Gazetteer Biographies

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM THE

HISTORICAL GAZETTEER
AND
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL
OF

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY

TOWN OF FARMERSVILLE

Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 610

Surname: ADAMS

Oliver H. ADAMS, born in Johnstown, N. Y., in January, 1800, settled in 1824 on the farm where he has passed his life. He has probably done more hard work than any man in town. His sons Warren and Edward live on the homestead. His wife died in 1889.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 610

Surname: ADAMS

Cummings ADAMS settled in Farmersville in 1827, was nearly blind when he came here, soon became entirely so, and remained so until his death. Of great strength and activity of mind and body, the town has had but few men better read than he. His sons were for many years among the most influential in town. Andrew, the youngest, now a citizen of Franklinville, represented the town two terms as supervisor and was a faithful and active trustee of the Ten Broeck Academy until his removal to that town.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 610

Surnames: ALEXANDER, BACON

Nelson and Joel H. ALEXANDER came to town in 1835, bought land in company, and while clearing up their farms both worked a portion of the time at the blacksmith trade. Nelson was an expert horseshoer and has been a successful farmer on the lands originally bought by the brothers, where he now lives. Nelson ALEXANDER, son of Solomon and Gratia ALEXANDER, was born in Winchester N. H., April 26, 1807, came at the age of twenty three to Otsego county, where in 1831 he married Polly BACON, and removed thence to this town. Mrs. ALEXANDER died Nov. 7, 1887. They had eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. His son Albert D. is the only representative here. By reading and study he has become one of the ablest men of the town. His wife, a woman of great executive ability, will long be remembered as a kind neighbor and excellent nurse. After a few years the brothers dissolved partnership and Joel, the younger, is now living in New Hudson, N. Y.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 610

Surnames: AUSTIN, DOUD, TARBELL, LEWIS

William AUSTIN, a veteran of the War of 1812, a native of the eastern part of this State, and a son of John, removed to Pittsford, Monroe county, where he married Rebecca DOUD, and came in 1827 to this town, where he built a log house, cleared a farm, and ten years later sold out. He immediately began clearing the second farm, where his wife died in 1843. Six of his eight children grew to maturity, viz.: Susannah, Elihu D., Hannah, Sarah H., Anna, and William D. Mr. AUSTIN died in 1884. Elihu D. AUSTIN, born May 21, 1825, married Jane, daughter of Laban and Sarah (TARBELL) LEWIS, and has eight children: Zina, Lucinda M., John W., Albert H., Reuben L., Fred E., James W., and Luther M. Zina AUSTIN enlisted in the Rebellion and served on the gunboat Key West, participated in five engagements, was taken sick, and died on the boat Red Rover, Jan. 11, 1865.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 611

Surnames: BACKUS, BAKER, RHOADES, HOWARD

Henry BACKUS started in the race about the same time with others who came to town during its early settlement. For fifteen years his success, hardships, and endurance corresponded with the companions of his youth, when his wife, a sister of Marsena BAKER, was stricken down with consumption, leaving him seven small children. His second marriage was inharmonious, which broke up the family, and he died in Boston in January, 1873. Olive H. RHOADES, of Boston, Mass., is the only one living of the family. Aaron B., the oldest child, emigrated to Oregon with his uncle in 1852, became wealthy, and died in 1882, leaving a large family. Thomas went to Oregon in 1857, where he buried his wife and only son, after which his mind and health became impaired and he died in 1890. James H. was a Congregational preacher, started for Oregon in 1860, and was shipwrecked between San Francisco and Portland. The hardships and exposures impaired his mind and health, and returning to this town in 1869 he died in 1881 at his brother William's. Elizabeth, the oldest daughter and first wife of George HOWARD, died in 1843.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 611

Surnames: BAKER, COBB, GILBERT, PEET

Marsena BAKER was born in Brimfield, Mass., acquired a large landed property, mostly earned by hard work, economy, and good judgment, and inherited a few hundred acres from his father. Aside from him there was up to this time scarcely a man that received as much as $100 by inheritance. While discharging his duty as Committee on Charitable Institutions as member of Assembly he caught the small-pox and died at his brother's in Brimfield, Mass., aged fifty-two. His widow, a woman of culture, great versatility of reading, and many virtues, still lives on the old homestead. The oldest daughter married judge COBB, a former resident of the county, and lives in Kansas City, Mo. The second is the wife of Frank GILBERT, of Chicago. The fourth married Putnam PEET, youngest son of Levi PEET. The two sons are unmarried. The children received nearly all their education in the checkered school house; the younger ones had some advantages at Ten Broeck Academy.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 611

Surnames: BALDWIN, HINDS, PROCTOR, BLACKMON, TARBELL

William BALDWIN, son of Benjamin, a Baptist preacher in Vermont, came to Farmersville about 1835 and settled upon the farm where his son, D. P. BALDWIN, now resides, and where he died. His wife was Martha HINDS, a native of Vermont. He had six children, of whom three are living: Benjamin, Martha (Mrs. A. PROCTOR), and D. P. The latter married Susan BLACKMON and has one daughter, Bertha A. (Mrs. M. O. TARBELL).

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 611

Surnames: BREWER, KNIGHT, HOVEY

Jacob BREWER came from Pittsfield, N. Y., with his family about 1833 and settled in the west part of the town, where he took up some wild land and built a log house. Of his four children two are living: Mrs. Olive KNIGHT in Franklinville and Maria (Mrs. Aaron HOVEY) in Missouri.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 611

Surnames: BULLOCK, WOODBURY, CRONK, TERRY, RICHARDSON

Preserved BULLOCK was a settler of 1824; his sons Preserved and Woodbury (twins) are dead. Elisha, a son of Preserved, owns and lives on the homestead. Horace, a son of Woodbury, is living near Franklinville Station and his mother lives with him. The wife of Preserved, Sr., was Lydia WOODBURY, and both died on the homestead. Preserved, Jr., was born Feb. 5, 1804, married, Nov. 13, 1831, Malana CRONK who was born May 17, 1804, and died Aug. 18, 1879. Mrs. BULLOCK died Feb. 23, 1879. Their two children were Joel and Elisha, the former of whom was burned to death. Elisha was born October 1, 1835. Nov. 1, 1857, he married Anna A., daughter of Orrin and Augusta Hayden TERRY. They have five children. Woodburry BULLOCK married Eunice RICHARDSON, who survives him. Mr. BULLOCK died June 15, 1872.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 611 & 612

Surnames: BURR, MUNGER, GOULD, ADAMS

Duma BURR was born in Denmark, N. Y., in 1812. In 1832 he married Lucy MUNGER and in 1849 removed with his family to Farmersville, where he was for many years a justice of the peace and a respected citizen. He was a member of the M. E. church and died in 1887, his wife dying in 1876. Children: Allen C., who died in 1860; Amelia S. (Mrs. George GOULD), of Franklinville, and Triphena (Mrs. William H. ADAMS), who resides on the homestead.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surnames: BUTLER, SAGE, DOUGLASS, HOLMES, GRAVES

Harvey BUTLER, son of Richard and Mercy (SAGE) BUTLER, natives of Connecticut, came to Farmersville in March, 1823, and in September following his wife, Lovisa DOUGLASS, came on with their five children. They lived on two different farms here until 1854, when they moved to Sparta, Wis., where he died in 1871 and where his wife died in 1866. Their daughters were all educated in the public schools and did good service in teaching. The only ones now living are Mrs. Eliza A. HOLMES and Mrs. Laura H. GRAVES, of Franklinville. One son, the oldest of the family, died when sixteen; another is living in Sparta, Wis. The girls were all married.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surnames: CARPENTER, PEET

David CARPENTER, a nephew of Levi PEET, was apprenticed to him soon after PEET was married. He married in town, raised a large family, and for many years was one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the county, representing the town as supervisor, town clerk, and justice of the peace many years. The too free use of his name endorsing notes, etc., led to his failure in old age, but he strained every nerve to prevent loss to his friends, for many years working by the day or at odd jobs to earn his support or pay debts. He remained a citizen of the town until 1889 and voted at elections for nearly sixty years. In politics he was first an anti-Mason, next a Whig, and then a Republican until 1872, when he supported Horace Greeley, and for the last six years has voted with the Prohibitionists. A Baptist in religion he has all his life been a teetotaler. Born in Massachusetts he belongs to a family noted for extraordinary memories, which distinguished him, enabling him to transact much business; he was a sort of encyclopedia among his neighbors.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surnames: CARPENTER, WEBSTER

Zenas CARPENTER was born July 9, 1801, and settled in this town in 1827 with his wife, Laura WEBSTER, and two children. He afterward removed to the Bullard district, whence he went in 1844 to Lyndon, where be died Dec. 18, 1854. Children: Warren and Laura.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surname: CHAFFEE

Michael CHAFFEE settled in 1821 and raised five boys and two girls. The boys were remarkable for physical strength. De Nike, the youngest, the only representative living in town, is a well-to-do farmer.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surnames: CLEAVELAND, BLACKMON, CRAWFORD

Lucius CLEAVELAND came to Farmersville in 1851 and died here in 1876, his wife dying in 1882. Of his seven children five are living: Norris, Freeman, Matilda (Mrs. Horace BLACKMON), Charles S., and Delos. Norris CLEAVELAND married Marion CRAWFORD, and has had three daughters, all deceased. Lucius CLEAVELAND was a stone mason by trade, a native of Rhode Island by birth, and an Englishman by ancestry.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surnames: CUMMINGS, GRAVES

Solomon CUMMINGS came to Farmersville in 1829 and a few years later married Jonathan GRAVES's eldest daughter, Mariette. He was a merchant here and represented the town on the Board of Supervisors in 1843, 1844, 1846, and 1848. For a number of years he has lived in Franklinville, in which chapter a further notice of him appears.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 612

Surnames: CUTTING, BANCROFT, POTTER

David CUTTING emigrated from New Berlin, N. Y., about 1824, settling with his wife, Nancy BANCROFT, upon a tract of one hundred acres on lot 32, where he erected a log house, set out an orchard, and cleared a farm. His children were Diana, Mianda, Risina, and David L., the latter of whom resides on the homestead. David L. married Mary C. POTTER and has one son, Frank L.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 612 & 613

Surnames: DAY, TOZER

David DAY was a settler of 1829; he died in 1804. His son James owns the homestead, to which he has made additions. Nelson, the second son, lives on and owns a part of the old TOZER place. His farm had the first fruitbearing orchard in town, and it is yet among the best. William is a dentist in Franklinville, and Daniel B. lives in Kansas, and Clark, the youngest, died there. Daniel B. was in the battle of Fair Oaks and received five severe gunshot wounds, his being one of the most marvelous escapes from death recorded during the war. His vigorous constitution, great strength, and temperate habits can alone account for his marvelous recovery. James DAY represented the town of Farmersville on the Board of Supervisors in 1862.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 613

Surnames: EVANS, DAVIS, LEONARD

James EVANS was born in March, 1811, in South Wales, whence he emigrated to America and to Freedom in 1852, with his wife, Mary DAVIS, and three children. Mrs. EVANS died July 11, 1870, and Mr. EVANS resides with his daughter Mary (Mrs. Theodore LEONARD).

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 613

Surnames: GILLET, COMSTOCK

George W. GILLET, successor to Jacob COMSTOCK, the first merchant, built a store in 1828. In connection with it he ran an ashery, making pearlash and potash, nearly the only cash articles manufactured or raised for many years. Mr. GILLET was an enterprising man, but failed in business after a few years. He served the county as clerk from 1841 to 1844 and emigrated west soon after his term expired. Himself, wife, and children are all dead.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 613

Surnames: GRAVES, GILLET, TOZER, CUMMINGS

Jonathan GRAVES, son of Jonathan, settled at the Center in 1828 and was a partner of G. W. GILLET in the mercantile business a number of years; he afterward bought Richard TOZER's tavern. His oldest son, Grove B. GRAVES, remained a citizen of the town and died in 1889 on the farm his father had owned. His second son, Delos, is a merchant in Franklinville. The daughters were accomplished ladies. The eldest, Mariette, is the wife of Solomon CUMMINGS, of Franklinville. Julia, the wife of J. T. CUMMINGS, died in Arcade, where they lived, in 1872. Her life was one of great labor. She was equalled by few and excelled by none. She was among the sweetest of singers and most accomplished and beautiful women the town was proud to own. Jonathan GRAVES was supervisor of Farmersville in 1831.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 613 & 614

Surnames: HENRY, CHEESEMAN

Gideon HENRY was born in 1777 and settled in Farmersville in 1826. In August of that year his right shoulder was dislocated by the kick of an ox. It was not properly set, inflammation and rheumatism set in, and for many weeks he was a great sufferer. The neighbors were faithful in volunteering to watch with him night and day, and after he began to recover they made a large logging-bee. This helped the elder boys, Backus and Thomas, so they sowed about the quantity of winter wheat the father had intended. He died here January 14, 1857. Of Protestant Irish descent his father emigrated to Colchester, Conn., when seven years old (in 1737), and thence to Richfield, Otsego county, when Gordon was sixteen, where he was married to Phebe CHEESEMAN in 1803, and where all his children were born, five sons and three daughters. He came to this town May 6, 1826. Unselfish and charitable, honest and just, he was especially prompt to pay hired help. He was deacon in the Presbyterian church, and after the division he sympathized with the new school. He was one of the first to embrace the temperance movement and espouse the cause of the slave, and discarded the use of tobacco when sixty years old after using it over forty years. With Phebe, his wife, he lived a loving and respectful union of fifty-four years. Their oldest son, Anson G. HENRY, was a person of many virtues and varied experience. He studied medicine in Richfield Springs, N. Y., and Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1829 came to visit his parents in Farmersville, where he taught the district school the following winter. Completing his medical education he located in Springfield, Ill., in 1832, and became a close and a life-long friend of Abraham Lincoln. Dr. HENRY took an active interest in the politics of the State and was elected and appointed to places of importance and great trust. He moved to Oregon and in 1861 was appointed surveyor-general of Washington territory, which position he held until his death. After Lincoln's assassination Dr. HENRY accompanied the remains on their journey to Springfield and sailed for his home in Oregon on board the Brother Jonathan, but was wrecked Aug. 12, 1865.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 614

Surnames: HENRY, HOOPER, LAWTON, McKERROW

Joseph HENRY, of Irish descent, was born in 1815, came to this town in 1827, and for two years rented the John HOOPER place. He then bought a portion of the farm he now owns, and by industry, aided by an excellent wife (Amanda LAWTON), has added to his lands and other personal property until he is one of the wealthiest men in town. Since the completion of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg railroad he has kept a general store and his sons John and Andrew have conducted the farm. Since the death of his wife, in 1875, he has lived alone with his youngest daughter. He has three other daughters married and two sons deceased. Andrew HENRY was born Aug. 26, 1856, and married in 1879 Jennie McKERROW; children living: Matthew and Blanch.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 614 & 615

Surnames: HENRY, WOOD

William HENRY, the youngest son of Gordon, was born in Richfield, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1818, and married Sophia C. WOOD, of Gainesville, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1843. The union has been harmonious and their progress along the same lines of thought and belief. For over sixty years he has taken an active part in all matters of public interest; especially has he always been an earnest worker in the temperance and anti-slavery reforms; never used tobacco, always avoided late hours, and strenuously opposed all luxurious living and show. From 1831 to 1854 he was a Presbyterian, but then became converted to modern spiritualism. For many years he was a pioneer school teacher, the wages at first being $9 per month. In the winter of 1843 - 44 he taught for $14 and boarded himself. Besides this he had from two to four night schools each week. Teachers at that time set copies for the scholars and made and mended good quill pens. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a radical Republican. In 1872 he supported Greeley for president. From that time until 1890 he acted with the Democrats and since then has been a leading and enthusiastic member of the People's party. For over thirty years he has been a prolific writer for the local press; and has occasionally written for leading papers in Boston, New York, Elmira, Buffalo, Rochester, and Chicago. His communications generally command the attention and respect if not the approval of readers. His honesty, his courage, and his independence can not be questioned. It became his duty by common consent to lead in raising the quota called for the spring of 1864. He volunteered himself and in less than twenty-four hours the quota of the town was filled. He was supervisor in 1866 and has held other offices of trust. He served on the gunboat Paw Paw until the close of the war and was able to do full duty nearly every day. Since seventy years old he has nearly retired from business and has devoted his life to reading and writing. Besides his prose writings he has written some verses that have been approved by the best minds in the country. He read an interesting poem in 1892 at the Pioneers Picnic. His education was limited to the log school houses and one term in the high school in Springfield, Ill., in 1839 - 40. At that time he made the acquaintance of Lincoln, Douglass, and many more of the men who afterward acquired national prominence. Mr. HENRY often repeats the immortal words of Lincoln: "With charity for all and malice towards none," and Paul's summing up: "Charity never faileth."

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 615

Surnames: HOLMES, BUTLER, SILL, SEARL

Peter HOLMES became a citizen of the town in 1820, bought land, and lived upon it until his death in March, 1864, getting his first start making woodenware by hand. He and his wife were very hardy, substantial. people, and reared five sons and one daughter. Cicero S., the second son, is the only representative still living in town. Born here in 1823 he has been an exceptionally industrious and hardworking farmer. Luther M. HOLMES is a son of Hosea and Eliza A. (BUTLER) HOLMES and was born Oct. 25, 1851. In 1876 he married Ettie, daughter of Lyman and Maria (SILL) SEARL, and has two children, Mattie and Ernest. He is an industrious farmer and a representative citizen.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 615

Surnames: HOOPER, THRASHER, KING, BLAIR, ROGERS

Ebenezer HOOPER, Jr., was born in New Berlin, Otsego county, came to Farmersville about 1833, and settled and cleared the farm now occupied by his son Lyman. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist church and a man respected and esteemed by his neighbors, and died in 1869. Mr. HOOPER married Caroline THRASHER, who died in 1839, leaving him one child, William, who lives in this town. For his second wife he married Almira KING, who bore him five children: Lyman, Solomon, Cornelia, Mary A., and Mary A., 2d. Both of the latter are deceased. Lyman HOOPER is a farmer. Born Feb. 4, 1843, he married, in 1863, Florinda, daughter of Robert BLAIR, and has five children: Alta L. (Mrs. James ROGERS), Wallace W., Bertha E., Flora B., and Frankie. Another daughter, Mary C., died in infancy.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 615

Surnames: HOWARD, MILLS, BRYANT

George HOWARD came to this town in 1830 and bought the farm owned by Joseph MILLS. An excellent farmer, a good neighbor, and a public spirited citizen he emigrated to Le Roy, N. Y., in 1868, where he died in 1882. His oldest son went to California, where he still lives. A daughter went to Oregon in 1863. Frank, the third child by the first wife, was killed at Gettysburg. The children of the second wife are Thomas, Byron, Charles, and Anson (deceased). Anna, the eldest daughter, is unmarried and lives with her mother in Le Roy. Ella (Mrs. Clarence BRYANT) lives in York, N. Y.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 615 & 616

Surnames: HUBBARD, HAYFORD, BLACKMON, WATKINS, SCOTT

Russel HUBBARD with his father, who survived him only a few years, and his brother Lyman, who soon removed to Rushford, came in 1821 and settled on a farm of two hundred acres in the east part of the town, where he lived until a few years before his death at Waverly, N. Y. Being one of the best informed and finely cultivated men in the county he was discovered by Horace Greeley and by his influence was nominated and elected to the Assembly in 1831. He also served the town as supervisor, school commissioner, and in other places of trust, and might have been returned to the Legislature, or sent to Congress, or appointed to other positions if he had sought them. A most interesting and fascinating man in conversation he had the elements of an orator, but would only say a few words in public at a time. After being an active member of the Methodist church for many years he became converted to modern spiritualism. He remained a citizen of this town until a few years before his death, which occurred at Waverly in 1875. His remains now rest in the Farmersville cemetery beside his wife, who survived him a few months. His son Jedediah born Jan. 24, 1828, a farmer, represents him in town. Jedediah married, Feb. 21, 1861, Ann E., daughter of James and Percy (HAYFORD) BLACKMON; children: Jessie (Mrs. Glenn WATKINS), Russel C., and Hattie M. For some thirteen years he has been town assessor. An only daughter of Russel, Hattie SCOTT, is living in Chicago, Ill. The oldest and only other surviving son, Rial W., lives in Chicago and has been a member of the Legislature.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 616

Surname: JEWELL

Abel JEWELL came from Sherburne, Chenango county, in 1841, settling on the farm now owned by his nephew, Michael A. This he cleared and improved, reclaiming it from a thickly wooded tract to fertile, cultivated fields.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 616

Surnames: KING, HAWKINS, POTTER

Solomon J. KING, son of Samuel and a native of Genesee county, was born March 22, 1818, came with his father to Cattaraugus county, and married Euphema, daughter of Ezra and Betsey HAWKINS. Mr. KING is a mason by trade and a farmer by occupation, residing on the homestead of his father. They have a son, Lewis A., who married Ellen L. POTTER and has one child, Lora E.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 616

Surnames: KNIGHT, BREWER

Andrew KNIGHT, Jr., son of Andrew, was born in Pittsfield, N. Y., in 1808, and in 1830 married Olive BREWER. The same year they moved to Farmersville onto a farm of 100 acres. Mr. KNIGHT was well known in the county. He bought and drove cattle to Philadelphia, and was supervisor of Farmersville in 1867. Of his six children only one, Fremont, is living. Andrew KNIGHT died April 19, 1886; his widow lives in Franklinville.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 616

Surname: LANE

Dea. Timothy LANE and his sons Lloyd, Jacob, and Samuel settled on farms on lot 39. The deacon was a Baptist and a gifted man in conference and prayer meetings. The three sons and three daughters comprising his family are deceased. The oldest son of Lloyd, James H., is an enterprising farmer here. His success has been phenomenal. In 1868 he bought a large and poor hill farm, mostly on credit, and has made it into a pleasant home.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 616

Surnames: LAW, STRONG, PARISH

Ezra B. LAW is a son of Eliphalet and Mary E. (STRONG) LAW. Born in this town Dec. 16, 1853, he married, April 12, 1873, Eva, daughter of Zabad PARISH, and has been a farmer and dealer in cattle and horses. Children: Lovina (deceased), Vernia E., Bertha E. (deceased), and Reuben W.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 616

Surnames: LEONARD, DAVIS, BYDLEMAN, THOMAS, EVANS

Benjamin LEONARD, son of Evan and Margaret (DAVIS) LEONARD, was born July 2, 1828, and came to Freedom in June, 1844. He married Jenette BYDLEMAN and had these children: Dora, Theodore, Julia, Sarah, Jane (deceased), George (deceased), Charles E., Melvin E., Eddie (deceased), Hattie J., and William B. By his second wife, Martha THOMAS, he had children Gretta G., Lewis J., Mary E., David T., and Eliza A. Theodore LEONARD was born in Freedom Feb. 8, 1851, received his education in the common schools and in Ten Broeck Academy, and married in 1879 Mary EVANS; children: James F. and Irving B.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 616 & 617

Surnames: LITTLE, HINES, WRIGHT, SISSON, POTTER, CURTIS, SESSIONS, MANWARING, LOOMIS, DRUMB

William S. LITTLE, who came into Farmersville as a farmer in 1840, was a native of Middletown, Conn., for some time a resident of Genesee county, raised thirteen children, and died at the age of ninety-seven years. Five of his family are living, viz.: Elizabeth (Mrs. E. HINES), Sarah (Mrs. Amos WRIGHT), Emily (Mrs. Clark SISSON), Walter N., and Fred M. The latter owns and occupies the homestead. Walter N. LITTLE was born in Bethany, N. Y., Dec. 6, 1822, came to Farmersville with the family in 1840, and in 1845 married Eliza A., daughter of Jeremiah and Betsey POTTER; children: Adelbert W. (deceased), Amelia (Mrs. E. CURTIS), Bessie L. (Mrs. M. L. SESSIONS), and Orville. Mr. LITTLE resides on the farm he originally settled, and carried on his back from Farmersville Center the apple trees now comprising his orchard. Feb. 17, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 105th N. Y. Vols., and was with the regiment until its discharge, acting as teamster.

Frederick M. LITTLE, son of William S. and Lurana (MANWARING) LITTLE, was born in this town Nov. 27, 1840, on the farm on which he now resides. May 13, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 71st N. Y. Vols., and participated in the engagements of Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. At Second Bull Run be was taken sick, sent to Philadelphia, and rejoined his regiment in April, 1863, and was discharged July 31, 1864. Returning home he went to Warren, Pa., where he married Carrie B. LOOMIS, and in 1878 resumed his residence in Farmersville. Children: Charles F. and Nellie M. (Mrs. H. W. DRUMB).

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 617

Surnames: LOVE, LANE, ROGERS, COLERICK, KIDDER, MARTIN, CHARLES

Charles LOVE, born March 22, 1798, settled here in 1827. He was most scrupulously honest and faithful to every obligation. His wife was Katie LANE and they had eight children. Their son James remains on the homestead. George is a farmer in Freedom. Elanah, wife of John RUST, and Catherine, wife of Landes ROGERS, reside in this town. Thomas lives in Portville, as does also Mary (Mrs. N. COLERICK). Martha (Mrs. H. ROGERS) resides in Humphrey. James LOVE was born Dec. 26, 1832. Aug. 28, 1864, he married Harriet L., daughter of Benjamin and Lucy (KIDDER) MARTIN. Children: Nettie L., Lillie M. (Mrs. Milton CHARLES), Anna J., Charles B., and Edna May.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 617

Surnames: MARTIN, KIDDER, BULLARD, TURNER, PATTERSON, LOVE, LOCKE, JOSLYN, BLOUNT, PRESCOTT

Benjamin MARTIN, a native of Salisbury, Vt., came to Yorkshire in 1834 and in 1851 removed to this town, locating five years later on the farm his son William P. now owns. By his wife, Lucy KIDDER, he had eleven children, all but one of whom are living, viz.: Mary (Mrs. Daniel BULLARD), Caroline (Mrs. Harvey TURNER), Ann (Mrs. Nathaniel PATTERSON), Benjamin F., Henry G., Hiram A., Harriet L. (Mrs. James LOVE), Ellen J. (Mrs. Harlan LOCKE), William P., and Clara A. (Mrs. Fayette JOSLYN). Susan is deceased. William P. MARTIN was born in Yorkshire, Feb. 4, 1845. Nov. 19, 1868, he married Adelaide, daughter of Horace and Laura (BLOUNT) PRESCOTT; children: Erdine L., Leona A., Prescott U., Burnett H., Denton E., and Ethel L.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Pages 617 & 618

Surnames: MERRILL, WILTERTON, WATSON, PRATT, WATERS, BIGELOW, BELDEN, MERRY, SMITH, HOWE, STEELE, HAYES, ALDRICH, BAILET, PERSONS, HILSLE

The MERRILL family in America is of English descent and date their residence in this country to the year 1633 or 1634. Nathaniel MERRILL and his brother John, as near as can be ascertained, were natives of Wiltshire, England, came to America in 1633 - 34, and resided in Ipswich, Mass., about a year. They then removed to Newbury, Mass., where they were farmers and original settlers. The homestead of Nathaniel has but recently passed out of the possession of his descendants. Nathaniel and Susanna, his wife, had four sons and a daughter. Their son John was adopted by Gregory WILTERTON, supposed to be his uncle (the brother of his mother, Susanna), and at his death he inherited his estate. John married Sarah WATSON and they had eight sons and two daughters. Their fifth son, Wilterton, married, first, Ruth PRATT, and second, Hannah WATERS, who was the mother of Gideon MERRILL. Gideon married Mary BIGELOW and had sons Samuel and Nathaniel. Nathaniel married Hannah BELDEN and they had sixteen children. Their seventh child, Allen, was born in Litchfield, Conn., and early in life became a pioneer of Litchfield, N. Y., where his brother-in-law, Samuel MERRY, was the first settler. Allen MERRILL married Tammie SMITH and they were parents of eleven children. His fifth child, Smith MERRILL, was born in Johnstown, Montgomery county, Oct. 16, 1810, and came to Yorkshire in 1835. In the early part of 1838 he married Melinda, daughter of John HOWE, who settled in Yorkshire in 1832. Mr. MERRILL was a tailor and opened a merchant tailor's store, and remained there in trade until 1849. He then located in the village of Franklinville, where he continued his business until the financial embarrassments of 1857, when he closed out. In 1859 he removed to a farm in Farmersville, where he was a farmer until 1881, with two years of the time in the same occupation in Great Valley. He has since then resided near his son, Perry E. MERRILL, and two of his daughters in the town of Freedom. This family consists of ten children: Henry S., John B., Emmett W., Perry E., Addie E., Loraine H. STEELE, Wallace W., Mary E. HAYES, Grace M., and Frank M. John B., Emmett W., and Addie E. are deceased.

Henry S. MERRILL, the eldest of this large family, was born in Yorkshire, June 5, 1839, was educated at the common schools, and at the age of fifteen he entered the printing office of the Olean journal, of which Charles ALDRICH was then editor and proprietor. There he was an apprentice for three years, when he returned home and remained until the breaking out of the Rebellion. He enlisted April 22, 1861, a private in Co. B, 23d N. Y. Vols., and followed the vicissitudes of his regiment the next two years, being honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlistment. He participated in the battles of Manassas, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, (first and second) Chancellorsville, and several of lesser importance. He escaped without a wound and was only four weeks in hospital. Returning home upon his discharge he again went to the war and was engaged with an army sutler a year. He was then a farmer until 1868, when he engaged in cheese-making, which he followed successfully until 1874 and was proprietor of three factories at the time he sold and left the business. Since then he has been engaged as a farmer, station agent, insurance agent, and in the railway mail service four years. His first presidential vote was given to Abraham Lincoln in Nov., 1864. He cast his lot with the Republican party and there are few, if any, more zealous adherents in his town or county. He served six terms as supervisor of Farmersville, where he has lived since 1868, and has held other places of trust both political and financial; and were he to die today his political account should balance. Financially he has been better to acquire than to preserve.

In the fall of 1888 Mr. MERRILL received the Republican nomination for the office of county clerk and was elected by the flattering plurality of 2,291 votes. He is now serving his second term acceptably and satisfactorily. Mr. MERRILL is the first county clerk in this county who has succeeded himself since 1846, when Francis E. BAILET, formerly of Farmersville, was also his own successor. Feb. 12, 1866, he married Miss Hattie E. PERSONS, daughter of Alonzo PERSONS of Rushford, N. Y., and they are the parents of a son and two daughters. His son Emmett W., born Nov. 19, 1867, married Bula HILSLE on June 6, 1893, and is now aiding his father as special deputy clerk. His oldest daughter, Hattie E., recently graduated at, the Normal School at Fredonia, N. Y., and the youngest, Mertie C., is at home.

Ed. Note: This biography includes a photograph of Henry S. MERRILL

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 618

Surnames: METCALF, WEIRE

Alvenus METCALF, son of Rufus, was born in Freedom in 1820, married Alma WEIRE, and settled finally in the northeast part of Farmersville, where he died on the farm where his son Carlos now lives. His five sons were Carlos, Earl (deceased), George, Odell, and Charles.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 618

Surname: MULLIKEN

Samuel MULLIKEN was among the early settlers. To the girls the community is indebted for their faithful service as teachers. Fidelia commenced teaching when only sixteen years old and received seventy-five cents per week: her labors and pure Christian example should perpetuate her name through all coming generations. The family consisted of seven girls and two sons; of the girls all but one, Angeline, were married. She died quite young. The youngest son died in the west. Edwin, the oldest, retains the old homestead, married, and is now living in Rushford, N. Y.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 619

Surnames: OLDER, TOZER, PACKARD, PEET, NOBLES, MULLIKEN, WOODS, CARPENTER

Sally OLDER was a worthy friend and co-worker as a pioneer teacher with Mary Ann TOZER, Miss PACKARD, Minerva PEET, the NOBLESes, and Fidelia MULLIKEN. She has been twice married and is now a widow living in Illinois. She was an excellent scholar, especially in mathematics, in which she had no equal in town. All her learning was acquired without the aid of an academy or high school. Marvin OLDER, an elder brother, was an able and very successful teacher in this and other towns during our early history. Mr. OLDER has been a citizen of Franklinville many years and one of their best scholars and ablest writers in prose and poetry. Paulina OLDER taught school as early as 1825 in district No. 2, at the Center, and the writer went to school in the same place during the summer of 1826. Morden OLDER, brother of Marvin and an accomplished scholar and a successful teacher, studied law later in life and practiced in Moscow, N. Y., until his death.

Wallis OLDER, son of William, came to this town with his father in 1818, married Juliette MULLIKEN, followed farming and his trade of cooper, and died here after rearing a family of five children. Alonzo, his son, married Mariam WOODS and had six children: Charles E., William W., Rosa, Ella M., Frank, and Clyde. Mr. OLDER's second wife is Jane CARPENTER. He was town supervisor in 1880 and 1881 and is a prosperous farmer.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 619

Surnames: PATTERSON, MARTIN, BANCROFT

Nathaniel S. PATTERSON was born in this town April 8, 1842. Enlisting in Co. D, 154th N. Y. Vols., he served until the close of the war, being discharged June 11, 1865. April 22, 1864, he married Mrs. Lucy A., widow of Henry L. MARTIN, and has one daughter, Alta M. (Mrs. Frank BANCROFT). Mr. PATTERSON is a progressive farmer on the homestead.

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Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893
History of the Town of Farmersville - Chapter XXVII (27)
Page 619

Surname: PEET

Rufus PEET became a citizen of the town in 1828, was highly endowed, and few men had better memories or a more correct and ready flow of language. He used to say that he obtained a mastery of language by a severe study of Webster's Dictionary; he divided the book into 365 parts, and each day learned to spell and define one of those parts. At the end of the year he had mastered his task and never after that did he hesitate for a word when writing or speaking. With all the qualities he possessed he seemed to lack the power to attract or please. Perhaps the community is as much to blame for not listening and appreciating his superiority as he for not making a more judicious use of his wonderful gifts. Levi PEET was a marked character in many directions. It would hardly be possible to find a human form more devoid of grace and beauty. Slim, six feet two inches tall, loose-jointed, having very few opportunities for school, he was undoubtedly possessed of latent powers susceptible of great development. He was elected justice of the peace in 1822, and by the help of his excellent and well-educated wife he continually advanced in usefulness and influence until his death in 1863. He became an able business man, studied law, and became quite a successful practitioner in justices' courts. He was twice married; his wives were sisters. To them he owes much for his success. And to them he and the world are indebted for a large family of stalwart sons and cultivated daughters. One of his sons in a letter to an old schoolmate in 1891 says: "Some of us may not have filled the niche designed for us by our Creator, yet I think the boys and girls who lived in Farmersville sixty years ago will rank with the average."

Schuler PEET taught school a number of seasons, emigrated to Iowa, and became one of the ablest lawyers in that State. Cornelius also went to Iowa, has been a successful farmer, and has ably represented his county in the Legislature. S. L. PEET, before marriage, was a teacher. They were sons of Levi.

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