett, Rev. Wm. H. Goodwin, William C. Bishop, John Trimble. of Genesee Encampment, No. 10, of Washington Encampment. No. 1, of Washington Encampment, No. 1, of Louisville Encampment, No. 1, Lockport, NY. Washington, DC. Washington. DC. Louisville, KY. The last named is recorded as having received the Orders of Knighthood in Ireland, but no Encampment is given. The name "Jerusalem" given to this Encampment, was from the original name of the township in which its asylum is located. The first conclave was held on the first day of March. 1850. At this time the only Commandery occupying any portion of the territory named in the beginning of this sketch, besides Jerusalem, was Town. U. D. (now No. 16), at Auburn. Within a few years from this time, Jerusalem Commandery had conferred the Orders of Knighthood upon the greater part of the material resident within easy reach of its asylum; none from the more distant portions of its jurisdiction applying except on two occasions, when they were looking toward the organization of new Commanderies. On the 9th day of April. A. D. 1852, consent was given to the organization of St. Omer's Commandery, No. 19. at Elmira, and soon afterward DC Molay Commandery, No. 22, was organized at Hornellsville; these concessions cut off a very important part of our territorial jurisdiction. On the 20th day of January, A. D. 1860, consent was given to the organization of Geneva Commandery. No. 20. and this reduced us to only one Chapter. Penn Yan. No. lop; for, although Ovid Chapter, No. 92. is still within our jurisdiction, the companions of that Chapter find it more convenient to go to Geneva for their Orders of Chivalry, and they accordingly go, "asking no questions for conscience's sake." The history of Jerusalem Commandery contains so few matters of general interest, aside from the facts connected with its own organization and that of other Commanderies within the limits of its original jurisdiction, that a further discussion thereof would be out of place in this sketch. Subjoined is a list of the Eminent Commanders of Jerusalem Commandery since its organization: 1850. 1851-52. 1853. 1854. 1855-58. 1859-60. 1861-66. 1867-69. 1870. 1871-72. 1873-74. 1875-77. 1878-82. Davison Mosher. John L. Lewis. Charles G. Judd. Henry P. Sartwell. M. D. Charles G. Judd. Darius A. Ogden. John L. Lewis. James Burns. Robert P. Bush, M. D. James Burns. Franklin E. Smith. Charles S. Eastman. John N. Macomb, Jr. Appendix II JAMES L. GILLIS and JOHN WHITNEY “History of the abduction of William Morgan, and the anti-masonic excitement ...” by A. P. Bentley page 84-96. http://books.google.com/books?id=LiA7rletu88C&pg=PA91&dq=%22samuel+gillis%22+%22victor%22&cd=6#v=onepage&q=%22sa muel%20gillis%22%20%22victor%22&f=false We have grouped these two individuals under one subhead for the reason that they were jointly presented in the indictment as cocriminals, for what reason it was never known except to the prosecutors and the grand jury who found the bill. We shall, however, in treating of their cases take up each separately, and unlike the Court before whom they were tried, grant them separate trials. It was said that the reason they were jointly presented, was, that the Anti-masonic committee found they had more evidence to convict Whitney than Gillis, and by indicting and trying them together they hoped to secure two victims instead of one. This may have been the proper solution, as it appeared they had some evidence against Whitney, while none worthy of belief was ever produced against Gillis. It has already been mentioned in speaking of the case of Barrage Smith that Mr. Whitney came to Canandaigua with that gentleman on the memorable 12th of September. His business there ostensibly was to employ a stone cutter for his business in Rochester, and his partner in his testimony on the trial stated they were in want of such a workman, and that Whitney told him that was his business to Canandaigua on the morning before leaving Rochester. But it was generally believed that Smith and Whitney went there that day pursuant to an arrangement to receive Morgan and take him to Niagara. While at Canandaigua, he made inquiries for a stone cutter, and several parties who knew him met him and testified that that appeared to be his only business. He was not at the jail when Morgan was taken out, but was overtaken by the carriage, traveling on foot, a mile or two out of the village. He got up and rode on the seat with the driver to Victor, when he procured a horse and went on ahead of the carriage to Rochester, where it is supposed he made the arrangements for the ' second carriage that took up the party at Hanford's. He went on with the carriage to Lewiston, or near there, and attended the Installation on the 14th, and returned to Rochester in the steamboat with Smith the following day. His own version of the affair is given in his testimony at the second trial of Mr. Gillis, which was as follows: 83 "John Whitney being duly sworn, stated in substance that he started from. Rochester for Canandaigua on the 12th of September, 1824, in company with Burrage Smith, for the purpose of collecting a bill due him at Victor, and to get a stone cutter at Canandaigua, which was his only business and only object he had in view, and that he did not then know that Morgan was to be taken away. That he was imperfectly acquainted with the defendant at that time. he got on the box of the carriage containing Morgan about a mile out of Canandaigua. James L. Gillis was not in the carriage to his knowledge. He did not know Morgan at that time. Rode in the carriage to Beach's tavern at Victor, where he left it when watering at the trough, and got a horse of Dr. Beach to go to Rochester. He did not see the carriage after he left it to go into Beach's until he saw it at the Reservoir at Rochester. When he waked them up at Beach's he went around to the kitchen door and from thence into the bar-room, where he saw two or three persons, among whom was one of the Gillises; he thinks Enos, with whom he drank; was there in all, twenty minutes- or half an hour—did not see James L. Gillis there, nor on the road to Rochester, nor at Hanford's Landing, where he was present when they changed carriages, and he could not have been there without his knowing it; Gillis did not ride out with him, nor did he see him to his knowledge at any place or any where on the road; no man of that name accompanied him, nor did he see any one of that name on the road. He knew of no restraint upon Morgan. He did not hear him threatened—he was not gagged, nor blinded, nor to his knowledge was he intoxicated. He heard some fault found with Morgan about the course he had pursued. Morgan manifested regret, and he (witness) understood from the company and from Morgan, that Morgan was going west, secretly, for the purpose of preventing Miller and his associates from knowing where he did go—with the object in view to stop the publication of the book they were about to publish, and he (witness) verity believed this was the real object. "Morgan complained of Miller and his associates—said they had led him astray, and he was sorry for it. He appeared perfectly satisfied in going off, and spoke of an arrangement to go. On the Ridge Road they stopped at two public houses, and at an orchard they got out, gathered and ate apples, Morgan among the others, each walking about at pleasure. There was no jug of liquor in the carriage, but there was some brought into it in a tumbler. Witness took supper at Wright's and went on with the carriage to within about ten miles of Lewiston. Witness does not know that Morgan was carried out of the State, nor what became of him. The carriage was not closed all the time. He had no conversation with the Gillis whom he saw at Beach's on the subject of Morgan. James L. Gillis did not ride in the carriage with Smith and himself from Victor to Canandaigua. Witness did not take tea at Ackley's, nor was he about the post office that day, or night, except coming in or going out from Canandaigua. The persons in the carriage were addressed by their correct names. He informed, or engaged to inform, those who were going to the Installation at Lewiston that this carriage was on its way, and he expected himself to go with them. It was told to Morgan that he should be as well taken care of as though he published the book, if he did as he agreed. He docs not remember of hearing any reason for putting Morgan into the carriage by force, but Morgan admitted that he had agreed with Loton Lawson that he had agreed to go, and appeared to apologize, and stated that he did not know what the arrangements were at the jail. Witness thoroughly understood that the only object was to keep Morgan from Miller and his associates, and stop the publication of the book.” When Whitney was apprised while at work on the Ohio canal that Garlinghouse was on his way to arrest him, he left Louisville and went to St. Louis, where a brother-in-law of his resided, but after remaining there for a short time returned voluntarily to Rochester and surrendered himself. James L. Gillis, the co-respondent of Whitney, at the time of the Morgan abduction was a resident of the Northwestern part of Pennsylvania, where he had located in the year 1822. He was a native of Washington, county, New York. He served in the war of 1812 and was with General Scott at the battle of Lundy's Lane, where he was wounded. That part of Pennsylvania to which he had emigrated was "at the time a wild country . . . . . . he went to Canandaigua to negotiate a draft on Philadelphia at one of the banks in that village, but not having completed his business when the regular stage left he returned in the evening by a “return extra coach,” to Victor. He then concluded to go on to Rochester the same night to expedite matters and close up his business preparatory for his early return to his home in Pennsylvania. He had in Rochester previously sold a quantity of wheat and purchased a lot of mill irons to take with him back to Pennsylvania. He things he must have been ahead of the Morgan carriage all the way to Rochester, as he neither saw or heard of it, and had never till some days afterwards ever heard of Morgan at all. A witness by the name of Felt on the trial, testified that “Gillis is a thorough driving man who starts on a journey without regard to day or night.” Another witness testified that “Gillis is a businessman and very enterprising." He having closed his affairs in that section of the country, soon after returned to his home in Pennsylvania. It was some time in that out of the way section of the country before he heard what was going on, or that he was accused of being one of the "Morgan abductors," but it did reach him after a while, and he at once started for Canandaigua to inquire into matters, and confront his accusers. When he arrived at Canandaigua he was formally arrested before he got out of the stage, and put under bonds to appear at a future term of the Court. At the term of Court to which he was recognized to appear, he was present and demanded his trial, but Whitney not having returned from the west, Gillis was refused a trial until his co-respondent was arrested and in the jurisdiction of the Court. So he alternated back and forth between New York and Pennsylvania at every term of the Court for nearly two years. It was finally stipulated between the attorneys that Mr. Gillis need not attend any more terms, until he was served with notice that the prosecutor and Court were ready to bear and determine his case. At length Whitney returned and was arraigned on the indictment. The case came on for trial at the May term, 1829. A notice of the time of the trial had been sent by mail, but owing to the irregularities of the mail facilities of that day, and the great distance to any post office from Mr. Gillis' residence it failed to, reach him. The opening proceedings in the case, are here subjoined, from which it will be seen that Mr. Gillis was not present, but was patiently awaiting a summons at his home in Pennsylvania, to appear when informed his case was ready for trial: "ONTARIO GENERAL SESSIONS, May Term, 1829. The People, vs. John Whitney and James L. Gillis - Indictment for conspiracy, etc "NATHANIEL HOWELL, Judge. "FOR THE PEOPLE—John C. Spencer, Special Attorney, and Bowen Whiting, District Attorney. "For THE DEFENDANTS—Gen. Vincent Mathews, Ebenezer Griffin, Dudley Marvin and M. H. Sibley, Esquires. 84 "John Whitney, present. "James L. Gillis, absent. "Mr. Spencer declared his intention of trying the defendants together. Mr. Griffin desired that Whitney might be tried alone, but Mr. Spencer insisted that there was a connection between the two, and persisted in trying them together. "Mr. Sibley objected to the trial of Gillis in his absence, and appealed to the Court to have his trial postponed, in tho consideration of the peculiar circumstances of the case; that Gillis had attended three or four times, ready to be tried, from another State; that the notice of trial which had been sent to him had not reached him. "A long discussion ^followed between Mr. Spencer and Mr. Sibley, and the Court declined putting off Gillis' trial. "The Court intimated an opinion that the defendants should be tried separately, but would not direct. The Special Attorney remarked that the reason for trying them together, was the convenience of the witnesses and the little remaining time in the present term. "Mr. Sibley then read an affidavit that John C. Cooper was a material witness for Gillis, and had been subpoenaed, but has not attended; and applied to put off the trial of Gillis in consequence". ' "The Court again overruled the motion to postpone the trial of Gillis. "Trial postponed till afternoon. "Afternoon.—Mr. Sibley wished to be considered as not assenting to the trial of Gillis in his absence." The trial then proceeded, and a mass of testimony was taken. The evidence showed pretty plainly that Whitney accompanied the Morgan carriage from Canandaigua to some point on the Ridge Road west of Rochester, but the only possible proof that Mr. Gillis had an3' connection with the affair was that he was in Canandaigua the same day and returned to Victor the same evening the carriage did. A Mrs. Colier, living at Victor, said she saw the carriage go into the yard of Enos Gillis, the defendant's brother, but afterwards admitted that it might have been the carriage of Samuel Gillis, which often went there, and it might have been some other evening she saw it—so long a time had transpired she could not remember. Two other witnesses, Aldrich and Cone, gave some testimony of seeing the defendant Gillis with the Morgan party while it stopped at Victor, but their stories were so contradictory and so completely rebutted by other and more respectable witnesses, that there was no doubt of their impeachment. The trial resulted in the jury bringing in a verdict of guilty as to Whitney, but were unable to agree upon a verdict as to Gillis. Whitney was then sentenced by Judge Howell to be confined in the Ontario county jail for the term of one year and four months, and the sentence immediately carried into execution. In June, 1830, he was taken out of jail and conveyed to Lockport by the prosecution as a witness to testify in the case of Ezekiel Jewett, but when placed upon the stand refused to be sworn, saying "that he was not in the enjoyment of any of the rights and privileges of a citizen, and as his body was kept in confinement, he preferred confining his mind also." The Court ordered him to be imprisoned 30 days in the Canandaigua jail, and to pay a fine of $250, for contempt. It does not appear that the order for contempt was ever executed, and was either remitted by the Judge subsequently, or by a pardon obtained from the executive of the State. His term of imprisonment expired in September, 1830, when he was released. He returned to Rochester, but after a few years he emigrated to the West, first to Michigan, from thence to Illinois, and lived to a ripe old age a highly respected and useful citizen. He died in the city of Chicago, in 1870, aged over 80 years. Immediately after the joint trial of Whitney and Gillis, and the jury failing to agree as to the latter, a sheriff was sent to Pennsylvania to re-arrest Mr. Gillis and bring him to Canandaigua, which being done he was required to renew his bail, and his second trial postponed to some future term. After several journeys back and forth again Mr. Gillis' case was brought on for trial at the November term 1S30, and was one of the last, if not the last, of the trials ever had in relation to the Morgan affair. Judge Howell again presided, but John C. Spencer was no longer the public prosecutor. He was succeeded by Victory Birdsye, who was assisted by Bowen Whiting, the District Attorney. Mr. Gillis was defended by Messrs. Barnard, Griffin and Sibley, attorneys and counselors. Neither Mr. Gillis nor his' counsel made any objection to the panel of jurors, and the prosecution exhibited none of that reviling and bitter spirit which had been exhibited under the administration of the former public prosecutor. In fact, it was remarked that the trial was a fair and manly investigation, and was long remembered as distinguished from the former trials, as honorable to the cause of justice, to the bar, the bench and the jury box. The testimony was substantially the same as on the former trial. The trial only lasted three days. Mr. 15arnard, one of Gillis' counsel, closed his address to the jury with the following eloquent peroration in summing up his argument: What is the case of Gillis? For four long years has he been charged with crime, when to charge was to convict. He has suffered and borne without murmuring, the taunts of a pitiless world—of the wicked, and honest, but deceived —and now comes to throw himself upon you for protection. Eight times, including the present, has he been here for trial—once been tried in his absence when twelve men couldn't bring him in as guilty—he walked over the burning ploughshare bare but unblistered. We all know that the public ear was filled with rumors of his absconding, yet you saw him come here after his indictment, and confront his accusers, and you will remember the public ceremony of serving a warrant upon him as he arrived in the stage. Not satisfied, and without notifying him for a second trial, a formal requisition is made' upon the Governor of Pennsylvania, a Sheriff sent for him and his extensive business once more interrupted—more expense must be added to the enormous amount he had already been compelled to payout; and hardly had he arrived on the confines of this State, before the press groans' again with his criminality, and again the selfish, the cold, the wicked and the vulgar, unite in heaping infamy on his name! Gentlemen, he is now yours. His home, with its infant circle and its. new ties, waits for the joyful return of the husband and fattier or to receive tidings' of its desolation—'the burial of its peace .and its hopes'! God avert from' him and his house, such a calamity! Gentlemen, he is innocent— HE IS INNOCENT; and even now methinks I hear the echo of your righteous verdict, "HE is! HE IS!" The jury without hesitation brought in a verdict, of "not guilty." and .Mr. Gillis was then released from further expense or trouble from this harassing and expensive affair. The excitement soon after was consigned to its grave and the old Court House in Canandaigua, and the whole community enjoyed a more healthy calm. 85 Judge Gillis, now having vindicated his character from Anti-masonic aspersion, returned to Pennsylvania, and pursued his avocations without further interference. To show the inveterate animosity of the Anti-masonic leaders towards every one who might be suspected of being concerned in the abduction, it will only be necessary to refer to an incident in connection with Mr. Gillis, and the determination of some of them to ruin financially, if they could not prove any crime against them. The Courts of General Session were composed of a presiding judge and two associate judges, which were generally denominated "Side Judges." These latter were generally picked up out of some country justices of the peace and selected by the partisan managers to help the ticket, with but little regard to their fitness or capacity. The office was a mere sinecure, and the presiding judges, who were appointed by the Governor, and selected generally for their competency as jurists, paid but little attention to their associates, who frequently were devoid of all knowledge of the devious ways of the law, and were content to enjoy the honors of their stations and the pay they received, scarcely ever interfering with the presiding judge's ruling. At the time of the joint trial of Whitney and Gillis Judge Howell had for one of his associates on the bench a brawling Anti-masonic politician by the name of Rawson. After the verdict of the jury was received in which it disagreed as to Gillis, this Rawson remarked to some of his Anti-masonic friends, on the verandah of the principal hotel, that "if they could not got Gillis convicted, they could at least ruin him—they could keep him trotting back and forth from Pennsylvania to Canandaigua till he became a bankrupt, and then his money gone it would be an easy matter to get a jury to bring in a verdict of guilty," Some one overhearing this threat reported it to Mr. Gillis. It was said that it was the only time that Mr. Gillis had ever lost his patience or manifested any passion towards his persecutors, but on this occasion he exhibited some considerable excitement. lie immediately sought Rawson, and finding him near the entrance to the Hotel, surrounded by a large crowd of people, who were from all parts of the country attending the term of court, Mr. Gillis demanded of him to know if he had been correctly informed in regard to what he had been told he (Rawson) had said. It is supposed that Gillis' appearance, under the excited state of his feelings was rather belligerent and Rawson slunk back and maintained a strict silence .until the demand had been repeated, when in a trembling voice he replied: "Perhaps I did make such remark." Gillis then said: "Judge Rawson, I am here a prisoner, not a free man, hut I warn you, it you ever step your foot on Pennsylvania soil, or if I hear of your being away from this county, I will travel three hundred miles if necessary to meet you, and will then inflict, such a castigation upon your carcass that only the grave shall hide your shame!" The crowd although composed mainly of Anti masons, applauded Mr. Gillis, and Rawson felt the rebuke so keenly that he resigned his position, and never again sat'. as he was called, a "basswood" Judge afterwards. He was appointed as one of the delegates to the Anti-masonic National Convention at Baltimore in September, 1830, but declined to go. it is said for the reason that he feared Gillis would meet him somewhere on the route, or at Baltimore. and it was supposed would support the Liberal Republican Domination. But the coolness that had existed between him and Greeley since 1834, permitted him to make some exertions to defeat his old friend and co-worker in Whig days, but when he was no more of earth, he wept the true tears of sympathy over his grave, and no one was more sincere in lamenting the death of the great journalist. Mr. Weed long ago retired from active journalistic life, and resides in a "brown stone front" in opulence, on Fifth Avenue, New York, hale and hearty at an advanced age. He retired from the Albany Evening Journal, soon after the election of Mr. Lincoln, in 1861, and removed to New York. He was employed by Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward during the war on a secret mission to Europe. He was also selected administration in various other confidential missions by the of a delicate nature during that critical period of the country's history. After the war he could not remain inactive, but, in the spring of 1807, purchased the "Commercial Advertiser," a New York evening paper, and commenced his editorial life anew, but ill-health caused him to abandon the newspaper business forever; Some years now he has been contributing to the Magazine literature of the day, and his articles are read with great interest by the public. In his salutatory, on assuming the editorship of the Commercial Advertiser, in 1807, he mentions many personal reminiscences of his early life, but omits-all allusion to the subject of Morgan'' and political Anti-masonry. From this, it may be inferred that he would desire his biographer, when the time comes to write his .life, to blot out of his history all reference to the ABDUCTION OF W ILLIAM MORGAN AND THE ANTI-MASONIC EXCITEMENT OF 1826-30. After his acquittal, Mr. Gillis entered upon a large and extensive business of farming and the manufacture of lumber. He resided there for forty years, and was honored by several successive elections to both Houses of the State Legislature, and several local and judicial offices of his county. In 1856 he was elected a member of Congress from the 24th district of Pennsylvania. This district was composed of the counties of Venango, Warren, Elk, McKean, Clarion, Jefferson and Clearfield—the largest Congressional District, at that time, in the State. After serving his term in Congress he was appointed by President Buchanan, Indian Agent for the Pawnee Reservation in Nebraska, which office he held till 1862. In that year he took up his residence in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he still resides at the age of 82 years, a hale and hearty old man, revered and esteemed by all who know him. Thus we close our short history of these trials, and the parties charged with the abduction of Morgan. Appendix III Nicholas G. Chesebro and others http://books.google.com/books?id=CYFJAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA10IA3&dq=%22Nicholas+G.+Chesebro%22+%22canandaigua%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22Nicholas%20G.%20Chesebro%22%20 %22canandaigua%22&f=false page 10. On Sunday morning, September 10th [1826], Nicholas G. Chesebro, of Canandaigua, master of the lodge at that place, applied to Jeffrey Chipman, a magistrate at Canaudaigua, for a warrant. Chesebro came to the office with Ebenezer C. Kingsley, who made a complaint against William Morgan, for having taken away a shirt and cravat, which he had borrowed of Kingsley. The magistrate issued the warrant upon the oath of Kingsley, which was directed to Chesebro, as one of the coroners of Ontario county, and handed to him. Chesebro, together with Halloway Hay ward a constable, Henry Howard, Harris Seymour, Moses Roberts, and Joseph Scofield, all freemasons, of Canandaigua, left that place for Batavia, at about ten o'clock the same morning, in an extra stage hired by Chesebro. The party were joined by four other individuals, all freemasons, at different places before they reached Batavia. They stopped to take supper at James Ganson's house, in Stafford, six miles east of Batavia. Doctor Samuel S. Butler of Stafford, was then introduced to some of the party, and informed that they had a warrant for Morgan. Doctor Butler went to Batavia the same evening, and was requested to inform Nathan Follett, and William Seaver, then master of the Batavia lodge, that the party were coming. He 86 did so, and on his return met the Canandaigua party about two miles from Batavia, and informed Ganson that Follett had sent to them not to come. The stage turned about; the party that originally started from Canandaigua went into Batavia on foot, and the remainder returned. The next morning early, Morgan was arrested, and taken to the public house where the party had slept: an extra stage coach was procured, and the party left Batavia for Canandaigua, with Morgan in their custody. Miller attempted to procure the release of Morgan just as the carriage was starting, but he was pushed aside and the coach was driven off very fast, Chesebro being on the outside with the driver, and urging him to drive fast, until they should get out of the county. The driver appeared to feel uneasy about the proceedings, but was pacified by Ganson's assurance, that ha would save him harmless from all responsibility. Chesebro repeatedly looked back, and said they should not take Morgan alive. They arrived at Canandaigua with Morgan the same day, and in the evening took him before the magistrate, who issued the warrant, by whom he was examined and discharged, Loton Lawson appearing as a witness on behalf of Morgan. Chesebro then immediately applied to the same magistrate for a warrant against Morgan, for a debt of about two dollars, claimed to be due from him to Aaron Ackley, a tavern keeper, which debt Chesebro alleged, was assigned to him. Judgment was entered against Morgan for two dollars and sixty-nine cents, debt and costs, and an execution immediately issued, which was put into the hands of Halloway Hayward, then present. Morgan took off his coat, and offered it to the constable to levy upon, for the debt. The constable declined receiving it, and arrested Morgan and committed him to the jail of Canandaigua the same evening, on the execution. He remained in custody in Canandaigua jail, until the evening of the next day. Immediately after Morgan was committed to jail, Loton Lawson, a farmer residing near Canandaigua, procured a horse and went to Rochester the same night, a distance of twenty-eight miles, and returned the next morning a little after breakfast. He went to bed soon after his return, and informed the innkeeper where he slept, that some gentlemen from Rochester would call for him in the course of the day. On the 12th of September, Burrage Smith and John Whitney, of Rochester, took the stage from that place in the morning, for Canaudaigua. They were joined by James Gillis, at Victor, ten miles distant from Canandaigua, and all three arrived at the latter place early in the afternoon of the same day. Smith and Whitney called upon Loton Lawson, in the evening of the same day, September 12, Loton Lawson called at the jail a little after dark, and asked for William Morgan. The jailer was absent, and Lawson informed the jailer's .wife, that he wished to pay the debt for which Morgan was confined, and take him away. Mrs. Hall, (the jailer's wife,) declined accepting the amount of the execution, on the ground that she did not know the amount, and also refused to permit Lawson to have any private conversation with Morgan. Lawson asked Morgan, however, in the presence of Mrs. Hall, if he would go home with him if he would pay the debt and take him out? To which Morgan answered, that he would; Lawson then expressed great anxiety to get Morgan out that night, and pressed Mrs. Hall to receive the amount of the debt which she still declined. Lawson went out and returned soon with another person, whom Mrs. Hall cannot identify, and insisted on her receiving the amount of the execution. Mrs. Hall peremptorily refused. He went away and returned again, reiterating his request with the same effect. He went away again, and soon returned with Edward Sawyer, who advised Mrs. Hall to receive the amount of the debt, and let Morgan go. She still refused. She subsequently consented to discharge Morgan, at the request of Nicholas G. Chesebro, who was the real plaintiff in the execution, and took the keys of the prison for the purpose of opening Morgan's cell. Before she opened the cell, Lawson gave a single whistle at the front door, which brought a man to the jail steps. Morgan's cell was unlocked; he came out, and Lawson took him by his arm, and went towards the door of the prison hall, which was unlocked by a person on the outside, and they went out. Before they left the jail steps, Morgan was seized with violence by Lawson, and the person who was called there by his whistle. Morgan struggled, and cried "Murder," once or twice, resisting as much as possible, and in the struggle his hat fell off. Edward Sawyer and Nicholas G. Chesebro were waiting near the jail steps, and when the struggle commenced, they followed Morgan and the two men who were with him, and who were going eastwardly from the jail. Chesebro came up with them, and stopped Morgan's outcry by thrusting a handkerchief, or something similar, into his mouth. Sawyer gave a distinct rap upon the curb of a well, at which signal, Hiram Hubbard drove up with a two horse carriage, which had been harnessed, and was in waiting for the purpose. He overtook the party, having Morgan in their possession, a few rods east of the jail, when two of them thrust Morgan into the carriage, and then got in themselves. The carriage immediately turned around, and drove through Canandaigua, Main street, northerly. This was about nine o'clock in the evening, and it was a bright moonlight night. Loton Lawson, Burrage Smith, John Whitney, James Gillis, and probably one or two other persons, whose names are not known, either rode in, or accompanied, the carriage containing Morgan. It would seem, that this carriage was accompanied most of the distance by out riders, either on horse back, or in some separate conveyance. A sulkey with a man in it, started from Canandaigua just after the carriage drove through the street, for which it appeared to have been waiting some time; it drove past the carriage about three miles from Canandaigua, and stopped at Victor over night. At Victor, the carriage containing Morgan and the party with him, drove into Enos Gillis' yard, back of his barn, and out of sight from the road; and the party remained there about an hour, and took some refreshment. James Gillis here took a horse from his brother's stable, and it would also seem, that one other of the party accompanied or preceded the carriage on horse back, when it left Victor. On the morning of the 13th September, between 4 and 5 o'clock, Ezra Platt, a livery stable keeper in Rochester, and a royal arch mason, was called upon for a carriage to go to Lewiston, and requested it to be sent to Ensworth's tavern in the village. Platt has sworn that he did not know who it was that called, or who wanted the carriage. He called up Orson Parkhurst, one of his drivers, who is also a mason, and directed him to prepare the carriage. Platt charged the hire of the carriage, as he has sworn, to "The Grand Chapter, pro tern." He has not yet received his pay for such a singular charge. 87
