This town was formed from Great Valley as Burton, April 18,1831.  Its name was changed March 21, 1851.  Humphrey was taken off May 12, 1836.  It lies upon the south border of the county; it is comprised of townships 1 and 2 of the fifth range, according to Joseph Ellicott's survey, and contains 44,989 acres.  It is bounded north by Humphrey, east by Hinsdale and Olean, south by Pennsylvania, and west by Carrolton and Great Valley.  The surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep valley of the Allegany River, which flows from east to west through the centre of town.  The hills have steep declivities, and their highest summits are 700 to 900 feet above the valleys.  The principal streams on the north side of the river are Five-Mile and Nine-Mile Runs; on the south are Two-Mile and Four-Mile Runs and Chipmunk Creek.  The soil is a shaly and sandy loam on the hills, and in the valleys it is a clayey and gravelly loam.
    Rock City, five miles south of Allegany village, is already famous as a place of resort for parties seeking pleasure, and those wishing to view the grand and picturesque scenery with which the place abounds.  There are rocks of immense size, towering up to a great height, and having apparently been sundered by some unaccountable convulsion of nature; there are alleys and streets, and apartments which are roofed over with rocks, one of which rooms is large enough for a party of 25 or 30 persons.  These towering rocks, composed of light conglomerate sand-rock intermixed with white, flinty pebbles, are very hard and solid, indented with seams, which have the appearance of having been caused by the beating of storms for ages, or of the rocks having been washed by the dashing waves of a sea which, ages ago, submerged all this region.

 PIONEER SETTLERS

    Ebenezer Reed, from Connecticut, made the first settlement in town, near the mouth of the Five-Mile Run, in 1820.  Amos B. Orton began the same year, about one mile north from the river, on the lot which has since been known as the Henry Chamberlin place.  Isaac Eggleston began about the same time, on the lot which some time after was bought and occupied since by S.J. Horton.  Mr. Eggleston removed to the farm below J. Freeland, on the south side of the river.  Andrew L. Allen located on the Austin farm, near the present residence of R. Wilber; and David Orton began on the H. Chamberlin farm, about 1820.  Wm. B. and David Orton, and Allen joined the Mormons and went to Nauvoo, about 1828.
    Hiram Wood commenced on the Hall farm, at the foot of Chapell Hill, in 1821.  Elias Fish made a beginning on what is known as the Blackmore place, now owned by John P. Phillips, in 1821.  James Strong, Sr., began the same year on the place now owned by his son, James Strong, Jr.  Abiathar Phillips, Sr., began in 1826, on the lot afterwards owned and occupied by his son , A. Phillips, Jr., and now by Samuel R. Phillips.  Deacon Thompson and Wm. And Erasmus Morgan located in Morgan Hollow, in about 1830.  Josiah Hall, and Kinyon and Wilber, from Onondaga County, came in about 1833.  Wm. Faunce bought out A.B. Orton's place in 1828.  Grandison Taylor occupied the place afterwards the Lathrop farm, in 1831.  Samuel Bronson was on the Folsom farm in 1828.  Deacon Warren began on the Conrad Becker farm, and ----Taylor on the Christian Hartung place, about 1828.  John Palmer settled on the north side of the river, in rear of the depot, in about 1830, and remained about five or six years.  Wm. Wright began on the James Freeland farm, about 1831.  John and Henry Altenburg settled on the south side of the river in about 1835.  John Morris came to the Abel Burdick farm about 1831, and Lewis Pryce on a part of same lot at same time.  Philo, Luther W. and Cyrus Hall settled on the Two-Mile Creek about 1848.  Some time after his settlement, while himself and wife were absent from home, one night, the shanty in which they lived took fire, and was entirely consumed, together with their four children, who had been left at home without any apprehension of the awful fate which awaited them.  The father still resides on the Two-Mile Creek, with Joel Hall, his nephew.
    James R. Clark and his four brothers, Barak, Raynor, Sanford, and Alfred, settled here about 1835.  James R. began or lived on the place now owned by C.B. Learn.  Alfred Clark kept a hotel for some time, and afterwards a grocery-store, succeeded by his son, Calvin G., who still continues the business on Main Street.
    Other early settlers were Isaac Freeland and his brothers James and Andrew, Abel Burdick, ---- Gleason, ---- Reynolds, Franklin Smith, Reuben Lamberton, Geo. C. Sheldon, Wm. and John Ellis, Jacob Sayles, Josiah Hall, Wm. and Jabez Chapin, Jason Blair, H.H. Janes, W. Parker, A.L. Simonds, Joseph Nessle, ---- Lyon, ---- Morgan, ---- Gillett, ---- Gooden, and Rev. N. Folsom, who married a daughter of ---- Hubbard, who lived on the place now occupied by Leonard Becker.  After the farm came into possession of Rev. Mr. Folsom, he built a large dwelling there, and Geo. P. Fuller occupied a part of the house.  In 1863 it was entirely consumed by fire.

 EARLY INCIDENTS

    From about 1830 to 1838, Franklin Smith, father of A.O., H.M. and W.H. Smith, and of Harriet Zemira, now the wife of A.H. Marsh, resided in a house which stood on the north bank of the river, near the present School-house in district 9.  By a heavy fall of rain, Oct. 19, 1835, the river suddenly raised to a flood, which over-flowed the banks and submerged the adjacent flat lands, being the greatest flood which had occurred in the river since the first settlement here, and only exceeded by the great flood of 1865.  On the said 19th day of October, 1835, a daughter of said Franklin Smith was born, being the above named Harriet Zemira, now Mrs. Marsh.  When the child was not over six hours old, the impending danger from the rising flood required that the mother and child should be immediately removed to a place of safety.  Accordingly, they were placed in a skiff, which was run to the door of the house, and took the mother and her young daughter aboard, and carried them in safety over the swelling flood to a neighboring house which stood on higher and dryer ground.
    The first marriage was that of Wm. B. Fox and Sally Strong, at the house of James Strong, in 1825.  The firsts deaths were those of children of Isaac Eggleston, in 1823.

  CIVIL HISTORY

    The building in which the town clerk's office for this town was kept, together with all the books, records, and papers belonging to the town, was destroyed by fire on the evening of Feb. 25, 1854.
    Among those who had held the office of supervisor prior to that date were the following, viz.: Ebenezer Janes, Erastus Willard, H.W. McClure, James Freeland, A.O. Smith, S.B. Willard, Abiathar Phillips, S.J. Horton, James G. Johnson, and E. H. Blackmore.
    Of those who ere town clerks prior to 1854 were Jedediah Lathrop, Dennis Lamberton, S.B. Willard, Isaac Fuller.
    Among those acting as justices of the peace were Isaac Freeland, A.O. Smith, G.C. Sheldon, E.H. Blackmore, Seth Allen, Ebenezer Jones, Andrew Mead, and Erastus Willard.
    At the annual town-meeting held at the house of Amos Scofield, in Allegany, Feb. 28, 1854, the following town officers were elected, viz.: Supervisor, Caleb Jewett; Town Clerk, A.C. Keyes; Assessor, Shubael Simons; Commissioners of Highways, N.P. Covell, James Nessle, Wm. B. Fox; Justice of the Peace, Cornell Wiltse; Superintendent of Schools, A.P. Phillips; Inspectors of Election, R. Welch, S.J. Horton, Seth Allen; Overseer of the Poor, George C. Sheldon; Collector, S. Allen; Constables, Eli Gleason, J.R. Jones, W. Hall, J. Starks, Davis Thornton; Sealer, C.R. Doty.
Since 1854, the principal officers elected at the several town-meetings in each year were:

Supervisors 1855 James G. Johnson 1856 A.O. Smith 1857 Edward S. Mills 1858 Hiram Couchman 1859 David Austin 1860 Gilbert Palen 1861 Edward S. Mills 1862 Gilbert Palen 1863 James Freeland 1864 James Freeland 1865 E. Willard 1866 E. Willard 1867 E. Willard 1868 Andrew Mead 1869 J.B. Strong 1870 J.B. Strong 1871 Asa Haskell 1872 Asa Haskell 1873 H.W. McClure 1874 E.C. Howard 1875 James Freeland 1876 Z. Geo. Bullock 1877 Asa Haskell 1878 J.H. Farquharson

Town Clerks 1855 Edgar Shaw 1856 Luther P. Forbes 1857 Albert J. Scofield 1858 Wm. B. Evans 1859 J.H. Farquharson 1860 A.H. Marsh 1861 J.R. McConnell 1862 Dudley Phelps 1863 John P. Colegrove 1864 John P. Colegrove 1865 Nathan A Dye 1866 Chas. Dolan 1867 Dudley Phelps 1868 Frederick Smith 1869 Frederick Smith 1870 Frederick Smith 1871 Charles Spraker 1872 E.R. McClure 1873 E.R. McClure 1874 Dudley Phelps 1875 Dudley Phelps 1876 C.J. Hickey 1877 Lewis S. Corthell 1878 E.R. McClure

Justices of the Peace 1855 James Freeland 1856 Warren Onan 1857 E. Willard 1858 A.C. Keyes 1859 Andrew Mead 1860 W.H. Phillips 1861 Cyrus G. McKay 1862 E. Willard 1863 Edgar Shaw 1864 W.H. Phillips 1865 C. Wiltse 1866 H. Couchman 1867 Balthasar Witman 1868 N.A. Dye and M. Thornton 1869 J.B. Wilkins 1870 Michael Thornton 1871 E.C. Howard and John Collins 1872 E. Willard 1873 J.B. Strong 1874 A. Haskell 1875 E. C. Howard 1876 E. Willard 1877 N.A. Dye 1878 D. Thurber

 ALLEGANY CITY

    In 1837, Nicholas Devereux, of Utica, a large land-owner in Cattaraugus, laid out and surveyed into lots a proposed town, which was expected at that time to become an important station on the Erie Railroad, the first survey of which ran through it.  The name of the new town was Allegany City.  A large building was erected, which was designed for a hotel, and several other buildings were also erected for various purposes.  The site of this contemplated city is about a mile southeast from Allegany village.  Soon after this beginning was made work on the Erie Railroad was suspended, and business at Allegany City also came to a stand-still.  When work on the railroad was again resumed, in 1848, a new survey located the road some half a mile farther north, and consequently the city project was abandoned.  This contemplated city was to have been built on the Devereux farm so-called, which contains about 300 acres, and is situated on the north side of Allegany River.  It has for several years been owned by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.  A plat of Allegany City was made in 1842 by Maj. T.I. Brown.  It embraced the proposed route of the Erie Railroad, the site for the depot, with the location and names of various streets.  A splendid map of the city was printed, which had a beautiful appearance on paper, but the city never had any more tangible existence.

 ALLEGANY VILLAGE

    The village of Allegany, on the north side of the river, is situated in the central part of the town.  The buildings are detached considerably, and stretch over a distance of nearly a mile, from Five-Mile Creek to St. Bonaventure College.  There are five church edifices, - Methodist Episcopal, Free Methodist, Roman Catholic, German Lutheran, and Presbyterian, - 2 tanneries, a brewery, planning-mill and sash-factory, grist-mill, 2 saw-mills, a cheese-factory, 7 or 8 stores, and as many groceries, and 2 or 3 hotels.  There are 2 harness-shops, one by L.S. Corthell, who located here in 1859, and the other by C. B. Smith & Co., who began in 1876; 2 wagon-shops, one by J.G. Wiedman, who has been engaged in the business here for over twenty years, and one by George Karst, of several years' standing.  Both manufacture light and heavy carriages of the best quality.  There are in the village the show-shops of E.R. McClure, R. Faulkner, H. & V. Hyde, John Bockmier, and N. Hatch, the cabinet-shops of August Stintman and John Gasper, the marble-factory of M.R. Collins, which employs 4 or 5 Hands, and the tin and sheet-iron shops of A.C. Keyes and J.W. Hermance.  The population is about 1000.
    There are several well-finished brick dwellings in the village.  Those of E. Willard, E. Sweeten, E.D. Mixer, E.B. Strong, George Karst, and William Zink are all well built, and have a fine appearance.

 ROCKVIEW

     Is the name given to a new village which has rapidly been built on the Four-Mile Creek, - the new oil region, - three-fourths of a mile west of Rock City, and in sight of that strange formation.  The new village contains 5 or 6 stores, about 50 dwellings and boarding-houses, a few saloons, and several mechanic shops.  There are 60 to 70 oil-derricks in the immediate neighborhood; also three iron oil-tanks, of a capacity of 25,000 barrels each.
    Stephansburg, half a mile north of Rockview, has about half as many buildings, with a school-house, 3 or 4 stores, several boarding-houses, saw-mill, and several mechanic shops.

 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS

    The interval and flat lands of the Allegany River Valley are a mile in width, and those of Five-Mile Run, through the central part of the township, average half a mile in width.
    The old Buffalo and Olean stage-road, coming over Chapell hill, followed the valley of the Five-Mile to a point about a mile north of the present site of Allegany village; thence it ran about a mile north of the rive, along the base of the hills.  This road was cut through the forest, and became an important mail-route, about 1815.  From that time until 1852, when its use was mostly superseded by the construction of the Erie Railroad, it was one of the most useful and stirring thoroughfares in Western New York.  Stages passed daily over this road, after about 1822, and often they were loaded with passengers, sometimes requiring extra teams for their conveyance.
    A road was marked out and used by the pioneers, as early as 1815, running from Olean (then Hamilton) down the north side of the river, and following usually the riverbank.  About 1845 the present road from Allegany village to Olean was opened and made passable for teams.  At that date numerous tall and stately pine-trees lined the road on either side for nearly the whole extent of the town.
    One of the early stage-drivers and proprietors was Peter Sampson, of Ashford, who in the early days drove over the route between Buffalo and Olean.  He was a hale, intelligent, and industrious German, from the Mohawk country.  Reuben Hurlburt, of Ellicottville, was also one of the early stage-drivers.
    The first bridge across the river at Allegany village (a frame structure) was built in 1846.  It was carried away by a flood, as were two other, before 1872.
    An iron bridge was built over the river in 1873, at a cost of $15,000, raised by tax in three years.  It is 300 feet in length.
    The Olean, Bradford and Warren Railroad runs through the south part of Allegany.  There are some five stations on that road, in this town.  They are called Two-Mile, Four-Mile, Rock City, Knapp's Creek, and State Line.  It is a narrow-gauge road, built with much energy and dispatch in the fall of 1877.

 LUMBERING AND MILLS

    The primitive forest was dense, and in many parts interspersed with choice pine-trees.  The manufacturing of pine lumber, which was run in rafts down the river for market, constituted a leading branch of employment for the early settlers.  Many men were employed in the business, and many teams were required to draw the logs to the mills.  The first settlers were mostly too much engaged in the lumbering business to devote any great attention to clearing up the land, or to agricultural pursuits.  At least a dozen saw-mills were built by the first settlers, on the Five-Mile Creek and other streams, and put in operation.  The old-fashioned water-wheels and straight upright saws were then in use, but large quantities of lumber were manufactured during each year.    
    The lumberman who operated in this town in the early years of its settlement erected a large number of saw-mills, among which were the following:
Reuben Lamberton built a mill near the mouth of Five-Mile Run in 1830.  This was run by him for about five years, when he sold to its present owner, George C. Sheldon, who has continued as the proprietor to the present time.

1. A mill was built by Anson King on the same stream, about half a mile above Lamberton's in 1827.  After his death, in 1838, his step-son, James G. Johnson, his son-in-law, George Van Campen, and other heirs became the proprietors, and in 1840 it was sold to Jacob M. Park, the present proprietor.
2.  The next mill on that creek is the one now owned by Charles Chamberlain, who built it about 1850.  Near this Mr. Chamberlain built a small grist-mill in 1874.
3.  Next on the creek is the mill of J. Blair, built in 1845 by S.B. Willard.
4. The next mill was built by William B. Fox, in 1848.  It stood about four miles north of the river, on the same creek.  He sold in 1854, and it has since gone to ruin.
5. The sixth mill on the Five-Mile, in this town, was built by Freeman Wilber, in 1856, near the present dwelling of Lyman Trucsdell.  It was abandoned after being used several years, and has entirely disappeared.
6. About 1831 a dam was constructed across the river by Guy C. Irvine, Wm. Forbes, Wm. Clark, and Jedediah Budlong, at a point about a mile above the mouth of Nine-Mile Creek, and a large saw-mill was built there, on the south side of the river, by that company.
7. Another, on the north side of the river, was built by Calvin T. Chamberlain.  These mills made a large amount of lumber for several years, until about 1852, when that of Irvine & Co. was abandoned, and a few years later the mill on the north side was also discontinued.
8. A saw-mill was built on Nine-Mile Creek, at Vandalia, in 1840, by David Chamberlain, and was afterwards owned by Ira Washburn and R. Patterson.  About 1848, Richard H. McCoy became the owner, and it is now the property of his son Albert McCoy.
9. There was a saw-mill two miles above Vandalia, on the same stream, built by Wm. Grimes about 1858, which was allowed to run down after being used a few years.
10. A steam saw-mill, on the same stream, three miles from the river, was built by Roy Stone & Co., in 1866.  It was capable of sawing 25,000 feet per day; 30 hands were employed.  A settlement comprising 8 to 10 families, and known as "Stone's Camp," found a home there in the wilderness.  The mill was burned in 1868, but rebuilt in a year or two, and is still doing a good, but not as large a business as formerly.  It is now owned be E. Willard.
11.  About the year 1832, Dr. Andrew Mead built a saw-mill near the mouth of Four-Mile Creek.  In 1838 it became the property of Seymour Bouton, who is still its owner.
12. Levi McNall built a water-power saw-mill on the Four-Mile, two miles south of the river, in 1848.  In 1863 he built a steam saw-mill, which was used for the manufacture of a large amount of lumber until 1874, when it was burned.  It was rebuilt soon after and still does a good business.
13. About 1854, a saw-mill was built by Geo. Van Campen, on Four-Mile Creek, on the lot now occupied by Mrs. Perkins.  It was used for several years.
14. A saw-mill built by Jos. Nessle on his farm was in use only a few years.
15. A mill, built by Colonel J.G. Johnson and A.O. & W.H. Smith, in 1853, stood near the present residence of Mrs. Carroll, and was burned in 1854.
16. D. Austin and ---- Crosby built a saw-mill on the site of Wm. Stephan's mill, in 1852.
17. A mill was built near the present dwelling of M. Donohue, in 1855, by Johnson & Smith, and after being used a few years was sold to David & Joel Hall, and the machinery was taken by them to supply a mill on Two-Mile Run.
18. William Stephan built an overshot saw-mill, in 1868, on the same stream, four miles from the river, at a place now called Stephansburg.  His mill was burned about 1870, but has been rebuilt.
19. D. & J. Hall built a steam saw-mill on the Two-Mile Creek, in 1860.  It was burned in 1867, and soon after rebuilt.
20. In 1874, Rufus Austin built a steam saw-mill, about a mile south of the river, and used a part of the machinery of Hall's mill in the construction of the new one, and he makes a considerable amount of lumber.
21.  A steam saw-mill was built in 1833, by Paul Reed, near the Three-Mile Creek, between the river and the present Olean road.
22. A steam saw-mill, containing also a run of stones for grinding, was built by J.C. Devereux & Co., in 1848, near the tannery of the Strong estate.  This mill employed several hands, and for several years manufactured a large quantity of lumber.  It was burned in 1860.
23. A good steam saw-mill was erected on the south side of the river, about four miles below Allegany village, in 1852, by C.J. & D. Soule.
24. A steam saw-mill, on Birch Run, was built by Joseph Richler & Son, in 1873, and is now owned by Joseph Richler, Jr.
25. Charles Soule & Son built a steam saw-mill on the south side of the river, above the mouth of Birch Run, in 1873.
26. A saw-mill was built by William Morgan, in Morgan Hollow, in 1848.  After a few years it was discontinued.
27. A large steam grist- and saw-mill was built on the north bank of the river, in the village, by Hiram Wheaton and J.H. Farquharson, in 1873.  In 1874, Mr. Wheaton sold his interest to Mr. Farquharson, who ran the establishment until the fall of 1878, when he rented to Jerome Brownell.
28. About 1856, Patrick McMahon built a large steam saw-mill on Chipmunk Creek, some two miles from the river.  He employed from 20 to 40 men, and for several years manufactured a large quantity of lumber.  Mr. McMahon had previously been engaged in constructing the famous bridge over the Genesee River, at Portage, and a part of the machinery and apparatus used in the mill which sawed the lumber for that bridge was brought to the mill on the Chipmunk Creek.

The foregoing embrace all of the most important mills which have been built in the town of Allegany.  Allowing that one-half of these 30 mills were making an average of 250,000 feet of lumber each year, and we have an aggregate amount of 3,750,000 feet as the quantity of lumber manufactured in Allegany and sent to market annually.  Taking the period from 1830 to 1860, - thirty years, - there was an average of 15 mills running during the season.  This estimate makes the total amount manufactured in thirty years preceding 1860, - 112,500,000 feet.

 TANNERIES.

    The first tannery in Allegany was built in1834, on the north bank of the river, by Col. J.G. Johnson, Gilbert Palen, and Caleb Jewett.  It was a large establishment for those times, and the first sole-leather tannery in the southern tier of counties west of Delaware County.  In 1857 it was sold to Palen & Strong.  Some years later Mr. Strong became the owner, and he conveyed the property to his son, the late Jarius B. Strong, by whom it was conducted until his death.  In 1876 it was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt the same year.  The tannery, together with the large estate left by Mr. Strong, is now under the management of E.C. Howard, administrator, and his sister, Mrs. Strong, administratrix.  About 15 men are employed to carry on the business.  Before the death of Mr. Strong about 4000 to 6000 sides of sole-leather were manufactured annually.  
    A small upper-leather tannery was built by Edwin R. McClure, in 1868, in the western part of the village.  Mr. McClure commenced tanning in this town in 1849, and still continues the business.
    In 1876, A.B. Canfield & Co. built a tannery, 40 by 40, two stories high, at Vandalia, in this town.  It employs 2 or 3 hands.

 PLANING-MILL AND SASH- AND DOOR-FACTORY.

    In 1840 a large building was erected by Couchman & Mills, about thirty rods below Palen & Strong's tannery, for the purpose of manufacturing doors, sash, and blinds, and planing. And afterwards Lewis S. Hall became the proprietor.  The establishment was destroyed by fire in 1862.  It was rebuilt by Mr. Hall, and conducted by him until his death, in 1876, since which time the business has been carried on by his son, George A. Hall.  In former years it was the custom to build a large boat each year, to be used in conveying prepared lumber, doors, sash, and blinds down the river.  These articles were sold at various places on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.  Latterly the increased demand for their work at home and in the vicinity makes a market here for all that is manufactured at the establishment.  About 6 to 8 hands are employed.  Annual sales, about $12,000.

PUBLIC-HOUSES

    The first inn was kept by Ebenezer Reed, near the mouth of Five-Mile Run, in 1820.  A few years later an inn was kept in the north part of the town by Raynor Clark.
    About 1833, David Chamberlain resided at the mouth of Nine-Mile Creek.  Soon after he was succeeded by Ira Washburn, who kept an inn for some time, and then moved to Hinsdale, where he still lives.  After him Robert Paterson, now of Kill Buck, kept the hotel at that point.  This was about 1847, and the next year R.H. McCoy bought the saw-mill and hotel.  His son still resides in the house, now used as a dwelling.
    In 1838 a hotel was kept in the north part of the village by Barak E. Clark, and in 1841 one was kept by Raynor Clark.  It was afterwards kept by Alfred Clark.  Joseph Nessle built the tavern now kept by P. Hogan, on Main Street.  First it was kept by A.P. Stetson, and by ---- Glover, N. Salisbury, Chas, Hall, Amos Allen, D. Vannatta, M. Stone, and C.H. Emerson.
    In 1852 a large three-story hotel was built near the depot, called the Devereux House.  It was kept for different periods by R.P. Stetson, James Razey, E. Holmes, R.H. Renwick, H.M. Smith, Abram Gray, Benj. Baldwin, and bought, in 1858, by Mrs. Ward, and the name changed to Ward's Hotel.  D.W. Ward is the present landlord.  It is one of the best hotels in the country. 

Mr and Mrs. D.W. Ward

Ward's Hotel, with Mr. and Mrs. DW Ward
(click to enlarge)

    About 1852 a large hotel and store building was erected in front of the depot, and called "The Block."  Built by S.B. Willard, Devereux, and Bentley.  It was destroyed by fie in 1861.

STORES

    The first general store at Burton village, now Allegany, was kept by S.B. & E. Willard, in a building which stood on the east side of the creek, in 1844.  Alfred Clark kept a grocery and a hotel in 1844 in the north part of the village.  George Bascom kept a store in a building on the north side of Bascom Street in 1848.  He built a store 36 by 80, on the corner of Main and Bascom Streets, in 1854.  This building was moved in 1875 to the west side of Main Street, and is called "Bascom Hall." The second story having been fitted up commodiously for meetings, concerts, and public exhibitions.  David Chase kept a store in a building on the north side of same street, and he built the store and dwelling which has been occupied by Mrs. Bridget Zink as a dwelling, brewery, and saloon since 1854.  
Erastus Willard erected a store on the east side of Main Street in 1846, in which he continued mercantile business until the erection of his present large two-story brick store, which is now one of the largest and best-arranged stores in the county, kept by Willard & Smith, whose sales amount to $60,000 to $80,000 annually.  James G. Johnson had a store on the east side of Main Street, and Geo. Van Campen kept one in a building which stood on the east side of Main Street; both in 1854.  S.K. Hale began store-keeping in Allegany in a building called the Red Store, east side of Main Street, in 1858.  In 1862 he began in the store now occupied by Spraker & Mixer.  He sold his store and dwelling to A. H. Marsh in 1864, and removed to Olean.
A.H. Marsh came to Allegany in 1851, as clerk for George Van Campen.  In 1854 he became a partner, and remained till November, 1857.  In 1859 he formed a partnership with Theo. Palen, which continued five years.  In 1867 he bought S.K. Hale's store, at which time C. Spraker became a partner, under the firm-name of A.H. Marsh & Co., which continued for eight years.  Spraker & Mixer still continue in the business.
In 1865, Howard & Phelps kept in the store next to William Spraker's.  D. Phelps sold his interest to E.C. Howard in 1870, and built a store near his residence.  In the spring of 1878, Haskell & McAuliffe bought E.C. Howard's store and goods.
In 1850, Forbes & Smead kept a grocery-store in a building which stood about on the site now occupied by Warren Onan's dwelling.  Soon after they occupied for time the store now occupied by Haskell & McAuliffe.  A store in the Zink Brewery building, in 1844, was kept by Butterworth & Fox for several years, and then by David Chase.  The building was then sold to Zink, and has since been used as a brewery and dwelling.
A.O. & W.H. Smith, with Harmon, Bro. & Co., kept a store in 1858 in the corner building now owned and occupied by William Spraker as grocery-store and post-office.  They continued to sell a large quantity of merchandise until about 1864, when William Spraker and J.H. Farquharson bought the building, and opened a grocery-store in the same.  In 1874, William Spraker became the sole owner of the store.
Nathan A. Dye kept a grocery-store at the stand now occupied by him and his sons, beginning in 1853.  They keep a general stock of groceries and provisions, flour, feed, etc., and do a good business.
Calvin G. Clark succeeded his father in the grocery business about 1863.  They began in the north part of the village as early as 1843.  In 1848 they occupied as a grocery the building on the west side of Main Street, now occupied as a dwelling by J. Fouser.  In 1860 they built the store since and now occupied by C.G. Clark as a grocery.
A.C. Keys began the tin and hardware business in Allegany, in 1851, in a building which stood south of E. Willard's store, on the east side of Main Street.  He began in his present store, west side of Main Street, in 1852.  He keeps a general assortment of hardware, tin, and stoves.
Charles Dolan began in the grocery business here in 1860, and continued until his death, in 1869, since which time his widow has kept the store.
    Grocery-stores have been started within a few years by M. Riley, J.B. and W. & F. Sweeten, and a flour- and feed-store by J.H. Bouton, in his new brick store.  A grocery, started by Hickey & Sullivan, July, 1878, was burned Dec. 3, 1878.

    The Burton post-office was established in 1840, on Five-Mile Run, about a mile north of the present village of Allegany.  Jedediah Lathrop was the first postmaster.  About 1852, John W. Clark was postmaster at that point, and was succeeded by David Chase.  In 1856 this office was discontinued.  The first post-office in the town was established in 1828, on the Five-Mile Creek, and called Five-Mile Post-office, with Josiah Hall as first postmaster.  Elias Fish was postmaster in 1837.  About 1850, Wm. Wiltse was postmaster, and afterwards Cornell Wiltse kept the office until it was discontinued, in 1866.
    The post-office at Allegany village was established in 1851, and called Burton until 1852, when the name was changed to Allegany.  The first postmaster was D. Chase and then Dr. A.P. Phillips.  After him came Erastus Willard, who was succeeded by James Freeland.  In 1858, Patrick McMahon became postmaster, and was succeeded by Warren Onan.  A.C. Keyes was appointed in 1861, holding until 1865; then Wm. Spraker, Jr., until 1866, when Lewis S. Corthell was postmaster until 1869, when W. Onan again held the office for four years.  William Spraker, the present postmaster, was then appointed.  It was mad a money-order office in 1874.  The amount of business has greatly increased.

PROFESSIONAL MEN

    Joseph Bouton, an attorney-at-law, resided here in 1856, and had some business in the line of his profession.  He removed to New York in 1858.
    Dr. Andrew Mead, who was a man of considerable note, came from Olean, and resided in this town from about 1847 to the time of his tragical death in 1871.  He was one of the judges of this county at an early day, and was several times elected justice of the peace.  For several years preceding his death he was frequently employed to attend suits in justices' courts.  He was admitted as an attorney-at-law on the expiration of his term as associate judge.  He had for many years a considerable practice as a physician.  In 1869 he fitted up a building on the west side of Main Street, in which he lived alone, being a bachelor, and kept a grocery in the front part of his building.
    On an evening in December, 1871, being alone in his grocery, a young German, named Theodore Nicklas, entered, and soon, in an altercation which arose between them, the young man inflicted such terrible blows on the head, arms, and face of the old doctor, with an iron stove-poker, that he died within a few hours.  Rendered speechless by his wounds, he was not able to tell the sad tale of his cruel murder.  The murderer took about $55 from the doctor's pantaloons pocket and his watch from his vest, and locking the door as he went out, hid the key and fled to Olean, whence by crawling into a freight-car he went to Buffalo, via Hornellsville.  So sudden, cautious, and slyly was the crime committed that he evaded detection for four weeks, when his sale of the watch, together with his spending money profusely in dissipation, and some other circumstances, led to his arrest.  He confessed the crime, making some frivolous and improbable excuses; and was indicted, tried, and found guilty, and executed at Little Valley, in March following.  The doctor was about eighty years old.  
    Edgar Shaw, an attorney, practiced law here from about 1856 to 1871, when he moved to Iowa.
    A young lawyer, named John C. Spencer, resided here in 1865 for a short time, and then went to New York.  In 1869, Joseph B. Wilkins, a lawyer, came here and practiced until 1874, when he went West.  In the spring of 1878, J. Arthur Corbin, a young attorney-at-law, opened an office here.
    The first doctor who practiced here was Dr. Cleveland, who came in 1838; Dr. Lane in 1842.  Dr. James Parker came in 1854, Dr. Fritts in about 1856.  Dr. W.B. Parker came in 1854; he built the house which Warren Onan has since owned and occupied.  He died in 1858.  Dr. Finlay came in about 1860.
    Dr. Henry Van Aernam lived here and practiced from 1848, for five years, and then moved to Franklinville.  Dr. A.P. Phillips came in 1857, and practiced here until 1859, when he moved to Chautauqua County.
    Dr. John L. Eddy came in 1857, and was in practice here until 1867, when he sold to Dr. Z. George Bullock and moved to Olean.  Dr. Adelbert McClary was a student to Dr. Eddy, and a partner for two or three years, until about 1866.
    Dr. John P. Colgrove resided and practiced here from 1863 until 1867, when he went West, but returned in 1869, and was a partner of Dr. Bullock.  Dr. Colgrove moved to Salamanca in 1874; and in 1875, Dr. S.B. McClure began practice, and became a partner of Dr. A.W. Bullock.
    The first preacher who located here was the Rev. Mr. Dart, of the Free-Will Baptist persuasion.  He came about 1850.  Rev. Mr. Crane resided here also for a few years; and also Rev. Mr. Sill, Baptist, was an early resident of Allegany.  The Rev. Mr. Bascom, Presbyterian, a brother of Geo. Bascom, was an early resident here for a few years.

SCHOOLS

    The first school in Allegany was taught by Leonard Cronkhite, in James Strong's house, in the north part of the town, in the winter of 1825-26.
    School-houses were soon after built in District No. 2, near J. Freeland's; in No. 1, near the mouth of Nine-Mile Creek; in No. 3, in Allegany village; in No. 4, near S.J. Horton's; in No. 5, in the north part of the town; and in No. 6, near L. McNall's.
    The statistics of the schools of the town for 1878 are furnished by Sanford B. McClure.  The town has at present 13 school districts, containing 13 school-houses, valued, with their sites, at $5750, having 106 volumes in library, valued at $60.  The number of teachers employed was 14, to whom was paid $3041.39; number of weeks taught,



360; number of children of school age, 1176; average daily attendance, 380 94/1000; amount of public money received for the State, $1998.61; amount of money received from tax, $1908.74.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

    The first religious services in the town were held at the house of James Strong, Sr., conducted by Rev. Benjamin Cole, in 1823.  The first religious society organized as the first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1829.  Jonathan Benson first preacher, assisted by William Gordon.  Jabez Chapin was the first class-leader, assisted by Isaac Eggleston.  Among the members were Reuben and Annie Lamberton, William B. and Sally Fox, Catharine Strong, David Orton, and Harriet Clark.  About 1833, Geo. C. Sheldon was appointed class-leader, which position Mr. Sheldon has held in this and the Free Methodist Society up to this writing, and is now leader in the Free Methodist organization.  First presiding elder was James Hemanway, succeeded by William Horner, John G. Gulick, and Eleazer Thomas, who was murdered by the Modoc Indians in California, while on duty as a government commissioner.  Eleazer Thomas was succeeded by A.D. Wilber, Calvin Kingsley, afterwards Bishop Kingsley; Thomas Carlton, late of the Methodist Book Concern; C.D. Burlingame, E.E. Chambers, A.P. Ripley, now of the Buffalo Christian Advocate, William S. Tuttle, E.A. Rice, L.D. Watson, and now S.A. Stevens.  Preacher Benson was succeeded by W.D. Buck, William McKinstry, A.C. Dubois, Francis Strang, Horatio N. Seaver, O.F. Comfort, D.V.B. Hoyt, Carlton Fuller, F.B. Hudson, Milo Scott, John Kennard, Schuyler Parker, B.F. McNeal, A.C. Curry, C.P. Clark, John Worthington, William Jennings, John Ready, J.B. Countryman, H. Butlin, C.S. Daley, William Magovern, J.C. Whiteside, and now N.N. Beers.
    This was first Steuben District, Genesee Conference, afterwards Cattaraugus District, now Olean District.  The present church edifice for the society was erected in 1855.  Geo. C. Sheldon, Erastus Willard, and Henry Chamberlin were the building committee; the expense about $2500.  This edifice was dedicated by Rev. C.D. Burlingame, by whom the first funeral services were also conducted, the deceased being Mrs. Juliette Sheldon, wife of George C. Sheldon.  
    In 1858 the society numbered about 180 communicants, but was greatly reduced in 1860 by the withdrawal of members, who in the same year organized the Free Methodist Society.
    In 1865-66 the edifice was repaired, at an expense of $1407, including the bell, and was rededicated, Rev. C.D. Burlingame again preaching the sermon, from the words, "The glory of the latter house shall exceed that of the former."
    The society was reorganized in 1865, with Thos. D. Wilson leader, who was succeeded by Erastus Willard, who is the present class-leader, with Wm. C. Bockoven.  The society now numbers about 50 communicants, and has a Sabbath-school, which was established in 1866, with Thos. Clayton superintendent, succeeded by C.G. Wright, Zelia Keyes, Mary Calkins, and now Benj. H. Green, with about 70 scholars and teachers.

FREE METHODIST SOCIETY.

    This society was organized Aug. 2, 1860, Rev. H.F. Curry, Preacher; B.T. Roberts, General Manager; Geo. C. Sheldon as leader, assisted by R.A. Eggleston and J.D. Ellis.  As a large number of the members had withdrawn from the Methodist Episcopal Church and united with the Free Methodist, the organization at its birth must have numbered nearly 100 at Allegany.  In 1871 the society erected an edifice, at an expense of about $1200.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALLEGANY

    This church was organized in 1852 as the successor of a Congregational Church and Society, the latter of which was organized Oct. 5, 1852, at a meeting of which Lewis Price was moderator and Caleb Jewett clerk, and at which Caleb Jewett, James G. Johnson, Martin G. Austin, Hiram W. McClure, and Artemas L. Simonds were elected trustees.
    The deacons of the Presbyterian Church organized in 1852, as before mentioned, were H.W. McClure and N.P. Covill.  The first pastor was Rev. Warner, who was succeeded by Rev. Messrs. Ogden, Titesworth, Cole (known as Father Cole), Akins, Beaumont, Ellery, Bascom, A. Woodruff, Billington, and S.B. Stephenson, who serves the church at present.
    The present church edifice was built at the time of organization, at a cost of about $2200; Dudley Phelps, N.T. Sheldon, Deacons, with nearly 50 communicants; Lewis S. Corthell is clerk.
    The society has a Sabbath-school in a very flourishing condition, with 70 to 80 scholars and teachers.  Dr. Z. George Bullock is superintendent.

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH

was organized in 1858, and erected their present edifice in 1861, at an expense of about $1500.  The trustees were John George Smith, William Spraker, Sr., John G. Wiedmann, John Reitz; Frederick Smith, clerk.  The first preacher was Rev. Frederick Pultz, who has been succeeded by J. Barrance, G. Ziska, Thomas Massasky, ---- Engelder, John Bernruither, who still serves.  The society now numbers about 50 communicants, and has a prosperous Sabbath-school.

THE GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH

was organized in 1877, Rev. Moit, preacher, and now numbers about 40 communicants, with fair prospect of success.  This society worships in the Methodist Episcopal Church edifice on alternate Sabbath afternoons.
    All the above-named religious societies are free of debt.

THE BAPTISTS.

    At a meeting held at the "Willard Hall," April 3, 1854, to organize a Baptist Church, in pursuance of a notice given by Rev. E.F. Crane, E.F. Crane and Andrew Mead were appointed to preside at the meeting, and it was voted to organize "the First Baptist Society of Allegany," and to elect trustees.  J.G. Thompson, A.P. Phillips, John Ellis, S.J. Horton, L.P. Forbes, and Andrew Mead were elected such trustees.  The Rev. Dexter S. Morris, of Eldred, Pa., was one of the earliest preachers.  Their meetings for worship were held in the school-house in Allegany village, and they never erected a church edifice.  The society has long ceased to meet for worship.

THE ST. FRANCIS MISSIONARY AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY,
organized under the act of 1848.  Nicholas Devereux, Mary C. Devereux, John C. Devereux, Thomas B. Devereux, and John Timon associated themselves to establish a missionary, scientific, charitable, and benevolent society, to be located in the village of Allegany City or in Ellicottville, where it now has its beginning, or in both villages.  Said parties, viz., John C. Devereux, Charles Dolan, Peter Carr, P.J. Cunningham, David O. Day, and Lawrence O'Connor, shall be known as "the Missionary, Scientific, Charitable, and Benevolent Society of Allegany City;" and they declare that the object of the society which they thus constitute shall be to provide for missionary duties in the western part of the State of New York, for aiding the poor and the orphans, and instructing the ignorant as far as means permit, divine and human science, and for no other object; and the said Nicholas Devereux and John Timon and John C. Devereux shall be trustees for the first year of the aforesaid society.

THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF ALLEGANY

was organized Feb. 10, 1872.  Nathan A. Dye, Charles Soule, and David Thurber, trustees.  The Rev. Isaac George, of Dunkirk, was hired to preach occasionally for a year.  Meetings were held at first in the Presbyterian House, and afterwards in Good Templars' Hall, over D. Phelps' store.  In 1875, Rev. Benjamin Brunning was hired to preach every alternate Sunday, and he resided here and continued as pastor of the society a year, when he removed to Niagara County.  No regular pastor of the society has been employed since he left.  No meetings of this society have been held for worship for about two years.

CEMETERIES

    A cemetery near the Horton school-house, in district No. 4, has been in use as a burial-place since about 1820.  It has been fenced and kept in a tolerably good condition for most of the time since its selection for the purpose.
    Another burial-place is in the extreme north part of the town, and near the Five-Mile Baptist church.  This cemetery was first appropriated for purposes of burial in 1826.  It has been well protected by a good fence, and contains a considerable number of monuments and marble grave-stones.
    As early as 1830, several deceased persons were buried on a lot selected for the purpose on the Clark farm, now owned by C.B. Learn, half a mile west of the village.  And during the period from about 1830 to 1860 several burials were made on a lot appropriated for the purpose, on the farm of James Freeland, south of the river.  Those buried at the latter place have, within a few years, been taken up and deposited at other places.
    In 1855 the Allegany Cemetery Association was organized, the trustees of which were James G. Johnson, Edgar Shaw, and Abiathar Phillips.  They purchased a lot of ground, which is situated adjacent to the eastern part of the village, on the premises of George Bascom, containing about five acres of ground.  It is an elevated and suitable selection for the purpose, and has been graded and surveyed into lots, with regular alleys.  It has been inclosed with a substantial fence and ornamented with shade-trees.  The present trustees are James Wiltse, Erastus Willard, and Adelbert H. Marsh.

AGRICULTURAL

    Although the soil is good and adapted to grazing, and generally well watered, not more than one-third of the land in town has as yet been cleared and brought under good cultivation.  Here, as in other towns contiguous to the river, lumbering has heretofore been the leading business of the people, as the most available method of realizing a present income, and this being the case, the thorough clearing up of the land has necessarily been neglected.  A considerable amount of grain is raised, and something is done in the production of fruit, but the principal attention of farmers is turned to dairying, particularly the manufacture of cheese.  

CHEESE-FACTORIES.

    The first cheese-factory building was erected in 1867 by the Allegany Cheese-Factory Association, which was organized at that time.  This factory is situated about two miles north of the village, on Five-Mile Creek, on a site which has not, in all respects, proved satisfactory, although by good management a large quantity of good cheese has been manufactured in each year since the business was commenced.  The milk of about 500 cows has been consumed during the season of 1878, and 89 tons of cheese made.  I.N. Sheldon, of Cuba, has run the factory for several years.  E.B. Strong has an interest, and has had general charge of the business for two years, and O.A. Chase has made the cheese for the season of 1878.
    A second cheese-factory is located on the south side of the river, near the village.  It is managed and owned by the proprietors of the Five-Mile factory.  F.W. Case has been employed for three years past to make the cheese.  This factory was built in 1874.  It has an excellent location, and uses the milk of about 300 cows.  These two are the only cheese-factories within the town at the present time.

OIL DEVELOPMENTS

    During the excitement caused by the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania, a test well was put down to a depth of 600 feet, on the farm of Walter Pratt, about a mile north of the village of Allegany.  No oil was found.  In 1875 a well was drilled, about a mile east of Vandalia, to a depth of 1200 feet, without finding oil.
    In the month of July, 1876, the Bradford Oil Company commenced drilling a well, on the Woodmansee place, a mile west of the village.  At a depth of 850 feet a vein of oil was struck in shale-rock, and the well immediately was nearly filled with oil.  There was great excitement and demonstrations of joy here and at Olean, and in fact, the finding of oil at Allegany was hailed with delight, and became the leading theme of conversation throughout the surrounding country.  At first the general supposition was that the oleaginous belt had been struck, and that there was a river or sea of oil underlying Allegany, which was likely to prove sufficient to enrich all the people of the town.  But the excitement cooled down as the drilling continued without finding the right kind of third sand-rock, and after going down about 1300 feet no more indications of oil were found.  The well was pumped, and produced a barrel or two a day for a while until 1877.  From 100 to 200 barrels were taken out of the well in all.  The Allegany Oil Company was formed in 1876, and they commenced drilling a well on lands of J.G. Johnson, at the head of Four-Mile Run, in the fall of that year.  At a depth of 1360 feet the third sand, unmistakably of the right quality, was found, and oil soon arose so as to nearly fill the well, which at once gave evidence that they had "struck oil" in paying quantities.  The genuine oleaginous belt was found to underlie at least the southern portion of the town of Allegany.  The event was hailed as the harbinger of lively times and the certain advent of a new oil field, which would immediately draw hundreds of people to it to see, or in some way to take part in the development of a new oil region.  
    In February, 1876, Geo. W. Stephens took several leases near the village for oil purposes.  The Bradford Oil Co. bought the leases, and commenced a well on land of D.S. Woodmansee in May, 1876, and completed the same in July of the same year.  It produced only about one barrel per day, and now, when pumped, produces about 5 barrels per week.
    In July, 1876, E.C. Howard, W.H. Smith, D.W. Ward, and A.H. Marsh made arrangements to put down a well near Levi McNall's, but failing to obtain as many leases as they wished, abandoned the project for the time being.  In August, or early in September, N.A. Dye, J.G. Johnson, J.B. Strong, A.H. Marsh, and others associated with them, organized the Allegany Oil Co., with N.A. Dye, president; W.H. Smith, A.H. Marsh, E.C. Howard, J.B. Strong, J.G. Johnson, and D.W. Ward, as trustees.
    Taking leases of several hundred acres, the company commenced a well on the Johnson farm, five miles south of the village, which was drilled to a depth of about 1300 feet and temporarily abandoned.  In December following drilling was resumed, and in February a heavy vein of gas was struck, after going about 60 feet farther, and about 30 feet still lower a small vein of oil was struck.  The well took fire about this time, burning the entire rig, and requiring several days to extinguish the gas fire.  After this it was tubed and pumped, but with only light production.  In May, 1877, the well was torpedoed; since which time it has produced an average of 50 barrels of oil per week.  The gas has been utilized as fuel, and has furnished fuel for the drilling of several wells since, and for the pump-station of the United Pipe-Lines.  The Allegany Oil Co. have since sub-leased the most of their territory.  They have put down four wells.
    Soon after, Mr. James, of Fredonia, and Mr. Calkins, of Peterboro', N.Y., commenced the third well in town, on the F.J. Waters farm, which was completed in March, 1877, proving to be a good well.  D.W. Canfield, and others, completed the fourth paying well, on lands of M. Donahue.  Soon after, Smith, Howard & Co. put down the fifth, Griffin, Bramley & Hickey the sixth, and M. Collins the seventh well.  By this time the excitement was high.  
    There are at present (December, 1878) about 100 producing wells in the town of Allegany, with an aggregate daily production of about 1200 barrels.  There are three iron tanks, of 25,000 barrels capacity each, and wooden tankage about 50,000 barrels.  
    Following is a list of owners of wells:

Names	Farm	No.	Bls.
Allegany Oil Col	Johnson	1	7
"	Brandle	2	8
"	Dye	3	16
"	"	4	12
Coast & Clark	"	1	10
"	"	2	14
"	"	3	18
"	"	4	18
"	"	5	20
Borden & Co.	"	1	20
Coast & Clark	Harble	1	8
"	"	2	12
"	"	3	20
Pebble Rock Oil Co.	Holander	…	…
"	"	…	…
"	"	…	…
"	Bucher	…	…
"	"	…	…
"	"	…	…
"	Thurber	…	…
"	Dye	1	…
Barse & Morris	Barse & Morris	1	…
"	"	2	…
"	"	3	…
"	"	4	…
Hickey & Nessle	Harble	1	40
Brown Norris & Co.	Donahue	1`	`5
"	"	2	15
"	"	3	20
Hinsdale Oil Co.	"	1	…
"	"	2	…
Gillespie & Creswell	"	1	…
Gillespie & McMahon	"	1	10
Bacom & Moulton	Johnson	1	6
Gaskell & Co.	"	1	12
Shreve & Co.	"	1	10
Gaily & Preston	C.B. & H.	1-
Fanchall Bros. & Co.	A. Brandle	1-
"	J. Brandle	1-
"	Harble	2-
"	Sticklebaur	1-	100
"	Zaph	2-
"	Furkle	1-
"	Friese	1-
McDonnell & Co.	"	2	…
Follett Bros. & Early	Zaph	1	…
Peck & Tennant	Friese	4	…
Mead & Sargent	Zaph	2	…
J.B. & E.M. Johnson	Stewart	2	…
Fred. Crocker	"	2	…
Roberts & Co.	"	1	…
Moulton & Brackney	"	1	…
Shreve	Lamberton & Shreve-	J. Moltrus
Gillespie	Keyes & Co.	Carroll
Welch & Co.	"	2	…
Collins & Co. `	"	1	…
Lockwood & Eaton	Friese	2	…
Bayley & Co.	Sticklebaur	1	…
Bramley & Co.	Lippert	4	…
Calkins & James	F.J. Waters	2	…
"	Lippert	2	…
Canfield & Phillips	Stephan	2	…
Bennet & Brown	"	1	20
White Elephant Co.	"	1	10
Shreve	R. Moltrus	1	6
Buffalo Oil Co.	Geiger	2	…
Brown Bros. & Co.	Holander	2	…
Colegrove & Co.	"	1	15
"	McCartney	3	…

   The daily production of oil in Allegany is about 1200 barrels.  While the production of oil in the lower oil country is falling off, there is as yet an increase rather than a decline in the amount produced by the wells on the Four-Mile.  It is thought they well hold out for some years yet, and longer, from the fact of their not flowing so large on the start, as was the case in some of the lower oil districts.


TEMPERANCE

    In the year 1840, a Society of the Sons of Temperance organized here, with Ebenezer Grover and George C. Sheldon as presiding officers, and about 35 members.  Not having a hall, they rented the ball-room in Alfred Clark's hotel, with the stipulation that no liquor should be sold in the house during lodge-meetings.  They afterwards erected a large and commodious hall over a store built by E. Grover, and known as "The Sons' Hall," completed in 1853, and consumed by fire in 1854.
    In 1853, the Sons of Temperance were merged into the Good Templars, with Warren Onan as Worthy Chief Templar.  In 1854, Mr. Onan was chosen a delegate to represent the order at Albany, and he with others were so far successful to get what was termed the "Maine Law" passed through both houses of the Legislature, but the bill was vetoed by Governor Seymour.  The lodge continued to flourish for a while, but was finally discontinued.
    Some years later, another lodge was organized, with John R. McConnell as presiding officer, but which was doomed to share the fate of its predecessor.  The call for volunteers took its presiding officer, with many of the members, to the Southern fields.
    Again, in January, 1868, another lodge of Good Templars was organized, with A.L. Simonds as Worthy Chief Templar, and a large number of members.  This lodge was successful for a while, but at the end of four years its charter was surrendered.
    In April, 1875 the temperance spirit was again aroused, and another lodge of Good Templars organized, with William C. Bockoven, Worthy Chief Templar; but, like others its career was short, and at the end of one year its doors were closed, and the temperance cause was allowed to smoulder for something over a year, when it was again awakened by the organization of a Lodge of Good Templars on the 18th day of October, 1878, with Charles H. Tousey, W.C.T.; Mrs. C.B. Smith, W.V.T.; William C. Bockoven, L.D.G.W.C.T; the Rev. S.B. Stevenson, Chaplain, together with about 20 charter members.

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN,

an organization having for its objects the elevation and improvement of its members, and guaranteeing $2000 to the heirs or assigns of a deceased member, was organized Dec. 27, 1876, with 21 charter members, and the following officers : Asa Haskell, P.M.W.; S.B. McClure, M.W.; C.G. Wright, G.F.; C.H. Tousey, O.; E.D. Mixer, Recorder; C.B. Smith, Financier; A.G. Burlingame, Receiver; Z.G. Bullock, G.;W.W. Campbell, J.W.; A.B. Scofield, O.W.
    The order has steadily increased from the start, and now numbers 35 members.

ST. BONAVENTURE'S COLLEGE.
Establishment of the Franciscan Order in Cattaraugus.

    To the apostolic zeal of the venerable Bishop Timon, and the munificent generosity of Nicholas Devereux, is pre-eminently due the establishment of the order of the Friars Minors in the Allegany Valley.  A quarter of a century ago the Catholic Church in this section was still in its infancy.  In those days a smoky cabin or humble log chapel served the purposes to which a score of church edifices are to-day dedicated.  The Catholic portion of the community was widely scattered, and the number of priests was small.
    Bishop Timon had at this time pastoral charge of the diocese of Buffalo, which included then, as now, Cattaraugus County.  He was anxious that the followers of St. Francis should labor here, and he wished that the order should be established in his diocese.  But there were difficulties almost insurmountable in the way, and his desire might have remained unrealized but for the support generously offered him by Mr. Nicholas Devereux.  That gentleman entered with zeal into the designs of the bishop, promising to donate 200 acres of land, and a sufficient sum of money, should the Franciscan missionaries establish a branch of their order in the Allegany Valley.  The bishop gladly accepted the offer, and in company with Mr. Devereux proceeded at once to Rome.  He waited upon the General of the Franciscans, represented to him the object of his visit, and urgently requested that he would accede to his wish, in sending some of his missionary brethren hither.  The General consented, stipulating, however, that the Franciscans should be received as Missionary Fathers; that the right of establishing the order of Friars Minors in the diocese of Buffalo should be granted them; and that they should be supplied with a house and church in Allegany.  The bishop willingly complied with those conditions, and in the year 1855 three Franciscan Fathers, accompanied by one lay brother, arrived at Ellicottville, where they were received and hospitably entertained by the Devereux family.  Their advent into the diocese of Buffalo was joyfully hailed by Bishop Timon.
    For three years they remained at Ellicottville, and at the end of that period they moved to Allegany, the site of their present imposing institution, and for several years attended the various missions extending from Cattaraugus to Wellsville.
    Mr. Devereux, whose generosity had been instrumental in bringing them here, died ere his promise was formally ratified; but the members of his family, in compliance with the expressed purpose of the deceased, made a formal bequest of the property into the hands of the Franciscans, legally securing it to the order.  Subsequently, when their duties as missionaries became less pressing, owing to the increase of secular clergy, they laid the foundation of a college, which, under their management, has increased year by year, till, to-day, St. Bonaventure's College, Allegany, ranks high among the educational institutions in the land.

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[Nathan Dye]  [Hale]  [Farquharson]  [Freeland]  [Willard]
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

N.A. DYE (Nathan)

    His father, Dennis Dye, was born in the town of Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N.Y., March 15,1805, and resided there until about 1830, when he removed to the western part of the State.  He has resided most of the time in Cattaraugus County, and since April, 1852, in Allegany.  Up to the time of his death, Feb. 23, 1872, he was engaged as a farmer.  His mother's maiden name was Minerva Merrill; she was born in Johnstown, Montgomery Co., N.Y., Sept. 27, 1808, and now resides in the town of Allegany, this county.
    N.A. Dye was born in the town of Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N.Y., Aug. 22, 1829, and was educated in the common schools.  He removed to the town of Allegany from Freedom, N.Y., March 7, 1852, and to the village of Allegany Sept. 1, 1853, and engaged in the grocery and provision trade, in which he has continued to the present time, having taken his two sons, Charles O. and Mason M., into co-partnership with himself May 1, 1874.
    Mr. Dye has served in the following offices: as assessor, elected Feb. 26, 1861, and re-elected Feb. 23, 1864; as town clerk, elected Feb. 28, 1865; as justice of the peace, elected Feb. 26, 1867, re-elected Feb. 25, 1868; as assessor, elected Feb. 22, 1870; justice of the sessions of Cattaraugus County, Nov. 7, 1871; and as justice of the peace, Feb. 26, 1877.  Politically he is a Democrat.
    He was married Jan. 26, 1851, at Yorkshire Centre, N.Y., by Charles T. Lowden, Esq.  His wife, Rosaline Moore, was born in Royalton, Genesee Co., N.Y., Jan. 3, 1827.  Her father, Oliver Moore, was born in Vermont, April 6, 1804; was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Freedom, in this county, where he resided forty years upon the farm which he cleared up.  He removed to Allegany in April, 1869, and died March 2, 1877.  Mrs. Dye's mother, Judith Pixley, was born in Vermont, Jan. 12, 1796.  She resided in Allegany.
    The family of Mr. And Mrs. Dye are as follows: Charles O., born May 18, 1852; Mason M., born May 6, 1854; Jennie R., born Sept. 23, 1858; Edwyna M., born July 11, 1860; William H., born Nov. 19,1862; Nellie B., born Sept. 3, 1868; Nathan E., born Oct. 14, 1870.  Charles O. was married to Mary D. Nessel, of Allegany, Jan. 8, 1876.
    Nathan E. died Sept. 14, 1871.

Nathan Dye & Rosaline (Moore Dye)
(Click to enlarge)

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JAMES HENRY FARQUHARSON,
youngest  son of Francis and Margaret A. Farquharson, who were married Oct. 4,1827, at Buel, Montgomery Co., N.Y., removing to East Pike (then Allegany), now Wyoming Co., N.Y., about the year 1829, where they had born to them four children, named, respectively, Sarah C., William M., James Henry, and Mary A., all of whom are still living, except Mary A., who died at the residence of her brother James, in Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., Aug. 27, 1866, and was buried at East Pike, Wyoming Co.  Sarah C. was married, July 26, 1855, to Stephen A. Howard, and is still residing on the old homestead at East Pike; William M. was married Feb. 22, 1866, to Miss Virginia Desuey, and now lives at Salamanca, Cattaraugus Co.  Francis Farquharson was born Nov. 10, 1799, and was by profession a clothier and cloth-dresser, and for some time previous to his marriage to Margaret A. Van Deusen, Oct. 4, 1827, worked in the manufacturing establishment of his father-in-law, Michael Van Deusen, in the town of Buel, Montgomery Co., N.Y., and also did business on his own account near Toronto, Canada.  His principal characteristics were an indomitable will, an unfaltering faith, coupled with very clear conceptions of the developments of the future, which characteristics led him to locate on a farm between Janesville and Beloit, in the State of Wisconsin, about the year 1845, upon which he spent the accumulations of his past years of toil; but being unable to complete payment, lost farm and payments, which circumstance left him a poor man the remainder of his life, which terminated Dec. 21, 1858, at the home of his childhood, in the town of Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N.Y.  Margaret A. Van Deusen, eldest daughter of Michael and Christiana Van Deusen, was born Sept. 26, 1808, at Buel, Montgomery Co., N.Y., where she spent the early part of her life, and was married to Francis Farquharson, Oct. 4, 1827, when she with him removed to East Pike, and became sharer with him in the fortunes of life.  She was remarried to David C. Winnie, of Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., Jan. 4, 1869, at the residence of her son James, in Allegany, and now resides with her husband, at his residence in Cherry Valley, N.Y.  Her characteristics are untiring energy, frugality, perseverance, kindness to the oppressed and needy, ever ready to render relief to the sick, thereby adorning the profession of Christianity which she has long made practical in the rearing of her family, all of whom revere her name and love to call her mother.
    James Henry Farquharson, the subject of this biography, was born at East Pike, Wyoming Co., N.Y., March 23, 1837, where he spent his youth without note, attending to the ordinary duties of boys on the farm, and working a portion of the time at various kinds of machine work in a carding-mill, a saw-, lath-, and shingle-mill, and for a portion of his time worked at the butchering business, which was being carried on by his father.  He attended the district school, and is indebted to that source for all the advantages of school obtained, but being of a studious turn availed himself of every opportunity to acquire information, succeeded in picking up littles which have fitted him for the active duties of life, in which he has played an important part.  At the age of sixteen he secured a place with Amos L. Swan, then engaged in the manufacture of melodeons at Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N.Y., for learning to telegraph, a business that his advanced thought had led him to adopt as a groundwork of a useful life.  After spending four weeks at Cherry Valley, the telegraph operator, Mr. William Stearns, at Fort Plain, on the Central Railroad, requesting him to come with him, and offering him superior advantages, he went to Fort Plain, where he completed his education as telegraph operator, embracing only seven weeks in all spent in learning.  A situation not presenting itself at this time, he returned to his home at East Pike, Wyoming Co., where he spent the winter at school, and obtained a situation as telegraph operator, April 4, 1854, under L.G. Tillotson, as superintendent of the New York and Erie Railroad telegraph at what is now Pine Grove, on the Delaware division of the Erie Railway, from whence he went to Belmont, on the western division, from Belmont to Alfred, Hinsdale, Cube, and Olean, within the year 1854, making Olean his principal office.  He was used as supernumerary at Cattaraugus and other points, going to Hornellsville in the fall of 1855, and worked there through the winter of 1855-56, receiving the appointment of agent at Allegany Station, May1, 1856.  Was married, Aug.19, 1856, to Marion J. Hale, of Hinsdale, N.Y.  This marriage has been blessed with six children, - five sons and one daughter, - named respectively, Francis Hale, born Sept. 19,1857; Fred Henry, born July 30, 1859; William Lincoln, born Aug. 29, 1861; Millie Josephine, born Aug. 14, 1866; Charles Byron, born March 15, 1869; and Van Deusen, born Feb. 2, 1872, all of whom have been spared to bless the hearts of their parents and adorn the social circle and home fireside,  James Henry Farquharson was drafted July 1, 1864, and discharged July 8, 1864, by reason of having furnished a substitute (in the person of the notorious Jumping Bob Way) who was not liable to draft, for which he paid the sum of seven hundred dollars.  He engaged in the grocery business in company with William Spraker, Jr., under the firm-name of William Spraker, Jr., & Co., Dec. 25, 1865, continuing the business until the fall of 1874, with favorable results.
    In the fall of 1870, he, long realizing the need of a grist-mill for the more complete accommodation of the town, resolved to supply the much-needed convenience, and accordingly set about providing himself with mill machinery, engine, boilers, etc., and after forming a copartnership with Mr. Hiram Wheaton, under the firm-name of H. Wheaton & Co., commenced to build what is now known as the Allegany Steam Mills, on the 1st day of April, 1861.  They combine the manufacture of lumber with that of milling, thus adding greatly to the convenience and enterprise of the place, furnishing as they do employment to many who would otherwise be quite unemployed.  He bought the interest of Mr. Wheaton, July 25, 1874, since which time he has managed the property himself; and to the able manner in which he has succeeded in the management of this property, the masterly determination manifested in the establishing the same, he has well earned the reputation which he receives, that of being a man of no ordinary executive ability, added to which are the characteristics of a true man and Christian, just in all his dealings; a true friend to the poor and oppressed, with a heart that overflows for the good of his fellow-man, carrying ever with him the evidences of a life that is free from guile.  He united with the Presbyterian Church in February, 1876, and is regarded a faithful member of that society, carrying his religion into all his business transactions, thereby showing to the world that he practices what he professes.  In politics he has ever been active, but never an aspirant for office, serving faithfully in the Republican party (as many of the former office-holders can attest) until the fall of 1876, when he renounced the party, claiming their past, present, and future action as tending to oppress the producers of wealth, and allied himself with the little band of so-called Greenback men, determined to lend his influence to the establishing of justice to all men under the laws.  He was nominated by the Greenback party and elected as supervisor of his town in February, 1878, by thirty-three majority, with a Democratic majority of one hundred to one hundred and fifty against him.  He was also the unanimous choice of the Greenback convention held at Salamanca, September, 1878, for member of Assembly for the First District of Cattaraugus County, and was only defeated for that office by W.F. Wheeler, the Republican candidate, by two hundred and fifty-seven majority, with a Republican majority of about five hundred in the district, receiving in his own town a majority of four hundred and forty-three out of a total vote of five hundred and forty-eight.  As an employee of the New York, Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company (the present name for the old chartered New York and Erie Railroad), which service now extends to nearly twenty-three years, he has been most faithful, having served under about ten different managements, and three different names for the same road.  He established at Allegany Station many of the conveniences of a modern station, such as the telegraph-office, the express-office, etc.  He rightfully enjoys the esteem and confidence of not only the officers of the several companies whom he represents, but also of the community in which he lives.  In habits temperate, with a happy, jovial turn, loving a good joke or story, and enjoying the faculty of making all happy about him.
    J.H. Farquharson is a member in good standing of Olean Lodge, No. 252, F. and A.M., and also a member of Olean Chapter, No. 150, also a demitted member of Dunkirk Council.

Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Farquharson of Allegany

James Henry Farquharson Mill  (with the Erie Depot), Allegany, NY

Residence of the James Henry Farquharson family, Harmon Avenue, Allegany NY

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MARION JOSEPHINE HALE
was the eldest daughter of Daniel and Emily Hale, who were married at Camden, Oneida Co., N.Y., Dec. 17, 1839.  Their marriage was blessed by seven children, - five daughters and two sons, - named respectively, Marion Josephine, born Jan. 19, 1841; Polly Elizabeth, Feb. 19, 1843; Lucy Amelia, April 17, 1846; Emily Frances, June8, 1850; Sarah Delphine, March 6, 1853; Thomas Henry Fremont, Oct. 29, 1856; and Daniel Trumbull, Dec. 20, 1858.
    Daniel Hale was born Sept. 14, 1814, at Bennington, Vt., his parents removing to Florence, Oneida Co., N.Y., when he was about twelve years old.  He married Emily Chidsey, Dec. 17, 1839, at Camden, Oneida Co., N.Y.  Emily Chidsey was born in Cazenovia, Madison Co., N.Y., her parents removing to Camden, in the same State, where she married Daniel Hale, Dec. 17, 1839.  Mr. Hale being by profession a blacksmith and machinist, removed to Sacket's Harbor, at which place Marion Josephine and Polly Elizabeth were born; thence they moved to Florence, Oneida Co., where Lucy Amelia was born; thence they moved on the line of the New York and Erie Railroad, living a short time at Owego, Barton, Elmira, and Watkins, and finally fixed a residence at Hillsdale, Cattaraugus Co., where the balance of their children were born.  They removed to Olean in the year 1861, Mr. Hale having charge of the repair-shops of the New York and Erie Railroad Co., which position he now holds.  Polly Elizabeth was married to Thomas A. Heller, Oct. 22, 1867, and now resides at Salamanca; Lucy Amelia married William Miller Ingstrum, Oct. 22, 1867, and is now living at Salamanca; Emma Frances married Jonah Davis Palmer, Nov. 13, 1871, and is also living at Salamanca; Sarah Delphine married Orlando W. Barker, Oct. 15, 1872, and is now living at Hornellsville, Steuben Co., N.Y.  The sons, Thomas Henry and Daniel Trumbull, are still unmarried and living with their parents at Olean, N.Y.
    Marion Josephine, the subject of this biography, was born Jan. 19, 1841, at Sacket's Harbor, Jefferson Co., N.Y., removing with her parents to Florence, Oneida Co., Owego and Barton, Tioga Co.,; Elmira, Chemung Co.; Watkins, in Schuyler County; and Hillsdale, Cattaraugus Co., N.Y., where she obtained her education at the district school and at select schools taught by Miss Mary Phipps and Miss Sarah Eddy.
    She was married to James Henry Farquharson, Aug. 19, 1856, and took up her residence with her husband at Allegany at once, where she has since lived and shred with him in all the pleasures and vicissitudes of life, contributing largely by her happy disposition to smooth the rough paths of the active business life of her husband; and her name and presence finds a hearty welcome in the homes of all, especially those of the poor and needy, and in sickness she is ever present to contribute to the relief of the suffering.  Her home has ever been a favorite resort for old and young in joy or in sorrow, each finding in her a fit companion.  In her family no more fitting tribute can be paid her, nor one receiving a more hearty indorsement by husband and children, than that "she has ever been a kind and affectionate wife and mother."

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JAMES FREELAND.

    Robert Freeland, father of James Freeland, was born in the north of Ireland about the year 1773.  Came to this country and settled in Tompkins Co., N.Y., about 1798.  He was a farmer and mechanic.  He was married to Catharine Robinson, in the same county, about the year 1800.
    James Freeland was born in Caroline, Tompkins Co., May 11, 1810.  Lived on the farm with his father, attending the district school at home, until nineteen years of age, when he began the world for himself.  On May 23, 1833, he married Lucinda Norwood, of Caroline, daughter of Jonathan Norwood, Esq.
    In 1836 he removed to Cattaraugus County, with his family, consisting of his wife and two children, where he began anew in the woods and among strangers clearing a new farm.
    In 1838 he was elected commissioner of highways, and from that time to the present he has held the same and other offices of trust, namely: justice of the peace, assessor, postmaster, and supervisor, all of which he filled to the satisfaction of his constituents and with credit to himself. Both in and out of office he has retained the full confidence of his fellow-citizens.
    In 1876 he was nominated for Congress by the Democratic party, of which he has been and still is an active member.  Has always been an earnest and efficient laborer in whatever he undertook.  
    All the acts of his life have been marked with perseverance and integrity.  Indeed, whether in office, in clearing land, building log houses, making roads, erecting bridges, or as a pilot on a river raft, he has always been regarded a success.  He is , at the age of sixty-eight, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life.
    His family consists of his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
    Dolphus S. married Fannie E. Norwood, in October, 1868.  Is now living in Iowa.  Farmer.
    Jonathan B. married Mariette Hardy, Nov. 2, 1859.  Free-Methodist minister; at present pastor of the church of the same denomination in Binghamton, N.Y.
    James A. married Lottie E. Soule, Nov. 27, 1870.  Resides in Allegany.
    Ruvina E. married Randolph Worthington, Oct. 30, 1873.  Farmer.  Lives in Allegany.
    Mabel L. married Rev. Hermon H. Loomis.  Now located at Smithton, Pa.
    Mr. F. has always taken a lively interest in all public enterprises, and contributed liberally to the advancement of the different churches and all other matters of public interest.

James Freeland and Lucinda (Norwood) Freeland of Allegany

James Freeland residence of Allegany

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ERASTUS WILLARD, ESQ.

    Sherlock Willard, the father of Erastus, was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1784.  His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Reynolds, was born in Fort Edward, N.Y., in 1788.  Erastus Willard was born at the town of Lisle, Chenango Co., N.Y., on the 23d day of March, 1823, while his parents were moving from Fort Edward to Cattaraugus County.  His parents reached the town of Franklinville, where they settled the latter part of same year, where Erastus spent his boyhood days up to the age of ten, when his father purchased a wild tract of land three miles south of the village of Franklinville, on the Ischua.  His brothers, Perry and Orville, still reside on the same premises; the tract now contains about six hundred acres, more than half of which has been added to the original by the brothers above named.  It was here that he spent the remainder of his boyhood days up to the age of twenty, - fall of 1843, - attending district school until eighteen, then the higher schools in Franklinville, boarding with his parents and going on foot six miles to and from the school.  
    In the fall of 1843, clad in home-made sheep's gray, with one extra shirt, two pair of socks tied up in a bandana, and fifty cents in cash, he left his parental home (to which he never returned, except on short visits) for the town of Burton, now Allegany, where he engaged in teaching school until March, 1844, at twelve dollars per month.  Many of the now good and wealthy citizens and farmers of the Five-Mile Valley, Allegany, were then his scholars.  In the spring of 1844, Mr. Willard took charge of a large quantity of lumber, and went with it to Southern markets, where he became acquainted with the late Judge Benjamin Chamberlain.
    Returning to Allegany late in December, 1844, Mr. Willard purchased a small stock of goods, which he exchanged for boards and shingles, after disposing of which he went on foot to Rochester, and from thence by rail and boat to New York City, where he met Judge Chamberlain, who introduced him to the New York merchants.  This was the real commencement of his long mercantile life, in which business he is still engaged.
    Mr. Willard was married, April 26, 1848, to Miss Harriet A. Huntley, who was born in Cuba, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1828.  Her father, Henry Huntley, was born in Herkimer, N.Y., in 1804.  Her grandfather, the late Abner Huntley, was born in Charlestown, near Bunker Hill, Mass., in 1767, and died a Scio, Allegany Co., N.Y., in 1877, at the extraordinary age of one hundred and ten years.

He was familiar with very many of the incidents and the hardships of the Revolution.  In 1875, while visiting at Mr. Willard's, he related to him that he had never used as much as one pint of spirituous liquors in his life, remarking, "I am one hundred and eight years old, and am breaking a three years' old colt to ride."  He voted for General Washington, second term, and at every presidential election since, up to and including General Grant's last term.  He left his native State and settled in Cuba in 1824.  He was for many years a member of a Christian Church.  We have not space to recount but a few of the interesting incidents of the life of this remarkable man.  
    Mr. Willard's family embraced three children, of whom but one now survives.  Charles Willard was born in Allegany, N.Y., March 11, 1849, and died the 10th day of November, 1865, of typhoid fever contracted while a student at the Alfred Academy.  He was a noble young man, affable and courteous, and respected by all who knew him.  It is said death loves a shining mark.
    Clare Willard, second child and son, was born in Allegany, July 28, 1870.
    Hattie, third child and only daughter, was born in Allegany, Aug. 5, 1872, and died September 7, same year.
    Frederick Smith, a member of Mr. Willard's family for the past twenty years, was born in Germany, Oct. 21, 1841, emigrating to the United States in 1851, landing in New York City on the 26th of December, from whence he went to Buffalo, N.Y., where he remained until 1856, when with his parents he came to and settled in Allegany, N.Y., and soon engaged as a clerk in Mr. Willard's store.  By strict attention to business and rigid integrity he soon became master of the situation, and in 1868 became equal partner with Mr. Willard in the mercantile business, which position he still retains.  Mr. Smith owes his success to three very important traits of character, viz., integrity, perseverance, and economy.  Mr. Smith's brother, George, gave his services to his country, and fell, fatally wounded, in the battle of Gettysburg.  John S. Smith, another brother, is employed as clerk in the store of Willard & Smith.  Both Frederick and John are unmarried.  Their mother survives their father, and is still living at the old homestead in Allegany, a lady of great moral worth.
    Mr. Willard has represented his town on the Board of Supervisors for five terms; was first elected in 1847.  Was supervisor three years during the late war, and aided in promptly filling the quotas of his town; he was not drafted, but felt it his duty to put a substitute into the service, paying him three hundred dollars extra,
    Mr. Willard was elected magistrate in 1844, which position he has since continuously held, except a part of one year.  He remembers twenty-five years ago the Hon. Marshall B. Champlin, of Cuba, late attorney-general, and the late lamented Senator White, of Olean, were opposing counsel before him on several occasions.  From these gentlemen Mr. Willard learned very many useful lessons.  In 1877 he was the cadidate of the Democratic party for member of Assembly, polling a large vote, but not sufficient to overcome the plurality vote of the opposition.
    Uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1865, he has stood firmly by it amid some very sever trials.
    Mr. And Mrs. Willard are still members of the Methodist Church at Allegany.
    Trusting in Divine Providence, Mr. Willard has been actuated by the faith that God helps those who help themselves in all the legitimate industries of life, as it will easily be seen that he owes his success to personal exertion.
    Coming to Allegany thirty-six years since, he found there one blacksmith-shop, one hotel, and a very few small dwellings where the village is now situated.  At the election in the spring of 1844 sixty-one votes were polled; now (1879) Allegany has over six hundred voters.
    Mr. Willard's father died about the time Erastus commenced business, thus leaving him without parental advice, experience, or financial aid.  About twenty-five years since, Mr. Willard, with Geo. C. Sheldon, James G. Johnson, Geo. Van Campen, A.V. Smith, Geo. Bascom, Jas. Freeland, H.W. McClure, and Henry Chamberlain, aided largely in erecting and paying for the present Presbyterian and Methodist church edifices, and afterwards aided to build the Lutheran and Catholic places of worship.  All of the earlier improvements of Allegany owe their existence to the earnest labor and material aid furnished by the pioneers above named.  How little many of those now enjoying these improvements realize the sacrifice required twenty-five years ago to build them !
    Mr. Willard knows what hardship means; he remembers 1837, when flour was twenty-five dollars per barrel, the country around Franklinville new, the crops destroyed by the late frosts; when the winters were long and severe, and poor families suffered immensely.  Very many of the earlier settlers testify to timely aid from him.  One peculiar trait of his character is never to retaliate evil for evil, but cull the good from the past and present, harboring ill-will towards none.  It is said during an active business life of thirty-six years he has not collected a single debt by forced sale of a debtor's property.
    Messrs. Willard & Smith have one of the largest and best stores in Western New York, and are actively engaged in the mercantile business at Allegany.

Mr. and Mrs. Erastus Willard of Allegany

Clare Willard, son of Erastus Willard of Allegany

Erastus Willard Residence and Store of Allegany

[Nathan Dye]  [Hale]  [Farquharson]  [Freeland]  [Willard]